jdhmnovel Chapter 139 Jia Xiaoyan's Happiness
Chapter 139 Jia Xiaoyan's Happiness
Meanwhile, in the court of Xijing Kingdom, a messenger who had arrived at breakneck speed knelt on one knee and presented Jiang Liushen with a secret letter from Nanzhao Kingdom.
Jiang Liushen opened the letter, a hint of surprise and joy flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Issue my decree: immediately prepare congratulatory gifts and send Minister of Rites, Lord Li, as an envoy to the Nanzhao Kingdom to congratulate the new emperor on his ascension to the throne," Jiang Liushen's voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the court.
Before long, Lord Li arrived as ordered and waited respectfully to the side.
"Minister Li, on this trip to the Nanzhao Kingdom, I represent our Xijing Kingdom to extend our sincerest congratulations to the new ruler, Xiao Jingchuan."
As Jiang Liushen spoke, his gaze turned to the attendant beside him. The attendant carefully presented a beautiful sandalwood box containing rare treasures symbolizing the friendship between the two countries, as well as a letter of blessing.
"Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail in your trust," Lord Li said solemnly as he accepted the box with both hands.
"Wait a moment," Jiang Liushen said again. "Take this marriage certificate with you as well. Jia Xiaoyan and I are of one mind, and now that the new king of Nanzhao has ascended the throne, it is the perfect time to propose marriage. You must convey my sincerity to the entire Nanzhao Kingdom." With that, he handed a marriage certificate wrapped in gold brocade to Lord Li.
Lord Li nodded slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly handle this matter well."
Several days later, Lord Li led a large delegation to the Nanzhao Kingdom. Officials of Nanzhao were already waiting at the city gate to greet them and led them into the palace.
In the imperial court, Minister Li bowed deeply to Xiao Jingchuan, then rose and presented a congratulatory gift and a letter of state with both hands: "The new king of Nanzhao has ascended the throne. His Majesty of Xijing has specially sent me to offer my congratulations. May the friendship between our two countries last forever and may we prosper together."
Xiao Jingchuan accepted the gift with a smile and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty of Xijing Kingdom. My Nanzhao Kingdom also cherishes the friendship with Xijing Kingdom."
At this moment, Lord Li took out the marriage certificate from his bosom and respectfully presented it: "Your Majesty, His Majesty of Xijing Kingdom and Miss Jia Xiaoyan are deeply in love. He has specially ordered me to bring this marriage certificate, hoping to form a marriage alliance with Nanzhao Kingdom."
Xiao Jingchuan raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. He glanced at Gu Liuli beside him, then looked at Lord Li: "I am aware of this matter. Jia Xiaoyan is an outstanding woman of my Nanzhao Kingdom. If she and His Majesty of Xijing Kingdom are truly in love, I, as the ruler, will naturally not object. However, this important matter of marriage still requires the opinions of Miss Jia Xiaoyan and her family."
Lord Li nodded hurriedly: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Everything is up to the Nanzhao Kingdom to arrange."
The news quickly reached the Jia family. Jia Dafu and Madam Jia were both overjoyed and somewhat worried when they learned that the Emperor of Xijing Kingdom had proposed to marry Jia Xiaoyan. "It is a blessing for Xiaoyan to have won the favor of a king," Madam Jia said, her eyes filled with tears, a mixture of reluctance and relief.
"Yes, but this is a lifelong matter, and it depends on Xiaoyan's own thoughts." Jia Dafu frowned slightly, his heart full of concern.
At this moment, Jia Xiaoyan, upon learning that Jiang Liushen had sent an envoy to propose marriage, felt both moved and somewhat shy. She recalled all the moments she had shared with Jiang Liushen in Xijing Kingdom, every single one of which was incredibly precious.
"My mind is made up. I am willing to marry Jiang Liushen." Jia Xiaoyan's eyes shone with determination as she told her parents.
Looking into their daughter's determined eyes, Jia Dafu and his wife finally nodded: "As long as you are happy."
Soon, Jia Xiaoyan's reply was conveyed to Lord Li.
Upon receiving the news, Lord Li immediately set off back to Xijing Kingdom to report back to Jiang Liushen.
Gu Liuli was overjoyed when she heard Xiao Jingchuan say that Jiang Liushen had proposed to Jia Xiaoyan.
She sat upright in the main seat of Xianfu Palace, her eyes filled with tenderness and expectation. She quickly instructed the palace maid beside her, "Go and invite Miss Jia Xiaoyan into the palace. Tell her that I have important matters to discuss with her." The palace maid obeyed and hurriedly left.
Not long after, Jia Xiaoyan arrived at Xianfu Palace. She wore a light pink silk dress with delicate plum blossom patterns embroidered on the hem, making her appear fresh and refined. Upon seeing Gu Liuli, Jia Xiaoyan gracefully bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Princess."
Gu Liuli quickly stood up, stepped forward to help Jia Xiaoyan up, and said with a smile, "Xiaoyan, let's not be so formal between us. Please sit down, please sit down."
The two sat down on the couch. Gu Liuli held Jia Xiaoyan's hand, her eyes full of concern: "I heard that my brother proposed to you. That's wonderful! You're going to be the Empress of Xijing Kingdom, and also my sister-in-law. I'd better prepare a good dowry for you."
Jia Xiaoyan's cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes sparkled with happiness: "Thank you, Liuli. It's my blessing to have your brother's favor. But how could I trouble you with the matter of my dowry?"
Gu Liuli gently patted Jia Xiaoyan's hand: "What are you saying? We are like sisters, your business is my business. This dowry cannot be taken lightly. It must be magnificent, so that the people of Xijing Kingdom can see the sincerity of our Nanzhao Kingdom."
Therefore, Gu Liuli immediately began preparing Jia Xiaoyan's dowry. She first summoned the palace's top embroiderers to tailor several gorgeous wedding dresses for Jia Xiaoyan.
The wedding dress was made of the finest silk, and the embroiderers used their exquisite skills to embroider it with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns, with every stitch filled with blessings for Jia Xiaoyan.
Next, Gu Liuli personally selected various precious jewelry pieces as part of her dowry.
She searched carefully in the palace's treasury and took out a pair of jade bracelets. The bracelets were warm and smooth, with a bright green color and were extremely translucent. It was clear at a glance that they were priceless.
"These jade bracelets were left to me by my mother. Today I give them to you, hoping that your relationship with Jiang Liushen will be as steadfast and unwavering as these jade bracelets."
Gu Liuli gently placed the jade bracelet in Jia Xiaoyan's hand, her eyes full of sincerity.
In addition to her wedding dress and jewelry, Gu Liuli also prepared many exquisite daily necessities.
She selected a complete set of pure gold dressing utensils, including a comb, mirror, and hairpins, each piece intricately carved with exquisite patterns, exuding luxury. There were also various precious spices, fine silk bedding, and handicrafts unique to the Nanzhao Kingdom, filling several rooms.
During the preparation of the dowry, Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan often got together to share their feelings.
Jia Xiaoyan recounted to Gu Liuli her memories of her time with Jiang Liushen in Xijing Kingdom, including the wonderful times they spent together, which moved Gu Liuli deeply.
"Liuli, I really look forward to doing more for the people of Xijing Kingdom together with your brother." Jia Xiaoyan's eyes shone with determination.
Gu Liuli smiled and nodded: "I believe you can do it. You and my brother are both people who care about the world. When you are together, Xijing Kingdom will definitely become more prosperous and strong."
During the preparations for the dowry, the palace was bustling with activity. Palace maids and eunuchs went in and out, carrying various items. Gu Liuli, however, personally oversaw every detail.
She even prepared a thick dowry list for Jia Xiaoyan, which detailed the name, material, and meaning of each item.
As the wedding date approached, the dowry was finally ready. Gu Liuli looked at the dowry piled up in the room, her heart filled with satisfaction. "Xiaoyan, look, are you satisfied with this dowry? If there's anything you need to add, just let me know."
Looking at the dazzling array of dowry items before her, Jia Xiaoyan was moved to tears: "Liuli, this is already too good, I don't know how to thank you."
Gu Liuli gently hugged Jia Xiaoyan: "Silly girl, why are you thanking me? If you encounter any difficulties in Xijing Kingdom in the future, you must tell us. Nanzhao Kingdom will always be your home."
On her wedding day, the entire palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom was brightly lit and bustling with activity. Jia Xiaoyan, dressed in a magnificent wedding gown and wearing a phoenix crown, boarded the bridal sedan chair bound for the Xijing Kingdom amidst the blessings of the crowd.
Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan stood at the palace gate, watching the bridal sedan chair disappear into the distance.
"I hope Xiaoyan has a smooth and happy life in Xijing Kingdom," Gu Liuli said softly.
Xiao Jingchuan gently held Gu Liuli's hand: "Don't worry, with your brother here, Xiaoyan will definitely be happy."