Chapter 47: The First Month Part 1

At the start of the new year, the red plums had already withered, and the spring sun faintly emerged. Pingnan Prince’s Mansion rarely enjoyed such a lively New Year.

In the first month, the tense atmosphere from the end of the previous year temporarily eased. The most noteworthy event for the people of the Imperial Capital was the Second Imperial Prince’s grand wedding to the legitimate daughter of Duke Hengguo’s Residence—a cause for celebration across the court.

Under the warm winter sun, the dazzling plaque shone brilliantly, making it hard for anyone to look up directly. Outside Pingnan Prince’s Mansion, a swift horse stopped, and a figure dashed into the residence with brisk steps. Moments later, Xun Changqing appeared in Qingtang Courtyard without even changing her clothes. She hurried straight to the study in the western wing.

The neighboring County Princess Mansion had begun renovations at the end of the previous year. After nearly three months, the buildings were renewed, the rockeries rebuilt, and the lake inside drawn from the moat’s water, creating an elegant environment. Though not as luxurious as Pingnan Prince’s Mansion, it was still a place of refined beauty.

In a few more days, Wei Lingci planned to move back to the County Princess Mansion. Everything had already been packed; she just needed to pick an auspicious day.

Wei Lingci’s days grew increasingly leisurely. She set up a small couch in the courtyard, reclined on it alone, basking in the New Year’s warm sun. Spotting the hurried figure approaching, she called out, “Changqing, over here.”

Xun Changqing turned her head and saw the person by the window. She quickened her pace, her cheeks slightly flushed and forehead dotted with fine sweat beads. She smiled and said, “You really know how to enjoy yourself. I hadn’t even noticed this spot.”

Wei Lingci sat up straight. “Staying indoors all day is stifling, so I came out for some fresh air. I heard you entered the palace—how did you return so quickly? You look so elated; did you pick up some treasure?”

Xun Changqing’s gaze flickered subtly. She approached and lounged sideways on the couch as well, gazing at the azure sky. In a low voice, she said, “His Majesty summoned me to the palace. I thought it was something major, but it turned out to be about two horses.”

Zhao Yang had sent two horses—rare steeds not found in Great Qi. She had spotted something unusual about them at first glance, and Wei Lingci had recognized them as horses from the Borderlands.

Many years ago, the Borderlands had submitted, and trade opened between the two realms. Merchants from Great Qi set their sights there, buying goods cheap and selling high back home—a common practice. Selling horses wasn’t unusual either, but this batch wasn’t from regular Borderlands trade channels; they were tribute items.

Selling tribute was no small matter. But without evidence, Wei Lingci couldn’t speak rashly. She had sent someone to the Border City to obtain the tribute list from Yuan Man. Yuan Man might not have it, but Xun Yisu, as the Borderlands prince consort, certainly did.

Once the list arrived and was cross-checked against the Ministry of Rites’ records, the embezzled tribute items along the route became clear.

Relations between the two nations had soured, and Borderlands tribute had dwindled. With so little to begin with, any further deductions would surely enrage Great Qi’s emperor. But with the Princess Consort missing, Great Qi wouldn’t send anyone to inquire why this year’s tribute was so scant—giving opportunists their chance.

The couch grew crowded with an extra person, so Wei Lingci shifted to one side. The book in her hands was snatched away, leaving her empty-handed. She adjusted the slipped blanket upward and said, “Those two horses of yours are the crux of the matter. His Majesty will surely confiscate them. It won’t be hard to uncover the mastermind behind this—it implicates the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Revenue. I’m afraid His Majesty will have a headache.”

The snatched book was merely a collection of ancient poetry. Wei Lingci could endure the quiet and enjoyed such reads. Back when Xun Changqing was on Lingyun Mountain in the Literature Hall, she had been forced to study much of it. Now back in the Imperial Capital, her attendance at the Imperial Academy was sporadic at best; she had no interest in these texts anymore.

Xun Changqing tossed it casually onto the nearby table and recounted the events in Containment Origin Hall that day. “His Majesty flew into a great rage. After receiving the list Yuan Man sent back, he summoned the Minister of Rites and berated him. The minister claimed total ignorance, and His Majesty gave him half a month to investigate. I’m afraid my horses won’t last; someone will probably come to take them tomorrow.”

“They’re not truly yours to keep or lose. But this matter might also drag Honglu Temple in—the Three Judicial Offices will have even more headaches.”

Xun Changqing turned sideways to gaze at her. “No, the one with the real headache is the mastermind. Who do you think it is?”

“I don’t know. We’ll figure it out slowly. Too many places along the route, but Yuan Man’s list is unaltered, so the issue likely arose in Ji Province after leaving the Border City. Start there. The Six Ministries are full of clever minds; they’ll uncover it quickly.” Wei Lingci tugged her sleeve back from Xun Changqing’s grasp and lay back down.

“Master, did you have a hand in this?” Under the warm sunlight, Xun Changqing’s eyes sparkled, her peach-blossom eyes even more alluring. Lately, she sensed that everything had been orchestrated by Wei Lingci—from the moment of apprenticeship, all escape routes had been planned, explaining her unshakable calm.

She had wanted to avoid her, but found she couldn’t. Aside from the two years missed, little else had changed. If Xun Changqing fell into prison again this life, Wei Lingci would still sacrifice herself to save her. But Xun Changqing didn’t want that ending. She had to fight like Yuan Man had.

“I wasn’t aware beforehand, so it’s your achievement. Best not to get further involved, lest you draw suspicion,” Wei Lingci said, gazing into those peach-blossom eyes that nearly bewitched her. After rebirth, Xun Changqing seemed exceedingly obedient and fragile, stirring protective urges. But this little milk cat had grown into a man-eating tiger.

This tiger’s fangs were sharp, but its claws still lacked edge. Wei Lingci had to watch closely, lest a single misstep bring disaster.

A thin quilt covered them both, one end gripped tightly by Wei Lingci to prevent it from slipping. Xun Changqing released the quilt and clasped Wei Lingci’s hand instead, beaming. “I won’t. Someone’s already investigating, and they’re coming to me for information.”

Ever since biting her that day, Wei Lingci had been dodging her intentionally or not. Xun Changqing didn’t mind, spending her days mingling with noble youths. Her Imperial Academy studies hadn’t suffered, and those around her wouldn’t complain much. But after so many days of coldness, she realized her “mischief” that day had gone too far.