Outside the palace gates, the Qin family’s carriage still waited. Upon seeing Qin Wan emerge, Guard Cheng hurried forward. “Ninth Young Lady, the Young Master has returned to the manor first and instructed me to wait for you here—” As he spoke, he glanced at Yan Chi and Yan Li. Guard Cheng recognized Yan Li but showed some hesitation when looking at Yan Chi.

“This is His Highness the Crown Prince of Rui Prince, and His Highness the Crown Prince of Gong Prince,” Qin Wan explained. Guard Cheng hastily bowed. Yan Chi had intended to escort Qin Wan home but hadn’t expected Qin Yan to leave someone waiting.

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi and Yan Li. “Wasn’t Prince Li planning to take His Highness somewhere? Then Qin Wan shall return to the manor first.”

Yan Chi’s expression turned serious. “Go where? Later I’ll pay New Year’s respects to the Princess Consort, and naturally, there are other matters.”

A hint of an ambiguous smile flashed across Qin Wan’s eyes. Meanwhile, Yan Li grinned at Qin Wan. “Isn’t Seventh Brother too serious? Ninth Young Lady, when will you be able to freely come and go from the Marquis Manor?”

Since the case of harmed women in Lin’an City had been solved, Qin Wan should be able to enter and exit the Marquis Manor freely. She replied, “It should be possible in a few days.”

Yan Li winked at Qin Wan. “Then I’ll take Ninth Young Lady to some interesting places.”

Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. “Thank you, Your Highness. Qin Wan shall return to the manor now.”

She curtsied, and Yan Chi nodded, watching as Qin Wan and Fu Ling boarded the carriage driven by Guard Cheng.

Once Qin Wan was in the carriage, Yan Chi turned to give Yan Li a warning glance. Yan Li’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he suddenly laughed. “Is Seventh Brother nervous? Afraid of letting Ninth Young Lady know I’m taking you out for some fun?”

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, and Yan Li continued, “Seventh Brother, what are your intentions? I’ve noticed since your return to the capital, you haven’t made anything clear. Is it that Ninth Young Lady is unwilling, or do you have other concerns?”

Yan Chi shook his head and walked toward his horse. They had both come on horseback. Seeing this, Yan Li followed and mounted his horse. Since it was the first day of the lunar year, no officials were traveling on the Imperial Road outside the Imperial City. The snow hadn’t melted, creating a vast expanse of white. Neither rode quickly, and Yan Li spoke casually, “Seventh Brother if there’s nothing between you and Ninth Young Lady, why not just enjoy yourself as usual? Which young nobleman in the capital doesn’t spend his days in pleasure houses?”

Yan Chi frowned slightly and suddenly asked, “Li’er, do you plan to live like this your whole life?”

The casual smile on Yan Li’s face froze momentarily. Then, whimsically waving his riding crop in the air, he said, “Isn’t this wonderful? How many people envy that I can do as I please, not having to scheme for power or worry about wealth? ‘Wielding power over the world while awake’ isn’t what I want; ‘sleeping drunk in a beauty’s lap’ suits me better…”

Stretching lazily on horseback, Yan Li continued, “Seventh Brother, I’m truly content this way. There are too few carefree people in this world. I’m lucky, and besides, Mother Consort has no expectations of me, right?”

He smiled at Yan Chi. “You’re different, Uncle Rui won’t let you live such a life of pleasure.”

Yan Chi’s eyes darkened. “If you truly enjoy this lifestyle, so be it.”

He increased his pace, and Yan Li laughed as he caught up. “There’s no question of enjoying or not enjoying. Seventh Brother, are you not going to Xiao Xiang House? If not there, at least Phoenix Perch Tower…”

Yan Chi ignored him, riding faster and faster toward Gong Prince’s Manor.

Meanwhile, in the carriage, Fu Ling exhaled deeply. “Young Lady, I can finally speak.”

Fu Ling had entered the palace today and though she had gained experience, apart from curtsying to the masters, she hadn’t spoken a single word at any other time. For her, this was absolute torture!

Qin Wan smiled. “Well, do you want to enter the palace again next time?”

Fu Ling instinctively shook her head, but looking at Qin Wan, she said, “Though I wouldn’t want to go alone, I’m willing to accompany Young Lady.” Her expression turned bitter. “Fortunately, I’m not a palace maid. Otherwise, it would be truly unbearable. That sister in Shou Kang Palace, though her position seemed not low, spent half the day watching her words carefully without daring to speak more. It was so stifling. Young Lady, please don’t go to the palace in the future.”

She sighed again. “Eighth Young Lady is so pitiful, having to endure such treatment in the future.”

Qin Wan had been smiling faintly, but hearing this, she couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Qin Chao Yu was to become the Crown Princess, a position countless women could only dream of, yet Fu Ling said she would suffer!

Seeing Qin Wan’s cheerful laughter, Fu Ling’s face reddened. “Young Lady laughs at me, but that’s how the palace is! And that incident we encountered today – though I couldn’t see clearly, I heard Xiu’er’s terrible screams. It shows how worthless a servant’s life is in the palace…”

Qin Wan’s smile faded. “Don’t worry, we only enter the palace to treat the Empress Dowager.”

Fu Ling nodded. “That’s why I’m relieved. I don’t understand those who want to enter the palace. So many consorts spend their days thinking about one man, and that man has to worry about state affairs. How much affection can he give them? They enter the palace as fresh flowers but end up withered.”

Qin Wan’s amusement completely vanished, feeling a touch of melancholy. Fu Ling’s metaphor was exceptionally vivid. Because they spent their days only waiting, the women in the palace had excess time and energy for scheming and plotting. And to compete for that precious little affection, they had no choice but to fight.

Shaking her head, Qin Wan dismissed these thoughts. Regardless, these matters had nothing to do with her.

Rather, the Ninth Prince’s words today had planted a deep seed in her mind. The case of Consort Jin remained perplexing, and she was still at a loss.

Qin Wan grew quiet, and Fu Ling dared not speak more. She merely lifted the carriage curtain to view the scenery outside. On the first day of the lunar year, Lin’an City was thick with New Year’s atmosphere. Occasional sounds of firecrackers could be heard. Fu Ling took several deep breaths of the crisp winter air, feeling completely liberated from the palace’s cautious oppression. Her eyes wandered and caught a familiar figure.

“Oh, Young Lady, look! That person seems to be the one who visited our manor before?”

Qin Wan returned to her senses and looked where Fu Ling pointed. Indeed, she saw Zhan Yang standing by the street. Four yamen runners accompanied him, and before him stood a middle-aged man in simple clothing. Zhan Yang had asked something, and the middle-aged man was anxiously explaining. Qin Wan frowned slightly and said softly, “Stop for a moment.”

Outside, Guard Cheng had also noticed Zhan Yang, having seen him multiple times while following Qin Yan.

The carriage stopped, and Qin Wan observed Zhan Yang and the middle-aged man before him intently.

After a while, Zhan Yang seemed to have finished questioning without learning what he wanted to know. He frowned and turned around, immediately noticing Guard Cheng and Qin Wan. Zhan Yang showed slight surprise and walked toward Qin Wan’s carriage.

“Why is Ninth Young Lady here?” Zhan Yang bowed and asked.

Having just met that morning, Qin Wan smiled and said, “Just left the palace.” She glanced at the middle-aged man in the distance. “On New Year’s Day, why is Captain Zhan here?”

Zhan Yang didn’t smile but spoke more gently, “Zhan Yang is single and has nothing to do during the New Year. Besides, there have been many disturbances in Lin’an City during the New Year period, so I’m stationed at the yamen.” Looking back, he continued, “This morning, someone reported a theft at a restaurant. This man is a waiter there, who was resting at home today. We found him and are questioning him now.”

“Has anything been discovered?” Qin Wan asked.

Since Qin Wan had helped Zhan Yang before and he knew of her astute mind and wisdom, he replied directly, “No, he’s just a serving waiter and knows nothing about the restaurant theft.”

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, observing the middle-aged man for a moment before suddenly saying, “I doubt he knows anything.”

Zhan Yang raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the middle-aged man. “Why does Ninth Young Lady say so?”

Qin Wan looked steadily at the middle-aged man and said, “Just now when Captain Zhan was questioning him, he appeared extremely nervous.”

Zhan Yang frowned. “When being questioned by yamen runners, most people show some nervousness.”

Qin Wan shook her head. “When ordinary people are nervous during questioning, they typically just lower their eyes respectfully. But this man kept looking up to the left while speaking, his arms were tightly pressed against his body, and though his hands hung at his sides, his clenched fingers kept moving and unconsciously tugging at his hem. While his whole demeanor appeared timid, his legs stepped half a pace backward, as if wanting to distance himself from you all.”

After Qin Wan finished speaking, Zhan Yang turned to look at her. “I noticed these details too, Ninth Young Lady…”

Qin Wan smiled. “This man is a restaurant waiter. Captain Zhan, think about it – what should a restaurant waiter be like?”

Zhan Yang thought for a moment. “Quick-moving, agile, sweet-talking, and quick-witted.”

Qin Wan nodded. “Exactly. But he shows none of that agility or quick-wittedness now. He’s too nervous. His eye movements indicate he’s thinking of how to respond while answering questions – contemplating the best way to answer. Usually, when someone thinks this way, their answers are certainly fabricated. His tense body language shows he doesn’t want to be questioned. Even when speaking, he’s holding back and concealing something. His leg movements suggest he subconsciously wants to distance himself from you – in fact, he wants to run.”

Zhan Yang raised an eyebrow, seemingly not entirely convinced. “Ninth Young Lady’s words—”

“Stop! Don’t run!”

Before Zhan Yang could finish, a shout rang out from behind him. He spun around to see the middle-aged man indeed fleeing. Zhan Yang’s eyes widened, and he turned back to look at Qin Wan in disbelief.

Qin Wan smiled. “Go catch him, Captain Zhan. Even if he didn’t do it, he knows something about what happened.”

Zhan Yang’s lips moved, momentarily speechless. He had been a captain for many years and solved numerous cases. He had thought Qin Wan’s skill at examining corpses was already impressive, but he hadn’t expected her to observe such minute details so thoroughly.

Zhan Yang bowed, said “I take my leave,” and turned to pursue the suspect.

After Zhan Yang left, Qin Wan lowered the carriage curtain and ordered their return to the manor.

Inside the carriage, Fu Ling looked at Qin Wan in amazement. “Young Lady, you’re incredible! To spot his lies at a glance… Then… wouldn’t that mean no one could deceive you?”

Qin Wan laughed and shook her head. “Of course not. I haven’t developed the habit yet. I only observed closely because Captain Zhan was interrogating him. Everyone has their own habits in speech and behavior, but humans share common traits. Under certain mental states, they display similar characteristic movements. These can help judge the truth of their words. In daily conversation, without suspicion, one wouldn’t notice such things. Moreover, some people are so accustomed to lying that unless it’s something significant, ordinary lies show few tell-tale signs.”

Fu Ling understood. “I see. It’s fortunate Young Lady doesn’t always look for deception – that would be exhausting.”

“Indeed,” Qin Wan smiled. “Besides, if we had to distinguish truth from lies in every daily conversation, life would be quite dull. Sometimes, it’s fine not to distinguish so clearly between truth and falsehood…”

Fu Ling didn’t understand at first but soon grasped Qin Wan’s meaning.

Two-quarters of an hour later, the carriage neared Zhong Yong Marquis Manor.

Qin Wan hadn’t dwelled on the earlier incident, but just as they approached the manor gate, the carriage suddenly stopped again. Guard Cheng called from outside, “Young Lady… something seems amiss…”

Qin Wan responded with a soft “Mm” and lifted the curtain to look. Her eyes immediately widened.

When they had left, the area before the manor gates had been empty, but in this brief time, over ten carriages had gathered there. Each carriage bore luxurious crimson canopies, looking very grand. Qin Wan frowned. “Is there a banquet at the manor today?”

Fu Ling shook her head. “That can’t be. Madam hasn’t mentioned anything.”

Qin Wan found it strange. “Why have so many people arrived suddenly? Anyone would think the manor was hosting a theater performance today.”

Guard Cheng suggested, “Young Lady, shall we use the west side gate? The main entrance is blocked, and carriages can’t get through.”

Qin Wan lowered the curtain and nodded.

The carriage turned toward the side gate, which fortunately was empty. Qin Wan alighted and entered. After just a few steps inside, she saw Bai Ying hurrying toward her with an urgent expression. “Young Lady—”

Qin Wan was surprised. “Why are you here? Has something happened?”

Bai Ying’s expression was peculiar. “Young Lady, Madam sent me to escort you directly back to Pine Breeze Court.”

Qin Wan had thought the Qin Shu couple would be concerned about her palace visit and wanted to report to them, but unexpectedly she was being sent straight back to her courtyard. Thinking of the carriages at the gate, she glanced toward the main courtyard and asked, “Have guests arrived at the manor?”

Bai Ying nodded. “Just after Young Lady left, several marchionesses arrived. Then more and more people came. They’re all supposedly bringing New Year’s gifts to the manor, but actually, they’ve come to seek medical consultation from you!”

Qin Wan stopped in her tracks. “Seek medical consultation from me?!”

Bai Ying nodded. “Nanny Yu said everyone knows Young Lady saved the Empress Dowager and received imperial rewards. They realized your medical skills surpass even the imperial physicians, so they’ve all come. Nanny Yu also said some might just be here out of curiosity. In any case, the main courtyard is full of people, and Madam wants the Young Lady to avoid them.”

Qin Wan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Bai Ying continued, “I was watching at the main gate earlier. When I saw Young Lady’s carriage didn’t use the main entrance, I knew you’d come through the side gate, so I came here.”

Qin Wan couldn’t help but laugh. “Can’t these ladies find good doctors in the city? Why come to me?”

She wasn’t a practicing physician, so why seek her out?

Bai Ying shook her head. “Nanny Yu said news of Young Lady spread throughout the capital last night. Everyone knows the Qin Manor has a young medical prodigy. Some visitors have chronic ailments, some want to verify your medical skills, and others are hoping to build connections, especially since saving the Empress Dowager will surely elevate the manor’s status.”

“This is really…”

Qin Wan was momentarily speechless and followed Bai Ying back to Pine Breeze Court by a roundabout route.

Yan Che traveled from the palace with a small entourage. When he reached the manor gates, he too was startled by the array of carriages.

Dressed in plain clothes, He Yin frowned and said, “Your Highness, is the manor hosting a banquet today? If so, everyone will know of your presence when you arrive, Your Highness?”

Yan Che’s eyes darkened. “It’s the first day of the New Year. Even if there were a banquet, it would be after the third day.”

In Great Zhou’s customs, hosting guests on New Year’s Day was rare. During the New Year, especially the first day, families usually gather together. Who would be busy entertaining outside guests on the first day?

He Yin smiled wryly. “But this scene is quite real. If Your Highness doesn’t mind others knowing, it’s fine.”

Yan Che was already stifled enough in the palace. Now that he had finally left, how could he return without accomplishing anything?

After a moment’s thought, Yan Che asked, “Does the manor have a side gate?”

He Yin’s eyes lit up. “There should be one.” He leaned forward to instruct the guard driving the carriage.

The guard, named Zheng Wei, was the captain of the Eastern Palace Imperial Guard. Upon hearing the instruction, he immediately turned into a small alley beside the manor and soon found the side gate. Qin Wan had just entered through here, and the gatekeeper never expected the Crown Prince to arrive. When the gate opened and He Yin announced the Crown Prince’s arrival, the gatekeeper was flustered and hurried to report.

Yan Che sat in the carriage and soon heard the voices of Qin Shu and Qin Yan.

Qin Shu strode out from inside, lifting his robes to bow. “Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince—”

Qin Yan also bowed, and as he looked up, Yan Che stepped down from the carriage.

“It’s been long since I visited your manor, Minister. Are you hosting guests today?”

Having entered through the side gate, Yan Che had noticed the scene at the main gate. Qin Shu smiled wryly and explained the situation while inviting the Crown Prince inside. As Yan Che listened, his brows furrowed slightly. “Has the Ninth Young Lady of your household gained such influence?”

Qin Shu smiled bitterly. “Your Highness knows that in the capital, there are plenty who come to join the excitement, to test the waters, or harbor ulterior motives. Those truly seeking medical treatment are very few. Your Highness, the main courtyard is full of people, so we can only receive you in the study.”

This had been Yan Che’s intention anyway, so he nodded without concern. “Even so, your Ninth Young Lady’s reputation is indeed rising. And her saving Imperial Grandmother has certainly made people see her in a new light.”

Though Yan Che’s words sounded like praise, Qin Shu didn’t dare presume, and smiled, “Wan’er has surprised us this time too. After all, she’s still so young. If she can truly help the Empress Dowager recover her vitality, that would be her fortune.”

Yan Che pressed his lips together without speaking, following Qin Shu to the study. Though the Marquis Manor wasn’t as large as the Qin Manor in Jin Zhou, it was still substantial. Qin Shu’s study formed its courtyard, and being a place where he often received important guests, it was decorated with elegant refinement. As Yan Che walked along, he saw no servants, but when they reached the study, hot tea and pastries were already prepared.

Yan Che was quite satisfied, his anger from the Eastern Palace finally dissipating.

Once seated, Yan Che said, “It’s much more comfortable here, Minister.”

He Yin, seated below Yan Che, heard this and knew Yan Che was still upset about earlier events. Thinking this, He Yin smiled wryly. Though Yan Che had reached the age of twenty, having a few concubines would be perfectly normal, yet Yan Che was extremely restrained in this regard. Now, not only had the Empress expressed concern, but others had also stirred up various thoughts. After he was appointed Crown Prince, even more people tried to place women in his path, some hoping for a share of the future imperial harem, others harboring ill intentions, hoping to see Yan Che indulge in sensual pleasures. However, having witnessed the struggles among palace women since childhood, how could Yan Che fall for their schemes?

Qin Shu, seated opposite He Yin, smiled at Yan Che’s words. “Your Highness’s sudden arrival caught us unprepared. I fear we’ve been discourteous. I’ve ordered some wine and dishes prepared. Since it’s New Year’s, please have a drink in our humble home, Your Highness.”

Yan Che’s lips curved slightly, showing a rare smile, and he nodded. “That would be nice.”

Qin Shu was delighted and quickly instructed Qin Yan to inform Madam Hu.

After Qin Yan left, Qin Shu asked, “Has Your Highness come to relax, or is there other important business?”

Yan Che’s expression lightened somewhat. “No important matters. The corruption cases in the south have all been arranged properly, as you surely know. I came today simply because I felt stifled in the palace and wanted some fresh air.”

Hearing this, Qin Shu felt relieved, and his expression also lightened. They began discussing daily matters of interest.

However, the conversation eventually turned to state affairs. Yan Che said, “Father Emperor has kept the Rui Prince’s heir as Left Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice, which temporarily fills that vacancy. Among the Six Ministries now, with you in the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministries of Justice and War are most crucial. Earlier, Qin Yan was willing to help me, but Yan Chi showed no response. He’s a battlefield man, likely acting on his judgment. It’s still too difficult to win him over.”

Qin Shu pondered and said, “The Rui Prince’s heir is indeed difficult to handle, but as long as he hasn’t returned to the Shuo Xi army, given time, it’s not impossible. When he realizes no one in the capital can remain independent, he’ll naturally seek shelter with the strongest tree.”

Yan Che nodded, then changed the subject. “By the way, when Minister Zheng reported about that case, he said your household provided great help. Though the Lin’an yamen received rewards for solving the case, they overlooked you, the behind-the-scenes contributor. What would you like? If it’s within my power, I won’t be stingy.”

Qin Shu laughed warmly. “Your Highness jests. Helping Your Highness with his concerns is this subject’s duty. How could I dare ask for rewards?”

Yan Che took a sip of tea, then suddenly said, “I heard the case was solved because the Minister recommended an extraordinary person, someone extremely skilled at examining corpses?”

A glint appeared in Qin Shu’s eyes, knowing Zheng Bai Shi had held back information. “Minister Zheng speaks truly. This subject does indeed have an extraordinary person here.” His tone deepened. “Does Your Highness wish to know who this person is?”

Yan Che set down his teacup. “Indeed. I would like to meet this person.”

Qin Shu straightened his back, showing some hesitation. Seeing this, Yan Che raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Is it inconvenient?”

Qin Shu hurriedly shook his head. “No, not at all. However, this person’s identity is somewhat special, and… Your Highness has already met her… I hope Your Highness won’t be angry after learning the details.”

Yan Che raised his eyebrows. “I’ve met them?” He thought through all the Qin household members he’d met but couldn’t think who it might be. However, since this person had helped him, why would he be angry?

“Don’t worry. I want to meet this extraordinary person to get acquainted and offer some rewards. Why would I be angry?”

Seeing this, Qin Shu could only stand and say, “Very well. Please wait a moment, Your Highness. I’ll make arrangements.”

Yan Che nodded, and Qin Shu left. With only Yan Che and He Yin remaining, He Yin wondered aloud, “Your Highness, which members of the Marquis household have you met?”

Yan Che shook his head. “When Minister Zheng mentioned it, he said it was someone recently taken into the household. But recently I’ve only met the Marquis and Qin Yan. Could it be Qin Yan?” Then Yan Che shook his head again. “Impossible. If it were him, he would have acted earlier. Otherwise, could it be one of their guards I didn’t notice?”

Great Zhou had never had women serve as coroners, so Yan Che only thought of men. Hearing this, He Yin nodded. “Your Highness makes sense. That’s the most likely possibility. If it’s truly a guard, it’s fine. As long as they’re useful and can serve Your Highness in the future. Or perhaps Your Highness could request to have them transferred to the Eastern Palace.”

Yan Che’s lips curled slightly. “If they’re truly extraordinary, having them in the Eastern Palace would be good. But I wonder if the Marquis would allow it.”

He Yin smiled. “How could he not? The Marquis and his son are both very devoted to Your Highness. Keeping such a person by their side would be inconvenient when Your Highness needs to use them. Better to give them directly to Your Highness.”

Thinking this over, Yan Che found He Yin’s words reasonable. He planned to first reward Qin Shu and Qin Yan when he met the person, then ask for their transfer. This way, Qin Shu and Qin Yan wouldn’t lose out.

To conceal Yan Che’s presence, Qin Shu had dismissed all servants inside and outside the study courtyard. Now, even to pass a message, he had to go himself. After he left, the entire study courtyard was so quiet that only occasional bird songs could be heard.

Hearing the birds, Yan Che felt like taking a walk. He put down his teacup and went out, seeing the courtyard full of emerald bamboo and proud plum blossoms defying the snow, creating an elegant tranquility. Yan Che nodded in approval.

During his last visit in autumn, there had been no plum blossoms. With this thought, he walked along the corridor toward the plum trees in the west, with He Yin following at a respectful distance.

“What? The Crown Prince has come? And wants to see Qin Wan?”

Qin Chao Yu stood up abruptly. Mo Yi hurriedly said, “Yes, Young Lady, though he didn’t specifically ask to see Ninth Young Lady. He wants to meet the person who helped solve the case. The Marquis just told Madam personally, and Madam had the Young Master go to call Ninth Young Lady.”

Qin Chao Yu frowned slightly, her expression becoming grave.

Yan Che wasn’t a man of sensual pleasures, and he hadn’t specifically asked to see Qin Wan. But he would soon discover that besides her outstanding beauty and medical skills, she could also help examine corpses. Though the coroner’s work was considered lowly, this time it had genuinely helped him. Given Yan Che’s character, he would certainly view Qin Wan in a higher light…

Seeing Qin Chao Yu’s serious expression, Mo Yi asked softly, “Young Lady, do you not want Ninth Young Lady to meet the Crown Prince?”

Qin Chao Yu laughed lightly. “How could I not want that? If not today, they’ll meet eventually. If not known today, it will be known eventually.” As she said this, her heart sank slightly.

She couldn’t change this fact, and frustratingly, Qin Wan could do everything she couldn’t.

“Then what does Young Lady plan to do? By now, the Young Master should have reached Ninth Young Lady’s place.”

Qin Chao Yu collected herself. “Since it can’t be changed, I might as well take this chance to test her.”

Saying this, Qin Chao Yu lifted her chin. “Did the Crown Prince come alone? He’s in the study now?”

Mo Yi shook her head. “He came with Lord He. The Marquis dismissed all servants from that area. Right now, only the Crown Prince and Lord He are there. Madam has ordered food and wine prepared to be sent to the study. There are still many people in the main courtyard requiring Madam’s attention. She’s extremely busy right now.”

Qin Chao Yu nodded, suddenly turning to leave. Mo Yi hurriedly grabbed a cloak to drape over her.

The mistress and servant quickly reached the main courtyard and, after asking Madam Hu’s whereabouts, found her. Qin Shu was about to leave, and seeing Qin Chao Yu, he smiled, “Yu’er, the Crown Prince has arrived. I was planning to have you pay your respects to him later—”

Qin Chao Yu’s lips curved slightly. “What is Father going to do now?”

Qin Shu replied, “The Crown Prince and Lord He are in the study. We shouldn’t leave them alone there, so I’m heading back.”

Qin Chao Yu’s bright eyes sparkled. “Since it’s New Year’s Day and the Crown Prince has come, shouldn’t Father prepare something special?”

At Qin Chao Yu’s words, Qin Shu suddenly remembered. “Ah, you remind me! That recently recovered ‘Thousand Rivers Spring Scene’ painting would make a perfect gift for the Crown Prince. I’ll have Wu Yang fetch it from the storehouse now.”

Qin Chao Yu thought for a moment. “One painting might not be enough, especially considering Lord He.”

He Yin was the Eastern Palace’s Chief Secretary and Yan Che’s most trusted advisor—indeed, he couldn’t be overlooked.

Qin Shu frowned. “Then I’ll go to the storehouse myself.” As he hurried away, he reminded Madam Hu, “Please send the food and wine quickly—”

After Qin Shu left, Qin Chao Yu’s expression grew serious. “Mother, is the food and wine ready?”

Madam Hu shook her head. “The wine is ready, but the food needs more time.”

Qin Chao Yu said, “Then… send the wine first.”

Madam Hu looked puzzled. Qin Chao Yu glanced outside. “Has Brother returned?”

Madam Hu shook her head. “He went to call your Ninth Sister. Oh yes, the Crown Prince wants to see your Ninth Sister.”

As she spoke, worry appeared in Madam Hu’s eyes. Mother and daughter’s eyes met, both understanding each other’s concerns. Qin Chao Yu suddenly leaned forward and whispered something in Madam Hu’s ear. Madam Hu was startled. “Yu’er? Are you sure about this?”

Qin Chao Yu nodded firmly. “Yes, Mother. Let’s arrange it this way.”

Madam Hu hesitated slightly. Qin Chao Yu said, “Only if she has no ulterior motives will I trust her.”

Madam Hu sighed. “You… aren’t you afraid this might backfire?”

Qin Chao Yu lifted her chin. “If the Crown Prince… then I’ll accept it.”

Madam Hu wanted to say more but seeing Qin Chao Yu’s determined expression, could only sigh. “Very well.”

Soon, a somewhat confused Qin Wan followed Qin Yan to the back hall. Madam Hu had a jar of wine beside her and smiled seeing Qin Wan. “Wan’er, you’re here. Did your Third Brother tell you everything?”

Qin Wan smiled wryly. “Third Brother only said a guest wanted to see me, but didn’t say who.”

Madam Hu smiled. “Don’t be nervous. This is a good thing. Your Uncle and the guest are in the study courtyard. Go on.” Looking at the wine beside her, she added, “First help me take this wine over. Yan’er, wait here—the dishes will be ready soon.”

Qin Wan knew the way to the study, and going alone wasn’t an issue. Yet somehow, she felt strange. Could it be Zheng Bai Shi? Li Mu Yun? Or someone seeking medical treatment?

Though Qin Wan had many questions, seeing Madam Hu’s smiling face, she didn’t feel right asking more. She could only resignedly carry the wine toward the study. In broad daylight, within the Marquis Manor, Madam Hu wouldn’t harm her.

Thinking this way, Qin Wan felt no fear, only curiosity about who wanted to meet her.

Meanwhile, Yan Che stood beneath the plum tree, his gaze not on the plum blossoms but on a small bird at the treetop. In the cold winter, birds were rarely seen, yet this little grey sparrow dared to peck at the plum buds. Far from chasing it away, Yan Che watched the bold little bird with some interest.

As he gazed intently, suddenly, light footsteps sounded.

Yan Che looked up and immediately saw Qin Wan. She still wore the same dress from entering the palace earlier—simple yet elegant and refined. However, Yan Che’s brows furrowed. This was Qin Shu’s study, and he had arranged to conceal his presence. Any visitor should have been Qin Shu or Qin Yan. So why was Qin Wan here?

Moreover, Yan Che noticed she had no attendants—she came alone. What irritated him most was the wine jar she carried. The extinguished fire in his heart rekindled!

Qin Wan, alone, appears where she shouldn’t be. Having witnessed countless palace women’s schemes, Yan Che immediately assumed Qin Wan’s intentions. His brows furrowed, showing contempt in his eyes.

He particularly disliked women who pretended to be pitiful and weak. He hadn’t been sure whether Qin Wan was the calculating type, but seeing her arrive alone with wine, he understood her character!

What a fine act from the Qin family’s Ninth Young Lady, outwardly refined and gentle. In just one night, she had become known throughout the capital as a medical prodigy. Now, learning of his presence, she dared come alone with wine, clearly intending to seduce him!

Yan Che’s eyes grew cold as he stepped out from under the plum tree. As he emerged, Qin Wan naturally saw him.

Yan Che saw surprise in Qin Wan’s eyes. His lips curled in a cold smile—what fine acting! Knowing he was here, yet pretending a chance encounter? If it were truly by chance, why bring wine?! And how could the Qin household send Qin Wan, who had nothing to do with his visit, to deliver wine?

Yan Che knew Qin Shu’s thoughts—if sending wine, he should have sent Qin Chao Yu.

The more he thought, the more certain he became of Qin Wan’s intentions—

“Paying respects to His Highness the Crown Prince—”

Qin Wan curtsied, then frowned. So the person who wanted to see her was the Crown Prince?!

Was it about the Empress Dowager’s illness? Or about that case?

Though surprised, Qin Wan quickly understood!

However, as she hesitated, she heard Yan Che’s cold voice.

“What are you doing here?!”

Yan Che’s tone was harsh, clearly hostile. Qin Wan was startled, not understanding where this lofty anger came from. She stood up, and as she raised her eyes, was particularly struck by the contempt in Yan Che’s gaze.

Qin Wan was extremely surprised. “Wasn’t… Your Highness asking to see this commoner?”

After asking, Qin Wan’s eyes quickly scanned around, seeing only an unfamiliar man besides Yan Che, with no sign of Qin Shu. Her confusion grew, and instinctively, she felt dissatisfied with the Crown Prince’s inexplicable anger. Moreover, why did he look at her with such contempt?! As if she were some base person.

Yan Che gave another cold laugh. “I wanted to see you?”

Yan Che’s questioning tone made Qin Wan even more uncomfortable. Suppressing her displeasure, she remained composed. “Your Highness didn’t wish to see me?” Then, feeling something amiss, she stepped back. “If so, this commoner won’t disturb Your Highness further.”

As Qin Wan prepared to withdraw, Yan Che narrowed his eyes and said coldly, “Ninth Young Lady has already made yourself known throughout the capital as a medical prodigy by your efforts. Coming alone now, could you be coveting the Eastern Palace’s glory and wealth?”

Qin Wan didn’t react at first, but upon reflection, she understood the source of Yan Che’s contempt. He thought she had come to attract his attention and curry his favor?!

Thinking this, Qin Wan’s gaze grew sharp.