Xiao Chengyu smiled and said, "Your achievements have already spread throughout the capital. The people have come to welcome you spontaneously."

Yao Xiuyan squeezed her hand: "This is what you deserve."

Upon entering the imperial city, she saw vermilion walls and golden tiles, just as before. Qi Mingyue felt as if she had been transported to another world—three years ago, when she left the capital, she was still a young woman awaiting marriage; now, she had returned as the Princess Consort of Zhenxi, protecting the nation and pregnant.

The carriage came to a stop in front of the palace gate. A eunuch announced the names: "The Prince of Zhenxi and the Lady Protector of the Nation are here to pay their respects—"

Qi Mingyue took a deep breath and, supported by Yao Xiuyan, stepped onto the white marble steps. The hall was brightly lit, with the emperor seated on a dragon throne, flanked by princes, princesses, and civil and military officials.

She looked up and saw her mother, Xin Xiyao, standing among the noblewomen. Although her posture remained aloof, her eyes were shimmering with tears. Her father, Qi Huaihe, stood with his head bowed, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned. Her younger sister, Qi Yue, hid behind her sister-in-law, Su Wanqing, timidly peeking out half of her face.

"Your subject Yao Xiuyan and your wife Qi Mingyue pay their respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty." The two bowed in unison.

A smile appeared on the Emperor's usually stern face: "Rise. Take a seat."

The Empress said softly, "Mingyue, come closer and let me see you." When Qi Mingyue approached, she sighed softly, "You've lost weight and become more composed." She then smiled at the Emperor, "Your Majesty, look at your bearing; you are even more dignified than when you left the capital."

The Emperor nodded: "The borderlands are tough, but they also temper people." His gaze swept over Yao Xiuyan, "Xiuyan has done very well."

The Crown Prince spoke up at the opportune moment: "Your subject has prepared a banquet to welcome Xiuyan Mingyue."

The banquet was held in Qionglin Garden. Amidst blooming flowers and the gentle strains of string and wind instruments, Qi Mingyue was surrounded by women, including the Third Princess, the Crown Princess, Ashina Yun, and other women from the Qi family.

Xin Xiyao gently stroked her daughter's cheek: "You've suffered."

Qi Mingyue smiled: "My daughter is doing well."

Qi Yue asked softly, "Sister, are the stars at the border really brighter than those in the capital?"

"It's much brighter," Qi Mingyue said softly. "I'll take Yue'er to see it next time."

In the men's section, Yao Xiuyan was talking with the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. Suddenly, the Emperor said, "Xiuyan, submit a memorial tomorrow detailing the matter of the new city. I intend to promote this system in Hexi."

Yao Xiuyan solemnly agreed. The Second Prince winked and said, "Let's make it clear first! Take me hunting tomorrow! I heard you got a magnificent Ferghana horse..."

Midway through the banquet, Qi Mingyue suddenly felt a strong fetal movement and couldn't help but let out a soft moan. Yao Xiuyan immediately noticed and hurried over: "Are you feeling unwell?"

Everyone was shocked. The Empress urgently summoned the imperial physician, and the Emperor frowned: "Quickly help him to the side hall to rest!"

After taking the pulse, the imperial physician smiled and said, "It's nothing serious, the young prince is just lively and active."

Yao Xiuyan finally breathed a sigh of relief, a thin layer of sweat appearing on his forehead. The Emperor laughed loudly: "Look at Xiuyan! I was just as flustered when I heard the Empress was pregnant!"

The room erupted in laughter. Qi Mingyue lowered her head in embarrassment, only to feel her hand being tightly grasped.

After the banquet, upon leaving the palace, the carriage from the Prince of Zhenxi's residence was already waiting. Lin Qiuyan helped Qi Mingyue into the carriage, and couldn't help but glance back at the palace walls: "The capital... is indeed different."

Qi Mingyue smiled: "I'll take you to stroll along Suzaku Street tomorrow."

The carriage curtain was drawn, shutting out the hustle and bustle of the capital. Yao Xiuyan pulled her into his arms: "Are you tired?"

"I'm happy." Qi Mingyue leaned against him. "Let's go home."

The carriage drove along the Imperial Street, the bells on the eaves jingling softly. Qi Mingyue thought, the capital city was still the same capital city, but she was no longer the same person she used to be.

The Mid-Autumn Festival in the capital is gentler than on the border.

“This jade rabbit lantern hangs under the eaves, that Chang’e lantern hangs on the waterside pavilion.” She tiptoed slightly, but Yao Xiuyan immediately helped her up.

"Be careful not to strain your back." He took the lamp. "Where do you want to hang it? I'll do it."

Qi Mingyue chuckled, "Brother Xiuyan is even more careful than the old nanny these days." But she still followed her advice.

Lin Qiuyan brought over a plate of mooncakes and exclaimed in surprise, "Mooncakes in the capital have so many fillings! Red bean paste, jujube paste, mixed nuts... We only have flatbread at the border."

“There are even fresher ones.” Qi Mingyue blinked. “There will be crab roe mooncakes at the palace banquet later.”

Just then, the gatekeeper came to report: The Qi family has arrived with festival gifts.

Xin Xiyao personally led Qi Yue over, followed by servants carrying several large chests. Upon opening them, they found nothing but baby supplies: tiger-head shoes, patchwork clothes, longevity locks... The most unique item was a small rocking chair, which Qi Huaihe had made himself.

"Did Father make this?" Qi Mingyue stroked the carvings on the rocking chair, her eyes slightly warm.

Xin Xiyao nodded: "He stayed up for several nights." She then took out a brocade box, "This is a gift from your sister."

Qi Yue whispered, "I embroidered a bib for my little nephew..." When she unfolded it, it turned out to be a flying apsara pattern in the style of the Western Regions.

Qi Mingyue hugged her younger sister: "Yue'er's cooking skills are getting better and better."

Yao Xiuyan suddenly said, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, why don't you stay for dinner? The chef has prepared a whole roasted lamb with a border flavor today."

Xin Xiyao smiled, a rare occurrence: "Alright."

At Shenshi (3-5 PM), a palace eunuch came to announce: The Empress has decreed that a banquet will be held tonight in the Imperial Garden, and all princes and princesses are to attend with their families.

The Imperial Garden was already brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Golden chrysanthemums lined the white marble steps, and lotus lanterns floated in the Taiye Pond. As the moon rose, it resembled a fairyland.

Before the Emperor and Empress arrived, everyone enjoyed themselves in the garden. Crown Princess Su Wanqing pulled Qi Mingyue aside to inquire about her pregnancy, while the Third Princess Xiao Chengyu and Lin Qiuyan discussed riding and archery. The Second Prince and his wife, meanwhile, were enjoying a hearty meal around the roasted venison grill.

Suddenly, a eunuch announced, "The Emperor and Empress have arrived!"

Everyone straightened their clothes and bowed. The Emperor was in a particularly good mood today and even personally helped Yao Xiuyan up: "Xiuyan has gained some weight recently, which shows that Mingyue has been taking good care of him."

The Empress then took Qi Mingyue's hand and said, "I have ordered a sedan chair to be prepared. If you are tired, you can rest." She then said to everyone, "It is a family banquet today, so there is no need to stand on ceremony."

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