The smile on Qin Shu’s face froze as he asked in bewilderment, “Your Highness, why is that?”

Yan Che’s expression was gloomy, “The Northwest Army cannot remain in Prince Rui’s hands forever. At this time, if Qin Wan forms a marriage alliance with Yan Chi, it brings us no benefit.”

Qin Shu’s expression changed slightly, “Your Highness, has His Majesty said something? Or… has something happened?”

Everyone knew the Northwest Army was under Prince Rui’s command—what did the Crown Prince mean by this?

Yan Che shook his head, “You need not ask more. Just know that this is not the time for Qin Wan to be betrothed to Yan Chi.”

Qin Shu’s lips sank, “But the Empress Dowager’s decree has already been issued.”

Could a decree be changed after being issued?

Yan Che took out a piece of paper from beside his desk and said, “Take a look at this, Marquis.”

Not knowing what it was, Qin Shu hurriedly accepted and opened it. Upon seeing its contents, his expression changed, “This…”

“The Empress Dowager has some belief in Buddhist teachings. If you show this to her, she will likely have concerns. As long as the wedding date isn’t set and the marriage ceremonies haven’t proceeded, even an issued decree means nothing.”

Yan Che’s expression was somber, and his words brooked no argument. Though Qin Shu dared not ask more, his mind was already in turmoil. Prince Rui’s heir held such status that countless noble daughters in the capital yearned for him. Now that he was promised to Qin Wan, it seemed entirely beneficial. However, Yan Che’s status was even more prestigious, and he knew more than Qin Shu did.

Moreover, Qin Shu couldn’t imagine what reasons beyond political matters Yan Che had for opposing this marriage.

“Very well, Your Highness can rest assured. I will enter the palace again tomorrow. The Empress Dowager just summoned me and my wife to discuss setting the wedding date. She wants to set it before the new year.”

Yan Che’s expression remained unchanged, though his entire demeanor seemed particularly deep and unfathomable.

“Some things cannot be explained to you right now. Just do as instructed.”

Even without these words, Qin Shu would have complied. Hearing them now made him increasingly uneasy. Something must have happened with the Northwest Army; otherwise, Yan Che should have supported this marriage wholeheartedly like himself.

“Yes, Your Highness can rest assured. I understand.”

Yan Chi nodded slightly, then after a moment added, “I will write to Zhang Aide, telling him to prepare to return to the capital and report.”

Hearing this, waves of shock rose again in Qin Shu’s heart. Zhang Aide was the Military Commissioner of Dingxi, responsible for civil and military affairs in the Ding Prefecture region for many years. When bandits previously plagued Ding Prefecture, Zhang Aide had eliminated several bandit strongholds after arriving, allowing people to live in peace. He was a prominent figure throughout Ding Prefecture and the entire Northwest.

This man had previously served in the Northern Army and was a confidant of Grand General Zhao You. Naturally, while he had no apparent connection to the Crown Prince, he was secretly aligned with the Crown Prince’s faction. Zhang Aide had been in Ding Prefecture for many years, and now the Crown Prince suddenly wanted him to return and report—it was clearly to reassign him elsewhere. Having already reached the position of Regional Military Commissioner, where else could he be assigned?

After much thought, Qin Shu could only conclude that the Northwest Army would be suitable!

Qin Shu was greatly shocked. Yan Che glanced at him, saw his apparent understanding, and said nothing more.

Now that he needed to rely on Qin Shu, he naturally had to give him some insight to keep him prepared. Qin Shu was clever enough to understand without further explanation. “That’s all for now. To speak with the Crown Princess.”

Qin Shu came to his senses, bowed, and withdrew.

Walking out of the side hall’s doors, Qin Shu looked at the distant sky. The early autumn sky appeared grey and desolate, casting shadows over the undulating palace buildings. Qin Shu withdrew his gaze, carefully tucked the paper into his sleeve, and turned to find Qin Chaoyu.

The Eastern Palace grounds were expansive. The main hall was used for receiving guests and was also Yan Che’s residence. While Yan Che handled daily affairs in the western side hall when Qin Chaoyu entered the Eastern Palace, she wasn’t arranged to stay in the main hall but in the Xiefang Palace to the east. This had been the traditional residence of Crown Princesses throughout generations, so it wasn’t unusual for the young couple to live separately.

After Qin Shu was led away, Qin Chaoyu took Madam Hu into the inner chamber. Seeing the Xiefang Palace’s elegant and luxurious decorations befitting nobility, Madam Hu smiled, “Yu’er, has His Highness the Crown Prince been resting here these past few days?”

A shadow flashed through Qin Chaoyu’s eyes, but her faint smile revealed nothing. “His Highness is busy with state affairs and doesn’t come every day. Mother, please don’t ask such questions in the future. If others were to hear, it might seem like we’re blaming His Highness.”

Hearing this, Madam Hu quickly fell silent, glancing outside to see Mo Yun and others standing guard before breathing a sigh of relief.

“Yu’er has truly changed since becoming Crown Princess. You think things through so carefully.”

As mother and daughter sat down, Madam Hu examined Qin Chaoyu’s complexion and frowned upon seeing dark circles under her eyes. “Yu’er, have you not been sleeping well these past few days? Why do you look unwell?”

Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu smiled, “Perhaps it’s because autumn has arrived and my heart is restless. Mother needn’t worry. I’ve already called for the Imperial Physician to check my pulse and prescribe treatment. Please be at ease. Mother, why did the Empress Dowager suddenly issue a marriage decree?”

Madam Hu smiled at the question, “Wan’er and Young Lord Yan first met in Jinzhou. Later when Wan’er came to the capital, she was even escorted by Young Lord Yan. After returning to the capital, I noticed Young Lord Yan showed great concern for Wan’er. I suspect the Empress Dowager long thought them a good match, and perhaps Young Lord Yan and Wan’er already had feelings for each other.”

Qin Chaoyu raised an eyebrow, her smile becoming meaningful, “Indeed, it’s a good match.”

Madam Hu nodded in complete agreement. The mother and daughter had barely spoken a few sentences when someone announced Qin Shu’s arrival.

When Qin Shu entered, his expression was no longer as relaxed and joyful as before. Madam Hu and Qin Chaoyu exchanged glances upon seeing his expression, their hearts filling with doubt. Qin Chaoyu stood up, “Father, what’s wrong?”

Qin Shu forced a smile, “Nothing, just discussed some state affairs.”

Though he said this, after sitting down, Qin Shu had something on his mind. After a moment, he said, “Now that you’ve entered the Eastern Palace, you must prioritize His Highness the Crown Prince in everything. If you learn of any of the Crown Prince’s plans, don’t hide them from me.”

Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu found it even stranger, but she didn’t know what had been troubling the Crown Prince lately.

Not wanting to pressure Qin Chaoyu, Qin Shu spoke a few more words before preparing to leave with Madam Hu.

After they left, Qin Chaoyu said, “Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?”

Mo Yun entered and replied, “Still in the side hall, alone.”

Qin Chaoyu nodded and brought a bowl of sweet soup to the side hall. The attendants dared not stop her. When she entered, Yan Che frowned slightly, “Your father has left? Why have you come?”

Qin Chaoyu smiled, “Yes, Father and Mother have left. Now that autumn has arrived, the air is dry. I’ve made Your Highness a bowl of snow pear and white fungus soup. Please have some—it can clear heat and moisten the lungs.”

Qin Chaoyu set down the sweet soup, but Yan Che didn’t move to take it. Qin Chaoyu then said, “This morning when I went to Shoukang Palace to pay respects and thank Grandmother for arranging Wan’er’s marriage, Prince Rui’s heir and Sister Wan’er had known each other for some time. The Empress Dowager must have seen they were well-matched.”

Yan Che raised his eyes to look at Qin Chaoyu, “Princess Yongci and Yan Chi met in Jinzhou?”

Qin Chaoyu smiled and nodded, “Your Highness knows they met in Jinzhou, and later when my sister returned to the capital, it was His Highness who escorted her. Along the way, they naturally developed feelings. Later in the capital, they had many interactions, so their relationship naturally grew closer than others. When the Empress Dowager arranged the marriage, she must have asked both of them first.”

Yan Che’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. Qin Chaoyu’s words suggested that Qin Wan and Yan Chi already had private feelings for each other.

A vague yet deeply disturbing thought suddenly flashed through his mind. Previously at the Lantern Festival palace banquet, he had added Qin Wan’s name to the register, but later the name was erased. Could it be…

“I need to review memorials now. The Crown Princess should go rest.”

Yan Che suddenly dismissed her. Though Qin Chaoyu’s eyes darkened slightly, she still smiled and curtsied, “Then I shall take my leave.”

…

On the way back, Qin Shu remained silent. Having been married to him for many years, Madam Hu knew his temperament well. Seeing his expression, she knew something was wrong. After entering the manor gates, Madam Hu finally couldn’t help asking, “My lord, what exactly did you and the Crown Prince discuss?”

Qin Shu’s footsteps halted. He had intended to go to his study, but hearing Madam Hu’s words, he turned toward the main courtyard instead.

Reaching the main courtyard, Qin Shu sat down with a sigh. After waving away Yu Mama and the others, he said, “My lady, I’m afraid Wan’er’s marriage cannot proceed.”

Madam Hu was startled, “Why is that? Isn’t this marriage good for both us and the Crown Prince?”

Qin Shu shook his head, “I don’t know much more, only that there must be changes in the Northwest Army. His Highness the Crown Prince made it very clear that this marriage should not proceed.”

Madam Hu’s face immediately paled, “His Highness the Crown Prince said this? No wonder your expression was strange earlier.”

Qin Shu nodded and took out the paper the Crown Prince had given him, “Tomorrow when you enter the palace, tell this to the Empress Dowager.”

Hearing this, Madam Hu became troubled. After reading what was written on the paper, she said even more worriedly, “But wouldn’t this harm Wan’er’s reputation?”

Qin Shu sighed, “This is our only option now. How else can we openly defy the decree?”

Madam Hu smiled bitterly, “Should we say something to Wan’er?”

Hearing this, Qin Shu became hesitant. Madam Hu continued, “Wan’er and Young Lord Yan likely already have feelings for each other. If we interfere without explanation and she finds out, she’ll be unhappy. She’s not the young girl she used to be.”

Qin Shu agreed with this reasoning and sighed, “We should tell her.”

“But how should we say it?” Madam Hu’s expression was anxious.

Just last night, the entire household had been discussing and rejoicing over this perfect marriage, but now they were trying to find ways to ruin it.

Qin Shu said, “We needn’t be explicit. Just say there are variables in this matter, and for her future, we must advise her beforehand. When a woman marries, she only seeks peace and prosperity. There’s no reason to jump into a fire pit knowing it’s there.”

Hearing this, Madam Hu frowned. Could it be that something terrible was about to happen to Prince Rui’s household?

…

When Qin Wan returned from the palace in the afternoon, she paid her respects to Madam Hu in the main courtyard. As she was about to leave, Madam Hu called her to stay, “Wan’er, your aunt has something to tell you…”

Qin Wan was puzzled, “What instructions does Aunt have?”

Madam Hu took Qin Wan’s hand, “Not instructions. Your aunt wants to ask if you’re truly satisfied with this marriage?”

Qin Wan blinked, “Since it was arranged by the Empress Dowager, naturally I’m satisfied.”

Madam Hu sighed, “Your uncle and I were also delighted when we first heard of the decree yesterday. But after a night, especially after visiting the palace this morning, we suddenly felt this marriage might be inappropriate.”

Qin Wan found this strange. Yesterday she had seen the genuine joy of Qin Shu and his wife. How had they suddenly changed?

“What does Aunt find inappropriate?”

Madam Hu hesitated for a moment, “Prince Rui has been with the Northwest Army for years, and Prince Rui’s heir will likely also go to fight in the Northwest. If he goes to war, you’ll be left alone in the capital. Moreover, the battlefield shows no mercy—if something were to… Wan’er, your uncle and I care for you and feel it would be best if we could find a way to cancel this marriage.”

Seeing Qin Wan’s face remain calm without any sign of fear, Madam Hu simply continued, “Moreover… your uncle recently learned that something has happened in the Northwest Army. You…”

Before Madam Hu could finish, she saw Qin Wan’s brows furrow. Seeing her words had an effect, Madam Hu continued, “You must know about the Northwest Army’s grain supply issue. After investigating for so long without results, it must involve something major. Prince Rui might not even be able to maintain his position as commander of the Northwest Army. If he’s imprisoned for crimes, Prince Rui’s household will fall…”

Neither Madam Hu nor Qin Shu knew why Yan Che had said what he did. After much thought, they could only connect it to the military grain case. The Northwest was thousands of miles away, and no one knew the true situation there. Thus, rumors flew through the capital. Madam Hu could only describe the situation more seriously to frighten Qin Wan.

However, hearing these words, Qin Wan felt relieved. When she heard Madam Hu mention trouble in the Northwest, she feared that Qin Shu knew about what had happened to Prince Rui, but it turned out Madam Hu was only worried about the grain supply case.

Qin Wan suppressed her doubts and said, “Aunt, the Empress Dowager’s decree has already been issued. Regardless of the reason, I have no grounds to oppose this marriage. Please don’t worry. Since I’ve made my choice, I won’t fear or resent whatever situation comes in the future. You needn’t worry about this. The grain supply matter hasn’t been cleared up yet, but I believe Prince Rui’s household is certainly innocent.”

Qin Wan spoke with steady conviction. Madam Hu became troubled, “Wan’er, if Prince Rui’s household falls, you’ll suffer if you marry into it, and that’s the least of it…”

Qin Wan shook her head, “Aunt needs to say no more. My mind is made up.”

Qin Wan stepped back, curtsied, and walked out, ignoring Madam Hu’s attempts to stop her.

Madam Hu followed for two steps but couldn’t bring herself to call out. Seeing Qin Wan being so unreasonable, she felt both helpless and angry.

If this was how it would be, then Qin Wan couldn’t blame her…

As Qin Wan walked toward Songfeng Court, her heart grew increasingly uneasy. She had stayed at Shoukang Palace, but Madam Hu and her husband had gone to see Qin Chaoyu, and afterward, their attitude had changed. Could it be just because of the military grain case?

If so, why hadn’t they mentioned it yesterday…

With these thoughts, Qin Wan’s footsteps suddenly halted. Yesterday the Crown Prince had summoned Yan Chi to the Eastern Palace and wanted to send him to the Northwest. The Crown Prince knew about what had happened to Prince Rui’s household. With Prince Rui in trouble, his household’s status would no longer be as powerful as before—it might even plummet. Why would the Crown Prince want the Marquis’s household to be entangled with Prince Rui’s household?!

At this realization, Qin Wan’s eyes suddenly turned cold.