Early the next morning, Xue Qingshan personally delivered the betrothal gifts to the Marquis' residence. Though the Xue family wasn't particularly wealthy, the betrothal gifts filled the front courtyard of the Marquis' estate. The servants, seeing such an abundance of gifts, were all filled with envy.
Xue Qingshan, dressed in a brand-new silk robe with his hair neatly combed and gleaming, stood in the courtyard—a strikingly handsome and upright young man. Some of the servants who knew the inside story couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Even if the Xue family's status couldn't compare to the Marquis', the betrothal gifts alone showed their sincerity toward Qin Shuang. Moreover, this young master Xue was exceptionally dignified. If Qin Xiang hadn't made that foolish mistake, this marriage would have been hers. What a pity! Such a shame!
Once the betrothal gifts were delivered, Qin Shuang's wedding date was set. It was already early April, and after discussing with Qin Shu, Xue Qingshan decided on the third day of May, just before the Dragon Boat Festival—an auspicious day indeed!
Qin Guan pulled Qin Shuang aside to sneak a peek from the back hall. Though Qin Shuang was usually bold, this time she took only one glance before running off. When Qin Guan returned to the inner courtyard, Qin Shuang, her face flushed, asked, "Why did he personally deliver the betrothal gifts?"
Qin Guan laughed. "He has no brothers in his family, so it's good that he came himself. Not only did he deliver the gifts, but he also decided the wedding date. This shows he's already in charge of the Xue household. If he can make these decisions, then you, the lady he's decided to marry, certainly won't be mistreated." Qin Guan nodded repeatedly. "This Xue Qingshan is quite impressive."
The Great Zhou dynasty governed with benevolence and filial piety, which were undoubtedly virtuous principles. However, for young women, there was always the fear of marrying a man who couldn't take charge—either weak and incompetent, leading the family to ruin, or blindly obedient to his parents' every command. If one encountered unreasonable in-laws, the bride would suffer.
Xue Qingshan had discussed delivering the betrothal gifts yesterday and today he personally came to do so. He handled the gifts, set the wedding date, and acted decisively and efficiently, while the betrothal preparations were thorough. This showed he was both reliable and resolute! That was excellent!
Qin Shuang's cheeks flushed like rosy clouds, and she suddenly became a bit shy. "Is he really that good? You're not fooling me, are you?"
Qin Guan chuckled. "How do you want me to praise him? Why don't you tell me after you're married whether he's good or not? For now, it's hard to say for sure..."
Teasingly, Qin Guan's words made Qin Shuang's face turn even redder, though a smile spread across her lips. "It's still so far away!"
Then, Qin Shuang grew anxious again. "Ah, but when you think about it, it's only a month away. That's not far at all! I haven't prepared anything yet. What should I do?"
Qin Guan pulled her back to their courtyard. "In that case, you should go back and embroider your Wedding Gown!"
As they walked, Qin Shuang voiced all sorts of worries, yet she was unconsciously immersed in shyness and joy, which even stirred Qin Guan's excitement. Though Qin Guan's embroidery skills were only average, she helped Qin Shuang prepare for the wedding. In the afternoon, when they heard Xue Qingshan was leaving, Qin Guan dragged Qin Shuang to sneak another look, causing Qin Shuang to blush deeply once more.
Early the next morning, the entire Marquis' household went outside the city to sweep the graves and pay respects to their ancestors.In early April, spring was at its peak, yet for some reason, the weather was rather gloomy that day. The Qin Manor household set out in four carriages, with Qin Yan and Qin Ye riding horses alongside, heading southward through the city gates and straight toward Qiyun Mountain.
Although the second master of the Qin family and his wife were not Qin Guan’s parents, she dared not neglect her duty to fulfill the filial piety owed by the Ninth Miss.
Around the Qingming Festival, tomb-sweeping was a must. After an hour’s journey beyond the city gates, they arrived at the foot of Qiyun Mountain. The mountain path was bustling with people coming and going, all there to honor their ancestors. Occasionally, they encountered acquaintances of Qin Shu, requiring the carriages to halt for greetings. Thus, by the time they reached the Qin family cemetery, it was already past the hour of Si.
The accompanying Qin clansmen first cleared the weeds that had grown in the cemetery. Qin Yan and Qin Ye lit incense and candles, paying respects first to the old Marquis of Loyalty and Courage and his wife, then proceeding to the graves of Qin Yi and his wife. The younger generation followed suit, offering incense and bows. Qin Guan knelt and burned paper money before rising. After the rituals, Qin Shu led the younger ones on a round, lighting incense at several other ancestral graves of the Qin family. By the time all was done, another hour had passed. Seeing the sky darkening, the Qin family prepared to descend the mountain.
As the carriages wound their way down the mountain path, just as they reached the foothills, Qin Guan spotted a familiar figure. Before she could speak, Qin Yan called out, "Zhan Butou—"
At this call, Zhan Yang, who was riding ahead, turned around.
Seeing it was the Qin family’s procession, Zhan Yang reined in his horse and waited briefly. As the carriages drew near, he greeted Qin Shu, Qin Yan, and the others. Noticing Qin Guan lifting the carriage curtain, he cupped his hands and said, "Greetings, County Princess—"
Qin Guan smiled slightly. "Zhan Butou, have you also been paying respects to your family?"
Zhan Yang nodded. "I didn’t expect to run into you all here."
Qin Yan, Qin Shu, and Zhan Yang were quite familiar, so it was natural for them to travel together upon meeting. Qin Ye, also young and only a few years younger than Zhan Yang, was currently serving in the Garrison Battalion. Gathering together, they had plenty to discuss.
Qin Guan watched for a moment before lowering the curtain, her thoughts turning to what Yan Chi had previously told her.
Zhan Yang had once had a younger sister, who had passed away due to an incident.
Qin Guan didn’t know exactly whom Zhan Yang had been visiting, but it wasn’t appropriate to inquire further, so she set the matter aside for now. Listening to the cheerful banter outside, the group made their way back to the capital.
Inside the carriage, Qin Shuang sat beside Qin Guan. Having also seen Zhan Butou, she whispered, "Zhan Butou is several years older than our elder brothers, right? Why hasn’t he married yet?"
Qin Guan shook her head with a light laugh. "I wouldn’t know about that. In Great Zhou, women face criticism for marrying late, but men have it much easier. Perhaps Zhan Butou is focused on making his mark and building a career?"
Qin Shuang, unfamiliar with such matters, murmured again, "I wonder what kind of young ladies Third Brother and Fourth Brother will marry."
At this, Qin Guan nodded. Qin Yan and Qin Ye were indeed at the age for marriage discussions. However, this year’s foremost event was the grand wedding of Qin Chaoyu and the Crown Prince; other matters would have to wait.
In the carriage ahead of them, Qin Chaoyu was speaking with Hu Shi. "Mother, now that Qin Guan has been enfeoffed as a county princess, how should we approach arranging a marriage for her in the future?"
Hu Shi found the question odd. "What’s this? Are you thinking of matchmaking for your sister?"
Qin Chaoyu replied with a faint, ambiguous smile. "What sister is she to me?"Hu Shi listened with a slight start, "Why say such things? What happened? These words mustn't reach Wan'er or your father! Her status is different now, and your father won't allow our family to stir up any more gossip."
How could Qin Chaoyu not understand these principles? But ever since returning these past few days, the thought of Qin Guan privately sending tea to Yan Che made her feel as if a hundred claws were scratching at her heart. How could such a woman exist?! She was already engaged to the Crown Prince, yet she sent tea to him—was that appropriate?!
The more Qin Chaoyu thought about it, the angrier she became, yet she knew it wouldn't do to make a scene and cause embarrassment, so she only confided in Hu Shi.
"I know, but I just feel miserable inside!"
Hu Shi smiled bitterly, "Is it because she was granted the title of Junzhu?"
Qin Chaoyu shook her head, pressing her lips together unwilling to speak. Seeing this, Hu Shi grew even more concerned, "What exactly is the matter? Tell your mother. If it's truly Wan Yatou's fault, I can help you think it through. Would my heart ever side with others?"
Qin Chaoyu hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. After a long pause, she still shook her head, "Forget it, Mother. Knowing would only upset you. It's not really a big deal anyway—just something bothering me."
"If something's bothering you... is it related to the Crown Prince?"
Hu Shi was quite perceptive. Seeing she couldn't hide it anymore, Qin Chaoyu finally revealed the truth. Hu Shi was shocked to hear it, "She not only sent tea to the Crown Prince but also lied to you?"
"Yes! I specifically asked her, but she deceived me! If I hadn't gone to see the Crown Prince, I might never have found out!"
Hu Shi frowned slightly. Though it wasn't exactly like giving a love token, this matter was indeed improper! Never mind the boundaries between men and women—sisters should be even more cautious. Qin Guan's behavior truly invited speculation.
Hu Shi patted Qin Chaoyu's hand, "Don't overthink it for now. We don't yet know the full story behind this."
Once Qin Chaoyu had made up her mind, it wasn't easy to change her perspective, "Mother, are you defending her?!"
Hu Shi smiled bitterly, "Silly child, how could I take someone else's side? Just observe for now. If she oversteps again, we'll address it. If not, let's pretend we never knew about this matter."
Qin Chaoyu wanted to say more, but Hu Shi grasped her hand and said, "If you can't even tolerate a few packets of tea, how will you handle the three thousand consorts who will surround the Crown Prince in the future—"
At these words, Qin Chaoyu finally pressed her lips together and fell silent.
The party returned to the capital, and Zhan Yang parted ways with the others, returning to the Marquis estate. Everyone was somewhat fatigued, and Qin Guan didn't enter the palace either. However, the very next day, an imperial decree setting Qin Chaoyu's wedding date with the Crown Prince arrived at the Marquis estate!
On the twenty-eighth of June, Crown Prince Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu would be married.
Simultaneously, Prince Cheng Yan Qi and Feng Chenbi's wedding was scheduled for the nineteenth of July.
With the two royal weddings so close together, the palace and beyond suddenly became bustling with activity. The Marquis estate had to prepare for both Qin Shuang's wedding and Qin Chaoyu's wedding. After receiving the imperial decree, Qin Chaoyu still needed to enter the palace to express her gratitude.
While the entire Marquis estate grew lively, Qin Shuang pulled Qin Guan into the courtyard to embroider handkerchiefs. In the afternoon, Yue Ning came looking for Qin Guan to enter the palace and pay respects to the Empress Dowager, while the Grand Princess had already entered the palace one step ahead.When Yue Ning and Qin Guan arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace, they unexpectedly found Zhao Shuhua and Qin Chaoyu there as well. The Grand Princess, who had previously met Qin Chaoyu at the Marquis Anyang Manor, was now speaking kindly to her since Qin Chaoyu's wedding date with the Crown Prince had been set. Seeing Qin Guan and Yue Ning arrive, the Grand Princess was even more delighted.
After Qin Guan and Yue Ning paid their respects, Yan Sui emerged from the side and took Qin Guan's hand.
The Empress Dowager laughed, "When you went to Wei Mountain, you always took him along. Now that you're back, he's quite unaccustomed to it. Since you didn't come to the palace yesterday, he asked about you several times."
Ignoring what the Empress Dowager said, Yan Sui directly pulled Qin Guan outside. Having no choice, Qin Guan said, "Then I'll take the Ninth Prince out to see what he wants to do."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand with a smile. Although Yue Ning was close to Qin Guan, she truly didn't know how to play with young children and thus didn't join them.
Once Qin Guan and Yan Sui stepped out of the main gate, Yan Sui led Qin Guan to the side courtyard. He dismissed the Momma and maids behind them, bypassed the pavilion, and pulled Qin Guan toward a corner where a cage stood. Inside the cage was a golden bird.
Qin Guan was surprised at the sight of the bird. "Your Highness, is this yours?"
Yan Sui blinked, thought for a moment, and nodded. The cage was placed under the eaves in the corner, and Yan Sui had even made a nest for it on the ground. But knowing that the bird would fly away if placed in the nest, he had simply put the cage inside the nest instead.
Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh. "You brought me here to see this?"
Yan Sui nodded. Qin Guan chuckled inwardly, thinking she indeed had some connection with this bird.
In her previous life, during her first New Year's banquet in the palace with her mother, she had encountered this bird. Its wing was injured, and it had fallen to the ground. Having brought medicine with her, she treated the bird's wound. Later, in a hurry to leave the palace, she hadn't paid it further mind, never expecting the bird to survive—though clearly, it could no longer fly high. The last time she entered the palace, she had seen it again but never knew who it belonged to. To think it actually belonged to Yan Sui!
"What does Your Highness want me to do?" Qin Guan crouched down and asked with a smile.
Yan Sui crouched beside her, staring at the birdcage uncertainly. "It wants to escape—" After a long pause, he uttered these three words.
Qin Guan smiled. "It doesn't naturally live in a cage. If you let it out, it will certainly try to escape. Does Your Highness want to release it?"
Yan Sui thought for a moment but shook his head, his eyes dimming as he said, "It doesn't like me."
Qin Guan's heart sank slightly. "How does Your Highness know?"
Yan Sui pondered, then rolled up his sleeve, revealing a red mark on his fair arm—apparently a scratch from the bird's claw. Qin Guan was slightly startled, but Yan Sui pulled her and made a shushing gesture.
"Shh—"
"Don't say anything. Don't let Grandmother know."
Qin Guan felt relieved and nodded sincerely. "Your Highness, rest assured, I understand." She lowered her voice, creating a sense of shared confidence. "Your Highness was scratched by the bird?"
Yan Sui nodded. Qin Guan gave a bitter smile and then said softly, "Your Highness, birds fly in the sky, but just like people, if I were to hold you down and not let you move, would you feel uncomfortable?"Yan Sui nodded, and Qin Guan smiled, "So, Your Highness, it's best to keep it in the cage."
Yan Sui gazed thoughtfully at the birdcage and murmured, "I don't like staying in small rooms either. Shall we build a big house for it? Let it live comfortably..."
Qin Guan hesitated, unsure how to respond. "To let it live comfortably would require a very, very large house. I'm afraid even the entire imperial palace wouldn't be enough. What should we do? Birds aren't allowed to fly freely in the palace—if it flies out, someone might shoot it down..."
Yan Sui thought for another moment. "Then shall we release it outside the palace?"
Qin Guan, assuming the bird truly belonged to Yan Sui, felt comforted by his words but still asked, "Your Highness might not see it again after that. Would you regret it?"
Yan Sui's brow furrowed again, and Qin Guan looked at him gently.
Yan Sui probably didn't fully grasp Qin Guan's meaning. He was just a child, and it was natural for children to be fond of peculiar little things. Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't be willing to part with such treasures.
As Yan Sui wavered in indecision, Qin Guan suddenly sensed something amiss. Yan Sui hadn't brought the Mommas along, and when Momma Su and the others saw her leading Yan Sui, they had trusted her enough not to follow to the side courtyard. But now, in the silence, she abruptly felt a gaze fixed upon her.
Qin Guan quickly turned to look and was startled to see Yan Che standing at the entrance of the side courtyard, unnoticed until then!
Startled, Qin Guan hurriedly rose and bowed. "Greetings to the Crown Prince!"
At the sound of her voice, Yan Sui also jumped up in fright. Yan Che glanced at them both and strode over. Behind him followed Tang Fu, smiling broadly, who promptly bowed to Qin Guan and Yan Sui upon entering. His eyes then fell upon the goldfinch in the cage, and his expression shifted. He was about to speak when Yan Che raised a hand to stop him.
Yan Che asked calmly, "What are you two doing?"
Yan Sui, of course, remained silent. He instinctively grabbed Qin Guan's hand, a hint of fear in his eyes.
Qin Guan had no choice but to explain, "The Ninth Prince has been raising a bird and asked me to come see it."
A flicker of emotion passed through Yan Che's eyes as he looked at Yan Sui. "Were you just discussing releasing this bird outside the palace?"
Qin Guan turned to Yan Sui. "Has Your Highness decided?"
Yan Sui, holding Qin Guan's hand and half-hiding behind her, nodded. "Release it."
Qin Guan's smile deepened, but Tang Fu seemed on the verge of speaking, barely containing himself. Yan Che looked at the goldfinch and said coolly, "Who will release it? Will you do it?" He was looking at Qin Guan.
Qin Guan again turned to Yan Sui. "Your Highness, you are the bird's owner. What do you say?"
Yan Sui nodded once more. "Mm, you release it."
"Very well, then I shall obey—"
Qin Guan's smile was gentle and radiant. Yan Che pressed his lips together slightly but said nothing.
Yan Che looked at Qin Guan and added, "You are very patient with Little Nine."
Qin Guan gazed at Yan Sui. "The Ninth Prince may not speak much, but he is very well-behaved."
As she finished, Yan Sui shrank further behind Qin Guan. Seeing this, Yan Che said no more and instead looked at the goldfinch again. "Release it somewhere far away, so it won't be captured again."
With that, Yan Che offered no further words and turned to walk toward the main hall.With Yan Che gone, Qin Guan and Yan Sui both breathed a sigh of relief. Yan Sui peeked out from behind Qin Guan, but before he could speak, another figure appeared at the side door. Qin Guan looked up and saw it was Qin Chaoyu.
Qin Chaoyu had likely seen Yan Che leaving through this side door, and now her gaze at Qin Guan was icy cold.
Qin Guan frowned, somewhat confused, but still asked politely, "Finished talking? Are you leaving?"
Qin Chaoyu sneered, "Her Majesty the Empress sent me to see what you were doing. Little did I expect to witness that scene just now..."
That scene just now... Which scene?
Qin Guan looked utterly bewildered, but Qin Chaoyu's voice suddenly turned sharp, "You're still pretending in front of me?!"
Hearing this, Qin Guan grew even more puzzled, "What are you talking about? What scene did you see? Do you mean His Highness the Crown Prince leaving from here just now?"
Naturally, only matters related to Yan Che could make Qin Chaoyu this angry!
Though Qin Guan could grasp this point, she didn't understand why Qin Chaoyu was so furious. Her sharp questioning frightened Yan Sui, who hid further behind her. Qin Guan continued, "The Ninth Prince and I were here when His Highness the Crown Prince came over for some reason. He just said a few words and left. Don't misunderstand."
After explaining, Qin Guan felt her words were rather unnecessary. If being alone with a man might cause Qin Chaoyu to misunderstand, Yan Sui was clearly present now—Qin Chaoyu really shouldn't be reacting this way!
Qin Chaoyu sneered coldly, "You were talking here while His Highness left through the outer path. How did he end up coming to the side courtyard?"
Hearing this, Qin Guan could only smile bitterly. How would she know why Yan Che came over?!
"You should ask His Highness about that! I haven't done anything wrong. Don't question me here, and don't frighten the Ninth Prince..."
The wedding date was already set—she was the confirmed Crown Princess. Besides, how many people in the palace truly cared about this Ninth Prince anyway?
Qin Chaoyu glanced back, and Mo Yi immediately retreated to guard the doorway. Qin Chaoyu sneered, "What did you say to His Highness today? Was it about serving him tea?"
Completely baffled, Qin Guan's eyes flickered toward the birdcage. She wanted to explain but was too annoyed by Qin Chaoyu's attitude to bother. She tugged at Yan Sui's sleeve, "Your Highness, let's go."
As Qin Guan tried to lead Yan Sui away, Qin Chaoyu stepped forward and blocked her path!
She had been restraining herself for days, intending to endure silently, but today she had caught them red-handed!
"What? Guilty conscience prevents you from facing me?"
Blocked from leaving, Qin Guan's expression turned completely cold, "This is the palace. If you want to make a scene, do it when we return home!"
How dare she accuse her of making a scene?! Furious and humiliated, with Mo Yi guarding the entrance, Qin Chaoyu no longer cared that they were in the palace. She laughed in anger, "You know this is the palace?! Who permitted you to meet privately with His Highness the Crown Prince? You served him tea at Weishan but deceived me about it. Did you think I would still believe anything you say now?"
Qin Guan genuinely didn't understand, "What tea serving? How did I deceive you?"Qin Chaoyu stepped forward aggressively, "The warming tea! Your warming tea! You harbored ill intentions—first sending the tea, then denying it to my face. Now that I've exposed you, you dare flatly deny it?! I once thought you were decent, but I never expected you to share the same motives as Qin Xiang. What? Do you also aspire to enter the Eastern Palace?!"
Qin Chaoyu vented all the resentment in her heart in one breath. After speaking, however, she saw that Qin Guan didn't argue with her but merely cast a calm glance behind her. Qin Chaoyu's expression stiffened, and she quickly turned to look.
To her surprise, Yan Che, who had just left, had unexpectedly returned.
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