In the blink of an eye, Xunyang trade reported good news and achieved significant results.
As was customary, the imperial court was to hold a grand banquet to entertain diplomats from various countries, and all officials were required to attend in their finest attire.
As a result, the imperial city was like a sea of joy that day, bustling with activity.
Chen Xiao was busy socializing and dealing with diplomatic envoys from various countries during the grand banquet, while Yuan Yin, dressed in gorgeous clothes, sat quietly in a corner drinking tea, exuding elegance and poise in every gesture.
Xu Ruyan skillfully extricated herself from the vortex of social engagements, approaching Yuan Yin quietly like a gentle breeze, speaking softly to her with words full of concern and affection.
During the banquet, Chen Xiao also noticed that Xu Ruyan acted like a guardian knight, skillfully shielding Yuan Yin from unnecessary toasts and pointless small talk. Every glance and every movement of his was perfectly coordinated with Yuan Yin.
She clicked her tongue a few times in her mind, then went back to her diligent "work".
As time flowed quietly like a gentle stream, Xu Qian gradually accepted the fate between his "adopted son" and the simple and kind Princess Yuanyin under the baptism of time.
So, Xu Ruyan, filled with joy and anticipation, generously took Yuanyin back to her home to pay respects to her parents and elders.
The entire Xu household, including Xu Qian and his wives and concubines, gathered together, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newcomers.
Xu Qian and Xu Feng already had a great fondness for Yuan Yin, and now that the topic of their marriage was being discussed, their eyes were filled with smiles and their faces beamed with joy.
Ming Zhanhe looked at Yuanyin, his heart filled with joy, and even a little annoyed, thinking to himself how he had not left behind a daughter as well-behaved and lovely as Yuanyin. If he could have such a blessing, what a happy and fulfilling thing it would be.
The Xin sisters stood quietly to the side, with faint smiles on their faces. Although they did not say a word, one could still catch a glimpse of their blessings and comfort for the couple in their eyes.
As for Xu Jinshu, his thoughts seemed to drift back to the past, thinking of his "daughter-in-law," and he couldn't help but sigh slightly, as if lamenting the vicissitudes of time and the wonder of fate.
Yuan Yin's parents have both passed away, and she has very few relatives left in this world, except for her cousin Chen Xiao and her adoptive brother Qi Yanyun.
However, both of them were well aware of her deep affection and emotional entanglement with Xu Ruyan. Therefore, during this gathering, the group simply sat together and enjoyed a simple meal. During the meal, they chatted about Xunyang, their words filled with reflections on the past and hopes for the future.
Xu Qian felt it inappropriate to participate in this gathering of young people. Although Xu Peng longed to attend, he also wanted the young people to have fun. Therefore, only Xu Ruyu from the Xu family came to the gathering.
Yuan Yin owns a famous restaurant in the capital called Tingyulou, whose cuisine is unparalleled, but it ranks only second in the capital.
The restaurant that is considered the best in the capital is a low-key and unassuming establishment opened by people from Yangzhou. Despite its fame, it rarely makes a fuss about it.
Because Chen Xiao, who has a special status, was among the group, Yuan Yin deliberately chose not to attend the First Restaurant, but instead held the gathering at Tingyu Tower, which is under her own name, to avoid unnecessary formalities and outside disturbances.
On this day, the entire Tingyu Tower closed its doors to all visitors and refused to accept any outside orders, all to welcome these distinguished guests.
Inside the vast restaurant, all was quiet and peaceful, except for the few of them in the largest and most luxurious private room.
Yuan Yin, Xu Ruyan, and Qi Yanyun arrived first, followed by Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu, and finally Yuan Yin's best friend, Song Shiyu.
The six people gathered in the private room, and a warm gathering of their own was about to slowly unfold in this poetic and elegant space.
The private room was elegantly decorated and brightly lit with candles.
The group sat around an exquisite sandalwood round table, which was laden with delicacies, fine wines, and fragrant teas.
Yuan Yin raised her glass first, smiling gently, her clear voice echoing in the private room: "It is a rare occasion for us to gather here today. You are all people I, Yuan Yin, cherish. May our friendship last forever, and may we share this joyous occasion together."
After speaking, he took a small sip of his drink, his eyes bright and warm.
Xu Ruyan looked at her tenderly from the side and then said, "What the princess says is absolutely right. In the years to come, we will definitely walk hand in hand and never leave each other."
Everyone chimed in, and laughter echoed throughout the private room.
Qi Yanyun put down his wine cup and looked at Yuan Yin teasingly, "My sister has now found a good man. The naughty little girl who used to follow me around has grown into such a graceful and poised person. I am very pleased with her."
Yuan Yin gave him a reproachful look: "Brother, please stop teasing me. It's you who should start thinking about your own marriage."
Chen Xiao nodded gently from the side: "Yuan Yin is right, Qi Yanyun, you are not young anymore, you can't always be alone."
Xu Ruyan dared to laugh after hearing Chen Xiao's agreement, saying, "Your Majesty is starting to worry about other people's marriages. However, there are plenty of eligible women in the capital. Young Master Qi is so handsome, how could he not find someone he likes?"
Although Song Shiyu wasn't very familiar with the others, she joined in the conversation about such gossip: "I think when fate brings two people together, things will naturally fall into place. Just like Yinyin and Young Master Xu, who would have thought they would be so loving now?"
Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze to Yuan Yin and Xu Ruyan. The two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with love and sweetness, as if they were the only two people in the world.
"This is too much! It's so sweet!" Chen Xiao seemed to be complaining inside, but she was actually very happy. Seeing the people around her doing so well made her content.
At this moment, Xu Ruyan gently took Yuan Yin's hand, pulled her slightly closer, and said softly, "Princess, you are my one true love, the one I will never change in this life. No matter what the storms may bring, I am willing to create a clear sky for you."
Yuan Yin didn't speak, but she gripped his hand tightly in return.
Seeing that Xu Ruyan had started again, Chen Xiao's internal complaints became even more intense.
Seeing this, Qi Yanyun shook his head and sighed helplessly, "Forget it, forget it. I, a lonely man, can't bear to see you two being so sweet. However, Brother Xu, if you dare to treat my sister any badly in the future, I will definitely not let you off easily."
Xu Ruyan quickly straightened her face and said, "Brother Qi, rest assured, I will treat Yuanyin with sincerity and will never betray her."
Xu Ruyu remained silent throughout, simply sipping her drink quietly, her gaze sweeping over everyone.
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