After the second year of Zhengyuan began, the earth outside, wrapped in silver and white, gradually started to regain its original appearance.
The snow that had blanketed heaven and earth finally eased somewhat.
The blazing sun shone overhead, offering a paltry bit of fire and warmth amid the bitter winter.
Cao Mao stood smiling in front of Taiji Hall.
Though he wore thick clothes, his face was still bright red. At that moment, he was concentrating intently on building the snowman before him.
Guo Ping and Sima You stood on either side of him, exclaiming in wonder as they watched the snowman gradually take shape.
Cao Mao's hands were numb with cold, but his face was full of smiles.
Looking at the snowman before him, Cao Mao pondered for a moment, then stepped forward to make adjustments, patting it repeatedly to pack its body more firmly.
"Where are the branches?"
"Here, right here!"
Guo Ping hurriedly handed Cao Mao the branches he had prepared, and Cao Mao stuck them into the snowman's body to form two arms.
Sima You gazed enviously at the snowman, his face full of hesitation.
Cao Mao brushed the snow off his clothes. "Well? Have you learned how?"
Guo Ping cried out, "I have! Father, I want to put armor on it!"
"Then go ahead. You can make it out of wood, bore a few holes, then tie it together with string. Still, I don't know how long this snowman will last... it'll melt faster with armor on."
As they continued playing in the snow, Sima Yue could not help calling out, "Ping!"
"Play again tomorrow!"
Guo Ping looked at his mother in the distance and hurriedly hid behind Cao Mao.
Sima Yue looked somewhat helpless. "Your fa... His Majesty is already very tired, and he