Their hands unconsciously clenched into fists, and even their breathing became much lighter.
The atmosphere became heavy and oppressive, like the suffocating calm before a storm, with tension permeating the air.
After a long while, Madam Qi seemed to slowly awaken from a long dream. Her gaze, like a gentle spring breeze, swept over everyone's faces, finally settling on Feng Li and Qi Yanshang.
Feng Li resembled a startled fawn, instinctively clenching the hem of her clothes. Her slender fingers turned slightly white from the force, and her eyes revealed a hint of tension and unease, as if she were awaiting the judgment of fate.
Madam Qi sighed softly, her sigh seemingly filled with helplessness and resignation towards the past. Her eyes were full of tenderness, and a gentle smile, as warm as the spring sun, appeared on her face. She said softly, "I knew it. Our Xiao Li is both talented and beautiful. She is truly remarkable to have won His Majesty's favor!"
These words, which sounded like they were teasing a child, surprised everyone present.
They never expected that Madam Qi's first words would be to praise Feng Li.
Seeing that the group was still in the same state, Madam Qi softened her voice even more and said to Feng Li, "The past is gone with the wind. The fact that you can reunite there safely is a blessing from heaven. Xiao Li, no matter how complicated and tortuous your identity and experiences were before, we are your family. We will never hold a grudge against you, nor will we have any prejudice against you."
Upon hearing this, Feng Li's eyes flashed with surprise and emotion, and his eyes reddened slightly.
She quickly stepped forward, curtsied, her movements elegant and solemn, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "Grandmother, thank you for your tolerance and acceptance. Yan Shang and I will cherish this hard-won relationship and will do our best to serve you and Grandfather in the future, live in harmony with our family, and create a warm and happy home together."
Madam Qi lovingly reached out and gently stroked Feng Li's head, as if caressing a rare treasure. She said tenderly, "Xiao Li, we are your family. There's no need for the word 'serving' among family members. As long as we can live together peacefully and happily, that is the greatest happiness. It's alright, there's plenty of time in the future, and we will definitely become more and more familiar with each other."
Feng Li was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes, and a bright smile, as radiant as spring flowers, bloomed on his face as he nodded vigorously.
Madam Qi turned her head, her eyes full of love, and looked at Qi Ruyan. She said softly, "Ruyan, you are also a child with a tragic fate, but now, all of that has become a thing of the past. We are a family together, so we should support and comfort each other, forget those painful memories, and welcome the warmth and beauty of the future."
Tears welled in Qi Ruyan's eyes. She nodded vigorously, her voice slightly choked as she said, "Mother, I understand. To feel this warmth in the Qi family is the greatest fortune of my life. I will work with everyone to protect this home and make it our eternal safe haven."
The brothers Qi Yanshang and Qi Yanyun exchanged a glance, as if they were of one mind, both seeing a sense of relief in each other's eyes. The gloom in their eyes seemed to be blown away by a spring breeze, revealing a long-lost ease and joy.
Qi Yanshang stepped forward, his posture upright and confident, and said respectfully, "Grandmother, I will always remember your generosity and kindness. In the future, I will work diligently and conscientiously in the officialdom, and live up to your high expectations. I will also work hand in hand with my family to make the future of the Qi family as beautiful and prosperous as a colorful painting."
Madam Qi raised her hand slightly, the movement elegant and composed, gesturing for everyone to stand up: "Alright, everyone, don't be so reserved, as if you're strangers. We're all family, connected by blood, so let's not stand on ceremony. We have a long life ahead of us, let's walk hand in hand through thick and thin and create a better life together."
At this moment, Madam Qi's eyes were filled with tenderness. She walked to Qi Yanyun's side, gently reached out and patted his shoulder. The gesture was gentle and warm. She said softly, "Yanyun, although we can't be by your side all the time, you must take good care of yourself in the capital and don't make us worry. We in Guangling will always be thinking of you. You must know that wherever we are, whether it's Guangling or the capital, it will always be your home. You can come back anytime."
Qi Qing nodded in agreement, then said with concern, "Yan Yun, you are now serving in the capital, bearing heavy responsibilities for the court. You must work diligently, care for the people, and strive for their well-being, becoming an upright and honest official. Also, you must get along well with the Princess. The Princess's family are all kind-hearted people, and Yuan Yin is a well-behaved and sensible child. You must support and care for each other. Finally, if you encounter any difficulties, remember to write to us. No matter where we are, we will do our best to help you. You must not bear it alone."
Hearing Madam Qi's heartfelt words and Qi Qing's address to Chu Qianyun, everyone knew that Qi Qing and Madam Qi had completely regarded them as family, treating them with utmost sincerity and without reservation.
Furthermore, Qi Qing and his wife were old acquaintances of Chu Qianyun, with a deep friendship, and they also had an excellent relationship with Yuan Yin, as if they were family. In this way, it would be a wonderful thing to strengthen family ties through marriage.
Upon hearing this, Qi Yanyun tilted her head back slightly, took a deep breath, and tried to force back the moisture in her eyes.
He replied firmly, "Grandmother and Grandfather, rest assured, I have long regarded the Princess as my own sister. I cherish and love her, and I will take good care of her and not let her suffer the slightest grievance. I will also live up to your expectations and do my best to ensure that the people live in peace and happiness. I also hope that everything goes well for you in Guangling, and that you are safe and happy. I will definitely visit you when I have the opportunity."
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