“Jin Yu Xu Gu Gao?” Xu He’s eyes widened. “Is this medicine?”
Qin Wan nodded and brought the autopsy report closer to her nose. After a gentle sniff, she became even more certain of her judgment. “Indeed, it’s Jin Yu Xu Gu Gao. This medicine is a miraculous remedy from the Sun family’s Medical Sage lineage, worth its weight in gold. The unpleasant smell you mentioned comes from an ingredient called the Golden-Headed Centipede. Though originally poisonous, when processed with copper, vinegar, and ground into fine powder, it becomes remarkably effective. The medicine promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, reduces swelling, and helps heal bones and tendons. It’s been a secret remedy of the Medical Sage lineage for a hundred years. You can’t find it in the market – it’s only available through the black market or directly from the Sun family’s Medical Valley.”
Xu He was impressed by Qin Wan’s extensive knowledge of medicine, much of which he had never heard before. His eyes brightened with admiration. “Young Lady Qin truly has the exceptional medical expertise to recognize this substance at a glance. But if this medicine is so rare, how did it end up in a thief’s possession? Could it have been stolen too?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “That doesn’t make sense. This medicine is too precious and is specifically used for injuries. It wouldn’t be carelessly left around to be stolen. Besides, nothing else in your box has this smell – only the autopsy report…”
She opened the autopsy report, which consisted of several dozen pages of hemp paper sewn together, containing all of Song Rou’s autopsy records from the first examination to the most recent. Qin Wan frowned. “Something’s not right. Though this medicine has a strong smell, it doesn’t leave traces merely through touch. The person must have held the report for a long time to leave such an odor. A common thief showed no interest in your money pouch, yet was so fascinated by your autopsy report?”
“Perhaps the report was their actual target.”
A commanding, elegant voice spoke. Qin Wan turned to see Yan Chi approaching from the direction of the mansion gate. He strode forward, dressed in his usual night-black attire. He first glanced at Qin Wan, then at the report in her hands, before walking directly to stand before her.
Xu He, Green Sleeve, Fu Ling, and the others quickly bowed. Qin Wan also gave a slight curtsy. Yan Chi stopped, took the report from Qin Wan’s hands, smelled it, and then looked at her with deepened eyes before nodding. “Indeed, it’s Jin Yu Xu Gu Gao. I used this medicine once a year ago and still remember its distinctive smell.”
Yan Chi didn’t ask how Qin Wan knew the medicine’s smell, for he knew that even if he asked, she would have countless flawless explanations ready.
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. She knew this medicine’s properties best – though effective, it was not only extremely expensive but also reserved for severe injuries. The Golden-Headed Centipede and Golden Silk Leech in the medicine were both poisonous substances. Users needed to take other mild antidotes alongside it, and the treatment process was incredibly painful. This revealed that a year ago, Yan Chi had suffered an extremely serious injury that affected his bones and tendons.
Though Qin Wan understood this clearly, she didn’t mention it. Nor did she ask how Yan Chi had entered through the mansion gate. She only asked, “Does Your Highness think that person was after the autopsy reports in this box?”
Yan Chi nodded. “I only heard half the story earlier – your box was stolen?”
Xu He felt somewhat intimidated by Yan Chi’s presence but quickly nodded. “Yes, my box was stolen at the market that day. I was at my wit’s end when I encountered Young Lady Qin, who generously gave me some silver. But unexpectedly, this morning, that thief returned my box. Not only did they not steal my savings, but everything inside remained untouched.”
Yan Chi frowned. “Which day was this?”
Xu He blinked. “It was the day Young Lady Qin accompanied us to the mortuary.”
Yan Chi’s eyes narrowed, and Qin Wan’s thoughts stirred. She suddenly asked, “You mentioned losing a package of autopsy reports before – think carefully, when was the first time you lost something?”
Xu He concentrated for a moment before his eyes lit up. “Ah! I remember now – it was during our first visit to the mortuary! I was carrying the box that day, but since I still had official documents to copy after finishing my duties, I put the autopsy reports and documents in a bundle to take home. That’s when my bundle was stolen on the way back.”
He continued, “That was after the first autopsy, and the reports weren’t yet bound together – just two separate pages. Fortunately, I have a good memory and wrote up two new copies.” At this point, Xu He looked uncomfortable. “Fearing the Magistrate’s reaction, I didn’t report the incident. There were only a few dozen copper coins in my bundle, so I assumed it was just a common thief.”
Xu He’s eyes widened. “Young Lady Qin, are you saying it was the same thief both times?”
Qin Wan and Yan Chi exchanged glances. Seeing the certainty in Yan Chi’s eyes, Qin Wan nodded. “Very likely. The first time, finding nothing important in the bundle, they didn’t return it. The second time, they stole your livelihood, so they returned it. This person isn’t a common thief – they were likely targeting your autopsy reports, knowing your position as a coroner.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Currently, Miss Song’s case is the biggest in Jinzhou Prefecture. Common people know that government officials go to and from the mortuary daily because of Miss Song’s case. This person must have known this too. They were after information about Miss Song’s case, disguising themselves as a thief.”
Yan Chi continued, “Jin Yu Xu Gu Gao can heal bones and tendons. Who would need bone healing medicine, have the means to buy Jin Yu Xu Gu Gao, and show such interest in Miss Song’s case?”
After speaking, Yan Chi looked at Xu He expectantly. Xu He’s expression grew serious, and then his eyes gradually widened. “It’s Young Master Wei! The Wei family’s eldest son whom the Magistrate is searching for throughout the city!”
Yan Chi withdrew his gaze as Qin Wan nodded. “We should probably inform the Magistrate.”
Xu He could barely contain his excitement, his chest heaving. “Very well, please wait a moment, Young Lady Qin!” With that, he turned and rushed into the front courtyard.
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi and finally asked, “How is Your Highness’s injury?”
Yan Chi gazed at Qin Wan deeply. “You’re the physician I paid to treat me – you should ask yourself.”
Qin Wan was momentarily speechless. Just then, Xu He returned with Huo Huai Xin. The Magistrate’s face showed doubt as he questioned Xu He, “What’s this about Young Master Wei appearing? How dare you speak so carelessly…”
Xu He smiled bitterly. “If Your Honor doesn’t trust me, surely you trust Young Lady Qin and His Highness? Please ask Young Lady Qin – I can’t explain it clearly myself…”
Huo Huai Xin had also noticed Qin Wan and Yan Chi standing outside. He immediately put on a smile. “Prince Yan, Young Lady Qin… What was Xu He saying just now? Young Master Wei has appeared?”
Qin Wan glanced around. Green Sleeve intelligently moved aside to keep watch. Qin Wan then slowly explained what she had discussed with Xu He. Huo Huai Xin’s eyes grew increasingly wide, and by the time Qin Wan finished, they were as large as brass bells!
“So… so Young Master Wei has entered Jinzhou City? Not only entered but he’s been taking autopsy reports from Xu He and following Miss Song’s case?!”
Qin Wan nodded. “That’s our current theory.”
Huo Huai Xin clapped his hands forcefully. “Ha! This is truly effortless! I never expected him to deliver himself to our doorstep! I thought he had fled after seeing the situation! I was wondering whether to post notices in other countries, but now this makes things much easier! We can catch him now! Let’s go to the mortuary again! We can use Xu He to draw him out!”
Having handled many cases, Huo Huai Xin could devise a plan to set a trap once he knew Young Master Wei’s point of interest. He had thought catching Young Master Wei would be like finding a needle in a haystack, but now that Qin Wan had deduced so many clues from the medicine’s smell on the autopsy report, Huo Huai Xin felt confident they could solve the case within two days!
“I’m truly grateful to Young Lady Qin. Just from the medicine’s smell on the autopsy report, you’ve helped solve my urgent problem. This time… this time I must express my deepest gratitude. Once this case is solved, I shall host a banquet in Young Lady Qin’s honor!”
Huo Huai Xin bowed deeply, showing sincere appreciation. Qin Wan stepped aside modestly. “I don’t deserve such honor. These are merely my conjectures. Success depends on Your Honor’s arrangements. I hope Your Honor solves the case soon.”
After Huo Huai Xin expressed more thanks, Qin Wan said, “I need to see the Princess Imperial, so I won’t disturb Your Honor further. I’ll take my leave now.” She curtsied, preparing to head toward the Princess Imperial’s quarters.
Yan Chi also said, “Magistrate, please attend to your duties.”
Seeing them both leaving, Huo Huai Xin repeatedly bowed and expressed thanks, watching them depart with great satisfaction. Once they left, he enthusiastically ordered Xu He, “Go, call Captain Qi out. No need to ask anything else – we’re going to the mortuary now. I suspect Young Master Wei has been watching our yamen’s movements all along!”
With the order given, Xu He naturally complied. Soon, Huo Huai Xin led his men from the yamen toward the mortuary with great urgency.
Meanwhile, Qin Wan and Yan Chi walked slowly toward the Princess Imperial’s quarters.
“Does Your Highness find something strange?”
Yan Chi turned his head to look at Qin Wan. Today she wore a smoke-blue pleated dress, and from his angle, he could see her nearly perfect profile. “What’s strange?”
Yan Chi asked this question, but his gaze remained fixed on Qin Wan’s face.
“Young Master Wei traveled thousands of miles in pursuit – was it just to kill Song Rou? Even if there was some dispute or misunderstanding that led to the killing of Song Rou, he did not attempt to cover it up or make amends but instead followed closely behind. If I were him and didn’t want to turn myself in after committing a crime, I would try to find ways to prove my innocence, at least establish some kind of alibi.”
“Speaking of which, besides the news from the capital, my people also reported other matters about Young Master Wei and the Wei family. That day, I reported to the Magistrate, but since he hadn’t yet started suspecting Young Master Wei, he probably didn’t pay much attention to it.”
Yan Chi kept his unwavering gaze on Qin Wan, only moving it away slightly after finishing these words.
Qin Wan turned to look at him. “Oh? Would Your Highness care to share?”
Due to her curiosity, Qin Wan also fixed her gaze on Yan Chi. Feeling her attention, a barely perceptible smile appeared in his eyes. “Young Master Wei, named Wei Qi Zhi, is the legitimate son of the Duke’s daughter and the Wei family head. As the eldest legitimate son, he was naturally cherished in the family. In his youth, there were rumors of strengthening ties with the Duke’s family through marriage, but after the Wei family’s decline, the Duke’s family gradually looked down on them. This eldest son, aware of his maternal grandfather and uncles’ attitudes, was too proud to associate with the Duke’s family and even openly defied them several times, as witnessed by servants and discovered by my people.”
“This Young Master Wei’s fondness for music is true, but he didn’t persist long before becoming passionate about training horses, spending enormous sums on it. Additionally, his habits are quite peculiar – he doesn’t use lacquerware in his quarters, only porcelain. Furthermore, he is indeed left-handed. According to rumors, being left-handed caused him to be cursed in his childhood, developing frightening red rashes, which only improved after he switched to using his right hand.”
“Wei Yan Zhi was a younger half-brother. His birth mother passed away five years ago, and six years ago, he was taken to be raised in the main wife’s quarters. He was close to Wei Qi Zhi – they studied together in childhood, and wherever Wei Qi Zhi went, he would accompany him. When Wei Qi Zhi trained horses, he would prepare the saddles; when Wei Qi Zhi loved music, he learned the art of making zithers; when Wei Qi Zhi wanted to join the patrol garrison, he trained alongside him. However, later Wei Qi Zhi’s pride led him to reject the Duke’s family’s assistance, and in the end, it was Wei Yan Zhi who joined the patrol garrison.”
“Rumors say Wei Qi Zhi had a falling out with Wei Yan Zhi over this. The Wei household servants witnessed Wei Qi Zhi beating Wei Yan Zhi, who never fought back. The entire Wei household praised this second young master, and even the Duke’s family wished he had been their daughter’s biological son. As for Wei Qi Zhi’s broken leg, it was his maternal uncle who broke it. The Duke’s daughter even threatened suicide over this, but for Song Rou’s marriage, both families maintained a peaceful facade. Only a few close servants knew these matters.”
Yan Chi spoke unhurriedly. As Qin Wan listened, her steps unconsciously slowed. A walk that usually took just a quarter-hour had only covered six-tenths of the distance at the same time. Green Sleeve and Fu Ling followed at a distance, not daring to disturb their masters’ conversation. From afar, they observed how well-matched the two figures appeared, their auras in harmony. Though they had only known each other for half a month and were merely casual acquaintances, they seemed as natural together as old friends.
More strangely, the intimidating presence of His Highness the Crown Prince of the Rui Principality, known as the Demon King, somehow dissipated when standing beside Qin Wan. Though still incomparably noble, the elegant and refined Qin Wan possessed her ethereal charm like autumn orchids. Walking alongside the Crown Prince, she not only maintained her quiet independence but complemented him perfectly, making the sight even more pleasing to the eye.
After hearing Yan Chi’s words, Qin Wan’s eyes deepened. “In that case, the Second Young Master Wei’s position wasn’t so difficult. Though his status had its inconveniences, he managed everything quite well. The Wei family head must have been very pleased with him.”
Yan Chi nodded. “Indeed. The Wei family head treated them equally, perhaps even favoring him more. However…” Yan Chi paused, his tone suddenly becoming profound, “No one is perfect, and those who appear perfect must be false. I still have some doubts. If time weren’t so pressing, I would have had my people investigate more thoroughly.”
Qin Wan pondered for a moment. “It’s true that no one is perfect. I just hope Second Young Master Wei’s actions were natural. If he harbored resentment while maintaining a flawless exterior, his heart must have been in great pain.”
She then looked at Yan Chi. “Was Young Master Wei truly cursed?”
Yan Chi shook his head. “I certainly don’t believe in curses, but this matter was an open secret in both the Wei household and the Duke’s family. Any servant with enough seniority knows about it, so something must have happened.”
“In this world, talk of curses and spirits is usually man-made. The Wei family was once a prestigious official family – we outsiders can’t know all their intricate dealings.”
Qin Wan’s tone carried a hint of coolness. Yan Chi turned to look at her. “Has Young Lady Qin witnessed many internal struggles among noble families?”
At this question, Qin Wan’s heart jolted. “Of course not. Just looking at the Qin family – the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s family in the capital and the Third Branch in Jinzhou – there’s no shortage of such matters. One can understand by thinking about it.”
Yan Chi studied her deeply for a moment, his lips curving but saying nothing.
Qin Wan’s heart beat faster. Talking with Yan Chi was never as natural as with others, for his perception exceeded ordinary people’s, and she never knew when he might spot an inconsistency. Just as she was thinking this, Qin Wan looked up to see the Princess Imperial’s quarters right ahead. Her heart eased slightly, and her pace quickened.
Qin Wan wasn’t wrong – Yan Chi’s mind was indeed perceptive. Naturally, he also noticed her desire to escape her embarrassment. His lips curved upward, his expression brightening further. He was increasingly learning which questions made Qin Wan nervous. Though he couldn’t yet find the answers he sought, at least he had a clear direction.
When Qin Wan entered the courtyard, she saw that the Princess Imperial wasn’t sitting in the inner chamber today. Supported by Lady Jiang and Yue Ning, she was taking small steps around the courtyard. Yue Qing stood beside them, reading from a miscellaneous record book about travels. Hearing footsteps and seeing Qin Wan arrive, Yue Qing quickly put down the book and ran over to her.
“Young Lady Qin, why did it take you so long to come? Green Sleeve has been gone for nearly half an hour!”
Seeing Yue Qing’s eagerness, the Princess Imperial paused her steps and exchanged glances with Lady Jiang. Lady Jiang remained composed, but the Princess Imperial’s eyes showed some deeper emotion. “Wan girl, come quickly…”
Before Qin Wan could respond to Yue Qing, she hurried over to curtsy. Lady Jiang helped her up. “Now that Wan’er is here, you can accompany your mother for a walk. I’ll go check on things in the front courtyard.”
“Please go ahead, My Lady.” Qin Wan quickly went to support the Princess Imperial.
Lady Jiang left with a smile. The Princess Imperial looked at Yue Qing, then at Yan Chi. “How did you all meet?”
Yan Chi smiled. “I saw Young Lady Qin standing at the front courtyard entrance when I returned to the mansion, so we came together.”
“Oh?” The Princess Imperial raised her eyebrows and peered at Qin Wan. “No wonder it took you so long to come. Did you meet Magistrate Huo in the front courtyard?”
Qin Wan nodded. At this point, Green Sleeve couldn’t help but say, “Old Madam doesn’t know, but today Young Lady Qin helped the Magistrate tremendously again. Even I was amazed listening from the side!”
The Princess Imperial’s eyes brightened. She pointed to a stone bench layered with soft cushions in the courtyard. Yue Ning and Qin Wan quickly helped her walk over and sit down. The Princess Imperial looked at Green Sleeve. “What happened? Tell me about it.”
Green Sleeve stepped forward and vividly described how Qin Wan met Xu He, asked about the box, and discovered the Jin Yu Xu Gu Gao smell on the autopsy report. “Just from this Jin Yu Xu Gu Gao, Young Lady Qin asked about when Coroner Xu lost his things the first time, then deduced who the thief was. Now Magistrate Huo has left to set a trap. Old Madam, isn’t it amazing how Young Lady Qin could think of so much at once? And she recognized that medicine immediately!”
The Princess Imperial listened with bright eyes. “You think Wan girl is as slow-witted as you? With her excellent medical skills, of course, she’d recognize the medicine.” She looked at Qin Wan admiringly. “You’re truly a little Bodhisattva, helping people wherever you go. When Magistrate Huo solves this case, he must thank you properly. If he doesn’t, I’ll have words with him!”
Qin Wan smiled gently. “It was just a coincidence, not intentional. When I met Coroner Xu on the street before, I hadn’t realized any of this. Besides, these are small matters, not worthy of the Magistrate’s deep gratitude.”
The Princess Imperial shook her head. “That’s not true. This case has two sides watching – the An Yang Marquis’s family and the Song Duke’s family can’t be taken lightly. He’s more anxious than anyone, and you’ve helped solve his urgent problem. You certainly deserve proper thanks!”
Yue Qing added, “Young Lady Qin is truly remarkable, not only in medical skill but also in careful thinking. To deduce so much just from a medicine’s smell – if you were a man, you’d surely excel in criminal justice and become the common people’s upright official!”
“Second Young Master flatters me. I just had the good fortune to encounter this situation.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes, maintaining proper courtesy and appropriate distance in her response to Yue Qing. Hearing this, the Princess Imperial’s eyes darkened slightly. Yue Qing, however, didn’t notice and stepped closer. “Young Lady Qin mentioned reading many criminal justice texts before. Besides Lord Shen’s books, what else have you read? Have you read any of those storyteller’s picture books about extraordinary case-solving?”
Qin Wan continued to keep her eyes lowered. “Besides Lord Shen’s writings, I’ve read some other miscellaneous books, nothing worth mentioning. I have read some of the picture books Second Young Master mentioned, just to pass the time.”
Yue Qing’s eyes brightened with increased interest. “What a coincidence! I enjoy reading these too. Just two days ago, I found over a hundred volumes of Judge Bao’s case-solving picture books at the bookstore. The stories are all extraordinarily fascinating. If Young Lady enjoys this subject, I can have someone pack them up for you to take back to the Qin residence?”
Qin Wan’s eyes flickered, and she pressed her lips together. “Thank you for Second Young Master’s kindness, but reading these picture books was a childhood interest. I don’t read them much now. These days I’m studying several medical texts, and I’m afraid I won’t have time.”
The Princess Imperial sighed deeply inside and glared reproachfully at Yue Qing. “You rascal, don’t you dare distract Wan girl from her medical studies. She’s achieved so much at such a young age and will surely become a great physician. Don’t let her get sidetracked. Those trivial picture books are fine for your entertainment.” She then pretended to speak helplessly. “Look at Wan girl, so devoted to her proper interests. Weren’t you planning to join the military? You seem to be going to the military camp less these days…”
Yue Qing scratched his head in disappointment, though his face still showed a bright smile. Judge Bao was a famous minister of the previous dynasty, solving countless extraordinary cases with an excellent reputation, and was honored as an upright official. Even now, it is extremely honorable for any official to be called upright by the common people. He had only heard a few Judge Bao case-solving stories before and wasn’t particularly passionate about the subject, but when he heard Qin Wan used to enjoy these, he had people search the bookstores and even paid high prices for many rare copies that were hard to find. He had meant to impress her, but now the beauty had changed her interests to something he couldn’t comprehend – he could hardly say he wanted to study medicine, could he?
Yue Qing coughed lightly. “Recently, Grandmother hasn’t been well, and there have been many matters in the household. After this period passes, the grandson will naturally go to the military camp as frequently as before. As for those books, Grandson finds them quite interesting. If Grandmother is curious, shall I tell you about them?”
The Princess Imperial couldn’t help but laugh. “You rascal, wanting to tell your grandmother… Grandmother is old now, those picture books are too taxing on the mind. Grandmother won’t listen to those. Just read me travel accounts and miscellaneous news, and let Grandmother see those parts of Great Zhou’s landscape she hasn’t visited… Also, Grandmother is much better now, you should go to the military camp when you need to, don’t delay.”
Yue Qing quickly nodded. “Yes, yes, yes, grandson will go to the military camp tomorrow.”
The Princess Imperial shook her head helplessly, then looked at Yan Chi. “Little Seven, how is your injury? As autumn approaches, the north gets colder by the day. Why not stay in Jinzhou until you’re fully healed before returning, to avoid suffering in the cold?”
Yan Chi’s face showed warmth. “The injury has begun to heal, Great-Aunt need not worry. Naturally, I’ll wait until I’m fully healed before returning to the capital. I’ve long admired the reputation of Jinzhou’s Yue family army but haven’t visited the military camp many times. In a few days, I’ll go to the camp to fulfill my wish.”
Qin Wan’s eyes suddenly widened. Hadn’t Yan Chi said earlier he would leave in seven days? Counting now, that would be tomorrow or the day after, but suddenly he wasn’t leaving? Was it because of the Princess Imperial, or had he always…?
Qin Wan was shocked and somewhat annoyed. She stared at Yan Chi, but he wouldn’t look at her. When Qin Wan came to her senses, she looked at Yan Chi in disbelief – he had done it deliberately, he had deliberately deceived her!
Her brows furrowed tightly as she looked at the composed Yan Chi, completely bewildered. What was the point of this?
Even if he hadn’t said he would leave in seven days, she would naturally have treated his illness wholeheartedly. Yet he had to say he only had seven days, causing her to use strong medicines and spend every moment after returning home thinking about making medicine for him. This was simply…
Qin Wan felt irritated. Thinking of the medicine she had made for Yan Chi still in her sleeve pocket, she resolutely decided not to give it to him. Even physicians have their pride. She had put in extraordinary effort these past few days, far beyond normal treatment, yet this person had toyed with her. Not only did he toy with her, but he also didn’t trust her, just because she had asked fewer questions once…
“The Yue family army hasn’t fought in several years. You know, without the pressure of war, relying only on routine drills, morale inevitably drops. You’re from Shuo Xi – naturally, the Yue family army can’t compare to the Shuo Xi army.”
The Princess Imperial spoke with a sigh. Before Yan Chi, she didn’t hide anything. Having served in the military for many years, Yan Chi would know the true state of the Yue family army as soon as he entered the camp. Even if she praised the Yue family army to the heavens now, everything would become clear once Yan Chi visited.
However, Yan Chi shook his head. “I’ve already visited the camp. Though my stay was brief, I could see that the Yue family army still maintained its elite spirit. While the Shuo Xi army is fierce, in terms of military systems, they may not be as comprehensive as the Yue family army. These past few days, I’ve left my commanders in the Yue family army camp specifically so they can learn from their military discipline and bearing.”
The Princess Imperial laughed. “Soldiers train hard to kill enemies. As for military systems, your Shuo Xi army’s clear rewards and punishments are best. Bordering enemy territory, neither soldiers nor generals can afford to be lax.”
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s eyes darkened slightly. He spoke as if joking, “The Shuo Xi army has been on the western border for over ten years. We need some rules, lest we be treated as barbarians if we’re recalled to the capital one day…”
The Princess Imperial’s eyebrows jumped. “Recalled to the capital?!”
Yan Chi shook his head. “I was just joking, Great-Aunt, don’t take it seriously. Speaking of which, now that the South is peaceful, the Yue family army has little use for its martial prowess. I wonder if His Majesty will assign them new duties…”
Yan Chi smoothly turned the topic to the Yue family army, and the Princess Imperial naturally engaged in discussion. Though Qin Wan didn’t understand military matters, she detected something slightly amiss in Yan Chi’s earlier tone. She couldn’t help but wonder if the Shuo Xi army would change. Since ancient times, military power has been what royal families fear most. If there were military changes, the court would surely be in turmoil. Thinking of Yan Chi’s injury, Qin Wan felt momentarily anxious for him…
Though she realized this, military power and court politics were still too distant from Qin Wan. She quickly reined in her thoughts, and as her mind settled, she felt somewhat helpless. Never mind military power and court politics – even the capital remained far beyond her reach, and without returning to the capital, what she sought could never be achieved.
After talking a while longer, the Princess Imperial began to show signs of fatigue. Qin Wan and Yue Ning helped her to the inner chamber. Only after checking her pulse and confirming that Princess Imperial was well did Qin Wan withdraw with Yue Ning.
Leaving the Princess Imperial’s quarters, Yue Ning remembered her agreement with Qin Wan from yesterday and quickly asked, “Has the color faded from what you were soaking?”
Qin Wan nodded. “It had already faded when I left this morning.”
Yue Ning’s eyes brightened. “Let’s go, let’s go to the Qin residence! I want to see what it is!”
Yue Qing, who had left with Qin Wan, hurriedly asked, “Sister, what do you want to see?”
Before Qin Wan could answer, Yue Ning pulled her away. “Brother doesn’t need to know, this is women’s business.” Then she looked at Yan Chi. “May we borrow Your Highness’s guards again to escort us to the Qin residence?”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, Qin Wan took out a medicine bottle from her sleeve. She handed it to Fu Ling and said to Yan Chi, “This is medicine for Your Highness’s injury. Apply it slowly over half a month, and Your Highness’s injury will certainly heal.”
Qin Wan particularly emphasized the word “slowly.” A spark of amusement appeared in Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes. He took the medicine Fu Ling handed up and instructed Bai Feng behind him, “Escort the Princess and Young Lady Qin well to the Qin residence.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Bai Feng responded respectfully. Yue Ning hurriedly pulled Qin Wan out of the mansion. Once in the carriage, Yue Ning said, “I thought about it after returning yesterday – that thing looks like silk gauze. Silk gauze is made from cotton and hemp, the thinnest being like cicada wings. But such material is usually used for clothing accents, shawls, or silk flowers – how did it end up in Song Rou’s stomach?”
Qin Wan pondered briefly, suddenly feeling that Yue Ning’s description was much more accurate than Fu Ling’s. She shook her head. “There must be a reason. The stranger something is, the more reason there must be. Let’s take another look when we get back.”
Yue Ning nodded, then added, “According to your earlier deduction, Young Master Wei will likely fall for Magistrate Huo’s trap. Once he’s caught, they just need to find out where Young Master Wei hid Miss Song’s head, and the case can be closed.”
Qin Wan smiled. “At this point, my investigation into what this thing is isn’t to help the Magistrate solve the case.”
Yue Ning pouted. “I know, I know, you want to get to the bottom of everything!”
Yue Ning had been somewhat reserved at first, but now she showed the liveliness typical of a girl her age. The two chatted and laughed along the way, not realizing how much time had passed by the time they reached the Qin residence gate.
They entered together, with Yue Ning even more eager than Qin Wan to enter Ting Lan Court.
“Quick, where did you put it—”
Seeing Yue Ning’s rare display of impatience, Qin Wan couldn’t help but laugh. “Why is the Princess in such a hurry? It’s in the inner chamber.”
Thinking about it, Yue Ning found her behavior strange. “It’s just a small matter, yet I’ve developed this notion of solving an extraordinary case like Judge Bao as if we’re searching for some crucial evidence.”
Qin Wan’s smile deepened. “I think the Princess should move Second Young Master’s picture books to her room and see how Judge Bao solved extraordinary cases…”
Yue Ning gave Qin Wan a sidelong glance. “My second brother prepared those for someone specific.”
Qin Wan just smiled without responding and went to the inner chamber to bring the white porcelain cup to the warm pavilion. As soon as she set it down, Yue Ning lifted the lid and immediately exclaimed, “Ah, I guessed right!”
Qin Wan also leaned in to look. She saw that the previously black mass had turned gray, and if soaked longer, the color might become even lighter. The contaminated material that had been bundled together had now slightly dispersed, and though the outermost layer that had spread out was somewhat fragmented, one could still see its extremely thin texture, very similar to silk gauze.
Qin Wan didn’t immediately respond but went to find a dry bamboo tray and a pair of very fine silver chopsticks. She carefully picked out the dispersed “silk gauze” from the water and laid it flat on the tray, repeating this process several times until the tray was covered with scattered pieces. Qin Wan put down the chopsticks, picked up a piece with her fingers, rubbed it, and suddenly frowned again. “No, it’s not like silk gauze…”
Yue Ning asked doubtfully, “Then what is it? I can faintly see cotton and hemp texture…”
Qin Wan continued shaking her head. “Silk gauze usually contains some silk, but this has none. This… looks more like paper!”
Yue Ning couldn’t resist picking up a piece herself, and after a moment said, “But I feel it’s more resilient than paper. The paper would disintegrate after soaking this long in the water, let alone in someone’s stomach…”
Though Yue Ning didn’t understand medicine, she knew that paper in the stomach would also be “digested” away.
Qin Wan shook her head. “It has been a long time, but Princess should know that some papers have excellent resilience, even better than silk gauze, though they’re more expensive than ordinary hemp or bamboo paper. However… there are many types of such expensive paper.”
Her eyes suddenly brightened. “Besides, if it’s paper, it makes sense. Song Rou wouldn’t eat paper for no reason – there must have been something incriminating written on it, which she swallowed to prevent others from discovering.”
Yue Ning felt this reasoning made sense and nodded. “Could Young Master Wei have written something to her? Wasn’t she killed in the White Birch Forest? Could Young Master Wei have written her a letter, luring her out under some pretext, perhaps wanting her to escape the marriage? Then Song Rou refused, they argued, and he accidentally killed her?”
Qin Wan nodded slightly. “That’s possible. Young Master Wei traveled thousands of miles to come here – he must have had some purpose. Perhaps he and Song Rou were truly in love, and he wanted to take her away, but Song Rou felt she couldn’t escape her family and wanted to refuse…”
Yue Ning’s eyes sparkled – having her deduction confirmed by Qin Wan gave her a sense of achievement!
After speaking, Qin Wan looked at the remaining material in the white porcelain cup. “After many days in Song Rou’s stomach, and with her body beginning to decay, even if there were words on it, they can’t be made out now. It’s somewhat regrettable…”
Yue Ning wiped her hands. “What’s regrettable about it? It’s good enough that we know what it is. Did you want to change the case outcome because of this?”
Qin Wan smiled wryly, nodded, and went to wipe her hands. But just as she turned her head, something flashed in the corner of her eye. Qin Wan paused, then went back to look at the paper fragments laid out on the tray. “Princess, look at this – what’s that?”