“Young Miss, someone has arrived from the Capital! Second Young Master requests your presence in the front courtyard.” Fu Ling ran urgently to the doorway, her voice tinged with surprise. Qin Wan frowned slightly and slowly stood up. Fu Ling said something to Wan Tang and the others outside before hurrying in to get new clothes for Qin Wan.

“I don’t know who has arrived, but Young Miss shouldn’t be careless. You should change into something more presentable.”

As Fu Ling spoke, she went to search through the wardrobe. Qin Wan shook her head helplessly, “No need to change, this will do.”

Fu Ling paused her movements and turned to look. She saw that Qin Wan was wearing a smoke-gray pleated long dress today, covered with a slightly lighter jade-green front-opening robe. Her hair was half-pulled up in a cloud bun, with a jade hairpin that the Jiang family had previously given her inserted at an angle. Though her face was free of powder and rouge, her bright eyes, white teeth, and painted-like eyebrows were naturally beautiful. Fu Ling looked at Qin Wan for a moment, then suddenly closed the wardrobe doors. “Young Miss is right. Young Miss has natural beauty and doesn’t need to change clothes at all.”

Qin Wan shook her head with an amused smile and turned to walk toward the front courtyard.

After leaving the courtyard, Fu Ling was still fuming, “This Wan Tang… and to think I believed her to be so reliable. I never imagined she would be the spy in our midst!”

Speaking thus, Fu Ling looked at Qin Wan with a grievance, “Young Miss knew but didn’t tell me…”

Hearing this, Qin Wan sighed, “You can’t keep secrets. If I had told you, wouldn’t that have revealed that I knew? There aren’t many secrets in my chambers. Rather than expose it early, I wanted to see what she was trying to do. At first, I didn’t know who her master was, until First Young Master developed murderous intentions toward me. Only then did I understand. But then the First Young Master died, and the Qin Manor underwent such changes. I had long anticipated this day would come. Even if today’s staff reduction hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have kept her much longer.”

Thinking of Qin Chen, Fu Ling’s expression soured as she snorted lightly, “First Young Master truly was… He must have feared Young Miss would remember what happened that night, so he arranged for someone to be in Young Miss’s courtyard to know if Young Miss had truly forgotten the events of that night. Such deep, frightening thoughts. To think I used to believe he was a kind person.”

Speaking thus, Fu Ling became somewhat dejected, “This servant truly lacks discernment!”

Qin Wan smiled at her words. Seeing Fu Ling pouting with worry and self-reproach, she changed the subject, “Did they say who came?”

Fu Ling quickly shook her head at the question, “That wasn’t mentioned, but given how significant the matters at the Qin Manor are this time, it couldn’t be just anyone. We just don’t know exactly who has arrived.”

Qin Wan thought the same. Although the Jinzhou Qin family was the third branch of the Qin clan, they were still a very important branch with frequent interactions with the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor. With such major events occurring at the Jinzhou Qin Manor, the response would surely not be casual.

With these thoughts, Qin Wan had already reached the front courtyard with Fu Ling. Qin An’s courtyard had been searched and emptied. These past few days, Qin Li had ordered people to tidy it up, and at least the guest reception area in the front courtyard was still usable.

When Qin Wan reached the doorway, she saw that Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were already present.

Servants stood guard outside. In the main hall, Madam Lin sat on the left of the main seat looking sickly, while on the right sat a gentleman in silver robes who appeared to be around the same age as Qin Chen and Qin Li. Qin Li sat below Madam Lin, with Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang seated next to him. Beside the silver-robed gentleman stood a middle-aged man wearing a deep blue robe.

Qin Wan’s glance swept over everyone. Madam Lin and Qin Li’s group weren’t particularly eye-catching. In contrast, the silver-robed gentleman was exceptionally handsome. Though he was around the same age as Qin Chen and Qin Li, his bearing and demeanor far surpassed theirs. The middle-aged man standing behind him, despite wearing simple servant’s attire, stood with calm composure and carried himself with scholarly elegance. Qin Wan didn’t know who he was but instinctively sensed his exceptional nature.

Qin Li had been watching the entrance, and upon seeing Qin Wan, he quickly said, “Ninth Sister has arrived.”

At these words, everyone in the room turned to look at Qin Wan.

Qin Wan slightly lowered her gaze, took small steps into the hall, and stopped at a position slightly to the left in the main hall. She curtsied toward Madam Lin’s direction, “Greetings to Madam.”

As soon as Qin Wan finished speaking before Madam Lin could respond, the silver-robed gentleman laughed brightly with admiration in his eyes, “After more than three years, Third Brother barely recognizes how beautifully Ninth Sister has grown.”

Qin Wan turned to look and met the gentleman’s gaze.

Hearing him call himself “Third Brother,” Qin Wan immediately understood his identity.

Although the Qin clan had three branches, each branch was quite simple in terms of members. This person calling himself “Third Brother” was the current heir to the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor, the eldest son of Marquis Qin Shu, Qin Yan.

“Greetings to Third Brother,” Qin Wan lowered her eyes and curtsied again.

Qin Yan’s smile deepened, though his gaze remained filled with admiration as he observed Qin Wan. Born with an impressive bearing and being the heir to a marquis’s manor, he carried himself with a particularly lofty and noble air. His features were handsome and his face jade-like, with bright eyes full of spirit and sword-like eyebrows sweeping into his temples, topped with a jade crown binding his black hair. He appeared especially noble and extraordinary, much like every aristocratic young master Qin Wan had previously seen in the capital who had been raised in marquis and duke households. If it were just surface nobility, that would be one thing, but his smiling eyes also concealed elements of weighing and assessment – the kind of look that those accustomed to navigating power structures typically possessed…

He was the eldest legitimate son, designated as heir almost from birth. The Loyal and Brave Marquis Qin Shu was extremely ambitious and naturally would have properly educated his successor. It was evident that Qin Yan had been taught well by him. His surface demeanor showed confidence and grace suitable for major occasions, his eyes were full of smiles with just the right amount of warmth, maintaining both an appropriate distance befitting his status and revealing deep strategic thinking.

Though Qin Wan didn’t look directly at Qin Yan, she understood that this young heir was far beyond comparison with Qin Li.

Qin Yan, heir to the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor, stood out even among the young nobles of the capital.

Qin Yan continued watching Qin Wan, and after a moment, he suddenly stood up and took out a jade tablet from his sleeve, “Ninth Sister has been away from the capital for three years, and Third Brother has missed you dearly. I came in such a hurry this time that I didn’t bring any elaborate gifts, but please take this jade tablet first.”

Seeing Qin Yan personally walk over to hand her the jade tablet, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed imperceptibly before she curtsied and accepted it, “Thank you, Third Brother.”

Qin Yan smiled until his eyes narrowed slightly, making him appear even more approachable.

To the side, Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow, while Qin Xiang tightly wrung the handkerchief in her hands.

Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan a few more times, still sighing, “These past few years, I wanted to visit Ninth Sister many times but couldn’t find the time. Not just me, but Father, Mother, and Yu’er all miss you dearly.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan’s eyelids twitched several times. Although she had no memories of being the Ninth Young Miss, the fact that the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor had sent the Ninth Young Miss to Jinzhou was enough to show their attitude toward her wasn’t particularly good. Why couldn’t such a grand marquis’s manor accommodate even a young lady? Qin Wan didn’t know the details, so she took Qin Yan’s words as mere pleasantries.

“These past few years, I have also missed Third Brother and Uncle and Aunt greatly.”

Qin Yan’s smile grew brighter, “Then would you like to see them?”

Qin Wan was startled and suddenly raised her head. Seeing her reaction, Qin Yan assumed she had been waiting for these words for many years. Having interacted with her before, Qin Yan looked at the now beautifully grown Qin Wan and couldn’t help but reach out to brush away some stray hair from her shoulder to show sibling affection, “If I say that I’ve come to take you back to the capital this time, would you like to return?”

“Return… to the capital?!”

Qin Wan’s tone was hesitant, her shock evident. She had been thinking day and night about going to the capital to find an opportunity to look into her father’s case, and now Qin Yan’s words effectively solved her biggest problem.

Seeing Qin Wan’s reaction, Qin Yan understood in his heart. On his way here, he had roughly figured out the third branch’s situation. He knew Qin Wan hadn’t lived well these past few years. She must have been miserable, must have been thinking about when she could return to the capital. In the past, Qin Wan had been a meaningless existence to the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor, but now things were different.

“Yes, return to the capital. Back then, you fell ill repeatedly, and we invited fortune tellers. The Taoist said you needed to find a place with good feng shui and a warm, humid climate, or your life would be in danger. Father and Mother discussed it several times before sending you here. Now things are different from before, and naturally, we should bring you back to the capital to take good care of you. Otherwise, how could we face Second Uncle’s spirit in heaven?”

Qin Yan spoke to Qin Wan in a very warm tone. Qin Wan hadn’t recalled Fu Ling mentioning anything about her being ill, but none of that mattered now. Regardless of what intentions the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor harbored, being able to legitimately return to the capital was the best possible outcome for Qin Wan. She pressed her lips together, “With Third Brother personally coming to escort me, of course I should return. It has been a long time since I’ve swept my parents’ graves.”

Qin Yan sighed lightly and patted Qin Wan’s shoulder, “I know you are filial. Don’t worry, Father and Mother send people every year to visit Second Uncle and Second Aunt.”

“I’m grateful for Uncle and Aunt’s thoughtfulness.”

Qin Wan spoke gratefully, and Qin Yan’s smile became even more relaxed. Having grown up with Qin Wan since childhood, their relationship was naturally closer. After Qin Wan arrived, he almost ignored everyone else. Only now did he turn to Madam Lin, “Third Aunt, have you decided?”

Qin Wan had arrived late and didn’t know what had been discussed earlier. She only saw Madam Lin cough lightly twice upon hearing these words, looking at Qin Xiang with evident reluctance, “Elder Brother means well, I understand. Since that’s the case, let them go.”

Qin Yan’s smile brightened, “Third Aunt, please don’t worry. Father and Mother have made all preparations, just waiting for the sisters to arrive in the capital.”

Only then did Qin Wan realize that they planned to take Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang along as well.

But why now? Qin Wan thought carefully, and understanding dawned in her eyes.

Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang had reached marriageable age. It was already difficult to find high-ranking husbands for them in Jinzhou, let alone now with the Qin Manor’s current situation making it even more challenging. At this time, going to the capital was their best option. Meanwhile, the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor likely needed several daughters to achieve their marriage alliance purposes.

“With Elder Brother and Sister-in-law there, I’m naturally at ease, but Xiang’er and Shuang’er have never been to the capital, so I can’t help but worry.” Madam Lin coughed again as she spoke. Qin Chen had just passed away, and now Qin Xiang was leaving too. In mere moments, she would have no birth children by her side. How could she not feel heartbroken? Yet she knew that only by going to the capital would Qin Xiang have a good future.

Hearing this, Qin Yan reassured her, “Third Aunt needn’t worry. Not only will Father, Mother, and I take care of them, but both sisters are so beautiful and lovable that they’ll only attract more admirers in the capital.”

Qin Xiang had been quite unhappy that Qin Yan only gave Qin Wan a gift, but hearing these words, her eyes lit up.

The current Qin Manor was in chaos, and its members faced criticism wherever they went outside the manor. Even servants couldn’t bear it, let alone them. She had never been to the capital but knew of its prosperity and wealth. She hadn’t thought much about it before, but in these moments, she remembered all the exquisite ornaments, treasures, and silk that the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor had sent… things that couldn’t be found in Jinzhou. Qin Xiang suddenly felt an intense longing. The capital was a whole new world, a place where she could leave behind all the filth of this manor and return to being a proud Young Miss of the Qin family!

Qin Shuang’s eyes also brightened slightly, but then something crossed her mind, and hesitation appeared on her face.

“That’s good then. Since the Young Master has come all this way, will you be staying at the manor for a few days?”

Madam Lin asked weakly, and Qin Yan quickly replied, “There’s no need to stay. The New Year is approaching, and in a few days, if it snows, the roads will be difficult to travel. Father and Mother repeatedly instructed that I must bring all three sisters back to the capital before the twelfth month.” After a pause, Qin Yan continued, “However, since I wasn’t here when the Old Madam and Third Uncle passed away, I must offer some incense. Also, the three sisters will need time to prepare for leaving. Let’s depart in five days.”

Madam Lin nodded, looking at Qin Xiang again with great tenderness. Seeing this, Qin Li stood up and said, “Young Master and Manager Zhou must be tired from your journey. Let me show you to your rooms first, and we’ll have a welcoming feast tonight.”

Qin Yan smiled and nodded at these words, then looked at Qin Wan again, “Ninth Sister, you have five days to prepare, alright?”

Qin Wan quickly lowered her eyes and said, “Yes, thank you, Third Brother.”

Qin Yan smiled broadly and followed Qin Li out. As they walked, he asked about recent affairs at the manor. Although Qin Li was older than Qin Yan, he responded with utmost respect.

The man called Manager Zhou, wearing the blue robe, also followed them out. Qin Wan wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she felt that when he passed by her, his eyes deepened as he glanced at her twice.

After the three left, Madam Lin called out hoarsely, “Xiang’er.”

Emotion also welled up in Qin Xiang’s eyes. Although she wanted to go to the capital, she truly didn’t want to leave her mother. Qin Xiang quickly rose to support Madam Lin, softly comforting her, “Mother, don’t worry. With Third Brother there… Mother, let me help you back first.”

Madam Lin coughed twice more and was helped out by Qin Xiang. After they left, Qin Shuang snorted lightly and stood up.

She glanced sideways at Qin Wan and asked, “Is the capital fun?”

Qin Wan looked at her and shook her head, “No, it’s not.”

Qin Shuang said sourly, “Everyone says the capital is fun, but you say it’s not. Is it because no one took you out to play before?”

Qin Wan neither confirmed nor denied this. Qin Shuang then sighed melancholically, “Staying here definitely isn’t good, but I know that in the capital, people like us will be a little better than country girls. I don’t expect anything good there. Also, if we leave, what about Qi’er…”

Qin Shuang’s words made Qin Wan’s heart sink, but seeing that Qin Wan wasn’t responding, Qin Shuang didn’t want to embarrass herself further. She left on her own, taking her maid with her. Qin Wan stood there, stunned for a moment before slowly walking out.

“Young Miss… we’re going back to the capital?!”

As soon as they were outside, Fu Ling looked at Qin Wan with delight. Qin Wan nodded, her lips curving slightly.

Regardless of everything else, returning to the capital was her greatest priority. Even though she was concerned about Yao Xinlan and Qi’er, she had to stick to this decision. After some thought, Qin Wan headed toward Linfeng Court with Fu Ling.

“Fu Ling, I can’t remember clearly what happened before. Why exactly was I sent to Jinzhou back then?”

Having been reborn for only two months, Qin Wan had previously been troubled, never expecting to have a chance to return to the capital so soon. Therefore, she had asked very little about matters in the capital, fearing too many questions would raise Fu Ling’s suspicions. Today, however, she could take the opportunity to ask.

Fu Ling had been serving outside and had roughly heard the conversation inside. She understood Qin Wan’s meaning and quickly said, “Young Miss, don’t listen to what the Young Master said. You did fall ill back then, but… but before you, it was Eighth Young Miss who fell ill first.”

Fu Ling lowered her voice, and Qin Wan stopped in her tracks, “Eighth Young Miss fell ill first?”

Fu Ling looked around and took Qin Wan’s hand, “Yes. I’m a bit unclear about the details from that time, but I know people in the manor looked at us strangely as if we had caused Eighth Young Miss’s illness. Not long after, you also became unwell, but in my view, it was just a common cold. However, the manor took it very seriously and even invited a Taoist priest to perform rituals. After that, I’m not sure what was said, but we were sent to Jinzhou. I vaguely remember the Marquis’s wife saying something about how the South would be good for Young Miss’s health, but both you and I were quite scared then, so I don’t remember very clearly.”

Qin Wan frowned slightly. This was indeed unusual. Was her illness just an excuse, and was her being sent away related to that Eighth Young Miss? Eighth Young Miss Qin Chaoyu was the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s eldest legitimate daughter. Even when Qin Wan was still Shen Wan, she knew of her reputation. She was acclaimed as the capital’s premier talented lady, and though Qin Wan had never met her, this title alone was enough to indicate that Qin Chaoyu must have been extraordinary.

Qin Wan shook her head. There was no evidence, and it wasn’t wise to draw conclusions based on Fu Ling’s hazy memories.

Qin Wan took a deep breath and lifted her chin. The capital! She could finally return to the capital!

Qin Wan’s gaze was determined, and since no one was around, she didn’t hide the surge of emotions in her heart. A long-buried grief suddenly rushed up, making her nose tingle. This was a difficult path, one filled with thorns and darkness, but since heaven had given her the chance to be reborn, she had to walk this path no matter what.

After walking a bit further, Qin Wan finally calmed her emotions, “Who was that manager?”

Since it wasn’t the first time knowing that Qin Wan couldn’t remember past events, Fu Ling had no suspicions about this question and quickly replied, “The manager is called Zhou Huai, one of the Marquis’s most capable managers.”

“One of them?” Qin Wan looked at Fu Ling. Were there more than one manager?

Fu Ling nodded quickly, “There’s another called Wu Yang, who is also highly valued by the Marquis.”

Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment, silently noting this information, and said aloud, “I seem to have some impression…”

Fu Ling’s eyes brightened, “It seems Young Miss hasn’t forgotten everything. Perhaps Young Miss will gradually recover?”

Qin Wan’s eyes shifted slightly, “It’s possible, but it’s also possible that I’ll never recover.”

Fu Ling sighed, “If only there was a way to cure Young Miss.”

Qin Wan looked at Fu Ling and said, “There might be a way… I read in a medical book about someone who injured their head and became simple-minded, but was cured.”

Fu Ling’s eyes lit up, “What?! Someone who became simple-minded could be cured?!”

“Yes, would you like to know what method they used?”

Fu Ling nodded eagerly, “Please tell me, Young Miss. Perhaps it could cure you too?”

Qin Wan smiled, “They used a knife to split open the person’s head to drain out the congested blood…”

Fu Ling jumped in fright, but then noticed the playful look in Qin Wan’s eyes and realized, “Oh Young Miss, you were teasing me! You got my hopes up so high. Never mind splitting open the skull, we can’t let Young Miss suffer even the slightest injury! It doesn’t matter if you can’t remember things – you still have me…”

Qin Wan looked at the innocent Fu Ling and sighed inwardly. She wasn’t intentionally deceiving Fu Ling, but once they started their journey back to the capital, she would need to ask many more questions. Without laying this groundwork first, Fu Ling might become suspicious.

Qin Wan smiled and praised Fu Ling a couple of times. Fu Ling, completely unaware, accompanied Qin Wan to Linfeng Court.

Upon entering the courtyard, Qin Wan saw Qin Shuang’s servant Wan Qing. Though Qin Shuang’s attitude toward Qin Wan had changed, Wan Qing was still afraid of Qin Wan, knowing that just over a month ago, she had pushed Qin Wan into Half Moon Lake.

Seeing Wan Qing there, Qin Wan knew Qin Shuang must be in Linfeng Court as well. She went straight to the inner chamber and, sure enough, saw Qin Shuang talking with Mo Shu. Hearing movement, both turned their heads, and both wore worried expressions.

“Ninth Young Miss… greetings to Ninth Young Miss.”

Qin Wan helped Mo Shu up with a gesture, “How is Sister-in-law today?”

Mo Shu shook her head, “Still the same, barely speaking. Qi’er slept next to the Young Madam today, but she didn’t respond much. Later Qi’er cried, and the wet nurse had to comfort her.”

Qin Wan frowned slightly and entered the inner chamber. Sure enough, she saw Yao Xinlan lying on the bed with closed eyes. Qin Wan went forward to check her pulse. Coming closer, she noticed Yao Xinlan’s breathing wasn’t very steady. Her face remained neutral as she proceeded as usual, with Mo Shu and Qin Shuang standing behind her. Soon, Qin Wan withdrew her hand, “She’s much better than a few days ago. Just care for her as you would for normal postpartum recovery. In another seven or eight days, when the first layer of scabs falls off her wound, Sister-in-law can get out of bed.”

Mo Shu felt immediate relief hearing this, “Thank goodness… otherwise, with Ninth Young Miss leaving…”

Mo Shu’s voice grew hoarse as she spoke. In the entire manor, Yao Xinlan was closest to Qin Wan, and Qin Wan had done the most to care for Linfeng Court. Without Qin Wan present, if anything happened to Yao Xinlan, she couldn’t trust any other doctor.

Thinking this, Mo Shu glanced at Qin Shuang. Though Qin Shuang had a difficult temperament, she was still respectful and close to Yao Xinlan. But now she was leaving too. Once she left, Linfeng Court would truly become desolate.

“Don’t worry, I’ll leave prescriptions. I’ll write down the symptoms and medications in detail, so even if Sister-in-law’s condition worsens, you’ll have emergency measures. Right now, Sister-in-law needs to change her prescription. Let me dictate while you write…”

At Qin Wan’s words, Mo Shu hurried to get paper and brush. Qin Wan began, “There are two prescriptions. The first is the Four-Smooth Regulating Pills: Six Qian of licorice root, Three Qian each of ginseng, white atractylodes, and dried ginger. Grind them into a fine powder, mix them with honey, and make pills the size of phoenix tree seeds. Ten pills per dose. This treats postpartum deficiency and regulates internal qi.”

Seeing Mo Shu writing steadily, Qin Wan paused until she finished, then continued, “The second prescription treats postpartum weakness and poor appetite: Seven Qian of angelica, Five Qian each of peony, ginseng, cinnamon heart, fresh ginger, and licorice, Twenty large dates, and Five Qian of dried rehmannia. Cut these eight ingredients into small pieces and decoct in water, to be taken three times daily.”

After Qin Wan finished, Mo Shu wrote hurriedly and then handed the prescriptions to Qin Wan, “Ninth Young Miss, please check if I wrote them correctly.”

Qin Wan leaned forward and carefully examined them for a moment, then nodded, “This is correct. Start using these prescriptions from today, and continue with the nourishing diet as before.”

Mo Shu immediately nodded, “Very well, I’ll go make arrangements now. Ninth Young Miss, please wait a moment.”

Qin Wan nodded, and Mo Shu quickly left with the prescriptions. Off to the side, Qin Shuang stood still, looking at Qin Wan with an odd expression. Finding herself alone with Qin Wan, she seemed uncomfortable and muttered “I’ll go check on Qi’er” before walking out. With Qin Shuang gone, only Qin Wan and Yao Xinlan remained in the room.

Qin Wan turned to look at Yao Xinlan, who still lay with her eyes closed as if sleeping.

Qin Wan leaned over and tucked in Yao Xinlan’s blanket.

“Sister-in-law, people have come from the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor in the capital. They’re taking us three sisters to the capital, departing in five days.”

Qin Wan spoke as if to herself, seemingly not expecting any response from Yao Xinlan. Seeing no reaction, she continued, “Once Sixth Sister and I leave, only you will remain, and Qi’er will have only her wet nurse.”

“Sister-in-law, if you can’t get past your hurdle, what will become of Qi’er? In the half-month since her birth, she’s been surrounded only by servants and wet nurses, with only her aunts showing care. Her mother pays her no attention. I feel such pity for Qi’er.”

Qin Wan spoke quietly, her tone calm yet weighted with gravity that pierced the heart.

Qin Wan reached out to brush away some stray hair near Yao Xinlan’s ear, “Qi’er is very lovable, just as you imagined. But you haven’t treated her as you imagined you would.”

After saying this, Qin Wan sighed, looked at Yao Xinlan for another moment, then turned and walked out.

Outside, Mo Shu was returning. Seeing Qin Wan emerge, she was startled. Qin Wan turned toward the warm room, “I’ll go see Qi’er.”

Mo Shu hurried to follow. In the warm room, they found Qin Shuang already playing with Qi’er. The tiny baby was soft and tender, with rosy cheeks like a pink dumpling. Qin Shuang held her, calling her “darling” over and over.

Watching this scene, Mo Shu thought about how in a few days there would be no one to dote on Qi’er like this, and her nose stung with emotion.

Qin Wan stayed in the warm room for an hour before heading back. At the entrance to Tinlan Court, she found Qin Li waiting. Qin Wan was slightly surprised and approached, “Second Brother, why are you here?”

Qin Li looked at Qin Wan with deep eyes but didn’t speak, only letting out a low sigh.

Qin Wan suddenly understood and looked at the yangmei sores on Qin Li’s neck. After a moment, she gestured, “Second Brother, let’s talk inside.”

Fu Ling opened the courtyard gate. Qin Wan entered first, with Qin Li following behind into the warm room.

“Second Brother, please sit and extend your arm.”

Qin Li hesitated at these words but still sat down as instructed.

Qin Wan stepped forward to check his pulse. After her fingers rested on his wrist for a moment, her eyes brightened as she withdrew her hand. Qin Li pulled down his sleeve, “Ninth Sister, I came not to—”

“The damp-heat toxins in Second Brother’s body have been suppressed.”

Qin Wan interrupted him, her tone rather pleased.

Qin Li was startled. He had meant to say something else but was interrupted by Qin Wan. However, hearing these words, he could no longer think of anything else and anxiously asked, “What do you mean by that, Ninth Sister… could it be…”

Qin Wan nodded, “Once the damp-heat toxins are suppressed, there’s hope for curing this illness.”

Qin Li’s eyes widened instantly. His previously dark eyes filled with light, and his fists clenched tightly as if suppressing his excitement, “Really?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Continue this prescription for three more days, then switch to a new one. Within half a month, you might be completely cured.”

Hearing this, Qin Li shot to his feet. His chest heaved violently, and after a while, he said with moist eyes, “Ninth Sister, how… how can I ever thank you…”

Qin Wan turned away and shook her head, “I’ll just consider it as ‘saving one life outweighs building a seven-story pagoda.'”

Qin Li was silenced by Qin Wan’s words but still smiled. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he said, “Oh right, Ninth Sister, I didn’t come for you to check my illness. I wanted to ask if you need any help with preparations since you’re leaving.”

Qin Wan was somewhat surprised by these words, but after a moment she shook her head, “No need.”

Qin Li’s eyes darkened slightly, seeming dejected. He thought for a moment and took out a stack of banknotes from his sleeve, “Ninth Sister, this is all I can spare right now. Shuang’er has saved up quite a bit over the years, and Xiang’er doesn’t need my concern, but you… you came with nothing, and you’ll leave with nothing. These notes can be exchanged in the capital, so keep them with you.”

Qin Wan turned around and saw Qin Li holding a stack of banknotes, each worth One Hundred Taels, totaling over One Thousand Taels. Qin Wan understood that Qin Li had previously spent lavishly on entertainment, and being a concubine’s son, he wasn’t as wealthy as Qin Chen. These Thousand-plus Taels were likely all his money. Qin Wan looked at Qin Li for a moment, saw the sincerity in his eyes without any trace of testing her, thought for a moment, and took just the top note, “I’ll take these One Hundred Taels as Second Brother’s medical fee. Please keep the rest.”

Qin Li frowned immediately at these words, “Ninth Sister—”

Qin Wan handed the banknote to Fu Ling and said firmly, “That’s how it will be. I appreciate Second Brother’s kindness, but keep this money for yourself. The Qin Manor isn’t what it used to be, and future expenses might need to be covered by Second Brother himself.”

Qin Li seemed about to speak but stopped, seeing the determined clarity in Qin Wan’s eyes.

Qin Li appeared defeated by Qin Wan and could only sigh, “Very well, if Ninth Sister doesn’t want it, I won’t force you.”

Qin Wan relaxed upon hearing this, “I truly appreciate Second Brother’s kindness.” After a pause, she added, “I’ve been looking after Sister-in-law’s health, but in five days I won’t be able to care for her anymore. Please, Second Brother.”

Qin Li understood Qin Wan’s meaning and quickly nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll certainly take good care of the mother and child.”

Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment. Seeing there was nothing more to say, Qin Li bid farewell to Qin Wan and left Tinlan Court. After he left, Fu Ling exclaimed in surprise, “Heavens, how much money was that just now, such a thick stack…”

Qin Wan looked at Fu Ling teasingly, “What, are you disappointed I didn’t take it?”

Fu Ling smiled wryly, “I’m not such a money-loving person, it’s just that I’ve never seen so much money in my life. Young Miss took One Hundred Taels, which is quite enough already.”

Fu Ling waved the banknote in her hand, “We’ll indeed need some money for the journey.”

Speaking further, Fu Ling asked, “Young Miss, we have quite a few things now. Should we take everything?”

Qin Wan tilted her head in thought for a moment, “Take all the valuable items – we do need money now. Also my collected medical books, and… let’s take the clothes too, and we can’t forget the medicinal ingredients. Other large items that are difficult to transport can go to Linfeng Court.”

Fu Ling nodded at these words, “Alright, I’ll start organizing early then. I wonder how much Fifth Young Miss and Sixth Young Miss will bring.”

Qin Wan waved her hand, “Don’t worry about that, let’s just prepare our own things. The journey will take over a month, and it gets colder as we go north, so we need to bring some winter clothes too.”

Fu Ling agreed again, “Alright, I’ll start packing first, and then we can see what we’re missing and buy it later.”

Qin Wan nodded and walked from the warm room toward the inner chamber. Fu Ling added, “Young Miss is leaving – should we inform the Princess? We should also visit the Grand Princess and Madam, right?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Of course. Prepare some gifts, and we’ll visit the Marquis Manor tomorrow.”

At these words, melancholy crept into Qin Wan’s heart. During these past two months, the Yao family had treated her the best. She had thought day and night about going to the capital but hadn’t expected this day to come so quickly. Beyond her excitement, she felt a helpless wistfulness.

In a guest chamber not far from Tinlan Court, Qin Yan stood by the window and asked, “What does Manager Zhou think?”

Zhou Huai stood tall and straight behind Qin Yan, a thin smile appearing on his usually calm and steady face, “Ninth Young Miss has indeed changed tremendously.”

“And those rumors?” Qin Yan asked further.

Zhou Huai thought for a moment, “In my opinion, they are true.”

Qin Yan was silent for a moment upon hearing this, then suddenly asked, “Is the Crown Prince of the Rui Princedom also in the city?”

The casualness in Zhou Huai’s tone disappeared, suddenly becoming more serious, “In the current situation, Young Master shouldn’t get too close to royal relatives who aren’t from the Yong Prince’s line. The Marquis has repeatedly emphasized this.”

Qin Yan gave a somewhat enigmatic smile, “I’ve heard that Ninth Sister and Prince Chi are quite close.”