The king’s personal banquet room was once again quiet as Rèxīn, Wén Mĕi, Yán Mĕi, and the extra servants had gone for the evening. Mîn Jíng and Sī left as requested so the men could speak of the journey. She didn’t argue about being included since she wanted a bath before bed.

 King Yīng and his sons waited for Jié Qiáng to explain the reason for his request for a private meeting. Jié Qiáng poured a cup of tea and glanced over at Yáng Ning.

 “I would like to ask the king’s advice about something rather important to Mîn,” he said.

 “I’ll do my best,” King Yīng replied cautiously. “Speak.”

 Jié Qiáng drained the teacup and poured another as if it were wine. He would have to seek his liquid encouragement from something that wouldn’t impair his debating skills should the king find fault with his request.

 He thought on his words carefully throughout the entire dinner. He couldn’t imagine any reason anyone would object, but these children did belong to their kingdom. They may see it as something untoward if he wasn’t careful. 

 “I would like to allow Mîn to bring the six orphans with her to my home,” he finally announced.

 He watched them closely for their reactions.

 Féng Wěi stared at Jié Qiáng for a moment waiting for him to say more. He laughed when his brother-in-law remained silent and took a sip from his wine cup with a smile still on his lips.

 “That’s it?” Yǒng Wěi asked as he relaxed his posture.

 He drank from his wine cup, as well, and joined his brother with a laugh of relief.

 Though Jié Qiáng was pleased with their benevolent reaction, it was the king’s silent stare that worried him. He watched King Yīng closely and waited for his response.

 “Father?” Yǒng Wěi called out when the king only silently contemplated the request.  “I don’t see why they can’t take the children,” he continued.

 Féng Wěi sighed as his smile slowly faded.

 “There are a few things to be considered,” he told his younger brother.

 As the eldest by seven years, he had come to know their father’s way of considering every possibility that could turn a simple occasion into a disaster.

 Jié Qiáng swirled the fresh tea in his refilled cup as he waiting for the king to respond. He knew he would have the support of both brothers, even though Féng Wěi had become the voice of reason. He needed to be prepared to counter every concern King Yīng could cite.

 “They’re more hers than anyone’s,” Yǒng Wěi replied. “Would this be a debate if they were her real children?”

 “What do you intend to do with them once they’re in your kingdom?” King Yīng spoke before anyone could respond to Yǒng Wěi.

 He was as happy as his sons at the prince’s request, but he had to consider the situation from every angle.

 How would the people react if the foreign once-enemy prince took children from their realm to add to the populace of his own? How would the children be treated? How would their inclusion in the journey affect the already dangerous venture? Would the children even want to go or would their refusal cause more grief?

 There were so many issues he, as the king, had to consider before his daughter’s feelings. It wasn’t pleasant or what he wanted, but it was his responsibility.

 “They would live comfortably in my palace,” Jié Qiáng answered the first of what he knew would be a list of questions.

 He wasn’t naïve or ignorant to the king’s concerns. In the brief time he had known and spoken with his majesty, Jié Qiáng could see he was very much like his own father. As a king, his fears would be the same.

 “Your majesty, you have my word these children will never be mistreated,” Jié Qiáng continued. “To me, they are an extension of Mîn. They would be given no less respect and consideration.

 We have orphans, as well, who have no one like her to care for them. I plan on asking Mîn to do what she has done in your kingdom: take them under her wing and teach them, read to them, give them the love they need until they find a real home. I couldn’t ask her to do this after making her abandon the children here. I can’t bring myself to separate them, either.

 Your majesty, I watched her with the children today,” he continued. “Sincerely speaking, if she were to cry and beg me to let her stay, I don’t think I could refuse.”

 He waited with bated breath as he watched King Yīng consider his words.  He could hear Féng Wěi and Yǒng Wěi agreeing with him from across the room, but the only reply that mattered now was from the king.

 King Yīng met the young prince’s gaze and knew he was sincere. He had seen for himself the way his daughter cared for the children, those with parents and those with no one. She was deeply invested in their care but mostly the orphans.

 No one else had earned their trust the way she had. He knew they would suffer after she was gone. Even if he brought them into his palace and had them cared for by a team of servants, they would never be tamed and could even become something dangerous without her love and guidance.

 “Tell me about the journey home,” the king finally said.

 He would allow Jié Qiáng his request depending on his solution for a safe trip.

 Jié Qiáng breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He could see in the king’s softer expression that he would allow him to take the children. He needed to know their involvement in the travel plans wouldn’t endanger his daughter or his son.

 “The plans would stay generally the same,” he answered and glanced toward Yáng Ning again to include him in the conversation. “My guard and I decided on the way here to use the main road, unlike our path from home. We won’t leave early or late this time. They’ll expect a change like we made before.

 Everyone would wear commoners’ clothes and Mîn would, of course, ride in a carriage. With the addition of the six children, we will simply add another carriage. Our group will look like we’re a large family traveling between provinces.

 I had intended to make as few stops as possible when we first planned the trip, and I still intend to do so. Everyone in the carriages can sleep along the way until it becomes necessary for the rest of us to stop for a break. Horses were delivered to designated stables weeks ago in preparation, so we only need to switch them without giving the same horses hours of rest.

 As long as there are no problematic unforeseeable circumstances, we should make it to the capital in about a week.”

 When Jié Qiáng was done talking, he looked again to Yáng Ning for anything he left out.

 “There’s an inn halfway if the princess or the children need to wash up and rest more comfortably,” Yáng Ning added. “Our people scouted it before we left. We installed some members of our guard as servants, so it’s completely safe.”

 Jié Qiáng looked around the room to wait for their input.

 “I’ll be going with you to escort Mîn,” Yǒng Wěi reminded them. “My servant Súnzi is still a bit young and hasn’t traveled outside of the kingdom. I’ll have him ride with the children to watch over them.”

 “If Mîn and Sī are alone in their carriage, they can carry food and extra clothing,” suggested Féng Wěi. “Any other personal belongings can be sent later as not to arouse suspicion. Mîn won’t complain. She may insist on a few smaller personal items, but she’ll comply if she’s given a limit.”

 Jié Qiáng laughed a little at his unspoken comparison to other princesses.

 As if on cue, Yáng Ning raised his wine cup and said, “To princesses who travel light!”

 They all laughed and joined him in his toast.

 King Yīng set down his cup and looked from Jié Qiáng to his sons.

 “Send someone first thing in the morning to get the orphans,” he commanded. “Gather some clothes for them, too. Be as discreet as possible. This plan has less chance of working if anyone spying on our movements recognizes them along the way.”

 Jié Qiáng took a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh of relief.

 He stood and bowed low to the king. “Thank you, your majesty.”

 King Yīng motioned for him to end his reverent act and asked, “What would you have done if I had refused?”

 Jié Qiáng grinned. “I would have sent word to my father about the change of plans. Instead of our kingdom welcoming a new daughter, yours would be welcoming a new son.” They all laughed as he continued. “I would rather face his wrath than tell my wife she has to give up her children.”

 He spoke with a tone of humor but they knew he was serious. His whole intent for the meeting was to save her from the heartbreak of leaving them behind, and they respected him greatly for it.

 The king rose and straightened the lengthy sleeves of his robe. “I’ll let you four decide on the finer points of the plan. My sons know more about the activity in the streets than me, so I can’t offer anything more of value. Anything the children need once they’re here, give it to them.”

 “Thank you, your majesty,” replied Jié Qiáng and Yáng Ning with a bow.

 “Thank you and goodnight, Father,” replied Féng Wěi and Yǒng Wěi with a bow.

 As the four men left the small hall to go to their rooms, Yǒng Wěi put his arm around Jié Qiáng’s shoulders.

 “I was wrong about you,” he said. “I never imagined anyone would be good enough for Mîn Mîn. Most importantly, I never thought anyone would give her everything she needs to be happy, especially if it meant going to the extremes that you have.”

 He patted his back as he pulled his arm away.

 “Thank you for everything you’ve done for her,” he added.

 Jié Qiáng smiled at him and nodded.

 “Believe that I love her with everything I have,” he assured him. “I’ve never felt this way for anyone, and I strongly believe this is all Fate. I believe it’s a sign that everything with our kingdoms will work out, as well. We’ll have peace that lasts beyond our win over the Wáng Píng.”

 Féng Wěi suddenly slapped them both on the shoulders as he broke in between them. “I’m going home to tuck my children into bed and seduce their mother. I’ll be here early with someone to help retrieve the orphans.”

 They laughed and said their goodbyes. Yǒng Wěi walked Jié Qiáng and Yáng Ning to their rooms before returning to his.

 Jié Qiáng barely slept that night as he imagined Mîn Jíng’s reaction when he told her the good news.