In the evening, while attending to Qin Wan’s bath, Fu Ling spoke softly, “Princess Consort, that Lady Lu must be quite old now, why hasn’t she married?”
Tired from days of travel, Qin Wan lay against the edge of the bathtub with her eyes half-closed while Fu Ling massaged her shoulders.
Hearing this, Qin Wan opened her dewy eyes, “I don’t know either, there must be some reason behind it.”
Fu Ling blinked and unconsciously asked, “Why wouldn’t she marry? Could she have some hidden ailment?”
Qin Wan felt somewhat helpless, though she understood Fu Ling’s thoughts reflected common social views. In Great Zhou’s customs, girls could be betrothed at fourteen or fifteen, with marriage at that age being common. Marrying at sixteen or seventeen wasn’t considered late, while eighteen or nineteen was slightly delayed. If a woman remained unmarried after twenty, she would face criticism. Yet this Aunt Lu remained unmarried approaching forty – one could only imagine the gossip she had endured.
However, according to Yan Chi, this woman had a spirit rivaling any man’s. Qin Wan felt her unmarried status must have uncommon reasons.
“Don’t speak nonsense. Though the Second Young Lady is a woman, she’s now the head of the Lu family in Lan Province, which shows her capability. If she wanted to take in a son-in-law, how could she not succeed? These many years, there must be some reason she abandoned such thoughts. Outsiders may gossip, but you must not speak carelessly.”
Fu Ling shrank her neck and hurriedly said, “Yes, I understand… I was just speaking privately with you.”
Qin Wan closed her eyes again, and Fu Ling continued, “Miss, Elderly Maids Deng and Huang seem quite stern. What are they here to do? To observe you? Or is Lady Lu trying to show her authority?”
Qin Wan replied lazily, “As long as they don’t overstep, we’ll treat them with proper courtesy. They are Lu family people after all.”
Fu Ling made an “oh” sound, looking somewhat dejected, “I’m afraid just looking at them.”
Qin Wan couldn’t help but laugh and sigh. They were from the Lu family of Lan Province after all. Though Elderly Maids Deng and Huang seemed somewhat unfriendly, after tonight’s interaction, they were indeed impeccable in their conduct. Coming from a great noble family, they were naturally different from ordinary servants. No wonder Fu Ling was intimidated by their presence.
“Feeling inadequate? Never mind Elderly Maid Huang, but Elderly Maid Deng is the Lu family’s etiquette instructor who teaches even their young ladies, let alone a little maid like you.” After a pause, Qin Wan continued, “You may not know much about the Lu family of Lan Province. Their history dates back to the previous dynasty. Then, the Lu family was far more prestigious than today’s Duke’s households. From their family alone came three Prime Ministers and five Empresses – what glory that was! Later, as the previous dynasty’s emperor grew corrupt and declined, the Lu family fell from favor. Their family had made a decisive choice to withdraw from court and early on led the clan to migrate to Lan Province. Not long after, the previous dynasty indeed fell. After Great Zhou’s establishment, the new emperor thrice invited the then-Lu family head to court, offering high positions, but they refused. Over two hundred years, the nobles in Lin’an City have changed many times, and those marquis and duke households who had merit in establishing the dynasty have risen and fallen, mostly vanishing. Only the Lu family still maintains their noble reputation in Lan Province. If the Lu family hadn’t forbidden their descendants from entering official service, they might be far more prestigious than even the Bai family of Yi Province.”
As Qin Wan spoke slowly, Fu Ling’s mouth fell open, “Three Prime Ministers and five Empresses?”
Among Great Zhou’s nobility, no single clan had produced five empresses. The Zhao clan of the Grand General’s Manor had achieved tremendous prestige just from producing one empress. If any clan had produced five empresses, wouldn’t that make them as noble as the imperial family?!
Learning this, Fu Ling began to view the Lu family as an extremely formidable clan, immediately developing a sense of awe toward Elderly Maids Deng and Huang. Thinking of the yet-unseen Aunt Lu, Fu Ling felt anxious, “Princess Consort, if this Lady Lu… if she’s truly such a formidable character, might she harbor ill intentions toward us?”
Qin Wan laughed at this, “Someone capable of shouldering the responsibility of heading a great family surely won’t be unreasonable.”
Despite her words, Qin Wan felt somewhat uncertain, after all, both Elderly Maids Deng and Huang – one shrewd, one stern and rigid – were not easy to deal with.
Noticing Fu Ling’s fear, Qin Wan turned around and said, “Enough, don’t think too much. These days with the two elderly maids following us, you needn’t be so fearful and cautious. Elderly Maid Deng is capable – if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask her. If she’s willing to explain, that’s good; if she’s unwilling or discourteous to you, just tell me.”
Fu Ling’s lips drooped, “I can see you’re using me as a scout…”
Qin Wan laughed. Having soaked for so long, she was feeling drowsy and called Fu Ling to help her dress. Coming out of the bathroom, she saw Yan Chi returning from outside with a somewhat grave expression. He had gone out earlier to meet someone, though Qin Wan didn’t know who, but judging from his expression upon return, things hadn’t gone smoothly.
“How was it? Not successful?”
Qin Wan welcomed Yan Chi in and poured him hot tea. Hearing her question, Yan Chi gave a slight smile, “It wasn’t unsuccessful, everything was within expectations.”
Then he said, “Since you’ve bathed, go lie down. I’m quite cold.”
Qin Wan didn’t think much of it, but Yan Chi insisted Fu Ling take her to the inner chamber while he went to bathe.
Qin Wan had no choice but to lie down first. Soon after, Yan Chi changed into his inner clothes and came to the inner chamber.
After extinguishing the candles, Yan Chi lifted the brocade covers and got into bed, immediately drawing Qin Wan into his embrace. By now the cold had left his body, and his firm, broad chest was warm. Qin Wan curled up entirely in his embrace, and soon Yan Chi’s breathing became irregular.
During their journey south, Yan Chi and Qin Wan rarely stopped, and thus Yan Chi had been very restrained, sometimes only finding release with her hand. But tonight, Yan Chi’s desires were hard to suppress. They were newlyweds, and it was Yan Chi’s first experience of intimacy. Once aroused, his passion was difficult to control. His hand slipped under Qin Wan’s lower garments, and she let out a soft moan, “We still have to travel tomorrow…”
Yan Chi rolled over, pinning Qin Wan beneath him, “We’ll stay here tomorrow.”
Qin Wan opened her eyes wide, looking at Yan Chi’s shadowy features, “Why?”
Yan Chi lowered his head, mumbling something unclear before kissing her. Qin Wan wanted to ask more, but her consciousness was quickly swept away by Yan Chi, and she could no longer form questions. Having restrained himself for three or four days, Yan Chi’s passion was particularly fierce. In moments, Qin Wan’s clothes were removed, and Yan Chi kissed her until she was dizzy. Her heart also began to fill with desire. Seeing her flushed cheeks and moist eyes clinging to him more tightly, Yan Chi pressed down deeply.
Outside the window was bitter winter, but inside the bed curtains were passionate sighs. Their intimate union lasted until midnight before they finally fell asleep.
Because Yan Chi had been so fierce the previous night, Qin Wan didn’t wake until well into the next day. Since they didn’t need to travel today, she had relaxed her usual routine and hadn’t risen at her usual time. Seeing how late it was, she was startled and called Fu Ling and the others to attend her.
“Why didn’t you wake me? It’s almost noon.”
Fu Ling covered her mouth and smiled, while helping Qin Wan dress, “His Highness ordered us not to wake the Princess Consort when he left.”
As she spoke, she noticed the intimate marks on Qin Wan’s body. After a month, Fu Ling had finally grown accustomed to this. She prepared hot water for Qin Wan to wash and bathe. Though Qin Wan wasn’t particularly pampered, she was in her prime years, with skin as smooth and delicate as frost and snow, making even Fu Ling feel delighted just looking at it. Nowadays, whenever she saw the marks on her body, Fu Ling would silently reproach Yan Chi, though she dared not speak it aloud, only becoming more attentive in caring for Qin Wan. By the time they finished preparing and left the inner chamber, the sun had climbed even higher.
Yan Chi had already gone out, with no word of when he’d return, so Qin Wan had breakfast alone.
The weather south of the Yan River wasn’t as severe as in Lin’an, and with today’s sunshine, it felt particularly warm. After breakfast, Qin Wan wanted to walk in the courtyard. Though this residence wasn’t large, it had an exquisite central courtyard. Walking out, Qin Wan saw several pots of orchids blooming beautifully in the courtyard.
Seeing Qin Wan’s interest, Xun Niang said, “This courtyard was part of the previous Princess Consort’s dowry. Back then, her dowry was extensive, with properties throughout Great Zhou. These properties have been maintained over the years. The caretaker here used to be a gardener, which is why these orchids are so well-tended.”
In the bitter winter, several pots of noble orchids remained emerald green, their half-opened buds fragrant and rich – the work of a skilled gardener.
Qin Wan smiled, “We kept some orchids in the manor before, but none as well-maintained as these.”
While Qin Wan and Xun Niang chatted warmly in front, Elderly Maids Deng and Huang followed behind without joining the conversation. After walking outside for a while, seeing Yan Chi hadn’t returned, Qin Wan grew somewhat worried. Noticing this, Fu Ling said, “It’s still early, His Highness doesn’t usually return this early. Would the Princess Consort like to wait in the warm room?”
Qin Wan had no plans to go out. Given the current tense situation, she didn’t want to cause any trouble for Yan Chi.
Nodding, Qin Wan entered the warm room and found a medical text to read. The journey south had been dull, but Yan Chi had requested medical books at every stop, and they had indeed found several ancient volumes. Fu Ling brewed tea while Qin Wan spent the entire afternoon absorbed in reading.
Today, Elderly Maids Deng and Huang were less talkative, though they remained close by wherever Qin Wan went. While she read in the warm room, Fu Ling came in and whispered, “Elderly Maids Deng and Huang are waiting outside. They won’t go rest even when told to.”
Qin Wan glanced at the doorway and smiled, “It’s fine, let them do as they wish.”
Yan Chi didn’t return until dusk, with Fan Xin and Bai Feng showing pleased expressions. After entering the warm room, Qin Wan rose to help Yan Chi change, asking, “Did things go well today?”
Yan Chi nodded, and after sitting down said, “Yan Province has received the imperial edict. The person I met yesterday was the current Commander-in-Chief of Yan Province, an old acquaintance of my father. Having just received the edict, he was very anxious yesterday and wouldn’t agree to my proposal. I gave him a night to consider, and today he finally gave his answer.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled, “That’s good, though Yan Province isn’t particularly close to Xi Province.”
Yan Chi smiled, “I merely asked him to keep his troops stationary.”
Seeing Qin Wan’s questioning look, Yan Chi explained, “The Jin Province troops have already followed the Marquis of An Yang north. Now in the south, only Qian Province, Jian Province, and Yan Province have significant military forces. Yan Province is the northernmost, and the Emperor is likely to dispatch their troops north, which would leave the south empty.”
As Qin Wan frowned, Yan Chi continued, “These southern strongholds aren’t heavily garrisoned without reason. The southwestern minority tribes are restless, never truly submitting to Great Zhou, and the pirates in the Eastern Sea can’t be underestimated. The Emperor must be furious now and might overlook these threats. If he moves southern forces north, the south will be defenseless. Once the southwestern tribes attack en masse, it will be too late to save the situation. Additionally, I don’t want the court to gather heavy forces to attack Xi Province westward, so stabilizing the southern garrisons is crucial. Though the Empress and Crown Prince are heading north under accusations of treason, with the Northern Prefecture Army plus the Xi Province forces, the outcome is uncertain. These subordinates aren’t foolish and naturally maintain a wait-and-see attitude.”
Qin Wan’s heart warmed at these words. Even now, Yan Chi was considering the bigger picture. Though he had personal motives, this alone showed his loyalty surpassed others. “The Emperor is already strained dealing with the north. If we can convince the southern garrisons to remain still, will Xi Province be safe?”
Yan Chi smiled, “Exactly. Few would dare raise armies against heaven’s will. These men all have families, and I don’t wish to coerce them. Finding a reason to keep troops stationed is much simpler. Though it might still be considered defying the Emperor, these people are currently afraid of war.”
Qin Wan’s eyes darkened, “We don’t know the northern situation yet. Will Great Zhou truly fragment?”
Born a Zhou citizen, this sense of belonging to her homeland made her worried. No one wanted to see their motherland engulfed in war. Though she had Yan Chi’s protection, thinking of the coming chaos and civilian suffering made her heartache.
Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan onto his lap, “Chaos is inevitable, though I don’t know how far the Northern Prefecture Army can go.”
Leaning on Yan Chi’s shoulder, Qin Wan said, “The Empress has endured for twenty years. She won’t give up easily now. If fighting breaks out in the north first, Xi Province might have some peace.”
Yan Chi frowned, “Not necessarily.”
Seeing Qin Wan’s questioning look, he worriedly said, “The Rong people will likely attack after the new year. Then Xi Province will face attacks from both sides.”
Qin Wan felt a belated shock. Though she hadn’t experienced Xi Province’s warfare, she knew of the crisscrossing scars on Yan Chi’s body, each mark left by Rong’s blades. The Rong people’s ferocity was legendary. If they attacked while the court sent heavy forces west, Xi Province would truly be caught between two enemies.
“If that happens, what should we do?” Qin Wan worried, knowing little of military matters and unable to help Yan Chi.
Yan Chi held her hand and said, “The court’s forces aren’t concerning. Once we reach Xi Province, we’ll defeat the Rong people first.”
Qin Wan had thought Yan Chi’s journey south was focused on Jian Province, but his considerations were more comprehensive than she’d imagined. That night, Yan Chi received several letters from Xi Province. Though Qin Wan didn’t know their contents, Yan Chi’s frown deepened after reading them.
Seeing Qin Wan’s concern, Yan Chi beckoned, “Wan Wan, come here.”
As she approached, he handed her the letters one by one, “Read these.”
Though Qin Wan hadn’t intended to inquire about Xi Province’s military affairs, seeing Yan Chi’s gesture, she opened and read them. After finishing, her brows were also furrowed.
The letters reported that the Marquis of An Yang’s heir, Yue Jia, had resigned his post and returned to the capital, while Lin Xugui seemed to have received news from the capital and begun extensively arresting wavering commanders in the Xi Province army, intending to thoroughly disrupt the original military structure before Yan Chi’s return. With imperial orders and personal troops, even if everyone in Xi Province was dissatisfied, they dared not openly declare rebellion before Yan Chi’s arrival. Suddenly, Xi Province’s surface calm of half a year was broken.
“What do you think? Should we return to Xi Province earlier? Can Master Qi and General Chu control the situation alone?”
Seeing Qin Wan’s worry, Yan Chi held her hand and said, “They can’t control it.”
As Qin Wan began to speak again, Yan Chi added, “But there’s no need to control it now…”
Seeing Qin Wan’s confusion, Yan Chi’s lips curled in a cold smile, “Lin Xugui’s actions will only push the Xi Province army further from the court. For me, this is beneficial.”
Qin Wan immediately understood. Most people in the world neither dare nor would easily challenge propriety. Now that Yan Chi was accused of treason, even though the Xi Province army had been under the Rui Prince Manor’s control for years, among the hundred thousand troops, some must have been wavering or unwilling to follow Yan Chi in rebellion. At this critical moment, Lin Xugui’s actions would only show these uncertain people the court’s true face – indeed beneficial for Yan Chi.
Seeing Qin Wan frowning in thought, Yan Chi asked softly, “Do you think my intentions are wrong?”
Qin Wan came to her senses and shook her head, “Of course not. Even when the court was peaceful, the Emperor had to balance interests. How much more so now with Xi Province’s complex situation? With you and me in danger, without some strategy, success would be difficult.”
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s lips curved upward, “You have a kind heart. I feared telling you these things would worry you.”
Qin Wan laughed, “You think too well of me. In investigating cases and examining corpses, I’ve seen countless human evils. How could I be naive and innocent? Moreover, with war approaching, I only hope for your success. With great power, you can save countless people from disaster.”
Yan Chi’s eyes brightened. Qin Wan’s words not only declared her stance but also deeply praised him.
Yan Chi held Qin Wan tighter, “You place great hopes in me. I won’t disappoint you.”
Outside the window was bitter winter, but inside was warm. With his beloved wife in his arms and unlimited ambition for the future in his heart, never had he felt such high spirits. That saying about cultivating oneself, managing the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world was true after all. Qin Wan was not only his chosen one but someone who could stir his emotions and desires. Most importantly, Qin Wan respected and understood him. Her every expression, even just a casual affirmation, could bring him peace. In past years, he had achieved military glory, with a hundred thousand soldiers in Xi Province following and admiring him. Even court officials were respectful before him, and the former emperor repeatedly praised him while hiding any suspicion. Though not emperor, he knew well the taste of power. No matter how much others praised him, it hardly moved him, but Qin Wan was different.
It turned out that loving someone meant bowing your head before them. As strong as he was, he still worried about his image in her eyes. Receiving her praise and support was like a child getting the desired candy-sweet and fulfilling. Yan Chi couldn’t help but take Qin Wan’s hand to his lips for a light kiss, his heart full of unspoken feelings.
Though Yan Chi’s smile wasn’t particularly warm, Qin Wan could sense his excellent mood. Feeling cheerful herself, she asked, “The Emperor’s northern expedition army should have departed, and the Empress and Crown Prince must be nearly at Cang Province, but there’s been no movement from the Yi Prince’s Manor. I find it strange.”
After crossing the Yan River, news from the north had become delayed. Recent messages had nothing to do with the Yi Prince’s Manor, showing they remained silent – quite different from Yan Ze’s usual scheming.
Yan Chi pondered briefly, “Yan Ze’s ambitions must be great, but he’s an extremely patient person. He could endure being blind for ten years, so now he won’t rush and expose weaknesses. Though he should seek revenge for his mother, I don’t know what outcome he desires.”
After a pause, Yan Chi thought of his deceased mother, “Not long after the Yi Prince’s Consort died, my mother fell ill. Though Father sought doctors and medicine for a long time, she still died. Stranger still, the imperial physicians couldn’t determine her illness. Some said she had underlying conditions from giving birth to me, others that she was afflicted by evil spirits. Endless medicines were given, but her condition never improved. Eventually, rumors spread, the most shocking being that Father had harmed her. When the rumors started, Father was both grieved and angry. He immediately left for Xi Province, leaving me, still young, alone in the Prince’s Manor. He didn’t return for a year or two. During this time, it was mostly the Gong Prince’s Consort who sent people to look after me.”
This was why Yan Chi particularly respected the Gong Prince’s Consort.
Qin Wan embraced Yan Chi’s shoulder, feeling sympathy as she thought of the early loss of his mother and being left in the capital by his father. Though he was a boy, at that age he must have felt lost and afraid. It was truly heaven’s mercy that he hadn’t grown up timid and withdrawn…
“When Yan Ze asked me to examine the bones, it was poison. As you suspect, could your mother have been poisoned as well?”
Yan Chi had never opened the coffin to examine the bones, so naturally couldn’t be certain. “These details I heard later from the manor’s servants. If what they say is true, Mother’s death was indeed strange.”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, “Yan Ze once told the Empress Dowager that the Yi Prince and the former emperor, then the Luo Prince, were both injured, specifically in their knee tendons. The Yi Prince has suffered from this ailment for years, yet the current Emperor has never been troubled by it. Thinking back, when the Yi Prince’s Consort treated the current Emperor, she must have discovered some secret during that time.”
Speaking of this, Qin Wan suddenly frowned, “Tan Xiang, who serves Yan Ze, once said that the Yi Prince’s Consort entered the palace one night to treat someone. After returning, she first experienced chest pain, then lost her sight, then her hearing, and died not long after. Though I don’t know much about poisons, any severe poison that enters the bone marrow leaves traces for years. If one knows how to examine bones, something can always be detected. I don’t know the name of this poison, but it can cause blindness…”
Yan Chi frowned, “Are you suggesting Yan Ze’s blindness might be from poison?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “It’s just a possibility.”
Perhaps because Yan Ze was too inscrutable, Qin Wan had almost no trust in him. His schemes, one after another, showed he would stop at nothing. Thinking of Yue Ning’s upcoming marriage to him, Qin Wan couldn’t help but worry.
“When we reach Jian Province, you can write a letter, and I’ll have someone deliver it to the An Yang Marquis’s Manor.”
Yan Chi knew Qin Wan was worried about Yue Ning and spoke thus. Qin Wan let out a breath, feeling slightly more at ease.
It was getting late. After dinner, they bathed and retired in turn. After a peaceful night, they resumed their journey to Jian Province early the next day.
Taking the northern route from Yan Province, it would only take three days to reach Jian Province. Though Jian Province was south of the Yan River, it lay to the northwest, so after just two days of travel, heavy snow began falling again. When their group reached Jian Province, the entire city was wrapped in silver. Unlike their usual practice of staying within the city, this time they headed to a Lu family villa outside the city, where the Lu family head, Yan Chi’s aunt Lu Yuxin, was waiting for them.
“This White Deer Isle was part of the previous Old Madam’s dowry. It’s now the Lu family’s largest garden in Jian Province, covering over eighty mu of land, divided into several courtyards. The name ‘White Deer’ comes from the previous Old Madam’s fondness for raising white deer when she lived here. Even now, the garden keeps quite a few white deer. When the Princess Consort arrives, she can enjoy viewing them – they’re all of excellent breeding. The previous Old Madam was known for her refined taste even in her maiden days. This garden was originally built by a wealthy family, who sold it when they fell on hard times. The previous Old Madam expanded upon the original foundation, creating its current appearance.”
The sun was good today. Yan Chi and Bai Feng had matters to discuss, so they rode slowly on horseback outside. Qin Wan thought for a moment and called Xun Niang over. About to meet Aunt Lu, she wanted to ask Xun Niang some questions first. After Xun Niang spoke softly, she continued, “The previous Old Madam came from the Duan family of Hu Province, the premier clan there. Unfortunately, she only had the First Young Lady and the Second Young Lady. When the First Young Lady married… ah, it caused quite an unpleasant situation. These years, Second Young Lady has been supporting the Lu family alone – it’s been very difficult.”
Xun Niang was from the Lu family, having come to the capital with the Yi Prince’s Consort. After the Princess Consort passed away and Yan Lin spent years in Xi Province, Xun Niang, and Master Yuan moved out of the manor, helping Yan Chi while running their own small business. After so many years, no one knew they had once been servants of the Rui Prince Manor.
Qin Wan listened and nodded, “White Deer Isle – why ‘Isle’?”
Ordinary residences rarely used the character for ‘isle.’ When used, it always indicated proximity to water. Qin Wan’s question hit the mark, and Xun Niang quickly explained, “Though Jian Province city has no inner lake, there’s Moon-Viewing Lake outside the city. In earlier years, Moon-Viewing Lake was boundless, but after years of little rain in the northwest, the lake has shrunk. Initially, White Deer Isle was on the far side of Moon-Viewing Lake. To reach the White Deer Isle, one either had to take the land route around or travel by boat. In good weather, the boat was faster. When the previous Old Madam named it, she chose ‘isle’ because the residence bordered the lake.”
Qin Wan understood and felt some anticipation.
The sun was westering, and they were getting closer to Jian Province city. The official road grew wider, showing faint north-south wheel tracks. After snowing all night, it had lessened during the day. Qin Wan lifted the curtain to look out. Compared to the northern winter’s desolation, Jian Province still showed signs of verdant life. Yan Chi rode ahead, discussing something with Bai Feng. Qin Wan withdrew her gaze and thought of Yao Xinlan.
This time last year, Yao Xinlan left the Qin family in Jin Province to return to her family in Jian Province. Her father was the Prefecture Governor of Jian Province and still governed it now. She wondered how Yao Xinlan and her young daughter were doing.
Having come to Jian Province, Qin Wan naturally thought of her, but now that she and Yan Chi were accused of treason, meeting as before was impossible.
Qin Wan suppressed these thoughts. After traveling for about half an hour more, Xun Niang suddenly said, “Princess Consort, look, Moon-Viewing Lake is approaching!”
Qin Wan lifted the curtain to look and immediately saw a pale turquoise expanse of water in the distance. Though it was bitter winter, the flora around Moon-Viewing Lake remained emerald green. Well-maintained walkways and corridor bridges encircled the lake endlessly. On the far side of Moon-Viewing Lake, a low hill was faintly visible. Straining her eyes, Qin Wan could barely make out the shadows of buildings on the low hill. Xun Niang said, “Can the Princess Consort see it? That’s White Deer Isle, on the far side of Moon-Viewing Lake!”
Qin Wan nodded. Though they hadn’t reached it yet, she could imagine White Deer Isle’s exquisite grandeur, especially its delightful scenery overlooking Moon-Viewing Lake.
Xun Niang pointed to the official road ahead, “A bit further, and we’ll go around Moon-Viewing Lake’s south side to the opposite shore. We won’t go toward Jian Province city. From here to the city would take another hour or so…”
Qin Wan looked toward the true north but couldn’t yet see any sign of Jian Province city.
Xun Niang continued, “If the Princess Consort wants to visit Jian Province city, we can go tomorrow. Though it can’t compare to Jin Province, it’s more prosperous than Yan Province. From the garden, taking the road along Moon-Viewing Lake’s north side, it’s about an hour and a half to the city.”
Qin Wan understood – the main road led directly into the city, with Moon-Viewing Lake to its west, and White Deer Isle west of the lake. Returning from outside meant taking the southern route, while reaching the city required going along Moon-Viewing Lake’s northern side, thus encircling the entire lake.
Soon, as Xun Niang had said, the carriage turned onto the side road. Here, the trees on both sides were even more lush and green. Two days of heavy snow had accumulated on the tree crowns, and the lakeside was blanketed in white. When the forest path drew near the lake, they could see ice forming on the water’s edge. Along the lake were pavilions and buildings, with occasional taverns and teahouses, though in this weather, they were tightly closed, with only wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys. Each building had a small dock where boats of various sizes were moored, though no tourists were visible.
“It’s too cold, most shops are closed. Even those that are open only earn a few coins from passing travelers’ tea money. Most boats are frozen in place – without waves, the lake edge will freeze soon. The Princess Consort should come again in spring when peach blossoms and hibiscus bloom like clouds along the lake. Young masters and ladies from wealthy city families come in groups, even from the Yan and Jin Provinces. The teahouses and taverns are full daily, with queues for boat rentals. But our garden has its boats, and we have a waterside pavilion. The previous Old Madam moved the lakeside path behind the garden to connect it to the lake, and to avoid criticism, had it made twice as wide… Look, Princess Consort, there are some private residences along the lake, though not large. Some belong to wealthy city families who only stay during spring and summer. Our place is different – we live here year-round. Whenever we want to visit, we just need to open the lakeside gate.”
“The last time I came here was when the First Young Lady was thirteen, accompanying the previous madam. The second Young Lady was also here. So many years have passed… These years haven’t been easy for the Second Young Lady. Ah, finally being able to see Second Young Lady and the Lu family people again, here at White Deer Isle – I’m truly happy.”
Xun Niang spoke excitedly, clearly delighted to revisit her old haunts. As the carriage drew closer, Qin Wan saw exquisite small courtyards built along the lake among the trees. After another quarter hour, Qin Wan’s eyes widened.
Compared to the small courtyards seen earlier, the garden before her now was truly eye-opening.
On the low hill west of Moon-Viewing Lake, continuous pavilions stretched from the lakeside at the foot of the hill halfway up the slope. Looking at the ornately decorated buildings, Qin Wan thought it could easily house a family of hundreds. Yet this garden was just one of the Lu family’s private properties in Jian Province, usually maintained only by caretakers without the masters in residence. Qin Wan sighed inwardly – the Lu family’s wealth and prestige, accumulated over centuries, though not flaunted, truly marked them as genuinely noble.
As they approached, Yan Chi ordered guards to go ahead and announce their arrival, while he rode back to the carriage. They exchanged glances, his eyes full of reassurance. Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile, and seeing White Deer Isle before them, she smoothed her skirts composedly.
Yan Chi smiled, relieved. Soon, they arrived at White Deer Isle!
Among towering ancient trees, a broad, serene path paved with blue flagstones extended diagonally down from the main road. Following this path for several hundred feet, an imposing gate suddenly appeared. The gate was classical in style, with a plaque reading “White Deer Isle” hung above. Now the doors stood wide open, with over ten well-dressed elderly maids and servants standing before it. At their center stood a woman in deep purple formal attire, with striking makeup and an elaborate hairstyle, exuding both grace and authority that commanded respect!
As the carriage slowly stopped, Xun Niang alighted first, followed by Fu Ling, and finally Qin Wan stepped down carefully. As soon as she emerged, a gaze fell upon her. Though Yan Chi had dismounted, he didn’t immediately go to pay respects, instead waiting by the carriage to help Qin Wan down and steady herself before turning. Qin Wan followed half a step behind Yan Chi as they approached the lady in purple—
“Yan Chi pays respects to Aunt.”
Yan Chi cupped his hands in greeting, while Qin Wan curtsied, “Qin Wan pays respects to Aunt.”
The lady in purple was none other than the current Lu family head, Lu Yuxin!
Now thirty-six, with phoenix eyes and willow brows, an oval face, her purple clothes accentuated her dignified bearing. Her striking makeup gave her features an aristocratic air that commanded respect. She looked at Yan Chi with visible joy and emotion, stepping forward to embrace him lightly, “Finally, we meet again!”
After speaking, she turned to look at Qin Wan, examining her briefly. She smiled and took Qin Wan’s hand, “My nephew’s wife has come from afar and must be tired from the journey. Now that you’re here, treat this place as your own home. Come, follow your aunt inside – I’ve prepared a welcoming feast!”
Lu Yuxin’s hands were somewhat cold, her fingertips slightly calloused. She warmly led Qin Wan forward, walking and smiling as she spoke, “You must be exhausted from the journey. Delayed isn’t used to such hardship, but I was especially worried about you. Indeed, you’re a young lady from a marquis’s household – such bearing and grace, truly delightful to see.”
Amidst the flowing compliments, Qin Wan smiled and said, “Aunt praises me too highly. In terms of bearing and grace, I’m not one ten-thousandth of Aunt’s.”
Hearing this, Lu Yuxin laughed heartily, “You’re truly lovable, no wonder Delayed cherishes you so. Come, let me take you to the Western Garden first. This estate is vast, with some young clan members currently staying here, though they usually stay in the Eastern Garden, away from you. Given that your identities shouldn’t be revealed now, the Western Garden has been specifically prepared for you. These regular servants are the Lu family’s most loyal old retainers, so feel free to use their services… Ah, where is Xun Niang?”
Lu Yuxin turned around, and behind Elderly Maids Deng and Huang, Xun Niang, and Master Yuan were following. Hearing this, Xun Niang, her eyes slightly red, came forward from behind and knelt in a deep bow, “Greetings to Second Young Lady! I’ve finally seen Second Young Lady again!”
Lu Yuxin released Qin Wan’s hand and personally helped Xun Niang up, looking her over, “Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye! I didn’t see you the last two times, but finally, we meet now.”
Xun Niang couldn’t help but tear up. Lu Yuxin comforted her with a few words, and Xun Niang wiped her tears, not wanting to dampen the mood. Lu Yuxin then led Qin Wan’s group to the Western Garden. After walking along the corridor for a while, they arrived at a courtyard with “Lotus Pavilion” written above it – an independent two-section compound.
Lu Yuxin said, “This is where my sister stayed when she came with me years ago. Xun Niang should remember. I had it prepared early, perfect for you two to stay in. Go in first to put down your things and rest. I’ll go check on your evening meal preparations.”
Lu Yuxin spoke warmly, and despite being the family head, she now acted as attentively as any ordinary housewife.