Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was already July. While the Crown Prince's grand wedding was still the talk of the town, preparations for Prince Cheng's wedding banquet were about to begin. Because of these two major weddings, Qin Guan felt the streets of the capital were livelier than ever.
The carriage traveled westward along the main road and soon arrived outside the residence in Tongqian Lane. As the carriage stopped, Qin Guan alighted, and Baiying stepped forward to knock on the gate. The courtyard door was quickly opened, and Han Laobo greeted Qin Guan with a delighted bow.
Once inside the house, Qin Guan asked, "How is the investigation I asked you to conduct a few days ago going?"
Han Laobo immediately replied, "Young lady, we've found out. This time, Lord Li has prepared a white jade ruyi scepter for the Crown Prince's wedding and a high-quality Duan inkstone for Prince Cheng. Although Prince Cheng's wedding banquet hasn't started yet, these items were commissioned by Lord Li long ago, so it wasn't difficult to find out."
A white jade ruyi and a Duan inkstone... Neither of these gifts seemed particularly extravagant. Given the Crown Prince's status, it wasn't unusual for his gift to be slightly more valuable.
"Are there no additional gifts?"
Yue Ning had mentioned that gift-giving in the capital involved many subtleties—there was the overt gift and then a covert one.
Han Laobo shook his head. "That, I don't know. Lord Li lives quite frugally. The servants in his residence rarely go out to purchase anything valuable. The only notable purchases recently were the white jade ruyi and the Duan inkstone."
Li Muyun must have received many rewards from the Emperor, but imperial gifts couldn't be regifted. Gifts from friends or offerings from subordinates wouldn't be appropriate to present to the Crown Prince or Prince Cheng either, so he likely had to purchase new items for these occasions.
Qin Guan nodded. "Alright, I understand. Is there anything else about the Li family?"
Han Laobo shook his head again. "Nothing else has come up, but it is strange—Lord Li is nearly thirty and still unmarried. He's the youngest third-rank official in the court; by all accounts, he should have married long ago."
Qin Guan frowned. It was indeed peculiar that Li Muyun had remained unmarried for so many years.
"Are any of his family members with him?"
Han Laobo continued shaking his head. "No, he's not from the capital. He's the only master in his residence, with just over ten servants. Aside from attending court and going to his office, he mostly stays at home. He rarely receives guests or socializes outside. He gives off a very reclusive impression."
The position of Minister of the Court of Judicial Review didn't carry as much practical authority as the Six Ministries, especially since the struggle for succession between the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng didn't heavily involve judicial matters. Yet, any movement in this position could trigger catastrophic events like the extermination of Prince Jin Manor and the Shen family.
"Alright, I understand." Since Han Laobo wasn't involved in official circles, Qin Guan didn't press for more details. She changed the subject, "By the way, have you arranged for craftsmen to help Young Master Sun rebuild his residence as I asked a few days ago?"
At this, Han Laobo smiled. "Don't worry, my lady. It's all arranged. Not only that, but I've been helping Young Master Sun monitor the progress these past few days. Young Master Sun is very generous, and the craftsmen are reliable. You needn't worry."
Qin Guan looked skeptical. "You're helping him monitor the progress?"Old Han Bo was advanced in years and not in the best of health. Having him find craftsmen was one thing, but supervising the progress would require constant running about, which was never her intention.
Han Laobo smiled. "Indeed, didn’t you know? Young Master Sun’s newly purchased residence is just on the neighboring street."
Qin Guan was taken aback, a thought flashing through her mind. "Which property did he buy?!"
Han Laobo sighed. "Young Master Sun is new to the capital, and for some reason, he bought a disgraced official’s residence from the government—right on our neighboring street. I asked him about it, but he insisted it was fine. He didn’t seem like he’d been deceived, so I didn’t press further. Since it’s nearby, I’ve been keeping an eye on things for him."
Though Han Laobo hadn’t spelled it out completely, Qin Guan already knew exactly which property Sun Muqing had purchased. She felt both helpless and deeply moved. After a long pause, she said, "Since it’s so close, I’ll go take a look."
Han Laobo promptly accompanied Qin Guan to the neighboring street. Sure enough, the dilapidated gate plaque of the former Shen residence had been removed. Though it wasn’t yet noon, over a dozen craftsmen were already hard at work inside. Qin Guan sighed at the sight.
She should have bought back this property earlier, but as a cousin of the Marquis’s household, purchasing a disgraced official’s residence would have been both unthinkable and conspicuous. Yet, she never expected Sun Muqing to acquire it outright.
Her senior brother was sincere to the core, but she was destined to let down his profound loyalty.
"Your Highness, you see, these are all reliable workers. There won’t be any delays."
Qin Guan nodded. "Then, Han Bo, please keep a close watch. Young Master Sun is new to the capital and has no experience managing such matters. Oversee the repairs to ensure the residence is meticulously restored."
Han Laobo agreed repeatedly, and only then did Qin Guan board her carriage and depart.
By the seventh month, though the summer heat still lingered, the mornings and evenings had grown distinctly cooler. This summer had been bustling with the Crown Prince’s grand wedding, but now the faint desolation of autumn was already in the air. When Qin Guan returned to the Marquis’s estate, she saw numerous gifts being delivered from the palace at the entrance. Hu Shi was joyfully inventorying them and waved Qin Guan over when she spotted her. "Guan’er, these are gifts from your sister. There are two boxes of eastern pearls for you—come and see."
Since Qin Chaoyu had become the Crown Princess, Hu Shi, though delighted, felt the household had grown emptier with her daughter in the Eastern Palace. Consequently, she had become increasingly attentive to Qin Guan, perhaps to compensate for her daughter’s absence.
Approaching Hu Shi, Qin Guan saw the room filled with pearls, jade, and fine silks. "Why has the Crown Princess sent so many gifts today? Is it a special occasion?"
Hu Shi laughed. "Not particularly, but the Qixi Festival is approaching. Though the palace doesn’t make much of this festival, it’s still an occasion, isn’t it?"
Qin Guan suddenly understood. Yes, the Qixi Festival was just two days away.
The thought made her smile wryly. Palace gifts were typically reserved for major festivals, and the Qixi Festival wasn’t one celebrated by all. While the young maids in the palace enjoyed marking it with some festivity, and young men and women outside celebrated it, Qin Chaoyu’s gifts were clearly meant to flaunt the Marquis’s elevated status.Qin Chaoyu hadn't forgotten her after all. Without standing on ceremony, Qin Guan accepted two boxes of eastern pearls and stayed to chat with Hu Shi.
Hu Shi remarked, "Now that Yu'er's marriage is settled, I'm beginning to worry about Yan'er's marriage." Though there are many talented and beautiful young ladies in the capital, I find myself unable to decide."
Qin Guan raised her eyebrows—Hu Shi was planning to find a wife for Qin Yan!
Qin Yan had long reached the age of capping ceremony. With Qin Chaoyu becoming the Crown Princess, the Marquis household's status had risen significantly. This was indeed the perfect time for him to marry. "Does Third Brother have anyone in mind?"
Hu Shi smiled wryly, "It's precisely because he doesn't that I can't make up my mind."
After some thought, Qin Guan said, "Since Third Brother has no one in mind, naturally Aunt will have to help him look. Though there are many fine young ladies in the capital, those whose family status matches Third Brother's aren't so numerous."
Hu Shi smiled approvingly, "Exactly. Our family is different now. The person who marries your Third Brother will eventually become the Marchioness and mistress of the household—her status mustn't be lacking." Hesitating slightly, she added, "What do you think of the Duke of Wei's daughter?"
Peng Fanjin?! Qin Guan was startled. Thinking of Peng Fanjin, her first thought was of Peng Fanjin's admiration for Yan Chi.
Qin Guan even felt that Peng Fanjin might prefer Yan Chi.
Moreover, Peng Fanjin had a martial disposition—was such a girl really to Hu Shi's liking?
Unwilling to alter Peng Fanjin's fate with a single comment, Qin Guan hesitated before saying, "Aunt, though Miss Peng is beautiful, I've heard she has great ambitions and enjoys practicing martial arts like Yue Ning. Though the Duke of Wei no longer goes to battlefields, his daughter has inherited his spirit. Does Aunt prefer a gentle and virtuous daughter-in-law or one who practices with swords and clubs?"
Hearing this, Hu Shi's brow furrowed slightly, but her expression soon smoothed into a calm smile. "Gentle and virtuous is fine, skilled in martial arts is also fine. I met this Miss Peng last time—her manners were quite proper. She didn't breach etiquette despite her love for martial arts. I think that's sufficient. Yan'er's martial arts are excellent too. If she also enjoys this Path, wouldn't they have more to talk about later? As long as she comes from a great family, her preferences don't matter much. What's important is whether she can shoulder the responsibilities of the heir apparent's wife."
Qin Guan understood. Since Hu Shi had brought up Peng Fanjin, she had likely already decided on this candidate. No matter what she said, Hu Shi wouldn't easily change her mind. Given the current situation, if the Marquis household produced a Crown Princess and then formed a marriage alliance with the Duke of Wei's household, it went without saying that the formerly foremost among the three ducal households—the Loyal Duke's household—would be overshadowed by the Marquis household!
"There's some truth in what you say, Aunt. Will you consult Third Brother?"
Hu Shi took Qin Guan's hand. "Of course I'll ask him. I'm planning to host a banquet on Qixi Festival and invite Miss Peng to our residence. You must have a good talk with her then and see what her temperament is like."
Qin Guan smiled bitterly to herself. What was there to see? As long as she wasn't some unruly person completely lacking in manners and propriety, you probably wouldn't dislike her anyway...Qin Guan had no choice but to agree. Hu Shi then enthusiastically listed all the virtues she had heard about Miss Peng, as if trying to convince Qin Guan that this match was made in heaven. Only after Qin Guan praised Hu Shi's discerning eye did she finally release her, satisfied. Returning to Pine Breeze Courtyard, Qin Guan sighed repeatedly, feeling she had taken on yet another troublesome task.
...
The Qixi Festival arrived in the blink of an eye. To make the gathering appear more natural, Hu Shi had invited Qin Shuang back for the occasion and sent an invitation to Yue Ning as well.
Yue Ning's status was noble, and her marriage arrangements were handled by the Grand Princess and the Empress Dowager. Moreover, given Qin Guan's connections, Marquis Anyang Manor had already established friendly relations with Loyal Marquis Manor, so there was no need to consider Yue Ning as a marriage prospect. Thinking that the Qixi Festival would be livelier with more people, Qin Guan also sent an invitation to Meng Yao. Thus, when Peng Fanjin's mother brought her to the manor, four young ladies were already waiting for her.
Madam Peng seemed aware of Hu Shi's intentions. After all, throughout the capital, whether in terms of character, appearance, family background, or talent, Qin Yan was undoubtedly the top choice for a son-in-law. Therefore, Madam Peng did not mind her daughter being evaluated today.
"Greetings, Madam Peng..."
With Qin Chaoyu absent, Qin Guan became Hu Shi's primary assistant. As soon as Madam Peng and her daughter entered the main hall, Qin Guan eagerly stepped forward to pay her respects. Madam Peng quickly helped her up, smiling, "How could I dare accept such courtesy from the princess?" You truly humble me. I saw you at the palace banquet before and thought then what great fortune the Qin family has—not only do they have the Crown Princess, a woman of peerless beauty, but you too are as lovely as a celestial maiden. Sister Hu, you are truly blessed."
Hu Shi covered her mouth with a laugh and pulled Peng Fanjin closer. "Dear sister, don't flatter me. To my eyes, Fanjin surpasses both of my girls here. Everyone says Fanjin has her grandfather's dignified bearing—such determination is truly rare. My Yu'er and Guan'er pale in comparison. How fortunate that the Yongning Princess is here today. Fanjin can seek her guidance."
Madam Peng was deeply moved. "Oh, sister, is the Yongning Princess truly here?" I must tell you, this girl Fanjin has been influenced by her father since childhood and adores these pursuits. At home, I've tried repeatedly to dissuade her, fearing it might hinder her marriage prospects. Yet you are so understanding, even more than I, her own mother."
Although Zhou dynasty etiquette was not overly strict, noble families still placed great importance on virtues, appearance, speech, and skills for young ladies. Someone like Yue Ning could disregard conventions due to her exalted status, but Peng Fanjin, despite her excellent family background, could not compare. Madam Peng had initially worried that Hu Shi might find her daughter uncouth, but to her surprise, Hu Shi was catering to Fanjin's interests. This show of regard pleased Madam Peng immensely.
Hu Shi looked Peng Fanjin up and down. "You're becoming far too modest, sister. I find everything about Fanjin delightful—I wish she were my own daughter. My two younger ones are both skilled in martial arts, and even the Marquis dislikes overly delicate young people. Besides, Fanjin has both beauty and poise. Practicing martial arts strengthens body and mind—it's truly ideal."Peng Fanjin had naturally met Hu Shi and Qin Guan before. Likely instructed by her mother, she wore a gentle, faint smile the moment she stepped inside. Though the two matrons exchanged pleasantries back and forth, she maintained perfect decorum—yet Qin Guan saw clearly that Peng Fanjin’s face had probably stiffened from forced smiling.
Qin Guan stepped in to ease the tension, “Aunt, the Princess and Meng Yao are waiting in the rear courtyard. Shall I take Miss Peng to meet them?”
Hu Shi promptly replied, “I nearly forgot! Today is Qixi Festival—the girls are playing in the back. Fanjin, please make yourself at home today. Follow Guan’er and enjoy yourself freely. Our household has few formalities.”
It seemed Hu Shi genuinely wished to arrange a marriage between Qin Yan and Peng Fanjin. Every word she spoke emphasized that Peng Fanjin’s passion for martial arts was no issue—not only did she not mind, but she greatly admired it—hoping to ease Peng Fanjin’s concerns.
Peng Fanjin, eager to leave the front courtyard, nodded immediately. Qin Guan took her hand and led her out. The moment Peng Fanjin departed, Hu Shi pulled Madam Peng aside, “Dear sister, I am utterly sincere. Later, I’ll have Yan’er and Ye’er come pay their respects. The sons I’ve raised—you can rest completely assured.”
With Peng Fanjin gone, both mothers dropped pretenses. Madam Peng responded warmly, “I’ve seen the heir apparent many times. In all the capital, I’ve yet to find a young gentleman more handsome than him…”
As the two mothers lavished praise on each other’s children, Qin Guan escorted Peng Fanjin to the rear garden, where Yue Ning, Meng Yao, and Qin Shuang were already waiting in the pavilion.
Once they left the front courtyard, Peng Fanjin exhaled in relief, “Thank you, Princess, for rescuing me.”
Hearing this, Qin Guan felt a stir of admiration. Though Miss Peng carried the imposing demeanor of the Duke of Wei, her perception was remarkably subtle. Qin Guan remarked, “Miss Peng must be aware of today’s purpose?”
Peng Fanjin smiled wryly, “Of course.”
She sighed, and Qin Guan noticed her despondency. “Does Miss Peng find my third brother lacking?”
Peng Fanjin replied with a mix of amusement and exasperation, “I’ve barely met the heir apparent—how could I judge him? It’s just that at this stage, our mothers are the ones preoccupied.”
Qin An caught herself pressing too hastily and softened her tone, “It’s alright, Miss Peng. Don’t dwell on it. Today, you’re here for Qixi festivities. Come—Princess Yongning and the others are dividing colored threads in the back.”
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