The banquet proceeded in a continuous stream. The imperial kitchen spared no effort, offering everything from crab feasts from the Jiangnan region to roasted dishes from the Western Regions. However, what truly pleased Qi Mingyue was a simple bowl of sour plum soup.
Seeing this, Ashina Yun immediately pushed his own over as well: "Mingyue likes this? You can have mine too!"
Xiao Chengrui laughed loudly: "Yun'er was just complaining that it was so sour it made her teeth ache!"
The Emperor suddenly asked, "Xiuyan, how are things in the Western Regions lately?"
Yao Xiuyan rose and replied, "Thanks to Your Majesty's great blessings, trade routes are open and all tribes are well. The new King of Khotan has sent a tribute document, wishing to be a vassal for eternity."
The Emperor nodded: "You have governed well." He then said to Qi Mingyue, "I have heard that the New City School has taken in children from various ethnic groups, which is excellent."
The Empress replied softly, "Mingyue is pregnant and still worries about these things; it's truly admirable. I have already selected a few female officials to go to the new city to help you in the future."
Qi Mingyue expressed her gratitude. The Crown Princess said softly, "The Empress Dowager has chosen experienced female ministers who are the most capable."
As the banquet reached its climax, the emperor ordered wine, a tribute from the Western Regions, to be brought out. The amber-colored liquid rippled in the luminous cup, releasing an exotic aroma.
Xiao Chengyu took a small sip and frowned: "This is strong liquor."
Yao Xiuyan explained, "This wine is called 'Tears of Longing,' and it needs to be mixed with honey water before drinking." He personally prepared the mixture for everyone.
When it was Lin Qiuyan's turn, she downed the drink in one gulp without changing her expression: "The wine from the border is stronger."
The emperor laughed and said, "Good! Women are just as capable as men!" He then bestowed upon her a jade cup.
When the moon was high in the sky, palace servants brought out a giant mooncake, as big as a millstone. The Emperor personally cut it open and distributed it to everyone. Qi Mingyue received a piece with the character "桂" (gui, meaning cassia) on it, and the Empress smiled and said, "This is a good omen; may you have a son soon."
Suddenly, a eunuch rushed over and whispered in the prince's ear. The prince's expression changed slightly, and he rose to take his leave.
The Emperor glanced at him and asked, "What's the matter?"
The Crown Prince hesitated and said, "An urgent report from Hexi...it's just a trivial matter..."
"explain."
"It's... a letter from Xincheng saying that Miss Lin's brother has come looking for her."
The mooncake in Lin Qiuyan's hand fell to the ground with a thud: "My...my brother?" Her parents died when she was young, and her only brother disappeared early on, yet he was still alive!
Yao Xiuyan asked in a deep voice, "Where is he?"
“They are already waiting at the Prince’s residence,” the Crown Prince said. “They said they escaped from the northern desert and have been searching for their sister all the way here.”
The Emperor nodded: "In that case, go and reunite with your family." He granted Yao Xiuyan and his wife permission to leave the banquet early.
Back in the carriage, Lin Qiuyan was at a loss: "Is he really my brother? Could he be an imposter...?"
Qi Mingyue held her hand: "You'll know when you see it."
The Prince's mansion was brightly lit. A travel-worn man stood in the hall, his face bearing a striking resemblance to Lin Qiuyan. Upon seeing the group enter, he knelt down with a thud: "This humble subject, Lin Feng, pays his respects to Your Highness and Madam!"
Lin Qiuyan's voice trembled: "You...you have a red mole behind your left ear?"
The man looked up, and sure enough, there was a mole behind his ear: "Yan'er! It really is me!"
The brother and sister embraced and wept bitterly. It turned out that Lin Feng had been captured by barbarians and enslaved in the northern deserts years ago, but had only recently escaped amidst the chaos. After inquiring along the way, he learned that his sister was in the Prince of Zhenxi's mansion.
Yao Xiuyan immediately ordered, "Prepare a banquet! To welcome Brother Lin!"
The reunion banquet was held in the waterside pavilion. Lin Feng recounted his experiences in the northern desert, and everyone listened intently. Qi Mingyue suddenly said, "Brother Lin, would you be willing to stay in the new city? We are in dire need of someone familiar with the terrain of the northern desert."
Lin Feng exclaimed excitedly, "I am willing to serve you, Madam!"
As the moon passed its zenith, Qi Mingyue began to show signs of fatigue. Yao Xiuyan then urged everyone to rest and personally helped her back to her room.
Calming incense had already been prepared in the bedroom. Qi Mingyue leaned against the window, looking at the full moon in the sky: "Tonight's moon is as round as the one at the border."
Yao Xiuyan embraced her from behind, gently stroking her pregnant belly with his palm: "It's a pity An'er can't see it."
"This time next year, I'll be able to take him to admire the moon," Qi Mingyue smiled. "He might even start babbling again."
Suddenly feeling the baby move, she let out a soft moan. Yao Xiuyan quickly asked, "Did it kick you again?"
"It's alright." She pulled his hand and placed it on her stomach. "Brother Xiuyan, feel it. It's like he's saying hello."
Beneath her palm, the pulse of life was clearly felt. Yao Xiuyan suddenly knelt on one knee, pressing his ear against her abdomen: "Let me hear it."
Qi Mingyue gently stroked the top of his head, then suddenly remembered something: "At the palace banquet today, His Majesty seemed to intend to have Qiu Yan join the Ministry of War?"
Yao Xiuyan looked up: "The Minister of War is old, and His Majesty wants to cultivate new talent. Qiu Yan is familiar with border affairs and is the best candidate."
“But that’s not her ambition,” Qi Mingyue sighed. “This morning she told me she wanted to go back to Xincheng to start a girls’ school.”
Laughter suddenly came from outside the window. There, Lin Qiuyan and her brother were seen sparring in the courtyard, their swords flashing in the moonlight, their movements lithe and agile.
Yao Xiuyan chuckled: "Everyone has their own ambitions. I'll talk to His Majesty."
After the drumbeats sounded three times, Qi Mingyue began to feel sleepy. Yao Xiuyan carried her to bed and tucked her in.
Half-asleep, she murmured, "Brother Xiuyan..."
"Um?"
"When An'er grows up, we'll take him to the border to see the moon..."
"Okay." He kissed her forehead. "Go to sleep."
Moonlight streamed through the gauze window, filling the room with a soft glow. The Mid-Autumn Festival night in Beijing was warm and peaceful.
Meanwhile, in the distant borderlands, the same moonlight shines on the empty steps of the New City School, on the beacon towers of the Gobi Desert, and on the land they jointly protect.
Qi Mingyue smiled in her dream.
Such is the essence of family reunion—sharing this moment across the ends of the earth.
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