The meeting at the Tai Chi Hall finally came to an end, leaving everyone exhausted after the long morning assembly. Liu Ying stepped out of the hall, ready to breathe a sigh of relief, when she caught sight of Su Jinzhi standing quietly in the corridor, his figure appearing particularly lonely in the gentle breeze.
"Why haven't you gone back yet?" Liu Ying approached him, her tone laced with surprise and concern.
"I was waiting for you." Su Jinzhi turned around, offering a gentle smile as he softly said, "I know you've been working hard these days, so I specially prepared some calming medicine." He pulled out an exquisite porcelain bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Liu Ying.
Liu Ying accepted the bottle, feeling its warmth in her hands, and her heart warmed at his thoughtfulness. "Jinzhi, I owe you so much over the years."
"You're silly." Su Jinzhi affectionately reached out and lightly tapped her forehead, his gaze tender and relieved. "I knew this day would come. I could tell from the first time you met him on the street."
"Jinzhi..." Liu Ying lowered her head in guilt, unsure of what to say.
"No need for more words." Su Jinzhi gently waved his hand to interrupt her. "Seeing you happy is my greatest wish."
"But..."
"Liu Ying!" Luo Yunzhi's voice suddenly rang out from a distance. She was walking briskly towards them, arm in arm with a handsome young man, her face beaming with happiness. "Come here! Let me introduce you. This is Zhang Yunfeng, son of the Deputy Minister of Rites."
"So it's Young Master Zhang. A pleasure to meet you." Liu Ying gave a slight bow.
"Master Liu is too kind." Zhang Yunfeng replied politely with a respectful gesture. "Thanks to your and Xu's righteous assistance, Luo Yunzhi and I are able to be together."
"Yes, yes! If it weren't for your revelation of Lord Zhou's conspiracy, my father wouldn't have agreed to this marriage." Luo Yunzhi added, her cheeks flushing slightly as she lowered her head shyly.
"And we must thank Her Majesty the Empress for her support," Zhang Yunfeng continued. "I heard she has already issued an edict to hold a banquet after tomorrow's divination for you and Xu..." He suddenly realized he had spoken out of turn and quickly stopped.
"Oh dear!" Luo Yunzhi playfully glared at her fiancé. "That was supposed to be a surprise for Liu Ying!" She covered her mouth and giggled.
Just then, Xu Yuan emerged from the Tai Chi Hall. Upon seeing everyone gathered, he paused for a moment before understanding the situation.
"Since everyone is here," he said as he walked over to Liu Ying, "I might as well say it in front of all of you."
Liu Ying's heart raced. "What do you want to say?"
"Liu Ying," Xu Yuan said seriously as he looked at her, "You saved my life back then, and now you've helped me clear my name. In this life, if I do not marry you, I vow never to take another person!"
"Wow, so direct?" Luo Yunzhi laughed softly behind her hand, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes.
Su Jinzhi watched the two with their happy expressions and felt a sense of relief wash over him. He softly said, "Xu brother, you must treat her well."
"I swear on my life," Xu Yuan replied without hesitation.
At that moment, hurried footsteps suddenly echoed from a distance. Everyone strained to listen; it seemed to be coming from the direction of the North City.
Xu Yuan's expression changed: "It seems some people are not willing to let this go just yet."
Liu Ying grasped Xu Yuan's arm firmly. "No matter what happens, I will be by your side." Her voice was soft yet filled with strength and courage. She understood that regardless of how difficult the road ahead might be, as long as they faced it together, they could overcome any obstacle.
The moonlight poured down like water, illuminating everyone around them. In this moment, love, friendship, and responsibility intertwined within the solemn palace, weaving the tapestry of their fate.
What uncertainties would tomorrow's predictions bring?
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