20demayo Chapter 198 The Road to Return
Chapter 198 The Road to Return
The setting sun cast its last rays through the carved window lattices into Jia Xiaoyan's bedroom in the Nanzhao Kingdom's palace, bathing everything inside in a warm orange glow.
Jia Xiaoyan sat on a soft couch by the window, holding a half-embroidered handkerchief in her hand. The handkerchief was embroidered with the scenery of the Western Jing Kingdom, and every stitch contained her deep longing for her hometown.
After finishing his day's official duties, Jiang Liushen walked steadily into his bedchamber.
He immediately noticed Jia Xiaoyan, who was lost in thought, and his heart stirred slightly. He softly called out, "Xiaoyan."
Jia Xiaoyan looked up at the sound, a trace of lingering melancholy still in her eyes. When she saw Jiang Liushen, she forced a smile and said, "Your Majesty, you're back."
Jiang Liushen sat down beside her, took her hand, and felt the slight coolness of her palm. He couldn't help but ask with concern, "What's wrong? You seem to have something on your mind."
Jia Xiaoyan sighed softly, put the handkerchief in her hand aside, and said, "Your Majesty, I... I miss home. I've been away from Xijing Kingdom for so long, and I often think of the mountains and rivers of my hometown, my relatives, and those familiar streets and friends."
Jiang Liushen nodded slightly, a complex look flashing in his eyes. How could he not miss his country? But over the years in Nanzhao, he had made many efforts for the peace and friendship between the two countries.
“I understand how you feel, Xiaoyan,” Jiang Liushen said softly. “I also miss home and everything about Xijing Kingdom. Over the years, we have stood guard here for the sake of peaceful exchanges between Nanzhao Kingdom and Xijing Kingdom, and now it’s time for us to go back and visit.”
A hint of surprise flashed in Jia Xiaoyan's eyes, but then she became worried: "But, can we really go back? There are affairs in Nanzhao Kingdom... and You'an, he has made many friends here, is he willing to go back with us?"
Jiang Liushen gently stroked Jia Xiaoyan's hair and said tenderly, "On the Nanzhao Kingdom side, we have already reached many cooperation agreements with His Majesty Xiao Jingchuan, and there will be no major changes in the short term. As for You'an, he is a prince of Xijing Kingdom, and one day he will return to his own country to inherit his responsibilities. We are going back so that he can grow better and understand his own country and people."
Jia Xiaoyan nodded, her worries easing slightly: "Then when are we going back?"
Jiang Liu pondered for a moment and said, "I think we can arrange the trip soon. First, send someone back to Xijing Kingdom to inform them and let them prepare to welcome us."
As the two were talking, Jiang Youan came bounding in like a cheerful little deer. He was wearing a brand-new robe, his face beaming with a bright smile, and he was holding a small kite in his hand, a gift from Xiao Nanyi.
"Father, Mother, look! This is a kite that Brother Xiao Nanyi gave me. It's so beautiful!" Jiang Youan excitedly held up the kite and showed it to the two of them.
Looking at Jiang Youan's innocent and naive appearance, Jia Xiaoyan felt a warmth in her heart, yet also a pang of reluctance. She gently pulled Jiang Youan to sit down beside her and said, "Youan, your mother and father have something they want to discuss with you."
Jiang Youan blinked his big eyes and asked curiously, "What is it, Mother?"
Jiang Liushen looked at Jiang Youan and said earnestly, "Youan, we want to take you back to Xijing Kingdom. That's our hometown. Your grandparents and many of your relatives live there. Would you like to go back with us?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Youan was taken aback at first, then a hesitant expression appeared on his face. He lowered his head and said softly, "But I have many good friends here, Brother Xiao Nanyi, Sister Xiao Nanyao, and many other friends. I can't bear to leave them."
Jia Xiaoyan patted Jiang Youan's head tenderly and said, "Youan, after we go back, we can write to them and come to see them again when we have the chance. Besides, you will meet many new friends and see different scenery in Xijing Kingdom."
Jiang Youan looked up, tears welling in his eyes: "Really, Mother? Can we come back and play with Brother Xiao Nanyi and the others again?"
Jiang Liushen nodded firmly: "Of course, Father and Mother agree to your request."
Jiang Youan thought for a moment and finally nodded: "Alright then, I'll go back to Xijing Kingdom with my father and mother. But I want to bring this kite with me, so that when I see it, I'll remember Brother Xiao Nanyi."
Jia Xiaoyan hugged Jiang Youan tightly, tears welling up in her eyes: "Okay, let's take the kite with us."
In the days that followed, Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan busied themselves preparing for their return to Xijing Kingdom. They first wrote a secret letter and sent it by fast horse to Xijing Kingdom with a capable guard to inform the country of their impending return.
Inside the royal palace of Xijing Kingdom, the old king and queen were moved to tears upon receiving the letter. For years, they had longed for their son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, who were far away in Nanzhao Kingdom. Now, upon learning of their impending return, the entire palace was abuzz with excitement.
The old king immediately summoned his ministers to discuss the welcoming arrangements. They decided to hold a grand ceremony to welcome Jiang Liushen and his family of three back to the country. Officials from the Imperial Household Department began busily preparing various gorgeous costumes, exquisite gifts, and all sorts of novel toys and books for Jiang You'an.
Back in the Nanzhao Kingdom, when Xiao Jingchuan learned that Jiang Liushen and Jia Xiaoyan were taking Jiang Youan back to the Xijing Kingdom, he felt reluctant but still expressed his understanding and support. He personally hosted a farewell banquet for them, inviting many ministers and members of the royal family.
At the farewell banquet, the atmosphere was warm yet tinged with a touch of melancholy. Xiao Jingchuan raised his wine cup and said to Jiang Liushen, "Liushen, over the years you have made tremendous contributions to the peace and development of both countries in Nanzhao. Now that you are returning to Xijing, I am reluctant to part with you, but I am also happy for you. May you have a safe journey, and may the friendship between Xijing and Nanzhao continue forever."
Jiang Liushen also raised his wine cup and said gratefully, "Your Majesty, thanks to your care and trust over the years, I have gained a lot in the Nanzhao Kingdom. I believe that no matter where I am, the friendly exchanges between the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Xijing Kingdom will not change."
Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao were heartbroken to hear that Jiang You An was leaving. They specially prepared many gifts for him, including handmade pastries, paintings, and some precious trinkets.
"Little brother You'an, you must remember us! Don't forget to write to us when you get home." Xiao Nanyao held Jiang You'an's little hand tightly, her big, watery eyes filled with deep reluctance, as if Jiang You'an would disappear the moment she let go.
Xiao Nanyi, who was standing to the side, also stepped forward. He gently patted Jiang Youan's shoulder and said earnestly, "Youan, I don't know when we'll see each other again after this separation, but you must study hard when you get home. When the time is right in the future, we can play happily together like before."
Jiang Youan nodded vigorously, solemnly accepting the carefully prepared gifts from their hands. His eyes were already moist, tears welling up as if they might spill over at any moment. But he forced back the tears, his voice trembling slightly as he replied, "Don't worry, brothers and sisters, I will definitely not forget you. When I get back, I will write to you as soon as possible to let you know I'm safe. And when I grow up, I will definitely come back to play with you!"
Time flies, and the day of departure arrived in the blink of an eye. The sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze blew. The magnificent palace gates of the Nanzhao Kingdom were bustling with activity. Xiao Jingchuan, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, led a large group of ministers and members of the royal family, who were lined up neatly to see off Jiang Liushen and his family of three, who were about to return to the Xijing Kingdom.
Jia Xiaoyan and Gu Liuli were even more reluctant to part, embracing each other tightly, feeling the warmth emanating from their bodies. Gu Liuli's eyes were filled with crystal-clear tears, and she whispered, "Xiaoyan, the journey is long, please take good care of yourself along the way. After we arrive in Xijing Kingdom, please don't forget to write to me often and let me know how you are doing."
Hearing her friend's words of concern, Jia Xiaoyan could no longer contain her overwhelming emotions, and tears streamed down her face like a burst dam. She choked out, "Liuli, you too. You must take good care of yourself and the children. While I'm gone, you can't suffer even the slightest hardship. I'll really miss you so much..."
Jia Xiaoyan and Gu Liuli embraced tightly. Gu Liuli, with tears in her eyes, said, "Xiaoyan, take care on your journey. Remember to write to me when you reach Xijing Kingdom."
Jia Xiaoyan also sobbed uncontrollably: "Liuli, you must take good care of yourself and the baby. I will miss you."
Jiang Liushen and Xiao Jingchuan shook hands again, their unspoken words conveying a thousand unspoken thoughts.
Jiang Youan sat in the carriage, watching the Nanzhao Kingdom's palace gradually disappear into the distance, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that this departure was for better growth, for shouldering his own responsibilities. But he also understood that his bond with the Nanzhao Kingdom would forever be etched in his heart.
The caravan moved slowly forward, the wheels churning over the stone pavement with a dull thud, as if keeping time with the sorrow in Jiang You'an's heart. Jiang You'an sat inside the carriage, his eyes fixed on the scenery outside the window. The outline of the Nanzhao Kingdom's palace grew increasingly blurry in his vision, finally disappearing into a cloud of dust. His small hands gripped the edge of the window tightly, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, and tears streamed uncontrollably down his cheeks, dripping onto his robe.
"Brother Xiao Nanyi, Sister Xiao Nanyao..." Jiang Youan murmured softly, his voice filled with reluctance and sadness. Images of playing with his friends kept flashing through his mind: chasing butterflies in the Imperial Garden, reading and learning to read together under the palace corridors, and those joyful games of hide-and-seek. Now, these beautiful memories could only remain treasures in his heart.
Jia Xiaoyan sat beside Jiang Youan, her heart aching at the sight of her son's sorrowful expression. She gently pulled him into her arms, tenderly stroking his hair, trying to comfort him. "Youan, don't be sad. When we return to Xijing Kingdom, many happy things will await us."
Jiang Youan leaned against Jia Xiaoyan's chest, sobbing as he said, "Mother, I really miss them. I can't bear to leave."
Jia Xiaoyan's eyes also reddened. She held back her tears and said, "Mom knows you're reluctant to leave, but we have to go back to our own country. Your grandparents and many other relatives are waiting for us there. Besides, we can keep in touch with Xiao Nanyi and the others and know how they are doing."
Jiang Liushen sat to the side, watching this scene, feeling deeply troubled. He reached out and patted Jiang Youan's head, saying, "Youan, your father understands how you feel. However, you are a prince of Xijing Kingdom, with your own responsibilities and mission. Returning to Xijing Kingdom, you can learn more and become a responsible person who can protect our country and people in the future."
Jiang Youan raised his head, looking at Jiang Liushen with teary eyes: "Father, I know, but I'm still very sad."
Jiang Liushen took Jiang Youan from Jia Xiaoyan's arms and sat him on his lap, saying earnestly, "It's normal to be sad, because you and your friends have a deep bond. But that's life; there will be partings and new encounters. Once you've settled down in Xijing Kingdom, you might even be able to invite Brother Xiao Nanyi and the others to come over as guests."
Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope flashed in Jiang Youan's eyes: "Really, Father? Can they really come to Xijing Kingdom to visit me?"
Jiang Liushen nodded firmly: "Of course, as long as you study hard and grow well, your father promises you that he will arrange for them to come to Xijing Kingdom for a reunion."