The winter solstice, the day with the shortest days and longest nights of the year, seemed to be infused with a unique warmth and vitality, descending upon every corner of the capital. On this day, Jinyun Bookstore was bustling with activity, as a carefully planned reader's meeting was in full swing.
Su Jinli was dressed in a gorgeous fox fur coat. The fur was bright in color, and the soft fur had a faint sheen, as if absorbing the winter sunshine. This fox fur coat was specially selected by Jiang Yan for her. Wearing it not only made her feel warm, but also added a touch of elegance and luxury. She stood quietly in a corner of the bookstore, her eyes gently scanning the room full of girls holding storybooks and smiling like flowers. Looking at the lively and warm scene before her, her thoughts could not help but drift back to her past life, when she was lonely and ignored. In those long and cold years, she never thought that one day she would have such a lively and beautiful life, surrounded by people who loved her, and so many readers who loved her works.
"Sister!" A clear, resounding cry shone like a ray of light into Su Jinli's memories. Young Marquis Su rushed into the bookstore, carrying a large food box. A brilliant smile filled his face, as if filled with boundless joy, as he exclaimed, "Eldest Sister made top-ranking red cakes!" The food box looked heavy, presumably filled with delicious cakes. Just thinking about the sweet taste made one's mouth water.
Su Qingyao, with graceful steps, slowly approached, following behind Young Marquis Su. In her hand, she held a delicate little bottle filled with a newly blended "Warming Stove Incense." Smiling, she handed the incense to Su Jinli and whispered, "Jinli, this is a new fragrance. I thought the bookstore's heavy smell of ink might make you sick, so this fragrance will help remove the odor and make you feel better." Su Qingyao's voice was gentle and melodious, like a spring breeze, gently caressing Su Jinli's heart.
At this moment, Jiang Yan, dressed in court robes, hurried back from the palace. As soon as he appeared, Su Jinli's eyes were immediately drawn to him. Jiang Yan quickly walked over to Su Jinli, his face filled with unconcealed joy. He carefully pulled out an imperial edict from his sleeve pocket, his voice filled with excitement and pride as he said, "The Emperor said that Jinyun Bookstore has made great contributions to the dissemination of culture, and will be exempted from taxes for three years." He leaned slightly closer to Su Jinli and whispered in her ear, "Also, the Empress Dowager asked us to stay in the palace for the New Year, saying that she hasn't seen us for a long time and misses us terribly."
Su Jinli was filled with surprise and emotion upon hearing this. She looked at Jiang Yan, her eyes gleaming brightly. This string of good news made her feel unprecedented happiness and satisfaction. She knew that all this was inseparable from Jiang Yan's efforts in the court, as well as the support of his family and friends.
Before they knew it, night had fallen and it was time to close the bookstore. After seeing off the last reader, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan returned to the accounting office. Su Jinli looked at the long profit figures on the account book, and her heart was filled with joy. She looked up at Jiang Yan with a hint of playfulness in her eyes, and suddenly pushed the abacus in front of Jiang Yan and said, "From now on, Mr. Accountant will get a raise, ten taels a month."
"Not enough." Jiang Yan's lips curled up slightly, revealing a doting smile. He gently took Su Jinli's hand and pulled her to sit next to the fireplace. "I need the peach blossom pastry made by Madam herself to pay it off."
"Greedy!" Su Jinli smiled and punched him, the action so gentle that it seemed to be filled with infinite love. However, Jiang Yan took the opportunity to pull her into his arms, hugging her tightly, as if he wanted to integrate her into his life.
Outside the window, snowflakes began to drift. Like angel feathers, the pure white flakes fluttered down, gently landing on the bookstore lanterns. The lanterns radiated a soft glow, illuminating the words "Jinyun" with exceptional warmth, as if the two characters had been imbued with life, gleaming brightly in the snowy night.
"Jiang Yan," Su Jinli tilted her head slightly, gazing at her reflection in Jiang Yan's eyes, her eyes filled with deep affection. "Thank you." These three simple words contained her endless gratitude and love for Jiang Yan. It was Jiang Yan who had stood by her side during her most difficult times, offering her support and encouragement. It was Jiang Yan who had walked hand in hand with her through countless trials and tribulations, creating the happy life they now share.
"I'm the one who should be thanking you." Jiang Yan lowered his head and gently kissed the top of her head. His voice was low and affectionate. "Thank you for letting me know that the sweetest honey in this world is not delicacies from mountains and seas, nor is it wealth and glory, but having you by my side. As long as you are with me, no matter what I face, I feel extremely happy."
The charcoal fire in the bookstore's fireplace was roaring, occasionally sending out a few sparks. As the sparks flickered, the shadows of the two people hugging each other were reflected on the window, like an eternal painting, recording this warm and beautiful moment.
In this life, all the grievances and sufferings Su Jinli had endured faded like passing clouds, transforming into the sweetness of life, permeating the long-lasting love of the years to come. Her love for Jiang Yan, tempered by the years, grew ever more solid as a rock; their lives, like a warm hearth on a winter's day, were filled with warmth and hope.
On this quiet, snowy night, Jinyun Bookstore felt like a warm harbor, sheltering their love and dreams. Their story, like the snowflakes drifting outside the window, drifted down to every corner, becoming a beloved legend passed down from mouth to mouth, inspiring everyone to bravely pursue happiness and cherish the loved ones around them.
Time passed slowly, and before long, the Lunar New Year was approaching. Su Jinli and Jiang Yan began preparing to enter the palace for the New Year celebrations. Su Jinli carefully selected some homemade snacks and a new storybook from Jinyun Bookstore as gifts for the Empress Dowager and the Princess. Jiang Yan busied himself preparing precious calligraphy and antiques for the New Year's greetings at the palace.
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