“These past few days, His Highness the Crown Prince has been working with the minor officials at the Ministry of Justice to organize old case files in their archives. The Ministry’s repository contains important case files from the past decade or more, which will take considerable time to organize. With the spring hunt approaching, His Highness wishes to complete the file organization before departure, so he has been staying at the Ministry these past few days.”
Hu Quan, an internal servant from Shou Kang Palace, was escorting Qin Wan to the Ministry of Justice under the Empress Dowager’s orders. Upon seeing the Shou Kang Palace token in Hu Quan’s hand, the Ministry guards dared not be negligent and led Hu Quan and Qin Wan deep into the Ministry compound.
Although Qin Wan had never been to the Ministry of Justice, she had visited the Court of Judicial Review. Compared to other places, the Ministry of Justice maintained an especially solemn atmosphere. Upon hearing Hu Quan’s words, Qin Wan finally understood why Yan Chi hadn’t attended the palace banquet and hadn’t been seen these past days.
The minor official leading the way knew Qin Wan had come on the Empress Dowager’s orders but didn’t know her identity. Seeing her extraordinary beauty and bearing, he assumed she must be a noble lady from some prestigious household in the capital. He naturally didn’t dare show any negligence and led them through secluded corridors and paths to the rear hall of the Ministry. The few officials they encountered saw Hu Quan in his eunuch court attire and realized someone from the palace had come to see His Highness, so they naturally stepped aside.
Upon reaching the rear hall, the minor official said, “Please wait a moment while I announce you.”
Qin Wan nodded and waited outside. Hu Quan frowned and said, “It’s so cold out here, yet they won’t even invite you inside.”
Qin Wan laughed softly, “It’s no matter—”
In the archives beyond the rear hall, over ten minor officials were sorting and categorizing case files. Bai Feng approached Yan Chi, who sat in the main seat, and reported, “Master, we still haven’t found it.”
Yan Chi’s brows furrowed slightly, his phoenix eyes narrowing.
He sat straight and commanding in the main seat. Wherever his gaze fell, these young officials didn’t dare make a sound. Though they had organized files before, this time Yan Chi was personally overseeing them, not giving anyone a chance to catch their breath. These past two days, everyone had been extremely tense. Yet this Crown Prince of the Rui Prince seemed tireless, resting only three hours each night and spending the rest of his time in the archives.
Neither the former Minister of Justice nor any other senior official had Yan Chi’s stamina and physique to spend so much time here, let alone his meticulous patience. Everyone said this Crown Prince only knew warfare and wasn’t skilled in governmental affairs, but he had brought his battlefield efficiency to the Ministry. In just three short months since taking office, the Ministry of Justice had shed all its former laziness. Final review cases from various prefectures were processed much faster than before, clearing the backlog from the previous year. This affected the Court of Judicial Review and lower judicial offices, who dared not be negligent. Even the Emperor had praised the Minister of Justice multiple times, though those below knew it was all due to the Crown Prince’s efforts.
With cases and judicial matters being handled faster, the Emperor’s praise increased. During the Spring Purification Festival, the Ministry of Justice received additional grain allowances on top of their regular salary. Though they no longer enjoyed their former leisurely pace, the subordinates dared not complain. After all, working under this Crown Prince, if they diligently applied themselves, they might receive rewards. But if they went against him, losing their position would be the least of their worries—they might not even keep their lives.
“So it’s not in the Ministry—” Yan Chi said softly.
Bai Feng nodded, “It’s very likely not here. Could it be in the Court of Judicial Review?”
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s expression darkened slightly, “If it’s in the Court of Judicial Review, we won’t have jurisdiction.”
Bai Feng contemplated silently for a moment. Just then, they noticed a minor official peering anxiously around the doorway.
He frowned and quickly walked over, “What’s the matter?”
Bai Feng was Yan Chi’s trusted guard, so the minor official naturally dared not offend him. Not only did he not dare offend, but he was also somewhat afraid. Under Bai Feng’s cold gaze, he hurriedly said, “Guard Bai, someone from Shou Kang Palace is here to see His Highness.”
Bai Feng raised an eyebrow, “Who has come?”
The minor official quickly replied, “They’re from Shou Kang Palace, here to see His Highness.”
Shou Kang Palace? The Empress Dowager? Bai Feng pondered for a moment, “What’s the matter? Is there an imperial edict from the Empress Dowager?”
The minor official thought for a moment and shook his head, “They didn’t say, just that they’re here to see His Highness.”
Bai Feng said, “Wait here,” and walked to Yan Chi’s side.
“Master, someone from Shou Kang Palace is here.”
Yan Chi raised his eyebrows, “What’s wrong? Is Grandmother unwell?”
Bai Feng frowned curiously, “They didn’t say, just that they want to see you.”
Yan Chi stood up, also somewhat puzzled. Even if Shou Kang Palace had business, they wouldn’t come directly to the Ministry. But what urgent matter could the Empress Dowager have?
Yan Chi walked to the door, “Where are they?”
The minor official quickly replied, “Waiting outside the front door.”
Yan Chi nodded and headed out with Bai Feng. After passing through two courtyards, Yan Chi immediately spotted Hu Quan standing guard at the door. He initially thought only Hu Quan had come, but looking further back, he saw someone standing behind Hu Quan. Yan Chi frowned and quickened his pace. Soon, he saw Qin Wan.
“How long have they been here? Why wasn’t I informed earlier?!”
Yan Chi’s stern voice immediately made the minor official turn pale, “This humble one reported as soon as showing them in!”
Yan Chi ignored the minor official and quickly walked outside. Seeing Yan Chi, Hu Quan immediately bowed, “Greetings, Your Highness—”
Qin Wan, who had her back to the door, quickly turned around upon hearing this. Seeing Yan Chi had indeed come, she curtsied.
“Why have you come?”
Yan Chi asked, then turned to Bai Feng, “Have someone bring a brazier to the rear hall.”
Bai Feng acknowledged and hurried to prepare. The minor official, seeing Yan Chi’s regard for Qin Wan, was quite puzzled. Following Bai Feng out a few steps, he asked, “Guard Bai, this lady is…”
Bai Feng gave the minor official a cold look, “This is the Ninth Young Lady of the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household. Be more careful next time.”
The minor official shuddered. The Ninth Young Lady of the Loyal and Brave Marquis—could this be the medical sage renowned throughout the capital for saving the Empress Dowager?
Meanwhile, Qin Wan followed Yan Chi into the rest chamber prepared for him at the Ministry.
Inside the government office, it naturally couldn’t compare to the prince’s mansion or palace. The simple inner chamber showed some thought in its arrangement, but on this cold day, there was neither brazier nor hot tea, not a trace of human warmth. The bedding was perfectly neat, and it wasn’t clear if Yan Chi had ever rested here.
However, once Qin Wan arrived, Bai Feng quickly brought a brazier and hot tea.
Yan Chi placed a cup of hot tea in Qin Wan’s hands, “What’s happened? Did Grandmother send you?”
With Hu Quan, an internal servant from Shou Kang Palace, by her side, given Qin Wan’s character of disliking attention, she certainly wouldn’t have come to the Ministry of Justice on her own, much less brought Hu Quan.
Qin Wan held the hot tea, but her expression wasn’t pleasant.
She first carefully observed Yan Chi for a moment, then said, “The envoys from Northern Wei and Western Liang have entered the palace. Why didn’t you attend the palace banquet?”
Yan Chi had already noticed something unusual about Qin Wan’s manner but didn’t point it out. He only smiled and said, “What’s there to attend at a palace banquet? Since entering the Ministry, I’ve discovered that the case files in the archives haven’t been organized for many years, and some old cases can’t be traced. So I wanted to put things in order, and I’ve been in the Ministry these past few days.”
Listening to this, Qin Wan found it somewhat strange. Hadn’t the Northern Wei Princess harbored romantic feelings for Yan Chi? Moreover, she claimed to know him, so why did Yan Chi show no reaction upon hearing of their arrival in Great Zhou? Could he be pretending?
Qin Wan was typically straightforward but faced with such a situation, she couldn’t help but be more calculating. She inwardly snorted, “Will you finish the Ministry’s work soon?”
Yan Chi’s smile deepened, “Within two days.”
Yan Chi also knew Qin Wan’s character. Seeing that she hadn’t mentioned the main point after all this time, he found it rather strange. What could be the matter?
Qin Wan nodded, “The Empress Dowager sent me here today.”
Yan Chi watched her leisurely, waiting to see what she would say.
After a moment’s hesitation, Qin Wan said, “You’ve been at the Ministry these past few days, so you probably don’t know who came with the Northern Wei and Western Liang envoys?”
But Yan Chi shook his head, “Though I haven’t entered the palace, I know who the envoys are. What’s the matter?”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. He knows! He knows Tuoba Wu came yet shows no reaction?
“Do you recognize anyone among these envoys?”
Yan Chi shook his head, “How could I know any of them? This is their first visit to Great Zhou.”
Qin Wan set down her teacup, her brows tightly knitted, “You’re lying!”
Yan Chi was startled, then smiled, “How am I lying? Who do I supposedly know?”
Qin Wan stood up, her expression now quite unpleasant, “Don’t you know Tuoba Wu?”
“Tuoba Wu?” Yan Chi frowned, thinking for a moment before saying, “You mean the Northern Wei Princess?”
Qin Wan’s lips pressed together tightly, “Yes, her! Are you saying you don’t know her?”
Yan Chi looked innocent, “I don’t know her—”
“Then why did she ask about you as soon as she arrived in Great Zhou? And in front of the Empress Dowager, she said she was lovesick for you! Not only that, but she asked the Empress Dowager where you were. She came to Great Zhou just to see you!”
Qin Wan spoke rapidly. Though she hadn’t wanted to appear overly concerned, she couldn’t contain herself now.
Never having experienced matters of the heart before, this was her first time experiencing such emotions.
Her heart felt stifled. Though her tone didn’t show much anger, there was an implicit accusation quite different from her usual manner. Yan Chi watched her for a moment, realizing she was truly angry, and laughed as he moved forward to embrace her. But Qin Wan immediately stepped back, her eyes full of doubt as she looked at him.
Yan Chi’s smile grew wider, both amused and somewhat puzzled, “So the Empress Dowager sent you to ask me?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Indeed—”
At these words, a glint flashed in Yan Chi’s eyes, and his smile grew even more pleased. But Qin Wan, currently angry, couldn’t understand the meaning behind his smile and just stared directly at him, waiting to see how he would explain himself.
Finding no other way under her stare, Yan Chi raised both hands, “I promise, I don’t know that Northern Wei Princess. As for her supposed lovesickness, that’s even more nonsense. Trust me!”
This was exactly what Qin Wan had been waiting to hear, and the frustration in her heart eased slightly.
She originally hadn’t doubted Yan Chi in matters of romance, but Tuoba Wu had appeared and spoken so earnestly. As a princess of a nation, she wouldn’t speak carelessly. Thus, Qin Wan had grown suspicious. She had come here first making indirect inquiries, then waited for Yan Chi’s response to her direct question. When Yan Chi so definitively denied knowing Tuoba Wu, her heart was settled.
Though her heart was settled, her face couldn’t soften too quickly. Qin Wan still frowned as she said, “Then why would the Northern Wei Princess say she was lovesick for you? You spent many years in Northwest Frontier. Though it doesn’t border Northern Wei, it’s not too far either. In all these years, were there no incidents involving Northern Wei? Otherwise, why would a princess of a nation keep asking about your whereabouts?”
Yan Chi stepped forward, “This truly is trouble falling from the sky. I only learned Tuoba Wu’s name when the envoys’ arrival was reported days ago. My people habitually pay attention to major events in the capital, otherwise, I wouldn’t even know the princess’s name, let alone recognize her. In my years at the Northwest Frontier, forget about princesses—I hadn’t even seen any women. And how would that Northern Wei Princess have come to a military camp?”
Qin Wan snorted softly, “Could that princess be suffering from delusions?”
Seeing that Qin Wan no longer rejected him, Yan Chi grabbed her hand, “That’s very possible.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan tried to pull away, but Yan Chi wouldn’t let go. He pulled her into his embrace and said with a smile, “I won’t lie to you. If she’s not delusional, then there must be some misunderstanding. Over these years, though we’ve had little interaction with Northern Wei, there were indeed a few incidents involving them. Western Liang is in the west, Northern Wei in the north, and the barbarians who attacked Great Zhou’s cold plains came through between their two nations, essentially cutting diagonally between them.”
“That cold plain was once disputed territory between Northern Wei and Western Liang. Later, when both were troubled by the barbarians, they abandoned it. Though the Northern Wei people could endure cold, they lacked strong cavalry, and Western Liang was weak in military strength. Relying on the Northwest Army, they maintained their safety. Several times when the Northwest Army fought the barbarians, the defeated barbarians retreated toward Northern Wei. Being weak, Northern Wei had to seek our aid. At that time, the Northwest Army joined forces with Northern Wei several times to eliminate the barbarians, but I wasn’t personally involved. I only met two Northern Wei frontier garrison commanders, never any princess…”
Yan Chi held Qin Wan half-embraced, looking into her eyes as he spoke each word with utmost clarity.
Listening to this, Qin Wan couldn’t maintain her petty anger.
Yan Chi seemed to possess this kind of towering, magnanimous commanding presence. His words and actions inexplicably commanded trust. Qin Wan knew this was forged in the flames of countless battlefield campaigns. In the Northwest, even deception involved real armies and real weapons!
Qin Wan’s lips remained stern, “Even if you’re innocent, a princess of a nation claims to be lovesick for you.”
Yan Chi brushed her lips, his eyes flashing with cunning, “You want to know the real reason? That’s simple. I’ll have someone investigate. Once we find out the truth, your doubts will naturally be cleared.” Then he frowned and said, “For a young woman to speak of such matters openly, truly shows the decline of social values!”
Qin Wan felt both angry and amused hearing this. Yan Chi was clearly saying this intentionally!
“Northern Wei people aren’t like Great Zhou people, naturally they’re different!”
Hearing this, Yan Chi finally smiled, “Indeed, but her casual words almost made you misunderstand me—a grave offense—”
Qin Wan knew Yan Chi was deliberately teasing her, so her expression softened somewhat. Then she tilted her head and said, “Could it be that she recognizes you, but you don’t recognize her? Though judging by her appearance, if you had seen her, you probably wouldn’t forget.”
Yan Chi laughed, lifting her and placing her on the couch behind him, then holding both her hands in his, “Who in this world could be unforgettable to me?”
As Yan Chi spoke, his bright eyes gazed at Qin Wan, making her smile, “The Northern Wei Princess is indeed remarkably beautiful. What’s wrong with being unforgettable? Seeing her reminded me of Yue Ning—if Yue Ning wore red makeup, she might look similar.”
Yan Chi just smiled without speaking, looking into Qin Wan’s eyes as he said, “Do you know where I first saw you?”
Qin Wan thought for a moment, “Was it at the An Yang Marquis’s mansion? The night of the An Yang Marquis’s heir’s wedding incident?”
Yan Chi nodded, “That night I was far from you, but just from that distant glance, I felt you were different from any woman I’d ever seen. I was about to leave the mansion, but I stayed to watch you utterly humiliate that young master from Magistrate Huo’s family. At that moment, I was both amazed and intrigued—you could say it was love at first sight…”