The Shadow Cult's conspiracy collapsed in an instant, and its power crumbled like a collapsing building, temporarily disintegrating.
After a thrilling life-or-death struggle, the tension that had been building for so long finally eased, allowing everyone to steal a moment of peace in the palace and share this hard-won tranquility.
A refreshing autumn breeze blows as it is September, the beginning of autumn. The osmanthus trees in Zhaoyang Palace seem to be carefully painted by autumn, their branches covered in golden yellow blossoms, which shimmer and sparkle.
A rich, sweet fragrance wafted through the air, permeating every inch of the palace and adding a touch of tranquility and serenity to the gathering.
The osmanthus tree's canopy stands tall and graceful, casting a cool, dense shade.
The group sat around a hot pot with a roaring charcoal fire in the center. The broth in the pot was boiling, and the steaming heat carried a fragrant aroma that filled the air.
The milk tea on the side also exuded a rich fragrance, with the aroma of milk and tea intertwining and permeating the air around everyone.
The familiar tastes and scenes are like the soft whispers of bygone years, but the people gathered this time are quite different from those in the past.
Looking back on the last time we gathered, thirteen of us enjoyed ourselves together. Now, Xixi and Zheng Pianran were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, their absence seeming like a quiet footnote left by the passing years.
But at the same time, some new faces quietly joined the gathering, injecting new vitality and stories into it.
At this gathering, the person seated at the head of the table was no longer Emperor Chen Xiao, but the retired Emperor Chu Yanxi.
She was dressed in splendid clothes, with an elegant posture and a relaxed and contented expression.
Time seems to have been exceptionally kind to her, not etching too many traces of vicissitude on her face, but instead endowing her with a unique temperament that is as steady as a mountain and as sharp as a blade. Every gesture she makes exudes the composure and calmness that comes with the passage of time.
Sitting on either side of Chu Yanxi was Emperor Chen Xiao.
Now, Chen Xiao stands tall and straight like a pine tree, and the dragon robe he wears further accentuates his noble and majestic presence.
Within that majesty, there was also a hint of composure honed through the trials and tribulations of court intrigue and the conflicts of the martial world.
It's as if every glance, every subtle expression, carries the weight of bygone years and the brilliance of wisdom.
On the other side was Prime Minister Xu Qian. Although he was a few years younger than Chu Yanxi, many gray hairs had already quietly appeared at his temples, like the first snow, adding a unique sense of vicissitude to his appearance.
But the passage of time has not diminished his charm; he still has a handsome face, a refined temperament, and eyes as deep as the sea.
The occasional glances he cast at Chu Yanxi revealed a deep affection and concern that, though unintentionally, were like ripples in the depths of a still pool. Though restrained and subtle, they could not conceal the intensity of his feelings and the tenderness of his emotions.
Beside Chen Xiao, Consort Yu, who was also the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, sat quietly, like a green bamboo blooming by a secluded pool.
He was handsome and elegant, with a gentle and refined demeanor in every gesture, like a clear spring, soothing and tranquil.
Beside Xu Qian was, of course, his legal wife, Xu Jinshu.
Xu Jinshu was dressed in light-colored, soft-textured clothing. His face was peaceful and serene, and his eyes revealed the tranquility and peace nurtured by years of vegetarianism and Buddhist chanting. He was like a hermit in the world, guarding a pure land of the soul amidst the hustle and bustle.
Xu Ruyan and Yuan Yin, a married couple, sat beside Xu Ruyu, whispering to each other from time to time.
When their eyes met, they were filled with deep affection and unspoken understanding for each other, as if the world's troubles were irrelevant to them. In their world, only each other's existence could build this peaceful and warm little world.
Song Shiyu stood close to Yuan Yin, their handkerchiefs intertwined, and they naturally had endless heart-to-heart talks.
Thus, Xu Ruyan was unintentionally "left behind" in a corner by these two women who were immersed in their own worlds.
The two women were in high spirits, occasionally covering their mouths and giggling, their laughter as clear and melodious as silver bells.
Sometimes their expressions are lively, their eyes brimming with love for life and curiosity about new things, as if they have endless things to share with each other. Their intimate demeanor warms the heart.
On the other side, Xu Feng and Ming Zhanhe sat next to Xu Jinshu, while Zhao Siyuan snuggled close to Ming Zhanhe.
Although the Xin sisters were unable to attend this time, the four women still share a deep friendship, and their years of acquaintance have left them without any misunderstandings or barriers.
At this moment, they are enthusiastically exchanging everyday stories, from the mundane matters of firewood and rice to the novel and interesting things they have seen and heard from all directions. They talk about everything, like a scroll depicting true human feelings and warmth slowly unfolding before everyone's eyes.
The brothers Qi Yanyun and Qi Yanshang sat next to Song Shiyu. It was quite interesting, as Yuanyin and Song Shiyu were having a very pleasant conversation, so the two brothers were "squeezed" to sit there.
Qi Yanshang, on the other hand, was carefree and unconcerned about this, and was chatting enthusiastically with his fiancée Feng Li beside him.
At this moment, he was completely devoid of his usual cold and aloof demeanor. His face was filled with a happy and sweet smile, as if all the beauty in the world had gathered in this small world he shared with Feng Li.
Qi Yanyun found herself somewhat helplessly caught between her best friend and her lover, her expression slightly bewildered.
However, being an easygoing person, he didn't feel too embarrassed or awkward.
I would just listen to their conversation with a smile occasionally, and interject with a few witty and humorous remarks when the time was right, adding a touch of ease and joy to the lively atmosphere.
On the other side, Zhao Siyuan held Ming Zhanhe's hand with her left hand and her husband Xu Qin's arm with her right. Occasionally, she would say a few witty remarks to Xu Peng and Xu Jinshu, which made everyone laugh.
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