Sure enough, Madam Hu soon arrived at Pine Breeze Courtyard, accompanied by the ladies and young misses who had come to the Marquis’s mansion today. The grand procession came to see the bride. Madam Hu entered the inner chamber and smiled, “Prince Rui has arrived but must first accompany your Uncle and the others to receive guests. He’ll come at the auspicious hour. Are you hungry?”

Qin Wan shook her head. She knew today’s auspicious time was after mid-afternoon, and it wasn’t even noon yet – there was still a long wait. However, according to custom, she couldn’t eat now. Madam Hu glanced outside and said, “The ladies outside have heard that today’s bride is of legendary beauty, and all want to see you. I had no choice but to bring them. Don’t mind the commotion…”

While Qin Wan indeed disliked being surrounded and stared at, today was different. The crowded chamber felt festive and joyous.

Qin Wan smiled, “It’s fine, today is different from usual.”

Hearing this, Madam Hu felt relieved and welcomed the ladies and young misses, who all poured in. Qin Wan was somewhat familiar with most of them from palace banquets, so it wasn’t too awkward. Though everyone knew Qin Wan was beautiful, seeing her in her wedding attire made them realize what it truly meant to outshine all others. Amidst the continuous praise and compliments, Qin Wan spotted Peng Fanjin, the young miss from Duke Wei’s household.

Peng Fanjin had been staring at Qin Wan since entering. Seeing Qin Wan look her way, she smiled and stepped forward, “Congratulations, Princess…”

Peng Fanjin had been matched with Qin Ye before, and Duke Wei’s household had verbally agreed to the marriage with the Marquis’s household. But now with the Marquis’s household’s troubles, who knew what Duke Wei’s household would decide? Qin Wan pulled Peng Fanjin to sit beside her and said, “I haven’t seen you in so long. I had been planning to invite you over.”

Hearing Qin Wan’s words, Peng Fanjin smiled faintly, “Father hasn’t been well these past few days, so we haven’t been out much.”

Qin Wan couldn’t say much, only inquiring about Duke Wei’s health. Peng Fanjin answered, and being so close, couldn’t help but say, “Princess looks truly beautiful today. Only someone like you is worthy of Prince Rui.”

Peng Fanjin spoke very honestly, reminding Qin Wan of comments about Yan Chi she’d overheard from Peng Fanjin at the palace banquet.

Coming from a military family, Peng Fanjin deeply admired Yan Chi.

Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “Has the young miss seen my Third Brother today?”

At this question, Peng Fanjin started, her cheeks flushing, “Yes, but the Heir was busy, so we didn’t speak.”

Qin Wan patted Peng Fanjin’s hand, leaving it at that without saying more.

People came to Pine Breeze Courtyard in waves. As this was the Marquis household’s wedding, many noble and royal families attended. Though Qin Chaoyu’s incident had occurred, many officials not in court or in lower positions didn’t know about it. Thus, in everyone’s eyes, the Marquis’s household remained royal relatives, and Qin Wan especially was favored by the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess. The guests dared not show disrespect.

After seeing off the third wave of visitors, noting the late hour, Madam Hu had sweet tea and snacks brought for Qin Wan to eat a little, then had her makeup touched up. When all preparations were complete, they just waited for the auspicious hour. Most outsiders had left, and Madam Hu seemed tired, the joy on her face fading somewhat as worry clouded her features.

“Wan’er… though your marriage to Prince Rui today is certainly good, still…” Madam Hu couldn’t help but speak with concern, “Prince Rui’s status is noble… the Marquis’s household can’t protect you anymore. You must maintain unity with Prince Rui.”

Madam Hu seemed to know something, making Qin Wan frown, “Aunt Hu, about Eighth Sister’s matter…”

At these words, Madam Hu’s expression changed instantly, and she instinctively looked toward the door. Seeing no one around, she finally relaxed slightly, but her hands trembled as she held Qin Wan’s, “You… don’t worry… Yu’er, she…”

Madam Hu’s eyes reddened, but she forcefully held back her tears, “Your Uncle has submitted a memorial, asking His Majesty to remove the Marquis title from our household. If even this can’t protect the Qin family, then… then we have no other options.”

Qin Wan was shocked – she hadn’t known about this.

Qin Chaoyu had left the capital with the Crown Prince, and the north had already begun to rebel. The Crown Prince’s treason was almost certain, and Qin Chaoyu couldn’t possibly escape punishment. Now, voluntarily requesting to give up their title was a strategic retreat, but with Qin Chaoyu following the Crown Prince north, how could losing just a title be enough?

Madam Hu glanced outside again and lowered her voice, “Wan’er, don’t worry, your Uncle and I know what we’re doing.”

Madam Hu squeezed Qin Wan’s hand hard. Before Qin Wan could ask more, firecrackers suddenly went off outside. Madam Hu quickly stood and hurried to the door, returning shortly with a joyful expression, “It’s almost time. Wan’er, Prince Rui has come for you…”

Qin Wan’s heart stirred. Madam Hu called out, and Fuling entered with several wedding attendants. Some put on Qin Wan’s bridal veil while others adjusted her wedding dress. The attendants spoke auspicious words, and soon Fuling was supporting Qin Wan as she walked out. Leaving the inner chamber, though the veil completely blocked Qin Wan’s view, she could sense the courtyard was full of people, and among them, one gaze felt particularly sharp yet gentle.

Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat – she knew Yan Chi was right there, watching her!