Sure enough, before long, Hu Shi arrived at Pine Breeze Courtyard. Accompanying her were the noble ladies and young misses who had come to the marquis' residence today. The procession was grand and bustling, all coming to see the bride. Hu Shi entered the inner chamber and said with a smile, "Prince Rui has arrived and is currently accompanying your uncle and the others in receiving guests outside. He will come to you when the auspicious hour arrives. Are you hungry?"
Qin Guan shook her head. She knew the auspicious hour today was set for halfway through the Shen period (around 4 PM), and it was not yet noon. There was still a long time until the auspicious hour, but according to tradition, it was not appropriate for her to eat now. Hu Shi glanced outside and said, "The noble ladies and young misses outside have heard that today's bride is exceptionally beautiful and all want to see you. I had no choice but to bring them along. I hope you don't mind the noise..."
Qin Guan indeed disliked being surrounded and stared at in such a clamorous manner, but today was different. The bridal chamber being crowded with people made it feel particularly festive and joyful.
Qin Guan smiled and said, "It's fine. Today is different from usual."
Hearing this, Hu Shi felt relieved. After a few rounds of greetings, the noble ladies and young misses all crowded in. Qin Guan had met most of them briefly at palace banquets, so they were not unfamiliar to her. Although everyone already knew Qin Guan was beautiful, seeing her in her wedding apparel made them truly understand what it meant to outshine all others. Compliments and praises continued to pour in, but amidst the crowd, Qin Guan spotted Peng Fanjin, the daughter of the Duke of Wei.
After entering the room, Peng Fanjin had been staring at Qin Guan. When she noticed Qin Guan looking at her, she stepped forward with a smile and said, "Congratulations, Princess..."
Peng Fanjin and Qin Ye had been introduced to each other, and the Duke of Wei and the marquis' residence had verbally agreed to the marriage. However, with the recent changes in the marquis' residence, it was unclear how the Duke of Wei's family would react. Qin Guan took Peng Fanjin's hand and sat her beside her, saying, "It's been a long time since I last saw you. I had originally planned to invite you over for a visit."
Peng Fanjin smiled faintly at Qin Guan's words and replied, "My father hasn't been feeling well these past few days, so I haven't been going out much."
Qin Guan refrained from saying too much and only inquired about the Duke of Wei's health. Peng Fanjin answered, and being so close, she couldn't help but remark, "Princess, you look truly stunning today. Only someone like you is worthy of Prince Rui."
Peng Fanjin spoke with great sincerity, which reminded Qin Guan of the remarks about Yan Chi she had accidentally overheard from Peng Fanjin at a palace banquet.
Coming from a military family, Peng Fanjin deeply admired Yan Chi in her heart.
Qin Guan curved her lips slightly and asked, "Have you seen my third brother today?"
At this question, Peng Fanjin was momentarily taken aback, then her cheeks flushed slightly. "I have, but the heir apparent was busy, and we didn't speak."
Qin Guan patted Peng Fanjin's hand, hinting without saying more.
Visitors to Pine Breeze Courtyard came in waves. After all, it was the marquis' residence's wedding, and many aristocratic families and royal relatives were in attendance. Although the incident involving Qin Chaoyu had occurred, many officials of lower ranks were unaware, so the marquis' residence was still regarded as part of the imperial family in their eyes. Moreover, Qin Guan was dearly loved by the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess, so none of the guests dared to slight her.
After seeing off the third wave of visitors, Hu Shi noticed that it was getting late. She had someone bring Qin Guan some sweet tea and pastries, which she took a few bites of, and then had her makeup touched up. Once everything was ready, they only had to wait for the auspicious hour to arrive. As the outsiders gradually left, Hu Shi, likely exhausted, saw the joy on her face fade slightly, replaced by a shadow of worry in her eyes."Guan'er... it's naturally a good thing that you're marrying into Prince Rui's residence today, but..." Hu Shi still couldn't hold back, her words tinged with worry. "His Highness Prince Rui is of noble status... from now on, the Marquis Manor won't be able to protect you anymore. You must be of one heart and mind with His Highness Prince Rui."
Hu Shi seemed to know something, making Qin Guan frown. "Aunt, about Eighth Sister's matter..."
At these words, Hu Shi's expression immediately changed, and she subconsciously turned to look toward the doorway. Only after confirming no one was around did she relax, yet her hands trembled slightly as she grasped Qin Guan's hands. "You... you needn't worry... Yu'er she..."
Hu Shi's eyes reddened, but she forcibly held back her tears. "Your uncle has already submitted a memorial, requesting the Emperor to revoke the Marquis Manor's noble title. If even this cannot protect the Qin family, then... then there's nothing more we can do."
Qin Guan was inwardly startled—this was something she hadn't known about.
Qin Chaoyu had left the capital with the Crown Prince, and unrest had already begun in the north. The Crown Prince's crime of treason was almost confirmed, and Qin Chaoyu would certainly not escape implication. Surrendering the title now was a strategic retreat, but as long as Qin Chaoyu followed the Crown Prince north, merely relinquishing the Qin family's noble rank would hardly be enough.
Hu Shi glanced outside again, lowering her voice. "Guan'er, don't worry. Your uncle and I have our considerations."
Hu Shi tightly squeezed Qin Guan's hand before she could ask more, when suddenly firecrackers sounded outside. Hu Shi immediately stood up and hurried to the doorway, soon turning back with delight. "The time is almost here, Guan'er. His Highness Prince Rui has come for you..."
Qin Guan's heart stirred. At Hu Shi's call, Fuling and several wedding attendants entered together. Some placed the bridal veil over Qin Guan's head, others adjusted her Wedding Dress, while the attendants cheerfully exchanged auspicious words. Soon, supported by Fuling, Qin Guan walked outward. Leaving the inner chamber, her vision was completely obscured by the bridal veil, yet she could sense the courtyard was filled with people. Among them, one gaze felt particularly sharp yet tender.
Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat—she knew Yan Chi was watching her from ahead!
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