When Qin Wan opened her eyes early the next morning, dawn was already breaking outside. As she gathered her thoughts, her gaze immediately fell upon Yan Chi beside her.
Yan Chi was still asleep, his sleeping face lacking its usual unapproachable demeanor. Qin Wan’s lips curved into a smile, and she couldn’t help but snuggle closer into his embrace. This movement awakened Yan Chi, who turned to hold her and planted two kisses on the crown of her head. “Why are you awake so early?”
Qin Wan laughed, “Today is the first day of the month. We still need to pay our respects to Aunt.”
Though they were in Bailu Prefecture, Qin Wan still thought to observe proper etiquette. Yan Chi smiled, “Aunt likely won’t mind such formalities. We can sleep a while longer.”
Despite his words, Qin Wan still struggled to get up. In the two days since Yan Chi’s return, she had been thoroughly exhausted. As the brocade quilt slipped down, the marks all over her body became visible. Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan back into his embrace, “There’s truly no rush. Aunt was drunk last night; she probably hasn’t risen yet.”
Qin Wan blinked her eyes, “What? Aunt was drunk?”
Qin Wan was very surprised, clearly not remembering what had happened the previous night. Seeing her expression, Yan Chi thought of her drunken state the night before and couldn’t help but kiss the tip of her nose, “Last night, Aunt wasn’t the only one who got drunk.”
Qin Wan thought for a moment, “I… I can’t remember. Did I get drunk too?”
Yan Chi smiled and went to kiss Qin Wan, but she pushed him away after coming to her senses. “Did I get drunk? What did I do? I can’t remember anything from last night. Did I do anything embarrassing? I thought I would never drink plum wine again!”
The more anxious Qin Wan became, the more Yan Chi smiled. After a while, he shook his head, “Not at all. You were just a little drunk, and later I brought you here to rest. Nothing else happened, just that you…” Yan Chi paused, “You were just very dazed and seemed very sleepy.”
Qin Wan blinked, “That’s all?”
Yan Chi nodded, “Yes, that’s all. You were just confused and drowsy when we were outside.”
Only then did Qin Wan breathe a sigh of relief, “That’s good…”
Yan Chi made a sound of agreement, a glint of mischief flashing in his eyes, “So you can drink in the future, but only when I’m with you. I’ll watch over you. If I’m not present, you mustn’t touch a drop of alcohol.”
Qin Wan agreed, “Naturally, I’ve never had a high tolerance for alcohol.”
The smile never left Yan Chi’s lips. Now that Qin Wan was fully awake, he certainly couldn’t tell her how tightly she had held him last night. Though drinking wasn’t a good habit, if he could occasionally see Qin Wan in such a drunken state in the future, it would be as sweet as honey to him.
Yan Chi held Qin Wan, and they remained in bed intimately for a while longer before getting up. Since Qin Wan had been tipsy the night before, she made up for the rewards to Fu Ling and the others that morning. Soon after, someone from Wutong Court came to invite them over.
Yan Chi and Qin Wan left Hantan Pavilion together. When they arrived at Wutong Court, the table in front of Lu Youxin was already full of breakfast dishes.
“Knowing that Wan’er drank quite a bit last night, I didn’t call for you early. Today’s breakfast is all very light and appetizing. Come, try some.”
As Yan Chi and Qin Wan took their seats, Lu Youxin recounted the events of the previous night with laughter. Qin Wan couldn’t remember many of the details, which was truly rare for her. As a result, she silently determined to drink less alcohol in the future. After breakfast, the three moved to the main hall to talk.
Yan Chi said, “I had planned to stay here for a few more days, but the military situation in Shuo Xi is urgent and can’t wait. So I plan to enter Jian City this afternoon.”
Lu Youxin was startled, “You’re leaving so soon?”
Yan Chi nodded, “We still have matters to attend to in Jian City, and we’ll likely need to stay there for a day or two.”
Lu Youxin wanted to say something but held back, only sighing, “Very well, your matters are important, so I won’t keep you. But after this parting, who knows when we’ll meet again? You and Wan’er must take good care of yourselves.”
Yan Chi and Qin Wan agreed in unison. Lu Youxin thought for a moment and then went into the inner chamber, returning shortly with a brocade box.
“Here are the details of the Lu family’s properties in Qian Prefecture, Jian Prefecture, and Ding Prefecture. Right now, I don’t know how else to help you, but warfare always requires money and supplies, and the officers below will need their wages. The Lu family has lost much over the years, but we can still provide these material resources. I’m giving all of this to you – use it as you see fit. If it’s not enough, send me a letter early, as we still have quite a few properties in Lan Prefecture and Jin Prefecture.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Chi’s brows furrowed, “Aunt, there’s no need… it hasn’t come to that point yet.”
Lu Youxin smiled, “Foolish child, if we wait until it reaches that point, how would I be able to send you money in time? You are destined for great things. Take these resources now – if all goes well, you won’t need to use them. But if you encounter any difficulties, it’s better to have your aunt’s help than to negotiate with others.”
Yan Chi’s brows remained furrowed. Seeing this, Lu Youxin sighed, “Let me put it this way – I’ve thought carefully about what you said that day, and I find it very reasonable. The Lu family’s descendants cannot continue living by that one principle. The Lu family is already in decline, and in the future, its descendants may need to rely on your care. Your aunt now, both emotionally and rationally, hopes for your success and achievement. So, I’m not giving you these things purely out of self-interest.”
Most of the Lu family’s properties were in the south, and the locations Lu Youxin mentioned comprised about half of the family’s assets. If Yan Chi were to use everything at his disposal, one could imagine the tremendous upheaval it would cause within the Lu family. After pondering for a moment, Yan Chi finally accepted the brocade box, “In that case, I’ll take it for now, but I won’t use it unless necessary.”
Only then did Lu Youxin smile happily, “Of course, I hope you’ll never need to reach that point, but warfare has never been simple? Your aunt just wants to help you as much as possible.”
Then, turning to Qin Wan, she continued, “Actually, it might be best for Wan’er to stay in Bailu Prefecture, but given how deep your feelings run, and knowing that Wan’er can endure hardship, I won’t say anything more. Wan’er, as you travel with him, you must take special care of your health. You’re not as robust as he is.”
Qin Wan repeatedly agreed, then pulled two prescriptions from her sleeve, “These two prescriptions are for Fifth Cousin. His illness needs proper care, and these prescriptions are suitable for long-term treatment. Since I’m leaving today, I won’t be able to continue treating him, but he can take these medicines while seeking another skilled physician.”
Lu Youxin was extremely grateful upon seeing this and sighed, “I’ve decided the Fifth House’s matter. Since you didn’t ask, I didn’t mention it, but this matter… I… have decided not to report the truth to the authorities. Jing Cheng was wrong from the start, and though the final situation turned out this way, he made a grave mistake. But Jing He ultimately harmed someone. I plan to have him take Fifth Brother and his wife away from the Lu family in Lan Prefecture, to find a place to live in Hu Prefecture or Jin Prefecture, where they can focus on recovery.”
Leaving the Lu ancestral home meant the Fifth House would fade from the Lu family’s main line, which also meant they would no longer have any claim to the family’s business.
Qin Wan sighed, “Aunt distinguishes right from wrong clearly. This is indeed for the best.”
The three continued talking for quite some time. As it was almost noon, Qin Wan and Yan Chi returned to Hantan Pavilion. Upon their return, Qin Wan immediately ordered the preparation of their traveling gear. Though Fu Ling and the others were surprised, they had somewhat expected this. Fortunately, they didn’t have much luggage to begin with, and everything was packed shortly. They would use the same carriages and horses from their previous journey south, though now they had many more guards, making the procession even grander.
Soon after, Qin Wan and Yan Chi had their luggage loaded onto the carriages and went to bid farewell to Lu Youxin at Wutong Court.
After this farewell, they would be leaving Bailu Prefecture.
Qin Wan had wanted to see the white deer, but since winter days grew dark early and they needed to enter Jian City early, she could only feel slightly disappointed, thinking she would have to wait until next time. When they arrived at Wutong Court, Lu Jingxiu and Lu Jingyun were speaking with Lu Youxin, and they became quite tense upon suddenly seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan arrive.
Lu Youxin came out to meet them, “You’ve packed so quickly?”
Qin Wan smiled, “The sun is westering, and if we don’t leave now, we won’t make it into the city before dark. We’ve come to bid farewell to Aunt.”
Beside them, Lu Jingyun’s mouth fell open, apparently not expecting Qin Wan to leave today.
Lu Youxin sighed, “Alright, I’ll see you off!”
Thus, the group headed toward the East Gate. Lu Jingxiu and Lu Jingyun stood in place, and Lu Youxin looked at them, saying, “You needn’t say more. We’ll discuss this matter when I return…”
Lu Jingxiu stood with lowered eyes, having lost his usual spirit. Only Lu Jingyun spoke softly, “Then we also want to leave today.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Youxin’s brows furrowed tightly. Qin Wan looked at Lu Youxin questioningly, who explained, “These children suddenly expressed their desire to join the army, but I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised. Lu Jingxiu was one thing, but Lu Jingyun too… Though thinking about it, she understood – surely Lu Jingxiu had the idea first, and Lu Jingyun wanted to follow. But why would they suddenly think of joining the army?
Yan Chi was also somewhat surprised by this news. He turned to look at Lu Jingxiu, his unfathomable eyes carrying a hint of coldness.
“Join the army? Where do you plan to enlist?”
Lu Youxin smiled bitterly, “They want to go to Jin Prefecture…”
This was precisely what made Lu Youxin hesitate. After hearing Yan Chi’s words, she no longer insisted that Lu family members couldn’t enter official service, but if they were to join the army, they should go west. Yet somehow, Lu Jingxiu and his cousin wanted to go to Jin Prefecture.
Yan Chi spoke indifferently, “The Jin Prefecture garrison is heading north, and the court is recruiting new troops. Indeed, it’s one option.”
Hearing this, Lu Youxin felt even more helpless, “They’re still childish. If they must go, Jin Prefecture isn’t the place.”
Her meaning was clear, but Yan Chi just smiled, “Aunt needn’t force them. A man of ambition looks to all corners of the world. Regardless of where they enlist, as long as they can accept the consequences of their choice, that’s enough. The Great Zhou is about to enter chaos, and perhaps heroes will emerge from these troubled times.”
Lu Youxin didn’t believe Lu Jingxiu could become a hero; in her view, it would be better for him to help Yan Chi in Shuo Xi.
But Lu Jingxiu didn’t think so, and Yan Chi showed no intention of recruiting him.
As soon as Yan Chi finished speaking, Lu Jingxiu raised his eyes. He looked at Yan Chi, struggling not to show fear.
Their eyes met, Yan Chi’s gaze remaining calm and unruffled. Lu Jingxiu’s fists, hidden in his sleeves, unconsciously clenched tight. He quickly lowered his gaze, “I thank Prince Rui for his kind words.”
Yan Chi withdrew his gaze noncommittally, “Being young, one should gain more experience. Only through extensive experience can one find the right path.”
Yan Chi spoke like an elder, and Lu Youxin nodded repeatedly at his words, “Yes, yes, that’s exactly right.”
Yan Chi said no more, taking Qin Wan’s hand as they walked out. Lu Youxin talked while accompanying them to the door, quickly leaving Wutong Court. Lu Jingxiu watched their retreating figures, wanting to follow, but after a moment’s hesitation, he remained behind.
Lu Jingyun looked at Lu Jingxiu, “Fifth Brother, are we going to Jin Prefecture? Going there means serving under the court, but now, Aunt is helping Prince Rui, who has been declared a traitor by the court. Why don’t we go to Shuo Xi instead?”
Lu Jingyun’s voice grew increasingly quiet, but Lu Jingxiu stood silently, no longer responding.
……
……
After bidding farewell outside the East Gate of Bailu Prefecture, Yan Chi and Qin Wan boarded their carriage and headed straight for Jian City.
The sun was westering. Though it was a bright New Year’s Day, the weather was still cold. The road to Jian City was covered in unmelted snow, and the wind was bitter.
In the carriage, Yan Chi held Qin Wan, who clutched a hand warmer. Qin Wan said, “If the Lu family’s descendants truly join the army and serve the court, it might be difficult for you one day…”
Yan Chi stroked Qin Wan’s cheek and smiled, “Let’s not speak of what hasn’t happened yet. Even if that day comes, it won’t matter. Don’t worry.”
Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment and lazily leaned against Yan Chi, closing her eyes to doze.
The carriage proceeded slowly. When they reached the gates of Jian City, it was still light. Yan Chi had made arrangements beforehand, and the carriage entered the city, heading straight to a private residence in the southern quarter.
This compound had two courtyards and occupied considerable space. It was quite elegant and very suitable for their short stay in Jian City.
They entered the main courtyard together, while Fu Ling and the others unloaded their luggage from the carriage. After a brief settling in, they sat down to talk.
“When do you plan to meet Governor Yao?” Qin Wan asked.
Yan Chi replied, “I’ll send a message tonight, hoping to meet tomorrow if possible.”
Qin Wan nodded, “I sent a letter to Xin Lan, but I don’t know what she thinks yet, unless…”
Yan Chi held her hand and said, “My people have already reached the Jian City garrison. Right now, we don’t need to contact Yao Xin Lan. I’ll meet her father first, and if you want to catch up with her later, there’s no rush.”
Previously, Qin Wan had contacted Yao Xin Lan because she was worried Yan Chi wouldn’t return for the New Year. Now that he was back, these matters weren’t appropriate for women to meddle in. Qin Wan nodded, “Alright then, I’ll stay out of it.”
Yan Chi held Qin Wan in his arms and said, “You’ve been tired these past two days. Just rest well.”
Qin Wan knew what Yan Chi meant, and her face reddened. They embraced and talked for a while, and then after Yan Chi read some letters from Shuo Xi, they retired for the night.
Early the next morning, after breakfast, Yan Chi left the residence. Qin Wan didn’t ask where he was going, simply staying home to rest. Fu Ling attended to her, and seeing Qin Wan alone, said, “Princess, will we see the Young Madam again?”
Yao Xin Lan had been Qin Chen’s wife, and Fu Ling used to address her as Young Madam, not having changed the habit yet.
Qin Wan sighed, thinking of Yao Xin Lan and the Qin family in Jin Prefecture, feeling as if it was all from a previous life.
“I don’t know either. I sent my letter, and it depends on whether she wants to see me. I don’t know how well she’s doing in Jian City now. Meeting me might just remind her of the past. She’s always been one to overthink things, so I’d understand if she doesn’t want to see me.”
Fu Ling tilted her head in thought, “The young miss must be over a year old now?”
Qin Wan nodded with a smile, “A year and a half.”
Thinking of Yao Xin Lan’s pitiful fate, Fu Ling sighed and said no more.
Around noon, Yan Chi returned. After lunch, they suddenly had visitors.
When Bai Feng came to announce them, Qin Wan was slightly surprised, but Yan Chi smiled knowingly, “It should be Governor Yao. Wait here, I’ll meet him in the study.”
Yan Chi was confident, which naturally made Qin Wan very happy, and she agreed.
After Yan Chi left, Qin Wan breathed a sigh of relief, glad they hadn’t met resistance from Governor Yao.
While sitting in the warm chamber, footsteps suddenly sounded outside, and Bai Feng’s voice rang out, “Please wait a moment, I’ll go announce you.”
After these words, a soft female voice responded. Qin Wan couldn’t hear clearly from inside but found it strangely familiar. As she wondered, Fu Ling suddenly gave a light exclamation outside, followed by hurried footsteps toward the warm chamber. The door curtain was lifted, and Fu Ling’s head poked in, “Princess! Come see who’s here!”
Qin Wan’s heart jumped as she stood up and hurried outside. Upon exiting, she immediately saw Yao Xin Lan standing in the outer courtyard.
Qin Wan froze, feeling a warm current flow through her heart, and quickly said, “Elder Sister-in-law—”
After more than a year apart, Yao Xin Lan was no longer as she remembered. Previously, she had been consumed by her love for Qin Chen, later growing suspicious and developing a sickly frailty. But now, Yao Xin Lan was different. She wore a rather magnificent dress, her hair still in a married woman’s style but adorned with exquisite hairpins, and her face lightly powdered. Though it was deep winter, she stood smiling beside the snow in the courtyard, as delicate and beautiful as a spring crabapple blossom. Beside her, a middle-aged woman held a perfect porcelain-like baby girl. Looking between Yao Xin Lan and the little girl, Qin Wan felt her eyes growing hot.
“Ninth Sister—”
Seeing Qin Wan approach, Yao Xin Lan also came forward, grabbing Qin Wan’s hands while examining her. Compared to her previous melancholic state, her eyes now sparkled. After looking Qin Wan up and down, she smiled, “No, I should call you Princess now… Greetings, Princess…”
Yao Xin Lan began to curtsy, but Qin Wan quickly steadied her, “Elder Sister-in-law, what are you doing? You’re embarrassing me. I didn’t know you were coming – if I had, I would have come out to welcome you. It’s cold outside, let’s go in and talk… Is this Qianqian?”
The middle-aged woman must have been Qianqian’s nursemaid, and she now bowed to Qin Wan while holding the child. Qin Wan hurriedly helped her up and then looked at little Qianqian.
Qianqian was the name Yao Xin Lan had given her daughter. Now at over a year old, Qianqian looked exactly like Yao Xin Lan, as if carved from the same mold. Well-nourished, she was like a little snowball. She showed no fear of Qin Wan, who tentatively reached out to hold her, and surprisingly, the child eagerly jumped into Qin Wan’s arms.
“Aun(Gu)… goo goo…”
At just over a year old, Qianqian’s speech wasn’t clear yet, mixing up “goo goo” and “Auntie.” Qin Wan was already delighted to hold the soft little bundle in her arms, and hearing these attempts at speech made her even happier. She carried Qianqian inside, saying, “Quick, let’s go in and talk!”
Qin Wan led Yao Xin Lan and her daughter into the warm chamber, placing Qianqian on the couch to play while they sat beside it to talk.
After Fu Ling and the others served tea, they withdrew, leaving no one else in the room.
Yao Xin Lan held Qin Wan’s hand and said, “I was so excited when I got your letter. Father was originally supposed to be promoted to the capital, but because of the Jin Prefecture incident, he was somewhat implicated. It happened just when I returned from Jin Prefecture, and Father thought that since Jian City was my home, it would be better to stay here without the promotion. This past year and more, Father has been extremely good to me, and the family has taken great care of me. I’ve been living well. Today, Father was going to come alone because he knew Prince Rui wanted to discuss important matters, but I insisted on coming with him. This past year, the world has changed greatly, but we haven’t changed much…”
Yao Xin Lan naturally knew of Yan Chi and Qin Wan’s current situation. Qin Wan smiled, “I was just telling him that I didn’t know if I could see you. He said he would meet your father first, then let us catch up. We entered the city last night, and I was thinking of sending you a letter tonight.”
As they talked, Qianqian crawled around on the couch playing, but she seemed to particularly like Qin Wan, constantly clutching at her sleeves. Yao Xin Lan said, “I was teaching her to call you Auntie on the way here, but she’s quite slow at learning, not doing it properly…”
Qin Wan removed her jade bracelet and gave it to Qianqian to play with, smiling as she said, “She’s doing very well. Just seeing her makes me very happy.”
Yao Xin Lan said, “I brought her here because I wanted her to meet her lifesaver. After this meeting, who knows when we’ll meet again? I know you’re heading to Shuo Xi. Ah, I never imagined you would end up with Prince Rui.”
At the mention of Yan Chi, Qin Wan’s face naturally filled with smiles, “There wasn’t much between us in Jin Prefecture initially, but later I met him again on my way to the capital. He escorted us the whole way, and after reaching the capital, he helped me greatly.”
Yao Xin Lan smiled, “I can tell from your expression that you’re very happy together. That puts my mind at ease. I always felt you were extraordinary back then, staying in the mansion for so many days without anyone noticing. I just saw Prince Rui – you two are truly well-matched.”
They were old friends, but memories of Jin Prefecture weren’t pleasant, so neither dwelt on them. After chatting for a while, Qin Wan asked about Yao Xin Lan’s plans. Yao Xin Lan said, “As a widow with a child, I don’t want to remarry. Father tried to arrange something earlier, but I refused. Qianqian is still so young – she would suffer no matter whom I married. I don’t want that. Besides, I’m living very well on my own now. There’s no need to think about such things. Perhaps one day if I meet someone I like, I might change my mind.” She paused, then continued, “I understand what you wrote in your letter that day. Don’t worry, I already set up porridge stalls outside the city in winter. I’ll talk to Father later about not blocking citizens from entering the city.”
Qin Wan naturally wouldn’t urge Yao Xin Lan to remarry. The current Yao Xin Lan was much happier than when she lived in the Qin mansion in Jin Prefecture.
After chatting a while longer, Qin Wan began playing with Qianqian. She had never seen such a young child before, and now found it quite fascinating, drawing out all her tender feelings. Qin Wan gave Qianqian all her bracelets and hairpins, and prepared generous gifts, stopping short only of giving her the pendant Yan Chi had given her. After they had spent half an hour in the warm chamber, someone from the Yao mansion came to fetch Yao Xin Lan. Though Qin Wan wanted to keep Yao Xin Lan for a meal, it wasn’t possible.
Yao Xin Lan smiled, “Given your special status now, Father is still somewhat uneasy. He said before we came that we couldn’t stay long. It seems they’ve finished their discussion, so I should go now. We’ll surely meet again.”
Qin Wan personally escorted Yao Xin Lan out of the inner courtyard. Outside, they saw Yan Chi standing shoulder to shoulder with a middle-aged man, who was naturally Yao Xin Lan’s father. Qin Wan went forward to pay her respects, and together with Yan Chi, they saw them out of the residence.
“How did it go? Is everything settled?” Qin Wan couldn’t help asking as they walked back to the inner courtyard.
Yan Chi smiled and nodded, “Yes, everything’s arranged. Given Jian City’s position, they didn’t have the confidence to refuse me. If Governor Yao had insisted, I would have had to put in more effort. Now that he’s shown himself to be sensible, we can head to Shuo Xi tomorrow!”
The smoothness of events exceeded Qin Wan’s expectations, and thinking that they could finally go to Shuo Xi, she breathed another sigh of relief.
Seeing Qin Wan relax, Yan Chi added, “Wan’er, Shuo Xi is a different kind of place. Are you prepared?”
Qin Wan knew what Yan Chi meant and smiled, “Of course I understand. But if you could stay there for over ten years, how could I not manage? Don’t worry.”
Yan Chi felt both tender affection and guilt. On their last night, he ordered Bai Feng to buy many things to bring along. Though he didn’t understand women’s preferences, he wanted to buy anything Qin Wan used to have but now lacked. Seeing that she had few clothes and personal items, he wanted to get more of everything. Those who knew would understand it was Prince Rui doting on his Princess; those who didn’t might think it was some nouveau riche shopping spree…
Since they were departing for Shuo Xi the next day, Yan Chi didn’t let Qin Wan tire herself that night. They rested well, and early the next morning everyone rose. Due to Yan Chi’s shopping for Qin Wan, their procession gained three more large carriages. As the sun rose, their grand procession left Jian City heading west.
Though the New Year had passed, it was still deep winter in the first month. Because Yan Chi arranged for Qin Wan to travel by horse and carriage, the journey would take at least half a month. As they traveled westward, Qin Wan gradually understood that Yan Chi’s words weren’t just jest.
Though Jian City was snow-covered, it still had a southern feel. But north of Qian Prefecture, the landscape changed dramatically. Green trees became rare along the road, and the thick snow was frightening. Their journey would take them north of Qian Prefecture into Liang Prefecture, then enter Shuo Xi from the southern side of Yan Xing Mountain. Along the way, the snow grew heavier, the wind fiercer, and the mountain paths steeper and more treacherous. After traveling like this for seven or eight days, the road conditions improved somewhat when they entered Liang Prefecture.
The saying goes that auspicious snow foretells a good harvest, but Liang Prefecture had little snow this year. This made carriage travel easier. In Liang Prefecture, Yu Qi, whom Yan Chi had left in Jian City, and Zhang Dongxuan from Qian Prefecture were already waiting. That day, when Qin Wan’s group reached Wei County north of Liang Prefecture, she met Yu Qi and Zhang Dongxuan, whom she hadn’t seen for many days, in an ordinary residence in the southern part of Wei County.
With Jian City secured, Yu Qi naturally needed to return to Shuo Xi to serve at Yan Chi’s side. Zhang Dongxuan, valued by Yan Chi, wouldn’t stay in Qian Prefecture either. When everyone met, Zhang Dongxuan and others first paid their formal respects before taking their seats in the main hall to talk.
Yu Qi spoke first, “Your Highness, I arrived yesterday afternoon, and last night, I received good news!”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, “What good news?”
Yu Qi pulled a letter from his sleeve and respectfully handed it to Yan Chi. Upon reading it, Yan Chi’s gaze suddenly turned sharp!
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi questioningly, and Yu Qi explained, “Princess, that dog Jiang Heying has been executed!”
Qin Wan’s heart jolted, now understanding the source of Yan Chi’s intense gaze.
Yu Qi continued, “Our men finally caught up with him. We had him trapped in the mountains for over ten days earlier. In this weather, with no food in the mountains, it’s easy to freeze to death. When we found him, he was nearly frozen stiff. He and our mount were killed for food – they nearly resorted to cannibalism.”
Yan Chi frowned at Yu Qi, who quickly understood and hurriedly rubbed his nose, “Princess, I’m a rough man who speaks crudely. Please forgive me.”
Qin Wan smiled, “Just be natural. Such talk won’t frighten me.”
Though she said this, Yu Qi still didn’t dare be too unrestrained, scratching his head with a sheepish laugh as he sat back down.
Zhang Dongxuan said, “I also arrived yesterday afternoon. These past few days, observing the stars, I noticed chaotic movements in the northern constellations, portending great battles and ill fortune. However, our western region appears quite peaceful. Your Highness should investigate the northern news more thoroughly.”
Yan Chi nodded, “Lin Xugui is at the end of his rope. As for the north, the Northern Command’s troops have begun moving south, so major battles are inevitable.”
At this, Yu Qi’s eyes lit up again, “Master Qi and General Chu have been waiting for Your Highness for a long time. Most of the commanders in the garrison have been rescued, and some can remain as inside agents. Once you reach Shuo Xi, we can take down Lin Xugui’s entire operation!”
Yan Chi’s fingertips lightly tapped the chair back, “Though Lin Xugui has temporarily lowered his guard, the Shuo Xi garrison is my father’s life’s work. I don’t want to destroy it just to deal with Lin Xugui. Have Chu Feisheng devise a careful plan – ideally, we can accomplish this silently.”
Yu Qi nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes, the Shuo Xi garrison is our home base.”
Yan Chi shook his head, “This time, we might not use the Shuo Xi garrison as our base.”
Yu Qi raised his eyebrows at this, and Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, “This situation is different from before. Though the Shuo Xi garrison has become the strongest fortress in Shuo Xi over the years, one fortress isn’t enough to oppose the imperial court. To command an army as king, we need to occupy a city.”
Yu Qi and Zhang Dongxuan exchanged glances, their eyes brightening. Yu Qi quickly asked, “Which place has Your Highness chosen?”
Zhang Dongxuan added, “Liang Prefecture? Or Ding Prefecture?”
Yan Chi shook his head, “Liang Prefecture lies south of Yan Xing Mountain, only connecting to Shuo Xi at the northwest edge. Ding Prefecture is north of Yan Xing Mountain. Neither is suitable at present. I’m thinking of Xi Lin City.”
Listening from the side, Qin Wan raised her eyebrows slightly. Xi Lin City, this uncommon name, wasn’t an ordinary prefecture of Great Zhou but rather a city on the eastern edge of the Shuo Xi plateau. For years it had been under Meng Prefecture’s jurisdiction, but due to the unique terrain of the Shuo Xi plateau, it was only nominally controlled by Meng Prefecture. In reality, Xi Lin City was the most populated area on the Shuo Xi plateau. Originally just a large market town on the plateau, it had grown into a city rivaling Jian City and become a strategic transportation hub on the plateau.
Yan Chi continued, “Our base is in Shuo Xi, not the Shuo Xi military garrison. Xi Lin City already has my father’s princely mansion from his time in Shuo Xi. Raising the Prince Rui’s banner in Xi Lin City would be most fitting—”
Yu Qi excitedly responded, “Yes! That’s exactly right! Though the mansion has been empty for years, Your Highness needs to occupy a city to claim the title of king!”
Zhang Dongxuan also smiled, “Your Highness is astute. Liang Prefecture is too far back, Ding Prefecture is too far forward. Xi Lin City’s position is indeed perfect – south of Liang Prefecture, able to take Meng Prefecture to the north and attack Ding Prefecture, and excellently positioned for defense. It truly could be established as a royal city.”
Yan Chi nodded, asked a few more questions about Shuo Xi, and then dismissed everyone to rest.
By then, the main courtyard had been prepared, and Yan Chi took Qin Wan there to rest.
Though the earlier discussion had gone smoothly, Yan Chi’s eyes were somewhat pensive, and after sitting down, he remained lost in thought.
Qin Wan placed a cup of hot tea beside Yan Chi and softly asked, “What’s wrong?”
Yan Chi came back to himself and pulled her to sit in his lap, asking, “Would you prefer to go to Xi Lin City first?”
Qin Wan frowned, “No, I want to stay with you.”
Yan Chi’s expression brightened with a smile, and he spoke at length, “The Shuo Xi garrison stands east of White Wolf Mountain. The fortress was originally built there to fight the Rong people. Later, when my father guarded Shuo Xi for years – about fifteen years ago, I think – he led the army to defeat the Rong. When the Emperor wanted to reward him, he realized my father already held the title of Prince, leaving little room for additional honors. Thinking of my father’s permanent residence in Shuo Xi, he granted him a princely mansion there. Among Shuo Xi’s tribal settlements and cities, only Xi Lin City was prosperous enough, so the mansion was built there. After its completion, my father only visited two or three times. Now just a couple of servants maintain it.”
Qin Wan listened quietly, then smiled, “Then when we arrive, we can fix up the mansion. That way we’ll have a place to stay.”
Yan Chi nodded, “Yes, the mansion in Xi Lin City follows the same design as those in the capital, just without the centuries-old trees. This way, you won’t be uncomfortable.”
Qin Wan turned to face Yan Chi, “I won’t be uncomfortable. Even if I’m not needed on the battlefield, should that day come, I’m not afraid.”
Yan Chi laughed, “If that day comes, it would be my failure. I’ll never let my woman have to fight the Rong enemies.”
Qin Wan hugged Yan Chi’s shoulders, “Anyway, I don’t want to go to Xi Lin City alone. I see you’ve bought me many clothes, ornaments, and necessities, but those things don’t matter much to me. I can travel light with you to meet General Chu and the others. You can do what you need to do – just give me a sheltered place to stay. If anyone’s injured, I’m still the best physician in Great Zhou. Wouldn’t I be helpful then?”
Yan Chi gave a bitter smile, “You haven’t seen it – this is different from examining corpses.”
Corpses were dead, and usually, there was only one body, but war was different…
To watch thousands of soldiers with bloodied blades, to see living people lose limbs and have their bodies torn apart – such scenes were entirely different from examining corpses. But Qin Wan could imagine it. She blinked, “I’m naturally not as brave as you all, but I’m not weak either. I don’t want to burden you, but I want to know how you’ve lived these past ten-plus years…”
After saying this, she added softly, “If you think I’ll be on the way, I can go to Xi Lin City first.”
Qin Wan spoke with genuine feeling – she hadn’t gone with Yan Chi to Qian Prefecture last time, and she didn’t want to be separated again. She truly wanted to see how Yan Chi had lived, to accompany him, to help however she could. But if it wasn’t convenient, she would have to wait for him in Xi Lin City.
Hearing the dejection in her voice, Yan Chi took a deep breath and couldn’t help kissing her lips twice, “Of course not, I just don’t want you to suffer hardship.”
Qin Wan quickly raised her head, “I’m not afraid! Since I’m your companion, I’d rather endure some hardship than be separated.”
Yan Chi held Qin Wan tightly and said no more, “So we’ll travel light?”
Qin Wan nodded happily, “I’ll go tell Fu Ling—”
She tried to break free from Yan Chi’s embrace, but he laughingly held her still, “There’s no rush. I want to talk with you more. Before, we didn’t need to think about living in the Xi Lin City mansion, but now the situation changed, when we go to Xi Lin City, Prince Rui’s mansion won’t be what it once was. That’s why I wanted to tell you more…”
Qin Wan obediently leaned against Yan Chi as he described Xi Lin City, “…The people of Shuo Xi are most simple and honest – you’ll see when you get there. When you discover how cheap things are in Xi Lin City, you might say I overpaid for everything I bought. Dawn comes late there, and dusk too. There’s a kind of fruit that’s extremely sweet – every summer the local governor sends some to the army. The people of Shuo Xi live under the protection of the Shuo Xi army. For these people, the Shuo Xi army cannot slack off for even a day, and they’ve never thought of leaving Shuo Xi for safer places in the north…”
Yan Chi spoke at length with warmth in his voice. As Qin Wan listened quietly, she suddenly realized that even when speaking of the capital, Yan Chi probably couldn’t maintain such a gentle tone. This place, where he had been stationed for over ten years, where his father had devoted his life’s work, was his second homeland and a place he would always protect. Though the situation was perilous, perhaps Xi Lin City would truly be where she and Yan Chi would spend half their lives. Although this frontier city was still very unfamiliar, just hearing Yan Chi speak of it made Qin Wan feel secure and content. And if she could spend her life with Yan Chi, what difference did it make where they were?