News that An Yizhi was returning to the capital spread quickly.
Knowing she was coming back, many wondered what would become of Anbei. Although it was just one of the major garrisons, it couldn’t be left unguarded.
Defending the border was a vital matter. The issue was that the post of garrison commander came with military authority, and the Blackwater Garrison that An Yizhi commanded had an army of one hundred and fifty thousand.
With the position of Blackwater’s commander vacant, who wouldn’t want to vie for it?
However, it seemed An Yizhi was returning on leave. The post of commander of the Blackwater Garrison was temporarily filled by Chen Yuan. Everyone knew that Chen Yuan had previously served under the Prince of Qin Yu. It wasn’t just that her battle achievements were illustrious; she had reached her current position entirely through military merit.
One could say that Her Highness the Prince had not helped at all; Chen Yuan had earned her promotions on her own.
Could it be that the reason Her Highness had never helped Chen Yuan before was so she could seize this opportunity to install her as the garrison commander?
It wasn’t impossible. Look at those who followed Her Majesty and Her Highness—every one of them now held a high office.
Some people were just like that. They couldn’t see the accomplishments of others, believing they had only risen through the ranks because of Yu Jiuzhou and Chi Wan.
Of course, without those two, they might not have been treated fairly or given so many opportunities, but their contributions were all genuine and hard-earned.
Take Qiu Lai, for instance. If not for her back then, how many would have died when the plague broke out in that city? Later, during the war in Yanbei, she went to handle matters there as well.
One should not underestimate a physician. With Qiu Lai’s medical skills, she had single-handedly saved hundreds of thousands of lives. After all, when a plague erupted, her ability to find a cure was the very act of saving people.
Chi Wan had given Chen Yuan the opportunity to go to the battlefield, but the merits were her own. Unconvinced? Settle it on the battlefield.
As for whether she would be appointed garrison commander, that was all just speculation on their part.
An Yizhi was returning to the capital to report on her duties, and Chen Yuan was only temporarily filling the post. Not a single word had been said about Chen Yuan replacing An Yizhi as the commander of the Blackwater Garrison.
The capital was abuzz with rumors, but Chi Wan merely sneered. Promotions in the Great Zhou court, while not absolutely fair, were subject to strict evaluations. Merits were repeatedly verified, and promotions required investigations by the Ministry of Personnel and the Imperial City Division. Only when all three parties found no issues would the promotion proceed.
High-ranking officials also had to be approved by the Grand Secretariat. If there were objections, the emperor would make the final decision.
This meant that for officials of the fifth rank and above, the Grand Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel had voting rights, the Imperial City Division had investigative power, and the emperor possessed a one-vote veto and the power of direct appointment.
Fortunately, if the vote difference was large, the matter wouldn’t need to trouble Yu Jiuzhou.
Chen Yuan’s temporary appointment as commander had not gone through discussions in the Ministry of Personnel or the Grand Secretariat. The appointment of military officials was managed by the Five Army Command, and Chi Wan was the head of the Five Army Command, as well as the Grand Marshal of the World’s Armed Forces.
In effect, she gave the order, and the Five Army Command executed it. It was like giving herself an order. The appointment and removal of military officials did not need to pass through the Grand Secretariat at all.
Chi Wan could decide the matter of An Yizhi and Chen Yuan with a single transfer order. No one else would dare say a word, even if they wanted to.
By the time An Yizhi returned, it was already evening. Given the capital’s prosperity, the streets were still crowded. Although most people didn’t recognize the Marquis of Pingliang, who had been away for many years, many were aware of the recent news.
Returning at this time, clad in the armor of a garrison commander, could only be the Marquis of Pingliang, An Yizhi.
All eyes followed An Yizhi. The streets were crowded, so her horse moved slowly, and more and more people began to notice her.
Soon, someone approached her. “Marquis of Pingliang, upon your return today, my master has prepared a banquet at Menghua Tower.”
The name Menghua meant “dreamlike splendor,” suggesting the restaurant was as magnificent as a dream, as were its dishes.
An Yizhi’s eyes turned cold. She had just entered the capital, and the schemes were already coming one after another. “Relay this to your master: if he does not wish to provoke me, he should extinguish his own thoughts.”
When a military official stationed abroad returned to the capital, their first duty was to seek an audience with the emperor. Meeting anyone else before seeing the emperor was a grave offense that would lead to impeachment.
Disrespecting Her Majesty and engaging in factionalism—those two charges were more than enough.
So, the person’s invitation to a banquet was, in fact, a trap. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been too afraid to even state their master’s name.
Along the way, An Yizhi encountered both strangers and acquaintances, offering mutual compliments or lavish invitations. This was why she disliked the capital. Having grown up here, she understood what these people meant.
This was already an improvement. There were schemes, but they weren’t insidious—a far cry from the capital of years past.
Finally, she arrived at the imperial palace. An Yizhi announced her identity and was admitted directly.
As an outer court official, she could only wait in the outer palace to be summoned by the emperor. From her experience on the streets, she knew her return was attracting a great deal of attention, so she could only wait obediently.
Before long, Li Bao walked up to her. “Marquis of Pingliang, follow me.”
Li Bao was a palace eunuch who also managed half of the Imperial City Division. Having held a high position for many years, he only referred to himself as a humble servant in the presence of Yu Jiuzhou, Chi Wan, and the three young highnesses. He was always formal with outsiders.
An Yizhi and Li Bao were old acquaintances. Back then, she had only survived because Li Bao had led the guards of the Imperial City Division to rescue her at all costs.
“So it is Palace Director Li. It has been a long time. I trust you are well.”
Li Bao also smiled. “I am grateful for the Marquis of Pingliang’s concern. I am the same as ever.”
Li Bao held a position in the Imperial City Division and had even earned military honors during the Yanbei war, being enfeoffed as the Earl of Zhongcheng. However, he preferred to be called Palace Director.
Her Highness the Prince had once told him, what did it matter if he was a eunuch? As long as he was capable, she would make use of him. To him, “Palace Director” was the title of a household retainer. If he were addressed as Earl, he would be an outer court official.
On the way, Li Bao did not initiate conversation. He would only respond when An Yizhi spoke.
When they arrived at the hall, Chi Wan had not yet come. After another short wait, Chi Wan finally strode in from the rear and sat in the seat of honor.
“Bring a chair for the Marquis of Pingliang.”
“Yes.”
An Yizhi sat below, while Chi Wan sat behind a long table, much like a magistrate presiding over a criminal in a courtroom.
“Speak. The reason for your return.”
Chi Wan had her suspicions, but without evidence and with the person in question denying it, she wouldn’t have met with An Yizhi alone.
An Yizhi rose and clasped her hands. “Your Highness, this subject has fought for many years, and my body can no longer bear it. Thus, I wish to return to the capital.”
“Is that truly the reason?”
“It is.”
Chi Wan’s eyes grew cold. “Then what about the letters you wrote to Chun Gui?”
An Yizhi’s head shot up. She quickly said, “Your Highness, this matter is entirely my own unrequited wish and has nothing to do with Lady Chun Gui.”
“Nothing to do with her? You think it’s unrelated just because you say so? Do you have any idea what frequent correspondence between the capital and a major border garrison implies?”
It didn’t matter that they had kept it secret. Chi Wan just wanted to frighten the person before her.
How audacious, to correspond so closely with the grand steward of the palace. What would those who didn’t know the situation think? That Chun Gui was leaking palace information, or that a border official was prying into the emperor’s affairs?
Either charge was enough to land An Yizhi in serious trouble, and it would implicate Chun Gui as well.
An Yizhi immediately clasped her hands in a salute. “This matter is my fault alone.”
She was wearing armor, and according to the rules of Great Zhou, a soldier in armor does not kneel.
Chi Wan smiled and leaned back in her chair. “Your word doesn’t count.”
“Neither you nor Chun Gui can escape this. After a thorough investigation, Her Majesty will render her judgment.”
When two parties exchanged letters, it was delusional for one to think they could take all the blame.
An Yizhi’s fists clenched tightly. “What do you want to investigate?”
“Naturally, the contents of your correspondence, to determine if it involves state secrets. This will be investigated by the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Grand Court of Revision.”
Chi Wan picked up the tea beside her, took a small sip, and waited quietly.
In truth, she could roughly guess the content of the letters. Knowing Chun Gui, it was unlikely to involve any secrets. It was just that Chun Gui’s recent behavior had been very strange, as if her soul had been drained from her body.
An Yizhi immediately took a step forward. “You mustn’t! The contents of the letters concern Lady Chun Gui’s reputation.”
Chi Wan raised an eyebrow. “Then you’ll have to decide which reputation you want to protect.”
She felt like a villain, forcing An Yizhi to tell the truth.
But thinking of her wife’s command, she had no choice but to intimidate An Yizhi. This was about Chun Gui, the person her wife trusted most besides herself, even more than An Yizhi.
After Chi Wan pointed it out, Yu Jiuzhou had also noticed Chun Gui’s recent state. Since it involved An Yizhi, they naturally had to get to the bottom of it.
Chi Wan’s opinion was that if it was a matter of the heart, they shouldn’t pry and should let the two of them handle it themselves.
Yu Jiuzhou had said only one thing: “The people by my side cannot be hurt, not even by matters of the heart.”
Domineering and protective—that was her wife, alright.
And so, Chi Wan sat here, looking at An Yizhi, discussing the present topic.
An Yizhi took a deep breath. “I have a one-sided love for Lady Chun Gui.”
She was truly angry. She wanted to shout at Chi Wan: I hate you.
It was bad enough that she had stolen her childhood friend, but now that she had traveled a thousand li to return and pursue Chun Gui, she was being interrogated.
Where was she to put her pride? Back then, she had loved Yu Jiuzhou, but she had been outmatched by Chi Wan in every way. Later, on the battlefield, she had been won over by Chi Wan’s prowess and had gradually let go of her feelings.
Now, she had found someone she liked again, and it was an unrequited love—one where she had been rejected multiple times.
An Yizhi seriously suspected that Chi Wan was mocking her.
Chi Wan gave a dry laugh. “No way. You’re in love with Chun Gui, so why would she write back to you?”
An Yizhi was taken aback. “I…”
Seeing that she was about to speak, Chi Wan waved her hand, and servants brought in wine and food. I have wine, and you have a story.
“Her Majesty said I should entertain you well.”
Yu Jiuzhou didn’t want to see An Yizhi. If this returning official failed to see both the emperor and the prince, people might think she had fallen out of favor. So, Chi Wan had come to meet her and had prepared wine and food.
“Many thanks,” An Yizhi said, before sinking into her memories.
After driving Beining out of Yanbei, An Yizhi had remained stationed at the border garrison. But at that time, she was heartbroken and in low spirits.
She used to write to Yu Jiuzhou often, but now she didn’t know who to write to, so she wrote to Chun Gui.
—Is Her Majesty well? Yanbei is desolate and impoverished after the war. I have sent back some cured meat for you and Her Majesty to share.
—Is Her Majesty well? The jujubes of Yanbei are sweet with a hint of tartness, a superior flavor. I present them to Her Majesty and have packed some separately for you all.
An Yizhi wrote many letters and sent many parcels. As in previous years, they were filled with local specialties. The recipient had simply changed from Yu Jiuzhou to “presented to Her Majesty.”
It was a poignant change.
One letter, two… ten, a hundred.
An Yizhi had never expected a reply from the capital, but she trusted that Chun Gui would surely give the specialties she presented to Yu Jiuzhou.
To her surprise, one day she actually received a reply, along with a large parcel.
—Marquis of Pingliang, I hope you are well. Her Majesty is aware of the items you presented. Xia, Qiu, Dong, and I cannot accept your gifts for nothing, so my sisters and I have purchased some specialties from the capital to send to you in return.
An Yizhi was very surprised to receive the letter and the large parcel. She had thought she would never receive a reply in her life. Sending the specialties to Chun Gui was merely a continuation of an old habit.
She just couldn’t send them directly to Yu Jiuzhou anymore, so she sent them to Chun Gui.
As for why she chose Chun Gui out of the four attendants, perhaps it was because Chun Gui was steady, or perhaps her name was simply the first that came to mind.
That winter, Yanbei was exceptionally cold. Chun Gui sent her a great deal of frostbite ointment, saying it was developed by Chi Wan and sold cheaply as a welfare product for the common people. It wasn’t yet available in Yanbei, so she told her to use it, and if there was any left over, she could distribute it to her soldiers.
There was also a cotton-padded coat embroidered with a female eagle. She survived the entire winter relying on that coat.
Whenever she saw the coat, she would think of Chun Gui.
To this day, she still remembered the contents of that letter: Though the winter plums are beautiful, remember to add more layers and take care.
She had once sent Chun Gui some plum blossoms from Yanbei. By the time they reached the capital, they were already dried. How could they still be beautiful?
She didn’t know when it started, but her letters became addressed only to Chun Gui. They still routinely asked if Her Majesty was well, but they no longer mentioned presenting things to Her Majesty.
For several years, this continued, until the central government ordered the complete conquest of Beining. The war became intense, and their correspondence temporarily ceased.
An Yizhi was too busy with the war, with little time to write. When she had a spare moment, she would hastily jot down a few lines. By the time the war was over, she had finally finished a single letter.
After the war ended, An Yizhi learned that Chun Gui had also sent several letters and parcels over the past two years. However, the territory of Beining was vast, and the army was constantly on the move, making it difficult to locate the main force.
An Yizhi had also given instructions that, unless it was an order from the central government, resources were not to be wasted searching for her.
Only upon her return did An Yizhi see Chun Gui’s letters and parcels. The parcels contained a lot of medicine and various dry rations that were easy to carry on the march, ensuring at least three meals a day.
It was clear how much thought Chun Gui had put into preparing these things. The letters, too, were filled with worry for her. After all, it was war, and people were dying every day.
Chun Gui’s concern was expressed with restraint, yet it made An Yizhi’s lips curl into a smile.
She hurriedly wrote a letter, adding it to the one she had written before, and sent it to the capital along with some spoils of war.
This time, Chun Gui blushed upon receiving the letter. The content wasn’t anything special; An Yizhi had just recounted everything in great detail, as if writing to a wife…
But the war was over, and An Yizhi had returned safely, which was a good thing.
Chun Gui went out again to buy many things that were needed but unavailable in Yanbei, wrote another short letter, and sent it to the capital.
Another year passed like this, and An Yizhi became increasingly aware of her own feelings. She had developed affections for Chun Gui.
Now, both she and Chun Gui were thirty years old and unmarried. Looking at their letters, although they had not broken through that final layer, they both understood each other’s meaning.
But if they didn’t say it, they were still friends. Once it was said…
An Yizhi hesitated for a long time.
She was worried about frightening Chun Gui, but some things had to be said. If she didn’t try, how would she know it wouldn’t work?
She was a general, famous from a young age, and her years in the military had made her anything but a coy person. So, she wrote a letter, asking for Chun Gui’s thoughts.
—Chun Gui,
To see these words is to see you.
Since we parted, I often recall our time together. Looking back, you and I spent much time in each other’s company. When I practiced martial arts and swordsmanship, you were always by my side. When the bronze bell in the study chimed, you would always raise a hand to steady it, fearing it would disturb me.
In the past, when we were often together, I did not understand the tenderness of your heart. Now, when the third watch sounds, I find myself tossing and turning, my heart stirring with feelings I cannot express…
An Yizhi wrote for a long time, finally finishing her confession.
The last paragraph was the most important: —This heart is clear, and this life will not fail you. If I am so fortunate as to receive your favor, I will ask my elders to prepare the Six Rites and choose an auspicious day. When I return, I will marry you with all proper ceremony.
Yizhi has been presumptuous. I pray you take care.
If you are unwilling, I will withdraw, lest I tarnish your reputation.
Yizhi bows her head and awaits your reply.
In one letter, An Yizhi wrote whatever came to mind. It was somewhat disorganized, but it expressed her feelings. All that was left was to wait for Chun Gui’s reply.
However, months passed without a response. She sent another letter asking if Chun Gui had received it, and if so, to please reply, even if it was a rejection.
If Chun Gui agreed, she would return to the capital immediately and have her elders prepare the Six Rites for a formal proposal.
If she refused, then she would spend the rest of her life at the border and never return. To her dismay, she still received no reply.
An Yizhi could only write a memorial to the throne, requesting to return to the capital. She had to ask Chun Gui in person. Whether it was rejection or acceptance, she just wanted to hear it from Chun Gui herself.
Chi Wan finally understood. There was online romance in the modern world, and letter-based romance in ancient times. Nothing wrong with that.
“You can go ask Chun Gui, but you are not to pester her.”
If Chun Gui liked An Yizhi, they certainly wouldn’t stand in her way. They would even prepare a generous dowry and make Chun Gui an outer court official, one who could stand on equal footing with An Yizhi.
Chun Gui had been with them for many years and had even raised their children. No matter what, they would not let Chun Gui be wronged.
An Yizhi looked up at Chi Wan, somewhat surprised, then asked, “How did you know about our letters?”
Chi Wan didn’t hide it. “Because Chun Gui never concealed her correspondence with Anbei. Also, her state has been very poor recently.”
She explained how she had asked Xia Qu to have a heart-to-heart with her, which had ended up becoming a heart-to-heart among all four sisters.
Indeed, asking Xia Qu to talk things out was a mistake. That girl just asked directly. Fortunately, the result was good.
Chi Wan held nothing back. Whether it was her, Yu Jiuzhou, or the others around them, they all cared for one another. Over the years, they had lived like family.
Chenchen and the others called Chun Gui and the others “Auntie.” Auntie Chun was a respected elder in their hearts.
Even An Yizhi, the Marquis of Pingliang, the great hero who conquered Beining, could not force Chun Gui’s hand.
“Thank you.”
An Yizhi was still very grateful that, even after knowing everything, she was still allowed to meet with Chun Gui.
Chi Wan refilled both their wine cups. “You’re welcome. You are Her Majesty’s childhood friend, and Chun Gui is our friend. But this is the only time. If Chun Gui is unwilling, even friendship won’t matter.”
“Alright.”
Chi Wan immediately stood up and left. Outside the hall, she saw Chun Gui, who had been brought over by Xia Qu.
“Go talk to her. Don’t worry, no one will force you to do anything you don’t want to. Don’t feel constrained by anything. Just follow your heart.”
She felt that even if Chun Gui liked An Yizhi, she must have some reservations; otherwise, she wouldn’t have avoided the issue. What was she worried about?
Hearing Chi Wan’s words, Chun Gui was taken aback.
Follow her heart?
She was not an indecisive person. Back in the Grand Princess’s Residence, she had managed everything in perfect order. After coming to the imperial palace, she managed it just as impeccably.
Gentle on the surface, but resilient within.
During this time, countless people had seen her gentle exterior and tried to fool or bully her, but they had all failed.
Managing a palace with tens of thousands of people was no easy task, which proved Chun Gui’s capability and tenacity.
Her thinking was simple: she just didn’t want to cause trouble for Her Majesty, nor did she want the trivial matters of the palace to trouble Her Majesty.
She had never expected that one day someone would write her a long letter confessing their feelings. At the same time, her sisters were worried about her and supported her, and Her Majesty and Her Highness were completely on her side, afraid she would suffer any grievance.
A wave of emotion filled her heart. Chun Gui steadied herself, her eyes becoming resolute. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you all.”
After saying this, she strode into the hall.
An Yizhi was already waiting inside. Seeing her enter, she immediately stood up to greet her. “Chun Gui.”
“Marquis of Pingliang.”
In terms of rank, Chun Gui’s was no lower than An Yizhi’s, but she still performed a curtsy.
An Yizhi wanted to step forward and help her up, but halfway there, she realized it was inappropriate and could only say, “Chun Gui, there is no need for such formalities between us.”
Chun Gui smiled and sat down at the table.
The wine cup Chi Wan had used had been cleared away and replaced with a new one.
Chun Gui poured herself a cup of wine, drank it in one go, and asked, “Did the Lord Marquis return for me?”
“Yes.”
An Yizhi didn’t hesitate. Of course she had returned for Chun Gui.
Chun Gui breathed a sigh of relief; she wasn’t being narcissistic. “Because of the letter?”
“Yes. Why didn’t you reply?”
“I wrote replies, but I didn’t send them.”
Her quarters were filled with discarded paper, on which many things had been written, but ultimately, none were sent.
“What did you write?” An Yizhi wanted to know what the letters contained.
Chun Gui shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. The contents no longer count.”
An Yizhi’s heart skipped a beat, pounding like a drum. She naturally didn’t want to hear a rejection, but if she was rejected, there was nothing she could do.
“Then if I ask for your hand in marriage, what is your answer?”
Only then did Chun Gui raise her eyes to look at An Yizhi’s face. It was darker, and thinner.
“Not so fast. I have two questions.”
“Please ask.”
“Although I am a female official, I am also a servant. While some may seek to marry me, they are mostly the second sons of noble families. They would not let their heir marry me. Are you willing to marry me?”
Even if An Yizhi was willing, what about the An family?
It was true that An Yizhi’s parents were gone and she had been raised by Emperor Shengyuan, but the An clan still existed. The clan elders were still around, and they might not permit her to marry Chun Gui.
An Yizhi was the most promising member of the An clan. The clan had probably chosen a match for her long ago. Before, they thought she might marry Her Majesty. Later, she was fighting wars and guarding the border, which allowed her to escape the clan’s arrangements. Now that she was back in the capital, many people would surely come to propose marriage alliances.
An Yizhi had already thought about this. “I am already thirty years old and have not married for many years. The clan cannot control me. Who I marry is even less their business. Besides, without me, the An family would have long since declined. They wouldn’t dare oppose me. In the future, the Marquis of Pingliang’s residence will have only you and me, no one else. There will be no elders above us, no sisters-in-law. I will also tell the clan not to visit unless it is important. You can rest assured on this matter.”
Chun Gui had expected An Yizhi’s answer. However, her real question was the second one.
Chun Gui drank three cups of wine in a row before mustering the courage. “Who do you truly love? Me, or Her Majesty?”
Even if she didn’t believe An Yizhi was that kind of person, what if she was? What if An Yizhi was trying to get closer to Her Majesty through her? What then?
Thinking of how every letter began with asking after Her Majesty’s well-being, it was no wonder Chun Gui would think this way.
