Xi Xi was busy all day long, sometimes directing the servants to set up the venue, hanging exquisite lanterns and gorgeous brocades on the pavilions and towers, and sometimes personally selecting the songs and dances to be performed at the palace banquet, striving for perfection in every detail.
Finally, on the night of the palace banquet, as the lanterns were lit, the entire palace was illuminated in a magnificent golden glow.
The officials took their seats one by one, and delicacies and fine wines were served.
After a series of routine toasts and etiquette, Xi Xi gave Chen Xiao a wink. Chen Xiao understood and coughed lightly, saying, "Today is the palace banquet. I hope that all my beloved ministers will not be bound by court etiquette and can speak freely, sharing some interesting stories that happened in the past at the Night Court, to add some joy to this banquet."
At the same time, she gave Chu Yanxi a look, and only after receiving a nod and a smile from Chu Yanxi did she feel relieved enough to listen to the gossip.
However, the ministers were bewildered by Chen Xiao's antics, wondering what new tricks the young emperor was up to this time.
However, under Chu Yanxi's gaze, several senior officials took the lead in standing up to support Chen Xiao and told everyone some anecdotes about their early years when they fought alongside Chu Yanxi, which drew laughter and cheers from the crowd.
Chu Yanxi listened with a smile, her thoughts drifting back to that time.
At this moment, Yuan Yin stood up and said with a smile, "I have heard that the Prime Minister and the Emperor Emeritus have had many unforgettable experiences, and that the Prime Minister is extremely loyal to the Emperor Emeritus. There must be many touching stories between them. May I ask the Prime Minister to tell us about them today?"
As soon as Yuan Yin said this, the palace banquet fell silent instantly, and the air seemed to freeze.
The young ministers exchanged glances, their curiosity tinged with caution. They dared not whisper openly, exchanging only glances, their eyes revealing both anticipation of gossip and apprehension at touching on sensitive topics.
Several senior officials had solemn expressions. Some sighed softly, as if regretting that relationship that ended without fruition; others calmly raised their wine glasses, using drinking to mask their complex emotions. They knew the twists and turns and helplessness involved, and recalling the past inevitably stirred up waves in their hearts.
Xu Qian was slightly taken aback. He looked up at Chu Yanxi and saw that Chu Yanxi's eyes also held a hint of expectation and a smile. Then, seeing the shadowy figure behind the screen, which was clearly Xi Xi's appearance, he understood who had come up with the idea.
Looking at the curious gazes of his two sons and daughters-in-law, the subtle observations of his old friends and colleagues, and the calm and composed demeanor of Chu Yanxi, he felt a rare sense of helplessness towards the deity.
However, when he saw that Xixi could no longer contain herself and peeked out from behind the screen with a tuft of braid, he still stood up slowly, despite the different gazes around him, and bowed to everyone.
Seeing that Xi Xi had put her braid back, he then spoke: "Your Majesty's kindness to you all has made me ashamed to offer my humble opinion. In the past, the Emperor Emeritus wanted to implement a new agricultural policy, but many nobles strongly opposed it because it involved their own interests. The Emperor Emeritus and I traveled far and wide, going deep into the countryside to explain the benefits of the new policy to the people. During this time, we encountered many dangers and even met with assassins. Fortunately, the Emperor Emeritus was highly skilled in martial arts and protected me. After many hardships, we finally gained the support of the people, and the new policy was able to be implemented. As a result, agriculture in Yechao has flourished."
Xu Qian briefly mentioned the matter, but detailed the origin and improvement of agricultural strategies.
As he recounted the difficulties and obstacles he had encountered, the atmosphere became somewhat tense, though everyone remained attentive.
The ministers no longer expressed their relaxed amazement; they simply listened quietly, occasionally revealing a hint of emotion.
When the story was finished, the applause was sparse and not nearly as enthusiastic as before.
The young officials merely clapped a few times as a formality. While they respected the two, they also felt a little melancholy about the unfulfilled relationship.
The atmosphere at the palace banquet became somewhat somber. The originally cheerful atmosphere was shrouded in a faint sadness and regret. While people were reminiscing about the story, they couldn't help but sigh for the fate of Chu Yanxi and Xu Qian.
Xi Xi, however, was not entirely satisfied with Xu Qian's account; it was too brief, and she already knew about it.
Chen Xiao and the others were happy to watch the show, since they usually had no chance to know about Xu Qian and Chu Yanxi's past.
Even this short passage captivated the ministers, making them even more impressed with the agricultural policies.
Chu Yanxi nodded slightly and said in agreement with Xu Qian, "The Prime Minister also deserves credit. If it weren't for his tireless efforts and meticulous planning day and night, the new policy would not have been able to be implemented so smoothly."
Afterwards, several officials stood up and shared some interesting stories, which made the atmosphere of the palace banquet even more joyful and lively.
After the palace banquet ended, everyone dispersed with mixed feelings.
Chen Xiao walked alone on the corridor leading back to the palace, the moonlight shining on her shoulders, but her thoughts were still lingering on the events of the palace banquet just now.
She knew all too well that matters of the heart were like the most complex game of chess in the world; one wrong move could lead to total defeat.
Chu Yanxi's past with Xu Qian made her think more deeply about love and responsibility.
Chu Yanxi returned to her palace and sat with Xixi on the couch. Xixi gazed at the moonlight outside the window, unable to let go of her feelings for a long time.
Listening to Xi Xi's chattering voice, memories of Xu Qian flooded back like a tide.
Then came Xixi's question: "So actually, I've wanted to ask this for a long time: why didn't you two end up together when you both loved each other so much?"
Chu Yanxi simply smiled and replied, "The timing wasn't right."
Just as Xixi was about to say something, Chu Yanxi slowly said, "People don't necessarily need romantic love; family love and friendship are also very precious."
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