When Qin Guan emerged from the Longevity and Health Palace, Yue Ning was still walking beside her, smiling as she remarked, "I actually think the Ninth Prince has quite some talent. Seeing how much he enjoys it himself, we should find him a good master to specially teach him when we return."
Yue Ning held onto Yan Ze's arm, the two walking alongside Qin Guan like a perfect pair of jade. However, the smile in Qin Guan's eyes was somewhat faint. "That would be good, of course. His temperament is too introverted—learning martial arts can strengthen his body and toughen his will. As long as he isn’t afraid of hardship."
Martial arts training was naturally arduous, and Qin Guan only worried that Yan Sui might not persevere.
Yue Ning said, "He can do it. The Ninth Prince’s nature isn’t particularly lively; he’s too hard on himself. It’s truly heartbreaking for someone so young, but such a temperament means he can endure hardship. He’s far better than those spoiled, pleasure-seeking dandies."
Yue Ning’s reasoning was sound, and Qin Guan smiled slightly. Yue Ning continued, "The grand wedding is just a few days away—is everything prepared? Grandmother still wants to personally visit the Marquis Manor. If there’s anything you need help with, just say the word..."
Recently, the Marquis Manor had closed its doors to visitors, making it inconvenient for the Grand Princess to come. Qin Guan replied, "Everything is ready. Please reassure Her Highness not to worry. I’ll go to the residence tomorrow to pay my respects..."
Yue Ning felt relieved. "That’s good. Grandmother was quite concerned."
With Qin Shu pleading illness and both Qin Ye and Qin Yan staying secluded within the manor, the Loyal Marquis Manor appeared to be on its last legs, enough to make anyone anxious. Qin Guan reassured her, "It’s nothing. It won’t affect my wedding. My uncle and aunt are still very attentive to the arrangements."
Yue Ning didn’t press further, while Yan Ze smiled gently beside them, refraining from interjecting.
As the group exited the palace and reached the main gate, they encountered a troop of imperial guards heading out. The troop numbered about thirty or forty, divided into two columns, all riding on horseback, armed and armored, creating an imposing spectacle. Qin Guan and the others paused to let them pass, but the leader at the front suddenly halted, bringing the entire troop to a stop.
Qin Guan lifted her gaze and was startled to see that the person leading these imperial guards was none other than Yan Chi!
Beside Yan Chi, also on horseback, were Yan Qi and the deputy commander of the imperial guards, Zhao Yu.
Zhao Yu was responsible for guarding Kunning Palace but had allowed the Empress to escape. By rights, he should be punished, but as this was a critical time for the search, the Emperor had not imposed severe penalties. Instead, he had assigned half of the search duties to Zhao Yu, allowing him to atone for his failure through merit. But why was Yan Chi with them?
"Oh, it’s Yan Chi!" Yue Ning exclaimed in surprise, glancing at Qin Guan, who was equally taken aback.
Yan Chi had stopped because he had spotted Qin Guan. He urged his horse forward, reining in when he reached her. Qin Guan looked at Yan Chi and noticed his expression was unusually grave.
Yue Ning spoke first, "What’s going on?"
Before Yan Chi could answer, Yan Qi also rode forward slowly, smiling as he explained, "Yan Chi has just been entrusted by His Majesty with an important task—he’s joining us in investigating the capital."
The so-called investigation of the capital naturally meant searching for the whereabouts of the Empress and the Crown Prince!
Qin Guan’s heart trembled slightly; she hadn’t expected the Emperor to assign Yan Chi the task of finding the Empress and the Crown Prince...
The group bowed to Prince Cheng. Yan Qi remained on his horse nearby, smiling as he watched Qin Guan and the others, while Zhao Yu waved his hand, signaling the imperial guards to proceed out of the palace first.Their eyes met, and Yan Chi's gaze held reassurance. "Have you been to see Grandmother?"
Qin Guan nodded. "She still needs medication for now, but she's not in danger. Don't worry."
Yan Chi nodded in return. With so many people present, it wasn't the right moment for lengthy conversation, so he said, "I'll take my leave first then."
Qin Guan inclined her head. Yan Chi turned his horse around and departed. Yan Qi said something to Yan Chi with a smile, then rode out of the palace gates side by side with him.
Qin Guan watched their retreating figures, lost in thought. Yan Chi had been assigned by the Emperor to the Ministry of Justice—why was he suddenly being tasked with finding someone? Among the imperial guards, Lin Zhang and Zhao Yu were both highly capable leaders for such matters, and with Yan Qi watching closely nearby, how could this responsibility suddenly fall to Yan Chi?
Yue Ning also expressed puzzlement, "What does this mean? Yan Chi is skilled at leading troops, but surely the Emperor wouldn't hand over the imperial guards to him?"
That was absolutely impossible!
Qin Guan shook her head. "I don't know either. Perhaps it's just a temporary assignment to assist."
Yue Ning found it strange but didn't press further. The group exited the palace gates and returned to their respective residences.
When Qin Guan arrived back at the Marquis' estate, she noticed that the embroiderers from the Brocade Embroidery Workshop had not yet left. She had been away for several hours—could there be another issue with the wedding apparel?
Though it was already late and the main courtyard was dark, the upper rooms of Qin Shu and his wife were still lit. Not wanting to disturb them, Qin Guan went straight to the Pine Breeze Courtyard. Fuling was waiting at the courtyard entrance and hurried forward upon seeing Qin Guan return. Qin Guan asked, "Why are the embroiderers from the workshop here again?"
Fuling quickly replied, "I'm not sure what happened. The wedding apparel was properly fitted, but in the afternoon, Madam suddenly came and had it taken away, saying some jewels were missing from the embroidery. I handed it over, and it likely won't be returned until tomorrow or the day after."
There was still time, so Qin Guan wasn't worried about the matter, but she found it rather odd.
During the fitting that morning, Hu Shi hadn't mentioned any issues, and the embroiderers present hadn't pointed out any problems either. Why would they suddenly claim there was an issue with the wedding apparel in the afternoon? As Qin Guan entered her room, suspicion crept into her mind. She paused mid-step—could it be...?
The thought flashed through her mind, but after a moment's consideration, she decided not to go to the front courtyard. Both Qin Shu and Hu Shi were clever people; they didn't need her to remind them.
She slept lightly that night and rose early the next morning to prepare for her entry into the palace.
After Zhan Yang arrived, she had intended to find Yan Chi and discuss the matter with him, but unexpectedly, the Emperor sent Yan Chi with the Imperial Guards to search for the whereabouts of the Empress and the Crown Prince. Thus, Qin Guan lost the opportunity to consult with Yan Chi. If her suspicions were correct, what exactly was Yan Ze planning?
Yan Ze had been frequently visiting the Longevity and Health Palace with Yue Ning. Could he be plotting something against the Empress Dowager?
Anxious, Qin Guan quickly took her carriage into the palace. As soon as she arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace, she saw Yan Sui practicing with his sword. The short sword was unsharpened, so Momma Su and the others weren't overly concerned. His movements were unpolished, and he had worked up a sweat. When he saw Qin Guan, his eyes lit up.
Momma Su and the others came forward to greet her. Qin Guan smiled and wiped the sweat from Yan Sui's brow. "Your Highness may practice if you enjoy it, but don't overdo it. Rest when you're tired. You're still growing, and you mustn't strain your wrists. Understand?"
Yan Sui nodded, then glanced toward the main hall. "Grandmother seems unhappy."
Qin Guan was taken aback. "What's wrong with the Empress Dowager?"
Yan Sui added, "Father visited Grandmother this morning."Qin Guan was momentarily stunned before heading toward the main hall. At the entrance, she encountered Mammy Chen, whose face indeed bore a sorrowful expression.
Qin Guan asked, "Momma, what's wrong with the Empress Dowager?"
Mammy Chen already regarded Qin Guan as half one of their own and hurriedly replied, "Even if you hadn't asked, I would have told you. This morning, the Empress Dowager spoke with the Emperor about something—I don't know what—but after His Majesty left, she's been deeply despondent. I asked her twice, but she wouldn't say a word. I'm truly worried this will worsen her illness."
Pressing her lips together, Qin Guan frowned. "Recovery requires a peaceful mind. Did the Empress Dowager argue with the Emperor?"
Mammy Chen shook her head. "No, no, she didn't mention the Empress or the Crown Prince. Last time... when the Crown Prince was deposed, there was tension between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, and she herself felt troubled. As she ages, she increasingly wishes to avoid straining their bond. These past few days, the Emperor hasn't visited, and the Empress Dowager knows he's still upset about the previous incident. That's why she didn't bring it up today. When I was attending to her this morning, she was discussing the Ninth Prince's martial arts training and reminiscing about the Emperor's childhood. Everything seemed fine when I left, but I never expected..."
Listening to Mammy Chen's anxious words, Qin Guan felt as if something had struck her heart.
Yan Sui practicing martial arts, Yan Ze speaking of past events with the Empress Dowager yesterday—it was only natural she would bring up old memories with the Emperor today...
Her pupils trembling, Qin Guan suddenly understood what Yan Ze intended to do!
She hurried toward the Warm Chamber. Inside, the Empress Dowager was gazing blankly out the window. Hearing the noise, she turned and, recognizing Qin Guan, instinctively smiled. Qin Guan quickly stepped forward to pay respects. "Empress Dowager, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
The Empress Dowager smiled kindly, then suddenly added, "Wan Yatou, I find it strange—I can't quite remember things from the past clearly now."
Qin Guan grew even more concerned. "What can't you remember?"
The smile faded from the Empress Dowager's face, replaced by a puzzled expression. "I... I distinctly remember the Emperor loved practicing swordplay as a child, but today he couldn't recall his master's name. That master even gave him a sword long ago, yet he seemed to have forgotten all about it... Wan Yatou, the Emperor doesn't appear ill, but why does he also seem to have trouble remembering? Wan Yatou, could you go examine him?"
Qin Guan's heart shook violently, but she could only force a bitter smile. "The Emperor is burdened with state affairs—forgetfulness is normal. You needn't worry."
The Empress Dowager nodded, turning her gaze back to the window as if trapped in some unresolvable dilemma, lost in thought for a long while.
"Wan Yatou, perhaps I'm truly too ill, but I actually thought the Emperor..." She left the rest unspoken, her voice growing faint. "The Empress was perfectly fine, yet she chose such a Path... Why do you think that is? Che'er wasn't the type to rebel either..."
Qin Guan's lips twitched, but no words came out. After a moment, the Empress Dowager chuckled softly. "Wan Yatou, I'm rather tired. Help me rest. I don't know how long I'll sleep this time—keep Sui'er company for a while and return early. Don't worry about me. The medicine you prescribed has made me feel much better."
Qin Guan nodded and assisted the Empress Dowager to lie down. With closed eyes, the Empress Dowager fell silent.Qin Guan left the Warm Chamber, no longer in the mood to accompany Yan Sui in play. At this point, she was almost certain that besides the Empress, Yan Ze also knew the emperor's secret.
Recalling the death of Princess Consort Yi, Qin Guan felt chills running down her spine.
The Demon-Subduing Temple could defy fate and alter destinies. By killing seven people, one could change the course of heaven and earth. What Yan Ze intended to do was far more ambitious than they had imagined.
After spending a little more time with Yan Sui, Qin Guan left the palace. Once outside the palace gates, she first went to Marquis Anyang Manor.
Having not visited for many days, the Grand Princess was naturally overjoyed to see Qin Guan. Jiang Shi had long prepared dowry gifts for her and took her to see them. Although adopting her as a daughter was largely due to her saving the Grand Princess, Marquis Anyang Manor had never lacked concern for her. Thinking of Yue Ning's impending marriage to Yan Ze, Qin Guan's heart felt as if a hundred claws were scratching at it.
After spending the afternoon with the Grand Princess, Qin Guan took Yue Ning to the flower hall for a private conversation before leaving.
"Has the Grand Princess mentioned when you and the Crown Prince will be engaged?"
Yue Ning sighed upon hearing this. "We'll have to wait for my father to return. With your wedding in two days, I'm afraid it won't be discussed in detail until December. The wedding date will definitely be next year. Third Brother's eyes still can't see, and I'm worried—why isn't he getting better?"
Qin Guan hesitated, on the verge of speaking but holding back. "Has the Crown Prince shown any unusual symptoms lately?"
Yue Ning looked surprised. "No, Third Brother is in excellent health..."
Noticing Qin Guan's unusual expression, Yue Ning quickly asked, "What's wrong? What are you worried about?"
Meeting Yue Ning's clear gaze, Qin Guan found herself unable to say anything, only murmuring, "What if the Crown Prince's eyes never recover..."
Yue Ning smiled wryly. "I thought you were worried about something else. What does it matter if he can't see? His blindness is because of me. Even if he never regains his sight, I can take care of him for the rest of my life. I've long since made up my mind about that."
Yue Ning clearly didn't understand what Qin Guan was trying to imply. Thinking Qin Guan was concerned about Yan Ze's eye condition, she said, "Since you're here, why don't we go see him now? I haven't visited him today!"
Since Yue Ning suggested it, Qin Guan naturally accompanied her. Prince Yi's royal residence was nearby, and they arrived at its gates in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
The gatekeeper was accustomed to Qin Guan's visits and welcomed them into the flower hall.
When they reached the flower hall, Yan Ze was not there. The servant in charge respectfully said, "Please wait a moment, Your Highnesses. The Crown Prince is in the west courtyard."
Hearing this, Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "What is he doing in the west courtyard?"
The servant smiled. "Our prince is preparing to cast a Golden Buddha for Fahua Temple. It was agreed upon earlier. Today, the artisans crafting the Golden Buddha came to discuss with the prince when to install the Buddha statue in Fahua Temple. An abbot from Fahua Temple is also here."
Qin Guan looked at Yue Ning, who smiled and said, "I actually know about this matter. It's fine, we can wait."The servant served tea, and Yue Ning explained, "It was proposed by the prince consort during the princess consort's memorial day. He hired many craftsmen and found a workshop in the southern part of the city. These days, they have been busy crafting the Golden Buddha. The princess consort was a devout Buddhist during her lifetime, and over the years, Fahua Temple has enshrined a niche for her spiritual transcendence. Now that the prince consort and Third Brother have returned, they likely wish to donate more alms. After much consideration, they decided to cast a Golden Buddha to present to Fahua Temple."
It was common for ordinary official families to spend large sums crafting Golden Buddhas to seek the Buddha's protection. Qin Guan nodded in understanding, yet a faint doubt arose in her heart. She straightforwardly said, "Where is the west courtyard? I would also like to meet the abbot of Fahua Temple—"
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