In the Imperial Study of Chong Zheng Hall, Lin Zhang frowned and said, “Your Majesty, the Empress, and Crown Prince are holding their position in Feng Prefecture without engaging. In this subject’s opinion, why not have Duke An Yang abandon Feng Prefecture and head to Chong Prefecture to catch Zhao You off guard?”

Yan Han’s brows furrowed at these words, “Once Duke An Yang leaves, the Empress will move south. With her nature, she absolutely won’t give Duke An Yang any opportunity.”

Though the Empress was a woman, she possessed a man’s strategic mind. Yan Han was deeply frustrated, but with the Empress far away in Feng Prefecture, he was powerless.

Hearing this, Lin Zhang also found the situation troublesome. After a moment’s hesitation, Yan Han said, “Since we’re not rushing to conquer the west, have the Duke of Wei head north as well. With him there, he can reinforce Chong Prefecture, preventing Yue Qiong from being spread too thin…”

Lin Zhang quickly responded, “Good, this could resolve the issue of divided forces.”

Yan Han’s brows remained furrowed as he lightly tapped the corner of his desk, then said, “This standoff isn’t sustainable. Order Yue Qiong to launch a strong assault on Feng Prefecture. Without supplies, the Empress can’t hold out for long. Have him attack for half a month – Feng Prefecture’s morale will surely waver, and an opportunity will present itself.”

Lin Zhang hesitated before saying, “Your Majesty, Feng Prefecture is an ancient city with particularly solid fortifications. Currently, there are about fifty thousand troops stationed within. A forceful assault might prove difficult.”

It wasn’t just difficult – an initial assault would essentially be sending their soldiers to their deaths.

Lin Zhang looked worriedly at Yan Han, who replied, “We cannot let the northern campaign drag on. If Yan Chi raises troops and moves north from the west, wouldn’t we be caught in a dilemma?”

Lin Zhang frowned, “Your Majesty, recent news indicates that after establishing himself in the Northwest, Yan Chi has reorganized his defenses, dispersing the Northwest army. It seems he intends to defend rather than march north.”

Yan Han’s gaze turned cold, “Even so, can we allow the northern campaign to drag on?”

Intimidated by Yan Han’s gaze, Lin Zhang dared not say more and went to relay orders to various departments of the Ministry of War.

Just as Lin Zhang left, Yuan Qing hurried in and said softly, “Your Majesty, Noble Consort caused another scene today, nearly burning down Chang Xin Palace.”

The cold look in Yan Han’s eyes intensified. After a moment’s thought, he suddenly said, “Chang Xin Palace has been the residence of noble consorts through generations. She’s now gravely ill and no longer suitable to live there. Move her to Qing He Hall, and find some trustworthy people to watch over her. Just ensure nothing goes wrong.”

Qing He Hall was in the North Court. Years ago, when the North Court wasn’t so desolate, it had been a main hall, but now the entire North Court was cold and empty, making Qing He Hall no different from the Cold Palace.

Hearing Yan Han’s words, Yuan Qing understood his meaning and turned to leave and make arrangements.

In Shou Kang Palace, Yue Ning and Yan Ze had come together to visit the Empress Dowager. Before the New Year, when the Empress Dowager was still clear-minded, she had issued a marriage decree, setting their wedding date for the twenty-eighth of the fourth month. Now that April had arrived, their wedding was approaching. However, given the major events in the capital before the New Year and the Empress Dowager’s illness afterward, Yue Ning felt no desire to marry. Since Yan Ze’s eye condition had healed, Yue Ning felt he had changed somehow. After he requested an official position in court, they saw each other even less. Today’s joint palace visit was at the Grand Princess’s command when Yan Ze visited her residence yesterday.

On the journey, Yue Ning rode in a carriage while Yan Ze was on horseback. They barely spoke. Only after dismounting at the palace gates did they exchange a few casual words.

Upon reaching Shou Kang Palace and seeing the Empress Dowager’s confused state, Yue Ning felt another wave of heartache.

Yan Ze, sitting beside the Empress Dowager, tried to comfort Yue Ning, “Don’t be sad. Grandmother might be better this way.”

Yue Ning sighed, “Grandmother seems soulless like this. Who knows where her spirit has gone – perhaps it followed Qin Wan and the others… Will she stay like this forever? The imperial physicians come daily but can’t say anything definitive. If only Qin Wan were here.”

Yan Ze glanced outside, “Ning’er, be careful with your words.”

He was warning her not to mention Qin Wan’s name. Yue Ning looked at him, “There’s no one here. What is there to fear?”

Yan Ze smiled bitterly, “I just fear you’ll speak carelessly and bring trouble upon yourself.”

Yue Ning looked at Yan Ze. Though his warning was reasonable and for her good, she couldn’t help feeling that the Yan Ze before her seemed somehow unfamiliar.

Not wanting to argue with Yan Ze but feeling vaguely unhappy, she remained silent, holding the Empress Dowager’s hand and looking down.

Seeing Yue Ning brooding, Yan Ze sighed and said in a gentle tone, “How childish. You stay with Grandmother, and I’ll wait outside.”

After Yan Ze spoke, he stood to leave. Yue Ning felt somewhat alarmed – was she being unreasonable?

After Yan Ze left, Yue Ning fell into a daze. Since Qin Wan’s departure, she had no one to talk to in the capital. While Yan Ze’s recovered eyesight should have been good news, somehow the healed Yan Ze seemed like a stranger. She had thought him indifferent to fame and fortune, yet he had entered officialdom and had even gathered significant supplies for the Western campaign. Yue Ning didn’t think Yan Ze was wrong, but something troubled her heart – she couldn’t explain why, but she felt anxious and wronged.

Moreover, Qin Wan’s warning before leaving lingered in her mind daily. Perhaps she trusted Qin Wan too much, causing her to view Yan Ze with suspicion. Over time, she lost the intimate comfort she once had with him. Now, thinking of their marriage, she felt a subtle aversion.

Outside the hall under the corridor, Yan Ze had intended to take a casual walk when he noticed Yan Sui sitting alone. Yan Sui held a short dagger, randomly waving it about. Yan Ze slowly walked over to him. When Yan Sui sensed something amiss and looked up, seeing it was Yan Ze, he immediately stood to leave. However, as he took his first step, Yan Ze raised his hand to stop him.

Yan Ze looked at Yan Sui with a gentle smile, “Why does the Ninth Prince want to leave upon seeing me?”

As he spoke, Yan Ze pulled a small wooden bird from his sleeve. Though small, it was a mechanical bird with a moving head and wings. Yan Ze offered it to Yan Sui, who hesitated before accepting it and sitting back down.

Yan Ze smiled and sat beside Yan Sui, then said with another smile, “Are you feeling lonely by yourself? I heard you’ve stopped attending lessons with the tutor?”

Yan Sui hung his little head, “I won’t go anymore. I’ll just keep Grandmother company.”

“Good child.” Yan Ze raised his hand to pat Yan Sui’s head, but Yan Sui instinctively dodged away.

Yan Ze stared at his empty palm momentarily before suddenly smiling, “I haven’t been back long, and I haven’t visited here many times. You must still be somewhat afraid of me.” His gaze shifted to the knife in Yan Sui’s hand, “Are you practicing with this?”

Yan Sui nodded, and Yan Ze approved, “Good. It’s always beneficial for boys to learn martial arts – you can protect your loved ones from being bullied.”

At these words, Yan Sui’s expression changed slightly. Yan Ze turned to look inside the hall, “Grandmother’s illness seems difficult to cure. Has the Emperor come to visit her?”

Hearing this, Yan Sui shook his head. Yan Ze fell silent, only sighing, while Yan Sui tightened his grip on the dagger, his small face tense and wordless.

“If the Emperor would come to see Grandmother, perhaps her condition would improve faster.”

Yan Ze spoke as if casually, but Yan Sui suddenly burst out, “He shouldn’t come!”

Yan Sui’s words carried underlying anger, seemingly harboring hatred for the Emperor. Yan Ze smiled again, “What’s wrong? You shouldn’t speak like that. The Emperor is busy with military affairs lately – the northern campaign, the western conquest – he must oversee all these matters, that’s why he hasn’t come.”

Yan Sui’s pupils trembled, “But… but will they attack the Wise Prince?”

Yan Ze turned to look at Yan Sui, “How do you know about that? The Empress and Crown Prince have rebelled in the north – they’re fighting them now.”

Yan Sui anxiously asked, “But will they attack the Wise Prince?”

Yan Ze sighed and shook his head, “That’s uncertain. The court currently lacks the resources.”

Yan Sui lowered his eyes, appearing thoughtful and worried, “Those two aren’t rebels… they’re not…”

“But if the Emperor says they are, then they are. The proclamation has been announced throughout the realm – it can’t be changed now.”

Yan Ze spoke directly, causing Yan Sui’s face to pale. Just then, Yue Ning suddenly approached, frowning, “Third Brother, why are you discussing such things with him? He’s still a child – this will frighten him.”

Yan Ze stood up, “I knew he was concerned about Yan Chi and Qin Wan, that’s why…”

Ignoring Yan Ze, Yue Ning bent down to pat Yan Sui’s shoulder, comforting him, “Don’t worry, they’re doing very well now.”

Hearing this, Yan Sui’s eyes brightened slightly. Yue Ning added softly, “We received a letter from her a few days ago. She’s doing well.”

The anxiety gradually faded from Yan Sui’s face. He nodded and went into the hall. After he left, Yue Ning frowned at Yan Ze, “Third Brother, why mention the proclamation? It only frightens him.”

Yan Ze gazed at Yue Ning tenderly, “Yes, I was thoughtless. Seeing the Ninth Prince so mature for his age, I couldn’t help myself.”

Yue Ning pressed her lips together, “No matter how mature, he’s still a child. Qin Wan must worry about him the most.”

Yan Ze stepped forward, trying to take Yue Ning’s hand, but just before contact, Yue Ning’s heart inexplicably tightened, and she pulled away. Yan Ze froze, but Yue Ning had already turned to leave quickly, “We should leave the palace now. Grandmother is waiting for me…”

Yan Ze sighed at Yue Ning’s retreating figure before following.

After leaving Shou Kang Palace, they traveled in silence. Once outside the palace gates and in the carriage, the silence continued. Yue Ning couldn’t explain why, but she felt something blocking her heart, or perhaps something veiled that she was about to see clearly, yet remained blurry. When they reached the intersection of their two princely residences, Yue Ning lifted the curtain, “Third Brother, you needn’t escort me home. I’ll come again tomorrow.”

Hearing this, Yan Ze smiled and nodded, not wanting to make Yue Ning uncomfortable. She lowered the curtain and finally relaxed.

When the carriage reached Duke An Yang’s residence, Yue Ning had barely lifted the curtain to descend when she saw someone standing before the gate. Looking carefully, it was Wei Qi Zhi. Her eyes brightened, “My, what brings Young Master Wei here today?”

Wei Qi Zhi had been waiting for Yue Ning with his horse. Seeing her come from the direction of the Prince Yi’s residence, he assumed she had been there.

Wei Qi Zhi smiled and stepped forward, pulling a small purple sandalwood box from his sleeve, “You’re getting married at the end of the month. This is my wedding gift! I’m leaving again tomorrow, this time for several months, so I won’t make it to your wedding. My family will send gifts that day, but I won’t be there myself.”

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, stepping forward to take the small sandalwood box, “Oh? Where are you going? The north? It’s in chaos now – why go there?”

Wei Qi Zhi smiled at her words, “No, not the north this time, but the west…”

At the word “west,” Yue Ning immediately perked up, “You’re going to the Northwest?”

Wei Qi Zhi smiled, “Not certain, but very likely. There’s great potential for my business in the west.”

Hearing this, Yue Ning pressed her lips together, “Come, let’s talk inside.”

But Wei Qi Zhi declined, “No need to enter. You’re about to be married – it’s not appropriate to receive male guests in the residence. Better avoid gossip, and the Grand Princess and Lady would find it improper.”

Yue Ning hadn’t expected Wei Qi Zhi’s personality to be so considerate of her circumstances and felt touched. But thinking of his impending departure and possible journey to the Northwest, she couldn’t help wanting to talk more. So she said, “My family isn’t so strict with rules. But since you say so, let’s go somewhere else. You’re leaving for who knows how long, and since you’re heading west, I have something to ask of you. Choose any place you like – somewhere you usually go.”

Hearing this, Wei Qi Zhi laughed heartily, “My usual places wouldn’t suit you. In that case, I’ll find a familiar place nearby. Get in your carriage!”

Wei Qi Zhi mounted his horse after speaking, and Yue Ning returned to her carriage. He led the way, with her carriage following, winding through several streets before stopping. When Yue Ning alighted, she saw it was a tavern, though in a rather quiet location, empty of customers, appearing quite desolate.

“Is this your business? At this rate, you’ll lose money.”

Wei Qi Zhi smiled wryly, “It belongs to a friend. He’s not interested in profit, just wants peace but still wishes to drink with people, so he simply opened his tavern. Let’s go in and talk.”

As they entered the hall, a dozing waiter behind the counter immediately perked up. Seeing Wei Qi Zhi, he happily exclaimed, “Young Master Wei has come! Unfortunately, the owner’s son isn’t here today…”

Wei Qi Zhi snorted, “Who’s looking for him?! We’ll go upstairs – just bring some good wine and dishes!”

After walking a few steps, he added, “No, forget the wine, just good dishes will do.”

Walking beside him, Yue Ning frowned, “Why no wine? Just serve what you usually have.”

The waiter looked between Wei Qi Zhi and Yue Ning, his gaze momentarily teasing, “Very well! We’ll follow the young lady’s wishes! No wonder it’s Young Master Song’s first time bringing beauty here – truly someone who can match any man. I’ll bring you our finest peach blossom wine!”

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Wei Qi Zhi smiled helplessly, “Do you know that the peach blossom wine here costs a thousand gold per bottle? Well, now my gift has doubled in value.”

Yue Ning pursed her lips, “How could the eldest young master of the Wei family not afford even a bottle of wine?”

Wei Qi Zhi showed a pleading expression and gestured for Yue Ning to go upstairs. When they reached the second-floor private room, Yue Ning saw that the tavern was truly elegant, especially the private rooms, with even the decorations and hanging paintings being of superior quality. This confirmed Wei Qi Zhi’s words about the owner not caring about profit. Soon, a table of exquisite dishes and two bottles of peach blossom wine were served!

Wei Qi Zhi smiled at Yue Ning, “Can you drink?”

Yue Ning’s last drink had been years ago when she made a bet with Yue Qing and stole Yue Qiong’s hidden wine. However, hearing “peach blossom wine,” she assumed it was sweet fruit wine and thought nothing of it. Without hesitation, she placed her wine cup before Wei Qi Zhi. He was surprised for a moment but obliged and poured for her.

Yue Ning got straight to the point, “The west you’re going to, is it the Northwest? You couldn’t speak freely at the gate earlier, but can you be clear now?”

Wei Qi Zhi’s smile deepened as he placed the wine cup before Yue Ning and poured one for himself, “Indeed, that’s my intention. The north is no longer accessible, but the Northwest holds great promise. I hear it’s completely different from before, and some old friends have already gone to seek their fortunes there. This has piqued my curiosity, and since they’re all old acquaintances, how could I not go? The Northwest needs to strengthen its military, and they need my fine warhorses!”

Yue Ning’s spirits lifted at hearing this, “My guess was right! Which route will you take? How long will it take? When will you arrive?”

Wei Qi Zhi raised an eyebrow, “Such detailed questions – planning to come along?”

Though Wei Qi Zhi meant it as a joke, it gave Yue Ning pause. Wei Qi Zhi laughed, “If you left now, that would be running away from your wedding! I’ll go through Ding Prefecture, or if conditions there aren’t favorable, through Meng Prefecture. By fast horse, it will take at least a month. By the time I arrive, your wedding will be long over.”

Wei Qi Zhi kept mentioning the wedding, and Yue Ning grabbed her wine cup and drank it in one gulp. Though the peach blossom wine wasn’t as sweet as she’d expected, it wasn’t too strong either. She put down her cup, reaching for a second. Wei Qi Zhi watched her carefully, and seeing no adverse effects, poured her another. However, as soon as he filled it, she drained it again. He refused to pour her a third, instead frowning and asking, “What’s wrong? Are you troubled by something?”