“Princess Consort! Your Highness! You’ve finally returned!” Just as Qin Wan stepped down from the carriage, Fuling rushed over like a butterfly. Fuling immediately performed a deep bow, but Qin Wan smiled and stopped her, “Enough, enough, why to kneel in this cold snow? Let me see if our great housekeeper has grown thin from exhaustion—”

She looked Fuling up and down and saw that Fuling had indeed lost some weight. Fuling touched her chin, “This servant is doing well. If I’ve grown thinner, I might look even better.”

Qin Wan shook her head, “You’ve worked hard these past days.”

Zhao Yan and others stood behind Fuling, and seeing the situation, also came forward to bow. Qin Wan and Yan Chi looked up to see that the four characters for “Prince Rui’s Manor” were identical to the imperial-commissioned plaque in the capital.

Qin Wan said, “It feels so familiar.”

Fuling hurriedly said, “Not only the plaque is the same, but the courtyard is similar too! The walls here are thicker than in the capital, and the floor heating is warmer. I think it’s even warmer than the residence in the capital. Princess Consort, come in quickly and see!”

Qin Wan and Yan Chi smiled as they entered the manor. Upon entering the courtyard, they indeed saw the same layout.

Though said to be the same, there were still differences. Even after years of neglect, the prince’s manor in the capital still had greenery, but here only pine and cypress showed any green. The screen wall and courtyard walls were thicker than those in the capital’s courtyard. The capital’s courtyard was built with bricks and stones, but here everything was built with Shuoxi red stone. Though not like the military camp’s red earth-plastered walls, it did look more solid and ancient than the capital’s prince’s manor. While appearing similar at first glance, upon careful consideration it had its unique charm.

Qin Wan and Yan Chi walked along the corridor deeper inside and soon saw the main courtyard. Both their expressions changed slightly.

The feeling was quite magical as if the two had run a great circle and returned to their familiar home. Yan Chi squeezed Qin Wan’s hand, “On our wedding night I had to take you far from home, but fortunately I’ve brought you back now.”

Qin Wan smiled, “It looks lovely. Fuling, where are His Highness’s and my quarters?”

Fuling proudly replied, “This servant has had them cleaned and arranged!”

Qin Wan and Yan Chi headed toward their quarters in the manor’s east garden. Just as they reached the entrance, they saw a colorful grass string hanging by the door. Qin Wan was slightly surprised, and Fuling explained, “Princess Consort, this is Shuoxi’s Five Blessings Grass. The five colors represent the protection of five celestial officials. The common people brought it earlier, saying that here they hang this instead of door charms during New Year.”

Qin Wan found the colors beautiful and the meaning auspicious, so naturally said nothing more. When the group entered the courtyard, they saw it brightly lit and neatly elegant, showing no signs of long abandonment. As they walked, Fuling explained, “Everything from the carriage has been unloaded, the decorations have been put up, and clothes and jewelry have all been stored away. I noticed the rooms needed some plum vases, so I went out shopping and discovered they have everything here, though things are somewhat expensive. They even have red porcelain vases fired from Shuoxi red clay. Princess Consort, look, they’re like this—perfect for making sheep’s milk jelly in winter.”

Qin Wan smiled and nodded at everything Fuling said. Looking around, she saw the rooms were decorated with quiet elegance. What surprised Qin Wan even more were the embroidered patterns on the floor, which were far more magnificent than those in the capital. Upon inquiry, she learned that Shuoxi produced fuel refined from minerals that created particularly bright and vivid colors, making the dyed silk threads especially brilliant. Qin Wan looked around inside and out, feeling very satisfied. Though it lacked the extremely delicate ornaments of the capital and had less of a lived-in feeling, once they resided here regularly, it would be no different from the capital. Qin Wan took a shallow breath, “After going around, one’s own home is still the best.”

Fuling continued, “The manor originally had no cooks, so after arriving, this servant took the liberty of hiring two cooks from the city. They originally worked in a city restaurant, and when they heard they would be cooking for Prince Rui, they came immediately with joy, saying any wage would do. This servant knew Your Highness and Princess Consort would return today, so I’ve already instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner. Your Highness, Princess Consort, would you like to dine now?”

Yan Chi nodded, “After a day’s journey, we must be hungry. Let’s eat.”

After some arrangements, dinner was quickly served. During the break, Qin Wan also met the manor’s servants—four old servants who had previously watched over the manor, four new servants Fuling had recently purchased, and the two cooks. Looking them over, Qin Wan felt that Fuling had made proper arrangements and considered everything thoroughly, showing real improvement. During dinner, she praised Fuling well, making her extremely happy.

Yan Chi was concerned about the five thousand soldiers who had come with them, so he ate quickly and left the city after finishing.

The five thousand soldiers couldn’t stay in the city and could only temporarily stay in Xilin City’s military camp. Yan Chi was somewhat worried, so naturally went to check on them.

This check lasted until after the second watch of the night before he returned. By then, Qin Wan had already bathed and was looking over the manor’s inventory ledgers that Fuling had prepared these past days.

This prince’s manor’s treasury was new, and currently only contained things brought back from Jian Prefecture. Compared to a proper Prince Qin’s Manor, it could be considered completely destitute. After washing up upon his return, Yan Chi sat with Qin Wan to look over the ledgers. Seeing Qin Wan slightly worried, he smiled and said, “The manor’s belongings were prepared beforehand and have been moved from the capital residence. They’ll be sent to Shuoxi in a few days. Don’t worry, how could I let my princess consort go hungry?”

Qin Wan naturally wasn’t worried about going hungry, but such a large manor would need more servants in the future. The wealthy families of Xilin City, the military officers, and the potential disasters in Shuoxi all required money. As she now needed to be Yan Chi’s capable helper, she naturally had to consider these things. Hearing Yan Chi speak thus, she felt somewhat relieved.

Finally able to sleep on a soft couch, Yan Chi wasn’t unruly, just held Qin Wan for a good night’s rest.

The next day when Qin Wan woke up, she found Yan Chi still asleep, which was rare, but he woke up as soon as she moved. Seeing her eyes open looking at him, he smiled and said, “What is it? Won’t you sleep a bit more?”

Qin Wan blinked, “I’ve slept enough, and it’s bright outside.”

Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan into his arms, “We’ll rest today. Tomorrow we have to go to Chifeng Plain, so I can be lazy now.”

Chifeng Plain was where the eastern camp would be built. Hearing Yan Chi say this, Qin Wan stopped urging him and asked, “Will you go too?”

“I need to follow along for the first few days.” Yan Chi suddenly turned over and pressed down on Qin Wan, “So, I’ll be leaving for a few days tomorrow. Since that’s the case, our time is very precious.”

The two were pressed very close together, and Qin Wan naturally felt the changes in Yan Chi’s body. Just as her cheeks began to redden, Yan Chi kissed her.

Thus, on this day Yan Chi and Qin Wan rose much later than usual!

They had left Jian Prefecture right after the New Year, spent half a month reaching Shuoxi, and then delayed another half month in Shuoxi. Now it was already early February. In the capital, February would already show green willows, but on the Shuoxi plateau, it was still solidly winter. When Qin Wan got up and went out, she found it had snowed again last night.

After breakfast, Qin Wan and Yan Chi went out to tour the garden and saw several plum trees planted in the courtyard. Due to the winter weather, the plum blossoms were blooming perfectly now.

Qin Wan said, “This garden has little greenery. Since plum blossoms have a long flowering period, why don’t we arrange a plum garden like at Bailu Zhou?”

For such small matters, Yan Chi naturally agreed to everything and said, “You are this garden’s mistress, everything is naturally up to you.”

Qin Wan smiled and leaned into Yan Chi’s arms, staying silent for a moment before saying, “Now that we’ve arrived here, we’ve temporarily settled down. I only sent a letter to Yue Ning. I don’t know if we should let others know, but in our situation, if the letters are discovered, it would implicate them.”

She still thought of Qin Shuang and Qin Yan and others in the capital but was also wary.

Hearing this, Yan Chi squeezed Qin Wan’s hand, “Don’t worry about this. You don’t need to send letters; they’ll know soon enough.”

Qin Wan stopped in her tracks, “Why? Will news from Shuoxi reach the capital?”

Yan Chi nodded, “My establishing independent forces in Xilin City is no small matter. The Emperor will certainly use this to make a big announcement. By then, everyone will know we’re in Xilin City.”

Qin Wan sighed, “Then there’s no need to say anything.”

The couple walked along the garden path, touring almost the entire garden. As it approached noon, Yan Chi escorted Qin Wan back to the east garden before going to the study to meet Master Qi.

In the study, Master Qi presented a register, saying, “This is the list of Xilin City’s officials and wealthy families. Some are local to Shuoxi, some are from elsewhere. Today, Your Highness should meet them all. From now on, Prince Rui’s Manor in Xilin will need their support.”

Yan Chi nodded, “Of course. Let them come in. We’ll meet in the main courtyard.”

Master Qi left promptly and soon returned followed by a group of people. At the front was the Xilin City Magistrate. Yan Chi had been in Shuoxi for many years, and Yan Lin had been even more of a guardian deity to Shuoxi’s people. Since Yan Lin had also shown favor to the Xilin City Magistrate, this man would certainly support Yan Chi. But others were different. Yan Chi had to be responsible for the Shuoxi soldiers, and naturally also for the common people. Therefore, today would require some words of warning. Once everything was made clear, how they chose would be their matter.

Sure enough, after speaking, most local Shuoxi merchants declared their position immediately, but merchants from other regions were somewhat ambiguous. Yan Chi understood and didn’t force the issue. After a full two hours, he saw them out, then kept the Xilin City Magistrate behind to talk.

This Xilin City Magistrate was named Dong Shuwen, already past fifty. He stayed behind regarding the matter of building the eastern camp.

“Since Your Highness sent word, this humble one began preparations. Over the years, the Xilin City government warehouse has accumulated some good materials. This time, this humble one can recruit three hundred laborers for Your Highness. With these people, Your Highness’s camp can certainly be built within a month. Additionally, I have prepared some bricks, stones, and timber for Your Highness. These materials are currently stored in the southern workshop and can be sent east with the army tomorrow. Your Highness need not worry.”

Yan Chi nodded, “All laborers will be paid double the military rate, and I won’t take those materials for free.”

Dong Shuwen hesitated to speak, but Yan Chi raised his hand, “Though I am now establishing independence in Shuoxi, it is not my fiefdom. According to Shuoxi military rules, we don’t extort from the people. Take what I give you. I know you serve wholeheartedly.”

Only then did Dong Shuwen sigh and nod. After discussing further, Yan Chi made another trip to the camp outside the city to arrange tomorrow’s matters. When he returned, it was already nightfall.

However, Master Qi was waiting for Yan Chi at the main courtyard entrance. Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, “What matter does Master have?”

All official business had been concluded during the day, and Yan Chi didn’t know what else Master Qi needed to say. Master Qi first invited Yan Chi into the courtyard, and as they walked, he said, “These days, this humble one has come to understand Your Highness’s thoughts from your actions, but I have some doubts.”

Yan Chi stopped, “What doubts does Master have?”

Master Qi looked at Yan Chi, “Though Jiang Heying is dead, he was merely following orders. Ultimately, the true murderer who killed the old Prince was Yan Huai. Your Highness plans to establish yourself in Shuoxi, but do you not intend to avenge the old Prince’s blood debt?”

Yan Chi’s gaze suddenly turned sharp.

Having the question that had been weighing on his heart for days pointed out so incisively by Master Qi was naturally displeasing for a ruler.

He narrowed his eyes, “What does Master think I should do?”

Master Qi’s gaze was deep, hiding grief, “Your Highness commands strong forces. Why not organize the army and march north? Qian Prefecture, Jian Prefecture, and Liang Prefecture are all Your Highness’s backups. Your Highness mentioned earlier that holding Xilin City allows attacking Meng Prefecture and Ding Prefecture. Your Highness has thought of so much, why haven’t you considered crossing the Yan River? Now that the Emperor has sent Marquis An Yang to campaign in the north, Jin Prefecture is empty, let alone Lu Prefecture and Yuan Prefecture. If Your Highness dispatches troops now, you could certainly strike straight at the capital!”

As Master Qi spoke, he became increasingly agitated. He was Yan Lin’s most trusted advisor, transforming from Yan Lin’s strategist in his youth to his chief military counselor. Master Qi never married or had children, instead dedicating his life’s work to Yan Lin, and could even be considered half a teacher to Yan Chi. In all of Shuoxi, only Master Qi had the qualifications to say such things to Yan Chi, but Yan Chi’s expression remained stern.

“Does Master think that with Father’s sudden death, I as a son have no desire for revenge?”

Master Qi’s face showed pain, “Of course not. It’s just that Your Highness considers too much. This humble one knows Your Highness doesn’t want Bailang Pass to fall,… but the Emperor is muddle-headed and without principle. Now that war has broken out in the north, this is Your Highness’s best opportunity. Your Highness grew up following the old Prince, this humble one sees clearly, that even Master Zhang says Your Highness has the bearing of an emperor. With Your Highness’s talent, why not take his place?!”

Yan Chi’s eyes grew increasingly cold, “If I lead the Shuoxi army north, what of Shuoxi?”

Master Qi momentarily dared not meet Yan Chi’s cold gaze. He lowered his head, “The old Prince spent his life for Shuoxi, yet ultimately met such an end. Now, Your Highness could leave half the forces here to protect Shuoxi somewhat. Once Lin’an City is taken, Your Highness can send troops south in support. Thus, wouldn’t this achieve both objectives?”

Hearing this, Yan Chi gave a bitter smile, “How can Master not know that it’s difficult to achieve both? If I lead troops north, the opportunity the barbarians have waited decades for would arrive. I fear by the time we’re halfway there, Bailang Pass will fall. Once Bailang Pass fell, Shuoxi would become a sea of blood and mountains of corpses. The place Father protected for decades would be destroyed in an instant. Though I have a hundred thousand Shuoxi troops, marching north wouldn’t truly be unstoppable. The Emperor would certainly mobilize all forces to obstruct us. The fighting might last one or two years, and by then, what support could we send? Even if I finally took Lin’an City, it would be a pyrrhic victory. With Bailang Pass lost in the west and northern barbarians taking advantage to invade, it would be an even greater disaster.”

Yan Chi heaved a deep sigh, “Master can’t even convince himself of these words, why try to convince me?”

Hearing these words, Master Qi’s face alternated between pale and flushed, yet he still seemed to have more to say. Yan Chi decisively raised his hand, “I haven’t forgotten Father’s blood debt. I’m waiting for a true opportunity to achieve both objectives. Then, I will make that muddle-headed Son of Heaven pay the price. A ruler may kill for great righteousness when there is no choice, but the current emperor has too much blood on his hands for his selfish desires. This, I will never forget.”

Master Qi was stunned, momentarily not understanding Yan Chi’s words. Master Qi didn’t yet know that Yan Huai wasn’t Yan Huai, nor did he know why the Shen clan had been exterminated before. Currently, his heart only held thoughts of avenging Yan Lin! He had advised about this while in the capital, but at that time Yan Chi was also in crisis, and he knew the timing wasn’t right. Now, he was prepared to do anything for Yan Lin’s blood debt, but Yan Chi was so coldly rational yet stubborn, just like Yan Lin had been in his day.

Master Qi shook his head with a bitter smile, “Actually when I came, I knew this would be the result. But if I didn’t say these words, I… I would always have a thorn in my heart. Your Highness speaks correctly. It was this humble one who temporarily lost his senses. These words, Your Highness should treat as if I never spoke them.”

Master Qi gave Yan Chi one last look, both bitter and resigned yet accepting, then made a deep bow and turned to leave.