When Qin Guan entered Chongming Hall, she noticed Yan Chi was not present, yet she never expected this Northern Wei princess to specifically inquire about him. The commander of the Northwest Frontier Army was Prince Rui, so wasn't the young marshal naturally Yan Chi?
Frowning, Qin Guan instinctively glanced back—and her gaze happened to meet the Northern Wei princess's. Their eyes locked briefly, and the princess showed a flicker of surprise. She had been observing the various Zhou nobility around her and had taken an extra moment to note Qin Guan's exceptional poise, never expecting Qin Guan to look back at the same instant. Ordinarily, Qin Guan might have felt awkward, yet her expression remained utterly unruffled, her eyes calm and resolute, even carrying a hint of curiosity.
Tuoba Wu raised an eyebrow. As a princess of Northern Wei, she rarely encountered anyone who met her gaze with such equanimity.
She frowned slightly, but by then, Qin Guan had already averted her eyes.
Tuoba Wu pressed her lips together for a moment, then chuckled inwardly. Whose young lady is this? Interesting!
The Northern Wei Crown Prince, unaware of what had caught Tuoba Wu's attention, followed her line of sight but only saw a retreating figure. He murmured, "The young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army is the current heir apparent. He should have attended today—I'll have someone ask."
Tuoba Wu shook her head. "He's not here. I've already looked."
Tuoba Hong frowned. "You've never met him. How would you know he isn't here?"
Tuoba Wu sniffed lightly. "I have seen him."
Tuoba Hong was taken aback, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "You're rarely at the palace. Where did you meet him?"
Tuoba Wu turned away. "No need for questions, brother."
Nearby, Tuoba Rui overheard the siblings' exchange. A meaningful smile crossed his youthful face. "No wonder my elder sister insisted on coming this time—so it was for the young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army?!"
Tuoba Wu shot him a glare before turning back to Tuoba Hong. "Brother, I want to meet the young marshal!"
With that, she made to stride toward Yan Huai, but Tuoba Hong caught her arm. "What are you doing now? You know he's the young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army. Do you realize that force is the Zhou's most elite troops, and he's of royal blood? How can you be so rash? Tell me what you're thinking first. We're staying in Lin'an for a while—there's no need to rush. If you ruin our plans, how will you explain it to Father?"
At this, Tuoba Wu reluctantly halted, though her eyes continued to sweep restlessly across the hall.
Leaving Chongming Hall, Qin Guan felt unsettled, and Tuoba Wu's inquiry lingered in her mind like a stubborn spell. After the previous Lantern Festival palace banquet, she had grown wary of such situations. Both she and Yan Chi were unattached, making them potential targets—ordinary suitors were one thing, but now a Northern Wei princess was involved?
Though puzzled, Qin Guan had no idea why Yan Chi had missed the banquet. Seeing that night had fallen, she had no choice but to return to the marquis' estate with Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu.
Back at the estate, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, who had not attended the banquet, were curious about the foreign envoys. The moment Qin Guan returned, they sought her out, with Qin Shuang particularly unable to resist asking numerous questions."What's different about the Northern Wei people's appearance compared to ours? I heard their winters last half a year—what were they wearing when they came? Were they all dressed in mink coats and cotton robes?"
"And also, I've heard Western Liang is very close to the Rong enemies—do they look similar to them? Do they appear frightening? Oh right, since they're all royalty, how do the Northern Wei and Western Liang royal families differ from ours?"
Qin Guan chuckled, "They look quite similar. The Northern Wei people have exceptionally fair skin, but that's about it. Both Northern Wei and Western Liang also have brocades and silks, so they shouldn't be much different from us. They also use titles like Crown Prince, Prince, and Princess."
Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang exchanged glances before Qin Shuang continued, "Any other interesting news?"
Qin Guan thought for a moment and said, "There's also the spring hunt..."
"Spring hunt?" Qin Shuang's eyes lit up, "You mean when the Emperor and Empress lead all the civil and military officials along with massive troops to hunt in Weishan?"
Qin Guan nodded, "Exactly. The date has been set—seven days from now."
"Seven days from now, that's the tenth day of the third month!" The excitement suddenly faded from Qin Shuang's face, "It must be incredibly fun. I've never been hunting before, but we probably won't be able to go."
Qin Chaoyu had actually invited Qin Guan to join, but since Qin Guan wasn't sure about Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang's availability, she didn't mention it. Besides, she hadn't made up her own mind yet. Seeing Qin Guan's hesitation, Qin Xiang asked, "Are you going to Weishan?"
Since Qin Xiang had asked, Qin Guan had to be honest, "Eighth Sister did mention we could go together for fun, but after all, it's the spring hunt. We'll have to see how Uncle arranges things."
Qin Xiang's eyes sparkled, and Qin Shuang caught the implication too, quickly asking, "Can we go?"
Qin Guan smiled wryly, "I don't know about that, but we could ask Hu Shi."
Understanding Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang's hopes, Qin Guan wanted to help them. At her suggestion, both girls' faces brightened. As the three sisters continued chatting, the conversation turned to other matters. After the Shangsi Festival, spring would officially arrive. If they couldn't attend the spring hunt, an outing outside the city would be a good alternative. Qin Shuang suggested, "We could invite Meng Yao to go out of the city with us—that should be fun too."
With spring hunt matters occupying their thoughts, when the family gathered for dinner the following evening, they heard Qin Shu say cheerfully, "For this spring hunt, the Emperor has specially selected several families to accompany him. The major ducal households are definitely going, along with our household, plus the households of Marquis Wu'an, Marquis Anding, Marquis Dingbei, and Marquis Zhennan."
Qin Shuang immediately asked, "Is that all who's going?"
Hu Shi laughed, "Of course not. It just means these specially selected families can bring their household members. Other officials mostly can only attend alone—their families won't be able to join."
Turning to Qin Shu, Hu Shi asked, "My Lord, did they mention any restrictions on numbers?"
Qin Shu shook his head, "Nothing was said about that."
His gaze then fell upon Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. Though not born of the main marquis household and usually excluded from palace banquets and major events, Qin Shu had actually been considering them for this spring hunt.Seeing Qin Shu's gaze, both Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were delighted. Qin Shu smiled and said, "This time, our whole family will be going together. Starting tomorrow, your aunt will help you pack. Although it's a hunting trip, we'll be very close to the Emperor and the other nobles. You two must not make any mistakes."
Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang were overjoyed and quickly nodded in agreement. Hu Shi also felt it wasn't right to leave Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang behind every time, so this arrangement was quite perfect. "Don't worry, Marquis, I will make all the necessary arrangements."
Meanwhile, Qin Ye said, "This time, the Nine Gates Garrison has also dispatched five hundred men to accompany the entourage. I am among them, Mother. You don't need to worry about me—I'll follow the troops."
Qin Yan also smiled and said, "I'll be with the Imperial Guards, Mother. You only need to take care of the four younger sisters."
Hu Shi's eyes filled with contentment. "Good, good, good. Both of you have grown up. Taking care of just the four of them will be much easier for me. After all, this might be the last time we all go out together..."
Qin Xiang's wedding was likely to be in the summer, and once Qin Xiang's wedding date was set, Hu Shi would begin arranging a marriage for Qin Shuang, who might even marry before the year's end. As for Qin Chaoyu and the Crown Prince, their grand wedding was also certain to take place within the year. With three daughters marrying in just one year, wouldn't this indeed be the last time they traveled together?
At these words, Qin Xiang lowered her eyes as if somewhat shy, while Qin Shuang's excitement was palpable. She and Qin Xiang had only been hopeful before, never expecting they would actually get to join the spring hunt—a grand event held once every two years in the Great Zhou Dynasty! The Emperor and Empress, along with the Crown Prince, Prince Cheng, and other nobles, would all be attending. Moreover, this year, envoys from Northern Wei and Western Liang would also be present, making it an exceptionally special occasion. The thought of seeing so many important figures made Qin Shuang so excited she could hardly sleep.
After the meal, Qin Chaoyu naturally followed Hu Shi to the main courtyard, while Qin Shuang pulled Qin Xiang along to Qin Guan's Pine Breeze Courtyard. As they walked, Qin Shuang said, "Just now, Fourth Brother mentioned that the Nine Gates Garrison has also assigned five hundred men to accompany the entourage. I wonder if Xue Qingshan is among them?"
Hearing this, Qin Shuang teased Qin Xiang with a sly look. Qin Xiang's face flushed slightly. "Don't talk nonsense."
Qin Shuang giggled. "If Xue Qingshan is also going, wouldn't you get to know him sooner? Perhaps he's eager to see you too. We could find an opportunity for you two to talk in private—"
Although the rules between men and women in the Great Zhou Dynasty weren't overly strict, formal marriage discussions between families still involved many proprieties. Meeting privately like this would naturally violate etiquette. Yet, being young, such an act, though improper, felt thrilling and irresistibly exciting.
"Don't do anything reckless, and don't ask Fourth Brother about it," Qin Xiang instructed.
Qin Shuang's eyes lit up. "Hey, you're right! I can ask Fourth Brother!"
Qin Xiang pressed her lips together, stamped her foot in frustration, and blushed deeply. Seeing her crimson cheeks, Qin Shuang and Qin Guan exchanged glances and couldn't help but laugh. Qin Xiang looked at Qin Shuang, then at Qin Guan, gritted her teeth, and lunged at them playfully.
The room filled with laughter and commotion. Outside, Fuling whispered to Baiying, "Fifth Young Miss has changed her ways. It's wonderful to see the three sisters playing and joking like this—even our Young Miss has become much more lively."
...
...Thus, by the second day, as the Loyal Marquis Manor prepared for the entire household's journey to Mount Wei, the entire estate was filled with joy. From the New Year until now, the Marquis Manor seemed to have encountered one fortunate event after another, and even the servants felt cheerful.
On the second day, Qin Guan first went to the Wu'an Marquis Manor to check Old Madam Song's pulse, then proceeded to the Meng residence. Meng Zhou had been demoted from his official position and naturally could not accompany them on the spring hunt. When Meng Yao learned that Qin Guan would be leaving Lin'an City for half a month, she was quite reluctant to part. The two spent the afternoon chatting in Meng Yao's boudoir before Qin Guan finally returned to the Marquis Manor.
Early on the third day, the Empress Dowager summoned Qin Guan to the palace.
It had been half a month since Qin Guan last checked the Empress Dowager's pulse, so she was naturally concerned about Her Majesty's health. However, upon arriving at the Longevity and Health Palace, she saw that the Empress Dowager's complexion was rosy and her eyes bright—clear signs of good health. Despite this, Qin Guan still took her pulse and felt reassured afterward. "Has Your Majesty been following the dietary supplement prescription I gave you these past two weeks?"
Mammy Chen laughed beside her. "Indeed, Her Majesty has not been negligent with any meal, nor has she been picky. She said she wanted to give Ninth Miss a pleasant surprise when you next checked her pulse."
As she spoke, Mammy Chen and the Empress Dowager exchanged a glance, as if they had something important to say.
Qin Guan looked at the Empress Dowager in confusion, only to see Her Majesty tentatively ask, "Ninth girl, do you think my current health allows me to attend the spring hunt?"
Qin Guan was momentarily stunned, then suddenly understood—this was the real purpose of today's summons!
As she pondered, Mammy Chen added, "Her Majesty wishes to go out for a change of scenery, but the Emperor worries her health cannot withstand it. Although a temporary palace will be set up at Mount Wei, it is still not as comfortable as the palace. Moreover, I hear the snow at Mount Wei has not fully melted yet. When Her Majesty watches the military drills and hunting competitions, she will have to be outdoors..."
A slight smile curved Qin Guan's lips. "I understand. Does the Emperor require my confirmation of Her Majesty's good health before allowing her to accompany the party?"
Mammy Chen chuckled. "Exactly. He insists on Ninth girl's approval."
Qin Guan thought for a moment. "Her Majesty's health has indeed improved greatly, but given her advanced age, caution is still necessary." The Empress Dowager's eyes dimmed slightly, thinking Qin Guan meant she should not go to Mount Wei. But then Qin Guan continued, "Therefore, I believe we should start preparing some medicinal pills and the like for Her Majesty now, just in case."
Mammy Chen's eyes lit up, and the Empress Dowager beamed with joy. "So, does that mean I can attend the spring hunt?"
Qin Guan nodded. "Yes, as long as proper care is taken, nothing will go wrong."
The Empress Dowager laughed heartily and said to Mammy Chen, "What did I tell you? I no longer need to be so cautious, but the Emperor simply wouldn't believe it. Now that we have Ninth girl's word, he will surely be convinced."
Mammy Chen bowed. "Very well, this servant will send someone to report to the Emperor at once."
The Empress Dowager nodded, and Mammy Chen departed. Feeling at ease, the Empress Dowager asked Qin Guan to support her for a walk outside. The palace maids bustled about as Qin Guan personally assisted the Empress Dowager out of the main hall toward the Imperial Garden. As they walked, Qin Guan asked, "What about the Ninth Prince? Will Your Majesty bring him along on this outing?"The Empress Dowager frowned, "I've been wondering whether to bring Xiao Jiu along. All the princes are going this time, including Wan Fei's Xiao Ba. Xiao Jiu is over a year younger than Xiao Ba, which worries me. But leaving him alone in the palace for half a month would also trouble me greatly—I'd fret every single day."
Yan Sui was indeed too young. Unfortunately, all the favored imperial consorts in the palace were accompanying the journey, leaving the Empress Dowager with no one to entrust him to. After some thought, she decisively said, "Wan Yatou, why don't you come with me?"
Qin Guan was slightly surprised, "Accompanying Your Majesty?"
The Empress Dowager nodded, "Yes, travel with my procession. We'll bring Xiao Jiu along. My hesitation stems from concern about the cold and exhaustion outside making him ill. With you accompanying us, you'll stay close to me. If anything seems amiss, you can attend to it promptly."
Not to mention caring for Yan Sui, Qin Guan wouldn't refuse even if it were just looking after the Empress Dowager's health. Moreover, staying near Yan Sui might reveal certain clues. Her heart quickened slightly as she immediately nodded in agreement, "Very well, in that case, I'll inform my aunt back at the residence. But I wonder if this complies with protocol?"
The Empress Dowager smiled, "My word is the protocol."
Though her smile was kindly, these eight simple words faintly revealed the authority she possessed in her youth. Feeling reassured, Qin Guan accompanied the Empress Dowager deeper into the Imperial Garden. However, upon rounding a corner, they saw several figures standing among the flower beds. Four or five beautiful maids surrounded one person clad in fiery red robes, who was brandishing a short sword with swift, graceful movements. Her steps were swift as wind, her sword strokes vivid like rainbows, and her sleeves fluttered elegantly as she executed a series of dazzling sword techniques.
Few could perform swordplay with such beauty—
Both the Empress Dowager and Qin Guan paused in their steps, momentarily astonished.
Soon, the central figure came to a halt. With a graceful spin, she and her sword settled steadily in place. Two beads of fragrant sweat traced paths down her snow-white skin, and her nearly translucent eyes shone like cold stars.
"Excellent, excellent! Your Highness's sword techniques grow more beautiful by the day!"
"Indeed, indeed! Your Highness dances so magnificently!"
At these words, Tuoba Wu's expression shifted abruptly. Frowning, she sheathed her sword in displeasure, "What do you mean 'more beautiful'? What 'dancing'! This is genuine martial skill—deadly techniques capable of taking lives!"
The maids paled and hurriedly bowed their heads. As Tuoba Wu turned, she noticed the Empress Dowager and Qin Guan.
She tossed her short sword aside, and a servant hastily caught it. Then, she strode purposefully toward Qin Guan and the Empress Dowager.
Watching her approach, Qin Guan's eyes brightened slightly. Qin Chaoyu was like a peony—elegant and poised, her crimson robes always exuding enchanting splendor. But Tuoba Wu was like a blazing lotus from a land of ice and snow. She advanced with vigorous strides, her red dress blazing brilliantly, radiant, and untamed in its purity. Observing her, Qin Guan was reminded of Yue Ning, who possessed even greater decisiveness and formidable presence. Coming back to her senses, she found Tuoba Wu already standing before them.
"Greetings to the Great Zhou Empress Dowager," Tuoba Wu bowed before straightening up.
Qin Guan curtsied in return, "Your Highness."
The Empress Dowager smiled, "We didn't expect to find you practicing swordplay here, Princess. Do you train daily?"Tuoba Wu nodded, "Exactly." As she spoke, she looked at Qin Guan, "Might this lady be some princess?"
Qin Guan chuckled in amusement, and the Empress Dowager also smiled, "No, she is our Great Zhou's Medicine Immortal."
The Empress Dowager deliberately built suspense, and Tuoba Wu indeed showed slight surprise, "Medicine Immortal?"
The Empress Dowager nodded, "Yes, she originally comes from the Qin family of Loyal Marquis Manor, with unparalleled medical skills."
The Empress Dowager truly praised Qin Guan excessively, yet in front of Tuoba Wu, Qin Guan couldn't easily refute the Empress Dowager's words. Unexpectedly, Tuoba Wu then said, "Since she is a Medicine Immortal, can she cure lovesickness?"
Both Qin Guan and the Empress Dowager were taken aback. Tuoba Wu continued, "Empress Dowager and Miss Qin, do you know where Prince Rui's heir is?"
Lovesickness, Prince Rui's heir...
Qin Guan's heart tightened for a moment, and the Empress Dowager also asked curiously, "What does Your Highness mean by this? Could it be that you know Yan Chi?"
Qin Guan certainly hadn't forgotten what she heard Tuoba Wu say that day. Today's inquiry from Tuoba Wu further confirmed her suspicions, but how could she have lovesickness for Yan Chi?!
Yan Chi had clearly stated that he had never been interested in anyone.
"I do indeed know Prince Rui's heir—"
"Your Highness, it's time for us to return."
As soon as Tuoba Wu finished speaking, a maid stepped forward, urging her to leave. Tuoba Wu glanced impatiently at the maid, "Since we've met the Empress Dowager and Miss Qin, how can we leave so casually?"
The maids were all from Northern Wei. Hearing this, they glanced at the Empress Dowager and Qin Guan, lowering their voices, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince said you should remain calm."
Tuoba Wu snorted lightly, "I will speak with Brother the Crown Prince about this myself."
She then turned back to the Empress Dowager, "I do indeed know the heir. I came to Northern Wei this time hoping to see him. Empress Dowager, why hasn't the heir been seen in the palace these past few days?"
The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment, then smiled, "They say Northern Wei people are straightforward and candid—today proves it true. Yan Chi holds an official position and doesn't stay long in the palace. Perhaps he has urgent duties these past couple of days and hasn't been able to enter the palace."
She then added, "What does Your Highness wish to see Yan Chi for?"
Upon hearing this, Tuoba Wu lifted her chin, "That is my private matter. I beg the Empress Dowager's forgiveness for not being able to disclose it. Then... could Your Majesty tell me where Prince Rui's heir is stationed?"
The Empress Dowager shook her head, "This, I do not know. Your Highness may ask the Emperor."
Tuoba Wu pressed her lips together. How could she possibly ask the Emperor? The Empress Dowager was an inner palace woman, which was why she dared to ask boldly. If she asked the Emperor, wouldn't that make it a major affair...
Tuoba Wu frowned in frustration, "Then, I shall ask another day."
She took a step back, cupped her hands, and said, "I have disturbed Your Majesty. I take my leave."
With that, she turned and left with her attendants.
Watching their departing figures, Qin Guan remained dazed for a long moment. The Empress Dowager looked at Tuoba Wu's retreating back and called, "Ninth girl—"
She called once, but Qin Guan didn't respond. The Empress Dowager turned to look at Qin Guan, who then came to her senses, "Empress Dowager, what is it?"
The Empress Dowager gazed deeply at Qin Guan for a moment before saying, "Yan Chi is at the Ministry of Justice archives. Go ask him what exactly is going on between him and this Northern Wei princess."
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