Northward from Yuzhou lay broad official roads, and with consecutive days of clear weather, on the afternoon of the fifth day, the Qin family's carriage arrived at the outskirts of Lin'an City.
It was already late in the twelfth lunar month, merely ten days from New Year's Eve. Though they had not yet entered Lin'an, the imperial capital's majestic aura was palpable. The wide official road could accommodate dozens of horses abreast, and despite the deep winter, towering green trees cast shade along both sides. Lifting her gaze, Qin Shuang saw carriages and horses weaving densely on the road ahead—some heading toward the capital, others leaving the city—all bearing an air of wealth and nobility.
Looking further into the distance, beneath a pale gray sky, a towering, expansive city stood like a colossal beast. The bluish-gray brick walls rose over ten zhang high, with magnificent towers and pavilions atop the battlements. Banners fluttered vigorously, and armored soldiers clad in sturdy gear could faintly be seen standing firm. Qin Shuang, who had lifted the curtain to look, unconsciously held her breath, feeling the imposing city gate exuding an intangible, oppressive force that stifled her usual boldness and chatter. Pressing her lips slightly, she instinctively grew tense and withdrawn.
As the carriage advanced steadily, the bustling crowd at the city gate became increasingly visible.
Suddenly, urgent hoofbeats sounded behind the carriage. Before Qin Shuang could turn her head, several young men in fox fur cloaks galloped past the carriage. The clatter of hooves mingled with their laughter and banter, their spirited whips falling swiftly. Their flowing black hair and wind-billowing sleeves inexplicably stirred Qin Shuang's heart.
Qin Shuang took a deep breath, her clear black-and-white eyes sparkling brightly.
This was the imperial capital—the capital that captivated every citizen of Great Zhou!
In the carriage ahead, Qin Xiang was also gazing outside, her expression even more exhilarated than Qin Shuang's. She stared intently at the handsome figures receding into the distance, a determined, resolute light gleaming in her eyes.
Fuling was also looking out, her eyes slightly reddened. "We're back, Miss. We've finally returned."
Qin Guan leaned against the carriage wall. Though not deliberately looking out, her peripheral vision caught the deeply familiar scenery. The capital—this was the capital she had left four months ago—
Her delicate fists clenched at her sides as she watched the approaching city gate, feeling as if all strength had left her body, unsure how to react. Her gaze was heavy and profound, as if the bloody rain of arrows from that night had transcended time and space to pierce her anew. A dull ache spread sluggishly through her limbs, and even her spirit seemed to drift.
"Miss, look—are those the Marquis's men coming to fetch us?"
Fuling's sudden exclamation snapped Qin Guan back to attention. Straightening her spine, she forcibly pulled herself together and glanced ahead. Sure enough, several figures stood by the roadside, gazing distantly in their direction.
Qin Guan pressed her lips together and sat upright, like a soldier donning armor.
Returning to the capital brought piercing grief, but now, entering the Marquis's estate required utmost caution. Ninth Miss had lived there for over five years—time enough for the household to know her well. She could not let anyone detect any discrepancy in her identity.
Seeing Qin Guan's solemn expression and rigid posture, Fuling's eyes clouded with sorrow.
"Miss, we're back. Everything will be alright now."Qin Guan nodded. Ninth Miss had also lost both her parents, and her departure from the capital back then had been a matter of necessity. Now that she was returning to the capital, her state of mind resonated somewhat with Qin Guan's own, which made her appear less out of place.
"Heir Apparent, your humble servant pays respects to the Heir Apparent—"
In no time, Qin Yan's carriage at the front had reached the group of men. A middle-aged man in a navy blue round-collared robe stepped forward and bowed with clasped hands. The carriage curtain was lifted, and Qin Yan spoke from the window, "Steward Wu."
Wu Yang had a square face, dark complexion, and was not tall, giving an initial impression of sturdiness. Yet, he possessed a pair of small but bright eyes, and when he spoke, he always carried a cheerful smile, making him far more amiable and straightforward compared to Zhou Huai. To those unaware of his identity, he might seem like an ordinary steward of the marquis household. However, Fuling had mentioned earlier that the marquis household had two chief stewards: one was Zhou Huai, and the other was this Wu Yang. Zhou Huai often accompanied Qin Yan, while Wu Yang naturally stayed by Qin Shu's side.
That such an affable and seemingly unassuming man served as the chief steward to the Loyal and Brave Marquis hinted at depths beyond his outward appearance. Seeing Qin Yan lift the carriage curtain, Wu Yang bowed again and said with a smile, "The Marquis knew the Heir Apparent would return today and ordered your humble servant to wait here early this morning. You've been away for a full month—the Heir Apparent must be weary."
He then glanced at Zhou Huai, who was on horseback beside the carriage, and added, "Old Zhou, you've worked hard as well."
Zhou Huai gave a slight curl of his lips but said nothing. Qin Yan looked toward the city gate and asked, "It's still early—why were you sent to meet us?"
Wu Yang never left Qin Shu's side, and besides, Qin Guan and her two sisters were not figures of great importance; having him look after them should suffice without the need to send someone specially from such a distance. Wu Yang's early arrival here surely had a reason.
Wu Yang glanced at the carriage procession behind and said in a low voice, "The city gates have been under strict inspection these past few days. With our many carriages, the Marquis specifically sent your humble servant to receive the Heir Apparent, fearing there might be inconveniences when entering the city."
"Oh?" Qin Yan frowned slightly. "What has happened?"
Wu Yang pressed his lips together. "It has nothing to do with our household. Allow your humble servant to report the details to the Heir Apparent after we return."
Qin Yan nodded. "Very well, let's proceed then. After being away for so long, I too miss home."
With that, Qin Yan let the carriage curtain fall. Wu Yang and the several servants who had come out with him had all arrived on horseback and now mounted their horses to lead the way. Before long, the carriage procession approached the city gate.
As they reached the gate, the majestic and imposing tower of Lin'an City loomed even more oppressively. The tall gatehouse cast a vast shadow, pressing down on those waiting inside and outside the city gate until they could scarcely breathe. Qin Yan lifted the carriage curtain to look outside and saw a long queue outside the gate. Soon, their carriage came to a halt—
The moment the carriage stopped, Qin Guan and the others in the rear sensed something amiss. Each lifted their curtains to look and realized the situation was unusual. Although the capital's security was certainly stricter than that of other cities, the sun had not yet set, far from the curfew hour. Why was the inspection at the city gate so stringent? Qin Shuang scanned the area but did not see the several young men who had earlier galloped past on horseback.
"Waiting like this will likely take a long time," Qin Yan said with a frown.
Wu Yang hurriedly replied, "This is precisely why your humble servant came to receive you. The Marquis has given me his token."Qin Yan gave a noncommittal "Hmm," prompting Wu Yang to dismount and approach the city gate. He walked up to the guard captain at the entrance, exchanged a few hushed words, and the captain glanced toward Qin Yan’s direction before quickly nodding in agreement.
Wu Yang chuckled amiably as he expressed his thanks, then returned to the side of Qin Yan’s carriage.
“Crown Prince, all is settled. Let us proceed.”
As the words fell, the carriage began to move slowly. Soon, the Marquis’s procession gradually advanced past the long queue beside them. Inside the carriage, Qin Shuang’s eyes lit up with delight. She cracked the window curtain open just a slit, watching eagerly as their group overtook the waiting line. Among those queued were plainly dressed commoners, lavishly attired wealthy families, and even dignified carriages adorned with ornate vermilion lacquer—yet all of them could only wait obediently in line.
A surge of pride swelled in Qin Shuang’s chest, instantly clarifying the Marquis’s considerable standing in the capital.
Though she was not a direct descendant of the Marquis’s household, from now on, she would carry its name wherever she went. At this thought, Qin Shuang lifted her chin slightly. She was, after all, the niece of the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor—so what if she came from Jinzhou? Her status was nothing to scoff at!
As she mused, the Qin family’s carriages reached the city guards. Due to their numerous vehicles, Wu Yang stepped forward to negotiate with the guards. But suddenly, a rapid, urgent clatter of hoofbeats erupted behind them!
This sound differed from the earlier group of young men—those riders had been swift, but nowhere near as breakneck as this new party. Even as they approached the crowded city gate, the riders showed no sign of slowing, their audacious, reckless charge growing ever more apparent. Almost simultaneously, Qin Yan furrowed his brow at the noise.
“Make way, make way! The heir apparent of the Duke’s estate is returning to the city—don’t block the road!A rough, barbaric voice rang out with the hoofbeats. Wu Yang glanced back, his expression darkening slightly.
A dozen or so riders in dark attire charged forth on swift horses, nearly trampling the coming-and-going and queued civilians in their path. The crowd scattered in panic as the light cavalry swept past the Qin family’s carriages, startling their horses into restless agitation.
The leader, a man in his twenties with strong, regular features, had sharp eyebrows that swept toward his temples and narrow eyes that seemed to tilt arrogantly skyward. Dressed in a form-fitting white martial outfit, he paid no heed to his attendants' barbaric rush, his face brimming with conceited satisfaction. A long bow hung from his horse’s neck, alongside a quiver filled with bloodstained arrows. His followers, too, carried bows and arrows on their mounts, with large and small baskets strapped to their saddles—glimpses of bloody, mangled game visible within.
Wu Yang narrowed his eyes, his usual friendly smile fading into a guarded wariness.
“Well, well, whose carriages dare block my Path—”
The dozen riders completely disrupted the orderly queue at the city gate. The commoners, though clearly resentful, dared not speak up, scattering to the sides. Seeing the leader seemed intent on provoking the Qin family, a glint of schadenfreude lit their eyes as they anticipated a spectacle.The Qin family held a high and powerful position, enabling them to act ahead of others. While these people were even more excessive than the Qins, both the Qins and these individuals stood far above the common folk. The ordinary people dared not offend any of them, yet when the two sides confronted each other, it provided a sense of satisfaction to the onlookers. The Qin family's coachman tightened the reins, halting the horses, while the dozen or so riders, led by their leader, came to an abrupt stop beside the Qin carriage. The speaker swept a disdainful gaze over the convoy, finally settling on the lead carriage.
Qin Yan lifted the carriage curtain and nodded with a smile toward the outside. "Brother Feng, it's been a long time."
"Well, well, if it isn't Brother Qin—" Feng Zhang, the heir apparent of the Loyal Duke, feigned surprise, his smile tinged with mockery. "I heard you went south to fetch your relatives? So you've finally returned today?"
Qin Yan's smile remained gentle and refined. "Indeed."
As he spoke, he glanced at the quiver hanging from Feng Zhang's horse. "Brother Feng went hunting today? It seems your harvest was plentiful—"
Feng Zhang grinned. "Not bad." His eyes then shifted to the carriage behind Qin Yan. "Brother Qin, you've been away for so long this time. Which elders have you brought to the capital? Such a grand procession—could it be they plan to settle here permanently?"
Qin Yan's expression remained unruffled as he replied calmly, "There's no need for Brother Feng to concern yourself with that. With the strong scent of blood on you, it would be best to hurry into the city and return to your manor to freshen up. The city is under strict martial law now—your current state might raise suspicions."
Feng Zhang gave a meaningful, half-smiling glance at the carriage behind Qin Yan. Suddenly, his sharp eyes caught a slight movement of the curtain on the carriage following Qin Yan's. The curtain lifted and fell, and though Feng Zhang saw nothing else, he glimpsed a pair of delicate, slender hands. His eyes lit up, and his smile deepened with intrigue. "So, Brother Qin went to fetch a beauty to the capital."
"Naturally, it's family. I wouldn't bring an outsider."
Qin Yan's reply was neither warm nor cold. Feng Zhang chuckled lightly, his gaze lingering with interest on the three carriages behind Qin Yan. "Three at once—the Marquis's manor is about to become quite lively."
He raised his riding crop. "It seems I'll have to change my hunting grounds."
Qin Yan's eyes turned cold, and his smile chilled. "Brother Feng, aren't you entering the city? If you're in no hurry, I'll take my leave first."
Feng Zhang clearly noticed Qin Yan's displeasure, which only confirmed his suspicions. He lazily smiled again. "Today, I hunted a rare white marten and plan to send it to my aunt in the palace later. Brother Qin, you wouldn't mind giving way, would you?"
Qin Yan lifted his chin slightly. "How dare I compete with Brother Feng? After you—"
Feng Zhang was thoroughly satisfied. He laughed heartily twice and lowered his riding crop. The Qin carriage still needed Wu Yang to explain a few things to the city guards before entering, but when Feng Zhang and his dozen blood-stained riders approached, the guards didn't even dare to stop them. Only after the sound of hoofbeats faded into the distance did Qin Shuang dare to lift the curtain and peer outside. Her earlier air of complacency had vanished, replaced by a pale complexion. She had thought the Marquis's manor held an exalted status with privileges that placed them at the pinnacle of nobility, but she never expected that a random newcomer could speak to her third brother with such sarcasm and even enter the city ahead of them.
Qin Shuang didn't dare to look outside for long. After a quick lift and drop of the curtain, she sat back properly. She firmly remembered Qin Yan's earlier address of "Brother Feng" and then fell into a daze, thinking... So above the Qin Manor, there was also a Feng.After Feng Zhang departed, Wu Yang approached the city guards with a gentle smile. The soldiers, still wary from Feng Zhang’s presence, grew deferential at Wu Yang’s amiable demeanor. Without even inspecting the luggage carts, they promptly allowed the Qin family’s party to enter the city gates. Once inside, Qin Shuang’s previously subdued spirits instantly revived.
The reason was simple: the sudden burst of bustling noise reminded her that she had arrived at the Great Zhou Empire’s most prosperous and opulent capital!
The setting sun cast golden hues, bathing the entire capital in a radiant glow. The Qin family’s carriage moved slowly along the city’s broad main Path. Outside, crowds swarmed and lively clamor filled the air. Unable to resist, Qin Shuang lifted the carriage curtain to look out. Just beyond the gates stood rows upon rows of towering pavilions, meticulously aligned and adorned with intricate carvings. Stretching from the southern end, they seemed to extend endlessly northward. Though Qin Shuang had long known the capital was vast, the sheer scale still astonished her. The imperial avenue ran straight, yet its end lay beyond sight. The further north they went, the more exquisite and majestic the buildings became. Recalling that the capital also housed an imperial palace, Qin Shuang found it momentarily impossible to fathom such grandeur.
Her heart swelled with excitement, feeling she had glimpsed the flourishing zenith of the Great Zhou Empire. A mix of awe and exhilaration swept through her, swiftly dispelling the earlier tension and fear stirred by Feng Zhang. Now, she only regretted not sharing a carriage with Qin Guan, who could have explained the sights. Chiding herself inwardly, Qin Shuang’s gaze remained glued to the increasingly bustling streets—taverns, teahouses, inns, and jewelers, each more elegant and refined than any she had ever seen…
As Qin Shuang feasted her eyes, Qin Xiang also lifted her curtain. Though her expression was less overt, her eyes shone with a keen, intense light. Her heart raced, and she felt a sudden disdain for her earlier self. Why had she ever considered returning to the Bai family in Yizhou? This capital—resplendent, luxurious, and peerless—was where she truly belonged!
Wu Yang and Zhou Huai rode ahead on horseback, both glancing back. As expected, only Qin Guan’s carriage curtain remained drawn. A flicker of surprise crossed Wu Yang’s eyes, to which Zhou Huai responded with a knowing smile. “What surprises you now is only the beginning.”
Wu Yang raised an eyebrow, thoughtfully eyeing Qin Guan’s carriage once more. Qin Guan had largely grown up in the Marquis’s household. Though he paid little attention to inner court matters, he remembered the Ninth Miss clearly. Raised by her uncle’s family and treated decently by the lady of the house, how could a timid orphan develop any notable grace?
As this thought crossed his mind, he met Zhou Huai’s meaningful gaze again.
Wu Yang inwardly wondered, “Had this Ninth Miss truly improved during her time in Jinzhou?”The Qin family's carriage procession naturally headed straight for the Loyal Marquis Manor upon entering the city. They first traveled along the capital's main Path for the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, then soon turned northeast. The entire route was lined with bustling and prosperous markets, allowing Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang to feast their eyes once again. When the carriages reached Xingle District, the sight of the grand mansions with wide courtyards made them tense up. The opulence and wealth they had witnessed along the way stirred excitement and longing in them, but also evoked a sense of inadequacy. As members of the third branch of the family from Jinzhou, they felt out of place amidst the capital's affluence. The two Qin young ladies, who had always held themselves in high regard in Jinzhou, grew visibly nervous.
In contrast, Qin Guan remained almost unnervingly composed, showing no emotional fluctuations. The only noticeable change was her subdued mood since arriving outside Lin'an City. Fuling and Baiying, aware that Qin Guan was thinking of her deceased parents and past memories, grew quiet. Fuling resisted the urge to lift the carriage curtain several times to glimpse the long-unseen bustle.
After another cup of tea's worth of time, the carriage suddenly slowed by half.
Wu Yang's voice abruptly rang out from outside, "We've arrived! The heir apparent and Madam have come out personally to welcome the three young ladies."
Qin Yan lifted the carriage curtain and saw dozens of people crowded at the entrance of the Loyal Marquis Manor about thirty meters away. He raised an eyebrow and smiled gently. Having been away for over a month, even as a grown man, he couldn't help feeling homesick. Before the carriage came to a complete stop, he leaped down.
"Mother, your son pays respects to you."
Qin Yan stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Hu Shi, the Madam of Loyal Marquis Manor.
Hu Shi, dressed in deep purple luxurious robes with dignified elegance, quickly supported Qin Yan, her eyes slightly reddening. "My good child, you've finally returned. I've been worried for over a month, fearing something might happen to you outside."
As she spoke, she thoroughly looked Qin Yan over from head to toe. Qin Yan chuckled and held Hu Shi's arm. "Mother, don't worry, I'm not a child anymore." He then turned and gestured toward the three carriages that had stopped behind them. "Mother, I've brought back our three younger sisters."
Hu Shi reluctantly shifted her gaze from Qin Yan and looked toward the three carriages with a faint smile. Almost simultaneously, the curtains of all three carriages were lifted, and several graceful figures emerged from behind them. The last to appear was the main focus.
Hu Shi's expression grew increasingly affectionate. She first saw Qin Xiang in pink attire—her expression remained unchanged, even deepening into a smile. Then her eyes shifted to Qin Shuang in a light purple cape—her smile broadened further. Finally, she turned to the last carriage... Under the highly raised curtain, a snow-white figure bent and emerged. In that instant, Hu Shi's smile froze.
OpenNovel