The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the blue bricks of the courtyard amber.
Sheng Xiyan looked at Jiang Jiang dancing with joy, and seemed to be back in the Sheng Mansion when she was five years old.
Her father taught her to write "Qian Jin Fang", her mother was picking herbs under the wisteria trellis, and Xitang fell into the peony bush while chasing colorful butterflies.
...Amidst the laughter and joy, the only thing missing was the father's presence.
Turning his head to look at the medicine furnace in the yard, the fire was burning brightly and the medicine soup was bubbling.
He secretly made up his mind to develop a prescription to cure the plague and save more people.
When I looked away, I found Sheng Xitang sitting there sullenly, with the food in his bowl barely touched.
She picked up a piece of chicken and put it in the bowl, "Xitang, have some chicken."
Sheng Xitang raised his head, tears glistening in his eyes. He seemed to want to say something but stopped himself, silently picking at the food in the bowl.
It's late at night and the moonlight is like water.
"Xitang, you sleep with your sister tonight."
Sheng Xiyan gently tucked the quilt for her and patted her back like she did when she was a child.
Sheng Xitang suddenly turned around, tears in her eyes, her voice choked with sobs: "Sister, am I ugly, stupid, and unlovable?"
Sheng Xiyan reached out and stroked her hair, comforting her softly, "How could that be? Our Xitang is lively and cute, and everyone loves her."
"But...everyone who has seen us since we were little has said that my sister is beautiful, and my father also praises her for her intelligence.
Why don’t I look like my sister? If I did, maybe the Marquis would like me…”
Sheng Xitang's voice became lower and lower, her face showing the longing and unwillingness of a young girl who was just beginning to fall in love.
Sheng Xiyan held her hand and asked softly:
"Xitang, have you ever thought about what true love is? Do you think your feelings for Qi Yan are really love?"
A trace of confusion flashed in Sheng Xitang's eyes: "Sister, what is love?"
I asked the Buddha:
What is the right person?
The Buddha said:
Someone who smiles when he sees you.
Someone who makes you smile the moment you see him.
Sheng Xitang clutched the corner of the quilt, his voice trembling:
"Sister, I really like him. Every time I see him, my heart beats so fast, and all I can think about is his appearance."
Sheng Xiyan gently wiped away the tears on her face and said softly:
"Xitang, there's nothing wrong with liking someone, but you have to understand that true love is a two-way thing.
If someone doesn't have you in his heart, no matter how much you give, it will be in vain.
I don't want you to miss out on the happiness that truly belongs to you because of a momentary infatuation."
Sheng Xitang lowered her head and was silent for a moment, "Sister, I will think it through."
The night wind gently blew the bamboo leaves outside the window, making a rustling sound.
Sheng Xiyan held Xitang in her arms, patted her back gently like when she was a child, and coaxed her to sleep.
Two days later, because the two northern Di countries came to surrender and the Wusun marriage was celebrated, the streets and alleys of the capital were filled with a festive atmosphere.
At the front of the team was Qi Yan, riding a snow-white horse. He looked heroic and drew cheers from the crowd on the roadside.
Following closely behind was the grand ceremonial guard sent by the Wusun Kingdom.
In the middle of the guard of honor, an exquisitely decorated carriage slowly passed by.
Sitting there was a graceful woman, Princess Xueqiong.
The roadsides were crowded with people watching the excitement and talking about it.
"Wow, look! Princess Wusun is truly stunningly beautiful!"
"Yes, such a beauty, no wonder she became the emperor's concubine."
"Think about it, our emperor hasn't held a beauty pageant for five years. Now that the Concubine Chen has become a nun, it's time to add some new faces to the harem."
In the imperial palace, inside the Linde Hall, the gilded coiled dragon pillars reflected the candlelight, illuminating the entire hall with golden splendor.
Emperor Xuanwu sat upright on the throne, the twelve tassels on the yellow crown swaying slightly, unable to conceal the majesty and solemnity on his face.
Queen Duan, wearing a pearl phoenix crown, sat beside him.
"Princess Wusun has arrived!"
The sound of ceremonial music came from outside the palace, and Princess Xueqiong walked slowly in, surrounded by her maids.
Maids escorted in a graceful woman in exotic clothing, her face lightly covered by a veil, revealing only a pair of eyes as clear as autumn water.
"Xue Qiong pays homage to His Majesty the Emperor of the Celestial Empire. Long live the Emperor." The voice was as clear and pleasant as a spring hitting a rock.
The envoy presented the marriage letter. Xuan Ling read it and said majestically, "Princess, you have come from afar. I am very happy. Please stand."
The envoy bowed and said, "The princess has prepared a dance for His Majesty the Emperor."
As the music started, Princess Xueqiong began to dance gracefully. Her Huxuan dance was magnificent and her charm was irresistible.
Xuan Ling looked through the palace door, his fingertips stroking the carvings on the armrests of the dragon throne.
Yanyan, it would be great if you were here.
Princess Xueqiong danced like a willow in the wind, her waist was so soft that it seemed as if she had no bones. Her veil fluttered gently as she spun, revealing a face that was so beautiful that it could captivate the whole country.
Everyone in the hall was amazed, and even Queen Duan forgot to peel the loquat in her hand.
After peeling the loquat, she placed it before the emperor's mouth, "Your Majesty."
Xuan Ling said calmly: "Let it go for now."
Empress Duan said with a smile, "Your Majesty, the peacock silk dress that Concubine Dun is wearing today is truly beautiful."
Upon seeing this, Concubine Dun quickly picked up the wine glass and walked to the front of the emperor, wearing a nine-phoenix hairpin on her head.
"Your Majesty, I respect your Majesty. Father will definitely guard the border for you."
Xuan Ling picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and said in a gentle tone: "Sit down."
After the dance, Princess Xueqiong came forward with a wine glass and bowed gracefully: "Your Majesty, Xueqiong toasts you."
Xuan Ling took the wine glass, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Princess, please take a seat and enjoy the songs and dances of our dynasty together."
Halfway through the banquet, the emperor suddenly spoke: "Prince Yu, you will accompany the princess to the capital for a few days and serve as a guide."
When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall, including the envoy, was shocked, but they did not dare to say anything.
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