jdhmnovel Chapter 149 Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli on their journey with the child
Chapter 149 Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli on their journey with the child
After listening, Gu Liuli nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Father has already abdicated and has had a rare period of leisure these past few years. Suddenly asking him to resume his duties might be a bit of a burden for him. However, given the current urgency, perhaps we can try to discuss it with him."
Xiao Jingchuan sighed and said, "I understand this is difficult, but I really have no better solution. I plan to discuss this matter with my mother first and hear her opinion."
Gu Liuli gently patted Xiao Jingchuan's hand, comforting him, "You've thought things through carefully, Mother will definitely understand you. No matter what, we have to try."
So Xiao Jingchuan got up and went to his mother's palace. His mother was sitting upright on the couch, holding a book. Seeing Xiao Jingchuan enter, she put down the book and asked with a smile, "Jingchuan, what brings you here today?"
Xiao Jingchuan bowed and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have come today to discuss an important matter. Xiaoyan has given birth, and both Liuli and I wish to go to Xijing Kingdom to offer our congratulations. However, there are many affairs in the court, and I am unable to attend to them all. Therefore, I would like to request the Emperor Emeritus to come out of retirement and help me handle the affairs of the court for a period of time."
The Empress Dowager frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Your father has been abdicated for a long time and has finally been enjoying some leisure. If you suddenly ask him to resume his duties, do you think he will be willing?"
Xiao Jingchuan said helplessly, "Your Majesty, I know that this will put the Emperor Emeritus in a difficult position, but the situation is dire and I have no other choice. I intend to go to the Emperor in person to plead with him, to reason with him, and I believe he will understand my predicament."
The Empress Dowager nodded and said, "Since you have made up your mind, I will not stop you. However, this matter needs to be considered carefully, and we must not rush into it."
Xiao Jingchuan replied, "Your subject understands and will act with caution."
At this moment, Xiao Han was leisurely sipping tea in the courtyard, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility. Seeing Xiao Jingchuan arrive, he was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Jingchuan, what brings you to see me today?"
After paying his respects, Xiao Jingchuan told Xiao Han his thoughts in detail. Xiao Han listened in silence for a moment, then said, "I have been abdicated for a long time, and I have long since become rusty in court affairs. Now you want me to return to power, this…"
Xiao Jingchuan hurriedly said, "Father, I really have no other choice. I want to take Liuli and the children to Xijing Kingdom to congratulate Xiaoyan on the birth of her child. There is really no one in the court who can share my burdens."
Looking into Xiao Jingchuan's sincere eyes, Xiao Han was somewhat moved. After thinking for a long time, he finally said, "Alright, alright, since you are in such a dilemma, I will help you this time. But only this once, I will continue to enjoy this leisurely life."
Xiao Jingchuan was overjoyed and quickly thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your son will certainly not let you down."
After receiving his father's permission, Xiao Jingchuan immediately returned to his palace and told Gu Liuli the good news.
Gu Liuli was also very happy and said, "That's great, now we can go to Xijing Kingdom with peace of mind."
Afterwards, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli began preparing for their trip to Xijing Kingdom. They selected a batch of exquisite gifts, including precious jewelry and auspicious antiques and paintings.
Meanwhile, Xiao Jingchuan also arranged an elite guard team to ensure their safety along the way.
Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi were overjoyed to learn they were going to Xijing Kingdom. They ran around the palace, busy packing their little luggage and discussing what gifts to bring for their newborn brother.
"Little sister, shall we give my favorite little wooden carving to our little brother?" Xiao Nanyi looked at Xiao Nanyao with anticipation, holding his beloved little wooden carving.
Xiao Nanyao thought for a moment and said, "Okay, but I want to fold some more origami cranes and hang them by my little brother's bed so he can see the beautiful origami cranes every day."
On the day of their departure, the sun shone brightly and the weather was fine. Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli, accompanied by Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi, left the palace in a grand procession, surrounded by their guards.
Along the way, the children chatted and laughed, full of anticipation for the upcoming journey.
Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi sat in the carriage, looking out at the scenery through the window and chattering away.
"Little sister, what do you think little brother looks like?" Xiao Nanyi asked curiously.
Xiao Nanyao tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said, "I think the little brother must be very cute, like a little dumpling."
Midway through the journey, the group passed through a bustling town. It happened to be the town's annual harvest festival, and the streets were brightly decorated, teeming with people. Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi were captivated by the lively scene, pressing their faces against the car window, their eyes wide with amazement, constantly exclaiming in wonder.
"Father, Mother, can we go down and take a look?" Xiao Nanyao asked expectantly.
Gu Liuli looked at Xiao Jingchuan, her eyes also filled with longing.
Looking at the children's eager eyes and glancing at the bustling street, Xiao Jingchuan smiled and nodded, "Since we've run into this, let's go join in the fun."
So, everyone got off the carriage and, under the covert protection of the guards, blended into the crowd of people celebrating.
Xiao Nanyao and Xiao Nanyi, like two cheerful little deer, darted through the crowd, sometimes running to watch acrobatic performances, and sometimes being attracted by the street food stalls.
Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli followed behind hand in hand, their faces beaming with happiness as they watched the children's joyful expressions.
However, just as everyone was immersed in the joy of the celebration, a small accident occurred.
Xiao Nanyi was drawn to a sugar figurine stall and became so engrossed that he unknowingly got separated from the others.
When Gu Liuli discovered that Xiao Nanyi was missing, she was immediately extremely anxious.
"Jingchuan, Xiao Nanyi is missing!" Gu Liuli said anxiously.
Xiao Jingchuan's expression changed, and he immediately ordered the guards to disperse and search. He and Gu Liuli were also anxiously calling out Xiao Nanyi's name in the crowd. Xiao Nanyao's eyes reddened with fright, and she held Gu Liuli's hand tightly.
Fortunately, not long after, a guard rushed over with Xiao Nanyi. It turned out that after realizing he was lost, Xiao Nanyi was a little scared, but he remembered his father's words: if you get lost, just stay where you are and don't move. So, he obediently stood in front of the sugar figurine stall until the guard found him.
"Little Nan Yi, you've scared your father and mother half to death!" Gu Liuli hugged little Nan Yi tightly, her eyes filled with worry.
Xiao Nanyi lowered his head and whispered, "Mother, I was wrong. I won't run around like that anymore."
Xiao Jingchuan patted Xiao Nanyi's head and said seriously, "Remember this lesson. When you're out and about, always stay close to an adult and don't run around."
Xiao Nanyi nodded vigorously.