The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Chapter 113 Painting
After today’s grand court meeting at Fengtian Hall, several court officials were summoned by the Taizi.
These officials, though from various ministries, held relatively low ranks and had never before been granted a private audience with the Taizi. The only reason they could guess for this sudden summons was the incident at Taiye Pool the previous day.
All of them wore expressions of fear, cold sweat forming on their backs, and their hearts filled with anxiety.
Seated high on the platform, the Taizi’s face was cold and unreadable, and he remained silent. This only deepened the officials’ uncertainty, and they immediately knelt on the ground, begging for mercy.
“Your Highness Taizi, please forgive us… Your Highness Taizi, please show mercy…”
The Taizi spoke in a deep, stern voice, “Have you all received the ‘Yan Family Precepts’ that I sent?”
The kneeling officials didn’t dare to lift their heads. Under the cold sweat on their foreheads, they meekly answered, “Y-Yes, we received it…”
These officials were well aware of the reason behind their summons. Their foolish sons or daughters had offended Princess Zhaoren, Qin Yan, at Qianshui Lake during the Qixi Festival. The very next day, the Taizi Mansion had sent the “Yan Family Precepts” to their homes as a warning.
The Taizi’s eyes narrowed slightly, his voice cold and stern, “Your sons and daughters dared to act out at an imperial banquet. Such audacity.”
At his words, the officials repeatedly kowtowed, their foreheads touching the ground.
“We have failed in our duty to properly educate our children… We are at fault, Your Highness, we are at fault…”
The Taizi’s lips curled ever so slightly, his tone icy and detached, “There is a standing order in the court forbidding factionalism. Do your children’s actions at the banquet represent the stance of your families?”
The officials felt a jolt of fear. The sound of their heads hitting the ground became louder and more frantic.
“We would not dare. We would not dare…”
Cold sweat dripped from the officials’ brows as a chill gripped their hearts.
Factionalism within the court was a serious offense, but the line defining it was often blurry. Indeed, they had been associating more frequently with the Right Prime Minister Mansion, but that could easily be seen as normal interactions between colleagues.
However, with the Taizi labeling their actions as factionalism, the situation was no longer just about their children’s petty squabbles, it had escalated to a far more serious level.
The Taizi’s expression was grim, his tone sharp, as he gave the officials one final warning, “If you cannot control your own backyard, I will have to question your ability to manage state affairs.”
“If this happens again, there will be no place for you in the capital.”
The officials kowtowed repeatedly, expressing their gratitude, “Thank you, Your Highness Taizi. We will not offend again.”
After the Taizi left, the officials collapsed on the ground, too shaken to stand for a long while. They wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads, exchanging fearful glances, hearts filled with dread.
They understood clearly that Taizi’s words were not empty threats.
Since Taizi had taken charge of overseeing the government, many officials had been removed from their positions. Even An Binghuai, the former Minister of Revenue and younger brother to the Taizi’s own tutor, Grand Scholar An Shifeng, hadn’t escaped this fate. If someone as connected as he could fall, these officials knew they were certainly not untouchable.
Silently, they made up their minds that if their sons or daughters continued to misbehave, they would break their legs if necessary to keep them in line. They couldn’t afford any more trouble.
Of all people to offend, they had offended the Taizifei.
It was clear from today’s events that the Taizi was standing firmly behind his taizifei.
They were lucky to have escaped disaster this time.
———-
In the study of Princess Zhaoren Mansion in Xishan.
Qin Yan swiftly scanned the letter in her hands, pausing briefly before turning her gaze to Ji Nanfeng, who stood across from her desk, “Mr. Ji, how are the preparations for Miss Shen’s residence?”
Ji Nanfeng replied, “I’ve acquired four adjacent properties in the eastern part of the city. I’ve had them connected and renovated. The work was completed last month.”
Qin Yan nodded, frowning in thought.
In her letter, Miss Shen mentioned that she would return to the capital before her wedding.
If Taizi’s words held true, the occasion would coincide with both his wedding and Empress Dowager’s grand birthday celebration, with imperial families from various nations invited to attend.
That meant there was a possibility that Miss Shen’s lover, Emperor Xiao Qian of Northern Liang, might accompany her to the capital…
Qin Yan sighed softly.
Miss Shen’s return would likely stir up a great storm in the capital once again.
———
Qin Yan took a light sip of her tea and suddenly remembered seeing the Wen Silk Store in the southern market. She turned to Ji Nanfeng and asked, “How is Wen Luo doing?”
Ji Nanfeng replied, “Since the Yu family of Yangzhou publicly severed ties with him, although the Wen Trading Establishment hasn’t faced serious hardship, they’ve encountered some difficulties along the way.”
Setting down her teacup, Qin Yan spoke calmly, “Lend him a hand when the time is right.”
“Understood, Master,” Ji Nanfeng nodded.
Just as Ji Nanfeng was about to leave, Qin Yan’s voice halted him.
“Mr. Ji, don’t get too closely associated with Wen Luo in the open. Keep it strictly transactional.”
Ji Nanfeng showed a trace of confusion in his eyes.
Qin Yan, with a faint tone of sarcasm, explained, “Over the years, I’ve made many enemies. One can never be too cautious. There’s no need to drag others into my affairs unnecessarily.”
Ji Nanfeng furrowed his brows and asked, “What if Wen Luo himself wishes to leverage your influence?”
Qin Yan smiled faintly, her lips curling slightly. “Taizi said something yesterday that those who gain by borrowing influence must bear the risks that come with it themselves.”
———-
When Feng Zhan arrived at the Princess Mansion, Qin Yan was standing by the lotus pond, under a pavilion facing a grove of plum trees, quietly working on a painting.
“Your Highness Taizi,” greeted Shen Ying, who was attending to the ink and brush by the desk.
Feng Zhan walked over to Qin Yan’s side, his deep eyes fixed on her delicate profile, his gaze soft.
Qin Yan didn’t lift her head, seemingly fully absorbed in her artwork at the moment.
After a short pause, Qin Yan set down her brush, glanced at the man beside her, and extended the brush towards him. “Your Highness, would you like to try?”
Feng Zhan looked down at the desk. On the rice paper was an unfinished winter snow scene.
Instead of taking the brush from her, Feng Zhan moved behind Qin Yan, his left hand wrapping around her slim waist covered by her white fox fur cloak, pulling his dark cloak over the two of them.
He leaned down slightly, resting his head near the nape of her neck, then extended his right hand to gently grasp hers, guiding the brush in her delicate hand, his eyes seemingly focused on the painting before them.
At the other end of the pavilion, Song Zhi gestured silently to Shen Ying, who was still standing by the desk attending to the ink.
Confused, Shen Ying approached him. “Lord Song, I still need to—”
Song Zhi grabbed Shen Ying by the arm and quickly pulled her out of the pavilion, lowering his voice in frustration, “Are you an idiot, Shen Ying?”
Shen Ying was just about to retort when she noticed where he was motioning with his chin. She turned her head and immediately blushed crimson.
How could I be so oblivious? she thought to herself.
Embarrassed, she followed Song Zhi’s lead, quietly averting her gaze, and the two of them, now fully aware of the delicate moment between the Taizi and Qin Yan, faced the pine-covered hillside, pretending to be utterly engrossed in the scenery.
——–
In the pavilion, beneath Feng Zhan’s dark cloak, the hand that had been wrapped around Qin Yan slowly slipped inside her clothing, moving gently.
His warm breath brushed against her ear, causing Qin Yan to feel a tickle. She shifted slightly, but Feng Zhan’s strong arm held her in place.
His thin lips brushed her ear as he whispered hoarsely, “Don’t move.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed as his breathing grew heavier. He buried his handsome face into her neck, his voice husky as he spoke, “Yan Yan, let’s go back.”
Just as Qin Yan was about to turn her head, they heard Shen Ying’s voice from the end of the corridor.
“Mr. Ji.”
Feng Zhan’s hand froze, and a coldness returned to his eyes.
After a brief pause, the two calmed down. Feng Zhan turned Qin Yan to face him, carefully straightened her clothes, and then they both looked towards the end of the corridor.
Ji Nanfeng, sensing that his timing was less than ideal, bowed respectfully before speaking with some hesitation, “Master, Madam Zhu, the wife of Minister Qin, is here requesting an audience.”
Feng Zhan’s eyes narrowed, and a chilling aura surrounded him.
Qin Yan glanced at the writing desk. Feng Zhan hadn’t touched the brush earlier, and now she had lost interest in continuing her painting.
“Let’s go take a look,” Qin Yan said softly.
Feng Zhan took Qin Yan’s hand firmly, his voice calm yet resolute, “I will go with you.”
——–
At Louyue Pavilion Reception Hall in Princess Zhaoren Mansion.
Madam Zhu sat uneasily, pondering what to do if the Taizifei refused to help.
Hearing movement at the door, she quickly rose to her feet, “Tai…”
Upon seeing the Taizi enter along with the Taizifei, Madam Zhu felt a sudden chill and immediately knelt to pay her respects.
“This humble woman greets His Highness Taizi and Taizifei.”
Feng Zhan and Qin Yan walked to the head seats and sat in the two grand chairs.
“Sit.”
After the command, Qin Yan took the teacup handed to her by Shen Ying and sipped lightly.
Madam Zhu nervously returned to her seat but didn’t dare speak immediately.
Qin Yan placed the cup down and looked at Madam Zhu, “Speak. What is it?”
Madam Zhu swallowed, mentally rehearsing her words one last time before nervously beginning, “Taizifei, yesterday my daughter, Qin Lin, fell into the Taiye Pool, and I heard it was the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion who rescued her. I beg Taizifei to convey a token of gratitude to the Duan Wang Mansion. I know this request is abrupt, but this humble woman truly…”
“I’ve already prepared the gifts, and I was thinking…”
Thinking what?
Madam Zhu had already felt uneasy meeting the Taizifei, and now, with the formidable Taizi also present, her nerves got the better of her.
In her anxiety, she momentarily forgot the carefully rehearsed words she had gone over countless times on her way there.
The reception hall, already quiet, now felt even more awkward as Madam Zhu struggled to gather her thoughts.
Qin Yan and Feng Zhan both turned their gaze toward Madam Zhu, slightly surprised.
Asking Qin Yan to deliver a token of gratitude on her behalf, instead of doing it herself?
Madam Zhu, it seemed, had a deeper understanding of things than they had thought.
“Sure,” Qin Yan agreed.
Madam Zhu, relieved, but now worried that she hadn’t explained her full request clearly enough, looked at Qin Yan and added, “Taizifei, this humble woman has one more request.”
“Qin Xi and Qin Lin are about to enter marriage negotiations, and I would like to ask if Taizifei might offer her advice?”
At this, Qin Yan raised an eyebrow.
Was this Madam Zhu’s way of dispelling the rumors from the Taiye Pool incident, making it clear that Qin Lin had no ties to the Duan Wang Mansion?
Initially, Qin Yan had only indulged Madam Zhu’s requests out of respect for the connection with Miss Shen, but now she found herself impressed by how Madam Zhu had handled the situation.
“Very well,” Qin Yan agreed once again.
Madam Zhu expressed her deep gratitude to both the Taizi and Taizifei and left the Princess Mansion, satisfied with the outcome.
——–
Qin Yan and Feng Zhan went to the study.
After entering and paying his respects to the two, Ji Nanfeng reported to Qin Yan, “Master, the gifts you originally instructed me to prepare for the Duan Wang Mansion, should they still be sent as planned?”
He then added, “Apart from the gifts Madam Zhu prepared for Duan Wang Mansion, she also sent a valuable gift for you. Should we accept it or return it?”
Qin Yan, her tone calm, replied, “Accept it. Otherwise, Madam Zhu might hesitate to make further requests. It’s merely a small favor.”
“Send both her gifts and mine to the Duan Wang Mansion.”
After a brief pause, Qin Yan added, “Mr. Ji, you should go personally for this task.”
Ji Nanfeng acknowledged the order and left to carry it out.
———
Sitting at the desk opposite Qin Yan, Feng Zhan put down the memorial in his hands, recalling what he had said to Feng Subei a few days prior.
Has it come to fruition?
Feng Zhan sighed lightly. Even if Feng Subei’s actions were somewhat inappropriate, it couldn’t be denied that his intentions were genuinely for his benefit, the Taizi.
He looked over at Qin Yan, who appeared to be reading a leisure book, and walked over to her side, holding out the memorial.
“This is the draft of the national letter prepared by the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy, inviting the imperial families of various nations to attend the Great Xia ceremony. The list of invitees is on the back; take a look.”
Qin Yan raised her head, took the memorial, and unfolded it. When she saw one particular name, her brows arched slightly.
So that person really was included.
She looked up at Feng Zhan and asked, “As far as I know, Great Xia hasn’t established diplomatic relations with Northern Liang. What are your plans, Your Highness?”
Feng Zhan took one of Qin Yan’s hands and gently squeezed it in his palm.
“Great Xia and Northern Liang are separated by the Turkic tribes, who occasionally disturb the borders of both nations, posing a hidden threat to us.”
Qin Yan immediately understood that the Taizi did not intend to let the hungry wolf lurking outside Great Xia’s northern borders go unchecked.
Her gaze turned cold at the mention of the Turkic tribes as they were indeed too rampant.
She stood up, took a map from the bookshelf, and spread it out on the desk, pointing to a specific location.
“This area has fertile land, surrounded by mountains, with rugged roads and treacherous waterways. It is easy to defend and hard to attack, making it a natural stronghold.”
“Your Highness, are you interested in reclaiming it?”
Feng Zhan glanced at the spot she indicated, then looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“Yizhou?”
“You have your sights set on Yizhou?”
Qin Yan withdrew her hand and picked up the teacup on the table, taking a small sip without answering.
Feng Zhan continued, observing her closely, “In the past, the late emperor and Empress Xiao granted Yizhou to the old emperor of Yizhou, and since then, it has operated almost independently from Great Xia, posing a hidden threat.”
“Last month, I sent someone to fake the death of Xie Changyuan’s wife, the sister of the emperor of Yizhou, and returned her to Yizhou.”
Qin Yan raised her eyes; she had suspected that this matter was related to the Taizi.
Feng Zhan continued, “I’ve discovered some interesting things in Yizhou. Sending that woman back alive is far more valuable than a cold corpse.”
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by this topic.
However, Feng Zhan was growing impatient. The fire that had been suppressed earlier in the pavilion was still smoldering in his chest.
“We’ll discuss this later.”
He wrapped his arms around Qin Yan, pinning her against the edge of the desk, his gaze fixed on her delicate face.
“When are you moving to the Taizi Mansion?”
Qin Yan smiled faintly. “Your Highness, it seems we haven’t completed the formalities yet.”
Feng Zhan’s eyes narrowed sharply as he turned her around to face away from him. He grabbed the unfinished painting from the edge of the desk, laid it over the map, and handed Qin Yan a brush. Then he leaned down closer, his voice deep and rich.
“Continue painting.”
Qin Yan? Painting?
“Um… ah…”
As the man behind her made his move, Qin Yan’s lips parted slightly, letting out a low, almost unbearable moan…
The heat in the study began to rise.
Qin Yan…
How could the Taizi be so skilled…
———–
Emperor of Yizhou Palace.
Ye Qingli lay on the bed, her face haggard, staring blankly at the canopy above.
She didn’t even notice the man suddenly standing at the bedside.
Ye Qinghe, the emperor of Yizhou, frowned at his sister and tried to persuade her again.
“You experienced excessive jolting on your way back to Yizhou and have harmed the pregnancy. The doctor said the child could not be saved. The longer you wait, the more serious the damage to your body will be.”
“Qingli…”
The woman on the bed suddenly spoke, her voice hoarse, “Ye Qingli is dead. I am now A Yan.”
Ye Qingli managed a grim smile, but it was far from genuine.
This identity of Ye Qingli had been forcibly erased by Taizi Feng Zhan.
Now, she would use the name “A Yan,” and she would forever remember the humiliation she had suffered in the capital, never to forget.
A Yan gently caressed her abdomen, “I must give birth to this child.”
This child, which stood between Xie Changyuan and Xie An, must exist, no matter what price she had to pay.
A Yan turned to look at Ye Qinghe, slowly speaking, “I heard them say that the Taizi in the capital has conferred the title of Taizifei?”
“Is it Qin Yan?”
Ye Qinghe knew his sister’s emotional struggles but still nodded.
A Yan received the expected answer and let out a bitter smile as she turned away.
She had been sent back to Yizhou in humiliation, feigning death under the Taizi’s orders.
While Qin Yan married into royalty and became the Tazifei.
Why was the world so unfair?
Qin Yan…
It must be Qin Yan…
Qin Yan, who was far away in the capital city, inexplicably took the blame…
———-
In the emperor of Yizhou mansion, a young maid hurriedly returned to report to Wangfei Song Yin, “Wangfei, it seems that the Wangye is staying in Miss A Yan’s room.”
Song Yin’s eyes widened in shock, “What?”
The maid whispered, “Perhaps Wangye is just trying to cover his tracks. After all, if Miss A Yan is to give birth in the future…”
Song Yin’s expression turned ashen.
Ye Qingli, now A Yan.
She had lost the identity of Ye Qingli but remained in the palace as Ye Qinghe’s woman.
And Ye Qinghe even planned to acknowledge the child that A Yan bore as his own.
Years ago, she had schemed to force Ye Qingli away, yet here she was, back where she started.
Ye Qinghe was making her lose face time and again.
A chill settled in Song Yin’s heart.
Ye Qinghe, if you lack compassion, don’t blame me for being heartless.