“Cough… cough…” The sudden light coughing broke through Yan Huai’s grief. His eyes brightened instantly, and in two steps, he walked to the Empress Dowager’s bedside. Leaning forward to look, he saw that the previously unresponsive Empress Dowager had slightly opened her eyes.
Yan Huai quickly knelt, “Mother?”
He asked tentatively, but though the Empress Dowager moved her lips, no sound came out.
Yan Huai turned quickly to Qin Wan, “What’s happening?”
Before Qin Wan, whose face was still covered in sweat and notably pale, could respond, Elderly Maid Chen spoke through tears of joy, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has managed to take the medicine…”
After Elderly Maid Chen finished, Qin Wan wearily added, “Your Majesty need not worry. The Empress Dowager being able to take the medicine and wake up means we’re halfway through the crisis. Right now her consciousness isn’t fully clear, which is why she cannot speak.”
Hearing this, Yan Huai let out a great sigh of relief, but turned to Elderly Maid Chen and said, “If this is good news, why did you shout earlier?!”
It was Elderly Maid Chen’s cry that had made everyone think the Empress Dowager was in danger.
Hearing this, Elderly Maid Chen immediately showed remorse and lowered her gaze, “Please forgive this servant, Your Majesty. It was on this young lady’s instructions. After the Empress Dowager took the medicine but hadn’t awakened, this young lady was applying acupuncture and told this servant to call out to the Empress Dowager, saying that hearing a familiar voice would help her wake faster.”
Only then did Yan Huai understand the subtle strategy behind Elderly Maid Chen’s cry. He turned to Qin Wan, “Young lady, you’ve achieved another great merit.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes, “This commoner doesn’t dare take credit. Being able to save the Empress Dowager is this commoner’s blessing.”
Seeing Qin Wan’s pale complexion, Yan Huai asked, “Did the acupuncture drain much of your energy? Is there anything else that needs to be done now?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Nothing needs to be done for now. The Empress Dowager has taken the life-preserving decoction, and now we wait for Her Majesty’s consciousness to gradually recover. The medicine needs time to take effect. The Empress Dowager will continue to sleep for now and will wake again before the Hour of Mao. At that time, she’ll need to take another dose of the life-preserving decoction, and a third dose at noon. If Her Majesty can take all three doses without issue, then she will have truly passed through this crisis.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Huai’s heart tightened again, “And if she cannot?”
Qin Wan replied, “Then we’ll need to continue with acupuncture.” After a slight pause, she looked up at Yan Huai and continued, “However, if it comes to that, the Empress Dowager’s body will indeed be as the two Imperial Physicians said – unable to withstand it. Therefore, the best outcome would be for the Empress Dowager to successfully take both the medicine at the Hour of Mao and noon.”
Yan Huai’s eyes darkened, “How confident are you?”
Qin Wan raised her eyes to meet Yan Huai’s gaze, “Eighty percent.”
Upon hearing “eighty percent,” the pressure in Yan Huai’s chest eased somewhat. After this incident, Yan Huai had complete faith in Qin Wan’s medical skills – after all, she had accomplished what even the Head of the Imperial Medical Bureau couldn’t!
“Very well, I understand.” Speaking thus, Yan Huai’s expression softened as he straightened up, “You’ve worked hard, and you haven’t disappointed me this time.”
Qin Wan kept her eyes lowered, “This commoner is grateful that Your Majesty trusted me this time.”
Yan Huai laughed heartily and was about to speak when a palace maid appeared at the door, “Your Majesty, Imperial Physician He has arrived.”
Hearing this, Yan Huai’s expression darkened slightly. He glanced at Qin Wan and said, “Let Imperial Physician He enter.”
Seeing this, Qin Wan stepped back slightly to stand aside. She understood that Yan Huai wanted Imperial Physician He to examine the Empress Dowager’s condition again. She didn’t mind this – although it appeared they had saved the Empress Dowager, it would be more reassuring to have the regular attending physician check her condition.
As she thought this, Qin Wan felt many gazes on her back. She didn’t turn to look but knew many people were standing behind her, including Yan Chi. Qin Wan straightened her back slightly and remained still.
Soon, Imperial Physician He, who regularly attended to the Empress Dowager, entered the inner chamber. This Imperial Physician He was also an elderly man past forty. Upon entering, he first paid his respects to the nobles in the room before approaching to check the Empress Dowager’s pulse.
Having been summoned from somewhere, he was covered in sweat from running. Reaching the bedside, he took several deep breaths before beginning to check the pulse. He carefully checked multiple times before his expression finally relaxed.
“Your Majesty, the dangerous signs in the Empress Dowager’s pulse have been eliminated.”
As soon as Imperial Physician He spoke, the worry in Yan Huai’s eyes diminished further. He turned to look at Qin Wan, his eyes full of satisfaction and appreciation. “Very good. Imperial Physician He, since you’ve entered the palace, stay here tonight to attend to her. Follow Ninth Miss’s prescription.”
When Imperial Physician He had heard about the Empress Dowager’s critical condition, he had been frightened half to death. Now, learning that the Empress Dowager was out of danger, he naturally felt greatly relieved. He would have been willing not just to use Qin Wan’s prescription but even to assist her if needed.
Imperial Physician He repeatedly agreed and withdrew. Only then did Yan Huai turn to Qin Wan and say, “The wind is fierce and snow is heavy outside. Why don’t you stay in the palace?”
Qin Wan quickly shook her head. Not to mention anything else, if she stayed out all night, Fu Ling would worry herself to death. Moreover, tonight was New Year’s Eve – there was no reason for her to stay in the palace. “Tonight is New Year’s Eve. This commoner must return to the mansion no matter what.”
Yan Huai raised an eyebrow, “What’s wrong with staying in the palace? The Loyal and Brave Marquis and his family have already returned to their mansion.”
Qin Wan hesitated for a moment, “There are several servants at the mansion waiting for this commoner to return for New Year’s celebrations. If this commoner doesn’t return, I’m afraid they won’t be able to properly celebrate…”
Hearing this, Yan Huai smiled. With Qin Wan being an orphan, it was touching that she was concerned about her close servants.
Since this was the case, Yan Huai didn’t force Qin Wan to stay. “You’ve achieved great merit today, and you must be rewarded. However, since you’re alone, the rewards will be given tomorrow. If you want to return to the mansion, I’ll arrange for someone to escort you back. Tomorrow, when the Empress Dowager wakes, we may need to summon you to the palace again…”
Qin Wan quickly curtsied, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Yan Huai nodded and was about to instruct Yuan Qing to prepare a carriage to send Qin Wan home when his eyes caught sight of Yan Chi standing to the side. Yan Huai had a thought, “Yan Chi, why don’t you escort Ninth Miss back to the mansion?”
Yan Huai knew how they had traveled to the capital, and this suggestion naturally aligned perfectly with Yan Chi’s wishes.
Though pleased internally, Yan Chi maintained a neutral expression, “Very well. I was planning to leave the palace anyway. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will ensure Ninth Miss reaches the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion safely.”
Yan Huai nodded, naturally feeling reassured. It was New Year’s Eve, and despite the fierce wind and snow, the capital would still be lively. If not for Yan Chi, Yan Huai would have been quite worried.
Yan Chi walked to Qin Wan’s side and handed her the cloak. Qin Wan’s eyes met Yan Chi’s briefly before quickly looking away. She took the cloak and put it on. Zhao Shuhua sighed at this sight, “It seems I won’t be able to give Ninth Miss her gifts now. Well, they can be sent to the marquis’s mansion tomorrow along with Your Majesty’s rewards.”
Qin Wan quickly curtsied, “Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress.”
Zhao Shuhua stepped forward and took Qin Wan’s hand, speaking gently, “I should be the one thanking you. You saved the Empress Dowager – both His Majesty and I must thank you. It’s a pity it’s so late, otherwise I would surely have invited you to visit my palace. Tonight you should return home, and another day I’ll send someone to escort you to the palace for a visit.”
As Zhao Shuhua spoke, she adjusted the collar of Qin Wan’s cloak. Despite her august position as Empress, her affection toward Qin Wan was obvious. Yan Chi watched from the side with deepening eyes, while Feng Ling Su, Yan Che, Yan Qi, and others also fixed their gazes on Qin Wan. As Feng Ling Su saw Zhao Shuhua’s behavior and wanted to speak, before she could move her lips, Yan Chi said, “Your Majesty the Empress, it’s getting late. I should escort Ninth Miss out of the palace soon.”
Zhao Shuhua smiled, “Good, having you escort her puts us all at ease.”
Saying this, she looked at Yan Huai, who waved his hand, “Go then, let Yuan Qing make arrangements for you.”
Yan Chi bowed, and Qin Wan also curtsied to Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua. Then Yan Chi stepped forward, with Qin Wan following closely behind him, as they left the inner chamber of Shou Kang Palace together.
After the two left one after another, Zhao Shuhua said, “Yan Chi must have become quite familiar with Ninth Miss during his time in Jin Zhou.”
Yan Huai smiled, “Indeed. The Grand Princess even entrusted Yan Chi with looking after her – she truly treats that girl as someone precious to her heart.”
Zhao Shuhua’s lips curved slightly, “With her appearance, medical skills, and such understanding nature, who wouldn’t treat her as precious? Moreover, with such looks, she truly needs protection in the capital. The Grand Princess must have considered everything thoroughly.”
At these words, Yan Huai’s eyes narrowed slightly. Thinking about it, Qin Wan seemed to be of marriageable age. As soon as this thought arose, he glanced at his sons. Though some thoughts stirred in his mind, he didn’t express them, instead turning to walk to the Empress Dowager’s bedside, his gaze falling on her somewhat withered face.
By the time princes reached fourteen or fifteen, countless people would be concerned about their marriages. Although the princes held lofty positions, their choices were quite limited. Whether it was the Empress or Noble Consort Su, as birth mothers, they paid particularly close attention to potential matches, thoroughly understanding the family backgrounds, personalities, appearances, and other aspects of eligible young ladies. In fact, by the time the princes reached ten years old and preparations for marriage truly began, they usually already had candidates in mind.
Before Qin Wan’s return, they each had their plans, but now, things were different.
As Emperor of the nation, Yan Huai didn’t consider his children’s marriages much. Therefore, he didn’t dwell on it now. After accompanying the Empress Dowager for a while longer, seeing that she had indeed fallen asleep again, despite it being New Year’s Eve, Yan Huai still had official business to handle. Given how late it was, he simply dismissed the Empress and others, telling his princes, “The wind and snow are too heavy tonight, and it’s New Year’s. Spend time with your mothers. Yan Qi, you stay in the palace too.”
Among Yan Huai’s sons, only Yan Che and Yan Qi had been granted royal titles. Now that Yan Che had entered the Eastern Palace as Crown Prince, he naturally didn’t need to leave the palace. The others were still young and being raised in the palace, so they didn’t need to leave either. Hearing this, Yan Qi naturally agreed. After giving instructions to Imperial Physician He and Elderly Maid Chen, Yan Huai led the group out of Shou Kang Palace.
Yan Huai’s imperial carriage led the way, and the others gradually boarded their carriages. Since Yan Huai wanted them to spend time with their mothers, Yan Che and Yan Zhen got into Zhao Shuhua’s carriage, while Yan Qi boarded Feng Ling Su’s carriage. Consort Wan Song Wan Qing also returned to the palace with the Eighth Prince, while only the Sixth Prince, whose birth mother had passed away, was escorted by servants to his palace.
In Zhao Shuhua’s carriage, Yan Zhen blinked at Yan Che, “Brother, why do you seem so distracted?”
Zhao Shuhua’s lips curved slightly as she looked at Yan Che, “Che’er, could it be that you…”
Before Zhao Shuhua could finish, Yan Zhen quickly said, “Brother, could it be that you’ve taken a liking to the Ninth Miss of the Qin family?”
Yan Che frowned slightly, “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Yan Zhen smiled mischievously, hugging Zhao Shuhua’s arm, “Mother, what’s wrong with talking about this? That Ninth Miss is indeed beautiful, but… I noticed brother seems to have feelings for Sister Chao Yu as well.”
Zhao Shuhua looked at Yan Che for a moment, “Che’er, what are your thoughts?”
Yan Che looked at Zhao Shuhua and shook his head, “Mother, my heart will not change.”
Zhao Shuhua nodded, first stroking Yan Zhen’s cheek before sighing, “Qin Wan is indeed exceptional, but… it’s a pity…”
“What’s the pity?” Yan Zhen opened her almond eyes wide, looking at Zhao Shuhua. Zhao Shuhua tapped her nose, “It’s a pity she doesn’t have, like you, an Empress for a mother and a Crown Prince for a brother.”
It took Yan Zhen a moment to understand Zhao Shuhua’s meaning. She said seriously, “But Mother, brother is already Crown Prince, why does he still need a wife from a prominent family?”
Zhao Shuhua held her close, “Silly child, this isn’t for you to think about. If you like Qin Wan, we can invite her to the palace to play next time.”
Unable to understand fully, and seeing that Zhao Shuhua didn’t want to explain further, Yan Zhen nodded and said no more.
Zhao Shuhua then looked at Yan Che again, “Che’er, are you still thinking about the Shen family’s daughter?”
Yan Che remained silent, his eyes still carrying a trace of profound meaning. Yan Zhen turned her eyes, “Is that the equally beautiful Sister Shen? I’ve only seen her twice, but I’ve never met anyone quieter than her.”
Zhao Shuhua said, “The Shen family’s daughter at least has a father who serves as the Minister of Justice. Qin Wan has nothing.” Then Zhao Shuhua’s gaze focused slightly, “Though speaking of it, the two of them do share similar dispositions.”
At the same time, in her carriage, Feng Ling Su was coldly laughing, “The Empress moved too quickly. I see she knows His Majesty values the Ninth Miss of the Qin family, so she wants to show goodwill and draw her in. The gifts I had someone fetch tonight were preempted by the Empress, but in the end, she couldn’t deliver them either. Tomorrow morning, I’ll find an excuse to send some rewards to the Marquis’s mansion as well.”
Yan Qi frowned, somewhat disapproving, “Mother, why bother with such schemes?”
Feng Ling Su glared at Yan Qi in annoyance, “Isn’t it all for you?”
Yan Qi shook his head, his gaze somewhat deep, “Somehow, I feel the Ninth Miss of the Qin family seems familiar.”
Feng Ling Su raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Have you met her before?”
Yan Qi shook his head, “I shouldn’t have, but when I saw her today, I felt her bearing and mannerisms were somewhat familiar, as if I’d seen them somewhere before. Yet I’m certain I’ve never met her…”
Feng Ling Su’s lips tightened slightly, “Then where does this feeling come from? Could it be you’ve taken a fancy to her?”
Hearing this, Yan Qi’s phoenix eyes narrowed, a predatory glint appearing in them, “She… is indeed more pleasing to look at than Qin Chao Yu, but… the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household is aligned with the Crown Prince.”
As he spoke, Qin Wan’s image floated in Yan Qi’s mind. Thinking about it, his eyes suddenly brightened as he said, “I know now – I know why she seems familiar—”
Feng Ling Su looked at her son, “Why?”
Yan Qi looked at Feng Ling Su, “Mother, do you remember the Shen family’s daughter? The lady who was once betrothed to Yan Che?”
Feng Ling Su looked somewhat confused, “You mean the one who was previously betrothed to be the Crown Prince’s consort?”
Yan Qi nodded, “Exactly. Mother, do you remember her? You met her once too. Don’t you think these two people have similar dispositions?”
Feng Ling Su thought carefully for a while, finally managing to recall some images, then nodded, “I would have forgotten if you hadn’t mentioned it. The Shen family’s daughter was also a person of refined disposition, though I heard she didn’t like going out. Unless summoned to the palace by imperial decree, she wouldn’t even attend other families’ tea parties – quite a peculiar personality.”
Then Feng Ling Su warned, “You can only discuss this with me. Don’t dare mention it in front of your father. Your father still harbors some feelings for Consort Jin, and he was deeply affected by what happened to her. Anything related to her should be avoided in the future.”
Yan Qi lifted his chin, “I understand, Mother, don’t worry.” Then he muttered, “I knew there was something familiar about her, so it turns out she resembles that person. The Shen family’s daughter died young, poor thing, and her background doesn’t seem very good either.”
Feng Ling Su nodded, “Master Qin and his wife passed away long ago. She’s essentially living at the mercy of others in the Marquis’s mansion now.”
Hearing this, Yan Qi lifted his chin, his eyes showing some regret, “What a pity…”
……
……
As the night deepened and the wind and snow grew fiercer, the carriage arranged by Yuan Qing departed from in front of Shou Kang Palace, heading straight for the Zheng Yang Gate.
The driver was a eunuch from the Imperial Household Department. Inside the carriage, as soon as Yan Chi sat down, he drew Qin Wan into his embrace. Qin Wan started, trying to struggle, but the next moment, Yan Chi softly shushed her near her ear.
Qin Wan froze slightly, and Yan Chi placed her hands on his chest and then pulled her into a full embrace.
Qin Wan’s hands rested against Yan Chi’s warm chest, where she could feel his strong heartbeat. For a moment, her heartbeat quickened as well. Yan Chi did nothing else, simply holding her in his arms. Even so, it took about half a quarter-hour for Qin Wan’s hands and body to warm up. Yan Chi noticed this and loosened his embrace slightly. Qin Wan shifted her position, leaning into Yan Chi’s embrace. The carriage interior was dimly lit, but filled with warmth.
Neither spoke, yet there was an indescribable understanding lingering in the carriage. Yan Chi knew Qin Wan was exhausted and only wanted to provide her warmth and let her rest. Qin Wan also understood Yan Chi’s intentions and gently closed her eyes.
They remained silent as the carriage traveled along the palace road for about two incense sticks’ worth of time before reaching the Zheng Yang Gate. After passing through it and the Zheng Hua Gate, they found Bai Feng waiting with another carriage outside the palace. Yan Chi instructed the palace driver and carriage to return, then led Qin Wan to his carriage.
Once inside, Yan Chi again took Qin Wan’s hands in his to warm them. “Are you exhausted?”
Though usually composed, Qin Wan showed signs of fatigue before Yan Chi. “A little. The Empress Dowager’s condition tonight was indeed very dangerous. If we had been even an hour or two later, it would have been beyond saving.”
As she finished speaking, the carriage began moving slowly. While in the palace, Qin Wan had wanted the driver to go faster, but now outside, she had no desire to urge Bai Feng to hurry, and he maintained a steady pace.
Yan Chi suddenly kissed her fingertips and said earnestly, “Thank you.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows, “Do you need to thank me?”
Yan Chi smiled, “My father isn’t the Empress Dowager’s son. I heard she was quite formidable in her youth, but she’s always been very kind to the younger generation. After my father’s mother passed away, the Empress Dowager took special care of him. Though not his biological grandmother, she holds a very dear place in my heart.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan’s voice softened, “Don’t worry. Though I said eighty percent, it’s ninety percent certain. As long as the palace maids and elderly servants don’t forget to give her medicine, the Empress Dowager will surely get through this safely.”
Yan Chi’s smile deepened. Qin Wan was even joking to comfort him. Never mind forgetting the medicine – at this moment, the maids and elderly servants in Shou Kang Palace probably wouldn’t even dare to doze off. “I naturally trust you. Initially, I didn’t want you involved with the Empress Dowager’s illness given its gravity, but when the situation became critical, I had only one thought – only you could save her.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, not to mention that even if others hadn’t come for her, Feng Chen Bi would have pushed her forward. “You did trust me. At the time, not knowing exactly what illness the Empress Dowager had, I had some hesitation.”
“Because I remembered you saying that if just one person believes in you, you won’t disappoint them.” Yan Chi’s voice was soft as he caressed Qin Wan’s cheek. “I am that person who has always believed in you.”
These words stirred Qin Wan’s heartstrings. Among Yan Chi’s many attractive qualities, this was particularly significant. Just as she was feeling moved, suddenly, Yan Chi slipped something into her palm. Qin Wan quickly opened her hand to look and saw a luminous jade disc resting there. The jade piece had complex orchid and dragon patterns intertwined, with intricate cloud patterns carved around the edges. Looking carefully, there was a tiny character carved in the center, but it was so small that Qin Wan couldn’t make it out in the dim light.
The beautiful jade was warm to the touch and crystal clear, with unusually complex carvings rarely seen on jade pendants – clearly a precious item. Qin Wan looked at the jade pendant, then at Yan Chi, “What is this?”
Yan Chi’s lips curved upward, “It’s New Year’s today. This is your New Year’s money gift.”
Qin Wan was startled, “New Year’s money for me?” She laughed, “I’m not a child…”
But Yan Chi wouldn’t let her refuse. He grasped her small hand, enclosing the jade pendant within, “If I gave you anything else, you’d worry about others discovering it. Wear this close to your heart – it will ward off ill fortune, and it represents my heart protecting you.”
With Yan Chi putting it this way, how could Qin Wan refuse? Besides, it was New Year’s Eve.
Qin Wan had thought this year’s New Year would be bitter and lonely, spent in grief and longing for her parents. Yet by chance, she had this private moment with Yan Chi. With a slight ache in her heart, she freed her hand from Yan Chi’s grasp, lifted the pendant, and hung it around her neck, then pulled her collar to hide it beneath her clothes.
Seeing her wear the jade pendant, Yan Chi was overjoyed and pulled her back into his embrace. After a moment, he sighed softly, “Thus, we’ve managed to spend New Year’s together.”
Qin Wan sensed a trace of coolness in Yan Chi’s tone but wasn’t sure what prompted his sigh. His words also drew out the bitterness in her heart. Qin Wan wrapped her arms around Yan Chi’s waist and buried her face in his chest.
After all, it was New Year’s. Attending palace banquets didn’t count as celebrating New Year’s, receiving many gifts didn’t count, joining crowds to watch lanterns and set off firecrackers didn’t count – only reunion with loved ones made it truly New Year’s.
Yan Chi was alone in the capital, and Qin Wan was equally solitary. How similar they were. Yan Chi pitied her, and how could she not feel for him as well? In Qin Wan’s memory, she vaguely recalled that the Rui Prince Consort had also passed away early. Yan Chi had no mother, and his father wasn’t in the capital. In comparison, she was somewhat better off – at least the Qin couple treated her fairly well now.
The carriage faced the wind and snow, traveling along the main road toward Xing Le District. The capital of Lin An was ablaze with lights from countless homes, but the streets were sparsely populated. Two hours ago, when the Emperor and Empress had appeared at Zheng Hua Gate, there had been tremendous crowds outside the city tower, but now everyone had returned home to have New Year’s dinner with their families, leaving the streets deserted. Occasional firecrackers and children’s laughter created a sense of loneliness distinct from the earlier festivities.
Qin Wan’s arms tightened around Yan Chi’s.
Seeming to understand her mood, Yan Chi also held her closer. They embraced in the carriage, warming this howling, snowy New Year’s Eve. After a long while, Qin Wan asked softly, “I remember Duke Gong’s heir asked you to drink with him on New Year’s Eve. Will you still go later?”
Yan Chi stroked her hair, “I’ll go after sending you back.”
Qin Wan nodded, feeling relieved. Though she was alone, she at least had the whole household at the Marquis’s mansion. If Yan Chi returned to the Rui Prince’s mansion, he would be completely alone. Though as a grown man, he probably wouldn’t mind, she found it heartbreaking. Now knowing he wouldn’t be spending New Year’s alone, she felt much better.
“There’s one more thing I’ve never asked you – how did you get that serious injury on your back when you were in Jin Zhou?”
Qin Wan suddenly brought up something that had long worried her. When she had treated Yan Chi’s wound, she knew it wasn’t ordinary, but at that time, their social positions were worlds apart, and she wouldn’t have dared inquire about his private matters. Later, the journey back to the capital had been full of difficulties, with no good opportunity to ask. Now that she had returned to the capital and begun to understand its power struggles, she instinctively felt that Yan Chi’s injury must be connected to someone in the capital.
If so, then his friendly exchanges with the Emperor and princes at tonight’s palace banquet must have been mere pretense—
Hearing her question, Yan Chi’s hand paused in stroking her hair. After a moment’s contemplation, he said, “There’s no concrete evidence about that matter, but it’s likely related to power struggles within the Northwest Army. If Father continues to command the Northwest Army, its military authority will pass to me in the future. Even now, my authority in the Northwest Army is second only to Father’s. Firstly, Father trusts me, and secondly, with me there, Father won’t divide the power. Thus, those eager to seize control of the Northwest Army grew impatient.”
A month ago, Qin Wan would have felt that court factions and struggles were far removed from her life. But now, when Yan Chi spoke of military matters, it didn’t seem foreign. It was as if today’s visit to the palace had truly transformed her into a capital noble lady, with the visible word “power” becoming unavoidable. Given this, she wasn’t ignorant of those involved in court struggles.
“Though the struggle is for control of the Northwest Army, those fighting for power are here in the capital.”
This wasn’t a question from Qin Wan, but a statement. Hearing this, Yan Chi smiled, “You needn’t worry about this matter. I know how to handle it.” Then he released Qin Wan and looked at her, “Since you ask, you must already understand these dangers. Therefore, Wan’er, you must be careful in your future movements both inside and outside the palace.”
Qin Wan quickly nodded, “Don’t worry, I understand—”
The young Qin Wan had never been exposed to capital society. Later, when she came to the capital and got a taste of it, she found she didn’t like it. Since she had no ambitious heart, she wouldn’t force herself to do things she disliked. Later, if she hadn’t inexplicably been designated as the Yong Prince’s consort, she probably wouldn’t have wanted to enter the palace at all. Though she had seen the palace’s splendor then, she had been naive and only saw the surface. Later, her family’s destruction made her realize the good and evil beneath the capital’s glamorous exterior. Now, upon returning to the capital, she saw the same things but thought of them entirely differently. If nothing else, tonight Feng Chen Bi had shown her what scheming truly meant.
“Good.” The carriage moved increasingly slower, and Yan Chi knew they had reached Xing Le District. He caressed Qin Wan’s cheek and said, “Tonight you saved the Empress Dowager. Tomorrow, you’ll surely become the focus of attention in the capital. His Majesty will likely summon you to the palace. Within the inner palace, the Empress and Noble Consort Su have different positions, while other consorts either protect themselves or make their choices, all acting in self-interest. When you enter the inner palace in the future, remember not to get involved in their struggles. Stay wise and protect yourself.”
Qin Wan naturally agreed, “Don’t worry. Though I haven’t experienced it, I understand. With so many people vying for His Majesty’s attention, plus the throne at stake, one can imagine.”
Qin Wan was the most intelligent woman Yan Chi had ever met, and this response assured him she understood. By now, the carriage had completely stopped. Looking at Qin Wan’s face, Yan Chi felt he had countless more things to say. Tonight’s palace banquet had shown him how many people were watching her. In the capital, only the Emperor could safely enjoy such attention – for others, being too prominent wasn’t good.
Moreover, this person before him was so bewitching…
With these thoughts, Yan Chi lowered his head to kiss her. The capital of Lin An could well be called a den of tigers and wolves. Though Qin Wan wasn’t a helpless rabbit, it still frustrated him to endure so many people watching her. Yet how could he bear to hide away someone so brilliant? Full of contradiction, Yan Chi’s kiss grew deeper and deeper. Qin Wan wore a dress covered by a thick cloak, and as Yan Chi kissed her, he felt increasingly hot and restless. He pulled her onto his lap, his hand sliding under her skirt, finding her warm skin through the thin undergarments, which gave him some relief. However, this aroused an even greater fire below his abdomen. Just as he was about to lose control, Yan Chi suddenly stopped.
They both froze for a moment, heavy breathing echoing in the carriage. After a while, Qin Wan withdrew from Yan Chi’s lap. She squeezed his hand holding hers and reminded him, “I’ve arrived. You should go meet Prince Li.”
Yan Chi pressed his lips together, took a shallow breath, and helped her fasten her cloak. “You’ll likely be summoned to the palace these days. I’ll find ways to see you. If there’s anything urgent, have Bai Ying inform me.”
Qin Wan nodded and turned to leave the carriage, then suddenly turned back to give Yan Chi a sachet.
Before Yan Chi could ask what it was, Qin Wan said, “Hangover pills.”
With that, she turned and left the carriage. As the curtain fell, Yan Chi heard the Qin mansion’s gate creaking open and what seemed to be Qin Yan’s voice. Yan Chi held the sachet, a fleeting smile crossing his lips.
“Master, shall we go to Duke Gong’s mansion?”
After waiting a while without orders from Yan Chi, Bai Feng finally asked.
Yan Chi contemplated for a moment, then shook his head, “Yan Li will be accompanying his consort. I should return home to spend time with Mother too.”
Bai Feng was startled and then raised his whip.
……
……
In Ren Shou Hall, Madam Hu wrung her hands anxiously, pacing back and forth.
“Why hasn’t she returned? Has something happened? If something goes wrong today, not just Wan’er but our entire Qin family won’t escape blame. Think about it – how could the Crown Prince marry the sister of someone who caused the Empress Dowager’s death as his Crown Princess?”
Madam Hu was beside herself with worry, but Qin Shu remained calm. “What are you saying? It wasn’t Wan’er who volunteered to treat the illness. Even if something goes wrong, His Majesty can’t blame Wan’er.”
Madam Hu gave a bitter laugh. “My Lord, why say such things? You know how vicious the capital’s rumors can be. Even if His Majesty doesn’t punish her, malicious gossip alone could destroy the Qin family’s future.”
Qin Shu frowned. “Madam, the outcome isn’t decided yet. How do you know Wan’er won’t make us proud?”
Madam Hu’s bitter smile deepened. “My Lord, think about it – no matter how capable Wan’er is, the Empress Dowager’s body can’t withstand it. How many times has she been reported critically ill this year? This is a disaster. I’m not blaming Wan’er, I’m saying it’s unfair that this fell on us.”
Qin Chao Yu frowned. “It’s all because of that Feng girl! She did it on purpose! She knows Qin Wan stole her spotlight!”
Qin Shu didn’t understand these young women’s scheming, but tonight was true because of Feng Chen Bi’s words. His eyes narrowed, naturally directing his resentment toward Duke Zhong Guo. “Don’t worry, even if something goes wrong this time, I have ways to handle it.”
Madam Hu clasped her hands together, muttering prayers to the heavens. Meanwhile, Qin Chao Yu was also growing restless from the long wait. Though Madam Hu’s words were blunt, they made sense. If Qin Wan failed to save the Empress Dowager tonight, everyone would blame her for the death. If this had fallen on the Imperial Physicians it would be different, but Qin Wan had been pushed forward. Thinking of this, Qin Chao Yu clenched her fists tightly!
“My Lord, we must prepare for the worst—” Madam Hu was nearly crying. Just when Qin Chao Yu was about to be selected as Crown Princess, such an incident suddenly arose – something that originally had nothing to do with their family!
This time Qin Shu didn’t contradict Madam Hu. He remained silent, his eyes dark, already preparing for the worst. Qin Wan was skilled at examining corpses, but that was different – dead bodies didn’t need saving, whatever could be discovered was found. But living people were different. Never mind that he wasn’t sure about Qin Wan’s medical skills, even if she were extremely capable, if heaven truly wanted to take the Empress Dowager, what could Qin Wan do?
Thinking thus, Qin Shu’s heart sank to the bottom. “If truly… our family can only beg His Majesty for—”
Before he could say “mercy,” Elderly Maid Yu suddenly appeared at the door. “My Lord! She’s back! Ninth Miss is back!”
“What?” Madam Hu was overjoyed at once. “She’s back?!”
Elderly Maid Yu nodded. Qin Shu also stood and walked toward the door, with Madam Hu and Qin Chao Yu following closely. At the entrance, they saw Qin Yan holding an umbrella, and beneath it was Qin Wan in a white fox fur cloak. Qin Shu’s eyes brightened, and he walked straight out the door. When Qin Wan approached, before she could curtsy, he asked, “Wan’er, how did it go?”
Seeing their concern, under the intense gazes of all three, Qin Wan’s lips curved into a slight smile as she nodded.