novelraw Chapter 124 : Yan Chi's Calculation, Taking in an Adopted Daughter
Chapter 124 : Yan Chi's Calculation, Taking in an Adopted Daughter
124: Yan Chi's Calculation, Taking in an Adopted Daughter
The carriage came to a stop before the gates of the Marquis's residence. Fuling jumped down first.
"Miss, be careful…"
Qin Wan held Fuling’s hand as she descended. Fuling then took down the prepared gift box. As the two of them walked up the steps of the residence, the doorman immediately went inside to announce them. The familiar guards of the Marquis's residence bowed respectfully, and Qin Wan entered without hindrance.
Walking along the main path inside, they hadn’t gone far when Yue Ning, dressed in white training clothes, came towards them.
Her dark hair was tied up with a white ribbon, hanging boldly and handsomely behind her. As she walked, her sleeves billowed. The brightness in her eyes was like a warm sun suspended. "Huh?… What do you mean by bringing things?"
Yue Ning strode to Qin Wan’s side, her tone slightly surprised. "This isn’t a New Year's or festival occasion…"
Qin Wan curtsied. Yue Ning helped her up casually, still looking at Qin Wan quizzically. Although Yue Ning was not as perceptive as Qin Wan, she had an intuition that Qin Wan’s visit today was not without reason. "Has something happened?"
"Young Princess need not worry. There is indeed a matter, one that requires me to inform you and the Grand Princess."
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, asking first, "Is it good news or bad news?…"
Qin Wan’s gaze drifted for a moment. "It should be good news, though not necessarily."
Qin Wan did not know what awaited her on the road back to the capital, nor when the best opportunity would present itself. Since she was not certain, her words held this hesitation. Hearing this, Yue Ning grew anxious. "Don’t keep me in suspense. What exactly is the matter?"
"Someone from the Marquis's residence in the capital has come. They are taking us three sisters to the capital."
Qin Wan’s voice was calm, but Yue Ning’s steps suddenly halted. "Taking you to the capital?"
Qin Wan nodded. "They arrived yesterday. We leave in four days."
A flicker of understanding dawned in Yue Ning’s eyes. "So that’s the reason. No wonder you brought gifts. So you’ve come to bid us farewell…" As she spoke, Yue Ning sighed, her face showing frustration. "Leaving in four days is too rushed."
Yue Ning slowed her pace, so Qin Wan also walked more slowly. "Winter is about to begin. The journey to the capital will take nearly a month. If we encounter snow on the way, it will delay us further. So the timing is tight to try to reach the capital before the twelfth month."
Yue Ning pressed her lips together, momentarily at a loss for words. Qin Wan had grown up in the capital after all. And now that the Jinzhou Qin residence had suffered such misfortune, it was reasonable for them to be taken back. But it was simply too sudden. Thinking of Qin Wan leaving, Yue Ning felt a touch of unhappiness. "Once you go, you probably won’t return to Jinzhou, will you?"
Qin Wan lowered her gaze with a slight smile. "I don’t know…"
Yue Ning gave a light hum. "Once you go to the capital, in a few years you’ll be married off. Why would you ever return?"
Qin Wan shook her head with a wry smile. "The Young Princess might return to the capital too. When that happens, we will naturally see each other again."
Yue Ning hummed again. Usually bold and spirited, she now seemed like a young maiden sulking. Seeing her like this, a sense of melancholy also rose in Qin Wan’s heart. She only said, "I also didn’t expect them to suddenly come for us."
Yue Ning thought for a moment and sighed. "Never mind. Let’s go see Grandmother first."
The two had been walking slowly for a while, but now they quickened their pace. When they reached the Grand Princess’s courtyard, the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang were both there. Qin Wan stepped forward to pay her respects, then had Fuling present the gifts. Madam Jiang and the Grand Princess were as surprised as Yue Ning. Qin Wan hurriedly explained her purpose. Upon hearing that someone from the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence was coming to take Qin Wan away, the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang were even more astonished.
"Why are they suddenly taking the three of you sisters to the capital?"
Madam Jiang frowned slightly. "Is it just because of the troubles at the Qin residence?"
Qin Wan nodded. "The one who came is Third Brother, the heir to the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence. That is what he said."
Madam Jiang looked at the Grand Princess. Although she didn’t speak, her face held a thoughtful expression. After a moment, she said, "Given the Qin residence’s current situation, returning to the capital is indeed better."
After a slight pause, the Grand Princess added worriedly, "It’s just that you’ve been away from the capital for many years. Returning now, I fear you may find it difficult to adapt. The situation in the capital is much more complex than in Jinzhou. Your difficulties may increase."
The corners of Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. "Your Highness, rest assured. You know my temperament. I will naturally take good care of myself."
The Grand Princess nodded upon hearing this. "I am naturally at ease with your temperament. It’s just that once you leave Jinzhou, we will find it difficult to meet, and I will rarely be able to look after you. Your parents are both gone. Although you will have your uncle and aunt in the capital, to my mind, you are returning to the capital alone. Naturally, that worries me."
Hearing this, a warmth spread in Qin Wan’s heart. Although she had saved the Grand Princess first, that had been a casual act of kindness on the street. Yet the Grand Princess had remembered it. Later, though she had also helped the Marquis’s residence, all this stemmed from the Grand Princess’s wish to repay her kindness by inviting her to Yue Jia’s wedding. Without that invitation, her situation would have been far different.
Deeply moved, Qin Wan’s eyes grew moist and clear. "I know Your Highness and Madam care for me. But since the Marquis’s residence in the capital has sent someone, I cannot help but return. Your Highness’s health is improving. Do you plan to return to the capital in the future?"
The Grand Princess sighed. "When I left there back then, I said I would never return. What the future holds, I do not know. That is why I worry. Once you leave, I don’t know if we will meet again."
Hearing this, a surge of sorrow welled up in Qin Wan’s heart. Unlike her sworn sisterhood with Yue Ning, the care of the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang was that of elders. It often made her think of her own parents. Although her health was improving, the Grand Princess was, after all, very old. At this age, illnesses were inevitable. If something happened, perhaps they truly would never meet again.
"We will naturally meet again." Qin Wan was not good at saying many nice words. She simply turned and took a box from Fuling’s hands. "This contains prescriptions I have prepared for Your Highness, all beneficial for your health. Following these prescriptions will surely slowly dispel the evil wind in Your Highness’s body. In daily life, Your Highness should move about more. A nourishing diet is appropriate. I’ve also written down some taboos. Most importantly, Your Highness must maintain a cheerful mood and avoid catching chills easily. In a couple of days when the weather turns cold, start the heated floors in the rooms earlier…"
As she spoke, Qin Wan’s heart ached. The gifts she had bought were merely jade artifacts and ceremonial items, things the Marquis’s residence naturally did not lack. After much thought, she had followed the method used for Yao Xinlan, writing down everything she could think of. This box even contained secret formulas she had learned at Medicine King Valley. Since she could not copy them directly, she had replaced the ingredients with very similar ones, all good prescriptions for nourishing an elderly person’s health.
She made these preparations, worried only that after she left Jinzhou, even if the Grand Princess had a simple headache or fever, she would have to call for another physician. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust others; it was just that after caring for the Grand Princess’s health for so long, she had almost come to see the Grand Princess’s well-being as her own responsibility. These prescriptions would last for at least half a year. After half a year, when the Grand Princess’s body had changed further, the prescriptions would have to be changed.
Yet her saying this so thoroughly made it seem as if they truly would find it difficult to meet again in the future, as if she was making final arrangements. Not only Qin Wan, but even Madam Jiang to the side felt her nose sting slightly. Qin Wan seemed to be arranging all future matters, and with great care. Madam Jiang couldn’t help but feel a pang for Qin Wan. Though she didn’t say it aloud, she understood in her heart: if the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence in the capital could send her to Jinzhou back then, they certainly did not cherish her as a beloved niece.
And since they hadn’t developed deep feelings during their daily interactions years ago, now, after three years apart, any fondness from before would have long faded. There might be surface-level courtesy and consideration, but it was certainly not the closeness of family.
Madam Jiang was also born into a famous and noble family in the capital, accustomed to the open and hidden rivalries in aristocratic circles. She knew the scheming that went on within deep, secluded courtyards and was only afraid that Qin Wan would be bullied when she returned to the capital…
"Wan’er, your thoughtfulness surpasses even my own Ning’er’s. But you speaking like this makes me feel we may not meet again. Once you return to the capital, in a couple of years you’ll be married. Naturally, it will be difficult for you to return to Jinzhou then."
Madam Jiang’s voice was slightly hoarse. Yue Ning quickly stepped forward and hugged her mother’s arm.
What Yue Ning could think of, Madam Jiang could naturally think of as well. Hearing Madam Jiang’s words, Qin Wan’s heart tightened. She quickly said, "I will come back to see Your Highness and Madam then. There is no rule saying one cannot travel after marriage."
Though she said this, Qin Wan knew it was extremely difficult. Jinzhou had many wealthy families, but most people would never travel as far as the capital in their entire lives. Qin Wan’s words were merely to comfort herself and them. Madam Jiang understood; the Grand Princess also understood. The Grand Princess sighed again upon hearing this. "Speaking of marriage, I don’t know how they will arrange it for you."
With these words, Qin Wan’s heart sank once more.
After the New Year, she would be seventeen. In the Great Zhou, girls could be betrothed at fourteen or fifteen. Ordinary girls began marrying off from fifteen onwards, the latest by nineteen. If one reached twenty without marrying, they would be subject to criticism.
At seventeen, the Marquis’s residence in the capital would likely start considering this issue. And this time, taking Qin Shuang and Xiang together, Qin Wan suspected the Marquis’s household had its own considerations, after all, they had only one daughter.
Having seen much and experienced much, the Grand Princess’s words only confirmed Qin Wan’s suspicions. Qin Wan forced a slight smile. "Your Highness need not worry. Everyone has their own fate…"
The Grand Princess shook her head. "It’s not as simple as that. Your parents are both gone. The Loyal and Valiant Marquis has always been the head of your clan. Your marriage will be the same. If he makes the arrangements, I’m afraid he will not consult your feelings."
Qin Wan lowered her gaze. The Grand Princess always had a way of hitting the nail on the head.
Madam Jiang seemed to see that the Grand Princess’s words weighed heavily on Qin Wan and tried to console her. "But that is a matter for one or two years from now. When the time comes, we can help."
Though Madam Jiang said this, the Grand Princess did not echo her. A thoughtful expression appeared in her eyes.
"Your Highness and Madam truly need not worry. I am not insistent on this matter."
Regarding marriage, Qin Wan truly was not insistent. Both her parents were dead; she had no one to rely on. In terms of family background, she was already at a disadvantage. She had not thought about her own marriage, nor what kind of person she would marry. She wanted to return to the capital only to clear her father’s name and seek revenge. For the rest of her life, perhaps that would be the only thing on her mind.
Madam Jiang wanted to say something but held back. The Grand Princess said, "Marriage is extremely important for a girl. Although fate plays a role, one cannot simply rely entirely on ‘fate.’ Sometimes Heaven is unfair. You must fight for yourself."
The corners of Qin Wan’s lips curved upward. She didn’t want the Grand Princess to worry too much about her affairs. "Yes, I understand. In the future, I will carefully consider this matter myself. With my temperament, others cannot easily force me to do anything."
Hearing this, a faint smile finally appeared on the Grand Princess’s face. "Well said. Your temperament, outwardly gentle and soft, but with an inner resilience. This is very much like me. Remember, no matter what trouble you encounter in the future, just send me a message. I will find a way to help you."
Hearing this, Qin Wan quickly nodded. "Yes, thank you, Your Highness the Grand Princess."
The Grand Princess waved a hand with a hint of chiding. Perhaps feeling the topic was too heavy, she changed the subject. "Leaving in four days? Are the carriages and travel arrangements ready? Is that little young master of the Qin family going with you?"
Qin Wan quickly nodded. "We are preparing. You needn’t worry about the arrangements. The three of us sisters are traveling together. With young ladies traveling together, the arrangements will naturally be thorough. Third Brother is coming with us. I heard he brought guards from the Marquis’s residence. It’s very safe."
The Grand Princess breathed a slight sigh of relief. "That’s good, that’s good."
Qin Wan had come to bid farewell but didn’t want to make everyone sad with worry. Seeing the clear weather outside, she said, "Would Your Highness like to go for a walk? Today, I’ll accompany you for a longer stroll."
The Grand Princess smiled and stood up. "Then I must hurry. In a few days, you won’t be able to accompany me."
Qin Wan quickly helped the Grand Princess up. Yue Ning supported her other side, and the three walked out together. Madam Jiang, seeing this, was pleased and followed them out. After walking in the flower garden for a while, Madam Jiang went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Before long, Yue Qing hurried over from the east direction.
"Grandmother. Ninth Miss."
Yue Qing called out from afar. Qin Wan and the others halted. They had just stopped when Yue Qing reached them. Yue Qing looked at Qin Wan with concern. "Ninth Miss, are you returning to the capital?"
Qin Wan curtsied, then asked with surprise, "How does Second Young Master know?"
Yue Qing anxiously clenched his fists. "I just saw Lüyun, and she told me."
Lüyun was a maid serving Madam Jiang. Naturally, she knew Qin Wan was leaving.
Understanding dawned on Qin Wan. She nodded. "Yes. My uncle in the capital sent Third Brother to fetch us. Not just me, but my two elder sisters are also returning to the capital."
Yue Qing pursed his lips, his brow slightly furrowed, seeming somewhat agitated.
Seeing him like this, Qin Wan only smiled slightly. "What is the matter, Young Master?"
"Once you leave, will you not return to Jinzhou?"
Qin Wan glanced at Yue Ning and said hesitantly, "It’s uncertain, but…"
Seeing her hesitation, Yue Qing understood. He looked at Qin Wan, wanting to speak but seemingly not knowing how. Yue Ning frowned slightly beside him. The Grand Princess also narrowed her eyes. "Where have you come from? Where are Qi’er and the Prefect?"
Qin Wan’s heart stirred slightly. She had been at the Marquis’s residence for a while now but hadn’t seen Yan Chi. The case wasn’t closed yet, and she had thought Yan Chi had gone out. Had he not?
As she thought this, Yue Qing said, "They are discussing official business in the study."
The Grand Princess then said, "Very well, you go and tell them. It’s almost time for the meal. Ask them to come to the back courtyard."
Yue Qing’s brow remained furrowed. Hearing this, he didn’t move immediately. He looked at Qin Wan but truly couldn’t find the words. He could only nod with frustration and head toward the study. Yue Qing blinked. "What’s wrong with Second Brother?"
Qin Wan also tilted her head thoughtfully but did not comment. The Grand Princess, acting as if nothing was amiss, pointed to a flower hall not far away. "Let’s go sit over there. We’ll be having lunch together soon."
…
…
"This case has turned up this many people so far. All the personnel of the Judicial Review Office are now mobilized. They are drafting case files and verifying the details of the case. Once everything is clarified, we can report to the court."
Huo Huaixin took a sip of tea. Though his face showed signs of fatigue, his eyes were gleaming.
With the year-end approaching, Jinzhou had been hit with such a major case. If this case was not handled well, or only barely handled, it would be his fault. However, if he handled it brilliantly, this case would add a shining touch to his performance evaluation, at least allowing him to be promoted to the Fourth Rank of the imperial bureaucracy a year earlier.
As he spoke, Huo Huaixin looked at Yan Chi. "This time, it’s all thanks to Your Highness the Heir Apparent’s help. If not for you, this official would have had to expend great effort on this case. Oh, and also Ninth Miss…"
Huo Huaixin looked at Yan Chi. As soon as he uttered the words "Ninth Miss," whether it was his imagination or not, he noticed a flicker of light in Yan Chi’s eyes. Yan Chi’s expression remained unchanged. "Prefect Huo is the main force. I merely assisted from the side."
Huo Huaixin’s smile deepened. "This official dares not take credit. Your Highness is indeed the primary contributor."
Seeing them argue back and forth, Yue Qiong smiled. "No need for you two to argue. This time, exposing such a large cancer in Jinzhou is the merit of both of you."
Huo Huaixin cupped his hands toward Yue Qiong. "Your Excellency the Marquis praises me too much."
After saying this, Huo Huaixin turned to Yan Chi again. "This case is almost concluded. When does Your Highness the Heir Apparent plan to return to the capital?"
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s eyes showed contemplation. Seeing this, Huo Huaixin’s heart skipped a beat, fearing he had asked the wrong thing. On the side, Yue Qiong’s smile faded. "I’m afraid you must return soon. You cannot truly solidify your position as the Investigating Commissioner."
Huo Huaixin’s eyes darted. Though not a capital official, he had many old acquaintances in the court and was not uninformed about court movements. He understood the deeper meaning behind Yue Qiong’s words and did not interject further.
Yan Chi raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "There’s no hurry. I actually think the post of Investigating Commissioner isn’t bad."
Yue Qiong was slightly surprised. "What do you mean? Now is the end of the year, a time of great changes in the court. This Investigating Commissioner position is ultimately just a sinecure. Once the New Year passes, if His Majesty officially appoints you to this sinecure, what then?"
A faint smile touched Yan Chi’s lips, his expression calm. "The Shuo Xi Army has Father. And the war is not critical now. If I am truly kept in the Ministry of Justice, it might be just right." He paused slightly before continuing, "Besides, returning to the capital at this time would likely bring many troubles. The Yong Prince has taken the Crown Prince’s position; his thoughts are now more numerous."
Yue Qiong understood. "Yes, there have been many recent changes in the court."
Yue Qiong was a Marquis, and Yan Chi was a true imperial relative. When they discussed court affairs, they could even comment on the current Emperor. But Huo Huaixin could not. His status was indeed the highest in Jinzhou, but compared to Yue Qiong and Yan Chi, it was still lower. Thus, as soon as the two began discussing court matters and the matter of establishing an heir, Huo Huaixin immediately fell silent.
"So, I’ll wait until this case is completely cleared before deciding when to return to the capital."
Yan Chi’s words made the decision. Huo Huaixin quickly said from the side, "Yes, this case will likely take another half month at the Judicial Review Office to be fully clarified."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Xi said from outside the door, "Your Excellency the Marquis, the Second Young Master has arrived."
The three of them had been discussing mostly court affairs. Yue Qing had almost never been involved in political struggles, so Yang Xi’s reminder from outside the door caused a brief silence. Soon, footsteps approached the door.
The door opened, and Yue Qing strode in. He first nodded to Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin, then looked at Yue Qiong. "Father, Grandmother asks you, His Highness Chi, and Lord Huo to come to the inner courtyard for the meal."
Yue Qing had come to deliver a message, but his mind was troubled by Qin Wan’s situation, and his expression showed it.
Yue Qiong looked at him and asked directly, "What has happened in the inner courtyard?"
Yue Qing instinctively wanted to say nothing, but then thought better of it. "Ninth Miss has come."
Yan Chi’s brow moved slightly. Huo Huaixin instinctively glanced at Yan Chi. Yue Qiong’s lips curved slightly. "Ninth Miss’s arrival is good news. Why do you look like that? People would think something bad has happened."
Yue Qing pressed his lips together. "The Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence in the capital has sent someone. First, to help handle the current crisis at the Qin residence. Second, to take the three Qin sisters to the capital. Ninth Miss came today to say farewell. She leaves in four days."
At these words, Yue Qiong and Huo Huaixin both raised their eyebrows in surprise.
And Yan Chi’s brow furrowed slightly, then a glint of light appeared in his eyes.
Earlier, he had worried that after he returned to the capital, they would be separated by a thousand miles. But now… she was also returning to the capital!
A surge of joy rose in Yan Chi’s heart. Could it be that Heaven was helping him?
"So sudden? Leaving in four days?"
Yue Qiong asked. Yue Qing also nodded somewhat dejectedly. "Exactly. The people from the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence arrived yesterday. The one who came is the Marquis’s heir. Because they fear snow on the road later, which would be unsafe, they want to reach the capital before the twelfth month. And given the Qin residence’s current situation, they probably don’t want to stay in Jinzhou longer than necessary."
Yue Qiong nodded. "That makes sense. Arriving early in the capital allows for a proper New Year celebration. And when it snows in the north, the mountains and roads are often blocked. For several young ladies traveling together, it would indeed be dangerous."
As he spoke, Yue Qiong grew somewhat worried. "The Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence is taking all three young ladies back to the capital at once?"
As he said this, he glanced at Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin. They were men who navigated power circles; naturally, their first thought went to matters related to power. The three of them almost simultaneously thought of using women as bargaining chips in marriage alliances.
Huo Huaixin frowned slightly. "Things might be fine for the other two young ladies of the Qin family. At least they have a mother and a brother. But Ninth Miss has lost both parents. I’m afraid her situation in the capital won’t be good either."
Huo Huaixin followed Yue Qiong’s line of thought, also genuinely worried for Qin Wan. Qin Wan had helped him many times; he was genuinely grateful.
"Exactly." Yue Qiong sighed. "When the distance is far, we cannot reach even with a long whip."
Hearing Yue Qiong and Huo Huaixin say this, Yue Qing felt he had come to the right place. "Yes, Father, that’s what I think too. If Ninth Miss returns to the capital alone and encounters any trouble, we won’t even be able to help."
Yue Qiong sighed. "But the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence must have made up its mind. They’ve already sent someone. We are outsiders and cannot interfere." As he spoke, he added, "First, prepare some things she can use. I’ll discuss it with your mother later."
Yue Qing wanted to say more but held back. His worries were not limited to this. He also feared that once Qin Wan left, not only would they never see each other again, but in a year or two, Qin Wan would likely be betrothed. And she still didn’t know his feelings.
Yue Qiong, often in the outer courtyard, only felt his son was very concerned about Qin Wan and hadn’t thought of anything else. Since they were going to the back for the meal, he would see Qin Wan and then discuss it with his mother and wife.
Thinking this, Yue Qiong stood up. "Alright, let’s go eat first."
Yue Qiong motioned to Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi. Huo Huaixin quickly gestured. "Your Excellency need not stand on ceremony. We are all family here. Please, after you."
Yan Chi, being of a younger generation, also let Yue Qiong go first. Yue Qiong put an arm around Yue Qing’s shoulder and walked out first. Yue Qing followed Yue Qiong for a few steps but couldn’t help talking to him in a low voice. "Father, must Ninth Miss really leave?"
Yue Qiong sighed. "This is ultimately the Qin family’s own affair. They’ve sent people. How can we interfere?"
Yue Qing’s face wrinkled with anxiety. "But… but…"
As Yue Qing lowered his voice to speak with Yue Qiong, Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi fell slightly behind. Watching from behind, Huo Huaixin glanced at Yan Chi and saw he seemed to be in a good mood. His heart confirmed his conjecture. Yan Chi was definitely returning to the capital. If Qin Wan remained in Jinzhou, it would be difficult for them to meet often in the future. Now that Qin Wan was also returning to the capital, it would be very convenient for them. Huo Huaixin’s lips curved slightly. Fortunately, he had discerned Yan Chi’s intentions in time and stopped Huo Ning from making a mess.
"I never expected Ninth Miss to be taken back. Although she is under the Marquis’s residence’s care in Jinzhou now, the Jinzhou Qin residence currently has a terrible reputation. If Ninth Miss stays here, she will inevitably be affected."
Knowing Yan Chi’s thoughts, it was easy for Huo Huaixin to say things that pleased him. Indeed, upon hearing this, Yan Chi nodded slightly. Huo Huaixin continued, "Speaking of which, Ninth Miss has helped us greatly this time. Your Highness surely knows her character and temperament. In the future, when Your Highness returns to the capital, please look after her a little."
Yan Chi’s lips relaxed slightly, a faint smile seeming to appear on his face. "Prefect, rest assured. That is only right."
Huo Huaixin chuckled. "It’s sad that Ninth Miss is leaving. I truly can’t bear to see her go. She helped many times. I had said I would invite her to a banquet, but she’s leaving in a few days. There’s no time for a feast. Later, when I return, I’ll have my wife prepare some food and supplies for Ninth Miss to take on her journey. The road north is freezing. It’s truly worrying."
At this, Yan Chi’s expression improved even more. However, his calm gaze remained fixed on Yue Qing’s back ahead. From his angle, Yue Qing was still talking to Yue Qiong. He didn’t need to guess to know Yue Qing was also worried about Qin Wan. And Yan Chi understood his worry even more. Yan Chi suddenly narrowed his eyes.
Yue Qing was young, righteous, bold, and full of youthful spirit. Looking at his anxious demeanor, Yan Chi feared he might suddenly gather the courage to plead with the Grand Princess. Once the Grand Princess spoke first, he would lose the initiative.
Thinking this, Yan Chi suddenly said, "Ninth Miss is kind and benevolent. Not only has she earned your concern, Prefect, but the Marquis’s family also treats her as one of their own. See, even Second Young Master is so anxious. Who knows how worried the Grand Princess is?"
Huo Huaixin looked ahead and indeed saw Yue Qiong and his son still talking. He knew Qin Wan’s standing in the Yue family’s hearts and fully understood. He quickly agreed, "Exactly. The Grand Princess is extremely fond of Ninth Miss. Madam also dotes on her dearly. Now that Ninth Miss is going to the capital with no one to rely on, they must be extremely worried. But the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence has sent people. As the Marquis said, no matter how concerned they are, the Marquis’s residence is, after all, not of the same surname. It is truly difficult to intervene."
Yan Chi squinted for a moment. "Actually, there is a way."
Hearing this, Huo Huaixin’s eyes lit up. "Your Highness has a solution?"
Yan Chi raised his chin slightly. Though his tone remained calm and amiable, his gaze on Yue Qing’s back carried a hint of coolness. He was silent for a moment before saying calmly, "Ninth Miss returning to the capital was inevitable sooner or later. What makes people worry about her is that she has no backing."
Huo Huaixin said urgently, "Then… what does Your Highness mean?"
A faint smile touched Yan Chi’s lips. "The Grand Princess and Madam are so fond of Ninth Miss, and the Young Princess treats her like a sister. Since that’s the case, why not strengthen this relationship? In the future, the Marquis’s residence will also have the right to inquire about Ninth Miss’s affairs."
Huo Huaixin stared blankly at Yan Chi for a moment. "Your Highness means… having the Marquis and Madam adopt Ninth Miss…"
Yan Chi nodded, then looked at Huo Huaixin. "But this matter requires a witness. I am still young and of a different generation from the Marquis and Madam. In my opinion, only Prefect Huo is suitable."
A bright spark flashed in Huo Huaixin’s eyes. "I… I am suitable?"
Yan Chi smiled openly. "Prefect Huo is the local magistrate of Jinzhou, has known the Marquis and Madam for many years, and is deeply aware of the Qin residence’s situation. You could not be more suitable. If this succeeds, Prefect Huo’s contribution will be immeasurable."
Huo Huaixin’s breath tightened for a moment. He understood; he understood Yan Chi’s meaning. If what Yan Chi said truly came to pass, his standing in the eyes of the Marquis’s residence and Qin Wan would increase significantly!
"Good. Then this official will… I’ll speak with the Marquis immediately!"
Huo Huaxin grasped Yan Chi’s meaning, his emotions immediately stirred. He had intended to find a time in the afternoon to broach the subject with Yue Qiong, but considering Qin Wan would soon leave, he decided not to delay.
After speaking, Huo Huaixin looked up toward Yue Qiong. After speaking for so long, it seemed Yue Qiong and Yue Qing had finished. He quickened his pace and walked toward Yue Qiong and Yue Qing. Huo Huaxin knew well that this matter required discussion with the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang together. Before it was settled, he could only propose it to Yue Qiong alone. Therefore, he waited until he was alone with Yue Qiong before speaking.
Others only saw the two of them standing just outside the dining hall, speaking in low voices. No one could hear specifically what they said. Just then, Qin Wan, supporting the Grand Princess, walked over slowly from not far away.
Once the Grand Princess stopped, Qin Wan immediately stepped forward to greet Yue Qiong and the others. Yue Qiong looked at Qin Wan with a complex expression for a moment. Seeing that the meal was not yet ready, he suddenly walked over and supported the Grand Princess. "Mother, let me accompany you for another walk."
The Grand Princess, being perceptive, knew Yue Qiong had something to say upon hearing this. She nodded immediately. "Ning’er, take Wan’er inside to rest. Qi’er and Qing’er, keep Lord Huo company."
Huo Huaixin smiled apologetically repeatedly. Yue Qiong supported the Grand Princess and walked toward the eastern corridor.
Yue Qing and Yue Ning, seeing this, thought Yue Qiong was going to discuss with the Grand Princess how to arrange Qin Wan’s journey to the capital and paid no mind. Yue Ning glanced at Yan Chi, then took Qin Wan’s hand and led her into a small side hall.
Meanwhile, Madam Jiang approached with kitchen servants carrying dishes for lunch. From a distance, she saw Yue Qiong and the Grand Princess talking. A look of confusion appeared in her eyes, and she also walked over. "Mother, Your Excellency, what’s the matter?"
Seeing Madam Jiang suddenly appear, Yue Qiong immediately beckoned. "Come here. There’s something to discuss with you."
Madam Jiang was slightly surprised and quickly went over. "What has happened?"
Yue Qiong thought for a moment, then repeated what he had just said to the Grand Princess to Madam Jiang. First, she was stunned, then her face lit up with joy. "Ah, why didn’t I think of that? Your Excellency is truly wise!"
Yue Qiong smiled wryly. "It was Brother Huo who brought it up, and then I remembered. Our family has never done such a thing before, so I didn’t think of it. When Brother Huo mentioned it, I found it very reasonable. Putting aside other reasons, just the fact that Ninth Miss saved Mother’s life makes it worth breaking precedent. Not to mention, you all like her temperament, and Ning’er has become close to another young miss for the first time."
Madam Jiang nodded. "That’s certainly true. I see Ning’er and Wan’er are like true sisters. Ning’er has become much livelier and gentler recently, finally putting my mind at ease. Your Excellency, if we are to do this, we must act quickly. Wan’er will be leaving soon!"
Yue Qiong also nodded. "Mother and I were just discussing…"
Madam Jiang’s face lit up with joy, but the Grand Princess’s eyes held a hint of deep thought as she looked toward the side hall. She glanced at Huo Huaixin, then at Yan Chi, finally settling her gaze on Yue Qing. "Only I fear it will be hard on Qing’er."
At these words, Madam Jiang’s smile also froze. "Yes, Qing’er seems to have feelings for Wan’er."
Yue Qiong was slightly surprised. "Is that so? Then when the time comes…"
The Grand Princess suddenly looked stern, as if having made up her mind. "Qing’er and Wan’er are not suitable. It’s better to break his infatuation early to avoid him ruining his own future. Let’s decide on this matter."
Madam Jiang thought of Yue Qing and hesitated for a moment longer. Yue Qiong said, "But, Mother, what if Ninth Miss refuses?…"
The Grand Princess gave a light hum, her eyes full of determination. "That girl is strong-willed, but I’ve seen clearly. She cannot refuse those who are genuinely good to her. This matter… I have the final say!"
With that, the Grand Princess lifted her chin. "Let’s go, sit down and talk."
As her words fell, the Grand Princess walked toward the side hall. In front of the hall, the table was already set. The Grand Princess went to the seat of honor and sat down. Yue Ning quickly pulled Qin Wan over as well. Madam Jiang looked at Yue Qing with a sigh and motioned for the others to sit. Qin Wan, as usual, sat to the left of the Grand Princess.
Once everyone was seated, the Grand Princess said with a serious tone, "There is a matter that I, Qiong’er, and Jing Shu have just decided."
At these words, everyone except Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin looked curious.
The Grand Princess then looked at Qin Wan. "I intend for Qiong’er and Jing Shu to adopt Wan’er as their daughter. From today on, she will be my own granddaughter, a younger sister to the three siblings. Her honor and disgrace, fortune and misfortune, will be shared with our Marquis’s residence."