The lady who emerged from behind the screen had refined features, her hair tied in a ponytail. She wore a man’s brocade robe with precious patterns, a round collar, and a right-lapelled style. Her figure was tall and graceful, her bearing natural and elegant—who else could it be but Yue Ning?!
Qin Wan felt a surge of joy, suddenly understanding why Yuan Qing had smiled so meaningfully earlier!
This had been deliberately kept from her!
Qin Wan took several steps forward as Yue Ning said with a smile, “I returned yesterday. Knowing you’d be exhausted from returning from Mount Wei, and since we needed to settle things at the old Marquis Manor, we didn’t call on you. We knew you’d be conferred as Princess today, so Grandmother and Mother came to the palace early with me to wait for you. Quick, come, they’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened, “Are Grandmother and Foster Mother both here?”
Yue Ning smiled, “Of course, when we returned, we all came back together.”
As Qin Wan walked inside with Yue Ning, she glanced at Yuan Qing, who smiled warmly, “Princess, please don’t blame this old servant. The Empress Dowager and Grand Princess instructed us not to tell you.”
The Empress Dowager and Grand Princess were already close friends, and now these two in-laws had gotten together like children to surprise Qin Wan. Qin Wan walked inside with an amused smile. After going around the screen into the inner chamber, she immediately saw the Grand Princess and Empress Dowager sitting on a Buddhist couch near the window, with His Majesty seated in the lower position. Marquis An Yang and Lady Jiang sat to one side, while Yue Qing stood beside Lady Jiang with a faint smile. Everyone looked over as Qin Wan and Yue Ning entered.
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened, and she hurried forward to pay her respects. But just as she began to curtsy to the Grand Princess, the latter pulled her close, “Come here quickly, let me see if you’ve gotten thinner these past few months!”
She looked Qin Wan up and down, “Oh my, you have gotten thinner! What’s going on? How did you lose weight even at the Marquis Manor?”
The Empress Dowager heard this and snorted, “Princess, are you suggesting I’ve been mistreating Nine Girl?”
The Grand Princess smiled radiantly, “How could that be? I’ve heard that the Empress Dowager treats Wan’er better than anyone.”
Qin Wan smiled hearing their exchange, but asked, “Grandmother, how long were you traveling? How is your health? Was the journey difficult?! Did you use the medicine I left for you?”
As Qin Wan fired off questions one after another, the Grand Princess held her hand tightly, proudly smiling at the Empress Dowager, “See that? She’s worried about me. I haven’t doted on her in vain.”
The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but laugh. This Grand Princess, born into the royal family, was indeed different from her status.
Although she came from the Mu family and had a forthright personality, the Grand Princess was heaven’s favored daughter. Compared to her, the Grand Princess’s personality was even more unrestrained and free-spirited. Even at her current age, this was still evident.
“Don’t worry, I used all the medicine you left. After you left, I only felt unwell once. Fortunately, Imperial Physician Huang had returned then and changed the prescription. I got better quickly and haven’t had any problems these past six months. When spring came, I thought it was time to come back for a visit, so we set out. I received and read all your letters, but it wasn’t convenient to reply while traveling. I also wanted to surprise you, so I didn’t tell you we were coming back. If I had told you, wouldn’t you have worried?”
Qin Wan carefully examined the Grand Princess’s complexion and, seeing that she looked well, felt somewhat relieved. “That’s good then. I was just worried that you weren’t well enough for such a long journey.”
The Grand Princess sighed, “It’s all thanks to you. Otherwise, I might not have been able to return. I’ve been away from the capital for ten years. After all, I grew up here—it’s good to be back.”
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager added, “I’ve wanted you to return for so long, but you were always unwilling. Who would have thought Nine Girl would be your turning point.”
The Grand Princess smiled brightly, “Last year, everyone thought I would die in Jinzhou. After Nine Girl saved me, I felt that if I had died like that without returning to the capital, I would have had many regrets. Later, when Nine Girl left first, I kept thinking about her.”
The Empress Dowager also looked lovingly at Qin Wan, “Both our lives were saved thanks to Nine Girl. This is all fate—no wonder we were closest friends in our youth…”
The Grand Princess teased, “Aren’t we still close now?”
The Empress Dowager laughed heartily and hurried to instruct Chen Mama to prepare a feast, insisting that the Grand Princess’s family must stay for the entire day.
Yan Huai had just returned from Mount Wei and was in good spirits. Seeing the Grand Princess and Empress Dowager chatting and laughing, he was also happy. Soon after, the Empress arrived with Yan Che, and shortly after them, Feng Lingsu brought Yan Qi. The Grand Princess had gone straight to Shoukang Palace upon entering the palace, so Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu, having heard about this and needing to bring Yan Che and Yan Qi to the palace, arrived late.
Among the younger generation, the Grand Princess hadn’t seen them for many years, and looking at Yan Che and Yan Qi, she smiled, “When I left, you were only this tall—”
She held her hand at her waist, “Now you’ve all grown up. I hear you’re both engaged?”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Indeed they are. The Crown Prince’s betrothed is Nine Girl’s cousin, the Marquis Manor’s legitimate daughter. The Prince of Cheng is engaged to his cousin, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhongguo.”
The Grand Princess smiled with narrowed eyes, “Good, good, that’s all wonderful. By the way, where are Yan Chi and Yan Li?”
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled, “I knew you’d want to see them. I’ll send someone to summon them right away. They just returned from Mount Wei yesterday, who knows where they are now.”
She then instructed Chen Mama to make arrangements.
It was now early April, the height of spring, and the weather had fully warmed up. After sitting inside for a while, the Empress Dowager wanted to take the Grand Princess’s family for a walk outside. Yan Huai had matters to attend to and left first.
After Yan Huai left, the Grand Princess remarked, “His Majesty has worked so hard governing these past ten years.”
The Empress Dowager smiled gently, “The late Emperor would surely be pleased—he didn’t choose wrong back then.”
Mentioning past events inevitably brought to mind the Prince of Gong’s rebellion. The Grand Princess’s eyes flickered to Yan Che, “Che’er, the future of the Great Zhou rests on your shoulders. You must learn well from your father.”
Yan Che hurriedly agreed. Zhao Shuhua then asked about the Grand Princess’s health. Although Feng Lingsu was an Imperial Noble Consort, the Grand Princess didn’t initiate conversation with her. Thus, Feng Lingsu could only watch as Zhao Shuhua, Qin Wan, Yue Ning, and others gathered around the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess while she couldn’t get a word in. Feng Lingsu felt somewhat annoyed, and Yan Qi, seeing this scene, was also quite displeased.
Yue Qing stood to the side, his gentle gaze falling on Qin Wan.
After half a year apart, Yue Qing appeared much more mature than before and had grown taller.
Qin Wan had been held by the Grand Princess earlier and hadn’t had a chance to properly talk with Yue Ning and Yue Qing. Now that Zhao Shuhua was chatting with the Grand Princess, the three young people had a chance to talk.
Yue Qing asked, “Fourth Sister, I hear you’ve taken an honorary position in the Ministry of Justice?”
Yue Qing’s point of interest was naturally different from others. Hearing this, Yue Ning also said, “News of the Mount Wei incident has already reached the capital. We just returned yesterday and already heard about how you saved the Northern Wei Crown Prince and helped solve the case, achieving great merit.”
Qin Wan spoke frankly, “The incident was very sudden. I helped a little bit.”
Yue Ning and Yue Qing both knew that Qin Wan could perform autopsies, so they weren’t surprised when they heard about this incident. However, there were now some unfavorable rumors about Qin Wan circulating outside. While Qin Wan was already well-known as the Little Medical Immortal, now that people knew she could also perform autopsies, all sorts of gossip had emerged.
It wasn’t good for a woman to be subject to criticism, and Yue Ning felt quite protective of Qin Wan.
Yue Qing also said, “Being conferred as Princess is wonderful enough—why did you seek this position? I also know that you previously helped the Linan Prefecture solve cases. Wouldn’t it have been better to just help privately?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled bitterly, “If women could hold official positions, I would probably seek a real position in the Ministry of Justice. Although I helped before, I always had to be secretive and cautious. Since I have this ability, I might as well do something meaningful with it.”
While this excuse seemed somewhat high-minded, Qin Wan had no better explanation. After all, it was shocking enough that a noble lady from a Marquis family would regularly want to help with autopsies.
At these words, Yue Qing’s eyes brightened, “I knew Fourth Sister was no ordinary person. Having such a heart to benefit the people truly equals any man! Fourth Sister makes me feel ashamed!”
The ashamed one was Qin Wan—though she had done something groundbreaking, her purpose had been for her private matters.
After walking through the garden, when everyone returned it was time for the feast. At this point, Yan Chi and Yan Li arrived together at Shoukang Palace. The Grand Princess had seen Yan Chi last year but hadn’t seen Yan Li for a long time, so she held them both back to talk at length, showing particular affection for Yan Li. The past events had nothing to do with Yan Li, yet because of old matters he had been unable to receive his title for many years and had lived under that shadow. Despite his age, he had achieved nothing, and it was still unclear what Yan Huai’s intentions were regarding him. This was something none of them could ask about, so they could only show extra care for Yan Li in their daily interactions.
Not having seen the Grand Princess for many years, Yan Li was as docile as a cat in her presence. Soon after, Yan Huai returned to Shoukang Palace to dine with the Grand Princess and Empress Dowager.
After the meal, Yan Huai left to handle state affairs while the Empress Dowager kept everyone else for conversation.
Hearing that Yue Jia had gone to the Northwest Army, the Empress Dowager smiled, “It’s good to gain experience there. Yan Chi grew up in the Northwest Army, and now he’s doing well in the Ministry of Justice. What about Yue Qing?”
Yue Qiong said, “Qing’er is also good at martial arts. I wonder if he could train with the Imperial Guard or the Nine Cities Patrol?”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Those are both demanding posts. Is Qing’er willing?”
Yue Qing hurriedly replied, “Elder Brother has already gone to the Northwest Army—how could I be unwilling to serve in the capital?”
The Empress Dowager nodded, “Good, you younger generation are all promising…”
The Grand Princess naturally doted on her grandsons and shared some amusing stories about Yue Jia and Yue Qing. Qin Wan glanced over and noticed Yan Li’s expressionless face. While everyone else in their circle had achieved something, he alone spent his days in wasteful indulgence, living carelessly without purpose. If Yan Li were truly just another wastrel, that would be one thing, but looking at him, Qin Wan felt this wasn’t the case.
The Empress Dowager and Grand Princess talked until sunset. Seeing how late it had gotten, the Grand Princess finally took her leave, “Now that I’m back, won’t it be convenient to talk with you? I’ll come to the palace tomorrow to keep you company.”
Only then did the Empress Dowager let the Grand Princess’s party depart. Qin Wan, Yan Chi, and Yan Li naturally left together.
Outside the palace gates, it was already late. The Grand Princess held Qin Wan’s hand and said, “I wanted you to visit the Marquis Manor, but it’s too late today. How about this—tomorrow we’ll leave the palace early and take you to the manor. We should also pay our respects to the Marquis of Zhongyong’s household.”
Qin Wan quickly agreed. The Grand Princess then asked Yan Chi to escort Qin Wan. They watched the Grand Princess’s party leave before getting into their carriage. However, Yan Li said, “Seventh Brother, you escort Qin Wan back. I’ll return to accompany Mother.”
Yan Chi made no response. As the carriage started moving, Qin Wan lifted the curtain and looked back, seeing Yan Li leading his horse. In the evening sunlight, his shadow stretched long, carrying an air of desolation and loneliness.
Qin Wan’s heart sank, “Will he be like this his whole life?”
Knowing what Qin Wan meant, Yan Chi pondered for a moment before saying, “Before him, all royal princes who committed treason had their entire clan executed to the ninth degree of kinship. So even though the Empress Dowager dotes on him so much, she can’t speak up for him.”
Qin Wan knew these weren’t matters she should interfere with, so she said nothing more. In the carriage, Yan Chi naturally tried to be intimate with her, but Qin Wan pulled her hand away and asked, “Did you know Grandmother was returning?”
Yan Chi smiled and drew her into his embrace, “They insisted I keep it secret. I had no choice…”
Seeing Qin Wan still pouting, Yan Chi began coaxing her softly, and as he did so, his hands started wandering. When they reached the Marquis Manor gates, Qin Wan hurriedly jumped down from the carriage and ran inside without looking back.
Once inside, Qin Wan straightened her clothes and glanced back, her cheeks slightly pink.
Having left in a hurry that morning, Qin Wan needed to visit the main courtyard. There, she learned that Lady Hu and Qin Shu already knew about the Grand Princess’s return to the capital. Though there had been no private connection between their manor and the An Yang Marquis Manor before, Qin Wan, Lady Hu, and Qin Shu planned to visit the next day. The Grand Princess’s status was noble, so naturally they couldn’t let her visit first. Qin Wan listened, understanding that Lady Hu would never err in such matters, and after a few more words returned to Pine Breeze Court.
Fuling had been waiting in the manor and happily said as soon as she saw her, “Young Miss, your storehouse is almost full!”
After some thought, Qin Wan had Fuling prepare a gift. Though the Grand Princess didn’t care about such formalities, Qin Wan wanted to show her filial piety. Upon hearing it was for the Grand Princess, Fuling hurried off!
Qin Wan had barely sat down when Qin Shuang arrived at Pine Breeze Court with a grave expression. Earlier that morning she had been rejoicing about Qin Wan being conferred as Princess, but now her face was full of worry. Seeing something was wrong, Qin Wan quickly asked, “What’s wrong?”
Qin Shuang wrung her handkerchief tightly, “I think something’s wrong with Qin Xiang.”
“What kind of wrong?”
Qin Shuang looked conflicted, then suddenly leaned forward and whispered something in her ear. Hearing these words, Qin Wan was stunned, “You saw it yourself?”
Qin Shuang nodded, “I went in while she was changing clothes, and I saw it! At first, I thought it was some kind of rash, but how could it be? It looked like someone had gripped her!”
Qin Wan’s face paled slightly, “So, where did she go that day?”
Qin Shuang shook her head, “I don’t know. I saw it and asked her about it, but she wouldn’t say a word. She insisted nothing was wrong. When I pressed her, she coldly pushed me out!”
“What should we do? Should we tell Aunt about this?”
Qin Wan sat there dazed. If this was true, she didn’t know what to do either.
“Come on, let’s go see her—”
Qin Wan made a quick decision, and under cover of night went with Qin Shuang to Qin Xiang’s courtyard. Though Qin Shuang said she had argued with Qin Xiang, when Qin Wan saw her, she appeared radiant with joy, as if in excellent spirits.
However, seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang arrive together, her brow slightly furrowed. She glared at Qin Shuang, who felt somewhat guilty for having told Qin Wan. Qin Wan blocked Qin Xiang’s gaze and sent Wan He and the others away before saying softly, “Is what she told me true?”
Qin Xiang turned away, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Seeing Qin Xiang’s attitude, Qin Wan knew Qin Shuang hadn’t been lying. She anxiously said, “What exactly happened? If… if someone bullied you, you need to tell us.”
Qin Xiang instinctively grabbed at her collar, “No one bullied me. Stop asking.”
Qin Wan looked at Qin Xiang with sharp eyes, “Then how did… you’re about to be betrothed? If when the time comes… how can we help you then?”
Qin Xiang whirled around, “I don’t need your help! If you want to help me, then pretend you didn’t see anything!” She looked at Qin Wan with a cold smile, “You’re an honored Princess now. Just take care of yourself. I didn’t need your help before, and I don’t need it now. Leave—”
As she spoke, Qin Xiang pushed them both toward the door, forcibly shoving them out. She looked at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang with fierce eyes, “I’ll say it again—if you want to help me, don’t say anything!”
With that, she slammed the door shut with a “bang.”
Looking at the closed door, Qin Wan felt a sense of foreboding in her heart.
If Qin Xiang had truly been bullied, she wouldn’t have acted like this. Which meant… it had been willing!
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances, both feeling that something was about to happen.