After spending half a day at Shoukang Palace, Yan Chi, and his two companions departed toward the palace exit. Yan Li looked at Yan Chi and Qin Wan with a grin, “Qin Wan, when I first saw you in Yuzhou, I sensed something peculiar between you and my Seventh Brother. Who would have thought that in less than a year, you’d be getting married? Time truly flies. Today, my Seventh Brother specifically asked Grandmother Empress for quite a few treasures. It’s the first time I’ve seen him make such requests from her…”
Qin Wan’s face reddened slightly as she smiled, “So when will Prince Gong take a consort?”
Yan Li clicked his tongue twice, “You two are like immortal lovers, making others envious. As for me… I wonder if I’ll ever have such an opportunity.”
Yan Chi said, “Why wouldn’t you? Focus on your work at the ministry first, and you’ll find your destiny.”
Yan Li teased, “Soon-to-be-married people are indeed different, becoming more and more preachy! Seventh Brother will soon have someone to look after him, while I can still enjoy freedom for a few more years. I should be the one celebrating…”
Yan Chi shook his head helplessly, while Qin Wan could only smile wryly.
The three walked along the imperial road for a while before having to part ways. Yan Li tactfully bid farewell first and headed toward Prince Yi’s mansion, while Qin Wan and Yan Chi continued forward. As they were about to turn a corner, Yan Li looked back to see Qin Wan’s carriage following Yan Chi, clearly heading to Prince Rui’s mansion together.
Yan Li’s smile froze for a moment as he watched the two disappear into the distance before turning his horse around and galloping back to his residence.
Qin Wan and Yan Chi indeed headed straight for Prince Rui’s mansion. Yan Chi had obtained the Emperor’s paintings today, and Qin Wan was eager to return and examine what was different about them.
Upon reaching Prince Rui’s mansion, they went directly to the waterside pavilion. Yan Chi took out the two paintings from the Emperor and scrutinized them with piercing eyes.
These were two completely different paintings. Though the paper still appeared new, being preserved well in the Xuanji Pavilion, they showed no signs of aging. Qin Wan looked at the inscription on the first painting and frowned, “This one is from ten years ago.”
Yan Chi opened the second painting and examined it carefully, “This one is from three years ago.”
Three years ago, the Emperor deeply favored Consort Jin. This painting of autumn evening ascending heights would have been perfect for two lovers to paint together, and looking at the techniques used, there indeed seemed to be traces of two people’s work. However, after careful examination, neither Qin Wan nor Yan Chi could find anything unusual. The paintings were simply what they appeared to be, with the Emperor’s seals, clear dates, and inscriptions unmistakably in his hand. These two simple paintings, separated by many years, might not have been the ones Consort Jin had seen, but being from the same artist, they should be similar enough to compare.
“These paintings are seven years apart. The Emperor’s calligraphy has become more vigorous and powerful, and his painting technique has greatly improved. Especially this painting of ascending heights – it’s particularly vast and detailed. The sunset scene gives a sense of the setting sun over a long river. The Emperor’s state of mind has become increasingly broad and profound over these years.”
“After all, he’s someone who has long held a high position. Having Consort Jin by his side adding her feminine touch naturally made things better.”
For men, wealth, power, and women are the three most captivating things. Yan Huai was the Emperor of Da Zhou, controlling wealth, power, and territory. His harem was filled with countless beauties, especially after Consort Jin entered the palace and received such favor, showing how much the Emperor cherished her. Yan Huai had everything, so his mindset naturally achieved a transcendence rare among common people. However, no matter how transcendent, once on that throne, some shackles could never be removed. His lifetime of elevated status also meant a lifetime of scheming and weighing options. That feeling of loneliness at the top was something ordinary people could never understand.
“Look at these two paintings. Although ‘Butterfly Love Flower’ is a freehand style, the brush technique shows some rawness and haste. The treatment of these minor details is quite rigid, showing that the Emperor’s mind wasn’t at peace when painting, or perhaps he hadn’t yet achieved his later state of mind.”
Ten years ago, both Yan Chi and Qin Wan were still children. Was it because of the Princess’s catastrophe in court or the urgent situation at the northwestern border that made the Emperor uneasy? These questions Yan Chi and Qin Wan couldn’t know, nor could they ask the Emperor – they could only ponder themselves.
“Consort Jin was more skilled in calligraphy and painting than us. Perhaps she could see things we can’t. Moreover, she must have seen more paintings than we have.” Qin Wan frowned suddenly and asked, “Are there court painters in the palace?”
Yan Chi nodded, “Of course. The palace employs many different craftsmen. The painters are in the Ruyi Hall, helping various royal family members with paintings and also maintaining and preserving ancient paintings. Why? Do you think the people in Ruyi Hall know something?”
Qin Wan shook her head, then suddenly raised her eyebrows, “Right, I remember Ning Buyi also painted in the palace before, didn’t he?”
Yan Chi’s eyes immediately deepened as he nodded, “Yes, I’ve checked. He painted for all the palace residents, including the Empress, and twice for the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration banquet paintings. Why did you think of him? Do you think he’s connected to this matter?”
Consort Jin’s death couldn’t possibly be related to a mere capital city painter, but Qin Wan couldn’t help thinking of Ning Buyi.
Shaking her head, Qin Wan said, “Not really, it’s just that since they’re both painters, it came to mind. We still haven’t figured out who was behind Ning Buyi’s case, so I keep thinking about it. But Consort Jin’s murder should have nothing to do with Ning Buyi.”
Though she said this, Qin Wan still felt that these two seemingly unrelated cases might be connected by an extremely fine thread, but she couldn’t identify what that thread might be.
As Qin Wan thought about this, she suddenly asked, “Why did you choose these two paintings?”
Mentioning this, Yan Chi smiled, “Yan Li chose them. He thought these two paintings had good symbolic meaning.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved into a smile. Speaking of symbolic meaning, it was indeed true. “Butterfly Love Flower” needed no explanation, and the Autumn Evening painting was even more meaningful. Qin Wan felt warmth in her heart, “What kind of person should Yan Li seek? His personality seems carefree and unrestrained on the surface, but I always feel he understands everything deep down.”
He understands that he bears guilt, understands society’s harsh judgment, and understands that his father’s matter will have far-reaching effects.
Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan into his embrace, “Wait a while longer, he knows what he’s doing.”
Qin Wan nodded, feeling somewhat worried. Whether Consort Jin’s death was related to the Emperor’s paintings was truly difficult to determine, and at this point, they couldn’t brazenly take all the Emperor’s paintings from Xuanji Pavilion to examine them carefully – that would cause too much commotion.
Yan Chi seemed to know what Qin Wan was thinking and said, “I’ll continue investigating the Xuanji Pavilion matter, don’t worry.”
Qin Wan nodded, “I originally wanted to establish a cenotaph for my parents soon, but now that things are getting more complicated, I’d like to postpone it for a while.”
“You can decide on this matter.” Yan Chi comforted her, “Should we inform Sun Muqing?”
Qin Wan nodded, “I’ll send someone to tell him. Brother Sun…”
Qin Wan sighed, thinking of Sun Muqing always made her feel guilty. If Li Muyun had started paying attention to Sun Muqing, who knew if he would get drawn into these matters? But what did Sun Muqing know?
Yan Chi squeezed Qin Wan’s palm, “I’ll have people watch over him.”
Qin Wan initially wanted to refuse, but considering the current complex situation, she abandoned the thought of refusing.
Then she felt reassured, fortunately, she still had Yan Chi who understood the weight in her heart.
…
…
The Fifth Princess’s wedding was approaching, and the entire inner palace began bustling with activity. Officials from the Ministry of Rites frequently entered and exited the inner palace, and preparations for the princess’s wedding procession began. Palace musicians started practicing the wedding music, and throughout the inner palace, one could occasionally hear faint sounds of string and wind instruments.
In Kunning Palace, the Empress stood before the west window, her gaze directed toward the northwest of the entire inner palace.
Yun Yan stood behind the Empress and said softly, “Has Your Majesty decided?”
The Empress smiled slightly, “What is there to decide? Besides this path, what other road can we take?”
Yun Yan lowered her eyes for a moment, “But if we proceed this way, there will be no turning back.”
The Empress took a deep breath, her back becoming even straighter, “I don’t need a way back.”
Hearing this, Yun Yan fell silent, but the Empress suddenly concentrated and turned her ear to listen to the distant music, “Listen, the palace musicians are playing ceremonial music… What day is it today? How many days until Zhen’er’s wedding?”
Yun Yan quickly replied, “Today is the fourteenth, Princess will be married in six days.”
Hearing this, the Empress let out a long sigh, “What a pity.”
Yun Yan consoled her, “Your Majesty’s intentions are good, Princess will surely understand. It’s not a pity.”
The Empress shook her head, “It is still a pity. I had originally wanted to keep Zhen’er by my side for life.”
The music in the distance gradually grew louder, and the Empress’s expression became more focused. Listening to the ceremonial music, she could almost imagine the scene of Yan Zhen’s wedding. However, regrettably, she couldn’t even personally send Yan Zhen off to her wedding. As she listened intently, the music suddenly stopped, and a flash of desolation crossed the Empress’s face as she sighed inaudibly. Yun Yan stood to the side, also feeling uncomfortable at the sight, “Your Majesty, you should still go to send the Princess off at her wedding, otherwise…”
The Empress frowned slightly, “So you want me to bow my head to the Emperor?”
Yun Yan hesitated, “No… of course not… it’s just that this is the Princess’s only wedding, you… now the Crown Prince is also confined, and who knows what rumors will spread in court. Although you’ve made up your mind, there are still many days left.”
The Empress shook her head and smiled, “I only want Zhen’er to live safely and happily. What meaning is there in whether or not I see her this last time?”
The Empress withdrew her gaze and walked calmly toward the inner chamber. Reaching the dressing table, she pulled open the drawer decisively. Inside was a letter she had prepared to send out several days ago but hadn’t given the order to deliver. However, today, she had no choice but to make this decision.
“Send this letter out tonight, and ensure there are no mistakes.”
Yun Yan’s expression turned solemn as she quickly nodded.
…
…
These days, the rumors in court were indeed unfavorable.
With both the Empress and Crown Prince confined, if nothing else, it showed that the Emperor’s patience with them had worn thin. After Zhang Qide’s case, more than ten people from the Crown Prince’s faction were imprisoned. Although Prince Cheng had contributed to this, if the Emperor had wanted to help, the Crown Prince’s power base wouldn’t have been cleaned out so quickly.
Most people only noticed the irreconcilable hatred between Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince, but a few discerned the Emperor’s intentions. Among them, remarkably, was Feng Lingsu. In Changxin Palace, Feng Lingsu’s face beamed with joy, “Qi’er, what do you think are the chances of your Imperial Father deposing the Crown Prince?”
Yan Qi’s expression carried a hint of defiance as he smiled slightly, “It’s still somewhat difficult for now, but…”
His words were meaningful, yet he didn’t finish. Feng Lingsu looked at him reproachfully, “You’re keeping secrets even from your Mother Consort?”
Yan Qi waved his hand, “That’s not it. It’s just court arrangements – Mother Consort wouldn’t understand, so I won’t say more.”
Feng Lingsu sighed. She indeed didn’t understand politics, but she knew quite a bit about the current court rumors. The Censorate submitted memorials impeaching the Crown Prince every day, and seeing the Crown Prince’s supporters fall one by one, officials cautiously chose neutrality. This was completely different from before when everyone followed the Crown Prince’s lead. Feng Lingsu knew all these changes, and she vaguely felt that good fortune was approaching Yan Qi.
“Qi’er, you’ve always been decisive, and Mother trusts you. But this time is an excellent opportunity – you must seize it. By the way, how’s the investigation into the corpse case at Prince Jin’s mansion? It would be best if we could make the Empress vacate Kunning Palace as well.”
Yan Qi understood Feng Lingsu’s thoughts, but he shook his head, “That case can’t be investigated further. Two people died in the inner palace, and all leads are dead ends.”
Feng Lingsu snorted coldly, “It must have been the Empress’s doing. She’s most vicious – the deaths of a few eunuchs mean nothing to her.” As she spoke, her eyes gleamed, “Though there’s no evidence, the Censorate officials aren’t pushovers. Qi’er, do you understand?”
Yan Qi smiled, “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ve arranged everything. The Empress and Crown Prince are now confined – they’re too passive. The Censorate’s impeachments won’t stop these days, but I don’t want to appear too aggressive and displease Father Emperor. After Yan Zhen’s wedding, we’ll settle accounts with the Crown Prince and others.”
Feng Lingsu covered her mouth and laughed with pleasure. Yan Qi was increasingly showing the bearing of a great general, which naturally made her very pleased. “Very good, very good. Yan Zhen isn’t married yet, and your Father Emperor truly dotes on her. You don’t know, but just for Yan Zhen’s dowry, your Father Emperor gave a full hundred chests – the imperial treasury is nearly half empty. A princess, no matter how much gold and silver she takes, it’s all gone with no return. I wonder if your Father Emperor will let the Empress out then.”
Hearing this, Yan Qi frowned, “Probably… not.”
Feng Lingsu sneered, “That would be best…”
If the Empress didn’t appear then, the officials would understand even better. At that time, she would stand with Yan Huai at Zhenghua Gate watching Yan Zhen’s wedding procession, with no other woman of higher status. Just thinking about that scene made her heart rejoice.
Feng Lingsu imagined it beautifully, then pretended to say, “She’s still your sister after all. Prepare more wedding gifts to send to Jingning Palace – it shows our attitude at least.”
Yan Qi nodded, “I know, don’t worry.”
As they spoke, Feng Lingsu asked, “How are things in your prince’s mansion these days?”
Yan Qi replied carelessly, “Same as usual…”
Feng Lingsu sighed, “What do you mean ‘same as usual’? Pay more attention, have an imperial grandson soon. Not only will your Father Emperor be happy, but the Empress Dowager will be too. The Empress Dowager’s health isn’t good now – having an imperial grandson would make her more satisfied with you…”
Yan Qi frowned, seemingly not understanding the connection. Feng Lingsu continued, “I know you favor that Qin family girl now, but let me say this first – your legitimate firstborn must come from Chen Bi’s womb, understand?”
Yan Qi felt irritated but forced a smile, “Don’t worry, Mother. I know what I’m doing.”
Feng Lingsu didn’t say more and changed the subject.
…
…
The Crown Prince wasn’t entirely clear about the court’s movements, but Qin Shu watched every day. Seeing fewer and fewer of the Crown Prince’s supporters could be protected, he was extremely anxious but dared not act rashly. Those who spoke up for the Crown Prince were all implicated to varying degrees. Moreover, somehow the Censorate had found much ironclad evidence – with such overwhelming proof, even Qin Shu dared not speak up carelessly.
In the Marquis’s mansion, Qin Shu spent more and more time in his study. Qin Yan would accompany him there whenever he returned home, and even Qin Ye wore a worried expression daily. Although Qin Wan left the mansion daily, she could see the situation at home very clearly. However, the current political situation was already complex and intricate. Connected to last year’s Prince Jin case, Qin Wan was also mired in the quagmire and had no energy to help Qin Shu understand. Early this day, Madam Hu came to Songfeng Court.
“Wan’er, are you going to the palace today?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, to see the Empress Dowager.”
Madam Hu looked troubled, “You haven’t seen your Eighth Sister these past few days, right?”
Of course, Qin Wan hadn’t seen Qin Chaoyu. Qin Chaoyu was confined in the Eastern Palace with the Crown Prince, and that palace maid hadn’t delivered any more messages. Qin Wan now only wanted to see the Empress… but how could she see the Empress?
“No, I haven’t. Does First Uncle’s wife have any message for Eighth Sister?”
At this question, Madam Hu’s eyes immediately reddened, “Wan’er, you must know that the current court situation is unfavorable to His Highness the Crown Prince… Ah, I don’t know how your Eighth Sister is doing. No one can enter the Eastern Palace now, we can only rely on you. This time when you enter the palace, see His Highness the Crown Prince too, see what instructions or plans His Highness has, and tell us when you return, so we can do something…”
Qin Wan sighed, “Alright, then I’ll go to the Eastern Palace too.”
Satisfied, Madam Hu took out a letter and gave it to Qin Wan, “This, just give it to your Eighth Sister.”
Qin Wan nodded and entered the palace with Madam Hu’s letter.
As usual, Qin Wan went to Shoukang Palace first to see the Empress Dowager. When no one else was in the room, she asked directly, “Empress Dowager, how long will His Highness the Crown Prince be confined?”
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager looked worried, “The Emperor hasn’t come for several days, I can’t say for sure. What’s wrong? Did your First Uncle’s family ask you to ask?”
Qin Wan gave a bitter smile and silently acknowledged it, then asked, “May I go to the Eastern Palace today?”
The Empress Dowager sighed, “You have it hard… Go ahead, help me comfort your Eighth Sister too.”
The Empress Dowager always protected the Crown Prince. Hearing her say this, Qin Wan felt reassured. With the Empress Dowager protecting the Crown Prince, the Emperor would have to show some restraint. Moreover, they were father and son – as long as the Crown Prince hadn’t committed any grave crimes, the Emperor wouldn’t push him to the point of no return.
Soon, Qin Wan headed to the Eastern Palace with servants from Shoukang Palace.
Arriving at the Eastern Palace, Qin Wan felt it was even more desolate than before. A servant went to announce her arrival, and soon Qin Chaoyu came out to welcome her. Qin Wan first entered a room with Qin Chaoyu, and after handing over the letter, she said, “Read the letter first… First Uncle’s wife also wants me to see His Highness the Crown Prince, to see if His Highness has any instructions. The court situation is very unfavorable to His Highness, and First Uncle and his wife are very worried.”
Qin Chaoyu quickly scanned the letter, which probably described the court situation, and her face grew increasingly pale.
After finishing the letter, Qin Chaoyu gave a bitter smile, “You probably won’t be able to see His Highness. These days, His Highness has shut himself in the side hall and won’t see anyone.”
Qin Wan frowned in surprise, “Won’t see anyone?”
The desolation in Qin Chaoyu’s eyes surfaced again, “Yes, including me.”
Qin Wan hesitated, “But First Uncle’s wife’s instructions…”
“Tell Father and Mother to do nothing. The Empress has her arrangements, and they don’t need to do anything.”
Qin Wan looked at Qin Chaoyu and suddenly asked, “These days, has the Empress sent any messages?”
Qin Chaoyu shook her head, remembering the Empress’s previous instructions. She hesitated, “Have you seen Madam Qian? What was it about?”
Qin Wan certainly wouldn’t tell Qin Chaoyu – it wasn’t good news anyway. “It’s unrelated to His Highness the Crown Prince, don’t worry.”
As she said this, Qin Wan felt something was wrong. From Madam Qian’s words, there was indeed some unresolvable issue between the Emperor and Empress, and their relationship was very strange. Could this also be why the Emperor was cold toward the Crown Prince now? Thinking this, she added, “Anyway, Prince Cheng is guiding the court’s direction. You should prepare early.”
Qin Chaoyu nodded, looking thoughtful.
Since she couldn’t see the Crown Prince, Qin Wan didn’t stay long and soon bid farewell to leave the Eastern Palace.
After leaving the Eastern Palace, she hadn’t gone far when she met Yan Zhen heading in that direction. Though Qin Wan wasn’t close with Yan Zhen, they had met several times. Qin Wan immediately curtsied, and Yan Zhen looked her up and down for a moment, “You came to see Sister-in-law?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, is Princess coming to visit His Highness the Crown Prince?”
Yan Zhen made an affirmative sound, her face showing some desolation, “Since I can’t see Mother Empress, I can only come to see Crown Prince Brother.”
Qin Wan stepped aside, “Then please go ahead, Princess…”
Yan Zhen walked forward, but after a few steps turned back to look. That day the Empress had Yan Zhen deliver a message to Qin Chaoyu, who then told Qin Wan about those instructions, so Yan Zhen also knew about the visit to Madam Qian. Yan Zhen looked at Qin Wan and said, “Do you need any help from me?”
Qin Wan had been looking down, but hearing this, she immediately raised her head to look at Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen smiled, “It’s not convenient for you to move about in the palace. Is there anything I can help with?”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “Princess means…”
Yan Zhen turned to face Qin Wan directly, “That day, I delivered Mother Empress’s instructions. You must have followed your Sister-in-law’s words, right? I don’t know why Mother Empress gave such instructions, but she must greatly appreciate you, otherwise she wouldn’t have shared such secret matters with you. I don’t know what it’s all about, but I want to help Mother Empress and Crown Prince Brother, so I’m asking if you need my help.”
Yan Zhen was very calm and serious. She was naturally pure-hearted, and as she looked at Qin Wan this way, Qin Wan couldn’t help but feel moved. However, after hesitating for a while, she still shook her head, “It’s nothing. Princess is about to be married – spend these days well with His Highness the Crown Prince.”
After speaking, Qin Wan curtsied and turned to leave.
She had almost spoken up – Yan Zhen was a princess, her status more convenient than Yan Chi’s. But seeing her eyes just now, Qin Wan felt somewhat reluctant. If what Qin Chaoyu said was true, that the Empress deliberately wanted to send Yan Zhen away, then at this critical moment, why should she involve Yan Zhen?
As Qin Wan walked, she looked around the inner palace in bewilderment. No one in the back palace dared to speak lightly of Consort Jin now. Perhaps only Yan Sui knew about Consort Jin’s fear and anxiety back then – what exactly was Consort Jin afraid of?
When Qin Wan returned to Shoukang Palace, she found Yan Li there, playing chess with the Empress Dowager. Seeing Qin Wan return, the Empress Dowager beckoned, “Come here, come here. You two are equally matched at chess. I don’t like playing with him – I have to let him win.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Li with an amused smile. Yan Li blinked, “You went to the Eastern Palace?”
Qin Wan nodded, and Yan Li asked, “How are the Crown Prince and Crown Princess?”
Sitting beside Empress Dowager to help her make moves, Qin Wan saw Empress Dowager looking at her and said, “They’re fine, just that the Eastern Palace is somewhat quiet.”
The Empress Dowager sighed, “Who knows when these matters will be fully investigated.”
The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Li, “You must know about the Ministry of Personnel’s affairs. What are the Emperor’s plans?”
Yan Li replied carelessly, “I don’t know that either. Probably just wants to thoroughly investigate the corruption on the northwestern route.”
The Empress Dowager shook her head, looking worried. Yan Li reassured her, “Don’t worry. The Crown Prince isn’t involved. The Emperor confining the Crown Prince now might be to prevent him from protecting those under him. You know, if the Crown Prince were fine, those people would surely seek his protection.”
The Empress Dowager sighed, “I hope so… Zhen’er is getting married, and I don’t know what the Emperor’s plans are.”
Yan Li and Qin Wan exchanged glances, neither knowing what to say about this matter…
After playing chess with the Empress Dowager for a while, there was no sign of Yan Ze and Yue Ning entering the palace. By afternoon, Qin Wan bid farewell and left. When she returned to the Marquis’s mansion and reported the situation at the Eastern Palace, the Qin Shu couple looked even more worried. Qin Wan could only console them, “At least the Empress Dowager is still protecting the Crown Prince. First Uncle needn’t worry too much.”
Qin Shu had aged considerably in just over ten days. Hearing this, he just waved his hand, “You don’t understand court matters. This time… ah, never mind, we can only wait.”
Qin Wan didn’t ask more, but early the next morning, she went to the Shen residence.
Sun Muqing had been waiting for news from Qin Wan these past days. Seeing her arrive, he thought she was coming to notify him about establishing the cenotaph. However, shortly after sitting down, Qin Wan asked, “Have you noticed any suspicious people around your residence these days?”
Sun Muqing looked confused, “No, why?”
Qin Wan sighed, “This residence is… so I was worried you might be harassed.”
Sun Muqing immediately smiled, “No, no, don’t worry. It’s been a year, and many people don’t care anymore. The residence belongs to the government now, someone was bound to buy it…”
Qin Wan didn’t explain to Sun Muqing but felt slightly relieved, “I had already found a suitable location, and we could have gone earlier, but I’ve been busy these past days, so it might be delayed for a while. I came specially to tell you this.”
Sun Muqing quickly nodded, “This matter is already troubling the Princess, naturally your affairs take priority.”
Sun Muqing personally brewed tea for Qin Wan. As the tea was boiling, he poured it and brought it to her side. He was suddenly very close to Qin Wan, who caught her breath, smelling the sandalwood scent on him, “Did you just return from Prince Yi’s mansion this morning?”
Sun Muqing nodded, “Yes, Prince Yi’s leg has been uncomfortable these days, I’ve been treating him continuously.”
Mentioning this, Qin Wan’s heart stirred, “What exactly happened to Prince Yi’s leg injury?”
“It’s an old injury from over twenty years ago. Seems the Prince fell from horseback and injured the soft tendon in his knee. It was very swollen and painful then. The Imperial Physician reduced the swelling, but you know injuries in that location – they don’t heal on their own. Plus, the Prince was young then and didn’t take it seriously. Now that he’s older, it’s become a chronic ailment.”
Qin Wan naturally understood this principle, but that day Yan Ze had said both the current Emperor and Prince Yi were injured at the time. Prince Yi’s knee had been troublesome all these years, so why didn’t the Emperor have such problems? It didn’t make sense that it healed on its own…
“I know this, but have you ever seen a knee injury that healed by itself?”
Sun Muqing smiled, “That’s impossible. My master said definitively that while most flesh wounds can heal themselves, soft tendons in knee joints rarely heal. This area usually doesn’t suffer severe injuries, but once injured, it becomes a chronic pain.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan’s frown deepened. Sun Muqing asked, “What’s wrong, Princess?”
Qin Wan gave a bitter smile, “If someone suffered an injury similar to Prince Yi’s, but later had no knee problems, why would that be?”
Sun Muqing laughed, “That’s impossible, unless… unless that person got a new leg…”
Hearing this, Qin Wan also laughed. Getting a new leg was even more impossible.
Qin Wan couldn’t understand this point for the moment, but it left a knot in her heart.
…
…
Time flew by, and though Qin Wan entered the palace daily for several days, she never found the opportunity to ask about the Emperor’s injury. While it was natural for those who experienced these old matters together to mention them occasionally, it would seem strange for her to ask about them. On the nineteenth day of the tenth month, Yan Ze and Yue Ning entered the palace again, but this time, everyone headed to Jingning Palace. With Yan Zhen about to marry, the younger generation went to add to her trousseau.
Jingning Palace was newly decorated inside and out. Early tomorrow morning, Yan Zhen would depart from Jingning Palace under the escort of ritual officials to bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress at Chongzheng Hall, then bid farewell to the ancestors at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, before finally boarding the wedding carriage to leave the palace. Outside the palace, she would change to another carriage for a slow journey that would take a month to reach Northern Wei.
In that world, Northern Wei was already experiencing snowfall. Northern Wei had sent envoys to escort the bride, arriving in the capital first to accompany Yan Zhen to Northern Wei. The groom, Tuoba Hong, would welcome Yan Zhen at the Northern Wei border – this was already the highest courtesy for Yan Zhen.
Yan Zhen was going thousands of miles away and likely would never return. Thinking of this, both Yue Ning and Yan Ze’s groups gave very substantial gifts.
Qin Wan came with the Empress Dowager. Yan Zhen’s room was a sea of red. She had just finished trying on tomorrow’s hair ornaments, and seeing the Empress Dowager arrive, her eyes immediately reddened. She hugged the Empress Dowager and began crying, “Grandmother Empress, Zhen’er doesn’t want to marry into Northern Wei…”
Although Yan Zhen spoke with tears, her tone no longer held its previous resentment. The Empress Dowager held Yan Zhen, feeling deeply distressed. The group hadn’t been in Jingning Palace long when others gradually arrived with gifts. When they heard Prince Cheng’s mansion had also sent gifts, Yan Zhen’s expression immediately changed!
“I don’t want them! Throw them out—”
The Empress Dowager sighed, “Zhen’er, Prince Cheng is also your brother.”
Yan Zhen’s crying grew stronger, “He is not! He wants to harm Crown Prince Brother. Grandmother Empress, you don’t need to deceive me, I know everything.”
The Empress Dowager shook her head helplessly, “No one will harm your Crown Prince Brother, don’t worry.”
Yan Zhen looked at the Empress Dowager with reddened eyes, “Then Grandmother Empress, you must promise Zhen’er, after Zhen’er leaves, you must protect Crown Prince Brother well, and my Mother Empress…”
The Empress Dowager already favored the legitimate line, and immediately nodded, “You can rest assured. Don’t you know how much I value your Crown Prince Brother?”
Yan Zhen clung to the Empress Dowager coquettishly, unwilling to let go. Qin Wan watched from the side, feeling that today’s Yan Zhen showed a kind of deliberate effort to please as if just to get this promise from the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager might or might not have noticed, but she was willing to give this promise to reassure Yan Zhen.
Prince Cheng’s gifts were ultimately kept. The several courtyards of Jingning Palace were filled with dowry items, and these chests would be loaded onto carriages tonight. Early tomorrow morning, the carriages would stop behind Zhenghua Gate and follow Yan Zhen’s wedding procession out of the city. After talking with the Empress Dowager for a while, Yan Zhen suddenly asked softly, “Grandmother Empress, will Mother Empress and Crown Prince Brother see Zhen’er off tomorrow?”
Yan Zhen looked at the Empress Dowager expectantly. How could the Empress Dowager not soften her heart? This was her only granddaughter, truly the apple of her eye.
Not just Yan Huai, but the Empress Dowager also treasured her dearly, afraid of the slightest harm coming to her.
“Don’t worry, I will speak with your Father Emperor.”
Yan Zhen nodded while sobbing, and everyone in the room had reddened eyes.
After spending the afternoon in Jingning Palace, the Empress Dowager indeed headed straight to Chongzheng Hall after leaving. With her poor health, she rarely took the initiative to visit Chongzheng Hall. Her arrival stirred the entire hall, and Yan Huai welcomed her in, quickly dismissing the ministers discussing affairs. No one knew what mother and son said in Chongzheng Hall, but that evening, Yuan Qing brought imperial orders to Kunning Palace and the Eastern Palace. The Emperor commanded the Empress and Crown Prince to wear ceremonial robes the next day and go to Chongzheng Hall to receive Yan Zhen’s farewell, then proceed to Zhenghua Gate to send her off.
In Changxin Palace, Feng Lingsu was grinding her teeth in hatred, sneering, “The Emperor only said to let them attend the send-off, but didn’t say anything about lifting their confinement. Once Yan Zhen leaves, they’ll still be confined. Speaking of which, it’s been so long since I’ve seen Her Majesty the Empress, I wonder if she’s lost weight these days.”
The palace servants dared not comment on these words. Feng Lingsu turned to instruct Bao Die, “Go fetch my vermilion phoenix ceremonial robes…”
Bao Die knew her mistress planned to outshine everyone at tomorrow’s ceremony, so she didn’t dare be negligent. Not only did she fetch the vermilion phoenix ceremonial robes, but she also matched them with equally bright and noble accessories. Early the next morning, Feng Lingsu rose early to apply formal makeup according to her rank. Although she wasn’t the Empress, the Empress’s fortune was waning, and today she wanted everyone to see who would command the inner palace in the future.
Feng Lingsu took great care with her appearance, only heading to Chongzheng Hall when she was completely satisfied with how she looked from head to toe. The officials were now waiting before the Imperial Ancestral Temple, while all the royal family members were waiting first in Chongzheng Hall. When Feng Lingsu arrived at the precisely calculated time, she immediately saw the Emperor and Empress already seated in the main positions.
She saw Yan Huai daily but hadn’t seen Zhao Shuhua for many days. She had thought that so many days of confinement would surely make Zhao Shuhua appear haggard and dejected, but she hadn’t expected that after all this time, Zhao Shuhua still radiated brilliance as before. She wore crimson ceremonial robes embroidered with brilliant phoenixes, and her entire being sat beside the Emperor with dignified and noble makeup, actually managing to overshadow her. In that instant, the jealousy that Feng Lingsu had suppressed for so many years burst forth madly.
At three-quarters past the Chen hour, Fifth Princess Yan Zhen, wearing a bright red wedding dress, entered the main hall of Chongzheng Hall supported by her maids, moving with graceful steps. Upon seeing Zhao Shuhua seated in the primary position, Yan Zhen’s eyes immediately filled with tears…