Lin Jingyue glanced at Zuo Changyuan, who had just sat down beside Chen Yu, and realized it was he who had coached Chen Yu on what to say:
"His Highness has instructed that we not overindulge in drink. I shall use tea in place of wine to toast, on behalf of His Highness and the people, and express my gratitude to our Dayu soldiers for holding the city gates to the death and risking their lives to drive back the steppe tribes! My thanks to all of you who have held fast in Mobei City, standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Mobei! I also offer this cup in honor of the soldiers who perished on the battlefield, hoping only that their spirits may find peace."
Chen Yu froze, unsure of how to respond, and instinctively looked toward Zheng Jin, who was sitting nearest to him. Zheng Jin held his wine cup, looking back silently. Zuo Changyuan, Wu Yong, and Xiao Ranqing helplessly touched their foreheads, then stood up one by one to offer their own flowery words, smoothly carrying the momentum of the moment. After finishing this cup, Lin Jingyue told everyone to enjoy themselves as they pleased.
Chapter 275