“How did Your Highness get in?” Qin Wan looked at the tightly closed doors and windows, her tone surprisingly calm.
Yan Chi raised his chin, gesturing toward the main entrance, “I walked in through there. Since you invited me here last time, I took the liberty of waiting for you here—”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows; he had walked right in through the main entrance?!
Thinking about this, Qin Wan shook her head. Given Yan Chi’s superior martial arts skills and only Wan Xing being left in the courtyard, naturally no one had noticed. She looked at Yan Chi with darkened eyes, “Your Highness breaking into a private residence violates the law.”
Yan Chi stood there composedly. His usually vibrant appearance now showed traces of dark circles under his eyes. As his gaze shifted, Qin Wan noticed the mud spots on his hem and boots. Huo Huaixin had mentioned he had gone to the western garrison to arrest someone.
Yan Chi stepped forward, “What if there’s a good reason?”
Qin Wan tilted her head slightly to look at him, “That depends on what the ‘reason’ is?”
“How about giving a gift?” Yan Chi looked down at Qin Wan, raising his hand to reveal a command token in his palm.
Qin Wan’s gaze fell on the token. It was jet black with a golden-lacquered character “Yan” on it, and a small character “Rui” in the bottom right corner—undoubtedly the Rui Prince Manor’s command token.
Qin Wan frowned slightly, “What is Your Highness’s intention?”
Yan Chi handed the token to Qin Wan, saying, “This is today’s gift for you.”
“Why would Your Highness give me a gift?” Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi with wide eyes. Yan Chi wasn’t from the An Yang Marquis Manor; there was no need for gifts.
Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly, “Do you know that the Grand Princess is of royal blood? I call her Great-Aunt, and since you’re the Grand Princess’s granddaughter, doesn’t that make us relatives?”
Qin Wan found this reasoning nonsensical and dared not accept such a precious token, “First, Your Highness needn’t give me gifts. Second, this gift is far too valuable; I dare not accept it.”
Yan Chi let out a rich, magnetic laugh that made Qin Wan’s ears tingle.
Yan Chi just smiled without speaking, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Qin Wan’s face. After a moment, it became uncomfortable, and Qin Wan stepped back, “Your Highness truly needn’t give me gifts…”
“This is for your protection,” Yan Chi said casually.
Qin Wan was slightly surprised, looking at the black token with furrowed brows, “The sleeve arrow the Princess gave me can indeed provide protection, but this token… how does it protect? Does it contain some hidden mechanism?”
Yan Chi’s smile deepened, seemingly amused that Qin Wan would joke with him. His mood improved further, and he shook the token, “The Princess’s sleeve arrow is for protection against civilian bandits, but what if you encounter official bandits?”
Qin Wan blinked; she hadn’t considered this point. However…
“The one coming to escort us is the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor’s heir; surely we won’t encounter official bandits.”
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s eyes showed traces of mockery, “You mean Qin Yan from the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor?”
Qin Wan nodded, and Yan Chi moved the token an inch closer to her, “Trust me, this token is more useful than him.”
Qin Wan pondered for a moment, “This token must be for use by the Rui Prince Manor; it’s not appropriate to give it to me.”
Yan Chi’s lips curved upward again. He had been smiling frequently this evening, seemingly in an excellent mood, “You’re thinking too seriously about this. This token is just one of many used by Bai Feng and others. When this token is shown, it indicates you have connections to the Rui Prince Manor. Common bandits might not recognize it, but official bandits wouldn’t dare to cause trouble. Your journey north will take a month, and if you encounter snow, it could take even longer. During winter, the north has many refugees, and there are quite a few corrupt officials who aid criminals. This is your talisman.”
Qin Wan internally nodded in agreement. Her past experiences told her that northern winters were indeed harsh, with numerous refugees and disaster victims. However… this still wasn’t reason enough to accept his gift.
Qin Wan slowly shook her head, “It still won’t do. Your Highness’s warning is enough; I’ll be vigilant. Your Highness need not worry; I’ll be careful along the way.”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, “You really won’t take it?”
Qin Wan nodded, “One shouldn’t accept rewards without merit. This gift from Your Highness is too precious.”
“Miss, everything is pack—ah!” Fu Ling, coming from the inner chamber, hadn’t finished speaking when she saw Yan Chi standing beside Qin Wan. It was late at night, and when she had entered earlier, the room had been pitch dark. How had Yan Chi appeared in such a short time?
Fu Ling was both surprised and naturally afraid of Yan Chi. She immediately paled and lowered her head, “Y-Your… Your Highness…”
Seeing Fu Ling, Yan Chi’s gaze fell on her, “Come here.”
Fu Ling was startled, raised her head to look at Yan Chi briefly, and after confirming he was looking at her, carefully walked over with utmost respect. Yan Chi gave the token to Fu Ling, “This is for your young miss. Keep it safe for her. If it’s lost, you’ll be held responsible.”
“Your Highness—” Before Qin Wan could stop him, Fu Ling had already accepted the token with both hands, head bowed.
Qin Wan grabbed Fu Ling’s hand and took the token to return it to Yan Chi, “Your Highness, we really cannot accept this.”
Yan Chi stepped back and looked at Fu Ling again, “Do you remember what I just said?”
Fu Ling, uncertain of the situation and terrified of Yan Chi rather than her mistress, instinctively replied rapidly, “Keep it safe for Young Miss and if it’s lost this servant will be held responsible!”
Seeing Fu Ling’s quick response and clear memory, Yan Chi’s eyes showed satisfaction. He glanced at Qin Wan again, his phoenix eyes narrowing, “I hope you never need to use it, but don’t hesitate if you encounter trouble.”
Qin Wan’s lips remained tightly pressed together, “Your Highness—”
She still felt uneasy; carrying something from the Rui Prince Manor might cause trouble for Yan Chi.
Yan Chi sighed, his weariness suddenly becoming more apparent. He turned to look around the room, then pointed at the long couch by the window, “May I borrow your couch for tonight?”
Qin Wan was startled, “What does Your Highness intend?”
Yan Chi tugged at his collar, “I have to return to the west tomorrow morning. The garrison’s vice commander escaped; we didn’t catch him this time. The next attempt will be in three days, and by then you’ll be gone.”
Qin Wan’s heart suddenly tightened, “Your Highness, this is…”
Before she could say “unnecessary,” Yan Chi had already seated himself on the long couch. The couch was furnished with soft cushions and was where Qin Wan occasionally took short rests, though currently there was a small table on it. Seeing the exhausted Yan Chi, Qin Wan felt somewhat helpless, “Your Highness… why not return to the Marquis Manor?”
Yan Chi patted the dust off his clothes, saying, “It would take too much time to go back and forth, and no one knows I’ve returned. If I return in the middle of the night, it would cause unnecessary commotion.”
After a brief pause, Yan Chi turned to look at Qin Wan, “What? Am I not welcome?”
Yan Chi’s expression was calm, but his eyes held a hint of darkness as if one wrong word from Qin Wan would disappoint him. Qin Wan looked at him, then at the sky outside. Considering that no one knew he was here anyway, she finally bit her lip and said, “Your Highness may stay, but…”
Yan Chi, seemingly exhausted to the extreme, had been waiting for these words. As soon as Qin Wan said “May stay,” he reached out to move the small table aside. In an instant, Yan Chi seemed to shed all his imposing presence, leaning back wearily, “Don’t worry, no one else will know, and I won’t step out of this warm chamber.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows slightly; this was something she naturally trusted him on.
Seeing Yan Chi’s extreme fatigue, Qin Wan sighed. Though this was improper, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse. She turned to Fu Ling, “Go get blankets and pillows.” Then looking back at Yan Chi, “Does Your Highness wish to wash up? Would you like some food?”
Hearing this, Yan Chi sat up and raised his hands to undo his collar. Qin Wan’s eyes immediately widened, and she instinctively turned away.
Yan Chi seemed to chuckle softly, “No need for food or washing up. I haven’t slept for three days. I’ll just rest here for a while; I need to hurry back tomorrow.”
By then, Fu Ling had brought the brocade blanket and pillow but seemed afraid to approach, standing in front of Qin Wan. Qin Wan glared at her, took the bedding, and quickly placed them on the long couch. Without further words or even a glance at Yan Chi, she turned and walked toward the door. Fu Ling had already run out ahead, and when Qin Wan exited, she closed the door behind her.
“Take care on your journey.”
Before the door fully closed, Qin Wan heard these last words. She responded with a soft “mm” to the closed door, then turned toward the main hall. After a few steps, she looked back, but there was no sound from the warm chamber. Suppressing the urge to eavesdrop outside the door, she pressed her lips together and returned to the inner chamber, where Fu Ling stood anxiously at the entrance.
“Young Miss—”
“Is the Prince your master, or am I your master?”
Qin Wan felt the token in her hand was somewhat heavy, yet it seemed to carry Yan Chi’s warmth. She sat angrily at the bedside, glaring at Fu Ling. Fu Ling approached with a bitter expression, “Young Miss, it wasn’t that this servant acted on her own accord, it’s just that… it’s just that the Prince is too frightening. This servant is timid and afraid of the Prince…”
Fu Ling crouched beside Qin Wan, looking up plaintively, nearly ready to kneel, “Young Miss, now the Prince is still sleeping in the warm chamber, what should we do? If anyone finds out about this, it could ruin Young Miss’s reputation.”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed, looking at Fu Ling, her anger dissipating.
She shouldn’t have let Yan Chi stay, but somehow she couldn’t bring herself to refuse. This situation could easily lead to trouble, but now that he was here, could she turn him out?
Qin Wan gripped the token tightly, her frown deepening, “Go tell Wan Xing to watch for any movement outside. If anyone comes, stop them and report to me first—then, go listen for any sound from the warm chamber.”
Fu Ling shrank back, “This servant doesn’t dare—”
Qin Wan sighed deeply. How had Fu Ling come to see Yan Chi as such a fearsome beast? And how could she have followed Yan Chi’s orders without consulting her first? This wouldn’t do!
Qin Wan’s eyes flashed, “Will you go or not—”
Seeing Qin Wan’s rare display of anger, Fu Ling hurriedly stood up, “This servant will go, right away—”
Fu Ling quickly left, and Qin Wan lowered her eyes to look at the token in her palm. Her heart was both moved and uncertain. Had Yan Chi returned so wearily mid-journey just to give her this gift?
The token, with its prominent “Yan” character, was a royal item. Having it in her possession was too conspicuous.
After a moment’s hesitation, Qin Wan still thought it best to return the token to Yan Chi in the morning.
“Young Miss—” Fu Ling quickly returned to the inner chamber, “Young Miss, this servant has instructed Wan Xing, and there’s no sound from the warm chamber. This servant listened for quite a while.”
Of course, Fu Ling’s “quite a while” couldn’t have been long, given how quickly she returned.
Hearing this, Qin Wan felt slightly relieved. She sat at the bedside, lost in thought for a while before sighing, “Let’s wash up and rest.”
Fu Ling responded and immediately began attending to Qin Wan, while uncertainly saying, “The warm chamber isn’t far from here—”
Qin Wan was applying face cream when she turned to give Fu Ling a suspicious look, “You’re not thinking the Prince would sneak into our room in the middle of the night…”
Fu Ling looked somewhat embarrassed at having her thoughts exposed. Qin Wan shook her head with a helpless smile and went to lie down.
Fu Ling muttered softly, “After all… His Highness is still a man.”
Qin Wan pretended not to hear Fu Ling’s words and slowly closed her eyes.
Though Yan Chi was indeed a man, he was no libertine, but rather an extraordinary one. How could someone who led the Shuo Xi army to defend the border against barbarians commit improper acts because of female charm…
Qin Wan lay with her eyes closed, without a trace of worry. Not only was she unworried, but knowing that a martial god of such prowess was staying in their courtyard gave her a sense of security.
Seeing this, Fu Ling could only extinguish the lamp and withdraw.
The room fell silent. Though Qin Wan felt at peace, she somehow couldn’t fall asleep. She felt around her pillow and found the token in her palm again. This was the Rui Prince Manor’s token; as Yan Chi had said, it was used by Bai Feng and others. Showing the token would indicate her connection to the Rui Prince Manor. Complex emotions welled up in Qin Wan’s heart, dispersing some of the sorrow that had haunted her dreams these past two months.
She was returning to the capital. The Marquis Manor had adopted her as their daughter, and Yan Chi had given her this token for protection. Even Qin Li in the Marquis Manor had been very caring toward her. Warmth filled Qin Wan’s heart, and she knew that after her resurrection, she had more than just cold revenge to live for—she couldn’t let down these people who treated her with such kindness.
Thinking this, her thoughts turned to Yan Chi again. He hadn’t slept for three nights, yet still came all this way to give her this token. Qin Wan’s grip on the token tightened, and a rich feeling of contentment arose in her heart.
Qin Wan didn’t know when she fell asleep, but she felt she slept very soundly. When she opened her eyes, the token was still in her palm. Qin Wan blinked, feeling refreshed, but when she turned her head, her brows immediately furrowed.
The sky outside was already bright—she seemed to have overslept compared to usual!
Moreover—Yan Chi was still staying in her warm chamber—
Qin Wan sat up abruptly. Just as she lifted the bed curtain, she faintly heard voices from the courtyard. She dressed very efficiently, casually pinned up her black hair, and walked out. But just as she left the inner chamber, Fu Ling suddenly entered with furrowed brows, “Young Miss—the Young Lord is here!”
Qin Wan frowned, instantly realizing what Young Lord Fu Ling meant!
“Why has he come?” Qin Wan paused, listening carefully, and indeed heard Qin Yan’s voice outside.
Fu Ling said anxiously, “I don’t know, he just suddenly arrived. Wan Xing told him you weren’t up yet, but he said he’d wait in the courtyard. This servant saw this wouldn’t do and was just coming to wake Young Miss—”
Qin Wan didn’t concern herself with Qin Yan, only asking softly, “What about His Highness?”
This was exactly what had Fu Ling worried, “This servant hasn’t checked yet—”
Qin Wan didn’t even look outside, turning instead toward the warm chamber. As she walked, the voices from the courtyard grew louder, suggesting Qin Yan had already entered. Qin Wan’s heart raced, fearing Qin Yan might burst into the room or encounter Yan Chi.
With a creaking sound, Qin Wan pushed open the door to the warm chamber.
As the door opened, Qin Wan’s heart sank at the sight of the empty room. Not only was it empty, but the brocade blanket and pillow were neatly arranged to the side, the small table was back in its original position, and all the window lattices were locked from the inside, showing no trace that anyone had been there. Qin Wan stood at the doorway, stunned for a moment before coming to her senses.
Yan Chi had left, at some unknown time.
“His Highness is gone! This servant didn’t even know when His Highness left.” Fu Ling exclaimed in surprise, then sighed in relief, “Now no one will know His Highness was here…”
Qin Wan nodded absently as Qin Yan’s voice reached the corridor.
Taking a shallow breath to compose herself, Qin Wan turned toward the main room’s entrance.
Outside, Qin Yan was saying softly, “I heard this wasn’t where Ninth Sister used to live?”
Wan Xing stood woodenly, only responding respectfully, “When this servant arrived, Young Miss was already living here.”
Qin Yan glanced at Wan Xing, and seeing her ordinary appearance and demeanor, assumed she was just a minor servant and didn’t look further. He only asked with some confusion, “I heard Ninth Sister’s previous accommodation was quite poor…”
Wan Xing folded her hands in front and kept her head lowered, appearing both respectful and somewhat slow-witted before Qin Yan. Naturally, he wouldn’t waste words with a minor servant. Unable to get the answers he wanted, he fell silent. Just as he was growing bored, the door suddenly opened. Qin Yan turned to see Qin Wan standing gracefully in the doorway, wearing a smoke-blue pleated dress embroidered with wind and lotus patterns. Their eyes met briefly before Qin Wan lowered her head in a curtsy, “Greetings, Third Brother—”
“Ninth Sister, you’re awake!” Qin Yan’s smile immediately reached his eyes, “Did Third Brother disturb your sleep?”
Qin Wan stepped aside invitingly, “Not at all, I should have been up by now. Please come in, Third Brother.”
As Qin Yan entered, his gaze swept across the room’s furnishings. After looking around, he nodded approvingly, “This courtyard is quite refined, and the interior arrangement suits your temperament.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved upward, “The courtyard was like this when I arrived. I’m not skilled at such things and didn’t think to change it. Third Brother, please come this way. I don’t have any fine tea, please don’t mind.”
Qin Yan laughed heartily and followed Qin Wan into the warm chamber. The blanket and pillow were nowhere to be seen; it appeared as just an ordinary reception room. As soon as Qin Yan sat down, Fu Ling brought tea.
Qin Yan looked at Fu Ling, “This must be Fu Ling…”
Fu Ling set down the tea and knelt to kowtow to Qin Yan, “Greetings, Young Lord. This servant is indeed Fu Ling.”
Qin Yan nodded, his eyes showing emotion as he said, “It’s truly remarkable that you’re still by your Young Miss’s side. You’ve taken good care of her all these years. When we return to the capital, you’ll be well rewarded!”
Fu Ling quickly responded, “It is this servant’s duty.”
Qin Yan was even more pleased. He lifted his chin, “Good, very good. You may rise. I’d like to speak with your Young Miss.”
Only then did Fu Ling stand and move to the side. Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan and said, “Congratulations to Ninth Sister on being adopted.”
Qin Wan had known Qin Yan would be aware of this matter, so she smiled gracefully, “Thank you, Third Brother. It’s all due to the Marquis and Lady’s kindness. Because I happened to save the Grand Princess before and rarely met her afterward, they adopted me as their daughter.”
Qin Yan held the tea cup lid, gently stirring the tea leaves floating on top, “I knew Second Uncle enjoyed reading medical books, but I never knew Ninth Sister had such extraordinary medical skills. In such a short time, you’ve earned the title of Little Medical Immortal in Jinzhou City.”
Qin Wan shook her head with a smile, “That’s just a rumor. It’s mainly because I treated the Grand Princess.”
Qin Yan looked up, his gaze gentle, “Why didn’t Ninth Sister show such skills back in the capital?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved upward, “At that time, I had just lost my parents and hadn’t recovered. Also, I still thought of myself as a daughter of the Qin family, so it wouldn’t have been proper to act as a female doctor treating patients. That’s why I didn’t reveal it.”
Hearing this, Qin Yan couldn’t argue. Noble households had their physicians, and in serious cases could summon imperial doctors. Given Qin Wan’s young age then and her consciousness of her status, she indeed wouldn’t have casually treated people.
Qin Yan nodded in understanding and asked, “So what changed Ninth Sister’s mind later?”
Qin Wan’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Third Brother has been here for several days; surely you know about my fall into the lake?”
Qin Yan had wanted to ask about this but hadn’t expected Qin Wan to bring it up first. He nodded, and Qin Wan continued, “After that incident, I injured my head and forgot some things. But I won’t forget the feeling of near-death. At first, I didn’t know what had happened, but I didn’t want it to happen again, so I decided to change.”
She sighed softly, “Saving the Grand Princess was just a coincidence, but seeing that I could save people gave me great satisfaction.”
Qin Yan’s face showed pity, “So it took such hardship to change your nature. I thought you were fine before; I remember you were much more well-behaved than Yu’er back in the capital.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes with a smile, “I lost my parents early. I practice medicine to accumulate merit. Perhaps it’s my parents’ blessing from heaven—with what they taught me and the books I’ve read, I can heal people.”
Qin Yan knew nothing about medicine. Though he found it somewhat suspicious that Qin Wan had suddenly become Jinzhou City’s Little Medical Immortal, he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was wrong. Qin Wan’s explanation seemed plausible for now—could she truly be a genius?
Thinking they would have plenty of time together in the future, Qin Yan didn’t press for answers now. Instead, he changed the subject, “Was that fall into the lake Eldest Brother’s doing?”
Qin Wan’s smile turned sardonic, “It must have been him.”
Qin Yan sighed, “Don’t be sad, Ninth Sister. I’ve learned about what happened at the Qin residence these past few days. The eldest Brother was bewitched by a woman, but the Third Brother won’t be. Rest assured, Third Brother will treat you well.”
Qin Wan’s eyes showed gratitude, “Yes, I understand. Thank you, Third Brother.”
Qin Yan made an affirming sound, “Is everything packed?”
“Yes, I don’t have much to bring.”
Hearing this, Qin Yan quickly said, “Ninth Sister only needs to bring what’s necessary for the journey. Once in the capital, whatever Ninth Sister wants, she shall have. Third Brother will buy everything for Ninth Sister.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved up, dimples showing as she responded sweetly, “Third Brother is so good to me!”
“Of course!” Qin Yan exuded warmth, and then asked about Qin Wan’s daily life and preferences at the Qin residence. Qin Wan answered everything, and Qin Yan continued his praise. They talked for nearly half an hour before he left.
After Qin Yan left, Fu Ling frowned, “The Third Young Lord seems quite eager…”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes in thought for a moment. Considering they had a month’s journey ahead, she decided to set aside analyzing Qin Yan’s intentions for now. After breakfast, she headed to Linfeng Court. On the way, her brows remained furrowed. Fu Ling noticed and asked, “Is Young Miss worried about the Young Madam? We’re leaving tomorrow—”
Qin Wan nodded, “Once we leave, who knows when we’ll meet again? She’ll be the only one left here in the manor.”
Fu Ling also sighed, “There’s nothing we can do. I feel for the Young Madam and the little Miss. If only the Lady would change her ways. If not, life will be very difficult for Young Madam.”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together without speaking. Soon they arrived at Linfeng Court. Upon entering, Qin Wan felt the court was unusually quiet today. Frowning, she instinctively sensed something amiss and hurried into the main room.
Approaching the inner chamber’s door without seeing anyone, Qin Wan was startled and rushed inside. As soon as she entered, she stopped in her tracks. On the bed, Yao Xinlan, who had always been lying down during her previous visits, was now sitting up. She wore new clothes and had her black hair pinned up. She was leaning against a large welcoming pillow, and beside her was a swaddled infant—Qin Wan could faintly see Qiqi’s small face peeking out.
Yao Xinlan was playing with Qiqi and looked up when she heard footsteps.
Qin Wan was surprised to see Yao Xinlan sitting up, and seeing her playing with Qiqi made her nose tingle with emotion.
Fu Ling, behind her, also saw this, and her eyes filled with excitement.
“Ninth Sister, congratulations—”
Yao Xinlan spoke, her voice somewhat hoarse but her tone quite relaxed and at ease.
Qin Wan finally stepped forward slowly, “Sister-in-law, you—”
Yao Xinlan curved her lips, leaning forward to pick up Qiqi, “I’ve thought things through.”
As Qiqi made cooing sounds, Yao Xinlan lowered her head to kiss her face, showing the immense satisfaction of new motherhood. Though Qin Wan hadn’t asked, she said softly, “After you leave, I will also leave this place.”
Qin Wan rushed forward, “Sister-in-law, are you sure?”
Yao Xinlan looked at Qin Wan and nodded, “Yes, I’m sure.”
Qin Wan seemed to think of something and showed some hesitation, “But… it won’t be easy.”
Yao Xinlan’s lips curved slightly, her smile clear but her eyes determined, “My father will arrive the day after tomorrow.”
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened—so Official Yao was coming!
While Qin Wan was still processing this, Yao Xinlan’s smile turned gentle, “I’ve remembered everything Ninth Sister has said these days. Ninth Sister, with such a kind heart, you’ll surely find someone who loves you dearly…”
Yao Xinlan’s smile was warm, her eyes full of sincerity. Seeing her like this, Qin Wan’s anxious heart finally settled. This was the real Yao Xinlan, the one she had imagined.
Qin Wan curved her lips, “Thank you for the blessing, Sister-in-law.” Then, thinking of her departure and Yao Xinlan’s mysterious amnesia, with Qin Chen and Cai He both dead, she had always wondered why Yao Xinlan thought she was in a dream. After some consideration, Qin Wan carefully said, “Sister-in-law, if you ever feel unwell in the future, please remember to find me.”
Yao Xinlan’s face showed the serenity of one who had emerged from suffering, “All right, I know. Of all the doctors in the world, I trust you the most.”
Yao Xinlan had chosen to “wake up” the day before Qin Wan’s departure to set her mind at ease. Knowing Qin Wan was leaving soon, she had servants prepare several large trunks for her. When Qin Wan arrived and saw no servants, it was because Yao Xinlan had sent them to fetch treasures from the storehouse for Qin Wan to take.
Yao Xinlan’s dowry had been famously lavish, and everything she gave Qin Wan was of the finest quality. Qin Wan could only marvel at the trunks but finally accepted the smallest one after much insistence. When she opened it later, she found a box of flawless East Sea pearls, each the size of a pigeon’s egg and brilliantly lustrous.
By evening, Qin Wan saw all she was to take with her. She had thought one trunk would suffice, but as Fu Ling and Wan Xing organized everything, it filled six large trunks. Qin Wan felt overwhelmed until Fu Ling mentioned that Qin Xiang was bringing ten trunks and Qin Shuang eight, which finally put her at ease.
Early the next morning, before dawn, Qin Wan and Fu Ling rose, as did the entire Qin Manor. After washing up, Qin Wan waited for servants to load all the trunks onto the prepared carriages, then went to bid farewell to Yao Xinlan at Linfeng Court before leaving the manor with Qin Xiang and the others.
Because the three Qin sisters had brought so much, the convoy consisted of ten carriages. The first four carried Qin Wan, her sisters, and Qin Yan, while the rest carried their trunks. In the morning light, escorted by twelve guards, the impressive convoy headed toward the city gate.
The taverns and teahouses in the market were not yet open, and vendors were just starting their day. The Qin Manor’s convoy silently passed through the city gate. Outside, Lady Lin held Qin Xiang’s hand reluctantly, while Qin Li stood nearby in brotherly fashion, giving instructions first to Qin Shuang and then to Qin Wan—a touching farewell scene.
“Xiang’er, remember what Mother said—”
Qin Xiang wiped tears with her handkerchief, “Don’t worry, Mother. Daughter understands and will return soon to see you.”
Lady Lin nodded repeatedly, then turned to Qin Yan, “Please take good care of the three sisters, Young Lord.”
Qin Yan smiled warmly, “Rest assured, Third Aunt. I will ensure the three sisters arrive safely in the capital. Just wait for our letters…”
Lady Lin couldn’t help but shed tears, still holding Qin Xiang’s hand. Qin Yan didn’t want to rush them, while Qin Wan and Qin Shuang stood somewhat alone to the side. Qin Li walked over to Qin Shuang and said softly, “Sixth Sister, remember to mind your temper.”
Qin Shuang snorted lightly, “Second Brother, take good care of Sister-in-law and Qiqi.”
Qin Li sighed, “You needn’t tell me that.”
Qin Wan knew Yao Xinlan’s plans hadn’t been revealed yet, as her father hadn’t arrived. Speaking of it now would only complicate matters. In her opinion, she didn’t want Yao Xinlan to waste her life in the quagmire of the Qin Manor.
Qin Wan just listened without speaking. Finally, Lady Lin steeled herself and wiped her tears, “All right, we shouldn’t delay. Get in the carriages and go…”
Hearing this, Qin Xiang reluctantly let go of Lady Lin. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang also curtsied goodbye. But just as the three were about to board, three fast horses appeared from the direction of the city gate. Fu Ling looked over and exclaimed joyfully, “Young Miss, it’s the Princess!”
Qin Wan paused, and everyone turned to look toward the city gate.
Three tall horses galloped toward them, led by Yue Ning, followed by two distinguished and handsome men—naturally Yue Jia and Yue Qing. Seeing them, Qin Wan instinctively stepped forward to meet them.
In a moment, the three arrived. Yue Ning dismounted, “Fortunately you haven’t left! We almost missed you!”
Qin Wan curtsied, “Why did you come?”
Yue Jia stepped forward, “Fourth Sister is going so far away; of course, we had to come to see you off.”
Yue Qing also came forward, “Take care on your journey, Fourth Sister!”
With the arrival of the three Yues, the atmosphere changed. Qin Yan came forward, “Young Lord Yue, it’s been a long time.”
Yue Jia returned the greeting, and Qin Yan exchanged pleasantries, “I didn’t expect to see you siblings again before leaving, thanks to Ninth Sister. When we last met, we were all children. After ten years apart, Young Lord has become such a distinguished gentleman, the Princess is as capable as any man, and Second Young Master has also become quite accomplished.”
Though the Yue family had been in Jinzhou for many years, the Yue siblings had grown up in the capital and naturally had met Qin Yan before. After more exchanges, Yue Jia looked at Qin Wan and said, “Your Ninth Sister, our Fourth Sister—please take good care of her on this journey, Brother Qin. When we return to the capital someday, we’ll visit.”
Qin Yan laughed and cupped his hands, “Rest assured, not a hair on her head will be harmed! It’s getting late, so we’ll take our leave. We’ll await you in the capital—”
The Yue siblings nodded and gave Qin Wan a few more words of advice. Qin Wan felt somewhat melancholy, but seeing the sun rising higher, she had to board the carriage. As the wheels began to turn, Qin Wan lifted the curtain to see the three Yues still standing there, while Qin Li and Lady Lin watched them depart.
Qin Wan’s heart suddenly ached. The journey to the capital crossed many mountains and rivers, and with life’s uncertainties, when would she see them again?
The early October autumn wind carried a desolate chill. The sun had cleared away the last traces of dawn light. Under the sky bathed in golden sunlight, Qin Wan was like a tiny, humble ant, carrying infinite unknowns and hopes, along with a heart full of grief and solitary courage, crawling bit by bit toward Lin’an, the northern heart of the empire…
(End of Volume)