“Ninth Sister, you’re going to the palace too?!” Qin Shuang stared in surprise at Qin Wan, who was changing into her dress. Behind her stood Qin Xiang, visiting Pine Breeze Courtyard for the first time after learning that Qin Wan would be entering the palace with Qin Shu and the others tonight.
Qin Wan nodded as Fu Ling arranged her skirt, “Yes, palace officials came this morning to announce it.”
Qin Shuang blinked, taking a moment to process this, “Heavens, you’re actually going to enter the palace.” She stepped forward, “Wasn’t it supposed to be just Eighth Sister and Third Brother going?”
Before Qin Wan could respond, Fu Ling explained with a smile, “Sixth Young Lady, it’s because of Her Highness the Imperial Princess. She sent a letter back to the capital, and His Majesty learned about our Young Lady and wishes to meet her.”
Qin Shuang nodded in understanding, “Oh, I see…”
Qin Xiang stepped forward. Though all four sisters’ dresses used the same material, somehow she felt Qin Wan’s fabric seemed superior to hers. The dress looked particularly magnificent on Qin Wan.
“If not for the Imperial Princess, how could Ninth Sister enter the palace? Speaking of which, people’s luck is strange indeed. With good fortune, one can reach the heavens in a single step. Even the most unremarkable person can suddenly soar and transform into a phoenix.”
Her words carried a bitter tone. Though Qin Shuang felt some sourness at being outshone by Qin Wan’s palace invitation, she found Qin Xiang’s words excessive. She raised an eyebrow, “Fifth Sister’s words are mistaken. Luck is luck, but if Fifth Sister had encountered the Imperial Princess that day, forget about treating her illness—would you have even acknowledged her?”
This question immediately made Qin Xiang’s face change color, but Qin Shuang wasn’t finished, “Come to think of it, Fifth Sister has met the Imperial Princess before. If Fifth Sister truly had any outstanding qualities, why didn’t the Imperial Princess adopt you as her granddaughter?”
Qin Xiang frowned, “What are you implying?!”
Qin Shuang giggled, “I’m not implying anything. I’m just saying that I know my place. If Ninth Sister is unremarkable, then I must be worthless. Fifth Sister, I’d say you’re about the same as me.”
While Qin Shuang maintained her teasing smile, Qin Xiang glared at her with raised eyebrows. Unable to curse or raise her hand, Qin Xiang only grew more furious at Qin Shuang’s attitude. She glanced at the unmoved Qin Wan, then at the mischievous Qin Shuang, snorted, and stormed out.
Seeing Qin Xiang leave, Qin Shuang snorted herself, then turned to Qin Wan, “She’s just jealous of you. Jealousy is one thing, but she lacks self-awareness. I don’t know how she has the nerve to criticize you.”
Fu Ling and Bai Ying exchanged glances but remained silent.
Previously, Qin Shuang had followed Qin Xiang in bullying Qin Wan. Now that Qin Shuang understood better, while Qin Xiang remained unchanged, they felt relieved seeing Qin Shuang leave Qin Xiang speechless.
With her skirt properly arranged, Qin Wan turned to look at Qin Shuang, “She’s no longer the most favored young lady of the Qin family like before, so naturally she feels resentful. Seeing me enter the palace only adds to her discontent.”
Qin Shuang replied, “Still, we shouldn’t let her speak that way. Why don’t you show any anger?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved, “It’s not that I lack temper, but I know verbal disputes are often pointless and might only push her thoughts further astray. If that happens, greater hardships likely await her in the future. I don’t care to shape her character, and she wouldn’t listen to me anyway.” She paused briefly, her tone growing serious, “A few words matter little, but if she continues to show no restraint, others will surely teach her harsh lessons—”
Qin Shuang’s heart tightened instinctively at Qin Wan’s cool words, “You… I also think she can’t continue like this, but we’re still sisters. I don’t want to see her suffer like last time.”
Qin Wan’s black hair cascaded over her shoulders as Fu Ling led her to sit at the dressing table to arrange her hair.
After sitting, Qin Wan replied, “If you can help her settle down, that would be good. But from her behavior, I doubt she’ll easily change her ways. If she won’t listen to you, who can help her?”
Qin Wan bore no ill will toward Qin Xiang but truly disliked her. She could tolerate verbal disrespect, but she didn’t know if others would tolerate Qin Xiang’s character in the future. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang once shared the same temperament. Now Qin Shuang had changed for the better, but Qin Xiang couldn’t. Though Qin Wan often felt compassion for the weak, she wasn’t a saving Buddha—she had no obligation to reform Qin Xiang. As for Qin Shuang, who grew up with Qin Xiang, if Qin Xiang would listen to her, that would be good. If not, let her learn her lessons the hard way.
Qin Shuang sighed, “How can she listen to me now… The capital’s glory and wealth are obvious, but they hide many traps and pitfalls. Though I envy your palace invitation, please be careful today. I’ve heard there are many rules, and others attending will be from families even more powerful than our marquis’s household, not to mention the noble people in the palace.”
Hearing Qin Shuang’s words, Qin Wan felt warmth in her heart, “Don’t worry, I won’t make any mistakes following Aunt.”
Qin Shuang sighed again, “That’s true. You’re always meticulous in everything you do. You won’t cause any trouble.”
Fu Ling, listening nearby, felt that Qin Shuang genuinely cared for Qin Wan and said, “Thank you, Sixth Young Lady, for your concern for Young Lady.”
Qin Shuang’s smile deepened, “What’s there to thank between sisters?” She watched Fu Ling arrange Qin Wan’s hair and, noting too few ornaments, selected several more. Fu Ling was delighted and, together with Qin Shuang, insisted on Qin Wan wearing more decorations than her usual simple style. When the preparation was complete, Qin Shuang circled Qin Wan several times, clicking her tongue in amazement!
“You dress too simply usually. With just a bit more decoration, you’re truly…”
She grabbed rouge from the dressing table, “Listen to me, how about adding a little more rouge?”
Qin Wan quickly waved her hand, “That’s enough. Though we’re entering the palace, it’s not good to wear too much makeup.” She gestured to Fu Ling with her chin, “It’s about time, go select a cloak.”
Fu Ling responded and hurried to the wardrobe, eventually choosing a silver-red cloak embroidered with white butterflies among flowers. Qin Wan turned to look and immediately frowned, “Get something plainer.”
Fu Ling hesitated, “Young Lady, Eighth Young Lady favors red. If you dress too simply…”
Qin Shuang nodded upon hearing this, “Yes, Eighth Sister loves red. You should dress more brightly.”
Qin Wan smiled wryly, “I’m not trying to compete with Eighth Sister in beauty. Besides, on today’s occasion, I’m not the one who should be displaying my splendor.” Seeing Fu Ling and Qin Shuang still disapproving, she added, “Being too conspicuous isn’t a good thing.”
At these words, Fu Ling and Qin Shuang exchanged glances, finally understanding. Seeing Fu Ling’s comprehension, Qin Wan said, “Just bring my usual cloak.”
Fu Ling considered and finally brought out the white fox fur cloak that Young Master Qin Yan had given before. It was of the finest quality.
Qin Wan felt the snow-white could temper her outfit’s brightness and didn’t refuse. Just as she donned the cloak, Qin Yan arrived at Pine Breeze Courtyard’s gate, “Ninth Sister? Are you ready?”
Qin Wan walked forward a few steps, “All ready. Are we leaving now?”
Qin Yan wore magnificent silver robes today, with a jade crown, looking handsome and dignified. As soon as he reached the door and saw Qin Wan standing inside, a bright light flashed in his eyes, his smile broadening, “Yes, we’re leaving now. None of us are bringing attendants today, so let’s go.”
Qin Wan knew this rule and nodded, following Qin Yan outside.
Fine snow was still falling, and a bitterly cold wind struck as soon as they left the room. Inside, Fu Ling and Qin Shuang exchanged glances and, having nothing else to do, followed Qin Wan at a distance to the main courtyard. There, they saw Qin Shu in his official purple robes, Madam Hu in her court dress, and Qin Chao Yu standing beside her mother, wearing, as everyone had expected, a brilliantly red dress.
While Qin Wan wore no makeup, Qin Chao Yu was different. Despite the deep winter, she wore peach blossom makeup today. Her bright makeup combined with her naturally enchanting features made Fu Ling and Qin Shuang feel that Qin Chao Yu’s radiance was dazzling and magnificent…
When Qin Wan arrived, Qin Chao Yu and the others looked her over briefly. Qin Chao Yu examined Qin Wan, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. Though Qin Wan possessed extraordinary natural beauty, she hadn’t dressed elaborately today. Besides wearing the dress Madam Hu selected, she only added two jade hairpins and even the bright dress was subdued by her white fox fur cloak. While Qin Chao Yu felt some satisfaction, she also became extremely wary of Qin Wan.
Her beauty was first, and her medical skills and forensic abilities helped the marquis’s household second. Now, her understanding of restraint and avoiding the spotlight startled Qin Chao Yu again. As a woman and a proud one at that, she suddenly couldn’t find any fault with Qin Wan. Though Qin Wan wore no makeup and donned a white cloak, Qin Chao Yu unconsciously smoothed her skirt. In terms of appearance, she had put in eight-tenths effort while Qin Wan had used at most four-tenths, yet even so, she didn’t feel assured of victory. This wasn’t the first time she found Qin Wan flawless; those seeing her for the first time today would surely be even more amazed. Qin Chao Yu secretly clutched her handkerchief, raising her chin proudly.
“Wan child has arrived, let’s prepare to depart,” said Qin Shu, who didn’t share Qin Chao Yu and Madam Hu’s complex thoughts. He only needed to see that everything was in order with Qin Wan.
At his command, everyone headed toward the manor gate. Madam Hu held Qin Chao Yu’s hand in one hand and Qin Wan’s in the other, naturally praising both of them. At the gate, two horses and two carriages waited with five or six guards.
“Wan child will take one carriage, your aunt and the others will take the other, while your Third Brother and I will ride horses,” Qin Shu explained kindly to Qin Wan, who acknowledged and walked to the second carriage.
Madam Hu, beaming, led Qin Chao Yu into the first carriage. Once inside, Qin Chao Yu’s smile faded.
“Mother, what do you think?” Though her question was simple, Madam Hu understood its meaning.
Madam Hu forced a smile, “Don’t worry, you’ll be the most eye-catching wherever you go.”
Hearing this, Qin Chao Yu frowned. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, suppressing her frustration, “Never mind, today she can only follow behind us anyway. It’s a grand banquet, not a small one. She’s dressed too simply—who would notice her in a quick glance…”
Madam Hu quickly nodded, “Exactly, don’t worry. We can’t make any mistakes today.”
Qin Chao Yu raised her chin, “I know, Mother, rest assured. I’ll look after her when necessary.”
As the carriage moved slowly, Qin Wan sat alone in the rear, unaware of Qin Chao Yu and Madam Hu’s concerns about her beauty. She had only visited the palace a few times before, without any thought of competing for attention, only finding the palace inhabitants’ elaborate clothing dazzling. She didn’t know that everyone put tremendous thought into their appearance for every banquet, large or small.
The carriages followed the main road from the marquis’s manor, then onto the Imperial Road after leaving Xingle District. Being close to the imperial city, it wasn’t long before Qin Wan could see the towering palace gates through her window. Gradually, the carriage slowed. Lifting the curtain to look, she saw ornately decorated carriages with precious canopies moving slowly both ahead and behind, indicating the grandeur of today’s New Year’s banquet.
Seeing Qin Wan lift the curtain, Qin Yan rode his horse to her carriage and said softly, “Don’t worry, everyone chose this time to arrive. The Imperial Road is crowded, so naturally we’ll move slowly. Just follow Mother later.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Rest assured, Third Brother—”
Qin Yan smiled, knowing Qin Wan would manage well, and rode forward again.
Just then, another carriage pulled up beside Qin Wan’s. The carriages on the road proceeded one after another, all maintaining courteous distances, unhurried. However, this carriage approaching from behind moved extremely fast, trying to force its way past Qin Wan’s carriage. The two carriages drew dangerously close, and there was a slight “crack.” Qin Wan’s carriage shuddered, making her frown. The next moment, her carriage’s horse neighed in fright, rearing up. Qin Wan’s carriage lurched forward and then stopped abruptly. The driver frantically pulled the reins, causing chaos among the carriages behind them.
“Ninth Sister, are you alright?!”
Qin Yan galloped to Qin Wan’s carriage, asking urgently. Qin Wan quickly lifted the curtain and shook her head.
Though startled, it wasn’t serious.
Qin Yan sighed in relief, but Qin Wan asked about the carriage, “Third Brother, whose carriage was so reckless?”
Qin Yan’s eyes narrowed, “It seems to be the Loyal Duke’s household carriage.”
The Loyal Duke’s household, the Feng family… Qin Wan frowned, feeling disgusted rise in her heart. Feng Zhang was the Loyal Duke’s heir. Their first meeting had revealed his arrogance, their second encounter had resulted in someone’s death, and now…
Qin Wan’s eyes grew cold, but the startled horse was quickly calmed by the experienced driver. The carriage started moving again, and this small incident seemed forgotten. After another quarter hour of slow progress, they reached Zhenghua Gate.
This wasn’t Qin Wan’s first time at Zhenghua Gate, but this time, her state of mind was entirely different.
Before the carriage fully stopped, a tremendous surge of dark emotions rose in her heart.
That night, when Father had planned to leave with their family, they had safely left the Shen manor. But just as they were about to reach the city’s main road, soldiers from the Nine Cities Patrol appeared from nowhere. They came with killing intent, driving her family straight to this Zhenghua Gate. Here, before the Great Zhou Empire’s first palace gate, her entire family was massacred.
What crime could have been so severe that they were executed without even imprisonment or trial?
Qin Wan couldn’t understand. She wasn’t even sure if those officials were really from the Nine Cities Patrol. She only remembered those cold blades, those cold arrows, those merciless eyes illuminated by brilliant torches… The more Qin Wan thought about it, the more her heart burned. Just as she reached the most crucial memory, her temples suddenly began to throb violently. Qin Wan’s face paled, and she immediately suppressed these thoughts. After taking several deep breaths, she looked up again to see only the majestic Zhenghua Gate, even grander than Lin’an’s city gate.
This was the main entrance to the Great Zhou Empire’s palace. Behind this gate lay the Yan royal family, who had ruled the Great Zhou Empire for two hundred and thirty-nine years. Looking at the imposing towers, the elite guards above, and the fluttering “Yan” banners, Qin Wan’s eyes grew intensely cold. This gate had witnessed her family’s brutal death—could her father’s case be connected to someone inside? The Prince of Jin? The Crown Prince? Or… the Prince of Cheng?
“Ninth Sister! Time to get out!”
Qin Yan’s voice suddenly brought Qin Wan back to reality. Her expression animated, she realized the carriage had reached the base of the gate. She quickly pulled up her cloak’s hood and lifted the curtain to step down. Qin Yan stood by the carriage step to help her, deliberately offering his arm for support. Not far from them, Qin Shu, Madam Hu, and Qin Chao Yu were already in position. Unlike Qin Wan, Qin Chao Yu hadn’t donned her hood, standing beside Madam Hu like a proud red plum blossom defying the snow.
Qin Yan led Qin Wan over, and Qin Shu began leading them toward the palace gate.
“Marquis—” Before they had taken more than a few steps, a gentle call sounded behind them.
Qin Shu and Qin Yan turned quickly, while Qin Wan remained still. After a moment, she slowly turned and looked up to see Li Mu Yun, the current Minister of Justice.