Qi Mingyue held her mother's hand: "I'm going on a study tour. I just want to focus on my studies and make some like-minded friends. Yingzhou is far from the capital, and the customs are different. I'm sure it will be a different kind of place."
Xin Xiyao gazed at her daughter for a long time before finally sighing, "I hope so. Just remember, if you suffer any injustice, don't force yourself. The Qi family will always be your support." She reached out and gently stroked her daughter's hair, her tone suddenly softening, "Just don't come back crying."
Qi Mingyue's eyes welled up with tears as she nestled into her mother's arms, saying, "Thank you, Mother."
The carriage rumbled along, already twenty miles from the capital. Qi Mingyue leaned back on the cushions, holding a volume of "Yingzhou Customs and Geography" in her hands, but her gaze was not on the pages.
"Miss, are you tired?" Zhishu asked softly, handing her a warm cup of tea.
Qi Mingyue took the teacup and shook her head slightly: "I'm just a little dazed. I was talking to my mother in the manor yesterday, and today we're already dozens of miles away from the capital."
Zhi Shu smiled and said, "This is Miss's first time traveling alone, so it's understandable. I've heard that Yingzhou has a thriving literary culture and numerous schools, comparable to the capital."
"That's why I chose Yingzhou." Qi Mingyue finally showed a genuine smile. "My mother always said that it was her hometown, but I had never been there. This trip will allow me to broaden my horizons through study and also visit the place where my mother lived in her youth. It's a win-win situation."
She paused, then lowered her voice slightly: "Besides, being far from the capital also saves us from a lot of unnecessary social engagements and...trouble."
Knowing her meaning, she said no more. As Qi Mingyue's personal maid, she naturally knew what her mistress's "trouble" was—the engagement with the Duke of Yingguo's heir, and the open and covert gossip and scrutiny in the capital.
Outside the car window, the scenery gradually shifted from bustling activity to tranquility. Distant mountains appeared like dark eyebrows, nearby waters were shrouded in mist, and farmers were already busy in the spring fields. As Qi Mingyue gazed at all this, the sorrow of parting in her heart was gradually replaced by novelty and anticipation.
…………
At the same time, in front of the Qi residence, a fast horse from the border kicked up a cloud of dust. The messenger dismounted and handed the reins to the gatekeeper.
"Urgent news from the border, to be opened by Lord Qi!" The messenger's voice was hoarse, clearly from a long journey.
The steward dared not delay and immediately led the messenger into the mansion. At this moment, Qi Huaihe was in his study discussing government affairs with several advisors. Upon hearing the report, his brows furrowed slightly.
"Please ask him to wait a moment," Qi Huaihe instructed, quickly ending his conversation with his staff.
The messenger was led into the study, gave a respectful military salute, and took out a sealed bamboo tube from his bosom: "This humble servant is here on the orders of General Yao to deliver this letter to Lord Qi's residence."
Qi Huaihe took the bamboo tube, broke the wax seal, and took out the letter inside. The letter paper was of the finest quality Xuan paper, and the handwriting was vigorous and powerful, just like the man himself:
"Uncle Huaihe, I am writing to you: Xiuyan has been stationed in the northern frontier for more than half a year. He recently won a victory, and the border is temporarily at peace. I heard that Brother Mingxuan was in danger and was seriously injured. I wonder if he is feeling better these days? There is a kind of medicine in the northern frontier called 'blood-draining herb', which has a miraculous effect on healing injuries. I am enclosing some with this letter, hoping it will help Brother Mingxuan recover soon."
Upon reaching this point, Qi Huaihe's gaze swept over the bamboo tube, and sure enough, he discovered a small brocade pouch inside, containing deep red medicinal herbs. He nodded slightly and continued reading:
"Although I am far away at the border, I have heard about the affairs of the capital. I am very pleased to hear that Sister Mingyue is doing well. I will be returning to the capital soon to report for duty, and I will definitely pay her a visit then..."
The latter half of the letter mostly describes the scenery of the border region and trivial military affairs, but the concern conveyed between the lines is obvious.
After reading the letter, Qi Huaihe pondered for a moment and said to the messenger, "Go back and tell Prince Yao that Mingxuan's injuries have greatly improved, and thank you for your concern. As for my daughter..." He paused, revealing a helpless smile, "She just set off for Yingzhou to study today, and her return date is uncertain."
After the messenger withdrew, a person emerged from behind the screen in the study; it was Xin Xiyao. She had been organizing books in the inner room and had overheard the conversation outside.
"Your Highness Yao has sent a letter?" Xin Xiyao walked to her husband's side, her gaze falling on the letter.
Qi Huaihe handed her the letter: "What a coincidence, it just so happens to be delivered today."
Xin Xiyao glanced through the letters, her brows furrowing slightly: "This Prince Yao does remember Yue'er, and even asked about her specifically."
"How can we forget the friendship we formed in our youth?" Qi Huaihe walked to the window and looked at the pear blossoms just beginning to bloom in the courtyard. "Just like you back then, didn't you insist on leaving the capital to study, which led to our later relationship?"
Xin Xiyao glared at him, but the corners of her mouth involuntarily turned up: "What nonsense are you talking about?" She walked to her husband's side and stood next to him. "I'm just worried about Yue'er. Her personality is gentle on the surface, but she is more stubborn and strong-willed than anyone else inside. Yingzhou seems to be a place with a strong literary culture, but in reality, it is the most prejudiced by social classes. As a noble lady from the capital, she will have to endure a lot of exclusion and scheming."
"It's better to suffer a little loss; we can't keep protecting you forever." Qi Huaihe put his arm around his wife's shoulder. "Besides, didn't you arrange for people to protect you secretly?"
Xin Xiyao sighed softly, "You can protect a person's body, but you can't protect their heart."
At this moment, Qi Mingyue was completely unaware of everything that was happening in the capital. The carriage had already traveled more than fifty li and stopped briefly at an inn.
"Miss, the inn has prepared tea and refreshments. Would you like to get off and rest?" the coachman asked from outside.
Zhi Shu got out of the carriage first and looked around before turning back to help Qi Mingyue out. The two, mistress and servant, entered the inn and asked for a private room to rest.
The inn was not crowded, mostly with merchants traveling between the north and south. Although Qi Mingyue was dressed simply, her demeanor still attracted several scrutinizing glances. She didn't seem to care, quietly enjoying her tea and snacks, occasionally whispering a few words to Zhishu.
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