Early the next morning, Xue Qingshan personally delivered the betrothal gifts to the mansion. Though the Xue family wasn’t particularly wealthy, the gifts still filled the Marquis Manor’s front courtyard, drawing envious glances from all the servants. Today, Xue Qingshan wore a pristine silk robe with his hair neatly combed and gleaming.
Standing in the courtyard, he cut the figure of a handsome and dignified young man. Some servants who knew the inside story couldn’t help but sigh – though the Xue family’s status couldn’t compare to the Marquis Manor, the generous betrothal gifts showed their sincerity toward Qin Shuang. Moreover, Young Master Xue was so distinguished in appearance. If Qin Xiang hadn’t done that foolish thing, this marriage would have been hers. What a pity! Such a pity!
With the betrothal gifts delivered, Qin Shuang’s wedding date was also set. It was now early April, and after a discussion between Qin Shu and Xue Qingshan, they settled on the third day of the fifth month, before the Dragon Boat Festival – an auspicious date indeed!
Qin Wan pulled Qin Shuang to peek from the back hall. Though Qin Shuang was usually bold, this time she ran away after just one glance. When Qin Wan returned to the inner courtyard, Qin Shuang’s face was completely flushed as she asked, “Why did he deliver the betrothal gifts himself?”
Qin Wan smiled, “He has no brothers, so it’s good that he came personally. Not only did he deliver the gifts, but he also decided on the wedding date himself. It shows he’s already in charge of the entire Xue household. Since he can make these decisions, you, as the wife he’s chosen to bring home, definitely won’t be mistreated.” Qin Wan nodded repeatedly, “This Xue Qingshan is quite good.”
The Great Zhou Dynasty governed through benevolence and filial piety. While these virtues were certainly admirable, for young women, their greatest fear was marrying a husband who couldn’t handle affairs – either too weak and incompetent to accomplish anything, eventually depleting the family fortune, or blindly filial and always following his parents’ orders. If such a woman encountered unreasonable in-laws, she would suffer after marriage.
Yesterday Xue Qingshan discussed sending betrothal gifts, and today he delivered them. Delivering gifts, and setting the wedding date – his actions were decisive and efficient. Yet the prepared gifts were also complete and generous, showing he was both prudent and resolute in his affairs. This was very good!
Rosy clouds seemed to dance across Qin Shuang’s face as she suddenly became shy, “Is he that good? You’re not deceiving me, are you?”
Qin Wan laughed, “How else should I praise him? Why don’t you tell me whether he’s good or not after you marry him? Right now, I can’t see things clearly…”
Qin Wan was full of teasing, making Qin Shuang’s face turn completely red, though a smile also spread across it. “It’s still early!”
Then Qin Shuang suddenly became nervous and flustered, “Ah but counting the days, it’s only one month away. That’s not long at all! I haven’t prepared anything yet, what should I do?”
Qin Wan pulled her back to their courtyard, “In that case, shouldn’t you go back to embroider your wedding clothes!”
As they walked, Qin Shuang expressed all kinds of worries while unconsciously immersed in shyness and joy. Her mood was so infectious that even Qin Wan became excited. Though her embroidery skills were only average, she helped Qin Shuang prepare her dowry items. In the afternoon, hearing that Xue Qingshan was leaving, Qin Wan again pulled Qin Shuang to secretly watch, naturally making Qin Shuang blush deeply once more.
Early the next morning, the Marquis household went to sweep the ancestral graves outside the city. In early April, spring was in full bloom, though for some reason, the weather was somewhat gloomy that day. The Qin family took four carriages, with Qin Yan and Qin Yi riding horses, all heading south of the city toward Qiyun Mountain.
Though the Second Master and Madam Qin weren’t Qin Wan’s parents, she dared not forget to show filial piety on behalf of the Ninth Young Lady.
Around the Qingming Festival, visiting graves was essential. After an hour’s journey from the city gate, they reached the foot of Qiyun Mountain. Many people were coming and going on the mountain path, all there to pay respects to their ancestors. Occasionally they would encounter some acquaintances of Qin Shu, requiring them to stop the carriages and exchange greetings. Thus, by the time they reached the Qin family cemetery, it was already past the hour of Si.
The following Qin clan members first cleared the weeds that had grown in the cemetery. Qin Yan and Qin Yi lit incense and first paid respects to the old Loyal and Brave Marquis and his wife, then moved to Qin Yi and his wife’s grave. The younger generation followed, offering incense and performing rituals. Qin Wan knelt and burned paper money before rising. After the ceremonies, Qin Shu led the younger generation around to offer incense at several other Qin ancestral graves. When all this was completed, an hour had passed, and seeing it was getting late, the Qin family prepared to descend the mountain.
As the carriages traveled down the mountain path, just reaching the foot of the mountain, Qin Wan spotted a familiar figure. Before she could speak, Qin Yan called out, “Captain Zhan—”
At this call, Zhan Yang, who was riding ahead, turned back.
Seeing the Qin family procession, Zhan Yang reined in his horse and waited. As the carriages approached, he greeted Qin Shu, Qin Yan, and the others. Seeing Qin Wan lift her carriage curtain, Zhan Yang clasped his hands, “Greetings, Princess—”
Qin Wan smiled, “Captain Zhan also came to pay respects to family?”
Zhan Yang nodded, “I didn’t expect to meet you all here.”
Qin Yan and Qin Shu were very familiar with Zhan Yang, so naturally they traveled together. Qin Yi, also young and only a few years younger than Zhan Yang, now served in the patrol garrison, so they naturally had things to discuss.
Qin Wan watched for a moment before lowering the curtain, thinking about what Yan Chi had told her before.
Zhan Yang previously had a younger sister who had passed away in an incident.
Qin Wan didn’t know who Zhan Yang had come to pay respects to but felt it wasn’t appropriate to ask, so she set the matter aside, listening to the men chatting and laughing as they headed back to the capital.
In the carriage, Qin Shuang sat with Qin Wan. Having seen Captain Zhan, she whispered, “Captain Zhan must be several years older than both brothers, yet why isn’t he married?”
Qin Wan shook her head and smiled, “That I don’t know. In Great Zhou, women are criticized for marrying late, but it’s much better for men. Perhaps Captain Zhan is focused on establishing his career?”
Qin Shuang didn’t understand such matters and whispered again, “I wonder what kind of ladies Third Brother and Fourth Brother will marry.”
Speaking of this, Qin Wan nodded. Indeed, it was time for Qin Yan and Qin Yi to consider marriage, but this year the most important matter was Qin Chaoyu and the Crown Prince’s wedding. Other matters couldn’t be given much attention.
In the carriage ahead of them, Qin Chaoyu was speaking with Madam Hu, “Mother, now that Qin Wan has been made a princess, how should we arrange her marriage in the future?”
This sudden question made Madam Hu feel strange, “What’s wrong? Are you thinking of arranging a marriage for your sister?”
Qin Chaoyu smiled ambiguously, “What sister is she to me?”
Madam Hu was slightly shocked at these words, “How can you say such things? What happened? You mustn’t let Wan’er or your father hear this! Her status is different now, and your father won’t allow our family to create any gossip.”
How could Qin Chaoyu not understand these principles? But in the past few days, whenever she thought about Qin Wan secretly sending tea to Yan Che, she felt as if her heart was being clawed at. How could there be such a woman in the world?! She and the Crown Prince were already engaged, yet she sent tea to the Crown Prince – how could this be appropriate?!
The more Qin Chaoyu thought about it, the angrier she became, though she knew it wouldn’t be good to make a scene. So she only spoke about it with Madam Hu.
“I know, but I’m just unhappy about it!”
Madam Hu smiled bitterly, “Is it because she was made a princess?”
Qin Chaoyu shook her head but pressed her lips together, unwilling to speak. Seeing this, Madam Hu became increasingly worried, “What exactly happened? Tell Mother. If Wan’er did something wrong, I can help you consider what to do. Surely you know my heart couldn’t be with anyone else?”
Qin Chaoyu seemed about to speak but held back, and after a while still shook her head, “Never mind, Mother. Knowing would only make you upset. After all, it’s not a big matter, I’m just unhappy about it.”
“Your unhappiness… is it related to the Crown Prince?”
Madam Hu was very perceptive. Seeing she couldn’t hide it anymore, Qin Chaoyu finally told the truth. Madam Hu was shocked to hear it, “She not only sent tea to the Crown Prince but also deceived you?”
“Yes! I specifically asked her, but she lied to me! If I hadn’t gone to see the Crown Prince, I might never have found out!”
Madam Hu frowned slightly. Though it wasn’t exactly sending a love token, this matter indeed wasn’t good! Aside from the propriety between men and women, sisters especially needed to be careful about such things. Qin Wan’s actions truly gave cause for suspicion.
Madam Hu pressed Qin Chaoyu’s hand, “Don’t think too much about it first. We don’t know the full story yet.”
When Qin Chaoyu had made up her mind about something, it wasn’t easy to change her thinking, “Mother, are you speaking up for her?!”
Madam Hu smiled bitterly, “Silly child, how could I speak up for others? Just watch for now. If she crosses the line again, we’ll deal with it then. If not, let’s pretend we don’t know about this matter.”
Qin Chaoyu wanted to say more, but Madam Hu held her hand and said, “If you can’t even tolerate a few packages of tea, how will you handle the three thousand consorts in the Crown Prince’s future palace—”
At these words, Qin Chaoyu finally pressed her lips together in silence.
The group returned to the capital, and Zhan Yang parted ways with everyone. Back at the Marquis Manor, everyone was somewhat tired, and Qin Wan didn’t enter the palace. However, the next day, an imperial edict arrived at the manor setting the wedding dates for Qin Chaoyu and the Crown Prince!
The Crown Prince Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu would marry on the twenty-eighth day of the sixth month.
At the same time, Prince Cheng Yan Qi and Feng Chenbi’s wedding was set for the nineteenth day of the seventh month.
With the two princes’ weddings so close together, both inside and outside the palace became busy. The Marquis Manor was especially busy, having to prepare for both Qin Shuang’s wedding and Qin Chaoyu’s wedding. After receiving the imperial edict, Qin Chaoyu still had to enter the palace to express her gratitude.
While the entire Marquis Manor was bustling with activity, Qin Shuang pulled Qin Wan to embroider handkerchiefs in the courtyard. In the afternoon, Yue Ning came to fetch Qin Wan to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, while the Grand Princess had already entered the palace ahead of them.
When Yue Ning and Qin Wan arrived at Shoukang Palace, they unexpectedly found Zhao Shuhua there with Qin Chaoyu. The Grand Princess had met Qin Chaoyu before at the Anyang Marquis Manor, and now that Qin Chaoyu’s wedding date with the Crown Prince was set, the Grand Princess was speaking kindly with her. Upon seeing Qin Wan and Yue Ning arrive, the Grand Princess became even more delighted.
After the two paid their respects, Yan Sui emerged from the side and grabbed Qin Wan’s hand.
The Empress Dowager smiled, “When you were at Mount Wei, you always had him with you. Now that you’re back, he’s quite unsettled. Yesterday when you didn’t enter the palace, he asked about you several times.”
Yan Sui paid no attention to what the Empress Dowager was saying and simply pulled Qin Wan towards the outside. Qin Wan had no choice but to say, “Then I’ll take the Ninth Prince outside to see what he wants to do.”
The Empress Dowager smiled and waved them away. Though Yue Ning was close to Qin Wan, she truly didn’t know how to play with young children, so she didn’t go along.
After Qin Wan and Yan Sui walked out the main door, Yan Sui pulled her to the side courtyard. He dismissed the matrons and serving maids behind them, and instead of going to the pavilion, he pulled Qin Wan to a corner where there was a cage containing a golden bird.
When Qin Wan saw the bird, she was surprised, “Your Highness, is this yours?”
Yan Sui blinked, thought for a moment, and nodded. The cage was placed under the eaves in the corner, and Yan Sui had made a nest for it on the ground. But knowing the bird would escape if placed in the nest, he had put the cage directly in the nest instead.
Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile, “You wanted me to see this?”
Yan Sui nodded, and Qin Wan smiled inwardly, realizing she had quite a connection with this bird.
In her previous life, when she first entered the palace with her mother for the New Year’s banquet, she had encountered this bird. Its wing was injured and it had fallen to the ground. She had medicine with her at the time and treated the bird, but had to leave hurriedly and couldn’t take care of it further. Unexpectedly, the bird had survived, though it clearly couldn’t fly high anymore. She had encountered it again on her recent palace visit, never knowing whose bird it was, but now she discovered it belonged to Yan Sui!
“What would Your Highness like me to do?”
Qin Wan crouched down, smiling as she asked. Yan Sui also crouched down, looking at the birdcage and not knowing what to do, “It wants to run—”
After a while, Yan Sui said these three words. Qin Wan smiled, “It wasn’t meant to live in a cage. If you let it out, of course, it will run away. Does Your Highness want to release it?”
Yan Sui thought for a moment but then shook his head, his eyes dimming as he said, “It doesn’t like me.”
Qin Wan’s heart sank slightly hearing this, “How does Your Highness know?”
Yan Sui thought for a moment, then extended his hand and rolled up his sleeve, revealing a red mark on his fair arm, seemingly scratched by the bird’s claws. Qin Wan was slightly startled, but Yan Sui made a shushing gesture.
“Shh—”
“Don’t tell, don’t let Imperial Grandmother know.”
Qin Wan felt slightly relieved and sincerely nodded, “Don’t worry, Your Highness, I understand.” She also kept her voice low, creating a sense of sharing secrets with Yan Sui, “Was Your Highness scratched by the bird?”
Yan Sui nodded, and Qin Wan gave a bitter smile for a moment before saying softly, “Your Highness, birds are meant to fly in the sky, but they’re like people. If I were to grab Your Highness and not let you move, wouldn’t that make you uncomfortable?”
Yan Sui nodded, and Qin Wan smiled, “So then, it’s better to let it stay in its cage.”
Yan Sui looked thoughtfully at the birdcage, mumbling, “I also don’t like staying in small rooms. Can we build it a big house? Let it live comfortably…”
Hearing this, Qin Wan wasn’t sure how to express herself, “For it to live comfortably, it would need a very, very big house, perhaps even bigger than the entire palace. How could we manage that? Birds aren’t allowed to fly freely in the palace, and if it flies out, it might get shot down…”
Yan Sui thought again, “Then shall we release it outside the palace?”
Qin Wan had believed the bird truly belonged to Yan Sui, and hearing him speak this way made her feel touched, but she still asked, “Then Your Highness might never see it again. Would you regret that?”
Yan Sui’s brows furrowed again, and Qin Wan looked at him tenderly.
Yan Sui probably didn’t fully understand what Qin Wan meant. He was just a child, and it was perfectly normal for children to like strange little things. Usually, they wouldn’t be willing to give up their precious possessions.
As Yan Sui was hesitating, Qin Wan suddenly felt something wasn’t quite right. Yan Sui hadn’t let the matrons follow them, and when Su Matron and the others saw that she was leading Yan Sui, they truly felt at ease and didn’t follow to the side courtyard. But now that they had fallen silent, she suddenly felt a gaze upon her.
Qin Wan quickly turned around and saw Crown Prince Yan Che standing at the entrance to the side courtyard!
Qin Wan was startled and quickly rose to bow, “Greetings to Crown Prince Your Highness!”
At this sound, Yan Sui also stood up frightened. Yan Che looked at the two of them and walked over. Behind him was the smiling Tang Fu, who bowed to Qin Wan and Yan Sui upon entering. His gaze flickered to the golden finch in the cage, and his expression immediately changed. He was about to speak when Yan Che raised his hand to stop him.
Yan Che asked flatly, “What are you doing?”
Yan Sui naturally didn’t speak, instinctively holding Qin Wan’s hand with a hint of fear.
Qin Wan had to say, “The Ninth Prince has raised a bird and called me to see it.”
A ripple appeared in Yan Che’s eyes as he looked at Yan Sui and said, “I heard you talking about releasing this bird outside the palace?”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Sui, “Has Your Highness decided?”
Yan Sui held Qin Wan’s hand, half-hiding behind her, and nodded, “Release it.”
Qin Wan’s smile deepened, while Tang Fu seemed about to burst with unspoken words. Yan Che looked at the golden finch and said flatly, “Who will release it? Will you do it?” he looked at Qin Wan.
Qin Wan looked at Yan Sui again, “Your Highness, you’re the bird’s owner, what do you say?”
Yan Sui nodded again, “Yes, you release it.”
“Very well then, I shall follow your command—”
Qin Wan’s smile was gentle and beautiful. Yan Che’s lips pressed slightly, but he said nothing.
Yan Che looked at Qin Wan and said, “You’re very patient with Little Nine.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Sui, “The Ninth Prince may not speak much, but he’s very well-behaved.”
After she spoke, Yan Sui shrank further behind her. Seeing Yan Sui like this, Yan Che didn’t say much more, only looking at the golden finch again, “Release it far away, lest someone catches it again.”
With that, Yan Che left without further words, heading toward the main hall.
After Yan Che left, Qin Wan and Yan Sui both sighed in relief. As Yan Sui’s head peeked out from behind Qin Wan, before he could speak, another figure appeared at the side door. Qin Wan looked up and saw it was Qin Chaoyu.
Qin Chaoyu must have seen Yan Che leave through this side door, and now her gaze toward Qin Wan was extremely cold.
Qin Wan frowned slightly, not understanding, but still politely asked, “Are you finished? Are you leaving?”
Qin Chaoyu gave a cold laugh, “The Empress had me come out to see what you were doing, and unexpectedly, I witnessed that scene just now…”
That scene just now… what scene?
Qin Wan looked completely puzzled, but Qin Chaoyu’s voice suddenly turned sharp, “You’re still pretending in front of me?!”
Hearing this, Qin Wan became even more confused, “What are you talking about? What scene did you see? Are you referring to the Crown Prince leaving just now?”
Naturally, only matters concerning Yan Che could make Qin Chaoyu angry!
Though Qin Wan could guess this much, she didn’t understand why Qin Chaoyu was so angry. This sharp questioning frightened Yan Sui, who hid behind her. Qin Wan continued, “The Ninth Prince and I were here, and the Crown Prince came by for some unknown reason, spoke a few words, and left, that’s all. Don’t misunderstand.”
After explaining, Qin Wan felt her explanation was truly unnecessary. While a man and woman being alone together might cause Qin Chaoyu to misunderstand, Yan Sui was present, so Qin Chaoyu really shouldn’t react this way!
Qin Chaoyu gave another cold laugh, “You were talking here, and the Crown Prince was walking outside. How did he end up coming to the side courtyard?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan could only smile bitterly – how was she supposed to know why Yan Che came?!
“You should ask the Crown Prince about that! I didn’t do anything, don’t question me here, and don’t frighten the Ninth Prince…”
The wedding date was set, and she was already certain to be the Crown Princess. Moreover, regarding this Ninth Prince, how many people in the entire palace would even care about him?
Qin Chaoyu looked back, and her attendant Mo Yi immediately retreated to guard the door. Qin Chaoyu sneered, “What did you say to His Highness today? Was it about sending the tea?”
Qin Wan was bewildered, glancing at the birdcage, wanting to explain but annoyed by Qin Chaoyu’s attitude and unwillingness to listen to explanations. Qin Wan pulled Yan Sui’s hand, “Your Highness, let’s go.”
As Qin Wan tried to leave with Yan Sui, Qin Chaoyu stepped forward to block her path!
She had been holding back for several days, intending to keep enduring, but unexpectedly caught them again today!
“What’s wrong? Feeling guilty and afraid to face me?”
Blocked from leaving, Qin Wan’s expression also turned completely cold, “This is the palace. If you want to act crazy, do it after you leave!”
Dare to say she was acting crazy?! Qin Chaoyu was both angry and annoyed. With Mo Yi guarding the door, she no longer worried about being in the palace. She laughed angrily, “So you know this is the palace?! Who allowed you to meet privately with the Crown Prince? You could send tea to the Crown Prince at Mount Wei while deceiving me, and now you expect me to believe what you say!”
Qin Wan truly didn’t understand, “What tea? How did I deceive you?”
Qin Chaoyu stepped forward aggressively, “The warming tea! Your warming tea! You had ulterior motives, first sending the tea, then denying it to my face. Now that I’ve exposed you, you still deny it?! I used to think you were good, but I didn’t expect you to have the same thoughts as Qin Xiang. What is it? Do you also want to enter the Eastern Palace?!”
After Qin Chaoyu vented all her anger in one breath, she noticed that Qin Wan wasn’t arguing back but was looking calmly past her. Qin Chaoyu’s face froze, and she quickly turned around.
As she turned, she saw that Yan Che, who had just left, had returned.