boyutpedia Chapter 167 Returning to the Palace
Chapter 167 Returning to the Palace
Under the sunlight, the golden tiles and red walls of the Nanzhao Kingdom's palace shimmered with dazzling brilliance. The palace gates stood majestically, their vermilion lacquer surface carved with lifelike cloud and dragon patterns. The dragons' bodies coiled and their whiskers flew, as if they were about to burst through the walls at any moment, displaying the majesty and grandeur of the royal family.
The massive bronze door knocker gleamed with an antique luster under the sunlight. A gentle knock produced a deep and resonant echo, as if telling the story of the palace's long history.
Passing through the gate, there is a wide stone-paved path with tall stone pillars neatly arranged on both sides. Each pillar is carved with exquisite patterns, some of which are blooming lotus flowers, and others are entwined vines. The lines are smooth and delicate.
In the flowerbeds on both sides of the path, flowers of all colors are vying for attention, some as red as fire, some as pink as the sunset, and some as white as snow. A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers, making people feel refreshed and happy.
Following the passageway, you arrive at the main hall. The main hall's roof adopts the architectural style of a double-eaved hip roof, with golden glazed tiles gleaming in the sunlight. The roof ridge is decorated with mythical beasts of various shapes, standing tall and proud, as if guarding the peace of this palace.
On either side of the palace gate, there is a pair of huge stone lions. They sit there with their eyes wide open, looking majestic and awe-inspiring, giving people a sense of authority without anger.
Stepping into the main hall, the interior decorations are even more extravagant. The high dome is adorned with exquisite murals depicting mountains and rivers, the sun, moon, stars, and scenes from mythology, all vividly colored and lifelike. The pillars inside are all made of precious wood, their surfaces coated with gold lacquer, shimmering with golden light in the candlelight. Between the pillars hang magnificent silk curtains, swaying gently in the breeze, adding a touch of ethereal beauty.
The floor of the main hall is paved with smooth marble, each slab polished to a mirror-like finish, reflecting the lights and shadows of people inside.
In the center of the hall stood a massive dragon throne, crafted from the finest sandalwood. Nine golden dragons were carved on the back and armrests, their bodies coiled and intertwined, their claws outstretched and powerful, signifying supreme imperial power. In front of the throne was a large imperial desk, upon which were placed the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper) and some important documents.
On either side of the main hall are numerous side halls and wing rooms, all exquisitely decorated and unique in their own way. Some were studies used for handling government affairs, some were bedrooms for rest, and others were banquet halls for entertaining guests.
Each room is furnished perfectly, possessing both royal grandeur and warmth and comfort.
The palace is surrounded by lush gardens, with artificial hills, ponds, pavilions and towers arranged in a harmonious and orderly manner.
In the pond, lotus leaves are lush and lotus flowers are in full bloom, and fish swim freely in the water; on the artificial hill, strange rocks are rugged and vines are intertwined, as if they were the masterpiece of nature; from the pavilions and towers, melodious music and singing can be heard from time to time, adding a touch of poetry and romance to this palace.
The palace gardens are ablaze with flowers, and a gentle breeze carries their sweet fragrance.
After a long journey, Gu Liuli, along with Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao, finally returned to this familiar land.
The carriage slowly entered the palace, its wheels making a rhythmic "gurgling" sound as they rubbed against the cobblestones. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao could no longer contain their excitement; their eyes were fixed on the scenery outside the carriage window, their faces flushed with excitement.
"Mother, will we be able to see Grandpa and Grandma soon?" Xiao Nanyao asked, holding Gu Liuli's hand with a voice full of anticipation.
Gu Liuli smiled and nodded, her eyes also sparkling with anticipation: "Yes, we'll see each other soon."
Xiao Nan Yi sat up straight and clenched his little fists: "I've also prepared some interesting stories from Xijing Kingdom to tell Grandpa and Grandma!"
When the carriage came to a stop, Gu Liuli stepped down first, followed by Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao, who skipped and hopped like two happy little deer.
At this moment, Xiao Han and Mu Qingling, surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs, were already waiting on the steps in front of the palace.
Xiao Jingchuan opened his arms and hugged Gu Liuli tightly, as if he wanted to pour out all the longing he had felt during their separation. He gently rested his chin on the top of Gu Liuli's head, took a deep breath, and greedily inhaled the familiar fragrance of her hair. His voice was low and full of affection: "Liuli, you're finally back. I missed you so much."
Gu Liuli leaned against Xiao Jingchuan's firm chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, her eyes involuntarily reddening slightly. She wrapped her arms around Xiao Jingchuan's waist and whispered, "Jingchuan, I missed you too, and Yi'er and Yao'er too. They kept talking about you the whole way."
Just then, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao ran over happily. Xiao Nan Yi tugged at Xiao Jing Chuan's sleeve, his face beaming with a bright smile: "Daddy, I learned a new sword technique in Xi Jing Kingdom, and I also made a lot of new friends!"
Xiao Nanyao then took Xiao Jingchuan's hand and shook it affectionately: "Daddy, I drew a lot of beautiful pictures. They are all of the beautiful scenery I saw in Xijing Kingdom. I'll show them to you later."
Xiao Jingchuan released Gu Liuli, squatted down, put one arm around Xiao Nanyi and picked up Xiao Nanyao with the other, his face full of love: "Okay, Daddy is waiting to see Yi'er's swordsmanship and Yao'er's painting. My darlings have grown up and become sensible."
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao laughed happily. Xiao Nan Yao kissed Xiao Jing Chuan on the cheek, and Xiao Nan Yi, not to be outdone, kissed him on the other cheek.
On the other side, Xiao Han was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe. Although he was old, his posture was still upright, and his eyes revealed both majesty and kindness.
Mu Qingling was dressed in elegant attire, with a gentle face and a tender smile on her lips.
As soon as Xiao Nanyao saw Xiao Han and Mu Qingling, her eyes lit up instantly. She rushed over like an arrow and threw herself into Xiao Han's arms, crying out, "Grandpa Emperor!" Her voice was clear and loud, filled with endless affection.
Xiao Han opened his arms and caught Xiao Nanyao steadily. The wrinkles on his face smoothed out with a smile. He hugged Xiao Nanyao tightly, his voice trembling slightly: "My dear Yaoyao, you're finally back. Your royal grandfather has missed you so much!"
Xiao Nanyi quickly walked to Mu Qingling's side, looked up at her with a bright smile, and said, "Grandma, I'm back! I was very well-behaved in Xijing Kingdom!"
Mu Qingling gently stroked Xiao Nanyi's head, her eyes full of affection: "Good boy, Grandma knew you were obedient. You must be exhausted from the journey."
Xiao Nanyi shook his head, took Mu Qingling's hand, and said, "I'm not tired, I have so many fun things to tell Grandma!"
Xiao Han put Xiao Nanyao down, squatted down, cupped Xiao Nanyao's face in his hands, and carefully examined her, as if he wanted to make up for all the growth he had missed during this time: "Yaoyao has grown taller and more beautiful."