Chapter Summaries

Emperor Zhaoyuan decreed that Yan Wanning marry Prince Anbei, Si Yunqi, and leave for the Northern Borderlands in three days. While Chen Shi and Yan Wanwen resented the match and plotted around it, Yan Wanning welcomed it as a chance to escape the Duke Yan Household.

• Eunuch Xi delivered the imperial marriage decree to Duke Yan, who ordered Chen Shi to ensure the wedding preparations went smoothly.
• Chen Shi complained that Yan Wanning had attracted the emperor’s attention, but Duke Yan warned her not to interfere with the decree.
• Yan Wanwen resented Yan Wanning’s elevation and, reassured by Chen Shi, agreed to stay in her room while their father pursued a possible crown prince marriage for her.
• Yan Wanning told Xiao He that she was glad to leave the household and believed she and Si Yunqi could treat each other with courtesy.
• Yan Wanning considered Si Yunqi’s power and military duty, reasoning that he was unlikely to devote his heart to one woman.

Yan Wanning arrived in the Northern Borderlands after a long journey and prepared for her wedding to Si Yunqi. As she tried on her wedding dress, she thought of her deceased mother and grew tearful.

• Madam Chen and the Duke Yan Household saw Yan Wanning off, and Commander Wu led the procession north with Yan Yuqin accompanying it.
• After fifteen days of travel, Yan Wanning rested in Yuangguan City before continuing to Ningguan City the next morning.
• Tian Meng welcomed the procession at the city gates and escorted it to the residence arranged for Yan Wanning.
• Si Yunqi read the report on Yan Wanning and ordered a masked man to deliver it to the old dowager princess.
• Yan Wanning tried on her wedding dress and became emotional as she thought of her mother.

Yan Wanning married Si Yunqi in a grand ceremony at the Prince of Anbei's residence. The next morning, she woke sore and learned Si Yunqi had arranged for her to rest before serving tea to the old dowager princess.

• Xiao He helped Yan Wanning prepare for her wedding, and Yan Yuqin carried her from the residence before Si Yunqi led her to the bridal sedan chair.
• Yan Wanning and Si Yunqi exchanged wedding bows before the old dowager princess and their gathered guests.
• That night, Si Yunqi and Yan Wanning consummated their marriage in the bridal chamber.
• Yan Wanning woke the next day alone and too sore to get up without Xiao He's help.
• Xiao He told Yan Wanning that Si Yunqi had said she could serve tea later and had sent medicine for her injuries.

After their wedding night, Yan Wanning and Si Yunqi visited the old princess consort, who welcomed Yan Wanning and gave her a family heirloom. Si Yunqi then left for the army, and Yan Wanning returned to Anyuan Courtyard.

• Si Yunqi rubbed Yan Wanning’s sore waist, then kissed her passionately before leading her from Anyuan Courtyard.
• Si Yunqi reassured the nervous Yan Wanning on their way to Cian Court to pay their respects to the old princess consort.
• The old princess consort welcomed Yan Wanning, gave her a purple jade bangle passed down to the Si Household’s daughters-in-law, and promised to stand up for her if Si Yunqi mistreated her.
• Yan Wanning helped the old princess consort to her seat and shared lunch with her and Si Yunqi.
• Si Yunqi left for the army after lunch, and Xiao He greeted Yan Wanning with freshly made chestnut cakes when she returned to Anyuan Courtyard.

Yan Wanning waited for Si Yunqi to return, and the newlyweds spent the night together. The next day, she was left exhausted and sore, while Si Yunqi regretted his lack of restraint but did not regret their intimacy.

• Yan Wanning checked her dowry inventory and waited for Si Yunqi to return to the residence.
• Si Yunqi came home late, and Yan Wanning arranged supper before they ate together.
• After bathing, Si Yunqi embraced and kissed Yan Wanning, and they spent the night together.
• The next morning, Si Yunqi helped apply medicine to Yan Wanning and gave her water before she fell asleep again.
• Yan Wanning woke around lunchtime, ate despite her soreness, and Xiao He massaged her bruised lower back.

Yan Wanning chose to attend the Sun family's flower-viewing banquet so she could meet the Northern Borderlands' noblewomen. After discussing her plans and the household accounts with the old dowager princess consort, she was joined by Si Yunqi, who had returned home at noon.

• Si Yunqi found Yan Wanning recovering from their rough night together and promised to try to be gentler.
• Yan Wanning received invitations from several households and chose the Sun family's flower-viewing banquet.
• Yan Wanning told Xiao He she wanted to meet ladies and young women from the Northern Borderlands' families.
• Yan Wanning visited the old dowager princess consort, who encouraged her to make friends and advised her to ask Steward Mu about the accounts.
• Si Yunqi returned to the residence at noon, greeted the old dowager princess consort, and sat beside Yan Wanning.

Si Yunqi took Yan Wanning on an outing to a riverbank, where he hunted game and gave her a rabbit to keep. He said he wanted to spend more time with her, and he resolved to make an effort to understand and care for his young wife.

• The old princess consort urged Si Yunqi to spend more time with Yan Wanning, and he agreed.
• Si Yunqi took Yan Wanning out on horseback and sheltered her from the cold with his cloak.
• Si Yunqi left Yan Wanning by the river while he went hunting, reassuring her he would return soon.
• Yan Wanning waited beside the horse until Si Yunqi returned with a rabbit and two pheasants, then happily accepted the rabbit as a pet.
• Si Yunqi roasted the pheasants with Yan Wanning beside him and told her he had brought her out to spend time together.

Si Yunqi cared for Yan Wanning and sent her valuable fabrics and jewelry, while she prepared to attend the Sun Family's flower-viewing banquet. Yan Wanning left the prince's residence with Yun Yin accompanying her for protection.

• Si Yunqi cut up roasted chicken for Yan Wanning and fed it to her before taking her horseback riding.
• A seamstress came to measure Yan Wanning, and Si Yunqi sent her three chests of fine fabrics and jewelry.
• Yan Wanning cared for the rabbit Si Yunqi had caught while Xiao He prepared a nest for it.
• Yan Wanning dressed in crabapple-red gold-brocaded silk for the Sun Family's flower-viewing banquet.
• Yan Wanning set out in a carriage driven by Yun Yin, whom Si Yunqi had assigned to protect her.

Yan Wanning attended the Sun Residence’s flower-viewing banquet and drew attention with her beauty and status as the Princess of Anbei. At the young misses’ poetry game, Gu Shuang challenged her, and the two began trading flower-themed verses.

• Yan Wanning arrived at the Sun Residence, where Madam Sun welcomed her and introduced her to the assembled guests as the Princess of Anbei.
• Madam Sun seated Yan Wanning in the garden, then asked Sun Yueling to bring her to the pavilion where the young misses were playing the Flying Flower Poetry Game.
• Gu Shuang complained that Yan Wanning had spoiled the gathering and pressed her to join the game, so Yan Wanning took a seat.
• Gu Shuang challenged Yan Wanning to compete and recited a verse about spring flowers and autumn moon.
• Yan Wanning answered with a verse about pear blossoms, and Gu Shuang followed with a verse about fallen petals protecting flowers.

At the flower-viewing banquet, Yan Wanning befriended An Yingying after Gu Shuang was taken away for being drunk. When An Yingying shoved Yan Wanning clear of a falling guest, Yun Yin caught the princess consort, and she learned that the Prince of Anbei was waiting outside.

• Gu Shuang drank several cups of wine, lost a poetry exchange with Yan Wanning, and was taken to rest by An Yingying.
• An Yingying apologized for Gu Shuang, then walked with Yan Wanning and spoke with her about adjusting to life in the Northern Borderlands.
• Yan Wanning and An Yingying grew closer and agreed to address each other by name.
• An Yingying suddenly shoved Yan Wanning aside, and Yun Yin caught her as a pink-clad woman fell into the lotus pond.
• The fallen woman was identified as the Lin family's legitimate daughter, whom the Wang family's legitimate daughter had pushed during a quarrel.
• Yun Yin told Yan Wanning that the Prince of Anbei was waiting outside, and she left the banquet with Xiao He.

Yan Wanning returned from a tiring banquet with Si Yunqi, who cared for her and let her rest. After discovering that her new storybook contained an explicit passage, she was caught trying to hide it from him, and the chapter ended with Si Yunqi reading through the book.

• Si Yunqi met Yan Wanning outside the Sun Residence and took her home in his carriage, where she fell asleep against him.
• Si Yunqi carried Yan Wanning to her room and let her sleep until evening; she woke, ate dinner with him, and walked around the courtyard with him afterward.
• While Si Yunqi bathed, Yan Wanning read a passage in the storybook Xiao He had bought and blushed before throwing it aside.
• Si Yunqi noticed Yan Wanning's reaction, picked up the book, and opened it to the passage she had just read.
• Yan Wanning tried to explain herself as Si Yunqi turned through the rest of the book.

Yan Wanning grew angry with Si Yunqi after he treated her roughly, but he coaxed her and promised to take her out. Later, she had the Lin and Wang families’ apology gifts returned after their young ladies offended her at a banquet.

• Si Yunqi approached Yan Wanning after she read a suggestive book and promised to satisfy her that night.
• The next morning, Yan Wanning angrily threw away the book, and Si Yunqi soothed her aching waist and apologized.
• Si Yunqi promised to take Yan Wanning out that evening, then left for the military camp.
• Yan Wanning visited the old princess consort, who checked that she had not been hurt at the flower-viewing banquet.
• Yan Wanning ordered Steward Mu to accept and return the apology gifts sent by the Lin and Wang families.

Yan Wanning joined Si Yunqi and his companions for dinner at Fragrant Fullness Tower, where she met An Yingying, Gu Qingshi, Shi Jinyan, Qin Shaoheng, and Liyue. After Si Yunqi sent her out with Liyue and An Yingying, the three women enjoyed games and sights around the tower.

• Yun Yin brought Yan Wanning to Fragrant Fullness Tower, where Si Yunqi welcomed her and tended to her as his companions watched.
• Si Yunqi introduced Yan Wanning to Shi Jinyan, Gu Qingshi, Qin Shaoheng, and Liyue.
• Si Yunqi asked Liyue and An Yingying to take Yan Wanning around while he attended to business.
• Liyue led Yan Wanning and An Yingying to watch Flying Knife Cutting, then hit the dish name for spicy aromatic fresh fish with her throw.
• Liyue took Yan Wanning and An Yingying around Fragrant Fullness Tower until they were sweaty but delighted.

Bai Lian tried to provoke An Yingying by playing the victim, but Liyue intervened when Bai Lian feigned a fall. Meanwhile, Si Yunqi told Shi Jinyan that he intended to cherish and protect Yan Wanning.

• Yan Wanning offered Liyue a handkerchief, and An Yingying teased her about Si Yunqi getting jealous.
• Bai Lian arrived, claimed Gu Qingshi had asked her to meet him, and acted hurt when An Yingying told her to leave.
• Yan Wanning and Liyue called out Bai Lian's attempt to make An Yingying look cruel, and An Yingying warned Bai Lian not to approach her again.
• Bai Lian pretended to fall toward An Yingying, but Liyue pulled An Yingying aside and kicked Bai Lian away.
• Si Yunqi told Shi Jinyan that Yan Wanning was young and that he would cherish and protect her.

Si Yunqi and Yan Wanning left the gathering and strolled through the Northern Borderlands, where Yan Wanning bought a stuffed rabbit. The chapter left them sharing an affectionate kiss in their carriage as they headed back.

• Si Yunqi found Yan Wanning downstairs, and she and Gu Qingshi confronted Bai Lian over her false account of why she had come.
• Gu Qingshi sent Bai Lian back to the residence and left with An Yingying, while Yan Wanning reassured herself that he would not hurt her.
• Liyue left with Qin Shaoheng, and Si Yunqi led Yan Wanning through the busy streets with Yun Yin and Xiao He carrying their purchases.
• Yan Wanning admired a stuffed rabbit, and Si Yunqi bought it for her; she thought Nuonuo would like it too.
• Si Yunqi and Yan Wanning kissed in their carriage, while Yun Yin and Xiao He heard them from outside the curtain.

Western Rong attacked Yucheng, prompting Si Yunqi to ride to the front and send Gu Qingshi and Old Leopard with fifty thousand soldiers to fight. Anxious for Si Yunqi and the people affected by the war, Yan Wanning left the residence to see for herself, with the Old Princess Consort allowing her to go.

• Si Yunqi received word that Western Rong had attacked Yucheng and ridden out to the army’s main tent.
• After scouts reported more Western Rong troops nearby, Si Yunqi ordered Gu Qingshi and Old Leopard to lead fifty thousand soldiers against them.
• Si Yunqi rode toward Yucheng while Yan Wanning learned of the fighting and worried because she had no news of him.
• Yan Wanning insisted on leaving the residence, and Steward Mu arranged a plain carriage with elite guards following in secret.
• The Old Princess Consort heard that Yan Wanning had gone out and allowed her to face the responsibilities ahead.

Yan Wanning encountered refugees in Ningguan City and helped a couple bring their freezing infant to a medical clinic. She planned a charitable banquet to gather aid for the refugees, with the old dowager princess consort and An Yingying pledging their support.

• Yan Wanning gave a refugee mother her cloak and hot-water bottle, then took the couple and their infant to a medical clinic.
• After Xiao He paid the physician, Yan Wanning returned to the residence and proposed holding a banquet to collect money and clothing for the refugees.
• The old dowager princess consort approved Yan Wanning's plan, contributed silver notes, and assigned Steward Mu to arrange the banquet.
• An Yingying agreed to send invitations and contribute her savings, then returned home to prepare for the banquet.

Yan Wanning organized donations from noble families to shelter, feed, and care for displaced people, and the relief effort earned her a reputation for virtue. The chapter ended with the displaced people reading the donors’ names on a stele and expressing their gratitude.

• Yan Wanning hosted a banquet and explained that she wanted donations to aid the displaced people.
• Madam Sun, Madam Lin, and Madam Wang pledged money and supplies, prompting the other ladies to contribute as well.
• Yan Wanning and the old madam each donated a hundred thousand taels, and Steward Mu recorded all contributions and their uses.
• Within three days, Yan Wanning arranged wooden huts, warm clothing, bedding, meals, and medical care for the displaced people, assigning work to those able to help.
• Yan Wanning had a stele inscribed with the donors’ names, and the displaced people gathered to hear the list and knelt in thanks.

Yan Wanning received a brief letter from Si Yunqi while he led the Ningbei Army against the Western Rong at Yucheng. After defeating the enemy and arranging a surrender, Si Yunqi hurried back to Ningguan City, longing to see her.

• Yan Wanning received Si Yunqi’s message saying all was well, though she remained concerned by its brevity.
• Yun Yin reported that an epidemic and shortages had driven the Western Rong to attack Yucheng for its grain.
• Si Yunqi led three thousand soldiers against the Western Rong and defeated them, striking their third prince from his horse.
• General Zhang ordered the dead buried, and Tian Meng confirmed that Meng He’s body and compensation had been sent to his family.
• The Western Rong surrendered and proposed a marriage alliance, and Si Yunqi sent the news to the emperor.
• After the fighting and its aftermath were settled, Si Yunqi raced back to Ningguan City, thinking of Yan Wanning.

Yan Wanning eagerly welcomed Si Yunqi home after nearly two months apart, and they reunited affectionately before joining the old dowager princess consort for a celebratory meal. Back in Anyuan Courtyard, Yan Wanning noticed Si Yunqi was injured and asked to examine him.

• The servants prepared the Prince of Anbei's residence for Si Yunqi's return, while Xiao He dressed Yan Wanning in festive clothes.
• Yan Wanning ran to greet Si Yunqi, and he swept her into his arms and kissed her before carrying her inside.
• After their reunion, Si Yunqi praised Yan Wanning for what she had done while he was away and said he had missed her.
• Si Yunqi supported Yan Wanning to Cian Court, where they shared a meal with the old dowager princess consort.
• Back in Anyuan Courtyard, Yan Wanning reached for Si Yunqi's robe and asked him to remove it so she could examine his injury.