In the Imperial Study of Chongzheng Hall, Lin Zhang frowned and said, "Your Majesty, the Empress and Crown Prince are holding Fengzhou City without venturing out. In my humble opinion, why not have Anyang Marquis abandon Fengzhou and head to Chongzhou to catch Zhao You off guard?"
Yan Han furrowed his brows upon hearing this. "If Anyang Marquis leaves, the Empress will march south. With her temperament, she would never give Anyang Marquis any opportunity."
Although the Empress was a woman, she possessed the strategic mind of a man. Yan Han was deeply frustrated, yet with the Empress far away in Fengzhou, there was little he could do.
Lin Zhang also found the situation quite tricky. After a moment of hesitation, Yan Han said, "Since there's no urgency for the western campaign, have the Duke of Wei head north as well. With his presence in the north, he can reinforce Chongzhou, lest Yue Qiong becomes overstretched..."
Lin Zhang quickly responded, "Good, this could indeed resolve the dilemma of dividing our forces."
Yan Han, his brow still tightly knit, lightly tapped the corner of the desk and added, "This stalemate is not a solution. Issue the order for Yue Qiong to launch a strong assault on Fengzhou. Without provisions, the Empress cannot hold out for long. If he attacks fiercely for half a month, Fengzhou will inevitably become unstable, and opportunities will arise."
Lin Zhang hesitated briefly and said, "Your Majesty, Fengzhou is an ancient city with particularly sturdy walls. Currently, there are about fifty thousand troops stationed inside. I fear a strong assault would be quite difficult."
Not only difficult—if they launched a strong assault, it would essentially be sending their own soldiers to their deaths in the early stages.
Lin Zhang looked at Yan Han with concern, but Yan Han replied, "The northern campaign cannot be prolonged. What if Yan Chi from the west raises troops and marches north? Wouldn't that put us in a dilemma?"
Lin Zhang frowned. "Your Majesty, according to reports from two days ago, after Yan Chi declared independence in the Northwest Frontier, he adjusted the defenses, dispersing the Northwest Frontier Army. It seems he is adopting a defensive stance with no intention of mobilizing troops to march north."
A cold glint flashed in Yan Han's eyes. "Even so, can the northern campaign afford to be delayed?"
Intimidated by Yan Han's gaze, Lin Zhang dared not say more and promptly went to relay the orders to the various departments of the Ministry of War.
As soon as Lin Zhang left, Yuan Qing hurried in and whispered, "Your Majesty, the Noble Consort caused another major scene today and nearly set Changxin Palace on fire."
The chill in Yan Han's eyes deepened. After a moment's thought, he suddenly said, "Changxin Palace has always been the residence of Noble Consorts throughout the generations. Since she is gravely ill now, she is no longer fit to live there. Move her to Qinghe Hall. Assign a few trusted attendants to care for her and ensure nothing goes wrong."
Qinghe Hall was located in the North Garden. In earlier years, when the North Garden was not yet desolate, it was considered a main hall. But now, with the entire North Garden cold and deserted, Qinghe Hall was no different from the cold palace.
Upon hearing Yan Han's words, Yuan Qing understood his meaning and immediately went out to issue the instructions.
...
...
In the Longevity and Health Palace, Yue Ning and Yan Ze had entered the palace together to visit the Empress Dowager. Before the New Year, when the Empress Dowager was still lucid, she had issued an edict arranging their marriage, setting the wedding date for the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month. Now that it was already the fourth month, their wedding day was approaching. However, due to the major incidents in the capital before the New Year and the Empress Dowager falling ill afterward, Yue Ning had no heart for marriage preparations. Moreover, ever since Yan Ze recovered from his eye ailment, Yue Ning had always felt there was something odd about him. Later, when Yan Ze requested an official post and entered the court, the two saw each other even less. Their joint visit to the palace today was only because Yan Ze had visited her residence yesterday under the orders of the Grand Princess.Along the way, Yue Ning rode in the carriage while Yan Ze rode on horseback. Neither spoke much, and it was only when they reached the palace gate that they dismounted, exchanging only trivial remarks.
Upon arriving at the Longevity and Health Palace and seeing the Empress Dowager's dazed state, Yue Ning couldn't help but feel another wave of sorrow.
Yan Ze, seated beside the Empress Dowager, noticed Yue Ning's distress and comforted her, "Don't be sad. Perhaps it's better for Grandmother this way."
Yue Ning sighed. "Grandmother seems to have lost her soul, as if her spirit has wandered off with Qin Guan and the others... Will she remain like this forever? The imperial physicians come every day but can't offer any explanation. If only Qin Guan were here."
Yan Ze glanced outside. "Ning'er, be careful with your words."
He was reminding her not to mention Qin Guan's name, but Yue Ning looked at him and said, "There's no one here. What is there to fear?"
Yan Ze smiled wryly. "I'm only worried you might slip up and bring trouble upon yourself."
Yue Ning studied Yan Ze. Though his warning was reasonable and meant for her own good, she couldn't shake the feeling that he seemed somewhat unfamiliar.
Unwilling to argue with him yet feeling a vague unease, she simply lowered her head and held the Empress Dowager's hand in silence.
Seeing Yue Ning sulk, Yan Ze sighed softly and said in a gentle tone, "How childish. Stay with Grandmother then. I'll wait for you outside."
As Yan Ze stood to leave, Yue Ning felt a pang of anxiety. Had she been unreasonable?
After Yan Ze departed, Yue Ning fell into a daze herself. Since Qin Guan left, she had no one in the capital to confide in. Yan Ze's recovery from his eye ailment should have been a joyous occasion, yet somehow, after Yan Qi's recovery, Yan Ze seemed changed. She had always thought him indifferent to fame and fortune, but to her surprise, he had entered officialdom and even gathered provisions for the western campaign. Yue Ning didn't think Yan Ze was wrong, but she felt a stifled resentment, unable to articulate why she felt so bewildered and aggrieved.
Qin Guan's parting warning lingered in her heart daily. Perhaps she had trusted Qin Guan too deeply, for now she viewed Yan Ze with suspicion. Over time, she could no longer find the same intimacy and ease she once shared with him. Now, even the thought of her impending marriage to Yan Ze stirred a faint sense of resistance.
Outside the hall, under the corridor, Yan Ze intended to take a casual stroll when he spotted Yan Sui sitting alone. Yan Sui was idly waving a short dagger in his hand. Yan Ze approached slowly and soon stood before him. Sensing someone, Yan Sui looked up and, recognizing Yan Ze, immediately rose to leave. But as he took a step, Yan Ze raised a hand to stop him.
Yan Ze smiled warmly at Yan Sui. "Why do you leave at the sight of me, Ninth Prince?"
As he spoke, Yan Ze pulled a small wooden bird from his sleeve. Though tiny, it was a Mechanism bird, its head and wings capable of movement. Yan Ze handed it to Yan Sui, who hesitated for a moment before accepting it and sitting back down, head bowed.
Yan Ze chuckled and sat beside Yan Sui. "Are you bored all alone? I heard you've stopped attending the tutor's lessons?"
Yan Sui hung his small head. "I don't go anymore. I'll just stay with Grandmother.""Good child." Yan Ze raised his hand, intending to pat Yan Sui's head, but Yan Sui instinctively dodged.
Yan Ze stared blankly at his empty palm for a moment before suddenly smiling. "I haven't been back long, nor have I visited often. You must still be somewhat afraid of me." As he spoke, Yan Ze glanced at the knife in Yan Sui's hand. "Are you practicing with this?"
Yan Sui nodded, and Yan Ze nodded in return. "Good. It's always beneficial for a boy to know some martial arts—it helps protect loved ones from harm."
At these words, Yan Sui's expression shifted slightly, but Yan Ze turned his gaze toward the room. "Grandmother's illness seems difficult to cure. Has the Emperor come to visit her?"
Hearing this, Yan Sui shook his head again. Yan Ze sighed, unsure what else to say. Yan Sui tightened his grip on the dagger, his small face tense and silent.
"If the Emperor could visit Grandmother, her illness might improve faster."
Yan Ze spoke as if casually, but Yan Sui suddenly retorted, "It's better if he doesn't come!"
There was a hint of anger in Yan Sui's voice, as if he harbored deep resentment toward the Emperor. Yan Ze chuckled at this. "What's wrong? You shouldn't speak like that. The Emperor has been busy with military affairs lately—northern campaigns, western expeditions—all requiring his oversight. That's why he hasn't come."
Yan Sui's eyes trembled. "But... but are they fighting Prince Rui?"
Yan Ze turned to look at Yan Sui. "How did you know? The Empress and Crown Prince have rebelled in the north. They're the ones being fought now."
Yan Sui asked anxiously, "Will they fight Prince Rui?"
Yan Ze sighed and shook his head. "That, I don't know. The court currently lacks the resources."
Yan Sui lowered his eyes, looking thoughtful and worried. "Those two aren't traitors... they're not..."
"But if the Emperor says they are, then they are. The proclamation has been issued to the world—it cannot be changed."
Yan Ze spoke bluntly, and Yan Sui's face paled. Just then, Yue Ning approached, frowning. "Third Brother, why are you telling him these things? He's just a child. This will frighten him."
Yan Ze stood up. "I know he cares about Yan Chi and Qin Guan, so I..."
Ignoring Yan Ze, Yue Ning leaned down and patted Yan Sui's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. They're doing fine for now."
Hearing this, Yan Sui's eyes brightened slightly. Yue Ning added softly, "We received a letter from her a few days ago. She's doing well."
The fear on Yan Sui's face gradually faded, and he nodded before heading into the hall. Once he was gone, Yue Ning frowned at Yan Ze. "Third Brother, why mention the proclamation? It only scares him."
Yan Ze looked at Yue Ning tenderly. "You're right. I was thoughtless. I couldn't help it, seeing how mature the Ninth Prince is for his age."
Yue Ning pressed her lips together. "No matter how mature, he's still a child. Qin Guan is probably most worried about him."
Yan Ze stepped forward, intending to take Yue Ning's hand, but just as he was about to touch her, she inexplicably tensed and pulled away. Yan Ze was taken aback, but Yue Ning had already turned and hurried off. "We should leave the palace now. Grandmother is waiting for me..."
Yan Ze sighed as he watched Yue Ning's rapidly retreating figure, then followed after her.After leaving the Longevity and Health Palace, they remained silent throughout the journey. The silence deepened once they boarded the carriage outside the palace gates. Yue Ning couldn't explain why, but she felt an unresolved knot in her heart—as if something lay veiled behind a curtain, almost discernible yet still blurred. When they reached the intersection near the two royal residences, she lifted the carriage curtain. "Third Brother, there's no need to escort me back. I'll visit again tomorrow."
Yan Ze smiled and nodded, sparing her any awkwardness. Only after lowering the curtain did Yue Ning release a soft sigh of relief.
As the carriage arrived at Marquis Anyang Manor, Yue Ning had just drawn aside the curtain to disembark when she spotted a figure standing before the estate gates. Upon closer look, it was Wei Qizhi. Her eyes brightened slightly. "Tsk, what brings Young Master Wei here today?"
Mounted alone, Wei Qizhi had been waiting precisely for Yue Ning. Seeing her approach from the direction of Prince Yi's residence, he assumed she had visited the royal estate.
Wei Qizhi stepped forward with a smile, retrieving a small sandalwood box from his sleeve. "Since you're getting married by month's end, this is my congratulatory gift! I'll be departing tomorrow—this trip will take several months, so I'm certain to miss your wedding. On the day, my family will send someone with gifts, but I won't be attending."
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, accepting the tiny sandalwood box as she approached. "Oh? Where are you headed? The north? With the ongoing conflicts there, why venture that way?"
Wei Qizhi chuckled. "No, not the north this time—I'm going west..."
At the mention of "west," Yue Ning immediately perked up. "Are you heading to Shuoxi?"
Wei Qizhi grinned. "Not certain, but highly likely. My business ventures hold great potential in the western regions."
Yue Ning pressed her lips together. "Come, let's talk inside."
Wei Qizhi declined. "Entering the manor wouldn't be proper. You're a bride-to-be—it's unseemly to receive male guests at home, lest gossip arise. The Grand Princess and the Marquis' lady would also find it inappropriate."
Yue Ning hadn't expected someone of Wei Qizhi's temperament to consider such nuances for her sake. Touched, yet thinking of his impending journey—likely to Shuoxi—she couldn't resist conversing longer. "Our household isn't so strict about rules. But since you insist, let's choose another place. Who knows when you'll return after this departure? And since you're heading west, I have a favor to ask. Pick any spot—somewhere you frequent will do."
Wei Qizhi laughed heartily at this. "The places I usually haunt are no fitting for you. In that case, I'll find a familiar establishment nearby. Back to your carriage!"
With that, he swung onto his horse while Yue Ning reentered her carriage. Following Wei Qizhi's lead, the carriage wound through several streets before halting. Alighting, Yue Ning found herself before a tavern—somewhat secluded and entirely empty of patrons, exuding a desolate air.
"Is this your business? At this rate, it'll operate at a loss."
Wei Qizhi sighed helplessly. "A friend's venture. This friend cares not for profit, only tranquility—yet still wishes to drink with companions, so he opened this tavern himself. Let's talk inside."
Upon entering the main hall, a dozing attendant behind the counter sprang up. Recognizing Wei Qizhi, he exclaimed cheerfully, "Young Master Wei! What a pity—the proprietor isn't here today..."Wei Qizhi snorted, "Who's here to look for him! Let's go upstairs, just bring us some good wine and dishes!"
After saying this and taking two steps, Wei Qizhi added, "Wait, no wine, just bring some good dishes."
Yue Ning, walking beside him, frowned at his words. "Why no wine? Just order as you usually would."
The waiter glanced at Wei Qizhi, then at Yue Ning, his eyes teasing. "Alright! We'll listen to this young lady! No wonder this is Young Master Song's first time bringing a beauty here—truly a woman who doesn't let men overshadow her! I'll bring you our finest peach blossom brew!"
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. Wei Qizhi smiled wryly, "Do you know that the peach blossom brew here costs a fortune per pot? Well, now my gift has doubled."
Yue Ning curled her lip. "How could the Young Master of the Wei family not afford even a pot of wine?"
Wei Qizhi showed a pleading expression and gestured for Yue Ning to go upstairs. When they reached the private room on the second floor, Yue Ning saw that the tavern was truly elegant, especially the private rooms, where even the decorations and hanging paintings were famous works. Only then did she understand Wei Qizhi's earlier remark that the tavern owner wasn't in it for the money. Soon, a table full of exquisite dishes and two pots of peach blossom brew were served!
Wei Qizhi smiled at Yue Ning. "Can you really drink?"
The last time Yue Ning drank was years ago, when she made a bet with Yue Qing and stole Yue Qiong's hidden wine to drink. However, upon hearing "peach blossom brew," she assumed it was a sweet and sour fruit wine and didn't think much of it. Without a word, she placed the wine cup in front of Wei Qizhi. Surprised for a moment, Wei Qizhi had no choice but to obey and pour her a drink.
Yue Ning then got down to business. "The west you're heading to—is it Shuoxi? Earlier at the mansion gate, you couldn't speak freely, but can you explain clearly now?"
Wei Qizhi's smile deepened. He placed the wine cup in front of Yue Ning and poured one for himself. "Indeed, that's the plan. The north is no longer an option, but Shuoxi holds great promise. I've heard that present-day Shuoxi is entirely different from before. An old friend of mine has also gone there to seek his fortune, which piqued my curiosity. Besides, with so many acquaintances there, how could I not go? Shuoxi is preparing for war and is in need of the sweat-and-blood steeds I have!"
Yue Ning's spirits lifted upon hearing this. "My guess was right! Which route will you take? How long will the journey be? When will you arrive?"
Wei Qizhi raised an eyebrow. "Asking in such detail—are you planning to come with me?"
Wei Qizhi's words were meant as a joke, but they left Yue Ning momentarily stunned. Wei Qizhi then laughed. "If you leave now, it would be eloping! I plan to depart from Dingzhou. If the situation in Dingzhou is unfavorable, I'll go through Mengzhou. On fast horses, it will take at least a month. By the time I arrive, your wedding will long be over."
Wei Qizhi kept mentioning "wedding" repeatedly. Yue Ning grabbed the wine cup in front of her and downed it in one gulp. The peach blossom brew wasn't as sweet and sour as she had imagined, but it wasn't strong either. She set the cup down and reached for a second serving. Wei Qizhi studied Yue Ning carefully and, seeing she was fine, refilled her cup. But as soon as it was full, Yue Ning drank it all again. Wei Qizhi refused to pour her a third cup and frowned. "What's wrong? Is something troubling you?"
OpenNovel