Having gained another patient, Qin Wan made consecutive visits to the Qin Manor for three days. On this particular visit, Yue Ning was already waiting inside and immediately said, “He hasn’t returned yet, we’ll need to wait a while.”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “His injuries haven’t healed yet. Where did he go?”
While accompanying Qin Wan to the East Garden, Yue Ning explained, “The officials at the Inspection Bureau have reviewed the details of Song Rou’s case. Yesterday, Xu He came to say the Prefecture Lord is preparing to submit a memorial to the capital. In a few days, they’ll be sent to the capital along with two other suspects. When Wei Qi heard this, he couldn’t sit still and went to see Wei Yan Zhi in prison today.”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes and sighed. It was approaching September, and the end of each year was when all prefectures submitted their annual administrative reports to the capital, with criminal cases being a crucial part of these reports.
Yue Ning continued, “The prefecture’s current verdict aligns with what you said – severe but not fatal. It will likely remain the same when the case reaches the capital. Wei Qi knows this might be his last chance to see Wei Yan Zhi.” She raised an eyebrow, “Though I wonder what he wanted to tell Wei Yan Zhi.”
When Qin Wan and Yue Ning reached the East Garden, they sat briefly in a side hall. Soon, they heard Yue Qing’s voice outside. They rose and went out to find Yue Qing leading the way, with Wei Qi leaning on a crutch, supported by Wu Shu. Upon seeing Qin Wan and Yue Ning, Yue Qing quickly stepped forward, “Ninth Miss, sorry to keep you waiting!”
Qin Wan curtsied, and just as Yue Ning was about to tease Yue Qing, she noticed Wei Qi’s solemn expression and held her tongue.
Once inside, Wei Qi managed a faint smile, “My apologies for keeping Ninth Miss waiting.”
While taking out cotton cloth and ointment, Qin Wan asked, “Did you accomplish what you wanted at the prison today?”
Wei Qi, his leg still wrapped in layers of bandages, was helped onto a couch where he stretched out his injured leg. This time, he didn’t even flinch when Qin Wan removed the bandages.
“Accomplish what?” Wei Qi’s voice was rough, “I had no particular purpose, just wanted to see him. After all, we grew up together as brothers.”
“Brothers?” Yue Qing was the first to react, “How can you still consider him a brother after how he framed you? Today you saw it yourself – he wouldn’t even look at you.”
Yue Ning asked with surprise, “What do you mean he wouldn’t look?”
At this, Yue Qing spoke up in Wei Qi’s defense, “Today Young Master Wei went to see Wei Yan Zhi out of kindness, but when he arrived at the prison, Wei Yan Zhi sat with his back turned and wouldn’t even face him. Young Master Wei stayed for half an hour, but Wei Yan Zhi neither moved nor spoke a single word.”
Wei Qi lowered his eyes and gave a bitter smile, “He probably thought I came to gloat. With the humiliation and resentment in his heart, naturally, he wouldn’t speak to me…”
Yue Qing shook his head, “Young Master Wei, with your leg injury being so severe, I advised against you going in the first place.”
Wei Qi only responded with a bitter smile. At this point, Wu Shu came forward with a medicine bowl and said, “Second Young Master doesn’t understand – our master has always been the most kindhearted. Since childhood, he’s treated Second Young Master Wei like a real brother. Neither master nor I expected things to turn out this way. Though I’m full of anger, the master is more understanding, saying Second Young Master has had it difficult.”
Yue Qing shook his head disapprovingly, “If we excuse everyone who has had difficulties when they commit crimes, there would be countless bandits and villains in the world. Young Master Wei’s kindness is admirable, but he shouldn’t be so forgiving toward Wei Yan Zhi.”
Wei Qi shook his head, “It’s not forgiveness. We were brothers after all – I just wanted to say goodbye. In a few days, he’ll be sent to the capital, and we’ll likely never meet again.” As he spoke, Wei Qi seemed to recall memories and sighed deeply, “Looking back, I always thought I’d been good enough to him, but now I see I didn’t understand his suffering. At least… regarding his mother’s matter, I was indeed at fault.”
The room fell silent at Wei Qi’s words. After a moment, he let out a long breath and continued, “Even if I was wrong, it was a minor fault. After his mother fell ill, I sent medicine. She wanted to send him to be raised under my mother’s name but couldn’t bear to part with their daily mother-son bond. Later, she painfully sent him away, but it left a scar on her heart. My mother was indeed somewhat excessive, but his mother had always been in poor health. Now my leg injury pays my debt to him, and regarding that incident, I won’t make any explanations. We’re even now. But what he did to Cousin Rou was unforgivable – his current punishment is deserved!”
Yue Qing finally laughed heartily, “That’s exactly right! I knew with Young Master Wei’s wisdom, you’d see the right and wrong of this matter. He disturbed the peace of three households, and now he faces the consequences of his actions.”
Qin Wan, who had been changing Wei Qi’s bandages all this time, shook her head and said, “Young Master Wei, as the elder brother, you’re already the victim, yet you still sympathize with Wei Yan Zhi. It’s truly admirable.”
Qin Wan’s tone was completely insincere and carried a hint of teasing.
Wei Qi grinned, “Ninth Miss is indeed perceptive, seeing through my small scheme. A man must sometimes endure humiliation to achieve greater goals. Though it’s natural for me to complain about such a great injustice, wouldn’t appearing to care about his welfare make you all think better of me? Perhaps you might even think me loyal and righteous, and use your expertise to restore my leg to normal…”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “Young Master Wei, restoring your leg to normal won’t be easy.”
Wei Qi leaned back and sighed deeply, “It seems those dozens of ‘beauties’ in my stables will be forever out of my reach!”
Everyone knew of Wei Qi’s love for horses, and his “beauties” referred to his precious horses that he had invested heavily in. But now with his leg injury, which would likely leave him with a permanent disability, how could a lame man ride horses?
Yue Ning’s eyes twinkled, “Why give up? Young Master Wei could switch from training horses to trading them. Since you have no interest in official careers, you’ll need something to do in the future. If you become the capital’s top horse merchant, you might even shed your reputation as a wastrel.”
Perhaps because Wei Qi enjoyed self-deprecating humor, even someone like Yue Ning had begun to tease him occasionally. Hearing her words, Wei Qi smiled bitterly, “Princess is truly thoughtful, planning my future career already. Would Princess like to be my first customer? I have a Xizheng thoroughbred named Snow Treader, with a pure white coat that rivals frost and snow, perfectly suited for Princess…”
Yue Ning raised her eyebrows, “How can Young Master Wei say such things? You’re staying at the Marquis Manor, receiving the best care and treatment, even being treated by my grandmother’s physician, the First Divine Doctor of Jinzhou, yet instead of offering each of us siblings a horse, you dare to ask for payment? Brother, I can’t believe you call him brother…”
Wei Qi’s face fell, and he looked to Yue Qing for help. Just as Yue Qing was about to smile and defend Wei Qi, Qin Wan nodded, “The Princess makes a valid point.”
Hearing this, Yue Qing’s “don’t listen to my sister’s nonsense” immediately became “I think so too.” Wei Qi stared at Yue Qing with wide eyes, his leg pain was nothing compared to his heart’s pain.
After finishing with Wei Qi’s leg wound, Qin Wan asked while putting away the ointment, “Where is Prince Chi?”
At this, Yue Ning quickly replied, “He’s been at the military camp these past two days. Is something the matter?”
Qin Wan said, “His wounds haven’t healed either, and it’s time to change his bandages.” After a brief pause, she continued, “Since he’s not here, I’ll leave the ointment at the manor. Princess, please help deliver it to Prince Chi.”
Before Yue Ning could respond, Yue Qing said, “I’m afraid Prince Chi won’t return for several days.”
Both Yue Ning and Qin Wan looked at Yue Qing, who scratched his neck and said, “He’s helping Father revise the Yue Army’s military system, likely staying at the camp for five or six days…”
Qin Wan frowned, “Will the Second Young Master be going to the military camp?”
Yue Qing nodded, “Of course.”
Qin Wan then took out the ointment from her sleeve, “Then please help deliver this to Prince Chi. He knows how to apply it.”
Yue Qing was delighted to help and immediately accepted.
Qin Wan thought for a moment and added, “Please also tell Prince Chi to avoid any combat training to prevent reopening his wounds.”
Yue Qing readily agreed, and after Qin Wan expressed her thanks, she left with Yue Ning. After a few steps, Qin Wan suddenly said, “I seem to have quite a fateful connection with the Marquis Manor, gaining yet another patient.”
Yue Ning laughed and looked at her teasingly, “I wonder which one concerns you the most?”
Qin Wan blinked, her expression completely normal, “They’re all the same to me, of course.”
Yue Ning seemed about to say something but thought better of it. After bidding farewell to the Grand Princess, Yue Qing personally escorted Qin Wan to the manor gates, and soon the carriage carrying her slowly departed from the front of the Marquis Manor…
Watching the carriage gradually disappear, Huo Ning’s gaze lingered on it from around the street corner.
Fei Quan whispered beside her, “Master, why not go greet her?”
Huo Ning’s lips were tightly pressed together, “Who is she? Why should I greet her?”
Fei Quan pouted, “Master first stayed locked away for half a month, then started acting strange after seeing Ninth Miss. I don’t know if the master is afraid of Ninth Miss or what. It wasn’t like this before…”
At these words, Huo Ning felt another wave of frustration rise in her heart.
Indeed, it wasn’t like this before… Before, it was Qin Wan’s gaze that followed him!
Upon returning to the Qin Manor, the entire inner residence was peaceful, with no movement from the direction of Lin Feng Court. Qin Wan hadn’t visited Yao Xin Lan for the past two days, and Yao Xin Lan hadn’t sent Mo Shu to summon her. Feeling somewhat tired, Qin Wan simply returned to Ting Lan Court.
Returning to her courtyard, Ting Lan Court was quiet. As soon as Qin Wan entered the main room, her brows furrowed. Fu Ling followed behind and asked with confusion, “What’s wrong, Miss?”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, scanning the front hall before quickly walking to the inner chamber. “Someone’s been here.”
Fu Ling was startled, “Ah, is it the same person who entered before?”
After checking the inner chamber, Qin Wan went to the study. Noticing the slightly misaligned books on the shelf, she nodded, “It must be her again. This time she focused on the study.”
Fu Ling frowned deeply, “Who could it be? Could it be one of the Four Evening Ladies?”
Qin Wan walked over and rearranged the books neatly, then curved her lips and let out a light snort. “Finding out who entered isn’t difficult. I was too busy with medicine-making and autopsies before to focus on this, but now I have time.”
She continued, “Go fetch some herbs…”
Fu Ling’s expression became focused as she began memorizing the Chinese medicine names Qin Wan listed.
After giving instructions, Qin Wan added, “Take Wan Xing with you to get the herbs.”
Fu Ling responded with an “Mm” and hurried out. Once Fu Ling left, Qin Wan sat down to collect her thoughts.
Someone had indeed entered a second time, and this time only visited the study, not the inner chamber. Whatever they were most concerned about was in the study. Though everyone in the manor knew she couldn’t remember things from before she fell into the lake, the culprit wouldn’t completely believe this. The intruder was likely searching for some clues.
Soon, Fu Ling and Wan Xing returned with the herbs. Fu Ling thought Qin Wan would do something with them, but instead saw her mixing incense by the window.
Thinking Qin Wan had her reasons, Fu Ling didn’t dare ask more. Qin Wan continued mixing until dusk fell.
After dinner, Fu Ling advised, “Miss, please rest early tonight. Now that the Marquis Manor case is finally finished, you should take care of yourself. After drinking ginseng soup for several days, your complexion has improved significantly.”
Qin Wan was feeling tired and was about to take Fu Ling’s advice when suddenly there was a “thud” sound outside the back window. Qin Wan and Fu Ling exchanged glances, both thinking they had misheard.
But soon, a second sound came – something hitting their back window.
Fu Ling’s first instinct was to call for help, but Qin Wan grabbed her arm. Fu Ling looked at Qin Wan with alarm, “Miss? Shouldn’t we call for help?”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together and shook her head, “Let’s look first. These sounds are deliberate.”
Fu Ling paused briefly before understanding – if it was deliberate, there likely wasn’t malicious intent.
Nodding slightly, but still concerned, Fu Ling grabbed a feather duster from a nearby shelf while Qin Wan strode toward the back window.
The back window was tightly closed. Qin Wan took a deep breath and pushed it open. The dim indoor light immediately illuminated the area behind the house – a garden of orchids in Lan Ting Court, with two ancient willows standing quietly against the back wall. Scanning the clear view of the orchid garden, Qin Wan saw no one.
Just as she was puzzled, Qin Wan turned her gaze and saw a human figure under the ancient willows in the corner.
The person stood tall and straight, but their head and face were wrapped. Looking at them, Qin Wan could tell it was a man, and the figure seemed familiar, but she couldn’t identify who it was. As she narrowed her eyes, the person spoke.
“Ninth Sister, might I have a word?”
The hoarse voice came from beneath the tree, carried by the cold night wind, making Qin Wan’s eyes widen!
Qin Li! The person standing under the tree was Qin Li!
Across a distance of about fifteen meters, Qin Wan almost thought she was dreaming!
Though the back wall wasn’t particularly high, it was the middle of the night, and Qin Li had climbed over it to seek her out in such a strange way. It was both absurd and eerie. Qin Wan stood inside without moving, even considering slamming the window shut.
“Ninth Sister, I have an urgent matter to discuss. Might I have a word?”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, gripping the window frame tightly to ensure she could close it at any moment.
Fu Ling stood ready with the feather duster. She hadn’t heard clearly the first time Qin Li spoke, but she heard him this time. Her scalp tingled as she pulled Qin Wan back, “Miss, it’s so late. Don’t talk to Second Young Master. Miss, close the window…”
Qin Wan felt the same way. She had witnessed Qin Li’s bizarre nature and held no goodwill toward him. Moreover, he had sneaked into her courtyard in the middle of the night – surely not for anything that could bear daylight. Why couldn’t he speak during the day instead of this late hour? Qin Wan took a deep breath and moved to close the window—
“Second Sister! Please save my life!”
Qin Wan had closed the window halfway when Qin Li suddenly stepped forward urgently. Hearing these words, her hand froze. She suddenly remembered Qin Li’s illness – he hadn’t been seen for many days, staying behind closed doors and even selling off his servants. Qin Wan vividly remembered the festering wounds she had seen on his neck at Jin Xiu Square.
As a healer, Qin Wan instinctively responded to pleas for medical help, which always helped her think more clearly.
Her deep gaze fell on Qin Li – had he truly come seeking help, or did he have other motives?
If he was seeking help, she could assist, but she feared he might have other schemes.
“Miss… ask Second Young Master to come back tomorrow…”
Fu Ling whispered, still extremely wary of the Second Young Master. If word of this late-night visit got out, it would surely cause more trouble, and her mistress couldn’t handle such drama!
“Even for life-saving matters, you should come during the day. It’s too late now, Second Brother, please go back.”
With these words, Qin Wan shut the window with a “click.” Only then did she feel slightly relieved, and Fu Ling let out a small sigh. Though they had firmly refused him, Qin Wan didn’t move, and Qin Li, seeming to know she was still there, continued speaking softly, “If this illness allowed me to come during the day, why would I disturb Second Sister at this hour? Ninth Sister is known throughout for her medical skills. Second Brother truly has no other option. Please save my life…”
As he spoke, Qin Li suddenly began coughing, making Qin Wan’s brows furrow.
It was a moonless, starless night, and with the window closed, the orchid garden outside was pitch black. Qin Li had his head and face wrapped, with only his eyes visible – a truly frightening appearance at this late hour. His eyes were fixed intently on the window where Qin Wan had appeared, his gaze locked on the silhouette behind it.
One moment, two moments passed, and the hope in Qin Li’s eyes gradually dimmed as time went by. Though the silhouette hadn’t moved, it seemed the person behind the window was determined not to open it again at this hour.
Qin Li bit his lip, clenched his fist, and prepared to leave—
Just as he turned around, feeling the cold pervading his entire body, the tightly closed window suddenly creaked open. Qin Li’s back stiffened as Qin Wan’s calm voice came from behind, “Second Brother, let’s talk in the left warming room.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the window clicked shut again.
Qin Li stood still, his chest heaving, and turned to see that the previously dark warming room had suddenly lit up, with its side window now open. His heart surged as he hurried toward the window.
Inside, Fu Ling was muttering softly, “Miss, you…”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Guard outside, and don’t let anyone discover this matter.”
Fu Ling knew that once Qin Wan decided to do something, not even ten horses could pull her back, so she quickly agreed and went to stand guard. As Fu Ling left, Qin Li appeared at the window.
He stood outside, showing no intention of climbing in. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “Must I invite you in, Second Brother?”
Qin Li gave a bitter smile, “Ninth Sister, for your safety, I’d better stay outside to talk.”
Qin Wan fixed her gaze on him, looking him up and down briefly, “I heard you’ve been ill for days. You just asked me to save your life – has your condition worsened?” She continued, “You’re covering your head and face, not just to avoid being recognized, but also to hide your symptoms, aren’t you?”
Qin Li’s exposed eyes suddenly brightened, “Ninth Sister, only you can save me!”
This response confirmed Qin Wan’s speculation. Her heart sank as she stepped forward, “Remove your cloak and face covering—”
At these words, Qin Li raised his hand but hesitated.
“Ninth Sister, I’m afraid my appearance might be frightening right now, you—”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, “When I tell you to remove them, remove them.”
At this command, Qin Li seemed to steel himself and pulled off the cloak and face coverings. The sight made even Qin Wan, who was unfazed by autopsies and dissections, feel her scalp tingle.
The indoor lamplight fell on Qin Li, revealing his face completely.
Previously, though Qin Li had a smiling face and was thin, sometimes giving off an eerie, effeminate impression, he had still been considered reasonably handsome and elegant. But now, after not being seen for just over ten days, he had become nothing but skin and bones. Most horrifying were the sores around his mouth – purple-red lesions spreading from his lips, with visible signs of festering discharge. Qin Wan’s gaze swept over him, noting similar wounds behind his ears and on his neck. Though he was completely covered, she knew without looking that these must be spreading across his entire body.
Qin Li saw the emotions flickering in Qin Wan’s eyes. He smiled bitterly, “It seems Ninth Sister already knows what illness this is. It’s shameful to speak of, and I shouldn’t have come to Ninth Sister, but everyone in Jinzhou knows of your superior medical skills. If this matter gets out, my reputation will be ruined. I trust you, Ninth Sister. Please save my life!”
Qin Wan was deeply shocked – she had only suspected before, but never imagined it would be true!
Not only was it true, but from what Qin Wan could see, Qin Li’s syphilis had been developing for over half a month. Soon, these purple-red protruding sores would spread to more areas – his lower body, even his hands. Syphilis was the most shameful disease in all of Da Zhou, most commonly found among brothel courtesans!
As the Second Young Master of the Qin Manor, though born of a concubine, Qin Li lived a life of privilege and status. Though known for his romantic nature, Qin Wan was certain he would never frequent brothels. She couldn’t understand how he had contracted this disease.
“Ninth Sister must wonder how I contracted this illness.” Qin Li’s voice was rough, having lost both his usual playful demeanor and affected gravitas. His emaciated frame now swayed beneath the heavy cloak. Qin Wan understood that even just over ten days with this disease must have been absolute torment!
“But that’s a long story, and I won’t trouble Ninth Sister with outside matters.” His eyes darkened as he continued, “I know this disease is extremely difficult to cure. In all of Da Zhou, no one can guarantee its cure. I had planned to hide it to protect my reputation, but somehow, I felt Ninth Sister could accomplish what others could not, just as you saved my Sister-in-law’s life. Ninth Sister, will you help me?”
Qin Li’s voice trembled, his eyes pleading. Seeing him like this, Qin Wan sighed inwardly but maintained a calm exterior. “How long have you had this illness?”
Qin Li’s eyes flickered as he lowered his head, “Seven or eight days.”
Qin Wan let out a cold laugh and moved to close the window, “If Second Brother won’t tell me the truth, please return where you came from. I won’t treat those who speak nothing but lies!”
“No, no, please don’t be angry, Ninth Sister—”
Qin Li urgently held the window, hurrying to explain, “It’s been thirteen or fourteen days. At first, there were just one or two blisters, which I ignored. Only when they grew larger did I realize the severity.”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, “I know how this disease is contracted, and Second Brother knows even better. May I ask, do you know who infected you?”
Qin Li smiled bitterly, “That… I truly don’t know. But it’s not important. After this, I will certainly maintain proper conduct. This matter shouldn’t be spread around. I even feel guilty having Ninth Sister treat this disease. So, Ninth Sister need only treat me – there’s no need to concern yourself with anything else.”
A thought flashed through Qin Wan’s mind, “Then Second Brother didn’t contract this disease within the manor?”
Surprise flickered in Qin Li’s eyes, “Of course not. I only have two personal maids who grew up in the manor – it certainly wasn’t from them—”
Qin Wan felt slightly relieved, then spoke solemnly, “Since Second Brother has come seeking help, even if I shouldn’t treat this disease, I won’t abandon you to your fate. However…” her voice deepened, “I cannot guarantee a cure. Second Brother knows that usually, those who contract this disease can only await death.”
Hope flashed in Qin Li’s eyes. He stepped back and bowed deeply to Qin Wan, “Thank you, Ninth Sister. Even if I ultimately die, I’ll have no regrets as long as you’re willing to help.” He raised his head, “Whatever Ninth Sister commands, from now on, I will obey even at the cost of my life.”
Qin Wan laughed coldly inside – people truly changed when facing death.
“We needn’t discuss this now. You came too urgently tonight, and I don’t have suitable medicine here. Return home for now and come back tomorrow night at the same time. By then, I can at least write you a prescription.” After a pause, Qin Wan forced herself to maintain a proper attitude toward Qin Li and added, “Judging by your lesions, they haven’t reached their most severe stage, but we can’t be careless.”
Qin Li didn’t dare argue with Qin Wan’s calm tone. He bowed deeply again in gratitude, then replaced his face covering and cloak hood, completely concealing himself as before, and turned to leave. After he left, Qin Wan closed the window, and questions immediately began growing wild in her mind…
Hearing no more sounds inside, Fu Ling knew Qin Li had left. She hurried in and asked softly, “Miss, has Second Young Master left? How was it? What serious illness made him seek treatment in the middle of the night?”
Qin Wan looked at Fu Ling and took a deep breath, “Syphilis.”
At these two words, confusion flickered in Fu Ling’s eyes. Qin Wan sighed and added, “What people commonly call the courtesan’s disease…”
“Ah— the courtesan’s disease!”
Fu Ling was shocked, “How could Second Young Master contract such a disease?!”
Qin Wan glanced outside and warned, “Lower your voice. I’m telling you because I don’t want to keep it from you, but don’t let others know.”
Fu Ling quickly covered her mouth and nodded repeatedly, “I won’t, I won’t, Miss. Not only would it be scandalous for the patient, but even you treating this disease could cause gossip!”
Qin Wan nodded, her expression is unusually grave. Seeing her like this, Fu Ling asked, “Miss, is it very difficult?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Very difficult, extremely difficult. Even I’m not confident.”
Fu Ling’s heart sank. Since learning of her mistress’s medical skills, she had watched Qin Wan save Grand Princess from the brink of death, cure Yao Xin Lan when both mother and child were nearly lost, and treat Yan Chi and Wei Qi. Every illness that came before her mistress had been curable, and each time she had been confident in her diagnosis. Only this time did Qin Wan openly admit her lack of confidence.
“Then Miss, what should we do? If we can’t cure Second Young Master, won’t he keep bothering you?”
Fu Ling’s concern wasn’t unfounded, but if Qin Wan could help Grand Princess, a stranger lying by the roadside, she naturally wouldn’t refuse Qin Li. This was her principle as a healer. Moreover, Qin Li’s previous ambiguous remarks always made her feel he knew some secret about the Qin Manor. Perhaps while treating him, she could glimpse these secrets and find the increasingly well-hidden culprit…
She had found Song Rou’s killer; surely she could find the Qin Manor’s villain as well.
“I am a healer, and his life is now in my hands. If he harbors ill intentions, I certainly won’t go easy on him. Don’t worry.”
As Qin Wan spoke, she also made up her mind. She had seen many evil people become desperate to survive when facing serious illness. Just now, she had seen this survival instinct in Qin Li as well.
Fu Ling nodded, “Then Miss, what do we do now?”
At this question, Qin Wan immediately stood up, “Now we sleep—”
“Ah?” Fu Ling was surprised, “Sleep?”
Qin Wan headed straight for the inner chamber, “Yes. Put out the lights here and let’s rest. This matter can’t be resolved quickly. Tomorrow, I need to personally visit the manor’s medicine storehouse.”
Though Qin Wan had said she wasn’t confident, hearing these words somehow reassured Fu Ling. She responded cheerfully and hurried to prepare Qin Wan’s bath and toiletries. After all the bustle, as she had said, Qin Wan retired early.
Perhaps because she had one more thing on her mind, Qin Wan slept restlessly that night. She woke early the next morning and walked around the courtyard for a quarter-hour before having breakfast and heading to the medicine storehouse with Fu Ling and Wan Xing.
Fu Ling noticed that whenever they visited the medicine storehouse, Qin Wan would direct Wan Xing, while for trips to the front court or other matters, she would assign others. Fu Ling quietly noted her mistress’s preferences, planning to arrange things accordingly in the future.
“Miss, you haven’t written any prescriptions today—”
Qin Wan nodded, “I haven’t decided which prescription to use. Looking at the medicine storehouse might help me decide.”
Fu Ling responded with an “Mm” and turned to look. She saw Wan Xing following silently like a shadow, making no sound the entire way. Fu Ling felt satisfied – though Wan Xing was somewhat dull, she was reliable and unassuming. Indeed, silent workers were the best helpers!
While Fu Ling pondered this, they soon reached the medicine storehouse. The guards outside no longer dared stop Qin Wan and quickly welcomed her in. Just inside the gate, a young maid walked out, apparently startled to encounter manor masters here. She hurriedly stepped aside and curtsied.
Qin Wan glanced at the maid, noting the medicine package in her hand.
She waved her hand and proceeded to the main hall without comment.
“Miss, that was Xiu Qin from Eighth Concubine’s household.”
After walking a few steps, Fu Ling spoke softly to Qin Wan. Qin Wan half-turned, looking back to see the maid hurriedly leaving. She responded with an “Mm,” but didn’t dwell on it, her mind preoccupied with Qin Li’s illness.
Qian Bai Ren had already seen Qin Wan and stood at the door to welcome her. “Greetings to Ninth Miss. Haven’t seen you visit for several days, though these two ladies came just last night.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Take me to look inside the storehouse. I need to make some emergency medicine pills for Grand Princess. There are many ingredients, and I want to select them myself—”
Hearing the Grand Princess mention, Qian Bai Ren dared not be negligent and quickly agreed, leading Qin Wan inside. The Qin Manor’s medicine storehouse was substantial – though it didn’t stock as much of each ingredient as outside pharmacies, it had a very complete variety. Seeing the drawers full of various medicines, Qin Wan nodded with satisfaction.
“By the way, what medicine did that young maid come to get?”
Qin Wan asked casually. Qian Bai Ren replied quietly, “She’s from Eighth Concubine’s household. Said the Eighth Concubine’s monthly period has been lasting too long and came to get medicine to regulate it.”
Qin Wan nodded – women often experienced prolonged menstrual bleeding, which was normal. Setting this matter aside, she walked to the rows of medicine cabinets. After circling the storehouse once, Qin Wan had a general idea in mind. She immediately thought of two prescriptions, wrote them down, and gave one each to Fu Ling and Wan Xing, telling them to gather the ingredients separately. Both prescriptions appeared to be for joint and bone pain, very normal for elderly people to use. At first, Qian Bai Ren followed Fu Ling and Wan Xing, but after understanding the apparent ailment, he lost interest and withdrew.
Once Qian Bai Ren left, the storehouse became empty and quiet. Thinking of the young maid from earlier reminded Qin Wan of Eighth Concubine, which naturally led to remembering when Eighth Concubine had emerged from the Purple Bamboo Grove. She hadn’t been to the northeast area since then and didn’t know if Eighth Concubine had returned to the grove, nor had she had another chance to investigate Eighth Concubine’s purpose for going there…
As Qin Wan walked and thought, she soon reached the prescription storage area by the medicine cabinets. On top was the very prescription for Eighth Concubine’s medicine that the young maid had just collected. Qin Wan glanced at the entrance, saw that Qian Bai Ren hadn’t returned, and was inexplicably compelled to pick up and examine the prescription. As soon as she looked at it, her brows immediately furrowed!