Shui Ling's eyes reddened as she sat beside her master, and it took her a long time to finally manage to utter a single sentence.
“Princess, growing up is really not good! When we were young, we didn’t have these problems. The old lady and the fourth lady were always at home, eating, drinking, and playing with you every day.”
Jiayin sighed, but it was also a bitter smile.
"Yes, there are too many troubles when you grow up, but no one can stop it. When we were young, we were protected by our families and didn't have to worry about anything. But when we grow up, we have to shoulder responsibilities, protect our families, and take care of the elderly and children, so it's naturally more tiring."
"I wish I could stay young forever," Shui Ling said, somewhat dejected.
Jiayin patted her back and comforted her, "Don't talk nonsense. You'll have to go to the palace more often these next few days to deliver meals to the Third Princess. At this point, this is all we can do."
“Okay, Princess, don’t worry. I may not be good at other things, but I can handle errands.” Shui Ling quickly agreed and then took out the pair of gold bracelets.
"Princess, this bracelet is too precious. I think this style is for weddings, and the Third Princess actually bestowed it upon me!"
Jiayin took the document and examined it carefully, her heart growing even heavier.
This is indeed a dragon and phoenix bracelet, symbolizing good fortune and a long and happy marriage.
The third princess didn't seem to care at all and casually bestowed the reward upon the child.
It's clear how much she longed for marriage before, and how much she now despises it...
"Take it, don't upset the princess over such a small matter." Jiayin waved her hand.
Shui Ling put the bracelet away and replied, "Then Shui Yun and I will each have one. She will cook, and I will deliver the food. We will naturally split the reward equally."
After saying that, she skipped and hopped to the kitchen.
At dusk, Li Lao Er and Mr. Wen returned from the city.
As everyone ate and chatted, the dinner table naturally became more lively.
Seeing that his niece looked alright, Li Lao Er breathed a sigh of relief and then tentatively offered some advice.
"Fu Niu'er, the Third Princess is getting married. What do you plan to give as part of her dowry? Do you need your second uncle's help?"
Mr. Wen echoed, "Yes, the wedding date is indeed quite rushed. Outsiders don't know the truth, and all sorts of rumors are flying around, which is unfair to the Third Princess. You are on good terms with the Third Princess, so you should offer her some comfort at this time."
Because of this, Jiayin naturally understood that the elders' concern for the Third Princess stemmed from her.
She smiled and replied, "Second Uncle, Mr. Wen, don't worry. I plan to give the Third Princess a set of jewelry and have a gold and jade card specially made. She can use this card to eat at any of the main and all branches of Baiyunjian Restaurant."
"When my eldest brother went to the southwest, I also had someone open a branch there. Whether the Third Princess is in Xindu or at her husband's home, she won't have to worry about not having snacks."
Everyone laughed upon hearing this, and Li Lao Er replied, "You little girl, you're a born businesswoman. Even while adding to the dowry for the Third Princess, you didn't forget to make some money. If the Third Princess goes to the Southwest and frequently travels to Baiyun Mountain, outsiders will probably see that your business is booming even more."
Jiayin smiled slyly, "Oh dear, we gave her all the snacks for free, so it's only right that she helps out by being a living advertisement. He who eats another's food is bound to him, it's that simple!"
The laughter grew even louder, and for a moment, they were no longer worried.
After finishing their meal, before the city gates closed, Li Lao Er and Mr. Wen hurriedly returned to the city.
The reason is simple: tomorrow is the ceremony for bestowing the title of Crown Prince.
Although the Ministry of Rites had petitioned the Emperor to cut many unnecessary steps and compress three days into one, the necessary procedures still ran from dawn until late at night, a full day of pure physical labor.
Jiayin quickly handed over all the prepared items to Zheng He.
Li Lao Er and Mr. Wen hurriedly returned to the city, made a detour to the Liu family's house, and then quickly rested.
The next morning, while it was still dark, the entire city of Xindu was bustling with activity.
All officials of the fifth rank and above, whether in honorary or substantive positions, burned incense, bathed, and changed into brand-new, clean official robes before rushing to the palace gate.
As the sun slowly rose above the horizon, the palace gates opened, and the square paved with white marble was filled with kneeling civil and military officials.
The Crown Prince changed into a bright yellow dragon robe, which was identical to the Emperor's robe except for the fewer dragon claws.
Led by the Minister of Rites, the crowd repeatedly shouted "Long live the Emperor!", knelt down and kowtowed, and rose to perform the rituals until they were numb.
By the time the Crown Prince finished offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, the sun was already high in the sky.
The crown prince went back to change his clothes, eat, and rest before continuing his ancestral worship.
On the square, civil and military officials did not receive this treatment; they could only sit down and catch their breath.
However, the sun in the sky seemed to have gathered all its heat together, making it much more intense than usual, baking the entire earth like a furnace.
Some officials secretly took small snacks from their sleeves and stuffed them into their mouths to temporarily stave off their hunger.
To avoid having to use the restroom, they didn't dare drink water last night, and they didn't dare eat breakfast this morning.
Right now, I'm starving and so thirsty my throat is practically burning.
Some people choked and stretched their necks, pounding their chests several times to avoid becoming the first Tianwu official to choke to death.
Li Lao Er, Mr. Wen, and Liu Zhiheng were in different positions, but not far apart.
Right now, they're sneaking a bite too.
The snacks they brought were specially made by Jiayin. Each one was only the size of a date, with a glutinous rice skin on the outside and sweet and sour jam in the middle. They were appetizing and delicious.
If you don't like that, there are also small pieces of dried meat, slightly salty and sweet, which you can slowly chew on and enjoy. They are fragrant and filling.
Occasionally, when I'm really thirsty, I can just lower my head slightly, bite a tube in my collar, and get a sip of ice-cold plum juice, which instantly makes me feel much more refreshed.
The three of them occasionally exchanged glances, all feeling incredibly fortunate.
Last night, they even thought their niece's arrangements were too troublesome.
This could really be a lifesaver right now...
Grandpa Liu and his group of old friends were arranged to sit near the courtyard wall, where they could find some shade.
This was originally a special arrangement made by the Ministry of Rites to accommodate their advanced age.
Unfortunately, even this little bit of care wasn't enough.
Just as Grandpa Liu finished eating two pastries, his old friend next to him collapsed, his eyes closed and his face flushed, clearly suffering from heatstroke.
Everyone was startled and was about to call for the imperial physician to save them when the crown prince came out and was about to start the worship ceremony again.
At the critical moment, Old Master Liu moved over, quickly took out a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve, poured out some heat-relieving pills and stuffed them into his old friend's mouth, and then took out a soft leather water bag from his pocket.
The old man kneeling on the other side saw this and quickly stepped forward to help.
The two of them, one talking and the other pouring water, displayed a rare tacit understanding.
When the Crown Prince finished reading the eulogy and began to kowtow three times and nine times, the old friend who had been in a coma finally woke up.
He thanked everyone with lingering fear, and they quickly pointed to Old Master Liu.
Grandpa Liu shook his head gently and comforted him, "It's just a small favor. Let's get through today first."
The rescued old friend quietly bowed, smacked his lips twice to savor the taste, and then asked in surprise, "Brother Liu, you actually brought plum juice?"
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