Setting Out for the Capital

More than a month later, after Si Yunqi had dealt with the matters under his charge, he prepared to take Yan Wanning back to the Capital. Steward Mu busied himself packing their luggage.

Today was the day they set out. The Old Princess Dowager held both their hands and gave them many careful instructions, her eyes full of reluctance to part. Yan Wanning's eyes had long since reddened, and great tears rolled down her cheeks. The Old Princess Dowager tenderly wiped them away.

"Silly child, why are you crying? It's not as though we'll never see each other again." Seeing her weep so sorrowfully, the Old Princess Dowager could not help feeling melancholy herself. "There, A Ning, don't cry. After you and A Qi leave, Grandmother will wait here at home for you to return. Then won't A Ning see Grandmother again?"

Yan Wanning hiccupped through her tears, her soft body leaning against the Old Princess Dowager as she said in a gentle, sweet voice, "But when my husband and I leave, we won't be able to spend the new year with Grandmother. The prince's residence is so big, yet Grandmother will be all alone for the new year. How lonely that will be."

The Old Princess Dowager's eyes reddened at her words. "Grandmother has you thinking of her, so she won't be lonely. Besides, Lüyun and the others are here. Be good, A Ning, and don't worry too much."

"Mm." Yan Wanning sniffled, her little nose pink. "Then Grandmother must take care of her health," she said solemnly. "Eat and take your medicine on time, and rest early. When it's cold, Grandmother shouldn't go out walking, in case you catch a chill."

"All right, Grandmother will listen to everything A Ning says." The Elder Princess Consort gazed at her affectionately, patting her back. "A Ning must take care of herself too. There's much trouble in the Capital, so don't fall into anyone's traps and let them bully you. If anyone wrongs you, don't put up with it. Strike back when you should. You have a husband behind you to back you up."

"Grandmother, I know."

Si Yunqi stood to one side, completely ignored by the two women. Now, the Old Princess Dowager finally looked at him and instructed, "A Ning is young. Once you reach the Capital, you must take good care of her and not let anyone bully her. The men of the Si Household can protect all under heaven, but they must be able to protect their own families even more."

Si Yunqi listened carefully to the Old Princess Dowager's instructions. When she finished, he said, "I understand. A Ning is my wife. To bully her is the same as bullying me. I won't let her suffer any wrong."

Yan Wanning watched him say all this with a serious expression, and her heart felt sweet.

Her husband never made reckless boasts. Once he said something, he would do it.

Seeing this, the Old Princess Dowager felt reassured. She then said, "Good and bad people mingle in the Capital like fish and dragons. You must be careful in all you do and never be careless."

"I will heed your teachings, Grandmother," Si Yunqi said.

"All right, if you delay any longer, it'll be late. Hurry along. Don't worry too much about this old woman. I'm still strong and healthy."

"Yes," Si Yunqi said gently. "Take care of yourself, Grandmother. A Ning and I will be back before long."

Si Yunqi led Yan Wanning to the carriage. The Old Princess Dowager waved to them, and Yan Wanning gave her a sweet smile. "Grandmother, wait for me."

Si Yunqi bowed to the Old Princess Dowager, then swung himself onto his horse. At his command, they set off.

The Old Princess Dowager stood at the residence gates until the party was out of sight. Only then did she let Lüyun help her back inside, her eyes filled with loss and helplessness.

Seeing this, Lüyun said, "Your Highness, please don't worry yourself sick. The prince and princess both hope you'll stay well."

"Yes, they're both good children." The Old Princess Dowager smiled again, thinking of something. "I wonder if they'll bring a great-grandson back with them the next time we meet."

The party of more than a dozen made their way to the city gate, where they found Gu Qingshi and An Yingying waiting. Yan Wanning got out of the carriage and exchanged a few words of farewell with An Yingying. Then An Yingying said, "Wanning, I'm pregnant."

"Huh?" Yan Wanning stared blankly, as if she had not heard her. "Yingying, what did you say?"

Amused by her reaction, An Yingying said again, "I'm expecting."

This time Yan Wanning understood. She stared at her flat belly in delighted surprise, finding it hard to believe. "Really? That's wonderful! How long has it been?"

"Three months." An Yingying looked at her apologetically. "Sorry I kept it from you before."

"Why are you apologizing, Yingying? I understand your concerns."

"Mm."

Yan Wanning took a jade bracelet from inside her robes and said gently, "I don't have anything nice with me, so I can only give this to the child for now. When I come back, I'll make it up with something better."

An Yingying smiled, but declined. "You should keep it. If you really want to give the child something, wait until you come back."

"That won't do. I'm afraid I might not make it back in time for the birth. Besides, I'm giving it to the child, not you."

Yan Wanning tucked the bracelet into her arms, and An Yingying had no choice but to accept it. "It's a long journey to the Capital. You must take good care of yourself."

"Mm, you too." Yan Wanning gave her a hug. "Now that you're pregnant, you must take even better care of yourself. Don't be reckless about anything."

"All right, I know."

Yan Wanning spoke with her a little longer, then climbed into the carriage and left the city.

"Your Highness, please have a little. Don't let yourself go hungry and harm your health." Xiao He held a small plate of osmanthus cakes. They were still steaming, their fragrance wafting up and readily tempting the appetite.

But Yan Wanning had no appetite at all, and she was not in very good spirits. She pushed away the plate Xiao He held out to her and said softly, "Leave it there. I have no appetite. I can't eat."

Xiao He sighed. "Your Highness, are you thinking about the Old Princess Dowager?"

"Mm." Yan Wanning lay on the wooden daybed, which had been covered with warm, fluffy bedding. "Xiao He, I'll sleep for a while."

Yan Wanning closed her eyes, and before long, her breathing grew soft and even. Knowing she was in low spirits, Xiao He tucked the quilt snugly around her so she could sleep more soundly.

Si Yunqi lifted the curtain and bent down to enter. He waved Xiao He away. The wooden daybed was spacious enough for two, and he lay down and drew Yan Wanning into his arms with great care.

In her sleep, Yan Wanning seemed to sense him. Her small hands naturally circled his strong waist, and she murmured, "Husband, hold me."