Just as the emperor was complaining, the eldest princess also entered the palace. The siblings were reunited after a long separation, and the festive atmosphere of the New Year's Day filled the air.
It added a touch of warmth to the cold winter month, allowing the family to finally sit together and enjoy a reunion. The group sat around, chatting endlessly about everyday life.
The princess recounted the strange tales and exotic customs of her travels, leaving her brothers speechless with amazement and bursting into laughter.
The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became warm and cheerful, with everyone's eyes filled with the joy and intimacy of a long-awaited reunion.
During the conversation, the princess was relaxed and carefree, her eyebrows slightly raised, showing her unrestrained and free spirit. Her beautiful eyes were slightly narrowed, full of amusement, and she occasionally raised her eyebrows, revealing her playful side.
When listening to his elder brother, the Emperor, recount amusing anecdotes from the court, he would tilt his head, rest his chin on his hand, and gaze intently. Upon hearing a particularly interesting part, his eyes would light up, and he would burst into unrestrained laughter.
Her silvery laughter was clear and melodious, capable of dispelling all gloom in the surroundings.
But if she encounters something she dislikes, her eyebrows furrow slightly, her eyes instantly turn as cold as frost, her thin lips purse, and she exudes an aura that is not to be trifled with, making people dare not utter another word.
After chatting with her brothers for a while, she skillfully made her way through the winding corridors towards the inner palace to find her sister-in-law.
This eldest princess was free-spirited and unrestrained, and her decision to divorce her husband caused a great uproar throughout the city.
But she never wavered in the slightest, and from then on, she completely gave up the idea of remarrying.
During her years of solitude, she packed her bags and traveled to famous mountains and rivers, explored the everyday life of ordinary people, visited historical sites, tasted delicious food, and made close friends, taking in all aspects of life.
His heart was filled with freedom, and he never felt a ripple for anyone else.
Normally, the hustle and bustle of the capital city is irrelevant to her, and she is rarely seen on the streets.
Only during festivals and holidays, when they think of the deep bond of blood, will they return to this familiar yet unfamiliar palace to reminisce with their loved ones and enjoy family time together.
Both princes were free-spirited and unconventional, with an inherent unwillingness to be restrained.
In their early years, the two grew tired of the tedious rules and lengthy social engagements in the capital. Seeing that the late emperor was not in good health, they hit it off and made the bold move of "running away".
He claimed to be guarding the frontier, but in reality, he disguised himself and plunged into the world of martial arts, traveling freely.
During those days, they visited famous mountains, paid homage to hermits, and befriended heroes from all walks of life, living a carefree and joyful life, completely disregarding palace etiquette and seeking only a life of leisure and freedom.
The late emperor's descendants were not numerous to begin with, and after years of power struggles, illnesses, and disasters, only four of them remain alive today.
Although kinship in imperial families is often diluted by power, these four were different. They played and studied together since childhood, and their friendship was as solid as a rock, without any suspicion or distrust.
Upon learning of what the Prince Xian had done, the two princes were furious and slammed their fists on the table.
In their hearts, the emperor was not only the ruler of the world, but also their younger brother who had followed them since childhood and called them elder brother. How could they allow others to bully or scheme against him?
Fortunately, the court was united, the turmoil gradually subsided, and everything returned to normal.
Over the years, the Emperor has devoted himself to governing the country with great effort and diligence, working tirelessly day and night.
Domestically, new policies were implemented, taxes were reduced, and the people lived in peace and prosperity. Externally, the military was strengthened and capable generals were appointed, resulting in high morale among the troops.
This year, they won a brilliant victory, successfully expanding their territory and making the Tianxuan Dynasty famous far and wide, with its national strength at its zenith.
The two princes, seeing this, were overjoyed. Already filled with enthusiasm, they were now even more eager to help, secretly vowing to do everything in their power to relieve the emperor's worries and expand the territory.
The night was as dark as ink, but the palace was brightly lit. In the imperial study, candlelight flickered, casting shadows on the carved window frames.
Outside the window, a cold wind blew, rustling the bare branches and adding a touch of tranquility to the quiet conversation.
The three sat around a table, the aroma of tea wafting through the air. They talked at length, discussing everything from military defenses to people's livelihoods and water conservancy, down to the smallest detail, until the moon was high in the sky. When weariness set in, they each took their sedan chairs back to their residences to rest.
On the road leading to the capital, the person they heard most often was the newly conferred Princess Qingyun.
Rumors circulated in the streets and alleys. Some said she was both beautiful and talented, proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Others said she was exceptionally courageous, having once infiltrated enemy territory alone to deliver a message to Tianxuan.
Some people even embellished the story, praising Princess Qingyun as if she were a celestial being descended to earth or a heroine reincarnated.
The two princes were naturally curious, and these rumors made them even more eager to find out more. However, when they inquired with the Emperor, he simply smiled faintly and remained silent, refusing to reveal a single unnecessary word.
Helpless, the two could only hope that they could meet the legendary Princess Qingyun at the morning court the next day and find out more about her.
The next morning, as dawn broke and the thick, inky darkness faded, the east began to lighten, and a thin morning mist swirled around the majestic palace walls like a veil.
It lends a sense of ethereal beauty to the vermilion palace walls and golden glazed tiles, creating a scene that is both real and illusory, as if a fairyland and the mortal world quietly blend together here.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony stands solemnly and majestically. Outside the hall, the white marble steps gleam and shimmer in the morning light, while the bronze lions on either side stand imposingly, each holding a bronze ball in its mouth, seemingly guarding the dignity of the imperial court.
Below the steps, the imperial path was paved with gold bricks, reflecting the blazing sunlight. Court officials, dressed in their court robes, filed in and stood in neat rows according to their rank.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" A thunderous roar of salutes erupted as everyone bowed, their foreheads lightly touching the ground, remaining motionless for a long time.
After bowing to the assembled officials, Qin Qianluo quietly raised her eyes and glanced at the two princes and the eldest princess before the emperor.
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