Qin Chaoyu was escorted from the Marquis Manor, and the celebratory banquet there lasted until late into the night. Early the next morning, Qin Wan and the couple Qin Shu, along with Qin Yan and Qin Ye, went to the palace together to have an audience with His Majesty and attend the bestowed feast.
With Qin Chaoyu entering the palace, the Marquis Manor’s prestige grew even greater than before. At the palace gates, the guards showed even more courtesy to Lord and Lady Qin. Today’s palace banquet was set in Chonghua Hall, attended only by the royal clan and the Marquis Manor’s family members.
Upon entering the palace, Qin Wan first went to Shoukang Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager, knowing Qin Wan would be coming, had been waiting early. When Qin Wan arrived, she smiled and said, “Now that your sister has become the Crown Princess, you should visit the palace more frequently in the future…”
Qin Wan smiled bitterly inside, thinking Empress Dowager probably didn’t know that Qin Chaoyu looked down on her younger sister.
Not wanting to say much, Qin Wan asked, “Why hasn’t Yue Ning arrived yet?”
The Empress Dowager sighed, “She probably won’t come today. She hasn’t visited the palace for several days now. I hear she’s been staying at Yanze’s place?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, she’s very concerned about the Yanze Heir. But please don’t worry, his eye condition will improve. There’s been some progress recently, and we should know soon how long it will take before he can see again.”
The Empress Dowager was delighted to hear this. “Oh, that’s wonderful news! Poor Yanze child, lost his mother at such a young age, and then this happened. Has Yue Ning told you about what happened back then?”
Qin Wan nodded, “She told me everything…”
The Empress Dowager smiled wryly, “That child Yue Ning may not show it, but she carries much guilt inside.”
Qin Wan quickly consoled her, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
The Empress Dowager patted Qin Wan’s hand and called for Yan Sui, preparing to head to Chonghua Hall.
When Yan Sui came over and saw Qin Wan there, he walked up and grabbed her sleeve. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager said, “Look how attached he is to you. Take him along with you.”
With the Empress Dowager’s entourage leading the way, Qin Wan walked behind holding Yan Sui’s hand. Chonghua Hall was in the inner palace, not far from Shoukang Palace. Halfway there, they encountered Yan Chi and Yan Li walking together, apparently heading to Shoukang Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Seeing the Empress Dowager on the way, Yan Li smiled, “Greetings, Imperial Grandmother. Seventh Brother and I rushed here, but we’re still late…”
The Empress Dowager, seated in her palanquin, smiled, “Go directly to Chonghua Hall. Why are you two so late today?”
Yan Li yawned, “Seventh Brother was busy with matters at the Ministry of Justice, and I barely slept half the night…”
The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Chi and asked, “Has the matter of the Northwestern army provisions been cleared up?”
Yan Chi shook his head, “Not yet. The Emperor has sent imperial envoys to the Northwestern route, but we haven’t received the news yet. It probably won’t be that quick.”
The Empress Dowager nodded, “Matters concerning military provisions cannot be taken lightly…”
Yan Chi glanced at Qin Wan, and their eyes met. Qin Wan saw the bloodshot in his eyes, obviously showing he hadn’t rested well these past days. Yesterday, Yan Chi hadn’t gone to the Marquis Manor but attended the palace banquet instead. Qin Wan hadn’t seen him for many days, and seeing him in such a state, she knew the Northwestern matter must be difficult to resolve.
The group proceeded to Chonghua Hall. Outside the hall, Qin Wan immediately spotted Qin Chaoyu inside, wearing an elaborate palace dress in water-red, standing beside Yan Che with a smile. Yan Che carried a heavy, solemn air, while Qin Chaoyu wore a dignified and graceful smile. Standing together, they indeed made a matching pair.
Lord and Lady Qin, along with Qin Yan and Qin Ye, had already arrived. When the Empress Dowager arrived, everyone came forward to pay respects. The Empress Dowager waved her hand, calling Qin Chaoyu forward to help her to her seat. At the main seats, the Emperor and Empress had already arrived. The Empress Dowager smiled, “The Crown Prince is truly blessed to have such a beautiful and graceful Crown Princess.”
Yan Che’s lips curved slightly, the smile fleeting.
Qin Chaoyu said, “It is I who am blessed to marry the Crown Prince as his wife.”
The Empress Dowager gently patted Qin Chaoyu’s arm, and after taking her seat, Qin Chaoyu withdrew.
The Prince of Cheng stood to the side, smiling as he watched this scene. After everyone was seated, the Empress said, “Now that Che’er and Chaoyu are married, my heart can finally rest easy. As they say, one must first establish and manage a household before taking on greater responsibilities. With Chaoyu’s grace and capability, I have complete confidence in entrusting the inner affairs of the Eastern Palace to her.”
The Emperor also said, “Now that Che’er is married, he must pay even more attention to state affairs.”
Yan Che quickly agreed, his expression remaining solemn, his character unchanged despite the marriage.
The Emperor ordered the feast to begin, and soon the hall was filled with the fragrance of wine and delicacies. The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but look at Yan Chi and Yan Li, saying, “After the Prince of Cheng’s wedding next month, you two should also start considering marriage. Yanze is currently receiving treatment, so there’s no rush for him, but you two mustn’t be lazy about this.”
Yan Chi and Yan Li were both in their early twenties, indeed of age to settle down in marriage. Yan Chi remained silent while Yan Li playfully made excuses to amuse everyone. Although Lord and Lady Qin had become in-laws to the Emperor, they didn’t dare put on airs. The palace banquet proceeded harmoniously until its conclusion. After the banquet, Qin Shu followed the Emperor to Chongzheng Hall, while Lady Hu led Qin Yan and Qin Ye to the Eastern Palace.
As they were leaving Chonghua Hall, the Prince of Cheng paused and ordered his servant to present gifts to Yan Che, smiling, “Yesterday at the Crown Prince’s wedding, Xiang’er was very concerned. This gift is prepared by Xiang’er for the Crown Princess.”
Whatever was in the gift box remained unknown, but upon hearing these words, Qin Chaoyu’s expression slightly changed.
Although Qin Xiang was her cousin, she was now the Prince of Cheng’s concubine. How dare a mere concubine prepare gifts for her?
Though annoyed inside, Qin Chaoyu took a deep breath and smiled, “Then I truly thank the Concubine for her kind intentions.” With a glance, Mo Yun from behind quickly stepped forward to receive the gift box. Qin Chaoyu continued, “Gifts from the Prince of Cheng’s Concubine must be quite precious. Mo Yun, you may keep this for yourself. Don’t waste the Concubine’s thoughtfulness.”
Mo Yun obediently agreed while the Prince of Cheng’s phoenix eyes narrowed.
A concubine was merely a servant, and for the Crown Princess to immediately give away a concubine’s gift to another servant, though technically acceptable, was a slight against the Prince of Cheng. The Prince had intended to use Qin Xiang to irritate the Marquis Manor and the Crown Prince, not knowing the Marquis Manor had long ceased to care about Qin Xiang.
The Prince of Cheng said, “The Crown Princess is truly ruthless, showing no regard for sisterly affection.”
Qin Chaoyu curved her lips, “When paths differ, we cannot walk together. I have only two cousins: one is the Princess of Yongci, and the other is already married as a proper wife. I don’t know anyone else.”
Yan Che listened from the side. Though he normally had no patience for such verbal sparring, he had to protect his new Crown Princess and the Marquis Manor. “Since when has the Prince of Cheng placed such importance on a concubine? A mere concubine daring to present gifts to the Crown Princess – the Prince truly seems to have forgotten proper etiquette! Next month is your wedding; if Miss Feng were to learn of this, I fear you wouldn’t fare well.”
Yan Qi’s brow furrowed – he certainly knew Feng Chenbi’s temperament…
Yan Qi wanted to speak but held back. Yan Che had no desire for further conversation and turned to leave Chonghua Hall. Qin Chaoyu smiled and followed, leaving Yan Qi in an awkward position. A cold smile played on Yan Qi’s lips before he finally turned and left.
Lady Hu went to the Eastern Palace, while Qin Wan accompanied the Empress Dowager back to Shoukang Palace. When she bid farewell and came out, Yan Chi was waiting outside the palace gates on horseback, following Qin Wan’s carriage toward Prince Yi’an’s residence.
Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain and asked, “Why is there still no conclusion to the Northwestern matter? Even though the imperial envoys can’t return personally, they could send urgent reports by fast courier…”
Yan Chi shook his head, “The news we’re receiving isn’t good. Father sent another letter recently, saying all is well in the Northwest and that I should stay in the capital.”
Qin Wan knew Yan Chi had always wanted to go to the Northwest himself, but since Prince Rui had repeatedly reminded him to stay in the capital, there must be a deeper meaning to it. Zhang Dongxuan had said he couldn’t leave the capital, which was for the best.
“Since the Prince has arranged it so, the Northwestern situation must still be under control. Don’t worry too much.”
Yan Chi’s lips curved upward, “You needn’t worry. How is Third Brother doing?”
Qin Wan explained Yan Ze’s current treatment situation, and Yan Chi sighed, “After so many years if we can cure Third Brother, it would fulfill everyone’s long-held wish.”
Qin Wan was going to visit Prince Yi’an’s residence, so Yan Chi accompanied her. As they traveled, Yan Chi said, “Back then, my mother and Prince Yi’an’s wife were very close. When my mother gave birth to me, Princess Yi’an personally delivered me.”
As Princess Yi’an was a disciple of the Medicine Valley, delivering babies was certainly within her capabilities. Hearing this, Qin Wan understood why Yan Chi cared so much about Yan Ze. The carriage followed the imperial road southeast before turning onto a side road. With fewer people around, Yan Chi lowered his voice, “These past days I’ve been investigating what happened then, but it seems no one in the palace knows how Prince Jin’s servant was dealt with. Prince Jin was quickly thrown into the imperial prison, and at the time, all his old servants were panic-stricken. Later they were all imprisoned – some sent to labor camps, others exiled. Only some insignificant people survived, but naturally, they wouldn’t know what happened that night.”
“Moreover, all of Consort Jin’s palace servants were also dealt with. Nanny Su, who served the Ninth Prince, was the only one who remained, because the Ninth Prince would only accept her care, and Consort Jin’s death couldn’t be attributed to her.”
Yan Chi spoke in hushed tones that only they could hear. Hearing this, Qin Wan’s heart grew increasingly heavy. “Palace servants can be disposed of with any excuse about improper care of their masters. Especially since it involved Prince Jin, this was considered a royal family scandal. The fact that Prince Jin’s servant was also disposed of without anyone knowing suggests there must be something wrong.”
“When it happened, the current Crown Prince was still Prince Yong, but being the legitimate son and already learning state affairs from the Emperor, he had his palace quarters. That night, he was also in the palace.”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed as she quickly asked, “What about the Prince of Cheng?”
Yan Chi shook his head, “The Prince of Cheng had left the palace early that day…”
The Prince of Cheng had left early – did this mean he had no connection to Consort Jin’s case?!
Thinking of this, Qin Wan felt uneasy. Qin Chaoyu had already become Crown Princess, and the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor was now aligned with the Crown Prince’s faction. Learning about this now filled Qin Wan with mixed emotions.
Could Prince Jin’s matter be connected to the Crown Prince?
If Consort Jin wasn’t killed by Prince Jin, then there must be another culprit.
The killer first murdered Consort Jin, then framed Prince Jin… Was this deliberate framing? Or did Prince Jin happen to stumble upon something?
Questions piled up, but a year had passed, and the incident occurred in the palace – a highly restricted and strict place. If the person behind it wanted to, they could erase all traces.
“What about the imperial prison?” Qin Wan hurriedly asked. With Yan Chi now in the Ministry of Justice, investigating this aspect wouldn’t be difficult.
Yan Chi explained, “At the time, Prince Jin was held in the lowest level of the imperial prison, with special guards. Apart from the Minister of Justice and the Chief Justice, no one else had the opportunity to see Prince Jin.”
Chief Justice Shen Yi and Minister of Justice Song Huai both had the authority to see Prince Jin. Her father aside, Minister Song was over fifty and nearly ready to retire. Could he be involved?
“I’ve investigated Minister Song. He comes from a prominent family in Lingnan and submitted a memorial requesting retirement early last year, but the Emperor didn’t approve it. He’s very rigid and upright, never particularly close to any prince over the years. At court, he’s considered among the straight officials and thus highly valued by the Emperor. However, compared to Shen Yi, he’s more moderate. When Prince Jin’s case first emerged, he claimed illness. Later, when the Emperor had Shen Yi lead the investigation, this was also a factor.”
A royal murder case where the victim was Consort Jin and the culprit Prince Jin – the old minister wanted to stay clear of it, especially since it happened in the palace… Qin Wan dismissed her suspicions about the old minister.
The case occurred in the palace, and setting aside who the killer was, her father had painstakingly investigated and nearly proved Prince Jin might have been wronged. But in an instant, not only was her entire family executed, but Prince Jin also supposedly committed suicide.
“Does the Ministry of Justice not have any documents about Prince Jin’s suicide?”
Yan Chi shook his head, “No, Prince Jin’s case files are not in the Ministry.”
Qin Wan gave a cold laugh, “Prince Jin was imprisoned for over a month. How did he commit suicide? If he wanted to commit suicide, why wait until after Lord Shen spoke up for him!”
Anyone with a bit of understanding would know Prince Jin didn’t commit suicide!
But this royal murder case needed a perfect conclusion.
Qin Wan thought for a moment and said, “You should just focus on the Northwestern matter. I still feel the key to this case might lie with Li Mu Yun. He was the one who exposed Lord Shen.”
Yan Chi nodded, “I know. I’m investigating this person. Li Mu Yun is from Chu Prefecture, from a local scholarly family. However, one of his maternal uncles was involved in a salt transport corruption case, so his family later declined. After that, he earned his degree, but lacking a family background, he wasn’t valued by the nobility and aligned himself with the common officials. Later, because Lord Shen valued him, he was promoted to Deputy Chief Justice of the Imperial Court—”
The person who promoted him was later exposed and reported by him, leading to the execution of Shen Yi’s entire family.
As Li Mu Yun’s face floated through Qin Wan’s mind, a sudden hatred welled up inside her.