“I saved him that day. How could he die?” Qin Wan Yu spoke in a low voice, then frowned, “Did I overlook something?”

“No,” Qin Yan quickly replied, “You didn’t overlook anything. Zhang Yuan was a deputy general under the Young General of the Northern Command. That day you treated him successfully, and later the Young General took him back to the General’s Mansion. However, the next day his wound became infected, and he couldn’t pull through in the end.”

Qin Wan Yu was stunned hearing this, acknowledging that such an explanation was possible.

She glanced at Qin Yan again, and seeing his clear and upright gaze, she could only sigh.

“Then there’s nothing that can be done.”

Speaking thus, Qin Wan Yu thought of Feng Zhang, and her expression turned cold. “What about Feng Zhang?”

At this mention, Qin Yan gave a cold laugh, “Feng Zhang originally intended to join the Imperial Guards, but after this incident, he has no hope. One person died, the Loyal Duke was reprimanded by His Majesty, Prince Cheng lost face, and Consort Su must also be suffering.”

Qin Wan Yu frowned, unsure what to say. “What about the person who caused the injury?”

Qin Yan paused for a moment, “He was arrested.”

Qin Wan Yu didn’t need to ask more to know that person would meet a terrible fate. The victim was from the Northern Command and had died – naturally, there would be severe punishment. She had seen Feng Zhang’s attitude that day and wasn’t surprised. While that gray-robed attendant had likely committed many evil deeds relying on Feng Zhang’s influence, Qin Wan Yu wasn’t particularly sympathetic. However, seeing how readily Feng Zhang sacrificed his own man to save himself made her heart grow cold – in this world, those without power or status had lives as worthless as grass.

Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan Yu, “This matter has nothing to do with you. You did your best that day.”

Qin Wan Yu nodded, temporarily putting the matter aside.

The group left the Marquis’s mansion gates. Qin Chao Yu and Madam Hu shared one carriage, with the three Qin sisters in another behind them, and Fuseng and other attendants in a third. Qin Yan rode on horseback as they headed grandly toward Chang’an Ward in the south.

During the return journey, Qin Xiang hadn’t spoken much with Qin Wan Yu and the others, and this continued at the mansion. Despite this, Qin Xiang spent more time around Madam Hu. Qin Wan Yu and Qin Shuang saw this but chose not to comment.

Now sharing a carriage, Qin Xiang looked at Qin Wan Yu and Qin Shuang and asked, “Where did you go with Third Brother four days ago?”

Qin Shuang replied, “Third Brother took Ninth Sister to pay respects to Second Uncle and Second Aunt. I went along too.”

“Oh? Then why did Third Brother return with blood on his robes?”

Qin Xiang looked at Qin Shuang and Qin Wan Yu with a half-smile. Qin Wan Yu hadn’t expected Qin Xiang to know such details.

Qin Shuang snorted, “After returning to the city that day, Third Brother took us to eat, and we encountered someone who was injured in a fight. Ninth Sister simply treated that person, and Third Brother helped.”

Qin Xiang frowned slightly, “Who were the people fighting?”

Qin Shuang replied without changing expression, “We don’t know—”

“You helped without knowing who they were?” Qin Xiang looked at Qin Wan Yu disapprovingly. “This is the capital, filled with nobility everywhere. Any conflict could lead to disaster. How could you act so rashly? What if you brought trouble to Third Brother and the Marquis’s household?”

Qin Wan Yu curved her lips, “Fifth Sister thinks thoroughly.”

Qin Xiang sensed Qin Wan Yu meant more than her words suggested but couldn’t find a retort. She said, “In any case, control yourself when you’re out. You’re now a young lady of the Marquis’s household, not a doctor. There are medical shops everywhere in the capital – if someone needs saving, why would they need you? Don’t bring trouble to the household.”

Qin Xiang’s words implied Qin Wan Yu was attention-seeking. Qin Shuang laughed, “How strange that a good deed of saving someone becomes twisted in Fifth Sister’s mouth. Why don’t you consider that saving someone noble might bring benefits to the household?”

Qin Xiang was startled, suddenly understanding, “You saved someone noble?”

Qin Shuang smiled lazily, “No, just making a comparison.”

Qin Xiang looked between Qin Shuang and Qin Wan Yu, her expression becoming thoughtful as she tried to discern Qin Shuang’s meaning. However, Qin Shuang wore a meaningful smile, and Qin Wan Yu remained expressionless. Unable to determine anything and realizing that Qin Wan Yu and Qin Shuang had become allies against her, Qin Xiang’s expression changed several times.

She lifted the carriage curtain to look at the streets outside, saying nothing.

Having been out once before, Qin Shuang wasn’t as excited this time. She also lifted her side’s curtain to occasionally glance outside. The carriage traveled south from Xingle Ward, and after a cup of tea’s time, the surrounding residences gradually became less grand. Another cup of tea later, the carriage emerged from the quiet residential lanes into a bustling main street.

With Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang each occupying a window, Qin Wan Yu leaned against the carriage wall in boredom, deep in thought.

Though they had left the mansion, everyone had come together. Qin Yan had mentioned a murder case in the capital, and until it was resolved, they likely wouldn’t be allowed to leave the mansion alone. Qin Wan Yu frowned, wondering what kind of case could take so long to solve.

As she pondered this, the carriage stopped in front of a silk shop.

Nurse Yu came forward, “Young Ladies, we’ve arrived, please step down.”

Qin Xiang was the first to exit, followed closely by Qin Shuang, who exclaimed upon stepping down, “It’s Jinxiu House!”

Qin Wan Yu stepped down and steadied herself, looking up to see indeed a two-story vermillion building with “Jinxiu House” written in three grand characters above the door. Though it wasn’t yet noon, richly dressed ladies were already coming and going.

Jinxiu House was famous throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty, and this capital branch was renowned across the land. Qin Shuang looked up to see this red building was three times the size of other shops and occupied two floors, showing its grand scale. She grew excited again.

“Come, let’s go in—”

Madam Hu called from the front with a smile. Beside her, Qin Chao Yu held her hand and looked back at the three Qin sisters. Qin Shuang was delighted, and though Qin Xiang didn’t show it outwardly, her bright eyes and hands wringing her handkerchief revealed her excitement. Only Qin Wan Yu, wearing a cyan jacket and skirt with a crow-black cloak that highlighted her picturesque features, stood quietly, seemingly unmoved by Jinxiu House which captivated all other women.

Qin Chao Yu raised an eyebrow and led Madam Hu into Jinxiu House first.

“Madam has arrived! Ah, Eighth Young Lady is truly as beautiful as a celestial maiden.”

Madam Hu was a regular at Jinxiu House. As soon as they entered, the shopkeeper personally greeted them. Madam Hu smiled, “Today I’ve brought three nieces as well. They all must be dressed as beautifully as celestial maidens.”

The shopkeeper turned to see Qin Wan Yu and her sisters entering, with Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang in the lead. The shopkeeper didn’t think much at first, but upon seeing Qin Wan Yu, his eyes immediately lit up. “Ah, both Madam and Eighth Young Lady possess extraordinary beauty, and these three young ladies are all as lovely as flowers and the moon. With your arrival, my entire building has brightened.”

Madam Hu’s smile deepened, “Shopkeeper Xu’s silver tongue… no wonder Jinxiu House dominates the capital… Tell me about any good merchandise you have recently. We need to buy quite a lot today, and the Young Master needs several new robes as well.”

“Very good, very good. Madam, please go upstairs first. I’ll bring the catalogs right away.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a servant immediately led Madam Hu’s group upstairs.

Qin Shuang couldn’t help grabbing Qin Wan Yu, saying, “This place is so much bigger than the Jinxiu House in Jin Zhou, and it has two floors!”

Qin Wan Yu smiled and nodded. Upon reaching the second floor, Qin Shuang exclaimed again in amazement. The second floor had four or five private rooms, and the one they were led to was particularly elegant. At the entrance stood a six-panel screen painted with ladies, each wearing beautiful clothes and appearing graceful – one look inspired desires to purchase new garments. Beyond the screen, a bright moon lamp hung in the center of the room, facing a carved circular window. Looking through, it seemed as if a bright moon hung outside the window, creating an elegant atmosphere.

Qin Shuang marveled at this, noting the fine carpets on the floor and the celadon vases with fresh orchids in two corners. The walls were adorned with landscape and court lady paintings, and other screens, porcelain, and decorative items were all exquisite and refined. Qin Shuang felt this place was even more elegant and sophisticated than her chambers in Jin Zhou and the Marquis’s mansion.

Perhaps because the place was too elegant, Qin Shuang suppressed her excitement. After everyone was seated, servants brought out premium Yunfeng tea. Soon after, Shopkeeper Xu entered with two servants carrying large catalogs.

Shopkeeper Xu held an enormous catalog, while the two servants behind him each carried trays with small silk fabric samples. Seeing this display, Qin Shuang felt even more subdued. Qin Yan, though not interested in women’s items, had come as an escort and now stood by the window with folded arms, looking outside with little interest.

“Madam, all our new arrivals are here, the finest from Huzhou’s Xiu Niang. This time we received less than a hundred bolts of each type, and the best patterns only have about twenty bolts left…” Shopkeeper Xu spoke endlessly, thoroughly familiar with nearly ten new products the servants had brought. He could answer all of Madam Hu’s questions expertly. Quickly, Madam Hu ordered all twenty remaining bolts, and Shopkeeper Xu praised her choice. Suddenly, he added, “Madam, besides these new Hu silks, we’ve recently acquired a new type of gold-threaded light gauze, much better than what you’ve purchased before. We only received ten bolts total – six for whole-piece sales here, and four for cut-piece sales at our south city shop. Would you like…”

Madam Hu’s eyes lit up at these words, “How many are left now?”

Shopkeeper Xu smiled, “Three bolts remain. The first three were taken by Duke Yang’s wife – she happened to come yesterday afternoon when they just arrived.”

Madam Hu tapped her armrest, “I’ll take all the remaining ones.”

Shopkeeper Xu smiled, “I knew it – I saved them, especially for you, Madam.”

Madam Hu was extremely pleased and continued, “You know Yu’er’s clothing requirements, but my three nieces need new measurements. Show me your most fashionable styles…”

Shopkeeper Xu opened his catalog while calling for female attendants to measure Qin Wan Yu and the others. He continued recommending styles to Madam Hu as the three sisters went to a side chamber for measurements. When they returned, they heard Madam Hu say, “Two sets each. You choose the colors – I trust your judgment. The New Year is approaching, so make it quick.”

Shopkeeper Xu nodded repeatedly, confirmed details with Madam Hu once more, and then hurried down to instruct the craftsmen. Madam Hu contentedly sipped her tea. Meanwhile, Qin Yan suddenly said, having spotted something, “I’ll go downstairs for a moment.”

After Qin Yan left, Madam Hu wondered aloud, “What’s the matter? Well, let’s go to the next shop.”

She rose, leading Qin Chao Yu downstairs with the others following. Reaching the bottom, they saw Qin Yan speaking with someone outside Jinxiu House. Qin Wan Yu, walking last, hadn’t paid attention until Qin Shuang suddenly pulled her sleeve.

“Look, it’s that person we met that day—”

Qin Wan Yu looked up to see that the person speaking with Qin Yan was indeed Young General Zhao whom they’d met days ago! Today, Zhao Jing wore elegant dark blue formal clothes. Though he appeared less martial than that day, he carried more of the noble air of a capital aristocrat. Nevertheless, his straight-backed posture still revealed his military bearing.

“My mother and sisters have come out.”

Zhao Jing stood sideways to the door, not noticing at first. Hearing Qin Yan’s words, he turned around, first bowing to Madam Hu, then nodding to Qin Chao Yu. After a pause, Zhao Jing tilted his head, looking past Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang to give Qin Wan Yu a deep look.

With his full forehead, high eyebrows, and broad eyes, plus his robust build, Zhao Jing exuded a powerful masculine presence. His obvious glance was so noticeable even Madam Hu sensed something amiss. Though it seemed Zhao Jing might do more, he merely looked at Qin Wan Yu once before turning to Qin Yan, saying, “I won’t disturb you further. I’ll take my leave.”

Then he turned to Madam Hu, “Madam, I have matters to attend to, so I’ll bid farewell.”

Madam Hu quickly nodded. Zhao Jing gave Qin Chao Yu a slight bow, then smoothly mounted his horse and departed.

Zhao Jing had two attendants with him. After the three galloped away, Madam Hu said nothing, but Qin Chao Yu frowned as he looked back. Qin Shuang knew the circumstances, while Qin Xiang also gave Qin Wan Yu a deep look. Qin Wan Yu felt puzzled but maintained her eternally calm expression. Seeing this, Qin Shuang cleverly redirected attention, asking, “First Aunt, what is that gold-threaded light gauze used for?”

This question drew everyone’s attention away. Madam Hu glanced at Qin Yan before softly explaining to the young ladies, “It’s for making ladies’ undergarments. You’re all so delicate – the finer and softer your undergarments, the better. This light gauze is excellent, and Shopkeeper Xu says this batch is better than ever before, so naturally I had to secure some for you.”

Qin Xiang quickly said, “First Aunt treats us so well.”

Madam Hu patted Qin Xiang’s arm, “As I should. Aren’t you all like my own daughters? Come, we still need to buy hairpins and rings. Think about what else you want – let’s buy everything early today.”

Coming from a noble family, Madam Hu not only knew what young ladies liked but also understood that noble daughters preferred the finest items. Though advanced in years, she still loved beauty herself and spoke of buying ornaments with obvious joy. Seeing this, not only Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, but even Qin Wan Yu found this First Aunt extremely endearing.

As Madam Hu led Qin Wan Yu into the Zhenbao Pavilion, Zhao Jing stood outside the Eastern Palace’s main hall, adjusting his formal robes.

Soon, a small eunuch in black quickly emerged from inside, “Young General, His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence.”

Zhao Jing raised his chin and strode in with a straight back.

The Eastern Palace lay west of the Imperial Palace, its halls connected and magnificent. Though it was winter, a warm breeze greeted them upon entering the main hall. Zhao Jing subdued his martial air and followed the small eunuch steadily to the Western study.

“Young General, His Highness is inside. Please enter.”

Zhao Jing nodded and pushed open the half-closed door to enter.

Though daylight was bright, Yan Che’s study wasn’t well-lit, with the door half-closed and windows tightly shut. Zhao Jing looked up to see Yan Che in dark blue dragon robes standing by the window, facing away from him.

Zhao Jing stepped forward, kneeling in greeting, “Greetings to Your Highness.”

“Rise, Lord Zhao.” Yan Che’s voice was proper and refined, yet carried a hint of coldness.

Zhao Jing stood straight and asked puzzled, “Your Highness, Prince Cheng has stumbled, yet you seem unhappy?”

Hearing this, Yan Che turned around, his jet-black eyes concealing surging anger, “Four days remain. If that case isn’t solved, I’ll be the next to stumble. Lord Zhao, do you think I should be happy?”

Yan Che spoke each word slowly, but the force behind each word made Zhao Jing’s back stiffen. He quickly suppressed his relaxed expression and said seriously, “I understand Your Highness’s concerns. Has Prefect Zheng had no news?”

Yan Che raised his chin, looking past Zhao Jing’s shoulder at the half-closed door.

“If there were news, I wouldn’t be so anxious.” Changing the subject to why he’d summoned Zhao Jing, “Has that matter been settled? No loose ends?”

Zhao Jing’s lips tightened slightly, “It’s settled. The families have all been compensated.”

Yan Che nodded, “Though this matter caused Father to warn Prince Cheng, he won’t give up because of it. Be careful not to leave any weaknesses.” His brow furrowed, “That person shouldn’t have been saved.”

Zhao Jing looked up, glancing at Yan Che, “That day… Young Master Qin happened to be there.”

Yan Che’s brows knitted, “He saved the person?”

Zhao Jing quickly shook his head, “No, no, it was his sister…”

“You mean Chao Yu?” Yan Che’s tone was disbelieving.

“Not Eighth Young Lady, but the Ninth Young Lady newly arrived in the capital. Young Master Qin brought three Qin ladies to the capital this time south. This Ninth Young Lady knows medicine and happened to be dining with Young Master Qin at Zuixiang Tower that day.”

Yan Che frowned again, “A Qin family lady knows medicine?”

Zhao Jing quickly nodded, his expression becoming somewhat absent-minded as if recalling something.

Yan Che looked at him, “What else haven’t you told me?”

Zhao Jing suddenly came to his senses and hesitated before saying, “That Ninth Young Lady’s medical skills are quite good.”

Yan Che whirled around with a swish of his sleeves, once again showing only his back to Zhao Jing, “That’s not what I care about. This time it was the Qin family’s people, so let it be, but next time, there must be no mistakes.”

Zhao Jing nodded, “Yes, I understand—”

After speaking, Zhao Jing looked up at Yan Che’s back. Though bright daylight shone outside the window, the light and shadows falling on Yan Che seemed to merge with his dark blue dragon robes. Zhao Jing widened his eyes, able to see only the fierce dragon head on Yan Che’s robe hem and those heart-rending, sharp dragon claws.