Early the next morning, Yan Chi and Qin Guan left He Family Village. The journey there had taken over a day, and the return trip was the same. Fortunately, the violent storm from the previous night had ceased by midnight. Though the road was muddy the next day, the weather was excellent. After traveling for a day, they arrived at the inn where they had previously stayed by evening. Qin Guan and Yan Chi rested overnight and set off directly for the capital the following day.
They traveled swiftly, reaching the capital by sunset. Qin Guan first went to Marquis Anyang Manor, informed them of her arrival, and Yue Ning came out. To make it seem more convincing, Yue Ning accompanied Qin Guan to Loyal Marquis Manor.
In the carriage, Yue Ning asked, "Where have you been these past few days?"
Qin Guan replied, "I heard there was an old miracle doctor in Cangshan County, so I went to find him, but I couldn’t locate him."
Yue Ning looked at Qin Guan for a moment, then shook her head. "Forget it. If you wanted to tell me, you would. If you don’t, you’ll just brush me off. I’ll take your word for it for now—you must have your reasons."
Qin Guan had left the capital for several days without informing Qin Shu. If she were truly seeking a miracle doctor, why keep it from Qin Shu? Yue Ning certainly didn’t believe her explanation.
Qin Guan smiled faintly; only Yue Ning could trust her so implicitly!
She linked arms with Yue Ning. "How has the Crown Prince of Prince Yi’s eye condition been during my absence?"
Yue Ning quickly replied, "Still the same. Divine Doctor Sun has been very diligent, so don’t worry."
Qin Guan nodded. "Good, I’ll go tomorrow to perform needle therapy for him. Has anything else happened in the capital these past few days?"
Yue Ning’s eyes shifted thoughtfully, and she shook her head. "Nothing much. The Crown Prince’s wedding is approaching, and Prince Cheng’s is next month—everyone is preparing for the ceremonies. The court officials are carrying on as usual. But you know me, I don’t pay much attention to these things."
Qin Guan nodded slightly, though inwardly she was far from calm.
Around this time last year, the case involving Prince Jin had erupted. Consort Jin was deeply favored by the Emperor, and Prince Jin was his eldest son. Both being implicated in the same case had shocked the entire court.
With Prince Jin imprisoned, her father had been tasked by the Emperor to investigate. What started as a murder case led to Prince Jin’s downfall, triggering numerous upheavals in the capital. Many court officials were implicated—those who spoke for Prince Jin or pleaded for him met unfortunate ends. As old officials were demoted, new ones took their places, and securing positions for one’s allies meant gaining more power. Given this, who was the true mastermind behind it all—the Crown Prince or Prince Cheng?
Qin Guan’s mind swirled with thoughts. When she and Yue Ning returned to the manor, Hu Shi was overjoyed. While Qin Guan was almost like family, Yue Ning held a noble status. They had tea in the front courtyard, and Qin Guan mentioned she had been accompanying the Grand Princess these past few days. Hu Shi didn’t suspect anything. After sitting for a while, Qin Guan brought Yue Ning back to Pine Breeze Courtyard.
The manor now had a renewed atmosphere. As they walked, Yue Ning chuckled, "Speaking of which, there have been a few amusing incidents in the capital lately…"
Qin Guan eagerly asked, "What happened?"
Yue Ning smiled. "The weddings of the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng—it’s a rare opportunity."Qin Guan was puzzled. Yue Ning said, "The Emperor deeply despises factionalism and cronyism, which is why over the years, even though the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng have wanted to win people over, they haven't dared to do so openly. Those below who wish to curry favor also don't dare to approach recklessly—one misstep could cause trouble for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng. Moreover, in recent years, there haven't been any major joyous events for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng, so people haven't found opportunities to send gifts. During festivals, it's rumored that the Emperor has planted spies, so everyone remains cautious."
"But this time, with the two royal weddings, gifts can be given openly and legitimately. Not only must they be given, but they must also stand out. However, this depends on the situation. Some people are eager for quick success but lack wisdom—they simply send priceless treasures to the residences of the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng. This is both conspicuous and foolish. Meanwhile, those who are cunning know how to 'hide the gift.' On the surface, it might appear as a simple jade Guanyin statue, but inside it conceals a luminous pearl from the East Sea. What looks like an ordinary ancient scroll might actually be a masterpiece by a renowned painter from the previous dynasty, something the two royals have long desired..."
Yue Ning laughed. "A few days ago, Second Brother mentioned that his superior was also pondering what gift to give. Hearing that the Crown Prince likes rosewood, the official offered a family heirloom piece of rosewood. But feeling that a Buddha statue was too commonplace, he was unsure what to carve from it. Later, he accidentally learned that the Crown Prince enjoys birds, so he had it carved into an eagle..."
Yue Ning meant it as a lighthearted remark, but Qin Guan felt a stir of curiosity. The Crown Prince likes birds? "The Crown Prince likes birds? How come I never knew?"
Yue Ning replied, "When have you ever paid attention to the Crown Prince? Second Brother said that official went to great lengths—spending silver and pulling strings—to gather such information. These tidbits were bought from palace eunuchs and maids, and they're supposedly reliable."
Qin Guan truly hadn't paid much attention to the Crown Prince. But the Crown Prince's demeanor seemed too steady, even brooding—she couldn't picture him keeping birds for amusement... A doubt crept into her mind.
"With two weddings so close together, the officials are really in a bind. These days, the court may be quiet, but outside it's bustling. One wedding is troublesome enough—let alone two. No one wants to give a gift that duplicates someone else's, but finding two unique treasures is incredibly difficult."
Listening to Yue Ning, Qin Guan felt grateful she didn't have to worry about such matters.
This reminded her of Qin Xiang. Because of Qin Xiang, relations between the Loyal Marquis Manor and Prince Cheng's residence were strained. Once Qin Chaoyu married, the Loyal Marquis Manor would openly align with the Crown Prince's faction. They would likely send an ordinary gift to Prince Cheng for his wedding to Feng Chenbi on the nineteenth of July.
The nineteenth of July... What a coincidental date.
Not long after Yue Ning left, Qin Guan went out again, heading to the western residence.
Han Laobo was surprised by Qin Guan's sudden visit. With Erbao, he greeted her joyfully. Qin Guan asked, "Han Laobo, we have many shops. Can we gather information about the gift exchanges among the city's officials?"Qin Yi had left behind a considerable estate, all of which now belonged solely to Qin Guan. With numerous shops under her management, dealings with officials were inevitable. Moreover, the shopkeepers generally kept track of who purchased what and for what purpose. As expected, Han Laobo nodded and said, "To name just one example, the gold shop under your management, Miss, can reveal the social exchanges and gift-giving among the noble ladies of the capital throughout the year. What would you like to know? This old servant can go to the shop later and relay your instructions."
Qin Guan pondered for a moment. "The person I want to know about is a third-rank official in the court. There’s no need to investigate extensively; just gather general information discreetly. If nothing turns up, that’s fine too."
Han Laobo quickly nodded, then looked at Qin Guan with a serious expression.
After a pause, Qin Guan continued, "I want to know what Li Muyun, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, has purchased recently. The more information about him, the better..."
Though Qin Guan lacked a dedicated intelligence network, in a place like the capital, merchants had eyes and ears everywhere.
The Han father and son were longtime retainers of Qin Manor, possessing broad insight and years of experience managing Qin Yi’s businesses in the capital. They were far from ordinary merchants.
Upon hearing it was Li Muyun, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Han Laobo’s expression grew even graver, clearly aware of who this person was. Seeing this, Qin Guan felt somewhat relieved. Since Han Laobo knew, there was no need for further explanation—perfect!
After leaving the residence, Qin Guan boarded her carriage but instructed Baiying to take a detour to another street, where the old Shen residence was located. As the carriage moved slowly, Qin Guan lifted the curtain and caught sight of the dilapidated gate of the Shen residence. The place had been damaged by fire and, as the former home of a disgraced official, remained unsold even though the authorities wished to auction it off.
Though it was midsummer, with heat that drenched people in sweat, Qin Guan felt a chill creeping into her heart.
Next month would be July. Time flew like a fleeting white colt—almost a year had passed in the blink of an eye. This year had finally given her some room to plan, unlike the despair and helplessness she felt when she first returned from death, alone and without support.
Lowering the curtain, Qin Guan did not ask Baiying to stop by the old residence. The carriage passed by the gate and soon left the old alley. Once on the main road, it merged into the bustling crowd and quickly moved far away from the alley.
Shortly after Qin Guan departed, Sun Muqing appeared outside the old Shen residence. A middle-aged man stood beside him and said, "Young master, this is the former residence of the ex-Minister of the Court of Judicial Review you were looking for. No one has lived here for years. Just take a look and leave—don’t invite any trouble."
Sun Muqing smiled gently. "Thank you. I’m just looking around casually. I won’t cause any trouble."
The man was a passerby whom Sun Muqing had paid to guide him there. Shaking his head at Sun Muqing, the man seemed to think he was foolish. But Sun Muqing tugged at him and asked, "Can this residence be purchased now?"
The man’s expression shifted several times. "Young master, of course it can be bought, but this place is known as a haunted house. The entire family died here, and it was damaged by fire. Even if you have the money, why buy this residence? There are plenty of good properties for sale in the capital."
Sun Muqing asked, "Is this residence currently held by the authorities?"The man nodded, watching Sun Muqing's delighted expression and shook his head with a sigh. "Well, since you're determined to buy it, I won't say more. I'll take my leave now."
Sun Muqing nodded in acknowledgment. As the man turned away, he muttered under his breath, "More money than sense!"
...
...
Early the next morning, Qin Guan arrived at Prince Yi's royal residence.
A young servant led her to the flower hall, but before they reached it, Qin Guan heard the clear, lonely sound of a xiao flute. She hadn't expected anyone to be playing the flute so early in the morning and paused in her steps.
The summer morning carried a slight chill, yet the flute's melody felt even colder than the breeze - ethereal and somber, filled with an overwhelming sense of solitude. The player seemed trapped by circumstances beyond their control, full of ambition yet unable to act. After listening for a moment, Qin Guan realized who the flutist must be.
She waited until the flute's last notes faded away after what felt like half an incense stick's time, then entered the flower hall.
Inside, she saw a white-robed figure with wide sleeves standing by the window in the west wing. Yan Ze had a white silk band covering his eyes, yet he stood as if admiring the view outside. Had she not heard his flute playing earlier, Qin Guan might have believed he was truly as carefree and untroubled as he appeared.
Qin Guan performed a slight curtsey. "Greetings, Crown Prince..."
Yan Ze smiled as if he had known she was there all along. "I'm afraid you witnessed my poor performance."
Qin Guan quickly shook her head, then remembered he couldn't see the gesture. "Not at all, Your Highness. Your flute playing was profound and melodious, truly beautiful."
Yan Ze turned toward her voice with a gentle smile. "What kind of person is the lady?"
Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, momentarily confused. Yan Ze continued in his warm voice, "I still remember what Ning'er looked like. Now that she's grown up, she must have become more defined. When I hear her speak, she sounds efficient yet retains some girlish charm - probably much like she was in childhood. When Divine Doctor Sun speaks, his voice resembles jade fragments, his laughter warm and pure, so I imagine him as exceptionally handsome, approachable, and kind-hearted. So I was wondering, what kind of person are you?"
Understanding dawned on Qin Guan - being blind, Yan Ze relied on voices to imagine people's appearances. Though she felt some pity inwardly, she maintained her composure. "Then what does Your Highness think I am like?"
Yan Ze replied, "Your voice flows like a clear spring over stones - usually gentle and crystalline, yet when treating patients, it becomes mature and composed. I suspect you're remarkably persistent and resilient. Outwardly delicate as a flower, yet inwardly possessing a composure and tranquility few can match. In this, you're quite the opposite of Ning'er."
Qin Guan couldn't help but smile. After years of blindness, Yan Ze had honed his ability to discern people through their voices. She did indeed give the impression of being gentle and refined, though those who had witnessed her corpse examinations knew her true temperament. As for Yue Ning, she was typically tough on the outside but soft within. Though blind, Yan Ze's inner vision remained sharp.
"Whether Your Highness's description is accurate, you'll have to see for yourself when your eyes recover."
Her words carried encouragement. Yan Ze smiled faintly. "Is the lady so confident?"Qin Guan then said, "I dare not claim absolute confidence, but I believe Heaven would not be so cruel to Your Highness. Let the past remain in the past—from now on, Your Highness will only get better and better."
Yan Ze's smile deepened. "The princess must be an exceedingly beautiful person.""
Since Yan Ze hadn't mentioned her appearance earlier, Qin Guan responded with a questioning "Oh?" and asked, "What makes you say that?"
Yan Ze took a few steps toward her, stopping about three paces away. Unsure of his intention, Qin Guan watched as he suddenly raised his hand, groping through the air until his fingers lightly brushed the top of her head. Yan Ze immediately broke into a wider grin. "Now I know—the princess is only slightly less tall than Ning'er.""
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