Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

It was another warm spring day, and the peach blossoms in the back garden of the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion were in full bloom. Xiao Suiyun's temples were already streaked with white, but his posture remained upright. He sat under the peach tree, looking at Qi Yue, who was teaching her grandson to write, not far away, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"Grandpa, what's the pronunciation of this character?" Seven-year-old grandson Xiao Jinyu asked, pointing to the character in the book.

Qi Yue patiently explained: "This character is pronounced 'heng,' meaning perseverance. You need perseverance in everything you do, just like your grandfather, who would stick to what he set his mind on."

Xiao Suiyun walked over with a smile: "Are you talking about me to your grandson again?"

"They're saying nice things about you." Qi Yue looked up, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes unable to conceal the light in them. "Jinyu, go and call your parents for tea."

The little boy ran away at the sound of his voice. Xiao Suiyun sat down next to Qi Yue and took her hand: "Time flies so fast, Mu Yue's child is already so big."

Yes, their eldest son, Xiao Muyue, got married three years ago to the daughter of a scholar from the Hanlin Academy. The young couple now live in the east courtyard of the Marquis's residence, and they had a son, Jinyu, last year.

Their daughter, Xiao Nianyun, married Xin Rui and Qin Sang's eldest son, Xin Ziyu, last year. This marriage between the two families is truly a double blessing.

"Someone from the palace just came and said that His Majesty will be coming to the residence to admire the flowers tomorrow." Qi Yue poured tea for Xiao Suiyun.

Xiao Suiyun nodded: "Chengji still visits quite often over the years."

The Emperor and Empress's Deep Affection

Emperor Jinghe, Xiao Chengji, has been on the throne for fifteen years. Under his rule, the Great Qi Kingdom is prosperous and powerful, and peace reigns throughout the land.

The next day, Xiao Chengji indeed visited incognito. Accompanying him were Empress Su Qingwan and their three children.

"What brings you here today, Your Majesty?" Xiao Suiyun greeted him.

Xiao Chengji smiled and said, "Since there's nothing going on at court, I came to see you all. Qingwan said she misses the peach blossom cakes that Sister Yue makes."

Su Qingwan and Qi Yue smiled at each other. Over the years, their friendship had never changed despite their different statuses.

"Why didn't the Crown Prince come?" Qi Yue asked.

“He’s studying government affairs in the Imperial Study with the Grand Tutor.” Su Qingwan’s tone was full of heartache. “That child is too diligent, and he won’t listen to our advice to rest.”

Xiao Suiyun said, "It's good that the Crown Prince is diligent, but he should also take care of his health."

After lunch, the two men strolled in the garden, while the two women talked in the pavilion.

"Time flies," Su Qingwan sighed. "In the blink of an eye, the children have all grown up."

Qi Yue nodded: "Yes, I still remember when we first met, we were both still very young and naive."

Su Qingwan said softly, "Over the years, I've been so grateful to have you all as my confidants."

"His Majesty treats you as well as ever, and that is the most important thing."

Su Qingwan smiled: "Yes, although he is the ruler of a country, in his bedchamber, he will always be my Chengji."

The Carefree Prince

Just then, a hearty laugh came from outside the door. The Second Prince, Xiao Chengrui, and Ashina Yun arrived with their twin daughters.

"Royal brother, royal sister-in-law, you're here too!" Xiao Chengrui still maintained his carefree and unrestrained demeanor.

Ashina Yun had become much more composed, but the heroic spirit between her brows remained undiminished. Over the years, she had reconciled with her maternal family in the Northern Di and frequently traveled between the two countries, making significant contributions to promoting exchanges between them.

"Aunt Yun!" Xiao Jinyu ran over happily, "Where's the Northern Di pony you promised to bring me?"

Ashina Yun smiled and patted his head: "It's already been delivered to the horse farm. I'll take you to see it later."

Xiao Chengrui said to Xiao Chengji, "Brother, we just returned from the Northern Barbarians and brought back some novelties. We'll have them sent to the palace later."

“You guys are always running around.” Xiao Chengji’s tone was full of affection.

Xiao Chengrui laughed and said, "Life is short, so we should enjoy it while we can. Besides, with Yun'er by my side, anywhere is home."

Pillars of the Imperial Court

At this moment, the Third Princess Xiao Chengyu and her husband Qi Mingxuan also arrived. Their eldest son had just entered the court as an official this year and was quite like Qi Mingxuan in his prime.

"Aunt, Uncle." Xiao Muyue and his wife came to pay their respects.

Qi Mingxuan looked at his nephew with satisfaction: "Mu Yue is doing well in the Ministry of War now. I heard that the military system reform plan she proposed the other day was very well received."

Xiao Muyue said modestly, "Uncle, you flatter me. There is still much to learn."

Xiao Chengyu said to Qi Yue, "Sister, Mingyue and the others have sent a letter saying they will return to the capital next month."

Qi Mingyue and Yao Xiuyan have been stationed at the border for many years, and their two children have both served in the military and made significant achievements.

"That's wonderful, the whole family is finally reunited." Tears welled up in Qi Yue's eyes.

Spring warmth in the medical field

As they were talking, Xin Rui and Qin Sang arrived with their three children. Xin Ziyu went straight to Xiao Nianyun as soon as she entered; the young couple were very affectionate.

Qin Sang is now the most famous female doctor in the capital, and her clinic has saved countless lives. Her relationship with Xin Rui remains as deep as ever.

“Aunt Sang,” Xiao Nianyun said, holding Qin Sang’s hand, “I’ve been feeling weak lately, could you take a look at me?”

Qin Sang took her pulse and suddenly her eyes lit up: "You're pregnant!"

When the news spread, everyone was happy for them. Xiao Suiyun patted Xin Rui on the shoulder: "We're going to be grandfathers again!"

Xin Rui laughed heartily: "If it's a girl this time, how about I give her to your Jinyu?"

The garden was immediately filled with laughter and joy.

Auspicious flowers and a full moon

At dinner time, three large tables were set up under the peach blossom tree. One table for the elders, one for the younger generation, and one for the children, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

Xiao Chengji raised his glass and said, "It is truly a rare occasion for us to reunite today. May we have many more such days to come."

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