Qi Qing leaned forward slightly, his back straight, his hands clasped tightly in front of him with a mixture of tension and anticipation. His gaze was filled with eager longing as he stared intently at Feng Li and Qi Ruyan.
Deep within those eyes, a hint of cautious pleading flickered, as if, in that instant, all their expectations were being poured into these two.
He slowly opened his lips, his voice rising from his throat, slightly hoarse yet filled with deep emotion: "I want to take you back to the Qi residence. Over the years, my wife has been shrouded in sorrow because of A-Qi's matter, her heart heavy with unresolved issues, her health deteriorating. If she were fortunate enough to see you, it would be like finding a ray of light in the darkness, bringing her immense comfort. Would you be willing to come back with me?"
As he spoke, the longing in his eyes grew stronger, and his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were worried that a gust of wind would blow away the hard-won hope before him, fearing that he would receive a negative answer and cause the newly ignited warmth to disappear again.
Feng Li listened quietly, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, like the first peach blossom blooming in spring, revealing a gentle and sweet smile, and her bright eyes sparkling with a firm light like the bright stars.
She gently pursed her lips, her expression showing no hesitation, and said in a clear and firm voice, "Grandfather, this is the most natural thing for me. Being able to reunite with my family is a scene I have imagined countless times in my heart, a happiness I have longed for, and I cannot ask for it more than I could ever ask for."
As she spoke, she stood gracefully, her upright figure like a swaying yet resilient bamboo in the wind, exuding a dignified and generous air, as if she were a beautiful woman who had stepped out of a painting.
Qi Ruyan slowly raised her head, her gaze gentle and serene, and said softly, "General, I am willing too. I feel deeply comforted to be able to do my part for Aqi. I only hope to soothe the pain in Madam's heart and let this broken family find a glimmer of warmth again."
Her fingers were slightly bent, and there was a faint sadness in her eyes, as if she was immersed in memories of her time with Aqi. Those beautiful and painful memories had all turned into a faint melancholy in her eyes at this moment.
A look of surprise flashed in Qi Qing's eyes, and a bright smile, as radiant as the sun, bloomed on her face. The wrinkles at the corners of her eyes seemed to be smoothed out by this joy.
He quickly turned his gaze to Qi Yanshang and Qi Yanyun, and laughed heartily, "Yanshang, Yanyun, you should come along too. Now that I have adopted Ruyan as my daughter, you and Xiaoli are all my family. A family should be like the closely connected stars, living together in harmony and happiness, enjoying the joys of family life."
Qi Yanshang wore a warm, spring-like smile, his eyes filled with gentleness and joy, like a clear lake reflecting the moonlight. He stepped forward, his posture graceful and agile, and cupped his hands, saying, "Grandfather, this is truly a great blessing from heaven, and we are overjoyed to receive it. We are truly happy and delighted that Grandmother can be so happy and that the family can be reunited."
His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his brocade robes made him look even more imposing, as if he exuded an innate nobility.
Qi Yanyun chimed in, "Grandfather, my brother and I are both very happy to do so. To be able to be with our loved ones and enjoy the happiness of family life is a great blessing in life, and it is what we all desire."
At this moment, the aroma of the hot pot still wafted up from inside the house, like a lively sprite, lingering around everyone's noses. It seemed that everyone was also infected by this warm atmosphere, adding a unique warmth and intimacy to it, as if telling the story of the taste of home.
Joyful smiles radiated from everyone's faces, smiles as warm as the spring sunshine, pouring down without reservation, dispelling the gloom that had hung over them in the past, and filling the room with vitality and hope.
A rare look of ease and satisfaction appeared on Qi Qing's face, as if the heavy burden she had carried for many years had been quietly lifted off her shoulders at this moment.
He slowly stood up, his figure tall and majestic. He solemnly picked up the milk tea on the table with both hands and respectfully offered it to Chu Yanxi and Chen Xiao. His voice was filled with gratitude and relief: "I must thank the Emperor Emeritus and His Majesty today. If it weren't for this banquet, Xiao Li and I would have missed each other for a long time in this vast sea of people. We wouldn't have four more relatives here today, which has finally given my heart, which has been dormant for many years, a place to belong."
Chu Yanxi smiled and gently shook her head, her eyes filled with the感慨 (gǎnkǎi, deep feelings) that come with the passage of time. Her smile carried a hint of relief and open-mindedness as she said cheerfully, "Those who are destined to be together will eventually reunite, no matter how far apart they are or how many hardships they have to overcome. General Qi has found his granddaughter today, so please eat early and go back to your residence. This will allow Madam Qi to share in this joy and make her happy!"
Upon hearing this, Qi Qing recalled his wife's haggard face and nodded slightly, his eyes filled with tenderness and love for her. A smile spread across his face as he said to Feng Li and the others, "Come, let's finish this hotpot and then go back to the manor together. A family should always be together!"
His voice was strong and resonant, echoing in the room. Each note was like a leaping flame, adding to the warmth and peace, as if playing a symphony of reunion.
After the meal, everyone got up to say goodbye.
Qi Qing solemnly straightened his clothes, his movements slow and devout. Then he clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to the crowd, his waist bent low. That deep bow seemed to contain all his gratitude. After a long while, he slowly straightened up, his eyes full of sincerity and gratitude, as if at this moment, he had engraved everyone's kindness in his heart.
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