While Yue Ning had taught Yan Sui with great tenderness and dared not be too harsh, Yan Chi was different. He could see Yan Sui’s genuine interest in martial arts, so each move he taught carried real killing intent. Chen Mama and Qin Wan watched from the side, somewhat alarmed, but Yan Sui remained completely focused.

Chen Mama said, “The Ninth Prince hasn’t let go of his dagger these past days, even developing blisters. It’s a pity the Empress Dowager is ill and thinks the Prince is too young, so she hasn’t found him a proper martial arts master. Otherwise, the Prince would likely be even more dedicated.”

Watching Yan Sui’s back, Qin Wan said, “Though His Highness is young, he’s not afraid of hardship. This is excellent.”

Chen Mama nodded with a smile. Meanwhile, Yan Chi handed his side dagger to Yan Sui. “Try with this blade…”

Seeing the sharp edge, Yan Sui’s pupils contracted slightly. Yan Chi looked down at him. “Afraid?”

Yan Sui pressed his lips together and grabbed Yan Chi’s dagger. Though both were short daggers, Yan Chi’s was twice the length of Yan Sui’s. Holding it, Yan Sui found it cold and heavy. Yan Chi glanced at him. “With this blade, attack me as I just taught you.”

Yan Sui’s eyes widened—this blade was sharpened!

Yan Chi watched Yan Sui leisurely. Yan Sui’s eyes darted as he understood—in Yan Chi’s eyes, he posed no threat, even with a sharp blade.

Yan Sui lowered his eyes, appearing dejected and fearful. Yan Chi raised an eyebrow and was about to step forward to teach more, but Yan Sui’s hand suddenly raised the dagger. A flash of sharp light passed as the blade swept past Yan Chi’s chest. Chen Mama gasped from afar, but Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. Yan Chi, after a brief surprise, easily dodged with a turn, his eyes showing traces of an ambiguous smile.

Though young, Yan Sui already showed strategic thinking, knowing he couldn’t match Yan Chi and thus leading with a feint.

If Yan Sui had been twenty years old, Yan Chi likely couldn’t have remained so casual.

Yan Sui wielded the heavier dagger with slashes and thrusts, his force more precise and angles trickier, but the gap with Yan Chi was too great. Every move was easily dodged. After several exchanges, Yan Sui’s eyes darkened, and after a few more rounds, he stopped, drenched in sweat.

“It’s no use. I’m not good enough yet…”

The gap was too vast—he had no hope of even touching Yan Chi’s clothes. Under these circumstances, practice seemed meaningless.

But Yan Chi stepped forward and took back his dagger, sheathing it. “You’ve improved greatly. In ten years, perhaps you could fight me.”

Yan Chi’s chin was slightly raised, but his eyes showed no contempt. Yan Sui looked up at him, and wiped the thin sweat from his forehead, his gaze growing more determined. He clenched his small fists. “I will practice hard!”

Yan Chi smiled, his eyes showing appreciation. “Having ambition at a young age is good.”

As Yan Chi’s lesson ended, he turned to look at Qin Wan, who walked over. Yan Sui looked at Yan Chi, then at Qin Wan, suddenly asking her, “Will you be married the day after tomorrow?”

Qin Wan smiled. “Yes, Your Highness, I’m getting married.”

Yan Sui thought for a moment, then grabbed Qin Wan’s hand. “Come with me.”

Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi before following Yan Sui to his quarters. At the entrance, Yan Sui released her hand and ran inside. Shortly after, he emerged holding a small paper kite. “I made this myself. It’s for you. When spring comes, it can fly.”

Yan Sui held the kite high, decorated with a pair of flying swallows. Qin Wan’s heart warmed at the sight. She crouched down. “Did Your Highness make this yourself?”

Yan Sui nodded. “I asked Chang Fu to teach me. He can’t do much else, but he knows how to make kites.”

Qin Wan took the kite, noticing its exquisite craftsmanship. She glanced at Yan Sui’s palms, seeing small cuts, clearly from the bamboo strips. Her heart ached for him. Yan Sui then said, “I’ll practice martial arts every day. In the future, I won’t let others bully you.”

Qin Wan felt her nose tingle with emotion. Looking at Yan Sui’s clear black-and-white eyes, she couldn’t help but embrace him. “Your Highness…”

Remembering Daoist Zhang’s words, Qin Wan felt her chest tighten. After a pause, she could only say, “Your Highness must take care of yourself. The court is now unstable. Besides the Empress Dowager, no one can protect you. You must stay close to her.”

Qin Wan’s tone was exceptionally heavy, making Yan Sui grip her sleeve tighter. She released him, her heart full of words she dared not speak.

After a moment, Yan Sui let go of her sleeve and nodded. “I understand.”

Qin Wan composed herself and stood up, patting Yan Sui’s head. When they returned to the courtyard, Yan Chi noticed the paper kite in Qin Wan’s hands. Chen Mama smiled, “Only the Ninth Prince would have such childish thoughts, giving the Princess a kite in deep winter. How could it fly now?”

Qin Wan smiled. “Winter will pass. His Highness is looking forward to spring. I like it very much.”

Chen Mama smiled silently and saw them out. Once outside Shou Kang Palace, Qin Wan stared at the kite pensively. Seeing her heavy thoughts, Yan Chi said, “Don’t worry, Yan Sui won’t be drawn into the chaos.”

As the Emperor’s son, this alone would ensure his safety. But Yan Sui was too young, and now with the Empress and Crown Prince planning to go north, and Yan Ze harboring different intentions, how could one so young protect himself if caught in the turmoil?

“Did Daoist Zhang give you my letter?”

At Qin Wan’s question, Yan Chi nodded. “I went to the Yi Prince Manor before entering the palace today.”

Qin Wan was surprised, thinking Yan Chi only knew about Yan Ze’s matters, not realizing he had already met with him. She turned to look at Yan Chi, who said, “The Yi Princess Consort’s death years ago was indeed suspicious. All these years, Third Brother and Uncle must have been investigating. Initially, they surely didn’t know His Majesty’s secret, but later…” After a pause, Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. “They confirmed it when the Jin Prince’s case emerged last year.”

Qin Wan’s steps faltered. “You mean… Li Mu Yun…”

Li Mu Yun and Ning Bu Yi’s experiences were very similar. If Ning Bu Yi was Yan Ze’s arrangement, what about Li Mu Yun?

Qin Wan had considered this, but Yan Chi’s words now confirmed her suspicions.

She had never understood why Li Mu Yun submitted that memorial, but what if it was just a test? Using Shen Yi to test the Emperor?

In the end, the Jin Prince’s suicide and the execution of Shen Yi’s clan were the best proof.

Qin Wan’s steps became extremely slow, and a breath caught in her chest that she couldn’t release…

“Wan’er…” With no one around, Yan Chi grabbed Qin Wan’s hand. “All reasons are now clear. Whatever we do from now on, we’ll have no guilt toward anyone.”

After a long moment, Qin Wan took a deep breath, nodded, and softly answered, “Mm.”

Yan Chi gripped Qin Wan’s hand tightly. “His Majesty is already aware of the changes in Shuo Xi. I guess he’ll move against me soon. I’ve made arrangements—on the twelfth of the last month, we’ll leave the capital under the pretense of paying respects to my father and mother at Qi Wu Mountain…”

The tenth was their wedding day. According to custom, they would enter the palace on the eleventh to pay respects and give thanks, and on the twelfth, they should pay respects to their deceased parents. With both Qin Wan and Yan Chi’s parents gone, and this being a grand wedding, visiting the imperial tombs was appropriate.

Qin Wan gripped Yan Chi’s hand back and nodded. “Alright.”

Even if the Emperor knew about the Shuo Xi situation, Yan Chi was far from the capital and unconnected to it. Without evidence in hand, the Emperor needed a pretext to punish Yan Chi, and naturally, Yan Chi had to leave the capital before that. Once outside the capital, the Emperor’s power would no longer be absolute.

Outside the palace gates, the Qin family’s carriage still waited. Qin Wan boarded, with Yan Chi accompanying at the side. The carriage only stopped at the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor’s entrance. Yan Chi didn’t dismount. After Qin Wan alighted, Yan Chi gave her a reassuring look, and only after she nodded did he ride away.

With this parting, they wouldn’t meet again until their wedding on the tenth. Thinking of the impending marriage, and how afterward they would walk a path similar to the Empress’s, Qin Wan couldn’t help feeling nervous and heavy-hearted. Taking a deep breath, she turned and entered the Marquis Manor.

The manor was now decorated with lanterns and festive decorations, a scene of celebration. Everywhere Qin Wan looked, servants were busily working. Because of her marriage, the dark cloud that had hung over the manor for days had been swept away. Qin Wan could see that everyone’s joy was genuine and heartfelt.

She went to the main courtyard, where Madam Hu was checking the guest list with Mama Yu. Madam Hu’s condition had improved, and she was now forcing herself to manage the preparations. Qin Chao Yu was still missing, but Madam Hu seemed to think no news was the best news and had finally shown some spirit these past days.

Qin Wan helped Madam Hu for a while. By evening, Qin Shuang had returned early from the Xue Manor. Though already married, she would attend as part of Qin Wan’s maiden family to send her off. The family gathered for dinner that evening. Though the atmosphere was somewhat heavy, Qin Shu made an effort to give Qin Wan much advice. After dinner, Qin Shuang accompanied Qin Wan back to Pine Wind Court. That night, the sisters shared a bed, with Qin Shuang continuously expressing her hopes for Qin Wan’s married life, while Qin Wan’s thoughts went beyond these matters. They talked until late before sleeping, and the next day brought another busy day.

Though Meng Yao and Yue Ning had already sent their wedding gifts to Qin Wan, they still arrived early that day.

As the young ladies gathered, looking at the red wedding characters decorating the room, Qin Wan finally felt a surreal sense that she was getting married.

“I won’t come over early tomorrow. I’ll wait for you at the Rui Prince Manor. Grandmother will be there to preside over your wedding, and I must accompany her,” said Yue Ning.

Meng Yao smiled, “I’ll still come tomorrow. Shuang’er and I will send you off.”

As they chatted and laughed, Qin Wan looked at Yue Ning with concern. Yue Ning didn’t know what kind of person Yan Ze was. If she found out one day, would she still admire him as she did now? Qin Wan shook her head inwardly. Yue Ning’s nature was even more unyielding and intense—she likely wouldn’t tolerate Yan Ze’s evil deeds.

Perhaps Qin Wan’s expression was too hesitant, as Yue Ning noticed something amiss. Soon after, when Qin Shuang and Meng Yao left to look at Qin Wan’s dowry, Yue Ning lingered behind and touched Qin Wan’s shoulder. “What’s wrong? Tomorrow is your wedding day, yet today you seem so preoccupied?”

Qin Wan shook her head. “Nothing, just thinking about many things. By the way, how are things between you and the Crown Prince?”

Qin Wan asked casually, but Yue Ning’s brows furrowed slightly. “Third Brother has been busy these past days with the matter of casting the golden Buddha for the Princess Consort. And… I have an inexplicable feeling that Third Brother needs me less and less. It’s different from when he first returned… Perhaps I’m being too sensitive.”

Qin Wan felt words reach the tip of her tongue, but finally swallowed them back. “Once His Highness’s eyes recover, he naturally won’t need to rely on others as before.”

Yue Ning smiled. “That’s a good thing! But Third Brother’s eyes aren’t better yet!”

Qin Wan’s steps faltered. “Yue Ning… His Highness’s eye condition will eventually improve. You needn’t blame yourself so much.”

Yue Ning laughed ruefully. “But Third Brother has been blind for so many years… These were the best years of his life, yet his eyes couldn’t see because of me. I can’t forget this just because his eyes might see again later. Ah, don’t worry, I’m not as hard on myself as you think. Isn’t everything fine now? I will be Third Brother’s wife in the future—taking care of him is what I should do.”

Yue Ning spoke calmly, clearly having made up her mind long ago, but Qin Wan felt very uneasy.

Yan Ze had pretended for so long and had been scheming from such an early time—were his feelings for Yue Ning genuine or false?

They had grown up together, and Qin Wan couldn’t believe Yan Ze was so heartless as to disregard Yue Ning completely. But what if Yue Ning discovered she had never truly known Yan Ze?

In this world, marriage could determine a woman’s happiness or suffering for the rest of her life. Qin Wan didn’t want Yue Ning to regret after marriage.

But she didn’t know how to say this…

“Do you think you know him well enough?”

At Qin Wan’s question, Yue Ning looked puzzled. “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts about marrying Yan Chi?”

Qin Wan smiled bitterly. “It’s not about me, I’m worried about you…”

“Alright, you don’t need to worry about me. My third Brother has played with me since childhood. I have a Grandmother, Father, and Mother. If Third Brother dares treat me poorly even slightly, would Grandmother spare him? You’re worried about me, but I’m worried about you too. Your eldest uncle and aunt are probably concerned about Eighth Sister now. After you marry… ah…”

Only a close friend like Yue Ning would think of such terrible possibilities. Hearing this, Qin Wan felt even more bitter. After a long moment, she finally gathered her resolve and said, “What if… the Crown Prince is different from what you imagine, or rather, what if he has hidden many things from you?”

At this point, even someone as straightforward as Yue Ning sensed something wrong.

She frowned. “What is it? Has something happened that I don’t know about?”

Qin Wan grabbed Yue Ning’s hand, her expression growing serious. “The Crown Prince did indeed grow up with you, and he does care for you. I won’t force you to change your feelings for him, whether they’re admiration or guilt. But he will be your husband—if I don’t warn you now, I fear it will be too late…”

Qin Wan’s words were very heavy. Yue Ning’s expression also turned serious. “What exactly is wrong?”

Qin Wan gripped Yue Ning’s hand slightly harder, speaking almost word by word. “He… is not as uninvolved as he appears. The Yi Princess Consort’s death was suspicious, and he has been investigating all these years, doing many things that cannot see the light of day. I won’t judge his good or evil, but Yue Ning, from now on, you must open your eyes and examine this person carefully. If you learn everything and still insist on protecting him and marrying him, I’ll say no more. But you shouldn’t become the Yi Crown Princess without knowing anything.”

Yue Ning held her breath for a moment. If Qin Wan’s earlier hints were exploratory, this speech had placed Yan Ze in an unmistakably negative light. After knowing each other for so long, this was the first time Qin Wan had given her such a serious warning.

Yue Ning remembered these words, her heart first filling with confusion, then a belated sense of coldness.

She wasn’t a fool. As she repeatedly pondered Qin Wan’s words, some deliberately overlooked details also surfaced in her mind.

Yue Ning pressed her lips together, looking at Qin Wan’s worried gaze, and nodded firmly.