When Qin Shuang returned to the tent, she froze in surprise. The tent was empty—there was no sign of Qin Xiang, and even Wan He was nowhere to be seen. Qin Shuang glanced at Wan Qing and asked, “Where did Qin Xiang go? If she’s not here, where else could she be?”
The sun was setting by now. Normally, Qin Xiang should have returned an hour ago. Once back at the tent, the only other place she might be was Lady Qin’s main tent. Where else could she have gone?
“Let’s go look for her…” Qin Shuang said. Qin Xiang had been troubled when she left, and Qin Shuang had wanted to ask her about it. Now that she was missing, Qin Shuang felt somewhat worried. They had returned through the main entrance and checked the square, but there was no sign of Qin Xiang. Qin Shuang walked around the small paths of the camp, but after completing a circuit, she still hadn’t spotted Qin Xiang.
Growing anxious, Qin Shuang hurried back to find Lady Hu, who was busy helping Qin Chaoyu decide what to wear for tonight’s grand banquet. They were about to leave the campsite, and tonight was the final feast. Tonight, Yan Huai would reward the young nobles who had performed best during the hunt. As the future Crown Princess, Qin Chaoyu needed to dress appropriately grand.
“Aunt, Qin Xiang is missing…”
Lady Hu was helping Qin Chaoyu put on earrings and didn’t even turn around as she replied, “She’s not in the small tent?”
Qin Shuang nodded, “No, and I’ve walked around once but couldn’t find her anywhere.”
Only after securing Qin Chaoyu’s earrings did Lady Hu turn around. “She came back early in the afternoon. Could she have gone for a walk somewhere? Or perhaps she went downstream?”
The camp was full of men, and there were many people riding horses downstream. Qin Xiang should have avoided those areas to maintain propriety.
That’s what Qin Shuang thought, but she felt a hint of uncertainty in her heart. After all, Qin Xiang was someone who had once attempted to run away at night from Cloud Mist Mountain. “I don’t know, Aunt. What should we do?”
Lady Hu’s attention remained focused on Qin Chaoyu as she said, “Let’s wait a while. There are soldiers everywhere around the camp, nothing unfortunate could happen. She’ll probably return soon.”
Indeed, the camp was heavily guarded, and there were people everywhere outside. It would be difficult for anything bad to happen.
But what if it wasn’t an accident, but some other kind of trouble?
Qin Shuang wasn’t sure what Qin Xiang had gone to do, but she felt anxious, especially remembering what had happened at Cloud Mist Mountain. Seeing that Lady Hu was too busy to send someone to search, Qin Shuang responded dejectedly. Noticing her demeanor, Lady Hu said, “It’s getting dark. You should get dressed up too. Qin Xiang will be back soon.”
Qin Shuang smiled faintly and turned to leave, but she had no interest in dressing up—there was no point in her doing so.
After some thought, Qin Shuang still felt uneasy and decided to find Qin Wan. At the Empress Dowager’s tent, Qin Shuang quietly asked the maid outside to announce her. Upon hearing it was Qin Wan’s cousin, the maid immediately went in to report.
Qin Wan was brewing tea for the Empress Dowager, who asked upon hearing the news, “Which cousin is this?”
It must be Qin Shuang who would come looking for her!
Qin Wan replied, “It’s my Sixth Sister, Third Uncle’s younger daughter.”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Don’t go out. Let her come in, I want to see what she looks like.”
Qin Wan smiled and thanked the Empress Dowager, while the maid went out to summon Qin Shuang.
“Miss Qin, the Empress Dowager asks you to come in to talk.”
The Empress herself had just spoken with her earlier, and now the Empress Dowager wanted to talk to her too.
Qin Shuang’s heart suddenly felt nervous, and she regretted not changing her clothes, afraid of embarrassing Qin Wan by appearing disrespectful. She hurriedly straightened her clothes before entering.
“Your subject greets the Empress Dowager.”
Qin Shuang performed the proper courtesies, kneeling down and not daring to raise her head.
She had seen the Empress Dowager from afar before but had never been this close to speak with her.
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Rise quickly, let me see what Nine Girl’s sister looks like?”
Qin Shuang carefully stood up and glanced at the Empress Dowager. Compared to Qin Wan, Qin Shuang still had a hint of baby fat in her cheeks. Although she had become much slimmer since coming to the capital, she still appeared to be a slightly plump young lady.
The Empress Dowager looked at her and smiled, “She looks quite endearing. I can see she’s blessed with good fortune. Quick, give her a seat.”
Chen Mama brought forward a low stool, “Miss Qin, please be seated.”
Qin Shuang looked pleadingly at Qin Wan, having heard that imperial etiquette was quite complex, unsure whether she should sit or not.
Qin Wan smiled and nodded, only then did Qin Shuang sit down properly. The Empress Dowager noticed her nervousness and smiled, asking Chen Mama to bring some pastries and candies. Qin Shuang put a pine nut candy in her mouth.
After eating the candy, Qin Shuang’s posture relaxed though her back remained straight. The Empress Dowager asked, “Are you one year older than Nine Girl?”
Qin Shuang nodded, “In response to the Empress Dowager, yes, I am one year older than Ninth Sister.”
The Empress Dowager continued, “Have you been betrothed yet?”
Qin Shuang became somewhat shy, “Not yet.”
The Empress Dowager then looked at both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, “Your aunt is good at matchmaking. When you return to the capital, let her choose carefully. It won’t go wrong. I can see you’re blessed with good fortune, you’ll surely make a good marriage in the future.”
Qin Shuang was already delighted just to be speaking with the Empress Dowager, and hearing her say this made her even more overjoyed.
“Thank you for your kind words. Your subject will surely make a good marriage in the future.”
Qin Shuang was more lively than Qin Wan, with subtle expressions in her eyes and brows as she spoke. The Empress Dowager seemed to like her and called Chen Mama to bring rewards. Soon after, the Empress Dowager said, “Did you come to play with Nine Girl? It’s not convenient for you to talk here. Nine Girl, go accompany your sister for a while, come back when the feast begins.”
Qin Shuang hurriedly thanked her and took her leave. Once outside with Qin Wan, she could hardly contain her joy!
“I’ve never had such a beautiful gold bracelet! And this jade bangle, ah, this hairpin is so exquisite, is this sapphire or jade…”
Qin Wan smiled, “It’s a gemstone. Did you come to find me about something?”
Qin Shuang was startled by her words, “Heavens! I was so excited talking to the Empress Dowager that I completely forgot I had something important to tell you! Qin Xiang is missing! When I returned she wasn’t in the tent, and I couldn’t find her anywhere after searching!”
The smile disappeared from Qin Wan’s face, “Where have you looked?”
Qin Shuang quickly described the places she had checked, and upon hearing this, Qin Wan summoned Bai Ying and gave her some instructions. Seeing Bai Ying leave with two young maids from the Empress Dowager’s household to search for Qin Xiang, Qin Shuang finally felt some relief.
Qin Wan asked, “Could she have gone to the back?”
Qin Shuang shook her head, “The Zhongguo Duke’s mansion is at the back, and Eighth Sister doesn’t like that Feng family girl. She knows this, so she naturally wouldn’t go to the back. I don’t know why, but I just feel uneasy.”
Qin Wan squeezed her hand, “It’ll be fine. At least nothing unfortunate could happen. Although not many people know her, everyone here is from a noble family. Even if someone wanted to cause trouble, they absolutely wouldn’t dare to do so here.”
If Qin Xiang had gone missing in the marketplace, that would have been truly worrying, but although there were many soldiers in the camp, these men would never dare to harm a young lady from a noble family.
Qin Shuang felt relieved, “Alright then, hopefully, she’ll return on her own soon.”
The sun’s last rays of light faded, and darkness quickly fell. Before Bai Ying could return, the feast was being laid out. With no choice, Qin Shuang had to leave first. Returning to the tent, there was still no sign of Qin Xiang. By the time Lady Hu and Qin Chaoyu were ready to attend the feast, Qin Xiang still hadn’t returned, and everyone finally began to worry.
Lady Hu said, “I’ll have Yu Mama keep an eye out. Let’s go to the feast first to avoid being discourteous.”
Qin Shuang thought that perhaps Qin Wan’s people had already found Qin Xiang, so she followed them to the square. Soon after, Qin Wan and the Empress Dowager appeared, with Bai Ying following behind Qin Wan, clearly having returned from the search. Qin Shuang eagerly looked toward Qin Wan, but Qin Wan shook her head, making Qin Shuang even more anxious. Where had Qin Xiang gone?!
Despite her anxiety, she couldn’t skip the banquet. Qin Shuang sat in her place, unable to taste the food, having lost even her usual interest in watching the noble young men. Tonight’s banquet was unprecedentedly grand, with music, song, and dance in abundance. Yan Huai awarded many prizes to the young nobles who had performed exceptionally well in the hunt, and those who received rewards were all proud and excited.
Qin Shuang had no interest in watching. Finally, halfway through, Yu Mama came from behind, “My Lady, Fifth Miss has returned!”
Qin Shuang was delighted. Though Lady Hu felt some dissatisfaction, she still asked, “Where did she go?”
Yu Mama smiled, “Fifth Miss said she had nothing to do when she returned in the afternoon, so she went for a walk around the camp, but got lost and ended up at the back…”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang only regretted not listening to Qin Wan’s suggestion to look there earlier!
Now that Qin Xiang had returned, her heart could finally rest easy. Lady Hu asked further, “She’s not coming to the banquet?”
“Fifth Miss said since the banquet was already halfway through, it wouldn’t be appropriate to join now. She’s having some pastries in the tent.”
Lady Hu nodded, finally somewhat satisfied. Qin Shuang also felt relieved, and her attention was quickly drawn to the rewards Yan Huai was giving to others…
Half an hour later, the banquet finally came to an end. As people dispersed, Qin Shuang hurried to find Qin Wan to tell her that Qin Xiang had returned before leaving. When she got back to the tent, Qin Xiang was already lying in bed.
“You did it! Being gone so long in the afternoon, you had us worried to death!”
Qin Shuang wanted to lift the blanket and tickle Qin Xiang, but Qin Xiang held her cup tightly while laughing and begging for mercy. “I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong, don’t! My feet hurt from walking so much, I just want to rest properly.”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang stopped moving. “That’s what you get for wandering around. This camp is huge!”
Qin Xiang had a smile on her face. “We’re leaving tomorrow anyway, so it’s good that I walked around more.”
But Qin Shuang said, “You looked very unhappy this afternoon. What happened? Now you’re happy again?”
Qin Xiang couldn’t stop smiling, her eyes sparkling with joy. Her face reddened slightly as she replied, “The afternoon was the afternoon. After walking around, I gained some perspective. Now I’m naturally feeling better.”
Seeing her blush, Qin Shuang assumed she was just embarrassed about the afternoon’s events and didn’t ask further. “That’s good then. I was just worried you were upset about something. It’s good that you’ve worked through it. We’re going back tomorrow, and once we return, they’ll be arranging your marriage. The Marquis Manor will be quite lively for a while.”
Qin Xiang was only staying there temporarily—how could her wedding be celebrated grandly?
But now things were different…
A hint of sweetness flashed in Qin Xiang’s eyes as she changed the subject to other matters. The two chatted for a while longer before retiring to wash up and rest, knowing they needed to rise early the next day.
Early the next morning, just as daylight broke, all the nobles first departed in carriages with their personal belongings. A portion of the Imperial Guard escorted them, while the remaining guards stayed behind to break down the camp.
The return journey followed the same route as their arrival, with the same overnight stops. Sitting in the carriage, Qin Shuang noticed that Qin Xiang kept smiling dreamily, but when asked about it, she wouldn’t say why. Though Qin Shuang felt suspicious, Qin Xiang didn’t leave her side for even half a step during the two days and nights, which finally put her mind at ease.
Two days later, in the afternoon, the main hunting party returned to the capital.
The ladies dispersed at the city gates to return to their respective residences, while the officials escorted the royal procession to the palace. The Empress Dowager, concerned that Qin Wan had tired herself these past few days, sent people to escort her back to the Marquis Manor first. When Qin Wan arrived at the manor, Lady Hu and the others had just returned as well.
Though this trip had been enjoyable following the royal family’s entertainment, it had been truly exhausting. Not to mention the two days of travel, the camp had been restrictive and conditions harsh. Now back at the manor, Lady Hu first had everyone freshen up, then prepared a feast to wait for Qin Shu and the others to return for a family dinner…
When Qin Wan changed her clothes and arrived at Renshou Hall, Qin Shuang was already there. Though she had changed into clothes she’d worn before, she was wearing the jade bracelet bestowed by the Empress Dowager.
Seeing Qin Wan arrive, she eagerly wanted to show it to her. Although Qin Wan had received many rewards from the Empress Dowager, she didn’t want to dampen her joy and praised it properly. Qin Shuang then said in a low voice, “The gold bracelet is too eye-catching. I’ll wear it when I get married in the future.”
Qin Wan laughed hearing this, “Oh my, thinking about marriage already!”
Qin Shuang quickly tried to pinch Qin Wan, “Don’t talk nonsense—”
As the two were playing around, Qin Xiang entered behind Qin Chaoyu.
Qin Xiang had changed into a crimson palace dress with a high collar, looking particularly radiant. Lady Hu glanced at everyone and said to Qin Wan, “You two stop your private chat, come have some pastries first. We’ll start the feast when your uncle returns. We don’t know if your two brothers can make it back tonight…”
Lady Hu had been somewhat worried, but unexpectedly, Qin Shu soon returned with Qin Yan and Qin Ye. Qin Shu wore a smile, and after the three washed up, they took their seats.
Qin Shu said, “This time you all had a good time, and Yan’er and Ye’er handled their duties well. Just now, Commander Lin was praising Ye’er, and Commander Xu from the Nine Cities Patrol also said Ye’er shows great potential! Come, you two worked hard this time, let your father have a drink with you…”
Qin Yan could have been a carefree young master, but this time he took charge of the Imperial Guard duties. While other heirs were racing horses and practicing archery during the hunt, he was managing the camp’s security. Qin Ye at the Nine Cities Patrol had an even more demanding job.
After the three had a drink, Lady Hu let everyone begin the feast.
“I notice both brothers have tanned quite a bit. Since you performed well in your duties this time, will there be promotions?”
Qin Chaoyu asked in a gentle voice. As the future Crown Princess, she naturally hoped her brothers would advance.
Qin Shu smiled, “This was just one assignment. For promotions, they’ll need to do well in other matters too, but with this start, when positions open up in the future, things will be easier to arrange. I’ll keep an eye out.”
Coming from a Marquis family and being diligent in their work, it would be hard not to get promoted.
But Qin Yan said, “We must also congratulate Ninth Sister on being conferred as Princess! This is the greatest joy!”
Qin Ye also smiled, “Now our Marquis Manor has produced a Princess…”
Qin Shu laughed heartily, “Indeed! Let’s have another cup. The manor has had one happy event after another!”
Everyone drank together, all wearing expressions of joy, though Qin Chaoyu studied Qin Wan carefully. What did it matter if she was made a Princess? The position of Crown Princess had been decided and would not change!
“Father, has the Imperial Astronomy Bureau set a date yet?”
When Qin Chaoyu inquired about the wedding date, Qin Shu replied, “We’ll have to wait a few more days. Everyone’s been focused on the hunt lately.”
Lady Hu smiled, “It will likely be between late summer and early autumn. Before that, we’ll first marry off Xiang’er, give her a grand wedding ceremony…”
It was now late March, and the Crown Prince’s wedding naturally needed lengthy preparation, at least three or four months away. Since Qin Xiang’s marriage couldn’t conflict with Qin Chaoyu’s, they naturally had to quickly set Qin Xiang’s wedding date.
Qin Xiang’s heart skipped a beat hearing this, but thinking of something, her face grew even more shy, though she said nothing. Lady Hu continued, “Everyone rests tomorrow, and the day after I’ll send someone to speak with the Xue family, we need to hurry!”
Qin Xiang maintained a calm expression, but there was some bitterness in her heart.
A grand ceremony would be impossible—it was just about clearing the way quickly for Qin Chaoyu.
During dinner, everyone except Qin Xiang and Qin Chaoyu enjoyed themselves thoroughly. As it grew late, after dinner Lady Hu had everyone disperse. Qin Wan returned to Pine Breeze Court, and being extremely tired, went to rest after washing up.
The next day, when Qin Wan awoke, it was already bright outside. She had wanted to sleep in, but soon Fuling said, “Young Miss! Quick, get up! Imperial Eunuch Yuan has come to deliver the conferment rewards! There’s also an imperial edict—you need to receive it in person!”
Qin Wan was surprised and became anxious. She called Bai Ying and several other maids including Ban Xia for a flurry of activity to get her properly dressed. When she reached the front courtyard, everyone else had already arrived, making Qin Wan somewhat embarrassed.
“Princess, please receive the imperial edict—”
Yuan Qing held the imperial edict, smiling as he looked at Qin Wan, thinking she must have been too tired last night and didn’t wake up early.
Qin Wan quickly knelt, with Qin Shu and the others kneeling behind her.
Yuan Qing unfolded the imperial edict, “By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Qin Wan of the Qin family is wise and virtuous, dignified and capable, possesses the kindness to save all beings, and has a great hidden merciful heart. She has repeatedly accomplished extraordinary deeds. Hereby confer upon her the title of Princess Yongci. By imperial decree!”
After Yuan Qing finished announcing, he folded the edict, “Princess, please receive the edict. Though the decree is simple, your merits are known to all. These are rewards sent by His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and Her Majesty the Empress. Have someone put them away. Now, you must accompany this old servant to the palace. The carriage is waiting outside…”
It wasn’t particularly early now, and Qin Wan hurriedly accepted the edict. Her entry to the palace was naturally to express her gratitude.
Looking up, she saw that this time’s rewards were even more numerous than when Qin Chaoyu was named Crown Princess. On that day, the Empress Dowager had only given extra gifts according to protocol, but today, the Empress Dowager was clearly showing her support. Seeing the courtyard filled with gifts, while Qin Wan remained composed, others couldn’t help but feel envious, both openly and secretly.
Lady Hu saw it too. She pressed her lips together, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Looking over, sure enough, there was some darkness in Qin Chaoyu’s eyes. Lady Hu sighed and held Qin Chaoyu’s hand, patting it gently. Qin Chaoyu exhaled, only hoping the Imperial Astronomy Bureau would quickly set the Crown Prince’s wedding date. Once she had the position of Crown Princess, she would be superior to all!
Qin Shu stepped forward, “Wan’er, you should go. We’ll take care of things here at the manor.”
Expressing gratitude at the palace was a major matter. Qin Wan nodded and had to follow Yuan Qing, taking Bai Ying with her.
Boarding the carriage, they followed the main road toward the palace gates. Two incense sticks’ worth of time later, they reached the palace entrance. Being a palace carriage, she didn’t need to dismount, and with her new status, there weren’t as many formalities. However, after entering the palace gates, Qin Wan noticed the carriage was heading toward Shoukang Palace. Wasn’t she supposed to thank the Emperor?
Qin Wan lifted the curtain, “Eunuch Yuan, why are we going to Shoukang Palace first? Is His Majesty at Shoukang Palace?”
Yuan Qing gave a meaningful smile, “Yes, His Majesty is at Shoukang Palace.”
Qin Wan thought Yuan Qing’s smile was somewhat strange but didn’t think much of it. Yan Huai was very filial toward the Empress Dowager, so he might have been keeping her company. Soon, the carriage stopped steadily in front of Shoukang Palace.
Qin Wan alighted from the carriage and followed Yuan Qing into Shoukang Palace, walking along the familiar corridors toward the inner palace. Soon they reached the main hall, but at the entrance, she found many palace maids standing guard outside.
Qin Wan found it strange and asked, “What’s this? Does the Empress Dowager have other guests?”
Yuan Qing nodded with a smile. Qin Wan was surprised, “Should I wait outside then?”
Just as she finished speaking, a clear and bright voice rang out, “We’ve been waiting for you! Why would you need to wait outside!”
Hearing this voice, Qin Wan’s eyes immediately brightened. At that moment, an elegant figure dressed in male attire stepped out from behind the screen inside the room. When Qin Wan saw the person, her breath caught, and though surprised, she couldn’t help but smile, “When did you return?! Why didn’t anyone tell me!”