On the eve of the birthday celebration, Xiao Suiyun was urgently summoned to the palace by the Crown Prince and did not return until late at night. When Qi Yue saw him return, she noticed his solemn expression and asked with concern, "Has something happened?"
Xiao Suiyun shook his head: "The Crown Prince only inquired about border defenses." He grasped Qi Yue's hand, "You've worked hard all these years."
Qi Yue smiled and said, "Between husband and wife, there's no need to talk about hardship."
The following day, the Marquis's residence was brightly decorated and filled with guests. To Xiao Suiyun's surprise, not only did his colleagues from the court come to offer their birthday wishes, but even the envoys from the Northern Di tribes made a special trip to present gifts from the new king of the Northern Di.
"The Marquis of Zhenbei has rendered great service to the peace between our two countries, and my king has specially sent me to express my gratitude," the envoy said respectfully.
At the height of the banquet, Qi Yue clapped her hands to signal that a plaque covered with a red cloth had been brought out by a servant.
"What is this?" Xiao Suiyun asked in confusion.
Qi Yue smiled: "Let's uncover it and take a look."
The red cloth fell down, revealing four gilded characters: "Benevolence and Virtue Passed Down Through Generations," and the signature was surprisingly the crown prince's name.
"This was personally inscribed by the Crown Prince to commend your achievements over the years," Qi Yue explained.
Xiao Suiyun was deeply moved and bowed deeply in the direction of the Crown Prince.
To his even greater surprise, after the banquet, Qi Yue led him to the backyard. There, he saw a lush osmanthus tree that had appeared out of nowhere.
"What is this?" Xiao Suiyun asked, puzzled.
Qi Yue said softly, "This is an osmanthus tree transplanted from Jiangnan, the same kind as the one where we pledged our love. May our love be like this osmanthus, fragrant year after year."
Xiao Suiyun embraced her: "Having such a wife is the greatest fortune of my life."
Under the moonlight, the air was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms. Two children, held by their wet nurse, babbled and learned to speak. The couple looked at each other and smiled, their eyes brimming with happiness and contentment.
However, peaceful days are always short-lived. A month later, an urgent report came from the border: the Western Rong, indeed instigated by Ashina Hong, had begun to harass the borders of Daqi.
"What was bound to happen has finally happened." Xiao Suiyun received the military report, his expression grave.
Qi Yue straightened his court robes and said softly, "Go on, I'll take care of things at home."
Xiao Suiyun gazed at her: "I won't be gone for too long this time. I'll come back once the border is stable."
He lowered his head to kiss his children's foreheads, then looked deeply at Qi Yue before turning and striding away.
Qi Yue held Nian Yun in her arms and held Mu Yue's hand, standing in front of the mansion gate watching his retreating figure. This time, she did not shed tears, because she knew that no matter what the future held, their hearts would always be together.
After Xiao Suiyun left the capital, Qi Yue devoted all her energy to taking care of the two children and managing the Marquis's mansion. Mu Yue and Nian Yun had already started to walk and babble, bringing much joy and laughter to the mansion.
That day, Qi Yue was teaching her two children to recognize characters when she suddenly saw Xin Rui rushing over with a serious expression.
"Yue'er, the border war is getting tense," Xin Rui said in a low voice. "The Western Rong cavalry are fierce, and Sui Yun and the others... are in a tough fight."
Qi Yue nearly dropped the book in her hands: "What are the specifics?"
“The Western Rong have adopted new tactics, using the mobility of their cavalry to harass our rear.” Xin Rui unfolded the map. “Sui Yun is adjusting its deployment, but it will take time.”
Qi Yue stared at the map, then suddenly said, "The Western Rong cavalry are brave, but they have a weakness—they are not good at siege warfare. If we can hold the city and wear down their forces..."
Xin Rui looked at her in surprise: "How do you know all this?"
Qi Yue smiled: "These days, Suiyun has taught me to read a lot of military books, and I have also consulted my sister about border warfare."
Xin Rui's eyes showed approval: "You're right. Sui Yun also has this plan, but..."
"Just what?"
“Some people in the court are impeaching Sui Yun for being conservative in his military strategy and missing opportunities,” Xin Rui sighed. “The pro-war faction is stirring up trouble again, demanding a change of general.”
Qi Yue's heart tightened. She knew Xiao Suiyun's military strategy well: steady and methodical advances to achieve the greatest victory with the least cost. But this tactic was often misunderstood by those who were impatient for quick success.
That evening, Qi Yue wrote a letter and ordered it to be sent to the border by fast horse. In the letter, she did not mention the criticism in the court, but only described in detail the children's recent situation, as well as her trust and support for him.
Three days later, Xiao Suiyun's reply arrived. The handwriting was hasty, clearly written hastily during a lull in the fighting. In addition to expressing his longing for his wife and children, the letter also revealed an important piece of news: he had found a way to defeat the enemy, and they only needed to hold out for another half month.
Qi Yue immediately requested an audience with the Crown Princess, asking her to convey the message to the Crown Prince. Upon learning of this, the Crown Prince overruled objections and placed his full trust in Xiao Suiyun.
However, the pressure on the court did not lessen. On this day, several ministers jointly submitted a memorial, requesting that Xiao Suiyun be dismissed from his position as commander-in-chief on the grounds of "missing the opportunity for war".
When the news reached Qi Yue's ears, she pondered for a moment, changed into the robes of a first-rank noblewoman, and requested an audience with the Empress.
"Your Majesty, I am well aware of the rule that the inner palace must not interfere in politics," Qi Yue knelt before the Empress, "but Sui Yun is loyal to the country and cautious in his military tactics, always thinking of the lives of his soldiers. I humbly request Your Majesty to say a few good words for him before His Majesty."
The Empress helped her up, saying, "I know Suiyun's character. Rest assured, His Majesty will make his own judgment."
As expected, the emperor ultimately rejected the petition to dismiss Xiao Suiyun, but issued an edict demanding that results be achieved as soon as possible.
The fighting on the border intensified. Every day, Qi Yue would go to the city tower to look out into the distance, hoping for good news to arrive.
That day, she was teaching Nianyun to speak when she suddenly heard the sound of rapid hoofbeats outside the door. A messenger covered in blood stumbled into the mansion.
"Madam... the Marquis..." the messenger gasped, "the Marquis has been wounded by an arrow..."
Qi Yue's vision blurred, but she forced herself to remain calm: "How are your injuries? Where are we now?"
"An arrow wound to the shoulder, the arrow has been removed, but... but he remains unconscious..." The messenger handed over a letter written in blood, "This was written by the Marquis before he fell unconscious..."
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