Jiang Yan cleared his throat and said, "Your Majesty, when we were passing through Suzhou Prefecture, we happened to encounter a bully bullying a commoner girl. Si Yan and Nian Li, the two children, were not afraid and stood up to him. Si Yan used an abacus to calculate the bully's debt, and Nian Li used pepper spray to repel the bully. It can be said that they did a great deed."
After hearing this, the emperor couldn't help but applaud and praise: "Good! Well done! You are worthy of being the top scholar and talented girl that I have chosen. You are so brave and righteous at such a young age." His eyes were full of praise and satisfaction when he looked at Si Yan and Nian Li.
Si Yan and Nian Li felt a little embarrassed by the emperor's praise and lowered their heads. Nian Li whispered, "Your Majesty, we just can't stand that bully bullying others, so we want to help that sister."
The emperor smiled and said, "You did the right thing. This world needs more brave people like you."
Amidst the laughter and joy of the crowd, the banquet continued. The emperor and Su Jinli's family chatted, sharing stories. The atmosphere in the court had never been so relaxed and joyful. Su Jinli watched all this, feeling a surge of emotion. She recalled how she had resolutely chosen to travel the world with her family three years ago. Back then, she longed to escape the constraints of the imperial harem and see the vast world outside. Now, standing in this court once again, she discovered that this seemingly strict place could also be filled with warmth because of the presence of her family.
Jiang Yan seemed to sense Su Jinli's thoughts. He gently held Su Jinli's hand and gave her a warm look. Su Jinli turned her head and looked at Jiang Yan, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. She knew that no matter where she was, as long as her family was by her side, everything would be fine.
As the banquet progressed, the night deepened. Outside the hall, the bright moon hung high, casting a cool glow. Inside, however, the atmosphere was still bustling with activity. The Emperor and Su Jinli's family seemed to have forgotten the passage of time, immersed in this rare atmosphere of joy.
The emperor looked at the harmonious family before him and thought to himself, perhaps this was what real life was like. Power was important, but in this cold palace, such a heartwarming moment was even more rare. He decided to create more opportunities like this in the future, so that he, too, could experience this ordinary yet precious happiness.
Su Jinli and her family also felt the emperor's warmth and care during this banquet. They knew this was more than just a simple banquet, but a continuation of friendship. In the days to come, they will carry this warmth with them as they continue to write their own wonderful story.
After the banquet, Su Jinli and her family bid farewell to the emperor and left the throne room. As they walked back to the palace, moonlight cast long shadows over them. Si Yan and Nian Li were still excitedly discussing the amusing moments from the banquet, while Su Jinli and Jiang Yan listened quietly, their faces beaming with happiness. They knew that this gathering with the emperor would become an unforgettable memory in their lives. And their lives, in turn, would become more enriched by this experience.
After returning to the Prime Minister's residence, the family was still immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the dinner. Prime Minister Su said with emotion, "Today's dinner is truly a rare occasion. His Majesty was so kind and spoke to us like family, which shows how much he loves us."
Su Jinli nodded and said, "Yes, Dad. These three years of traveling have not only broadened our horizons, but also made us cherish the friendship with our family and His Majesty even more."
Jiang Yan looked at Su Jinli and Su Xiang and said, "In the days to come, our family will be even more harmonious and live up to His Majesty's expectations."
Si Yan and Nian Li also nodded: "We will!"
On this quiet night, the lights in the Prime Minister's residence dimmed one by one, and the family gradually drifted off to sleep. In their dreams, they might continue their journey filled with joy and surprise, or perhaps reminisce about the wonderful moments they shared with the emperor at the banquet. Whatever their dreams, they knew that the future, as long as the family worked together, would be filled with hope and happiness.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the cracks in the window, illuminating Su Jinli's face. She slowly opened her eyes, looking out at the familiar room, her heart filled with peace. Last night's dinner seemed like a beautiful dream, a memory of the warmth of home and the emperor's care. She knew it was just a beautiful moment in her life, and that more challenges and opportunities awaited them in the future. But she firmly believed that as long as their family was together, they could bravely face anything.
Su Jinli stood up, walked to the window, and opened it. Fresh air blew in, carrying a faint floral scent. In the garden, she saw Siyan and Nianli already practicing arithmetic and martial arts. Siyan sat on a stone bench, carefully fiddling with an abacus, muttering to himself; Nianli brandished a wooden sword, her movements, though childish, yet full of energy. Su Jinli watched them, a surge of joy welling up in her heart. She knew that during these three years of travel, the children had not only broadened their horizons but also learned courage and strength.
At this time, Jiang Yan also came over. He stood behind Su Jinli and gently put his arm around her waist: "Jinli, a new day has begun."
Su Jinli turned her head, looked at Jiang Yan, and said with a smile: "Yes, a new day is full of new hope."
As they watched the children in the garden, their hearts filled with longing for the future. On this peaceful and beautiful morning, the Prime Minister's residence seemed enveloped in a warm glow. And in this hopeful light, the story of Su Jinli's family would continue, blossoming with even greater splendor.
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