The Empress Dowager was momentarily stunned. Though she had sensed something in her heart, she never expected the topic to be broached by Qin Guan. Moreover, Qin Guan’s expression carried a hint of urgency, making the situation all the more peculiar. The Empress Dowager grasped Qin Guan’s hand and asked, "Wan Yatou, tell me, has something happened?"
Qin Guan’s throat tightened. She lowered her gaze briefly before looking up again and said, "Since my eighth sister got married, my aunt has been preoccupied with arranging marriages for my third and fourth brothers. Last night, she suddenly called me over and asked if I had any plans for my own marriage."
The Empress Dowager’s expression shifted slightly. "Is she trying to arrange a match for you?"
Qin Guan shook her head. "Not exactly. She merely urged me to consider it, but I suspect she’s already discreetly looking for potential matches. Earlier, when you asked, I intended to delay the matter. However, when I went out with the Ninth Prince just now, I overheard palace maids discussing how the marriages of several princes, including the Fifth Princess, have been settled. Next, it’s likely that the marriages of the heirs apparent will be arranged. I grew anxious and hurried here to seek your help…"
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager couldn’t help but chuckle. "Silly girl, even if marriages are to be arranged, they must pass through me. You and Yan Chi—do you think I don’t know?"
At this moment, Qin Guan should have blushed with shyness, but her heart was filled with bitterness. She forced a faint smile and instinctively lowered her gaze. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager assumed she was merely bashful and gently pulled her up.
"Stand up and speak—"
Qin Guan paused briefly before rising with the Empress Dowager’s assistance. The Empress Dowager then guided her to sit beside her. "Child, this promise was made to you long ago and will always hold. But as for you and Yan Chi, I’ve been waiting for him to bring it up. He’s a grown man—how could he let you take the lead in this matter? Tell me, what promises has he made to you? Does he not intend to marry? Is that why you’ve come forward?"
With Yan Chi’s temperament, if he truly loved someone, he would never hide his feelings or let the woman take the initiative to request a marriage arrangement. Yet this time, it was Qin Guan who had come forward. The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but wonder if Yan Chi was not fully committed to Qin Guan. If that were the case, she could not easily approve this marriage.
"That’s not it," Qin Guan quickly looked up at the Empress Dowager. "He has mentioned it before, but at the time, my two elder sisters had not yet married. After that, there were the weddings of the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng. Moreover, I was preoccupied with assisting in investigations and wasn’t focused on marriage, so I didn’t agree. Since I didn’t agree, he naturally couldn’t bring it up alone."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager finally relaxed. "That’s more like it. I almost thought he had wronged you."
Qin Guan forced another faint smile. The Empress Dowager’s expression finally softened with relief. "Watching the two of you, I’ve been growing impatient. Finally, someone has come to speak of it, but it turned out to be you. Wan Yatou, I am truly delighted about this marriage, but I still need to ask Yan Chi about it—"
Qin Guan hurriedly said, "Please don’t make it difficult for him."
The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but laugh and lightly tapped Qin Guan’s forehead. "You child, is your heart already leaning toward him? If I don’t ask him a few questions, how can I feel assured about issuing the decree?"Qin Guan felt somewhat ill at ease, her heart in turmoil. In her current state, she had no time to dwell on such thoughts. While conversing with the Empress Dowager, she anxiously glanced outside, fearing Yan Chi might leave the palace directly for the northwest without returning.
Seeing her agitation, the Empress Dowager was both amused and exasperated. "Child, you're usually so composed. Why are you so restless today? The Crown Prince likely summoned him for official court matters, not to arrange a marriage. Set your mind at ease. It seems you truly care for Yan Chi. If he treats you poorly, I will certainly discipline him severely!"
Qin Guan merely lowered her head, feigning shyness, though her palms were sweating incessantly. The Empress Dowager found this behavior quite surprising and was beginning to sense something amiss when Mammy Chen entered and announced, "Your Majesty, Lady Qin, Yan Chi has returned."
Qin Guan immediately looked up, her eyes locking onto Yan Chi as he entered. Seeing his calm expression, her anxiously suspended heart finally settled back into place.
Noting Qin Guan's deep concern for Yan Chi, the Empress Dowager's smile deepened.
Yan Chi stepped forward to pay his respects, and the Empress Dowager asked with a smile, "What did the Crown Prince want with you?"
Taking a seat to the side, Yan Chi replied with a faint, detached smile, "Nothing much. It's just that the military provisions case in the west has shown no progress, and the envoys sent previously haven't reported back. So, the Crown Prince wants me to make the trip."
The Empress Dowager frowned. "Oh? And what do you think?"
Yan Chi responded noncommittally, "The western case concerns the Northwest Frontier Army and indeed cannot be taken lightly. I plan to volunteer at tomorrow's court session to head west."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager said, "How long will you be gone?"
Yan Chi replied, "Three months at the earliest, six at the latest."
Even with fast horses, the journey would take a month each way, consuming two months just in travel. Given the complexity and scale of the case, at least three months were inevitable. Troubled by the lengthy duration, the Empress Dowager remarked, "That's too long. If you return after six months, it will be next spring. Are there no others in the court who can go?"
Yan Chi explained, "No one in the court is more familiar with the Northwest Frontier Army than I am. I am the best candidate."
The Empress Dowager glanced at Qin Guan and indeed saw urgency in her eyes, as if she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words. Sighing, the Empress Dowager thought, one or two months would be manageable, but to be separated for half a year before the wedding—though the imperial decree of marriage had been issued and no further changes were likely—considering Yan Chi's years of hardship in the northwest and Qin Guan's orphaned plight, she felt a pang of reluctance. "Familiarity has its drawbacks in investigations. In my opinion, someone completely impartial should handle it to avoid accusations of bias later."
She looked at Qin Guan again and added, "Besides, you're not young anymore and should consider other matters. A trip to the northwest won't wrap up in just two or three months. I know you're concerned about the frontier, but with your father there, what is there to worry about? I think he should return by the end of this year to settle your marriage."
Yan Chi listened calmly and said, "Grandmother, since the Crown Prince has spoken, I suspect other court officials share the same view."The Empress Dowager was quite displeased by what she heard. Firstly, at her age, she would rather see Yan Chi settle down soon than watch him constantly occupied with duties. Secondly, since Qin Guan had made the request herself, she felt compelled to ensure their marriage proceeded harmoniously. Moreover, noticing Qin Guan's hands turning cold upon seeing Yan Chi stubbornly insisting on following everyone's advice to head west, the Empress Dowager tightened her grip on Qin Guan's hand.
"I will speak to the Crown Prince about this," the Empress Dowager declared. "Even if the Emperor has issued an order, I still find it inappropriate. Although you could handle the Northwest Frontier Army's military provisions matter decisively, affairs there are often tangled and unclear. Both you and your father should stay out of it. Over the years, many in the court have spoken ill of you two."
There was logic in the Empress Dowager's words, making Yan Chi hesitate, seemingly puzzled by her opposition. Snorting at his expression, she happened to spot Yan Sui peeking in from outside and said, "Wan Yatou, take Little Nine out to play. I have something to discuss with him—"
It took Qin Guan a moment to react before she stood up and walked out with heavy steps.
Glancing back twice, she saw Yan Chi watching her calmly, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Qin Guan strode out of the hall, taking Yan Sui's hand and leading him to the veranda. With no one else around and Momma Su and the maids watching from a distance, she turned her back and faced Yan Sui, who immediately covered his mouth. "I didn't say anything."
Relieved, Qin Guan couldn't speak or smile, merely pulling Yan Sui to sit beside her on the decorative bench, lost in thought.
Had her intervention truly managed to stop Yan Chi?
Yan Chi only knew about the military provisions case and was unaware that Prince Rui had already encountered trouble. The provisions issue had been weighing on him; if he learned of Prince Rui's plight, he would likely rush to the northwest without hesitation—exactly what Qin Guan dreaded most!
...
Inside the hall, once Qin Guan left, the Empress Dowager's smile faded. She stared at Yan Chi for a long moment, making him uneasy. "Grandmother, what's the matter?"
The Empress Dowager snorted lightly. "I've repeatedly brought up your and Yan Li's marriages. Yan Li is one thing, but you've always remained silent and unresponsive. Tell me, is there someone you fancy?"
Yan Chi's brow twitched. "Grandmother..."
Sitting up straight, her voice turning cold, the Empress Dowager said, "All these years, you've charged into battles in the northwest, hailed as the God of War. I thought you were a true pillar of strength, but now it seems I misjudged you."
Perplexed, Yan Chi suddenly recalled Qin Guan's earlier odd behavior and asked, "Grandmother, have you learned something..."
Raising an eyebrow, the Empress Dowager watched as Yan Chi immediately rose and knelt, his robes sweeping the floor. "Grandmother, it is all my fault."
Lifting her chin, she demanded, "What fault is that?"
Yan Chi replied, "Grandmother, I erred in developing feelings for Yongci County Princess and concealing it from you. The blame lies solely with me and has nothing to do with Yongci County Princess. I beg for your forgiveness."
Her expression still icy, the Empress Dowager retorted, "Oh? It has nothing to do with her? You, a man of noble status, and she, an unmarried maiden, engage in a secret affair, and it's only your fault?"Yan Chi then said, "Yes, I was drawn to her from the moment I first saw her in Jinzhou. She helped solve a case there, and from that time on, we had many interactions. Later, as I escorted her back to the capital, my feelings became clearer. From beginning to end, it was I who took the initiative to show my affection."
The Empress Dowager raised her eyebrows even higher. "So, you mean she has no feelings for you?"
Yan Chi pursed his lips. "That's not the case. Yongci County Princess is kind and pure-hearted. Unable to resist my repeated advances, she naturally responded. However, we have always restrained ourselves and adhered to propriety, never overstepping boundaries. I have been waiting for an opportunity to explain this to you, Grandmother. If I could receive your decree to bestow the marriage, it would be a blessing for both of us."
After Yan Chi finished speaking, the Empress Dowager snorted again. "Then who do you think should be the one to seek my approval for the marriage?"
Yan Chi quickly replied, "Naturally, it should be me."
"Hmph! At least you know that!"
A shadow flickered deep in Yan Chi's eyes. "I have long had this intention, but... but now with the case in the northwest..."
"The case in the northwest, the case in the northwest! Anyone can investigate that case. I’ve already advised you to stay out of it and protect yourself, yet you still don’t understand. Yan Chi, do you realize that in this matter, you will always be one step behind Wan Yatou?"
Yan Chi was slightly taken aback. "What do you mean by that, Grandmother?!"
The Empress Dowager sighed, but a hint of pride gleamed in her eyes. "You are not as decisive as Wan Yatou. Just moments ago, after you left, she came to me personally to request that I bestow the marriage upon the two of you. Yan Chi, I have never misjudged Wan Yatou. Tell me, since she has taken the first step to seek the marriage, aren’t you always a step behind?"
Yan Chi frowned slightly, this time completely stunned.
The Empress Dowager shook her head. "Your father has always taken you to fight in the Northwest Frontier Army. You’ve honed your skills as a commander, but in matters like these, you are slow. Since Wan Yatou has brought it up, and I have promised her that she could decide her own marriage, and you just said you have long had this intention, then let me ask you: Are you sincere in your feelings for Wan Yatou? Will you never betray her in this lifetime? Although I am happy to see this marriage, both of you are children I adore. If either of you shows the slightest hesitation, I will not consent. Yan Chi, you are a man of high status and power. In the future, you will encounter countless women, and countless women will flock to you. I want you to think clearly: if you marry Wan Yatou, from then on, you can have only her. Are you willing?!"
The Empress Dowager’s words grew increasingly grave, her expression stern.
Yan Chi’s expression suddenly darkened as well. He had not expected Qin Guan to suddenly request the marriage decree—it was entirely unlike her usual self. If not for this, why would he have waited so long?
A complex light flickered in his eyes. Yan Chi seemed to recall something, and his fist clenched abruptly at his side. He lifted his head and looked at the Empress Dowager. "Grandmother, I love Qin Guan. I swear in the name of my father and the Northwest Frontier Army that if I ever betray her in this life, may the hundred thousand soldiers of the frontier army rebel against me, may heaven strike me down, and may I no longer be worthy of being a member of the Yan clan."
The Empress Dowager felt a surge of warmth in her heart. Seeing Yan Chi’s resolute expression, she finally felt she had tested him enough. She let out a breath and smiled with relief. "Good, Yan Chi. Remember your words."After glancing outside the hall, the Empress Dowager said, "Very well. I noticed Wan Yatou seemed troubled earlier—so tense and unlike her usual composed self. Escort her out of the palace and say a few words to reassure her. I suspect she’s either worried you’ll be betrothed to someone else or anxious about your departure to the northwest. Go now. The decree will be issued tonight."
Upon hearing this, Yan Chi promptly bowed to the ground. "Thank you, Grandmother."
Rising from his bow, Yan Chi strode out of the hall. Once outside, he scanned the area but saw no sign of Qin Guan. He walked a few steps along the corridor before spotting her sitting dazedly under the eaves.
The Qin Guan he knew was usually serene and poised, radiating clarity—rarely did she appear so lost in thought.
Yan Chi watched her for a moment before approaching. Yan Sui gently tugged at Qin Guan’s sleeve, snapping her out of her reverie. She looked up to find Yan Chi already standing before her.
Qin Guan quickly rose to her feet. "What did the Empress Dowager say? Are you still going west?"
Yan Chi curved his lips slightly. "Grandmother asked me to escort you out of the palace. Let’s go."
Qin Guan hesitated, words caught in her throat, but Yan Chi’s gaze held a calming reassurance. Reluctantly, she followed him out.
They left the Longevity and Health Palace together and exited the palace gates. Along the way, Yan Chi occasionally glanced back at her, his expression inscrutable, as if lost in thought. Qin Guan’s mind was in turmoil, yet she dared not speak of the matter within the palace walls, fearing Yan Chi might be overcome with grief and lose control, potentially worsening the situation.
In silence, they passed through the palace gates. Qin Guan boarded the carriage, with Baiying taking the reins. Yan Chi, who had arrived alone on horseback, mounted his steed and instructed Baiying, "To the royal residence." He then rode alongside the carriage.
Qin Guan lifted the curtain to look at him. Yan Chi’s face was composed, but his eyes held a distant aloofness. Noticing her gaze, he turned and offered a faint smile—still meant to soothe.
The bustling streets were no place for conversation. Qin Guan suppressed the countless questions swirling in her heart, enduring until they reached Prince Rui’s residence.
She had visited the day before but missed Yan Chi. His decision to return today likely meant he knew of her prior visit. As the carriage halted, Qin Guan stepped down, her mind brimming with doubts.
The main gate stood open. Yan Chi waited for her to enter together. The gatekeeper from yesterday showed a flicker of surprise upon seeing Qin Guan and Baiying but quickly resumed a respectful demeanor, closing the gate only after they had entered.
Once the gate shut, Yan Chi took Qin Guan’s hand. He smiled at her, yet whether it was her own despondency coloring her perception, Qin Guan felt his smile carried a trace of bleakness.
Still silent, Yan Chi withdrew his gaze and led Qin Guan deeper into the royal residence.
Her first impression of Prince Rui’s residence was one of profound stillness.
In the transition from summer to autumn, the entire estate lacked any vibrancy. Even the lush greenery appeared unkempt and withered from neglect. Qin Guan had no mind for the scenery, simply following Yan Chi inward. As they passed a dried-up lotus pond, she suddenly recalled Yan Chi’s words: the princess consort had once tended to a lotus pond herself, but after her passing, with no one to care for it, the pond had eventually parched and fallen into ruin...Qin Guan suddenly felt a sting in her nose. She understood the pain of losing parents better than anyone. She had thought Yan Chi at least still had his father, but now even his father was gone. The incident involving Prince Rui, whether considering the Emperor's attitude or the stances of Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince, clearly indicated this matter was far from simple. What awaited Yan Chi was not only the news of his father's death but also immense danger.
What were the Emperor's intentions? And what were Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince plotting?!
Prince Cheng sought to seize control of the Northwest Frontier Army. The Crown Prince's invitation to Yan Chi today was also to send him to the northwest. He and Prince Cheng were alike—neither was willing to let the power of the Northwest Frontier Army fall into others' hands. The royal residence of Prince Rui now stood on precarious ground, and Yan Chi was surrounded by enemies, isolated and helpless. If even the Emperor harbored murderous intentions, and if they would not even allow him to remain in the capital, what was to be done?
Qin Guan gritted her teeth and followed Yan Chi to a waterside pavilion.
The pavilion overlooked an inner lake and was furnished with simple elegance. The moment Qin Guan stepped inside, she knew this was Yan Chi's usual dwelling. Yan Chi stopped and turned to look at her. Qin Guan's lips trembled, but her eyes reddened first, as if the grief of her own parents' deaths had suddenly resurfaced. She found herself unable to deliver the news. "Yan Chi... you..."
Yan Chi looked at her, stepped forward, and half-embraced her, raising a hand to touch her moist eyes.
"The Empress Dowager said you went to request an imperial marriage decree."
Qin Guan had no time to explain this to Yan Chi. She was only thinking about how to break the news of Prince Rui's death to him!
"This should be a joyous matter, so why are you crying?"
Yan Chi's thumb gently brushed the corner of her eye, his gaze full of tenderness. "Guan'er, whatever the reason, your request for the marriage decree—does it mean you are willing to marry me?"
Qin Guan nodded repeatedly but then said, "Yan Chi, of course I am willing. But I need to tell you something else, something very important. You must not go to the northwest. Something has happened there, and you don't yet know..."
She stared into Yan Chi's eyes, about to speak, when she saw his gaze suddenly turn icy. The bloodshot veins in his eyes intertwined with his affection for her and a sudden, oppressive coldness, swiftly transforming into heart-wrenching pain, fury, loathing, cruelty, and hatred, swirling in his pupils like storm clouds gathering over a city...
Yan Chi's voice was slightly hoarse as he spoke, "I know."
Qin Guan was stunned. Hadn't he gone out of the city for hunting? How could he know?
A glimmer of moisture flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. He pulled her tightly into his embrace, his voice low and gravelly, like a wounded trapped beast. "Qin Guan, you are kind and compassionate, unwilling to involve me in your troubles. But I am different from you."
Yan Chi's arms were like iron bands around her. Qin Guan could feel his entire body tense, his grip so strong it seemed he wanted to press her into his very bones and blood. "Qin Guan, thank you for being willing to marry me. From now on, through wind, frost, swords, and blades, I ask you to walk by my side."
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