Chapter 134 The Emperor of Xijing Visits Nanzhao
Chapter 134 The Emperor of Xijing Visits Nanzhao
Gu Liuli also chimed in, "Xiaoyan, life's important matters can't be taken lightly. You still need to think things through. Look at me, with these two little ones, my life has become completely different, full of happiness and warmth." As she spoke, she looked lovingly at Xiao Yi and Xiao Yao Yao who were playing, her eyes filled with tenderness.
Looking at Gu Liuli's happy appearance, Jia Xiaoyan was also touched. Ever since she went to Xijing Kingdom, there has been a place for someone in her heart, and that is Emperor Jiang Liushen of Xijing Kingdom.
At this moment, Gu Liuli said, "Xiaoyan, Father said that you need to come to the palace in a couple of days. My brother is coming in person!"
Jia Xiaoyan's heart tightened, and she almost dropped the rattle drum she was using to amuse the child.
She tried to remain calm, but a blush crept onto her face, and a hint of panic flashed in her eyes. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to casually adjust her skirt, trying to hide the turmoil in her heart.
"You... are you telling the truth? Jiang Liushen... why is he suddenly coming?" Jia Xiaoyan's voice trembled slightly, without her even realizing it.
Gu Liuli noticed Jia Xiaoyan's unusual behavior and was a little puzzled, but she didn't think much of it, assuming that she was just nervous about court affairs. She smiled and explained, "It seems that there are some important matters to discuss between the two countries. I don't know the specifics, but since it's rare for my brother to come here, he must have something important to discuss."
Yan Dongdong, who was standing nearby, keenly noticed Jia Xiaoyan's unusual reaction. She blinked and leaned closer to Jia Xiaoyan with a mischievous grin: "Xiaoyan, why are you reacting so strongly? Could it be that you have some special thoughts about our Emperor of Xijing?"
Jia Xiaoyan's face instantly turned bright red. She quickly waved her hand to deny it, "Dongdong, don't talk nonsense. I'm just worried about the reforms in the court. Don't make wild guesses." But her flustered eyes and evasive gaze only made Yan Dongdong more certain of his guess.
Gu Liuli then came to her senses and, seeing Jia Xiaoyan's shy expression, suddenly realized, "Dongdong, now that you mention it, I think I also noticed that something was off with Xiaoyan. Xiaoyan, just tell me the truth, did something interesting happen in Xijing Kingdom?"
Seeing that she couldn't hide it from the two of them, Jia Xiaoyan could only sigh helplessly and tell them all about her time with Jiang Liushen in Xijing Kingdom, the days they fought side by side, and the feelings that had gradually developed between them.
Gu Liuli and Yan Dongdong were stunned. After a while, Yan Dongdong came to her senses and said excitedly, "Xiaoyan, this is great news! Jiang Liushen is the ruler of a country and so capable. If you two can be together, it would be a match made in heaven!"
Jia Xiaoyan shook her head with a wry smile: "It's not that easy. He is the emperor of Xijing Kingdom, and it's destined that he cannot have a monogamous marriage. Liuli, you know my personality. I will not share the same husband with others."
Gu Liuli held Jia Xiaoyan's hand and comforted her, "Xiaoyan, you can't rush things when it comes to relationships. Since he's coming, this is an opportunity. You can have a good talk with him. Maybe he likes you too."
Jia Xiaoyan nodded slightly, her heart filled with both anticipation and trepidation. For the next two days, Jia Xiaoyan outwardly busied herself with preparations for her audience with the emperor, but her mind was elsewhere. She repeatedly selected her attire, trying on each piece again and again, hoping to present her best self to Jiang Liushen.
The day arrived. Jia Xiaoyan rose early and meticulously dressed herself. She wore a light blue brocade dress with delicate embroidery on the hem, and a white ribbon tied around her waist, which accentuated her graceful figure. Her hair was styled in a high bun and adorned with a jade hairpin, making her appear gentle and elegant.
Standing in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection, Jia Xiaoyan took a deep breath and silently encouraged herself: "No matter the outcome, at least I must bravely face my feelings." Then, she walked towards the palace with firm steps.
While Jia Xiaoyan was heading to the palace, Jiang Liushen had already arrived at the palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
As soon as he stepped into the palace, he saw Gu Liuli coming out to greet him, carrying two children.
"Brother, you've finally arrived!" Gu Liuli's face was beaming with joy as she quickly stepped forward.
Jiang Liushen smiled, his eyes full of affection: "Royal sister, it's been a long time. How are you and the children?"
"Everything is fine, and the children are all looking forward to their uncle." Gu Liuli said, hugging Xiao Yi and Xiao Yaoyao.
Jiang Liushen looked at the two little ones with eyes full of wonder and affection. He gently squatted down and beckoned to Xiao Yi and Xiao Yaoyao: "Come here, let your uncle see how big you've grown."
Little Yi opened his big, round eyes and looked curiously at his unfamiliar yet kind uncle. He pointed at Jiang Liushen with his little finger and babbled something. Jiang Liushen was amused by his adorable appearance and laughed heartily. He reached out and gently patted Little Yi's head: "Little guy, what are you saying? Are you welcoming your uncle?"
At this moment, little Yao Yao was not to be outdone, waving her little hands, wanting her uncle to hug her.
Jiang Liushen quickly stood up, carefully took Xiao Yaoyao from Gu Liuli's hands, and held her in his arms.
Little Yao Yao laughed happily, her little hand still clutching Jiang Liushen's sleeve, refusing to let go.
"It seems that little Yaoyao really likes her uncle," Gu Liuli said with a smile.
Jiang Liushen held Xiao Yaoyao in his arms, gently rocking her while humming an unknown tune. Xiao Yaoyao listened intently, her eyes fixed on Jiang Liushen, occasionally letting out a giggle.
"Royal sister, these two children are so adorable, they're sure to amount to something great in the future." Jiang Liushen looked at Xiao Yaoyao with a broad smile.
Gu Liuli said with relief, "With my brother's auspicious words, I hope they can grow up safely and happily in the future."
Jiang Liushen played a clapping game with Xiao Yi again. Xiao Yi imitated it very well, and every time he clapped Jiang Liushen's hand, he would laugh happily.
The palace was filled with laughter and joy, warm and wonderful.
After playing for a while, Jiang Liushen remembered his business: "Royal sister, I have come here today to discuss important matters with the Nanzhao Kingdom. I wonder when Your Majesty will be available?"
Gu Liuli put away her smile and said seriously, "Father is already making preparations. He will probably summon my brother soon. Let's go to the side hall to rest for a while."
Jiang Liushen nodded and, led by Gu Liuli, carried Xiao Yaoyao toward the side hall. Xiao Yi tugged at his clothes and followed closely behind. The family was happy and harmonious.
The atmosphere in the study was solemn yet subtly tense. Jiang Liushen was chatting with Emperor Xiao and the others when he heard footsteps and instinctively turned around.
The moment their eyes met, time seemed to stand still. A flicker of surprise and nervousness flashed in Jia Xiaoyan's eyes, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
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