For three consecutive days, Lin Feng Court remained peaceful. The anger Yao Xin Lan had shown that day had completely vanished. Mo Shu’s sorrowful demeanor had transformed into a light and lively disposition. Yao Xin Lan’s spirits had improved greatly, and on this day, she even managed to take Qin Wan out for a walk.
“This time last year, I had just married into the family. The chrysanthemums in West Garden were in full bloom, and Mother hosted a chrysanthemum viewing banquet. But this year, Father is ill, the manor has just undergone reorganization, Mother is feeling unwell these days, and Grandmother is in meditation and fasting. The Autumn Festival in the manor passed without celebration, and now everything feels quite desolate.”
Yao Xin Lan walked with one hand supporting her lower back and the other holding Qin Wan’s arm. Mo Shu and Fu Ling followed behind carrying cloaks, while seven or eight servants trailed at a distance carrying tea and snacks. Before long, Qin Wan could smell the fragrance of chrysanthemums.
The Qin Manor, being wealthy, naturally devoted great effort to its scenery and flowers. Beyond Ting Lan Court lay an orchid garden, while West Garden contained a chrysanthemum garden. Other areas featured plum forests or lotus ponds, ensuring each season had its distinctive view.
“Now that we’re in the ninth month, the weather has cooled. I wanted to eat crab, but I can’t have any now.”
Yao Xin Lan looked down at her protruding belly. “This little one kicked me again last night. When your Elder Brother felt the movement, the baby even kicked him. You should have seen it – when he saw my belly move, he was completely stunned. He asked if I was in pain, saying such a small creature turning about in my belly must be uncomfortable.”
Joy permeated Yao Xin Lan’s voice. Looking at her, Qin Wan almost joined the others in admiring the young couple’s devotion. However, she still remembered Yao Xin Lan’s dream, even though Yao Xin Lan herself seemed to have forgotten it. That dream hung like a heavy shadow over Qin Wan’s heart, preventing her from joining in Yao Xin Lan’s conversation or making playful remarks, fearing that Yao Xin Lan’s current happiness might also be just a dream.
“Sister-in-law indeed shouldn’t eat crab in your current condition. Wait until next year. By this time next year, your body will have recovered well, and you can host your chrysanthemum viewing banquet. Then you can eat to your heart’s content…”
At Qin Wan’s words, Yao Xin Lan smiled. “That’s exactly right. The child will be born around New Year, and by this time next year, I’ll have fully recovered. Ninth Sister, let’s make a promise – next year at this time, we must hold a chrysanthemum viewing banquet together. We’ll admire chrysanthemums, eat crab, and open several jars of ten-year-old nu’er hong wine. How wonderful that will be!”
As they talked, the two had reached the chrysanthemum garden. Under the clear sky, the well-tended garden displayed yellow Huang Xiang Li chrysanthemums, white Yao Tai Feng Wu blooms, pink Er Qiao flowers, and orange Dian Jiang Chun varieties, arranged like carpets of color across the flower beds. A wooden corridor bridge led from the outer edge directly to a pavilion in the garden’s center. Qin Wan helped Yao Xin Lan walk step by step across the bridge toward the pavilion. Upon reaching it, they found themselves surrounded by a sea of flowers. The numerous chrysanthemums of varying characters either displayed brilliant poses, stood in elegant solitude, or showed noble charm. Each bed had its unique features, and they connected seamlessly. Though not particularly large, the chrysanthemum garden became autumn’s most brilliant sight, with its circular arrangement around the pavilion creating an impressive spectacle.
The maids quickly stepped forward, first laying cushions and tablecloths on the table and chairs, then arranging tea and fruits. Though there was no crab or wine, it still captured the essence of chrysanthemum viewing. Qin Wan helped Yao Xin Lan sit down, who then let out a gentle sigh.
“The child will be born in three months, but your Elder Brother and I haven’t decided on a name yet.”
Yao Xin Lan’s tone was cheerful, filled with contentment and joy.
Qin Wan replied, “Elder Brother is widely learned; he’ll surely give the child a good name. Sister-in-law needn’t worry.”
Hearing this, Yao Xin Lan smiled. “He has several ideas, but I’m thinking about what childhood name would be good. I once read the ‘Da Ya’ which contains the lines, ‘The phoenix cries on the high hill; the parasol tree grows in the morning sun. Ci ci mei mei, yong yong jie jie.’ When I read ‘ci ci mei mei, yong yong jie jie,’ I didn’t understand the meaning, so I asked Father. He said these were the sounds of the phoenix. I thought the words ‘mei mei’ and ‘yong yong’ sounded lovely, so I thought if it’s a boy, we could call him Yong’er, and if it’s a girl, Meimei…”
As Yao Xin Lan spoke, her voice filled with longing, as if she could already see the baby’s tiny hands and feet. Watching her, Qin Wan genuinely felt her anticipation and joy at becoming a mother. “Both names are beautiful and have excellent meanings. Sister-in-law hopes the child will make a great impact and have good fortune.”
Yao Xin Lan covered her mouth as she laughed, then personally poured tea for Qin Wan. “I don’t seek great impact; peace and health are the best. Here, this is Wu Xi Silver Needle tea I brought from Jian Prefecture. Try it.”
The tea’s fragrance mingled with the chrysanthemum scent, creating a unique atmosphere. Qin Wan lifted the cup and took a small sip, noting the tea’s rich aroma and lingering aftertaste. Just as she was about to offer high praise, she noticed several servants rushing past the chrysanthemum garden, their hurried manner suggesting some incident within the manor. Yao Xin Lan also noticed and frowned. “What’s happening?”
At this question, Mo Shu immediately went to inquire. Shortly after, she returned with a troubled expression. “Young Madam, it’s Sixth Young Miss. She’s causing trouble in her courtyard and has even injured her head.”
Yao Xin Lan immediately stood up. “What happened? Let’s go see—”
Since Qin Shuang had been confined last time, over a month had passed. Why was she causing trouble today?
Seeing this, Qin Wan also stood up to follow. The chrysanthemum garden wasn’t far from Qin Shuang’s courtyard. Shortly after they started walking, they reached Fu Shuang Court. Before they even entered, they could hear the commotion from inside!
“All of you are bullying me!”
“I want to see Grandmother! I’ve been confined and copied the family rules! Why won’t you let me out!”
“Get away! Get away! Come any closer and I’ll die right in front of you!”
Hearing these words, Qin Wan and Yao Xin Lan exchanged glances. Two pale-faced servants guarding the door immediately knelt upon seeing Qin Wan and Yao Xin Lan. Yao Xin Lan waved her hand and pulled Qin Wan through the gate!
Upon entering, the chaotic scene shocked both of them.
In the courtyard, similar in size to Ting Lan Court, four or five servants stood nervously apart, forming a circle around Qin Shuang. She appeared disheveled, her clothes in disarray hair loose around her shoulders, her eyes red, with a visible swelling and trace of blood at her temple. Most distressingly, she held a dagger slanted against her neck!
Already emotionally agitated, she initially felt relieved seeing Yao Xin Lan enter, but upon noticing Qin Wan behind her, her eyes suddenly widened. She glared at Qin Wan and shouted, “Get out! Get out of here! Why are you here? Have you come to laugh at me? Are you satisfied now that I’ve been confined for so long!”
Qin Shuang shouted and cried, her face streaked with tears, looking quite wretched. Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly, and she was about to turn and leave when Yao Xin Lan grabbed her hand. Yao Xin Lan sighed, “Sixth Sister, Ninth Sister came with me. Do you want me to leave too?”
This question left Qin Shuang speechless. Yao Xin Lan then continued in a gentle voice, “Look at you, your forehead is injured. What happened? Why are you causing such a scene? Quickly put down the dagger, don’t hurt yourself.”
Qin Shuang showed no hostility toward Yao Xin Lan, but hearing her words and seeing her holding Qin Wan’s hand made her feel even more wrong. “Sister-in-law, are you protecting her too?”
Seeing Qin Shuang’s tears fall as she spoke, Yao Xin Lan sighed again. “Shuang’er, you’ve misunderstood. You are good, and Ninth Sister is good too. Sisters should love and care for each other. Don’t be angry anymore. Let’s not discuss anything else first, just put down the dagger. Be careful not to hurt yourself, alright? If you put down the dagger, I’ll speak to Mother about lifting your confinement.”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang took a step back. “You… none of you care about me. If I hadn’t made this scene, who knows how long you would have kept me confined. Mother… Mother has forgotten me too. This past month, I thought if I behaved well, they would let me out, but it’s been so long, and who has come to see me even once?”
As Qin Shuang spoke, she became more distressed and gripped the dagger tighter. “I want to see Grandmother, I want to see Grandmother!”
Qin Shuang wasn’t Lady Lin’s biological daughter, and when this incident occurred, Qin Xiang hadn’t spoken up for her. Lady Lin had simply ordered her to be kept under watch. In Qin Shuang’s heart, even the strict Madam Jiang treated her and Qin Xiang more equally.
“Sixth Sister, you’re overthinking. During this time, Father has been ill, and Mother has been caring for him and managing the inner court, that’s why she hasn’t come to see you. It’s not what you think. I wanted to visit you earlier, but I haven’t been feeling well these past few days, that’s why I neglected you. Sister, if you want to blame someone, blame me. Whatever you want, can I have someone bring it to you?”
Yao Xin Lan spoke gently, almost coaxing Qin Shuang, but her expression remained unchanged.
Watching this, Qin Wan sighed softly. Qin Shuang’s situation was entirely self-inflicted, a result of her long-standing arrogance and harsh words. Usually following Qin Xiang around, she might have truly believed she was equal to Qin Xiang and felt that Lady Lin and others in the manor treated her with genuine warmth. But when trouble arose and she was confined, Qin Xiang didn’t speak up for her, and Lady Lin indeed showed some neglect. Only then did she realize that although she was a young miss of the manor, she couldn’t compare to Qin Xiang. Her situation was even similar to that of Qin Wan, whom she had often mocked.
Qin Shuang felt wronged and angry, wanting to see Madam Jiang but unable to. After several days of buildup, it finally exploded today. The matrons watching her could do nothing but go to Lady Lin. Upon reflection, Qin Shuang’s usual wayward behavior had likely already caused dissatisfaction, and now she was seeing the consequences.
While Qin Wan understood this, Qin Shuang couldn’t. She shook her head, “I don’t want anything else, I just want to see Grandmother! I want Grandmother to judge what’s right…”
Yao Xin Lan looked helpless, glancing at the servant women in the courtyard who were following Lady Lin’s orders. Even with Qin Shuang in such a state, these servants still refused to let her pass, showing that Lady Lin intended to use this opportunity to properly correct Qin Shuang’s lack of manners. Understanding this, Yao Xin Lan continued trying to persuade Qin Shuang.
“Sixth Sister, Grandmother is in meditation and fasting these days. You won’t be able to see her.”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang’s eyebrows shot up. “I don’t believe it! Sister-in-law, are you lying to me too? I don’t believe it, I want to go to the Buddha Hall and see for myself!”
Yao Xin Lan shook her head, about to speak again when heavy footsteps approached!
Yao Xin Lan turned to see Lady Lin approaching with Qin Xiang and four or five servants.
Yao Xin Lan pulled Qin Wan back a step, knowing that with Lady Lin’s arrival, there was nothing more for them to do.
“What’s going on here?!” Though usually elegant, Lady Lin’s frown and low shout carried authority. Upon entering the courtyard, she immediately gave Qin Shuang a stern look. “Shuang’er, what are you doing?”
Qin Shuang’s eyes flickered. “Mother, I’ve reflected for a month already, why won’t you let me out? These past few days, I’ve had the matron report to you daily, but the matrons wouldn’t move. Mother, how long do you intend to keep me confined?”
Speaking thus in front of Yao Xin Lan and Qin Wan made Lady Lin’s face alternate between red and white, looking quite unsightly. Her frown deepened, and she finally spoke directly, “Look at yourself now, and you still ask why I won’t let you out? I originally intended to keep that incident quiet, but later your father found out. You even dared to speak disrespectfully to the Imperial Princess! Your father immediately ordered me to discipline you strictly, that’s why you’re still confined. I thought after a month you would have shown improvement, but look at you now – how is this the behavior of a young lady from a noble family? Put down that dagger immediately!”
Qin Shuang’s eyes widened. “Father knows…”
Lady Lin pressed her lips together in silence, but Qin Shuang waved her hand. “I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it! Father never manages inner court affairs. Mother… Mother, let me out, I want to see Grandmother…”
Qin Shuang no longer trusted Lady Lin. Perhaps because this was her first time being confined for so long, she spoke without restraint. This made Lady Lin even more annoyed. “You don’t believe… you… why would I make up such things to deceive you?! Your Grandmother is currently in meditation and fasting. What business do you have disturbing her?!”
Qin Shuang shook her head. Lady Lin’s words meant she wouldn’t let her see Madam Jiang or release her from confinement. Qin Shuang cried, “No, I’m a young lady of the Qin Manor, not a prisoner. No, I want to see Grandmother…”
As she spoke, she pressed the dagger against her neck, instantly drawing a thin red line on her fair skin. Yao Xin Lan gasped and stepped back, while Qin Wan quickly steadied her. Lady Lin glanced at Yao Xin Lan and said, “Heart Lan isn’t feeling well, return to Lin Feng Court first. Be careful not to hurt yourself in this commotion.” Then she looked at Qin Wan, “Wan’er, please escort your Sister-in-law back.”
Qin Wan nodded and began helping Yao Xin Lan leave. The guards at the courtyard gate, seeing Yao Xin Lan approaching, immediately made their way. In that instant, Qin Shuang, who had been motionless until then, suddenly rushed toward the gate. With the dagger in hand, the servant women surrounding her were initially caught off guard, and when they realized what was happening, they dared not approach her when she brandished the dagger. In that brief moment, Qin Shuang had already fled Fu Shuang Court—
“What are you all doing?! Quickly catch her and bring her back!”
Lady Lin commanded as she hurried after them. The servant women, following orders, immediately began running. Yao Xin Lan and Qin Wan exchanged glances, clearly surprised that the plump Qin Shuang could run so fast.
“Ninth Sister, Sixth Sister seems to have gone mad from confinement. Let’s follow and see what happens!”
At Yao Xin Lan’s words, they followed in Qin Shuang’s direction. Qin Wan had no choice but to accompany her, though she thought to herself that after today’s scene, Lady Lin would likely become furious and confine Qin Shuang for even longer.
Though Madam Jiang had always been in charge of the Qin Manor, she was now in meditation, leaving Lady Lin in charge. She had already restored order to the inner court, but if Qin Shuang’s disturbance reached Madam Jiang, Lady Lin’s authority might be undermined.
As Qin Wan pondered this, they caught up with Lady Lin and Qin Xiang. Lady Lin was instructing the servants, “Stop her! Don’t let her disturb the Old Madam’s meditation in the Buddha Hall!”
In her words, some took shortcuts to block Qin Shuang’s path. Qin Shuang ran crying, but being a pampered young lady, she quickly became winded. Soon, several servants caught up to her. With no choice, she ran in the only direction not blocked – toward the manor’s medicine storehouse.
“Shuang’er, stop making trouble and come back.”
Qin Xiang couldn’t help but scold, “You’re making yourself a laughingstock throughout the manor! How is this befitting a young lady of the Qin family? Don’t bring shame to the Qin Manor!”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang felt even more wrong. “Fine, fine, I’ve brought shame to the Qin Manor, then I might as well die!”
As she spoke, seeing the servants closing in behind her, she frantically ran east. Lady Lin, pursuing her, was also sweating from exertion. Seeing the situation escalating, she couldn’t help but say, “Shuang’er, if you have something to say, let’s discuss it back in your courtyard! Stop running! You can’t escape the Qin Manor anyway!”
Qin Shuang wiped her tears and replied defiantly, “I will run out of the Qin Manor…”
Lady Lin sighed deeply at this. “You all! Catch her and bring her back! This is… this is too unseemly!”
The servant women were all strong, and Qin Shuang was no match for them. Unable to stop, she could only continue along the winding corridor eastward, passing the concubines’ quarters. Being on the corridor, the servants temporarily couldn’t catch her, allowing her to proceed further northeast. Soon, Qin Shuang reached the purple bamboo grove. Qin Wan, supporting Yao Xin Lan as they followed, both started when they saw where she was heading!
“Sixth Young Miss! Please don’t go forward! The purple bamboo grove is ahead—”
A servant called out breathlessly. Qin Shuang stopped at these words, looked up, and indeed saw the purple bamboo grove. It was a forbidden area in the manor, said to be haunted. Qin Shuang knew this and normally wouldn’t dare go there, but today was different. However… did she want to go?
As Qin Shuang hesitated, she suddenly turned to face the pursuing servants.
“Don’t come any closer!” Qin Shuang continued holding the dagger to her throat and then looked at Lady Lin. “Mother, Shuang’er just wants to see Grandmother. Why won’t you allow it? Do you intend to keep me confined…”
Qin Shuang’s actions had already drawn many onlookers. Lady Lin, realizing she couldn’t contain the situation, just wanted to resolve it quickly and calm Qin Shuang down. She said, “Of course not. Put down the dagger, and I won’t confine you anymore.”
Qin Shuang’s eyes brightened slightly. “Really? Mother isn’t lying?”
Lady Lin paused at these words. After Qin Shuang’s outrageous behavior today, she certainly wouldn’t let her off lightly. But having said this in front of so many people, if she claimed she wasn’t lying, wouldn’t that mean she truly couldn’t punish her?
As she hesitated, Qin Shuang’s tears began flowing again. “I know, I know I’ve embarrassed Mother today. Mother will surely punish me. Rather than that, I might as well…”
While speaking, Qin Shuang kept backing away. At this point, she was too deep to back down, feeling increasingly wronged and unwilling to let the matter end like this. She retreated slowly, thinking of alternative ways to reach the Buddha Hall. Isn’t there some small path that leads there?
Lost in thought, she maintained her grip on the dagger. Watching the servants who dared not approach, she retreated faster, still hoping to shake them off and find her way to the Buddha Hall. The servants saw through her intentions and were about to follow when two of them noticed the flower trellis behind her. One widened her eyes and called out urgently, “Sixth Young Miss, you can’t back up anymore!”
Qin Shuang wouldn’t listen to them; if anything, the warning made her retreat faster. At this moment, Qin Wan and Yao Xin Lan also saw the flower trellis behind Qin Shuang, but the trellis wasn’t the main concern – it was the well beneath it—
“Sixth Sister! Quick, sta—”
Before Yao Xin Lan could finish saying “stop,” Qin Shuang, stepping backward hastily, tripped on something. Her body stumbled, and at that moment, she stepped into empty air, her whole body falling backward uncontrollably!
“Ah—”
“Sixth Young Miss!”
“Shuang’er—”
“Sixth Sister!”
Screams mixed with everyone’s shouts. Lady Lin watched helplessly as Qin Shuang fell into the well, her face turning deathly pale. Looking at the stunned servants ahead, she shouted, “Hurry and save Sixth Young Miss!”
At her sharp command, the servants finally reacted and rushed to the well.
They saw that the originally high well platform had been dismantled to clean the silt, leaving just a large hole in the ground. Currently, a pile of miscellaneous items beside the well had blocked Qin Shuang’s view initially. All the wells in the Qin Manor were active wells with unknown depths of water. If something happened to Qin Shuang after falling in, this matter would become serious. Lady Lin’s hands trembled as she supported Qin Xiang, stepping forward quickly!
“Quick! Save her! What a disaster! Why were you all so close but did nothing!”
In her panic, Lady Lin could only berate the servants as she approached the well. “Shuang’er?! Shuang’er?”
Lady Lin called out, seeing only darkness in the well. Thinking Qin Shuang might have drowned, she felt a chill down her spine and nearly lost her balance. Just then, a miserable cry came from the well!
“Waaah— Help! Mother, save me—”
Hearing a voice, Lady Lin’s spirit returned. She pulled Qin Xiang forward a step. “Shuang’er? How are you, Shuang’er? Don’t be afraid, Mother will get you out right away. You foolish child, don’t be scared, we’ll save you…”
In this critical moment, Lady Lin’s eyes reddened with regret. Now she only hoped Qin Shuang was unharmed and naturally wouldn’t scold her anymore. A nearby servant quickly said, “Madam, don’t worry. This well is being cleaned of silt these days, and the water has been temporarily drained. Look around… Madam, rest assured, the water shouldn’t be deep.”
“Wuwu, Mother save me quickly, Mother, I’m dying…”
Lady Lin, hearing the servant’s words and Qin Shuang’s cries from the well bottom, nearly burst into tears. Qin Xiang, who had been scolding Qin Shuang earlier, was now also breaking out in cold sweat and quickly said, “Shuang’er, don’t move around, we’ll pull you up right away!”
Among the items by the well was a rope. The servants quickly tied a knot and lowered it down.
“Wuwu, it’s so dark and cold, my feet are sinking in.”
“Mother, Fifth Sister, I’ll never dare do this again, wuwu save me…”
Qin Shuang cried incoherently. Yao Xin Lan, who had been frightened out of her wits earlier, now found the situation both laughable and pitiful. She squeezed Qin Wan’s hand tightly and said, “Thank goodness, thank goodness, Sixth Sister nearly got herself killed…”
Though Qin Wan’s expression remained neutral, she also felt helpless inside. Qin Shuang was impulsive and simple-minded; if the well hadn’t been under maintenance, such a fall could have been fatal…
“Sixth Young Miss, grab the rope and put it around yourself! We’ll pull you up!”
“Okay wuwu… hurry…”
The rope was lowered into the well, and everyone saw it shake slightly. Soon, Qin Shuang’s voice came up from below.
“Alright, pull me up—” As these words fell, the servants were about to use their strength when Qin Shuang added, “Ah, wait, my skirt is caught on something…”
At this, the servants stopped moving. Everyone held their breath waiting for Qin Shuang to say she was ready to be pulled up, but after a moment of silence, Lady Lin looked suspiciously at the dark well opening. Just as she was about to ask, Qin Shuang’s piercing scream suddenly echoed from the well, different from her earlier crying. This scream was filled with terror as if she had seen a ghost in the well!
Qin Xiang quickly called out, “What’s wrong, Shuang’er?! Shuang’er?!”
After several more screams, Qin Shuang finally shouted heart-rendingly, “Pull me up quickly! In this well… there’s a dead body in this well…”