Happy Spring Every Year

Shen Jiasui's carriage stopped under the Sophora japonica tree. At the same time, in an inconspicuous corner next to the gate of the Imperial College, there was also a plain carriage parked.

Baiji saw his young lady lift the curtain and glance at the carriage several times as if unintentionally, and couldn't help asking:

"Miss, what's the matter? Is there anything wrong with that carriage?"

Shen Jiasui's face was calm, and he said calmly, "Baiji, don't look over there. There might be an important person sitting in the car."

Baiji was startled when he heard this, and quickly suppressed the urge to look over there, and lowered his voice and said:

"Miss, why do you think so?"

She had just looked at the carriage, but it was really ordinary and there was not even a logo on the carriage.

Shen Jiasui lowered his eyes and stopped looking over there. He just said softly, "Because the driver is obviously an expert."

Most masters are proud, but now he is willing to drive for others. What's more, the carriage is so low-key, which shows that the person in the carriage is deliberately hiding his identity.

As soon as Shen Jiasui finished speaking, Baiji suddenly tugged at her sleeve, her tone filled with shock.

"Look, young lady, it's the young master of the Cui family. He's getting on the carriage!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Jiasui looked up and saw Cui Mingjue coming out of the Imperial College at some point and walking quickly towards the carriage.

The coachman immediately lifted the curtain, which showed that he had been waiting for a long time.

At this time, Shen Jiasui vaguely caught a glimpse of a green cloud-patterned hem, and immediately guessed the identity of the person in the car.

.......

Cui Mingjue hurried as fast as he could, and the moment he boarded the carriage, he respectfully called out, "Your Highness."

The carriage looks plain from the outside, but it is actually very impressive inside.

The car was covered with thick velvet carpets, which were delicate, soft and brightly colored. A scent of sandalwood wafted towards me, refreshing my heart.

An exquisite glass lamp hung in the originally dimly lit car, and on the side was a low table covered with brocade, on which were exquisite pastries.

The most attractive thing is the person sitting behind the low desk.

He was handsome, with a slightly resolute face and slightly upturned eyes, which gave him a subtle arrogance.

Even in a carriage with no one around, he still sat with his back straight, but it didn't seem like he was being pretentious.

The two hands casually placed on his knees are slender and powerful, making him look relaxed and confident.

Seeing Cui Mingjue, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and the depth and calmness in his eyes disappeared instantly, revealing a sense of intimacy.

"Mingjue, didn't I tell you? Just call me cousin in private."

The person who came was none other than Prince Rui, Zhao Huailang.

Cui Mingjue's slightly solemn expression relaxed upon hearing this. He sat down across from Zhao Huailang and said with a smile:

"My cousin didn't send anyone to tell me beforehand. I thought something serious had happened and broke out in a sweat."

Zhao Huailang immediately handed Cui Mingjue a white brocade handkerchief, and his expression became serious at this time.

"Mingjue, my cousin does have something important to discuss with you."

Cui Mingjue hurriedly sat up straight, and heard Zhao Huailang say in a deep voice: "Today in the imperial study, my father said something."

"Princess Jieyou longs for her homeland and plans to return to the capital at the end of the year. She will be accompanied by her beloved daughter, Princess Anning."

Cui Mingjue suddenly raised his head when he heard this.

Speaking of Princess Jieyou, everyone in the capital knows her.

In those days, the Sheng Dynasty and the Mo Kingdom were constantly fighting. The Mo Kingdom tried several times to win over the Yue Kingdom, which stayed out of the conflict. The late emperor was very worried and wanted to bring the Yue Kingdom into his camp as soon as possible.

At this time, someone in the court proposed a marriage alliance.

At that time, none of the three princesses in the palace had arranged marriages. The eldest and second princesses were of noble birth and their mothers were favored, so they all tried to shirk responsibility in every possible way.

No one expected that at this time, the least favored third princess took the initiative to stand up and expressed her willingness to marry into the Kingdom of Yue and contribute her modest efforts to the friendship between the two countries.

The late emperor was overjoyed upon hearing this, and bestowed upon her the title "Jieyou" and sent the third princess to the Kingdom of Yue with a generous dowry.

What surprised everyone was that Princess Jieyou was extremely loved by the Khan of Yue State. Therefore, Yue State rejected the solicitation of Mo State and chose to make peace with Sheng Dynasty.

Later, it was heard that Princess Jieyou and the Khan had a very deep relationship. She gave birth to a son the following year, and then another son and a daughter.

The people of Sheng Dynasty were grateful for Princess Jieyou's righteousness. After the current emperor ascended the throne, he named her Princess Jieyou and her daughter Princess Anning.

Two years ago, along with the news that the Khan of Yue State was seriously ill and died, the good news that Princess Jieyou's son would succeed the Khan was also reported back to the capital.

Cui Mingjue couldn't imagine how a princess who was married to a foreign country planned step by step, not only winning the heart of the emperor, but even pushing her son who was half foreign blood onto the throne.

The hardships, struggles, and bloody events involved are enough to show Princess Jieyou's skills and abilities.

Thinking of this, Cui Mingjue lowered his voice and asked, "Cousin, do you want to..."

No need to say more, Zhao Huailang has already nodded.

Now, Princess Jieyou is undoubtedly one of the leaders of Yue State. If we can get her support, naturally...

Cui Mingjue didn't say anything more, but just asked, "How can I help my cousin?"

When Zhao Huailang heard this, a smile appeared on his lips, diluting the slightly solemn atmosphere.

"The eldest princess came back this time and brought along Princess An Ning. The princess is only sixteen years old. The eldest princess wants her to find a husband in the capital and stay in the Sheng Dynasty."

"The wind and sand outside the Great Wall are strong, so the feng shui of the capital is more favorable. Moreover, the Yue Kingdom has a tradition of the younger brother inheriting the throne after the elder brother's death. If the eldest princess had not obtained great power, I am afraid she would not be able to escape this custom."

"So, the eldest princess has decided to send Princess An Ning back to the capital. Of course, this is also... what the emperor wants."

The second half of the sentence is full of profound meaning, so I won’t go into details.

Even though the current emperor and Princess Jieyou are siblings, they are now separated by two countries, so some means and considerations are necessary.

When Cui Mingjue heard this, he suddenly looked up. With his intelligent personality, he naturally understood the implied meaning.

My cousin wants him to... marry Princess An Ning, so as to strengthen his relationship with Princess Jieyou.

But at this moment, another bright face suddenly flashed through Cui Mingjue's mind.

Zhao Huailang saw Cui Mingjue lowering his eyebrows slightly and not agreeing immediately. He understood and said softly:

"Mingjue, do you already have someone you like?"

A hint of panic suddenly flashed in Cui Mingjue's eyes. Just as he was about to deny it, Zhao Huailang waved his hand.

"No need to deny it, it's Miss Shen, right?"

"You two first met outside the Imperial College. When she appeared, your ears turned red. Even after being scolded, you didn't get angry or hold a grudge."

"Later, at Prince Rong's mansion, you paid extra attention to her. Not only did you take the initiative to help her out, but after realizing she had been poisoned by a foul drug, you were moved by compassion and even risked everything to jump into the water to save her."

"In the future, when your grandfather and cousin choose a young lady for you, you will be indifferent. Is it because you have fallen in love with Miss Shen, or what?"

Cui Mingjue's carefully hidden thoughts were exposed by Zhao Huailang in front of him, and a look of embarrassment and shame suddenly flashed across his face.

In his eyes, Shen Jiasui was indeed extraordinary.

The first time he saw her riding towards him, a sentence came to his mind: "The sun is bright and the wind is gentle, and the grass and trees are thriving."

She was so bright and dazzling that he subconsciously felt that being with her would be lively, interesting and reassuring.

His grandfather and cousin selected many ladies from prominent families for him. Their backgrounds, character, appearance and temperament were impeccable, so naturally they were all excellent.

However, what he wanted most was someone with whom he could move a beauty couch and nestle under the window in the autumn, chatting, laughing, joking, getting drunk or sleeping.

He thought, maybe Shen Jiasui would.

When she felt like it, she could run into the courtyard and practice swordplay as she pleased, and he would just stand by and cheer her on...

"Cousin, the great cause is more important. Mingjue will listen to you."

Although his mind was filled with mixed feelings, Cui Mingjue's words were always for Zhao Huailang and His Royal Highness Prince Rui.

This is the truth that his grandfather, father and mother taught him when he was still a toddler.

My cousin is the most important thing in everything.