The capital was filled with tension and alarm, yet within the Marquis' residence, a lively atmosphere began to emerge. With only two days left until Ninth Miss Qin Guan's wedding, even Hu Shi, despite her inner anxieties, had to make preparations for the ceremony. To Qin Guan's surprise, Qin Shu and Hu Shi had finally shaken off their usual despondency and regained their spirits. Though only a few days had passed, it seemed they had come to terms with things. The wedding invitations had been sent out long ago. Hu Shi began arranging the banquet and decorating the wedding hall, while Qin Shu, along with his sons Qin Yan and his brother, personally wrote the festive couplets. Amidst all this bustle, Qin Guan felt a slight easing of her worries, yet the matter of Yan Ze remained a heavy burden on her heart.
That day, Meng Yao and Yue Ning visited one after the other, both bringing lavish gifts as dowry gifts for Qin Guan.
Naturally, Qin Guan was delighted to see them. Meng Yao said with a smile, "Both of you are now betrothed. My father has been making plans for me these days—I fear I might be married off next year."
Meng Yao was a year older than Qin Guan, but earlier, the scandal involving the Meng family had stirred up criticism in the capital, delaying her marriage prospects.
Hearing this, Yue Ning quickly asked, "Have you found any suitable matches?"
Meng Yao chuckled wryly, "My father... always picks unreliable candidates..."
She wore an expression that was both amused and hesitant. Noticing Qin Guan and Yue Ning looking at her with curiosity, she explained, "Qin Guan knows this best—it's the grandson of the Duke of Wei's family. You both know him. My father actually proposed a match with him... and scared him so much he fled the capital these past few days."
Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat. "You mean Wei Qizhi?"
At this question, the smile on Yue Ning's face faltered slightly. "The eldest young master of the Wei family?"
Meng Yao nodded. "He was once my father's student. He helped our family during our troubles earlier, and my father thought him highly righteous, so he got this idea. Who knew the young man had no such intentions at all? My father merely hinted at it tentatively and ended up scaring him away."
Meng Yao didn't seem the least bit embarrassed. Meanwhile, Qin Guan glanced meaningfully at Yue Ning.
Yue Ning sighed helplessly, "That fellow... With your character and appearance being among the finest in the capital, how could he still be dissatisfied?"
Meng Yao, gentle and refined, with exceptional talent and learning, was indeed a model noble lady in the capital. Although the Meng family had been involved in a murder case earlier, tracing back their lineage, the Mengs were still a family of scholars. Meanwhile, while Wei Qizhi's mother was a daughter of the Duke's household, his father came from a merchant family. Thus, Meng Yao and Wei Qizhi were fairly well-matched in status.
Meng Yao smiled, "It's not about that. I've met him before, but we're not familiar. Someone like him makes a righteous friend, but... I find him rather noisy and frivolous. Cough... For two people to share a life, there should be some mutual affection..."
Hearing this, Qin Guan also laughed—it seemed neither Wei Qizhi nor Meng Yao had taken a liking to the other.
Meng Yao then teased Yue Ning and Qin Guan, "Both of you are fortunate to have found kindred spirits. I wonder if I'll have such luck."
Qin Guan held Meng Yao's hand and said, "You will. Besides, with a temperament like yours, whoever marries you will surely cherish you dearly."Meng Yao's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke to Qin Guan about her younger brother's illness once more. The three conversed all morning, and when Yue Ning and Meng Yao prepared to take their leave, Qin Guan also intended to leave the manor to find Yan Chi. But just as she made ready, the manor's gatekeeper came to announce a visitor seeking Qin Guan.
Qin Guan was mildly surprised. Upon reaching the front courtyard, she saw Zhang Dongxuan clad in a gray Daoist robe!
Delight spread across Qin Guan's face. "Master Zhang?! How is it you've returned?!"
When they had first met, it was still midsummer, but now the capital had already witnessed several snowfalls. Zhang Dongxuan turned around, the despondency from his six-year imprisonment completely vanished. Though he remained small in stature and deeply wrinkled, he now carried an aura of transcendent enlightenment.
"It's been many days, Your Ladyship. I trust you've been well?"
Qin Guan smiled as she approached. Though not deeply acquainted with Zhang Dongxuan, she always felt an affinity for this Daoist master with his extraordinary experiences. She invited him to the main hall for tea. "Master, you said you would travel all the great rivers and mountains of Zhou. Where have your journeys taken you these past six months?"
Zhang Dongxuan sipped his tea and smacked his lips lightly. "I visited the Slender West Lake in Yangzhou, climbed the Five Sacred Mountains, and journeyed to Weizhou Island in the Eastern Sea. Though I haven't traversed all the landscapes, I've gained considerable wisdom. I originally intended to see the Kunshan stone carvings in the south, but half a month ago, I cast a divination for you, Your Ladyship. The omens were unfavorable, so I hastened back."
At these words, the smile faded slightly from Qin Guan's face. "Could you elaborate, Master?"
Zhang Dongxuan's own smile dissipated as the topic turned serious. He glanced around and lowered his voice. "Your Ladyship faces mortal danger."
Qin Guan frowned while Zhang Dongxuan's expression grew increasingly grave. "Not only are you in peril, but the capital itself is shrouded in ominous clouds, poised for great upheaval. I was unaware while traveling outside, but upon entering the city today, I noticed Imperial Guards everywhere, with the Garrison Battalion standing ready for battle. It appears trouble has already brewed within the capital. While this matter doesn't directly concern you for now... you may find yourself unable to remain detached from these turbulent events."
Qin Guan's heart grew heavier. Zhang Dongxuan sighed. "You likely recall the case of the Demon-Subduing Temple. The murderer we captured then was severely poisoned. We all assumed he committed such atrocities for his own vainglory, but after my departure, I gradually realized his purpose wasn't self-serving—he was employed by others. The seven altars represent profound evil; their aim could very well be to overthrow the natural order. The current situation in the city confirms my suspicions. Would you agree?"
Qin Guan nodded solemnly. "You are correct, Master. Great changes have indeed occurred in the capital recently."
Zhang Dongxuan narrowed his eyes. "This is merely the beginning. During my journey these past days, I observed the stars at night. The Breaker of Armies shines brightly in the west, the Covetous Wolf emerges in the north, while the Purple Forbidden Emperor Star wavers precariously. In my view... not only will the capital fall into chaos, but the entire Great Zhou dynasty faces turmoil..."
Qin Guan's face paled at these words. The Breaker of Armies in the west and the Covetous Wolf in the north corresponded precisely to the two regions of unrest in Great Zhou.
After pondering for a moment, Qin Guan asked, "Master... is there any way to resolve this?"Zhang Dongxuan gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "This great turmoil is beyond anyone's power to resolve. I hurried back solely to lend the Lady a helping hand. Even if the mansion is about to collapse, the Lady once saved my life. No matter what, I must help her protect herself—though my abilities extend only this far."
Qin Guan was deeply moved by his words, yet an even greater sense of helplessness washed over her. "Does the Daoist Master know I am to be married the day after tomorrow?"
Zhang Dongxuan nodded. "I am naturally aware. My return is not only to assist the Lady but also to help His Highness Prince Rui. The day after tomorrow was originally an auspicious date, but with the celestial signs shifting, I fear ill omens may arise from within the good. I wonder if His Highness has made preparations?"
Qin Guan replied, "He has taken precautions, but the situation is deteriorating so rapidly that oversights are inevitable. I haven't had a chance to see him these past two days. If you hadn't come, I might have already left the residence to seek him out... though lately he's been occupied with official duties, and even if I went, I might not succeed in meeting him. The Imperial Guards in the capital are currently under his command, but this arrangement is only temporary."
Zhang Dongxuan pondered for a moment before speaking. "If it is inconvenient for the Lady, I could act on your behalf. I came to see you today because it's not appropriate for me to remain at the Marquis' residence. I had intended to offer my services to His Highness Prince Rui—I wonder if the Lady could provide an introduction?"
Qin Guan's eyes lit up at once. Zhang Dongxuan was a man of capability. With someone like him by Yan Chi's side, Yan Chi would surely be mightier than ever. At this critical juncture, they naturally needed all the help they could get. Qin Guan immediately nodded. "That would be excellent. The last time I went to the royal residence, he didn't return until late at night. These two days will likely be the same. I'll write a letter at once—please take it to him. There's another matter I need to inform him about in the letter, so I must ask you to ensure it reaches him."
Zhang Dongxuan smiled. "The Lady seems to trust me quite readily—"
"Somehow, I feel a certain kinship with you, Daoist Master." Qin Guan finished with a smile and stood up. She went to the adjacent side hall to fetch writing materials and completed a letter in the time it takes half an incense stick to burn. After sealing it in an envelope, she handed it to Zhang Dongxuan. "Please make sure to deliver this to him personally."
Zhang Dongxuan accepted the letter and tucked it into his robe. "Rest assured, my Lady. I will go find His Highness Prince Rui and do everything in my power to help him prepare. With His Highness here, you need not worry. These two days, please focus on your wedding preparations. No matter what, the marriage is of utmost importance to both you and His Highness. I offer my early congratulations."
With these words, Zhang Dongxuan prepared to take his leave. After offering a few more words of advice to Qin Guan, he finally departed.
Though Qin Guan hadn't managed to see Yan Chi in person, after Zhang Dongxuan's departure, she felt a slight sense of relief in her heart.
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