Qin Shu's smile froze on his face, looking quite perplexed. "Your Highness, why is that?"
Yan Che's expression was dark and gloomy. "The Northwest Frontier Army cannot remain in Prince Rui's hands forever. If Qin Guan and Yan Chi form a marriage alliance at this time, it offers us no advantage."
Qin Shu's countenance shifted slightly. "Your Highness, has His Majesty said something? Or... has something happened?"
Everyone knew the Northwest Frontier Army was under Prince Rui's control, so what did the Crown Prince mean by this?
Yan Che shook his head. "No need to ask further. Just understand that Qin Guan should not be engaged to Yan Chi at this moment."
Qin Shu's lips tightened. "But Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has already issued the decree."
With the imperial decree already issued, could it still be changed?
Yan Che took out a piece of paper from the side of the desk and said, "Marquis, take a look at this."
Uncertain of its contents, Qin Shu quickly accepted and unfolded it. Upon reading, his expression changed again. "This..."
"Her Majesty has some belief in Buddhist and Daoist teachings. Show this to the Empress Dowager, and she will likely harbor hidden concerns. As long as the wedding date isn't set and the marriage rituals haven't begun, even an issued decree doesn't mean much."
Yan Che's expression remained somber, his tone leaving no room for doubt. Though Qin Shu dared not inquire further, his mind was already in turmoil. With Prince Rui's Heir holding such status, countless noble daughters in the capital yearned for this match. Now that it was assigned to Qin Guan, he saw it as entirely advantageous. Yet Yan Che's status was even more esteemed, and he clearly knew more than Qin Shu did.
Moreover, Qin Shu couldn't fathom any reason for Yan Che to oppose this matter beyond official affairs.
"Very well, Your Highness may rest assured. I will enter the palace again tomorrow. Her Majesty summoned my wife and me earlier precisely to discuss setting the wedding date. She wishes to schedule it before the New Year."
Yan Che's expression remained unchanged, yet he appeared profoundly inscrutable.
"Some matters cannot be disclosed to you at present. Simply follow my instructions."
Even without these words, Qin Shu would have complied. Hearing them now only deepened his unease. It seemed something must have happened in the Northwest Frontier Army; otherwise, Yan Che would have supported this marriage as enthusiastically as he did.
"Yes, Your Highness may rest assured. I understand."
Yan Che nodded slightly, then added after a moment, "I will send a letter to Zhang Qide, instructing him to prepare to return to the capital for debriefing."
Upon hearing this, Qin Shu's mind surged with turmoil again. Zhang Qide was the military governor of the Dingxi Path, responsible for Dingzhou's administration and defense for years. Dingzhou had previously suffered from bandit troubles, but since Zhang Qide's arrival, he had pacified several bandit strongholds, allowing the people to live in peace. In Dingzhou and throughout the northwest, he was a figure of considerable renown.
This man had previously served in the Northern Garrison Army and was a trusted subordinate of General Zhao You. Naturally, on the surface, he had no dealings with the Crown Prince, but privately, he belonged to the Crown Prince's faction. Zhang Qide had been in Dingzhou for many years, and now the Crown Prince suddenly recalling him for debriefing clearly indicated plans to reassign him. Having already risen to the rank of regional military governor, where else could he be transferred?
After much thought, Qin Shu concluded that only the Northwest Frontier Army would be suitable!
Qin Shu was deeply shaken. Yan Che glanced at him, sensing his dawning realization, and said no more.
Now that he needed to rely on Qin Shu, it was only right to give him some insight, allowing him to prepare accordingly. Qin Shu was intelligent enough to grasp the implications without further explanation. "Very well, that settles this matter. You may go speak with the Crown Princess now."Qin Shu collected his thoughts, bowed, and withdrew.
Stepping out of the side hall's entrance, Qin Shu glanced at the distant sky. The early autumn weather appeared somewhat gray and desolate, casting a shadow over the undulating palace halls. He withdrew his gaze, carefully tucked the paper into his sleeve, and turned to find Qin Chaoyu.
The Eastern Palace covered a vast area. The main hall was used for receiving guests and also served as Yan Che's residence, while Yan Che handled daily administrative affairs in the western side hall. Though Qin Chaoyu had entered the Eastern Palace, she was not arranged to live in the main hall but resided in the Xie Fang Hall east of the main hall—traditionally the residence of Crown Princesses throughout generations. Thus, it wasn't particularly unusual for the young couple not to live together.
After Qin Shu was escorted away, Qin Chaoyu led Hu Shi into the inner chamber. Hu Shi observed the Xie Fang Hall's elegant and exquisite decor, radiating noble grandeur, and smiled. "Yu'er, has His Highness the Crown Prince been resting here these past few days?"
A shadow flickered in Qin Chaoyu's eyes, though her expression remained lightly smiling. "His Highness is occupied with state affairs and doesn't come every day. Mother, please refrain from asking such questions in the future. If overheard, it might seem as if we're blaming His Highness."
Hu Shi immediately fell silent, glancing outside and relaxing only after seeing Mo Yun and others standing guard.
"Yu'er has truly changed since becoming Crown Princess. You're so thoughtful now."
As the mother and daughter sat down, Hu Shi carefully examined Qin Chaoyu's complexion. Noticing faint dark circles under her daughter's eyes, she frowned. "Yu'er, have you been sleeping poorly lately? You don't look well."
Qin Chaoyu smiled in response. "It's probably just autumn restlessness. There's no need to worry, Mother. I've already summoned the imperial physician for diagnosis and conditioning. Please set your mind at ease. Mother, why did the Empress Dowager suddenly issue a decree arranging this marriage?"
Hu Shi smiled knowingly. "Wan'er and Heir Apparent Yan actually became acquainted back in Jinzhou. Later, when Wan'er entered the capital, Heir Apparent Yan even escorted her back to the capital. I've noticed he shows great concern for Wan'er too. I suspect the Empress Dowager must have long thought them well-suited, and perhaps there were already tender feelings between Heir Apparent Yan and Wan'er."
Qin Chaoyu raised an eyebrow, her smile deepening meaningfully. "This is indeed an excellent match."
Hu Shi nodded in full agreement. The mother and daughter had spoken only briefly when an announcement came from outside: Qin Shu had arrived.
When Qin Shu entered, his expression had lost all traces of its earlier ease and cheerfulness. Seeing his troubled countenance, Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu exchanged puzzled glances. Qin Chaoyu stood up. "Father, what's wrong?"
Qin Shu forced a slight smile. "It's nothing, just some political matters."
Despite his words, after sitting down, Qin Shu appeared visibly preoccupied. After a moment, he said, "Now that you've entered the Eastern Palace, you must prioritize His Highness the Crown Prince in all matters. If you learn of any plans he has, don't keep them from me."
This only made Qin Chaoyu more curious, though she had no knowledge of what had been troubling the Crown Prince recently.
Not wanting to pressure Qin Chaoyu further, Qin Shu spoke a few more words before preparing to leave with Hu Shi.
After they departed, Qin Chaoyu called out, "Attendant! Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Mo Yun entered and reported, "Still in the side hall, alone."
Qin Chaoyu nodded, bringing a bowl of sweet soup to the side hall. The guards didn't dare stop her. As she entered, Yan Che slightly furrowed his brow. "Has your father left? Why have you come here?"Qin Chaoyu smiled, "Yes, Father and Mother have left. Now that autumn has arrived, the weather is dry. I've prepared a bowl of snow pear and tremella soup for Your Highness. Please have some to clear heat and moisten the qi."
After setting down the sweet soup, Qin Chaoyu noticed Yan Che hadn't moved. She continued, "This morning when I went to pay respects at the Longevity and Health Palace, I took the opportunity to thank Her Majesty for arranging Guan'er's marriage. Prince Rui's Heir has long been acquainted with Guan'er. The Empress Dowager must have seen how well-suited they are."
Yan Che lifted his gaze to Qin Chaoyu. "Yongci County Princess and Yan Chi met in Jinzhou?"
Qin Chaoyu nodded with a smile. "Your Highness knows as well—they met in Jinzhou. Later, when my younger sister returned to the capital, it was Your Highness who escorted her. Along the journey, feelings naturally developed between them. Afterward, they had many interactions in the capital, so their bond grew deeper than with others. When the Empress Dowager decided to arrange the marriage, she must have consulted them both."
Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes. Qin Chaoyu's words clearly implied that Qin Guan and Yan Chi had long been involved.
A vague yet startling thought suddenly flashed through his mind. During the Shangyuan Festival palace banquet, he had specifically added Qin Guan's name to the list, yet later it was erased. Could it be that...
"I need to review memorials now. The Crown Princess may retire and rest."
Yan Che abruptly issued the dismissal. Qin Chaoyu's eyes dimmed slightly, but she still smiled and curtseyed. "Then I shall take my leave."
......
......
On the way back, Qin Shu remained silent. Having been married to him for many years, Hu Shi knew his temperament well. Seeing his expression, she understood something was wrong. Once they entered the mansion gates, she finally couldn't hold back. "Marquis, what exactly did you and the Crown Prince discuss?"
Qin Shu paused mid-step. Originally heading toward his study, he turned toward the main courtyard upon hearing her words.
Upon entering the main courtyard, Qin Shu sat down with a sigh. Waving for Granny Yu and others to withdraw, he said, "Madam, I'm afraid Guan'er's marriage cannot proceed."
Hu Shi was stunned. "Why is that? Isn't this marriage beneficial for both our family and the Crown Prince?"
Qin Shu shook his head. "I don't know the details, but there seem to be changes in the northwestern army. His Highness made it very clear—it's better not to proceed with this marriage."
Hu Shi's face instantly paled. "It was actually His Highness who said this? No wonder you looked so strange earlier."
Qin Shu nodded, producing the paper given by the Crown Prince. "Tomorrow, you must enter the palace and convey this to the Empress Dowager."
Hu Shi appeared troubled upon hearing this. After reading what was written on the paper, she said, "Won't this harm Guan'er's reputation?"
Qin Shu sighed. "This is the only way now. How else can we openly defy an imperial decree?"
Hu Shi smiled bitterly. "Should we say something to Guan'er?"
Qin Shu hesitated at this. Hu Shi continued, "Guan'er and Heir Yan likely have long-standing feelings. If we don't explain and instead obstruct them, Guan'er will surely be displeased when she finds out. She's no longer the young girl she once was."
Qin Shu agreed with this reasoning and sighed. "We really should tell her."
"But how should we explain it?" Hu Shi asked with anxious expression.
What should have been a perfectly good marriage—just last night the entire household had been discussing it with joy—now they were trying to find ways to ruin it.Qin Shu said, "There's no need to be explicit. Just say there are unforeseen changes in this matter, and for her future, we must offer some early advice. When a woman marries, what she seeks is stability and prosperity. There's no reason to knowingly jump into a pit of fire."
Hu Shi frowned upon hearing this. Could it be that something major was about to happen in Prince Rui's household?
...
...
By the time Qin Guan returned from the palace, it was already afternoon. After paying respects to Hu Shi in the main courtyard, she was about to leave when Hu Shi stopped her. "Guan'er, your aunt has something to discuss with you..."
Qin Guan was puzzled. "What instructions do you have, Aunt?"
Hu Shi took Qin Guan's hand. "Not instructions, but your aunt wants to ask you: are you satisfied with this marriage arrangement?"
Qin Guan blinked. "Since it was bestowed by the Empress Dowager, naturally I am satisfied."
Hu Shi sighed. "Your uncle and I were overjoyed when we first heard about the decree yesterday. But after a night, especially after returning from the palace just now, we suddenly feel this marriage might not be suitable."
Qin Guan found it strange. She had witnessed the genuine joy on Qin Shu and his wife's faces yesterday. How could their feelings change so suddenly?
"What does Aunt find unsuitable?"
Hu Shi hesitated for a moment. "Prince Rui is often stationed with the Northwest Frontier Army, and Prince Rui's Heir will likely also go to campaign in the northwest. If he goes to war, you'll be left alone in the capital. Moreover, the battlefield is unpredictable—what if... Guan'er, your uncle and I care for you deeply. We feel it would be best if we could find a way to decline this marriage."
Seeing Qin Guan's calm and fearless expression, Hu Shi decided to be more direct. "And... your uncle recently learned that there have been incidents in the Northwest Frontier Army. You..."
Before Hu Shi could finish, she noticed Qin Guan's brows furrow. Seeing this had an effect, Hu Shi continued, "You must be aware of the issue with the military provisions in the Northwest Frontier Army? It's been under investigation for so long without any resolution—it must involve significant matters. Prince Rui might not even retain his position as commander of the Northwest Frontier Army. If he were imprisoned for crimes, Prince Rui's household could collapse..."
Hu Shi and Qin Shu didn't understand why Yan Che had said what he did, but after much thought, they connected it to the military provisions case. The northwest was thousands of miles away, and no one knew the true situation there. Consequently, rumors were spreading in the capital. Hu Shi felt she had to exaggerate the severity to frighten Qin Guan.
However, upon hearing this, Qin Guan felt relieved. When Hu Shi mentioned incidents in the northwest, she had feared that Qin Shu had learned something had happened to Prince Rui. Instead, Hu Shi was merely worried about the military provisions case.
Suppressing her doubts, Qin Guan said, "Aunt, the Empress Dowager's decree has already been issued. Whatever the reason, I have no grounds to oppose this marriage. Please rest assured—since I've made my choice, I won't fear or resent any future circumstances. You really needn't worry about this. The military provisions matter hasn't been clarified yet, and I believe Prince Rui's lineage is undoubtedly innocent."
Qin Guan's tone was firm, leaving Hu Shi somewhat frustrated. "Guan'er, if Prince Rui's household falls, you'll suffer after marrying into it, and that's just the beginning..."
Qin Guan shook her head. "Aunt, there's no need to say more. My mind is made up."
Qin Guan took a step back, curtsied, and walked away despite Hu Shi's attempts to stop her.
Hu Shi followed for two steps but ultimately didn't call out. Seeing Qin Guan so unreasonable, she felt both helpless and irritated.
Since that was the case, then she shouldn't blame her for what would come next...The further Qin Guan walked toward Pine Breeze Courtyard, the more uneasy she felt in her heart. She had remained in the Longevity and Health Palace, but Hu Shi and her husband had gone to see Qin Chaoyu. Afterward, their attitude had changed. Could it really be just because of the military provisions case?
If that were the case, why hadn’t they mentioned it yesterday…
As she pondered this, Qin Guan suddenly halted her steps. Yesterday, the Crown Prince had invited Yan Chi to the Eastern Palace and also wanted Yan Chi to go to the northwest. The Crown Prince clearly already knew about the affairs of Prince Rui’s royal residence. With Prince Rui in trouble, the status of his royal residence would no longer be as powerful as before—it might even plummet drastically. Why would the Crown Prince want the Marquis’s household to get involved with Prince Rui’s royal residence?!
At this realization, Qin Guan’s eyes instantly turned cold.
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