“Young Lord, Ninth Miss, this lowly one knows his mistake—” Just as they reached the entrance of Yan Chi’s courtyard, a chubby-faced man in official uniform knelt before Qin Wan and Qin Yan. They were startled at first, then recognized him—who else could it be but Song Li?

“Young Lord, Ninth Miss, this lowly one will never dare again. Please show mercy, Young Lord…”

Qin Yan’s brows furrowed slightly as he exchanged glances with Qin Wan. When Song Li first came to the residence, he had been extremely arrogant. Even when Qin Yan appeared, he had only slightly tempered his attitude, remaining proud and lazy in his duties. Later, when the culprit who harmed Little Song Zi and Da Cheng appeared, Song Li left the residence without lingering. Qin Wan hadn’t expected to see him again, let alone see him begging for mercy at first sight.

Song Li knocked his head on the ground repeatedly with loud thuds. Before Qin Yan could speak, another person emerged from the courtyard gate. Hearing Song Li’s voice, this person immediately lifted his robe and knelt before Qin Yan, “This official Jiang Yuan Zhou pays respects to the Young Lord and Ninth Miss…”

Qin Yan’s eyebrows raised again, understanding dawning in his eyes. “Magistrate Jiang has arrived.”

Jiang Yuan Zhou was Song Li’s direct superior, the County Magistrate of Ji County. His appearance was proper, certainly more presentable than Song Li’s. Though wearing official robes, his entire being exuded an air of dissolute indulgence. His narrow eyes flickered with cunning light, and Qin Wan immediately sensed something unsavory about his character.

“This official only recently learned that the Young Lord was staying at Bai Cao Garden. Had I known earlier, I would have certainly come sooner. It was truly our fault that the Young Lord and the young ladies suffered any inconvenience.”

Qin Yan listened to Jiang Yuan Zhou’s words with leisurely attention. Seeing no reaction from Qin Yan, Jiang Yuan Zhou continued, “Having been away from the capital for many years, I wonder how the Marquis and his wife are faring?”

Qin Yan gave a cold laugh, “Magistrate Jiang has been flourishing as the County Magistrate of Ji County, truly bringing honor to the Marquis. And Magistrate Jiang certainly knows how to employ people well—Constable Song is quite the diligent and respectful official…”

Cold sweat appeared on Jiang Yuan Zhou’s face, “Young Lord, please calm your anger. Constable Song has indeed acted inappropriately. This official will deal with him upon return.”

Song Li, who was beside them, immediately crawled on his knees toward Qin Yan, attempting to grab his leg. “Young Lord, Young Lord, this lowly one knows—”

Before he could finish saying “wrong,” a guard from the Qin family stepped forward and kicked Song Li away. Qin Yan gave Jiang Yuan Zhou and Song Li a cold glance, deciding not to say more. He looked at Qin Wan and walked into the courtyard, with Qin Wan naturally following.

Upon entering the courtyard, they could faintly hear Magistrate Jiang’s scolding voice and Song Li’s pleading cries. Qin Yan then said, “This Jiang Yuan Zhou was once one of Father’s students. In earlier years, he showed promise, but now he’s become quite disappointing. I suppose after arriving in Ji County and discovering the benefits of being a local tyrant, he lost all ambition for advancement.”

Qin Wan listened and nodded silently, knowing it wasn’t her place to comment on such matters.

“Young Lord, Ninth Miss—” As they walked a few steps further, Bai Feng, who was standing at the main door, hurried forward to greet them. While walking, he added, “Governor He is still inside speaking with His Highness. Young Lord and Ninth Miss may enter directly.”

“Yuan Zhou’s Governor He Zhi Xing,” Qin Yan nodded, speaking softly, clearly directing this information to Qin Wan, who nodded without comment.

“Master, the Marquis’s Young Lord, and Ninth Miss have arrived.”

Bai Feng announced at the doorway, and immediately they heard a middle-aged man’s hearty laugh, “The Marquis’s Young Lord has arrived? Then this official should take his leave, to avoid disturbing His Highness’s reception of guests.”

The voice was warm and pleasant to hear, carrying the same shrewd openness as Huo Huai Xin, refined through years in officialdom. Qin Wan and Qin Yan stood briefly at the door before seeing a middle-aged man in official robes walk out, with Yan Chi following two steps behind before stopping. His gaze fell on Qin Wan.

“Governor He—” Qin Yan bowed first, and He Zhi Xing hurriedly lifted his robes to return the courtesy, “Young Lord, it has been a long time.”

“Indeed, two years have passed. I didn’t expect to meet Governor He under such circumstances.”

He Zhi Xing laughed heartily, his gaze turning to Qin Wan, “Could this be… the Ninth Miss of your household?”

Qin Wan curtsied, “Governor He.”

He Zhi Xing also bowed slightly to Qin Wan, “Ninth Miss is too courteous. This incident has frightened both Ninth Miss and Young Lord—it was due to my poor governance that such things occurred in my jurisdiction.”

Qin Yan smiled warmly, “Yuan Zhou is vast; even if Governor He had three heads and six arms, he couldn’t prevent all incidents. We just happened to encounter this one. Governor He needn’t blame himself, though we’ll rely on you to handle the aftermath properly.”

“On this point, please rest assured, Young Lord. Everything will be handled most appropriately.”

Speaking thus, He Zhi Xing bowed again, “Since Young Lord and Ninth Miss are here to visit His Highness, this official shall not intrude further and will take his leave.”

Qin Yan nodded and stepped aside, with Qin Wan also moving to make way. He Zhi Xing turned back to bow once more to Yan Chi before striding out. After He Zhi Xing’s departure, Qin Yan finally smiled and bowed to Yan Chi, “Your Highness—”

Qin Wan also curtsied beside him. Yan Chi looked at them both, raising his hand, “No need for such formality, come in and let’s talk.”

Qin Yan straightened up and stepped inside, “Yesterday, Your Highness saved my younger sister. As her brother, I haven’t yet come to express my gratitude. I had intended to come last night, but with Governor He and others present, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

Yan Chi’s lips curved in a faint smile as he gestured toward the chairs, “No thanks necessary. I promised Princess Tai Chang in Jin Zhou that I would look after Ninth Miss. If I didn’t care for her well, Princess Tai Chang would surely hold me accountable.”

Yan Chi took the main seat, with Qin Yan sitting to his left, and Qin Wan taking the chair beside Qin Yan.

“It is truly Ninth Sister’s good fortune to have Princess Tai Chang’s favor—”

Bai Feng entered with tea and then stood behind Yan Chi. Yan Chi nodded at these words, “Ninth Miss has a good nature, it’s natural that people are fond of her. The Marquis and his wife treat her as their daughter.”

Qin Wan kept her eyes lowered and remained silent. Qin Yan turned to look at Qin Wan with a smile, “This I know. The Marquis and his wife have already adopted Ninth Sister as their goddaughter. Second Uncle and Second Aunt have been gone for many years, so having the Marquis and his wife care for Ninth Sister is certainly wonderful. It’s a pity I wasn’t in Jin Zhou these past few years, otherwise I could have spared Ninth Sister some hardships.”

Yan Chi listened without comment, “From now on, Ninth Miss will return to the capital. Young Lord can show as much care as you wish.”

“Naturally.” Qin Yan agreed, then changed the subject, “Had I known Your Highness was also coming to Yuan Zhou, we could have traveled together, thus avoiding the heavy snow of the past few days.”

At these words, Qin Wan sensitively detected something unusual.

Qin Yan would never have wanted to travel with Yan Chi. By saying this, he was trying to probe Yan Chi’s purpose for this journey.

Yan Chi was just lifting his teacup from the side table when he heard this. His lips curved slightly, “I originally wasn’t planning to come. Young Lord probably doesn’t know, but His Majesty gave me the additional title of Judicial Commissioner. I had delayed many days in Jin Zhou and had planned to return to the capital early, but when I reached Yuan Zhou, I heard that Han Kai Yang was here…”

He paused briefly before continuing in a casual tone, “Han Kai Yang was one of my father’s old subordinates, and we share some friendship. If I didn’t see him during this passage, who knows when the next opportunity would come, so I made a trip to the Yuan Zhou military camp.”

Han Kai Yang was indeed from the Northwestern Army and was an old subordinate of the Rui Prince. Qin Yan naturally knew this, but what he didn’t know was why Yan Chi had come. He had expected Yan Chi to find a reasonable excuse, but unexpectedly, Yan Chi did not attempt to hide it, directly stating he had come to visit an old acquaintance. This left Qin Yan unable to probe further.

“So that’s why Your Highness came with General Han.” Qin Yan’s expression showed a perfectly appropriate smile, his bright eyes fixed on Yan Chi.

Yan Chi had joined the military in his youth and hadn’t had many opportunities to return to the capital afterward, so someone like Qin Yan, who moved effortlessly in the capital’s noble circles, wasn’t particularly familiar with him. Now, sitting before Yan Chi, he found the situation somewhat thorny.

He was one of the capital’s young nobles, but not the kind who merely skimmed the surface of matters. Though usually confident in his ability to read people, when facing Yan Chi, he found him unfathomable and impenetrable.

“When General Han received the news, he was quite enthusiastic. Having nothing pressing to attend to, he came along with me, arriving even before the Ji County officials. Now in the depths of winter, General Han was concerned about the troops becoming lazy.”

Qin Yan’s lips curved slightly, “That’s good then. It would have been unfortunate if this matter had interfered with any military affairs. What are Your Highness’s plans now? Will you return to the capital immediately, or stay in Yuan Zhou for a while?”

Yan Chi took a light sip of tea, “It’s not yet decided. What about Young Lord’s party?”

Qin Yan glanced at Qin Wan, “We plan to set out early tomorrow morning. We’ve been delayed here for quite some time already. Originally, the family wanted us back by the beginning of the twelfth month, but that seems impossible now.”

Yan Chi gave a simple “hmm” in response, “In that case, departing earlier would be better.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan’s heart sank slightly. From Yan Chi’s words, it seemed he had no intention of traveling with them.

Qin Yan smiled, “Does Your Highness have other matters to attend to? With the year-end approaching, there are numerous affairs both inside and outside the palace. His Majesty is likely waiting for Your Highness’s return to the capital. By now, Your Highness has been away from the capital for over three months.”

Yan Chi curved his lips, “With the Crown Prince’s recent installation this year, there are naturally more matters than usual. However, since I rarely return to the capital, His Majesty likely won’t arrange much for me. As for Young Lord, the Marquis must be waiting.”

Qin Wan watched Yan Chi, sensing deeper meaning in his words. Qin Yan also smiled, “Father isn’t particularly anxious, but Mother can’t wait to meet my three sisters. Mother loves daughters dearly, yet there was only one girl in our household. Now with three more sisters coming, Mother eagerly anticipates their arrival day and night.”

Qin Wan shook her head inwardly—if that were truly the case, why send Ninth Miss to Jin Zhou in the first place?

“No wonder all three Young Ladies of the Qin family are being brought to the capital. Princess Tai Chang was worried that Ninth Miss might find it difficult to adjust to life in the capital, but it seems Madam will cherish Ninth Miss just as Princess Tai Chang does.”

Yan Chi brought the topic back to Qin Wan, but for some reason, she felt a heaviness in his tone.

Qin Yan immediately responded, “Of course. Mother thinks of Ninth Sister most often. These past years with Ninth Sister in Jin Zhou, Mother has been suffering from lovesickness…”

Yan Chi gave an ambiguous smile, “With so many young ladies suddenly added to the household, Madam will certainly be busy.”

“Such busyness is only proper. Not only is it the main branch’s duty, but also because all the sisters have such lovely personalities, Mother will naturally make good arrangements for them.”

Yan Chi’s smile deepened, “Could it be that Madam already has future arrangements planned for Ninth Miss?”

Qin Yan shook his head, “That I don’t know, but Mother surely has her plans.”

Yan Chi leaned back, lightly tapping the armrest, “This will ease Princess Tai Chang’s mind on one matter. She gave many instructions before departing, but given my position’s constraints, I can rest assured with Madam and Young Lord’s care and attention.”

After a pause, Yan Chi abruptly changed the subject, “With the Marquis now in the Ministry of Personnel, will Jiang Yuan Zhou be promoted this year?”

Speaking of Jiang Yuan Zhou, Qin Yan gave a cold snort, “Certainly not. Though he was once Father’s student, he wasn’t particularly favored. These past few years he’s become completely dissolute. If his administrative performance had been excellent, that would be one thing, but in his current state, he’s fortunate not to be charged with dereliction of duty.”

Yan Chi nodded, “Young Lord truly embodies the Marquis’s teachings. The Marquis has always been upright and just. I expect that in the coming three years, court affairs will flourish. If the Marquis can identify and promote capable officials from humble backgrounds, it would be a great service to the state.”

This slightly praising comment broadened Qin Yan’s smile. His heart stirred as he noticed the chessboard placed on the window-side table, “Your Highness has such an item here? Would Your Highness care for a game?”

Their conversation over tea had grown somewhat tedious, and seeing the board already half-filled with black and white pieces, Qin Yan took the opportunity to invite Yan Chi to play. Yan Chi smiled, “Why not? Please—”

While Qin Yan and Yan Chi alternated between discussing Princess Tai Chang and court matters, Qin Wan found herself unable to contribute to any of these topics. For this entire time, she hadn’t spoken a word. Now as they prepared to play chess, though the atmosphere appeared harmonious, Qin Wan instinctively sensed something strange between them.

“Young Lord, please go first—”

“In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony with Your Highness.”

Qin Yan took black and moved first, his playing style matching his personality—steady and diplomatic. Yan Chi, moving second, responded unhurriedly. Even so, Qin Yan dared not underestimate him, wary of any surprise attacks hidden beneath his modest demeanor.

“After Your Highness returns to the capital, the New Year will arrive. What are your plans for the coming year? Will you return to the Northwestern Army or remain in the capital to serve? From His Majesty’s recent actions, it seems he wishes Your Highness to stay.”

Indeed, during the game, their discussion turned to court politics, and the black and white pieces in their hands became metaphors for the undercurrents of power within and outside the court. Soon, both players slowed their pace, the intermingling black and white pieces on the board reflecting the complex and unpredictable situation in the imperial capital.

“After fighting for so many years, I’ve grown somewhat weary. Upon returning to the capital, I’ll await His Majesty’s wishes. If he wants me to return, I naturally will. If he wishes me to remain in the capital, that would be acceptable too.”

Hearing this, Qin Yan placed a piece, “What about Prince Rui’s thoughts? Your Highness is meant to take over the Northwestern Army in the future.”

Yan Chi smiled slightly, “Father has never tried to control me. Now that he’s getting older, our views often differ. On this point, I’d rather stay peacefully in the capital.”

Qin Yan’s eyes flickered. Prince Rui Yan Lin had also joined the military in his youth and achieved brilliant military success. Among all the princes, he wielded the most power. Yan Chi had followed in Prince Rui’s footsteps, with the hundred thousand troops of the Northwestern Army firmly controlled by father and son. However, everyone inside and outside the palace knew that the relationship between this father and son was not particularly good.

“Staying in the capital would be good. With the Crown Prince newly installed, and after that previous incident, the court needs capable people. His Majesty appointing Your Highness as Judicial Commissioner likely reveals some of his intentions.”

With Qin Wan present, Qin Yan first circled with some comments about her, attempting to build rapport with Yan Chi. By this point, Qin Yan’s tone had taken on a particularly trustworthy manner. Court politics weren’t to be discussed casually, but Qin Yan’s apparent concern for Yan Chi’s interests would have moved most people.

Yan Chi placed another piece, “Does Young Lord truly mean this?”

Qin Yan nodded eagerly, “Of course. Your Highness knows of the struggles between the princes at court, but now that the Crown Prince has been installed, the situation is largely settled. I heard from Father that although His Highness has entered the Eastern Palace, he still harbors some concerns. Additionally, the Crown Prince has ambitions to stabilize the country, so naturally, the more capable people at court, the better.”

Lowering his voice, Qin Yan continued, “The Crown Prince eagerly seeks talent. He sent people to Yi Zhou, and the Bai family had already agreed. After the new year, they will send an elder to the capital to tutor the Crown Prince.”

“Such humility and openness to counsel—no wonder His Majesty installed him as Crown Prince.” Yan Chi smiled, “Though we grew up together, I’ve been away from the capital for many years and have grown somewhat distant from my royal cousins. Upon returning to the capital, I should certainly strengthen these relationships.”

Yan Chi spoke most casually, and Qin Yan seemed to follow the same reasoning, “Your Highness and the Crown Prince, along with the other princes, are all cousins. No matter how distant you’ve grown, brotherly affection cannot fade. I don’t know about the other princes, but the Crown Prince often speaks of his princely and noble cousins. With the current tensions inside and outside the palace, childhood-grown cousins are especially dear.”

As they played, Qin Wan took over Bai Feng’s duty of occasionally refilling their tea. Seeing Yan Chi’s articulate yet unrevealing manner, Qin Wan had thought he was merely being polite with Qin Yan, but as the conversation progressed, she became secretly alarmed.

Qin Yan possessed unusual insight, and while both men had initially spoken vaguely and indirectly, now only Qin Yan was revealing his true thoughts. Though every word seemed concerned for Yan Chi’s welfare, he was siding with the Crown Prince. Meanwhile, Yan Chi remained unhurried, as if merely engaging in casual conversation.

Qin Wan’s hand grew heavy as she poured the tea. So the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household had already aligned with the Crown Prince.

Qin Yan bringing her along today was likely to probe Yan Chi’s plans. Whether Yan Chi remained at court or returned to the Northwestern Army, if they could win him over, it would add crucial support to the Crown Prince’s position.

When Yan Chi had returned to the capital earlier, he had gone straight to Jin Zhou without staying, so the Crown Prince likely hadn’t had a chance to curry favor. Now, Qin Yan had probably received instructions from the Marquis’s household to act as a vanguard, but he had unwittingly let Yan Chi lead him by the nose.

“Young Lord’s words have put my mind at ease. I was worried that the Crown Prince, now in his elevated position, might no longer wish to associate with a rough military man like myself.” Yan Chi placed another piece, his tone genuinely seeming relieved.

Qin Yan observed Yan Chi’s playing style and felt relieved. People called Yan Chi the Demon King, and he had heard about his ways in the Northwestern Army, but today, Yan Chi’s chess moves seemed to lack that sharp edge. Could this mean he was taking Qin Yan’s words to heart? Thinking this, Qin Yan’s smile brightened, “Of course. Your Highness will understand when you meet the Crown Prince back in the capital.”

Having reached this point, Qin Yan felt he had completed his mission and stopped probing, focusing instead on the game. Raised under Qin Shu’s careful tutelage, he excelled at manipulation and understanding people’s hearts, and his chess skills were naturally strong. As he concentrated on the game, Yan Chi also fell silent, and they battled for twenty or thirty more moves before determining the winner.

“I won by just one piece. Young Lord’s chess skills are truly remarkable. Had I made the slightest mistake, I would have lost.”

Yan Chi dropped the final white piece, his tone somewhat wistful. Qin Yan froze, his face growing hot and nearly breaking into a light sweat. After a long moment, he slowly exhaled, “Your Highness has won. Your chess skills are excellent!”

Usually, Qin Yan played against Zhou Huai and other noble sons, and even Zhou Huai rarely beat him. He hadn’t expected Yan Chi to win. Though it was only by one piece, it was enough to shock him thoroughly. His recently settled heart became unsettled again. Looking at Yan Chi now, though he hadn’t shown that intimidating edge, his composed and steady demeanor left Qin Yan bewildered and anxious.

Everyone knew Yan Chi had joined the military in his youth and fought on the battlefields. Some called him the Demon King, others the almighty War God, and some said he was just a brute who only knew how to fight. Qin Yan had been carefully raised in the Marquis’s household, but who in the Northwestern Army had taught Yan Chi these things? While Qin Yan did not doubt Yan Chi’s miraculous abilities in warfare and strategy, in other aspects—whether compared to himself, raised in the Marquis’s household, or the Crown Prince and other princes from the deep palace—he had assumed that Yan Chi, having spent so long on the battlefield, would be more crude and violent, unable to match them in the subtleties of chess. Now it seemed that wasn’t the case…

“Just a narrow victory. If there’s a next time, the result might not be the same.”

Yan Chi’s words still carried no hint of pride, but neither did he show any particular pleasure, as if the “narrow victory” had required no effort.

Qin Yan’s thoughts were in turmoil. Just as he was about to speak, Bai Feng entered from outside, “Your Highness, a letter has arrived.”

“Oh?” Yan Chi showed slight surprise, “How did it come here?”

Bai Feng’s expression was serious, “It’s an Imperial Decree from His Majesty, delivered urgently by our people after several transfers.”

An Imperial Decree… Hearing this, Qin Yan’s expression also changed, and he stood up with a serious face.

Yan Chi remained seated and opened the letter in front of Qin Yan. He quickly scanned its contents, and a bitter smile appeared on his face, “His Majesty truly… is using me as an errand boy.”

Qin Wan watched Yan Chi, as did Qin Yan. Yan Chi folded the letter, “The first day of the twelfth month is Prince Yu’s fiftieth birthday. His Majesty, knowing I’m still on the road, wants me to make a trip to Yu Zhou.”

Qin Yan showed momentary surprise, “Yu Zhou… then Your Highness will need to make a detour to the northwest.”

Yan Chi nodded, “Yes. His Majesty always likes to send someone like me, whose hands are stained with killing, to congratulate others on joyous occasions. He truly thinks freely. However, it has been many years since I’ve seen Uncle Prince Yu, and it’s a significant birthday. This trip should be made.”

After a pause, Yan Chi glanced at Qin Wan and Qin Yan, “In that case, we’ll part ways tomorrow.”

Qin Wan’s delicate fists clenched slightly, though her face remained unchanged. Qin Yan said, “It’s good that Your Highness will go to congratulate Prince Yu on his birthday. We can meet again after returning to the capital. Your Highness need not worry about Ninth Sister; the road ahead will be much easier to travel.”

Yan Chi nodded and instructed Bai Feng, “Go and give the order to prepare. We’ll set out for Yu Zhou early tomorrow morning.”

Hearing this, Bai Feng quickly nodded in agreement. Qin Yan, seeing this, knew he shouldn’t stay longer and, after a few words, took his leave with Qin Wan.

Upon leaving Yan Chi’s courtyard, Qin Yan explained, “Prince Yu is the late Emperor’s eldest son, born while he was still a prince. However, his mother’s status was low, and he was early granted a princedom and sent to his fief in Yu Zhou. Going northwest from here, without passing through Yuan Zhou City, one can reach there in three to five days. His Majesty is peculiar, seeming to enjoy having His Highness represent him in congratulating others on happy occasions.”

Qin Wan certainly knew where Yu Zhou was. Not only did she know, but her father had once served as an official there when she was seven or eight years old. It had been her most peaceful period, and the mention of Yu Zhou brought back memories of that time.

Since Yan Chi was going to Yu Zhou, they truly couldn’t travel together, which left Qin Wan with an inexplicable disappointment.

“Ninth Miss—Ninth Miss, please wait—”

As the siblings were walking, suddenly Bai Feng’s voice called out from behind.

Qin Wan and Qin Yan stopped and saw Bai Feng hurrying up to them, “Ninth Miss, a letter has also arrived from the Marquis’s household, one is for you. His Highness asks you to come collect it, and there’s also something from Princess Tai Chang for you.”

Qin Yan raised his eyebrows, surprised by Princess Tai Chang’s concern for Qin Wan. He immediately said, “You should go quickly. I’ll go back first to arrange the luggage. We need to go to Long Fu Inn tomorrow.”

Qin Wan nodded and turned back to Yan Chi’s courtyard.

Bai Feng escorted Qin Wan to the main door and stopped there. Qin Wan entered alone, but upon entering, she didn’t see Yan Chi in the outer room. She glanced at the inner room’s doorway and walked over. Her gaze swept across the chessboard by the window, where the black and white pieces had been settled, but now there seemed to be an additional piece. Qin Wan walked over to look, and her heart immediately skipped a beat.

Yan Chi had made one more move, but with just this one move, Qin Yan would have lost a large portion…

She fell silent, then turned and entered the inner room.

“Did you see it?” As soon as she entered, Yan Chi’s voice rang out. He stood by the window, looking at the darkening sky outside before turning around, “A letter from Princess…”

Qin Wan started, immediately delighted as she stepped forward. When Bai Feng mentioned it, she thought it was just an excuse from Yan Chi, but there was a letter. She hurriedly took it and opened it right in front of Yan Chi.

Upon opening, she saw Yue Ning’s handwriting. It began with greetings, then mentioned several amusing incidents at the Marquis’s household, and finally spoke of the Qin family, mentioning that Yao Xin Lan had left Jin Zhou to return to Jian Zhou. Qin Wan read carefully, unable to suppress a smile.

“What does it say?” Yan Chi asked leisurely.

“It says Princess Tai Chang is in good health, and that Sister-in-law has left the Qin residence to return to Jian Zhou.”

Qin Wan looked up, her eyes clear and bright, stirring something in Yan Chi’s heart. He stepped closer, one hand around her waist and the other cupping her face, “Relieved?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, relieved.”

Yan Chi pinched her cheek gently, “Did you hear everything earlier?”

Qin Wan fell silent, knowing what he meant, “I heard.”

Yan Chi looked at her and sighed softly, “Did you understand your Third Brother’s intentions?”

She nodded, looking straight at Yan Chi, “I understood.”

Yan Chi furrowed his brows as if at a loss with her, “I’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning.”

Qin Wan blinked, slowly placing her hand on his waist, “Yu Zhou isn’t far, and after the birthday celebration, it’s only another ten days to the capital. You’ll certainly make it back before the New Year.”

Yan Chi gripped her waist, “Your words to Bai Feng must have been false!”

Qin Wan felt like laughing, “How could they be? They were heartfelt words, it’s just unfortunate that Your Highness is so busy…”

“Your Highness, Your Highness, still Your Highness?!”

Yan Chi suddenly lifted Qin Wan. Her slender frame seemed as light as a willow branch to him. He turned and set her on the long table by the window.

Now seated higher, her eyes were level with his, and his sudden action brought a blush to her cheeks.

Her face was warm, but her words remained unchanged, “If not Your Highness, then what? Wouldn’t it be disrespectful to call Your Highness by name?”

Yan Chi moved closer, lowering his voice, “I permit your disrespect—”

His hot breath fell on her face, his voice tantalizingly stirring her eardrums. Qin Wan’s heart softened as she looked into his eyes so close to hers, and after a moment, she called softly, “Yan Chi…”

Yan Chi leaned in and kissed her. He held her tightly, pressing close. Qin Wan’s knees were against his waist, and instinctively she parted her legs slightly. At this movement, Yan Chi pulled her closer to him, positioning himself between her legs. Qin Wan’s arms around him grew weak and trembling, her breathing instantly becoming irregular.

Behind her was bright daylight, making his star-filled eyes even more dazzling. In contrast, her face was backlit, the bashfulness from her arousal made more ambiguous by the dim light. Yan Chi’s hands roamed up and down, making her body soft and pliant. After a long while, Qin Wan pushed him away, panting.

“From now on, always call me by my name.”

As Yan Chi spoke, his eyes seemed to burn with intense fire, making Qin Wan’s heart flutter.

She pressed her lips together, feeling them wet and numb, and only after a long moment did her breathing somewhat steady, “I know.”

Yan Chi’s hands began moving lower, almost wanting to pull her against him, but as soon as they reached an inappropriate place, Qin Wan firmly stopped them. Her lips were glistening, her eyes seemingly moistened, as she determinedly held his hands, glaring at him with a mix of anger and coyness.

Yan Chi stared into her eyes, “You don’t know how you make me…”

Qin Wan didn’t know what he was going to say, but she didn’t want his hands wandering or to maintain such an intimate position. The fire in Yan Chi’s eyes burned more intensely, and after staring at her fiercely for a moment, he buried his face in her neck.

“You make me… suffer with restraint!”

His words came with passionate breath against her ear, and with just that one sentence, Qin Wan felt her ears burning and her entire body seemed to catch fire. As a physician, she naturally understood matters of intimacy. Yan Chi’s words meant that he… Qin Wan remained perfectly still in his embrace, feeling his heavy breathing gradually calm.

Qin Wan’s back was somewhat stiff, yet her body felt hot. Yan Chi stroked her back, his voice growing gentle, “Did I frighten you?”

Qin Wan instinctively shook her head, but then mentally nodded.

To her, their mutual expression of feelings had been about love and affection, but Yan Chi’s words touched on other aspects—matters that made maidens blush and even men wouldn’t discuss openly. It was intensely private and passionate; she hadn’t expected Yan Chi to speak of it so directly…

Seeming to sense her tension and stunned state, Yan Chi sighed, “What’s wrong with desire born from love?”

Qin Wan felt her head might steam, and instinctively tried to push Yan Chi away, “No—”

Even in her panic and embarrassment, her words were firm.

Yan Chi quickly held her, smiling wryly, “I know, I know, where did your thoughts go? Could I possibly… I just wanted to tell you how hard it is to restrain myself. When the day comes that you allow me to send someone to the Marquis’s household, I’ll be overjoyed.”

Qin Wan felt both annoyed and helpless, but her tone remained serious, offering no promise, “Your Highness’s self-control is superhuman, such a small matter surely isn’t worth mentioning.”

Yan Chi gritted his teeth hearing this, “You’re heartless. As a physician, don’t you know this could cause health problems?”

Qin Wan snorted, “If there are problems, I can treat them…”

Yan Chi felt both angry and unable to argue, seeing that it was getting late outside. He held her close for another intimate moment, though this only made the inappropriate fire in his heartburn higher.

When Qin Wan finally emerged from the inner room, Fu Ling kept watching her face along the way, and after a while asked, “Miss, why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?”

Qin Wan coughed lightly, “Probably from catching a cold yesterday.”

“Then Miss should quickly return to take medicine. We’re about to set out; you mustn’t fall seriously ill on the journey.”

Fu Ling was full of concern, and Qin Wan agreed through gritted teeth. If it weren’t for their impending separation tomorrow, she wouldn’t have indulged Yan Chi’s wishes…

Thinking resentfully, before Qin Wan reached her courtyard gate, she saw Qin Shuang coming to meet her, “Ninth Sister, why are you so slow? Third Brother just received a letter from the capital and called us to his place.”

Qin Wan suppressed her thoughts and followed Qin Shuang to Qin Yan’s courtyard.

Upon entering the main room, they saw Qin Yan wearing a complex, bitter smile. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, he said, “Ninth Sister, it seems we’ll have to travel with His Highness after all…”

Qin Wan was startled, “Travel together?”

Qin Yan tapped the letter envelope on the table, “Father wrote that many people are attending Prince Yu’s birthday celebration, and our Qin family is among those invited. Since it’s not far for us to go, he wants me to take you all there together.”