“Why are you looking at Ninth Girl?” the Empress Dowager said irritably. “Her marriage isn’t for you to decide casually. Her three elder sisters haven’t yet married—it certainly isn’t her turn.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan immediately felt relieved. Yan Huai smiled, “Mother, why are you so nervous? I didn’t say I would betray her to Yan Li. Though Yan Li lacks proper behavior daily, I was thinking of finding him a more lively girl who could get along with him. Otherwise, with his personality, the more restricted he feels, the more unruly he becomes.”
Listening to this, the Empress Dowager’s gaze toward Yan Huai grew tender with maternal love.
The Duke Gong’s rebellion had broken the Empress Dowager’s heart, watching her two closest sons turn against each other, seeing one die in battle—it had turned half her black hair white. Even Yan Huai, after being rescued, had nearly lost his life.
The Empress Dowager’s lips curved slightly as her gaze swept over the faint scar at Yan Huai’s left temple. Twenty years had passed, and though the old wound had faded, people still thought of past events when they saw Yan Li and his mother. Most precious was Yan Huai’s treatment of Yan Li and his mother. Now his words showed genuine concern for Yan Li’s welfare. Though he might not give Yan Li a high position, he hoped for Yan Li’s happiness—nothing could be better.
“You and I think alike. Yan Li’s nature can’t be constrained or forced. It’s best to find someone he truly loves or at least someone who can play with him. You know his mother is quiet—if we sent someone like Ninth Girl home with him, wouldn’t that just add another Buddhist devotee?”
The Empress Dowager spoke softly, glancing at Qin Wan. Though watching the opera and seeming relaxed, Qin Wan still sat with elegant composure, carrying a certain zen-like quality.
Yan Huai smiled, “Exactly so. Yan Li’s marriage still needs your consideration, Your Majesty. As for the Qin family’s Ninth Girl, I understand your meaning and will naturally follow your wishes. It’s Yan Chi who presents some difficulty.”
The Empress Dowager sighed at this, “When will his father return? How goes the Western campaign?”
A faint light flashed in Yan Huai’s eyes, “The fighting isn’t urgent. I know Mother misses Prince Rui—perhaps we could have him return this summer? During summer, the nomads’ grasslands are lush, and they likely won’t provoke conflict.”
The Empress Dowager smiled, nodding at first, then said, “I miss him, yes, but state affairs are most important. You decide. Prince Rui hasn’t returned for seven or eight years. The last time he came back, Little Nine wasn’t even born yet. For a prince of his standing to guard the western border continuously is truly too harsh.”
“Rest assured, Mother, I understand.”
At this, the Empress Dowager glanced toward Yan Chi, “Speaking of which, Yan Chi…”
Yan Huai made an acknowledging sound, “What about Yan Chi, Mother?”
The Empress Dowager’s eyes deepened, but she didn’t elaborate, only saying, “For Yan Chi, let’s see what fate brings.”
Yan Huai remained noncommittal. Today’s focus was on Yan Che and Yan Qi—once their matters were settled, the resulting court struggles would become clear. As Emperor of Great Zhou, his perspective naturally differed.
Mother and son chatted for a while as the stage grew livelier. After watching three grand performances, the Empress Dowager was finally satisfied. By now, it was time for the banquet.
Everyone moved from Tianyin Tower back to Chaolu Palace.
The ladies discussed the day’s performances, naturally including the talk of Prince Cheng and Feng Chenbi. Some acquaintances even teased Feng Chenbi about becoming Princess Cheng. While Feng Chenbi blushed deeply, Yan Qi and Feng Lingsu, walking ahead, were grinding their teeth in fury. Though today’s opera should have been a rare enjoyment, they had suffered through those three performances. The registry listed Qin Wan, Peng Huajing from the Military Minister’s family, and Miss Wu from the Deputy Minister of Revenue’s family. Yet now Prince Cheng had become entangled with Feng Chenbi—how would the Emperor and Empress Dowager view Prince Cheng when they saw the registry?!
Thinking of this, Feng Lingsu couldn’t wait any longer and quickly sent someone to the Imperial Astronomy Bureau. But she hadn’t expected the Empress’s people to be guarding it. The more she thought about it, the more certain Feng Lingsu became that everything was the Empress and Crown Prince’s doing. She and Prince Cheng were like ants on a hot pan, frantically circling without recourse!
Though Yan Che had displeased Zhao Shuhua, seeing Feng Lingsu too anxious to enjoy the opera improved her mood somewhat. Feng Chenbi’s appearance had disrupted Feng Lingsu’s plans. Feng Lingsu would certainly try to modify the registry, but Zhao Shuhua had already altered the Eastern Palace’s registry and posted guards at the Imperial Astronomy Bureau—what chance did Feng Lingsu have?!
Upon returning to Chaolu Palace, the afternoon’s feast was ready. With mostly ladies present, there wasn’t as much drinking as with male officials. The women dined with the utmost elegance, particularly careful to attract Yan Che and others’ attention, deeply afraid of any breach in etiquette or unseemly behavior. Thus, accompanied by dance and music, the banquet presented a harmonious scene. After three rounds, the Imperial Astronomy Bureau’s ceremonial official arrived with two registries.
“The Imperial Astronomy Bureau has completed its divination. Please review, Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, and Empress.”
At the main seats, Yan Huai sat in the center. When handed the registries, he first gave the Eastern Palace to Zhao Shuhua. Opening it, she saw Qin Wan’s name had indeed been removed, matching what she had sent. She barely glanced at the divination results, calmly waiting for the Empress Dowager and Yan Huai to become angry.
After all, Feng Lingsu’s submitted registry had contained Qin Wan’s name!
Thinking of this, Zhao Shuhua’s smile grew more pronounced. Glancing over, she saw Feng Lingsu and Prince Cheng sitting darkly in their places, clearly not enjoying the banquet.
Yan Huai and the Empress Dowager were reviewing Yan Qi’s registry. After reading it completely, the Empress Dowager smiled rather than showing anger. “Though Qi’er acts somewhat boldly since you’re childhood sweethearts with mutual feelings, let it be settled thus.”
At these words, Zhao Shuhua started, while Feng Lingsu and Prince Cheng slowly raised their heads.
Zhao Shuhua hurriedly asked, “Mother, you mean…”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Who else? Naturally, the one we just saw.”
As this was said, the hall filled with expected murmurs. Lady Yu appeared surprised, while Feng Chenbi blushed deeply in her seat. After the Empress Dowager finished, she passed the registry to Zhao Shuhua, who hastily opened it. The gold-written registry showed no trace of Qin Wan’s name. When she turned to the last page of the primary consort position, she found Feng Chenbi’s name!
Zhao Shuhua’s brows furrowed sharply as understanding dawned.
Could it be that Feng Lingsu never intended to involve Qin Wan? Were all those reports she received false, meant to disrupt their plans?! Thinking of how Yan Che had ordered the registry changed, Zhao Shuhua grew furious. Well played, Feng Lingsu and Yan Qi—if she hadn’t received that intelligence, Yan Che would have been humiliated today, creating discord between the Eastern Palace and the Qin family, benefiting Prince Cheng!
Zhao Shuhua set down the registry, her smile growing even more radiant.
After reviewing it, she had it sent to Feng Lingsu, saying, “Congratulations, Sister. Such a marriage strengthening family ties must delight the Duke and Duchess.”
Feng Lingsu opened the registry in confusion, and then her brow twitched.
Feng Chenbi! Feng Chenbi’s name was on the registry! She hadn’t had anyone write Feng Chenbi’s name!
What was happening…
At this thought, Feng Lingsu clenched her fists. It must be the Empress—who else but the Empress and Crown Prince had such authority? How dare they! Even altering the registry! This meant to confirm Feng Chenbi and Prince Cheng’s relationship! After all her scheming, the primary consort position had been filled by her family member—truly all her efforts had come to nothing!
Infuriating! Truly infuriating!
While Zhao Shuhua inwardly raged at Feng Lingsu, and Feng Lingsu fumed at Zhao Shuhua, Qin Wan, sitting with Qin Chaoyu, slowly straightened her back. She knew both the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng had written her name, and had been waiting for the storm that would drag her in. Yet surprisingly, her name hadn’t appeared on the registry at all.
This undercurrent that could have placed her in danger had simply dissipated.
In the hall, music played and everyone wore smiles. Though each had their schemes, these no longer concerned her. No one knew a trap had been set for her today, nor that her name had appeared on that registry. As she had wished, staying uninvolved, at this moment, being an observer was best.
Qin Wan raised her eyes, looking across the hall’s dancers and singers toward Yan Chi.
Their eyes met, and Yan Chi’s gaze held reassurance.
After looking at Yan Chi for a moment, when Qin Wan lowered her eyes again, deep sorrow welled up in her heart. When her father had known their family might face disaster, though they had prepared to flee, they ultimately couldn’t escape. Now she too seemed caught in a vast net. She had already taken that step she shouldn’t have, yet among the many paths before her eyes, she could only walk one.
Refusing Yan Chi’s suggestion was extremely difficult, and following this path was harder than ascending to heaven. But no matter how difficult, how could it compare to her parents dying with unredressed grievances, unable to rest in peace? Qin Wan squeezed her eyes shut tightly. When she opened them again, that clear, determined resilience had returned. Since there was no other path, she could only forge ahead!
“Ninth Sister, what’s wrong?”
Qin Chaoyu, being perceptive, quickly noticed Qin Wan’s distress.
Qin Wan shook her head, her expression returning to normal. Qin Chaoyu glanced toward Yan Che. “Could Ninth Sister be thinking about her marriage…”
Qin Wan smiled bitterly. “My marriage will likely be difficult.”
Qin Chaoyu lifted her chin proudly. “What’s so difficult? You have the Marquis’s household behind you, the Empress Dowager, and in the future, the Eastern Palace. Once the Empress Dowager speaks, how could there be few suitors?”
Though Qin Chaoyu’s tone was proud, suddenly it softened. “However, as women, we usually marry only once in life. Since it’s only once, no matter what, we should marry someone we truly care for…”
Qin Wan was stunned by these words. “Yes, we should marry someone we truly care for…”
“Excellent, it’s settled then!” Yan Huai’s hearty laugh came from the main seat. The candidates proposed by the Empress and Feng Lingsu were within his expectations. Whether considering background, appearance, or the Imperial Astronomy Bureau’s divinations, there were no issues. It was merely a matter of preference and balance in selecting candidates. Yan Huai glanced at Qin Chaoyu. “The primary consorts for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng have been decided. It will be announced to the world soon, and the Imperial Astronomy Bureau will determine auspicious dates for the grand weddings!”
With these words, Yan Huai settled the banquet’s most important matter. Though he didn’t explicitly name the Crown Princess, everyone knew it would undoubtedly be Qin Chaoyu!
Qin Wan had no attention to spare for these matters, and soon the banquet drew to a close.
While the primary consorts were decided, the secondary consorts remained undetermined, awaiting later imperial edicts. Qin Wan had planned to leave the palace with Qin Chaoyu, but the Empress Dowager detained her.
On the way back to Shoukang Palace, the Empress Dowager spoke slowly, “Your sister’s match is settled. Do you have any thoughts about your marriage?”
Qin Wan’s lips pressed together slightly as she shook her head. “With three elder sisters ahead of me, I’ll follow my elders’ arrangements.”
The Empress Dowager patted Qin Wan’s hand with a smile. “Then what if many come seeking your hand?”
Qin Wan looked at the Empress Dowager, seeing only maternal affection in her eyes, as if understanding her difficulties in speaking of these matters. Qin Wan lowered her gaze, her heart slightly bitter. “When that time truly comes, if Qin Wan has someone she cares for, might she ask the Empress Dowager for a favor?”
Only then did the Empress Dowager smile. “I thought you wouldn’t mention this. This is more like it. When that day comes, I’ll surely help you fulfill your wishes. You saved my life before, and when the Emperor wanted to reward you, you declined. But now, I give you this promise—leaving aside other matters, I won’t let you suffer any grievance in your marriage.”
Qin Wan’s steps faltered, her long-gloomy heart finally brightening. She immediately knelt to express gratitude. The Empress Dowager smiled helplessly and hurried to help her up. “You deserve all this. Though I say you’re clever and composed, sometimes I feel you think too deeply, as if always hiding something. Child, you’re so young—this isn’t good. Heavy thoughts bring harm.”
Having lost her parents early, living under others’ roofs couldn’t have been easy. Because of this, the Empress Dowager was certain Qin Wan harbored many grievances. “Life is but one journey. Gains and losses are fated. Take Yan Li—though he’s the Duke Gong’s heir, you’ve been back in the capital long enough to know his background. His father died in battle, killed when the current Emperor led troops to suppress the rebellion. Given this, he could be considered from a criminal’s family, and it wouldn’t be strange if he harbored hatred toward the Emperor. Yet look at him—he lives simply. Though somewhat unruly, I find him quite good. Among all the young ones, I most enjoy talking with him, probably because I like his uninhibited nature. But you—you constrain yourself too much. I won’t force you to change your nature, but in the future, if you have someone you care for, you mustn’t take your marriage lightly.”
The Empress Dowager spoke at length, saying so much at once. Qin Wan was deeply moved. “Please rest assured, Empress Dowager. I understand. Though the time hasn’t come yet, when it does, I’ll certainly speak plainly with you.”
The Empress Dowager smiled with relief. “That’s right. Life is but so many years—we mustn’t leave any regrets. Otherwise, when we’re old, we’ll only sigh with remorse…”
The Empress Dowager’s words lightened Qin Wan’s heart considerably. After chatting a while longer, she left the palace. Sitting in her carriage outside the palace gates, Qin Wan fell into a daze before directing the carriage to the Qin residence in Copper Coin Lane.
As the carriage entered the streets, Qin Wan noticed they were especially lively today. Though it was afternoon and snow hadn’t stopped, the streets were packed with people, occasionally punctuated by fireworks. When Qin Wan lifted the curtain to look, Bai Ying explained, “Young Lady, it’s the Lantern Festival today—everyone’s out to see the lantern fair.”
Qin Wan suddenly remembered—yes, the Lantern Festival had lantern fairs.
Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but think of Yan Chi. Earlier when the Empress Dowager had taken her away, she didn’t know where Yan Chi had gone. He must be unhappy today—she wondered where he was.
Lost in these thoughts, the carriage approached the Qin residence and soon stopped before it.
Qin Wan and Bai Ying alighted, and Bai Ying went to knock. After just two knocks, the gate opened. Qin Wan was surprised at how quickly Uncle Han had answered. Inside, Uncle Han and Er Bao came to welcome them, both wearing happy expressions.
Since it was a festival, Qin Wan quickly had Bai Ying give them rewards. Uncle Han accepted the silver with a smile, urgently saying, “Young Lady, please come in quickly…”
Qin Wan thought Uncle Han was worried about her catching a cold, but upon reaching the door, she found it closed. Sensing something amiss, she heard Uncle Han say with a smile, “A guest has been waiting for you for some time.”
Qin Wan’s breath caught. A guest?! The only one who knew of this place was…
She hurriedly pushed open the door. Sure enough, Yan Chi stood inside wearing a black robe, having indeed waited long.
Their eyes met, and seeing Yan Chi’s dark, smiling eyes, Qin Wan’s heart suddenly melted completely.