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

Chapter 176 Exactly the same

The Shadow Cult's conspiracy collapsed in an instant, and its power crumbled like a collapsing building, temporarily disintegrating.

After a thrilling life-or-death struggle, the tension that had been building for so long finally eased, allowing everyone to steal a moment of peace in the palace and share this hard-won tranquility.

A refreshing autumn breeze blows as it is September, the beginning of autumn. The osmanthus trees in Zhaoyang Palace seem to be carefully painted by autumn, their branches covered in golden yellow blossoms, which shimmer and sparkle.

A rich, sweet fragrance wafted through the air, permeating every inch of the palace and adding a touch of tranquility and serenity to the gathering.

The osmanthus tree's canopy stands tall and graceful, casting a cool, dense shade.

The group sat around a hot pot with a roaring charcoal fire in the center. The broth in the pot was boiling, and the steaming heat carried a fragrant aroma that filled the air.

The milk tea on the side also exuded a rich fragrance, with the aroma of milk and tea intertwining and permeating the air around everyone.

The familiar tastes and scenes are like the soft whispers of bygone years, but the people gathered this time are quite different from those in the past.

Looking back on the last time we gathered, thirteen of us enjoyed ourselves together. Now, Xixi and Zheng Pianran were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, their absence seeming like a quiet footnote left by the passing years.

But at the same time, some new faces quietly joined the gathering, injecting new vitality and stories into it.

At this gathering, the person seated at the head of the table was no longer Emperor Chen Xiao, but the retired Emperor Chu Yanxi.

She was dressed in splendid clothes, with an elegant posture and a relaxed and contented expression.

Time seems to have been exceptionally kind to her, not etching too many traces of vicissitude on her face, but instead endowing her with a unique temperament that is as steady as a mountain and as sharp as a blade. Every gesture she makes exudes the composure and calmness that comes with the passage of time.

Sitting on either side of Chu Yanxi was Emperor Chen Xiao.

Now, Chen Xiao stands tall and straight like a pine tree, and the dragon robe he wears further accentuates his noble and majestic presence.

Within that majesty, there was also a hint of composure honed through the trials and tribulations of court intrigue and the conflicts of the martial world.

It's as if every glance, every subtle expression, carries the weight of bygone years and the brilliance of wisdom.

On the other side was Prime Minister Xu Qian. Although he was a few years younger than Chu Yanxi, many gray hairs had already quietly appeared at his temples, like the first snow, adding a unique sense of vicissitude to his appearance.

But the passage of time has not diminished his charm; he still has a handsome face, a refined temperament, and eyes as deep as the sea.

The occasional glances he cast at Chu Yanxi revealed a deep affection and concern that, though unintentionally, were like ripples in the depths of a still pool. Though restrained and subtle, they could not conceal the intensity of his feelings and the tenderness of his emotions.

Beside Chen Xiao, Consort Yu, who was also the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, sat quietly, like a green bamboo blooming by a secluded pool.

He was handsome and elegant, with a gentle and refined demeanor in every gesture, like a clear spring, soothing and tranquil.

Beside Xu Qian was, of course, his legal wife, Xu Jinshu.

Xu Jinshu was dressed in light-colored, soft-textured clothing. His face was peaceful and serene, and his eyes revealed the tranquility and peace nurtured by years of vegetarianism and Buddhist chanting. He was like a hermit in the world, guarding a pure land of the soul amidst the hustle and bustle.

Xu Ruyan and Yuan Yin, a married couple, sat beside Xu Ruyu, whispering to each other from time to time.

When their eyes met, they were filled with deep affection and unspoken understanding for each other, as if the world's troubles were irrelevant to them. In their world, only each other's existence could build this peaceful and warm little world.

Song Shiyu stood close to Yuan Yin, their handkerchiefs intertwined, and they naturally had endless heart-to-heart talks.

Thus, Xu Ruyan was unintentionally "left behind" in a corner by these two women who were immersed in their own worlds.

The two women were in high spirits, occasionally covering their mouths and giggling, their laughter as clear and melodious as silver bells.

Sometimes their expressions are lively, their eyes brimming with love for life and curiosity about new things, as if they have endless things to share with each other. Their intimate demeanor warms the heart.

On the other side, Xu Feng and Ming Zhanhe sat next to Xu Jinshu, while Zhao Siyuan snuggled close to Ming Zhanhe.

Although the Xin sisters were unable to attend this time, the four women still share a deep friendship, and their years of acquaintance have left them without any misunderstandings or barriers.

At this moment, they are enthusiastically exchanging everyday stories, from the mundane matters of firewood and rice to the novel and interesting things they have seen and heard from all directions. They talk about everything, like a scroll depicting true human feelings and warmth slowly unfolding before everyone's eyes.

The brothers Qi Yanyun and Qi Yanshang sat next to Song Shiyu. It was quite interesting, as Yuanyin and Song Shiyu were having a very pleasant conversation, so the two brothers were "squeezed" to sit there.

Qi Yanshang, on the other hand, was carefree and unconcerned about this, and was chatting enthusiastically with his fiancée Feng Li beside him.

At this moment, he was completely devoid of his usual cold and aloof demeanor. His face was filled with a happy and sweet smile, as if all the beauty in the world had gathered in this small world he shared with Feng Li.

Qi Yanyun found herself somewhat helplessly caught between her best friend and her lover, her expression slightly bewildered.

However, being an easygoing person, he didn't feel too embarrassed or awkward.

I would just listen to their conversation with a smile occasionally, and interject with a few witty and humorous remarks when the time was right, adding a touch of ease and joy to the lively atmosphere.

On the other side, Zhao Siyuan held Ming Zhanhe's hand with her left hand and her husband Xu Qin's arm with her right. Occasionally, she would say a few witty remarks to Xu Peng and Xu Jinshu, which made everyone laugh.

For a moment, the atmosphere here was incredibly lively, with laughter and cheers rising and falling, as if pushing the joyful atmosphere of the entire gathering to a climax.

Only Zhao Cheyu, sitting quietly next to Xu Qin, seemed to be on a deserted island, detached from the waves of joy.

His parents were engrossed in their conversation and had no time to notice him. He was sitting far away from Chen Xiao, and seemed to have been completely forgotten in the shadows of the corner by the lively atmosphere.

Zhao Cheyu's eyes gradually dimmed, as if the stars had lost their brilliance, and an indescribable sense of loss and loneliness welled up in his heart.

However, Ning Yuyuan, who was sitting next to him, was perceptive and quickly noticed the subtle changes in his emotions.

So she took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Zhao Cheyu, not only introducing herself in a generous manner, but also inquiring about his recent situation in a soft voice, her words full of concern and friendliness.

She tried to use her warmth and kindness to dispel the gloom in Zhao Cheyu's heart and guide him into the joyful atmosphere of the gathering.

Zhao Cheyu received a good family education from a young age and is polite and humble. He responded to Ning Yuyuan's greetings and inquiries in a very polite manner, and the conversation between the two began naturally. It was as if a seed of friendship had been quietly planted in this unintentional moment, waiting to take root, sprout, and grow strong in the future.

Yin Yuyao, standing beside Ning Yuyuan, took in all of this. A slight smile appeared on her lips, her eyes filled with gentleness and tolerance.

She watched these young people interact quietly, her heart filled with emotion: the world of these young people is like a magnificent and colorful painting, full of all kinds of little emotions and little joys. Every subtle emotional fluctuation, every chance encounter and acquaintance is like a lively and vivid brushstroke on the painting, outlining the most beautiful image of youth.

Just as she was lost in her own thoughts, General Yu Huaxiao, who was sitting next to her, spoke to her softly.

Yu Huaxiao is nearing sixty. He has spent his life in the military and experienced many vicissitudes of life, so he is naturally knowledgeable and experienced.

Thus, their conversation gradually shifted from trivial matters in the palace to military anecdotes and strategic insights. The more they talked, the more they clicked and the more engrossed they became. Before they knew it, they were completely immersed in the world of conversation, oblivious to the subtle changes in the atmosphere around them.

At this moment, General Qi Qing, who was sitting next to Yu Huaxiao, seemed to be frozen in place, completely still.

Qi Qing originally thought that since he saw his longtime friend Yu Huaxiao and Yin Yuyao chatting so enthusiastically, he would also like to chat with the younger generation next to him to enhance their relationship.

But as soon as his gaze turned to Qi Ruyan, he was immediately drawn to Feng Li beside her.

Feng Li sat there quietly, like a fresh and elegant ink painting.

Her eyebrows and eyes were exquisitely beautiful, her eyebrows like spring mountains shrouded in mist, her eyes like autumn waters brimming with affection; her expression revealed a lively and playful air, just like a bird hopping on a branch in spring, vibrant and full of life.

Those eyebrows, those expressions—they were strikingly similar to the daughter Qi Qing had lost years ago, a memory deep within him.

In an instant, Qi Qing's thoughts seemed to be pulled by an invisible hand, instantly dragging him back to the distant and hazy past.

Those heartwarming moments with his daughter surged into his mind like a tidal wave, each frame as clear as yesterday, instantly plunging him into a deep vortex of memories. His heart was filled with a complex mix of shock and surprise, from which he could not extricate himself.

This cavalry general, who was so imposing and commanding on the battlefield just last month, now seemed to have lost his soul, staring blankly at Feng Li with surprise, doubt, and disbelief in his eyes.

His bewildered and distraught appearance naturally attracted the attention of everyone present. Everyone stopped what they were doing and talking and turned their concerned and puzzled gazes to Qi Qing, trying to find out what had happened from his expression.

Chu Yanxi broke the brief and heavy silence first. She looked at Qi Qing with gentle eyes and asked softly with concern, "General Qi, what's wrong? Why are you so distraught? Are you feeling unwell?"

Qi Qing then seemed to wake from a dream, slowly shifting her gaze from Feng Li's face full of doubt. Her lips trembled slightly, as if she had used all her strength to barely squeeze out a sound.

The voice carried an undisguised mix of excitement and bitterness, as if a cry uttered with difficulty from the depths of the soul, replying, "Your Majesty, I... I truly lost my composure. But this girl looks exactly like my daughter who went missing years ago. I couldn't help but take a few more glances... She is just too similar!"

At this point, tears welled up in Qi Qing's eyes. The shimmering tears were like the twinkling stars in the night sky, each one carrying a father's deep longing and concern for his daughter.

This profound and intense emotion, like an invisible thread, tugged at the heartstrings of everyone present. Everyone was deeply moved, and for a moment, the atmosphere of the entire gathering was enveloped by this unexpected emotional surge, falling into a state of silence.

Upon hearing Qi Qing's words, everyone looked surprised, their gazes shifting back and forth between Qi Qing and Feng Li, as if trying to find more similarities in their faces to confirm this unbelievable coincidence.

Feng Li was slightly taken aback. She had never imagined that she would have such a striking resemblance to the daughter of this General of Chariots and Cavalry.

This sudden situation left her somewhat at a loss, and she just sat there blankly, her eyes filled with confusion and doubt.

Chu Yanxi's gaze shifted, and she said softly, as if deep in thought, "Such a coincidence exists in this world? General Qi, why don't you tell us about what happened back then? Perhaps we can find some clues from it."

Qi Qing nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and seemed to be trying to calm the turbulent emotions in his heart.

After a long silence, he slowly began to speak: "Back then, my wife and I were leading troops on a campaign and were busy with the war. So we sent a servant to take Aqi out for a trip. We thought it was just an ordinary outing, but we unexpectedly encountered bandits along the way. In that chaotic situation, Aqi unfortunately disappeared. Afterwards, my wife and I searched everywhere, all over the country, and we never gave up for a moment over the years, but we never received a single trace of her. It's as if she just vanished into this vast world, leaving my wife and me with endless pain and longing."

Upon hearing Qi Qing's account, Chen Xiao was stunned, secretly thinking: A-Qi? Isn't that...that woman!?

At the same time, Qi Ruyan and Feng Li were also stunned.

The two of them are the people in the world who know the name "Aqi" best.

Because A-Qi was the one who extended a helping hand to Qi Ruyan at the orphanage, giving her warmth and hope, which is also the reason why Qi Ruyan changed her name to Qi.

More importantly, Aqi is also Feng Li's biological mother...

For a moment, the three of them were shocked by this amazing coincidence and wondered to themselves: Could the A-Qi that Qi Qing mentioned really be the A-Qi they knew?

But whether it's their ages, names, the time they went missing, or their striking resemblance, everything suggests that this coincidence might indeed exist...

But is there really such a coincidence in this world?

Having experienced so much, Qi Ruyan and Feng Li found it hard to believe this...