“Wuu… wuu… wuu…” By the pile of debris near the well, Qin Shuang collapsed on the ground, covered in mud. Pointing at the pitch-black well opening, she spoke incoherently, “Wuu… there’s a dead person, there’s a dead person down there…”
Madam Lin frowned, her expression, which had softened due to Qin Shuang falling into the well, immediately darkened. “What dead person? Where is there a dead person?”
Qin Shuang burst into tears, “Mother, it’s true, it’s human bones!”
Madam Lin glanced at the well opening and shook her head, “How is that possible?”
A maidservant brought a fleece blanket to cover Qin Shuang, who shivered as she spoke, “It’s true, Mother. I touched it… it was a human hand, stark white, I could tell just by looking at it…”
As she spoke, Qin Shuang’s eyes remained filled with terror. Meanwhile, Qin Wan and Yao Xinlan exchanged glances.
Yao Xinlan stepped forward, “Mother, Sixth Sister wouldn’t make this up. Should we send someone down to check?”
Seeing Yao Xinlan speak up, Madam Lin frowned and said, “Lan’er, why are you still here? This place is so dirty and messy, it’s no place for you to be. Be careful of the child in your belly. Lan’er, be good and return to Linfeng Court.”
But Yao Xinlan wouldn’t leave. “Mother, really, please send someone to look.”
As Yao Xinlan spoke, perhaps because of the earlier commotion when Qin Shuang fell into the well, servants had gathered from the direction of the concubines’ courtyard. From afar, Qin Wan even saw the Eighth Concubine’s figure.
Seeing more and more people gathering, Madam Lin wiped the light sweat from her forehead and turned to instruct a nearby maidservant, “Go, call Manager Liu here and have him take people down to check the well bottom.”
The maidservant complied and left. Madam Lin then walked to Qin Shuang’s side, “Shuang’er, don’t be afraid. Mother will have someone go down to check. Your clothes are all wet, and you’re covered in dirt. Quickly go back to wash up and drink some calming tea.”
Qin Shuang was indeed frightened, but she didn’t want to leave yet. “No, Mother, I want to see what’s actually at the bottom of the well. I saw it just now, it was human bones. How could there be a dead person at the bottom of the well?”
Madam Lin frowned, “You must have seen wrong…”
Qin Shuang clutched the blanket tightly around herself but kept shaking her head, “No, no, I couldn’t have seen wrong. I still remember the feeling when I touched it…”
As Qin Shuang spoke, her voice carried traces of fear. Beside her, Qin Xiang listened and her eyes also darkened with worry as she clutched Madam Lin’s hand, “Mother, this well has been used in the manor for many years, how could…”
Madam Lin shook her head, “When Shuang’er fell down, she was frightened. Who says it must be human bones? It could be dead branches. Wait, when Manager Liu comes, we’ll have him go down to check.”
Hearing Madam Lin’s words, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. Her attention had been caught when Qin Shuang cried out about finding a dead person at the bottom of the well. If possible, she would have liked to look down the well herself, but that would have been too conspicuous.
Liu Chun arrived faster than Qin Wan had expected. Perhaps because the order came from Madam Lin, he ran to the inner courtyard with his face covered in sweat. “Greetings, Madam. Madam, what happened? This well was almost finished being cleaned, how did Sixth Young Lady…”
Liu Chun noticed the mud on Qin Shuang’s body and looked puzzled.
Madam Lin frowned and said, “Just now, Shuang’er accidentally fell in. She says she saw human bones down there. Go down and check what’s there.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Chun’s eyes widened, “Human… bones?”
Madam Lin’s brows immediately furrowed, “What? Are you afraid?”
“No, no, of course not.” Liu Chun shook his head repeatedly and turned to instruct the male servants who came with him, “Come, lower me down, and bring a lamp…”
It was pitch black at the bottom of the well, and ordinary eyesight wouldn’t be enough to see clearly.
Soon, a servant brought an oil lamp. Two male servants tied a rope around Liu Chun’s waist, and Liu Chun, holding the lamp, was slowly lowered down. After a moment, the two servants released the rope – Liu Chun had reached the bottom.
“Madam, there’s nothing down here—”
Liu Chun’s voice came up muffled from the well. Qin Shuang’s expression changed upon hearing this, “Impossible, it must be there! Look in the shallow water, look carefully!”
Hearing this, Madam Lin quickly said, “Did you hear? Search thoroughly.”
Liu Chun acknowledged from below and soon made an “Oh!” sound. The people above changed expression, thinking Liu Chun had found something, but then heard him say from below, “Madam! There’s a dead branch! Shall I throw it up?”
As he spoke, everyone at the well’s edge stepped back.
With a light sound, a dead branch covered in mud flew out of the well and fell to the ground with a “pa” sound. Then they heard Liu Chun call from below, “Alright, pull me up. I can see the mud down here has been cleaned pretty well, this well can be used again…”
Hearing this, Madam Lin waved her hand, “Pull him up.”
Several male servants pulled together, and soon Liu Chun was brought up.
When Liu Chun emerged, his blue robe was covered in mud. He casually rolled up his robe and tied it at his waist, then bowed to Madam Lin, “Madam, this servant has checked. Sixth Young Lady must have been mistaken. Please don’t worry.”
Madam Lin sighed and looked at Qin Shuang, “See? You must have been frightened and saw wrong, actually mistaking a dead branch for human bones, you…”
Madam Lin didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as she stepped forward to smooth the messy hair on Qin Shuang’s shoulders. When Qin Shuang had fallen sideways into the well, her clothes had been stained with large patches of dirt. Madam Lin sighed, “Look at you…”
Qin Shuang, coming out of her terror about the human bones, suddenly remembered today’s commotion.
“Mother, Shuang’er…”
Madam Lin gave a somewhat annoyed snort, “You! You don’t understand my good intentions. Your father issued the confinement order – if I don’t keep you confined, do you want your father to scold you himself?”
Qin Shuang was momentarily speechless, looking at Madam Lin with reddening eyes, “Mother…”
Madam Lin shook her head, “Today you’ve made everyone laugh at you. Aren’t you ashamed?” Seeing Qin Shuang lower her head uncomfortably, Madam Lin continued, “I see you’ve learned your lesson this time. Did you hurt yourself when you fell in just now?”
Qin Shuang shook her head and touched her shoulder. The water in the well had been shallow, and there was mud, so she hadn’t been injured in the fall. Only her shoulder had scraped against the good wall when she fell in, and it was somewhat painful now.
“Alright, go back now to wash up and get cleaned. If you’re hurt anywhere, quickly call for a doctor to apply medicine.” Madam Lin said this while straightening up and looking at the maidservants around Qin Shuang, “Hurry and escort Sixth Young Lady back.”
The maidservants repeatedly acknowledged and helped Qin Shuang up. Qin Shuang took a step but suddenly turned back, “Will Mother continue to confine me?”
Madam Lin gave a bitter smile, “You rest for a couple of days first, then you can do as you please afterward.”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang’s eyes immediately brightened, and she finally let out a long breath. She then allowed the maidservants to help her leave. After Qin Shuang left, Madam Lin looked at Yao Xinlan and said, “Now are you at ease, Lan’er?”
Yao Xinlan smiled sheepishly, and Madam Lin continued, “I know you well enough. You must have been worried about Shuang’er staying here. It’s very good that you, as the eldest sister-in-law, care so much about your younger sister. Now go back and rest – you know how delicate your constitution is.”
“Mother, what are you saying? I’m much better than before.”
Yao Xinlan responded, and Madam Lin looked toward Qin Wan, “I know, it’s all thanks to Wan’er’s efforts. Alright, both of you go back now. It’s too messy here, and neither of you should be here.”
Yao Xinlan gave a slight curtsy, “Very well, then Lan’er will listen to Mother and return first.”
Madam Lin nodded with satisfaction. Qin Wan also curtsied and followed Yao Xinlan away. Watching them leave, Madam Lin turned to instruct Liu Chun, “This place is too messy. Quickly finish cleaning and set up the flower trellis.”
Liu Chun hurriedly acknowledged, and only then did Madam Lin leave, supported by Qin Xiang.
Meanwhile, Yao Xinlan walked a distance and turned to look at Qin Wan, “What’s wrong, Ninth Sister? Were you frightened?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Not really, I just find it strange. How could Sixth Sister mistake a dead branch for human bones? She’s grown up all these years, and I doubt she’s ever seen human bones before.”
Hearing this, Yao Xinlan gave a light laugh, “Indeed, I was quite surprised to hear it too.” She then shook her head and said, “But it’s impossible anyway. This residence is the Qin family’s old mansion, though it was newly built when the Qin family moved in. How could there be any human bones?”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together without speaking. As she turned her gaze, she caught sight of a water-red skirt disappearing into a courtyard doorway in the distance.
Seeing where she was looking, Yao Xinlan said, “That’s Eighth Concubine Liu’s courtyard.”
Qin Wan frowned. She had seen Liu come out to watch the commotion earlier, but she had left quite quickly.
After a few moments, Qin Wan pushed the thoughts aside. Although she was always sensitive to topics about death, since this was a false alarm, there was no need to dwell on it. Yao Xinlan, supported by Qin Wan, continued walking toward the Chrysanthemum Garden.
“Sixth Sister really… causing such a scene today. I wonder if the news has reached the Buddha Hall and if it will disturb Grandmother’s peaceful cultivation,” Yao Xinlan said softly, then added, “Sixth Sister is quite pitiful.”
Qin Wan remained silent. Qin Shuang wasn’t pitiful – she had brought herself to this pitiful state.
……
……
Yao Xinlan couldn’t stay out for long, and soon Qin Wan accompanied her back to Linfeng Court. After leaving Linfeng Court, Qin Wan’s mind was still on the matter of the human bones. Beside her, Fu Ling also said, “Sixth Young Lady made a big scene today. It’s just that Third Master is ill and Old Madam is in religious seclusion, otherwise, who knows how she would be punished.”
Qin Wan sighed, “She fell quite hard into the well and was badly frightened. Let’s hope she learns a lesson from this.”
Fu Ling pursed her lips disapprovingly, “Given her attitude toward you today, this servant doesn’t think she’s the type to learn lessons.”
Qin Wan didn’t say much more. After returning to Tinglan Court, she continued reading medical books. She hadn’t gone to the Marquis’s residence these past two days, focusing all her efforts on studying Third Master Qin Li’s illness, yet she still hadn’t made much progress. She could try prescriptions one by one, but Qin Li couldn’t afford that luxury. While the early stages of venereal disease were manageable, in the later stages, not even the greatest immortal could save someone!
As Qin Wan was reading, Fu Ling soon came running in with small steps, “Young Lady! Guess who’s here?”
Qin Wan paused slightly, not even lifting her head as she asked, “Is it Princess Yue?”
Fu Ling was stunned, and Yue Ning, who was walking into the room, gave a light snort, “How did you know it was me?”
Only then did Qin Wan put down her book and look up, seeing Yue Ning in a moon-white fitted outfit. “Who else would visit me here besides you? Come, sit down…”
Qin Wan got up to personally pour tea. After Yue Ning sat down by the window, she asked, “Haven’t seen you at the Marquis’s residence for several days. What’s wrong?” Looking at the desk, she saw a stack of thick books on Qin Wan’s table. “What are you studying?”
Qin Wan sighed, “Nothing much, just suddenly thought of a disease I don’t know how to treat, so I’ve been reading these past few days.”
Hearing this, Yue Ning immediately perked up, “What disease?”
Qin Wan blinked, “Mental illness…”
It wasn’t that Qin Wan wanted to hide things from Yue Ning, but venereal disease wasn’t something pleasant to discuss, so it was better not to let Yue Ning know. Sure enough, Yue Ning was surprised, “Why did you suddenly start researching this disease?”
Qin Wan smiled lightly, “Just finding something to do in my spare time. By the way, how is Young Master Wei’s leg?”
Yue Ning nodded, “Much better, the wound has started healing.”
Qin Wan nodded slightly, “That’s good. I’ll go check on it again tomorrow. How is Imperial Princess’s health?”
“Grandmother is much better, still following your prescribed treatment.”
Qin Wan handed Yue Ning a cup of tea, “That’s good.”
Looking at Yue Ning, she smiled and said, “You must have come for a reason. Tell me, what do you want to say?”
Yue Ning sighed, “Nothing much really, just wanted to tell you that Wei Yanzhi’s sentence has been decided. The Duke’s household people will arrive tomorrow, and the Prefecture Magistrate, not wanting to risk any changes, has already sent off all the prisoners sentenced to exile or worse to the capital today. Wei Yanzhi was among them. By now, they’ve probably already left the city.”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised, not expecting Huo Huaixin to act so quickly.
“I didn’t expect them to leave today.”
Yue Ning sighed, “Indeed. Wei Yanzhi’s case will be transferred to the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice. The Prefecture Magistrate and the Circuit Inspector of Jinzhou Prefecture have recommended death by beheading in their judgment, but who knows what will happen once it reaches the capital? The current Emperor grants pardons every year, and before the Court of Judicial Review and Ministry of Justice make their final decision, Wei Yanzhi’s fate remains uncertain.”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly, “If the Duke’s household and Wei family don’t interfere, there would be uncertainty. But it’s impossible for them not to interfere. The Duke’s Young Lady is currently favored in the palace. Just one word from her and Wei Yanzhi’s fate will be sealed.”
Yue Ning shook her head, “It’s truly lamentable…”
Qin Wan refilled Yue Ning’s tea, “Everything has its cause and effect. You needn’t feel sad about it.”
Qin Wan had seen many such cases. While some people might have had no choice, Wei Yanzhi did have choices. For such people, Qin Wan usually felt neither pity nor sympathy. As Yue Ning had previously considered Wei Yanzhi a friend, it was natural for her to feel some sorrow now. Fortunately, Yue Ning was also an unrestrained person. Hearing this, she waved her hand and gave a bitter smile, “Never mind, let’s not talk about this anymore. Tomorrow when the Duke’s people arrive in Jinzhou, I want to see what they have to say.”
“Who did the Duke’s household send?” Qin Wan asked quickly.
Yue Ning gave a cold laugh, “Song Rou’s father.”
Qin Wan sighed, “With the Imperial Princess here, they won’t dare to be careless or disrespectful. Having Song Rou’s father come isn’t bad. Let’s see their attitude. Don’t worry, the Imperial Princess knows what she’s doing.”
Yue Ning snorted, “I just feel it’s such a waste for my elder brother. Originally, he had better marriage prospects, but after this incident, his interest has waned. He’s going to the Northwest frontier next, and who knows what will happen when he returns. It will delay his marriage by several more years. Our Marquis’s household has truly suffered an undeserved disaster. All of this is the Emperor’s fault!”
Qin Wan glanced at Fu Ling at the door, and Fu Ling immediately went out and closed the door.
Qin Wan said, “Don’t say such things outside. Even though this is Jinzhou, it’s still disrespectful to the Emperor.”
Yue Ning pressed her lips together, “Of course, I only say this in front of you. The Emperor was the instigator of this whole affair. What did our Marquis’s household do to deserve this? We happily prepared for a grand wedding, never mind the money wasted, but Grandmother, Father, Mother, and Elder Brother – our whole family was full of hope, only to end up with a murder case.”
Qin Wan patted Yue Ning’s hand, “Just think of it as a streak of bad luck. But when bad luck leaves, good luck will come. Although your brother’s marriage plans were disrupted, perhaps his journey to the Northwest will lead to achievements and glory?”
Yue Ning raised her chin, “My brother will succeed!”
Seeing Yue Ning’s eyes brighten, Qin Wan changed the subject, but Yue Ning asked, “What happened at the Qin Manor today? Why did all the servants look strange when I entered the manor?”
Qin Wan smiled wryly and told her about Qin Shuang’s scene, and Yue Ning raised her eyebrows, “This Sixth Young Lady hasn’t improved at all. Madam Qin is far too lenient with her!”
Qin Wan also shook her head, “Constant leniency isn’t necessarily a good thing.”
At these words, Yue Ning suddenly blinked and said, “Could it be… that Madam Qin deliberately raised Sixth Young Lady to be like this?”
Qin Wan was startled. She hadn’t meant that when she spoke, but when Yue Ning said this, she felt a chill down her spine. If that were true, it would be like killing with kindness, and raising Qin Shuang wrongly.
“I didn’t say that,” Qin Wan said with a laugh, glancing at the door.
Yue Ning couldn’t help but laugh, “Don’t worry, this is just between us. It’s just that this Sixth Young Lady is truly a unique flower among the noble ladies. As for how she became such a unique flower, I won’t speculate.”
It was rare for Yue Ning to tease others, so Qin Wan went along with it. They chatted for a while longer before Yue Ning took her leave.
“Young Lady, since Wei Young Master was sentenced to beheading, won’t he be executed after autumn next year?” Fu Ling asked.
Qin Wan shook her head, “Not necessarily. If the death sentence is confirmed, he might not even last until autumn next year.”
Fu Ling’s face showed some regret, “At first, none of us thought Young Master Wei was suspicious, but in the end, he couldn’t escape. It shows that people really shouldn’t do even the slightest bit of evil.”
Qin Wan nodded in agreement, then put this matter aside and went back to reading.
She read until it was nearly dark when Fu Ling brought in the evening meal from outside. “Young Lady, please eat now. Don’t read anymore tonight, be careful not to strain your eyes.”
Qin Wan put down her book and walked over, but Fu Ling said suspiciously, “Young Lady, something strange has happened.”
“What is it?” Qin Wan sat down and looked up to see Fu Ling’s small face scrunched up in confusion.
“Young Lady, the well in the east has been sealed.”
Qin Wan’s hand paused as she was reaching for her chopsticks. “Sealed? Why? Didn’t Manager Liu say this afternoon that the mud had been cleared and it would soon be usable again?”
Fu Ling shook her head, “They say the water in the well has a strange taste, and the last of the mud couldn’t be cleaned out. They also said it’s an old well and the bottom has sunk badly.”
Qin Wan frowned. How could there suddenly be so many different explanations? Moreover, during the day, Liu Chun had clearly said the mud at the bottom was almost cleaned out. How could they decide to seal the well just half a day later?
“Young Lady, isn’t it strange? Don’t just think about it, please eat first.”
Qin Wan was full of doubt. “After dinner, let’s go take a look—”
Fu Ling wanted to say something but held back. Why go there so late at night just for a well?
She wanted to persuade Qin Wan, but seeing Qin Wan’s serious expression, Fu Ling didn’t say more.
After dinner, Qin Wan indeed took a cloak and went out. Leaving the main room, she saw the four “Wan” servants waiting outside. Qin Wan glanced at Wan Xing, “Let Wan Xing come with us,” she said, and walked out.
Wan Xing and Fu Ling followed Qin Wan to the east courtyard, but they didn’t see anyone along the way.
Qin Wan turned back to look at Fu Ling, “Who did you hear this from?”
“I heard it from the kitchen maids. They use the well water most often, so they know things quickly.”
Qin Wan nodded and walked quickly along the corridor. By now it was dark, and it grew increasingly quiet as they went east. Fu Ling carried a lamp, and seeing the darkness all around, she felt somewhat afraid.
“Young Lady, why does it feel especially quiet here tonight…”
Qin Wan frowned. She had noticed this too. She had come to the medicine storehouse at night before, and compared to those times, today was indeed much quieter.
“Maybe it’s just a coincidence. There aren’t many people coming and going at this hour.”
As they spoke, the three of them had nearly reached the concubines’ courtyard. Qin Wan headed straight for the well, but just as they turned a corner of the corridor, a graceful figure blocked their path. Qin Wan looked carefully and saw it was Cai He.
“Greetings to Ninth Young Lady. It’s so late, why has Ninth Young Lady come here?”
Cai He wore a cyan dress and had a light smile on her face, looking at Qin Wan very respectfully and politely.
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “I came for a walk. Why are you here?”
Cai He looked back toward the flower trellis and respectfully said, “Today’s events disturbed Old Madam, so she sent me to check. Old Madam also heard about Sixth Young Lady saying she touched human bones here. This afternoon, Old Madam invited a priest to perform rituals. The priest said this well indeed had something strange about it. Though Sixth Young Lady wasn’t harmed when she fell in this time, there’s no guaranteeing what trouble this well might cause in the future. Old Madam was angry and ordered the well to be sealed.”
Qin Wan still remembered when she and Fu Ling were locked in the West Rear Court, with priests performing rituals outside for seven days and seven nights. Madam Jiang indeed favored such practices. Cai He’s explanation made much more sense than what Fu Ling had heard from the servants.
Qin Wan suddenly understood, “So that’s it.” As she spoke, she looked into the distance and saw several figures moving under the previously messy flower trellis. “It will be sealed tonight?”
Cai He nodded, “Indeed. Old Madam is very particular about these matters. We can’t delay even for one night.”
Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment. Cai He looked at Qin Wan, then at Wan Xing and Fu Ling, saying, “Are these four servants working out well for Ninth Young Lady? If there’s anything unsatisfactory, please do say so.”
Qin Wan curved her lips slightly, “My quarters are usually quiet, so they’re naturally working out fine.”
Cai He nodded with a smile, then looked at the pitch-black sky and said, “Tonight there are no stars or moon, and the weather is cool. Ninth Young Lady should return to your room early to rest, lest you catch a chill.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, I was just about to head back.”
As she spoke, Qin Wan turned to leave. After walking a few steps, she looked back to see Cai He still standing in the distance, smiling at her. Though Qin Wan saw her smiling, she felt no warmth in her heart. She knew that at this moment, Cai He represented Madam Jiang.
“So that’s why they sealed the well. Old Madam is too superstitious about these things… Today Sixth Young Lady fell in because she wasn’t watching where she was going. Does she think there’s some monster in the well that pulled Sixth Young Lady in?” Fu Ling muttered softly, speaking until she felt a chill down her spine.
Qin Wan remained silent. Though she felt it completely unnecessary, there were indeed people in this world who attributed everything to supernatural causes. Given Madam Jiang’s usual devotion to Buddhism and spiritual cultivation, it wasn’t impossible.
Qin Wan sighed inwardly. Coming here so late at night – she had been too paranoid.
Manager Liu had said during the day that the well would be cleaned for use, but by night they wanted to seal it. This inconsistency made Qin Wan instinctively feel there was something strange about the well. Thinking of Qin Shuang’s mention of human bones, she couldn’t sit still.
Then again, perhaps Yao Xinlan was right – the Qin family had lived in this residence for many years; who would allow human bones to remain in their own home? And looking at Madam Jiang’s attitude, she clearly wouldn’t tolerate anything inauspicious.
Qin Wan settled her mind and returned to Tinglan Court. After she entered the main room, Fu Ling watched the four “Wan” servants close and lock the doors before entering herself. It was now two-quarters past the Hour of Dog, and Qin Wan waited in the warm chamber for Qin Li.
“Young Lady, here are today’s medicine packages.”
Fu Ling brought in the medicine packages she had prepared earlier, and the mistress and servant waited for movement outside the window.
A quarter-hour later, there was movement outside the window. Fu Ling went forward to open it, and outside stood Qin Li, still wearing black clothes and a cloak. Qin Li looked at Qin Wan and Fu Ling, clasped his hands, and bowed, “Ninth Sister.”
The current Qin Li could be said to have lost all trace of his former arrogance. Qin Wan stepped forward with the medicine packages and asked, “How have the past two days been?”
Qin Li replied, “After using Ninth Sister’s medicine, there haven’t been any new ulcers on my neck, but…”
He looked down as he spoke, seeming unable to continue.
Qin Wan frowned, “Just say whatever it is.”
Qin Li’s brows furrowed into the shape of a “川” character, his face full of difficulty. Qin Wan’s frown deepened, her expression growing severe. Just as she was about to speak, Qin Li said in a strained voice, “It’s just that… my lower body has started to swell…”
Fu Ling was shocked, her eyes widening in surprise, but Qin Wan maintained her serious expression. “Ulcers on the body and the development of sores and swelling are normal. Here are the new medicine packages – use the large one for washing and the small one for internal use, still four times daily.”
Qin Li raised his head, and Qin Wan said, “Give me your hand.”
Qin Li extended his hand, and Qin Wan rolled up her sleeve to check his pulse. Fu Ling watched nervously from the side. After checking his pulse, Qin Wan shook her head, “Keep taking the medicine for now, come back tomorrow.”
Qin Li’s heart sank slightly, “Ninth Sister—”
Qin Wan sighed, “This illness is inherently difficult to treat. Right now we can only hope the medicine’s properties can control your body’s ulceration. But it works slowly – you won’t see obvious effects after just one or two doses.”
Qin Li clutched the medicine packages, “I naturally trust Ninth Sister!”
Whether Qin Li trusted her or not, Qin Wan herself wasn’t confident. She waved her hand, “We’ll see if there’s any improvement tomorrow. You may go.”
Qin Li nodded and was about to turn away when he suddenly said, “Sixth Sister fell into the well today?”
Qin Wan hadn’t expected Qin Li to know about this incident, but she nodded, “Yes, she fell in accidentally. She was rescued and wasn’t seriously hurt.”
Qin Li then looked at Qin Wan with deep, dark eyes, “Ninth Sister, don’t go to the Bamboo Grove, and don’t fall into any wells.”
The night wind was cool. Qin Wan was startled by Qin Li’s somber words. Just as she was about to question him, Qin Li turned and left swiftly. Watching his figure quickly disappear into the night, Qin Wan felt something strange.
……
……
Early the next morning, Qin Wan got up to prepare for her visit to the Marquis’s mansion. She brought medicine both for the Imperial Princess and for Wei Qizhi’s leg injury. After breakfast, Qin Wan left the manor with Fu Ling.
When their carriage leisurely arrived at the Marquis’s mansion, the sun was already high in the sky. In front of the gate, Qin Wan saw seven or eight ornate lacquered carriages parked outside. Remembering what Yue Ning had said yesterday, Qin Wan could guess who these carriages belonged to.
The doorman, seeing it was Qin Wan, naturally invited her in immediately. Qin Wan had barely walked a few steps when Lu Qi came to greet her. Seeing Lu Qi, Qin Wan was slightly surprised, but Lu Qi quickly explained, “Ninth Young Lady, the Duke’s household people have just arrived. Right now, Old Madam, the Marquis, and Madam are all in the main hall discussing matters. The Princess is there too. The Princess knew you were coming and asked this servant to take you to Old Madam’s courtyard to wait. After Old Madam finishes receiving the guests, she still needs you to check her pulse.”
Qin Wan nodded slightly and asked, “How is the Imperial Princess?”
Lu Qi blinked, “She’s fine, of course. No matter how presumptuous the Duke’s household might be, they wouldn’t dare to upset Old Madam.”
Qin Wan felt somewhat relieved. At the root of it, the Duke’s household was clearly in the wrong. Even Song Rou’s death had nothing to do with the Anyang Marquis’s household. Moreover, the Marquis’s household had done everything they could, showing the utmost benevolence and righteousness. Yet the Duke’s household had knowingly married off Song Rou despite her compromised virtue, which was a great disrespect to the Anyang Marquis’s household.
Qin Wan only worried that the Imperial Princess might damage her health in a fit of anger, but hearing Lu Qi’s words, it seemed this lord from the Duke’s household was well aware of right and wrong.
Qin Wan knew the way to the Imperial Princess’s courtyard. With Lu Qi accompanying her, they soon reached the courtyard gate. Servants inside were waiting, and upon seeing Qin Wan, they respectfully served tea with attentive manners. Qin Wan sat in the main hall, waiting for the Imperial Princess to return.
“Oh, right, did Young Master Wei go?”
Lu Qi laughed, “No, Young Master Wei said he didn’t want to see the lord from the Duke’s household.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows slightly, “How much longer until the Imperial Princess returns?”
Lu Qi replied, “It will probably take a while longer. Would Ninth Young Lady like to see Young Master Wei first?”
The entire Marquis’s household knew that Qin Wan was treating the Wei family’s eldest master’s leg injury, so it was perfectly normal for her to check on him. Qin Wan nodded, “Let’s go quickly and return quickly. After I check on the Imperial Princess’s condition, I can return to the manor.”
Lu Qi hurriedly said, “Very well, this servant will escort you there now.”
Qin Wan left the medicine package for the Imperial Princess and followed Lu Qi to the East Garden.
After not seeing him for several days, as soon as Qin Wan entered the courtyard, she saw Wei Qizhi hopping around on one foot with a crutch in the courtyard. Looking closer, she saw squares drawn on the ground with tree branches, and in every few squares was written the name of a horse. Qin Wan was stunned, and beside her, Lu Qi gave a light cough.
Wei Qizhi struggled to stop and steady himself, while Wu Shu had already spotted Qin Wan and happily said, “Ninth Young Lady is here!”
Qin Wan walked into the courtyard and looked at Wei Qizhi, “What is Young Master Wei doing?”
Wei Qizhi wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, “This is my invention, the Hundred Zhang Flying Horses. Each square is four zhang, twenty-five squares in total. Then, each person can choose a horse, and here’s a die…”
As he spoke, Wei Qizhi revealed a die from his palm, “The die’s number determines if it’s a superior horse, average horse, or inferior horse, and also determines whether it has a saddle, stirrups, or whip. If a horse is superior and has all the equipment, then it’s the fastest and can complete the hundred zhang first.”
Listening to this, Qin Wan generally understood what he was saying. Though she found it somewhat interesting, her personality was ultimately different from Wei Qizhi’s. Moreover, she hadn’t come to watch him play. Qin Wan immediately frowned and said, “Young Master Wei’s leg injury hasn’t healed yet. If you feel uncomfortable from sitting too long, having Wu Shu massage your leg is fine, but hopping around like this isn’t good for bone healing.”
Speaking thus, Qin Wan indicated the medicine package in her hand, “From today, switch to this medicine.”
Qin Wan pointed to a nearby reclining chair, “Lie down, let me see how the wound is healing.”
Wei Qizhi naturally had to listen to Qin Wan. Hearing this, he quickly hopped over to the reclining chair. Wu Shu took his crutch and helped him sit down, then rolled up his trouser leg. Qin Wan crouched down and felt the bandaged cotton.
With just a slight squeeze, Wei Qizhi’s lips trembled. Qin Wan asked, “Does it hurt?”
Wei Qizhi shook his head like a rattling drum, “No no, not at all…”
Qin Wan frowned and squeezed harder, “Does it hurt?”
Wei Qizhi’s lips trembled violently again, his face turning pale, but he still shook his head, “No no…”
Qin Wan looked around, picked up a tea saucer from a nearby table, and raised her hand as if about to strike his leg with it. This action frightened Wei Qizhi pale, and he quickly cried out, “Ninth Young Lady, please spare me…”
Qin Wan frowned and asked seriously again, “Does it hurt?”
Wei Qizhi nodded like a pestle-crushing garlic, “Yes, it hurts so much I’m seeing stars!”
Fu Ling and Lu Qi burst out laughing beside them. Qin Wan gave a wry smile, “When a doctor asks about your condition, it’s not time to act tough!”
Wei Qizhi wore a bitter, somewhat aggrieved expression as he said, “I thought Ninth Young Lady was checking if your medicine was effective. I just didn’t want to discourage Ninth Young Lady…”
Qin Wan’s face showed helpless resignation as she shook her head and said, “The swelling has gone down. Now we need to focus on healing your bone injury. Did you prepare the wooden boards I asked for last time?”
Wei Qizhi nodded, “They’re ready!”
Qin Wan looked at Wu Shu, “Go get them.”
Wu Shu went inside swiftly and soon returned carrying two thin wooden boards about half a zhang long. Qin Wan first unwrapped the cotton gauze from Wei Qizhi’s leg, applied new medicine, then placed the two boards on either side of his leg, and finally bound the boards and his leg together. Wei Qizhi watched Qin Wan’s smooth, practiced movements and frowned slightly, “How is Ninth Young Lady so skilled at these things at such a young age?”
Qin Wan didn’t look up, “Natural talent, intelligence.”
Wei Qizhi’s eyebrows twitched. Qin Wan continued, “I heard people from the Duke’s household have arrived. Why doesn’t Young Master Wei go see his uncle?”
Wei Qizhi raised his chin, “He’s the one who broke my leg. Even if he is my uncle, unless he apologizes to me, I won’t go see him. Hmph!”
Qin Wan laughed, about to tease him further, when she suddenly felt the entire courtyard grow strangely quiet.
As Qin Wan wondered about this, Fu Ling and Lu Qi’s voices rose in greeting.
“Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince—”
Qin Wan froze, her hand still holding the cotton bandage, as she turned her body first. Looking up, she immediately saw Yan Chi standing at the courtyard gate.
When Qin Wan saw Yan Chi, he was already looking at her. When he saw her with one hand supporting Wei Qizhi’s calf and the other holding bandages, his phoenix eyes narrowed, “What are you doing here?”
“Ah?” Qin Wan was momentarily stunned, which was rare for her. “I’m treating Young Master Wei’s leg injury.”
Yan Chi’s brows furrowed as he strode forward and pulled Qin Wan up with one motion. As Qin Wan was pulled up, her hands immediately released their hold, and in that instant, Wei Qizhi’s leg lost its support and struck the armrest of the reclining chair with a “pa” sound, causing him such pain that tears nearly sprang from his eyes.
Meanwhile, Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi’s hand in surprise, “What’s wrong, Your Highness?”
Yan Chi paused, “It’s not what’s wrong with me, it’s what’s wrong with your Qin Manor.”
Qin Wan frowned, “Qin Manor? What’s wrong with Qin Manor?”
The gravity in Yan Chi’s eyes flashed and disappeared, and then he said steadily, “Someone just went to the Prefecture Office to report… that there’s been a death at your Qin Manor.”