The wind was fierce and snow was heavy as a graceful figure on horseback displayed an air of flamboyant excitement. His bright red robe was the most eye-catching sight in the desolate winter scene. “Seventh Brother! I’ve been eagerly waiting for you for three days! Why did you come so slowly?”

As the horse and rider drew closer, Qin Shuang, who was leaning against the carriage window, drew in a sharp breath.

Though Qin Shuang hadn’t seen many men, she knew the dashing and bold Huo Ning and the incomparably handsome and imposingly noble Yan Chi. Even Qin Yan was an elegant nobleman. However, the person before her eyes exceeded all her previous knowledge. His black hair was extremely long, with only half of it loosely tied up with a white jade hairpin. The rest of his ink-black hair cascaded down his shoulders like silk ribbons. As if this feminine hairstyle wasn’t enough, he wore a red wide-sleeved robe…

Red – Qin Shuang had never seen any man wear a red robe before…

Lost in thought, Qin Shuang’s gaze remained fixed on the newcomer’s face.

It was a face beautiful to the point of recklessness. His features somewhat resembled Yan Chi’s, but their temperaments were worlds apart. Yan Chi’s presence was like his pitch-black robe – noble, proud, intimidating, and unfathomable. While this newcomer also had phoenix eyes, his were even more upswept at the corners than Yan Chi’s. His features weren’t as sharp and hard as Yan Chi’s either. Where Yan Chi’s features seemed carved by knife and axe, this man’s appeared to have been drawn in ink – beautiful indeed and no less refined, but with more of a bewitching quality than Yan Chi. Combined with his hair longer than Qin Wan’s and his enchantingly fiery red robe, plus a frame far less straight and sturdy than Yan Chi’s, Qin Shuang had initially mistaken him for a woman when she first saw him approaching on horseback.

His wide-sleeved red robe was very loose, dancing dramatically in the fierce wind. The red garment together with his ink-black hair left Qin Shuang momentarily stunned. Though her Second Brother’s looks had some feminine qualities, compared to this person, they were worlds apart. This man’s beauty showed no trace of femininity, instead radiating an air of bold and unrestrained nobility. Though his presence couldn’t match Yan Chi’s, he made Qin Yan, who had just stepped down from his carriage, look like an ordinary young nobleman.

With the three of them standing together, Qin Shuang looked at Yan Chi, then at him, and even Qin Yan’s presence seemed to dim in comparison.

Compared to the newcomer’s joyful excitement, Yan Chi was much calmer. He seemed to have known he would meet this person in Yu Province, so his lips only curved slightly upward. “I was delayed two days in Yuan Province.”

Speaking thus, Yan Chi turned to look at Qin Yan who was walking over. “I happened to meet Young Master Qin, so we came together.”

Qin Yan stepped forward, “Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince of Duke Gong—”

Qin Shuang, still peering through the window, suddenly gaped and quickly dropped the curtain, retreating from the window. She looked at Qin Wan in disbelief and whispered, “The Crown Prince of Duke Gong…”

Inside the carriage, Qin Wan had also observed the scene outside and nodded in acknowledgment.

She hadn’t finished reading the guest list yesterday and hadn’t seen his name, but it was perfectly normal for the Crown Prince of Duke Gong to attend Duke Yu’s birthday celebration.

Yan Li laughed heartily as he looked at Qin Yan, “Hey, why are you in a carriage instead of riding?”

Qin Yan looked up with a wry smile, “I caught a cold.”

Upon hearing this, Yan Li’s amusement grew even stronger. He pointed his horsewhip at Qin Yan and teased, “You useless fellow, weren’t you quite capable when racing horses and playing cuju with me in the capital?!”

Yan Li’s tone was very familiar to Qin Yan, who didn’t take offense but just smiled and said, “Your Highness makes fun of me.”

Yan Li’s smile remained as his gaze swept over the carriages behind, “And these are…?”

Qin Yan quickly explained, “I was going to Jin Province to escort my three cousin sisters to the capital. When we reached Yuan Province, my family asked me to come to offer birthday congratulations, so I brought my cousin and sisters along this way.”

“Oh?” Yan Li exclaimed, “The ladies in the carriages are the three Miss Qins?”

Qin Yan nodded and turned to say something to Zhou Huai, who quickly walked to Qin Wan and Qin Shuang’s carriage. “Sixth Young Lady, Ninth Young Lady, the Young Master asks you to come out to meet His Highness the Crown Prince of Duke Gong…”

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances. Qin Wan remained composed while Qin Shuang hurriedly adjusted her dress. After finishing with them, Zhou Huai went to Qin Xiang’s carriage, and soon all three Qin sisters had descended from their carriages wearing cloaks.

The snow continued to fall as Yan Li sat on horseback, smiling as he watched the three young ladies step down from their carriages. Qin Xiang wore a lotus-colored cloak, appearing soft and delicate. Qin Shuang in her purple dress, though still slightly plump, maintained her charm. Qin Wan was the last to emerge, and Yan Li’s eyes brightened slightly when he saw her.

In the fierce wind and heavy snow, Qin Wan wore a moon-white jacket and skirt embroidered with orchid patterns, covered by a navy blue cloak with white fox fur around the collar. Due to the cold, she had pulled up the hood of her cloak when descending from the carriage. With the hood up, her small face appeared even more frost-white and delicate. Mysteriously, Yan Li felt that Qin Wan carried herself with a composure that even wind and snow couldn’t disturb. Though she walked last among the three, Yan Li’s eyes could see only her.

Every step Qin Wan took displayed grace. The wind and snow didn’t diminish her beauty but rather accentuated her otherworldly elegance like an orchid in a secluded valley. As she walked, she kept her eyes slightly lowered, but her spine remained as straight as green bamboo.

“Greetings to Your Highness—”

Qin Xiang led the way, curtseying when she was four or five steps from Yan Li.

Qin Shuang and Qin Wan followed behind, also curtseying.

Yan Li smiled and said, “Please rise, please rise. Young Master Qin, quickly let the ladies return to their carriages. In such snowy weather, we wouldn’t want them to catch cold. If these beauties suffer, I would suffer too.”

Yan Li’s smile was bright, but his tone carried a hint of teasing. Qin Yan shook his head helplessly, “Alright, go back.”

As Qin Shuang turned around, she snorted lightly and walked to Qin Wan, “Why didn’t he say this before we got out of the carriages? He waited until we had walked over before mentioning concern about catching a cold.”

Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, but she remained silent. She knew something about this Crown Prince of Duke Gong.

Among all the princes, his position was quite awkward, yet he showed no restraint. Whether in the capital or beyond, his words and actions often gave the royal family headaches.

If Yan Chi was the God-Slaying Demon King of the Northwest Plateau, this one was the Unruly Demon King of the capital.

Meanwhile, Yan Li looked between Yan Chi and Qin Yan, “Where are Seventh Brother and Young Master Qin planning to stay tonight?” Then looking at Yan Chi, he continued, “Uncle Duke Yu knew you were coming and had prepared accommodations, but when I went there, I wanted to have Seventh Brother stay with me, so I declined their arrangements. I didn’t expect Young Master Qin would be coming too.”

Yan Chi looked at Yan Li, “Where are you staying?”

When he heard this question, Yan Li’s smile deepened, “Tianxiang Tower—”

Upon hearing this name, both Yan Chi and Qin Yan knew what kind of place it was. Qin Yan smiled without speaking, but Yan Chi frowned, “How can you still be so unrestrained even in Yu Province? Aren’t you afraid those ministers will criticize you again?”

Yan Li smiled carefreely, “They can’t control me even in the capital, let alone in Yu Province?”

Yan Li waved his horsewhip casually, “If it were just Young Master Qin alone, it would be perfect for all three of us to stay at Tianxiang Tower, but with the three Miss Qins present, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Qin Yan smiled wryly, “Your Highness need not be polite. As long as Your Highness is comfortable, we can stay at an inn.”

A deep smile appeared in Yan Li’s eyes, “Tianxiang Tower recently got a new top courtesan, she’s quite charming. Young Master Qin won’t have the fortune to meet her this time.”

Qin Yan shook his head with a laugh, and Yan Li looked at Yan Chi, “Then will Seventh Brother come with me? The wine is all prepared. We haven’t seen each other for so long, let’s drink to our heart’s content tonight, and we can go to Uncle Duke Yu’s tomorrow.”

Yan Chi’s frown deepened, “Since we’re here, naturally we should go see Uncle Duke Yu tonight. How could we wait until tomorrow?” With that, he urged his horse forward, “You should come with me.”

Hearing this, Yan Li cried out, “No, no! You know Uncle Duke Yu’s personality – if we go tonight, we probably won’t be able to return to Tianxiang Tower. My Huatong is waiting for me…”

Yan Chi had no intention of continuing to negotiate with Yan Li, and only turned to look at Qin Yan, “Young Master Qin will stay at an inn?”

Qin Yan nodded, “Yes, we haven’t prepared gifts yet, so tomorrow we can prepare the congratulatory gifts and meet several of Father’s old acquaintances here. Your Highnesses should go ahead, please don’t stand on ceremony.”

Yan Chi nodded and didn’t say anything more, “Very well, then we’ll take our leave first.”

They had originally planned to part ways after entering the city, but Yan Li’s sudden appearance changed things. Yan Chi, unwilling to be dragged to Tianxiang Tower by Yan Li, had to force him to go to Duke Yu’s manor instead. Qin Yan cupped his hands and bowed, “Safe journey, Your Highnesses.”

Yan Chi nodded, his gaze sweeping almost imperceptibly over the carriages behind, before spurring his horse forward. Seeing Yan Chi’s resolute decision, Yan Li immediately urged his horse to follow, “Hey, Seventh Brother… wait up… let’s discuss this properly…”

Qin Yan stood there for a moment, chuckling before turning back. Zhou Huai quickly stepped forward, “Young Master, shall we head straight to the inn?”

Qin Yan nodded and got into his carriage. By the time the carriage train slowly started moving, Yan Chi and Yan Li were no longer visible ahead. In the carriage behind, Qin Shuang was still marveling, “That Crown Prince of Duke Gong is truly more beautiful than a woman…”

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qin Wan’s party entered Yu Province.

After days of traveling, it had been a long time since they had stopped in a prosperous city. Upon entering Yu Province, it gave them the illusion of being back in Jin Province. However, Yu Province was in the north, not only was the weather colder, but everything around them was different from Jin Province. As for Qin Wan, looking at Yu Province’s bustling market streets stirred a sense of familiarity.

By now night had fallen, and the pleasure boats and taverns along Yu Province’s main street had lit their brilliant lanterns. Though it was nighttime, Yu Province’s bustle hadn’t diminished at all. Qin Shuang lifted the carriage window curtain to look outside, “How wonderful! The capital must be even more lively than this, right? At this hour, are there even more people on the streets in the capital?”

Qin Shuang spoke with longing, and Qin Wan nodded, “Naturally, it’s even more bustling than here.”

Qin Shuang blinked, her clear black and white eyes reflecting the glow of the night lanterns from the buildings, “If it’s this lively here, just imagine the capital…”

The Great Zhou Dynasty’s territory was vast. Jin Province was in the south of Great Zhou, and although it was also an important city, it still fell slightly short compared to the cities near the imperial capital. Qin Shuang stared without blinking and continued, “You know, we’ve already met the Crown Prince of Duke Gong, what other important figures might we meet? Will any other princes come?”

Qin Wan smiled, “That’s hard to say, but since it’s near the year’s end, probably not too many people will come.”

Qin Shuang nodded as she listened, about to speak when she suddenly spotted a three-story building blazing with lights that looked like a jade palace, “Look, what place is that? It looks just like the imperial palace!”

Though Qin Shuang had never been to the imperial palace, it was the most magnificent and imposing place she knew of, so she couldn’t help but make the comparison. Qin Wan looked out the carriage window, her lips curving slightly, “It’s probably where we’re going.”

Qin Shuang made a surprised sound, full of disbelief, “Weren’t we going to an inn?”

Qin Wan smiled without speaking, and after another cup of tea’s worth of time, the Qin family carriages stopped in front of that palace-like building.

“Sixth Young Lady, Ninth Young Lady, we’ve arrived at the inn.”

Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan with surprise, “Can you tell fortunes?”

Qin Wan just smiled without speaking. She couldn’t tell fortunes, but in her memory, this building had existed ten years ago. However, after ten years, the inn seemed to have expanded considerably, clearly becoming Yu Province’s premier inn.

“This place is so big and grand—”

Qin Shuang had just steadied herself when she couldn’t help but exclaim. Meanwhile, Qin Yan, who had just gotten his footing, heard her and smiled, “This Shifang Inn is one of the largest inns in the entire Northwest. The owner has opened inns in every city in the Western region, with this Yu Province location being the original establishment, which is why it’s especially large. The name means ‘welcoming guests from all directions.'”

Qin Shuang listened with slight surprise, “Opened in every city in the Western region…”

As they spoke, Qin Xiang and Qin Wan also descended from their carriages. Zhou Huai entered the inn’s main door first, and upon entering, they saw the inn was decorated very elegantly. Qin Shuang stood to the side listening as Zhou Huai paid, and naturally, the price was also quite elegant.

“Running an inn is already profitable, and since the owner has opened so many, wouldn’t that mean…”

As Qin Shuang was still speaking in a low voice, Qin Yan nodded with a smile, “The inn’s owner became one of the Western region’s wealthiest merchants several years ago.”

Qin Shuang nodded in amazement, looking around a couple more times before her surprise finally subsided.

Compared to Qin Shuang, Qin Xiang was much more composed. After several days in the carriage, her face showed signs of fatigue, though her earlier minor injury had healed. Even so, she still maintained a frail appearance, rarely speaking.

“Honored guests, please come upstairs—”

After Zhou Huai completed the arrangements, the servant enthusiastically led Qin Wan and the others upstairs. The inn had three floors, and the servant explained, “The guest rooms for our honored guests are on the third floor. The second floor has a restaurant, and our honored guests can go down to the second floor if they wish to dine.”

Qin Shuang had never seen an inn with its restaurant, and couldn’t help but marvel again. However, seeing that Qin Wan and Qin Yan maintained their composure, she also lifted her chin, pretending to be worldly.

Soon, everyone reached their rooms, and Qin Yan said, “Have Manager Zhou order a table of food and wine to be sent up. We siblings haven’t had a proper meal together in several days. Come to my room when it’s ready.”

Seeing that everyone was tired, Qin Yan was being very considerate.

Qin Wan first sent Bai Ying to her room before entering to freshen up. After the mistress and servant rested briefly, Zhou Huai came to knock on the door – the meal was ready.

Shifang Inn truly deserved its reputation as Yu Province’s finest inn. Each person’s room was divided into two sections and was very spacious. When Qin Wan and her sisters arrived at Qin Yan’s room, they found the table filled with wine and dishes – the best meal they’d had in days.

“Alright, you go down and let the others eat as well.”

Qin Yan instructed Zhou Huai, who closed the door and withdrew.

“Well, we’ve finally reached Yu Province, everyone please eat at ease.” Qin Yan invited them with these words and sat down. Qin Shuang sat down first but suddenly seemed to remember something and asked, “Third Brother, what about those two princes?”

Hearing this, Qin Yan couldn’t help but laugh, “The Crown Prince of Duke Gong has his arrangements, we need not concern ourselves.”

When he spoke, his smile carried a hint of helpless mockery. Qin Shuang didn’t notice anything, but Qin Wan caught it.

Earlier, after they had returned to the carriage, the Crown Prince of Duke Gong had spoken sometimes loudly, sometimes softly. She hadn’t heard where they were going, but hearing Qin Yan speak this way, she understood somewhat.

Thus, this meal became somewhat less appetizing.

“Tomorrow I need to meet two of Father’s old acquaintances. You three can either tour the city or stay and rest. The day after tomorrow we’ll go to Duke Yu’s birthday banquet. I’ve been thinking, it wouldn’t be appropriate for all three of you to go – two at most.”

In an instant, all three, including Qin Wan, looked up at Qin Yan.

Qin Yan’s eyes showed slight surprise when he looked at Qin Wan. She had said she didn’t want to go, but now her gaze revealed a hint of anticipation. Uncertain, he asked, “Ninth Sister, do you want to go?”

Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “I had thought to stay and rest at the inn, but thinking that Duke Yu’s birthday banquet would surely be a grand occasion, I developed a desire to see it. However, it’s all up to Third Brother’s decision.”

Qin Yan’s gaze was gentle. It was quite normal for Qin Wan to think this way, and besides, he had already planned to take her.

“Very well then, you and Sixth Sister will come with me.”

At these words, Qin Shuang immediately became excited, while Qin Xiang, who had also been somewhat expectant, suddenly froze with disappointment filling her eyes, “Third Brother—”

When Qin Yan turned to look, his gaze had already grown cold, “You haven’t fully recovered, focus on resting.”

Qin Xiang wanted to speak but held back, looking at Qin Yan for a moment before her eyes reddened, and she put down her chopsticks and stood up.

Qin Yan’s brows furrowed, and he also put down his chopsticks, asking coldly, “What are you doing?”

Qin Xiang had wanted to make a scene, but how could she dare confront Qin Yan? So she choked back her grievance and said, “Sister has eaten enough. Third Brother and sisters, please eat slowly. Sister will take her leave first.”

With that, she curtsied and turned to leave.

The door opened and closed, and Qin Xiang’s figure disappeared. Wan He, who left with Qin Xiang, was extremely anxious but couldn’t stop her, so she could only follow Qin Xiang back to their room.

In the room, the atmosphere became somewhat heavy.

Qin Yan gave a cold laugh after a moment, then softened his tone, “It’s fine, if she’s full, let’s continue with our meal.”

Qin Shuang forced a smile, “Yes, let’s eat, let’s eat…”

Though Qin Xiang’s departure made Qin Yan very angry, it didn’t affect the meal. After being subdued for a moment, Qin Shuang became chatty again. Soon, the three of them were eating and talking. After finishing the meal, Qin Shuang followed Qin Wan back to her room, insisting on chatting for a while before leaving. After Qin Shuang left, Qin Wan washed up and lay down.

She hadn’t wanted to join the festivities, but with Li Moyun coming, she had no choice but to go.

Qin Wan closed her eyes, initially thinking about what role Li Moyun had played in her father’s case, but somehow her thoughts drifted to Yan Chi. Yan Chi had left with Yan Li, and Qin Yan had said they had arrangements. She had heard quite a bit about Yan Li’s reputation – what kind of arrangements could they have?

Qin Wan clutched her brocade quilt, feeling as if there was a block of iron lodged in her heart, causing her discomfort.

Despite her unease, she was tired from many days of travel. After tossing and turning for a while, Qin Wan finally drifted off to sleep.

Early the next morning, Qin Wan awoke. Fu Ling had awakened even earlier, and upon seeing her mistress wake, said, “Young Lady, it’s snowing again! Even heavier than what we saw on Cloud Mist Mountain!”

Qin Wan got up and walked to the window, pushing it open to look…

Being on the third floor, they had an extremely broad view. From here, they could see nearly half of Yu Province. Now, Yu Province was completely covered in snow, the vast expanse of pure white automatically making one’s heart feel more open. Qin Wan exhaled and quickly closed the window again – the snow scene might be magnificent, but it was unbearably cold.

“The Young Master has already gone out. He said breakfast would be sent up later. Because of the heavy snow today, he asked the three Young Ladies not to wander about, saying if you want to go out, wait until he returns to go together…”

Hearing this, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. She had wanted to go out and look around. The last time she was in Yu Province was ten years ago when her father held office here. After ten years, Yu Province had naturally changed considerably, and now she was once again stepping foot in a place where her family had once lived – the nostalgia and turbulent emotions were understandable. However, since Qin Yan had given such instructions, she would do well not to go out.

Staying in the guest room was naturally quite boring, so Qin Wan went to check on Bai Ying.

Six days had passed, and Bai Ying’s wounds had begun to heal. With Qin Wan there, her injuries weren’t a problem, though having taken two arrows, it would still take some time for complete recovery.

“Going forward, do you want to stay with me or…”

Fu Ling had been sent by Qin Wan back to the room to fetch medicine, so Qin Wan asked quietly.

Upon hearing this, Bai Ying’s usually calm face showed signs of anxiety, “Does Young Lady think this servant has performed poorly? Or is Young Lady concerned that this servant is His Highness’s subordinate?”

Qin Wan shook her head, “Of course not, for either reason. It’s that you possess martial arts skills, and staying with me might be a waste of your talents. I heard you were originally in charge of intelligence for His Highness – wouldn’t it be better for you to stay with him?”

Hearing this, Bai Ying relaxed but shook her head, “His Highness doesn’t lack one servant like me. His Highness trained many people in his early years, all scattered in various places. It’s just that His Highness knew I didn’t want to be too far from my brother, so he kept me nearby to serve. Young Lady need not consider these things, moreover, His Highness’s intention was for me to protect Young Lady.”

As she spoke, Bai Ying’s face showed remorse, “Last time was this servant’s failure in duty.”

Qin Wan shook her head helplessly, “You call that failing in your duty… If you hadn’t blocked those two arrows for me, I probably wouldn’t be here anymore. Though you look so slender, you endured such pain. Far from blaming you, I feel terrible about it. Don’t overthink it.”

Hearing this, Bai Ying lowered her head, “Young Lady is kind-hearted. It’s this servant’s good fortune to follow Young Lady. That day, if it wasn’t for saving this servant, Young Lady wouldn’t have been in danger…” She looked up, “Most masters in the world would think it’s only right for servants to risk their lives for them, but would never risk their safety for a servant. Just for this alone, this servant is willing to follow Young Lady from the bottom of my heart.”

Qin Wan sighed, “If that’s how you think… very well, but if you want to go back, or if His Highness needs you to return, you should just go…”

“Where is Bai Ying going?”

Fu Ling had just stepped into the doorway when she heard Qin Wan telling Bai Ying to go back. She didn’t quite understand.

Qin Wan and Bai Ying exchanged glances, and as if sharing an unspoken understanding, they both smiled. Bai Ying, usually so serious, suddenly looked lively and animated when she smiled, revealing herself to be quite a beautiful young woman.

“We were discussing her injuries, saying we should take her downstairs for a walk later. She’s been lying down for several days, and if she feels unwell, we can just come back…”

Though Fu Ling felt something wasn’t quite right, her simple mind couldn’t figure it out, so she agreed, “Yes, she should move around. Lying down for too long makes one’s head dizzy.”

Bai Ying nodded, “Very well, I’ll do as Young Lady says.”

The three mistress and servants chatted for a while longer. Soon after, Qin Shuang got up, and breakfast was brought up shortly. After finishing breakfast, while Bai Ying rested, Qin Wan brought Qin Shuang to her room to read.

After reading for a while, Qin Shuang complained of boredom and urged Qin Wan to go out. Qin Wan had Fu Ling call Bai Ying, and everyone dressed properly, preparing to go downstairs for a walk. However, just as they stepped out, Qin Yan returned. Seeing them all bundled up as if ready to go out, he smiled and asked, “Where are you heading?”

Qin Shuang’s eyes darted around before pointing at Bai Ying, “Ninth Sister said it’s not good for patients to lie down too long, so we’re taking her downstairs for a walk.”

Fu Ling rolled her eyes, and Qin Yan gave Qin Shuang a knowing look, “The streets are all covered in snow now, what’s there to see? If you want to walk around, how about I find you a garden instead?”

Qin Shuang first blushed at being seen through, then brightened at his suggestion.

“Walk in a garden?! Where?”

Qin Yan smiled, “Let me show you what the house of a Western region’s wealthiest family looks like.”

Before Qin Shuang could react, Zhou Huai appeared with a richly dressed middle-aged man. Zhou Huai smiled and said, “Brother Pang, these are two of the Young Ladies from the manor, another one is probably resting…”

Though richly dressed, the middle-aged man’s smile was extremely respectful, clearly showing his lower status. Moreover, Zhou Huai’s familiar way of addressing him indicated they were of similar rank.

Seeing Zhou Huai’s gesture, the middle-aged man quickly stepped forward, “Pang Youde pays respects to the Young Ladies.”

Qin Shuang and Qin Wan curtsied, still unsure of his identity. Seeing their confusion, Pang Youde smiled and said, “Though the inn is ours, how can the Young Master and three Young Ladies stay at an inn? The Master is waiting for the Young Ladies. Please prepare quickly and follow this humble servant to Clear Radiance Garden.”

Seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang still confused, Qin Yan laughed heartily, “The owner of Shifang Inn is Master Pang, who has some old ties with Father. Learning of our arrival, he wants us to stay at his residence. This is Master Pang’s head steward, and Clear Radiance Garden is Master Pang’s residence. Come now, don’t just stand there – go prepare, and let Fifth Sister know as well.”

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang finally understood but couldn’t ask more questions in front of Pang Youde. They nodded and returned to their rooms. Their party hadn’t brought much – Qin Wan especially had only brought a few sets of clothes and medicinal materials. It took only the time to drink a cup of tea to pack everything. When they came out, Pang Youde was still chatting with Zhou Huai about something related to Duke Yu’s birthday celebration…

Moments later, Qin Wan’s party boarded carriages heading straight for Clear Radiance Garden.

Finally able to speak privately with Qin Wan, Qin Shuang hurriedly said, “Third Brother didn’t mention yesterday that Uncle knows the owner of Shifang Inn. This Master Pang is so hospitable, directly inviting us to stay at his home.”

Qin Wan was also quietly amazed, not having expected the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s manor to have connections with the renowned Pang Fuliang.

Speaking of which, this Pang Fuliang was quite a character. It was said he started from nothing, building from an unremarkable small inn to achieve considerable success in just a few years. In Qin Wan’s memory, ten years ago Pang Fuliang didn’t yet have the title “Master Pang” – presumably, as his business grew, he gained more respect. As for Clear Radiance Garden, rumor had it that it was once a prince’s manor decades ago. Qin Wan didn’t know how it had come into Pang Fuliang’s possession.

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, ordinary merchants weren’t considered noble, but someone like Pang Fuliang, the wealthiest man dominating the entire Western region, couldn’t be taken lightly. Not only would the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s manor not refuse his goodwill, but even Duke Yu would likely seek good relations with him. His family’s enterprises had driven much of Yu Province’s prosperity, making the title “Master Pang” quite fitting.

The snow hadn’t stopped, and this continuous snowfall would add another thick silver layer to Yu Province. The weather grew increasingly cold, and Qin Shuang didn’t dare lift the carriage curtain to look outside. However, as they followed Yu Province’s main road northward for about two cups of tea’s worth of time, the noise and bustle disappeared, leaving everything quiet. Qin Shuang curiously looked out.

She saw that the carriage had entered an area of private residences. Though residential, these were not ordinary homes – every house had high gates and large courtyards, some with endless ornate beams and painted rafters. Qin Shuang clicked her tongue, “This must be where Yu Province’s wealthiest families live.”

“Young Lady is correct—”

Unexpectedly, Pang Youde rode up from behind. He had been on horseback and, hearing Qin Shuang’s words, came forward to explain, “The most noble of Yu Province live in the north. Master’s Clear Radiance Garden is here, and Duke Yu’s residence is also in this area.” He pointed, “Just across the street.”

Qin Shuang craned her neck, but the buildings blocked her view. Seeing this, Pang Youde smiled kindly, “No need for Young Lady to hurry, you’ll see at tomorrow’s birthday banquet.”

Qin Shuang smiled embarrassedly and quickly lowered the curtain, no longer looking around.

After another cup of tea’s worth of time riding in silence, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

Pang Youde called from outside, “Young Ladies, we’ve arrived. Please descend from the carriage.”

Qin Shuang was the first to step down, followed closely by Qin Wan. As soon as they alighted, they saw an extremely tall and broad entrance. Though the Qin manor in Jin Province was considered wealthy, its entrance couldn’t compare to Clear Radiance Garden’s grandeur. The characters “Clear Radiance Garden” were written in magnificent iron-brush strokes, causing even Qin Xiang to show signs of amazement.

Qin Yan walked in front, following Pang Youde through the main gate. As soon as they entered, a hearty laugh rang out.

“Young Master has arrived?! And the three Young Ladies from the Marquis’s manor as well?”

The voice carried a hint of arrogance, but its laughter gave Qin Wan an inexplicable sense of dislike.

Looking up, Qin Wan saw a young man in blue robes walking quickly toward them.

At that moment, Qin Yan had already stepped forward, “Brother Pang, my siblings and I will be imposing—”

“What imposition? Having Young Master come to Yu Province but stay at an inn would be our great shame…” As he spoke, the newcomer caught sight of Qin Wan and the others behind. His gaze swept over their faces, lingering on Qin Wan before exclaiming in admiration, “Heavens, I’d heard the Marquis’s Young Ladies were stunning beauties, but only now do I see the rumors were true. What a pity I didn’t know earlier that Young Master was coming…”

Qin Wan kept her eyes lowered, feeling the young man’s gaze sweep brazenly across her face. Though her expression remained unchanged, she felt wary inside.

Yan Li also liked to laugh and joke in such a manner, but he was far from being as slick as this young man. Though Yan Li had a reputation for unrestrained behavior, he never looked at them as boldly and brazenly as this man…

“Young Ladies, Pang Yiwen pays his respects…”

Pang Yiwen stopped and bowed to Qin Wan and the others. Qin Xiang, standing at the front, shyly lowered her eyes and returned the courtesy, and Qin Wan and Qin Shuang followed suit. Pang Yiwen smiled, glancing at the three before turning to speak with Qin Yan, “Let me first show Young Master and the three Young Ladies to their quarters, then we’ll go meet Father and Mother for a meal. Mother has prepared a feast to welcome Young Master.”

Qin Yan conversed smoothly with Pang Yiwen as they walked in front, with Qin Wan and the others following behind. They saw that the garden had winding paths leading to secluded spots with excellent scenery. From the carved windows and decorated brackets to the flower beds and rockeries, everything showed careful craftsmanship. If even the details were so fine, the overall layout was even more imposing, fully displaying the owner’s noble bearing.

Pang Yiwen seemed accustomed to entertaining guests at the manor, introducing the garden’s features every few steps. Each time he turned back, his gaze fell on Qin Wan, showing amazement and appreciation, but more importantly, a brazen greed that Qin Wan disliked. Qin Wan deliberately fell a few steps behind, letting the oblivious Qin Shuang walk in front of her. This resulted in fewer backward glances from Pang Yiwen.

Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly, feeling that moving to Clear Radiance Garden might not have been a good decision.