Chapter 922 She is not that kind of person!
In order to appear intimate, there were not too many people and a large round table was used.
The family has a lively meal.
Jiang Lianzhu improved the table so that it can rotate like the modern one. The public dishes are on the rotating table in the middle, and the dishes you like are on the non-rotating table.
Dabao said a blessing speech, first paid tribute to the ancestors and the late emperor, and everyone stood up and toasted, completing the ceremony.
Next it’s time to start the banquet.
"Don't be restrained, everyone. We are all family here today. After a year of hard work, let's have a reunion dinner and speak freely. There is no need to be restrained." Dabao didn't say much and took the lead in picking up a dish with chopsticks.
Except for Liao Jiu, everyone else was women, children and couldn't drink, so Erya served fruit wine. Although it was called wine, it was actually a sour and sweet drink that even children could drink.
Mrs. Zhou is the only elder, so it is still possible for her to warm up the atmosphere.
After the divorce, Mrs. Zhou became much kinder and not as stubborn and arrogant as before. However, her stubbornness and arrogance were only directed at outsiders. She never put on airs with her family members.
Besides, no one in this room has a lower status than her, so she can't afford to put on airs.
"Come on, come on, everyone, have a meal. Another year has passed and the new year is about to come. Time flies. I hope everyone will be prosperous next year and reach even greater heights." Mrs. Zhou toasted everyone.
Everyone raised their glasses and took a sip of the fruit wine.
Erbao and Nanbao were the most casual, and they both ate happily.
He was eating so much that his head was shaking and his mouth was full of oil.
The atmosphere became relaxed and the second princess took the initiative to talk to Jiang Lianzhu.
"Princess, I just returned to the capital a few days ago and haven't had time to report to you on the situation on the border of Aquarius..."
Jiang Lianzhu smiled and said, "Tell me."
After the second princess went on the expedition with the army last time, she had been stationed in a border city. She only returned to the capital when the New Year was approaching.
"The cities of Aquarius are now developing well, and the people of Aquarius have changed their mindsets and become citizens of Da'an. Some were reluctant, so we relocated them according to your wishes. The rest just want to live a good life. There are also refugees from several small countries who have come to seek refuge here. The situation is very good."
"We've also implemented Da'an's people-friendly policies in these outer cities. We've opened schools, halved taxes, provided business subsidies, and established a grievance court to redress grievances. We've also focused on public security issues to increase people's sense of security and their trust in Da'an..."
The second princess reported and Jiang Lianzhu nodded.
"Well done! Are there any Aquarius spies trying to pull some tricks, sowing discord and stirring up public sentiment?"
The Second Princess said, "Of course there are. It has happened several times, and Zhou Yuan saw through them all. In fact, most of the good strategies were proposed by Zhou Yuan. The Zhou family is worthy of being a prime minister family, and their insights are indeed extraordinary. I learned a lot from him..."
Jiang Lianzhu smiled.
Everyone looked at the second princess.
Dabao said, "Thank you for your hard work, Second Sister!"
The Second Princess quickly stood up and bowed, "This is what I should do. It's not hard. It's my honor to serve the country! I also want to thank the Emperor and the Princess for their trust."
Jiang Lianzhu waved her hand and asked the second princess to sit down.
"We're family, so there's no need for formalities. Sit down and tell me. You've all done great things on the border of Aquarius. The court has received your memorials. The emperor discussed with me a few days ago about rewarding you, the garrison commanders. Rewards and punishments are clearly defined. No matter what, no matter your status, if you've done a good job, you should be commended. Let people see how you, the Second Princess, bring glory to the country and care for the people."
The second princess blushed with excitement.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, and thank you, Princess."
She sat back, her hands shaking.
She proved herself!
Before, she was murdered and imprisoned by Baihualou. Her former fake brother falsely accused her of coveting the throne and saying that she had improper ambitions...
She refused to accept it! She was not that kind of person!
As a princess, she knew that she had no chance of becoming emperor. She just wanted to do something for the people. As a princess, she was loved by the people. She wanted their country Da'an to be better and their people to be happier.
It also shows people that daughters are not necessarily inferior to boys.
Women can do great things too!
Now, she has done it...
Even though she was not good enough in the eyes of others and was far inferior to Princess Fu'an, she had finally walked out of the palace and the capital, and started to do practical things step by step.
It is also progress.
Suddenly, Jiang Lianzhu asked, "Is Zhou Yuan back for the New Year?"
The second princess's face inexplicably turned redder, "I'm back."
"Did he come back with you?"
The second princess lowered her eyes and said, "Yes, we came back together. Everything over there has been arranged."
Jiang Lianzhu nodded and said nothing more.
Everyone continued to eat. Mrs. Zhou said, "Lianzhu, your father was with us at the New Year's Eve dinner last year, but this year he's missing. When will he come back? Without him, the New Year's Eve dinner won't be lively anymore."
When it comes to the War King, everyone pricks up their ears to listen.
Jiang Lianzhu smiled and said, "My father has his own things to do and hasn't come back yet. However, he is living well outside. After all, he has reached the ninth level of martial arts, so he won't suffer any loss outside."
Madam Zhou breathed a sigh of relief. "Of course. The War King is majestic, righteous, and highly skilled in martial arts. He will never suffer any loss anywhere! The War King is not here, and your brothers are not in the capital either. Otherwise, you could invite them over for a reunion dinner or something. It would be more lively with more people."
"Me too. It's a pity that my brothers are not in the capital."
The eldest princess stood there silently.
While others were talking and laughing, she said nothing, with a dull expression on her face, and she seemed to have no appetite for food.
In the past, my eyes would stay on Liao Jiu and I would look at him a few more times.
I didn't even look at it today. I have no interest at all.
Mrs. Zhou took into account her mood and used the serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of food for her.
"Princess, how are you feeling lately? You look fine, but why is your appetite so poor?"
The eldest princess bowed and said, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. I ate some sweet-scented osmanthus cake before I came here, which was a bit of a pressure dish, so I can't eat much. I'm in good health."
Jiang Lianzhu was peeling shrimps for her daughter, and her hands were covered in juice.
She glanced at the eldest princess, "But is there anything you want to talk about? We're all family, if there's anything, just say it directly. I'll discuss it with you while we're all together..."
The eldest princess has always been someone who can't hide things, and she's not the type of person who can hide her emotions.
The expression on her face showed that she was worried and hesitated to speak.
The eldest princess bit her lip and said, "After the New Year, I want to go to the Taoist temple outside the city to practice with my hair untied. Living in the house all day will make me have wild thoughts. I want to go to the Taoist temple to practice, pray for my father, and cultivate my mind and character. I hope my brother will approve it."
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