Sun Muqing never expected to see Qin Wan here. His eyes were filled with delight, momentarily forgetting that someone was twisting his arm from behind. “Miss Qin! How could it be you!”

His exclamation stunned not only Qin Wan but also Qin Yan and Qin Shuang. Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly, and Qin Yan quickly asked, “Ninth Sister, do you know this person?”

Qin Wan looked at Sun Muqing, her emotions momentarily complex. She nodded and said, “Yes, I know him. We met several times in Jin Zhou. He even helped treat his Third Uncle’s illness. He’s not a bad person.”

Understanding her meaning, Qin Yan nodded to the attendants. Immediately, Sun Muqing was released. He straightened up, showing no anger at being restrained, only looking between Qin Wan and Qin Yan. “So you’re Miss Qin’s brother—”

Qin Yan observed Sun Muqing, “Since you’re acquainted with my Ninth Sister, please forgive our earlier rudeness.”

Being quick-witted, Qin Yan immediately changed his attitude. Sun Muqing smiled sheepishly, “It’s nothing, nothing at all. As they say, friendship can come from confrontation. I was also rash earlier.”

He clasped his hands and bowed to Qin Yan, “I am Sun Muqing from Lian Zhou.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Yan’s eyebrows raised slightly, and he said, “I am Qin Yan, third in the Qin family.” After a pause, he continued, “Since Master Sun is from Lian Zhou, might you be connected to the Medicine King Valley’s Sun family?”

Sun Muqing’s smile widened, his eyes brightening, “Third Young Master Qin has good insight. I am the nineteenth-generation disciple of Medicine King Valley.” He added with some amazement, “I hadn’t expected so many people to know of Medicine King Valley.”

Qin Yan found this comment amusing. Glancing at Qin Wan and seeing no doubt in her expression, he believed Sun Muqing’s background. If he were just a passing acquaintance, that would be one thing, but hearing that Sun Muqing was from Medicine King Valley made him take careful note. Though Medicine King Valley stayed out of court politics, their ability to save lives from the brink of death made many powerful figures seek their friendship. Qin Yan naturally had such thoughts as well. Moreover, Sun Muqing’s surname Sun made him different from other outside disciples of Medicine King Valley. These direct-line disciples might inherit the position of Medicine King in the future, or at least hold power over a branch of Medicine King Valley. Though they appeared to be uninvolved in worldly affairs and focused on healing, they commanded considerable power and wealth.

“Medicine King Valley is renowned throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty. Not just me, even young children know its fame. I truly apologize for not recognizing Master Sun earlier.”

Qin Yan bowed again, and Sun Muqing quickly returned the gesture, “It’s nothing, nothing at all. I didn’t know Miss Qin was staying ahead. I assume the Third Young Master stationed guards to prevent anyone from disturbing Miss Qin?”

Qin Yan nodded with a smile, “Exactly so, though I didn’t expect to offend a friend.”

Sun Muqing waved it off with a smile, then looked at Qin Wan, “May I ask why Miss Qin and Third Young Master are here?”

Qin Wan looked at Sun Muqing with complex emotions, feeling somewhat bitter. After their last parting in Jin Zhou, she thought he had remained there, not expecting him to have not only left Jin Zhou but to cross paths with them again. She wondered if this was their unfinished fate. Qin Wan glanced at Qin Yan, who explained, “Well, I’m escorting several sisters from the Jin Zhou Qin family to the capital. We’ve fallen behind schedule and had to rest in this rural area.”

Sun Muqing suddenly understood, “No wonder there were so many carriages in the courtyard.” Then looking at Qin Yan, he added, “So Third Young Master is from the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s family—”

Not only a young master but the heir, Qin Yan smiled and nodded without revealing this. He could tell Sun Muqing rarely traveled outside, his manners lacking the smoothness and shrewdness of others, showing a mix of naivety and naturalness that was quite interesting.

“Indeed. But what brings Master Sun here?”

When Qin Yan asked, Sun Muqing cheerfully explained, “Well, I grew up in Lian Zhou and usually wouldn’t leave. However, in recent years, Medicine King Valley has had difficulty finding disciples that satisfy Master’s standards. So Master stopped accepting outside disciples and instead sent those of us who grew up there to travel around, either to treat patients or to find talented physicians with medical aptitude. If we find someone suitable, we invite them back to the valley to carry forward Medicine King Valley’s medical arts for the benefit of all.”

Hearing this, Qin Yan’s eyes filled with admiration, “How is the old Medicine King’s health? Such benevolent intentions can only be found in Medicine King Valley. I truly admire this—”

Nobody dislikes praise, and Sun Muqing took Qin Yan’s words at face value, his smile deepening, “Master is in good health, though he’s recently gone into seclusion again. I’ve been traveling south from Lian Zhou for over two months now. I met Miss Qin in Jin Zhou earlier. I had planned to stay in Jin Zhou to inquire about a physician, but after a few days, I heard that a village at the foot of Cloud Mist Mountain in Yuan Zhou had an epidemic that killed many people. The messenger described the symptoms as very complex. When I heard this, I thought it must be some serious disease spreading, so I hurried here. I’ve been here for two days now.”

Sun Muqing spoke cheerfully, his handsome face seemingly always wearing a smile, appearing unconcerned about everything. Hearing this, Qin Yan recalled Wei Changfu’s words and quickly asked, “Has Master Sun made any discoveries?”

At this, Sun Muqing’s face finally showed some helplessness, “After arriving, I found the village wasn’t as chaotic as imagined, nor did it seem like there was an epidemic. I suspected the villagers might have some strange illness, but these past two days when I’ve tried to inquire around, the villagers act as if they’ve seen a ghost when they see me. When they hear I’m from elsewhere, they treat me even more coldly.”

Qin Yan thought of his group’s experience and smiled bitterly, “The villagers believe misfortune comes from outsiders and strongly dislike foreigners. We hit the same wall earlier. Does Master Sun still plan to investigate?”

Sun Muqing nodded but then showed some embarrassment, “I wanted to investigate, but… but I have limited funds and can’t stay here much longer…”

Qin Yan quickly said, “Funds are no problem! Since Master Sun is friends with Ninth Sister, you’re naturally a guest of the Qin family. Please don’t hesitate to speak up if you need money.”

Sun Muqing waved his hands frantically, “No, no, I couldn’t possibly. That’s not what I meant.”

Qin Wan looked at Sun Muqing and sighed, “Master Sun, have you spent all your money buying medicine for patients along the way?”

At this question, Sun Muqing uncomfortably scratched his head, “Miss Qin is truly perceptive.”

Qin Wan sighed inwardly, understanding Sun Muqing too well. She wondered how his master could let someone with his personality travel alone. She looked back at Fu Ling, who was stunned for a moment before reacting and quickly taking out a small money pouch from her sleeve. Qin Wan handed the pouch to Sun Muqing, “Master Sun, please accept this small sum and don’t think poorly of it.”

Sun Muqing stepped back, waving his hands more vigorously, “No, no, no, I really can’t… That’s not what I meant…”

Qin Wan stepped forward, “If Master Sun won’t accept, does that mean you don’t consider me a friend?”

Sun Muqing was stunned, “Of course not.”

“Then please accept it.”

Qin Wan stubbornly held out her hand, and Sun Muqing watched her, tilting his head and frowning, looking very indecisive. Qin Wan continued holding her hand before him, and after a long while, Sun Muqing’s face reddened slightly as he said, “Thank you, Miss Qin. Consider this a loan, I’ll repay you someday.”

With that, Sun Muqing finally accepted the money pouch. Qin Wan withdrew her hand, “That’s fine.” After a pause, she added, “If Master Sun finds nothing here to investigate, please leave early.”

Qin Wan felt the village was strange, and someone with Sun Muqing’s personality might be in danger of staying alone there.

Sun Muqing quickly nodded, “Yes, I was thinking the same.”

Qin Wan nodded, then looked at the heavy snow falling in the courtyard before turning to Qin Yan, “Third Brother, the snow is quite heavy. We should probably set out early tomorrow morning.”

Hearing this, Qin Yan’s eyes also showed concern, “Indeed. It should be dawn in about an hour. You all should go rest now, and wear more clothes tomorrow. We need to reach Yuan Zhou City early.”

Qin Wan nodded and turned to look at Sun Muqing, who quickly said, “Miss Qin, please go rest. I just saw it was snowing and wanted to check how deep the snow was in the courtyard. That’s why I walked in and startled the guards…”

Qin Wan couldn’t say much more to Sun Muqing, and it was indeed too cold to stand there. She gave a slight curtsy and turned toward her room. Qin Shuang, who had followed Qin Wan over, said quietly as they walked back, “I didn’t expect to meet your friend here…”

Qin Wan sighed, “I didn’t expect it either…”

Qin Shuang smiled. The lodging was a square courtyard with guest rooms on three sides and a square courtyard in the middle. Looking at the heavy snow falling from the square sky above, Qin Shuang wasn’t worried at all. She even walked forward a few steps and grabbed a handful of snow while Wan Qing watched nervously, “My Lady, be careful not to catch a cold!”

Qin Shuang held the snow to her nose to smell it, then flung it up, scattering the snowflakes like heavenly maidens spreading flowers, covering herself and Wan Qing. Qin Wan, who had reached the doorway, turned back at the sound and smiled.

There was still over an hour until dawn. Although seeing Sun Muqing had left Qin Wan with complex emotions, knowing they had to travel tomorrow, she didn’t dare be careless. Under the brocade quilt where there was still warmth, she removed her outer clothes and curled up, forcing herself to quickly fall asleep.

Due to the exhaustion from traveling, Qin Wan fell asleep quickly and slept until broad daylight. When she opened her eyes and saw the particularly bright sky outside, her heart jumped, and she sat up immediately.

Upon sitting up, she saw Qin Xiang still sleeping on the bed not far away, with Wan He and Xiu Zhi standing guard beside her, while Qin Shuang was nowhere to be seen. Wan Xing at the door hurried over when she saw this, “Young Miss?”

Qin Wan looked out the window again, her heart sinking, “Weren’t we supposed to leave at dawn?”

Wan Xing lowered her eyes for a moment and said with a slight sigh, “Last night’s snowfall was too heavy. Half an hour ago, the Young Master sent someone to check, and they said the snow on the road outside was very deep. The carriages can’t move.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan’s brows immediately furrowed.

She quickly dressed herself, and Wan Xing brought her a thick crow-black cloak to wear. This was the thickest cloak Qin Wan had prepared, with white fox fur around the collar. Qin Wan’s small face surrounded by the fox fur made her bright eyes and white teeth appear even more like the bright moon. Wan Xing stared at Qin Wan for a moment before accompanying her outside.

As soon as they went out, Qin Wan saw Qin Shuang playing in the snow under the corridor. The sound of the door opening startled Qin Shuang, who turned around and said, “You’re up! We can’t leave today, come quickly, let’s make snow dolls!”

Qin Wan sighed looking at the still energetic Qin Shuang. They couldn’t leave today, and everyone was probably quite depressed, except for Qin Shuang who could still laugh and play. Qin Wan sighed, thinking this might be for the best—

Walking over a few steps, she saw that Qin Shuang’s hands and face were red from the cold, yet she remained absorbed in her play, seemingly unfazed by any discomfort. Qin Wan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She used to make snow dolls often before she was ten years old, but rarely after that.

Qin Wan looked around and saw that last night’s two-finger-deep snow was now half a foot deep, and snowflakes were still falling heavily with the biting cold wind. Seeing figures in the direction of the main hall, Qin Wan walked straight there.

In the hall, Qin Yan and Zhou Huai were discussing something with Wei Changfu.

Wei Changfu said pitifully, “Young Master, we truly have nothing left. Since the inn has no business, we didn’t prepare extra provisions. Just myself and two helpers go out to buy supplies every half month. Now even our surplus food is almost gone, and in this cold weather, we can’t even get vegetables…”

Qin Yan listened with furrowed brows, then turned to see Qin Wan, “Ninth Sister, you’re up?”

Qin Wan nodded and walked over as Qin Yan impatiently waved Wei Changfu away.

“What’s wrong, Third Brother?”

Qin Yan lifted his chin, indicating the heavy snow outside, “With this snow, the roads here are impassable. The carriages likely can’t move, and we’re running low on fodder. Zhou Steward sent people to check, and indeed we can’t leave. We’ll have to wait at least until the snow stops and melts some before we can depart. We might have to wait here for two days.”

Qin Wan’s heart sank slightly. Qin Yan continued, “All our food is dried provisions. In this weather, it’s really difficult without hot meals, and we don’t have that many dried provisions left. I thought about paying the innkeeper to find a solution, but he has no way either.”

Qin Wan collected herself and asked, “Where are we heading next?”

“To Guanyin Town. Even in clear weather, we’d have to travel from dawn to dusk, let alone in snow. The days are getting dark early now, and even if the carriages could move, it would be very dangerous at night. There aren’t even any villages along the way.”

Qin Wan said nothing more, seeing that they indeed had to stay here for two days.

“Ninth Miss need not worry. It’s just a bit of hardship. We can leave as soon as the snow stops,” Zhou Huai suddenly spoke up, seemingly afraid that Qin Wan might be scared.

Qin Wan shook her head, her lips curving slightly, “I know. I’m not worried. As long as everyone is safe and sound.”

Zhou Huai nodded, and Qin Yan added, “It’s too cold outside. Later I’ll have the innkeeper bring some braziers to your rooms. You should go back inside to avoid catching cold.”

Since staying outside wouldn’t help matters, Qin Wan had no choice but to return to her room.

Passing by Guest Room Number One, Qin Wan glanced inside, but the door was tightly shut with no sound coming from within. Not knowing whether Sun Muqing was still asleep or had already left, she was somewhat worried but couldn’t ask too much, so she could only return to her room.

Soon, Fu Ling brought in hot tea and said, “We can’t go without drinking water. This is snow water that this servant and Xiu Yun melted this morning. We borrowed Wei Changfu’s kettle and cleaned it many times before using it, so it should be fine.”

A large pot of hot tea was placed on the table, and Fu Ling opened the food box brought down from the carriage.

“Young Miss, please come have some refreshments.”

Qin Wan walked to the table, and Qin Shuang, who had been playing in the snow outside, also came in. Her hands and face were red from the cold, but her face was full of excited smiles, “Ah, there’s hot tea to drink, I was freezing to death—”

Xiu Yun said softly, “Young Miss only now realizes she’s cold…”

Qin Shuang snorted, wiped her hands, and reached for a teacup, then grabbed some refreshments and bit off half in one bite. Seeing her eating manner, Qin Wan’s appetite was also aroused, so she started eating the refreshments too. Over there, Qin Xiang had also woken up but showed no desire to get out of bed. Seeing this, Wan He walked over with refreshments and a cup of hot tea, bringing them directly to Qin Xiang’s bedside.

While the sisters were eating, suddenly, the faint sound of music drifted over. For a moment, everyone froze. Fu Ling was the first to react, “Young Miss, that’s funeral music… who died?”

The Qin family had just held a funeral a few days ago, so they were all very familiar with funeral music. As soon as Fu Ling spoke, everyone recognized it. Qin Wan took another sip of tea and unconsciously stood up to walk to the window.

At the window, the music became more distinct, and it seemed to be approaching their inn.

In the howling wind and heavy snow, the mournful music rang out. Qin Wan’s heart stirred slightly, and she put on her cloak to go out. Seeing her about to leave, Qin Shuang stopped eating, “I’ll go look too—”

As she spoke, Qin Shuang put on her cloak and followed Qin Wan out.

The two of them, each accompanied by their maids, left the room. As soon as they went out, they saw Qin Yan and Zhou Huai also walking toward the main hall. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang hurried to follow. Just as they reached the main hall’s entrance, they saw Wei Changfu standing at the main door with a deathly pale face, staring outside.

The inn had no walls, only a fence around it. Although it was sturdy, the gaps allowed a clear view of the scene outside. Qin Yan and Qin Wan’s group strode toward the door, and at first glance, sure enough, a funeral procession had arrived at the inn’s entrance. The village funeral procession had only about a dozen people, far less grand than Madam Jiang’s funeral. Each person wore hemp mourning clothes, but leading the procession was a woman in her sixties.

Although there were more than ten people, the funeral was still extremely simple, as the entire funeral procession had no coffin, only a stretcher covered with white cloth. Two men carried the stretcher, followed by several villagers of various ages.

“Innkeeper Wei, what’s going on—”

At Qin Yan’s question, Wei Changfu’s face changed several times as he mumbled, “Someone else has died…”

As he spoke, Wei Changfu raised his eyes to look at his inn’s roof, “Heaven protect us, may all gods and Buddhas protect us, protect my inn from any misfortune…”

“Innkeeper Wei? What exactly is going on?”

Seeing Wei Changfu not answering, Qin Yan asked again. Wei Changfu looked at the funeral procession moving slowly through the snow and smiled bitterly, “That old woman in front is Old Lady Feng from the east of the village. Her son and daughter are both dead, with only a granddaughter by her side. From the looks of it, it seems her granddaughter has met with misfortune.”

At Wei Changfu’s words, everyone immediately looked toward the funeral procession, with Qin Wan watching particularly intently.

Meanwhile, Wei Changfu spoke with deep concern, “Who knows how she died? The village hadn’t seen a death in two months, I thought nothing would happen anymore, but why again…”

Wei Changfu’s voice carried a deeply fearful tremor. Just then, the white cloth covering the deceased was suddenly blown up by the cold wind, and Qin Wan caught a glimpse of a pale, emaciated hand.

In an instant, the blown cloth fell back down. Qin Wan’s brow twitched, “Innkeeper Wei, yesterday you said, what the conditions of those who died half a year ago?”

Wei Changfu’s eyes flickered slightly, “When they died… they… they died with eyes wide open and bodies convulsing…”

At these words, both Qin Yan and Qin Wan frowned. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, “Didn’t you say they died covered in pockmarks?”

Wei Changfu’s eyes shifted again, “Ah… yes, yes, yes… I remembered wrong…”

Qin Yan’s eyes darkened, “Innkeeper Wei, are you deceiving us?!”

The innkeeper hurriedly waved his hands, “I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare deceive such honored guests… well… I only heard these things from others, perhaps… perhaps because there were many versions of the rumors, I wasn’t sure which one to tell.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan and Qin Yan became immediately angry.

Seeing their displeased expressions, Innkeeper Wei quickly apologized with a smile, “To be honest with you all, I’m not from this village, and because I run this inn, I’ve already caused much displeasure among the villagers, so I really can’t get accurate information about these matters.”

Looking at Wei Changfu, Qin Wan felt this person couldn’t be trusted. When she looked back at the funeral procession, they had walked far away. Qin Wan stared blankly in the direction they had gone, her mind returning to the hand she had seen earlier.

Wasn’t the deceased Feng’s granddaughter? But that hand didn’t look like a young girl’s hand…

“Ninth Sister?” Qin Wan was lost in thought until she heard Qin Yan calling.

Coming back to her senses, she saw Qin Yan looking at her with concern, “Ninth Sister, what’s wrong?”

Qin Wan’s thoughts wavered, “Nothing…”

Fu Ling said from the side, “Young Miss, were you thinking too deeply about something? You didn’t respond when the Young Master called you earlier.”

Fu Ling understood Qin Wan better, knowing she would become very focused when thinking about things. Qin Yan, however, was worried that Qin Wan might have been affected by seeing the funeral procession.

Qin Wan quickly nodded, “I was just wondering about what Innkeeper Wei said about how Feng’s granddaughter died.”

Hearing this, Qin Yan said, “Ninth Sister, don’t think about such things. It’s very inauspicious.”

Understanding Qin Yan’s meaning, Qin Wan quickly nodded in agreement. Qin Yan then instructed Innkeeper Wei to prepare more charcoal fires and told Qin Wan and Qin Shuang to return to their rooms. Qin Wan naturally wouldn’t reveal too many of her thoughts, so she obediently returned to her room.

As they walked, Fu Ling said in a low voice, “Young Miss, don’t think too much about it. We’re leaving anyway, the village’s affairs have nothing to do with us.”

Qin Wan nodded, “Don’t worry, I was just thinking…”

Fu Ling said, “This servant knows Young Miss will surely want to investigate when seeing such things.”

Qin Shuang, following behind Qin Wan, heard this and said, “Another death indeed. This village is truly strange. Now I also feel this snow is ill-timed. If something happens in this remote mountain area…”

Fu Ling could only smile bitterly hearing Qin Shuang’s words, but still comforted her, “Don’t worry, Sixth Young Miss, nothing will happen.”

Qin Shuang was just saying this casually. After all, this inn wasn’t a den of thieves, and they had many Qin family guards. Although their journey was delayed, there shouldn’t be any major troubles. However, Qin Shuang never expected that trouble would find them just an hour later!

“Village Head, it’s here! Those outsiders from last night are staying here!”

A tall, thin man carrying a hoe pushed open the main gate of Changfu Inn and entered the courtyard. Behind him, over fifty village men, including the Three Yuan Village Head, carried hoes, cleavers, and even homemade bows and arrows. Their eyes filled with anger as they stormed to the front of Changfu Inn.

The commotion startled the horses in the courtyard, making them neigh repeatedly. Wei Changfu heard the noise and came out, his face changing several times when he saw the angry crowd of villagers. He forced a smile, “Village Head Huang, what’s going on?”

Village Head Huang Wenshan was a thin old man of just sixty, wearing thick cotton clothes and leaning on a walking stick. He looked at Wei Changfu as if he wanted to tear him apart, “Are those outsiders who entered the village last night staying here?”

Wei Changfu shuddered at Huang Wenshan’s gaze and nodded, “Yes…”

As soon as he spoke, everyone raised their weapons. Wei Changfu stepped back in fear, and Huang Wenshan said coldly, “Go tell them to leave Three Yuan Village immediately.”

Wei Changfu first widened his eyes, then smiled bitterly, “Village Head, what are you saying? Why must they be driven out?”

Huang Wenshan sneered, “Old Lady Feng’s granddaughter is dead, as you know. Our village is haunted by evil spirits, and nothing had happened for two months until they arrived! Moreover, I told you long ago not to let outsiders stay in the village!”

Wei Changfu’s eyes shifted, “Village Head, this… in such heavy snow, with these guests including several delicate young ladies, forcing them out would be driving them to their deaths!”

Huang Wenshan glanced at the carriages in the corner of the courtyard, “They can leave the same way they came. I don’t care if they’re ladies or men, they brought misfortune to Three Yuan Village. Old Lady Feng’s daughter is already dead, who will be next? If they don’t leave, they’re driving us to our deaths.”

“Get out, get out—”

The shouts of over fifty men rose in unison. These rough village men wouldn’t care about consequences, and if conflict broke out, Wei Changfu worried his small inn would be torn apart. He bowed to the crowd outside, “Alright, alright, everyone please wait, wait, I’ll go tell them right away…”

Wei Changfu hurried anxiously toward the guest rooms, but before he reached them, he saw Qin Yan and Zhou Huai approaching. Qin Yan had already heard the commotion outside. Wei Changfu rushed up anxiously, “Young Master—”

Qin Yan waved his hand dismissively, “Where did these troublemaking peasants come from?! Innkeeper Wei, do you intend to drive us out?”

Wei Changfu’s face was full of bitter smiles, “It’s not that I want to drive Young Master out, it’s them! I run this inn, and if I offend them again, Young Master will leave, but what about me? Please, Young Master, think of yourself too. Leave now while it’s still early, you might find somewhere else to shelter from the snow…”

Qin Yan, having grown up privileged and noble, felt only anger at the thought of being threatened by a group of peasants. How could he possibly think of complying? “How ridiculous, Innkeeper. You took so much money for our lodging, and now you want us to just leave when told?”

Wei Changfu hurriedly said, “A refund! I’ll refund everything to Young Master—”

Qin Yan sneered, “Collecting when you want, refunding when you want, Innkeeper Wei, that’s not how business is done.” He then instructed Zhou Huai, “Have the guards and drivers guard the main hall entrance. Let’s see what these village brutes intend to do.”

Though Zhou Huai’s eyes showed some contemplation, he immediately went to give orders. Soon, all the guards and drivers from the rooms and corridors came out. Though outnumbered, the Qin family guards were all trained in martial arts and carried precious swords. Just the cold gleam of their blades carried an intimidating air.

Seeing this situation, Wei Changfu nearly cried, “Young Master, Young Master! Please don’t harm the villagers! Young Master doesn’t know, the local customs here aren’t civilized. The villagers are stubborn and extremely protective of their own. They don’t know proper etiquette, and if conflict breaks out, they won’t value their lives. Young Master can show force, but please don’t hurt anyone…”

Zhou Huai stood behind Qin Yan and said softly, “Young Master, he speaks the truth.”

At this moment, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang came out. Qin Wan had heard the commotion outside and, knowing it wasn’t good, had waited a moment before coming to look. Having traveled extensively in the Northwest with her father, she had experienced such fierce local customs many times. She knew that in such places, they shouldn’t forcefully confront the villagers. She stepped forward and said, “Third Brother, it’s indeed unwise to leave today. Why don’t we find a compromise? We can leave early tomorrow morning. Just one night, and when the snow stops, we’ll suffer less on the road. Moreover, leaving early means we can travel further.”

Though Qin Yan was unwilling, Zhou Huai immediately agreed, “Young Master, Ninth Miss speaks sense.”

While Qin Yan might not have valued Qin Wan’s opinion alone, Zhou Huai’s agreement made him take notice. He gritted his teeth and turned to Wei Changfu, “Fine, go tell them we’ll leave early tomorrow morning.”

Qin Yan’s mood was gloomy, making his tone particularly stern. Wei Changfu also felt this was a good compromise and immediately went outside. At the main hall entrance, he saw the Qin family guards standing solemnly. Far from being intimidated, the villagers outside became even more agitated. After Wei Changfu explained the compromise, before the Village Head could speak, others started shouting!

“No! We can’t wait! What if someone else dies tonight?”

“Exactly! They disturbed everyone last night, and then something happened. We’re already being kind not sacrificing them for Old Lady Feng’s granddaughter, yet they dare negotiate with us—”

“Right now! Make them get out of here!”

“Don’t think we’re afraid just because they have a few servants! No matter how noble they are, there’s no room for discussion today!”

Wei Changfu had wanted to mention Qin Yan’s group’s noble status but had to swallow his words upon hearing this. Village Head Huang looked coldly at Wei Changfu, “You heard them. Their will is my will.”

Wei Changfu smiled bitterly repeatedly, “Village Head Huang, the guests want to leave, but really…”

“Nothing to discuss! If they leave, we’ll back off. If not, we’re not afraid of their swords!”

Seeing the Village Head and villagers’ firm attitude, Wei Changfu had to return to the guest rooms. Qin Yan’s group had been listening to the commotion outside and understood the villagers’ attitude without Wei Changfu explaining.

Qin Yan frowned and sneered, “Let’s see exactly what kind of fierce peasants these are—”

As Qin Yan spoke, he walked outside. Wei Changfu couldn’t stop him in time. Zhou Huai hurriedly followed, and Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances before also heading toward the main hall. In moments, Qin Yan reached the hall entrance, surveyed the situation outside, then looked at Village Head Huang Wenshan, “You must be the esteemed Village Head—”

Huang Wenshan looked at Qin Yan expressionlessly, “What does Young Master have to say?”

Qin Yan narrowed his eyes, “Upon arriving at your precious village, we heard that something happened here half a year ago. We weren’t even here then. These deaths were happening in your village before, so why blame us? I understand your concerns, but we’ve paid for our lodging. We can leave, tomorrow.”

Huang Wenshan was silent for a moment hearing this, “Has Young Master thought this through?”

Qin Yan raised his chin, his bearing quite imposing. However, he wasn’t facing ordinary civilians but lawless troublemakers. His demeanor only further angered the villagers—

Huang Wenshan’s narrow eyes squinted, “If Young Master won’t leave willingly, we’ll have to help Young Master depart.”

As he spoke, Huang Wenshan stepped back, and the weapon-wielding villagers surged forward. In an instant, Zhou Huai pulled Qin Yan back, while the Qin family guards simultaneously drew their swords and daggers. Elite guards versus peasants, a murderous air instantly arose. However, at this critical moment, a clear voice rang out.

“Please, everyone stop—”

The clear voice was as smooth as jade yet somehow carried a frost-like coldness. At these words, everyone froze, and the angry villagers turned to look at the courtyard entrance.

In the snow-white landscape, two white-robed men stood at Changfu Inn’s gate.

The villagers, who moments ago had been rough and angry, suddenly changed their manner, greeting the newcomers one after another.

“Divine Doctor Sun has come—”

“Divine Doctor Sun, why have you come here—”

The sudden change in situation startled Qin Wan and Qin Yan inside the hall. As they were trying to understand what was happening, a familiar voice suddenly rang out, “Senior Brother, Senior Brother, my friends I mentioned are in that building!”