Qin Guan didn't know what the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess had discussed in the inner chamber. Not long after, the Grand Princess called them inside. Upon entering, they saw both the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess looking rather pale. Seeing this, Qin Guan and Yue Ning exchanged glances, understanding that the two had spoken at length and likely realized the situation was growing increasingly dire.
The Grand Princess beckoned to Qin Guan. As Qin Guan approached, the Grand Princess took her hand and said, "Good child, the Empress Dowager's health is poor. You must take good care of her."
Qin Guan immediately nodded, "Don't worry, I will do my utmost."
The Empress Dowager looked at Qin Guan with a wry smile, "Don't pressure her like that. She's already doing her best. I'm just old and my body is failing. Even someone as skilled as Guan'er can't make withered wood bloom again. Guan'er, don't feel too pressured—just treat me as you see fit."
Qin Guan sighed helplessly, "Your Majesty, you mustn't think that way! You need to focus on getting proper treatment."
The Empress Dowager smiled without further comment, "Alright, I'll listen to you."
The Grand Princess sighed, "Sister-in-law, don't concern yourself with court affairs anymore. At our age, we can't manage the younger generation's matters. Let them handle things themselves. We should focus on preserving our health and living a few more years. I still want to see Ning'er married and Jia'er wed. Ah."
Yue Jia was supposed to have married last year, but then the incident with Song Rou occurred. Fortunately, Yue Ning and Yan Ze made a perfect couple!
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager nodded, gazing affectionately at the young people before her, "Indeed, nothing compares to living a few more years."
The Grand Princess looked at Qin Guan, "Setting other matters aside, Guan'er will be married soon. Let's first joyfully see Guan'er off to her wedding, then send the others off one by one. Yan Li is not young anymore either—it's time to arrange a marriage for him."
Yan Li, who was speaking with Yan Sui, immediately smiled wryly upon hearing this, "Aunt, I will certainly get married. When the time comes, you must help me choose carefully."
Hearing this, both the Grand Princess and Empress Dowager laughed. If Yan Li had resisted strongly, the Grand Princess might have taken the opportunity to lecture him, but since he unexpectedly agreed with everyone, she couldn't say much more.
Yan Li blinked earnestly, "I mean it! When the time comes, Grandmother and Aunt must help me select a suitable princess consort!"
The Grand Princess felt quite gratified and turned to the Empress Dowager, "Sister-in-law, did you hear that?"
The Empress Dowager nodded, though she already appeared weary, "I heard, I heard..."
After keeping the Empress Dowager company for a while longer, everyone noticed her energy was truly flagging and took their leave. The Grand Princess left the palace with Qin Guan. Remembering she hadn't visited Marquis Anyang Manor for many days, Qin Guan accompanied the others there. Sharing a carriage with Yue Ning, Qin Guan naturally inquired about Yan Ze's condition.
Yue Ning replied, "Third Brother has been relatively stable lately, though he still can't see. Ah, but Prince Yi's leg injury has been recurring. Divine Doctor Sun has tried many methods, but he can't withstand the increasingly cold weather. Ah..."
Qin Guan frowned, "I'll find time to examine Prince Yi. Acupuncture might help him recover faster."Yue Ning beamed with delight, "Why wait for another time? Let's go right now—could you take another look at Third Brother?"
Qin Guan smiled and nodded, "That would be perfect."
With this settled, the carriage first headed to Marquis Anyang Manor. Qin Guan paid her respects to Jiang Shi and spent some time with the Grand Princess. Afterward, Qin Guan and Yue Ning set off together for Prince Yi's royal residence. The two residences were already quite close, and they arrived in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. However, upon reaching the main gate, the gatekeeper informed them that Yan Ze had gone out.
Qin Guan was taken aback, and Yue Ning hadn't expected this either. "Who accompanied Third Brother out?"
The gatekeeper ushered them inside as he replied, "Tan Xiang went with the Crown Prince. Don't worry, my ladies."
The weather was bitterly cold, with a piercing wind. Qin Guan and Yue Ning settled into the flower hall as usual. The servants dared not neglect them, but no one knew where Yan Ze had gone. After waiting a short while, Qin Guan suggested, "Why not go see Prince Yi? We're just waiting here anyway."
Qin Guan, eager to see Yan Chi, had no intention of wasting time idly.
Yue Ning nodded, "That's fine..."
She then called a servant and sent him to inform Prince Yi.
Both Qin Guan and Yue Ning were frequent visitors to Prince Yi's residence, and Yue Ning, as the future wife of the heir apparent, was already treated like half a mistress by the household staff. At her instruction, the servants immediately complied. Before long, the servant returned and said, "The prince is in his study. Please come this way, my ladies."
Prince Yi was by nature leisurely and relaxed. Though Qin Guan and Yue Ning visited often, they seldom saw the prince. Now that Prince Yi learned Qin Guan wished to treat his illness, he was quite pleased. Shortly after, the two young women arrived. Seeing them together, Prince Yi smiled kindly and said, "It's one thing for Ze'er to trouble Yongci, but now I must trouble you as well. I'm truly sorry. Ning'er is no outsider, so we must properly thank Yongci."
Prince Yi used Qin Guan's title, his tone very warm. His remark that Yue Ning was "no outsider" made her cheeks flush slightly.
Qin Guan quickly replied, "There's no trouble at all. Yue Ning has mentioned Your Highness's injury several times, and the Empress Dowager is also deeply concerned. Earlier, Divine Doctor Sun mentioned that needle therapy might be more effective. I said then that if Your Highness's condition hadn't improved, I would come to administer the treatment."
Hearing this, Prince Yi's smile grew even gentler. He ordered refreshments and specially brewed some floral tea he had obtained from Lingnan for Qin Guan and Yue Ning. He carried an air of transcendent grace, was entirely unpretentious, and even joked with them from time to time. Qin Guan and Yue Ning felt completely at ease. After chatting for a while, Qin Guan took Prince Yi's pulse and inquired about his condition. Prince Yi explained, "It's an old injury from many years ago. It becomes quite unbearable in winter, but it's manageable after the season passes. Over the years, I've found a few good physicians while traveling, but it seems this injury can't be fully cured..."
Qin Guan nodded, "Yes, Your Highness's injury is to the soft tendon in the knee joint. Once that area is damaged, it can't fully recover. The imperial physician who treated you back then was somewhat negligent."
Prince Yi remarked, "The imperial physicians are no match for your medical skill. They always hesitate and overthink—they're unreliable."Yue Ning and Qin Guan exchanged smiles. Qin Guan had brought her needles, so she instructed someone to fetch boiled strong liquor and asked Prince Yi to roll up his trousers and lie on the recliner before beginning the needle therapy. The process was rather lengthy, and Yue Ning stayed by his side, occasionally glancing out the window. Prince Yi, being exceptionally observant, remarked, "Ze'er has gone out, likely to pay respects to his mother. Her memorial day just passed not long ago, and he wanted to light forty-nine additional bright lamps for her."
Yue Ning felt a bit embarrassed, but Prince Yi teased good-naturedly, "Ze'er isn't much of a talker, so it's remarkable how well your temperaments match."
Though Yan Ze was as gentle and refined as jade, he truly wasn't one to speak sweet, flattering words, and Yue Ning happened to be the kind of woman who didn't need to be pampered.
Yue Ning smiled and said, "Third Brother is the best at taking care of others."
Two incense sticks' worth of time later, Qin Guan finally finished the needle therapy. After removing the needles, Prince Yi touched his knee and said with surprise, "It really is much better. The pain has lessened, and it doesn't feel as cold anymore. It seems Divine Doctor Sun's words were true."
Yue Ning immediately asked, "What did Divine Doctor Sun say?"
Sun Muqing was originally a direct disciple of Medicine King Valley, so he must have praised Qin Guan for Prince Yi to say that!
Yue Ning felt a sense of shared pride and asked excitedly. As soon as she finished speaking, a gentle voice came from the doorway, "Divine Doctor Sun said that Yongci County Princess is highly skilled in medicine, especially her acupuncture technique, which is so masterful it closely resembles that of his little junior sister!"
As soon as the voice sounded, everyone knew it was Yan Ze returning. Qin Guan and Yue Ning turned around simultaneously and indeed saw Yan Ze.
However, when Yan Ze finished his last sentence, the smile on Qin Guan's face faltered slightly.
Today, Yan Ze wasn't wearing the medicated gauze over his eyes. His pupils were clear and bright, but his gaze remained vacant, fixed in the direction behind Qin Guan.
After the brief pause, Qin Guan quickly composed herself again. Even though Yan Ze couldn't see now, she didn't want to reveal any clues.
Yue Ning, however, asked, "Little junior sister? Divine Doctor Sun's little junior sister?"
Yue Ning's eyes shifted thoughtfully. "I think I've heard him mention her—she's the daughter of the former Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Shen Yi?"
Yue Ning didn't know the details clearly. As she asked, Yan Ze nodded. Seeing him standing alone at the door, Yue Ning went over to take his hand. "Third Brother, why were you gone so long? You mentioned a few days ago that you wanted to light bright lamps for the princess consort, and I even said I'd accompany you."
Yan Ze smiled. "The weather isn't good. It would be inconvenient for you to go out."
Then Yan Ze added, "Father, the bright lamps have been lit."
Prince Yi nodded and acknowledged with an "Mm." But Yue Ning was reminded of what happened ten years ago—it was on a snowy day that she and Yan Ze had gone out and encountered trouble. Thinking of this, she felt a mix of apprehension and guilt...
"Today, Yongci specially came to treat my leg. After her needle therapy, it really is much better."
Prince Yi chuckled cheerfully. Hearing this, Yan Ze also smiled. "The County Princess's medical skills are exceptional, comparable to those of a disciple from Medicine King Valley."
Prince Yi added, "Exactly so. What's rare is that the County Princess was taught by the Second Master of the Qin family, and in just a few short years, she has achieved this level. It shows she has extraordinary talent. If one day she could go to Medicine King Valley to study further, I believe she could become a master of our time."Qin Guan remained silent for a long moment before finally replying, "To be honest, Your Highness, I have indeed considered this. If the opportunity arises in the future, I will certainly go."
Prince Yi took a while to compose himself, then straightened his robes and stood up, ordering servants to prepare dinner. As it was already late, Prince Yi intended to invite Qin Guan to stay for the meal. However, thinking of her need to meet Yan Chi, Qin Guan declined, "To be honest, Your Highness, my uncle and two cousins entered the palace yesterday and have not yet returned. Today I must return to the Marquis residence early, so I cannot stay for dinner. I will examine the Crown Prince's eye condition once more before departing."
While commoners might be unaware of palace affairs, members of the royal family could not possibly remain ignorant.
Prince Yi's smile faded as he sighed, "Very well then, I won't insist. Regarding your uncle's matter, you need not worry for now."
Understanding Prince Yi's meaning, Qin Guan felt somewhat relieved. Yan Ze then invited Qin Guan and Yue Ning to the flower hall. After checking his pulse, Qin Guan said, "The Crown Prince's pulse shows no abnormalities, and the meridians around his eyes have improved significantly. There's no need for further needle therapy."
Yan Ze smiled, "Then it seems only a matter of timing awaits. I shall patiently await that day."
Qin Guan looked at Yan Ze's eyes as if wanting to say something more, but ultimately remained silent. After speaking, Yan Ze gave a light cough. Yue Ning immediately asked, "What's wrong, Third Brother? It's so cold today, yet you're dressed so lightly!"
Yan Ze had just returned from outside, wearing thin white wide-sleeved robes beneath his cloak. His fair complexion, combined with the snowy weather, gave him an almost translucent appearance that made others feel cold just looking at him. After studying Yan Ze for a moment, Qin Guan inquired, "Which temple did Your Highness visit today?"
Yan Ze smiled faintly, "Fahua Temple outside the city."
Qin Guan sighed, "That's quite far. Although you're a man, you should still take care. Catching a cold wouldn't be good for your eye condition."
Yue Ning added, "Exactly, Third Brother! Your hands are like ice."
Yan Ze smiled helplessly, "Understood, understood. Haven't I returned now?"
After a moment's thought, Qin Guan asked further, "I wonder how difficult it is to offer bright lamps at Fahua Temple? I'd like to make offerings for my parents."
Yan Ze replied gently, "It's not difficult. All temples follow similar procedures—just make a sufficient donation. The abbot of Fahua Temple has some acquaintance with my father. If you wish to make offerings, you may simply present our royal residence's name card."
Qin Guan smiled, "Has Your Highness offered scriptures as well?"
Yan Ze nodded, "Naturally. I originally planned to perform several rituals, but since we conducted some recently, I didn't repeat them. After offering bright lamps, I presented several volumes of scriptures and requested the abbot to consecrate some ritual implements."
Upon hearing this, Yue Ning said, "Third Brother, you must take me along next time you go to pay respects."
Yan Ze smiled and nodded. Seeing this, Qin Guan took her leave.
By the time she left Prince Yi's residence, dusk was falling. Instructing her carriage to head directly to Prince Rui's residence, Qin Guan fell into deep thought.
Why would someone returning from a temple carry no scent of incense at all?
Forty-nine bright lamps—even without burning incense, the smell of pine oil alone should be quite noticeable. Yan Ze's cloak still carried traces of frost and moisture, clearly unchanged. Given this, why was there no scent whatsoever?Qin Guan rubbed her temples. Why would Yan Ze, perfectly fine, tell such a lie? Moreover, this wasn't the only falsehood he had spun.
Thinking of Yue Ning, Qin Guan's brow furrowed even tighter. This capital was far more complex than she had imagined, where people could never be judged by appearances. What roles were the leisurely Prince Yi and Yan Ze truly playing in all this?
When the carriage arrived at Prince Rui's residence, Yan Chi had just returned. As Qin Guan entered the gates, Yan Chi was meeting with two covert agents. Upon learning of Qin Guan's arrival, he immediately dismissed them to greet her. Qin Guan's troubled thoughts, weary from the journey, finally settled upon seeing Yan Chi.
Once they entered the waterside pavilion, Qin Guan urgently asked, "Have you uncovered the whole story?"
Yan Chi nodded, his tone grave. "Kunning Palace caught fire first, followed by the Eastern Palace. Chaos erupted on both sides. The imperial guards couldn't allow the flames to engulf the entire palace. In the ensuing confusion, the Empress and Crown Prince seized the initiative. They had already communicated beforehand, though the channel remains unknown. After the incident, a mishap occurred during the shift change of imperial guards at Xihua Gate—a cavalry captain handed over the wrong token. The Empress exploited this gap to leave the palace. That cavalry captain has already taken his own life."
Qin Guan's heart trembled. Lives had already been lost. How many more in Kunning Palace and the Eastern Palace would perish because of last night's events?
"Loyal Marquis and your third and fourth brothers entered the palace. They're temporarily confined in a dark chamber behind Chongzheng Hall. The Emperor hasn't summoned them yet—likely just keeping them under control to see if Qin Chaoyu had conspired with them beforehand. The Emperor doesn't need to interrogate anyone right now, nor does he trust anyone."
Qin Guan recalled the scene she witnessed while walking through the streets earlier—Garrison Battalion patrols had noticeably increased. Though the streets were already sparse due to recent snowfall, an unusually grim atmosphere permeated the city. She asked further, "Any news of the Empress's whereabouts?"
Yan Chi shook his head. "The Empress likely had preparations in place. The moment she left the palace, she vanished without a trace like clay oxen sinking into the sea."
Of course the Empress had preparations. Without them, how would she dare take this step with the Crown Prince? The previous Shen clan served as the clearest example.
Qin Guan sighed. "Empress Dowager's health has deteriorated—she vomited blood after last night's events. Yue Ning also mentioned the Emperor secretly dispatched orders to the north, instructing my adoptive father to march the Jinzhou garrison northward. I suspect it's a precaution against potential upheavals in the north."
Yan Chi nodded. "Exactly. The Emperor probably never anticipated the Empress would take this step, hence he has no choice but to deploy the Jinzhou garrison north."
Jinzhou, located in southern Great Zhou northwest of the Two Lakes region, wasn't typically a strategic defensive point. Yet it could swiftly mobilize northwest to control minority tribes beyond Shu lands, or southward to reinforce naval forces along the Southern Sea—a precautionary deployment. Over the past decade, the Jinzhou garrison had participated in three campaigns against minority tribes and provided crucial reinforcements twice to the Southern Sea navy. Both pirates along the southern coasts and northwestern tribes had grown increasingly restless in recent years. With Jinzhou's flat terrain, prosperous commerce, and fertile fields and forests ideal for training beyond its walls, the garrison—though not frontline combat troops—maintained constant vigilance. Now, the Emperor was actually transferring them north!Everyone was well aware of the Emperor's apprehension. If the situation truly escalated to that point, the entire Great Zhou Dynasty would be thrown into turmoil.
Qin Guan felt deeply troubled, but Yan Chi clearly held a different perspective. When Yan Chi spoke of this news, his eyes sparkled like a restless leopard spotting prey to hunt. Qin Guan quickly realized that the Empress's unexpected move had distracted the Emperor, potentially relieving the crisis in Shuoxi.
"So what will the Emperor do now? He must know the Empress has uncovered his secret!"
Speaking of this, Qin Guan still felt somewhat dazed, yet Yan Chi had already calmly accepted this reality.
He squeezed Qin Guan's hand and said, "The Emperor will never allow the Empress and Crown Prince to leave the capital. Firstly, the Empress knows his secret. Secondly, once the Empress and Crown Prince join the Northern Garrison Army, the army would have legitimate cause. For any military force, having an orthodox ruler as their leader is crucial. Although the Crown Prince is somewhat inexperienced, the Empress is far-sighted. With her and Old General Zhao present, the Northern Garrison Army could achieve great things."
Yan Chi's words carried the dust and blood of conflict; he was evidently accustomed to such reasoning, and this analysis even stirred the battle-hardened spirit within him. Qin Guan had never witnessed a battlefield, but seeing Yan Chi's eyes alight and his entire being charged with intensity, she too felt a surge of fierce excitement. Yan Chi seemed born for warfare, and no matter how complex or perilous the future situation might become, she would have such an indomitable person by her side!
In fact, the more dangerous the circumstances, the more suited Yan Chi would be. If war were imminent, Yan Chi would excel at seizing victory from chaos!
Qin Guan had always been accompanied by corpses and decay, never knowing what fear was. She thought herself resilient enough, but never imagined that when faced with today's situation, she would realize she was about to encounter a world she had never imagined or set foot in, and she would still instinctively feel terror. Only at this moment did she understand Yan Chi's strength.
Compared to Yan Chi, tempered by the fires of war, she still seemed too delicate.
Qin Guan gripped Yan Chi's hand in return. "Then what should we do?"
Last night, fear had lingered in Qin Guan's eyes, and just moments ago, her gaze had been heavy with worry. But now, her eyes were filled with trust and reliance. She was radiant, her unease and fear seemingly soothed by this trust. Yan Chi's heart softened, and he pulled Qin Guan into an embrace. "We... will watch from the sidelines and wait until after the wedding day. Before that, the Empress will naturally confront the Emperor."
Outside, the world was frozen, with biting winds like blades, but inside the waterside pavilion, it was as warm as spring. Qin Guan leaned softly against Yan Chi, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.
"Just half a month left..."
Qin Guan had never yearned for marriage before. Even when she was designated as the princess consort of Prince Yong, she only felt confusion and anxiety. Marrying into the royal family was not a favorable prospect, especially since her clan did not require such a sacrifice from her. After the upheavals occurred, she lost even that thought. But now, amidst the harsh winds and sharp swords, a longing stirred within her. Even without the wedding rites, Yan Chi would treat her as always, yet going through that day would undoubtedly make everything different.
"Yes, just half a month left." Yan Chi lowered his head and pecked Qin Guan's cheek. "The Empress made her move very timely."Qin Guan was caught between laughter and tears upon hearing this. If not for the Empress's situation, Shuoxi would still be the Emperor's top priority.
"The capital isn't exactly vast, but it's not small either. Where could the Empress be?"
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes upon hearing this. "The Empress was well-prepared, so she probably won't be trapped. I just hope everything goes smoothly for her."
Before Qin Guan could respond, Yan Chi suddenly turned serious. "Because if she can't leave the capital, I'm afraid she'll throw us to the wolves."
Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. Yan Chi continued slowly, "She was the one who told us to find Granny Qian..."
Upon hearing this, Qin Guan's heart sank immediately! Yes, it was the Empress who had sent them to find Granny Qian!
Granny Qian's words had been ambiguous at the time. They hadn't dared to suspect that the Emperor wasn't the real Prince Luo, but by then they already knew the Emperor was connected to Consort Jin's death. Following that thread would naturally lead them to uncover the true reason behind Consort Jin's murder. Whether they discovered the real secret or not, if the Emperor learned they harbored suspicions, he would likely not let them live...
The Empress's matter had temporarily resolved the crisis in Shuoxi, but if the Empress herself encountered difficulties, how could she forget Yan Chi and Qin Guan?
When Qin Guan went to see Granny Qian, she had feared being used. Now it seemed whether they would be used depended entirely on the Empress's whim.
Qin Guan held some respect for the Empress, yet this very respect made her apprehensive...
Because she understood that after enduring silently for so many years, nothing could stop the Empress from heading north at this point. When the critical moment came, what did it matter to sacrifice two stepping stones?
These past two days, Qin Guan's mind had been completely occupied by successive events, causing her to overlook the most dangerous implications.
Only now, with Yan Chi's reminder, did Qin Guan realize they were far from being able to rest easy.
Yan Chi gently touched Qin Guan's furrowed brow. "Don't worry, the Empress won't reveal these matters now. For her, it's not yet the final step."
Qin Guan looked at Yan Chi as he continued, "The Empress is inherently proud and stubborn. Her years of endurance have many reasons—perhaps she never intends to reveal the truth to the world. She is the Empress, Prince Luo's princess consort, and Yan Che's mother. She must defend many things, including the imperial family's dignity."
But if the Empress exposed Qin Guan and Yan Chi, the situation would spiral out of control. How would the world react upon learning this earth-shattering imperial scandal? Even Qin Guan found it both absurd and terrifying—let alone commoners! Who could unravel the complex web of moral taboos, good and evil, love and hatred within? If imperial secrets became folktales circulating among the people, how could the royal family's dignity silence the endless public gossip?
Not to mention Yan Zhen, who had married far away to Northern Wei...
In Yan Chi's presence, Qin Guan didn't conceal her confusion. "After the incident at Wind Thunder Ridge back then, how did the Emperor conceal his identity?"
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "I've been pondering this since last night, but recalling those events, it doesn't seem surprising. I heard when the Emperor was rescued, his injuries were severe and numerous. Burns made his face unrecognizable, but he carried Prince Luo's sword. The rescue team identified him by that sword and brought him back. He remained unconscious afterward—only waking up half a month later when his life was saved. By then he was already back in the capital, Prince Gong had been defeated, and the Fu Clan exterminated. When he woke, he probably never expected things would develop this far."
After the severely injured Yan Han woke, he couldn't even speak. What choice did he face upon discovering he'd been mistaken for another?
Correct his identity and face execution? Or go with the flow to preserve his life?No one is unafraid of death, especially in times where winners become kings and losers become outlaws. Those who would rebel for the throne would naturally be willing to temporarily abandon their identity for it. Yet, he probably never imagined this would be an endless road. Once a person wears a mask for too long, can it ever truly be removed again?
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