Chapter 354: Imperial Marriage Decree, Crown Prince’s Interference
As night fell, the Zhongyong Marquis Manor was brightly lit.
Yuan Qing suddenly appeared, carrying an imperial decree adorned with dark gold dragons and phoenixes, along with more than ten boxes of rewards. He entered the Zhongyong Marquis Manor’s main gate with great pomp, and the entire household gathered in the front courtyard to receive him.
Yuan Qing’s face beamed with joy. Upon seeing Qin Shu, he said, “First, congratulations to the Marquis. The manor has been blessed with continuous good fortune. This truly is an auspicious year for your household.”
Good fortune? What good fortune had come to the manor?!
Both Qin Shu and Madam Hu maintained smiles on their faces. Yuan Qing suddenly looked past Qin Shu’s shoulder at Qin Wan who was walking out. His expression brightened further, “The Princess has arrived—”
Qin Wan had only returned to the manor at dusk, and Yuan Qing arrived shortly after.
Qin Shu and Madam Hu exchanged glances, their eyes showing both confusion and understanding.
This good news must be related to Qin Wan…
Indeed, as Qin Wan approached, Yuan Qing announced, “Princess, please receive the imperial decree!”
Qin Wan already knew the decree’s contents, yet she maintained a faint smile with a questioning look in her eyes, as if unaware of Yuan Qing’s purpose.
As she knelt, Qin Shu and his wife, seeing this, also knelt.
Yuan Qing proclaimed, “Having heard that Princess Yongci is virtuous, gentle, and outstanding in both character and appearance, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is greatly pleased. Now that Prince Rui’s heir, Yan Chi, has come of age, it is time for his marriage. With Princess Yongci waiting in the inner chambers, she and the Prince’s heir are truly a match made in heaven. To fulfill this beautiful union, you are hereby betrothed to Prince Rui’s heir as his consort, with the wedding to be held on an auspicious date.”
Yuan Qing finished reading the decree with a smile, then looked down at Qin Wan, “Congratulations, Princess. The Empress Dowager visited His Majesty this afternoon, and His Majesty was delighted to hear of this matter. To let the Empress Dowager take charge, he allowed her to issue this decree. These rewards are partly from the Empress Dowager and partly from His Majesty. The Empress Dowager hopes you and His Highness will marry before the new year. His Majesty has already commanded the Imperial Astronomers to calculate an auspicious date, and your wedding date should be determined within days.”
Qin Wan accepted the decree, “Qin Wan thanks the Empress Dowager and His Majesty for their grace.”
Yuan Qing said, “Please rise. It’s late today, so you can enter the palace tomorrow to express your gratitude. You and His Highness are a perfect match of talent and beauty. This old servant offers early congratulations for your hundred years of harmony.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes in apparent shyness. Beside her, Qin Shu and Madam Hu, having recovered from their surprise, showed expressions of joy. When Qin Wan and Qin Xiang came to the capital as sisters, there had always been intentions of marriage alliances. Qin Xiang had taken the wrong path, and though Qin Shuang’s husband Xue Qingshan wasn’t high-ranking, he was still a promising young talent who could certainly be useful to the marquis’s household. While Qin Wan initially had humble status, things were now very different. Her match with Yan Chi couldn’t be better!
Behind Yan Chi stood Prince Rui, who had commanded the Northwest Army for years with illustrious military achievements, not to mention his royal status. As for Yan Chi himself, beyond his noble birth, he had a promising future!
This marriage would effectively align Prince Rui’s faction with the Crown Prince’s!
Qin Shu thought that if the Crown Prince learned of this news, he would surely be delighted!
“Thank you, Sir. We never imagined the Empress Dowager would arrange such an excellent marriage for Wan’er!”
Yuan Qing smiled, “The Empress Dowager favors the Princess, and the Prince is Her Majesty’s most beloved grandson. Such a fine match is truly enviable. Marquis, Madam, this old servant shall take his leave now.”
After Yuan Qing left, looking at the courtyard full of rewards, Qin Shu smiled, “Wan’er, did you know about this?”
Qin Wan came to her senses and shook her head, “The Empress Dowager asked if I had any marriage plans, and I only said I would defer to her judgment. I hadn’t expected her to choose Prince Rui’s heir, though perhaps she knew of our acquaintance in Jinzhou.”
Qin Shu and Madam Hu naturally didn’t believe this. Given the Empress Dowager’s fondness for Qin Wan, she wouldn’t have issued the decree without first securing Qin Wan’s approval. However, Qin Wan couldn’t admit to knowing beforehand, as that would suggest the match involved personal feelings. Qin Shu and Madam Hu didn’t press further. Qin Shu said, “This marriage is excellent. Prince Rui’s heir is widely known for achieving military merit at such a young age. Wan’er, rest assured, your marriage will be as grand as Yu’er’s. We won’t let you be shortchanged in any way.”
Qin Wan hurriedly replied, “Thank you, Uncle and Aunt. With the wedding date not yet set, I’ll trouble you both with the arrangements. I dare not compare with Eighth Sister; I only hope everything proceeds smoothly according to protocol.”
Seeing Qin Wan so understanding, Qin Shu and Madam Hu were naturally pleased. They sent her to rest while they returned to their main chamber to discuss private matters, mainly marveling at how this marriage would bring glory to their household and provide considerable support to the Crown Prince and Qin Chaoyu. Once Yan Chi married Qin Wan, how could he remain uninvolved?!
Qin Wan walked back carrying the decree. Before she reached Songfeng Court, the servants there had already learned of her betrothal. Upon hearing she was to marry Prince Rui’s heir, Banxia and others were overjoyed, chattering excitedly. Given Prince Rui’s heir’s noble status, this marriage was indeed the best possible outcome for Qin Wan.
However, Fuling felt something inexplicable in her heart. She had twice suspected someone had entered Qin Wan’s chambers, though Qin Wan had denied it and Fuling had found no evidence. Both she and Qin Shuang had suggested their lady consider Yan Chi, yet now the Empress Dowager had arranged the marriage to Prince Rui’s heir. Fuling vaguely felt that perhaps many things she didn’t know about had already occurred…
Yet thinking of Yan Chi’s care for her mistress, Fuling felt some happiness!
The Empress Dowager had arranged an excellent match. Her mistress wouldn’t have to worry about being bullied anymore…
With these thoughts, she saw Qin Wan enter the courtyard very calmly. Fuling and others hurried to welcome her but noticed Qin Wan didn’t show the expected joy. Fuling frowned, wondering if her mistress didn’t like Prince Rui’s heir.
Seeing everyone’s excitement, Qin Wan did show a slight smile, “Everyone knows now. The Empress Dowager has arranged my marriage, and I am satisfied. Later, Fuling will distribute rewards to everyone.”
With that, Qin Wan went inside. While Banxia and others were delighted, Fuling sensed something amiss.
After distributing the rewards, Qin Wan had already bathed and retired. Fuling entered the inner chamber and approached the bed, softly asking, “Miss, are you unhappy? I think Prince Rui’s heir is very good. Do you not like him?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile bitterly. She was naturally pleased with this arranged marriage, but with Prince Rui’s situation weighing on her, how could she truly smile? Shaking her head, Qin Wan said, “It’s not that. I think Young Lord Yan is very good. We met in Jinzhou, he saved my life on Cloud Mist Mountain and then escorted us afterward. I know his character well, and I am very satisfied with this marriage.”
Fuling let out a breath, “Then why does Miss look so melancholy?”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “It’s because of other matters. Don’t worry about it.”
Hearing this, Fuling was finally reassured, but she crouched by Qin Wan’s window and said, “That’s good then. I’ve always hoped Miss would marry into a good family and have someone to take good care of you. Now that wish has come true. Miss, was that white jade hairpin from His Highness?”
Fuling was asking about the hairpin Qin Wan had worn during the Qixi Festival, whose origin she hadn’t revealed at the time.
Qin Wan looked at Fuling’s concerned eyes and nodded. Fuling’s eyes immediately reddened—she finally confirmed that Yan Chi and Qin Wan had already developed feelings for each other, which couldn’t be better.
Fuling wiped her eyes, “That’s wonderful. I understand now. Please rest well.”
After pulling Qin Wan’s bed curtains closed, Fuling left with a heart full of joy.
Qin Wan lay on her bed, but her mind kept returning to Yan Chi’s storm-cloud eyes from earlier that day.
Yan Chi’s departure from the capital wasn’t really for hunting, but because a confidant of Prince Rui had arrived from the Northwest. Fearing that letters might be exposed, he had reached Luozhou ahead of the Golden Feather Arrow Imperial Guards, and Yan Chi had gone to Luozhou to meet him in person.
Prince Rui’s trouble had occurred in Lanzhou. He had been summoned there by a secret order and had since disappeared. The messenger was one of the twelve personal guards who had accompanied Prince Rui to Lanzhou, and he was the only one who had escaped.
Not daring to return to the Northwest Army, and following Prince Rui’s orders, the messenger had rushed to the capital to warn Yan Chi of impending disaster.
Last year, when Yan Chi returned from the Northwest, it was because Prince Rui had sent him back after a minor mistake. Even then, the military power in the Northwest had become the focus of attention. Prince Rui couldn’t abandon the Northwest but wanted Yan Chi to stay clear of trouble.
However, Yan Chi hadn’t expected that despite Prince Rui’s concessions, he would now be the one in trouble.
Qin Wan felt as if a hundred ants were crawling in her heart. She tossed and turned for a long while before finally falling into a deep sleep.
Early the next morning, just as Qin Wan arose, Madam Hu learned that the Empress Dowager had sent for them. Qin Shu and Madam Hu were also to enter the palace, so Qin Wan had to wait and go with them.
By early morning, news of last night’s marriage decree had spread among the noble families in the city.
When Qin Wan arrived at Shoukang Palace, Qin Chaoyu was already waiting.
Qin Shu, his wife, and Qin Wan paid their respects together, and the Empress Dowager smiled, “Wan’er lost her parents early, so now I can only discuss her matters with you. Last night I arranged her marriage—I wonder if you’re satisfied?”
Qin Shu and Madam Hu exchanged glances, and Qin Shu quickly replied, “The Empress Dowager’s arrangement is Wan’er’s greatest blessing. Prince Rui’s heir is young and capable, having protected the country in the Northwest for many years. We’re completely at ease with Wan’er marrying him.”
The Empress Dowager smiled warmly, “That’s good. I was worried you wouldn’t be satisfied. Upon learning of my arrangement, the Crown Princess came to thank me early this morning. You are her family, and if you think this marriage is good, then it truly couldn’t be better. Since you’re all here today, I’d like to discuss the wedding date with you.”
Qin Shu responded, “Of course, we defer to the Empress Dowager’s decision.”
The Empress Dowager held Qin Wan’s hand and said, “I think it’s best before the end of the year. Zhen’er’s wedding date hasn’t been set either. Wan’er’s should be after Zhen’er’s. I’ve instructed the Imperial Astronomers—they’ll likely choose an auspicious date around the twelfth month.”
Madam Hu smiled, “The twelfth month is perfect! It’s perfect! The New Year festivities will be approaching, and the capital will be full of celebration. Will Prince Rui return by then?”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Of course! How could he stand aside when his son is getting married? I’ve already sent word to the Northwest. He’ll certainly return by year’s end.”
Qin Shu added, “That’s perfect. He can also report on his duties at year’s end.”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Exactly right.”
As they discussed Prince Rui, Qin Wan felt her hands growing increasingly cold. The Empress Dowager noticed and quickly asked, “Wan’er? What’s wrong? Why do you still seem troubled? Your hands are so cold.”
Qin Wan shook her head, “It’s nothing. I’ve always been prone to cold, and with the weather cooling, my hands get even colder. As for being troubled… I had a dream last night… I dreamed of something unpleasant, so…”
The Empress Dowager patted Qin Wan’s hand and didn’t ask further. After speaking a few more words with Qin Shu and his wife, she let them follow Qin Chaoyu to the Eastern Palace. Once they left, the Empress Dowager fixed her gaze on Qin Wan and asked, “Child, what did you dream?”
Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat. Lowering her eyes, she said, “I don’t know why, but last night I dreamed of His Highness going to the Northwest, and… and I dreamed he met with misfortune on the battlefield…”
At these words, the Empress Dowager’s brows furrowed tightly. Given Qin Wan’s feelings for Yan Chi, it wasn’t surprising she would dream of him, but this was indeed not a good dream. The Empress Dowager sighed, “Child, you must have been worried because you knew he wanted to go to the Northwest. Don’t worry, I won’t let him go. He needn’t concern himself with this matter.”
Relieved by these words, Qin Wan continued, “I’m sorry to make you laugh at me. These words aren’t appropriate to say in front of His Highness, and if it’s for the court and the Northwest Army, I shouldn’t say such things. But the dream was truly ominous, and I’m somewhat afraid. Moreover… when I was young and lost my parents, someone said I was born with ill fortune. If this were to harm His Highness…”
Hearing these words, the Empress Dowager gripped Qin Wan’s hand firmly, “Child, you must never say such things again. What ill fortune? You could never harm Yan Chi. Rest assured, I will not let him risk danger in the Northwest.”
…
Qin Shu and Madam Hu followed Qin Chaoyu to the Eastern Palace. While Madam Hu naturally followed Qin Chaoyu to the private chambers to talk, Tang Fu invited Qin Shu to the side hall for discussion.
Upon entering the side hall, Qin Shu saw Yan Che sitting behind the desk with an unsettled expression. Not understanding why, after paying his respects, he said, “Your Highness, have you heard? The Empress Dowager has bestowed a marriage decree between Wan’er and Prince Rui’s heir. The imperial decree was issued last night.”
Yan Che, sitting behind the desk, showed no signs of joy upon hearing this news.
Seeing this, Qin Shu’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said, “Prince Rui’s heir is young and accomplished, and he holds the rank of Young Commander of the Northwest Army. Although he has been back in the capital for some time, his military authority in the Northwest Army remains strong. He might regain full command of the Northwest Army in the future. Moreover, with His Highness on our side, it will be easier for us to place our people within the army and win the hearts of the Northwest Army.”
Yan Che’s dark, unstable eyes fixed on Qin Shu, and after he finished speaking, he finally said, “Marquis, we cannot let Qin Wan marry Yan Chi.”