Chapter Six: Yizhou

“Father, I want to go to Yizhou with you,” Shen Qiuning said first thing in the morning as she went to find Shen Munian.

The note had warned her to be cautious of the women around her father, but she couldn’t imagine any women being near him. Even his servants were all men. Why would she need to be wary of any women once they reached Yizhou? Only by going there would she understand.

Of course, as expected, unexpected troubles arose. Shen Munian was absolutely opposed to her going. No matter how much Shen Qiuning pleaded or acted coy, Shen Munian refused outright.

“The journey to Yizhou is dangerous. It’s not just about resettling refugees. You’re my only Ning’er—if anything happens to you, your mother would kill me! You’re not allowed to go,” he said firmly.

Seeing that reasoning was futile, Shen Qiuning pouted and went back to her room. She rested her head on the table, truly at a loss for what to do. She couldn’t even take the first step, let alone get involved in the bigger plan ahead.

Just as she was fretting, Mingyue came in and handed her something. “Miss, Shen San said someone wanted you to have this.”

Shen Qiuning looked and saw it was another brocade pouch, identical to the one from yesterday. She quickly opened it and took out the paper inside: “Enter the palace, seek the help of Noble Consort Xuan.”

After reading the note, Shen Qiuning immediately stood up. “Mingyue, prepare the horses. We’re going to the palace.”

Mingyue was puzzled. Why did Miss trust that Taoist so much? Every time, she followed the instructions in the pouch without hesitation. Was she not afraid it might be a trap?

Shen Qiuning herself didn’t know why she trusted the Taoist so implicitly. Every time she saw him, it felt strangely familiar—as if they had known each other for a long time.

On the way to see Noble Consort Xuan, Shen Qiuning had already devised a plan.

At Chang Le Palace, Noble Consort Xuan was making pastries. Shen Qiuning rolled up her sleeves and offered to help. “Consort Xuan, I want to go to Yizhou, but my father won’t allow it. Could you please persuade the Emperor to let me go?”

Without stopping her hand from kneading the dough, the consort calmly asked, “Why do you want to go? It’s dangerous, so your father forbids it. But you can tell me your reasons first. I’ll decide whether to help after hearing them.”

Shen Qiuning thought she had a chance. “I heard there’s a master jade carver in Yizhou. Mother’s birthday is coming soon, and I want to prepare a pair of jade bracelets for her. Please help me fulfill this filial wish.”

Noble Consort Xuan smiled gently and playfully tapped Shen Qiuning’s nose. “Alright, you little clever one. Come with me to present the pastries to the Emperor.”

Sure enough, the note had been right.

Inside the Imperial Study, the Emperor was playing chess with Gu Yan. Noble Consort Xuan brought Shen Qiuning in. After they paid their respects, she placed the pastries on the table. “Your Majesty, these pastries were made together by Ning’er and me. Please try some.”

The Yongqing Emperor smiled, his favorite were the pastries made by Noble Consort Xuan. The irritability he had felt in recent days vanished without a trace upon seeing her. It was hard to tell if he truly loved pastries or just wanted to spend more time with her.

“You are thoughtful, Consort. How did you know I was craving your pastries?” the Emperor said, then noticed Shen Qiuning staring at him. He chuckled, “Ah… this Ning’er is thoughtful as well.”

Noble Consort Xuan’s smile was warm. “Ning’er came to me today, saying she wants to go to Yizhou to find the master jade carver and prepare a birthday gift for her mother. The child’s filial heart is commendable, but her father forbids it. Please tell Shen Munian to allow her to go with him.”

“No,” Gu Yan interrupted before the Emperor could respond.

“The refugee situation in Yizhou is worsening. With your skills, it’s better not to add to the chaos,” Gu Yan added.

Shen Qiuning glared at Gu Yan, thinking he was everywhere.

The Emperor narrowed his eyes. He always felt Gu Yan had some feelings for Shen Qiuning. Perhaps this trip could unite the two beauties.

“I approve. Shen Qiuning’s safety is entrusted to you. If she returns missing even one hair, I will hold you responsible,” the Emperor said to Gu Yan.

Shen Qiuning quickly thanked the Emperor. “Thank you, Your Majesty. But what about my father…”

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively. “I’ll talk to your father. You just focus on protecting yourself.”

Unable to contain her excitement, Shen Qiuning thought, with the pouch’s help, she must not let her father fall into danger this time.

As they left the study, Gu Yan grabbed Shen Qiuning’s arm and strode ahead. She stumbled but stopped at the corner. Gu Yan turned and closed in on her. “Shen Qiuning, why are you so determined to go to Yizhou? You heard all that happened that day.”

Cornered, Shen Qiuning took a step back. Gu Yan’s face darkened, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes. “Shen Qiuning, you’d better tell the truth.”

“Don’t use your interrogation tactics on me. I heard nothing. I’m just going there to make a birthday gift for my mother,” Shen Qiuning frowned and shook off his hand. She really disliked how he carried himself like an interrogator. Even if she’d heard everything, what could he do? Kill and silence her?

She turned and walked away. Gu Yan watched her retreating figure, his gaze full of curiosity.

At the Shen residence, Shen Munian looked at Shen Qiuning, hesitant to speak but ultimately said nothing as she returned to her room.

“Miss, General Gu’s guard sent this,” Shen San handed her a letter.

“Yufu Tower, Pearl Pavilion awaits you,” it read.

After reading, Shen Qiuning took a jade hairpin and headed to Yufu Tower. Gu Yan was sitting in a side chamber. Seeing her arrive, he smirked. “Miss Shen, you promised to invite me to Yufu Tower last time. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

Shen Qiuning tossed the box in front of him. “Hmph, of course not. Open this hairpin for me.”

Gu Yan looked at the hairpin she had thrown. “Miss Shen, are you dissatisfied with this hairpin, or with me?”

“Stop talking nonsense. Open it now,” Shen Qiuning snapped, still annoyed by his earlier interrogation.

Gu Yan opened the hairpin and handed it to her. Shen Qiuning took out silver needles, then pulled out a bottle of poison, carefully coating each needle before putting them back.

Watching her actions, Gu Yan’s deep eyes held a half-smile. “Miss Shen, you’re ruthless. Coating them with poison means the target won’t survive. What secrets does a young lady from a noble household have that require poison?”

“Gu General, since you sent me such a weapon, you clearly don’t see me as a sheltered girl. I have no secrets. I just don’t want the Shen family to fall into ruin. I know what you’re doing. Why don’t we form an alliance?” Since she was stepping into this game, Gu Yan was the key player. An alliance was undoubtedly her best choice.

Gu Yan said nothing, only studied her as if seeking the answer he wanted. He neither wanted nor could allow Shen Qiuning to get involved.

They stared at each other, neither willing to yield.

Gu Yan stood and leaned close. “Shen Qiuning, you’d better not get involved. I don’t care what your true purpose in going to Yizhou is, but don’t slip up.”

Shen Qiuning also stood and stepped back. “If General Gu refuses to ally, then there’s nothing more to say. See you in Yizhou. Goodbye.”

She left as abruptly as she had come. Gu Yan had never met a woman quite like her.

On the way back to the mansion, a torrential rain fell, carrying the chill of late autumn. Shen Qiuning sat by the window, watching raindrops patter on the sill. She thought the journey, due to start early the next day, would likely be delayed again. This night’s rain was thoroughly vexing.

The next morning, Shen Qiuning opened the window. The rain had stopped and the sky was clear, but the path was still damp. The garden’s flowers and plants were all dotted with lingering raindrops. Luckily, the rain had ceased, and they could set off as planned.

Shen Munian was already packed and waiting outside. Shen Qiuning called sweetly, “Father, please don’t be angry with me. I’ll take good care of myself.”

“All right, I understand. Let’s get going quickly so we don’t miss the auspicious hour. If we hurry, we can arrive by early morning tomorrow,” Shen Munian said, not truly angry. After all, this was his own flesh and blood.

The group reached the city gate where Gu Yan was waiting. Seeing Shen Qiuning arrive, the two exchanged a silent glance. Gu Yan and Shen Munian led the way.

“General Shen, are you aware of the purpose of this trip? Yet you let your daughter come along?” Gu Yan asked Shen Munian.

“She’s coming with me. Once she says she’s coming, no one can stop her. I’ll assign people to protect her. No need for your concern,” Shen Munian replied, suspecting that Gu Yan had feelings for his daughter. Perhaps all fathers felt wary of any men around their daughters.

“It’s not concern. I’m just worried your soldiers aren’t capable enough to protect her.”

“Ride on!” Gu Yan said, spurring his horse forward.

“You brat! My soldiers are no worse than yours!” Shen Munian shouted after him.

After traveling a day and night, outside Yizhou city, the prefect Zhao Xingzhou came out to greet them.

“Generals, you must be weary. Why not rest at my residence first?” Zhao Xingzhou said with a flattering smile.

Entering the city, Shen Qiuning saw no sign of refugees—only merchants and shops. It looked perfectly ordinary, but that very normalcy felt suspicious. She lifted the curtain and saw exactly that scene. She exchanged a glance with Shen San, who was disguised as a soldier. He quietly slipped away into the crowd.

At the same time, Gu Yan noticed something was off and sent his attendant Ah Xiao to investigate.

At the residence, after observing her surroundings, Shen Qiuning leaned close to Gu Yan and whispered, “You’ve noticed too, haven’t you? This isn’t the real residence.”

Gu Yan just hummed in response.

Shen Qiuning looked at him questioningly. “Hm! You can only say ‘hm’? What’s wrong with you?” She rolled her eyes and walked ahead.

Gu Yan chuckled at her frustration. He never quite understood what got her upset, only that when she turned and walked away, she was mad.

After settling in, Zhao Xingzhou called everyone to dinner. The food was bland, likely prepared by some random cook. Shen Qiuning grew even more curious. Was the prefect creating this facade just to cover up the refugee situation? What secrets lay behind it all?

After the meal, Zhao Xingzhou said, “Generals, I have other official duties to attend to and must leave. You may stay comfortably at my residence.”

He then summoned a young woman. “This is my sister. She will accompany you during your stay. If you have any questions, feel free to ask her.”

“Take good care of General Shen,” Zhao Xingzhou said, smiling as he pushed the woman toward Shen Munian.

“General, my daughter’s name is Zhao Wan’er.”

Watching this, Shen Qiuning’s heart tightened. The woman mentioned in the pouch must be her. She looked a few years younger than her father, pure in appearance but with a sly charm. What was Zhao Xingzhou really up to?

After Zhao Xingzhou left, Shen Munian gave some instructions and returned indoors without giving Zhao Wan’er even a glance.

Shen Qiuning returned to her room. Just as she poured some tea, there was a knock. Opening the door, Gu Yan slipped in and sat at the table. “Miss Shen knew I was coming, so the tea is ready.”

Shen Qiuning snorted coldly. “Stop shamelessness. If you have something to say, say it. If not, leave.”

“We’re surrounded. There are hidden soldiers everywhere—likely Zhao Xingzhou’s men,” Gu Yan said calmly, showing no sign of panic.

Shen Qiuning wasn’t too worried. Her father’s men and Gu Yan’s soldiers were both present. No matter how bold Zhao Xingzhou was, he wouldn’t dare act further. These hidden troops were merely monitoring them.

Gu Yan seemed to think the same.

“What did your men find out?” Shen Qiuning asked.

“How did you know I sent someone to investigate?” Gu Yan took a sip of tea, grimacing at the taste before putting the cup down.

Zhao Xingzhou’s act was sloppy. For a prefect’s residence, how could the tea be so low quality?

“Gu General’s guard has not appeared since entering the city. If not investigating, could it be you’re hiding a secret lover?” Shen Qiuning teased.

“You’ve noticed something’s wrong too,” Gu Yan said. Shen Qiuning had wanted to pour herself a cup but seeing Gu Yan’s mood, quietly set the pot down.

“Good guess. If you want to know more, come with me tonight,” Gu Yan said. He already knew the location of Zhao Xingzhou’s true residence and planned to scout it out that night. Knowing Shen Qiuning had also sent someone, he thought it better to go together than let her act alone.

“I accept your invitation. Gu General, please see yourself out,” Shen Qiuning said, escorting him to the door.

Shen San had indeed uncovered some information. Going with Gu Yan might not be a bad idea—at least his martial skills surpassed hers, which would make things easier.