Night had fallen, yet the Loyal Marquis Manor was brightly lit with lanterns and bustling with activity.
Yuan Qing, who had suddenly appeared, arrived at the grand entrance of the manor carrying an imperial decree embroidered with mystical black and gold dragons and phoenixes, along with over a dozen chests of lavish rewards. The entire household gathered in the front courtyard to welcome him.
Beaming with joy, Yuan Qing addressed Qin Shu, "First, congratulations to the Marquis. The Prime Minister's residence has seen a succession of auspicious events—this year truly is a fortunate one for the Marquis Manor."
Auspicious events? What new fortune had befallen the manor?!
Though Qin Shu and Hu Shi wore smiles, Yuan Qing suddenly looked past Qin Shu’s shoulder toward Qin Guan, who had just emerged from within. His delight deepened. "The County Princess has arrived—"
Qin Guan had only returned to the manor at dusk, and not long after, Yuan Qing made his entrance.
Exchanging a glance, Qin Shu and Hu Shi shared a mix of puzzlement and dawning comprehension.
This "good fortune" likely had something to do with Qin Guan...
Sure enough, as Qin Guan approached, Yuan Qing declared, "County Princess, please receive the decree!"
Though Qin Guan already knew the decree’s content, she maintained a faint smile and a questioning look in her eyes, as if unaware of Yuan Qing’s purpose.
As she knelt, Qin Shu and his wife followed suit.
Yuan Qing then proclaimed, "It is heard that Yongci County Princess is virtuous, gentle, and outstanding in character and appearance. The Empress Dowager is greatly pleased. Now, Yan Chi, heir apparent of Prince Rui, has reached the age of capping and is fit for marriage. It is fitting to select a worthy maiden as his match. As Yongci County Princess remains in her chamber awaiting a union, she and the heir apparent of Prince Rui are a match made in heaven. To fulfill this beautiful pairing, it is decreed that you shall be betrothed to Yan Chi, heir apparent of Prince Rui, as his consort. An auspicious date shall be chosen for the wedding."
After reading the decree cheerfully, Yuan Qing looked down at Qin Guan. "Congratulations, County Princess. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager sought out the Emperor this afternoon. Upon hearing of this matter, His Majesty was also greatly pleased. To allow the Empress Dowager to take charge, he entrusted her with issuing this decree. These rewards are partly from the Empress Dowager and partly from the Emperor. The Empress Dowager hopes that you and the Crown Prince will marry before the year’s end. The Emperor has already ordered the Imperial Observatory to select an auspicious date. I believe your wedding date with the Crown Prince will be set within a few days."
Qin Guan accepted the decree. "Qin Guan humbly thanks the Empress Dowager for her grace and the Emperor for his favor."
Yuan Qing replied, "Please rise quickly. It is late today; you may enter the palace tomorrow to express your gratitude. You and the Crown Prince are a perfect match, a pair of flawless jade. This humble servant first congratulates the County Princess and the Crown Prince on a harmonious union lasting a hundred years."
Qin Guan lowered her eyes, feigning shyness. Meanwhile, Qin Shu and Hu Shi, having regained their composure, beamed with joy. When Qin Guan and her sister Qin Xiang had come to the capital, marriage alliances had been part of the plan. Though Qin Xiang had strayed from the proper path, and Qin Shuang’s husband Xue Qingshan, while not of high rank, was a talented young man who would surely benefit the Marquis Manor in the future, Qin Guan’s situation had initially seemed humble. Now, however, it was entirely different. Being matched with Yan Chi was the best possible outcome!
Behind Yan Chi stood Prince Rui, who had commanded the Northwest Frontier Army for years, boasting illustrious military achievements and being a member of the imperial family. Moreover, Yan Chi himself was not only of noble birth but also held great promise for the future!
Their marriage would effectively align Prince Rui’s faction with the Crown Prince’s!
Qin Shu thought that if the Crown Prince learned of this news, he would surely be overjoyed as well!
"Thank you, Eunuch. Who would have thought the Empress Dowager would arrange such an excellent marriage for Guan’er!"Yuan Qing smiled, "The Empress Dowager is fond of the Lady, and the heir is her most beloved grandson. Such a fine match truly makes others envious. Marquis, Madam, this old servant shall not linger further and will take his leave now."
Once Yuan Qing had departed, gazing at the courtyard filled with rewards, Qin Shu remarked with a smile, "Guan'er, were you aware of this matter?"
Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head, "The Empress Dowager once asked if I had any plans for marriage. I merely said I would leave it to Her Majesty's discretion. I hadn't expected her to designate Prince Rui's heir—perhaps she knew about our acquaintance in Jinzhou."
Qin Shu and Hu Shi naturally did not believe this. Given the Empress Dowager's affection for Qin Guan, she would not have issued the decree without first gauging Qin Guan's intentions. However, Qin Guan could not admit she had known all along, as that would imply the arrangement was influenced by personal feelings. Thus, Qin Shu and Hu Shi refrained from further inquiry. Qin Shu said, "This marriage is excellent. Prince Rui's heir is widely known for his remarkable military achievements at a young age. Guan'er, rest assured, your uncle and aunt will ensure your wedding is as grand as Yu'er's, and you will not be treated unfairly."
Qin Guan quickly responded, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt. The wedding date has not been set yet, and I will inevitably trouble you both in the future. I dare not compare myself to Eighth Sister—I only hope everything proceeds smoothly and according to propriety."
Pleased by Qin Guan's understanding, Qin Shu and Hu Shi allowed her to rest and returned to the main courtyard for a private conversation. They marveled at how this marriage would bring honor to the Marquis residence and provide substantial support to the Crown Prince and Qin Chaoyu. Once Yan Chi married Qin Guan, how could he remain detached from their affairs?!
Qin Guan walked back with the decree in hand. Before she even reached Pine Breeze Courtyard, the servants there had already learned of her betrothal. When Ban Xia and the others heard she was to marry Prince Rui's heir, they were overjoyed, chattering excitedly. Given the heir's noble status, this marriage was undoubtedly the best possible match for Qin Guan.
Yet, Fuling felt an indescribable unease. She had twice suspected someone had entered Qin Guan's room, but Qin Guan denied it, and Fuling found no evidence. Both Qin Shuang and she had suggested their young lady consider Yan Chi. To their surprise, the Empress Dowager had now decreed the marriage to Prince Rui's heir. Fuling vaguely sensed that many unknown events might have already transpired...
However, recalling Yan Chi's care for her young lady, Fuling felt a flicker of happiness!
The Empress Dowager's arrangement was truly excellent—her young lady would no longer have to fear being bullied.
As she thought this, she saw Qin Guan enter the courtyard gate with remarkable calm. Fuling and the others hurried to greet her, but Qin Guan showed none of the expected joy. Fuling frowned, wondering, "Does my young lady not like Prince Rui's heir?"
Noticing everyone's delight, Qin Guan managed a faint smile. "You all know already. The Empress Dowager has decreed the marriage, and I am content. Later, have Fuling distribute rewards to everyone."
With that, Qin Guan went inside. Ban Xia and the others were cheerful, but Fuling detected something amiss.
After distributing the rewards, Qin Guan had already bathed and retired to bed. Fuling entered the inner chamber, approached the bedside, and whispered softly, "Young Lady, are you unhappy? This servant thinks Prince Rui's heir is very good. Do you not like him?"Hearing this, Qin Guan couldn't help but smile bitterly. Naturally, she was pleased with such an arranged marriage, but with the matter concerning Prince Rui weighing on her mind, how could she truly feel joyful? Shaking her head, Qin Guan said, "No, I think Heir Yan is very good. We met in Jinzhou, he saved my life at Cloud Mist Mountain, and later escorted me all the way. I know his character well, and I am very satisfied with this marriage."
Fuling let out a sigh of relief. "Then why does Miss look so troubled?"
Qin Guan pursed her lips. "It's because of other matters. Don't worry."
Only then did Fuling feel at ease, but she still crouched by Qin Guan's window and said, "That's good then. This servant has always hoped that Miss would marry into a good family, so someone could take good care of you in the future. Now it has finally come true. Miss, is that white jade hairpin from the Crown Prince?"
Fuling was asking about the hairpin Qin Guan wore in her hair on Qixi Festival that day, which Qin Guan hadn't revealed its origin at the time.
Looking into Fuling's concerned eyes, Qin Guan nodded. Fuling's eyes immediately reddened - she finally confirmed that Yan Chi and Qin Guan had already developed feelings for each other, which was the best possible outcome.
Wiping the corner of her eye, Fuling said, "That's good, this servant understands. You should rest now."
After drawing the bed curtains for Qin Guan, Fuling walked out filled with joy.
Lying on her bed, Qin Guan kept seeing Yan Chi's eyes, dark as gathering storm clouds, from earlier in the day.
Yan Chi's departure from the capital was naturally not for hunting, but because one of Prince Rui's trusted aides had arrived from the northwest. Fearing that letters might be intercepted, the man had rushed to Luozhou ahead of the Imperial Golden Arrow Guards, and Yan Chi went to Luozhou to meet him personally.
Prince Rui had encountered trouble in Liangzhou. He had been summoned there by a secret decree and had since disappeared without any news. The messenger was one of the twelve personal guards who had accompanied Prince Rui to Liangzhou - the only one among them who managed to escape.
Not daring to return to the Northwest Frontier Army and following Prince Rui's orders, the messenger had rushed to the capital to warn Yan Chi of the impending disaster.
Last year when Yan Chi returned from the northwest frontier, it was because Prince Rui had sent him back over a minor fault. At that time, the military power in the northwest frontier had already become the focus of everyone's attention. Prince Rui couldn't abandon the northwest frontier but wanted Yan Chi to maintain his safety through discretion.
But Yan Chi never expected that despite Prince Rui's concessions, it was now Prince Rui who had encountered trouble.
Qin Guan felt as if a hundred ants were crawling in her heart. She tossed and turned for what seemed like ages before finally falling into a deep sleep.
Early the next morning, as soon as Qin Guan got up, Hu Shi learned that the Empress Dowager had sent someone from the palace to summon her. Qin Shu and Hu Shi were also to enter the palace together. Having no choice, Qin Guan had to wait for Qin Shu and Hu Shi before heading to the palace.
After the marriage decree was issued last night, news had already spread among the nobility in the city by morning.
When Qin Guan arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace, Qin Chaoyu was already waiting there.
After Qin Shu and his wife along with Qin Guan paid their respects, the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Since Wan Yatou lost her parents early, I can only discuss her matters with you now. I issued the marriage decree last night - I wonder if you are satisfied?"
Qin Shu and Hu Shi exchanged glances. Qin Shu quickly replied, "The Empress Dowager's arranged marriage is the greatest blessing for Wan'er. Prince Rui's heir is young and promising, having protected our country in the northwest frontier for many years. We are completely assured that Wan'er will marry him in the future."The Empress Dowager chuckled warmly, "That's good. I was only worried you might not be satisfied. When the Crown Princess learned of my matchmaking decree, she came to see me early this morning to express her gratitude. As her family, your approval makes this union truly perfect. Since you're all here today, I'd like to discuss the wedding date with you."
Qin Shu responded, "Naturally, it is Your Majesty's decision to make."
Holding Qin Guan's hand, the Empress Dowager said, "I think it would be best to hold the wedding before the year's end. Since Zhen'er's wedding date hasn't been set yet, Guan'er's can follow hers. I've instructed the Imperial Observatory to select an auspicious date around the twelfth lunar month."
Hu Shi smiled, "The twelfth month is perfect! The New Year celebrations will be approaching, and the capital will be filled with joy. Will Prince Rui be returning for the occasion?"
The Empress Dowager replied cheerfully, "Of course! How could he stand aside when his own son is getting married? I've already sent word to the northwest. He'll definitely return by year's end."
Qin Shu added, "That works out well. When the prince returns at year's end, he can conveniently deliver his official report."
"Exactly," the Empress Dowager agreed.
As they spoke of Prince Rui, Qin Guan felt her hands growing cold. Noticing this, the Empress Dowager asked with concern, "Guan'er? What's wrong? You still seem unsettled, and your hands are quite cold."
Qin Guan shook her head, "It's nothing. I've always had poor circulation, and with the weather turning colder, my hands get especially cold. As for feeling unsettled... I had a dream last night... about some unfortunate events, so..."
The Empress Dowager patted Qin Guan's hand without pressing further. After exchanging a few more words with Qin Shu and his wife, she allowed them to follow Qin Chaoyu to the Eastern Palace for conversation. Once they had left, the Empress Dowager looked intently at Qin Guan and asked, "Child, what did you dream about?"
Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat. Lowering her gaze, she said, "I don't know why, but last night I dreamed of the Crown Prince going to the northwest... and... I dreamed of something happening to him on the battlefield..."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager's brow furrowed deeply. It wasn't surprising that Qin Guan would dream of Yan Chi, given her feelings for him, but such a dream was indeed ominous. She sighed, "You silly child, you must be worried because you know he wants to go northwest. Don't worry, I won't allow him to go. This matter doesn't concern him."
Relieved by these words, Qin Guan continued, "Please forgive my foolishness. I couldn't say these things to the Crown Prince himself, especially since I shouldn't oppose anything done for the court or the Northwest Frontier Army. But the dream was so ominous that I couldn't help feeling afraid. Moreover... when my parents passed away in my childhood, some said I was born under an unlucky star. What if I were to bring harm to His Highness because of this..."
The Empress Dowager gripped Qin Guan's hand firmly. "Child, you must never say such things again. There's no such thing as being born under an unlucky star, and you could never bring harm to Yan Chi. Rest assured, I will absolutely not allow him to take risks in the northwest."
...
Meanwhile, Qin Shu and Hu Shi followed Qin Chaoyu to the Eastern Palace. While Hu Shi naturally went with Qin Chaoyu to her chambers to talk, Qin Shu was invited by Tang Fu to discuss matters in the side hall.
Upon entering the side hall, Qin Shu found Yan Che sitting behind the desk with a troubled expression. Uncertain of the reason, Qin Shu bowed and said, "Your Highness, have you heard? The Empress Dowager has arranged a marriage between Guan'er and Prince Rui's heir. The decree was issued last night."Yan Che sat behind the desk, showing no trace of a smile upon hearing the news.
Qin Shu felt a sudden unease in his heart and hurriedly said, "Prince Rui's heir is young and capable, and he still holds the title of deputy commander in the Northwest Frontier Army. Although he has been back in the capital for some time, his military prestige within the Northwest Frontier Army remains undiminished. In the future, he may even regain command of the Northwest Frontier Army. Moreover, with the Crown Prince on our side, it will be easier for us to place our own people and win the loyalty of the Northwest Frontier Army."
Yan Che’s eyes darkened as he watched Qin Shu, waiting for him to finish before saying, "Marquis, we cannot let Qin Guan marry Yan Chi."
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