The Yu Cheng Si was more oppressive and cramped than any prison Qin Wan had ever seen. Whether it was the Ministry of Justice’s Imperial Prison, the Court of Judicature’s detention center, or the jails of Lin’an Prefecture and Jinzhou Governor’s office, they all had cells measuring at least fifty square zhang. But in the Yu Cheng Si, apart from the torture instruments hanging on the walls, there were only narrow black cells that could barely fit one or two people standing. Once the cell door closed, it was pitch dark inside with barely any air to breathe. Standing inside was almost like being in a coffin.
While regular prison cells at least resembled places meant for holding humans, the Yu Cheng Si cells were more like animal pens. Then again, palace servants were treated like their masters’ cattle and horses—when were they ever regarded as human beings?
“Princess, Prince Cheng is inside,” said the guide leading Qin Wan through a narrow corridor.
Soon, a slightly larger interrogation chamber appeared before Qin Wan’s eyes. She looked up and immediately saw Prince Cheng, Yan Qi, sitting behind a long table. Not far from him, a eunuch in tattered clothes lay barely breathing on the ground.
The eunuch’s purple-black palace uniform indicated his high rank. His clothes were torn from being whipped while wet, and traces of blood had dyed the fabric a dark color. Qin Wan stood at the doorway, slightly frowning.
“Your Highness, this old servant doesn’t know…”
“It’s been a year, this old servant… this old servant has forgotten…”
Yan Qi wore a cold expression, the upturned corners of his eyes lending him a sinister air. He sneered, “Which is it—you don’t know, or you’ve forgotten? You’ve served in the palace for so many years. What is the Yu Cheng Si, top to bottom, could escape your eyes? Or is it that you’re afraid of implicating those behind you, so you dare not speak?”
Hearing this, the old eunuch’s face showed terror as he frantically shook his head. “No, no, this old servant doesn’t know anything! This old servant knows nothing!”
Yan Qi’s lips curled up, though his eyes held no smile. “Is that so? Then it seems we must continue to attend to you.”
As he spoke, Yan Qi waved his hand. Two guards from Prince Cheng’s mansion immediately stepped forward and dragged the old eunuch up. A wooden rack stood nearby, and the two guards efficiently tied the old eunuch to it. Another person took a red-hot branding iron and without hesitation pressed it against the old eunuch’s shoulder. With a sizzling sound, the old eunuch let out an agonized scream.
Only then did Yan Qi turn to look at Qin Wan.
He had heard her footsteps before she appeared, but he wanted to see how Princess Yongci would react. To his surprise, this gruesome scene didn’t even make her raise an eyebrow.
Both surprised and disappointed, Yan Qi smiled and asked, “When did the Princess arrive?”
Qin Wan entered and curtsied, “Greetings to Prince Cheng. I just arrived.”
Yan Qi waved his hand and pointed to a stool nearby. “Sit and let’s talk.”
Qin Wan walked over and sat down, with a clear view of the eunuch being tortured. The branding iron had left a large burn mark on his body, and the smell of burned cloth and flesh was particularly distinct. Qin Wan sat without changing expression.
Yan Qi studied Qin Wan for a moment and smiled. “The Princess is quite brave…”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. She had seen countless corpses more grotesque and bloody than this, though she did feel some discomfort—not from how badly the man was beaten, but from knowing the branding iron was burning a living person.
“Your Highness flatters me. May I ask why you summoned me?”
Yan Qi smiled cunningly, his gaze somewhat malicious. “Princess Yongci’s medical skills are exceptional, and your expertise in examining corpses is particularly impressive. Not only can you examine the dead, but you can also solve cases. Moreover, you’ve become the first woman in Da Zhou’s history to hold an official position in court. The case at Prince Jin’s mansion is not only peculiar, but you examined the corpse. Therefore, I thought having the Princess here to hear the case might yield unexpected results. After all, you must also want to solve this case quickly, right?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. “If Your Highness commands it, how could I refuse?”
Yan Qi narrowed his eyes, feeling that Qin Wan was rather impenetrable. He smiled and turned back to the old eunuch. After one branding and the earlier whipping, the man was now delirious with pain. The one who used to interrogate others probably never imagined he would face such a day himself. Seeing this, Yan Qi lifted his chin. “Wake him up.”
Though the room was small, it was well-equipped. At Yan Qi’s command, a guard immediately splashed cold water on the old eunuch to wake him. Yan Qi stood and walked to the old eunuch’s side. “Tell me what you know, and I’ll spare your life.”
The old eunuch’s eyes were filled with terror, two bloody streaks crossing his face made for a particularly disturbing sight. His lips trembled, but after a long while, he still couldn’t utter a word. A flash of severity crossed Yan Qi’s eyes as he stepped back and raised his chin.
Understanding the signal, the guard turned to look at the torture instruments beside him and took two sharp hooks to the old eunuch’s side. The hooks gleamed coldly, and the old eunuch naturally knew their purpose. In an instant, the terror in his eyes intensified. The guard twisted the hooks in his hands and suddenly pierced them into the old eunuch’s shoulder blades!
The old eunuch’s eyes bulged, and he couldn’t even scream—only hoarse sounds emerged from his throat. Yan Qi walked up to the old eunuch and grabbed his jaw. “Will you speak or not?! Who took Song Xi Wen away?! Hmm?!”
The old eunuch’s neck was stretched taut like a bowstring. His eyeballs moved slowly as he looked at Yan Qi, fear evident within. He made two hoarse sounds, seeming to have something to say but hesitating. However, the next moment, he suddenly clamped his mouth shut and closed his eyes in pain. Soon, bloody foam leaked from the corners of his mouth. Yan Qi’s expression changed, and Qin Wan immediately stood up!
The bloody foam nearly touched Yan Qi’s hand, and he quickly stepped back. Qin Wan stepped forward, showing no disgust as she forcefully opened the old eunuch’s mouth. Her brows immediately furrowed. “It’s Zhen poison.”
Since it was Zhen’s poison, there was no cure.
Yan Qi clenched his fist, his eyes filled with dark anger. This old eunuch had committed suicide by poison right in front of him!
Qin Wan’s fingertip was stained with blood. She stepped back, took out a handkerchief to wipe it off, and then threw the handkerchief into a nearby brazier. Seeing this, Yan Qi felt somewhat awkward—he had been careless about letting someone die right in front of him.
The dead can’t speak, and without this mouth to talk, achieving his goal would be extremely difficult.
Yan Qi stepped back and waved his hand. Two guards dragged the old eunuch’s body away.
With the body removed, only a faint smell of blood remained in the room. Yan Qi turned to look at his guard. “What about the other two?”
The guard quickly replied, “They’re still unconscious, Your Highness.”
Qin Wan stood watching from the side, but today had yielded nothing. Yan Qi said, “Search them thoroughly, inside and out. I don’t want to see a second person commit suicide by poison.”
The guard acknowledged and went to carry out the orders. Yan Qi then turned to Qin Wan. “Let’s not rush today. Shall we talk outside, Princess?”
Qin Wan nodded and walked out. Upon leaving the Yu Cheng Si, she took a deep breath.
Yan Qi walked beside her and said, “The man who just died entered the palace in the 210th year of Da Zhou. He initially served in the palace of Consort Zhao, and later rose through the ranks. After Consort Zhao passed away, he was transferred to the Internal Affairs Office to manage the palace maids. Later, he came to the Yu Cheng Si. The head eunuchs of the Yu Cheng Si were usually elderly and commanded some respect. After he came to the Yu Cheng Si, everyone above and below showed him great respect. In recent years, the palace rules have been strict, with both internal and external affairs well-regulated—he deserves some credit for that.”
After Yan Qi finished speaking, Qin Wan merely frowned slightly without showing much other reaction. Yan Qi raised his eyebrows knowingly and continued, “Consort Zhao came from the family of the Supporting State General. Although she was never formally crowned as Empress, the previous Emperor grew up in her palace.”
Qin Wan stopped in her tracks, suddenly understanding Yan Qi’s meaning.
The late Consort Zhao should have been the grand-aunt of the current Empress Zhao Shu Hua. The previous Emperor was the son of the late Grand Empress Dowager, but unfortunately, the Grand Empress Dowager was extremely frail and later withdrew from public life. At this time, the late Consort Zhao became the mistress of the inner palace and carefully nurtured the previous Emperor. The previous Emperor greatly respected the late Consort Zhao, and later when choosing a consort for his most beloved son, he selected Zhao Shu Hua, the eldest daughter of the Zhao family. Thus, the Zhao family’s influence continued in the imperial inner palace.
All of Yan Qi’s words pointed to one thing: this old eunuch was loyal to the Empress and Crown Prince. Under pressure, the eunuch avoided speaking and ultimately chose such a drastic measure as suicide, clearly indicating he had something to hide—and if he had something to hide, so did the Empress and Crown Prince.
Qin Wan had known Yan Qi’s invitation wasn’t well-intentioned, but she hadn’t expected him to be so frank with her.
“These are all matters of the past. What do they have to do with last year’s events?”
Qin Wan remained composed. Yan Qi gave an ambiguous laugh, “It would be good if the Princess truly thought that way. I heard from Zheng Bai Shi and others that the Princess is as capable as any man, extremely loyal and righteous. I also know the Crown Prince is the Princess’s brother-in-law. Now that the Princess knows these inside details, do you still want to continue investigating?”
Before Qin Wan could answer, Yan Qi continued, “Though the Crown Prince hasn’t prevented the investigation, the Yu Cheng Si has been thoroughly cleaned top to bottom, and those who know the truth would rather die than speak—this is our Crown Prince’s method.”
Qin Wan’s vision blurred momentarily as she thought back to the beginning of the year.
Back then, when three young ladies were murdered in succession, Zheng Bai Shi’s investigation yielded no results. He was reprimanded by the Emperor, and the Crown Prince was implicated. All of this was due to Prince Cheng’s interference. Now Prince Cheng controlled the initiative in the Prince Jin mansion case, and the Crown Prince had become the one interfering. Qin Wan found it darkly amusing—what was justice and law in the face of power?
“What does Prince Cheng wish to say? An investigation requires evidence. Empty words only make people suspect Your Highness of ill intentions.”
A dark glint flashed in Yan Qi’s eyes. “The Princess is quite composed. No matter—tomorrow morning, we’ll interrogate the other two. Zheng Bai Shi and Li Mu Yun will both be present. Let’s see if those two can say anything useful.”
This was both intimidation and probing. Since Yan Qi had invited her into this game, he wouldn’t let her help with the investigation.
Qin Wan understood this and nodded in agreement. She and Yan Qi naturally had nothing more to say to each other, and she soon took her leave.
Yan Qi stood watching as Qin Wan walked away, a sharp glint flashing in his phoenix eyes.
There were countless women in the world, but few—or rather, none—had truly caught Yan Qi’s eye. He was heaven’s favored son, high above others. In his world, only men were worthy of competing with him. But now, Qin Wan had made him take notice. He couldn’t help but think of that scene at the mourning hall—strictly speaking, that was the first day he saw Qin Wan. That day, she had been clear-featured and slender, like an unripe jade youth. She and Yan Chi had played him for a fool!
Yan Qi’s brows furrowed tightly as he recalled how he had once written Qin Wan’s name in the book of potential consorts, but later…
At the time, he had deeply hated the Crown Prince, but could it be that the one who interfered wasn’t the Crown Prince?
The thought flashed by briefly. Thinking of the current situation in Prince Rui’s mansion, Yan Qi gave a cold laugh internally. Prince Rui’s mansion was about to fall, and Zheng Xin Cheng from Shuo Xi had just sent good news yesterday. Yan Qi felt thoroughly pleased. With good news from Shuo Xi, and if he could pin the Prince Jin mansion case on the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t lack opportunities.
Thinking of this, Yan Qi felt proud and spirited. He paid his respects to Feng Ling Su, then mounted his horse and returned to his mansion.
Upon returning to his mansion, Yan Qi saw Xiu Zhi skulking around a corner not far from the main courtyard. He frowned, disliking servants wandering about—his main courtyard especially forbidden to servants from the inner quarters. However, seeing Xiu Zhi reminded him of Qin Xiang. He hadn’t visited Qin Xiang for several days. Yan Qi beckoned, “You—come here and speak.”
Xiu Zhi’s face lit up with joy. She immediately ran over with tearful eyes and knelt before Yan Qi, crying, “Your Highness, please save my mistress! Today the Princess Consort punished her to kneel for an entire day. She’s still kneeling outside the Princess Consort’s door now.”
Yan Qi raised an eyebrow, showing some impatience…
Ever since Feng Chen Bi entered the mansion, his inner quarters had never known peace.
Yan Qi liked collecting beautiful women—he wanted three thousand concubines like his father the Emperor. However, he disliked chaos in his inner quarters. Although he looked down on Feng Chen Bi, he couldn’t be too harsh with her, whether for his maternal grandfather’s sake, his mother’s sake, or their childhood friendship.
Yan Qi furrowed his brows and strode toward Feng Chen Bi’s courtyard.
Xiu Zhi’s eyes brightened as she scrambled to follow behind Yan Qi.
When Feng Chen Bi learned of Yan Qi’s arrival, she immediately squeezed out two tears. The other servants took the hint and quickly adopted pitiful expressions. When Yan Qi lifted the curtain and entered, Feng Chen Bi’s eyes immediately reddened. “Cousin…”
This tender, pleasant voice was followed immediately by Feng Chen Bi’s arms wrapping around Yan Qi’s arm. Yan Qi raised his eyebrows and, noticing Qin Xiang’s absence from the courtyard, asked, “Why are you crying?”
Feng Chen Bi spoke between sobs, “I know why cousin is here. You’ve come to speak for the Ninth Consort, haven’t you? I couldn’t help but punish her for kneeling today. Are you here to scold me?”
Yan Qi’s lips tightened. He was getting impatient, but unexpectedly, Feng Chen Bi was forthright.
Feng Chen Bi gazed at Yan Qi with rabbit-like eyes. “If cousin wants to scold me, go ahead, but I won’t apologize today. Ninth Consort is now part of the Prince’s mansion. Even if she still thinks of the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion, she can’t go back, can she? Now that the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion has risen in status because of the Crown Princess, her thoughts have become unstable. I can’t allow such presumption…”
Yan Qi raised an eyebrow. “What did she do?”
Feng Chen Bi clung to Yan Qi’s arm, subtly pressing her chest against him, and snorted, “Today, the old madam of the Literary Distance Earl’s mansion sent an invitation asking me to view chrysanthemums at their mansion. I thought of taking her along, but… she refused. For no other reason than that the Literary Distance Earl’s family has marriage ties with the Qin mansion’s main branch, and the main madam of the Qin mansion would certainly be there today. She’s afraid of running into the Qin mansion’s main madam. Cousin, what do you think she means by this?”
A daughter of the Qin family becoming a concubine in Prince Cheng’s mansion was shameful enough for Qin Xiang, let alone for the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion. Feng Chen Bi had intended to embarrass Madam Hu, but who knew Qin Xiang would be so uncooperative?
Yan Qi frowned—in this matter, he couldn’t blame Feng Chen Bi.
When he had taken Qin Xiang, hadn’t his thoughts been similar?
“Where is she?”
At Yan Qi’s question, Feng Chen Bi snorted again, “Sent back. She fainted after kneeling for just half an hour. Last time too—she’s too calculating, I can’t tell if it’s real or fake. Someone supported her to rest in the side room for a while before sending her back to her courtyard. Cousin, where do you think her heart truly lies? Can we trust her?”
Feng Chen Bi looked innocently at Yan Qi, and doubts began to rise in his heart.
Feng Chen Bi was his Princess Consort, connected to him by blood ties. In this regard, no one wished him well more than Feng Chen Bi.
As for Qin Xiang… she was connected by blood to the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion…
Seeing Yan Qi lost in thought, Feng Chen Bi quickly blinked her eyes and pulled him toward the inner chamber. They had only recently married, and Feng Chen Bi appeared so pitiful and lovely. Yan Qi half-heartedly resisted before staying to rest at Feng Chen Bi’s place.
At the same time, Qin Xiang was throwing a tantrum in her room. Xiu Zhi became anxious, “Mistress, please calm down! His Highness has just been bewitched by that vixen of a Princess Consort. You must stay calm!”
Qin Xiang smashed another teacup, her breathing becoming more rapid.
Feng Chen Bi! That Feng Chen Bi!
Since Feng Chen Bi had entered Prince Cheng’s mansion, Yan Qi had visited her less and less frequently. Sometimes when he came, he wouldn’t even stay. It had been a long time since she had shared a bed with Yan Qi. If this continued, how could she ever conceive a child?!
Without a child, relying solely on Yan Qi’s slight pity for her, she could never establish herself in the Prince’s mansion.
This time, Qin Xiang deeply felt the difference between a proper wife and a concubine. A flash of regret crossed her mind, but she quickly shook her head. No, she had no way back—she couldn’t regret it now.
…
Three days had passed, and the main force returning from Cang Heng Mountain had arrived back in the capital.
The mourning arrangements at Prince Rui’s mansion had not yet been removed. Yan Li accompanied Yan Chi through the mansion gates, sighing, “Seventh Brother, my condolences.”
These past few days, Yan Li had constantly accompanied Yan Chi. Yan Chi understood Yan Li’s thoughts and forced a slight smile.
Yan Li gave a bitter laugh. “Seventh Brother, please don’t smile. Your smile is particularly creepy right now…”
Yan Chi shook his head helplessly, but Yan Li still felt worried. Yan Chi had never been one to show his emotions, keeping any suffering buried deep inside. Yan Li even felt that this was more painful than for someone like himself who had never met his father. Now, when Prince Gong was mentioned, he felt no stirring in his heart.
“Seventh Brother, rest well for a few days first. Don’t worry about court matters for now.”
Yan Li was very concerned, feeling that Yan Chi’s silent brooding made people even more worried for him.
Yan Chi waved his hand. “It’s not that serious.”
Yan Li gave a bitter smile, unsure whether to console or encourage him. After thinking for a moment, he nodded—indeed, his Seventh Brother wasn’t that fragile. Without a father, life still had to go on. This thought led him to think of his own Imperial Consort mother. If his mother were to pass…
Yan Li’s heart trembled, and he quickly moved closer to Yan Chi.
It was already afternoon. After washing up at the mansion, Yan Chi planned to enter the palace. Yan Li was surprised—Yan Chi hadn’t slept for days, and his eyes were bloodshot. What could be so urgent?
Yan Chi didn’t explain further, so Yan Li had no choice but to accompany him to the palace.
Yan Chi’s palace visit was naturally to seek an audience with the Empress Dowager. At Shou Kang Palace, the Empress Dowager held Yan Chi’s hand with reddened eyes, unwilling to let go.
“Your father spent his entire life guarding the northwest for Da Zhou. The Emperor has issued his posthumous title, and now that he rests in peace, you must stay strong. Only then will you not disappoint his teachings.”
Yan Chi naturally nodded. “Grandmother is ill. Hasn’t Princess Yongci examined you?”
The Empress Dowager smiled. “How could she not have? She has, and she prescribed the medicine…”
Speaking of Qin Wan, the Empress Dowager hesitated before continuing, “I had wanted you to marry earlier, but now…”
It seemed Yan Chi had been waiting for these words. “Father has been gone for over a month. He must have been worried about my marriage. I don’t think we need to wait that long. If Grandmother agrees, I’d like to marry after the initial mourning period. That way, Father can rest easy in the netherworld.”
The initial mourning period meant the first hundred days. This way, Yan Chi and Qin Wan could marry by year’s end. The Empress Dowager was overjoyed at these words. She gripped Yan Chi’s hand tightly. “How could I not agree? As long as you’re willing. You’re right—your father passed without seeing you married. An early marriage would comfort him in the netherworld. Good, I’ll have the Imperial Astronomers set a date for you right away!”
Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly. The Empress Dowager saw his genuine happiness and stroked his head. “My child, I understand your thoughts. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your wishes come true.”
Without his father, Yan Chi was now alone. The Empress Dowager pitied his solitude and privately wanted him to marry Qin Wan soon. With the marriage settled, her heart would be at ease. Watching from the side, Yan Li now understood why Yan Chi had been so urgent to enter the palace.
…
Qin Wan knew Yan Chi had returned but didn’t dare visit Prince Rui’s mansion rashly, unsure if internal affairs officials were still present.
However, early the next morning, the Empress Dowager’s decree arrived at the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion.
When Qin Wan reached the front courtyard, she saw Yuan Qing speaking with Lord and Lady Qin. Though Lord Qin wore a smile, Qin Wan could see it was somewhat forced.
Yuan Qing said, “The Empress Dowager truly cares for the Heir. They are a match made in heaven. Setting the date early has put the Empress Dowager’s mind at ease. My Lord doesn’t know, but the Empress Dowager hasn’t been well lately. This matter being settled has brought her joy…”
Speaking thus, Yuan Qing saw Qin Wan and quickly smiled, “This old servant pays respects to the Princess. Congratulations—”
He handed over the decree, “The Imperial Astronomers have determined the tenth day of the twelfth month is auspicious. This old servant offers congratulations to the Princess.”
The tenth of the twelfth month—less than three months away.
Yan Chi had returned to the capital yesterday, and today the wedding date was set. One could imagine what Yan Chi must have done upon his return.
Qin Wan quickly accepted the decree and opened it, understanding immediately. “I will enter the palace shortly to express my gratitude.”
Yuan Qing offered a few more auspicious words before departing.
Once Yuan Qing left, the smiles faded from Lord and Lady Qin’s faces. They didn’t approve of setting Qin Wan’s marriage date now, but with the imperial decree issued, what could they do?
“Well, now that the wedding date is set, we must plan and prepare well for Wan’er.”
Lady Hu belatedly spoke with a smile. Lord Qin sighed, “At this point, we can only prepare well. If nothing else, as long as Wan’er is happy after marriage, it will be worth it.”
Thinking of the Crown Prince’s words, Lord Qin felt his heart bleeding as he spoke.
Qin Wan smiled slightly. “Thank you, Uncle and Aunt. My marriage will trouble you both.”
Lady Hu hurriedly said, “Don’t worry, Wan’er. We’ll arrange everything perfectly, and ensure you have a grand wedding.”
Qin Wan spoke very sincerely, “I’m not Eighth Sister. Aunt just prepares according to Qin Shuang’s example. The wedding date is near the new year, and you must be very busy. Don’t let my wedding cause extra trouble.”
Lady Hu waved her hands repeatedly, continuing to assure Qin Wan she wouldn’t be negligent before letting her leave.
After Qin Wan left, Lady Hu looked at Lord Qin with a bitter smile. “Will my Lord enter the palace?”
Lord Qin sighed, “Yes, I must go…”
As Lord Qin strode away, Lady Hu felt uneasy.
…
When Lord Qin arrived at the Eastern Palace, Yan Che already knew of the Empress Dowager’s decree. Lord Qin could only say helplessly, “Your Highness doesn’t know, but Wan’er is very satisfied with this marriage. From what I see, even if Prince Rui’s mansion falls, or if something were to happen to Lord Chi, Wan’er wouldn’t change her mind.” Lord Qin glanced at Yan Che’s expression and continued, “The northwestern case hasn’t implicated Prince Rui’s mansion yet, has it? Losing just Prince Rui shouldn’t be a major issue…”
Yan Che remained silent. Lord Qin felt anxious, but just as he thought Yan Chi would be angered over this matter, Yan Che spoke calmly, “If that’s the case, my Lord should return and prepare well for the wedding.”
Lord Qin was stunned but quickly recovered, hastily nodding.
Seeing Yan Che didn’t want to say more, Lord Qin took his leave. Thinking about Yan Che’s earlier expression, he felt the Crown Prince wasn’t as angry as he had imagined, yet there was an unusually deep sense of oppression.
Lord Qin couldn’t quite grasp the meaning and turned to go see his daughter.
Learning that Lord Qin had entered the palace today to inform the Crown Prince about Qin Wan and Yan Chi’s set wedding date, Qin Chao Yu felt a strange sensation. Upon hearing that Yan Che appeared very calm, the oddness in her heart increased. She didn’t ask further, knowing Yan Che disliked her inquiring about court matters, and quickly had Lord Qin leave.
After pondering for a moment, Qin Chao Yu prepared tea and snacks and walked to the side hall where Yan Che was.
Upon entering the side hall, Qin Chao Yu froze.
Yan Che stood sideways by the window. Though he showed no anger, the loneliness emanating from his whole being couldn’t be hidden…
…
Back at Song Feng Court, Fu Ling quietly said, “Young Lady, the Lord and Lady seemed somewhat displeased.”
Qin Wan lifted her chin slightly. When Prince Rui was alive, this marriage was naturally an excellent match. But now that Prince Rui was gone, the marriage became dispensable. Lord Qin and Lady Hu naturally didn’t approve. Moreover… perhaps the Eastern Palace had other concerns. Lord and Lady Qin’s inclinations went against her wishes, but she and Yan Chi had the Empress Dowager’s support.
Looking at the decree in her hand, Qin Wan’s heart settled.
After carefully reading every word of the decree, Qin Wan suddenly felt a strong desire to see Yan Chi.
She wondered where he was at this moment.
After some thought, Qin Wan changed clothes and went out.
The carriage left the Marquis’s mansion, heading straight for Prince Rui’s mansion. After brief consideration, Qin Wan had Bai Ying enter through the rear gate. At the back entrance, mourning lanterns still hung under the eaves.
Qin Wan exhaled and told Bai Ying to knock.
After knocking, the door opened moments later. An unfamiliar guard dressed entirely in black looked at Qin Wan and Bai Ying. His eyes flickered as he seemed to realize something, and he immediately bowed deeply. “Greetings, Princess.”
After speaking, he stepped aside. “Please enter, Princess. His Highness is discussing matters ahead.”
Qin Wan studied the man. He was in his twenties, with a square face and remarkably clear, bright eyes. As she walked inside, she asked, “You are…?”
Yu Qi quickly nodded. “This humble one is Yu Qi, formerly His Highness’s deputy aide-de-camp.”
Qin Wan’s heart jumped—deputy aide-de-camp… Such a title meant he was from the Shuo Xi army!
Prince Rui had been gone for over a month, and finally, people from Shuo Xi had arrived in the capital.
Qin Wan nodded but didn’t head toward the main hall. “I’ll wait for him at the waterside pavilion.”
Yu Qi said nothing, respectfully following behind Qin Wan until he had escorted her to the pavilion before leaving.
Qin Wan was quite familiar with the waterside pavilion and sat down to wait. Soon, footsteps approached from outside. Qin Wan stood up and saw Yan Chi’s figure flash inside.
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened slightly but then noticed his bloodshot eyes, and her heart ached.
Yan Chi walked up to Qin Wan, his lips curving slightly. “Has the decree reached the Marquis’s mansion?”
Qin Wan nodded. “Yes, the tenth of the twelfth month.”
Yan Chi took her hand and sat down. “I entered the palace last night and asked Grandmother to set the date. Three months to go.”
Qin Wan said, “I thought it would be next year. You’re still in mourning—is this appropriate?”
“It can be done after the initial mourning period.” Yan Chi gazed into Qin Wan’s eyes. What he didn’t say was that if they didn’t set the wedding date soon, even their marriage might face unexpected changes. With his father gone, he absolutely couldn’t lose Qin Wan now!
Yan Chi stroked Qin Wan’s cheek. “Do you have concerns?”
Qin Wan quickly shook her head. “Not for myself, but for you. Now…”
Yan Chi smiled. “Nothing counts as a concern now. It’s perfect timing—I’ll be very free to prepare for our wedding.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi questioningly. Yan Chi explained, “His Majesty has spoken—I’m temporarily relieved from my duties at the Ministry of Justice.”
These words… Qin Wan’s brows furrowed tightly. Was the Emperor trying to isolate Yan Chi, truly leaving him with nothing to do?
Yet Yan Chi appeared very relaxed, squeezing her hand. “This is good news.”
Just as he finished speaking, Yu Qi appeared outside again, somewhat hesitantly saying, “Your Highness, Master Qi has more matters to report. He requests a detailed discussion…”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, and Qin Wan quickly pushed him. “It’s fine, go ahead.”
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, suddenly taking her hand. “Come with me.”
Qin Wan was surprised, knowing that whoever Yan Chi was meeting at this time must be a confidant, and the matters discussed would surely be confidential. It didn’t seem appropriate for her to accompany him.
But Yan Chi was resolute. “Come with me.”
Yan Chi led Qin Wan out, not releasing her hand even when he saw Yu Qi. Yu Qi kept his head down, eyes fixed straight ahead, not daring to say a word. Yan Chi continued holding Qin Wan’s hand to the main hall.
Upon entering the courtyard, Qin Wan saw a middle-aged man of about forty standing before the main hall. He wore a plain cyan robe without any ornaments, appearing refined and unrestrained, with an air of easy grace.
However, his gaze toward Qin Wan was intense.
“Master, this is Princess Yongci.” Yan Chi approached and introduced her to Qi Yu. Qi Yu had been studying Qin Wan since he first saw her, and now he bowed. “Greetings, Princess.”
For someone Yan Chi addressed as “Master,” Qin Wan naturally wouldn’t be discourteous. She returned a half-curtsy.
Qi Yu’s expression softened slightly, but he looked at Yan Chi. “Your Highness, this humble one…”
Yan Chi pointed inside. “Let’s talk inside.”
Yan Chi took the main seat, and Qin Wan sat to his lower left. After a moment’s hesitation, Qi Yu sat opposite Qin Wan. Yan Chi looked at Qi Yu. “Master, please speak freely—”
Qi Yu’s expression was dark, clearly not wanting Qin Wan to hear these words. However, knowing his young master’s personality, he pressed his lips together and said, “Generals Chu and Huo have now been stripped of their military authority and detained. Their Left Second and Third Battalions are now without leadership. Your Highness knows their temperaments—this situation will likely lead to trouble. This time, Lin Xu Gui brings the Emperor’s decree. Not just the garrison troops of Liang Zhou and Cang Zhou, but even the Northern府 Army can be transferred over. Now they’re just waiting for everyone to create chaos themselves. Zheng Xin Cheng has old ties with Lin Xu Gui and will certainly cooperate with him. If the Divine Machine Camp falls into Lin Xu Gui’s hands, not one of our brothers inside can be saved.”
Qi Yu’s voice grew increasingly grave as he spoke. Yan Chi sat in the main seat, his face like still water, showing no ripples.
Qi Yu continued, “When His Highness was here, everyone pulled together as one. Now that His Highness is gone, you are the hope of the Shuo Xi army. Lin Xu Gui’s purpose in going there is to scatter the Shuo Xi army. Whoever takes over next will be someone the Emperor trusts. But once this happens, the Shuo Xi army won’t be the Shuo Xi army anymore. If the barbarians invade in spring, the northwest will surely fall.”
“His Highness spent twenty years building up Shuo Xi, and it’s finally showing some promise. If Shuo Xi falls, it will all be for nothing—the common people who relied on His Highness, and those soldiers who were loyally devoted to His Highness and you…”
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed. “Their loyalty is to Da Zhou, not to my father and me.”
Qi Yu glanced at Qin Wan, knowing he had misspoken, and gave a bitter smile. “Yes, Your Highness speaks truly. But when speaking of loyalty to Da Zhou, who could surpass His Highness and you? All these years… that’s why those young men were willing to stay in Shuo Xi with His Highness. In matters of life and death in battle, if not for His Highness and you, how could they even find a way to be loyal to Da Zhou?”
Qi Yu had started stern and serious, but now he was speaking earnestly. “I understand Your Highness’s thoughts, but… but this humble one feels it’s not right, really not right at all…”
Yan Chi looked at Qi Yu with composure. “Then what would Master have me do?”
Faced with this question, Qi Yu was lost for words. Seeing this, Yan Chi sighed. “I understand Master’s words. At this point, my meager strength is but a spark and Shuo Xi is a thousand li away—beyond my reach.”
Qi Yu hurriedly said, “But… but a spark can start a prairie fire, Your Highness…”
Yan Chi’s eyes darkened slightly. “Father’s misfortune caught us all unprepared. Master has returned safely from Shuo Xi—rest and recover first. When your shock has passed, we can discuss matters again.”
These words showed little anger, yet they left Qi Yu stunned.
His face fluctuated between pale and flushed as he finally understood Yan Chi’s meaning. Yan Chi was saying he had panicked…
“This humble one… yes, this humble one understands…”
Qi Yu’s face showed both indignation and shame. Yan Chi glanced at Yu Qi, who understood and stepped forward. “Master Qi, please come with me. Rest well before discussing further with His Highness.”
Qi Yu stood up, a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. He nodded. “Very well. Then Your Highness, this humble one takes his leave.”
Yan Chi nodded noncommittally, and Qi Yu sighed, turning to leave.
Qin Wan watched Qi Yu leave and also sighed.
“Master Qi was Father’s most trusted strategist, following him for twenty years as one of the military advisors. He’s not usually like this. In all these years Father defended against the barbarians without defeat, Master Qi deserves credit.”
But now that Prince Rui was gone, even this chief strategist had lost his composure.
Though what Qi Yu had just said was indeed urgent, his tone clearly showed pressure, wanting Yan Chi to act to stabilize Shuo Xi. Though well-intentioned, he had left his heart in Shuo Xi and hadn’t noticed the situation in the capital.
“Even if everyone else panics, as long as you don’t, there’s hope for Shuo Xi.”
Qin Wan’s words immediately expressed what was in Yan Chi’s heart. He stood up and took her hand. “You trust me so much? What if I abandon Shuo Xi? After all, the situation is unclear—I might not be able to protect myself.”
Qin Wan also stood up. “You won’t. That place holds His Highness’s achievements, the beliefs you shared with him. You returned to the capital because you had no choice, but you will never abandon Shuo Xi…”
Yan Chi caressed Qin Wan’s palm, his heart burning hot. “You won’t counsel me to be cautious?”
If Yan Chi truly couldn’t let go and still had ambitions, it would be a matter of life and death. But for Qin Wan, wasn’t her obsession also an impossibility that defied life and death?
Qin Wan gripped Yan Chi’s hand in return. “I won’t counsel you. I trust you.”
Yan Chi’s heart stirred uncontrollably. Many had doubted him, and many had trusted him, but Qin Wan’s trust now was so different, so soul-stirring. Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan into his embrace. “Having such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?”
Hearing these words, Qin Wan’s cheeks grew warm. They weren’t yet married—where did this “wife” come from?