Upon returning to the Marquis residence, Qin Guan was summoned to the main courtyard. Qin Shu and Hu Shi naturally questioned her thoroughly, but Qin Guan couldn't reveal that the Empress Dowager's illness stemmed from a dispute with the Emperor, nor could she disclose the Emperor's stance on deposing the Crown Prince. She could only respond vaguely. Qin Shu and Hu Shi, recognizing her difficulty, refrained from pressing further. After Qin Guan left, the couple couldn't help but feel a wave of anxiety. Exiting the main courtyard, Qin Guan felt unsettled but didn't return to Pine Breeze Courtyard. Instead, she changed direction and headed straight for Prince Rui's residence.
After Yan Zhen's marriage, the wedding date for Qin Guan and Yan Chi drew closer, yet neither had the leisure to dwell on it. More pressing matters loomed before them. Arriving at the royal residence, she found Yan Chi about to depart. Spotting Qin Guan, Yan Chi was pleasantly surprised. "You'd have missed me if you came any later."
Seeing him ready to leave, Qin Guan asked, "Where are you going?"
Yan Chi replied, "To the palace to see Grandmother. I heard she fell ill last night?"
Since Qin Guan had come, Yan Chi naturally turned back with her. As they walked, Qin Guan explained, "She is ill. Mammy Chen sent for me early this morning. Set your mind at ease—I've examined her, and it's nothing serious. It's just acute distress that aggravated her preexisting condition."
Yan Chi's brow furrowed. "Acute distress?"
Qin Guan nodded and waited until they reached the waterside pavilion to continue. "I came to see you precisely about this. Mammy Chen said the Empress Dowager summoned the Emperor to the Longevity and Health Palace last night. They had a disagreement, after which the Emperor left in anger, and the Empress Dowager fell ill."
"Was it about the Crown Prince?" Yan Chi's frown deepened.
The most significant stir at court recently was the ministers' petitions to depose the Crown Prince. The Empress Dowager seldom summoned the Emperor to her palace voluntarily, so there must have been a substantial reason. Yan Chi added, "Has the Emperor truly decided to depose the Crown Prince?"
Qin Guan affirmed, "Yes. As you know, the Empress Dowager has always protected the Crown Prince. The Emperor's firm intention to depose him is naturally a heavy blow to her. His resolve must be unwavering, hence the unpleasant parting."
Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed. "The Emperor isn't acting solely because of Zhang Qide's recent case. First, he confined the Empress, then had Yu Wenxian investigate Zhang Qide in Shuoxi, leading to Zhang's imprisonment. This chain of events was surely planned long in advance. The Emperor has played each move masterfully."
This was exactly why Qin Guan had sought Yan Chi out. She said, "It doesn't make sense that the Emperor had long intended to depose the Crown Prince. If he was dissatisfied, why appoint him in the first place? Appointing and then deposing him would cause immense turmoil at court..."
Yan Chi pondered for a moment before stating, "This appointment and subsequent deposition pitted the Crown Prince against Prince Cheng, exposing all the Crown Prince's faction. Moreover, last year's appointment of Yan Che was a choice made under duress. With the Northern Garrison Army externally and the entire court internally, Yan Che's influence was overwhelming, and the Empress's schemes were thorough."
A chill ran down Qin Guan's spine. "So he first went along with the flow to appoint him, then used the opportunity to purge the Crown Prince's faction?"
Yan Chi's brow tightened, his eyes profound. "That is indeed a possibility."But if that's the case, why was the Emperor dissatisfied with the Crown Prince even before this? He never intended for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne, but why?
Yan Chi was deeply puzzled, and Qin Guan also found it inexplicable. Yan Che was the legitimate son, at least more suitable to be emperor than Yan Qi. Could it be that the Emperor wanted to depose Yan Che and enthrone Yan Qi instead? Qin Guan shook her head, instinctively feeling this was impossible. But if Yan Huai wasn't satisfied with Yan Che, who did he favor? Wan Fei's eighth prince? Or the sixth prince, whose mother died early and who remained inconspicuous? Surely it couldn't be Yan Sui...
Yan Chi and Qin Guan exchanged glances, both with deep confusion in their eyes.
The doubts accumulating in their hearts grew increasingly numerous, and they had all sorts of strange speculations. However, without evidence, neither Qin Guan nor Yan Chi could confirm what was right or wrong. Qin Guan didn't stay long at Prince Rui's residence. After seeing her off, Yan Chi also went to the Longevity and Health Palace. When he arrived, he saw that Yan Li had already entered the palace.
The Empress Dowager was lying on the bed fully dressed, propped up by a large pillow. Yan Li sat beside her, speaking softly to her.
When the announcement came from outside, Yan Li immediately stood up. "Seventh Brother—"
Yan Chi stepped forward to pay his respects. Seeing the Empress Dowager's pale complexion, his heart sank. "Why did Grandmother suddenly fall ill?"
The Empress Dowager smiled. "It's nothing. I was already ill before. With the colder weather these past few days, it was natural to relapse. Guan'er has already visited me. Don't worry."
Yan Chi nodded. Yan Li added, "Grandmother must have been neglecting herself these past few days. In winter, one must not fear the cold even more."
The Empress Dowager chided him, "You're good at talking. Why don't you come accompany me for a walk?"
Yan Li scratched his head. "Yes, yes, it's all your grandson's fault."
With Yan Li amusing the Empress Dowager, she wore a smile on her face, but Yan Chi could tell the smile didn't reach her eyes.
The Empress Dowager seemed rather listless, so the two stayed with her for a while before taking their leave.
The two brothers walked out side by side. Yan Li sighed. "Grandmother's health is getting worse. It's truly worrying. They say winter is hardest on the elderly. I wonder what Qin Guan said after her examination—is it serious?"
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "Grandmother has something weighing on her heart. Medicine alone won't cure her illness."
Yan Li fell silent, unable to respond. Sensing something amiss, Yan Chi turned to look at him. "You know about it too?"
Yan Li smiled bitterly. "What are you referring to, Seventh Brother?"
Yan Chi studied Yan Li for a moment before stating plainly, "Grandmother fell ill after arguing with the Emperor over the Crown Prince's matter." After a pause, he added by way of explanation, "I've already met with Guan Guan."
Yan Li understood and sighed. "If that's the case, there's nothing we can do to help. How could we possibly fathom the Emperor's thoughts?"
Yan Chi said, "The Emperor's dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince is rather strange."
Yan Li's eyes shifted at this. "Strange... it really is... After all, the Crown Prince has already been appointed, and it's only been a year since his appointment... Ah, it's a pity I don't understand court affairs well enough to see clearly. The Ministry of Personnel is already in turmoil because of Zhang Qide's matter. It seems the entire court once held the Crown Prince in high esteem, but now, it's as if they wish they'd never known him. It's the same everywhere."Yan Li had grown up under the shadow of Prince Gong's rebellion, so he understood these matters far better than ordinary people. Hearing him speak this way, Yan Chi couldn't help but reach out and pat his shoulder. Yan Li shrugged with a faint smile, "It's nothing. I've long since come to terms with it. As for the Crown Prince... perhaps it's fate..."
There was an uncharacteristic heaviness in Yan Li's tone. Yan Chi turned to look at him, "What do you mean?"
Yan Li smiled, "Seventh Brother, do you believe in fate? I feel... never mind others, just take me for example... perhaps I was born with this destiny. I've seen through it, so I no longer seek anything. After all, what's the use of seeking when it can't be obtained? Perhaps the Crown Prince... truly isn't destined to become emperor?"
Hearing this, Yan Chi's lips curved into a slight smile.
Though Yan Chi meant no mockery, his smile clearly conveyed his disagreement.
Yan Li raised an eyebrow, "Does Seventh Brother think I'm wrong?"
Yan Chi then said, "Then do you believe there's destiny in a person's life and death?"
Yan Li thought for a moment and nodded hesitantly, "Probably... perhaps everything is predetermined."
Yan Chi shook his head, "On the battlefield, if my blade moves slowly, I die. If my blade moves quickly, others die. There's no such thing as destiny. Every chance I have to survive, I seize through my own efforts. Only those who are defeated claim everything is ordained by heaven."
Yan Li gave a bitter smile, "Seventh Brother and I are truly different..."
Yan Chi had no intention of touching on Yan Li's sore spots, "You understand what I mean. You've never considered what you truly want, or perhaps you have but gave up. One day, when that desire ignites within you, you won't believe in fate anymore. Only by striving for something yourself does it hold meaning."
Yan Li fell into thoughtful silence upon hearing this and remained quiet for the rest of the journey. After exiting the palace gates, Yan Li returned to his residence, while Yan Chi headed to the Ministry of Justice.
The next day, Qin Guan entered the palace again. After completing the needle therapy for the Empress Dowager, she noticed that the Empress Dowager's condition showed no signs of improvement, which immediately unsettled her.
However, the Empress Dowager's body was still quite weak, so Qin Guan didn't dare to continue the needle therapy recklessly. She could only change the prescription and stayed with the Empress Dowager for most of the day before leaving. The following day, she needed to go outside the city to erect a cenotaph for her father and mother, so she naturally couldn't enter the palace. By the time she returned to the capital, it would likely be evening. Qin Guan carefully instructed Mammy Chen and returned to her residence, where she slept soundly through the night. Early the next morning, Qin Guan set out for the city gates, taking only Baiying with her.
Qin Guan had arranged to meet Sun Muqing outside the city as well. When she arrived, Sun Muqing hadn't yet appeared, but Yan Chi had already arrived first.
Though it was still early, dark clouds loomed over the horizon, and despite it being morning, a fierce wind howled. Yan Chi boarded Qin Guan's carriage and said, "It seems it might snow today."
It was indeed very cold. Yan Chi had someone bring a small warming stove, which made things more bearable. The two waited together in the carriage for a while. Before long, Sun Muqing arrived on horseback, wearing a cape to shield against the wind. Aside from himself, there was a large bundle on the horse's back, naturally containing the items needed for the cenotaph. Sun Muqing had expected only Qin Guan to be there, but to his surprise, Yan Chi was the first to step out of the carriage. Then, he watched as Yan Chi lifted the carriage curtain, and Qin Guan descended.
Sun Muqing was taken aback and quickly bowed, "Greetings, Prince Rui. Greetings, Princess..."
Yan Chi's tone was rather gentle, "No need for formalities."Qin Guan smiled, "Divine Doctor Sun, please don't mind. His Highness is accompanying us today."
Sun Muqing glanced at Qin Guan, then at Yan Chi, and chuckled, "Not at all, not at all. I just didn't expect... Well, let's go... With His Highness accompanying us, we're certainly safe today... This contains the burial items I prepared. I didn't bring any attendants, fearing word might leak out."
Though Qin Guan hadn't mentioned these arrangements, Sun Muqing had his own understanding. Qin Guan used a carriage while Yan Chi and the others rode on horseback. The group headed south from Qiwu Mountain toward the tea plantation. Qin Guan had already instructed Han Bo, so Han Dong had left the city yesterday to wait. After traveling for over an hour, they finally reached the foot of the tea mountain. From afar, they saw Han Dong waiting alone by the roadside. As the carriage halted, Han Dong immediately approached.
After exchanging greetings, Han Dong said considerately, "There are only two craftsmen. They're currently having tea at the tea farmer's house halfway up the mountain. Miss, please lead everyone up first. We'll place the burial items in the coffin, hold a memorial ceremony before sealing the tomb to avoid arousing suspicion."
While Han Bo recognized Sun Muqing, Han Dong did not—nor did he know Yan Chi. However, seeing Yan Chi's extraordinary bearing and imposing presence, and how his gaze and actions showed great care for Qin Guan, Han Dong guessed Yan Chi's identity and became even more respectful.
The group ascended along the narrow mountain path. After the time it takes two incense sticks to burn, they came upon a fresh grave.
The tea fields had been cleared, and two neatly constructed, imposing graves stood quietly. The burial chambers remained unsealed, the tombstones blank. Compared to ordinary family burials, the scene felt somewhat eerie, yet Sun Muqing looked thoroughly satisfied.
"I truly thank you, My Lady, for going through such trouble. This place is clearly an auspicious site with excellent feng shui, and the tomb materials..."
Carrying his bundle, Sun Muqing began expressing gratitude as soon as he arrived, making Qin Guan quite uncomfortable.
Yan Chi glanced at Qin Guan and said calmly, "Young Master Sun, there's no need to rush with thanks. Please organize the burial items first."
Sun Muqing promptly agreed. Han Dong then asked, "Shall we perform the Buddhist service after sealing the tomb? How would you like to arrange it, Miss?"
Qin Guan sighed at this. "This ritual..."
This ritual would be difficult to conduct. With blank tombstones and graves whose owners' names couldn't be inscribed—not even daring to speak the masters' names—how could they hold a proper Buddhist service? As Qin Guan pondered how to resolve this, her gaze fell upon an item in Sun Muqing's bundle. She quickly stepped forward and asked, "What is this?"
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