Following the main road south for about ten li, they turned southeast and embarked on the path to Yangshui County.
Qin Guan and Yan Chi had set off early, traveling at a leisurely pace without any urgency. Though they had known each other for over half a year, this was the first time they had journeyed together like this. Yan Chi, who usually preferred riding horses, had now joined Qin Guan in the carriage.
Leaving the capital behind, the intricate complexities of city life seemed to drift farther away from them. With over a day of travel ahead, they had plenty of time for conversation.
Qin Guan’s experiences as "Ninth Miss" had been rather uneventful, but Yan Chi’s were entirely different.
He spoke of the solitary smoke rising over the vast desert and the snowy moons beyond the frontier, recounting both the heart-pounding intensity of sieges and battles and the majestic, expansive beauty of the borderlands. Qin Guan found it all deeply stirring. She had always sensed an indescribable, composed solemnity about Yan Chi, though she had never fully understood it. Now, hearing his stories, she realized this aura had been forged in the boundless flames of war and harsh snowstorms of the western frontiers. This especially filled her with admiration and reverence for him.
As if heaven itself had blessed their journey, though it was midsummer, a fine drizzle began to fall after noon, instantly dispelling the summer heat. The carriage rumbled along through green mountains and wild fields, creating a uniquely pleasant atmosphere.
Bai Feng and the others rode on horseback outside, not even bothering to wear straw raincoats. Breathing in the distinct scent of earth and grass unique to the wilderness, Qin Guan felt her spirits grow increasingly light and carefree.
A cool breeze drifted through the carriage curtains, and the gentle rocking motion was incredibly soothing. Qin Guan leaned against Yan Chi’s shoulder, growing drowsy. Yan Chi wrapped his long arm around her, letting her rest against his chest. "Sleep if you’re tired," he said.
Perhaps because she had woken early that morning, and since there were no outsiders inside or outside the carriage, Qin Guan closed her eyes. Yan Chi watched her sleeping face and couldn’t help smiling faintly.
Qin Guan dozed lazily for a while, not quite falling into deep sleep, but she felt much more relaxed. By the time she awoke, the sky had darkened. "I wonder if there’s anyone living up ahead…"
Yan Chi sighed inwardly, grateful she hadn’t made this journey alone.
"There is, don’t worry. A few li ahead, there’s a market. We can stay at an inn tonight."
Qin Guan understood that Yan Chi had already investigated their route and felt completely at ease.
After traveling for another half-hour, they indeed came upon a small market. By evening, the market was empty, but a few taverns, teahouses, and restaurants remained open along the short street. In the middle of the street, a modest inn was still operating. Bai Feng rode ahead to the inn, and by the time the carriage stopped, he was already waiting at the entrance with a young attendant.
When Qin Guan and Yan Chi stepped out of the carriage, the attendant was startled—he hadn’t expected such distinguished guests in their small market. He hurried forward respectfully, saying, "Greetings, sir and madam. Our humble inn happens to have one superior room left…"
"We—"
Qin Guan couldn’t help wanting to correct the attendant—she and Yan Chi weren’t married yet!
But before she could finish, Yan Chi gently took her hand. With a faint, courteous smile, he said, "Please take us to the room."Qin Guan glanced at Yan Chi, who only tightened his grip on her hand.
Seeing the servant smiling at the two of them, Qin Guan said nothing more.
Entering the main hall and turning left up the stairs, the superior room was at the far left end of the inn's second floor. When the door was pushed open, the interior was indeed clean and tidy. Although the furnishings were not made of high-quality wood, for a small rural market, it was quite remarkable. What was even more impressive was the fresh azalea branches in the white porcelain vase by the window, lending the room an air of elegance. Qin Guan hadn't held high expectations for such a place, nor was she particularly delicate herself, but the room still gave her a pleasant surprise.
The servant asked respectfully, "Are the two of you satisfied?"
Yan Chi then looked at Qin Guan. "Is my lady satisfied?"
They had been mistaken for a couple, and Yan Chi made no effort to clarify, instead repeatedly calling her "my lady." Qin Guan felt her ears grow warm—this was the first time he had ever called her that!
Qin Guan nodded. "It's quite good."
Yan Chi said, "We'll take this room. Arrange accommodations for my attendants as you see fit. Prepare hot water and bring your best dishes to the room."
The servant was delighted and quickly responded respectfully. Baiying entered the room carrying the bundle, set it down, and then withdrew, closing the door behind her. Once Baiying left, only the two of them remained in the room.
Qin Guan turned to look at Yan Chi. "Are you really staying here tonight?"
Yan Chi smiled at her. "Why not? We're young and clearly look like newlyweds. Would it make sense for us to sleep in separate rooms?"
Qin Guan glared at him. "Who's newly married to you?!"
She couldn't help but feel her face grow warm. Yan Chi chuckled at the sight. Qin Guan's shy demeanor was quite different from her usual self, and Yan Chi found his thoughts wandering. He took two steps closer, removing his outer robe as he said, "We've left the capital behind. What's the harm in pretending to be newlyweds?"
After taking off his outer robe, Yan Chi tossed it onto a nearby couch and strode toward Qin Guan with a meaningful smile. Seeing his expression, Qin Guan's face changed instantly, and she stepped back repeatedly. "What do you mean, pretending to be newlyweds? Don't you dare mess around!"
By now, night had fallen outside the window. A dim lamp lit the room, casting a shadowy glow that felt inexplicably intimate. The more Qin Guan retreated, the more Yan Chi advanced. After a few steps back, Qin Guan felt something block her calves, and she lost her balance, falling backward—
Yan Chi frowned and quickly stepped forward, wrapping an arm around her waist. Qin Guan landed sitting on the edge of the bed, her head narrowly avoiding the bedpost thanks to Yan Chi's support. Startled by his expression and the near fall, she was momentarily dazed. Yan Chi laughed heartily at her reaction. "What did you think I was going to do? Why so nervous?"
Yan Chi lay down on the bed, his gaze fixed on Qin Guan, full of teasing amusement.
Only then did Qin Guan realize he had been deliberately scaring her, and her ears grew warm again. Yan Chi patted the spot beside him. "You must be exhausted after a day in the carriage. Lie down for a bit." Seeing her hesitate, he added with a laugh, "Don't you trust me?"
Qin Guan shot him a glare before lying down next to him.After a day in the carriage, she felt as though her bones had been jostled loose, so she truly lay down. As she rested, a rustling sound reached her ears. Just as Qin Guan felt puzzled, Yan Chi grasped her hand.
A warmth spread through Qin Guan’s heart, reminding her of the servant’s address: “Madam.”
“Qin Chaoyu’s wedding is approaching. After Feng Chenbi and Prince Cheng’s marriage, the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess will surely turn their thoughts to your and Yue Ning’s marriages. Even the Fifth Princess has found her match…”
Yan Chi suddenly spoke, turning on his side to look at Qin Guan.
Hearing this, Qin Guan also turned to face him, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them.
Gazing into Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes, Qin Guan suddenly asked, “Why didn’t you stop me this time? I remember you previously warned me that Prince Jin’s case and Lord Shen’s case were untouchable.”
Yan Chi raised his hand to stroke her cheek. “If I warned or stopped you, would you listen?”
Qin Guan blinked, momentarily silent. Yet her silence was answer enough. Yan Chi smiled. “In that case, I should follow your lead. You once said you still have one wish unfulfilled…”
He left the sentence unfinished, his gaze burning into her. Qin Guan met his eyes for two heartbeats before lowering her lashes. Yan Chi sighed and pulled her into his embrace. “As I’ve said before, I will never force you. This time, I’m simply glad you told me why you came to Yangshui County.”
The more he spoke like this, the more guilt Qin Guan felt. Yan Chi indulged her at every turn, and now he was joining her in investigating Prince Jin’s case. Though he hadn’t said it, Qin Guan knew that if others discovered her probing, it could stir up a storm in the capital. Gritting her teeth, she suddenly resolved herself.
“Your wish is to uncover the truth behind Prince Jin’s case. I want to know whether Lord Shen was wronged.”
She felt Yan Chi’s breath hitch for an instant before he asked, “And if Lord Shen was wronged?”
A weight settled in Qin Guan’s eyes. “If he was wronged, then I must clear his name.”
Resting her head on Yan Chi’s shoulder, she could hear his heartbeat and breathing. She had expected him to press for reasons, but instead, Yan Chi tightened his arm and lifted her onto his lap.
In a whirl of motion, Qin Guan found herself lying atop him, meeting his gaze. Yan Chi smiled gently. “I had my suspicions. Since that’s the case, we must plan carefully.”
He didn’t ask why, for he understood well enough—this reason was buried deep within her, not to be spoken unless absolutely necessary. Even then, she might still hesitate.
Qin Guan studied him. “You don’t even ask why. Do you want nothing from me?”
Did he truly have no demands of her? For so long, it seemed he had never insisted she do anything…
Yan Chi laughed softly at her words. “Who said I want nothing? Having you as my wife is everything I desire.”Indeed, he had just been calling her "wife" repeatedly. Qin Guan's heart softened slightly as she rested her head against his chest. Previously, she had worried that her actions might affect him, but now that he had resolutely boarded the same boat as her, she felt less restrained. Besides, Yan Chi was right—after several grand weddings took place in the capital, she would have no way to avoid it.
Though Qin Guan had made up her mind, she showed no sign of it on her face. She pushed herself up abruptly, looking down at Yan Chi from above. "Do you think it's that easy to make me your wife?"
Qin Guan let out a light humph and tried to get up, but halfway through, Yan Chi pulled her back down.
Her chest collided with his, and her waist was firmly held by him, leaving her unable to move. Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes and asked, "Then what must I do to make you my wife?"
Qin Guan's eyes darted as she pondered, but just then, footsteps sounded from outside. Her expression changed instantly, and she tried to scramble off Yan Chi. Seeing this, Yan Chi deliberately tightened his grip on her slender waist, refusing to let go. Qin Guan grew frantic, flailing her arms and legs like a fish with limbs. Yan Chi burst into laughter—
When Baiying and the inn attendant entered with hot water and food, they saw Qin Guan sitting on the low couch by the window, while Yan Chi sat on the windowsill, watching her with an amused expression. The bed was in disarray, leaving one to wonder what had just transpired.
Baiying set out the meal without glancing around, while the attendant placed the hot water down, respectfully offering a few pleasantries before withdrawing. Once the door closed, Yan Chi stood up and said with a smile, "Alright, let's eat. We need to set off early tomorrow, or we won't reach He Family Village by evening."
Yan Chi took Qin Guan's hand and led her to the dining table. This time, he didn't tease her. It was the first time the two of them had shared a meal alone at the same table. Qin Guan ate quietly, while Yan Chi continuously served her dishes. He didn't neglect his own meal, but his long arms made it especially convenient to reach for food. Qin Guan observed this secretly, surprised that Yan Chi could be so attentive and considerate. By the end of the meal, she felt quite full.
After eating, Qin Guan went to wash up. Since Yan Chi was present, she had no intention of bathing. To her surprise, Yan Chi poured both buckets of hot water into the wooden tub nearby. Qin Guan said, "I wasn't planning to bathe."
Yan Chi shook his head. "Although it's cool today, you've still worked up a sweat. Bathe to avoid discomfort."
As if reading her thoughts, he added with a smile, "I'll have Baiying come in. I'm going downstairs to take care of some matters."
Qin Guan breathed a sigh of relief. Though Yan Chi occasionally embraced her, in matters like this, he respected her deeply. Soon, Baiying came upstairs, took out fresh undergarments from the luggage, and Qin Guan enjoyed a refreshing bath.
After changing her clothes, Qin Guan noticed Yan Chi hadn't returned. Remembering he was supposed to stay here, she felt it somewhat improper. As she wrestled with her thoughts, Bai Feng came up to relay a message: Yan Chi would be resting in a room downstairs.
Qin Guan exhaled in relief, then chuckled to herself. So, Yan Chi had been teasing her all along!
With Yan Chi gone, Baiying slept on the long couch by the window, ensuring the mistress and maid could look after each other. The night passed uneventfully, and early the next morning, Qin Guan rose. After washing up, Yan Chi personally brought breakfast upstairs. Once they finished the meal, they set out for He Family Village. By now, they had already entered Yangshui County.Yangshui County, under the jurisdiction of the capital, was considerably prosperous compared to remote small counties. Hejia Village was not located within the county town itself. Before long, their carriage turned onto a narrow Path. A half-day of light rain the previous night had left the Path particularly muddy. Fortunately, the weather was clear and not too hot that day. After traveling for most of the day, the group arrived at the outskirts of Hejia Village by sunset.
There were no inns to be found in Hejia Village. Luckily, Yan Chi had instructed Bai Feng to ride ahead in advance.
Upon reaching the village outskirts, Bai Feng was already waiting. "Master, Princess, I've gathered information. Zhao Xun's home is at the eastern end of Hejia Village. After searching for some time, I only managed to find one farmhouse where we can stay. The household consists of an elderly woman and her daughter-in-law. I heard her son is also working away from home. She agreed to let us stay for one night and asked for very little silver."
Bai Feng's arrangements were thoroughly considerate. Yan Chi nodded in approval, and the group followed Bai Feng into the village.
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