"Your Majesty, the military camp is rather inconvenient after all, so I wish to take my elder brother back to Lin'an first. This way, we won't hold up the main force when they return to the capital later. By leaving early, we can travel at a more leisurely pace."
Due to the Northern Wei incident, the hunting expedition had been delayed for nearly seven to eight days. Yan Huai, along with the court officials, couldn't remain away from the capital for too long and would need to depart for the return journey in another two or three days. Although Tuoba Hong had regained consciousness, the camp's limited conditions were unsuitable for proper recuperation and nourishment. Thus, Tuoba Wu saw no reason to delay further—staying in camp served no purpose, and an early return to the capital was preferable. If they traveled with the main force, Tuoba Hong's current physical state wouldn't allow him to keep pace.
When Tuoba Wu took the initiative to propose this, Yan Huai found it difficult to outright refuse, though he feared further complications. "Can the Crown Prince endure the rigors of travel? Wouldn't it be better to rest a few more days before setting out? You could follow behind the main party without issue."
Tuoba Wu replied, "I consulted Qin Guan—my brother's wounds have already scabbed over. As long as we proceed slowly, it should be fine. It's not just that, though. The tent is crude, and his appetite has been poor these past few days. I wanted to prepare some Northern Wei dishes for him but couldn't find the ingredients. Moreover, the tent is damp and cold, and with so many people in camp, the noise and commotion aren't conducive to recovery."
A slight smile touched Yan Huai's lips. "Since Ninth Girl says it's acceptable, then it's settled. I shall assign an escort to see you back!"
Tuoba Wu quickly responded, "If Your Majesty could provide a small troop to lead and guard us, that would suffice. Our own people are adequate in number."
Not wanting any further mishaps to befall Tuoba Hong, Yan Huai agreed verbally but privately resolved to assign additional guards. He then asked, "When do you plan to depart?"
"Tomorrow morning," Tuoba Wu answered. "The journey here took two days, but our return will likely take four. By then, Your Majesty's party will also be preparing to return to the capital."
Yan Huai nodded. "Very well. I shall have Zhao Yu accompany you."
Tuoba Wu expressed her gratitude and took her leave from the command tent. Yan Huai then summoned Yuan Qing to issue instructions.
When Qin Guan next visited Tuoba Hong's tent, Tuoba Wu was conversing with him. Seeing Qin Guan arrive, Tuoba Wu stood and said, "We've already spoken with His Majesty. We'll set out tomorrow morning."
Qin Guan smiled and nodded, holding several medicine packets. "These contain both internal and external treatments. The medication must not be interrupted these next few days, and you mustn't rush on the journey."
Tuoba Wu accepted them with a smile. "Don't worry, I understand all that."
Qin Guan added, "I heard His Majesty is sending an imperial physician to accompany you?"
"Yes, His Majesty fears we might encounter difficulties on the road."
Qin Guan breathed a sigh of relief. "That's excellent news."
Tuoba Hong, propped against the headboard, had regained some vitality after another day of rest. "Ninth Miss, you've gone to great trouble for me. Once we return to the capital, I will surely repay your kindness generously."
Qin Guan simply said, "Your Highness need not concern yourself with that. For now, focus on preserving your health during the journey." She then turned to Tuoba Wu. "Will the Fifth Prince and the others be returning with you?"
Tuoba Wu nodded. "Yes, they'll accompany us. The Fifth Prince bears responsibility for escorting my brother."
A shadow of concern flickered in Qin Guan's eyes, but she ultimately said nothing further. After offering Tuoba Wu a few more words of advice, she took her leave.Upon learning that Tuoba Hong would be departing first, the Empress Dowager showed great concern and promptly sent Mammy Chen to inquire if he needed any assistance. She had initially considered arranging some maidservants to accompany him for care, but since Tuoba Wu already had his own attendants, she let the matter drop.
Inside the Empress Dowager's grand tent, Yan Li was idly playing a game of Go with Yan Sui.
Outside on the square, drums and gongs clamored noisily, and it was another brilliantly sunny day. It seemed there would be a mountain hunting excursion later. The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Li and said, "Why aren't you out playing? What are you doing cooped up in this tent?"
Yan Li stretched lazily. "Imperial Grandmother, you know how I am. Joining in the excitement once or twice is enough for me. All this constant commotion wears me out."
The Empress Dowager chuckled helplessly. "I suspect you dislike the desolate quiet of these wild outskirts and miss your female confidantes back in the capital..."
Yan Sui looked up at Yan Li with wide, curious eyes, as if asking what a female confidante was.
Yan Li cleared his throat lightly and placed a Go piece. "Imperial Grandmother, you think too recklessly of me."
The Empress Dowager snorted. "Aren't you reckless enough? When we return to the capital, I'll have your father devise a plan for you to marry!"
Yan Li's hand trembled slightly. He glanced upward with a resigned look at the Empress Dowager. "Imperial Grandmother, Seventh Brother hasn't married yet. Why are you making plans for me first?" As he spoke, his gaze swept toward Qin Guan nearby.
Qin Guan overheard Yan Li's words but remained utterly unmoved, not even glancing his way.
The Empress Dowager continued with a huff, "Your seventh brother has his own ideas, but you're too carefree. What can you achieve like this? It'd be better to marry early so someone can keep your mother company."
Yan Li propped his cheek on one hand. "Mother doesn't need company."
The Empress Dowager sighed and said to Qin Guan, "See? He never acts properly!"
Qin Guan poured tea and handed it to the Empress Dowager, smiling. "His Highness has his own ideas too. Don't worry—perhaps he just hasn't met the right person yet?"
The Empress Dowager sipped the tea Qin Guan had prepared and snorted. "When will that day ever come?"
Qin Guan smiled without replying. Turning her gaze, she noticed Yan Li still playing Go with Yan Sui, completely unaffected by the Empress Dowager's words. Qin Guan sighed inwardly. Though she had known Yan Li for some time, and he was friendly with Yan Chi, possessing an approachable and playful nature, from this perspective, he seemed somewhat inscrutable.
Since they were to depart the next day, Qin Guan took advantage of the evening to check Tuoba Hong's pulse one last time. After confirming no abnormalities, everyone felt relieved. After a moment's thought, Qin Guan asked, "How is the Crown Prince's injury healing?"
Tuoba Hong quickly replied, "I've been applying medicine these past few days. It's much better now."
Qin Guan then said, "Would you like me to examine it again?"
When Tuoba Hong was unconscious, it was one matter, but now that he was awake, examining the wound would require him to undress, which was naturally inconvenient. Tuoba Hong hadn't expected Qin Guan to be so unbothered and to offer proactively.
After a moment's consideration, Tuoba Hong loosened his front garment. "Ninth Miss, your medical skills are exceptional. Having you examine it personally would be best, though it troubles you."
Qin Guan shook her head and first inspected the wound, then examined the bruises on his body. As she looked, numerous questions arose in her mind. The injuries on Tuoba Hong's body still showed varying shades of color—how could that be possible?Tuoba Hong was pushed off a mountain ravine, and after that, he only woke up once but was completely immobilized. It was impossible for him to have inflicted new injuries on himself.
"Ninth Miss, what's wrong?" Tuoba Hong asked while fastening his robe.
Qin Guan snapped back to reality and shook her head. "The injuries are healing well, Your Highness. There's no need to worry."
With that, Qin Guan took her leave.
Tuoba Hong was set to depart tomorrow, yet a lingering doubt remained in her heart. That was why she had come again tonight. But this doubt, much like the scars on Tuoba Hong's body, seemed unsolvable—because Xu Chang was already dead.
As night fell, Qin Guan found herself heading toward Yan Chi's tent.
The case had been resolved, and Yan Chi was no longer in the strategy tent. At this hour, if he wasn't on the training grounds, he ought to be in his own tent. Without overthinking it, Qin Guan made her way there.
Arriving at the tent, she saw guards stationed outside. Their expressions shifted noticeably when they recognized her.
"Greetings, Princess—"
Although no imperial decree had been formally issued, Yan Huai had effectively announced it to the court. Yan Chi's guards were among the quickest to adapt. Qin Guan glanced toward the lit entrance of the tent and asked, "Is His Highness inside?"
No sooner had she spoken than Bai Feng lifted the tent flap. "Princess! His Highness invites you in!"
Qin Guan nodded and entered the tent.
Inside, Yan Chi sat in the main seat, several letters spread across the long table before him. Seeing Qin Guan, the corners of his lips lifted slightly. "What brings you here?"
Qin Guan had been quite avoidant of private meetings with him.
He reached out, intending to pull her closer. Qin Guan glanced toward the entrance before stepping forward and placing her hand in his. She thought he merely wanted to hold her hand, but as soon as their fingers intertwined, Yan Chi tugged abruptly, pulling her squarely into his lap. Qin Guan gasped softly and tried to sit up, but Yan Chi held her firmly by the waist, refusing to let her rise.
"Bai Feng and the others are outside. There's no need to worry."
Noticing her furrowed brow, Yan Chi gently smoothed her forehead with his thumb. "Why have you come?"
Qin Guan shot him a glare but soon relaxed. Since they were alone, she allowed him to hold her. Her expression turned serious. "Xu Chang is dead, leaving no witness, but two questions remain unresolved. I can't shake this unease."
Yan Chi waited for her to continue. Qin Guan explained, "You already know about the scars. The other issue concerns Crown Prince Tuoba's injuries. After he was rescued that day, I immediately removed the arrow and treated him. I didn’t move him for the next three days, but when I checked on him afterward, I noticed the bruises varied in color."
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "Are you suggesting the injuries were inflicted at different times?"
Qin Guan nodded. "I considered that possibility but found it hard to believe. Additionally, some of his abrasions had begun to fester. I wasn’t entirely sure—sometimes deeper injuries appear darker, while lighter ones are paler. It’s difficult to determine a time gap based solely on color. Just now, I went to reexamine Crown Prince Tuoba’s injuries and noticed that even bruises of similar severity on his shoulders and back were healing at different rates."
"So, are you certain now?"Qin Guan let out a breath. "Yes, especially the several bruises. The ointment used was the same, so the healing time should be similar. But when I checked just now, there were still noticeable differences, and not just in one place. After examining carefully, I found that bruises with abrasions haven’t fully healed yet."
Yan Chi pondered briefly, his expression turning grave. "The abrasions were from being dragged and then falling into the mountain stream!"
Knowing Yan Chi had grasped her meaning, Qin Guan looked at him and said, "After Xu Chang harmed the Crown Prince, he must have known everyone would come searching. If he had intended to destroy the evidence right then, he should have pushed the Crown Prince into the mountain stream immediately. But judging by the injuries, there was at least a two-hour gap."
"The Crown Prince went missing halfway through the Wei hour, shortly after they separated. Two hours later would be halfway through the You hour. By then, everyone else had returned except Tuoba Rui and the other guards. Could it be that Xu Chang wasn’t sure whether Tuoba Hong was dead, so he went back and pushed the Crown Prince into the stream?"
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes and lifted his chin slightly. "Xu Chang isn’t that kind of person. His archery is precise—he shot Tuoba Hong right in the heart. He’s ruthless and confident in his skills. Besides, he dismounted to check if Tuoba Hong was dead. He must have believed Tuoba Hong was dead before leaving. If he had discovered Tuoba Hong was still alive then, he would have shot again. And if he wanted to destroy the evidence, he would have done it right away."
Qin Guan had been thinking the same. "That’s why I find it very odd. After examining Crown Prince Tuoba’s injuries just now, I’m even more convinced. Also, do you remember what Xu Chang said when he died?"
At this reminder, Yan Chi recalled that Xu Chang had said there was more than one person who wanted to harm Tuoba Hong!
He knew the details of how Tuoba Hong was harmed!
"The person who shot the arrow and the one who pushed Crown Prince Tuoba into the stream are not the same."
Qin Guan nodded. "Xu Chang shot the arrow, but someone else did the rest."
That made sense! Yan Chi continued, "Although Xu Chang said those words, he didn’t name anyone. Firstly, he might not have been sure of the killer’s identity. Secondly, he probably wanted the remaining person to kill Tuoba Hong."
If Xu Chang was that ruthless, Yan Chi understood their motives better than Qin Guan did.
"If Tuoba Hong returns this time, even if Tuoba Qi learns of it in advance, there’s little he can do unless he directly rebels. But if he fails, he’ll have no way out. However, if Tuoba Hong dies in Great Zhou, it’s different. Without Tuoba Hong himself to confront him, and with Tuoba Qi in Northern Wei, he has many ways to twist the truth before the Northern Wei emperor."
Qin Guan had only witnessed tragedies among commoners driven by greed and sibling rivalry, but she was unfamiliar with royal conflicts. Hearing Yan Chi speak of it now sent a chill down her spine. Commoners’ tragedies affected only those involved in the case, but royal struggles could lead to rebellion and military upheaval at any moment, dragging countless innocents into bloodshed and carnage.
"If it wasn’t Xu Chang, then who else could it be?"A cold smile played at the corners of Yan Chi's lips. "The Fourth Prince of Northern Wei wanted to kill Tuoba Hong—could it be that the Fifth Prince didn't share the same desire? At that time, only Tuoba Rui and the remaining guards were on the mountain. Yet the guards who had been accompanying Tuoba Hong were later sent back by Tuoba Rui to deliver the message. On the surface, this arrangement seems harmless, but upon deeper reflection, it carries significant implications."
"You mean... Tuoba Rui found Tuoba Hong and intended to dispose of his body without a trace?"
Yan Chi pondered for a moment. "My guess is that when Tuoba Rui found Tuoba Hong, he likely discovered he wasn't dead yet. With only his bow and arrows at hand, delivering a fatal blow would have exposed his identity. So, he instead placed bait on Tuoba Hong's body and pushed him into the mountain stream. By the time Tuoba Hong was found days later, he would have been completely devoured by wild beasts."
A chill ran down Qin Guan's spine. She suddenly recalled the deep, gloomy profile of Tuoba Rui she had seen the previous night. That side of him had sent a shiver through her.
What had he been thinking as he silently watched Tuoba Hong?
"Unfortunately, Xu Chang is dead and cannot testify. Unless we can find direct evidence linking that mark to Tuoba Rui, he will surely shift all blame onto Xu Chang and emerge unscathed."
"He will strike again—"
Yan Chi's voice was heavy with certainty.
Qin Guan looked at him, and Yan Chi continued, "Tuoba Wu is now consumed with hatred for Tuoba Qi and is plotting to deal with him upon returning to Northern Wei. If Tuoba Hong were to die unexpectedly at this point, Xu Chang would become the perfect scapegoat. Tuoba Rui and Tuoba Wu would return to Northern Wei, join forces to overthrow Tuoba Qi, and Tuoba Wu might even feel indebted to Tuoba Rui for helping him secure the throne."
Qin Guan was startled. Would Tuoba Rui dare to attempt a second time? Having failed once and narrowly escaped exposure, if she were in his position, she would guard the secret tightly and act as if nothing had happened.
Noticing Qin Guan's astonishment, Yan Chi gently brushed her cheek and smiled. "You still don't understand Tuoba Rui's mindset. For the sake of seizing the throne, since he dared to act once, he will dare to act again. This time, however, he will be even more meticulous. And even if there's the slightest chance it wasn't Tuoba Rui, the other perpetrator won't simply give up—whether they are acting for the Fourth Prince or another Northern Wei prince."
Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat. His words rang utterly true!
With a scapegoat already in place, Tuoba Hong's accidental death now would be most convenient!
"They are leaving tomorrow morning..."
Yan Chi had known this earlier but hadn't paid it much mind. However, after Qin Guan's visit tonight and their conversation, a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "The other person likely plans to strike during the journey."
The trip would take four days, with three overnight stops. With Tuoba Wu and the Northern Wei warriors believing no one intends to harm Tuoba Hong anymore, it would be the perfect opportunity for the other culprit to act!
"Should I go inform Princess Tuoba immediately?"
Yan Chi shook his head. "No need. Let them depart."
Qin Guan's eyes shifted thoughtfully as she grasped Yan Chi's intention. "Very well, let them go." She sighed softly. "I never imagined there would be two culprits seeking to harm Tuoba Hong."Yan Chi took Qin Guan's hand and kissed it gently. "You probably don't fully understand the brutality and complexity of the struggle for the throne yet—assassination is actually the most straightforward method."
Qin Guan nodded, and Yan Chi playfully nibbled at her fingertips.
"Don't worry, I'll make the arrangements tomorrow."
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