Spring comes late to the border; the willows in the new city of Yumen are just sprouting new buds, and Qi Mingyue is already six months pregnant. On this day, she and Yao Xiuyan were inspecting the city from the city wall when they suddenly saw dust billowing on the official road, and a messenger carrying a golden-lacquered command arrow rushed into the city with urgent messages.
"Imperial edict arrives—"
Yao Xiuyan, accompanied by Qi Mingyue, hurried down the city wall to receive the imperial decree. The imperial envoy unfurled a bright yellow silk scroll, his voice booming like a bell: "His Majesty decrees that Prince Yao Xiuyan and Lady Qi Mingyue, the Protector of the Nation, be summoned back to the capital immediately to report for duty!"
Qi Mingyue was slightly taken aback. Yao Xiuyan took the imperial edict and pondered, "Does Your Excellency know why His Majesty has summoned you so urgently?"
The imperial envoy lowered his voice: "His Majesty was overjoyed to hear that the Lady was pregnant and specially ordered her to return to the capital to await childbirth." He added, "His Highness the Crown Prince is also very concerned."
After the imperial envoy left, Qi Mingyue gently stroked her pregnant belly: "Returning to the capital at this hour will take more than two months on the road."
Yao Xiuyan frowned: "You're heavy-set and can't withstand the bumpy ride. I'll write a letter immediately to request permission..."
“No need.” Qi Mingyue shook her head. “His Majesty must have a deeper meaning in issuing this decree.” She looked towards the southeast. “Besides, I miss my family.”
When the news spread, Lin Qiuyan was the first to rush into the mansion: "Are we really going back to the capital? I heard the capital is even more prosperous than Dunhuang?" Her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Are all those noble ladies and gentlemen like they're in the plays?"
Qi Mingyue chuckled, "You can't take a play seriously." Seeing Lin Qiuyan's longing expression, she had a sudden thought, "Qiuyan, would you like to come along? It would be a good opportunity to meet Chengyu and the others."
Lin Qiuyan was overjoyed and asked, "Can...can I do it?"
“Of course.” Yao Xiuyan nodded. “You have rendered meritorious service in protecting the emperor and deserve to be rewarded. This trip will also allow the people of the capital to see the demeanor of a female general from the border.”
Three days later, the carriage was ready. To accommodate Qi Mingyue's health, a spacious carriage was specially made, with soft bedding inside and light gauze covering the outside. Lin Qiuyan changed into a fashionable dress in the capital, awkwardly tugging at her sleeves: "This dress is too restrictive, not as crisp and comfortable as military uniform."
Qi Mingyue straightened her hairpin: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Besides, this rouge dress suits you very well."
Yao Xiuyan personally selected a hundred-man guard and ordered men to ride ahead to each post station to report. Before his departure, the people of Xincheng lined the streets to see him off. A little girl, holding wildflowers, crawled to the front of the carriage: "Madam has given birth to a little prince, you must bring him back for us to see!"
Qi Mingyue's eyes welled up slightly: "Definitely."
The carriage slowly traveled eastward. To avoid bumps, it traveled no more than thirty li per day. Qi Mingyue often fell into a deep sleep, so Lin Qiuyan stayed in the carriage with her, listening to her talk about the sights and sounds of the capital.
"...The Third Princess's residence has a very large lotus pond. In the summer when the flowers bloom, Sister Chengyu often hosts banquets to invite us to go boating and pick lotus flowers." Qi Mingyue leaned against the soft pillows, her eyes gentle. "The Crown Princess is most skilled in perfumery. Her Lotus Dew Refreshing Pills are perfect for relieving fatigue in the summer heat..."
Lin Qiuyan listened intently: "Can the Second Prince's Consort really draw a three-stone bow?"
"Sister Yun is a princess of the Northern Di, so naturally she is skilled in riding and archery." Qi Mingyue chuckled, "I'll have her give you some pointers another day."
Yao Xiuyan, who often rode alongside the carriage, interjected upon hearing this, "Don't corrupt Qiuyan. The capital is not like the border; it's better for young ladies to be more refined."
Lin Qiuyan pouted: "Young Master, that's prejudice! Sister Qi is skilled in both literature and martial arts, isn't that elegant?"
Qi Mingyue smiled and said, "Brother Xiuyan is afraid that you will be impeached by the censors."
They chatted and laughed all the way, so they weren't lonely. Upon reaching Luoyang, Qi Mingyue's morning sickness worsened, forcing her to stay a few more days. Yao Xiuyan urgently summoned the imperial physician to examine her and also sent a messenger on horseback back to the capital to report the news.
Five days later, a large entourage arrived in the capital. Leading them were none other than the Second Prince, Xiao Chengrui, and his wife, Princess Ashina Yun!
"We've finally made it!" Ashina Yun jumped off his horse, speaking fluent and crisp Mandarin with a Northern Di accent. "My brother, the Crown Prince, was so anxious that he insisted we come to fetch him!"
Xiao Chengrui laughed and punched Yao Xiuyan lightly: "You little rascal! Why didn't you say so earlier that you were going to be a father!" He then called into the carriage, "Sister Mingyue! The Empress Dowager has bestowed a comfortable carriage upon us; it's guaranteed to be smooth!"
Sure enough, a four-horse carriage appeared behind them, with a golden roof and red wheels, extremely luxurious. Ashina Yun, arm in arm with Lin Qiuyan, looked her over and said, "This is Miss Lin? What amazing skills! I heard you can take on ten barbarian soldiers by yourself?"
Lin Qiuyan blushed: "Your Highness flatters me..."
“Call me sister!” Ashina Yun said cheerfully, “Mingyue’s friends are my friends!”
After switching to a comfortable carriage, the journey became much faster. Qi Mingyue's complexion improved, and she was occasionally able to get out of the carriage and walk around. Ashina Yun and Lin Qiuyan hit it off immediately and often rode side by side to practice their riding and archery skills, astonishing the officials along the way.
As they approached the capital, they suddenly saw banners waving ahead. Crown Prince Xiao Chengji and the Third Princess Xiao Chengyu personally came to greet them at the Ten-Mile Pavilion!
The carriage came to a stop, and Xiao Chengyu stepped forward first, his demeanor tinged with urgency: "Let me see! How is Mingyue?" Seeing her protruding belly, his eyes immediately reddened, "How come you've lost so much weight..."
The Crown Prince said gently, “Xiuyan, you must be tired from your journey. Your father and mother have prepared a banquet in the palace to welcome you back.”
Yao Xiuyan curtsied and said, "Your Highness has come to greet me personally; I am ashamed."
Qi Mingyue was about to get out of the carriage when Xiao Chengyu stopped her, saying, "Don't move! Be careful, it's windy!" He personally handed her a hand warmer, saying, "The Empress Dowager specifically instructed me to do this, saying you are prone to feeling cold."
Everyone was delighted to see each other. When Xiao Chengyu saw Lin Qiuyan, he took her hand and praised her, "Truly a heroine! Mingyue praised you in her letter."
Lin Qiuyan hurriedly bowed, but was helped up by the Crown Prince: "Miss Lin has rendered meritorious service in protecting the Emperor, there is no need for such formalities."
The carriage set off again, surrounded by Imperial Guards. As they approached the city gate, a sudden burst of drums and music filled the air—the people were lining the streets to welcome them!
"Look! It's the Lady Protector of the Nation!" People stood on tiptoe, eager to see her. "I heard she built a new city on the border!"
An old woman tossed flowers over, saying, "May the Madam be blessed! May the Young Master be blessed!"
Qi Mingyue exclaimed in surprise: "This is..."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
