Snow fell thickly through the night as Qin Guan stood motionless before the Han Dan Pavilion for a long while.
The testimony rested in her sleeve pocket—should she tell Lu You Xin or not?
Fuling stood behind Qin Guan, anxiously glancing at Baiying. Seeing Baiying equally unsettled, Fuling turned a pleading gaze toward Bai Feng.
Bai Feng hesitated briefly, about to speak, when Qin Guan turned around.
Fuling gasped in surprise, "Princess Consort, what are you going to do?"
Qin Guan looked distantly toward the Wutong Courtyard. "I need to go back and speak with my aunt."
The eyes of those around her widened. Qin Guan took a deep breath and turned toward the Wutong Courtyard—she simply couldn't overcome her own conscience.
She wasn't an official in the magistrate's court, nor did she wish to judge anyone. Yet if she withheld what she knew from Lu You Xin, it would be a betrayal of her trust and she couldn't fully convince herself otherwise. Since that was the case, there was no need for further hesitation. Qin Guan strode swiftly toward the entrance of Wutong Courtyard. Upon entering, she found the main gate tightly shut, with Huang Momo and others stationed outside the chamber door as if someone important was inside.
Qin Guan hurried forward. Huang Momo looked astonished to see her return. "Why have you come back?"
Qin Guan's gaze fell upon the closed door. "I returned to discuss something with my aunt. Has another guest arrived?"
Huang Momo glanced worriedly toward the chamber. "The Ninth Young Master is here."
Everyone had witnessed Lu Boyi's expression when he left earlier. Though they didn't know what he had said, it was clear something unfortunate had occurred for him to appear that way. Huang Momo understood this well. When she entered the inner chamber earlier, she saw Lu You Xin silently weeping—in all these years, when had Huang Momo ever seen Lu You Xin so heartbroken?!
Huang Momo's mind was in turmoil, but just as she was about to inquire further, Lu Jinghe arrived.
"The Ninth Young Master said he had something important to discuss with the young lady and asked the servants to leave, so I stepped out." Huang Momo glanced at the sealed door and sighed. "I don't know what's happening tonight—why both the Fifth Master and Ninth Young Master have come in succession, each with such grim expressions."
Qin Guan's brow furrowed instantly. Lu Boyi had just left, and now Lu Jinghe had come...
Since Lu Boyi had come to take the blame, Lu Jinghe should have followed his lead, remaining obedient and avoiding mistakes these past few days to prevent complications. Yet here he was seeking out Lu You Xin—what could he possibly say to her?
Qin Guan lowered her gaze as a thought surfaced in her mind.
"In that case, I'll wait here."
After speaking, Qin Guan turned and stood under the corridor eaves. Huang Momo fretted, "This won't do—it's too cold here. Would the Princess Consort prefer to wait in the side room?"
Qin Guan waved her hand. "No need. I doubt their discussion will take long. It's fine."
Though Qin Guan wore a cape, the bitter wind howled outside, driving snowflakes beneath the eaves—staying warm was impossible.
Fuling pulled Qin Guan two steps back and positioned herself slightly in front to her left, blocking some of the chilling wind. Seeing this, Huang Momo quickly ordered servants to bring a charcoal brazier from the side room, along with a chair and small table, and served Qin Guan a cup of hot tea.
Despite these efforts, Qin Guan remained stiff with cold when she finally sat down.Lu Jinghe remained in the room longer than she had anticipated. Qin Guan took two sips of hot tea and waited until the teacup turned completely cold, yet Lu Jinghe still hadn’t emerged. Outside, the charcoal brazier emitted faint warmth. Huang Momo kept glancing toward the doorway and softly suggested, “Perhaps you should wait in the side hall. It’s truly too cold here.”
Qin Guan shook her head and declined. Her heart was suspended with worry, and she wanted to know the reason for Lu Jinghe’s visit as soon as possible.
Watching the intensifying snowstorm, Qin Guan suddenly remarked, “The New Year is just two days away.”
Huang Momo smiled. “Yes, the New Year is in two days. Miss originally intended for you and His Highness to celebrate properly in the garden, but with the incident involving the Fourth Young Master, we can’t hold any grand celebrations. I’m afraid you’ll have to make do.”
Mentioning Yan Chi, a pang of sorrow rose in Qin Guan’s heart. With the New Year just two days away, would Yan Chi be able to return in time?
Though uncertain about Yan Chi’s return, at least Lu Jingcheng’s case had finally shown some progress. Qin Guan strained to listen for any sound from inside the room but heard nothing. Eventually, she gave up. The group waited outside the door, and after what felt like an eternity, heavy footsteps suddenly echoed from within. Soon after, the door creaked open from the inside. Qin Guan stood up, and Huang Momo and the others quickly turned to look, immediately noticing Lu Jinghe’s deathly pale face.
Gone was his usual composure and gentleness. It was as if his robe had been torn open, revealing the despair and sorrow in his heart. When he saw Qin Guan, a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes, but he quickly averted his gaze and stepped out.
“Ninth Young Master, you…”
Huang Momo wanted to say something, but Lu Jinghe walked past them without even a glance.
He strode into the snowstorm without looking back, as if his soul had been drained from him. Worried by his state, Huang Momo quickly signaled for a servant to follow him. Then, glancing into the room and seeing no sign of Lu You Xin, she said, “Miss is likely in the inner chamber. You may go in.”
Lu You Xin trusted Qin Guan so deeply that Huang Momo didn’t even need to announce her arrival. Yet Qin Guan stood rooted to the spot, watching Lu Jinghe disappear into the distance.
Lu Jinghe still wore his blue robe. That night, the snowstorm was fierce, and his sleeves fluttered, swirling with snowflakes. As he walked farther away, his figure seemed to merge into the ink-black, boundless night. Qin Guan had seen it clearly—Lu Jinghe’s face was pale, his eyes red, clearly from crying. Her lips pressed tightly together, and the heavy stone in her heart suddenly settled.
She nodded, turned, and walked into the room. Passing through the main hall, she entered the inner chamber. As soon as she stepped inside, she saw Lu You Xin sitting on the low couch by the window.
Compared to when she had left, Lu You Xin’s complexion was even grayer. Hearing the sound, she slowly lifted her gaze. Seeing Qin Guan, the tears she had just suppressed welled up again. Her lips moved, but no words came out. Qin Guan hurried over and took Lu You Xin’s hand.
Lu You Xin bowed her head, tears falling one by one. Those scalding teardrops landed on the back of Qin Guan’s hand, and in that instant, her heart ached unbearably.At this moment, Lu Youxin was hunched over, appearing utterly wretched and pitiable. Qin Guan looked at her like this, unable to recall the dignified, noble, and even somewhat condescending woman she had first met. Qin Guan freed one hand to pat Lu Youxin’s shoulder and back, comforting her, “Aunt, it’s all in the past now. At least it hasn’t reached the worst outcome.”
Lu Youxin slowly lifted her tear-filled eyes to gaze at Qin Guan. “Wan’er, you…”
Qin Guan pressed her lips together. “I know the truth of the matter. I overheard Fifth Uncle’s words earlier, which is why I didn’t speak up. On the way back, I felt uneasy, thinking I shouldn’t deceive you, so I returned. I didn’t expect Ninth Young Master to be here as well.”
Lu Youxin covered her eyes, took a deep breath to suppress her sobs, wiped the corners of her eyes, and lowered her hand. “My heart truly aches. When Jinghe came, I didn’t understand why. I thought… she was here to plead for her father’s sake, but I never imagined…”
“Lu Jingcheng truly deserved to die!” Lu Youxin suddenly exclaimed softly, her body trembling. “He… he actually harbored such vile intentions toward his own brother. How could our Lu family… produce such a monster?!”
Lu Youxin gripped Qin Guan’s hand tightly, squeezing her knuckles until they ached.
Qin Guan sighed and took out the testimony from her sleeve. “I intended to show this to you earlier, but seeing Fifth Uncle’s state, I couldn’t bear to. Since I’ve returned now, I’ll leave it in your hands. I trust you will make your own judgment.”
Lu Youxin wiped her tears and took the testimony. Qin Guan explained, “This is what I gathered from interrogating several servants close to Lu Jingcheng. After reading it, you’ll understand more clearly.”
Lu Youxin shakily released Qin Guan’s hand and unfolded the testimony. After reading just the first few lines, anger resurfaced on her face.
Qin Guan said, “Aunt, there’s no need to decide immediately. It’s late now, and you’ve already expended much energy tonight. It’s best to rest for a while to avoid harming your health.”
Indeed, Lu Youxin hadn’t experienced a night like this in many years, but she was by nature decisive and resolute, and Qin Guan knew she couldn’t be persuaded. She stubbornly insisted on reading the testimony line by line, so Qin Guan had no choice but to stay with her. At first, Lu Youxin wept as she read, but gradually, she calmed down. By the time she finished reading all four testimonies, the tear stains on her face had dried, leaving only a stern, cold resolve in her eyes.
She sat upright, lost in thought, and remained silent for a while. Seeing this, Qin Guan knew that the hardest part had passed for Lu Youxin. She stood up and said, “It’s late. I won’t disturb you any longer. Whatever decision you make regarding this matter, it will be the right one.”
Lu Youxin rose to see Qin Guan out, but Qin Guan gently pressed her back into her seat. “There’s no need to see me off. I’ll visit you again tomorrow.”
Without another word, Qin Guan turned and left the inner chamber. As she stepped outside, she encountered Huang Momo’s worried gaze.
“Princess Consort, what exactly happened? The young lady, she…”
Qin Guan glanced back. “Aunt has encountered some difficulties, but I believe it’s nothing she can’t handle. Momma, please go in and take care of her.”
Huang Momo had been deeply concerned and, upon hearing this, hurried into the inner chamber.
Qin Guan sighed and this time truly left Wutong Courtyard, making her way back.She hadn't expected Lu Jinghe to go to Wutong Courtyard. With this, the last trace of conflict in her heart dissipated.
Qin Guan's footsteps lightened as she took a deep breath and said, "There's only one day left until the New Year, yet there's still no news from him. Bai Feng, we needn't concern ourselves with the Lu family's affairs anymore. Quickly send word to Qianzhou to find out how the battle is progressing there!"
Bai Feng promptly acknowledged the order. Satisfied, Qin Guan returned to Han Dan Hall.
That night, Qin Guan slept soundly, dreaming of Yan Chi. In her dream, she saw Yan Chi returning alone on horseback to White Deer Isle!
After many days apart, Yan Chi appeared before her just as she had imagined—tall, majestic, and heroic.
After a night of pleasant dreams, Qin Guan woke to find the sky already bright outside. Since winter days dawned late, she hurriedly got up. After washing up, she asked Fuling about any movements from Wutong Courtyard. Fuling replied, "There's no activity yet. With the New Year approaching, the stewards won't be reporting these two days. I'm not sure what Madam is doing at this hour. If you're worried, Princess Consort, shall I go and inquire?"
Qin Guan shook her head. "No need to inquire. I'm just a bit concerned about Aunt. I won't interfere in the Lu family's matters, and there's little else I can do to help. Take a bottle of the nourishing qi pills I prepared earlier to Wutong Courtyard. Aunt has always had weak qi, suffered from insomnia, and overthought things. After last night's events, I fear she might fall ill."
Hearing this, Fuling cheerfully went to deliver the medicine. She returned shortly and reported, "Huang Momo received me. She said Madam hasn't risen yet—they had a late night, and the mammas dare not wake her, so they're letting her rest properly."
Qin Guan breathed a sigh of relief. "It's good that she can sleep. It seems Aunt has reached a decision in her heart."
After breakfast, Qin Guan felt completely at ease. The truth behind the mine disaster had been uncovered, and the mystery of Lu Jingcheng's death had been solved. Now, with nothing weighing on her mind, her only concern was Yan Chi. Around noon, Bai Feng hurried in from outside and announced, "Princess Consort, there's news from Qianzhou!"
Qin Guan's spirits lifted. "How is it? Tell me quickly!"
Bai Feng replied promptly, "The Qianzhou garrison has been defeated. General Jiang Heying fled with a small contingent. The city is now under our master's control. The former prefect of Qianzhou is cooperative, so our master will likely leave a few men behind there."
Qin Guan frowned. "Was the message sent by him?"
Bai Feng shook his head. "No, it came from other intelligence lines. There's been heavy snow in Qianzhou these past few days, and our master has no reliable messenger hawks available. Sending messages must be extremely difficult."
Qin Guan took a deep breath and nodded. "Regardless, winning this battle is what matters. But now that he's taken over Qianzhou, there must be much to handle in the aftermath..."
Would Yan Chi even make it back for the New Year?!
The thought left her feeling despondent and disappointed.
Tomorrow was New Year's Eve. Even if Yan Chi had wings, he wouldn't be able to fly back in time.
With this in mind, she rallied her spirits and said, "Send this news to Wutong Courtyard as well. Let Aunt know so she can rest easy."
Bai Feng accepted the order and left, while Qin Guan felt somewhat listless.
Before they were married, their separations hadn't felt like much. But now, as newlyweds, being apart like this was truly distressing.When Bai Feng returned, he informed Qin Guan that Lu Youxin had already risen and was giving instructions for tomorrow night's New Year's Eve dinner. Upon hearing this, Qin Guan prepared herself and headed toward Wutong Courtyard. Upon arrival, she indeed saw Lu Youxin, dressed in splendid attire, directing the servants, with no trace of yesterday's sorrowful demeanor.
Seeing Qin Guan approach, Lu Youxin hurried forward to greet her. "Guan'er, you're here."
Qin Guan stepped forward and noticed new lanterns being hung in the courtyard. "Are these for the New Year celebrations?"
Lu Youxin nodded, taking Qin Guan's hand and leading her inside. "Yes, your courtyard will have them hung later as well. We must have some festive atmosphere for the New Year."
Previously, due to Lu Jingcheng's wedding matters, Lu Youxin hadn't put much thought into the decorations. It seemed she had no intention of letting Lu Jingcheng's death dampen everyone's spirits. Though it was just a few additional lanterns, the atmosphere in the courtyard felt entirely different.
Qin Guan made no mention of the Fifth Branch's affairs and instead asked, "Have you received news from Qianzhou?"
Lu Youxin nodded. "Yes, and it has put my mind at ease. However... I'm afraid Chi'er won't make it back in time."
Qin Guan nodded in understanding. "I thought as much, but it's alright. He will surely return after the New Year. As long as the war proceeds smoothly and he remains unharmed, that's what matters."
Lu Youxin's eyes filled with comfort. After last night, her gaze toward Qin Guan held even more warmth. Though Qin Guan was her junior, her temperament and wisdom commanded admiration. Now, Lu Youxin regarded her with a mix of familial affection and friendship. As they sat down, Lu Youxin discussed the arrangements for the New Year's Eve dinner and then said, "Tomorrow evening, I doubt anyone will be in the mood to gather for a meal. I'll make the necessary arrangements. When the time comes, your aunt will invite you over. Will you join me for a couple of drinks?"
Though Qin Guan had little tolerance for alcohol, she agreed for the time being. Lu Youxin then brought up the pills Qin Guan had sent over earlier. Though there was still a hint of weariness in her expression, she had applied light makeup today, and all traces of despondency had vanished. Just as they were chatting happily, Huang Momo suddenly entered and said, "Miss, the Fifth and Sixth Young Masters are here."
Lu Youxin raised an eyebrow. "Didn't they go to Jianzhou City again yesterday?"
In recent days, Lu Jingxiu and the other had frequently visited Jianzhou City, and Lu Youxin had assumed they were just indulging in leisure.
Huang Momo replied, "Yes, the two young masters came to see you as soon as they returned. The Fifth Young Master said he has news from Qianzhou to share with you."
Lu Youxin was slightly surprised and glanced at Qin Guan. Qin Guan gave a faint smile. A strange feeling stirred in Lu Youxin's heart, but she still said, "Then let them in. The rumors circulating in Jianzhou City are likely more numerous, though their truth is another matter..."
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