The moment her hand was caught, Qin Guan knew it was Yan Chi who had arrived. Yet she hadn’t expected him to seek her out in this place. Turning around, she indeed saw Yan Chi’s face, flickering between light and shadow in the dim glow. "Why are you here?"
Yan Chi curved his lips, raising a hand to adjust her cape. Noticing her icy hands, he enveloped both of them in his palms. "If I weren’t here, who would warm your hands?"
His tone was laced with amusement, and Qin Guan naturally didn’t take his words seriously. Just as she was about to speak again, the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. Qin Guan immediately fell silent, fixing Yan Chi with a wide-eyed glare. Their gazes met in the dusky light, and as she stared at him, her heart skipped a beat. Yan Chi, in turn, pulled her tightly into his embrace.
Having not seen each other for several days, both harbored longing in their hearts. If not for these circumstances, with the grand banquet today, they would have had no chance for a private meeting. As the eunuch’s footsteps faded into the distance, Qin Guan finally withdrew from Yan Chi’s embrace. "How did you know I was here?"
Yan Chi gently brushed the stray hairs from her shoulder. "Someone intended you harm today. Naturally, I had to keep an eye on you."
Surprise flickered in Qin Guan’s eyes. "How did you know?"
Yan Chi smiled. "I have my ways. Besides, Qin Yan hinted at it, suggesting I lend you a hand."
Qin Yan… Qin Guan was momentarily puzzled. Qin Chaoyu was aiding the Empress, yet Qin Yan sought Yan Chi’s help?
"Uncle initially forbade me from entering the palace but suddenly changed his mind. Eighth Sister said Consort Su and Prince Cheng planned to frame me using the Empress Dowager’s illness. I intended to stay by the Empress Dowager’s side all day, but I was called away to find the Ninth Prince."
Yan Chi continued, "They meant to lure you to the Heavenly Sound Stage. You saw through it, so you decided to let Consort Su and Prince Cheng’s scheme come to nothing, then sent Baiying to find Feng Chenbi?"
Qin Guan nodded. "Whatever Feng Chenbi encounters there, no one will likely find it strange."
Indeed, no one would find it strange. Feng Chenbi was, after all, the daughter of the Loyal Duke’s household. Whatever she did with Prince Cheng would raise no eyebrows. A glint of clarity flashed in Yan Chi’s eyes as he tapped Qin Guan’s nose. "Well done. When Consort Su and Prince Cheng see it’s Feng Chenbi who shows up, they’ll likely be furious, though the Empress will surely be pleased."
Mention of the Empress made Qin Guan frown slightly. "But what exactly are Consort Su and Prince Cheng planning?"
Yan Chi glanced around the dark, concealed grotto of the rockery and tugged Qin Guan outward. "This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s move elsewhere…"
With that, he led her out. Qin Guan worried about encountering palace eunuchs or maids, but Yan Chi walked swiftly, seemingly unconcerned, guiding her along secluded corridors deeper into the Inner Palace. Soon, they arrived before a two-story pavilion where Bai Feng stood at the entrance, clearly having made arrangements.
Yan Chi brought Qin Guan upstairs. As they reached the second floor, she was startled to find Yan Li and Yan Sui there as well. Not only that, but Yan Li was amusing Yan Sui, who wore a rare smile.
"Ah, Ninth Miss is here—" Yan Li’s smile brightened at the sight of Qin Guan. "It seems Seventh Brother succeeded in his heroic rescue! He was terribly worried today…"Yan Chi led Qin Guan to their seats and said, "You underestimated her. By the time I arrived, she had already left with Baiying through the small path. Not only that, but she also dragged Feng Chenbi into this."
Yan Li's eyes lit up, "She even managed to involve Feng Chenbi! Hahaha, Prince Cheng is going to be furious!"
Qin Guan glanced at Yan Li, then at Yan Chi, "What exactly is Prince Cheng trying to do?"
By drawing Feng Chenbi into the situation, Qin Guan had merely intended to teach Consort Su's faction a lesson. She had no idea what Prince Cheng's true intentions were, nor did she know whether Feng Chenbi's involvement would yield positive or negative results. However, she felt that no matter what scheme Prince Cheng had devised, it should be his own people who bore the consequences. If it didn't harm Prince Cheng, so be it—as long as she could extricate herself. Now, hearing Yan Li's tone, it seemed that if Feng Chenbi had taken her place, it would be quite detrimental to Prince Cheng?
Yan Li exclaimed in surprise, "You didn't know? Prince Cheng intends to marry you. Your name has already been added to the list they sent to the Imperial Observatory—for the position of principal consort, no less!"
Qin Guan's mind reeled. Prince Cheng wanted to marry her?!
Instinctively, she looked at Yan Chi. Sure enough, his eyes were filled with a chilling coldness, the once brilliant light in them now replaced by a deep, unfathomable abyss. Qin Guan pressed her lips together, "So that's how it is."
Yan Li glanced at Yan Chi. Having been with him all along, he naturally knew everything Yan Chi did.
"He sent someone to prepare a gift, deliberately displaying it in front of everyone to pique their curiosity. The person he arranged also mentioned that he was meeting someone today. Everyone understood—he was having a secret rendezvous. By now, they are probably already heading to the Heavenly Sound Stage. If they see Prince Cheng and you together, no amount of explanation will clear your names. Moreover, with you placed in the position of principal consort, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor would think he holds you in high regard."
Yan Li continued without pause, "But now, with Feng Chenbi in your place, everyone will assume that Prince Cheng and Feng Chenbi have long been involved. This would be seen as strengthening family ties, something everyone would gladly accept. However, Consort Su and Prince Cheng themselves would likely be furious. If they had intended to take Feng Chenbi as a consort, they would have done so long ago—why wait until now? They had their eyes on Miss Peng, the daughter of the Duke of Wei. But if Feng Chenbi becomes the principal consort, Miss Peng would most likely refuse to be a secondary consort. Thus, they would lose the Duke of Wei's military influence."
All struggles within the Inner Palace boiled down to power. After Yan Li's explanation, Qin Guan understood. Her actions had not been driven by any ulterior motive, and the outcome, whatever it was, had nothing to do with her.
Thus, after Yan Li finished speaking, Qin Guan remained calm. "According to Your Highness, Prince Cheng and Consort Su will indeed be very angry."
Yan Li marveled, "Exactly! Your unintentional actions have altered the court's dynamics. How come you don't seem the least bit excited? Prince Cheng has never given up, but without the Duke of Wei's support, even if he refuses to yield, he won't be able to contend for much."
Qin Guan smiled faintly, "The affairs of the court change in the blink of an eye. It's too early to draw conclusions now. I only hope that after today, Consort Su and Prince Cheng will no longer set their sights on me."
Yan Li, however, seemed unconvinced. "That may be what you wish, but I'm afraid it won't go as you hope."Upon hearing this, Qin Guan felt a trace of helplessness in her heart. She was merely a physician, or at worst, a coroner. The goals she wished to achieve had not yet been realized, yet she was already being drawn into the struggles of the Inner Palace—this was not her true intention.
Qin Guan turned her gaze to Yan Sui, who stood nearby with a bewildered expression. "Ninth Prince, why are you here?"
Yan Chi replied, "Someone took the chess piece he was holding. He ran all the way to the Imperial Garden searching for it. We found him and brought him here. Later, you can take him to the Heavenly Sound Stage."
This gave Qin Guan a good excuse to arrive late.
Seeing this, Yan Li took Yan Sui’s hand and led him toward the window. "Come, let me show you the view. You can see farther from up high."
Yan Li intentionally gave Qin Guan and Yan Chi space to talk. Once he had stepped away, Yan Chi said, "The Crown Prince learned that Prince Cheng had placed your name on the register, so he added your name as well, listing you as a secondary consort."
Qin Guan immediately furrowed her brows. Why would the Crown Prince...?
She did not believe the Crown Prince held any romantic feelings for her. Instead, she suddenly felt as though she were a drifting weed. If she hadn’t foreseen this in advance, or if Yan Chi hadn’t been observing from the shadows, she might never have known about this matter. If either Prince Cheng or the Crown Prince truly sought to marry her, would she have the power to resist?
Qin Guan pondered for a moment, then shook her head in frustration. No, she had no power to resist.
"The Crown Prince has his sights set on the Eighth Sister; he would not take me as his consort," she said. Then she added, "Prince Cheng is the same. My background is not sufficient for the position of principal consort. To them, I am merely a pawn."
Yan Chi’s gaze was now unmistakably icy. "This time, they set a trap. There’s no guarantee there won’t be a next time. Unless... we come up with a way to eliminate the root of the problem."
Qin Guan looked at Yan Chi as he took a step closer. "I can request an imperial marriage decree from the Empress Dowager."
Once the decree was issued, no one would dare covet her.
Qin Guan stared into Yan Chi’s shadowed eyes, her lips pressed tightly together.
Suddenly, she lowered her gaze. "Not now."
Yan Chi watched her for a moment, seemingly unsurprised. After a long pause, he sighed. "I knew you would say that."
Qin Guan felt the coldness around Yan Chi dissipate, replaced by a layer of gloom. Her heart ached with regret, but she didn’t know how to explain. "Yan Chi, I..."
"I know," Yan Chi said, squeezing her hand. "You wouldn’t refuse without reason." Then he gave her hand another firm squeeze. "But I won’t wait indefinitely. If it comes to a point of no return, I won’t give anyone else the chance."
His words carried an undeniable resolve. Qin Guan knew that the actions of Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince had already angered Yan Chi. Yet, for now, he could only endure. A bitter taste rose in Qin Guan’s heart, and her anxiety grew.
Seeing her brows tightly knit, Yan Chi softened. He gently brushed his fingers over her forehead. "Don’t worry. The conflict between the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng will not involve you. Take Yan Sui and go back now."
Qin Guan had been away for a long time. Any longer, and her absence would seem suspicious. She wanted to ask what to do about her name being on the registers of Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince, but seeing the certainty in Yan Chi’s eyes, her heart settled.
Yan Chi then called Yan Sui over. "Little Nine, let Ninth Miss take you back. Just say you ran into her in the Imperial Garden. Understand?"Yan Sui nodded in confusion. Yan Chi and Yan Li had spoken without avoiding or being evasive about Yan Sui, showing Yan Li's great trust in him. Qin Guan reached out her hand, and Yan Sui obediently placed his hand in hers. When they descended the stairs, Baiying was waiting outside. Qin Guan didn't know when she had arrived. Seeing Qin Guan, Baiying gave a slight nod.
Qin Guan knew that Feng Chenbi must have already fallen into the trap.
Upstairs, Yan Chi and Yan Li watched as Qin Guan led Yan Sui away. Yan Li smiled and asked, "Seventh Brother, what do you plan to do?"
Yan Chi's expression was devoid of any amusement. "Prince Cheng and Consort Su have already learned their lesson. The Empress and the Crown Prince cannot be spared either."
Yan Li then asked, "But Ninth Miss's name is written on the register."
Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly. "Then we shall follow her plan."
...
...
"Bì'er, what are you doing here!"
Feng Lingsu asked in astonishment. Seeing the Emperor and Empress Dowager present, Feng Chenbi dared not lie and replied with great shyness, "It was Prince Cheng who asked me to come, using a chess piece as a signal."
As she spoke, Feng Chenbi glanced at the black chess piece beside her.
Today was the Lantern Festival Banquet, and she knew that consorts were being selected for Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince. She would never dare to aspire to the Crown Prince, but Prince Cheng had grown up with her. Since childhood, she had often stayed at Changxin Palace and shared a childhood friendship with him. Unfortunately, her aunt seemed to have no intention of strengthening their bond through marriage. Yet, she never expected Prince Cheng to invite her here today.
"A chess piece as a signal?" Zhao Shuhua glanced at the black chess piece. She recognized it as the very piece from Yan Sui's hand. She knew clearly that this trap was set for Qin Guan, so how could it be Feng Chenbi here now?
Scanning the expressions of Prince Cheng and Feng Lingsu, Zhao Shuhua couldn't help but let her smile grow wider. Though it wasn't Qin Guan, Feng Chenbi's appearance here seemed to bring her even more joy than if Qin Guan had been the one. Prince Cheng and Consort Su had schemed so meticulously, only to end up with Feng Chenbi—this was simply too delightful!
"Young people are so amusing, even their methods of rendezvous are so elegant. Prince Cheng and Chenbi have grown up together since childhood, and there have long been talks of strengthening familial ties through marriage. Now, it seems this could not be more perfect!"
Yan Huai had initially wondered who it might be, but upon seeing it was Feng Chenbi, his anger subsided somewhat. Still, he said irritably, "You two... why didn't you say so earlier? On such an occasion, to meet privately here like this."
He then turned to Feng Lingsu. "Su'er, why haven't you mentioned this before?"
Feng Lingsu was like one who had swallowed a bitter pill—unable to speak of her suffering. What more could she say? She could only force a faint smile and let it be. Both Feng Lingsu and Prince Cheng had no idea why Qin Guan hadn't come and why it was Feng Chenbi instead. But with so many people present, it was inappropriate to ask, especially since Feng Chenbi genuinely believed Prince Cheng had invited her, displaying all the shy demeanor of a maiden in love...
Feng Lingsu was so furious she felt her nails were about to break. Turning her gaze, she caught sight of Zhao Shuhua's piercing mocking smile!
Feng Lingsu's eyes widened in realization—she knew instantly who was behind this!
In the depths of the palace, who else but the Empress could have uncovered their mother-son scheme and intervened to disrupt it?! The Empress must have seen through their plan and deliberately thwarted their success!
Feng Lingsu took a deep breath, feeling as if her lungs were about to explode with rage!At the same time, Prince Cheng also noticed Zhao Shuhua's expression. Not only that, he looked past Zhao Shuhua and saw Yan Che standing behind her. Like Zhao Shuhua, Yan Che's face also wore an expression of contemptuous satisfaction. Prince Cheng clenched his fist inside his sleeve, thinking the same as Feng Lingsu—within the inner palace, whoever arranged for Feng Chenbi to be here must have immense power and influence. Aside from the Empress and the Crown Prince, who else would do such a thing?!
Prince Cheng gritted his teeth, then turned his gaze and saw Feng Chenbi's coy appearance. Disgust rose in his eyes, and he wanted to curse Feng Chenbi for being a fool! He had already been shocked when Feng Chenbi appeared earlier. Realizing something was amiss, he had immediately told her to leave, but she had instead looked aggrieved and started talking about her feelings for him...
Fool! What a complete fool!
"This chess piece... seems to be the one Ninth girl was holding..."
Suddenly, the Empress Dowager spoke up, looking at Prince Cheng with confusion. "Where did you get this chess piece?"
Prince Cheng inwardly cursed his luck. The chess piece was originally meant to lure Qin Guan, as she would certainly care deeply about anything related to Yan Sui. But now that it was Feng Chenbi here, how should he explain the chess piece?
"I found it in the side garden earlier. Seeing how smooth and lovely the jade piece was, and not knowing who had dropped it, I had someone keep it. Later, I thought since my cousin is skilled at chess, I'd use it to tease her."
Prince Cheng forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes. To everyone watching, it seemed like he was just uncomfortable after being caught in the act.
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager sighed. "It must have been dropped by Ninth girl during play. Why hasn't he returned yet?"
With these words from the Empress Dowager, Yan Huai knew she was worried about Yan Sui. Having also figured out what Prince Cheng was up to, he lost interest. Giving Prince Cheng a cold glance, Yan Huai helped the Empress Dowager walk outside. "Mother, don't worry. Perhaps Ninth girl is already at the Heavenly Sound Stage."
Although the people outside hadn't approached, they had overheard the conversation and thus knew who had been meeting with Prince Cheng. That it was Feng Chenbi was somewhat unexpected yet made sense in context. Several acquaintances came forward to congratulate Yu Shi, leaving her somewhat bewildered and flustered.
After the Empress Dowager and Yan Huai left, Feng Chenbi still stood coyly to the side. "Your Highness—"
She looked up only to meet Prince Cheng's fierce gaze, which made her freeze. Prince Cheng flicked his sleeve, leaving her behind as he strode out first. Feeling both wronged and unsure what to do, Feng Chenbi hesitated before following him out.
When the group arrived at the Heavenly Sound Stage, sure enough, Qin Guan was waiting below the stage with Yan Sui.
"Ninth girl, Ninth girl, you've arrived!"
The Empress Dowager was delighted. Qin Guan and Yan Sui paid their respects, and Qin Guan explained, "His Highness the Ninth Prince got lost while playing alone in the Imperial Garden." I searched for two rounds before finding him. Empress Dowager, please don't worry. Ninth Prince is perfectly fine."
The Empress Dowager was immediately satisfied, pulling Yan Sui and Qin Guan to stay by her side. The seating had already been arranged, but seeing this, two small stools were added beside the Empress Dowager's main seat. Qin Guan and Yan Sui sat down next to the Empress Dowager.
Prince Cheng and Consort Su observed Qin Guan, noting her calm and unruffled expression, completely unaware of what had happened. This further confirmed their suspicion that the Empress and Crown Prince were behind the scheme, and they mentally noted this grudge against them.Meanwhile, the Empress and Yan Che were also secretly observing Qin Guan. Consort Su and Prince Cheng had set a trap, so why hadn't Qin Guan fallen into it? Not only that, but Feng Chenbi had been substituted instead... Was Qin Guan merely lucky, or did someone assist her? If she had help, was it from the Empress Dowager? Or someone else? Countless questions arose, which actually made the Empress regard Qin Guan more highly. Not only had she avoided the trap, but she had also made Consort Su and Prince Cheng suffer the consequences of their own schemes. For this alone, the Empress was thoroughly satisfied!
As everyone took their seats, attendants served tea and pastries. Soon, the opera on stage began.
Zhao Shuhua was in high spirits, but just then, Yun Yan hurried over with a strange expression. "Your Majesty, the Imperial Observatory has sent word, saying..."
Yun Yan whispered a few words into Zhao Shuhua's ear, and immediately, Zhao Shuhua's radiant expression darkened drastically.
However, she didn't forget the occasion. Quickly composing herself, she turned and quietly instructed Yun Yan. Then, Zhao Shuhua cast a gloomy gaze toward Yan Che.
Yan Che—her ever-dependable son! Today, however, he had made a grave mistake!
He had actually added Qin Guan's name to the roster without permission!
How could two sisters' names appear on the same roster? He clearly knew she disapproved of him rescuing Qin Guan! Moreover, Qin Chaoyu would be displeased, Qin Shu would be unhappy, and if the Empress Dowager and the Emperor saw it, they would think he intended to monopolize both sisters—hardly the behavior befitting a virtuous ruler!
Zhao Shuhua smiled on the surface, but her hand clenched the armrest fiercely. Today, Yan Che had disappointed her immensely!
Fortunately, she still had a chance to remedy the situation.
So what if Prince Cheng added Qin Guan's name as his principal consort? In the eyes of everyone present today, he and Feng Chenbi were already involved, yet Feng Chenbi's name wasn't on the roster. What kind of man did that make Prince Cheng?
Clearly infatuated with his cousin and already intimate with her, yet for the sake of power, he had no intention of marrying her. She wanted to see how the Emperor and Empress Dowager would view such behavior later!
Yan Che noticed Yun Yan whispering to Zhao Shuhua and saw the disappointment in Zhao Shuhua's eyes. His palms grew sweaty—she must have discovered he had added Qin Guan's name...
Watching Yun Yan depart, Yan Che felt a chill in his heart.
Zhao Shuhua had ways to remove Qin Guan's name...
Given the current situation, Prince Cheng and Feng Chenbi were involved. Even if Prince Cheng had written Qin Guan's name, the Empress Dowager would not consent. On the contrary, she would despise Prince Cheng for his actions. Whether he wrote Qin Guan's name or not no longer mattered. Yet, for some reason, Yan Che felt a twinge of regret and melancholy at the thought of Zhao Shuhua removing Qin Guan's name.
The opera on stage was lively and vibrant. As it was the Lantern Festival, all performances carried auspicious and harmonious themes. The Empress Dowager, who hadn't enjoyed such festivities in a long time, was in excellent spirits. Qin Guan, being somewhat knowledgeable about opera, could converse with her about it. Though Qin Guan was not the legitimate daughter of a marquis and had no parents, thus technically ineligible to attend the palace banquet, she not only came but also sat beside the Empress Dowager. The crowd watched this scene with varied expressions and sidelong glances.
Not long after, Yan Che and Yan Li arrived together at the Heavenly Sound Stage.The two of them arrived last, yet it didn't raise any suspicion. The Empress Dowager felt particularly tender toward them, almost wishing she could have them sit beside her. However, the seating arrangement was already fixed, and there was no way to squeeze them together. Yan Chi and the other paid their respects and went to take their seats. Meanwhile, Yan Huai glanced at Yan Li and Yan Chi and remarked, "Speaking of which, these two should be at the age to discuss marriage."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager's interest was piqued. "Indeed, Yan Chi has finally returned to the capital—it's time to talk about his marriage. I just wonder what his father thinks. As for Yan Li, he idles his days away. If we find him a good match, having someone to keep him in line might do him good. Besides, his mother would have company then. Do you have any candidates in mind?"
Yan Huai couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Your Majesty is right, especially about Yan Li. Marriage might indeed improve him."
As he spoke, he looked toward Qin Guan seated beside the Empress Dowager.
Noticing this, the Empress Dowager also turned her gaze to Qin Guan.
Qin Guan straightened her back. What did the Emperor mean by this?
OpenNovel