9 Egypt (4)
Within the temple, Ramesses and Yun Yao together offered sacrifices to the gods, proclaiming their union to the heavens and earth.
Ramesses took out a scepter and handed it to Yun Yao.
In an instant, astonishment swept across everyone’s faces, as if this were an extraordinary event.
Unfamiliar with these customs, Yun Yao simply accepted the scepter.
The two stood side by side, receiving the kneeling homage of all present.
In Egypt, only the Pharaoh wielded a scepter, a symbol of supreme authority akin to the imperial seal.
Presenting the scepter to the queen meant sharing that power with her.
Such a gesture had never before been seen in Egypt.
After a long while, the ceremony finally concluded. An official hurried in and said, “Pharaoh, envoys from the Hittites have arrived bearing gifts and request an audience with the queen.”
Ramesses’ expression darkened.
The visitors bore ill intent; he did not want anyone disturbing this beautiful day.
He promptly ordered the official to dismiss the envoys.
At that moment, Yun Yao heard a prompt from the system: [Mission issued: Meet the Hittite envoys.]
Just as the official was about to leave, Yun Yao called him back.
Holding the scepter, she said, “Bring the guests from afar here.”
The official hesitated, glancing at Ramesses.
With differing opinions from Pharaoh and Queen, he was unsure whom to obey.
Ramesses was somewhat surprised that she knew foreign envoys had arrived, realizing she must have overheard the word “Hittite.”
Though she did not speak Egyptian, certain words repeated often became understandable.
He explained, “The Hittites are adversaries of Egypt. Their visit surely aims to challenge your position and undermine Egypt’s prestige.”
Yun Yao nodded thoughtfully. “I anticipated as much.”
Ramesses was even more surprised. “Then why do you wish to see them?”
Yun Yao replied, “Refusing would make Egypt appear guilty; they would use that to attack us anyway. Better to meet them head-on.”
Her answer was confident and gracious, showing no fear of the impending challenge.
Though physically delicate, her inner strength was immense, like the resilient reeds by the Nile.
Ramesses smiled. “Very well, then meet them.”
The envoys entered with gifts and attendants, paying their respects to the couple.
---
The envoy looked toward Yun Yao. “Honored Daughter of the Nile, I have a question. I wonder if you might reveal its answer.”
Yun Yao asked, “What question?”
Slut smiled faintly and posed the question he had long prepared.
“The Sphinx once left a riddle that no one has solved for centuries. Since you are the Daughter of the Nile, surely you know the answer?”
At these words, Ramesses furrowed his brow deeply.
The gathered crowd murmured and whispered among themselves.
More than a thousand years ago, the Great Sphinx was built.
On the day it was completed, a riddle appeared on the stone statue that no one had solved since.
The Sphinx was the guardian of the Nile; thus, the Daughter of the Nile should naturally know the answer.
All eyes turned expectantly to the queen.
Ramesses gripped the scepter tightly, considering how to navigate the situation.
She had been placed on a high pedestal—failure to answer would bring ruin.
Ramesses translated the envoy’s words for her, then explained the riddle: “What creature walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening? When it has the most legs, it is at its weakest in speed and strength.”
Yun Yao smiled softly and gazed outward.
The towering Sphinx stood clearly visible by the Nile, as if questioning every soul who passed.
This riddle was indeed timeless, though solved long ago in later generations, so she happened to know the answer.
Without hesitation, she said, “Man.”
Her words rang clearly through the temple.
Everyone suddenly understood—the baby crawls on all fours, the adult walks upright on two legs, and in old age uses a cane, thus three legs.
So that was the answer!
Countless eyes looked upon Yun Yao with reverence, their faith in her identity deepened.
Yun Yao asked, “Does the envoy have any further questions?”
Slut stared at her in astonishment. “None.”
His last doubt vanished; she truly was the Daughter of the Nile.
The envoy departed, and Yun Yao’s reputation soared.
Though she cared little for such titles, she would not refute them since Ramesses valued the honor.
---
Among the numerous items Yun Yao brought in her chest were silks, porcelain, and various curiosities such as a compass and an armillary sphere.
She arranged these within the palace and changed into garments made of silk.
Ramesses was fascinated by these objects and constantly pestered her for explanations.
Yun Yao explained the armillary sphere by pointing to the stars above and taught him how to use the compass to find directions.
Time flew by; three years passed, during which Egypt and the Hittites grew increasingly tense.
Small skirmishes broke out frequently as both vied for supremacy.
Finally, Ramesses could no longer tolerate Hittite provocation and resolved to declare war.
He led the army to besiege the Hittite fortress of Kadesh.
The battle raged for a long time until one day a sandstorm engulfed the battlefield, and both sides lost their bearings.
Ramesses produced the compass gifted by his wife, determined their direction, and led his troops to surprise the Hittites.
The victory was decisive; Egypt gained control over Syria, curbing Hittite expansion.
Ramesses returned triumphant and, upon seeing Yun Yao, lifted her into an embrace.
To his ministers he declared, “Thanks to the queen’s guidance, our army has returned victorious. I hereby decree the construction of a fortress in Syria named after the queen, to guard against foreign enemies.”
The people cheered, “Nefertari!”
A year later, the city of Nefertari stood proudly on the border, protecting Egypt.
---
Twenty years later.
Within the palace, a beautiful woman lay pale upon her bed, like a flower on the verge of withering.
Though only forty years old, the heavens now sought to claim her life.
Ramesses gazed sorrowfully at her and brought a bowl of water to her lips.
Yun Yao struggled to drink a sip.
Ramesses drank alongside her, holding her hand. “Those who drink the Nile’s water will one day return to Egypt. May we meet again in the next life.”
Yun Yao smiled faintly and closed her eyes.
Ramesses was overcome with grief.
He placed her within a pyramid and announced to the world that the queen had returned to the embrace of the Mother Nile.
From that day forth, each year people gathered by the Nile to honor Nefertari.