Peach Blossoms in Chang'an

Three days later, at dawn, when the palace gate opened, Hu Bugui and Wu Tao appeared at the gate of the palace again. This time, they were not stopped and went straight to the outside of the imperial study.

"Your Majesty, Prince Xiaoyao and the Princess request a meeting." The eunuch's shrill voice sounded, the door of the imperial study slowly opened, and the emperor's majestic figure appeared before them.

"Your Majesty, I (your humble servant) pay my respects to you. Long live the emperor." Hu Bugui and Wu Tao bowed respectfully and greeted him.

"Stand up." The emperor's voice was unrecognisable. "Are you here this time for that corruption case?"

"Your Majesty, that's right." Hu Bugui stepped forward and presented the account book in his hand. "I have already found out the truth and found all the evidence to prove the innocence of me and the princess."

The emperor took the account book and looked through it carefully. Wu Tao stood aside, feeling uneasy, because she knew that this account book was the key to their success.

Time passed by minute by minute, and there was silence in the imperial study, with only the sound of the emperor flipping through the account book. Finally, the emperor closed the account book, raised his head, and looked at Hu Bugui sharply, "Tell me, who made this account book?"

"Your Majesty, this account book was forged by Zhao Cheng, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, in an attempt to frame me." Hu Bugui replied calmly, "I have arrested Zhao Cheng and seized all the stolen money from his house."

"Oh?" A gleam of light flashed in the emperor's eyes. "It seems that King Xiaoyao has been prepared this time."

"I dare not. I just want to prove my innocence." Hu Bugui said in a deep voice, "I am loyal to Your Majesty and have no second thoughts. Please understand your majesty."

The emperor was silent for a moment, then turned his gaze to Wu Tao, "Princess, what about you? Do you have anything to say?"

Wu Tao stepped forward and bowed, "Your Majesty, I am just a woman and do not understand the affairs of the court, but I believe in the character of the prince and believe that good will prevail over evil, and the truth will eventually come to light."

Her tone was calm, but every word was sonorous, revealing a sense of firmness and confidence. The emperor looked at her, with a flash of admiration in his eyes. He pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Well, the love between you two is deep and sincere, and I am very pleased. Come, bring Zhao Cheng up!"

A moment later, Zhao Cheng was brought up. He looked ashen and trembling all over. Faced with the irrefutable evidence, he could no longer argue and had to bow his head and plead guilty.

"What a Zhao Cheng! He dared to take bribes and break the law, and frame important officials of the court. Come, take him to the Sky Prison and execute him on a certain day!" The emperor shouted angrily, and the whole imperial study was filled with a murderous atmosphere.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Hu Bugui and Wu Tao said in unison.

"Prince Xiaoyao, you have been wronged this time." The emperor looked at Hu Bugui and said in a much softer tone, "I believe you are innocent and I also believe in your loyalty."

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful." Hu Bugui quickly knelt down to express his gratitude.

"Get up. From now on, you can rest in your mansion with peace of mind. When the time is right, I will restore the throne for you." The emperor said lightly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" Hu Bugui and Wu Tao knelt down again to express their gratitude.

Things seemed to have come to an end, but Wu Tao knew in his heart that this was just another beginning...

Things seemed to have come to an end, but Wu Tao knew in his heart that this was just another beginning. Although the emperor had made his attitude clear, they still had a long way to go before they could truly integrate into the palace.

As expected, in the following days, the emperor's attitude towards Hu Bugui changed significantly. He began to summon Hu Bugui frequently, asking for his opinions and entrusting him with some political affairs. At first, they were just some insignificant matters, but as time went on, Hu Bugui's ability to handle government affairs gradually emerged, and the emperor relied on him more and more.

Wu Tao saw it all and was delighted. She knew very well that nothing would make Hu Bugui happier than regaining the emperor's trust. And she would do her best to help him.

Life in the palace was not as full of intrigue and deception as Wu Tao had imagined. On the contrary, after experiencing that incident, many officials showed goodwill to the couple. Especially those officials who had been bullied by Zhao Cheng were grateful to them.

Wu Tao used her intelligence and soon became friends with the families of these officials. She taught them how to cook delicious food, taught them modern etiquette and knowledge, and even organized some interesting activities, adding a lot of fun to the dull court life.

Even the queen, who had always been resentful of Wu Tao, gradually changed her mind. At a palace banquet, the cakes made by Wu Tao were loved by the queen. The queen took her hand and said earnestly: "Princess Xiaoyao, you are a smart woman. I believe that you will become a good wife for King Xiaoyao."

Wu Tao was flattered and quickly stood up to express her gratitude. She knew that this was not only the Queen's affirmation of her, but also a recognition of her and Hu Bugui.

Chuntao was appreciated by the emperor for her outstanding performance in this incident and was promoted to a fifth-rank female official, becoming Wu Tao's right-hand man in the palace.

"Miss, I am so happy!" Chun Tao excitedly held Wu Tao's hand, her eyes moist, "I originally thought that I could only be an ordinary palace maid in this life, but I didn't expect that I would have such good fortune."

Wu Tao patted her hands gently and said softly: "This is the result of your own efforts. You have always been very smart. I believe that you will achieve greater success in the future."

Chuntao nodded heavily, her eyes full of gratitude and determination.

As time went by, Wu Tao and Hu Bugui's positions in the palace became more and more stable. They were like two seeds, taking root and sprouting in this strange land, gradually flourishing and blooming their own flowers...

However, beneath the calm surface, there seemed to be a hint of uneasiness. Wu Tao keenly felt that there was a pair of eyes watching them from the dark, and those eyes were full of complex emotions, including jealousy, unwillingness, and even a hint of... murderous intent?

 The dust has settled (Part 2)

As time went by, Wu Tao and Hu Bugui's positions in the palace became more and more stable. They were like two seeds, taking root and sprouting in this strange land, gradually flourishing and blooming their own flowers. With his knowledge from the modern times, Wu Tao brought a breath of fresh air to the long-silent palace.

She first improved the palace's weaving technology, incorporating modern textile concepts into it, making the originally rough fabrics softer and more comfortable, and the patterns more exquisite and diverse. The palace maids put on the dresses made of the new fabrics, all of them were delighted and praised Wu Tao.

"Princess Xiaoyao is really clever and skillful. Wearing this cloth, she feels as light as a cloud."

"Yes, and these patterns are much more beautiful than before. I have never seen such exquisite patterns."

Even the queen, who was always picky, praised Wu Tao's craftsmanship.

"Princess Xiaoyao, your hands are truly exquisite. I have lived for most of my life, and I have never seen such exquisite fabrics." The queen stroked the pattern on the sleeves, her eyes full of admiration, "I have seen all the contributions you have made to the court."

Wu Tao smiled modestly, "Your Majesty, I am just doing what I can do."

In addition to improving textile technology, Wu Tao also used his knowledge of chemistry to develop new soaps and perfumes. These things not only had a pleasant fragrance but also could cleanse the skin. They soon became popular in the court.

Hu Bugui showed extraordinary talent in politics. He was well aware of the sufferings of the people and sympathized with them. He proposed a series of reform measures, such as reducing taxes, encouraging farming, and building water conservancy projects. These measures were strongly supported by the emperor and were soon implemented throughout the country, making the country more prosperous and the people living and working in peace and contentment.

The emperor was very satisfied with Hu Bugui's performance and relied on him more and more, often discussing state affairs with him. Hu Bugui also lived up to the emperor's expectations and assisted him in governing the country with all his heart and soul.

At a palace banquet, Hu Bugui, dressed in court robes, stood in the center of the hall with great dignity, reporting the latest government affairs to the emperor. His clear thinking and clear logic made the complex government affairs well organized, which won the praise of the civil and military officials in the court.

Wu Tao sat aside, watching the high-spirited Hu Bugui, her heart filled with pride and joy. She knew that Hu Bugui had finally realized his ambition and regained everything he had lost.

After the banquet, Hu Bugui walked over to Wu Tao, gently held her hand, and said softly: "Taotao, thank you. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Wu Tao smiled and shook her head, "We are husband and wife, we should support each other."

The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of sweetness and love. This beautiful scene was seen by a pair of eyes not far away. Those eyes were full of complicated emotions, including jealousy, unwillingness, and even a hint of... murderous intent?

 The dust has settled (Part 3)

Palace lanterns flickered, string music rang out, and the hall was filled with singing and dancing, creating a prosperous scene. Wu Tao wore a light purple skirt that Hu Bugui had specially chosen for her, and a light gauze shawl on the outside. Her long black hair was tied up in a high bun, and several pearl-studded hairpins swayed gently with her movements, making her skin as white as cream and her eyes and teeth look even whiter.

Hu Bugui sat beside her, wearing a dark brocade robe and a white jade pendant on his waist, which made him look even more majestic. He would pick up food for Wu Tao from time to time and whisper some funny things, which made Wu Tao smile softly with her hands covering her lips, and her eyes were full of happiness and sweetness.

Everyone who saw this scene was filled with envy.

"Princess Xiaoyao is so lucky to be loved by the prince."

"Yes, look at the way the prince looks at the princess, his eyes are full of love, it really makes others envious."

Even the emperor, who was high above everyone else, noticed this perfect couple. He looked at how they supported each other and smiled with satisfaction.

"Prince Xiaoyao, you and the princess have a very close relationship, which comforts me very much." The emperor raised his wine glass and said loudly, "I will give you this glass of wine. I wish you a long and happy life together."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Hu Bugui and Wu Tao stood up, respectfully took the wine glasses and drank them all.

After the banquet, Hu Bugui held Wu Tao's hand and strolled in the imperial garden. The night sky was dotted with stars, and the moonlight poured down like water, stretching the shadows of the two people very long.

"Taotao, do you still remember the first time we met?" Hu Bugui turned his head and looked at Wu Tao beside him, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Of course I remember." Wu Tao smiled slightly, "You were seriously injured and unconscious at that time, and I saved you."

"Yes, you gave me this life." Hu Bugui held Wu Tao's hand tightly, "Taotao, thank you, thank you for coming to my side."

Wu Tao shook her head. "We are husband and wife. Why are we talking about this? Besides, I am also very lucky to have met you."

The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of love. They walked hand in hand under the moonlight, enjoying this rare tranquility and happiness.

As time went by, Wu Tao and Hu Bugui's lives in the palace became more and more stable. They supported each other, advanced and retreated together, and won the respect and recognition of more and more people.

However, just as they were enjoying their hard-earned peaceful life, a piece of news from afar broke the tranquility, heralding that a new adventure was about to begin.

 The dust has settled (Part 4)

In the past few days, Hu Bugui seemed to be worried. Wu Tao had never seen him like this before. The sadness between his brows made her feel that something was going to happen. In the past, he always liked to make her happy and tell her some interesting stories in the palace, but now, he often sat alone in the study for a whole day.

That day, Wu Tao finally couldn't hold back her worries, and holding a bowl of lotus seed soup, she gently pushed open the door of the study. Hu Bugui was reviewing something at his desk, and when he heard the noise, he looked up and saw that it was Wu Tao, and a smile appeared on his face: "Why are you here? Did Chuntao make you angry again?"

Wu Tao walked up to him, placed the lotus seed soup on the table, and asked softly, "Your Highness, have you had any worries these days? Please tell me. Although I am stupid, I also want to share your worries."

Hu Bugui sighed, put down the pen in his hand, pulled her to sit next to him, stroked her hair, and said, "I didn't mean to hide it from you, but this matter has not been confirmed yet, and I don't want to make you worry."

Wu Tao held his hand, her eyes firm: "Your Highness, we are husband and wife, we should stick together through thick and thin, no matter what happens, I will be by your side."

Hu Bugui looked at her, his eyes full of emotion, and finally said, "Today I received an urgent report from the border that the Northern Di are ready to move and may intend to invade. The emperor intends to send me to lead the troops to fight..."

Wu Tao was shocked. The border was bitterly cold and the war was extremely dangerous. How could she not worry? But she understood that it was Hu Bugui's responsibility to defend his country and she could not become a burden to him.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will take care of everything at home." Wu Tao said calmly, as if he was just talking about an ordinary matter.

Hu Bugui held her in his arms, his heart full of guilt and reluctance: "Taotao, I made you worry."

Wu Tao gently stroked his back and comforted him softly, "I'm fine, Your Majesty, don't worry. The most important thing is to return triumphantly as soon as possible."

However, no one knows what kind of waves are hidden behind this seemingly calm situation, whether another storm is waiting for them, and how will this distant news rewrite their life trajectories?