As soon as the twelfth lunar month arrived, the weather turned exceptionally bitter. The snow from a few days prior had not yet melted when a fresh heavy snowfall descended.
Yet despite the harsh cold, Pine Breeze Courtyard was brimming with joyous atmosphere. In less than ten days, Qin Guan would be married.
For Qin Guan's wedding, it went without saying that she would bring numerous dowry attendants. Ban Xia and the others were maids specially prepared for Qin Guan by Hu Shi, originally intended to accompany her to Prince Rui's residence. But at the last moment, Qin Guan changed her mind, matching Ban Xia and the others with various stewards from the marquis' household, allowing them to remain there instead.
Ban Xia and the others felt somewhat apprehensive, but Qin Guan couldn't concern herself with that. For this marriage, she was bringing extremely few servants, using the pretext that Prince Rui's residence had just emerged from major mourning, and that it was uncertain whether Yan Chi would remain in the capital afterward. Thus, everything was kept simple. Everyone knew Yan Chi was the young general of the Northwest Frontier Army, brave and skilled in warfare—it was truly unpredictable whether he might leave the capital for battlefields. Fortunately, the stewards she matched with Ban Xia and the others were all capable young men of some standing in the marquis' household, ensuring Ban Xia and her companions would want for nothing in their later years.
With these trivial matters settled one by one, Hu Shi had sent Mommas to discuss dowry arrangements and wedding day etiquette with Qin Guan. Unwilling to make elaborate displays, Qin Guan insisted on keeping everything simple.
Although Qin Shu had been keeping to himself these past few days, they still placed great importance on Qin Guan's wedding arrangements. All preparations were delegated to servants, who carried out their duties diligently. However, Hu Shi seldom appeared, having fallen ill due to profound anxiety—
Then on this very day, a secret message landed on the Emperor's desk in Chongzheng Hall: a popular uprising had erupted in Cangzhou to the north.
Cangzhou was the first major city south of the northern frontier, the most significant strategic stronghold in the north. Bordering the northern borderlands, it served as the primary supply base for the northern armies. After the incidents involving the Empress and Crown Prince, the Emperor's covert orders had been dispatched both southward to mobilize troops from Jinzhou and northward to stabilize the northern regions.
Yet merely five or six days after the Emperor's orders were sent, before his messengers could even reach the north, rebellion had already broken out in Cangzhou.
This was less a popular uprising than a military mutiny. The secret report to the Emperor stated that bandits from northwest of Cangzhou had stormed the city, with the entire military and administrative authority of Cangzhou now fallen into the hands of these bandits. Cangzhou's Regional Commander He Li had been executed, and all citizens were being controlled within the city walls.
He Li was the Regional Commander personally appointed by the Emperor five years earlier, serving both to cooperate with the Zhao family's Northern Garrison Army and to monitor and check them on the Emperor's behalf. This was common knowledge among clear-sighted court officials—a typical imperial tactic that everyone usually tacitly accepted, since no one genuinely contemplated rebellion. But now with He Li dead and Cangzhou's military and administrative power seized by others, this represented a Signal Flare to the Emperor: proof that the Empress had long made preparations, and that the Northern Garrison Army had long harbored treasonous intentions.
Few people saw the secret memorial. The Emperor issued three urgent decrees in succession, ordering city gates sealed and implementing stricter searches throughout the capital to locate the missing Crown Prince and Empress. Simultaneously, he urgently dispatched Ge Yang, the Minister of War who had recently returned to the capital, northward.
With this series of actions unfolding, everyone knew momentous events were imminent.
Qin Guan learned the news at Prince Rui's residence—Yan Chi had his own methods for discovering the most confidential matters from Chongzheng Hall."Cangzhou is the foremost strategic stronghold in the north. Though somewhat remote, it garrisons thirty thousand troops who govern not only the entire Cangzhou region but also oversee neighboring areas like Hezhou. The Northern Garrison Army's provisions and supplies all pass through Cangzhou. In recent years, Cangzhou has virtually served as the rear granary for the Northern Garrison Army, with its officials and generals being staunch supporters of the Northern Garrison Army. Later, when the Emperor recognized the impropriety, he dispatched He Li to take over as Regional Commander of Cangzhou. However, his command has been largely nominal, as his subordinate deputy generals appear to follow his orders but actually remain loyal to the Northern Garrison Army. From Cangzhou southwestward, all the way to Chongzhou, Mengzhou, and Dingzhou, the personnel are all aligned with the Northern Garrison Army."
Qin Guan quickly added, "Zhang Qide is also—"
Yan Chi nodded, "Indeed. Zhang Qide was Old General's protégé. Later, he left the Northern Garrison Army to assume military authority over the Western Route. Although he still belongs to the Crown Prince's faction, his mindset must have shifted from before, which is why he became involved in the corruption case."
Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. She was aware of the reputation of General Zhao You, the Grand General Who Assists the State. This old general had been stationed in Shuoxi longer than even Prince Rui, Yan Lin. Zhao You's father, the previous Grand General Who Assists the State, had also been the commander of the Northern Garrison Army. Thus, the Zhao family's control over the Northern Garrison Army spanned much longer than Prince Rui's residence's control over Shuoxi. However, since the Zhao family lacked imperial bloodline, they didn't appear particularly conspicuous. Both generations of the Zhao family's Grand Generals Who Assist the State were exceptionally dutiful and talented commanders. The prestige the Zhao family enjoys today was earned through generations of blood and sacrifice. Now, for the Northern Garrison Army to control Cangzhou would naturally be effortless.
The Zhao family wishes to preserve this glory and remain at the forefront of military families indefinitely. But the Empress's decision this time has effectively pushed the Zhao family to the brink of a precipice—on one side lies an abyss, on the other, immense wealth and honor. Those unaware might think she has succumbed to Qi deviation due to ambition.
"But it's been many days, and there's still no trace of the Empress," Qin Guan sighed softly. "And after this, what will become of the Marquis residence?"
At this question, Yan Chi also furrowed his brow. "The Marquis residence will inevitably be implicated."
Qin Guan pressed her lips together, momentarily at a loss for words. When Qin Chaoyu took this step, could she have foreseen this?
Seeing Qin Guan's worried expression, Yan Chi drew her into his embrace. "If I'm not mistaken, Qin Chaoyu will surely send someone back to the Marquis residence in the coming days."
Qin Guan frowned upon hearing this. Yan Chi continued, "The Emperor released Qin Shu and his son back to their residence, perhaps precisely for this purpose."
Qin Guan's heart raced with fear. Could it be that the Emperor freed Qin Shu and his son to use them as bait?!
"So... the Marquis residence will definitely be under surveillance these days?"
Yan Chi nodded. "Very likely. The Empress and Crown Prince are well hidden. In comparison, Qin Chaoyu is more likely to contact the Marquis residence."
Qin Guan took a deep breath. "Then what about me..."
Yan Chi looked steadily at Qin Guan. "So you needn't worry about them. Qin Chaoyu is the Crown Princess, and the Empress commands a hundred thousand troops in the Northern Garrison Army. The Empress and Crown Prince are not yet in desperate straits. Since Qin Chaoyu took this step, she must have considered the Marquis residence."
Though Qin Guan didn't fully identify as a member of the Qin family, claiming complete indifference would be untrue.Qin Guan nodded. Yan Chi held her hand and said, "Set your mind at ease. Just remember we are about to be married. I will handle everything else."
Seeing Yan Chi naturally put Qin Guan's mind at ease, yet she remained troubled by palace affairs. "Consort Feng seems to know about the Emperor's condition. Her illness is extremely peculiar. The people of Changxin Palace and even Prince Cheng suspect she's been possessed, going so far as to summon occultists from the Imperial Observatory to perform rituals. But her illness began precisely on the day of Fifth Princess's wedding, when the Empress and Crown Prince were released to attend the ceremony. The Empress must have already made arrangements by then—perhaps she said something to Consort Feng."
Yan Chi's phoenix eyes darkened, but he shook his head. "The Empress's move has introduced variables to the harem. What happens next depends entirely on Feng Lingsu."
After pondering, Qin Guan said, "Remember what Granny Qian mentioned? When Prince Jin encountered trouble back then, the Empress tried to save him. This time, is she trying to save Consort Feng? The Emperor would never allow Prince Cheng to contend for the throne. The best course for Prince Cheng now is to pretend ignorance, seek a fiefdom, and live as an idle prince. He shouldn't entertain other ambitions."
Yan Chi remained silent for a moment. At this juncture, the Empress's move was truly thought-provoking.
...
...
In Changxin Palace, the occultists had departed, but the scent of burnt talisman ashes lingered in the air.
Feng Lingsu lay on the bed with a deathly pale face, trembling as she pointed at Bao Die. "Who... who told you to summon occultists? You... go call Prince Cheng... I want to see Prince Cheng... Hurry!"
Bao Die was nearly in tears. "Your Highness, please don't speak. The occultists just performed a ritual and said your illness requires quiet rest. They mentioned you might have encountered some unlucky entity—it's not a serious disease, so please don't worry. Prince Cheng is currently attending to state affairs with the Emperor in Chongzheng Hall and cannot come at this moment."
Hearing this, Feng Lingsu's eyes widened drastically, her throat emitting hoarse rasps as if she might choke from rage.
Terrified, Bao Die hurriedly soothed Feng Lingsu's chest. "Your Highness, you must preserve your precious health. The court situation currently favors Prince Cheng immensely. Please trust His Highness—he will surely seize this opportunity. You might not know yet, but a memorial from the north reports that the Northern Garrison Army is planning a rebellion."
Bao Die lowered her voice. "This servant doesn't know the details, but Lu Xiao from Prince Cheng's retinue came to deliver the message, urging you to rest assured. His Highness plans to convince the Emperor to entrust him with suppressing the rebellion in the coming days. Once His Highness achieves merit, the Emperor will undoubtedly appoint him as Crown Prince."
Feng Lingsu's eyes bulged increasingly wider, her mouth agape as she remained speechless for a long while.
Seeing her state, Bao Die quickly added, "Your Highness, don't agitate yourself. Matters are still far from settled—we must wait for the northern situation to unfold. But the Crown Prince has completely made a fatal move this time, while our Prince maintains composure. Please set your heart at ease..."
"You... go... call... Prince Cheng..."
Feng Lingsu's neck strained stiffly, her face ghastly pale with dark circles under her eyes, appearing over a decade older than she had half a month prior. Her terrifying appearance made Bao Die sigh helplessly. "Your Highness, did you not hear this servant? Prince Cheng cannot come now. What exactly are you worried about?""Go! Summon! Prince Cheng..."
Feng LingSu suddenly propped herself up on the bed with one hand, her voice exceptionally shrill!
Having served by Feng LingSu's side for many years, Bao Die naturally held loyalty. Seeing her mistress so vehement and severe, she knew she must summon Yan Qi. "Don't be anxious, mistress, don't be anxious. Please lie down first—you must not agitate yourself. This servant will go summon Prince Cheng at once!"
Though Feng LingSu had clearly been unable to eat, she somehow found the strength. Upon hearing Bao Die's words, her energy drained away, and she fell back onto the bed with a "thud."
Bao Die dared not delay. She hastily ordered two young palace maids to attend to Feng LingSu while she dispatched someone to find Yan Qi.
The northern affairs would inevitably become public. Though the Emperor had not announced the memorial to all officials after receiving it, he had selected a few ministers for discussion—surprisingly including Yan Qi, which had never happened before. Yan Qi felt his blood surge with excitement. With the Crown Prince ahead of him, he had always been inconspicuous. But without the Crown Prince, the Emperor would have only him as an option. At this point, he no longer cared about Prince Jin's case or its mysterious and bizarre aspects. He only knew that the Crown Prince and the Empress had chosen a mutually destructive path to fulfill their ambitions. Not only would their names be condemned by historians, but he would also never give them a chance to recover now!
The Northern Garrison Army's rebellion naturally required military suppression. Though the garrison troops from Jinzhou were already en route, the question of who would lead the army remained. Yan Qi couldn't secure the commander position, but he would never relinquish any opportunity. Leaving Chongzheng Hall, Yan Qi exchanged a meaningful glance with Minister of Revenue Yang Han, who had exited with him...
Yang Han understood, nodding slightly before walking ahead. As Yan Qi deliberately slowed his pace, an envoy from Changxin Palace arrived.
Hearing the messenger's words, Yan Qi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Why hasn't she improved yet?"
The messenger had no answer. Yan Qi sighed impatiently and had no choice but to head to Changxin Palace.
Upon arriving at Changxin Palace, Yan Qi felt helpless at the sight of Feng LingSu's condition and couldn't help but scold, "What is going on?! Didn't I order you to summon the imperial physicians?! Even Daoist masters have been consulted—why has Mother Consort shown no improvement at all?!"
Feng LingSu coughed lightly twice and reached a hand toward Yan Qi. He sighed, stepping to the bedside to grasp her hand. "Mother Consort, please rest and recover peacefully. There's no need to concern yourself with other matters."
Feng LingSu's eyes were slightly red, filled with fear and anxiety. "Last time... what I told you..."
Her strength was failing, her speech broken and incoherent. These few words seemed to drain all her energy, but before she could finish, Yan Qi released her hand and stood up. "Mother Consort, there's no need to speak of this again. After you mentioned it last time, I reflected upon it and realized this decision cannot be made so lightly. For what reason should I abandon this hard-won opportunity? Now that the Crown Prince's 'legitimacy' no longer overshadows me, why shouldn't I strive for it?"
Feng LingSu grew frantic, trying to push herself up. "Qi'er... listen... to your mother..."
Yan Qi stepped forward, pressing Feng LingSu back onto the bed without another word, then sternly declared, "Mother Consort, your son has grown up. You are not the Empress, and I am not the Crown Prince. Allow me to make my own decisions in this matter. You should remain as the honored Consort—who knows, perhaps soon you will be residing in Kunning Palace?"Empresses of the Great Zhou Dynasty have always resided in Kunning Palace. Yan Qi's implication was unmistakable. In the past, even without Yan Qi mentioning it, Feng LingSu would have indulged in such fantasies herself. But now, everything was different. Hearing Yan Qi's words, Feng LingSu felt as though Yan Qi was sinking into a bottomless swamp, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't pull Yan Qi out. Fear welled up inside her, tears glistening in her eyes. "Qi'er... you..."
Yan Qi abruptly straightened up. "Mother, focus on recovering. I will summon the imperial physician for you."
With these words, Yan Qi walked out without looking back.
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