The carriage came to a stop before the Marquis Manor. Fu Ling jumped down first.
“Young Miss, careful now.”
Qin Wan held Fu Ling’s hand as she descended, and then Fu Ling retrieved the prepared gift boxes. As the two walked up the mansion steps, a doorman went inside to announce their arrival. The familiar manor guards bowed courteously, and Qin Wan entered without hindrance.
Following the main path inward, before they had gone far, Yue Ning approached wearing white training clothes. Her black hair was tied up with white silk ribbons, falling gracefully behind her head. As she walked, her clothes fluttered elegantly, her bright eyes seeming to hold the warmth of the sun. “Eh… what’s the meaning of bringing gifts?”
Yue Ning strode to Qin Wan’s side, her tone somewhat surprised. “It’s not any special holiday…”
Qin Wan curtsied, and Yue Ning casually helped her up, still looking at her puzzledly. Though Yue Ning’s eyesight wasn’t as keen as Qin Wan’s, she sensed today that Qin Wan had come with some purpose. “Did something happen?”
“Princess, don’t worry. There is indeed something I need to tell you and the Imperial Princess.”
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow and asked first, “Is it good news or bad news…”
Qin Wan’s eyes flickered momentarily. “It should be good news, though I’m not entirely certain.”
Qin Wan didn’t know what awaited her on the road back to the capital, nor when would be the best timing, which led to her uncertainty and the words “not entirely certain.” Hearing this, Yue Ning anxiously said, “Don’t keep us in suspense, what is it?”
“People from the Marquis Manor in the capital have come to take us three sisters back to Beijing.”
Qin Wan spoke calmly, but Yue Ning’s feet suddenly halted. “Take you back to the capital?”
Qin Wan nodded, “They arrived yesterday, and we must leave in four days.”
Understanding flashed in Yue Ning’s eyes. “So that’s it. No wonder you brought gifts. You’ve come to bid us farewell…” Yue Ning sighed, looking dejected. “Leaving in four days, that’s too sudden.”
Yue Ning slowed her pace, and Qin Wan matched her slower steps. “Winter is approaching, and the journey to the capital takes nearly a month. If we encounter snow along the way, it will delay our travel further. That’s why the timing is so urgent – they want us to reach the capital before the twelfth lunar month.”
Yue Ning pressed her lips together, momentarily at a loss for words. Qin Wan had grown up in the capital before, and now with the incident at the Qin Manor in Jin Zhou, it was reasonable for them to be taken back to the capital. But it was still too sudden. Thinking of Qin Wan’s departure, Yue Ning felt somewhat upset. “Once you leave, you probably won’t return to Jin Zhou, will you?”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes and smiled. “I don’t know…”
Yue Ning let out a light snort. “Once you’re in the capital, you’ll be married off in a few years. How would you come back then?”
Qin Wan chuckled and shook her head. “Princess might also return to the capital. Then we’ll naturally meet again.”
Yue Ning snorted again. The usually decisive and spirited girl now seemed like a sulking young lady. Seeing her like this, Qin Wan felt melancholy too, but only said, “I didn’t expect them to suddenly come to take us away either.”
Yue Ning sighed. “Well, let’s go see Grandmother first.”
After walking slowly for a moment, they quickened their pace. When they reached the Imperial Princess’s courtyard, both the Imperial Princess and Lady Jiang were present. Qin Wan came forward to curtsy and then had Fu Ling present the gifts. Like Yue Ning, Lady Jiang and the Imperial Princess were slightly surprised. Qin Wan quickly explained her purpose. Upon hearing that people from the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household were coming to take Qin Wan away, the Imperial Princess and Lady Jiang were even more shocked.
“Why are they suddenly taking you sisters back to the capital?” Lady Jiang’s brows furrowed slightly. “Is it just because of what happened at the Qin Manor?”
Qin Wan nodded. “Third Brother came – the heir of the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household. That’s what he said.”
Lady Jiang looked at the Imperial Princess. Though the Imperial Princess hadn’t spoken, her face showed deep thought. After a moment, she said, “Given the current situation at the Qin Manor, returning to the capital would indeed be better.”
After a brief pause, the Imperial Princess added worriedly, “However, you’ve been away from the capital for many years. Returning now, you might find it hard to adjust. The situation in the capital is far more complex than in Jin Zhou, and you’ll likely face more difficulties.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. “Imperial Princess, please don’t worry. You know my nature; I’ll take good care of myself.”
The Imperial Princess nodded upon hearing this. “I trust your character, but once you leave Jin Zhou, we’ll rarely see each other. With less daily care from us, and both your parents gone – though you’ll have your uncle and aunt there, to me, it still feels like you’re returning to the capital alone. Of course, I’m concerned.”
Qin Wan felt warmth in her heart hearing this. Although she had saved the Imperial Princess first, that had been just a simple act of help on the street. Yet the Imperial Princess had kept it in her heart. Later, though she had helped the Marquis’s household, it all stemmed from the Imperial Princess’s grateful invitation to Yue Jia’s wedding ceremony. Without that invitation, her situation would have been far different.
Moved, Qin Wan’s eyes grew bright with moisture. “I know the Imperial Princess and Lady are concerned about me, but with people from the capital’s Marquis Manor here, I must return. Imperial Princess’s health is improving – do you plan to return to the capital in the future?”
The Imperial Princess sighed. “When I left there, I said I would never return. I don’t know what will happen in the future, which is why I’m worried. With you leaving, who knows if we’ll meet again.”
Hearing this, a wave of sorrow welled up in Qin Wan’s heart. Different from her sworn sisterhood with Yue Ning, the care from the Imperial Princess and Lady Jiang was that of elders, often reminding her of her parents. Though the Imperial Princess’s health had improved, she was still elderly. At her age, illness was common. If something were to happen, they might truly never meet again.
“We’ll surely meet again.” Qin Wan couldn’t say many pretty words but turned to take a box from Fu Ling’s hands. “These are prescriptions I’ve prepared for the Imperial Princess, all beneficial for your health. Following these prescriptions will gradually eliminate the evil winds from your body. Daily, the Imperial Princess should walk about more, and maintain proper dietary supplements. I’ve written all the taboos inside as well. Most importantly, the Imperial Princess must keep her spirits up and avoid catching cold. In a few days when the weather turns cool, light the floor dragons in the rooms earlier…”
As Qin Wan spoke, she felt a lump in her throat. Though she had bought gifts like jade and ceremonial items, the Marquis Manor lacked none of these. After much thought, she followed the same method as when she left prescriptions for Yao Xin Lan, writing down everything she could think of. This box even contained secret prescriptions learned from the Medicine Valley. Though she couldn’t copy them exactly, she substituted them with very similar herbs, all excellent formulas for maintaining elderly health.
She made these arrangements worried that after she left Jin Zhou, even if the Imperial Princess had a slight headache or fever, she would have to consult other doctors. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust others, but after caring for the Imperial Princess’s health for so long, she had almost taken the Imperial Princess’s wellness as her responsibility. These prescriptions would last at least half a year. After half a year, when the Imperial Princess’s health showed more changes, the prescriptions would need to be changed.
However, speaking of such arrangements made it seem more like they would rarely meet again, as if she were making final arrangements. Not just Qin Wan, but Lady Jiang beside her also felt her nose tingle with emotion. Qin Wan seemed to be arranging everything for the future, and doing so with great care. Lady Jiang felt sorry for Qin Wan. Though she didn’t say it, she understood that when the capital’s Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household had sent her to Jin Zhou years ago, they certainly hadn’t treated her as a beloved niece.
Even daily interaction then hadn’t fostered deep feelings, and now after three years, they were taking her back. The already thin feelings had long since faded. Even with surface courtesy and propriety, it could never be like living with family.
Lady Jiang, also from a noble family in the capital, was familiar with the overt and covert struggles among noble ladies’ circles and knew well the scheming within great households. She worried that Qin Wan would be bullied upon returning to the capital…
“Wan’er’s thoughtfulness even surpasses Ning’er’s. But speaking like this makes me feel we’ll rarely meet again. After returning to the capital, in less than two years you’ll be married, and naturally, it will be harder to return to Jin Zhou.”
Lady Jiang’s voice was slightly hoarse, and Yue Ning hurriedly went over to hold her arm.
What Yue Ning could think of, Lady Jiang naturally could too. Hearing Lady Jiang’s words, Qin Wan felt a lump in her throat and quickly said, “I’ll come back to see the Imperial Princess and Lady then. There’s no rule saying one can’t go out after marriage.”
Though Qin Wan said this, she knew it would be extremely difficult. Though Jin Zhou had many wealthy households, most people would never travel as far as the capital in their lifetime. Qin Wan’s words were merely comfort for herself and everyone else. Lady Jiang understood this, as did the Imperial Princess. The Imperial Princess sighed again, “Speaking of marriage, we still don’t know how to arrange it for you.”
At these words, Qin Wan’s heart sank again.
After the New Year, she would be seventeen. In the Great Zhou Dynasty, marriage discussions could begin at fourteen or fifteen. Ordinary young ladies started getting married from age fifteen onwards and at the latest by nineteen. If one reached twenty without marrying, they would face criticism.
At seventeen, the capital’s Marquis Manor would likely start considering this matter. This time, bringing both Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang to the capital together, Qin Wan suspected the Marquis Manor had their considerations, after all, they only had one daughter.
The Imperial Princess, having seen and experienced much, spoke these words that increasingly confirmed Qin Wan’s suspicions. She tugged at the corner of her lips, “Imperial Princess need not worry, each person has their fate…”
The Imperial Princess shook her head. “It’s not quite like that. With both your parents gone, the Loyal and Brave Marquis naturally makes the decisions for your clan, especially regarding your marriage. If he makes arrangements, he likely won’t consider your feelings.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes; the Imperial Princess always cut straight to the heart of matters.
Lady Jiang, seemingly noticing how the Imperial Princess’s words had weighed on Qin Wan, consoled from the side, “But that’s still a year or two away. When the time comes, we can help from here.”
Though Lady Jiang said this, the Imperial Princess didn’t agree, only showing deep thought in her eyes.
“Imperial Princess and Lady truly need not worry. I’m not particular about this matter.”
Regarding marriage, Qin Wan truly wasn’t particular. With both parents deceased and no support, her circumstances were already diminished. She hadn’t thought about her marriage, nor what kind of person to marry. She wanted to return to the capital only to seek justice and revenge for her father. For most of her life ahead, this might be the only thing in her heart.
Lady Jiang seemed about to speak but held back. The Imperial Princess, however, said, “A woman’s marriage is extremely important. Though fate plays a role, you can’t completely rely on destiny. Sometimes heaven isn’t fair; you need to fight for yourself.”
Qin Wan curved her lips, just not wanting the Imperial Princess to worry too much about her affairs. “Alright, rest assured. When the time comes, I’ll think it through carefully myself. With my personality, others can’t easily force me into anything.”
At this, the Imperial Princess showed a hint of a smile. “Well said. Though you appear gentle on the outside, your inner strength is exceptional. In this, you’re truly like me. Remember, no matter what trouble you encounter in the future, just have someone send word to me. I’ll have people help you no matter what.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan quickly nodded. “Yes, thank you, Your Highness.”
The Imperial Princess waved her hand with slight reproach. Perhaps feeling the topic too heavy, she changed the subject, “Leaving in four days? Are the carriages and preparations ready? Will the young heir of the Qin family travel with you?”
Qin Wan quickly nodded. “We’re preparing now. Don’t worry about the arrangements. This time, we three sisters are returning together. With ladies traveling, naturally, everything will be properly arranged. Third Brother is coming with us, and I hear he’s bringing the Marquis Manor’s guards, so it’s very safe.”
The Imperial Princess relaxed slightly. “That’s good, that’s good.”
Qin Wan had come to bid farewell but didn’t want to leave everyone feeling heavy-hearted and worried for her. Seeing the weather clear outside, she said, “Would the Imperial Princess like to take a walk? Today I’ll accompany you for a while longer.”
The Imperial Princess smiled and stood up. “Then I must hurry – in a few days you won’t be able to accompany me anymore.”
Qin Wan quickly helped the Imperial Princess up, with Yue Ning supporting her other side, as they walked outside together. Lady Jiang watched happily and followed. After walking among the flower beds for a while, Lady Jiang went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Shortly after, Yue Qing suddenly approached from the eastern direction, looking anxious.
“Grandmother, Ninth Young Lady!”
Yue Qing called from afar. Qin Wan and the others paused. As they stopped, Yue Qing reached them, looking concernedly at Qin Wan. “Ninth Young Lady, you’re returning to the capital?”
Qin Wan curtsied, then asked with slight surprise, “How does Second Young Master know?”
Yue Qing, anxious, clenched his fists slightly. “I just saw Lu Yun, she told me.”
Lu Yun was Lady Jiang’s servant, who had been attending in the inner chamber earlier and naturally knew of Qin Wan’s departure.
Qin Wan understood and nodded. “Yes, Uncle from the capital sent Third Brother to fetch us. Not just me, but my two sisters are also returning to the capital together.”
Yue Qing pressed his lips together, his brows slightly furrowed, seeming somewhat anxious.
Seeing Yue Qing thus, Qin Wan just curved her lips and asked, “What’s wrong, Your Highness?”
“Once you leave, will you never return to Jin Zhou?”
Qin Wan glanced at Yue Ning, hesitating before saying, “I’m not sure, but…”
Seeing Qin Wan’s hesitant tone, Yue Qing understood her meaning. He looked at her, seeming to want to speak but not knowing how. Beside them, Yue Ning’s brows furrowed slightly, and the Imperial Princess narrowed her eyes. “Where did you come from? Where are Seventh Brother and the Prefect?”
Qin Wan’s heart stirred at these words. She had been at the Marquis Manor for so long without seeing Yan Chi. With that case still unsolved, she had assumed Yan Chi had left the manor – could it be he hadn’t?
As she thought this, Yue Qing already replied, “They’re discussing matters in the study.”
The Imperial Princess then said, “Very well, go tell them it’s almost mealtime, have them come to the back.”
Yue Qing’s brows remained furrowed. Hearing this, he didn’t move immediately, but looking at Qin Wan, he truly couldn’t speak. He could only nod in frustration and head toward the study. Yue Ning blinked, “What’s wrong with Second Brother?”
Qin Wan also tilted her head in thought but didn’t respond. The Imperial Princess, seeming unperturbed, pointed to a nearby flower pavilion. “Come, let’s sit for a while. We’ll be having meals together soon anyway.”
……
……
“This is all the people who have been investigated in this case so far. Currently, all personnel from the Circuit Office have been mobilized to draft documents and verify case details. Once everything is clear, we can report to the imperial court.”
Huo Huai Xin took a sip of tea. Though his face showed fatigue, his eyes were bright.
At year’s end, Jin Zhou had produced such a case. If this case wasn’t handled well, or even if handled barely adequately, it would be his fault. However, if he handled it beautifully, this case would add a bright mark to his performance evaluation, at least allowing him to advance to Fourth Rank a year early.
Speaking thus, Huo Huai Xin looked toward Yan Chi. “This time, thanks much to Your Highness’s help. Without it, this official would have had to expend great effort on this case. Oh, and Ninth Young Lady too…”
Huo Huai Xin watched Yan Chi. When he uttered “Ninth Young Lady,” whether it was his imagination or not, he noticed Yan Chi’s eyes brighten slightly. Yan Chi’s face remained impassive. “Prefect Huo is the main force; I merely assisted from the side.”
Huo Huai Xin’s smile deepened. “This official wouldn’t dare claim that. This case truly has Your Highness as the primary merit.”
Seeing the two argue back and forth, Yue Qiong laughed. “You two need not argue. Exposing such a large tumor in Jin Zhou this time is the merit of you both.”
Huo Huai Xin cupped his hands toward Yue Qiong. “The Marquis overly praises.”
After saying this, Huo Huai Xin turned back to Yan Chi. “This case is almost complete. When will Your Highness return to the capital?”
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s eyes showed deep thought. Seeing Yan Chi’s expression, Huo Huai Xin’s heart immediately jumped, fearing he had spoken wrongly. Meanwhile, Yue Qiong’s smile faded as he said, “You probably need to return soon. You can’t solidify this position of Provincial Surveillance Commissioner.”
Huo Huai Xin’s eyes darted. Though not a capital official, he had many old acquaintances at court and knew court movements no less than Yue Qiong. He understood the deeper meaning of Yue Qiong’s words and said no more.
Yan Chi raised his eyebrows and shook his head. “There’s no hurry. I think this Provincial Surveillance Commissioner position isn’t bad.”
Yue Qiong showed slight surprise. “What do you mean? It’s year-end now when court positions change most. This Commissioner position is just an idle post. After the New Year, if His Majesty makes this idle post permanent for you, what then?”
Yan Chi curved his lips, his expression becoming composed. “Father is handling the Northwest Army, and the war situation isn’t urgent now. If I’m really to stay in the Ministry of Justice, that would be just fine.” After a slight pause, Yan Chi continued, “Moreover, returning to the capital at this time, there would likely be many troubles waiting for me. Now that Prince Yong has taken the Crown Prince position, his schemes have only increased.”
Yue Qiong understood. “Yes, there have been many changes at court lately.”
Yue Qiong was a Marquis, and Yan Chi was a true royal kin. When discussing court matters, they could even comment on His Majesty somewhat. But Huo Huai Xin couldn’t. Though his position in Jin Zhou was indeed premier, before Yue Qiong and Yan Chi, he was still of lower rank. Thus, hearing them discuss court matters and the Crown Prince’s appointment, Huo Huai Xin immediately fell silent.
“So, I’ll decide when to return to the capital after this case is thoroughly cleared.”
Yan Chi made his decision, and Huo Huai Xin said from the side, “Yes, this case will likely take another half month at the Circuit Office to clarify.”
Just as he finished speaking, Yang Xi announced from outside, “Marquis, Second Young Master has arrived.”
The three men had been discussing court matters, and Yue Qing had rarely been involved in political struggles. Thus, when Yang Xi gave his warning from outside, the three fell silent. Soon, footsteps approached the door.
The door opened, and Yue Qing strode in. He first nodded to Yan Chi and Huo Huai Xin, then looked at Yue Qiong. “Father, Grandmother asks you, Prince Chi, and Official Huo to dine in the inner court.”
Yue Qing had come to relay a message, but troubled by Qin Wan’s matter, his expression had already revealed his distress.
Yue Qiong looked at him and asked directly, “What happened in the inner court?”
Yue Qing instinctively wanted to say nothing was wrong, but then decided to be straightforward. “Ninth Young Lady has come.”
Yan Chi’s eyebrows moved slightly. Huo Huai Xin unconsciously glanced at Yan Chi, while Yue Qiong’s lips curved slightly. “Ninth Young Lady’s arrival is good news. Why such an expression? One would think something bad had happened.”
Yue Qing pressed his lips together. “The Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor in the capital has sent people – firstly to help handle the current crisis at the Qin Manor, and secondly, to take the three Qin sisters back to the capital. Ninth Young Lady came today to bid farewell. She’s leaving in four days.”
At these words, both Yue Qiong and Huo Huai Xin raised their eyebrows in surprise.
Yan Chi’s brows gathered slightly, then his eyes lit up with a bright gleam.
He had been worried about being separated by thousands of miles after returning to the capital, but now… she was also returning to the capital!
Joy welled up in Yan Chi’s heart. Was heaven helping him?
“So sudden? Leaving in four days?”
Yue Qiong asked, and Yue Qing nodded somewhat dejectedly. “Indeed. The Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor’s people arrived yesterday – it was the heir who came. Fearing snow might make the journey unsafe later, they want to reach the capital before the twelfth month. Moreover, given the Qin Manor’s current situation, they probably don’t want to stay long in Jin Zhou.”
Yue Qiong nodded. “That makes sense. Arriving earlier in the capital would allow for a proper New Year celebration. Moreover, when it snows in the north, mountains often become impassable. It would be dangerous for several young ladies traveling together.”
Speaking thus, Yue Qiong added with some concern, “The Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor is taking all three young ladies back to the capital at once?”
As he said this, he glanced at Yan Chi and Huo Huai Xin. As men who navigated the realm of power, they naturally first thought of power-related matters, all three simultaneously considering the issue of marriage alliances using women as pawns.
Huo Huai Xin frowned slightly. “The two Qin young ladies are fine, at least they have their mother and brother. But Ninth Young Lady has lost both parents – I fear her situation in the capital won’t be too favorable.”
Huo Huai Xin wanted to follow Yue Qiong’s lead while genuinely worrying about Qin Wan. She had helped him several times, and he felt truly grateful.
“Indeed.” Yue Qiong sighed. “When she’s far away, we won’t be able to help even if we want to.”
Hearing Yue Qiong and Huo Huai Xin’s words, Yue Qing felt he had come to the right place. “Yes, Father, that’s exactly what I thought. With Ninth Young Lady returning to the capital alone, if she encounters any trouble, we won’t be able to help.”
Yue Qiong sighed. “But the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor must have made up their mind. With their people already here, we’re outsiders and shouldn’t interfere.” Then he added, “Let’s prepare some things she might need. I’ll discuss it with your mother later.”
Yue Qing seemed about to speak but held back. His concerns weren’t just these. He also worried that once Qin Wan left, they might never see her again, and in a year or two, she might be betrothed to someone – while she still didn’t know his feelings.
Yue Qiong, often in the outer court, only saw his son as being very concerned about Qin Wan, not thinking further. Since they were going to eat in the backcourt anyway, he could see Qin Wan and discuss with his mother and wife.
Thinking thus, Yue Qiong stood up. “Alright, let’s go eat first.”
Yue Qiong called Huo Huai Xin and Yan Chi. Huo Huai Xin quickly gestured. “Marquis, no need for formality. We’re all family now. Please, after you.”
Yan Chi, being younger, also let Yue Qiong go first. Yue Qiong put an arm around Yue Qing’s shoulders and walked out first. After following Yue Qiong for two steps, Yue Qing couldn’t help but speak again. “Father, must Ninth Young Lady leave?”
Yue Qiong sighed. “This is the Qin family’s private matter. Their people have already come – how can we interfere?”
Yue Qing’s anxious face wrinkled up. “But… but…”
In front, Yue Qing lowered his voice to speak with Yue Qiong. Seeing this, Huo Huai Xin and Yan Chi fell back a step. Walking behind, Huo Huai Xin glanced at Yan Chi, noting his seemingly good mood. This confirmed his suspicions – Yan Chi would certainly return to the capital. If Qin Wan had stayed in Jin Zhou, they would rarely meet in the future, but now that she was also returning to the capital, things would be much more convenient for them. Huo Huai Xin’s lips curved slightly, glad he had timely perceived Yan Chi’s feelings and prevented Huo Ning from making trouble.
“Unexpected that Ninth Young Lady is being taken back. Though she currently enjoys the Marquis Manor’s care in Jin Zhou, with the Qin Manor’s current notorious reputation here, staying here would inevitably affect her.”
Knowing Yan Chi’s feelings, Huo Huai Xin found it easier to say words that would resonate with him. Sure enough, at these words, Yan Chi nodded slightly. Huo Huai Xin continued, “Speaking of which, Ninth Young Lady has helped us greatly this time. Your Highness surely knows her character and conduct. When Your Highness returns to the capital later, please look after Ninth Young Lady somewhat.”
Yan Chi’s lips relaxed slightly, his face showing a faint smile. “Rest assured, Official. That’s only proper.”
Huo Huai Xin chuckled. “Now that Ninth Young Lady is leaving, I truly hate to see her go. She has helped many times, and I had said I would host a banquet for her. But with only a few days until she leaves, there’s likely no time for a banquet. Later when I return, I’ll have my wife prepare some food and supplies for Ninth Young Lady to take along. This northward journey in such cold weather truly makes one worry.”
At these words, Yan Chi’s expression brightened further. However, his calm gaze remained fixed on Yue Qing’s back ahead. From his position, he could see Yue Qing constantly speaking with Yue Qiong. Without guessing, Yan Chi knew Yue Qing must be worried about Qin Wan, and he understood the nature of those worries all too well. Yan Chi suddenly narrowed his eyes.
Yue Qing was young, righteous, and somewhat impetuous with youthful vigor. Seeing him so visibly anxious, Yan Chi feared he might suddenly gather his courage to plead with the Imperial Princess. Once the Imperial Princess spoke first, he would lose his initiative.
Thinking thus, Yan Chi suddenly said, “Ninth Young Lady is kind and benevolent. Not only has she earned the Prefect’s concern, but the Marquis’s family treats her as their own. Look how anxious Second Young Master is – who knows how worried the Imperial Princess must be.”
Huo Huai Xin looked over, indeed seeing father and son still in conversation. Knowing Qin Wan’s position in the Yue family’s hearts, he quite understood and quickly agreed. “Indeed. The Imperial Princess is extremely fond of Ninth Young Lady, and the Lady dotes on her greatly. Now that Ninth Young Lady must go to the capital so uncertainly, they must be worried. But as the Marquis said, with the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s people here, however concerned they are, the Marquis Manor is still of a different surname – they truly can’t interfere.”
Yan Chi’s eyes narrowed momentarily. “There is a way.”
Hearing this, Huo Huai Xin’s eyes immediately brightened. “Your Highness has a solution?”
Yan Chi raised his chin. Though his tone remained calm and pleasant, his gaze at Yue Qing’s back carried a hint of coldness. After a moment’s silence, he said softly, “Ninth Young Lady’s return to the capital was inevitable. What worries people is that she has no support.”
Huo Huai Xin asked eagerly, “Then… what does Your Highness suggest?”
Yan Chi pressed his lips slightly. “The Imperial Princess and Lady are so fond of Ninth Young Lady, and the Princess treats her like a sister. Since that’s the case, why not make this relationship closer? Then the Marquis Manor would have the right to inquire about Ninth Young Lady’s affairs in the future.”
Huo Huai Xin stared at Yan Chi in momentary shock. “Your Highness means… means to have the Marquis and Lady adopt Ninth Young Lady…”
Yan Chi nodded, then looked at Huo Huai Xin. “However, this matter needs a witness. I’m too young, a generation below the Marquis and Lady. In my view, only the Prefect is suitable.”
A flash of understanding lit Huo Huai Xin’s eyes. “This… this official is suitable?”
Yan Chi laughed brightly. “Prefect Huo is Jin Zhou’s parent official, has known the Marquis and Lady for many years, and thoroughly understands the Qin family’s situation. No one could be more suitable. If this matter succeeds, Prefect Huo’s contribution would be significant.”
Huo Huai Xin’s breathing immediately tightened. He understood he understood Yan Chi’s meaning. If Yan Chi’s suggestion became reality, his standing with the Marquis Manor and Qin Wan would rise considerably!
“Good, then this official this afternoon… this official will speak with the Marquis shortly.”
Having understood Yan Chi’s intention, Huo Huai Xin became immediately excited. He had initially planned to find time in the afternoon to speak with Yue Qiong, but remembering Qin Wan’s imminent departure, he naturally decided not to waste time.
After speaking, Huo Huai Xin looked up at Yue Qiong. After talking for so long, Yue Qiong and Yue Qing seemed to have finished their conversation. He quickened his pace and walked toward them. Huo Huai Xin knew this matter needed discussion with both the Imperial Princess and Lady Jiang. Before anything was certain, he could only speak with Yue Qiong alone. Thus, he specifically waited for a moment alone with Yue Qiong before speaking.
Others only saw the two of them standing outside the side hall speaking quietly, but no one knew exactly what was said. Just then, Qin Wan was seen supporting the Imperial Princess as they slowly approached.
When the Imperial Princess stopped, Qin Wan immediately stepped forward to curtsy to Yue Qiong and the others. Yue Qiong looked at Qin Wan with complex emotions for several moments. Seeing the meal wasn’t yet ready, he suddenly went to support the Imperial Princess. “Mother, let me walk with you a while longer.”
How could the Imperial Princess, with her wisdom, not understand that Yue Qiong had something to say? She nodded. “Ning’er, take Wan’er inside to rest. Seventh Son and Qing’er, keep Prefect Huo company.”
Huo Huai Xin smiled repeatedly in acknowledgment as Yue Qiong supported the Imperial Princess toward the eastern corridor.
Seeing this, Yue Qing and Yue Ning thought Yue Qiong was discussing with the Imperial Princess how to arrange Qin Wan’s journey to the capital, so they paid it no mind. Yue Ning glanced at Yan Chi, then took Qin Wan’s hand into a side hall.
Meanwhile, Lady Jiang, leading kitchen servants carrying lunch dishes, approached from afar. Seeing Yue Qiong and the Imperial Princess in conversation, Lady Jiang showed confusion and walked over. “Mother, My Lord, what’s wrong?”
Seeing Lady Jiang’s sudden appearance, Yue Qiong immediately beckoned. “Come here, we have something to discuss with you.”
Lady Jiang was slightly surprised and hurried over. “What’s happened?”
Yue Qiong pondered for a moment, then repeated to Lady Jiang what he had just discussed with the Imperial Princess. Lady Jiang first froze, then her face lit up with joy. “Ah, why didn’t I think of this? My Lord is truly wise!”
Yue Qiong laughed. “Brother Huo brought it up before I thought of it. Our family has never done this before, so I hadn’t considered it. When Brother Huo mentioned it, I found it quite reasonable. Not to mention anything else, just considering how Ninth Young Lady saved Mother’s life, breaking precedent would be worth it. Moreover, you all love Ninth Young Lady’s character, and Ning’er has never been so close with another young lady.”
Lady Jiang nodded. “That’s certainly true. I see Ning’er and Wan’er are excellent sisters. Ning’er has become much more lively and gentle lately, finally giving me relief. My Lord, if we’re to do this, we must act quickly – Wan’er is about to leave!”
Yue Qiong also nodded. “I was just discussing this with Mother.”
Hearing this, Lady Jiang’s face lit up with joy, but the Imperial Princess looked toward the side hall with somewhat deep eyes. She looked at Huo Huai Xin, then at Yan Chi, and finally, her gaze fell on Yue Qing. “I just fear it will hurt Qing’er.”
At these words, Lady Jiang’s smile also froze. “Yes, Qing’er seems to feel for Wan’er…”
Yue Qiong showed slight surprise. “Is that so? Then when the time comes…”
The Imperial Princess suddenly showed stern determination in her eyes, seeming to have made up her mind. “Qing’er and Wan’er are not suitable. Better to end his thoughts early, lest he mislead himself. Let’s settle this matter now.”
Lady Jiang still felt some hesitation about Yue Qing, but Yue Qiong said, “But Mother, what if Ninth Young Lady doesn’t agree…”
The Imperial Princess let out a light snort, her eyes full of determination. “The little girl may be strong-willed, but I’ve figured her out – she can’t refuse those who are good to her. In this matter, I’ll have the final say!”
Speaking thus, the Imperial Princess raised her chin. “Come, let’s sit and discuss.”
As she finished speaking, the Imperial Princess led the way to the side hall. Arriving at the hall, they saw the tables already set. The Imperial Princess took the main seat, and Yue Ning quickly brought Qin Wan over. Lady Jiang sighed as she looked at Yue Qing twice, then invited others to be seated. Qin Wan sat as usual at the Imperial Princess’s left hand.
Once everyone was seated, the Imperial Princess spoke with slight solemnity, “There is a matter that Qiong’er, Jing Shu, and I just decided.”
At these words, except for Yan Chi and Huo Huai Xin, everyone else showed curiosity.
The Imperial Princess then looked at Qin Wan and said, “I wish for Qiong’er and Jing Shu to take Wan’er as their adopted daughter. From now on, she will be my true granddaughter, Ning’er, and her brothers’ true sister, sharing glory and hardship, fortune and misfortune with our Marquis Manor.”