Finally, the day arrived for their entrance into the palace. Su Jinli, dressed in a red palace gown embroidered with delicate golden peonies, looked resplendent and dignified. Jiang Yan, in black court robes and a black gauze hat, exuded a dashing presence. Hand in hand, they entered the palace, their towering walls and majestic palaces a testament to the majesty and glory of the imperial family.
They first arrived at the Queen Mother's palace. When the Queen Mother saw them, she immediately smiled warmly and invited them to sit down. Su Jinli presented them with a gift, saying, "Queen Mother, these are Jinli's homemade snacks, along with a new storybook from Jinyun Bookstore. I hope you enjoy them."
The Queen Mother accepted the gift and said with a smile, "Jinli, you are always so thoughtful. I have been looking forward to your arrival for a long time. This palace is always very quiet during the New Year. Having you here will make it more lively."
Afterwards, they went to pay New Year's greetings to the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor praised Jiang Yan's performance at court and highly praised Su Jinli's contribution to running the bookstore and spreading culture. The Emperor said, "Jiang Yan, you have been dedicated to the court and helped me share my worries. You are truly a capable minister to me. Under Jinli's management, Jinyun Bookstore is thriving and has made great contributions to the cultural development of our dynasty. I hope you can continue to work hard and do more good for the court and the people."
Jiang Yan and Su Jinli quickly knelt down to express their gratitude: "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. Your Majesty and I will definitely live up to your trust."
During their time in the palace, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan got along very well with the Empress Dowager and the princesses. Princess Shou'an would hold Su Jinli's hand, excitedly sharing her recent anecdotes and pestering her to read her new stories. Su Jinli would also teach the princess some techniques for making pastries and mixing spices, and the two of them felt like real sisters.
Jiang Yan discussed state affairs and poetry with the Emperor and other ministers, showcasing his exceptional talent and insight. In his spare time, Jiang Yan would accompany Su Jinli on strolls through the palace gardens. Although most of the flowers and plants in the gardens had withered in winter, the pavilions and terraces blanketed in snow held a unique charm.
During the New Year celebrations, a grand banquet was held in the palace. Singing and dancing filled the air, and table after table was laden with delicious food and wine. Su Jinli and Jiang Yan sat at the table, watching the lively scene, their hearts awash with emotion. They knew how hard it was to have everything they had today.
After the banquet, Jiang Yan and Su Jinli returned to their residence in the palace. Inside, the fireplace burned brightly, warming the entire room. Jiang Yan gently hugged Su Jinli and said, "Jinli, did you have a happy New Year this year?"
Su Jinli leaned in Jiang Yan's arms and said with a smile: "I'm happy. As long as you are by my side, I will be happy no matter where I spend the New Year. Moreover, I feel that all my efforts are worth it to be recognized by the Emperor and the Queen Mother."
Jiang Yan looked down at Su Jinli, his eyes full of love, and said, "Jinli, in the days to come, we will experience more beautiful things together. No matter what difficulties we encounter, I will always be by your side."
"Well, I believe you." Su Jinli raised her head and looked at Jiang Yan affectionately. Their eyes met, as if expressing endless love.
Outside the window, fireworks blossomed into vibrant blossoms in the night sky, adorning the entire palace with a dreamlike atmosphere. In this beautiful moment, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan embraced each other tightly, savoring this warm and romantic moment. They knew the road ahead was long, but as long as they stood together, nothing could stop them from pursuing happiness. Their love, like these brilliant fireworks, would shine brightest across the long river of time. And their story would continue to unfold, becoming an eternal legend.
As the New Year's bells rang, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan welcomed the new year. Upon returning to the capital, they immediately threw themselves into the affairs of Jinyun Bookstore. Su Jinli began conceiving new storybooks, hoping to create more exciting stories that would bring joy and touch to readers. Jiang Yan, meanwhile, sought support and resources for the bookstore's development at the imperial court.
In the new year, Jinyun Bookstore launched a series of innovative activities. They held a poetry competition, attracting numerous literati and scholars. This not only raised the bookstore's profile but also provided a platform for literary enthusiasts to showcase their talents. Furthermore, the bookstore partnered with academies across the country to launch a public welfare program to send books to rural areas, allowing more people to read good books and experience the charm of culture.
As these activities unfolded, Jinyun Bookstore's influence grew, becoming not only renowned domestically but also internationally. Many foreign envoys and merchants visiting the capital would make a point of visiting Jinyun Bookstore and purchasing books. As the bookstore grew, the names of Su Jinli and Jiang Yan spread throughout China.
Despite their busy lives, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan never forgot to enjoy the good things in life. In their free time, they would stroll through the streets of Beijing together, savoring a variety of delicious foods; on spring days, they would go on outings in the suburbs together, admiring the beauty of nature; and on summer nights, they would sit in the courtyard, gazing at the stars together and sharing their thoughts.
Time flies, and the years pass by like a shuttle. Su Jinli and Jiang Yan, in each other's company, have spent spring, summer, autumn, and winter together. Their love, like fine wine, grows more fragrant with age; their life, like a magnificent painting, becomes increasingly wonderful. And Jinyun Bookstore has become a witness to their love and dreams, forever exuding its unique charm through the long river of time.
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