At Hui Bin Lou

The inn was closed early for the day for a private celebration of the wedding of XYZ and YQ and ZW and EK. Jin Suo and Liu Hong bustled in the kitchen while Liu Win and Xiao Jian got the tables and chairs ready.

LQ: "I'm so glad for those four. ZW and EK were a match made in heaven, but that XYZ (shaking his head) I'm not sure how she and YQ will live together without one of them getting hurt."

XJ: "Maybe we've underestimated my sister. I've seen with my own eyes how much she loves YQ. Maybe that love will help her grow up."

LQ: "I sure hope so. Oh, by the way, XYZ sent word that Qing-er's coming too. Apparently, everyone in that Huang Gong has decided to become a true family."

At the mention of Qing-er's name, XJ's face flushed and his eyes held a dreamy look as he thought of the night before, in the Imperial Gardens. LQ noticed the change and suddenly remembered how he had seen XJ staring and reciting lines of poetry the night before; something clicked into place in his mind.

LQ: "Xiao Jian, you like her, don't you?"

XJ: "Like who?"

LQ: "Oh come, we've been through matters of life and death. The least you can do is trust me like a brother. Come, I'll tell no one. Not Liu Hong. Not even Jin Suo."

XJ: "Well, I am a frank person. So, I'll admit it. Yes, I like Qing-er. I never thought it possible, when ZW told me of her. I never believed there could be another girl more amazing than ZW and XYZ. But now…

LQ: "I'm sorry to tell you, but Qing-er is LFY's favorite. You will have a bad time of it."

XJ: (sighing) "I know, I know…"

Later that evening, at Hui Bing Lou

"We are here!" XYZ announced as she, ZW, and Qing-er piled out of their wagon and YQ and EK dismounted their horses. Amid the laughter and congratulations, XiaoJian saw Qing-er for the first time dressed in civilian clothes. She looked even prettier than he remembered.

Liu-Qing: "Come on in, there is just us for a family celebration."

Liu-Hong: "Right, come in, it's cold outside."

JS: "Xiao Jie, XYZ, come in. What will HS do if you two catch cold? And Qing Ge Ge! Welcome!"

Inside

Everyone sat around the table, eating and drinking. Qing-er raised her cup and said, "I'm so happy to be part of this family. Thank you, ZW, for inviting me. I hope you and EK will have all the joy in the world. XYZ, I hope now that ZW live at the Fu residence, you will feel free to come to me for help and companionship. May you and YQ's days be filled with laughter!" So saying, she drained her cup.

ZW: "Qing-er, it is I who should thank you. Without you, I would not have the happiness I have today. Thank you! And please take good care of XYZ for me…she can be quite a handful!"

XYZ: "Hey! Now you're picking on me too? (laughing) That's ok. I'm too happy to care. ZW's right, though. I thank you, too. Without you, I would have lost my head long ago. And I will be honored to be your friend!"

EK: "Yes, thank you Qing-er, for everything. I hope you will someday experience our kind of happiness. Just has XJ is XYZ's big brother, I hope you will think of me that way as well. (Looking over at XYZ and laughing) It'll be nice to have a sister who can sit still for once."

XYZ: "What is this, pick on XYZ day? Fine, I guess I'll just be everyone's 'ka xin guo'! It seems to be my fate in this life."

The group laughed at her good spirit.

YG added, "We are all eternally in your debt. If any time you need our help, we will definitely be there."

Everyone nodded to affirm his statement.

Qing-er looked around the beaming faces around her and was grateful to have such good friends. She saw Xiao Jian and thoughts of what EK just said. Her heart understood and she beamed.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and food, wine and happiness. No one wanted to go, but the time soon came. XYZ, Yong-qi, and Qing-er piled into their wagon to go back to the Palace and left amid the cries of Liu Hong and Jin Suo to 'visit again soon!' Qing-er looked out the window and waved at Xiao Jian. Er Kang and Zi Wei got on their horse and waved goodbye to everyone. They rode off in the direction of home.

Fu's

EK: "That was quite a day! But I'm afraid tomorrow I will have to go back to work. Are you sure you will be ok here?"

ZQ: "Of course. I'll have E Niang to keep me company and to see to all my things. You go and do your duty and don't worry about me. I'll be waiting when you come home."

EK: (nodding) "And home will now always be extra special now that you're here…This is our first day as husband and wife."

ZW nodded, "Yes."

EK drew her close to him. "Why is it that I still worry? Even when you are so near?"

ZW smiled and said, "Don't worry. I'll always be here for you."

In the palace

YQ: "XYZ, are you sure you will be ok without ZW?"

XYZ: "I'll miss her. But Huan A Ma did say she could come and visit any time. And I'll have Qing-er to keep me company. Besides, I have you, too."

YQ smiled at her and hugged her close: "I'm so glad. You know I can't stand to see you unhappy."

XYZ: "I said I'd be a new XYZ for you, remember? I aim to keep that promise."

YQ sighed contently, "Yes, and I will be a new YQ for you."