Chapter 264: Guest House Gathering, Full of Joy
The golden glow of the setting sun shone on the green tiles of the guesthouse, casting a warm glow over the newly renovated courtyard. A brand new "囍" character was affixed to the vermilion gate. Red lanterns hung on either side of the gate swayed gently in the breeze, complementing the colorful silks draped under the eaves, creating a festive atmosphere.
Xiaoyanzi, holding Yongqi's arm, walked briskly into the courtyard. The familiar aroma of food immediately filled her nose. She took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling. "What a nice smell! It must be Brother Liu Qing making my favorite beggar's chicken!"
Yongqi smiled helplessly and reached out to tidy up her hair that was messed up by the wind: "You only know how to eat." His fingertips touched the delicate skin behind her ear, and looking at her cheeks that were slightly flushed with excitement, the doting in his eyes almost overflowed.
Ziwei and Erkang followed closely behind. Ziwei wore a lilac-colored satin dress, delicately embroidered with orchid patterns. As she walked, her skirt swayed gently, like an elegant orchid. Erkang, in a moon-white brocade robe, held her elbow considerately, his gaze tender enough to bring tears to her eyes.
"It's so lively here," Ziwei sighed softly, watching the busy figures in the yard. Liu Qing was directing the servants to move a table into the main hall, while Liu Hong and Jinsuo were arranging freshly picked flowers into porcelain vases, their movements swift and skillful.
"Of course!" Xiaoyanzi turned and winked at her. "Today is our wedding banquet for several couples. Brother Liu Qing said he wants the whole capital to know about our happy event!"
As they were talking, Xiao Jian and Qing'er also arrived. Xiao Jian was wearing a navy blue suit, which made him look taller and more upright. He carefully gathered the cape around Qing'er's shoulders. Qing'er was wearing a water-green dress and had a gentle smile on her face. When she saw Xiao Yanzi and the others, she hurried forward and said, "You're finally here. Xiao Jian and I have been waiting for a while."
"Here you are!" Xiaoyanzi took Qing'er's hand and looked her up and down. "Sister Qing'er, you look so beautiful today!"
Qing'er blushed at her praise and patted her hand gently: "You too."
As he was speaking, Ertai came in carrying a food box. Seeing the people in the yard, his eyes lit up: "Oh, everyone is here? I went to that old shop in the south of the city to buy some osmanthus cake. Come and try it!"
Liu Hong went forward, took the lunch box and opened it. A sweet fragrance immediately filled the air: "You are so thoughtful." She said this, but her eyes were full of smiles.
Liu Qing wiped the grease off his hands and said with a bright smile, "Alright, alright, everyone's here. Come in and have a seat! The food will be ready soon!"
Everyone chatted and laughed as they entered the main hall. Two large round tables had already been set up, covered with fresh red cloths and laden with exquisite tableware and freshly brewed tea. Xiaoyanzi sat with Ziwei and Qing'er at one table, while Yongqi, Erkang, Xiaojian, Liuqing, and Ertai sat at the other. Everyone was joking and bantering, and the atmosphere was lively and lively.
"Come to think of it," Xiaoyanzi mumbled after taking a bite of the sweet-scented osmanthus cake Ertai had brought, "today is such a beautiful day, the weather is so good."
Ziwei smiled and nodded: "Yes, the sun is shining, and the breeze is not dry, just like our current mood."
Qing'er took a sip from her teacup and said softly, "It's great to be able to get together with everyone like this." She looked at Xiao Jian, her eyes full of tenderness, "I always felt lonely in the palace before, but I didn't expect to have days like this."
Xiao Jian felt her gaze and smiled at her gently: "It will get better and better in the future."
The men at another table were also chatting animatedly. Liu Qing was excitedly recounting the amusing details of his and Jinsuo's wedding preparations, drawing laughter from the crowd. Yongqi, Erkang, and Xiao Jian were chatting about recent state affairs and the Jianghu, occasionally raising their glasses for a sip.
"By the way," Yongqi suddenly remembered something and looked at Ertai, "When do you and Liu Hong plan to return to Jiangnan?"
Ertai scratched his head and smiled, "Let's wait a while, until things are settled here. I plan to open a martial arts school in Jiangnan to teach the local people how to keep fit. Liu Hong also said she wanted to see the scenery of Jiangnan."
"That's great." Erkang nodded. "Jiangnan is a beautiful place with clear water and mountains. It is indeed a good place."
Xiao Jian said, "If you go to Jiangnan and need any help, just send me a message. I have some old friends there."
"Thank you very much, Brother Xiao Jian!" Ertai quickly bowed to express his gratitude.
As they were talking, dishes were served one after another: braised fish, beggar's chicken, sweet and sour spare ribs... all of them were everyone's favorites, with a fragrant aroma that made everyone's mouth water.
Liu Qing picked up his wine glass, stood up and said with a smile, "Come, let's raise our glasses together to celebrate the happy weddings of these newlyweds and wish our friendship will last forever!"
"Cheers!" Everyone stood up and clinked their glasses. The crisp sound of clinking glasses echoed in the main room, filled with joy and blessings.
Xiaoyanzi took a sip of wine, and her cheeks immediately turned red. She put down her wine glass, picked up a piece of beggar's chicken, put it in her mouth, and squinted her eyes in satisfaction. "Mm, it's delicious! Brother Liu Qing, your cooking skills are getting better and better!"
Liu Qing laughed out loud at her praise: "If it's delicious, eat more!"
Yongqi looked at her eating with her mouth full of oil, helplessly but lovingly picked up the handkerchief and wiped the corners of her mouth for her: "Eat slowly, no one will snatch it from you."
Xiaoyanzi glared at him, but obediently let him wipe it, unable to hide the smile in her eyes.
Ziwei and Erkang smiled at each other, their eyes filled with happiness. Qing'er looked at the joyful scene in front of her, her heart warmed, and she quietly held Xiao Jian's hand.
Outside the main hall, the sun gradually sank into the western mountains. Lanterns in the guesthouse lit up one by one, their light warm and bright. Bursts of laughter and joy emanated from afar, blending with the lively atmosphere in the main hall to create a warm and beautiful scene.
That night, the joyful sounds in the guesthouse gradually faded away until late at night. Everyone's face was flushed with intoxicating blushes and satisfied smiles, and their hearts were filled with longing and anticipation for the future.
For Xiaoyanzi, the fulfillment of this life is far more wonderful than she could have imagined in her previous life. With a lover by her side, sisters by her side, family to protect her, and close friends by her side, this kind of life is the best life.
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