Legend has it that before the ancestors of Dayong rose up, a strange stone fell from the sky with their names engraved on it. After that, the land was flat and prosperous.
It was because of this rumor that Emperor Jingyuan was so excited when he saw the coral.
"This is a blessing from heaven! Your Majesty, I congratulate you."
The Empress smiled and bowed. All the servants in the hall, being perceptive, knelt down and offered their congratulations in unison.
Emperor Jingyuan, beaming with delight, examined the coral closely before saying to Jiang Wan, "The Empress's words are true. Lady Jiang is a blessed person, for she has the opportunity to obtain this treasure."
"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king, and all things in the world belong to Your Majesty. I am merely offering this as a token of my appreciation."
Jiang Wan said modestly.
"It's just that I don't know how to appreciate coral, otherwise I might have been able to tell where this treasure came from."
Upon her reminder, Emperor Jingyuan suddenly raised his head: "Speaking of coral, who in the court is more knowledgeable about its appreciation than your father?"
He was in high spirits when he immediately ordered, "Someone, summon Prime Minister Jiang to the palace at once."
He then looked at Jiang Wan, in a very good mood.
"Lady Jiang also stayed in the palace and dined with everyone."
Jiang Wan thanked him for his kindness.
Pei Tang couldn't help but lean closer and whisper in her ear, "Sister Jiang, you're so lucky to have found such a treasure. You can't just give me some ordinary gift to fool me for my birthday next month!"
"Of course." Jiang Wan smiled and looked around. "Is His Highness the Crown Prince not in the palace today?"
Pei Tang replied, "My brother went to the residence of Commander Qian of the Patrol Camp early this morning, saying he had something to discuss."
Jiang Wan nodded.
After Ji Huaichuan was dispatched to another post, the patrol battalion was temporarily managed by Commandant Qian.
Today is the day Donglai attacks the capital.
Pei Xuan, being in his residence, should have been the first to notice something amiss.
She calmed herself and quietly took a sip of tea.
In less than half an incense stick's time, Jiang Linyuan arrived to carry out his orders.
Upon seeing the coral, which was half a person tall and crystal clear and crimson, his eyes immediately lit up with amazement, and he carefully examined it from all angles.
He circled the coral once, his gaze growing increasingly deep.
"You've come at the perfect time, my dear minister. This was specially presented by Lady Jiang." Emperor Jingyuan chuckled. "You are quite knowledgeable about coral; can you tell its origin?"
Jiang Linyuan frowned and glanced at Jiang Wan.
He hesitated for a moment before saying, "If I am not mistaken, this coral should come from the South China Sea. Congratulations, Your Majesty, you have been blessed by Heaven!"
Emperor Jingyuan's smile deepened. He ordered someone to move the coral and summoned Jiang Linyuan to the back hall for a closer look.
The Empress affectionately pulled Jiang Wan over.
"His Majesty is in high spirits, so please wait for the right time. It just so happens that the Imperial Kitchen has prepared a mixed hot pot today. You and Prime Minister Jiang can have dinner before you leave."
Jiang Wan agreed, estimating the time in her mind.
In the previous life, the people of Donglai attacked the capital under cover of night. If Jiang Linyuan had been kept in the palace before that, the disaster of the previous life could have been avoided.
Just as the Empress said, Emperor Jingyuan was very fond of this coral. It wasn't until sunset that he brought Jiang Linyuan out of the back palace to change clothes and have a meal.
Jiang Linyuan glanced at the sky and slowly walked to the door.
“Father.” Jiang Wan followed and stopped him, saying, “Her Majesty the Empress has ordered that you dine with her.”
Jiang Linyuan glanced at her, his expression suddenly turning cold.
"Nonsense."
"Do you really think I can't see that the coral is a fake made by a craftsman? This is a crime of deceiving the emperor!"
He lowered his voice.
"What is your purpose in forging treasures to flatter the Emperor?!"
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