Tuoba Wu took a deep breath and swiftly retreated into the shadows.
Her back pressed tightly against the tent behind her, her body rigid with tension.
Startled by her sudden movement, her two maidservants quickly followed suit, hiding alongside her.
One of them whispered anxiously, "Your Highness, what's wrong? The Crown Prince didn't return alone—who is with him?"
Tuoba Wu's mind seemed to wage an internal war, but soon she leaned forward again, peering in the direction from which Yan Chi had come.
At a glance, she noticed the figure accompanying Yan Chi looked somewhat familiar. Staring more intently, her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief—she saw clearly that the person following Yan Chi was none other than Qin Guan, who always stayed by the Empress Dowager's side!
This wasn't Tuoba Wu's first encounter with Qin Guan. During the Shangsi Festival palace banquet, she had spotted Qin Guan the moment she entered and had been struck by her unique aura. Their next meeting occurred when Tuoba Wu was practicing swordplay in the Inner Palace and encountered the Empress Dowager and Qin Guan. At that time, she had even questioned Yan Chi in front of them. But what had the Empress Dowager said then?
Tuoba Wu's brow furrowed deeply, her heart seething with fury.
How could Yan Chi take Qin Guan out so late at night? Why?!
Qin Guan was merely the daughter of the Loyal and Brave Marquis, not a princess or noblewoman. Given their positions, she and Yan Chi ought to maintain propriety and avoid suspicion. Surely, Qin Guan couldn't have been ordered by the Empress Dowager to accompany Yan Chi?!
Tuoba Wu drew another sharp breath, finding it impossible to conjure any excuse for Yan Chi and Qin Guan.
In the dead of night, a lone man and woman, sneaking away from the camp so stealthily!
Where had they gone? What had they done?!
Clenching her silver teeth, Tuoba Wu watched helplessly as Qin Guan and Yan Chi drew nearer. She held her breath and signaled to her two maidservants behind her. Yan Chi was a master of martial arts, and his companions were no ordinary guards—if they weren't careful, the three of them would easily be detected.
The two maidservants covered their mouths in unison. Peering over Tuoba Wu's shoulders, they too watched as Yan Chi and Qin Guan approached along the path. Exchanging a glance, their astonishment mirrored Tuoba Wu's!
One was Prince Rui's heir, the other the noble lady most trusted by the Empress Dowager. The former appeared aloof toward women, even leading Tuoba Wu to suspect he preferred men, while the latter was the Empress Dowager's most trusted physician, outwardly ethereal and dignified. Yet, in secret, were these two involved in a clandestine affair?!
The maidservants' breaths hitched, their eyes gleaming with excitement. This was utterly thrilling!
As these thoughts raced through their minds, they simultaneously glanced at Tuoba Wu. Their princess's rage had reached its peak—what would she do? Looking further ahead, Yan Chi and Qin Guan, accompanied by two attendants, moved with light, brisk steps, clearly intent on avoiding notice. Would their princess charge out? If this secret affair were exposed, what would become of the heir and the lady from Qin Manor?
The more the maidservants pondered, the more exhilarated they became. Yet, just as Yan Chi and his group drew near, Tuoba Wu abruptly stepped back. She cautiously avoided them, seemingly unwilling to confront Yan Chi directly.
At that moment, Yan Chi, holding Qin Guan's hand, reached a fork in the path less than five zhang away from Tuoba Wu.The blush on Qin Guan's face had yet to fade when Yan Chi halted his steps, raising a hand to gently brush her cheek. He whispered, "Everything is arranged. You may return to Grandmother Empress Dowager now. If any questions arise, simply say I sought you for wound treatment."
Qin Guan responded with a soft "Mm," but did not immediately step away. Meanwhile, Yan Chi still held her hand, unwilling to let go. As their eyes met, the chilly wind seemed to grow warm. Yan Chi sighed, adjusted Qin Guan's cape for her, then steeled himself. "Go back now. It's too late. Any later and Grandmother Empress Dowager will surely be alerted."
Ultimately, Qin Guan was a composed and self-possessed person. Hearing this, she nodded, turned, and left with Baiying.
Watching Qin Guan and Baiying disappear into the distance, Yan Chi stood motionless for a long while. Only when Qin Guan's figure vanished from sight did the tenderness in his eyes dissipate. He remained standing, his gaze suddenly sweeping toward the left front, though he said nothing more. He merely uttered, "Follow and keep an eye on them." Bai Feng acknowledged the order and departed. Yan Chi lingered a moment longer before heading toward his own tent.
When Qin Guan returned to the Empress Dowager's tent, the Empress Dowager had already retired for the night. Mammy Chen waited outside and, upon seeing Qin Guan, smiled. "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager mentioned that you haven't had a chance to chat with your young friends for several days, so staying out a bit later is no trouble. She couldn't wait up and has gone to sleep. Ninth Miss may rest on your own."
Qin Guan breathed a long, silent sigh of relief and hurriedly nodded her thanks. Fuling, who had been waiting for some time, was also quite pleased to see Qin Guan return. While attending to Qin Guan's bedtime preparations, she suddenly let out a soft gasp. "Miss, why is there a red mark on your neck?"
Startled, Qin Guan quickly pulled up her collar. "Fetch some ointment. It's a mosquito bite."
Fuling complied and left, but after a few steps, she muttered to herself, "Are there mosquitoes already at this time of year?"
Baiying chuckled silently but was glared at by Qin Guan. After this, Qin Guan didn't dare let Fuling assist her further. She simply washed up briefly and lay down. Fuling noticed nothing amiss, but as she left, she asked Baiying, "What did Miss and Fifth Miss talk about? Why did it take so long...?"
Baiying thought for a moment. "They discussed the gentleman Fifth Miss is about to marry."
Fuling's eyes lit up at this. "Ah, did Miss go with them to see that gentleman?"
Baiying nodded vaguely and offered some explanation, finally managing to placate Fuling.
Inside the tent, Qin Guan lay in bed, unable to sleep. She raised a hand, first touching her shoulder, then trailing her fingers downward. Though it was too dark to see, she could feel the soreness that arose at the slightest touch on her skin. Reflecting on this, Qin Guan turned over restlessly. Yan Chi had been far too reckless tonight. And the lake, the peach blossom tree, the misty haze—it had all been too beautiful, stirring emotions in her that were hard to suppress. Fortunately, he had restrained himself.
Burrowed under the brocade quilt, Qin Guan unconsciously flushed. Unversed in matters of love, she had never known what desire was. But tonight, it was as if she had tasted its flavor. Though not exactly bone-deep, it was enough to leave her heart itching unbearably.
Feeling both bashful and somewhat unable to control herself, she couldn't resist stroking the sore spots. After a while, she realized this only stirred her emotions further. So she lay flat on her back, not daring to move, waiting for her heart to calm.Yan Chi returned to his own tent, first washing up with somewhat helpless resignation using cold water, then waited for Bai Feng to return.
Bai Feng reported, "Master, Ninth Miss returned to her tent and hasn't come out since. She appears to be fine. The Empress Dowager seems to have retired as well, likely without any suspicions."
Yan Chi felt relieved. "Who was watching us earlier?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Feng's expression turned somewhat complicated. "It was the Northern Wei princess."
Yan Chi's hand, which had been drying his hair, paused slightly. He frowned, then after a moment tossed the cloth aside. "Keep an eye on her. See what she plans to do..."
Bai Feng promptly agreed, but Yan Chi felt irritated inside.
Of all people, why did it have to be Tuoba Wu who found out? This Northern Wei princess acted recklessly, relying on her status. Even he couldn't figure out her methods. Was she hiding there tonight for his sake?! She clearly witnessed everything, yet didn't step forward to confront them—why?! Did she see Guan Guan clearly? Would she pose a threat to her?!
Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes. Against enemies, he could see through everything, but when it came to women, he truly couldn't grasp their intentions.
However, one principle held true, whether facing a woman or an enemy.
Whoever Yan Chi wanted to protect, no one could harm—be it princess or prince. At the foot of these towering mountains, there were plenty of ways to make someone vanish without a trace—
Tuoba Wu didn't know how she made it back to her tent.
By the time she sat down, she saw two maidservants looking at her with serious expressions.
Tuoba Wu frowned slightly. "What is it?"
The two maidservants exchanged a glance, and one stepped forward. "Princess, why didn't you go out and confront the Crown Prince? The Crown Prince going out so late with the young lady from the Qin Manor must mean they have a secret affair. If they're hiding it, there must be a reason. If the Crown Prince finds out you know, perhaps he will..."
The maidservant trailed off, unable to continue. Tuoba Wu let out a cold laugh. "Perhaps he'll yield to my coercion?! You're too naive! He's not like those incompetent imperial clansmen of the Great Zhou. He's the young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army—he won't yield to anyone's coercion!"
As she spoke, a cold intensity surfaced on her stiffened face. "Besides, do you want me to expose this? Make it public? Wouldn't that be... helping them secure an imperial marriage?!"
One is Prince Rui's heir, the other is the daughter of the loyal and brave marquis's family, the future Crown Princess's younger sister. On the surface, they seem a perfect match. Tuoba Wu knew the Empress Dowager doted on Yan Chi and that Qin Guan was held in high regard by her. No matter why Yan Chi and Qin Guan were sneaking around, if this matter were brought into the open, Tuoba Wu knew the Empress Dowager would certainly approve of this marriage!
She would never be so foolish as to bring this before the Empress Dowager!
But what could she do?!
Tuoba Wu clenched her fists, only now truly coming to her senses!
Yan Chi wasn't someone who favored men, nor was he devoid of emotion. He did like women, and he could be gentle and tender toward other young ladies—it was just that the young lady wasn't her!
Tuoba Wu felt both furious and wronged, and in that moment, she utterly despised Qin Guan!
Why?! By what right?!
Tuoba Wu waved her hand. "Leave me—"The two maids exchanged a glance but ultimately dared not disobey and withdrew. Once the tent held only Tuoba Wu alone, her eyes grew slightly moist. Yan Chi! What a fine Yan Chi he was!
She had heard it clearly—though Yan Chi appeared aloof and unapproachable on the surface, his tone when speaking to Qin Guan moments ago was gentler and more jade-like than even Tuoba Hong's. As a woman, she understood plainly: Yan Chi truly adored Qin Guan to behave this way. But if Yan Chi loved Qin Guan, then what of her? What of her two years of longing?!
Tuoba Wu was the least believer in fate—she would never resign herself to letting things end like this!
So what if Yan Chi loved Qin Guan now? Many men in this world were fickle-hearted—who could say Yan Chi wasn't one of them?! Perhaps he would eventually discover her virtues. Before their grand wedding, everything remained possible!
Tuoba Wu abruptly shut her eyes. When she reopened them, her gaze held a cold, sharp clarity!
This was the first time she had ever valued a man so deeply. To withdraw without even trying—that was simply not her style!
Early the next morning, not long after Qin Guan had risen, Mammy Chen came reporting from outside, sounding somewhat surprised, "Empress Dowager, Ninth Miss, the Northern Wei princess has come to pay her respects."
The Empress Dowager showed mild astonishment, as did Qin Guan. They exchanged a glance before the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Invite her in. We must not be discourteous."
Soon, Tuoba Wu, clad in a red dress, strode boldly inside. Setting aside her usual pride, she first performed a graceful, deep curtsy to the Empress Dowager, then said with a smile, "Empress Dowager, I heard you were unwell, so Wu'er specially came to pay my respects."
The Empress Dowager beamed. "How could I presume to accept such honor? Your Highness is a distinguished guest, and besides, I have already recovered."
She invited Tuoba Wu to sit. Once seated, Tuoba Wu turned her gaze to Qin Guan. "Was it Ninth Miss who cured the Empress Dowager? Last time, I heard Her Majesty mention that Ninth Miss is a Medicine Immortal, with peerless medical skills."
The Empress Dowager took Qin Guan's hand. "Indeed, it was Guan'er who saved my life."
Tuoba Wu scrutinized Qin Guan up and down. As a proud and critical person, her gaze toward the woman Yan Chi loved was especially sharp. Yet even so, she found no flaws in Qin Guan. She smiled. "Ninth Miss is not only highly skilled in medicine but also so beautiful. No wonder the Empress Dowager dotes on you so."
Qin Guan felt somewhat unsettled by Tuoba Wu's gaze today. Maintaining a smile, she replied, "Your Highness flatters me," while also observing Tuoba Wu closely. She soon noticed several clues: though Tuoba Wu's smile was bright, there was little warmth in her eyes. Moreover, her seated posture was rigidly upright, her hands placed stiffly in her lap. When Qin Guan looked at her, she averted her gaze, yet when Qin Guan looked away, Tuoba Wu resumed studying her. Even while speaking with the Empress Dowager, her eyes repeatedly drifted back to Qin Guan.
The stiff posture indicated tension and wariness; avoiding eye contact suggested her amiable cheer was superficial. Clearly, her visit wasn't solely to see the Empress Dowager. With her attention so frequently on Qin Guan, her true target was unmistakably Qin Guan herself.Qin Guan lowered her gaze. Many knew this Northern Wei princess had feelings for Yan Chi, but no one was aware of their private relationship. Previously, this Northern Wei princess had never shown any interest in her—why this sudden visit?
Recalling her outing with Yan Chi last night, Qin Guan’s heart skipped a beat.
Though their journey had been uneventful, the camp was crowded with prying eyes. Could it be…
As she pondered, Tuoba Wu spoke, “When the Empress Dowager previously mentioned Ninth Miss’s exceptional medical skills, I didn’t pay it much mind. But these past two days, the entire camp has been abuzz with talk of it. Thus, I wish to ask Ninth Miss for a favor—would that be acceptable?”
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