On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

"Here, this is a gift from me to you as we meet." Murong Yan handed the brocade box to the little boy Li Yun, and then personally took a small rabbit candy and handed it to the little girl Li Xuan, "Take this and sweeten your mouth."

The two children were both surprised and delighted, and quickly kowtowed to thank God for His grace.

Li Yun held the jade paperweight, reluctant to put it down. Li Xuan, holding the candy, finally smiled happily and said in her childish voice, "Thank you, Your Majesty! Your Majesty is so kind!"

Looking at the children's innocent smiles, Murong Yan's facial features softened even more.

She even leaned back in her chair, completely relaxed, a rare occurrence for her. Her long, dark gold train spread out even more wildly and messily around the seat as her posture changed.

Her gaze followed Li Xuan, who had become more lively after receiving the candy, watching her carefully lick it, her eyes revealing a tender light that was almost maternal.

Lin Zhen saw all of this, and her gaze softened so much it could melt hearts.

He reached out and gently placed his hand on the back of Murong Yan's hand, which was resting on her knee. His fingertips lightly caressed the back of her hand as he whispered, "The children are adorable."

Murong Yan grasped his hand in return; her fingertips were slightly cool, yet she squeezed it tightly.

She turned to look at him, her eyes still holding the love for the child, now softened with deep affection and dependence on the person beside her. Her voice was so low that only the two of them could hear: "If it were us..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the expectation and a hint of melancholy in her unfinished words were clearly conveyed to Lin Zhen.

Lin Zhen's heart tightened, which then transformed into deeper affection and determination.

He squeezed her hand tightly, his voice steady and full of assurance: "Yes, Yan'er. Once you've recovered better, it will definitely happen."

His gaze swept over the two children, then returned to Murong Yan's face, a reassuring smile on his face.

“Look how well the Li family has raised their children. Our children will surely be even more intelligent and adorable than them in the future.”

Murong Yan blushed slightly, gave him a reproachful look, but a sweet smile appeared in her eyes, which greatly reduced the trace of melancholy.

She turned her gaze away and teased the little boy Li Yun a few more times, asking him what books he had read and whether he had started his studies. Her tone was gentle, like that of an elder in an ordinary family who cares for their nephew or niece.

Li Yun was initially a little reserved, but seeing how approachable His Majesty was, he gradually relaxed and even recited a passage from the Thousand Character Classic with clear pronunciation, which earned him much praise from Murong Yan.

The atmosphere in the hall became exceptionally warm and relaxed because of the children's presence, completely unlike the solemn atmosphere when discussing military and political affairs in the previous two mansions.

Seeing how much the Emperor and Empress loved their child, Li Wenyuan and his wife were both excited and apprehensive, and repeatedly expressed their gratitude.

After chatting for a while, Murong Yan inquired about some trivial matters concerning the preparations for the New Year's festival from Li Wenyuan. Seeing that it was getting late and the sun was setting, she gestured to Lin Zhen.

Lin Zhen understood and smiled at Li Wenyuan, saying, "Minister Li, it is getting late, so His Majesty and I will not disturb your family reunion any longer. Seeing your harmonious family and your intelligent children today, I am very pleased."

Li Wenyuan's entire family knelt again to express their gratitude to the Emperor and Empress, and respectfully escorted them to the gate of the residence. Before getting into the carriage, Murong Yan turned back to look at Li Xuan, who was being led by her mother's hand and waving goodbye with great effort. A hint of tenderness flashed in her eyes.

Just as she turned around, preparing to board the car—

The gesture carried a hint of nostalgia for the warm family scene and reluctance to leave!

The long, dark gold Suzhou brocade trailing behind the Li family mansion, covered in the dew and dust of dusk, was quietly moved by this slightly lingering turning motion!

The luxurious brocade brushed against the slightly damp stone steps, making a soft rustling sound.

As the train gently billowed up, it revealed the "Golden Embroidery" lining, densely woven with gold threads, which shimmered with a warm and hopeful light, like molten gold in the sunset, under the warm afterglow of the setting sun!

The phoenix pattern covering the entire nightgown and its train instantly burst forth with a soft golden light, unlike any other majestic or resolute one, carrying a maternal glow and anticipation for the future.

That light was filled with the fleeting touch of ordinary happiness, the longing for the continuation of life, and a tender human warmth hidden deep beneath the emperor's scheming. It was noble and magnificent, yet at this moment it was draped in a warm and hazy halo!

The hem of her skirt fell, concealing the warm golden light and the fleeting emotions that were revealed in that instant.

Murong Yan boarded the carriage with Lin Zhen's help.

Inside the car, she leaned gently against the cushions, gazing at the street scenes rushing past the window, remaining silent for a long time.

Lin Zhen didn't disturb her; he simply held her hand quietly, offering silent support and comfort.

The carriage entered the imperial city, and the surrounding noise gradually subsided. Murong Yan suddenly spoke softly, a hint of vulnerability in her voice: "Husband, do you think... we'll really have that day?"

Lin Zhen pulled her into his arms, his chin gently resting on the top of her head, his voice firm yet tender:

"Yes, Yan'er. I promise you. Once the northern frontier is pacified, the court is stable, and your health has recovered, we will definitely have our own child. I will be with you, watching him grow up, teaching him to read and write, ride horses and shoot arrows... just like any ordinary parent."

Murong Yan softly hummed in his arms, closed her eyes, and felt the warmth and strong heartbeat from his chest.

The emperor and empress's carriage left the scholarly and childlike residence of Li Wenyuan, the vice minister of the Ministry of Rites, and slowly traveled along the streets of Chang'an on their way back to the Forbidden City.

Unlike the solemn atmosphere during the daytime visits to important officials, on the night of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Chang'an revealed another side of itself as the capital of the Celestial Empire—extreme prosperity and bustle.

Instead of clearing the way and speeding along, the carriage, following Murong Yan's instructions, merged into the bustling traffic and crowds.

The luminous pearls embedded in the carriage walls emitted a soft glow, illuminating the emperor and empress nestled together.

The Phoenix Descending to Earth dress worn by Murong Yan, under the pearlescent light, made the dark Suzhou brocade fabric appear even more profound, like the night. The gold cotton velvet woven into it and the phoenix pattern embroidered with gold thread flowed with a tranquil and elegant luster.

The exquisite craftsmanship of Suzhou brocade ensures that this cotton nightgown remains lightweight and form-fitting even after a long day of activity, without making the wearer feel particularly heavy.

She took off the black and gold wedding robe and gently draped it aside.

The wide, flared cuffs were adorned with gold tassels that hung quietly. The black jade thumb ring on her left thumb gleamed warmly under the pearly light.

Murong Yan leaned slightly forward and gently lifted a corner of the brocade curtain of the carriage window with her fingertips. A mixture of food aromas, the smell of cooking, and the lively sounds of the crowd instantly flooded into the carriage.

Outside the window, a continuous lantern market stretched out. All kinds of lanterns competed for beauty, the revolving lanterns spun endlessly, the lotus lanterns were about to bloom, and the huge Aoshan lantern was dazzling, illuminating the entire street as bright as day.

Shops lined both sides of the street, with banners fluttering in the breeze, selling all kinds of New Year's goods, snacks, and toys.

The sounds of hawking, shouting, children's laughter, and the cheers of acrobats blended together to create a vibrant and lively symphony.

"Look, my husband, there's a sugar figurine vendor over there!" Murong Yan's eyes lit up as she pointed to a small stall surrounded by children outside the window. Her face showed a girlish excitement and joy, completely unlike the dignified and profound demeanor she displayed when dealing with important officials during the day.

She subconsciously shook Lin Zhen's arm, her tone carrying a hint of coquetry, "It's so exquisitely drawn, the little monkey is so lifelike."

Lin Zhen looked in the direction she pointed and saw that the old artist was incredibly skillful, and in a short while he used sugar syrup to draw a lifelike little animal.

Seeing the rare, almost childlike, innocent interest she showed, he felt a surge of affection and said softly with a smile, "Yes, there are many extraordinary people among the common folk. If Yan'er likes one, I'll have someone go and buy one for her?"

Murong Yan shook her head, lowered the carriage curtain, and leaned back against him, her tone slightly embarrassed: "Forget it, I am the ruler of a country. How can I eat candy in the street like a child? If someone sees this, wouldn't it be a loss of dignity?"

She paused, but her gaze remained fixed on the dazzling display of lights outside the window, peering through the gap in the curtains.

"Just looking at the lights on the street and listening to the laughter of the people, I feel...it's really nice."

Her voice gradually lowered, carrying a deep sense of emotion.