When her hand was grasped, Qin Wan immediately knew it was Yan Chi, though she hadn’t expected him to find her there. As she turned around, she indeed saw Yan Chi’s face flickering in the dim light. “Why are you here?”
Yan Chi curved his lips into a smile, reached out to adjust her cloak, and noticing her cold hands, enveloped both of them in his palms. “If I weren’t here, who would warm your hands?”
Though Yan Chi spoke teasingly, Qin Wan naturally didn’t believe him. Just as she was about to respond, footsteps drew closer. Qin Wan didn’t dare speak further, only staring at Yan Chi with wide eyes. As their gazes met in the dim light, Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, and Yan Chi pulled her into his embrace.
They hadn’t seen each other for several days and had missed each other deeply. If not for these circumstances at today’s grand banquet, they wouldn’t have had the chance to meet privately. As the eunuch’s footsteps faded into the distance, Qin Wan finally withdrew from Yan Chi’s embrace. “How did you know I was here?”
Yan Chi brushed away some stray hair from her shoulder. “Someone meant you harm today, so naturally, I had to watch over you.”
Surprise flickered in Qin Wan’s eyes. “How did you know?”
Yan Chi smiled. “I have my ways of knowing. Besides, Qin Yan passed along information, intending for me to help you.”
Qin Yan… Qin Wan was momentarily confused. While Qin Chaoyu was helping the Empress, why would Qin Yan seek out Yan Chi?
“Uncle initially wouldn’t let me enter the palace but suddenly changed his mind. Eighth Sister said the Noble Consort and Prince Cheng intended to use the Empress Dowager’s illness to frame me. I had planned to stay by the Empress Dowager’s side today, but was called out to find the Ninth Prince.”
Yan Chi continued, “They meant to lure you to Tianyin Tower. You saw through it and planned to let Noble Consort Su and Prince Cheng’s efforts go to waste, then had Bai Ying seek out Feng Chenbi?”
Qin Wan nodded. “Whatever Feng Chenbi encounters there, no one will find it strange.”
Indeed, nothing would seem odd about Feng Chenbi, being the daughter of the Loyal Duke’s household, doing anything with Prince Cheng. Yan Chi’s eyes flashed with understanding as he tapped Qin Wan’s nose. “Well done. Noble Consort Su and Prince Cheng will be furious when they see it’s Feng Chenbi, but the Empress will be pleased.”
At the mention of the Empress, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly, but she asked, “What exactly were Noble Consort Su and Prince Cheng planning to do?”
Yan Chi glanced at the dark tunnel in the artificial mountain and pulled Qin Wan toward the exit. “This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s go somewhere else…”
He led Qin Wan quickly along secluded corridors deeper into the inner palace, showing no concern about meeting palace servants. Soon, they arrived at a two-story pavilion where Bai Feng stood guard at the entrance, having made preparations.
Yan Chi brought Qin Wan upstairs, where they found Yan Li and Yan Sui. To Qin Wan’s surprise, Yan Li was playing with Yan Sui, who rarely showed any expression yet was now smiling.
“Ah, Ninth Lady is here—” Yan Li’s face lit up upon seeing Qin Wan. “Looks like Seventh Brother’s heroic rescue was successful! He was so worried today…”
As Yan Chi led Qin Wan to sit down, he said, “You underestimated her. By the time I arrived, she had already left through the side path with Bai Ying, and even involved Feng Chenbi.”
Yan Li’s eyes brightened. “Even drew in Feng Chenbi! Ha! Prince Cheng’s head must be about to explode!”
Qin Wan looked between Yan Li and Yan Chi. “What exactly was Prince Cheng planning to do?”
By involving Feng Chenbi, Qin Wan had merely intended to teach Noble Consort Su’s faction a lesson. She didn’t know Prince Cheng’s true intentions, nor whether Feng Chenbi’s involvement would have good or bad consequences. She had felt that whatever trap Prince Cheng had set, it would be better for their people to bear it. If it didn’t harm Prince Cheng, that was fine—as long as she could escape. But from Yan Li’s tone, it seemed Feng Chenbi’s substitution was quite disadvantageous to Prince Cheng.
Yan Li asked in surprise, “You don’t know? Prince Cheng intended to marry you—your name was even added to the registry they sent to the Imperial Astronomy Bureau. As primary consort, no less!”
Qin Wan’s mind reeled. Prince Cheng wanted to marry her?!
Instinctively, Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi. Sure enough, his eyes held an intense coldness, their usual brilliance transformed into a bottomless frozen pool. Qin Wan pressed her lips together. “I see.”
Yan Li glanced at Yan Chi; having been with him, he naturally knew what Yan Chi knew.
“He had someone prepare a gift, deliberately displaying it to arouse everyone’s curiosity. The person then mentioned he had a private meeting today. Everyone understood he had a secret relationship with someone. By now, they’re probably heading to Tianyin Tower. If they were to see Prince Cheng with you there, no amount of explanation could clear your name. Add to that his placing you in the primary consort position, and both the Empress Dowager and Emperor would think he truly cherishes you.”
Yan Li continued, “However, now that it’s Feng Chenbi instead, everyone will think Prince Cheng and Feng Chenbi have long been in love. Such a marriage strengthening family ties would be welcomed by all. Noble Consort Su and Prince Cheng must be furious—if they had wanted to make Feng Chenbi the primary consort, they would have done so already. They had their eyes on Lady Peng from the Military Minister’s family, but now if Feng Chenbi becomes the primary consort, Lady Peng certainly won’t agree to be her secondary consort. Thus, they’ll lose the Military Minister’s military influence.”
All palace struggles ultimately came down to power. After Yan Li finished speaking, Qin Wan understood. Her actions had been without ulterior motive, and the results, whatever they might be, were of no concern to her.
Therefore, after Yan Li’s explanation, Qin Wan’s expression remained neutral. “From what Your Highness says, Prince Cheng and Noble Consort Su will indeed be very angry.”
Yan Li found her reaction strange. “Of course! Your unintentional actions have changed the court’s dynamics, yet you don’t seem excited at all. Prince Cheng has been persistent, but now without the Military Minister’s support, his persistence won’t achieve anything.”
Qin Wan smiled slightly. “Court situations change rapidly; it’s too early to conclude. I only hope Noble Consort Su and Prince Cheng will stop targeting me after today.”
Yan Li disagreed with her perspective. “That’s what you hope, but it’s unlikely to be granted.”
Qin Wan felt somewhat helpless. She was just a doctor, or at worst a coroner. She hadn’t yet achieved what she wanted to do, yet was being drawn into palace intrigues. This wasn’t her intention.
Qin Wan turned to look at the confused-looking Yan Sui. “Why is the Ninth Prince here?”
Yan Chi explained, “Someone took his chess piece, and he followed it to the Imperial Garden. We found him and brought him here. Later, you can take him to Tianyin Tower.”
This would give Qin Wan a good excuse for arriving late.
Seeing this, Yan Li led Yan Sui toward the window. “Come, I’ll show you the view. You can see farther from up high.”
Intentionally giving Qin Wan and Yan Chi space to talk, after Yan Li left, Yan Chi said, “When the Crown Prince learned that Prince Cheng had put your name in the registry, he also added your name to it, but as secondary consort.”
Qin Wan immediately frowned. How could the Crown Prince also…
Qin Wan didn’t sense any romantic intentions from the Crown Prince but suddenly felt as rootless as duckweed. If she hadn’t discovered this early today, or if Yan Chi hadn’t been watching from the shadows, she might never have known about this. If either Prince Cheng or the Crown Prince had truly sought to marry her, would she have had any power to resist?
Qin Wan thought about it and shook her head dejectedly. No, she would have had no power to resist.
“The Crown Prince’s heart is with Eighth Sister; he won’t take me as consort.” Then Qin Wan added, “The same goes for Prince Cheng. My background isn’t worthy of the primary consort position. To them, I’m merely a chess piece.”
The frost in Yan Chi’s eyes was now unconcealed. “They set a trap this time; there’s no guarantee they won’t try again unless we find a way to prevent future attempts.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi as he stepped closer to her. “I can ask the Empress Dowager for a marriage decree.”
Once an imperial marriage decree was issued, no one else could covet her.
Qin Wan gazed at Yan Chi’s dark eyes, her lips pressed tightly together.
She suddenly lowered her eyes. “Not yet.”
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan for a moment, seemingly unsurprised. After a while, he sighed. “I knew you would say that.”
Qin Wan felt the chill around Yan Chi dissipate, replaced by a layer of gloom. Her heart ached, but she didn’t know how to explain. “Yan Chi, I…”
“I know.” Yan Chi squeezed her hand. “You wouldn’t do this without reason.” Then he squeezed harder. “But I won’t wait indefinitely. If it becomes necessary, I won’t give others the chance.”
His words carried an unmistakable firmness. Qin Wan knew that Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince’s actions had already angered Yan Chi, yet he could only endure for now. Bitterness welled up in Qin Wan’s heart, making her even more anxious.
Seeing her furrowed brows, Yan Chi felt some sympathy and gently smoothed her forehead. “Don’t worry. The Crown Prince and Prince Cheng’s conflict won’t involve you this time. Take Yan Sui back now.”
Qin Wan had been away for quite some time; staying longer would seem suspicious. She wanted to ask about her name being on both the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng’s registries, but seeing the certainty in Yan Chi’s eyes, her heart settled.
Yan Chi called Yan Sui over. “Little Nine, let Ninth Lady take you back. Just say you met her in the Imperial Garden, understand?”
Yan Sui nodded vaguely. Neither Yan Chi nor Yan Li had avoided speaking in front of Yan Sui earlier, showing Yan Li’s complete trust in him. Qin Wan extended her hand, and Yan Sui obediently placed his hand in hers. When they went downstairs, they found Bai Ying waiting outside, though Qin Wan didn’t know when she had arrived. Seeing Qin Wan, Bai Ying nodded.
Qin Wan knew Feng Chenbi must have already fallen into the trap.
Upstairs, as Yan Chi and Yan Li watched Qin Wan leave with Yan Sui, Yan Li smiled. “What does Seventh Brother plan to do?”
Yan Chi’s face showed no trace of humor. “Prince Cheng and Noble Consort Su have been taught a lesson; the Empress and Crown Prince won’t be exempt.”
Yan Li asked again, “What about her name on the registry?”
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed. “We’ll follow her plan.”
……
……
“Chenbi, why are you here?!” Noble Consort Su asked in surprise.
Seeing the Emperor and Empress Dowager present, Feng Chenbi dared not lie. She replied shyly, “Prince Cheng asked me to come, using the chess piece as a token.”
As she spoke, Feng Chenbi glanced at the black chess piece nearby.
Today was the Lantern Festival Palace Banquet, and she knew consorts were being selected for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng. The Crown Prince was far beyond her aspirations, but she had grown up with Prince Cheng. She often stayed at Changxin Palace in her childhood, sharing a bond of childhood companionship with Prince Cheng. Unfortunately, her aunt seemed to have no intention of strengthening family ties through marriage. However, she hadn’t expected Prince Cheng to summon her here today.
“A chess piece as a token?” Zhao Shuhua glanced at the black chess piece. She recognized it as Yan Sui’s piece. She knew this trap had been set for Qin Wan, but how had Feng Chenbi ended up here instead?
Scanning Prince Cheng and Feng Lingsu’s expressions, Zhao Shuhua couldn’t help but smile broadly. Although it wasn’t Qin Wan, Feng Chenbi’s appearance seemed to please her even more. After all their scheming, Prince Cheng and Noble Consort Su had only managed to get Feng Chenbi—how delightfully amusing!
“Young people are so interesting, even their methods of arranging meetings are so elegant. Prince Cheng and Chenbi grew up together, and people have long talked about strengthening family ties. Now it seems most fitting indeed!”
Yan Huai had expected someone else, but seeing Feng Chenbi made him less angry. Still, he spoke irritably, “You two… why didn’t you say something earlier? Meeting privately at such an occasion.”
He turned to Feng Lingsu, “Su’er, why haven’t you mentioned this before?”
Feng Lingsu was suffering in silence, unable to express her frustration. She could only force a smile. Neither Feng Lingsu nor Prince Cheng understood why Qin Wan hadn’t come and Feng Chenbi had appeared instead. With so many people present, they couldn’t ask. What’s worse, Feng Chenbi truly believed Prince Cheng had arranged to meet her, acting every bit the shy maiden…
Feng Lingsu was so angry she nearly broke her fingernails. Glancing over, she caught Zhao Shuhua’s gloating smile!
Feng Lingsu’s eyes widened as she realized who was behind this!
In the deep palace, who besides the Empress could have seen through their mother-son scheme and interfered? The Empress must have discovered their plot and prevented their success!
Feng Lingsu took a deep breath, feeling her lungs might burst with anger!
At the same time, Prince Cheng also noticed Zhao Shuhua’s expression. Moreover, he saw Yan Che standing behind her, wearing the same contemptuous satisfaction. Prince Cheng clenched his fists inside his sleeves, reaching the same conclusion as Feng Lingsu—in the inner palace, only someone with great influence could have arranged for Feng Chenbi to come. Who else but the Empress and Crown Prince would do such a thing?!
Prince Cheng gritted his teeth. Glancing at Feng Chenbi’s coy manner, disgust filled his eyes. He wanted to curse this fool! He had been shocked when she appeared earlier and tried to get her to leave when he realized something was wrong, but she had shown a hurt expression and started speaking of her feelings for him…
Fool! What an utter fool!
“This chess piece… looks like the one Little Nine was holding…”
The Empress Dowager suddenly spoke, looking at Prince Cheng with confusion. “Where did you get this piece?”
Prince Cheng inwardly cursed. The chess piece was meant to lure Qin Wan, who would naturally be concerned about anything belonging to Yan Sui. Now that Feng Chenbi had appeared instead, how could he explain the piece?
“I found it in the Side Garden. Seeing it was such a lovely jade piece, not knowing whose it was, I had someone keep it. Later, thinking my cousin was skilled at chess, I thought to tease her with it.”
Prince Cheng’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. To others, it seemed like the awkwardness of someone whose secret meeting had been discovered.
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager sighed. “Little Nine must have dropped it while playing. Why hasn’t he returned yet?”
At the Empress Dowager’s words, Yan Huai knew she was worried about Yan Sui. Having understood Prince Cheng’s true intentions, he lost interest. Giving Prince Cheng a cold glance, Yan Huai helped the Empress Dowager walk out. “Mother, don’t worry. Little Nine might already be at Tianyin Tower.”
Though people outside hadn’t approached, they had heard the conversation and now knew who had met with Prince Cheng. Seeing it was Feng Chenbi was both unexpected and somehow fitting. Several acquaintances came forward to congratulate Lady Yu, leaving her somewhat bewildered.
After the Empress Dowager and Yan Huai left, Feng Chenbi still stood shyly to one side. “Your Highness—”
Looking up, she met Prince Cheng’s fierce gaze and froze. Prince Cheng flung his sleeve and stormed out, leaving her behind. Feng Chenbi felt hurt and confused but, after a moment’s hesitation, followed him.
When the group arrived at Tianyin Tower, they found Qin Wan waiting below the stage with Yan Sui.
“Ninth Girl, Little Nine, you’re here!”
The Empress Dowager was delighted. Qin Wan and Yan Sui bowed, and then she explained, “The Ninth Prince got lost playing alone in the Imperial Garden. It took me two rounds to find him. Please don’t worry, Empress Dowager, the Ninth Prince is fine.”
The Empress Dowager was immediately satisfied. She kept Yan Sui and Qin Wan by her side. Although the seating had been pre-arranged, two small stools were added next to Empress Dowager’s main seat, and Qin Wan and Yan Sui sat down beside her.
Prince Cheng and Noble Consort Su observed Qin Wan, noting her perfectly composed expression, as if completely unaware of what had transpired. This further convinced them that the Empress and Crown Prince were behind it, and they silently added this grievance to their list.
Meanwhile, the Empress and Yan Che were also quietly studying Qin Wan. Noble Consort Su and Prince Cheng had set their trap, so why hadn’t Qin Wan fallen for it? Not only that, but Feng Chenbi had appeared instead… Was it luck, or had someone helped her? If someone had helped, was it the Empress Dowager? Or someone else? Countless questions arose, causing the Empress to raise her estimation of Qin Wan even further. Not only had she avoided the trap, but she had also made Noble Consort Su and Prince Cheng taste their own medicine. This alone was enough to satisfy her!
As everyone took their seats and attendants served tea and refreshments, the performance began on stage.
Zhao Shuhua was in excellent spirits, but just then, Yun Yan hurriedly approached with an odd expression. “Empress, news has come from the Imperial Astronomy Bureau, saying…”
Yun Yan whispered something to Zhao Shuhua, and immediately her radiant expression darkened.
However, she hadn’t forgotten where she was. Quickly composing herself, she gave Yun Yan some quiet instructions, then fixed a gloomy gaze on Yan Che.
Yan Che, her son who had never disappointed her! Today, he had made a grave mistake!
He had secretly added Qin Wan’s name to the registry!
To have two sisters’ names on the same registry—he knew she didn’t agree with him helping Qin Wan! Moreover, Qin Chaoyu wouldn’t be happy, Qin Shu wouldn’t be pleased, and when the Empress Dowager and Emperor saw it, they would think he harbored designs on both sisters, hardly befitting a wise ruler!
Though Zhao Shuhua maintained her smile, her hand gripped the armrest tightly. Today, Yan Che had truly disappointed her!
Fortunately, she still had a chance to remedy this.
What did it matter if Prince Cheng had added Qin Wan’s name as primary consort? Today, everyone had witnessed his relationship with Feng Chenbi, yet her name wasn’t on the registry. What kind of person did that make Prince Cheng?
He loved his cousin and had an intimate relationship with her, yet for the sake of power, showed no intention of proposing marriage. She would see how the Emperor and Empress Dowager would view such behavior!
Yan Che had noticed Yun Yan whispering to Zhao Shuhua and saw her disappointed gaze. His palms grew sweaty—she must have learned about him adding Qin Wan’s name…
Watching Yun Yan leave, his heart grew cold.
Zhao Shuhua had many ways to remove Qin Wan’s name…
In the current situation, with Prince Cheng and Feng Chenbi’s relationship exposed, even if Prince Cheng had written Qin Wan’s name, the Empress Dowager wouldn’t agree. Moreover, she would despise Prince Cheng’s actions. Whether he kept or removed Qin Wan’s name no longer mattered, yet somehow, thinking of Zhao Shuhua removing Qin Wan’s name filled Yan Che with regret and melancholy.
The stage was alive with activity. Being the Lantern Festival, all the performances carried themes of good fortune and prosperity. The Empress Dowager hadn’t enjoyed such festivities in a long while and was in high spirits. Qin Wan, having some knowledge of opera, could converse with her about it. Though Qin Wan wasn’t a legitimate daughter of a marquis’s household and had no parents, making her technically unqualified for today’s palace banquet, she had not only attended but sat beside the Empress Dowager. Observing this scene, various gazes were cast their way.
Shortly after, Yan Chi and Yan Li arrived at Tianyin Tower together.
Though they arrived last, it didn’t arouse suspicion. The Empress Dowager was so fond of them that she wanted them to sit by her side as well, but the seating arrangements were fixed and couldn’t be crowded. After paying their respects, the two took their assigned seats. Meanwhile, Yan Huai looked at Yan Li and Yan Chi, “Speaking of which, these two should be of marriage age now.”
The Empress Dowager’s interest was immediately piqued. “Indeed! Yan Chi has finally returned to the capital, it’s time to discuss his marriage. I wonder what his father thinks. As for Yan Li, he spends his days idling about—perhaps a good marriage would help, with someone to keep him in check. His mother would have company too. Do you have anyone in mind?”
Yan Huai nodded in agreement. “Mother speaks wisely, especially regarding Yan Li—marriage might improve him.”
As he spoke, he looked toward Qin Wan sitting beside the Empress Dowager.
Seeing his gaze, the Empress Dowager also turned to look at Qin Wan.
Qin Wan straightened her back. What did His Majesty mean by this?