When they entered the inner chamber, Yao Xin Lan had indeed opened her eyes on the bed. Mo Shu held Yao Xin Lan’s hand while the wet nurse stood by the window holding the baby. All the servant women in the room wore expressions of joy.

“Miss… Ninth Miss is here…”

Mo Shu whispered in Yao Xin Lan’s ear, and Qin Wan quickly walked to Yao Xin Lan’s side. She first checked Yao Xin Lan’s pulse, then asked Mo Shu, “Has she taken her medicine?”

Mo Shu quickly nodded, “Yes, two quarters ago.”

Qin Wan nodded, “Good.” Then she went to look at Yao Xin Lan.

Having just awakened, Yao Xin Lan’s face was still deathly pale, her breath very weak. Qin Wan moved closer and called softly, “Sister-in-law—”

Yao Xin Lan’s eyeballs moved slightly, turning toward Qin Wan’s direction.

Whether from lack of strength or extreme mental exhaustion, Yao Xin Lan’s gaze moved very slowly, and even upon seeing Qin Wan showed no reaction. Qin Wan called again, “Sister-in-law, have you seen Qi Qi?”

Yao Xin Lan stared blankly at Qin Wan, not speaking.

Mo Shu hurriedly said, “She’s seen her, as soon as Miss woke up she saw her—” Then, looking worriedly at Yao Xin Lan, “But Miss hasn’t spoken or shown any reaction, has the pain addled Miss mind?”

Qin Wan waved her hand in front of Yao Xin Lan’s eyes and saw her pupils flicker slightly, showing she wasn’t unresponsive.

Qin Wan lowered her voice, “Sister-in-law, if you’re uncomfortable, just close your eyes and rest more. Now that you’re awake, everything will be fine. With me here, your health will improve quickly, and with the wet nurse here, Qi Qi will be well too.”

Yao Xin Lan’s pupils moved slightly, looking past Qin Wan behind her…

“It’s dawn…”

Yao Xin Lan’s voice was extremely faint, but Qin Wan heard it. Her heart sank at Yao Xin Lan’s ethereal tone, but before she could speak again, Yao Xin Lan seemed to take her advice and closed her eyes.

Turning to look out the window, indeed, the ink-like darkness of night was slowly fading, with a sliver of dawn visible on the horizon.

Seeing this, Mo Shu became somewhat nervous, “Ninth Miss—”

“It’s alright, she’s just too weak, too tired. Let her sleep.”

Mo Shu finally relaxed. Qin Wan walked to the side and wrote a new prescription, “This is a new prescription. Give it to Sister-in-law in half an hour, then every two hours, four times a day. My sister-in-law is weak and hasn’t fully recovered from childbirth, we must be careful these next few days. When she’s feeling a bit better during the day, change her into clean clothes.”

Mo Shu quickly agreed and went to instruct a nearby elderly servant woman. Seeing Qin Wan’s exhausted face, Mo Shu hurriedly said, “Ninth Miss has been up all night too, why not go back and rest? I’ll watch over Miss here, Ninth Miss shouldn’t make herself ill.”

Having gone through a life-and-death ordeal and not closed her eyes all night, Qin Wan was indeed exhausted. Hearing this, she didn’t refuse, only said, “Sister-in-law’s bleeding has stopped, but if you see it increase again, come tell me.”

Then glancing at the nearby couch, she said softly, “Also… Big Brother is gone.”

Mo Shu’s face paled slightly, and she also lowered her voice, “First Young Master—”

Qin Wan nodded solemnly, “He went to save Old Madam but couldn’t get out. I’ve already been to see. Don’t tell your Sister-in-law this yet. If she asks, wait until she’s feeling better.”

Mo Shu’s hands trembled slightly but understood Qin Wan’s meaning and quickly nodded repeatedly.

Seeing Mo Shu’s pale face and red eyes, Qin Wan’s gaze held comfort as she said softly, “The Qin household will now be like duckweed in the wind. You are your Sister-in-law’s most trusted person, think more about her welfare.”

Mo Shu looked at Qin Wan, full of gratitude, “Yes, thank you Ninth Miss, thank you Ninth Miss—”

Qin Wan didn’t speak, but remembered something else and asked, “Still no one sent from Madam’s side?”

Mo Shu shook her head, disappointment in her eyes, “Not yet…”

Qin Wan didn’t know what to say for a moment, only offered, “Perhaps they just received news about Big Brother.”

Mo Shu felt choked up inside, “This servant understands, Ninth Miss need not worry. Please go rest, let me see you out. Ninth Miss, this servant doesn’t know how to thank you enough…”

“It’s nothing, taking care of Sister-in-law is what’s important now…”

As Qin Wan was speaking, just as she and Mo Shu walked out of the inner chamber, they saw Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang both walking in with red-rimmed eyes. Seeing Qin Wan, the two were slightly startled, but with the night’s many upheavals in the Qin household, neither remembered past grievances and rushed toward Mo Shu.

“How is Sister-in-law? The servants just reported she gave birth to a daughter?”

Qin Xiang asked anxiously first. Mo Shu, thinking these young ladies had come to show concern for her miss, felt some relief and said, “Fifth Miss need not worry, Ninth Miss saved the young madam, the child is born, and now the young madam is resting to recover.”

Qin Wan had intended to leave directly, but vaguely felt Qin Xiang’s tone wasn’t quite right. Sure enough, hearing Mo Shu’s words, the disappointment on her face became very obvious, “Truly a daughter…”

Having said this, Qin Xiang wiped the corner of her eye and sighed, “Big Brother is already gone, if only it had been a boy, at least Big Brother would have an heir. This Qin household needs legitimate sons and grandsons to inherit the family business, but now…”

Mo Shu could only smile bitterly, “Fifth Miss, a daughter is also First Young Master’s blood.”

Qin Xiang’s eyes immediately reddened, “But a daughter can’t inherit the family business.” Then she added, “Let Sister-in-law rest well. Mother received news from there and is now bedridden, I must return to attend to her.”

With that, Qin Xiang turned and left, leaving only Qin Shuang behind.

Mo Shu’s face alternated between pale and flushed at Qin Xiang’s words and reaction. Though Qin Xiang hadn’t spoken harshly, she always stayed by Madam Lin’s side, and her attitude sufficiently represented Madam Lin’s attitude. Moreover, her miss had just given birth, yet Qin Xiang didn’t think to see Yao Xin Lan or look at the child, instead dropping such words before leaving.

Mo Shu clutched her sleeves tightly, feeling choked up inside.

Yao Xin Lan was still barely alive, the little miss couldn’t even speak yet, but they were already being scorned…

Qin Shuang’s mood was also very low, but she who usually rushed headlong forward with simple thoughts seemed suddenly enlightened, frowning at Qin Xiang’s departing figure, “Leaving just like that? Really…”

Her tone carried reproach, and she quickly turned to grasp Mo Shu’s hand, “Never mind her, quickly take me to see Sister-in-law and my little niece.”

Only then did Mo Shu’s heart ease somewhat. Seeing Qin Wan still standing there, she looked at her first. Qin Wan, seeing Qin Shuang finally understood something, felt slightly relieved, nodded, and turned to leave.

Seeing Qin Wan leave, Qin Shuang pouted, “Such a big temper, leaving just because we came?”

Mo Shu hurriedly said, “No, no, Sixth Miss doesn’t know, Ninth Miss has been busy all night saving our miss. If not for Ninth Miss, our miss might not only have lost the little miss but herself too… Everyone in this room saw it, Ninth Miss truly saved both our miss and little miss’s lives…”

Mo Shu spoke sincerely and earnestly. Qin Shuang looked again toward the courtyard entrance where Qin Wan had already left. The dawn light was growing clearer – this night had finally passed. Qin Shuang pressed her lips together, “Alright, alright, I understand.”

Then she headed toward the inner chamber, “Who doesn’t know she’s a little miracle doctor…”

Meanwhile, Qin Wan left Lin Feng Court and returned directly to her quarters. As soon as she entered the courtyard, Wan Xing and the other three were still standing in the yard waiting. Seeing Qin Wan return, the four came forward and curtsied.

Qin Wan waved her hand, “You’ve all waited all night, go rest now.”

Having said this, without waiting to see if everyone had moved, Qin Wan entered the main room first and closed the door. She first went to check on Fu Ling, who after all this time still lay motionless, though her breathing was very smooth and steady.

Qin Wan sat by Fu Ling’s bed for a moment, feeling her temples throb from the night’s strain, then went to her chambers. After a simple washing up, Qin Wan lay down, and as soon as her head touched the pillow, sleep came crashing over her like a tide!

…

…

Just as daylight was breaking, Huo Huai Xin entered the Qin household gates, sweating profusely. Led by yamen runners at the entrance, Huo Huai Xin went straight to the Buddha hall. When he reached it, he saw only a large expanse of blackened ruins. Qin Li and Yan Chi stood to one side, while other officially dressed yamen runners were extinguishing the last sparks…

“Crown Prince—”

Huo Huai Xin called out and walked a few steps to Yan Chi’s front, “Your Highness, this official came late! Last night we chased someone out of the city, and only learned about the Qin household fire an hour ago!”

Huo Huai Xin clasped his hands and bowed. Yan Chi said, “Prefect Huo need not blame himself. You had official duties, and your absence in this matter makes no difference. How was it, did you have any success last night?”

Huo Huai Xin nodded, “Yes! Both proprietors of that pawnshop were captured! The men have been sent to the prefecture office!”

Yan Chi nodded. Huo Huai Xin then looked at the corpse covered by felt cloth nearby. The cloth was worn, and one could vaguely see the charred black limbs of the corpse. Huo Huai Xin frowned slightly, unable to look more, then said softly, “Your Highness, last night’s events were sudden, what exactly happened? Those below didn’t explain very clearly… How… how did the fire suddenly start?”

Yan Chi walked a few steps to the side, and Huo Huai Xin quickly followed.

Yan Chi said coolly, “We never knew who poisoned Qin An, but last night, Ninth Miss figured it out. The poisoner put the poison in the medicine pot Qin An used, and that poisoner was a maid from this Buddha hall. Last night I had people question her, and seeing both Madam Jiang and Cai He were dead, she confessed honestly. It was this Cai He who instructed her to do it. When giving the instructions, she didn’t know what it was, but because Cai He had saved her before, she helped Cai He do it regardless of what it was.”

Huo Huai Xin blinked, “Cai He? The maid by Old Madam’s side?”

Yan Chi nodded, “Yes, precisely. Previously, Ninth Miss had been trying to find Second Concubine’s portrait, thinking perhaps finding it might reveal some clues. Last night, Ninth Miss found it. I’ve ordered people to collect it as evidence. Additionally, this Cai He seemed to have an eye condition, and Second Concubine’s original husband also had an eye condition. Thus, this proves Cai He was likely Second Concubine’s eldest daughter. As for why she didn’t die in that great fire back then, it’s still unknown. However, she was just a young girl then, yet managed to escape the fire and later enter the Qin household – these questions only need investigation into Cai He’s background to answer.”

Huo Huai Xin nodded, “We searched so long for the culprit, yet she revealed herself…”

Yan Chi shook his head, “It wasn’t voluntary. Rather, she knew Ninth Miss had found all possible clues, and not wanting to be caught, chose this mutually destructive method for revenge.”

Huo Huai Xin sighed, “In the end, this arose from the Qin family’s sins.” Then he suddenly added, “Another matter – was Ninth Miss injured last night? And I heard many people say the Qin family’s eldest son had previously tried to kill Ninth Miss but failed?”

Yan Chi’s eyes darkened, “That’s correct. After they harmed her, she forgot about it herself, thinking she had slipped into the lake on a rainy day. If not for these recent events, even she wouldn’t have known.”

Yan Chi briefly explained Qin Wan’s situation. Though Huo Huai Xin’s eyes widened in disbelief, he didn’t pursue the matter further, “So that’s how it was… Unexpected that the Qin family’s eldest son could be so vicious…”

Huo Huai Xin glanced at the three corpses on the ground, “This Cai He was no simple person either. Using this method, she saved our government office some effort…”

Huo Huai Xin gave a bitter smile, his tone both helpless and somewhat sarcastic, though it wasn’t clear if he was mocking Cai He or the Qin family.

The dawn light gradually brightened, a golden radiance breaking through the clouds and spreading across the horizon. It was fully light now, and a clear day at that. Yan Chi looked at the vast devastation behind, seeing the last sparks extinguished with not even a wisp of smoke remaining. Under the crisp morning light, this once most prestigious area of the Qin household appeared even more desolate and tragic.

“Regarding the pawnshop investigation, Prefect, please be thorough. Since this matter has been exposed, you must ensure similar incidents don’t occur again within Jinzhou’s borders.” After a slight pause, Yan Chi looked toward Qin Li nearby, “The culprit took her own life, and as for Qin Chen, he attempted to harm Ninth Miss last night – also a criminal. Have the government examine his and Cai He’s bodies before returning them to the Qin family. As criminals, they shouldn’t receive funeral rites. As for the Qin family’s Old Madam, let the family prepare her ceremony.”

Huo Huai Xin nodded, “That’s right. Then Your Highness, can all the yamen personnel withdraw? And regarding Qin An, in my opinion, we should take him directly to the prefecture office.”

Yan Chi frowned slightly, “That would be appropriate.”

The Qin family had suffered a great catastrophe, but tracing these events to their root, it was all trouble caused by Qin An. Qin Wan had already extended his life – he didn’t deserve any additional leniency from anyone.

Huo Huai Xin sighed, slowly turning to look around once more, sighing again. The Qin family used to be considered nobility in Jinzhou; even he had been cautious in maintaining good relations with them. Who could have imagined then that the externally elegant and proper Qin household concealed such ugly matters? A formerly respected clan, now thoroughly fallen from grace. Less than half a month had passed; the more Huo Huai Xin thought about it, the more he marveled, “Truly, glory and wealth vanish in the blink of an eye…”

…

…

Qin Wan was sleeping hazily when she heard footsteps softly echoing. She opened her eyes, at first dazzled by the bright light. Gathering her senses, she pulled back the bed curtain with one motion.

As the curtain opened, Qin Wan immediately saw Fu Ling’s back. Her eyes brightened, “Fu Ling—”

Fu Ling was tidying away the clothes Qin Wan had worn yesterday. Hearing this, she immediately turned around, hurrying to Qin Wan’s side with great concern, “Miss, how are you?”

Qin Wan rubbed her temples as she sat up, “What do you mean how am I? I should be asking how you are.”

Fu Ling raised her hand to touch the bump on the back of her head, “This servant is quite well, just that I slept all night and couldn’t attend to Miss. Feel, Miss, the swelling on the back of my head has gone down.”

Saying this, Fu Ling lowered her head, and Qin Wan reached out to feel it.

Qin Wan sighed in relief, “Last night while you were sleeping, I couldn’t apply medicine. Though it’s not a serious injury, we should still apply some blood-activating and stasis-dispelling ointment later.”

Fu Ling naturally nodded quickly, and seeing Qin Wan about to get up, went to assist her, “Miss, what happened later last night? Why did First Young Master knock me unconscious? This servant was standing at the door, never expecting First Young Master to suddenly strike – this servant couldn’t even cry out before everything went black… And, was it the Crown Prince who saved us? Also, also, why are people saying First Young Master had harmed you before?”

As Fu Ling helped her up, Qin Wan spoke while dressing, “The Crown Prince came in time. As for Qin Chen… I didn’t jump into the lake of my own accord back then. He harmed me, but when I woke up, I couldn’t remember anything, so I assumed I had accidentally fallen in.”

Fu Ling’s eyes widened, and Qin Wan naturally became more candid with her, “Though I still can’t remember clearly, I probably saw Qin Chen go to the Purple Bamboo Grove and curiously followed him in. After entering, I discovered him and Cai He in an illicit relationship.”

Fu Ling was stunned, “So, Cai He is the Second Concubine’s daughter? Everything was done by her hand?”

Qin Wan nodded, buttoning her collar one by one as she walked to wash up, “That’s right, though I don’t know exactly what happened back then.”

Fu Ling seemed dazed, “Heavens, it’s true, and First Young Master… he could bring himself to harm you?! Not only was he unfaithful to the young madam, but he could also harm you?!”

Fu Ling seemed to realize something, suddenly becoming angry, “And to think this servant always thought he was a good person, always so friendly to us, but unexpectedly… Miss, did this servant almost cause you harm?!”

Qin Wan smiled helplessly while wiping her face, “How could that be… I forgot too, didn’t I? Perhaps knowing I had forgotten what happened before, he later abandoned his killing intent. As for later, he knew we were going to question the gatekeepers and investigate, thought I had remembered and so tried to kill me in his panic…”

Fu Ling was still angry, her brows furrowed as she said, “Evil deeds bring evil returns! When this servant woke up earlier, I had already heard about last night’s events. At first, I just couldn’t believe things had developed this way, but now I think it serves him right!”

With Qin Chen dead and the truth revealed, Qin Wan felt she had given the Ninth Miss an answer, “Yes, I don’t believe in ghosts but I do believe in cause and effect. Every matter has its cause and effect.”

Qin Wan looked reassuringly at Fu Ling, “This matter is past, don’t worry about it anymore. People in this world wear a thousand faces; naturally, we can’t discern them all.”

Fu Ling nodded, “No wonder Miss wanted to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove, you must have discovered something. This servant didn’t think of it at the time…”

“Who would think of such things normally? Don’t dwell on this anymore.” Qin Wan patted Fu Ling’s shoulder, then asked, “Has anyone come from Lin Feng Court?”

Concerned about Yao Xin Lan, she asked, and Fu Ling shook her head, “No, Wan Tang and the others have been in the courtyard, they should know if anyone came.”

Qin Wan sighed in relief – no one coming meant Yao Xin Lan’s bleeding had stopped, “That’s good. Sister-in-law gave birth to a daughter, let’s go see them later.”

Fu Ling’s lips curved slightly, “If there’s any good news, this would be it!”

Qin Wan’s expression also relaxed somewhat, but thinking of Yao Xin Lan still brought some pity. Madam Lin’s loss of Qin Chen naturally brought her pain, but it seemed her affection for Yao Xin Lan had also disappeared, and worse still, resenting her for not bearing Qin Chen a son to inherit the family business.

“Oh right…” Fu Ling suddenly seemed to remember something, “Miss, Third Master was taken to the yamen by the Prefect, and all the runners have withdrawn from the household. Those related to the case were taken for questioning, and now the Second Young Master is preparing Old Madam’s funeral arrangements. First Young Master’s and Cai He’s remains were also taken away…”

Hearing this, Qin Wan walked to the window. As it opened, a gentle breeze immediately wafted in.

Judging by the sun’s height, it seemed to be afternoon already. Qin Wan stood at the window looking out. Her small courtyard remained unchanged from usual, but Qin Wan knew that beyond this small courtyard, the Qin household had been turned upside down, even the Qin family itself was unstable – so what about her?

This thought arose in Qin Wan’s mind, and she asked, “What about the Crown Prince?”

Fu Ling’s eyes brightened at this, “The Crown Prince came an hour ago, but knowing you were resting, he left without saying anything. He seems to have returned to the prefecture office with the Prefect. I heard the Prefect arrested many people from the pawnshops – there must be much to handle.”

Qin Wan felt a strange emptiness in her heart, suddenly feeling anxious – something she had never experienced before!

…

…

When they arrived at Lin Feng Court again, Qin Shuang was still in the courtyard.

Her slightly plump hands were gently pinching Qi Qi’s little hands, softly playing with her. Hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw it was Qin Wan, her face showed a rare lack of disgust, merely calmly lowered her head again to talk to the baby.

“Ninth Miss has come—” Mo Shu came out to greet them, “Ninth Miss need not worry, our miss hasn’t bled again.”

Qin Wan nodded, “Is Sister-in-law awake?”

Mo Shu nodded, “She woke, took her medicine, and is sleeping again.”

Qin Wan followed Mo Shu to the inner chamber. Indeed, Yao Xin Lan lay sleeping with her eyes tightly closed. Qin Wan checked her pulse again, and seeing it much stronger, finally relaxed, “Keep using the same prescription. Though Sister-in-law is out of danger this time, her body is still quite weak. After her wounds heal, she’ll need proper care and nourishment.”

Mo Shu quickly nodded but showed some hesitation. Seeing this, Qin Wan asked directly, “What’s wrong?”

Mo Shu sighed, “This servant doesn’t know if I’m overthinking, but today Miss has awakened twice, taken her medicine, but hasn’t spoken. She only looked at the little miss twice, and hasn’t held her.”

Qin Wan frowned, watching Yao Xin Lan’s peaceful sleeping face with concern. Yao Xin Lan hadn’t spoken and hadn’t asked a single question about Qin Chen. Since waking, she seemed to have only said three words – “It’s dawn.”

“Bring Qi Qi to her side more often.”

Yao Xin Lan loved Qin Chen, and now confirmed he had another in his heart, or perhaps guessed he was dead. But for her, she was now a mother, and her child should be most important to her. Qin Wan could treat others’ physical ailments, but couldn’t heal wounds of the heart. Besides having Mo Shu bring Qi Qi to Yao Xin Lan’s side, she couldn’t think of any other solution.

“Yes… this servant understands.” Mo Shu nodded repeatedly. When Qin Chen was alive, Yao Xin Lan wasn’t happy, but at least with him there, she was undisputedly the young madam of the household. Now that Qin Chen was gone, Yao Xin Lan’s status had subtly changed, not to mention the Qin household itself was now precarious—

Qin Wan stood and walked out. In the outer warm room, Qin Shuang was still playing with the baby. As Qin Wan approached, she saw that overnight, Qi Qi’s wrinkled face had become soft and tender. In her features, one could faintly see Yao Xin Lan’s delicate refinement. Qin Wan bent down to touch Qi Qi’s little face, and the baby’s mouth curved into a smile.

“Little Miss is smiling at Ninth Miss!”

At Mo Shu’s joyful words, Qin Shuang gave a light snort, saying somewhat unhappily, “Auntie stayed with you all night, but you won’t smile at auntie, you little girl…”

Mo Shu quickly said, “Sixth Miss shouldn’t say that, you’re both aunties, and Little Miss smiled at you earlier too.”

Qin Shuang snorted again, “Fine, fine, after all, she’s the lifesaving benefactor who delivered the baby, let her smile then.”

Mo Shu sighed in relief. Qin Wan curved her lips and straightened up, “I’ll go check on Second Brother.”

Naturally remembering Qin Li’s illness, since she had begun treatment, she wouldn’t abandon it halfway. Hearing this, Mo Shu quickly said, “Then let this servant see you out. Second Young Master is likely at the steward’s courtyard, preparing Old Madam’s funeral.”

Qin Wan nodded, and Mo Shu followed her out. Once outside the main door, Mo Shu softly said, “Please don’t blame Sixth Miss, she truly stayed here all night, only sleeping briefly in the morning. She even tried talking to Miss then, but couldn’t get her to speak. There’s still been no word from Madam and Fifth Miss’s side. Sixth Miss seems to have grown more sensible – now that Old Madam is gone, with no one to rely on, she can only become more understanding herself.”

Mo Shu’s eyes darkened after speaking, naturally disheartened by Madam Lin.

Qin Wan sighed, “Right now your miss’s health is most important. This month of confinement must be handled carefully, otherwise, many chronic conditions could develop. Don’t worry about Madam’s side for now.”

Mo Shu quickly nodded, “This servant understands, everything centers on Miss’s health.”

Qin Wan nodded, “That’s exactly right.”

Qin Wan took leave of Mo Shu and headed straight for the front courtyard. With Qin An taken away and after last night’s chaos, the Qin household was in disarray. However, the front courtyard was better than Qin Wan had imagined.

Though the servants’ expressions were somewhat grave, there wasn’t complete chaos. Each had their assigned tasks and duties. Soon, Qin Wan saw a courtyard where funeral banners were being hung – this must be the place.

Fu Ling immediately went to ask someone, and soon Qin Li walked out from the courtyard.

“Why has Ninth Sister come?” Qin Li was still in last night’s clothes, clearly having not rested all night either. He straightened his clothes, walking to Qin Wan with a poor complexion.

Qin Wan looked at him for a moment, “Has Second Brother taken his medicine during all this bustle?”

Qin Li’s eyes darkened slightly as he smiled bitterly, “No, spent all night fighting the fire. Early this morning, Father was taken away, and then we had to prepare for Grandmother’s funeral and handle matters at the Buddha hall. Some people were also called to the government office – too busy, couldn’t think about taking medicine, had to put it aside first.”

“Have you seen Third Uncle?” Qin Wan asked.

Qin Li’s eyes flashed with fear, “Yes…”

Having seen Qin An, Qin Li knew that if his illness continued to worsen, he would end up like Qin An.

Qin Wan sighed, “That’s why I came to check if your condition has improved. The Qin household relies on you now, you can’t collapse. No matter how busy, you can’t forget to take your medicine.”

Hearing this, warmth appeared in Qin Li’s eyes, “Ninth Sister…”

Though Qin Wan spoke thus, it didn’t mean her relationship with Qin Li was particularly close. Seeing his moved expression, she ignored it, only looking at the few rotting spots on his neck. She had him extend his hand, and after examining and checking his pulse, Qin Wan’s brows remained furrowed, “The spread of syphilis seems to have slowed, even though you haven’t been taking medicine regularly, but it’s still not enough to completely suppress it.”

As Qin Wan spoke, hope showed in Qin Li’s eyes, “Then that means Ninth Sister’s medicine is working!”

Qin Wan gathered her thoughts, “Second Brother, go attend to your duties. I’ll think more about it.”

With that, Qin Wan left, heading straight for Ting Lan Court. These past few days, when the Qin family’s scandals were exposed, Qin Wan had been helping investigate cases and examine bones. After last night’s fire, both the old matters and the cases of Liu Shi and Liu Chun had reached conclusions. Today with the government officials withdrawn, Qin Wan suddenly found herself idle. With that tension gone, she felt strangely empty and uncomfortable. Since that was the case, she was determined to cure Qin Li’s illness!

Returning to Ting Lan Court, Qin Wan took out many previous prescriptions and began studying them. Last night’s fire hadn’t disturbed her peace of mind, and having spent many days in the Qin household, she still hadn’t fully become their Ninth Miss. Without emotional attachment, she naturally wouldn’t be too concerned. In comparison, fulfilling her duty as a physician felt more valuable.

Fu Ling had been worried about Qin Wan being affected, but seeing her like this put her mind at ease.

Seeing Qin Wan flip through books and write prescriptions, Fu Ling ground ink beside her. Suddenly, Qin Wan raised her head.

“Last night, how did the Crown Prince find us?”

Fu Ling was startled, “Miss, weren’t you writing prescriptions? Why are you suddenly thinking about the Crown Prince…”

Qin Wan turned to look at Fu Ling, “No, that’s not it, I’m just wondering how it happened. I forgot to ask him. Last night we were in such a remote location in the library, how did he know?”

Fu Ling blinked and smiled, “The Crown Prince has his methods! You can ask him next time, can’t you?”

Hearing this, Qin Wan lowered her eyes, and when she resumed turning pages, her pace had slowed considerably. Seeing Qin Wan’s distraction, Fu Ling sighed, “This time again it was the Crown Prince who saved you. When I woke up today, before I could even ask others what happened last night, I knew it must have been the Crown Prince.”

Qin Wan looked suspiciously at Fu Ling, “Weren’t you afraid of him? How come now you see him as a heroic savior?”

Hearing this, Fu Ling shrank her neck, “I’m still afraid, but Crown Prince is the most formidable person this servant has ever seen, and he’s also very good to Miss…”

Hearing these words, Qin Wan usually could respond casually, but now found herself at a loss for words, feeling anxious. She instinctively looked at the medical text, but though she recognized all the characters, she couldn’t comprehend their meaning.

No man in the world would be good to a woman without reason.

Qin Chen was guilty and cruel, but Qin Wan remembered this thing he said. Thinking of this, Qin Wan couldn’t help but recall past events. In the first case, Huo Huai Xin needed her help, but in the second case, Yan Chi knew her abilities and had opened doors for her from the start. He not only didn’t mind her, a young lady, examining corpses, but even supported and indulged it…

“Let’s go! We’re going to the medicine storehouse—” Qin Wan grabbed the prescription she had just written and suddenly stood up.

Fu Ling was startled, “Miss… why suddenly…”

Qin Wan didn’t answer, just grabbed a cloak and left, for no other reason than not wanting to stay in the room thinking this and that.

When Qin Wan said to go, Fu Ling naturally followed. The two went all the way to the medicine storehouse, only to find its door tightly locked. Fu Ling was slightly surprised, “What’s going on? Where’s Doctor Qian?”

Qin Wan thought briefly, “Didn’t they say they were taking everyone related to the case to the prefecture office?”

Fu Ling suddenly understood, “That must be it, then what should we do, Miss…”

Qin Wan looked at the prescription in her hand, raising her chin, “We’ll go out to buy some, come on.”

Qin Wan hadn’t left the mansion for several days, and with today’s bright weather, going out would be fine. The two immediately went to the west side gate, fortunately, the gatekeepers were all there, and soon Qin Wan boarded a small blue cloth-covered carriage, heading straight for the nearest pharmacy.

The nearest pharmacy was at a corner facing the main street. When the carriage stopped, Qin Wan and Fu Ling went straight in. Though the pharmacy was large, there were few people in the afternoon. As they entered one after another, a clerk immediately came forward, “Young ladies, are you here to see a doctor or buy medicine?”

“Buy medicine…” Qin Wan finished speaking and directly handed over the prescription.

The clerk was also very efficient, taking the prescription and saying “Please wait a moment” before going behind the medicine cabinet to prepare the herbs. Qin Wan walked to the side of the cabinet, watching as the clerk measured out the medicines one by one onto yellow paper. The medicinal ingredients were arranged in bundles, and Qin Wan could see very clearly. Suddenly, she worked out a new prescription in her mind.

Qin Wan frowned with some hesitation, “Should I use Tu Fu Ling or Yuan Zhi?”

“Naturally use Tu Fu Ling—”

Qin Wan had been muttering to herself about the prescription, but as soon as she finished speaking, someone beside her answered.

Qin Wan turned in surprise toward the voice and saw a white-robed youth wearing a feathered crown standing beside her, his appearance unknown until now. Looking at the youth’s jade-like handsome face, Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat.

Qin Wan had never expected to encounter an old acquaintance in Jinzhou City.