Chapter 246 conveys the feelings of a newlywed couple.
Chapter 246 conveys the feelings of a newlywed couple.
The capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom was enveloped in the joyous atmosphere of Yan Dongdong and Jiang Yichen's wedding. Lanterns and colorful decorations adorned the streets and alleys, red wedding ribbons fluttered in the wind, and a sweet fragrance filled the air. Inside the Jiang residence, the atmosphere was exceptionally lively, with guests filling the house and laughter echoing throughout.
At this moment, in the royal palace of Xijing Kingdom, Empress Jia Xiaoyan sat in the warm pavilion, holding a letter from Nanzhao Kingdom in her hands. She wore a royal blue brocade robe, embroidered with exquisite phoenix patterns, which shimmered in the sunlight. Jia Xiaoyan's gaze was focused on the letter, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, revealing a gentle smile.
"I didn't expect Dongdong to get married so soon. It's truly a joyous occasion," Jia Xiaoyan said softly, her voice gentle and graceful.
Bi'er, the personal maid standing beside her, replied with a smile: "Yes, Your Majesty, I've heard that Young Master Jiang is a handsome and talented man, and he and Miss Dongdong are a perfect match."
Jia Xiaoyan nodded slightly, a thoughtful look in her eyes: "Such a perfect match, I must present a generous gift to express my gratitude."
So, Jia Xiaoyan began to carefully prepare a gift. Her first thought was of the specialty of Xijing Kingdom—exquisite Shu brocade. Shu brocade is renowned for its vibrant colors and exquisite patterns, making it a superior material for clothing and ornaments. Jia Xiaoyan personally went to the palace storeroom to select from the many Shu brocades available.
“Bi’er, what do you think of this red Shu brocade? It’s embroidered with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns, which is perfect for the festive atmosphere of a wedding,” Jia Xiaoyan said, pointing to a piece of Shu brocade.
Bi'er examined it carefully and nodded in praise: "Your Majesty has a good eye. This Shu brocade is brightly colored and the pattern is lifelike. Miss Dongdong will definitely like it when she receives it."
Besides Shu brocade, Jia Xiaoyan also thought of a precious jade artifact. She ordered someone to fetch the key to the palace's treasury and searched among the dazzling array of jade pieces for the most suitable gift. In the end, she chose a pair of jade ruyi scepters, carved with exquisite floral patterns, symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and fulfillment.
"These jade ruyi scepters were carefully selected by me. They are warm, delicate, and crystal clear, just like Miss Dongdong's beautiful and charming face. The shape of these ruyi scepters also symbolizes good fortune and represents my sincerest and best wishes for Miss Dongdong and Young Master Jiang. May their married life be like these jade ruyi scepters, with everything going smoothly and as they wish, without any bumps or setbacks; and may their love last a long time, be sweet and fulfilling, and always be filled with happiness and joy." Jia Xiaoyan said softly, gently stroking the jade ruyi scepters in her hands, her beautiful eyes full of sincere blessings.
After preparing the precious Shu brocade and the jade ruyi symbolizing good wishes, Jia Xiaoyan's clever mind began to work again. She suddenly remembered that there was another unique gift she could give to the newlyweds. So, she walked gracefully to her study and carefully took out a thick book from the bookshelf—a collection of poems from the Western Jing Kingdom.
This collection of poems compiles numerous masterpieces created by scholars and writers throughout the history of Xijing Kingdom since its founding. These works, diverse in style and exquisite in their beauty, can be considered a treasure of Xijing Kingdom's culture. Jia Xiaoyan deeply understands the charm of poetry; it not only cultivates one's character, making one more refined and elegant, but also adds a romantic and graceful atmosphere to people's lives. Therefore, she felt that presenting such a collection of poems as a congratulatory gift to Miss Dongdong and Young Master Jiang would be most appropriate.
"Bi'er, come quickly!" Jia Xiaoyan called to her personal maid, Bi'er, holding the collection of poems. Once Bi'er was near, Jia Xiaoyan handed her the collection and earnestly instructed, "Go and tell the servants to make sure this collection of poems is beautifully presented. Remember, it must be exquisitely made; there can be no carelessness! I want this gift to be one of the most dazzling things at Miss Dongdong and Young Master Jiang's wedding."
Bi'er took the collection of poems and nodded in agreement, "This servant understands, Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will definitely write them beautifully."
After everything was ready, Jia Xiaoyan wrote a congratulatory letter in her own hand. Her handwriting was beautiful and neat, and the words were full of sincere blessings: "Miss Dongdong, I am overjoyed to hear that you and Young Master Jiang have tied the knot. I wish you both a loving and harmonious marriage, and that you will spend your lives together. I have prepared a small gift to express my heartfelt wishes, and I hope you will accept it with a smile."
After writing the congratulatory letter, Jia Xiaoyan handed it along with the gifts to a trusted messenger, instructing him to ensure that the gifts were delivered safely and on time to the Jiang family residence in the Nanzhao Kingdom.
After receiving his orders, the envoy set off for the Nanzhao Kingdom with the gifts. Along the way, he endured wind and rain, traveling day and night, all to deliver this precious gift to the newlyweds as quickly as possible.
Finally, the envoy arrived in the capital of Nanzhao. He found the Jiang residence according to the address, where the joy of the wedding was still lingering. After the envoy explained his purpose to the steward of the Jiang residence, the steward immediately presented the gifts and congratulatory letter to Yan Dongdong and Jiang Yichen.
Yan Dongdong opened the congratulatory letter and carefully read Jia Xiaoyan's blessing, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion: "I never expected that the Empress of Xijing Kingdom would be so thoughtful as to send a wedding gift. This sentiment is truly precious."
Jiang Yichen nodded in agreement: "Indeed, Her Majesty the Empress's gift is not only precious, but also contains deep blessings. We must cherish it."
Then, Yan Dongdong and Jiang Yichen opened the gifts. When they saw the exquisite Shu brocade, the precious jade ruyi, and the unique collection of poems, they were deeply moved by Jia Xiaoyan's thoughtfulness.
"This Shu brocade is so beautiful. I want to make it into a beautiful garment as a keepsake." Yan Dongdong gently stroked the Shu brocade, her eyes full of love.
Jiang Yichen picked up the jade ruyi and said with a smile, "This pair of jade ruyi symbolizes good fortune. We will place them in our new house to bless us with happiness and good health."
That collection of poems became a treasured possession they enjoyed together in their leisure time. Whenever they opened the book, they could feel the blessings and care that Jia Xiaoyan had sent from afar.
To express their gratitude to Jia Xiaoyan, Yan Dongdong and Jiang Yichen decided to reciprocate with a gift. They selected a distinctive silk from the Nanzhao Kingdom and a painting by a famous artist, along with a thank-you letter, and entrusted an envoy to take them back to the Xijing Kingdom.
After the envoy returned to Xijing Kingdom with the return gifts, he presented the gifts and a letter of thanks to Jia Xiaoyan. Jia Xiaoyan opened the letter and, seeing the sincere words from Yan Dongdong and Jiang Yichen, smiled with satisfaction.
"Miss Dongdong and Young Master Jiang are so thoughtful. I really like this return gift," Jia Xiaoyan said, her eyes full of joy.
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