Chapter Forty-Nine
The faint evening breeze carried a delicate fragrance, but Fu Yixiao had no mood to appreciate the elegant pavilions, winding corridors, and flowing streams veiled by blossoming trees.
It was like the soul of a warrior who had fallen on the battlefield. If asked why he didn’t fight harder or break through the enemy lines, he would tell you how desperately he had struggled before his death—only to find it wasn’t enough. When his last breath was spent, he could only be captured. But he refused surrender, so he chose to die in battle.
If she couldn’t break free, she too would have to fight to the death.
Qin Yi had not returned, and Feng Suige had also been absent for days. From the occasional whispers of the servants, Yixiao learned he had been staying at the Qin residence these past few nights. She smiled faintly, unbothered. She didn’t want to owe too much in this life, for debts incurred now would demand repayment in the next—and she had no desire to return to this world in another lifetime.
Light, hurried footsteps stopped a few paces away. "Greetings, Minor Imperial Concubine." Ever since the incident with Yunyi, the maids in the residence had grown noticeably uneasy when facing Yixiao alone. "Master Qin requests an audience..."
"Isn’t the Imperial Son staying at the Qin residence?" Yixiao didn’t turn around.
"Master Qin has come to see you, Minor Imperial Concubine," the maid replied timidly. "If you do not wish to receive him—"
"Invite Qin Lao in," Yixiao said, smoothing the wrinkles from her skirt as she rose from the stone steps. But the maid hesitated. "Minor Imperial Concubine... receiving an external official should be done in the main hall. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" Yixiao raised an eyebrow in amusement. "With so many people coming and going in the inner quarters, are you afraid I might engage in an affair with Qin Lao under everyone’s watchful eyes?"
The maid’s face instantly paled, and she dropped to her knees, kowtowing repeatedly. "Spare me, Minor Imperial Concubine! This servant would never dare imply such a thing!"
"No one is taking your life," Yixiao sighed, waving her off. "Hurry up!"
Moments later, Qin Yu strode in with a hearty laugh. "The Minor Imperial Concubine’s ways are truly unconventional. This old man has never before met a noble lady in the inner quarters!" Yixiao gave a slight bow. "You jest, Qin Lao. I am no noble lady."
Qin Yu stood before her and saluted, then studied her for a moment. "Since the Minor Imperial Concubine is straightforward, this old man won’t mince words either. I’ve come today at the behest of the Phoenix Prince."
"Feng Suige?" Yixiao was surprised. "What scheme is he up to now?"
Qin Yu smirked mysteriously. "I heard there was a minor disagreement between the Phoenix Prince and the Minor Imperial Concubine a few days ago. Might you be willing to hear an old man’s advice?"
Yixiao smacked her forehead in frustration. "I already regret saying so much to him that day. I never thought he’d go running to you—did he really call it a ‘minor disagreement’?"
Qin Yu chuckled, glancing around before lowering his voice. "Might the Minor Imperial Concubine be interested in wielding the Empress Regalia in the future?"
Empress Regalia. Yixiao’s heart skipped a beat. Qin Yu maintained his casual demeanor, though his eyes gleamed with fervor.
"How much of what I said that day does Qin Lao know?" Yixiao suddenly laughed.
"The Imperial Son recounted the entire conversation to this old man," Qin Yu declared confidently. "All of the Minor Imperial Concubine’s concerns are valid. But if I were to say I’m willing to assist you, would you be willing to take the gamble?""Bet? Why would Qin Lao want me to gamble?" Yixiao frowned. "Or perhaps I should ask—what is the capital Qin Lao is prepared to stake, and what profit do you seek in return?"
"Old Qin is a businessman. Everything depends on these two eyes of mine. Old Qin believes the Minor Imperial Concubine has the capability, but currently lacks the necessary support. So, if the Minor Imperial Concubine is willing, the capital Old Qin invests will be the full manpower, resources, and wealth of the Qin family. As for the profit..." Qin Yu hesitated briefly before continuing, "Because Su Sha has always looked down on merchants, no matter how much wealth the Qin family accumulates, we remain classified among the lower class in Su Sha. For generations, noble families have united to exclude us, preventing any political or marital alliances. So, ahem—truthfully, Old Qin wishes to ride the Minor Imperial Concubine’s favorable wind to make the Qin family’s foundation more secure."
Seeing her still wearing a puzzled expression, Qin Yu grinned. "Let me put it this way—if Su Sha can establish a commoner as queen, those in the court will no longer have grounds to oppose political-merchant marriages."
"And what about Feng Suige? What has he promised you?" Yixiao shrewdly pressed, catching the person he had deliberately or inadvertently avoided mentioning.
"The Minor Imperial Concubine is truly perceptive." Qin Yu rubbed his hands awkwardly. "The Phoenix Prince has promised that if Old Qin assists him in elevating the Minor Imperial Concubine to queen... well, regardless of whether Xiao Yi bears a son or daughter in the future, the Qin family will form a marital alliance with the Feng imperial clan."
Yixiao’s expression gradually turned icy. "Does Qin Lao believe Yixiao would agree to this?"
Seeing her expression, Qin Yu answered cautiously, "I once thought so. But after the Phoenix Prince relayed the words the Minor Imperial Concubine spoke a few days ago, Old Qin realized I had miscalculated several steps—or rather, I had been entirely wrong from the start."
"Yet Qin Lao still came," Yixiao restrained herself. "Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that ever since our first meeting in the banquet hall, Qin Lao’s assistance to Yixiao has been evident. At the time, Yixiao suspected Qin Lao must have some request for my help. And today, Qin Lao brings these exchange terms, meaningless to me, to trade for my promise and freedom—I say this without mockery. On the contrary, Yixiao is even more intrigued by the matter that has given Qin Lao such confidence." She fixed her gaze on Qin Yu’s eyes. "Could Qin Lao enlighten me?"
"It is the Phoenix Prince’s determination," Qin Yu stated firmly.
"Determination?" Yixiao was surprised.
Qin Yu nodded. "The Phoenix Prince is someone Old Qin has watched grow up. After learning of the many incidents between the Imperial Son and the Minor Imperial Concubine, Old Qin initially believed that, given the prince’s competitive nature, his favor toward the Minor Imperial Concubine stemmed solely from not having won her heart—a rebellion against the Lord of the Nation and those old ministers. That’s why Old Qin attended the Imperial Son and Minor Imperial Concubine’s birthday banquet without specially preparing a gift."
Yixiao nodded unconsciously. Qin Yu continued slowly, "But Old Qin can see that this time, the prince is truly sincere."
Yixiao let out a soft laugh and stared steadily at Qin Yu. "Then can Qin Lao discern Yixiao’s decision?"
"The Minor Imperial Concubine still does not believe me." Qin Yu smiled helplessly. "Very well. Old Qin boldly invites the Minor Imperial Concubine to visit a certain place. Once there, everything will become clear."
After a moment’s contemplation, Yixiao said, "Lead the way, Qin Lao."Just as they reached the entrance, two men dressed as servants emerged from the shadows, blocking their path. They first bowed to Yixiao before turning to Qin Yu. "May we ask where Mr. Qin intends to take the Minor Imperial Concubine?" Qin Yu remained unruffled, pulling something from his sleeve to show them. Both men were momentarily stunned but quickly stepped aside.
Yixiao had been watching silently, and now she sneered. "Is this also part of his resolve? How many Minor Imperial Concubines have received such treatment, Qin Lao?" Qin Yu offered no explanation, merely smiling as he continued guiding her forward.
Along the way, they encountered several more Sentries, all of whom Qin Yu dismissed with the same object. But when they reached the gates of the Prince's mansion, a gatekeeper—sturdy and simple as a farmer—absolutely refused to let them pass. He stammered, "The Imperial Son gave strict orders. No one is to take the Minor Imperial Concubine away in his absence." No matter how much Qin Yu tried to persuade him, the man wouldn’t budge. It was then that Yixiao finally saw what Qin Yu had been using to clear their path: a dark gold token.
"Are you called Guyu?" Yixiao asked gently. She had heard the servants mention that Feng Suige had hired a towering, simple-minded man as a gatekeeper. She had thought it a joke, but it turned out to be true. "Mr. Qin means no harm, and I’m only stepping out for a short while."
"Y-yes, Minor Imperial Concubine," Guyu stammered, fidgeting with his fingers. "But the Imperial Son told Guyu to keep watch over you. If I don’t, he’ll scold me!"
"What if Guyu comes with me?" Yixiao suggested after a moment’s thought, glancing at Qin Yu for approval. With no other options, Qin Yu could only nod in agreement.
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