Coroner's Diary

Yan Qi's face flushed to the color of pig liver, and it took him a long moment to regain his composure.

Yan Che sneered coldly beside him, "Prince Cheng is so easily startled—one might think you were deliberately trying to slander Lord Zheng and me. Ninth Miss is highly skilled in medicine; it's perfectly natural to consult her on any medical uncertainties."

Yan Qi choked back his anger, "H-How could that be... I was merely concerned about potential oversights in the official proceedings."

Yan Che was about to retort when Yan Huai waved his hand, "Enough! I've heard both your opinions. You may withdraw!"

Yan Huai clearly had no desire to listen to Yan Che and Yan Qi bickering in his presence. With his command, both could only obey and retreat. Once they passed through the main gate of Chongzheng Hall, Yan Che let out a cool, mocking laugh. "Prince Cheng seems so eager to find my weaknesses that you'd even scheme against Ninth Miss's words. Ninth Miss is currently the person Father values most—you'd do well to restrain yourself."

Yan Qi narrowed his eyes at Yan Che. "Oh? Is the Crown Prince protecting the Qin family's Ninth Miss?"

"Why wouldn't I? Ninth Miss treated the Empress Dowager's illness and saved her life. Should I not protect her, but instead harm her?" His tone dripped with sarcasm.

Yan Qi's fury simmered in his chest, refusing to dissipate. How could he have known Qin Guan was aware of such matters? Had he known, he would never have insinuated anything in front of Yan Huai. The moment Yan Huai explained, he was overwhelmed with unprecedented shame, wishing he could vanish into the ground. He had underestimated Qin Guan. When he first heard of it, he never imagined Qin Guan should know—yet who could have guessed Yan Huai had tacitly permitted Zheng Baishi to consult her!

"The Qin family has more than one daughter. How many hands does the Crown Prince have to protect them all?"

Yan Qi's voice was insidious, sending a chill down Yan Che's spine. "What do you mean by that, Prince Cheng?"

Yan Qi smiled faintly. "Nothing much. It's well known the Crown Prince is on good terms with the Loyal Marquis Manor. The Empress's Lantern Festival Banquet is meant to select a Crown Princess for you. Will you choose both Qin sisters at once? Though the Crown Prince may aspire to be Emperor Shun, I doubt the sisters would wish to become Ehuang and Nuying."

Yan Che frowned. "What Emperor Shun! This concerns a young lady's reputation—do not speak recklessly. If such words reach Father's ears, coupled with today's incident, you'll likely face his reprimand again!"

Yan Qi looked at Yan Che with a mocking smile. "So the Crown Prince has no wish to be Emperor Shun? That suits me perfectly."

Yan Che halted. "What are you planning?"

Yan Qi chuckled but gave no answer, turning instead toward Changxin Palace. Yan Che stood rooted, watching Yan Qi stride farther away, unable to follow. He gritted his teeth in frustration.

Tang Fu, who accompanied Yan Che, whispered, "Your Highness, does Prince Cheng mean... he has his eye on the Qin family's Ninth Miss?"

Yan Che's phoenix eyes narrowed sharply, flashing with ferocity. "Over my dead body!"

With that, he turned and headed toward Kunning Palace.When Yan Che arrived at Kunning Palace seething with anger, Zhao Shuhua was speaking with Yan Zhen, both wearing smiles. Seeing Yan Che's darkened expression, Zhao Shuhua showed mild surprise while Yan Zhen exclaimed in astonishment, "Brother, what's wrong? Weren't you supposed to be at Chongzheng Hall? Why are you so angry? Did Father reprimand you?"

Yan Che shook his head, "No—"

Yan Zhen stared blankly at Yan Che, "Then what happened?"

Yan Che remained tight-lipped with a grim expression. Zhao Shuhua curved her lips slightly, "Zhen Zhen, return to your quarters first. Let your mother question your brother. Don't worry, it's nothing serious."

Though Yan Zhen wished to stay and learn what troubled Yan Che, she knew he wouldn't speak frankly in her presence. Nodding reluctantly, she departed with her maidservants.

After Yan Zhen left, Zhao Shuhua sighed, "What's the matter? I haven't seen you this angry in ages."

"Yan Qi actually has designs on Qin Guan!" Yan Che burst out in a low roar.

At these words, Zhao Shuhua's faint smile vanished. She glanced at her personal maid Yun Yan, who immediately ushered the other attendants out of the hall.

With only mother and son remaining, Zhao Shuhua softened her tone, "What happened? Explain properly."

Yan Che took a deep breath, "That scoundrel Yan Qi encountered Qin Guan at Longevity and Health Palace today and overheard her speaking with her maid about the Meng family case. As you know, Mother, there are several key aspects to this case. Father tacitly permitted Lord Zheng to consult Qin Guan, so it's normal she knows some details. While she was speaking privately with her servant, Yan Qi eavesdropped. When we went to Chongzheng Hall, Father asked about sentencing the Meng family's young master. I advocated for reduced punishment, while Yan Qi opposed me as usual. Just as Father was dismissing us, Yan Qi suddenly brought up Qin Guan's knowledge of the case, accusing me of granting the Marquis Manor excessive authority—saying even a young girl knew confidential details of such an important case..."

Zhao Shuhua couldn't help a faint smile, "Prince Cheng's accusation missed its mark."

Yan Che snorted lightly, "Naturally, his complaint failed, but Father didn't press him either. After we left, he insinuated whether I intended to emulate Emperor Shun by taking the Qin sisters as Ehuang and Nuying. I firmly denied it. Then he actually said 'In that case, excellent! This clears the path for me!'"

The more Yan Che spoke, the angrier he became, his fists clenching tightly on the chair arms. Zhao Shuhua studied him thoughtfully, "So, Che'er, what exactly angers you?"

Yan Che paused, "Mother, your son is naturally angered that Prince Cheng has designs on Qin Guan."

Zhao Shuhua maintained her subtle smile, "Are you angry because his interest in Qin Guan threatens your relationship with Loyal Marquis Manor, or..." she leaned slightly forward, "...is your fury solely about Qin Guan herself?"

Yan Che froze again, "Mother, you..."He had intended to ask Zhao Shuhua why she posed such a question, but halfway through speaking, he understood her meaning. His brows furrowed slightly, and a sudden emptiness arose in his heart. Meeting Zhao Shuhua’s gaze, he felt a momentary pang of guilt. "Mother, aren’t these two matters one and the same? As long as he harbors intentions toward Qin Guan, the two issues are intertwined. You know Qin Guan—not only is she skilled in medicine, but she excels in other areas as well. Father holds her in high regard, and Grandmother even more so. How could we allow someone like her to fall into Yan Qi’s hands?"

Zhao Shuhua sighed. "Che’er, you are evading my question."

Yan Che’s expression stiffened. "Mother…"

Zhao Shuhua raised her hand to interrupt him. "There’s no need to explain—I already know. Your anger stems from two things: Yan Qi’s improper intentions and Qin Guan herself. I heard you visited the Loyal Marquis Manor last time and met her?"

Yan Che dared not meet Zhao Shuhua’s eyes. His mother possessed the sharpest insight in the world—she could discern his thoughts with a single glance. She understood him, but this also left him with nowhere to hide.

"I did meet her. So what?"

Zhao Shuhua smiled faintly. "I heard that after your return, you didn’t leave the palace for several days? It has been over ten days since the New Year. Have you seen Chao Yu? Are you aware that the matter of selecting your consort will be formally addressed at the Lantern Festival Banquet?"

Yan Che straightened his posture. "I’ve been occupied with numerous governmental affairs since the New Year, which is why I haven’t left the palace."

Zhao Shuhua nodded, not wishing to press him too hard. "Che’er, you are indeed not Emperor Shun, and your principal consort can only be the Eighth Miss of the Qin family. If you do not harbor the thoughts I suspect, that is well. But if you do, suppress them now before anything develops. No matter how likable Qin Guan may be, what can she truly bring you? At this point, you have no other choice."

Yan Che’s lips pressed tightly together, but he remained silent.

Zhao Shuhua sighed again. "Che’er, the person I have chosen for you will not be wrong. You must trust your mother."

Yan Che’s eyes darkened as he lowered his gaze. "I know. I trust you, Mother." Then, abruptly lifting his head, he added, "But even so, we cannot allow Prince Cheng to set his sights on Qin Guan! The Qin name must stand firmly on one side alone."

Zhao Shuhua smiled. "Naturally." After a moment’s thought, she continued, "Do you think Yan Qi is reserving the position of principal consort for Qin Guan? Yan Qi has long favored the daughter of the Duke of Wei. They are in greater need of military power than we are. No matter how much Qin Guan appeals to him, he would never offer her the principal consort position. And as for the Qin family’s Ninth Miss, how could she possibly settle for the position of Prince Cheng’s secondary consort?"

Yan Che looked at Zhao Shuhua. "What are you implying, Mother?"

Zhao Shuhua met his gaze. "Che’er, you were too impulsive today. Do you think the current Qin Guan is someone anyone can marry as they please? Even if Prince Cheng has such intentions, it would require the Emperor and the Empress Dowager’s approval."

Yan Che hesitated, wanting to speak, but found himself at a loss for words in front of Zhao Shuhua. She was right—his anger today had been too sudden and intense. He was not unaware of these intricacies, yet he had failed to restrain his fury.

"So, should I seek Grandmother’s intervention?"Zhao Shuhua shook her head, "No need, there's no need for you to plead. As long as Prince Cheng dares, the Empress Dowager will naturally find a way to make him lose face."

Yan Che's eyes flickered with unspoken words again, "But Mother... Qin Guan's status is now vastly different... She... in the future..."

It was rare to see Yan Che so inarticulate. Zhao Shuhua frowned slightly, "Are you trying to say that Qin Guan will eventually marry, and she will wed..."

Yan Che nodded. Zhao Shuhua smiled, "Can you read Qin Guan's intentions? Who do you think she sides with?"

"She... naturally sides with the Qin family."

Yan Che answered firmly, yet felt uneasy after saying it.

Zhao Shuhua said, "Yes, she sides with the Qin family, but she may not necessarily side with you."

Recalling the day she had spoken a few words with Qin Guan, Zhao Shuhua continued, "Despite her youth, she has gained the Emperor's favor and the Empress Dowager's affection. Have you seen any sign of restlessness in her? None. Her composure exceeds my expectations. Though I treated her kindly, I saw no indication of her drawing closer to me, which proves she has no intention of befriending me. As for Prince Cheng, the matter with Feng Zhang shows she doesn't extend goodwill to him either."

"Qin Manor is her current refuge, so she undoubtedly wants to secure its standing. But judging by her temperament, she has her own strong opinions. I don't know whom she will marry in the future, but I do know she must never wed anyone connected to Prince Cheng."

Yan Che listened without refuting a single word. He understood Qin Guan's nature better than Zhao Shuhua—not only did she not wish to enter the Eastern Palace, but she had even mocked him over his misunderstanding. Such behavior was far from showing goodwill toward him!

"Mother means that as long as she doesn't become our enemy, it's acceptable?"

Zhao Shuhua curled her lips, "Not only will she not become our enemy, but she will also become our pawn."

Yan Che raised an eyebrow, "Pawn? What pawn?"

Zhao Shuhua looked at him, her eyes cold with amusement, "A pawn to make Prince Cheng stumble, a pawn to help us gather more allies. Let Prince Cheng entertain his designs on her. In the end, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor will show him how naive his ideas are. And she bears the Qin name—she and the Marquis's household are of the same Qin lineage. Whomever she marries should, to some extent, support the Marquis's household. And supporting the Marquis's household means supporting us, doesn't it?"

Yan Che pressed his lips together again. His silence indicated he wasn't entirely willing.

Zhao Shuhua studied him for a moment and sighed, "Che'er, are you hesitating?"

Yan Che snapped back to attention, shaking his head, his voice firm yet somber, "No, I am not hesitating."Zhao Shuhua nodded with satisfaction, "Good, very good. You are a man of integrity, and it's natural to have stirrings in your heart. Today, you may be captivated by a Qin Guan, but in the future, you will be angered and vexed by another. In your lifetime, because of your high position, you will encounter all kinds of exceptional women—some talented, some beautiful, others with illustrious family backgrounds, and at the very least, some with extraordinary luck. You will meet far too many women. It's acceptable to be momentarily distracted, but you must never forget your mission. The thoughts in your heart can be suppressed, but the throne of Great Zhou offers only one opportunity. Once missed, you and I, along with your sister, will all turn into white bones beneath the imperial seat."

Yan Che lowered his gaze once more, "Mother Empress, I know, I understand..."

Zhao Shuhua let out a breath, a slight smile curling her lips as a trace of amusement returned. "I am naturally at ease with you. You are a good child, and you have never disappointed me all these years. I know this path is difficult, and I know my demands cause you great pain. But to sit on that throne is truly not so simple. That is why I abandoned Peng Huajing of the Duke of Wei's family and chose Chao Yu of the Qin family. There is no need for me to explain the reason to you now—you will understand in time."

Yan Che was slightly taken aback by Zhao Shuhua's words. Why not choose Peng Huajing but instead select Qin Chaoyu? Because he already held the military power of the Zhao family; what he lacked was stable support from the civil officials at court. If he were to align with the Peng family of the Duke of Wei at this point, it would draw too much attention and inevitably provoke his father's displeasure. In contrast, Qin Chaoyu was elegant and dignified, hailed as the top talented woman in the capital. She was a model among noble ladies, the most suitable candidate to become the Empress who would mother the realm. Even more commendable was that the Loyal Marquis Manor had long chosen to support him.

These were reasons Yan Che had already considered, but could there be other factors beyond these?

Yan Che looked at Zhao Shuhua, but she said no more. "You will know in time." Then she added, "When you have time, meet with Chao Yu more often. At the very least, sending her gifts is also good."

Yan Che quickly nodded, "Yes, your son understands—"

Seeing that Yan Che had calmed down, Zhao Shuhua's expression relaxed into a gentle smile, and she shifted the topic to the heavy snow of recent days. "If this snow continues, I will have to make the Lantern Festival Banquet more interesting. Do you have any fun ideas?"

With the change of subject, Yan Che visibly relaxed as well. Zhao Shuhua looked at his young yet already somewhat somber and mature face, her heart aching with waves of pity. But she had no other choice. She could only impart all her knowledge to him and ensure that she herself did not take a single misstep, nor allow him any slackness or hesitation. Only in this way could the throne be securely placed in his hands, and she had waited half her lifetime for that day.

...

...

By the time they returned to the Marquis Manor, it was already late. Qin Guan had just arrived at Pine Breeze Courtyard when Qin Shuang walked in with a worried frown. "You're finally back. It took so long today."Snowflakes fluttered outside, and the heavy snowfall from the previous night had blanketed the entire courtyard in a pristine white. Qin Guan, still carrying the chill from outdoors, warmed her hands by the stove before speaking. "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager invited me for tea today. Why do you ask?"

At this question, Qin Shuang sat down with a furrowed brow, her lips pressed tightly together as if hesitating to speak. Qin Guan glanced at Fuling, who promptly led Baiying and the other young maids out of the room.

Seeing this, Qin Shuang sighed and said, "Did you know? A matchmaker came today to take Fifth Sister's birth characters. It seems they're preparing to finalize the engagement after checking their compatibility."

Qin Guan showed no surprise. "It's still several days before the eighth. Since Old Madam Song made those arrangements, it's only natural they'd be prepared. The groom's family coming now isn't strange at all. Why aren't you happy about it?"

"It's not that I'm unhappy—it's Qin Xiang who's displeased." Qin Shuang's tone was both troubled and resigned. "This matter has nothing to do with me, so it's not my place to be unhappy. But she is."

Qin Guan recalled Qin Xiang's behavior at the Marquis of Wu'an's residence that day. Though she hadn't spoken out then, it was clear she was deeply dissatisfied with the matchmaking. Given her lofty ambitions and critical nature, how could she possibly approve of that man?

"What do you plan to do? Honestly, I'm not surprised. You saw him that day—he wasn't particularly handsome, nor did he carry an air of great wealth or status. With Qin Xiang's temperament, how could she ever accept him?"

Qin Shuang laughed bitterly. "Exactly! Others in this household might not know her, but don't we? We all came from Jinzhou together—we understand each other's natures all too well!"

Seeming utterly distressed, Qin Shuang stood up and began pacing around the room. "When the matchmaker came for the birth characters today, it should have been a joyous occasion. But Qin Xiang put on a demure, bashful act in front of Aunt, playing the delicate maiden. Once back in her own courtyard, she became a different person—venting her anger on Wan He and Xiu Zhi, even striking Wan He. Think about it: Wan He and Xiu Zhi followed her all the way from Jinzhou, her closest attendants. If she mistreats them like this in her discontent, what will happen when even they grow distant?"

Qin Guan sighed and set down her teacup. "Have you spoken to her about this?"

Qin Shuang shook her head. "No, I'm afraid she won't listen. Worse, I worry it might backfire and push her to do something rash." She stepped closer and lowered her voice. "This is the capital, an estate of nobility. If Uncle and Aunt find out, they'll never forgive her. And if this escalates, word will spread like wildfire. Then forget finding a husband—she might not even dare show her face at other families' banquets. Mother sent her to the capital to marry well, not to suffer. I see this clearly, but I don't know how to address it. That's why I came to you."

Qin Guan studied Qin Shuang for a moment, recognizing her genuine concern for Qin Xiang, and finally said, "No one comes to the capital seeking hardship, and no one wants a poor marriage. But why haven't we ended up like her? Her expectations are too high. Even that incident at Cloud Mist Mountain in Yuanzhou failed to teach her caution. You and I may worry for her, but she won't appreciate it. For someone like her, I truly have no solution."Qin Shuang anxiously came forward to sit beside Qin Guan, grabbing her arm as she said, "Don't be like that, don't be like that. You're the cleverest one, which is why I came to discuss with you—how can we persuade her properly? After all, this marriage has been settled. If she makes a huge scene this time, she truly won't have any future left..."

Qin Guan could only sigh. Qin Shuang had grown up with Qin Xiang since childhood, so naturally, she couldn't bear to see Qin Xiang act foolishly.

Out of consideration for Qin Shuang, Qin Guan pondered for a moment before looking at her and asking, "Do you know what kind of family the groom comes from?"

Qin Shuang nodded. "I learned a bit from Aunt. The groom is from the capital, and his father was also a military officer, though he only reached the fifth rank. After being injured, he resigned and returned home, and now he still receives a pension from the court. He's the only son in his family, and currently holds the position of Assistant Commandant of Swift Cavalry, a rank of lower seventh grade. Oh, I also know that he's twenty-two years old, surnamed Xue, and named Qingyun, I think. Yes, that's right—Xue Qingyun..."

"Xue Qingyun..." Qin Guan murmured. "That name suggests lofty ambitions."

Qin Shuang nodded. "Exactly. The matchmaker who came was arranged by Old Madam Song, and she was very considerate. Today, she explained almost everything about the other side, saying that the young man's mother and father are both very easy to get along with. The mother is particularly cheerful—I heard she was so overjoyed at the prospect of marrying a girl from the Qin family that she couldn't stop smiling. Today, she even sent a jade pendant as a token from the mother to her future daughter-in-law."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes briefly. "The fact that Old Madam Song approached Xue Qingyun means she knows his family background is decent. With the matchmaker speaking so highly of him, it's unlikely to be wrong. This is precisely Xue Qingyun's advantage. Although he currently holds only a seventh-rank position, he's young and comes from a family without substantial backing—achieving this much is quite commendable." She sighed. "I had hoped to find ways to make Qin Xiang reflect more on Xue Qingyun's merits, but what we see as advantages might not even register in her eyes."

Qin Shuang smiled bitterly. "Exactly, that's why I'm so anxious."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together thoughtfully. "Shall we go check on her now?"

Qin Shuang immediately nodded. "Yes, yes, let's go together—"

Though somewhat reluctant, Qin Guan knew she couldn't refuse—both because she genuinely didn't wish for Qin Xiang to suffer or cause trouble, and because Qin Shuang was so insistent. She draped her cape over her shoulders and followed Qin Shuang out of Pine Breeze Courtyard.

Qin Xiang resided in Maple Grove Courtyard, which Qin Guan was visiting for the first time.

At the entrance, they found Wan He and Xiu Zhi standing guard outside, with no other maids in sight. Despite the bitter cold, the two attendants had been stationed there for who-knows-how-long, their lips already purplish-white from frostbite.

Seeing Qin Guan and Qin Shuang approach, they hurried forward to bow.

Qin Shuang asked, "Where is your mistress—"

Wan He and Xiu Zhi exchanged uneasy glances, hesitating until the door creaked open. Qin Xiang emerged, her complexion pale and eyes slightly reddened as if she'd been crying. Spotting Qin Guan and Qin Shuang, she lifted her chin defiantly, refusing to show weakness. "What brings you here?"

Qin Shuang smiled. "With such heavy snow today, we heard your courtyard has the finest view. We came to sit awhile."

Though Qin Xiang's scenery was no different from theirs, Qin Shuang's remark made her press her lips together before turning back inside. "Come in—"

After a quick glance at each other, Wan He and Xiu Zhi hastily ushered the two visitors in.

Upon entering, Qin Guan noticed damp patches on the floor and scattered porcelain fragments yet to be cleared, but she pretended not to see. Following Qin Shuang into the Warm Chamber, they found Qin Xiang seated primly in the inner area, while Qin Shuang and Qin Guan took seats on the outer couch. Once settled, Qin Shuang hesitated for several moments, unable to find words.

Qin Xiang glanced at them. "Say what you want to say—"

Her tone carried a hint of impatience. Seeing this, Qin Shuang cut to the chase. "Do you dislike Xue Qingyun?"

A look of "I knew it" crossed Qin Xiang's face before she sneered at Qin Guan and Qin Shuang. "Why do you ask? Xue Qingyun is merely a seventh-rank Assistant Commandant of Swift Cavalry—should I be delighted? Are you here to mock me?"

Qin Shuang sighed. "Why would we mock you? If nothing else, if you marry poorly, I'll be the first affected. You're the legitimate daughter marrying a seventh-rank officer—I might not even match that. I only hope you marry well. Why would I ridicule you?"

Qin Xiang gave a hollow laugh but remained silent. Qin Shuang pressed on, "If you dislike him, have you told your mother?"

At this, Qin Xiang's eyes reddened again, but she clamped her lips shut without a word.She wanted to speak up, but how could she dare?! Hu Shi seemed quite satisfied with this marriage arrangement, and the matchmaker had already visited. Since she hadn’t voiced any objections during the initial meeting, it was even more impossible for her to speak up now.

Qin Shuang seemed to understand Qin Xiang’s hesitation and said, “See? You can’t bring yourself to say it. In that case, why not try to accept this matter?”

Qin Xiang frowned, about to flare up, but Qin Shuang cut her off, “Don’t speak yet—listen to me first!”

Qin Xiang swallowed her words, turning her face away from Qin Shuang, looking both aggrieved and annoyed.

Qin Shuang continued, “I’ve told you this before, but you wouldn’t listen. Now that things have come to this, think it over carefully. Uncle and Aunt don’t have the same responsibility toward us as our own parents would. In the capital, influential people are everywhere. Because of our father’s crime, we are daughters of a criminal—what status do we even have? Right now, it’s only because of Uncle and Aunt that others still treat us with some respect. Besides, when we first came to the capital, Mother reminded us that we must not only live well but also repay Uncle and Aunt. Uncle serves as an official—what official wouldn’t want his daughters and relatives to marry well? If nothing else, it expands their connections. So why do you think Aunt still chose Xue Qingshan for you?”

Qin Shuang’s tone was exceptionally sincere, and her reasoning was clear and logical.

“First, Xue Qingshan’s character has been verified by both Old Madam Song and Aunt. When marrying, the person you marry is the most important, isn’t it? Aunt genuinely cares about your lifelong happiness. Even if she leveraged the Marquis’s reputation to marry you into a higher family, do you think others wouldn’t know about our past in Jinzhou? Forget Jinzhou—in influential families, even matters as distant as Cloud Mist Mountain can be uncovered. How would others view you then? Would you rather cry in a grand mansion or laugh in a modest home? Second, to put it bluntly, because of Father’s actions, Aunt can’t find someone with both good character and high status for you. So right now, it’s not us choosing others—it’s others choosing us…”

“You think Xue Qingshan’s current position is too low, but in the future, with the support of the Marquis’s household, won’t he be able to rise? Fourth Brother is about to join the Garrison Battalion, and Third Brother is entering the Imperial Guards. These are all forms of support. Everyone will get better and better—why are you only focusing on the present? If you marry into a powerful family, you’ll be greeted by ten concubines the moment you step in, with countless more scheming against you in the future. Would you truly live well then?”

Listening to Qin Shuang’s words, Qin Guan almost viewed her in a new light. This girl, who used to follow Qin Xiang around and be used as a pawn, was clearly wiser and more perceptive than Qin Xiang now.

Qin Guan inwardly applauded Qin Shuang. Qin Xiang’s expression also shifted slightly. Noticing this, Qin Shuang’s eyes brightened as she said, “Do you think I’m right? Life is what you make of it. He may not be wealthy or noble now because his parents aren’t remarkable, but as long as he is a good person and strives to improve, why couldn’t he become someone influential in the future?”Qin Guan also said upon hearing this, "Although I only saw him from afar that day, I thought that young master Xue was quite steady. At that time, with the heir apparent of Wu'an Hou taking the lead, everyone else was just chiming in with laughter and noise. Only he stood aside watching, seemingly with the heir apparent yet detached from it all. Just from this, I felt he was quite different from those other young men following the heir apparent. If you're really uneasy, Qin Shuang and I can ask Aunt more questions for you—find out which year he joined the Garrison Battalion, and we can even learn how his superiors evaluate him. Asking more will surely set your mind at ease."

Mentioning the heir apparent of Wu'an Hou only made Qin Xiang recall what she had seen of him that day.

Her lips pressed together several times, unable to shake off the image of the heir apparent's spirited and confident demeanor—the innate nobility and pride that came with his birthright, something ordinary families could never emulate. For Xue Qingshan to reach that level, how incredibly difficult it would be. Thinking this, bitterness and resentment surged in Qin Xiang's heart. Why? Why wasn't she Qin Guan? Why wasn't she Qin Chaoyu? Why did she have a father who committed countless evil deeds?!

Never before had Qin Xiang detested her deceased father so intensely...

"Locking yourself in your room to stew in anger—if you're worried, why not do something about it? If Xue Qingyun truly isn't as ordinary as you think, wouldn't that make you feel better?"

Qin Guan offered another word of advice. Qin Shuang had said all she could; she could only consider what Qin Xiang might do now. Xue Qingyun's background and family status couldn't be changed; the only thing that could give Qin Xiang hope was Xue Qingyun himself.

Qin Xiang's lips remained tightly pressed, her expression shifting uncertainly. Qin Shuang and Qin Guan had said all they could, yet Qin Xiang didn't respond for a long time. Just as both Qin Guan and Qin Shuang were feeling uncertain, Qin Xiang suddenly lowered her gaze and gave a bitter smile. "I've troubled you both to think so much for me at a time like this. I am indeed unhappy, but I have no other way."

Qin Shuang and Qin Guan exchanged a glance, both visibly relaxing.

Qin Xiang had always been arrogant and looked down on others, especially harboring hostility and jealousy toward Qin Guan. If she spoke reasonably, Qin Guan naturally wouldn't treat her coldly. Now, seeing her attitude finally improve, Qin Guan felt somewhat relieved. She hadn't done much, but it was good that Qin Xiang hadn't wasted Qin Shuang's sincere efforts.

Qin Shuang said happily, "I thought you'd be angry. It's good that you've taken our words to heart. In the next couple of days, Ninth Sister and I will gather more information for you. You should trust Aunt—she and Old Madam Song wouldn't misjudge someone."

Qin Xiang still kept her head down but was willing to speak. "You're very thoughtful. If you find out anything, just come and tell me." Then she added in a low voice, "You know my temperament—it won't change overnight. Anyway, the marriage is still a long way off; I need to think it over carefully."

Qin Shuang couldn't be more pleased. "Good, good, that's wonderful. Don't worry, we'll definitely ask for you. You think it over too. Sometimes, letting go of obsessions can make you happier. Family status and wealth are like fleeting clouds—who knows when they might vanish? Having someone who truly cares for you is what matters."

Qin Xiang shook her head. "Will he truly care for me?"Qin Shuang nodded vigorously, while Qin Guan said calmly, "He will. He's a military man, and you are a beautiful, well-mannered young lady from a noble family. Once he sees you, he's bound to like you..."

Qin Guan wasn't one to offer praise, but if one overlooked Qin Xiang's temperament, her appearance was truly not lacking. Xue Qingyun, being of military background, was likely rough and straightforward. One was rugged, honest, brave, and bold; the other was beautiful, gentle, and well-educated—a complementary match indeed.

"Yes, yes! You're so beautiful—how could he not treat you sincerely? Besides, with the Marquis's household and us backing you, if he dares mistreat you, we'll have Third Brother and Fourth Brother beat him half to death!"

As Qin Shuang spoke, she even waved her fists. Qin Xiang scoffed lightly but finally smiled. However, she rubbed her eyes and said, "Alright, alright, I understand. You should go back now. My eyes are swollen, so I won't keep you."

Qin Shuang felt as if she'd been doused with cold water, but considering Qin Xiang's nature, she found it understandable. Change doesn't happen overnight—she herself had been gradually influenced by Qin Guan. With that thought, she didn't blame Qin Xiang and led Qin Guan out of Maple Grove Courtyard.

"This is just wonderful!" Qin Shuang's face was full of joy. "From what Auntie implied, if the marriage proceeds smoothly, the date will be set after spring, and she'll likely marry by summer. Ah, we've grown up together since childhood, and now I feel this indescribable sentiment—quite melancholic. Once married, where will we find the sisterly bond we share today? In the future, even quarrels and anger will carry a unique flavor."

Qin Guan had no siblings, but seeing Qin Shuang so moved, she roughly understood her feelings. She exchanged a few more words with Qin Shuang about how to help inquire on Qin Xiang's behalf before letting the matter rest.

It snowed the entire day. By dinnertime, the swelling in Qin Xiang's eyes had subsided, and she was more cheerful, laughing readily—a marked improvement from her lifeless demeanor during the day. Noticing this, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang exchanged a subtle glance, both visibly relieved. They didn't dine together every day, but today Qin Shu, Qin Yan, and Qin Ye had all returned early, bringing the whole family together. The large table was filled with harmony and joy, making for a perfect gathering.

After three rounds of drinks, Qin Shu suddenly asked, "Wan Yatou, did you see Prince Cheng today?"

At this question, all eyes turned to Qin Guan, who nodded. "Yes, at the Longevity and Health Palace. Why?"

A faint, almost smug smile played on Qin Shu's face. He waved his hand dismissively. "Nothing, just asking."

How could it be nothing?!

Qin Guan was puzzled, and even Qin Shuang widened her eyes, eager to hear more. Seeing everyone staring at him, Qin Shu finally chuckled and explained, "This Prince Cheng overheard Wan Yatou and Fuling's conversation this morning. When he heard them discussing the Meng residence affair, he actually planned to report to the Emperor, intending to accuse Lord Zheng and the Crown Prince of incompetence for letting a young girl learn such crucial details of a major case. But he didn't know that the Emperor and Lord Zheng were already aware of the matter..."

Qin Yan laughed. "So Prince Cheng's complaint backfired?"

Qin Shu nodded. "Exactly..."

Qin Shu had learned this from Zheng Baishi and could easily imagine Prince Cheng's expression at the time, feeling thoroughly satisfied!

Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang listened in a daze. These matters involving lords, princes, and the Crown Prince had nothing to do with them—they didn't know these people and couldn't even grasp what Qin Shu was talking about...Hu Shi then said, "Speaking of which, His Highness the Crown Prince suddenly sent gifts this afternoon."

As she spoke, she cast a rather proud glance at Qin Chaoyu, "For Yu'er."

The corners of Qin Chaoyu's lips curved upward. Though she tried her best to restrain her expression, the blush on her cheeks betrayed her current feelings. Seeing Qin Chaoyu's expression, Qin Guan raised an eyebrow slightly—could it be that Qin Chaoyu's motives extended beyond just the position of Crown Princess?

"Speaking of which, the Lantern Festival is approaching soon. I wonder how Her Majesty the Empress will arrange things then."

After Hu Shi finished speaking, Qin Chaoyu said, "Mother, rest assured. Her Majesty the Empress will not change her mind."

Exchanging a glance with Qin Shu, Hu Shi saw Qin Chaoyu continue, "When the time comes, we only need to attend the banquet."

Seeing Qin Chaoyu so confident, Hu Shi felt extremely pleased herself and looked at Qin Guan, saying, "Very well, very well. This will be Wan Yatou's first time attending a palace banquet. Tomorrow I'll have someone send a few more sets of dresses over to you, so as not to breach etiquette..."

Just as Qin Guan was about to decline, Qin Chaoyu smiled at her and said, "Indeed, at this palace banquet, Ninth Sister's marriage might very well be settled too."