In the scorching heat of July, not even a whisper of a breeze stirred, and a few white clouds drifted across azure skies—a perfect clear day. Feng Xuxu withdrew her gaze, sighed, and since the turn of the year, rain had only fallen once. Spring, which is usually a rainy season, was exceptionally dry this time. By the time the rains came, it was already summer, and thereafter, the temperatures rose even more. Even the birds in the trees became too lethargic to move, lying still on the branches to cool down, the only exception being the cicadas that clung to the trees and cried ceaselessly.
Seeing his wife leaning against the doorframe of the palace, looking up at the sky once more, Dugu Chen approached and gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders, "Wife, stop looking. Let's go inside."
Feng Xuxu turned to him, her voice filled with worry and urgency, "Husband, look at the sky, there's no sign of rain, and this year it's noticeably hotter than the previous ones. I'm afraid…"