The false alarm dampened the excitement of the hunt, but it also highlighted the loyalty and responsibility shown in times of crisis. Xiao Xun's unwavering act of abandoning the auspicious omen and prioritizing his wife, Xin Yunzhou's swift and decisive arrow protecting his master and sister, and Xin Kui's calm and collected protection in the face of danger were all deeply etched in the hearts of everyone present.

As night fell, a huge bonfire was lit in the center of the Beiyuan camp. The wild boar incident did not spoil the overall atmosphere; on the contrary, it added a touch of relief and warmth to this night of reunion, a night filled with the joy of surviving a disaster.

Roasted whole lamb, venison, various game, and seasonal fruits and vegetables filled the long table. The Emperor and Empress sat in the center, surrounded by Xin Yunzhou and his wife, Qi Huaihe and his wife, Lin Jingshu, and their children. Guards and servants enjoyed the sumptuous dinner a little further away, in a relaxed and warm atmosphere.

Xiao Chengji's face was still a little pale, but his eyes were bright. He looked at Xiao Xun and Xin Yunzhou with admiration: "Father, Uncle, your archery skills in shooting wild boars are amazing! Your son will also practice riding and archery hard so that he can protect Mother and my younger brother and sister in the future!"

Xiao Xun patted his son's head, his eyes full of satisfaction: "Good ambition! As the crown prince, you must be proficient in both literature and military strategy. You must not only learn archery, but also learn your uncle's loyalty and courage."

Xin Rui immediately puffed out her chest: "Your Majesty, I also want to protect His Highness the Crown Prince and my little sister Nannan! My father said that protecting family members and His Highness is the duty of every man in the Xin family!"

Xin Yunzhou laughed heartily and patted his son's shoulder hard: "Good lad! Remember what you said today!"

Qi Mingxuan said softly but firmly, "I...I also want to be like my father in the future, sharing the burdens of His Majesty and the Empress."

The children's innocent yet sincere words brought laughter and joy to the adults. Xin Jiuwei looked at her family gathered around the table, the firelight illuminating her gentle face.

Her gaze swept over the composed Chengji, the energetic Rui'er, the quiet Nannan, the steady Mingxuan, and the lively Mingyue, finally settling on Xiao Xun, her brother and sister-in-law, her sister and brother-in-law, and her close friend beside her. As the years passed and the children grew up, their friendship, like this bonfire, burned ever brighter, warm and radiant.

“Sister Jing Shu,” Xin Jiuwei said with a smile, “I heard your wedding is approaching? Did that third-place scholar come to the hunting grounds today?”

Lin Jingshu, unusually shy, pointed to a refined and upright young official who was talking to Qi Huaihe: "Look, that's the bookworm, Su Wenqing, the newly appointed lecturer of the Hanlin Academy. He's here today to record the grand autumn hunt." She paused, then regained her cheerful tone, "Wei'er, Xi Yao, you'd better prepare a thick dowry for me! I've invested most of my fortune in the orphanage and the girls' school!"

The crowd erupted in another round of good-natured laughter. Xin Xiyao smiled and said, "Don't worry, you'll get your share! The Qi Family Trading Company will contribute to your dowry!" Xin Yunzhou also generously added, "Count in the Xin family's share!"

Su Wenqing, under the spotlight, stood up somewhat awkwardly to bow, her face slightly flushed, but her eyes were full of admiration and appreciation for Lin Jingshu.

Qi Mingyue, though small in stature, blinked her big eyes and asked, "Aunt Jing Shu, are you getting married? Will you still take Mingyue to play with you then?"

Lin Jingshu hugged her tightly and kissed her: "So what if you get married? Auntie will still take you out to play! I'll even take you to the orphanage to teach the young ladies there how to use an abacus and learn some skills!"

Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, Qi Huaihe raised his wine cup to Xiao Xun and Xin Jiuwei, and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, although there were dangers today, the unity of ruler and subject, and the safety of our families, demonstrate our true affection. Huaihe and Xiyao offer a toast to Your Majesty and Your Majesty! May our Great Liang, under Your Majesty and Your Majesty's rule, forever shine like today's bonfire, warm and everlasting, bringing peace and prosperity to the nation!"

"Alright! Let's drink to this together!" Xiao Xun raised his cup loudly.

Everyone raised their glasses in unison, the campfire illuminating every sincere and contented smile.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively. Xin Kui whispered to Xin Jiuwei, "Your Majesty, when that wild boar charged at us just now, were you afraid while protecting Nannan?"

Xin Jiuwei looked at the campfire, her gaze distant: "Fear? Of course I'm afraid. Afraid of hurting the children, afraid... but more than that, I trust." She looked at Xiao Xun and Xin Yunzhou, "I trust His Majesty and my brother, that they will never let that beast harm us in the slightest. Just like all these years, no matter how many storms there have been in the court, as long as I think of you, His Majesty, and this peaceful home behind me, my heart is at peace."

Upon hearing this, Xin Kui was deeply moved and gripped Xin Jiuwei's hand tightly: "Your Majesty..."

Hearing this, Xin Yunzhou said in a rough voice, "Don't worry, sister! As long as I'm here, no one can hurt a hair on your head! Xin Kui, you too!" His gaze towards his wife was full of tenderness despite his tough exterior.

Xin Xiyao nestled against Qi Huaihe's shoulder, watching the heartwarming scene before her, and whispered, "Husband, look, how wonderful. If Father were here, he would be overjoyed."

Qi Huaihe grasped her hand: "Although my father-in-law is living in retirement in Yingzhou, he knows that everything is well in the capital, with his children and grandchildren around him, and that His Majesty and Empress are wise and virtuous. He must be very pleased. Next spring, we will take the children back to see him."

As night deepened, the campfire crackled. The children, tired from playing, were led to rest by their wet nurses. The adults remained gathered around the fire, talking quietly, reminiscing about the past and dreaming of the future. Family, country, and the love between parents and children all settled and blended in the warm glow of the fire.

Xiao Xun embraced Xin Jiuwei, watching the leaping flames, his voice deep and powerful: "Wei'er, look, the children are growing up, and our foundation is becoming solid. This country, this era, will not fail to live up to our hopes. Peace and tranquility for the nation and the years are what I have sought in this life, the best reunion."

Xin Jiuwei gently rested her head on his shoulder, gazing at the sky full of brilliant stars, a happy and peaceful smile spreading across her lips: "Yes. Brother Xu, we did it. In the future, there will be many more reunions like this, many more peaceful years like this. Together, we will protect this family, protect this country, and watch over our children, year after year, until forever."

The bonfire roared, illuminating the emperor and empress's intertwined figures, and the contented smiles of their loved ones around them. The bugle calls of the autumn hunt had long since ceased, but their celebratory songs of prosperity resounded melodiously in this tranquil autumn night in the Northern Garden, lingering on and on. The mountains and rivers were safe and sound, and the nation and its people rejoiced together; this scene was the most beautiful picture of human reunion.