The war went more smoothly than expected. Under the wise command of Emperor Jinghe and the ingenious planning of Xiao Suiyun, the Daqi army won one victory after another and quickly forced the Western Rong army back a hundred miles.
However, just when victory seemed within reach, an unexpected event occurred. Emperor Jinghe was ambushed while inspecting the front lines. In the critical moment, Xiao Suiyun stepped forward to protect him, sustaining several arrow wounds in the process.
When the news reached the capital, Qi Yue nearly fainted. Suppressing her grief, she immediately asked Qin Sang to accompany her to the border.
When they arrived, Xiao Suiyun was out of danger, but her injuries were serious and she needed a long period of rest.
"Why are you like this again..." Qi Yue looked at his body covered in bandages, tears streaming down her face.
Xiao Suiyun smiled weakly: "Protecting Your Majesty is a subject's duty."
Emperor Jinghe, deeply grateful for Xiao Suiyun's life-saving grace, bestowed upon him a special imperial edict granting him a hereditary title. He also issued an edict to build shrines of loyalty and martyrdom throughout the country to commemorate the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Under Qi Yue's meticulous care, Xiao Suiyun gradually recovered. However, this serious injury had ultimately damaged his health, and the imperial physician said that he should never go to the battlefield again.
“That’s good,” Xiao Suiyun said, holding Qi Yue’s hand in the carriage on the way back to the capital. “Now I can finally stay by your side with the children without worry.”
Qi Yue leaned on his shoulder: "Okay, let's go home."
Upon their return to the capital, they received a hero's welcome. Emperor Jinghe personally went out to greet them, and the people lined the streets to welcome them.
What surprised Xiao Suiyun even more was that, under the teacher's guidance, Mu Yue and Nian Yun had already learned to write simple poems to welcome their father's return.
"Father is a hero!" Nianyun rushed into her father's arms.
Mu Yue said earnestly, "When I grow up, I will also protect our country like my father."
Xiao Suiyun picked up her two children, her eyes filled with joy.
Time flies, and five years have passed in the blink of an eye. Under the rule of Emperor Jinghe, the Great Qi has become increasingly powerful, truly achieving national prosperity and peace.
Mu Yue and Nian Yun are both nine years old. One is calm and intelligent, and the other is lively and clever. They are both well-known good children in the capital.
That day, Xiao Suiyun and Qi Yue were enjoying tea in the garden, watching the children play in the yard.
"Time flies," Qi Yue exclaimed. "In the blink of an eye, the children have all grown up."
Xiao Suiyun held her hand: "You've had a tough time all these years."
Qi Yue smiled: "Every day I spend with you is happiness."
As the sun sets, its golden rays bathe the two who are walking hand in hand. After years of trials and tribulations, they have finally begun to enjoy the peaceful life they have longed for.
On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Little New Year, a light snow began to fall in the capital. Every household began to sweep their courtyards and prepare for the New Year. Inside the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion, Qi Yue was directing the servants to hang lanterns, while Xiao Suiyun was writing Spring Festival couplets nearby.
"Father, your writing is so beautiful!" Nianyun stood on tiptoe to watch her father's brushstrokes.
Mu Yue was diligently copying the image, her little face full of focus.
After finishing the last stroke, Xiao Suiyun put down the brush with satisfaction: "This year marks the tenth anniversary of our family reunion, so we should write something special."
Qi Yue walked over and read out the couplet: "'Peaceful years and tranquil world, harmonious music and lifelong companionship.' It's so well written."
"Mother, what does 'harmonious music' mean?" Nianyun asked curiously.
Qi Yue explained gently, "Just like Father and Mother, they love each other and stay together until old age."
Xiao Suiyun put his arm around his wife's shoulder, his eyes filled with tenderness. Ten years had not diminished their feelings for each other; on the contrary, they had only grown stronger.
At this moment, the steward delivered an invitation: "My lord, my lady, an invitation has been sent from the palace, requesting that you bring your son and daughter to the palace for a banquet on New Year's Eve."
Qi Yue accepted the invitation and smiled at Xiao Suiyun, "It seems that this year's reunion dinner will be held in the palace."
East Palace, Hall of Imperial Grace
Crown Prince Xiao Chengji put down his vermilion brush and rubbed his temples. Five years into his reign, he had long been accustomed to the burdens of state affairs, but every year-end he still felt exceptionally exhausted.
"Your Majesty, it's time for your meal." Su Qingwan walked in carrying a food box, followed by two young princes.
"Didn't I tell you, you can just call me husband in the bedroom?" Xiao Chengji showed a rare relaxed smile and picked up his youngest son who rushed towards him.
Su Qingwan gently served the dishes: "Etiquette must not be neglected. However, for tonight's dinner, I have specially prepared a few of Your Majesty's favorite home-style dishes."
Looking at the simple four dishes and one soup on the table, Xiao Chengji felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Over the years, no matter how his status changed, Su Qingwan had always been his most intimate companion.
"Has the menu for the New Year's Eve banquet been prepared?" he asked during his meal.
"Everything is arranged. I specifically instructed the imperial kitchen to prepare more dishes with Northern Di flavors this year, so that my second sister-in-law can taste the flavors of her hometown."
Xiao Chengji nodded: "You've thought of everything. Chengrui and Ashina Yun rarely return to the capital this year, so they should feel the warmth of home."
After dinner, Su Qingwan massaged Xiao Chengji's temples and said softly, "I've noticed that my second sister-in-law seems to have something on her mind lately."
"Oh?" Xiao Chengji opened his eyes. "What do you mean?"
“She came to pay her respects the other day and asked about the envoys from the Northern Barbarians. I think she might be missing her homeland.”
Xiao Chengji pondered for a moment: "Over the years, she has broken with her motherland for Chengrui, which has indeed been difficult. After the New Year, let Chengrui accompany her back to the Northern Di to visit her family."
Su Qingwan smiled and said, "Your Majesty is benevolent."
Prince Rui's Mansion
Ashina Yun stared blankly at the bronze mirror, toying with a silver ornament in the style of the Northern Di people in his hand.
"Yun'er, look what your husband brought back for you!" Xiao Chengrui rushed in excitedly, carrying a brightly colored pheasant in his hand.
Ashina Yun quickly put away the silver ornaments, forcing a smile: "What a beautiful pheasant."
Xiao Chengrui put down his prey and keenly noticed his wife's unusual behavior: "What's wrong? Are you homesick again?"
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