The sky was fully bright, and Qin Wan’s preparations were complete. Meng Yao and Qin Shuang sat with her in her chambers, while the sounds of commotion could be faintly heard from the courtyard outside.
Meng Yao smiled, “When I arrived earlier, many guests had already gathered in the courtyard. The Marquis, the Heir, and the Fourth Young Master were greeting them. My father came to the Marquis’s mansion this morning and will go to Prince Rui’s residence in the afternoon. After I see you into the bridal sedan, I’ll return home…”
Qin Shuang laughed, “That’s not a concern – we can visit her at Prince Rui’s residence another day. Come to think of it, I haven’t been there yet.”
Qin Wan’s smile faltered slightly. What Qin Shuang suggested would normally be quite natural, but now it wouldn’t be possible.
Meng Yao smiled, “Qin Wan will have just entered the prince’s household. We should wait a while before visiting, or Prince Rui might not appreciate our intrusion.”
Qin Shuang giggled upon hearing this, “Newlyweds are like honey and oil mixed – that makes sense.”
Not wanting them to continue teasing her, Qin Wan asked Meng Yao, “Is your father still arranging matches for you?”
Meng Yao sighed at the question, “Indeed he is, but it’s not so simple. Father is quite particular.”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. Earlier, Madam Hu had thought well of Meng Yao, but now with Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu’s incident, the Marquis’s household had fallen dramatically in status. Given this, Qin Wan was unwilling to act as a matchmaker for Meng Yao. Shaking her head, she said, “Don’t worry, with your character and beauty, you’ll find someone suitable. Minister Meng is deeply learned, so naturally, his standards for a son-in-law are high. Just be patient – it’s better to look longer than to marry the wrong person.”
Qin Shuang agreed, “Yes, yes, exactly that. You absolutely must not marry the wrong person.”
Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang with some concern, “Don’t just talk about Meng Yao – you need to be more careful yourself. Though Brother-in-law Xue dotes on you, don’t become spoiled. Also… now that the Marquis’s household has had trouble, you should visit less frequently.”
Qin Shuang clicked her tongue, “What… what do you mean by that… Am I that kind of person?”
Qin Wan smiled wryly, “Can you help the Marquis’s household? Since you can’t, don’t let this matter affect you and your family. If you remain secure, perhaps you can help when real difficulties arise. Why wade into these troubled waters now?”
Meng Yao, who knew something of the situation, nodded, “Qin Wan is right. Though these words might sound harsh, they’re very sensible.”
The complex political situation in the capital couldn’t be fully explained to Qin Shuang. Seeing them both speak this way, she scratched her head, “Well… I don’t know what happened, and neither does Qingshan. But since you both say so, I’ll do as you say. Come to think of it, Qingshan and I don’t understand these matters. After you marry into the prince’s household, please let me know if anything happens…”
Qin Wan smiled bitterly – not only could she not do this, but she might have to bring trouble to the Marquis’s household and Qin Shuang one more time.
“It’s fine if you don’t understand. Just ask your brother-in-law – he’ll surely understand.”
Qin Shuang’s cheeks reddened, her eyes bright and sparkling, “Really? He… his position isn’t high, can he understand all these complexities?”
Qin Wan nodded with a smile, and Qin Shuang became both proud and excited, seeming even happier than if she had received the praise herself.
Qin Wan looked from side to side, then grasped both their hands tightly, “Once I marry into the prince’s household, my status will be different. Others see me becoming a princess, but Meng Yao should know that becoming a royal relative brings easy glory but also easy trouble. So if anything happens to me in the future, take care of yourselves.”
Qin Shuang frowned, “Tut tut, you shouldn’t say such things – today is a joyous occasion!”
Meng Yao furrowed her brows, “Why… why are you suddenly talking about such things?”
Qin Wan smiled, her expression serene, “The capital has been unstable lately. I’m just speaking casually.”
Meng Yao and Qin Shuang exchanged helpless glances. Qin Shuang said, “With Prince Rui there, why worry about such things?”
Meng Yao also nodded in agreement, while Qin Wan sighed inwardly but felt she couldn’t say more.
As the three sisters were talking, suddenly a great commotion arose outside. Soon, Fuling ran in hurriedly, “Miss! Prince Rui has arrived! The wedding procession has arrived! They’ve entered the gate! The Heir and Fourth Young Master are blocking the door right now!”
At these words, Qin Wan froze, while Qin Shuang and Meng Yao immediately stood up.
“Ah! He’s here already! Can Third Brother and Fourth Brother stop Prince Rui?”
Qin Shuang looked eager as if she wanted to rush out and see how Yan Chi was being blocked. Hearing this, Fuling smiled, “Today Prince Rui wouldn’t dare force his way in. Right now, the Heir is making him compose poetry…”
Qin Wan, who had been feeling somewhat dazed, laughed upon hearing this. Yan Chi, composing poetry?!
Seeing Qin Wan sitting still, Fuling hurriedly said, “Miss, we need to prepare. Madam will be here soon.”
Madam Hu had been receiving guests in the front courtyard, but at the auspicious hour, she would come to send her off. Qin Wan stood up, momentarily forgetting what she should do. Her heart began beating faster and faster – never had she felt such an urgent desire to see Yan Chi…