The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions under the full moon.
This was especially true for banquets held in the palace at night.
This was the fifth year after the Emperor and Empress's marriage.
The barbarians surrendered, ceded territory and paid reparations, bowed their heads and became vassals, the people lived in harmony, and peace prevailed throughout the land.
Wen Chengyuan completed the handover with the new border general and returned to the capital with Qin Yi.
At first, they did consider finding a beautiful place to live out their old age, but after meeting Ah Ying, they were completely captivated by the little girl and willingly stayed in the capital.
As for the tiger tally that had been handed over, Xie Lang gave it to Wen Hemian. After going through many twists and turns, this thing still ended up back in the hands of the Wen family.
The whereabouts of the tiger tally are of great significance to outsiders, but they are of no different to them. Wen Hemian gladly accepted it, and would take it out whenever he needed it.
But she hopes even more that she will never need to use it.
We've finally managed to calm things down; let's not let the fighting break out again.
Several years of bumper harvests have improved people's lives and filled the national treasury. As a result, the Mid-Autumn Festival must be celebrated in a grand manner. The Ministry of Rites' memorial was rejected several times. Finally, a plan was finalized, which satisfied everyone.
There were many people.
The emperor and empress took their seats together.
After sitting down, Wen Hemian subconsciously scanned the room and found that quite a few people had gathered.
Sitting next to Lu Zishen was Liu Qiongyue, who had recently returned from trading with the barbarians. Their daughter, Suisui, gave Wen Hemian a sweet smile. The little girl was doing well in her studies at school and had reportedly come out on top in several large classes in a row, making her a promising student.
Huo Ping was the only official present who was allowed to bring a sword into the palace. He was standing by a pillar, whispering instructions to his subordinates. The officials next to him probably felt that he exuded a murderous aura and kept their distance. The one who was a little closer was Zhou Ting, the former commander of the capital guard. He had been transferred to the border for his outstanding military achievements and had just returned from reporting for duty at this time.
Ye Zhaoxuan and his younger sister Ye Siyao sat together, whispering to each other. As officials in the court, they must have a lot to talk about.
Sitting on the lower left was their daughter, Xie Ying. This little girl never hesitated to act coquettishly in private, but she was more discerning than anyone else in formal occasions. Sitting there, she was dignified and serious, and her small figure gave her the air of a future empress.
Beside her sat Wen Chengyuan and Qin Yi, and below them were a group of border generals, some still in service and others retired. They bore the marks of hardship, their eyes were resolute, and they were deeply moved as they looked at the harmonious scene before them.
Having witnessed firsthand the deep affection between the Emperor and Empress, the officials became wiser and stopped provoking them. Especially on such auspicious days, far fewer officials brought their daughters of marriageable age; most brought their daughters out to let them make friends.
After all, the situation is very different now; women can also hold official positions!
You can tell just by looking at the extra women visibly sitting there.
If they can't compete in the harem, can't they compete in the imperial court?
Wen Heming has always been encouraging of healthy involution.
"Han Shuang, what are you staring at so intently?"
After sitting for a while, Xie Lang noticed that Wen Hemian's gaze was not on him. Dissatisfied, he squeezed her hand lightly, just enough to make her notice him.
Wen Heming remained unfazed and replied with a smile, "Look at the empire we've conquered."
Xie Lang raised an eyebrow, realizing what she was talking about.
His initial jealousy towards Xiaofei vanished instantly. He smiled and poured her a glass of wine, lowering his voice: "Yes, it was us who built this empire."
The emperor and empress disliked being served, especially when they were whispering and flirting. Lai Xi saw through it but didn't say anything. He kept his eyes down and quietly moved away.
"Father-in-law, come here—"
As soon as he looked up, he saw the little princess sitting below beckoning to him and calling him over in a low voice.
It's over when you're happy and joyful.
These banquets, though lively, were also incredibly troublesome. Even though they had figured out the emperor's personality and there was much less flattery and praise, they still couldn't help but utter words of praise. After listening to them one after another, one would eventually get tired of it.
So after the formal palace banquet ended, only a few familiar people remained, and a small banquet was held separately.
Everyone felt more relaxed and relaxed. Some drank, some chatted, and Lord Wen waved his hand, signaling everyone to loosen up. In an instant, the atmosphere reached a climax.
Xie Lang and Wen Hemian left the stage midway to change into civilian clothes. When they came out, the audience was completely drunk. Knowing that they wouldn't blame them, they said all sorts of things.
A group of people, incredibly bold, secretly started a betting game, wagering on when they would be able to have another little princess or prince.
Xie Lang grasped Wen Hemian's hand and whispered in her ear, "We won't have any more children, one is enough."
During her first childbirth, even though he helped share half of the pain, it was still incredibly painful. He couldn't bear to see his beloved suffer again; Ah Ying alone was enough.
“I know Your Majesty cares about me.” Wen Hemian smiled gently and looked back at him with delighted eyes. “I also cherish my life and want to be with my little emperor for a long, long time.”
Shortly after Ah Ying turned one year old, one night they suddenly had a dream about past lives and the ending that the system had told them.
Having experienced life and death separations in their dreams, reality becomes exceptionally precious. They cherish every moment they spend together, for nothing is more important than being able to accompany each other.
Xie Lang pursed his lips, but couldn't hide his smile: "Mm."
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, simply admiring the moon and chatting is no fun. While the military officers are playing rock-paper-scissors, the civil officials have already started reciting poems to the moon and playing the flying flower game. Their witty remarks, tinged with a slight intoxication, are truly amazing.
Ye Siyao, having drunk too much, clapped her hands and grinned foolishly at the Emperor and Empress who were snuggling together: "Hehe, Lord Wen and His Majesty are such a good match."
"Of course." Ye Zhaoxuan unfolded his fan and fanned himself in front of his silly little sister. His gaze softened. "Back when your brother and I first entered the court as officials, it was Lord Wen who took good care of us. Otherwise, you wouldn't have such good conditions at home."
"Hehehe...I know."
Ye Siyao smiled and leaned on the table, muttering a few words that were hard to hear, except for the last sentence which was particularly clear: "...I want to repay Lord Wen..."
Ye Zhaoxuan smiled and shook his head.
After chatting for a while, Wen Hemian realized that Aying was missing. She looked around but couldn't see anyone. There were guards in the shadows, so she wasn't worried about anything happening. Just as she looked away, her sleeve was tugged.
"mother!"
It was Ah Ying's sweet voice.
Wen Heming and Xie Lang turned around and saw their daughter holding a lantern shaped like a tiger. It was made in a cute and endearing way, but the gluing was still a little clumsy.
Wen Hemian asked A Ying, "Did you make this?"
Ah Ying nodded: "Yes, it's for Mom and Dad!"
Wen Hemian gestured for Xie Lang to take it, then bent down and gently stroked her head, her voice tender: "Mother and Father both like it very much."
Xie Lang nodded in agreement.
Ah Ying immediately burst into laughter, happily circling around them, her laughter as clear and melodious as silver bells. Suddenly, she stopped and pointed to a spot: "Zai Xue!"
There were originally two falcons, Liuwu and Zaixue. Unfortunately, Liuwu passed away peacefully two years ago. He lived for more than 20 years, which is considered long-lived among birds. Now only Zaixue remains.
This proud bird and Ah Ying got along quite well.
Perhaps unable to stay in the eagle house, it came looking for this place. It circled in the air once and finally landed on Ah Ying's small shoulder, nuzzling her cheek affectionately.
Xie Lang snorted coldly.
This bird used to fawn over Wen Hemian, and later it switched to fawning over their daughter, truly a flatterer.
Considering the auspiciousness of the day, His Majesty the Emperor was too lazy to argue with a mere bird.
Wen Hemian noticed his change in mood, tightened her grip on his hand, and glanced at him: "Your Majesty, what a disappointment."
Xie Lang, shameless as ever: "I don't need it."
The bright moon hung high, osmanthus blossoms accompanied the wine, and soft light shone down. Suddenly, the noise in the room stopped, and everyone looked up at the round moon in the sky.
Taking advantage of the moment, Xie Lang secretly kissed Wen Hemian on the cheek, and when she looked over, he smiled gently with his eyes crinkled.
Wen Hemian shook her head helplessly, indulging his actions.
There was a time when he lived a lonely and miserable life in the cold palace, thinking that he would never see tomorrow again.
But later, someone took his hand, and his loneliness gradually faded away with the long-term companionship.
He finally got his moon.
On a fine night, the sun shines brightly for thousands of miles.
Day after day, year after year, we are always together.
(End of article)
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