This news, like a sudden gust of wind, carried with astonishing force, reaching the imperial palace at lightning speed. The warm autumn sun shone down upon the Imperial Gardens, and the Emperor leisurely fed the koi by the pond. The koi, like aquatic spirits, adorned in iridescent robes, swam leisurely in the clear, azure waters, occasionally leaping joyfully to scramble for the fish food the Emperor dropped from his hands, creating picturesque ripples.
In this moment of peace and tranquility, the news that "Jiang Yan was taking Jin Li away" was like a bolt from the blue, instantly shattering the tranquility. Upon hearing this, the emperor involuntarily spilled the fish food he was about to scatter across the pond, startling the previously leisurely koi carp and sending them scurrying about like frightened birds. The previously calm, mirror-like water was instantly rippled, as if reflecting the emperor's turbulent state of mind.
"What? Jiang Yan wants to take Jin Li away?" The emperor's eyes widened, a complex expression of astonishment and reluctance. His lips trembled slightly, as if he had not yet recovered from the sudden news. Immediately, he shouted anxiously, "Quick! Go to the Prime Minister's residence and keep her for me!" Before he finished speaking, he turned hurriedly, his steps chaotic and hurried, and ran straight towards the Prime Minister's residence with Eunuch Li. At this moment, he was so worried that he didn't even notice that the corner of his dragon robe was lifted high in the autumn wind.
Meanwhile, inside the Prime Minister's residence, Su Jinli was busily packing her luggage. Her movements were swift and efficient, each one revealing an eagerness and impatience. She deftly and methodically placed each carefully selected piece of clothing into her bag, her eyes gleaming with anticipation and excitement for the journey ahead.
Just as she had placed the last piece of clothing, the Emperor, accompanied by Eunuch Li, rushed into the room like a gust of wind. The Emperor was breathing heavily, his chest heaving violently, his face plastered with an ingratiating smile, but that smile couldn't hide his inner anxiety. He rubbed his hands together repeatedly, as if that could ease his current tension and anxiety. "Jinli," the Emperor's voice was pleading, "don't leave! I'll give you a raise! An extra 10,000 taels per year! As long as you stay, any terms are negotiable!"
Upon hearing this, Su Jinli paused, slowly raised her head, and gazed at the emperor with a calm and resolute gaze. She didn't respond immediately, but instead calmly reached for the completed storybook and gently tossed it toward the emperor. In a calm yet undeniable tone, she said, "Your Majesty, I will return once you finish writing 'The Story of the Great Hero Jinli.'" The storybook's cover was beautifully designed, depicting a heroic heroine, carrying an abacus and bravely battling a bully. Upon closer inspection, her appearance was remarkably similar to Su Jinli's, as if captured from a wonderful moment in her life.
At this moment, Jiang Yan came out steadily from the inner room, carrying two bulging bundles on his back. Si Yan's abacus and Nian Li's pepper spray were inadvertently exposed from the bundles, which were particularly eye-catching, as if silently telling the unique style of this family and the extraordinary journey they were about to embark on. Jiang Yan walked up to the emperor with steady steps, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your Majesty, I ask for leave." His eyes behind the glasses sparkled, and the light was full of eager anticipation for this trip. "My wife wants to see the world, and I also want to accompany her, and go out for a walk as a family."
As the emperor watched the four of them prepare to depart, his heart swelled with reluctance like a flood bursting through a dam. His eyes welled up slightly, his usual imperial dignity replaced by a deep sense of longing and reluctance. Suddenly, like a helpless child, he crouched on the ground and burst into tears, unconcerned with his appearance. He muttered, "I haven't seen enough of my grandson and granddaughter yet! What will I do now that you're gone?" His sobs were filled with the reluctance and loneliness of seeing his loved ones depart.
Seeing this, Nian Li skipped over on her short yet nimble legs. Her innocent face was filled with concern. She pulled a chili candy from her pocket and handed it to the emperor, saying in a soft, childish voice, "Your Majesty, it's sweet! Don't cry after you eat it!" Her childish voice seemed to carry a magical power, infusing the somewhat solemn atmosphere with a touch of warmth and childlike innocence.
The emperor raised his tear-stained face and gazed at the chili candy in Nianli's hand, a mixture of emotions welling up in his heart. He slowly reached out and took the candy, as if accepting more than just a piece of candy, but also the innocent love and comfort of a child. He gently peeled back the wrapper and placed the candy in his mouth. The blend of sweetness and slight spiciness spread across his taste buds, as if gradually calming his turbulent heart.
Su Jinli's heart rippled as she watched the emperor's expression. She knew the emperor held a deep affection for their family, and she knew he must be deeply reluctant to leave. Yet, her longing for freedom and the unknown burned like a blazing fire, difficult to extinguish. She stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, we will return safely from this journey. And once I finish writing my storybook, I'll be able to share more fascinating stories with you."
The emperor nodded slightly, a flicker of helplessness and understanding in his eyes. He stood up, straightened his slightly disheveled robe, and regained some of his imperial dignity. He looked at Jiang Yan and Su Jinli and said earnestly, "You must be careful on your journey. If you encounter any difficulties, please let me know and I will do my best to help you."
Jiang Yan bowed again and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. We will definitely live up to your expectations."
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