This was true not only in the capital, but also in most parts of the entire Great Chu Kingdom.

Emperor Shengkang was in a great mood. Before the palace banquet began, he found excuses to bestow gifts on the princesses of Le'an's residence one after another.

Among them were many pearls, agates, and other items sent by the Northern Di when they surrendered.

Because the fish in the pond was pregnant, she was unwilling to attend the palace banquet.

Therefore, the princess's family celebrates New Year's Eve together.

Compared to the lavish banquets at the palace, the princess's residence was filled with the warmth and liveliness of everyday life.

Starting in the afternoon, regardless of gender or age.

They were all crammed into the kitchen, some kneading dough, some rolling out wrappers, and some making dumplings.

Chi Yu waited until Qin Mu returned from the palace with Chi Sen before yawning and going back to her room to rest.

Yes, Chi Sen, as the nephew of the Earl of Anping and Princess Le'an, also went to the palace to attend the banquet.

When he came back, his face was still flushed, whether from drinking too much or for some other reason.

He lay in bed, thinking about the orange that was served at the end of the banquet, and couldn't help but feel suspicious again.

Those oranges were clearly freshly picked, still carrying a rich fruity aroma.

Thanks to his uncle's connections, he was also fortunate enough to taste a slice.

Both the size and the taste are exactly the same as the ones my aunt gave me.

So, has Aunt really lost her magical powers?

Perhaps there was a younger sister, but because the royal family was afraid of being wary, that's why they did that thing before they even entered the capital?

Later, when the younger sister entered the palace, the emperor was able to change his attitude because he knew that the younger sister was still a celestial being.

If that's the case, then everything makes sense.

So, in that case, the oranges on the tables of those high-ranking ministers tonight were a gift from my aunt!

My uncle-in-law probably knows about this too, right?

As Chi Sen lay in bed, he pondered many things, but as he thought, he couldn't help but think of Chu Lingqing, who was dressed up in her finest attire today.

Her sweet, coquettish "Brother Asen" stirred something within him.

However, he was just a commoner who didn't even have the title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the imperial examinations). How could he dare to have inappropriate thoughts about the legitimate princess born to the Empress?

This is extremely disrespectful!

No, I can't think about it anymore. He's not good enough. I shouldn't have any delusions about him.

He should focus on his studies now and strive to pass the imperial examinations as soon as possible.

Not for any other reason than for myself, and to put my parents and brothers at ease.

Most importantly, only by standing tall can he protect the people he wants to protect.

If my aunt remains a fairy, all will be well. But if she were to become a mortal one day, who knows how the royal family would treat her!

Chi Yu was unaware of Chi Sen's thoughts. After Qin Mu returned, she lay in his arms and fell into a deep sleep.

Qin Mu was not asleep; he was also thinking about getting the oranges.

He didn't know how much time had passed before he finally lowered his head and kissed his wife on the head, whispering:

"Little Fish, I don't care whether you're human or immortal, or whether your cave still exists or not."

All I need to know is that you are my wife.

My love for you remains unchanged regardless of your status!

The only response he received was the calm breathing of Chi Yu, who was fast asleep.

The first month of the lunar calendar has passed in the blink of an eye.

Because a Vice Minister of War had retired to his hometown before the New Year, Qin Mu handed over the military tally directly after opening the imperial seal in the court.

Later, through the efforts of Chu Yehong and Grand Tutor Yan, he was parachuted in to serve as a vice minister.

The Vice Minister of War of the Great Chu Kingdom was a third-rank official.

Qin Mu went from being a military officer of the third rank to an official of the third rank in the Ministry of War.

This led many people, especially those who weren't very bright, to secretly call him stupid.

Although the Western Rong have surrendered and signed surrender documents, who can guarantee that they will not fight again in the future?

Moreover, what does it mean to have the power to command tens of thousands of troops?

It's important to know that when he was in the northern frontier, he was in the vanguard battalion.

His soldiers were all elite troops!