On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

The spring of the fourth year of Qianyuan seemed to be particularly kind to this majestic imperial city.

The ice and snow melted, the warm wind blew, the blue waves of Taiye Lake rippled with golden light, and even in the cracks of the hard golden bricks in the corners of the palace, timid green grass sprouts emerged.

The smoke of war that had lasted for several years finally subsided, and the news of victory that spread from all over the world was like the warm spring breeze, blowing away the solemn and murderous atmosphere that had shrouded the palace in the past.

However, beneath this seemingly peaceful and prosperous era, the real waves often arise inside the seemingly strongest fortress.

Inside Fenghuan Palace, there is an air of spring and an intoxicating warmth.

The floor dragons had long been removed and replaced with translucent silk window screens. Early spring magnolias and winter jasmines, as well as several pots of precious purple peonies that were already quietly exuding fragrance, were placed everywhere in the hall.

Murong Yan seemed completely intoxicated by this hard-earned peace, or rather, intoxicated by the attachment between her and Lin Zhen that had become increasingly sticky and inseparable after going through the trials of life and death.

She almost never stepped out of Fenghuan Palace, and all the trivial matters of state were entrusted to the cabinet ministers. Only memorials involving military and national affairs would be read softly to her by Lin Zhen.

She was like a phoenix that had finally found a safe nest, displaying all her splendor, laziness, and even a hint of imperceptible fragility without reservation in this world, in front of Lin Zhen alone.

At this moment, the afternoon sun was shining brightly, shining through the window screens, casting mottled shadows on the mirror-like golden brick floor.

Murong Yan was only wearing one piece of clothing—the breathtakingly gorgeous black and gold Su Jin cotton nightgown with a pattern of birds paying homage to the phoenix, which seemed to be connected to her flesh and blood since she ascended the throne. It had a name that perfectly matched her temperament: the Divine Phoenix Descent Dress.

She did not sit upright on the high phoenix throne, but lazily leaned on the extremely large soft couch covered with thick snow-white mink fur under the west window of the bedroom with Lin Zhen.

On the low table beside the couch, a Xuan kiln white porcelain plate was filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small silver pot was warming nearby, emitting the elegant fragrance of Biluochun tea.

The divine phoenix dress shows its extraordinary beauty under the warm spring sunshine.

The extremely dark black Su Jin base material is not a dead ink color. Instead, under the bright spring light, it absorbs the light, presenting a flowing, bottomless yet surging dark color, as if it contains a galaxy.

The golden cotton wool woven into the texture of the fabric and the thin but heavy real gold threads, under the influence of light, flow with warm and dazzling dark golden waves, mysterious and noble, strangely blending with her relaxed posture at the moment, lacking some of the stern oppression when attending court, and gaining some of the luxurious laziness in the bedroom.

On top of the nightgown, there is a giant phoenix that covers almost the entire robe and even the tail. It is embroidered with red gold thread of different twists, thicknesses, and luster. Under the warm spring sun, it loses some of the scorching heat and hostility of the battlefield. The layered and lifelike phoenix feathers appear more graceful and luxurious, as if a phoenix reborn from the ashes is taking a comfortable nap in the spring sunshine, revealing a rare tranquility and satisfaction in its noble majesty.

The two huge, perfectly cut black diamonds inlaid in the phoenix eyes reflect the bright and cold starlight in the sunlight, constantly reminding the viewer of its inherent sharpness.

The wide and light trumpet sleeves adopt a layered design. The cuffs are made of the same color black Su brocade as the base, and the intricate cloud-thunder phoenix feather pattern is embroidered with red gold thread as thin as a hair. The edges are rolled with fine red gold bead tassels. At this moment, one of the sleeves hangs casually on the edge of the couch, the tassel does not move, and the other is softly placed on Lin Zhen's bent arm.

The black jade ring on her left thumb, which was crystal clear and without any impurities, emitted a warm and cold luster as she unconsciously tapped it with her fingertips.

The most astonishing thing was still the five-meter-long Su Jin train that was seamlessly connected to the nightgown.

It was not carefully rolled up or held by palace servants, but simply dragged naturally and meanderingly on the smooth and cold rosewood floor, spreading out a large, gorgeous dark gold waterfall. A corner of it even inadvertently wrapped around Lin Zhen's legs as he leaned on the edge of the couch.

The extreme lightness and thinness brought by the top-grade Su Jin craftsmanship makes this seemingly extremely heavy train actually much lighter than it looks. However, Murong Yan obviously does not care about it being spread on the ground. Instead, she seems to enjoy the sense of belonging and control brought by this ultimate luxury.

The natural skin-friendly cotton and the loose design of the nightgown make her feel extremely comfortable and at ease in this private space.

Lin Zhen was half leaning on the couch. He was not wearing the prince's robe or military uniform that symbolized his status. He was only wearing a moon-white casual suit with dark cloud patterns embroidered on it. His black jade-like hair was not tied up in a crown, but was casually draped over his shoulders. He had shed the coldness and solemnity that usually accompanied the emperor, and his brows were stained with a layer of homely gentleness and leisure.

One of his hands was holding a leisurely travel journal, while the other was held by Murong Yan. She wore the black jade ring on her fingertips, which gently drew circles on his warm and dry palm, bringing a slightly itchy touch.

His eyes seemed to be on the book, but his mind was obviously more on the person beside him. There was a very faint but very real smile at the corner of his lips, which was full of indulgence and doting.

"Are there really tens of thousands of colorful butterflies gathering at the Butterfly Spring in southern Yunnan mentioned in the book?" Murong Yan asked lazily, her voice hoarse and soft as if she were sleepy in spring, devoid of the cold and majestic air she had in the court.

As she spoke, she yawned slightly and rubbed her head against his shoulder again, finding a more comfortable position, like a satisfied cat.

Lin Zhen put down the book, looked down at her, and reached out his hand to gently tuck a strand of hair that had playfully fallen from her cheek behind her ear in a very natural way. His movements were very careful, as if he was treating a rare treasure.

His voice was low and gentle, carrying a soothing power. "The descriptions in this travelogue may be exaggerated. But if Yan'er wishes to see the country completely stabilized and the world at peace, your husband will accompany you to see it for yourself. No matter where you want to go, I will protect you and let you see all the wonders of the world."

There was no hesitation in his words, only endless promises and protection.

Murong Yan blinked her charming eyes, a hint of genuine interest and willfulness in them: "Just take a look? I also want to bring that spring water back to the Taiye Lake and build a Butterfly Spring for me."

Her tone was sweet and innocent, like a spoiled girl asking for her favorite toy.

"Okay." Lin Zhen responded without any hesitation, as if if she wanted to move mountains and fill the sea, he would also plan for her.

He leaned over and placed a gentle and cherishing kiss on her smooth forehead. "It's all up to you. My Yan'er, you deserve the best in this world."

Murong Yan curled her lips in satisfaction, her smile as bright as the spring sunshine outside the window. She stretched out her arms, wrapped them around his neck, tilted her head back, and placed a sweet kiss on his lips: "My husband loves me the most. With my husband here, I don't have to worry about anything."

The bedroom is filled with warmth and beauty, as if all the troubles of the outside world have been isolated.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

Suddenly, a very light but unusually rapid sound of footsteps was heard outside the hall, and stopped outside the tightly closed door.

Then the eunuch's characteristic, deliberately subdued yet barely concealing panic voice trembled as he reported, "Your Majesty, a major incident has occurred in front of the Golden Throne Hall! Kong Xiren, Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Palace and Duke of Yansheng, has joined forces with dozens of censors and members of the Hanlin Academy. They are kneeling before the steps, pounding their heads on the ground, blood splattering on the steps, and threatening to die in protest against Your Majesty!"

The eunuch's voice was filled with tears as he continued, "Grand Secretary Kong fiercely accused Your Majesty of abandoning Confucian orthodoxy and blindly advocating the study of things and extraordinary skills, which was a betrayal of ancestral laws and a destabilization of the country's foundation. He said Your Majesty favored outsiders, which led to Prince Lin's omnipotence, saying it was a hen crowing at dawn and disrupting social order. He also accused Your Majesty of constantly wearing strange and unceremonious clothing and neglecting state affairs, saying it was a sign of the country's demise, Your Majesty! They wept and begged Your Majesty to abolish the Institute of Studies and execute Prince Lin to clear the court and return power to the literati!"

Every word was like a poisoned ice cone, fiercely piercing Murong Yan's most untouchable reverse scale!

Especially the sentence "Kill Prince Lin"!

The warm air in the bedroom froze instantly!

The lazy and comfortable smile on Murong Yan's face disappeared without a trace in an instant, replaced by a tremendous anger and icy sharpness after the extreme pleasure was interrupted.

She didn't even stand up immediately. She just narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly, a cold light in them, and her voice seemed to seep out from the nine netherworlds of ice: "Kong Xiren? That old corrupt scholar who relies on the protection of his ancestors and talks about benevolence and morality? He dared to make a bloody remonstration? And he wanted to kill Lin Zhen?"

Her voice was not loud, but it caused the temperature in the entire bedroom to drop sharply.

Lin Zhen's face instantly turned gloomy. He immediately put down the book, sat up straight, and held Murong Yan's slightly cold hand tightly. His palm was warm and strong, conveying silent support.

His eyes, sharp as an eagle, swept towards the palace gate. His voice was steady, yet filled with unquestionable defense and anger: "You rebellious scoundrel! You simply don't know how to live or die! Yan'er, you unified the country, ended the war, and allowed the people to recuperate. This is an unprecedented achievement! The Institute of Gewu improved agricultural tools, built water conservancy projects, and strengthened our military equipment, benefiting the country and the people. How can these pedantic people who only know how to talk and have no knowledge of farming slander it?

The etiquette they talk about is nothing more than a tool to restrain the wise ruler and maintain their own privileges! Yan'er, whatever you want to wear is Yan'er's freedom, and it is also their honor!

Only someone with your grace, Yan'er, can pull off this divine phoenix dress!

"I exist to assist Yan'er, to protect this hard-earned kingdom, and to clear away all obstacles. How can I say that foreign relatives are interfering in politics? Such remarks are not only slanderous to the monarch, but also despicable!"

"Yan'er, don't get angry at these fools, or you'll get yourself into trouble. Let me handle it. I'll make sure they understand the power of thunder and lightning, and they won't dare to make a sound again!"

His words were firm and decisive, filled with unreserved protection and deep love for Murong Yan.

Murong Yan turned to look at him, the coldness in her eyes melted slightly with a hint of warmth because of his words, but her tone was still as cold as iron: "The Kong family has a thousand years of heritage, and the descendants of saints, huh, that's great." Her words were full of sarcasm.

She slowly stood up. As she moved, the five-meter-long Su Jin tail made a subtle but clear friction sound on the smooth floor.

"Help me change my clothes." She gave a calm order to the palace maids who were standing with their hands hanging down and trembling with fear. There was no emotion in her voice, as if she was talking about a trivial matter that had nothing to do with her.

The palace maids hurriedly brought the formal court dress embroidered with golden phoenixes.

However, Murong Yan didn't even look at the robes that symbolized power.

She walked straight to the huge glass mirror in the hall, the edge of which was inlaid with gems, and quietly examined herself in the mirror, examining the gorgeous "Divine Phoenix Dress" that seemed to have become the target of public criticism at this moment.

"This is it," she said calmly, but with unquestionable determination. "I will wear this, what they call a strange outfit, and go to the Golden Throne Hall to listen carefully to the wise words of these loyal ministers."

Lin Zhen frowned and walked forward quickly, his tone full of worry and reluctance:

"Yan'er! In the court, there are so many foul words and filthy remarks. I really can't bear for you to face them in person! Your hands are meant to control the world, not to be stained with the blood of these fools! Leave everything to me, okay?"

He reached out, wanting to hold her hand again, his eyes full of pleading.