Qi Mingyue gazed at him for a long time, then suddenly asked, "Why is Brother Xiuyan so good to me?"
Yao Xiuyan was taken aback, then laughed and said, "Nonsense. You're my future wife, who else would I treat well if not you?"
Qi Mingyue shook her head: "It's not just because of that." She said softly, "I know everything that Brother Xiuyan has done for me."
Yao Xiuyan remained silent for a moment before saying, "Mingyue, do you remember the grasshopper you gave me when we were children?"
Qi Mingyue nodded. At that time, she was only six or seven years old. Seeing him working hard practicing martial arts all day, she made up a grasshopper to cheer him up.
“That was the first gift I received without expecting anything in return.” Yao Xiuyan’s gaze was distant. “Later, when I went to the border and saw life and death, I realized how precious true friendship is.” He held Qi Mingyue’s hand. “I protect you not because of the marriage contract, but because you are Qi Mingyue—the little Mingyue who would weave grasshoppers for me, steal snacks for me, and secretly bring me a cushion when I was being punished.”
Qi Mingyue's eyes welled up with tears. So he remembered everything.
“So,” Yao Xiuyan chuckled, “it’s only natural for me to be nice to you.”
The snow started falling again, swirling and settling on their shoulders. Yao Xiuyan tied Qi Mingyue's cloak and whispered, "I'll come to pick you up tomorrow."
Qi Mingyue nodded, watching him mount his horse and disappear into the snow.
Back at Tingxue Studio, she opened her makeup box and took out the grass grasshopper. After so many years, the grass had long since turned yellow, but it remained intact.
It turns out that some feelings had already taken root, just waiting for the spring breeze and rain to bring them to fruition.
The next morning, the convoy was ready to depart. The entire Qi family came to see them off, and Xiao Chengyu, with tears in his eyes, handed her a large package: "These are all everyday items that can't be bought at the border."
Yao Xiuyan smiled and said, "Princess, rest assured, I will definitely not wrong Mingyue."
Just as they were about to depart, a rider on a fast horse suddenly appeared. Xie Ansu dismounted, covered in dust from his journey, and presented a brocade box: "Hearing of your departure, Miss, I have come to bid you farewell."
Qi Mingyue opened it and found a beautifully bound set of "Frontier Customs and Scenery," which had clearly been carefully collected.
"Thank you for your trouble, young master."
Xie Ansu bowed deeply: "All that happened in the past was my fault. I only wish that Miss will have a safe journey." When he looked up, his eyes were full of remorse and blessings.
Yao Xiuyan patted him on the shoulder: "Don't worry, Young Master Xie. I'll take care of Mingyue."
The convoy slowly set off. Qi Mingyue looked back and saw the capital city still majestic in the morning light, while the figures of her relatives and friends gradually blurred.
Zhi Shu asked softly, "Does Miss miss the capital?"
Qi Mingyue stroked the tiger tally jade pendant in her bosom, a slight smile playing on her lips: "I will miss it, but I look forward to what lies ahead."
The carriage curtains fell, severing ties with the past. The road ahead was long, but the starlight guided the way.
At this moment, Yao Xiuyan was riding his horse beside the carriage, a faint smile on his lips.
He knew that this was just the beginning. And for those who had hurt Mingyue, their nightmares were just beginning.
The snow stopped, and the sun broke through the clouds, shining brightly on the road ahead.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
