novelraw Chapter 149 : You Don’t Know How Much You Make Me Endure
Chapter 149 : You Don’t Know How Much You Make Me Endure
149: You Don't Know How Much You Make Me Endure
"Your Highness Heir Apparent, Ninth Young Miss, this humble servant knows his wrongs…"
Just as they reached the entrance of Yan Chi's courtyard, a portly man in official robes knelt before Qin Wan and Qin Yan. The two were momentarily stunned before recognizing him, it was none other than Song Li!
"Your Highness Heir Apparent, Ninth Young Miss, this humble servant will never dare again, I beg Your Highness for mercy..."
Qin Yan slightly frowned and exchanged a glance with Qin Wan. When Song Li first came to the estate, he had been extremely arrogant, only slightly restrained by Qin Yan's presence. Even so, his actions remained lazy and disdainful. Later, when the murderer of Little Songzi and Da Cheng appeared, Song Li left without staying much longer. Qin Wan never expected to see him again, let alone for him to beg for mercy the moment they met.
Song Li kowtowed several times with loud thuds. Qin Yan frowned, but before he could speak, another person emerged from the courtyard gate. Having likely heard Song Li's voice, this man immediately knelt upon seeing Qin Yan, his robes sweeping the ground. "This lowly official Jiang Yuanzhou pays his respects to the Heir Apparent, pays his respects to the Ninth Young Miss..."
Qin Yan's eyebrow raised again, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "Prefect Jiang has arrived."
Jiang Yuanzhou was Song Li's superior, the Magistrate of Jixian. His appearance was quite proper, seeming somewhat more presentable than Song Li. However, despite wearing official robes, he carried an air of decadent indulgence, his narrow eyes flickering with a shrewd light. Qin Wan felt this man's character was somewhat suspect at first glance.
"This lowly official only learned later that Your Highness was residing at the Hundred Herb Garden. Had I known earlier, I would have come promptly. To have made Your Highness and the young ladies suffer grievances is truly this official's fault."
Qin Yan listened with composure to Jiang Yuanzhou's words. Seeing Qin Yan show no reaction, Jiang Yuanzhou continued, "Having been away from the capital for many years, I wonder if the Marquis and his lady are in good health?"
Qin Yan gave a cold smile. "Prefect Jiang has been flourishing as the Magistrate of Jixian, truly bringing honor to the Marquis. Moreover, Prefect Jiang is adept at recognizing talent and putting it to good use. Chief Constable Song is exceedingly diligent and respectful..."
A thin layer of sweat broke out on Jiang Yuanzhou's face. "Your Highness, please calm your anger. Chief Constable Song has been somewhat remiss. This official will deal with him upon return."
Song Li, kneeling nearby, immediately shuffled forward on his knees, trying to grab Qin Yan's leg. "Your Highness, Your Highness, this humble servant knows…"
Before the word "knows" was out, a Qin household guard stepped forward and kicked Song Li away. Qin Yan cast Jiang Yuanzhou and Song Li a cold glance, not intending to say more. He looked at Qin Wan and walked into the courtyard. Qin Wan naturally followed.
Once inside the courtyard, faint sounds of Jiang Yuanzhou's rebukes and Song Li's tearful pleas could be heard from outside. Qin Yan said, "This Jiang Yuanzhou was once one of Father's disciples. In earlier years, he seemed quite promising, but now he's become worthless. Likely, after arriving in Jixian and learning the benefits of being a local despot in this small place, he lost his ambition to advance."
Qin Wan listened, inwardly nodding. These matters were not for her to casually comment on.
"Heir Apparent, Ninth Young Miss!"
After walking a few more steps inward, Bai Feng, who had been standing outside the main door, hurried forward to greet them. As he walked, he added, "Prefect He is still inside speaking with His Highness. Please go right in, Heir Apparent and Ninth Young Miss."
"Yuanzhou Prefect He Zhixing." Qin Yan nodded, speaking softly. These words were clearly for Qin Wan's benefit. Qin Wan nodded silently beside him.
"Master, the Heir Apparent of the Marquis's household and the Ninth Young Miss have arrived."
Bai Feng reached the doorway and announced. Immediately, Qin Wan heard a middle-aged man's voice laugh heartily. "If the Marquis's Heir Apparent is here, then this humble official should take his leave, lest I disturb Your Highness receiving guests."
The voice was warm and pleasant, putting people at ease, yet also carrying the shrewdness and openness cultivated in officialdom, similar to Huo Huaixin. Qin Wan and Qin Yan paused briefly at the door, then saw a middle-aged man in official robes walk out. Yan Chi followed two steps behind to see him off, then stopped. His gaze fell on Qin Wan.
"Prefect He."
Qin Yan cupped his hands first. He Zhixing hurriedly adjusted his robes and bowed. "Heir Apparent, it has been a long time."
"Indeed, two years. I never expected to meet Prefect He under such circumstances."
He Zhixing laughed heartily, his eyes turning to Qin Wan. "This lady... might she be the Ninth Young Miss of your household?"
Qin Wan performed a slight curtsey. "Prefect He."
He Zhixing also cupped his hands toward Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss is too courteous. To have frightened the Ninth Young Miss and His Highness Heir Apparent this time, such an incident occurring within my jurisdiction is entirely due to this official's failure in governance."
Qin Yan smiled warmly. "Yuanzhou is so vast. Even with three heads and six arms, Prefect He could not guarantee no incidents. We simply happened to encounter this one. Prefect He need not blame yourself. This case still requires Prefect He to handle the aftermath."
"Please set your mind at ease on this point, Heir Apparent. I will certainly ensure it is handled properly."
With that, He Zhixing cupped his hands again. "The Heir Apparent and Ninth Young Miss are visiting His Highness. This humble official will not disturb you further. I take my leave."
Qin Yan nodded and stepped aside. Qin Wan also moved to the side. He Zhixing bowed once more to Yan Chi before striding out. Once He Zhixing left, Qin Yan smiled and bowed to Yan Chi. "Your Highness the Heir Apparent."
Qin Wan also curtsied beside him. Yan Chi looked at them both and raised a hand. "No need for such formalities. Please come in and speak."
Qin Yan straightened and entered. "Your Highness saved my Ninth Younger Sister yesterday. As her older brother, I have yet to express my gratitude. I intended to come last night, but Prefect He and the others arrived, so I thought it better not to disturb."
A faint smile hung on Yan Chi's lips. He gestured to a nearby chair. "No thanks are necessary. I promised the Grand Princess in Jinzhou to look after the Ninth Young Miss. If I did a poor job, I fear the Grand Princess would hold me to account."
Yan Chi took the seat of honor. Qin Yan sat to his left, and Qin Wan took the chair beside Qin Yan.
"The Grand Princess's affection for the Ninth Younger Sister is truly her good fortune."
Bai Feng entered, served tea, then stood attentively behind Yan Chi. Hearing this, Yan Chi nodded. "The Ninth Young Miss has a good disposition; it is natural people find her likable. The Marquis and his lady also treat her as their own daughter."
Qin Wan merely lowered her eyes slightly, remaining silent. Qin Yan glanced at Qin Wan and smiled. "This I do know. The Marquis and his lady have already taken the Ninth Younger Sister as their adoptive daughter. My second uncle and aunt passed away many years ago. Having the Marquis and his lady cherish the Ninth Younger Sister is undoubtedly excellent. It is a pity I was not in Jinzhou these past few years, otherwise I could have spared the Ninth Younger Sister some hardship."
Yan Chi listened noncommittally. "Henceforth, the Ninth Young Miss will return to the capital. The Heir Apparent can be as attentive as he wishes."
"That is only natural." Qin Yan agreed, then shifted the topic. "Had I known His Highness the Heir Apparent was also coming to Yuanzhou, we would have traveled together. That way, we could have avoided the heavy snow a couple of days ago."
Upon hearing this, Qin Wan sensed something unusual.
Qin Yan would never think of traveling with Yan Chi. By saying this, he was merely probing the reason for Yan Chi's trip.
Yan Chi was just picking up a teacup from the side table. Hearing this, he curved his lips. "Originally, I was not coming. The Heir Apparent likely does not know; His Majesty bestowed upon me the title of Investigating Commissioner. I was delayed in Jinzhou and originally planned to return to the capital early. But upon reaching Yuanzhou, I happened to hear Han Kaiyang was here..."
He paused briefly, his tone casual. "Han Kaiyang is an old subordinate of my father, and I share some camaraderie with him. If I passed by this time without meeting him, who knows when the next chance would be. So I made a trip to the Yuanzhou garrison."
Han Kaiyang indeed came from the Western Frontier Army and was an old subordinate of Prince Rui. Qin Yan naturally knew this. What he didn't know was why Yan Chi had come. He had thought Yan Chi would find a reasonable excuse, but who knew he would be so forthright, directly stating he came to visit an old associate? Qin Yan found it difficult to probe further.
"So that's how it is. No wonder Your Highness brought General Han."
The corners of Qin Yan's eyes and brows held perfectly measured smiles, his bright gaze fixed on Yan Chi.
Yan Chi joined the military young and had few opportunities to return to the capital. Therefore, someone like Qin Yan, who moved effortlessly among the capital's noble young masters, wasn't closely acquainted with him. Now, sitting before Yan Chi, he felt somewhat at a disadvantage.
He was one of the capital's noble young masters, but not the kind of dandy who only knew how to idle about. He was quite confident in his ability to read people, but looking at Yan Chi, he only felt him to be inscrutable and impenetrable.
"When General Han received the news, he was quite enthusiastic. Having nothing pressing, he simply came along. He arrived even faster than the Jixian Magistrate's office. It's deep winter now; General Han was worried the garrison troops were becoming lax."
The corner of Qin Yan's mouth lifted slightly. "That is good. It would be unfortunate if this matter interfered with any military affairs. What are Your Highness's plans next? Return to the capital immediately? Or will you stay in Yuanzhou for a while?"
Yan Chi took a slow sip of tea. "It's undecided for now. What about your party?"
Qin Yan glanced at Qin Wan. "We plan to depart early tomorrow morning. We've been delayed here too long. Originally, the family wanted us back by the beginning of the twelfth month. Now, I'm afraid that won't be possible."
Yan Chi gave an "Mhm." "In that case, it's best to depart early."
Hearing this, Qin Wan's heart sank slightly. Did Yan Chi's words imply he had no intention of traveling with them?
Qin Yan smiled. "Does Your Highness have other matters? With the year-end approaching, there are many affairs both inside and outside the palace. His Majesty is likely awaiting Your Highness's return to the capital. Counting back, Your Highness has been away from the capital for over three months now."
Yan Chi's lips curved. "The Crown Prince was just established this year, so naturally there are more matters than usual. However, I seldom return to the capital, so I imagine His Majesty won't assign me much. It's the Heir Apparent who likely awaits, as the Marquis must be waiting."
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi, sensing a deeper meaning in his words. Qin Yan also smiled. "Father isn't particularly anxious. It's Mother who can't wait to see the three younger sisters. Mother dotes on daughters, but the household only has one. Now with three more younger sisters, Mother looks forward to it day and night."
Qin Wan inwardly shook her head. If that were truly the case, why send the Ninth Young Miss to Jinzhou in the first place?
"No wonder you're bringing all three Qin household young ladies to the capital. The Grand Princess was worried the Ninth Young Miss might be unaccustomed to life in the capital. Now it seems, Madam will undoubtedly cherish the Ninth Young Miss as much as the Grand Princess."
Yan Chi steered the topic back to Qin Wan, but for some reason, Qin Wan felt his tone carried a certain weight.
Qin Yan immediately said, "That is only natural. Mother mentions the Ninth Younger Sister most often. These years the Ninth Younger Sister has been in Jinzhou, Mother has been lovesick..."
Yan Chi wore a faint, ambiguous smile. "With so many young ladies at once, Madam will certainly be busy."
"Being busy is only right. Not to mention it's the duty of the main household, but given the delightful dispositions of the several younger sisters, Mother will naturally make good arrangements for them."
Yan Chi's smile deepened. "Could it be Madam has already begun planning the Ninth Young Miss's future arrangements?"
Qin Yan shook his head. "That I do not know, but Mother naturally has her plans."
Yan Chi leaned back, lightly tapping the armrest. "That would indeed settle another of the Grand Princess's concerns. The Grand Princess had many instructions before departure. However, my status is ultimately an impediment. With Madam and the Heir Apparent looking after her, I can rest assured."
He paused, then changed the subject. "The Marquis has assumed office in the Ministry of Personnel. Can that Jiang Yuanzhou outside expect promotion this year?"
Mentioning Jiang Yuanzhou, Qin Yan snorted coldly. "Certainly not. Though he was once Father's disciple, he wasn't among Father's most favored. These past years, he's become utterly worthless. If his administrative achievements were outstanding, it might be different. But in his current state, not charging him with dereliction of duty would be lenient."
Yan Chi nodded. "The Heir Apparent has indeed deeply absorbed the Marquis's teachings. The Marquis has always been upright and principled. I imagine the court's affairs will be clear and prosperous in the coming three years. If the Marquis can discerningly promote capable officials from humble backgrounds, it would be a great service to the state."
This slightly praising remark made Qin Yan's smile broaden. His heart stirred. He glanced at the Go board placed on a side table by the window. "Your Highness has such a thing here. Would Your Highness care for a game?"
Sitting and drinking tea while talking had become somewhat dull. Seeing the board already half-covered with black and white stones, Qin Yan simply invited Yan Chi to play. Yan Chi smiled. "Why not? Please."
Qin Yan and Yan Chi spoke of the Grand Princess one moment, court affairs the next. To Qin Wan, these were topics she couldn't easily interject into. For this long while, she hadn't uttered a word. Now the two were about to play Go. Though superficially harmonious, Qin Wan intuitively felt something peculiar lay between them.
"The Heir Apparent, please make the first move…"
"Since that's the case, I won't stand on ceremony with Your Highness."
Qin Yan, playing black, made the first move. His playing style, like his personality, was steady and well-rounded, covering all aspects. Yan Chi, playing white, responded unhurriedly. Even so, Qin Yan didn't dare underestimate him, fearing he might be concealing his strength for a surprise attack.
"After Your Highness returns to the capital, it will be the New Year. What are Your Highness's plans for next year? Return to the Western Frontier Army or remain in the capital to serve? Looking at His Majesty's intention this time, it seems he wishes Your Highness to stay."
As expected, political talk increased during the game, and the black and white stones in their hands momentarily transformed into the undercurrents swirling within and outside the court. Soon, both men's playing slowed. The board, interwoven with black and white, presented a scene of unpredictable complexity, much like the intricate, elusive political situation within the Great Zhou Empire's capital.
"Having fought for so many years, I am somewhat weary. After returning to the capital, we shall see His Majesty's will. If he still wants me to return, I shall naturally return. If he wishes me to stay in the capital, that is also acceptable."
Hearing this, Qin Yan placed a stone. "And what of Prince Rui's opinion? Your Highness is the one who will take over the Western Frontier Army in the future."
Yan Chi smiled slightly. "Father has never interfered with me. Now that Father grows older, his views differ considerably from mine. Regarding this point, I would prefer to stay in the capital for stability."
A flicker passed through Qin Yan's eyes. Prince Rui, Yan Lin, also joined the military young and later achieved great military exploits. Among all the imperial princes, he could be said to wield the greatest power. Yan Chi had followed his father's path. The hundred-thousand-strong Western Frontier Army was firmly controlled by Yan Chi and his father. However, both inside and outside the palace, it was known that the relationship between father and son seemed strained.
"Staying in the capital is also good. Now that His Highness the Crown Prince has just been established, coupled with the previous incident, the court is in need of talent. His Majesty bestowing the title of Investigating Commissioner upon Your Highness this time likely indicates his intention."
Because Qin Wan was present, Qin Yan first spoke a few words revolving around her to establish some rapport with Yan Chi. By now, Qin Yan's tone carried a posture of particular trust. Court politics were not to be discussed lightly. Qin Yan, appearing to be making plans for Yan Chi, would likely move an ordinary person.
Yan Chi placed another stone. "Does the Heir Apparent truly mean this?"
Qin Yan hurriedly nodded. "Naturally. Your Highness knows there is contention among the several princes. But now that the Crown Prince has been established, the general trend is settled. I heard from Father that although His Highness has entered the Eastern Palace, he still has some apprehensions. Moreover, the Crown Prince also has the heart to bring peace and stability to the nation. Naturally, he hopes for as many capable people in the court as possible."
Lowering his voice slightly, Qin Yan continued, "The Crown Prince thirsts for worthy men. He personally sent someone to Yizhou. The Bai family has been settled. After the new year begins, a senior elder will be sent to the capital to instruct His Highness the Crown Prince."
"Humble and open-minded, no wonder His Majesty established the Crown Prince." Yan Chi smiled. "Although we grew up together in childhood, after being away from the capital for so many years, I have grown somewhat distant from my imperial cousins. After returning to the capital, I must make an effort to socialize with them properly."
Yan Chi spoke as if it were the most ordinary matter, and Qin Yan seemed to think the same. "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, and the other princes are all cousins. No matter how distant, the bonds of brotherhood will not fade. I cannot speak for the other princes, but the Crown Prince often speaks of the several princes' heirs. With the current tensions inside and outside the palace, childhood cousins are the most reliable."
As the two played Go, Qin Wan took over Bai Feng's task, occasionally refilling tea and pouring water. Seeing Yan Chi's eloquent, unguarded demeanor, Qin Wan initially thought he was merely humoring Qin Yan. But hearing the conversation reach this point, she was secretly alarmed.
Qin Yan possessed an uncommon acuity. At the start, their conversation was full of ambiguous, indirect remarks. But now, it was Qin Yan alone who had voiced his thoughts completely. Every word he spoke seemed to be for Yan Chi's benefit, yet he was clearly siding with the Crown Prince. As for Yan Chi, he remained unhurried, as if they were merely discussing everyday matters.
Qin Wan's hand holding the teapot felt heavy. So, the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household had already aligned with the Crown Prince.
And Qin Yan bringing her along this time was likely to sound out Yan Chi's future plans. Whether Yan Chi stayed at court or went to the Western Frontier Army, if they could win him over, the Crown Prince would gain a powerful ally.
Yan Chi had returned to the capital earlier but left for Jinzhou without staying. Presumably, the Crown Prince himself hadn't had a chance to show goodwill. It seemed Qin Yan, acting on the Marquis household's instructions, was now the vanguard. But momentarily distracted, he was being led by the nose by Yan Chi.
"The Heir Apparent's words put my mind at ease. I was worried that the Crown Prince, now occupying a high position, might not care to associate with a rough military man like me." Yan Chi placed another stone, his tone genuinely sounding relieved.
Qin Yan, observing Yan Chi's moves, inwardly sighed in relief. The world called Yan Chi the Demon King, and he had heard of his conduct in the Western Frontier Army. But today, judging by Yan Chi's Go style, he didn't seem particularly sharp or aggressive. Did this mean he was taking his words to heart? Thinking this, Qin Yan's smile brightened slightly. "That is only natural. When Your Highness returns to the capital and meets the Crown Prince, you will understand."
Having said this, Qin Yan felt he had completed his task and no longer probed, focusing his mind on the board. Raised meticulously by Qin Shu since childhood, he excelled in manipulating power and controlling people; his Go skills were naturally not weak. As he concentrated on the game, Yan Chi said no more. They battled for another twenty or thirty moves before a winner emerged.
"A narrow victory by one stone. The Heir Apparent's skill is truly exceptional. Had there been the slightest misstep earlier, I would have lost."
Yan Chi tossed down the last white stone, his tone carrying a hint of regret. Qin Yan, however, was momentarily stunned. His face grew slightly warm, nearly breaking into a light sweat. After a long moment, he slowly exhaled. "Your Highness has won. Your Highness possesses remarkable skill!"
Usually, Qin Yan's Go opponents were Zhou Huai and other noble young masters; even Zhou Huai found it difficult to defeat him. Yet Yan Chi had won. Though only by one stone, it was enough to shock him. The peace of mind he had just felt was now unsettled. Looking at Yan Chi again, though he didn't show a sharp, imposing demeanor, the calm composure surrounding him was astonishing and unsettling.
The world knew Yan Chi joined the military young and fought on battlefields. Some called him the Demon King, some said he was a mighty, peerless War God, others labeled him a brute who only knew fighting. Qin Yan was meticulously raised in a Marquis household. But who in the Western Frontier Army would teach Yan Chi these things?If one said he was miraculously skilled in capturing cities and seizing territories, Qin Yan absolutely believed it. But in other aspects, whether it was him, raised in a Marquis household, or the Crown Prince and princes who grew up in the deep palace, he had thought that Yan Chi, having spent so long on battlefields, would be more crude and bloodthirsty. In terms of the depth required for Go, he thought Yan Chi couldn't surpass them. Now it seemed that was not the case...
"A narrow victory. If there is a next time, the outcome may not be the same."
Yan Chi's words still held not a hint of pride, but he showed no joy either, as if the "narrow victory" required little effort.
A mix of emotions churned in Qin Yan's heart. Just as he was about to speak, Bai Feng walked in from outside. "Your Highness, a letter has arrived."
"Oh?" Yan Chi appeared slightly surprised. "How did it find its way here?"
Bai Feng's expression was serious. "It's an imperial edict from His Majesty. It was forwarded several times. Our men delivered it urgently."
An imperial edict... Hearing this, Qin Yan's expression also changed. He stood up, his expression solemn.
Yan Chi remained seated, accepted the letter, and opened it in front of Qin Yan. He scanned it quickly, then a wry smile appeared on his face. "His Majesty truly... treats me like an errand boy."
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi. Qin Yan also watched him. Yan Chi folded the letter. "The first day of the twelfth month is the fiftieth birthday of Imperial Uncle Yu. His Majesty knows I'm still on the road, so he wants me to make a trip to Yuzhou."
Qin Yan was momentarily surprised. "Yuzhou... Then Your Highness will have to detour northwest."
Yan Chi nodded. "Indeed. His Majesty always likes sending someone like me, burdened with heavy bloodshed, to congratulate others on joyous occasions. He truly has an open mind. However, I haven't seen Imperial Uncle Yu for many years, and it's a milestone birthday. This trip is worth making."
He paused, glancing at Qin Wan and Qin Yan. "Since that's the case, we part ways tomorrow."
Qin Wan's delicate fists clenched slightly, though her expression remained unchanged. Qin Yan said, "Your Highness attending Imperial Uncle Yu's birthday celebration is a good thing. We can continue our conversation upon returning to the capital. Your Highness need not worry about the Ninth Younger Sister. The road ahead will be much easier to travel."
Yan Chi nodded, then instructed Bai Feng, "Go and make the arrangements. Prepare to depart for Yuzhou early tomorrow morning."
Bai Feng hurriedly acknowledged the order. Seeing this, Qin Yan felt it inappropriate to linger further. After a few more words, he took his leave with Qin Wan.
Leaving Yan Chi's courtyard, Qin Yan said, "Prince Yu is the eldest son of the late Emperor, born before His Majesty ascended the throne. However, his birth mother was not of high status, so he was enfeoffed early and sent to his domain, Yuzhou. From here, heading northwest without going through Yuanzhou City, one can reach it in three to five days. His Majesty is strange; he seems to enjoy having Your Highness convey his congratulations for others' happy occasions."
Qin Wan, of course, knew where Yuzhou was. Not only that, her father had once served as an official there. She was only seven or eight years old then, the most carefree period of her life. Hearing the name Yuzhou now brought back memories of that time.
Since Yan Chi was going to Yuzhou, they truly could not travel together. A nameless disappointment settled in Qin Wan's heart.
"Ninth Young Miss! Ninth Young Miss, please wait a moment!"
As the siblings walked, Bai Feng's voice suddenly rang out from behind.
Qin Wan and Qin Yan stopped together. They saw Bai Feng hurriedly approaching. "Ninth Young Miss, a letter has also arrived for the Qin household. There is one for you. His Highness requests you to come retrieve it. There is also an item the Grand Princess wished to give you."
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the Grand Princess's concern for Qin Wan. He immediately said, "You go quickly. I'll return to instruct them to prepare for the journey. We still need to go to Laifu Inn tomorrow."
Qin Wan nodded, then turned back toward Yan Chi's courtyard.
Bai Feng escorted Qin Wan to the main door and stopped. Qin Wan entered alone. Upon entering, she saw the outer room was empty; Yan Chi was not there. She glanced toward the inner chamber doorway and walked over. Her gaze swept over the Go board by the window. The black and white stones had been settled, but now it seemed an extra piece had been placed. Qin Wan walked over to look and her heart immediately skipped a beat.
Yan Chi had made one more move. But with that single move, Qin Yan's loss was substantial...
She fell silent for a moment, then turned and entered the inner chamber.
"Did you see?" Yan Chi's voice sounded as soon as she entered. He stood by the window, looking out at the somewhat overcast sky. He turned around. "Grand Aunt's letter..."
Qin Wan was momentarily stunned, then pleasantly surprised as she stepped forward. When Bai Feng said those words, she had thought it was just Yan Chi's excuse, but there really was a letter. Qin Wan eagerly took it and opened it right in front of Yan Chi.
The letter was in Yue Ning's handwriting. The beginning contained greetings, then mentioned a few amusing incidents in the Marquis household. Finally, Yue Ning wrote about the Qin household, stating that Yao Xinlan had already left Jinzhou and returned to Jianzhou. Qin Wan read carefully, a smile unconsciously curving her lips.
"What does it say?" Yan Chi asked leisurely.
"It says the Grand Princess is in good health. Also, that Sister-in-law has left the Qin household and returned to Jianzhou."
Qin Wan looked up, her eyes clear and bright. Yan Chi's heart stirred. He stepped closer, one arm encircling Qin Wan's waist, the other cupping her face. "Reassured?"
Qin Wan nodded. "Reassured."
Yan Chi gently pinched Qin Wan's cheek. "Did you hear everything earlier?"
Qin Wan was silent for a moment. She knew what Yan Chi meant. "I heard."
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan and sighed softly. "You understand your Third Brother's intentions?"
Nodding, Qin Wan looked directly at Yan Chi. "I understand."
Yan Chi seemed unable to do anything with her, frowning slightly. "I leave early tomorrow morning."
Qin Wan blinked, slowly raising her hands to rest on his waist. "Yuzhou isn't far. After the birthday celebrations, returning to the capital will only take another ten days. You'll surely be back in the capital before the New Year."
Yan Chi's hand tightened slightly on her waist. "The words you said to Bai Feng were probably insincere!"
Hearing this, Qin Wan felt like laughing. "How could they be? They were heartfelt. It's just a pity Your Highness is occupied with pressing matters..."
"Your Highness, Your Highness, still 'Your Highness'?!"
Yan Chi suddenly lifted Qin Wan up. Her slender frame seemed as light as a willow branch to him, effortless. He lifted her, turned, and set her down on the long table by the window.
Seated higher, Qin Wan's gaze was now level with his. Furthermore, being lifted like this suddenly flushed her cheeks pink.
Her face grew warm, but her words remained unchanged. "If not ‘Your Highness,' what should I call you? Calling Your Highness by name would be disrespectful, wouldn't it?"
Yan Chi leaned closer, his voice lowering. "I permit your disrespect."
His scorching breath brushed her face, his voice provocatively tickling her eardrum. Qin Wan's heart softened. Looking into his eyes so close, she softly called after a moment, "Yan Chi..."
Yan Chi leaned in and kissed her. He pressed close, holding Qin Wan firmly. Qin Wan's knees pressed against his waist, and she instinctively shifted her legs slightly apart. Taking advantage, Yan Chi pulled her closer, standing between her legs. Qin Wan's arms around Yan Chi went soft and trembly, her breathing instantly becoming ragged.
Bright daylight streamed in behind her, making Yan Chi's star-filled eyes even more dazzling. Conversely, her face was set against the light, the shyness born of passion concealed by the dim light, growing even more ambiguous. Yan Chi's hands wandered up and down, kneading until her bones felt limp. After a long while, Qin Wan, panting, pushed Yan Chi away.
"From now on, always call me by my name."
Yan Chi spoke, his eyes seeming to burn with a flame that scorched Qin Wan's heart and soul.
She pressed her lips together, feeling them moist and tingling. It took a long while for her breathing to calm slightly. "I know."
Yan Chi's hands began to wander lower. He seemed to want her to cling to him. But the moment his hand landed where it shouldn't, Qin Wan grabbed it firmly. Qin Wan's lips glistened, her eyes damp as if washed by water. She stared at him, holding his hand firmly, her gaze filled with reproach and anger.
Yan Chi stared into her eyes. "You don't know how much you make me..."
Qin Wan didn't know what he was about to say but didn't want his hands to misbehave, nor did she want their posture to become even more intimate. The fire in Yan Chi's eyes burned hotter. He glared at Qin Wan fiercely for a long moment before burying his face in the crook of her neck.
"Make me... endure with difficulty!"
His words, carrying a surge of hot breath, fell by her ear. With just that sentence, Qin Wan felt a roar in her ears, her entire body seeming to catch fire in an instant. As a physician, she naturally knew about matters between men and women. What Yan Chi meant was that he... Qin Wan dared not move, letting Yan Chi hold her. She felt his breath ragged for a moment before gradually calming.
Qin Wan's back stiffened slightly, yet her body also felt warm. Yan Chi stroked her back, his voice softening. "Frightened?"
Qin Wan instinctively shook her head, but after shaking it, she nodded inwardly.
In her view, confessing mutual affection was simply love and admiration. But Yan Chi's words seemed to involve another aspect, something that made young maidens blanch at the mention, something even men wouldn't speak of openly. It was extremely intimate and sensual. She never expected Yan Chi to say such a thing to her...
Perhaps sensing her tension and daze, Yan Chi sighed. "Desire born of affection, what's wrong with that?"
Qin Wan felt steam might rise from the top of her head. She instinctively tried to push Yan Chi away. "No!"
Even in her flustered shyness and annoyance, her words remained decisive.
Yan Chi hastily held her tighter, smiling wryly. "I know, I know. What are you thinking? Could I possibly... I'm just telling you I'm enduring with difficulty. If one day you permit me to send someone to the Marquis's household, I would be overjoyed."
Qin Wan felt both annoyed and helpless, but her tone remained serious, not giving him any promise. "Your Highness possesses exceptional self-control. This... this minor matter is surely inconsequential."
Yan Chi gritted his teeth again upon hearing this. "You are truly heartless. You're a physician; don't you know this can cause lasting issues?"
Qin Wan humphed. "If there are issues, I can treat them..."
Yan Chi was both angry and felt unable to rebut. Seeing the sky outside growing late, he held her close, their cheeks touching and hair mingling. Because of this, when Qin Wan finally emerged gracefully from the inner room, the wicked fire in his heart burned even higher.
Qin Wan quickly left the courtyard gate. Along the way, Fuling kept staring at Qin Wan's face. After a long look, she asked, "Young Miss, why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?"
Qin Wan coughed lightly twice. "It must be because I caught a chill yesterday."
"Then Young Miss should hurry back and take medicine. We're about to depart. Don't fall seriously ill on the road."
Fuling was full of concern. Qin Wan gritted her teeth and agreed. If it weren't for them parting ways tomorrow, she wouldn't have indulged Yan Chi's whims...
Fuming inwardly, Qin Wan hadn't even reached her courtyard gate when she saw Qin Shuang hurrying toward her. "Ninth Younger Sister, why are you so slow? Third Brother just received a letter from the capital. He called us to his place."
Qin Wan suppressed the thoughts in her heart and followed Qin Shuang to Qin Yan's courtyard.
Entering the main room, she saw Qin Yan wearing a complex, wry smile. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, he said, "Ninth Younger Sister, it seems we can only travel with His Highness the Heir Apparent..."
Qin Wan was startled. "Travel together?"
Qin Yan patted the envelope on the table. "Father sent a letter saying many people are going to Prince Yu's birthday celebration this time. Our Qin family is also invited. Since we're not far, he wants me to take you all along."