Qin Guan still remembered the Shangsi Festival palace banquet, when she first saw Liu Yun, she noticed his unusually pale complexion. At the time, she had briefly wondered if he was unwell, but never imagined he suffered from heart pain syndrome.
Exiting the council tent, Qin Guan's brow furrowed deeply. Though Liu Yun had even participated in the hunting expedition to conceal the truth, those with heart pain syndrome absolutely cannot practice martial arts - archery included. Even if Liu Yun could draw a bow, as Yan Chi had said, it would be nearly impossible for him to shoot Tuoba Hong squarely in the chest with such precision and force, inflicting such a severe wound.
If not Liu Yun, then who? Could it truly be internal strife within the Northern Wei royal family?
This thought led Qin Guan's mind to Tuoba Rui's face. Young and arrogant, Tuoba Rui had an especially strained relationship with Tuoba Wu. His mother was the most favored imperial consort, and his maternal family wielded significant power. Given these circumstances, it was absolutely impossible for him to lack ambition. Could it be him...
Lost in these thoughts, Qin Guan headed straight for Tuoba Hong's tent. As she approached the entrance, she saw Tuoba Rui standing outside. Among the guards were two additional Northern Wei sentinels, one of whom was Xu Chang, who had represented Northern Wei in the martial competition. Tuoba Rui appeared to be peering inside, but the guards outside steadfastly prevented his entry.
Qin Guan quickened her pace. "Your Highness, the Fifth Prince—"
Tuoba Rui turned and, upon seeing Qin Guan, immediately cupped his hands in salute. "Ninth Miss, you saved my elder brother. Thank you."
After studying Tuoba Rui for a moment, Qin Guan sidestepped slightly and said, "I merely did what I could. The Crown Prince remains in critical condition. Whether he ultimately awakens depends on heaven's will."
Tuoba Rui brushed his robe with the hand at his side. "May I not go in to see my elder brother?"
Qin Guan shook her head. "The Crown Prince must not be disturbed at present and cannot be exposed to drafts. I beg Your Highness's understanding."
Tuoba Rui glanced back at the heavily guarded tent. "Of course, of course. With the culprit still at large, my elder brother must be well protected, lest the assailant attempt to take his life!"
Qin Guan nodded. "Precisely. I'm glad Your Highness understands."
Having spent two days and one night at Weishan with Yan Chi, Tuoba Rui still showed signs of fatigue. Watching his expression, Qin Guan couldn't discern whether his concern for Tuoba Hong was genuine or masked ulterior motives. After exchanging a few more words, Tuoba Rui took his leave first. Qin Guan stood for a moment longer before turning to enter Tuoba Hong's tent.
Inside, she was surprised to find Tuoba Wu present. "Princess, the Fifth Prince was just outside."
Tuoba Wu turned around. "I heard. Xu Chang and the others were arranged by me..."
Her hesitant expression immediately struck Qin Guan as peculiar. "Then why didn't you go out, Princess?"
Tuoba Wu looked directly at Qin Guan. "I think what you said makes sense. I've learned about Liu Yun's condition. Could it be that he isn't the one who harmed my elder brother?"
Qin Guan nodded at once. "The Third Prince suffers from heart pain syndrome, and it's a chronic condition at that. In principle, he wouldn't have been capable of shooting Crown Prince Tuoba in such a manner—"Tuoba Wu sneered coldly, "I never expected Liu Yun to be such a sickly weakling—and such a convincing actor! All just to deceive the Emperor and Empress into marrying the Fifth Princess to him!" His tone then darkened, "If it wasn’t Liu Yun, then it has nothing to do with Western Liang! And if it’s unrelated to Western Liang, Great Zhou couldn’t be responsible either. Could it be Northern Wei’s own internal affair?"
Qin Guan pursed her lips and nodded, "That’s a possibility."
At these words, Tuoba Wu’s expression turned icy. "Crown Prince Brother is the designated Heir Apparent in Northern Wei. No matter how favored his other brothers are, there’s absolutely no chance of that changing. So they took advantage of his diplomatic mission to Great Zhou to harm him?"
His eyes filled with cold fury, Tuoba Wu declared, "If that’s the case, I will track down the culprit without fail!"
After considering this possibility, Tuoba Wu’s mood remained visibly grim. Qin Guan sighed inwardly but offered no consolation. The two remained until nightfall before departing separately, leaving the main tent under the temporary care of the Head of the Imperial Hospital.
Meanwhile, Yan Chi continued interrogating others with Zhao Yu. The remaining suspects were all noble scions of Great Zhou—no matter how they were questioned, nothing substantial emerged. With no apparent motive for harming anyone, the interrogation Path reached an impasse. In the strategy tent, Zhao Yu lamented with a worried frown, "The interrogations are getting nowhere. We’ve only ruled out Liu Yun. At this rate, how long until we find anything useful?"
Lin Zhang interjected, "We’ve already inspected the Armaments Supervision Department. Every arrow is strictly accounted for—not one more or less. Therefore, the arrow that struck Crown Prince Tuoba could only have come from their own supply."
Zhao Yu quickly suggested, "Is it possible that an arrow shot by Crown Prince Tuoba’s party wasn’t retrieved and was later picked up by someone else?"
Lin Zhang replied, "With the dense forests on Weishan Mountain and the chaotic, ever-changing situation that day, your theory isn’t impossible. But that would make the scenario even more convoluted."
They had taken hundreds of troops up the mountain again, spending two days and one night roughly mapping each squad’s routes. If someone had truly lied to them, there would inevitably be inconsistencies. Yet they couldn’t take everyone back up the mountain—too many voices, too hard to distinguish truth from falsehood.
The routes tangled like a complex web; one misplaced knot could trigger intricate complications. Focusing efforts here was exhausting and yielded minimal results.
Yan Chi frowned slightly, "For now, keep close watch on the suspects. We’ll take the rest slowly."
Without another word, Yan Chi left after this brief statement. Lin Zhang and Zhao Yu exchanged puzzled glances. Meanwhile, Yan Chi headed straight to his own tent after exiting. Shortly after, Bai Feng slipped out from the tent and soon arrived near the Empress Dowager’s quarters. After whispering something to Baiying, he quickly turned and departed.
...
...
Early the next morning, Qin Guan entered Tuoba Hong’s tent and immediately continued checking his pulse. Moments later, her expression brightened. The three imperial physicians watching nearby hurriedly asked, "Ninth Miss, how is he?"
Qin Guan nodded, "His pulse has strengthened somewhat."
She then promptly examined the wound. Indeed, Tuoba Hong’s injury had shown signs of healing.Qin Guan breathed a sigh of relief at once. "It seems the newly changed medicine is taking effect!"
The three imperial physicians rejoiced simultaneously. Although Qin Guan was the one who saved the patient this time, Tuoba Hong's recovery would not only benefit the diplomatic relations between Northern Wei and Great Zhou but also earn them rewards. Feeling reassured, Qin Guan first asked the three physicians to rest and then ordered someone to inform Tuoba Wu. Soon enough, Tuoba Wu arrived at the tent!
"Has Elder Brother the Crown Prince really improved?!"
Qin Guan smiled. "Would I lie to you?!"
Tuoba Wu's face was full of joy as she stepped forward and grasped Tuoba Hong's hand. Before they could exchange more than a few words, Tuoba Rui also arrived at the tent entrance. "Xu Chang, has Eldest Brother gotten better?"
Xu Chang replied respectfully, "Fifth Highness, from what Ninth Miss said, that seems to be the case!"
Tuoba Rui's smile widened. "That's truly wonderful!"
As he spoke, the tent flap was lifted, and Tuoba Wu emerged. The joy on her face was genuine. "Fifth Imperial Brother! Elder Brother the Crown Prince has improved. Judging by this, he should wake in a few days!"
Tuoba Rui stood on tiptoe, peering inside. "Excellent, excellent! It's a pity I can't go in to see Eldest Brother! Imperial Sister, these next few days will rely on you to care for Eldest Brother! Once he wakes, we'll immediately know who the culprit is!"
Tuoba Wu studied Tuoba Rui intently, then could only nod with a smile. "Rest assured, you must also keep an eye on the movements outside these days. Catching the culprit sooner will only benefit Elder Brother the Crown Prince, with no drawbacks!"
Tuoba Rui nodded. "Naturally!"
Satisfied, Tuoba Wu nodded. "Inform the others as well, so they can set their minds at ease."
Accompanying them were several envoys from Northern Wei, all senior officials from the Ministry of Rites who held Tuoba Hong in high esteem. Tuoba Rui promptly nodded and turned to relay the message.
Watching Tuoba Rui leave, Tuoba Wu stood still for a moment. "The Crown Prince's condition has improved. For the next few days, no one is to enter the main tent casually, and the delivered medicine must not be neglected. Medicine brought by strangers must never enter the main tent."
Xu Chang and the others hurriedly assented. Tuoba Wu nodded before turning to re-enter the tent.
As soon as she entered, Qin Guan asked, "How did it go?"
Tuoba Wu's brow furrowed into a deep crease. "Nothing stands out. He genuinely seems concerned about Eldest Brother."
Qin Guan then said, "For these two days, only the two of us will guard the tent. I'll inform the three imperial physicians that their assistance isn't needed, to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the chaos to harm him."
Tuoba Wu naturally agreed. Having been on edge for days, she now saw hope and became even more meticulous. Although the rain had stopped, the tent still felt damp. Qin Guan ordered a small stove to be brought in and had white vinegar and boiled wine sprinkled throughout the tent, inside and out. All precautions were taken, waiting only for Tuoba Hong to awaken.
Yan Huai hadn't expected Tuoba Hong's situation to improve so quickly. That very evening, he ordered a grand feast for all officials. Due to Tuoba Hong's incident, the grand hunt had been interrupted, and the entire camp had been somber for days. Now that Tuoba Hong had improved, even though the culprit remained at large, as long as he was safe, the darkest cloud over the camp had lifted.That night, the camp square was brightly illuminated by blazing bonfires as if it were daytime. Yan Huai had brought the Empress Dowager, Zhao Shuhua, and all the noble ladies from the rear palace to the banquet. Below, aside from imperial clansmen like Yan Chi and Yan Che, everyone else including female family members were allowed to attend. The entire vast square was filled with seating arrangements placed side by side, with only the central high platform reserved for dancers and musicians.
This was the largest night banquet since the hunting expedition began. Even Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang were among the attendees. Because Qin Shu held the title of Loyal and Brave Marquis and Qin Chaoyu was the future Crown Princess, their seating positions were quite prominent. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were extremely excited, as this was their closest encounter with the imperial nobility.
"Why don't I see Ninth Sister?"
Qin Shuang looked around but couldn't spot Qin Shuang, feeling quite surprised. Qin Xiang whispered, "I heard she's been staying by Crown Prince Tuoba's side and can't leave. Even the Empress Dowager didn't make her follow along."
Qin Shuang stuck out her tongue, "Ninth Sister is truly remarkable! She saved the Empress Dowager, and now she's saved Crown Prince Tuoba! She'll be Crown Prince Tuoba's great benefactor from now on. And that Crown Prince Tuoba is the future Emperor of Northern Wei!"
Qin Xiang smiled without responding, her gaze fixed on the distant main seating area.
Yan Huai's imperial majesty went without saying, while figures like Yan Che and Yan Qi beside him were truly outstanding among men. Though Qin Xiang had been in the capital for many days, this was her first time witnessing such a magnificent imperial night banquet. Such extravagant pleasures were beyond ordinary people's imagination.
Under the vast sky and expansive land, accompanied by palace music and dance, this kind of free yet luxurious banquet made Qin Xiang feel she would remember it for a lifetime. But would she ever get to attend a second time?
The answer seemed negative, for when she glanced away, she seemed to spot Xue Qingshan in charge of security again!
The night was deep. While the square was brightly lit, the surrounding auxiliary tents were shrouded in darkness. There was a time when Qin Xiang had been among those in the shadows, but now she was an honored guest in this radiant, dazzling place!
Lifting her chin, Qin Xiang straightened her back and smiled.
Liu Yun, who had fainted earlier, had now awakened. Learning that his heart pain syndrome had been exposed, he naturally understood his hopes of marrying the Fifth Princess were dashed. Disheartened and frustrated, he felt both anger and helplessness toward Yan Chi. Despite his condition, he still attended tonight's banquet. Whereas he used to constantly curry favor with the Fifth Princess, tonight he showed no interest even when Xiao Lan came running toward him, drawn by his scent.
"Xiao Lan!" Yan Zhen hurried over and scooped up the creature. Looking at Liu Yun's still-pale complexion, she asked, "How is the Third Prince's condition? This little one doesn't know if it's missing its former master - it keeps trying to run outside these past two days."
It wasn't that Xiao Lan missed its former master - he had someone apply guiding fragrance to it. Liu Yun listlessly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Princess. I'm much better. Xiao Lan did come from Western Liang after all, so there's no need to worry."
The Fifth Princess glanced at Liu Yun, uttered an "Oh" with a nod, and walked away.
Liu Yun slammed the table hard! The exertion immediately made him pale and bend over in pain. Fu Desheng nearby quickly asked, "Your Highness? What's wrong? Is the pain returning?"
His recent illness hadn't fully recovered, but Liu Yun didn't want to lose face, so he insisted on attending. Now, having worked himself up again, it seemed another attack was imminent. Fu Desheng immediately stood up, "Your Highness, please wait. This general will retrieve your medicine."Liu Yun nodded, and Fu Desheng quickly strode away.
Tuoba Rui sat restlessly in his seat, his eyes wandering idly. After a moment, he suddenly stood up and said, "Why hasn't Imperial Sister arrived? I'm going to check—"
Yan Qi, who was seated closest to him, smiled and said, "Fifth Highness, go quickly and return soon."
Tuoba Rui nodded with a smile and hurriedly rose, heading in the direction of the medicine chamber.
Yan Qi remained seated, but his gaze fell upon the banquet tables of the officials and their families below. Scanning the crowd, he found no suitable noblewoman from the imperial clan to marry into Northern Wei or Western Liang. His eyes suddenly fixed on Qin Xiang, who was seated at the Qin family's table. His eyebrows raised slightly, and a flicker of interest sparked in his eyes. Just then, Qin Xiang seemed to sense his gaze and looked over. When she saw Yan Qi watching her, her face flushed, and she immediately lowered her eyes...
This reaction only deepened the interest in Yan Qi's eyes.
The night banquet was in full swing. Since Tuoba Hong's condition had improved, Yan Huai announced that the hunting expedition would continue the next day. Many attendees had come specifically for the hunt, so this announcement stirred excitement. Liu Yun, however, felt a sharp, persistent pain in his chest. After waiting for what felt like an eternity with no sign of Fu Desheng's return, he frowned and stood up unsteadily, heading toward his own tent.
Fu Desheng knew where he kept his pills—why hadn't he returned after all this time?!
Lost in thought, Liu Yun walked outward. Others noticed his departure with surprise, but knowing of his severe illness, no one stepped forward to stop or question him. Just then, the music and dance on the central stage in the square changed to a new tune, capturing everyone's attention.
Clutching his chest with one hand, Liu Yun grew increasingly irritated at Fu Desheng's prolonged absence. But as he reached the edge of the square, a shadow suddenly lunged out from the narrow Path between the auxiliary tents. Before Liu Yun could identify the figure, it threw itself at him with tremendous force, reeking of pungent blood. Caught off guard, Liu Yun was slammed to the ground!
He gasped in shock and looked up to see a face smeared with blood and grime pressing down on him. The face was streaked with bloodstains, and the eyes were filled with agony. Looking more closely, he recognized the features—who else could it be but Fu Desheng?!
Liu Yun's eyes widened. "General Fu!"
"Third High—"
Fu Desheng opened his mouth, but as soon as he uttered two words, a torrent of bloody foam gushed from the corners of his lips.
OpenNovel