In Chang Xin Palace, amidst Feng Zhang’s painful cries and curses, the medicinal treatment was finally completed. Feng Zhang unconsciously touched his face, but except for his eyes, nose, and mouth, every other part was wrapped in cotton bandages. When he turned around, he saw himself in the mirror, wrapped up like a zongzi!

His eyes narrowed as intense anger welled up within them. Just then, a palace servant entered from outside.

“Your Highness, Your Grace, Young Master, His Majesty has not sent anyone to summon Prince Chi to the palace.”

After the servant’s words, a deathly silence fell over the room. Feng Zhang glanced at Lady Feng Ling Su sitting in the main seat, then at Duke Zhong Feng Ke who had rushed to the palace upon hearing the news. “Aunt, Father, what does His Majesty mean by this? Does he not intend to immediately hold Yan Chi accountable?! Is His Majesty just going to let me take this beating for nothing?!”

Seeing Lady Feng Ling Su remain silent, Feng Zhang anxiously said, “Aunt, please say something—”

Lady Feng Ling Su, who had been quietly displeased since returning to the palace, finally couldn’t hold back. Looking at the ridiculously bandaged Feng Zhang, she shouted, “Silence! You’ve always acted recklessly using my name, and today, you even provoked Yan Chi. Provoking him is one thing, but you couldn’t even win the fight. That’s embarrassing enough! Yet when you went to complain, you weren’t even in the right! Now, what more do you want? Do you want the entire palace to know about this?!”

When Feng Zhang heard Lady Feng Ling Su refer to herself as “This Palace,” he immediately knew she was truly angry. However, after everything he’d endured today, he felt extremely wronged and resentful, so he couldn’t help but say, “Aunt, I don’t want everyone to know either, but today, I was the one who got beaten, yet it’s your face that was lost. His Majesty saw my terrible state, yet doesn’t plan to restore your dignity!”

Lady Feng Ling Su’s face turned pale with anger. “You didn’t think about losing my face when you were causing trouble?! Now that you’ve messed everything up, you want to use me to clean up your mess?! No wonder Yan Chi called you useless!”

Feng Zhang couldn’t stand being called “useless,” and his head immediately began to burn with anger. However, since Lady Feng Ling Su was also furious, he didn’t dare to truly fall out with her. Gritting his teeth, Feng Zhang held back.

Duke Feng Ke looked at his miserable son and, feeling compassionate, said, “Your Highness, please calm down. This time Feng Zhang was thoughtless and caused you trouble.” He sighed and instructed the Duke’s Manor steward Wan You Cai, who had accompanied him to the palace, “You, take the Young Master to the carriage outside first. I need to speak with Her Highness.”

Duke Zhong, though a troublemaker in his youth, had aged enough to understand the gravity of matters. Moreover, the entire Duke’s Manor now relied on Lady Feng Ling Su, so he knew better than to anger her at this moment.

Though Feng Zhang was unwilling, he could only follow Duke Feng Ke’s words. Once Feng Zhang left, Duke Feng Ke stood up and said, “Your Highness, please calm down. Feng Zhang is young and ignorant, only seeing things at face value. Please don’t take offense.”

Lady Feng Ling Su narrowed her eyes, “Brother has only this one son, and I’ve loved him since he was little. But Brother can see too that at his age, Feng Zhang is still so useless. If Duke Zhong’s Manor continues like this, it will be completely ruined!”

Hearing this, Duke Feng Ke quickly nodded, “Your Highness speaks truly. However, regarding this incident, don’t Prince Chi’s and His Majesty’s attitudes indicate something?”

Seeing Lady Feng Ling Su raise an eyebrow, Duke Feng Ke hurriedly continued, “I’m not insisting on justice for Feng Zhang. I’m just wondering if Yan Chi’s actions today show that he’s chosen to support the Crown Prince. Is he using this to suppress Duke Zhong’s Manor because of the Crown Prince? And does His Majesty’s attitude suggest some grievance against our Duke’s Manor or Prince Cheng?”

Lady Feng Ling Su immediately frowned deeply, “What do you mean, Brother?”

Duke Feng Ke sighed, “Though Your Highness is favored, Prince Yong has now been established as Crown Prince. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, then… Fortunately, His Majesty is healthy and vigorous, so there are still opportunities in the next few years. What’s worrying now is if His Majesty has developed any grievances against Prince Cheng and our Duke’s Manor.”

Lady Feng Ling Su frowned slightly, “I don’t know about Yan Chi’s attitude, but he knows the Qin family’s Ninth Miss. Princess Tai Chang asked him to look after that girl, maybe that’s the reason. If so, then fine, but if it’s as Brother suggests, we’ll need to plan carefully. As for His Majesty, what else could it be? If there’s any reason, it’s because of Feng Zhang’s actions.”

Duke Feng Ke shook his head, “Your Highness may not know, but regarding that previous case in Lin An Prefecture, the reason the Crown Prince couldn’t solve it was that Prince Cheng sent people to interfere. Though His Majesty doesn’t have clear evidence, he can guess who did it. I fear His Majesty has developed a prejudice against Prince Cheng.”

Lady Feng Ling Su’s heart skipped a beat, “In that case…”

Duke Feng Ke nodded, “Therefore, Your Highness, while His Majesty still greatly favors you these few years, you should also pay attention to matters in the palace. As for affairs in court, Prince Cheng surely has his arrangements.”

Lady Feng Ling Su shook her head, “What can I do in the palace? Zhao Shu Hua has been impeccable all these years. Though His Majesty rarely visits her, he still respects her as Empress. As for me… His Majesty indeed comes often, but the current Emperor is not the Prince Luo of the past. Back then, Prince Luo didn’t have to consider so much; when he favored me, it was a genuine favor. Later, when he became Crown Prince, and then after the Prince Gong incident, His Majesty seemed to become a different person. He still pampers me in small matters, but he won’t let me influence important decisions. After ascending the throne, he became even more devoted to state affairs and governance. Though I appear to be the most favored, in reality, His Majesty visits the palace less and less now.”

Duke Feng Ke’s eyes darkened slightly, “His Majesty wishes to be a wise ruler, which is good, but Your Highness must also consider yourself and Prince Cheng. If you don’t plan now, it will be too late when His Majesty’s health fails.”

Lady Feng Ling Su frowned, “Zhao Shu Hua has the Northern Army, but what do we have?”

She glanced at Duke Zhong, seemingly reproaching his incompetence.

Duke Feng Ke showed a bitter smile, “Your Highness knows our family’s situation over these years. We have no way with military power, which is why I thought of having Zhang join the Imperial Guard. This would give you more eyes and convenience in the palace. Additionally, Prince Cheng is plotting for the Shuo Xi Army. If he can truly grasp control of the Shuo Xi Army, what would the Northern Army matter?”

Lady Feng Ling Su sighed, “After the trouble, Feng Zhang caused this time, he still wants to join the Imperial Guard?! As for the Shuo Xi Army, Yan Chi’s actions today probably show how difficult that will be.” She laughed coldly, “Come to think of it, isn’t it because Father and Brother didn’t let me marry into Prince Luo’s manor earlier? If you had such foresight, I would be Empress today! How could it fall to that cheap woman Zhao Shu Hua?! I was just one year late, yet now it’s heaven and earth apart.”

Duke Feng Ke could only continue smiling bitterly, “Back then, the previous Emperor was hesitating between Prince Luo and Prince Gong, and we feared betting on the wrong side. We favored Prince Gong more, who knew he would value the Fu family’s daughter.”

Lady Feng Ling Su smiled thinking of this matter, “Fortunately, I didn’t marry into Prince Gong’s manor. Though His Majesty is very generous to Prince Gong’s manor now if Prince Gong hadn’t died, where would this generosity come from? Back then, His Majesty personally destroyed the rebel army, Prince Gong perished in the fire, only then did His Majesty feel some guilt.”

Duke Feng Ke kept nodding, and Lady Feng Ling Su continued instructing, “Let Feng Zhang learn his lesson well and don’t easily cause trouble in the future. The Qin family’s Ninth Miss is someone His Majesty has high hopes for treating the Empress Dowager’s illness. Make him understand what’s important, otherwise, forget about seeking advancement – even keeping the Duke’s position is uncertain.”

Duke Feng Ke’s expression became solemn, and he repeatedly agreed.

Meanwhile, Empress Zhao Shu Hua and Yan Che in Kun Ning Palace also received the news immediately.

Zhao Shu Hua’s face rarely showed a trace of a smile, “So, you’re saying His Majesty shows no immediate intention to punish Yan Chi?”

Kun Ning Palace’s head steward Zhang Yun quickly nodded, “Yes, after Noble Consort and Feng Zhang left, His Majesty didn’t send anyone to summon Prince Chi, just continued handling state affairs as if nothing had happened.”

Zhao Shu Hua turned to look at Yan Che, “Che’er, what do you think?”

Yan Che’s expression relaxed slightly, “Yan Chi knows the Ninth Miss, today he probably intended to protect her.”

Zhao Shu Hua nodded, “And then?”

Yan Che thought for a moment, “Yan Chi has the title ‘Demon King’ in Shuo Xi, and today’s events show he indeed has a fierce temperament and fears neither Duke Zhong’s Manor nor Prince Cheng. However, acting this way, I’m not sure of his intentions.”

Zhao Shu Hua lifted her chin slightly, “He was personally handed over by Prince Rui, and Prince Rui has never made a single mistake in his life. In this aspect, Yan Chi is quite unlike his father.”

Yan Che nodded, “When he was sent back to the capital before the new year, I heard it was because he punished a vice commander who violated military discipline too severely. That person died directly, so Prince Rui sent him back.”

Zhao Shu Hua curved her lips, “If that’s true, then it’s excellent.” Looking at Yan Che, she continued, “Now that he’s fallen out with Duke Zhong’s Manor, it’s precisely our opportunity—”

Yan Che hesitated for a moment, “But Mother Empress, previously when the Young Master of Duke Yong Yong’s Manor tried to help me win over Yan Chi, his attitude was very ambiguous. I guess now that he’s just returned to the capital, he probably doesn’t want to choose sides.”

Zhao Shu Hua nodded, “That may be so, but his actions today have essentially pushed him toward our side. You don’t need to make a grand gesture to win him over, just help when needed. At least, we need to make Prince Cheng and Feng Ling Su believe he’s on our side. As for the rest, handle it as you see fit.”

…

“News! Prince Chi didn’t enter the palace today! He went directly to the northern military camp for training!”

Qin Yi strode in from outside, bringing back news about Yan Chi.

In Ren Shou Hall, Qin Shu and Qin Wan both sighed in relief. Qin Shu said, “It seems His Majesty knows that Feng Zhang was in the wrong this time. Though Prince Chi helped Wan’er and perhaps used excessive force, it’s not a serious matter.”

Qin Yan nodded beside them, “That Feng Zhang bullied Ninth Sister first. If I had been there, I would have beaten him too.”

Hearing this, Qin Shu snorted coldly, “If you had been there, he wouldn’t have dared to be so presumptuous.” He continued, “It seems we need to arrange more guards to accompany Wan’er, to prevent another encounter with that Feng Zhang.”

Qin Yi smiled, “Feng Zhang was beaten quite badly this time, he probably won’t be able to leave his house for a month. Ninth Sister should be safe for now.”

Qin Shu shook his head, “It’s still better to arrange more people.”

Qin Yi quickly said, “I’ll arrange it. Ninth Sister enters the palace daily these days, I’ll make arrangements shortly.”

Seeing such a commotion, Qin Wan felt somewhat uncomfortable and hurriedly said, “It’s fine, today was just an accident, it probably won’t happen again. There’s no need to make special arrangements for me.”

Qin Shu waved his hand, “Don’t worry about this, your safety is more important than anything.”

Qin Wan could only smile bitterly for a moment. Meanwhile, Qin Yi said, “Anyway, I have nothing to do recently. If Father is worried, I can escort Ninth Sister back and forth.”

Hearing this, Qin Shu hesitated, while Qin Wan looked at Qin Yi with some surprise, truly not expecting him to say this.

Though Qin Yi had no official duties, having him specifically escort her seemed somewhat like using a talented person for menial tasks.

“How could this be acceptable? Fourth Brother would just be waiting outside while I’m in the palace, it’s truly a waste of your time.”

Qin Yi shrugged, “Father hasn’t assigned me any tasks lately. When I have duties, we can arrange guards then, isn’t that the same?”

Hearing this, Qin Shu nodded, “That would be good. If nothing else, I trust Yi’er to escort you.”

Qin Yi smiled and nodded, then looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan sighed and had to accept this arrangement.

Qin Shu then said, “Today’s incident happened suddenly. Wan’er, next time you see Prince Chi, remember to thank him.” Looking at Qin Yan, he added, “You too, remember to thank him when you see Prince Chi.”

Qin Yan nodded, and Qin Shu’s mood greatly improved. Seeing this, Qin Wan’s heart also settled somewhat.

She had thought that given the Emperor’s favor for Feng Ling Su, plus Feng Zhang’s deliberate defamation, His Majesty would likely summon Yan Chi to the palace for some minor punishment. She hadn’t expected there to be no summons at all. Thinking of what Yan Chi had said before they parted, Qin Wan understood that he had likely anticipated this situation.

Why would Yan Chi think the Emperor wouldn’t pursue the matter even if he beat Feng Zhang?

After all, Feng Zhang was also a royal relative.

Qin Wan couldn’t figure it out at the moment, but first bid farewell to Qin Shu and the others to return to Song Feng Court.

Although Qin Wan no longer maintained a detached attitude, she still couldn’t see the court situation. The only certainty was her trust in Yan Chi – since he had taken such action, he must have known what he was doing.

With her heart somewhat at ease, Qin Wan stopped thinking about it further. After a peaceful night’s sleep, she prepared early the next morning to enter the palace to treat the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager was slightly older than Princess Tai Chang and not as healthy, so Qin Wan had to be very careful with the medications. Seeing it was getting late, Qin Wan continued preparing to enter the palace with Fu Ling. This time, sure enough, Qin Yi was waiting outside on horseback, wearing a neat dark blue riding outfit.

Seeing Qin Yi, Qin Wan still felt somewhat embarrassed, “Thank you for the trouble, Fourth Brother.”

Qin Yi smiled casually, “It’s no matter, I’m just staying at the manor anyway.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan’s heart stirred slightly. She remembered Qin Yi had mentioned wanting to join the Nine Cities Patrol, but at the time Qin Shu hadn’t directly agreed. Now, Qin Yi, a noble Fourth Young Master of the Marquis Manor, was doing escort duty for her.

Qin Wan knew Qin Yi was born of a concubine, so although she understood his difficulties, she didn’t say much. After she got into the carriage, they headed straight for the palace gates.

Today was the third day of the month, and the snow from the past few days had mostly melted, though a bone-chilling cold permeated the air. At the palace gate, Qin Wan alighted from the carriage and entered, with the same young palace maid from the previous days waiting for her.

The three of them went directly to Shou Kang Palace. Today the Empress Dowager’s spirits were somewhat better. When Qin Wan arrived, the Ninth Prince Yan Sui was keeping the Empress Dowager company. When she saw Qin Wan, the Empress Dowager unusually didn’t misidentify her.

Granny Chen smiled, “Your Highness, this is the Qin family’s Ninth Miss who is treating your illness.”

Qin Wan paid her respects, and the Empress Dowager dazedly reached out her hand. Seeing this, Qin Wan quickly extended her hand. The Empress Dowager held Qin Wan’s hand and had her sit by the bedside, looking her over carefully before slowly nodding, “Good, good, good…”

Granny Chen continued smiling, “Princess Tai Chang has taken the Ninth Miss as her goddaughter. When Princess Tai Chang fell ill in Jin Zhou, it was also the Ninth Miss who treated her successfully. Your Highness, isn’t this fate?”

The Empress Dowager’s eyes brightened slightly, “The Princess… is she well?”

Qin Wan quickly nodded, “Princess Tai Chang is doing well in all aspects, please don’t worry…”

The Empress Dowager nodded and fell silent. Qin Wan then began to take her pulse. While doing so, Qin Wan concentrated intently, but the Empress Dowager kept studying her. After checking the pulse, she held onto Qin Wan to chat. They had barely exchanged a few words when someone came to report from outside.

“Empress Dowager, Prince Chi has come to see you.”

The Empress Dowager’s eyes brightened again, “Chi’er? Quickly let him in.”

Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, and she hastily rose from the bedside. Soon, Yan Chi strode in from outside.

Today, Yan Chi still wears a magnificent black robe. As soon as he entered, the Empress Dowager’s eyes grew moist, “Chi’er… they say you won’t leave this time? You’re staying in the capital?”

This had happened days ago, but the Empress Dowager’s mind had been unclear, and only today did she understand.

Yan Chi quickly stepped forward and sat by the Empress Dowager’s bedside, “Grandmother, I’m not leaving. I’ll stay in the capital from now on.”

The Empress Dowager’s lips curved up as she smiled and patted Yan Chi’s hand, “This is wonderful. If only your father would return too. My health grows worse by the day, I don’t know if I’ll live to see your father again.”

Yan Chi quickly said, “You will get better. Ninth Miss’s medical skills are excellent, she will certainly cure you. Once the west is settled, Father will return to pay his respects to you. And now that I’m staying in the capital, I can pay my respects to you daily.”

Yan Chi spoke kindly to the Empress Dowager, his smile warm and his eyes gentle and bright – quite different from the Yan Chi of yesterday. Standing at the foot of the bed, Qin Wan’s gaze fell on Yan Chi’s back. Though they had declared their feelings for each other over a month ago and had known each other for four months before that, how many sides of Yan Chi remained hidden from her?

The proud and unruly Yan Chi, the brightly smiling and gentle-eyed Yan Chi, the calm and stern imposing Yan Chi, and yesterday’s decisive warrior showing glimpses of his “Demon King” nature – besides these versions she had seen, what other Yan Chi’s existed?

“You can trust in Ninth Miss’s medical skills.”

Qin Wan was lost in thought when suddenly, Yan Chi turned around while speaking. She quickly snapped back to attention as Yan Chi continued with a smile, “That night, it was Ninth Miss who saved you.”

Granny Chen added, “Indeed, it was Prince Chi who said Ninth Miss could save you.”

Though the Empress Dowager could recognize people and speak normally now, her reactions were still somewhat slow. After thinking for a moment, she reached out to Qin Wan again. With age, the Empress Dowager had lost much of her former imperial bearing from when she was Empress, wanting to hold hands even with someone like Qin Wan who had no blood relation.

“So talented at such a young age.”

“Truly a good girl, I’ve never seen anyone like her in my life.”

“Your name is Wan’er, isn’t it? Such a lovely name…”

The Empress Dowager held Qin Wan’s hand in one hand and Yan Chi’s in the other, speaking nothing but praise. Hearing such flattering words, Qin Wan felt somewhat embarrassed. After a few more exchanges, the Empress Dowager showed signs of fatigue, and Qin Wan quickly urged her to rest.

Yan Chi also persuaded her with a few words before she obediently lay down.

Qin Wan wrote a new prescription for Granny Chen, and thinking of Qin Yi waiting at the palace gate, she took her leave.

Meanwhile, Yan Chi, having visited the Empress Dowager, naturally left together with her.

As they walked out to the outer palace pathway, Qin Wan asked, “Was there any trouble from yesterday’s incident?”

Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly, “Why don’t you ask how I arrived at Shou Kang Palace so punctually?”

Qin Wan’s expression froze as she suddenly understood – Yan Chi had come deliberately.

Seeing her expression, Yan Chi’s smile deepened, “I knew you were worried, so I came today to tell you that yesterday’s matter is completely fine. You needn’t worry. See, I’m just about to head to the Ministry of Justice.”

Qin Wan was slightly surprised, “The Ministry of Justice?”

Yan Chi nodded, his expression becoming somewhat serious, “You know what His Majesty said that day. Yesterday the Minister of Justice visited my manor, and today I’m going to take up my post.”

Qin Wan understood and quickly said, “Good, then you should attend to your official duties.”

Yan Chi shook his head, “The Ministry likely has no major matters these few days. Let me see you to the palace gate first.”

Now that Qin Wan lived in the Marquis Manor with its strict security and her courtyard full of people, it wasn’t convenient for Yan Chi to visit at night as before. Therefore, their opportunities to meet were naturally limited, so when Yan Chi spoke thus, Qin Wan didn’t refuse.

Yan Chi then asked her, “I heard many people have been coming to the Marquis Manor seeking medical treatment?”

Speaking of this, Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile wryly, “Yes, on the first day of the month, many people came to the manor under the pretense of bringing New Year’s gifts, and quite a few asked for medical treatment. In the end, Elder Uncle’s wife only agreed to two people. One person won’t be coming today because of a death in their clan, and an elderly lady will be visiting the manor later.”

Yan Chi nodded, “With your reputation, there will certainly be many seeking your medical expertise. However, if you’re unwilling, you can certainly refuse.” He glanced toward Zheng Hua Gate, “I entered the palace after you – was it the Marquis’s Second Young Master who escorted you?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Because of yesterday’s incident, Elder Uncle fears for my safety.”

Yan Chi looked satisfied, “That’s more like it. Yesterday you were alone – if I hadn’t arrived in time, who knows how presumptuous Feng Zhang might have been.”

Qin Wan sighed, “Please don’t do such things in the future. He wouldn’t dare do anything to me.”

Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed, “Feng Zhang has Noble Consort and Prince Cheng protecting him. When he truly loses control, he won’t consider so much. He’s seen you before – I needed to let him know that you are untouchable.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan felt warmth in her heart, “Alright, I understand.”

Though there was no one ahead or behind them, they couldn’t be too intimate. Yan Chi’s hand, wanting to pat Qin Wan’s head, had to hold back. He just took a breath and said, “Don’t worry. Though I haven’t been in the capital for years, I understand this place better than most.”

Qin Wan nodded and didn’t say more. As they talked, they first exited Zheng Hua Gate, which was the palace gate. Outside the gate was a broad imperial road, with palace walls built on both sides. The walls extended along the road for about a hundred paces before turning left and right, enclosing two areas adjacent to the imperial city’s wards – the location of the Six Ministries and other government offices. The Ministry of Justice was on the left, where Yan Chi needed to go after leaving the palace gate.

Outside the gate, Qin Yi was waiting by the carriage. Despite the severe cold, he had waited for over half a watch.

Seeing Qin Yi look over at her, Qin Wan prepared to bid farewell to Yan Chi, “A patient is waiting for me at the manor today, so I’ll head back first.” As she spoke, her eyes remained on Yan Chi.

Yan Chi, who had noticed Qin Wan watching him in Shou Kang Palace, smiled brightly and was about to nod when unexpectedly, several people emerged from under the left palace wall, led by Bai Feng.

Bai Feng strode forward, followed by several men in official robes, “Master, there’s a case at the Ministry.”

Yan Chi raised his eyebrows, “A case?!”

Bai Feng stepped aside, “Let Minister Xu explain—”

As Bai Feng moved aside, a middle-aged man stepped forward from behind him, “Your Highness, Lin An Prefecture just transferred a case to us. It’s an ordinary homicide case, but because it involves court officials, it was transferred to the Ministry of Justice.”

He handed over a booklet, “Please review it.”

Yan Chi took it and opened it, frowning, “The Left Vice Minister of Revenue’s elder cousin didn’t commit suicide?”

The man addressed as Minister Xu quickly nodded, “Indeed. The family had already prepared the funeral hall, but the family’s young master came to report to the authorities, saying his father certainly couldn’t have committed suicide…”

Meanwhile, Qin Wan felt a sense of suspicion rise in her heart. The Left Vice Minister of Revenue’s elder cousin?