As soon as they exited the main door of the Buddhist hall, Yan Chi asked, “Will the Princess Consort attend tomorrow’s palace banquet?”
Yan Li stretched lazily again, “I won’t go. Mother has never attended over the years, and I’m still considering whether I should go.” He glanced back and added, “It’s New Year’s after all, I might as well stay in the manor.”
Qin Wan, listening from behind, felt her heart stir slightly.
Every New Year’s Eve, the palace would host a grand banquet. All royal relatives, dukes, and officials of the fourth rank and above, along with their families, would be invited to the palace feast—a display of imperial grace toward the court officials. Last year at this time, she had attended with her father.
Her father had been in the capital for three years and attended many palace banquets, but because Qin Wan disliked dealing with such occasions, last year was her first time entering the palace. Three months after that spring, she was decreed to become Prince Yong’s consort. Since then, she had entered the palace several more times to express gratitude and other matters, but in her memory, she had never seen Yan Li, let alone Yan Chi…
Yan Chi indeed responded, “I haven’t been back for New Year’s in several years, so I can’t avoid it.”
Yan Li teased, “Then Seventh Brother should come out early, I’ll wait to drink with you…”
He continued, “Where shall we go now?” Then looking at Qin Wan, “What would Ninth Lady like to do?”
Qin Wan now only wanted to return to the Marquis Manor. Regardless of where Yan Chi and Yan Li wanted to go, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to accompany them given her status. Yan Chi glanced at Qin Wan for a moment, seemingly understanding her thoughts, and said, “I should escort her back first, it’s not appropriate for her to stay out long.”
Yan Li’s mouth twitched, “But we were going to Zui Xiang Lou…”
Yan Chi curved his lips, “You go first, I’ll join you shortly.”
Yan Li smiled again, “Alright, then I’ll see you both out.”
Yan Chi shook his head, “We’ll take the side gate—”
Yan Li was startled, “The side gate? Could it be…”
Yan Chi nodded, glancing at Bai Feng, who walked out through the main gate. Yan Chi then said, “He’ll drive the carriage. We’ll take the side gate since Prince Cheng’s people are likely still waiting outside.”
Yan Li understood and escorted Yan Chi and Qin Wan to the side gate. The Prince恭’s manor’s side gate was on the western side of the entire compound. After walking for a while, the surroundings suddenly became dimmer. At the gate, Yan Li personally opened it, “What a pity Ninth Lady can’t join us. Ninth Lady, shall we go hunting and spring outing together after the New Year?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “Given my status, there are many inconveniences, but if it’s possible then, that would be wonderful.”
Yan Li smiled with narrowed eyes, and outside, Bai Feng had already arrived with the carriage.
“Master, their people indeed haven’t moved.”
Prince Cheng’s arranged people had followed them, simply wanting to clarify Qin Wan’s identity. Earlier, when they saw Bai Feng leave alone, others thought Yan Chi would stay longer at Prince Gong’s manor, but they hadn’t expected him to take the side gate. This was largely because Prince Gong’s manor rarely received visitors, to the extent that even the servants didn’t know how many gates the manor had.
Hearing this, Yan Chi nodded and looked at Yan Li, “Then we’ll take our leave.”
Yan Li responded with an “Mm,” “Alright, I’ll set out in two-quarters of an hour. It should work perfectly for Seventh Brother to go to the Marquis Manor first and then to Zui Xiang Lou.”
Yan Chi said no more, boarding the carriage first. Qin Wan curtsied and then lifted the curtain to board as well.
Soon, the carriage began moving steadily.
As the carriage moved, Qin Wan lowered her head to look at the wooden hairpin in her sleeve. The hairpin was made of premium gold-threaded wood, yet it was just an ordinary pin with a very ancient and simple design. Compared to gold and jade items, it wasn’t valuable, but somehow Qin Wan felt the hairpin in her hand was quite extraordinary…
The hairpin appeared to be quite old, with the four characters “Never Part Till Death” already somewhat worn and blurred. It seemed to be Princess Gong’s most beloved hairpin that she wore regularly, yet now she had given it to her.
“Every time I see the Princess, she wears this hairpin. It seems to be her regular accessory.”
Yan Chi, noticing Qin Wan’s confusion, explained quietly. Qin Wan hesitated before speaking, “It feels somewhat abrupt today, and to receive the Princess’s beloved item…”
Yan Chi smiled hearing this, “It’s no matter. The Princess gave it to you because she likes you.”
Qin Wan sighed, “What did the Princess mean when she said she doesn’t know if she’ll have another chance to see me?”
Yan Chi’s eyes deepened, “The Princess hasn’t left the manor for many years.”
Qin Wan was slightly startled—how could someone, no matter how much they enjoyed solitude, stay in one place day after day for ten years?
“Do you know about Prince Gong’s manor?”
Yan Chi suddenly asked, making Qin Wan’s heart skip a beat. She shook her head, “No.”
In Qin Wan’s memory, since she entered the capital, she had barely heard mention of Prince Gong’s manor. Additionally, since she rarely went out in the capital and had few servants, she had even fewer opportunities to hear stories about the royal family. When she entered the manor earlier and noticed something amiss, she had some guesses. Now with Yan Chi’s words, Qin Wan felt some understanding—it seemed Prince Gong’s manor was indeed no ordinary royal residence—
Yan Chi’s eyes dimmed, his voice carrying some difficulty, “It was twenty years ago. At that time, I was too young to remember anything, and Yan Li was still an infant. Yan Li’s father, Prince Gong, was a strong competitor to the then Crown Prince. The current Emperor was Prince Luo at that time. The previous Emperor was undecided between them, not knowing whom to choose, and they were blood brothers. Later, His Majesty finally made his decision, establishing the current Emperor as Crown Prince while simultaneously giving Prince Gong an excellent fief, Zhou Province…”
Qin Wan frowned slightly. She knew of Zhou Province—it was closer to the capital than Yu Province, an extremely prosperous region.
“Then what happened?” Qin Wan asked, though her heart already sensed the story wouldn’t end well.
Indeed, Yan Chi continued, “At the time, Prince Gong outwardly accepted this decision, but while en route to Zhou Province, he allied with the capital’s garrison troops and attempted to usurp the throne.”
“The capital’s garrison was then under the command of Princess Gong’s brother, Fu Chengye. Prince Gong and the Princess’s brother conspired together, nearly breaching Lin’an City’s defenses. Fortunately, the current Emperor then controlled the Nine Cities Military Commission. He led the Nine Cities forces to resist for several days until reinforcements arrived from the west. Thus, Prince Gong was defeated and retreated with Fu Chengye and their remaining forces southward. They ultimately encountered each other at Fenglei Ridge north of Zhou Province. Both sides fought, nearly annihilating each other. In the end, the current Emperor was severely wounded. When subsequent reinforcements arrived, they had to rescue His Majesty from among piles of corpses.”
Qin Wan listened, heart pounding. Attempting to usurp the throne—this was a crime punishable by the execution of nine generations of family members!
“What about Prince Gong?” Qin Wan quickly asked.
Yan Chi’s eyes darkened, “Dead. Prince Gong’s forces used tung oil arrows, resulting in a great fire on Fenglei Ridge. Many soldiers’ remains were never found, including Prince Gong’s.”
Qin Wan moved her lips but couldn’t speak for a moment.
Yan Chi raised his hand to brush his face, “Before taking action, Prince Gong had sent the Princess and Yan Li to Zhou Province. When this happened, Princess Gong and Yan Li immediately became prisoners and were escorted back to the capital. Later, it was the current Emperor who couldn’t bear it and only eliminated the Fu clan. The Princess and Yan Li were confined to the manor for a year. After that year, when the current Emperor ascended the throne, he issued a decree of amnesty. Even so, the Princess largely considers herself a criminal, which is why she hasn’t left the manor in all these years. As for Yan Li, he grew up carefree. The more time passes, the fewer people remember this incident, but the court and royal family won’t forget. Because of this, Yan Li has never inherited Prince Gong’s title and will likely remain just a Young Master for life.”
Qin Wan remained shocked for a long while. No wonder Prince Gong’s manor’s reputation was tarnished, no wonder the manor’s scenery was desolate, no wonder Princess Gong had no desires and only wished to keep company with Buddhist scriptures and ancient Buddha statues, no wonder Yan Li’s tone sometimes carried traces of coldness. With all of today’s questions answered Qin Wan felt something weighing on her chest, making it hard to breathe. When she first met Yan Li, she only saw him in his red robes, unrestrained and full of vigor, but who could have imagined he had grown up under such circumstances?
With such a precedent in the royal family and the capital, how would others view Yan Li?
“The current Emperor is indeed merciful,” Qin Wan couldn’t help but sigh.
Yan Chi neither nodded nor denied this, only saying quietly, “The Empress Dowager is very fond of Yan Li and often has him enter the palace to keep her company. At first, she also blamed Prince Gong, but later, as she grew older, her mind became somewhat confused, only remembering things that made her happy. Because of this, ordinary people dare not disrespect Yan Li.”
Qin Wan carefully considered this for a moment. So it was the Empress Dowager who played the primary role in this matter.
Thinking this, Qin Wan recalled how Qin Yan looked when he first met Yan Li. At that time, Qin Yan had taken the initiative to bow, showing proper respect. It seemed that because of the Empress Dowager, Yan Li still maintained the dignity of a Young Master.
“So that’s what happened, no wonder today…”
Yan Chi nodded, “I knew you must have many questions in your mind, so I told you about this matter. The older generation remembers this incident vividly, while younger commoners have only heard about it. Children from Marquis and duke families like your third brother would know more. Over the years, the Princess has become a lay Buddhist, and Yan Li’s personality is flamboyant, sometimes acting without restraint, causing the royal elders’ displeasure. However, since the Empress Dowager loves and pities Yan Li, none of this matters. Additionally, neither Yan Li nor the Princess has any desire for power and authority, so these years have passed peacefully, though it has been very hard on the Princess.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, the Princess doesn’t look like an ordinary Buddhist disciple. When I looked at her earlier, I felt she had no vitality at all, as if she had no attachments left, like she might dissolve with a gust of wind.”
Yan Chi took Qin Wan’s hand, “The Princess was once stunningly beautiful in her youth, and the Fu family was also an aristocratic household. Later… these twenty years, the Princess has lived with few desires. If she hadn’t entered Buddhism, she might not have been able to endure.”
Her husband’s failed rebellion and death, her natal family’s extinction—Qin Wan felt a chill in her heart thinking about this. Though she had the drive for revenge after her parents and family died tragically, for Princess Gong, Prince Gong’s rebellion was self-inflicted. Any reasonable person would know no one else was to blame, yet she had lived these twenty years clinging to just a thread of existence.
“The Princess seems to treat you very well—”
Yan Chi nodded, “The Princess was very close with my father and several other princes. They all played together in their youth. After this tragedy occurred, my father also looked after the Princess and Yan Li somewhat.”
Qin Wan nodded, “If you hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known these circumstances.”
Yan Chi smiled, “I might take you to Prince Gong’s manor again in the future, so naturally you should understand things clearly.”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “Better not, it would disturb the Princess’s cultivation.”
One of Qin Wan’s hands was held by Yan Chi, while the other still clutched the wooden hairpin with its inscription. Yan Chi glanced at the hairpin, “These four characters are excellent…”
Qin Wan lowered her head, opening her palm where the character “Never Part Till Death” became more visible.
“The Princess gave you this not only because she likes you, but also because you’re the first girl I’ve brought before her. The Princess must have seen it—this wooden hairpin is her blessing for us both. You must keep it safe.”
Qin Wan’s eyes widened as she looked at the hairpin again, suddenly feeling her face grow warm, “She saw it?”
Yan Chi’s laughter grew louder as he squeezed Qin Wan’s palm, “What else did you think? The manor hasn’t received outside visitors for years—only my father, myself, and a few princes and cousins have visited.”
Qin Wan blinked, a belated shyness slowly spreading through her. She hadn’t wanted their feelings to be exposed to others, yet now they had been, and to Princess Gong no less. Seeing her dazed and startled expression, still seemingly processing it all, Yan Chi’s smile grew even wider. Usually, Qin Wan was composed and calm, but in matters like this, she was still a shy, nervous young lady. As he smiled, the tenderness in his heart grew stronger, and he couldn’t help but pull Qin Wan into his embrace.
Qin Wan struggled slightly, though futilely, and said irritably, “No wonder you wanted to take me to the manor. You must have known the Princess would see through us as soon as we arrived—”
Yan Chi’s chest rumbled with laughter, “What’s wrong with the Princess seeing through us?”
Qin Wan wanted to say more, but after thinking for a moment, she realized Yan Chi’s words weren’t unreasonable. Though Princess Gong’s personality was extremely subdued, she made people feel very close to her. Perhaps it wasn’t so bad that she knew.
Yan Chi waited a moment, “What? Are you angry?”
Qin Wan raised her lips slightly, “What is there to be angry about?”
Yan Chi pulled back slightly in surprise, looking at Qin Wan to see only a faint smile on her face. His eyes brightened, “You’ve changed your mind?”
Qin Wan tilted her head in thought for a moment, “Not exactly…”
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, “Then what is it?”
“Between us, there’s nothing dark that can’t be shown to others,” Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi seriously, her eyes exceptionally clear. “The current situation is just temporary. The Princess isn’t an outsider to you, so naturally it’s fine.”
Seeing her serious expression, Yan Chi couldn’t help but raise his hand to caress her cheek. Slowly, his gaze grew deeper, “I’ll naturally follow your wishes, but… there are many eyes in the capital, I just worry about others seeing you…”
Qin Wan was stunned at first, then couldn’t help but laugh helplessly, “How could that happen?”
Yan Chi let out a light snort, suddenly asking, “What happened at Zui Xiang Lou?”
Qin Wan blinked, knowing Yan Chi probably knew most of her affairs, so she didn’t conceal anything and directly explained the details and causes of that day. Yan Chi listened with slightly furrowed brows, “So you were involved in this matter too.”
Prince Cheng’s downfall this time was no small matter, and Yan Chi had naturally heard about it, but he hadn’t expected Qin Wan to be present when it happened. Yan Chi’s gaze immediately became stern, “In the future, when you encounter conflicts between Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince’s faction, you must not get involved.”
Qin Wan knew what Yan Chi was worried about and quickly said, “I understand your meaning…”
Yan Chi shook his head, “No, you don’t yet. The royal family’s struggles are far more cruel than you imagine.”
Meeting Yan Chi’s serious gaze, Qin Wan knew his concern was great and couldn’t help but nod, “I understand, I’ll act according to the situation.”
Yan Chi sighed, “If a dying person appears before you, you’ll still save them. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be yourself.” After a pause, Yan Chi continued, “So you see, this is others’ opportunity.”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Am I someone whose heart changes easily?” Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, about to speak, when she added, “Besides, who could compare to Your Highness’s peerless beauty and unmatched elegance?”
Yan Chi was slightly startled, then pulled Qin Wan into his embrace, “What else?”
Qin Wan’s eyes turned playfully, “No one can compare to Your Highness’s supreme martial arts and loyal heart.”
Yan Chi’s arms tightened further, “And?”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together for a moment, her voice suddenly becoming more serious, “Most importantly, no one understands my heart like Your Highness. Your Highness knows me, protects me, Your Highness cherishes…”
Qin Wan was speaking very seriously, but before she could finish, Yan Chi’s kiss pressed down. This kiss was unlike the previous gentle, water-like ones. He held her tightly in his embrace as if wanting to press her into his chest. While he advanced his conquest, his hands roamed her shoulders and back. After a moment, one hand gradually slid toward her bottom, and just as he was about to succeed, Qin Wan suddenly grabbed his hand and pushed away from his embrace. Qin Wan looked up, breathing heavily, only to see a pair of eyes filled with desire. Her heart trembled, and she pressed against the carriage wall, not daring to move.
Yan Chi stared at Qin Wan with burning eyes for a moment, then suddenly leaned forward and held her in his embrace. Their chests pressed together, and Qin Wan could feel Yan Chi’s heart beating powerfully, along with his slightly heavy breathing, making her face grow hot again.
“Next time, you’d better think of more words.”
Yan Chi’s hot breath fell on Qin Wan’s neck, making her body tremble slightly. It took her a moment to understand his meaning.
She changed her position, nestling more comfortably in Yan Chi’s embrace, her heart filled with a rich sweetness.
She could feel Yan Chi’s temperature, smell his scent, and suddenly, the deep night longings of recent days floated up in her heart. The bitterness of yearning without seeing him was still there, making this warm embrace even more precious. She had been thinking of him, and although she hadn’t shown great joy, she knew herself that she thought of him deeply. Thinking this way, she also developed a desire to be intimate with Yan Chi. She hadn’t understood matters of love before, didn’t know the depths of romance, but now she finally understood that those stories of scholars and beauties pining with lovesickness were all true. Taking a deep breath, she quickly collected her thoughts, and just then, the carriage slowly came to a stop. Qin Wan knew they had arrived at the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor.
Qin Wan had intended to withdraw from Yan Chi’s embrace but now found herself reluctant.
Just as she was about to embrace him a little longer, suddenly, the sound of a door opening rang out, and Fu Ling’s voice suddenly sounded.
“Guard Bai?! Is Young Lady in the carriage?!”
All of Qin Wan’s desires vanished instantly. She quickly withdrew and sat up straight, unconsciously adjusting her clothes. These movements were fluid yet somewhat flustered. Yan Chi found her both frustrating and even more delicate and lively this way, his smile growing deeper, and at this moment, Fu Ling had already walked to the side of the carriage.
“Young Lady? Are you inside?”
Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi and moved toward the carriage door. After taking one step, she suddenly paused, turned back to Yan Chi’s side, leaned down, and quickly whispered eight characters.
“My heart is not stone, yet it cannot be moved.”
After saying this, Qin Wan descended from the carriage even more quickly.
As the carriage curtain rose and fell, Yan Chi instinctively reached out his hand, but halfway through the motion, Qin Wan had already disappeared. The curtain swayed gently, but Yan Chi’s consciousness was somewhat dazed. My heart is not stone, yet it cannot be moved—my heart is not a round stone that rolls easily. Having chosen you, how could I hesitate to move forward, how could I waver in indecision, how could my heart turn to another?
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, his lips slowly curving upward. The carriage still held her fragrance, and his ears still retained her breath. Yan Chi’s outstretched hand suddenly clenched into a fist, the desire in his eyes that had barely been suppressed surging forth again…