novelraw Chapter 150 : Chilly Night's Intimacy, Leaning Together for Warmth
Chapter 150 : Chilly Night's Intimacy, Leaning Together for Warmth
150: Chilly Night's Intimacy, Leaning Together for Warmth
The Great Zhou Dynasty had stood for over two hundred years. The founding emperor worked diligently to govern, and subsequent emperors were no mediocrities. Over a century ago, its territory was already the largest in the Central Plains. Today, it was the foremost empire in the Central Plains, capable of commanding the allegiance of myriad states.
Stretching from Weizhou Island in the south to the Canglong Mountains in the north, bordering the Eastern Sea in the east, with the Shuo Xi Plateau rising in the west, the vast and resource-rich Great Zhou Empire stood majestic upon the Central Plains. For noble ladies like Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, who rarely left their homes, the farthest they usually traveled was the distance between their maiden home and their husband's. Thus, upon hearing they were going to Yuzhou, Qin Xiang, listless in her illness, paid no mind, while Qin Shuang was exceptionally happy.
Only upon hearing these words did Qin Wan feel she had been tricked by Yan Chi. With his information network, how could he not know Qin Yan would also go to Yuzhou? She felt annoyed internally but showed nothing on her face, silently returning to her room to prepare for the journey.
Qin Yan, intending to win over Yan Chi, naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to travel together. He immediately made another trip to Yan Chi's courtyard. Early the next morning, Prefect He Zhixing and Jixian Magistrate Jiang Yuanzhou eagerly saw them off. Yan Chi, accompanied by Bai Feng, set off for Yuzhou with Qin Yan's party. It was already the twenty-fourth of the tenth month, and their time wasn't particularly ample.
The Qin household coachmen, carriages, and luggage were still at Laifu Inn. Qin Yan's party had already traveled halfway. If they went directly to the capital, it would take only half a month more. But going to Yuzhou was a detour, adding five or six days to the original journey. Therefore, Qin Yan decided to split the luggage, sending trusted attendants ahead to the Marquis's estate with the essentials.
At noon, Qin Yan's party arrived at Laifu Inn. Wei Changfu, seeing not only Qin Yan's return but also the arrival of a person of even more esteemed status, didn't dare neglect them, promptly serving tea and water, but refrained from speaking carelessly.
"Your Heir Apparent, please check. Your belongings are all here. The coachmen have been well-fed and rested these two days, without any neglect." Wei Changfu led Qin Yan to inspect. After walking around, Qin Yan nodded, then had an attendant reward Wei Changfu with silver.
Wei Changfu beamed with joy, while Qin Yan gave Zhou Huai a series of instructions.
Soon, the massive convoy of over ten carriages was reduced to only four. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang shared one carriage; Qin Xiang, being ill, rode alone in another; a third was prepared for Bai Ying; and the last was used for the essential luggage of the three sisters and other miscellaneous items. Since they had to repack the carriages, Fuling and others, who knew what their young mistress needed to bring, came to help.
For a time, the spacious inn lobby was left with only the three Qin sisters and Yan Chi.
Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang had seen Yan Chi before, but this was the first time sitting so close. Qin Xiang, listless, kept her head bowed but couldn't help stealing glances at Yan Chi. Qin Shuang seemed somewhat afraid of Yan Chi, turning sideways to avoid facing him.
Qin Wan sat upright and proper, also remaining silent. An odd quiet filled the lobby.
"Did you stay here before?"
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, his voice low. Qin Wan nodded. "Yes. At that time, we originally wanted to borrow a residence from a villager, but this village was somewhat unwelcoming to outsiders, so we could only stay at the only inn in the village."
"And then you met Sun Muqing?"
Qin Wan nodded. A trace of disapproval appeared in Yan Chi's eyes.
Qin Wan understood his meaning. He probably wondered how, after only a few meetings, she followed Sun Muqing to the Hundred Herb Garden.
But leaving aside that she already knew Sun Muqing, given the situation at the time, they had no other choice.
Qin Wan sighed inwardly. "There was no other way at the time."
As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something. "When we entered the village earlier, I seemed to see constables?"
Just as she finished speaking, Wei Changfu respectfully stepped forward. "The Ninth Young Miss is correct. Indeed, there were constables. Just yesterday, constables suddenly entered the village, saying they had learned the cause of the strange incidents in the village earlier and came to investigate."
Qin Wan looked at Wei Changfu, waiting for him to continue. Wei Changfu glanced at Yan Chi and, seeing no displeasure on his face, continued, "Those constables said the earlier deaths were caused by people, that it wasn't a man-eating monster, nor a plague, nor a curse. The constables visited the households where people had died and even went to the graveyard."
He paused, a hint of fear crossing his face. "Guess what, Ninth Young Miss? The graves of a few families were empty. Even the coffin of that Feng old woman's granddaughter you saw was empty."
Qin Wan suddenly said, "Did she suffer from heart palpitations and chest pain during her life?"
Wei Changfu nodded, then shook his head. "As for the specifics, this humble one doesn't know. I only know she was frail since childhood. Later, some said it was consumption. I was afraid and never interacted with that family."
Qin Wan nodded slightly upon hearing this. Seeing Qin Wan had no further questions, Wei Changfu withdrew.
Qin Shuang's expression shifted several times. "Do they still not know it was Sun..."
Qin Wan glanced at Qin Shuang, who immediately fell silent but whispered, "That man impersonating the Bai family young master went out every few days, didn't he? Was it him... But why would he dig up corpses?"
Qin Wan still remembered that dissected corpse with its organs removed. Judging by that, Sun Haoyue likely wanted to study the condition after death to devise a cure.
Qin Wan shook her head. "Perhaps he wanted to know exactly how people died."
Qin Shuang blinked. "Like a coroner in a yamen?"
Qin Wan nodded with an "Mhm." Qin Shuang showed a flash of understanding. "Could it be he wanted to bring people back to life? But Madam Sun passed away long ago..."
Hearing this, Qin Wan didn't respond. This case didn't arise because of their appearance; it began a century ago. She hadn't conducted an autopsy and didn't know when Madam Sun exactly died, nor what Sun Haoyue's thoughts were later. The only clear thing was that Madam Sun's illness was Sun Haoyue's greatest obsession, driving him to madness.
Recalling this made Qin Wan sigh. Seeing the Yuanzhou Prefect had taken over the case at the Hundred Herb Garden and they were about to leave, she suppressed her desire to delve deeper into the case.
"Everything is arranged. We can depart."
Before long, Qin Yan strode in from outside, followed by Fuling and the others.
Yan Chi stood up. "Good, then let us depart. We must reach Guanyin Town before nightfall."
Qin Yan nodded and walked out with Yan Chi, saying quietly, "I'm truly sorry. My younger sisters cannot ride horses, after all, we have delayed Your Highness."
Yan Chi's lips curved slightly. "It's no matter. The mountain roads are rough anyway; going slower is fine."
Qin Yan had originally intended to ride in a carriage, but seeing Yan Chi had only prepared horses, he abandoned the idea. Soon, the party set off again. Four carriages and over a dozen fast horses first sped away, followed by another convoy of carriages leaving Laifu Inn's courtyard. Wei Changfu stood at the gate, watching the group depart, and sighed. The most esteemed people he would likely see in his lifetime were probably these...
Leaving Sanyuan Village and continuing north, Qin Wan's party reached Guanyin Town by nightfall. Though only a town, it rivaled Jixian County town. The group lodged at a suitable inn there, rested well overnight, and set off again early the next morning.
Departing Guanyin Town westward, they reached Huxian, adjacent to Jixian, within a day. From Huxian onto the main road heading northwest, two days later they exited Yuanzhou and entered Yuzhou territory.
Yuzhou lay northwest of Yunwu Mountain, slightly colder than Yuanzhou. Another day passed, and the sky, clear for several days, suddenly released snow. With the snowfall, Yan Chi, Qin Yan, and others riding horses suffered somewhat.
By the evening of the twenty-eighth when they stopped to rest, Qin Yan showed signs of having caught a chill.
They had now reached Xiang County in southeast Yuzhou. One more day's travel would bring them to Yuzhou City by the evening of the twenty-ninth. But Qin Yan's illness worried Steward Zhou Huai greatly.
"Should we head to Beimiao Town north of Xiang County tomorrow? Or arrange a carriage for the Young Master? And His Highness as well; it wouldn't be good if you all caught a chill from riding."
As Zhou Huai spoke, Qin Yan coughed and smiled wryly. Glancing at the composed Yan Chi, he didn't want to appear too sickly now and quickly said, "Steward Zhou worries too much. We'll arrive tomorrow evening; why delay on the road? Let Ninth Younger Sister prescribe me some medicine. Please forgive my weakness, Your Highness. I've been somewhat lax these past few years; my health isn't as good as before."
Yan Chi stood by the window watching and waved a hand. "After all, you didn't grow up in Shuo Xi like me. You probably haven't traveled such distances before. Falling ill from fatigue is normal."
He glanced at Qin Wan. "With the Ninth Young Miss here, take some medicine and rest in Yuzhou for a couple of days, and you'll be fine. But tomorrow, it's better to arrange a carriage for you."
Qin Yan wanted to decline, but Yan Chi said, "I'll arrange a carriage for you, and we'll go straight to Yuzhou City."
Hearing this, Qin Yan hesitated momentarily. He absolutely didn't want to delay everyone, but if he continued riding, he wasn't confident about his health. After a moment's thought, he decided not to stand on ceremony; falling seriously ill would be even more embarrassing. "Alright. Then please prepare a carriage for His Highness as well."
Yan Chi's lips curved slightly. "That won't be necessary." He paused, glanced at Qin Wan. "However, if the Ninth Young Miss has any medicine to ward off the cold, you could give me some as a precaution."
Qin Wan nodded. "Naturally, I have some. I'll send it to Your Highness later."
They were currently in Qin Yan's room. Satisfied, Yan Chi said, "Good. Everyone should rest early. We depart as planned tomorrow. I shall retire to my room."
Qin Yan naturally agreed. After Yan Chi left, he instructed Qin Wan, "Be sure to deliver the medicine to His Highness later."
Qin Wan nodded, then took out paper and brush to write a prescription. "Third Brother's chill has already entered your system. Start taking this prescription tonight. The carriage tomorrow must be kept warm. Sweating a couple of times will make you feel much better."
As she spoke, she handed the prescription to Zhou Huai, who immediately nodded. "Understood. This humble one will see to it."
With that, Zhou Huai went out to fetch medicine; they carried some medicinal herbs on their carriage.
"Thank you, Ninth Younger Sister. Your medical skill saves us much trouble."
A slight smile touched Qin Wan's lips. "It's only right. Third Brother should take good care of your health."
Qin Yan smiled upon hearing this. "I know. I'll take the medicine you prescribe properly." He paused slightly. "How are Fifth Younger Sister and your maid?"
At this, Qin Wan felt somewhat helpless. Qin Shuang, beside her, spoke quickly, "Fifth Sister has been fine for a long time. She's just too embarrassed to face people. But Bai Ying is still in a serious condition."
Qin Yan, thinking of Qin Xiang, felt anger rising again and didn't inquire further. "Alright, you two go rest. Tomorrow is the last day. Once we reach Yuzhou City, we won't have to endure such hardship."
Qin Shuang nodded and was about to leave when Qin Wan asked, "Is Third Brother taking us all to Prince Yu's birthday banquet?"
Attending Prince Yu's birthday celebration was undoubtedly good, but no one brought three younger sisters to a congratulatory banquet. Their party was quite large; if they all went, it would be very conspicuous.
Qin Yan also seemed hesitant. "Taking everyone would certainly be inappropriate. However, many people are attending Prince Yu's birthday celebration. It would be a good experience for you to see the world."
Hearing this, Qin Shuang's eyes lit up. "Fifth Sister hasn't fully recovered from her illness. It might not be suitable for her to attend the banquet."
Qin Wan and Qin Yan exchanged a glance, both smiling wryly. Qin Shuang coughed lightly. "I... am I being too obvious..."
Qin Wan covered her lips, her smile deepening. Qin Shuang was just quick-witted, not malicious. She said, "It doesn't matter whether I go or not. If it's inconvenient for Third Brother, just take the two older sisters."
Qin Shuang immediately widened her eyes. "You... you're making me look especially bad!"
Qin Wan couldn't help laughing. "Sixth Sister is just straightforward. Third Brother naturally understands."
Qin Yan glanced at them, his expression not displeased. "Alright, I'll think about it. You two go rest."
With that, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang turned and left. Once outside, Qin Shuang snorted lightly. "Why give in? Do you really not want to go? Or are you willing to let Fifth Sister steal your spotlight?"
Qin Wan thought for a moment. A prince's birthday banquet was naturally extraordinary; grand, bustling, and a chance to see many esteemed people. For young ladies like them, it might even lead to meeting some promising young talents...
But these things truly meant little to her. She genuinely didn't want to go.
"It's not giving in. If I go, I'd have to be fully armed and on guard. I'm exhausted from this journey. You go enjoy the excitement; I'll rest at the inn."
Qin Wan's tone was calm and sincere, without pretense. Qin Shuang stared at her, wide-eyed, then fell silent.
"The kind get bullied. You really are too easygoing."
Qin Wan smiled faintly. "Alright, no matter what, you can go. Don't worry. Go rest. I need to deliver medicine to His Highness."
Mentioning Yan Chi, Qin Shuang's eyes shifted. "Speaking of which, Fifth Sister has been watching His Highness Chi a lot these past few days."
Qin Wan blinked. "Oh? Has Fifth Sister taken a fancy to him again?"
Qin Shuang snorted. "She'd need to weigh herself before daring to set her sights on His Highness Chi. But... if she really gets a chance, do you think she wouldn't dare? Think about last time!"
Qin Wan nodded. "Fifth Sister's courage is indeed considerable."
Qin Shuang then looked Qin Wan up and down. "How can you be so dense!"
Qin Wan wore an innocent expression. "What's wrong?"
Qin Shuang sighed deeply, adopting a lecturing tone. "What's wrong? His Highness Chi has taken great care of you along the way. Whatever the reason, you must know the saying ‘the moon over the waters is within easy reach'?"
Qin Wan tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "That seems somewhat reasonable."
Her flat tone was clearly perfunctory. Qin Shuang, hearing it, grew annoyed. "If I had your looks, I would have long since..."
Qin Wan gave an "Mhm." "Long since what?"
Qin Shuang seemed to think of something but shook her head. "No, even if I had your looks, I wouldn't covet His Highness Chi. His Highness Chi fought in the west, a demon king who kills without batting an eye, with such heavy bloodshed. Would Heaven let him prosper? He might even implicate those around him. Imperial power and wealth are good, but they're not easily borne."
As she spoke, Qin Shuang's tone took on a somewhat detached, worldly-wise note. Qin Wan couldn't help smiling. "Where did you hear such things? His Highness Chi is for defending the country..."
"Grandmother said it." Qin Shuang thought of Lady Jiang, a trace of melancholy in her eyes. "Grandmother believes in such things the most. And look at the Qin household's current situation. Doesn't it prove those words? Father himself was like that... yet he implicated the entire family."
Qin Wan's lips pursed slightly. Regarding Qin An, that was indeed the case.
As they spoke, they reached Qin Shuang's room door. Qin Shuang stopped. "You shouldn't get too close to His Highness Chi either."
There was a hint of concern in her words. Qin Wan smiled bitterly and nodded.
After Qin Shuang entered, Qin Wan headed to her own room. They were on the inn's second floor. Qin Yan, spending lavishly, had booked the entire floor. There were nine rooms in total: one each for the four Qin siblings with their servants, one for Yan Chi, one for the injured Bai Ying, and the remaining three where the Qin household guards squeezed in on the floor for the night.
Somehow, Yan Chi's room was at the end of the west corridor, separated from Qin Wan's room only by Bai Ying's. Thus, it was very convenient for Qin Wan to go to Yan Chi's room.
"Young Miss, should this servant accompany you?"
"No need. I'll be back soon. Make the brazier warmer."
With Bai Ying recuperating, Qin Wan only had Fuling by her side. Qin Wan didn't let Fuling follow, so she stayed in the room at ease.
Ever since Yan Chi saved Qin Wan in front of her, she held him in high esteem and trust. Qin Wan was just delivering medicine; she wasn't worried in the least. And with only about twenty paces to go, nothing could possibly happen.
Qin Wan, holding a medicine bottle, walked to Yan Chi's room. Just as she reached the door, Bai Feng came out from inside. Seeing Qin Wan, Bai Feng immediately smiled. "Ninth Young Miss."
Qin Wan indicated the medicine bottle. "I've come to deliver medicine to His Highness."
Bai Feng smiled and nodded, quickly stepping aside. "Ninth Young Miss, please."
Qin Wan entered the room with a composed smile. Once inside, the door was closed by Bai Feng.
Yan Chi had already removed his outer robe and now wore only a dark inner garment, sitting by the window on a daybed, reading something. Today, his dark robe was still fastened, appearing quite proper. Seeing Qin Wan enter, he beckoned her over. "Come here."
Qin Wan walked over with the medicine bottle and saw Yan Chi reading what looked like an official document or, more likely, a confidential report from his people. Qin Wan only glanced before looking away, but Yan Chi pulled her into his embrace.
"I'm letting you read it; why are you avoiding it?"
Qin Wan found herself pressed onto Yan Chi's lap. Feeling this was too intimate, she struggled slightly, only half her body resting there. Her gaze returned to the document, it was a list with names and official titles. Scanning it, she saw mostly local Yuzhou officials, but also many nobles and capital officials coming from the capital.
The names of the Crown Prince and several princes were prominently listed.
Qin Wan's eyes sharpened slightly. "Are these the guests who will attend Prince Yu's birthday banquet?"
Yan Chi's lips curved slightly. "Not all, but close. Among them, the Crown Prince and the princes likely won't attend in person, but the others will certainly be there."
"Why show me this..."
The list was very long; Qin Wan hadn't read it all. Since she didn't plan to attend Prince Yu's banquet, she naturally paid little attention. Yan Chi, seeing her attitude, narrowed his eyes slightly. "Isn't it good to know early?"
Qin Wan's expression remained normal. Seeing he still held the booklet before her, she pretended to glance through it. "I don't intend…"
Before the word "to go" left her lips, Qin Wan suddenly stopped. Her gaze fixed on the booklet; a very familiar name appeared in her field of vision.
Her abnormality immediately caught Yan Chi's attention. Yan Chi's eyes swept over to see several capital officials' names. "What is it? Do you know any of these people?"
Qin Wan snapped back to reality. "No, but they seem somewhat familiar."
Yan Chi studied Qin Wan for a moment. "The one that seems familiar to you is this Li Muyun, isn't it?"
Qin Wan's breath hitched slightly. First, seeing the name felt like a roar in her ears; second, Yan Chi's words instantly put her on guard. Seeing her strange expression, Yan Chi looked at her a while longer, then said slowly, "He was originally a Deputy Chief Clerk of the Court of Judicial Review. After Shen Yi's incident, he is now the Chief Minister."
After saying this, Yan Chi saw Qin Wan's eyes darken as she nodded. "So that's it. His name must have appeared alongside Lord Shen's before..."
Yan Chi still stared directly at Qin Wan, nodding. "It was he who exposed Shen Yi's crimes."
Qin Wan sat half on Yan Chi's lap, enveloped by his presence like a delicate flower. But upon hearing these words, her back gradually straightened. The softness and shyness vanished from her in an instant; she became like a slender piece of jade bamboo, somewhat imposing. Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. "What is it?"
The world knew that former Chief Minister Shen Yi had committed misconduct in the case of Prince Jin's plot against Consort Jin, intentionally shielding Prince Jin. Ultimately, his crimes were exposed to the world because his most trusted deputy exposed him. Yan Chi knew Qin Wan admired Shen Yi, so he understood her reaction upon learning about Li Muyun. Yet, for some reason, seeing Qin Wan like this, he felt her obsession with Shen Yi's case was excessively heavy.
"He's the Chief Minister now? Why would he leave the capital at this time?" Qin Wan had to grit her teeth to suppress the turbulent emotions in her heart. Yet, in front of Yan Chi, she couldn't show the slightest hint.
Yan Chi's arm around her tightened slightly. He set the booklet aside and wrapped both arms around her.
"At year's end, there might be official business here in Yuzhou. Otherwise, he couldn't leave the capital arbitrarily."
The Court of Judicial Review oversaw all criminal justice in the empire, its authority even higher than the Ministry of Justice. By year's end, major cases and important prisoners from various prefectures had to be sent to the capital for joint review by the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice. For Li Muyun to leave the capital now likely meant some review issue in Yuzhou. Qin Wan nodded. "I see..."
Seeing Qin Wan's heavy tone and an indescribable coldness about her, Yan Chi gently stroked her back. "Did you hear about him exposing Shen Yi's crimes before?"
Since Yan Chi asked this, he was suspicious. Qin Wan lowered her eyes. "Mhm."
Yan Chi sighed softly. "I know you admired Shen Yi. Having read his works, I also cannot believe he lost his impartiality in Prince Jin's case. Rest assured, after returning to the capital, if there's an opportunity, I will look into this matter."
Hearing this, warmth surged in Qin Wan's heart. Others would likely advise her: a case already decided by the Son of Heaven, why should a young girl dwell on it? Moreover, they would tell her: one cannot judge a person by appearance; someone who could write such articles isn't necessarily a truly good person. Yet Yan Chi didn't offer a single word of such advice.
Qin Wan turned to look at Yan Chi. "You think there are doubts about this case?"
Yan Chi brushed her cheek. "No obvious doubts. But I've read his writings and had someone investigate his administrative evaluations and various anecdotes over the years. Only then did I know this man truly deserves the words ‘upright and just.' Moreover, your methods of autopsy and deduction are greatly influenced by him. For that alone, I should look into it."
Qin Wan's lips pressed together; she almost revealed more of her thoughts. Yan Chi's status and position at least made it easier for him to access that case than her, and gave him more authority to speak. But Qin Wan's throat tightened; she couldn't speak, as if saying more would be taking advantage. She took a shallow breath. "I only judged him to be a good official based on his writings. Since this case has already been concluded, if you inquire, it might cause dissatisfaction among others."
"Why would I need you to teach me that?"
Yan Chi cupped her face, turning it toward him. "There's another reason I want to look into this matter... Prince Jin."
Their eyes met. A faint light flickered in Qin Wan's eyes. "Prince Jin?"
Yan Chi nodded. "I've been away from the capital for many years and am indeed somewhat estranged from these cousins. Moreover, you may not know, but inside and outside the palace is a place that can change a person's nature. Those who spend years in the palace, constantly by the monarch's side, can develop different intentions at any time. But Prince Jin... is someone I'm certain hasn't changed."
His gaze grew distant. "His birth mother was a concubine who served His Majesty while he was still a prince. When Prince Jin was born, His Majesty was still just a prince. Although he is the eldest son, he is born of a concubine. Therefore, from birth, he knew he had no chance at the throne and wished to be posted away early. His situation is similar to Imperial Uncle Yu's. With such thoughts, he never involved himself in court factions all these years. And... why would he, for no reason, plot to harm a consort? Moreover, the Emperor's most favored consort? The crime occurred during a palace banquet; everyone saw Consort Jin die before him. It's too bizarre."
Qin Wan also narrowed her eyes. The favored consort of the inner palace murdered, the culprit wasn't a rival consort but a grown prince. Though not favored, his status as a prince guaranteed a lifetime of glory and wealth. Why would he, for no reason, plot to kill a favored consort? Not only plot the murder but be caught in full view of everyone?
It was a case that shook the capital, an eerie case within the imperial inner court.
An eerie victim, an eerie perpetrator, with no discernible motive.
Qin Wan only regretted not having read the case files for this incident... What was the situation back then?
From the beginning, Father seemed to sense the unusual nature of this case. Previously, he never stopped her from reading case files, but that time he strictly forbade her from inquiring. Qin Wan was obedient. Besides, involving a favored consort and a prince was fundamentally different from cases in the prefectures and counties. She didn't dare act presumptuously...
But later, Father became increasingly silent, his expression more grave. Over the years, Father dealt with many strange and bizarre cases. His opponents included ordinary people with weak bodies but cruel hearts, formidable martial artists and thieves who could kill with every ten steps, and nobles whose power overshadowed the skies. But that was the first time she saw hesitation, despair, and even a hint of fear on Father's face, as if he had a premonition of their family's demise.
"I see. I didn't know this. I only knew Lord Shen never bowed to power. If the perpetrator had been the current Crown Prince, it might be understandable, but it was only Prince Jin. Why would he commit misconduct for Prince Jin..."
Yan Chi brushed Qin Wan's cheek. "What you say is also very reasonable. However, we haven't returned to the capital yet. Don't think about it for now. As for that new Chief Minister, although he was the one who exposed it, his exact role is still unknown. Don't think too much. This journey has been hard on you. Rest well when we reach Yuzhou."
He paused slightly, then added, "What were you going to say earlier? You don't intend to do what?"
The corner of Qin Wan's mouth moved. "I don't intend to pay attention to those esteemed people. Just going to join the excitement will be enough."
Yan Chi chuckled softly. "Why would you pay attention to those people?"
As he spoke, he gently pinched her waist. The moment the words left his lips, he lowered his head, wanting to draw near. Qin Wan leaned back, her face slightly flushed as she tried to evade. But Yan Chi complained, "We haven't spoken more than a few words along this entire journey, and you still dare avoid me?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan ceased her evasion. Yan Chi's kisses fell densely upon her lips. Unlike the urgent, aggressive kisses of previous days, even after several days without intimacy, he remained unhurried. Qin Wan felt her tense body gradually soften under his gentleness, the suppressed pain in her heart easing somewhat. Only when she was breathless from his kisses did Yan Chi stop. His thumb stroked her lips, collecting a shimmering dampness. Qin Wan's face flushed instantly.
Yan Chi then held Qin Wan, pressing her head against his chest.
Qin Wan slowly closed her eyes, murmuring, "I've been out for a long time..."
She said this, yet didn't move. For some reason, she felt somewhat weary.
"Just say my old injury acted up, and you were applying acupuncture for me."
The excuse was perfect. Qin Wan gave an "Mhm," closed her eyes, and rested quietly against his chest.
The brazier in his room wasn't very strong. Yet, he only wore a thin inner robe. Qin Wan wanted to say something, but feeling the warmth of his body, she held back. After all, he had endured the cold plains of Shuo Xi; his body was like a furnace.
Yan Chi also didn't continue speaking, only gently stroking Qin Wan's back. He looked down at the top of her head, almost surprised at his own gentleness. Before Qin Wan, he had only been gentle and meticulous with his spear.
Now, Qin Wan lacked the sharp, murderous aura of his red-tasseled spear. She was gentle and serene, like a child not yet grown. Yet the way she leaned against him inexplicably made his blood surge, wanting to do something.
But he knew he couldn't do anything now. Tonight's Qin Wan was different after seeing Li Muyun's name.
And her unfinished sentence had been hastily changed.
All this, naturally, was because of Li Muyun's name. Li Muyun... Shen Yi...
Ultimately, it was because of Shen Yi. This former Chief Minister, renowned for his integrity, held such importance in her heart.
Yan Chi understood and his eyes darkened further. Before long, Qin Wan, who had been motionless, suddenly straightened. She decisively moved off his lap. "I must go. This medicine wards off cold. I made quite a bit in Jinzhou. These past few days, seeing you braving the wind and snow, I wanted to give it to you. Wear an extra cloak tomorrow."
Yan Chi calmly released her. "Alright, I'll listen to you."
Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi once more, then turned and left.
Yan Chi remained seated, watching Qin Wan leave before clutching the medicine bottle in his palm.
Early the next morning, when everyone set off, Qin Wan saw Yan Chi wearing an extra dark cloak. The snow hadn't stopped. Yan Chi, in his imposing dark robe with the cloak, mounted his horse, handsome yet carrying an awe-inspiring, noble arrogance that commanded admiration. Even Qin Shuang couldn't help lifting the carriage curtain to glance at him a few more times. Qin Wan also looked a couple of times.
Soon, Qin Shuang looked from Yan Chi to Qin Wan and said, "There's something I'll say that you may not believe..."
Qin Wan didn't know what she was about to say and played along. "What?"
Qin Shuang said seriously, "You two seem quite well-matched."
Qin Wan was about to drink tea; hearing this, she nearly choked and quickly set the cup down.
Though it snowed, since Xiang County was already within Yuzhou territory, the official road Qin Wan's party traveled was broad and smooth. They hurried along and, upon reaching the outskirts of Yuzhou City, the sky wasn't fully dark...
"That's Yuzhou City! Heavens! We've finally arrived!"
Qin Shuang's head nearly poked out the carriage window. Qin Wan also gazed at the distant majestic city walls.
Though Prince Yu hadn't remained in the capital, the late Emperor had treated him very well. Moreover, while Yuzhou City wasn't as prosperous and wealthy as Yuanzhou, it was still the first major strategic town in the west. Thus, even the city gate tower exuded grandeur and majesty!
Qin Shuang was overjoyed when she unexpectedly saw a group of fast horses charging out from the city gates. The leader wore blazing red robes, galloping toward them at breakneck speed. In the blink of an eye, the red-clad figure was before them. Qin Shuang widened her eyes, staring at the elegant figure on horseback, hearing his delighted cry, "Seventh Brother, you've finally arrived!"