Chapter 491 A toast to you as an apology
Xiao Nanyue set a date for the trip. Ten days later, he would take his wife and daughter and lead the Xiao family army to Jing'an.
Before leaving, a family dinner was held in the Regent's Mansion, and Fu Yunqing's family and Manluo's family were all present.
The lights in the room flickered, but they couldn't dispel the sadness that filled the air.
Fu Yunqing used to be the most humorous person and could always make everyone laugh, but today he was unusually silent. He just drank one glass after another with his brows furrowed.
After a while, he finally put down his wine glass and looked at Xiao Nanyan who was sitting at the main seat. His voice was a little hoarse:
"Nan Yan, are you really determined to leave? Are you going to abandon all of us and go alone to Jing'an City, thousands of miles away?"
Xiao Nanyan paused holding the cup, and when he raised his eyes, a faint smile appeared on his lips:
"Didn't I tell you this long ago? I have thought deeply about this for a long time."
He glanced across the table and landed on Fu Yunqing and his wife, his tone becoming more relaxed:
"Have you and Xuan Yue always said you like this palace of mine? I have already requested an imperial decree. In ten days, the plaque here will be replaced and renamed your State Guardian General's Mansion. In this way, you and Xuan Yue can be said to have successfully taken over the throne."
Fu Yunqing pulled the corners of his mouth, trying to force a smile, but his expression was uglier than crying:
"You know very well that I like this palace because you are here. Otherwise, the scenery of our Grand Tutor's Mansion may not be worse than yours."
Xiao Nanyan put down his wine glass, stood up and walked to his side, patting his shoulder with a touch of reluctance, but more of a trust:
"Tianqi is still somewhat turbulent and not completely peaceful. Helian Feng...is ultimately isolated and helpless. You and Uncle Fu must help him stabilize the government."
"Hmph, I'm even more tired of the twists and turns in the court than you are."
Fu Yunqing curled his lips, complaining in his tone, but seriousness was hidden in his eyes:
"You're so good, leaving this hard job to me and running off to Jing'an to enjoy a peaceful life. That's really... not nice of you."
Xiao Nanyan picked up the wine glass again and held it in front of him, with a rare touch of emotion in his eyes:
"Yun Qing, you are my brother, closer than a blood brother. Having you in charge of Yandu is like my being here."
He paused, his voice deeper:
"If things are stable in a few years, you can do whatever you want. But you should understand that it is no longer suitable for me to stay in Yandu."
Fu Yunqing looked at the wine swaying in his glass, and his eyes suddenly turned red.
He didn't say anything more, grabbed his own wine glass and clinked it with Xiao Nanyan's, raised his head and drank it all in one gulp, the wine rolling down his Adam's apple, carrying a burning heat:
"Okay, stop being sentimental. I probably owe you my whole life."
He wiped his face, his voice choked with sobs, but firm:
"Just wait. In a few years, when things here are settled, I will definitely go to your Jing'an Palace to live out my retirement. By then, even if you chase me away, I won't leave."
Xiao Nanyan laughed out loud, dispelling some of the heaviness:
"Okay! I've reserved a nice courtyard for you in Jing'an City, waiting for you!"
The laughter broke the silence in the room and the atmosphere relaxed for a moment.
Xiao Nanyan raised his glass and stood up:
"There's no point in saying more. I wish everyone here all the best. We have a long way to go." Everyone raised their glasses, and the wine went down their throats, with a spicy taste and a hint of reluctance, but they all concealed an unspoken "take care".
Manluo's eyes were red, she tightly grasped Xiyan's hand, her voice filled with tears:
"Xiyan, I want to go with you too. We haven't been apart for this long in all these years. How could you bear to leave me?"
Xiyan was amused by her. She caught a glimpse of Chu Jin, who looked nervous, and teased him deliberately:
"The look in your husband's eyes must be that he's worried I'll kidnap you again. Silly Manluo, you're already married, and you still have Yue'er to take care of. You should be a good wife to the Imperial Master. Right now, Helian Feng can't leave Chu Jin. Once the court situation stabilizes, you and your family can come to Jing'an City—and I'll stay with you as long as you want."
"It's all your fault!"
Manluo kicked Chu Jin hard, her eyes turning redder:
"Damn it, if you hadn't always stuck to me, I would have gone with the prince and Xiyan this time!" Before she finished speaking, tears fell again.
She has been with Xiao Nanyan and Xiyan for nine years, from adversity to peace. This friendship has been engraved in their bones and blood, and she is reluctant to break it off.
Chu Jin groaned when he was stepped on, but he was not annoyed at all. He hurriedly took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears and whispered to her:
"Alright, alright, it's my husband's fault. If you miss Xiyan and Yin'er in the future, I'll take a leave of absence and take you and Yue'er to Jing'an to find them, okay?"
As he was speaking, Xiao Nanyan suddenly raised his glass, looked at Chu Jin, and said solemnly:
"Grand Master, due to Xiao Beicheng's scheme, I accidentally killed your father. This has always been a regret in my heart. Today, I offer you a toast as an apology."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com