“Mother, that sister’s white cloak is truly beautiful,” White Lotus Immortal said in a delicate, sweet voice while pulling on Madam Hua’s arm before they even reached their destination. Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for most people in the hall to hear, and instantly dozens of gazes turned toward them. Though White Lotus Immortal’s words were praise, her tone carried distinct grievance.
Madam Hu’s smile broadened as she said, “The Duke’s wife has arrived.”
While Qin Wan was looking at the Duke’s wife with some confusion, Qin Chaoyu quietly explained beside her, “That’s Duchess Yu of the Loyal Duke’s mansion, and that bootlicking flower is Miss Feng Chenbi, younger sister of Miss Feng Zhang from the Duke’s mansion.”
Upon hearing the words “Loyal Duke’s mansion,” Qin Wan’s brows immediately furrowed. Hadn’t her carriage just been hit by someone from the Loyal Duke’s mansion? With this thought, she glanced again at Duchess Yu and Feng Chenbi. Though she usually had a good temperament, she found herself strangely disliking this entire family. Feng Zhang was tyrannical and evil, and this sister of hers didn’t seem any easier to get along with.
“Yes indeed, though not as early as Madam Qin,” Duchess Yu smiled as she approached. Since they were all first-rank noble ladies, it wasn’t surprising they were seated together. She stopped at the table and looked at Qin Wan with surprise. “My, who is this? I didn’t know Chaoyu had such a sister. Look at that appearance, even more striking than Chaoyu.”
Qin Chaoyu gave a cold laugh. “Madam flatters us. This is my Second Uncle’s daughter, the ninth young lady of the Qin family.”
As they spoke, Duchess Yu and Feng Chenbi took their seats. The table had eight places, with Madam Hu’s group of three sitting on one side, and the Yu mother and daughter on the other, creating an atmosphere of division at the small table.
“So it’s the Ninth Miss Qin.” Duchess Yu’s smile appeared kindly, but her eyes flashed with cunning.
Feng Chenbi looked at Qin Wan with innocent wide eyes. “How come we’ve never seen this sister before?”
Qin Chaoyu laughed coldly again. “You’re mistaken in your address. She’s younger than you, so you can’t call her sister.” After a slight pause, she added, “Besides, you look older than her anyway.”
Feng Chenbi bit her silver teeth but smiled pitifully. “Why did Chaoyu bring her sister into the palace today? All the noble ladies will be present today. Could it be that Chaoyu wants the Empress to meet your Ninth Sister?”
Feng Chenbi’s words struck at Qin Chaoyu’s greatest concern. The Loyal Duke’s sister served as a consort in the palace and was quite favored, with her Imperial Consort position second only to the Empress. Thus, the Loyal Duke’s family was considered the most prestigious among the three great Duke families in the capital. Because of this, since childhood, Feng Chenbi had been Qin Chaoyu’s primary rival. The two had clashed since they were young, and Qin Chaoyu knew Feng Chenbi’s tactics too well. Even though she was displeased, Qin Chaoyu didn’t show it at all.
“Of course. Not only should the Empress see her, but everyone else should see that my sister is like the bright moon in the clear sky, with grace and dignity that common people can’t compare to. Don’t you agree, Chenbi?”
Feng Chenbi pursed her lips, her eyes still watery, but her words carried a sharp edge. “Your sister’s appearance is indeed uncommon, but you said she’s from the second branch of the Qin family? This must be her first time in the palace then. I hope she doesn’t commit any breaches of etiquette when facing His Majesty.”
Qin Chaoyu smiled. “Chenbi, you worry too much. My sister has a quiet and elegant nature. She didn’t want to come to this formal banquet with all its rules, but early this morning, Imperial Steward Yuan specially delivered an imperial edict requesting my sister to enter the palace. We had no choice but to come.”
Feng Chenbi blinked, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes. Beside her, Duchess Yu also showed some astonishment. Those who could attend the New Year’s banquet were all from powerful families, and today they could not only see His Majesty but also all the princes and princesses in the palace. While others exhausted every means to attend, Qin Chaoyu said her sister was unwilling to come. That was one thing, but Imperial Steward Yuan personally delivering an edict for her to attend?
What kind of person would receive the Emperor’s order to attend the New Year’s banquet?
This question left both mother and daughter puzzled. Feng Chenbi brazenly stared at Qin Wan, temporarily forgetting to argue with Qin Chaoyu. The more she looked at Qin Wan, the colder her eyes became. Seeing Qin Chaoyu’s apparent protectiveness toward Qin Wan made her even more resentful. One Qin Chaoyu was already troublesome enough, and now there was another.
While Qin Chaoyu’s proud nature and preference for red dresses meant Feng Chenbi might not be able to compete with her, they at least had different styles. But this Ninth Miss Qin seemed specially designed to counter her!
Qin Wan sat quietly beside Qin Chaoyu. Although Qin Chaoyu had defended her several times, it was clear that the Loyal Duke’s young lady had already grown to hate her. Her gaze grew increasingly bold and discourteous. Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly as she returned the look with dignified composure. When their eyes met, Feng Chenbi hadn’t expected Qin Wan’s bright eyes to be as clear as ice and as calm as water, different from anyone else who might be looking for a chance to outdo her. Qin Wan’s inherent serenity carried an intimidating force that forbade others from taking liberties. Feng Chenbi blinked, suddenly unable to look down on this Ninth Miss Qin.
Though Qin Wan remained outwardly composed, she began to understand why Qin Chaoyu always held her chin high and dressed elaborately. Walking in the palace meant enemies on all sides, requiring constant battle readiness. Exquisite makeup and gorgeous clothing were her weapons, and she needed to stay vigilant and careful at all times…
As she was pondering this, more people entered through the doorway.
Although people had been continuously entering, none of the earlier arrivals had approached Qin Wan’s direction. However, these new arrivals headed straight for Qin Wan’s table, clearly intending to sit there.
The newcomers were another mother-daughter pair. The leading lady wore the formal dress of a first-rank noblewoman, while the young lady following her was tall with bright, intelligent eyes, wearing an elaborate yellow jacket and skirt. The young lady appeared to be of similar age to Qin Wan and Qin Chaoyu. Unlike the Yu mother and daughter, this pair entered the hall with swift, casual strides. Their walking style was remarkably different from other noble ladies and young misses. Qin Wan particularly noticed the young lady, who walked with slightly furrowed brows and large strides, stumbling every three steps as if quite unaccustomed to the complex skirts.
As they drew closer, Qin Wan saw that although the young lady wore rouge and hairpins, her appearance was quite valiant, especially her sword-like eyebrows and bright spirit, strongly reminding Qin Wan of Yue Ning back in Jin Prefecture.
“Duchess Gu of the Defending Duke’s mansion, and their only daughter Peng Huajing,” Qin Chaoyu whispered to inform Qin Wan, who nodded slightly, finally completing her recognition of the three great Duke families of the capital.
“Ah, Madam Qin and Madam Feng are already here?” As soon as she approached, Duchess Gu greeted them. Without performing a formal curtsy, she gave a hearty greeting and sat down. Unlike other gentle and delicate noble ladies, her greeting was as resonant as a bell, drawing others’ attention. However, she showed no sign of embarrassment, instead sitting down decisively, her posture reminiscent of mounting a horse with a sword.
Like mother, like daughter – Peng Huajing, seeing she was just a few steps from the table, simply lifted her skirts and strode to the table with large steps. She nodded to the seated Madam Hu and Duchess Yu, then heavily sat down beside her mother.
Upon sitting, Peng Huajing immediately let out a breath, perhaps from the heat of walking. She unconsciously tugged at her high palace dress collar, then, realizing the impropriety of the setting, reluctantly settled her hands and sat properly.
After seeing White Lotus Immortal Feng Chenbi’s weak and innocent act, Qin Wan found these Defending Duke’s mother and daughter not crude at all, but rather endearing. However, glancing around, she noticed other tables’ ladies and young misses whispering and occasionally showing looks of ridicule toward the Gu mother and daughter. Qin Wan shook her head inwardly, feeling quite helpless.
“Why did Madam arrive so late?” Madam Hu first greeted them. Duchess Gu heard this and snorted with a laugh, “That husband of mine, his old injury acted up halfway here, so we had to go back around. That’s why we’re late!”
Madam Hu covered her mouth and laughed lightly, while Duchess Yu said, “The Duke used to be comparable to Prince Rui in his youth.”
Duchess Gu gave a light snort, clearly unimpressed, “Prince Rui is still guarding the northwest, while that husband of mine has gotten as round as a ball. There’s no comparison anymore, no comparison at all.”
Not only was Duchess Gu’s husband the mighty Defending Duke, but even ordinary wives wouldn’t joke about their husbands in public like this. However, Madam Hu and Duchess Yu seemed accustomed to such talk and both covered their mouths to laugh. Duchess Gu remained unbothered and turned to look at Peng Huajing, “Girl, will you wear this dress again next year?”
Peng Huajing’s face reddened slightly at the question, and she snorted softly before answering in a low voice, “I fell three times on the way here. I won’t wear it again.”
Everyone had already been amused by Duchess Gu, and hearing Peng Huajing’s words, all at the table laughed. Naturally, this left Qin Chaoyu and Feng Chenbi no time to bicker. Although Duchess Gu’s conduct wasn’t that of traditional nobility, she was surprisingly well-versed in the capital’s current fashion trends and accessories. Whatever Madam Hu and Duchess Yu discussed, she could join the conversation. Thus, by the time the hall was filled, their table was full of laughter and merriment, greatly improving Qin Wan’s impression of the mother-daughter pair.
“This is my first time seeing the Ninth Miss Qin,” Duchess Gu inevitably inquired, as all faces at the table were familiar except for Qin Wan’s.
Qin Wan rose and curtsied, while Madam Hu provided another explanation. A flash of understanding crossed Duchess Gu’s eyes. “I see. I’d heard something about this, but only today have I met you. Indeed, your reputation is well-deserved.”
Though Duchess Gu wasn’t explicit, Qin Wan understood her meaning. The Grand Princess taking an adopted granddaughter wasn’t a major event, especially since the Grand Princess had left the capital nearly ten years ago. However, attentive people would naturally notice such matters – after all, the Grand Princess’s status meant that becoming her adopted granddaughter created a connection to the royal family.
Somehow Duchess Gu knew this detail, but clearly, the Loyal Duke’s mansion showed no interest in the Grand Princess who was far away in Jin Prefecture. Hearing Duchess Gu’s words, they merely took it as polite small talk, not only failing to question it but even harboring some mockery – after all, Qin Wan was from the Qin family’s second branch, where both parents had passed away, making her merely an orphan dependent on others.
Madam Hu smiled, “Madam is too kind, though this child is indeed exceptionally well-behaved.”
Duchess Gu studied Qin Wan for a few moments before turning to discuss other matters with Madam Hu. As time passed, the sky outside the hall gradually darkened. A gauze screen separated the women from the male officials, and Qin Wan could faintly see moving shadows on the other side, though she couldn’t make out individuals. She had been here for so long – where was Yan Chi?
Earlier, Yan Li had said that neither he nor Prince Gong’s wife would attend tonight’s grand banquet, but Yan Chi himself had said he couldn’t escape attending.
As Qin Wan pondered this, her gaze increasingly turned toward the screen. Before she could discern anything, suddenly a gong sounded—
“His Majesty the Emperor arrives! Her Majesty the Empress arrives—!”
Yuan Qing’s somewhat shrill voice rang out loudly, and instantly, everyone in the hall turned to look at the right-side door at the front. Simultaneously, everyone stood up, and soon, a figure in imperial yellow emerged from that side door.
With a rustle of fabric, everyone knelt in formal greeting.
“Long live His Majesty the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years—”
“Long live Her Majesty the Empress, a thousand years, a thousand years, thousand of thousand years—”
The ceremonial greetings rose and fell like waves, and soon Qin Wan heard a deep, resonant voice.
“Today is New Year’s Eve. My beloved officials need not stand on ceremony. Please rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
With a unified response, everyone stood up. Though they had risen, none dared to look carelessly at the main seats. Although the hall was divided by screens, anyone not seated in the corners could see the main seating area. Now, Emperor Yan Huai of the Great Zhou Dynasty had taken his seat. Though over forty, he was spirited and straight-backed, showing no sign of stooping. For today’s grand banquet, he wore a dark crimson-gauze court robe with wide sleeves and curved collar, richly embroidered with bright yellow golden dragons. Though he wore no crown, his imperial authority was unmistakable.
He possessed the distinctive angular features of the Yan royal family – sword-like eyebrows and phoenix eyes, both majestic and handsome. Though he had reached his forties and showed fine wrinkles, he still maintained an elegant, dragon-like bearing. One could imagine how extraordinarily handsome he must have been as a youth twenty years ago. Being a grand banquet, Yan Huai seemed in an excellent mood, his phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, lips curved upward, while the especially bright palace lamps above the main seats made him shine brilliantly. Despite this, those phoenix eyes remained unfathomably deep.
This wasn’t Qin Wan’s first time seeing the Emperor, but somehow this time she noticed traces of Yan Chi in him.
Glancing to the right, Qin Wan’s eyes fell upon the current Empress Zhao Shuhua.
Though Qin Wan wasn’t keen on socializing with the powerful, she had been designated as Prince Yong’s consort before and had attended the New Year’s banquet. While she might not recognize other nobles, she knew and understood the basics about the current Emperor and the main figures who appeared at the New Year’s banquet’s head table.
Empress Zhao Shuhua was Zhao Xing’s sister and the eldest daughter of the Empire-Supporting General Zhao You. She was the Emperor’s first wife, having married him when he was still Prince Luo. Later, as Prince Luo became Crown Prince and then Emperor, she naturally became Empress. Since then, she has wielded the Phoenix Seal of the Inner Palace for nineteen years, remaining the most noble woman in the palace to this day.
Nearly forty, today she wore a brilliant noble court dress with five pairs of dancing phoenixes. The black base was embroidered with lifelike crimson phoenixes, their tails and eyes inlaid with precious stones, creating unmatched splendor. Her hair was piled high, and adorned with numerous hairpins and ornaments, making her the most magnificently dressed woman present. Now she sat gracefully beside Yan Huai, wearing a faint smile, her makeup as perfect as a painting. While Qin Wan dared not look directly at the Emperor, she was slightly bolder in observing the Empress. However, the Empress’s court dress and ornaments were so dazzling that Qin Wan couldn’t see her features, only vaguely perceiving a delicate, refined woman somewhat overwhelmed by all the imperial glory.
Though Qin Wan couldn’t see Zhao Shuhua’s appearance now, she had seen the Empress three times before.
Once at the New Year’s banquet, and twice when she entered the palace to pay respects after being designated as Prince Yong’s consort. In her memory, even without all the ornaments, Zhao Shuhua remained imposingly noble, yet she was a mother whose brow carried worry lines and whose heart belonged only to her children.
This thought reminded Qin Wan of her mother who had accompanied her to the palace. Though the Empress was noble and authoritative, when her mother met the Empress, she sighed at the Empress’s maternal devotion. Now seeing the Empress again under these circumstances, her mother was…
Qin Wan’s throat tightened slightly as she sighed and turned her gaze to the seats below the Empress.
Besides the Emperor and Empress’s main seats, there were secondary seats to their sides. Next to the Empress sat the other six consorts of rank, with Noble Consort Feng Lingsu of the Loyal Duke’s family at the head.
The Noble Consort’s position was above other consorts, second only to the Empress. This Noble Consort Lingsu had been a secondary consort since the Emperor was still Prince Luo. Rumors said that Noble Consort Lingsu came from a noble family and was originally intended to be another prince’s primary consort, but she and Prince Luo had fallen in love, and she had insisted on entering Prince Luo’s household.
Later, when Prince Luo ascended the throne, she became a Noble Consort, holding that position for nineteen years. Moreover, throughout these nineteen years, she remained the most favored consort in the palace. Even with countless new arrivals later, the Emperor still most frequently visited the Noble Consort’s palace. Because of this, the Loyal Duke’s mansion had risen to become the foremost among the capital’s noble houses over these past ten-plus years.
While Feng Chenbi was as delicate as a willow, Noble Consort Su was quite different from the dignified and majestic Empress. Compared to the Empress’s noble bearing buried under formal wear and ornaments, Feng Lingsu appeared much more elegant. Today she wore only a smoke-gray palace dress embroidered with cloud patterns, her hair half-up, adorned with just two or three ornaments. This simple style made her appear particularly youthful, and though she was the same age as the Empress, she had maintained herself extremely well. Her refined features and flawless skin gave her a maiden’s freshness, while years of imperial favor had added a feminine charm to her expression. Besides the overwhelmingly luxurious Empress, she was like a pure lotus under the bright moon – three parts elegance, three parts gentleness, and four parts alluring beauty waiting to be plucked…
Though each noble lady in the back palace had her methods, it was clear that Feng Lingsu had perfected the art of gentleness.
While the Emperor might need a dignified and noble Empress to serve as the mother of the nation, he would certainly prefer the company of a young, delicate, and moving Noble Consort who showed more tender consideration and submission beneath him. Feng Chenbi seemed to be trying to emulate Feng Lingsu, but she was still truly a shallow-minded young girl, having learned only three parts of appearance while lacking the essential nature.
Perhaps because the Loyal Duke’s household had left her with such poor impressions, looking at the graceful Noble Consort Su, Qin Wan instinctively felt she was far more dangerous than the Empress on the main seat. At least the Empress’s sharp edges were visible, but who knew what thoughts Noble Consort Su concealed beneath her gentle exterior…
Several others sat beside Feng Lingsu, but as Qin Wan looked at them one by one, she couldn’t distinguish which was Consort Wan from the Song Duke’s family. Those who could attend the New Year’s banquet were either mothers of princes or highly favored consorts. Consort Wan, having given birth to the Fifth Prince, would certainly attend the New Year’s banquet. Since Qin Wan couldn’t recognize her, she didn’t look further and turned her gaze toward the Emperor’s side.
While concubines sat on the Empress’s side, princes and princesses sat on the Emperor’s side, with the Crown Prince most prominent among them. Thus, Crown Prince Yan Che’s position was considerably closer to the main seat than the others.
Today, Yan Che also wore a dark crimson-gauze court robe with wide sleeves, his cover-cloth and wide sleeves embroidered with bright yellow golden dragons, though with one fewer claw than the Emperor’s. Even so, as he sat below the main seat with composed features, wearing court robes that seemed cast from the same mold as the Emperor’s, the young prince’s imperial authority was subtly emerging.
Compared to the Emperor’s relaxed demeanor, Crown Prince Yan Che’s expression seemed somewhat tense.
He too had sword-like eyebrows and phoenix eyes, but his brows bore habitual creases and his lips unconsciously drooped, making him appear solemn and cold, with an inexplicably gloomy air. Though Qin Wan had seen the Crown Prince from afar before, compared to her previous impressions, the current Yan Che seemed considerably more profound than a year ago. Especially against the dark court robes, a somewhat sinister haze seemed to shroud his features, showing no trace of New Year’s Eve’s festive lightness.
He sat perfectly straight, yet his gaze occasionally darted toward the male officials’ section, sometimes sweeping toward the hall entrance. His manner suggested he was waiting for someone.
Compared to Yan Che’s grave demeanor, Prince Cheng Yan Qi beside him appeared much more relaxed.
Today he wore the dark Prince’s ceremonial robes, his sleeves and front embroidered not with bright yellow dragons but with black coiled dragons. He reclined easily against his chair, wearing a faint smile with his chin slightly raised, his bearing both proud and pleased, as if truly here to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Yan Qi had broad, clear features, and though he too possessed phoenix eyes, his were particularly sharp at the inner corners and wide at the outer edges. Combined with his somewhat harsh facial lines and his常常带着似笑非笑的骄奢不善之态 perpetual smirk of arrogant malice, he appeared particularly fierce. Though he didn’t look at the Crown Prince now, he cast meaningful glances toward the male officials, seeming to harbor hidden schemes.
Emperor Yan Huai of Great Zhou had six sons and one daughter. Excluding the deceased Prince Jin, only five were present.
Sitting next to Prince Cheng was the Fifth Princess Yan Zhen, also born to the Empress. As the Emperor’s only princess and the Empress’s daughter, she was naturally showered with endless love. Though Qin Wan had seen Yan Zhen twice before, they weren’t well acquainted. Now, Yan Zhen sat in her position wearing a cherry blossom pink pleated palace dress, her face full of smiles as she curiously gazed toward the male officials. Her features were refined, with particularly warm and clear almond eyes. Unlike the Empress’s heavy makeup, Yan Zhen’s face was bare, yet being in the prime of youth with skin like snow and frost, she remained exquisitely beautiful even without cosmetics.
As soon as the Emperor arrived, prepared attendants filed in from outside the hall, simultaneously serving dishes to all seats. Yan Huai spoke in a deep, pleasant voice, “Another year has passed in the blink of an eye. I bestow wine to reward my beloved officials for their years of hard work. As the new year approaches, Great Zhou’s rivers and mountains, our state and society, will continue to need all your devoted efforts.”
Yan Huai’s tone was gentle, carrying inherent imperial authority in its measured pace. The male officials dared not be remiss, all repeatedly expressing their unworthiness. Yan Huai then looked at Yuan Qing and said, “This year we needn’t bother with excessive ceremony. Pass down the order – let the banquet begin.”
Yuan Qing respectfully nodded and instructed two young eunuchs beside him. They departed on their orders, and soon music began playing from a hidden chamber beside the Chongming Hall. By this time, the attendants had finished setting out the feast. Yan Huai raised the wine cup before him and said, “I drink with all my beloved officials, toasting to Great Zhou’s continued prosperity in the coming year.”
Everyone stood at once, raising their cups. Even the Crown Prince and others in the main seats dared not be careless. After this communal toast, the New Year’s banquet officially began. The Emperor’s gaze remained on the male officials’ side, while the ladies ate silently – though who could have an appetite? Only Duchess Gu and Peng Huajing ate at an unhurried pace.
Revisiting this familiar scene, Qin Wan’s mind churned with complex thoughts. She moved her chopsticks but ultimately set them down. Qin Chaoyu, sitting beside her, managed to block all the gazes coming from the main seats while frequently looking that way herself. Seeing Qin Wan lost in thought, she said softly, “The Ninth Prince indeed didn’t attend this year.”
Qin Wan came to her senses. “The Ninth Prince?”
She had noticed someone was missing but didn’t know who.
Wanting to help Qin Wan recognize people, Qin Chaoyu explained, “Among His Majesty’s children, the Third Prince and Seventh Prince passed away young and are no longer with us. Today’s attendees are the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, the Fifth Princess, and behind them the Sixth Prince and Eighth Prince. The Crown Prince and Prince Cheng, ranked second and fourth respectively, were both born while in the Prince’s mansion. The Sixth Prince’s birth mother has passed away, and the Eighth Prince was born to Consort Wan. The remaining Ninth Prince, whose birth mother was Consort Jin, isn’t here – his appearance would likely cause waves since Consort Jin’s recent incident. I heard he’s been taken to be raised by the Empress Dowager.”
Qin Wan felt her heart tighten. Yes, the disgraced Consort Jin had borne a son for the Emperor, the youngest Ninth Prince. Now with Consort Jin’s incident involving Prince Jin becoming the royal family’s greatest scandal in a hundred years, though only five months had passed, the Ninth Prince’s appearance would surely cause ripples. Add to that his young age…
“Why was he taken by the Empress Dowager?”
Qin Wan hadn’t meant to probe palace secrets, but the Ninth Prince was connected to Consort Jin, who was connected to Prince Jin, whose case was related to her family’s deaths – she couldn’t help but ask.
Qin Chaoyu wasn’t concerned about Qin Wan’s inquiry and spoke directly, “After Consort Jin’s incident involved Prince Jin, though the people are gone, many rumors spread. How could Consort Jin have been harmed by Prince Jin for no reason? Eventually, the Ninth Prince’s position in the palace became difficult. Consider that he’s only five years old – the Empress Dowager couldn’t bear it and took him in…”
Qin Wan nodded slightly. Indeed, how could a favored consort be killed by Prince Jin?
The serious implications for human relationships involved could spawn countless rumors.
“Your Majesty, you’ve been unwell lately, please don’t drink too much.”
As Qin Wan was deep in thought, suddenly a delicate voice rang out. She turned to look and saw Feng Lingsu advising Yan Huai to drink less. Yan Huai smiled at her words, “Don’t worry, I know my limits.”
In front of all the officials, Feng Lingsu did not attempt to hide her concern for Yan Huai. Beside them, Zhao Shuhua seemed unsurprised by this, instructing Yuan Qing, “Bring His Majesty some sobering soup.”
Yuan Qing looked to Yan Huai, who nodded before Yuan Qing went to arrange it.
Feng Lingsu covered her smile, “Sister is so thoughtful, sending for sobering soup is indeed best.”
Zhao Shuhua’s expression didn’t change as she smiled and said, “It was thanks to sister’s reminder.”
When Feng Lingsu spoke, her smile seemed genuine, her gaze occasionally sweeping over Yan Huai. She appeared pure as a lotus but not bewitching, yet when falling on His Majesty, her looks carried hints of allure. She only said, “This humble sister can only care for His Majesty’s health, unlike elder sister who has raised the Crown Prince into such an excellent talent for the nation. With Crown Prince helping His Majesty, he must surely ease many of His Majesty’s burdens.”
Zhao Shuhua turned to look at Feng Lingsu for a moment. “Today is New Year’s Eve, sister need not speak of burdens. His Majesty can finally relax for a moment.”
Feng Lingsu smiled and nodded, “Sister speaks truly, I’ll say no more.”
Feng Lingsu responded obediently and indeed fell silent afterward. Yan Huai glanced at her and smiled, “Su’er isn’t wrong. The Empress has indeed worked hard, and Che’er has done extremely well these past few months.”
As soon as these words fell, officials below naturally echoed agreement.
“Indeed, His Highness the Crown Prince has been diligent these past six months, not only helping His Majesty handle many routine matters but also maintaining perfect order in Lin’an City.”
“That’s right, people say the lights in the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace never go out – he reads official documents until dawn before sleeping. Such diligence – Great Zhou is blessed to have such a Crown Prince.”
“It’s not just a blessing for the common people, but also for us humble officials. The Crown Prince has been welcoming talented people these past months. Every official who enters the Eastern Palace is impressed by the Crown Prince’s learning and governance strategies. This humble official thinks that after the Bai family elder enters the Eastern Palace to teach the Crown Prince after the new year, the Crown Prince will surely be even more capable of managing state affairs.”
The chorus of agreement, whether sincere or false, rose. Zhao Shuhua’s brows furrowed slightly, while Yan Che’s eyes grew cold. He swept his gaze over, immediately understanding after seeing who had spoken. On New Year’s Eve, in front of so many people, these words carried deeper meaning with each utterance, step by step pushing him into danger.
Yan Huai turned to look at Yan Che. “So you truly read until dawn every day?”
Yan Che straightened his expression and quickly lowered his eyes respectfully. “Not so – only occasionally late into the night.” He paused slightly. “Father Emperor need not worry, this son knows his limits. These are merely rumors from those below showing consideration for me.”
Yan Huai nodded. “Focusing on state affairs is good, but you must also mind your health.”
“Yes, son understands—”
Yan Che’s expression was respectful, appearing particularly cautious. Yan Huai turned his gaze away, his smile seemingly fainter than before.
Just then, another voice rang out, “Why don’t I see Prefect Zheng at tonight’s banquet?”
“Oh my, Prefect Zheng isn’t here. Is he still investigating the case?”
The word “case” dropped like a pebble in water, immediately causing ripples. Though someone had just spoken of perfect order in the capital region, everyone present knew of the three murder cases. The case had remained unsolved for over a month – how could there be any order in the capital…
Yan Qi raised his eyebrows slightly. “Second Brother, the capital’s case still isn’t solved?”
Yan Che already knew about the spy in the prefecture office. Without much thought, this must be related to Yan Qi, and tonight’s events at the New Year’s banquet were naturally Yan Qi’s arrangement. Thus questioned, Yan Che remained unmoved, saying, “The case will be solved soon. Prefect Zheng didn’t even come to the New Year’s banquet because he’s investigating the culprit’s whereabouts.”
Yan Qi curved his lips. “Oh? So you’re saying the culprit will be caught soon?”
Yan Che wanted to nod, but somehow couldn’t. The Emperor had told him to solve the case before New Year’s Eve in private, but now it was in front of all the officials. If he nodded, it would be a promise – if the culprit wasn’t caught then, it would become a handle against him.
“Don’t you trust Prefect Zheng’s abilities?”
Yan Che replied, and Yan Qi’s smile deepened. “Of course I trust him. I’ve always trusted Prefect Zheng’s abilities, and now with Second Brother involved, I’m even more hopeful, but… it’s been almost two months now…”
Yan Qi finished speaking neither too hard nor too soft, and discussions below rose again. One Zheng Baishi was already causing doubt, and now with Yan Che added, yet the case remained unsolved?! Who should take responsibility for this…
Qin Wan had no interest in the power plays at the main seats, but the sudden mention of the case immediately drew her attention.
Meanwhile, Qin Chaoyu also frowned deeply, her face darkening. Prince Cheng’s move was deliberate.
Feng Chenbi, sitting opposite Qin Chaoyu, saw her expression clearly and sighed, “It’s truly pitiful. I heard all the victims were young women. On this New Year’s Eve, while we enjoy music and feasting here, these girls’ parents must be in tears. How disappointing that the Lin’an Prefecture Chief has been so ineffective this time…”
“Has it been almost two months?” Amid the whispered discussions, Yan Huai suddenly asked.
Yan Che’s expression became fixed, and he immediately rose and knelt before Yan Huai’s table, lifting his robe. “Father Emperor, this case remains unsolved due to my poor supervision. Please punish me—”
Yan Huai looked at Yan Che. “The time has been rather long, but it can’t be blamed entirely on you.”
He continued, “Che’er, how many more days do you think it will take to solve the case?”
At these words, Yan Che’s heart immediately tightened. He didn’t want to give a specific time, yet Yan Huai insisted he state it. Yan Che’s fists clenched within his wide sleeves, his lips pressed tightly together. Saying too long would show his incompetence, but saying too soon risked failing to fulfill this military command given before all officials. It was truly difficult…
The hall fell silent, everyone watching Yan Che’s back, with Yan Qi’s gaze particularly meaningful.
Yan Che knew he couldn’t delay too long. After a moment’s thought, just as he was about to grit his teeth and say two days, a young eunuch suddenly emerged from the side door. He walked very quickly as if something major had happened. Yan Che’s words were caught in his throat, unsaid.
The young eunuch quickly approached Yuan Qing and said something unknown, causing Yuan Qing’s eyes to brighten. Then Yuan Qing hurried to Yan Huai’s side and whispered several sentences. Soon, Yan Huai’s expression changed.
He looked at Yan Che with slightly bright eyes, suddenly breaking into a broad smile. “Che’er need not agonize over the previous question.”
His words caused everyone to wonder, and then Yan Huai laughed loudly and said, “News just arrived at the palace – the case is solved. Prefect Zheng caught the culprit two hours ago. The interrogation is complete, and he’s waiting outside with the case files.”
The hall fell silent again, but this time, Yan Che’s eyes brightened while Yan Qi and others’ expressions changed.
Qin Wan, sitting in her place, quietly let out a breath.
Just as everyone in the hall was changing expressions, unexpectedly, Yan Che, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
“Father Emperor, this son knew Prefect Zheng would solve the case before the new year. Moreover, Prefect Zheng came to see me this morning, and after a deep discussion, this son finally understood why this case had dragged on for so long…”
Yan Che spoke with a steady voice, and when he finished, the hall again broke into slight commotion.
Did the Crown Prince mean there was a reason the case had dragged on for so long?
Yan Huai frowned. “What do you mean? This case’s long delay – what inside story is there?”
After this question, Yan Qi’s reclining form slowly straightened slightly, while his gaze quickly swept toward the officials below.
The next moment, Yan Che said, “This case wasn’t particularly difficult. The reason for its long delay was entirely because someone within the prefecture office had bribed a bailiff heavily. That bailiff acted as a spy, hiding several key pieces of evidence. Thus, the case remained unsolved for so long.”
As his words fell, the commotion in the hall grew even greater.