Chapter 066: Seizing the Initiative, Plotting Marriage Arrangements

Imperial Palace. The Imperial Study.

The trouble caused by the Huo family was indeed not pursued deeply by the Emperor. He simply summoned the parties involved to listen together as Huo Wenshan delivered his impassioned confession and plea for forgiveness. Afterward, he ordered the slave brought in by Huo Wenshan to be dealt with according to the law, and considered the matter closed.

Although Consort Xian of Zhao was indignant, she understood that if the affair were to escalate, it would be her daughter who suffered most. Thus, even as her eyes seemed ready to bore holes through the members of the Huo family, she gripped her sleeves tightly and held her tongue.

Once Huo Wenshan and his children had departed, the Emperor finally exhaled a long breath, leaning back into his broad dragon throne.

He glanced first at Princess Lin’an, who sat below with reddened eyes.

"Your Ma—" Consort Xian began, but the Emperor had already shifted his gaze, turning abruptly to the Crown Prince, Xiao Yun, seated to his left. "Crown Prince!"

Her words were cut off. At once, all eyes turned to Xiao Yun.

Since entering the study, Xiao Yun had remained silent, his expression cold and detached, unmoved by Huo Wenshan’s theatrical performance. Now, hearing his father address him, he gathered his robe and rose, bowing deeply. "Father!"

The Emperor's lips curved in a faint smile as he raised his chin. "What are your thoughts regarding today’s incident with the Huo family?"

His tone was not stern; it sounded almost like a casual conversation between father and son. Yet, the very words carried an undeniable weight.

Consort Xian didn’t understand why the Emperor suddenly turned to discuss the matter with the Crown Prince, and she looked on anxiously.

On the other hand, Empress Jiang, seated to the Emperor’s right, remained calm and composed, lowering her gaze as she sipped her tea.

All evening, Xiao Yun had suppressed his anger. He wished to ignore the whole affair, but with his father questioning him, he could not avoid responding. With utmost respect, he replied, "Though Father holds no bias, you are, after all, a compassionate parent. To preserve my royal sister’s reputation, it is indeed unwise to pursue this matter further with great fanfare."

Huo Wenshan’s act of bringing a servant to take the blame was as plain as day—no one could believe such a transparent ruse. A family as prominent as the Huo’s, with such rigorous order in managing their vast estate, could hardly be so lax as to allow a mere servant to create a scandal that reached the inner courts of the palace.

When the Emperor first heard that Huo Wenshan was bringing a servant to confess, he had been amused despite himself—

What had possessed the old man to attempt such a feeble trick right in front of him?

Still, as long as he wished to protect Princess Lin’an, he was bound to accept the pretense. But did Huo Wenshan really think he would be grateful for the opportunity?

Xiao Yun had witnessed the entire affair and knew far more than the Emperor. Even so, his words were measured; though he was deeply disgusted by the Huo family, he was still too proud to admit it openly.

"Mmm. As long as you see clearly, that’s enough." The Emperor found this answer satisfactory, nodding in approval before sighing and changing the subject. "The Grand Preceptor—I chose him for you, and that was my error. I admired his essays on governance but failed to have him properly vetted. I nearly led you astray. This was my oversight…"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yun immediately knelt. "Father, your words are too heavy. You would make your son fearful!"

The Empress, too, was startled. She set down her teacup and rose. "Yes, Your Majesty, Huo Wenshan’s character was not something you could have foreseen…"

The Emperor raised a hand to silence her and continued, directing his words to Xiao Yun, "But it is just as well. Let this serve as a lesson. In the future, be more discerning in judging people and events. Do not repeat my mistakes."

Having confessed his own failing, Xiao Yun dared not contradict him further and hastily promised, "Your son will remember your teachings!"

"Rise." The Emperor gestured, then shot a sidelong glance at Tao Renzhi standing behind him. "I recall Huo Wenshan has a son serving outside the capital?"

"Yes," Tao Renzhi replied. After the late Emperor's death, he had remained as chief steward under the new ruler by virtue of his ability. He stepped forward to answer, "Master Huo’s second son passed the imperial examinations two years ago, though only at the bottom of the third class. With some assistance from Master Huo, he received an outside appointment and now serves as a provincial judge in Ganzhou. The Huo Changyu who entered the palace today is his third son, who passed the county-level exams two years ago and just sat for this year’s spring examination. If I recall, he placed in the second class… around twentieth. Both sons are by concubines; Master Huo’s legitimate wife was of frail health and only bore him a son two years ago."

The Emperor nodded slightly. "Tomorrow, inform the Minister of Appointments. This Huo—"

"Huo Changyu," Tao Renzhi prompted.

"Yes." The Emperor inclined his head. "Strike his name from the roster for the palace examination. He will not be seen by me, and in future examinations, he is never to be admitted. As for the one serving outside, have him investigated. If there is no fault, let it be. But if he is found wanting, deal with him as the law requires."

How foolish must Huo Wenshan be to think that, simply because the Emperor accepted his pretense for the sake of appearances, the Huo family would escape unscathed?

"Yes," Tao Renzhi replied respectfully and withdrew to a distance.

Hearing this, Consort Xian felt somewhat appeased at last. Together with Princess Lin’an, she rose to thank the Emperor. "This concubine/your daughter thanks Your Majesty/Father!"

The Emperor smiled. "I am merely standing up for my own daughter. There’s no need for thanks. Rise."

The Empress glanced at the water clock outside; it was already the second watch of the night. She suggested dispersing, "Your Majesty, it is late. Since the matter is settled, perhaps we should all take our leave. As for rewards and punishments, when you are rested tomorrow, I will report to you then?"

The Emperor’s health was not robust, and today’s festivities had tired him greatly. He was about to agree when Consort Xian, who had just risen, suddenly blurted out anxiously, "Your Majesty, Empress, there is another matter I must discuss with you urgently."

The Empress frowned, displeased. "Consort Xian, tonight—"

But before she could finish, Consort Xian stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I know you are weary and should not be burdened further, but this matter cannot wait. Today, Lin’an suffered such distress. Though your fatherly love has shielded her, her reputation has inevitably been tarnished."

Her words were carefully chosen, her eyes constantly gauging the Emperor’s reaction.

The Empress, caught in the middle, saw the Emperor lean back with an unhurried air and decided not to press further.

Consort Xian, seeing the Emperor unresponsive, refused to give up and forced a worried expression, continuing, "Lin’an has come of age. Had it not been for today’s incident, there would be no harm in waiting a few more years. But now, if rumors were to spread, her prospects for marriage would be affected. In my view, to avoid trouble, it would be best for Your Majesty to settle her marriage as soon as possible."

That very night, after such a storm, before anyone had recovered, her own mother was already petitioning for her marriage?

Princess Lin’an was startled, grabbing her mother’s sleeve and whispering, "Mother…"

But Consort Xian brushed her hand aside, unmoved.

She would not have acted so hastily had she not been provoked by Li Xun’er’s behavior earlier that evening.

The Marquis of Dingyuan’s heir, Wu Qinglin, even without tonight’s events, was already an excellent match for her daughter given his family background and character. The mother and daughter from Qingyang were not to be underestimated. Consort Xian, truly fearing delays, could not wait even another night before bringing the matter to the Emperor.

The Emperor narrowed his eyes, glancing at Princess Lin’an. "Her marriage can indeed be settled now. But—have you a candidate in mind?"

Princess Lin’an, not understanding her mother’s urgency, was anxious but did not dare protest publicly. Her face flushed with embarrassment.

Consort Xian’s expression brightened as she smiled. "The Marquis of Dingyuan’s heir, Wu Qinglin. What does Your Majesty think?"

This pronouncement shocked not only Princess Lin’an, but also the Emperor, the Empress, and the Crown Prince.

Xiao Yun was the first to frown.

The Empress blurted out, "Why him…"

There was nothing improper about choosing Wu Qinglin, but the suddenness of the proposal, without the slightest hint beforehand, was startling.

Consort Xian explained, "Tonight, when Lin’an was trapped in the fire, Wu Qinglin risked his life to save her. That’s a fine opportunity. I had already been considering her marriage, and now the perfect candidate has appeared. He is a most suitable match, and after tonight’s events, they have already shared some intimacy…"

She turned to her daughter. "Lin’an, what do you think?"

At first, Princess Lin’an thought her mother only wished to marry her off hastily to cover the scandal. But upon hearing Wu Qinglin’s name, she couldn’t help blushing, unable to respond.

Consort Xian, pleased with her own initiative, assumed the matter was settled.

Though the Empress thought the proposal abrupt, she found no fault with marrying Princess Lin’an to Wu Qinglin. Yet the Emperor’s silence troubled her, and she turned to observe him.

The Emperor’s expression was calm, betraying little, his fingers tapping lightly on the throne’s armrest.

Xiao Yun, however, was displeased, frowning, "Marriage is not just a family affair. Consort Mother, you haven’t even asked the Wu family or Wu Qinglin himself. It’s not good for my royal sister’s reputation to be so hasty!"

Consort Xian, having set her sights on the ideal son-in-law, ignored his objections. "Marriage should first be discussed among ourselves. If His Majesty agrees, I will invite the Dowager Marchioness of Wu to the palace tomorrow to settle the matter."

Xiao Yun couldn’t say why, but ever since the Emperor had brought up marrying Wu Tan to him, any mention of that troublesome girl’s connection with his family made him uncomfortable. In his mind, Princess Lin’an must not wed Wu Qinglin.

But as Crown Prince, he had no authority over his sister’s marriage. He could only fume in secret.

The Emperor still gave no answer, but Consort Xian, anxious and persistent, pressed him, "Your Majesty?"

He finally spoke, but his words dashed her hopes. "Wu Qinglin will not do. Choose another."

Everyone was stunned.

Princess Lin’an, forgetting her embarrassment, looked up at him in shock.

Consort Xian hesitated, her composure faltering, and asked, "Your Majesty… Do you not approve of the Marquis of Dingyuan’s heir?"

The Emperor smiled gently. "It’s not that I disapprove, but you are too late."

Consort Xian’s first thought was that the Princess of Qingyang had beaten her to it. But then she recalled that the mother and daughter had left the palace directly and had no chance to see the Emperor before she herself hurried over.

"Could it be Wu Qinglin is already engaged?" Consort Xian’s heart sank. "To whom? How come I’ve never heard of it?"

If the match was with a family of lesser standing, perhaps there was still hope.

The Emperor smiled again. "He is not engaged yet…"

But before he could finish, Consort Xian was already bewildered.

He explained, "Two months ago, the Empress and I agreed to betroth Wu Xun’s legitimate second daughter to the Crown Prince as a secondary consort. The engagement has already been privately settled with the Wu family. They now have a daughter marrying into the imperial clan; it would not be right for them to receive more favors. First come, first served—Lin’an cannot be given to Wu Qinglin as well."

Consort Xian, at first relieved to find Wu Qinglin unattached, quickly rallied, "But that’s not an issue. Them marrying off a daughter doesn’t prevent their son from marrying as well. If the Wu family's daughter is to marry our Crown Prince, wouldn't another union strengthen the bond?"

She was fixated on securing a good match for her daughter and didn’t notice Xiao Yun’s face darkening at the mention of Wu Tan.

But the Emperor was resolute, raising a hand to cut her off. "In any case, this marriage will not happen. Lin’an is my daughter—I do not worry for her prospects. There are many young men in the capital more distinguished than Wu Qinglin. Choose another."

"But…" Consort Xian found his reasoning odd and wished to persist, but the Emperor had already risen, signaling the end of the discussion. "Enough. Let us disperse. The day has been long, I am weary."

The Emperor’s health was paramount—Consort Xian, though unwilling, dared not argue further. She could only wait for another opportunity.

"Your concubine bids Your Majesty farewell!" The Empress led everyone out after the Emperor.

He, however, slowed his steps and took the Empress by the hand. "Let us go to your chambers. There is something I wish to discuss with you."

Because of the issue with Wu Tan, the Crown Prince’s marriage had been delayed. The Emperor, increasingly aware of his declining health, felt it must be settled soon.

Recalling the earlier conversation, Xiao Yun at once guessed his father’s intent, but as it was late, he could not follow to his mother’s quarters and would have to wait until morning.

The party dispersed as they left the study.

Xiao Yun returned to the Eastern Palace. The Emperor and Empress rode together to the main palace, while Consort Xian took a litter and brought her daughter back to Huayang Palace.

The rear hall of Huayang Palace had been destroyed by fire and was uninhabitable. In the rush, the Empress had not yet arranged for them to move elsewhere, so that night, Consort Xian had Princess Lin’an sleep in her own chambers.

Once home, Consort Xian ordered her maids to prepare her daughter’s clothes and jewelry, arranged for the bedding and bath, and after everything was set, returned to find Princess Lin’an sitting listlessly on the chaise, lost in thought.

She sat beside her daughter and examined her up and down. "What’s wrong? Were you hurt in the fire? If you’re unwell, I’ll summon the imperial physician."

"I’m not hurt, just…" Princess Lin’an looked up, her expression sorrowful, and after hesitating, avoided her mother’s gaze. She rose and walked away before saying, troubled, "Mother, wasn’t it too hasty to ask Father to settle my marriage tonight?"

Hearing her daughter’s reproach, Consort Xian understood at once. She calmed herself, sipped her tea, and then asked, "Is it that you dislike the Marquis’s heir?"

Princess Lin’an turned red and stamped her foot. "Mother, how can you say such things?"

A daughter’s reputation is important; marriage is not a subject for jest.

Consort Xian knew the boundaries and grew serious. "I only meant that your Aunt Qingyang and her daughter may well be plotting the same thing."

Princess Lin’an, always shy, was startled by this.

She hesitated. "Mother, do you mean Xun’er also..."

Consort Xian nodded, her gaze cold. "I know you are proper and reserved, but Li Xun’er is nothing of the sort. She is just like your aunt—shameless and ignorant of propriety. If she seizes the opportunity, you may lose your chance."

Princess Lin’an twisted her fingers anxiously.

Consort Xian drew her back to sit down, looking her in the eye. "Tell me honestly, do you like the Marquis’s heir or not?"

It wasn’t that Consort Xian was shallow, but that among the noble youths of the capital, many were rotten beneath a polished exterior. Only by tearing open their bellies could one know their true nature. Wu Qinglin, with his integrity and sense of duty, was rare. If she didn’t secure him for her daughter, she would regret it.

Princess Lin’an, having had little contact with men and rescued by Wu Qinglin in a moment of peril, naturally favored him. Now, setting aside her reserve, she voiced her doubt, "But Father said..."

"My foolish girl!" Consort Xian laughed, squeezing her hand. "What your father thinks doesn’t matter. What matters is the Wu family’s opinion."

Princess Lin’an was puzzled.

Consort Xian explained, "If your father disapproves, am I to give up? The Crown Prince’s marriage to the Wu family’s daughter doesn’t stop us. Your father simply doesn’t wish to grant the Wu family too much favor. But the Wu family isn’t foolish enough to refuse such a blessing. As long as they agree, the marriage will go forward! Since Wu Qinglin was wounded saving you, tomorrow I’ll send a physician to treat him. The Dowager Marchioness will surely come to thank us, and I’ll test her intentions. If we settle matters privately, your father will have to agree once it’s a fait accompli."

Princess Lin’an felt conflicted by this scheming, but if her mother’s suspicions were correct and Li Xun’er was indeed eyeing the Marquis’s heir, then such action was necessary.

"All right," she agreed, suppressing her scruples. "I’ll listen to you, Mother!"

"Leave it to me," Consort Xian assured her, stroking her daughter’s cheek and sipping her tea.

Princess Lin’an’s mind replayed Wu Qinglin’s every word and gesture. At first too frightened to notice, she now found herself admiring his heroism and strength more and more, her heart racing.

If only she could marry him…

After careful reflection, she realized she truly wished for it.

Remembering the fire and his timely rescue, she could not help but worry about Li Xun’er. She tugged her mother’s sleeve. "But Mother, if Xun’er and Aunt Qingyang also have designs, we are stuck in the palace and at a disadvantage. What if they move faster?"

"They won’t seize the initiative now," Consort Xian said confidently. "I already raised the matter with your father in the Imperial Study. Although he refused, I spoke first. He didn’t betroth Wu Qinglin to you, but Qingyang is always competitive. To marry off Li Xun’er well, she will surely request a marriage for her daughter. If your father didn’t grant you the match, he won’t give it to your cousin either. He’d never favor his niece over his own daughter. In this case, we have the advantage; Li Xun’er cannot outpace you."

The Emperor did indeed favor his own children. Satisfied with her mother’s analysis, Princess Lin’an let go of her worries.

The side halls were in disarray, so mother and daughter shared a bed. Consort Xian soon fell asleep, but Princess Lin’an lay awake, Wu Qinglin’s image ever present—his dash into the flames, his upright bearing before the Empress—her heart fluttered with joy, sleepless till dawn.

But she was not the only one to pass a restless night—so did Huo Yunhua.

Huo Wenshan, seized by anger, collapsed in the carriage, coughing blood and losing consciousness.

Huo Yunhua, fearing he might die before her, was terrified. Fortunately, after becoming Grand Preceptor, Huo Wenshan had moved closer to the palace for convenience, so their residence was not far. She ordered the coachman to hurry home and immediately sent for a physician.

Huo Changyu had left earlier on horseback and did not return home. Huo Yunhao’s sedan chair was slower.

When she arrived, the steward and several servants were struggling to carry the unconscious Huo Wenshan inside.

"What happened to Father?" she asked, visibly exhausted.

Although she had been present for the palace incident, she had suffered least among her family, merely observing their performance.

Yet, at this moment, she seemed even more drained than Huo Yunhua.

The steward bowed. "Second Miss, you’re back? Eldest Miss has already gone inside. The master fainted on the way home and the physician has been sent for."

She frowned at Huo Wenshan, but did not approach. "Then quickly take Father to his room."

"Yes!" The steward waved for the servants to carry him inside and followed Huo Yunhao, noticing her fatigue. "Second Miss, are you unwell? You look pale."

"It’s nothing, just tired," she replied, too weary to pretend otherwise.

"Then rest early." The steward, seeing her reluctance to talk, sent a maid to inform the mistress, "Madam has not slept yet. Tell her the master has returned and ask her to check on him. The physician will be here soon."

Madam Tian, being frail, had moved to a quieter east wing for convalescence, leaving the main residence to Huo Wenshan alone.

"Yes!" The maid turned to go, but Huo Yunhao called her back sharply, her foul mood evident in her tone—so unlike her usual quiet self.

The maid stopped, confused.

The steward hurried to explain, "Second Miss, earlier someone from the palace disturbed Madam. She knew the master was summoned and had me promise to inform her when he returned. She’s waiting for you and the master."

Huo Yunhao’s temper was short tonight; her brow never relaxed. She coldly instructed her maid, Nanzhi, "Go to Yafang Studio and tell Mother the matter in the palace is resolved. Father and I are both safe—advise her to rest early. I’ll visit her and my brother in the morning."

The mistress’s health was weak; if she learned the master had collapsed, who knew how she’d be affected?

Nanzhi nodded solemnly. "I know what to say."

The steward, realizing his oversight, apologized, "Second Miss, I didn’t think of that. It was Madam’s order…"

"I know," she replied, too tired to argue. "I truly am unwell. I won’t wait with Father for the doctor. You see to things in the main hall. If the doctor says he’s fine, don’t call me. If things are bad, come fetch me. But instruct everyone—no one is to inform Mother tonight. If anyone disturbs her, I’ll not be lenient!"

"Yes, I understand. I’ll make sure not to disturb Madam’s rest," the steward promised.

Though Madam Tian was frail, she was not stupid. She had always managed the household herself, and in recent years, Huo Yunhao had begun to share responsibilities. The steward and staff all knew she was essentially running the house, so they treated her with utmost respect.

As for Huo Yunhua—

Though outstanding in many ways, she, like Huo Wenshan, paid little mind to domestic affairs and never thought to involve herself in such ‘trifles.’

Huo Yunhao, having given her orders, went to the rear quarters.

The steward, worried, called after her, "If you’re unwell, shall I have the doctor see you too?"

"No need," she replied without looking back.

Huo Wenshan’s illness was well-known at the nearby clinic, so the physician arrived promptly, treated him, administered a calming draught, and left him to sleep. Then, waiting maid Qiuning led the doctor to see Huo Yunhua, whose nose was still in pain from Consort Xian’s earlier kick.

Nanzhi returned from comforting Madam Tian and was then dispatched by Huo Yunhao to keep watch over Huo Wenshan. Once the doctor confirmed it was a temporary fit brought on by rage, she hurried back to inform her mistress.

By then, Huo Yunhao had bathed and gone to bed.

Nanzhi, aware her mistress had been unwell since returning from the palace, did not dare sleep elsewhere, but made up a bed beside hers.

Huo Yunhao’s sleep was troubled, haunted by nightmares. Around the fourth watch, she awoke with a scream, sitting upright and finding her nightclothes soaked in cold sweat.

"Miss!" Nanzhi woke, scrambling to her side and hugging her. She found her mistress trembling violently. "Are you cold? Did you have enough blankets?"

Huo Yunhao couldn’t stop shaking. Finally, she whispered, "Nanzhi… light a candle."

Worried, Nanzhi quickly lit a candle and brought it to the bedside.

In the light, she saw Huo Yunhao dripping with sweat.

"Miss?" Nanzhi was terrified, unsure what to do. "Why are you sweating so much? It’s not hot! I’ll get you a change of clothes."

She fetched warm water and clean nightwear, helping her mistress wash and dress.

Huo Yunhao’s tremors ceased, but her hands and feet were still cold, her face pale.

Nanzhi fretted, "Let me call the doctor!"

She turned, but Huo Yunhao caught her hand.

Looking into her maid’s eyes, Huo Yunhao muttered, "Nanzhi, I killed someone."

Her voice was hoarse and weak.

"What?" Nanzhi, stunned, thought she had misheard.

Huo Yunhao released her, curling back under the covers, hugging herself and staring blankly into a corner. "Tonight, in the palace, Huo Yunhua and Huo Changyu bribed a matron from Huayang Palace to set up Princess Lin’an, but the plot was uncovered by the Marquis’s heir and his sister. In the chaos, I drugged the matron and pushed her into the water."

Her voice was soft and flat, but a closer listen revealed a hollow quaver beneath.

At first, Nanzhi thought her mistress was delirious, but the more she heard, the more alarmed she grew, until she broke into tears. "Are you mad? Why risk yourself for the eldest miss? If she wants to destroy herself, let her! Now what… what do we do?"

She sobbed with worry.

Her mistress had killed someone—how could this be? If discovered…

"I didn’t do it for her. I did it for myself," Huo Yunhao said, near her breaking point but not weeping, only recounting calmly. "Father’s obsession with power has blinded him. For years, he has poured everything into grooming Huo Yunhua, hoping to use her to gain influence. That will never change. Now, after the disaster she’s wrought, the entire family could be implicated. And if she fails, Father would force me to take her place. I refuse to be his pawn. What about Mother, and my little brother? So even if I didn’t want to cover for her, I had to."

She looked up, gripping Nanzhi’s hand, her eyes resolute. "I don’t regret what I did. I’m just… afraid. If I don’t tell someone, I’ll go mad."

A sheltered young lady, unaccustomed to hardship, forced to kill with her own hands in one night—who would not be unhinged?

She didn’t know how she made it home before collapsing.

Her eyes brimmed with tears under the candlelight, yet she refused to let them fall.

Nanzhi, who had grown up with her, understood her situation best. She could only worry, holding her hand. "But what now? What if they find out?"

"They… probably won’t investigate further," Huo Yunhao replied.

The Emperor clearly wished to protect Princess Lin’an’s reputation. With the ‘culprit’ already punished, he might never look kindly on the Huo family again, but at least this incident would not be reopened.

Thinking clearly, she began to calm down. "Forget what I said tonight—treat it as a dream. Don’t ever speak of it."

"I know to be careful," Nanzhi promised, settling her mistress back to sleep. Seeing her still pale, she couldn’t help worrying. "Are you really all right?"

Huo Yunhao shook her head, managing a smile. "I’ll be fine. After a night’s sleep, everything will pass."

Nanzhi tucked her in and kept vigil by her side, not daring to extinguish the light. The next morning, they discovered Huo Yunhao had developed a fever, and she remained ill for half a month.

But that is another matter.

Let us return to the morning after the Emperor’s birthday.

In fact, the Princess of Qingyang and her daughter moved even faster than Consort Xian anticipated, arriving at the Marquis of Dingyuan’s residence at dawn.

The Dowager Marchioness, having returned late the previous night, had her grandson Wu Qingrui brought back to her own rooms by Lady Meng. That morning, she rose later than usual. Wu Tan was helping her select jewelry when the steward, Qin, arrived in person.

Madam Zhou was setting the table when she saw him enter, his face anxious. "Why are you here so early?"

"Where is the Dowager Marchioness?" he asked, clearly unsettled. "Please let her know—the Princess of Qingyang has sent her card. She’s about to arrive. Should I receive her in the flower hall or bring her to the Dowager or the Lady?"

As he spoke, the Dowager emerged with Wu Tan. Hearing his words, she frowned, "The Princess of Qingyang? Our family has little contact with her. Why would she visit?"

Qin presented the visiting card and a gift list. "She said the heir saved Lady Changping last night, and she’s come to thank him in person. The gift list is quite substantial."

"Such a personage—if she wished to thank us, she could have sent someone. Why come herself?" the Dowager muttered, glancing over the card and list, then gasped. "These gifts are excessive!"

Wu Tan peered at the list, remembering the mother and daughter’s behavior at Huayang Palace, and understood.

She sneered and asked Madam Zhou, "Where’s my brother? Has he not risen?"

"The heir went to the Ministry of War early, saying not to wait breakfast for him," Madam Zhou replied, puzzled. "Do you need him?"

"Heh," Wu Tan replied with a stiff smile. "No, but if he were home, I’d advise him to slip out the back before they arrive."

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(A brief author’s note follows, unrelated to the story.)