On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Upon hearing of the Emperor and Empress's arrival, Du Ruhui had already led his family to greet them respectfully outside the mansion gate.

Upon seeing the carriage stop, Du Ruhui immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, "This old minister, Du Ruhui, along with his family, respectfully welcomes Your Majesty and His Highness the Prince! Your Majesty and His Highness's presence is an honor to my humble abode!"

With Lin Zhen's help, Murong Yan gracefully stepped down from the carriage.

She did not wear a phoenix crown, but simply tied her hair with a jade phoenix hairpin. The phoenix-themed dress she wore, draped under a black and gold shawl, appeared even more serene in the pale winter sunlight. The phoenix patterns embroidered with gold thread shimmered with a warm luster, which was both dignified and more approachable than a full court dress.

As she stepped out of the carriage, the long train slid off the shaft and spread out on the bluestone steps in front of the Du residence, covered with a little dust, which made its unadorned, messy beauty even more apparent.

"Prime Minister Du, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise." Murong Yan offered a slight gesture of support, her voice gentle yet authoritative. "Today, I and the Prince are visiting your residence for a family banquet and casual conversation. There's no need to adhere to court etiquette."

“Yes, Prime Minister Du, there’s no need for such formalities during the holidays,” Lin Zhen replied with a smile, his attitude amiable.

Du Ruhui repeatedly said he dared not, and respectfully welcomed the emperor and empress into the mansion.

The furnishings of the Du residence were indeed as the man himself described: simple and elegant, with many books and paintings, and few extravagant items. The guests and hosts took their seats in the main hall.

Murong Yan sat regally in the highest seat, her long, dark gold train cascading naturally around the chair and onto the floor behind her, creating a unique contrast yet harmony with the simple atmosphere of the hall. Lin Zhen sat beside her.

A maidservant served fragrant tea.

Murong Yan did not speak of politics first, but instead gently swept her gaze over the respectfully standing family members behind Du Ruhui, especially the young children, and softly asked:

"Prime Minister Du, are these children your grandchildren? They look so clever and adorable."

Du Ruhui hurriedly had his grandchildren come forward and kowtow.

Murong Yan gestured for them to dispense with the formalities and had her accompanying eunuchs reward the children with some exquisite palace-made candies and stationery. The children were both surprised and delighted, and the atmosphere in the hall immediately became much more relaxed.

"Your Majesty, it is indeed my few good-for-nothing grandsons," Du Ruhui replied respectfully, his eyes revealing affection.

"Prime Minister Du is too modest," Lin Zhen said with a smile. "I have heard that your sons are all studying at the Imperial Academy and are doing very well. They will surely become pillars of the nation in the future."

"Your Highness flatters me. My sons are of mediocre talent and must work diligently to live up to the Emperor's favor," Du Ruhui said humbly.

The conversation naturally shifted from family matters to national affairs. Murong Yan picked up her teacup, gently stirring the tea foam, and asked, seemingly casually:

"Prime Minister Du, during the New Year holidays, I have seen the memorials submitted by various ministries and departments. It seems that there are still some points of contention in the proposals concerning the dredging of the Grand Canal and the budget for provisions and salaries for the northern border towns next year?"

Du Ruhui immediately straightened his expression and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, there are indeed a few details that still need to be considered. Regarding the grain transport, the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue have some disagreements on the apportionment of the silver for river dredging; as for the provisions for border garrisons, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue also need to unify their standards for assessing losses during transport. This old minister has already summoned the relevant officials, and before the first regular court session after the New Year, I will certainly clarify the details and submit them to Your Majesty for review."

"Hmm," Murong Yan nodded slightly, "The Grand Canal is the lifeblood of the nation, and border supplies are crucial to the morale of the army; neither can be taken lightly. Prime Minister Du is a wise and experienced strategist, and with you overseeing things, I feel very at ease."

Her tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable decisiveness.

"Slight disagreements should be resolved decisively. We must not let small things cause us to lose big things and delay the important task of spring plowing and preparation."

"Your humble servant understands, and will certainly do his utmost to coordinate a proper solution as soon as possible," Du Ruhui solemnly replied.

Lin Zhen added from the side, "Your Majesty and I are naturally at ease with Prime Minister Du's work. However, there seems to be some unusual activity in the northern border region recently, and all logistical support needs to be further improved in order to prevent any potential problems."

“Your Highness’s reminder is correct,” Du Ruhui said solemnly. “This old minister has secretly ordered the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works to conduct a covert investigation of the grain and military supplies in the northern border towns to ensure that they are sufficient and accurate.”

After chatting for a while about other affairs of the court and the customs and traditions of Chang'an during the New Year, Murong Yan, seeing that her purpose had been achieved, gestured to Lin Zhen.

Lin Zhen understood and smiled at Du Ruhui:

"We have troubled Prime Minister Du for quite some time today. Seeing that everything is well at your residence, His Majesty and I are relieved. This is just a small New Year's gift, nothing more, but we hope Prime Minister Du will accept it with a smile."

The accompanying eunuchs presented the prepared gift list, which consisted mainly of palace satins, precious objects, and medicinal herbs, showing favor without being too extravagant or attracting attention.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Du Ruhui led his entire family in kneeling to thank Heaven for its grace. Murong Yan and Lin Zhen rose from their seats, preparing to take their leave. Just as Murong Yan turned to face the hall door—

His movements conveyed the composure and dignity of someone concluding their visit and preparing to depart!

The five-zhang-long trailing dark gold Suzhou brocade, which was spread around the seats and on the ground, was stirred by this sudden turn! The luxurious brocade brushed against the smooth stone floor of the Du Mansion's hall, making a soft "swish" sound.

As the train quietly billowed up, it revealed the "all-over gold" lining, which was densely woven with gold threads and shimmered with a brilliant and profound light like a dark starry river under the light of the hall!

The phoenix pattern covering the entire nightgown and its train instantly burst forth with a thick and majestic golden light, like molten gold from the abyss. That light was full of the emperor's mind, which combined kindness and power, and was insightful and discerning. It was noble, magnificent, and carried an unquestionable sense of authority that controlled the whole situation from the smallest details!

This fleeting glimpse revealed the silent manifestation of her absolute power beneath her affable exterior, a testament to her status as a ruler.

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

Amidst the respectful farewells from Du Ruhui's entire family, Murong Yan and Lin Zhen boarded the carriage.

The car interior was covered with thick, soft cushions, making it warm and cozy.

Murong Yan let out a soft sigh of relief, leaned against the cushion, a hint of weariness on her face, but her eyes were bright.

"How are you? Can you still hold on?" Lin Zhen asked with concern, handing over a cup of warm ginseng tea.

Murong Yan took it, took a small sip, and shook her head: "It's alright, but you have to be careful with your words. It's not as easy as reviewing memorials."

She paused, looked at Lin Zhen, a sly smile in her eyes.

"However, it seems that Grandpa was right. This kind of movement is indeed more effective than issuing ten imperial edicts in the palace. Prime Minister Du is a wise man."

Lin Zhen smiled and took her hand: "Prime Minister Du is a smart man, he will naturally understand the Emperor's intention. You can be more at ease when you go to Minister Zhou's residence next."

The carriage slowly started moving, heading towards the next stop.

Murong Yan leaned on Lin Zhen's shoulder and closed her eyes to rest.

The dark gold hue of her phoenix-emerging dress flowed quietly in the car's interior light, mirroring her composed and strategic mindset.

The gold-embroidered lining, subtly revealed, symbolizes the unbreakable imperial power and strength hidden beneath this tender facade. The journey to visit the high-ranking officials has only just begun.