Marrying the Crown Prince

Zhou Zhou hesitated for a few seconds before speaking uncertainly, "I haven't heard any news that Father Emperor is going on a southern tour."

Such a major event as the Southern Tour would inevitably be mentioned in the memorials submitted by the court officials; it would certainly also be discussed during discussions in the Imperial Study.

Since neither of these two aspects are reflected, the matter of a southern tour is likely unreliable.

"Yeah, I just said it offhand." Li Ziyan smiled, looking very happy.

Zhou Zhou: "..."

It scared me. I thought my internet connection was outdated and that's why I hadn't received the message.

He silently complained to himself, but didn't show it on his face.

Zhou Zhou asked with a gentle expression and a concerned tone, "Does Your Highness wish to see the magnificent landscapes of our motherland?"

“Hmm.” Li Ziyan nodded. “I heard that before my father ascended the throne, he served as an imperial envoy, traveling around to investigate the people’s conditions and to find out if the government was abusing its power.”

The end of the paper is so shallow that I know that this matter must be carried out.

Zhou Zhou wasn't surprised by the answer, but—

"At the earliest, we'll have to get through this winter and wait until spring to talk about it."

After all, the river is frozen over and waterways are impassable. How far can a horse travel?

"Well, there's no rush."

As the nebulae drifted by and the sun slanted downwards, the moon gradually rose from the mountains, casting a soft light that illuminated the white expanse of snow. The pure white, soft snow seemed to glow, bright and dreamlike, foreshadowing a bright future.

Zhou Zhou reached out and poked Li Ziyan's nose, and he wrinkled his nose hard.

Zhou Zhou quickly withdrew her hand, her eyes shining as she looked at Li Ziyan in the moonlight.

He gently shook his head, shifted his position, and continued to sleep soundly, showing no sign of waking up.

Zhou Zhou secretly breathed a sigh of relief, her eyebrows curved into a smile, and she finally closed her eyes with satisfaction.

Her breathing gradually calmed down, becoming slow and long; at this moment, Li Ziyan opened her eyes, which were clear and bright, showing no trace of the confusion one might feel when just waking up.

He carefully reached out and embraced the person before closing his eyes in satisfaction.

As nebulae shift and the sun and moon alternate, it's already New Year's Eve in the blink of an eye.

The New Year's Eve banquet has always been the most important feast in the imperial palace.

Therefore, both Zhou Zhou and Li Ziyan attended the event in formal attire.

She wore a dark crimson embroidered silk robe with colorful fish and mountains patterns, and a dark-colored pleated skirt with auspicious cloud and mountain patterns.

The headdress was no longer as simple as before; a lot of croissant-shaped ornaments were added, and the hair was piled up high, topped with a gold filigree phoenix crown inlaid with rubies and holding pearls in its wings.

The moment Guan Fang came up, Zhou Zhou closed his eyes—this old man is really troublesome.

"Your Highness, would you like to add two more hairpins with dangling ornaments?" Zhibei asked.

"No need."

She wanted to live two more years.

"Your Highness, Your Majesty, it's almost time," Changyi reminded them.

Indeed, Li Ziyan had been waiting for Zhou Zhou to get dressed.

At this point, I have to complain a bit. Why is everyone dressed up so elaborately? I almost got crushed by my hair ornaments, while he simply tied his hair up and then put on a golden dragon and wing crown.

Although Li Ziyan's outfit was also very luxurious, her hair ornament was not nearly as heavy as Zhou Zhou's, and she could comb her hair much faster.

Zhou Zhou took a deep breath, stood up, and said, "Let's go."

Anyway, it only happens three times a year at most, just bear with it, it will pass quickly.

The palace banquet was held in the Yan Nian Hall, wishing the Empress Dowager and other elders good health and longevity, and hoping that everything would go smoothly in the coming year.

When the Crown Prince and his consort appeared, everyone stood up. Of course, the concubines in Emperor Chenze's harem were considered their stepmothers, so they did not bow.

However, the palace maids and eunuchs around these concubines, as well as other princes, princesses, and other members of the imperial clan, all bowed deeply.

"Your subject/wife pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Crown Princess. May His Highness have all his wishes fulfilled and enjoy longevity and peace, and may His Highness have good fortune, happiness and health."

There were nearly a hundred people there. To be honest, the scene was quite impressive, as it doesn't happen every day.

However, Li Ziyan kept his eyes straight ahead, his expression unchanged, with a faint smile that had remained the same for a thousand years. His aura was gentle as he led Zhou Zhou to a higher place, to the seat below the one reserved for Emperor Chenze and Empress Chu, before taking his seat.

He smiled warmly and spoke gently, "Today is a family banquet, so please, my royal uncles and aunts, do not stand on ceremony and please sit down."

"Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince, thank you, Your Highness the Crown Princess." Everyone sat down.

Thus, the entire Yan Nian Hall returned to its previous bustling state.

The Imperial Concubine looked at Zhou Zhou, who was bathed in golden light, and snorted lightly to show her disdain, but she did not say anything more, after all, she had suffered too many losses at her hands.

Fortunately, Zhou Zhou doesn't cause trouble for no reason. As long as others don't provoke her, she won't verbally attack them.

So the imperial concubine silently rolled her eyes at her, which was enough to vent her anger.

Wang Qingwu and Zhou Zhou had a good relationship, so at this palace banquet, the Crown Prince's seat was very close to that of the Fifth Prince Li Zichen, also known as the Prince of Xuanping.

Wang Qingwu winked at Zhou Zhou, signaling her to look over.

Zhou Zhou shrugged, indicating that he didn't know what was going on either, and told him to put his gossipy mind aside.

Indeed, both of them noticed the Imperial Concubine's gaze.

Zhou Zhou was also innocent. She was clearly as beautiful as a flower, as lovely as the moon, and as clever and quick-witted as a child. Why didn't the Imperial Concubine like her?

Wang Qingwu: "..."

Aren't you embarrassed to praise yourself like that?

Zhou Zhou reached out and touched his cheek: Ouch, it is indeed a bit hot.

Li Ziyan took the wine glass from her hand. "This is wine from the Western Regions. It doesn't feel intoxicating at first, but the effects will kick in soon. Don't overindulge."

She nodded, thinking to herself: No wonder my face felt a little hot, it was the fruit wine's fault.

There's no way around it, this wine has a delicate and mellow taste, as gentle as the earth, and a long aftertaste.

One sip reveals no spiciness, but rather a rich fruity aroma and refreshing floral fragrance that slowly unfolds and flows in the mouth, like a long and melodious tune that captivates the senses.

"This wine tastes really good."

“Yes,” Li Ziyan nodded in response, “A few days ago, Father Emperor bestowed some better wine upon me, which is currently stored there. I will have Changyi deliver it to you tomorrow.”

Zhou Zhou's eyes lit up—this was great.

She's not a heavy drinker, but if there's something good, she'll definitely try it.

Soon, the head eunuch announced: "The Emperor has arrived! The Empress has arrived!!!!"