flstandardbreds Chapter 163 The Retired Emperor Attends Court
Chapter 163 The Retired Emperor Attends Court
Little Nan Yi sat obediently in the chair, his chubby little hands supporting his chin, his head tilted slightly to one side, his bright, star-like eyes sparkling with anticipation and longing for the person who was about to arrive.
He said with great joy, "That's right, little sister! I can't wait to meet him! Maybe this little guy will be super cute. I'll definitely give him my favorite little wooden sword as a gift when he comes."
Standing to the side, Xiao Nanyao smiled upon hearing her brother's words, her lips curving upwards to reveal two sweet dimples like blooming spring flowers. She enthusiastically shared, "Yes, I also want to give my little brother the pretty handkerchief I embroidered myself, stitch by stitch, and I'll tell him lots and lots of wonderful and interesting stories. Oh dear, I really want Auntie to take us to visit this new member of the family soon!"
Thinking of this, Xiao Nanyi couldn't contain his excitement. He waved his little hands excitedly, as if his little brother was already in front of him, playing happily with him. At the same time, he muttered, "It would be so great if my little brother could talk! Then I could ask him what games he likes to play and then play happily with him."
Looking at her innocent older brother, Xiao Nanyao couldn't help but reach out and gently tap Xiao Nanyi's nose, saying coquettishly, "Hehe, my silly brother, my little brother has only been born for a short time, how could he possibly learn to talk right away? But it doesn't matter, we just need to wait a little longer, and when he grows up a bit, we can take him with us to ride horses across the grasslands, or fly colorful kites."
Just as the two children were chatting enthusiastically, Jiang Liushen was walking slowly along the path.
He had just finished dealing with some palace affairs, and with Jia Xiaoyan and the child on his mind, he also wanted to get some fresh air.
When he heard Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao's conversation, he unconsciously stopped and a gentle smile appeared on his face.
He listened quietly to the two children's innocent words, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
He recalled the joy and anticipation he felt when he first became a father, and he also felt the deep affection that Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao had for the little prince.
Jiang Liushen coughed lightly and walked slowly towards the two children. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao turned around when they heard the noise, and their eyes lit up when they saw Jiang Liushen.
"Uncle!" Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi called out in unison, then stood up and ran happily to Jiang Liushen's side.
Jiang Liushen smiled and patted their heads, saying, "Yaoyao, Yiyi, I heard you two chatting so happily just now, were you talking about your little brother?"
Xiao Nanyao nodded vigorously, her eyes full of anticipation: "Uncle, we really want to see our little brother soon! How is he now?"
Xiao Nanyi tugged at Jiang Liushen's sleeve, looking at him expectantly: "Uncle, can you take us to see our little brother?"
Looking at the expectant eyes of the two children, Jiang Liushen felt an overwhelming reluctance to refuse them.
He smiled and said, "Since Yao Yao and Yi Yi are so eager to see their little brother, then Uncle will take you there. But when you get there, you mustn't make any noise and disturb your aunt and little brother's rest, okay?"
"Yay! Thank you, Uncle!" Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi cheered, their faces beaming with bright smiles.
Along the way, Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi chattered away like two cheerful little birds.
Little Nanyao held Jiang Liushen's hand and asked, "Uncle, does my little brother look like Auntie? Or like you?"
Jiang Liushen replied with a smile, "You'll know when you meet him. He might resemble both your aunt and your uncle."
Xiao Nanyi excitedly said from the side, "I hope my little brother looks like my aunt. My aunt is so beautiful."
Before long, they arrived at Jia Xiaoyan's bedroom.
Jiang Liushen gently pushed open the door, gesturing for Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi to tiptoe inside.
A faint milky scent filled the room. Jia Xiaoyan was leaning against the bed, holding the little prince in her arms. Her face was still a little pale, but her eyes were full of tenderness and love.
When Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi saw Jia Xiaoyan and the little prince, they unconsciously slowed their pace, staring intently at the little prince with expressions of curiosity and surprise on their faces.
When Jia Xiaoyan saw Jiang Liushen bring Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi in, she smiled and said, "Yaoyao, Yiyi, you're here."
Xiao Nanyao walked to the bedside and whispered, "Auntie, we've come to see our little brother. He's so tiny and cute."
Xiao Nanyi also came over, her eyes sparkling: "Yes, Auntie, the little brother's face is so soft, I really want to touch it."
Jia Xiaoyan said with a smile, "Be gentle, your little brother is still very delicate."
Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi gently reached out and carefully touched the little prince's small hand.
The little prince's hands were chubby and soft, and Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi wore satisfied smiles.
"Little brother, I'm your older sister Yao Yao. I'll protect you from now on," Xiao Nan Yao said softly.
Xiao Nan Yi retorted, "I'm your older brother Yi Yi. When you grow up, I'll take you to play some fun games."
Jia Xiaoyan and Jiang Liushen looked at their two children with smiles of contentment on their faces. This heartwarming scene filled the room with a deep sense of family affection.
The royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom was solemn and dignified, with the plaque hanging above the dragon throne shining with a majestic light in the morning sun.
In the past, this was where Xiao Jingchuan handled state affairs and made decisions on national matters. But today, because Xiao Jingchuan was away on business, the Emperor Emeritus of Nanzhao slowly entered the hall to assume the duties of the monarch in place of his son.
Although the retired emperor had abdicated, his posture remained upright and his steps were steady and powerful.
He wore a magnificent dragon robe, with a lifelike five-clawed golden dragon embroidered on the golden silk, demonstrating the supreme imperial power.
The tassels on his head swayed gently with his steps, making a soft, clear sound.
The ministers were already lined up neatly inside the hall. When they saw the Emperor Emeritus step into the hall, they all knelt down and bowed, their voices in unison and loud: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The Emperor Emeritus nodded slightly, his tall and imposing figure exuding an aura of awe. His voice, deep and majestic like a bell, seemed to penetrate the entire court: "My beloved ministers, rise." Upon hearing this, the ministers were initially taken aback, then straightened up, but their movements were cautious, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.
After everyone slowly rose, their gazes unanimously focused on the Emperor Emeritus. The ministers' expressions varied, containing both deep respect for the Emperor Emeritus and an unavoidable mix of curiosity and anticipation. It was, after all, that the current Emperor, Xiao Jingchuan, usually presided over court sessions; the Emperor Emeritus's presence today was truly unexpected. Everyone secretly wondered what would happen at today's morning court session.
The retired emperor walked steadily towards the dragon throne, a symbol of supreme power. Each step seemed to make the entire hall tremble. Finally, he reached the throne, slowly turned, and sat down. His broad shoulders and straight spine made him appear even more majestic and imposing on the throne.
After the Emperor Emeritus was seated, his sharp, hawk-like gaze swept over the assembled officials below. Wherever his gaze fell, the ministers felt a chill run down their spines and unconsciously lowered their heads. After a moment, the Emperor Emeritus spoke: "Recently, I will be attending court on behalf of my son, Jingchuan. If you have anything to report, please do so; otherwise, the court may adjourn." Having said this, he sat upright on his dragon throne, motionless, like a towering mountain.
Then look at the retired emperor on the dragon throne. He wore an incomparably magnificent bright yellow dragon robe, embroidered with exquisite patterns and designs that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. His crown was even more eye-catching, composed of strings of beads inlaid with dazzling gemstones. As the retired emperor turned his head, the gemstones refracted iridescent light, mesmerizing all who beheld them. At this moment, the retired emperor truly resembled a majestic deity descended to earth.
On either side of the main hall stood numerous civil and military officials. Each was dressed in neat court robes, their colors varied but their styles uniform, creating a vibrant, colorful sea from afar. These officials stood silently, holding their breath, not daring to utter a sound, as if transformed into statues. Only the occasional gentle breeze that caused their robes to flutter slightly revealed that they were not entirely lifeless.
At this moment, a slender, serious-looking middle-aged minister standing at the front of the civil official line shifted slightly. He straightened his scarlet official robe, adjusted his black gauze hat, and took a step forward.