The fragrant herb Fuling never expected that when she rushed into the flower garden looking for someone, she would spot Secretary Qin accompanying a handsome man in blue robes admiring flowers. Fuling had only seen Yan Che twice before – once during the journey to Mount Wei and again from afar at Qin Chaoyu’s wedding, where he had worn the formal crown prince’s ceremonial robes that made him appear especially dignified and imposing. Now dressed in casual attire, his entire bearing seemed quite different.

Given Fuling’s forgetful nature, she only found his face somewhat familiar but couldn’t recognize who he was. Her sudden appearance before Secretary Qin and Yan Che made her panic first – she froze for a moment before finally managing to bow to Secretary Qin.

“Greet- Greetings, Your Lordship—” she said, out of breath from running, her hair slightly disheveled, and now trembling after completing her bow.

Secretary Qin was the head of the household and the Loyal and Brave Marquis of Great Zhou. Although Fuling had been in the capital with Miss Qin for almost a year, Secretary Qin had never spoken kindly to her. Fuling became frightened just looking at him.

Secretary Qin had already harbored some suspicions, and upon seeing Fuling, he could barely contain his anger. Frowning, he indeed spoke to her harshly, “No sense of propriety! How has your Young Miss been teaching you!”

Yan Che had initially paid no attention to this girl who suddenly burst in, but hearing Secretary Qin’s words made him thoughtful.

Your Young Miss…

Qin Chaoyu was married, and the other Young Miss of the Qin family had also wed.

Now in the Marquis Manor, only one Young Miss Qin remained.

Yan Che examined Fuling briefly before suddenly saying coldly, “You dare not bow before This Prince?”

Upon hearing this, Secretary Qin immediately realized the situation was not good. Yan Che wasn’t one for many words – his status was far too lofty to bother with a mere servant girl. Secretary Qin had planned to just scold her briefly before sending her away, but he hadn’t expected Yan Che to speak up.

Now that he had, Secretary Qin found himself in an awkward position – he couldn’t plead on Fuling’s behalf, nor continue scolding her. Meanwhile, Fuling looked at Yan Che in confusion, her gaze asking who he was…

Secretary Qin frowned, his anger flaring, “This is His Highness the Crown Prince! Bow immediately!”

With a thud, Fuling dropped to her knees, “Greet- Greetings to Your Highness… This servant, this servant did not know of Your Highness’s presence, please punish this servant as you see fit—”

Fuling’s heart was in her throat. The Crown Prince! It was the Crown Prince! No wonder he seemed slightly familiar! She had only thought he was some young official, how could she have imagined he was the Crown Prince?!

Fuling was both terrified and regretful. If only she had let Young Miss give her those acupuncture treatments!

Why did she have to run out here?!

Fuling’s face was bitter with worry, her eyes growing wet – she was truly about to cry!

Who knew how the Crown Prince would punish her?

“What is your name?”

Fuling was startled, instinctively glancing at Yan Che, but when she met his gloomy eyes she felt as if struck by lightning and immediately lowered her gaze again. “This servant is called… called Fuling…”

Fuling… a medicinal herb, quite fitting for her indeed.

Yan Che studied Fuling with a stern expression, not quite understanding his outburst. She was merely a servant – what could he do to her? Moreover, Secretary Qin was present. Yan Che pressed his lips together in silence.

Secretary Qin then said, “Please pardon the offense, Your Highness. This household servant doesn’t understand proper etiquette and has disturbed you.”

Yan Che looked at Fuling again. Secretary Qin felt somewhat helpless and suggested, “Perhaps we should have someone take her away for proper instruction in manners.”

Hearing this, Yan Che still said nothing, as if waiting for something. Secretary Qin’s eyes darted about as his frown deepened, while Fuling was so frightened that beads of sweat formed on her forehead and her hands began to shake.

After a moment, Yan Che finally waved his hand dismissively. “Handle it as you see fit, Marquis. It’s of no consequence.”

Secretary Qin breathed a sigh of relief, though he felt something was odd. Just as he was about to order Fuling to leave, he looked up to see Qin Gan hurrying over from afar. Qin Gan’s face showed clear anxiety, presumably having just received the news. However, she had no idea Yan Che was present – seeing Secretary Qin and Yan Che standing together came as quite a shock!

“Greetings to Your Highness—”

Qin Gan glanced at Fuling. “Uncle—”

Secretary Qin observed Qin Gan, then cast a sideways glance at Yan Che. His sense of peculiarity grew stronger because he noticed that from the moment Qin Gan appeared, Yan Che’s gaze had fixed steadily upon her. This…

“No need for formalities, Princess.”

Yan Che spoke, his tone notably lighter.

Secretary Qin: “…”

Qin Gan had come for Fuling and immediately said, “Fuling is my servant. If she has offended Your Highness and Uncle in any way, I ask for Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

Fuling looked at Qin Gan with tears in her eyes, overwhelmed with gratitude! Her Young Miss had finally come to save her!

Yan Che frowned. “It’s nothing. Those who don’t know cannot be blamed.”

Qin Gan breathed a sigh of relief and, ignoring Secretary Qin’s complex expression, pulled Fuling to her feet saying, “In that case, we won’t disturb—”

“Where is Ninth Brother’s golden bird?”

Yan Che suddenly interrupted Qin Gan’s farewell, and at these words, both Qin Gan and Fuling’s expressions changed.

Especially Fuling, who, still shaken from her fright, did not attempt to hide her reaction.

Even Secretary Qin frowned – he knew about the bird belonging to the Ninth Prince being killed by Mo Yi.

Qin Gan quickly lowered her eyes and said, “That golden bird has recovered from its injuries and has flown away.”

Secretary Qin breathed a sigh of relief, though his gaze at Secretary Qin grew even more complex.

However, Yan Che kept his eyes on Fuling. “You tell me, when did it fly away?”

Fuling let out a startled “Ah” and raised her head, face pale and heart racing, her eyes darting everywhere. Her manner wrote “guilty conscience” across her face, and Yan Che’s expression immediately changed.

He looked back at Qin Gan. “It seems there are hidden details you’d rather not tell me.”

Yan Che stared directly at Qin Gan. Qin Gan couldn’t understand why the Crown Prince suddenly became so fixated on Yan Sui’s bird, and as she hesitated over how to respond, Secretary Qin gave a bitter smile from the side. “Your Highness, to be honest, our household handled this matter poorly.”

Yan Che turned to look at Secretary Qin, who helplessly said, “The truth is, that bird has already died.”

“Dead?!” Yan Che’s voice instantly grew cold.

Secretary Qin found it strange – the Ninth Prince had never received much attention in the palace, so what was so precious about his bird?

Initially, they had kept it secret simply to avoid trouble. If Yan Che hadn’t pursued the matter, that would have been fine. But now that Yan Che had noticed something amiss, there was no need to hide it – it wasn’t a major issue anyway.

Thinking this way, Secretary Qin continued with his bitter smile, “Yes, it died. Your Highness now knows, but regarding the Ninth Prince – I hope Your Highness won’t reveal this. Gan’er took pity on the Ninth Prince’s young age and, fearing he would be heartbroken if he knew, has kept it from him all this time.”

Yan Che’s face grew frost-cold. After a long while, he asked in an almost imperceptible voice, “How did it die?”

Secretary Qin cleared his throat lightly. “A thoughtless little servant… accidentally… dropped it.”

From afar, Qin Gan’s brows furrowed, her expression notably displeased. Yan Che looked from Secretary Qin to Qin Gan, barely containing the anger in his heart. He had assumed that the golden bird would live freely and happily in Qin Gan’s care, and he hadn’t intended to let Qin Gan know the bird was originally his. It was a secret connection between them that only he knew of – when he couldn’t have what he desired, this secret provided him some comfort when he thought of it occasionally. But unexpectedly, the bird had died long ago, this hidden connection had been severed long ago, yet he hadn’t known.

Seeing Yan Che silent for so long, Qin Gan added, “Please don’t tell the Ninth Prince about this matter.”

Qin Gan’s tone was full of sympathy, seemingly deeply concerned about Yan Sui, afraid he would be heartbroken if he learned of this.

A bitter laugh rose in Yan Che’s heart – the person who should truly be heartbroken stood right before you, yet you don’t know, and instead, you urge him to keep quiet so that little Yan Sui won’t find out…

Yan Che’s heart filled with bitterness and directionless anger, but after a while, he simply nodded. He didn’t even ask for details about how the bird was dropped and killed, only said in a deep voice, “You… are very good to Yan Sui.”

After saying this, Yan Che had no further interest in viewing flowers. Looking at Qin Gan again, he felt as if she were ten thousand miles away, and his dignity would never allow him to explain even a single word more.

Yan Che let out a breath and said coldly, “I’ve had enough of flower viewing. This Prince will return to the palace first.”

With these words, Yan Che turned and left. Secretary Qin was surprised, not understanding where Yan Che’s anger came from.

He glanced again at Qin Gan before hurrying after Yan Che.

Once they left, Fuling finally felt alive again. “Young Miss… I was wrong… I’ve caused trouble for you… I’ll go back now, you can give me as many needles as you want… wuwuwu…”

Qin Gan thought about Yan Che’s earlier expression and found it somewhat strange. After a moment she shook her head and lightly tapped Fuling’s forehead several times. “You used to complain that I never took you to the palace, but with your personality, wouldn’t you just cause trouble!”

Fuling’s eyes were red as she said, “This servant will never dare say such things again. This servant is only fit to stay in the courtyard and go nowhere else. Young Miss, will the Marquis send someone to punish this servant?”

Qin Gan looked in the direction Secretary Qin had left and sighed. “Probably not anymore.”

As she turned to walk back, she added, “For the next few days, everyone in our courtyard should be especially careful.”

After all, they had just offended Secretary Qin and now had run into Yan Che as well.

…

…

Once in his carriage, Yan Che’s face completely darkened.

Thinking of Secretary Qin’s earlier casual expression and Qin Gan’s sympathy all focused on Yan Sui, his heart grew colder inch by inch. He closed his eyes, opened them, closed them again, and repeated this several times before his expression finally stabilized somewhat.

He was the Crown Prince of Great Zhou – if others knew he was so angered over a bird, they would surely laugh themselves silly.

His mother had told him more than once that self-control was a person’s finest cultivation, and keeping everything hidden beneath one’s expression was an essential skill for a ruler. He hadn’t done well enough.

The mysterious and disturbing appearance of Song Xi’wen’s corpse had implicated the Kunning Palace first and foremost. Now was not the time for him to indulge in spring melancholy, nor should he provoke anything over such a small matter – he couldn’t, shouldn’t, and it wasn’t worth it.

But there was a hole in his heart, with another self mockingly laughing at him.

Yan Che thought, give him the time it takes to drink two cups of tea – from the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s manor to Zhenghua Gate, through Zhenghua Gate – and all the turbulence in his heart would return to stillness. Behind the towering palace walls, more important matters awaited him.

Yan Che didn’t speak again for the entire journey. The attending servants noticed His Highness’s poor mood and dared not say a word.

As the carriage entered Zhenghua Gate, emerging from beneath that pitch-black tunnel, Yan Chi straightened his back, forcibly transforming himself back into the Crown Prince. His cold expression and stern brows made anyone who saw him feel his profound mysteriousness and imposing presence.

Some habits, once formed, are hard to change – like his demeanor, which seemed like a mask worn on his face. Because he had worn it for so long, when he wanted to see what he truly looked like, he found he could no longer remove the mask. He enjoyed supreme honor, but only at times like these did he feel utterly miserable.

“Your Highness, shall we return to the Eastern Palace?”

Yan Che came back to his senses. “No, go see Mother—”

The servant acknowledged the order, and the Crown Prince’s carriage headed toward Kunning Palace.

Before reaching Kunning Palace, Yan Che immediately spotted Yan Sui walking out from the palace gates. A small eunuch beside Yan Sui carried a cloth bag that, judging by its shape, likely contained writing implements. Yan Sui was taking small steps forward, his expression innocent and naive. Upon seeing Yan Che, Yan Sui visibly shrank back nervously, then lowered his head in greeting, “Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

They were brothers, but now, except for Yan Zhen, no one called him Crown Prince Brother anymore.

He remained silent, so Yan Sui dared not raise his head. Yan Che suddenly felt an impulse – if he told Yan Sui now that the golden bird was already dead, what expression would he make?

A strange sense of satisfaction rose in Yan Che’s heart, but quickly, he came to his senses and smiled bitterly. He was getting worked up over a child – he must have gone mad!

“What brings you to Kunning Palace?”

Yan Sui shrunk his neck and replied, “Showing Mother Empress my calligraphy practice.”

Yan Sui had started his studies. He was now over five years old and reportedly could barely write the simplest characters. At his age, Yan Che had already been forced by the Empress to recite lengthy classics.

Yan Che made a noncommittal sound and walked past Yan Sui into Kunning Palace.

Zhao Shuhua hadn’t expected Yan Che at this hour and smiled, “Weren’t you supposed to be out of the palace? Why are you back so early?”

Yan Che tried his best to suppress all emotions and first glanced at the others present. Zhao Shuhua understood, raising her chin slightly. The serving maids filed out in succession. “What is it? Something to discuss?”

Yan Che asked, “Mother, why did you kill Song Xi’wen back then?”

The smile at the corners of Zhao Shuhua’s lips faded slightly. “Today, did you go to see Secretary Qin or Zheng Baishi?”

“Secretary Qin.” Yan Che answered readily – he rarely refused to answer his mother’s questions.

Zhao Shuhua gave a derisive laugh, “I knew it. If it were Zheng Baishi, he wouldn’t dare ask. This is the problem with noble families – give them a taste of sweetness, and they start getting ideas.”

Turning her gaze, Zhao Shuhua said in a drawn-out voice, “Song Xi’wen? Killed him for not knowing his place.”

“Mother—”

His mother always had her reasons for everything she did.

“Killed for not knowing his place” was not his mother’s style.

Zhao Shuhua looked at Yan Che, “Che’er, does the reason matter? When the Prince of Jin ran into trouble, this person was the only witness. Of course, his death would benefit us more than his life. The only regret is that I used Zhu Yucheng.”

Yan Che felt an indescribable sense of helplessness. His mother was accustomed to controlling everything, and even more accustomed to hiding all darkness from him. This wasn’t the answer he had been waiting for. “Mother, although Wang Han escaped, Prince Cheng might find other matters. The Wanxi incident won’t happen a second time.”

Zhao Shuhua looked at Yan Che and smiled, “I understand what you mean. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. As long as Wang Han isn’t caught, all this is simple.”

Yan Che looked at Zhao Shuhua’s face, knowing she wouldn’t tell him the details of last year, and could only close his mouth.

Zhao Shuhua studied him for a moment, her heart softening somewhat. “Have you gone to see your sister?”

Yan Che raised his head and after a moment nodded, “I visited her the day before yesterday.”

Zhao Shuhua sighed, “Go see her more often.”

Yan Che started to speak but stopped, “Mother, actually…”

Zhao Shuhua raised her hand, “Che’er, don’t be soft-hearted. In your position, being soft-hearted is taboo. When you sit on that throne one day when the world is in your hands, you can afford a touch of mercy – that will be a blessing for the common people. But now, you cannot retreat. I will arrange the best for your sister. She is a princess of the royal family; she has her destiny.”

Yan Che swallowed with difficulty, “Yes… son understands.”

After a pause, Yan Che continued, “Regarding this matter, Father Emperor is not particularly pleased…”

“Trust me, your father won’t pursue these matters too far.” After a pause, Zhao Shuhua continued, “If Prince Cheng wants to make trouble, let him. You need to do nothing. As long as you remain Crown Prince, he can’t make waves. If he’s such a fierce character, he might as well raise an army in rebellion. On that day, I’ll give him more credit.”

Yan Che’s eyes widened. For some reason, his mother’s words had become increasingly alarming lately – talking about him ascending the throne, raising armies in rebellion… if these words reached Father Emperor’s ears, he couldn’t imagine his father’s reaction.

“Mother, please be careful with your words. Even in Kunning Palace, it’s not entirely safe.”

Zhao Shuhua smiled, completely unconcerned, “In this entire palace if I can’t speak freely in my chambers, I fear I would have been eaten to the bone by now.”

Yan Che looked at Zhao Shuhua, wanting to speak but holding back. Zhao Shuhua raised an eyebrow, “Any other questions?”

Yan Che pressed his lips together and said, “Mother… last year, why was Shen Yi ultimately implicated in the Prince of Jin’s case? Although his opinions differed from the mainstream at court, it wasn’t enough to constitute covering up or showing favoritism…”

Zhao Shuhua narrowed her eyes, seeming to sense something unusual about Yan Che today.

However, she didn’t question it, only saying, “Shen Yi… perhaps was just an accident.”

Zhao Shuhua’s words were vague, so Yan Che asked directly, “Does Mother think Li Muyun could be useful?”

Zhao Shuhua’s eyes darkened slightly, clearly deep in thought, “Has he been courting your favor lately?”

“He’s been close to Zheng Baishi these days.”

Zhao Shuhua stood up, her gaze as cold as ice, “I don’t think highly of him.”

Yan Che raised an eyebrow, “Why?”

This question made Zhao Shuhua realize Yan Che already had his thoughts, but she warned him, “This person’s ambitions and purposes are unclear, yet he acts without regard for consequences. I don’t recommend using him.”

Yan Che pondered for a moment, then nodded, “Yes, I understand.”

Yan Che was always obedient. Zhao Shuhua nodded, “When you have time, visit your sister more often.”

Yan Che knew it was time for him to take his leave. After leaving Kunning Palace, he felt moved to go to Jingning Palace. It was the end of August, and Yan Zhen would leave Great Zhou in October – he truly felt reluctant to part with her.

Jingning Palace was as quiet as a cold palace. Only when Yan Che reached the central courtyard did someone see him and bow. He waved his hand and asked in a somewhat unfriendly tone, “Where is the Princess?”

The servant quickly replied, “The Princess is in the back garden—”

Yan Che strode toward the back garden. Just as he passed through the second moon gate, he saw Yan Zhen sitting on a swing.

The deep autumn weather had already turned cold. Yan Zhen sat on the swing, her head slightly tilted back, swaying gently while gazing at the sky. The cherry trees around her had all withered, with yellow leaves covering the ground. Yan Che’s heart ached – he suddenly felt that Yan Zhen too had been tainted by that withered atmosphere. Yet she was only fifteen…

“Zhen’er—”

Yan Che called out. Yan Zhen’s reaction was slow; it took a moment before she slowly lowered her gaze. Seeing Yan Che, her lips twitched, a thin light in her eyes, without even a trace of a smile, “Crown Prince Brother.”

The young girl’s voice was somewhat hoarse, her whole person listless. Yan Che felt a blockage in his heart. Thinking of Zhao Shuhua’s instructions and knowing whom to blame, he walked behind Yan Zhen and gently pushed the swing.

“When I was little, brother would push my swing just like this. Everyone else was afraid I’d fall if I swung too high, only brother dared to let me fly high up…”

Yan Zhen seemed lost in some memory, her voice distant and faint.

Yan Che smiled, “I can still do it now.”

As he spoke, he put more strength into his push, and indeed the swing’s arc grew larger.

But he didn’t let her fly up after all. Now if Yan Zhen were to fly away, even he couldn’t keep her.

“Brother, where is Sister-in-law?”

Yan Zhen suddenly asked. Hearing this, Yan Che’s brows didn’t even twitch, “Naturally in the Eastern Palace.”

Yan Zhen turned back to look at Yan Che, suddenly sighing, “So brother is the same.”

Yan Zhen didn’t specify what was the same, but Yan Che suddenly felt a terrible blockage in his heart. After a moment, he patted Yan Zhen’s head, “Why don’t you go play in the Eastern Palace? Don’t look so worried. We’re all fine – it’s the common people outside who truly suffer.”

Yan Zhen thought of something and the corner of her lips curved up, “Brother will surely make a good emperor in the future.”

Yan Che’s heart turned sour. Yan Zhen moved aside slightly, letting Yan Che sit down beside her. As he sat, he thought again of the matters at the Marquis’s manor. Their mother was so strong, yet both siblings had somewhat softer personalities.

In the royal family, this was truly fatal.

…

…

At the Prince Yi’an’s manor, Qin Gan removed the medicinal cloth from Yan Ze’s eyes.

“Your Highness, please open your eyes—”

Yan Ze lay on the low couch and opened his eyes at her words.

He had a particularly clear and beautiful pair of phoenix eyes. At first glance, they seemed as bright as the warm sun in March, but after watching for a while, Qin Gan noticed that Yan Ze’s eyes didn’t blink, his pupils fixed straight ahead, motionless.

Qin Gan sighed and waved her hand in front of Yan Ze’s eyes. Yan Ze blinked once, but his pupils still didn’t move.

Beside them, Sun Muqing frowned and said, “Something’s strange. It seems we’ve hit a bottleneck.” Looking at Qin Gan, he continued, “Now we can only rely on the Princess’s acupuncture skills. The medicine isn’t having much effect anymore.”

Yan Ze’s pulse and blood flow showed no abnormalities. The only possible remaining issue was with the meridians, but unfortunately, there were countless delicate meridians around the eyes, and they had no way to verify this. Qin Gan nodded, “I’ve modified my acupuncture routine. Let’s try it on Your Highness today.”

Yan Ze still kept his eyes open, his unfocused gaze drifting in the air.

Yue Ning and Sun Muqing moved aside, and Qin Gan took out her silver needles.

Qin Gan sat on a high stool nearby, leaning forward to insert the needles with delicate movements. The cold glint of the needle tip slid across Yan Ze’s eyelid, still unable to stir any reaction in his eyes. As a slight pain spread, Yan Ze instinctively closed his eyes.

Qin Gan promptly said, “If the pain becomes unbearable, Your Highness, please say so.”

Yan Ze made a sound of acknowledgment and then fell silent.

Because of the acupuncture, Qin Gan was very close to Yan Ze and could see the subtle twitching at the corners of his eyes after each needle insertion. She frowned but said nothing for the moment. When all the needles were in place, she saw that Yan Ze’s forehead was covered in a light sweat. This was an acupuncture routine she had tested on herself, naturally more painful than before.

Seeing this, Yue Ning hurried forward to wipe Yan Ze’s sweat. Qin Gan said, “Let His Highness drink some medicine and rest.”

Yue Ning quickly nodded. When the medicinal decoction was brought over, Yan Ze seemed somewhat exhausted. After drinking the medicine, he leaned back on the low couch to rest. Yue Ning was concerned and stayed in the inner chamber to watch over him, while Qin Gan and Sun Muqing walked out.

Qin Gan said, “During the acupuncture just now, I noticed His Highness’s sensitivity around the eyes is very acute, yet for some reason, he still cannot see. Although I can perform acupuncture, does Doctor Sun know of any other acupuncture methods?”

Sun Muqing smiled wryly, “I don’t know about that. I think it’s just a matter of time – at this rate, he should be able to see after the new year. I’ve seen cases before where people lost their sight, consulted many doctors without improvement, almost gave up hope, and then suddenly recovered. Perhaps we too just need some catalyst.”

Qin Gan felt somewhat helpless, “I’m wondering if there might still be some stagnant blood or residual toxins deeper in His Highness’s eyes…”

At these words, Sun Muqing’s expression turned serious – if that were the case, it would be very troublesome.

The two sat in the outer pavilion, overlooking a garden full of orchids. Sun Muqing looked at Qin Gan and suddenly asked, “Princess, are you investigating last year’s case involving the Prince of Jin?”

Qin Gan came back to herself, “…Yes, why?”

Sun Muqing smiled apologetically, “My junior apprentice sister’s family was involved in that case. May I ask, Princess, have you discovered anything? Did the Prince of Jin commit a crime? If not, my junior apprentice sister’s family was wrongly accused.”

Qin Gan hesitated, “Doctor Sun, we haven’t found anything yet. Last year’s events… you shouldn’t mention them casually to others. Even if your junior apprentice sister’s family was wrongly accused, don’t tell anyone – it could bring trouble.”

Sun Muqing looked embarrassed, “I know, I’ve only mentioned it to you, Princess.”

Qin Gan felt a surge of bitterness in her heart and sighed, saying no more.

The two sat outside in silence, the atmosphere growing awkwardly heavy. Suddenly, a cry of alarm came from Yue Ning inside the room. Qin Gan’s expression changed instantly, and she and Sun Muqing jumped to their feet, exchanging a glance!

They both rushed into the inner chamber.

Upon entering, Qin Gan saw Yan Ze, drenched in sweat, clutching Yue Ning’s hand. His brows were tightly knitted, his whole person seemingly trapped in a nightmare, face contorted in painful struggle, though his eyes remained closed. Yue Ning’s hand had turned pale where Yan Ze gripped it. Though in pain, she dared not call out to him loudly. Qin Gan took out her silver needles and stepped forward to insert them into Yan Ze’s Licut and Yinbai points on his left foot. After these two needles, the pain gradually faded from Yan Ze’s face, and he calmed down.

Yet he still held tightly to Yue Ning’s hand.

Yue Ning’s eyes reddened as she asked softly, “What’s wrong with Third Brother?”

“It must have been a nightmare—”

Sun Muqing, who had followed them in, said with surprise, “I added sleep-aiding and spirit-calming ingredients to the medicine. How could His Highness…”

Qin Gan shook her head, “It’s not necessarily that. Perhaps His Highness has something weighing on his mind, or some emotional knot to untie.”

Her words were uncertain, but Yue Ning’s expression changed slightly.

Qin Gan noticed but, with Yan Ze still resting, didn’t press the matter.

She checked Yan Ze’s pulse at his other wrist, then nodded after a moment, “He’s fine now. Let him sleep. If you’re worried, let him hold onto you while you watch over him.”

Yue Ning nodded, and Qin Gan and Sun Muqing waited a moment before going back outside.

Sun Muqing seemed very puzzled by this. Qin Gan was somewhat surprised – she had examined Sun Muqing’s medicine, which should have had a calming effect. Yan Ze’s illness affected his eyes, and sleeping well was very important for his recovery.

People who took this medicine rarely dreamed, let alone fell into such nightmares.

Moreover, Yan Ze’s expression had shown such suffering – a terrible nightmare.

Qin Gan sighed. Yan Ze might appear as bright and clear as the moon, but who knew how much bitterness he harbored in his heart?

They waited nearly half an hour before Yan Ze woke up. Upon waking, he had forgotten the dream entirely. Yue Ning asked anxiously, “How does Third Brother feel?”

Yan Ze rubbed his brow, “I feel somewhat tired this time.”

Natural after such a nightmare, though Yue Ning didn’t mention it, only asking, “What about your eyes? Do they hurt?”

Yan Ze shook his head and tried opening his eyes. Qin Gan and Sun Muqing watched intently as he opened them – his eyes were still clear and bright, but his pupils remained motionless, unfocused. Qin Gan waved her hand before his eyes, but there was no change. She sighed.

Sun Muqing forced some cheer into his voice, “It’s alright. Perhaps one day, Your Highness will open your eyes and suddenly be able to see?”

Yan Ze collected himself and smiled as well, “I think so too. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll be able to see.”

Qin Gan’s mood lifted slightly. Yan Ze seemed to find nothing worth grieving over and said, “Have someone prepare tea and snacks.”

The group moved to the pavilion to sit. Yan Ze, acting as if nothing had happened, asked, “I hear from Yue Ning that things aren’t peaceful at court these days?”

He directed the question toward Qin Gan, who smiled wryly, “Yes, the case involving the Prince of Jin’s manor hasn’t been cleared up yet.”

Yue Ning blinked at Qin Gan, “I tell Third Brother about everything happening outside.”

Qin Gan understood. Yan Ze had been back for many days but had rarely gone out. If he were elsewhere it would be fine, but in the capital, whenever he went out, countless people would point and whisper about him.

“A few days ago it implicated the Empress, but nothing came of the questioning. These past two days, Prince Cheng’s side is still investigating.”

Yue Ning would know these things even if Qin Gan didn’t tell her, so she didn’t bother concealing them. Yan Ze sighed, “I never expected to return and find the Prince of Jin gone. Back then…”

Yan Ze seemed quite emotional. Seeing him like this affected Yue Ning as well, “Actually when news of that incident reached Jinzhou, none of us believed it… How could the Prince of Jin kill someone?! And kill…”

Yue Ning trailed off, and Yan Ze continued asking in Qin Gan’s direction, “They still haven’t solved last year’s case?”

Indeed, even though Song Xi’wen’s corpse had appeared mysteriously, it proved nothing – Song Xi’wen wasn’t the one who killed Noble Consort Jin…

“Not yet. We’re still trying to figure out what happened with the murder at the Prince of Jin’s manor.”

Yan Ze made a sound of acknowledgment and sighed, “Truly troubled times.”

They talked for a while longer. Wang Han still hadn’t been captured by Prince Cheng, so there were no new developments in the case. When it was time to leave, Yue Ning came to see Qin Gan off. As they walked along the small path in Prince Yi’an’s manor, Yue Ning said, “Just now… when Third Brother was having that nightmare, I heard him cry out in such pain. He wasn’t holding my hand at first – he seemed about to claw at his eyes, which terrified me. That’s why I grabbed his hand, but he must have been dreaming of something and grabbed onto me instead.”

Yue Ning’s hand and wrist showed red marks where Yan Ze had gripped her. Her eyes reddened as she said, “I think… Third Brother must have been dreaming about when he lost his sight. It was all because of me…”

It was normal for Yan Ze to remember and have nightmares about losing his sight, as he had been quite old when it happened. Qin Gan took Yue Ning’s hand and applied some ointment she carried with her, comforting her, “Don’t think about the past now. We’re all helping His Highness – he will surely see again.”

But Yue Ning shook her head, “But these ten years, I’ve failed him…”

Qin Gan sighed, “He wouldn’t want you to feel such guilt. Couldn’t you make it up to him in the future?”

At these words, Yue Ning suddenly stopped walking. She glanced at Qin Gan, her cheeks inexplicably reddening slightly, “What do you… think of Third Brother as a person?”

Qin Gan was startled, taking a moment to understand Yue Ning’s meaning, “His Highness… though I haven’t known him long, I feel he is as refined as jade – gentle, patient, careful, and measured. That his eye affliction hasn’t affected his temperament these many years shows he is both resilient and magnanimous. Hmm… quite suitable for you indeed.”

At these words, Yue Ning’s cheeks grew redder. Qin Gan’s words had struck right at her heart’s concern. She said softly, “I’ve spoken with Grandmother and Mother about it, but haven’t told Father yet. We’ll wait until Father and Big Brother return at year’s end.”

Qin Gan looked at Yue Ning, “But… let me add one thing.”

Yue Ning made a sound of acknowledgment, “Go ahead…”

Qin Gan chose her words carefully, “Do you truly love His Highness, or are you just trying to make amends to him?”

Yue Ning was startled by the question, then cleared her throat lightly, “I… of course… Third Brother has been good to me since we were young, and this matter is my responsibility, that goes without saying. Now when I see Third Brother, I feel closer to him than to others. Don’t worry, I’ve thought it through carefully. I probably… have all sorts of feelings for Third Brother – as siblings, as someone who saved my life, and as someone I greatly admire. I feel Third Brother has nothing but good qualities, and he’s good to me too…”

Seeing her flushed cheeks, Qin Gan’s concerns subsided, and she smiled, “So that’s how you feel about him… Good, that’s wonderful! When his eyes can see again, it will be perfect timing for your wedding. How wonderful!”

Yue Ning coughed again, quite embarrassed, “That’s still far off. We still need to wait for Father and Big Brother… Oh right, Big Brother is with the Northwest Army, and his recent letter said…” She hesitated, clearly the letter didn’t contain good news.

Qin Gan’s smile faded, “What did it say?”

Yue Ning sighed, “It said a third of the veteran commanders who could lead troops have been imprisoned – over ten people. Fortunately, Big Brother has their Father and Grandmother’s support. Others went around him to move against those people, and though he wanted to help, he couldn’t.”

Qin Gan’s heart grew heavy, but knowing Yue Ning’s thoughts were full of Yan Ze, she didn’t plan to say more. She soon bid farewell and left Prince Yi’an’s manor. Outside the gates, Qin Gan had Bai Ying drive the carriage to Prince Rui’s manor.

In Prince Rui’s manor, Yan Chi was receiving letters from the Northwest. This was the twenty-eighth letter he had received in three days. These letters came from Qianzhou, Liangzhou, and the Northwest Army…

Some were from Master Qi, some from Yu Qi, with both good and bad news.

The letters were delivered by messenger birds to Luozhou, then rushed to the capital by his men on horseback. As letters poured in like snowflakes, the death of Prince Rui gradually became clearer in Yan Chi’s mind. The conclusions from Qin Gan’s autopsy, combined with his careful deductions, were now proven by these black-and-white words. These letters brought almost all the evil hidden in darkness to the surface.

At this point, the blood and ruthlessness in Yan Chi’s bones were fully aroused.

His father, who had been a heroic commander all his life, had ultimately fallen because of loyalty and righteousness.

How truly lamentable and tragic!