When Qin Wan entered Chong Ming Palace, she noticed that Yan Chi wasn’t present. However, she hadn’t expected the Northern Wei Princess to specifically inquire about Yan Chi. After all, wasn’t Yan Chi the Young Commander of the Shuo Xi Army, under the command of Prince Rui?
Qin Wan frowned and instinctively glanced back, her gaze meeting that of the Northern Wei Princess. When their eyes met, Princess Tuoba Wu showed a momentary surprise. She had been observing the various Da Zhou dignitaries and had noticed Qin Wan’s exceptional bearing, which warranted a second look. She hadn’t expected Qin Wan to look back at her. In such situations, Qin Wan should have felt embarrassed, yet her expression remained unchanged, her eyes calm and resolute, with a hint of curiosity.
Tuoba Wu raised an eyebrow. As a Princess of Northern Wei, few people dared to meet her gaze so steadily.
She frowned slightly, but by then, Qin Wan had already looked away.
Tuoba Wu’s lips tightened briefly, and she inwardly sneered, wondering which family’s daughter this was. How interesting!
The Northern Wei Crown Prince, unaware of what had caught Tuoba Wu’s attention, followed her gaze but only saw a figure from behind. He quietly remarked, “The Young Commander of the Shuo Xi Army is the current Crown Prince. He should have been here today. I’ll have someone inquire about it.”
Tuoba Wu shook her head, “He’s not here. I’ve already looked.”
Tuoba Hong frowned, “You’ve never met him. How would you know if he’s here or not?”
Tuoba Wu snorted lightly, “I have seen him before.”
Tuoba Hong was startled, his eyes flickering with interest, “You’re rarely at court. Where did you see him?”
Tuoba Wu turned away, “Brother need not ask.”
Meanwhile, Tuoba Rui had also overheard the siblings’ conversation. His young face showed a meaningful expression, “No wonder Royal Sister insisted on coming this time. So it was for the Young Commander of the Shuo Xi Army!”
Tuoba Wu glared at Tuoba Rui, then turned to Tuoba Hong, “Brother, I want to meet the Young Commander!”
As she spoke, Tuoba Wu turned to walk toward Yan Huai, but Tuoba Hong grabbed her arm. “What are you doing? You know he’s the Young Commander of the Shuo Xi Army. Don’t you realize that the Shuo Xi Army is Da Zhou’s elite force, and he’s of royal descent? How can you approach him so rashly? What are you thinking? Tell me first. We’ve stayed in Lin’an for so long – there’s no need to rush now. If you ruin important matters, how will you explain it to Father Emperor?”
Only then did Tuoba Wu reluctantly stop, though her eyes continued to scan the crowd.
When Qin Wan left Chong Ming Palace, she remained puzzled, with Tuoba Wu’s question haunting her like a spell. After the previous Lantern Festival palace banquet, Qin Wan had become somewhat wary of such matters. Both she and Yan Chi were unmarried, and there was always the possibility of others having designs on either of them. Common people were one thing, but now a Northern Wei Princess?
Though Qin Wan had her doubts, she didn’t know why Yan Chi hadn’t attended the palace banquet that day. Seeing that it was getting late, she had no choice but to return to the Marquis Manor with Madam Hu and Qin Chao Yu.
At the manor, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, unable to attend the palace banquet, were curious about the foreign envoys. As soon as Qin Wan returned, they sought her out, with Qin Shuang particularly eager with questions.
“How do the Northern Wei people differ from us in appearance? I heard their winters last half a year. What were they wearing when they came? Were they all dressed in sable fur and cotton robes?”
“And also, I heard that Xi Liang borders close to the Rong enemies. Do they look similar to the Rong? Are they frightening? Oh right, since they’re all royalty, how do the royal families of Northern Wei and Xi Liang differ from ours?”
Qin Wan laughed, “They look quite similar to us. The Northern Wei people have remarkably white skin, but that’s about it. Northern Wei and Xi Liang also have brocades and silks, probably not much different from us. They use the same titles – Crown Prince, Princes, and Princesses.”
Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang exchanged glances, and Qin Shuang asked, “Are there any other interesting things?”
Qin Wan thought for a moment and said, “There’s the spring hunt…”
“Spring hunt?” Qin Shuang’s eyes lit up. “Is that where the Emperor and Empress lead the civil and military officials, along with a grand army, to hunt at Wei Mountain?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, the date has been set for seven days from now.”
“Seven days from now – that’s the tenth day of the third month!” Qin Shuang’s excitement suddenly faded. “It must be great fun. I’ve never been hunting before, though of course we probably won’t be able to go.”
While Qin Chao Yu wanted Qin Wan to go along, Qin Wan wasn’t sure if Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang could attend, so she hadn’t said much. As Qin Wan hesitated, Qin Xiang asked, “Are you going to Wei Mountain?”
Since Qin Xiang asked, Qin Wan had to answer truthfully, “Eighth Sister mentioned we could go together, but since it’s a spring hunt, we’ll have to see how Uncle arranges it.”
Qin Xiang’s eyes brightened, and Qin Shuang caught on, quickly asking, “Can we go too?”
Qin Wan smiled wryly, “I don’t know, but we can ask Madam Hu.”
Understanding Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang’s thoughts, Qin Wan wanted to help them. At this suggestion, both sisters’ faces lit up. As the three sisters continued talking, they moved on to other topics. After the Double Third Festival, spring would be considered to arrive. If they couldn’t go to the spring hunt, going out of the city for spring outings would also be nice. Qin Shuang suggested, “We could invite Meng Yao to join us. Going out of the city together would be fun.”
With the spring hunt on their minds, during dinner the next evening, they heard Qin Shu smile and say, “For this spring hunt, His Majesty has designated several families to accompany them. The major Duke’s manors will attend, along with our Wuan Marquis Manor, Anding Marquis Manor, Beiding Marquis Manor, and Zhennan Marquis Manor.”
Qin Shuang quickly asked, “Are those all who will attend?”
Madam Hu smiled, “Of course not. His Majesty has designated these families to bring their family members, while other officials can only attend themselves, without bringing the family.”
Speaking of this, Madam Hu turned to Qin Shu, “My Lord, has there been any mention of restrictions on the number of people?”
Qin Shu shook his head, “No, there hasn’t.”
As he spoke, his gaze fell on Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. Though not born to the Marquis Manor, and usually unable to attend palace banquets and other grand events, Qin Shu had them in mind for this spring hunt.
Seeing Qin Shu’s gaze, both Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang brightened. Qin Shu smiled, “This time, our whole family will go together. Starting tomorrow, let your aunt prepare you. Although it’s a hunt, you’ll be close to His Majesty and the nobles, so you two must not cause any mishaps.”
Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang were overjoyed and quickly nodded in agreement. Madam Hu also felt it wasn’t good to always leave them behind, so this was perfectly satisfactory. “My Lord, rest assured, I will arrange everything properly.”
Meanwhile, Qin Ye said, “This time, the Nine Cities Patrol has assigned five hundred men to accompany the hunt. I’ll be with the troops, so Mother need not worry about me. I’ll go with the unit.”
Qin Yan also smiled, “I’ll be with the Imperial Guard. Mother can just look after our four sisters.”
Madam Hu’s eyes filled with contentment, “Very well, you’ve both grown up. Looking after just the four of them will be much easier. Though, this might be our last time going out together…”
Qin Xiang’s marriage would likely be in the summer, and after her wedding date was set, Madam Hu would start arranging marriages for Qin Shuang, who might wed before the year’s end. As for Qin Chao Yu, her grand wedding with the Crown Prince would be within the year. In just one year, three daughters would be married off – wasn’t this indeed their last outing together?
At these words, Qin Xiang lowered her eyes shyly, while Qin Shuang could barely contain her excitement. She and Qin Xiang had only hoped to go, never imagining they could join the spring hunt – a grand event held every two years in Da Zhou! The Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and other nobles would all attend. Moreover, this year included envoys from Northern Wei and Xi Liang, making it especially remarkable. The thought of seeing so many nobles left Qin Shuang too excited to sleep.
After dinner, Qin Chao Yu naturally followed Madam Hu to the main courtyard, while Qin Shuang pulled Qin Xiang to Qin Wan’s Pine Wind Courtyard. As they walked, Qin Shuang said, “Fourth Brother mentioned that the Nine Cities Patrol assigned five hundred men to accompany them. I wonder if Xue Qing Shan will be among them?”
At these words, Qin Shuang gave Qin Xiang a meaningful look. Qin Xiang blushed slightly, “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Qin Shuang grinned, “If Xue Qing Shan is going, you could get to know him better early. Maybe he’s eager to meet you too. We could find a chance for you two to talk privately-“
Though Da Zhou wasn’t strict about men and women mixing, when two families were seriously discussing marriage, there were many proper protocols to follow. Meeting privately would be improper, yet as young people, though against etiquette, it held an exciting, thrilling appeal.
“Don’t be rash, and don’t ask Fourth Brother.”
As Qin Xiang cautioned her, Qin Shuang exclaimed, “Oh right, I could ask Fourth Brother!”
Qin Xiang pressed her lips together helplessly and stamped her foot. Seeing her red cheeks, Qin Shuang and Qin Wan exchanged glances and couldn’t help laughing. Qin Xiang looked at them both and playfully lunged forward to hit them.
The room filled with laughter. Outside, Fu Ling quietly said to Bai Ying, “Fifth Miss has changed her nature. The three sisters playing and joking together is wonderful – even our Miss has become more lively.”
The next day, as the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor prepared for the entire household to travel to Wei Mountain, the whole manor was filled with joy. From New Year until now, the manor seemed to have enjoyed continuous good fortune, leaving even the servants in high spirits.
On the second day, Qin Wan first visited the Wuan Marquis Manor to check Old Madam Song’s pulse, then went to the Meng Manor. With Meng Zhou’s demotion, he naturally couldn’t attend the spring hunt. When Meng Yao learned that Qin Wan would be leaving Lin’an City for half a month, she felt quite reluctant to part. The two spent another afternoon talking in Meng Yao’s chambers before Qin Wan returned to the manor.
Early on the third day, the Empress Dowager summoned Qin Wan to the palace.
It had been half a month since Qin Wan last checked the Empress Dowager’s pulse. Upon entering the palace, she was naturally concerned about the Empress Dowager’s health. However, when she arrived at Shou Kang Palace, she found the Empress Dowager with rosy cheeks and bright eyes – signs of good health. Nevertheless, Qin Wan still checked her pulse, and only then felt relieved. “Has Your Highness been following the nutritional prescription I provided over the past fortnight?”
Mama Chen smiled from the side, “Indeed she has! The Empress Dowager hasn’t missed a single meal, nor has she been picky. She said she wanted to give Ninth Miss a pleasant surprise when you came to check her pulse next.”
As she spoke, Mama Chen and the Empress Dowager exchanged a meaningful glance, as if they had something important to say.
Qin Wan looked at the Empress Dowager in confusion, then heard her ask tentatively, “Ninth Girl, do you think my current health would allow me to attend the spring hunt?”
Qin Wan was briefly stunned, suddenly understanding that this was the Empress Dowager’s main concern today!
As she pondered this, Mama Chen spoke up, “The Empress Dowager wishes to go out, but His Majesty worries about her health holding up. Although they’ll set up temporary palaces at Wei Mountain, it’s still not as comfortable as the palace. Moreover, I hear the snow hasn’t completely melted there yet. The Empress Dowager will need to be outdoors to watch the military displays and hunting competitions…”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “I understand. Does His Majesty want my confirmation that the Empress Dowager’s health is stable before allowing her to join?”
Mama Chen smiled, “Indeed, he specifically requested Ninth Miss’s approval.”
Qin Wan thought for a moment, “The Empress Dowager’s health has indeed improved greatly, but given her age, we must still be careful.” Hearing this, the Empress Dowager’s eyes dimmed, thinking Qin Wan would forbid her from going to Wei Mountain. However, after a moment, Qin Wan continued, “Therefore, I think we should prepare some medicine pills for the Empress Dowager to carry with her, just in case.”
Mama Chen’s eyes brightened, and the Empress Dowager lit up, “So I can go to the spring hunt?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, as long as proper care is taken, nothing will go wrong.”
The Empress Dowager immediately broke into a smile, looking at Mama Chen, “What did I say? I don’t need to be so cautious anymore. His Majesty wouldn’t believe it, but now with Ninth Girl’s words, he surely will.”
Mama Chen curtsied, “Very well, this servant will go inform His Majesty right away.”
The Empress Dowager nodded, and after Mama Chen left, she felt relieved and asked Qin Wan to accompany her for a walk. The palace maids bustled about as Qin Wan personally supported the Empress Dowager out of the main hall toward the Imperial Garden. As they walked, Qin Wan asked, “What about Ninth Prince? Will Your Highness bring him along when leaving the palace?”
The Empress Dowager frowned, “I’ve been wondering whether to bring Little Nine. All the princes will be going, and Consort Wan’s Little Eight will be along too. Little Nine is more than a year younger than Little Eight, so I’m somewhat worried. But leaving him alone in the palace for half a month also concerns me – I would worry about him daily.”
Yan Sui was indeed too young, but unfortunately, all the favored consorts would be going this time, leaving the Empress Dowager with no one to entrust him to. After some thought, she simply said, “Wan Girl, why don’t you come with me?”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised, “Go with Your Highness?”
The Empress Dowager nodded, “Yes, travel in my imperial carriage. We’ll bring Little Nine along. I’m hesitant because I fear the cold and fatigue outside might make him ill. With you accompanying us, staying in the same quarters as me, you’ll be close by to treat any problems that arise.”
Even if it weren’t for looking after Yan Sui, Qin Wan wouldn’t refuse to care for the Empress Dowager’s health. Moreover, staying with Yan Sui might lead to some discoveries. Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, and she immediately nodded, “Alright. I’ll inform Aunt about this when I return home. But would it be proper?”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “My word is proper.”
The Empress Dowager’s face was kind, but these eight simple words revealed hints of her youthful authority. Qin Wan felt reassured and continued accompanying the Empress Dowager deeper into the Imperial Garden. However, as they turned a corner, they saw several figures standing among the flower beds. Four or five beautiful maids surrounded someone in the middle, who wore a fire-red dress and was dancing with a short sword. Her steps were swift as the wind, her movements like arrows, her garments floating as she executed a series of sword techniques as beautiful as flowing wind and returning snow.
Few people could make swordplay look so beautiful—
The Empress Dowager and Qin Wan paused, both momentarily surprised.
Soon, the person in the middle stopped. With a graceful spin, both she and her sword came to a steady halt. Two drops of fragrant sweat rolled down her snow-white skin, and her nearly transparent eyes shone like cold stars.
“Wonderful, wonderful! The Princess’s sword techniques grow more beautiful by the day!”
“Yes, yes, the Princess’s dance is so lovely to watch!”
At these words, Tuoba Wu’s expression suddenly changed. She frowned angrily, sheathing her sword, “What do you mean ‘more beautiful’? What do you mean by ‘lovely to watch’? These are real martial arts, techniques that can take lives!”
The maids’ faces paled, and they quickly lowered their heads. Tuoba Wu turned and saw the Empress Dowager and Qin Wan.
She tossed her short sword, which a servant hurriedly caught, then strode toward Qin Wan and the Empress Dowager.
Seeing her approach, Qin Wan’s eyes brightened. While Qin Chao Yu was like a heavenly fragrant peony, dignified and graceful with elegant steps, ravishingly beautiful in her red dress, this Tuoba Wu was like a fire lotus from the land of ice and snow. She came with purposeful strides, her red dress blazing, brilliant, yet crisp and pure. Watching her, Qin Wan was reminded of Yue Ning Lai, who was even more decisive and carried herself with cloud-consuming grandeur. As she came to her senses, Tuoba Wu had already reached them.
“Greetings to the Da Zhou Empress Dowager.” Tuoba Wu curtsied and straightened.
Qin Wan also curtsied, “Your Highness.”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “I didn’t expect to find the Princess practicing swordplay here. Do you practice daily?”
Tuoba Wu nodded, “Indeed.” Then looking at Qin Wan, “Which princess might this be?”
Qin Wan smiled, and the Empress Dowager also laughed, “No, she is our Da Zhou’s Divine Doctor.”
The Empress Dowager was being mysterious, and sure enough, Tuoba Wu showed slight surprise, “Divine Doctor?”
The Empress Dowager nodded, “Yes, she comes from the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor’s Qin family, and her medical skills are unparalleled in the world.”
The Empress Dowager’s praise of Qin Wan was indeed excessive, but in front of Tuoba Wu, Qin Wan couldn’t contradict her words. However, Tuoba Wu asked, “Since you’re a Divine Doctor, can you treat the illness of longing?”
Both Qin Wan and the Empress Dowager were startled. Tuoba Wu continued, “Empress Dowager, Miss Qin, do you know where Prince Rui’s heir is?”
The illness of longing, Prince Rui’s heir…
Qin Wan’s heart briefly constricted. The Empress Dowager also asked curiously, “What does the Princess mean? Could it be that you know Yan Chi?”
Qin Wan hadn’t forgotten what she’d heard Tuoba Wu say that day. Today’s question further confirmed her suspicions, but how could she have an illness of longing for Yan Chi?
Yan Chi had clearly said he’d never had feelings for anyone.
“I do indeed know Prince Rui’s heir—”
“Princess, we should return now.”
Just as Tuoba Wu finished speaking, a maid came forward to urge her to return. Tuoba Wu gave the maid an impatient look, “Having just met the Empress Dowager and Miss Qin, how could I leave so abruptly?”
The maids were all from Northern Wei. Hearing this, they glanced at the Empress Dowager and Qin Wan, then said softly, “Princess, the Crown Prince asked you to remain patient.”
Tuoba Wu snorted lightly, “I will discuss this with Royal Brother myself.”
She then looked at the Empress Dowager again, “I do know the Young Lord, and I came to Northern Wei specifically to see him. Empress Dowager, why haven’t I seen the Young Lord in the palace these past few days?”
The Empress Dowager considered this briefly, then smiled, “They say Northern Wei people are known for their directness, and today I see it’s true. Yan Chi holds an official position and doesn’t stay long in the palace. He likely has important duties these past few days that prevented him from entering the palace.”
She continued, “What does the Princess wish to see Yan Chi about?”
At this, Tuoba Wu lifted her chin, “This is my private matter. I ask the Empress Dowager’s forgiveness, but I cannot tell you. However… could the Empress Dowager tell me where Prince Rui’s heir is stationed?”
The Empress Dowager shook her head, “That I do not know. The Princess might ask His Majesty.”
Tuoba Wu’s lips tightened. How could she ask the Emperor? She had dared to ask the Empress Dowager because she was a woman of the inner palace, but asking the Emperor would make it too serious a matter…
Tuoba Wu frowned in frustration, “Then, I shall ask another day.”
She stepped back and cupped her hands, “I apologize for disturbing the Empress Dowager. I take my leave.”
With that, she led her group away.
Watching them leave, Qin Wan remained stunned for a long while. The Empress Dowager watched Tuoba Wu’s retreating figure and called out, “Ninth Girl—”
After calling out, Qin Wan didn’t respond. The Empress Dowager turned to look at her, and only then did Qin Wan react, “Empress Dowager, what is it?”
The Empress Dowager gave Qin Wan a long, meaningful look, then said, “Yan Chi is at the Ministry of Justice’s warehouse. Go ask him what exactly is going on between him and this Northern Wei Princess.”