A year later, Shang Shaoyan and Qiao Xiuyu attended Qiao Yu and Yuan Yuan's wedding banquet.
After returning to Luoyang, Shang Shaoyan continued to immerse himself in government affairs, while Qiao Xiuyu continued to take care of the children, read books, and follow behind Shang Shaoyan.
Seeing that Shang Shaoyan had lost a lot of weight from exhaustion, Shang Yunlan couldn't help but advise, "If you continue like this, it might not be good for your health."
Shang Shaoyan sighed: "How could I not know? The world is already at peace, and there are far fewer problems. But Ashina Yeting insists on opening up trade routes to the Western Regions. I told him that this matter cannot be rushed, but he actually used Huanhuan's childhood sweetheart as leverage..."
Shang Yihuan's "childhood sweetheart" Ashina Zhi, or more precisely, her childhood sweetheart, is the eldest son of Ashina Yeting, three years older than Shang Yihuan. They were born and raised in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Although he has the appearance of a foreigner, he speaks fluent Great Zhou Mandarin.
Shang Shaoyan really likes Ashina and secretly told Ashina Yeting that Ashina should give priority to Shang Yihuan when looking for a girlfriend in the future.
It's obvious that Shang Shaoyan really wants a mixed-race grandson/granddaughter.
"Oh, right," Shang Shaoyan suddenly remembered something and asked, "How is Lin Jing doing lately?"
Shang Yunlan sighed: "He's been practicing medicine in Qianzhou lately... I heard he got into a conflict with the locals."
When Lin Jing saw Cheng Lingxiu alive, Shang Shaoyan and Shang Yunlan breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that he would no longer have the idea of being a "traveling doctor," but they did not expect that he would still insist on practicing medicine outside.
Lin Jing felt that his previous behavior was wrong; he was too arrogant and conceited, which was obviously not a good thing. Therefore, he wanted to travel around and broaden his horizons.
Upon hearing that Lin Jing had gotten into a conflict, Shang Shaoyan immediately frowned: "Lin Jing's temper has become much milder in recent years. How could he have gotten into a conflict? Is he alright?"
After a moment's consideration, Shang Yunlan said as tactfully as possible, "He is still alive."
Shang Shaoyan: "...?"
Shang Yunlan explained simply: "Lin Jing accidentally entered a forbidden area of a Miao village and saw the legendary divine herb, so he picked it. He didn't expect that it was something that the people had worshipped for thousands of years... Lin Jing has now been detained in the Miao village for a month."
Shang Shaoyan was speechless for a moment, then shook his head and chuckled, "Alright, he has been living in seclusion for many years, so he is inevitably a bit naive. Brother, send some people to protect him first. It's best if he can handle this matter himself."
Shang Yunlan nodded in agreement, saying, "That's what I think too."
After discussing political affairs for a while, Shang Shaoyan went to have dinner with Qiao Xiuyu.
...
It's Lunar New Year's Eve again, and the palace is filled with the atmosphere of the grandest festival, with lanterns and decorations everywhere.
After Shang Shaoyan ascended the throne, he was neither extravagant nor overly frugal, so the palace banquet was held in a fairly standard manner. However, in previous years, Bai Feng and Bai Xue had been preparing the palace banquet, so it was already quite good for Qiao Xiuyu, who was hosting the banquet for the first time.
As the wine flowed freely, Shang Shaoyan looked at the civil and military officials below her, as well as her many trusted confidants, and her heart was filled with gratitude. These were her pillars of support, who had governed the country with her. The peace and tranquility of the land today were the result of everyone's collective efforts.
Now, the orphanages that Tao Yingshi and Yan Xuening established have spread throughout the country, and the two are currently drinking and chatting happily below; Cui Du is now teaching courses at the medical school funded by Shang Yunlan, and can be considered a veteran figure in the medical school, with Lin Jing, who has finally returned from the Miao village, assisting him; Li Langxuan has now risen to the position of Grand Chancellor, and Mo Xing has inherited the title of General of the State, one a civil official and the other a military officer, undoubtedly Shang Shaoyan's right-hand men; Old Master Xin is teaching at the academy and Old Master Ye is becoming the Grand Tutor of the Crown Princess, both having fulfilled their youthful wishes...
Shang Shaoyan has dealt with some of his former associates who had become arrogant and overconfident over the years.
For example, Hua Qing was too radical. In the third year after Shang Shaoyan ascended the throne, he actually committed the crimes of seizing farmland and evading taxes. Shang Shaoyan did not punish him too severely because of their past relationship, but he was inevitably demoted.
Shang Shaoyan was very skilled at praising capable officials and encouraging new ones. Qiao Xiuyu watched her from the side, her heart and eyes filled with joy.
Before midnight, the palace banquet ended. Shang Shaoyan and Qiao Xiuyu strolled together in the Imperial Garden. Shang Yihuan and Ashi Nazhi had been busy with their studies these past few days and did not join in this rare time for the two of them.
Under the moonlight, Shang Shaoyan secretly watched Qiao Xiuyu's elongated shadow, then suddenly jumped onto his back and clung tightly to him. Qiao Xiuyu instinctively supported Shang Shaoyan, then said helplessly, "An'an."
Seeing this, the palace servants knew they could no longer follow, so they kept watch from a distance.
Under the gentle moonlight, on the pristine snow, amidst the fragrant red plum blossoms, Qiao Xiuyu paused for a moment, then smiled and asked, "An'an, would you like a sprig of plum blossom?"
Shang Shaoyan smiled and whispered sweetly in his ear, "I want the prettiest one."
After saying that, she jumped off Qiao Xiuyu's back, staring at him with bright eyes: "Qilang, I like you so much."
Qiao Xiuyu smiled and kissed the top of her head, then reached out and plucked a branch of red plum blossoms that were blooming most beautifully and flamboyantly.
Shang Shaoyan took it, held it in his hand, and led Qiao Xiuyu to sit on a stone bench nearby. He suddenly smiled and said, "On our wedding day, we were sitting right here, and you asked me if I would bring Cui Du into the palace."
Qiao Xiuyu felt somewhat embarrassed.
Over the years, their feelings for each other have grown stronger and have never diminished. He thought for a moment and said frankly, "Back then, An'an had just ascended the throne, and I was always afraid that you would change."
Shang Shaoyan chuckled: "During the time you were emperor in Northern Zhou, I was also afraid that you would change."
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