For a moment, the atmosphere here was incredibly lively, with laughter and cheers rising and falling, as if pushing the joyful atmosphere of the entire gathering to a climax.
Only Zhao Cheyu, sitting quietly next to Xu Qin, seemed to be on a deserted island, detached from the waves of joy.
His parents were engrossed in their conversation and had no time to notice him. He was sitting far away from Chen Xiao, and seemed to have been completely forgotten in the shadows of the corner by the lively atmosphere.
Zhao Cheyu's eyes gradually dimmed, as if the stars had lost their brilliance, and an indescribable sense of loss and loneliness welled up in his heart.
However, Ning Yuyuan, who was sitting next to him, was perceptive and quickly noticed the subtle changes in his emotions.
So she took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Zhao Cheyu, not only introducing herself in a generous manner, but also inquiring about his recent situation in a soft voice, her words full of concern and friendliness.
She tried to use her warmth and kindness to dispel the gloom in Zhao Cheyu's heart and guide him into the joyful atmosphere of the gathering.
Zhao Cheyu received a good family education from a young age and is polite and humble. He responded to Ning Yuyuan's greetings and inquiries in a very polite manner, and the conversation between the two began naturally. It was as if a seed of friendship had been quietly planted in this unintentional moment, waiting to take root, sprout, and grow strong in the future.
Yin Yuyao, standing beside Ning Yuyuan, took in all of this. A slight smile appeared on her lips, her eyes filled with gentleness and tolerance.
She watched these young people interact quietly, her heart filled with emotion: the world of these young people is like a magnificent and colorful painting, full of all kinds of little emotions and little joys. Every subtle emotional fluctuation, every chance encounter and acquaintance is like a lively and vivid brushstroke on the painting, outlining the most beautiful image of youth.
Just as she was lost in her own thoughts, General Yu Huaxiao, who was sitting next to her, spoke to her softly.
Yu Huaxiao is nearing sixty. He has spent his life in the military and experienced many vicissitudes of life, so he is naturally knowledgeable and experienced.
Thus, their conversation gradually shifted from trivial matters in the palace to military anecdotes and strategic insights. The more they talked, the more they clicked and the more engrossed they became. Before they knew it, they were completely immersed in the world of conversation, oblivious to the subtle changes in the atmosphere around them.
At this moment, General Qi Qing, who was sitting next to Yu Huaxiao, seemed to be frozen in place, completely still.
Qi Qing originally thought that since he saw his longtime friend Yu Huaxiao and Yin Yuyao chatting so enthusiastically, he would also like to chat with the younger generation next to him to enhance their relationship.
But as soon as his gaze turned to Qi Ruyan, he was immediately drawn to Feng Li beside her.
Feng Li sat there quietly, like a fresh and elegant ink painting.
Her eyebrows and eyes were exquisitely beautiful, her eyebrows like spring mountains shrouded in mist, her eyes like autumn waters brimming with affection; her expression revealed a lively and playful air, just like a bird hopping on a branch in spring, vibrant and full of life.
Those eyebrows, those expressions—they were strikingly similar to the daughter Qi Qing had lost years ago, a memory deep within him.
In an instant, Qi Qing's thoughts seemed to be pulled by an invisible hand, instantly dragging him back to the distant and hazy past.
Those heartwarming moments with his daughter surged into his mind like a tidal wave, each frame as clear as yesterday, instantly plunging him into a deep vortex of memories. His heart was filled with a complex mix of shock and surprise, from which he could not extricate himself.
This cavalry general, who was so imposing and commanding on the battlefield just last month, now seemed to have lost his soul, staring blankly at Feng Li with surprise, doubt, and disbelief in his eyes.
His bewildered and distraught appearance naturally attracted the attention of everyone present. Everyone stopped what they were doing and talking and turned their concerned and puzzled gazes to Qi Qing, trying to find out what had happened from his expression.
Chu Yanxi broke the brief and heavy silence first. She looked at Qi Qing with gentle eyes and asked softly with concern, "General Qi, what's wrong? Why are you so distraught? Are you feeling unwell?"
Qi Qing then seemed to wake from a dream, slowly shifting her gaze from Feng Li's face full of doubt. Her lips trembled slightly, as if she had used all her strength to barely squeeze out a sound.
The voice carried an undisguised mix of excitement and bitterness, as if a cry uttered with difficulty from the depths of the soul, replying, "Your Majesty, I... I truly lost my composure. But this girl looks exactly like my daughter who went missing years ago. I couldn't help but take a few more glances... She is just too similar!"
At this point, tears welled up in Qi Qing's eyes. The shimmering tears were like the twinkling stars in the night sky, each one carrying a father's deep longing and concern for his daughter.
This profound and intense emotion, like an invisible thread, tugged at the heartstrings of everyone present. Everyone was deeply moved, and for a moment, the atmosphere of the entire gathering was enveloped by this unexpected emotional surge, falling into a state of silence.
Upon hearing Qi Qing's words, everyone looked surprised, their gazes shifting back and forth between Qi Qing and Feng Li, as if trying to find more similarities in their faces to confirm this unbelievable coincidence.
Feng Li was slightly taken aback. She had never imagined that she would have such a striking resemblance to the daughter of this General of Chariots and Cavalry.
This sudden situation left her somewhat at a loss, and she just sat there blankly, her eyes filled with confusion and doubt.
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