Qin Chaoyu was taken away from the Marquis Manor. The wedding banquet at the Marquis Manor lasted until late at night. Early the next morning, Qin Guan, Qin Shu and his wife, along with Qin Yan and Qin Ye, entered the palace to pay respects to the Emperor and attend the imperial banquet.
With Qin Chaoyu entering the palace, the influence of the Marquis Manor grew even more prominent than before. At the palace gates, the guards showed extra deference to Qin Shu and his wife. Today's palace banquet was held in the Chonghua Hall, attended only by imperial relatives and members of the Marquis Manor.
Upon entering the palace, Qin Guan first went to the Longevity and Health Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Knowing that Qin Guan would come to the palace, the Empress Dowager had been waiting for her. When Qin Guan arrived, she smiled and said, "Now that your sister has become the Crown Princess, you must visit the palace more frequently in the future..."
Qin Guan inwardly sighed. The Empress Dowager probably didn't know that Qin Chaoyu looked down on her younger sister in her heart.
Unwilling to say more, Qin Guan asked, "Why hasn't Yue Ning arrived yet?"
The Empress Dowager sighed, "She probably won't come today. It's been several days since she last entered the palace. I heard she's been staying with Yan Ze?"
Qin Guan nodded, "Yes, she's very concerned about Eminent Son Yan Ze. But don't worry, Eminent Son Yan Ze's eye condition will improve. Some progress has been made recently, and I believe it won't be long before we know how soon he can regain his sight."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager was delighted, "Ah, that's truly wonderful. That child Yan Ze has had such misfortune. He lost his mother at a young age, and then this happened... Did Yue Ning tell you about what happened back then?"
Qin Guan nodded, "She told me everything..."
The Empress Dowager smiled bitterly, "That child Yue Ning may not show it, but she carries much guilt in her heart."
Qin Guan quickly comforted her, "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
The Empress Dowager patted Qin Guan's hand and summoned Yan Sui, preparing to depart for Chonghua Hall.
When Yan Sui arrived and saw Qin Guan there, he couldn't help but walk up to her and grab her sleeve. Noticing this, the Empress Dowager said, "Look how affectionate he is with you. You should take him with you."
With the Empress Dowager leading the way ahead, Qin Guan held Yan Sui's hand and followed behind. Chonghua Hall was located in the inner palace, not far from the Longevity and Health Palace. Halfway there, they encountered Yan Chi and Yan Li walking together, apparently on their way to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Seeing the Empress Dowager on the path, Yan Li smiled, "Greetings, Imperial Grandmother. Even though Seventh Brother and I hurried as fast as we could, we're still late..."
Sitting in her palanquin, the Empress Dowager smiled, "Go directly to Chonghua Hall. Why are you two so late?"
Yan Li yawned, "Seventh Brother was busy with Ministry of Justice affairs, and I didn't get to sleep until late last night..."
The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Chi, "Has the matter of the northwest military provisions been investigated clearly?"
Yan Chi shook his head, "Not yet. The Emperor has already dispatched an imperial envoy to the northwest route, but there's no news yet. I'm afraid it won't be resolved so quickly."
The Empress Dowager nodded, "Matters concerning military provisions cannot be taken lightly..."
Yan Chi glanced at Qin Guan. When their eyes met, Qin Guan clearly saw traces of bloodshot in Yan Chi's eyes. It was evident that Yan Chi hadn't rested well these past two days. Yan Chi hadn't attended the Marquis Manor banquet yesterday but had participated in the palace banquet instead. Qin Guan hadn't seen him for many days either. Seeing him in such a state, Qin Guan knew the northwest affairs must be difficult to resolve.The group headed towards Chonghua Hall. Upon reaching the entrance, Qin Guan immediately spotted Qin Chaoyu inside the hall. Dressed in an elegant water-red palace gown, Qin Chaoyu stood beside Yan Che with a subtle smile gracing her lips. While Yan Che exuded a solemn and imposing presence, Qin Chaoyu maintained a dignified and composed demeanor, the two appearing remarkably well-matched as they stood together.
Qin Shu and his wife, along with Qin Yan and Qin Ye, had already arrived earlier. When the Empress Dowager appeared, everyone stepped forward to pay their respects. With a wave of her hand, the Empress Dowager motioned for Qin Chaoyu to approach and assist her in taking her seat. The Emperor and Empress had long been seated in the main positions. The Empress Dowager smiled warmly and remarked, "The Crown Prince is truly fortunate to have such a stunningly beautiful Crown Princess."
Yan Che's lips curved slightly in a fleeting, almost imperceptible smile.
Qin Chaoyu responded, "It is I, Chaoyu, who is blessed to be married to His Highness the Crown Prince."
The Empress Dowager patted Qin Chaoyu's arm affectionately. After being seated, Qin Chaoyu stepped back.
Prince Cheng stood to the side, observing the scene with a smile. Once everyone was seated, the Empress commented, "With Che'er and Chaoyu now married, my heart is at ease. As the saying goes, one must establish a family before pursuing a career. With a harmonious household secured, he can better focus on state affairs. Chaoyu is dignified and capable—I have complete confidence in entrusting the Eastern Palace's internal affairs to her."
The Emperor added, "Now that Che'er is married, he must devote even more attention to political matters."
Yan Che promptly acknowledged the instruction, his expression remaining serious and unchanged by the wedding festivities.
The Emperor ordered the banquet to commence, and soon the hall was filled with the rich aromas of fine wine and delicacies. The Empress Dowager couldn't help but glance at Yan Chi and Yan Li, saying, "After Prince Cheng's wedding next month, it will be time for you two to consider marriage as well. Yan Ze is currently undergoing treatment, so there's no rush for him, but you two must not procrastinate."
Both Yan Chi and Yan Li were already in their early twenties, indeed an age to settle down. Yan Chi remained silent, while Yan Li playfully evaded the topic with charm and humor. Although Qin Shu and his wife had become the Emperor's in-laws, they dared not act presumptuously. The palace banquet proceeded harmoniously and concluded peacefully. After the festivities, Qin Shu followed the Emperor to Chongzheng Hall, while Hu Shi led Qin Yan and Qin Ye toward the Eastern Palace.
As they exited Chonghua Hall, Prince Cheng paused and instructed his attendant to present a gift to Yan Che, smiling as he said, "During the Crown Prince's wedding yesterday, Xiang'er was also deeply concerned. This gift is from Xiang'er to the Crown Princess."
It was unclear what the gift box contained, but upon hearing this, Qin Chaoyu's expression shifted slightly.
Although Qin Xiang was her cousin, she was now Prince Cheng's concubine. How dare a concubine prepare a gift for her?
Though inwardly furious, Qin Chaoyu took a deep breath and replied with a smile, "Thank you for the concubine's kind thoughts." With a meaningful glance, her maid Moyun immediately stepped forward to accept the gift box. Qin Chaoyu added, "A gift from the concubine of Prince Cheng's residence must be quite rare and precious. Moyun, you may keep it for yourself—do not waste the concubine's thoughtful gesture."
Moyun obediently complied. Prince Cheng narrowed his phoenix eyes.
A concubine was merely a servant. For a servant's gift to be immediately passed on to another servant by the Crown Princess, while logically acceptable, was essentially a slap in Prince Cheng's face. Prince Cheng had intended to use Qin Xiang to provoke the Marquis household and the Crown Prince, unaware that the Marquis household no longer cared about Qin Xiang.
Prince Cheng remarked coldly, "The Crown Princess is truly heartless, showing no regard for sisterly bonds."Qin Chaoyu curved her lips, "Those who follow different paths cannot work together. I only have two cousins—one is Yongci County Princess, and the other has already married and become a principal wife. As for other people, I do not recognize them."
Yan Che listened nearby. Though he disliked such verbal sparring, he still needed to protect the new Crown Princess and the Marquis' household. "Since when has Prince Cheng placed such importance on a concubine? She's merely a concubine—what face does she have to send things before the Crown Princess? Prince Cheng truly grows more ignorant of propriety by the day! With his grand wedding next month, if Miss Feng were to learn of this, I fear Prince Cheng would not come out unscathed."
Yan Qi frowned deeply. He certainly knew Feng Chenbi's temper...
Yan Qi hesitated to speak further, but Yan Che had no desire to continue the conversation. He turned and left Chonghua Hall. Qin Chaoyu smiled and followed him, leaving Yan Qi feeling slighted. A cold sneer touched Yan Qi's lips before he finally turned and departed after a long moment.
Hu Shi went to the Eastern Palace, while Qin Guan accompanied the Empress Dowager back to Longevity and Health Palace. When Qin Guan took her leave and emerged, Yan Chi was waiting for her outside the palace gates. Yan Chi rode alongside Qin Guan's carriage as it headed toward Prince Yi's residence.
Qin Guan lifted the carriage curtain and asked, "Why hasn't there been a resolution regarding the northwest affairs? Since the imperial envoy has already reached the northwest, though he cannot return personally, he could still send urgent dispatches..."
Yan Chi shook his head, "The news we've received hasn't been favorable. The day before yesterday, Father sent another letter saying everything is peaceful in the northwest, and I should simply wait in the capital."
Qin Guan knew Yan Chi had always wanted to go to the northwest himself. But since Prince Rui had repeatedly advised him to remain in the capital, there must be deeper implications. Zhang Dongxuan had said he must not leave the capital—this arrangement was for the best.
"If His Highness has made such arrangements, the situation in the northwest must still be under control. You needn't worry too much."
Yan Chi smiled faintly, "Set your mind at ease. How is Third Brother faring?"
Qin Guan then detailed Yan Ze's current treatment progress. Yan Chi sighed, "After all these years, if Third Brother could be cured, it would fulfill everyone's long-cherished wish."
Since Qin Guan intended to visit Prince Yi's residence, Yan Chi accompanied her. As they traveled together, Yan Chi added, "Back then, my mother and Princess Consort Yi were very close. When my mother gave birth to me, it was Princess Consort Yi who personally delivered me."
Princess Consort Yi was a disciple of Medicine King Valley, so midwifery was naturally within her capabilities. Hearing this, Qin Guan understood the source of Yan Chi's concern for Yan Ze. The carriage proceeded southeast along the Imperial Road, soon turning onto an auxiliary path where few people were about. Yan Chi then lowered his voice, "I've been investigating the incident these past few days, but it seems no one in the palace knows what became of Prince Jin's attendant. Prince Jin was quickly imprisoned in the Celestial Prison back then, and everyone from Prince Jin Manor was panic-stricken. Later, they were all imprisoned—some conscripted into the army, others exiled. Only those of no consequence survived, but they naturally wouldn't know what truly happened that night."
"Not only that, but everyone in Consort Jin's palace was also dealt with. Momma Su attending the Ninth Prince is practically the only one who remained, because the Ninth Prince recognizes only her. Since Momma Su was responsible for caring for the Ninth Prince, Consort Jin's death couldn't be pinned on her."Yan Chi lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear. Qin Guan felt increasingly somber as she listened. "Servants could be disposed of with just any excuse of failing to care for their master properly. Moreover, since Prince Jin was implicated at the time, it was considered a royal scandal. Even Prince Jin's attendant was quietly eliminated without anyone noticing—there must be something wrong with this."
"At the time of the incident, the current Crown Prince was still Prince Yong. However, as the legitimate son and already beginning to assist the Emperor with state affairs, he also had his own quarters in the palace. That night, he was in the palace as well."
Qin Guan frowned and quickly asked, "What about Prince Cheng?"
Yan Chi shook his head. "Prince Cheng had left the palace early that day..."
Since Prince Cheng had left early, did that mean Consort Jin's case had nothing to do with him?!
Thinking of this, Qin Guan felt uneasy. Qin Chaoyu had already become the Crown Princess, and the Loyal Marquis Manor was now aligned with the Crown Prince's faction. Learning about this matter at such a time left Qin Guan with mixed emotions.
Could Prince Jin's case be related to the Crown Prince?
If Consort Jin wasn't killed by Prince Jin, then the real murderer was someone else.
The murderer killed Consort Jin first and then framed Prince Jin... Was this person intentionally setting him up? Or did Prince Jin accidentally stumble upon the scene?
Doubts piled up, but the incident had already passed a year ago. Moreover, it happened within the palace—a highly secluded and strictly guarded place. If the mastermind wished, they could erase all traces.
"What about the Celestial Prison?" Qin Guan asked urgently. Since Yan Chi was now in the Ministry of Justice, investigating this wouldn't be difficult.
Yan Chi replied, "At that time, Prince Jin was imprisoned in the lowest level of the Celestial Prison, guarded by specialized personnel. Apart from the Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, no one else had the opportunity to see Prince Jin."
Shen Yi, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and Song Huai, the Minister of Justice—both had the authority to see Prince Jin. Setting aside her own father for now, Minister Song Huai was already over fifty and nearing retirement. Could he be involved?
"I've looked into Minister Song. He comes from a prominent family in Lingnan and submitted a request to retire early last year, but the Emperor didn't approve. He's known for being rigid and strict, never particularly close to any prince over the years. In court, he's considered an upright official, which is why the Emperor values him highly. However, compared to Shen Yi, he's more moderate. When Prince Jin's case first emerged, Minister Song fell ill. Later, the Emperor assigned Shen Yi to lead the trial, partly for this reason."
A royal murder case, with Consort Jin as the victim and Prince Jin as the accused—the old minister, wanting to protect himself, naturally wouldn't get involved. Besides, the incident occurred within the palace... Qin Guan dismissed her suspicions of the old minister.
The crime took place in the palace. Regardless of who the murderer was, her own father had painstakingly investigated and was on the verge of proving Prince Jin's innocence. Yet, in the blink of an eye, not only was her entire family executed, but Prince Jin also allegedly committed suicide out of guilt.
"Is there no official document from the Ministry of Justice about Prince Jin's suicide out of guilt?"
Yan Chi shook his head. "No, the documents for Prince Jin's case aren't in the Ministry of Justice."
Qin Guan sneered. "Prince Jin was imprisoned for over a month. How could he have committed suicide out of guilt? If he wanted to kill himself out of guilt, why wait until after Lord Shen pleaded his innocence?!"
Anyone with a bit of sense would know that Prince Jin couldn't have committed suicide!
It's just that this royal murder case needed a perfect resolution.Qin Guan thought for a moment and added, "Just focus on the matters in the northwest. I still believe the key to this case might lie with Li Muyun—after all, he was the one who exposed Lord Shen in the first place."
Yan Chi nodded. "I know. I'm currently investigating this person. Li Muyun hails from Chuzhou, born into a local scholarly family. However, one of his uncles was implicated in a corruption case related to Salt Transportation, which led to his family's decline. Later, he passed the imperial examinations but, lacking influential connections, was overlooked by the nobility and aligned himself with the common scholars. It was only through Lord Shen's recognition that he was promoted to the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review—"
The very person who promoted him was later exposed and denounced by Li Muyun himself, leading to the execution of Shen Yi's entire family.
As Li Muyun's face flashed through Qin Guan's mind, a surge of hatred suddenly welled up within her.
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