Chapter 255: Chapter 255

The ice melted and snow dissolved, marking another spring season. Outside the window embedded with large pieces of colored glass fragments, clear bird songs could be heard from time to time.

The sun had already climbed the branches when An Ning finally drowsily opened her eyes from sleep. Feeling the familiar warmth beside her, she couldn't help but pause for a moment in slight confusion.

A man's voice, somewhat deep, came from beside her ear: "A-Ning woke up so early today... did I disturb you when I moved just now..."

She turned to look at the clearly bright daylight outside.

Come to think of it, did she usually wake up this late normally?

But that wasn't the main point. Raising her eyes to look at the person beside her who wore only simple inner garments with his usual bamboo-green outer robe draped over his shoulders, appearing completely at ease, An Ning tilted her head somewhat puzzled:

"Does my husband not need to attend court today?"

If she remembered correctly, today was supposed to be the grand assembly held once every three days.

Even little Situ Rui, who was just over six years old, had already packed his bags early and headed straight to the imperial study.

Among the numerous Grand Tutors, some were great Confucian scholars renowned far and wide with disciples everywhere, others were important ministers from the Grand Secretariat, and even calligraphy and chess were taught by contemporary masters.

This showed just how much importance the current emperor placed on this.

The poor little fellow had to get up early before dawn at mao hour (5-7 am) every day and couldn't return until you hour (5-7 pm), often with a large amount of homework. The most pitiful part was that the little one could only rest for less than one or two days each month.

Especially after discovering that this child was clearly intelligent, made rapid progress, and had a healthy constitution that wouldn't easily tire from such workload.

Just half a year ago, their Rui'er's number of Grand Tutors had already increased from the original six to twelve.

In terms of extremity, in An Ning's view, only the imperial study system of a certain dynasty could compare.

In comparison, her husband, the legitimate Crown Prince, actually had it somewhat easier.

There was no helping it—as everyone knew, his health wasn't good. The imperial physicians had stated that he absolutely must not overexert himself daily.

Of course, it couldn't be ruled out that this certain someone indeed had many clever ideas. Although newly involved in government affairs, he could quickly handle them with ease. In just over a year, the earlier doubts in the court had completely diminished.

He even had time to accompany his wife to go out and have fun everywhere, like at this moment.

Casually setting down the book in his hand, under his Crown Princess's unmistakably puzzled gaze, Situ Jing quickly shook his head with a light laugh:

"A-Ning, have you forgotten what day it is today?"

An Ning blinked subconsciously, and moments later her eyes suddenly lit up: "It's the Lantern Festival!"

Thinking of this, An Ning scrambled out of bed in one swift motion, moving with remarkable speed.

There was no helping it—her memory in this lifetime wasn't particularly careful, and she was truly super prone to forgetting things.

Seeing her , Situ Jing's eyes unconsciously showed some tenderness. He stepped forward and skillfully fastened the complicated garment clasps one by one:

"It's alright, it's still early! A-Ning hasn't left the palace for a long time—it's fine if we stay out a bit longer today..."

Although he said this, by the time the two of them dawdled for quite a while and simply had some food, it was already si hour (9-11 am). Only when the carriage slowly drove out of the palace did An Ning suddenly remember something and abruptly sit up from where she leaned against someone:

"Wait, what about Rui'er..."

Answering her was someone's casual voice as he pulled her back into his embrace:

"It's fine, Rui'er still has unfinished coursework. Several Grand Tutors are waiting at the imperial study today..."

Familiar hawking cries came from outside. After hesitating for a moment and watching the lanterns and crowds passing by outside the window, An Ning instantly put the matter out of her mind.

The Lantern Festival was exactly the time for bustle and excitement. Although it wasn't yet evening, the market was still bustling with noise.

Dragon and lion dances, pavilion games... although for safety reasons, people had already scouted the route before their outing, there were still many interesting little novelties along the way.

Various patterned small birds, monkey performances visible everywhere, and even gyrfalcons from the Western Regions.

Since the main event was in the evening, after a brief stroll, the carriage quickly stopped at the entrance of the Yang residence. Since they hadn't notified in advance, the first person they saw happened to be Little Brother Yang who was preparing to go out.

Seeing the visitors, Little Brother Yang's eyes instinctively lit up. The birdcage in his hand instantly lost its appeal, and he casually handed it to the servant beside him.

He even had time to accompany his wife out to play everywhere, like at this moment.

"Ahem..." An Ning couldn't help but lightly cough.

This trip was originally for going out to play. Both of them were keeping a low profile, wearing relatively ordinary brocade clothes. Aside from their excessively outstanding appearance and bearing, they clearly looked like an ordinary noble couple.

With a reminder from the servant beside him, Little Brother Yang quickly caught on, but he chattered nonstop along the way:

"Sis, why did you suddenly leave the palace? Are you also planning to go out and play?"

"Hehe, then you came out at the right time! I heard there's a rare fireworks show tonight, and also, and also..."

Listening to his detailed account of everything, An Ning blinked, looking suspicious:

"Wait, little brother, why are you suddenly concerned about all this? Do you have an appointment with the county princess tonight?"

Yes, not long ago, Little Brother Yang had just gotten engaged to the youngest daughter of an old imperial clan prince's family. Although distantly related to Situ Jing, because their ancestors had some achievements, the prince's mansion had been passed down to this day.

I heard that county princess was quite a beauty and talented too—what luck for this unlucky brother.

Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, Little Brother Yang's face instantly turned completely red, and his previously clever mouth began to stammer.

Well now, there's a situation here!

An Ning couldn't help but tut, just about to say something when she saw that in the front hall, the Yang family members who had received news had already come out to welcome them. Unexpectedly, there was also an unforeseen acquaintance.

"This official pays respects to the Crown Prince, Crown Princess..."

Looking at the unexpected couple among the crowd, An Ning was clearly taken aback for a moment.