Chapter 79: Sharing the Same Moon Across a Thousand Miles

The jubilation over the victory at Luoying Gorge, like a boulder thrown into a lake, created ripples in the capital before gradually subsiding. However, beneath this calm lay a more grounded and warmer anticipation. Following the news of the victory, official court reports and more detailed letters home were subsequently delivered.

In his letter, Gu Yangui did not describe the ferocity of the battle in detail, only briefly mentioning the perilous Battle of Luoying Gorge. He focused more on reporting that everything was safe and outlining arrangements for subsequent surrender, appeasement, and defense deployment. At the end of the letter, he wrote: "...The Northern Barbarians have sent envoys to the capital, and all other matters are settled, with only minor handover tasks remaining. I expect to be able to return to the capital within the month, and if the journey is smooth, I may be able to make it in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival reunion."

"Return to Beijing within the month" and "Mid-Autumn Festival reunion"—these few words became a beacon illuminating Su Wanrou's heart. She repeatedly stroked those lines, as if she could see through the paper a hint of gentleness that might have been revealed in the cold eyes of the person who wrote them.

As August approached, the Duke's mansion bustled with preparations for two important days: the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and the triumphant return of the patriarch. The mansion was spotless inside and out; the storerooms were being inventoried, banquets were being prepared, and all matters were proceeding smoothly under Su Wanrou's supervision. A busy yet joyful atmosphere permeated the air.

However, by August 14th, there was still no definite news of the triumphant procession on the official road. Su Wanrou couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, knowing that Gu Yangui would ultimately not be able to return in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival. She carefully hid this disappointment and instead put even more effort into arranging the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet at the manor—this was the first time she, as the mistress of the Duke's manor, would independently host a large family banquet, and more importantly, she wanted to keep her grandmother and son company on behalf of her husband, who was far away at the border.

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th of August.

The weather was perfect; the autumn sky was high and clear, like a piece of fine silk, crystal clear. Before nightfall, the Zhenguo Duke's mansion was already brightly lit. Maids and servants, dressed in neat new clothes and with festive cheer on their faces, bustled about, delivering sumptuous dishes, various fruits, and exquisite mooncakes to the best spot in the mansion for moon viewing—the "Moon-Viewing Pavilion" in the back garden.

The Moon-Viewing Pavilion is built by the water, with three stories and flying eaves, offering a superb view. At this moment, the third floor has already been prepared. Exquisite glass lanterns hang all around, and in the center is a large round table of rosewood, on which are displayed the imperial wine, a feast carefully prepared by the mansion, as well as mooncakes symbolizing reunion and fresh fruits such as pomegranates and grapes symbolizing many children and blessings.

The old lady was in excellent health today, wearing a dark red brocade jacket with chrysanthemum patterns. Supported by Su Wanrou and Mingxuan on either side, she ascended the Wangyue Tower. Looking at the brightly lit scene before her, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, the old lady's eyes were filled with contentment.

"Good, good, a family reunion is better than anything else." The old lady sat down in the main seat and took Su Wanrou's hand. "It's just a pity that Yan'er will miss it again this year."

Su Wanrou suppressed a trace of melancholy and smiled gently: "Grandmother, although my husband is on his way, his heart is surely with us. If we eat more mooncakes for him and look at the moon more often, it will be as if he has returned."

“Mother is right!” Mingxuan, dressed like a lucky baby from a New Year’s painting and wearing a bright blue brocade robe, excitedly chimed in, “Father won the battle and is a great hero! We are so happy at home, Father will be so happy to know!”

The child's innocent words made the old lady and Su Wanrou laugh.

"Let's begin the feast," Su Wanrou instructed.

The gentle sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, melodious and pleasant. The family sat around the table; although the most important man was absent, the atmosphere remained warm and harmonious. Su Wanrou carefully served food to the old lady and looked after Mingxuan, but she didn't eat much herself, her thoughts seemingly drifting far away.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, a full moon, like a silver plate, quietly rose above the willow branches, its clear light spreading across the landscape, gilding the pavilions, waterside terraces, flowers, and trees with a soft silver edge. The moonlight, like water, poured onto the shimmering lake surface, breaking into thousands of leaping spots of light, a beauty as beautiful as a dream.

"So beautiful..." Su Wanrou leaned against the railing, gazing up at the perfect full moon, lost in thought. The ancients said that people share the same moon even when separated by a thousand miles. Was he, at this moment, also looking at the same moon from outside a tent somewhere on the border? Could the moonlight carry her longing to him?

Mingxuan also came closer, resting his little head against Su Wanrou, and asked softly, "Mother, can Father see the moon now? Does he miss us?"

"Yes, it will happen, it definitely will." Su Wanrou hugged her son tightly, her voice soft but firm. "No matter where Father is, he will always think of Mingxuan, Grandmother, and our family."

The old matriarch gazed at the mother and son leaning against each other in the moonlight and sighed softly, a sigh that was both of contentment and concern. She instructed her maid, "Go and fetch that sandalwood box from my room."

A moment later, a maid brought over an antique sandalwood box. The old lady opened it, and inside was an exquisite white jade wine set: three small wine cups and a wine pot. The jade was warm and lustrous, shimmering softly in the moonlight.

"This is the wine set that Yan Ge'er's grandfather loved most back then." The old lady stroked the wine cups, her eyes filled with reminiscence. "Every Mid-Autumn Festival, he would use these cups to drink a cup of reunion wine. After he passed away, Yan Ge'er would accompany me every Mid-Autumn Festival and would also use these cups." She personally took the pot and filled three cups with wine, and the mellow aroma of the wine spread under the moonlight.

She slowly poured the first glass of wine onto the ground and whispered, "Old man, everything is fine at home. Yan'er is promising and has made you proud. Rest in peace, my love."

Then, she picked up the second cup and handed it to Su Wanrou, then picked up the third cup, gesturing for Mingxuan to also hold an empty cup as a gesture. The old lady herself filled an ordinary wine cup, raised it to Mingyue, and said, "This second cup is for my son. May my son have a safe and smooth journey home and arrive soon!"

Su Wanrou and Mingxuan quickly raised their glasses as well. Su Wanrou downed the slightly spicy liquid in one gulp, a warm current flowing from her throat to her heart, her eyes slightly moistening. This glass of wine carried so many emotions.

Just then, Steward Gu Zhong rushed upstairs with a beaming face, his voice trembling with excitement: "Old Madam, Madam! The estate... the estate sent someone on horseback! They said that the messenger on the northern official road has delivered a message that the Duke's entourage has passed Changting Post Station, a hundred miles away! At the latest... at the latest, they will arrive in the capital by tomorrow afternoon!"

"Really?" The old lady suddenly stood up.

Su Wanrou nearly dropped the wine glass in her hand, her heart pounding, her voice trembling with disbelief: "Tomorrow...it can arrive tomorrow?"

"Absolutely true! It was the advance officer who accompanied the Duke back, who rushed here on horseback to deliver the news!"

An overwhelming joy exploded in Su Wanrou's heart like fireworks! Tomorrow! He'll be back tomorrow! She had thought she'd have to wait another ten days or half a month, but happiness had come so suddenly!

Mingxuan jumped up with joy: "Father's coming back tomorrow! That's wonderful!"

The old lady clasped her hands together and said repeatedly, "Amitabha, may the Bodhisattva protect us! We've finally waited for this! We've finally waited for this!" She held Su Wanrou's hand, tears streaming down her face, "Rou'er, did you hear that? Yan'er will be back tomorrow!"

"I heard it, Grandmother, I heard it!" Su Wanrou finally couldn't hold back her tears, but these were tears of joy, tears of anticipation that had finally come to fruition.

This Mid-Autumn Festival night became instantly more complete and bright because of this news.

Su Wanrou looked up at the bright moon again. The moonlight seemed even gentler and brighter, as if it too was rejoicing in the impending reunion. A thousand miles apart, yet sharing the same moon; though worlds apart, we are as close as neighbors. It turned out that the distance between them had already been shortened so much by longing and anticipation.

"Gu Zhong," Su Wanrou quickly wiped away her tears, her face radiating a bright and dazzling light. Her tone, which had regained its usual composure, was filled with barely suppressed excitement. "Immediately give the order: everyone in the manor must make thorough preparations to welcome the Duke's triumphant return! Check all the arrangements one last time; there must be no mistakes!"

"Yes, Madam!" Gu Zhong responded loudly and strode downstairs to make the arrangements.

The atmosphere at Wangyue Tower completely changed in the following days. The previous faint melancholy and longing were replaced by a fervent and eager anticipation. Mingxuan kept asking Su Wanrou questions, imagining what his father would be like upon his return. The Old Madam was also in high spirits, and began to give detailed instructions on the preparations for the welcoming banquet the next day.

Su Wanrou's heart had already flown towards tomorrow. Looking out the window at the bright moon that had witnessed countless joys and sorrows, she silently made a wish: May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, year after year, from this day forward.

Tonight, the moon shines bright, and everyone gazes upon it; I wonder whose heart is filled with autumn thoughts. But her autumn thoughts already have a definite date for return. The moonlight spills across the path home, illuminating the way home for the traveler, and also illuminating the heart of the woman longing for her return from her secluded chamber.

This Mid-Autumn Festival is made all the more meaningful by the upcoming family reunion.