Transmigrating into a Book: After Transmigrating to the Ending of the Book, I Became the Empress

Chapter 185 Blessing Ceremony

One day after the G1 interface returned to calm, sunlight streamed into the pavilion in the Imperial Garden, where Chu Yanxi and Xu Qian sat facing each other, enjoying tea.

Chu Yanxi gently put down her teacup, her gaze filled with a hint of reminiscence, and spoke first: "In the blink of an eye, many things have passed. Now, looking at the peaceful night court, I have many feelings."

Xu Qian bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "The Emperor Emeritus is wise. This is all thanks to His Majesty's and your great fortune, as well as the full assistance of the Immortal and others."

Chu Yanxi shook her head gently and smiled, "There's no need for such formality between us. I still remember when you first entered the court, you were green but full of ambition. I knew then that you were destined for greatness."

Xu Qian paused for a moment, his eyes softening: "Your Majesty's kindness in recognizing my talent back then is etched in my heart and I dare not forget it. At that time, Your Majesty was dashing and decisive in handling state affairs. I assisted you from the side, and although it was hard work, I felt happy and fulfilled."

Upon hearing the word "Your Majesty," Chu Yanxi's gaze drifted into the distance, as if lost in deeper memories: "Yes, in those days, we faced many difficulties together and had disagreements, but our goals were always the same."

Behind the flowerbed not far away, Xi Xi was pulling Chen Xiao and Yuan Yin along, her eyes sparkling as she said, "Look!!!"

So Chen Xiao and Yuan Yin witnessed the entire conversation between Chu Yanxi and Xu Qian. Although they couldn't hear it, judging from the atmosphere, they felt that the two didn't seem like ex-lovers.

The reason is simple: Chu Yanxi was too relaxed and at ease, while Xu Qian, on the other hand, looked like he couldn't let go of Chu Yanxi.

The two cousins ​​exchanged a glance, and Chen Xiao, with a slight smile, asked Xi Xi, "It seems you know a lot?"

Xi Xi was so excited that she didn't care about anything else and gestured wildly, "It's so-so! Let me tell you, once Xiao Xu ran all over the Night Dynasty to find an extremely rare spiritual flower in order to prepare a birthday gift for Yan Xi. But it was almost stolen by a magical beast on the way. He's just an ordinary person and only knows a little bit of internal energy and martial arts. He doesn't know any formations or spells at all. So he ended up covered in dust and dirt. But Yan Xi didn't know any of that. She just thought it was a wildflower by the roadside. Sigh!"

Yuan Yin couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Really? Father usually seems so serious, I never expected him to be like this."

Chen Xiao recalled Xu Qian's true colors and nodded with a light laugh: "Serious? I don't think so. It's just that the Prime Minister's heart for the Empress Dowager is beyond doubt. I suppose their friendship deepened gradually through these little things."

Hearing that the two of them matched the content of her favorite CP, Xi Xi continued to tell them about the past: "And another thing, once, on a diplomatic matter, Yan Xi and Xiao Xu disagreed and argued in the Imperial Study all night, but the next day they tacitly came up with a better plan together."

Ah... this seems a bit too much to discuss...

But Yuan Yin didn't think that far ahead. She simply asked Xi Xi out of curiosity, "Did they apologize to each other or anything?"

Seeing that Yuan Yin was focusing on the wrong thing, Xi Xi sighed, inwardly criticizing Xu Ruyan, before shrugging and casually replying, "I'm not too sure about that, but judging from how they get along now, those past experiences must have become precious memories."

Chen Xiao looked at Chu Yanxi and Xu Qian talking in the pavilion and said softly, "Their experiences laid a lot of foundation for the development of the Night Dynasty. These stories should be passed down so that future generations can know them."

Their story!?

Xi Xi's eyes lit up: "Should we find an opportunity to let them tell these stories themselves? It would definitely be very interesting."

Yuan Yin clapped her hands and laughed innocently, "That's a good idea, but I'm afraid they'll feel embarrassed."

Chen Xiao disagreed with Xi Xi's suggestion several times, but seeing Xi Xi's expectant and happy look, he thought for a moment and said, "Then let's arrange a segment at the next palace banquet where the ministers can share interesting stories from the past. Then we can subtly guide the Prime Minister and the Empress Mother, and perhaps they can open their hearts."

However, she would have to tell Chu Yanxi about this matter in a little while and ask for her opinion. Although she felt that Chu Yanxi would definitely agree, it was not because of Xu Qian, but because Chu Yanxi doted on Xixi. These days, no matter what outrageous requests Xixi made, Chu Yanxi would agree with a smile, her face full of indulgence.

Sometimes she would think that if Xi Xi appeared in court, the image of a loving mother and filial son in the eyes of the officials would probably refer to Chu Yanxi and Xi Xi, and she would have nothing to do with it.

However, Chen Xiao seems to have forgotten that she and Chu Yanxi are not mother and daughter at all...?

Upon hearing Chen Xiao's suggestion, Yuan Yin's eyes lit up: "Xiao Xiao's plan is excellent. A palace banquet is a relaxed and enjoyable occasion. With fine wine, delicious food, and elegant music, it will surely help them relax a lot."

Xi Xi remembered that Chen Xiao was the most enthusiastic shipper in the original world, so she believed that Chen Xiao was right. She nodded in agreement: "Then you... no, I'll do it. I have to go and discuss things with the servants in charge of the palace banquet preparations in advance. We need to carefully design the venue and the program to create the most suitable atmosphere."

Seeing how attentive Xi Xi was, Chen Xiao smiled and nodded, "Okay, okay."

The doting look in her eyes was something she herself was unaware of.

On this day, the three sisters chatted softly behind the flowers. The two mature and composed sisters in the pavilion had already noticed them, but they had to pretend not to know and play chess. This made the sunlight in the Imperial Garden seem even brighter, shining on this land full of stories and warmth.

The days passed slowly amidst everyone's anticipation, and the day of the palace banquet drew ever closer.

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 a difficult journey, 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."

Xi Xi looked at Chu Yanxi with a puzzled expression, but Chu Yanxi remained silent.

Xi Xi is not human; she doesn't understand how complex human emotions are.

At that time, her relationship with Xu Qian couldn't be resolved with just a few words. Although the feelings in her heart were hard to completely disappear, the situation was simply unchangeable.

Not to mention that now, twenty years have passed, and she is the retired emperor with too many responsibilities and duties. She cannot disregard the stability and prosperity of the Night Dynasty for her own selfish desires.

Xu Qian was in the Prime Minister's study, staring blankly at the books piled on the table.

He recalled the reactions of everyone at the palace banquet, and his heart was filled with bitterness.

The memories he shared with Chu Yanxi were the most precious part of his life, but fate played a cruel trick on them, and they could never go back to the past.

He knew that only by burying this feeling deep in his heart and continuing to dedicate himself to Ye Chao could he live up to Chu Yanxi's trust and expectations.

Meanwhile, in the Grand Princess's residence.

Xu Ruyan first confirmed that her mother, Xu Peng, disliked Xu Qian before she and Yuan Yin came up with all sorts of bad ideas to try and make Xu Qian happy.

Yuan Yin recalled the strange atmosphere at the end of the palace banquet, so she decided to find a way to help her aunt get out of this depressed mood.

The two discussed and proposed to hold a grand blessing ceremony, praying for the eternal peace and prosperity of the Night Dynasty, and also hoping to take this opportunity to make the people happier and to reunite everyone's hearts.

After informing Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi, the two readily agreed. The following day at the court assembly, the officials also felt that the proposal was excellent, as it would not only save the people money and effort but also bring them joy.

With everyone's consent, Xu Ruyan and Yuan Yin began preparing for the blessing ceremony.

As everyone prepared for the blessing ceremony, they were gradually infected by this positive atmosphere.

They realized that the past was past, and what mattered was seizing the present and working hard for the future of Yechao.

Therefore, they also joined in the preparations, working together with the ministers to prepare for this blessing ceremony.

Finally, on the day of the blessing ceremony, the sun shone brightly, and almost every street was filled with people.

Chen Xiao and the others, dressed in their finest attire, stood before the altar and solemnly conducted the ceremony.

As the bells of prayer rang, the gloom in people's hearts gradually dissipated, and they were filled with hope for the future.

At this moment, Chen Xiao and the others became even more determined to protect the Night Dynasty. They knew that no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, as long as they joined hands, they would definitely be able to overcome them.