Li Muyun, dressed in a dark purple official uniform, caught up in a few quick strides and stopped before Qin Shu, though his gaze swept briefly over Qin Guan. Seeing the young lady still had her back turned to him as if unaware, Li Muyun's smile deepened slightly as he cupped his hands and bowed to Qin Shu.
"Marquis, I didn't expect to meet you here."
Qin Shu's eyes brightened at the sight of Li Muyun. "Is Lord Li also entering the palace at this hour? I thought you would arrive later."
Li Muyun smiled wryly. "I'm afraid it will get more crowded later, so I came early."
As he spoke, he noticed Qin Guan turning around and his gaze settled on her. "Is this the Ninth Miss of Qin Manor?"
A spark of understanding flashed in Qin Shu's eyes—he naturally grasped the implication behind Li Muyun's words. News of Qin Guan assisting with the prefecture's corpse examination must have reached him. With a light laugh, Qin Shu nodded, "Indeed." Then, turning his head, he said, "Wan Yatou, this is Lord Li, Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Why haven't you paid your respects?"
Qin Guan lowered her eyes and performed a proper bow. She did not offer any verbal greeting, giving the impression of being particularly reserved.
Li Muyun chuckled softly, his voice lowered. "Lord Zheng has informed me. I truly didn't expect Ninth Miss to be so remarkable."
Qin Guan lifted her gaze, her eyes clear and sharp as she looked at Li Muyun. Previously, at the city gate, it had been merely a casual glance, but now she was truly seeing this Lord Li for the first time. If her father were still alive, how could he have taken her father's position?
After just one glance, Qin Guan lowered her eyes again. Li Muyun studied her for a moment, his smile growing even deeper. "Ninth Miss is not only highly skilled in medicine but also possesses an extraordinary and uncommon demeanor. Qin Manor truly breeds outstanding talents."
Li Muyun's words brought a pleased smile to Qin Shu's brows. Glancing at Qin Guan and then at his own daughter, Qin Shu lowered his voice again. "Lord Li, although Wan'er has been of some assistance, it's best not to let others know of this matter."
Li Muyun's eyes immediately showed understanding. "Marquis, rest assured. This humble official understands completely."
With that, Li Muyun glanced toward the palace gate and smiled. "Well then, I won't delay you any further, Marquis. Please, go ahead."
Qin Shu nodded and led Qin Guan and the others toward the palace gate. Li Muyun fell a few steps behind, following Qin Guan's party. Before long, however, someone else called Li Muyun's name, and he headed off in another direction.
Qin Guan walked with a cold expression outside Zhenghua Gate, the chilly wind seeming to grow even sharper. Lifting her eyes, she noticed the continuous flurry of snow pellets had unknowingly transformed into willow-catkin-like snowflakes, drifting down in a thick, silent blanket, shrouding heaven and earth in white silk.
Qin Guan took a deep breath, her gaze calm and resolute, revealing no trace of hatred or sorrow.
After about twenty paces, they approached the palace gate, where several families were already waiting. Qin Shu led Qin Guan and the others forward, and two middle-aged men in fourth-rank official uniforms recognized him, deferentially allowing him to go first. Unable to refuse, Qin Shu took the foremost position. Soon, however, another group arrived at the palace gate.
"Greetings to the Duke—"
The two families who had just yielded to Qin Shu bowed in unison. Qin Shu turned and, with a faint, detached smile, cupped his hands and said, "The Duke has arrived—"
Although Qin Guan had been to the palace before, she had met and could identify few of the capital's powerful nobles. Hearing the commotion, she turned to see an elderly man in deep blue luxurious robes leading five or six people forward.Qin Guan found the elderly man somewhat familiar, yet couldn't recall where she had seen him before. Just then, Qin Chaoyu reminded her quietly, "That is Duke Song. His youngest daughter is Wan Fei in the palace, who gave birth to the Fifth Prince."
Upon hearing this, Qin Guan suddenly understood—this was indeed Duke Song, the grandfather of Song Rou!
Moreover, Qin Guan had likely encountered this duke before, which explained why he seemed familiar. She observed Song Yan, Duke Song, walking ahead, followed by Song Rou's father Song Xi, his wife, and Song Xi's three sons. With a quick glance, Qin Guan found none particularly remarkable among them, and she lowered her gaze thoughtfully.
Song Yan greeted Qin Shu with a cheerful cupped-hand salute. "Marquis, I didn't expect you to arrive earlier than us."
It had originally been Qin Shu's turn next, but with Song Yan's arrival, Qin Shu said, "Your Grace, given your poor health, you shouldn't wait long in this snowstorm. Please go ahead—"
As Qin Shu stepped aside, Song Yan chuckled. "Then this old man won't stand on ceremony."
With that, he indeed led Song Xi and the others forward, while Qin Shu's group retreated a few steps.
Though Qin Shu's expression remained neutral, Qin Guan, standing behind his left shoulder, noticed Qin Shuang clenching her fist at her side. Meanwhile, Song Yan and his party walked with chests out and heads high, exuding an air of arrogance.
Hooded and silent, Qin Guan took in the scene, her heart growing heavier.
This was the capital, where everyone appeared noble, yet hierarchies persisted among the powerful.
The Duke Song estate wasn't hereditary, and its rank only slightly surpassed that of a marquis. But because a daughter served as an imperial consort and bore a prince, even the Marquis estate had to show such deference. To Qin Guan, this meant little—her own status was lowly. But for Qin Shu, it must chafe bitterly. Such dynamics drove those already in power to seek greater influence. Though the Marquis estate currently paled beside the Duke's, what would happen if it produced a Crown Princess in the future?
By the time Qin Guan finished these thoughts, Song Yan's party had already entered the palace gates. Qin Shu then stepped forward, where the palace guards conducted their routine inspection before respectfully admitting his group.
Once inside, a young eunuch approached to bow and guide them.
The snow fell heavier now. Outside Zhenghua Gate, crowds still swarmed, but within the walls, silence descended abruptly. Qin Guan looked up to see Zhengyang Gate beyond Zhenghua Gate—its ramparts towering, banners fluttering sharply. The vast Zhengyang Gate square stood empty, with only Song Yan's party ahead moving as quietly as their own.
Passing through Zhengyang Gate proved far simpler than Zhenghua Gate. Inside, Qin Guan noticed Qin Shu's group being led toward Outer Yi Gate, while Song Yan's party took a different path.
Observing this, Qin Guan again felt the stark divide of power.
Qin Chaoyu remarked beside her, "They must be heading to Wan Fei's palace. Since it's New Year's Eve, consorts of rank and above may reunite briefly with family before the grand banquet begins..."
Having already guessed as much, Qin Guan merely nodded. Raising her eyes, she saw only the tall palace walls flanking this straight Palace Road.Before the city gate, she had only felt the towering majesty of the wall. But once inside, the palace felt suffocatingly cramped. To someone like her, who had no interest in power, those vermilion walls and jade tiles were nothing but a cage—yet clearly, Qin Chaoyu did not share this sentiment.
Walking side by side with Qin Guan, she appeared dignified and radiant to onlookers, yet her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke: "Do you see? The palace halls stretch endlessly here, each more exquisitely lavish than the last. Even the gilded paintings on the eaves gleam brighter than those outside. When we reach Chongming Hall, you’ll find jade tiles, carved balustrades, luxurious carpets, and golden pillars. Once you become a mistress of this place, all the wealth and glory you desire will be yours to enjoy. Even Duke Song would kneel before you then. With your beauty, if you wished to enter these grounds, you would undoubtedly go far. Are you tempted?"
Qin Chaoyu’s tone was haughty and probing, but Qin Guan found it somewhat amusing. "Eighth Sister’s words are indeed enticing, but you are far more suited to this Path than I. Rest assured, I have no interest in it."
Qin Chaoyu turned, her gaze sharp and penetrating. "What do you mean by that?"
Qin Guan sighed and met her eyes. "Eighth Sister is straightforward and speaks her mind. Since that is the case, I see no need for us to dance around the subject. If you have doubts, I will answer them plainly. This way, we may avoid future friction."
Qin Chaoyu studied Qin Guan, her expression momentarily complex.
She had indeed been testing her. She had observed that Qin Guan remained unflustered in adversity, poised in advance and retreat. If she wished, she could feign docility and fragility, yet her resolve was anything but meek and easily bullied. Qin Chaoyu had expected her to evade the probe with tactful words, but instead, Qin Guan had been even more direct than she.
While this directness eased her concerns, it also revealed that Qin Guan held no fear of her—precisely because she felt no threat from Qin Chaoyu, she could respond with such candor. And this, in turn, displeased Qin Chaoyu immensely. Renowned as the capital’s top talent, with both looks and lineage to match, which noble lady in the capital did not arm herself meticulously in her presence, fearing to be overshadowed? Yet Qin Guan did not…
Qin Chaoyu glared at her for a moment, only to find Qin Guan’s clear, stream-like eyes gazing back. She knew that Qin Guan meant what she said—since she had no reason to fear her, she had no need to deceive her.
Withdrawing her gaze, Qin Chaoyu let out a cold laugh. "I truly admire Ninth Sister’s character—direct and simple."
Admire it she did, yet it was an admiration that vexed her.
Qin Guan curved her lips. "Most troubles among women arise from speculation and suspicion. We share the same family name—surely we need not complicate matters. This younger sister understands such principles well. Eighth Sister, you may forge ahead without concern."
Qin Chaoyu felt a knot tighten in her chest. While Qin Guan’s words satisfied her, her attitude left her stifled.
"It is best that Ninth Sister thinks this way. I already have enough enemies in the capital. If even my own sister were to overreach and aspire beyond her station, it would be all the more vexing. Ninth Sister has done well."
Chin lifted, Qin Chaoyu made sure to praise Qin Guan from a position of superiority.
Qin Guan smiled, replying in the tone befitting a younger sister, "Thank you for your praise, Eighth Sister."
Only then did Qin Chaoyu’s tension ease. The confrontation had come to an end.Walking straight along the Palace Road, it took the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn to approach Chongming Hall. Chongming Hall served as the primary auxiliary hall to Chongzheng Hall, where the Emperor conducted state affairs. Separated by just a wall, it was the venue for grand banquets hosted by the Emperor for his officials, held only once or twice a year. Before even reaching the entrance, Qin Guan saw the area outside Chongming Hall crowded with imperial guards, along with numerous palace maids and eunuchs coming and going. Despite the large crowd, there was no sign of disorder. The eunuch guiding them kept his head lowered, holding his breath, and remained silent throughout the journey, only turning around when they reached the entrance of Chongming Hall.
"Marquis, heir apparent, please proceed this way."
He then glanced at Hu Shi and added, "Madam, the women's seating is on the left. Please come this way."
Due to the heavy snow, the sky was quite gloomy. Even so, it was far from dusk, yet the massive floor-standing Palace Lanterns inside Chongming Hall had already been lit. The entire hall, with its golden tiles, jade railings, luxurious carpets, and bright lamps, was extravagantly decorated. In the center of the hall, a screen and gauze curtain divided the space, with men seated on the right and women on the left.
As soon as the eunuch spoke, Qin Shu nodded at Hu Shi. She acknowledged with a slight bow and immediately led Qin Chaoyu and Qin Guan to follow the eunuch to the left. At the entrance, another eunuch stepped forward to guide Qin Shu and his son to their seats on the right.
By the time Qin Guan entered the women's seating area, many people had already taken their places. The eunuch led the three of them to their table, which was still empty. Although the hall was crowded, only soft murmurs could be heard. No matter how noble the princes, marquises, generals, or officials with first-rank Imperial Mandate Titles were, none dared to act presumptuously once inside the palace.
Qin Guan glanced around and noticed over a dozen seats arranged in the main area. The two central seats were reserved for the Emperor and the Empress, while the seats on either side were for high-ranking consorts and other imperial princes. Since it was not yet time, all these seats remained empty.
Once inside the hall, Qin Guan naturally removed her hood. The moment she did so, many eyes turned toward her. Unfazed, she calmly took her seat beside Qin Chaoyu without even a flicker of her gaze.
Qin Chaoyu curved her lips into a smile. "Ninth Sister, you are a new face, and your beauty is extraordinary. You are bound to attract attention tonight."
Qin Guan raised her lips calmly. "In terms of beauty, Eighth Sister, you are the one who stands out like a lone blossom today."
Qin Chaoyu chuckled softly. "Why be so modest, Ninth Sister? It’s a good thing you are beautiful. You’ll see later—there’s a delicate young lady from the Duke’s residence who always thinks of herself as a White Lotus Fairy. Tonight, she will realize that compared to you, she is nothing more than a dog’s tail flower—"
Hu Shi, seated beside Qin Chaoyu, frowned at her words. "Yu’er, be careful with your words."
Qin Chaoyu’s smile deepened, instantly becoming bright and harmless. Even while seated, she maintained an upright and dignified posture. Though her beauty might not surpass Qin Guan’s, her pride and confident, radiant charm upheld the prestige of the Qin family.
"Mother, I understand. I will be cautious when more people arrive."
No sooner had she spoken than another group of figures entered through the hall entrance. Qin Guan instinctively turned to look and saw a lady dressed in the magnificent attire of a first-rank Imperial Mandate Title walking in. Adorned with hairpins and accessories, her makeup was radiant, and every gesture exuded an imposing nobility. Behind her followed a beautiful young woman wearing a snow-white gown with wide sleeves embroidered with lotus patterns.Though it was the dead of winter, she wore a white gauze dress that fluttered gracefully with her movements. As she walked, her steps were slow and deliberate, her dark hair brushing against her shoulders, her waist as slender and delicate as a willow. Yet, it was unclear whether she suffered from some grave illness—the short distance from the entrance to the seating area, merely a few steps, took her noticeably longer than others. The closer she drew, the clearer Qin Guan could see her features.
She had a small, palm-sized face, with willow-leaf eyebrows as dark as ink, bright eyes, and pearly white teeth. Yet, to be fair, her looks were only above average. She wore no heavy makeup, and her brows were habitually slightly furrowed. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with a dewy freshness, and the corners of her eyes were adorned with something white and glittering that emitted a faint glow, making her gaze appear tearful and pitiable, evoking a sense of tenderness in anyone who saw her.
She followed behind the lavishly dressed lady, and whether influenced by her or not, even the lady’s pace seemed to slow. Though Qin Guan was someone who acted with calm deliberation, she was also efficient by nature. Watching this mother and daughter pair move with such exaggerated slowness, as if afflicted by some ailment, she couldn’t help but feel a wave of helpless discomfort.
“Speak of the dog-tail flower, and the dog-tail flower appears.”
Just as Qin Guan was watching with rapt curiosity, Qin Chaoyu suddenly murmured softly beside her.
Qin Guan’s heart tightened. So this was the very “White Lotus Fairy” Chao Yu had mentioned…
Qin Guan was not one to enjoy spectacles, but this White Lotus Fairy had truly elevated walking into a uniquely delicate and fragile art. Her gaze remained fixed on the White Lotus Fairy, and soon, to her mingled amusement and chagrin, she realized that the fairy was heading straight toward their table. Not only that, but the White Lotus Fairy’s gaze also settled on her with a mix of grievance and resentment.
Qin Guan frowned slightly, a sense of foreboding stirring within her.
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