The sky in Beijing was clear and the sunlight poured unreservedly onto the glazed tiles of the imperial palace, refracting a dreamy, colorful glow. The entire imperial city was immersed in a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
However, the silence was suddenly broken by the sound of hurried horse hooves - the Queen Mother had ended her outing and was returning to the palace in a grand procession.
This time, the Queen Mother brought back only some interesting anecdotes along the way, and was accompanied by her beloved niece Liu Ruoli.
Liu Ruoli had eyebrows like distant ink, eyes like autumn water, and a graceful figure, but her eyebrows and eyes often unconsciously revealed a hint of arrogance and pampering.
Liu Ruoli has always had her own little plan in mind.
She thought that since she relied on the Queen Mother, she would naturally marry an outstanding man.
Although the prince is good, he already has a princess. If I marry her again, it will be difficult for me to get ahead. After all, I am not worthy of my status.
The other princes were all as heroic and extraordinary as Nangong Yan, and their reputations spread far and wide.
Only Nangong Yan, who had both illustrious military exploits and was also very talented, could become the envied Princess of Zhennan and enjoy all the splendor and wealth if she could marry him.
Hearing that the Queen Mother had returned to the palace, the Emperor and the Queen, led by a group of royal family members, arrived at the palace gate early to greet her respectfully.
Nangong Yan and Bai Linglong also came together.
Bai Linglong was wearing a gorgeous yet undignified brocade gown with peony embroidered with gold thread blooming on the hem of her skirt. With every step she took, the peony swayed gently as if it had life.
Her hair was tied up high with a jade hairpin inserted diagonally in it, and its warm sheen made her skin look whiter than snow.
She looked composed, her eyes showing innate confidence and composure, her steps showing the demeanor of the Princess of Zhennan, and she was not affected at all by the unknown that was about to come.
While waiting, Nangong Yan slightly turned sideways and whispered to her, "Linglong, no matter what happens, we will face it together."
Bai Linglong raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a faint smile, and replied softly: "With you around, I am afraid of myself."
The Queen Mother's carriage slowly drove into the palace gate. After it stopped, the Queen Mother walked out of the carriage in high spirits.
The Emperor and Empress came forward hastily to pay their respects.
The Queen Mother smiled and waved her hands: "Everyone, get up. This journey is really an eye-opener."
At this time, Liu Ruoli also walked out from the frame behind.
She was wearing a scarlet dress embroidered with peonies in gold thread. The hem of her skirt swayed gently as she walked, like a peony in bloom.
She wore a golden crown inlaid with a huge ruby on her head and two round and plump pearls on her earrings, which swayed slightly with her movements, showing her delicateness in every gesture.
The Queen Mother took Liu Ruoli's hand and introduced her to everyone: "This niece from my mother's family, Ruoli, will stay in the palace for a while this time."
Liu Ruoli bowed slightly and performed an elegant salute. When she raised her eyes, she deliberately glanced at Bai Linglong, and a hint of barely perceptible pride flashed in her eyes.
After returning to the palace, the emperor held a grand welcoming banquet for the queen mother.
At the banquet, the sound of stringed instruments was melodious and graceful, and the table was filled with fine wine and delicacies.
The Queen Mother sat in the main seat with a satisfied smile on her face, sharing with everyone what she had seen and heard during her trip.
Bai Linglong sat next to Nangong Yan, with an upright posture and graceful manners, listening quietly.
Liu Ruoli sat next to the Queen Mother, but her eyes drifted towards Nangong Yan from time to time, her eyes full of admiration, and she thought to herself:
This Nangong Yan is indeed as outstanding as the rumors say. I will definitely find a way to become his princess.
Suddenly, Liu Ruoli gently put down the wine glass in her hand, smiled and said, "I have heard that Nangong Yan, the King of Zhennan, is very brave. After seeing him today, I find that his reputation is well-deserved.
If you were among the common people, you would often hear about the prince's deeds and admire him in your heart. ”
As she spoke, she took a sip of the wine and looked at Nangong Yan with affectionate eyes.
Nangong Yan frowned slightly, feeling a little pleased in his heart, but still responded politely: "Miss Liu, you are too kind. Nangong Yan is just doing his best."
Bai Linglong noticed that Liu Ruoli was different. She still had a faint smile on her face, but a sharp look flashed in her eyes, but she quickly returned to normal.
At this time, the Queen Mother smiled and said, "Ruoli, you are also at the age of marriage. It would be great if you could marry a hero like the Prince of Zhennan."
Liu Ruoli's cheeks flushed instantly, she lowered her head shyly, and whispered, "It's all up to the Queen Mother."
She was secretly delighted, thinking that the Queen Mother's words were a strong support for her. As long as the Queen Mother was willing to help, marrying Nangong Yan would be just around the corner.
As soon as these words came out, the banquet suddenly fell silent, and all eyes were cast on Nangong Yan and Bai Linglong.
Bai Linglong looked calm. She hurriedly put down the chopsticks in her hand, sat up straight, and looked at the empress dowager calmly.
Before she could speak, Nangong Yan immediately stood up and said respectfully: "Grandmother, my grandson and Linglong are a loving couple, and their love is deep and sincere. I really can't let Linglong down."
The Queen Mother's face darkened slightly, and she said, "Yan'er, Ruoli is both talented and beautiful, and is a perfect match for you. You should consider it carefully."
Nangong Yan bowed again and said firmly, "I appreciate the Queen Mother's kindness, but I only love Linglong in my life. I hope the Royal Grandmother will grant your wish.
Bai Linglong took over the conversation at this time and said humbly: "Grandmother, my granddaughter-in-law and the prince and his wife are of the same mind and have worked hard for the palace and the country.
These people have come hand in hand, through thick and thin, and their relationship is as solid as a rock.
What happened to Miss Liu was purely her wishful thinking, and the prince has never had any second thoughts.
The grandson's wife did her best to manage the palace inside and outside, abided by her duties, and did not think she had done anything wrong.
If the Queen Mother doubted her granddaughter-in-law just because of Miss Liu's one-sided statement, it would be hard for her to be convinced. ”
The Queen Mother snorted coldly and said nothing more. The atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward.
At this time, the queen came out to smooth things over, and said with a smile: "Today is a good day to welcome the queen mother, and you are saying these words to spoil the fun.
Come, let us all raise our glasses and wish the Queen Mother good fortune as vast as the East Sea and a long life as long as the South. ”
Everyone raised their glasses one after another, and the welcoming banquet was able to continue.
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