Qin Wan looked at Yue Ning with a mix of amusement and exasperation. “What are you saying, Princess…”
Yue Ning furrowed her brows. “Then why are you defending him? You were there when it happened. Don’t you think the person who came to frighten you must be connected to the killer, if not the killer? He’s the only left-handed person in the entire mansion! Moreover, he was present when you examined Second Brother’s body. He probably knew about your ability to examine corpses, which is why he went to frighten you.”
Qin Wan exhaled deeply, her mind drifting to the numerous old scars on Yan Chi’s body. Although many clues pointed to him, she found herself unwilling to suspect a man whose body bore the marks of battlefield wounds. She forced herself to remain calm, setting aside both the sight of Yan Chi’s scars and Yue Ning’s irritated tone.
“Princess, our evidence is still quite limited,” Qin Wan said with composed authority that commanded trust. “The Magistrate has sent people to question others in the mansion – Song Rou’s maids, elderly servants, and guards. He’s also sent people to the Ten Li Temple. Princess, we can wait a while – the Magistrate might have new information soon. We can raise this matter then.”
As she spoke, Qin Wan recalled another point – earlier, it was Yan Chi who had volunteered to help investigate news from the Duke’s mansion in the capital. If Yan Chi were truly the killer, he could have killed Song Rou on the way, arrived at the mansion first, witnessed her death with everyone else, and then coldly influenced the case’s progress as an observer…
A chill ran down Qin Wan’s spine. “Prince Chi arrived with hundreds of soldiers. He couldn’t have slipped away unnoticed.” Her gaze shifted. “Five days – we’ll wait no more than five days.”
Seeing Qin Wan’s sincere expression, Yue Ning’s anger subsided somewhat, but she fixed her with an intent look. “Like me, you barely know this Prince Chi. I even have some distant relation to him, yet why do you trust him more than I do?”
Qin Wan was momentarily at a loss for words. Yue Ning’s point was valid. After considering for a moment, she decided to be honest. “When I treated Prince Chi’s wounds last time, I saw many old scars on his body. Some were nearly ten years old, others from within the last six months. Most were sword wounds, likely from barbarian weapons. I found it rather heartbreaking.”
Yue Ning fell silent upon hearing this. Yan Chi was about the same age as Yue Jia, yet he had already been on the battlefield for twelve years. This revelation was more convincing than any logical argument, especially to her. Their An Yang Marquis family had served in the military for generations. If women were allowed in military camps, she would have wanted to experience the battlefield herself. Though she never had the chance, her father and her brothers, who would inevitably join the military, were people she deeply respected. In this light, suspecting Yan Chi seemed somewhat discordant.
After a moment of silence, Yue Ning said, “So that’s it. I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t told me. I only knew of his great reputation in the west, and given his position as heir apparent, I assumed he was an arrogant military commander.”
Yue Ning sighed. “If you want to wait five days, we’ll wait five days. If he’s not involved, I can apologize to him. If he is involved, hmph, I won’t care that he’s the Crown Prince of the Rui Prince.”
Qin Wan smiled mischievously. “Even if he’s not involved, Princess doesn’t need to apologize. After all, Prince Chi doesn’t know we suspect him.”
Yue Ning’s lips curved slightly. “That’s true…”
Before she could finish, Yue Ning suddenly looked up past Qin Wan. “Young Lord Wei.”
Qin Wan turned around and immediately saw Wei Yan Zhi approaching. After not seeing him for several days, Wei Yan Zhi appeared more spirited, cutting a refined figure in his blue robe. Upon seeing Yue Ning and Qin Wan, Wei Yan Zhi quickly cupped his hands in greeting. “Princess, Ninth Young Lady…”
Yue Ning smiled. “Where are you headed?”
Wei Yan Zhi smiled courteously. “Is the Magistrate still in the front courtyard? Earlier he said all guards needed to be questioned again. The people who weren’t present before have all arrived, just waiting for Captain Zhen.”
Yue Ning nodded. “He’s still there, but questioning the mansion servants. Young Lord Wei need not hurry.”
Wei Yan Zhi nodded and turned to Qin Wan. “Is Ninth Young Lady here to treat the Imperial Princess?”
“Yes, the Imperial Princess’s health still requires careful treatment and monitoring.”
Wei Yan Zhi sighed in admiration. “Ninth Young Lady’s medical skills at such a young age are truly remarkable. I’m deeply impressed.”
Qin Wan smiled modestly. “You’re too kind. Jin Zhou is small – in the capital, my medical skills would be quite ordinary.”
Wei Yan Zhi sighed. “Still, no doctor can bring the dead back to life…”
Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances, knowing he was thinking of the deceased Song Rou. Qin Wan’s eyes flickered briefly before she said, “Young Lord Wei, please accept my condolences. Miss Song has been gone for many days now. This is a tragedy, but not your fault. You shouldn’t blame yourself too much.” After a slight pause, she added, “You must have been very close to Miss Song before.”
Wei Yan Zhi gave a bitter smile, glancing at Yue Ning. “She was my cousin after all, although… Anyway, I bear some responsibility for what happened. Xiao Rou was so young. I failed to protect her. If… if my elder brother had come to escort the bride instead, perhaps this wouldn’t have happened…”
Qin Wan sighed, her tone becoming genuine. “When a killer intends harm, it’s impossible to guard against everything. Please don’t blame yourself, Young Lord Wei. The Magistrate is investigating now, and I believe we’ll have answers soon. When the truth comes out and the killer is caught, Miss Song’s spirit will surely find peace.”
Wei Yan Zhi’s face showed traces of bitterness. “How long will it take the Magistrate to solve this? It’s been seven days… I asked about Xiao Rou at the funeral home, but the Magistrate didn’t give a clear answer. It seems this might drag on indefinitely…”
“Don’t worry, Young Lord Wei. Miss Song is being well cared for. The Magistrate has handled many cases, and with some time, he’ll surely find the killer…”
After Qin Wan finished speaking, Wei Yan Zhi looked at her with slight surprise. “Has Ninth Young Lady been to the funeral home?”
Qin Wan’s heart tightened, but her expression remained unchanged as she shook her head. “No, I haven’t. The Magistrate mentioned it earlier at the Imperial Princess’s quarters. He visited the funeral home yesterday and won’t neglect Miss Song’s case.”
Grief clouded Wei Yan Zhi’s eyes again. “I want to visit the funeral home, but the Magistrate said relatives of the Song family shouldn’t go. Now we can only wait for people from the Duke’s mansion to come and seek justice for Xiao Rou. I’m just an outsider after all.”
His voice grew quieter as he spoke. Yue Ning said frankly, “Young Lord Wei, don’t think too much about it. Anyone can see you’re not involved. The Duke’s family won’t arrive anytime soon, and the Song family’s servants and guards still need your supervision.”
Wei Yan Zhi smiled bitterly. “Of course.”
He glanced toward the front courtyard. “I’ll go inform the Magistrate.”
Yue Ning nodded, and Wei Yan Zhi bowed to them before heading to the front courtyard.
Watching Wei Yan Zhi walk away, Yue Ning asked, “What? You still don’t trust him?”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes and said playfully, “It’s not that I don’t trust him, but if I had to suspect either Prince Chi or Young Lord Wei, I’d rather suspect Young Lord Wei…”
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, looking at Qin Wan thoughtfully.
When Qin Wan returned to the Qin residence, she was still thinking about Yan Chi writing with his left hand.
Fu Ling walked beside her, saying, “So Young Lady’s medicine was for Prince Chi? I thought it was for the Imperial Princess.”
“What’s the difference?” Qin Wan hadn’t noticed the deeper meaning in Fu Ling’s words.
Fu Ling hurriedly said, “It’s proper to make medicine for the Imperial Princess, but Prince Chi is a man.”
Qin Wan’s thoughts were pulled back to the present. “What’s wrong with him being a man?”
Fu Ling smiled wryly. “Young Lady is so focused on making medicine that you haven’t noticed how especially warm the Marquis’s Second Young Master is toward you? And not just warm – servant saw how his eyes lit up when looking at you.”
Qin Wan frowned slightly. “So what?”
Fu Ling sighed, speaking with a knowing air. “Servant has thought it all through for Young Lady. You’re currently without support, and it would be difficult to align with the Crown Prince of Rui. Moreover, who knows what troubles lie within the Prince’s mansion? Even if you entered the household, life would be difficult. The Marquis’s mansion would be better – their status isn’t low, and they’re wealthy. The servant sees that both the Imperial Princess and the Marquis’s wife like you, they’ll surely treat you sincerely. The Second Young Master is warm and lively, being with him would be enjoyable. You wouldn’t have to be a Crown Princess dealing with household affairs, which couldn’t be better. Most importantly, he likes you and would value you. And the absolute most important point is that the Marquis’s household doesn’t allow concubines-“
As Fu Ling spoke with increasing excitement, feeling she had planned the best future path for Qin Wan, Qin Wan listened quietly. She nodded. “Everything you say is correct. These advantages can’t be found in other families.”
Fu Ling’s eyes brightened. “So Young Lady understands servant’s meaning?”
Qin Wan nodded. “You’re saying the Marquis’s Second Young Master would make an excellent husband.”
Fu Ling nodded repeatedly, and Qin Wan continued, “Yes, Second Young Master is quite good. Whoever marries him in the future will surely be very fortunate…”
Fu Ling was stunned. “Young Lady, the servant was talking about you!”
Qin Wan made an “oh” sound. As Fu Ling grew anxious, Qin Wan sighed, “Don’t think about these things. Your Young Lady’s heart isn’t in Jin Zhou. If I’m to marry, it must be to someone in the capital…”
Fu Ling gasped, looking at Qin Wan with surprise as she walked toward Lin Feng Court. She had hoped her Young Lady would be more ambitious, unlike before when she desired nothing, but was this change perhaps too dramatic?
“Young Lady… Second Young Master might return to the capital in the future!”
Qin Wan stopped walking, feeling she needed to explain this matter to Fu Ling. So she said, “The Imperial Princess and the Madam’s fondness is mostly gratitude. It wouldn’t be right for me to use others’ gratitude to enter their household. Besides, your Young Lady has no thoughts of marriage right now. In the future when we go to the Marquis’s mansion, no matter what you see or hear regarding the Second Young Master, you must remain composed.”
Fu Ling looked bewildered. “So Young Lady has noticed? The servant thought the Young Lady was unaware of everything. What do you mean, Young Lady? Are we going to pretend to be ignorant?”
It was getting late, and layers of yellow clouds piled up on the horizon like autumn leaves scattered on the ground. Qin Wan took a shallow breath. “Of course not. Though Second Young Master is warm toward me, he hasn’t expressed anything specific. Let’s observe for a few more days. If it’s genuine, we’ll need to find a way to handle it.”
Fu Ling made one last attempt. “Young Lady, don’t you think the Marquis’s Second Young Master is truly wonderful?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “No matter how wonderful someone is, now is not the time for romance.”
Fu Ling smiled bitterly. “Then when will it be? Such a good match as Second Young Master – if we miss this chance, there might not be another.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. She didn’t know when the time for romance would come, or perhaps it would never come in this lifetime. “Matters of love and marriage depend on fate. Just remember what I’ve instructed you.”
Fuling suddenly noticed a hint of severity in Qin Wan’s calm voice, making her heart skip a beat as she hurriedly acknowledged the command.
Following her instructions to Mo Shu, Qin Wan arrived at Lingfeng Court. Just as she reached the courtyard entrance, she encountered Qin Chen striding out. Though usually refined and gentle, the Qin Chen before her now wore a cold, angry expression, walking so briskly it seemed as if someone had greatly angered him!
Moving so hastily, Qin Chen nearly collided with Qin Wan. He paused and said, “Ninth Sister, you’re back?”
Qin Wan nodded, glancing at the main hall. “What’s wrong, Elder Brother?”
Qin Chen took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. “Nothing. I need to go to the outer study. News arrived from the capital about an important matter. I must discuss it with Father. Your Sister-in-law is inside; go see her.”
Qin Wan nodded, and Qin Chen immediately strode away from Lingfeng Court.
Qin Wan stood stunned for a moment. Fuling exhaled deeply, “Is Young Master angry? Goodness, it’s frightening to see someone who’s usually so gentle and smiling become angry!”
Without further comment, Qin Wan headed straight for the main hall. Just as she reached the door, Mo Shu came out. Seeing Qin Wan, she quickly curtsied, “I knew Ninth Young Lady would come. Please enter…”
Qin Wan nodded. Fuling followed her inside. Passing a screen, Qin Wan went directly to the inner chamber. Upon entering, she saw Yao Xinlan’s reddened eyes. Seeing Qin Wan, she wiped her eyes and eagerly extended her hand.
Qin Wan approached, and having witnessed everything, felt compelled to ask, “Sister-in-law, what’s wrong? You haven’t fully recovered; you shouldn’t cry. It will affect the child…”
Hearing Qin Wan’s concerned words, Yao Xinlan’s tears fell again, becoming more frequent. She wiped her face again and, looking into Qin Wan’s clear eyes, sighed, “Ninth Sister, you haven’t yet tasted the flavor of tears, have you…”
Qin Wan seemed confused, but Yao Xinlan smiled, “I only hope Ninth Sister never knows the taste of tears. Once you do, it marks the beginning of heartache and hardship.”
Seeing that Qin Wan didn’t seem to understand, Yao Xinlan continued chokingly, “Well, I’d rather Ninth Sister meet someone she loves. After all, once you do, tears are inevitable, aren’t they?”
Bewildered by Yao Xinlan’s cryptic words, Qin Wan simply said, “Let me check your pulse, Sister-in-law.”
As she began taking her pulse, Yao Xinlan smiled slightly, her tears gradually subsiding. “I truly envy Ninth Sister. You’re still free, and you possess exceptional medical skills.”
This time, Qin Wan seemed to understand, lowering her eyes, “What’s there to envy? I’m just alone.”
Yao Xinlan shook her head, “Sometimes being alone is better. When you have nothing, if he likes you, it’s genuine love. Otherwise, you never know what exactly he loves about you. Ninth Sister, don’t give your heart away easily. Even if one day your heart is lost, make sure to leave yourself an escape route.”
Yao Xinlan’s words were so clear that Qin Wan couldn’t misunderstand – they had quarreled.
“Wan’er will remember these words. Sister-in-law must not worry too much.”
Yao Xinlan’s eyes were moist and red, yet her face bore a distant smile. Lost in thought, she seemed preoccupied. Qin Wan watched with furrowed brows as Yao Xinlan turned to look at her again, “It’s getting late. I know Ninth Sister just returned from the Marquis’s mansion. Go rest, and when you have time, come keep me company again.”
Previously, Yao Xinlan had always been reluctant to let Qin Wan leave, only resting when exhausted from talking. Today, however, she seemed unwilling to speak more and actively encouraged Qin Wan to rest. Naturally, Qin Wan didn’t refuse.
Leaving the room, Qin Wan fell silent. Even Fuling wore an unusually gloomy expression.
“We thought Young Master and Young Madam were deeply in love, but seeing Young Madam’s pain just now, and Young Master’s anger… could it be… Young Master no longer loves Young Madam?”
Qin Wan sighed helplessly, “Love is the most ethereal thing in the world, but if it’s truly deep love, how could it vanish so easily?”
“Then what’s happening between Young Master and Young Madam?”
Qin Wan smiled bitterly, “How would I know? Couples naturally have their quarrels.”
Though she said this, a cold autumn-like feeling settled in Qin Wan’s heart.
In the Qin household, she ultimately maintained an outsider’s position. Given both the previous Ninth Young Lady’s experiences and her personality, she wouldn’t interfere in such matters before understanding the truth.
Fuling pouted, “I thought finding a husband like Young Master would mean freedom from all worries.”
Just as Qin Wan was reflecting on Fuling’s innocent thoughts, she noticed servants replacing the mansion’s lanterns.
The new lanterns featured an elegant pattern of the moon over a western tower. Fuling, following behind, also noticed and said, “The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming. The mansion needs decorating.”
Qin Wan nodded slightly, thinking of her planned garden party with Yue Ning in two days, and unconsciously quickened her pace.
Upon reaching Tinglan Court’s entrance, Qin Wan was surprised to see Caihe leading four young maids waiting at the courtyard gate, apparently expecting her.
“Ninth Young Lady has returned!”
Caihe stepped forward warmly and respectfully, her smile genuine.
Qin Wan nodded, glancing at the four pretty maids before her.
Caihe explained, “Ninth Young Lady, early this morning, Young Master spoke with Madam and Old Madam about your need for more help. Old Madam agreed and quickly had me select four maids to send to you.”
Turning, she said, “These are Wan Tang, Wan Tao, Wan Xing, and Wan Li.”
All four shared the generational name “Wan,” and Qin Wan recalled that both Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang’s maids also bore this name. These were meant to be her senior maids. Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly as she examined them. All four were beautiful and tall, appearing to be around fourteen or fifteen years old, each with distinct characteristics.
Wan Tang was composed and steady, standing quietly with great respect for Qin Wan. Wan Tao had round cheeks and, though lowered, her eyes showed liveliness, stealing a glance at Qin Wan when she arrived. Wan Xing stood with slightly hunched shoulders and tension, barely noticeable among the four despite following proper etiquette. Wan Li showed proper respect, but strangely, Qin Wan sensed an ethereal coldness about her…
“They’re all pretty and well-mannered. Thank you, Miss Caihe.”
Caihe’s smile deepened, “Ninth Young Lady should thank Old Madam instead. These girls were raised in the outer household and were well-trained. They’re brought in whenever young masters or ladies need them. Please try them out, Young Lady. If you’re unsatisfied with any, just let me know, and I’ll immediately replace them.”
Caihe said this in front of all four, and indeed, their expressions became even more respectful.
Qin Wan nodded, “Good, thank you for your trouble.”
“I wouldn’t dare claim credit.” Caihe curtsied, “Then I’ll take my leave.”
Qin Wan nodded, and after Caihe exchanged nods with Fuling and departed, Qin Wan looked at the four and entered the courtyard. Fuling curiously observed them, seeing their presence as a symbol of Qin Wan’s status. Excited and curious, she noticed Qin Wan walking ahead and, with a quick thought, smiled, “Come in, all of you.”
Qin Wan walked ahead, slightly curving her lips, and entered the main hall.
After taking her seat, with Fuling attending her, the four “Wan” maids entered and performed a deep bow to Qin Wan. She sipped the hot tea Fuling served while quietly observing the four “Wan” maids.
Now that she had suddenly changed residences and frequently visited the Marquis’s mansion, she had become the most notable presence in the household. Were any of these four planted by others? Moreover, could any be connected to the culprit…
The gift of four maids seemed to establish her as a proper young lady of the household, but among these four “Wan” maids, there must be some who didn’t share this view. The cold treatment and harsh discrimination of the past four years had led everyone to see her as an unlucky person, someone easy to bully, and this perception couldn’t possibly have disappeared so quickly among all the servants.
Qin Wan raised her chin slightly, “I only have two people here, and there isn’t much work to do. You four go prepare the side rooms for your accommodation first.”
Qin Wan acted like a newly favored orphaned daughter, seemingly unsure how to manage servants, casually giving orders without the authority of Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang.
“Yes.”
This time, none of the four showed any expression as they acknowledged and rose.
Qin Wan glanced at Fuling, who excitedly told the four, “Follow me!”
Although the four “Wan” maids were senior servants, in Qin Wan’s household, Fuling was the closest to her. Now that four “Wan” maids had arrived, they couldn’t possibly surpass her position, so Fuling felt like a head maid for the first time.
“You four, follow me!”
Fuling puffed out her chest and led the way. The four curtsied to Qin Wan before following.
After they left, Qin Wan stood and walked to the window. Through the half-open lattice, she could see the five figures walking away.
Whether these maids could stay would soon become apparent.