I have long ago ordered a grand victory banquet to be prepared, specifically to welcome and refresh all the generals and soldiers, to reward you for your illustrious achievements, and to let the world know of the heroic spirit of our dynasty.
After a solemn exchange between the emperor and his ministers, the two generals, the military advisor, and several other officers, all filled with awe, followed the emperor slowly into the magnificent hall.
Under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites, the soldiers proceeded in an orderly fashion to enjoy their meal elsewhere.
Inside the palace, the sounds of ceremonial music drifted in, like celestial music descending to earth, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that permeated every corner.
Inside the palace, the beams and pillars were carved and painted, and the palace was resplendent with gold and green. The candlelight flickered, and the light and shadow danced on the walls.
The officials all wore joyful expressions, like blooming flowers in spring. They followed the emperor in order into the hall, took their seats, and their robes fluttered, creating a magnificent scene of court assembly.
Qin Qian landed in the crowd, her bright eyes searching eagerly, and finally caught sight of her father and older brother.
Her lips instantly curved upwards, revealing a radiant smile, like a flower blooming in spring. She excitedly and quietly waved, the movement light yet full of affection. Then, following the footsteps of the others, she slowly entered the hall.
After the elaborate and solemn sacrificial ceremony concluded, the highly anticipated investiture ceremony officially commenced.
At this moment, the sky outside the hall was as blue as a jewel, with a few wisps of white clouds drifting by, as if auspicious omens were descending.
The two generals had distinguished themselves in battle, and needless to say, they received extremely generous and honorable rewards. The others also received considerable rewards.
Qin Qianluo should have received a more generous reward for her achievements, but the Emperor knew the temperament of the young lady from the Qin family.
The Emperor frowned slightly, a hint of consideration in his eyes, fearing that if he were to receive a high-ranking official position and generous salary, he might become constrained by the complexities of official life.
Having lost that carefree and leisurely life, and even having the thought of resigning, the emperor, after careful consideration, only bestowed upon her a certain amount of gold and silver, without promoting her to a higher position. This also reflects the emperor's heartfelt desire to cherish and protect Qin Qianluo's talent.
With the bestowal of titles and honors completed, Hua Lingxiao also received the position granted by the Emperor. The Emperor did not deliberately make things difficult for him because of past events, and Hua Lingxiao bowed slightly, his face full of gratitude.
Although the position granted to him was a sinecure, it was enough to make Hua Lingxiao extremely grateful. His heart was filled with gratitude towards the Emperor, and he secretly vowed to do his duty in the position and not fail the Emperor's grace.
At this moment, the sounds of ritual music became increasingly melodious and pleasant, and the crowd began to enjoy the feast.
Inside the hall, cups and goblets clinked and clattered, their cheerful sounds echoing like a flowing spring, filling every inch of the space.
Amidst the gentle singing and dancing, a peaceful atmosphere, like wispy clouds, permeated the entire hall, as if a magnificent scroll of a prosperous and joyous era was slowly unfolding before everyone's eyes, captivating them so much that they forgot their way home.
As the grand curtain of the celebration banquet slowly fell and the lights came on, Qin Qianluo's little face was filled with unconcealed joy. She skipped and hopped along with her dignified father and steady older brother, embarking on her long journey home.
At that time, the night was as dark as ink, the cold stars twinkled, and a biting wind howled and swept in, making the trees in the courtyard of the Left Prime Minister's residence tremble and rustle.
However, the mansion was brightly lit, with shimmering light and a warm atmosphere.
Lin Ruoqing paced back and forth in the main hall, sometimes stopping to listen intently, sometimes anxiously looking towards the door, and carefully instructing the servants to decorate every corner of the mansion.
Large red lanterns hung high under the eaves, and bright red silk fluttered freely in the wind. The snow in the courtyard shimmered under the warm light, creating a dreamlike silvery-white world.
This elaborate preparation was not only to welcome the lively New Year's Day, but also to welcome her beloved Luo'er, whom she had been longing for day and night.
Finally, the familiar sound of a carriage approached from afar and slowly came to a stop outside the mansion gate.
Qin Qianluo's heart had already drifted home. She was anxious and quickly lifted the curtain of the carriage, leaping down gracefully.
Like a joyful little lark, it spread its arms and called out "Mother," then pounced towards Lin Ruoqing's direction like an arrow released from a bow.
The snow crunched underfoot. Lin Ruoqing had already opened her arms and caught her adorable little daughter steadily, holding her tightly in her arms as if to embed her into her embrace.
For a moment, her eyes welled up with tears. Her gaze lingered gently and carefully over Qin Qianluo, whose already adorable and somewhat naive appearance only aroused more affection.
But when she touched that small body again, she could clearly feel that it had become even thinner than before. The heartache she felt overwhelmed her like a surging tide.
At this moment, she only had her daughter in her arms, completely ignoring the father and son, Qin Xiang, who had walked in. She simply turned slightly to the side, then hurriedly turned around with her little daughter in her arms and rushed back into the house.
As Qin Qianyu watched her sister reunite with her mother, she couldn't hide her smile, her lips curving upwards to reveal a row of white teeth.
She followed behind at a leisurely pace, each step steady and graceful. Qin Xiang and his eldest son, Qin Jiyuan, exchanged a glance, both reading a hint of helplessness in each other's eyes.
Qin Xiang shook his head slightly, while Qin Jiyuan shrugged. Then the two smiled knowingly and followed him into the house.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
