Coroner's Diary

That evening, Fuling learned she would be sent ahead to Westfall City and immediately teared up.

"Why must this servant go to Westfall City first? I know no one there and I'm frightened to go alone. I wish to stay with the princess consort... Didn't they say the border tribes are all fierce and brutal? What... what would this servant even do at the royal residence... I'm truly afraid, Your Highness. Please let me accompany you."

Seeing Fuling's red-rimmed eyes and pitiful expression, Qin Guan sighed. "This journey requires us to travel light. We cannot predict what we might encounter at the Western Frontier Camp. Currently we have eight large carts of luggage - all essential for our daily life in Westfall City. You are the most capable in managing domestic affairs among my attendants, and will become the chief stewardess of the royal residence's inner quarters. Sending you ahead serves two purposes: firstly, to spare you the hardships of the journey with me, and secondly, we genuinely need you to prepare the residence. His Highness mentioned the residence has only been visited two or three times by his father since its completion over a decade ago. You can imagine how neglected it must be. The Westfall royal residence follows the same layout as the capital's. Can you have it properly arranged within half a month? We'll return to Westfall City after fifteen days!"

Fuling's eyes remained moist. "But... but this servant doesn't want to be separated from you..."

Qin Guan held Fuling's hand. "I understand, but this separation will only last a month. His Highness will assign numerous guards to accompany you to Westfall City - you won't be alone. They will protect you and follow your commands. Does that comfort you?"

Fuling's eyes immediately brightened. "They'll truly obey me?"

Qin Guan smiled and nodded. "The Westfall residence has only a few servants. You'll be the highest authority there and may direct anyone."

Pressing her lips together, Fuling made one last attempt. "But... can I really not accompany you?"

Qin Guan affirmed, "Baiying will come with me. If we encounter battle, she can defend herself, but you cannot. Both you and Baiying have important roles - they're simply different responsibilities."

Recognizing the perils of the western frontier journey, Fuling reluctantly acquiesced despite her reluctance. At Westfall residence, Qin Guan would be the undisputed mistress, potentially future queen, and as Qin Guan's chief maid, she mustn't disgrace her lady.

Taking a deep breath, Fuling asked, "Who else will accompany me to Westfall City?"

"Zhao Yan will go with you..." Qin Guan replied. Though not as close as Bai Feng, Zhao Yan was another trusted guard of Yan Chi's. "Zhao Yan possesses exceptional martial skills and previously commanded His Highness's guards. With him leading the escort, your safety is assured. Rest easy."

Qin Guan had brought only two maids on this expedition. While Baiying's martial prowess made her suitable for any situation, Fuling lacked such skills. After careful consideration, this arrangement seemed most prudent. Though slightly disappointed upon hearing Zhao Yan's name, Fuling nodded resolutely. "Then... this servant will not fail Your Highness's trust."

Qin Guan smiled faintly, then inventoried the luggage and detailed the tasks for preparing the residence. The extensive list gradually eased Fuling's sorrow, making her realize the significance of her mission to Westfall. She immediately focused seriously, discussing preparations with Qin Guan late into the night before retiring.Lying in bed at night, Yan Chi chuckled and asked, "Have you settled things with Fuling?"

Qin Guan hummed in affirmation, "It's settled. That girl is timid—it took quite some encouragement to reassure her."

Yan Chi lowered his head to kiss Qin Guan's earlobe. "As long as it's arranged. I haven't let you exhaust yourself these past few days, but tonight..."

Qin Guan's breathing suddenly quickened, but Yan Chi had already skillfully slipped his hand beneath her inner robe. In the profound silence and bitter cold of deep winter, the temperature within the bed curtains rapidly rose. Within moments, Qin Guan was submerged by waves of rising passion...

Early the next morning, everyone in the residence was already up. After breakfast, the party set out beyond the city gates. At a fork in the road outside the city, Fuling gazed at Qin Guan with red-rimmed eyes. "Princess Consort, you must take good care of yourself. Please don't get injured. It seems extremely cold in Shuoxi—don't fall ill either. This servant will await your return."

Qin Guan embraced Fuling tenderly, her heart also filled with reluctance. "Silly girl, I will definitely be fine. You must be careful on your journey as well. There's no need to rush—I've already given Zhao Yan all other instructions. Start early each day and rest as dusk approaches. This way, you'll reach Xilin City in half a month. Wait there another half month, and I'll return."

Fuling lowered her eyes to wipe away tears. Qin Guan sighed. "Although you'll have protection, be cautious in everything when you reach unfamiliar places. You're destined to be my chief maid—don't make me worry. Discuss any matters with Zhao Yan."

Zhao Yan stood seven feet tall with a lean but powerful build. Even in winter clothing, his robust musculature was evident. Perhaps because Yan Chi ruled with strict discipline, Zhao Yan was not one for frivolous chatter. Merely standing there, he exuded an intimidating presence. Being inherently steady in his actions, Qin Guan felt assured entrusting Fuling to his care.

After a long, reluctant farewell, with Yan Chi and others waiting nearby, Qin Guan noticed the late hour and hurried back to the carriage. Seeing Fuling's tear-swollen eyes, she hardened her heart and ordered departure. The carriage rumbled into motion, and only after traveling half a li did she look back to see Fuling's convoy slowly beginning to move.

Qin Guan couldn't help but sigh. Yan Chi was outside on horseback speaking with Zhang Dongxuan and others, leaving only Qin Guan and Baiying in the carriage. Noticing Qin Guan's despondency, Baiying quickly reassured her, "Princess Consort, don't worry. Though Fuling usually seems careless, she has a resilient nature. Please set your mind at ease."

Qin Guan sighed again. "I wouldn't call her resilient—she's just stubbornly devoted, determined to follow me no matter what. This journey to Shuoxi... I fear she'll suffer hardships, and I worry both of us becoming burdens. If it were just me, it would be one thing, but if she comes along, any mishap would be worse. Sending her alone to Xilin is also meant to temper her. Eventually, both you and she will marry—you can't spend your lives revolving around me forever."

Baiying lowered her gaze upon hearing this. "This servant has no such thoughts."

Qin Guan took Baiying's hand. "Though women aren't necessarily bound to marry, if you encounter a good match, I naturally won't force you to stay. You and Fuling are my most trusted and closest companions. I won't treat either of you unfairly. Fate works in wonderful ways—you're steady and reliable, but I'd also like to see you someday reveal a maidenly demeanor when you meet someone who captures your heart..."

Baiying's cheeks flushed slightly at these words. Qin Guan patted her hand and said no more.Several carts of luggage had already been sent ahead with Fuling, leaving only two carriages in the entire procession now. All the men were on horseback, while Qin Guan rode alone in one carriage. The remaining carriage carried miscellaneous items and served as a contingency. With the convoy lightened, their pace quickened. However, as they traveled north from Wei County, the mountains grew steeper and the road conditions worsened—the Yanxing Mountains were drawing near. The most direct route to the Shuo Xi military camp lay straight through the southern part of Yanxing Mountains, yet it was an extremely treacherous path. Fortunately, since her revival, Qin Guan had persisted in taking morning walks, which had strengthened her constitution. Otherwise, she might not have endured even the journey south from the capital.

After three days of travel, they reached the southern foothills of Yanxing Mountains. The jolting journey had taken its toll on Qin Guan, and by the time they settled at an inn in a market town that evening, she showed signs of coughing and fever. Still, she secretly took medicine without letting Yan Chi know.

It wasn’t until they retired for the night and Yan Chi drew her into his embrace that he noticed something amiss. “Why are you so feverish?”

Qin Guan shook her head. “It’s nothing. Probably the bathwater was too hot… We have to set off early tomorrow—let’s sleep.”

Yan Chi wasn’t convinced. He touched her forehead, then his own, confirming her abnormal temperature. He quickly got up and lit the lamp. “Guan Guan, are you ill? I’ve noticed you haven’t looked well these past couple of days, and today you seem especially listless. Are you unwell?”

Qin Guan gave a wry smile. “I am a physician myself—you needn’t worry. The journey has been tiring, but everyone is exhausted. At least I don’t have to ride a horse; that’s already a blessing.”

She tried to pull Yan Chi back to bed, but he frowned and resisted. Qin Guan sighed helplessly. “Why would I lie to you? It’s true!”

Yan Chi’s gaze turned stern. “There are physicians in this town. If you won’t tell me, I’ll have one summoned.”

As he moved to dress and go out, Qin Guan had no choice but to stop him. “Alright, alright, I’ll tell you… Don’t panic.”

Only then did Yan Chi fix his eyes on her. Qin Guan sighed. “It seems the fatigue has led to a chill. I’ve been especially careful along the way, but I still fell ill. I’ve already taken medicine today—don’t worry. A good night’s sleep will help.”

Qin Guan was determined not to fall sick at such a time, but exhaustion had made her vulnerable. During the day, lifting the carriage curtain a few times had let in the cold.

Hearing this, Yan Chi pressed urgently, “You’ve taken medicine? What kind? Is it effective?”

His expression grew even more serious. “No wonder you’ve looked worse. This won’t do—give me a prescription. You must drink medicinal soup.”

Qin Guan smiled ruefully and firmly pulled Yan Chi onto the bed. “Don’t be so anxious. I am a physician, and I least want to fall ill now. I wouldn’t joke about my health. Before we left, I prepared some medicine specifically for chills. As soon as I felt unwell today, I took it immediately—it’s not some random remedy.”

Yan Chi remained skeptical. “Are you sure?”

Qin Guan hugged him with a smile. “I’m sure! Just hold me while I sleep and let me sweat it out. I’ll feel much better tomorrow—you’ll see.”

At this, Yan Chi promptly held her tighter and pulled the brocade quilt snugly around her. Qin Guan chuckled weakly. “There’s no need to wrap me up so tightly…”"No, if you catch another draft tonight, won't you feel even worse tomorrow?" Saying this, he kissed Qin Guan's forehead. "Just sleep. If you're not better by morning, we'll stay here another day and have you drink medicinal soup properly before setting out."

Hearing this, Qin Guan knew Yan Chi wasn't joking. Unwilling to delay their journey because of herself, she didn't dare retort and instead nestled into Yan Chi's embrace to sleep. Yan Chi's body was extremely warm, and having taken the pills, Qin Guan soon drifted into dreams. Yan Chi, however, found it hard to sleep. Gazing at Qin Guan's visibly weary cheeks, he felt both tenderness and distress, holding her tightly all night without letting any draft touch her. Several times Yan Chi dozed off briefly, but would startle awake moments later, only relaxing when he saw Qin Guan still sleeping peacefully. After such restlessness for half the night, by the time Yan Chi truly fell asleep, daybreak was nearly upon them.

Unaware of Yan Chi's exhaustion, Qin Guan indeed felt much better the next morning after that night. After repeatedly assuring Yan Chi of her recovery, he finally abandoned the idea of staying another day. After breakfast, the party resumed their journey. This day, Yan Chi didn't ride his horse but chose to share the carriage with Qin Guan, also slowing the procession's pace. Thus Qin Guan could recuperate in the carriage while others also took the opportunity to restore their energy.

Throughout this journey, Qin Guan wasn't the only one tired. Though the others were men, riding all day wasn't easy either, especially since Zhang Dongxuan and his companions had originally rushed day and night from elsewhere to Liangzhou. Though weary, under Yan Chi's strict command they wouldn't complain as long as they could endure. Today, with Qin Guan ill, they finally caught a breather.

In the carriage, Qin Guan couldn't resist lifting the curtain, but Yan Chi immediately caught her hand. "No, it's bitterly cold outside. How can you recover if you catch a chill?"

Yesterday Qin Guan had still suffered headaches, but today only a slight cough remained, though bodily fatigue persisted. Yan Chi's accompaniment was precisely to restrain her, so Qin Guan could only nod meekly and lean against his chest. Yan Chi covered her with two fox-fur blankets and added two more warming stoves to the carriage. The interior now felt like spring, making even Yan Chi break into a light sweat. "I know you want to see the scenery, but you'll have plenty to look at when we reach Shuoxi."

With Qin Guan ill, Yan Chi became more tender than usual, making her unconsciously more dependent on him. "Having never been to the northwest before, though conditions here are harsh, there's scenery rarely seen in the southern lands - majestic mountains and grand rivers, quite magnificent. Now with snowfall, I can't help wanting to see more..."

Yan Chi understood her thoughts perfectly. "Shuoxi is full of such views. I only fear you'll grow tired of them eventually."

Curled against Yan Chi's chest, Qin Guan grew drowsy. Not daring to take her illness lightly, she had taken strong medicine and now felt sleepy. Seeing her fighting to keep her eyes open like a kitten, Yan Chi couldn't help chuckling. "Sleep if you want. I'll have them go slower."

Beyond caring about anything else, Qin Guan softly murmured "Mm" and drifted into dreams.Qin Guan had initially worried that her illness would be difficult to cure and ultimately burden everyone. Yet unexpectedly, after two days, the typhoid fever completely subsided. Despite this, Yan Chi refused to remove the warm stove and fox fur blanket from the carriage. Moreover, while passing through a market town, he purchased a pure white fox fur cape at an exorbitant price. The craftsmanship of the cape was not particularly fine—its only commendable feature was the exceptionally thick, snow-white, and lustrous fur, which was of superior quality. Even so, the hawker, noticing Yan Chi’s imposing demeanor, quoted an outrageous price. Yan Chi could have revealed his identity to intimidate the man, but in the end, he said nothing and simply instructed Bai Feng to pay.

When Qin Guan brought the fox fur back to the carriage and inquired about the price, her heart ached upon hearing it. From that day on, she wore the cape constantly. Whether it was truly due to the cape’s thick warmth or not, she remained free from illness throughout the journey.

After ten days of travel, Qin Guan’s party reached the southwestern part of the Northwest Frontier, only two days away from White Wolf Mountain. The main camp of the Northwest Frontier Army lay east of White Wolf Mountain, roughly three days’ journey. However, at this point, Yan Chi ordered the procession to slow its pace. Another day passed, and Qin Guan finally saw Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng!

In a valley southwest of White Wolf Mountain stood a temporary outpost of the Northwest Frontier Army. Originally small, the camp had now expanded to accommodate ten thousand troops—this was the prearranged meeting place for Yan Chi, Master Qi, and the others. Zhou You and his companions, who had parted ways in Luozhou, had also arrived early.

Once they entered the Northwest Plateau, the scenery grew increasingly vast. The mountain ranges appeared grand and majestic, yet greenery was scarce, and lakes or rivers akin to those in the southern regions were nowhere to be seen. The skies were high, the land expansive, yet desolate and bleak—this was Qin Guan’s first impression of the Northwest.

In the valley southwest of White Wolf Mountain, a stark expanse of withered trees encircled a large clearing. Tents stood row upon row across the open ground, forming a typical square encampment. Each side—east, west, north, and south—stretched a hundred meters, collectively guarding the central command tent. A main Path ran straight through the four camps, while smaller paths crisscrossed the rest of the area. The outermost perimeter was hastily fortified with wooden palisades. Qin Guan’s carriage halted outside the camp gates, and at a glance, she spotted the wolf-emblazoned military banner of the Northwest Frontier Army!

Before the camp, Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng stood at the forefront, followed by dozens of armored generals. All eagerly awaited the arriving party. As Yan Chi rode ahead with the others, the entire assembly knelt in salute before his horse even came to a stop.

“Long live Prince Rui!”

Yan Chi galloped to the front of the crowd, reining in his horse sharply, his figure appearing even more heroic and vigorous. After surveying the orderly camp gates and the assembled generals, he nodded. “Rise, all of you! I have arrived late and kept you waiting.”

Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng were the first to stand. Chu Fei Sheng stepped forward and declared, “Your Highness! We have finally awaited your arrival! All of us have been longing for you to come! Now it is well! Tomorrow, we shall show that old fool Lin Xugui the might of our Northwest Frontier Army!”

Master Qi chuckled beside him, adding, “I worried for Your Highness all along the way. Seeing you arrive safely puts my mind at ease.”Yan Chi dismounted from his horse, and the generals behind Master Qi and the others followed suit with their assent. Yan Chi then glanced at the others and said, "You have waited long. Now that everyone is safe and sound, I am relieved. We will discuss military matters later. First, meet my princess consort!"

After speaking, Yan Chi turned and walked to the carriage behind him, pulling aside the curtain in one swift motion before reaching his hand into the carriage door.

Everyone watched the carriage door intently. A delicate, jade-like hand first settled into Yan Chi’s palm, followed by a graceful figure emerging from the carriage. In front of the camp gate, filled with masculine, martial energy, this elegant silhouette seemed somewhat out of place, yet it captivated hearts all the more. Soon, everyone laid eyes on the rumored Princess Consort of Prince Rui, the former Yongci County Princess. For a moment, everyone at the camp gate, including Chu Fei Sheng, held their breath. Gazing at Qin Guan, whose skin was like ice and bones like jade, with an ethereal and lofty bearing, they could hardly believe that such a woman, resembling a celestial being from beyond this world, would appear here.

Qin Guan had shown signs of fatigue along the journey. Today, she wore only her usual plain clothing, draped over with a new fox-fur cloak that Yan Chi had bought for her. Her dark hair was simply tied into a small bun, adorned with a single jade hairpin. Beyond that, she wore no makeup or jewelry. Her entire being was pristine, untouched by worldly dust. Yet, as she took Yan Chi’s hand, stepped down from the carriage, and stood firmly, she exuded an inexplicable aura of noble resilience. Standing there slender and delicate, her clear gaze swept over them, and in an instant, it stirred the hearts of these generals, who had witnessed countless deaths. This princess consort was beautiful and delicate, but the strength in her bones was no less than any man present!

Before Qin Guan had even spoken, she evoked a sense of reverence even from the generals who had previously scoffed upon hearing that Yan Chi would bring his princess consort along.

"Your subordinate pays respects to the princess consort—"

Master Qi was the first to clasp his fists in salute, and the others, snapping back to attention, followed suit.

A faint smile touched Qin Guan’s lips. "There is no need for such formality."

Outwardly composed, Qin Guan had already taken in everyone’s expressions in that brief moment.

Among the dozen or so people present, at least half had shown curiosity when she first emerged, but not necessarily respect. These generals, who lived by the blade, might be exceptional commanders, but they did not necessarily understand how to respect women. In their eyes, a military camp was no place for a woman, and the title of princess consort alone could not earn their genuine reverence. Even if they showed courtesy out of loyalty to Yan Chi, in their hearts, they would not truly regard her highly.

Qin Guan could guess these thoughts and even empathize with them. But since she would stand by Yan Chi’s side in the future, she could not remain forever in his shadow. She lacked the talent to command vast armies or the martial prowess to overpower them. So, from the very beginning, she needed to display the presence of a princess consort and a depth they could not easily see through.The human heart in this world is complex and subtle, and the ways of human interaction are thus so vexing. When holding a high position, one must understand the art of managing subordinates. Although Qin Guan did not enjoy these power balances among people, she did not reject them either. Though her status as princess consort was dependent on Yan Chi, it was still a position that commanded bows and kneeling from others. Without the matching tactics and temperament, she would only bring trouble to Yan Chi. Fortunately, Qin Guan harbored no fear toward these matters. On the contrary, she had always understood the principle of fulfilling one's duties according to one's position.

Qin Guan's smile was faint, her gaze carrying a chilling, intimidating force. Though she appeared beautiful and delicate, and not very old, everyone could tell from her every word and expression that she was no ordinary noble lady. They understood in their hearts that any woman standing by Yan Chi's side, one he would bring to the Shuoxi military camp, must be extraordinary. With this thought, no one dared to look directly at Qin Guan without caution. Thus, this first meeting proceeded quite harmoniously.

Seeing that Qin Guan did not seem talkative, Master Qi quickly stepped aside and gestured. "Your Highness and the princess consort have traveled far and must be weary. Please enter the camp first."

Chu Fei Sheng also snapped back to attention. "Yes, yes, Your Highness, princess consort, please enter the camp."

Yan Chi intended to lead Qin Guan into the camp by the hand, but she pulled away and fell half a step behind him. Frowning slightly, Yan Chi looked at her, only for Qin Guan to quickly blink at him. His brow lifted in amusement, and he turned to stride into the camp.

As they entered, soldiers lined both sides of the camp Path, kneeling in salute as Yan Chi passed. The resounding cries of "Long live Prince Rui!" echoed like roaring waves. Mindful of Qin Guan, Yan Chi slowed his pace, his demeanor growing even more noble and imposing. Watching his profile from half a step behind, Qin Guan felt her heart stir repeatedly.

No one in the world dislikes the strong, especially someone like Qin Guan, whose nature was transcendent and who seldom regarded ordinary men highly. She had always felt that Yan Chi's aura, forged through trials of fire and blood, was overwhelming. But now, witnessing his prestige among the troops, her admiration for him deepened.

To earn genuine respect from other men, a lofty background alone was far from enough. Qin Guan knew that these fervent, reverent shouts were earned by Yan Chi over more than a decade of risking his own flesh and blood. In a daze, she recalled the crisscrossing scars on his body, and her heart swelled with both pain and reverence. Her trust in Yan Chi grew as firm as bedrock.

The path to the central command tent was not long. Upon entering, warmth enveloped them. Though layers of snow piled outside the camp gates, the interior had long been cleared. Where the soldiers had stood earlier was now a muddy mix of slush and soil, frozen solid in the cold into a hard, icy ground. It was on such frigid, unyielding terrain that the ordinary soldiers trained. As Yan Chi and Qin Guan entered, they were followed by Chu Fei Sheng and Master Qi.

The others had already arrived at the strategy tent to await Yan Chi.

Master Qi said, "This tent was prepared as soon as we received Your Highness's letter. If there is any inadequacy, please instruct us later."

Yan Chi waved a hand. "I trust your preparations will be flawless."

Chu Fei Sheng, who had been observing Qin Guan along the way, grinned and said, "Is this the princess consort's first time in a military camp? If there is anything you find unsuitable, please speak up."

Qin Guan smiled slightly. "I find it quite satisfactory. General Chu need not trouble yourself."

Chu Fei Sheng's eyes widened. "How did you know my surname is Chu?"

Qin Guan glanced at Yan Chi and replied, "On the way here, His Highness spoke often of matters in Shuoxi. I have long heard of General Chu's reputation, and upon seeing you today, I recognized you at once."

Chu Fei Sheng looked pleased. "I never expected the princess consort to be so astute! To recognize me with just one glance!"Master Qi stood by with a knowing smile, saying nothing. Compared to other generals, Master Qi had once served as Yan Lin's military strategist and could be considered Yan Chi's half-teacher. Being closest to the Yan family, he naturally took pleasure in seeing the generals under him getting along well with Qin Guan...

Yan Chi, concerned about military affairs, did not intend to keep Chu Fei Sheng for long and soon dismissed both of them.

After they left, Yan Chi sat down to speak with Qin Guan. "So, what do you think? This place is quite different from Luozhou, isn't it?"

Qin Guan smiled. "When I met General Zhou in Luozhou, I thought their camp was highly disciplined and efficient. But now that I'm here, I realize the elite spirit here is even more remarkable. Just now, when we entered the camp, all the soldiers stood firm in the cold wind, their bodies resilient as bamboo, their eyes like cold stars—each one resolute and solemn. Their salutes were perfectly synchronized, their voices firm and powerful. The Northwest Frontier Army truly lives up to its reputation!"

Qin Guan's words were full of praise, and Yan Chi couldn't help but chuckle. "With such flattery, I'll have to share your words with them."

Qin Guan laughed. "The Northwest Frontier Army is the fruit of your and your father's labor. Now that I've finally seen it, this trip has been worthwhile!"

Yan Chi took Qin Guan's hand and said, "This place is even more perilous than Luozhou. Let me know if you find anything unsuitable..."

"I'm not a delicate person. I think it's quite fine here!" Qin Guan continued looking around. The commander's tent was larger than the one she had seen in Luozhou, though its style was more austere and rugged, and the furnishings were sparse. Yet, as Qin Guan had said, she had never expected the commander's tent here to be luxurious or ornate!

Yan Chi nodded and chatted with Qin Guan for a while longer before summoning Baiying to attend to her. He then headed to the commander's tent first.

After Yan Chi left, Qin Guan took a stroll around the commander's tent. The tent had two sections, front and back, with the rear being nearly as large as the front. The front was for receiving guests and holding discussions, while the back contained only a bathtub, a bed, a screen, and a set of table and stools. After a moment's thought, Qin Guan instructed Baiying to fetch their luggage from the carriage and lay out the fox fur and other items. She then had Bai Feng heat water to brew tea. Thinking Yan Chi would not return for a while, she proceeded to clean the tent inside and out.

Once the cleaning was done, Qin Guan let out a sigh. "There, as long as it's clean, it's fine."

Baiying, though accustomed to the simplicity of the surroundings, felt Qin Guan deserved better. "Don't worry, Princess Consort, we won't be staying here long. Things will be better once we reach Xilin."

Qin Guan found this amusing. "Do you think I'm not used to it? Actually, I find this place quite good. I've lived through hard times before. Do you remember when you first entered Qin Manor in Jinzhou? Back then, I had just moved to a new courtyard—the old one wasn't much different from this..."

Baiying, having served in Qin Manor, knew well the hardships Qin Guan had endured there. But since she began following Qin Guan, her life had steadily improved, and now she couldn't help but feel protective.

Qin Guan glanced outside and asked, "Are there few women in the military camp?"

At this question, Baiying nodded. "Yes. In the Northwest Frontier Army camp, there used to be a rule strictly forbidding women from entering."

Qin Guan was surprised, not expecting the Northwest Frontier Army's rules to be so stringent. In other places, it seemed women weren't entirely barred from camps. Back in Jinzhou, Yue Ning had apparently been able to enter the camp outside the city. Troubled by this, Qin Guan asked, "If the rules are so strict, would it be inappropriate for me to move about freely in the camp?"Baiying looked puzzled upon hearing this. "Then what does the princess consort plan to do..."

Qin Guan's eyes shifted thoughtfully. "I'll discuss it with him when he returns."

Only then did Baiying nod without further questions. Shortly after, Bai Feng brought food with some helpers—only plain rice porridge and steamed buns. Baiying explained, "Military supplies in Shuoxi are limited, and this isn't the main camp, so we only have these..."

They had arrived at the camp in the afternoon, and by now Qin Guan was genuinely hungry. Seeing the rice porridge was cooked to a soft consistency, she drank two small bowls. Observing this, Baiying finally felt completely relieved. By evening, Yan Chi returned from the strategy tent and, upon learning Qin Guan had consumed two bowls of plain porridge, felt a pang of concern.

He pulled Qin Guan to sit by the bed and asked, "Should we have Baiying make some pastries for you?"

Qin Guan laughed at this. "Having Baiying do it might as well be me doing it myself. I only know her skills with her hands—I had no idea she was adept in the kitchen."

Yan Chi sighed. "You're not used to such plain fare. You managed today, but I worry you won't be able to eat tomorrow."

Qin Guan found this both amusing and exasperating. "You lived in luxury in the capital too—have you found it difficult to adjust here?"

Yan Chi shook his head. Qin Guan responded, "Then it's settled. Food and clothing aren't issues. Actually, I wanted to discuss something with you..."

Yan Chi asked, "What is it?"

Qin Guan hesitated. "I just found out that women are strictly forbidden in the main Shuoxi camp. So I was thinking... starting tomorrow, could I dress as a man to move around? In these clothes, I can't even step out to do anything properly."

Hearing this, Yan Chi frowned. He hadn't planned to let Qin Guan go out—not because of any rules, given her status, but because Qin Guan was strikingly beautiful, and the camp was full of men. He didn't want his soldiers coveting his wife!

But dressing as a man... Yan Chi recalled when Qin Guan had worn male attire to assist with a Corpse Examination before. Seeing her earnest expression, he nodded reluctantly. "If... if you truly wish it, then it should be fine..."

Qin Guan's eyes lit up immediately. "Good! Then I'll go ask Bai Feng for a set of clothes right away!"

While Qin Guan could have worn Yan Chi's clothes, his stature was too tall—even alterations would be challenging. Bai Feng was slightly shorter, offering the only feasible option. Qin Guan called Bai Feng in and explained the situation. Bai Feng remembered the outfits purchased earlier in Jianzhou—when Yan Chi had insisted on buying clothes for Qin Guan, she couldn't refuse and had outfits made for everyone in their party. As they were new, Bai Feng hadn't worn his during the journey.

Though reluctant to take back a gifted item, Qin Guan had no choice under the circumstances. When Bai Feng brought the outer robe, Qin Guan made minor adjustments and tried it on. Though there was no mirror in the large tent, Yan Chi's expression told her the fit was perfect. She decided then to adopt the male disguise!

After these preparations, night had fallen. Yan Chi made another trip to the strategy tent and returned by bedtime.

After washing up and lying down, Qin Guan asked, "What did you discuss with them today? Any plans?"Now that they had arrived here, although Yan Chi didn't let Qin Guan accompany him to the strategy tent, he never kept military matters from her. Yan Chi said, "We'll depart for the main camp the day after tomorrow. Lin Xugui has been entrenched in Shuoxi for so long and has gathered some forces. Combined with those who followed from the court, he won't be easy to deal with."

Qin Guan frowned, "Is everyone setting out the day after tomorrow?"

Yan Chi shook his head, "Currently we have thirteen thousand troops in camp. Six thousand will advance first the day after tomorrow. I have other arrangements for the rest. I'll have Chu Fei Sheng lead the troops then, while you and I temporarily remain in camp—"

Hearing this, Qin Guan nodded, "That's good..."

Yan Chi patted her head, "Don't worry, I won't leave you alone in camp."

Qin Guan hugged Yan Chi tightly, murmuring, "That's good. If you need to charge into battle, I'll go with you."

Yan Chi laughed at this. Qin Guan said weakly, "I could stay at the very rear to treat the wounded soldiers..."

Hearing Qin Guan's voice growing softer and her self-conscious expression, Yan Chi couldn't help but roll over and pin her down, "Not even at the absolute rear. You're my wife, let me be selfish this once. Even if you could save a hundred people, I won't allow it. But in camp, you can do whatever you want. How about it, princess consort?"

Qin Guan had only said it casually, never really expecting Yan Chi to let her go to the battlefield, "I can do whatever I want in camp?"

Yin Chi hummed in agreement, "You're the Great Zhou's finest physician, and I know you want to contribute. So do as you please... Many fall ill or injured in winter, and with limited physicians in camp, treatment is often delayed. With your safety assured, I'd like to spare our men some suffering too."

Qin Guan's mind was already planning, clearly distracted. Seeing her attention drift away, Yan Chi turned her face back toward him, "Save those thoughts for tomorrow. For now, just think about your husband..."

Qin Guan blinked, "Does my husband have any ailments to treat?"

Yan Chi was momentarily speechless at her words, then chuckled, "Where do you think I'm unwell? Here?" As he spoke, he rubbed against her suggestively. Qin Guan's cheeks warmed, and she sniffed lightly, "Not... for now..."

Yan Chi laughed, drawing closer until their breaths mingled, "I've let you do as you please. Can't you let me do as I please too?"

Qin Guan's heart raced at his husky voice, and she murmured even softer, "Haven't... haven't I always let you do as you please?"

Yan Chi's throat moved urgently. With Qin Guan saying such things, how could he restrain himself?! He immediately kissed her. Qin Guan's muffled protests were swallowed by his lips, and before long, the simple army cot began creaking...

Early the next morning, when Qin Guan woke, Yan Chi was already gone from her side. She felt the bedding and found his side cold, while outside the sky was still dark—proof of how early he had risen. At White Deer Isle, Qin Guan could laze in bed as she pleased, but since setting out, she never slept a moment longer than necessary. Now in the army camp, she was even less willing to appear different. She got up immediately and was dressing when she faintly heard the roaring shouts of soldiers drilling.Qin Guan felt a stir in her heart. When putting on her outer robe, she chose the men's attire prepared the night before. After washing up, she hastily finished breakfast and then walked out with Baiying. Baiying's small tent was located behind the central command tent. Since Qin Guan had changed into men's clothing, Baiying naturally wore practical short attire as well. As the master and servant walked through the camp, though their outfits were far more low-key than the dresses they wore upon arrival yesterday, Qin Guan's fair complexion and slender waist still made her stand out to anyone who looked closely.

However, the camp maintained strict discipline. Moreover, everyone knew Qin Guan had entered the camp the previous night. Even if there now appeared a fair-faced young man in white as lovely as peach and plum blossoms, no one dared to stare. Thus, Qin Guan proceeded to the training ground without attracting much attention. Upon reaching the training ground, her eyes immediately fell upon Yan Chi standing atop the high platform. Clutching a long spear and wearing thin, fitted short attire, Yan Chi stood firmly on the platform despite the cold weather. His lean yet powerful musculature was faintly visible beneath the fabric, exuding an aura capable of commanding thousands of troops. Qin Guan narrowed her eyes slightly and let out a soft "tsk" of admiration.