Early the next morning, Xue Qingshan arrived at the Marquis residence for a visit. This time, he came in his capacity as a military officer of the Garrison Battalion, so even Hu Shi did not receive him. Qin Ye led Xue Qingshan into Qin Shu’s study. Soon, Qin Shu realized that this Xue Qingshan was indeed no ordinary man. Though his rank was not high, he remained neither haughty nor humble in Qin Shu’s presence. After several rounds of questions and answers, his responses were all measured and appropriate, leaving Qin Shu quite satisfied. As a result, Qin Shu instructed Hu Shi to prepare food and wine to be sent to the study.
Upon receiving the order, Hu Shi understood that Xue Qingshan must have impressed Qin Shu, and she couldn’t help but feel pleased. She immediately directed the kitchen to prepare the food and wine. Just then, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang arrived at Hu Shi’s quarters. Qin Guan had come to discuss her plan to leave the city to sweep the graves of the Second Master and Second Mistress of the Qin family.
Hearing this, Hu Shi quickly said, “I’ve already thought of what you mentioned. We’ll go out of the city together tomorrow. We also need to sweep the graves of your grandparents. Don’t worry, I’ll make the arrangements.”
Qin Guan felt relieved upon hearing this. Hu Shi added, “Since Guan’er returned, things have been different. You always remember clearly when the festivals and anniversaries come. Though I never forgot in the past, the incense you offer is different from ours after all.”
Qin Shuang, however, looked listless. Thinking of Xue Qingshan’s presence in the residence, Hu Shi asked, “What’s wrong, Shuang’er?”
A faint smile touched Qin Guan’s lips. “She’s worried about Qin Xiang.”
Hu Shi’s smile faded slightly, but she felt Qin Shuang’s concern for Qin Xiang showed she had a loyal and righteous heart. She said, “Don’t worry. Since she chose this Path, she must have some idea of whether her future will be good or not.”
Qin Shuang sighed. “We haven’t heard any news from Prince Cheng’s residence. Wan He said Prince Cheng once promised to make her his secondary consort. I wonder if he’ll be willing to keep his word.”
Hu Shi sighed as well. “Silly girl, Prince Cheng was just saying that. Feng Chenbi is the treasured daughter of the Duke’s household and Consort Feng’s most beloved niece. How could he take a secondary consort before Feng Chenbi even enters the royal residence? And once Feng Chenbi is married into the household, knowing that Qin Xiang comes from the Qin family, she will surely try to control her. Becoming a secondary consort is extremely difficult.”
Qin Shuang felt a mix of frustration and pity. “I really don’t know what she was thinking.”
Hu Shi shook her head. “Everyone in this world has their own destiny. Good people reap good rewards, and evil people suffer retribution. Those who are content may receive extra blessings from heaven, while those with overly high aspirations often have lives as fragile as paper.”
Qin Shuang was puzzled by this but noticed Hu Shi’s meaningful gaze. Just then, a servant from the kitchen came to report that the food and wine for the study were ready. Hearing this, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang realized there was a guest and took their leave from Hu Shi.
Once outside, Qin Shuang sighed and said, “Do you think Qin Xiang might be tormented to death by Feng Chenbi?”
Knowing that Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang had grown up together and shared a special bond, Qin Guan shook her head. “I don’t know how to answer that. But it’s unlikely to come to that easily. Qin Xiang must have considered this possibility, yet she still made her choice. What can we do about it?”
She continued, “Aunt is right—those with overly high aspirations often have lives as fragile as paper. You should focus more on your own marriage prospects now. As for Qin Xiang… she left so resolutely. Did she ever think of your advice?”From the very beginning, Qin Guan had little affection for Qin Xiang. Coupled with Qin Xiang's temperament, she held no fondness for her either. However, after arriving in the capital, Qin Xiang underwent a period of change in her disposition. As they spent more time together, their relationship improved compared to before. Had this continued, Qin Guan might have come to regard Qin Xiang as a true sister. Yet, just then, Qin Xiang reverted to her old ways and became entangled with Prince Cheng.
At this point, although Qin Guan felt a tinge of regret, she would not react as Qin Shuang did.
Qin Shuang, her thoughts in disarray over her own marriage prospects, tugged at Qin Guan’s sleeve and led her toward the garden for a stroll. As they walked, Qin Shuang remarked, "With Qin Xiang’s marriage plans falling through, mine will likely be delayed for a while as well. I can’t bring myself to ask Aunt Hu Shi directly. It could either be settled quickly, or we might have to wait until after Eighth Sister’s wedding."
It was mid-spring, early summer, and the marquis’s garden was a vibrant tapestry of blossoms. Chatting as they wandered, they soon found themselves near the study. Just as they were about to turn back, Qin Shuang’s sharp eyes caught two figures emerging from the corridor. She immediately recognized Qin Ye, who walked slightly ahead, but the person behind him was partially obscured. Before she could get a clear view, the two took a couple more steps forward, and Qin Shuang’s eyes widened in astonishment. She tugged urgently at Qin Guan’s sleeve. "Look!"
Qin Guan followed Qin Shuang’s gaze and was equally surprised to see Xue Qingshan walking alongside Qin Ye. Why would Xue Qingshan be here?
As an unrelated man, it was improper for them to encounter Xue Qingshan. Qin Guan tried to pull Qin Shuang away, but the latter was too stunned to move. In that brief moment of hesitation, Qin Ye and his companion spotted them.
Noticing Qin Guan’s attempt to steer Qin Shuang away and the latter’s delayed reaction, Qin Ye chuckled. "What brings you two sisters here?"
Since Xue Qingshan and Qin Shuang’s match was practically settled, Qin Ye decided to facilitate their meeting. With his call, Qin Guan could no longer leave gracefully. She turned around, and Qin Shuang hastily lowered her head.
Both were burning with curiosity: Why had Xue Qingshan come to their residence?!
This was their first time seeing Xue Qingshan up close!
Qin Guan maintained her composure. "Fourth Brother, we were admiring the flowers. And this gentleman is…"
Though she had already seen him from a distance with Hu Shi, it would be improper to admit it. She posed the question calmly. Qin Ye promptly introduced, "This is Young Master Xue. We serve together in the Garrison Battalion."
He then turned to Xue Qingshan. "Qingshan, these are my sixth sister and ninth sister."
Xue Qingshan bowed to Qin Guan. "Greetings, Yongci County Princess…"
Qin Guan waved a hand. "There’s no need for formalities, Young Master Xue."
Xue Qingshan straightened up, glanced at Qin Guan, and let his gaze sweep briefly over the bowing Qin Shuang. The atmosphere grew subtly awkward—
Qin Ye smiled. "We’re on our way to fetch Eldest Brother. Enjoy the flowers."
With that, he and Xue Qingshan departed. Qin Guan nodded, and only then did Qin Shuang dare to lift her head. She murmured dazedly, "I feel like that Young Master Xue glanced at me?"
A faint blush tinged her cheeks. "Ahem, not that I mean anything by it. He probably just looked over casually."
She then tugged Qin Guan back the way they came, musing in confusion, "Why would he come to our residence? Yesterday, Uncle and Aunt went to resolve the matter—Aunt personally visited the Xue residence. For him to come today… Could it be that he couldn’t swallow his anger?"Qin Guan chuckled, "I actually find this young master Xue quite amiable."
Qin Shuang nodded, "Now that you mention it, he really is. But why did he come? In the current situation, isn't it awkward for him to visit us? Any man would find it hard to bear having his fiancée taken away, wouldn't they?"
"They weren't formally engaged yet, only their birth characters were matched. Perhaps he came on official business?"
Hearing this, Qin Shuang found it reasonable. "Right, it must be for some official matter—"
As she spoke, Qin Shuang began recalling Xue Qingshan's appearance and smiled, "I didn't expect him to be even taller up close. As for his looks... how should I put it? He seems quite honest, but I felt a bit nervous when he glanced at me just now."
Though Qin Shuang's words were simple, Qin Guan understood her meaning. Despite their brief encounter, Xue Qingshan's dignified composure was quite striking. His features weren't particularly handsome—quite ordinary in a crowd—and his complexion wasn't fair, making him even less noticeable. Yet he stood tall and erect; though dressed in simple blue robes, one could tell he was strong and physically capable. His gaze was sharp and profound yet never intrusive or offensive—a man skilled at concealing his thoughts.
For a man, possessing a robust physique and dignified composure was already commendable. Coupled with his ability to hide his strategems, Xue Qingshan indeed appeared quite impressive at first glance. Qin Xiang, oh Qin Xiang, why didn't you take more time to understand him?
No sooner had this thought emerged than Qin Guan shook her head. Qin Xiang wouldn't see it—Xue Qingshan's lowly seventh-rank military title had already made her lose interest. From the very beginning, Qin Xiang had been unwilling and looked down upon Xue Qingshan.
Thinking this, Qin Guan couldn't help glancing at Qin Shuang beside her. While Qin Xiang was aloof and arrogant, Qin Shuang was different—she kept her feet firmly on the ground. What if she and Xue Qingshan...
At this thought, Qin Guan's eyes suddenly flickered. How could a minor seventh-rank military officer like Xue Qingshan come to report official matters to the Loyal and Brave Marquis? Moreover, Qin Ye had just escorted him out, and they emerged from the study—Xue Qingshan had come to see Qin Shu! At this sensitive juncture, summoning Xue Qingshan without reason would indeed be awkward, yet he still came.
Qin Shuang said Xue Qingshan had glanced at her...
Recalling how Hu Shi had ordered food and wine prepared, Qin Guan grew increasingly uneasy. But seeing Qin Shuang remain silent, she said nothing more and instead changed the subject to comfort her.
In the afternoon, someone suddenly arrived from the palace—Tuoba Wu had sent for Qin Guan to enter the palace.
The Tuoba party had returned several days ago, and Tuoba Hong had mostly recovered from his illness. The reason for summoning Qin Guan remained unknown. Before she could depart, Yue Ning came to the Marquis residence looking for her. Upon hearing she was heading to the palace, Yue Ning decided to accompany her.
On the way, Yue Ning remarked, "What happened in Northern Wei is truly mysterious. I heard this Northern Wei princess is difficult to deal with?"
Though Yue Ning had just returned, she was well-informed. Qin Guan smiled, "She was indeed difficult at first, but improved later. She shares a very close bond with Crown Prince Tuoba, and these events have affected her deeply."
Yue Ning asked further, "Is Crown Prince Tuoba seeking marriage?"
"That was indeed the initial plan when they first arrived, but now it's uncertain."As they conversed, the two made their way into the palace. Tuoba Wu and the others resided in the western palace quarters. When Qin Guan and Yue Ning arrived, Tuoba Wu was basking in the sun under the corridor eaves with Tuoba Hong.
The mid-spring sun was warm and soothing, yet not glaring in the slightest. Seeing Qin Guan and Yue Ning approach, Tuoba Hong hurriedly tried to rise from his reclining chair, but Tuoba Wu pressed him back down. Qin Guan quickly added, "Your Highness need not move. Please remain as you are."
Tuoba Wu smiled at Qin Guan but didn't recognize Yue Ning. However, today Yue Ning was still dressed in a man's round-collared, right-lapelled brocade robe, looking dashing and heroic. After giving Yue Ning a quick once-over, Tuoba Wu laughed and said, "This must be the County Princess from the Marquis Anyang Manor? It seems the County Princess possesses remarkable martial arts."
Yue Ning cupped her hands in salute. "Your Highness has a keen eye—"
Tuoba Wu glanced at Qin Guan, then back at Yue Ning. "Anyone who comes with Yongci County Princess must be someone close to her. With the Marquis Anyang Manor having just returned, there aren't many others it could be."
After a few more words, Tuoba Wu got to the point. "I asked you here to have you check on my brother. His wound has been healing well these past few days, but he always seems listless."
Qin Guan nodded and leaned in to take Tuoba Hong's pulse. Tuoba Hong studied Qin Guan, his expression gentle and refined. "Troubling Ninth Miss again. The wound has been healing nicely these days, but I still feel very weak."
After checking his pulse for a moment, Qin Guan straightened up. "I'll write a prescription. Do you have paper and brush?"
Tuoba Wu hurriedly fetched writing materials. Qin Guan quickly wrote a new prescription. "Take the medicine according to this prescription, and supplement it with dietary therapy. Your Highness lost a great deal of blood that day and was unconscious for several days, which severely depleted your vitality. These days, you should replenish gradually but avoid heavy tonics. I'll write a dietary supplement recipe as well."
Qin Guan wrote another prescription for Tuoba Wu. Just as Tuoba Wu was about to invite them inside to sit, the Empress Dowager sent someone to summon them—naturally, having learned of their arrival at the palace.
As Qin Guan and Yue Ning took their leave, they encountered Yan Zhen, who had come to visit Tuoba Hong. Having met Yue Ning the other day, Yan Zhen was quite enthusiastic toward her now, asking why she was here. Yan Zhen said with clear dissatisfaction, "It's all because of Mother Empress. She insisted I come visit His Highness the Crown Prince, saying that since the incident happened in Great Zhou, I, as a princess, should show more concern."
Yan Zhen's small face was scrunched up. Qin Guan and Yue Ning exchanged a glance upon hearing this. After bidding farewell to Yan Zhen, both fell into a brief silence. After a moment, Yue Ning said, "The Empress dotes on the princess dearly. Surely she wouldn't actually marry her off to Northern Wei?"
This was something Qin Guan didn't know either. In her memory, this Empress had always been the most affectionate toward Yan Zhen. But there was truly no need for such frequent visits to Tuoba Hong...
After meeting with the Empress Dowager, Qin Guan left the palace by sunset. Yue Ning first accompanied her back to the manor, staying briefly before returning to the Marquis Anyang Manor. In the evening, the Qin family dined together again. After the meal, Hu Shi kept Qin Shuang to talk. Seeing this, Qin Guan left first, feeling even more convinced of her earlier speculation.
No more than a quarter-hour after returning to Pine Breeze Courtyard, Qin Shuang came to visit.
Qin Guan sat composedly. When Qin Shuang entered, she indeed saw that her cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes flickering uncertainly. She seemed hesitant to speak, bashful and timid, yet with a trace of other doubts deep in her gaze."What did Aunt say to you just now?"
Qin Guan asked calmly, but Qin Shuang waved her hand to dismiss the others.
After Fuling and the others had left, Qin Shuang whispered, "It's unbelievable, you know? Aunt actually told me that the Xue family doesn't want to give up the marriage alliance with the Marquis' household. They want me to marry over."
Qin Guan's smile deepened slightly, showing a hint of surprise. "So that's why Young Master Xue came today..."
"Aunt said Uncle wanted to assess his character. If he's good, they'll agree to the marriage; if not, they'll consider other families. After all, it's time to arrange a marriage for me anyway. Aunt also said Uncle was very satisfied after meeting him today. Young Master Xue will return home and prepare to send betrothal gifts. My birth characters were already sent over today."
As she spoke, Qin Shuang's cheeks flushed completely red. She grabbed Qin Guan's hand and said, "I can't believe this is real. Do you think... will Qin Xiang blame me? I feel like I'm stealing something that belonged to her."
Qin Guan sighed. "This is your splendid match. From the moment she became involved with Prince Cheng, this marriage was no longer hers! They only matched birth characters - no betrothal gifts were ever exchanged. Besides, she never intended to go through with this marriage from the beginning!"
Qin Shuang pursed her lips. "But I still feel... Do you think the Xue family only wants to marry me because they don't want to lose the Marquis' household as in-laws? Does Young Master Xue actually prefer a legitimate daughter like Qin Xiang?"
Qin Guan shook her head helplessly. "At this point, Young Master Xue must have figured out why Qin Xiang went to Prince Cheng's royal residence. If he's sensible, he should cherish you properly. If not, the Marquis' household will still have your back."
Qin Shuang stared blankly for a moment after hearing this. "You're right. Besides, even if he doesn't like me, I don't plan to be completely submissive to him. I'm marrying to live my life. If he's truly sensible, I won't treat him poorly. If he's not, I'll just live my own life separately. There are no other family members in the Xue household - I should be able to manage my own life, right?"
Qin Guan laughed. "Of course you can! With your temperament, you'll definitely live well!"
Qin Guan's words seemed to boost Qin Shuang's confidence. Her eyes sparkling, Qin Shuang suddenly hugged Qin Guan tightly. "I think I can live well too! I'm so happy - I can finally marry into a good family!"
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