Gradually, the family banquet at the Nine Provinces Refined Feast came to a close amidst laughter, opera music, and the chirping of insects and birds. (Nine Provinces Refined Feast - Zheng)
After the banquet, Lanqin's family members stepped forward to take their leave, saying, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, we will take our leave now."
"Alright, Mother, please take care of me, brother and sisters-in-law. I am unable to visit you in person, so I will have to trouble you to put in extra effort."
"Your Majesty, I understand. I will take good care of my mother. Please rest assured, Your Majesty." Lanqin's brother quickly agreed.
"Cui Niang, send someone to escort the Imperial Uncle and the others," Lan Qin instructed Cui Niang, turning to her side.
"Yes." Then he turned to Lanqin's brother and said, "Your Excellency, come with this old servant."
After a while, the Thirteenth Prince's wife, the Seventeenth Prince, and others also took their leave. After all, they had many affairs at home and it was not appropriate to stay in the Yuanmingyuan for too long. After taking their leave, they left the garden with the servants and maids who had come with them.
Seeing that the Seventeenth Prince and the others had left, Hongzhou, along with Mingyu and Gengshi, stepped forward to bid farewell to Lanqin and the Fourth Prince.
"Father, Empress Dowager, I shall take my leave now."
"Don't rush, why don't we stay in Yuanmingyuan for a few more days?" Lanqin hadn't seen Hongzhou for a long time and wanted to spend more time with him.
Upon hearing this, Hongzhou said, "I have many official duties at the Ministry of Revenue, so I may not be able to serve here."
“Then that’s fine, official business is more important.” After a moment of contemplation, Lanqin continued, “Then let your mother stay here for a few more days.”
Upon hearing Lanqin's words, Hongzhou glanced at Gengshi standing to the side. Seeing Gengshi nod slightly to him, Hongzhou agreed.
Lanqin looked at Song and Wu, who were sitting to the side, and said, "Sisters, why don't you stay too? It would be nice to have company and to cool off in the Yuanmingyuan Garden."
They were originally the Fourth Prince's concubines, so naturally they could stay. Besides, the affairs of the palace had already been arranged, so a few more days wouldn't make a difference. If only Lady Geng was left, it would be seen as favoritism and would invite gossip.
When Lady Wu heard that Lanqin wanted them to stay, she was very happy and quickly thanked her, saying, "Yes, then the three of us will stay in Yuanmingyuan for a while longer and recuperate with the Emperor and the Empress."
Madam Song covered her mouth and chimed in, "Yes, the lotus seed soup in the Yuanmingyuan was delicious. I've always remembered it."
While the group was chatting, Hongli and Qin Mo also came forward to resign. After all, the responsibility of overseeing the country still rested on Hongli's shoulders, and Qin Mo also needed to assist Hongli from the side. It was not convenient for the two of them to leave the court for too long, so they each brought their wives forward to resign.
"Father, Mother, there is morning court tomorrow, so I will return first," Hongli said respectfully, standing before the Fourth Prince and Lanqin.
"Your humble servant must now take his leave."
"Alright, you all go back tonight, and be careful." Lanqin said, looking at Hongli, Qin Mo, and Suhar standing in front of her.
Looking at Ushiha and Bechuk behind them, Lanqin pondered for a moment and said, "Ushiha, Bechuk and the others should stay in Yuanmingyuan for a few more days with the children. It's a bit difficult for them to travel at night now."
Upon hearing this, Qin Mo and the others agreed. After all, the children were still young, and it was inconvenient for them to be too overworked. Ushiha was also pregnant, so she should indeed be careful.
After everyone had left, Lanqin, feeling somewhat tired, went to rest with Fourth Master.
Before going to bed, Lanqin couldn't help but sigh that after so many years here, today she finally experienced the joy of being surrounded by her children and grandchildren and enjoying family life.
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