The Little Lucky Girl.

After Su Qingzhiyuan finally settled into his elegant, carved-beam, painted-roof mansion in the capital, he yearned for his family back in distant Sujia Village. He eagerly sat down at his desk, ground ink, spread out paper, and began writing a letter. Every stroke of his pen was filled with his deep longing and concern for his family. The letter meticulously described the capital's prosperity and the layout of his mansion, allowing his family to glimpse into his life in the capital.

Back in Sujia Village, Su Qing received Murong Ye's letter. After reading it, she learned that her father was safe in the capital and ready to welcome his family. She immediately set about making arrangements to escort her mother, Xiao Shi, to the capital. This time, she planned to ride in a carriage with her mother, so she could see more of the scenery along the way! She carefully selected several reliable servants and instructed them to prepare a comfortable carriage and ample provisions to ensure her mother's safe journey to the capital.

After everything was ready, Su Qing came to her grandparents' room and asked respectfully, "Grandpa, grandma, I'm sending mom to the capital. Would you two like to go and have a look at the house in the capital?" Old man Su sat on the armchair, shook his head slightly, and said with a smile, "My dear, we won't go! Your brothers are all here! If we leave, there will be no one at home when they come back. Besides, we have lived in Sujia Village all our lives and are familiar with every tree and blade of grass here. We can't bear to leave." Old Wang also nodded in agreement, her eyes full of love and reluctance for her granddaughter.

"Okay then!" Although Su Qing felt a little regretful, she understood her grandparents' feelings. She returned to her room and once again checked the luggage she had prepared for her mother. She silently considered the possible situations and strategies she might encounter on the way to Beijing, hoping to successfully escort her mother to the capital and reunite with her father.

The next day, at dawn, before the first rays of light had fully illuminated the entire capital, Su Zhiyuan had already risen early. He was dressed in a neatly trimmed official uniform, its delicate embroidery still faintly imposing in the dim light. The leather belt around his waist, the jade pendant, and the official seal swayed gently with his movements, making subtle noises. He stood before a bronze mirror, his expression solemn and reverent, carefully adjusting the folds of his official uniform, putting on his official hat, and adjusting the brim to the perfect angle. Once everything was ready, he walked out of the mansion with a steady gait, followed by attendants also dressed in neat attire.

The streets were still quite deserted, their footsteps echoing across the cobblestones. Su Zhiyuan boarded the carriage, which slowly started moving and sped off toward the palace. He gazed out the window at the gradually growing bustle of life on the street, pondering the matters that might be discussed in court today. He reminded himself to be cautious in his words and actions, actively helping the emperor and working for the benefit of the people.

Meanwhile, in Sujia Village, Ying San had already prepared the carriage. The carriage was sturdy, its interior spacious, with soft cushions and essential provisions and water. Ying San stood beside the carriage, his posture erect and his gaze sharp. After inspecting the horses' reins and horseshoes, he respectfully waited for Su Qing and Xiao Shi. Su Qing supported Xiao Shi as they slowly emerged from the house. Xiao Shi, dressed in a light, elegant long dress, retained her gentle demeanor despite the years. Her eyes held a hint of uneasiness about the unknown journey and a deep longing for her husband, who was far away.

Su Qing carefully helped Xiao onto the carriage, and then she entered the carriage and sat beside Xiao. Ying San gently waved the whip, and the carriage slowly started, the wheels began to turn, and a light cloud of dust was raised. The carriage sped along the road out of the village, and the fields and trees on both sides quickly passed by. Su Qing looked out through the window from time to time in the carriage, her heart full of anticipation for the upcoming arrival in the capital, but also a little reluctant to leave the familiar Sujia Village. She turned to look at her mother beside her and whispered comfortingly: "Mom, don't worry, Dad has arranged everything in the capital, and we will be reunited with him soon." Xiao nodded slightly, a relieved smile on her face, her eyes full of longing for reunion, and the carriage rushed towards the capital in the raised dust.

Su Zhiyuan's carriage galloped through the empty streets, the sound of horse hooves particularly clear and loud in the quiet morning. Soon, the majestic imperial palace came into view, its towering walls radiating endless majesty and mystery.

The carriage stopped in front of the palace gates. Su Zhiyuan dismounted, straightened his official uniform, and walked in with his head held high, following the other officials who were attending court. He walked through the long palace avenue and arrived outside the Golden Throne Hall. The hall was already filled with ministers attending the morning court session. Some were talking in low voices, while others stood alone with solemn expressions. Their robes fluttered, and the solemn atmosphere of the court became even more intense.

Su Zhiyuan found a suitable place to stand. After a while, the eunuch's shrill and long voice was heard: "The emperor has arrived--" Everyone immediately stopped talking, knelt down in an orderly manner, and shouted: "Long live our emperor!" Su Zhiyuan followed everyone in saluting, then stood up and looked respectfully at the emperor on the dragon throne.

The emperor glanced around the court and began to inquire about the progress of government affairs. Ministers from various ministries came out one by one to report on matters such as tax collection, water conservancy projects, and border defense.

Dissenting voices emerged in the court regarding certain policies, with several ministers expressing their own opinions and engaging in endless debate. Su Zhiyuan stood aside, carefully listening to their views, sometimes lost in thought, sometimes silently analyzing the pros and cons. When the debate subsided, he opportunely offered his own perspective, using a gentle yet firm tone to mediate the conflicting opinions and offer a compromise proposal that gained the approval and support of some ministers.

As time passed, the morning court session gradually drew to a close. The emperor made his final decisions on several important matters and laid out new expectations and demands for his ministers. Su Zhiyuan took every word to heart, secretly resolving to fully assist the emperor and dedicate himself to the stability and prosperity of the country. After the emperor departed, the ministers gradually dispersed. Su Zhiyuan, reflecting on the events of the day's court session, slowly emerged from the palace. The sunlight bathed him, illuminating his upright and resolute figure. A new day of court affairs had just begun, and he knew the weight of his responsibility lay ahead.

After several days of bumpy journeys, Su Qing and his mother, Xiao, finally arrived at the gates of the capital. The towering city gate, like a leviathan perched there, exuded its majestic grandeur. Constructed from thick, dark wood, its ironwork tarnished by the erosion of time and countless battles, it still stood as a tenacious guardian of the capital. Each plank was wide and thick, a silent testament to the masterful craftsmanship and painstaking labor of its original builders. Above the gate, a tower towered, its elongated eaves and brackets adorning the city walls. Its vibrant red pillars, shimmering in the sunlight, contrasted with the pewter-gray tiles, imbued it with a simple and solemn beauty. Atop the tower, flags fluttered in the wind. Though the designs painted on them were blurred by the distance, their majestic presence was overwhelming.

On either side of the city gate, the city wall snaked into the distance, like a sleeping dragon, its end in sight. Constructed of massive bricks and stones, each seamlessly fitted together, the wall withstood the test of wind and rain. Atop the wall, watchtowers and battlements, neatly arranged like shields, stood ready to ward off incoming enemies. The city gate was bustling with activity. Citizens entering the city carried loads and carts laden with local specialties and daily necessities. Merchants drove carts laden with goods, commanding their animals, their eyes filled with anticipation for the capital's markets. The soldiers guarding the gate stood tall, spears in hand, clad in armor, their eyes warily observing the passersby and vehicles. The cold metallic sheen of their armor gleamed in the sunlight, adding a touch of awe to the bustling scene.

Su Qing lifted the carriage curtain and gazed at the city gate, eyes filled with curiosity and excitement. Turning to her mother, she said, "Mom, we've finally arrived in the capital. Daddy's waiting for us inside." Xiao nodded slightly, a pleased smile on her face, though a hint of apprehension at the unfamiliar surroundings lingered in her eyes. Ying San drove the carriage slowly closer to the city gate. As they drew closer, the clatter of horses' hooves and wheels echoed through the gate, making the space seem even more empty and distant.

Su Zhiyuan had deliberately put aside many trivial matters today and had arrived at the city gate early in the morning, dressed in a plain yet elegant brocade robe and accompanied by his personal servant. He stood tall and straight, his back as strong as a pine tree, his gaze fixed firmly into the distance, filled with uncontrollable anticipation and deep affection.