Holding her wine cup, Yue Ning couldn’t explain what was wrong.
She felt a weight of melancholy in her heart, yet if asked what grievance she had suffered, she couldn’t name any.
Yue Ning shook her head, staring at her wine cup, “Fill it up. One last cup.”
Wei Qi Zhi frowned but filled her cup to the brim. This time, Yue Ning didn’t drink it all at once, instead taking just a small sip. The table was laden with exquisite dishes, and as the aroma reached her, Yue Ning realized she was hungry. She began eating, which somewhat relieved Wei Qi Zhi, “I thought something had happened. Are you too worried about Princess Yong Ci?”
Yue Ning’s chopsticks paused, then she said, “If you really reach the Northwest, when you see her, please help me convey a few words. First, tell her about the situation at the Duke’s mansion and the Qin family. Second, see if she’s doing well. When you return, come find me.”
Wei Qi Zhi understood Yue Ning’s meaning, “Don’t worry, I understand.”
Yue Ning sighed, “I don’t know if I’ll ever have the chance to see her again. Though the Northwest is safe for now, who knows about the future.”
Hearing her melancholic words, Wei Qi Zhi showed an expression of helplessness, “Listen to yourself – why make it sound so difficult? You’re healthy and capable, and your family doesn’t need you to stay and care for them constantly. If you want to see her, what’s wrong with making a trip to the Northwest?”
Yue Ning froze at his words, “But…”
But she was about to be married. Now that Yan Ze had taken an official position at court, she would be his heir-consort. Going to the Northwest rashly could cause trouble.
Seeing her hesitation and concern, Wei Qi Zhi sighed, “You’re not like the Princess Yong Ning I knew. The waiter just said you were a woman who could match any man, yet you’re the first to lose spirit. I know you’re getting married, but that doesn’t mean you can never leave. Are you planning to never leave the capital for the rest of your life?”
At his words, that feeling of melancholy rose in Yue Ning’s heart again. Not only did Wei Qi Zhi think she had changed, but she didn’t feel right. She barely recognized herself anymore. Yue Ning pressed her lips together tightly and drained her cup again.
Wei Qi Zhi frowned, now certain that Yue Ning truly had something troubling her, likely not his earlier guess about worrying for Qin Wan.
“Has something happened? Do you need my help?”
As the peach blossom wine warmed its way down, Yue Ning gradually felt heat rising in her back. She gave a bitter smile and shook her head, “There’s nothing to help with.”
She stood up and walked to the window. The private room overlooked a quiet street, very peaceful. Yue Ning pushed the window open, and as the cool breeze blew in, she felt her mind clear somewhat. Wei Qi Zhi walked over to her, “If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. What I said earlier wasn’t meant as criticism. You’re a princess of the Duke’s family – though you have a free spirit, you naturally have more concerns than I do. Even I have to worry about many things now, no longer as carefree as before. I’m taking advantage of these years while my parents are still healthy to travel around. Who knows what things will be like in a few years?”
Wei Qi Zhi spoke with some melancholy but smiled, “However… though the world has its rules, nothing is set in stone. It all depends on one’s own choices. I… since I consider you a true friend, I naturally hope you live happily. If you ever need my help, just send someone to the Wei residence to let me know.”
Yue Ning felt warmth in her heart and glanced at Wei Qi Zhi, feeling somewhat embarrassed. Though she felt unhappy, she needn’t take it out on Wei Qi Zhi. She currently had no one to talk to, and she couldn’t possibly tell her doubts and hesitations to people like Yue Qing. Wei Qi Zhi had a truly free spirit, which was why she had momentarily let her true feelings show.
“Thank you. I… actually it’s nothing. There’s just been a lot happening in the capital, and Grandmother’s health gets worse by the day. I haven’t been very cheerful lately.” Yue Ning took a deep breath and smiled, “Take care on your western journey. Today’s meal is my treat – consider it a farewell feast!”
Wei Qi Zhi raised an eyebrow, “That’s perfect – I’ve saved some money again!”
Seeing his reaction, Yue Ning laughed too, her earlier melancholy dissipating. Just then, glancing down at the street, she saw a small blue cloth carriage approaching. If it had been an ordinary carriage, she wouldn’t have paid attention, but what surprised her was that the driver was Tan Xiang, Yan Ze’s servant!
Tan Xiang was Yan Ze’s attendant and would never drive for anyone else. Yue Ning frowned – where was Yan Ze going in such an inconspicuous carriage?
Her suspicions suddenly arose as she watched the small carriage stop outside a nearby teahouse.
Few people walked this street, and though there were teahouses and taverns, they were all empty. If Yan Ze wanted tea, the prince’s manor had plenty of fine teas – coming here clearly meant he was meeting someone. But who?
Yue Ning couldn’t help leaning forward to look at the teahouse. As the small carriage stopped, Yan Ze indeed emerged. He wore a cloak with a hood today, and though others might not recognize him, Yue Ning could identify him at a glance. Yan Ze quickly entered the teahouse.
Yue Ning’s brows furrowed tightly. Beside her, Wei Qi Zhi had also seen but hadn’t recognized the person, merely asking, “What’s wrong? Someone, you know?”
Yue Ning asked, “Who owns that teahouse?”
Wei Qi Zhi, appearing quite familiar with such matters, said, “The owner is a wealthy person, though not local. They have an excellent Jun Mountain Silver Needle tea. I’ve been there twice. At this hour, it’s usually quiet inside.”
Yue Ning stood at the window motionless, as if waiting for something. Soon, a man on horseback galloped toward the teahouse. He dismounted and tied his horse to the railing before entering. Yue Ning’s pupils trembled – it was Zhao Yu, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard!
Why would Yan Ze, who had just recently taken office, be friendly with Zhao Yu? Yue Ning didn’t know, but it felt suspicious. She wanted to go to the teahouse to look but felt it would be too awkward. She could only suppress her curiosity. She closed the window abruptly, turned to sit down, stared intently for a moment, then suddenly stood up, “I must return now. Take care on your journey.”
After speaking, Yue Ning left quickly, hurrying downstairs. She settled the bill at the counter and boarded her carriage.
Wei Qi Zhi saw her off thoughtfully, while her attendants hurried from the first floor to follow. Soon, the carriage headed toward the prince’s manor.
Yue Ning first returned to Duke An Yang’s residence and went to pay respects to the Grand Princess. When the Grand Princess asked about Yan Ze, Yue Ning replied, “I let Third Brother return to his manor. Did Grandmother want him to come over?”
The Grand Princess laughed, “That’s not necessary.”
Yue Ning blinked, “How about I go invite him to join you for dinner tonight?”
The Grand Princess smiled, “You girl, you want to dine with him but use my name as an excuse? Very well, go invite him. If his father is free, have him come too.”
With permission granted, Yue Ning happily left for the Prince of Yi’s manor.
As soon as she left her gate, the smile vanished from Yue Ning’s face. When she arrived at the Prince of Yi’s manor, Yan Ze was indeed absent. Given her status, the servants dared not slight her and led her to the flower hall to wait. Yue Ning watched the sun slowly set, waiting until dusk when Yan Ze finally returned wearing his cloak. Learning of her visit upon his return, he wore an apologetic expression.
Upon seeing Yue Ning, he said, “Why did you come? After returning this afternoon, I remembered my mother’s death anniversary was approaching, so I went to a workshop in the south of the city.”
Before Yue Ning could say a word, hearing this made her heart grow cold, though she maintained her smile, “Did you arrange the memorial items?”
Yan Ze invited Yue Ning inside, speaking in his usual gentle tone without any trace of abnormality, “Everything’s arranged. In a few days, I’ll visit Fa Hua Temple outside the city. Will you come with me?”
Yue Ning smiled and nodded, “Of course…”
Yan Ze asked further, “You haven’t said why you came. Did something happen?”
Yue Ning lowered her eyes and smiled bitterly, “Actually, it’s nothing. I just felt I spoke too harshly to you in the palace today and felt uneasy after returning home, so I wanted to talk with you. Who knew you wouldn’t be here…”
Something seemed to catch in Yue Ning’s throat, and she could no longer speak of inviting him to dinner. She glanced at the darkening sky, “It’s late. I’m reassured having seen you, so I’ll head back now. Grandmother is waiting for me.”
Yan Ze smiled as he saw her out, appearing no different than usual.
Yue Ning walked away in shock. She had prided herself on her closeness with Yan Ze, yet he could lie to her so smoothly without changing expression. His ability to remain so calm suggested that the truth or falsity of his past words couldn’t be judged. Remembering Qin Wan’s words and seeing Yan Ze’s flawless performance, her heart filled with bitterness and her mind grew confused. Fortunately, she was mentally strong and didn’t reveal her thoughts. Only after boarding her carriage did she collapse against the wall, deflated.
As April began, Qin Wan also started worrying about Yue Ning, often wanting to write another letter to the capital. However, with the great distance between them and no reply to her previous letter yet received, how could she write again? Yan Chi noticed her concern and said, “You’ve already warned her, and she truly loves Third Brother. That being the case, we can’t stop it.”
Qin Wan sighed, “Yue Ning is inexperienced in matters of the heart, even more so than I was. I fear she won’t see clearly and regret it later. As for Yan Ze, his thoughts and schemes run so deep it’s chilling. Things might seem fine before the marriage, but how can she be happy if she later discovers everything he’s done? By then it will be too late.”
Yan Chi shook his head, “If you’re truly worried, I could write a letter now revealing all of Yan Ze’s actions to Great-Aunt. She would then make decisions for Yue Ning.”
But Qin Wan worried, “Yan Ze is in the capital now, and we don’t know what he’s planning. If we send a letter rashly, it might cause trouble.”
Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan into his embrace, “If you understand this, why torture yourself? Everyone has their fate. You worry about Yue Ning, and she probably worries about you. Even if she suffers hardship, who hasn’t experienced difficulties in life? She has you as a good friend – that’s already fortunate for both of you.”
Qin Wan was naturally optimistic, but being unable to see Yue Ning made her increasingly worried. Hearing Yan Chi’s comfort helped considerably. When she asked about the northern situation, Yan Chi said, “The patrol teams have gone out many times but still haven’t found any traces. Even beyond White Wolf Pass remains as quiet as before.”
“Could it be that the Rong people plan to behave themselves this spring?”
Qin Wan couldn’t help asking, but Yan Chi shook his head, “Basically… that’s impossible.”
Qin Wan frowned, “When things are unusually quiet, there must be a reason. Could the Rong be planning an autumn attack?”
Yan Chi replied, “Don’t worry. I’ve had Fang Qin send people beyond the pass toward the Rong tribes. Now that spring has arrived, the frozen plains beyond the pass aren’t so treacherous. To know what the Rong are planning, we just need to look.”
“Investigate the Rong tribes?” Qin Wan exclaimed.
Yan Chi nodded, “Exactly. Previously, the Rong always attacked first. Born on the frozen plains, they’re well-adapted to the climate and capable of long journeys. But for us Zhou people to cross the plains to their tribal lands is very difficult. Among the hundred thousand Northwest troops, few have been to Rong territory, though not none. Fang Qin sent several veteran commanders who visited the Rong lands over two years ago. Though the Rong might have moved their gathering places, they won’t be hard to find. We should have news within a month at most.”
Only upon hearing this did Qin Wan feel relieved. Going to investigate the Rong tribes would reveal what was happening.
With the worry about the corpses temporarily resolved, Qin Wan thought about Yue Ning’s approaching wedding. Though she couldn’t return to the capital, since the marriage was set, she both worried and silently prayed that Yan Ze was at least genuine toward Yue Ning. She considered what wedding gift to prepare. Yue Ning had no shortage of gold, silver, or jade, but in the Northwest, the most auspicious item was a blood-red crimson jade. Qin Wan had people find a piece and invited the finest craftsman to carve it into a Guanyin statue with blooming pomegranates symbolizing hundreds of children. Once the statue was finished, she hesitated about how to send it to the capital. After much arrangement by Yan Chi, the item was finally sent off.
Two days later, Yan Chi returned from outside saying, “The Northwest Army needs supplies, primarily warhorses. Recently, I’ve had several people looking for sellers, including military commanders and newly arrived guests. You won’t believe who I heard about through all these inquiries.”
Qin Wan knew she must know this person but couldn’t guess who, “Who?”
Yan Chi smiled, “You should remember – the Wei family’s eldest son, the one in the horse trade?”
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened, “Him?!”
Yan Chi nodded, “A warrior recently came seeking a position in our government. He was formerly a military commander in Yu Prefecture but was later expelled from the army due to false accusations. After that, he was frustrated and unfulfilled. Hearing that I had established myself in the Northwest, he came seeking a military position. When discussing horse purchases, he mentioned having a good friend in the business. Upon further discussion, it turned out to be Wei Qi Zhi. He said he’s already written to the capital, and Wei Qi Zhi will come to the Northwest soon.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan’s eyes lit up, “Excellent! He’ll surely be able to tell us about everything happening in the capital!”