“Imperial Mother, why should he have sent people out of the city?”
Yan Che was very confused. He never knew the details of last year’s events, which left him unable to take action even when he wanted to.
Zhao Shu Hua narrowed her eyes, “If Wang Han told the truth, he should be sending people out of the city now.” Looking at Yan Che, she said, “Song Xi Wen’s body was buried in the deep mountains outside the city long ago.”
Yan Che couldn’t help but furrow his brows, “How can that be?! Isn’t the person in Prince Jin’s back garden Song Xi Wen?”
Zhao Shu Hua’s expression grew serious as she shook her head, “I don’t know. Qin Wan performed the autopsy, and if everything she verified was true, then this person should be Song Xi Wen. But Song Xi Wen’s body couldn’t have returned to Prince Jin’s mansion by itself.”
How could a corpse move?! For a moment, Yan Che felt a chill run down his spine, “Could it be Yan Qi?”
If a body was discovered outside the city, even if it was identified as very similar to Song Xi Wen, how could it be linked to him? But if a body was found in Prince Jin’s back garden, it could quickly be confirmed as Song Xi Wen.
Could it be that Yan Qi had gone to such extremes to deal with them?
But Zhao Shu Hua shook her head with a bitter smile, “It couldn’t be him. He couldn’t possibly know about last year’s events. If he knew earlier, he wouldn’t have waited until now to make his move—”
Yan Che understood this logic, but if not Yan Qi, who else would set up such a scheme?
Yan Che finally began to understand Zhao Shu Hua’s attitude toward this matter. Song Xi Wen was dead, but his body wasn’t in Prince Jin’s mansion. Now that these remains found in Prince Jin’s mansion had been identified as Song Xi Wen, even if Zhao Shu Hua had doubts, she couldn’t voice them. If she did, wouldn’t that be admitting Song Xi Wen died by her hand?
“Mother, even though Kang Bo Wen is dead, Wang Han is in Yan Qi’s hands. The situation is still very unfavorable for us.”
Zhao Shu Hua certainly knew the situation was unfavorable, but in the current circumstances, she couldn’t think of a better solution. “It doesn’t matter. If Yan Qi wants to investigate, let him investigate.”
Yan Che was startled, “Mother means…”
Zhao Shu Hua smiled ambiguously, “If he wants to investigate, let him.”
Yan Che was very confused, not understanding why Zhao Shu Hua had suddenly changed her attitude. However, Zhao Shu Hua wasn’t panicked and even showed the leisurely composure of an outsider watching a show. Yan Che’s suspended heart gradually settled.
“Next, they’ll probably come to Kun Ning Palace to accuse me, but it’s not that simple. I’ll see what evidence he can find.” Zhao Shu Hua seemed to think of something and indeed showed no anxiety.
Yan Che pressed his lips together, “Mother, how exactly did Song Xi Wen die? What did you want to ask when you privately interrogated him? Later when he died, why was he sent outside the palace?”
A glint flashed in Zhao Shu Hua’s pupils, “At the time… Consort Jin’s death was suspicious. I just wanted to investigate how she died. Song Xi Wen’s death… was an accident.”
Yan Che’s eyes were full of doubt. Zhao Shu Hua looked at him and said, “I didn’t want him to die either.”
…
…
Yan Qi’s expression wasn’t good, “Suicide? Really?”
Qin Wan nodded and repeated the marks on the body and what Kang Ming had said. Yan Qi glanced at Zheng Bai Shi, “Such skillful methods. That Kang Bo Wen wasn’t young, in a few more years he would’ve at least been one of the Imperial Household Department’s managing eunuchs. Who knows what tremendous matter he encountered to jump into a well and commit suicide? Governor Zheng, what do you think?”
Zheng Bai Shi sighed, “This official isn’t familiar with the Imperial Household Department’s eunuchs and can’t think of anything at the moment.”
Yan Qi snorted with laughter, “I’ve already questioned the Xi Hua Gate guards. Some remember Wang Han did leave the palace, though they can’t remember the exact date clearly. At the Imperial Household Department, after questioning the young eunuchs one by one, one remembered that when Kang Bo Wen left the palace last June, he didn’t take department people with him. They’re not sure if he took lower-ranking outside eunuchs along – it could have been people the Empress sent. But now the person is dead, and dead men tell no tales.”
The current situation was indeed one where dead men couldn’t testify, to the point that Yan Qi felt irritated just looking at Zheng Bai Shi, his gaze growing sharp.
Zheng Bai Shi’s position was awkward. On one hand, he was alarmed that the Empress was truly involved in the case; on the other hand, he wanted to protect the Crown Prince somewhat. However, seeing the situation becoming increasingly unfavorable for the Empress and Crown Prince, he could only secretly pass on information.
Yan Qi looked at Li Mu Yun again, “I trouble Official Li to write a memorial about Wang Han’s testimony and what we’ve verified. This afternoon I’ll take it to Father Emperor to review. Official Li should come with me then – Father Emperor trusts your words the most.”
These words carried a sinister tone. Li Mu Yun nodded, “Yes, this is my duty.”
Yan Qi waved his hand, ordering people to prepare brush, ink, and paper. At this time everyone was discussing matters in the Ministry of Justice’s main hall, so writing a memorial was convenient. Yan Qi looked at Zheng Bai Shi with unfriendly eyes for a moment, then suddenly put his arm around Yan Chi’s shoulders and walked outside with him. Seeing this, Zheng Bai Shi’s eyes went wide – what was Prince Cheng up to now?
“What does Fourth Brother want to instruct?”
Yan Chi accompanied Yan Qi to stand under the eaves.
Yan Qi narrowed his eyes, “The people you want to save, Fourth Brother has arranged everything for you. Now why don’t we talk about this case? Although Wang Han is one witness, relying on just this isn’t enough to make the Empress speak. You probably know more than Fourth Brother – why don’t you point out a path for Fourth Brother? Besides Wang Han, who else can we question?”
Yan Chi smiled bitterly, “Fourth Brother overestimates me. Catching Wang Han was just because my secret guards are numerous. They’re used to charging into battle in Shuo Xi, and back in the capital they’re just bored. Catching someone like Wang Han is much simpler than catching Rong spies.”
Yan Qi frowned as he looked at Yan Chi, “Really no way?”
Yan Chi sighed, “I never touched this case from the beginning. I’m only involved halfway now because Minister Song is ill. What’s wrong, didn’t Wang Han say anything else?”
Yan Qi snorted, “From what Wang Han says, last year’s Prince Jin case was entirely a false charge. Even Prince Jin’s death probably hides great intrigue—”
“Since Fourth Brother has thought of this, why not investigate along this line?”
Yan Chi’s expression was indifferent, not showing the same hatred as Yan Qi’s.
Yan Qi raised his eyebrows, “If Prince Jin died, who benefited?”
Yan Chi smiled, “Who does Fourth Brother think?”
Yan Qi’s hand fell on Yan Chi’s shoulder again, but Yan Chi stood immovably, his height still half a measure taller. This posture made him very uncomfortable. He hooked his arm, but Yan Chi didn’t move, instead letting him feel that Yan Chi’s shoulder bones were as hard as iron. Yan Qi gritted his teeth and lowered his arm again.
“Seventh Brother, actually you understand clearly, you just don’t want to get involved.”
Yan Chi made no response, then suddenly said, “Zhang Kai De has been back for many days, right?”
The conversation took a sharp turn, and Yan Qi didn’t react immediately, “What about it? Indeed he’s back…”
“But the Crown Prince hasn’t continued recommending him.”
Yan Chi spoke casually. Coming from Shuo Xi, he naturally paid the most attention to Shuo Xi matters.
Yan Qi frowned, “What does this mean?”
Yan Chi thought for a moment and said, “The Crown Prince probably knows that Zheng Xin Cheng is your man now. With Zheng Xin Cheng and Lin Xu Gui both in Shuo Xi, he can’t get his hands in, so naturally he’s not in a hurry anymore.”
Yan Qi’s brows furrowed several times. The plots and schemes in the capital were important, but Shuo Xi couldn’t fall behind either.
He understood Yan Chi’s meaning and couldn’t help but feel delighted, “Isn’t this perfect then! It’s best if he knows the difficulty and retreats!”
Yan Chi raised his eyes to look at the gloomy sky, “Right now Shuo Xi is a hot potato. The Crown Prince not wanting it doesn’t mean he’ll let you hold it comfortably in your palm. Once winter comes, the situation in Shuo Xi will be worse.”
Yan Qi’s brow jumped several times. Yan Chi’s words weren’t empty talk. Once winter came, the Shuo Xi army camps would be almost cut off from the capital. It was said that Shuo Xi’s cold plains would be frozen for thousands of miles.
At that time, it would be difficult to send any messages to Shuo Xi. Now Zheng Xin Cheng already controlled three-tenths of Shuo Xi’s military power. If anything went wrong, the Crown Prince would likely place the blame on Zheng Xin Cheng. What was most important now was helping Zheng Xin Cheng secure that position…
Yan Qi patted Yan Chi’s shoulder and said with a sigh, “You’ve reminded Fourth Brother well. Seventh Brother, Father Emperor has put you in the Ministry of Justice, so stay there contentedly. That place Shuo Xi, whoever is there won’t take it lightly. If the passes are lost, it’s a crime that condemns nine generations of the family. Whoever’s in power, it’s all the same – all for Great Zhou.”
Yan Chi heard this and a smile appeared in his eyes, “Fourth Brother speaks reasonably.”
Seeing Yan Chi’s excellent attitude, Yan Qi relaxed a bit internally while already planning how to pave the way for Zheng Xin Cheng earlier.
Inside the room, Li Mu Yun went to a side to write the memorial while Zheng Bai Shi stood beside him, watching every word. After a while, Zheng Bai Shi sighed, “Brother Li, the Crown Prince highly appreciates you. The last two times I saw your attitude, I thought you…”
Li Mu Yun smiled slightly, “Thank you for the Crown Prince’s appreciation. This official also greatly respects the Crown Prince.”
Zheng Bai Shi’s eyes were full of helplessness, thinking: if you respect the Crown Prince, why are you helping Prince Cheng like this?
Li Mu Yun didn’t need to look at him to know what he was thinking. While writing, he said, “It’s not that I don’t want to help the Crown Prince. The Emperor ordered us to assist Prince Cheng in investigating this case. Unless both of us completely let go and do nothing, we can only go with the flow. This way we can live up to the official robes on our backs, don’t you think?”
Zheng Bai Shi wore a bitter expression and remained silent, only sighing repeatedly.
Before long, Li Mu Yun finished writing the memorial and took it out for Yan Qi to review. After Yan Qi made a few suggestions and Li Mu Yun made some modifications, they entered the palace together. Qin Wan walked out of the hall and stood beside Yan Chi. No one knew how the Emperor would act after seeing this memorial.
…
…
The Shuo Xi Plateau lay in the northwest of the entire Central Continent. As soon as September arrived, the weather became especially cold. Within days, the first heavy snow fell. The camp of the hundred thousand Shuo Xi troops was stationed on Chi Feng Plain in the north of the plateau. On Chi Feng Plain there were several hundred households of Great Zhou citizens forming a town, and around Chi Feng Plain there were several large and small villages. These people had lived here for generations, and even though the Rong people’s blades could strike at any time, they never thought of moving elsewhere.
On the westernmost part of Chi Feng Plain, connected to the army camp, was a military fortress built over a hundred years ago. The fortress is undulated along the northwest of Chi Feng Plain, with man-made barriers blocking off the flattest section of the mountain terrain. Only this way could they resist the Rong people’s iron cavalry.
Along the northern mountain ridge of the plateau were scattered watchtowers where the Shuo Xi army was stationed. Looking out from the watchtowers, the cold plains beyond the barriers were completely frozen. Once any enemy Rong activity was detected, roaring beacon fires would be lit on the watchtowers!
At this moment, over a hundred li west of the main Shuo Xi camp, the Bai Shi Town garrison had been completely controlled by the forces led by Master Qi and Yu Qi. Bai Shi Town was located north of the long, narrow Bai Shi Valley, with dozens of hunter households scattered in the valley to the south.
The Bai Shi Town military headquarters was stationed on the mountain ridge at the end of the valley. This place was very far from the main camp, and because of its dangerous terrain, it was rarely raided by the Rong people, so it was gradually overlooked by the main camp. Usually, only about a hundred guards were stationed there, just to observe enemy movements.
Chu Fei Sheng entered the main tent against the wind and snow, slamming his palm on the commander’s table. “Those bastards Lin Xu Gui and Zhou Qing An have all been arrested and are being escorted to Liang Province. The whole route is guarded by Liang Province troops – our men can’t break through at all.”
Though over forty, Chu Fei Sheng still maintained a bear-like physique and vigorous spirit. Thinking of the deceased Prince Rui and his captured old brothers, waves of anger surged in his heart. “He’ll pin the military supplies case on Old Zhou and the others. If we don’t rescue them, we’ll just be collecting their corpses. Damn it, this is infuriating!”
Master Qi wore a thin crane-feather cloak. As the cold wind howled in from outside, it induced several violent coughs from him. He spoke hoarsely, “General, don’t be hasty. Xiao Cheng and the others are in Liang Province. If we send word to our people there, we can surely arrange something. They’re vigilant along the way, but once in Liang Province, they’ll inevitably let their guard down.”
Chu Fei Sheng stripped off his armor with one motion, throwing it onto the chair with a clang. He knew there were still ways to save them, but as someone who had fought honorably all his life, having to rely on such methods to rescue people now made the anger in his heart surge uncontrollably. “His Highness… no, now he’s our prince, our Young Prince – did his letter say how to arrange things? I’ve fought battles all my life, and now I’m hiding here like a coward, it’s really…”
“General,” Master Qi called with a sigh. “To be honest with you, when I was rescued back to the capital, I was also this agitated. It was our prince who woke me up with a few words of rebuke. At this critical moment, even if you could fight a hundred men alone, you can only wait here for the right opportunity. If you act rashly, what about the prince’s safety?”
Chu Fei Sheng gritted his teeth, “I say we should just lead troops north and take Liang Province, avenge the Old Prince!”
Master Qi coughed violently several times, “General, after taking Liang Province, then what?”
Chu Fei Sheng had a fiery temper and immediately said, “The Old Prince left after getting news from Liang Province, and as soon as he left, something happened. If this has nothing to do with Liang Province, I’ll cut off my head for you to use as a stool! The ones in Liang Province then were Yu Wen Xian and Lin Xu Gui, those sons of bitches. I thought they weren’t good people when I saw them in the capital. When they stripped me of my military power a few days ago, I wanted to hack them to pieces!”
“One day you’ll get your wish, General!”
The tent flap lifted as Yu Qi entered, bringing a chill with him.
Seeing Yu Qi enter, Chu Fei Sheng pressed his lips together and fell silent. Though they were all on the same side, there were still differences. When the Old Prince was alive, Chu Fei Sheng, was the Old Prince’s right-hand man. These younger generations like Yu Qi were all just youngsters in his view – he could even put on senior airs to lecture Yu Qi. But now that the Old Prince was gone, their faction naturally fell under Yan Chi’s control, and as Yan Chi’s confidant, Yu Qi’s status was naturally different. Chu Fei Sheng sighed and forcefully suppressed his anger.
Having followed Yan Lin for many years, he naturally wasn’t just hot-tempered.
Though it was somewhat frustrating to have new people replace the old, he respected the young master greatly in his heart and didn’t feel resentful. Thinking now of Yan Chi thousands of li away, he only wished he could lead troops to follow him immediately!
Yu Qi smiled and placed a roasted lamb leg on the table, “Don’t worry, General. Xiao Cheng is in Liang Province. This time, the people that Lin Xu Gui sent over will be able to withdraw safely. Come, let’s eat first.”
Chu Fei Sheng’s expression was still unhappy. He was also one of those detained by Lin Xu Gui in the Shuo Xi main camp. If he hadn’t been rescued, he probably would have been sent to Liang Province by now. If Lin Xu Gui turned ruthless, he might even have died in an “accident.” But just waiting here was frustrating!
Seeing Chu Fei Sheng still not moving, Yu Qi said, “General, although we’re not in the main camp, although we can’t lead troops to quell the unrest now, there are more urgent matters waiting for us.”
Chu Fei Sheng raised his head to look at Yu Qi, who then took out a letter and gave it to him.
Chu Fei Sheng’s eyes fixed only on that letter, quickly taking it and opening it!
Scanning it rapidly, Chu Fei Sheng’s expression quickly became grave, “His Highness wants to…”
Yu Qi smiled, “There are only a few routes to send messages from here to the capital, and who knows the troop deployments in the Shuo Xi main camp better than the General? According to His Highness’s intentions, we’ll leave the main camp alone for now and control the surrounding garrisons first. That Lin Xu Gui appears brotherly with Zheng Xin Cheng on the surface now, but they’re still feuding privately – it’s the perfect time for us to act.”
A light flashed in Chu Fei Sheng’s eyes. Yu Qi continued, “We have limited manpower now. After eating, we’ll trouble the General to command and deploy. Whether we succeed depends entirely on you!”
Seeing Yu Qi so composed at such a young age, Chu Fei Sheng couldn’t help but blush, coughing lightly and saying, “What command and deploy? With limited manpower, just give me a squad of men, we’ll act separately!”
Yu Qi laughed heartily and took out his dagger to start carving the lamb leg!
Outside the military tent, the wind howled past as Master Qi coughed while giving Yu Qi a thumbs up.
…
…
Entering September, the capital also turned cold. Along with the capital’s weather, the atmosphere in Kun Ning Palace also grew colder. Since yesterday, Imperial Guards had been stationed in large numbers outside Kun Ning Palace, with no one allowed to enter or leave freely. Empress Zhao Shu Hua was under house arrest!
Zhao Shu Hua had been Empress for nineteen years, known for her virtue. The imperial consorts in the palace were harmonious, and there had never been reports of the Empress fighting for favor or doing evil. The Emperor had six sons and one daughter, considered a continuation of the royal line, and naturally, the Empress deserved credit for this.
When Yan Che was established as Crown Prince, it further consolidated the Empress’s position. Everyone thought Empress Zhao would surely watch the Crown Prince ascend the throne and eventually become the mistress of Shou Kang Palace. But no one expected that a corpse in Prince Jin’s back garden would drag the peaceful Kun Ning Palace into an abyss. Empress Zhao Shu Hua was suspected of plotting to kill Prince Jin’s guard Song Xi Wen. Although this guard was just a servant, because it involved last year’s case of Prince Jin plotting against Consort Jin, this guard’s death suddenly became significant.
In Chong Zheng Hall, Yan Che was kneeling before the imperial desk, “Father Emperor, this has nothing to do with Imperial Mother—”
Yan Huai threw the memorial in front of Yan Che, “See for yourself!”
Yan Che already knew what was written in the memorial but still picked it up and looked. Scanning it, Yan Che’s face turned pale, “It’s just… just an Imperial Guard and a fugitive one at that. This person’s words aren’t credible. Father Emperor, you must believe in Imperial Mother – she had no reason to kill Prince Jin’s guard!”
Yan Huai looked at Yan Che with an unchanging expression, “Then why did Zhu Yu Cheng and Kang Wen Bo commit suicide?”
Yan Che’s lips formed a sharp line. Beside him, Yan Qi sighed, “The Crown Prince need not argue further. Now that the investigation has reached this point, although dead men tell no tales, anyone with eyes can understand. Zhu Yu Cheng and Kang Wen Bo died for no apparent reason, and Wang Han’s testimony matches up. Who knows what grudge the Empress had against Song Xi Wen.”
Yan Che slowly turned his gaze, looking coldly at Yan Qi. Yan Qi’s lips curved into a cold smile, not backing down. Yan Che then swept his gaze over Yan Chi beside Yan Qi, his eyes immediately darkening further.
Yan Huai spoke coldly, “Enough, Crown Prince, you may rise. This matter has nothing to do with you. Right now, your mother can’t explain herself, so she’ll stay in Kun Ning Palace and not come out. Once things are cleared up, naturally her confinement will be lifted.”
Yan Che’s face showed traces of hesitation, but Yan Huai said, “These days, you also shouldn’t go see your mother.”
Yan Che’s heart trembled slightly. This case had previously implicated Zhao Shu Hua, and just as the storm had barely settled, she was confined again. This time the court would surely know that Zhao Shu Hua still hadn’t cleared her suspicions. One could imagine what discussions would arise both inside and outside the court.
“Alright, withdraw now. Once the case is cleared up, if your mother is wronged, naturally there will be no harm.”
Yan Che’s heart was bitter, but under Yan Huai’s dark gaze, he had no choice but to stand up first. He bowed and turned to leave the study as Zheng Bai Shi and Li Mu Yun entered together.
Yan Huai looked at them, “What do you think? Minister Li, you speak first.”
Li Mu Yun pondered briefly, “Song Xi Wen’s death most likely relates to last year’s Prince Jin case. This official is confused about Her Majesty the Empress’s actions. Initially, since things happened in the inner palace, it would have been normal for Her Majesty to inquire. But for someone to die suddenly, and the remains to be buried in Prince Jin’s back garden – this matter is truly strange.”
Seeing Yan Huai sitting with an unchanging expression, Li Mu Yun continued, “Song Xi Wen was the only witness when Prince Jin’s case broke. But he died, which means the details of Prince Jin’s case are also open to examination.”
Yan Huai raised an eyebrow and looked at Zheng Bai Shi, “What does Minister Zheng think?”
Thin sweat had already appeared on Zheng Bai Shi’s forehead. Hearing the question, he nervously said, “This official agrees with Minister Li’s words, which are exactly what this humble official was thinking. If only we knew Her Majesty’s initial intention in privately interrogating Song Xi Wen.”
The matter certainly wasn’t this simple, but at this point, Zheng Bai Shi could only blur the focus like this.
Yan Huai’s lips pressed slightly, “The Empress…”
Yan Huai seemed full of unspoken words, as if both suspicious of and reluctant to blame the Empress. After a pause, Yan Huai sighed, “I want to see more evidence. Without evidence, I will naturally lift the Empress’s confinement.”
Speaking thus, Yan Huai looked warningly at Yan Qi, “You don’t have much time.”
A fire burned in Yan Qi’s heart, but before the Emperor, he absolutely couldn’t show even a trace of it. “Yes, son understands.”
Yan Huai nodded with a sound of acknowledgment, “Then withdraw.”
Yan Qi nodded and was about to turn and leave when he suddenly seemed to think of something and said, “Father Emperor, what do you think about this morning’s court proposal to supplement the Shuo Xi army’s provisions?”
Yan Huai glanced at Yan Qi, “You’re showing concern for the Shuo Xi army now.”
Yan Qi tugged at the corner of his mouth, “With Uncle Prince’s passing, the Shuo Xi army’s morale must be unstable. Plus, there was just that issue with military supplies. Son thinks that for stability, this time’s military provisions should be more than previous years.”
Yan Huai looked at him, “Summon Minister of Revenue Yang Han.”
This was to discuss the matter of military supply supplements. With Ge Yang not in the capital, Yang Han would likely handle this matter.
Yan Qi’s heart relaxed slightly, and only then did he acknowledge and withdraw. Li Mu Yun and the others had already withdrawn outside the hall. Soon after Yan Qi came out, his face showed undisguised anger. Although there was no direct evidence against the Empress now, Wang Han’s words should be one piece of evidence, but his father Emperor only confined the Empress without even planning to question her!
Thinking of this, Yan Qi felt another surge of frustration. Zhao Shu Hua had firmly held the position of Empress for nineteen years – what was it for if not because she had a father who was the Grand General Assisting the State?
If Duke Zhong’s household had military power in hand, how could Yan Che have had any share in the establishment of the Crown Prince?
Yan Qi’s chest rose and fell continuously. After a while, he finally suppressed that anger and turned to look at Li Mu Yun, “Minister Li, please trouble yourself to return to the Ministry’s dungeon with me once more. Seventh Brother, you come with me too – let’s question Wang Han again.”
After a pause, Yan Qi looked at Zheng Bai Shi, “Minister Zheng, do as you please. When I need you, I’ll send someone to find you.”
Zheng Bai Shi wore an expression of awkward bitterness – Yan Qi had anger in his heart and was showing it too obviously!
Yan Qi led Li Mu Yun and Yan Chi ahead while Zheng Bai Shi hesitated for a moment. Just as he was about to leave, a young eunuch standing at a distance beckoned to him. The young eunuch was from the Eastern Palace, and Zheng Bai Shi recognized him. He sighed and walked toward the eunuch…
When Zheng Bai Shi met Yan Che, the latter had already been waiting in the cold wind for a while. As Zheng Bai Shi was about to bow, Yan Che quickly helped him up, “Minister Zheng, no need for formalities. Let’s be brief – what did Father Emperor say?”
Zheng Bai Shi smiled bitterly, “His Majesty said without evidence he won’t do anything to Her Majesty, and if there continues to be no evidence, he’ll lift her confinement. However, this humble official sees Prince Cheng won’t give up.”
The taut string in Yan Che’s heart loosened slightly, “I naturally know this. Don’t worry, Imperial Mother also understands.”
Zheng Bai Shi said somewhat hesitantly, “With Her Majesty confined now, Your Highness must be extremely careful. This matter has nothing to do with you. Even if… even if Prince Cheng finds some evidence, Your Highness must always protect yourself first.”
Though these words weren’t pleasant to hear, Yan Che was someone who knew right from wrong. He nodded and said solemnly, “Rest assured, I understand.”
Zheng Bai Shi sighed, “Prince Cheng knows this official wants to help the Crown Prince, so he’ll certainly be wary of me in every way. This official will investigate carefully, but I fear I’ll be willing but unable. I hope Your Highness will forgive me.”
Yan Che patted Zheng Bai Shi’s shoulder. How could he not know Yan Qi’s intentions?
“Minister Zheng need not blame yourself. The Prince Jin mansion case isn’t that significant, and before there’s evidence, Imperial Mother is just confined. Court affairs are numerous – the capital’s administration should be Minister Zheng’s top priority.”
Zheng Bai Shi quickly nodded. Not becoming chaotic because of the Empress’s predicament – this was why he admired Yan Che!
After Zheng Bai Shi bid farewell and left the palace, Yan Che’s eyes, which had shown no panic, finally darkened somewhat. Although his father hadn’t pursued matters with his mother, the confinement was a signal. He absolutely couldn’t let his mother remain confined.
In Kun Ning Palace, Yun Yan was somewhat worried, “Your Majesty, there are over a hundred Imperial Guards outside, led by Zhao Yu.”
Zhao Shu Hua laughed coldly, “So it’s him.”
Yun Yan sighed, “His Majesty surrounded Kun Ning Palace without a word, yet didn’t pass judgment. When this spreads, people inside and outside the palace will think you did something wrong.”
Zhao Shu Hua waved her hand, “It doesn’t matter. He won’t surround us for long, nor will he interrogate me.”
Yun Yan was somewhat confused. Zhao Shu Hua rose and walked to the window, looking out to see that indeed, heavily armed Imperial Guards were strictly guarding Kun Ning Palace. Zhao Shu Hua felt a vague sense of foreboding arise in her heart and quickly ordered, “Find a way to send a message out, must let the Crown Prince stay still.”
Yun Yan asked, “Just tell the Crown Prince to stay still?”
Zhao Shu Hua nodded, “Yes, at this time, nothing can be done.”
Yun Yan nodded and went out to call in an inconspicuous young eunuch who was her confidant. She gave him some quiet instructions, and the clever young eunuch ran out.
…
…
News of the Empress’s confinement by the Emperor indeed spread quickly. Within a day, everyone inside and outside the court knew about it.
Without a clear imperial edict, it gave people even more room for speculation. Everyone knew the Empress was confined because of the corpse case at Prince Jin’s mansion, but had the Empress killed someone?
No one was certain, yet after just one night, rumors that the Empress had killed someone, and even that she had plotted against Prince Jin, spread throughout the capital. While the capital was full of discussion, Zhao Jing and Zhao You, father and son, far away in Chang Prefecture still didn’t know about the Empress’s situation.
Yan Qi kept Li Mu Yun continuing to investigate downward from Kang Bo Wen and Wang Han. Imperial Guards and eunuchs from the Imperial Household Department were summoned and questioned repeatedly. Perhaps knowing Yan Chi kept his abilities hidden, Yan Qi became wary of him too.
While Yan Qi closely followed the progress of investigating the case, he also watched the Shuo Xi army’s provisions.
Whether persuaded by Yang Han or for some other reason, after an early winter rain, the Emperor issued an edict: This winter’s provisions would be thirty percent more than previous years, gathered from Yu Prefecture, Ding Prefecture, and Yan Prefecture along three routes, to be delivered to Shuo Xi before the end of October to help the Shuo Xi troops through winter. Meanwhile, Ge Yang was temporarily recalled to the capital by an order.
Winter’s severe cold approached inch by inch, and the entire capital’s atmosphere showed signs of an impending storm. The evidence Yan Qi wanted couldn’t be found, and the Empress remained confined in Kun Ning Palace. Though it was a struggle between two sides, neither had gained an advantage for now. Only the news sent back by Zheng Xin Cheng from Shuo Xi made Yan Qi feel relieved.
The carriage stopped in front of Prince Cheng’s mansion. Yan Qi entered the gate with traces of fatigue between his brows. Behind him, Lu Xiao said, “The provisions have been allocated, and His Majesty has called Ge Yang back. Now only Lin Xu Gui is left there, Yu Wen Xian is still in Liang Province – it’s perfect for General Zheng to make his moves in the Shuo Xi army.”
After a pause, Lu Xiao continued, “General Zheng rescued the people Prince Chi previously arranged for, without mentioning Prince Chi, planning to use them himself. Perfect timing – Prince Chi won’t notice.”
Yan Qi said sinisterly, “Just afraid Yan Chi has secret contact with that side.”
Lu Xiao smiled, “What use would that be? Separated by thousands of li, how could Prince Chi reach out to save people?”
Yan Qi made no response, thinking about how he had protected quite a few people for Yan Chi, yet the Empress was only confined. Yan Qi felt quite dissatisfied. Wang Han had said everything he could, but with no new developments, he grew more anxious with each passing day. If no evidence emerged in the next two days, his father would likely lift the Empress’s confinement with one order. Then she might even turn the tables on him.
Yan Qi became somewhat urgent, “What is the Crown Prince doing?”
“The Crown Prince is somewhat anxious, but can still hold back for now.”
The Empress had only been confined for five days – of course, the Crown Prince could hold back…
Thinking thus, Yan Qi’s footsteps paused. Was there some way to make the Crown Prince unable to hold back?
Once the Crown Prince lost control, he would make mistakes.
Yan Qi felt days of depression sweep away. This new direction energized him, but before he could think through this idea, sharp crying suddenly rang out from the direction of the inner courtyard. Yan Qi’s footsteps paused as he frowned, “What’s going on?!”
Lu Xiao was startled and walked forward a few steps, only to see a blood-covered maid crying and trying to break through the guards’ blockade. Lu Xiao looked carefully, “Your Highness, it’s Ninth Consort’s maid…”
Already irritated, upon hearing this Yan Qi’s face immediately darkened, “How presumptuous! Take her away!”
He strode toward his study, but after just two steps, Xiu Zhi rushed madly before Yan Qi, “Your Highness! Please save the Consort and young prince! Your Highness! The Consort is dying, the child… the child can’t be saved either…”
Xiu Zhi was covered in blood, crying and shouting – just her appearance was frightening enough. Yan Qi’s brows furrowed slightly. He heard the word “child” and his heart moved. He immediately walked toward Qin Xiang’s courtyard, asking as he walked, “What child? She’s pregnant?! Why didn’t anyone tell me? Someone go summon the imperial physician…”
The sudden change caught Yan Qi completely off guard – he never expected Qin Xiang to be pregnant. The blood on Xiu Zhi wasn’t fake, and upon entering Qin Xiang’s courtyard, everyone’s faces were horrified. Yan Qi frowned and strode into the room, only to see Qin Xiang curled up on the couch in the warm room, her dress beneath soaked with glaring blood. Her entire face was covered in thin sweat, looking as if about to breathe her last. Even though Yan Qi could kill without blinking, at this moment he was startled by Qin Xiang’s blood.
One day as husband and wife means a hundred days of affection, let alone Qin Xiang had accompanied him for so long. Thinking that all that blood came from his child, he felt something blocking his throat. He had just gotten married and hadn’t thought about children yet, but Feng Ling Su had mentioned it, and he naturally wanted offspring. If one day his princess or concubine suddenly became pregnant he would of course be overjoyed, but he never expected that when he learned of his favored concubine’s pregnancy, the first scene would be so bloody.
“Your Highness… Your Highness…”
Qin Xiang’s face was as white as a ghost’s, her beautiful eyes full of pain and despair. However, seeing him, her eyes immediately showed attachment. Even Yan Qi’s extremely cold heart softened somewhat at this moment. He walked forward, grabbed Qin Xiang’s hand, and pulled her upper body into his embrace, “Xiang’er, what exactly happened?”
Tears rolled down Qin Xiang’s cheeks, “Your Highness… Xiang’er… was with child. These days, Xiang’er kept waiting for you to come, but… but never saw you. Xiang’er wanted to tell you personally, but…”
Qin Xiang suddenly burst into loud sobs. Usually, Yan Qi would certainly find it noisy, but at this moment, Qin Xiang’s pain from her crying gradually infected his heart. He tightly embraced Qin Xiang, “What happened! Did you hurt yourself carelessly or did someone harm you?!”
Qin Xiang cried so much she couldn’t speak. She pointed at the overturned medicine bowl on the ground, her whole body trembling.
These days Yan Qi had been completely focused on dealing with the Crown Prince and indeed hadn’t paid attention to the inner court. He suddenly felt somewhat regretful, “Xiang’er, it’s alright, the doctor will be here soon!”
Yan Qi wasn’t skilled at comforting people, but Qin Xiang tightly gripped his hand, “Your Highness… our child…”
Qin Xiang spoke word by word as if using all her strength. She seemed suddenly struck by greater pain, her whole body trembling, pupils rapidly dilating, before fainting.
Yan Qi felt his heart and spirit shake. For a moment, holding Qin Xiang, he didn’t know what to do. Fortunately, the mansion’s physician came very quickly. When Yan Qi finally released Qin Xiang, he hadn’t quite recovered. While the physician was treating Qin Xiang, Yan Qi walked out and noticed the overturned medicine bowl on the ground. His footsteps paused as he picked up the bowl. The medicine had been completely drunk, with only a bit of dregs still stuck to the bottom. Yan Qi’s hand holding the bowl was trembling. As soon as he walked out, he handed it to Lu Xiao, “Investigate, see what was really in this bowl.”
Lu Xiao was startled by Yan Qi’s deep anger and immediately acknowledged and left. At the same time, a series of chaotic footsteps sounded as Feng Chen Bi arrived at Qin Xiang’s courtyard gate with her maids and old nurses.
However, she immediately saw Yan Qi standing at the door. Feng Chen Bi’s face instantly turned white. Her abnormal reaction didn’t escape Yan Qi’s gaze. Yan Qi narrowed his eyes as overwhelming fury suddenly surged in them…
“Your… Your Highness… what happened?”
Yan Qi coldly smiled at Feng Chen Bi’s evasive gaze without speaking. From inside the room, Qin Xiang suddenly let out an agonized scream that made everyone’s faces change. Yan Qi immediately turned and entered the room. The physician was applying acupuncture to Qin Xiang who, though still unconscious, was covered in sweat from pain and muttering deliriously. Yan Qi strode forward and heard Qin Xiang continuously calling his name. Yan Qi felt his heart being violently gripped. He turned to ask the physician, “How is the Consort?”
The physician was also covered in sweat, “Reporting to Your Highness, Ninth Consort was nearly three months pregnant, but… but the child cannot be saved…”
Yan Qi’s fists immediately clenched. At the doorway, Feng Chen Bi peered in with a pale face. Seeing the blood in the room and Qin Xiang’s near-death state, she was startled by the scene and froze at the door, not daring to step inside. Yan Qi stared intensely at the physician, “Save her life!”
The physician immediately acknowledged this. Yan Qi looked at Qin Xiang again – she seemed to have fainted from pain.
After brief contemplation, Yan Qi turned to Xiu Zhi, who had been crying nearby, “When did your mistress learn of her pregnancy?”
Xiu Zhi fell to her knees with a thud, “Your Highness, it was nine days ago. At the time, the mistress felt tired and unwell, so she called a doctor. The doctor said the mistress was with child, but she had also caught a cold then. The doctor prescribed medicine to regulate her health, both protecting the child and treating her condition, to avoid harming the baby. Mistress wanted to tell you immediately, but… but you haven’t come these days. Mistress wanted to tell you in person when you came, but never expected…”
Xiu Zhi’s tears fell continuously, heartbroken.
Yan Qi frowned. Because Feng Chen Bi had said Qin Xiang was improper, he had been very cold toward her these days.
Yan Qi took a deep breath, and soon Lu Xiao returned with another doctor whom the maids had invited from outside. Seeing Yan Qi’s expression, Lu Xiao’s face immediately darkened – the situation wasn’t good.
Yan Qi walked to the door. Lu Xiao whispered something in his ear that made Feng Chen Bi see Yan Qi’s presence suddenly change, becoming sinister as if about to devour someone. The next moment, Yan Qi turned his ice-cold gaze toward her.
Feng Chen Bi was nearly brought to tears by Yan Qi’s stare, “I… I didn’t…”
Yan Qi expressionlessly looked at Feng Chen Bi for a while, then ordered Lu Xiao without looking at him, “Investigate for me!”
…
…
Qin Wan naturally knew Yan Qi’s investigation had yielded no results. If the case was blocked by the Empress, then investigating Prince Jin’s case wouldn’t be easy. To reopen old cases, they naturally couldn’t wait for just this one lead.
In Shou Kang Palace, after Qin Wan finished applying acupuncture for the Empress Dowager and wrote a new prescription, she said, “Your Majesty shouldn’t lie down all the time. It’s better to walk around regularly. This medicine is still for nourishment and regulation. We’ll change the prescription after finishing this one.”
The Empress Dowager smiled bitterly, “I don’t feel I’m sick – getting older naturally brings some minor ailments.”
She then reassured Qin Wan, “But don’t worry, I’ll naturally do as you say.”
Qin Wan smiled slightly. At this point, Yan Sui dawdled over to her side.
Seeing Yan Sui, the Empress Dowager’s gaze held some sighs, “This child, he wants to be close to you whenever he sees you.”
Qin Wan noticed ink stains on Yan Sui’s sleeve and smiled, “Was Ninth Prince practicing calligraphy?”
Yan Sui nodded, then suddenly seemed to think of something. He grabbed Qin Wan’s hand, wanting to pull her outside. Qin Wan was confused and looked questioningly at the Empress Dowager. Not knowing what Yan Sui wanted either, the Empress Dowager said, “Go accompany him then. This child probably has some little secret he doesn’t want us to know.”
Qin Wan smiled and rose, following Yan Sui out. After leaving, Yan Sui pulled Qin Wan toward his quarters. Upon entering the room, he pulled her to his desk where several practice sheets lay – all simple phrases he had written before. He scattered the sheets, seemingly searching for something.
“Your Highness, what are you looking for?”
“A character,” Yan Sui answered quickly.
Qin Wan was surprised for a moment. Just as she was about to ask further, she saw Yan Sui seem to find something and pull out one sheet. He pointed at one character, “This one, it’s this…”
Qin Wan looked and saw the character “gong” (恭) from “respectful.” He had written it crookedly, clearly not yet able to handle such a complex character. Qin Wan didn’t react at first, but suddenly something seemed to explode in her ears. She grabbed the practice sheet and after a while nervously looked outside. Seeing no one at the door, she asked softly, “Is this a character you saw near Consort Jin?”
Yan Sui nodded, his eyes darkening, naturally thinking of his mother’s death.
Qin Wan took a deep breath to suppress the shock in her heart.
The character “gong” (恭) and “wang” (王) – what else could it be but Prince Gong!
Before her death, Consort Jin had left these three blood characters by her side – what did this mean?!
“Has Your Highness told anyone else?”
Qin Wan quickly asked him in a low voice. Yan Sui shook his head, his expression solemn.
Qin Wan couldn’t help stroking Yan Sui’s head, “Your Highness did very well. You can’t tell anyone about this.”
“Do you know who it was?”
Yan Sui looked at Qin Wan expectantly. Qin Wan knew what he meant but could only say in a lowered voice, “We don’t know yet, but we will find out. Consort Jin’s death won’t be in vain.”
“Noble… Consort?” Yan Sui carefully spoke two words.
Doubt flashed through Qin Wan’s mind, but she shook her head, “We can’t be certain yet. Your Highness, promise me, don’t ask anyone questions about Consort Jin. Do you understand my meaning?”
Yan Sui’s small hands twisted together as he nodded expectantly.
Yan Sui’s eyes were clear black and white, containing traces of fear and grievance. Seeing this, Qin Wan’s heart softened and she couldn’t help hugging him. Looking again at the practice sheet, she placed it among the pile of papers before taking Yan Sui’s hand and walking out. Returning to the Empress Dowager’s side, she smiled and said, “Ninth Prince showed me his calligraphy practice – I saw it, he writes very well.”
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager immediately smiled, “This child gets along very well with you.” After a pause, she continued, “He lost his mother. Wan’er, you must help me look after him in the future…”
Qin Wan’s heart tightened hearing this, “Rest assured, I definitely will.”
Yan Sui tightly gripped Qin Wan’s hand and wouldn’t let go for a long while.
…
…
After leaving the palace, Qin Wan went straight to Prince Rui’s mansion. The three characters “Prince Gong” had been very distant to Qin Wan, but since seeing the character Yan Sui wrote, these three characters kept circling in her mind like a spell.
Entering the mansion, Yan Chi personally came to welcome her. Seeing Qin Wan’s grave expression, he also frowned, “What happened?”
Qin Wan grabbed Yan Chi, “Let’s talk in the waterside pavilion—”
Yan Chi knew it wasn’t a small matter and waved his hand. Bai Feng immediately withdrew. The two quickly walked to the pavilion. Only after entering did Qin Wan seem to feel somewhat safe and hurriedly said, “Yan Sui knows what blood characters Consort Jin left before she died—”
Yan Chi’s eyes brightened. Qin Wan said, “It was the three characters ‘Prince Gong’!”
Yan Chi’s brows immediately furrowed – how could it be these three characters?
Qin Wan felt the same way, “Consort Jin was young, she shouldn’t have met Prince Gong. Moreover, Prince Gong is taboo in the palace. Why did she leave these three characters before dying?! Could it be she knew some secret about Prince Gong, or perhaps Prince Gong isn’t dead?!”
Being far removed from those years’ events, Qin Wan naturally speculated without reservations, but this speculation startled Yan Chi. He shook his head, “Impossible, Prince Gong died then.”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “Was the body found?”
At this question, Yan Chi shook his head again, “Nobody was found. In that battle, Prince Gong was defeated. His Majesty’s forces had also fallen into a trap. Later, seeing his inevitable defeat, Prince Gong set fire to the mountain. Fortunately, His Majesty survived, while Prince Gong died in the sea of fire, ultimately leaving no remains.”
Speaking to this point, Yan Chi said with certainty, “They searched afterward. Forget Prince Gong – not one of his generals survived. Consort Jin leaving these three characters before death very likely hinted at someone related to Prince Gong…”
Before he could say “person,” Yan Chi’s words stopped. In the present world, who was related to Prince Gong if not the current new Prince Gong?! If not Yan Li!
At this thought, Yan Chi instinctively denied it. Impossible! How could Yan Li kill Consort Jin?
Qin Wan also realized, “It couldn’t possibly be Yan Li…”
Yan Chi frowned, “Right, impossible.”
Though saying this, Yan Chi still unconsciously began to recall: at last year’s palace banquet on June 9th, had Yan Li entered the palace? Where was he at that time?
Yan Chi shook his head, “I don’t know where Yan Li was that day, but he wouldn’t kill Consort Jin. Though he lives in confusion, he’s not someone who would take up a knife to kill. Besides, what connection did he have with Consort Jin?”
Not only was there no connection with Consort Jin, but Qin Wan remembered that Yan Sui was also very close to Yan Li.
Qin Wan squeezed Yan Chi’s hand, “Perhaps we’re looking at it wrong – these three characters might mean something different from what we think.”
“Words left at death must relate to the killer. Prince Gong is already dead, and it can’t be Yan Li. Could it be Prince Gong’s former associates or servants?”
When Yan Chi said this, Qin Wan’s heart began racing again, “After the incident back then, the previous Emperor also eliminated Prince Gong’s faction, but I guess some must have slipped through the net. Could it be these people? They’re hiding in the palace, perhaps wanting to avenge Prince Gong, then unexpectedly were discovered by Consort Jin, thus deciding to kill her, with Prince Jin being just a scapegoat…”
Yan Chi nodded – this was indeed the most reasonable explanation. His phoenix eyes narrowed as he murmured, “But after so many years, whether for revenge or something else, it would be hard to stay hidden until now. Prince Gong’s initial goal was to seize the throne. Now His Majesty has sat firmly on the throne for many years – why would they wait so long to act?”
Indeed, this didn’t make sense. And if this person had abandoned their initial intentions, why would they expose themselves?!
And to be discovered by Consort Jin – who were the people close to her?
Though they had finally discovered a new lead, heavy fog still obscured their view. Qin Wan sighed, running through the palace’s various masters in her mind but still finding no clues. “Yan Sui also said that during that period, Consort Jin always seemed very afraid. Do you think she was afraid because she knew something she shouldn’t have?”
Yan Chi nodded, “Perhaps she discovered this person related to Prince Gong.”
Qin Wan quickly said, “If Prince Gong’s former officials were all eliminated, what about Prince Gong’s wife?”
At this question, Yan Chi fell into deep thought. When Prince Gong attempted rebellion, he had just been born, and in the many years after, Prince Gong’s wife had taken great care of him. He couldn’t casually investigate her.
“Or perhaps Prince Jin had no connection to Prince Gong at all?”
Yan Chi nodded, “That’s natural. Though Prince Jin was His Majesty’s eldest son, he was only two or three years old when it happened.”
Qin Wan’s certainty grew stronger, “So you see, Consort Jin’s death had nothing to do with Prince Jin.”
Qin Wan bit her lip, “Starting from Song Xi Wen’s remains case might have taken us on a detour. Now that I know the characters Consort Jin left, we should investigate this lead.”
Qin Wan’s eyes were full of calm, but within that calm was an extraordinary self-restraint. He stroked her face, helping her tense muscles relax somewhat, “Don’t worry, I’ll investigate everyone connected to Prince Gong and his wife.”
Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment, her racing heart slowly returning to normal. Yan Qi had been silent on the corpse case for many days, and her heart had been anxious for just as long. When the three characters “Prince Gong” suddenly appeared, she immediately saw hope and couldn’t maintain her composure.
Yan Chi embraced Qin Wan, “I know you’re anxious. I’ll give instructions now.”
Though Qin Wan didn’t need Yan Chi to share her anxiety, he embraced her briefly before releasing her and going out to call Bai Feng.
Giggles could be heard from outside. Qin Wan lowered her gaze and saw military deployment maps on the table – maps of Shuo Xi!
Qin Wan’s attention was partially drawn to them. By the time Yan Chi returned, she had roughly understood the deployments shown. Yan Chi stood behind her, embracing her from behind, “These are Shuo Xi main camp’s deployment maps.”
Yan Chi explained voluntarily. Qin Wan naturally looked more carefully. Though she could understand the cardinal directions, she didn’t understand the hidden implications. However, Shuo Xi was thousands of li away, and Yan Chi had pondered these deployment maps more than once – what did he want to do?
Qin Wan raised her hand to brush the deployment map, “Do you… want to return to Shuo Xi?”
Yan Chi’s arms around Qin Wan tightened slightly. After seeming to contemplate, he made a sound of agreement. His chin rested on Qin Wan’s shoulder, his warm breath falling on her cheek and ear. Qin Wan felt ticklish and turned her head to dodge, but before she could escape, Yan Chi pulled her back.
Qin Wan had to endure the ticklish sensation and ask, “How is Shuo Xi?”
“Lin Xu Gui holds power. Zheng Xin Cheng, a third-rank military officer Yan Qi placed in the Shuo Xi army, now controls three-tenths of the military power. Lin Xu Gui probably wants to split and reorganize all the army units, wanting to disrupt Father Prince’s previous arrangements for easier control. But it’s not that easy. He also arrested several of Father Prince’s deputy generals and sent them to Liang Province, wanting to pin the military supplies case on Shuo Xi army’s officers.”
Qin Wan’s lips pressed together, “Has anyone been hurt?”
Yan Chi paused before making a sound of acknowledgment, “Two cavalry generals who had followed me – their temperaments were too fierce, and Lin Xu Gui beheaded them as an example.”
Qin Wan felt her heart tremble. At this moment Shuo Xi, who knew how many necks lay under the blade.
Qin Wan quickly steadied her thoughts. She turned around, leaning against the table edge, her hands on Yan Chi’s waist, “What are your plans?”
Yan Chi had ideas but looked at Qin Wan with hesitation in his gaze. Qin Wan probably knew what he was hesitating about, so she embraced him, “I guess many of them must be waiting for you.”
Yan Chi smiled bitterly, raising his hand to stroke Qin Wan’s head – a comforting gesture. Qin Wan softened, her whole body fitting into Yan Chi’s embrace. “If news from Shuo Xi reaches the capital, His Majesty will certainly know who’s causing trouble. I fear he won’t let you go. If you want to leave, is now perhaps the best opportunity?”
Qin Wan’s voice was muffled. Yan Chi tightened his arms and laughed, “Not now.”
Hearing Yan Chi laugh, Qin Wan couldn’t help looking up at him. Yan Chi’s eyes were bright and rippling, instantly dispelling the gloom in her heart. Yan Chi said softly, “I’ll return to Shuo Xi sooner or later, but at least it should be after our wedding. If I want to leave, no one can stop me.”
Qin Wan blinked, “Can it wait until then?”
Yan Chi suddenly lowered his head to touch her forehead, “It can, but… after the wedding, I won’t be able to leave you behind.”
This meant he wanted her to go to Shuo Xi with him!
Qin Wan was first stunned for a moment, as she had never thought she would go to Shuo Xi one day. But quickly, she thought of various things after the wedding and nodded, “I understand. I’ll go.”
Yan Chi lifted Qin Wan and sat her on the table edge, “Really?”
Qin Wan smiled slightly, “Really.”
For a moment, Yan Chi’s heartfelt sour and blocked. This wasn’t a simple journey – he would have to abandon many things, but this was his responsibility and mission, completely unrelated to Qin Wan. Yet if she truly wanted to follow him, she would have to give up even more.
“Wan’er…” Yan Chi’s voice was deep and somewhat hoarse, “I won’t let you regret it.”
Qin Wan laughed, “I won’t let myself regret it either. I just… still want to try my best to find out why Consort Jin died.”
Yan Chi understood – this was Qin Wan’s deepest wish, and now also a question he urgently wanted to understand. Looking at Qin Wan’s bright black eyes, Yan Chi’s heart burned hot. This thought lingered in his mind, then hesitated, then was suppressed by him. But as report after report arrived, he couldn’t even hope for luck, because in his past twenty-some years, besides love, there were many things he needed to shoulder. He couldn’t abandon them, nor would he allow himself to abandon them.
“Don’t worry, this is your deep wish, and also mine. I will arrange everything thoroughly.” Yan Chi stroked Qin Wan’s cheek and said heavily, “If that day comes, you’ll have to give up much. Now, I’m giving you one chance to change your mind.”
Qin Wan’s eyes turned, seeming to think about what she couldn’t give up. But after thinking through everything, besides her obsession with vindicating her father, she found she had nothing she was determined to hold onto. The Marquis’s mansion was just where she stayed, her wealth was all gifted by others, and her title as County Princess was urgently sought only to investigate her father’s case. These things held no weight for her, not even compared to Yan Chi’s solid arms before her and all those people who treated her with true hearts. Normally she would be reluctant to part with them, but she deeply knew what burden Yan Chi carried on his shoulders. If she had to choose, she would follow Yan Chi without hesitation.
Qin Wan shook her head, “I know what you’re thinking. Yan Chi, I won’t regret it. I can tell you now, I won’t regret it. Whether going to Shuo Xi or anywhere else, I absolutely won’t…”
The words “regret it” were swallowed by Yan Chi.
He grabbed Qin Wan’s waist and silenced her next words with an extremely deep kiss. Qin Wan was someone who kept her word. Her voice was clear and melodious, but these words seemed to resound like thunder – this was her promise to him!
Yan Chi’s heart burned hot, hot blood surging from his heart to his limbs. That rich and sweet satisfaction and the joy of boiling blood made him even happier than capturing a city!
His kiss carried gratitude and cherish, falling delicately between her lips and teeth. His arms’ strength was frightening as if wanting to merge her into his body. At some moment, Yan Chi suddenly began breathing heavily and lifted her horizontally into his arms. Before Qin Wan could react, she found Yan Chi carrying her into the inner chamber.
Her heart panicked, her face instantly turning red. When she regained her senses slightly, Yan Chi had already placed her on the bed. He supported himself above her, his breathing still not recovered. He looked at her deeply and longingly, the starry river in his eyes filled with desire that could make her drown in it…