Yan Ze briefly touched the top of Qin Guan's head before withdrawing his hand, his manner resembling an elder brother measuring his younger sister's height. Qin Guan was momentarily taken aback before chuckling, "Yue Ning has an exceptionally tall stature among women, so of course I'm shorter than her."
Yan Ze then remarked, "Ning'er has practiced martial arts since childhood. I presume the Lady isn't skilled in such matters."
Qin Guan smiled, "Indeed, I'm not. I'm so weak I couldn't even restrain a chicken. If I had the Lady's martial prowess, I'd become a miracle doctor roaming the land to aid the world."
As she spoke, Qin Guan glanced outside, "Has Divine Doctor Sun not arrived yet?"
Yan Ze summoned Chen Xiang, who had gone to fetch Sun Muqing. Sun Muqing came from the side courtyard where he resided and soon arrived at the flower hall. Seeing Qin Guan there, Sun Muqing appeared quite delighted, "My apologies for keeping Your Highness and the Lady waiting."
Yan Ze smiled and shook his head. The group then entered the inner chamber where Yan Ze lay down as he had done previously. After soaking the medicated gauze in medicinal soup and applying it to Yan Ze for the duration of a stick of incense, Qin Guan began the needle therapy. Having performed this procedure on Yan Ze before, Qin Guan worked smoothly and soon had him resting comfortably.
Qin Guan closed the door and went to the outer room to speak with Sun Muqing.
Sun Muqing looked particularly cheerful, "Lady, might you know of any skilled construction craftsmen in the capital?"
Qin Guan raised her eyebrows slightly, "Construction craftsmen?"
Sun Muqing nodded, "Yes, I recently purchased a residence and wish to renovate and rebuild it."
Qin Guan appeared somewhat puzzled, "Why rebuild? Is the property you purchased very old?"
Sun Muqing confirmed, "Indeed, it's quite uninhabitable. Therefore, I plan to hire craftsmen to reconstruct the residence so I'll have a place to stay when visiting the capital in the future."
Finding this reasoning perfectly sensible, Qin Guan thought for a moment before admitting, "I'm not particularly knowledgeable about such matters, but I can find someone to assist you."
Qin Guan considered asking Han Laobo for help, as he would certainly be well-versed in these affairs.
Sun Muqing's eyes brightened, "That would be wonderful. Thank you, Lady."
After some thought, Qin Guan walked to a nearby desk, took paper and brush, and wrote down an address. "This is the location of a small property I own, where my father's former steward resides. I'll send word later. Whenever you need assistance, simply go here and he'll help arrange everything for you."
Taking the paper from Qin Guan, Sun Muqing glanced at it and suddenly started. Thinking he couldn't locate the place, Qin Guan quickly added, "You can have the royal residence guards escort you—they'll certainly know where this is."
Sun Muqing shook his head, "No... it's just that... the Lady's handwriting looks somewhat familiar."
At these words, Qin Guan's expression subtly shifted.
Having returned from death, she had deliberately altered her handwriting to avoid recognition. But penmanship is a habit cultivated over many years—not so easily changed. As expected, Sun Muqing had noticed the familiarity. Having spent considerable time with him previously, he naturally remembered how she used to write.
Maintaining her composure, Qin Guan responded, "Oh? How so?"Sun Muqing spoke with some hesitation, "I don't know why, but the characters in the princess's name are the same as those in my junior sister's name. The more I look at you, Princess, the more you resemble my junior sister in temperament and disposition. Now, even your handwriting reminds me of hers... Please don't think me presumptuous, Princess... I truly feel there are similarities..."
Qin Guan's lips curved into a smile. "Then, Young Master Sun, take a closer look. Does my appearance also seem to be growing more similar?"
Sun Muqing looked somewhat embarrassed. "No, no, of course not."
After all, his junior sister had already passed away, and it would be somewhat inappropriate to say that Qin Guan resembled a deceased person. Naturally, Sun Muqing wouldn't say such a thing, especially since the two didn't actually look alike. Sun Muqing sighed. Most young women wrote with delicate handwriting, and it was rare for the "Nianhua" style of calligraphy to stand out. He must be under some sort of delusion...
"I'm truly sorry, Princess. Please don't take offense..."
Though Sun Muqing appeared apologetic, Qin Guan felt a heaviness in her heart.
To meet without recognition and still make Sun Muqing feel remorseful was truly...
"It's no trouble. Young Master Sun's deep affection and loyalty toward your junior sister are a blessing to her. However, since the beauty has passed, you should not grieve too deeply. You are still young and possess exceptional medical skills. Why not focus on helping ordinary people suffering from illness? I believe this would also be your junior sister's wish."
Sun Muqing grew somewhat emotional upon hearing this. "Princess, you understand my junior sister so well. She was exactly that kind of person. No wonder I feel you resemble her... Ah, I'm sorry, I've said it again. Perhaps it's because both of you are women who study medicine, so you share a benevolent heart. You're right—I shouldn't let my medical skills go to waste. After I've treated His Highness, I'll travel to the north again. If I can advance further on the medical Path, that would be even better."
Qin Guan felt both moved and comforted. Though she wasn't Shen Wan, she could still influence Sun Muqing through their past connection. Compared to staying in a contentious place like the capital, it was far better for Sun Muqing to travel and heal the sick.
"I wish I could be like you, Young Master Sun, but as a woman, I am bound by my status and constraints. Since you feel I resemble your junior sister, then take my wish to save the common people with you as you heal and rescue others. However, traveling alone can be dangerous. Why not bring a few attendants?"
Sun Muqing felt inspired. "Good! Then I shall carry your wishes with me! There's no need to worry, Princess. I've traveled extensively and will be fine."
Though Qin Guan was still concerned, given her status, showing excessive concern might seem unusual. Besides, Sun Muqing was a man in his early twenties—she really shouldn't say too much.
As time was nearly up, Qin Guan brought Sun Muqing back to the inner chamber. Yan Ze was clearly awake inside. After Qin Guan removed the needles, Yan Ze asked, "Divine Doctor Sun's junior sister, I've heard, was the daughter of the former Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Lord Shen."
Sun Muqing smiled faintly. "Yes..."
Yan Ze sighed upon hearing this. "What a pity."Sun Muqing also showed a hint of wistfulness. Qin Guan, however, disliked Yan Ze continuing with this topic and proceeded to explain precautions to Yan Ze. Once everything was settled, Yue Ning arrived. Yue Ning sighed, "Mother is selecting gifts for the Crown Prince's wedding. She dragged me along, which is why I'm late."
Yue Ning had just discussed the gift matter with Qin Guan the day before, and now Jiang Shi was already facing difficulties. Qin Guan gave a bitter smile, while Yue Ning stepped forward to attend to Yan Ze. "Third Brother, how are you feeling?"
Yan Ze touched the area around his eyes. "This time there's a bit more stinging sensation than last time."
Yue Ning was slightly startled, but both Qin Guan and Sun Muqing showed delight on their faces. Sun Muqing urgently said, "Your Highness, this is good news, absolutely good news! It means the meridians around your eyes are recovering. When they recover to a certain extent, you'll be able to see again..."
Yue Ning's surprise turned to joy, and she quickly asked, "How long until he can see again?"
Qin Guan and Sun Muqing exchanged glances. Qin Guan said, "It depends on His Highness's recovery. If all goes well, two to three months; if slower, possibly six months to a year..."
Yue Ning breathed a sigh of relief. The longest would be one year—meaning at most, Yan Ze would be able to see again within a year. This was truly the best possible outcome. "Third Brother, did you hear that? At most one year and you'll be able to see!"
Hearing this, Yan Ze also smiled faintly. "Then I'll trouble the Princess and Divine Doctor Sun."
Yan Ze had been blind for ten years. If he could regain his sight now, it would lift a heavy burden from Yue Ning's heart. This news brought great comfort to both Yue Ning and Yan Ze. Yue Ning helped Yan Ze out of the inner chamber, and the group sat outside talking for a long time. By afternoon, Qin Guan took her leave and returned to the Marquis Manor.
Upon returning to Loyal Marquis Manor, Qin Guan immediately sent someone to inform Han Laobo. Upon receiving Qin Guan's message, Han Laobo promptly sent Erbao to the shop. Instead of instructing Han Dong, he sought out another manager. With arrangements made, help was secured. Early the next morning, Sun Muqing came to visit. Learning that the residence Sun Muqing wanted to build was on the neighboring street, Han Laobo was quite surprised. However, following Qin Guan's instructions, Han Laobo inquired about Sun Muqing's needs and quickly found him workers. Since Han Laobo lived nearby, he offered to oversee the construction. Sun Muqing hadn't expected Han Laobo to be so willing to help and expressed profuse gratitude.
The next day, Han Laobo went to inspect Sun Muqing's residence. Only then did he realize that Sun Muqing had bought the former Shen family house. Being in the capital, Han Laobo naturally knew about last year's events and initially thought Sun Muqing had been deceived. But when he asked, Sun Muqing said it was his own decision.
This left Han Laobo puzzled. However, since Sun Muqing was Qin Guan's friend, Han Laobo didn't dare neglect him, though he felt regret that Sun Muqing had bought the wrong property. He considered informing Qin Guan but refrained since she hadn't given any further instructions.
Qin Guan didn't inquire about the matter, instead staying at the Marquis Manor to help Hu Shi prepare for Qin Chaoyu's wedding. As the end of June approached, the entire manor became increasingly busy. Nobles in the capital and officials from distant regions had already begun sending gifts to the capital. Although the wedding date hadn't arrived, load after load of lavish presents had already been delivered to the Marquis Manor.Qin Chaoyu was to marry the Crown Prince. In the future, aside from the marquis title, the Loyal Marquis Manor would also become part of the imperial family. Qin Chaoyu would be the future Empress, and her remaining children would become Crown Princes. Thus, this would be the maternal family of the next emperor—how could they not curry favor now?!
Qin Guan helped Hu Shi receive gifts and compile records, while Qin Chaoyu, the bride-to-be, had nothing to do at all.
In the meantime, Qin Chaoyu entered the palace once more. The Empress and Empress Dowager bestowed many gifts, upholding the dignity of this future Crown Princess. And so, time flew by until the twenty-eighth day of the sixth month.
Since it was the Crown Prince’s grand wedding, the ceremonies differed from those of common households. Besides the grand scale, the rules and rituals were particularly elaborate. The night before, palace Mommas, maids, and ceremonial officials had already taken up residence in the marquis manor. Early the next morning, Qin Chaoyu was dressed and adorned, with every procedure handled entirely by the palace staff—no one from the marquis manor needed to worry. Over twenty palace maids attended to Qin Chaoyu alone, and all her attire had to adhere to the rank of the Crown Princess and the palace regulations.
Such a spectacle naturally awed the visiting noblewomen. Even before Qin Chaoyu had left the manor, the imperial family’s grandeur was on full display. Even those noble ladies were not qualified to speak with Qin Chaoyu, let alone Qin Guan and Qin Shuang, who had returned for the wedding banquet. Seeing Qin Chaoyu’s courtyard overcrowded, Qin Guan took Qin Shuang back to Pine Breeze Courtyard.
Though she had been married for just over a month, Qin Shuang had already gained a little weight. Qin Guan had initially been somewhat concerned about her, but seeing her fair and plump again, with the delicate demeanor of a new bride, she felt reassured.
As soon as they returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard, Qin Shuang said, “Last time during the home visit, we only sat for a short while. Now we can finally have a proper chat. With Eighth Sister married today, you’ll be the only one left in the manor. Have you thought about how your own marriage will be arranged?”
Qin Guan smiled, “Don’t worry, I have my plans. I see that Young Master Xue treats you very well…”
At this, Qin Shuang blushed. Now as Madame Xue, her attire and accessories were entirely different from before. Just by looking at these, one could tell that Xue Qingshan had not mistreated her. Qin Shuang said with a rosy complexion, “My husband truly treats me well. Over this past month, my parents-in-law haven’t given me any trouble either. I used to think that if I married poorly, I’d just shut my door and live my own life. Now that I’ve married the right person, I still shut the door and live my own life—but the two are completely different.”
Hearing this, Qin Guan felt at ease. The two chatted for a while until firecrackers and drums suddenly sounded outside. Qin Shuang quickly pulled Qin Guan out to look. What they saw was a grand procession of canopies and ceremonial guards, with palace maids holding palace lanterns lined up all the way from the main courtyard to the entrance of Qin Chaoyu’s courtyard. The ceremonial official loudly recited congratulatory words at the courtyard gate, while the noblewomen outside remained silent, not daring to make a sound. Most of the wedding banquet guests were ladies and the younger generations of various noble families. Since there was a celebratory banquet in the palace that day, all court officials and senior ministers had to attend the feast at the Eastern Palace.The crowd was packed tightly in layers, and Qin Guan and Qin Shuang vaguely glimpsed a handsome figure in bright red wedding robes standing outside the courtyard gate—undoubtedly Crown Prince Yan Che. Qin Shuang felt some regret at not being able to get a closer look. Though she was married, Qin Guan was not, and it would be improper for them to push through the crowd. Gazing at the Crown Prince’s profile, Qin Guan suddenly recalled what Yue Ning had said earlier—that the Crown Prince was someone who enjoyed keeping birds…
Today was the Crown Prince’s joyous occasion, yet even as he stood under the gaze of the crowd, an air of melancholy clung to him. Qin Guan couldn’t help but doubt: if even on such a happy day he found it hard to be cheerful, was he truly someone in the mood for keeping pets? Or was the Crown Prince a man of hidden depths, secretly overjoyed in his heart at this very moment?
Qin Guan lost herself in these thoughts, then found them somewhat amusing.
The Crown Prince bore the weight of the entire Great Zhou dynasty; his demeanor came from within, not the duplicity she had imagined. With a sigh, she reflected: "Heavy is the head that wears the crown." The position of Crown Prince was not an easy one. Though Qin Chaoyu might lack other skills, she moved through the palace with effortless grace. With such a fine match, the Crown Prince must surely be satisfied.
Qin Shuang craned her neck but still couldn’t get a full view of the Crown Prince, growing somewhat frustrated. Yet she didn’t want to abandon Qin Guan to join the excitement, so she dismissed the idea and sighed, "We can’t see anything. Let’s just go back…"
Having seen enough herself and finding it dull to wait for the ceremony ahead to conclude, Qin Guan nodded and turned toward Pine Breeze Courtyard. Just as she turned away, Yan Che, not far off, seemed to sense something and glanced over.
Yan Che caught a glimpse of a figure in moon-white skirts. Though he only saw the arc of fluttering hemline, he felt inexplicably certain it was Qin Guan. His gaze wavered, and another image surfaced in his mind—a figure in pale blue.
It was the winter of the year before last, with light snow drifting down. That person, dressed in blue robes, had crouched in the pure white snow, her fair palm cradling a golden finch that longed to fly but had fallen to the ground. Her hand appeared as flawless as jade, her fingers slender like scallion stems, as she tied a small knot on the finch’s wing. In a soft, pitying tone, she lamented the bird’s fate, trapped within high walls—as if what lay in her palm was not a tiny bird but a person ensnared by destiny. Hearing her words, Yan Che had never imagined there could be such a gentle woman in the world. Her wistful sympathy seemed to echo his own plight within the Eastern Palace…
Her gentle words became a healing balm after his nightly nightmares, leading him to make a decision that displeased the Empress but left her unable to refute. Yet in the end, fate had once again sided with his mother.
"Your Highness…"
"Your Highness, it is time to enter and receive the Crown Princess!"
The ceremonial official called twice before Yan Che snapped back to attention. Composing his expression, he strode firmly through the courtyard gate.
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