Chapter 653 - Chapter 653: Chapter 640: The Grand Wedding (1/2)

Chapter 653: Chapter 640: The Grand Wedding

But it was good this way, without any tasks to delegate, and enough money earned for spending, she could finally do the things she wanted.

Like the roast duck she was planning to make.

Also, she could finally make up for the regrets of not being able to properly spend time with some people due to their busy schedules.

Zhuang Qingning pursed her lips, smiled at Chu Jinnian.

Chu Jinnian also curved the corner of his lips in response.

Their eyes met, filled with tenderness, and the surrounding atmosphere seemed to heat up and fill with pink heart bubbles in an instant.

Jing Zhao on one side, was like “…”

Knowing this, she should not have come. Now there’s a good chance she might not be able to eat lunch.

—-

The Crown Prince had been established, Chu Yunzhao, diligent and unpretentious, gained the support and trust of the ministers of the court.

Mrs. Qiao, Concubine Hui, had become the queen, having previously shown herself as a virtuous and capable woman. With Chu Shengrui’s favor and Chu Yunzhao’s stable position in the previous reign, as well as the prestige of Mrs. Qiao’s clan, all the concubines in the harem held her in high esteem.

It can be said that everyone in the harem and the previous courtiers were performing their duties, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Chu Shengrui was very satisfied with this, and hence trusted and loved Queen Qiao and Chu Yunzhao even more.

Winter in the north was usually long and boring, but this year was different.

For one thing, the country was peaceful and prosperous, the common people were wealthy, and even during days of heavy snow, they had enough stored grain, so they didn’t fear the weather.

Secondly, every state, along with the capital city, were holding football matches.

All districts, streets, and even counties were holding trials to select individuals with the strongest physical and technical abilities. The winners would receive generous rewards.

The eyes of the common people were fixated on this event.

Even the palace was buzzing with activity. Guards, eunuchs—from one garden to another—all were vying for victory to receive rewards from the emperor and gain honor and face.

All these activities deflected the energy and attention that were usually spent on petty fights among the servants, reducing rumors within the gardens.

Chu Shengrui appreciated and agreed with these events very much.

“The Crown Prince is resourceful, coming up with such a solution to many problems.”

“Had it been any other occasion, the consort would have taken credit for it. But this time, it’s not the Crown Prince’s achievement. It was the Lord of Ninghe County’s idea. After Jinnian returned to the capital, he told Xiaosi about it, who jotted it down.” Queen Qiao laughed.

“So, in terms of granting rewards, Lord Ninghe should be the key contributor, followed by Jinnian, and finally Xiaosi.”

“As the New Year is approaching, your Majesty should think about what to give Lord Ninghe and Jinnian as gifts.”

“Of course.” Chu Shengrui nodded, “In addition to this, the Submarine Fire Soldiers in the capital have extinguished more than twenty fires since the beginning of winter, avoiding many potential disasters. This is also the achievement of Jinnian and the Lord of Ninghe. When it comes to granting rewards, it’s indeed necessary to give them something substantial.”