“The Empress wants the Fifth Princess to marry into Northern Wei?”
The surprise in Qin Wan’s heart was evident in her voice. Hearing this, Tuoba Wu smiled, “Yes, surprising, isn’t it? Neither my Crown Prince brother nor I expected it. We were supposed to leave earlier, but this matter delayed us for several days.”
Seeing it wasn’t appropriate for Princess Tuoba to talk outside, Qin Wan quickly said, “Princess, please come inside to talk.”
Tuoba Wu smiled and handed her horse to the manor’s guard before entering with Qin Wan.
As soon as she entered, Tuoba Wu looked around the manor while asking, “Haven’t seen you at the palace these days, what’s been happening?”
Qin Wan replied, “Several cases have occurred in the city. I’m helping the magistrate’s office.”
Tuoba Wu looked at Qin Wan with admiration, “I didn’t expect you would do this—”
Qin Wan smiled, “Of course. When I asked His Majesty for the honorary title, it wasn’t just talk.”
Tuoba Wu looked at Qin Wan, “What’s the new case like? Is it difficult?”
Qin Wan sighed, “The killer is a religious follower who has taken an evil path. In my view, they seem quite deranged. There aren’t any clear leads yet—”
“Religious? Buddhist?”
Tuoba Wu seemed quite interested in the case. Qin Wan shook her head, “Princess, have you heard of the Moon Worship Cult?”
At these words, Tuoba Wu’s steps faltered slightly, “It’s the Moon Worship Cult?!”
Qin Wan was somewhat surprised, “The Princess knows of it?”
“I’ve traveled far and wide in Northern Wei, so I naturally know of the Moon Worship Cult’s reputation. Some say it’s the next Buddhism, others say it’s just a mob opposing Buddhism and Taoism. When I was in Northern Wei’s border cities, I saw a Moon Worship Cult follower go mad. This person, just to achieve enlightenment and ascend to heaven, set fire to their home with their wife, children, and elderly mother inside. The neighbors heard them reciting Moon Worship teachings even as they died. When a religion can turn someone like this, how is it different from an evil cult?”
Qin Wan listened with horror. Compared to this case’s killer who sacrificed others’ lives for their wishes, this person who burned themselves along with their wife, children, and mother seemed even more perverse—
“Is the Moon Worship Cult also prevalent in Northern Wei?”
Qin Wan asked thoughtfully. Tuoba Wu shook her head, “The Northern Wei royal family only believes in their totems, not religions. Even Buddhism and Taoism are unremarkable in Northern Wei. The noble families all have their totems, and only common people follow Buddhism and Taoism. As for the Moon Worship Cult, I heard it came from the west and only has followers in the southwestern border cities of Northern Wei.”
Qin Wan nodded, “This sect, though it has good aspects, has many practitioners of evil arts.”
As Qin Wan spoke with Tuoba Wu, they walked toward the main courtyard. This was Tuoba Wu’s first visit to the manor, so she naturally needed to meet Madam Hu. Madam Hu hadn’t expected Tuoba Wu’s visit and was quite flattered, ordering a warm reception. However, Tuoba Wu said she only came to catch up with Qin Wan, and after sitting briefly in the main courtyard, went with Qin Wan to Pine Breeze Court.
Madam Hu was somewhat disappointed, increasingly feeling that Qin Wan had connections with important people!
In Pine Breeze Court, Qin Wan was still asking Tuoba Wu about the Moon Worship Cult. Tuoba Wu said, “Logically, this sect shouldn’t be causing trouble in Great Zhou. Isn’t Great Zhou Buddhist?”
Qin Wan gave a bitter smile, “Buddha can’t truly protect all beings. Those who can’t get what they seek from Buddha will turn to other sects. Besides, someone in the capital might have been to the west. This killer is deeply hidden – if they were openly preaching, it would be easier for us to find clues.”
Tuoba Wu seemed helpless, “I didn’t expect Great Zhou would also have Moon Worship Cult’s evil arts causing trouble.”
Qin Wan gave a bitter smile before asking, “Princess, did you come today just to say goodbye? How is the Crown Prince’s health?”
Tuoba Wu replied, “I came precisely because of my brother’s health. I remember you said he might develop a chronic illness. Though Northern Wei has famous doctors, you saved my brother’s life, so I feel more at ease asking you.”
Qin Wan’s expression showed some difficulty, “He’ll likely have chronic issues, but it varies by person. I can’t say for certain now.” After thinking, Qin Wan said, “I’ll write some prescriptions for maintenance that you can take with you. I’ll write when to use each one, and you can consult Northern Wei’s doctors before deciding which to use.”
Tuoba Wu brightened, “I knew you would help! Having your prescriptions is perfect!”
Qin Wan rose to write the prescriptions. It took two incense sticks’ worth of time to write three prescriptions. Tuoba Wu looked at each one and said regretfully, “What a pity. You know, my brother originally wanted you to go to Northern Wei.”
Qin Wan was startled, not understanding Tuoba Wu’s meaning at first. Tuoba Wu smiled, “But I know you don’t want to be my sister-in-law.”
Qin Wan was inwardly shocked, finally understanding what Tuoba Wu meant. She laughed, “How could someone of my status possibly be the Princess’s royal sister-in-law?”
“Why not?” Tuoba Wu said seriously. “You’re now an Imperial Princess by decree, and you saved my brother’s life. I can see he quite admires you.”
Qin Wan smiled bitterly. Tuoba Wu waved her hand, “Don’t worry, I’ve already told my brother you won’t go to Northern Wei.”
Then Tuoba Wu probed, “Speaking of which, why hasn’t there been any progress between you and him?”
Qin Wan knew who Tuoba Wu was asking about but didn’t know where to begin, “It’s not time yet.”
Tuoba Wu shook her head, “If you don’t act soon, he might have to return to the Northwest.”
Qin Wan frowned. These days Yan Chi had been busy with the Northwest Army’s provisions, while she was helping the magistrate’s office. They’d barely seen each other. She didn’t know the progress of the provisions matter – why was Tuoba Wu saying this?
“You don’t know yet? There’s corruption in the Northwest Army’s provisions. The Great Zhou Emperor said not only did the Northwest Transport Commissioner have problems, but the Northwest Army itself had issues. This time they’re investigating not just the transport commissioners but the Northwest Army too.”
Qin Wan’s heart sank. Why was the Emperor suddenly investigating the Northwest Army?!
This time most of the Northwest route’s transport commissioners would be executed or dismissed, but why was the Emperor saying he wanted to investigate the Northwest Army now? Qin Wan felt uneasy – she needed to find a way to see Yan Chi.
Seeing her expression, Tuoba Wu sighed, “You must realize if they investigate the Northwest Army, Yan Chi will have to return personally. If someone else goes, who knows what might happen…”
Qin Wan certainly realized this. She became restless and said, “When is the Princess returning to the palace? I should pay my respects to the Empress Dowager…”
Tuoba Wu laughed heartily, “So you do care for him! I’m visiting you, yet as soon as I say this you want to send me away!”
Qin Wan felt somewhat embarrassed. Tuoba Wu was just joking, and after chatting a bit more, she left with Qin Wan for the palace. Tuoba Wu rode her horse, now following beside Qin Wan’s carriage, chatting intermittently. When they entered the palace, Tuoba Wu accompanied Qin Wan to Shou Kang Palace.
Tuoba Wu felt confined in the palace and occasionally came to Shou Kang Palace, becoming somewhat familiar with the Empress Dowager.
The palace servants at Shou Kang Palace brightened upon seeing Qin Wan, but their expressions changed slightly upon seeing Tuoba Wu beside her. “Greetings, Imperial Princess, greetings, Princess. Please wait a moment while this servant announces you.”
Tuoba Wu raised an eyebrow. Qin Wan also found it strange – usually when she came, the servants would lead her directly in, only announcing them outside the main hall. Now they were being asked to wait – why?
The servant quickly returned, “Princess, Imperial Princess, please enter—”
Tuoba Wu and Qin Wan were slightly puzzled, but upon seeing the Empress Dowager, they found Yan Zhen sitting beside her with red eyes.
Seeing Yan Zhen had been crying, Tuoba Wu and Qin Wan understood – just now Yan Zhen must have been there when they suddenly arrived, making things awkward. But why was Yan Zhen crying at the Empress Dowager’s palace?
“You haven’t come to the palace for some days. Have you been helping again?”
The Empress Dowager held Qin Wan’s hand as they talked. Yan Zhen sat to the side, her eyes glaring at Tuoba Wu.
Though Tuoba Wu was typically proud and aloof, being glared at by Yan Zhen made her somewhat helpless – how had she offended this princess?
The Empress Dowager chatted with Qin Wan for a while and teased Yan Zhen a bit, but Yan Zhen remained listless, looking like she didn’t want to stay. Though she didn’t want to hear Tuoba Wu and Qin Wan talk, she wouldn’t leave. Only when Qin Wan and Tuoba Wu took their leave did Yan Zhen rise to leave. The Empress Dowager sighed repeatedly watching Yan Zhen and let the three depart without saying more.
Outside Shou Kang Palace, Yan Zhen immediately called out, “Tuoba Wu!”
Tuoba Wu turned with a smile, “What instructions does the Princess have?”
Yan Zhen angrily walked to Tuoba Wu’s side, “Go back and tell Tuoba Hong that I will not marry into Northern Wei – tell him to give up that idea! My previous care for him was only following Mother Empress’s orders. Don’t let him think I have any romantic notions about him! I absolutely, will not marry him—”
Yan Zhen spoke decisively, chin raised high, but tears glistened in her eyes. The smile faded from Tuoba Wu’s face – she hadn’t expected Yan Zhen’s strange behavior because of this.
Tuoba Wu pressed her lips together, “Why doesn’t the Princess tell the Empress? It was the Empress who spoke of marriage.”
Yan Zhen started to speak but stopped, her face growing paler, “I just want to tell you – tell Tuoba Hong he’d better give up thoughts of marrying me. Great Zhou has so many fine ladies, why must he seek to marry me?! If you force me! I might do anything!”
Yan Zhen spoke one sentence after another, but for a princess of a nation, her behavior was truly improper. Watching Yan Zhen like this made Tuoba Wu uncomfortable, but Yan Zhen said no more, giving a light snort before leaving with her people.
After she left, Tuoba Wu looked at Qin Wan and asked, “I wasn’t like this before, was I?”
Qin Wan’s eyes flickered, “Not much different—”
Tuoba Wu smiled bitterly, “Then I was…” Her eyes narrowed, her smile cooling, “The Empress has already agreed, so why is Yan Zhen resisting so much? She doesn’t dare argue with the Empress, so she came to me!”
Qin Wan felt complex emotions. In her previous impression, the Empress deeply loved Yan Zhen, and after many visits to the palace, this view had never changed. If so, why would the Empress disregard Yan Zhen’s wishes and marry her far away?!
“For this matter to proceed harmoniously, we should probably ask the Empress.”
For an alliance marriage between two countries, whether for the couple or diplomatic relations, the happy event should proceed smoothly. Now with Yan Zhen unwilling, Northern Wei would be displeased, and Yan Zhen would suffer after marrying there.
Tuoba Wu frowned, “We leave in three days, yet this problem has emerged!”
The matter of a princess’s marriage was not something Qin Wan could comment on. She could only comfort Tuoba Wu with a few words. Seeing it was getting late, Qin Wan didn’t stay long at the palace. Leaving through the Zheng Hua Gate, she headed straight for the Ministry of Justice. Her palace visit today was actually for Yan Chi, and given the Empress Dowager’s normal behavior earlier, it seemed the Northwest Army’s matters hadn’t escalated yet.
At the Ministry of Justice, the clerk at the gate recognized Qin Wan and regretfully told her when she asked for Yan Chi, “The Young Lord went to the Ministry of War. Right now he’s either there, at the palace, or the Court of Judicial Review.”
Qin Wan frowned, “Why would he go to the Court of Judicial Review?”
The clerk sighed, “The Northwest Army’s provisions corruption involves many parties. The Court of Judicial Review has supervisory authority, so naturally, they must jointly review the case. If Imperial Princess wishes to wait for the Young Lord, please wait inside—”
Qin Wan shook her head, “I’m not in a hurry. I came about the city’s cases. When the Young Lord returns, just let him know I came by.”
The clerk quickly agreed, and Qin Wan took her carriage back to the Marquis Manor.
That night, lying in bed, Qin Wan couldn’t sleep at all. The Northwest Army was as important to Yan Chi as it was to the Astute Prince. Now that internal problems had emerged in the Northwest Army, the reason was unknown.
In the darkness, Qin Wan stared at the dim canopy, her mind troubled. Just as she was lost in thought, suddenly a light sound came from outside the back window. Qin Wan was startled and quickly sat up. The next moment, there came a light knocking from the window. Qin Wan’s eyes brightened, and she hurriedly got up, not even putting on shoes before going to the window. Opening it, she saw Yan Chi standing in the moonlight, carrying a chill about him as he gazed at her tenderly.
“Why did you come like this?”
Qin Wan’s heart leaped – this wasn’t the Qin Manor! This was the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor!
Yan Chi supported himself on the windowsill and jumped in. Seeing Qin Wan barefoot, he frowned and picked her up, “Why did you get up barefoot?!”
Yan Chi carried Qin Wan to the bed with large strides, adding, “This was your first time coming to the office to look for me. How could I not come?”
Qin Wan clutched Yan Chi’s clothes, “I heard His Majesty wants to investigate the Northwest Army, and seeing you increasingly busy, I became worried.”
Yan Chi placed Qin Wan on the bed, “I know why you came…” After a slight pause, Yan Chi looked into Qin Wan’s eyes and said, “Someone wants to move against the Northwest Army.”
Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, “Who? Who wants to deal with the Northwest Army?”
Yan Chi pulled up the covers over Qin Wan and sat beside her, half-embracing her. After a moment of silence, he said, “It could be the Crown Prince, could be Prince Cheng, or it could be… His Majesty.”