“Madam Liu, what are you doing?” Qin Wan arrived at the servants’ quarters with Fu Ling. As soon as she entered, she saw Liu grinding something in the outer room. Liu looked up, slightly surprised, “Ninth Young Lady, why are you here? This old servant pays respects to Young Lady…”
Qin Wan entered and, with just a slight sniff, smiled and said, “Dried tangerine peel.”
Liu’s eyes brightened as she wiped her hands on the apron tied around her waist. “Young Lady is indeed clever. Please sit inside while this servant cleanses her hands…”
Qin Wan nodded and left the outer room’s doorway with Fu Ling, moving to Liu’s room entrance. The door was half-closed, and Qin Wan hadn’t entered yet when Liu quickly came out from the outer room.
She hurried forward and pushed open the door, “Please enter, Young Lady…”
Qin Wan entered with a smile and asked casually, “What were you making just now?”
While brewing tea, Liu explained, “The Old Madam hasn’t been well these past few days and can’t eat anything. This servant thought of making some dried tangerine peel cakes – they’re soft and fluffy, and might help improve her appetite.”
As she spoke, Liu served the tea, “Young Lady, please don’t mind, this servant has nothing fancy to offer.”
Qin Wan took the tea and sipped twice before asking, “How have things been for you these past few days, Madam Liu?”
With this question, Liu understood Qin Wan’s meaning. These past days, the Qin Manor had been in chaos. Neither masters nor servants could live as they used to. The masters were somewhat better off, but the servants were called in for questioning daily, sometimes confined in the steward’s office for entire afternoons.
Liu sighed, “It’s still manageable. Being questioned here in the Qin Manor is better than being taken to prison for interrogation.”
Qin Wan’s face darkened slightly, “Does Madam know about Master’s situation?”
Liu’s eyelids twitched, looking at Qin Wan with hesitation.
Qin Wan spoke earnestly, “Madam, things have reached this point, and the Qin Manor will likely fall. I just visited Master, and in his condition, forget about imprisonment – he might not even survive much longer. What could you possibly need to hold back?”
Liu lowered her eyes and sighed heavily, “This servant understands Young Lady’s meaning, but doesn’t know the specifics… I only know that years ago, Master bought many female servants for a period and kept them in his courtyard. Everyone knew about Master’s promiscuous nature, but those servants were just children who couldn’t even handle heavy work in the menial duties. Later, Old Madam couldn’t stand it anymore and forbade Master from continuing. They quarreled for several days, and then suddenly Master became well-behaved.”
As she spoke, Liu’s brows trembled, “Everyone thought Master had changed his ways, but who knew, Master then brought Second Concubine into the manor. Before her, Master had only one concubine, promoted from a former bedchamber servant – Second Young Master’s birth mother, who unfortunately died early from illness. Old Madam didn’t allow Master to take concubines, so Master sought pleasure outside, keeping several women in external residences. Old Madam knew but understood Master’s nature and didn’t want to restrict him to the point of rebellion until Second Concubine entered the manor…”
Liu’s eyes narrowed slightly as if lost in memories, “During that time, it was probably the most spirited this servant had ever seen Master. However… Master didn’t like Second Concubine to come out. Meanwhile, the Master set up a courtyard in the manor which he frequently visited. Steward Liu assigned two servants to guard it, and no one else could approach it. Later, some servants occasionally mentioned hearing children crying in that courtyard.”
“Servants weren’t supposed to discuss the masters’ affairs, especially matters like this.” Liu’s face was heavy, “This situation lasted for about a year. Then suddenly one day, the Purple Bamboo Grove was sealed…”
At this point, Qin Wan suddenly frowned, “Wait, the Purple Bamboo Grove was sealed? Had Second Concubine jumped into the well by then?”
Liu shook her head, “Not yet. Well, it wasn’t exactly sealed – just that previously, people often went to play in the grove, and the masters would walk there too. But from that day on, the grove was closed off. Not only did craftsmen and servants no longer tend to it, but even the manor’s masters couldn’t go there. At that time, the First Young Master and Second Young Master were already running around playing, and children were especially forbidden to go there. Since Old Madam often believed in feng shui and yin-yang, the servants didn’t find it strange. But several months later, Second Concubine jumped into the well. This incident became known throughout the manor, and after this, the Purple Bamboo Grove truly became the forbidden ground.”
Qin Wan’s eyes narrowed. So the common belief that the Purple Bamboo Grove became forbidden ground because of Second Concubine’s suicide was false. Before Second Concubine’s death, Qin An had killed those young girls he bought from the Qing Yuan Pawnshop and disposed of their bodies in the well. That’s why people were forbidden from entering the Purple Bamboo Grove. At that time, Qin An didn’t have an obvious excuse, until Second Concubine’s suicide made the grove forbidden ground, and the well was sealed with a demon-suppressing stone.
“Madam didn’t know then, but you know now?”
Hearing this, Liu sighed again, “Yes, those children’s remains must have been Master’s doing…” Liu gritted her teeth, “Having committed such heinous acts against heaven, it’s no wonder he’s now gravely ill.”
Qin Wan continued, “By the way, do you remember Second Concubine’s appearance? Also, were there any strange occurrences back then? And did Master’s preference for young girls ever become known outside?”
Liu shook her head, “It didn’t get out. At that time, Old Madam was in better spirits and controlled the servants very strictly. Even occasional gossip was pushing the limits. As for strange things, it would be the Second Concubine herself. From the moment she entered the manor, she rarely appeared. Sometimes Master loved her dearly, showing extreme favor, but other times he would storm out of her courtyard and not return for days. As for the Second Concubine’s appearance, this servant only caught a glimpse from afar. She preferred plain colors and had an ethereal air about her. Her features were naturally exceptional, and she seemed like a maiden in her prime years, yet with a touch of gentle allure. This servant was quite struck by her beauty at the time.”
Liu gave a bitter smile, “However, after so many years, this servant can’t remember the details clearly.”
Qin Wan felt somewhat disappointed as she listened. Liu didn’t know that Second Concubine had been kidnapped. Second Concubine knew where her family lived and constantly thought of her husband and daughter – how could she truly serve Qin An? Perhaps she would please him to gain his favor, making him happy temporarily, but when she realized Qin An had deceived her and wouldn’t let her go, she naturally showed her true feelings. How could Qin An continue to dote on her then?
Seeing Qin Wan’s disappointment, Liu asked, “Why does Young Lady want to know the Second Concubine’s appearance?”
Qin Wan shook her head reassuringly, “Nothing, just curious.”
Liu pondered for a moment, “If Young Lady wants to know, you could check Master’s study. When Master was young, he liked to cultivate refined tastes and studied under famous teachers in painting and calligraphy. Master truly cherished Second Concubine then, so he must have made paintings. Young Lady might find some of Master’s artwork from those days there.”
Qin Wan’s eyes lit up. Of course! How could someone like Qin An, embracing such beauty, not indulge in brush and ink?
Qin Wan suddenly stood up, “How did I not think of this? Madam, you’ve been a great help!”
Liu felt somewhat embarrassed and also said, “This servant couldn’t tell Young Lady much detail about what you asked, but if this little suggestion helps, then it’s this old servant’s fortune.”
Qin Wan took a deep breath, “Thank you anyway, Madam. I’ll go to the front courtyard now.”
Qin Wan turned to leave but stopped at the doorway. She pulled out a hairpin from her hair – one from the green jade set that Madam Jiang had given her. She stepped forward and pressed it into Liu’s hand, speaking gravely, “Madam has been in the manor for many years, probably never thinking the Qin Manor would fall. But with this sudden change, even the masters are like duckweed in the wind, let alone Madam… Keep this, and these days, think carefully about your future path. If you need help, just come to Ting Lan Court.”
Fear flashed in Liu’s eyes before she lowered them to look at the hairpin Qin Wan had given her. Her eyes immediately reddened, and she tried to refuse, but Qin Wan clasped her hand, pressing the hairpin into her palm.
“Think it over carefully, Madam. I must go now.”
Qin Wan patted Liu’s hand and left without further words.
Liu stood there, wanting to speak but unable to. In those brief moments, Qin Wan had already pushed open the door and left. Liu stood dazed for a moment before hurriedly entering the inner room.
Walking out of the western servants’ quarters, Qin Wan’s pace quickened. Fu Ling jogged behind her, saying, “Young Lady, why did you ask about Second Concubine’s appearance? Do you want to know how beautiful she was?”
As soon as Fu Ling said this, she shook her head – her Young Lady wasn’t like those men who favored beauty…
Qin Wan lifted her skirts as she walked ahead, “The murderer is connected to the victims from back then. If possible, I’d like to know what each victim looked like, but who can I ask now? The second Concubine is the only one I can inquire about. Looking at the paintings, perhaps the person behind this is related to the Second Concubine. If they’re blood relatives, there might be traces in their appearances.”
Fu Ling’s eyes brightened, “Young Lady is so clever!”
Qin Wan smiled, “It was Madam Liu who helped me…”
From the inner court to the front court was about half an incense stick’s time walk. Qin Wan had just left the front court not long ago, and when she returned, the guard Qi Lin looked surprised, “Why has Ninth Young Lady come?”
Qin Wan pointed to the closed courtyard gate, “I need to find something inside.”
Qi Lin naturally wouldn’t stop Qin Wan; not only would he not stop her, but he would personally accompany her. As the door opened, Qi Lin gestured and followed, asking, “What is Ninth Young Lady looking for?”
Qin Wan walked very quickly, “Looking for paintings… Second Concubine’s paintings…”
Hearing this, Qi Lin knew it was related to the current case and immediately became alert. Seeing Qin Wan’s serious expression, he dared not ask more. They went straight to the main hall, but just as they reached the door, the old servant responsible for caring for Qin An emerged from a side room. He was holding a medicine pot, apparently going to wash it, and upon seeing Qin Wan, he quickly handed the pot to a young servant and hurried over.
“Why has Ninth Young Lady come?”
Qin Wan was glad to see him and quickly asked, “Where are Master’s paintings and calligraphy kept?”
The old servant hesitated, “In the study… but which paintings does Ninth Young Lady mean? Master has collected many paintings, some from previous dynasties, some from current scholars and artists, and some…”
Qin Wan waved her hand, “I want the ones Master painted himself, preferably from eight years ago.”
As she spoke, Qin Wan decided to be more direct, “Did Master ever paint Second Concubine?”
At the mention of Second Concubine, the old servant naturally thought of the recent chaos in the Qin Manor. Though his face showed some tension, he still nodded, “He did paint her, but… but this servant doesn’t know where they’re kept. Ten years ago, this servant was just a minor steward in this courtyard, not serving closely…”
“Then who knows where Master’s paintings from that time are?”
At Qin Wan’s question, the old servant’s eyes flickered, “Steward… Steward Liu would know…”
Qin Wan felt her breath catch, and she frowned helplessly, “Liu Chun is dead. Take me to Master’s study to look. His paintings couldn’t have been casually thrown away.”
The old servant nodded repeatedly and led Qin Wan to Qin An’s study.
Besides the main hall, Qin An’s study was set in a spacious side hall. The side hall was open in the middle, complete with bookcases, treasure cabinets, and a small reception area. Although Qin An had lost interest in refinement in recent years, the study still maintained its grandeur. From incense holders to screens, from porcelain to jade pieces, all were invaluable items of the highest quality. The famous calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls were also priceless. Qin Wan’s eyes swept across the room, noticing Qin An’s writing desk with its four treasures of the study was covered in a layer of dust, though each piece was still a rare treasure. Qin Wan could only sigh inwardly – Qin An had truly wasted such fine things.
“Ninth Young Lady, Master’s study contains many items. There are many paintings and calligraphy works on those bookshelves, and in those two cabinets over there. Some are Master’s works, some were gifts from others, and some are collected pieces. Master hasn’t used the study for a long time and doesn’t allow people to enter, so no one maintains this place…”
Qin Wan understood the old servant’s meaning – there were too many paintings, and he didn’t know where to find what Qin Wan was looking for. She waved her hand, “I understand, you may go. I’ll search myself…”
The old servant hesitated, and Qin Wan reassured him, “Don’t worry, nothing will be damaged or lost.”
The old servant seemed somewhat disappointed but went to stand guard outside the door.
Fu Ling came forward, “Young Lady, there are so many, how shall we search?”
Qin Wan sighed – indeed there were many, but they had to continue searching.
“We’ll look at them one by one, carefully, so as not to damage anything.”
Qin Wan spoke as she walked toward Qin An’s bookcase. Fu Ling asked uncertainly, “But this servant doesn’t know how to look…”
“Look at the inscriptions, seals, and titles, but first look for beautiful women.”
Fu Ling smiled, “This servant understands – first look for beautiful women, then check the inscriptions and titles…”
Qin Wan made an affirming sound and went to the bookcase first, removing the flowers on top. She took down more than twenty scrolls at once and placed them on the writing desk, then began examining them one by one.
Meanwhile, Fu Ling went to the cabinet against the eastern wall and also brought out many scrolls, placing them on the table.
“This is a landscape… not it, this is of peonies, not it…”
“This one has people… ah, it’s an old man…”
“Oh, this is a court lady… beautiful… but Master didn’t paint this!”
Fu Ling muttered to herself as she looked. Seeing this, Qi Lin went to open another cabinet. Though he was a rough man, he could follow Qin Wan’s instructions to look for beautiful women first, then check the inscriptions and seals!
The old servant at the door felt uneasy watching the three of them take out Qin An’s treasures one by one, but then thought that Qin An was already so ill he wouldn’t care about these things. Moreover, with such a big case revealed in the Qin Manor, they probably faced being labeled a criminal family. By then, what would all this glory and wealth mean to Qin An?
Thinking this, the old servant went to instruct the young servant, “Go wash the medicine pot.”
After speaking, the old servant didn’t bother guarding anymore and went to the main hall to check on Qin An.
In the room, Fu Ling soon sighed, “So many beautiful paintings, all piled up in cabinets, covered in dust, really… fortunately, this servant doesn’t know how much each painting is worth, or it would be even more distressing.”
Qi Lin was extremely careful – his hands were calloused, and he feared damaging the paintings by accident.
After about two cups of tea’s time, Qi Lin’s forehead was covered in a light sweat, “Ninth Young Lady, I haven’t found anything here…”
Qin Wan frowned slightly. She had looked through more than Qi Lin due to her faster pace, but she hadn’t found anything either.
“I haven’t found anything here either. After all, it was ten years ago, and even if he painted more later, after so many years, they must have been misplaced somewhere.”
Speaking thus, Qin Wan finished looking at her last painting. She felt disappointed and sighed, returning all the paintings to their original places, then turned to survey the study. The walls were mostly decorated with ink landscapes and famous scholars’ inscriptions. Besides that, there were only those two tall cabinets, but nothing was in them either…
Qin Wan walked to Fu Ling’s side and saw she only had five or six scrolls left. Qin Wan shook her head, “This paper is too new, probably painted in the last year or two. No need to look.”
“What if Third Master painted Second Concubine again in these past couple of years?”
Fu Ling still wanted to complete her task, but Qin Wan shook her head, “He’s not a sentimental person, and after so many years, he wouldn’t remember the details of her appearance enough to paint accurately.”
After speaking, Qin Wan went to check on Qi Lin, who was also nearly finished with his search.
The three had spent nearly half an hour searching but found nothing.
Qin Wan shook her head – could it be that after the events of that year, Qin An had thrown away all of Second Concubine’s paintings?
“Ninth Young Lady, what should we do now?”
Qi Lin looked uncertain. Qin Wan waved her hand, “It’s fine, put the paintings back. Perhaps they’re really not here. I’ll look elsewhere in this courtyard…”
Qi Lin nodded, and Qin Wan waited until they had returned the paintings before leaving.
After thinking, Qin Wan first went to the main hall. The main hall naturally had its share of decorative paintings, but after looking around, Qin Wan didn’t see any portraits of beautiful women. As for Qin An, he still lay on the bed barely breathing. Hearing someone enter, he opened his eyes to look at Qin Wan. His eyes showed some surprise as if he couldn’t recognize who Qin Wan was. Qin Wan looked at him coldly for a moment before turning to leave.
The search proving fruitless, Qin Wan left the courtyard with Fu Ling. Fu Ling tilted her head and said, “Could it be… Master never painted any? Or had them thrown away? Or perhaps gave them away?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Giving them away is impossible, and it’s unlikely he ever painted any, given those two years. Thrown away, perhaps, or maybe they were lost during moves over the years…”
She sighed. Having just uncovered the secret of the Purple Bamboo Grove, Qin Wan had hoped to learn more to help identify the culprit behind everything, but this search had proved futile.
“Young Lady, where shall we go now?”
“First, let’s go back—”
……
……
Since the children’s remains were unearthed, the Qin Manor had been placed under strict control. Qin Wan thought for a moment – it had been several days since she’d seen Qin Li. Upon returning to her courtyard, Qin Wan decided to make another three days’ worth of white apricot paste.
“The medicine we got before isn’t enough anymore…”
Qin Wan shook her head looking at the remaining herbs, “Looks like we need to visit the medicine storehouse.”
With this instruction, Qin Wan again left with Fu Ling.
Though the Qin Manor was in chaos, the medicine storehouse remained largely unchanged. When Qin Wan and Fu Ling arrived, they saw Qian Bai Ren giving medicine to a young maid.
The young maid looked somewhat familiar to Qin Wan, but Fu Ling recognized her immediately.
“Young Lady, she’s a maid from Old Madam’s quarters.”
As these words fell, Qin Wan indeed saw Qian Bai Ren saying ingratiatingly, “We’re running low on musk, I don’t know if Old Madam still has any…”
Hearing this, the young maid nodded, “No matter, Old Madam still has high-grade musk in storage. I’ll ask Sister Cai He for some later.”
Qian Bai Ren nodded immediately, wrapping up the medicines while saying, “That would be best. Given the current situation in the manor, it’s truly difficult to send people out to purchase supplies.”
The young maid was very efficient, “We’ll deal with that after this matter is settled. Now there are many in the manor needing medicine, with Young Madam and Master being the priority. Old Madam will just continue with her usual prescriptions.”
“Indeed, indeed. Old Madam truly cares for Young Madam.”
The young maid raised an eyebrow, “Naturally. Old Madam personally reviews all prescriptions before letting Young Madam take any medicine, fearing she might take something inappropriate. She even has Sister Cai He keeping a close watch. No matter who prescribes it, even the ones Ninth Young Lady prescribed also…”
“Ninth Young Lady—”
The young maid had her back to Qin Wan, but Qian Bai Ren faced the door. As he was packaging medicines, he looked up and saw Qin Wan standing at the entrance. His soul nearly left his body, and seeing the young maid about to say something inappropriate, he immediately shouted. At his shout, the young maid’s face turned pale.
She quickly grabbed the medicine package from Qian Bai Ren, turned to curtsy to Qin Wan, and hurried out.
As they passed each other, the young maid walked even faster. Qin Wan calmly swept a glance at Qian Bai Ren and entered without comment, “The same medicines as before. Fu Ling—”
Fu Ling knew what Qin Wan wanted and, after giving Qian Bai Ren a cold snort, entered the storehouse.
After the previous incident, Qian Bai Ren didn’t dare show any disrespect to Qin Wan. He hurriedly came out, bowing deeply, “Ninth Young Lady, please sit… that… just now… um…”
Qin Wan’s expression remained neutral, “So Old Madam sometimes doesn’t trust the prescriptions I write?”
Qian Bai Ren’s face changed several times, afraid Qin Wan would blame him too. He hastily explained, “This… this isn’t exactly… Old Madam is concerned about Young Madam’s health, so she’s careful with all prescriptions. Moreover, even for the medicines, she insists on the highest quality of the highest grade, being extremely meticulous, fearing that even one spoiled ingredient would be harmful.”
Though Qin Wan’s face remained cold, in her heart she understood and appreciated Madam Jiang’s intentions. Madam Jiang valued her descendants greatly, had high hopes for Qin Chen, and cared equally for his child. The prescriptions must be correct, the medicines must be good, and any ingredients stored too long might develop mold or insects, naturally making them unusable.
Qin Wan nodded, then suddenly asked, “Old Madam has high-grade musk?”
Qian Bai Ren now wanted to answer everything completely, not just about musk but anything else she might ask. If he knew it, he wouldn’t withhold anything, “Yes, Old Madam’s musk is of much higher quality than medicinal grade, either sent from the capital or purchased elsewhere. All are treasures among treasures.”
Inevitably, Qin Wan thought of Yao Xin Lan’s medicine that had been laced with musk and angelica.
Her brows furrowed slightly as she recalled that day’s events. That night, learning of Yao Xin Lan’s bleeding outside the manor, Madam Jiang, and Madam Lin’s anxiety seemed genuine. Later, Madam Jiang’s concern for Yao Xin Lan also appeared very sincere. It couldn’t be possible that she had put such lethal ingredients in Yao Xin Lan’s medicine, could it?
Angelica was common, but musk was hard to obtain. Yet Qin Chen’s servant had accessed it…
Madam Jiang and Qin Chen – one the child’s great-grandmother, the other the child’s father. Logically, neither would want to harm the child. But the musk… was somehow connected to both of them.
“Ninth Young Lady… every word this humble one speaks is true. If Young Lady doesn’t believe me, you can ask that maid just now, or anyone else in the manor. Everyone knows about this…”
Qin Wan came back to herself and turned to see Qian Bai Ren standing beside her, sweating profusely with a terrified expression.
Qin Wan sighed inwardly. Previously, Qian Bai Ren hadn’t shown such a good nature toward her. When Ninth Young Lady was weak in the past, he had oppressed her in various ways for personal gain. Later when she changed, his respect was merely superficial. Only after seeing how Huo Huai Xin and Yan Chi treated her did he develop some genuine reverence.
This world truly favored the powerful and scorned the weak…
“Did I say I didn’t believe you?”
At Qin Wan’s calm question, Qian Bai Ren became anxious – had he said something wrong again? His face twisted in distress as he stammered anxiously, “No, no, how could this humble one…”
Before he could finish, Fu Ling came out from the storehouse. Seeing her, Qin Wan stood up directly and prepared to leave without waiting for Qian Bai Ren to finish. As Qin Wan walked out the main door, Qian Bai Ren’s knees nearly gave way.
Had he offended Qin Wan again?
If there were future investigations into Qin An’s illness, would they again suspect him of being the poisoner?
Thinking this, Qian Bai Ren’s vision darkened…
“Young Lady, what were you asking about outside?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Asked if Old Madam kept high-grade musk.”
Fu Ling made an “oh” sound, “That’s certain. Old Madam has her small storehouse with many treasures.”
Qin Wan fell silent. She felt that Madam Jiang’s concern for Yao Xin Lan wasn’t false, but then again, Madam Jiang was quite inscrutable – perhaps she too harbored some unknown circumstances.
Lost in thought, Qin Wan approached Ting Lan Court and saw Yan Chi waiting at the courtyard gate. She hurried forward, “Your Highness, why are you here? Have you finished your inquiries?”
Yan Chi also walked several steps toward Qin Wan, nodding, “Yes, finished, but with no results for now.”
Qin Wan wasn’t surprised, “The person behind this didn’t act on impulse. Since it was planned, naturally they won’t be discovered so quickly.”
“You went to the front court earlier, to Qin An’s study?”
Yan Chi knew quickly. Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, I asked Madam Liu about the Second Concubine’s appearance. Madam Liu said she couldn’t remember the details, but Qin An must have painted her portrait.”
Her expression darkened slightly, “Unfortunately, we searched the entire study but found nothing.”
Yan Chi pondered briefly, “You wanted to see Second Concubine’s appearance to check if anyone in the manor resembles her?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Exactly, but we couldn’t find anything… too much time has passed…”
But Yan Chi said, “You only searched Qin An’s study. Have you checked other manor storerooms? For paintings and calligraphy, being valuable assets, they might be stored in some storehouse.”
Yan Chi’s words suddenly brightened Qin Wan’s eyes, “I completely forgot!”
Seeing Yan Chi’s confused expression, Qin Wan sighed, “Today, both you and Madam Liu thought of things I missed. I really… the manor has storerooms, and not just storerooms, there’s also a library. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it!”
Qin Wan had previously searched the library for medical books without success, and her impression of the library wasn’t strong. But now with Yan Chi’s suggestion, she suddenly remembered that the library contained paintings… She hadn’t looked further at the time because she saw the library’s depths were full of paintings and calligraphy!
Qin Wan felt suddenly energized, “Let’s go to Lin Feng Court to get the keys from Big Brother and Sister-in-law!”
She turned to instruct Fu Ling, “Put away the medicines, then come find me at the library…”
As she spoke, she started walking. Fu Ling nodded and hurried back to the courtyard. Yan Chi followed Qin Wan, “You’ve been to the library before?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, I went to look for medical books, but I remember there were many paintings and calligraphy works there. What we’re looking for might be among them. I can’t believe I forgot…”
Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly, “Just didn’t think of it at the moment. If we find it, it will be a great achievement.”
Qin Wan turned while walking, “That would be thanks to Your Highness and Madam Liu.”
Yan Chi remained silent, but his eyes gleamed slightly. He followed Qin Wan toward Lin Feng Court. Just as they approached, they saw Qin Chen walking out of the courtyard with a grave expression.
Qin Wan froze. Qin Chen hadn’t expected to encounter Qin Wan and Yan Chi either and immediately suppressed the gravity in his expression. He bowed to Yan Chi, “Greetings, Your Highness—”
“First Young Master, please rise. No need for such formality.”
Yan Chi responded coolly. Qin Chen straightened up, “Why has Your Highness come?”
Yan Chi tilted his chin toward Qin Wan, “Accompanying your sister.”
His words carried an ambiguous meaning. Qin Wan felt her back stiffen upon hearing them. Qin Chen looked at Qin Wan with deepened eyes, “Why has Ninth Sister come?”
If Qin Wan were visiting Yao Xin Lan, she naturally wouldn’t bring Yan Chi. Having him with her likely meant it was about the investigation.
Qin Wan maintained a composed, harmless expression. Meeting Qin Chen’s eyes, she suddenly thought of the musk incident, which led her to instinctively reply, “Last time I gave Sister-in-law a miscellany book. Today I mentioned it to His Highness, who happened to be looking for that same book, so I came to retrieve it.”
Understanding dawned in Qin Chen’s eyes. He had seen the miscellany book Qin Wan had given Yao Xin Lan – it lay by her pillow.
Seeing Qin Chen’s expression relax, Qin Wan asked, “Where is Big Brother heading?”
Qin Chen replied, “Haven’t visited Father today yet.”
The past events were Qin An’s crimes, and now that the truth was clear, it didn’t have much to do with Qin Chen. Hearing this, Qin Wan sighed slightly, “Very well, Big Brother should go then.”
Qin Chen made an affirming sound, bowed again to Yan Chi, and headed toward the front court.
After Qin Chen left, Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, “Why did you lie?”
Qin Wan’s gaze flickered to the side, seeming somewhat troubled. But Yan Chi looked back in the direction Qin Chen had gone, “Whatever your reason, being cautious of him is right.”
Qin Wan was startled. Her wariness of Qin Chen was only because remembering the musk incident had led to unfavorable suspicions. But why would Yan Chi say such things? He didn’t know about the musk!
“Why does Your Highness say this?”
Yan Chi turned back, “This big brother of yours is not simple.”
Qin Wan blinked, and Yan Chi urged, “Go in. I’ll wait for you outside.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi for a moment, nodded, and entered Lin Feng Court.
As soon as she entered, that oppressive and heavy atmosphere hit her. Two servants guarded the door, heads hung low like flower branches beaten by a violent storm.
Qin Wan’s footsteps made the servants raise their heads. Upon seeing her, one immediately went to announce her arrival.
Soon, Mo Shu came out, her eyes slightly red, looking at Qin Wan with an expression full of unspoken words.
“What’s wrong? Did Big Brother and Sister-in-law argue?”
Given Qin Chen’s expression earlier and the atmosphere here, Qin Wan could guess what had happened without much thought.
“Where’s Sister-in-law?” Qin Wan asked while walking inside. At the door, she saw Yao Xin Lan sitting dazed by the bed, not crying softly as Qin Wan had imagined.
“Miss, Ninth Young Lady is here.”
Mo Shu announced. Yao Xin Lan turned her head slowly to look at Qin Wan, tears brimming in her eyes but not falling. Qin Wan hurried forward, “Sister-in-law—”
Yao Xin Lan tugged at the corner of her mouth, forcing a bitter smile, “Ninth Sister, I suddenly… suddenly feel… you were right… I should do something now.”
Qin Wan’s heart stirred, and she quickly sat beside Yao Xin Lan, “Sister-in-law, you’ve thought it through?”
Yao Xin Lan shook her head, “Not yet, but I’ve started thinking.” She tugged at her lips again, “I don’t want to live like this anymore. It’s too bitter, truly too bitter…”
She sniffled, “Did Ninth Sister come to see me?”
Qin Wan felt tongue-tied, but thinking of Yan Chi waiting, she had to be honest, “I came to ask for your help. I… I want to look for something in the library and wanted to borrow the key from you.”
Yao Xin Lan showed no disappointment, and just nodded, “Alright, let Mo Shu get it for you. Though I’m not sure if it’s here – usually your Big Brother uses the library…”
Qin Wan quickly shook her head, “No matter, if it’s not here I can ask Big Brother.”
She hesitated, “Sister-in-law…”
Yao Xin Lan shook her head, “It’s fine, you go. I need to think, I need to think things through…”
She drifted back into a daze. Qin Wan watched her for a moment before following Mo Shu out. Mo Shu went to the side room and quickly returned, “The key is here, Ninth Young Lady, here…”
Qin Wan took the key, and Mo Shu apologetically said, “Ninth Young Lady, this servant cannot escort you today…”
“It’s fine, I remember the way.” Qin Wan looked worriedly toward the inner chamber, “Watch over Sister-in-law. After I’m done searching, I’ll come back to keep her company.” She added, “Leave that miscellany book with Sister-in-law for now.”
Hearing this, Mo Shu thought Qin Wan had originally intended to take the book back, and gratefully said, “Thank you, Ninth Young Lady…”
Qin Wan said no more and quickly left the courtyard. Seeing Yan Chi, she hurried, “Your Highness, quick…”
Without further words, she led Yan Chi straight to the library.
Perhaps because she had deceived Qin Chen, or because seeing the growing rift between Yao Xin Lan and Qin Chen made her increasingly doubt his profound affection, her heart now pounded wildly as she held the library key.
She felt nervous, walking very quickly. Yan Chi followed closely without speaking. When they reached the library, Qin Wan deftly opened the door. After Yan Chi entered, she quickly closed it.
“The paintings are at the very back. We must hurry.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Yan Chi moved even faster than her. In the narrow space surrounded by tall bookcases, the last seven or eight cabinets contained paintings and calligraphy. Qin Wan looked left and right, then walked directly to the most inconspicuous cabinet at the very back.
Given Qin An’s nature, while he might have cherished Eighth Concubine’s paintings for a time, he wouldn’t store them with those priceless masterpieces. This cabinet was the least noticeable and covered in dust – most likely to contain what they sought.
Yan Chi had been searching on his own but wanted to be closer to Qin Wan. He turned and walked toward her. Just then, he saw Qin Wan freeze as she opened a painting.
Yan Chi’s expression sharpened, “Found it?” He took several steps to stand behind her.
Full of hope, Yan Chi looked at the painting, but his brows quickly furrowed.
On the two-foot-long paper were over ten small scenes. In each scene were two naked figures entwined together…
In chambers, courtyards, grasslands, by streams, in wooden tubs, on swings…
Intertwined intimately, vividly depicted, in various poses, painted with exquisite skill.
Yan Chi’s eyes swept across each scene, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly at the corners. Could it be… erotic art?