Qin Guan leaned against Yan Chi's chest, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips.
She raised her hand to wrap around Yan Chi's waist. "I have a husband now too."
Her voice was soft and gentle, like a warm breeze tickling Yan Chi's ears. His heart warmed with emotion, and he instinctively held Qin Guan tighter. "The journey to Shuoxi is long and treacherous, with mountains high and roads far. We don't know what we might encounter along the way. I'm sorry to make you endure this hardship."
Qin Guan chuckled against Yan Chi's chest and gently pushed him away. "We're husband and wife now—why say such things?"
As she spoke, she reached up to straighten Yan Chi's collar, damp with snow and chill. "Besides, I've already considered everything you mentioned."
Yan Chi grasped her hand firmly. "Wanwan—"
Qin Guan met his gaze with a smile. "What? Am I wrong? Given the urgent situation, you should focus your energy on what matters most."
Her words were meant to reassure him that she wouldn't overthink things. Seeing the gentle smile on her face, Yan Chi felt his heart melt with warmth. He couldn't resist lowering his head to kiss the corner of her lips and her cheek. "Even if the sky falls, my first priority is to ease your worries."
Qin Guan laughed softly. "I understand. Once we leave the capital, I won't worry anymore."
Yan Chi tightened his grip on her hand. Though Qin Guan hadn't voiced her doubts, he felt compelled to explain. "The battle report from Yingzhou is fake."
Qin Guan's brows furrowed instantly. "Fake?"
Yan Chi nodded. "Half-truths. The Northern Garrison Army did make moves, but they didn't deploy twenty thousand troops. Five days ago, I received word that they sent about five thousand soldiers south in separate groups, disguised and traveling via different routes—some taking official roads, others waterways—all to escort the Empress and Crown Prince to safety. Cangzhou is already under the Northern Garrison Army's control. Zhao You clearly isn't willing to take reckless risks. Sending troops south is solely to ensure the Crown Prince and Empress's security."
Qin Guan's eyes widened, and she let out a slow breath. "How did you...? But the golden-feathered arrow is—"
The golden-feathered arrow was reserved for urgent military reports, and anyone who falsified intelligence to deceive the court would be charged with rebellion.
Yan Chi smiled faintly. "We were supposed to leave tomorrow, but the Emperor grew impatient. I had already made all arrangements but anticipated potential complications, so I prepared this contingency early. Not long after you entered the palace that night, I realized the situation had changed and immediately sent urgent orders back."
Though Qin Guan appeared calm, Yan Chi still wanted to clarify the events of that night to ease any lingering doubts. Learning that Yan Chi had indeed prepared in advance, Qin Guan sighed in relief. Yan Chi continued, "The Crown Prince and Empress have already left the capital. As for your sister... her body was found in a burned-down civilian residence, rendered unrecognizable..."
Qin Guan hadn't known about this. Her frown deepened. "How could that be?! My eighth sister genuinely loved the Crown Prince."
Yan Chi soothingly rubbed her palm. "Don't worry. I suspect this is mostly a decoy strategy."
A glimmer of understanding lit Qin Guan's eyes. "A performance?" she responded swiftly. Her gaze shifted thoughtfully as if confirming something. "If Eighth Sister died in the capital, the Loyal Marquis Manor's culpability would be lessened. Is that what this means?"Yan Chi nodded with a smile, then step by step recounted how he had subdued and detained Zhao Yu. Qin Guan listened with growing alarm. Yan Chi continued, "When we were making preparations, we considered what to do if the Emperor issued a strict order forbidding us to leave. We had plans for every city gate both inside and outside the palace. Lin'an is far from the border regions, and over the years, both the imperial guards and the Garrison Battalion have been controlled by noble families. Their sons and nephews, regardless of rank, mostly serve in these positions, so Lin'an's city defenses have long been decayed."
Qin Guan had seen this clearly when she left and deeply resonated with this point.
Yan Chi paused, "Before leaving, I first visited Princess Consort Gong, then went to see Grandmother Empress Dowager."
Qin Guan stared at Yan Chi with wide eyes. Yan Chi explained, "We needed time, and military reports aren't foolproof. After I expressed my determination, Princess Consort Gong said she could visit the Emperor. By the time I found you, Princess Consort Gong should have already entered the palace..."
Qin Guan's lips moved slightly, but no words came out.
Prince Gong's royal residence was just outside the imperial city, yet for twenty years, Princess Consort Gong hadn't stepped beyond its gates. Her last departure was during Prince Rui's funeral. Now she entered the palace again, for their sake. Qin Guan's heart swelled with complex emotions - both pity and admiration for Princess Consort Gong.
"Grandmother must have learned about what happened back then, about the Emperor's arrangements. She told me to take you away."
Speaking of the Empress Dowager, Qin Guan felt a sour ache in her heart. Everything had happened too suddenly - there hadn't been time for proper farewells, she hadn't even seen the Empress Dowager or Grand Princess. Qin Guan could hardly imagine what the capital would be like after daybreak.
After Yan Chi finished, Qin Guan recounted what had happened after she entered the palace. Thus, they pieced together the complete story. Seeing that time was short, Yan Chi didn't linger to delay matters. When hot food arrived shortly after, he only ate a few bites before going to the strategy tent. Given the dangerous situation, Qin Guan knew the road ahead would be long. After eating, she leaned on the daybed to rest and conserve energy. Yan Chi had said they would leave before dark, and she knew he would keep his word. She needed to gather her strength properly!
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