Qin Wan leaned into Yan Chi’s embrace, her lips curving into a gentle smile. She wrapped her arms around his waist and whispered, “Now I too have a husband.”

Her soft voice caressed Yan Chi’s ear like a warm breeze, making his heart race. He held her even tighter and said, “The journey to Shuoxi will be long and treacherous through mountainous terrain. Who knows what challenges we’ll face? I hate to put you through such hardship.”

Qin Wan, still resting against his chest, laughed lightly and pushed him away. “We’re husband and wife now. Why speak of such things?” As she spoke, she adjusted the snow-dampened collar of his clothes. “Besides, I’ve already considered everything you mentioned.”

Yan Chi grabbed her hand. “Wan’wan—”

Qin Wan looked into his eyes with a smile. “What is it? Am I wrong? The situation is urgent now. You should focus your attention on what’s most crucial.”

Her words were meant to ease his worry about her overthinking things. Looking at her gentle smile, Yan Chi’s heart melted with warmth. He couldn’t help but lean down to kiss her lips and cheeks. “Even if the sky were falling, ensuring your peace of mind would still be my priority.”

Qin Wan smiled. “I understand. Once we leave the capital, I won’t worry.”

Yan Chi squeezed her hand. Though she hadn’t voiced her doubts, he felt compelled to explain. “The military report from Yingzhou was false.”

Qin Wan’s brows immediately furrowed. “False?”

Yan Chi nodded. “Half-true, half-false. The Northern Garrison Army did indeed mobilize, but not with twenty thousand troops. Five days ago, I received intelligence that they had dispatched about five thousand soldiers, divided into several routes heading south. These men were all in disguise, some taking official roads, others traveling by water, all to assist the Empress and Crown Prince. Cangzhou is already under Northern Garrison Army control. Zhao You didn’t want to take unnecessary risks. He sent troops south solely to ensure the Crown Prince and Empress’s safety.”

Qin Wan’s eyes widened, and after a moment she exhaled. “How did you… Then the Golden Feather Arrow was…”

The Golden Feather Arrow was reserved for urgent military reports, and falsifying such reports was considered treason.

Yan Chi smiled. “We were originally scheduled to leave tomorrow, but His Majesty couldn’t wait. I had everything arranged, but I’d anticipated possible complications, so I prepared this contingency. Not long after you entered the palace that night, I knew things had changed, which is why I sent urgent orders back.”

Though Qin Wan wasn’t anxious, Yan Chi wanted to explain everything that had happened that night to eliminate any doubts she might have.

Learning that Yan Chi had indeed made preparations in advance, Qin Wan couldn’t help but feel relieved. Yan Chi continued, “The Crown Prince and Empress have already left the capital. As for your sister, her body was found in a burned-down residence, completely unrecognizable…”

This was news to Qin Wan, who frowned upon hearing it. “How could this be?! My Eighth Sister truly loved the Crown Prince.”

Yan Chi soothingly rubbed her palm. “Don’t worry. This is most likely a ploy to shed her cocoon like a cicada.”

Qin Wan’s eyes lit up as she quickly responded, “You mean it’s staged?” Her eyes darted as she seemed to confirm something. “If Eighth Sister died in the capital, the Zhongyong Marquis Manor’s crimes would be lessened. Is that the idea?”

Yan Chi nodded with a smile and proceeded to explain how they had subdued and detained Zhao Yu. Qin Wan listened with growing amazement. Yan Chi continued, “During preparations, we considered what to do if His Majesty strictly forbade our departure. We planned for every gate, both inside and outside the palace. Linan is far from the frontier. Over the years, both the Imperial Guard and the Patrol Division have been controlled by noble families, with their sons serving in these positions regardless of distance. As a result, the city’s defenses have long since deteriorated.”

Qin Wan had noticed this clearly when she left and deeply resonated with this point.

Yan Chi paused briefly. “Before leaving, I first visited the Prince Gong’s Consort, then went to see Imperial Grandmother.”

Qin Wan stared at Yan Chi with wide eyes, and he explained, “We needed time, and the military report wasn’t foolproof. I made my intentions clear, and Prince Gong’s Consort said she would see His Majesty. By the time I met you, she should have already entered the palace…”

Qin Wan’s lips moved, but no words came out.

Though Prince Gong’s Manor was just outside the imperial city, for twenty years, his consort hadn’t stepped beyond its gates. Her last outing was for Prince Rui’s funeral. Now she had entered the palace for their sake. Qin Wan’s heart filled with mixed emotions of pity and sighs for Prince Gong’s Consort.

“Imperial Grandmother must have learned about the past events and His Majesty’s arrangements, which is why she told me to take you away.”

Speaking of the Empress Dowager, Qin Wan felt a bittersweet ache in her heart. Everything had happened so suddenly that she hadn’t even had a proper farewell, let alone seen the faces of the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess. She could hardly imagine what the capital would be like come dawn.

After Yan Chi finished, Qin Wan recounted what had happened after she entered the palace, thus completing their understanding of the entire sequence of events. Seeing that it was getting late, Yan Chi didn’t linger unnecessarily. Hot food and dishes were brought shortly after, but he only took a few bites before heading to the discussion tent. Given the dire situation, Qin Wan knew they had a long journey ahead. After eating, she rested on the low couch to preserve her energy. Yan Chi had said they would leave before dark, and they certainly would. She needed to be well-rested!