Chapter 129: Departure to Yanmao District
The soft moonlight casts a gentle veil over the Prince Yong's Mansion with its carved beams and painted buildings.
Tomorrow, the owners of this mansion, Prince Yong Nangong Ye and Princess Fuxing Dongfang Yuning, will lead a team of royal elites and business wizards to the land reshaped by war and holding an infinite future - Yanmao District.
The palace was brightly lit with people bustling about. It lacked the usual solemnity and was filled with an indescribable sense of separation and... the hustle and bustle of making final preparations for the journey.
Inside Fengyi Palace
Dongfang Qiwu held his sister Dongfang Yuning's hand and sat on the warm couch by the window. Incense curled in the hall, but it couldn't dispel the lingering worry that lingered between the empress's brows.
She stroked her sister's hand again and again, wanting to engrave the touch into her heart.
"Ning'er,"
Her voice was choked with a barely perceptible sob, and she tried hard to maintain her composure.
"The north is bitterly cold, with fierce sandstorms. It's not as nourishing as the capital. The journey is long, and the return date is uncertain, so you must be careful. Although Aye will protect you, you must also be more careful yourself. Don't rush forward like you did before... so recklessly."
She paused, but couldn't help herself, her eyes reddened.
"Sister...sister can't bear to leave you."
Dongfang Yuning felt a pang of pain in her heart, and she leaned her head on her sister's shoulder like she did when she was a child, rubbing it against her:
"Don't worry, sister! Brother Aye is very capable. With him around, I won't lose a single hair! Besides, I'm going to be the head shopkeeper of Yanmao District, which is very glorious!
When I build it to be more prosperous than the capital, my sister and brother-in-law must come and visit. I will reserve the best mansion with the best view for you!"
She tried to put on a bright smile, trying to dispel her sister's sadness.
Dongfang Qiwu looked at the gleam of longing for the vast world in his sister's eyes, and that bit of reluctance was gradually replaced by a deeper emotion - envy.
Her Ning'er has finally grown up and is about to soar into a wider world.
At this moment, Nangong Yu, who had just finished handling court affairs, walked in and happened to catch the envy and melancholy in the queen's eyes.
He understood, strode forward, and naturally put his arm around his wife's shoulders, letting her lean on him. His voice was steady and full of strength:
"Wu'er, don't worry, and don't envy. Wait a little longer. When my son can truly control the government and shoulder the responsibility of this vast country, I will immediately pass the throne to him!
By then, I will just be Nangong Yu, just your husband. Wherever you want to go, we will go there.
If you want to see the Yanmao District built by Ning'er, we will go there;
If you want to see the sea, we'll go see the sea; if you want to see the lonely smoke in the desert, we'll go watch the sunset over the long river! The itinerary is all decided by Wu'er, and I will only be your guard and follower."
This resounding promise was like a warm current flowing into Dongfang Qiwu's heart. She looked up at her husband, the melancholy in her eyes replaced by a gentle smile. She gently leaned against him and whispered:
"Um."
Dongfang Yuning looked at the scene of the emperor and empress leaning on each other, and his heart was filled with warmth and blessings.
In Princess Yue's mansion, red candles flickered, but the atmosphere had nothing to do with sadness, but instead revealed a bit of charm and determination.
Nangong Yue was held in Chen Xiaoyun's arms, breathing slightly, with a charming blush on her cheeks.
Shen Xiaoyun locked his deep gaze on her, keenly aware of her momentary absence of consciousness.
"Yue'er,"
His deep voice carried a mixture of afterthought laziness and unmistakable concern.
"You're distracted today, but are you thinking about the Yanmao District? Do you want to go with my aunt?"
Having her worries revealed, Nangong Yue met her husband's gaze calmly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation:
"Xiaoyun, is it okay? Yanmao District has a lot of business opportunities. My calculations... I mean, my business acumen can definitely help my aunt. And..."
There was longing in her eyes.
"I also want to see with my own eyes how that land, baptized by war, can be revitalized in everyone's hands and become a new legend."
Shen Xiaoyun chuckled softly and kissed her forehead, his eyes doting and indulgent:
"Why not? My Yue'er has always been a free-spirited swan, with ambitions to soar far and wide. The capital's industrial foundation is stable, the accounting department is full of talented people, and the core accounts are transmitted regularly for us to review.
Yanmao District is in need of people, and having a princess like you who is proficient in business and has a noble status in charge will definitely be icing on the cake.
"Pack your bags, my Lord, and let's go as pioneers for my aunt, open up trade routes, and... travel around this magnificent land!"
"Husband! You are so kind!"
Nangong Yue was extremely surprised and took the initiative to put her arms around his neck.
"How good?"
Shen Xiaoyun's eyes darkened, he turned over and pressed the man down, his voice hoarse with temptation,
"Words alone are not enough, Yue'er...your husband should ask for some tangible rewards."
The red curtain sways gently, covering up the spring light in the room. The sadness of parting turns into the determination and sweetness of walking hand in hand at this moment.
Inside the imperial study, the atmosphere was subtle, one of fatherly love and filial piety.
Nangong Yu looked at the Fifth Prince Nangong Yijun and the Sixth Prince Nangong Lintian, who stood upright in front of him but with a somewhat vague look in their eyes. He cleared his throat and assumed a dignified posture.
"Fifth Brother, Sixth Brother, you are getting older, but you are still indulging in fun in the capital, not striving for progress. How disgraceful!
Prince Yong and Princess Fuxing's trip to the Yanmao District is a major undertaking to expand territory, develop trade, and lay the foundation for the nation. It's also a perfect opportunity for you to gain experience! I have decided to order you two to accompany me!"
The two princes' faces instantly fell when they heard this. Just as they were about to open their mouths to defend themselves, Nangong Yu's unquestionable voice fell:
"Don't think this is a good job! It's just to let you go out and suffer! Broaden your horizons! See the weight of this country and understand the hardships of the common people!
Follow your uncle and learn how to be a minister and handle affairs! And follow your aunt!"
He paused, thinking of Dongfang Yuning's imaginative yet effective methods, a complex look flashed in his eyes.
"Although her behavior is... unconventional, her vision, courage, and resourcefulness are all top-notch!
I've experienced how quickly people who have been influenced by her... grow! With your uncle in charge, I'm relieved. Young people, you should go out and experience the world!"
He said the last sentence with full confidence, as if he had thrown away two huge burdens, and even had a gloating smile on his face.
Nangong Ye, who had been standing quietly by the side, had no expression on his face. He just glanced at his royal brother calmly, his thin lips slightly parted, and his voice was steady and calm:
"Royal brother, your wishful thinking is a bit too loud."
The implication is: You take all the benefits and leave all the troubles to me?
Nangong Yu didn't take it as an offense at all. Instead, he walked up to his brother and patted him on the shoulder affectionately. He lowered his voice and spoke with a tone full of "heartfelt" emotion:
"Oh, my brother! Those who are capable should do more work! I will stay in the capital and work hard to teach and train you personally. I hope that he can inherit the throne as soon as possible and shoulder the heavy responsibility of this country!
I will soon be able to unload this heavy burden, take your sister-in-law with me, and go find you, so we can enjoy the good times together and have fun with our grandchildren!"
His eyes revealed a yearning for freedom, and then he looked at Nangong Ye mischievously.
"After this separation, the mountains are high and the waters are far away. I don't know when we will meet again. Royal brother, I hope you and Ning'er will hear good news soon. The next time we meet, I can't wait to hold my little nephew in my arms!"
Nangong Ye's expression remained calm, but there was a warm and indulgent look in his eyes:
"My royal brother has expanded the Nangong family, and has made great contributions to the country. As for offspring... there's no rush. Ning'er's heart is still like that of a child, full of sincerity and innocence.
"My humble brother wishes her to live a life of unfettered happiness and freedom. Now, she can go wherever she wants and do whatever she wants, which is very good."
His words showed his unconditional love for his wife.
Nangong Yu was choked by this incompetent declaration of doting on his wife.
Dongfang Yanru and Li Zhener looked at their beloved daughter who was about to go on a long journey, with thousands of words stuck in their hearts.
Li Zhener held her daughter's hand and chattered, wishing she could decorate the whole house for her:
"Ning'er, Mom has prepared several boxes of thick clothes for you. It's cold in the north, so don't get cold... I've also prepared these snacks and candied fruits you love to keep you entertained on the road...
If you have trouble acclimatizing over there, there's a prescription in the medicine bag your mother gave you... Please write back if you need anything, don't be afraid to bother... Take care of yourself, and... also take care of Aye, don't let him work too hard..."
As he spoke, his voice began to choke.
Although Dongfang Yanru is taciturn, the concern and reluctance in his eyes are no less than those of his wife.
He patted his daughter's shoulder and said in a deep voice:
"Ning'er, go for it. Although your father is not familiar with the art of business, I know that you have great ambitions and lofty aspirations. Yanmao District is a new world for you and Aye to realize your ambitions. There is only one thing..."
He emphasized his tone, with deep concern in his eyes.
"Write home often to let them know you're safe and sound. Don't worry your parents."
Dongfang Yuning looked at the newly gray hair on his parents' temples, and felt an unbearable soreness in his nose.
She threw herself into her mother's arms like a young bird returning to its nest, absorbing the familiar warmth:
"Dad, Mom, don't worry! Ning'er will be fine! She will write back often! You should also take care of your health, eat on time, and don't work too hard..."
She raised her head and tried to smile brightly, trying to dispel the clouds of separation.
"Once the Yanmao District is completed, it will be so lively and fun. You must come! I will leave you the most magnificent mansion and let you become the most leisurely and comfortable old man and old lady in the Yanmao District!"
Li Zhener was amused by her daughter's words and smiled, and stuffed a small bundle into her hand:
"This is the chili sauce I just made. It's your favorite flavor! I'm afraid the food from the north won't suit your taste. Take it with you!"
In front of Prince Yong's mansion, there were carriages and horses like dragons, and the sound of people was deafening.
The farewell procession stretched from the gate of the mansion to the end of the long street.
Nangong Yu supported Dongfang Qiwu and stood at the front. The Queen's eyes were red, and she fought back tears. She waved to her sister again and again, trying to maintain a blessing smile on her lips.
Nangong Yu looked at his daughter Nangong Yue who was standing beside him, and immediately frowned and said seriously:
"Yu'er! The journey is long. If your two younger brothers disobey instruction, slack off, or cause trouble, as their eldest sister, you must exercise your authority and discipline them strictly! Teach them well for me! Don't worry!"
"Your son obeys your order!"
Nangong Yue immediately responded with a serious expression, her eyes sweeping over her two younger brothers like lightning, and the natural pressure of an eldest sister spread instantly.
Nangong Yijun and Nangong Lintian suddenly felt a chill on the back of their necks and shrank their necks involuntarily. They looked at each other and saw the four words "difficult future" in each other's eyes.
The imperial edict from my father might be something I could pretend to obey, but the love from this elder sister was absolutely real and unavoidable!
The emperor looked at his brothers, sisters-in-law and the accompanying team who were ready to go with a serious look, and said loudly:
"Royal brother, Ning'er, take care on your journey! Yanmao District is a country's heavy responsibility, please! Yue'er, please take good care of your two useless brothers for me!"
Dongfang Yanru and Li Zhener stood behind the emperor and empress.
Li Zhen'er pressed the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, while Dongfang Yanru shook his daughter and son-in-law's hands tightly, expressing all his instructions in silent gaze.
Nangong Yue, dressed in neat riding clothes, looked heroic and valiant. He solemnly clasped his fists towards his father, the emperor, and his mother, the empress.
"Don't worry, Father and Mother! I will definitely live up to your trust!"
Then he turned his gaze to his two younger brothers who had retreated into the carriage, and said in a low but penetrating voice:
"Yijun, Lintian, hold on tight, the journey is still long."
Nangong Yijun and Nangong Lintian were in their respective carriages, looking through the windows at their elder sister's "kind" eyes. Their scalps tingled, and they quickly sat up straight, not daring to breathe.
Nangong Ye, dressed in the dark-colored official uniform of a prince, stood as slender as a pine tree. He first bowed respectfully to the emperor, empress, and his parents-in-law, then turned and personally walked to the most luxurious and spacious carriage, which was pulled by eight majestic white horses, and lifted the curtain.
Dongfang Yuning changed into a fiery red riding outfit today, with her long hair tied into a high ponytail and the familiar red gold and ruby hairpin in her hair. She looked bright as fire and very heroic.
She took a deep breath, suppressed her reluctance, and put on the brightest and most brilliant smile. She waved vigorously to all the people who saw her off, and her clear voice echoed through the morning:
"Sister and brother-in-law! Dad and Mom! Everyone! Take care! We will write to you often! When we make Yanmao District beautiful and bustling, you must come and visit! We are waiting for you in Yanmao District!"
Nangong Ye carefully helped her onto the carriage and followed her in. The door slowly closed, isolating her from the outside world's noise and reluctance.
At Nangong Ye's command, the massive convoy slowly set off. The wheels rolled over the ancient bluestone road, making a heavy and resolute rumbling sound. Carrying dreams and responsibilities, farewells and expectations, they gradually left the majestic capital and headed northward towards the Yanmao District, a new world full of challenges and hope.
Inside the carriage, Dongfang Yuning leaned on Nangong Ye's strong arms, and through the specially made glazed window, he finally stared at the city gate that was getting smaller and smaller, and the blurry but deeply engraved figures under the city gate.
A hot tear finally fell silently.
Warm fingers gently wiped away her tears. Nangong Ye's low voice sounded in her ears, with the power to calm people:
"Reluctant?"
"Um……"
Dongfang Yuning buried his head in his neck and responded muffledly.
"But more looking forward to it, right?"
He understood her.
Dongfang Yuning raised his head. Although tears still lingered in his eyes, they had rekindled a blazing brilliance. He nodded vigorously.
"Yes! That's our new world! We're going to make it the best and most prosperous place!"
"good."
Nangong Ye tightened his arms, holding her completely in his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head, his voice gentle but firm,
"Our world. Ning'er can describe it however you want."
Outside the car is a vast unknown and a long journey.
Inside the car, there are tightly clasped hands, the warmth of cuddling each other, and the infinite possibilities and aspirations for a common future.
The grand blueprint for the Yanmao District is slowly unfolding amidst the prelude of farewell and the sound of departing wheels. A new legend of Princess Fuxing and Prince Yong is about to be written on that new land, continuing its glorious journey.
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