Qi Yanzhou asked Ye Chutang to meet for two reasons: to discuss the upcoming exile the next day and to talk about the weapons found in Prince An’s mansion.
Seeing her curiosity, he explained, "The Emperor already knows Zhao Mingxu’s intention to rebel and has summoned him to the palace. The outcome will be decided before sunset."
Ye Chutang asked with interest, "How did you manage to dig up Prince An’s stables?"
"Huaixuan is the last disciple of the Imperial Astronomer. It was easy for him to calculate that the Emperor would face a calamity and pinpoint the exact location."
"I see. The Emperor is cowardly and selfish—he won’t let Zhao Mingxu off lightly."
Qi Yanzhou nodded in agreement. "If the Emperor confirms that Ye Jingchuan stockpiled weapons for the Second Prince, their fate won’t be any better."
"Add the evidence of the imperial examination fraud, and the Second Prince won’t be far from exile either."
"For now, we shouldn’t expose the exam fraud. If the Second Prince loses all power, the Crown Prince will dominate the court, upsetting the balance."
Ye Chutang took two letters.
"Then let’s strike both sides—reveal the Second Prince’s hidden weapons and the Crown Prince’s embezzlement of military funds."
As she spoke, she remembered the most heinous of them all—Eunuch De.
"Ah-Zhou, what do you think will happen if the Emperor discovers Eunuch De has secretly hoarded a dragon robe, the imperial seal, and an abdication edict?"
Without hesitation, Qi Yanzhou replied, "He’ll make excuses for Eunuch De and swallow his anger."
The palace and court had long been under Eunuch De’s control. The Emperor wouldn’t dare risk an open confrontation.
But he would harbor resentment and seek ways to consolidate his power, fearing Eunuch De might assassinate him and install a young prince as a puppet ruler.
Ye Chutang shrugged. "To be an emperor like this… truly unprecedented."
Qi Yanzhou suddenly recalled something.
"Ah-Tang, did the ‘Ghost Thief’ steal the imperial seal?"
When the Emperor issued the bounty for the "Ghost Thief," he had noticed something off about the seal.
Later, the repentance edict and the marriage decree confirmed his suspicions.
Ye Chutang nodded. "Yes. Do you want it?"
Instead of answering, Qi Yanzhou asked, "Ah-Tang, what kind of person is the ‘Ghost Thief’?"
"Greedy, arrogant, unpredictable… but occasionally just."
"What does he want?"
"Probably the same as you, Ah-Zhou—peace and prosperity for the kingdom."
After a pause, she repeated, "The imperial seal—do you want it?"
Qi Yanzhou thought for a moment. "I’ll trade all of Prince Chen’s Mansion’s wealth for it, but I won’t take possession yet."
The seal was too important—nowhere was safer than in the hands of the "Ghost Thief."
"Fine. Let’s continue discussing the exile."
"Destroy some of the weapons, replace the treasonous letters with ones implicating Ye Jingchuan in collusion with both the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, and change the fabric of the cursed dolls to royal-grade material."
Ye Chutang frowned. "With only the weapons left unexplained, will Prince Chen’s Mansion’s past merits be enough to warrant exile?"
Without sufficient justification, the Emperor wouldn’t dare punish the Qi family too harshly—lest he invite public outrage.
"It won’t. So I’ll voluntarily request exile."
This was the best decision Qi Yanzhou had reached after days of deliberation.
If the Emperor sentenced the Qi family to exile, they would be shackled and tormented.
But if he volunteered, though the journey would still be arduous, they would at least remain free.
Most importantly, if the crime wasn’t severe, exoneration would come easier in the future.
Ye Chutang agreed. "Then we’ll proceed as you say. What about the servants of Prince Chen’s Mansion?"
If he volunteered, the Emperor’s punishment for the servants would be lighter.
Those not bound by contracts could leave freely.
Those who were—
If they had money, they could buy their freedom; if not, they’d be sold to brokers.
Qi Yanzhou had already arranged everything.
"Some will stay in the capital, some will secretly escort us, and the rest will go ahead to the northwest."
"Oh, and the ‘Night Wraiths’ will accompany us as well."
Ye Chutang asked, "Can Dan'er and Jinzhi join the group heading northwest?"
"Of course. When can they leave?"
"Tomorrow, after my wedding."
Qi Yanzhou thought for a moment. "Do they have much luggage?"
"Not much—just personal belongings. If it’s inconvenient, they can buy what they need outside the city."
"Then have them carry only valuables. During the wedding procession, they’ll go to Guangjuxuan. I’ll arrange for someone to escort them out."
Ye Chutang understood his reasoning.
"Alright, I’ll leave it to you."
The Emperor was deeply suspicious and would surely have her people watched.
If Dan'er and Jinzhi tried to leave openly, they’d be detained.
With the discussion concluded, Ye Chutang prepared to leave.
Qi Yanzhou stood and caught her arm, his expression tender.
"Ah-Tang, have you been eating the dried fruit I sent? Has the morning sickness eased?"
"The fruit is good. Bring more for the journey. I’ve been taking medicinal meals lately, so it’s not too bad. Don’t worry."
"Tomorrow’s wedding banquet won’t have anything with a fishy smell. You’ll be fine."
Amused by his attentiveness, Ye Chutang teased, "Won’t people notice if you’re this obvious?"
"Let them. No one would dare question me."
"How mighty of you, Your Highness. It’s late—I should go."
Qi Yanzhou pulled her into an embrace, nuzzling her cheek affectionately.
"I’m sorry you have to suffer for this."
"Don’t worry. Neither of us will suffer."
With that, she pushed him away, smiling brilliantly.
"See you tomorrow… husband."
Then she left the room.
The word "husband" left Qi Yanzhou momentarily dazed, his heart pounding as if it might leap from his chest.
When he regained his senses, he cracked open the window, watching her leave with longing.
Ye Chutang felt his gaze but didn’t turn—because she spotted Qin Muyun approaching.
"Qin-gongzi, how’s your injury?"
Qin Muyun stretched lightly. "Ziqian sends his physician to the Qin residence daily. I’m recovering well—just a few more days."
"Miss Ye, congratulations."
His smile was genuine, free of resentment over his best friend marrying the woman he admired.
He knew he wasn’t worthy of Ye Chutang—only Qi Yanzhou deserved to stand by her side.
"Thank you. Take care," she replied before walking away.
The farewell struck Qin Muyun as odd. When he met Qi Yanzhou, he asked, "Ziqian, is Miss Ye planning to flee the wedding?"
Qi Yanzhou laughed. "Read fewer novels."
"Good. The Emperor rushed your marriage—does he have something planned?"
"Mm. No matter what happens tomorrow, don’t intervene. Keep your father in check too. I have my own arrangements."
The words filled Qin Muyun with dread.
"Is the Emperor making a big move?"
"One that could destroy families. But don’t worry—I can handle it."
Qin Muyun slammed the table. "Without the Qi family, there would be no Beichen Kingdom! The royals are heartless!"
Qi Yanzhou patted his shoulder.
"Anger harms the body—it's not worth it, Huaixuan. You should start thinking about yourself."
