After the banquet, Yao Xiuyan escorted Qi Mingyue back to her residence. Halfway there, he suddenly said, "I'm going back to the border after spring. Would Mingyue like to visit?"
Qi Mingyue was taken aback: "It's a strategically important border region, I'm afraid it would be inconvenient for me to go there."
“It’s alright,” Yao Xiuyan said with a smile. “I have a villa over there, fully equipped. Besides…” He gazed into the distance, “the scenery at the border is quite different from that in the capital; you’ll definitely like it.”
Qi Mingyue's heart stirred slightly. Although she appeared calm these days, she often dreamed of those unbearable memories of Yingzhou. Perhaps it would be a good thing to leave the capital and clear her mind.
"I... I'll think about it."
Yao Xiuyan didn't press her, only saying, "It's alright. Whether you go or not, I'll wait for your answer."
…………
A few days later, Qi Mingyue was invited to visit the Second Prince's residence. Ashina Yun was teaching the little prince to walk when he saw her and smiled, "Mingyue, you've come at the right time! Come and see that Rui'er can walk!"
The little prince wobbled into Qi Mingyue's arms, babbling "Auntie." Qi Mingyue's heart melted; she held him tightly, unwilling to let go.
When Xiao Chengrui returned from outside, he saw this and joked, "Mingyue likes children so much, why don't you hurry up and marry Xiuyan and have one yourself!"
Qi Mingyue's cheeks flushed: "Second Prince is joking."
Ashina Yun said earnestly, "If Mingyue goes to the border, be careful. The wind and sand are strong there, unlike in the capital." She blinked, "But with Xiuyan here, he will definitely take good care of you."
Qi Mingyue asked in surprise, "How did you know...?"
Xiao Chengrui laughed: "Who can't see through Xiuyan's intentions? He even renovated the border villa, just waiting to take you there."
As they were talking and laughing, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door. A guard rushed in: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince requests your immediate presence at the palace."
Xiao Chengrui frowned: "What's the matter that's so urgent?"
The guard whispered, "Several scholars from Yingzhou have arrived. They are kneeling outside the palace gates, demanding to see His Majesty. They say... they say they are seeking justice for Miss Qi."
Everyone was stunned. Qi Mingyue's teacup trembled slightly: "Seek justice for me?"
Upon arriving at the palace gate, they saw several students in blue robes kneeling in the snow; they were old acquaintances from the Yingchuan Academy. Leading them was Assistant Instructor Chen Yu, who, upon seeing Qi Mingyue, kowtowed deeply: "We students have come to plead for Miss! We recently investigated and confirmed her innocence; those rumors were all fabricated by Lin Wanqing and Bai Lian'er, and have nothing to do with Miss!"
Qi Mingyue quickly helped them up: "It's freezing cold, why bother..."
Chen Yu wept and said, "Miss has been kind to us to an immense degree, yet we listened to slander and caused her to suffer an injustice... Today we have come to plead with His Majesty and clear Miss's name!"
At this moment, the palace gates opened, and a eunuch announced: "His Majesty has decreed that all are summoned to an audience."
Inside the imperial study, the emperor listened to Chen Yu and others' statements and examined the evidence they presented. He was furious: "Outrageous! How could anyone frame the descendants of a loyal official like this!"
Yao Xiuyan said at the opportune moment, "Your Majesty is wise. Miss Qi has suffered such an injustice, which is truly a failure of the court."
The Emperor nodded: "Issue my decree to clear Qi Mingyue's name. All officials involved in the case in Yingzhou shall be severely punished without exception!" He then spoke gently to Qi Mingyue, "Good child, you have been wronged. Would you like me to avenge you?"
Qi Mingyue curtsied and said, "Your Majesty is wise; restoring Mingyue's innocence is already a great favor. As for the rest... I leave it to Your Majesty to decide."
The emperor nodded in satisfaction: "Truly worthy of being a daughter of the Qi family." He suddenly remembered something, "Xiuyan, I heard you are going back to the border? Why don't you take Mingyue with you to relax?"
A smile flashed in Yao Xiuyan's eyes: "That's exactly what I was thinking."
Upon leaving the palace, Chen Yu and the others were about to kneel and express their gratitude, but Qi Mingyue stopped them, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness. It's freezing cold, so please go back and rest."
Chen Yu wept and said, "Miss's magnanimity makes us students feel utterly ashamed..."
Yao Xiuyan patted him on the shoulder: "To know one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue. Go back and study hard, and serve the country in the future. That will be the best way to repay Mingyue."
Watching the students' departing figures, Qi Mingyue whispered, "Did Brother Xiuyan know they would come?"
Yao Xiuyan raised an eyebrow: "Do I look like someone who can predict the future?" Seeing that Qi Mingyue didn't believe him, he finally smiled and said, "It's just a little guidance. I'll make sure you leave the capital in style."
A warm feeling welled up in Qi Mingyue's heart. He had done so much silently, just to clear her name of disgrace.
…………
The day before her departure, Qi Mingyue made a special trip to visit her elder brother, Qi Mingxuan. Qi Mingxuan, whose leg injury was gradually healing, was practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard. Upon seeing his sister, he smiled and asked, "Leaving tomorrow? Have you made all the preparations?"
Qi Mingyue wiped his sweat: "Don't worry, big brother, everything is ready."
Qi Mingxuan gazed at her: "Mingyue, this trip to the border isn't just for relaxation, is it?"
Qi Mingyue lowered her eyes: "Why do you say that, elder brother?"
“Xiuyan told me everything.” Qi Mingxuan sighed softly, “You want to go to the border to set up a school and teach the children of military families to read and write.”
Qi Mingyue nodded: "What happened in Yingzhou made me realize that women who are illiterate are more easily manipulated. I want to do my best to help those children."
Qi Mingxuan said with satisfaction, "Good ambition. But the border is tough, so you must be careful." He suddenly lowered his voice, "Do you know what Xiuyan has done for you?"
Qi Mingyue was taken aback: "What is it?"
“He not only dealt with those people in Yingzhou, but also secretly purged the remnants of the Marquis of Yongchang’s faction in the court.” Qi Mingxuan’s gaze was profound. “What’s even more remarkable is that he asked His Majesty to allow you to set up a school and also allocated military funds to help you.”
Qi Mingyue was shocked. She had thought Yao Xiuyan was just standing up for her, but she hadn't expected him to consider things to this extent.
On her way back to the manor, she happened to meet Yao Xiuyan riding up. Upon seeing her, he dismounted: "I was just about to come find you. Are you all ready to depart tomorrow?"
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