"Why are you looking at Ninth Girl?" the Empress Dowager said with displeasure. "Her marriage cannot be decided arbitrarily by you. Her three elder sisters haven't even been betrothed yet—it's nowhere near her turn."
Upon hearing this, Qin Guan visibly relaxed. Yan Huai chuckled, "Why is Mother so tense? I never said I intended to betroth her to Yan Li. Although Yan Li is rather frivolous all day long, I actually want to find him a lively girl so they can get along well together. Otherwise, his temperament will only grow more unruly the more he's restrained."
Listening to this, the Empress Dowager's gaze toward Yan Huai softened with affection.
The rebellion of Prince Gong years ago had left the Empress Dowager heartbroken. Witnessing her two closest sons turn against each other, with one dying in battle, had turned half her hair white overnight. At that time, even Yan Huai had been brought back with barely half a life left.
The Empress Dowager's lips curved slightly as her eyes swept over the scar near Yan Huai's left temple. Twenty years had passed—the old wound had faded, but ordinary people would still recall the past when they saw Yan Li and his mother. What was most remarkable was Yan Huai himself: he had treated Yan Li and his mother kindly, and now these words showed genuine consideration for Yan Li's future. He might not grant Yan Li high status, but he wished for Yan Li's happiness—nothing could be better than this.
"You and I think alike. Yan Li's nature cannot be restrained or forced. It's best to find someone he truly loves, or at least someone who can play along with him. As for his mother, as you know, she's a quiet one. If we bring home someone like Ninth Girl, wouldn't that just add another vegetarian Buddha-worshipper?"
The Empress Dowager spoke softly, glancing at Qin Guan. Though merely watching the performance, Qin Guan remained perfectly relaxed yet exuded an aura of serene elegance where she sat, carrying a distinct sense of Zen.
Yan Huai smiled, "Exactly. Yan Li's marriage still requires your guidance. As for the Qin family's Ninth Girl, I understand your meaning and will naturally follow your wishes. It's just that Yan Chi presents some difficulty."
The Empress Dowager sighed at this, "Who knows when his father will return? How goes the war in the west?"
A faint glint flashed in Yan Huai's eyes, "The war isn't particularly intense. I know Mother misses Prince Rui—shall we have him return this summer? Every summer when the grasslands are lush, the Rong enemies are unlikely to provoke attacks."
The Empress Dowager first nodded with a smile, then added, "Though I miss him, state affairs take precedence. You decide. Prince Rui hasn't returned for nearly seven or eight years—last time he came back, Little Nine hadn't even been born yet. For a prince of his stature to be stationed indefinitely in the west is truly arduous."
"Don't worry, Mother. I understand."
With this settled, the Empress Dowager glanced toward Yan Chi, "Speaking of which, Yan Chi is..."
Yan Huai responded with a questioning "Hmm?", "What about Yan Chi?"
The Empress Dowager's eyes deepened, but she didn't elaborate, merely saying, "Yan Chi... let fate decide."
Yan Huai neither agreed nor disagreed. Today's main focus was Yan Che and Yan Qi—once these two were settled, the court disputes involved would become clearer. As Emperor of Great Zhou, his perspective and considerations were ultimately different.After the mother and son conversed for a while, the stage performances grew even more spectacular. Having watched three grand operas in succession, the Empress Dowager finally had her fill of entertainment. By this time, the hour was growing late, making it the perfect moment to proceed to the banquet.
The crowd moved from the Heavenly Sound Stage and returned to the Morning Dew Hall.
The noble ladies and young misses chattered about today's opera selections, though some inevitably discussed the matter between Prince Cheng and Feng Chenbi. Acquaintances even teased Feng Chenbi about becoming a princess consort, causing her cheeks to flush crimson. Meanwhile, Yan Qi and Feng Lingsu walking ahead ground their teeth in silent fury. Though today's opera viewing had been a rare entertainment, they had suffered through the nearly two-hour performance in agony. The registry had clearly listed Qin Guan, Peng Huajing (daughter of the Duke of Wei), and Miss Wu (daughter of the Vice Minister of Revenue). Yet now, Prince Cheng had become entangled with Feng Chenbi! How would the Emperor and Empress Dowager view Prince Cheng when the registry reached their hands?
This thought made Feng Lingsu too anxious to wait. She immediately sent someone to the Imperial Observatory, only to discover the Empress had stationed her people there. This confirmation solidified Feng Lingsu's belief that everything was the Empress and Crown Prince's scheme. She and her son now felt like ants roasting over a fire—frantically anxious yet powerless!
Though Yan Che had displeased Zhao Shuhua earlier, seeing Feng Lingsu too distraught to enjoy the opera somewhat improved her mood. Feng Chenbi's appearance had disrupted Feng Lingsu's plans, and Feng Lingsu would inevitably try to alter the registry. But Zhao Shuhua had already changed the Eastern Palace's registry and stationed guards at the Imperial Observatory—Feng Lingsu stood no chance!
Upon returning to the Morning Dew Hall, the afternoon banquet stood ready. With mostly female attendees present, the event lacked the boisterous toasting common among male officials. The ladies dined with utmost elegance, taking extra care with their manners and appearance in hopes of catching Yan Che's attention. Thus, accompanied by music and dance, the banquet maintained a genuinely harmonious atmosphere. After three rounds of toasts, an official from the Imperial Observatory entered the hall bearing two registries.
"The Imperial Observatory has completed its divinations. May the Empress Dowager, His Majesty, and Her Majesty the Empress review them."
At the main table where Yan Huai sat centrally, the registry was presented to him first. Yan Huai passed the Eastern Palace's registry to Zhao Shuhua, who opened it to confirm Qin Guan's name had been removed—exactly as she had submitted. After briefly scanning the divination results, she calmly awaited the Empress Dowager and Yan Huai's outrage.
After all, Feng Lingsu's submitted registry had prominently featured Qin Guan's name!
This thought brightened Zhao Shuhua's smile noticeably. A sidelong glance revealed Feng Lingsu and Prince Cheng sitting gloomily in their seats, clearly deriving no enjoyment from the palace banquet.
Yan Huai was reviewing Yan Qi's registry with the Empress Dowager. After examining the entire document, the Empress Dowager smiled rather than frowned. "Though Qi'er acts somewhat recklessly, since you two grew up together and share mutual affection, let this be settled."
Zhao Shuhua started in surprise while Feng Lingsu and Prince Cheng slowly lifted their heads.
Zhao Shuhua hurriedly responded, "As Mother Empress says..."
The Empress Dowager chuckled, "Who else could it be but the one we just saw?"As these words fell, the hall filled with expected murmurs. Yu Shi looked somewhat surprised, while Feng Chenbi sat in her seat with a face flushed crimson. After reading the list, the Empress Dowager handed it to Zhao Shuhua, who hastily opened it. Where was Qin Guan’s name on the golden-inked pages? When she flipped to the last page under the position of principal consort, it was Feng Chenbi’s name that appeared!
Zhao Shuhua’s brows furrowed deeply, and understanding dawned in her heart.
Could it be that Feng Lingsu had never intended to involve Qin Guan? Were the messages she received all false? Meant to disrupt their plans?! Thinking of Yan Che ordering someone to alter the list, Zhao Shuhua felt a surge of fury. What a cunning Feng Lingsu, what a shrewd Yan Qi! If not for the tip-off she had received, the one humiliated today would have been Yan Che. Then, with discord sown between the Eastern Palace and the Qin family, wouldn’t Prince Cheng stand to gain?
Zhao Shuhua set the booklet down, her smile growing even more radiant.
After finishing her review of the list, she ordered it sent to Feng Lingsu, saying with a laugh, "Congratulations, dear sister. Such a union between families must bring great joy to the Duke and his lady."
Feng Lingsu opened the booklet in confusion, then her brow twitched.
Feng Chenbi! Feng Chenbi’s name was actually on the list! She had never instructed anyone to write Feng Chenbi’s name!
What was going on…
With this thought, Feng Lingsu clenched her delicate fist. It must be the Empress! Who else but the Empress and the Crown Prince had such authority? How audacious! To even alter the official list! This was clearly an attempt to cement the rumor of an affair between Feng Chenbi and Prince Cheng! After all her careful scheming, the principal consort position had been filled by one of her own—truly, drawing water with a bamboo basket, all effort in vain!
How despicable! Absolutely despicable!
While Zhao Shuhua seethed with hatred for Feng Lingsu, Feng Lingsu burned with resentment toward Zhao Shuhua. Meanwhile, Qin Guan, seated beside Qin Chaoyu, slowly straightened her back. She knew both the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng had written her name and had been waiting for the turmoil that would drag her in. Yet, to her surprise, her name did not appear on the list.
The undercurrent that could have plunged her into danger had subsided just like that.
The hall echoed with the melodies of silk and bamboo, every face adorned with smiles. Even if schemes were afoot, they no longer concerned her. No one knew a trap had been laid for her today, nor that her name had once been on that list. As she wished, she had no desire to enter the fray; here and now, it was best to remain an observer.
Qin Guan lifted her gaze, looking past the dancers and crowd toward Yan Chi.
Their eyes met, and in Yan Chi’s gaze, there seemed to be a hint of reassurance.
After watching Yan Chi for a moment, Qin Guan lowered her eyes again, and a deep sorrow welled up in her heart.
When her father had realized their family might face calamity, he had prepared to flee but ultimately failed to escape. Now, she too felt trapped in a vast net. She had taken that gravely misguided step, yet in the end, among the many paths before her, the only one she could tread was still that single one.
Refusing Yan Chi’s proposal was too difficult; walking this Path was harder than scaling the heavens. But no matter how arduous, how could it compare to the injustice her parents suffered, dying with grievances unredressed? Qin Guan shut her eyes tightly, and when she opened them again, they were filled with a clear, resilient determination. Since there was no other way, she could only press forward unwaveringly!
"Ninth Sister, what’s wrong?"
Qin Chaoyu, being perceptive, quickly noticed Qin Guan’s unease.Qin Guan shook her head, her expression returning to normal. Qin Chaoyu glanced in Yan Che's direction and said, "Could it be that Ninth Sister is thinking about her own marriage..."
Qin Guan smiled bitterly. "My marriage... I'm afraid it will be very difficult."
Qin Chaoyu raised her chin proudly. "What's so difficult about it? You have the Marquis Manor behind you, the Empress Dowager supporting you, and in the future, the Eastern Palace as well. As long as the Empress Dowager speaks up, how could there be any shortage of suitors?"
Though Qin Chaoyu's tone was arrogant, it suddenly softened. "However, most women only marry once in their lifetime. Since it's only once, no matter what, one should marry the person they truly fancy..."
Qin Guan listened in a daze. "Yes... one should marry the person they fancy..."
"Excellent, it's settled then!" Yan Huai's hearty laughter came from the main seat. The candidates proposed by the Empress and Feng Lingsu were within his expectations—whether in terms of family background, character, appearance, or the calculations from the Imperial Observatory, there were no issues. Ultimately, it was just a matter of choosing based on preference and political considerations. Yan Huai swept a glance over Qin Chaoyu. "The selection of principal consorts for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng has been decided. An edict will be announced to the world soon, after which the Imperial Observatory will determine an auspicious date for the grand wedding ceremonies!"
With Yan Huai's words, the most important matter of today's palace banquet was settled. Though it wasn't explicitly stated, everyone knew that the Crown Princess would undoubtedly be Qin Chaoyu!
Qin Guan no longer had the mind to pay attention to these matters, and soon, the palace banquet drew to a close.
While the principal consorts had been decided, the selection of secondary consorts remained unresolved, awaiting subsequent imperial decrees. Qin Guan originally intended to leave the palace with Qin Chaoyu, but the Empress Dowager asked her to stay behind.
On the way back to the Longevity and Health Palace, the Empress Dowager spoke slowly, "Your sister's matter is settled. Do you have any thoughts about your own marriage?"
Qin Guan pressed her lips together slightly and shook her head. "With three elder sisters ahead of me, I will follow the arrangements of my elders."
The Empress Dowager patted the back of Qin Guan's hand and smiled. "What if, when the time comes, many come to seek your hand in marriage? What will you do then?"
Qin Guan looked at the Empress Dowager and saw nothing but kindness in her eyes, as if she understood her difficulties and was speaking to comfort her. Qin Guan lowered her gaze, feeling a slight ache in her heart. "If that day truly comes... if I have someone in mind, may I beg Your Majesty for a favor?"
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager finally smiled. "I thought you would never bring this up. This is much better. When that day comes, I will surely grant your wish. You saved my life before, and when the Emperor wanted to reward you, you refused. But now, I give you my promise—above all else, I will never allow you to suffer in your marriage."
Qin Guan paused in her steps, her long-depressed heart finally brightening. She immediately knelt to express her gratitude. The Empress Dowager chuckled helplessly and hurriedly helped her up. "This is what you deserve. Though I often say you are clever and composed, sometimes I feel you carry too much weight in your heart. It always seems as if you're hiding something. Child, you are still young—this is not a good thing. A heavy heart will inevitably bring you pain."Qin Guan had lost her parents early, and life under another's roof was surely difficult. Because of this, she harbored countless grievances in her heart. The Empress Dowager felt great pity for Qin Guan. "A person only lives once; gains and losses are fated. Take Yan Li, for example—though he is Prince Gong's Heir, you've been back in the capital for some time, so you must know his background by now. His father died in battle, killed while the current emperor led troops to suppress a rebellion. In truth, his status should be that of a criminal clan, and it wouldn't be strange if he held resentment toward the emperor. Yet look at him—he lives simply and freely. Though he may be a bit unruly, I find him quite admirable. Among all the younger generation, I particularly enjoy speaking with him, precisely because I like his unconstrained demeanor. As for you, you restrain yourself too much. I won't force you to change your nature in other matters, but in the future, if you find someone you care for, you must not take your marriage lightly."
The Empress Dowager spoke slowly, unexpectedly saying so much at once. Qin Guan was deeply moved. "Your Majesty, rest assured, I understand. It's not yet the right time, but when that day comes, I will certainly speak openly with you."
The Empress Dowager smiled in relief. "That's more like it. Life is but a few decades—one must never leave any regrets. Otherwise, in old age, all that's left is sighing and lamenting..."
Qin Guan felt much brighter after the Empress Dowager's words. She stayed a while longer to chat before leaving the palace. Once outside the palace gates, she sat in the carriage in a daze for a moment, then directed the coachman to head to the Qin residence in Copper Coin Lane.
As the carriage entered the bustling streets, Qin Guan noticed the unusual liveliness. Though it was already afternoon and the snow had not stopped, the streets were crowded with people, and fireworks occasionally lit up the sky. Qin Guan lifted the curtain to look, and Baiying remarked beside her, "Miss, today is the Lantern Festival. Everyone has come out to see the lanterns."
Qin Guan suddenly remembered—yes, the Lantern Festival always featured lantern displays.
With this thought, she couldn't help but think of Yan Chi. Earlier, when the Empress Dowager had taken her away, she had no idea where Yan Chi had gone. He must have been upset today—she wondered where he had gone.
Lost in these thoughts, the carriage soon arrived at the Qin residence. It came to a stop in front of the gate.
Qin Guan and Baiying alighted from the carriage. Baiying stepped forward to knock, but after just two raps, the courtyard gate swung open. Qin Guan was slightly surprised that Han Bo had answered so quickly. Han Bo and Erbao stood inside to welcome her, both wearing joyful expressions.
Since it was a festival, Qin Guan promptly instructed Baiying to give them rewards. Han Bo accepted the silver with a smile and urged, "Miss, please come inside quickly..."
Qin Guan assumed he was worried she might catch a chill, but as she reached the doorway, she noticed the main door was closed. A sense of unease stirred within her. Just then, Han Bo chuckled and said, "A guest has been waiting for you for quite some time."
Qin Guan's breath caught. A guest?! The only one who knew this place was...
She hurriedly pushed the door open. Sure enough, Yan Chi stood inside, clad in black robes, clearly having waited for a long time.
Their eyes met. Gazing into Yan Chi's dark, smiling eyes, Qin Guan's heart suddenly softened with overwhelming emotion.
OpenNovel