“So are you saying Wei Qi Zhi is truly unrelated to this case?” In the guest wing of the magistrate’s office, Huo Huai Xin looked at the long letter in his hand and listened to Qin Wan’s reasoning with both surprise and worry on his face.
Yue Ning nodded beside him, “That’s correct. If Master doesn’t believe it, you can have someone test what Miss Nine suggested – see if Wei Qi Zhi reacts to lacquer poison, and ask the servant whether Wei Qi Zhi ever used gold-traced paper…”
After reading Yan Chi’s long letter at the Marquis Mansion, Qin Wan finally recovered the information she had missed. After analyzing it, she went to the magistrate’s office together with Yan Chi and Yue Ning. Huo Huai Xin didn’t dare to neglect Yue Ning’s presence, let alone with Yan Chi accompanying them. He only allowed Captain Qi and Xu He to listen to the case details. Upon hearing Yue Ning’s suggestion, he gave Captain Qi a meaningful look.
Captain Qi nodded and left…
Putting down the letter, Huo Huai Xin asked worriedly, “So Miss Nine suspects the murderer might be the Second Young Master Wei?”
Qin Wan nodded, “What does Master Huo think?”
Huo Huai Xin frowned, “Following this analysis, it indeed seems the most likely possibility. Song Rou and Wei Yan Zhi had no prior connection, yet now Song Rou has caught Wei Yan Zhi’s weakness. If Song Rou were to tell the Duke’s Manor about this, no one there would spare him, and Wei Qi Zhi would hate him intensely.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Exactly, it’s precisely because of these high stakes that Wei Yan Zhi would have more reason to kill Song Rou.”
Huo Huai Xin nodded. Though extremely reluctant, he accepted the current situation. He had originally thought the case could be concluded in two or three days, but now it seemed further investigation was needed. Sighing, he said, “If that letter from that day was truly written by Wei Yan Zhi, then perhaps he didn’t intend to kill Song Rou – it might have been an accidental killing. If so, the weapon used would likely be something he carried with him. While proving the ghost impersonation might be difficult, we can investigate the burning of the mourning hall. They used tung oil to burn it – we just need to inquire at nearby workshops about who bought tung oil during that time.”
Huo Huai Xin had his methodology. Yue Ning added, “That night, Grandmother said they would conduct the autopsy the next day, and the fire happened that night. So the time of purchasing tung oil can be narrowed down to between late Hour of the Dog and the Hour of the Rabbit the next day.”
Qin Wan smiled and nodded, “Buying tung oil late at night wouldn’t be easy – shop owners would likely remember.”
Huo Huai Xin continued, “Also, the person who tried to harm Miss Nine wore robes very similar to the Second Young Master’s. I guess certain clothes must have gone missing from the Second Young Master’s quarters that day, sometime between when he woke up in the morning and when he left for Liwater Lake in the evening. The perpetrator must have known what the Second Young Master would wear that day to plan such a scheme.”
Qin Wan hadn’t expected Huo Huai Xin to react so quickly, so she nodded and said, “Master is truly astute.”
Huo Huai Xin coughed lightly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, “I’m not astute at all. If not for Miss Nine working out all these connections, I would have nearly caused a wrongful conviction. Captain Lin will investigate these two leads later. Once we’ve clarified everything, we can conclude.”
Qin Wan nodded. After all, she wasn’t part of the magistrate’s office and couldn’t interfere too much. After a brief pause, she added, “However, to avoid alerting the culprit, Master might want to keep the Wei family’s eldest son detained until this matter is cleared up before releasing both of them.”
Huo Huai Xin nodded repeatedly, “That’s natural.” After saying this, he continued, “Please help record the matter of the gold-traced paper. Xu He, go write—”
Xu He responded and quickly grabbed the paper and a brush. Qin Wan explained again how she discovered it was gold-traced paper. After Xu He recorded it, Huo Huai Xin respectfully took the long letter and walked to Yan Chi, “Thank you for coming all this way, Your Highness. It was my oversight. Here is your letter back, thank you…”
Huo Huai Xin showed extreme respect and even more trepidation. Yan Chi took the letter, “In this matter, Master Huo need only thank Miss Nine. Without her bringing it up, I wouldn’t have noticed many of these details either.”
Huo Huai Xin hurriedly agreed, “Yes, yes, we can’t thank Miss Nine enough!”
Just then, Qi Lin returned from the jail. He had been gone for nearly half an hour and came back smelling of lacquer. “Master! It worked!” Qi Lin’s eyes were bright, his tone extremely excited. “Master, I applied raw lacquer to Wei Qi Zhi’s arm, and sure enough, after just two-quarters of an hour, his arm developed red patches and rashes. The servant cried out saying I was trying to harm his master, and mentioned his master couldn’t stand the smell of lacquer. I also asked about the gold-traced paper and showed some to the servant to identify. The servant cried that his master never used such paper…”
Qi Lin finished speaking in one breath and then started panting heavily. Huo Huai Xin’s expression brightened, “So it’s confirmed! Miss Nine’s deduction was indeed correct. The eldest young master wasn’t cursed – he merely suffered from lacquer poisoning!”
This statement made Huo Huai Xin think of the complex internal affairs of the Wei family mentioned in the letter earlier. Wei Qi Zhi had only suffered from lacquer poisoning, yet it was spread as a curse – who knows if others had a hand in this?
Collecting his thoughts, Huo Huai Xin immediately said, “Next, I have something for you to investigate. Check all the workshops along the route from the Marquis Mansion to the mourning hall. See if anyone bought tung oil between the Hour of the Dog that night and the Hour of the Rabbit the next day.”
Qi Lin understood how the mourning hall had been burned and quickly grasped the significance. He nodded immediately. Huo Huai Xin then looked at Yue Ning and said, “As for the matters at the Marquis Mansion, I will inquire personally.”
Yue Ning stood up, “Very well, then we can return to the mansion.”
Yan Chi also stood up and looked at Qin Wan, “Where will Miss Nine go?”
It was already late. Qin Wan looked outside and said, “It’s getting late, and the Imperial Princess doesn’t need her medicine changed today. I’ll return to the Qin Manor first and visit the Marquis Mansion tomorrow.”
Yue Ning frowned, “How will you know the progress of the case if you return to the Qin Manor? Better come to the Marquis Mansion – if anything changes, you can know immediately.”
By now, Qin Wan understood all the details of the case and naturally cared about the outcome. Moreover, with Wei Yan Zhi at the Marquis Mansion, if he truly was the murderer…
Qin Wan frowned suddenly and said, “I just remembered, Second Young Master Wei was seriously ill the other day. I wonder if he’s better now.”
After speaking, Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances. Yue Ning immediately understood Qin Wan’s meaning and nodded, “Right, you gave him medicine last time. You should check if he’s recovered today.”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, his eyes flashing with a hint of light, “You two, be careful.”
Qin Wan smiled and walked toward the door, “No worries, he’s now the completely courteous and proper Second Young Master Wei!”
Yue Ning strode after her. Huo Huai Xin behind them wanted to say something but hesitated and ultimately remained silent. Wei Yan Zhi was staying at the Marquis Mansion and wasn’t currently suspected – surely there wouldn’t be any danger.
Yan Chi stared at Qin Wan’s retreating figure for a moment before following.
Yue Ning’s group went ahead first, while Huo Huai Xin followed later with his yamen officials. When the carriage stopped at the Marquis Mansion’s gate, Qin Wan said, “Since we’re at the Marquis Mansion, we should first pay our respects to the Imperial Princess.”
Seeing her observe proper etiquette, Yue Ning gladly went to the Imperial Princess’s quarters. Yan Chi returned to Pine Garden. After meeting with the Imperial Princess, Yue Ning, and Qin Wan didn’t reveal the latest case developments. They chatted with the Imperial Princess for a while before heading to the East Garden.
At the East Garden, the guards outside Wei Yan Zhi’s door seemed surprised that Qin Wan and Yue Ning would visit that day. After a moment of astonishment, they bowed, “Greetings to the Princess, greetings to Miss Nine…”
Yue Ning maintained a casual smile, “We came to check on your master’s illness yesterday. How is he today?”
The guard’s eyes flickered, and he sighed slightly, “He’s somewhat better, but the Young Master is still unwell. Please wait a moment, Princess and Miss Nine. I’ll go announce you.”
Yue Ning nodded, and the guard turned to enter the room. Glancing around, Yue Ning noticed charcoal ashes piled in a corner of the courtyard. She raised an eyebrow and said, “Why is there so much charcoal ash? Didn’t you say yesterday not to make the room too hot?”
Qin Wan also looked over, her brows just beginning to furrow when the door opened.
“Princess, Miss Nine, the Young Master invites you in.”
Qin Wan maintained her composure as she withdrew her gaze and entered with Yue Ning.
As soon as they entered, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed. As Yue Ning had said, the room was indeed exactly as hot as yesterday. Qin Wan turned to look – the large iron stove in the center was glowing faintly red, and inside the furnace, there was the same roaring fire sound as yesterday. Looking at the iron tongs nearby, the stains were still there – Wei Yan Zhi and his servants had paid no attention to them.
“Greetings, Princess, Miss Nine… Why have you come?”
Wei Yan Zhi still wore an outer robe as he stood at the inner chamber doorway, seemingly just risen from bed. After speaking, Wei Yan Zhi coughed lightly and hurriedly gestured, “Princess, Miss Nine, please sit…”
“Seeing how ill you were yesterday, I was worried, so I brought Miss Nine again today to see if you’re better. Cold illness can be either minor or serious. You’ve been both tired and deeply worried lately – it’s the time when you’re most susceptible to illness. You mustn’t be careless.” Although Yue Ning didn’t understand medicine, she spoke very sincerely.
Wei Yan Zhi pulled his clothes tighter and smiled bitterly, “I’ve started taking Miss Nine’s medicine and am already improving. Princess and Miss Nine need not worry. I’m truly embarrassed to have you visit again.”
Yue Ning and Qin Wan sat in the spacious chairs by the window. Hearing this, Yue Ning frowned, “That’s not right. Miss Song’s case is about to be solved – you can’t fall ill now…”
“Solved?” Wei Yan Zhi started, “It’s about to be solved?”
Yue Ning showed slight surprise, “Second Young Master doesn’t know? Your elder brother was arrested yesterday!”
Wei Yan Zhi’s eyes flashed with shock and pain, “Arrested… my brother was truly arrested?”
Yue Ning sighed, “Nine and I just returned from the magistrate’s office. We’ve seen your elder brother. He’s injured in his left leg, and his features are somewhat similar to yours.”
Upon hearing this, Wei Yan Zhi immediately stood straight, “So it’s true… What did my brother say? Has he admitted to killing Xiao Rou?”
As the servant brought tea, Qin Wan picked up her cup and drank quietly, listening to the conversation between Yue Ning and Wei Yan Zhi.
Yue Ning shook her head and said, “It’s a matter of life and death – how could it be so simple? Moreover, your brother claims he wasn’t the one involved with Miss Song…” She gave a derisive laugh, “How ridiculous is that? Everyone in both the Duke’s Manor and Wei Manor probably knows about this, yet he tries to deceive us, relying on the thousand-li distance between Jin Zhou and the capital.”
Wei Yan Zhi started, frowning, “He truly said that? What does the magistrate plan to do?”
Yue Ning laughed coldly, “The magistrate has already started torture. When we went, your brother was beaten bloody. I suspect he won’t be able to hold out much longer – he’ll likely confess soon.”
Something flickered in Wei Yan Zhi’s eyes before he finally said, “My brother… is proud and arrogant, and also a trained fighter. His martial arts are no less than mine. It won’t be easy for the magistrate to make him talk. As for his affair with Xiao Rou, indeed, both the Duke’s Manor and Wei Manor know about it. His lying about this is truly a major flaw…”
Speaking eagerly, Wei Yan Zhi looked at Yue Ning, “Princess, if my brother confesses honestly, would it… would it reduce his punishment?”
Yue Ning pondered briefly, “Naturally it would, but from what I saw, he doesn’t plan to confess. Even with such severe torture last night, the magistrate couldn’t make him change his story. Even the magistrate is hesitant now.”
Wei Yan Zhi paused for another moment before tightening his outer robe’s collar and sitting down. After Yue Ning had spoken at length, she suddenly frowned, “Why is this room still so hot? Didn’t we say yesterday that Young Master Wei’s room shouldn’t be like this?”
Wei Yan Zhi coughed lightly again and smiled bitterly, “After Princess and Miss Nine left yesterday, I did reduce the fire somewhat, but… once the fire decreased, I felt waves of chills. I had no choice but to increase it again. However, it’s much better today than the past few days, showing that Miss Nine’s medicine is working!”
Yue Ning nodded and picked up her teacup to drink.
Meanwhile, Qin Wan looked at the faintly glowing furnace and said, “This stove is quite ingenious. I wonder what it looks like inside? It seems much warmer than floor heating.”
As she spoke, Qin Wan moved to examine the stove. Seeing this, Wei Yan Zhi immediately stood up, “The stove is dirty, Miss Nine, be careful. These stoves are more common in the north because it’s colder there. I didn’t expect the Marquis Mansion to have one.”
Qin Wan stopped and walked toward the iron tongs instead, “Oh? Only common in the North? I remember Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion had something similar. I wonder if it’s the same…”
Having lived in the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion for three years as a child, Qin Wan naturally understood northern customs. Seeing her walk straight toward the tongs, Wei Yan Zhi immediately ordered his servant, “Quick, open the lid for Miss Nine…”
The servant immediately stepped forward, took the tongs, and lifted the lid. As it opened, heat rushed out. Qin Wan looked inside, seeing only the topmost layer of glowing red charcoal, unable to make out anything below. Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “It seems different, more sophisticated. There must be an extra grate below, allowing all the charcoal in the furnace to burn, making the room heat up quickly.”
After speaking, Qin Wan returned to her seat, and the servant replaced the lid.
Yue Ning, not understanding why Qin Wan examined the stove, just said, “This stove was made when Grandmother first came south. She found the southern winters damp and cold, so she had stoves similar to those in the capital.”
Qin Wan immediately added, “Yes, though the south isn’t as cold as the north, the dampness is worse – especially hard for the elderly.”
Changing the subject, Qin Wan looked at Wei Yan Zhi, “I notice Second Young Master’s face is flushed, seemingly from the heat.” She stood up, “Please extend your wrist…”
This was a request to check his pulse. Wei Yan Zhi unsuspectingly offered his wrist. Qin Wan’s fingers rested on his pulse point, her expression slightly focused. After a moment, she withdrew her hand, lips curving slightly, “Indeed better than yesterday, the cold has dissipated somewhat. Second Young Master should continue taking the medicine.” After a brief pause, she continued, “However, your facial flush suggests signs of fever. Are the windows in your inner chamber open?”
Wei Yan Zhi shook his head, “Not yet, because…”
Qin Wan turned and walked toward Wei Yan Zhi’s inner chamber, “With this illness, the room needs ventilation, but the airflow must be carefully managed. It absolutely cannot align with your bed’s orientation…”
Seeing Qin Wan heading toward his inner chamber, Wei Yan Zhi frowned and started to rise, but Qin Wan stopped her steps – she was merely surveying the room. After a moment, she pointed to a latticed window outside, “Outside, that window should be opened slightly…”
Wei Yan Zhi exhaled deeply in relief and hurriedly opened the window as suggested. As it opened, cool air flowed in, immediately refreshing Yue Ning, who commented, “This is much better. It was too stuffy when we came in. Staying in such a room, wouldn’t the illness linger?”
Wei Yan Zhi quickly nodded, “Yes, thank you for Miss Nine’s guidance…”
Qin Wan slowly shook her head, “Second Young Master is now my patient. I naturally won’t withhold necessary advice.”
Wei Yan Zhi smiled at Yue Ning and Qin Wan, “It’s my fortune to receive the Princess and Miss Nine’s care.” After a pause, he suddenly seemed to remember something, “Oh yes, since my brother is in jail, might I be able to see him? He’s alone in Jin Zhou, I’d like to check on him.”
Yue Ning looked troubled, “I can’t decide that – we’d need the magistrate’s permission. With the case still under investigation, I’m afraid the Second Young Master won’t be allowed to see the First Young Master. After he confesses, seeing him won’t be difficult.” She paused, then added, “Or perhaps Second Young Master could persuade First Young Master to admit his crime?”
Wei Yan Zhi showed hesitation, “Princess may not know, but back at Wei Manor, I always followed my brother’s lead. Now that he’s been arrested and faces charges, he must be furious and resentful. If I go now and urge him to submit, he’ll likely become even angrier, and my visit would be counterproductive.”
Yue Ning’s eyes darted thoughtfully, “That does make sense.” She then asked Wei Yan Zhi, “So, back at Wei Manor, did the First Young Master often bully you?”
Wei Yan Zhi’s face showed bitterness, but he said, “No, no, my brother… was just somewhat proud and arrogant, which is understandable. He’s my mother’s son, naturally more noble than I…”
Yue Ning and Qin Wan exchanged glances. In Wei Yan Zhi’s long response, except for the first three words, everything else confirmed that Wei Qi Zhi had indeed bullied him, and his expression seemed so genuine.
If they hadn’t already grown suspicious of Wei Yan Zhi, they might have been fooled by his act. Yue Ning now understood Qin Wan’s meaning – Wei Yan Zhi appeared to be the perfect brother on the surface.
“Second Young Master, don’t worry. Whatever happened before, now that he’s in jail, he’s paying the price for his character. Once he confesses and the charges are confirmed, he’ll face the consequences.”
This was most appropriate coming from Yue Ning, given Wei Yan Zhi had previously told her about his situation.
Hearing this, Wei Yan Zhi showed gratitude, “Even so, he is still my elder brother. When I think about it, I can’t help but feel sorry. When Father and Mother learn of this, who knows how heartbroken they’ll be…”
Yue Ning continued, “Why should Second Young Master feel sorry for someone who would harm others? He deserves everything – after taking a life, did he expect to continue living freely?”
Wei Yan Zhi sighed, his voice strained, “Indeed, ah…”
Qin Wan watched Yue Ning speak with an unchanging expression, surprised at how well the usually taciturn Yue Ning was playing her part. She smiled inwardly as Yue Ning suddenly said, “But if he truly holds out to the end, that’s not good either.”
At these words, Wei Yan Zhi’s brows furrowed, and Qin Wan added, “Yes, I’ve read many story books where some people really could endure the yamen’s severe torture through sheer willpower.”
Having witnessed Qin Wan’s autopsy work, Wei Yan Zhi knew she had helped much with the case, so he asked, “But if this continues, brother’s final punishment will likely be even heavier. Is there any way to make him confess sooner to seek leniency?”
Qin Wan pondered briefly, “Unless we find crucial evidence…” She paused as if remembering something, “Speaking of which, Miss Song’s head still hasn’t been found. Second Young Master knows the First Young Master well – where do you think he might have hidden it?”
Wei Yan Zhi lowered his eyes for a moment, then looked up and shook his head, “I really can’t guess. After killing someone, he would have hidden the head very carefully. My brother is clever – he might have hidden it somewhere none of us would think of.”
Qin Wan sighed, “That makes it difficult.”
Yue Ning also shook her head, “The magistrate will have to work harder.”
Wei Yan Zhi spoke somewhat wistfully, “My brother might still be holding onto hope at this point. If someone comes from the capital, I wonder…”
Qin Wan frowned, “Does Second Young Master want to help your brother escape punishment?”
Wei Yan Zhi hurriedly said, “No, no, of course not. I meant that there might be some maneuvering then, perhaps… perhaps to reduce brother’s punishment…”
Wei Yan Zhi lowered his head, seeming uncomfortable. Qin Wan understood his meaning – with enough power and influence, even a murder case could be smoothed over. She spoke severely, “If the Wei family truly has such intentions, Second Young Master should discourage them. Better not to drag more people down trying to save the First Young Master.”
Wei Yan Zhi looked ashamed, “Don’t worry, Miss Nine, I certainly will. The Wei family definitely won’t pervert justice.”
Yue Ning added, “You’re overthinking it. Second Young Master is an upright person, he wouldn’t.”
Qin Wan curved her lips and exhaled, “Of course, I was too anxious.”
Wei Yan Zhi pulled at his collar with one hand and waved the other, “No matter, no matter. Miss Nine is righteous and heroic among women – I truly admire that…”
Qin Wan smiled silently as Yue Ning stood up, “Well then, you’re ill, so we won’t talk much more. When you’re better, we’ll spar again.” She glanced around the room, “Where’s your sword?”
Wei Yan Zhi coughed lightly, “Hanging in the inner chamber. Don’t worry, Princess, once I recover, I’ll certainly spar with you again.”
Yue Ning smiled and cupped her hands to him, showing her gallant bearing. Qin Wan also curtsied, and Wei Yan Zhi stepped forward, “Let me see you out…” He accompanied them to the door.
Wei Yan Zhi stood at the doorway, watching until Qin Wan and Yue Ning’s figures disappeared before turning back.
Once inside, Wei Yan Zhi removed his outer robe and asked the nearby servant, “It seems the news is true.”
The servant asked, “Why doesn’t First Young Master confess early to seek a lighter sentence?”
Wei Yan Zhi shook his head, “You know the First Young Master’s character – how could he easily submit? But wait, the magistrate will continue the investigation. He probably won’t hold out much longer.”
The servant then asked, “Master, are we not going to visit First Young Master? Even just to persuade him?”
Wei Yan Zhi’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at the servant, who immediately felt a chill and lowered his head, not daring to speak further.
……
……
After leaving the East Garden, Yue Ning exhaled a long breath and looked at Qin Wan, “How was it?”
Qin Wan frowned slightly, “His wrist was extremely hot. He couldn’t stand the heat in the room either – you could tell from his flushed cheeks. Though he clearly can’t tolerate it, he still maintains such a large fire. There must be something strange, but when I examined the stove, I couldn’t spot anything unusual. Right now, we have no justification to search his quarters, so we can only let it be.”
Yue Ning said, “I hadn’t noticed before, but now I realize Wei Yan Zhi is quite skilled. While he says Wei Qi Zhi didn’t bully him, his expressions, tone, and words all silently accuse him. I particularly dislike this – a grown man putting on an act of hesitant suffering, too many twists and turns!”
Qin Wan also sighed, “And his initial reaction to hearing about Wei Qi Zhi’s arrest was odd. He seemed to hesitate before showing surprise, making me think he knew from the beginning. If he knew beforehand and is now putting on an act, something is amiss. Moreover, he didn’t question Wei Qi Zhi’s guilt at all – his stance was even firmer than ours. He immediately asked about reducing the punishment rather than questioning whether Wei Qi Zhi might be innocent.”
Yue Ning nodded, “And he’s unwilling to visit Wei Qi Zhi. Perhaps it’s truly as he says, fearing it would be counterproductive. But as Wei Qi Zhi’s brother, does he want him to confess immediately? Knowing Wei Qi Zhi was tortured in prison, his first reaction wasn’t to visit him – he only brought it up much later, and when we suggested he go persuade him, he refused.”
“There are too many suspicious points. Now we just wait for the magistrate’s investigation results.”
Hearing Qin Wan’s words, Yue Ning said, “If you want to know the results, why not stay at the Marquis Mansion tonight?”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised, “How could I? I’ve already imposed before…”
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, “That was when you were treating Grandmother’s illness. Grandmother treats you like a daughter and cares for you so much. Yet you speak such distant words to me? If I hadn’t seen how much effort you’ve put into this case, I wouldn’t bother about whether you could get the news immediately…”
Qin Wan felt warmth in her heart hearing these words. After thinking, she nodded, “Alright, but please send someone to inform the Qin Manor.”
Yue Ning agreed with an “Mm,” then suddenly seemed to remember something, “I noticed you’ve added some people to your courtyard. Will it be alright if you don’t return tonight?”
Qin Wan felt puzzled at these words, but quickly, Wan Xing’s image flashed in her mind. She shook her head and said, “It’s fine, everything’s arranged properly. There shouldn’t be any problems.”
Relieved, Yue Ning immediately ordered someone to go to the Qin Manor, then took Qin Wan to the Imperial Princess’s quarters. When the Imperial Princess learned Qin Wan would stay overnight, she immediately instructed Lady Jiang to prepare extra dishes for everyone’s dinner.
Lady Jiang was fond of Qin Wan and happily agreed. Soon after, Yue Qing returned from the military camp. Learning that Qin Wan hadn’t left yet and would stay overnight, he was overjoyed and brought a cloth package to the Imperial Princess like presenting a treasure.
“Grandmother, look, I found two rare editions…”
The Imperial Princess looked over, smiling, “What rare editions make you so happy?”
Yue Qing opened the small cloth package and took out two yellowed books, “They’re the ninth and tenth volumes of ‘Inner Canon.'”
Seeing they were medical texts, the Imperial Princess’s smile became meaningful. Yue Ning raised her eyebrows slightly as Yue Qing said with a smile, “I’ve bought many books recently, but I have no use for these medical texts. I plan to give them to Miss Nine…”
Qin Wan’s face remained impassive, but she sighed inwardly. The Imperial Princess smiled and took Qin Wan’s hand, “Wan child, these medical texts will be far more useful to you than those story books from the shops. Please accept them.”
Qin Wan’s lips tightened, feeling somewhat helpless. Yue Qing’s intentions seemed quite obvious, and these two medical books certainly weren’t randomly purchased. Not only were they rare editions, but they had been lost for many years – even Medicine Valley only had fragments of the tenth volume of “Inner Canon.” Though Yue Qing had been at the military camp these days, his thoughts must have been entirely on these two books.
“Imperial Princess… these books are too precious, how could I dare…”
The Imperial Princess squeezed Qin Wan’s hand, “If I say it’s fine, then it’s fine. You cured my illness, and I haven’t properly thanked you yet. Consider these two books as my gift to you. What, you won’t accept even my gifts?”
Qin Wan was at a loss for words, “If the Imperial Princess bestows them, I naturally dare not refuse, but…”
“Haha, then accept them, don’t be so reserved.”
After speaking, the Imperial Princess squeezed Qin Wan’s palm. Looking up, Qin Wan saw understanding flickering in the Imperial Princess’s eyes. Qin Wan was startled – the Imperial Princess had seen through it, had seen both Yue Qing’s intentions and her awkwardness.
After a moment’s eye contact, Qin Wan finally lowered her head and curtsied, “Then Qin Wan will accept them. Thank you, Imperial Princess.”
The Imperial Princess smiled broadly. Yue Ning looked between the Imperial Princess and Qin Wan, feeling the Princess’s words held deeper meaning, but still happily handed the books to Fu Ling. The Imperial Princess then looked at Yue Qing, “This time, it’s not Miss Nine who owes you a favor. You’re being filial to your grandmother – consider these books as found for Miss Nine on my behalf, how’s that?”
Yue Qing felt increasingly that something was strange, but still nodded hesitantly, “Yes, being filial to Grandmother in any way is fine.”
The Imperial Princess looked at Yue Qing with resigned affection in her eyes, “I know your filial piety, silly child… Be careful in the military camp, don’t get hurt…”
Yue Qing glanced at Qin Wan and puffed out his chest, “Don’t worry, Grandmother. Few in the military camp can match me, and besides, a real man doesn’t mind a few minor injuries.”
The Imperial Princess smiled and shook her head. Seeing Lu Yun’s shadow flash outside, she said, “Well then, it’s time for dinner. Let’s go to the Hall of Accumulated Kindness.”
The Hall of Accumulated Kindness was where the Marquis Mansion usually entertained guests and held feasts. Today, since everyone was dining together, Lady Jiang had tables set up in the hall. Besides the Yue family members, both Qin Wan and Yan Chi were honored guests.
The Imperial Princess sat in the center, with Yan Chi on her right and Qin Wan on her left. Even Yue Rong could only sit below Yan Chi. Yue Rong smiled, “Mother has ordered Drunken Flower Shadow wine prepared – Mother is very happy today.”
As he spoke, Lu Xiu brought up the wine vessel. The Imperial Princess said, “This wine came with me from Jin Zhou ten years ago. We’ve drunk quite a bit over the years, and not much remains. Today I’ve opened a vessel – everyone drinks freely. When Wan’s child stayed here before, I wasn’t clear-headed, and she hasn’t stayed since. Tonight she’s staying, and we’ll dine together – consider this old lady’s expression of gratitude for saving my life. Wan child, dare you drink?”
Sitting in the honored position, Qin Wan felt quite uncomfortable and quickly replied, “I dare to share a cup with the Imperial Princess.”
The Imperial Princess laughed, pointing at Yue Ning and the others, “When these were young, I tricked them all into drinking. Ji’er and Qing’er found it spicy and wouldn’t drink anymore. Only Ning’er held her little wine cup and drank a whole cup without knowing what it was. Later she got so drunk her little face turned red, and she fell asleep without crying or fussing – gave Jing Shu quite a fright.”
The Imperial Princess’s smile was clear, her expression showing flying spirits of remembrance. Looking at her expression, Qin Wan suddenly understood – born into the imperial family, the Imperial Princess must have been unrestrained in her youth, only tempering her nature after marriage. But in her bones, the imperial noble blood remained unchanged, that unrestrained flourish unchanged.
That’s why, even as a grandmother then, she could do such bold and amusing things.
Lady Jiang and Yue Rong both smiled brightly. Lady Jiang complained teasingly, “Mother still remembers – Ning’er was only four then. Usually, she would cry and insist on sleeping with me, but that day she was as docile as a kitten – gave me quite a shock.”
The Imperial Princess shook her head with a smile, “All of you were such timid ones. Think back then…” She paused, then didn’t continue, sighing instead, “Never mind, we’re all old ladies now, let’s not speak of those things. Lu Xiu pours wine for everyone and fills Xiao Qi’s cup too. Come to think of it, some of this Drunken Flower Shadow was from what your father gave me back then…”
Yan Chi raised his eyebrows, “Father gave you this? Father never drinks…”
The Imperial Princess snorted, “He doesn’t drink? Hmph, that was only after he joined the military. Try it – how does it compare to the capital’s wine?”
Hearing this, Yan Chi raised his cup, “To Great-Aunt.” As he was about to drink—
“Your Highness’s injury hasn’t healed – you cannot drink alcohol.”
Just as Yan Chi was about to drink, Qin Wan suddenly spoke. Her words were somewhat abrupt, and even she was startled after speaking. Others also froze, and Yan Chi held the wine cup at his lips.
“Haha, I had forgotten—” The Imperial Princess burst out laughing, “Never mind then! With our little medical fairy sitting here, we’re both her patients and naturally must listen to her. Today, you have no fortune to taste this wine! Put down the cup and have tea instead!”
With this, everyone at the table laughed. Yan Chi lowered his wine cup very slowly. Qin Wan curved her lips, watching her cup being filled with wine. This Drunken Flower Shadow was an imperial tribute wine of the Great Zhou, regularly kept by the royal family but extremely rare among common people. Qin Wan had tasted it once before and found it unforgettable. She felt no regret about stopping Yan Chi from drinking and contentedly shared a cup with the Imperial Princess.
As soon as the wine entered her throat, its mellow fragrance spread. Only then did Qin Wan notice that Yan Chi’s gaze had been fixed on her the whole time. Whether due to the wine’s influence or something else, Qin Wan inwardly snorted and ignored it. With Lady Jiang enthusiastically serving dishes beside her, Qin Wan ate and drank her fill, deliberately not noticing the meaningful look in Yan Chi’s gaze.
After the meal, Fu Ling helped Qin Wan return to Yue Ning’s quarters. The Drunken Flower Shadow didn’t have much of an aftereffect, but perhaps because Miss Nine’s constitution wasn’t good with alcohol, Qin Wan felt somewhat dizzy. As soon as she entered the bedroom, she felt sleepy. After Fu Ling helped her wash up, Qin Wan fell asleep immediately. Having witnessed Qin Wan’s vigor for many days, Yue Ning couldn’t help but laugh at this sight.
The Drunken Flower Shadow’s wine charm was long-lasting. Qin Wan slept dreamlessly through the night. Early the next morning, just as Qin Wan was opening her bleary eyes, she heard Lu Qi’s urgent yet excited voice!
“Miss, the magistrate has entered the East Garden with his men!”
Qin Wan started and sat up abruptly – Magistrate Huo had come to arrest Wei Yan Zhi!