Ashina Yun lowered his head: "The other day, the envoy from the Northern Barbarians sent New Year's gifts, including a letter from my mother... She is ill."
Xiao Chengrui grasped her hand: "Why didn't you say so sooner? I'll go ask my brother for permission to accompany you back to Beidi to visit him."
“No.” Ashina Yun shook his head. “You and I are people who have broken with the Northern Barbarians. If we go back, I’m afraid…”
"What's there to be afraid of?" Xiao Chengrui said dismissively. "Now that the two countries are on good terms, it's only natural for a daughter to go back and visit her mother-in-law who is ill. Besides, with the Emperor's decree, who dares to say anything?"
Ashina Yun's eyes glistened with tears: "Chengrui, thank you."
Xiao Chengrui smiled and wiped away her tears: "Silly girl, we are husband and wife, there's no need for thanks. We'll set off after the New Year."
Princess's Residence
Princess Xiao Chengyu was reviewing memorials in her study when Qi Mingxuan walked in carrying a bowl of medicine.
"Your Highness, it's time for your medicine." He gently placed the medicine bowl on the table.
Xiao Chengyu didn't even look up: "Leave it there, I'll look at it after I've approved these."
Helpless, Qi Mingxuan could only pick up the memorial and read it to her, so she could take her medicine while listening. This was their tacit understanding over the years—he assisted her in handling government affairs, while she took care of her health under his supervision.
After finishing the medicine, Xiao Chengyu finally put down his vermilion brush and rubbed his wrist: "You've had a tough time these past few years."
Qi Mingxuan smiled: "It is my honor to share Your Highness's burdens."
"There are no outsiders here, just call me Chengyu." She leaned on his shoulder. "Sometimes I really envy Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law, they can live such a carefree life."
Qi Mingxuan gently stroked her hair: "When the Crown Prince is older and able to stand on his own, I will ask my brother for permission to take you to travel the world."
A look of anticipation flashed in Xiao Chengyu's eyes: "Really?"
“A gentleman’s word is his bond,” Qi Mingxuan grasped her hand, “and is as swift as a whip.”
British Mansion
Qi Mingyue was wiping her armor when Yao Xiuyan walked in carrying his youngest daughter.
"Mother, Father said he's going to take us to the border after the New Year, is that true?" the little girl asked in her childish voice.
Qi Mingyue put down her armor and took her daughter: "Yes, Father and Mother are going back to guard the border. We'll take you and your brother with us."
"Great!" the little girl clapped her hands excitedly. "I can ride a pony now!"
Yao Xiuyan looked at his wife and daughter, his eyes filled with happiness. Although they had settled down in the capital for many years and enjoyed a comfortable life, they always missed the days on the frontier.
"The border region is harsh and cold. Are you really willing to let the children go?" Qi Mingyue asked with some concern.
Yao Xiuyan smiled and said, "How can we spoil our children? Letting them see the scenery of the border and experience the life of soldiers will do them good."
"You're right." Qi Mingyue nodded. "Besides, with us here, we can definitely protect them."
Xinfu
Qin Sang was organizing medical records, while Xin Rui was holding her one-year-old son in the yard watching the snow.
“Madam, look, this boy isn’t afraid of the cold at all,” Xin Rui said proudly.
Qin Sang looked up and saw her son taking his first steps in the snow, his little face red from the cold but smiling happily. She couldn't help but smile and say, "Just like you, naturally active."
Xin Rui walked in carrying her son: "We'll be spending New Year's Eve in the palace this year. I've already instructed the servants to prepare the carriages and horses."
Qin Sang put down her medical record, hesitating slightly: "After all, I am a female physician. To sit with those noble ladies at the same table, I'm afraid..."
"What's there to be afraid of?" Xin Rui said dismissively. "You are now the mistress of the Xin family, perfectly legitimate. Besides, with Yue'er around, who would dare to look down on you?"
Just then, a servant announced that the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence had sent New Year's gifts. In addition to the usual holiday gifts, there were also new clothes that Qi Yue had personally made for her little nephew.
"Yue'er is always so thoughtful." Qin Sang stroked the soft fabric, feeling a warm glow in her heart.
Xin Rui put his arm around her shoulder: "After the New Year, let's take our son to the Marquis's mansion for a few days, and let Mu Yue and Nian Yun take care of him."
Zhenbei Marquis's Mansion
On New Year's Eve, Xiao Suiyun and Qi Yue got up early and took the children to prepare to enter the palace.
"Father, is this alright for me?" Mu Yue asked earnestly, wearing her newly made brocade robe.
Xiao Suiyun straightened his son's collar: "Very good, very much in the manner of a young master."
On the other side, Qi Yue was combing Nian Yun's hair, and the little girl kept chattering: "Mother, is the palace very big? I heard there's a very beautiful imperial garden..."
“Yes, there are also plum blossoms in the Imperial Garden, and they are in full bloom at this time of year,” Qi Yue replied gently.
After getting ready, the family of four stood in front of the mirror. In the mirror, they looked every bit the happy and content family.
"Time flies," Qi Yue sighed. "I still remember what we were like when we first got married."
Xiao Suiyun held her hand: "In my eyes, you will always be the girl I met in the alley back then."
The carriage headed towards the palace. The snow-covered capital was a breathtaking sight, draped in silver. The sounds of firecrackers echoed through the streets, the festive atmosphere of the New Year growing ever stronger.
At the palace gates, they encountered several other couples. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess were elegant and graceful, the Second Prince and Second Princess were loving and sweet, the Third Princess and her husband were respectful and courteous, the Duke of Ying's heir and his wife were dashing and heroic, and Xin Rui and Qin Sang were happily married.
"Everyone's here, let's go in," Xiao Chengji said with a smile.
The group chatted and laughed as they walked toward the brightly lit palace. Snowflakes gently fell, landing on their shoulders, as if heaven itself was blessing this moment of reunion.
At the banquet, there was fine wine and delicious food, and singing and dancing. But what was most touching was the moment when these couples, who had weathered many storms, looked at each other and smiled.
Xiao Suiyun gently held Qi Yue's hand under the table and whispered, "May you have this day every year, and may every year bring you this morning."
Qi Yue squeezed his hand back, her eyes reflecting the dazzling lights: "It definitely will."
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