In the Qingyun Teahouse in the south of the city, Li Muyun’s face hung enigmatically behind the rising steam.
After watching Qin Wan for a moment, Li Muyun asked, “Is the Princess here about Prince Jin’s case?”
Qin Wan naturally wouldn’t follow him without reason. In Li Muyun’s view, the only thing that could make Qin Wan suspicious of him now was Prince Jin’s case. The case entangled Kunning Palace and the Eastern Palace, and since the Crown Prince was Qin Wan’s brother-in-law, could her current actions be at the Eastern Palace’s behest?
Li Muyun, having spent many years at court, had countless possibilities flash through his mind in an instant.
He poured the steaming tea into a celadon cup, momentarily recalling his confrontation with Yan Qi.
Looking up, Li Muyun saw Qin Wan’s cool yet composed gaze.
Caught following him, yet still so righteous and composed—Li Muyun felt both helpless and admiring.
Placing the teacup before Qin Wan, Li Muyun said, “Princess, please speak freely if you have something to say.”
Qin Wan was carefully studying Li Muyun as if trying to detect any guilt in his expression. “Which friend was Master Li planning to visit today?”
Li Muyun, who had been drinking tea, paused at these words. He looked at Qin Wan with gentle eyes, “That seems to be my private matter.”
Qin Wan smiled, “Master Li is known to have no close friends or relatives at court and rarely participates in feasts or entertainment. I suspect the person Master Li was going to meet must be quite interesting, otherwise why would it warrant Master Li’s presence?”
Li Muyun appeared completely unperturbed, “If the Princess is worried about the Eastern Palace, you shouldn’t be watching me now, but rather Prince Cheng.”
Li Muyun’s reaction was within Qin Wan’s expectations—after all, what reason would a young girl like her have to follow the dignified Minister of Justice?
“Isn’t Master Li afraid that Prince Cheng might uncover last year’s Prince Jin case?”
Li Muyun’s brows furrowed slightly, and for a moment, the feeling of his confrontation with Yan Qi returned.
He was more than a generation older than Qin Wan and had served in court for many years. In his mind, Qin Wan and Yan Qi were naturally not in the same league. Yan Qi, born of noble birth, had the confidence to look down on everything based on that alone. But what about Qin Wan? She was more composed and serene than any noble lady he had ever met. A person’s temperament is inseparable from their experiences, horizons, and upbringing. Li Muyun knew Qin Wan’s background well, which made him find this increasingly strange.
“I wasn’t the presiding judge in last year’s case, so what should I fear?”
Li Muyun remained unhurried, and Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “Master Li exposed Shen Yi’s corruption and favoritism, causing Minister Shen’s entire family to be executed. Yet Master Li isn’t afraid at all?”
Li Muyun’s expression changed instantly. While his features remained calm, his pupils seemed to freeze for a moment. He stared directly at Qin Wan, disbelief growing in his eyes. Even with the Eastern Palace’s backing, she shouldn’t be questioning him about Shen Yi! Although Shen Yi had almost become Yan Che’s father-in-law, he understood that in the Empress’s eyes, Shen Yi’s life or death wasn’t important. Even Yan Che had never pursued the matter, and Qin Wan had even less standing!
Having dealt with criminal cases since entering court service, Li Muyun has developed a talent for reading people’s hearts. When Qin Wan spoke these words, her voice didn’t waver at all, but her eyes seemed to hide a cold flame. Li Muyun’s heart suddenly tightened, and the doubts that had first arisen when he saw Qin Wan examining corpses were suddenly magnified countless times!
His lips trembled slightly, and he suddenly asked, “What relation are you to Minister Shen?!”
This was Qin Wan’s first confrontation with Li Muyun. In last year’s disaster that befell the Shen family, Li Muyun could be considered the primary culprit. When she first saw Li Muyun, she could barely contain her anger, but later meetings were always in crowded settings. Over time, she had developed the ability to maintain a poker face. But now, sitting face to face, especially hearing Li Muyun’s righteous claims of having nothing to fear, Qin Wan could no longer control her anger.
When she asked that question, she felt a chill in her heart, like a martial artist making a move—her words were equivalent to exposing her weakness to Li Muyun.
After a moment of tension, Qin Wan became calm instead. To draw out one’s opponent, showing one or two weaknesses was acceptable.
Qin Wan looked steadily at Li Muyun, “Master Li received much support from Minister Shen, yet you did such a thing to him. Moreover… Master Li should know whether Minister Shen truly showed favoritism. If last year’s case is reopened, how will Master Li account for himself?”
When Yan Qi had questioned him, though he showed surprise, his heart hadn’t been alarmed. But now, Qin Wan’s words sent a chill up his spine.
“The Princess’s skill in examining corpses is profound and excellent—where did you learn it? You grew up in the Marquis’s mansion and later went to Jinzhou. Did you know Minister Shen?” Li Muyun’s fingers trembled slightly. “Or perhaps Minister Shen and your father were old acquaintances…”
As he asked this, Li Muyun suddenly came to his senses. Qin Wan’s father had passed away long ago and couldn’t possibly have been Shen Yi’s acquaintance. As for Qin Shu, that was even less likely. He knew better than anyone whom Shen Yi had befriended after entering the capital. But why?!
Li Muyun had no time to answer Qin Wan’s questions, completely absorbed in his suspicions about her. He felt waves of coldness crawling up his heart like snakes, and his whole being felt surreal as if lost in the fog. Gritting his teeth, Li Muyun knew Qin Wan wouldn’t directly answer his questions, so he said, “Why did the Princess follow me today? In Minister Shen’s case? How can the Princess be sure Minister Shen was wronged?”
Li Muyun was the second person to know Qin Wan’s true purpose. He took a deep breath and continued, “Minister Shen was the presiding judge in Prince Jin’s case last year. He had several private meetings but produced no evidence. Moreover, he even—”
Li Muyun spoke emotionally, as if defending himself, but suddenly cut off his words, swallowing what he was about to say.
Qin Wan immediately raised her eyebrows, “What did Minister Shen do?”
Li Muyun suddenly reined in all his emotions, “Last year’s matter, I simply handled it according to the law. Minister Shen indeed acted improperly. Later events proved he was indeed guilty—when the Imperial Guards were killing the Shen household members, he was trying to escape with his entire family. If he wasn’t guilty, why did he flee?”
Li Muyun paused, his tone somewhat sorrowful, “Although punishment shouldn’t extend to wives and children, it was Prince Jin’s case last year.”
Li Muyun’s eyes flickered, seemingly unable to meet Qin Wan’s gaze. However, thinking of something, he still looked at her and said, “Princess, I have one thing to say: whether last year’s case is reopened or not, you shouldn’t get involved. You’re about to marry the Rui Prince, and the situation at his mansion is already unfavorable. You especially shouldn’t investigate Minister Shen’s matter at this time… Regardless of whether you have any connection to Minister Shen, please don’t pursue this further.”
Li Muyun suddenly stood up, “I’ve said all I can.”
With these words, Li Muyun strode away, as if some terrible beast were chasing him.
Qin Wan remained seated, the firelight from the small red clay stove reflecting in her eyes, giving her gentle, delicate features a fierce aspect. After a while, Qin Wan also stood up, and after a moment’s contemplation, she instructed Bai Ying, “To the Rui Prince’s mansion…”
…
When Yan Ze and Yue Ning entered the palace, it was already dusk. In Shoukang Palace, the Empress Dowager was indeed in poor spirits and coughing constantly. Learning of Yan Ze’s arrival, her face showed a hint of joy, and seeing Yue Ning standing with Yan Ze like a perfect couple, her heart felt even more at ease.
Her eyes only darkened slightly upon seeing the medicinal cloth over Yan Ze’s eyes, but thinking of Qin Wan’s involvement, she firmly believed Yan Ze would regain his sight.
“It’s nothing serious. Wan’er made too much of it. When you’re old, what’s a cough? You must take care of yourself too. Wan’er says your eyes are almost healed—I’ve been waiting for that day. How is your father lately? What has he been doing?”
The Empress Dowager spoke with a smile, and Yan Ze replied, “Father has been working on alchemy these past few days. He just obtained an alchemical text. Don’t worry about me—I’ve grown used to it after all these years.”
These words pained both the Empress Dowager and Yue Ning. The Empress Dowager could only say, “Your father enjoys these things, which is fine, but those substances shouldn’t be taken internally. He should know the importance of this, right?”
Yan Ze smiled, “Please don’t worry. Father understands. A few days ago, he visited the palace and presented His Majesty with two ancient books about the Zhenlong chess formation. Father only pursues such leisurely interests now. Another day, I’ll have him come keep you company for a game of chess.”
The Empress Dowager was relieved, “His Majesty loves Go the most. When they were young, the brothers loved to compete in chess. I remember when the late Emperor had a unique copy of the Zhenlong chess formation book, saying whoever won could have it. In their final match, His Majesty barely won. Your father was so determined to improve that he took your maternal grandfather as his teacher, and that’s how he met your mother.” Recalling the past, the Empress Dowager smiled warmly. “That’s how their fate unfolded. Your mother was also quite skilled.”
Yi’an Princess Consort Zhang Lingxi was the daughter of the former Director of the Imperial Academy, Zhang Rucheng. Zhang Rucheng, a chess expert, took Prince Yi’an Yan Xiang as his disciple, which led to Yan Xiang meeting Zhang Rucheng’s precious daughter. Their later marriage became a beautiful story, though sadly Zhang Lingxi passed away too early.
Yan Ze nodded with a smile, then said, “Grandmother, you’re also an expert. When His Majesty was young, you taught him chess. His victory over Father was thanks to your teaching.”
The Empress Dowager’s smile deepened, “I’m old now. Since His Majesty ascended the throne, I haven’t given much thought to such pleasures. I can’t even beat Wan’er anymore. During those years, I worried first about the inner court, and then about state affairs. Later, seeing His Majesty could handle things, my energy faded. Now I’m even worse. In the first half of my life, I sought too much; in the latter half, life has become tasteless. I envy your whole family—your grandfather skilled in chess, your mother in medicine, and your father living freely and easily, all unconstrained by convention. Your temperament takes after them. Do you still want to travel?”
Yan Ze replied, “I’ve promised Ning’er I’ll take her to see the outside world.”
Yue Ning’s face reddened slightly, and the Empress Dowager laughed heartily, “Good, good, that’s exactly right…”
After chatting with the Empress Dowager for a while, it truly stirred her desire to play a game. For many years, few had mentioned the past to her. In those days, her chess skills weren’t inferior to the late Emperor’s. Having read many military texts since childhood, she applied strategies of power and influence to the chessboard. She hadn’t felt such interest in many years, and now the urge was hard to resist. However, since Yan Ze was blind, Yue Ning had to play on his behalf, announcing each move, while Yan Ze told her where to place the next piece. This made the game particularly interesting, and though Yan Ze couldn’t see, he could remember the entire game in his mind, amazing both the Empress Dowager and Yue Ning.
By the time they finished the game, night had fallen. Yan Ze and Yue Ning then took their leave. The Empress Dowager was in excellent spirits and, after they left, said, “Go to Chongzheng Hall and bring me those two ancient books that Prince Yi’an gave to the Emperor.”
Seeing the Empress Dowager’s happiness, Nurse Chen was overjoyed and hurried to fetch the books.
Just as Yan Ze and Yue Ning walked out of Shoukang Palace’s main gate, Yue Ning’s steps faltered because she saw Yan Sui. Yan Sui was returning from outside with Nurse Su and a young eunuch, his little face reddened from the cold. Yan Ze sensed something was wrong, “What is it?”
Yue Ning quickly said, “Nothing, we’ve met the Ninth Prince.”
Yue Ning looked at Yan Sui, and Yan Sui looked back at her, but there was no smile on his face—rather, he seemed somewhat guarded. Nurse Su apologetically said, “Greetings to the Young Master and Princess. The Ninth Prince just returned from studying with his tutor…”
Yue Ning smiled, “Quickly take His Highness inside, it’s too cold outside.”
Hearing this, Yan Sui walked past them into Shoukang Palace’s main gate without a sideways glance.
Yue Ning murmured, “Strange, the Ninth Prince is very close to Qin Wan but quite guarded with others.”
Yan Ze made no comment and continued walking, “Princess Yongci frequently visits Shoukang Palace and is probably good to the Ninth Prince, so he’s less guarded. I heard the Ninth Prince was present when Consort Jin’s incident occurred, probably related to that matter.”
Yue Ning sighed, “It is quite cruel, but it should get better after a few years. Children forget easily—last year he was barely five years old.”
But Yan Ze smiled, “Even at four or five, some things aren’t easily forgotten.”
Yue Ning’s eyebrows rose, but she didn’t pursue the topic, only saying, “Speaking of the past earlier made the Empress Dowager seem like a different person. These years her health has been unstable—she’s truly suffered. Third Brother, why don’t we visit the palace every few days to keep the Empress Dowager company? I noticed she enjoys talking about the past.”
Yan Ze nodded gently, “Yes, we should indeed spend more time with the Empress Dowager discussing old times…”
Yan Ze’s tone was profound. Yue Ning turned to look at him and saw that in the night, his face bore an unusually cold indifference, completely different from his usual gentleness. Yue Ning instinctively withdrew her hand, but Yan Ze caught it, asking with a smile, “What’s wrong?”
In just that moment of distraction, the smile on Yan Ze’s lips became genuine and warm again. Yue Ning almost thought she had seen wrong. She quickly smiled, “Nothing, my hair was just a bit messy.”
Yan Ze smiled, raising his hand to feel toward her ear. He tucked the loose strands by her cheek, his whole being gentle and careful, his jade-like face seeming to be bathed in moonlight. Yue Ning stared blankly for a moment, then lightly coughed and took his arm, walking step by step with him toward the palace exit.
Yue Ning first escorted Yan Ze back to Prince Yi’an’s mansion before leaving. When she reached the front of An Yang Marquis’s mansion, she saw a dark figure leaning against the wall outside. Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, first suspecting it might be someone with ill intentions, but after taking a few steps closer, she saw a face she hadn’t seen in a long time.
Wei Qizhi stepped out from the darkness, grinning, “Princess, it’s been a while—”
Yue Ning was momentarily stunned to see Wei Qizhi after several months. Wei Qizhi walked right up to her, and Yue Ning’s servants and attendants, who recognized him, naturally didn’t dare stop him. After disappearing for several months, Wei Qizhi seemed slightly darker and thinner, carrying an air of travel-worn weariness, especially on his face, which showed obvious fatigue. But his eyes were strikingly dark, and his smile was rough and bright—completely different from Yan Ze’s smile.
Yue Ning stared blankly, “You… why are you here?”
Wei Qizhi blinked, “Came to see Little Red Horse—”
Yue Ning’s mouth opened, wanting to say he clearly looked like he’d just returned to the capital, how could he be so eager to see Little Red Horse, but she suppressed this thought as soon as it arose. She looked Wei Qizhi up and down, raised her chin, and said decisively, “Want to go in and take a look?”
Wei Qizhi’s smile grew wider, “Good, glad I didn’t disturb you.”
Yue Ning scoffed inwardly but showed nothing on her face, turning to enter the mansion. Wei Qizhi quickly followed, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Yue Ning, “Where did you go so late?”
Yue Ning pressed her lips together, “Accompanied Third Brother to the palace.”
At the words “Third Brother,” Wei Qizhi’s faint smile faltered. He coughed, “Has the Young Master’s eye condition improved?”
Yue Ning shook her head, her tone sinking, “No.”
“Oh.” Wei Qizhi responded, took a deep breath, and launched into a lengthy account of his experiences traveling north…
As Yue Ning listened, her steps slowed, and unconsciously she walked side by side with Wei Qizhi. Looking at his face, she didn’t feel awkward or unfamiliar. Come to think of it, it had been quite a while since they’d last met…