Since Yan Huai had given the order, everyone inside and outside the plum grove naturally gathered around. Yan Huai supported the Empress Dowager as they walked at the forefront, while the other noblewomen and young ladies followed behind the procession. As they walked, Yan Huai spoke softly to the Empress Dowager. After a short distance, the Empress Dowager glanced back and remarked, "Why haven’t Little Jiu and Ninth girl returned yet…"
Qin Yan and the others had already arrived, including Yan Che, who was following behind the Empress, but Qin Guan and Yan Sui were still nowhere to be seen. Yan Huai chuckled lightly, "Don’t worry, Mother. In broad daylight, Little Jiu is probably just indulging in some fun. We can have them go directly to the Heavenly Sound Stage later. There’s no need for concern."
The Empress Dowager sighed, "Little Jiu has a weak constitution. I hope she doesn’t catch a chill."
Yan Huai quickly reassured her, "That won’t happen. Please don’t overthink it."
The Empress Dowager shook her head, and Yan Huai pointed toward the nearby plum grove, saying, "You haven’t been out for walks much lately. Fortunately, the flowers in this grove are still in full bloom. In a few more days, they’ll likely wither."
Raising her hand, the Empress Dowager smiled faintly, "This is all thanks to Ninth girl. Otherwise, would I even have the chance to come out and enjoy the snow and flowers?"
Yan Huai found this reasoning quite sound, especially since he knew that Qin Guan had played a significant role in solving the latest case. He silently praised her in his heart, "That girl is truly remarkable. Last time I asked her what reward she wanted, she said she hadn’t decided yet…"
The Empress Dowager laughed, "She saved my life. The reward must not be taken lightly."
Yan Huai nodded, "Indeed. As long as she makes a request, no matter what it is, I will grant it."
Their conversation was loud enough for those around to hear. Everyone took note of this, understanding that Qin Guan’s status was now extraordinary. Zhao Shuhua glanced around and, seeing Yan Che but not Yan Qi, turned to Consort Su and asked, "Sister, where has Prince Cheng gone?"
Feng Lingsu seemed unconcerned, "I don’t know where he went. I suppose he’ll be here soon."
Yan Huai looked back and noticed that Prince Cheng was indeed missing from the procession. Frowning slightly, he glanced further back and saw a few noblewomen and young ladies slowly making their way over before turning his attention forward. Just then, a young eunuch suddenly emerged from a side path ahead. Feng Lingsu’s eyes lit up, "Fu Shun, where are you going?"
The young eunuch, dressed in palace attire, had been walking so hurriedly that he hadn’t noticed the large group behind him. When he turned and saw the Empress Dowager and the Emperor leading the procession, followed by a crowd of nobles, he panicked, his knees buckling as he knelt on the ground.
Clutching a black sandalwood brocade box, he trembled as he paid his respects, "Greetings to the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, the Empress, the Noble Consort, and all esteemed masters—"
His voice was filled with such panic that even Yan Huai furrowed his brow. He scrutinized the young eunuch and asked sternly, "Are you one of Prince Cheng’s attendants? Where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?"
"I… I…"
Fu Shun stammered evasively, making not only Yan Huai but also the Empress Dowager sense something amiss. "Today is the Lantern Festival Banquet. Why aren’t you properly attending to your master? Where is Prince Cheng?"
At the Empress Dowager’s question, Fu Shun pressed himself even lower to the ground, growing increasingly tense.
"My master… he… is… at…"Yan Huai and the Empress Dowager posed questions, yet both were met with such evasive answers that Yan Huai immediately showed a flash of anger. "When We and the Empress Dowager ask you something, answer directly. Speaking in vague terms—could it be your master is engaged in some unspeakable affair?"
Feng Lingsu, sensing trouble, quickly stepped forward. "Fu Shun, why aren't you speaking?!"
Fu Shun hurriedly kowtowed. "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, reporting to Your Majesty, Prince Cheng is at the Heavenly Sound Stage... This humble servant... this humble servant was sent to fetch something for Prince Cheng to deliver there."
"Fetch something?" Yan Huai frowned. "Fetch what?"
Today was the Lantern Festival Banquet, and the Heavenly Sound Stage was for opera performances. What could Yan Qi possibly need?
Not only did Yan Huai fix his gaze on the brocade box in Fu Shun’s hands, but everyone behind him did as well. It was an ordinary palace banquet, yet Prince Cheng had stirred up such a commotion. The contents of the brocade box immediately piqued everyone’s curiosity.
"It’s... it’s a gift..."
This time, Fu Shun dared not withhold an answer. Yet his words only deepened the suspicion among the crowd. Feng Lingsu asked curiously, "A gift? What kind of gift?" She then glanced in the direction Fu Shun had been heading. "Where is Prince Cheng now?"
At this, Fu Shun’s face tightened with nervousness. "His Highness is... at the Heavenly Sound Stage... This gift... naturally... is meant to be given to someone..." As he spoke, he gently opened the box. Inside lay an exquisitely crafted ruby hairpin, stunning in its beauty...
Fu Shun’s stammering reply would make even a fool suspect something was amiss. Moreover, the gift was not only valuable but clearly intended for a young lady. Given that the Lantern Festival Banquet was explicitly meant for selecting consorts for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng, why would Prince Cheng have prepared such a gift now?
Zhao Shuhua was the first to laugh. "This hairpin is truly magnificent. Who did Prince Cheng prepare it for?"
Fu Shun shook his head hurriedly. "This humble servant doesn’t know... Earlier, His Highness said he was waiting for someone at the Heavenly Sound Stage and ordered this humble servant to fetch the prepared gift..."
His words caused an uproar among the crowd. Prince Cheng was waiting for someone and even had a gift ready—clearly, he already had a candidate in mind for his principal consort. But who could it be?
Zhao Shuhua smiled at Feng Lingsu. "Sister, do you know who this person is?"
Feng Lingsu chuckled. "Prince Cheng is grown now; he doesn’t tell me everything. I only know that he seems to have someone in mind for his principal consort. Not only that, but it appears the feeling is mutual."
Zhao Shuhua’s eyebrows arched sharply. Though her expression remained neutral, inwardly she sneered. Feng Lingsu was putting on quite the act. While no one yet knew whom Prince Cheng was waiting for, she had already hinted at mutual affection. Now, with everyone predisposed to this idea, even if Qin Guan denied it when they reached the Heavenly Sound Stage, they would assume she was merely too shy to admit it openly.
Zhao Shuhua let out a soft humph and glanced again at Fu Shun, who stood not far away. Even the servant had been perfectly arranged. Reflecting on this, she couldn’t help but speculate. With Prince Cheng and his mother having orchestrated everything so meticulously, it seemed inevitable that Qin Guan and Prince Cheng’s mutual affection would be exposed. The only question was what scene they would witness later. If Prince Cheng and Qin Guan were merely standing together openly and honorably, it would be difficult for her to find fault. In that case, would she have to stand by and watch as Qin Guan became Prince Cheng’s woman?Zhao Shuhua frowned slightly and glanced at the Empress Dowager. Qin Guan was unwilling, but the Empress Dowager was protecting her. It would be best to stir up conflict between the Empress Dowager and Feng Lingsu and her son. If Qin Guan couldn't provide an explanation, and both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor agreed, then Qin Guan would have no choice but to become the principal consort!
Feng Lingsu wanted both Qin Guan and the military power of the Duke of Wei—she shouldn't even dream of it!
Having made up her mind, Zhao Shuhua decided to add fuel to the fire first. "Both parties are willing?" she asked with feigned surprise, though her tone carried a hint of laughter. "In that case, why didn't you tell me earlier, sister? It's always good for lovers to be united. If today... it might instead leave Prince Cheng dissatisfied..."
Feng Lingsu curled her lips. "Sister, don't worry. The list includes more than one name. There must be someone Prince Cheng truly favors."
Zhao Shuhua nodded with a smile. "That would be excellent..."
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager frowned slightly. Today was the Lantern Festival Banquet, and the ladies and young misses outside were unaware that Prince Cheng already had someone in his heart. Hearing this now would surely disappoint many. Moreover, it was improper for Prince Cheng to meet another young lady in private. "Although marriage should be with a suitable match, given the occasion today, Prince Cheng's actions show a lack of propriety."
Yan Huai glanced at Feng Lingsu. "It is indeed against the rules. Since Prince Cheng has his own wishes, why didn't he come to plead his case himself?"
Zhao Shuhua hurriedly interjected, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger, and Your Majesty should not blame him. Prince Cheng is young and impulsive—it's natural for him to be carried away by emotions in such matters. As long as the young lady is also willing, wouldn't it be a wonderful match?"
Feng Lingsu's heart skipped a beat. Zhao Shuhua's words, "as long as the young lady is also willing," made her deeply uneasy.
Hearing this, Yan Huai turned to Fu Shun. "Where is Prince Cheng?"
Fu Shun quickly replied, "At the Floating Fragrance Pavilion in the Heavenly Sound Stage."
The Heavenly Sound Stage was a place for watching operas, while the Floating Fragrance Pavilion was a flower hall. In summer, it served as a retreat for the Inner Palace's masters to enjoy the cool and admire flowers, but in winter, it was rarely visited—a secluded spot. Upon hearing this, Yan Huai's frown deepened. "Lead the way. I want to see what tricks he's up to."
Fu Shun hesitated for a moment, but the one giving the order was the current Emperor—how could he dare disobey?!
Fu Shun quickly stood up, nervously clutching the box as he walked ahead. This stirred great interest among those following behind. Besides Qin Guan, several other young ladies from noble families had wandered too far and were not in the group. One by one, everyone counted and speculated about who they knew, suspecting each in turn. Though he wasn't the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng was still a royal prince. For now, his position as a prince was secure, and who knew—he might even ascend the throne one day. To gain Prince Cheng's favor would be a tremendous opportunity. But who could it be?
Among the crowd, Yu Shi felt somewhat uneasy because Feng Chenbi was missing.But then, Yu Shi shook her head—it couldn’t be Feng Chenbi. Since ancient times, marriage between relatives had been considered highly favorable. Yet Yu Shi knew clearly that Feng Chenbi had never caught Feng Lingsu’s eye. Not only that, but Feng Lingsu had long made up her mind: Feng Chenbi’s future marriage would be entirely at Feng Lingsu’s discretion. At the very least, she would marry the heir apparent of a prince, or at the very worst, a general holding military power—only then could she secure allies for Prince Cheng. Though it was a pity she wouldn’t marry into the imperial family, Yu Shi dared not defy Feng Lingsu. The entire Duke’s residence relied on Feng Lingsu and Prince Cheng, and Feng Lingsu was shrewd in this regard.
As for Prince Cheng, he held even less regard for his cousin.
At this thought, Yu Shi sighed, her gaze sweeping around. She assumed Feng Chenbi had simply wandered off to play somewhere and lost track of time. Thinking this, she turned her attention back to Fu Shun’s retreating figure. Who was Prince Cheng intending to gift the present to this time?
The crowd followed Fu Shun toward the Floating Fragrance Pavilion, located west of the Heavenly Sound Stage. They moved along the corridor, heading straight west. The stage at the Heavenly Sound Stage was already set up, yet everyone’s minds were preoccupied with whom Prince Cheng might fancy. Judging by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor’s demeanor, if Prince Cheng’s affairs were exposed, the selection of his principal consort would likely be settled.
As they drew closer to the Floating Fragrance Pavilion, not a single soul was seen along the way. The unusual quiet indeed made it a fitting spot for a secret rendezvous. Zhao Shuhua murmured softly, "Your Majesty, if we all go together like this, I fear it may embarrass Prince Cheng."
Yan Huai snorted coldly, "If he dares to do such things, why worry about embarrassment…"
The Empress Dowager, having walked this far, had shed her earlier irritation. Noting the sizable entourage behind them, she smiled lightly. "Very well, Your Majesty, there’s no need for anger. If the young ones have found someone they fancy, that’s a good thing. When we see what’s happening, let’s just observe and refrain from outbursts."
Her tone carried a hint of amusement, lending a lighter air to their mission. Hearing this, Feng Lingsu quickly added, "Thank you for your understanding, Empress Dowager. Arranging marriages for the younger generation is quite challenging. If they can decide for themselves, wouldn’t that be ideal for everyone?"
As she spoke, Feng Lingsu cast a tender glance at Yan Huai, as if implying that their own mutual affection had kept their bond strong all these years. Under her gaze, Yan Huai seemed to let go of his anger.
Although Zhou Dynasty’s rules on gender segregation weren’t overly strict, a private meeting in such a setting was still improper. Yet, with their superiors speaking thus, the others could hardly voice objections.
Walking behind Zhao Shuhua, Yan Che’s frown deepened. Ever since Fu Shun appeared, a sense of unease had settled in his heart. He knew it was no coincidence—Fu Shun had multiple routes to reach the Heavenly Sound Stage, so why had they crossed paths precisely now? He was acutely aware of Prince Cheng’s growing interest in Qin Guan. Was this a trap set by Prince Cheng and his mother?
Initially uncertain, Yan Che’s doubts vanished entirely when he heard Zhao Shuhua’s words. He could see she was stirring the pot again. Clenching his fists inside his sleeves, he wondered about the nature of Prince Cheng’s scheme. Would he resort to the basest methods? Could Qin Guan already have been…
The thought unbearable, Yan Che stepped forward abruptly. "Mother—"He called out softly, but in the next instant, Zhao Shuhua's icy gaze swept over. Though it lasted only a moment, it felt like a basin of freezing water had been poured over Yan Che's head. Yan Che jolted awake, any thought of resistance vanishing. He merely pressed his lips together and said no more. It was at this moment that the group stepped onto the stairs of the Floating Fragrance Pavilion.
Built upon a raised platform, the Floating Fragrance Pavilion was shaded by lush greenery even in winter. The absence of flowers made it a desolate place. The Empress Dowager and Yan Huai led the way, but upon reaching the entrance, they found the courtyard empty. Lifting their gaze, they caught a glimpse of a figure flitting past behind the closed doors of the flower hall—
Yan Huai frowned and gestured for the others to halt. Approaching the hall, he hesitated for Yan Qi's sake, ultimately supporting the Empress Dowager as they moved toward the flower hall's entrance. Feng Lingsu and Zhao Shuhua remained where they stood, watching the main door of the flower hall with composed curiosity. Soon, Yan Huai and the Empress Dowager reached the doorway. With a push from Yan Huai, the main door swung open.
In the next moment, a woman's startled cry echoed from within—
Before anyone could identify the voice, Yu Shi swayed unsteadily in the crowd. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager at the doorway did not show anger but instead smiled faintly, turning slowly to face Feng Lingsu. "Since Consort Su intends to strengthen familial ties through marriage, why did you not mention it sooner?"
Her words left both Feng Lingsu and Zhao Shuhua bewildered.
Feng Lingsu lifted her skirts and hurried toward the flower hall entrance, with Zhao Shuhua following close behind. When they reached the doorway, they saw Feng Chenbi standing beside Yan Qi, her face flushed. On the table beside her lay several black chess pieces. Feng Lingsu stared in disbelief, then turned to Yan Qi, who stood rigidly upright, his face pale and contorted as if he had swallowed a fly—
Feng Lingsu gritted her teeth. How could this have happened!
…
…
Qin Guan emerged from the narrow alley but did not head back toward the Morning Dew Hall. Instead, she walked toward the distant Imperial Garden. Baiying, however, did not follow her out of the alley and seemed to have vanished.
Qin Guan glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby, and quickened her pace. Soon, she reached a spot beside a rockery. At this hour, the Imperial Garden was deserted. Since Momma Su had already come here earlier searching for Yan Sui, she would not return now. Qin Guan needed to wait—for Baiying to carry out her orders. During this time, she must remain out of sight.
She looked down at her palm; the black chess piece was gone, but the faint fragrance of lotus seeds lingered. Though subtle, she recognized it unmistakably—lotus seeds were used in medicine, and she would not mistake their scent.
She had no intention of going to the Heavenly Sound Stage now. Whether this scheme would succeed depended entirely on whether Baiying acted swiftly enough.
At this thought, Qin Guan clenched her fist. She had only been treating the Empress Dowager's illness, never imagining she would be drawn into the Eastern Palace or the imperial family. Yet these people insisted on pulling her into their games. First, the Crown Prince had arrogantly misunderstood her, and now Consort Su and Prince Cheng had set their sights on her—with the Empress even fueling the flames. She knew it was not her medical skills or character that had sparked these conflicts; she understood this was a power struggle, and she was merely a convenient pawn.On such an occasion today, if any mishap were to occur, Prince Cheng, being a royal prince, would suffer no loss to his wealth and status even if he were at fault. But she was different. Though she bore the title of Little Medicine Immortal and enjoyed the Empress Dowager’s trust and favor, her origins were ultimately ordinary. Reputation and favor were fleeting—her title of Little Medicine Immortal had indeed enhanced her standing, but how many slanders and setbacks could it withstand? And the Empress Dowager’s favor, aside from her ability to treat the Empress Dowager’s ailments, how many misunderstandings could it endure before fading away?
Qin Guan tugged at the collar of her cape, her mind exceptionally calm, yet her entire body was gripped by a bone-chilling cold.
She had no wish to be drawn into this scheme, yet they insisted on pulling her in. Since that was the case, how could she simply wait for doom to befall her?
Whatever Prince Cheng’s scheme aimed to achieve, she should not be the one to bear its consequences. Compared to her, there were surely others more willing to attend Prince Cheng’s gathering. If so, she might as well do them a favor…
Qin Guan’s gaze was steady, yet the wait was agonizing. Baiying’s errand would take at least the time it took for one incense stick to burn, or at most, half an hour. She had no choice but to wait here for a long while. Just as she was thinking this, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly reached her ears, accompanied by the voices of two eunuchs.
Frowning, Qin Guan quickly considered where to retreat. She was not familiar with the Imperial Garden. As she hesitated, her wrist was abruptly seized, and the next moment, she found herself pressed against a broad chest. The newcomer seemed to understand her thoughts, swiftly pulling her behind a cluster of greenery. Qin Guan’s vision darkened—she had never known there was a hidden alcove within this rockery.
A moment later, Yan Chi whispered, "Did you send Baiying to deliver a message to Feng Chenbi?"
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