Huanzhu Time Travel: Yan Luo's Unbreakable Love in the Yong Dynasty

Chapter 493: A New Year, A New Chapter, Blessings Endure

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Forbidden City was enveloped in a festive atmosphere. Red lanterns adorned the vermilion palace walls, their golden tassels swaying gently in the breeze, contrasting beautifully with the snow-covered glazed tiles and refracting a kaleidoscope of colors. In the Imperial Garden, several red plum blossoms bloomed proudly against the snow, their vibrant red adding a splash of color to this silver-clad world.

Little Swallow, dressed in a magnificent empress's court robe, phoenix coronet and embroidered shawl, was dignified yet lively. She moved between the palaces, delivering New Year's blessings to the concubines. Wherever she went, laughter and joy filled the air, and the concubines rose to pay their respects, their eyes full of reverence and affection.

"May Your Majesty the Empress be blessed with good fortune and all things going smoothly in the new year," Consort Ling said with a smile, her eyes full of sincerity.

Little Swallow held Consort Ling's hand and said affectionately, "Consort Ling, don't be so polite during the New Year. Let's have a happy time together."

After leaving the various palaces, Xiao Yanzi went to the Qianqing Palace to receive the New Year's greetings from the officials alongside Hongli. Hongli, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and wearing a crown, sat solemnly on the dragon throne, exuding majesty. Xiao Yanzi stood beside him, graceful and elegant, receiving the officials' kowtows and New Year's blessings along with Hongli.

After the morning audience, the family gathered at Kunning Palace. The table was laden with a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner, with steaming dumplings, delicate pastries, and delicious dishes that emitted an enticing aroma.

Little Swallow couldn't wait any longer, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the delicious food on the table: "Father Emperor, Mother Emperor, I'm so hungry!"

Hongli smiled and patted the little head: "You're such a glutton. Sit down and let's eat together."

The family sat together, enjoying a joyful New Year's Eve dinner. During the meal, they shared stories from the past year, and laughter echoed throughout the Kunning Palace.

After dinner, everyone went to the courtyard to set off fireworks. With a series of loud bangs, the fireworks bloomed in the night sky, like blossoming flowers, dazzling and beautiful. Little Swallow clapped her hands excitedly and hopped around in the courtyard.

"Father Emperor, Mother Emperor, look how beautiful these fireworks are!" Little Swallow exclaimed excitedly, pointing to the sky.

Xiao Yanzi and Hongli exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with affection for their little swallow. Hongli gently put his arm around Xiao Yanzi's shoulder: "With you two by my side, this is my happiest moment."

At this time, Yongqi arrived with his wife and children to offer New Year's greetings. Yongqi was dressed in a python robe, exuding an air of grandeur; his wife was gentle and virtuous, and his children were lively and adorable.

"Father Emperor, Mother Emperor, I wish you a Happy New Year and all the best in the coming year." Yongqi knelt down and bowed.

Little Swallow quickly stepped forward to help Yongqi's family up: "Get up quickly, we're family, no need for such formalities."

The group sat together, drinking tea and chatting. Yongqi recounted his experiences outside the palace, which everyone listened to with great interest.

"Father Emperor, Mother Emperor, the people's lives are getting better and better, all thanks to Father Emperor's wise rule," Yongqi said sincerely.

Hongli nodded slightly, a gratified smile on his face: "This is also inseparable from everyone's joint efforts. In the new year, we must continue to work for the well-being of the people."

As night deepened, the crowd gradually dispersed. Xiao Yanzi and Hongli returned to their palace, removed their elaborate costumes, and changed into casual clothes. The two sat on the edge of the bed, reminiscing about the day's events.

"Your Majesty, I'm so happy today, the whole family is reunited." Little Swallow leaned on Hongli's shoulder and said softly.

Hongli gently patted Xiaoyanzi's hand: "Yes, with you, with Xiaoxiao, with Yongqi and the others, this is the life I want. In the new year, I hope that our family will be safe and sound, and I also hope that all the people in the world can live and work in peace and contentment."

Little Swallow raised her head, looked into Hongli's eyes, and said firmly, "Your Majesty, I will always stay with you, to protect this family and the people of the world together."

They smiled at each other, walked hand in hand to the window, and gazed at the twinkling stars in the night sky. In this peaceful and serene night, they were filled with anticipation for the future. A new year, a new chapter—they would continue to write their story amidst the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City, perpetuating this happiness and tranquility.