“Have you ever met Official Shen’s daughter?” Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, though her face remained unchanged. “Why does Your Highness ask such a question?”
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan with forthright eyes, “You hold Official Shen in high regard. I thought perhaps you had met him, or maybe his wife and daughter. He’s an official from the capital, and you grew up there too. Perhaps you might have encountered them at a ladies’ tea gathering.”
Qin Wan felt slightly relieved and shook her head, “No, I never had such an opportunity. Official Shen returned to the capital more than three years ago. By then, I had already been sent to Jin Zhou. It’s quite unfortunate.”
Yan Chi nodded, “Official Shen’s only daughter also has the character ‘Wan’ in her name. It seems there’s a connection between you two.”
Qin Wan’s heart jumped again, “Is that so? Then it must indeed be fate.” After a brief pause, she changed the subject, “By the way, I forgot to ask Your Highness, how did you find me that night? After all, that storehouse was quite remote.”
Qin Wan’s sudden topic change made Yan Chi cautious, though he maintained his composure and replied, “Xu He mentioned you were looking for paintings, so I thought you might have gone to the library. When I didn’t find you there, I searched the surrounding area and noticed the lights on in the storehouse.”
Qin Wan felt enlightened – it was night, and the lit lamps would have been visible from afar. She had only meant to change the subject. After Yan Chi finished speaking, she lifted the carriage window curtain to look at the street market. Yan Chi’s gaze fell heavily upon her as he suddenly asked, “With the Qin Manor in such a state, what are your plans for the future?”
Qin Wan turned back, “The Qin Manor has only fallen on hard times, but I’m fine.”
“Although the Qin Manor’s crimes don’t implicate others, it has still gained a bad reputation in Jin Zhou, which isn’t good for you.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes and smiled, “It’s just reputation. Besides, I’m still a member of the Qin family. There’s no reason for me to leave the Qin Manor.”
Qin Wan spoke very calmly, showing no resentment. While others in the Qin Manor, like Qin Xiang, probably resented Qin An and felt dejected about the manor’s dramatic fall from grace, Qin Wan remained serene.
Yan Chi looked at her deeply for a moment before suddenly asking, “Don’t you want to return to the capital?”
Although Qin Wan’s heart was struck by the question, she suppressed her urge to nod and said quietly, “I could go anywhere, but it depends on fate. Given the Qin Manor’s current situation, the future is uncertain.”
Yan Chi fell silent, knowing Qin Wan’s determination and capabilities.
The carriage traveled westward along the market street. As early winter approached, Jin Zhou’s scenery became more desolate and austere. Today’s sky was particularly gray, and the wind felt piercing cold. Looking at the city’s dreary appearance, Qin Wan’s heart sank slightly. Of course, she wanted to go to the capital – without going there, she couldn’t investigate her father’s case. However, she bore the Qin surname, and this matter wasn’t under her control.
Though the carriage was small, it moved swiftly. Soon, it stopped steadily before the Marquis Manor.
After many days away, the Marquis Manor remained as magnificent as ever. When the doorkeeper saw Qin Wan and Yan Chi alighting together, he hurried inside to announce their arrival. Qin Wan and Yan Chi entered one after another, and soon saw Yue Ning approaching with Lu Qi!
“I thought you might come these days, and here you are!”
Yue Ning looked Qin Wan up and down, “Why do you look thinner? Is everything alright at the Qin Manor?”
Qin Wan curtsied and smiled faintly, “It must be because the Princess is worried that I appear thinner. The Qin Manor is fine, and so am I. Please don’t worry. How is the Grand Princess’s health?”
Yue Ning cast a deep look at Yan Chi before walking alongside Qin Wan, “Very well. Grandmother has been able to move about these days. She’s more robust than before, and your house is still eating.”
“How is the leg injury of the Wei family’s eldest young master?” Qin Wan asked.
Yue Ning laughed softly, “He has already left Jin Zhou. His leg injury has almost healed.”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised, “He left? When did he leave?”
As Wei Qizhi was Qin Wan’s patient, she couldn’t help but worry that he had left before she could examine him.
“He left on the day of Old Madam Qin’s funeral…”
Yue Ning seemed to understand Qin Wan’s concerns and reassured her, “Don’t worry, someone is ensuring his well-being.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Recently, the Qin Manor has had many matters, and I also…”
Yue Ning shook her head, “We all know about the Qin Manor’s situation. Grandmother and Mother have been thinking about how you’re doing. When the Old Madam’s funeral was held, the Qin Manor didn’t send invitations. Grandmother was even saying she would have Mother attend.”
Qin Wan felt grateful. At this time, with the Qin Manor’s sudden ill reputation and awkward position, this was why Qin Li kept things simple. Some old acquaintances, even if invited, wouldn’t come, but the Marquis Manor had thought to attend of their own accord.
“Given the Qin Manor’s current situation, we couldn’t hold a grand ceremony. Thank you to the Grand Princess and Madam.”
As they talked, they neared the Grand Princess’s courtyard. Lu Xiu was waiting at the courtyard entrance and eagerly came forward to welcome them. Upon entering the room, Madam Jiang immediately grasped Qin Wan’s hands, “Oh, it breaks my heart. We wanted to have Ning’er check on you these past days, but with the Qin Manor holding the funeral, we didn’t want to be improper. Come in quickly, you’ve grown so thin!”
As soon as she finished speaking, she led Qin Wan to the Grand Princess’s side. The Grand Princess had Qin Wan sit beside her, “How is the Qin Manor? Who is currently in charge?”
Although Qin Wan was a guest, the entire Yue family treated her with great affection. Here, she felt more warmth than at the Qin Manor. Qin Wan quickly replied, “The Qin Manor is managing for now. Currently, the Second Brother is in charge. Grand Princess, please don’t worry.”
The Grand Princess sighed deeply, “Really… such a good family…”
She patted Qin Wan’s hand, “If you’re not comfortable there, you can come stay with Ning’er. It would be much better here than there.”
Qin Wan smiled warmly, “Don’t worry about me. While the servants in the manor are anxious, I’m fine. Oh yes, my Sister-in-law has given birth to a daughter. I’ve spent most of these days keeping her company. The little girl looks just like my Sister-in-law, she’s very endearing.”
“That’s wonderful! At least your Elder Brother has an heir!”
The Grand Princess’s expression softened, and Madam Jiang added from the side, “This is indeed good news.”
Although the Qin Manor was in chaos and decline, with death casting a shadow over the entire residence, the birth of Qiqi was, at least for Qin Wan, truly a great blessing.
After asking more about the Qin Manor’s situation, the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang, being tactful, didn’t probe too deeply. Then Madam Jiang said, “Since you’re here, you must stay for lunch. I’ll have someone prepare some nourishing soup for you right away. Look at you, getting thinner and thinner – being too thin isn’t good.”
Madam Jiang went to arrange the meal, and Qin Wan couldn’t refuse even if she wanted to. The Grand Princess held Qin Wan’s hand and smiled, “Let her handle it. You do need some proper nourishment. I can see your complexion isn’t as good as before.”
Qin Wan hadn’t noticed any change in her complexion, but faced with such warm hospitality, she could only comply.
When Qin Wan entered, the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang had been so focused on talking with her that they had overlooked Yan Chi. The Grand Princess then looked at Yan Chi and asked, “Have all those people been caught? Are there any still at large?”
“One accountant who managed the ledgers has escaped. We’re currently investigating. We only know he went eastward. We believe we’ll apprehend him within a few days.” Yan Chi stood tall and jade-like by the window, not concealing anything from the Grand Princess.
The Grand Princess exhaled, “Although this incident originated from the Qin Manor, it’s good that those outside people were exposed too. Such evil deeds must be dealt with thoroughly, and all these people must be properly handled to completely end it.”
Just as she finished speaking, Yue Qing entered excitedly wearing a blue robe, “Grandmother, is Ninth Miss here?”
As he spoke, he had already spotted Qin Wan sitting beside the Grand Princess. His eyes brightened further, “So it is Ninth Miss! How have you been lately, Ninth Miss?”
Qin Wan attempted to rise and greet him, but the Grand Princess held her down and playfully scolded Yue Qing, “Look at you all sweaty! Go on with your training. What business do you have with Wan’er being here?”
Yue Qing wiped the sweat from his face and smiled, “Grandmother mentions Ninth Miss every day, making me worry about how the Qin Manor’s affairs might affect her. It’s all Grandmother’s influence, yet she scolds me…”
The Grand Princess shook her head with a smile, and Qin Wan said, “Thank you for your concern, Second Young Master. The Qin Manor is fine, and so am I.”
Yue Qing walked over, appearing relieved, “That’s good, otherwise who would look after Grandmother’s health?”
Qin Wan then shifted the topic to the Grand Princess, inquiring in detail about her diet and daily routine. She checked her pulse and wrote a new prescription. The Grand Princess had someone store the prescription safely and led Qin Wan’s group toward the wooden hairpin garden.
“This incident has indeed severely damaged the Qin Manor’s standing in Jin Zhou. What are they saying in the capital?”
The Grand Princess spoke slowly, clearly thinking of the Qin Manor’s future. Qin Wan shook her head, “The news should have reached there, but given the thousand-mile distance, we don’t yet know their response.”
The Grand Princess sighed, “Can your Second Brother’s character be relied upon?”
Thinking of Qin Li, Qin Wan wasn’t sure how to evaluate him. The previous Qin Li had nothing to do with being “reliable,” but now he seemed to have changed somewhat. “Second Brother wasn’t very good before, but now he’s managing to hold things together.”
“Young masters raised in ordinary wealthy families usually need to experience some hardships to grow. Otherwise, they rarely make progress. If he can maintain the Qin Manor from now on, this Jin Zhou branch of the Qin family might have hope for restoration.”
Qin Wan nodded repeatedly at the Grand Princess’s earnest words. Soon after, a servant came from the front courtyard to invite everyone for lunch. At the front hall, Yue Qiong and Yue Jia were also present. With more people, this lunch was more elaborate than usual.
During the meal, Yue Qiong offered much comfort. After lunch, Madam Jiang had prepared gifts brought to Qin Wan. Besides the jade items, she also gave Qin Wan two excellent ginseng roots and a snow lingzhi mushroom, saying they were for strengthening her health. Qin Wan tried to decline, but when the Grand Princess spoke up, she had no choice but to accept.
After the meal, while accompanying the Grand Princess for a walk, the sky suddenly darkened.
“It looks like it’s going to rain again—”
Yue Ning murmured, looking up to see a large mass of dark clouds gathering silently, with the wind gradually increasing. It hadn’t been many days since the last continuous autumn rain, and now another rainfall was approaching.
Seeing the impending rain, Qin Wan proposed to take her leave. The Grand Princess thought for a moment and looked at Yan Chi following behind, “Little Seven, please escort Wan’er back. If it rains, the journey might be troublesome.”
Yan Chi naturally agreed. Qin Wan bid farewell to the Grand Princess, Madam Jiang, and the others, then headed out with Fu Ling, who carried boxes of gifts. Outside the manor gates, a different carriage awaited – the Marquis Manor’s carriage was spacious and elegant, certainly better than the government office’s.
With dark clouds overhead, Qin Wan and Yan Chi boarded the carriage one after another. They had barely traveled a few steps when a light rain began to fall. Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain to look outside, “Your Highness mentioned earlier that only one accountant remains at large. Does this mean all other people from the Qing Yuan Pawnshop have been caught? Are others involved in this case?”
Yan Chi nodded, “Indeed. Qin An had his preferences, and others had theirs. As long as they could pay, their requests would be fulfilled. Currently, two other wealthy households in the city have been implicated. Prefect Huo will arrest them soon.”
Qin Wan’s eyes darkened, “As expected, it’s not just the Qin Manor…”
If it had just been Qin An buying young girls, that would have been one thing, but once Qing Yuan Pawnshop became involved, it certainly wasn’t limited to the Qin family. While others only envied the nobility’s outward glory and splendor, very few knew the evil hidden beneath their noble status. Qin Wan knew this was a major case, far bigger than Song Rouzhi’s affair.
Yan Chi nodded, “There’s still more to uncover. The accountant in charge of the ledgers has a book detailing everyone involved.”
Qin Wan understood why Yan Chi’s tone had been so serious when mentioning that person. “By year’s end, Prefect Huo will be quite busy.”
Yan Chi’s eyes showed deeper meaning in her words, “This case indeed has extensive connections and is difficult to investigate, but it’s also an opportunity for Prefect Huo. I see he’s quite dedicated and hardworking.”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow in understanding. Huo Huaixin had been in local government for many years and must now be planning to move to the capital. This case was indeed his opportunity. This thought suddenly made her think of Yan Chi, “Does Your Highness hold the position of Criminal Investigation Commissioner because you’re currently in Jin Zhou, or will you enter the Ministry of Justice in the future?”
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, a thin smile appearing on his lips, “Your thoughts are always different from other women’s.”
Qin Wan was slightly startled, and Yan Chi continued, “Other noble ladies wouldn’t concern themselves with state affairs and politics like you do.”
Qin Wan smiled helplessly, “I just happened to think of it and asked.”
At this, Yan Chi’s eyes deepened, “I don’t know yet whether I’ll join the Ministry of Justice. That will be decided when I return to the capital and meet with that person. I’ve been away for many years; returning to the capital to enjoy life would be nice too.”
Qin Wan’s heart sank slightly. Yan Chi was young, at the perfect age for establishing his career. Returning to the capital now wasn’t about enjoying life.
Pretending not to understand, Qin Wan didn’t respond and instead asked, “When will Your Highness return to the capital?”
Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes, “Are you eager for me to return to the capital?”
“Of course not,” Qin Wan’s eyes darted, “We just happened to be talking about it.”
Yan Chi’s expression returned to normal, “This case isn’t finished yet. In any case, I must wait until it’s completed before returning.”
Qin Wan nodded, and Yan Chi added, “If I return to the capital, won’t it be difficult for us to meet?”
Qin Wan smiled, “If fate wills it, we’ll meet again.”
Yan Chi shook his head, feigning dissatisfaction with a sigh, “That’s not very loyal. We solved a case together, surely there should be some camaraderie between us.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes, a faint dimple appearing, “Your Highness is a young hero with great ambitions. Coming to Jin Zhou was only a few months’ stay; you would return sooner or later.”
Yan Chi dropped his playful manner and said seriously, “Returning to the capital means being a thousand miles away from you.”
Qin Wan looked up, meeting Yan Chi’s gaze steadily, and smiled, “Is Your Highness afraid of not finding someone else who can perform autopsies and examine bones like me?”
Her words made Yan Chi’s lips curve, but he nodded seriously, “Yes, I’m afraid I won’t.”
Qin Wan froze for a moment, seeming unable to maintain eye contact. She turned her gaze and lifted the window curtain to look outside, “We’re almost there, and the rain is heavy. Your Highness should return to the Marquis Manor soon.”
As she spoke, the carriage stopped. Qin Wan lifted the curtain to exit, but Yan Chi didn’t move. After Qin Wan got off, she looked at the hanging carriage curtain and turned to walk into the manor. The doorkeeper saw Qin Wan and hurried over with an umbrella. When Qin Wan reached the entrance, she looked back to see the carriage still waiting in the misty rain. Just as she was about to turn and enter, the carriage curtain lifted, and Yan Chi’s face appeared through the rain curtain, gazing at Qin Wan from a distance. She looked at him for a moment, curved her lips in a smile, and entered the manor gates.
The male servant held the umbrella, escorting Qin Wan and Fu Ling to Ting Lan Court. As they walked, Qin Wan looked up at the umbrella top, suddenly remembering another umbrella – one that had been held high and steady, capable of shielding her from all the wind and rain.
Only after entering the courtyard did Qin Wan let out a soft breath, pushing aside the scattered thoughts in her heart.
“Miss, I’ve placed these gifts in the cabinet in the inner room.”
Qin Wan nodded, then seemed to remember something, “Take out one ginseng root; let’s go see Sister-in-law.”
Fu Ling hesitated for a moment, “Miss, this ginseng is extremely good, perhaps…”
Qin Wan gently interrupted Fu Ling’s words, “I understand your meaning, which is why we’re keeping one root for emergencies. I’m just a bit tired now and can make do with some ordinary supplements. This ginseng can be saved for emergencies. Sister-in-law is extremely weak after childbirth; it will be more useful if we give it to her.”
Fu Ling sighed, “Miss is truly kind-hearted.”
Fu Ling took out a ginseng root and draped a cloak over Qin Wan before heading to Lin Feng Court under the azure umbrella. At Lin Feng Court, Mo Shu and the two newly arrived elderly maids were deeply moved by the ginseng Qin Wan brought. However, when Qin Wan entered the inner chamber, she still found Yao Xinlan sleeping. Five days had passed since Qiqi’s birth, and no matter how fond of sleep Yao Xinlan was, she shouldn’t be asleep every time Qin Wan visited.
As usual, Qin Wan first checked her pulse. Finding nothing seriously wrong, she walked out with Mo Shu.
“Has Sister-in-law been sleeping like this all day?”
Mo Shu nodded, her eyes filled with worry. This girl, as loyal as Fu Ling, was deeply concerned about Yao Xinlan’s condition. “Ninth Miss, your servant feels something isn’t quite right. After so many days, even I, without medical knowledge, can see that Mistress’s complexion has improved and her body is no longer cold, which shows she’s recovering. But why does she keep sleeping?”
Qin Wan walked to the warm chamber nearby, where she saw the wet nurse feeding Qiqi. Watching Qiqi’s innocent mouth movements, Qin Wan felt slightly relieved. “Perhaps Sister-in-law hasn’t overcome her mental barrier.”
Mo Shu looked at Qiqi with dimming eyes, “Mistress shows no reaction to Young Miss either. I’m just afraid Young Miss and Mistress won’t bond. Moreover… Madam hasn’t sent anyone over these past few days. If Young Miss doesn’t receive a mother’s love, it would be truly pitiful. But with Mistress in that state, I don’t know how to advise her. She still needs to recover, and I’m afraid of upsetting her.”
Qin Wan shook her head, “No need to persuade her. Just bring Qiqi to see her every day. Qiqi is still young; she won’t fail to bond. Just take good care of both of them.”
As she spoke, Qiqi finished feeding, and Qin Wan stepped forward to hold her. The baby’s cheeks were as white and soft as dough, and Qin Wan couldn’t resist pressing her face against them. Qiqi responded with a “yi ya” sound.
Mo Shu exclaimed, “Young Miss truly likes Ninth Miss…”
Qin Wan felt her heart melting with warmth. She kissed Qiqi’s forehead again, “Such a good Qiqi must understand her mother’s difficulties. In a few days when Mother is better, she’ll come to hold Qiqi, alright…”
As Qin Wan spoke, Qiqi made another “yi ya” sound. Mo Shu’s eyes reddened slightly, “Thank you, Ninth Miss…”
After staying at Lin Feng Court for nearly two hours, Qin Wan left. By the time she returned to Ting Lan Court, it was quite late. Her arms ached from holding Qiqi for so long, and shortly after returning to her room, she washed up and went to bed.
She slept well through the night. Early the next morning, Qin Wan rose as usual, had breakfast, and went to spend an hour or two at Lin Feng Court, playing with Qiqi and occasionally talking to Yao Xinlan. Seeing Yao Xinlan still lying with closed eyes as if asleep, Qin Wan could only sigh inwardly. When Qiqi took her afternoon nap, Qin Wan would return to study medical books and contemplate prescriptions. In the afternoon when she had free time, she would visit Lin Feng Court again. Sometimes Qin Shuang would be there, and her temperament had changed so much that she would even initiate conversations with Qin Wan.
Qin Wan spent four or five days like this, while the autumn rain from that day continued without ceasing. On the morning of the fifth day, just as Qin Wan finished breakfast, Fu Ling hurried in with an urgent expression.
“Miss, Third Master died in the government office—”
Qin Wan was about to head to Lin Feng Court but paused at these words, “Five days… that’s about right.”
Fu Ling didn’t immediately understand, so Qin Wan asked, “Who went there?”
“Second Young Master went, along with the newly appointed butler He Xing.”
Qin Wan nodded and turned back to the warm chamber. Fu Ling sighed, “They said the officials who came not only reported his death but also announced that Third Master’s case has been settled. Although it doesn’t implicate others, several Qin family properties have been sealed off. It’s said these properties were connected to Qing Yuan Pawnshop and had dealings with other arrested wealthy households in the city.”
This was what Qin Wan had expected. It seemed Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin had caught the fugitive during these five days, and during this time, Qin An had likely confessed everything. The sealing of Qin family properties was inevitable.
“That’s to be expected. It’s good they haven’t sealed this residence.”
Fu Ling looked worried, “We don’t know about that yet. This is just the beginning.”
Qin Wan understood Fu Ling’s concerns and consoled her, “It’s nothing. Everything will be fine. We used to live in the West Back Court, which wasn’t even as good as common people’s houses. Could our situation be worse than that?”
Fu Ling could only manage a bitter smile, “Miss isn’t worried at all…”
Qin Wan tilted her head, “What’s there to worry about? You now know hundreds of medicinal herbs; you could be an apprentice at a medicine shop.”
Fu Ling blushed slightly, “But… but which medicine shop would take a girl as an apprentice? Unless a female doctor is practicing there…”
Qin Wan gestured to herself, “Isn’t there a female doctor right here?”
Fu Ling’s eyes widened, and she quickly waved her hands, “No, no, Miss is precious and noble. You can’t practice medicine. If people found out, they would surely mock you.”
Qin Wan laughed, “What precious and noble? Weren’t we quite comfortable when we lived in the West Back Court before?” She raised her hands, “Earning money with one’s own hands is a very dignified thing.”
Unable to argue with Qin Wan, Fu Ling could only nod, “Yes, yes, yes, whatever Miss says is right.”
……
……
Qin An’s death didn’t cause much stir in the Qin Manor. He was already terminally ill and had committed serious crimes, so when his gruesome corpse was brought back to the Qin Manor, Qin Li only called a few male servants to complete the preliminary funeral arrangements. The coffin was already prepared, and the mourning hall was the same one previously used for Madam Jiang, with even the funeral banners and white flowers still in place.
Since Qin An was a criminal, his funeral could only be extremely simple. Qin Li didn’t even invite priests to perform rites. The body lay in state for just one night, and early the next morning, after Qin Shuang and her sisters and Qin Wan offered incense, Qin An was carried out of the city for burial. His legal wife, Lady Lin, who should have worn mourning clothes, didn’t appear, citing serious illness as an excuse.
From the laying out of the body to the burial, there was no mourning, no funeral music. Qin Li didn’t even carry the ancestral tablet through the streets. On a misty, rainy morning, Qin An, the former head of the Jin Zhou Qin Manor, was buried under the yellow earth outside the city in desolate silence.
Though Qin An died quietly, the consequences of his crimes were formally imposed on the Qin Manor’s younger generation. For three consecutive days, government officials came to the manor. Although they didn’t seal the entire residence, they thoroughly searched Qin An’s former quarters, and outside the manor, many Qin family properties were sealed.
The great ship of the Qin family was finally in ruins. All the servants lived in constant anxiety. After another day, Qin Li decided to reduce unnecessary expenses, with the first measure being to reduce the number of servants attending to each master.
Fu Ling hurried in from outside and sighed looking at Qin Wan, who was practicing calligraphy in the warm chamber, “Miss, they’re still kneeling out there.”
Qin Wan remained silent, finishing the last character before raising her head, “Let them in.”
She put down her brush and moved to sit by the window.
Soon, Fu Ling led Wan Tang, Wan Tao, and Wan Li. As soon as they entered, all three knelt.
Qin Wan casually took a sip of tea, “Why do this? Every household is reducing staff. Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss are doing the same. You come to beg me, but you know I don’t have extra money to support you, and besides, you’ve been here long enough to know I don’t need so many people.”
The three knelt there, but notably absent was Wan Xing. Hearing Qin Wan’s words, Wan Tang raised her head, her eyes earnest, “But Miss… why keep Wan Xing? Your servant has been utterly loyal to Miss. Your servant will surely serve even more diligently in the future.”
Wan Tang’s eyes reddened with grievance. Fu Ling sighed inwardly. When Qin Wan had previously asked her whom to keep, she had suggested Wan Tang, and Qin Wan hadn’t objected. But unexpectedly, when the day came, Qin Wan named Wan Xing to stay. Fu Ling was surprised and indeed quite satisfied with Wan Tang, but she would always stand with Qin Wan and would never question her decisions!
As soon as Wan Tang finished speaking, Wan Tao, with red-rimmed eyes, continued, “Miss… your servant knows she’s stupid and talks too much, but… but your servant doesn’t want to be driven from the manor. Please show mercy…”
Wan Tao wiped her eyes and continued, “Your servant may not be as proper as Sister Wan Tang, but your servant… your servant can work without wages. Your servant wants to stay with Miss. Please don’t let your servant be driven away…”
After Wan Tao finished, Wan Li kept her head down without speaking. Qin Wan looked at her, “Wan Li, what do you think?”
At these words, Wan Li lowered her head even further, “Your servant… begs Miss… begs Miss…”
Qin Wan sighed, “You’ve all been here for two months. Although I rarely give you tasks, I thought since you were here, I should at least shelter you. Originally, if nothing had happened to the Qin Manor, things could have continued this way. But now the entire manor is in this situation, and I can’t be an exception.”
After a brief pause, Qin Wan looked at Wan Li, “Wan Li, you have a proud nature and even now refuse to humble yourself. Your integrity is admirable. You’ve studied poetry and possess many talents. With these skills, it won’t be difficult for you to stand out among maids. Even leaving the Qin Manor, you’ll find good opportunities. I won’t keep you here where you’d only spend your days in resentment.”
Qin Wan spoke directly and clearly. Wan Li trembled, and after a moment, bowed her head to the ground before Qin Wan.
Qin Wan said nothing more and turned to Wan Tao, “Wan Tao… do you truly wish to stay in the manor?”
Hearing this, Wan Tao’s eyes immediately lit up with hope, “Yes, yes! Your servant wants to stay!”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “What if it means doing harder work?”
Wan Tao thought briefly but nodded firmly, “Your servant is willing!”
Qin Wan seemed relieved, “That’s good. With the manor reducing staff, Old Lady Liu in the kitchen is a longtime servant who plans to stay. She’s an excellent cook and wants to take on an apprentice…”
Wan Tao’s eyes instantly brightened, then filled with tears, “Miss—”
“Don’t be too quick to agree.” Qin Wan’s expression grew serious, “The kitchen staff has also been reduced significantly. Though you can learn cooking from Old Lady Liu, you’ll also handle daily chores. It will be much more demanding than working here.” After a pause, her tone softened, “I remember you’re very filial, so let me be clear about this opportunity. A cook like Old Lady Liu could earn high wages at a restaurant outside, but she stays in the Qin Manor for comfort. You’re still young. Learn from Old Lady Liu first, and once you have the skill to make a living, your future will be in your own hands.”
Tears rolled down Wan Tao’s cheeks, “Miss… thank you, Miss…”
Usually quite talkative, Wan Tao now found herself speechless, only repeatedly kowtowing to Qin Wan. Qin Wan sighed, “This is the path I’ve thought of for you, what I believe is a good future. But how it turns out depends on your diligence. Though I’ve suggested it, you don’t have to go. The choice is entirely yours.”
“Your servant will go, of course, your servant will go. Thank you, Miss…”
As an experienced maid, Wan Tao knew well and commanded respect in the manor. Besides the stewards, the kitchen’s head cook held the most prestige and received the highest wages. The path Qin Wan showed her was like being pulled from the mire of dismissal to the clouds above. Without Qin Wan’s word, Old Lady Liu would never have taken her as an apprentice.
Qin Wan waved her hand, and Wan Tao finally stopped kowtowing, wiping her tears while smiling foolishly.
After finishing with Wan Tao, Qin Wan turned to Wan Tang. Seeing how Qin Wan had given Wan Tao an excellent opportunity and even offered kind words to Wan Li, Wan Tang straightened her back, her eyes showing great expectation.
“Wan Tang, take care of yourself from now on.”
Wan Tang was stunned, never expecting these words from Qin Wan. Her face paled as she hurriedly said, “Miss… why… Your servant has been completely devoted since coming to Ting Lan Court, never once slacking…”
As she spoke, her eyes moistened, truly appearing like someone who had been wronged.
Qin Wan looked at Wan Tang, her gaze turning cold, “Devoted to what? Devoted to passing my information to others?”
Qin Wan’s tone was cold and stern, carrying an underlying current of icy anger.
Wan Tang froze, her expression of grievance suddenly stiffening, while her eyes unconsciously revealed panic.
Nearby, Fu Ling and Wan Tao frowned slightly, not understanding Qin Wan’s meaning as they watched Wan Tang on the verge of tears. A moment later, Wan Tang herself asked, “What does Miss mean…”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, her tone as cold as a winter moon’s edge, “Eldest Young Master.”
At these three words, Wan Tang’s back instantly stiffened. She stared at Qin Wan with wide eyes, her body trembling uncontrollably, “El… Eldest Young Master… your servant…”
“You appeared to be a model for the other four on the surface, but in reality, your true master was the Eldest Young Master. Your repeated entries into my inner chamber – weren’t they on his orders? Wasn’t it you who told him about my plans to visit the gatehouse?”
Qin Wan’s tone was steady, without aggression, but this made Wan Tang break out in a cold sweat. Meanwhile, Fu Ling’s eyes widened in angry shock, “So it was you who sneaked into Miss’s inner chamber!”
Wan Tang lowered her head in panic but still struggled desperately, “No… that’s not true… Miss is just suspicious… Miss has no proof…”
“Proof?” Qin Wan’s face remained cold as she suddenly turned to Wan Tao.
Wan Tao had never seen Qin Wan like this and straightened respectfully when Qin Wan’s cold gaze fell on her.
“Smell her. Is there a scent of clover?”
At this question, Wan Tao quickly leaned over to smell. After a few sniffs, she nodded urgently, “Yes, there is! Your servant has smelled it before but thought she’d picked it up somewhere…”
Qin Wan’s eyes narrowed, her usually gentle gaze sharp as a blade, “This is the herbal fragrance I applied to the innermost bookshelf. This scent fades without sunlight but only emerges after the person who touched it has been in the sun for half a day, and once it emerges, it lingers. I haven’t touched that scented area of the bookshelf for days, so who moved it? This scent isn’t on Fu Ling or Wan Tao, yet appears only on you. Wan Tang, you betrayed and deceived your master – have I wronged you?!”
As these clear, forceful words fell, Wan Tang’s trembling body collapsed to the ground.
“Miss… Miss… it was Eldest Young Master who…”
Wan Tang spoke through tears. Qin Wan waved her hand impatiently. Wan Tang’s offense had nearly cost her her life at Qin Chan’s hands. If not for considering that she was just a servant being manipulated, this wouldn’t have been handled so simply.
“Fu Ling, take them out.”
At Qin Wan’s command, Fu Ling immediately stepped forward angrily and pulled Wan Tang up. As they left one after another, Qin Wan faintly heard Fu Ling’s scolding voice outside. Qin Wan shook her head. Qin Li’s reduction in staff was a good thing – she had long been uncomfortable with so many people in the courtyard. As for Wan Xing, she truly suited her taste.
Just as she was thinking this, the courtyard gate suddenly made a light sound. Fu Ling’s scolding stopped as she rushed to open it.
Qin Wan didn’t know who had come, assuming it was someone to take away Wan Tang and Wan Li, so she paid no attention. But soon, Fu Ling rushed to the doorway, “Miss, visitors have arrived from the capital! Second Young Master requests your presence in the front courtyard—”