The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Extra 6 Wait for Me
According to the regulations, Princess Changle Yunchao, as the daughter of the late Emperor, should observe a three-year mourning period after the Emperor’s passing to show grief.
During this mourning period, Princess Changle should not discuss marriage, let alone hold such a grand engagement feast in the palace.
However, during Empress Dowager Xiao’s regency, she attempted to implement a series of relatively mild reforms in the Great Xia.
Among these reforms was the cancellation of some of the harsher provisions in Great Xia’s mourning laws.
Since then, citizens were prohibited from holding wedding ceremonies during the mourning period but could discuss or arrange marriages.
After the current Emperor ascended the throne, the Emperor and Empress introduced new policies, which departed from the conservative approach of Empress Dowager Xiao’s reforms and were very different from the more conventional approach taken after Emperor Hui assumed control, which was steady and unremarkable. Instead, sweeping reforms were being implemented throughout Great Xia.
The new laws completely abolished all regulations regarding mourning rites in the Great Xia legal system, meaning that the empire no longer enforced strict mourning rituals for the relatives of the deceased.
Everyone in the court knew that the Emperor and Empress were serious; significant changes were truly underway in Great Xia.
Among the various decrees issued from the palace, one in particular shocked the court officials, almost to an extraordinary degree.
The Emperor decreed:
The Emperor also instructed the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory to select an auspicious wedding date for Princess Changle and her betrothed, without the need to wait until the three-year mourning period for the late Emperor had passed.
The wedding of Princess Changle signified that members of the imperial family were no longer strictly adhering to the old mourning customs, which further confirmed to the officials that the Emperor and Empress were determined to push forward their reforms in Great Xia, and such changes were bound to be unstoppable.
Many of the reform measures were initially proposed by court and Hanlin Academy officials, particularly those who supported Grand Scholar An’s faction.
Among them, the most fervent proponent of the new policies was Grand Scholar An’s eldest son, An Wenjing, who was a third-rank Hanlin scholar.
Whether it was Grand Scholar An Shifeng or An Wenjing, both were trusted confidants of the Emperor. The officials in the court were well aware that the Emperor was merely acting through the mouthpiece of the An family faction.
It was also reported that the Empress had met multiple times with officials from the Six Ministries, Hanlin Academy, and the Cabinet in the Ningshou Palace study room.
It was not hard to guess that the Empress must have played a part in these reform measures.
The faction of the Left and Right Ministers fully supported the new policies, and so even if there were some dissenting voices in the court, they were quickly drowned out by the mainstream push for reform.
Since these reforms were intended to replace the old system, they inevitably provoked the resistance of some conservative officials, and intense debates in the court were inevitable.
Regarding the removal of the mourning-related laws, the Emperor and Empress had ordered the Cabinet, Hanlin Academy, the Six Ministries, and several scholars from the Imperial Academy to engage in multiple discussions.
An Wenjing, the Hanlin scholar representing the reformist faction, said, “As all of you know, throughout the history of our empire, every dynasty has ruled by the virtue of filial piety, viewing it as the foundation for both personal conduct and the state’s governance.”
“If we follow the old system, during the mourning period for relatives, officials must resign from their posts and are forbidden from seeking office; students are prohibited from participating in the imperial examinations; citizens cannot marry…”
“There are many such harsh provisions.”
“Using moral and legal means to force the people to observe mourning rituals is an inhumane and extreme practice. This system of mourning has been revered and even developed to an extreme over time.”
“Among the common people, there are frequent cases of individuals suffering from severe malnutrition or dying due to the strictness of the mourning laws. The lower classes can barely sustain themselves; how can they be expected to spend three years in mourning for a parent?”
“It can be said that the laws are excessive in their rigor, and the common people cannot bear such a heavy burden.”
“Gentlemen, the territory of Great Xia is vast, and we have recently acquired land in the Western Rong, Turkic areas, and Southern Xinjiang. After the war, we urgently need to restore the strength of our nation.”
“Now is the time when Great Xia needs the full contribution of its people, and we must reform and even discard outdated customs and rituals that bind the people’s hands and feet.”
“If we continue to follow the old ways and remain inflexible, it will only waste human and material resources and hinder production.”
“I urge all of you to abandon old views and consider carefully what is truly important.”
An Wenjing’s words were heartfelt and eloquent, and every sentence struck a chord. The court officials who had previously opposed the reforms were left speechless.
However, it was indeed intriguing that An Wenjing, the son of the Minister of Rites, was the one to take the lead in overturning the old mourning rituals.
In fact, anyone holding an official position would be reluctant to resign due to the mourning period for a family member, as it could impact their career prospects.
As a result, there was more support than opposition for the abolition of the mourning laws, and those who had initially opposed gradually fell silent.
Finally, the Emperor issued a decree, “Let Great Xia promote simple burials and encourage short mourning periods.”
And ordered the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Justice to remove the mourning laws from the legal code, meaning that Great Xia would no longer enforce compulsory mourning rituals for the people.
As soon as the decree was issued, the people praised the Emperor’s great grace, calling it a blessing for both Great Xia and the common people.
———
After handling the funeral arrangements for her father, Han Shuangling of the Marquis of Guannei Mansion received a summons to the capital at the Emperor’s command.
According to the old laws, during the mourning period for a deceased parent, Han Shuangling would not have been allowed to attend any ceremonial banquets. But with the new reforms in place, she was summoned to the palace to meet the Emperor. According to the palace official who delivered the summons, after the meeting with the Emperor, she would be taken to the Fengtian Hall to attend Princess Changle’s engagement feast.
Since Empress Qin Yan had been declared Empress from the moment she was crowned, and the Emperor had publicly announced that she would participate in state affairs, Han Shuangling was not surprised by the Empress’s presence.
Han Shuangling couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of change in the world.
What she didn’t know was whether this summons to the capital and the message waiting for her would be good news or bad news…
Han Shuangling met the Emperor and the Empress in the Imperial Study.
The decree she received and the words the Empress spoke to her left Han Shuangling greatly shocked, and her heart remained unsettled for a long time.
As she walked from the Imperial Study to the Fengtian Hall, Han Shuangling felt her steps grow light, as if she were in a state of disbelief.
She had inherited her father’s title and became the next Marquis of Guannei!
She, Han Shuangling, a woman, had become a military marquis!
This was unprecedented in Great Xia; it was something she had never even dared to imagine before.
Han Shuangling stopped by a palace wall, one hand resting against the crimson wall, the other gently pressing on her chest to calm her racing heart.
Han Shuangling was clear that inheriting the title of Marquis was the imperial family’s way of compensating her. But between the larger matters of right and wrong and personal grievances, Han Shuangling was still able to distinguish what was important.
The palace servant guiding her stood a little distance away, bowing with his head lowered, giving the newly titled Marquis of Guannei the appropriate space.
Han Shuangling took a moment to calm her emotions, recalling what the Empress had just said to her.
Empress Qin Yan was an open and straightforward person, never one to beat around the bush or resort to clever wordplay in conversations.
The Empress’s few direct words were both a statement of fact and a reminder to her.
She could not act rashly in Southern Xinjiang. From now on, she was to prepare for her post in the Shuobei.
When a gentleman seeks revenge, ten years is not too long to wait.
As for Princess Xinyue of Southern Xinjiang, we shall meet again in the future.
The decree granting Han Shuangling her inherited title was quickly delivered outside the Wumen Gate to be read aloud, and then taken back to the Cabinet for further distribution throughout the empire.
Thus, while Han Shuangling was still walking along one of the palace paths, the news of her inherited title had already spread throughout the palace.
———-
As soon as Han Shuangling stepped out of the inner court, she saw a tall man in ceremonial robes standing not far off, facing her sideways.
Han Shuangling’s lips instinctively curled into a small smile. She was just about to take a step toward him, but then she suddenly remembered his current status. The foot she had lifted froze in midair, and she slowly withdrew it.
Sure enough, as Han Shuangling paused, a procession of luxurious carriages emerged from another side of the palace path. Everyone present, including Han Shuangling, immediately bowed.
Sitting in the carriage was one of today’s main characters, Princess Changle of the Great Xia, Feng Yunchao.
Feng Yunchao was never one to put on airs. She raised her hand, signaling for everyone to rise.
The man in ceremonial robes whom Han Shuangling had noticed earlier was another main character of the day, the future husband of Princess Changle, General Lu Chen of the Northern Yamen Imperial Army.
After Lu Chen saluted Princess Changle, he stepped forward a couple of paces to her carriage and seemed to quietly say something to her.
Feng Yunchao pretended to be angry and responded with a few words to Lu Chen, but her peripheral vision caught sight of Han Shuangling in the distance.
Lu Chen also followed Princess Changle’s gaze and looked over. Upon seeing Han Shuangling, there was a moment of slight surprise on his face, but then he nodded toward her, executing the entire gesture with impeccable propriety and grace.
Han Shuangling was soon invited forward by the palace servants beside Princess Changle, and once again, she bowed before the princess’s carriage.
“Your servant pays respects to Princess Changle and to the future Prince Consort.”
It was clear that Princess Changle had already heard the news of the imperial decree earlier in the Wumen Gate. She smiled and addressed Han Shuangling, “Congratulations, Marquis Han.”
Lu Chen, with an appreciative look, also congratulated Han Shuangling, “Congratulations, Marquis Han.”
Han Shuangling bowed and clasped her hands in respect.
After Princess Changle’s carriage and her future husband left, Han Shuangling straightened up and lifted her gaze.
The pair of betrothed, gradually moving further away, were still casually chatting with each other. Their demeanor and expressions were both relaxed and natural, and even Lu Chen, in front of Princess Changle, showed no signs of excessive formality. On the contrary, they seemed to share a kind of long-standing tacit understanding, as if they had been together for years.
With some time still left before the banquet began, imperial family members typically wouldn’t arrive early for such palace feasts. Han Shuangling guessed that Princess Changle and her future husband were likely going to the side hall to rest briefly and prepare for the ceremony with the etiquette officers.
Han Shuangling let out a quiet breath, as if setting something down, and then took another step toward the Fengtian Hall.
Everyone has their own destiny and will head toward different futures; there’s no time to look back…
———
As Han Shuangling neared the Fengtian Hall, she ran into a familiar face.
General Duan Hong of the Chifeng Army, known as General Zhaowu.
Duan Hong had heard of Han Shuangling inheriting the title and took two steps forward to salute her with a clasped fist, offering his congratulations, “Congratulations, Marquis Han.”
But after saying this, Duan Hong immediately stopped smiling and, in a more somber tone, added, “Marquis Han, my condolences.”
Han Shuangling’s breath hitched slightly. She understood that Duan Hong was referring to her father’s passing.
She returned the salute with a clasped fist and then the two of them walked together toward the Fengtian Hall.
After walking a couple of steps, Duan Hong suddenly seemed to recall something and turned to speak to Han Shuangling again, “I heard that Marquis Han is going to the Shuobei soon. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Han Shuangling wasn’t surprised that Duan Hong knew about the Emperor’s arrangement for her, as he was one of the Emperor’s trusted confidants. However, she wasn’t in the mood for a lengthy conversation at the moment. She responded briefly out of courtesy and then fell silent.
Duan Hong could understand that Han Shuangling wasn’t in the best of spirits, so he didn’t say anything more to disturb her. The two of them continued on toward the Fengtian Hall, keeping a respectful distance from each other.
————
Duan Hong had come back to the capital specifically for the Crown Prince and Princess Anping’s full-month celebration, and to report on his duties.
He had brought a grand gift from the entire Chifeng Army, a token of congratulations to the Empress for the safe birth of the imperial heir.
What surprised Duan Hong, however, was that Qin Ming had participated in contributing to the gift for the crown prince and the princess’s full-month celebration, but it seemed that Qin Ming hadn’t sent any gifts to the Empress personally.
Qin Ming had endured hardships in the army that most people couldn’t, and he had never acted as though his position as an imperial relative gave him any special status. He never used being the Empress’s brother as a way to show off.
Speaking of Qin Ming, Duan Hong had to admit he was a man of substance.
Duan Hong thought to himself, silently admiring him, Qin Ming was a true man.
But little did Duan Hong know the reason behind this.
Qin Ming was in no position to be closely related to Empress Qin Yan in the first place.
When the news of Han Shuangling inheriting the title spread, the Ministry of Personnel sent a transfer order from the capital to Yuzhou.
Far away in Yuzhou, Wang Jingheng received the transfer order, and his heart settled. The news had finally arrived.
What about Shuobei… Shuobei it is.
This time, he would leave everything behind. He was no longer the son of the prime minister’s family as he was just Wang Jingheng.
Shuobei, please advise.
Marquis Han, please advise.
———
Minister of Works, Qin Mansion.
After the woman, who claimed to be Qin Lin’s former betrothed and now her cousin, left Qin Mansion, both Madam Zhu and the sisters Qin Xi and Qin Lin looked displeased.
But the palace banquet couldn’t be delayed. After the three women tidied up and prepared to leave the mansion, they were approached by a servant who had been sent to follow the woman and return with information, “Madam, that woman did indeed enter the Yuan Mansion, and… it was actually Madam Yuan herself who personally welcomed her in.”
Madam Zhu dismissed the servant, and, after a brief silence, she turned to Qin Lin and spoke, “Lin Lin, your mother will inquire with the matchmaker for clarification and also have your father ask Master Yuan for the truth.”
“But as for today, regardless of how much truth or falsehood there was in that woman’s words, once those words are out, it will not be good for the Qin family or you, Lin Lin.”
“Lin Lin, you must be prepared. Your father will probably not approve of this marriage anymore.”
Qin Xi’s mouth parted slightly, seemingly surprised.
Just like that, a woman of unknown origin casually said a few words, and it was all decided?
Poor Lord Yuan…
But Qin Lin understood very well the meaning behind her mother’s words and was clear on the stakes involved.
The fact that the woman was able to enter the Yuan Mansion and was personally welcomed by Madam Yuan suggests that the woman’s words were not entirely lies.
If she really was a helpless, orphaned woman who was to have her betrothed taken away by the Qin family, this would not only damage my reputation as a daughter, but it could even bring trouble to her father, who might be implicated by the Imperial Censor Bureau.
Therefore, once there is any stain on this marriage, both father and mother will absolutely not approve of it.
After a brief silence, Madam Zhu muttered, “I’ve never heard of a cousin from the Yuan family before. This woman claims she came from Xuzhou, but if she’s truly an orphan, how did she travel all the way to the capital?”
“How dare she even approach the Qin Mansion, and who gave her the audacity?”
Madam Zhu’s mind was sharp, and she instinctively felt that the woman’s actions today were not simple. A few officials who had clashed with Qin Wenxuan on political matters briefly crossed her mind.
But the banquet at the palace couldn’t be delayed any longer. The three women stood up, left the mansion, and got into the carriage headed for the Imperial City.
Inside the swaying carriage, Qin Lin suddenly remembered that overbearing and somewhat harsh man she had met last winter by Qishui Lake.
His words were still fresh in her mind, “I’ve saved Miss Lin twice. Three strikes, and if I save you once more, Miss Lin must offer her body in return.”
Qin Lin sighed in her heart.
She wondered if today’s matter had anything to do with that man…
———–
The banquet at the Fengtian Hall was an imperial feast granted to officials and their families, and it was here that Qin Lin ran into her betrothed Yuan Mu.
Yuan Mu was polite and respectful to Qin Lin, and from his expression, there was no sign that he was hiding anything.
Madam Zhu was even more displeased. If this person surnamed Yuan wasn’t truly upright, then he must be someone with great skill, able to deceive even her.
Yuan Mu, who had been stabbed in the back by his own cousin and remained unaware…
When suspicion arises in one’s heart, everything about others seems off.
Just like how Madam Zhu now viewed her originally intended son-in-law, Yuan Mu.
Yuan Mu was just a low-ranking official and had to sit in the outside courtyard of Fengtian Hall, so they didn’t meet for long before parting ways.
Once Qin Lin entered Fengtian Hall, however, she unexpectedly caught an intense gaze—one she couldn’t ignore.
It was him.
Feng Subei didn’t linger his gaze on Qin Lin during the banquet, and Qin Lin sighed in relief, thinking that he wouldn’t really lose his decorum and do anything out of line.
After the banquet ended, Madam Zhu was talking with other officials’ wives, exchanging pleasantries. Qin Xi, however, pulled Qin Lin aside and requested to visit the Crown Prince and Princess Anping at Ningshou Palace.
Empress Qin Yan allowed it.
Qin Xi and Qin Lin were kept at Ningshou Palace for dinner. By the time they were ready to leave, it was already dark. As they passed through the garden of Ningshou Palace, they “accidentally” ran into Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion, Feng Subei, who seemed to be waiting for them there.
After the two Qin sisters had greeted Feng Subei, he spoke to Qin Lin in a low voice, “Let’s talk.”
Qin Xi was surprised by Shizi of Duan Wang Mansion’s rather improper request.
After all, Qin Lin was an engaged young lady!
Couldn’t Shizi at least come up with some decent excuse to hide his improper intentions?
Qin Lin, however, didn’t shy away. In fact, she had her own questions for Feng Subei, so she nodded in agreement.
Qin Xi left Ningshou Palace first, waiting outside for Qin Lin. She wasn’t worried about Qin Lin, after all, in the Empress’s palace, who would dare to cause trouble?
Oh, forgot to bring sunflower seeds…
———
Qin Lin hadn’t planned to talk much with Feng Subei or to hide anything, as she didn’t want to stir up any gossip. So, after Qin Xi left, she began walking toward a brighter area of the palace where the lanterns lit the path.
But perhaps due to her wandering thoughts, she hadn’t taken two steps when she tripped on a slightly sunken brick seam. Her ankle twisted sideways, and she fell forward.
“Ah…” Qin Lin cried out softly.
But before she could fall further, a man’s arm reached out behind her, steadying her.
Feng Su Bei took two steps forward, his right arm encircling her slim waist. With a quick motion, he lifted her up, holding her securely in his arms.
After Qin Lin shifted slightly, trying to avoid the man’s closeness, Feng Subei let go of her, but his steps didn’t retreat. His tall figure still loomed over her, casting a shadow.
He looked at her intently, and with a hint of amusement in his voice, he said, “I’ve said it before, don’t repeat the same mistake again and again.”
The boldness in his words irked Qin Lin, and a subtle annoyance rose within her.
How had she never realized that this Shizi was so… forward, like a rogue pursuing her?
A pursuer of wives, was it?
Qin Lin turned to face him directly, her lips curling into a slight smirk as she spoke just two words, “Xuzhou.”
Upon hearing this, Feng Subei’s eyes narrowed slightly, and a shallow smile tugged at his lips.
She guessed it right. No wonder she was the one he had chosen; she was sharp and intelligent.
But hadn’t Qin Lin noticed? She was becoming increasingly careless with manners around Feng Subei. Deep down, she must have recognized that there was something different when it came to him, something special that made her feel she could act more freely, even recklessly.
Feng Subei, being a man of straightforwardness, hadn’t planned to hide anything. After all, uncovering the past entanglements of her temporary betrothed was actually a favor to Qin Lin, wasn’t it?
Feng Su Bei spoke calmly, “It’s me.”
Both of them were smart enough, so there was no need to say more.
This man in front of her seemed to have lost all sense of shame? Qin Lin didn’t even know how to ask the question she’d been preparing.
Feng Subei wiped the smile from his face and looked at Qin Lin with an especially serious tone, “Qin Lin, I’m going to Northern Liang. I may not return to the capital for a year or more.”
“Wait for me.”
Qin Lin thought about Feng Subei’s words as she rode back to her home.
The last time Feng Subei said goodbye to her was when he left for the Shuobei battlefield. At that time, he had told her to let go and wished her well.
But now, he was leaving again, and this time for Northern Liang, even leaving Great Xia.
Yet this time, instead of just saying goodbye or offering a blessing, he had forcefully asked her to wait for him.
How could he be so sure she would wait?
What, did he conclude that she would call off the engagement?
Is this person so confident?
————
In the capital, at the Duan Wang Mansion.
When Feng Subei returned to his mansion, it was already late at night.
His carriage had followed the Qin sisters’ carriage at a distance, making sure they safely arrived at the Qin Mansion before heading back.
Upon entering the mansion, Feng Subei learned that his mother, the Duan Wangfei, was waiting for him in his courtyard.
The Duan Wang and Wangfei had returned to the capital for the Crown Prince and Princess Anping’s full moon banquet. Due to pressing matters in the northern territories, Duan Wang departed for Youzhou the day after the banquet.
Because of the hurried nature of his journey, Duan Wang left Duan Wangfei behind to rest and slowly make her way back to Youzhou.
Duan Wangfei was somewhat aware of her son’s personal matters, and she could guess why he had returned late that day.
After Feng Subei took his seat across from Duan Wangfei, she spoke, “Miss Lin from the Qin Mansion is indeed a fine young woman, but she is already betrothed. Is it appropriate for us to interfere?”
As soon as Feng Su Bei heard his mother’s words, he immediately thought of how Ji Mu had teased him when he received news of Xuzhou, “Has Shizi ever heard the saying, ‘steal another’s wife, and you will be struck by thunder’?”
Feng Subei was used to Ji Mu’s sharp tongue, so he responded with a retort, “Your wife, Miss Wang, doesn’t seem to be giving you a good look.”
Whether or not Miss Wang had shown Ji Mu a good face, these two unlucky men certainly hadn’t given each other any friendly looks.
Xuzhou was Ji Mu’s base of operations. When Feng Su Bei’s people discovered Qin Lin’s betrothed’s origins, he asked Ji Mu to inquire for information.
It was just as well, as they had managed to uncover some interesting details.
As Feng Su Bei had suspected, Qin Lin’s engagement was almost certainly doomed.
————
He looked at his mother, Duan Wangfei, with a serious expression, “Mother, I will be departing for Northern Liang tomorrow. I would like to ask you to stay in the capital and keep an eye on your future daughter-in-law, Qin Lin.”
Duan Wangfei wasn’t surprised by her son’s request; in fact, she felt some relief.
At least Feng Subei had finally decided to fight for her.
However, calling her future daughter-in-law already? Miss Lin from the Qin Mansion… it seemed like this might be more difficult than expected…
Duan Wangfei didn’t hesitate for long and nodded at her son.
Feng Subei continued, “Even though His Majesty has lifted the mandatory mourning restrictions, I still have concerns. Before the full year of mourning for my first wife is over, I don’t want to involve Qin Lin unnecessarily.”
“But if things become uncontrollable, I will ask you to go to the Qin Mansion to propose on my behalf.”
Duan Wangfei smiled, “At least you’re not completely lost in your head.”
In fact, Feng Subei wasn’t entirely sure whether Qin Lin would be able to break off her engagement. This was precisely why he had asked his mother, Duan Wangfei, to stay in the capital.
Indeed, Feng Subei’s mourning period for his late wife, An Yanxi, had not yet ended. If he became involved with someone from the Qin Mansion at this point, it would damage the reputation of the young lady of the Qin family.
Furthermore, the task in Northern Liang was of utmost importance, and he had no choice but to leave.
The borders of the Great Xia and Northern Liang were directly connected, and Princess Huayang and the Duke of Zhenguo, Shen Shiying, were the only links between the two nations. If something were to happen to Shen Shiying, maintaining the peace between the Great Xia and Northern Liang would likely be impossible.
Therefore, whether representing the imperial family or the Great Xia, Feng Subei had to go to Northern Liang.
After returning to her courtyard, Duan Wangfei immediately summoned her subordinates and instructed them, “Tomorrow, gather information about the preferences of the people at the Qin Mansion of the Ministry of Works, the places they frequent, and any upcoming banquets they are attending. Prepare it for me.”
“Remember, everything must be done discreetly.”
The subordinate acknowledged the order.
Duan Wangfei thought back to the day when she had cut the hair of the imperial twins in the Ningshou Palace. She had been imagining when she would be able to hold her own grandchildren.
Fortunately, it seemed that Feng Subei had finally come to a decision.
As for Duan Wang, who was still waiting for his wife in Youzhou…