On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

After noon.

The emperor and empress's carriages left the elegant residence of Prime Minister Du Ruhui, passed through the bustling streets of Chang'an, and turned towards the residence of Minister of War Zhou Qing, located in Wudefang in the west of the city.

Unlike the elegant and scholarly atmosphere of the Du family mansion, the Zhou family mansion is adorned with two imposing stone lions in front of its gate, with a high lintel that subtly exudes the solemn and rugged aura unique to a military family.

Upon hearing of the Emperor and Empress's arrival, Zhou Qing had already led his family's sons and personal guards, fully armored, to line up outside the mansion gate to welcome them. Their military bearing was impeccable, and the place was completely silent.

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

She was still only wearing the Phoenix Descent Dress, her only attire, with a black and gold shawl over it.

The afternoon sun was more intense than the morning sun, shining on the Suzhou brocade with its inky black base and woven gold cotton, making the dark gold luster flowing in the calm black color even more obvious, as if molten gold was surging deep inside.

The Suzhou brocade technique gives this cotton nightgown excellent drape and lightness, so even with its large skirt, it doesn't feel particularly heavy or cumbersome when moving around.

The phoenix embroidered with real gold thread on the skirt shone brightly in the light. Its head was held high, and its wings spread out to the wide bell sleeves. The gold tassels at the cuffs hung down in a gorgeous manner, and the phoenix tail was integrated with the five-zhang-long Suzhou brocade train, trailing behind it.

At this moment, the long train, already dusty from the Du residence and further disorganized by carriages and horses, stretched out on the bluestone slabs in front of the Zhou residence, forming a stark and peculiar contrast with the armored soldiers standing solemnly around it.

The black and gold shawl draped over her shoulders swayed gently with her steps. The dark jade thumb ring on her left hand gleamed with a deep luster in the sunlight.

"Your subject Zhou Qing, along with the entire household, respectfully welcomes Your Majesty and His Highness the Prince! Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Prince!" Zhou Qing's voice boomed like a bell as he clasped his hands in salute. The soldiers behind him echoed in unison, their voices resounding through the roof tiles, carrying the unique pride and respect of soldiers.

"Minister Zhou, please rise. All soldiers, please rise." Murong Yan raised her right hand slightly, her voice clear and melodious, with just the right amount of gentleness, which diluted the tense atmosphere in the room. "Today, the Prince and I are visiting the residence. It is just a normal visit. There is no need for such a grand military ceremony."

Lin Zhen smiled and replied, "Minister Zhou, it's the New Year holiday, so please relax. His Majesty and I will sit for a short while before leaving, so as not to disturb your family's holiday celebrations."

Zhou Qing repeatedly said, "The proper etiquette cannot be disregarded," but his expression clearly relaxed as he respectfully welcomed the Emperor and Empress into the mansion.

The halls of the Zhou residence were quite different from those of the Du residence, with simple and sturdy furnishings. There were weapon racks and territorial sand tables, and huge military maps hung on the walls. The air seemed to be filled with a faint smell of leather and metal.

After the guests and hosts took their seats in the hall, Murong Yan naturally sat at the head of the table. Her long, dark gold train spread out around the chair and on the floor behind her after she sat down, creating a unique blend with the cold and austere atmosphere of the hall.

Lin Zhen sat beside him.

The maidservant served tea, a strong brick tea, quite different from the light tea served at the Du residence.

Murong Yan picked up the teacup, her fingertips tracing the warm porcelain surface. Her gaze swept across the furnishings in the hall, finally settling on Zhou Qing's weathered, sharp-eyed face. She got straight to the point, her tone calm:

"Minister Zhou, how is the situation in the northern frontier these days? Are the soldiers safe and sound during the New Year holidays?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's expression turned solemn, and he bowed, replying, "Your Majesty, thanks to Your Majesty's great fortune, the northern border defenses are currently relatively stable. All military garrisons have strengthened their defenses according to His Highness the Prince's orders, and scouts are constantly on the move. Although the soldiers endure hardship on the frontier, their provisions are sufficient, and their morale is high. However..."

He paused, frowning slightly.

"The unusual quiet of the Northern Kingdom this winter has made this old minister somewhat uneasy. It is reported that although its various departments have reduced their size, their training has not stopped, and there seem to be signs of a large-scale mobilization of supplies."

Lin Zhen tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the seat and replied:

"Still waters run deep, often concealing whirlpools. Uwei is an exceptionally cunning man; his inaction suggests he may be plotting something even greater. Minister Zhou must be extra vigilant, especially after spring begins."

"Your Highness is absolutely right!" Zhou Qing nodded emphatically. "This old minister has already ordered all garrisons to closely monitor the movements in the northern desert, especially its communication routes with the Western Regions. Any unusual activity must be reported immediately via express courier!"

Murong Yan nodded slightly, put down her teacup, and seemingly casually picked up a black wooden block commonly used by the Ministry of War to represent enemy forces. She played with it in her hand, but her gaze became profound:

"Minister Zhou, you are a seasoned veteran with extensive experience. What is your opinion on the recent re-emergence of the Kong family's orphan in the Northern Desert, bestowing upon him the title of 'Sage's Son-in-Law'?" Her voice remained calm, but the atmosphere in the hall instantly became more tense.

Zhou Qinghua raised an eyebrow, a hint of disdain and anger flashing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, please be wise! This is a despicable trick that the old traitor Uwei has always used! He has kidnapped a mere child, attempting to steal the name of our Chinese orthodoxy while carrying out his acts of plunder and aggression. It is utterly shameless! If the Kong family truly had any integrity, how could they associate with the barbarian tribes of the northern deserts who slaughter border people and are accustomed to plunder? That Kong family son has recognized a traitor as his father, and has long since severed himself from his ancestors and from the world! In the eyes of our border soldiers, his name is nothing but a laughing stock, adding to our contempt and indignation!"

His tone was impassioned, carrying the straightforwardness and passion unique to soldiers.

Murong Yan listened quietly, her face revealing neither joy nor anger, but her fingertips unconsciously stroking the black wooden block.

Lin Zhen spoke at the opportune moment, his tone calm: "What Minister Zhou said is also the sentiment of this king and His Majesty. However, Uwei's actions are intended to mislead people, especially those who are unaware of the truth or have ulterior motives. Our soldiers are naturally clear-headed, but the opinions in the court and among the people are mixed, and we must be wary."

Murong Yan gently placed the wooden block back onto the sand table, making a soft "tap" sound.

She raised her eyes, her gaze sharp as she looked at Zhou Qing:

"Minister Zhou, in your opinion, if the northern deserts truly use this as a pretext to invade the south, how should our border troops respond? And how... can we prevent any internal threats that might be coordinated with them?"

Her last question was quite meaningful.

Zhou Qing suddenly stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:

"Your Majesty! Our soldiers in the Northern Frontier know only loyalty to the Emperor and love for our country, to protect our borders and ensure the safety of our people! If the barbarians of the Northern Desert dare to invade, we will ensure they never return, their blood staining the yellow sand! As for internal troubles..." A cold glint flashed in his eyes, "Your Majesty, rest assured, the key positions in each military garrison are all guarded by loyal and devoted generals. The Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Ministry of War's Inspection Department have also strengthened their surveillance. Anyone who dares to secretly collude with the Northern Desert or spread rumors that undermine morale will be executed without exception! We will never allow such parasites to damage our Great Wall!"

His answer was resolute, filled with a soldier's determination and loyalty. A faint, yet genuine, smile finally appeared on Murong Yan's face:

"I am greatly comforted by your words, Minister Zhou. The safety of the northern frontier rests on the shoulders of Minister Zhou and all the generals and soldiers. The Prince and I place our high hopes on you."

She paused, then softened her tone, "During the New Year holidays, the soldiers are working hard on the frontier. I have ordered the Ministry of Revenue to expedite the allocation of additional rewards so that the soldiers can have a good New Year."