The journey back to the capital seemed even longer than the trip south. Qi Yue sat in the carriage, stroking the jade pendant Xin Suiyun had given her, her thoughts already drifting back to that small town in Jiangnan. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Xin Suiyun's pale yet resolute face, and the light, butterfly-wing-like kiss on her forehead as he parted.
"Miss, the capital city is just ahead." Yun'er's voice brought Qi Yue back from her reverie.
Lifting the carriage curtain, the familiar city walls came into view. The capital city remained as bustling and prosperous as ever, seemingly unchanged. But Qi Yue knew that she was no longer the timid young lady of the Qi family.
Back at the Qi residence, Xin Xiyao was already waiting at the door. Seeing her daughter return safely, tears welled in her eyes as she tightly embraced Qi Yue: "It's good that you're back safe and sound. Mother was so worried these past few days."
Qi Huaihe stood to the side, looking at his daughter with a complicated expression. He noticed the determination and maturity in Qi Yue's eyes, feeling both gratified and worried.
At dinner time, the family sat down to eat. Qi Yue briefly recounted her journey south, omitting the dangerous parts and only saying that she had failed to find someone. Qi Huaihe and Xin Xiyao exchanged a glance, tacitly agreeing not to delve deeper.
"The matter of the Northern Barbarian delegation is settled, and His Majesty is very satisfied with the handling of the Crown Prince." Qi Huaihe changed the subject. "The court is peaceful these days, so you can rest at home and recuperate."
Qi Yue lowered her head to eat, but she knew in her heart that beneath the calm surface, undercurrents were surging. Xin Suiyun was still carrying out a dangerous mission in Jiangnan, and she couldn't truly rest and recuperate.
In the days that followed, Qi Yue outwardly resumed her life as a refined young lady, but secretly began to pay attention to court affairs and border developments. She consulted her father on government matters, read the official gazette, and even met privately with the Crown Princess Su Qingwan to learn about the happenings in the palace.
Xin Xiyao noticed the change in her daughter and called her to her side one afternoon: "Yue'er, you seem to be very interested in court politics lately?"
Qi Yue poured tea for her mother and said frankly, "As a daughter of the Qi family, I believe that I should not only know how to embroider in my boudoir, but also know about the affairs of the world."
Xin Xiyao gazed at her daughter for a moment, then sighed softly, "Is it because of that child, Suiyun?"
Qi Yue's hand trembled slightly, and she almost spilled the tea. She put down the teapot and looked directly at her mother: "Since Mother has already guessed, I won't hide it from you. Yes, I want to become someone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with him."
A complex mix of emotions flashed in Xin Xiyao's eyes—heartache, worry, and a hint of relief: "Do you know how difficult this path is?"
"My daughter knows," Qi Yue said firmly, "but she has made up her mind."
Xin Xiyao remained silent for a long time before finally nodding: "In that case, your mother will support you. But remember, don't rush things."
With her mother's understanding, Qi Yue focused even more on her studies. She began to assist her mother in managing household affairs, handling interpersonal relationships, and even participating in some simple paperwork in Qi Huaihe's study.
During this time, she maintained close contact with Xin Rui, obtaining news from Jiangnan through him. Xin Suiyun's mission was progressing smoothly, but the counterattacks from the remnants of the Northern Di forces were becoming increasingly fierce.
One rainy night a month later, Qi Yue was organizing documents in her study when she suddenly heard a soft creak at the window. She looked up alertly and saw a familiar figure quietly leap into the room.
"Suiyun!" Qi Yue was overjoyed and rushed forward.
Xin Suiyun was soaked to the bone, his face tired but his eyes bright. He took Qi Yue's hand, a slight smile playing on his lips: "I'm back."
Qi Yue noticed the new bandage on his left arm and felt a pang of heartache: "Your injury..."
"It's alright." Xin Suiyun said casually, "The mission is complete, and the Northern Di's strongholds in Jiangnan have been eliminated."
He gazed at Qi Yue, his eyes filled with tenderness: "Thank you for your hard work these past few days."
Qi Yue shook her head: "I didn't do anything, I just waited here."
“No,” Xin Suiyun gently stroked her cheek, “I heard that you have started to study politics and assist your uncle in handling affairs. This change moves me more than any help.”
The two looked at each other and smiled; the longing they had felt after months of separation transformed into a silent understanding at that moment.
Xin Suiyun's expression suddenly turned serious: "Besides reporting back to my mission, I have important matters to discuss with you this time. Although the Northern Barbarians' influence in Jiangnan has been eliminated, they still have their inside agents in the court."
Qi Yue's heart tightened: "Do you know who it is?"
Xin Suiyun shook his head: "The other party is extremely well hidden, and there are only some clues at present. I suspect... it is related to the Ministry of War."
Qi Yue was shocked. The Ministry of War was under her father's jurisdiction; if there was indeed a traitor, her father would surely be implicated.
“I haven’t informed the Crown Prince about this matter yet,” Xin Suiyun said in a low voice. “Because the evidence is insufficient and it involves too many people, I would like to discuss it with you first.”
A warm feeling welled up in Qi Yue's heart. Xin Suiyun regarded her as a partner with whom he could discuss important matters, and this trust moved her more than any sweet words.
"What do you think we should do?" she asked calmly.
Xin Suiyun took out a small booklet from his pocket: "These are suspicious accounts that I secretly investigated, involving abnormal flows of arms procurement. But more evidence is needed to identify the person behind it."
Qi Yue took the booklet and quickly noticed something amiss after a brief glance: "These accounts are extremely detailed; it would be difficult to spot the problems unless one is an expert in finance. Fortunately, I learned to read accounts from my father since I was a child, so perhaps I can be of help."
Xin Suiyun's eyes flashed with admiration: "I knew you could do it."
The two discussed until late at night and devised a detailed plan. Qi Yue would use her position at the Ministry of War to secretly investigate irregularities in the accounts; Xin Suiyun would continue to gather evidence in the shadows.
Before parting, Xin Suiyun took out an exquisite jade hairpin from her bosom, the head of which was carved with a bright moon in the clouds: "I saw it in Jiangnan, and I think it suits you perfectly."
Qi Yue took the jade hairpin, her heart filled with sweetness: "Would you please help me put it on?"
Xin Suiyun carefully inserted the jade hairpin into her hair, her movements as gentle as if she were handling a rare treasure. Under the moonlight, the two figures leaned against each other, serene and beautiful.
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