Early the next morning, Madam Hu sent gifts and a visiting card to the Anyang Marquis Manor.
Although Princess Imperial and the Marquis of Anyang had been away from the capital for ten years, their old residence in the capital had been well maintained during this time. The Zhongyong Marquis Manor had no previous connection with the Anyang Marquis Manor, so this visit naturally required sending a visiting card before calling. Madam Hu sent the card today and planned to visit with Qin Shu the next morning.
When Qin Wan learned of this matter, she said nothing but thought about Qin Xiang’s situation. However, Qin Xiang was determined, and even if she told Madam Hu now, it would likely only make the situation irreparable.
After some hesitation, Qin Wan reached an agreement with Qin Shuang to keep quiet for now and see what Qin Xiang would do next.
After breakfast, seeing that it was getting late, Qin Wan prepared to enter the palace. When she arrived at Shoukang Palace, the Empress Dowager was indeed there.
Though the Anyang Marquis Manor had returned to the capital, they had only escorted Princess Imperial and others back, and would soon return to Jinzhou. Today, the Empress Dowager only brought Yue Ning to the palace. The Anyang Marquis Manor needed to visit old friends in the capital, Madam Jiang needed to organize the manor, and Yue Qing needed to follow the Marquis to meet people to facilitate his future endeavors in the capital.
While the Empress Dowager and Princess Imperial spoke privately, Yue Ning pulled Qin Wan aside to talk. “Before we left, we sent someone to check on the Qin Manor. Everything was fine there, except that the people in the Qin Manor had been constantly suffering from minor illnesses these past six months.”
With Qin Xiang gone and Qin Chen in that state, how could Madam Lin’s heart be at peace?
Qin Wan sighed, “I suppose it’s due to their troubled hearts, considering what happened before.”
The Qin family’s affairs had caused quite a stir in Jinzhou. Qin Wan and the others who had left didn’t know, but Yue Ning did. The crimes committed by Qin An were extremely heinous, and as word spread, even the servants of the Qin family were pointed at and gossiped about when they went out shopping. Yue Ning thought about this but decided not to mention it to avoid causing Qin Wan additional worry.
“Magistrate Huo received an excellent performance review at the end of last year. Before we returned, Magistrate Huo visited our manor and spoke with Father about something. I don’t know what they discussed, but Father said there’s a high possibility he’ll be transferred to an official position in the capital this year.”
Though Huo Huaixin’s governance was somewhat mediocre, he was diligent and conscientious in his duties, so the opportunity for promotion was deserved. “In that case, Magistrate Huo should be coming to the capital in the second half of the year.”
Yue Ning smiled, “Yes, and there’s something else – you must know about the Magistrate’s son. He used to be such a refined young gentleman, always speaking in literary terms. But you’ll never guess – at the end of last year, when he learned my eldest brother was going to the Shuoxi Army, he also developed an interest in joining the military. He even wanted to join the Shuoxi Army! It was only because the Magistrate’s wife couldn’t bear to send him to such a dangerous place that they sent him to the Bei Fu Army under the Zhao family instead. The Bei Fu Army is renowned but rarely engages in direct combat with the enemy, so it’s relatively safe.”
Qin Wan was truly surprised at this, “Huo Ning joined the Bei Fu Army?”
Yue Ning laughed at her expression, “I knew you would be surprised-“
Qin Wan indeed hadn’t expected Huo Ning to join the military. Hadn’t he always prided himself on his literary talents? With his frame that had never trained in martial arts, how could he endure the strict military training and various regulations?
Qin Wan tilted her head in thought, unable to imagine what Huo Ning would look like in military uniform and armor…
Shaking her head, Qin Wan said, “I met Young Master Wei too.”
“Wei Qizhi?” Yue Ning remembered clearly, “He’s back in the capital now, how is his leg?”
“It’s healed. Not only that, but he went north at the end of last year. You know how he’s obsessed with horses – he went north to buy fine steeds. Now he’s become a horse supplier for the Imperial Stables, and many of the horses used in this spring hunt were supplied by him.”
Yue Ning was slightly surprised. Becoming a supplier for the imperial stables was no simple matter, and Wei Qizhi’s journey from the capital to the north wasn’t easy either. Though he came from a privileged family, he was willing to endure such hardship. “It seems he still doesn’t want to become an official, which suits his personality!”
Since Qin Wan and Yue Ning had known each other for over three months in Jinzhou and hadn’t seen each other for half a year, they naturally talked about people and events from the past. By noon, Princess Imperial invited them to stay for lunch. After the meal, Princess Imperial asked, “Yan Chi took up a position in the Ministry of Justice, is he at the ministry now?”
The Empress Dowager replied, “Of course he’s at the ministry. He’s now a third-rank official, not to be taken lightly.”
Princess Imperial sighed, “What should we do about Yan Li?”
Since neither Yan Chi nor Yan Li was present, and in front of the young ladies Qin Wan and Yue Ning, Princess Imperial asked directly. The Empress Dowager sighed, “I was thinking of finding him a wife for the heir position soon.”
Princess Imperial was worried, “With his personality, if he doesn’t like someone, he probably won’t marry them.”
The Empress Dowager smiled bitterly, “Indeed… he has his ideas, but those ideas aren’t suited for daily life. If only he could be as sensible as Yan Chi.”
At the mention of Yan Chi, Qin Wan’s attention was drawn.
Princess Imperial smiled slightly, “Yan Chi is indeed sensible, I’m not worried about him. But how long will his father stay in Shuoxi? It’s been many years now.”
The Empress Dowager sighed, “I’ll have Yan Chi send a message in a while. As for His Majesty, he feels that having him guard Shuoxi brings stability, so he hasn’t ordered his return all these years.”
“Is it because of what happened back then…”
Princess Imperial stopped mid-sentence, but the Empress Dowager just sighed and said nothing more.
Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances. Though they were curious about what Princess Imperial was referring to, it wasn’t their place to discuss the elders’ affairs. Princess Imperial quickly changed the subject.
After another half hour, seeing the sun declining in the west, Princess Imperial took her leave, bringing Yue Ning and Qin Wan to the Anyang Marquis Manor.
The Anyang Marquis Manor was located in the Changle District in the west, closest to the imperial city walls. Though situated in the west, it was quite prestigious. When Princess Imperial married into the family, the Anle Marquis Manor underwent an expansion, and it is now considered one of the most distinguished residences in the capital, even surpassing some other princely mansions.
As soon as they entered, Madam Jiang said, “Wan’er’s elder aunt sent New Year’s gifts and a visiting card this morning, saying they couldn’t come during the New Year as it was too far, so these gifts are to make up for it. She also said she and her husband would visit tomorrow.”
Princess Imperial smiled, “Wan’er’s elder aunt comes from a noble family and is very courteous. You should prepare, and have Qiong’er stay home tomorrow to help entertain them.”
Madam Jiang quickly agreed. Princess Imperial kept Qin Wan for a while longer to talk, then had Yue Ning show Qin Wan around the manor.
By sunset, when Yue Qiong and Yue Qing returned to the manor, Qin Wan hurried to pay her respects. When Yue Qing saw Qin Wan at the manor, his face lit up with joy, and he said, “After Fourth Sister left, I found several more medical texts. I kept them safe, Fourth Sister, wait here, I’ll go get them for you…”
Yue Qing ran off excitedly after speaking. Qin Wan wanted to say something but held back. Princess Imperial said, “It’s fine since he kept them and can’t use them himself, and now he’s your sworn brother, you should take them.”
Qin Wan felt conflicted, but since the Empress Dowager had spoken, she couldn’t refuse. Soon, Yue Qing returned with a thick stack of medical books. Fortunately, Qin Wan had brought Bai Ying today, otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to carry them.
Since this was Qin Wan’s first visit to the manor, Princess Imperial insisted on having her stay for dinner. Qin Wan was happy to keep Princess Imperial company and didn’t decline. After dinner, it was already dusk when she left.
Looking at the medical books piled in the corner of the carriage, Qin Wan sighed.
Regardless of Yue Qing’s past intentions, they were now only sworn siblings. Though Yue Qing’s eyes were clear when speaking to her, his care for her always unconsciously showed through. Qin Wan thought she should be more cautious in the future.
Thinking about this along the way, when the carriage stopped in front of the Marquis Manor, Qin Wan felt something was amiss.
Bai Ying also said, “Young Miss, it seems there are guests…”
In front of the Zhongyong Marquis Manor, two carriages and a sedan chair were parked.
Strangely, the carriages didn’t have the typical vermillion lacquer and ornate canopy. Though they were large, they were only blue-curtained with flat tops, more like vehicles for transporting valuable goods. The small sedan chair, however, was particularly luxurious.
Two people were guarding the carriages. Upon closer inspection, Qin Wan felt something was wrong.
The guards weren’t ordinary coachmen but palace guards in court uniforms. These people must have come either from the palace or some prince’s manor – only people from such places would wear such court uniforms!
Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat. She had Bai Ying take the books and hurried into the manor. As soon as she entered, Qin Wan felt something was very wrong. The manor was eerily quiet, but when she reached the main courtyard, she saw more than ten armed palace guards in court uniforms standing there. In front of them were numerous boxes on the ground, along with piles of gifts, and most surprisingly, someone holding a pair of live wild geese!
“Wild geese call in harmony as the sun rises at dawn. Like a scholar returning to his wife before the ice melts.”
Who could be bringing betrothal gifts at this hour?!
Qin Wan’s heart trembled – who would deliver betrothal gifts at night?!
As she walked forward while thinking, when she saw the person holding the wild geese, Qin Wan was suddenly startled – wasn’t this the strategist from Prince Cheng Yan Qi’s side?!
The person holding the geese was Lu Xiao, Prince Cheng’s chief strategist. Beside Lu Xiao stood a tall man named Liu Ji, who was the head steward of Prince Cheng’s manor!
Seeing Qin Wan appear, both men quickly bowed, “Greetings, Princess!”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed tightly. Something occurred to her, and her expression suddenly changed. She waved her hand and quickly entered the main courtyard. As soon as she entered, Qin Wan saw Wan He and Xiu Zhi kneeling outside, while Nanny Yu and others stood far from the eaves. The main hall’s doors were tightly shut.
“Princess, you’re back…” Nanny Yu looked anxious, “Princess, something terrible has happened!”
Qin Wan quickly asked, “Are those Prince Cheng’s people outside? Are they here for Fifth Sister?”
Nanny Yu nodded and hurried forward to announce her arrival. When those inside heard that Qin Wan had returned, they finally opened the door. As soon as she entered, the door was closed again. The room was full of people.
In the center of the hall, Qin Xiang knelt with a perfectly straight back.
“Uncle, Aunt… what…”
Qin Shu sat in the main seat. Madam Hu, Qin Chaoyu, Qin Xiang, and others were standing. Qin Yan was also standing to one side, while Qin Ye stood near the door. Unlike the others’ grave expressions, Qin Ye seemed somewhat indifferent.
Seeing Qin Wan return, Madam Hu rushed forward, grabbed her hand, and anxiously said, “Wan’er, look at this! What’s going on?! Your Fifth Sister is already betrothed, but now Prince Cheng has come with betrothal gifts! That’s not all – Prince Cheng says he wants to take her away tonight… When we called your Fifth Sister here, she knelt and said she’s willing… this…”
Though betrothal gifts were presented, wanting to take the person away the same night meant taking her as a concubine, not a wife!
Qin Wan looked at Qin Xiang with sharp eyes. She finally knew who Qin Xiang had been involved with!
Prince Cheng! It was Prince Cheng?!
Qin Wan’s heart suddenly sank to the bottom…
She knew Qin Xiang was ambitious, and thought she had changed her ways, but never imagined she would get involved with Prince Cheng!
Didn’t she know that Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince were like fire and water, and the Zhongyong Marquis Manor stood with the Crown Prince?
Qin Shu’s face was darker than ever before. Hearing Madam Hu’s words, he said in a deep voice, “After your father passed, I took you in. Since I took you under my wing, I cannot fail to guide you properly. Prince Cheng’s actions tonight show contempt for our Marquis Manor! He’s humiliating our Marquis Manor! My niece, a member of the Qin family, will never be someone’s concubine!”
After speaking each word distinctly, Qin Shu stood up, “I will go see the Crown Prince now, then make a trip to the palace. This matter cannot end here…”
Qin Shu’s words brooked no argument, but as soon as he took a step, Qin Xiang said, “Uncle, there’s no need to trouble yourself. Your niece truly is willing.”
Qin Xiang maintained her straight posture, her face showing resolute determination as if ready to face death. Qin Shu’s steps faltered, his gaze suddenly turning cold. Qin Xiang showed no surprise at this news, kneeling immediately to say she was willing. Such a reaction made him somewhat understand, but he hadn’t asked further. Regardless of what had happened, he could protect this niece – Prince Cheng would have to think twice before trying to bully them!
But he hadn’t expected that Qin Xiang’s heart had already turned toward Prince Cheng!
“Have you thought this through?!” Qin Shu stared at Qin Xiang fiercely for a moment before asking in a cold voice.
Qin Xiang nodded. Beside her, Madam Hu couldn’t hold back anymore, “Xiang’er, what’s going on?! Why would Prince Cheng suddenly come proposing marriage?! Don’t you know he’s already betrothed to a primary consort? The eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhongguo!”
Qin Xiang nodded, “I know.”
Madam Hu was heartbroken, “You know and still agree?! Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince are at odds, Yu’er is to be the Crown Princess, and our Marquis Manor’s position is already set. Prince Cheng knows this – his asking to take you as a concubine is clearly ill-intentioned. How will you position yourself in Prince Cheng’s manor? How will we face the Crown Prince?!”
Though Qin Xiang wasn’t born of the Marquis Manor’s main line, if she truly became Prince Cheng’s person, she would become a thorn between the Marquis Manor and the Crown Prince. This thorn might not be obvious in normal times, but someone like Yan Qi would only let the wound fester and suppurate, quietly watching as discord grew between the marquis manor and the Crown Prince.
Everyone present understood this logic, yet Qin Xiang remained obstinately blind to it!
“Aunt is considering Eighth Sister’s future, but I must also consider my happiness. If I’ve done wrong, I ask Uncle and Aunt for forgiveness.”
Qin Xiang lowered her eyes, her lips pressed tightly together, her face pale but showing a stubbornness that chilled one’s heart.
Madam Hu was extremely anxious and turned to look at Qin Shu. Qin Shu stared at Qin Xiang for a moment before suddenly asking, “Do you and Prince Cheng have an intimate relationship?”
Qin Xiang was silent for a moment, then, “Yes.”
Madam Hu took a deep breath, “How is that possible? When? Was it at Mount Wei?”
Qin Xiang kept her head down without answering, which was as good as confirmation. Madam Hu looked at Qin Shuang, “Shuang’er, did you know about this?”
Qin Shuang was also frightened out of her wits. She hadn’t imagined Qin Xiang would be so bold!
Usually, even if she dared to steal glances, she would only look at someone like the Wei’an Marquis’s heir. With the Crown Prince or Prince Cheng, she wouldn’t dare even look once. Yet unexpectedly, Qin Xiang had been involved with Prince Cheng…
Those marks she had seen on her body were left by Prince Cheng!
When asked, Qin Shuang didn’t know whether to nod or not, “I… I only noticed she seemed absent-minded often, nothing else… I don’t know…”
With Qin Shu and Qin Yan present, Qin Shuang didn’t want to completely expose Qin Xiang’s shame.
Madam Hu was so anxious she kept stamping her feet. Meanwhile, Qin Chaoyu stepped forward and said coldly, “You really want to be Prince Cheng’s concubine? Do you know what being a concubine means? Your mother is a proper wife, and you’re legitimately born – have you thought this through?”
Qin Chaoyu’s questions were pointed, showing no consideration for Qin Ye’s presence. But how could Qin Xiang not understand?
But how could being Prince Cheng’s concubine be compared to being a concubine in an ordinary household?
As long as she could bear Prince Cheng’s child, her child would be of dragon and phoenix descent!
“I understand, and I’m willing.”
Qin Xiang answered coldly. Qin Chaoyu gave a light snort, seemingly contemptuous, “With your status, you indeed can only be a prince’s concubine. But Feng Chenbi is to marry Prince Cheng – aren’t you afraid of what will happen then?”
Though Feng Chenbi had a good background, with Prince Cheng’s favor, what was there to fear?
“I’m not afraid.”
Qin Chaoyu couldn’t help but laugh coldly, then turned to look at Qin Shu, “Father, things have come to this, we can do nothing.”
Qin Shu’s gaze was colder than ever, “I’ll give you one last chance. If you want to go to Prince Cheng’s manor, I won’t stop you, but from then on, you will no longer be a daughter of the Qin family. If you change your mind, I will settle this matter, and you can marry peacefully into the Xue family.”
Qin Shu laid out two choices – for Qin Xiang, one was heaven, and one was hell.
Qin Xiang’s eyes reddened slightly, and after a long while, she said, “I’ll go to Prince Cheng’s manor.”
Madam Hu sighed deeply, “You…”
Qin Shu’s face was now expressionless, his gaze like a knife suspended over Qin Xiang’s head.
After a moment, Qin Shu said calmly, “Go pack your things. Leave with them now. Take whatever belongs to you.”
Qin Xiang froze for a moment, then kowtowed once to Qin Shu and Madam Hu. With a stubborn expression, she stood up, slowly turned around, opened the door, and walked toward her courtyard.
Qin Shuang was about to cry. Seeing Qin Xiang leave, she quickly followed. Qin Wan glanced around at everyone and said, “I’ll go check on her,” then followed as well. The two followed Qin Xiang back to her courtyard, only to find that Qin Xiang had already packed her belongings. When they saw Qin Xiang reaching for her bundle, Qin Wan pressed down her hand, “You’re just Prince Cheng’s pawn! The moment you enter his manor today, you’ll immediately become a discarded piece! Qin Xiang, don’t be foolish! There’s still time – to explain everything to Uncle. Prince Cheng’s manor is not your path to advancement-“
Qin Wan spoke earnestly, while Qin Shuang cried, “Are you stupid? How could Prince Cheng truly care for you?! Don’t you know about the discord between the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng?! Going like this is simply seeking your death!”
Qin Xiang brushed Qin Wan’s hand away. She picked up her bundle, which contained only some jewelry and items given by Madam Lin, and the jade pendant given by Prince Cheng. As for the other things in the room, she didn’t want any of them – Prince Cheng’s manor would naturally have things a thousand times better!
“Thank you for your kind intentions, I just couldn’t bear it anymore.”
Qin Xiang spoke flatly, took one last look at the room, and turned to leave.
Qin Wan pulled Qin Shuang, and wiping her tears, Qin Shuang returned with Qin Wan to the main courtyard. In the courtyard, Xiu Zhi and Wan He were still kneeling. Qin Xiang walked up to them, “Get up, let’s go…”
None of Qin Shu’s group came out. The door was half-closed, the light inside warm and bright.
Xiu Zhi hesitated for a moment before standing up, but Wan He didn’t. She spoke chokingly, “Young Miss, I don’t want to go to Prince Cheng’s manor. I’m willing to return to Jinzhou to serve Madam.”
Qin Xiang’s calm, stubborn expression showed a crack, but she quickly smiled, “That’s fine too.”
After speaking, she turned away without further attachment and walked out. Qin Shuang cried, “Qin Xiang, don’t go!”
Qin Xiang’s steps didn’t falter at Qin Shuang’s plea. She walked out of the main courtyard and stood before Lu Xiao and Liu Ji, saying softly, “Let’s go.”
Lu Xiao and Liu Ji bowed respectfully. Liu Ji smiled and announced, “Marquis, we’ll leave the betrothal gifts here. His Highness asked us to convey that you need not worry, he will treat Miss Qin well.”
As he spoke, Lu Xiao also set down the pair of live geese.
Seeing no response from inside, Liu Ji stepped aside, “Miss, please-“
Qin Xiang lifted her chin and, leading the trembling Xiu Zhi walked toward the main gate.
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang stood in place, watching her walk further and further away, watching as the night gradually engulfed her. Qin Wan knew that for Qin Xiang, Prince Cheng’s manor was heaven, and the Xue family was hell.
After a while, from inside the room, Qin Shu shouted, “Throw all those things out! From now on! The Marquis Manor has only one cousin!”