Duan Guihong rode out of the palace gates, lifted his face to the sky, and let out a long, deep breath.
He patted the embroidered sachet resting over his heart.
He could not be sure if it was just his imagination, but ever since meeting Yi Yi, his body felt lighter, clearer, and far more refreshed than it had in years.
He glanced back toward the Purple Star Palace, his gaze soft with longing.
I only hope I shall live to return.
No sooner had he arrived home than word spread that General Duan Guihong, Commander of Valiant Might, was to lead reinforcements to the border. The news caused a great stir across the capital.
The people’s spirits soared, as if their savior had returned for this was the God of War whose name had long struck fear into Great Xia’s enemies.
Meanwhile, with Bai Ningbing captured, the Gu plague within the city had been brought firmly under control.
For the first time in days, it seemed the dark clouds hanging over Great Xia were beginning to lift.
None of this mattered much to Yi Yi, however. She was on her way with her mother to the Prime Minister’s residence to play with Lu Jingchuan.
Their carriage was plain and unadorned, traveling without fanfare. When they reached the busy market street, Yi Yi was lifted down to walk.
“Mother, I want a sugar hawthorn stick~”
She was dressed today in a bright red little coat and skirt, with a fluffy white fox-fur collar around her neck, making her look like a round, soft little dumpling utterly adorable.
The vendor selling candied fruit was the first to surrender to her charm. He smiled warmly and handed her a stick. “Here, little one this one is on Grandfather.”
Yi Yi took it in delight, her voice sweet and clear as she said, “Thank you, Grandfather!” She grinned, revealing two tiny, sparkling fangs.
She crunched through the sugar coating and fruit with obvious enjoyment, finishing the whole stick in just a few moments.
Seeing how much she liked it, the old man reached for another to give her.
“Thank you kindly,” Jiang Wantang said, stepping forward, “but we must still pay for it.”
She took the second stick and turned to Yi Yi. “Remember what Mother said about buying things?”
Yi Yi rolled her big eyes thoughtfully, then replied, “I give money!”
You give money to get food I remember that.
She rummaged in her small pouch and pulled out a gleaming gold ingot, holding it out. “Grandfather, here is the money for the candied fruit.”
The moment the gold appeared, all the nearby stall owners fell silent. Which wealthy family’s little lady pays for a single stick of fruit with a gold ingot?
Jiang Wantang felt a headache coming on. She mentally cursed Dongfang Mo it was he who had given Yi Yi her spending money that morning, and apparently he had handed over a whole gold ingot.
Typical of the Emperor generous to a fault.
“Grandfather, take it!” Yi Yi urged in her soft voice.
The vendor could only stare in alarm he did not dare accept it, not when he could already see guards keeping a watchful eye from nearby.
Fortunately, Jiang Wantang quickly intervened before Yi Yi could flaunt her wealth any further. “Yi Yi, put your big gold piece away.”
Yi Yi blinked in confusion. Why put it away? I want to buy candied fruit, and osmanthus cakes, and mutton soup, and roasted chicken legs… I want to buy everything!
Thinking her mother would not let her eat anything at all, her face instantly crumpled into a look of disappointment.
Jiang Wantang sighed helplessly and handed the vendor a few copper coins. Good thing she had come prepared.
With her treats safely back in hand, Yi Yi was soon her cheerful self again.
She asked her mother to give her all the coins, so she could do the buying herself. By the time they finished their walk, the guards following behind were carrying a large bundle full of food.
Yi Yi had already made her calculations in her head: I will eat nine portions, and Brother Jingchuan can have one.
Once their shopping was done, they climbed back into the carriage and soon arrived outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
As soon as they stepped down, Lu Zhao was already waiting at the gate to greet them. He bowed respectfully. “Welcome, Consort Xi, and Your Royal Highness.”
As an imperial consort, Jiang Wantang wore a fine veil over her face and nodded in return. “Prime Minister.”
Holding her mother’s hand, Yi Yi copied her manners earnestly. “Greetings, Prime Minister.”
“Ah, what an honor to have the Princess visit us!” Lu Zhao beamed. “My rascal of a son talks of nothing but you all day long.”
He had taken an instant liking to Yi Yi this little one was clearly a lucky charm, and he ushered them inside eagerly.
As they walked through several arched doorways, a shy voice called out, “Princess Sister.”
Lu Jingchuan appeared, dressed in pale blue robes. Though he was walking, his steps were quick and hurried, almost like running.
Pei Xue watched her son approach with a soft smile. Ever since the state banquet, the boy had done nothing but mention the Princess, as if he were lovestruck.
By now he had reached them. He bowed politely to Jiang Wantang and his father, then immediately invited Yi Yi to come play.
Knowing how much she loved to eat, he had his maid bring out plates of pastries and fruits, which he pressed into her hands. As expected, Yi Yi lit up with joy.
“Brother Jingchuan, I bought lots of food too I brought some for you.”
The attendants stepped forward and divided the purchases, giving one portion to Lu Jingchuan while leaving the rest for Yi Yi. Even that single share was more than he could hold.
“Princess Sister, you bought so much!”
The sight was comical a tiny boy clutching a pile of food taller than himself, his face strained as if he were struggling under a heavy burden.
Thankfully, the maids quickly took most of it and set it on a table nearby.
The two children were led into a bright room filled with toys: cloth tigers, wooden rocking horses, and rattles. The floor was covered with soft woolen carpets. Most of the items looked new, as if they had only been arranged recently.
Pei Xue took Jiang Wantang’s hand and smiled. “All of this was prepared at Jingchuan’s request after he returned home that day. He said he wanted a playroom just like the one at the palace.”
“And he insisted on the carpets, saying they would keep the Princess from hurting herself if she fell.”
Jiang Wantang’s heart softened. “How thoughtful of him.”
“Princess Sister, play with this!” Lu Jingchuan held out a stuffed tiger, his eyes shining. Usually quiet and serious beyond his years, he was speaking more than ever now that Yi Yi had arrived.
Pei Xue felt a surge of relief at last, her son was acting like a proper child.
Yi Yi took the toy, then suddenly lunged toward Lu Jingchuan, opening her mouth and growling, “Roar!” trying to give him a fright.
Lu Jingchuan did not startle at all; he only thought his little playmate was utterly adorable.
Unhappy that her trick had failed, Yi Yi demanded that he take her for a ride on the rocking horse. Soon both were laughing and playing happily.
The adults stepped outside to let them enjoy their time, leaving only a few maids to watch over them.
Before they had even reached the reception hall, a maid came hurrying over and whispered something urgently into Pei Xue’s ear.
Her face turned pale. “How can this be? She was perfectly well yesterday!”
Seeing Jiang Wantang’s look of concern, Pei Xue explained. It seemed that the old matriarch of the household, Lu Jingchuan’s grandmother, had suddenly begun vomiting uncontrollably. The maid reported that she looked as though she was fading fast.