New Year’s Day was the day for officials to enter the palace to pay New Year respects. Besides the men serving in court, court ladies could also accompany them into the palace. For great families like the Qi household, entering the palace during festivals was naturally indispensable. Someone like Yao Shi with her first-rank imperial mandate should go to the various palace ladies in the inner palace for tea and conversation. However, the Qi family’s previous generation had married very few daughters into the palace – only one, who had died of illness seven years ago. Thus there were currently no Qi family daughters in the inner palace, making Yao Shi’s palace visits less necessary. So she simply didn’t accompany her husband and sons into the palace, staying home alone to catch up on sleep.

The Qi family had always been so lofty, seemingly disdaining to rely on nepotism for wealth and status. But other families were different – the Han and Fu families, for example, as well as other noble houses, had all produced several palace ladies of various ranks and with or without heirs, but there were people nonetheless.

Thus the court ladies of various families mostly entered the palace with their husbands or sons, leaving only the Qi side somewhat deserted. However, this family had produced three high officials, so even in their isolation they were revered and flattered by palace servants. Su Ping, the chief eunuch beside His Majesty, even personally waited at the palace gates to receive them – an unprecedented honor that drew sidelong glances from all officials, who envied them greatly.

Upon seeing the three Qi family lords arrive, Su Ping hurried forward with a beaming face to greet the Left Chancellor, Right Vice Director, and Director of the Privy Council one by one. He spoke especially obsequiously to the Chancellor with auspicious words, bowing so low and with such courtesy that though the passing court officials and their families dared not comment, they all cast sideways glances, presumably all having thoughts about this.

Qi Ying frowned secretly, feeling an ominous premonition. When he looked up, he saw his father accepting this treatment naturally, while his elder brother beside him also seemed to find nothing improper. The feeling of powerlessness in his heart thus grew even stronger.

He lowered his phoenix eyes and looked no more.

Emperor Liang received the officials’ obeisance in a side hall today.

Speaking of this, His Majesty was quite capable of staying alive. Three years ago people had privately spread rumors that he would soon enter the imperial mausoleum, yet he had lived well until now, continuing to consume his cinnabar pills without pause. Aside from his dragon body festering even more severely, there seemed to be nothing else amiss.

Looking closely, His Majesty had applied powder to his face today, probably to conceal his sickly pale complexion and somewhat deflect official gossip. Though powdered, the dark circles under his eyes couldn’t be hidden and instead appeared rather frightening.

He sat high in the hall, originally appearing bored, but upon seeing the Qi family arrive, he showed joy and even seemed inclined to rise personally to welcome them. However, he was already aged and had grown excessively corpulent from his love of rich food, making movement somewhat inconvenient, so he ultimately didn’t rise.

Still, the officials in the hall could all see His Majesty’s intention to rise and welcome the Qi family. They also saw that though the Left Chancellor maintained proper ministerial etiquette, his bearing in conversation was far more dignified and imposing than the sovereign’s, his complexion also much better than His Majesty’s. Thus their thoughts multiplied, with some even thinking: The Qi family has reached the pinnacle of ministerial power and controls the nation’s lifeline. After Young Master Qi finishes presiding over the spring examinations, there will be another large group of Qi family disciples in court. If their family someday truly develops thoughts of changing the reins of power, perhaps… it’s not entirely impossible.

Thinking thus, the officials couldn’t help but secretly observe the Han and Fu family members. Though these two surnames were also prominent and powerful, they weren’t as outstanding as the Qi family, nor did they have the honor of making His Majesty personally rise to welcome them. The two surnames themselves seemed to sense this. At this moment, the hot-tempered General Han was glaring sideways at the Qi family with some resentment, though he was restrained by his younger brother Han Shousong and couldn’t act out.

Seeing this, the officials all withdrew their gazes, thinking privately: Jiangzuo’s foremost family can turn their hands to make clouds and overturn them to make rain. The current Han and Fu families… probably can’t compare no matter what.

After completing the ceremonial bows in the hall, the officials exchanged brief pleasantries in the square before the main hall.

Qi Ying had been speaking with several lords from the Censorate when Su Ping carefully approached and bowed to him.

The Censorate lords were tactful and understanding, probably knowing Su Ping had come to relay a message. There weren’t many in the palace who could order Su Ping around – most likely His Majesty’s precious daughter wanted to see her future husband again.

The lords all understood and bowed their hands before withdrawing. Su Ping then stepped forward and said with a smile: “Young Master Qi, you see…”

Qi Ying showed no expression, remained silent for a moment, then said to Su Ping: “Please trouble the Director to lead the way.”

Today being New Year’s Day, all the palace ladies had to receive guests, making the Imperial Garden rarely empty – perfect for the Princess to have a private meeting with her beloved.

She sat in a pavilion in the rear garden, looking around and craning her neck to watch. After waiting quite some time, she finally saw Qi Ying arriving late, but she didn’t mind. She happily walked out of the pavilion to greet him, reproaching: “Why so late? Today the Han family aunts came, and mother consort watched me closely. I snuck out to find you.”

The Princess looked to be in good spirits and seemingly good mood, her peach blossom eyes bright and charming, quite spirited.

Qi Ying slightly turned aside to avoid Xiao Ziyu’s hand reaching to grasp his arm, his expression calm as he asked: “Does Your Highness have something to discuss with me?”

Xiao Ziyu noticed his movement to avoid her and a trace of disappointment flashed in her eyes. But he had been like this for a year or two already – she was long accustomed to it. She quickly adjusted her emotions and complained coquettishly: “Can’t I look for you without business? I just wanted to see you…”

She had wanted to lead him into the pavilion to sit, but as soon as these words fell, she saw him frown and say: “If Your Highness has no urgent matter, please return to the Noble Consort’s side. I also have affairs in the front court…”

Before he could finish, Xiao Ziyu hurriedly interrupted: “Alright, alright, there’s business, there’s business. I have business – isn’t that enough?”

She pouted and led Qi Ying into the pavilion, saying: “Come sit down so I can speak properly.”

Qi Ying glanced at her and after a moment’s consideration stepped into the pavilion. Seeing him in court robes looking especially solemn and unapproachable, Xiao Ziyu instead found her heart racing even more, feeling he grasped her heart so tightly she couldn’t escape even one step.

She followed his steps into the pavilion and sat across from him with the stone table between them. After looking at him, she said: “Speaking of this matter, I’m still busy on your behalf, yet you don’t appreciate it and want to send me to find my mother consort…”

Qi Ying glanced at her and frowned: “What matter on my behalf?”

Xiao Ziyu shot him a look and answered: “Finding a husband for Miss Fang! Didn’t we agree when we played polo last time? Have you forgotten?”

She watched his expression intently, seeing no change in his face, only those phoenix eyes she so loved downcast so she couldn’t clearly see his gaze. Then she heard him answer: “No, I remember.”

His voice was low and no different from usual, seemingly without any emotional fluctuation. Xiao Ziyu relaxed and said happily: “I’m not bragging, but you can look around – is there a matchmaker in all of Jiankang as dedicated as I am? Whether married or unmarried, I’ve asked about anyone with suitable conditions!”

Xiao Ziyu was in high spirits, her arms resting on the stone table, leaning forward slightly as she chattered: “Do you remember Duke Ying’s seventh son? Liang Huijun – he hasn’t married yet and matches Miss Fang’s age perfectly. There’s also Marquis Zhongyong’s eldest son. Though he’s a bit older, his wife just passed away and he’s looking for a new bride. I heard their family doesn’t have high requirements for family background – just someone literate who can care for the children left by his first wife. Though Miss Fang’s birth is somewhat lacking, they shouldn’t mind… Oh, oh, and there’s that…”

She was about to continue when Qi Ying interrupted: “If I remember correctly, Duke Ying’s seventh son has consumption.”

Though he showed no anger in his expression, Xiao Ziyu could still sense his displeasure.

She pressed her lips together and said: “Well, families like that always consider birth. You know Miss Fang’s situation – how high could she marry?”

After she finished, Qi Ying remained silent, and his silence made her nervous.

Xiao Ziyu’s hands beneath the stone table clenched slightly as she carefully watched Qi Ying’s expression and said: “If you think these men aren’t suitable, I can ask about those of lower birth. If you don’t want her to marry down, then she’d have to become a concubine – actually being a concubine isn’t so bad. She’s pretty, and as long as she gains her husband’s favor, won’t she live well afterward? Like the several concubines my fourth brother elevated – they don’t live worse than Fu Rong…”

She spoke a long string of words but heard no response from Qi Ying.

He remained silent, showing no joy or anger.

Xiao Ziyu feared this most. Seeing this, her voice grew smaller as she looked at him: “…Are you angry? I… I was just speaking honestly. She really is difficult to marry off…”

She hadn’t said the other half of her thoughts.

Those who knew the truth all understood that the Fang family orphan had lived in Qi Ying’s separate residence for three full years. Though Young Master Qi’s upright character was evident to all, who could say clearly about matters between men and women? What if they had already… then why would anyone marry such a woman? Those few willing to marry her were ultimately just considering Young Master Qi’s face, hoping to gain Qi family patronage through this. Otherwise, what man would willingly invite such trouble?

This Fang Yun marrying was truly extremely difficult. Xiao Ziyu was very afraid that upon hearing this, Qi Ying would want to renege and change his mind about letting her marry. She felt quite anxious, then heard him say: “Since it’s so difficult, please don’t trouble Your Highness with this matter.”

This ignited Xiao Ziyu’s anger – exactly what she feared had come to pass. Was he really going to change his mind!

How could she allow this? She immediately said angrily: “Are you going back on your word? Then what’s she to do if she doesn’t marry? Depend on you for life? She—”

Before she could finish, Qi Ying interrupted. His expression was indifferent but his tone quite peaceful: “Jing’an said he wants to marry her. If she likes him, then her wishes should be prioritized.”

Xiao Ziyu was stunned and only came to her senses after a moment.

Jing’an? Qi Ying’s third younger brother? He also liked Fang Yun?

Upon hearing this news, Xiao Ziyu felt mixed joy and worry: joy that this way Fang Yun could still marry and wouldn’t continue entangling her Brother Jingchen; worry that marrying this way still kept her close to Brother Jingchen, preventing her heart from completely settling.

She actually still hoped that little vixen would go far away, trapped within mansion walls, never seeing even the hem of her Brother Jingchen’s robe for the rest of her life…

But now she dared not say this, fearing that going too far might cause complications. So she feigned happiness and said: “Oh, is that so? That would be best – keeping it in the family.”

After she finished, the man sitting across from her remained silent.

His appearance was still as she knew it, yet there was an elusive aura that made her feel strangely unfamiliar.

By the fifth day, the officials’ rest period was over. After the court session, Qi Ying left the palace and returned to the Privy Council.

The Privy Council was directly under the Son of Heaven, not governed by other departments, and even its offices weren’t mixed with other government bureaus but stood independently near Xuanyang Gate. The official buildings were imposing – unlike typical Jiangzuo architecture’s delicate beauty, they had a simple, grand feeling while appearing stern and somber. Though located in the bustling marketplace, common people instinctively kept their distance, not daring to approach.

Upon returning to the Privy Council, Qi Ying immediately summoned the twelve departments for discussion. Noticing Xu Zhengning’s absence, he asked: “Lord Xu isn’t here?”

Author’s Note: The setup portion of this story basically ends with this update, and we can start connecting the plot threads~ Yay! Also, tomorrow we finally get to the confrontation scene! Yay!!