35. Farewell
Escort Agency, Capital City
Leaving the Prince Jun’s residence, Hui Yue’er had a great many thoughts on her mind. She had always considered herself a rational person, but this matter caught her entirely off guard. She had handled Zhao Chengxian’s provocations in the past with ease, but this time, it was an imperial edict—an authority that could not be defied. If she didn’t wish to see her entire family executed, she had no choice but to enter the palace. Just as Zhao Chengxian had said, she would need to find a way to make Xuanyuan Ren lose interest in her, though she didn’t even know why he liked her in the first place, nor how to make him stop. Yue’er was a clever girl. She knew full well she would never fall for Xuanyuan Ren, and even if she did, she could not endure the jealous rivalries of the harem. She had always been clear on her place: merely a passerby in the imperial court.
The next afternoon, Yue’er lingered outside Madam Hui’s door, hesitant to enter and bid farewell. She had hoped to spend more time with her mother, but after only three days, they were once again to be separated. She understood the worry in her mother’s heart, just as Madam Hui knew Yue’er had no desire to enter the palace. After a long moment’s hesitation, Yue’er finally stepped inside, immediately putting on a smile as she entered. She wrapped her arms around Madam Hui’s shoulders, gently leaning her head on her mother’s shoulder, and wiped away her mother’s tears.
“Mother, don’t cry. I promise I won’t do anything in the palace to make you worry. I know what the palace is like; since I know, I won’t take risks. I’ll come back safe and sound to see you and the brothers at the agency. Don’t worry about me—do you still not trust your daughter?”
She formally handed over the position of head escort to Qi Shang, finally understanding why Zhao Chengxian had urged her to pass on the role sooner. She had thought that even if she married, she would still personally escort the caravans, but so much had happened recently that she could not help but entrust this burden to her eldest senior brother.
Madam Hui gently patted Yue’er’s head, her voice full of affection. “I trust that you’ll protect yourself for my sake, but who knows when I’ll see my precious girl again after today? I can’t bear to let you go.” Although Yue’er often traveled away from home, she was never gone for more than two months at a time. Now, seeing her would be far more difficult once she entered the palace, the deep walls and high gates separating them.
Yue’er sat down before her mother, comforting her, “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll be back to trouble you within a few months. Don’t miss me, and don’t worry. All these years of wandering have taught me to adapt to any way of life.” She added, with concern, “Mother, if you feel unwell, be sure to have Ju’er fetch a doctor. If you need money, go to eldest brother. Promise me, all right?” Since the passing of the old head escort, Yue’er had taken on these responsibilities, regularly bringing money home for household expenses. Now, with her departure uncertain, she naturally worried for her mother. In the Prince’s residence, she could still visit from time to time, but the palace was a prison for the dreams of so many young women.
Madam Hui nodded. “Don’t worry, Yue’er. I’ll take good care of myself and won’t make you worry. Winter is coming, so take care to keep warm. Don’t think youth will protect you. The palace is not like home; you must be careful.” She believed Yue’er would understand her meaning—not just to mind her health, but also her words and actions.
Yue’er smiled, patting her mother’s hand. “I know where the boundaries are, Mother!” Glancing outside at Ju’er, she stood and took the maid’s hand, instructing her, “Ju’er, take good care of Madam from now on. If she needs anything, go to Head Escort Qi, all right?” That morning, saying farewell to the brothers at the agency, Yue’er had nearly cried but forced herself to hold back. Now, parting with her mother, she could not let herself shed a tear—her mother must not cry any longer. From the day she became head escort, Yue’er had told herself that she was no longer a little girl and could not weep again. No matter the wrongs she suffered or the severity of her injuries, she never allowed herself to cry. It took resilience to win the admiration of dozens of men, and she couldn’t let her mother or brother worry.
Ju’er looked at Yue’er and solemnly promised, “Miss, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Madam, keep her from falling ill or feeling lonely. You can count on me!” Yet even as she spoke, tears streamed down her face. Ju’er had grown up in the escort agency and was deeply attached to Yue’er. Now, her dear friend was leaving, with no telling when they’d meet again—how could she not feel sorrow?
Madam Hui looked at Ju’er and said, “Ju’er, let’s not cry. Let Yue’er enter the palace without worry.” Ju’er hastily wiped her tears and smiled as she watched Yue’er and Qi Qi leave the escort agency for the Prince Jun’s residence.
Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, let your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts rain down upon me—don’t hold back! Let the storm rage even fiercer!