Upon hearing Yuan Yin's words, Chen Xiao's cheeks flushed even more, and he coughed lightly, saying, "Please stop teasing me."
Yuan Yin covered her mouth and chuckled, then hid to the side.
At this moment, the musician in the private room seemed to sense the joyful atmosphere as well, and with a light touch of his fingertips, he began to play a cheerful tune called "Hehuan Tune".
The lively notes danced in the air, as if celebrating the lovers' reconciliation.
Everyone pulled Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu to sit down. Xu Ruyan hurriedly ordered the servants to bring out the treasured wine, wanting to share this cup with everyone and add a touch of intoxication and heroism to this moment of reunion.
The wine glasses were passed from hand to hand, and everyone's face was filled with genuine joy.
Chen Xiao raised his glass, stood up and said to everyone, "Thank you all for your concern and company today. I am sorry for all the trouble you caused me and Ruyu. This glass is for you all."
Having said that, he drank it all in one gulp.
Xu Ruyu also stood up and stood side by side with Chen Xiao, her gaze gently sweeping over everyone: "May our friendship grow stronger with time, just like this fine wine."
After several rounds of drinks, everyone's spirits rose even higher.
Some suggested composing poems and verses together to enhance the refined atmosphere.
Qi Yanyun was the first to recite: "A good match is a gift from heaven, and love is hard to break; a perfect union brings peace of mind."
Everyone cheered.
After a moment's thought, Chen Xiao replied, "Let's walk hand in hand through wind and rain, and share joys together with unwavering devotion."
Xu Ruyu looked at Chen Xiao with eyes full of love and admiration, and softly echoed, "To spend my life by your side, I will have no worries and my heart will be at peace."
Time slipped away quietly amidst the recitation and singing of poems.
The night was getting late, but the laughter and chatter inside the private room never stopped.
Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu snuggled together, enjoying this rare and warm moment, while their friends surrounded them, creating a beautiful picture that forever captured this unforgettable night.
As night deepened, the laughter and chatter of the crowd did not diminish in the slightest.
Surrounded by everyone, Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu felt the deep affection and joy.
Suddenly, Song Shiyu's eyes lit up, and she said, "Your Majesty, Young Master Xu, it is a joyous occasion that you two have reconciled today. I have heard that there is a lotus pond in the backyard of Tingyu Tower. The moonlight is just right now, and the lotus flowers must have a special charm. Why don't you two go and admire the lotus flowers and enjoy a moment of peace?"
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement and urged them to go.
Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu exchanged a smile, then got up and walked hand in hand toward the backyard of Tingyu Tower.
Inside the private room, some continued drinking and chatting, while others leaned on the railing and gazed towards the lotus pond, all with a contented smile on their faces.
By the lotus pond, the moonlight spills like water onto the calm surface. The lotus leaves are lush and green, and the lotus flowers are either budding or in full bloom. The pink and white petals sway gently in the breeze, like shy maidens dancing gracefully.
Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu strolled along the path by the pond. Xu Ruyu gently picked a lotus leaf and placed it on Chen Xiao's head, saying with a smile, "With this lotus leaf on, Xiao Xiao looks like a fairy in the lotus pond, even more beautiful and charming."
Chen Xiao pretended to be smeared with oil and glanced at him, but couldn't help but laugh.
They sat down in a pavilion, and Xu Ruyu gently embraced Chen Xiao, whispering, "Xiao Xiao, after this incident, I truly understand the power of love. From now on, I will never let you suffer any more grievances."
Chen Xiao leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "As long as you're by my side, that's enough."
At that moment, a melodious flute tune drifted from a distant private room, seemingly accompanying the lovers' whispers.
They sat quietly by the lotus pond, enjoying the tranquility and sweetness that belonged only to them. It was as if all the troubles of the world had faded away, leaving only their deep affection and expectations for the future, wishing for long years to pass and for them to be together forever.
A gentle breeze wafted by, carrying the delicate fragrance of lotus blossoms, lingering around the two of them.
Chen Xiao raised his head slightly, his gaze falling on Xu Ruyu's face, his fingers gently tracing his features. "Ruyu, do you know? During my time in Xunyang, although I was busy with many things, there was always a void in my heart. Only now, after reconciling with you, do I feel fulfilled."
Xu Ruyu held Chen Xiao's hand and said, "Xiao Xiao, I was the same way. Those days of separation were agonizing every day. I pondered repeatedly, but I always wavered between reason and emotion. Fortunately, you were so brave, otherwise I was afraid I would have been lost in that fog for a long time."
As the two were talking, a firefly flew by, its light shimmering.
A hint of childlike wonder appeared in Chen Xiao's eyes as he got up to chase after the fireflies.
Xu Ruyu watched her graceful figure, a doting smile on her lips, and followed her.
They chased fireflies by the lotus pond, as if they had returned to a carefree time.
When Chen Xiao finally caught the firefly, she carefully held it in her palm and returned to Xu Ruyu's side. "Ruyu, look, this little firefly seems to have great power. It shines brightly in the dark night, just like us. We should also firmly protect each other's light in this chaotic world."
Xu Ruyu gently approached and looked at the firefly in her palm with Chen Xiao. "Xiao Xiao, we will surely be like it, breaking through the darkness and letting our love and light spread to every inch of this Night Dynasty."
With that, he gently blew a breath, and the fireflies slowly rose up and merged into the moonlit lotus pond.
Then, hand in hand, they slowly walked back to the private room.
When they returned, everyone gave them knowing looks.
The night ended amidst laughter and warmth, and Yuan Yin and Xu Ruyan's wedding date was set for the eighth day of next month.
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