Early the next morning, Xue Qingshan arrived at the Marquis Manor for a visit. As he came in his capacity as a military officer from the Patrol Division, he didn’t even meet Madam Hu. Qin Yan led Xue Qingshan to Qin Shu’s study, and soon, Qin Shu discovered that Xue Qingshan was indeed extraordinary. Though his position wasn’t high, he maintained perfect composure when facing Qin Shu, answering all questions appropriately and properly, greatly satisfying Qin Shu. Thus, he asked Madam Hu to prepare wine and food to be sent to the study.
When Madam Hu received these instructions, she knew that Xue Qingshan must have impressed Qin Shu, and she couldn’t help but feel delighted. As she was hurriedly instructing the kitchen to prepare the meal, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang came to see her, as Qin Wan planned to visit the graves of Second Master Qin and his wife outside the city and wanted to discuss this with Madam Hu.
Upon hearing this, Madam Hu quickly said, “I’ve already thought about what you’re saying. Let’s go outside the city together tomorrow. We need to visit your grandparents’ graves too. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything.”
Qin Wan felt relieved at these words. Madam Hu continued, “Things are different now that Wan’er has returned. You remember every festival clearly. Though I never forgot either, the incense you offer is different from ours.”
Qin Shuang appeared listless, and thinking of Xue Qingshan’s presence in the manor, Madam Hu asked, “What’s wrong, Shuang’er?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “She’s worried about Qin Xiang.”
Madam Hu’s smile faded slightly, but she felt that Qin Shuang’s concern for Qin Xiang showed her kind heart. She said, “Don’t worry. Since she chose this path, she must understand whether her future will be good or bad.”
Qin Shuang sighed, “We haven’t heard any news from King Cheng’s Manor. Wan He said that King Cheng promised to make her his Side Consort. I wonder if he’ll be willing.”
Madam Hu sighed, “Silly girl, King Cheng was just saying that. Feng Chenbi is the precious daughter of the Duke’s Manor and Consort Feng’s most beloved niece. Before she even enters the manor, how could King Cheng’s Manor already have a Side Consort? Once Feng Chenbi enters, knowing Qin Xiang is from the Qin family, she will surely control her. Becoming a Side Consort will be extremely difficult.”
Qin Shuang felt exasperated, “I don’t know what she was thinking.”
But Madam Hu shook her head, “Everyone in this world has their fate. Good people receive good returns, evil people receive evil returns. Those who are content with their lot might receive extra blessings from heaven, while those whose ambitions exceed the sky often have fates as thin as paper.”
Qin Shuang was confused by these words but felt Madam Hu’s gaze on her was somewhat meaningful. Just then, someone from the kitchen reported that the wine and food for the study were ready. Hearing this, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang knew there must be guests, so they bid farewell to Madam Hu and left.
Outside, Qin Shuang sighed, “Do you think Feng Chenbi might torment Qin Xiang to death?”
Knowing the special friendship between Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang since childhood, Qin Wan shook her head, “When you ask me like this, I don’t know what to say. But it’s unlikely to become life-threatening. Qin Xiang must have realized this, yet she still made this choice. What can we do?”
Continuing, Qin Wan added, “Great Aunt is right – those whose ambitions exceed the sky often have fates as thin as paper. You should think more about your marriage now. Qin Xiang… she left so decisively, did she ever consider your advice?”
Qin Wan had little affection for Qin Xiang from the beginning, and given Qin Xiang’s personality, she didn’t like her much either. However, after arriving in the capital, Qin Xiang’s personality changed for a while, and their relationship improved considerably. If things had continued that way, she could have treated Qin Xiang as a true sister, but Qin Xiang reverted to her old ways and became involved with King Cheng.
At this point, though Qin Wan felt some regret, she wouldn’t react like Qin Shuang.
Thinking of her marriage, Qin Shuang felt even more confused. She pulled Qin Wan toward the garden for a walk, saying, “With Qin Xiang’s marriage ruined, my marriage will probably have to wait a while to be settled. I don’t feel comfortable asking Great Aunt about it. Either it’ll be arranged quickly, or it might wait until after Eighth Sister’s wedding.”
It was the time between mid-spring and early summer, and the manor’s flower beds were a riot of colors. As they walked and talked, they soon reached the area near the study. Just as they were about to turn back, Qin Shuang’s sharp eyes caught two people walking out from the corridor. She immediately recognized Qin Yan in front, but the person behind him was partially blocked. However, after they took two more steps, Qin Shuang’s eyes widened suddenly. She pulled Qin Wan’s arm, “Look quickly!”
Qin Wan looked in the direction Qin Shuang pointed and immediately saw Xue Qingshan walking out with Qin Yan. She was also surprised for a moment – why was Xue Qingshan here?
Since Xue Qingshan was an outside man, it wouldn’t be appropriate to run into him. Qin Wan tried to pull Qin Shuang away, but Qin Shuang was too shocked to move. This brief delay meant Qin Yan and Xue Qingshan spotted them!
Seeing Qin Wan trying to pull Qin Shuang away while Qin Shuang failed to react, Qin Yan smiled, “What are my sisters doing here!”
Since Xue Qingshan and Qin Shuang’s matter was essentially settled, Qin Yan decided to help them along. With his call, Qin Wan couldn’t leave properly anymore. She turned around, and Qin Shuang quickly lowered her head.
However, they were both very curious – why had Xue Qingshan come to the manor?! This was the first time they had seen him up close!
Qin Wan managed to say composedly, “Fourth Brother, we were looking at the flowers. This is…?”
Though they had already seen him during the matchmaking, Qin Wan couldn’t very well say she had observed him from afar with Madam Hu, so she asked calmly. Qin Yan quickly introduced, “This is Young Master Xue, who serves with me in the Patrol Division.”
Then he introduced Xue Qingshan, “Qingshan, these are my Sixth Sister and Ninth Sister.”
Xue Qingshan bowed to Qin Wan, “Greetings to Princess Yongci…”
Qin Wan waved her hand, “No need for such formality, Young Master Xue.”
Xue Qingshan straightened up and looked at Qin Wan, then his gaze swept briefly over Qin Shuang, who kept her head lowered. The atmosphere seemed somewhat strange—
Qin Yan smiled, “We’re going to meet Elder Brother. Enjoy your flower viewing.”
With that, he left with Xue Qingshan. Qin Wan nodded, and only then did Qin Shuang dare to raise her head. She said dreamily, “Why do I feel like Young Master Xue looked at me?”
Qin Shuang’s face reddened slightly as she finished, “Ahem, that’s not what I meant. He was probably just looking around casually.”
Then she pulled Qin Wan back, muttering confusedly, “Why would he come to our manor? Yesterday, Great Uncle and Great Aunt went to resolve this matter, and Great Aunt personally went to the Xue Manor. He coming today, could it be that he couldn’t swallow this anger?”
Qin Wan laughed, “I found this Young Master Xue quite composed.”
Qin Shuang nodded, “You’re right, indeed. Then why did he come? In this situation, wouldn’t it be awkward for him to come here? Wouldn’t any man be unable to bear his fiancée being taken away?”
“They weren’t officially engaged, only had their birth dates matched. Perhaps it’s for some official business?”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang thought it made sense, “Right, he must have come for some official business—”
Speaking thus, Qin Shuang thought about Xue Qingshan’s appearance and smiled, “I didn’t expect him to be even taller than he looked from afar. His appearance… how should I say it, he looks quite honest, but I felt nervous when he looked at me.”
Though Qin Shuang spoke simply, Qin Wan understood her meaning. Despite the brief encounter, Xue Qingshan’s dignified bearing was quite impressive. His appearance wasn’t particularly handsome, quite ordinary in a crowd, and his complexion wasn’t fair, making him even less eye-catching. However, he was tall, and though wearing simple clothes, one could still see his strong, healthy physique. His gaze was sharp and profound yet not intrusive or offensive – he was someone who knew how to conceal his thoughts well.
For a man, having a strong physique and dignified bearing was already quite good, and adding his ability to conceal his strategic mind, this Xue Qingshan indeed seemed quite impressive. Ah, Qin Xiang, Qin Xiang, why didn’t you try to understand him better?
As this thought arose, Qin Wan shook her head again. Qin Xiang would never have looked deeper – Xue Qingshan’s seventh-rank military official title had already made her lose interest. From the beginning, Qin Xiang was unwilling and looked down on Xue Qingshan.
Thinking this, Qin Wan couldn’t help but look at Qin Shuang beside her. While Qin Xiang was proud and had impossibly high standards, Qin Shuang was different. She was practical and focused on what was before her. If she could be with Xue Qingshan…
At this thought, something suddenly flickered in Qin Wan’s eyes. How could a mere seventh-rank military official come to report official business to the Loyal and Brave Marquis? Moreover, Qin Yan had escorted him out, and they had come from the study – Xue Qingshan had come to see Qin Shu! At this delicate time, it would indeed be awkward to summon Xue Qingshan without reason, yet he had come.
Qin Shuang had said Xue Qingshan looked at her…
Thinking again of Madam Hu ordering wine and food prepared, Qin Wan felt increasingly that something was unusual. However, seeing Qin Shuang silent, she didn’t say more, only continuing to discuss other matters to comfort her.
In the afternoon, someone suddenly arrived from the palace – Tuoba Wu had sent for Qin Wan to enter the palace.
Tuoba Wu and her party had been back for many days, and Tuoba Hong’s illness had largely recovered. The reason for summoning Qin Wan to the palace was unclear. Before Qin Wan could leave, Yue Ning came to the manor looking for her, and hearing she was going to the palace, decided to accompany her.
On the way, Yue Ning said, “This incident with Northern Wei is quite strange. I heard this Northern Wei Princess isn’t easy to get along with?”
Though Yue Ning had just returned, she was well-informed. Qin Wan smiled, “She was indeed difficult at first, but later improved. She and Crown Prince Tuoba are very close; this incident has affected her significantly.”
Yue Ning asked further, “Is Crown Prince Tuoba seeking marriage?”
“That was indeed the plan when they first arrived, but now I’m not sure.”
As they talked, they entered the palace. Tuoba Wu and her group were staying in the Western Palace Gardens. When Qin Wan and Yue Ning arrived, Tuoba Wu was with Tuoba Hong, who was sunbathing under the corridor eaves.
The mid-spring sun was pleasantly warm without being glaring. Seeing Qin Wan and Yue Ning arrive, Tuoba Hong hurriedly tried to rise from his lounging chair, but Tuoba Wu pressed him back down. Qin Wan quickly said, “Your Highness, please remain lying down, don’t move.”
Tuoba Wu smiled at Qin Wan but didn’t recognize Yue Ning, who was wearing a man’s round-necked, right-lapelled brocade robe as usual, looking spirited and valiant. Tuoba Wu looked Yue Ning up and down for a moment and smiled, “Is this the Princess from the An Yang Marquis Manor? It seems the Princess’s martial arts are extraordinary.”
Yue Ning cupped her hands, “The Princess has good eyes—”
Tuoba Wu smiled, looking at Qin Wan then at Yue Ning, “Someone who comes with Princess Yongci must be close to her, and the An Yang Marquis Manor has just returned. Counting it all up, it could be no one else.”
After these exchanges, Tuoba Wu got to the point, “I asked you to come to help check on my brother. His wounds have healed much better these past few days, but he still seems listless.”
Qin Wan nodded and leaned forward to check Tuoba Hong’s pulse. Tuoba Hong observed Qin Wan, his face showing a gentle smile, “I’ve troubled Ninth Miss again. The wounds have healed well these past days, but I still feel very weak.”
After checking his pulse for a moment, Qin Wan straightened up and said, “I’ll write a prescription. Do you have paper and brush?”
Tuoba Wu hurriedly fetched writing materials, and Qin Wan quickly wrote a new prescription, “Follow this prescription and add some nutritious foods. Your Highness lost too much blood that day and was unconscious for several days, suffering great damage to your vital energy. These days you need to gradually build up your strength, but avoid excessive tonics. I’ll write another prescription for dietary supplements.”
Qin Wan wrote another prescription for Tuoba Wu. Just as Tuoba Wu was about to invite them inside to sit, someone came from the Empress Dowager requesting their presence, having learned of their palace visit.
As Qin Wan and Yue Ning took their leave, they met Yan Zhen, who had come to visit Tuoba Hong. Yan Zhen had met Yue Ning that day and was quite warm toward her, asking why she was there. Yan Zhen said somewhat discontentedly, “It’s Mother Empress’s idea. She wanted me to visit the Crown Prince, saying that since the Crown Prince was injured in Great Zhou, I as a princess should show more concern.”
Yan Zhen’s small face scrunched up. Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances upon hearing this, and after bidding farewell to Yan Zhen, both fell silent. After a moment, Yue Ning said, “The Empress dotes on the Princess so much, surely she wouldn’t marry her to Northern Wei?”
This was something Qin Wan didn’t know either. In her memory, this Empress had indeed loved Yan Zhen most dearly, but there was no need for such visits to Tuoba Hong…
After seeing the Empress Dowager, it was already sunset when Qin Wan left the palace. Yue Ning first accompanied her to the Marquis Manor, staying briefly before returning to the An Yang Marquis Manor. In the evening, the Qin family dined together again. After dinner, Madam Hu kept Qin Shuang back to talk. Seeing this, Qin Wan left first, increasingly certain of her earlier suspicions.
Barely a quarter hour after returning to Pine Wind Court, Qin Shuang came to visit.
Qin Wan sat composed, waiting. When Qin Shuang entered, her cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes flickering, wanting to speak yet hesitant, shy yet with some other concerns deep in her eyes.
“What did Great Aunt want to discuss with you?”
Qin Wan asked calmly. Qin Shuang waved for the others to leave.
After Fu Ling and the others left, Qin Shuang said softly, “It’s incredible, you know? Great Aunt told me the Xue family doesn’t want to give up the marriage alliance with our manor, and they want me to marry into their family.”
Qin Wan’s smile deepened as she showed slight surprise, “So today Young Master Xue came to…”
“Great Aunt said Great Uncle wanted to see what kind of person he was. If he’s good, they’ll agree; if not, they’ll consider other families. They need to arrange my marriage anyway. Great Aunt said Great Uncle was very satisfied after meeting him. Xue Young Master returned today and will prepare to send betrothal gifts. They’ve already sent my birth date information today.”
As Qin Shuang spoke, her cheeks turned completely red. She grabbed Qin Wan’s hand and said, “I can’t believe this is real. Do you think… will Qin Xiang blame me? I feel like I’m stealing something from her.”
Qin Wan sighed, “This is your beautiful match. From the moment she had private dealings with King Cheng, this marriage was no longer hers! They only matched birth dates, hadn’t even sent betrothal gifts, and besides, she never intended to go through with this marriage!”
Qin Shuang pursed her lips, “But I still feel… do you think the Xue family just doesn’t want to lose the marriage alliance with our manor, so they asked to marry me? Does Young Master Xue prefer legitimate daughters like Qin Xiang?”
Qin Wan shook her head helplessly, “By now, Young Master Xue surely understands why Qin Xiang went to King Cheng’s manor. He’s a sensible person and should treasure you properly. If not, you have the Marquis Manor to support you.”
Qin Shuang fell into a daze at these words, “That’s true. Besides, even if he doesn’t like me, I don’t plan to be completely submissive to him. I’m marrying to live my life. If he’s truly sensible, I won’t shortchange him, and if he’s not, I’ll live my own quiet life. The Xue family has no other people; surely I can manage my own small life there?”
Qin Wan smiled, “Of course you can! With your personality, you’ll live well!”
Qin Wan’s words seemed to encourage Qin Shuang. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Qin Wan, suddenly throwing her arms around her, “I also think I can live well! I’m so happy, I can finally marry into a good family too!”