On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Murong Yan nodded slightly. Being so intelligent, she immediately understood Lin Zhenxian's deeper meaning.

This was not a simple courtesy visit, but rather contained profound political wisdom.

Through these seemingly casual visits, the emperor could both appease his important officials and demonstrate the royal family's approachability, while also secretly observing the movements of various departments and consolidating the core of his rule.

Her slender fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the edge of the low table, the black jade thumb ring touching the sandalwood, making a very slight "tap-tap" sound.

"Grandpa's words were well thought out and his reminder came at just the right time."

Murong Yan spoke, her voice regaining its usual clear and composed tone when handling government affairs, but when addressing Lin Zhen, her tone still carried a hint of consultation and dependence.

"My lord, when do you think would be a more appropriate time for us to go? And what gifts should we prepare to show our respect without seeming too deliberate?"

Lin Zhen held her hand, his fingertips gently stroking the back of her hand, and said thoughtfully:

"Tomorrow is the fourth day of the lunar new year, so we can begin. Let's start with Prime Minister Du's residence. He is the head of the civil officials and is highly respected. As for the gifts... just follow Grandpa's advice. They don't need to be too extravagant. Choose some special New Year's treats from the palace, some fine silks, and pair them with one or two auspicious stationery items. The key is the sentiment behind his personal visit."

"Yes, as you say, my husband." Murong Yan nodded in agreement, then frowned slightly, with a hint of coquetry, "It's just that I'll have to trouble you to accompany me on this journey again."

Lin Zhen chuckled and reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear: "Nonsense, traveling with you is hardly tiring. It's a good opportunity for you to relax; staying in the palace all the time must be boring."

With the business settled, Murong Yan relaxed. Then, remembering the oranges she hadn't finished eating, she turned around to get them.

Just as she turned around—

The movements conveyed a sense of lightness and naturalness, as if returning to warmth after discussing important matters!

The long, dark gold Suzhou brocade train, which was spread out under the warm couch, stained with snow water, and stretched for five zhang (approximately 10 meters), was stirred by this sudden turn!

The luxurious brocade brushed against the warm, dry gold brick floor with a soft "swish" sound, stirring up a few fine droplets of moisture.

As the train quietly rose, it revealed the "Golden Floor" lining, densely woven with gold threads, which shimmered with a warm and dazzling light like molten gold under the bright light of the warm room!

The phoenix pattern covering the entire nightgown and its train burst forth with a dazzling and powerful golden light in an instant.

The light was filled with peace, contentment, and unreserved trust in those around him; it was noble and radiant, carrying a sense of ease and warmth after relinquishing official duties, as if symbolizing an inner warmth and a solid reliance!

The hem of her skirt fell, obscuring the dazzling golden light.

Murong Yan picked up the remaining oranges and continued peeling them, filling the warm pavilion once again with the sweet scent of oranges and soft laughter.

......

As dawn broke and the chill of the night lingered, carriages were already prepared in front of the Regent's Palace.

Today, the Emperor and Empress will follow the advice of the former Regent Prince Lin Zhenxian and visit several important court officials incognito to show their imperial favor.

After Murong Yan got up, she was still wearing the same Phoenix Descent dress.

This nightgown is made of ultra-black Suzhou brocade, with soft gold cotton wool incorporated into the weaving process, giving it a subtle dark gold sheen within the black background, making it both luxurious and understated.

Suzhou brocade is exquisitely crafted and has a light and soft texture. Although it is made of cotton, its fine weave makes it smooth to the touch. Even with a large skirt, it does not feel particularly heavy to wear. On the contrary, its breathability and skin-friendly nature made it her most common attire.

On the skirt, with the finest gold thread and exquisite embroidery, a magnificent phoenix, its wings outstretched as if about to take flight, is embroidered. The pattern covers the entire nightgown, extending from the front and back to the wide bell sleeves, and is connected to the five-zhang-long Suzhou brocade train, with the phoenix's tail feathers transforming into endless, gorgeous patterns on the train.

At this moment, to show solemnity, she wore a matching black and gold shawl over her nightgown. The shawl's dark fabric was also embroidered with phoenix and cloud patterns in gold thread, complementing the nightgown and adding to her dignified and majestic appearance.

The long train of her skirt, untouched by any man, trailed naturally behind her, spreading out on the smooth, mirror-like gold brick floor of the palace. As she walked in the morning, the hem of her skirt piled up and wrinkled, winding and twisting, appearing quite messy, yet possessing an undeniable natural majesty.

The wide, flared cuffs, trimmed with gold thread and tassels, are incredibly luxurious.

The black jade thumb ring on her left thumb gleamed warmly.

Apart from that, he wore no other ornaments, nor did he wear a straw hat, cloak, gloves, or finger cots.

Lin Zhen had finished getting ready, dressed in a dark-colored casual outfit embroidered with gold python patterns, with a black cloak over it, which made her figure appear even more upright.

He entered the hall and saw that Murong Yan was already prepared, adjusting the sashes of her wedding robe in front of the mirror.

He stepped forward and naturally reached out to smooth out the neckline of her wedding gown, his movements gentle and practiced.

"Is everything ready?" Murong Yan looked up at him, her phoenix eyes filled with a smile, her tone carrying a hint of dependence as she asked.

"Yes, the car is ready, and the gifts have been loaded according to the list." Lin Zhen nodded, his gaze falling on her beautiful face, which was free of makeup, and said softly, "We'll be visiting a few places today. If you get tired, just let me know and we'll come back."

“With my husband by my side, how could I be tired?” Murong Yan smiled and reached out to brush non-existent dust off his cloak, her movements intimate and natural. “Besides, it’s just a visit to Prime Minister Du’s residence to sit and chat. It’s not like I’m going to court. It’s very relaxing.”

Lin Zhen held her hand and felt that her fingertips were slightly cold. He frowned and said, "Your hands are so cold. Let's use a hand warmer."

He then began to give instructions to the palace servants.

“No need,” Murong Yan grasped his wrist and shook her head. “It’s warm inside the carriage, and besides, this Phoenix Descent dress doesn’t make me feel cold at all. The Su brocade is thin yet dense, and it’s very windproof. Besides,”

She paused, her tone slightly coquettish.

"Holding a hand warmer actually makes it more inconvenient to move around."

Lin Zhen knew that she disliked being burdened, and seeing that she looked normal, he didn't insist anymore. He simply held her hand in his palm to warm it, and they walked outside together.

The five-zhang-long, dark gold trail stretched out behind the two of them, drawing a flowing, dark path on the clean ground with each step, its chaotic yet uniquely harmonious air reflecting the unity of the emperor and empress.

The imperial procession was not carried out with great fanfare. It consisted of only two seemingly ordinary but extremely comfortable and sturdy carriages, escorted silently by elite guards in plain clothes, as they drove out of the palace and merged into the already bustling traffic of Chang'an City on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.

According to the plan, the first stop was the residence of Du Ruhui, the prime minister of the current dynasty.

The Du residence is located in Chongrenfang, east of Chang'an. The mansion is not particularly grand, but it has its own elegant and scholarly atmosphere.