Yan Qi’s face turned the color of a pig’s liver, and he remained stunned for a long while. Yan Che coldly smiled from beside him, “King Cheng is acting so startled – anyone who didn’t know better would think you’re deliberately trying to slander Minister Zheng and me. Miss Nine’s medical skills are exceptional, so it’s perfectly normal to consult her about any puzzling illnesses.”
Yan Qi felt a breath caught in his chest. “How… how could… I was merely concerned about any oversights in the government office’s handling of matters.”
As Yan Che was about to speak again, Yan Huai waved his hand. “Enough. I understand both of your opinions. You may leave!”
Yan Huai didn’t want to hear Yan Che and Yan Qi accusing each other in front of him. At his command, both Yan Che and Yan Qi could only obey and withdraw. After walking out of the main entrance of Chong Zheng Hall, Yan Che gave a neither warm nor cold laugh, “King Cheng must be so eager to find my weak points that you’re even factoring in Miss Nine’s words. Miss Nine is currently Father’s most valued person – King Cheng would do well to show some restraint.”
Yan Qi narrowed his eyes at Yan Che. “Oh? Is the Crown Prince trying to protect Miss Nine Qin?”
“Why shouldn’t I? Miss Nine treated the Empress Dowager’s illness and even saved her life. Should I not protect her – would you rather have her killed?” His tone carried clear mockery.
Yan Qi felt a breath stuck in his chest that he couldn’t dispel. How could he have known how Qin Wan had learned of this? If he had known, how could he have made such insinuations in front of Yan Huai? When he heard Yan Huai’s explanation, he felt an unprecedented sense of shame that made him want to find a crack in the ground to slip into. He had underestimated Qin Wan too much. When he first heard about this matter, he felt that this shouldn’t have been something Qin Wan would know about, but who could have imagined that Yan Huai had permitted Minister Zheng Bai Shi to consult Qin Wan?
“The Qin family has more than one young lady. How many hands does the Crown Prince have – how many people can you protect?”
Yan Qi’s voice was sinister, immediately causing Yan Che’s heart to tighten. “What does King Cheng mean by these words?”
Yan Qi smiled. “Nothing much. Everyone knows the Crown Prince is close to the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household. The Lantern Festival palace banquet set up by the Empress is meant to select the Crown Prince’s consort. At that time, does the Crown Prince intend to choose both sisters from the Qin family? The Crown Prince may wish to be Emperor Shun, but I’m afraid the sisters themselves may not wish to be Empress E Huang and Lady Nü Ying.”
Yan Che frowned. “What Emperor Shun! This concerns a young lady’s reputation – King Cheng should not speak nonsense. If these words reach Father Emperor’s ears, along with today’s events, King Cheng might face another scolding from Father Emperor!”
Yan Qi looked at Yan Che with an ambiguous smile. “So the Crown Prince doesn’t wish to be Emperor Shun? That works out perfectly for me then.”
Yan Che halted his steps. “What are you planning to do?”
Yan Qi gave a light laugh but didn’t answer. He turned his direction and headed straight for Chang Xin Palace. Yan Che stood in place watching Yan Qi walk further away, unable to follow. He could only grit his teeth in frustration.
Tang Fu, who was following Yan Che, softly said, “Your Highness, from King Cheng’s meaning, could it be that he has taken a liking to Miss Nine Qin?”
Yan Che’s phoenix eyes narrowed dangerously, revealing a trace of sharpness. “He wouldn’t dare!”
With that, he also turned and headed toward Kun Ning Palace!
When Yan Che arrived at Kun Ning Palace full of anger, Zhao Shu Hua was discussing something with Yan Zhen, both wearing smiles on their faces. Upon seeing Yan Che arrive with a dark expression, Zhao Shu Hua was slightly surprised, and Yan Zhen was also quite astonished. “Brother, what’s wrong? Weren’t you supposed to be at Chong Zheng Hall? Why do you look so angry – did Father Emperor scold you?”
Yan Che shook his head. “No—”
Yan Zhen stared at Yan Che blankly. “Then what’s wrong?”
Yan Che’s face remained grim, but he didn’t speak. Zhao Shu Hua curved her lips slightly. “Zhen’er, you go back first. Mother will ask your brother about this. Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious.”
Although Yan Zhen wanted to hear what was wrong with Yan Che, she also knew that if she stayed, Yan Che would certainly not reveal the truth. She could only nod and leave with her maids.
After Yan Zhen left, Zhao Shu Hua sighed. “What’s wrong? I haven’t seen you this angry in a long time.”
“Yan Qi has developed feelings for Qin Wan.”
As soon as Yan Che spoke, it was with a low shout. Hearing these words, the faint smile on Zhao Shu Hua’s face disappeared. She glanced at her personal maid Yun Yan, who immediately led the others out.
With only mother and son remaining in the hall, Zhao Shu Hua spoke softly, “What happened? Tell me properly.”
Yan Che took a deep breath. “That Yan Qi, met Qin Wan at Shou Kang Palace today, and then overheard Qin Wan talking with her maid. They were discussing the Meng family case. Mother, you know that in this Meng family case, there were several key points. Father Emperor had permitted Minister Zheng to consult Qin Wan, so it was normal for her to know some details. She was having a private conversation with her maid, but Yan Qi overheard it. When Yan Qi and I went to Chong Zheng Hall, Father Emperor asked about how to sentence the young master of the Meng family. I said the sentence should be reduced, and Yan Qi opposed me as usual. Later, Father Emperor was about to dismiss us when Yan Qi suddenly brought up this matter about Qin Wan, even saying that I had given the Marquis’s household too much power, that such a major case had even become known to a young lady…”
Zhao Shu Hua couldn’t help but laugh. “King Cheng’s accusation was certainly misplaced.”
Yan Che gave a light snort. “Of course, his accusation didn’t succeed, but Father Emperor didn’t pursue the matter with him either. Later when we came out, in our conversation, he asked if I wanted to emulate Emperor Shun, to have the Qin sisters become E Huang and Nü Ying. I naturally said there was no such thing, and afterward, he said that was good, that it would work out well for him!”
The more Yan Che spoke, the angrier he became, his fist clenched tightly on the armrest. Zhao Shu Hua looked him up and down. “So, Che’er, what exactly are you angry about?”
Yan Che was startled. “Mother, I’m naturally angry about King Cheng developing feelings for Qin Wan.”
Zhao Shu Hua’s face still carried a faint smile. “Are you angry about him developing feelings for Qin Wan because it might damage your relationship with the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household, or are you so angry solely because of Qin Wan herself?”
Yan Che was startled again. “Mother, you…”
He wanted to ask Zhao Shu Hua why she would ask such a question, but halfway through his words, he understood her meaning. His brows furrowed slightly, and suddenly a sense of emptiness arose in his heart. Meeting Zhao Shu Hua’s gaze, he felt even more momentarily conscience-stricken. “Mother, aren’t these the same thing? As long as he has designs on Qin Wan, these two matters are the same. You know Qin Wan – she’s not only skilled in medicine but also exceptional in other aspects. Father Emperor likes her very much, and the Empress Dowager even more so. How could we let someone like her become Yan Qi’s person?”
Zhao Shu Hua sighed. “Che’er, you’re avoiding my question.”
Yan Che’s expression became solemn. “Mother…”
Zhao Shu Hua raised her hand to interrupt Yan Che’s words. “You don’t need to say anything – I already know. Your anger this time is firstly because of Yan Qi’s ulterior motives, and secondly because of Qin Wan herself. I heard you went to the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion last time and saw her?”
Yan Che dared not meet Zhao Shu Hua’s eyes. His mother had the most penetrating eyes in the world – eyes that could see right through him. His thoughts and feelings, his mother could discern with just one look. She understood him, but this also left him nowhere to hide.
“Yes, I saw her. So what?”
Zhao Shu Hua smiled. “I heard that after that visit, you didn’t leave the palace for several days. It’s been more than ten days since the New Year – have you seen Zhao Yu? Do you know that at the Lantern Festival palace banquet, your consort selection matter will be officially put on the agenda?”
Yan Che straightened his chest. “There have been many state affairs after the New Year, so I simply haven’t left the palace.”
Zhao Shu Hua nodded, not wanting to push him too hard. “Che’er, you indeed are not Emperor Shun, and your primary consort can only be the Qin family’s Eighth Miss. If you don’t have the kind of feelings I’m thinking of, then that’s good. If you do, while things haven’t progressed too far, suppress them. No matter how charming Qin Wan is, what can she bring you? At this point, you have no other choice.”
Yan Che’s lips were pressed tightly together, but he still didn’t speak.
Zhao Shu Hua sighed. “Che’er, the person I’ve chosen for you will certainly not be wrong. You must trust Mother.”
Yan Che’s eyes darkened as he lowered his gaze. “I know, I trust Mother.” Then he suddenly raised his head. “But even so, we can’t let King Cheng set his sights on Qin Wan! The Qin family can only steadfastly stand on one side.”
Zhao Shu Hua smiled. “That’s natural.” After pondering briefly, Zhao Shu Hua continued, “Do you think Yan Qi is planning to offer her the position of primary consort? Yan Qi has long set his sights on the daughter of the Wei Guo Gong family – they need military power even more than we do. No matter how much he favors Qin Wan, he would never offer her the position of primary consort. And would Miss Nine of the Qin family ever settle for the position of King Cheng’s secondary consort?”
Yan Che looked at Zhao Shu Hua. “Mother means…”
Zhao Shu Hua looked at Yan Che, “Che’er, you’re too agitated today. Do you think the current Qin Wan is someone who can be married off at anyone’s whim? Even if King Cheng has such intentions, he still needs the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s approval.”
Yan Che wanted to speak but held back. Facing Zhao Shu Hua, he couldn’t find the words. Zhao Shu Hua was right – his anger today had come too strangely and too forcefully. He wasn’t incapable of seeing these nuances, yet he still couldn’t control his anger.
“So should I plead with Grandmother?”
Zhao Shu Hua shook her head. “No need. You don’t need to plead – if King Cheng dares to try, the Empress Dowager will naturally find ways to humiliate him.”
A hesitant look appeared in Yan Che’s eyes again. “But Mother… Qin Wan’s status is very different now… She… in the future…”
It was rare for Yan Che to be so inarticulate. Zhao Shu Hua frowned slightly. “You mean to say that Qin Wan will eventually marry… she will marry…”
Yan Che nodded. Zhao Shu Hua smiled. “Can you read Qin Wan’s thoughts? Whose side do you think she’s on?”
“She… naturally sides with the Qin family.”
Yan Che answered definitively, but after answering, his heart felt unsettled.
Zhao Shu Hua said, “Yes, she sides with the Qin family, but that doesn’t mean she’ll necessarily side with you.”
Speaking of this, Zhao Shu Hua recalled the day she had spoken briefly with Qin Wan. “Despite her young age, she’s gained the Emperor’s recognition and the Empress Dowager’s favor. Have you seen her lose her composure even once? No, her composure exceeded my expectations. I treated her warmly, yet couldn’t detect any sign of her trying to get close to me. This proves she has no intention of befriending me. As for King Cheng’s side, the Feng Zhang incident shows she’s not trying to curry favor with him either.”
“The Qin mansion is currently her shelter, so she certainly wants to secure the Qin family’s position. But from what I see of her character, she has her ideas. I don’t know who she’ll marry in the future, but I do know she absolutely cannot marry anyone associated with King Cheng.”
Yan Che listened to Zhao Shu Hua’s words without any objection. He knew Qin Wan’s character even better than Zhao Shu Hua did. Not only did she not want to enter the Eastern Palace, but she even mocked him for his misunderstanding. How could such behavior suggest any intention of currying favor with him?
“Mother means that as long as she doesn’t become our enemy, it’s fine?”
Zhao Shu Hua raised her lips in a smile. “Not only will she not become our enemy, she’ll become our chess piece.”
Yan Che raised an eyebrow. “Chess piece? What kind of chess piece?”
Zhao Shu Hua looked at Yan Che, the smile in her eyes turning cold. “A chess piece that will make King Cheng stumble, a chess piece that will help us gather more support. Let King Cheng harbor his intentions toward her – in the end, the Empress Dowager and Emperor will show him how naive his thoughts are. And she bears the surname Qin – you can’t write two different Qin characters from the same brush stroke. Whoever she marries in the future will, more or less, have to help the Marquis’s household. And helping the Marquis’s household means helping us, doesn’t it?”
Yan Che pressed his lips together again. His silence meant he wasn’t completely willing in his heart.
Zhao Shu Hua watched him for a moment and sighed. “Che’er, are you hesitating?”
Yan Che suddenly snapped back to attention, shaking his head. His voice was firm yet dark, “No, your son is not hesitating.”
Zhao Shu Hua nodded with satisfaction. “Good, very good. You’re a man of great ambition. It’s normal to be moved by emotions. Today, you’re attracted to a Qin Wan; tomorrow, you might feel anger and hatred for someone else. Throughout your life, because of your high position, you’ll meet all sorts of exceptional women. These people might have talent, beauty, prestigious backgrounds, or if nothing else, extraordinary luck. You’ll meet too many women, and while you can momentarily lose your composure, you must never forget your mission. The thoughts in your heart can be suppressed, but for the throne of Great Zhou, there’s only one chance to possess it. Once missed, you and I, and your sister, will all become bones beneath the throne.”
Yan Che lowered his gaze again. “Mother, I know, I know…”
Zhao Shu Hua exhaled, her lips curving into a smile again. “I naturally trust you. You’re a good child – you’ve never disappointed me since you were born. I know this path is difficult, and I know my demands cause you pain, but to sit in that position isn’t so simple. That’s why I rejected Peng Hua Jing from the Wei Guo Gong family and chose Qin Zhao Yu from the Qin family. The reasons for this, I need not explain now – you’ll understand later.”
Yan Che was slightly startled by Zhao Shu Hua’s words. Why not choose Peng Hua Jing, but instead choose Qin Zhao Yu? Because he already held the military power of the Zhao family, what he lacked was stable support from the civil officials at court. If he were to choose the Wei Guo Gong Peng family at this time, it would seem too aggressive and would certainly invite the Emperor’s displeasure. In comparison, Qin Zhao Yu was elegant and dignified, and known as the capital’s first talented lady. She was the model among noble ladies, the most suitable candidate to be an empress who could be a mother to the world. What was more valuable was that the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household had chosen to support him early on.
These were reasons Yan Che had already thought of, but could there be other reasons?
Yan Che looked at Zhao Shu Hua, but she didn’t say more. “You’ll understand later.” She then added, “When you have time, meet with Zhao Yu more often. At the very least, sending gifts would be good.”
Yan Che hurriedly nodded. “Yes, son understands—”
Seeing that Yan Che had calmed down, Zhao Shu Hua’s face showed a relaxed smile as she changed the subject to discuss the heavy snow of these past few days. “If this snow continues, I’ll have to make the Lantern Festival palace banquet more interesting. Do you have any good ideas?”
With the change of topic, Yan Che relaxed somewhat. Zhao Shu Hua looked at Yan Che’s face, which despite his young age already showed signs of somber maturity, and felt waves of heartache. But she had no other choice. She could only teach him everything she knew, and then, not dare to make any mistakes herself, nor allow him any relaxation or hesitation. Only thus could that position be secured firmly in his hands. And she had been waiting for that day for half a lifetime.
…
…
It was already late when they returned to the Marquis’s mansion. As soon as Qin Wan arrived at Song Feng Court, Qin Shuang entered with a worried expression. “You’re finally back. You were gone so long today.”
Outside, snowflakes were falling in swirls, and last night’s heavy snow had already turned the entire courtyard into a silvery wonderland. Qin Wan, still carrying the winter chill, warmed herself with the brazier before responding, “The Empress Dowager kept me for tea today. What’s wrong?”
At this question, Qin Shuang sat down with a troubled expression. However, her lips remained tightly pressed together, not speaking. Qin Wan looked at Fu Ling, who quickly led Bai Ying and several young maids out.
Seeing this, Qin Shuang finally sighed and said, “Did you know? Today matchmakers came to take Fifth Sister’s birth details, seemingly intending to match the horoscopes and make things official.”
Qin Wan wasn’t surprised at all. “It’s been several days since the eighth. Since Lady Song had such arrangements, naturally everything was prepared. It’s not strange for the man’s family to come now. Why aren’t you happy?”
“It’s not that I’m unhappy, it’s that Qin Xiang is unhappy.” Qin Shuang’s tone was both troubled and helpless. “What does this have to do with me? It’s not my place to be unhappy – it’s her who’s unhappy.”
Qin Wan recalled Qin Xiang from that day at the Wu An Marquis’s mansion. Although she hadn’t said anything at the time, it was obvious she was very dissatisfied with this match. And with her arrogant and incompetent nature, how could she possibly approve of that man?
“So what do you want to do? I’m not surprised. That day you saw too – that young master isn’t particularly handsome, and his bearing doesn’t suggest great wealth or nobility. Given Qin Xiang’s personality, how could she possibly approve?”
Qin Shuang smiled bitterly. “That’s exactly it! Others in the mansion might not know her, but how could we not? We came together from Jin Zhou – we all know each other’s personalities too well!”
Qin Shuang seemed extremely troubled, and as she spoke, she simply stood up and began pacing around the room. “Today when the matchmaker came for the birth details, it should have been a happy occasion. She acted shy and demure in front of Uncle’s wife, putting on a maiden’s coy act, but once she got back to her courtyard, she became like a different person. She flew into a rage at Wan He and Xiu Zhi, even hitting Wan He. Think about it – Wan He and Xiu Zhi came with her from Jin Zhou, they’re her closest people. If she takes out her dissatisfaction on them like this now, how will things be when all her close servants have turned against her?”
Qin Wan sighed, putting down her teacup. “Have you talked to her about this?”
Qin Shuang shook her head. “No, I haven’t. I’m afraid she won’t listen, and more than that, I’m afraid it might backfire and make her do something rash.”
Qin Shuang stepped closer and lowered her voice, “This is the capital, the Marquis’s mansion. Not to mention anything else, if Uncle and Aunt find out, they won’t forgive her. Moreover, once things get out of hand, it will spread like wildfire. Then, forget about finding a husband – she probably won’t even dare attend other families’ banquets. Mother sent her to the capital to make a good marriage, not to suffer. I understand this clearly, but I don’t know how to say it, that’s why I came to you.”
Qin Wan watched Qin Shuang for a moment, seeing that she was genuinely worried about Qin Xiang, before saying, “No one wants to come to the capital to suffer, nor does anyone want to make a poor marriage. But why aren’t you and I acting like her? Her pride is too high – even the Yuan Zhou Cloud Mist Mountain incident didn’t teach her a lesson. You and I worry for her, but she won’t appreciate it. With someone like this, I have no solution.”
Qin Shuang anxiously moved forward to sit beside Qin Wan, pulling her arm, “No, no, you’re the most clever one. That’s why I came to discuss with you how to persuade her. After all, this marriage is practically settled. If she makes too much trouble this time, she really won’t have any prospects…”
Qin Wan could only sigh. After all, Qin Shuang had grown up with Qin Xiang since childhood, and naturally couldn’t bear to see Qin Xiang make foolish mistakes.
For Qin Shuang’s sake, Qin Wan thought for a moment, then looked at her and asked, “Do you know what kind of family the man’s side is?”
Qin Shuang nodded, “I learned a bit from Aunt. The man is from the capital, his father was also a military official, though only reaching the fifth rank. After being injured, he retired and returned home. He still receives a government pension. They only have this one son. Currently, he only holds the position of Assistant Commander of the Imperial Guard, seventh rank. Oh, and I know he’s twenty-two years old, surname Xue, called Xue Qing Yun, I think. Yes, that’s his name, Xue Qing Yun…”
“Xue Qing Yun…” Qin Wan murmured, “That name suggests ambitions for success.”
Qin Shuang nodded, “Indeed. The matchmaker was found by Lady Song, very intimate with the family. Today she practically told us everything about them, saying both the master and mistress are very easy to get along with. The mistress is particularly cheerful – when she heard about marrying Miss Qin, she couldn’t stop smiling. Today they even sent a jade pendant, saying it was a token from the mistress to her future daughter-in-law.”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes for a moment. “If Lady Song could find Xue Qing Yun, she must know his family is decent. The matchmaker speaks so well of them, it’s likely true. This is one of Xue Qing Yun’s good points – though he’s only seventh rank now, he’s young, and without a wealthy background, this is already quite good.” Then Qin Wan sighed, “I was thinking of finding ways to make Qin Xiang see more of Xue Qing Yun’s good points, but what we see as advantages, she might not even consider worth noting.”
Qin Shuang smiled bitterly, “Exactly, that’s why I’m so worried.”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, thought for a moment, and said, “Why don’t we go see her now?”
Qin Shuang immediately nodded, “Good, good, let’s go together—”
Qin Wan felt somewhat helpless, but if Qin Xiang truly ended up unhappy or caused trouble, that wasn’t what she wanted either. Plus, with Qin Shuang being so insistent, she couldn’t refuse. So she put on her cloak again and followed Qin Shuang out of Song Feng Court.
Qin Xiang lived in Maple Grove Court, and this was Qin Wan’s first visit there.
Just as they reached the entrance, they saw Wan He and Xiu Zhi standing guard outside, while the other young servants were nowhere to be seen. In this cold weather, who knew how long Wan He and Xiu Zhi had been standing outside – their lips had turned purple and white from the cold.
Seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang arrive, they hurriedly came forward to bow.
Qin Shuang asked, “Where is your mistress—”
Wan He and Xiu Zhi exchanged glances, both looking somewhat troubled. As they hesitated, the door creaked open. Qin Xiang’s complexion wasn’t good, her eyes slightly red as if she’d just been crying. Seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang arrive, Qin Xiang lifted her chin, unwilling to show any weakness. “Why have you come?”
Qin Shuang smiled, “The snow is heavy today, and I heard the view here is the best. We came to sit for a while.”
The scenery at Qin Xiang’s place was no different from Qin Wan and Qin Shuang’s courtyards, but since Qin Shuang said this, Qin Xiang pressed her lips together and turned to go inside. “Come in then—”
Wan He and Xiu Zhi exchanged another glance before hurriedly inviting Qin Wan and Qin Shuang inside.
Upon entering, they saw wet marks on the floor and several pieces of broken porcelain that hadn’t been cleaned up. Qin Wan saw this but pretended not to notice, following Qin Shuang into the warm room. Qin Xiang sat properly in the inner position, while Qin Shuang and Qin Wan sat on the outer couch. After settling down, Qin Shuang hesitated for several moments, unable to speak.
Qin Xiang glanced at the two of them, “If you have something to say, just say it—”
Her tone carried a hint of impatience. Seeing this, Qin Shuang stopped beating around the bush and asked directly, “Do you not like Xue Qing Yun?”
Hearing this, Qin Xiang’s face showed an “as expected” expression, and then she looked at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang with a cold smile. “Why are you asking this? Xue Qing Yun is just a seventh-rank Assistant Commander of the Imperial Guard – should I like him? Have you come to laugh at me?”
Qin Shuang sighed helplessly, “Why would we laugh at you? If nothing else, if you make a poor marriage, before anyone else, I’ll be the first one affected. You’re from the main family line – if you marry a seventh-rank Assistant Commander, I might not even be able to marry someone of that rank. I only hope you’ll marry better and better – why would I laugh at you?”
Qin Xiang smiled but said nothing. Qin Shuang continued, “If you don’t like him, have you told Aunt?”
Hearing these words, Qin Xiang’s eyes reddened slightly again, but she pressed her lips together and remained silent.
She wanted to speak up, but how could she dare?! Madam Hu seemed very satisfied with this marriage, and now that the matchmaker had visited, it was even more impossible to speak up than during the initial meeting.
Qin Shuang seemed to understand Qin Xiang’s hesitation and said, “See, you can’t say it. Since that’s the case, why not try to accept this?”
Hearing this, Qin Xiang frowned and was about to explode, but Qin Shuang quickly said, “Don’t speak yet, listen to me first!”
This stopped Qin Xiang’s words before they could come out. She turned her head away from Qin Shuang, looking both aggrieved and angry.
Qin Shuang continued, “I’ve told you this before, but you wouldn’t listen. Now that it’s come to this point, think it through carefully. Uncle and Aunt don’t have the same responsibility toward us as our parents did. In this capital, important people are everywhere. Because of Father’s crimes, we’re already children of a criminal – what status do we have? Now we rely on our Uncle and Aunt’s support for people to look at us with respect. Moreover, when we came to the capital, Mother reminded us that we not only need to live well ourselves but also repay Uncle and Aunt’s kindness. Uncle is an official, and what official doesn’t hope for their daughters and relatives to marry well? If nothing else, it builds connections, doesn’t it? Given all this, why do you think Aunt still found Xue Qing Yun for you?”
Qin Shuang spoke with great sincerity, explaining everything clearly and logically.
“First, Lady Song and Aunt have thoroughly investigated Xue Qing Yun. In marriage, isn’t the person you’re marrying the most important thing? Aunt is truly thinking of your happiness for the rest of your life. If they relied solely on the Marquis’s reputation to arrange a higher match for you, do you think they don’t know about our affairs in Jin Zhou? Forget about Jin Zhou – large households can even investigate the Cloud Mist Mountain incident. How would others view you then? Would you rather cry in a grand mansion or smile in a modest one? Second, to put it bluntly, because of Father’s situation, Aunt can’t find someone with both good character and high status. So now it’s not about us choosing others, but others choosing us…”
“You think Xue Qing Yun’s current position is too low, but with the Marquis’s household behind him, they will help him advance – won’t he be promoted eventually? Fourth Brother is entering the Patrol Guard, Third Brother is joining the Imperial Guard, these are all forms of support. Everyone will get better and better in the future – why are you only looking at the present? If you marry into a high-ranking family, you’ll enter a house with ten concubines waiting for you, and countless more scheming against you in the future – would you be happy then?”
Listening to Qin Shuang’s words, Qin Wan was almost impressed. This girl who used to follow behind Qin Xiang and be ordered around was now clearly more intelligent and perceptive than Qin Xiang.
While Qin Wan inwardly applauded Qin Shuang, Qin Xiang’s expression slightly shifted. Seeing this, Qin Shuang’s eyes brightened slightly, “Do you think what I’m saying is right? Life is what you make of it. He may not be from a wealthy or noble family now because his parents aren’t particularly powerful, but as long as he’s good and ambitious, why couldn’t he become someone important in the future?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan added, “Although I only saw him from afar that day, I felt that Young Master Xue was very steady. At the time, while the Wu An Marquis’s heir was leading and others were joining in the laughter and revelry, he alone stood watching from the side. Though he appeared to be with the Wu An Marquis’s heir, he kept himself somewhat apart. Just from this, I felt he was quite different from those young masters following the Wu An Marquis’s heir. If you’re worried, Qin Shuang and I can ask Aunt more questions – find out which year he entered the Patrol Guard, even how his superiors evaluate him. The more we ask, the more reassured you might feel.”
It would have been better not to mention the Wu An Marquis’s heir – the mention made Qin Xiang recall what she’d seen of him that day.
Her lips pressed together, her mind filled with the Wu An Marquis heir’s spirited bearing, that innate nobility and pride that came from his birth – something people from ordinary families could never emulate. For Xue Qing Shan to reach that level would be incredibly difficult. Thinking this, bitterness and resentment welled up in Qin Xiang’s heart. Why? Why wasn’t she Qin Wan? Why wasn’t she Qin Zhao Yu? Why did she have to have a father who committed such evil deeds?!
Never had Qin Xiang so despised her deceased father…
“Rather than shutting yourself in your room being angry, if you’re worried, why not do something about it? If Xue Qing Yun truly isn’t as ordinary as you think, wouldn’t you feel better?”
Qin Wan offered another word of persuasion. Qin Shuang had said everything that needed to be said, so she could only think about what Qin Xiang could do now. Xue Qing Yun’s background and family status couldn’t be changed – the only thing that could give Qin Xiang hope was Xue Qing Yun himself.
Qin Xiang’s lips remained tightly pressed together, her expression uncertain. Qin Shuang and Qin Wan had said all they could, but Qin Xiang remained unresponsive for a long while. Just when Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were losing hope, Qin Xiang suddenly lowered her eyes and gave a bitter smile. “You’re too kind, still thinking so much for me at this time. I am indeed unhappy, but I have no other choice.”
Qin Shuang and Qin Wan exchanged glances, both their expressions relaxing.
Qin Xiang had always been arrogant, particularly hostile and jealous toward Qin Wan. If she could speak properly now, Qin Wan naturally wouldn’t treat her coldly. Seeing her attitude finally improve, Qin Wan felt somewhat gratified. She hadn’t done much, but it was good that Qin Xiang hadn’t disappointed Qin Shuang’s sincere intentions.
Qin Shuang said happily, “I thought you would be angry! It’s good that you’ve taken our words to heart. These next few days, Ninth Sister and I will gather more information for you. You should trust Aunt – she and Lady Song won’t misjudge people.”
Qin Xiang still kept her head down but was now willing to speak. “You’re very kind. If you find out anything, do tell me.” Then in a low voice, she added, “You know my personality – I can’t change it quickly. Anyway, there’s still so long until the wedding, I should think it through carefully.”
Qin Shuang couldn’t be more satisfied. “Good, good, that’s wonderful! Don’t worry, we’ll ask around for you. You think it through too. Sometimes when you stop being so fixated, you might become happier. Family background and wealth are like passing clouds – they could disappear at any time. Having someone who truly cares for you is what matters.”
Qin Xiang shook her head. “Will he truly care for me?”
Qin Shuang nodded vigorously, and Qin Wan said softly, “He will. He’s a military man, and you’re a beautiful, well-mannered young lady from a good family. Once he sees you, he will surely like you…”
Qin Wan wasn’t one to flatter people but setting aside Qin Xiang’s temperament, her appearance was indeed quite fine. And Xue Qing Yun, coming from a military background, was likely rough around the edges. One rough, straightforward, brave, and generous; the other beautiful, gentle, cultured, and proper – they could complement each other well.
“Yes, yes, yes! You’re so beautiful, how could he not truly care for you? Besides, there’s still the Marquis’s household and us. If he doesn’t treat you well, we’ll have Third Brother and Fourth Brother beat him half to death!”
As Qin Shuang spoke, she even raised her fists. Qin Xiang gave a light snort and finally smiled. Then she rubbed her eyes, “Alright, alright, you can go now. My eyes are swollen – I won’t keep you.”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang felt as if she’d been doused with cold water, but thinking of Qin Xiang’s personality, she found it normal. Change doesn’t happen overnight – she had gradually been influenced by Qin Wan. Thinking this way, she didn’t blame Qin Xiang and left Maple Grove Court with Qin Wan.
“This is wonderful!” Qin Shuang’s face was full of joy. “From what I heard from Aunt, if all goes well with the marriage, they’ll set a date after spring begins, and she could probably marry in summer. Ah, we’ve grown up together since childhood, and now at this moment, there’s some indescribable feeling, quite melancholic. After she becomes a wife, how could we have the same sisterly bond as today? Looking back in the future, even our arguments and anger will have a special flavor.”
Qin Wan had no siblings, but seeing Qin Shuang so moved, she understood her feelings. They discussed how to help investigate Qin Xiang before finally stopping.
It snowed for another whole day. By dinner time, Qin Xiang’s swollen eyes had subsided, and she seemed more cheerful – certainly much better than her gloomy state earlier in the day. Seeing this, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged knowing glances, both relieved. They didn’t usually eat together every day, but today Qin Shu and Qin Yan, Qin Ye had all returned early, so they gathered together. The large table was harmonious and complete.
After the third round of dishes, Qin Shu suddenly asked, “Wan’er, did you see King Cheng today?”
At this question, everyone at the table looked at Qin Wan. She nodded, “Yes, at Shou Kang Palace. Why?”
Qin Shu’s face bore a somewhat ambiguous smile with hints of satisfaction. Hearing her response, he waved his hand, “Nothing, just asking.”
How could it be nothing?!
Qin Wan was surprised, and Qin Shuang’s eyes widened, waiting to hear more. Seeing many pairs of eyes on him, Qin Shu finally smiled and said, “This is King Cheng, early this morning he overheard Wan’er and Fu Ling’s conversation about the Meng family matter. He tried to report to the Emperor, wanting to say that Minister Zheng and the Crown Prince were negligent, letting such a major case’s details be known to a young girl. But he didn’t know that both the Emperor and Minister Zheng were aware of this…”
Qin Yan smiled, “So King Cheng’s attempt to report failed?”
Qin Shu nodded, “Indeed…”
What Qin Shu knew came from Zheng Bai Shi, and he could imagine King Cheng’s expression at the time, which made him feel quite pleased!
Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang listened in confusion – all these officials, kings, and crown princes had nothing to do with them. They didn’t know them and couldn’t even understand what Qin Shu was talking about…
Madam Hu then said, “Speaking of which, the Crown Prince suddenly sent a gift this afternoon.”
She looked at Qin Zhao Yu with pride, “For Yu’er.”
Qin Zhao Yu’s lips curved slightly, and though she tried to control her expression, the blush on her cheeks betrayed her current mood. Watching Qin Zhao Yu’s expression, Qin Wan raised an eyebrow slightly – could it be that Qin Zhao Yu wanted more than just the position of Crown Princess?
“Speaking of which, the Lantern Festival is approaching. I wonder how the Empress will arrange things.”
After Madam Hu finished speaking, Qin Zhao Yu said, “Mother, don’t worry, the Empress won’t change her mind.”
Madam Hu and Qin Shu exchanged glances, and Qin Zhao Yu continued, “When the time comes, we just need to attend the banquet.”
Seeing Qin Zhao Yu so confident, Madam Hu was also extremely happy. She looked at Qin Wan and said, “Good, good, good. This will be Wan’er’s first palace banquet. Tomorrow I’ll have some more dresses sent to you, to avoid any breach of etiquette…”
Just as Qin Wan was about to say it wasn’t necessary, Qin Zhao Yu looked at her with a smile and said, “Yes, at this palace banquet, Ninth Sister’s marriage might also be decided.”