Time passed slowly, like the gurgling of flowing water, and a month passed unnoticed. During this month, Jiang Yan's family, like birds hidden from the world, far away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, found a place to stay in the beautiful land of Jiangnan.
Hangzhou, a renowned Jiangnan city known as "Paradise on Earth," stands like a dazzling pearl, set amidst the vast expanse of the Jiangnan region. West Lake, the jewel's crowning jewel, captivates countless visitors with its picturesque beauty. On the shores of West Lake, a rather curious candied haws (tanghulu) stall has appeared.
The woman selling candy was none other than Su Jinli, disguised as a man. She wore a simple, coarse cloth garment, the fabric ordinary but meticulously maintained. She wore a slightly worn felt hat, a few strands of hair slipping out from under the brim, swaying gently in the breeze. A light layer of powder obscured her natural beauty, and at first glance, she looked like an ordinary vendor, busy with her daily grind.
Nian Li, standing nearby, was like a lively, nimble elf. Her hair was tied in two playful buns, dancing joyfully with her movements. In her delicate, pink hands, she held aloft a string of alluringly colorful candied haws. The sugar coating on the haws shimmered in the sunlight, like a string of dazzling rubies. Her clear, melodious voice echoed by the lake like a silver bell: "Sweet candied haws! Even better than the preserved fruits in the palace!" Her childlike, childlike cry drew the attention of many passersby, and a smile involuntarily crossed their faces.
Siyan, like a little adult, crouched in a corner of the stall, intently fiddling with his beloved abacus. The abacus flew up and down in his hands, the crisp clinking of beads like a unique melody. His childish face was filled with earnestness as he muttered, "Mom, I sold thirty-eight strings of silk, and I made two hundred coins!" With each number he calculated, his eyes lit up, as if he were undertaking a task of immense importance.
Jiang Yan stood nearby, wearing a bamboo hat pulled low, just enough to conceal his familiar face. Fine beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, trickling down his cheeks and soaking his collar. He watched his daughter's playful manner as she bargained with tourists, his heart filled with joy and relief, and he couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. That smile was like the warm spring sun, gentle and gentle.
Amidst this lively and peaceful atmosphere, a clamor of footsteps shattered the tranquility. A convoy of officials, like a tide, surrounded a magnificent sedan chair and advanced towards the candied haws stall. The officials, dressed in uniform, marched with measured and powerful steps, their spears gleaming in the sunlight, awe-inspiring.
The sedan slowly stopped, the curtain gently lifted, revealing the emperor's sullen face. He was dressed in casual clothes, but even so, his innate majesty could not be concealed. His eyes widened as he glared at Jiang Yan and Su Jinli, shouting, "Jiang Yan! Su Jinli! How dare you hide from me!" His voice, resonant like a bell, brimming with anger and majesty, echoed for a long time by the lake.
Hearing the familiar voice, Nian Li turned curiously and blinked her large, watery eyes. Her delicate face, still stained with a little sugar residue, looked adorable. Unfazed by the emperor's wrath, she generously handed over the candied haws in her hand, saying in a childish voice, "Your Majesty, would you like some? This is sweeter than the Crown Prince's cake." Her innocent eyes seemed to extend the emperor the most sincere invitation.
The emperor looked at Nian Li's adorable little face, stained with sugar residue, and his anger instantly faded. He sighed helplessly, his tone tinged with a hint of blame, yet also a touch of fondness as he said, "Who told you to run so far? I've had such a hard time finding you."
Seeing this, Su Jinli calmly removed her bamboo hat and gently brushed off the icing sugar stains on her body. She raised her head, looked at the emperor calmly, and said calmly, "Your Majesty, the royal family has too many rules and is too restrictive. We, as a family, feel that selling candy here in Jiangnan is more comfortable and comfortable." Her voice was calm and firm, as if she was stating an indisputable fact.
The emperor's heart was moved by Su Jinli's words. He looked at the family before him, who made their living selling candied haws on the shores of West Lake. Though their life was simple, they exuded a genuine joy and contentment. This kind of happiness was hard to find amidst the palace's red tape. His eyes gradually softened, and the anger within him dissipated without a trace.
"You guys really make me angry and amused." The emperor shook his head slightly, a helpless smile appearing on his face. "However, since you like the life in Jiangnan so much, I can't force you. It's just that your leaving makes me very worried." The emperor's tone was more concerned and loving of an elder for a younger generation.
Jiang Yan stepped forward, bowed respectfully to the emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, we know that this action is abrupt, but we really don't want Nianli to be involved in royal affairs too early. I hope Your Majesty will forgive us." Jiang Yan's voice was sincere and genuine, and his eyes were full of awe for the emperor.
The emperor waved his hand and said, "Forget it, I'm not an unreasonable person. Seeing that your family is living so happily here, I feel relieved." The emperor's gaze swept over Jiang Yan, Su Jinli, Nianli and Si Yan one by one, his eyes full of relief.
Seeing that the emperor was no longer angry, Nianli smiled happily. She picked up another string of candied haws and handed it to the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, please try it. It's really delicious." The emperor looked at Nianli's expectant eyes and couldn't help but take the candied haws and take a gentle bite. The sweet taste spread in his mouth, and it seemed to sweeten his heart as well.
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