Chapter Eighteen: Reluctant to Leave
Inside the deep palace, the candlelight flickered.
"Guo Aiqing".
"Your subject is present."
Behind the imperial desk, the emperor's gaze, calm and composed, fell upon Guo An, the Minister of War, who stood respectfully below the steps. The air was thick with the fragrance of sandalwood incense, which made the emperor's voice sound even more steady, though his tone towards General Guo always carried a hint of lightness.
"How are the preparations for the trip north going?"
Minister Guo bowed slightly, his voice steady and clear: "Your Majesty, the border troops are ready, and provisions and supplies are being allocated in succession. The post stations and ports along the route have also begun to be repaired, and additional personnel have been assigned to ensure smooth communication and supply. By the time the Seventh Prince takes his leave, all matters should be completed without delay."
The Emperor gave a soft "hmm," his fingertips unconsciously stroking the warm jade thumb ring, his gaze seemingly piercing through the palace walls, looking towards the distant north. "Yunji's journey will take him thousands of miles through mountains and deserts, fraught with peril far beyond what he can experience in the palace. This boy... though pure in heart, lacks experience, and I am truly worried. I hope Minister Guo can diligently assist him in governing and help him navigate this journey smoothly."
"Your Majesty, I obey your decree." Guo An said solemnly, "His Highness is intelligent and filial. This experience will surely make him a pillar of the nation. I will do my utmost to protect His Highness and repay Your Majesty's trust and kindness."
The Emperor nodded, as if recalling something, and his tone changed slightly, carrying a hint of inquiry: "By the way, Yunji's departure will likely take several years. What are your daughter's next plans?"
Guo An's heart stirred slightly, but he showed no sign of it on his face, and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty has inquired. My daughter, Huairou, and Prime Minister Lu's son, Binghui, were classmates for three years and have a deep mutual respect. Now that the children are growing older, Prime Minister Lu and I wish to arrange their marriage."
After hearing this, the emperor did not say much, only saying softly, "Hmm. Yunji, I entrust this to you, Minister."
Minister Guo reiterated his loyalty and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty's entrustment will be remembered by your subject, and I will not fail in my mission."
Inside the embroidered tower of the Minister's residence.
Huairou put down a newly padded winter coat and sighed softly. She had pondered the extraordinary man she'd encountered in the palace that day, using a process of elimination, going through several young men of similar age and appearance from noble families in the capital, but still couldn't figure him out. Perhaps he was the older brother or uncle of some rarely seen member of the imperial family. Handsome, yes, but Huairou was already content in Moli's world, with no time for such fantasies. Furthermore, her recent busyness with Yunji's journey north had completely put this small doubt out of her mind.
She busied herself daily packing for Yunji. The north was bitterly cold, unlike the capital. Fur cloaks, hand warmers, frostbite ointment, durable dried meat, his usual writing implements, and even several books she had specially collected on northern customs and border defense… She personally reviewed and repeatedly checked everything, wanting to make Yunji as comfortable as possible. Her meticulous care far exceeded the duties of a mere companion; she truly seemed to be…
A gentle smile touched Huairou's lips. She recalled her own departure from home to study in the capital. Her parents had done the same, meticulously packing her belongings, offering countless instructions, their eyes filled with deep reluctance and expectation. Now, the roles were reversed, and she was taking care of everything for Yunji, experiencing a similar sense of unease, like the saying, "Sew every stitch carefully before departure, fearing a long absence." She too longed for a brighter future for this child.
Yunji seemed preoccupied these past few days. When he was with her, he often hesitated to speak, his clear eyes concealing a complex mix of emotions he wanted to express but couldn't. They had already agreed to correspond frequently during this trip, recording their observations and the sights of the northern lands in writing. However, as their parting drew near, they both tacitly avoided mentioning the word "separation," as if by not mentioning it, the inevitable long separation would never begin.
With her father, the Minister of War, accompanying her and overseeing the journey, and her elder brother providing support in the army, Huairou was quite relieved about Yunji's safety. But her intentions went far beyond that. Unbeknownst to Yunji, this trip, ostensibly to inspect the border on behalf of the Emperor, pacify the various tribes, and alleviate the court's burdens, was only one aspect. In the path Huairou had quietly laid out for him, this trip was also an opportunity for him to break free from the constraints of the court and truly mature. She hoped he could use this opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the dynasty's border defenses, become familiar with the workings of military power, and, as a prince, cultivate relationships with, and even gain the recognition and support of the nobles of the various Xiongnu tribes. The ultimate goal was to establish his own power base in that vast border region, becoming a truly independent and influential figure, rather than forever confined to the court, a seemingly noble but powerless "caged bird."
Inside the "Qinghui Pavilion," where the Seventh Prince Yunji resided, the candlelight also burned late into the night.
Yunji stood by the window, gazing at the swaying bamboo shadows in the courtyard, his heart filled with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, rising and falling like the tide.
He was by nature averse to conflict, even somewhat reserved. Having grown up in the palace, his mother had died early, and his maternal family was not prominent. Although he received some pity from his father, the Emperor, he was still inevitably weak and powerless. He had long been accustomed to placing himself in a safe corner, finding a sense of "self-sufficiency" in this turbulent and unpredictable palace, and living peacefully was, in his view, the best possible outcome. Until Huairou came to the palace and became his study companion.
That woman, bright as the warm spring sun and intelligent as the gathering starlight, entered his silent world. She brought not only profound knowledge and quick wit, but also a vibrant and unwavering strength. Because of her presence, the subtle feelings of isolation and exclusion seemed to gradually dissipate, and the monotonous life within the palace walls became bright and lively. Many things he had only dared to secretly hope for—such as receiving guidance from a great Confucian scholar, not falling too far behind in the Spring and Autumn Hunts, and learning more about the world outside the palace walls—all seemed divinely aided, becoming reality step by step through Huairou's skillful maneuvering and encouragement.
His only and deepest hope was to stay with Huairou for a long time. This feeling transcended that of a ruler and his subject, and of ordinary friendship; it became a deep-seated dependence and attachment.
However, the rumors circulating in the palace recently sent a chill through his heart. It seemed that Huairou was engaged to the son of the current Prime Minister, Lu Binghui. This news made him hesitate. Lu Binghui came from a prominent family, was exceptionally talented, and held a position in the Secretariat. And what about himself? A prince with no real power and an uncertain future, he certainly couldn't offer Huairou a more secure future than the Lu family.
The journey to the north was uncertain and fraught with peril, but for him, this long-caged bird was finally about to spread its wings and fly high on its own. He secretly vowed to make a difference on this trip, to live up to his father's expectations, to live up to Minister Guo's assistance, and even more so to... the painstaking efforts that Huairou had made for him.
He knew that this journey would last for years, not a short time. The biting north wind and swirling yellow sand would soon replace the palace's clear, warm atmosphere and the blooming flowers of all four seasons. He knew that Huairou had been busy for him all this time, and now she had finally returned home to visit her family, so he couldn't help but stroll over to Huairou's room.
The courtyard was quiet, and the desk by the window where she often sat was neatly arranged. Yunji paused for a moment, then took out a brocade pouch from his bosom and gently placed it in the most conspicuous spot on the desk. Inside the pouch was an exquisitely carved jade walnut. The walnut was delicate and translucent, with clearly visible patterns, and a lustrous sheen. It was clearly a top-quality Hetian jade. What made it even more extraordinary was that the walnut was hollow, with a smaller peach kernel embedded inside. A gentle shake would produce a crisp, melodious sound. This was given to him by his father during his early years of education. It was said to be a cherished possession of his deceased mother, symbolizing good fortune between mother and son, and wishing him a safe and peaceful growth.
He knew that Huairou had been running around and going to great lengths for him lately. She was only meant to be his study companion, and she really didn't need to go to such lengths. He had no way to repay this kindness, so he could only give her this jade walnut, which carried his mother's blessings and his father's expectations. Perhaps, it could stand by her side, protecting her and ensuring her safety and well-being.
Yunji couldn't fathom Huairou's heart. She treated him extremely well, yet her eyes were always so open and at ease, carrying an almost pure care and encouragement, without a trace of other affection. As for himself, in their daily companionship, he had long regarded her as the closest and most indispensable family member in his life.
He glanced one last time at the brocade pouch lying quietly on the table, as if he could see through it the surprised, perhaps even smiling, expression on Huairou's face when she returned, before quietly turning and disappearing into the deepening night. The palace lantern cast a long shadow of him, carrying a hint of loneliness and a resolute air. The road ahead, like the kernel inside that jade walnut, gently swayed in the unknown, awaiting the echo of fate.
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