Chapter 138: Farewell at the Long Pavilion, the Imperial Carriage Ready to Depart
Morning dew still clung to the tips of orchid leaves in the Fang Mansion. Sunlight filtered through the carved gatehouse, weaving tiny specks of light across the bluestone slabs. The door to the east wing creaked open. Little Swallow, wearing a pomegranate-red Mandarin dress with a collar embroidered with gold-threaded winding branches, walked in, carrying a small bundle. Her steps were brisk yet tinged with nostalgia.
"Dad, Mom, it's time for us to go." Xiaoyanzi walked to the main hall door and saw Fang Zhihang helping Fang's mother comb the silver hair on her temples. She quickly stepped forward and took Fang's mother's hand. "Don't worry about me all the time. The emperor said that I can come back to visit every month. If you want to eat the osmanthus cake made by Chuntao, please send a message."
Fang's mother's eyes were slightly red, and her fingertips stroked the buttons of her Manchu dress: "When you get to the palace, you must be careful with your words and actions. Don't be so careless like you are at home. If you are wronged..."
"Mother!" Xiaoyanzi interrupted her, deliberately puffing out her chest and patting the brocade bag at her waist. "With the treasures my brother gave me and Sister Ziwei by my side, who dares to bully me? Besides, there's the Emperor. He promised to protect us." She winked at Fang Zhihang. "Don't you agree, Father?"
Fang Zhihang smiled and nodded, but his voice was a little deep: "The palace is not as comfortable as home. Consult your brother more often when encountering problems. Don't be reckless." He took out a jade pendant from his sleeve and put it into Xiaoyanzi's hand. "This is the Fang family's peace pendant. Wear it."
Ziwei, wearing a moon-white Manchu dress, followed Jinsuo out of the room, holding the amulet that Fang's mother had embroidered all night long, and whispered, "Don't worry, uncle and aunt. I will take good care of Xiaoyanzi."
Jinsuo was holding a gilded lacquer box containing snacks given by Fang's mother. She bowed politely and said, "Master and Madam, please take care of yourselves. I will persuade the young lady and Miss Ziwei to avoid causing trouble."
Chuntao ran out of the kitchen, holding an oil-paper package in her hand, and stuffed it into Xiaoyanzi's arms: "Miss, this is freshly baked osmanthus cake, eat it on the way. Madam said that no matter how exquisite the pastries in the palace are, they are not as delicious as those at home." Her eyes were red, but she forced a smile, "When you come back, I will make you rose cakes."
"Chun Tao loves me the most!" Xiao Yanzi hugged her tightly, the hem of her Mandarin dress sweeping across the threshold. "Talk to my mother for me, and don't let her wipe her tears secretly."
"I know." Chun Tao rubbed her eyes and turned to help Fang's mother. "Madam, let's go to the courtyard to see her off. The imperial carriage should be arriving soon."
When they reached the courtyard, Xiao Jian was already waiting beneath the magnolia tree. The hem of his long, dark blue gown swayed gently in the morning breeze, and in his hands were two newly sewn cloth bags. "This is for you," he thrust one into Xiaoyanzi's hand. "It contains some healing herbs and refreshing herbs. There are so many people in the palace, so it's always a good idea to have some on hand." He handed Ziwei another bag. "This contains some calming incense. Light some if you can't sleep at night."
Ziwei took the cloth bag, her fingertips touched the warm cloth, and she said softly, "Thank you, Mr. Fang."
Xiaoyanzi weighed the cloth bag, smiled and hit him on the arm: "My brother is really thoughtful! He is much more reliable than those imperial doctors in the palace." Xiao Jian raised his eyebrows, but there was warmth in his eyes.
As he was speaking, Xiao Zhuozi's voice came from outside the yard: "Princess! Miss Ziwei! We are here to pick you up!" Then, the voices of Xiao Dengzi, Xiao Chongzi and Xiao Wenzi came in, and it was as lively as a market.
Xiaoyanzi's eyes lit up, and she pulled Ziwei out and ran: "Here we come!"
Two red-lacquered imperial carriages were parked at the courtyard gate, their wheels covered in thick cotton and their curtains embroidered with bright yellow dragon patterns. Yongqi, wearing a royal blue riding habit with a python pattern, was helping Xiao Zhuozi adjust the curtains. Erkang, dressed in a moon-white gown, stood beside the carriages, his eyes fixed on Ziwei, who was walking briskly, as gentle as morning dew.
"Wow, boom! You're finally here!" The little mosquito jumped in front of the little swallow, holding a windmill in his hand. "Look, this is a windmill made by a little bug. It can help you kill time on the road!" The little bug immediately squatted on the ground and imitated the cuckoo's call, making everyone laugh.
"Why are you here?" Little Swallow took the windmill and spun it into the wind, sending the colorful pages whirring. "Didn't they say the imperial carriage would come directly to pick you up?"
"The Emperor was worried, so he sent us to see her off." Yongqi walked over to her, his eyes glancing at the gold thread on the collar of her Qipao dress. "This Qipao dress looks beautiful, even more lively than the one she wore at the last palace banquet."
"Of course!" Xiaoyanzi raised her chin. "My mother embroidered it herself, how could it not be beautiful?" She turned to Erkang and said, "Erkang, you have to take good care of Sister Ziwei. She's timid."
Erkang nodded seriously: "Of course." He looked at Ziwei and handed over a small hand warmer, "It's cold in the morning, warm your hands with it." Ziwei took it, her fingertips touched his hand, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
Fang's mother walked over to Ziwei, took her hand, and carefully instructed her: "Eat well when you get to the palace, and don't stay up late reading. If Xiaoyanzi gets into trouble, you should persuade her more. Sisters should help each other."
"Don't worry, auntie, I will." Ziwei's eyes were slightly red and she nodded gently.
Fang Zhihang patted Xiao Jian on the shoulder and whispered, "Pay more attention to the affairs in the palace." Xiao Jian nodded, his eyes fell on the dragon pattern on the palace carriage, thoughtfully.
Chuntao ran out with a food box and stuffed it into Jinsuo's hand: "Here are the pickles that Madam prepared for you and Miss. The food in the palace is light, so eat them to whet your appetite." Jinsuo hurriedly thanked her and carefully put the food box into the car.
"It's getting late." Xiaoyanzi took a deep breath, pulled Ziwei to the side of the imperial carriage, turned back and hugged Fang's mother, "Mom, I'm leaving! I'll be back next month!" She whispered in Fang's mother's ear, "Don't worry, I have the ability to protect myself." Only then did Fang's mother let go, her eyes becoming even redder.
Xiao Jian walked to the side of the car and gave his final instructions: "Be careful with the medicinal powder in the brocade bag. Don't force your way through any trouble. Send someone to bring a message back." Xiao Yanzi nodded vigorously and held the cloth bag he gave her tightly in her hand.
"Come on in the car." Yongqi held the door open. Xiaoyanzi jumped in first, then reached out to pull Ziwei. "Come on in! Our 'My Fair Princess' career has officially begun!"
Ziwei was pulled into the car by her. The moment the curtain fell, she saw Fang's mother wiping her tears with her hand. Xiao Jian stood in the morning light, the sword tassel at his waist swaying gently. Jinsuo followed and got in the car, putting the hand warmer in Ziwei's hand. "Miss, don't be sad, we will be back soon."
A little mosquito's shout came from outside the car: "Guaiguailongdedong! Let's go!" The wheels turned slowly, rolling over the bluestone slabs, making a steady sound.
Xiaoyanzi lifted a corner of the curtain and watched the gatehouse of the Fang Mansion drift further and further away until it disappeared around the corner. She lowered the curtain, met Ziwei's gentle gaze, and suddenly smiled, "Don't be so sad! From today on, I, Xiaoyanzi, oh no, Princess Huanzhu, am officially online! With me here, I guarantee that this Forbidden City will be bustling with activity!"
Ziwei was amused by her and tapped her forehead: "I knew you couldn't sit still."
Outside the carriage, Yongqi and Erkang rode side by side, listening to the laughter emanating from the carriage and smiling at each other. Little Zhuozi drove the carriage, while Little Dengzi, Little Chongzi, and Little Wenzi followed beside them, chatting and laughing along the way, gently weaving the sadness of parting into the morning sunshine. The sound of the imperial carriage's wheels faded away, carrying the bond of sisterhood between two generations, heading towards the magnificent Forbidden City and towards a brand new era.
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