Li Muyun, wearing an official robe of burgundy purple, quickly caught up and walked to Qin Shu’s front. His eyes swept briefly toward Qin Wan, noting the young lady still had her back turned to him as if unaware. Li Muyun’s smile deepened slightly as he cupped his hands in greeting to Qin Shu.
“Your Grace, I didn’t expect to meet you here.”
Qin Shu’s eyes also brightened upon seeing Li Muyun. “Minister Li is also entering the palace at this hour? I thought you would arrive later.”
Li Muyun smiled wryly, “I expect it will be more crowded later, so I came early.”
As he spoke, seeing Qin Wan turn around, his gaze fell upon her. “Is this the Qin family’s Ninth Young Lady?”
Qin Shu’s eyes flickered with understanding, naturally knowing Li Muyun’s intent behind these words. The matter of Qin Wan examining corpses at the magistrate’s office had likely reached his ears. He smiled and nodded, “Indeed she is.” Then turning his gaze, he said, “Wan’er, this is Minister Li of the Court of Judicial Review. Pay your respects.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes and performed a proper curtsy. She didn’t voice any greeting, giving an impression of particular restraint.
Li Muyun smiled, his voice slightly lowered as he said, “Minister Zheng has told me everything. I truly didn’t expect Ninth Young Lady to be so remarkable.”
Qin Wan raised her eyes, casting a clear and cold look at Li Muyun. Their previous encounter at the city gate had been merely a casual glance, but now she was truly seeing this Minister Li for the first time. If her father were still alive, how could this man have taken her father’s position?
Qin Wan only looked at Li Muyun once before lowering her gaze. Li Muyun looked her up and down for a moment, his smile deepening further. “Not only is the Ninth Young Lady skilled in medicine, but her appearance is also extraordinary. The Qin residence is truly a place that produces exceptional people.”
Li Muyun’s words brought a smile to Qin Shu’s brow. Looking at Qin Wan, then at his own daughter, Qin Shu spoke in a low voice, “Minister Li, although Wan’er has helped somewhat, it’s best if others don’t know about this matter.”
Li Muyun’s eyes immediately showed understanding. “Your Grace, rest assured. I understand completely.”
Looking at the palace gate, Li Muyun smiled and said, “Well then, I won’t delay Your Grace any further. Please proceed first.”
Qin Shu nodded and led Qin Wan’s group toward the palace gate. Li Muyun fell back a few steps, following behind Qin Wan’s group. Shortly after, someone else called Li Muyun’s name, and he walked off in another direction.
Qin Wan walked outside Zhenghua Gate with cold eyes, the bitter wind seeming to grow even more severe. Looking up, she noticed the previously fine snow had somehow transformed into willow catkin-like snowflakes, drifting down in abundance, covering the world in silvery white.
Qin Wan took a deep breath, her gaze calm and determined, showing no trace of hatred or grief.
After walking about twenty paces, they neared the palace gate where several families were already waiting. Qin Shu led Qin Wan’s group forward, and two middle-aged men wearing fourth-rank official robes recognized Qin Shu, humbly offering to let him proceed first. Qin Shu couldn’t decline after their insistence and moved to the front. However, soon another group arrived at the palace gate.
“Greetings, Duke!”
The two families who had just yielded to Qin Shu both bowed in unison. Qin Shu turned to look, a faint, detached smile appearing on his face as he cupped his hands and said, “The Duke has arrived—”
Although Qin Wan had entered the palace before, she knew and could recognize very few of the capital’s powerful figures. Hearing the voices, she turned to see an elderly man in deep blue formal robes leading five or six people forward.
Qin Wan felt the old man looked somewhat familiar but couldn’t recall where she had seen him. Just then, Qin Chaoyu reminded her quietly, “This is Duke Song. His youngest daughter is Imperial Consort Wan in the palace, who gave birth to the Fifth Prince.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Wan suddenly understood – so this was Duke Song, Song Rui’s grandfather!
Moreover, Qin Wan might have seen the Duke before, which explains why he looked familiar. Duke Song Yan walked in front, followed by Song Rui’s father Song Xi, his wife, and Song Xi’s three sons. Qin Wan swept her gaze over them, noting no particularly outstanding figures, then lowered her brows and eyes.
Song Yan looked at Qin Shu with a beaming smile and cupped his hands in return. “Your Grace, I didn’t expect you to arrive earlier than us.”
It was about to be Qin Shu’s group’s turn, but with Song Yan’s arrival, Qin Shu said, “Duke, with your poor health, you shouldn’t wait long in the snow and wind. Please proceed first—”
With Qin Shu’s yielding, Song Yan smiled broadly and said, “Then I won’t stand on ceremony.”
Saying this, he truly led Song Xi and the others forward, while Qin Shu’s group stepped back a few paces.
Though Qin Shu’s face showed nothing, Qin Wan, standing to his left and behind, saw Qin Shuang’s hands at her sides clench into fists, while Song Yan’s group ahead walked with chests puffed out, appearing somewhat arrogant.
Wearing her hood, Qin Wan silently observed everything, feeling an even heavier weight in her heart.
This was the capital, where everyone seemed noble, yet even among the powerful, there were distinctions of high and low.
The Song Duke’s mansion wasn’t hereditary, and their noble rank was only half a grade higher than a marquis, yet because they had a daughter who was an Imperial Consort and had borne a prince, the marquis’s mansion had to be so cautious. This meant nothing to her, given her low status, but for Qin Shu, it must have been frustrating. Because of this, those who had already obtained great power would seek even more – the marquis’s mansion couldn’t compare to the duke’s now, but what would happen if they produced a future empress?
By the time Qin Wan finished these thoughts, Song Yan’s group had already entered the palace gate, and Qin Shu finally stepped forward. The palace guards performed their routine inspection, still respectfully allowing Qin Shu’s group to enter.
Once inside, a young eunuch came forward to bow and lead the way.
The snow grew heavier. While there was still a surge of people outside Zhenghua Gate, once through the gate, everything immediately became quiet. Qin Wan looked up to see Zhengyang Gate beyond Zhenghua Gate, its towers still majestic with fluttering banners. The vast Zhengyang Gate square was empty of people, with only Duke Song’s group and their group walking silently ahead.
Passing through Zhengyang Gate was much simpler than Zhenghua Gate. After entering, Qin Shu’s group was led toward the External Ceremony Gate, but Song Yan’s group ahead took a different path.
Qin Wan looked over, again noting the difference in power.
Qin Chaoyu explained beside her, “They must be going to Imperial Consort Wan’s palace. Tonight is New Year’s Eve, and those of consort rank and above can briefly reunite with their families before the grand feast begins…”
Qin Wan had already guessed this and merely nodded. Looking up, she saw only the high palace walls on both sides of the straight palace road.
At the city gate, she had felt the towers were tall and majestic, but once inside, the palace felt suffocating. Those red walls and jade tiles were merely a cage to someone like her who had no interest in power, but clearly, Qin Chaoyu didn’t feel the same way.
Walking side by side with Qin Wan, to others she appeared dignified and graceful, yet she spoke in an extremely low voice, “Do you see? The halls and pavilions here stretch endlessly, each palace chamber more exquisite and magnificent than the last. Even the gold-lacquered paintings on the flying eaves are brighter than those outside. When we reach Chongming Hall, you’ll see jade tiles, carved railings, brocade carpets, and golden pillars. Once you become a mistress here, you can enjoy all the glory and wealth as you please. Then even Duke Song will have to kneel before you. With your beauty, if you wish to enter this place, there’s great potential. Are you tempted?”
Qin Chaoyu spoke with a lofty, probing tone, but Qin Wan found it somewhat amusing. “What Eighth Sister says is indeed tempting, but Eighth Sister is more suited to this path. Rest assured, I have no interest in this direction.”
Qin Chaoyu turned her gaze, her eyes sharp and pressing. “What do you mean by that?”
Qin Wan sighed and turned to look at Qin Chaoyu. “Eighth Sister is straightforward and quick to speak her mind. Since that’s the case, I also won’t play tai chi with Eighth Sister. If you have doubts, I’ll address them. This way, we can avoid unnecessary friction between us.”
Qin Chaoyu looked at Qin Wan, her expression momentarily complex.
She had indeed been testing Qin Wan. She could see that Qin Wan remained calm in the face of change and knew when to advance or retreat. If she wanted, she could act docile and weak, but her determination was far from the gentle, easily bullied appearance she presented. Qin Chaoyu had expected Qin Wan to respond diplomatically to this probe, but surprisingly, Qin Wan was even more direct than herself.
This directness, while dispelling her concerns, also indicated from another angle that Qin Wan didn’t fear her. Because she wasn’t afraid, because Qin Chaoyu hadn’t created a sense of crisis for her, Qin Wan could be so open and direct. This point particularly displeased Qin Chaoyu. She was known as the capital’s premier talented lady, with outstanding looks and family background. Which noble lady in the capital didn’t arm themselves completely when facing her, afraid of being overshadowed? But not Qin Wan…
Qin Chaoyu shot Qin Wan a fierce look, only to see Qin Wan’s eyes clear as a stream looking back at her. Qin Chaoyu knew that what Qin Wan said, she could do. Since she wasn’t wary of her, there was no need to deceive her.
Withdrawing her gaze, Qin Chaoyu gave a cold laugh. “I truly like Ninth Sister’s personality – direct and simple.”
She liked it, yet this liking also caused her resentment.
Qin Wan curved her lips. “Women’s troubles often come from speculation and guessing. One brush stroke can’t write two ‘Qin’ characters. This sister understands this principle. Eighth Sister should just forge ahead.”
Qin Chaoyu felt a breath catch in her chest. While Qin Wan’s words pleased her, her attitude was frustrating.
“It’s best that Ninth Sister thinks this way. I already have enough enemies in the capital. If even family sisters don’t know their place and reach for the sky, it would be even more troublesome. Ninth Sister has done very well.”
Qin Chaoyu raised her chin, determined to praise Qin Wan from a position of superiority.
Qin Wan smiled and replied in a proper younger sister’s tone, “Thank you for Eighth Sister’s praise.”
With these words, Qin Chaoyu’s breath finally settled, ending their exchange.
Following the palace path straight ahead, they walked for the time it took to burn two incense sticks before nearing Chongming Hall. Chongming Hall was the primary auxiliary hall to Chongzheng Hall, where the current emperor handled state affairs. Separated by just a wall was where the emperor held grand feasts for his officials, opening only once or twice a year. Before they even reached it, Qin Wan saw Chongming Hall’s exterior filled with palace guards, with many palace maids and eunuchs coming and going. Despite the crowd, there was no disorder. The young eunuch leading the way kept his head down and breath held, not speaking a word until they reached Chongming Hall’s entrance.
“Your Grace, Young Master, please this way.”
Then looking at Madam Hu, “Madam, the ladies’ section is on the left, please come this way.”
Though it was snowing heavily and the sky was quite dark, it was still far from dusk. However, Chongming Hall was already lit with enormous floor-standing palace lamps. The entire hall, with its golden tiles, jade railings, brocade carpets, and bright lamps, was arranged with extreme luxury. In the middle of the great hall, a screen of gauze curtains separated the male officials on the right from the ladies on the left.
As soon as the young eunuch spoke, Qin Shu looked at Madam Hu and nodded. Madam Hu acknowledged and immediately led Qin Chaoyu and Qin Wan to follow the young eunuch to the left, while at the hall entrance, another young eunuch came forward to guide Qin Shu and his son to their seats on the right.
When Qin Wan entered the ladies’ section, many were already seated. When the young eunuch led the three of them to their seats, their table was still empty. Though the hall was full of people, there were only low whispers. No matter how noble the princes, ministers, or first-rank title holders were, none dared to be unrestrained in the palace.
Looking around again, Qin Wan saw more than ten seats arranged at the main position. The two seats in the center were for the emperor and empress, with imperial consorts and other princes arranged to the left and right. As it wasn’t time yet, naturally all the seats were empty.
Having entered the hall, Qin Wan naturally removed her hood. As soon as she did, many gazes turned toward her, but Qin Wan sat calmly beside Qin Chaoyu, not even moving her eyes.
Qin Chaoyu curved her lips, “Ninth Sister is a new face, and with such extraordinary beauty, you’ll certainly draw attention tonight.”
Qin Wan calmly raised her lips, “Speaking of beauty, Eighth Sister truly stands alone today.”
Qin Chaoyu gave a light laugh, “Why does Ninth Sister need to be so modest? Your beauty is naturally a good thing. You’ll see later – the Duke’s mansion has a delicate young lady who always thinks she’s a White Lotus Immortal. Tonight she’ll know that compared to you, she’s nothing but a foxtail weed—”
Madam Hu, sitting beside Qin Chaoyu, frowned at these words. “Yu’er, mind your words.”
Qin Chaoyu’s smile deepened, immediately becoming bright and harmless. Even sitting, her back was perfectly straight and elegant. Though her beauty didn’t match Qin Wan’s, her confident pride and alluring radiance upheld the Qin family’s face.
“Mother, I understand. When more people arrive, I’ll be careful.”
Just as she finished speaking, another group entered the hall doors. Qin Wan instinctively turned to look and saw another lady wearing a first-rank noble dress and palace attire enter. This lady’s head was adorned with hairpins and ornaments, her makeup beautiful, every smile and frown exuding nobility. Behind her followed a beautiful young woman wearing a snow-white wide-sleeved long dress embroidered with lotuses.
Though it was deep winter, she wore a white dress of light gauze, flowing gracefully. As she walked, her steps were slow and measured, her black hair brushing her shoulders, her waist willow-like and charming. However, whether she was seriously ill or not, the few steps from the door to their seats took her longer than others, and as she got closer, Qin Wan could see her features more clearly.
She had a small face no bigger than a palm, with dark willow brows and bright eyes and teeth. However, judging fairly, her beauty was only above average. She wore light makeup, her brows habitually slightly furrowed, her almond eyes bright and clear. Her eye corners were dotted with something white and glowing, making those almond eyes appear even more pitiful, as if on the verge of tears.
She followed behind the noble lady, and whether influenced by her or not, even the noble lady walked more slowly. Though Qin Wan did things neither hurriedly nor slowly, she was still an efficient person. Seeing this mother and daughter pair deliberately walking as if afflicted with illness, she felt a somewhat helpless sense of discomfort in her heart—
“Speak of the foxtail weed, and here she comes.”
As Qin Wan was watching intently as if viewing curiosity, Qin Chaoyu suddenly spoke softly beside her.
Qin Wan’s heart tightened – so this was the White Lotus Immortal herself that Qin Chaoyu had mentioned…
Qin Wan usually didn’t enjoy watching such scenes, but this White Lotus Immortal had truly turned walking into her unique style of delicate charm. Qin Wan’s gaze remained fixed on the White Lotus Immortal, and soon, Qin Wan discovered with mixed feelings that this White Lotus Immortal was heading toward their table. Moreover, the White Lotus Immortal’s gaze fell on her with grievance and anger.
Qin Wan’s brows slightly furrowed as she thought to herself, “This isn’t good.”