The Empress Dowager was momentarily stunned. Though she had her suspicions, she never expected Qin Wan to bring up this matter. Moreover, Qin Wan’s expression carried traces of urgency, appearing rather peculiar. The Empress Dowager grabbed Qin Wan’s hand, “Wan’er, tell me, has something happened?”
Qin Wan’s throat tightened. She lowered her eyes for a moment, then raised them again and said, “Ever since Eighth Sister got married, Aunt has been worrying about my Third Brother and Fourth Brother’s marriages. Last night, she suddenly called me over and asked if I had any plans for marriage.”
The Empress Dowager’s expression changed slightly, “She wants to arrange a marriage for you?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Not exactly. She just urged me once, though she likely harbors thoughts of looking for potential matches. When Your Highness asked earlier, I had planned to delay, but when I went out with Ninth Prince just now, I heard palace maids discussing how several princes, including Fifth Princess, have had their marriages arranged. They said the world heirs would be next. I became anxious and hurried to ask you…”
The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but laugh, “You silly girl, even for arranged marriages, they must go through me. About you and Yan Chi, did you think I didn’t know?”
At this moment, Qin Wan should have blushed with embarrassment, but she only felt a slowly spreading bitterness in her heart. She forced a slight smile at the corner of her lips and instinctively lowered her gaze. The Empress Dowager, seeing her like this, assumed it was shyness and pulled her up.
“Stand up and speak—”
Qin Wan hesitated before rising with the Empress Dowager’s help. The Empress Dowager pulled her to sit beside her, “Child, this promise I made to you long ago still stands. However, regarding you and Yan Chi, I’ve been waiting for him to bring it up. He’s a grown man of seven feet tall, why should you be the one to speak of marriage first? Tell me, what did he promise you? Is it that he has no plans for marriage? Is that why you’re bringing this up?”
Given Yan Chi’s personality, if he truly loved someone, he wouldn’t hide it, nor would he let a woman request the marriage. Yet this time, it was Qin Wan who came forward. The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but wonder if Yan Chi wasn’t serious enough about Qin Wan. If that were the case, she couldn’t easily approve of this marriage.
“That’s not it,” Qin Wan quickly raised her eyes to look at the Empress Dowager. “He mentioned it before, but at that time, my two sisters weren’t married yet. Then came the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng’s grand weddings. And I was preoccupied with helping investigate cases, so I hadn’t agreed. Since I hadn’t agreed, he naturally couldn’t come speak about this matter alone.”
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager finally relaxed, “That’s more like it. I almost thought he had wronged you.”
Qin Wan tugged at the corner of her lips. The Empress Dowager’s face finally showed delight, “Watching you two, I’ve been quite anxious. Finally, someone came to speak about it, though it turned out to be you. Wan’er, I am certainly very happy about this marriage, but I still need to ask that boy Yan Chi—”
Qin Wan quickly said, “Please don’t make things difficult.”
The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but laugh, tapping Qin Wan’s forehead lightly, “Child, your heart already belongs to him? How can I issue the imperial decree without asking a few questions?”
Qin Wan felt somewhat uncomfortable, her heart in chaos. She had no time to think about much else. While talking with the Empress Dowager, she anxiously looked outside, fearing that Yan Chi would leave directly for the Northwest without returning.
Seeing her anxiety, the Empress Dowager was both amused and exasperated, “Child, you’re usually so composed, why are you so unsettled today? The Crown Prince probably called him over for state affairs, not to arrange his marriage. Don’t worry. It seems you truly care for Yan Chi. If he doesn’t treat you well, I’ll certainly punish him!”
Qin Wan just kept her head lowered, pretending to be shy, though her palms were sweating. The Empress Dowager found this behavior rather strange and was starting to feel something was amiss when Chen Mama entered and announced, “Your Highness, Young Miss, Young Lord Yan Chi has returned.”
Qin Wan immediately raised her head, looking toward Yan Chi as he walked in. Seeing his usual expression, her suspended heart finally settled back in place.
The Empress Dowager, noticing Qin Wan’s concern for Yan Chi, smiled even more deeply.
Yan Chi came forward and bowed. The Empress Dowager asked with a smile, “What did the Crown Prince call you for?”
Yan Chi sat down to the side, wearing a faint smile, “Nothing special. It’s just that there’s been no movement in the military provisions case in the West, and there’s still no word from those sent earlier. So the Crown Prince wants me to make a trip.”
The Empress Dowager immediately frowned, “Oh? What are your thoughts?”
Yan Chi responded noncommittally, “The Western case involves the Shuoxi Army, indeed we can’t be careless. I plan to request permission during tomorrow’s court session to make a trip West.”
Hearing Yan Chi’s words, the Empress Dowager asked, “How long will this trip take?”
Yan Chi replied, “At fastest three months, at slowest half a year.”
Even with fast horses, it would take a month to get there, making the round trip two months. Given the complexity and magnitude of the case, it would naturally take at least three months. Hearing it would take so long, the Empress Dowager felt uncomfortable, “That’s too long. If you return after half a year, it’ll be spring next year. Isn’t there anyone else at court who could go?”
Yan Chi responded, “No one at court knows the Shuoxi Army better than I do. I am the best choice.”
The Empress Dowager glanced at Qin Wan, indeed seeing urgent concern in her eyes, seemingly wanting to say something but unable to speak. The Empress Dowager sighed. A month or two would be fine, but to be separated for half a year before their wedding, though the imperial decree would prevent any changes, thinking of how Yan Chi had spent many hard years in Shuoxi before, and how Qin Wan had lost her parents early and was alone, the Empress Dowager felt sympathetic, “Your familiarity is one thing, but in investigating this case, familiarity can also be a disadvantage. In my opinion, we should send someone uninvolved to investigate. That way, when results come, others won’t criticize.”
Looking at Qin Wan again, the Empress Dowager continued, “Moreover, you’re not young anymore. You should consider other matters. Going to Shuoxi won’t be finished in two or three months. I know you care about Shuoxi, but with your father there, what are you worried about? I say, let him return at the end of this year and settle your marriage matters while he’s here.”
Yan Chi listened calmly and said, “Grandmother, if the Crown Prince has spoken, other court officials likely think the same.”
The Empress Dowager was quite displeased hearing this. First, at her age, she preferred seeing Yan Chi married soon rather than busy with affairs. Second, since Qin Wan had made the request, she wanted to ensure their marriage would be harmonious. Moreover, seeing Yan Chi insisting on following everyone’s wishes to go West, Qin Wan’s hands had grown cold.
The Empress Dowager gripped Qin Wan’s hand tighter, “I’ll speak to the Crown Prince. Even if the Emperor orders it, I still think this is inappropriate. Regarding the Shuoxi Army provisions matter, though you could handle it with swift action, the situation there is likely complicated. You and your father should both stay out of it. Over these years, many at court have tried to harm you father and son.”
The Empress Dowager’s words made sense, and Yan Chi seemed to hesitate, apparently not understanding why she was opposing this matter. Seeing his expression, the Empress Dowager snorted. Just then, seeing Yan Sui peek his head in from outside, the Empress Dowager said, “Wan’er, go out and play with Little Nine. I have something to discuss with him—”
Qin Wan was startled before realizing what was happening. She stood up and walked out with heavy steps.
Looking back twice, she saw Yan Chi watching her with his usual expression, though with some confusion in his eyes.
Qin Wan strode out of the hall, pulling Yan Sui’s hand toward the corridor. There was no one in the corridor, with Su Mama and the attendants standing at a distance watching. Qin Wan turned her back, looking at Yan Sui, who quickly covered his mouth, “I didn’t say anything.”
Qin Wan sighed in relief but couldn’t speak or smile, only pulling Yan Sui to sit on a nearby beauty couch, lost in thought.
Now that she had made this request, could she stop Yan Chi?
The current Yan Chi only knew about the military provisions case, not yet aware that the Rui Prince had already met with trouble. Because of the provisions matter, Yan Chi had been constantly worried, but if he learned about the Rui Prince’s situation, he would likely rush to the Northwest without any hesitation!
This was the situation Qin Wan most dreaded!
……
Inside the hall, after Qin Wan left, the Empress Dowager’s smile faded. She stared at Yan Chi for a moment until he felt somewhat confused, “Grandmother, has something happened?”
The Empress Dowager gave a light snort, “I’ve mentioned your and Yan Li’s marriages several times. Yan Li aside, you’ve remained completely silent. Tell me, do you have someone you favor in your heart?”
Yan Chi’s brow twitched, “Grandmother…”
The Empress Dowager immediately sat up straight, her voice growing cold, “All these years you’ve charged through battles in Shuoxi, everyone calls you the War God, and I thought you were truly a great man. But now, Grandmother sees she was wrong about you.”
Yan Chi was confused, but suddenly thinking of Qin Wan’s earlier strange behavior, he said, “Grandmother, have you perhaps learned something…”
The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow, and Yan Chi immediately stood up, lifting his robe to kneel, “Grandmother, it’s all my fault.”
The Empress Dowager held her chin high, “What fault do you speak of?”
Yan Chi then said, “Grandmother, my fault lies in developing feelings for Eternal Kindness Commandery Princess without reporting it to you. This matter rests entirely on me alone, it has nothing to do with the Commandery Princess. Please forgive me.”
The Empress Dowager’s face remained cold, “Oh? Nothing to do with her? You’re of noble birth, and she’s an unmarried lady. Having such a private relationship, how can it be only your fault?”
Yan Chi said, “Yes, I was attracted to her when I first saw her in Jinzhou. She helped solve cases there, and I had many interactions with her from then on. Later, while escorting her back to the capital, my feelings grew stronger. From beginning to end, I was the one who took the initiative.”
The Empress Dowager raised her eyebrows even higher, “So you’re saying she has no feelings for you?”
Yan Chi pressed his lips together, “Not so. The Eternal Kindness Commandery Princess is kind and pure-hearted. She naturally responded to my repeated advances, but we maintained proper conduct between us, never crossing any boundaries. I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to explain to Grandmother. If we could receive your imperial decree for marriage, it would be our blessing.”
After Yan Chi finished, the Empress Dowager snorted again, “Then who do you think should request this marriage decree?”
Yan Chi quickly replied, “Naturally, it should be me.”
“Hmph! So you do know!”
A dark shadow flashed in the depths of Yan Chi’s eyes, “Grandson has long had this intention, but… but now with the Northwestern case…”
“Northwestern case, Northwestern case! Anyone could investigate that case. I’ve already told you to stay out of it and protect yourself, yet you still don’t understand. Yan Chi, do you know that in this matter, you’ll forever be one step behind Wan’er!”
Yan Chi was slightly stunned, “What do you mean, Grandmother?!”
The Empress Dowager sighed, though her eyes showed traces of satisfaction, “You’re not as decisive as Wan’er. Just now, after you left, Wan’er personally came to request a marriage decree for you both. Yan Chi, I’ve never misjudged Wan’er. Tell me, now that she’s taken the first step in requesting the marriage, aren’t you forever one step behind?”
Yan Chi’s brows furrowed slightly, this time completely stunned.
The Empress Dowager shook her head, “Your father has always had you fighting in Shuoxi with him. You’ve learned the art of command but are slow in these matters. Since Wan’er has brought it up, and I had promised to let her decide her marriage, and you just said you’ve always had this intention, then let me ask you: do you truly care for Wan’er? Will you never wrong her in this lifetime? Though I’m happy about this marriage, you’re both children I care for. If either of you has even a hint of hesitation, I won’t approve. Yan Chi, you’re a man of high position and great power. In the future, you’ll meet countless women, and countless women will pursue you. Think carefully – if you marry Wan’er, you can only have her alone afterward. Are you willing?!”
The Empress Dowager’s words grew increasingly heavy, her expression becoming stern.
Yan Chi’s expression suddenly darkened. He hadn’t expected Qin Wan to suddenly request the marriage decree. This wasn’t like her usual self – otherwise, why would he have waited so long?
His eyes flickered with changing emotions. Yan Chi thought of something and clenched his fist. He raised his head to look at the Empress Dowager, “Grandmother, I love Qin Wan. I swear on my father’s name and the Shuoxi Army – if I ever wrong her in this life, let the hundred thousand soldiers of Shuoxi rebel against me, let Heaven strike me down, and let me no longer be worthy of the Yan family name.”
The Empress Dowager’s heart warmed hearing this. Looking at Yan Chi’s resolute expression, she felt she had tested him enough. She immediately exhaled and smiled happily, “Good, Yan Chi. Remember your words.”
Looking outside the hall, the Empress Dowager said, “Alright, I see Wan’er seems to have something on her mind. She was extremely nervous earlier, unlike her usual calm self. Escort her out of the palace and say a few words to comfort her. I guess she’s worried about you being arranged to marry someone else, or perhaps worried about you going Northwest. Go now, the imperial decree will be issued tonight.”
Hearing these words, Yan Chi quickly bowed to the ground, “Thank you, Grandmother.”
After bowing once, Yan Chi rose and strode out of the hall. Looking around outside, he didn’t see Qin Wan. Yan Chi walked a few steps along the corridor before finally seeing Qin Wan sitting dazed under the eaves.
Most times he saw Qin Wan, she was calm and composed, with a noble bearing. Rarely did she appear so lost in thought.
Yan Chi watched Qin Wan for a moment before walking forward. Yan Sui pulled Qin Wan’s hand, and she suddenly came back to her senses. Looking up, she saw Yan Chi had already come out and was standing before her.
Qin Wan quickly stood up, “What did the Empress Dowager say? Are you still going to the West?”
Yan Chi curved his lips slightly, “Grandmother asked me to escort you out of the palace. Let’s go.”
Qin Wan wanted to speak but held back. Yan Chi’s eyes held a comforting look, so she could only follow him out.
The two left Shoukang Palace and then the imperial palace itself. Along the way, Yan Chi would occasionally turn back to look at her, his expression unclear, lost in thought. Qin Wan’s mind was in chaos, not daring to mention that matter in the palace, fearing that Yan Chi might lose control of his grief, which would only make things worse.
They walked in silence until they reached the palace gates. Qin Wan got into her carriage, with Bai Ying driving.
Yan Chi had come on horseback today. He mounted his horse and said to Bai Ying, “To the Prince’s mansion.”
He rode alongside the carriage. Qin Wan lifted the curtain to look and saw Yan Chi’s expression was composed, though his eyes held a distant indifference. Seeing her watching him, Yan Chi turned and gave her a reassuring smile.
The street was no place for conversation. Qin Wan held back countless words until they reached the Rui Prince’s mansion.
She had come here yesterday but hadn’t seen Yan Chi. Today when he said to return to the mansion, he must have known about her visit yesterday. The carriage stopped, and Qin Wan got down with numerous questions in her mind.
The mansion gates were wide open. Yan Chi waited for Qin Wan to walk in together. The gatekeeper who had seen her yesterday noticed Qin Wan and Bai Ying following, showing a flash of surprise before quickly returning to a respectful demeanor. After Qin Wan entered, he closed the gates.
As soon as the gates closed, Yan Chi took Qin Wan’s hand. He curved his lips at her, but perhaps due to her bitter mood, his smile seemed tinged with desolation to her.
Yan Chi still didn’t speak. He looked away and led Qin Wan deeper into the Rui Prince’s mansion.
The mansion was very quiet – this was Qin Wan’s first impression.
In late summer and early autumn, the entire Rui Prince’s mansion had no bright colors. Even the lush greenery appeared messy and decaying from lack of care. Qin Wan had no mind to appreciate the scenery, just following Yan Chi deeper into the mansion. Passing a dried-up lotus pond, Qin Wan suddenly remembered what Yan Chi had said about how the Rui Princess Consort had once personally tended a lotus pond, but after her death, no one maintained it, and it had dried up and become desolate…
Qin Wan’s nose suddenly stung with emotion. She understood best the pain of losing both parents. She had thought at least Yan Chi still had his father, but now he had lost his father too. And given the Emperor’s attitude, along with the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng’s reactions, it was clear this matter wasn’t simple. What awaited Yan Chi was not only news of his father’s death but also great danger.
What were the Emperor’s thoughts? What were Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince thinking?!
Prince Cheng wanted to seize control of the Shuoxi Army, and the Crown Prince had summoned Yan Chi today to send him Northwest – he was the same as Prince Cheng, unwilling to let the Shuoxi Army’s power slip away. Now the Rui Prince’s mansion was in grave danger, and Yan Chi was surrounded by enemies, powerless alone. If even the Emperor harbored killing intent, if they wouldn’t even let him stay in the capital, what could be done?
Qin Wan bit her lip, following Yan Chi to a waterside pavilion.
The pavilion overlooked an inner lake, decorated simply and cleanly. As soon as Qin Wan entered, she knew this was where Yan Chi usually stayed. Yan Chi stopped and turned to look at her. Qin Wan’s lips moved, but her eyes reddened first as if her parents’ death suddenly weighed heavy on her heart. She couldn’t bring herself to deliver the news, “Yan Chi… have you…”
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, stepped forward to half-embrace her, and raised his hand to touch her moist eyes.
“Grandmother said you went to request the marriage decree.”
Qin Wan had no time to explain this to Yan Chi; she was only thinking about how to tell him about the Rui Prince’s death!
“This should be a happy occasion, so why are you crying?”
Yan Chi’s fingertip gently caressed Qin Wan’s eyes, his gaze full of tenderness. “Wan’er, whatever the reason, you went to request the marriage decree – does this mean you’re willing to marry me?”
Qin Wan nodded repeatedly but then said, “Yan Chi, of course, I’m willing. I need to tell you another very important matter. You can’t go Northwest. Something has happened there, you don’t know yet…”
She stared into Yan Chi’s eyes, about to speak, when suddenly his eyes turned cold. His eyes were bloodshot, the tenderness toward her mixing with a sudden threatening coldness, transforming into heart-piercing pain, anger, hatred, cruelty, and resentment, roiling in his pupils like dark clouds pressing down on a city…
Yan Chi spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, “I know.”
Qin Wan was stunned. Hadn’t he gone hunting outside the city? How did he know?
A glint of moisture flashed at the corner of Yan Chi’s eye. He pulled her into his embrace, his voice low and dark like a wounded beast, “Qin Wan, you are kind and generous, unwilling to let others be implicated by your affairs. But I am different from you.”
Yan Chi’s arms were like iron bands. Qin Wan felt his entire body tense, his grip so tight as if wanting to embed her into his bones and blood. “Qin Wan, thank you for being willing to marry me. From now on, through frost and sword, I ask you to journey together with me!”