On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Murong Yan raised her hand and pressed down lightly, instantly calming the tsunami-like roar. She continued, her tone laced with chilling killing intent:

"I, too, will not allow it! This land of the Great Qian Dynasty was won with blood and fire by my father, countless martyrs, and the fathers and brothers of every one of you present here! Every inch of this land is soaked with the sweat and blood of our ancestors! We will not allow any demons or monsters to lay a finger on it!"

Her gaze sharpened, as if it could pierce through one's heart:

"An army is raised for a thousand days, but used for only one! The imperial court has exhausted the nation's resources to provide you with the finest armor, the sharpest weapons, and the most abundant provisions. What is the purpose of this? It is so that one day, when the enemy attacks, you can become the sharpest spear and the strongest shield! Use the swords and spears in your hands to tell those who dare to covet: Those who offend the majesty of our Great Qian Dynasty, though far away, will be punished!"

"No matter how far away they are, we will surely punish them! No matter how far away they are, we will surely punish them!" The soldiers' emotions were completely ignited, and their roars rose one after another.

"Good!" Murong Yan nodded approvingly, her voice suddenly rising, filled with unwavering determination and trust.

"I believe in you! I, the Regent, and the court are your strongest support! When the day comes that our army has pacified the north, I will hold a triumphant banquet outside the capital and personally raise a toast to celebrate the meritorious soldiers!"

Her promise, like the strongest liquor, poured over the soldiers' burning fighting spirit.

Cheers and the sound of weapons striking the ground resounded throughout the heavens and earth.

After the speech, Murong Yan, accompanied by Lin Zhen and Zhou Qing, began to inspect the various battalions.

She walked slowly, her gaze carefully sweeping over the soldiers' faces, their gleaming armor, and their weapons. Occasionally, she would stop and ask Lin Zhen or Zhou Qing a few questions about troop deployment and training.

Lin Zhen was always able to give clear and accurate answers in a timely manner, or Zhou Qing would supplement them.

Whenever this happened, Murong Yan would turn her head slightly, listen attentively, and nod from time to time. Her focused expression made the generals around her feel extremely valued.

When they arrived at a unit known for its crossbows, Murong Yan became interested in the uniquely shaped crossbows carried by the soldiers.

Lin Zhen gestured for a captain to step forward and demonstrate. The captain nervously stepped forward, saluted, and then skillfully drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and aimed at the distant target.

Murong Yan observed carefully.

Just as the captain finished his demonstration, sheathed his crossbow, and stepped back, Murong Yan turned around, preparing to walk towards the next formation—

The movements conveyed the focused attention of an inspection and the decisiveness to move toward the next goal!

The long, dark gold Suzhou brocade train, covered in dust and tangled on the hard ground of the command platform and the sandy soil of the inspection route, was suddenly propelled by this turn!

The luxurious brocade swept across the ground, stirring up a wisp of fine dust.

As the train quietly rose, it revealed the "Golden Embroidery" lining, densely woven with gold threads, which shimmered with a brilliant, fiery light like the midday sun under the bright spring sunshine!

The phoenix pattern covering the entire nightgown and its train instantly burst forth with an incomparably scorching and powerful golden light that resonated with the soaring fighting spirit of tens of thousands of soldiers!

The light was filled with praise for loyal warriors, pride in the imperial army's might, and absolute belief in future victory. It was noble, magnificent, and carried a powerful aura that connected the soldiers under its command by blood and shared the same breath!

This fleeting glimpse symbolizes her, as the supreme commander, resonating with the soul of this army!

Her skirt fell, obscuring the scorching golden light and the swirling dust. Murong Yan continued her inspection, her every step stirring up a thunderous roar of oaths of loyalty from the soldiers.

Lin Zhen followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily to ensure everything was in order. When he looked at Murong Yan's profile, his eyes were filled with pride and affection.

The warm spring sunshine shone on the Emperor and Empress, on their flowing, dark gold phoenix-embroidered robes that seemed to float in the dust, and on the gleaming armor of tens of thousands of soldiers.

......

Spring is in full bloom, and the Imperial Garden is ablaze with flowers, with bees and butterflies fluttering about.

For months, the situation in the northern frontier has been extremely tense. Murong Yan and Lin Zhen have devoted tremendous efforts to troop deployment and the procuring of supplies. A tense pre-war atmosphere has permeated the court and the public.

To ease the tension and to further observe and win over the officials, Murong Yan issued an edict to hold a small spring banquet in the palace, inviting some members of the imperial family, important officials, and their families to enjoy the spring scenery together.

The banquet was held at Linfeng Pavilion by Taiye Pond.

With its expansive views, rippling blue waters, swaying willows, and gentle breeze, this place is truly a wonderful spot to relax and unwind.

The interior of the pavilion was exquisitely decorated yet retained a royal air. Seasonal fresh fruits and delicate tea snacks were laid out on the tables, and the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, creating a peaceful and harmonious scene.

Murong Yan sat upright in the main seat.

She wore a phoenix-themed dress, but covered it with a lighter, still exquisitely embroidered black and gold shawl to suit the leisurely atmosphere of a spring banquet.

The warm afternoon sunlight streamed into the pavilion through the carved window lattice, illuminating the dark gold luster flowing within the black Suzhou brocade woven with gold cotton, making the serene black fabric appear soft and bright.

The Suzhou brocade technique gives this cotton nightgown a lightweight feel, making it even more comfortable in spring.

The colossal phoenix embroidered entirely with real gold thread on the dress no longer appeared so aggressive under the light, but rather exuded an air of elegance and nobility. The wide, flared sleeves, with their gold tassels, swayed gently as she occasionally raised her hand in a gesture.

The five-zhang-long Suzhou brocade train stretched out gracefully on the smooth, mirror-like gold brick floor of the pavilion. Because she was seated in the main seat, the hem of her skirt naturally piled up around the phoenix chair, with part of it winding down to the table and another part trailing long towards the pavilion door.

The light steps of the palace maids subtly influenced the senses, creating a seemingly casual yet subtly impactful chaotic beauty.

The black jade thumb ring on her left thumb gleamed with a warm luster in the spring sunlight.

Lin Zhen sat slightly below her, dressed in a prince's casual attire, exuding composure.

He would sometimes whisper with the elders of the royal family next door, and at other times he would cast a tender glance at Murong Yan in the main seat, paying attention to her needs.

The unspoken understanding and deep affection between the Emperor and Empress appeared especially natural and touching under the warm spring sun.

The invited officials and their families took their seats according to their rank, each with a look of honor and ease on their faces, as if they had received the Emperor's grace.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

The imperial family members recited poems and composed couplets, while the women chatted softly, enjoying the spring scenery by the pond.

Murong Yan also temporarily put aside her worries about court affairs, smiled slightly, and occasionally chatted with the elderly princesses sitting nearby, inquiring about their children's recent situation, appearing approachable.

"Your Majesty is in excellent health today. The beauty of this garden in full bloom cannot compare to even a fraction of Your Majesty's splendor," said an elderly prince with white hair and beard, raising his cup in a toast, his words full of respect.

Murong Yan smiled slightly, picked up the jade cup in front of her, took a sip of the newly brewed peach blossom wine from the palace, and said softly:

"You flatter me, Your Majesty. Spring is the time to relax, but unfortunately the northern border is not yet pacified, and neither I nor the Prince can be completely at ease."

Her voice was soft, yet she skillfully steered the conversation back to the main topic, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over everyone present.

"Your Majesty's concern for the country and its people is truly a blessing for all."

The one who spoke was Cui Mingyuan, the head of the Cui clan and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, who was sitting in a seat a little further away. The Cui family was a prominent family in Qinghe, with generations of officials and their students and former subordinates spread throughout the court and the country, enjoying a very high reputation among scholars.

Although not as revered as the "descendants of sages" as the Confucius family, their influence is profound and enduring, and should not be underestimated.

Cui Mingyuan was about forty years old, with a fair complexion, three long beards, and a refined and scholarly demeanor. His speech and behavior were extremely proper and respectful.

He rose, bowed respectfully to Murong Yan, and spoke in a calm and soothing voice:

"However, Your Majesty must also take care of your health. With His Highness the Regent strategizing and General Zheng Jiao and other loyal and brave soldiers fighting bravely, we will surely be able to defeat the enemy in the Northern Frontier. Your Majesty's presence in the central government and your efforts to stabilize the court are the greatest support you can give to the front lines."

These words sounded impeccable, full of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, and everyone present nodded in agreement.