bestfiction Chapter 179 Jiang Youan Attends Court
Chapter 179 Jiang Youan Attends Court
In the early morning light of the Western Jing Kingdom's palace, soft rays filtered through the carved window lattices, gently illuminating Jia Xiaoyan's bedchamber. Light gauze curtains swayed softly in the breeze, filling the room with a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
Jia Xiaoyan slowly woke up, stretching lazily, her eyes still heavy with sleep, her face lingering on her drowsy face. She sat up gently, smoothing her slightly disheveled hair, her gaze inadvertently sweeping towards Jiang Youan's small bed, only to find it empty, devoid of that familiar little figure.
"You'an?" Jia Xiaoyan called softly, her voice tinged with doubt and unease. However, only silence answered her.
Just then, the door to the bedchamber was gently pushed open, and a palace maid carrying toiletries tiptoed in. Seeing that Jia Xiaoyan was awake, she quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, you're awake."
Jia Xiaoyan nodded slightly, then looked at Jiang Youan's small bed again and asked, "Where is the little prince? Where did he go?"
The palace maid paused slightly, seemingly hesitant, before finally saying, "Your Majesty, the little prince... was carried to court by His Majesty."
"What?" Jia Xiaoyan's eyes widened, her face full of surprise and worry. "You'an is so young, how can Your Majesty take him to court? The rules in the court are very strict. What if something happens to You'an?"
The palace maid quickly lowered her head, not daring to look Jia Xiaoyan in the eye, and whispered, "His Majesty said that he wants the young prince to be exposed to these things from a young age so that he can understand the responsibilities of being a member of the royal family."
Jia Xiaoyan frowned, her worry growing stronger. She stood up and walked quickly to the window, gazing at the sky outside, her mind filled with thoughts. She thought of Jiang Youan's youthful face and the solemn authority of the court, and her heart tightened.
"Prepare the sedan chair, I'm going to the imperial court." Jia Xiaoyan turned around and said to the palace maid with a firm tone.
The palace maid looked troubled and said, "Your Majesty, this... people from the inner palace are not allowed to enter the court at will."
Jia Xiaoyan bit her lip and paced anxiously back and forth in the room. She knew the palace maid was right; interference in politics by the harem was a major taboo, but she was truly worried about Jiang Youan.
"Then quickly send someone to the imperial court to see how You'an is doing. Report back to me immediately if there's any news," Jia Xiaoyan said helplessly.
The palace maid quickly agreed and hurriedly left.
Jia Xiaoyan sat back down by the bed, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists as she silently prayed that Jiang Youan would be alright. She recalled Jiang Youan's usual adorable appearance, her heart filled with tenderness. This child had been her precious treasure since birth; how could she not worry?
Time ticked by, each second feeling incredibly long to Jia Xiaoyan. She would sometimes stand up and look towards the door, then sit down again, her anxiety growing stronger.
Finally, footsteps sounded at the door, and Jia Xiaoyan immediately stood up and hurried to meet them.
A palace maid hurried in, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, the little prince is doing well in court. His Majesty is holding him, and he is very well-behaved, even talking to His Majesty from time to time."
Upon hearing this, Jia Xiaoyan finally felt relieved. She breathed a slight sigh of relief and said, "That's good, that's good."
The palace maid continued, "I heard that the young prince also brought up some ideas that surprised the ministers."
Jia Xiaoyan was slightly taken aback, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes, and asked, "Oh? What idea did You'an bring up?"
The palace maid told Jia Xiaoyan everything Jiang Youan had said in court about the drought and border defense.
Upon hearing this, Jia Xiaoyan smiled with satisfaction and said, "I never expected that You'an, at such a young age, would have such thoughts. It truly surprises me."
However, she still had some worries in her heart. After all, Jiang Youan was still just a child. How much could he really understand about the complex situation in the court?
Jia Xiaoyan sat back down on the bed, her thoughts drifting back to Jiang Youan's childhood. Back then, Jiang Youan was still an infant, only able to babble and cry every day. She and Jiang Liushen always took meticulous care of him, afraid he might suffer even the slightest grievance. Now, Jiang Youan has gradually grown up, begun to have his own thoughts, and started to experience this complex world.
She knew that Jiang Liushen brought Jiang Youan to court in the hope that he would grow up quickly and shoulder the responsibilities of the royal family. But as a mother, she couldn't help but worry.
"You'an, you must take good care of yourself," Jia Xiaoyan murmured softly, her eyes full of tenderness and concern.
Meanwhile, the morning court session was still ongoing. Jiang Liushen held Jiang Youan in his arms, listening attentively to the ministers' reports. Jiang Youan leaned against Jiang Liushen's chest; although he was already a little sleepy, he still tried his best to keep his eyes open, observing everything around him.
"Your Majesty, we have come up with a preliminary plan for disaster relief in response to this drought," a minister stepped forward and said.
Jiang Liushen nodded slightly and said, "Please speak freely, my dear minister."
The minister elaborated on the disaster relief plan, which included measures such as opening granaries to distribute grain, organizing people to dig wells for water, and transporting grain from other regions.
As Jiang Youan listened, he suddenly said, "Father, we also need to tell everyone to conserve water and not waste it."
Jiang Liushen smiled and patted his head, saying, "You'an is right, saving water is also very important."
The ministers nodded in agreement with Jiang Youan's words.
Then, another minister reported on the issue of border defense. Jiang Youan looked at the border location marked on the map and said, "Father, we can plant a lot of trees on the border, so that it will be difficult for the enemy to get in."
The ministers couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this. Jiang Liushen explained, "You'an's idea, though simple, makes some sense. Planting trees can not only serve a defensive purpose but also improve the environment of the border regions."
The atmosphere in the court became much more relaxed because of Jiang Youan's words. Jiang Liushen looked at Jiang Youan in his arms, his heart filled with satisfaction. He knew that although Jiang Youan was still young, he had already begun to show intelligence and a unique way of thinking.
Back in her palace, Jia Xiaoyan's worries had lessened considerably, but she still couldn't wait to see Jiang Youan. She imagined Jiang Youan in the court, feeling both proud and heartbroken.
Finally, the morning court session ended. Jiang Liushen carried the sleeping Jiang Youan back to his bedchamber.
When Jia Xiaoyan saw them return, she quickly went to greet them. Looking at Jiang Youan's sleeping face, her eyes were filled with tenderness.
"Liu Shen, how is You An?" Jia Xiaoyan asked softly.
Jiang Liushen smiled and said, "You'an is very well-behaved. He put forward many interesting ideas in court, which made the ministers look at him with new eyes."
Jia Xiaoyan gently stroked Jiang Youan's hair and said, "I knew it, our Youan is very smart. But next time, please don't take him to the court, I'm really worried."
Jiang Liushen nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. This time, I wanted to show him what I was capable of, and it seems to have worked quite well."