Qin Wan didn’t know what the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess discussed in the inner chamber, but soon after, the Grand Princess called them in. Upon entering, they saw both the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess looking pale. Seeing this, Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances, knowing they must have discussed much and likely understood how the situation was worsening.
The Grand Princess beckoned to Qin Wan, who walked over. Taking Qin Wan’s hand, she said, “Good child, the Empress Dowager’s health is poor. You must take extra care of her.”
Qin Wan immediately nodded, “Please rest assured, I will do my utmost.”
The Empress Dowager looked at Qin Wan and laughed softly, “Don’t instruct her so. She’s already doing her very best. I’m just old now, my body failing. Even if Wan’er is highly skilled, she can’t make a withered tree bloom in spring. Wan’er, don’t pressure yourself too much, just focus on the treatment!”
Qin Wan replied helplessly, “Empress Dowager, you mustn’t think that way! You must take your treatment seriously.”
The Empress Dowager smiled without saying much. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”
The Grand Princess sighed, “Sister-in-law, don’t concern yourself with court affairs anymore. At our age, we can’t manage the younger generation’s matters. Let them judge for themselves. Let’s take care of ourselves and live a few years longer. I still want to see Ning’er get married and Jia’er takes a wife, ah.”
Yue Jia was supposed to marry last year, but then the incident with Song Rou happened. Fortunately, Yue Ning and Yan Ze made a perfect match!
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager nodded, looking kindly at the young people before her. “Indeed, nothing compares to living a few more years.”
The Grand Princess looked at Qin Wan and said, “Let’s not discuss other matters first. Wan’er is about to marry soon. Let’s first give her a grand wedding send-off, then we’ll send off the others one by one. Yan Li isn’t young anymore; he should also arrange a marriage.”
Yan Li, who had been talking with Yan Sui, immediately smiled wryly upon hearing this. “Great-aunt, marriage is certainly necessary. When the time comes, you must help me choose carefully.”
Hearing this, both the Grand Princess and Empress Dowager laughed. If Yan Li had shown strong resistance, the Grand Princess might have lectured him, but unexpectedly, he agreed with everyone’s suggestion, leaving the Grand Princess with nothing more to say.
Yan Li blinked earnestly and said, “I’m serious! When the time comes, Grandmother and Great-aunt can choose a suitable princess consort for me together!”
The Grand Princess felt quite pleased and looked at the Empress Dowager. “Sister-in-law, did you hear that?”
The Empress Dowager nodded, though her expression showed fatigue. “Yes, yes, I heard…”
After keeping the Empress Dowager company for a while, seeing her energy truly depleted, they finally took their leave. The Grand Princess took Qin Wan along to leave the palace. Realizing she hadn’t visited the An Yang Marquis Manor for many days, Qin Wan joined them in heading to the manor. She shared a carriage with Yue Ning, inevitably asking about Yan Ze’s condition.
Yue Ning replied, “Third Brother has been fine lately, except he still can’t see. Ah, but Prince Yi’s leg injury has been acting up again. Master Sun has tried many methods, but can’t help that the weather is getting colder by the day, ah…”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed. “Find some time, I’ll examine Prince Yi. Acupuncture might work faster.”
Yue Ning brightened. “Why wait for another time? Let’s go right now, and you can check on Third Brother too?”
Qin Wan smiled slightly and nodded, “That would be good.”
With this arrangement, the carriage first went to the An Yang Marquis Manor. Qin Wan paid her respects to Lady Jiang, spent some time with the Grand Princess, and then she and Yue Ning headed to Prince Yi’s manor. The two princely mansions were very close, taking only the time of burning an incense stick to arrive. However, at the gate, the doorman said Yan Ze had gone out.
Qin Wan was startled, and Yue Ning hadn’t expected this either. “Who accompanied Third Brother out?”
The doorman, while inviting them in, replied, “Tan Xiang accompanied Young Master. Don’t worry, Your Graces.”
The weather was bitterly cold with cutting winds. Qin Wan and Yue Ning sat in the reception hall as usual. The servants dared not be negligent, but no one knew where Yan Ze had gone. After waiting for a while, Qin Wan suggested, “Why don’t we go see Prince Yi? Rather than waiting idly.”
Qin Wan was eager to see Yan Chi and didn’t want to waste time waiting.
Yue Ning nodded, “That’s fine…”
She called a servant to inform Prince Yi.
Qin Wan and Yue Ning were frequent visitors to Prince Yi’s manor, and Yue Ning was the future Princess Yi’s consort. The household servants already treated her as half a master. When Yue Ning gave instructions, the servants immediately complied. Soon, the servant returned saying, “The Prince is in his study. This way, Your Graces…”
Prince Yi was naturally easygoing. Though Qin Wan and Yue Ning visited often, they rarely saw him. Now that Prince Yi learned Qin Wan wanted to treat his illness, he was naturally delighted. Shortly after, the two arrived. Seeing the two young ladies arrive together, Prince Yi smiled kindly, “It’s enough that Ze’er troubles Yong Ci, and now I’m troubling you too. I feel quite embarrassed. Ning’er isn’t an outsider, so she must properly thank Yong Ci.”
Prince Yi used Qin Wan’s title with a very warm tone, and his words about Yue Ning not being an outsider made her cheeks flush slightly.
Qin Wan hurriedly said, “There’s no trouble at all. Yue Ning has mentioned Your Highness’s ailment several times, and the Empress Dowager is very concerned. Earlier, Master Sun also suggested that acupuncture might be more effective. I said then that if Your Highness’s condition didn’t improve, I would come to perform acupuncture.”
Hearing this, Prince Yi’s smile grew warmer. He ordered refreshments and specially prepared some flower tea from Lingnan for Qin Wan and Yue Ning. He had somewhat of a transcendent air about him and showed no airs at all, occasionally even joking with them. This put Qin Wan and Yue Ning at ease. After some conversation, Qin Wan checked Prince Yi’s pulse and asked about his condition. Prince Yi said, “It’s an old injury from many years ago, difficult to bear in winter. It’s better after winter passes. I’ve found several good doctors while traveling these past few years, but it seems this injury can’t be completely cured…”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, Your Highness’s injury is in the soft tendon of the knee joint. Once that area is injured, it can’t fully recover. The Imperial Physician who treated Your Highness back then was somewhat negligent.”
Prince Yi replied, “The Imperial Physicians can’t compare to your medical skill. They have to think too much before treating, unreliable.”
Yue Ning and Qin Wan laughed. Qin Wan had brought her needles, so she ordered strong alcohol to be boiled and asked Prince Yi to roll up his pants and lie on the lounging chair. Then she began the acupuncture. The process was rather long, with Yue Ning keeping company, occasionally glancing outside. Prince Yi, being very perceptive, said, “Ze’er probably went to pay respects to his mother. Her death anniversary passed not long ago, and he wanted to light forty-nine eternal lamps for her.”
Yue Ning felt somewhat embarrassed, but Prince Yi was quite teasing, “Ze’er isn’t very talkative. Fortunately, you two are compatible in temperament.”
Though Yan Ze was gentle as jade, he indeed wasn’t one to speak sweet words, and Yue Ning happened to not be the type of woman who needed to be pampered.
Yue Ning smiled, “Third Brother is most caring.”
Two incense sticks’ time later, Qin Wan finally finished the acupuncture. After removing the needles, Prince Yi touched his knee and said with some surprise, “It is much better. The pain has lessened, and it’s not as cold. It seems Master Sun spoke truly.”
Yue Ning immediately asked, “What did Master Sun say?”
Sun Muqing was a direct disciple of the Medicine King Valley, and he must have praised Qin Wan for Prince Yi to speak this way!
Yue Ning asked excitedly, proud of the association. Just as she finished speaking, a gentle voice came from the doorway, “Master Sun said Princess Yong Ci’s medical skills are excellent, especially her acupuncture technique which is extraordinary, very similar to his little junior sister!”
As soon as the voice sounded, everyone knew Yan Ze had returned. Qin Wan and Yue Ning turned around together and indeed saw Yan Ze.
However, when Yan Ze finished his last sentence, Qin Wan’s smile froze slightly.
Today, Yan Ze wasn’t wearing the medicinal bandage over his eyes. His eyes were clear, though still vacant, and his gaze fell behind where Qin Wan stood.
After her smile briefly froze, Qin Wan quickly composed herself. Even though Yan Ze couldn’t see now, she didn’t want to show any signs of disturbance.
Yue Ning asked, “Little junior sister? Master Sun’s little junior sister?”
Yue Ning’s eyes rolled thoughtfully. “I seem to have heard him mention her, the daughter of the former Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature, Shen Yi?”
Yue Ning didn’t know the details clearly, but when she asked, Yan Ze nodded. Seeing him standing alone at the door, she went forward and took his hand. “Third Brother, why were you gone so long? You mentioned earlier about lighting eternal lamps for the Princess Consort, and I said I would accompany you.”
Yan Ze smiled, “The weather is bad, it would be inconvenient for you to go out.”
Then Yan Ze added, “Father, the eternal lamps have been lit.”
Prince Yi nodded and made a sound of acknowledgment. However, Yue Ning thought of what happened ten years ago. Ten years ago, on a snowy day, she and Yan Ze went out and that’s when the incident happened. Thinking of this, her heart filled with both wariness and guilt…
“Today Yong Ci came specially to treat my leg, and it’s indeed much better after her acupuncture.”
Prince Yi said with a smile. Hearing this, Yan Ze also smiled, “The Princess’s medical skills are excellent, comparable to the disciples of Medicine King Valley.”
Prince Yi also said, “Indeed, what’s particularly remarkable is that Princess learned from the Second Master Qin, and in just a few short years. This shows the Princess’s extraordinary talent. If one day she could study at Medicine King Valley, she would surely become a great master of this age.”
Qin Wan hadn’t spoken for a while, and hearing this, she had to say, “To be honest with Your Highness, I do have such intentions. If I have the opportunity in the future, I will certainly go.”
After Prince Yi rested for a while, he tidied his clothes and rose to order dinner preparations. By now it was getting late, and Prince Yi intended to keep Qin Wan for dinner. Thinking of needing to see Yan Chi, Qin Wan had to decline, “To be honest, Your Highness, my uncle, and two cousins entered the palace yesterday and haven’t come out yet. Today I need to return to the Marquis Manor early. I can’t stay for dinner, but I’ll examine the Young Master’s eye condition, then I must go back.”
Common people might not know about palace matters, but the royal family members certainly did.
Prince Yi’s smile faded slightly, and he sighed, “That’s fine then, I won’t keep you. About your uncle’s matter, you can be at ease for now.”
Qin Wan understood Prince Yi’s meaning, and her heart eased slightly. Yan Ze then invited Qin Wan and Yue Ning to the reception hall. After checking his pulse, Qin Wan said, “Young Master’s pulse is normal, and the meridians around his eyes are much more active. There’s no need for more acupuncture.”
Yan Ze smiled, “Then it just needs the right opportunity. I’ll wait for that day.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Ze’s eyes with something unsaid but ultimately didn’t say anything more. After Yan Ze finished speaking, he gave a slight cough. Yue Ning immediately said, “What’s wrong, Third Brother? It’s so cold today, and your clothes are too thin!”
Yan Ze had gone out wearing a thin white wide-sleeved robe inside and a cloak outside. His complexion was naturally pale, and on this snowy day, he had an ice-jade bone appearance that made people feel cold just looking at him. Qin Wan looked Yan Ze up and down for a moment and advised, “Young Master, which temple did you visit today?”
Yan Ze smiled slightly, “Fahua Temple outside the city.”
Qin Wan sighed, “That’s quite far. Though Young Master is a man, you still need to be careful. If you catch a cold, it won’t be good for your eye condition.”
Yue Ning also said, “That’s right, Third Brother, your hands are like ice.”
Yan Ze smiled helplessly, “I know, I know. I’m back now, aren’t I?”
Qin Wan thought for a moment and asked, “Is it difficult to offer eternal lamps at Fahua Temple? I’d like to offer some for my parents too.”
Yan Ze replied gently, “It’s not difficult. All temples are the same—just donate more oil money. The abbot of Fahua Temple is an old acquaintance of my father. If you want to make offerings, just take our prince’s manor’s letter of introduction.”
Qin Wan smiled, “Did Young Master offer sutras?”
Yan Ze nodded, “Of course. I originally planned to hold several ceremonies, but since we did them a few days ago, we didn’t do more. I offered eternal lamps, dedicated several sutras, and asked the abbot to help consecrate some ritual implements.”
Hearing this, Yue Ning said, “Third Brother, next time you go to pay respects, you must take me along.”
Yan Ze smiled and nodded, and seeing this, Qin Wan took her leave.
It was already dusk when they left Prince Yi’s manor. Qin Wan ordered the carriage to head straight to Prince Rui’s manor and began to ponder.
Why did someone who had visited a temple not carry any incense fragrance?
For forty-nine eternal lamps, even without burning incense, the pine oil alone would leave a strong scent. Yan Ze’s cloak still carried frost and moisture, showing he hadn’t changed it, so why was there no temple scent at all?
Qin Wan rubbed her temples. Why would Yan Ze lie for no reason? Moreover, this wasn’t his only lie.
Thinking of Yue Ning, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed deeper. This capital was more complex than she had imagined. People here could never be judged by appearances. What roles did the seemingly carefree Prince Yi and Yan Ze play in all this?
When the carriage arrived at Prince Rui’s manor, Yan Chi had just returned. As Qin Wan entered, Yan Chi was meeting with two secret agents. Learning of Qin Wan’s arrival, he immediately dismissed them to welcome her. Qin Wan’s troubled thoughts finally settled upon seeing Yan Chi.
Entering the waterside pavilion, Qin Wan hurriedly asked, “Do you know what happened?”
Yan Chi nodded and spoke gravely, “First Kunning Palace caught fire, then the Eastern Palace. People on both sides panicked. The palace guards couldn’t let the fire spread throughout the palace. In the chaos, the Empress and Crown Prince seized their chance. They had communicated beforehand, though through unknown channels. After the incident, two shifts of palace guards at Xihua Gate had a mix-up. A cavalry officer gave the wrong token, and the Empress escaped during this window. That officer has since committed suicide.”
Qin Wan’s heart trembled. Lives had already been lost, and how many more would die for last night’s events at Kunning Palace and the Eastern Palace?
“The Loyal and Brave Marquis and your third and fourth brothers entered the palace and are temporarily confined in a secret room behind Chongzheng Hall. His Majesty hasn’t seen them yet. He’s probably just keeping them under control to see if Qin Chaoyu coordinated with them beforehand. The Emperor doesn’t need to question anyone now—he doesn’t trust anyone.”
Qin Wan recalled the scenes she’d witnessed in the streets. The patrol guards had noticeably increased. Due to the recent snowfall, there weren’t many people out, but a particularly severe atmosphere had spread throughout the city. She asked further, “Any news of the Empress’s whereabouts?”
Yan Chi shook his head. “The Empress must have prepared well. Once out of the palace gates, she vanished without a trace, like a mud ox entering the sea.”
The Empress certainly had prepared—how else would she dare take such a step with the Crown Prince? Lady Shen’s case was the best example.
Qin Wan sighed, “The Empress Dowager’s health is poor. After last night’s events, she coughed up blood. Yue Ning also said His Majesty has sent secret orders to the north and wants Foster Father to lead the Jinzhou garrison troops north. I guess it’s to prevent any northern disturbances.”
Yan Chi nodded, “Indeed. His Majesty probably didn’t expect the Empress to take this step, so he had no choice but to send the Jinzhou troops north.”
Jinzhou lay in Great Zhou’s south, northwest of the Two Lakes region. Though not a key defensive position, it could deploy northwest to control minority tribes west of Shu, or south to reinforce the naval forces. It was a precautionary arrangement. In the past decade, the Jinzhou garrison had participated in three campaigns against minority tribes and reinforced the southern naval forces twice, each time proving crucial. Whether dealing with Japanese pirates in the South Sea or northwestern minority tribes, these forces had been restless in recent years. Jinzhou’s flat terrain and prosperous commerce, along with its surrounding fertile fields and forests, made it excellent for military training. Though not a frontline force, the Jinzhou garrison couldn’t afford to relax. Now, the Emperor was deploying them north!
Everyone understood the Emperor’s fears. If matters truly developed to that point, all of Great Zhou would face tumultuous times.
Qin Wan felt deeply worried, but Yan Chi thought differently. When speaking of this news, his eyes gleamed like a restless leopard spotting potential prey. Qin Wan quickly realized that the Empress’s unexpected move had divided the Emperor’s attention, allowing the Northwest to ease its predicament.
“So what will His Majesty do now? He must know the Empress has discovered his secret!”
Speaking of this, Qin Wan still felt somewhat dazed, but Yan Chi had already calmly accepted this reality.
He held Qin Wan’s hand and said, “His Majesty won’t let the Empress and Crown Prince leave the capital no matter what. First, the Empress knows his secret. Second, if the Empress and Crown Prince reach the Northern Garrison Army, it will give them legitimate cause. Having a legitimate ruler is crucial for an army. Though the Crown Prince is somewhat inexperienced, the Empress is very far-sighted. With her and General Zhao, the Northern Garrison Army could achieve great things.”
Yan Chi’s words were full of worldly bloodshed, clearly something he was accustomed to. Such analysis even stirred the fighting spirit in his bones. Qin Wan had never seen a battlefield, but seeing Yan Chi’s eyes shine and his whole being become spirited and sharp, she felt a surge of heroic excitement. Yan Chi seemed born for the battlefield, and no matter how complex and dangerous future situations became, she had such a towering figure by her side!
The more dangerous the situation, the more suited it was for Yan Chi. If war broke out, he would be even more capable of achieving victory amid the chaos!
Qin Wan usually kept company with corpses and bones, never knowing what fear was. She thought she was already tough enough, but she never imagined that when truly facing such circumstances, she would discover a world she had never imagined or set foot in, and she would instinctively feel afraid. At this moment, she understood Yan Chi’s strength.
Compared to Yan Chi, who had been tempered by the fires of war, she was still too delicate.
Qin Wan gripped Yan Chi’s hand back. “Then what should we do?”
Last night, fear had filled Qin Wan’s eyes, and earlier they had been heavy with worry. But now they were full of trust and dependence. She looked spirited as if that trust had smoothed away her anxiety and fear. Yan Chi’s heart softened, and he pulled her into his embrace. “We… will watch from the sidelines. Let’s wait until after our wedding day. Before then, the Empress will naturally confront His Majesty.”
Outside was an icy snow-covered world with knife-like winds, but inside the waterside pavilion was as warm as spring. Qin Wan leaned softly against Yan Chi, anticipation flashing in her eyes.
“Only half a month left…”
Previously, Qin Wan had never yearned for her marriage. Even when she was betrothed as Princess Yong’s consort, she only felt confused and anxious. Marrying the royal family wasn’t a good thing, especially since her family didn’t need her to make such a sacrifice. After later changes, she had even less thought for it. But now, under the frost and sword-like circumstances, her heart grew somewhat eager. Even without the marriage ceremony, Yan Chi would treat her the same as always, but things would certainly be different after that day.
“Yes, only half a month left.” Yan Chi lowered his head and pecked Qin Wan’s cheek. “The Empress’s challenge came at a good time.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Without the Empress’s matter, the Northwest would still be His Majesty’s most pressing concern.
“The capital is neither too big nor too small. Where could the Empress be?”
Hearing this, Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. “The Empress must have prepared well. She should be able to get out. I just hope things go smoothly for her.”
Before Qin Wan could speak, Yan Chi’s expression suddenly turned serious. “Because if she can’t leave the capital, I’m afraid she’ll have to sacrifice us.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows. Yan Chi spoke slowly, “She was the one who told us to find Madam Qian…”
Hearing this, Qin Wan’s heart immediately sank! Yes, the Empress had told them to find Madam Qian!
Madam Qian’s words had been ambiguous. At the time, they hadn’t dared guess that the Emperor wasn’t the true Prince Luo, but they had known the Emperor was connected to Imperial Consort Jin’s death. If they followed that thread, they would naturally discover the true reason for Imperial Consort Jin’s murder. Whether or not they uncovered the real secret, as long as His Majesty knew they harbored suspicions, he likely wouldn’t spare them…
The Empress’s actions had temporarily relieved the Northwest’s predicament, but if she encountered difficulties herself, how could she forget about Yan Chi and Qin Wan?
When Qin Wan first went to see Madam Qian, she feared being used. Now it seemed that whether they would be used depended entirely on the Empress’s whim.
Qin Wan did admire the Empress, but such admiration made her fearful…
Because she understood that after the Empress had endured for so many years, at this moment, nothing could block her path north. At a crucial moment, what did it matter to use two stepping stones?
These past two days, Qin Wan had been preoccupied with the successive events, unable to see through the most dangerous stakes involved.
Now with Yan Chi’s reminder, she finally understood they were far from being able to rest easy.
Yan Chi stroked Qin Wan’s furrowed brow. “Don’t worry, the Empress won’t reveal these things now, because, for her, it’s not yet the final step.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi, who continued, “The Empress is proud and stubborn at her core. She has endured for many years for various reasons. Perhaps she won’t reveal the truth to the world at all. She is the Empress, Prince Luo’s consort, and Yan Che’s mother. She must defend many things, including the royal family’s dignity.”
But if the Empress exposed Qin Wan and Yan Chi, things would become even more uncontrollable. And if the world learned of this earth-shattering royal scandal, what would people think? Let alone common folk, even Qin Wan found it both absurd and terrifyingly horrific! Who could clearly explain the human ethics, taboos, good and evil, love and hatred involved? When royal secrets spread through the streets as storybooks, how could royal dignity stop the endless gossip of the world?
Moreover, there was Yan Zhen who had married into Northern Wei…
In front of Yan Chi, Qin Wan didn’t hide her confusion. “After the Fenglei Ridge incident, how did His Majesty conceal his identity?”
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. “I was thinking about this last night too, but recalling those events, it’s not so strange. They say when the Emperor was rescued then, he was severely injured all over. His face was burned, making him unrecognizable, but he had Prince Luo’s sword with him. The rescuers identified him by this sword. Later, the Emperor remained unconscious, and when he finally regained consciousness half a month later, he was already back in the capital. Prince Gong had been defeated, and the Fu clan had been completely executed. When he woke up, he probably hadn’t expected things to develop this way.”
When the severely injured Yan Han woke up unable to speak, how should he have chosen upon discovering he had been mistaken for someone else?
Correct his identity and die? Or go along with it to preserve his life?
No one is unafraid of death, especially in times when victory determines all. Someone who could commit treason for that position could naturally temporarily abandon their name to preserve it. But he probably hadn’t expected this to be a road without end. Once a person wears a mask for too long, is there ever a chance to remove it?