Qi Mingyue took the pear, her eyes filled with tears and a smile: "When the pears ripen, it will be time for my return."
Yao Xiuyan wiped away her tears: "Silly girl, why are you crying?"
"Tears of joy." She looked up. "I do."
Three days later, the border was brightly decorated. There were no elaborate processions, only the entire army as witnesses. Yao Xiuyan's battle robe was tinged with the sunset, and Qi Mingyue wore her fiery red fox fur coat as they drank the nuptial wine together.
Amidst the soldiers' cheers, the little girl presented wildflowers: "Sister Qi, I wish you and General Yao a lifetime of love and harmony!"
Qi Mingyue ruffled her hair: "Call me Madam."
The little girl giggled, "Yes! Madam, sister!"
That night, Qi Mingyue removed her makeup in front of the mirror. Yao Xiuyan removed her phoenix crown and suddenly noticed an old scar on her arm in the mirror.
"Does it still hurt?" He gently touched the scar.
Qi Mingyue shook her head: "It's all better now." She turned around, "But Brother Xiuyan, has your shoulder injury fully healed?"
Yao Xiuyan chuckled: "You'll know once you check, Madam."
The candlelight flickered, illuminating the two figures embracing. Outside the window, the pear tree bore fruit, the moonlight shone brightly, and the blossoms were in full bloom, filling the room with their delicate fragrance.
…………
Congratulatory gifts poured in from all over the capital. The Empress bestowed a jade ruyi as a special gift, the Crown Prince presented a military treatise, and even the Second Prince sent a fine horse from the Northern Barbarians.
The longest letter came from the Third Princess, Xiao Chengyu: "...I am extremely pleased to hear that Mingyue has rendered meritorious service in guarding the border. The border is bitterly cold, please take good care of yourself..."
Qi Mingyue replied: "Although the border is tough, there is also sweetness. The pears have ripened, and I await you to come and taste them."
Yao Xiuyan hugged her from behind: "What are you writing?"
"I invited my cousin Chengyu to the border." Qi Mingyue leaned against him. "She said she wanted to see the real border."
Yao Xiuyan chuckled: "They're probably going to be quite startled."
"No way." Qi Mingyue blinked. "My cousin is very bold."
As the two were chatting and laughing, they suddenly heard a long horn sound. Yao Xiuyan immediately donned his armor: "The barbarians are making a move!"
Qi Mingyue also drew her sword: "I'll go with you."
On the city wall, a massive barbarian army was seen pressing in. However, the leader was not the barbarian king, but a man dressed in Western Region attire.
Yao Xiuyan frowned: "It's the leader of the Western Regions rebels!"
The man brandished his whip: "Yao Xiuyan! Hand over Qi Mingyue! You may escape death!"
Qi Mingyue was taken aback: "Looking for me?"
Yao Xiuyan shielded her behind him: "Wishful thinking!"
The rebel leader sneered: "She is the reincarnation of the Holy Maiden of Shule! Whoever possesses her can command the Western Regions!"
It turns out that on that day in Shule, Qi Mingyue stained the totem with blood and was revered as a saint. The rebel army wanted to capture her to plot against the Western Regions.
Qi Mingyue suddenly asked, "If I go with you, can you withdraw your troops?"
Yao Xiuyan shouted sternly, "Bright Moon!"
The rebel leader was overjoyed: "Of course!"
Qi Mingyue laughed, "But what if I don't leave?" She raised her hand, "Fire the arrows!"
Arrows rained down, and the rebel army retreated in disarray. Yao Xiuyan looked anxiously at Qi Mingyue: "You..."
"A delaying tactic." Qi Mingyue blinked. "Brother Xiuyan taught me that."
Yao Xiuyan laughed loudly: "Well done!"
That night, Qi Mingyue suddenly developed a high fever. The military doctor, after taking her pulse, exclaimed, "The old poison hasn't been cleared, and new injuries have been added!"
It turned out that she had been shot in the arm with an arrow while protecting Xiaoya during the day, but she endured it without saying a word.
Yao Xiuyan stayed by Qi Mingyue's bedside for three sleepless days. On the fourth day at dawn, Qi Mingyue finally awoke.
“Silly girl…” he said in a hoarse voice, “you never know how to cherish yourself.”
Qi Mingyue smiled weakly: "With Brother Xiuyan here, I'm not afraid."
Suddenly, cheers erupted outside the window. The little girl skipped in: "They've borne fruit! The pears have borne fruit!"
The pear trees were laden with fruit, the largest one a golden hue, resembling the setting sun over the border region.
Yao Xiuyan picked one for her: "Want to try a bite?"
Qi Mingyue took a bite, and the sweet taste filled her mouth: "Delicious."
"Next year, we'll plant them all along the border," Yao Xiuyan said, wiping away the sap. "So everyone can taste the sweetness."
Qi Mingyue looked at him: "Brother Xiuyan..."
"Um?"
"It's so good to have met you."
Yao Xiuyan leaned down and kissed her forehead: "Me too."
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