Qin Wan had an extraordinarily long dream. In her dream, she stood before the capital’s city gate, surrounded by an endless stream of noble families and power-holders passing by. On the broad imperial road, red carpets were laid out, extending directly to An Yang Gate. She stood alone, holding a petition paper, walking step by step toward An Yang Gate, passing through the capital’s prosperity and wealth, past the Six Ministries’ administrative offices, until finally arriving before the Da Li Temple.

The Da Li Temple oversaw all criminal cases in the realm. Qin Wan beat the drum and presented her petition. The official sitting high in the golden hall of the courthouse immediately declared that all charges against Shen Yi were false accusations and framed charges. He then reported this to the emperor. Qin Wan had only waited briefly at the Da-Li Temple’s entrance when three imperial riders emerged from the majestic palace. The lead rider held an imperial decree on imperial yellow silk, and before they drew near, the voice announcing the imperial decree rang out:

“Upon investigation, the former Minister Shen Yi’s crimes have been proven to be misjudged. Now, we hereby proclaim his innocence throughout the realm, restoring his reputation and rectifying his posthumous name…”

Before the decree’s reading was complete, Qin Wan’s eyes opened. This was her most cherished wish, but the dream was too unreal. Even while dreaming, Qin Wan knew it was just a dream because everything came too easily. She knew deeply that she couldn’t enter An Yang Gate, had never been to the Six Ministries’ offices, and couldn’t even enter the Da Li Temple’s court. The Da Li Temple’s officials would never even look at her petition.

The Da Li Temple handled the crimes of officials and all cases involving exile or higher punishment. A month had passed, and surely the Da Li Temple had a new minister by now. Without an initial hearing at the Capital Prefecture office, her petition wouldn’t even reach the Da Li Temple’s court.

Qin Wan squeezed her eyes shut, and when she opened them again, they were completely clear. The bed curtains hung on all four sides, with light filtering through brighter than usual at dawn. Qin Wan knew it was later than usual, but the room was completely quiet. Where had Fu Ling gone? Why hadn’t she come to wake her?

Though these questions arose, Qin Wan didn’t move. She hadn’t slept the previous night and hadn’t closed her eyes all yesterday, which explained why this sleep was so deep. Although it was late, Qin Wan still didn’t want to get up.

Just as she was unusually lounging in bed, the outer door creaked open, and someone tiptoed in.

“Shh, be quiet, Young Miss is still sleeping.”

It was Fu Ling’s voice. Soon after, another person said, “Why is Young Miss still sleeping? I don’t think I’ve ever seen Young Miss wake up late…”

“Young Miss has been too tired these past days. Keep your voice down.”

“Young Miss hasn’t returned for two nights. Did something happen at the Marquis Manor?”

Fu Ling seemed to pause before answering, “Indeed, the Old Madam at the Marquis Manor isn’t feeling well. She only trusts Young Miss, so she keeps her there. The day before yesterday, Young Miss watched over Old Madam all night…”

“Ah, doesn’t the Marquis Manor have maids?”

Fu Ling replied helplessly, “Of course they have maids. It’s just that Young Miss is devoted to the Marquis Manor’s Old Madam.”

The other speaker was Wan Tang, who laughed upon hearing this, “The Marquis Manor’s Old Madam is of noble status. It’s our Young Miss’s good fortune to be favored by her.”

Fu Ling was very pleased with this response. “Indeed it is. Old Madam treats our Young Miss like her own granddaughter.”

Wan Tang sighed, “Sister Fu Ling, you probably don’t know, but Sixth Young Miss is still confined for her previous careless words. Old Madam gave strict orders; she can’t even celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival…”

Fu Ling snorted, “She deserves it.”

When Wan Tang heard this, she quickly agreed. Qin Wan, lying in bed, was disturbed and had to get up. As soon as she rustled, Fu Ling heard from outside, “Ah, Young Miss is awake! You wait here—”

“Yes, Sister Fu Ling, go ahead.”

Wan Tang responded knowingly, and Fu Ling entered the inner chamber. Upon entering, she indeed saw that Qin Wan was awake, and Fu Ling went forward to lift the bed curtains. “Why did Young Miss wake up? I was hoping Young Miss would sleep until noon.”

Qin Wan shook her head, “That would be too improper.”

While getting Qin Wan’s clothes, Fu Ling shook her head, “Young Miss stayed up all night before last, and didn’t rest at all yesterday. I can see Young Miss has grown thinner. You should naturally sleep more to restore your energy.”

Qin Wan curved her lips in a smile, lazily stretching her neck, “My body is indeed quite tired, but the busy matters are all finished now. It won’t be like this anymore after this…”

“Who says you’re finished!”

Just as Qin Wan finished speaking, another voice filled with laughter rang out. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow to see a gallant figure enter the inner chamber – it was Yue Ning dressed in lake-blue male attire. Wan Tang followed behind Yue Ning but dared not enter the inner chamber, stopping outside while glancing inside with a rather guilty expression.

Qin Wan looked at Yue Ning and smiled helplessly, waving to Wan Tang, “All right, you may go.”

Fu Ling smiled and bowed, “Greetings to Princess. You’ve come quite early—”

Yue Ning walked directly to the side and sat down, sweeping her robe aside as she smiled at Qin Wan, “Really… you can’t handle staying up just one night? I thought you might be a bit lazy today so I came later, but I didn’t expect you to still be in bed.” She raised her chin and said, “Your constitution is still too delicate…”

As she said this, Yue Ning suddenly looked thoughtfully at Qin Wan. Qin Wan, while getting up and putting on her outer robe, shook her head, “I know what Princess is thinking. I’m not suitable for martial arts training, and at my age, it’s rather late anyway.”

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow somewhat helplessly, “I haven’t even said anything yet…”

Fu Ling covered her mouth and laughed lightly, “Princess doesn’t know, but Miss is always like this. Before others can speak, she already knows what they’re thinking. Sometimes it can be quite frustrating.”

Yue Ning snorted lightly, “Your Young Miss is too sharp-eyed. But extreme intelligence brings harm – seeing too clearly isn’t always good. You’d better pray your Young Miss becomes slower and more foolish.”

Fu Ling looked at Qin Wan, “Then this servant dares not. I can only think of ways to nourish Young Miss’s health.”

Yue Ning then looked toward the outer chamber, “When I came in just now, I smelled the fragrance of breakfast, and there seemed to be a medicinal smell. Is that what you’re using to nourish your Young Miss?”

“Exactly. I saw Young Miss looking unwell when she returned yesterday, so I had the kitchen stew a bowl of Snow Ginseng soup. Would Princess like a bowl later?” As she spoke, Qin Wan had finished dressing, and Fu Ling was arranging her collar and sleeves while saying, “I read in a book that ginseng is sweet and slightly cold in nature, mainly supplements the five organs, calms the spirit, and stabilizes the soul, stops palpitations and dispels evil qi, opens the heart and benefits wisdom, brightens the eyes and harmonizes qi. Long-term consumption can lighten the body and extend life. Young Miss, did I remember correctly?”

Qin Wan listened with a warm smile, and finally nodded, “You remembered the properties of ginseng very well. But do you remember what was the first prescription in the ginseng chapter of the medical book I gave you?”

Fu Ling’s expression immediately became serious, and after thinking for a moment, she said, “I remember it was Ding Zhi Wan, wasn’t it?”

By this time, Qin Wan was fully dressed and walked to the water basin that had already been prepared for washing up. She casually asked, “Then tell me, for this Ding Zhi Wan, besides ginseng, what other ingredients are used?”

Qin Wan asked very casually, but she was testing Fu Ling. Fu Ling immediately became nervous, “I remember besides ginseng, there’s white Fu Ling and Sweet Flag, and… honey… and…”

Fu Ling held Qin Wan’s face towel, her brows furrowed into a 川 shape, and after a long while couldn’t remember more. Yue Ning watched from the side and sighed, “You master and servant are quite interesting, even having such tests…”

At this point, Qin Wan took the towel and wiped her face, “Fortunately you haven’t forgotten your name. There’s also Yuan Zhi, ground into fine powder, three qian per dose, brewed with one cup of water until seven parts remain, taken orally.”

Fu Ling’s eyes brightened, “Yes, yes, yes, it was Yuan Zhi…”

After finishing, she looked at Yue Ning, “Please excuse this servant’s stupidity, Princess.”

Yue Ning naturally wouldn’t mock her, only watching from the side with an amused expression. She propped her chin with one hand, looking at Fu Ling, “No wonder other young ladies’ maids are named after things like zither, chess, books, painting, brush and ink, flowers and grass – either elegant and refined, or clear and pleasant to hear, or fresh and pretty. But you alone are named Fu Ling. If one didn’t know characters, they wouldn’t know what your name meant. So it turns out it’s because your Young Miss is skilled in medicine. Now that your Young Miss is teaching you medicine, it seems it was fated…”

Fu Ling immediately smiled at hearing this, “Speaking of which, my name was given by Young Miss. Back then, when Madam was still here, upon first seeing me, according to custom, I needed a new name. She called Young Miss over, and Young Miss was holding a book at the time. She just pointed at the book, and that’s how I got my name.”

Qin Wan, who was doing her hair nearby, paused slightly upon hearing this. She naturally didn’t know this detail, but from Fu Ling’s telling, it was quite coincidental. It seemed the former Ninth Young Miss had indeed read some medical books.

After Yue Ning and Fu Ling exchanged a few playful words, Qin Wan finished dressing and walked out. She looked at Yue Ning and said, “Princess surely didn’t come just to jest with us master and servant, and I imagine you didn’t come just for breakfast either.”

Yue Ning stood up, following Qin Wan out. Hearing these words, Yue Ning raised her chin, “Others might not want me to go where they want me to, but now you seem to be complaining about me?”

Qin Wan laughed, “I just noticed that as soon as Princess entered, you said I wasn’t finished with my tasks, but until now you haven’t said what you came to find me for. I just wanted to remind Princess.”

Yue Ning raised her chin, trying to appear calm, “We should at least wait until you’ve had breakfast. There’s no rush.”

Hearing Yue Ning say this, Qin Wan indeed sat down to eat, maintaining her habit of eating slowly and methodically, until Yue Ning couldn’t hold back anymore, “Wei Yan Zhi’s case now has some clues. Everything that needed to be found has been found. Now the Governor has handed the case to several officials at the Investigation Bureau for joint review of the details. They want to try to finalize the case report documents before the people from the capital arrive in Jin Zhou. You know this case will at least need to be reported to the Ministry of Justice. How Wei Yan Zhi is finally sentenced isn’t up to the Governor. However… I didn’t come today for Wei Yan Zhi but for the Wei family’s eldest son.”

Qin Wan raised her eyebrows, “Is something wrong with the Eldest Young Master’s leg?”

Yue Ning sighed, “It’s still about Second Brother. Originally, at this point, the Marquis Manor had no responsibility to continue being involved, but yesterday Second Brother found fish maw glue for you, feeling he had helped with the case like you did. Afterward, he even took it upon himself to have the Wei family’s eldest son brought to Marquis Manor. This Wei family’s eldest son has now been proven innocent and was wrongly injured by the Governor. The Governor was just thinking about whether he should personally go look after him when Second Brother spoke up…”

Qin Wan couldn’t help but laugh, “So the Governor gratefully agreed with the Second Young Master?”

“Indeed.” Yue Ning smiled bitterly, “You’ve seen Wei Qian Zhi’s condition. Governor Huo was afraid something might happen to Wei Qian Zhi in prison and cause more trouble. Yesterday afternoon, right after you left, they sent him to the Marquis Manor. His injuries have worsened after being delayed these two days in prison. At the time, we wanted to invite you, but thinking you hadn’t slept the night before and were exhausted, we didn’t come. But by early this morning, while everything else was manageable, Wei Qian Zhi’s leg had become very serious. Doctor Yang from Ren Shou Hall who was invited said there was a high chance the leg couldn’t be saved. Second Brother became anxious and sent me to invite you…”

Yue Ning shrugged, “Second Brother saw how you practice medicine to help people and developed a compassionate heart like yours. Don’t blame him.”

Qin Wan put down her chopsticks, wiped the corner of her mouth, and then stood up, “Second Young Master has always been kind-hearted. It’s not because of me, so how could I blame him? I saw Wei Qian Zhi’s injuries that day and feared they might be serious.”

Yue Ning let out a light “ah” and said, “Then what should we do?”

Qin Wan sighed, “We won’t know until I examine him. Let’s go to the Marquis Manor now.”

Fu Ling cleared the table and immediately went to get a cloak upon hearing this. Soon, Qin Wan was ready to leave.

After boarding the carriage outside the manor, Yue Ning let out a soft breath, “This case can be considered settled now, though it makes one sigh. What do you think Wei Yan Zhi’s sentence will be?”

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly at the question and paused before saying, “Naturally, it will follow the Da Zhou criminal law. Moreover, in this case, Wei Yan Zhi killed Song Rou and then tried various ways to cover it up and frame others, and even harbored evil intentions toward me. Even if emotions weigh heavily, there’s no possibility of acquittal. He will likely receive a heavy sentence. Also… once the Wei family and the Duke’s Manor learn that it was Wei Yan Zhi, not Wei Qian Zhi, who had feelings for Song Rou, everyone in both households will likely hate him deeply. Although Master Wei usually favored his concubine-born son more, at this point, there’s no possibility he would speak up for Wei Yan Zhi. Madam Wei is heartbroken that Wei Qian Zhi was framed by Wei Yan Zhi, and the Duke’s Manor people are angry about being fooled by Wei Yan Zhi. They might even take additional measures. So, Wei Yan Zhi’s final punishment is predictable.”

Yue Ning fell silent for a moment, “Thinking about it this way, I understand why Wei Yan Zhi was so grief-stricken when he spoke about his birth mother that day. He couldn’t rely on his father, and with his status as a concubine’s son, neither his stepmother nor the Duke’s Manor were reliable. Only his birth mother would always stand by his side, but unfortunately…”

Qin Wan sighed, “One tragedy bred another tragedy. In Wei Yan Zhi’s heart, he has been alone since his mother’s death. Now, he’s just returning to that same situation.”

“Pitiful and lamentable, yet also hateful and detestable.” Saying this, Yue Ning suddenly looked at Qin Wan, “Then do you think he ever had true feelings for Song Rou? Was it his instigation that made Song Rou name Wei Qian Zhi?”

Qin Wan pondered briefly, then suddenly narrowed her eyes and said, “Perhaps he did have true feelings, but whether he instigated her, I don’t know.”

Yue Ning was slightly surprised, “What do you mean? Wei Yan Zhi was so cruel when he killed Song Rou. If he had true feelings, how could he bring himself to do it?”

Qin Wan shook her head, “His cruelty in killing Song Rou is true, but that he previously had true feelings for her could also be true. These two aren’t mutually exclusive. After all, people change. Wei Yan Zhi was clever; he must have known early on that he and Song Rou had no future, but getting closer to Song Rou was beneficial for him. With his self-restraint and control, he could have made Song Rou develop feelings for him without crossing boundaries with her. Yet he still did. Was it because he, like a wanton philanderer, abandoned all propriety for momentary pleasure?”

Sighing, Qin Wan’s tone carried some residual sadness, “Of course not. I suspect there might have been moments when he wanted a future with Song Rou. Perhaps he even tried, but later found the hope was slim. Song Rou’s pregnancy made things spiral out of control, which suddenly brought him back to reality, and he ultimately chose his prospects.”

Yue Ning had never experienced such things. When she thought about it, she only had clear-cut ideas: love is love, and lack of love is lack of love. Since Wei Yan Zhi killed someone, he must be cold-blooded and heartless. But hearing Qin Wan’s explanation, she was momentarily stunned.

After a moment, Yue Ning exhaled and said, “You were so coldly serious during the autopsy that it was somewhat frightening, and when solving the case, you were incisive and clear-sighted. I thought you would surely hate evil and never speak a good word for Wei Yan Zhi, but now you think he wasn’t always cruel to Song Rou. Qin Wan, you’ve made me see you in a new light again.”

Qin Wan shook her head, “No one is born evil. Even the most vicious person has soft spots in their heart. A thief who steals gold and silver might give alms to beggars, and a murderous bandit might still be filial to parents and loving to wives and children when at home. It’s not that I think too well of people, but these are simply common human emotions. It’s Princess who truly hates evil and hasn’t thought this deeply about it.”

Yue Ning raised her eyebrows, “Really… you’re always right about everything.”

Qin Wan smiled at this, “I was complimenting Princess, couldn’t you tell?”

Yue Ning snorted lightly and casually lifted the carriage window curtain. It was already late August, and the autumn atmosphere was growing stronger. Even in broad daylight, the gentle breeze on the street carried a coolness. “The people from the capital will arrive in a couple of days. Who knows who will come from the Duke’s Manor? I see the Governor will have to finalize the case within three days. Then Wei Yan Zhi will be escorted to the capital. After sending off Wei Qian Zhi and waiting for the people from the capital to leave, only then will the Marquis Manor truly be peaceful. These past two weeks have been trying.”

At this point, Yue Ning turned her head and said, “My eldest brother is going to Shuo Xi.”

Qin Wan was slightly startled, “To Shuo Xi?”

Yue Ning nodded, “Father said the Yue Army might be deployed northward after the new year. He wants Second Brother to go with the Yue Army then. As for Eldest Brother, it would be best for him to gain experience in Shuo Xi. Shuo Xi is under Prince Rui’s command, and Father is very reassured about that.”

“What about Prince Chi?” Qin Wan asked instinctively.

Yue Ning shook her head, “Prince Chi probably won’t return to the Shuo Xi Army for some time.”

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, “Prince Chi served in the Shuo Xi Army for twelve years. Why isn’t he going back?”

Yan Chi hadn’t just served in the Shuo Xi Army for twelve years; with his achievements, he had become the new generation’s authority in the Shuo Xi Army. Yet at this moment, he returned to the capital. With his departure, if new military generals were to replace the current ones in a few years, his prestige in the Shuo Xi Army would likely decrease significantly…

“This matter… is rather strange.”

Qin Wan had already found it odd, and hearing Yue Ning’s words, she immediately became alert.

Yue Ning continued, “Although I don’t understand much about military affairs, coming from the An Yang Marquis Manor that has commanded troops for generations, I naturally know a bit more. This matter… likely has to do with the military power of the Shuo Xi Army.”

Yue Ning spoke lightly, but Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat. Did this mean the worst possibility she had imagined would come true?

Having suddenly brought up military politics, although Yue Ning knew she shouldn’t say too much, speaking with Qin Wan made it acceptable. “The Shuo Xi Army can be considered Da Zhou’s most elite stationed force now, but its military power has always been in the hands of the Prince Rui Manor. Currently, it’s Prince Rui, and in the future, wouldn’t it be Prince Chi? At this time, Prince Chi’s departure from the Shuo Xi Army is likely due to some scheme by those who want to seize power. You must understand the ancient saying about achievements overshadowing the ruler.”

Qin Wan nodded slightly, but in her mind, she thought of the sword wound on Yan Chi’s back. Such a severe injury must have been inflicted by someone who wanted his life. Qin Wan had long understood that royal court struggles always involved bloodshed.

The conversation shifted from Wei Yan Zhi’s case to the power struggle over the Shuo Xi Army’s military authority, and the topic became somewhat heavy. When the carriage stopped at the Marquis Manor’s gate, both Qin Wan and Yue Ning’s expressions were solemn. Only after getting off the carriage and entering the manor did their faces become lively and cheerful as usual. They went directly to Princess Tai Chang’s courtyard as usual, and after paying their respects, Qin Wan went straight with Yue Ning to the East Garden.

“The Wei family’s eldest son is still staying in the East Garden, right next to where Wei Yan Zhi previously stayed.” After a slight pause, Yue Ning said, “Don’t laugh, but ever since you said Wei Yan Zhi brought Song Rou’s head into the manor and hid it in the room for many days, Mother has been disturbed. She said Wei Yan Zhi’s former room needs a priest to perform rituals before anyone can live there again.”

Qin Wan wasn’t surprised at all, “Madam is right to do so. Even ordinary dead people’s things shouldn’t be touched, let alone… For Madam’s peace of mind, the rituals could be performed for several more days.”

Qin Wan blinked as she spoke, and Yue Ning laughed upon seeing this, “You clever spirit! Didn’t you say you didn’t believe in ghosts and spirits? How do you now know to praise my mother’s actions?”

Qin Wan’s eyes sparkled with wit, “Every time I enter the manor, Madam always treats me with delicacies. Shouldn’t I return the favor?”

“You, Qin Wan, you’re afraid Mother won’t give you good food anymore…”

Yue Ning joked as she led Qin Wan into the East Garden. Indeed, Wei Qian Zhi’s courtyard was next to Wei Yan Zhi’s former residence. Perhaps because their voices were too loud, before they reached the main door, Wu Shu rushed out from inside.

Seeing Qin Wan arrive, Wu Shu’s eyes reddened, and he knelt on the ground, “Female Bodhisattva! This humble one pays respects to the Female Bodhisattva! This humble one thanks the Female Bodhisattva for saving my young master! This humble one will repay your kindness in the next life!”

Wu Shu’s actions startled Qin Wan, who looked questioningly at Yue Ning. Yue Ning coughed lightly and said in a low voice, “Second Brother has told Wei Qian Zhi everything about how you performed the autopsy and reassembled the bones. Not just this servant, even Wei Qian Zhi now sees you as his lifesaver. This is just the first round; when we go in, Wei Qian Zhi will undoubtedly express his gratitude again.”

Qin Wan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry upon hearing this. She stepped forward and said, “Please get up. I’m here to examine your young master.”

Wu Shu wiped his tears and immediately stood up, “Yes, yes, yes, we’ve been waiting for the Female Bodhisattva for a long time. Please come in quickly, my young master is also waiting for you.”

Qin Wan helplessly said, “My surname is Qin, I’m the ninth in my family. I’m not a Female Bodhisattva.”

Wu Shu was startled, then immediately said, “Yes, Ninth Young Miss… This humble one knows you are Ninth Young Miss. That day I heard the Governor address you as such. But in this humble one’s heart, you are the Female Bodhisattva. You and the Princess, you are both Female Bodhisattvas!”

Yue Ning frowned, “Are you incapable of listening? What Female Bodhisattva is this and that? If you can’t speak properly, then don’t appear before us!”

While Qin Wan remained gentle despite her helplessness, Yue Ning was different. Seeing her growing angry, Wu Shu quickly lowered his head, “Yes, yes, yes, Princess please don’t be angry. This humble one dares not anymore. This humble one will surely change his way of speaking!”

Yue Ning raised her chin and led Qin Wan inside.

In the room, Yue Qing was speaking, “Her medical skills surpass even Jin Zhou City’s Divine Doctor Huang. You might not know, but Divine Doctor Huang was an imperial physician from the palace. He’s already sixty years old and has cured no less than eight thousand patients in his time, yet he admitted defeat before her…”

Qin Wan, who had just entered, felt her eyebrows twitch, and Yue Ning, who had stepped in first, also raised her eyebrows and called out, “Second Brother—”

As her voice fell, Yue Ning’s gaze suddenly fixed on something.

In the room, besides Yue Qing, another person was standing – it was Huo Ning, whom they hadn’t seen for many days. Yue Ning looked at Huo Ning in slight surprise, seeing him standing there with a solemn expression, his chin still raised proudly. Yue Qing, seeing Yue Ning looking at Huo Ning, smiled and said, “Young Master Huo is here to see Brother Wei. The Governor is concerned about Brother Wei’s well-being and sent Young Master Huo to visit.”

Yue Ning immediately understood that because Governor Huo had wrongly injured Wei Qian Zhi, he must have felt guilty and thus sent Huo Ning over. Yue Ning nodded to Huo Ning, who stiffly cupped his hands in return.

Yue Ning went straight inside, and Qin Wan appeared behind her, thus also seeing Huo Ning.

Qin Wan had only expected to find Yue Qing and Wei Qian Zhi here, never imagining Huo Ning would be present. Though she was as surprised as Yue Ning internally, her face showed no trace of it. Upon entering, she simply gave a slight curtsy as a greeting to those in the room.

When Yue Ning entered, Yue Qing didn’t show much reaction, but when Qin Wan appeared, he immediately came forward to welcome her, “Ninth Young Miss is here! We have to trouble you to come again, but now only your medical skills can save Brother Wei!”

Qin Wan curved her lips in a smile, “It’s no trouble. Treating illness and saving people is what should be done.”

Qin Wan answered simply and glanced toward Wei Qian Zhi, who lay fully dressed on the couch.

Compared to when he was tied to the wooden frame with a blood-covered face, today’s Wei Qian Zhi was at least properly groomed and freshly attired. His black hair was neatly tied back, clearly revealing his entire face. His features were handsome with defined angles. Though he bore some resemblance to Wei Yan Zhi, his eyes held more vitality. While Wei Yan Zhi was thoroughly proper but excessively cautious and reserved, Wei Qian Zhi’s bright eyes were striking. Though he was observing Qin Wan, his gaze was forthright and didn’t cause discomfort.

Qin Wan once again marveled at the importance of noble birth. As the legitimate son who had been favored since childhood, Wei Qian Zhi grew up fearless, magnanimous, and unrestrained in such an environment.

“I am Wei Qian Zhi, greetings to Ninth Young Miss—”

Wei Qian Zhi’s observation passed in an instant, and he tried to support himself to rise from the couch. Qin Wan stepped forward, “Young Master Wei need not stand on ceremony. Your leg is severely injured; it’s better not to move.”

Though Qin Wan’s tone wasn’t heavy, her words carried an inexplicable compelling quality that demanded compliance.

Wei Qian Zhi paused and slowly lay back down.

Seeing this, Yue Qing smiled, “Brother Wei truly needn’t stand on ceremony. Ninth Young Miss isn’t a conventional person. Whatever she says goes, there’s no need for such formalities…”

With bruises still visible on his face, Wei Qian Zhi grinned and said, “In that case, I’ll be informal.”

Yue Qing waved his hand with a smile, “There’s no need to talk about formality.” As he spoke, he quickly brought over a stool, “Sit, Ninth Young Miss, please sit down…”

Even Yue Ning could see Yue Qing’s eagerness, let alone Huo Ning and Wei Qian Zhi on the side. Wei Qian Zhi merely smiled without speaking, but Huo Ning narrowed his eyes slightly. When Qin Wan entered, she had only glanced at him once, showing no change in expression, even less reaction than Yue Ning had shown upon seeing him. Huo Ning took a deep breath, feeling that since Qin Wan’s arrival, the room had suddenly become so cramped that breathing was difficult.

He wanted to step away, but his feet seemed rooted to the ground. Thinking again, he should have left earlier – wasn’t he standing here all this time because he’d heard Qin Wan was coming to examine the patient?

Huo Ning watched Qin Wan, feeling a surge of bewilderment.

Had he been that terrible to her before? So terrible that now heaven was punishing him?

Now he seemed bewitched, his thoughts always dwelling on matters concerning her. Had she been the same way before?

Thinking this way, the stuffiness in Huo Ning’s chest lessened slightly.

Just as Huo Ning had barely consoled himself, he caught sight of Yue Qing’s attentive and bright-eyed gaze at Qin Wan. Huo Ning’s heart clenched, and the stuffiness he’d just released returned – not just returned, but felt even worse than before!

Could feelings be developing between Qin Wan and Yue Qing?!

Qin Wan sat on the stool Yue Qing had brought over. Since she was here to examine Wei Qian Zhi, she didn’t look at Huo Ning’s expression, only saying, “Young Master Wei, please extend your hand…”

Wei Qian Zhi quickly extended his hand. Qin Wan saw that the red spots on his arm hadn’t faded. She touched his pulse point with her fingertips while saying, “Has no one ever told Young Master that the occasional red spots you develop are due to lacquer poisoning?”

Wei Qian Zhi knew about this now but shook his head with a sigh, “I only regret not meeting Ninth Young Miss earlier. Otherwise, this mystery would have been solved long ago. I had never heard that lacquer could be poisonous.”

“Lacquer only affects a small number of people adversely. Most people aren’t greatly affected.”

Qin Wan added, and Wei Qian Zhi nodded, “Ninth Young Miss is true as Second Young Master said. I am enlightened.”

Qin Wan’s face showed no maiden’s shyness; instead, she spoke frankly, “Second Young Master’s words are greatly exaggerated. Young Master Wei should take them lightly… Other hand, please.”

Wei Qian Zhi blinked, looking at Yue Qing with some sympathy in his eyes.

After checking his pulse, Qin Wan lifted the thin blanket covering Wei Qian Zhi’s leg. Underneath, his left trouser leg was rolled up to his knee, with cotton bandages wrapped around his calf. As the blanket was lifted, a faint medicinal smell wafted out.

“Still using the Gold Jade Continuity Ointment?”

Wei Qian Zhi nodded, “Last night’s doctor said it was the best and didn’t prescribe a new medicine.”

Qin Wan nodded and leaned forward to begin unwrapping the cotton bandages, “The Gold Jade Continuity Ointment was best before, but now it’s somewhat unsuitable. Young Master Wei’s leg appears to have suffered a second injury.”

At this, Wei Qian Zhi’s face turned bitter, “Indeed it has. The prefecture prison isn’t exactly a pleasant place.”

His words carried a joking tone, causing Qin Wan to glance up at him. After these few exchanges since entering the room, the biggest difference between Wei Qian Zhi and Wei Yan Zhi had become apparent. While Wei Yan Zhi was thoroughly proper with impeccable manners, he would never joke like Wei Qian Zhi did. It was as if one person wore an invisible shield – no matter how close they stood to others, there was always a barrier. Wei Qian Zhi was different; his conversation might include jokes, but strangely, it didn’t feel abrupt. Instead, it made people feel closer to him. Thinking of the previously heard rumors about Wei Qian Zhi’s poor reputation in the Wei Manor and the Duke’s Manor’s disdain, and now knowing that Wei Qian Zhi wasn’t a smooth operator, Qin Wan tentatively considered him a straightforward and unrestrained person.

“Taking the blame for someone else isn’t pleasant either.”

As Qin Wan finished speaking, she peeled off the last layer of bandage.

Wei Qian Zhi sucked in a sharp breath, his eyebrows knotting in pain, but he still managed to curve his lips, “When I agreed, I didn’t expect to break a leg. By the time I realized, the leg was already broken. Since it was broken anyway, explaining would only give me a reputation for breaking promises in front of the young lady. With neither option being good, I had to just bear it.”

“Pfft!” Yue Ning couldn’t help laughing at first, “A broken leg and a near-death experience in prison, yet Young Master Wei maintains such good spirits, still able to joke.”

Wei Qian Zhi’s eyebrows were so tightly knitted they nearly tied into a knot, but he still pretended to be casual, “Princess overstates. My experiences these past two months have been so miserable that if I told others, they might think it’s a story from a street storyteller’s entertainment book. Since it’s already been so bitter, I can’t throw more bitterness on myself.”

Qin Wan’s hands paused, and she looked up at the face that bore some resemblance to Wei Yan Zhi. Though clearly showing pain with furrowed brows and grimacing mouth, his words carried a forced laugh. Such a painful and humiliating experience, yet hearing him speak, Qin Wan felt no pity. Instead, she thought him thick-skinned and brazen, considering this experience as merely a life lesson.

The strong strengthen themselves, while the weak often justify their weakness.

On the way here, discussing with Yue Ning, Qin Wan had felt some sympathy for Wei Yan Zhi’s previous experiences, but looking at Wei Qian Zhi now, that slight sympathy instantly vanished.

The same experience placed on Wei Yan Zhi would surely have led him to think that Song Rou’s false accusation must have been because he was a concubine’s son, and his broken leg was heaven’s great injustice to him. As for the near-death experience in prison, it would certainly have been a great humiliation in his life journey. But what if Wei Yan Zhi’s experiences had happened to Wei Qian Zhi?

Looking at Wei Qian Zhi grimacing in pain yet still joking about himself, Qin Wan couldn’t be sure. The revenge for a murdered mother wasn’t an ordinary matter; she didn’t want to negate Wei Yan Zhi on this issue.

“The broken bone has split again, and Young Master Wei’s injury site has developed blood stasis. The Gold Jade Continuity Ointment alone won’t reduce the swelling. We need to drain the stagnant blood, otherwise, even if the bone heals, Second Young Master’s leg will be deformed.”

Qin Wan quickly made her diagnosis. Hearing this, Wei Qian Zhi was slightly stunned, “Drain the blood? How?”

Qin Wan gestured on his leg, “Here, make an incision, drain the blood…”

Qin Wan saw Wei Qian Zhi’s lips tremble once, and the next moment, he weakly asked, “What if… what if we don’t drain it?”

“Young Master Wei will become a cripple, a lame person, never able to ride horses again, let alone wielding swords.”

Qin Wan’s voice was stern. Wei Qian Zhi’s lips trembled again, “Will Ninth Young Miss cut? Is there anesthetic powder?”

Qin Wan nodded, “I will cut, and yes, there is.”

Wei Qian Zhi leaned back, “That’s fine then. Is Ninth Young Miss’s anesthetic powder strong?”

Qin Wan raised her eyebrows, not understanding his meaning. Wei Qian Zhi looked at her and said, “Best if it can make me unconscious for three days and two nights, or wake up with my leg already healed…”

Qin Wan’s eyebrows rose higher, while Yue Ning and Yue Qing couldn’t help but laugh.

Yue Ning snorted, “And here we thought Young Master Wei was some kind of hero, but it turns out he’s afraid of pain?”

Wei Qian Zhi forced a grin, “I’m not afraid of pain, it’s…”

“He’s afraid of blood, our Young Master faints at the sight of blood!”

Before Wei Qian Zhi could finish his sentence, another voice rang out at the door. Qin Wan and the others turned to see Wu Shu standing seriously at the doorway. Seeing them all look over, Wu Shu thought they didn’t believe him and hurriedly swore to heaven, “Every word this humble one speaks is true, I dare not deceive the two Female Bodhi… the two Young Ladies!”

Yue Ning’s expression showed helpless irritation, while Qin Wan also gave a helpless bitter smile. They exchanged a glance, both understanding what the other meant.

If only they’d known earlier that Wei Qian Zhi fainted at the sight of blood! Had they known this, wouldn’t his suspicion have been cleared much sooner?

The killer had been so cruel in murdering Song Rou – if it had been Wei Qian Zhi, he would have fainted at the first sword stroke!

“Don’t… don’t listen to his nonsense! A real man! How could I be afraid of blood—”

Wei Qian Zhi struggled to sit up halfway, glaring fiercely at Wu Shu. Qin Wan turned back at his words, “Oh? Perhaps Young Master Wei doesn’t need the anesthetic powder after all?”

With a “thump,” Wei Qian Zhi fell back. He coughed lightly, his voice suddenly weakening, “Ninth Young Miss is benevolent, please choose the strongest anesthetic powder…”