Chapter Fourteen: The Phoenix Returns to Its Nest
The day Qi Mingyue returned to the capital coincided with the first snowfall. Snowflakes fluttered down, covering the vermilion gates and embroidered doors, and washing away the dust from the streets and alleys. When the carriage entered the Qi residence, the gate was already crowded with people.
The first to rush forward was her mother, Xin Xiyao. Ignoring the snowflakes soaking her clothes, she embraced her daughter tightly, her voice choked with emotion: "My Yue'er... you've suffered so much..."
Qi Mingyue leaned on her mother's shoulder, the grievances of the past few months welling up in her heart, but she held back her tears. She gently patted her mother's back: "Your daughter is unfilial, I have made you worry."
At this moment, a bright and beautiful figure strode over; it was none other than the Third Princess, Xiao Chengyu. She wore a scarlet palace dress with a white fox fur coat over it. Upon seeing Qi Mingyue, her eyes reddened: "You, Qi Mingyue! You've been gone so long, and you haven't even written a proper letter! Do you know how worried we were?"
Before Qi Mingyue could answer, another cheerful voice rang out: "Third Sister, don't scold me the moment we meet! It's good that Sister Mingyue is back!"
Then, the Second Prince Xiao Chengrui approached with his wife, Ashina Yun. Ashina Yun held a beautifully sculpted infant in her arms and said something in the Northern Di language with a smile. Xiao Chengrui translated, "Yun'er says that our little prince hasn't met Aunt Mingyue yet."
Everyone laughed. Qi Mingyue gently touched the baby's face, a warm feeling welling up inside her.
Back at the mansion, it was even more lively. Although his elder brother Qi Mingxuan's leg injury had not yet healed, he still insisted on standing to greet his sister; Crown Prince Xiao Chengji and Crown Princess Su Wanqing also came out of the palace; even his cousin Xin Rui, who had been stationed at the border for many years, rushed back.
The banquet was held in a waterside pavilion, warmed by an underfloor heater, with a pleasant snow scene outside the window. Everyone tacitly avoided mentioning the events in Yingzhou, instead chatting about interesting anecdotes from the capital and everyday family matters.
After a few rounds of drinks, Xiao Chengyu suddenly said, "Mingyue, while you were away, a major event happened in the capital." She blinked, "The Marquis of Yongchang was dismissed and investigated for embezzlement, and his property was confiscated. It was a great relief to the people."
Qi Mingyue paused slightly with the jade chopsticks in her hand. She recalled the events in Yingzhou and understood, but only said calmly, "The affairs of the court are not for us to discuss."
Xiao Chengji said gently, "Mingyue is right. However, with the downfall of Marquis Yongchang, things are indeed much quieter now."
After the banquet, the women moved to the flower hall for tea. Ashina Yun, quick to speak, said, "Mingyue, did those people in Yingzhou give you any trouble? If you were wronged, tell me, and I'll have Chengrui lead troops to teach them a lesson!"
Su Wanqing smiled and said, "Yun'er is still so impatient. Mingyue has just returned, so don't frighten her."
Qi Mingyue lowered her eyes and smiled gently: "Thank you all for your concern. Mingyue is doing well in Yingzhou."
Xiao Chengyu held her hand: "Good child, why are you still putting on a brave face in front of me?" She sighed, "Xiuyan has told us everything about you."
Qi Mingyue suddenly looked up.
“That day, he rushed back to the capital at top speed, and the first thing he did was come to see me.” Xiao Chengyu’s eyes shone with heartache. “He told us everything that happened in Yingzhou and begged us to take good care of you.”
Ashina Yun continued, "That's right! The next day he went to the palace to meet the emperor, and I don't know what he said, but the Marquis of Yongchang fell from power."
Su Wanqing said softly, "Although the young master did not say it explicitly, we can all guess that it must be related to the grievances you suffered in Yingzhou."
Qi Mingyue was shocked and speechless for a long time. She originally thought that Yao Xiuyan, with his personality, would definitely go directly to Yingzhou to avenge her, but she did not expect him to be so thoughtful, returning to the capital first to take care of everything.
Just then, a maid came to announce, "The Heir Apparent of the Duke of England has arrived."
Yao Xiuyan arrived through the snow, his dark cloak covered in snowflakes, which made his handsome face even more striking. He first bowed to everyone, his gaze finally settling on Qi Mingyue, and a slight smile appeared on his lips: "Sister Mingyue is back."
Qi Mingyue curtsied and said, "Brother Xiuyan."
The others tactfully stepped aside, leaving the two of them to talk in the pavilion. The snowlight illuminated Yao Xiuyan's face as he carefully examined Qi Mingyue, and said softly, "You've lost some weight."
Qi Mingyue lowered her eyes: "Thank you for your concern, Brother Xiuyan."
"I know everything about what happened in Yingzhou," Yao Xiu said calmly. "It's my fault for getting back late and making you suffer."
Qi Mingyue shook her head: "It has nothing to do with Brother Xiuyan."
Yao Xiuyan took out a stack of documents from his sleeve: "These are evidence of the dealings between the Marquis of Yongchang and those people in Yingzhou. Lin Wanqing's father has been dismissed from his post, and Bai Lian'er's brother has also been expelled from the Marquis's residence." He paused, "As for Xie Ansu..."
Qi Mingyue suddenly looked up.
Yao Xiuyan chuckled: "Don't worry, I didn't touch him. I just sent the evidence to the Xie family patriarch, and I'm sure he'll discipline his son properly."
Qi Mingyue breathed a sigh of relief, then asked in surprise, "Why did Brother Xiuyan..."
"Why not do anything to him?" Yao Xiuyan raised an eyebrow. "Because although he is dull-witted, he is not a wicked person. Besides..." His gaze was deep, "I know that Mingyue treats him differently."
Qi Mingyue was speechless for a moment. The snow fell silently, and the two stood facing each other, as if they had returned to their childhood.
After a long silence, Yao Xiuyan said softly, "Have you thought about the question I asked you that day?"
Qi Mingyue looked up and met his serious gaze. Under the snow's light, this prince, who was seen as carefree and irreverent by the world, had a rare solemnity in his eyes.
"Brother Xiuyan," she whispered, "if I agree, could you grant me one request?"
"you say."
"Grant me the freedom to be confined to my chambers for the rest of my life," Qi Mingyue said, her eyes clear. "Grant me the freedom to see the world, to see all living beings, and to see myself."
Yao Xiuyan smiled, a smile as gentle as a spring breeze melting snow: "I promise you. Not only will I promise you these things, but I will also promise you a lifetime of peace and security, and that no one will ever bully you in the slightest again."
He stretched out his hand, and in his palm lay a jade ring, which was a perfect pair with Qi Mingyue's.
“This was given to me by my mother when I came of age,” he said softly. “She said it should be given to the person I truly want to marry.”
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