The sky had brightened completely, and Qin Guan was already fully dressed and adorned. Meng Yao and Qin Shuang sat with her in her boudoir, faintly hearing the clamor from the courtyard outside.
Meng Yao smiled and said, "When I arrived earlier, many guests had already gathered in the outer courtyard. The Marquis, the heir apparent, and the fourth young master were attending to them. My father came to the Marquis residence this morning and will go to Prince Rui's royal residence in the afternoon. I’ll return home after seeing you off in the bridal sedan…"
Qin Shuang laughed, "No need to worry about that. Wouldn’t it be better if we visit her at Prince Rui’s royal residence another day? Speaking of which, I’ve never been to Prince Rui’s royal residence before."
The smile at the corner of Qin Guan’s lips faltered slightly. What Qin Shuang said was entirely ordinary, yet it was now unattainable.
Meng Yao chuckled, "Qin Guan has just married into the royal residence. We should at least wait a while before disturbing her, or else Prince Rui might grow displeased with us."
Upon hearing this, Qin Shuang giggled, "Newlyweds are like honey mixed with oil—this makes perfect sense."
Not wanting the two to keep teasing her, Qin Guan turned to Meng Yao and asked, "Is your father still matchmaking for you?"
Meng Yao sighed at this, "Indeed, he is. But it’s not so easy. My father is quite selective."
Qin Guan frowned slightly. Hu Shi had previously taken a liking to Meng Yao, but now, with Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu’s misfortunes, the Marquis residence’s status had plummeted. Under these circumstances, Qin Guan was absolutely unwilling to reconcile with Meng Yao. Shaking her head, Qin Guan said, "Don’t worry. With your character and appearance, you’ll surely find someone suitable. Lord Meng is learned and discerning—his standards for a son-in-law are naturally high. Take your time to avoid marrying the wrong person."
Qin Shuang agreed, "Yes, yes, that’s exactly right. One must never marry the wrong person."
Qin Guan looked at Qin Shuang with some concern, "Don’t just lecture Meng Yao—you should also be more attentive yourself. Although Brother-in-law Xue dotes on you, don’t let favor make you arrogant. Also… with the troubles at the Marquis residence, it’s best if you visit less often from now on."
Qin Shuang clicked her tongue, "What… what do you mean by that… Am I that kind of person?"
Qin Guan smiled bitterly, "Can you actually help the Marquis residence? If not, don’t let this matter drag you down. If you remain secure, we might rely on you in truly dire times. Why wade into these muddy waters now?"
Meng Yao, who had heard some rumors, nodded in agreement, "Qin Guan is right. Though it may sound harsh, it’s very reasonable."
The intricate schemes of the capital could not be fully explained to Qin Shuang. Seeing both of them speak this way, Qin Shuang scratched her head, "Well then… I actually don’t know what exactly happened, and neither does Qingshan. But since you both say so, I’ll follow your advice. Speaking of which, neither Qingshan nor I understand these matters. After you marry into the royal residence, if anything happens, you must tell me…"
Qin Guan smiled bitterly—this was something she could no longer do. Not only that, she feared she might implicate the Marquis residence and Qin Shuang once more.
"You don’t need to understand everything. Just consult your husband more—he’s sure to grasp it."
Qin Shuang’s cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes sparkled brightly, "Really? He… his official rank isn’t high. Can he really understand these complexities?"
Qin Guan nodded with a smile. Qin Shuang felt both proud and excited, as if she had received the affirmation herself.Qin Guan looked left and right, then tightly grasped both their hands. "After I marry into the royal residence, my status will be different. Others may see me becoming princess consort, but Meng Yao should know that while becoming royalty brings wealth and honor easily, it also easily invites trouble. So if anything happens to me in the future, you must take care of yourselves."
Qin Shuang frowned. "Don't say such things! Today is your joyous occasion!"
Meng Yao also frowned. "Why are you saying these things out of nowhere?"
Qin Guan smiled, her expression completely serene. "The capital has been unsettled lately. I was just speaking casually."
Meng Yao and Qin Shuang exchanged helpless glances. Qin Shuang said, "With Prince Rui here, why would you need to worry about such things?!"
Meng Yao also smiled in agreement. Qin Guan sighed inwardly but felt it inappropriate to say more.
As the three sisters were talking, suddenly loud commotion erupted outside. Soon, Fuling hurried in. "Miss! Prince Rui has arrived! The wedding procession is here! They've already entered! Right now the heir apparent and Fourth Young Master are blocking the gate!"
Hearing this, Qin Guan was momentarily stunned, while Qin Shuang and Meng Yao immediately stood up.
"Ah! He's here already! Can Third Brother and Fourth Brother really stop Prince Rui?!"
Qin Shuang looked eager, almost rushing out to see how Yan Chi was being blocked. Fuling laughed at this. "Today Prince Rui wouldn't dare force his way through. He's currently being stopped by the heir apparent and made to compose poetry..."
Qin Guan had been feeling somewhat dazed, but upon hearing this, she immediately laughed. Yan Chi, composing poetry?!
Seeing Qin Guan still sitting motionless, Fuling hurriedly said, "Miss, you need to prepare. Madame will be here soon."
Hu Shi had been entertaining guests in the front courtyard, but when the auspicious hour arrived, she would come to see her off. Qin Guan stood up, momentarily forgetting what she needed to do. Her heart beat faster and faster, and never before had she felt such an urgent desire to see Yan Chi as she did at this moment...
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