The Emperor summoned him to a palace banquet.
The carriage continued along the main road until it reached the gate of the imperial city. Unlike the bustling streets, no one dared to step within ten meters of the imperial city gate except for the guards stationed there.
An invisible wall separated the two places, blocking out even the noise.
Except for officials personally ordered by the emperor to enter the palace by carriage, all others must enter the palace on foot.
His Majesty, mindful of the hardships faced by the Prince of Jiangbei stationed in Lingzhou and considering her chronic ailment of being sensitive to cold, has granted her permission to enter the palace by carriage.
After entering the imperial city gate, and passing through another gate, you will reach the actual imperial palace.
Jiang Yanhui, who was resting with her eyes closed against the soft pillows in the carriage, heard the creaking sound of wheels rolling outside. She slowly opened her dark eyes, and with her slender fingertips, she lifted a corner of the side curtain and looked outside.
On the wide white marble road, many men and women dressed in everyday clothes appeared. Upon closer inspection of their delicate faces and gestures, it could be discovered that these people were not real commoners, but were all palace maids and eunuchs in disguise.
Along both sides of the palace road, stalls were set up one after another. Bright red ropes and cloths decorated the wooden frames with a festive atmosphere, and those who were quick had already picked up their goods to sell and set them up.
He glanced at Jiang Yan and then lowered the curtain. He hadn't been back to the capital for the holidays in a long time and was unsure what activities were popular.
The carriage stopped in front of Zhengxuan Gate; to go inside, one had to transfer to a sedan chair.
Palace maids were already waiting beside the sedan chair to guide her. They stepped forward to help the Prince of Jiangbei down from the carriage and respectfully invited him into the sedan chair.
It would save effort and keep her from being exposed to the wind, so Jiang Yanhui naturally wouldn't refuse.
Jiang Yan paused in lifting the curtain, then turned to the meek palace maid and asked, "There were quite a few people gathered on the palace road we came from. What were they doing?"
"Your Majesty, you have not returned to the capital for many years and may not know that every year after the New Year's Eve banquet, His Majesty takes his ministers on a parade through the streets to enjoy the festivities with the people."
Jiang Yanhui responded thoughtfully, lifted the curtain, and entered the sedan chair.
The banquets held in the imperial court were hosted by His Majesty for princes and ministers, while the banquets for the male members of the inner palace were presided over by the Empress. The imperial court and the inner palace were separate entities, therefore they could not sit together at the same table.
The palace where the banquet was held was magnificent and resplendent. Neatly arranged palace maids served fruits and wine to each table, while musicians played the zither on one side.
Jiang Yanhui's position was second only to the emperor. Those with foresight did not rush to sit down. Sure enough, those who sat down or had just arrived could not help but flatter the Prince of Jiangbei, praising her achievements in building Lingzhou.
The officials who were invited by His Majesty to the palace for the New Year's Eve banquet were basically those who had served in the court since the time of the previous emperor. Some of them already held high ranks, while others were promoted and given important positions during Jiang Jingyue's reign.
Of course, there were also a few freshmen among them, probably talents recommended by the imperial examination or local authorities. They were unfamiliar with the flattery and social interactions of officialdom and stood somewhat awkwardly on the outermost edge.
Jiang Yan looked back at the familiar yet unfamiliar faces, knowing full well that many of them had advised the emperor to be wary of her using military force and creating a stir, fearing that she might develop treacherous ambitions while away from home.
Jiang Yanhui understood to some extent why they were worried. After her father's death, she had no one to hold her back, and leaving the capital was also leaving behind a place of sorrow and turmoil.
Just then, Lingzhou was being harassed by the You tribe and could not find peace, so he volunteered to go to Lingzhou.
It was to share the burdens of the Empress, and also to protect herself.
It's understandable for a subject to worry about the emperor's power, and Jiang Yan Hui had no intention of holding a grudge against them. Apart from a few clueless individuals who would try to contact her privately, Jiang Yan Hui didn't mind maintaining a facade of friendliness with everyone in public.
The music suddenly turned rousing, and everyone took their seats without prior arrangement. A moment later, they heard a eunuch announce in a high-pitched, shrill voice, "His Majesty has arrived!"
The New Year's Eve banquet officially began.
Light singing and dancing, clinking glasses, and lively conversation filled the air, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
To outsiders, the cold-faced King of Jiangbei was not a man of many words. Offering her a cup of wine was enough to make a formality, and no one wanted to have the nerve to chat with her on New Year's Eve. Being embarrassed was not a big deal; what was most important was not leaving a bad impression.
Those qualified to attend the New Year's Eve banquet are all seasoned veterans of officialdom; they understand this simple truth perfectly well.
Jiang Yan returned to a state of leisure and comfort.
The tastes of the imperial banquet vary from person to person, but the only guarantee is that the dishes have undergone strict quality control and poison testing, making them safe and reliable to eat.
Jiang Yanhui disliked eating out, so she ate a few token bites before putting down her chopsticks and enjoying the courtly song and dance performance while holding her wine glass.
Jiang Jingyue was in a particularly good mood today, so he drank a couple more cups. With a ruddy complexion, he looked down at Jiang Yanhui and asked, "Twenty-one sister, are you enjoying the food?"
Jiang Yan smiled and replied, "Everything is fine. As Your Majesty knows, I am not picky in this regard."
"I am happy that you have returned to the capital for the New Year." Jiang Jingyue rested his hands on the table, feeling quite emotional due to the wine. "Lingzhou is far from the capital. I wish you would come back more often, but Lingzhou cannot do without people, and you have suffered a lot."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yanhui stood up and walked down from the stage, clasped her hands in a fist and solemnly said, "Since my sister has received the honor of being the King of Jiangbei, she should shoulder the responsibilities and share the burdens of His Majesty. It is also the duty of a subject."
Jiang Jingyue said, "Get up. We're all family, there's no need for such formalities."
Jiang Yanhui obeyed and stood up. "What my sister said is from the bottom of her heart. My elder sister has already taken good care of me. I will serve my elder sister and the people of the world."
"I know what you're thinking." Jiang Jingyue sighed, his eyes slightly reddening, and waved his hand, telling her to sit back down and enjoy the meal.
The two sisters put on a show for the bewildered ministers below the stage, intending to use this opportunity to clarify their relationship with others and stop nagging Jiang Jingyue while Jiang Yanhui was far away in Lingzhou.
Unexpectedly, as they talked, Jiang Jingyue became genuinely emotional. How could she not have feelings for a child she had watched grow up? And since the foster daughter, Consort Shu, had treated her very well, how could she, as the ministers who had submitted their remonstrances said, harbor suspicion towards Jiang Yanhui, who had been guarding the peaceful Lingzhou for ten years?
The ministers sitting below looked at each other, none of them speaking, pondering the meaning of what had just happened.
After the wine had been flowing freely, a palace maid walked in with her head down and whispered a few words to Fanglan, the head palace maid serving His Majesty. Fanglan lifted the hem of her dress and went up a step, then bent down and smiled as she reported to His Majesty in a low voice.
With Jiang Jingyue's approval, Fanglan smiled and said to her subordinates, "My lords, the long street has been prepared. You may go and enjoy the sights. If you are tired, there is a hangover soup and snacks prepared by the Yeqing Pool. You may rest there."
This year's activities are much more abundant than in previous years, presumably because Jiang Yan has returned to the capital, and the emperor wants to make amends.
The officials weren't interested in these things; what they cared about more was spending a few more moments by the emperor's side to gain his favor and make him more likely to use them.
Jiang Jingyue went back to sober up and change clothes before coming back to enjoy the pleasure with him. No one in the palace made a move; they were all waiting for the emperor to come out and vying for the chance to stand by his side.
Sometimes it's very simple to get benefits: just please the emperor, and a few words can make someone rise to prominence.
Jiang Yanhui's gaze lingered on the water clock for a moment, then she frowned slightly.
During holidays, the curfew in Beijing is extended by two hours. The clock shows it is already 7 PM. Hearing the arrangements, it seems that the curfew will not end as early as before, but will be delayed until the New Year's Eve fireworks. The local markets are probably almost closed.
Jiang Yan recalled the joyful expression on Ah Chou's face when he was told to accompany him to the night market, and a deep sense of reluctance arose in her heart.
She straightened her robes and got up, following the direction Jiang Jingyue had left in, until she arrived at the palace gate where Jiang Jingyue had changed clothes. The palace maid guarding the gate went to inform her, and after receiving permission, Jiang Yan went inside and stood behind the screen in the outer room.
"Why have you come to see me? Are those ministers bothering you again?"
Jiang Jingyue's smiling voice came from behind the screen, accompanied by the footsteps of palace maids and the sounds of jewelry colliding and clothing rubbing together.
Jiang Yanhui pursed her lips, feeling unusually awkward about speaking up. With the unease of a young person having to be honest with a close elder, she replied briefly and deliberately, "Your Majesty, I wish to bring someone into the palace."
Jiang Jingyue, who was still missing a belt, immediately came out from behind the screen, grabbed the belt from the tray and tied it himself. He raised one eyebrow high, his smile deepening, and asked with a teasing tone, "It's rare that you have something to ask of me. Which family's child do you care about so much?"
Jiang Yanhui pursed her pale lips into a straight line, turned her face slightly away, and said reluctantly, but the redness on the tips of her ears truly revealed her thoughts.
Jiang Jingyue laughed heartily, having found his answer.
Anyway, they're going to bring them into the palace to play, so you'll see them then.
He nodded in agreement, saying, "I will not ask any further." He then turned to Fanglan and instructed, "Go and bring the person here personally."
Fanglan smiled broadly, her eyes disappearing as she happily took the imperial decree and left.
The Jiangbei Prince's Mansion was bustling with activity. Everyone was happy during the New Year, and the Prince never mistreated his servants with New Year's gifts, so everyone looked forward to the holidays.
What can add a touch of fun to a dull life is a variety of small games. Uncle Wang brought some small trinkets as prizes; they weren't worth much money, but everyone could have some fun together.
Enveloped in the warm and cheerful atmosphere, Ah Chou's smile never faded. He was pulled by Hong Chun to play a couple of rounds and won a wooden little yellow dog.
The little yellow dog sculpture is so lifelike, with round eyes dotted with black paint and a red tongue sticking out, it looks so endearing.
A slightly tired Ah Chou moved a stool and sat down to watch the others play games, a faint smile on her lips. However, her eyes kept uncontrollably glancing towards the gate, calculating how long it would take for Jiang Yan Hui to return.
They waited and waited, until Uncle Wang called everyone to the main room to eat dumplings, until fireworks exploded in the sky, but they still didn't hear from Jiang Yan that she had returned.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they ran into the courtyard to set off firecrackers and have fun. Amidst the laughter and merriment, Ah Chou, sitting alone under the eaves, looked utterly forlorn.
Ah Chou's small face was mostly buried in the rabbit fur scarf, and her soft, long eyelashes trembled in the wind.
Suddenly, I felt a cool sensation on my nose. Looking up, I saw pure white snowflakes falling gently from the sky.
The exhaled hot breath condensed into white mist, blurring Ah Chou's face.
A person sat down next to him, and when Ah Chou turned his head to look, a sparkler was stuffed into his hand.
After running around and making a ruckus, Hongchun's cheeks were flushed from the heat. She rubbed her hands together and said, "Palace banquets are often delayed. His Majesty might suddenly decide to keep them away to have fun elsewhere. Don't be upset if His Majesty doesn't return in time."
Ah Chou shook his head without even thinking.
It's impossible not to be disappointed that Jiang Yan Hui hasn't returned yet, but Ah Chou is well aware that serving the emperor is like walking on thin ice, so how could she possibly plan the emperor's schedule? Therefore, it's impossible for her to be angry that Jiang Yan Hui broke her promise.
"Tomorrow is the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the market will be lively in the evening. The curfew has been extended for five consecutive days, so you can go shopping anytime you want."
Hongchun understood that Achou wasn't someone who couldn't distinguish right from wrong, but since Wang Zun had promised first, someone had to say something to appease him.
It's not easy for a king to find a man he likes; he can't let the two of them harbor resentment.
Ah Chou smiled and nodded, looking down at the sparkler in his hand, and waved it.
Hongchun moved her lips twice as if she wanted to say something more, but was interrupted by being called over and forgot.
Once again, Ah Chou sat alone under the eaves, and tiptoed.
He opened his tightly clenched palm, revealing a copper coin in his hand—the one he'd found while eating dumplings that evening.
The falling snow was light and soft, and Ah Chou, dressed warmly, actually fell into a light sleep leaning against a pillar.
A moment later, a report came and the laughter and chatter in the mansion ceased. Ah Chou, who hadn't heard any sound for a long time, slowly awoke from his drowsiness. When he opened his eyes, he saw a group of people standing properly in the courtyard, and a strange woman smiling at him.
Startled, Ah Chou quickly got up, his drowsiness instantly vanishing.
Fanglan's arrival was sudden; no one expected that the emperor's head maid would come to deliver an imperial decree on New Year's Eve. They hurriedly tidied their appearance and received her in the courtyard, completely forgetting about A Chou, who was sleeping under the eaves.
Upon learning that the sleeping beauty was the person the King of Jiangbei wanted to bring to the palace, and seeing that he was a handsome man, Fanglan smiled and narrowed her eyes.
When Fanglan saw Ah Chou's clear, bright eyes, Fanglan was even more delighted.
Having seen all sorts of people around the emperor, this was the first time he had ever seen a child with such clear eyes. No wonder Jiang Yan Hui couldn't bear to leave him and wanted to keep him by her side.
Although Ah Chou didn't know who the unfamiliar woman in front of him was, he could vaguely sense the tense atmosphere. He couldn't help but swallow nervously and subconsciously looked at Wang Bo, whom he trusted the most.
"Good child, don't be afraid." Uncle Wang stepped forward and patted Ah Chou's arm reassuringly, then said to Fang Lan, "Ah Chou is mute, so please just say what you need to say."
Fanglan's expression remained unchanged, but she couldn't help feeling sorry for A Chou, even though it was only the first time she had met him.
Perhaps he was the person Jiang Yanhui liked, or perhaps A Chou was a rare person with a pure heart whom she had never met; such rare qualities always make people feel good about them.
Fanglan unconsciously lowered her voice, "Your name is Achou, right? I'm here to read out the Emperor's decree. You go and receive the decree with them first."
With a leader in mind, Ah Chou hurriedly followed behind Uncle Wang, the copper coins in his palms damp with sweat. He wiped them off and put them in his pocket.
Fang Lan straightened her back, and the aura around her immediately became stronger. She glanced down and said, "Relay the Emperor's decree."
Ah Chou knelt down along with Uncle Wang and the others.
"His Majesty has ordered that A Chou from the Jiangbei Prince's residence may enter the palace for an audience."
After saying that, Fanglan returned to her lovely and approachable demeanor, helped Wang Bo up, and knowing what he wanted to ask, she simply said frankly, "It was Your Majesty who asked the King to allow Young Master Achou to enter the palace, so there's no need to worry. However, you'll have to trouble yourself to dress him up properly, as His Majesty will surely want to see him."
Wang Bo breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that it was his own king who had requested that the person be sent to the palace to accompany him, and he smiled the same way as Fang Lan, the two of them understanding each other without saying a word.
Still confused about what was happening, Ah Chou watched as Uncle Wang and Fang Lan politely went to sit down and drink tea in the main hall, while he was pulled into the private room by Hong Chun.
A servant entered shortly afterward, carrying a tray filled with exquisite ornaments and clothing, the price of which was obvious to the naked eye.
Hongchun carefully picked it up and held it up to Ah Chou to see if it fit. She shook her head and nodded, making Ah Chou breathe softly.
"You have a delicate and refined appearance, and ornate jewelry would only make you look vulgar. You should mainly wear jade ornaments. When you enter the palace, your attire should be respectable. If you are too dazzling, you will attract unwanted attention."
As Hongchun spoke, she had someone bring in a new batch.
Ah Chou didn't care what clothes she wore, but when it came to her head ornaments... Ah Chou touched the jade hairpin in her hair and didn't intend to take it off.
Hongchun chose a light pink inner layer for Achou, paired with a pale yellow outer coat, making her look even younger than her already youthful appearance. A white rabbit fur scarf adorned her neck, and with a slight smile, her rosy cheeks flushed as she fidgeted, making her all the more endearing.
As soon as she came out, Fanglan's eyes lit up.
As the saying goes, clothes make the man. At first glance, she seemed pretty and charming, but after dressing up, she had the air of a shy beauty.
The carriage to the palace was waiting outside the mansion. When Ah Chou heard from Hong Chun that he was going to the palace to see Jiang Yan Hui, he was no longer afraid and even looked forward to it.
Along the long, brightly lit palace road, stalls stretched as far as the eye could see on both sides. Jiang Jingyue strolled along, chatting and laughing with the people around him.
Jiang Yanhui stood to her left, showing no interest in the dazzling array of trinkets, and listened to the conversation in a half-hearted manner.
Those following behind knew they couldn't get a spot, so they gave up for the time being. Since they were already there, they stopped when they saw something they liked, just like when they were shopping outside.
Pay the money, then take the goods.
The prices of the items were naturally the same as those outside, as the emperor himself had ordered that they be replicated one-to-one.
Jiang Jingyue stopped in front of the sugar painting stall, carefully examined the samples tied to the cotton cloth, and said happily, "Draw me a dragon."
He nudged Jiang Yan Hui with his elbow and joked, "I've already sent someone to pick him up. There's no reason for you to be so absent-minded as to keep him company."
Jiang Yan replied apologetically, "It was my sister who was distracted."
"What do you want to draw?" Jiang Jingyue pointed with his finger, a mischievous thought creeping into his mind. "Then I'll choose one for you, a pair of mandarin ducks."
Listening intently to every word from the officials behind him, they still couldn't figure out what the purpose of drawing the pair of mandarin duck sugar paintings for Jiang Yanhui was.
Could it be that His Majesty is going to bestow a marriage upon Jiang Yan?
All sorts of things came to mind at once.
Whether it was the heat or the cold wind, Jiang Yanhui's ears flushed red, and she nodded in acceptance of Jiang Jingyue's teasing. Looking at the lifelike golden dragon under the spoon, she even felt a hint of anticipation.
With just a few strokes, the outline of a pair of mandarin ducks is sketched out, with details so exquisite that they are even the individual feathers.
Jiang Yan paused for a moment when she picked it up, then raised her hand to cover the sugar painting, blocking the wisps of snowflakes that were falling.
Jiang Jingyue stopped and smiled, her eyes crinkling, "Look, isn't this the person you've been waiting for?"
At the same time, Jiang Yan looked up in the direction indicated. The first thing she saw was a figure that was all too familiar to her. As she got closer, she saw Ah Chou's bright, sparkling eyes.
Even Jiang Yan couldn't realize how much doting his expression was beneath the gentleness the moment he confirmed it was Ah Chou; he couldn't suppress the upturned corners of his mouth.
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