Chapter 482 Imperial Marriage

Jiang Huan's eyes lit up instantly; she almost couldn't resist her gossipy nature.

Tell him he's involved in something!

Oh my goodness, we're going to have a second sister-in-law! Congratulations!

Looking at Jiang Huan's smiling face, Huo Lin's eyes also filled with genuine joy.

If this succeeds, the Northwest can be at peace.

Most importantly, they were mutually attracted and willing.

"Yes, the betrothal gifts must be prepared properly, so that Xu Zhiyuan can marry into a grand and glorious family... oops, I mean, to bring him home as a bride."

Huo Lin coughed awkwardly, as if to cover up his slightly distorted plans.

"Ahem... Since you are willing, I will immediately issue a decree to bestow a marriage upon you and Princess Ashina Yun."

Xu Zhiyuan immediately knelt on one knee, his lips slightly curved, his eyes filled with anticipation for a happy future.

"My lord, thank you Lord for your kindness."

As soon as the imperial edict was issued, the entire palace and even the capital city became lively.

Marriage alliances were common, but this time it was a highly decorated Northwest general marrying a Western Rong princess who had voluntarily submitted to the regime.

This is of extraordinary significance, and it is a cause for universal celebration!

The happiest person was Jiang Huan. She pulled Huo Lin aside and insisted on personally overseeing the betrothal gift list prepared by the Imperial Household Department.

She kept adding and subtracting, wanting to move all the best things from the warehouse to support her second brother.

"This ruby ​​headdress is a must-have; it complements my skin tone."

"And this shimmering brocade, it must be rare in the Western Rong region. It would be beautiful to make clothes for my future sister-in-law."

"Oh dear, these East China Sea pearls are so small they're almost invisible. Let's exchange them for the box of South China Sea pearls."

Huo Lin let her do as she pleased, just leisurely drinking tea beside her, occasionally glancing at the ever-growing gift list, his lips twitching.

[Tsk, this betrothal gift list could almost circle the capital three times over; the scale is comparable to a prince's wedding.]

Oh well, as long as she's happy.

[Anyway, the benefits stayed within the family, so Xu Zhiyuan got away with it.]

Jiang Huan was holding up a pair of jade ruyi scepters when she heard his thoughts. She turned her head and wrinkled her nose at him.

"Judging from His Majesty's expression, is he feeling sorry for me? My second brother is a great hero who guards the frontier, and he is marrying a princess from the Western Rong. If the betrothal gifts are meager, wouldn't that be a disgrace to the Great Liang?"

Huo Lin couldn't help but chuckle as he looked at her, who was practically baring her teeth and claws.

So he put down his teacup, pulled her to sit down next to him, picked up the gift list and glanced at it, his fingertip pointing to a certain spot.

"Replace this jade screen with one made of sandalwood inlaid with precious stones. Also, take two chests of gold from my private treasury as betrothal gifts for Xu Zhiyuan."

As soon as he finished speaking, he added quietly, "Do you still say I'm stingy now?"

Jiang Huan, with her keen eye, immediately cupped Huo Lin's face and leaned in for a gentle kiss.

"Blindly support the Emperor!"

The betrothal gifts were being prepared in full swing, but Jiang Huan always felt that something was missing.

After much deliberation, she wrote a letter in her own hand in the name of the Empress and sent it to Ashina Yun, who was far away in the Western Rong.

It was basically a warm welcome, followed by a brief introduction to the sights and sounds of Beijing.

Finally, we warmly invited her to come to Beijing for a short stay and attend a few more sisterly tea parties.

The messenger delivered the letter at breakneck speed, and within half a month, news returned that Princess Ashina Yun had set off for the capital.

......

About ten days later, on a sunny afternoon...

A series of crisp, rapid hoofbeats came from outside the palace gates.

Just as the guards were about to stop them, a fiery red horse galloped up like lightning, only to suddenly pull on its reins when it reached the palace gate.

"Make way, make way! Be careful!"

The horse reared up and let out a loud neigh. The rider was skilled and kept the horse firmly under control.

Everyone looked closely and their eyes lit up.

The woman on horseback was dressed in a traditional red riding outfit of the Western Rong people. Her cuffs and collar were embroidered with intricate eagle and falcon patterns. Her long, black hair was braided into countless fine braids and tied back with colorful ropes and silver ornaments, revealing her smooth forehead and bright, elegant features.

Her skin was a healthy wheat color, her eyes shone like stars, and she exuded a heroic spirit.

The woman deftly dismounted, her movements swift and graceful. She tossed the riding whip to the approaching palace servant, her voice clear and cheerful, tinged with laughter.

"Please inform her that Ashina Yun from the Western Rong has come to pay his respects at the invitation of Her Majesty the Empress."

Jiang Huan was already waiting for news in the palace. Upon hearing the report, she immediately set off and personally went to the palace gate to greet them.

Upon seeing each other, Ashina Yun laughed heartily and placed his right hand on his chest in a Western Rong salute.

"This must be Sister Jiang Huan, right? Just like Zhiyuan described in his letter, she's both beautiful and intelligent!"

That "little sister" sounded so natural and affectionate, instantly bridging the distance between them.

Jiang Huan smiled and stepped forward to take her hand: "Sister Yun, you must be tired from your journey. Please come in. I have heard Second Brother mention your heroic and valiant appearance. Seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved."

Ashina Yun was completely at ease, taking Jiang Huan's hand in return and following her inside, while casually looking around and praising her.

"This palace is truly magnificent, much more spacious than our royal tents. It's just that there are probably more rules and regulations. Sister, you'll have to give me more guidance in the future."

Her straightforwardness won Jiang Huan's favor, and the two had a pleasant conversation.

In the days that followed, Ashina Yun temporarily moved into a palace specially prepared for her in the palace.

She was cheerful, outgoing, and uninhibited, and quickly became acquainted with many people in the palace.

Unlike Ayina, who possessed a sharp arrogance, she had a magnanimous and sincere nature that encompassed all things.

He and Mingzhu, in particular, hit it off immediately.

One is an innocent and talkative girl, and the other is a knowledgeable and straightforward person. When the two of them get together, they always have endless things to talk about.

Ashina Yun told Mingzhu interesting stories about the grasslands and taught her some basic Xirong language. Mingzhu then took her to stroll through the imperial garden and sample various snacks.

On this day, the two of them, on a whim, started a horse race at the racecourse behind the palace.

Ashina Yun, dressed in red, was a master horseman, galloping across the field like a flame.

Mingzhu was not to be outdone. Although her skills were slightly inferior, she was more agile and daring.

The two chased each other, their silvery laughter and shouts carrying far and wide, attracting many palace servants to secretly watch.

Jiang Huan rushed over upon hearing the news, and as she looked around, she felt her palms start to itch.

She immediately ordered the palace servants, "Go and bring Taxue here."

Ta Xue was quickly led along. Although Jiang Huan was wearing palace attire today, it was fortunately a style that allowed for easy movement.

She deftly gathered her sleeves, walked to Ta Xue's side, patted the horse's neck, and then, with one hand on the saddle, though her movements were not as fluid as Ashina Yun's, she still managed to mount the horse smoothly and sit firmly.

She tightened the reins, turned the horse to face the two people in the arena, raised her chin slightly, and wore an eager smile on her face.

"Hmph, let me show you what it means for a great teacher to produce outstanding students!"

The famous teacher she was referring to was naturally Ayina, although her status as a top student is currently questionable.

After running two or three laps, he finally won third place.

After the horse race, the three of them, still full of energy, competed in archery until the sun began to set. Then they put their arms around each other's shoulders and chatted with smiles.

"Your Highness, Sister Yun is so amazing! She's better than me at riding horses and shooting arrows!" Mingzhu said excitedly, her face flushed.

Ashina Yun wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve and laughed, "You're young, but you've already done a great job."

Jiang Huan took out handkerchiefs and handed them to wipe their sweat. Looking at Mingzhu's bright eyes and brows, which were particularly lively because of exercise, she suddenly remembered something and winked mischievously.

"Mingzhu, stop talking about your Ayun. How are things between you and Shen Yi lately?"