kingnovel Chapter 459: Restoration of the Title by Grace
Chapter 459: Restoration of the Title by Grace
The next morning, at first light, Shen Li began to dress up with the careful help of her maids.
In front of the carved bronze mirror, the maids skillfully combed Shen Li's black hair gently with an ox horn comb, then carefully tied her hair into a bun and inserted exquisite jade and gold hairpins. The pearls and jade sparkled in the morning light, making her face look even more bright and charming.
After finishing her makeup, Shen Li changed into the bright yellow court dress that the emperor had specially sent when he conferred the title of Crown Princess on her.
This court robe was exquisitely embroidered. The five-clawed golden dragon embroidered with gold thread was lifelike and every dragon scale seemed to be given life. Shen Li looked at herself in the mirror wearing gorgeous clothes. She looked heroic and majestic, and actually had some of the style of an emperor.
After everything was packed, Shen Li boarded the carriage to the palace with her personal maid Chu Qiu, as well as her future husbands Luo Lingchen, Su Ran, Nangong Qi, and Chu Fengmian.
The sound of horse hooves clattered and the wheels rolled forward. Soon, they arrived at the magnificent Suzaku Gate of the imperial palace.
As soon as the carriage stopped, Shen Li looked through the window and saw that the eunuch Li Quan beside the emperor was already waiting there.
Li Quan, beaming, hurried forward in small steps. Arriving before Shen Li, he straightened his robes, then bowed respectfully and said with a smile, "Your Highness, the Emperor learned of your return last night. He was jealous all night when he heard you had returned to the Princess's Mansion first!"
After saying this, he couldn't help but chuckle, and continued, "Look, early this morning, the Emperor ordered this servant to wait here, and specifically instructed that if you don't come, he will issue an order to summon you to the palace. The Emperor also said that when you arrive, you can enter directly through the Vermillion Bird Gate and take a carriage directly to the Qianyuan Hall. He is waiting for you to have breakfast together."
Shen Li smiled slightly and nodded gently, her voice clear and pleasant: "I haven't seen you for a few years, and you are still so strong. I really miss my father. I came back too late yesterday, and I was afraid of disturbing my father's rest, so I thought of coming to pay my respects early this morning. So, thank you for waiting for me, I will go now."
After saying this, she bowed slightly to return the greeting to Li Quan, and then walked towards the carriage with a graceful and dignified posture.
The carriage drove steadily to Qianyuan Hall, its wheels gently rolling across the white marble floor, leaving a shallow mark. Shen Li was the first to lift the curtain and took a brisk yet somewhat anxious step. Luo Lingchen and the others followed closely behind, disembarking and heading straight for the inner hall.
As soon as she stepped into the hall, Shen Li caught sight of Emperor Xuan Ye pacing around.
Time flies. After just a few years, the emperor's temples are already covered with white hair and his body looks a little hunched.
Looking at his father who was no longer as high-spirited as before, Shen Li's eyes suddenly became hot, his nose felt sore, and his eyes were filled with tears.
She could no longer suppress her inner excitement and longing, and rushed forward, kneeling on the ground with her knees. With a "thump", her forehead hit the ground heavily, and her voice was choked with sobs: "Father, your unfilial son Shen Li is back!"
Behind her, Luo Lingchen, Su Ran, Nangong Qi, and Chu Fengmian also knelt on one knee and saluted according to etiquette. They knew that although they were of noble status, from Shen Li's perspective, Emperor Beichen was indeed their father-in-law, and etiquette was absolutely necessary.
Emperor Xuan Ye looked at these young men, first with a slight curl of his lips, muttering to himself: It was these brats who stole the heart of my Fubao!
Then, he suppressed his emotions and said in a deep voice: "Stand up! You are all extraordinary now. I can't afford such a generous gift!" Although there was a hint of sarcasm in his words, his eyes were full of concern for Shen Li.
The eldest prince Xuan Chen and the second prince Xuan Heng were also in the hall. When they saw Shen Li come in, they looked at each other and hurried forward together to greet her.
Xuan Chen's expression was gentle, with a hint of smile on his lips. He was the first to bow and salute: "Greetings, Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess."
Xuan Heng followed closely behind, his posture straight and he bowed slightly, saying respectfully, "It's been a long time since we last met. I hope you are well, my royal sister."
Shen Li smiled widely and quickly returned the greeting, greeting her two brothers. For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall became lively.
Once upon a time, the second prince Xuan Heng was demoted to a commoner due to a feud between his brothers. During that period, his life changed drastically, and his former glory and status disappeared in a flash.
Fortunately, Shen Li, thinking of their brotherly love, could not bear to see her brother sink into such a state, so she made several petitions to the emperor requesting him to restore Xuan Heng's status.
Emperor Xuan Ye, already deeply concerned about his son, could no longer resist Shen Li's persistent persuasion and ultimately relented, issuing an imperial decree to restore Xuan Heng's status as a prince. Now that they met again, Xuan Heng was filled with gratitude, and his gaze towards her was filled with a touch of respect and affection.