Chapter 76: Seizing Power Part 3

Wei Lingci fretted not over court but the mansion’s backyard intrigues, which Xun Changqing had never managed. The poisoned horse incident showed unrest, and returning injured invited exploitation.

She instructed Xian Yu: in emergencies, seek the Wise Noble Consort in the palace.

The day after Ji Province’s retreat, border troops stormed in unopposed, soldiers thrilled. Bai Yan led a swift pursuit south after Yuan Man but forgot the flanking mountains and cliffs.

Yuan Man left half her forces in ambush, anticipating the chase.

Sure enough, after half a day, Bai Yan’s cavalry charged eagerly. Hasty strikes couldn’t match Yuan Man’s setup. Thousands fell, few escaped—shattering Bai Yan’s confidence, buying days for reinforcements.

Xun Changqing’s return to the Imperial Capital by water took a month. July’s heat worsened her wound en route; upon arrival, the arrow injury hadn’t fully healed.

At the Ten-Li Pavilion outside the capital, Xian Yun and Zi Jin had waited long.

Back at the mansion, eerie quiet prevailed, as if no masters resided.

En route, Xun Changqing had heard from Zi Jin: Xun Yitan and Xun Yibai’s wives, concubines, and children had rushed back from the Southwest.

Though Xun Yitan was dead, his relationship with Heir Apparent’s Wife Qin Jingyu had been decent; they’d borne son Xun Ximing. Now back, he was the legitimate eldest grandson, a lively six-year-old. Xun Yibai, however, had a daughter, Xun Ji.

The sudden influx unsettled Xun Changqing. She’d expected bustle, but the mansion felt as coldly quiet as ever upon entering.

Steward Yuyin greeted her, noting her thinned frame and wan face. Despite news of her injury, seeing her shocked him. As they walked, he said, “The Prince and Second Young Master are still in the palace. The Heir Apparent’s Wife and Second Madam are out. Rest first, my lady—the journey was rough.”

Knowing her return, yet no one present—Xun Changqing suddenly thought the neighboring County Princess Mansion better, with Wei Xiao there, or Radiant Benevolence Palace, where the Wise Noble Consort awaited.

Yun Shen, from rural stock and army life, gawked at her first great household. Paved paths flanked by dense, shady trees led inward to misty rockeries and streams, artful courtyards and winding galleries of exquisite design.

Xun Changqing’s compound dwarfed even Yuan Man’s three-entrance yard. Xian Yu had chattered with Yun Shen en route; they followed into the room.

Turning, Xun Changqing noticed her, paused, and eyed the equally weary Xian Yu with a smile. “Xian Yu, show Yun Shen around the capital since it’s her first time. Have her stay at your County Princess Mansion. Get anything needed from Zi Jin.”

Bewildered—why the County Princess Mansion?—Yun Shen was dragged off by Xian Yu before puzzling it out. They aimed for the corner gate but found it locked—likely Ning’an County Princess’s orders. Circling to the main gate took half an hour to reach the mansion.

Xun Changqing couldn’t hide her fatigue, but she wanted Zi Jin and Xian Yun’s update on the capital.

Zi Jin helped her to the inner chamber and onto the bed. “Urgent border reports: frontiers lost. His Majesty spat blood in rage, immediately summoning troops for aid. No suitable generals recommended in court, so the Prince went to Jiangnan to enlist Gu Liang Gan, mustering 50,000. Kang City Army followed with another 50,000—100,000 total. The Prince now leads morning court; His Majesty appears only for major matters.”

The Emperor neared his end, powerless over court. Exhausted, Xun Changqing gestured to Xian Yun for palace news. Composed, she detailed, “The Empress bore all blame, as expected. Xun Yiran confined to his residence without decree. My people there report no issues.”

The Wise Noble Consort’s ploy—she’d avenged her lost son by toppling the Empress. Xun Changqing shed her outer robe to lie down; Zi Jin undid her inner garments, revealing white bandages. She patted Zi Jin’s hand reassuringly with a smile. “It’s fine; a few more days’ rest. Any word from the Wise Noble Consort?”

Gently unwrapping, Zi Jin’s eyes reddened but she replied, “Her Ladyship says recover fully before visiting—no rush.”

Touched by the concern, Xun Changqing smiled faintly at standing Xian Yun. “Yun Shen’s from the army—free-spirited. Keep an eye on her; let her leave later.”

Xian Yun took the dismissal, curtsied, and withdrew.

Alone, Zi Jin’s pent-up tears fell. Disbelieving, she asked repeatedly, “Mistress, was it truly the Princess Consort who hurt you? Could it be a mistake?”

Xun Changqing lay back, fresh gloom over days of heaviness, bitterness unspeakable. Heart-weary, she closed her eyes, voice faintly helpless. “Whether yes or no, I know.”

A long, thin needle seemed embedded in her heart—subtle pain outlasting the fiery shoulder burn, endless and extending.

Seeing her avoid the Princess Consort topic, Zi Jin hesitated but added after tucking the quilt, “The Heir Apparent’s Wife manages the mansion now—including the shops.”

Xun Changqing blinked in surprise at Qin Jingyu’s speed but shrugged—managing was tiring; let her take it for ease.

The Heir Apparent’s Wife returned that afternoon, trailed by Second Madam Liao Xiang and two frolicking children led by wet nurses.

Entering the mansion gate, they met the hurrying steward, who reported, “Heir Apparent’s Wife, the Princess returned. With no one inside earlier, I greeted her.”

Implying: You shouldn’t have gone out today!

Qin Jingyu paused, summoned her son Xun Ximing, scooped him up, and headed to the rear. Amid scenic blooms and birdsong, she smiled. “Princess is back—Ming’er, want to see your little aunt? Mother will have the nurse take you.”

The steward faltered—disturbing a gravely injured Princess with a child was improper. “The Princess is wounded and asleep since returning.”