Chapter 184 Jiang Liushen takes the child to the Nanzhao Kingdom
Chapter 184 Jiang Liushen takes the child to the Nanzhao Kingdom
Although Xijing Kingdom and Nanzhao Kingdom were neighboring countries, they were separated by mountains and rivers and were far apart.
On this day, the sky was clear and the breeze was gentle. Jiang Liushen was dressed in a black brocade robe, embroidered with a golden dragon, which shone brightly in the sunlight.
He stood tall and straight, his expression exuding the majesty and composure of a monarch. Beside him, Jia Xiaoyan, dressed in a light pink gown, her robes fluttering, looked like a fairy descended from heaven. Her face radiated a gentle smile, and her eyes were filled with anticipation for the upcoming trip.
Jiang Youan, dressed in an exquisite little robe, his hair tied into a small bun adorned with a jade hairpin, looked exceptionally spirited. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement as he skipped and jumped around his parents, filled with longing for the Nanzhao Kingdom they were about to visit.
Surrounded by the crowd, they embarked on their journey to the Nanzhao Kingdom. Along the way, Jiang Youan chattered incessantly like a cheerful little bird, sometimes pointing at wildflowers by the roadside and asking what they were, and other times showing great curiosity about the small animals that passed by.
Jia Xiaoyan patiently answered his questions, her eyes full of doting affection. Jiang Liushen looked at his wife and children, his heart also filled with warmth.
After several days of trekking, they finally arrived at the border of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Officials from Nanzhao were already waiting there.
The leader was a middle-aged official dressed in official robes. He looked respectful and immediately stepped forward to greet Jiang Liushen and the others: "Your Majesty and Your Highness of Xijing Kingdom, you must be tired from your journey. His Majesty of Nanzhao Kingdom heard of Your Majesty's arrival and specially ordered us to be here to welcome you."
Jiang Liushen nodded slightly, a gentle smile on his face: "Thank you all for your trouble."
Led by officials from the Nanzhao Kingdom, they continued their journey. The closer they got to the capital of Nanzhao, the more excited Jiang Youan became. When the majestic capital came into view, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, what magnificent city walls! They're even taller than those of our Xijing Kingdom!"
Jiang Liushen smiled and patted his head: "The Nanzhao Kingdom has a long history and profound cultural heritage, so there are naturally many things we can learn from it."
Upon entering the capital, the streets were bustling with activity, teeming with people and lined with shops. Jiang Youan looked around curiously, filled with a sense of wonder at everything. Street vendors hawked various local delicacies and handicrafts, their enticing aromas making mouths water.
Soon, they arrived at the royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom. The palace gates stood majestically, their vermilion doors inlaid with golden studs that glittered in the sunlight. At the entrance, Xiao Jingchuan, along with Gu Liuli, Xiao Nanyi, and Xiao Nanyao, had been waiting for some time.
Jiang Liushen saw Xiao Jingchuan and quickly stepped forward. The two embraced tightly: "Brother-in-law, it's been a long time! How have you been?"
Xiao Jingchuan said with a smile, "Brother, you must be tired from your journey. I am overjoyed that you could come to Nanzhao Kingdom."
Afterwards, Jia Xiaoyan and Gu Liuli exchanged pleasantries. The two sister empresses held hands, greeted each other, and their faces were filled with sincere smiles.
When Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao saw Jiang Youan, their eyes lit up, and they immediately ran over. Xiao Nanyi said enthusiastically, "Little brother Youan, welcome to the Nanzhao Kingdom! Let's play together!"
Xiao Nanyao also took Jiang Youan's hand and said, "Yes, yes, we'll take you to see some fun things."
Jiang Youan looked at his two friends and smiled happily: "Okay, okay, I really want to play with you guys."
Amidst the cheers and laughter of the crowd, they entered the palace. Inside, the palace was magnificent with its carved beams and painted rafters, its golden splendor showcasing the majesty and grandeur of the imperial family. Jiang Youan curiously surveyed everything around him, his eyes darting about, unable to take it all in.
Xiao Jingchuan led Jiang Liushen and his entourage to the main hall, where everyone took their seats according to their status as guests and hosts. Palace maids served fragrant tea and exquisite pastries; the aroma of the tea filled the air, and the beautifully presented pastries were a feast for the eyes.
"Brother Liu Shen, what brings you to the Nanzhao Kingdom?" Xiao Jingchuan asked.
Jiang Liushen frowned slightly, his expression becoming serious: "Brother Jingchuan, to be honest, I have come here for two reasons. First, to reminisce about our old friendship. Second, I am deeply worried about the movements of the Xinri Kingdom. The Xinri Kingdom has been very ambitious lately, constantly creating trouble in the border areas. I am afraid that they will be detrimental to the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Xijing Kingdom."
After listening, Xiao Jingchuan nodded slightly: "I have also heard about it. The new Japan has wolfish ambitions, and we certainly cannot let our guard down. This gathering of yours is a good opportunity to discuss countermeasures."
So the two began to discuss the issue of New Japan in depth, analyzing its possible actions and countermeasures. Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan listened quietly, occasionally offering their own opinions.
Meanwhile, Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, and Jiang Youan played on the side. They weren't interested in what the adults were discussing; they were more interested in exploring the new and exciting things in the palace.
“Little brother You’an, I’ll take you to see the garden in our palace. It’s so beautiful!” Xiao Nanyi said, holding Jiang You’an’s hand.
Jiang Youan nodded excitedly: "Okay, I really want to see."
Xiao Nanyao followed behind, saying, "I'll go too. I know where the flowers bloom the most beautifully."
Accompanied by palace maids, the three children arrived at the Imperial Garden. The garden was a riot of color, with vibrant flowers and lush green grass. Butterflies danced among the blossoms, and bees busily gathered nectar. In the pond, lotus leaves stretched out, lotus flowers bloomed, and fish swam freely in the water.
Jiang Youan was stunned by the beautiful scenery before him: "Wow, this place is like a fairyland!"
Xiao Nanyi smiled and said, "That's nothing. We also have a library in our palace with lots and lots of interesting books. We'll take you there to see it later."
Three children were playing happily in the garden, chasing butterflies and watching fish. Their laughter echoed through the garden, filling it with life and energy.
Meanwhile, inside the main hall, Jiang Liushen and Xiao Jingchuan were still engaged in a heated discussion. They devised a series of countermeasures, including strengthening border defenses, exchanging intelligence, and uniting with neighboring countries.
“Brother Jingchuan, I think we can first send envoys to the neighboring countries to discuss the matter of alliance. If an alliance can be formed, the New Japan will probably not dare to invade easily,” Jiang Liushen said.
Xiao Jingchuan nodded in agreement: "What you say is absolutely right, my brother. I will arrange this as soon as possible. In addition, we should also strengthen domestic military training and improve the combat effectiveness of the army."
After discussing some details, the two finally reached an agreement. At this time, dusk was falling, and the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the palace rooftops in a golden light.
“Brother Liu Shen, it’s getting late. Let’s rest for the night and continue our discussion tomorrow,” Xiao Jingchuan said.
Jiang Liushen smiled and said, "Alright, then I'll have to bother you, Brother Jingchuan."
Afterwards, Xiao Jingchuan arranged for Jiang Liushen and the others to stay in guest rooms in the palace. The guest rooms were warmly and comfortably furnished, with all the necessary amenities.
After dinner, Jiang Youan lay in bed, reflecting on what he had seen and heard that day, too excited to fall asleep. He looked forward to going to the library with Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao the next day to see those interesting books.
Elsewhere in the palace, Xiao Jingchuan and Jiang Liushen were still contemplating the future situation. They knew that the threat from the Xinri Kingdom was imminent, and that the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Xijing Kingdom must join hands to overcome this crisis.
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the palace courtyard, and a new day began. Jiang Youan got up early, eager to find Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao. The three children met in the courtyard and then headed towards the library together.
The library was filled with all sorts of books, including historical texts, poems, military strategies, and more. Jiang Youan looked at the dazzling array of books, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Wow, there are so many books here! I really want to read them all," Jiang Youan said.
Xiao Nanyi said with a smile, "These books are enough for us to read for a long time. Let's find some interesting books to read together."
So the three children began to select books in the library.
They flipped through this book for a while, then looked at that book, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
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