Sky Curtain: With a vermilion mirror, Jing travels through the modern world, shaking all dynasties.

Chapter 145 The Little Princess's Coming-of-Age Ceremony (The Finale)

Zhu Jingjing glanced at her father, then at Jiang Chuan, and clenched her fists tightly. She bit her lip and shook her head forcefully.

"Father, Jingjing doesn't want to go back yet!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened: "You silly girl, are you not even listening to your father anymore?"

Jiang Chuan frowned, stepped forward, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture: "Your Majesty, this is originally a matter between you and your daughter, and I shouldn't interfere. But since Jingjing is unwilling, why force her?"

"Is this the first time you've addressed me as 'Your Majesty'? It sounds quite pleasant. If you call me that a few more times, perhaps I won't make things difficult for Jing'er." Zhu Yuanzhang gave him a cold glance and said, "Jing'er is, after all, a princess of my Great Ming Dynasty. What's the point of keeping her here with you all this time?"

Jiang Chuan remained composed and respectful: "If Your Majesty likes to hear it, I can call out as many times as I want. But whether Jingjing stays or leaves is up to her."

Zhu Jingjing hesitated for a long time, then suddenly threw herself into Jiang Chuan's arms, her voice trembling slightly but unusually firm: "Father, Jingjing wants to stay here!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly turned cold. He slammed his hand on the table, making the wine cups clang loudly. "Nonsense! Don't forget, you are my daughter, the Princess of Lin'an of the Ming Dynasty!"

Having said that, he stood up, grabbed Zhu Jingjing's arm, and said sternly, "I'm taking you back today, and I'd like to see who dares to stop me!"

Jiang Chuan's face darkened, and he abruptly stood up, grabbing his wrist: "Your Majesty, though you are the supreme ruler, do not forget that this is not your Ming Dynasty!"

Jiang Chuan stood in front of Zhu Jingjing, his gaze unwavering. "As long as I'm here, no one, no matter who comes, can take Jingjing away!"

Seeing the two men on the verge of conflict, Zhu Jingjing was so anxious that tears streamed down her face. She quickly grabbed Zhu Yuanzhang's sleeve and cried out, "Father, brother, please don't do this! Jingjing—"

Zhu Yuanzhang coldly interrupted her, saying in a deep voice, "Since that's the case, then Jing'er, you can choose for yourself! Do you want me, your father, or him, your brother?"

Zhu Jingjing felt as if struck by lightning, her whole body trembling.

His meaning was crystal clear: if she stayed, he would sever their father-daughter relationship.

Her lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face: "Father, please don't do this. Jingjing doesn't want to leave my brother, and she doesn't want to leave you either—"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was ashen, but he remained unmoved: "Choose quickly! If you refuse to return with me, then never return to the Ming Dynasty again. I will pretend I have no daughter!"

Jiang Chuan, burning with rage, stepped forward to block Zhu Jingjing's path: "Zhu Chongba, Jingjing is still your own flesh and blood! People say the imperial family is the most ruthless, are you really so cold-blooded?"

Zhu Jingjing bit her lip hard, staring at Zhu Yuanzhang for a long time before saying, word by word, "Father, I'm sorry to you and Mother! I want to stay here, not only for myself, but also for the Ming Dynasty!"

She wiped her eyes and continued, "Even if you don't acknowledge me as your daughter, Jingjing will always have the Ming Dynasty in her heart and will do everything she can to send these advanced modern products to the Ming Dynasty!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly, "It's true what they say, daughters grow up and leave home! Jing'er, it seems you're really determined to stay here."

Zhu Jingjing nodded vigorously, without answering, her gaze fixed firmly on Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Very well, I know your resolve, and I know that Jiang is truly sincere towards you. You may stay here!" Zhu Yuanzhang's anger subsided, and he said slowly, "Next time I come, I will bring your mother with me. You must prepare fine wine and food then!"

Zhu Jingjing nodded repeatedly and nudged Jiang Chuan with her elbow, "Brother, is there no problem? If it really doesn't work, just deduct it from Jingjing's salary!"

Jiang Chuan smiled wryly. Even if the little princess hadn't said anything, he would naturally have prepared wine and a banquet to properly entertain the two of them. Besides, she had been helping out at the tavern all along, so he would naturally oblige her with this small favor!

He quickly cupped his hands and smiled, "Your Majesty, rest assured, Jingjing won't suffer any loss here. Next time you bring your wife, I'll definitely bring out the best wine in the shop, ensuring you two drink to your heart's content!"

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted and glanced at him sideways: "You're smart enough to know what's good for you! But since Jing'er has stayed, you must protect her. If she suffers even the slightest grievance, I won't forgive you!"

Three years later, in Jiangchuan Tavern.

The tavern was still the same tavern, the tables and chairs were polished to a shine, and the bottles on the bar were neatly arranged.

At the table by the window, a young woman sat gracefully, her posture upright like bamboo. Her every move exuded both royal nobility and the composure and elegance of a woman from later generations.

She wore an elegant light blue dress, her long hair loosely tied back, revealing a section of her fair neck.

Her features still vaguely resemble those of the little princess from back then, but she has gained a touch of maturity and gentleness.

Today is her eighteenth birthday.

The tavern was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations; though not luxurious, it exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Jiang Chuan got up early to work, while Lin Xiaoyu was frying and cooking in the kitchen, filling the street with delicious aromas.

The door opened, and Li Bai was the first to step in, his wine gourd at his waist still swaying as usual.

Upon seeing the young woman, he burst into laughter, took out a scroll of paper from his sleeve, and unrolled it to reveal a poem: "At eighteen, in the prime of your youth, your beauty surpasses even the fairest of women. May you always be by my side under the moonlit terrace, and may we feast together again on this day every year."

The girl stood up and accepted the poem, quickly thanking him, "I feel unworthy to accept Mr. Li Bai's poem."

Li Bai waved his hand and replied boldly, "What's there to be ashamed of? Just accept it!"

Meng Haoran followed behind, smiling as he handed over a brocade box containing a warm, lustrous jade pendant. "Little princess, I don't have much of value, but this jade has been with me for half my life. I'm giving it to you to ensure your safety."

The girl's eyes reddened slightly as she accepted the jade pendant and thanked him repeatedly.

Su Shi and Wang Anshi entered side by side.

Su Shi held up a plum blossom painting he had painted himself and said with a smile, "Jingjing, this painting was done by me overnight. My skills are not very good, so please don't mind it."

Wang Anshi then presented a set of finely bound books, simple and dignified, saying, "These books were copied by my own hand. I hope you will read them often in the future to understand principles and cultivate yourself."

The girl accepted them one by one, bowed and thanked them, feeling a warm glow in her heart.

Just then, the tavern door opened, and Little Sizi ran in happily.

Now she bears a resemblance to Zhu Jingjing from back then, with her hair styled in double buns, hopping and skipping, her laughter as clear and crisp as a bell.

"Sister Zhu! Sizi is here!" She rushed to the girl's side, took out a sachet embroidered with twin lotus flowers from her bosom, and held it up like a treasure. "Father is busy today and will be late, so Sizi brought the gift first! Sizi embroidered this herself, sister, do you think it's pretty?"

Zhu Jingjing took the sachet, examined it for a moment, and then smiled as she pinched her little cheek: "Sizi's craftsmanship is really good, I like it very much."

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As they were talking, the tavern door was pushed open again.

"Jing'er, I've come to wish you a happy birthday!"

Zhu Yuanzhang stepped into the tavern, followed by Empress Ma.

Jiang Chuan stood behind the bar, looking at the room filled with laughter, and felt a warmth rise in his heart.

The little girl who cried and refused to leave three years ago has really grown up!

But the story of this little princess of the Ming Dynasty in modern times has only just begun!

(End of the book)

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