three
Having already strolled through the streets, the two walked quickly back. Pushing open the door to the room, Xuan Yuan Wuji collapsed onto the bed: "Xue Yuan, I'm going to sleep for a while. Call me if you need anything." Without waiting for Xue Yuan's reply, he pulled the blanket over his head. Xue Yuan smiled helplessly, turned and left, gently closing the door behind her.
Xuanyuan Wuji slept until the moon was high in the sky. When he opened his eyes, he saw Xue Yuan sitting at the table. "What time is it?" he asked, then lifted the covers and walked to the table.
While helping Xuanyuan Wuji fix his hair, Xueyuan said, "It's three-quarters past dusk. Would the young master like something to eat?"
Gently shaking his head, Xuan Yuan Wuji asked, "Has Seventh Brother returned?"
"You're back. I've been waiting." Xue Yuan stopped tidying up Xuan Yuan Wuji's hair only after confirming that it was in place.
"How is it?" Xuan Yuan Wuji poured himself a cup of tea and took a small sip.
"Let Seventh Brother tell you," Xue Yuan said, and a dark shadow appeared out of thin air in the room.
"Reporting to Young Master, I followed those two all the way to Ailao Mountain. Because there was a formation set up by the Holy Sect on the mountain, I only followed them halfway up before I dared not go any further. I noticed that those two seemed very familiar with the formations in Ailao Mountain, so they must have a close relationship with the Holy Sect." After saying this, the Seventh Brother stood quietly to the side, waiting for Xuan Yuan Wuji's instructions.
"As expected! Siyi probably can't sit still anymore. You all keep a close watch on the movements of Ailao Mountain. Report back immediately if there are any abnormalities. You can go now." Xuan Yuan Wuji's eyes gleamed with excitement as he spoke.
"Yes." With that simple word, the seventh brother vanished from the room as he had come, leaving no trace.
"Where is Qing Ning?" Xuan Yuan Wuji asked after the seventh brother left.
Xueyuan thought for a moment and said, "Judging by the time, it should be time."
"Tell her to be careful and not let Siyi take advantage of any loopholes."
"Understood, young master. Don't worry, I'll make the arrangements right away." Xue Yuan said, then turned and left.
After hearing the door close behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji got up and walked to the window, gazing intently at the night sky. He saw two new, dazzling stars appear beside Emperor Star, their brightness no less than Emperor Star's, echoing its presence. He murmured to himself, "The guardian stars have appeared; it seems the gears of fate have already begun to turn."
The following day, Dali Royal Palace
Duan Qingyuan looked at Duan Suzhen with some excitement: "Father, I heard that the Song Emperor has agreed to a marriage alliance?"
Duan Suzhen nodded slightly and replied, "That's right, the official letter has been sent."
Upon hearing Duan Suzhen's words, Duan Qingyuan asked excitedly, "When will my daughter enter the Song Dynasty?"
Duan Suzhen looked at the impatient Duan Qingyuan with some helplessness and said affectionately, "My son is the princess of Dali and is going to marry the Song Emperor. We have to make preparations. This matter concerns the national dignity of both countries. How can we treat it lightly? Are you in such a hurry to leave your father? It's true that daughters grow up and leave home."
"Father..." Duan Qingyuan's rare display of girlishness touched Duan Suzhen deeply. Duan Suzhen knew being a concubine of the Song Emperor was no easy task. Dali was known for its open-mindedness, and Duan Qingyuan had been spoiled by her. Leaving aside the complexities of Central Plains etiquette, the rule that palace women couldn't leave the palace was something Duan Qingyuan would find difficult to adapt to. Moreover, there were many restrictions within the palace; could Duan Qingyuan possibly adapt to such a life? How could she possibly rest easy knowing he was leaving? Duan Suzhen could only hope that the Song Emperor, considering Duan Qingyuan's devotion and her status as a princess of Dali, would be more lenient. But what about the other concubines in the harem? She'd heard about the Western Xia princess… Sigh! Thinking of this, Duan Suzhen sighed softly.
Duan Qingyuan didn't understand why Duan Suzhen suddenly looked sad, assuming it was because Duan Suzhen was reluctant to part with him. Thinking of how he had been loved by his father since childhood, and now he had to leave home for the Song Dynasty thousands of miles away, he felt a pang of reluctance and tears streamed down his face.
Duan Suzhen was taken aback when Duan Qingyuan suddenly burst into tears. She quickly and gently comforted her, "My dear daughter, what's wrong? Don't cry." As she spoke, she wiped away the tears from Duan Qingyuan's face.
"Father... I... I can't bear to part with you!" Duan Qingyuan said, then threw herself into Duan Suzhen's arms.
Already filled with worry, Duan Suzhen could only pat Duan Qingyuan's back silently, offering comfort, tears welling in her eyes. Duan Suzhen had one son and two daughters, and her favorite was Duan Qingyuan. She had originally planned to find her a suitable husband, someone of equal character and appearance, so that the young couple could come to the palace to chat, play chess, and enjoy family time. However, years ago, Duan Qingyuan, on a whim, traveled to the southern border and unexpectedly encountered the yet-to-be-ascended Emperor Zhao Zhen on a private visit there. Although it was only a brief encounter, Duan Qingyuan fell deeply in love. No matter how many outstanding men Duan Suzhen found in Dali and the Central Plains, none could move Duan Qingyuan's heart. Reluctantly, though heartbroken, Duan Suzhen could only tearfully fulfill Duan Qingyuan's wish. How could Duan Qingyuan, separated by thousands of miles, compare to being by Duan Suzhen's side? Moreover, the palace gates were locked tight; to see him again would be harder than climbing to heaven. Thinking of this, Duan Suzhen felt even more distressed and could only gently embrace the still-weeping Duan Qingyuan, remaining silent in each other's presence.
Three days later, Duan Qingyuan ran up to Duan Suzhen and said sweetly, "Father, Sister Tianyi heard that I am going to marry the Song Emperor, so she specially sent me a Han Chinese maid."
Duan Suzhen gently put her arm around Duan Qingyuan and asked softly, "Oh? Where is he?"
"I'm waiting outside." Since hearing that Zhao Zhen had agreed to the marriage alliance, Duan Qingyuan has had a smile on his face these past few days, except for the day he shed tears because he was reluctant to part with Duan Suzhen.
"Let her in." Duan Suzhen patted Duan Qingyuan on the shoulder, signaling her to let the person outside in.
Qingning entered the main hall, glanced at the person on the dragon throne from afar, lowered her head, and bowed according to Dali etiquette: "This servant Qingning greets Your Majesty."
After carefully examining the woman before her, Duan Suzhen's voice, though not loud, carried an imperial majesty: "Rise and answer."
"This servant obeys the decree." Qing Ning slowly stood up, her head still bowed.
Duan Suzhen looked at the woman in front of her, who was only a few years older than Duan Qingyuan, and softened her tone slightly: "Your name is Qingning?"
"Your Majesty, this servant is Qingning." Although Qingning answered respectfully, there was no trace of humility in her voice.
Nodding slightly, Duan Suzhen's eyes revealed undisguised admiration: "Where are you from?"
"This servant is originally from Qingzhou. My father was the magistrate of Qingzhou County, and my mother was the daughter of a prominent family in Qingzhou. After my parents passed away, I have been by Miss Xuanyuan's side. When Miss Xuanyuan heard that the princess was going to marry into the Song Dynasty, she specially sent this servant to serve the princess." Qingning's words were clear but not complicated.
"Oh?...You're from the Xuanyuan family?" After listening to Qing Ning's words, Duan Suzhen pondered for a moment before asking.
"Your Majesty, when I first followed Miss Xuanyuan, she said that I was only temporarily residing in the Xuanyuan family and could leave at any time. However, firstly, I really have nowhere to go, and secondly, I am grateful for Miss's kindness in taking me in and thought that one day I could repay her. Therefore, Miss sent me here this time, which is my way of repaying her kindness." Qingning knew Duan Suzhen's concerns and patiently explained the whole story to him in detail.
Seeing that Qing Ning handled things properly, spoke eloquently, and had a very dignified demeanor, Duan Suzhen nodded in satisfaction: "She is indeed a kind and righteous girl. Tianyi is very thoughtful. Qingyuan is unfamiliar with Song etiquette and really needs a Han Chinese woman who understands Song etiquette to guide him. You will stay by Qingyuan's side and start teaching him Central Plains etiquette from now on."
"This servant obeys the decree." Qing Ning bowed respectfully and then stood quietly in the hall.
"That's wonderful, thank you, Father." Duan Qingyuan stepped forward and took Qing Ning's hand. "Father, I'll take my leave now."
Duan Suzhen stroked her beard and nodded with a smile: "Go ahead."
Before leaving, Qing Ning bowed to Duan Suzhen. When she looked up and saw the thoughtful look in Duan Suzhen's eyes, she understood and quickly lowered her head, following behind Duan Qingyuan as they left the main hall.
As night fell and Duan Qingyuan went to sleep, Qingning was summoned to the study by Duan Suzhen. After Qingning bowed, Duan Suzhen asked in a deep voice, "Do you know why I summoned you here?"
"This servant is foolish and asks Your Majesty for guidance." Although Qing Ning understood in her heart, she did not show it on her face.
Duan Suzhen narrowed her eyes, staring intently at Qing Ning. The immense pressure made Qing Ning almost unable to stand. Qing Ning understood that Duan Suzhen was trying to intimidate her, and unconsciously raised her head slightly to look back at Duan Suzhen. After a long while, Duan Suzhen suppressed her aura and spoke softly, "Those trained by Tianyi are indeed different." After a slight pause, Duan Suzhen continued, "I hope that you will maintain this pride not only before me, but also before the women of the Song Emperor's harem."
"Your Majesty, rest assured, Princess Qingyuan is my mistress, and I will do my utmost to protect her safety," Qingning replied respectfully, bowing her head once more.
"Remember what you said today. If you can truly protect Qingning's peace, the Dali royal family will certainly not treat you unfairly." Duan Suzhen knew that she had to use both kindness and severity when dealing with her subjects so that they would be loyal to her.
"This servant will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust." Qing Ning said, but secretly she couldn't help but smile. Xuan Yuan Tian Yi's prediction was correct; Duan Su Zhen was far from being as kind and weak as she appeared. The Dali Duan family, as a group of barbarians, was able to establish itself as a sect in the martial arts world, and it wasn't just because of their martial arts skills. Hopefully, Duan Qing Yuan wasn't as innocent as she seemed either, and wouldn't be at the mercy of others in the treacherous world of the Song Dynasty's inner palace.
In the days that followed, Qingning was tasked with teaching Duan Qingyuan the etiquette of the Central Plains. As they spent more time together, Qingning discovered that Duan Qingyuan was simple-minded and far less cunning than Duan Suzhen, likely because he had been too well protected by his father and brothers. She began to secretly worry about Duan Qingyuan's future, but changing a person was not something that could be done overnight; she could only offer guidance at opportune moments.
Duan Qingyuan, seeing that Qing Ning was about his age and intelligent, found her agreeable and naturally treated her as one of his own, quickly becoming acquainted. Although Qing Ning was worried, she was young, and surrounded by mostly young people around Xuan Yuan Tianyi. While there were many rules, Xuan Yuan Tianyi wasn't overly strict with them, so although she was more thoughtful than most, she was also simple-minded. Seeing that Duan Qingyuan genuinely treated her as one of his own, without any princess-like airs, she reciprocated. She carefully explained Central Plains etiquette and customs to Duan Qingyuan, and occasionally, she was asked to tell him about her time with Xuan Yuan Tianyi. At the same time, she also had the task of protecting Duan Qingyuan. Since Duan Qingyuan possessed the martial arts of the Dali Duan family for self-defense, Qing Ning would also instruct Duan Qingyuan's personal maid, Saqi, in martial arts when she had free time. Life was relatively peaceful.
Inside the Yunlai Inn, Xuanyuan Wuji put down his teacup and called out, "Xueyuan."
Xue Yuan, who had been standing respectfully behind Xuan Yuan Wuji for a long time, replied respectfully, "Your subordinate is here."
"Is everything arranged?" Xuan Yuan Wuji asked softly.
"Young Master, rest assured, everything has been arranged. The marriage procession will not encounter any problems in Dali."
"Not only Dali! But also Southern Xinjiang. The situation there is unstable right now, with various tribes stirring up trouble. Uncle Zhan's attack last time, where he was injured by Gu poison, was no accident. I fear someone is colluding with foreign tribes, intending to seize the territory of the Song Dynasty. The court has sent a wedding procession, but Southern Xinjiang is not like the Central Plains. The climate is humid, and miasma is everywhere. Moreover, witchcraft is prevalent, making it difficult to guard against. At this moment, the Ailao Mountains are also impatient. Duan Qingyuan's trip is fraught with risks. We must be prepared, just in case, and absolutely cannot ruin Uncle Zhen's important matter." Xuan Yuan Wuji finished speaking with a slightly furrowed brow and a somewhat childish tone, but in his heart, he was thinking about his aunt, Xuan Yuan Tianyi. He wondered what his aunt was feeling at this moment. It was all Uncle Zhen's fault; he didn't understand women's thoughts at all.
"Yes, I understand."
It wasn't until Xue Yuan spoke that Xuan Yuan Wuji's thoughts were interrupted: "We should set off in a month. Tell Qing Ning to make sure Duan Qingyuan is safe."
"Yes, I'll take care of it right away." Xue Yuan said and left the room quietly.
Xuanyuan Wuji gazed at the street scene outside the window, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The various tribes of Southern Xinjiang had been secretly plotting against the Song Dynasty. If Dali were to form a marriage alliance with the Song, it would inevitably encircle Southern Xinjiang. To prevent this marriage, Southern Xinjiang would certainly do everything in its power to obstruct it; the journey would likely be anything but peaceful. His poor aunt not only had to watch her beloved marry another woman, but also had to ensure the bride's safety. It was all because his aunt had fallen for Uncle Zhen; if it were Uncle Zhan, there wouldn't have been so much trouble. Xuanyuan Wuji paused slightly, wondering why he had such thoughts. However, considering Zhan Zhao's character and talent, he realized he was worthy of Xuanyuan Tianyi, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.
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