Chapter 103: Unwilling to Let Go (1)

The first day of the New Year was the day for officials to pay their respects to the Emperor in the palace. Not only were men who served in the court required to attend, but noblewomen could also accompany them into the palace.

For a prestigious family like the Qi clan, it was customary to make appearances at the palace during festivals. Women of high rank, such as Lady Yao, a first-rank consort, were expected to visit the various imperial consorts in the inner palace for tea and conversation. However, few women from the Qi family had married into the palace. In fact, there had only been one, and she had passed away seven years ago. As a result, there were no daughters of the Qi family currently in the inner palace, making Lady Yao’s presence unnecessary. She thus decided not to accompany her husband and sons to the palace, opting instead to catch up on sleep at home.

The Qi family had always maintained an air of aloof dignity, seemingly uninterested in relying on matrimonial ties to secure wealth or status. But other families were different—such as the Han and Fu clans, as well as other prominent surnames. Many of these families had produced several consorts, regardless of rank or whether they had children. They at least had someone in the palace.

Thus, most noblewomen accompanied their husbands or sons into the palace, leaving the Qi household comparatively quiet. However, with three high-ranking officials in the family, even their relative quietness didn’t stop the palace staff from showering them with admiration and flattery. Su Ping, the Chief Eunuch serving directly under the Emperor, personally waited at the palace gates to greet them—an unprecedented honor that drew envious glances from all the officials.

As soon as Su Ping saw the three Qi family officials arrive, he hurried forward with a broad smile, greeting the Left Chancellor, the Vice Minister, and the Privy Councillor individually. He was especially deferential toward the Chancellor, speaking auspicious words with a deeply bowed posture and an overly polite demeanor. Though no one dared to openly comment, many officials and their wives discreetly observed the scene, each drawing their own conclusions.

Qi Ying frowned inwardly, sensing something ominous. When he looked up, however, he saw his father accepting the treatment calmly, and his elder brother seemed unperturbed as well. This only deepened his sense of helplessness.

He lowered his phoenix-like eyes, choosing not to look anymore.

Today, the Emperor would receive the officials’ New Year greetings in the side hall.

To think, this Emperor was quite resilient. Three years ago, rumors had spread that he was on the verge of entering the imperial mausoleum, yet here he was, alive and well. He continued to indulge in consuming powdered elixirs, though his body had become increasingly ulcerated. Aside from that, he appeared to have no other issues.

Upon closer inspection, the Emperor had applied powder to his face today, likely to conceal his sickly complexion and stave off gossip among the officials. However, while the powder covered some flaws, it couldn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes, making him look even more unsettling.

He sat high on the dais, initially appearing bored. But when he saw the Qi family arrive, his expression brightened, and he even seemed to consider rising to greet them personally. However, given his advanced age, excessive indulgence in rich food, and resulting obesity, movement was difficult for him, so he ultimately remained seated.

Still, the officials present could discern the Emperor’s intention to rise for the Qi family. Observing how the Left Chancellor, despite adhering to proper etiquette, exuded a dignity and composure far surpassing the Emperor’s, and how much better his complexion was, thoughts began swirling in the minds of those present. Some even speculated: The Qi family had already reached the pinnacle of power and controlled the nation’s lifeline. Once Young Master Qi finished overseeing the spring examinations, the court would be filled with even more of his protégés. If the Qi family ever decided to make a change… perhaps it wouldn’t be entirely impossible.

This thought led officials to quietly glance at members of the Han and Fu families. Though these two clans were also powerful and influential, they didn’t stand out like the Qi family or receive the honor of the Emperor rising to greet them. Members of these two families seemed aware of this disparity too. For instance, General Han, known for his fiery temper, was glaring at the Qi family with a hint of resentment, though his younger brother, Han Shousong, restrained him from acting on it.

Seeing this, the officials silently withdrew their gazes, thinking to themselves: The Jiangzuo’s premier family truly held unparalleled influence—they could summon clouds with one hand and rain with the other. The current state of the Han and Fu families… simply couldn’t compare.

After completing their ceremonial bows in the hall, the officials briefly exchanged pleasantries in the square in front of the main hall.

Qi Ying had been conversing with several officials from the Censorate when Su Ping cautiously approached him, bowing slightly.

The officials from the Censorate were perceptive and likely realized Su Ping was delivering a message. Very few people in the palace could command Su Ping’s services, so it was almost certain this was on behalf of the Emperor’s cherished daughter, eager to see her betrothed once more.

Understanding this, the officials excused themselves, allowing Su Ping to step closer. With a smile, he said, “Young Master Qi, if you please…”

Qi Ying showed no emotion, remaining silent for a moment before replying, “Thank you, Chief Eunuch, for leading the way.”

Today being the first day of the New Year, all the palace consorts were busy receiving guests, leaving the Imperial Garden unusually empty—a perfect setting for the princess to meet her beloved in private.

She sat in a pavilion in the rear garden, craning her neck and looking around eagerly. After waiting for what felt like ages, she finally saw Qi Ying arriving late. However, she wasn’t upset and happily walked out of the pavilion to greet him, playfully chiding, “Why did you take so long? The Han family’s ladies-in-waiting are here today, and Mother Consort kept a close eye on me. I had to sneak out to see you.”

The princess looked radiant and cheerful, her peach-blossom eyes bright and enchanting, full of vitality.

Qi Ying subtly shifted his body to avoid Xiao Ziyu’s attempt to take his arm, his expression calm as he asked, “Does Your Highness have something to discuss with me?”

Xiao Ziyu noticed his evasive action, a flicker of disappointment crossing her eyes. But this behavior of his wasn’t new to her; she had long grown accustomed to it. Quickly regaining her composure, she pouted and complained coyly, “Can’t I see you without a reason? I just wanted to…”

She intended to lead him into the pavilion to sit, but before she could finish, he furrowed his brow and said, “If Your Highness has no urgent matters, it would be best to return to the Noble Consort’s side. I, too, am occupied in the outer court…”

Before he could finish, Xiao Ziyu hastily interrupted, “Oh, alright, alright! I do have something important, okay?”

Pouting slightly, she gestured for Qi Ying to enter the pavilion, saying, “You need to come in and sit down so I can explain properly.”

Qi Ying glanced at her, hesitating briefly before stepping into the pavilion. Xiao Ziyu watched him, noting how his formal court attire made him appear even more stern and distant. Yet this only heightened her infatuation, making her feel as though he had a firm grip on her heart, leaving her unable to escape.

Following him into the pavilion, she sat across from him at the stone table, studying him before saying, “Actually, this matter is something I’ve been working on for you. And here you are, ungrateful, trying to send me back to my mother…”

Qi Ying looked at her, frowning slightly. “What matter for me?”

Xiao Ziyu shot him a sideways glance. “I’m talking about finding a husband for Miss Fang! We settled this during our polo match last time—don’t tell me you’ve forgotten?”

She stared intently at his expression, seeing no particular reaction. His beloved phoenix-like eyes were lowered, concealing his gaze. Finally, he replied, “No, I remember.”

His voice was low and steady, showing no emotional fluctuation. Relieved, Xiao Ziyu happily continued, “Don’t thank me just yet, but you can go ahead and ask around Jiankang—see if there’s anyone as diligent a matchmaker as I am! Whether married or unmarried, I’ve inquired with everyone who meets the basic criteria!”

Excitedly leaning forward over the stone table, she rattled off names like popping beans: “Do you remember the seventh son of Duke Yingguo? Liang Huijun—he’s still unmarried and perfectly matches Miss Fang’s age. Then there’s the eldest son of Lord Zhongyong. Though older, his wife recently passed, and he’s looking for a new bride. They don’t have strict requirements regarding lineage—just someone literate and capable of caring for the children left by the late lady. Miss Fang’s background may be humble, but they won’t mind. Oh, and there’s also…”

Before she could continue, Qi Ying interrupted her, his tone calm but tinged with displeasure: “If I recall correctly, the seventh son of Duke Yingguo suffers from tuberculosis.”

Though his expression betrayed no anger, Xiao Ziyu could sense his disapproval.

She pursed her lips. “Well, for families like theirs, lineage does matter. You know Miss Fang’s situation—where else can she possibly marry into a higher household?”

After she spoke, Qi Ying fell silent, and his silence made her nervous.

Her hands tightened slightly under the stone table. Carefully observing his expression, she ventured, “If you think these candidates aren’t suitable, I can inquire further among men of lower status. If she doesn’t want to marry beneath her station, then becoming a concubine is another option. Being a concubine isn’t so bad—she’s beautiful, and if she gains her husband’s favor, she’ll live comfortably. Look at the concubines my fourth brother took in—they don’t live any worse than Fu Rong…”

She prattled on, but Qi Ying offered no response.

He remained silent, his emotions unreadable.

This unnerved Xiao Ziyu the most. Her voice grew quieter as she glanced at him, asking tentatively, “…Are you angry? I—I was just being honest. It’s true that it’s difficult for her to find a husband…”

There was more she didn’t say.

Those in the know understood that the Fang family’s orphaned daughter had resided in Qi Ying’s secondary residence for three years. While Qi Ying’s impeccable character was widely acknowledged, who could say what might have transpired between a man and woman? What if something had already happened between them? Who would want to marry her then? Those willing to take her in were likely doing so only out of respect for Qi Ying’s influence, hoping to gain favor from the Qi family. Otherwise, why would any man willingly invite such complications?

Finding a husband for Fang Yun was indeed fraught with difficulties. Xiao Ziyu feared that upon hearing this, Qi Ying might reconsider and withdraw his consent for her marriage. Anxiously, she heard him say, “Since this matter is so troublesome, there’s no need for Your Highness to trouble yourself further.”

This ignited Xiao Ziyu’s frustration. “You’re going back on your word? What will she do if she doesn’t marry? Stay by your side for the rest of her life? She—”

Before she could finish, Qi Ying interrupted her. His expression was detached, but his tone remained calm. “Jing’an expressed his wish to marry her. If she agrees, we should prioritize her feelings.”

Xiao Ziyu was taken aback, taking a moment to process his words.

Jing’an? Qi Ying’s third brother? He liked Fang Yun too?

Xiao Ziyu felt a mixture of relief and worry. On one hand, this meant Fang Yun would still marry, avoiding prolonged entanglement with her beloved Jingchen Gege. On the other hand, even after marriage, she would remain close to him, preventing Xiao Ziyu’s heart from fully settling.

Deep down, she wished that little vixen would leave far away, trapped within the estate walls, never to see her Jingchen Gege again…

But now, she dared not say so, fearing that pushing too hard might cause further complications. Instead, she feigned delight, saying, “Oh, is that so? That’s wonderful! A double blessing for the family.”

After she spoke, the man seated opposite her remained silent.

His appearance was familiar, yet there was an elusive quality about him that made her feel strangely distant.

By the fifth day of the New Year, the officials’ holiday had come to an end. After the morning court session, Qi Ying left the palace and returned to the Privy Council.

The Privy Council reported directly to the Emperor and operated independently of other ministries. Its offices were located near Xuanyang Gate, separate from other government buildings. The structure was imposing, lacking the refined elegance typical of Jiangzuo architecture, instead exuding simplicity and grandeur, as well as a cold, austere atmosphere. Despite being situated in a bustling area, commoners instinctively kept their distance, avoiding the premises.

Upon returning to the Privy Council, Qi Ying summoned the twelve department heads for a meeting. Noticing the absence of Xu Zhengning, he asked, “Where is Minister Xu?”