In a small courtyard in the south of the city, Han Li looked at Qin Wan with immense gratitude. “That residence was a place the master greatly favored before. However, after the master married, it became too small, so he changed to another mansion. Now that Miss allows this old servant to live in that residence, you truly give this old servant a great face.”
This was a single-entrance courtyard, located in a less prestigious area of the south city. Although the interior was decorated elegantly, it was still somewhat cramped. Han Dong’s wife, Madam Ming, stood shyly to the side, with a five or six-year-old boy beside her. Seeing the situation, Madam Ming said somewhat embarrassedly, “We don’t have anything nice at home, I hope Miss won’t mind.”
A tea tray sat on the desk beside Qin Wan. Though it couldn’t compare to what guests received at the Marquis’s mansion, it wasn’t bad. Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled, “How could I mind? Manager Han is usually busy at the shop, with only you managing the household. This courtyard is neat, showing your refined taste everywhere. Manager Han is truly blessed to have you as his wife.”
These words of praise made Madam Ming’s face flush slightly. Qin Wan continued, “All these years, Uncle Han and Han Dong have helped take care of the family business. The shop’s business gets better every year, yet your living space remains small. We’ve wronged you.”
Then looking at Han Li, she added, “Having Uncle Han move there serves two purposes: first, considering Uncle Han’s age, he should have a more spacious place to live, somewhere he can move around even when he doesn’t go out; second, I don’t want that residence to go to waste. Uncle Han, you’ll still manage the rental income from the properties, but you won’t need to live outside the city. In these two days, you father and son should find people to clean up the residence in Copper Coin Lane. Once it’s ready, Uncle Han can move in.”
Han Li and Han Dong exchanged glances, both nodding in agreement.
Qin Wan nodded and then asked Han Dong, “Han Dong, do you know about the Meng family’s business?”
Han Dong’s expression changed slightly, “Miss means the Meng family that recently had the murder case?”
“Yes.” Qin Wan nodded, “Their eldest branch has the Left Minister of Revenue, while the second branch manages the business.”
Han Dong’s lips curved slightly, “I do know something about this. The Meng family’s business is substantial, naturally partly due to having a family member in office. Before the New Year, the Meng family sold off quite a few of their shops. At the time, I considered taking over their silk shop, but after just a moment’s hesitation, others had already snatched it up. The shops they sold were all doing good business, so naturally, the prices were high. This caused quite a stir at the time, but not long after, rumors spread that the Second Master Meng had been swindled. Many people treated it as a joke, but there were also other rumors.”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “What rumors?”
Han Dong pondered for a moment before saying, “The Meng family has been in business for many years. This time, they were supposedly swindled while trying to buy a mine. But with Second Master Meng’s years of connections and the First Master’s official influence, they shouldn’t have lost all their silver. Moreover, in the mining industry, many official documents are required. No matter how skilled the swindlers were at forgery, First Master Meng was an official himself. He would only need to ask a few people in the Ministry of Works to verify if the deal was reliable. So everyone speculated that either the Second Master and First Master’s brotherly relationship had secretly broken down, or this whole swindling story was just a facade.”
Listening to this and thinking of the Meng family servant she had seen earlier, Qin Wan’s eyes narrowed.
“There’s another strange thing,” seeing Qin Wan’s contemplative expression, Han Dong continued, “After being swindled out of so much money, the Meng family didn’t report it to the authorities. We’re talking about more than a hundred thousand taels of silver – enough to open many shops. Even for the Meng family, this is no small sum. Why wouldn’t they want to recover it?”
Qin Wan frowned. The Meng family’s swindling incident happened before the New Year, and she hadn’t asked whether they had reported it to the authorities. Now that Han Dong mentioned it, there were indeed too many strange aspects. After being swindled out of so much money, they should have been furious with the swindlers, so why hadn’t they reported it?
After pondering for a moment, Qin Wan no longer wished to stay at Han Dong’s place. She immediately stood up to take her leave.
“It’s getting late. I came to discuss the residence matter with Uncle Han. Now I should go. Uncle Han, once the residence is cleaned up, send a worker to the Marquis’s mansion to let me know.”
As Qin Wan was leaving, Han Li and Han Dong escorted her out. At the door, Qin Ye stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe. Seeing Qin Wan coming out, he turned toward the courtyard gate. Han Li and Han Dong saw them off at the gate before saying goodbye.
Qin Wan got into the carriage, with Qin Ye riding his horse beside it. He said, “Ninth Sister treats the servants very well.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “Uncle Han is the manor’s old steward. Being good to him is only right.”
Qin Ye nodded and added, “Ninth Sister truly has a kind heart.”
Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain to look at Qin Ye, “Isn’t Fourth Brother equally kind-hearted? Fourth Brother has been back for only days, yet you’ve been escorting me everywhere. I’m truly grateful.”
Qin Ye broke into a bright smile, “I don’t deserve Ninth Sister’s gratitude. We’re family after all. Escorting my sister is only natural.”
Qin Wan looked at Qin Ye for another moment, “Although I am of the Qin family, I’m not Fourth Brother’s blood sister, and we’ve known each other for such a short time. I often hear that everyone in the capital seeks power, fame, and profit, but Fourth Brother seems quite different.”
Qin Ye’s eyes narrowed, his emotions unreadable, and he just smiled, “Ninth Sister need not doubt, I too am someone who likes power, fame, and profit. Ninth Sister’s reputation is rising in the capital now. By helping Ninth Sister today, I expect that in the future, Ninth Sister will remember my protective kindness. Won’t I benefit then?”
Qin Wan had found Qin Ye’s treatment of her strange, hence her meaningful words, but she hadn’t expected him to be so direct. Looking at Qin Ye’s broad features, she couldn’t tell if he was joking or serious.
Qin Ye just smiled, “Ninth Sister doesn’t believe me?”
Unable to read anything from Qin Ye’s expression, Qin Wan shifted her gaze, “Of course not, I was just a bit puzzled. Fourth Brother, please don’t mind.”
Qin Ye shook his head, “I don’t know who told Ninth Sister such things, but I can only say, they were right. When moving about in the capital, one should maintain some vigilance.”
Qin Wan looked at Qin Ye again, only to find his eyes completely open and honest while saying these words.
Qin Wan nodded and lowered the carriage curtain.
Back at the Marquis’s mansion, Qin Ye returned to his courtyard while Qin Wan returned to Pine Wind Court. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw Qin Shuang waiting for her. Seeing her return, Qin Shuang proudly presented several silk flowers, “Look! Aren’t these beautiful?”
As Qin Wan walked with her toward the room, she said, “They’re beautiful. Where did you get them?”
Qin Shuang smiled, “You don’t know, but after the New Year, these silk flowers became fashionable in the city. I bought them, of course.” She continued, “After you left this morning, Fifth Sister, Eighth Sister, and I went out shopping together. These are for you.”
Seeing that the silk flowers were mostly elegant blooms like magnolias and gardenias, Qin Wan knew Qin Shuang had chosen according to her taste. She happily accepted them but found it strange that Qin Chaoyu had gone out with Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang.
Qin Shuang grinned and said, “You don’t know, but Lady Song sent an invitation to us this morning, asking us four to visit their mansion on the eighth. She said all the young ladies from marquis and duke families will be there.”
Qin Wan blinked, “Is Lady Song—”
Qin Shuang’s face reddened slightly, then she tried to appear casual as she nodded.
Qin Wan’s smile immediately brightened, “Do you know which family’s young master?”
Qin Shuang shook her head, “How could we know? Besides, this time it’s probably primarily for Fifth Sister’s matching. We’re just accompanying guests, and we don’t know whom Lady Song has invited.”
Seeing that despite her words, Qin Shuang’s eyes still held some expectation, Qin Wan also felt hopeful. A woman’s marriage was a major matter. Not just for Qin Shuang, but even for Qin Xiang, she hoped they could marry into good families and live well.
Although the banquet was still three days away, Qin Shuang was very nervous. She insisted on talking with Qin Wan for quite a while before returning to her courtyard. In the evening, news arrived from Yan Chi.
“Miss, this is a message from His Highness the Young Lord.”
Bai Ying hurriedly came out from the back hall, holding a small message tube.
Qin Wan quickly rose to receive it. Upon opening it, her eyes immediately brightened. Fu Ling came over and asked, “Miss, what is it? What did His Highness say?”
Qin Wan smiled, “It seems Bai Ying will need to accompany me on an outing tomorrow.”
Fu Ling glanced at Bai Ying, then looked back at Qin Wan. Bai Ying also looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan said, “Tomorrow at the Hour of Shen, we need to visit the Linan Magistrate’s Office.”
……
……
The next day, the fifth day of the month, Qin Wan left the palace just after noon and first made a detour to Jinxiu Square.
At the entrance of Jinxiu Square, she only sent Fu Ling in briefly. When Fu Ling came out, she was carrying a large bundle. Qin Ye, watching from the side, assumed Qin Wan had Fu Ling buy some women’s clothing and didn’t ask further.
Once back at the mansion, Qin Wan returned to Pine Wind Court. When Fu Ling opened her bundle, it contained several sets of men’s clothing.
Qin Wan put on a sky-blue outfit herself and had Bai Ying change into an indigo one. Seeing it was getting late, Qin Wan took Bai Ying to the side gate of the mansion. Outside the side gate, there was indeed a carriage waiting in the designated spot, with Bai Feng as the driver.
Bai Feng was slightly surprised to see that the person accompanying Qin Wan was Bai Ying. After paying his respects, Qin Wan boarded the carriage. Bai Ying sat outside, and the siblings began talking. Inside the carriage, Yan Chi wore a black cloak. Seeing Qin Wan arrive in men’s clothing, his eyes immediately showed amusement, “Why the change to men’s clothing?”
Qin Wan sat down, “We’re going to the magistrate’s office today. I feared there might be inconveniences.”
Yan Chi looked her up and down, particularly noting her slender waist, and nodded, “That’s good. Although we’ll be among familiar people today, it’s still better to be cautious.”
As he spoke, the carriage began to move.
Qin Wan asked, “Why are we going to the Linan Magistrate’s Office today?”
Yan Chi frowned, “After yesterday’s investigation, there’s still little progress. However, Meng Wei remains adamant, insisting that Meng Hui killed Meng Jin. So today at the Linan Magistrate’s Office, Magistrate Zheng will question everyone from the Meng family.”
Qin Wan nodded and asked, “How will the questioning be conducted?”
“The main family members and other servants have already been questioned separately. Today’s purpose is to have everyone testify in court to check for discrepancies in their statements. It’s an internal hearing, with only Magistrate Zheng and Official Li present.”
Upon hearing Yan Chi’s words, Qin Wan felt some anticipation. In the current situation, a face-to-face confrontation wasn’t a bad method. However, when she heard that Li Muyun would also be present, her brows furrowed slightly.
Yan Chi noticed and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Nothing, I just suddenly remembered a chance encounter yesterday.”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, and Qin Wan recounted her encounter with the Meng family servant yesterday, adding, “That person went to withdraw money but didn’t have the token. He specifically mentioned that even a son couldn’t withdraw his father’s money. Even if that servant was a household manager, he likely wouldn’t have access to such a large sum of money. The only explanation is that he was withdrawing it for his master, and his master must be Meng Wei.”
Yan Chi’s eyes immediately darkened, “You mean Meng Wei?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “No, Meng Wei is the one who reported to the authorities, and he’s been insisting his father was murdered. I don’t think he killed his father. But it made me think about their family being swindled and his Fourth Uncle demanding to split the family property. If Meng Jin’s death is related to the property dispute, understanding the true state of the Meng family’s assets is most important.”
A thoughtful look flashed in Yan Chi’s eyes, “I sent people to investigate, but they found no evidence of Meng Jin having deposits at Xiangfu Money House.”
Qin Wan thought for a moment, “Then he must have used a different name.”
Yan Chi nodded, “I understand what you mean.”
Saying this, Yan Chi knocked on the carriage wall. As the carriage slowed, he instructed Bai Feng to investigate Xiangfu Money House. Bai Feng thus departed halfway, leaving Bai Ying to drive the carriage to the magistrate’s office.
The carriage headed straight for the Linan Magistrate’s Office. Bai Ying was very familiar with the capital’s roads. Two incense sticks time later, the carriage stopped at the back door of the Linan Magistrate’s Office. Black-clad guards were already waiting at the back door, and upon seeing Yan Chi’s carriage, they came forward to pay their respects. Qin Wan followed Yan Chi out of the carriage and immediately saw Zhan Yang.
Zhan Yang came forward to bow, then respectfully said, “Your Highness, Ninth Miss, the Meng family members have all arrived.”
Yan Chi nodded, and Zhan Yang led Yan Chi and Qin Wan toward the front hall.
The Linan Magistrate’s Office occupied a large area. Following the winding path forward, it took another half incense stick’s time to reach the front hall. Zhan Yang led Yan Chi and Qin Wan to a side door, which opened into an adjoining room.
Li Muyun was already seated inside. Zhan Yang invited Qin Wan and the others to sit, brought a pot of hot tea, then left through the inner door. Li Muyun bowed to Yan Chi and nodded to Qin Wan.
The three sat down, all speaking in low voices. Soon, the sound of the court wooden block rang from outside.
“Meng Wei, tell us again about what happened that night.”
Magistrate Zheng White Stone’s voice was solemn, just one wall away from their room.
Hearing this, Qin Wan walked to the door Zhan Yang had left through and lifted the curtain to look outside.
She saw the main hall of the magistrate’s office, with Zheng Baishi sitting in the main seat. Beside him stood Zhan Yang and a middle-aged man who looked like a legal advisor. Two clerks sat at side tables below, recording everything happening in court.
To the side of the two clerks sat a man in his forties wearing a deep blue robe. Though he wasn’t kneeling in the hall, his face was filled with worry, and looked exhausted. Qin Wan knew this must be Meng Zhou, the Left Minister of Revenue.
In the hall, kneeling at the front was a young man in his early twenties. He was answering Magistrate Zheng’s questions, so this must certainly be Meng Wei. To Meng Wei’s left knelt a couple in their forties. While the lady seemed resigned, the man glared at Meng Wei with obvious anger in his eyes – this must be Meng Hui, whom Meng Wei had accused of being the murderer.
To Meng Wei’s right knelt another lady in her forties. She wore plain clothes and held a string of prayer beads. Even as Meng Wei spoke with conviction, her eyes remained vaguely closed with no reaction. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow – who was this?
“The one beside Meng Wei is his mother, the deceased’s wife, Lady You.”
Yan Chi had appeared beside Qin Wan at some point. Seeing Qin Wan’s gaze lingering on that lady, he explained.
Qin Wan nodded and looked behind Meng Wei. Several people knelt behind him, with another lady in her forties in the middle. Compared to Lady You, this lady looked particularly aged and withered. Beside her knelt a young couple. The young woman had her head slightly lowered and had delicate features. The man beside her was somewhat thin and sickly-looking, with a rather pale complexion. Perhaps unused to the court, his brows showed signs of nervousness. However, Qin Wan noticed that despite his nervousness, he still held the young woman’s hand, and she leaned slightly toward him, clearly trusting him completely.
On the other side of this lady knelt a young woman who looked somewhat pale, appearing no more than sixteen or seventeen years old. She knelt on the ground wearing a thick cloak, seeming to have a sickly constitution.
“The master of the Meng family’s third branch died early. This is his widow, Lady Jiang, with her son Meng Ziyi and daughter-in-law Lady Xu beside her. The one over there is the eldest branch’s daughter Meng Yao. The eldest branch also has a seven-year-old son who has been sick since winter began, so he didn’t come today.” As he spoke, Yan Chi looked at the people kneeling behind them, “Those behind them, the first two are Meng Jin’s two concubines, next to them are Meng Wei’s two concubines, and the others are stewards and senior maids, here to testify for their respective masters.”
Behind the third branch’s lady knelt more than ten people. The first two were both in their twenties and quite beautiful. One wore light red satin clothes, the other a light green gauze dress, with rather luxurious ornaments in their hair – these must be Meng Jin’s concubines. It was clear they showed insufficient grief but abundant worry over Meng Jin’s death. Now kneeling in the hall, they appeared particularly nervous with wandering gazes and fidgeting hands. As for Meng Wei’s two concubines, one had a graceful figure with alluring red lips, while the other had a clean face that inspired pity. Both were beautiful in their ways. Qin Wan looked at each of them carefully, observing their expressions before stepping back. From this view, Meng Hui, whom Meng Wei accused, didn’t seem particularly suspicious. Compared to him, the two concubines and Meng Ziyi from the third branch appeared more nervous.
Meanwhile, Meng Wei was still describing what happened that night, “…Everyone was eating dinner peacefully when Fourth Uncle brought up splitting the family again. Not only that, he said the business was run by the second branch, so the swindling was the second branch’s fault, and said when splitting the family, the second branch shouldn’t expect to get a single tael of silver. Father couldn’t stand hearing this. At least half, if not all, of the Meng family’s wealth was earned by the second branch. The fourth branch didn’t do anything, yet when the second branch was in trouble, they wanted to take all the family property?!”
Speaking thus, Meng Wei turned to glare fiercely at Meng Hui. Meng Hui puffed up his chest, “You have the nerve to say that? If not for your father’s greed! How could so much of the Meng family’s silver be swindled away? All these years, your father has made us suffer enough…”
How could Meng Wei endure this? He immediately cursed back, “Greed? Do you dare talk about my father being greedy?! If not for my father, how could you have so many concubines?! How could you go out drinking and whoring?! You didn’t complain when you were spending money, but now you can say all sorts of bad things about my father?!”
Meng Hui gritted his teeth, about to argue more, when Meng Zhou beside them forcefully slapped his armrest, “Outrageous! This is a court of law. You two just need to answer Magistrate Zheng’s questions. How dare you argue like fishwives in the street?! You’ve completely disgraced me!”
Meng Zhou was, after all, a third-rank official, and even Zheng Baishi had to give him some face. At his words, Meng Hui and Meng Wei dared not speak further. Meng Wei continued his story, “There was an argument then, and Fourth Uncle even pushed my father twice. Later, Uncle pulled them apart, and the meal ended unpleasantly. Afterward, Father was still angry, so he had someone prepare some wine and food in our courtyard. Father and I drank and talked for a while…”
Meng Wei’s account matched what Yan Chi had told Qin Wan. As Qin Wan listened carefully, she suddenly noticed that Meng Wei’s eyes wavered for several moments when he spoke about drinking and talking with Meng Jin.
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed. She quickly turned to look around the adjoining room and immediately spotted paper and brush. She walked forward, took them, wrote two sentences, and then had Bai Ying, dressed in men’s clothing, deliver them to Zheng Baishi.