allonlinenovel Chapter 295 Warmth
Chapter 295 Warmth
In the summer at the Xijing Kingdom's palace, cicadas chirped incessantly, and in the pond of the Imperial Garden, lotus leaves stretched out, and lotus flowers swayed gracefully, like shy maidens.
Jia Xiaoyan sat in the pavilion, holding a round fan and gently fanning herself to dispel the summer heat. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on her.
"Your Majesty, the lotus flowers are blooming exceptionally beautifully today," a palace maid said with a smile.
Jia Xiaoyan nodded slightly, but her gaze fell on the flowers by the pond, her thoughts drifting far away. She thought of Gu Liuli, who was far away in the Nanzhao Kingdom. Although they lived in different countries, they had maintained a close correspondence for many years, their friendship deep and enduring. Now that You'an had married Su Liyue, the daughter of the martial arts alliance leader, she had to tell Gu Liuli about this joyous occasion as soon as possible.
"Someone, bring me pen and ink," Jia Xiaoyan ordered.
A moment later, a palace maid brought over writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Jia Xiaoyan rose, walked to the table, and gently ground the ink. Her eyes were full of tenderness and joy, as if she could already see the surprised expression on Gu Liuli's face when she received the letter.
Jia Xiaoyan picked up her brush, dipped it in ink, and slowly wrote on the Xuan paper: "Liuli, it is as if I am seeing you in person. The summer is so hot, I wonder if my dear sister is doing well. Several months have passed since our last correspondence, and I have been thinking of you very much. Today, I am writing this letter to share some good news with you."
"You'an has married Su Liyue, the daughter of Su Zhentian, the leader of the martial arts alliance. Miss Su is not only beautiful, but also kind-hearted and highly skilled in martial arts. She and You'an are deeply in love, and the two get along well after marriage. The wedding day was grand and lively, and the entire palace was immersed in joy."
"Thinking back to the past, the time we spent together in the palace seems like it was just yesterday. Now, the children have all grown up, started their own families, and established their own careers. We can say that we have fulfilled a long-cherished wish. I wonder how Liuli's children are doing lately? I suppose Yi'er is already capable of standing on his own and shouldering the responsibilities of the Nanzhao Kingdom."
"By the way, although Miss Su comes from the martial arts world, she knows nothing about court etiquette in this palace. I have been teaching her these days. Fortunately, Miss Su is exceptionally intelligent and has a strong learning ability, and her progress is remarkable. I believe that it won't be long before she is fully adapted to life in the palace."
"Liuli, when we have the chance, we must find time to get together and have a good chat about our experiences over the years. I also hope to visit the Nanzhao Kingdom to see Liuli, and also to see Yi'er and the other children."
"As it grows late, I will not write any more. I wish Liuli all the best and good health."
After Jia Xiaoyan finished writing, she carefully checked it again. Once she confirmed that there were no errors, she put the letter into an envelope and handed it to the eunuch next to her: "Immediately send someone to deliver this letter to the Nanzhao Kingdom and make sure to personally deliver it to Consort Gu Liuli."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The eunuch accepted the order and left.
A few days later, in the royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, Gu Liuli was admiring the flowers in the imperial garden. A palace maid hurried over, holding a letter in her hand: "Your Majesty, a letter from the Xijing Kingdom."
Gu Liuli was overjoyed. She took the letter and eagerly opened it. Her eyes darted quickly across the paper, and a relieved smile appeared on her face.
"I didn't expect You'an to be married already. Miss Su, that sounds wonderful," Gu Liuli said softly.
At this moment, Xiao Jingchuan walked over: "My dear wife, what makes you so happy?"
Gu Liuli handed the letter to Xiao Jingchuan: "Your Majesty, it's a letter from Xiaoyan. You'an married the daughter of the martial arts alliance leader, and the wedding was a grand affair."
After reading the letter, Xiao Jingchuan smiled and said, "This is indeed a joyous occasion. You'an is now married and will likely be even more mature and stable."
Gu Liuli nodded in agreement: "Yes, our Yi'er has grown up, and it's time to think about his marriage."
Xiao Jingchuan pondered for a moment and said, "My dear wife is absolutely right. In a few days, we will also keep an eye out and choose a suitable woman for Yi'er."
Gu Liuli looked at Xiao Jingchuan with tenderness in her eyes: "Alright, I will follow Your Majesty's arrangements."
Afterwards, Gu Liuli went to the study, picked up her pen, and wrote a reply to Jia Xiaoyan: "Xiaoyan, we received your letter and learned of You'an's good news. Jingchuan and I are both very happy for him. It is a blessing for Miss Su and You'an to be happily married. We hope that they can support each other and grow old together."
"Everything is fine here. Yi'er is now capable of handling affairs on her own and helping Jingchuan with government matters. Yao'er has also grown into a beautiful young woman, proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting."
"I also look forward to reuniting with you soon. When we have the chance, we must catch up properly."
Moonlit Night: Heartfelt Words Within the Eastern Palace
On a summer night in the Nanzhao Kingdom, the moonlight, as clear as water, gently spilled across every corner of the palace like a silver veil. In the garden of the East Palace, lotus flowers bloomed quietly under the moonlight, emitting a delicate fragrance. Occasionally, a gentle breeze would blow, causing the lotus leaves and flowers to sway softly, making a rustling sound.
Dressed in a plain palace dress, Gu Liuli strolled to the East Palace accompanied by palace maids. She had heard that Xiao Nanyi had been often lost in thought lately, and she couldn't help but worry. So she decided to take advantage of the moonlight to have a good talk with her son.
"Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?" Gu Liuli asked the guards of the Eastern Palace in a soft voice.
"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince is at the Moon Gazing Pavilion," the guard replied respectfully.
Gu Liuli nodded slightly and led the palace maids toward the Moon Gazing Pavilion. From afar, they could see Xiao Nanyi dressed in a moon-white robe, standing alone in the pavilion, gazing up at the night sky, the moonlight casting a faint silver edge on his figure.
"Yi'er," Gu Liuli called softly.
Xiao Nanyi turned around, saw Gu Liuli, and quickly bowed: "Mother, what brings you here?"
Gu Liuli smiled and stepped forward, taking Xiao Nanyi's hand: "Your mother heard that you have been preoccupied with many things lately and was worried about you, so she came to see you."
The two sat down on the stone benches in the pavilion, and the palace maids tactfully stepped aside. Gu Liuli looked at Xiao Nanyi, her eyes full of concern: "Yi'er, tell your mother, have you encountered any difficulties?"
Xiao Nanyi hesitated for a moment, then shook his head: "Mother, I am fine. I am sorry to have worried you."
Gu Liuli gently stroked Xiao Nanyi's head: "Yi'er, you are the apple of my eye. Every move you make touches my heart. If there is anything, please don't hide it from me."
Under Gu Liuli's repeated questioning, Xiao Nanyi finally spoke: "Mother, your son... your son was just thinking that as the Crown Prince, I bear the future of the Nanzhao Kingdom on my shoulders, and I don't know if I can shoulder this heavy responsibility."
Gu Liuli looked at Xiao Nanyi and said earnestly, "Yi'er, you have been exceptionally intelligent and diligent since childhood. Over the years, you have accumulated a lot of experience by assisting your father in handling state affairs. Your mother believes that you will definitely become a wise and virtuous monarch."
Xiao Nanyi nodded slightly, but a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes: "Mother, I understand my responsibilities. It's just that sometimes, when faced with the complexities of court politics, I inevitably feel powerless."
Gu Liuli looked at her son with heartache: "Yi'er, governing a country is not something that can be accomplished overnight, and it is inevitable to encounter difficulties. You must learn to grow from setbacks and constantly improve yourself. Your mother and your father will always support you."
As the two were talking, a melodious zither tune drifted from afar. Upon hearing the music, a strange light flashed in Xiao Nanyi's eyes. Gu Liuli keenly noticed this detail, and a thought struck her.
"Yi'er, does this music remind you of something?" Gu Liuli asked tentatively.
Xiao Nanyi's cheeks flushed slightly. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Mother, your son... your son does know a young lady. She is highly skilled in playing the zither. Every time I hear this music, I think of her."
Gu Liuli was delighted and asked with a smile, "Oh? Which family's daughter is she? Someone our Yi'er can't forget."
Xiao Nanyi lowered his head and said softly, "She is Lin Wanqing, the daughter of Minister of Rites Lin. I met her at a banquet. She is not only exceptionally skilled in playing the zither, but also knowledgeable, reasonable, gentle and kind."
Looking at her son's shy expression, Gu Liuli understood a bit: "Yi'er, since you have feelings for Miss Wanqing, why don't you tell your mother?"
Xiao Nanyi sighed: "Mother, as the Crown Prince, my every move is under scrutiny. I am worried that my feelings will cause trouble for Miss Wanqing."
Gu Liuli gently patted Xiao Nanyi's hand: "Yi'er, feelings are beautiful and shouldn't become a burden for you. Since you like Miss Wanqing, your mother will make arrangements for you. Tomorrow, your mother will invite Lord Lin's family to the palace for a banquet and find an opportunity to bring you two together."
Xiao Nanyi looked up, his eyes filled with surprise: "Mother, really?"
Gu Liuli smiled and nodded: "Of course it's true. Your mother hopes you can find your own happiness and spend your life with the one you love."
Xiao Nanyi excitedly grasped Gu Liuli's hand: "Mother, thank you. I will always remember your kindness."
Under the moonlight, the mother and son smiled at each other, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
In the early morning at the Nanzhao Kingdom's royal palace, sunlight pierced through thin clouds, casting soft rays upon the magnificent palace, draping the ancient complex in a golden veil. In the imperial garden, flowers bloomed in profusion, butterflies danced among the blossoms, birds sang merrily in the branches, and the air was filled with the fresh fragrance of flowers and earth.
Gu Liuli sat on a carved rosewood chair in the Phoenix Palace, while palace maids dressed her up. She wore a magnificent phoenix robe embroidered with lifelike phoenixes, their eyes inlaid with rubies that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. The pearls and jade on her phoenix crown intertwined, swaying gently with her movements and producing a melodious sound.
"Go and convey my decree, summoning Minister Lin and his family to the palace for a banquet," Gu Liuli instructed the eunuch beside her.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The eunuch accepted the order and hurriedly left.
Upon receiving the imperial edict, Minister of Rites Lin Yu was both overjoyed and apprehensive. He returned home and told his wife and daughter, Lin Wanqing, about it. Lin Wanqing blushed slightly upon hearing that she was to attend a banquet at the palace, a hint of anticipation rising in her heart.
"Qing'er, you must be careful with your words and actions when you enter the palace this time, and you must not be impolite," Lin Yu instructed.
Lin Wanqing nodded and replied, "Father, rest assured, I understand."
The next morning, Lin Yu, along with his wife and daughter, traveled to the palace by carriage. As the carriage slowly entered the palace grounds, Lin Wanqing peered curiously through the window, taking in everything around her. The magnificent palaces, exquisite carvings, and splendid decorations dazzled her.
After the carriage came to a stop, a eunuch stepped forward and led them to the Imperial Garden. Gu Liuli was already waiting there. Upon seeing Gu Liuli, Lin Yu and his family immediately bowed: "Your Majesty, we pay our respects! Long live Your Majesty!"
Gu Liuli smiled and said, "There's no need for such formalities, Lord Lin and his family. We invited you to the palace today so that we could all get together. Please don't be shy."
Lin Yu stood up and said respectfully, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. It is an honor for my family to receive your invitation."
Gu Liuli's gaze fell on Lin Wanqing, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. Lin Wanqing wore a light pink dress, the hem embroidered with delicate orchids, and a white ribbon tied around her waist, fluttering in the wind, making her look like a fairy descending to earth. Her hair was styled in a bun, adorned with a jade hairpin, further enhancing her fresh and refined appearance.
"This must be Miss Wanqing," Gu Liuli said with a smile. "She is truly graceful and elegant."
Lin Wanqing blushed slightly and bowed, saying, "This humble woman greets Your Highness and thanks you for your praise."
Gu Liuli walked over, took Lin Wanqing's hand, and said kindly, "Miss Wanqing, don't be shy. Come, accompany me for a walk around."
Lin Wanqing followed Gu Liuli as they strolled through the Imperial Garden. The two chatted idly while admiring the garden's beauty. Gu Liuli discovered that Lin Wanqing was not only exceptionally beautiful, but also well-educated and knowledgeable, possessing unique insights into poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music.
"Miss Wanqing, I have heard that you are a master of the zither. Would you be so kind as to play a piece for us today?" Gu Liuli asked.
Lin Wanqing nodded slightly: "It is my honor to be able to perform for Your Highness."
A moment later, palace maids brought in a guqin (a seven-stringed zither). Lin Wanqing sat down at the guqin, adjusted the strings, and then gently plucked them. The melodious music immediately filled the imperial garden. The music was like flowing water, or a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, sometimes stirring, sometimes soothing, captivating all who heard it.
Gu Liuli closed her eyes, listening quietly to the music, a satisfied smile on her face. Xiao Nanyi, hearing the music, also rushed over. When he saw Lin Wanqing, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
"Yi'er, you've come at the perfect time," Gu Liuli said with a smile. "Miss Wanqing is playing a piece; come and listen."
Xiao Nanyi walked to Lin Wanqing's side and listened quietly to the music. When the piece ended, everyone applauded.
"Miss Wanqing's musical skills are truly breathtaking," Xiao Nanyi exclaimed sincerely.
Lin Wanqing blushed slightly and said softly, "Your Highness is too kind."
Afterwards, everyone went to the pavilion and began to enjoy a sumptuous feast. During the feast, Gu Liuli intentionally or unintentionally steered the conversation towards Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing, and the two chatted happily under Gu Liuli's guidance.
After the banquet, Lin Yu's family bid farewell to Gu Liuli and Xiao Nanyi. As Lin Wanqing left, she secretly glanced at Xiao Nanyi, her eyes filled with reluctance. Xiao Nanyi also watched Lin Wanqing's departing figure, his gaze lingering on her for a long time.