The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Time slipped by unnoticed, and before long it was dusk. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the glazed tiles of the palace, casting a golden glow. As the last cheers and laughter gradually faded into the air, this magnificent game came to a perfect end.

Emperor Yongchang slowly rose, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, a satisfied and gratified smile appearing on his face. His tone was gentle yet carried an undeniable power: "Alright, everyone, let's end the fun for today. Now, go back to the hall and rest for a while, and we'll enjoy dinner together later."

Everyone nodded in agreement, their faces beaming with relaxed and joyful smiles. They walked briskly towards the hall in small groups, still excitedly reminiscing about the games they had just played. "This gathering was truly unforgettable!" Prince Duan said, leading the way, his voice brimming with barely concealed excitement, his eyes still sparkling with lingering joy.

“That’s right, especially that idiom chain game, which was both a test of wit and full of fun.” King Wen followed up, his words full of praise, “Everyone was full of clever remarks, and the atmosphere was extremely lively.”

"Let's try something different at the next gathering," Yongle interjected, her voice clear and melodious, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future. "We have to play all the games that Third Sister-in-law suggested last time."

Emperor Yongchang smiled and nodded, his gaze deep: "Indeed, today's gathering was very interesting. We are usually busy with many things, and it is rare to have such an opportunity to relax and spend such a pleasant time with our families. It is truly a rare treat."

At this moment, Chen Mengyao stood to the side, looking at the smiles on everyone's faces, her heart filled with warmth and satisfaction. She slowly walked to the center of the hall, gently clapped her hands, attracting everyone's attention. She said with a smile, "Everyone, I've also prepared some snacks and desserts for you to enjoy later."

As soon as she finished speaking, she took out a variety of exquisite and delicious foods packaged in her spatial ring and arranged them on the large dining table. There were crispy and delicious pastries, golden and crispy fried chicken, as well as steaming hot dishes and various snacks. Each dish exuded an enticing aroma, making one's mouth water.

She said gently, "Please store these delicacies in your spatial rings according to your own preferences and enjoy them at your leisure."

Everyone crowded around, marveling at the dazzling array of delicacies. Prince An and his wife exchanged a glance, and Prince An spoke first, his tone sincere: "Third Sister-in-law, you are always so thoughtful and considerate, making us feel incredibly warm and welcome."

The eldest princess also stepped forward, gently took Chen Mengyao's hand, and said gratefully, "Yao'er, you always show us the utmost care in the details. This thoughtfulness is truly touching."

The second princess and her husband also joined in the praise, expressing their gratitude as they selected the food. Yongle exclaimed repeatedly, "Yao'er, you're amazing! These foods not only look beautiful, but they also smell incredibly tempting!" Soon, everyone stored the food into their spatial rings according to their preferences.

Zhao Wei stood to the side. Although he had only recently joined this family, he was already deeply touched by the harmonious atmosphere. He didn't say much, but simply watched quietly, his eyes revealing heartfelt gratitude and respect. He knew that all of this was for the sake of everyone getting together better and communicating more happily.

In this warm and harmonious atmosphere, everyone sat around in the hall, chatting quietly or sharing anecdotes from the day, awaiting the upcoming formal dinner. Outside the window, dusk was falling and the lights were coming on; inside, laughter filled the air, and warmth permeated the atmosphere.

This day is destined to become an unforgettable and beautiful memory in everyone's heart.

Soon, palace maids and eunuchs from Emperor Yongchang's palace came out to announce: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, all princes, princesses, and consorts, dinner is ready." Upon hearing this, everyone stood up, carefully tidied their clothes, and then prepared to take their seats in an orderly manner.

Emperor Yongchang bowed slightly and, supporting the Empress, led the way with steady steps. His children followed closely behind, in the following order: the Wen Prince's family, the An Prince and his wife, the Duan Prince's family, the eldest princess's family, and the second princess and her husband. Finally, Princess Yongle and Zhao Wei also entered the banquet hall together.

Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han respectfully accompanied the Chen family and their spouses, as well as the Situ family and their spouses, as they slowly entered. Although this was the second time these four elderly people had visited the palace, they couldn't help but exclaim in genuine admiration when their eyes fell upon the magnificent atmosphere of the palace. The banquet hall was brightly lit, the dazzling lights illuminating the entire space as if it were daytime. The long dining table was already laden with a dazzling array of imperial delicacies. All sorts of rare and exotic foods were on display, their fragrant aromas rising and filling the air, making everyone's mouths water.

Emperor Yongchang and the Empress sat down calmly in the main seats, while the others took their seats on either side according to their status and rank. Emperor Yongchang slowly looked around at everyone, a gentle smile gradually appearing on his face, and then slowly said, "It is a rare occasion for everyone to gather here today, and I am very pleased. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for taking time out of your busy schedules to accompany me and help me relax."

After a brief pause, his gaze turned to Chen Mengyao's grandparents and maternal grandparents, his tone becoming increasingly warm: "Welcome to the palace, elders. I hope you enjoy your stay in the capital. If you are interested, I would also appreciate it if your younger siblings could show them around and entertain them properly on my behalf."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison, and the atmosphere instantly became lively and extraordinary.

Prince An smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, we have been eagerly anticipating inviting the four elders to our residence. Why don't we start with you?"

Not to be outdone, Prince Duan quickly interjected, "Your residence was just renovated a few days ago and isn't completely tidied up yet. Let me take the four elders for a stroll through my garden first."

Princess Yongle smiled broadly and took Chen Mengyao's hand affectionately, saying, "Third Sister-in-law, you haven't been to my residence yet. You must come this time. I've recently planted many new flowers and trees, and there's also a pond with several koi fish in it. It's so beautiful!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Mengyao smiled slightly and replied, "Okay, then it's settled that I'll go take a look tomorrow. It'll also be a good opportunity for Grandpa and Grandma to see your residence."

"Then it's settled!" Yongle clapped his hands excitedly.

Emperor Yongchang watched this scene with satisfaction, then gently picked up his chopsticks and began to eat. Upon seeing this, everyone reached out to grab some food, and laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air.

It's important to know that in the past, there was a strict rule in the palace: "One should not speak while eating or sleeping." However, since Chen Mengyao married into the Ouyang family, this tradition has been broken without anyone noticing. Now, the family sits together for a meal, the atmosphere relaxed and warm, just like an ordinary family gathering.

"Gentlemen, you're new to the capital, so you must not be very familiar with the place yet," the eldest princess said, placing a piece of tender steamed perch on Grandpa Chen's plate. She then enthusiastically introduced the place, "There are so many fun places in the capital! Like the maple forests covering the Western Hills, which turn fiery red when the season comes; there are also the hot spring resorts in the southern suburbs, where you can soak and feel completely relaxed; and then there's the night market in the Eastern Market, which is incredibly lively and full of strange and wonderful things—you definitely shouldn't miss it!"

"Oh? A night market?" A hint of interest flashed in Grandma Situ's eyes. "I've heard that the night markets in the capital are even more lively than those in our hometown."

“That’s right!” The second princess chimed in with a smile. “When my husband and I went there last time, we shopped until the wee hours of the morning. They had all sorts of little trinkets there, and we bought a lot of them. My brother even praised us for our good taste.”

"Haha, then I'll have to go and see for myself." Old Master Situ stroked his beard and said with a broad smile.

"How about this," Prince An suddenly suggested, "we can take turns taking the four elders out for a trip, each of us responsible for one day, how about that?"

“Great idea!” Prince Duan immediately agreed. “Then starting tomorrow, I will take the four elders for a stroll in the countryside.”

"No, no!" Yongle said anxiously. "I just told my third sister-in-law that we'd go to my residence tomorrow. You have to go after me." Prince Duan said repeatedly, "Alright, alright, whatever you say."

The crowd burst into laughter, and the atmosphere grew even more lively. Looking at her family, Chen Mengyao felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew she was incredibly lucky to have married into such a family. Here, there was no scheming, no deceit, only sincerity and love.

"Yao'er," Grandpa Chen suddenly said to her in a low voice, "seeing you doing so well here makes me feel at ease. These people are all genuinely kind to you, which is not easy to come by."

Chen Mengyao was slightly taken aback, then revealed a gentle smile, gently held her grandfather's hand, and said, "Yes, I am really happy."

At the dinner table, Prince An enthusiastically recounted his and his wife's travels through Jiangnan: "We stayed in Suzhou for a full two weeks, exploring all the beautiful scenery there. We even tasted authentic Squirrel Fish, a flavor that still lingers in my memory..."

“And osmanthus cake!” the second princess added with a smile. “I remember we bought a lot of pastries that day, but my fifth brother stole half of them.”

"I accidentally took the wrong one!" Prince Duan hurriedly explained, which drew another round of laughter from the crowd.

Emperor Yongchang watched all this quietly, a smile unconsciously playing on his lips, his eyes filled with satisfaction. He turned slightly to look at the Empress and said softly, "These days are truly wonderful."

The Queen nodded slightly, a gentle smile on her face: "Yes, as long as our brothers and sisters get along well, we can rest assured."

The banquet lasted until late at night, and everyone was still reluctant to leave. After the meal, they gathered in the hall and chatted happily for a while. Finally, Emperor Yongchang arranged for everyone to stay in the palace for the night before returning home. Everyone went back to their own palaces, while Emperor Yongchang instructed the palace maids and eunuchs to take the four elderly people to Changchun Palace to rest.

Along the way, Princess Yongle accompanied the four elderly people back to Changchun Palace, constantly telling them amusing stories that made them laugh. Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han watched this scene from behind, exchanging smiles, their hearts filled with joy.

That night, the palace was filled with laughter and joy, as if time had turned back, returning to the warmest family moments. At that moment, everyone deeply felt a long-lost peace and happiness—the warmth of family love, the unreserved trust and love between each other.