From behind the screen emerged a woman with elegant brows and eyes, her hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a man's round-collared brocade robe with lotus medallion patterns and a right lapel. Her tall figure carried an air of effortless grace—who else could it be but Yue Ning?!
Qin Guan's heart swelled with pleasant surprise, instantly understanding why Yuan Qing had been smiling so meaningfully earlier.
This had clearly been deliberately kept from her!
Qin Guan hurried forward a few steps as Yue Ning laughed, "I returned yesterday. Knowing you must be exhausted from your return from Weishan, and that we needed to settle in at the old marquis residence, I didn't summon you. Learning today was your ceremony to be enfeoffed as a commandery princess, grandmother and mother brought me to the palace early to wait for you. Come quickly—they've been waiting for you for a long time."
Qin Guan's eyes brightened, "Are grandmother and foster mother both here?"
Yue Ning smiled, "Naturally. If we're returning, of course everyone came back."
As Qin Guan followed Yue Ning inside, she glanced at Yuan Qing, who beamed, "Commandery Princess, please don't blame this old servant. The Empress Dowager and Grand Princess instructed me not to tell you beforehand."
The Empress Dowager had always been close with the Grand Princess, and now these two sisters-in-law had joined forces like children wanting to give Qin Guan a surprise. Chuckling to herself, Qin Guan proceeded inward. Passing the screen into the inner chamber, she immediately saw the Grand Princess and Empress Dowager seated on the luohan bed by the window, with the Emperor in a lower seat nearby. The Anyang Marquis and Jiang Shi sat to the side, while Yue Qing stood beside Jiang Shi with a faint smile. Everyone turned to look as Qin Guan and Yue Ning entered.
Qin Guan's eyes sparkled as she hurried forward to pay respects, but when she began to curtsy to the Grand Princess, the latter pulled her close. "Come here, come here! Let me see if you've lost weight these past months!"
After looking Qin Guan up and down, she sighed, "Ah, you really have grown thinner. How did this happen? How could you lose weight even at the marquis residence?"
The Empress Dowager snorted upon hearing this, "Princess, are you implying that I've mistreated Ninth Girl?"
The Grand Princess blossomed into a radiant smile, "How could that be? I've heard how well the Empress Dowager treats Guan'er."
Qin Guan laughed softly at their exchange but asked, "Grandmother, how long was your journey? How is your health? Was the travel arduous? Did you use the medicine I left you?"
As Qin Guan fired off questions one after another, the Grand Princess kept hold of her hand, boasting triumphantly to the Empress Dowager, "You see? She worries about me. I haven't spoiled her for nothing."
The Empress Dowager couldn't help laughing. This Grand Princess born of imperial blood was fundamentally different from herself.
Though she came from the Mu clan and possessed a spirited disposition herself, the Grand Princess was heaven's favored daughter. Compared to her, the Grand Princess exhibited even more untrammeled freedom—a trait still evident even at their age.
"Don't worry, I used all the medicine you left. After you departed, I only felt unwell once. Fortunately, Divine Doctor Huang had just returned then and changed my prescription—I recovered quickly. I've been fine these past six months. When spring arrived, I thought it time to return for a visit, so we set out. I received all your letters and read every one, but it was difficult to reply while traveling. I also wanted to surprise you, which is why I didn't inform you of our return. Had you known, wouldn't you have worried?"
Qin Guan carefully examined the Grand Princess's complexion and indeed found her looking quite healthy, feeling slightly relieved. "That's good then. I was only concerned about your health enduring long journeys."The Grand Princess sighed, "It's all thanks to you, otherwise I don't know if I could have returned. It's been ten years since I left the capital. After all, I grew up here, and it's good to be back."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager said, "I've long wanted you to return, but you were unwilling. Who would have thought Ninth Girl would be your turning point?"
The Grand Princess smiled brightly, "Last year, I thought I was going to die in Jinzhou. After Ninth Girl saved me, I felt that if I had truly died like that without returning to the capital, there would have been many regrets in my heart. Later, when Ninth Girl left first, I kept worrying about her in my heart."
The Empress Dowager also looked affectionately at Qin Guan, "Both our lives are indebted to Ninth Girl. This is fate, no wonder we were closest when we were young..."
The Grand Princess teased, "Are we not close now?"
The Empress Dowager laughed heartily and immediately instructed Mammy Chen to prepare a banquet, insisting on keeping the Grand Princess and her family for the entire day.
Yan Huai had just returned from Weishan and was in a good mood. Seeing the Grand Princess and the Empress Dowager chatting and laughing, he was naturally happy. Not long after, the Empress arrived with Yan Che. Shortly after they arrived, Feng Lingsu brought Yan Qi over. The Grand Princess had come directly to the Longevity and Health Palace upon entering the palace. When Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu heard about this and had to summon Yan Che and Yan Qi to the palace, they arrived later.
As for the younger generation, whom the Grand Princess hadn't seen for many years, she smiled at Yan Che and Yan Qi and said, "When I left, you were just little children this tall—" She gestured to her waist, "Now, you've all grown up. I heard you're both engaged?"
The Empress Dowager smiled, "Indeed. The Crown Prince is engaged to Ninth Girl's cousin, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis' household. Prince Cheng is engaged to his own cousin, the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhongguo's household."
The Grand Princess smiled until her eyes narrowed, "Good, good, all is well. By the way, where are Yan Chi and Yan Li?"
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled, "I knew you'd want to see them. I'll send someone to invite them right away. They also just returned from Weishan yesterday and probably don't know where they are now." With that, she asked Mammy Chen to relay the order.
It was already early April, the height of spring, and the weather had completely warmed up. After sitting indoors for a while, the Empress Dowager decided to take the Grand Princess and her family for a walk. Yan Huai, having matters to attend to, left first.
After Yan Huai left, the Grand Princess smiled, "The Emperor has worked diligently to govern these past ten years. It must have been very hard."
The Empress Dowager smiled gently, "The late Emperor would surely be pleased. He made the right choice back then."
Mentioning the past inevitably brought to mind Prince Gong's rebellion. The Grand Princess glanced at Yan Che and said, "Che'er, the future burden of Great Zhou rests on your shoulders. You must learn well from your father."
Yan Che quickly agreed. Zhao Shuhua then asked about the Grand Princess's health. Although Feng Lingsu was a noble consort, the Grand Princess did not initiate conversation with her. As a result, Feng Lingsu could only watch as Zhao Shuhua, Qin Guan, Yue Ning, and others gathered around the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess, unable to get a word in. Feng Lingsu felt somewhat annoyed, and Yan Qi was also displeased by the scene.
Yue Qing stood to the side, his gaze softly resting on Qin Guan.
After more than half a year apart, Yue Qing appeared more mature than before and had grown a bit taller.
Qin Guan had been held by the Grand Princess earlier and hadn't had a chance to speak properly with Yue Ning and Yue Qing. Now that Zhao Shuhua and the Grand Princess were chatting, the three younger ones finally had time to talk.Yue Qing remarked, "Fourth Sister, I heard you've also taken on a nominal post in the Ministry of Justice?"
Yue Qing's focus naturally differed from others. Yue Ning chimed in, "News of the Weishan incident has already reached the capital. We learned about it yesterday upon our return. You saved the Northern Wei Crown Prince and helped solve the case—a great achievement."
Qin Guan didn’t evade the topic. "The incident was quite sudden. I merely offered a small assistance."
Both Yue Ning and Yue Qing knew Qin Guan was skilled in corpse examination, so they weren’t surprised. However, unpleasant rumors about Qin Guan had begun circulating. Already widely known as the Little Medicine Immortal, the revelation of her involvement in autopsies had sparked all sorts of unfounded gossip.
For a woman to face such criticism was far from ideal, and Yue Ning felt deeply sympathetic toward Qin Guan.
Yue Qing added, "Being enfeoffed as a commandery princess is wonderful, but why did you also request this position? I’ve also heard you previously assisted the Lin’an Prefecture in solving a case. Wouldn’t it be better to help privately?"
Qin Guan smiled wryly. "If women could hold official positions, I’d probably seek a substantive role in the Ministry of Justice. Although I’ve helped before, it always required secrecy and caution. Since I have this ability, I might as well contribute meaningfully."
Such an explanation sounded somewhat lofty, yet Qin Guan had no better alternative. After all, a noblewoman from a marquis household persistently engaging in autopsies was inherently shocking.
Hearing this, Yue Qing’s eyes lit up. "I always knew Fourth Sister was extraordinary! Having such a heart to benefit the people truly rivals any man’s. You make me feel ashamed!"
It was Qin Guan who felt ashamed. Though she had pioneered a path few dared to tread, her motives were ultimately personal.
After strolling through the garden, everyone returned as the banquet preparations began. At that moment, Yan Chi and Yan Li arrived together at the Longevity and Health Palace. The Grand Princess had met Yan Chi the previous year, but it had been a long time since she last saw Yan Li. She engaged them in lengthy conversation, showing particular affection for Yan Li. The past incident had nothing to do with Yan Li, yet he had been unable to inherit his title for years due to those events. Living under the shadow of that affair, he had achieved little despite his age. Moreover, no one knew what Yan Huai truly thought of Yan Li, and such matters were too delicate to inquire about. Thus, they often showed Yan Li extra kindness in daily life.
Having not seen the Grand Princess for many years, Yan Li behaved as meekly as a kitten in her presence. Shortly after, Yan Huai also arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace to dine with the Grand Princess and the Empress Dowager.
After the meal, Yan Huai left to attend to state affairs, while the Empress Dowager kept everyone behind for conversation.
Upon hearing that Yue Jia had joined the Northwest Frontier Army, the Empress Dowager smiled. "Gaining experience there is excellent. Yan Chi grew up in the Northwest Frontier Army and now serves in the Ministry of Justice—I find that quite commendable. What about Yue Qing?"
Yue Qiong replied, "Qing'er also has a passion for martial pursuits. I wonder if he could train in the Imperial Guards or the Nine Gates Garrison."
The Empress Dowager laughed. "Both are demanding posts. Is Qing'er willing?"
Yue Qing promptly responded, "Since Elder Brother has already gone to the Northwest Frontier Army, how could I be unwilling to serve in the capital?"
The Empress Dowager nodded. "Excellent. You younger generation are all promising..."The Grand Princess naturally doted on her own grandson and went on to share some amusing anecdotes about Yue Jia and Yue Qing. Qin Guan's gaze shifted and she noticed Yan Li standing nearby with an indifferent expression. Everyone in this circle had achieved something, yet only he spent his days in reckless indulgence, living a careless and undisciplined life. If Yan Li were truly one of those good-for-nothing nobles, it would be one thing, but as Qin Guan observed him, she felt he wasn't.
The Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess conversed until sunset. Seeing how late it had gotten, the Grand Princess finally took her leave. "Now that I'm back, isn't it convenient to chat with you? I'll come to the palace tomorrow to keep you company."
Only then did the Empress Dowager allow the Grand Princess and her party to depart. Qin Guan, Yan Chi, and Yan Li naturally accompanied them.
By the time they exited the palace gates, the sky was already dark. The Grand Princess took Qin Guan's hand and said, "I'd like you to visit the Marquis Manor, but it's too late today. How about this—tomorrow, leave the palace early and I'll bring you to the Marquis Manor. We should also pay a visit to the Loyal Marquis Manor."
Qin Guan promptly agreed. The Grand Princess then asked Yan Chi to escort Qin Guan back. Qin Guan and the others waited until the Grand Princess's party had left before boarding the carriage. Yan Li, however, said, "Seventh Brother, you see Qin Guan home. I'll return to the manor to accompany Mother."
Yan Chi neither agreed nor disagreed. As the carriage began to move, Qin Guan lifted the curtain and looked back, catching sight of Yan Li leading his horse under the lingering sunset glow, his shadow stretching long and lonely, carrying a somewhat desolate and solitary air.
Qin Guan's heart sank slightly. "Will he be like this forever?"
Yan Chi knew what Qin Guan meant. After a moment of contemplation, he replied, "Before his case, all imperial princes involved in treason were executed along with their entire clans. So even though Grandmother dotes on him so much, she can't speak up for him."
Qin Guan understood this was not her concern and said nothing more. Inside the carriage, Yan Chi couldn't resist being affectionate with her, but Qin Guan withdrew her hand and asked, "Did you already know Grandmother was returning?"
Yan Chi chuckled, drawing her into his embrace. "They insisted I keep it secret. I had no choice…"
Seeing Qin Guan still pouting, Yan Chi softly coaxed her, and as he did, his hands began to wander. By the time they reached the Marquis Manor, Qin Guan hurriedly jumped out of the carriage and ran inside without looking back.
Once inside, she straightened her clothes and glanced back, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Having left in a hurry that morning, Qin Guan needed to stop by the main courtyard. There, she learned that Hu Shi and Qin Shu were already aware of the Grand Princess's return to the capital. Although the Marquis Manor and Marquis Anyang Manor had no personal ties, because of Qin Guan, Hu Shi and Qin Shu planned to visit the next day. Given the Grand Princess's noble status, it wouldn't do for her to visit first. Qin Guan listened, understanding that Hu Shi would never make a mistake in such matters. After exchanging a few more words, she returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard.
Fuling had been waiting in the manor and greeted her joyfully. "Miss, your storage room is about to overflow!"
After some thought, Qin Guan asked Fuling to prepare a gift as well. Although the Grand Princess didn't care about formalities, Qin Guan wanted to show her filial devotion. Hearing it was for the Grand Princess, Fuling hurried off to do so.
Not long after Qin Guan sat down, Qin Shuang arrived at Pine Breeze Courtyard with a grave expression. That morning, she had been delighted about Qin Guan's ennoblement as a county princess, but now her face was full of worry. Noticing something was wrong, Qin Guan quickly asked, "What's the matter?"
Qin Shuang tightly clutched her handkerchief. "I think there's something off about Qin Xiang."
"What do you mean, off?"Qin Shuang wore a conflicted expression, then suddenly leaned close to whisper in her ear. Upon hearing the words, Qin Guan froze instantly. "You saw it with your own eyes?"
Qin Shuang nodded. "When I entered, she was changing clothes—I saw it clearly! At first I thought it was some kind of rash, but it looked nothing like that. It seemed more like... bruises from being grabbed!"
Qin Guan’s face paled slightly. "So where did she actually go that day?"
Qin Shuang shook her head. "I don’t know. I saw it and asked her, but she refused to say a word. She insisted she was fine, and when I pressed further, she coldly shoved me out!"
"What should we do? Should we tell Aunt?"
Qin Guan sat in a daze. If this were true, she had no idea how to handle it either.
"Come, let’s go see her first—"
Qin Guan made a swift decision. Under cover of night, she went with Qin Shuang to Qin Xiang’s courtyard. Though Qin Shuang mentioned having argued with Qin Xiang, when Qin Guan saw her, Qin Xiang was beaming with joy, seemingly in high spirits.
However, upon noticing Qin Guan and Qin Shuang arriving together, Qin Xiang frowned slightly. She glared at Qin Shuang, who grew uneasy, having already disclosed the matter to Qin Guan. Blocking Qin Xiang’s line of sight, Qin Guan instructed Wan He and the others to withdraw before whispering, "Is what she told me true?"
Qin Xiang turned away. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."
Her attitude confirmed Qin Shuang’s account. Anxiously, Qin Guan urged, "What exactly happened? If... if someone took advantage of you, you must speak up."
Qin Xiang instinctively clutched the collar of her dress. "No one took advantage of me. Stop asking."
Qin Guan’s gaze sharpened as she stared at Qin Xiang. "Then how could...? If you don’t speak up—you’re about to be betrothed. If by then... how can we help you?"
Qin Xiang spun around abruptly. "I don’t need your help! If you want to help me, then act as if you saw nothing!" With a cold sneer at Qin Guan, she added, "You’re a noble lady now—just worry about yourself. I didn’t need your help before, and I still don’t. Leave—"
As she spoke, Qin Xiang pushed them both out the door, her eyes fierce as she glared at Qin Guan and Qin Shuang. "I’ll say it again: if you want to help me, say nothing!"
With that, the door slammed shut with a sharp "bang!"
Staring at the closed door, Qin Guan felt a foreboding dread stir within her.
If Qin Xiang had truly been wronged, she wouldn’t act this way. Which meant... she had consented.
Exchanging a glance with Qin Shuang, both sensed that something significant was about to unfold.
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