The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 153 : Weeping in the Night, Yan Li's Surprise

153: Weeping in the Night, Yan Li's Surprise

Seeing Yan Chi standing by her bed, Qin Wan was stunned for a moment...

No wonder Bai Ying, who usually disliked speaking much, had suddenly latched onto Fuling to discuss medicinal names.

"You..." Qin Wan paused slightly after speaking, instinctively glancing toward the window and door. Meanwhile, Yan Chi had long since heard her return, his deep gaze resting on her.

"Why have you come to stay here?" Yan Chi's tone was subdued.

Qin Wan looked outside several times before finally relaxing. She walked in, letting the door curtain fall. "In broad daylight... how did you get in? If anyone saw..."

Yan Chi's expression was perfectly normal. "Would you prefer I come at night?"

Qin Wan was momentarily stung by his words, inexplicably feeling her face grow warm. She didn't know what she was thinking as her eyes swept over him from head to toe.

Yan Chi, puzzled by her gaze, also looked down at himself. "What is it?"

He was still wearing a deep, ink-black robe today, though not the same one as yesterday. Qin Wan's eyes shifted slightly. "And where is His Highness, the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong, who came with you?"

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "He naturally can't always be with me."

Qin Wan nodded. "Third Brother said the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household has old ties with the Pang family. Also, the Shifang Inn we stayed at that day is theirs. Knowing Third Brother had arrived, they invited us to stay at Clear Radiance Garden."

Hearing Qin Wan's explanation, Yan Chi understood. "When are you departing?"

Hearing this, a shadow crossed Qin Wan's eyes. Clearly, the situation wasn't as she had anticipated. "I'm afraid we'll have to stay another four or five days."

Yan Chi's expression didn't change, but he showed a flicker of surprise. "Why?"

Qin Wan hesitated briefly. "Lord Pang said he would arrange for Third Brother to meet someone."

"Meet whom?" Yan Chi looked at her, asking very naturally.

Qin Wan almost blurted it out, but then remembered the complexities of the court situation and hesitated. It wasn't that she distrusted Yan Chi, but currently, Yan Chi and the Qin family weren't aligned. Moreover, she wasn't the type of person who, just because they had confessed feelings, would cater to Yan Chi's every wish. Also, Lord Pang's arrangement seemed to hold deeper meaning. Though she didn't fully understand the implications, it was better to remain silent.

Seeing Qin Wan hesitate, Yan Chi's brow rose higher. "Even from me you would conceal it?"

Qin Wan met Yan Chi's gaze with candor. "I've already told Your Highness that Third Brother is meeting someone. If Your Highness wishes to know, you can investigate. Merely saying that much is not concealing it from you. It's just that I don't know the exact nature of the connections involved, so I think it's best to stop here."

"What a fine 'stop here,'" Yan Chi murmured, eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Qin Wan's calm, composed demeanor. She handled everything with impeccable discretion. Yet this discretion left him somewhat displeased. It was as if she also kept him at arm's length.

"Young Master Qin wouldn't delay his journey for a mere merchant. The person he's meeting must be a court official. There are many officials with private connections to the Pang family. But the one who could interest Young Master Qin is likely someone who can influence court politics. Young Master Qin has been in the capital for years. If he wanted to see a capital official, he would have met them there already. This time, it must be someone returning from outside to report on their duties, correct?"

Yan Chi spoke with a hint of a smile, yet his tone held a touch of placid detachment.

Qin Wan listened. "See? Your Highness only needs to deduce it. You don't need me to tell you."

Yan Chi nodded. "Salt Transport Commissioner Liu Renli, returning from the south?"

Qin Wan's eyes widened slightly. She had thought Yan Chi would need to investigate after deducing the general direction, but she hadn't expected him to name the man outright. She was genuinely astonished.

Qin Wan's expression was enough to confirm his deduction was correct. Seeing her look of disbelief, Yan Chi said, "Every year, the Shuo Xi army's pay passes through Yuzhou. Sometimes it's drawn directly from tax revenues from the west. The Pang family is a major taxpayer in this western region. Naturally, I'm not unaware of them. Their family doesn't just run inns and taverns; they're also involved in salt transport. This Liu Renli has had connections with him for a long time. Moreover, Liu Renli hasn't returned to the capital for three years. His position as Salt Transport Commissioner for the Two Lakes is exactly what the Crown Prince urgently needs to win over right now."

Qin Wan closed her slightly parted lips. Yan Chi truly surprised her.

Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan for another moment, then suddenly took two steps closer. Seeing Qin Wan still looking at him with her clear, dark eyes, Yan Chi hooked an arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace. "Do you still have reservations about me?"

Qin Wan blinked. "Hmm... I wouldn't say reservations..."

The corner of Yan Chi's mouth curved, but his smile was cool and profound. "Then you think I'll oppose the Qin family?"

Qin Wan blinked again. "Hmm... not that either..."

Yan Chi raised a hand to stroke her cheek, finding it quite cool. He stroked it a few more times. "Now that you're returning to the Qin household, I naturally wouldn't think of putting the Qin family in a difficult position. The fact that I can find out myself is one thing. You telling me is another matter entirely. You tell half and conceal half. Isn't that guarding against me?"

Qin Wan pondered for a moment. "Even if I said not a single word, Your Highness would still find out upon returning."

"Your Highness?" Yan Chi pinched her waist. "That's not the same."

Qin Wan met Yan Chi's gaze, which held a trace of reproach, and sighed. "These are all court matters. I haven't yet grasped the full situation. How would I know what should or shouldn't be said? Besides, I don't want to affect you or the Qin family by saying things I'm unsure of or don't understand. Or rather, I don't want to get involved..."

Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan deeply for a moment. "But the Marquis household is already involved."

"Court matters are still somewhat remote to me. The Marquis household is the Marquis household. I haven't even returned to the capital yet."

Yan Chi gazed at her intently. "You dislike the scheming and conspiracies inside and outside the court?"

Qin Wan tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "It's not that I dislike it. Once I return to the capital and truly see the Marquis household's stance and the conflicts there, I naturally won't be able to avoid it. It's just that, at the moment, I truly don't know what Third Brother intends to discuss with that Lord Liu."

Yan Chi smoothed the dark hair over her shoulder. "That's fine..."

As he spoke, he wrapped his arms around her, cloak and all, holding her tightly. "I left someone behind yesterday. Later, I found out you went to Shifang Inn. But when I went to Shifang Inn today, you weren't there. After some inquiries, I found you'd come here."

A slight ripple stirred in Qin Wan's heart. "Even if you hadn't come, we could have seen each other at the birthday banquet tomorrow."

Yan Chi tightened his embrace. "How is that the same?"

Qin Wan also felt it wasn't the same, but she didn't say so. A hint of severity appeared in Yan Chi's eyes. Qin Wan didn't shy away or get angry at his thoughts, but her attitude truly didn't meet his expectations.

"If anyone saw…" Qin Wan said softly.

Yan Chi replied, "It's only your maidservant..."

Before the words fully left his mouth, the sound of footsteps and voices approached.

"Sister Fuling! Don't go yet!"

Bai Ying's voice was extremely loud, almost a shouted warning. In all this time, Qin Wan had never heard her speak so loudly. Soon, Fuling's footsteps and voice drew closer. "Young Miss has been quiet for so long. I'm going to check on her."

The door curtain was lifted. Fuling looked up to see Qin Wan sitting by the bed, still wearing her cloak. At the same time, the rear window was somehow open. Fuling couldn't help saying, "Young Miss, what are you daydreaming about? Why is the window open?"

Fuling walked over to the back. With a *click*, she firmly locked the window from the inside.

Turning around, she saw Qin Wan staring at the window as if wanting to say something but holding back. Fuling looked back. "Young Miss, you mustn't catch a chill. This room isn't warm enough as it is. This servant was thinking of adding another charcoal brazier tonight."

Currently, this room and the warm antechamber each had a charcoal brazier. But with the window open, the room wasn't particularly warm.

Hearing this, Qin Wan shook her head, seeming to snap back to herself as she stood up and took off her cloak.

"It's nothing. I'm just a little tired from walking. And I was thinking about that little young master earlier."

Hearing this, Fuling smiled. "That little young master is just a bit mischievous. It's fine. He's probably back by now. Young Miss, don't overthink it. Bai Ying is actually looking at those medicinal names. Would Young Miss like to go explain them to her too?"

Fuling felt Qin Wan's state was a bit strange and momentarily didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone. Hearing her say this, Qin Wan instinctively glanced at the rear window and stood up. "Alright, let's go."

After the master and servant left for a moment, there seemed to be the sound of cloth rustling in the wind outside the rear window. But it lasted only an instant. Soon, only the faint, rustling sound of falling snow remained.

They had arrived at Clear Radiance Garden rather late, and Pang Fuliang's conversation with Qin Yan seemed to have taken quite some time. By the time Qin Yan returned, it was already past the hour of You. Seeing the sky darkening, Qin Yan declined the Pang family's invitation for another evening banquet, simply asking for dinner to be sent over. After the meal, the siblings each returned to their rooms.

Qin Xiang, who was to be left behind at the residence the next day, was extremely displeased. She threw another tantrum before finally settling down to sleep. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang retired early. Though the birthday banquet didn't require an extremely early arrival, staying at someone else's home meant it wasn't good to sleep in.

That night, Qin Wan slept in the north wing, while Fuling slept with Bai Ying. As soon as Qin Wan lay down, she thought of Yan Chi's hurried visit earlier. At the time, she hadn't had a chance to ask. Or perhaps, she felt that asking would be akin to declaring some sort of proprietorship, so she hadn't wanted to ask. But now, her heart felt somewhat unsettled. Qin Wan naturally trusted Yan Chi's character. He was loyal, responsible, and thorough and steady in his actions. These were all excellent qualities. But Qin Wan didn't know about his other aspects. For instance, his views on love, on women.

That Heir Apparent of Prince Gong was a character who could find entertainment anywhere in the capital. Coming to Yuzhou, he was likely even less restrained. When he and Yan Chi were together, did Yan Chi drag him off for training and military drills, or did he drag Yan Chi off to carouse and indulge?

Qin Wan didn't need to think to know the answer was definitely the latter. In this world, how many men were devoted? Even if they had only one wife at home, they could enjoy all the privileges their status and position brought, including power, wealth, territory, and naturally, women. Taking a step back, even if one had firm principles, there were times for pretense. Even if one couldn't be bothered, satisfying needs seemed a legitimate reason.

The more Qin Wan thought, the less calm her heart became. Her understanding of Yan Chi was truly insufficient.

And here she was, tossing and turning, while Yan Chi was likely embracing a beauty. Qin Wan frowned deeply. Agonizing. Truly agonizing!

Qin Wan gave a soft, internal huff. She took a few deep breaths to expel the knot of irritation in her chest. She knew she was losing some of her composure, but if she wanted to calm down, a few deep breaths were all it took.

Qin Wan took several long, steady breaths. Indeed, the anxiety in her heart lessened considerably. However, just as she resolved to cast aside these troubling thoughts and sleep, a faint, distant chanting suddenly sounded.

The wind and snow outside the window seemed to have eased. A woman's distant chanting was slowly carried over by the night breeze. If it were daytime, it would be one thing. But now, it was almost past Zi hour. Listening to this chant, Qin Wan felt inexplicably creeped out. Besides, who would be humming and singing in the courtyard at this hour of the night?!

Thinking this, Qin Wan suddenly frowned. No, actually, someone could be.

The Shuangqing Troupe was staying in this courtyard!

That made perfect sense. Qin Wan held her breath, listening for a while, but couldn't identify which opera this humming tune belonged to. Just as she concentrated, preparing to listen more carefully to discern it, the woman's humming suddenly changed tune. The earlier melodious, lingering melody suddenly turned low and sinister, even increasingly unsteady, as if the person humming was beginning to convulse. Qin Wan felt a chill run down her spine... On a cold, snowy night like this, who was intentionally trying to scare people?

Qin Wan had been sleepless to begin with. Hearing this sound, any drowsiness vanished entirely. After listening for a few more moments, she only heard the tune grow lower and lower, sounding more and more like a woman weeping softly. Qin Wan, feeling somewhat startled, was about to get up when, of all times, the wind suddenly rose with a howl. The woman's weeping, covered by the wind, became increasingly inaudible, only occasionally hearing a faint sob. Qin Wan felt a creeping sense of dread. By now, she was certain it absolutely wasn't someone from the Shuangqing Troupe practicing. But she couldn't understand who in this luxurious courtyard would be acting crazy in the middle of the night...

A sense of unease grew in Qin Wan's heart. However, the wind outside grew stronger and stronger, eventually completely drowning out the woman's sobs. Qin Wan clutched the quilt, pulling it tighter around herself. Staying in a completely new, strange place, even someone as steady-hearted as Qin Wan felt somewhat puzzled and tense at that moment. But on such a night, she absolutely wouldn't get up to investigate. So she could only take more deep breaths to calm herself. After this incident, Qin Wan naturally tossed and turned for quite some time before finally falling asleep.

Early the next morning, Qin Wan was awakened by Fuling's footsteps. Pushing aside the bed curtains to look out, she saw Fuling arranging the dress she would wear today. Qin Wan immediately sat up, supporting herself on the bed.

Fuling turned to look. "Young Miss is awake? Is this set acceptable for today?"

Qin Wan glanced casually and gave an "Mm" of agreement. She sat there somewhat dazed, as if not fully awake.

However, Qin Wan was only recalling the woman's chanting she heard last night...

"Did you hear someone singing from the back last night?"

Fuling turned back. "Singing? Didn't we go to sleep early?"

"It was after we went to sleep. A woman. It sounded like she was singing, then started crying."

Fuling hugged her arms. "Young Miss, are you trying to scare me? I was asleep. I didn't hear anything."

Qin Wan frowned slightly, got out of bed, and changed clothes. After washing up, she went to Bai Ying's room and asked her the exact same question she'd asked Fuling. Bai Ying knew martial arts, so presumably her hearing was even better than Qin Wan's. If Qin Wan could hear it, Bai Ying should be able to as well.

However, after she finished asking, Bai Ying looked at her with a confused expression. "Crying? This servant didn't hear that. This servant fell asleep very early last night. What's wrong? Does Young Miss think something is amiss?"

Qin Wan hesitated a moment, then shook her head. Even if Bai Ying had good hearing, she had been asleep. Moreover, she was in the south wing, separated by a room in between. And the crying had come from the north. Qin Wan even considered asking Qin Xiang, but after a moment's thought, decided against it.

At half past the Si hour, Qin Yan came to get them ready to depart. Since Qin Xiang was being left behind, she didn't even come out of her room.

Qin Yan didn't ask further, simply leading Qin Shuang and Qin Wan outside. After walking a few steps, Qin Yan looked back at Qin Shuang, then his gaze fell on Qin Wan. After a moment, he nodded. "Suitable."

Qin Shuang glanced at Qin Wan and gave a soft, disgruntled huff, muttering under her breath, "Dressing so beautifully for what..."

Both Qin Wan and Fuling heard her. The two of them smiled slightly but said nothing. Qin Shuang still had her little temperamental moments, but it was a world of difference from before. Neither Fuling nor Qin Wan would take it to heart.

Following the gallery within the residence to the main gate of Clear Radiance Garden, they looked up to see Pang Fuliang standing at the entrance with his three sons.

Pang Fuliang, Pang Yiwen, and Pang Yiwu each had a personal attendant. Pang Jiayan stood beside Qing Niang. The moment Qin Wan turned the corner, several gazes swept over her. Naturally, two of those gazes lingered longer.

"Lord Pang, we've kept you waiting. Shall we depart now?"

The man standing beside Pang Fuliang was the Clear Radiance Garden steward Pang Youde, whom Qin Wan had seen earlier. Pang Youde stepped forward with a smile. "Young Master, no need to rush. It's just one street over. From here, turn the corner and go straight, and we'll arrive."

Qin Yan nodded. Pang Fuliang then took Pang Jiayan's hand and walked toward the carriages.

Qin Wan glanced over and saw Pang Jiayan was still holding that exquisite little carriage. The carriage wheels were very finely made, trembling and turning as Pang Jiayan walked. Perhaps that was what held Pang Jiayan's attention.

The Qin household only used two carriages today. Naturally, Qin Wan shared one with Qin Shuang.

Once in the carriage, Qin Shuang straightened her skirts. "Later, I'll definitely stay far away from you."

Fuling couldn't help a small laugh. "Sixth Young Miss, you must keep your word..."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang's eyes widened. Since leaving Jinzhou, she had indeed stuck close to Qin Wan, especially when arriving at an unfamiliar place. And the Prince Yu's residence they were about to go to was not only a place she'd never been, but she also felt somewhat nervous about it. Though her mouth said one thing, in her heart she planned to stick close to Qin Wan and just do whatever Qin Wan did.

"Hmph, you and your maid always bully me."

"Older Sister is the elder sister. How would a younger sister dare bully an elder sister? Later, at the prince's residence, I'll rely on Elder Sister to look after me."

Qin Wan spoke kindly and pleasantly. Qin Shuang gave another soft "hmph."

The carriage moved slowly in the direction Pang Youde had indicated. Just after leaving the street where Clear Radiance Garden was located, the atmosphere outside suddenly changed. This residential area was usually quiet, but now Qin Wan could hear the sounds of many carriages and horses.

Qin Shuang couldn't resist lifting the carriage curtain to look. She saw carriage after carriage, all heading toward Prince Yu's residence.

"What a grand procession. Even bigger than when the Heir Apparent of Anyang Marquis got married."

Yue Jia's wedding had already broadened Qin Shuang's horizons, but she hadn't expected even more people this time...

"The Marquis household is, after all, only a Marquis household. This Prince Yu is the current Emperor's own brother, and it's his fiftieth birthday. Naturally, it's different," Qin Wan explained softly. Qin Shuang, peeking through the slit in the curtain, nodded repeatedly.

Because of the crowd, the carriages moved even slower. However, the distance wasn't far. After the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, they arrived before Prince Yu's residence. The carriage had just stopped when Qin Yan's voice sounded. "Sixth Cousin, Ninth Cousin, come down. We've arrived."

Listening to the lively sounds outside, Qin Shuang nudged Qin Wan's arm. "You go down first."

Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. She smoothed her skirts and bent to step out. Fuling hopped down first, then lifted the carriage curtain. As soon as the curtain was raised, the commotion outside became even clearer to Qin Wan's ears. Qin Wan's gaze swept around. The carriage was stopped before the tall, imposing gate of Prince Yu's residence. Several carriages were already parked outside. At the residence's entrance, servants and attendants, along with the hosts who had come to greet guests, stood in a group of over ten people, speaking with the arriving distinguished guests one by one. Some guests, perhaps familiar with the hosts, would stand at the entrance exchanging pleasantries. As a result, at that moment, outside Prince Yu's residence, there were dozens of people. Those who had just alighted from carriages, those currently speaking, those exchanging greetings. Qin Wan took in the scene at a glance, then stepped out with composure.

"Eh, whose Young Miss is that!"

Someone in the crowd spoke, their voice neither too loud nor too soft. It wasn't particularly rude, but it was just enough for everyone to hear. Immediately, all eyes followed the speaker's gaze, landing on Qin Wan, who had just stepped down from the carriage. For a moment, the noisy, bustling entrance of the prince's residence fell silent.

Today, the wind and snow had ceased. Though there was no sun in the sky, it was a clear, azure expanse. Qin Wan wore a misty blue padded jacket and skirt embroidered with a pattern of lilies and intertwining branches. Her dark hair was styled in a medium-height Wanyue bun, adorned only with a single white jade hairpin. Over this, she wore a long, lake-blue cloak embroidered with a subtle pattern of wind-blown lotuses. The cloak's collar was trimmed with white fox fur, which beautifully framed Qin Wan's unpainted face, making her features appear especially picturesque.

Her skin was like congealed cream; her eyebrows arched elegantly, her eyes star-bright. Beyond her exquisite features, what truly captivated was her composed, serene, and elegant bearing. From stepping down from the carriage to walking to Qin Yan's side was only five or six steps, but the noble grace in her movements surpassed that of any other noble Young Miss present. A gentle breeze caused the hem of her skirt to flutter lightly. For a moment, she seemed ethereal, like a celestial being, exquisitely dignified to the extreme, yet also vibrant and transcendent to the utmost.

Qin Shuang suddenly regretted letting Qin Wan go first. If she had stepped down first, she might still have drawn some attention. But now she was the second to descend. Those gazes remained fixed on Qin Wan, not moving an inch. If they did shift, they only flickered briefly before returning. Qin Shuang gave two soft "hmphs," reluctantly standing beside Qin Wan.

Qin Yan also noticed the reactions of those around them. He took two steps over, subtly shielding Qin Wan, then said in a low voice, "Once we're inside, stay with me and don't wander off. Many people are here today. It wouldn't be good to get separated."

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang both assented. Pang Yiwen also walked over. "Indeed, Cousins must stay close to us. With so many people here, everyone is looking at you two."

Though he said this, his eyes were fixed only on Qin Wan. Qin Shuang gave another internal huff, momentarily directing her irritation toward Pang Yiwen. However, she didn't dare show it, only mentally noting it against him.

Qin Wan gave a slight nod, not meeting Pang Yiwen's gaze. At that moment, Pang Fuliang, leading Pang Jiayan by the hand, walked over. "Let's go. We'll enter together. His Highness must be receiving guests right now. Let's go pay our respects first."

Qin Yan agreed. He courteously motioned for Pang Fuliang to go first, then led Qin Wan and the other two to follow behind. Pang Yiwen and Pang Yiwu brought up the rear. Just as they reached the entrance, two men came forward to greet them. A steady-looking young man in his twenties led the way, stepping forward and saying, "Lord Pang."

Pang Fuliang, being in Yuzhou, naturally had personal connections with Prince Yu's residence. Pang Fuliang smiled warmly and cupped his hands. "Greetings to Your Highness, the Heir Apparent..." He then turned to look at Qin Yan. "This is the heir apparent of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis household, Young Master Qin Yan."

Yan Zhi appeared to be in his late twenties, a few years older than Qin Yan. Because Prince Yu had been assigned to his fiefdom early, Yan Zhi had grown up in Yuzhou and thus wasn't familiar with the capital's young noblemen. However, hearing it was the Loyal and Valiant Marquis household, Yan Zhi still warmly exchanged pleasantries with Qin Yan. The two exchanged greetings. Qin Yan then introduced Qin Wan and the other. Yan Zhi looked at Qin Wan a moment longer before instructing attendants to escort them inside first.

Passing through the residence gates, they encountered another scene befitting a prince's residence.

Though Clear Radiance Garden was also a former prince's residence, it excelled in exquisite scenery. Prince Yu's residence, however, was no different from the great mansions of the capital, only more expansive and imposing. Not only were the buildings within tall, but the halls were also exceptionally broad. At a glance, apart from the imperial nobility, there was also a hint of the bold, fierce atmosphere unique to the northwest.

The guiding servant led the Pang and Qin party straight into the front courtyard. After walking a few steps, Qin Wan saw a dazzling display of luxurious silks and elaborate hairstyles. As the Great Zhou's customs regarding separation of men and women weren't strict, beside the men conversing in the front courtyard, one could also see some richly dressed ladies. From time to time, one could also see young ladies like Qin Wan.

Though Qin Wan's peripheral vision took in her surroundings, to others, she appeared only dignified and graceful, with extraordinary bearing. Seeing Qin Wan like this, Qin Shuang also straightened her back as she walked. Though this posture was quite uncomfortable, she could only grit her teeth and bear it.

"Lord Pang, Young Master Qin, His Highness is inside."

With these words, the attendant servant stopped. Because new guests had arrived, the guests scattered in twos and threes around the courtyard looked over. At this sight, the same scene as before occurred. Qin Shuang felt wave after wave of admiring gazes directed at her... or rather, at the person beside her. Qin Shuang glanced at Qin Wan, only to find her composure and calmness so impressive that even she couldn't help but admire it.

"Your Highness, Lord Pang and the heir apparent of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis household have arrived, along with two young misses of the Qin household."

The steward-like man at the door announced loudly. Though his words were simple, they held some nuance. Upon hearing this, Prince Yu inside would immediately understand that Qin Wan and the other were not from the main Marquis household...

Prince Yu, Yan Yan, was over fifty. His once dark hair was already streaked with white. Perhaps due to poor health, his steps seemed somewhat unsteady. Though dressed in magnificent robes, he lacked the elegant bearing of his younger years. If not for a servant supporting him, he looked as if he might topple over at any moment. Qin Wan, stepping into the reception hall, needed only one glance to see that this Prince Yu also suffered from a severe wind ailment.

"How dare we trouble Your Highness to welcome us personally... We pay our respects to Your Highness."

Prince Yu, being of imperial prince status, naturally deserved the kneeling salutations of all present. Qin Wan followed Qin Yan in performing the formal greeting. Then she heard Qin Yan speak loudly, "I, Qin Yan, your junior, have come on my father's behalf to offer birthday congratulations to Your Highness. I wish Your Highness boundless happiness and longevity like the Eastern Sea and the Southern Mountains."

Yan Yan's eyesight seemed poor. He squinted, looking at Qin Yan for a few moments before nodding. "Good, good, good. Rise quickly. I used to hold you when you were a child. The last time I saw you, you were only about this tall..."

He gestured to about his waist height, then smiled again. "In the blink of an eye, you're already of an age to establish a household and career."

Then he asked another question. "Are you married?"

Qin Yan lowered his gaze slightly. "Not yet."

Prince Yu took Qin Yan's hand. "It's best to marry early. Look at Zhi'er. His son is already about the same age as the Pang family's Third Young Master."

Pang Fuliang, standing beside them, chimed in with a few teasing remarks. Qin Yan smiled wryly, nodding repeatedly.

Turning his gaze, Prince Yu looked at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. "And these two young ladies, are they also not yet betrothed?"

Qin Yan felt slightly awkward. "Not yet..."

Prince Yu then spoke earnestly. "You must find good families for them. These two nieces look to have good appearances and character. You must search carefully..."

Qin Yan repeatedly assented. Because new guests had arrived, Prince Yu finally released Qin Yan. Qin Yan breathed a sigh of relief. As they exited, he said to Pang Fuliang, "The old prince is truly amiable."

Pang Fuliang smiled. "He's grown accustomed to a leisurely princely life."

These words were ordinary, but the way Pang Fuliang said them made Qin Wan, following behind, feel somewhat uncomfortable. Besides the shrewdness inherent to a merchant, there seemed to be some calculation in his words. Qin Wan suddenly wondered, did Pang Fuliang want his sons to enter officialdom? Thinking this, Qin Wan glanced at Pang Fuliang. This glance revealed that Pang Fuliang's seemingly proper, measured walking posture had a slight, almost imperceptible limp. In her memory, Pang Fuliang had always walked slowly and steadily.

Qin Wan shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it for now.

"Alright, the birthday banquet won't start for another hour or so. Let's find a place to sit. I'll also introduce you to a few local officials from Yuzhou. I imagine you know the Prefect of Yuzhou..."

Pang Fuliang spoke as he walked. For Qin Yan, such an arrangement was naturally excellent. Since he had come, he couldn't return empty-handed. And Yuzhou wasn't too far from the capital. Making more connections could always prove useful later.

But after taking just two steps, Qin Yan paused again. If he left, what about Qin Wan and the other?

Moreover, the people Pang Fuliang was taking him to meet now were undoubtedly men. If Qin Wan and the other followed, not only would they feel out of place, but others, including himself, would also find it difficult to converse freely. Pang Fuliang seemed to sense his concern and said, "Yiwu, you take your Third Brother and escort the two young ladies to the flower hall in the west. The ladies are likely all arranged there."

It seemed Pang Fuliang wanted Pang Yiwen to meet people today, so he instructed Pang Yiwu.

Hearing this, Pang Yiwu immediately assented. But compared to Pang Yiwen, he seemed somewhat hesitant to look at Qin Wan and the other.

"Young misses, this way, please. Qing Niang, carry Third Brother and come along."

...

...

On the third floor of the Moon-Gazing Tower on the west side of the prince's residence, Yan Chi stood by the window looking down.

Across the lake from the Moon-Gazing Tower, the flower hall was currently a bustling sea of heads. The colorful, luxurious robes and the various elaborate, flamboyant adornments made Yan Chi somewhat irritable. However, the person he was waiting for hadn't arrived yet.

Behind him, Yan Li, still in his eye-catching red robe, walked to the window. He pushed the half-closed window open wider. Instantly, Yan Li exclaimed exaggeratedly, "Oh, my Seventh Brother! I never would have guessed you liked watching this sort of thing... I didn't think of this spot, but you did... Seventh Brother, oh Seventh Brother, are you planning to pick a Seventh Sister-in-law today?"

Yan Chi hadn't spoken yet. Yan Li, after smoothing his dark hair, shook his head. "No, no. The looks of these women are just too ordinary. Even with ten more layers of powder, they couldn't save their plainness. And that petty, narrow-minded air. Why wear so many ornaments? Gold ones at that. Vulgar. Truly vulgar beyond endurance... Look, there are even some peeking over here..."

Yan Li wore an expression of utter disdain, then suddenly changed his expression. "They can't compare to my Hua Tong."

Mentioning Hua Tong, Yan Li lifted his chin slightly, looking at Yan Chi. "Seventh Brother, really... I wanted you to experience Hua Tong's talents, but you insisted on staying in this residence. How did you endure being interrogated by Uncle Prince Yu for an hour last night?"

As if remembering something, Yan Li turned and sat on the windowsill, imitating Yan Yan with a smile. "Seventh Brother, now that you've finally returned from the battlefield, don't go back. Settle down, take a wife, have a few children. In the future, don't let your children go to war either. Your father is stubborn. I see you're a good boy, Seventh Brother. When are you planning to marry? Have you taken a liking to any Young Miss? Out west, you probably don't see many good ones, right? Should Uncle help you plan something..."

Yan Li's imitation was vivid, but Yan Chi didn't even blink. This made Yan Li's energetic performance instantly meaningless. But suddenly, he saw a light spark in Yan Chi's eyes...

"Seventh Brother."

Before the words finished, he saw Yan Chi push the window open even wider. Yan Li had been sitting with his back to the outside. With the window half closed, it was fine. Now pushed fully open, Yan Li felt a cold draft at his back, as if he might fall. He immediately jumped down. As his feet touched the ground, he followed Yan Chi's gaze. At the sight, Yan Li let out a soft "Ah."

"That... that... isn't that the Qin family's Young Miss?"

Yan Li's gaze fell on Qin Wan. Though far away, it was nothing to him and Yan Chi.

"Her attire is different today. Her bearing seems even more captivating than the other day. In this hall full of people, she's squeezed into the farthest corner, yet she's the most striking. The one Qin Yan went to fetch is his uncle's daughter, right? From a place like Jinzhou, could it raise such a Young Miss?" Yan Li spoke slowly, a flicker of interest appearing in the upturned corners of his eyes.

"Interesting. If this girl returns to the capital, it would be…"

Before the word "remarkable" could leave his mouth, Yan Li, turning his head, saw Yan Chi's expression. He paused slightly, looking from Yan Chi to Qin Wan, from Qin Wan to Yan Chi. After a long moment, "Seventh Brother, tell me the truth. The reason you delayed so long in Jinzhou, delayed on the road... is it because of her..."

The corners of Yan Chi's mouth were pressed together. Though no smile touched his face, Yan Li sensed his mood was rather good.

Yan Li's mouth hung open for a moment. He felt he didn't need Yan Chi's answer to know.

And Yan Li seemed stunned, his gaze shifting between Yan Chi and Qin Wan, unable to utter any other teasing remarks for a long while. But soon, Yan Li saw Yan Chi's eyes darken. Yan Li hurriedly focused his gaze on Qin Wan, only to see that a man in a lake-green robe had suddenly appeared beside Qin Wan...

Yan Li's brow furrowed. "Who is that turtle-green clad man?!"