The year 241 of the Great Zhou Dynasty was destined to be a turbulent time for its citizens. At the end of the year 240, Empress Zhao Shuhua and Crown Prince Yan Che conspired to leave the capital, heading north to unite with the 100,000-strong Northern Garrison Army, which the Zhao family had controlled for years, raising the banner of rebellion. Meanwhile, the loyal Prince Rui, Yan Chi, was similarly branded a traitor and fled to the Northwest.
While the Empress and Crown Prince openly rebelled in the North under their banner, Prince Rui established his small court on the Northwestern Plateau with the Northwestern Army. The common people referred to him as the King of Western Zhou. With rebellions in both the northwest and north, the Zhou Emperor naturally flew into a thunderous rage. He first issued several imperial edicts stripping the Empress and Crown Prince of their titles, then revoked Prince Rui’s noble status. He gathered armies from both north and south, appointing Duke An Yang as commander-in-chief to lead 100,000 troops north.
The internal turmoil had already made the citizens uneasy, but at this time, the dreaded Barbarian and Rong tribes joined forces and attacked from north of the Canglong Mountains. They immediately conducted a bloody massacre of Cang Prefecture, putting the entire northern region at risk of slaughter. Even the Great Zhou’s very foundation seemed precarious.
At this critical moment, Prince Rui led his army north. After Duke An Yang’s mediation, they joined forces with the three Northern Garrison armies and managed to drive back the fierce Barbarian-Rong army. This saved the lives of millions of northern citizens. However, at this time, rumors spread widely about the Emperor disregarding the national crisis and plotting against loyal ministers.
It was then that Prince Rui raised his army in rebellion, seeking to overthrow the misguided emperor in the name of heavenly justice. The Northern Garrison Army, moved by his loyalty and righteousness, pledged allegiance to him. Thus, Prince Rui led over 100,000 troops south with lightning speed. By then, the capital Lin’an was practically defenseless, as the Emperor’s paranoia had driven away his generals and troops. When Prince Rui’s army reached the city, he didn’t immediately attack but instead used military pressure.
Perhaps realizing his throne was lost, three days later, the Zhou Emperor issued an edict of self-reproach and immolated himself in the palace. That night, which even court historians dared not treat lightly, Prince Rui led his troops into the city, investigated the palace, and summoned all officials. He pacified the entire capital almost without conflict. Both noble officials and common citizens were impressed by Prince Rui’s loyalty and righteousness, while also being intimidated by his military might. Combined with the detailed edict listing ten major crimes of the misguided emperor, the entire Great Zhou submitted to Prince Rui without resistance.
Due to the fire in Chongzheng Palace, Prince Rui gathered officials and royal clan members in Zichen Palace, immediately securing the loyalty of court officials. Although Prince Rui had seized power, he did not execute the former officials. Those without crimes retained their original positions. Thus, there were no major changes in the court offices. From high-ranking dukes and ministers down to seventh-rank minor officials, all respected his merciful heart. Five days later, the coronation arrangements were set.
By then, the rear hall of Chongzheng Palace had become ruins, with the front hall also heavily damaged. Prince Rui ordered palace craftsmen to renovate the buildings. The Imperial Guard searched through the ruins and finally found two charred corpses, which upon examination were confirmed to be Emperor Yan Huai and the eunuch Yuan Qing.
Though the Emperor had ruled poorly, he had issued a self-reproach edict and self-immolated. Prince Rui, upholding benevolence, still ordered his burial in the imperial tomb with ancestral temple honors. However, his tombstone bore only his name without an imperial title. Though he had a final resting place, he lacked imperial honors, which moved many people. Meanwhile, Prince Yi’an’s mansion was found empty. Rumors said Prince Yi’an intended to pursue spiritual cultivation by the Eastern Sea and had taken his family there, his whereabouts and return date were unknown.
Half a month later, the coronation ceremony was held in the imperial ancestral temple. Prince Rui, wearing imperial robes and crowns, ascended to the throne with his first wife by his side. By then, the Barbarian-Rong forces in the north had been eliminated by the northern expedition army, and Cang Prefecture was recovered. Though thousands of miles away, Duke An Yang led his generals and soldiers in expressing their allegiance. Due to the need to rebuild Cang Prefecture, Duke An Yang requested a delayed return from the new emperor, which was granted.
Upon ascending the throne, the new emperor first named his first wife, Lady Qin, as empress. He then declared a general amnesty, reduced taxes, and slightly adjusted court official positions. Three months passed swiftly. The new emperor governed diligently and showed love for his people and consideration for his officials. This imperial succession, which should have been tumultuous, passed as gently as a breeze.
With the new dynasty established, the new emperor began clearing wrongful cases mentioned in the former emperor’s self-reproach edict. The first was last year’s Concubine Jin case. Previously taboo, it was now different under the new dynasty. The emperor ordered the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate, which implicated many people including the former Chief Justice Li Muyun and prison officers from the Ministry of Justice. After strict handling, those who deserved demotion were demoted, and those who deserved imprisonment were imprisoned. Thus everyone came to know the new emperor’s swift and decisive hatred of evil, and the court atmosphere became very different from before.
While the former court underwent renewal, the inner palace also saw significant changes. The rear hall of Chongzheng Palace had been the emperor’s sleeping quarters, but after the fire, it was destroyed. Though the new emperor ordered renovation, he didn’t have it rebuilt as sleeping quarters but established it as the imperial study and cabinet location, becoming a place specifically for meeting officials.
But where would the emperor live without his sleeping quarters? Surprisingly, the new emperor ordered the renovation and modification of Kunning Palace, renaming it Weiyang Palace, as the imperial couple’s residence. The new emperor changed the tradition of emperor and empress living separately. Though the court initially had objections, everyone understood the new emperor’s methods, and after hitting two dead ends, no one dared to raise the issue again.
Time flew to the depths of winter, three to five days before New Year’s Eve. The entire inner palace was preparing for the new year, with Weiyang Palace, being the imperial couple’s residence, naturally receiving the most attention from palace servants. The previous night’s heavy snow added to Weiyang Palace’s scenery, and early this day, Qin Wan wanted to rise early to appreciate the snow. Usually, Yan Chi would rise early for court, never letting Qin Wan rise with him, and after the recent palace takeover, Qin Wan had fallen slightly ill, becoming somewhat lazy, subsequently being quite spoiled by Yan Chi, and now had even learned to sleep in.
But hearing about the beautiful snow outside today, she refused to stay nestled in her brocade quilt! “Your Majesty the Empress, you must wear another cloak!” Fuling had returned from the Northwest some time ago and now showed great care for Qin Wan. As the current empress, Qin Wan’s status was not only noble, but her health was also different from before. Recently she had been lazy, and even her monthly cycle was delayed for quite some time. Fuling was very worried, but Qin Wan didn’t take it seriously, eating, drinking, and sleeping daily, only forbidding them from telling Yan Chi.
Qin Wan obediently wore the cloak and smiled, “I’m already wearing an extra lined jacket, and you want me to wear another cloak? I’m so clumsy now it’s hard to walk.” Fuling snorted, “Your Majesty hasn’t been feeling well lately, haven’t you noticed yourself?” She lowered her voice, “Your Majesty hasn’t risen early for seven or eight days. His Majesty doesn’t say anything, and you don’t notice, but this servant feels you’re very different from usual. You’re a physician yourself, don’t you feel something’s different with your body?”
Qin Wan covered her mouth and laughed, “There aren’t that many illnesses. You’re too careful. Come, let’s go see the snow.” When the group left the sleeping quarters, they immediately saw the vast whiteness. Looking out, all the palace roofs and eaves were snow-white, and with the rising sun, the snow gleamed even more brilliantly. Qin Wan was delighted and promptly said, “Let’s go to Shoukang Palace. The plum blossoms there started blooming yesterday, they must be even more beautiful today.”
Fuling hurriedly said, “If Your Majesty wants to go, we should prepare a sedan chair—” But Qin Wan had already walked out of the hall, “Why do we need a sedan chair? Let’s walk, and we can make a snowball along the way to take to Yan Sui.” Fuling had no choice but to call Bai Ying and other palace maids to follow along.
Walking and looking around the palace, Qin Wan suddenly asked, “Now that it’s snowing, have all the palace buildings been checked?” Fuling, who used to be a careless young maid, was now the most trusted head palace maid to the Great Zhou Empress. Her progress was remarkable, and even the palace guards and maids would respectfully address her as “Sister Fuling” or “Miss Fuling.” Fuling smiled and said, “Please rest assured, the internal affairs office has already checked everything. With the inner palace’s current simple population, we don’t need that many halls, and many have been temporarily locked. We’re only carefully maintaining Shoukang Palace and Weiyang Palace.”
When Yan Chi ascended the throne, all concubines in the inner palace were released. The underage princes, except for Yan Sui, were also temporarily granted titles as prefecture princes and established their residences. For example, Concubine Wan from the Song Duke’s family left the palace to live with her son, her eighth prince was titled Prince Wanping, and she enjoyed the honor of Imperial Dowager. Even Noble Consort Feng Ling was taken out. King Cheng’s crimes were severe, and Yan Chi stripped him of his prince title and demoted him to commoner status. His wife Feng Chenbi naturally lost her noble titles as well. When the palace reclaimed King Cheng’s mansion, Feng Chenbi dismissed the servants and returned to live at the Loyal Duke’s mansion.
The Loyal Duke’s mansion was now in a sorry state. The Noble Consort sister who had married out now returned home mentally unstable, the princess daughter who had married out now returned as a widow, and their only son Feng Zhang, having previously offended the current new emperor, now had to be extremely cautious, not knowing when the new emperor might settle both old and new accounts.
Qin Wan sighed thinking about these matters and asked Bai Ying, “Has Qin Xiang still not been found?”
Bai Ying shook her head, “No, she hasn’t been found. She likely already left the capital. She fled before His Majesty even issued the order to strip King Cheng of his title, probably fearing that Feng Chenbi would harm her. Though King Cheng hasn’t been in the capital for half a year, I heard his mansion was in chaos.”
Qin Wan shook her head, “If she’s left the capital, so be it.”
Bai Ying responded, “Your Majesty needn’t worry. She might have returned to Jin Prefecture, where the old Marquis and others are now.”
Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile bitterly at this thought. When the Qin family incident happened in Jin Prefecture, they had all gone north to seek refuge at the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion. Later, when trouble befell the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion, Qin Chaoyu ordered Qin Shu and others to go south to avoid disaster. With no choice, they had to go to Jin Prefecture – after all, the Qin family’s third branch there was still of the Qin lineage and could offer some protection.
Qin Wan acknowledged this and asked no more, continuing toward Shoukang Palace. At the palace entrance, she noticed the servants were unusually quiet and orderly, immediately kneeling in greeting upon seeing her.
A matron came forward and said, “Your Majesty, the Old Princess Consort Gong and Prince Gong have arrived.”
Qin Wan was surprised to hear this, “Why wasn’t I informed?”
She quickly entered, and when she reached the flower hall, she looked through the open window lattice. The Empress Dowager was cheerfully talking with the Old Princess Consort Gong. Half lucid and half confused, she only remembered things from twenty years ago when lucid, which made her quite compatible with the Old Princess Consort Gong. Yan Li stood beside them, his face wearing a calm smile. The current Yan Li no longer wore red. Since Yan Chi ascended the throne and released him, he still frequently visited the inner palace to accompany the Empress Dowager or play with Yan Sui, making it seem like it was still a year ago. However, he had gradually changed, no longer laughing and scolding as before, becoming more composed. Recently, he had even expressed a desire to leave the capital to travel.
As Qin Wan entered the room, everyone rose to bow. She quickly stepped forward to support the Old Princess Consort Gong, saying, “Please don’t stand on ceremony. Why have you come to pay respects so early today? I hadn’t known.”
Madam Fu looked at Qin Wan and said gently, “Today, we’ve come to bid farewell.”
The Empress Dowager sat beside them, showing no reaction to the words “bid farewell.” Qin Wan slightly furrowed her brows and glanced at Matron Chen, who coaxed the Empress Dowager into the inner chamber to take medicine. The Princess Consort pulled Qin Wan outside, and Qin Wan asked, “Why are you bidding farewell? Where are you going?”
Yan Li followed them out and smiled, saying, “A few days ago, I told you I wanted to look outside the capital. I’ve never been south of the Yan River in my life, and I rather want to take a look at the south. As it happens, I recently learned there will be a grand Buddhist ceremony at Mount Taihua next month. I mentioned it to Mother, and she became interested as well.”
Madam Fu smiled and said, “Yes, that’s right. I’ve never been south of the Yan River in my life either. They say the southern lands see no snow in winter and are quite warm. I became interested, so we came to bid farewell today, and we’ll set off early tomorrow morning.”
Qin Wan hurriedly asked, “When will you return from this journey? The winter roads are difficult to travel – why not wait until spring?”
Madam Fu patted Qin Wan’s hand and said, “It would be too late to go in spring. If we travel quickly, we can just make it to the ceremony. The ceremony only lasts half a month, and we don’t want to miss a single day. As for when we’ll return, that’s uncertain. The empire is peaceful now, and I can still travel. I should take the opportunity to see more places. In a couple of years, when my health isn’t as good and Li’er needs to marry and have children, we won’t have such leisure as now.”
Qin Wan didn’t know what to say upon hearing this. “If you’ve made up your mind, I can’t change it. But please be very careful about safety on the road. I have some people from the south – why not take them along to help? So you won’t be unfamiliar when you reach the south—”
Madam Fu smiled broadly, “The Empress is kind, but that’s not necessary. Don’t worry, even if I don’t know the way, you know Li’er’s personality best – is there any place he can’t manage?”
As they were speaking, Yan Sui came out carrying a wooden carved toy carriage.
Seeing Qin Wan, his steps quickened. Seeing what he was carrying, she asked, “What’s this for?”
Yan Li smiled, “When I said I was going traveling, he wanted to come along. But knowing you wouldn’t allow it because of his young age, he said he wanted to give me something as a parting gift. It turned out to be this little trinket.”
Qin Wan covered her mouth and smiled, “How interesting. You’re leaving, and he’s even prepared a carriage for you.”
As they spoke, Madam Fu pulled Qin Wan aside to talk under the eaves, while Yan Li and Yan Sui sat at a stone table in the outer pavilion. Yan Sui triggered some mechanism, and the wooden carved carriage moved by itself. Both of them laughed. Madam Fu watched from afar and said, “Li’er is still like a child. Being like this, it’s not good for him to stay in the capital. I’ve spent half my life in the Buddhist hall. If we stay in the capital, we’ll both be trapped in that prince’s mansion for life. Better to leave this place.”
Qin Wan’s heart sank hearing this, “You mean you won’t return?”
Madam Fu shook her head, “Not exactly. The capital is still our homeland after all. Our return has no set time – we’ll see what fate brings.”
Qin Wan understood and felt quite melancholic.
The two stood under the eaves for a moment longer before Madam Fu called Yan Li to prepare to leave. Qin Wan and Yan Sui escorted them to the middle courtyard, watching them leave before turning back. Yan Sui’s little face was slightly furrowed, “Will they come back?”
Qin Wan smiled, “Of course they will. They’re riding in your carriage, and your carriage will bring them back, right?”
Yan Sui immediately smiled at these words, his eyes bright as he looked at Qin Wan. She lightly tapped his forehead, “Just don’t worry. Come, let’s go talk with the Empress Dowager, and let me see if your writing has improved—”
Qin Wan stayed at Shoukang Palace for another hour before leaving. Before departing, she had someone pick some newly bloomed red plum blossoms to take back to Weiyang Palace. Just as she entered the palace gates, she saw Yan Chi striding out from inside. Seeing Qin Wan holding the plum blossoms, he said, “Why didn’t you take a sedan chair?”
Qin Wan had Fuling arrange the flowers while she went with Yan Chi to the warm pavilion to talk. “I’ve been feeling lethargic these days and wanted to walk around. Have you seen Yan Li?”
Yan Chi nodded, “Yes, it’s good for them to leave. The capital is bound to be a place of controversy.”
When Yan Chi ascended the throne, all civil and military officials, royal clan members, and noble ladies had to come to pay respects. At that time, the Princess Consort Gong had brought Yan Li to the palace. She, who hadn’t left home for years, afterward frequently came to the palace to keep the Empress Dowager company. However, as long as they remained in the capital, private criticism would never cease.
Qin Wan said, “I don’t know when they’ll return. From what the Old Princess Consort said, it might be a very long time.”
Yan Chi reassured her, “Don’t worry, Yan Li will take good care of her.”
Qin Wan smiled and asked, “Was the court peaceful today?”
“The court is fine, and the southern unrest has been quelled.”
Three months ago, just over a month after Yan Chi’s ascension, although the capital had been pacified, after the proclamation was announced throughout the empire, a group of bandits in the south joined forces with a local militia garrison to rebel, directly claiming that Yan Chi’s ascension was illegitimate. The south was a thousand miles from the capital, and these people managed to cause significant trouble, plundering several counties in southern Hu Prefecture and killing many people. Eventually, Yan Chi issued urgent orders, and the southern provincial officials finally suppressed these people.
Yan Chi continued, “Besides the Hu Prefecture General, two others helped quell the rebellion. They will arrive in the capital the day after tomorrow. You’ll see them at the New Year’s palace banquet.”
At this, Qin Wan asked, “They’re coming to the New Year’s palace banquet too?”
Usually, the New Year’s palace banquet was for capital officials or fourth-rank and above officials returning to report for duty, but this group didn’t fit these categories.
Yan Chi smiled slightly, “It’s the first year, so naturally we should be more generous with our favor. I was thinking, why not invite your senior apprentice-brother as well?”
The senior apprentice’s brother Yan Chi mentioned was Sun Muqing. Even after the incident at the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion, Sun Muqing hadn’t left the capital. Fortunately, none of the chaos had affected him. Now that Yan Chi had ascended the throne and the capital was peaceful, Sun Muqing planned to open a medical clinic in the capital, apparently no longer wanting to return to Medicine King Valley.
“Why invite senior brother? He has no official position, how would that work?”
Yan Chi smiled, “He doesn’t need to go to the morning court. We’ll prepare a New Year’s dinner at Weiyang Palace. You can leave the palace banquet early to talk with him for a while. Also, your sister – Xue Qingshan is a promising military talent, and I plan to send him to the frontier for a year of experience, but I fear your sister won’t be willing. Have their couple come to the palace earlier to talk with you, and you can ask their thoughts…”
During the New Year, everyone should reunite with family, but Qin Wan now had no family in the capital except for Qin Shuang. The only person she was close to was Sun Muqing. Seeing Yan Chi’s thoughtfulness, Qin Wan smiled wryly, “Setting up a meal at Weiyang Palace… I wonder what others will say when they find out…”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, “Then how about the side hall next to Jinxiu Palace?”
Qin Wan quickly nodded in agreement, “That’s much better.” She continued, “Qin Shuang will certainly agree, she’ll just be worried, that’s all. I’ll ask her then. Also, the palace banquet arrangements have all been settled, Your Majesty can rest assured.”
Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan into his arms, intending to be affectionate, but saw her starting to yawn. He pinched her waist playfully, “That’s what you get for running around so early.” He lifted her and carried her to the inner chamber, laying her down. As he was about to lie down beside her, Qin Wan hurriedly pushed him away, “It’s broad daylight, and you still have state affairs to attend to. How can you do this?”
Yan Chi caught her hands, “I’ve finished handling state affairs, nothing’s being neglected.”
He embraced her fully and pecked her lips, questioning, “What’s wrong with you lately? You won’t let me be intimate at night, and you won’t rest with me during the day either. If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you had someone else in mind.”
Qin Wan laughed at this and pecked his lips several times, “Your servant would never dare have another in mind. Alright, Your Majesty, let’s sleep. I truly am tired.”
Yan Chi had no choice but to let Qin Wan nestle in his arms to sleep.
The next day at dawn, three large carriages waited at the side gate of Prince Gong’s mansion. Soon after, Madam Fu and Yan Li emerged, followed by four or five servants. After brief preparations, they boarded the carriages, which creaked away from the capital, following the official road westward. Before noon, the carriages reached a low hill. This was a royal forest, and an hour’s journey further lay the imperial tombs.
The carriages followed the mountain path upward, soon stopping halfway up the mountain before a new grave. The gravestone bore no inscription and had no offerings. Yan Li descended from the carriage, carrying incense and candles to pay respects alone. After finishing, he returned to the carriage. As the curtain fell, Yan Li said, “It’s done, Mother.”
Inside the carriage, Madam Fu gave a cold “Mm” and ordered the carriages to descend southward.
The carriages soon descended and traveled far, and no one would know that this place, facing the imperial tombs from afar, was the former emperor’s new grave. The one in the imperial tomb was merely a cenotaph for the real Yan Huai. In the carriage, Yan Li sighed softly – after today, his father was truly dead in his heart.
…
Three days passed swiftly, and the New Year’s Eve palace banquet arrived.
Early that day, the Grand Princess, Madam Jiang, and Yue Ning entered the palace first. Duke An Yang Yue Qiong had stayed in Cang Prefecture for two months, returning only half a month ago, and Yue Ning had also returned to the capital just half a month ago. They first went to Weiyang Palace to pay respects to Qin Wan, stayed briefly, then went to Shoukang Palace to see the Empress Dowager. However, the Empress Dowager was confused that day, making the Grand Princess sigh before returning to Weiyang Palace after a short while.
For the New Year’s Eve banquet, all noble ladies from inside and outside the palace had to pay respects to the Empress. They had barely talked when more visitors were announced. Qin Wan had no choice but to receive them. Today, she wore a formal red empress phoenix robe. Though wearing no makeup, she was still strikingly beautiful. Combined with her naturally dignified bearing, she increasingly embodied the image of the empire’s mother figure. The Grand Princess watched how Qin Wan handled people and affairs, continuously nodding in approval.
By evening, as the banquet was about to begin, the noble ladies at Weiyang Palace headed to Jinxiu Palace.
Qin Wan finally got a moment’s respite. Yue Ning lingered behind, sneaking to the inner chamber to ask, “Are you tired?”
Qin Wan exhaled, “Much better than I expected. I used to think being empress would be very difficult, but I didn’t expect daily life to be quite relaxed, only busy during several festivals each year – it’s not too bad—”
Hearing this, Yue Ning’s eyes rolled playfully, “Your Majesty, I have a request, if I may?”
Qin Wan laughed, “Princess, speak freely. Is it about Wei Qizhi?”
Yue Ning smiled wryly, “He says he wants to request an imperial decree from His Majesty, but I don’t want it so quickly. If he asks, please, please tell His Majesty not to grant it…”
Qin Wan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “Why is that?”
Yue Ning snorted, “Recently I learned about many of his past frivolous affairs. I don’t want to accept him so casually.”
Seeing Yue Ning’s girlish pride and a hint of jealousy in her tone, it was clear she must have learned about Wei Qizhi’s past romantic entanglements.
Qin Wan covered her mouth and laughed, “Oh you! Your elder brother is to be married in spring, so even if he requests a decree, it should be after that. Don’t worry, I’ll have His Majesty give him a hard time – how could I hand you over to him so easily?”
Yue Jia and the Su family’s daughter were already engaged, with the wedding set for after the new year. Hearing this, Yue Ning’s eyes brightened, “Exactly, this is a perfect excuse.”
They chatted for a few more moments. Seeing it getting dark, Qin Wan prepared to go to Jinxiu Palace, but before she could leave the palace gates, Yan Chi returned to escort her. Seeing this, Yue Ning could only sigh repeatedly and quickly fled. Qin Wan laughed, “It’s so close, why did you come back?”
Yan Chi had been meeting officials in the front court all day and could have gone directly to Jinxiu Palace, but he deliberately made a detour. He helped Qin Wan onto the imperial carriage, and only after they started moving did he say, “Though it’s close, I’m still worried. The snow makes the paths slippery, and it’s night – see, your hands are still so cold.”
He warmed her hands to Jinxiu Palace.
Tonight, Jinxiu Palace was brilliantly lit, as magical as a jade palace. The civil and military officials and royal clan members were already waiting, while the noble ladies sat separately from the court officials, divided by a soft screen. Yan Chi helped Qin Wan down from the imperial carriage and entered Jinxiu Palace together!
“Long live His Majesty, long live, long live!”
“Long live Her Majesty the Empress, long live, long live!”
Everyone knelt in greeting, shouting their wishes for longevity. Yan Chi held Qin Wan’s hand as they walked to their seats, only allowing everyone to rise after they were settled.
Today was the new dynasty’s first New Year’s banquet, and Qin Wan had overseen it meticulously. Not only was the hall newly decorated in elegant splendor, but much thought had also gone into today’s delicacies and utensils. After everyone was seated, the ceremonial official first announced the New Year’s Eve prayer, and then the grand feast began.
This wasn’t Qin Wan’s first time meeting the court officials, and her every movement was noble and elegant. Seeing the imperial couple in their formal attire, like a perfect pair, and thinking of the rumors about their deep affection, everyone found them even more pleasing to the eye. While Yan Chi was decisive in state affairs, he wasn’t cold or intimidating when meeting his officials. After a few words from him, the atmosphere in the hall relaxed. Officials began toasting enthusiastically, and some bold ones even offered toasts to the imperial couple.
Qin Wan naturally didn’t drink, but Yan Chi didn’t stand at the ceremony. Seeing him accept their toasts, the officials felt encouraged and delighted, making the hall even more relaxed. Just then, Yan Chi took Qin Wan’s hand and stood, saying, “I’ll take you to meet someone.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows in confusion but followed Yan Chi.
As the imperial couple moved, no official dared remain seated, all hurriedly standing. Only after Yan Chi gestured for everyone to return to their seats did they sit down. Even so, their movement drew everyone’s attention. They watched as Yan Chi led Qin Wan to one of the last seats, stopping before a young man who had already risen to bow.
Qin Wan was incredibly surprised to see this person, “Fourth Brother… how is it you?”
The person sitting in this corner was none other than Qin Ye!
Qin Wan only knew that Qin Shu’s family was in the south, and never expected to see Qin Ye here, leaving her extremely surprised.
Qin Ye bowed, “Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress. Please, Your Majesty may address this humble official by name.”
Though Qin Wan’s status was now different, Qin Ye remained extremely respectful.
Qin Wan looked between Qin Ye and Yan Chi, “What’s going on?”
Yan Chi smiled, “Remember I mentioned those who quelled the southern rebellion a few days ago? He was one of them.”
Qin Wan was even more surprised and delighted to hear this, while Qin Ye smiled and said, “However, if speaking of this humble official’s connection with His Majesty, we must start from before Her Majesty entered the capital…”
Qin Wan’s eyebrows rose high as she turned to look at Yan Chi, who smiled and said, “Just helped him with a small matter, that’s all.”
Qin Wan looked at Qin Ye again, who explained, “At that time, this humble official was traveling north on business and nearly lost my life in some trouble. His Highness’s people saved me. Later, when Her Majesty returned to the Marquis’s mansion, His Highness secretly sent word asking me to look after Her Majesty.”
Qin Wan felt waves of surprise, but hearing these words, she suddenly recalled many things. When she first returned to the Prime Minister’s mansion, Qin Ye had seemed particularly attentive to her, even making her wary. She hadn’t understood why then, but never expected it was because of Yan Chi!
Qin Wan took a while to process this, and after carefully considering its implications, a warmth grew in her heart. She asked, “How is Uncle? And Third Brother? Are they all well?”
Qin Ye leaned forward and spoke softly, “Father fell ill before the new year. Elder Brother was supposed to come too, but he stayed in Jin Prefecture to look after Father. Also… Chaoyu sent word last month saying they’re now with the Fifth Princess in Northern Wei. However, Empress Zhao’s injuries aren’t suitable for recovery in Northern Wei, so they’ll likely return and head south to find a place for her recovery around the third or fourth month after the new year. Perhaps then, there will be a chance to meet.”
Since returning to the capital, Qin Wan hadn’t heard the news of Qin Chaoyu, and hearing this now filled her heart with warmth.
She had expected them to go to Northern Wei, but if they hadn’t planned to return from there, it would have been difficult to ever meet again. Now things were better.
Qin Wan was visibly moved, “That’s wonderful! Uncle and Aunt can finally be at ease when they see each other.”
Tonight being New Year’s Eve, meeting Qin Ye gave Qin Wan different feelings than usual. After exchanging a few more words, they moved on. Though other court officials didn’t dare stare openly at the imperial couple, they had been paying attention to the interaction. Learning that the person speaking with the Empress was the second young master from the former Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion, they were slightly surprised but dared not comment. New emperor, new officials – it was only natural for the new emperor to support his people. Understanding this, they became even more cautious, fearing their positions might be replaced if they didn’t perform their duties well.
Yan Chi and Qin Wan paid no attention to others’ gazes. Having come down, Yan Chi exchanged words with familiar court officials, which was a great honor for them. Today there were too many people; from the main seats, they could only see a limited number of faces. Now, moving among the crowd, they could see everyone’s face distinctly. After a few steps, Qin Wan saw Zhan Yang. Li Muyun had been Yan Ze’s man, and after reinvestigating Concubine Jin’s case, Li Muyun was punished and demoted to a difficult county magistrate position in the south, leaving the Chief Justice position vacant.
Then, Zheng Baishi recommended Zhan Yang, and since Zhan Yang hadn’t taken the imperial examinations and was young, Yan Chi first placed him in the Deputy Chief Justice position for the experience. Even so, he now held the real power of the Chief Justice. Qin Wan knew best about Zhan Yang’s dedication to solving cases and thought this arrangement was excellent.
Now as Empress, Qin Wan rarely met with outside officials. The last time she saw Zhan Yang was during Yan Chi’s coronation. Thinking this, she naturally wanted to exchange a few words with him.
Seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan approaching, Zhan Yang quickly rose to bow. Qin Wan smiled, “Deputy Chief Justice may dispense with formalities. I hear you’ve solved two cold cases at the Court of Justice these past few months. I expect His Majesty will reward you with wine tonight.”
At these words, Yan Chi indeed instructed the eunuch behind him, “Bestow wine—”
Zhan Yang hurriedly expressed gratitude, “Thank you, Your Majesties. This official has just taken the position and is still quite inexperienced. I dare not claim credit.”
Qin Wan replied, “Master Zhan needn’t be modest. Even when you held a minor position before, you still devoted yourself fully to investigating the truth. Now with some authority, you can better serve the people. Others may not know, but His Majesty and I know well your dedication!”
Yan Chi added, “Zhan Yang, serve well. The Court of Justice is in good hands with you.”
Zhan Yang showed gratitude and quickly said, “Please rest assured, Your Majesties. This official will dedicate heart and soul to ensure no evildoer escapes justice!”
Yan Chi waved his hand with a smile, “Enough, tonight is New Year’s Eve. Don’t think about work, enjoy the feast instead.”
Just then, the rewarded wine arrived. The young eunuch came forward, “Your Majesty didn’t specify which wine, so this servant brought the grape wine tribute from Western Liang.”
Yan Chi smiled, “Excellent, fill Master Zhan’s cup—”
The eunuch stepped forward and immediately filled Zhan Yang’s cup to the brim. The grape wine was purple-red, rich in color, with a taste mixing sourness and sweetness with the wine’s aroma – truly a precious thing. The surrounding officials enviously watched Zhan Yang, and Qin Wan smiled, preparing to watch him drink it all at once. However, at that moment, her expression suddenly changed as she covered her mouth and started retching, continuing several times until her eyes filled with tears, her face flushed, and she collapsed weakly into Yan Chi’s arms.
Yan Chi’s expression changed drastically, “Wan’wan—”
“Your Majesty the Empress—”
The sudden incident startled everyone, whether Yan Chi and Fuling or the court officials in the hall.
Zhan Yang, being right there, was so startled he almost knocked over the dishes on the table, “Your Majesty the Empress!”
“Someone! Quickly summon the imperial physician—”
Qin Wan’s face was flushed, her eyes moist, unable to speak for a moment. Yan Chi quickly picked her up and turned to leave. When Qin Wan finally could speak, Yan Chi had already reached the hall entrance. Qin Wan pulled at Yan Chi, “Wait, no need for the imperial physician. Let senior brother… let senior brother check my pulse.”
At these words, Yan Chi remembered that Sun Muqing was in the palace tonight and quickly asked those nearby, “Where is Doctor Sun?”
A young eunuch quickly pointed to the side hall, and Yan Chi immediately carried Qin Wan there.
With the imperial couple’s sudden departure, the officials and noble ladies in the main hall became anxious and uncertain. Some came forward to ask Zhan Yang, who could only smile bitterly, not knowing anything but greatly worried about Qin Wan. Though the imperial couple had left, the banquet hadn’t been dismissed, so everyone waited anxiously.
Meanwhile, Sun Muqing had been waiting in the side hall with several eunuchs for company. Hearing the commotion outside, he hurried to the door. Just as he opened it, he saw Yan Chi carrying Qin Wan. Yan Chi urgently said, “Quick, examine her, something’s wrong!”
Sun Muqing was startled but immediately became concerned, pointing to a couch against the wall, “Over there!”
Yan Chi hurriedly laid Qin Wan on the couch, then sat beside her extremely anxiously, half-embracing her.
By now, Qin Wan had recovered her normal color. Seeing Yan Chi so alarmed, she smiled, “It’s nothing, Doctor Sun will see.”
Yan Chi’s brows remained furrowed, “How can it be nothing? We must examine you thoroughly.”
Fuling, who had been following Qin Wan, had already been frightened to tears. Seeing this situation, she quickly came forward, “Your Majesty, the Empress hasn’t been well lately, it didn’t just happen suddenly. The Empress has been constantly lethargic and spiritless, and her monthly cycle hasn’t come for a long time!”
With no outsiders present, Fuling dared not conceal anything, and hearing these words, Sun Muqing’s brows moved slightly.
His hand had already reached for Qin Wan’s pulse. As soon as he felt it, his eyebrows moved slightly. After a moment, he looked up at Qin Wan to find her smiling at him. Seeing this, Sun Muqing let out a great sigh of relief, his eyes bright with understanding.
He didn’t rush to speak, instead furrowing his brow and sensing carefully. Qin Wan watched Sun Muqing calmly without any anxiety, while Yan Chi’s eyes seemed ready to bore through Sun Muqing. “How is she? What’s wrong? Why was she suddenly retching?”
Sun Muqing looked up, glanced at Qin Wan, and then said to Yan Chi, “Your Majesty need not worry, it’s nothing serious.”
Hearing this, Yan Chi didn’t feel relieved at all. Seeing his anxiety, Qin Wan smiled and said, “Doctor Sun, it’s true, isn’t it? I could feel it myself but wasn’t certain. I need your confirmation to be at ease.”
Sun Muqing nodded, while Yan Chi asked, “Wan’wan, what are you talking about?”
Qin Wan smiled, “Doctor Sun, please tell His Majesty—”
A smile appeared at the corners of Sun Muqing’s lips, “Your Majesty need not worry. Her Majesty the Empress is with child.”
Though Sun Muqing said this calmly, Yan Chi was stunned. It was Fuling who suddenly exclaimed, “What?! Doctor Sun, is it true? The Empress is really with child?”
Sun Muqing continued nodding, and Yan Chi finally pulled Qin Wan close, “Wan’wan, you…”
Yan Chi stared intently at Qin Wan, who smiled and nodded, “I’ve had a feeling these past days, but a physician shouldn’t diagnose themselves. I was planning to ask Doctor Sun to come to the palace when things weren’t so busy, but I couldn’t help my reaction to the wine’s smell just now.”
Yan Chi’s eyes sparkled like a starry river. He took a deep breath, wanting to embrace Qin Wan tightly and draw her into himself, but with so many people present and realizing she was carrying a child, he became even more careful not to be rough, quickly loosening his tense arms to avoid hurting her.
Meanwhile, Sun Muqing said, “Your Majesty, please let me check your right hand as well.”
These words immediately caught Yan Chi’s attention. He turned and asked, “What’s wrong? Are you still uncertain?”
Sun Muqing shook his head as Qin Wan extended her right hand. Sun Muqing began checking her pulse while everyone held their breath, wondering why he needed to check the other hand. After a moment, Sun Muqing looked up with a smile, “I wasn’t certain before, but now I am.”
After a slight pause, Sun Muqing said joyfully, “Your Majesty is carrying twins.”
Twins?! Qin Wan was stunned – she hadn’t expected this herself!
Yan Chi was also momentarily stunned, then his face lit up with joy, his lips moving but unable to express his feelings!
He quickly asked, “How is she now? What should Wan’wan eat? Does she need supplements?”
Seeing Yan Chi too excited, Sun Muqing reassured him, “Your Majesty need not be anxious. For now, let Her Majesty eat according to her preferences. While supplements are good, they shouldn’t be excessive, as that would be harmful to Her Majesty. I believe Her Majesty knows this as well.”
Qin Wan tugged at Yan Chi, “I’m a physician myself, you needn’t worry.”
Yan Chi was both worried and excited. After a moment, he suddenly picked Qin Wan up again, “Even if nothing else is needed, you should still rest well. I’ll take you back to the palace now.” Then he ordered, “Continue the banquet! Tonight the Empress is with child, I will host a grand feast for all officials! The entire palace shall receive rewards. Bai Feng, go make arrangements—”
Fearing the eunuchs might not arrange things properly, Yan Chi instructed Bai Feng, now an imperial guard, who naturally accepted the command!
Yan Chi carried Qin Wan back to the imperial carriage without further ado. Qin Wan laughed, “I haven’t even had a chance to talk with a senior brother, how could you…”
Before she could finish, Yan Chi cupped her face and kissed her.
Qin Wan’s remaining words were swallowed by Yan Chi. After their tender moment, Yan Chi said breathlessly, “I just want to be alone with you. Anyone else is a disturbance. Wan’wan, I’m truly happy. I, Yan Chi, am going to be a father!”
Qin Wan saw Yan Chi’s childlike joy bubbling up, and seeing him so happy made her heart warm. She forgot about the banquet and her senior brother, simply nestling in Yan Chi’s embrace as they returned to Weiyang Palace. Because of Qin Wan’s pregnancy, Yan Chi specifically ordered the guards to move slowly, making the palace path seem especially long. Halfway there, snow began to fall. Qin Wan leaned against Yan Chi’s chest, watching the gentle snowfall outside, feeling as if their small world was separated from everything else. Yan Chi shielded her from the cold wind and snow, and in the future, she would walk through the rest of her life with him.
When the news reached Jinxiu Palace, the entire hall erupted in joy. Some were genuinely concerned for Qin Wan, others thinking about the continuation of the imperial line. Although the imperial couple wouldn’t return to continue the feast, the officials toasted to such joyous news. Even those who didn’t usually drink had to break their abstinence to share in the celebration!
Having witnessed Qin Wan’s discomfort firsthand, Zhan Yang was especially concerned, and now hearing this news, he was overjoyed and excited. Not only did he drink that full cup of grape wine, but he accepted every toast offered, continuing until the second watch when the banquet finally dispersed.
While others had magnificent carriages and crowds of servants, Zhan Yang left the palace alone, finding his horse at the imperial guard post. He mounted drunkenly and headed toward his residence. Though now Deputy Chief Justice, Zhan Yang still lived in an ordinary two-courtyard house in the southern city.
Riding through the wind and snow, thinking of Yan Chi and Qin Wan’s praise, a deep smile crossed his face. Thinking of Qin Wan carrying the imperial heirs, he couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
At the beginning of the new dynasty, both emperor and empress were people he deeply respected. He felt that in these grand times, he must not disappoint their expectations.
When he reached home and entered the courtyard, Zhan Yang was covered in snow. He had lived in this somewhat old courtyard for twenty years. Now unlit, it was completely dark. He secured his horse, closed the gate, and entered the house with unsteady steps. He lit a lamp with a fire stick, closed the door, found two pieces of pastry from a nearby table, and walked to the innermost side room. There, he pushed aside a cabinet against the wall.
The cabinet revealed an entrance to a cellar. Zhan Yang descended the steps, walked through a short tunnel, and soon reached a cramped prison-like space. He threw the two pieces of pastry into an empty bowl on the ground, saying with some reverence, “There’s great joy today, so you get two pieces.”
After speaking, Zhan Yang turned and left smoothly, as if this was his daily routine.
After he left, the cellar returned to darkness. Soon, a rustling sound emerged. From the dark corner, a person filthier than a beggar, with both legs broken, crawled out. He grabbed the two pieces of pastry, carefully cradling them in his palms, then rustled back into the corner.
Everything returned to silence, but outside, the wind and snow howled louder.
On this stormy night, news of the Empress’s pregnancy spread throughout the palace.
As midnight passed, while the palace had fallen silent everywhere else, Weiyang Palace remained bright as day. Brilliant fireworks exploded above it as if the new emperor wanted to bring down the entire starry river for the empress. The year 242 of the Great Zhou Dynasty arrived amid the imperial couple’s boundless joy.
(The End)