mesbooks Chapter 55 Returning Home for Talk
Chapter 55 Returning Home for Talk
As the sun rose higher, its warm rays bathed the road. Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian's carriage slowly approached the Prime Minister's residence. The vermilion gates were wide open, and Prime Minister Lin, dressed in court robes, stood solemnly at the entrance, leading Concubine Liu, Lin Yueyue, and a group of servants to greet them. The servants had been waiting under the blazing sun for some time, fine beads of sweat glistening on their foreheads, yet they remained upright and showed no sign of fatigue.
The carriage came to a stop, and the coachman quickly stepped forward and lifted the curtain. Murong Yi stepped out of the carriage first; his posture was handsome and his temperament outstanding, exuding royal elegance in every gesture.
Upon seeing this, Prime Minister Lin hurriedly led everyone forward to pay their respects: "This old minister respectfully welcomes Your Highness and wishes Your Highness a long and healthy life." Murong Yi nodded slightly in response.
Then, Lin Qianqian gracefully stepped down from the sedan chair. She moved lightly to bow to her father, but as soon as she moved, Prime Minister Lin stepped forward to stop her, his face filled with affection and respect: "Qianqian, you are now a princess, of noble status. How can you bow to your father? This is absolutely forbidden."
Lin Qianqian gently shook her head, her beautiful eyes full of determination: "Father, in Qianqian's heart, you will always be the father that Qianqian respects, so this ceremony is only right." After saying this, she gracefully bowed and performed the kowtow ceremony that a daughter performs for her father.
Prime Minister Lin looked at his daughter bowing, his eyes slightly moist, feeling both tenderness for her and relief at her dutiful filial piety.
After Lin Qianqian finished paying her respects to her father, she turned to Aunt Liu. She gave a slight curtsy, her demeanor graceful and elegant, a gentle smile playing on her lips, and said softly, "Aunt, it's been a long time. How have you been?" Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze, carrying just the right amount of respect and distance.
Seeing this, Aunt Liu adopted a fawning demeanor, but with a humble smile on her face, and said repeatedly, "Oh, Your Highness, please rise! May Your Highness and the Prince bless you with good fortune." Lin Qianqian shook her head slightly, but still insisted on completing the half-bow to show respect as a junior.
Prime Minister Lin smiled broadly, bowing slightly, his eyes full of enthusiasm and respect. He turned to the side, raised his hand, and said respectfully, "Alright, you must be tired from your journey. Please come in and rest." After saying that, he led the way, his steps light yet steady, occasionally turning back to keep an eye on Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian's pace, as if afraid of failing to provide the slightest hospitality.
Prime Minister Lin led Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian into the main hall. After the two were seated, he hurriedly picked up a teacup and handed it to Murong Yi with a humble smile, saying, "Your Highness, it is an honor for the Prime Minister's residence that you have taken the time to come today. My daughter is deeply grateful for Your Highness's favor."
Murong Yi bowed slightly to accept the teacup, took a sip, and calmly replied, "Prime Minister, you are too kind. Now that my wife and I are married, it is only right that I return to visit her family. Prime Minister, you have worked hard for the country and made great contributions to the nation. I also have the utmost respect for you."
Lin Chengxiang waved his hands repeatedly, his wrinkles deepening with his smile: "Your Highness is too kind. This old minister has only done his humble best. I only hope that Your Highness and my daughter will live in harmony in the future, and then I will be at ease. I wonder if Your Highness is satisfied with my daughter? Although she is a bit naive, she is kind-hearted. If she has offended you in any way, I hope Your Highness will forgive her."
Murong Yi's gaze inadvertently swept over Lin Qianqian, and seeing her sitting obediently to the side with a hint of nervousness and anticipation in her eyes, he felt a sudden stirring in his heart and said slowly, "The Princess Consort is gentle and virtuous, and her relationship with me is quite harmonious. The Prime Minister need not worry about her."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian's slightly tense face instantly blossomed into a beautiful smile, a smile as bright and captivating as the warm spring sun piercing through the clouds.
She lowered her head slightly, a faint blush rising on her cheeks, seemingly from shyness, yet also from joy at Murong Yi's affirmation. The slight worry that had lingered in her eyes vanished, replaced by a gentle gratitude and tender affection, like stars twinkling within them, inadvertently revealing her anticipation and longing for a future with Murong Yi.