“What? You say this is the Empress’s intention?” Qin Shu’s brows furrowed deeply, his eyes darkening. Qin Chaoyu nodded, “Yes, Father. I also think Her Majesty the Empress makes a good point. Rather than hiding in the mansion, it would be better to enter the palace and see what Prince Cheng and Noble Consort have planned. Moreover, since they intend to use the Empress Dowager’s illness as leverage, it would be safer for Ninth Sister to stay by the Empress Dowager’s side.”
Qin Shu’s eyes flashed with sharpness. “Did you hear this directly from the Empress’s servant?”
Qin Chaoyu nodded again, “Yes, it was Yun Yan, the Empress’s most trusted servant, who said this. I meant to withdraw, but Her Majesty said there was no need, and that’s when I heard about Noble Consort and Prince Cheng’s plot.”
The room fell silent for a moment. After a while, Qin Shu sighed, “Very well, I understand. Go tell your Ninth Sister to prepare early tomorrow morning to enter the palace.”
Qin Chaoyu’s eyes brightened. She had feared Qin Shu would be stubborn, but now he was being so reasonable, making her task of fulfilling the Empress’s arrangements much easier.
Qin Chaoyu rose, “Good, I’ll go find Ninth Sister now.” She curtsied and turned toward the door. After taking two steps, Qin Shu added, “Tell your Ninth Sister to stay close to the Empress Dowager tomorrow. She must not leave Her Majesty’s side even for a moment.”
Thinking Qin Shu was merely concerned for the Empress Dowager’s safety, Qin Chaoyu quickly agreed.
After Qin Chaoyu left, Qin Shu sat in his main seat, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Qin Yan noticed his father’s changing expression. “Father, what’s wrong? About the Empress’s side…”
Qin Yan was more perceptive than Qin Chaoyu and had noticed Qin Shu’s unusual behavior.
Qin Shu spoke after a moment, “For Yun Yan to report this matter in front of Chaoyu seems somewhat unusual.”
Qin Yan thought quickly, “Father means the Empress did this deliberately?” Then he couldn’t help adding, “But why…”
“To get Wan’er to enter the palace.”
Qin Shu spoke while sighing softly, “It seems we cannot avoid this after all.”
Qin Yan frowned, “What does the Empress want with Ninth Sister? Also, Father previously said that Noble Consort Su and Prince Cheng wanted to use Ninth Sister to drive a wedge between us and the Crown Prince. Now that their plan has failed, they want to harm Ninth Sister instead. That makes sense, doesn’t it? Father, what are you suspicious about?”
Qin Shu’s eyes were dark, and after a long while, he shook his head, “Perhaps you’re right. If it’s as you say, that would be for the best.”
Qin Yan’s lips curved slightly, “Father, are you worrying too much? The Empress’s trust in Sister is a good thing.”
Qin Shu smiled bitterly, “Gaining the Empress’s trust doesn’t come without a price.” He sighed deeply, “But since we’ve decided to let your sister take this path, we have no other choice.”
In the Song Feng courtyard, Qin Wan asked with slight surprise, “Enter the palace tomorrow?”
Qin Chaoyu nodded and dismissed the servants. Seeing this, Qin Wan had Fu Ling and Bai Ying withdraw as well. Only when they alone did Qin Chaoyu speak, “Yes, I just returned from the palace and learned that Noble Consort and Prince Cheng plan to use Empress Dowager’s illness tomorrow to frame you. Framing you means framing our household. They want to destroy our family because of the Crown Prince. The Empress says you must enter the palace tomorrow. First, your medical skills can help the Empress Dowager at any time. Second, hiding isn’t the solution. Now that we’re prepared if Prince Cheng dares to act, we’ll catch them red-handed!”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows as she listened. Whether she entered the palace or not was originally a small matter. But first, Qin Shu had made excuses to keep her in the mansion, and now Qin Chaoyu came with this explanation involving the Empress.
She was just a lonely daughter of the Qin family who knew some medicine. The Empress Dowager’s status was so noble – how could Feng Ling Su and Prince Cheng risk such danger just to frame her? If the plot was discovered, the Emperor valued the Empress Dowager’s health above all else. At that time, Prince Cheng would not only lose his chance at becoming Crown Prince but might also lose his life. Was it worth all that just to deal with her?
Seeing Qin Wan’s silence, Qin Chaoyu’s eyes narrowed, “Father has instructed that tomorrow you should stay by the Empress Dowager’s side. You must ensure Her Majesty’s safety.”
Thinking of the Empress Dowager’s kind face, Qin Wan didn’t object to this arrangement. She nodded, “Very well, I’ll enter the palace tomorrow and watch over the Empress Dowager-“
Satisfied, Qin Chaoyu didn’t linger in Song Feng’s courtyard. She rose and left with Mo Yi and the others, walking briskly away. Today the Empress had praised her so much, she was eager to find Madam Hu.
Qin Wan stood by the window, watching Qin Chaoyu’s red dress disappear at the courtyard gate, her brows furrowed.
Fu Ling and Bai Ying came in from outside. Fu Ling asked, “How did things change so quickly? Young Miss is attending the palace banquet again?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes.” Then she turned and said, “Tomorrow, Bai Ying will enter the palace with me.”
Previously it had always been Fu Ling, but today she wanted Bai Ying to enter the palace. Fu Ling immediately sensed something unusual. Worry appeared in her eyes, “Young Miss… nothing bad will happen, right?”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, looking at the falling snow outside, “Let’s hope not.”
Snow had fallen all night, and on the morning of the Lantern Festival, it showed no signs of stopping. Qin Wan rose early as usual, ate breakfast, and dressed before going to Ren Shou Hall.
The other members of the household were already waiting in Ren Shou Hall. When Qin Wan appeared, their eyes brightened.
Madam Hu was also dressed formally today. After looking Qin Wan up and down, she nodded with a smile, “Very good. Let’s go. When we enter the palace, you’ll need to go to Shou Kang Palace first.”
Qin Wan nodded in agreement. After Qin Shu gave a few more instructions, they all set out together.
Three carriages had been prepared today: one for Qin Chaoyu and her mother, one for Qin Wan and Bai Ying, and one for Qin Chaoyu and Madam Hu’s close servants. The carriages moved slowly along the snow-covered streets of Lin’an, and before long, Zheng Hua Gate could be seen in the distance.
Inside the carriage, Qin Wan spoke seriously, “There may be incidents at today’s palace banquet. Be vigilant.”
Bai Ying nodded, “Yes, this servant will protect Young Miss at all costs.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved upward, “Usually when I enter the palace, I take Fu Ling with me because I think entering the palace to treat the Empress Dowager isn’t much different from visiting the Meng household. But this time isn’t as simple as usual. Young Master told me early on about the dangers of the capital. I didn’t understand before, but now I’m beginning to feel it. I don’t know what awaits me today, but you know martial arts and are more clever and quick-witted than Fu Ling. Having you with me puts me more at ease.”
Bai Ying quickly nodded, her expression becoming solemn, “Young Miss naturally wouldn’t know the dangers of the capital when you were in Jin Zhou, but His Highness grew up in the royal family. Now that your reputation and status are growing, the people and things around you are no longer simple. You must be careful. However… this servant has never entered the palace before, today…”
Hearing this, Qin Wan patted Bai Ying’s arm, “Don’t worry, perhaps nothing will happen. Don’t be nervous.”
Bai Ying nodded, but although Qin Wan told her not to worry, she understood in her heart that Qin Shu’s behavior this time was very strange. Having been raised alongside Bai Feng as Yan Chi’s guard since childhood, her thoughts were naturally different. She could already smell danger.
Soon, the carriage arrived at Zheng Hua Gate.
As soon as the carriage stopped, Qin Wan heard several horses neighing. After descending from the carriage, she noticed several other carriages parked beside the Marquis’s carriages. Feng Chenbi, dressed in white, was gracefully alighting from her carriage like a willow swaying in the wind. Beside her stood Madam Yu, the wife of the Loyal Duke. The carriages were parked very close together, as the Loyal Duke’s carriage wanted to occupy the central position on the main path. Because of this, Qin Wan immediately came face to face with Feng Chenbi upon leaving her carriage.
“Is Ninth Miss also attending the banquet?”
Still harboring resentment from the previous days, Feng Chenbi’s eyes showed traces of annoyance upon seeing Qin Wan. However, with many people present at the palace gate, she maintained her innocent facade, only gazing pitifully at Qin Wan without saying more. Her mother greeted Qin Wan instead, to which Qin Wan curtsied and replied, “Indeed.”
Madam Yu raised her chin slightly as she sized up Qin Wan. “Ninth Miss’s beauty seems to be drawing more and more attention. Previously, Eighth Miss was the most eye-catching in the Marquis’s household, but now it seems times have changed…”
Madam Yu’s words were meant to sow discord. Feng Chenbi covered her mouth and smiled, “Indeed, Ninth Miss is certainly more beautiful than Chaoyu.”
Though Feng Chenbi’s voice was gentle, it was deliberately loud. As she spoke, her eyebrows curved in a smile, and her wide sleeves fluttered in the cool breeze, sending waves of subtle fragrance. Qin Wan had intended to maintain proper etiquette, but she hadn’t expected this mother-and-daughter pair to deliberately make things difficult.
She raised her gaze, first glancing at Feng Chenbi’s hair ornaments, then looking directly at her. “Miss Feng’s hair ornaments are quite exquisite. But does Miss Feng know the difference between pigeon blood ruby and mutton-fat jade?”
Feng Chenbi was momentarily stunned by this sudden question. Seeing Qin Wan’s gaze on her headdress, she raised her chin proudly. Today she wore a white jade hairpin adorned with ruby pendants – ornaments the Emperor had bestowed upon Feng Ling Su, items of tribute. With an arrogant expression, she smiled, “What difference is there? Just the color – they’re both precious stones.” She raised her hand to deliberately touch the ruby ornament. “These things can only be worn by the most noble of people. Ordinary young ladies shouldn’t even dream of them…”
After speaking, Feng Chenbi cast a contemptuous glance at the simple decorations in Qin Wan’s hair.
As Feng Chenbi was still feeling pleased with herself, she suddenly realized something wasn’t quite right. Only then did she understand that Qin Wan was drawing a parallel between herself and Qin Chaoyu. She faltered, and Qin Wan smiled, “If they’re both precious items, why make distinctions of superiority? Forcing comparisons only reveals one’s ignorance. Fine things are indeed appreciated by those who understand them. It’s a pity when someone has an elegant and noble appearance but harbors an ignorant and biased heart. Such people should speak less and act with more caution, or else no amount of fine clothes and precious ornaments can hide their ugliness and foolishness. Don’t you agree?”
Feng Chenbi’s eyes widened, “What did you say?!”
Madam Yu frowned, “What are you doing, Ninth Miss? We were merely complimenting you.”
Qin Wan smiled, but before she could speak, Qin Chaoyu’s voice rang out, “Madam, you are too noble for us to accept your praise. How the daughters of the Qin family conduct themselves is not for you to criticize. Save those words for Noble Consort. Oh my, is Sister Feng angry? How strange to see someone as gentle and delicate as Sister Feng getting angry.”
Qin Chaoyu and Madam Hu had noticed the situation, and she wasn’t one to tolerate such behavior. She immediately countered with her sarcastic remarks. In her striking red dress, her demeanor was sharp and brilliant. Feng Chenbi, intent on playing the role of a delicate flower, had already lost to Qin Chaoyu’s warrior-like presence before the confrontation truly began.
Feng Chenbi held back her anger. First mocked by Qin Wan’s composed ridicule, then faced with Qin Chaoyu’s direct aggression, she couldn’t openly show her anger. Unlike Qin Chaoyu, though she couldn’t match her sharp words, she knew how to deal with people like her. Her eyes reddened as she said softly, “Why are you being so fierce, Chaoyu? I was simply admiring Ninth Miss sincerely. If you can’t accept that your sister outshines you, just say so. Why direct such anger at me?”
Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu’s frown deepened, “Your tears come so quickly… You’ve truly learned well from Noble…”
Qin Chaoyu had meant to say she’d learned well from Noble Consort, but before she could finish, Madam Hu pulled her back sharply. This interruption made Qin Chaoyu realize she needed to be careful with her words at the palace gate.
Madam Yu was disappointed when Qin Chaoyu’s words were cut off, but she couldn’t suppress her anger. With more people gathering at the palace gate, it wouldn’t be proper to argue with someone younger, so she coldly snorted and said to Madam Hu, “Eighth Miss’s manner has become quite grand. Is today’s Lantern Festival banquet perhaps prepared specially for her?”
Madam Hu smiled warmly, her face full of maternal affection, “What are you saying, Madam? I notice Miss Feng has become increasingly precious as well. Those ruby and white jade hairpins seem to be in Noble Consort’s style. I hear they’re tribute items that Northern Qi sent for the palace ladies at the year’s end. Though it’s against protocol for Miss Feng to wear them, surely His Majesty’s deep favor for the Duke’s household means there won’t be any blame…”
As Madam Hu finished speaking, many eyes at the palace gate turned toward them. Madam Yu internally cursed her misfortune and hurriedly said, “What Noble Consort’s style? You’re mistaken. We’ll take our leave first.”
With that, Madam Yu pulled Feng Chenbi away, hurrying toward the palace gate, afraid others would get a clear look at Feng Chenbi’s hairpins. Madam Hu remained standing, still wearing her kind smile.
Qin Chaoyu snorted lightly, then turned to Qin Wan with some dissatisfaction, “Why waste words with them? All these years, when has Feng Chenbi not been sharp-tongued with me? The pretense is long gone; there’s no need for false courtesy.”
Qin Wan was different from Qin Chaoyu. She wasn’t born noble, and even after entering the capital with her father, she had to act cautiously for her parents’ sake when facing aggressive noble ladies. Moreover, her nature wasn’t flamboyant – how could she be like Qin Chaoyu, who stood high above others with such threatening presence, as if ready to slap someone at any moment? Qin Chaoyu had the confidence to openly clash with these people since childhood, but Qin Wan was different. She wouldn’t be as aggressive as Qin Chaoyu, but neither would she tolerate others bullying her. She had her dignity and principles.
“Eighth Sister has her way, and I have mine.”
Qin Wan didn’t want to argue with Qin Chaoyu. Though they shared the Qin name and she would protect what needed protecting, it didn’t mean Qin Chaoyu’s aggressive approach would work on her. She was still holding back about Yan Che’s visit to their household.
Hearing Qin Wan’s cool response, Qin Chaoyu felt a tightness in her chest and wanted to say more, but Madam Hu sighed, “Wan’er, this time you handled it better. Feng Chenbi always plays the victim. In front of so many people, your forceful approach just allowed her to act pitifully. If she had made a bigger scene, your reputation would have suffered…”
Blocked by Madam Hu’s words, Qin Chaoyu fell silent. Usually, she could maintain her composure in crowds, but today she had lost control for some reason. A flash of grievance passed through her heart, but Madam Hu was already leading them to enter the palace. Qin Chaoyu took a deep breath, deciding to let it go since it was the Lantern Festival banquet.
After entering the palace gates, Madam Hu had planned to take Qin Wan and Qin Chaoyu to Chao Lu Palace in the inner court, but just after passing through Zheng Yang Gate, they saw Elder Maid Chen. Madam Hu recognized her, and seeing her waiting at the gate, immediately understood. Sure enough, Elder Maid Chen walked directly to them.
“Greetings to Madam, Eighth Miss, and Ninth Miss…”
Madam Hu nodded to Elder Maid Chen, who was the Empress Dowager’s most trusted servant – she didn’t dare take her lightly.
“Why is Elder Maid here?”
Elder Maid Chen smiled, “The Empress Dowager heard that Ninth Miss caught a cold and sent this servant to wait here and check on her condition. Her Majesty is concerned about Ninth Miss and wants her to go to Shou Kang Palace first, then proceed together to Chao Lu Palace.”
Today’s Lantern Festival banquet was to be held in Chao Lu Palace. Though Elder Maid Chen’s tone was very polite, Madam Hu knew it was an order. She didn’t dare take it lightly, “Of course, that’s proper. Wan’er was coughing yesterday, but she’s better today.”
She then turned to Qin Wan, “Wan’er, go quickly. We’ll wait for you at Chao Lu Palace.”
Qin Wan nodded, and Elder Maid Chen smiled, “It’s good that Ninth Miss is well. The Empress Dowager was extremely worried.”
With that, she bid farewell to Madam Hu and Qin Chaoyu, then left with Qin Wan.
Madam Hu and Qin Chaoyu stood there for a moment before heading to Chao Lu Palace. Watching Qin Wan talking with Elder Maid Chen, Qin Chaoyu suddenly felt a complex dissatisfaction, “Mother, does the Empress Dowager favor her so much?”
This was both a question and a statement. The Empress Dowager didn’t interfere in state affairs or inner palace matters, so even though Qin Chaoyu frequently entered the palace as a noble lady, she wasn’t familiar with the Empress Dowager. Previously, she hadn’t cared about the favor of this reclusive Empress Dowager, but now seeing Qin Wan like this, she felt somewhat jealous.
Madam Hu also looked over, “It seems so, with Elder Maid Chen coming personally to escort her.” She sighed, “This is good though. Although the Empress Dowager doesn’t manage affairs, it’s beneficial for you sisters to have another royal patron’s favor.”
Madam Hu was very satisfied that Qin Chaoyu had the Empress’s favor while Qin Wan had the Empress Dowager’s.
Qin Chaoyu suppressed her thoughts, “Mother makes sense.”
Qin Chaoyu’s goals were very clear, and she hadn’t been idle all these years. Even if she felt dissatisfied, she knew that Qin Wan wasn’t an ordinary girl. Her era of being the sole flower might be over, but what of it? Once she entered the Eastern Palace, she would be the future mother of the nation, enjoying supreme honor. One person couldn’t monopolize everyone’s affection, so what harm was there in sharing some with Qin Wan?
Raising her chin, Qin Chaoyu walked proudly along the narrow palace pathway.
When Qin Wan arrived at Shou Kang Palace, the Empress Dowager was playing chess with Yan Sui. Though young Yan Sui could barely hold the chess pieces properly, let alone play the game, he had placed all the pieces in the small squares on the board. The Empress Dowager was smiling contentedly as she played with him. Upon seeing Qin Wan arrive, her smile broadened.
“Child, you’ve finally come to the palace! Are you feeling better?”
Qin Wan curtsied and quickly responded. The Empress Dowager looked her up and down for a moment, then shook her head with a smile, “Today is the Lantern Festival banquet, yet you’re dressed so simply. You should have made yourself more striking. That sister of yours is like a brilliant peony – haven’t you been influenced by her at all…”
Qin Wan approached, while Yan Sui watched her with his clear, bright eyes.
Qin Wan could only respond helplessly, “Your Majesty, I’m not a peony – I’m afraid I’d look out of place trying to be one.”
The Empress Dowager sighed and moved over to the long couch, saying, “Come, finish this game of chess with Little Nine.”
Qin Wan came forward and sat beside the Empress Dowager, looking at the uniquely arranged chessboard before placing her piece in one of the squares.
Yan Sui remained silent, watching her with his large eyes. Seeing her place a piece, he would place his next to hers – black pieces following white ones until the board was filled.
Though it was a boring and ruleless way of playing, Qin Wan seemed thoroughly engaged in the game with Yan Sui. She even showed expressions of hesitation and difficulty, which Yan Sui believed completely. He felt he was too formidable for Qin Wan to handle, and gradually, a smile appeared on his face, his eyes bright with confidence.
The Empress Dowager’s eyes crinkled with amusement. Seeing this game might go on indefinitely, she smiled and said, “Alright, we must go to Chao Lu Palace now. Little Nine, shall we continue this game when we return?”
Yan Sui, holding three black pieces in his hand, nodded but refused to let go of the pieces.
The Empress Dowager nodded. She had already changed into her formal attire and was ready to depart. When Nanny Su came forward to have Yan Sui release the chess pieces, he stubbornly refused. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager showed her indulgence, “It’s fine, let him keep them. He’s here to play today anyway. He’s worried I won’t keep my word.”
Everyone in the room laughed. Soon after, the Empress Dowager’s procession was ready, and they all left Shou Kang Palace for Chao Lu Palace.
The Empress Dowager had sedan chairs prepared for Qin Wan and Yan Sui, following behind her procession. They quickly reached Chao Lu Palace. In her previous life, Qin Wan had visited Chao Lu Palace once – one of the few palace halls she knew.
“The Empress Dowager arrives—”
At the eunuch’s loud announcement at the hall entrance, the bustling crowd inside immediately fell silent. Everyone rose and walked outside to pay their respects. The Empress Dowager’s sedan stopped, but she didn’t emerge. Through the curtain, they heard her command, “Ninth girl, come help Us—”