jdhmnovel Chapter 216 Expectations for the Imperial City
Chapter 216 Expectations for the Imperial City
In the solemn yet warm imperial palace of the bustling capital, the afternoon sun poured down relentlessly, gilding the entire palace complex with a dazzling golden hue. In the imperial garden, clusters of colorful flowers swayed gently in the breeze, releasing enchanting fragrances. The lively and adorable siblings, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao, played joyfully in the garden, their clear, cheerful laughter echoing like a string of lively musical notes, adding a touch of vibrant life to the tranquil palace.
Xiao Nanyi wore an exquisite brocade robe, with a jade belt of emerald green tied around his waist, from which hung a small, delicate jade pendant that swayed gently as he ran. His jet-black hair was tied into a neat bun, with a few stray strands playfully falling across his forehead, making his large eyes appear even brighter and more spirited, radiating the unique innocence and curiosity of a child. Xiao Nanyao wore a pink silk dress, the hem embroidered with lifelike butterflies, which seemed to flutter with each step. Her hair was styled into two cute buns, adorned with vibrant flowers, and her rosy cheeks were like those of a ripe apple, making one want to pinch them.
At this moment, Gu Liuli walked lightly into the Imperial Garden. She wore a light purple dress, the hem embroidered with delicate orchids, and every gesture exuded a gentle and elegant temperament. A tender smile graced her face, and her eyes were full of love for the children.
"Yi'er, Yao'er, come here quickly," Gu Liuli called softly, her voice as gentle and warm as a spring breeze.
Upon hearing their mother's voice, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao immediately stopped playing and, like two joyful little deer, skipped and hopped to Gu Liuli's side.
"Mother, look how pretty the flower wreath I made is!" Little Nan Yao held up the flower wreath woven from various flowers, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she excitedly spoke.
Gu Liuli took the flower wreath, examined it carefully, and showed an approving expression on her face: "Our Yao'er is so skillful, this flower wreath is so beautiful. Come, let Mother help you put it on." As she spoke, Gu Liuli gently placed the flower wreath on Xiao Nanyao's head and said with a smile: "Our Yao'er looks as beautiful as a flower fairy when she wears this flower wreath."
Little Nan Yao laughed happily, twirling around a few times, her skirt fluttering like a butterfly dancing in the air. Little Nan Yi, watching from the side, wasn't about to be outdone, and said, "Mommy, I also learned to climb trees today, so high, so high!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Liuli's face showed a hint of worry, and she quickly said, "Yi'er, climbing trees is dangerous. You're not allowed to climb them anymore. What if you accidentally fall and get hurt?"
Xiao Nanyi stuck out his tongue and said, "Mommy, I know, I won't do it again. I just wanted to see if there were any bird nests in the tree."
Gu Liuli patted Xiao Nanyi's head gently and said, "If you want to see the bird's nest, we can ask the guards for help, but you can't risk climbing the tree by yourself, understand?"
Xiao Nanyi nodded obediently and said, "Yes, I remember, Mother."
Looking at the sensible children, Gu Liuli felt gratified. She took Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao's hands and sat down on the stone bench in the garden.
"Yi'er, Yao'er, Mother has good news to tell you." Gu Liuli said with a smile, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"What good news? Mother, tell me quickly!" Little Nan Yao asked impatiently, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"Grandma and Grandpa will be back in a while," Gu Liuli said, her face beaming with happiness.
"Really? That's great!" Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao cheered excitedly, their smiles brighter than the sunshine.
"Grandma and Grandpa have been gone for so long, I miss them so much," Xiao Nanyao said, her eyes glistening with tears.
"Me too, my royal grandmother always cooks delicious food for me, and my royal grandfather even taught me how to ride horses and shoot arrows," Xiao Nanyi said, his face full of longing.
Looking at the children's longing expressions, Gu Liuli felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She gently wiped away the tears from Xiao Nanyao's eyes and said, "Grandma and Grandpa miss you very much too. They will definitely bring you lots and lots of gifts when they come back this time."
"Wow, that's great! I want my royal grandmother to give me a pretty hairpin and some sweet pastries," Xiao Nanyao said happily, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"I want my grandfather to bring me a new bow and arrow, and a book about military strategy," Xiao Nanyi said earnestly, his little face full of determination.
Gu Liuli smiled and said, "Okay, you can tell Grandma and Grandpa when they come back. But before they come back, we need to prepare something and give them a surprise."
"How should we prepare? Mother, please tell us quickly." Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao asked in unison, their eyes full of curiosity.
Gu Liuli thought for a moment and said, "We can make a painting together for Grandma and Grandpa, and paint all our longing for them in the painting. We can also prepare some performances to show them when they come back."
"Okay, okay, I love drawing the most. I want to draw my Grandma, Grandpa, and our whole family together," Xiao Nanyao said excitedly, gesturing with her little hands in the air.
"I can draw too. I want to draw myself riding a horse, holding a bow and arrow, looking as majestic as my grandfather," Xiao Nanyi said, not to be outdone, his face beaming with a confident smile.
“Then it’s settled. Starting tomorrow, we’ll set aside some time each day to draw and prepare for the show. When Grandma and Grandpa come back, we’ll give them a big surprise,” Gu Liuli said, her eyes full of anticipation.
“Okay, it’s a deal!” Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao said excitedly, their two little hands clasped tightly together, as if making a solemn promise.
In the days that followed, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao enthusiastically prepared for welcoming their Grandmother and Grandfather every day. Early in the morning, as the sunlight streamed into the palace, Xiao Nanyi would rise early and go to his study to practice drawing diligently. He meticulously sketched his vision of the majestic figure riding a fine horse, bow and arrow in hand, redrawing it again and again without complaint. Xiao Nanyao was no less skilled; she sat in her room, facing the mirror, carefully depicting her Grandmother's appearance, capturing her kind smile and gentle eyes with remarkable realism.
Besides painting, they also discussed the performance they would prepare. Xiao Nanyi decided to perform a swordplay routine, practicing diligently in the garden every day until his movements were precise and skillful. Xiao Nanyao, on the other hand, prepared to perform a graceful dance. She carefully learned the dance moves from the palace dancers, practicing each spin and leap repeatedly to achieve perfection.
Gu Liuli was deeply moved as she watched the children prepare so diligently. She often participated in their preparations, offering guidance and suggestions, helping them choose paints, and designing costumes and headdresses for Xiao Nanyao's dance.
During this time, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao would occasionally ask Gu Liuli about their Grandmother and Grandfather, reminiscing about the little things they had done with them. Those warm memories made them even more eager for their Grandmother and Grandfather's return.
"Mother, how long until Grandma and Grandpa come back?" One day, Xiao Nanyao asked Gu Liuli with longing eyes.
Gu Liuli smiled and said, "It'll probably be about two weeks. When they come back and see all the surprises you've prepared, they'll be very happy."
"Half a month is such a long time. I really want them to come back right now," Xiao Nanyao said, pouting, her eyes full of disappointment.
Gu Liuli patted Xiao Nanyao's head and said, "Don't worry, time flies. In the next two weeks, let's make more thorough preparations so that when Grandma and Grandpa come back, they'll see the best of us."
Xiao Nanyao nodded and said, "Yes, I will practice hard so that my Grandma and Grandpa can see my most beautiful dance."
Finally, as Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao eagerly awaited their return, the day of the Emperor and Empress's return to the palace drew ever closer. The entire palace was immersed in an atmosphere of joy and busy activity. Palace maids and eunuchs were busy cleaning and decorating the palace, preparing to welcome the Emperor and Empress back.
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao became even busier, putting the finishing touches on the gifts and performances they had prepared. Xiao Nan Yi repeatedly checked his swordplay movements to ensure there were no mistakes; Xiao Nan Yao practiced her dance in front of the mirror again and again until she was satisfied.
The night before returning to the palace, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao lay in bed, too excited to fall asleep.
"Sister, what do you think Grandma and Grandpa's expressions will be when they see our gifts?" Xiao Nanyi asked softly, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I think Grandma will be very happy and will hug and kiss us nonstop. Grandpa might even praise us for growing up and becoming more sensible," Xiao Nanyao said wistfully, her face beaming with happiness.
“Then we must get up early tomorrow to greet them at the palace gate,” Xiao Nanyi said, his voice full of anticipation.
"Yes, I must get up early." Xiao Nanyao nodded vigorously.
And so, filled with excitement, the two children drifted off to sleep. In their dreams, their grandmother and grandfather had returned, and the family was happily reunited, their laughter echoing throughout the palace.
The next morning, before dawn, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao got up early. They put on their finest clothes and had the palace maids carefully dress them up. Then, they eagerly took Gu Liu Li's hand and went to the palace gate to greet their grandmother and grandfather.
When they arrived at the palace gates, many ministers, palace maids, and eunuchs had already gathered there. Everyone was dressed in their finest attire, their faces beaming with joy, quietly awaiting the return of the Emperor and Empress.
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao stood at the very front, their eyes fixed intently on the distance. Finally, bathed in the morning sun, a grand procession slowly came into view.
"Grandma and Grandpa are back!" Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao cheered excitedly, waving the flowers in their hands as they shouted.
The procession drew closer, and the Emperor and Empress's carriage stopped in front of the palace gate. The carriage door opened, and the Emperor and Empress stepped down.
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao immediately ran over and jumped into the arms of their Grandma and Grandpa.
"Grandma, Grandpa, we missed you so much!" Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao hugged the Emperor and Empress tightly, their eyes glistening with tears of emotion.
The Emperor and Empress looked at their adorable grandchildren, their faces filled with love and joy. They hugged Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao tightly, saying, "My darlings, we missed you too. Look how tall and big you've grown."
Gu Liuli stepped forward and bowed to the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor and Empress smiled and nodded, saying, "Liuli, you've had a hard time these past few days."
Gu Liuli smiled and said, "It's not hard work. I'm very satisfied as long as I can take good care of the children and see them grow up healthy and happy."
At this moment, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao remembered the gifts they had prepared. They quickly grabbed the Emperor and Empress's hands and said, "Grandma, Grandpa, we have prepared gifts and performances for you. Please come with us to see them."
The Emperor and Empress smiled and said, "Alright, let's go see what surprises the children have prepared."
Led by Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao, the Emperor, Empress, and Gu Liu Li arrived at the palace. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao couldn't wait to take out their paintings and show them to their Grandmother and Grandfather.
"Grandma, this is a drawing of you. Isn't it beautiful?" Xiao Nanyao asked, pointing to her drawing with a hopeful expression.
The Empress looked at the painting, her eyes filled with emotion, and said, "Our Yao'er painted it so beautifully, Grandmother loves it."
"Grandpa Emperor, this is a drawing I made of myself riding a horse and shooting arrows. I look as majestic as you," Xiao Nanyi said proudly.
The Emperor looked at the painting and laughed heartily, saying, "Not bad, not bad at all. Our Yi'er will definitely become an outstanding general in the future."
Next, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao performed swordsmanship and dance respectively. Their wonderful performances won rounds of applause and praise from the Emperor, Empress, and Gu Liu Li.
"My darlings, you are all so wonderful! This is the best gift Grandma and Grandpa have ever received," the Empress said excitedly, tears welling up in her eyes.
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao laughed happily. They knew that their efforts had not been in vain. Seeing their Grandma and Grandpa so happy made them feel sweeter than if they had eaten honey.
The family sat together, sharing their longing and joy. Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing them in its warmth and beauty. At this moment, the entire palace was immersed in an atmosphere of happiness and joy, and this deep family affection will forever continue within this palace.