She sneered, “Xun Yisu, those who come for marriage alliances are abandoned by their homeland. If you die, Xun Ziqian won’t raise an army for you. Yuan Man won’t cross borders to avenge you. Like a drifting leaf, only you can pity yourself.”
Ana Yanran turned and walked out without looking back. Her brocade robe billowed in the wind with a hunting sound. She ordered, “Seal the Prince’s Mansion. No one in or out. After reporting to the lord, we will decide on the punishment.”
Her steps were swift, and Ana Yanran’s figure quickly vanished into the curtain of night. Xun Yisu’s helpless gaze fell on the weapons gleaming coldly. Her dim eyes stood out starkly.
The wind scattered the tears from her eyes. Cold moonlight appeared in the sky, piercing the chill of the night and falling into the mansion surrounded tightly by soldiers.
For the first time, her heart was in chaos, unable to think of any countermeasure. Ana Yanran’s actions were too sudden, like a sharp sword at her throat.
……………………………………
Imperial Capital.
The investigation into the tribute horses had dragged on for over half a month. The Ministries of Punishments, Revenue, and Rites were all run ragged. Not only were the horses missing from the tributes, but many rare treasures were too, likely circulating among the people. Those holding these treasures lived in constant fear. Some conscientious ones turned them in, helping the court uncover the masterminds behind the smuggling.
Everyone in the court was on edge, fearing they might be implicated. Even if unrelated, who could guarantee past misdeeds wouldn’t surface? No one was as pure as water.
The common folk in the Imperial Capital gained plenty of gossip fodder from the matter. They saw Imperial Guards arresting people everywhere daily, scaring them into staying home. During stormy times, they no longer dared to watch the excitement, hoping the affair would end soon.
The quietest place in the past half month was the Pingnan Prince’s Mansion. Every day, Xun Changqing was pinned down by Wei Lingci to attend classes at the Imperial Academy, with no free time even for playful antics.
By the time the County Princess Mansion was repaired, it was already early February.
The County Princess Mansion’s main gate faced south, toward a bustling commercial street lined with shops and wine houses. One could buy little trinkets right outside the door. In contrast, the neighboring Pingnan Prince’s Mansion gate faced north. Though separated by only one wall, reaching the front gates required a walk that took the time of a cup of tea.
Xun Changqing had seen the layout from maps and found entering and exiting inconvenient. She ordered the steward to have workers breach the dividing wall and build a corner gate wide enough for two people to pass through side by side.
When Wei Lingci arrived, she brought all the books from Lingyun Mountain. What once filled several carriages now filled the County Princess Mansion. Wei Lingci sorted them alone in the study, with boxes of books scattered everywhere, making it hard to even walk.
In the evening, after classes, Xun Changqing came straight to the study. Several boxes remained in the corners, but most books were neatly shelved.
Wei Lingci had designed the study’s layout. She installed floor heating beneath the planks, keeping it warm in winter without charcoal fires. Now in February, no heating was needed, so thick carpets covered the floor. She dispensed with tables and chairs, placing only a small low desk. People sat directly on the carpet.
Xun Changqing entered and flopped down entirely, lazily rolling over. She tilted her head to watch the person still sorting books and murmured, “Tomorrow is a rest day.”
Her words carried a hint of grievance. Since that night, Wei Lingci watched her like a prisoner. Aside from the Imperial Academy, she wasn’t allowed anywhere. Xun Changqing suspected it was payback for that night.
She had been at fault that night, after all, and Wei Lingci had promised her a year. Having gained the advantage, she ought to behave.
Hearing such childish words, Wei Lingci set down the poetry collection and smiled. “So what if it’s a rest day? The Imperial Capital isn’t safe. Where do you want to go play? No one will accompany you. Even Zhao Yang is confined to his mansion. Are you going out alone?”
“I’m not going out. I just want to ask if you’re staying here tonight.”
“I’ve moved all my things here. Am I supposed to go back?”
“What about me?”
Wei Lingci glanced at her, tapped her head with the poetry collection, her brows gentle. “I said that day the County Princess Mansion doesn’t welcome you. You should naturally return to your Prince’s Mansion.”
“You also said you forbade me from entering, but I’m here now. Your words no longer count.” Xun Changqing sat up and scooted to her side, leaning bonelessly against her. It felt comfortable both body and soul. Suddenly remembering her purpose, she leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Zi Jin caught someone outside Household Minister Wang Bai’s mansion.”
