He married Song Siyao in a sedan chair carried by eight people, and promised her that they would be together for the rest of their lives. They also had a son named Jiang Zhuo.
He thought he could finally live a peaceful life with Song Siyao, but the good times didn't last long.
That day was a day that couldn't be more ordinary.
Emperor Murong Sheng kept Prime Minister Jiang Ling alone in the Qianqing Palace for a talk.
Inside the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood, yet the atmosphere was somewhat solemn. Murong Sheng sat on the dragon throne, drawing something on a piece of paper with a pen in his hand.
"Prime Minister Jiang, please first report to me the recent situation of each official."
Jiang Ling bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, the Minister of Personnel is fair and just. He has been meticulous in his recent assessment of officials and has selected many talented people for the court.
But the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue seems to have some unclear accounts, and I am sending people to investigate secretly.
"Mr. Chu of the Ministry of Justice has enforced the law strictly, which has greatly improved the security of the capital. The various ceremonies prepared by the Ministry of Rites are also proceeding in an orderly manner..."
Murong Sheng nodded slightly and asked, "Where is the Ministry of War?"
Jiang Ling pondered for a moment and replied, "General Liu from the Ministry of War is very dedicated to training the new recruits, but the allocation of military pay for the frontiers still requires your consideration, Your Majesty."
After reporting on the official's situation, Murong Sheng put down his pen, picked up the painting on the table, and said, "Prime Minister Jiang, how about you evaluate this calligraphy and painting of mine?"
Jiang Ling walked forward, examined it carefully, and said, "Your Majesty's calligraphy is vigorous and majestic, and the words reveal the aura of an emperor."
Murong Sheng smiled slightly, then straightened his face and said, "Okay, let's get down to business. I've heard that your child, Jiang Zhuo, is very smart and clever, and I want him to come to the palace to accompany Crown Prince Murong Zhi in his studies."
Jiang Ling's heart tightened, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, my son Jiang Zhuo is only obedient in front of outsiders. At home, he is as naughty as a dog and cannot be controlled at all. I am afraid that he will cause trouble in the palace and offend His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Murong Sheng waved his hand and said, "No problem. Let Jiang Zhuo come to the palace tomorrow and spend a day with Murong Zhi."
Seeing that the emperor had made up his mind, Jiang Ling said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The next day, Song Siyao got up early before the morning light had completely penetrated the night sky.
She tiptoed into Jiang Zhuo's room, afraid of waking up the sleeping child.
Inside the room, the dim candlelight flickered gently. Song Siyao opened the wardrobe and carefully selected a bright red dress for Jiang Zhuo.
The material of the dress was made of high-quality silk, which felt smooth and soft. It was embroidered with exquisite patterns, making it look very luxurious.
She walked gently to the bedside and gently woke Jiang Zhuo: "Zhuo'er, it's time to get up. You have to go to the palace today."
Jiang Zhuo rubbed his sleepy eyes and sat up. Song Siyao smiled as she helped him put on his new clothes, carefully tying the belt and straightening every wrinkle.
Then, Song Siyao pulled Jiang Zhuo to the bronze mirror, combed his hair, tied it into an exquisite bun, and inserted an exquisite jade hairpin.
"Zhuo'er, you must be careful with your words and actions after entering the palace. Don't be naughty or cause trouble. There are many rules in the palace. You must listen to your father, okay?" Song Siyao whispered while tidying up Jiang Zhuo's clothes.
"I know, Mom." Jiang Zhuo nodded obediently.
At this time, Jiang Ling also packed up and came to the yard. Song Siyao hurried over to straighten Jiang Ling's clothes and smooth out the wrinkles on his shoulders.
"You must also be careful in the palace and take good care of Zhuo'er." Song Siyao's eyes were full of concern.
Everything was ready, and Jiang Zhuo ran towards the carriage excitedly.
"Mom, when I come back, I will bring you your favorite peach cakes!" Jiang Zhuo waved to Song Siyao while sitting in the carriage.
Song Siyao responded with a smile: "Okay, Zhuo'er, go quickly."
She stood at the door and watched the carriage go farther and farther away until it disappeared from her sight.
Jiang Zhuo, entering the palace for the first time, was very interested in everything. He stared around curiously with his eyes wide open.
The towering palace walls seemed to reach the sky, their vermilion walls gleaming in the sunlight. At regular intervals above the walls stood exquisite corner towers, their flying eaves and brackets magnificent.
Entering the palace gate, the spacious imperial road stretches as far as the eye can see. The ground is paved with smooth bluestone, so clean that you can even see your own shadow. Lush trees line the road on both sides, and the breeze rustles the leaves.
The palaces they passed by were one after another, with golden roofs, red walls, carved beams and painted buildings. Jiang Zhuo couldn't help but stop and stare at the exquisite carvings on the doors and windows. The patterns on them were lifelike, with dragons soaring through the sea of clouds and phoenixes dancing in the sky.
The palace maids and eunuchs came and went, all dressed in uniform, their expressions hurried. Jiang Zhuo looked curiously at the various items they held in their hands: exquisite food boxes and gorgeous silks.
In the garden not far away, colorful flowers competed for beauty and gave off a fragrant scent. Jiang Zhuo couldn't help but run over, wanting to get closer and smell the flowers.
Jiang Zhuo sat in the carriage, looking around excitedly, unable to calm down for a moment.
Jiang Ling looked at his son with a serious expression and earnestly instructed him, "Zhuo'er, let me tell you again. This time when you come to the palace to accompany him to study, you must not offend Murong Zhi. He is the crown prince and has a noble status. If you are not careful, our whole family may suffer."
Jiang Zhuo responded absentmindedly, "I know, I know, Dad."
His eyes were fixed on the car window, thinking about the unknown and interesting places in the palace.
Jiang Ling frowned and emphasized his tone: "Don't take it lightly, kid. You must be careful with your words and actions and not be reckless or impulsive."
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