“Your Majesty, the military camp has many inconveniences, so I would like to take my elder brother back to Lin’an first. This way, we won’t have to keep pace with the main troops when they return. By departing early, we can travel at a more leisurely pace,” said Tuoba Wu.

The hunting expedition had been delayed for seven or eight days due to the Wei incident. Yan Huai, accompanied by court officials, couldn’t remain away from the capital for too long. They would need to begin their return journey in two or three days. Although Tuoba Hong had regained consciousness, the camp’s conditions were limited for proper recuperation and nourishment. Rather than remaining idle in the camp, Tuoba Wu preferred to start their journey back to the capital early. With Tuoba Hong’s current condition, they wouldn’t be able to keep up with the main army’s pace anyway.

Since Tuoba Wu took the initiative to suggest this, Yan Huai couldn’t directly refuse, though he worried about potential incidents. “Can the Crown Prince’s body withstand the journey’s strain? If you wait a few more days to depart, traveling behind the main group wouldn’t be an issue.”

Tuoba Wu replied, “I’ve consulted with Qin Wan. My brother’s wounds have scabbed over, and as long as we travel slowly, it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s not just that – the tent is quite basic, and my brother has had a poor appetite these past few days. I wanted to prepare some Northern Wei dishes for him, but I couldn’t find the ingredients. Moreover, the tent is damp and cold, and the camp is noisy with too many people, making it unsuitable for recovery.”

Yan Huai’s lips curved slightly. “If Nine’er says it’s fine, then that’s good. I’ll send people to escort you back!”

Tuoba Wu quickly responded, “Your Majesty need only dispatch one unit for guidance and protection. Our people should suffice.”

Yan Huai, unwilling to risk Tuoba Hong’s safety again, agreed verbally but planned to send additional guards. He asked, “When do you plan to depart?”

“We’ll leave early tomorrow morning,” Tuoba Wu answered. “The journey here took two days, but our return might take four. By then, Your Majesty’s group will also be heading back to the capital.”

Yan Huai nodded, “Very well, I’ll have Zhao Yu accompany you.”

After Tuoba Wu bowed in gratitude and left the main tent, Yan Huai summoned Yuan Qing for instructions.

When Qin Wan next visited Tuoba Hong’s tent, Tuoba Wu was speaking with him. Seeing Qin Wan enter, Tuoba Wu stood up and said, “We’ve arranged everything with His Majesty. We’ll depart early tomorrow morning.”

Qin Wan nodded with a smile, holding several medicine packets. “Here are the medicines for internal use and external wounds. Everything’s prepared. You must not skip the medication these days, and you absolutely cannot rush during the journey.”

Tuoba Wu accepted the packets, smiling, “Don’t worry, I understand all this.”

Qin Wan continued, “I heard His Majesty is sending a royal physician along?”

“Yes, His Majesty fears we might encounter problems along the way.”

Qin Wan breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s the best possible arrangement.”

Tuoba Hong, resting against the headboard, had regained some vitality after another day of rest. “We’ve troubled Miss Qin greatly. Once back in the capital, I will properly express my gratitude.”

Qin Wan merely replied, “Your Highness need not mind. Just take care of your health during the journey.” She then turned to Tuoba Wu, asking, “Will the Fifth Prince and the others return together?”

Tuoba Wu nodded, “Yes, we’ll all return together. Fifth Brother still bears the responsibility of protecting Elder Brother.”

A shadow crossed Qin Wan’s eyes, but she said nothing more, gave Tuoba Wu a few more instructions, and left.

Upon learning of Tuoba Hong’s early departure, the Empress Dowager showed great concern, quickly sending Madam Chen to inquire if they needed any assistance. She had considered arranging for some court maids to accompany them, but since Tuoba Wu had his attendants, she decided against it.

In the Empress Dowager’s tent, Yan Li was playing Go with Yan Sui, clearly bored.

Outside on the square, drums and gongs created a festive atmosphere. It was a sunny day, and there seemed to be another hunting expedition planned for later. The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Li and asked, “Why aren’t you out playing? Why stay cooped up in the tent?”

Yan Li stretched lazily, “Grandmother, you know me – I only enjoy joining in the excitement once or twice. All this constant commotion is getting tiresome.”

The Empress Dowager smiled helplessly at his response. “You probably just dislike the desolation of this wilderness and miss your romantic companions in the capital…”

Yan Sui looked up at Yan Li eagerly, as if asking what romantic companions meant.

Yan Li coughed lightly, placing a piece on the board, “Grandmother, you think too poorly of me.”

The Empress Dowager snorted, “You’re not unruly enough? When we return to the capital, I’m going to have your father arrange your marriage!”

Yan Li’s hand trembled, and he looked up at the Empress Dowager somewhat helplessly. “Grandmother, Seventh Brother isn’t even married yet. Why are you planning for me first?” His eyes briefly glanced toward Qin Wan in the distance.

Qin Wan heard Yan Li’s words but remained perfectly still, not even looking at him.

The Empress Dowager continued to snort, “Your Seventh Brother knows his mind, but you’re just aimless. What will become of you if you continue like this? Better to marry early, so someone can keep your mother company.”

Yan Li propped his chin on his hand, “Mother doesn’t need company.”

The Empress Dowager sighed helplessly, looking at Qin Wan, “See? Never serious about anything!”

Qin Wan brought tea to the Empress Dowager, smiling, “His Highness does have his mind. You needn’t worry – perhaps he just hasn’t met the right person yet?”

The Empress Dowager took a sip of Qin Wan’s tea and snorted coldly, “If we wait for him to meet the right person, who knows how long that will take?”

Qin Wan merely smiled without speaking. Glancing over, she saw Yan Li still playing Go with Yan Sui, seemingly unaffected by the Empress Dowager’s words. Qin Wan sighed inwardly. Although she had known Yan Li for some time, and he was close friends with Yan Chi and had an approachable, playful nature, from this perspective, she felt she couldn’t quite see through him.

Since they were leaving the next day, Qin Wan took advantage of the night to check Tuoba Hong’s pulse one final time. Finding no abnormalities, everyone finally felt at ease. After some contemplation, Qin Wan asked, “How are Your Highness’s wounds?”

Tuoba Hong quickly replied, “We’ve been applying medicine these past few days, and it’s much better.”

Qin Wan then asked, “Would you like me to take a look?”

Tuoba Hong hadn’t mentioned it while unconscious, but now that he was awake, examining the wounds would require removing his clothes, which would naturally be inconvenient. He hadn’t expected Qin Wan to be so unconcerned about this, bringing it up herself.

After some thought, Tuoba Hong opened his front collar, “Miss Qin’s medical skills are excellent, and having you examine personally would certainly be best, though I’m sorry to trouble you.”

Qin Wan shook her head and first examined the wounds, then looked at his bruises. As she examined them, many questions arose in her mind. The injuries on Tuoba Hong’s body showed varying depths of color – but how was this possible?

Tuoba Hong had been pushed down into a ravine, and after that, he had only regained consciousness once, unable to move. He couldn’t have caused new injuries to himself.

“Miss Qin, is something wrong?”

Tuoba Hong asked while fastening his clothes. Qin Wan came back to her senses and shook her head, “The wounds are healing. Your Highness need not worry.”

With that, Qin Wan took her leave.

Tuoba Hong would leave tomorrow, but a question lingered in her mind, which brought her back tonight. Yet this question, like the wound on Tuoba Hong’s body, remained unsolvable, because Xu Chang was already dead.

As night fell, Qin Wan unconsciously walked toward Yan Chi’s tent.

With the case solved, Yan Chi was no longer in the meeting tent. At this hour, if he wasn’t in the square, he should be in his tent. Qin Wan didn’t think too much about it and headed straight for Yan Chi’s tent.

Sure enough, when she arrived at the tent, guards were standing watch outside. Upon seeing Qin Wan, their expressions shifted noticeably.

“Greetings, Princess—”

Although there hadn’t been an official decree yet, Yan Huai had essentially announced it to his court officials. Yan Chi’s guards were the quickest to adapt. Qin Wan glanced at the lit tent entrance, “Is His Highness inside?”

Before she finished speaking, Bai Feng lifted the curtain, “Princess, you’re here! His Highness asks you to enter!”

Qin Wan nodded and entered the large tent.

Inside, Yan Chi sat in the main seat with several letters laid out on the long table before him. Seeing Qin Wan, his lips curved upward, “What brings you here?”

Qin Wan usually avoided meeting him privately.

He reached out his hand, wanting to pull her closer. Qin Wan glanced at the entrance before walking to him and placing her hand in his palm. She thought he just wanted to hold her hand, but as soon as he grasped it, Yan Chi suddenly pulled her into his embrace, drawing her onto his lap. Qin Wan let out a soft cry and tried to sit properly, but Yan Chi held her waist firmly, preventing her from rising.

“Bai Feng and the others are outside, don’t worry!”

Seeing her anxious frown, Yan Chi smoothed her brow, “Why did you come?”

Qin Wan glared at him before relaxing. Since no one else was in the tent, she let him hold her. Her expression grew serious, “With Xu Chang dead, there’s no way to verify anything, but two questions remain unsolved. I can’t help feeling uneasy.”

Yan Chi waited for her to continue. Qin Wan said, “You know about that wound mark from before? There’s another thing—the injuries on Crown Prince Tuoba’s body. When the Crown Prince was rescued that day, I immediately removed the arrow and treated him. For three days after that, no one touched him. When I examined him again three days later, I noticed his bruises showed different depths of color.”

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, “Are you saying his injuries were sustained at different times?”

Qin Wan nodded, “I thought of this at the time but found it incredible. Additionally, several of his abrasions had started to fester. I wasn’t entirely certain myself—sometimes severe injuries appear darker while lighter injuries appear fainter, so it wasn’t conclusive evidence of injuries occurring at different times. Just now, I went to check Crown Prince Tuoba’s injuries again and found that even similar severity wounds on his shoulder and back were healing at different rates.”

“So are you certain now?”

Qin Wan exhaled, “Yes, especially regarding the bruises. We used the same ointment, so they should have healed at about the same rate. But when I just checked, there were still clear differences, and not just in one place. Upon careful examination, I noticed that most bruises with abrasions haven’t fully healed.”

After some thought, Yan Chi’s expression grew serious, “The abrasions came from being dragged and falling down the ravine!”

Qin Wan knew Yan Chi understood her meaning and looked at him, “After Xu Chang harmed the Crown Prince, he must have known everyone would search for him. If he had intended to destroy the evidence immediately, he should have pushed the Crown Prince down the ravine right then. But looking at the injuries, there must have been at least a two-hour gap.”

“The Crown Prince disappeared after mid-afternoon, shortly after they separated. Two hours later would have been early evening, when everyone else had returned except for Tuoba Rui and the other guards. Could it be that Xu Chang wasn’t sure if he had killed Tuoba Hong, so he went back then and pushed him into the ravine?”

Yan Chi raised his chin slightly, eyes narrowed, “Xu Chang wasn’t that kind of person. His archery was precise—he shot Tuoba Hong directly in the heart chamber. He was ruthless and had complete confidence in his archery skills. Moreover, he checked Tuoba Hong’s body to confirm death before leaving. If he had discovered Tuoba Hong was still alive then, he would have shot another arrow. If he had wanted to destroy the evidence, he would have done it immediately.”

Qin Wan shared this thought, “That’s why something feels wrong, especially after examining Crown Prince Tuoba’s injuries just now. And do you remember what Xu Chang said when he died?”

At this reminder, Yan Chi recalled that Xu Chang had said there was more than one person who wanted to harm Tuoba Hong!

He knew the details of Tuoba Hong’s attack!

“The archer and the person who pushed Crown Prince Tuoba into the ravine weren’t the same person.”

Qin Wan nodded, “The archer was Xu Chang, but the other act was done by someone else.”

This explained everything! Yan Chi continued, “Although Xu Chang said those words, he didn’t name names. Perhaps he wasn’t certain of the culprit’s identity, or maybe he wanted that person to kill Tuoba Hong.”

If Xu Chang was so ruthless, Yan Chi understood their mindset better than Qin Wan did.

“Now that Tuoba Hong is returning, even if Tuoba Qi learns of it beforehand, he can’t do anything unless he directly rebels. But if he does that and fails, he’ll have no escape route. However, if Tuoba Hong dies in Great Zhou, it’s different. Without Tuoba Hong present to confront him, and with Tuoba Qi in Northern Wei, he has many ways to twist the truth before the Northern Wei Emperor.”

Qin Wan had only witnessed tragic cases of siblings fighting for profit in common society, but she hadn’t experienced royal power struggles. Hearing Yan Chi’s explanation now made her shiver—civilian cases only affected those directly involved, but royal struggles could lead to rebellion and war, resulting in countless innocent deaths and seas of blood.

“If it wasn’t Xu Chang, who could the other person be?”

Yan Chi’s lips curved in a cold smile, “The Fourth Prince of Northern Wei wanted to kill Tuoba Hong, so why wouldn’t the Fifth Prince want the same? At that time, only Tuoba Rui and the remaining guards were on the mountain, but the guards accompanying Tuoba Hong were later sent back by Tuoba Rui to report. This arrangement seems innocent at first glance, but thinking deeper, it carries some implications.”

“You mean… Tuoba Rui found Tuoba Hong and wanted to destroy the evidence?”

Yan Chi pondered for a moment, “I suspect when Tuoba Rui found Tuoba Hong, he discovered he wasn’t dead. He only had his bow and arrows—if he finished him off then, it would reveal his identity. So instead, he placed bait on Tuoba Hong’s body and pushed him down the ravine, expecting that when they found him days later, wild animals would have consumed the evidence.”

Qin Wan felt a chill run down her spine. She suddenly recalled Tuoba Rui’s dark, gloomy profile from last night, which had given her an unsettling feeling.

He had been quietly watching Tuoba Hong then—what had he been thinking?

“Unfortunately, Xu Chang died without being able to testify. Unless we can find a direct connection between that mark and Tuoba Rui, he’ll certainly push everything onto Xu Chang while remaining unscathed.”

“He will strike again—” Yan Chi said gravely.

Qin Wan looked at him, and he continued, “Tuoba Wu currently harbors a deep hatred for Tuoba Qi and plans to deal with him upon returning to Northern Wei. If Tuoba Hong happened to die in an accident now, Xu Chang would become the perfect scapegoat. When Tuoba Rui and Tuoba Wu returned to Northern Wei, they could work together to overthrow Tuoba Qi. Then Tuoba Wu would likely thank Tuoba Rui by helping him ascend to the throne.”

Qin Wan was surprised—would Tuoba Rui dare to try a second time? After one failed attempt and a lucky escape, if she were Tuoba Rui, she would keep this secret and pretend nothing had happened.

Yan Chi noticed Qin Wan’s surprised expression. He stroked her cheek and smiled, “You still don’t understand Tuoba Rui’s mindset. For the throne, if he could attempt it once, he could attempt it twice. This second time, he’ll just be more careful about leaving traces. Even if there’s a tiny possibility it’s not Tuoba Rui, whoever the other person is won’t give up, whether they’re working for Fourth Prince or another Northern Wei prince.”

Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat—this was true!

With one culprit already identified, Tuoba Hong’s accidental death now would be perfect!

“They’re leaving early tomorrow morning…”

Yan Chi knew about this. Earlier he hadn’t paid much attention, but after Qin Wan’s visit tonight and hearing these words, his expression became thoughtful, “The other person probably plans to act during the journey.”

They would travel for four days, stopping for three nights. Since Tuoba Wu and the Northern Wei warriors believed no one would harm Tuoba Hong anymore, it would be easy for the other culprit to strike!

“Should I go tell Princess Tuoba about this immediately?”

Yan Chi shook his head, “No rush, let them leave.”

Qin Wan’s eyes flickered, understanding Yan Chi’s thinking, “Alright, let them go.” She sighed, “I never imagined there would be two culprits trying to harm Tuoba Hong.”

Yan Chi took her hand and kissed it, “You probably don’t understand the bloodiness and complexity of succession struggles yet. Assassination is the most direct method.”

Qin Wan nodded, and Yan Chi gently bit her fingertip.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make arrangements tomorrow.”