Qin Wan still remembers that day at the Shangsi Festival palace banquet. When she first saw Liu Yun, she noticed his complexion was somewhat pale. At that time, she only briefly wondered if he was unwell, but never imagined he had a heart condition.

Walking out of the meeting tent, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed deeply. Although Liu Yun had participated in the hunt to conceal the truth, someone with a heart condition could not practice martial arts, and the same applied to archery. Even if Liu Yun could draw a bow and shoot arrows, as Yan Chi said, his accuracy and power would make it very difficult to hit Tuoba Hong’s chest perfectly and wound him so deeply.

If it wasn’t Liu Yun, then who could it be? Could it be internal strife within the Northern Wei royal family?

With this thought, Tuoba Rui’s face flashed through Qin Wan’s mind. Tuoba Rui was young and proud and had conflicts with Tuoba Wu. His mother was the most favored Noble Consort, and his maternal family wielded great power. Given this, it would be impossible for him to have no ambitions at all. Could it have been him…

Lost in these thoughts, Qin Wan walked straight toward Tuoba Hong’s main tent. Just as she reached the entrance, she saw Tuoba Rui standing outside, and among the guards were two additional Northern Wei sentries, one of whom was Xu Chang, who had represented Northern Wei in the martial arts competition. Tuoba Rui seemed to be peering inside, but the guards outside firmly prevented him from entering.

Qin Wan quickly stepped forward, “Fifth Prince Your Highness—”

Tuoba Rui turned around, and upon seeing Qin Wan, immediately cupped his hands in greeting, “Ninth Lady, you saved my elder brother. Thank you.”

Qin Wan studied Tuoba Rui for a moment, stepping aside as she said, “I only did what I could. The Crown Prince is still in grave danger. Whether he can wake up ultimately depends on heaven’s will.”

Tuoba Rui’s hand brushed against his robe at his side, “Am I not allowed to see my elder brother?”

Qin Wan shook her head, “The Crown Prince cannot be disturbed at present and must be kept from drafts. I ask for Your Highness’s understanding.”

Tuoba Rui looked back at the strict guard detail, “Of course, of course. The culprit hasn’t been found yet, so my elder brother must be well protected, otherwise the assassin might try to take his life again!”

Qin Wan nodded, “Exactly so. I’m glad Your Highness understands.”

Tuoba Rui had also gone to Wei Mountain with Yan Chi for two days and one night, and his appearance showed signs of fatigue. Looking at his expression, Qin Wan couldn’t tell if he was truly concerned about Tuoba Hong or had other motives. After exchanging a few more words, Tuoba Rui took his leave first. Qin Wan stood for a moment before turning to enter Tuoba Hong’s tent.

Inside the tent was Tuoba Wu, which slightly surprised Qin Wan. “Princess, the Fifth Prince was outside just now.”

Tuoba Wu turned around, “I heard. Xu Chang and the others were arranged by me…”

She appeared to want to say more but held back. Qin Wan sensed something unusual and quickly asked, “Then why didn’t the Princess go out?”

Tuoba Wu looked directly at Qin Wan, “I think what you said makes sense. I learned about Liu Yun’s illness – does this mean he couldn’t be the one who harmed my elder brother?”

Qin Wan immediately nodded, “The Third Prince suffers from a chronic heart condition. Logically, he couldn’t have shot and wounded Crown Prince Tuoba in such a manner—”

Tuoba Wu gave a cold laugh, “To think Liu Yun is sickly, though he acted quite convincingly. It must have been to deceive the Emperor and Empress into marrying the Fifth Princess to him!” Her voice deepened, “If it wasn’t Liu Yun, then it has nothing to do with Western Liang! If it’s not related to Western Liang, Great Zhou couldn’t possibly be involved either. Does this mean it’s Northern Wei’s internal affair?”

Qin Wan pressed her lips together and nodded, “That’s possible.”

At these words, Tuoba Wu’s expression turned cold, “My Royal Brother is the designated heir in Northern Wei, with no possibility of change regardless of how favored other brothers might be. So someone tried to harm him while he was on his diplomatic mission to Great Zhou?”

Tuoba Wu’s eyes were filled with coldness, “If that’s the case, I must find this person no matter what!”

After considering this possibility, Tuoba Wu’s expression remained grim. Qin Wan sighed inwardly but didn’t try to persuade her otherwise. The two stayed until nightfall before leaving one after another, temporarily leaving the tent in the care of the Chief Physician.

Meanwhile, Yan Chi was continuing the interrogations with Zhao Yu. The others were all noble children of Great Zhou, and no matter how they were questioned, nothing could be discovered. Since they had no motive to cause harm, the interrogations were suspended. In the meeting tent, Zhao Yu worriedly said, “The interrogations have made no progress, we’ve only ruled out Liu Yun. At this rate, how long will it take to find anything useful…”

Lin Zhang said, “We’ve investigated the armory. Everyone’s arrows are strictly accounted for, not one more or less. Therefore, the arrow that hit Crown Prince Tuoba must have been one of their own.”

Zhao Yu quickly asked, “Is it possible that some arrows shot by Crown Prince Tuoba’s party weren’t retrieved and were taken by others?”

Lin Zhang replied, “Wei Mountain is densely forested, and there were many people that day with countless variables. What you suggest isn’t impossible, but if so, the situation becomes even more complex and complicated.”

They had led several hundred troops up the mountain again, taking two days and one night to roughly map out each squad’s route. If someone had truly lied to them, there must have been many discrepancies, but they couldn’t possibly take everyone up the mountain again. With so many people and varying accounts, how could they determine what was true and what was false?

Those routes were like an intricate web – if one knot was wrong, it would cause complex changes. To focus on this aspect would be exhausting and yield little result.

Yan Chi’s brows furrowed, “Keep watching the suspects. We’ll handle the rest gradually.”

Yan Chi said no more and walked out. Lin Zhang and Zhao Yu exchanged glances, both somewhat puzzled. Meanwhile, after leaving the main tent, Yan Chi went straight to his tent. Shortly after, Bai Feng slipped out from inside and soon arrived at the Empress Dowager’s tent. He whispered something to Bai Ying before quickly departing.

Early the next morning, as soon as Qin Wan entered Tuoba Hong’s tent, she checked his pulse again. After a moment, her expression brightened. The three Imperial Physicians watching asked hurriedly, “Ninth Lady, how is it?”

Qin Wan nodded, “The pulse is stronger by several degrees.”

As she spoke, Qin Wan quickly examined the wound. Sure enough, even Tuoba Hong’s wound had healed somewhat.

Qin Wan immediately breathed a sigh of relief, “It seems my new medicine is working!”

The three Imperial Physicians all rejoiced. Although Qin Wan was the one saving the patient, Tuoba Hong’s recovery would benefit not only Northern Wei-Great Zhou diplomatic relations but also result in rewards for the three of them. Feeling relieved, Qin Wan first asked the three to return and rest, then had someone inform Tuoba Wu. Soon, Tuoba Wu arrived at the tent!

“Has Royal Brother truly improved?!”

Qin Wan smiled, “Would I lie to you?”

Tuoba Wu’s face was full of joy. She stepped forward and grabbed Tuoba Hong’s hand. Before she could say much more, Tuoba Rui arrived at the tent entrance. “Xu Chang, has my elder brother improved?”

Xu Chang respectfully replied, “Fifth Prince, according to Ninth Lady, it seems so!”

Tuoba Rui’s smile widened, “That’s wonderful!”

As he spoke, the tent flap lifted, and Tuoba Wu walked out. The joy on her face appeared genuine, “Fifth Royal Brother! Royal Brother has improved, and at this rate, he should wake up in a few days!”

Tuoba Rui stood on tiptoes trying to look inside, “That’s wonderful, wonderful! It’s a pity I can’t go in to see my elder brother! Royal Sister, these next few days will depend on you to watch over elder brother! Once he wakes up, we’ll immediately know who the culprit is!”

Tuoba Wu stared at Tuoba Rui and could only smile and nod at his words, “Don’t worry. Keep an eye on things outside these few days. The sooner we catch the culprit, the better it will be for Royal Brother.”

“Of course!” Tuoba Rui nodded.

Tuoba Wu nodded with satisfaction, “Let’s inform the others as well, to put their minds at ease.”

Several Northern Wei envoys who had accompanied them were all senior officials from the Ministry of Rites and strongly supported Tuoba Hong. Tuoba Rui quickly nodded and turned to spread the news.

After Tuoba Rui left, Tuoba Wu stood in place for a moment, “Now that the Crown Prince’s condition has improved, we absolutely cannot let anyone enter the tent carelessly these next few days. We must also be careful with the medicine being delivered – medicine from strangers must not enter the tent.”

Xu Chang and the others quickly agreed. Tuoba Wu nodded before turning to enter the tent.

As soon as she entered, Qin Wan asked, “How was it?”

Tuoba Wu’s brows furrowed into a “川” shape, “I couldn’t tell anything. He seems genuinely concerned about elder brother.”

Qin Wan said, “These two days, only we two will guard the tent. I’ll tell the three Imperial Physicians they need not come help. This will prevent anyone from taking advantage of chaos to commit violence.”

Tuoba Wu naturally agreed. She had been worried for many days, and now finally seeing hope, she became even more attentive to every detail. Although the rain had stopped, there was still moisture in Tuoba Hong’s tent. Qin Wan ordered small braziers to be brought in and had both the inside and outside of the tent sprinkled with white vinegar and boiled wine. Everything was carefully arranged, just waiting for Tuoba Hong to wake up.

Yan Huai hadn’t expected Tuoba Hong’s condition to improve so quickly. That evening, he ordered a grand feast for all officials. The hunt had been interrupted because of Tuoba Hong’s incident, and the entire camp had been gloomy for days. Now that Tuoba Hong was improving, even though the culprit hadn’t been caught, as long as he was out of danger, the biggest cloud hanging over the camp had dissipated!

That night, bonfires blazed on the camp’s plaza, bright as day. Yan Huai brought the Empress Dowager, Zhao Shuhua, and all the imperial consorts to attend. Below them, besides royal family members like Yan Chi and Yan Che, everyone including the women could attend the feast. The entire plaza was filled with tables placed next to each other, with music and dancing on the central elevated platform.

This was the largest night feast since the hunt began. Even Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang were among the guests. Because Qin Shu was the Loyal and Brave Marquis and Qin Chaoyu was the future Crown Princess, they were seated quite close to the front. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were extremely excited – this was their closest encounter with the royal nobility.

“Why don’t I see Ninth Sister?”

Qin Shuang looked around but couldn’t find Qin Wan, feeling puzzled. Qin Xiang said softly, “I heard she’s been staying by Crown Prince Tuoba’s side and can’t leave. Even the Empress Dowager didn’t make her come.”

Qin Shuang stuck out her tongue, “Ninth Sister is amazing! She saved the Empress Dowager, and now she’s saved Crown Prince Tuoba! Ninth Sister will be Crown Prince Tuoba’s great benefactor from now on. That Crown Prince Tuoba will be the future Emperor of Northern Wei!”

Qin Xiang smiled without speaking, just looking at the main seats in the distance.

Yan Huai’s imperial dignity need not be mentioned, while nearby Yan Che, Yan Qi, and others were truly outstanding. Although Qin Xiang had been in the capital for many days, this was her first time seeing how grand a royal night feast could be. Such luxury and pleasure was unimaginable to common people.

Under the vast sky and broad earth, accompanied by palace music and dance, this relaxed yet luxurious banquet was something Qin Xiang felt she would never forget. But would she be able to attend a second time?

The answer seemed negative, because, with one glance, she seemed to see Xue Qingshan who was responsible for guard duty!

In the deep night, except for the brightly lit plaza, the surrounding auxiliary tents were shrouded in shadows. Once, Qin Xiang had been among those shadows, but now she was an honored guest in this brilliant gathering!

Raising her chin, Qin Xiang sat straight-backed and smiled.

Liu Yun, who had fainted earlier, had regained consciousness. Learning that his heart condition had been exposed, he naturally understood that his hope of marrying the Fifth Princess was lost. Feeling dejected, he was both angry and helpless toward Yan Chi. After recovering somewhat, he attended tonight’s feast. Usually, he would always try to please the Fifth Princess, but tonight, even when Little Blue ran to him following a scent, he didn’t pay much attention.

“Little Blue!” Yan Zhen ran over quickly and picked up Little Blue. Looking at Liu Yun’s still-pale face, she said, “How is the Third Prince’s health? This little one has been running outside these past two days, perhaps missing its former master.”

It wasn’t that Little Blue missed its former master – he had simply had people apply scent-guide incense to it. Liu Yun replied sickly, “Thank you for your concern, Princess. I’m much better. Little Blue is from Western Liang after all, Princess need not worry.”

The Fifth Princess looked at Liu Yun, said “Oh,” nodded, and left.

Liu Yun slammed the table hard! With this exertion, his face immediately turned pale and he bent over. Nearby, Fu Desheng quickly asked, “Your Highness? What’s wrong? Is it hurting again?”

This episode hadn’t fully healed, but Liu Yun had insisted on coming to avoid losing face. Now he seemed about to have another attack after getting angry. Fu Desheng immediately stood up, “Your Highness, wait here. I’ll go get the medicine.”

Liu Yun nodded, and Fu Desheng quickly left.

Tuoba Rui sat in his seat looking around restlessly. After looking around, he suddenly stood up saying, “Why hasn’t Royal Sister come? I should go check—”

Yan Qi, who was sitting closest to him, smiled and said, “Fifth Prince, please return quickly.”

Tuoba Rui smiled and nodded, hurriedly heading toward the medicine storage.

Yan Qi remained seated, but his gaze fell on the officials’ family members’ tables below. Scanning across, he didn’t see any suitable royal ladies who could marry into Northern Wei or Western Liang. His gaze settled, and suddenly he saw Qin Xiang sitting at the Qin family’s table. His eyebrows raised, showing some interest. Just then, Qin Xiang seemed to sense his gaze and looked over. Seeing Yan Qi watching her, her face reddened and she immediately lowered her eyes…

This scene caught Yan Qi’s eye and made his interest grow even deeper.

The feast was at its height. Since Tuoba Hong had improved, Yan Huai announced that the hunt would continue tomorrow. Many people had indeed come for the hunt, and hearing this, the atmosphere immediately became lively. Liu Yun’s chest was secretly in great pain, and after waiting a long while without seeing Fu Desheng return, his brows furrowed and he stood up unsteadily to walk toward his tent.

Fu Desheng knew where his medicine pills were kept – why hadn’t he returned after so long?!

Liu Yun walked outward while thinking, and others who saw him leave were somewhat surprised. However, everyone knew about his serious illness, so no one came forward to stop him. Just then, new music started on the elevated platform in the plaza, drawing everyone’s attention.

Liu Yun held his chest with one hand while feeling annoyed at Fu Desheng’s failure to return. However, just as he reached the edge of the plaza, a shadow suddenly lunged out from between the auxiliary tents. Before Liu Yun could see clearly who it was, the shadow pounced on him. The attacker’s momentum was extremely strong, carrying a pungent smell of blood. Caught completely off guard, Liu Yun was knocked to the ground!

He cried out in surprise and looked up to see a face covered in blood pressing down on him! This face was covered in blood stains, the eyes full of pain. Looking more carefully, at the features – who else could it be but Fu Desheng?!

Liu Yun’s eyes widened, “General Fu!”

“Third Prince—”

Fu Desheng opened his mouth but after just two words, bloody foam gushed from the corner of his lips.