Happy Spring Every Year

The day soon arrived and it was the 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month.

Today, with flags fluttering and drums beating, the capital of Sheng Kingdom welcomed the biggest event of the year.

Princess Jieyou, who married into the Kingdom of Yue and made outstanding contributions, will return to her homeland today.

People flocked to the streets, vying to see the eldest princess's elegance.

Shen Jiasui and Shen Jiaheng mingled among the crowd, and all they heard were cheers and praises.

Soon, the Royal Guards in armor and holding swords led the way, followed by flags flying and the sound of drums and music, until a carriage with a golden roof, a canopy and hanging ribbons slowly drove up.

A figure dressed in gorgeous clothes, sitting upright, could be vaguely seen in the carriage.

The cold wind of December blew, lifting the golden and red ribbons on the side. Shen Jiasui, with his sharp eyes, saw a majestic profile, which was always looking forward.

Shen Jiasui couldn't help but feel sad. If Princess Jieyou hadn't held back the Kingdom of Yue, the outcome of the battle in the north would have been difficult to determine.

The eldest princess has now returned to Kyoto in glory and deserves all the praise and blessings.

The atmosphere was already heated. Shen Jiasui was about to join the people around her and shout "Her Royal Highness the Princess" when Shen Jiaheng's muttering reached her ears:

"It seems like being the eldest princess isn't easy. It's so cold, and you have to ride in a drafty carriage."

Shen Jiasui: “….”

There was a heavy snowfall in the capital last night, so it was really cold today. She had been practicing martial arts since she was a child and was not afraid of the cold. But Brother Heng stayed on the couch for a long time this morning before he was willing to get up.

After the eldest princess's carriage passed, another luxurious carriage soon followed, but it was wrapped tightly.

It was obvious that the person sitting in the carriage was Princess An Ning, who was returning to the capital with her mother.

Shen Jiasui was absent-minded for a rare moment.

Because she knew that Princess An Ning would choose Jiang Xun in front of everyone at the welcoming banquet in a few days...

Of course, in Shen Jiasui's view, this is a very normal thing.

After all, Lord Jiang is indeed very dazzling, and he stands out even in the crowd.

......

In the palace, a family dinner had already been prepared.

Emperor Sheng, along with all the princes and grandchildren, as well as Prince Rong's family who were still in Beijing, personally went to Chengtian Gate to pick up Princess Jieyou.

From a distance, Emperor Sheng saw the figure of the eldest princess.

The brother and sister looked at each other from afar. No matter what they were thinking, they couldn't help but feel a lot of emotions when they met again after more than 20 years.

"Brother Emperor!"

Princess Jieyou first called out softly, then when she came closer, she knelt down and saluted.

"See Your Majesty."

The eldest princess is now forty-three years old.

More than twenty years of time and wind and sand in the frontier have left layers of fine lines at the corners of her eyes, but they cannot diminish her grace in the slightest.

Her face showed the calmness that comes from having experienced time and vicissitudes of life, and at this moment she was truly filled with joy and excitement of returning home.

Emperor Sheng hurriedly leaned over to help her, and then looked at the eldest princess carefully, with tears in his eyes.

Then, Prince Rong also came forward and exchanged greetings with the eldest princess in a low voice.

Immediately afterwards, all the princes and princesses came forward to pay their respects, and the eldest princess also waved to the back.

Everyone looked up and saw a young girl walking towards them with light steps.

She has long hair as shiny as ebony, and is now wearing the royal costume of Yue State. Her eyes and eyebrows are lively and she is graceful.

When she came to Emperor Sheng, she folded her hands in front of her chest and bowed:

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

After Tuoba Ning was born, the eldest princess reported the good news back to the Sheng Dynasty. At that time, Emperor Sheng was grateful for Princess Jieyou's contribution, and because Tuoba Ning was the eldest daughter, he named her Princess An Ning.

This was Tuoba Ning's first visit to Sheng Dynasty.

Emperor Sheng saw that his eyebrows and eyes were full of the shadow of the eldest princess, and a hint of fondness appeared in his eyes. He personally helped Tuoba Ning up.

"As Ning'er's uncle, we are separated by vast distances, but this is the first time we meet."

"So, has Uncle prepared a gift for Ning'er?"

Tuoba Ning's eyes were clear, and he showed no sign of fear. He even smiled and extended his hand to Emperor Sheng.

The eldest princess frowned upon seeing this and spoke out to stop him: "Ning'er, don't be rude."

Emperor Sheng laughed joyfully at this moment and waved his hand nonchalantly at the eldest princess, "Royal sister, Ning'er is innocent and naive. I like her very much."

"Come, enter the palace. I have already prepared a gift for Ning'er."

Everyone walked into the hall and took their seats one by one.

Among the concubines, only Concubine Shu and Concubine Chun, the biological mothers of Prince Rui and Prince Xiang, were allowed to attend this family dinner.

Emperor Sheng was very generous and rewarded Princess An Ning with many treasures.

After the meal started, I listened to Emperor Sheng, the eldest princess and Prince Rong talking about interesting things in the past. The atmosphere was very casual and harmonious.

The little grandson of the emperor, Zhao Yuanye, and the Crown Princess sat together, their dark eyes constantly looking at Tuoba Ning with full of curiosity.

Tuoba Ning obviously also noticed Zhao Yuanye, the youngest in the hall. Seeing that he was very delicate and pretty, he couldn't help but grin at him.

This action was seen by Emperor Sheng who was sitting on the throne, and he immediately turned the conversation to Tuoba Ning.

"Ning'er, your Khan wants you to choose a good husband in the capital."

"I intend to hold a grand welcoming banquet. You will be able to choose from all the talented young men in the city. As long as Ning'er likes someone, your uncle will arrange a marriage for you. How do you do?"

As soon as Emperor Sheng said this, everyone's eyes fell on Tuoba Ning.

Apparently, the princess had already told Tuoba Ning about this matter, so she was not surprised to hear this. Instead, she smiled and said:

"Uncle, now that Ning'er has said this, can she choose anyone?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Sheng couldn't help but show interest. "Ning'er, you sound like you already have a favorite candidate?"

Tuoba Ning shook his head, his face full of genuine curiosity, and said bluntly:

"I'm not really a fan, but on my way to Beijing, I heard many people mention that there is a noble official in the capital."

"Ning'er was curious, so she sent someone to inquire about it. Unexpectedly, this Qingtian Master was very young. Ning'er thought he was an old man!"

"Ning'er."

Seeing that Tuoba Ning was speaking more and more casually, the eldest princess frowned and gave him a reminder.

Tuoba Ning turned his head upon hearing the voice, met the eldest princess's gaze, stuck out his tongue slightly, and stopped talking immediately.

But her words just now still made the atmosphere in the hall subtle.

If there's anyone in Beijing who the people would call "Blue Sky," it would probably be...

Emperor Sheng didn't care about Tuoba Ning's disrespect, but just smiled and asked: "Ning'er, what do you mean--"

At this time, the eldest princess took over the conversation and said in a gentle voice, "I heard that he is an upright and upright Dali Temple Junior Official, his name is... Jiang Xun?"

As the princess finished speaking, a hint of deep meaning flashed across Emperor Sheng's eyes, and he glanced casually at the person sitting below.

But whether it was Prince Rui or Prince Xiang, both of them had their brows slightly lowered and their expressions could not be seen clearly.

However, Zhao Yuanye suddenly raised his head when he heard Jiang Xun's name.

At this time, Tuoba Ning couldn't help but mutter, "I just wonder what Jiang Xun looks like. If he's fat and big-eared, Ning'er won't like him."

Because of the flower viewing banquet last time, Jiang Xun had done a favor to Prince Rong's Mansion, so Prince Rong spoke up for Jiang Xun:

"Ning'er, Lord Jiang is handsome and graceful, you will definitely like him if you see him."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Sheng followed Prince Rong's words and nodded and smiled at Tuoba Ning:

"Your third uncle is right. Lord Jiang is truly a rare young talent. Even in the entire capital, he stands out."

"Ning'er, just take a look. If you like Lord Jiang, I will make the decision for you. How do you think?"

As soon as Emperor Sheng said this, Prince Rui and Prince Xiang raised their eyebrows at the same time, and saw Tuoba Ningyan opposite him smiling and standing up to express his gratitude.