The next day, Qin Wan returned from the palace quite late. The Empress Dowager’s spirits had been improving, and whenever Qin Wan entered the palace, she would always spend some time chatting with the Empress Dowager. Just as she entered the mansion gates, Qin Wan saw Jian Mama, another servant of Madam Hu, waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Qin Wan, Jian Mama immediately came forward, “Ninth Young Lady—”

Qin Wan was slightly surprised, “Why is Mama waiting here?”

Jian Mama smiled, “This servant was waiting for Young Lady. Young Lady, the daughter of the Left Deputy Minister of Revenue has come seeking medical treatment. She’s currently waiting in the main courtyard. She had an attack last night, and today couldn’t wait to send a visiting card before coming.”

Qin Wan was startled and quickened her pace, “How long has she been here?”

Jian Mama hurriedly replied, “She’s been here for almost half an hour. Madam saw that her illness was serious and couldn’t refuse her, so she had Miss Meng wait in the mansion, estimating that you would return around this time.”

Qin Wan nodded and slightly lifted her skirts as she headed toward the main courtyard’s front hall.

Soon, Qin Wan arrived at the front hall. The doors were half-open, and she could faintly see several people seated inside.

Qin Wan composed herself and hurried in. Inside the room, Madam Hu sat in the main seat, with Qin Chaoyu, Qin Xiang, and Qin Shuang all seated on the left, while on the right sat a young woman wearing a snow-white cloak—it was Meng Yao, the daughter of Left Deputy Minister of Revenue Meng Zhou, whom Qin Wan had seen at the magistrate’s office yesterday.

Yesterday when Meng Yao had knelt in the courtroom, wearing a thick cloak and keeping her head down, though Qin Wan had seen her appearance, she hadn’t seen it. Today, with Meng Yao sitting properly before her, she could see her beautiful features distinctly. The Meng family were all good-looking, but Meng Yao was particularly beautiful. Unlike Feng Chenbi’s delicate charm, Meng Yao also had a small face that was delicate and frail, she had phoenix eyes and an oval face. She sat properly in her chair, her complexion somewhat pale and her breathing unstable. Despite this, her slender figure remained graceful and upright. Hearing footsteps, Meng Yao instinctively looked toward the door, and in that look, her clear black and white eyes were both bright and clear. Seeing such eyes, Qin Wan already felt some goodwill toward Meng Yao.

“Elder Uncle’s Wife…” Qin Wan curtsied, “The Empress Dowager kept me talking for a while, so I returned late.”

Madam Hu saw Qin Wan return and sighed in relief, “It’s fine, it’s fine. Quickly examine Miss Meng, she’s been waiting for quite a while.”

Qin Wan nodded, then turned to look at Meng Yao. Meng Yao stood up and curtsied to Qin Wan, “Ninth Young Lady, I apologize for the sudden intrusion. Last night I had an attack, and today—cough cough—”

As Meng Yao spoke, she began coughing with labored breathing. Qin Wan quickly stepped forward to support her, “Don’t speak for now.”

Meng Yao was accompanied by a mama and a maid. Seeing this, the mama also stepped forward concernedly to support Meng Yao, saying, “Ninth Young Lady, our Young Lady hasn’t been well these past few days. She was planning to come earlier, but something unexpected happened, so she couldn’t. Last night, Young Lady had another attack, and the medicine wasn’t effective. Young Lady suffered all night, and today, having no choice, she came to seek Ninth Young Lady’s help. Please save our Young Lady.”

Qin Wan nodded and turned to look at Madam Hu, “Mother, it’s too cold here. May I take Miss Meng to Song Feng Court?”

Madam Hu stood up, “Of course, do as you see fit. We don’t understand these matters.”

Qin Wan nodded, “Very well, then I’ll take Miss Meng back to my courtyard for treatment.”

Then looking at Meng Yao, she asked, “Come with me. Can you walk?”

Meng Yao took several breaths and finally calmed down, nodding in response. Qin Wan then bid farewell to Madam Hu and had the mama and maid support Meng Yao as they headed toward Song Feng Court.

After they left, Qin Shuang stood up and couldn’t help asking, “Is this asthma contagious?”

She was straightforward and concerned, so she asked directly. Madam Hu shook her head, “It shouldn’t be.”

Qin Chaoyu sighed, “Though they say it isn’t, we still can’t be careless. It’s still an illness after all.”

Madam Hu nodded, “Taking her back, I don’t know if anything will go wrong.” Then looking at Jian Mama, she said, “Go with them and see if they need anything. If there’s any problem, come tell me immediately.”

Hearing this, Jian Mama hurried after them. Madam Hu then ordered the maids and servants to open all the doors and windows to ventilate the room, and only then did she feel at ease.

In Song Feng Court, as soon as Qin Wan entered the room, she also had people open half the windows, then had the brazier’s fire, and had Bai Ying pour hot tea for Meng Yao. “First drink some hot tea. Asthma sufferers must avoid cold things. With the weather so cold now, staying in cold places for too long or breathing too much cold air will make you uncomfortable. Why didn’t you send someone to invite me to your mansion to examine you?”

Yesterday when Qin Wan saw Meng Yao kneeling in the courtroom wearing a thick cloak, she felt some pity. Today, seeing that her condition was indeed quite serious, she knew it was due to the recent turmoil in the Meng family and yesterday’s kneeling.

Meng Yao’s face was deathly pale. Hearing this, she held the hot tea and took two sips before recovering. Looking at Qin Wan’s extremely beautiful face, Meng Yao smiled weakly and said softly, “With Ninth Young Lady’s status, naturally I should come seeking treatment. How could I make you make the trip? Coming suddenly today is already quite rude…”

Qin Wan shook her head, “Though asthma may not seem very dangerous, one must still be careful.”

Looking at Qin Wan’s serious eyes, Meng Yao’s lips curved slightly, “Ninth Young Lady is truly like a divine healer. The ancients said, ‘One whose virtue is not close to Buddha cannot be a doctor, and one whose talent is not close to immortals also cannot be a doctor.’ Though we’ve never met before, Ninth Young Lady can be so considerate and caring toward me, truly… truly living up to your reputation.”

Qin Wan smiled helplessly, “Drink some more hot tea, don’t talk for now.”

Hearing this, Meng Yao naturally lowered her head to continue drinking tea. Watching Meng Yao, Qin Wan smiled bitterly in her heart—they were not strangers at all, she had seen Meng Yao just yesterday, but Meng Yao simply didn’t know.

While Meng Yao drank her tea, Qin Wan also composed herself.

Once she had recovered somewhat, Qin Wan said, “Give me your hand, let me check your pulse.”

Meng Yao complied, and Qin Wan calmly placed her fingertips on Meng Yao’s wrist.

Seeing this, whether it was the mama and maid who came with Meng Yao, or the servants in Qin Wan’s courtyard, all dared not make a sound. Qin Wan focused intently, checking the pulse in the left hand and then the right hand, before finally withdrawing her hand.

Meng Yao looked at Qin Wan, “Ninth Young Lady, how is my condition?”

Qin Wan’s expression was somewhat grave, “Has Miss Meng had this condition since childhood?”

Meng Yao nodded, “Ninth Young Lady is correct. I’ve had this asthma since I was five or six years old. Since then until now, it has been recurring. We’ve even consulted the imperial physicians in the capital, but it has never been completely cured.”

Qin Wan nodded, “The cause of asthma is retained phlegm and fluid forming a nest, lurking within. Occasionally when affected by the seven emotions or dietary irregularities, or when external seasonal wind and cold constrict the surface of the body, then the symptoms of wheezing occur. This condition cannot be cured overnight. Usually, one can only manage it to prevent recurrence. A complete cure is extremely difficult. Has Miss Meng been worried lately and caught a chill?”

Hearing this, a flash of discomfort crossed Meng Yao’s face. Qin Wan quickly continued, “Looking at Miss Meng’s pulse, there are signs of spleen and kidney yang deficiency, qi is unable to transform fluids, and phlegm obstructing the lungs. Moreover, there are various triggers causing asthma attacks, such as wind-cold, diet, fatigue, etc., which induce phlegm, leading to phlegm and qi obstruction, qi blocked by phlegm, mutually binding and blocking the airways, causing the bronchi to narrow. When lung qi cannot rise and fall freely, it leads to breathing difficulties. Moreover, Miss Meng’s complexion shows fatigue, with worry clouding your brow—a sign of excessive anxiety. Please don’t mind my words, but to properly manage asthma and prevent recurrence, one’s state of mind is also an extremely important factor.”

Qin Wan knew that Meng Yao must be worried about Meng Jin’s death, and though she wanted to inquire about some internal details, seeing Meng Yao’s expression, she couldn’t bear to. After saying this, she had Bai Ying fetch paper and brush.

“Here, I’ll first prescribe Miss Meng. If Miss Meng is willing, I can also perform acupuncture later. Now in winter, Miss Meng’s severe condition is partly due to catching a cold evil. My acupuncture can expel cold evil and benefit lung qi.”

Qin Wan spoke while writing, and soon, Bai Ying brought the paper and brush. Qin Wan stopped asking questions and began writing the prescription. Meng Yao coughed lightly twice more, “Ninth Young Lady presumably knows about the matters in our household?”

Qin Wan’s brush paused, and looking up, she saw Meng Yao’s sickly face with a bitter smile. Qin Wan sighed, “So Miss Meng is troubled by your family’s affairs?”

Meng Yao nodded, “I know some of the rumors outside. Right now, probably the entire capital is gossiping.”

Qin Wan said, “No matter how much gossip spreads outside, it has nothing to do with Miss Meng. Your health is most important, there’s no need to worry about those things. Moreover, now that the officials are involved, in a few days, everything will surely be investigated clearly.”

Meng Yao shook her head, “It’s not that simple. These past few days, they haven’t found any crucial evidence, yet my cousin still believes Fourth Uncle killed Second Uncle. After all, we’re one family, and now that it’s become such a scandal, ah…”

Qin Wan finished writing the prescription, and after some thought, said, “To be honest with Miss Meng, Magistrate Zheng often visits our mansion, and he seems quite troubled by this case. As a member of the Meng family, have you noticed anything unusual?”

Meng Yao coughed lightly, her tone somewhat helpless, “Ninth Young Lady only came to the capital before the new year, so you probably don’t know much. In our family, the Second Uncle managed the family business. In previous years, it was fine—he earned a lot of silver for the family, and everyone respected him greatly. But as the business grew larger, the Third Branch was one thing, but the Fourth Branch also developed thoughts of doing business. It was because of this that resentment built up over the years. But no matter what, I don’t believe Fourth Uncle would harm Second Uncle.”

Qin Wan handed the prescription to Meng Yao, who looked at it and passed it to the mama beside her.

Qin Wan then said, “This is the prescription, all the precautions are written on it. Take this medicine for two days first, and after two days, we’ll see if there’s any improvement.” Looking at Meng Yao’s complexion, Qin Wan added, “Your illness is firstly due to worry and overthinking, and secondly due to cold evil entering your body. After you return today, don’t think too much. Take your medicine and rest early.”

Meng Yao nodded, then hesitantly asked, “Will the acupuncture be done here?”

Qin Wan smiled, “Right here. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s best to have acupuncture once today. This way, you’ll sleep much better tonight. Otherwise, you might find it very difficult to fall asleep.”

Meng Yao showed a faint smile, “Alright, then I’ll trouble Ninth Young Lady.”

Qin Wan quickly instructed Bai Ying and Fu Ling to prepare the nearby couch. The couch was originally used in summer, and in winter had been moved to a side room to save space. Now it was placed by the window, perfect for Qin Wan to perform acupuncture.

“Close the doors and windows, help Miss Meng remove her outer robe, then wait outside.”

After Qin Wan gave these instructions, soon Fu Ling, Bai Ying, and the others retreated to the outer room. Seeing this, Meng Yao also sent her maid and mama outside, leaving only Meng Yao and Qin Wan in the room.

Qin Wan had Meng Yao lie on the couch, lit an incense stick nearby, and then had Meng Yao roll up her sleeves to begin the acupuncture. As the incense smoke curled in the room, Meng Yao slowly closed her eyes.

“Is Ninth Young Lady seventeen this year?”

Today’s acupuncture wasn’t life-saving, so Qin Wan didn’t need to concentrate as intensely and could chat with Meng Yao.

“Yes, I’m seventeen.”

Meng Yao opened her eyes to look at Qin Wan. She saw Qin Wan holding a silver needle between her fingers, her face calm and composed. Finding the acupoint, she gently inserted the needle into the skin. Qin Wan’s hands were very steady, her eyes as clear as spring water, and with her exquisite features, even though Meng Yao was the patient, she felt that being treated by such a doctor made her discomfort lessen somewhat.

“Ninth Young Lady is only seventeen yet has achieved such skill. It truly makes Meng Yao ashamed. I’m also seventeen, but I’m just a sickly person who can only read a few books and knows nothing else.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled, “Why does Miss Meng make such comparisons? The books Miss Meng can read, I probably cannot. Miss Meng can compose poetry and paint, which I cannot do. If Miss Meng speaks this way, wouldn’t it make me feel ashamed?”

Meng Yao came from a good family, and her temperament was as refined as jade. Combined with her unique scholarly air and the elegance and nobility of a young lady from a prestigious family, she gave people an even stronger sense of warmth and friendliness. Moreover, her voice was gentle and pleasant to hear, even Qin Wan felt some protective tenderness toward her.

At these words, Meng Yao smiled softly, “Ninth Young Lady truly has a good nature. Now that Ninth Young Lady’s name fills the capital, that day when I came to your mansion and couldn’t even see you, I was worried that with such fame, Ninth Young Lady might be proud and arrogant. Now I see how narrow-minded I was then.”

Qin Wan’s eyes were focused on the needles while Meng Yao spoke and observed her, “With Ninth Young Lady’s beauty, why didn’t you return to the capital earlier? If you had returned earlier, I could have met Ninth Young Lady sooner.”

Qin Wan inserted another needle before sparing a glance at Meng Yao, “Is it too late now?”

Meng Yao’s lips curved up, but then she said, “Ninth Young Lady, my younger brother also suffers from asthma. When you have time another day, could you examine him too? He’s young, and his condition isn’t too serious yet. If it can be treated, is it possible to cure it?”

Hearing this, Qin Wan’s expression became serious, and after a moment’s thought, she said, “Of course it’s possible. Indeed, it’s better to treat this illness early.”

Meng Yao’s eyes brightened, “Good, then when would Ninth Young Lady be free?”

Qin Wan smiled, “These days I enter the palace at noon to treat the Empress Dowager, it takes about an hour, but other than that, I’m mostly in the mansion, quite free.” Then, as if remembering something, she said, “I can also go to your mansion to treat him. Your brother is young, and you’re not well enough to move about much, so it’s no trouble for me to go there.”

Meng Yao’s eyes reddened, “Ninth Young Lady, I don’t know how to thank you—”

Qin Wan’s hands paused, seeing Meng Yao was quite moved, her own heartfelt somewhat complex, “I am a doctor, treating and saving people is what I should do, it’s nothing special.” Qin Wan had been to the Meng mansion before, and not only that, but she might go again later, so making another trip to the Meng mansion wouldn’t matter.

Meng Yao smiled gratefully, “Ninth Young Lady is a healer, but not an ordinary one. If Ninth Young Lady opened a clinic and charged consultation fees, that would be one thing, but you don’t.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan laughed, “I have thought about opening a clinic.”

Meng Yao suddenly opened her eyes to look at Qin Wan, clearly believing her words. Seeing this, Qin Wan’s smile deepened, “But I’m limited by my status.”

Meng Yao exhaled, “You scared me! I thought you were going to open a clinic. The Marquis and Madam wouldn’t agree.”

Qin Wan inserted another needle before stopping, “Yes, they wouldn’t agree. Alright, that’s it. After one incense stick burns down, we’ll remove them. Do you feel any discomfort?”

Meng Yao shook her head, then after a moment suddenly asked, “Do you know what people are saying about the Meng family outside?”

Qin Wan was startled by this, “Actually, there isn’t much being said. You shouldn’t think too much about it.”

Meng Yao sighed, “Father has a hard time managing such a large family. Now people are probably saying all sorts of things. I don’t know if Father can keep his position this time.”

Seeing that Meng Yao was indeed very worried about this matter, Qin Wan tried to comfort her with a few words, but Meng Yao said, “Our large family used to get along very well, although each branch had some imperfections…”

Hearing these words, Qin Wan’s heart stirred, and she unconsciously asked, “Imperfections?”

Meng Yao’s face showed embarrassment. Qin Wan realized she had touched upon things that shouldn’t be spoken about in the Meng family, and quickly apologized, “You don’t need to say anything. I was just asking casually. Every family has its difficulties. Just don’t worry too much yourself.”

Meng Yao gave a bitter smile, “It’s not that we can’t talk about it. Many people in the capital know. In our First Branch, my mother passed away shortly after giving birth to my brother. In the Second Branch, Second Uncle’s wife is his second wife, and she has been childless for many years. In the Third Branch, the Third Uncle died early, and not only that, the Third Uncle’s eldest son, my second brother, also died young from illness, leaving only the Fourth Brother who suffers from a stutter. Fortunately, the Fourth Sister-in-law doesn’t mind the Fourth Brother’s condition, and after marrying into the family, she brings some smiles to the widow and orphan of the Third Branch. As for the Fourth Branch, Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt’s relationship is good, but they only have a daughter and no son.”

Then she added embarrassedly, “These are the imperfections, especially in the Third Branch. After the Third Uncle passed away, the Third Aunt and Fourth Brother had a very difficult time. Third Aunt is gentle by nature, and after Third Uncle’s death, she loses all hope. Fourth Brother has a stutter and poor health, and many people say they don’t know how long Fourth Brother will live, making everything even more gloomy.”

Listening to this, Qin Wan felt sympathy. No wonder Second Madam seemed indifferent that day—she was a second wife, and Meng Wei wasn’t her son. She had been in the Meng family for many years without favor and children; one could imagine how difficult her situation was.

Meng Yao continued, “The whole family used to get along very well. Later, as the Meng family business grew larger, differences arose. But I always felt that Fourth Uncle wouldn’t harm anyone. Not just Fourth Uncle—I can’t imagine anyone in the Meng family who would harm Second Uncle. I would rather believe Second Uncle’s death was an accident.”

Qin Wan sighed, “Money indeed can change people’s hearts, but this is inevitable. As a younger generation, you shouldn’t dwell on the grievances between your elders. As I said before, the officials will surely give you all an explanation. For now, don’t think about anything. Close your eyes, rest for a moment, and I’ll go change to a calming incense.”

Qin Wan rose to change the incense, and Meng Yao watched her back for a moment before slowly closing her eyes.

Amid the rustling sounds of Qin Wan changing the incense, Meng Yao quickly fell asleep.

Meng Yao slept for nearly half a shichen before waking. Upon awakening, she found the room completely quiet. The needles had been removed from her body, and she was covered with a blanket. The brazier was roaring, but Qin Wan was nowhere to be seen. Meng Yao held her breath and listened, hearing people talking in the outer room.

Meng Yao immediately got up and put on her outer robe that was hanging nearby. When she walked out to the outer room, she found Qin Wan sitting in the main seat talking with Fu Ling and others. Fu Ling glanced over and seeing Meng Yao, immediately said, “Miss Meng is awake!”

Qin Wan turned to look, her lips curving upward. Meanwhile, Meng Yao’s mama and servants all came forward, the mama asking, “Young Lady has finally awakened. Are you feeling better?”

After just one nap, Meng Yao felt warm all over, and the tightness in her chest had largely disappeared. She said, “Why didn’t you wake me? I’ve been too discourteous, staying at Ninth Young Lady’s place for so long.”

The mama looked gratefully at Qin Wan, “Ninth Young Lady wouldn’t let us wake you. She said you’ve been too worried these past two days and very fatigued, so since you’d fallen asleep, she wanted to let you sleep a while longer.”

Meng Yao’s bright eyes looked at Qin Wan as she walked over and curtsied, “Thank you so much.”

Qin Wan stood up and helped Meng Yao up, “You just rested here for a while, it’s nothing. It’s a pity I don’t have medicinal herbs here, otherwise, it would be best for you to take medicine now…”

Meng Yao said embarrassedly, “You’ve already helped me so much, how could I trouble you to decoct medicine too? It’s getting late, I’ll go back and have them get the prescription filled.” Then she added apologetically, “Madam said you don’t accept consultation fees, and I don’t know what to give you.” She pulled a white jade magnolia hairpin from her hair, “This hairpin was given to me by my mother. Originally there was a pair, but I usually only wear one.”

Qin Wan hurriedly said, “Your late mother’s keepsake, how could I—”

Meng Yao held Qin Wan’s hand and placed the hairpin in her palm.

“Why not? If I think it’s fine, then it’s fine. I still have another one.” Then Meng Yao added, “It’s nothing precious, please accept it, just consider it as becoming my friend.”

Put this way, Qin Wan couldn’t refuse, especially since she already had a very good impression of Meng Yao. After today’s meeting, she felt even more that Meng Yao had a refreshing scholarly air about her, and her words showed concern for her family, demonstrating her kind heart.

Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “In that case, I’ll accept it.”

Meng Yao’s eyes were bright, “That’s wonderful! It’s getting late, I really can’t impose on you any longer, I’ll take my leave now—”

Qin Wan accompanied Meng Yao out, adding, “About your brother’s illness, if I leave the palace early tomorrow, I’ll come to your mansion to examine him. If something delays me, I’ll come the day after.”

Meng Yao naturally expressed her gratitude again. Qin Wan saw her off to the main courtyard where they bid farewell to Madam Hu, then watched her leave before returning to Song Feng Court. Meanwhile, Jian Mama reported everything to Madam Hu, who finally felt relieved.

“Wan girl has the skill,” Madam Hu sat with Qin Chaoyu, her tone quite admiring.

Qin Chaoyu did not comment but said, “Now it seems my studied poetry and songs can’t compare to her medical skills.”

Madam Hu hugged Qin Chaoyu, “Silly girl, how can these be compared? When you become a Crown Princess in the future, would you personally treat others’ illnesses? She has her strengths, but in mother’s eyes, you are the best.”

Qin Chaoyu knew these were just a mother’s comforting words, so she didn’t respond but instead asked, “Mother, have you decided? Do you want to arrange this marriage for Qin Xiang?”

Madam Hu nodded, “Old Madam Song sent word saying this young man is exceptionally outstanding among his generation. Though his family background isn’t as good, given Qin Xiang’s situation, it’s already difficult to find someone with a higher status.”

Qin Chaoyu raised her chin slightly, “With Qin Xiang’s personality, she probably won’t be willing.”

Hearing this, Madam Hu shook her head, “If she’s unwilling, then who does she want to marry? Marriage is such a thing—she’ll understand after she’s married. Moreover, Old Madam Song said the young man is quite good-looking too. We’ll know when we see him at the Marquis’s mansion on the eighth.”

Qin Chaoyu then asked, “What about Qin Shuang?”

Madam Hu smiled, “She’ll be similar to her sister. Among the people Old Madam Song recommended, there are several suitable matches. If we find someone compatible, it wouldn’t be bad to arrange Qin Shuang’s marriage at the same time.” Then Madam Hu added, “Don’t look down on their lower status. They’re either in the Nine Cities Patrol or minor officials in the Six Ministries. Though their positions aren’t high now, as they advance in the future, we’ll have connections everywhere. This is your father’s thinking too.”

Qin Chaoyu nodded, “I understand that. Then, what about Qin Wan?”

Madam Hu’s eyes flickered, “Qin Wan’s marriage will have to be considered after yours. I guess your father intends that she should at least marry into a marquis’s household, but who knows what the situation will be then.”

Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu seemed lost in thought for a moment but said nothing more.

Meanwhile, when Qin Wan returned to Song Feng Court, she heard Fu Ling say, “This Miss Meng is pitiful, her family’s troubles have caused her illness to flare up. She sees everyone as good—could Lord Meng Two’s death really have been an accident?”

Qin Wan sighed, “Her thoughts are pure, so naturally she sees everyone as good. But there are indeed many suspicious points about Meng Jin’s death. I still don’t think it was an accidental death.”

Fu Ling thought for a moment, then suddenly said, “Young Lady, what do you think Miss Meng would think if she knew you had been to the Meng mansion and examined the corpse—”

Qin Wan raised her eyebrows and sighed, “She would probably be frightened.”

Meng Yao was a typical young lady from a scholarly family—perfectly mannered, elegant, and gentle. As the only daughter of the First Branch, she had been especially pampered, making her pure-hearted. Due to her long illness, she was even more sensitive and easily moved than most people. If she knew that Qin Wan knew medical arts but also examined corpses, she would probably be quite shocked.

Thinking this, Qin Wan took out the magnolia hairpin from her sleeve. Since returning to the capital, she hadn’t made any new friends, and Meng Yao could be counted as the first. It was regrettable that she had to conceal so much from her.

Sighing, Qin Wan had Fu Ling carefully put away the hairpin, and then set aside these thoughts.

Zheng Baishi had said he would persuade Meng Zhou and the others to agree to an autopsy, but there had been no news yet. Today they probably wouldn’t let her go to the Meng mansion. Having made up her mind, Qin Wan wrote a prescription and had Fu Ling get medicines from the mansion’s pharmacy—she wanted to make a medicinal sachet for Meng Yao’s asthma.

In the evening, after finishing the medicinal sachet, Qin Wan decided to visit the Meng mansion the next afternoon under the pretense of examining a patient.

After a good night’s sleep, Qin Wan rose early the next day. Her habits were similar to those in Jin Zhou—she always took a walk in the courtyard before breakfast. However, on this day, before she could have breakfast, Qin Yan arrived at her courtyard.

“Ninth Sister, are you up?!”

Qin Yan strode in, and seeing Qin Wan already dressed, he sighed in relief. Qin Wan stood up in surprise, “What’s wrong, Third Brother?”

So early in the morning, for Qin Yan to be this anxious, something must have happened!

Qin Yan urgently said, “Come with me, Prince Di has arrived—”

Qin Wan was startled. Without further thought, she threw on her cloak and, bringing Fu Ling, left the courtyard.

“Why has His Highness come so early?”

Qin Yan walked very quickly, “It should be about the Meng family matter. He seems quite anxious.”

If something could make Yan Chi anxious, it must not be a small matter. What had happened at the Meng mansion? Had Meng Zhou refused the autopsy?

Qin Wan’s mind was full of questions. When they reached the main hall, sure enough, they saw Qin Shu and Yan Chi inside. Qin Wan entered the room, and before she could curtsy, Yan Chi stepped forward to her, “Something else has happened at the Meng mansion.”

Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, then heard Yan Chi continue, “Meng Wei is dead, suspected suicide.”