The second letter was likely added soon after the first one was sent out, and the wording of this letter is completely different from the previous one.

Fu Zhi tells Zhao Hanzhang that his health has been poor ever since the news of the late emperor’s misfortune reached him. As the weather gets colder lately, he feels progressively worse.

He asked, "I haven’t heard any news from Ting Han for a long time. I wonder if he’s been well lately? When will he return to the capital to reunite with you? Since the war has ceased, do the two of you have any plans for marriage?"

Perhaps because there hasn’t been any news about the marriage in the months following the cessation of the war, Fu Zhi seemed to have thought of something, and his tone was entirely different from before. He said, "His parents have been stuck in Shu for many years. If the two of you don’t have any plans to marry in the near future, why not let him go to Shu to bring back his parents? They have been separated for many years, and it’s time for a reunion."

Zhao Hanzhang realized that Fu Zhi was testing her. If she agreed to let Fu Tinghan go to Shu, it would indicate a change in their marriage plans.

Fu Zhi still doesn’t know that Fu Tinghan has returned to the capital, inevitably leading to speculation. She decided to let him select a date for the wedding.

As for the betrothal gifts, she thought of Fu Zhi’s poverty and Professor Fu’s empty wallet, and decided to make only a gesture; the main issue is that she currently can’t afford a proper dowry.

The dowry her grandfather left her has mostly been spent, except for a few items that are difficult to liquidate.

Feeling somewhat guilty, Zhao Hanzhang touched her nose. When she left the palace after work and returned home, she discussed the matter with Fu Tinghan in the carriage, "I don’t know if Grandfather is genuinely unwell or is using this as an excuse to test us. I plan to send someone to Chang’an: first, to inquire about the wedding date, and second, to invite him to attend the wedding in Luoyang."

Fu Tinghan paused for a moment and asked, "When are you planning to get married?"

"Before the year’s end."

Fu Tinghan was a bit flustered, "So soon?"

As their circumstances changed, they might truly be living together in the future, and honestly, Zhao Hanzhang felt somewhat unaccustomed, even hesitant.

The situation was different from when she first arrived. Initially, Zhao Hanzhang saw marriage as a convenience for working together.

But now, they were truly establishing a family and becoming actual spouses.

In the future, as a unified couple, she would need to enter his world, his life, his family, and his social circle, even participate.

Truthfully, even though she handles national affairs with ease, she felt somewhat nervous at this moment.

However, seeing Fu Tinghan so flustered, Zhao Hanzhang regained her composure.

Considering her situation, she thought that her world is indeed more complex, her life, work, family, and social relationships are more challenging to deal with. Fu Tinghan’s situation could be even more difficult.

With this thought, Zhao Hanzhang softened her tone and asked, "Are you nervous? Should we postpone it?"

"No need," Fu Tinghan had calmed his mood and nodded, "Before the year’s end is fine."

Zhao Hanzhang carefully observed his expression, seeing his face slowly turning red under her gaze, without any sign of reluctance. She then smiled, "Alright, I’ll send someone to invite Grandfather Fu."

After a pause, she asked, "What are your thoughts on Princess Hongnong?"

Fu Tinghan was slightly surprised, evidently not having considered this issue.

Zhao Hanzhang said, "Shu is currently in a state of independence. Although they are safe in Shu right now, they are ultimately under someone else’s control, and life might not be easy."

"Previously, due to continuous court struggles and warfare, we were unable to bring them back, but now as the war has settled, and the court is under our control, we can negotiate with Shu to bring Princess Hongnong and the others back."

Fu Tinghan was silent for a moment before saying, "The relationship between him and his parents is somewhat estranged, and since Princess Hongnong is part of the Imperial Family, if she returns with such status, could it affect you?"

Zhao Hanzhang smiled at his words and said, "Do you know where a mother-in-law’s influence on a daughter-in-law originates from?"

Fu Tinghan showed a hint of confusion.

Zhao Hanzhang explained, "Besides differences in status, the greatest influence comes from her son."

"So, would you oppose me because of her?"

The answer was naturally no.

Not to mention him—even the original character would have his own persistence and would not be easily influenced by his parents.

Zhao Hanzhang smiled and said, "That’s more than enough."

"Status?" Zhao Hanzhang said calmly, "If I cared about status and rules, I wouldn’t be sitting in this position right now."

Therefore, status pressure and societal conventions don’t work on her, and since Fu Tinghan would not oppose her because of Princess Hongnong, she could just appease Princess Hongnong.

"Then let’s bring them back," Fu Tinghan said, "That’s also his responsibility."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded, curiously asking, "In your memory, how was his relationship with his parents? Can you really not be found out?"

Zhao Hanzhang had fared better, having pretended for a while initially, besides Zhao Hezhen herself was not as docile and virtuous as she appeared, and wonderfully, Zhao Changyu and Mrs. Wang were aware of this fact, so they never doubted her.

But Fu Tinghan...

He managed just because it’s been many years since Fu Zhi had seen him and didn’t know his grandson’s specific character and personality, allowing him to muddle through. But if it were someone close...

Fu Tinghan calmly said, "They don’t have a harmonious relationship, but I think Princess Hongnong and Fu Xuan understand him well. Yet, after so many years, especially with war in the Central Plains, is it not normal for my personality to change significantly?"

Zhao Hanzhang tilted her head and thought for a moment before asking, "How’s your calligraphy practice coming along?"

Fu Tinghan gave her a look, "Don’t worry."

Zhao Hanzhang felt assured. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Professor Fu would never make claims without confidence. It seems he has practiced calligraphy well.

Upon returning to the Zhao Mansion, Zhao Hanzhang announced the matter at the dinner table. Mrs. Wang was naturally mostly happy, mixed with the anxiety about marrying off her daughter, and asked, "This is significant. Shouldn’t you inform Fifth Uncle? Your marriage also requires the family’s arrangements."

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "I will speak to Fifth Uncle."

However, Zhao Song was not the first person Zhao Hanzhang notified; that would be Ji Yuan and Ming Yu.

Her marriage could have a significant impact on the political situation, and she needed to inform her beloved advisors.

Since the settlement of the war, Ji Yuan and Ming Yu had been prepared, and now it’s just a confirmation, so neither of them panicked, "The lady needs to confirm whether the Zhao Family will change their stance."

"And the Fu Family, whether they will participate excessively in political affairs," Ming Yu said, "After inviting Princess Hongnong back, how will Fu Xuan be arranged? Besides Fu Xuan, Governor Fu has three other sons. It’s unknown where they are at this moment. If the Fu Family seeks refuge, what does the lady intend to do?"

Zhao Hanzhang replied, "Everything will follow the new policies and laws of the court. Privately, Ting Han and I will help them in their lives as much as we can."

Ji Yuan and Ming Yu exchanged glances, asking, "Does Mr. Fu think the same?"

Zhao Hanzhang said, "We are husband and wife, united in thought and intent."

Ji Yuan and Ming Yu both sighed in relief and smiled, praising, "Mr. Fu truly lives up to his name, possessing a broad mind, calm and graceful."

Zhao Hanzhang: ... Shouldn’t they praise her for being selfless and concerned for the world?

Well, praise for anyone is praise.