Qin Shuang lowered her voice, speaking with resentment, "Grandmother! It's impossible! She doesn't know anything—how could she be the Medical Immortal?! There's no way she saved the Grand Princess!"
Qin Xiang nodded in agreement, "Yes, Grandmother. We never knew she had any medical skills!"
Qin Shuang snorted coldly, her fists clenched tightly. "The Grand Princess must have mistaken her for someone else! Just wait—she’ll be thrown out soon!"
Jiang Shi sat silently. She wasn’t sure what Qin Guan could or couldn’t do, as she had never paid much attention to her since her arrival in Jinzhou. But like Qin Xiang, she wondered—if Qin Guan had medical skills, why had she never shown them?
As soon as Qin Shuang finished speaking, Lu Xiu appeared at the entrance of the flower hall.
After the earlier commotion, everyone in the hall had been watching for any movement outside. The moment Lu Xiu arrived, she was immediately noticed.
"Look, it's the Grand Princess's head maid!"
"Could she be here to summon others from the Qin Manor…?"
In an instant, the Qin family members turned their attention toward her. Qin Shuang grimaced and whispered anxiously, "She must be here to accuse us! Grandmother, Qin Guan is going to be the death of us…"
Qin Shuang assumed Lu Xiu had come to reprimand them, but Jiang Shi could tell at a glance that Lu Xiu was in high spirits.
Sure enough, as Lu Xiu approached, her smile grew brighter. "Greetings to the Old Madam. Old Madam, Ninth Miss has been asked to stay by the Grand Princess's side to keep her company. Her Highness specifically sent me to inform you so you wouldn’t worry."
All doubts instantly vanished!
Not only had the Grand Princess not mistaken Qin Guan, but she had even invited her to stay and talk!
Among the many distinguished guests present today, the Grand Princess had chosen only Qin Guan!
After delivering her message, Lu Xiu added apologetically, "The auspicious hour is approaching, but the bride is still on her way. I’m afraid everyone will have to wait a little longer. Please forgive any shortcomings in the wedding banquet arrangements."
Though Lu Xiu was merely a servant, she was the Grand Princess's attendant, giving her status akin to half a master.
As soon as she finished speaking, a chorus of deferential "Of course not" rose from the crowd.
Lu Xiu smiled, curtsied, and then departed.
The moment she left, Qin Shuang and the others were stunned. It was true—Qin Guan really was the Grand Princess's savior!
Lin Shi was the first to grasp the implications. "Mother, regardless of how Qin Guan learned medicine, that maid Lu Xiu just confirmed the Grand Princess didn’t mistake her. Mother, if Qin Guan is the Grand Princess's savior, then our Qin Manor in Jinzhou has gained a new opportunity. From the looks of it, the Grand Princess seems quite fond of Qin Guan!"
Lin Shi’s words echoed Jiang Shi’s thoughts. Her eyes narrowed slightly—had Qin Guan truly possessed extraordinary skills all along, unnoticed by her?
At this realization, Jiang Shi unconsciously straightened her back.
The very person the Qin Manor had scorned and mistreated now held their fate in her hands…
A chill ran down Jiang Shi’s spine, and a deep unease settled in her heart.
While the Qin family members in the flower hall fidgeted restlessly over Qin Guan’s sudden change in status, inside the inner courtyard, Lu Xiu reported, "I’ve relayed your message, Your Highness. The Qin Manor’s Old Madam and the other masters were initially puzzled and surprised. After hearing my words, they all seemed utterly shocked. It was clear they were quite unsettled."The Grand Princess sighed, looking at Qin Guan who stood before her with lowered eyes. "The Old Madam of Qin Manor was quite a spirited person in her youth, but she's grown somewhat rigid with age. To let such a bright pearl in her own household gather dust..." She paused slightly before continuing, "Guan'er, don't think this old woman meddles too much. The situation in Qin Manor becomes clear with minimal inquiry. You've suffered these past two years."
Qin Guan didn't think the Grand Princess was meddling—on the contrary, she was somewhat moved.
Her act of rescue in that urgent moment had brought her into contact with the Grand Princess. Not only that, but the Grand Princess had made it clear she intended to repay her. This repayment wasn't simply gold or jewels, but rather leveraging her influence to help Qin Guan establish herself in Qin Manor.
"Qin Guan wouldn't dare presume. Thank you, Grand Princess, for your thoughtfulness."
The Grand Princess patted the back of her hand. "You not only saved me, but more importantly, I've taken a liking to you, child. Among the three younger generation in our family, even Ning'er prefers brandishing weapons. While I adore their Yue Family Army spirit, I've also longed for a gentle and obedient grandchild to keep me company. Rest assured, I'll make some arrangements for you."
Listening to the Grand Princess's gentle words, Qin Guan felt an inexplicable pang in her heart. Though her face showed nothing in these ten-plus days since her rebirth, her heart had been filled with desolation and loneliness. In her dreams at night, she was often overwhelmed by resentment, anguish, and helpless despair.
Though Qin Manor was now her "home," it not only concealed the murderer of Ninth Miss but was also permeated with disdain and contempt for her. Apart from Fuling, she found it hard to detect any warmth there.
Qin Guan raised her eyes to look at the Grand Princess, her deep, somber eyes glistening with moisture.
"What I did that day was merely a trivial effort, Grand Princess. There's truly no need—"
The Grand Princess clasped Qin Guan's hand and laughed. "Enough, enough. Though you're kind-hearted and well-mannered, these difficult years have made you rather burdened, as if you're hiding something in your heart. Don't overthink it. I'll still need your care for this old body of mine in the future."
Qin Guan nodded, accepting the Grand Princess's kindness without further words.
The Grand Princess was right—she did harbor a secret that could never be spoken.
Though their conversation was pleasant, the Grand Princess hadn't forgotten that today was the wedding day of the Anyang Marquis's heir. As the sky grew darker, she frowned.
"What's going on? The auspicious hour has already passed. Why haven't they arrived yet?"
Jiang Shi sighed. "Yesterday's letter said they'd reached Ten-Mile Temple. Calculating the distance, they should arrive by nightfall at the latest. It's a long-distance marriage—hitting the exact auspicious hour is extremely difficult."
The Grand Princess exhaled, gripping Qin Guan's hand. "Missing the auspicious hour makes me uneasy." After a pause, she added, "Back when His Majesty suggested this match, I already felt it was inappropriate..."
Jiang Shi shook her head. "Mother, there's no need to worry. It's just a slight delay. Today is an auspicious day—no matter when they arrive, it will be propitious. Don't fret." She glanced out the window. "Night is falling—they must be arriving soon."
Despite the reassurance, the Grand Princess grew restless.
"Guan'er, help me up. Let's go wait outside..."
Qin Guan hurried to assist the Grand Princess to her feet, while Jiang Shi supported her from the other side. Together, they made their way toward the ceremonial hall.Today was the grand wedding of the heir to Marquis Anyang, with the bride hailing from the prestigious Duke Song's household in the capital. Moreover, this marriage bore the Emperor's tacit approval, making it no different from an imperial decree. Combined with the status of the Grand Princess, the wedding hall was adorned with extraordinary nobility and splendor.
When Qin Guan escorted the Grand Princess to the hall, it was already crowded with onlookers. Everyone knew the bride was about to arrive and wanted to witness this once-in-a-century grand wedding in Jinzhou City.
"Grandmother is here! Grandmother—"
As soon as they entered the hall, two young men approached. Both had sharp brows, high noses, and an imposing presence. One of them wore bright red wedding robes—clearly the heir to Marquis Anyang!
"Mother, why have you come so soon? The bride hasn't arrived yet..."
As they spoke, another man in luxurious attire stepped forward. He appeared to be in his forties, tall and robust with an intimidating military bearing—undoubtedly Marquis Anyang himself. The group noticed Qin Guan standing beside the Grand Princess and were momentarily taken aback. When had such a young lady appeared by her side?
Recognizing the situation, Qin Guan promptly curtsied. "Greetings to the Marquis and the heir." Then, addressing the Grand Princess softly, she added, "Your Highness, I shall take my leave now."
The Grand Princess smiled warmly. "Very well, go ahead and join the spectators."
Qin Guan nodded and quickly slipped away through a side passage, blending into the crowd.
Marquis Anyang Yue Qiong and his heir Yue Jia noted her departure but refrained from immediate inquiry, instead guiding the Grand Princess to the seat of honor. The hall was draped in red silk and golden candles, the scarlet carpet stretching all the way to the wide-open manor gates. From her seat, the Grand Princess could see the vast darkness beyond the gates—the night had deepened like spilled ink, yet the bride still hadn't arrived!
"Why is she so late? Could something have happened?"
"Has anyone been sent to check?"
The Grand Princess grew uneasy and pressed for answers. Marquis Anyang reassured her, "Mother, don't worry. Nothing could go wrong. The escort consists of Duke Song's personal guards. We've already sent someone to investigate—please rest assured."
The Grand Princess was anxious, Jiang Shi was anxious, and even the guests who had waited since dawn were growing restless. Many had arrived early and endured the long wait, unwilling to miss this momentous occasion despite their fatigue.
"Report—!" Suddenly, a personal guard galloped in. "My Lord, torches have been spotted outside the city! The bride has arrived!"
At this news, the hall erupted in excitement. She was here! The bride had finally arrived!
The Grand Princess perked up, Marquis Anyang and his wife beamed with joy, and heir Yue Jia was both thrilled and nervous. The guests, now invigorated, jostled for a better view of the wide street beyond the manor gates.
Soon, a flicker of light appeared in the darkened street.
First one, then dozens, until they merged into a vast sea of flames. The sight of this magnificent procession set everyone's hearts racing—this was no ordinary bridal escort from the capital, but a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur!
As the torches drew nearer, the rhythmic thunder of hooves grew distinct. The sound was deafening, carrying an overwhelming force that seemed capable of shattering mountains and rivers as it advanced toward Marquis Anyang Manor.
The guests shuddered. This bridal procession wasn't just grand—it carried an intimidating, almost menacing aura. It felt less like a joyous celebration and more like an army charging into battle.Yue Qiong was the first to notice something amiss. Having led troops for many years, his perception was naturally keen.
He took a step forward, narrowing his eyes at the sea of flames in the distance...
In the vast darkness of night, the blazing fires resembled two reckless dragons charging forth, reaching the estate gates in an instant. What appeared was a formation of pitch-black battle armor, gleaming with a cold, sinister light, carrying the dust and blood of battle as they invaded the sight of all present with an indomitable, kingly presence. Like ghouls, they arrived before the estate gates, their imposing figures reining in their horses with a thunderous halt before swiftly and neatly lining up in formation at the entrance of the marquis’ estate.
Yue Qiong’s pupils trembled violently, and all the guests stared in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief.
This was no bridal procession—but rather...
As the earth-shaking clamor subsided, only the final, unhurried clip-clop of hooves remained.
From the end of the long street, a warhorse, black as night, trotted forward lightly. Amid the raging flames, the man atop the steed gripped a horizontal spear, his voice as mesmerizing and domineering as a night-blooming cereus—
"By His Majesty’s decree, I come to offer congratulations. Yan Chi has arrived late!"
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