Shang Ruyi and Chu Ruoyan chatted for a while, and when the nanny returned with Little Yuanzi, Chu Ruoyan joyfully played with the child for a bit. As it was getting late, she rose to take her leave.
Shang Ruyi personally escorted her out.
At the palace entrance, the snow was heavier than before. Panqing brought out an oil-paper umbrella to shield Chu Ruoyan's head, and after saying their farewells, they left Qianqiu Palace. Yet, Shang Ruyi remained at the entrance, staring at their disappearing silhouettes and gazing pensively at the falling snowflakes.
Tushere couldn't bear to see her like this and fetched a wind cloak to drape over her, saying, "Princess, take care not to catch cold."
Shang Ruyi glanced back at her with a smile but still refused to return inside, continuing to watch the snow. After a long while, she said, "The snow here is so heavy; I wonder how much it is snowing at Hot Spring Palace."
