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

Chapter 182 Moving to Guangling

Qi Yanshang stood upright, as steadfast as a pine or cypress. His expression was solemn and respectful as he gave Madam Qi and Qi Qing a standard bow.

Then, he looked firmly at the two elders and spoke earnestly, each word seemingly coming from the deepest part of his heart, saying with resounding force: "Grandmother, Grandfather, Yan Shang will devote himself to Guangling and make meticulous preparations to ensure everything is arranged properly so that we can welcome you with the most thorough preparations."

He paused, then said with a hint of embarrassment, "From now on, our family will be united in Guangling, supporting each other. Whether the weather is fine or dark, we will work together to protect the honor and dignity of the Qi family, so that the Qi family's reputation will spread far and wide like a bright star, shining with an indelible brilliance in the long river of time."

His words made everyone laugh.

At this moment, Qi Yanyun stood quietly to the side, like a solitary tree standing alone, listening to their conversation.

A faint sense of loss quietly appeared on his originally handsome face, as if a thin veil was gently covering it.

Those slightly lowered eyes seemed to conceal a deep, unfathomable pool, within which flowed a barely perceptible sense of loneliness and reluctance, as if filled with endless sorrow for the impending separation.

As the chatter subsided, he slowly raised his head and said softly, "Grandmother, Grandfather, I am currently serving in the capital, shouldering heavy responsibilities and missions for the court, and I truly cannot return to Guangling to live with you. Your journey is long, so please be careful, act cautiously, and always be mindful of your safety. With Mother, Elder Brother, and Sister-in-law by your side in Guangling, I feel somewhat comforted and at ease. However…"

At this point, his voice paused slightly, as if something was stuck in his throat. "I really can't let go of this family bond. I miss you all deeply every day and night while I'm in the capital."

After speaking, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, forming a somewhat bitter smile, a smile that seemed to be trying to conceal the surging sense of loss and reluctance deep in his heart.

Madam Qi's eyes, like a calm lake surface tossed with a pebble, once again showed a hint of surprise.

Her long, slender eyebrows furrowed slightly, like two crescent moons intertwined, her face full of confusion. She asked softly, "What? Yan Yun also holds an important position? And what you called your elder brother and sister-in-law... do you mean Xiao Li and Yan Shang?"

Madam Qi had always lived a secluded life, and usually only had a superficial understanding of major events in the outside world. She knew very little about the complicated matters such as the appointment, removal, and transfer of officials in the imperial court.

Moreover, she was so heartbroken and distracted that she hadn't noticed the feelings between Feng Li and Qi Yanshang, completely unaware that the two were already a loving couple.

Seeing this, Qi Qing shook his head helplessly, a slightly apologetic bitter smile appearing on his lips, and said, "Look at my memory, it seems I was so overwhelmed with joy that I was dizzy with happiness because so many relatives have suddenly been added to the family, and I actually forgot to tell you these important things."

As he spoke, Qi Qing began to explain in detail to Madam Qi, just like a composed storyteller.

Lady Qi suddenly realized, as if waking from a dream, that Qi Yanshang and Qi Yanyun were the sons of Qi Yuan, who played an important role in the kite incident, and that the two had also been His Majesty's concubines.

Qi Ruyan was Qi Yuan's first wife, while Feng Li was Qi Yuan's second wife.

Qi Yanyun also has another special identity. He is the adopted son of Grand Princess Qianyun and the elder brother of Princess Yuanyin. He currently resides in the Grand Princess's residence.

After dealing with Qi Yuan, His Majesty, perhaps out of consideration for past relationships or for other reasons, granted permission for the two brothers, Yan Shang and Yan Yun, to leave the inner palace and bestowed upon them official positions, giving them a new foothold in the court.

During his narration, Qi Qing also mentioned that the position of Prefect of Guangling was originally intended for Feng Li, but Feng Li had reservations, so it eventually fell to Qi Yanshang.

As for Qi Yanyun, since there were not many suitable vacant positions in the officialdom at the moment, he was temporarily appointed as the registrar of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

When Qi Qing mentioned the relationship between Yan Shang and Feng Li, he paused slightly, as he didn't know much about it. He simply mentioned that the two were preparing to get married.

This long passage was like a bomb dropped on a calm lake, creating ripples.

Madam Qi listened quietly to Qi Qing's long explanation, clearly taken aback by the sudden influx of information. As if struck by lightning, she was momentarily stunned.

She seemed frozen in place, like an ancient sculpture, lost in a long silence, her heart churning with a thousand thoughts.

Meanwhile, Qi Ruyan and the others standing to the side felt as if they were tightly bound by an invisible net, filled with unease.

They knew perfectly well that Madam Qi and Qi Qing came from a prominent family in the capital, and their class consciousness and traditional ideas were like an ancient city wall, deeply rooted and difficult to shake after years of sedimentation.

They were afraid that Madam Qi might harbor resentment towards Feng Li's past identity, which would affect the hard-won reunion and harmony of the family.

The group's gazes darted cautiously across Madam Qi's face, trying to catch the slightest change in her expression, which was filled with tension and anticipation.

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."

After that, life flowed like a gentle stream, peaceful and warm.

Madam Qi and Qi Qing began preparations for their trip to Guangling. The entire household was bustling with activity, but everyone's face was filled with anticipation and longing for their future reunion.

After bidding farewell to Chen Xiao and the others, Qi Ruyan, Qi Yanshang, and Feng Li returned to Guangling and meticulously decorated their residence, pouring their longing and care for their family into every corner, awaiting the arrival of their parents.

On the official road leading from the capital to Guangling, Madam Qi and Qi Qing bid farewell to Chen Xiao and the others, and sat in a spacious and comfortable carriage, enjoying the ever-changing, picturesque scenery outside the window.

Madam Qi said softly, "Leaving the capital is like saying goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the past. Although I am inevitably reluctant to leave, being able to reunite with my family and start a new life is a blessing in itself."

Qi Qing held her hand tightly, as if holding the most precious treasure in the world, and said with a smile, "Yes, as long as the family is safe and sound and together in harmony, anywhere is home. They are all sensible and filial children. When we go to Guangling, we can also help them and make this family even warmer and happier."

Meanwhile, the three people in Guangling stood at the gate of the mansion every day, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two elders.

The mansion was decorated in a warm and comfortable style, exuding the feeling of home, and the vermilion gate seemed to be telling the story of the anticipation of the return of loved ones.

Finally, on a sunny day with a gentle breeze, Madam Qi and Qi Qing's carriage slowly drove into the Guangling Mansion.

The family was reunited, and their joy was like a flood bursting its banks, instantly filling the entire mansion. Everyone's face was beaming with happiness, and their smiles were as bright and warm as the blooming flowers in spring.

After that, the Qi family began a new chapter in their lives in Guangling.