As the Empress Dowager’s words fell, all the ladies outside the hall raised their eyebrows slightly. Though she hadn’t called Qin Wan by name, that single word “Ninth” was enough for everyone to know who she meant. After all, who else could be the Empress Dowager’s current favorite besides the “Little Medical Immortal” of the Qin family?

Sure enough, Qin Wan emerged, wearing a celestial blue cloak embroidered with the distant mountains and moons of Lan Mountain. Underneath, she wore a smoke-gray pleated palace gown with a lotus-colored short jacket adorned with cloud patterns. She moved gracefully, her black hair like clouds, eyebrows like distant mountains, and skin like pristine snow. Her clear, transparent eyes resembled a shallow stream bathed in moonlight – pure and otherworldly.

As she approached the Empress Dowager’s sedan chair, the mountains and moons on her cloak seemed to come alive with her lotus-like steps, making her appear even more like an immortal maiden, both elegant and dignified.

Most present had seen Qin Wan before, but their previous encounter at the palace banquet had been different. Though she had become the center of attention then, it wasn’t until halfway through the feast. Today, before the Empress Dowager had even appeared, Qin Wan had captured everyone’s gaze. Days had passed, yet seeing her again only increased their amazement. While most beauties might dazzle at first sight, please at second, and become ordinary by the third, Qin Wan was different.

Zhao Shuhua, standing at the front, watched with a faint smile as Qin Wan approached. Even she couldn’t help but admire her. Among beauties, Qin Chaoyu was one, Feng Chenbi another, and even Peng Huajing of the Defense Duke’s family was notable. But Qin Wan alone possessed an ethereal beauty that delighted the heart – two parts transcendent dignity, two parts serene grace, three parts gentle resilience, and the remaining two parts something Zhao Shuhua couldn’t quite define. It seemed unique to healers – the magnanimity of one who could save lives, the compassion that felt empathy for all living things.

Zhao Shuhua sighed internally. No wonder such a person had won the Empress Dowager’s favor.

These past days, Qin Wan’s reputation as the Little Medical Immortal had spread throughout the capital. Those who hadn’t seen her might have harbored doubts, but seeing her today, they understood why the title “Medical Immortal” could belong to none other. She approached the Empress Dowager’s sedan chair, and as Elder Maid Chen lifted the curtain, the Empress Dowager slowly descended while holding Qin Wan’s wrist.

“Greetings to the Empress Dowager—”

Everyone knelt in respect, even the Empress. Qin Wan stood beside the Empress Dowager, half-supporting and half-holding her hand, clearly showing the trust and favor she enjoyed.

The Empress Dowager raised her chin, “Everyone rises—”

As Zhao Shuhua led everyone to stand, Qin Wan curtsied to the Empress.

Zhao Shuhua moved to the Empress Dowager’s other side to support her, “Mother, your health has improved greatly. When the ladies learned you would attend today, they were all looking forward to it…”

Qin Wan and Zhao Shuhua supported the Empress Dowager on either side as they slowly walked toward the hall entrance.

Seeing this, everyone quickly made their way.

The Empress Dowager looked around at the gathering. She recognized most of the married ladies but wasn’t familiar with the young misses. She nodded at familiar faces while walking and smiled, “This is meant to be a gathering for you young people. I’m old now, just here to join in the festivities. Later, you should all enjoy yourselves as you wish. I’m just here to move about a bit, to relax.”

“Yes, I understand, Mother. There’s nothing for you to worry about today. Just sit in the hall and enjoy the songs and dances. When you tire of sitting, you can admire the plum blossoms in the snow in the garden. Later, the theater troupe I arranged will begin performing – they have all your favorite plays in their repertoire…”

The Empress Dowager was very pleased to hear this. “That’s wonderful. I’ll just have Little Nine and Ninth Girl accompany me. You go attend to your duties.” As she finished speaking, she was helped to her seat.

Chao Lu Palace was enormous. Though today’s banquet was held here, activities weren’t confined to the hall. As soon as the Empress Dowager was seated, music began to play, and soon after, a group of colorfully dressed palace maids entered in formation, dancing gracefully in the hall. The ladies sat in their assigned seats, some chatting in small groups, others heading to the garden in pairs – all quite relaxed and casual. The Empress sat to the right below the Empress Dowager, occasionally calling young ladies forward to converse.

Those summoned were overjoyed, as it meant they might become the wife of a prince.

Today wasn’t just about selecting consorts for Yan Che and Yan Qi – any eligible royal clan member could have potential matches considered by the Empress. However, the positions of Crown Princess and Prince Cheng’s primary wife were particularly important.

“Empress, when will Che’er and the others arrive?”

The Empress smiled, “Mother, very soon. Not only will Che’er and the others come, but I’ve invited many noble young men as well. Yan Chi and Yan Li will also join them. It will be more enjoyable for the young people to gather together.”

Hearing that Yan Chi would attend, Qin Wan maintained a calm expression though her heart stirred.

The Empress’s arrangements today seemed designed to let the capital’s noble young men and women observe each other. Could it be that she also wanted to arrange a marriage for Yan Chi?

This thought made Qin Wan’s eyebrows rise slightly.

Meanwhile, Ninth Prince Yan Sui held his chess pieces motionless, his eyes fixed on the snow outside. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager smiled wryly, “Very well, very well. Now that we’ve left Shou Kang Palace, we shouldn’t restrict him. Nanny Su, take him for a walk but be careful. Bring him back before the opera begins, and don’t let him catch cold.”

Yan Sui’s eyes brightened, and Nanny Su carried him away.

The Empress Dowager sat in the main seat. Not wanting Qin Wan to leave her side, she had her sit in a small seat below her – though newly added, it was almost as prominent as Zhao Shuhua’s position. Zhao Shuhua glanced at Qin Wan, “I heard Ninth Miss caught a cold recently. Are you better now?”

Qin Wan quickly replied, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I’ve fully recovered.”

Zhao Shuhua smiled with satisfaction and continued, “The Empress Dowager favors you. Today, please help me look after the Empress Dowager and the Ninth Prince. The Empress Dowager is frail, and the Ninth Prince is young – I trouble you with this task.”

As she spoke, Qin Wan met Zhao Shuhua’s gaze, seeing deeper meaning in her eyes.

Remembering what Qin Chaoyu had said about Feng Ling Su and Prince Cheng’s plans, this glance carried a special warning from Zhao Shuhua. Understanding and genuinely concerned for the Empress Dowager’s health, Qin Wan quickly nodded, “Your Majesty need not worry. I will ensure the Empress Dowager’s complete well-being.”

The Empress Dowager laughed, “What need is there to look after me? Just keep me company while we watch the opera.”

Qin Wan agreed again. Just then, a commotion arose outside the hall.

“Your Majesty, Noble Consort has arrived…”

Zhao Shuhua’s smile deepened as she looked toward the entrance. Sure enough, Feng Ling Su approached with several palace consorts following her. Feng Ling Su also favored light colors, which made her appear younger. She walked gracefully and offered elegant greetings to the Empress Dowager and Empress. Qin Wan also rose to curtsy.

“Sister, why have you arrived so late?”

Zhao Shuhua smiled as she gestured for Feng Ling Su to be seated. Feng Ling Su replied with a graceful smile, “I had intended to come earlier, but this morning His Majesty’s meal wasn’t to his liking. He wanted my lotus seed soup again, so I hurriedly prepared a serving to be sent to Chong Zheng Palace. That caused some delay.”

Zhao Shuhua’s smile never faltered, “His Majesty has favored your cooking all these years. I remember when you first entered the palace, you won His Majesty’s heart with your skill at brewing soups and preparing tonics. All these years, you and His Majesty have remained as close as lacquer and glue.”

Though Zhao Shuhua’s tone was gentle and sincere, Feng Ling Su’s smile became somewhat strained.

Everyone knew that while Prince Luo had greatly respected and trusted his primary wife Zhao Shuhua, it was Feng Ling Su, who entered the household later, whom he had loved most deeply. At that time, Zhao Shuhua was dignified and elegant, while Feng Ling Su was graceful and gentle. Prince Luo had two beauties – Zhao Shuhua capable of managing the household, and Feng Ling Su providing tender care. For years, as Zhao Shuhua wielded power with the phoenix seal and Feng Ling Su maintained her favor, it had been considered a beautiful tale. People thought Yan Huai had been captivated by Feng Ling Su’s gentle affection, never suspecting she had used certain tactics to win his heart.

Feng Ling Su preferred to believe Yan Huai had genuinely loved her, but Zhao Shuhua seemed to suggest she had won his heart through cooking skills, diminishing the romance and lowering her status. Though it was history, seeing the subtle changes in the expressions of those seated below, Feng Ling Su couldn’t help but laugh coldly inside.

“Taking care of His Majesty is this sister’s duty. Elder Sister has always had many affairs to manage, so naturally, these small matters fell to me. All these years, His Majesty and I have been of one heart and mind, just like an ordinary married couple. These small matters truly don’t interfere with anything.”

Though Feng Ling Su spoke with a delicate expression, her words carried a boastful tone. In the imperial family, achieving the closeness of an ordinary married couple would be something all women envied. Yet she, not the Empress, merely a consort who would be a concubine in an ordinary household, dared to call herself a “wife” – truly disrespectful to Zhao Shuhua.

However, Zhao Shuhua showed no anger. Instead, she seemed genuinely praising the long-lasting affection between Yan Huai and Feng Ling Su. The Empress Dowager listened silently, showing no reaction. Noticing the palace maids dancing and finding the music somewhat familiar, she began discussing the tune with Qin Wan. Seeing this, Feng Ling Su looked at Qin Wan more closely. Sitting above Feng Ling Su, Zhao Shuhua noticed her gaze, and her smile deepened.

A moment later, a palace servant announced, “Your Majesties, the Crown Prince, and Prince Cheng have arrived…”

Zhao Shuhua looked at the suddenly animated ladies in the hall, then at the Empress Dowager, who truly doted on her grandsons, and smiled, “Let them enter.”

As the words fell, several figures appeared at the hall entrance as more than ten young men entered together.

Through the crowd, Qin Wan immediately spotted Yan Chi, whose tall, handsome figure stood out prominently.

At the same moment, Yan Chi’s gaze met hers.

As their eyes met, a brilliant light flashed in Yan Chi’s eyes, stirring Qin Wan’s heartstrings. With so many watching, she dared not look long and quickly lowered her gaze.

“Greetings to Imperial Grandmother, greetings to Mother—”

“Greetings to Imperial Grandmother, greetings to Your Majesty the Empress—”

Everyone bowed together. Besides Yan Che and Yan Qi, Yan Chi and Yan Li were present, followed by Chen Zhaowen, the heir of the Martial Peace Marquis, Zhao Jing, son of the Grand General of National Defense, and even Qin Yan was among them. There were five or six others whose identities Qin Wan didn’t know, but she guessed they must be sons of the capital’s noble families.

After they paid their respects, the Empress Dowager smiled as she looked them over and nodded, “Very good, very good. Once today passes, we can consider the new year begun. There are many people today, you have your ways of enjoying yourselves – go play, don’t feel restricted here.”

Yan Li stepped forward with a smile, “Grandson still wants to keep you company for the opera later. How can you send me away as soon as you arrive?”

Though the Empress Dowager deeply cared for all the princes, only the current Emperor and Prince Gong were her biological sons. Therefore, Yan Li was her direct grandson. Because of this, Empress Dowager showed particular affection for him, which was why his status hadn’t been reduced to that of a criminal official despite Prince Gong’s previous attempted rebellion. Although it remained uncertain whether he could inherit the Prince Gong title in the future, at least publicly, everyone still respected him as Young Master.

Yan Li walked to the Empress Dowager’s side of his own accord, and she held his hand saying, “If you could sit quietly and watch the opera with me, that would be fine. But you’re all talk – don’t you always try to run away halfway through?”

Yan Li quickly apologized with a smile, “This time, grandson swears he won’t run away. Grandmother has been ill for so long and is finally better, naturally, I should keep you company…”

The Empress Dowager smiled and looked at Qin Wan, who had already stood up, “This is all thanks to our Ninth girl…”

Then, looking at Yan Che and the others standing below, “You boys, don’t you dare bully Ninth girl in the future. She’s my lucky star – if I hear anyone has bullied her, you won’t like the consequences.”

These words referenced the previous incident with Feng Zhang. Madam Yu and Feng Chenbi, standing nearby, trembled internally at these words. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager hadn’t named names, sparing them embarrassment. Feng Chenbi had already changed her hairpin to a kingfisher ornament – she certainly didn’t dare wear the one Noble Consort Feng had given her any more.

Hearing this, Yan Qi’s lips curved slightly, and he spoke with apparent enthusiasm, “Rest assured, Grandmother. Given Ninth Miss’s current status, we’re eager to protect her – how could we bully her? Last time at your palace, I met Ninth Miss and we enjoyed viewing plum blossoms together. We had a delightful conversation, didn’t we, Ninth Miss?”

Yan Qi deliberately described their chance encounter as “viewing plum blossoms” in front of everyone, and what had been her cold demeanor became “a delightful conversation” in his telling. Qin Wan’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Yan Qi’s malicious gaze. By speaking this way in front of everyone, he intended to create misunderstandings – but what benefit would that bring him?

The thought flashed through her mind; Qin Wan had no idea that Yan Qi had developed other intentions toward her.

As Yan Qi finished speaking, murmurs arose around them. He could have kept that day’s events to himself, but by describing them this way, he seemed to be hinting at something. Considering this, the noble young ladies’ gazes toward Qin Wan changed. She was merely an orphaned daughter from the Qin family’s second branch, and now that she had the Empress Dowager’s favor, wasn’t she trying to use this opportunity to secure a good marriage?

As the situation shifted, Feng Ling Su’s smile deepened, while the Empress Dowager’s brows furrowed. Meanwhile, Zhao Shuhua showed surprise, apparently unaware of any connection between Yan Qi and Qin Wan.

“Is Prince Cheng referring to our chance encounter at Shou Kang Palace? Qin Wan remembers that day clearly – Prince Cheng reprimanded me for inappropriately discussing state affairs. I spent much time reflecting on this after returning home.”

Qin Wan spoke calmly, and her words caused everyone to pause. The “delightful conversation” had become a “reprimand”? What did this mean? The Empress Dowager was the first to turn to Qin Wan, “Ninth girl, what happened?”

Qin Wan gave Yan Qi an amused look before lowering her head to explain, “Empress Dowager, do you remember when I came to tend to your health? When I reached the palace gate, I learned Prince Cheng was inside, so I waited outside briefly. Later, my maid mentioned plum blossoms blooming in the side courtyard, so I went to look. While viewing them, I discussed some recent events in the capital with my maid, not knowing Prince Cheng had appeared behind us and overheard. Since he was concerned with state affairs, he immediately reprimanded me for daring to discuss such matters as a young lady. I felt quite ashamed at the time.”

After explaining, she looked back at Yan Qi, “Prince Cheng need not worry – I have reflected on my behavior. In front of the Empress Dowager, Prince Cheng should speak truthfully rather than trying to cover for me with false words.”

Qin Wan’s tone was cool, with hints of mockery. As her words fell, the expressions of those around her changed several times. Zhao Shuhua gave a light laugh, while Feng Ling Su could no longer smile. She glared viciously at Qin Wan, her fists clenched tightly in her sleeves. Yan Qi’s words had been merely a test, but now she could see clearly that Qin Wan had no intention of siding with them.

Thinking this, a poisonous glint flashed in Feng Ling Su’s eyes as she lowered them. If so, she couldn’t blame herself for being ruthless.

The atmosphere grew tense for a moment until Yan Li snickered, “Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother, did you perhaps speak harshly and offend Ninth Miss that day? Are you making it sound pleasant now because you’re afraid Grandmother will find out?”

Yan Li turned to the Empress Dowager with a laugh, “Grandmother doesn’t know, but last time when I invited Ninth Miss to play chess with me, she refused. When I heard Fourth Brother’s words just now, I believed them and felt quite dissatisfied, but it turns out he was just joking.”

In these few exchanges, the truth and falsehood of everyone’s words became clear. With Yan Li’s humorous interjection supporting the truth, Yan Qi’s expression had become quite unpleasant. The Empress Dowager gave him a meaningful look, “So that’s how it was. Qi’er, even if the Ninth girl was discussing something with her maid, it hardly matters. You’re used to scolding those around you, but Ninth Girl isn’t one of your followers. In the future, you must show proper courtesy.”

Though the Empress Dowager didn’t manage palace affairs, these words were already quite severe. Yan Qi quickly forced a laugh, “Yes, yes, yes, grandson will heed Grandmother’s teachings. That day I wasn’t scolding Ninth Miss – I just wanted to greet her but didn’t know how to approach. I happened to hear their discussion and said a few words of advice. It was my mistake…”

Although Yan Qi was a prince known for his arrogant and domineering manner, these words seemed to lower his status for Qin Wan’s sake. The just-quieted discussions arose again – what was Prince Cheng trying to do?

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager continued, “It’s good that you acknowledge your mistake.” Then, ignoring whatever else Yan Qi might say, she turned to Yan Che, “Che’er, what is your father doing?”

Yan Che quickly replied, “Grandmother, Father is still meeting with external officials, but he’ll come to watch the opera with you later.”

The Empress Dowager smiled, “Good. Now all of you go play – why are such tall young men crowding in here? Make yourselves comfortable, but when the opera begins, no running around.”

At this command, Yan Che glanced at Qin Wan before turning to leave. The others bowed and withdrew one by one, even Yan Li headed toward the outer courtyard. Zhao Shuhua smiled, “Prince Cheng seems rather strange today.”

Zhao Shuhua didn’t specify what was strange about him, and Feng Ling Su merely smiled without responding.

The Empress Dowager had Qin Wan sit down and patted her hand reassuringly.

The music in the hall began again. Qin Wan sat in her seat, but her heart was uneasy. Her gaze turned to the tea and refreshments laid out before them. Qin Chaoyu had said the Empress Dowager was Noble Consort and Prince Cheng’s target today, but if so, why had Prince Cheng deliberately tried to create misunderstandings about their connection?

“Empress Dowager, your tea has grown cold.”

Qin Wan spoke softly, replacing the Empress Dowager’s tea with fresh tea. While doing so, she carefully sniffed the tea’s aroma but found nothing amiss. If they wanted to frame her, they couldn’t use poison – at most, they might use incompatible medicines to trigger changes in the Empress Dowager’s condition, but the tea showed no signs of tampering.

Qin Wan frowned slightly, perhaps lost too deeply in thought, as the Empress Dowager noticed her unease, “Ninth girl, what’s wrong?”

Qin Wan quickly came back to herself, shaking her head, “Nothing. Empress Dowager shouldn’t drink cold tea, and you should also be careful with the sweets in the hall today – sweet foods can interfere with your medicine.”

The Empress Dowager laughed outright, “You are something – how nice it would be to just enjoy the music, yet you’re still thinking about my illness?”

Qin Wan lowered her eyes, “Naturally, I must consider your health, Your Majesty.”

The Empress Dowager held her hand, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen today.”

These words carried deeper meaning, but before Qin Wan could ponder them, Zhao Shuhua looked outside and said, “Little Nine has been out for a while now, I wonder how he’s doing.”

Feng Ling Su glanced outside, her eyes moving slightly, “Indeed, where has the Ninth Prince gone?”

“Little Nine likes watching the snow, Nanny Su took him out.”

Zhao Shuhua answered, and Feng Ling Su sighed, “It’s quite cold outside.”

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager grew concerned and looked at Elder Maid Chen beside her, “Go check on him and have him return soon.”

Elder Maid Chen quickly accepted the command and left. Seeing this, Feng Ling Su looked at the Empress Dowager, then at Qin Wan, anxiety appearing in her eyes. Meanwhile, Zhao Shuhua raised her hand to beckon Qin Chaoyu.

Earlier when Yan Che and the others left, most noble ladies had followed, but Qin Chaoyu and a few other noble ladies remained in the hall. Seeing Zhao Shuhua call her, Qin Chaoyu immediately approached, and Zhao Shuhua said, “Chaoyu, I think the hall needs more flower arrangements. Why don’t you go pick some plum blossoms?”

Feng Ling Su’s thoughts stirred at these words, and she quickly said, “Indeed, this might be our last chance to enjoy plum blossoms. After this snow, who knows if we’ll have more? I want to pick plum blossoms in the snow!”

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager looked at Qin Wan, “Ninth girl, why don’t you go with your sister?”

Feng Ling Su smiled, “Yes, Ninth Miss must be getting bored sitting here all this time.”

Qin Wan wanted to decline, but Qin Chaoyu came forward and grabbed her hand, “Come on, come on, pick some plum blossoms for the Empress Dowager. Both the Empress Dowager and the Empress want you to go…”

As she spoke, she pulled firmly, seemingly determined to make Qin Wan stand.

Having no choice, Qin Wan stood up. The Empress Dowager said kindly, “Go on, go on, and bring Little Nine back with you – he probably won’t listen to Nanny Su and Elder Maid Chen…”

With these words, Qin Wan had to agree. Qin Chaoyu glanced at the Empress, curtsied, and led Qin Wan out of the main hall of Chao Lu Palace. Seeing this, Feng Ling Su’s lips curved up slightly.