“Senior Brother, Senior Brother, those friends I mentioned are inside that house!” A familiar voice suddenly rang out. Qin Wan and Qin Yan immediately exchanged glances. Qin Wan turned and walked a few steps toward the main hall’s entrance. As she moved forward, she immediately saw two figures standing at the courtyard gate.

Under the simple courtyard gate’s lintel, a figure in white stood like jade. Against the backdrop of the snow-covered landscape, the newcomer possessed an elegant demeanor with picturesque features. From afar, one might mistake him for a celestial deity descended from the snowy heavens. Qin Wan’s eyes flickered with surprise—she never expected to encounter such a remarkable person in this village. Perhaps due to the intensity of her gaze, the newcomer soon turned to look at her. As their eyes met, Qin Wan’s heart softened, for the stranger’s gaze carried a profound sense of compassion for all living things. Recalling how the villagers had addressed him earlier, Qin Wan immediately understood his identity.

However, Qin Wan’s brows soon furrowed. While she didn’t recognize this “Doctor Sun,” she did know the person standing behind him. Watching Sun Muqing gazing concernedly toward the interior, Qin Wan’s questions multiplied. If she hadn’t misheard, Sun Muqing had called this “Doctor Sun” his Senior Brother.

Although the former Shen Wan had studied under Sun Xi at Medicine Valley, her time studying medicine there hadn’t been particularly long, and she had only met a handful of people. She had never encountered this deity-like figure before.

“Miss Qin—” Qin Wan looked toward Sun Muqing, who was also watching her. Seeing her look his way, Sun Muqing immediately waved, “Miss Qin, don’t be afraid. My Senior Brother will explain everything to the Village Chief—”

Sun Muqing called out loudly, and Huang Wenshan naturally heard him. Huang Wenshan glanced at Qin Wan, then turned around with a questioning look. “Doctor Sun, last night, Old Woman Feng’s granddaughter died. These people entered the village last night, and we believe they brought misfortune to our village. That’s why we want them to leave quickly.”

The man addressed as Doctor Sun swept his gaze toward Qin Wan’s direction before speaking softly, “Feng’s granddaughter was already suffering from consumption. Her death has nothing to do with them. Village Chief has misunderstood.”

The man’s voice was extremely gentle, yet somehow carried an air of compassionate solemnity. Perhaps because of this, the Village Chief pondered for a moment before saying, “But… but nothing has happened in the village for so long.”

The man nodded upon hearing this. “I understand the Village Chief’s concerns. I came here to invite them to my humble residence, so they wouldn’t be staying in the village. It’s snowing heavily today; Village Chief, please lead everyone home.”

Though the man’s voice carried little inflection, it somehow penetrated straight to the heart.

Huang Wenshan asked in surprise, “Doctor Sun wants to take them to Hundred Herbs Garden?”

At this question, the man nodded, “Yes, they are my junior brother’s friends.”

Understanding dawned in Huang Wenshan’s eyes. He looked at the man for a moment, then turned toward Qin Wan’s direction before bowing, “I didn’t realize they were Doctor Sun’s friends. Please forgive our offense.”

After speaking, Huang Wenshan bowed to the man again and waved his hand, “Everyone, let’s leave and return home.”

At his command, Huang Wenshan led the villagers away like a receding tide. Once they left, the courtyard suddenly became empty, with only the trampled snow showing signs of mud. Sun Muqing’s face lit up with joy, and after casting a grateful look at the man, he strode into the courtyard. The Qin family guards had already moved to either side, and Qin Yan and Qin Wan walked out.

“Miss Qin, Third Young Master Qin, are you alright?” Sun Muqing asked urgently. Qin Yan stepped forward and shook his head, “We’re fine. Thank you, Young Master Sun, but this is…?”

As Qin Yan asked, Sun Muqing seemed to suddenly remember something and turned toward the courtyard gate. The man at the gate, who hadn’t moved until now, stepped forward to stand beside Sun Muqing and gave everyone a slight bow, “I am Sun Haoyue.”

Hearing this name, Qin Wan thought it truly suited the person. Meanwhile, Sun Muqing excitedly explained, “Miss Qin and Third Young Master Qin, you don’t know—it’s such a coincidence! I originally came here because of the village’s illness situation, but after asking around for two days without results, I later learned that Doctor Sun had come to the village and cured many people. I thought of visiting this doctor under the pretext of paying respects. You know, Miss Qin, I left Lian Prefecture to seek out famous doctors everywhere, either to learn from them or invite them to Medicine Valley.”

“I wanted to see how skilled this doctor was and also take the opportunity to ask about what illness the villagers had contracted. But when I reached the foot of Goddess Peak, I discovered this doctor was someone I knew.”

Speaking thus, Sun Muqing turned to look at Sun Haoyue, “Senior Brother Haoyue is eight years older than me and was Master’s early disciple. After Senior Brother completed his studies and left the mountain, I hadn’t seen him for many years. I never expected to meet him here.”

Sun Muqing’s expression was excited and animated, while Sun Haoyue merely curved his lips slightly. Qin Yan quickly said, “This truly is a fated meeting. Our encounter with Young Master Sun was destiny, and Young Master Sun’s meeting with Doctor Sun is also destiny.”

Sun Muqing immediately nodded, “Indeed, indeed! Senior Brother Haoyue came to Cloud Mist Mountain half a year ago and bought a residence at the foot of Goddess Peak for Sister-in-law to recuperate. Young Master Qin, Miss Qin, we came to invite you to stay at Senior Brother’s place. This inn isn’t warm enough and has no food. We don’t know when this snow will stop, but it’s not far from here to the foot of Goddess Peak—it only takes an hour to get there. Please don’t refuse—”

Earlier, Sun Haoyue had mentioned taking Qin Yan and the others away, and Qin Yan had been about to ask about it when Sun Muqing explained on his own.

Qin Yan hesitated, “How could we impose… there are so many of us…”

Sun Muqing glanced at Sun Haoyue and smiled, “It’s no trouble at all. Senior Brother bought an extremely spacious residence. Currently, only the Senior Brother, Sister-in-law, and a few servants live there. Even with all of you there, it won’t be full. We don’t know how long this snow will continue, and how can you stay here. If I hadn’t met Senior Brother, that would be one thing, but now that we have, how could I let Young Master Qin and Miss Qin go hungry and cold?”

Sun Muqing’s words were sincere. Qin Yan looked hesitantly at Sun Muqing, then at Sun Haoyue.

Sun Haoyue nodded, “Everyone is welcome.”

Seeing that Sun Haoyue wasn’t one for many words, Qin Yan looked toward Qin Wan. Qin Wan’s brows were slightly furrowed as she looked at Sun Muqing and sighed. She naturally trusted Sun Muqing, and this Sun Haoyue was a senior brother who preceded them—surely a master of medicine. Although Qin Wan no longer considered herself Shen Wan and had lost the brother-sister relationship with Sun Muqing, she regarded Sun Haoyue as a senior in the medical field, first feeling admiration, then trust.

“I’ll follow Third Brother’s decision,” Qin Wan said, thinking that if Qin Yan decided not to go, she would raise no objections.

After learning of Sun Muqing’s identity the previous night, Qin Yan had already wanted to establish a connection, let alone now that another direct disciple of Medicine Valley had appeared. After a moment’s consideration, Qin Yan made his decision, “Very well, then we’ll trouble Doctor Sun and Young Master Sun.”

Upon hearing this, Sun Muqing immediately broke into a smile, “Wonderful, wonderful! There’s no trouble at all! I only met Miss Qin by chance, and she generously helped me. Now I’m merely returning the favor with a plum for her peach.”

Qin Wan had only given Sun Muqing some travel money, but Sun Muqing was now providing accommodation for their entire group. This was far more than just returning a plum for a peach—compared to Qin Wan’s peach, Sun Muqing was returning with jade.

Qin Yan bowed, “My ninth sister only gave Young Master Sun some travel money, but Young Master Sun and Doctor Sun have helped us so much. I am truly grateful. Young Master Sun and Doctor Sun, I would be honored to call you friends.”

Sun Muqing smiled broadly, “Good, good, friends indeed—”

He continued, “The residence Senior Brother bought is now called Hundred Herbs Garden. It has a large garden left by the previous owner that had been abandoned but is now planted with medicinal herbs. It’s at the foot of Goddess Peak to the west. With today’s heavy snow, it will take about an hour to get there. On a clear day, it would only take about half an hour.”

Looking up at the sky, Sun Muqing added, “While the snow isn’t too deep yet, Young Master Qin, please gather everyone to depart.”

Qin Yan heard this and immediately bowed, but when he turned around, he saw Wei Changfu standing aside looking embarrassed. Qin Yan narrowed his eyes and ignored Wei Changfu, only instructing Zhou Huai. Zhou Huai immediately directed everyone to prepare the carriages for departure. In the guest rooms, the maids packed up the food boxes, brocade quilts, and other items to load onto the carriages. Even the bedridden Qin Xiang was dressed properly and came out. Sun Muqing and Sun Haoyue stood at the main hall’s entrance, waiting until the Qin family’s carriage procession was fully prepared before walking out.

At the intersection outside the courtyard gate, a small blue cloth-covered carriage was waiting—apparently, Sun Muqing and Sun Haoyue had also come by carriage. Sun Muqing stood outside and called to Qin Yan behind him, “Young Master Qin, just follow us all the way.”

Qin Yan responded with agreement, and only then did Sun Muqing and Sun Haoyue board their carriage. As the wheels rolled, they moved very slowly due to the thick snow on the ground. Nevertheless, the Qin family’s carriage procession gradually made its way out of the Changfu Inn’s courtyard, heading west.

They followed Sanyuan Village’s main street out of the village, then took the small mountain path heading west. The path could barely accommodate one carriage at a time, with tall, straight, lush green trees on both sides. Green trees, white snow, cold wind, and dark clouds surrounded them. Qin Wan sat in the carriage, lifting the curtain to look outside. Though it was cold, the view before her was a stunning landscape of snow-covered mountains and forests, making one feel refreshed and content.

Sun Muqing had said it would take an hour, but it took an hour and a half to reach Hundred Herbs Garden.

Looking out the carriage window, Qin Wan first saw a verdant bamboo forest. Following the mountain’s contours upward, she soon spotted a black-tiled, white-walled residence situated on the mountainside. A series of undulating eaves stretched out in formation, suggesting this was no ordinary residence. No wonder Sun Muqing had said there would be enough room even if all the Qin household members stayed there. Qin Wan took a shallow breath, inhaling the bamboo fragrance mixed with the snow’s coldness, which immediately calmed her heart. As they drew closer to the residence, Qin Wan’s heart grew increasingly peaceful. It was clear why Sun Haoyue had bought this place—even Qin Wan felt the urge to withdraw from worldly affairs just looking at such a residence…

When the carriages stopped, the wind died down as well. Stepping out of the carriage, Qin Wan felt surrounded by an intangible tranquility. This mansion appeared to be quite old, with moss covering the roof tiles, yet it lacked the usual signs of habitation, making one feel it existed somehow above the mundane world.

“We’re here, we’re here, drive the carriages straight in—” Sun Muqing called out as he descended from the lead blue-cloth carriage. Though out of courtesy, Qin Yan and the others still dismounted from their carriages one after another. As they got down, they saw the character “Hundred Herbs Garden” written above the ancient mansion’s entrance. Sun Haoyue had also dismounted and stood to one side, and a white-haired elderly servant waited at the entrance.

“Uncle Dong, these are my friends. Please make arrangements for them.” The elderly servant, advanced in years and wearing a gray cotton robe, was stooped with age, his face full of wrinkles, and his eyes nearly disappeared when he smiled. Hearing the request, he nodded with a smile, “Very well, very well, Young Master Table need not worry.”

Sun Muqing nodded and walked toward Qin Wan, while Sun Haoyue turned to ask Uncle Dong, “How is Madam?”

Uncle Dong immediately nodded, “Good, Madam is doing well.”

Hearing this, Sun Haoyue turned to address Qin Yan and the others, “Young Master Qin, Muqing, and Uncle Dong will make arrangements here. My wife is gravely ill and cannot be left alone, so I must go see her now.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Yan quickly said, “Of course, Doctor Sun, please go ahead. We appreciate your hospitality.”

Sun Haoyue waved his hand dismissively and quickly entered through the mansion gates.

Fuling, standing beside Qin Wan, whispered, “Miss if Doctor Sun is such a divine physician, why is his wife still so ill? Could he not cure her?”

Qin Wan sighed but dared not question this senior brother’s abilities, “Even divine physicians cannot cure every illness. Some illnesses take time to heal, and some cannot be cured even by immortals.”

Fuling sighed, “Perhaps… perhaps Miss could take a look?”

Qin Wan smiled bitterly at these words, “Do you know how formidable Medicine Valley’s direct disciples are? How could I show off my meager skills before them…”

It wasn’t that Qin Wan undervalued herself, but during her time studying medicine at Medicine Valley, she had seen too much. The Sun family’s direct disciples had studied medicine since childhood, far surpassing those who came later by countless times. Whether in herbal knowledge, acupuncture, or pulse diagnosis, the direct disciples were far more knowledgeable—something that later students could never match no matter how diligently they studied.

Realizing she had underestimated Sun Muqing and Sun Haoyue, Fuling quickly ducked her head and said no more.

Meanwhile, Uncle Dong directed the Qin family’s carriages to enter one by one through the gate, while Sun Muqing said, “Everyone, please follow me inside. Make yourselves at home…”

As he spoke, Qin Wan followed Qin Yan inside.

As Sun Muqing had mentioned, Sun Haoyue had bought this residence not long ago. Because of this, upon entering, one could see thick green vines climbing wildly up the white walls. Without long-term careful maintenance, they had gradually formed their pattern. Though the greenery was fresh, when the verdant green turned into mottled dark green, it gave people a desolate and oppressive feeling.

Past the screen wall, they entered the middle courtyard. Qin Wan didn’t know how many courtyards the residence had, but she saw interconnected corridors on both sides. Sun Muqing stood waiting for Uncle Dong, somewhat embarrassedly saying, “I’ve only been here once myself…”

Since Sun Muqing couldn’t find his way either, Qin Yan stood chatting with him, “Doctor Sun mentioned earlier that his wife was gravely ill. May I ask what illness she has?”

Sun Muqing sighed at the question, “I don’t know either, and Senior Brother hasn’t said. I suppose it must be an illness requiring peaceful recuperation, otherwise they wouldn’t have moved here. I haven’t seen him for four or five years. I vaguely heard he had gone south before, and I thought he was in Yongzhou or Huzhou.”

Qin Yan’s eyes flickered slightly before he said, “I see. Doctor Sun must care deeply for Madam Sun. Earlier, he seemed very concerned and anxious.”

Sun Muqing immediately smiled at these words, “Young Master Qin doesn’t know, but Senior Brother and Sister-in-law were childhood sweethearts. They married when they were my age. My sister-in-law is from the Bai family of Yizhou, and they were a divine couple admired by all. Who would have thought she would fall ill? However… however, with Senior Brother’s skill, he will surely cure Sister-in-law!”

“Of course, of course—” Qin Yan agreed, then added, “Doctor Sun has the heart of a Bodhisattva. He and Madam Sun will surely be blessed with good fortune. I had thought he treated the villagers because this place was very close to Sanyuan Village, but I didn’t realize it was quite far.”

Sun Muqing sighed, “Yes, I hadn’t expected that either.”

Qin Wan had woken up late, and after various delays and the long journey, it was now growing dark. As they spoke, Uncle Dong had arranged for the Qin family’s carriages and directed their guards to two outer courtyards before walking back to Sun Muqing and the others, “Young Master Table, the courtyards have been arranged.”

Sun Muqing smiled warmly, “Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Dong. We haven’t seen each other for so long, and upon meeting, I’m already causing you such trouble.”

Uncle Dong smiled until his eyes nearly disappeared, “No trouble at all. This old servant hasn’t seen Young Master Table for so long and is very happy. These are all Young Master Table’s friends, so naturally they must be treated well.”

Speaking thus, Uncle Dong gestured with his hand, “Everyone, this way please—”

Uncle Dong walked ahead with his stooped posture. He walked slowly, so Qin Yan behind him also slowed his pace, looking questioningly at Sun Muqing, “Young Master Table?”

Sun Muqing smiled, “The Sun clan is originally one family. Although Sun Haoyue and I are beyond five generations of kinship, we’re still of the same lineage, so the household servants usually address us this way.”

Qin Yan nodded in understanding as Uncle Dong led everyone westward from the main gate.

As they walked, Uncle Dong said, “This residence was bought long ago but hasn’t been properly maintained. Please forgive any inadequacies, Young Master and young ladies. Last night’s heavy snow prevented us from cleaning the residence properly…”

Qin Shuang, following behind Qin Wan, hadn’t planned to speak, but hearing this, she smiled and said, “It’s better without cleaning, we can make snowmen.”

Uncle Dong’s smile deepened, “Young Miss, please don’t let your hands get too cold.”

Qin Shuang quickly replied “We won’t, we won’t,” and Uncle Dong continued, “Many rooms in the residence haven’t been prepared, as we weren’t expecting guests. These few rooms to the west are naturally brighter and more spacious.”

Sun Muqing quickly asked, “Where does Senior Brother Haoyue live?”

“On the east side. There’s a plum forest in the East Garden, and Madam likes it there. It’s also quieter.”

After speaking, Uncle Dong gestured, “This way—”

Qin Wan glanced toward the east, but could only see a continuous stretch of snow-covered eaves and brackets. Though it was an extremely elegant and magnificent residence, the overwhelming whiteness of the snow reminded Qin Wan of the white flowers at the Jiang family’s funeral hall.

After walking a short distance along the corridor, they reached several courtyards. Uncle Dong stopped and said, “Since Madam needs peace to recover, we haven’t arranged for many servants in the residence. These three courtyards each have two wing rooms. If anyone needs anything, just look for me in the small courtyard with the winter plum blossoms at its entrance, back the way we came.” Uncle Dong pointed, then added, “Someone will bring dinner to everyone later.”

Sun Muqing nodded and asked, “Uncle Dong, won’t Senior Brother Haoyue join us for the meal?”

Uncle Dong shook his head, “It’s getting late, and the Young Master must accompany Madam.”

He then bowed to Qin Yan and the others, “I truly apologize for the discourtesy.”

Qin Yan quickly waved his hands, “Please don’t say that. We are the ones imposing. Let everything remain as usual in this residence. We absolutely must not disturb Madam’s recuperation, or it would be our fault.”

Seeing this, Uncle Dong smiled reassuringly and looked at the sky, “It’s getting dark, and the courtyard hasn’t been cleared of snow. Please don’t wander around at night.”

Qin Yan quickly agreed, and Uncle Dong coughed lightly twice before turning to leave.

Once Uncle Dong left, Sun Muqing smiled and pointed to a nearby courtyard, saying, “Our courtyards are next to each other. How would you… how would you like to arrange the rooms?”

Naturally, Qin Yan would stay with Zhou Huai, but the three Qin sisters only had two courtyards. Qin Xiang still appeared listless, and Qin Shuang immediately said, “I’ll stay with Ninth Sister—”

This was perhaps the first time Qin Shuang had sincerely called Qin Wan “Ninth Sister.” Fuling raised her eyebrows slightly. Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan, who nodded, “Any arrangement is fine.”

Qin Yan smiled and looked at Qin Xiang, “Fifth Sister, will you be afraid?”

Qin Xiang smiled like a sickly beauty, “Of course not.”

“Good, then you should all go in and get settled—”

Everyone nodded and entered their respective courtyards. Sun Muqing craned his neck to look at Qin Wan, appearing as if he wanted to follow, but remembering she was a young lady, he glanced at Qin Yan instead, “Young Master Qin, let me accompany you to look around.”

Qin Yan naturally agreed happily, and they quickly entered the courtyard together.

Since Qin Shuang wanted to stay with Qin Wan, and there were two wing rooms anyway, Qin Wan didn’t mind. After entering the courtyard, she let Qin Shuang choose first. Qin Shuang casually selected one and entered with Wanqing and Xiuyun. Meanwhile, Qin Wan entered her room with Fuling and Wanxing. The interior was more elegant than Qin Wan had imagined, though it was long uninhabited, with a musty dampness in the air.

“Miss, why did Doctor Sun buy such a large residence?” Fuling asked curiously while putting things away. “This mansion is too big, with only a few people living here. Isn’t it eerie?”

Qin Wan walked to the side and opened the window. Though the outside wind was bitter cold, it could help disperse the room’s musty smell. “While the residence is indeed large, the ambiance here is excellent. It’s quite suitable for Madam Sun’s recuperation.”

Fuling frowned slightly, “For recuperation, shouldn’t one choose a more lively place? This mansion is so empty, and the rooms smell musty. This servant feels it’s unsuitable for an invalid.”

Qin Wan smiled wryly, “The rooms are like this only because they’ve been empty for so long. The east wing surely isn’t like this.”

Fuling thought for a moment and seemed to find Qin Wan’s reasoning quite sound, so she smiled and said, “Then perhaps this servant was overthinking. Maybe Madam Sun simply dislikes noise.”

Qin Wan nodded, “That’s exactly right—”

As they were speaking, Sun Muqing’s voice suddenly came from the courtyard entrance, “Ninth Miss? May I come in?”

Hearing this, Qin Wan quickly walked to the door and saw Sun Muqing standing at the entrance, holding something and peering in. Qin Wan quickly said, “Young Master Sun, please come in—”

As her words fell, Sun Muqing entered carrying a brazier, “Ninth Miss, since there’s no floor heating in these rooms, please make do with this brazier for now, so you won’t be too cold.”

The accumulated snow in the courtyard had been cleared away, showing that Uncle Dong had indeed put in considerable effort to welcome them. Seeing Sun Muqing’s thoughtfulness, Qin Wan felt touched, inevitably recalling many past scenes.

“Ninth Miss, if anything else is needed in the room, please just let me know…”

Sun Muqing busied himself about, happy to run errands. Seeing this, Qin Wan curved her lips slightly, “No need, Young Master Sun should go rest as well.”

Sun Muqing cheerfully agreed and quickly left. After he left, Fuling smiled and said, “Young Master Sun is quite interesting. Miss only gave him some travel money, yet he’s returning the favor like a gushing spring!”

Qin Wan stood at the window, watching until Sun Muqing’s bouncing figure disappeared through the courtyard gate. Suddenly, a sense of melancholy arose in her heart. Sun Muqing was the most purely genuine person she had ever met, and he remained unchanged. The time, three months had passed since the incident with the Shen family. Did he know that Shen Wan was dead?

A dull pain arose in Qin Wan’s heart, but she silently shook her head inside. Let alone the fact that death and rebirth through possession was something she could hardly believe, just considering the things she needed to do, she didn’t want to entangle past relationships. This was a path she could only walk in darkness; until she saw the light, she must walk alone.

“Miss… everything’s arranged. Would you like to rest?” Fuling came over and closed the window in front of Qin Wan, “It’s so cold outside, aren’t you afraid of catching a chill?”

Qin Wan came back to her senses, and Fuling added, “This place is much better than the inn. We really must thank Young Master Sun this time.”

Qin Wan smiled bitterly, and suddenly footsteps sounded outside, as Qin Yan came to knock on the door, “Ninth Sister?”

Fuling quickly went to open the door, and as it opened, Qin Yan said, “Ninth Sister, although Doctor Sun can’t join us for the meal, we should still eat together, along with Young Master Sun. What do you think?”

Qin Wan nodded, “I’ll follow Third Brother’s arrangement—”

Qin Yan smiled, and Qin Shuang, hearing the commotion, also came out, “Are we eating together? Where?”

Though Qin Shuang was impetuous, Qin Yan didn’t mind, “In my courtyard.”

Thus, the three siblings moved to Qin Yan’s courtyard. Upon entering the room, dinner had already been laid out—seven or eight hot dishes, both meat and vegetarian, looking quite appetizing. Sun Muqing and Qin Xiang were already there, and seeing them enter, Sun Muqing hurried to welcome them, “Ninth Miss—”

Qin Wan nodded to him, and everyone took their seats in turn. There was no wine on the table, so Sun Muqing used tea instead and said, “I am Sun Muqing, and I’m honored to know Young Master Qin, Miss Qin, and the two young ladies. Though it may seem abrupt, I haven’t yet had the pleasure of knowing the names of Miss Qin and the two young ladies—”

Sun Muqing had seen Qin Wan at Madam Jiang’s funeral and only knew she was a young lady of the Qin family, with others calling her Ninth Miss, but didn’t know her name, nor did he know Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang. He had not only helped them greatly but was also someone Qin Yan wished to befriend, and since they would be staying together for the next few days, knowing their names was only natural.

“I am Qin Shuang, sixth in the Qin clan hierarchy.”

Qin Shuang spoke first, and seeing this, Qin Xiang said softly, “Qin Xiang, ninth in the Qin clan hierarchy.”

After they had both spoken, only Qin Wan remained. Just as she was about to speak, Qin Shuang jumped in, “This is our Ninth Sister, called Qin Wan—”

Sun Muqing had been listening seriously, but at this moment his eyebrows trembled, “Qin… Wan? May I ask which character for ‘Wan’?”

Qin Shuang giggled, “The ‘Wan’ from ‘Wan er yi xiao’ (smiling sweetly)!”

Sun Muqing stared blankly at Qin Wan, his expression suddenly changing. He was never good at hiding his feelings, and now the change was particularly obvious. Qin Yan and the others were slightly startled, and Qin Wan also feigned confusion, asking, “What’s wrong, Young Master Sun?”

Sun Muqing stayed stunned for another moment before coming to his senses, then lowered his eyes and gave a small laugh, “I apologize for my rudeness, it’s just that… just that Ninth Miss’s name is the same as one of my junior sisters. For a moment, it reminded me of her.”

After a pause, Sun Muqing forced another smile, “However… however, there are many people in the world with the same names, let alone just sharing a given name. I meant nothing by it, please forgive me, Ninth Miss…”

Though bitterness surged in Qin Wan’s heart, her face remained unchanged, only shaking her head very calmly.

Meanwhile, Qin Shuang exclaimed in surprise, “To think it’s the same name! It’s not a common name either. Young Master Sun, where is your junior sister now?”

At this question, Qin Wan’s hand in her lap clenched, and Sun Muqing’s expression also changed.

He slowly put down his teacup, the pure cheerfulness instantly draining from his being. A heavy shadow fell over him, “She… she’s already dead…”

“Ah—” Qin Shuang let out a light cry, not expecting this answer. She felt both curious and apologetic, “How could… was it… illness?”

Sun Muqing smiled bitterly and shook his head, suddenly transforming from a pure, simple youth into what seemed like a grief-stricken old man, “No, she was very healthy. She… her family was wrongly accused.”

Qin Shuang stared wide-eyed, not knowing how to continue asking, affected by Sun Muqing’s grief and momentarily at a loss for words. Qin Xiang appeared thoughtful but remained dignifiedly silent. Only Qin Yan sensitively caught the key point.

“Wrongly accused? Could it be that your junior sister was from an official’s family? May I ask, Young Master Sun, where was she from?”

Sun Muqing was naturally trusting, and he didn’t know Qin Yan’s exact identity. So he sighed, “Yes, an official family. Her father held a high position but was known for his integrity. She… she was from the capital.”

The capital… Qin Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

During this journey home, Qin Yan had appeared as merely a thoughtful elder brother, but once matters touched upon the power struggles in the capital, his instincts were far keener than ordinary people’s.

Qin Yan pondered briefly, “When did this happen to her family? Are her parents still alive?”

Qin Wan knew Qin Yan had caught the trail. Hearing his question, she wanted to stop Sun Muqing, but after consideration, remained still. Sure enough, Sun Muqing replied, “Three months ago. Her parents are gone too, in that same wrongful—”

A glint flashed in Qin Yan’s eyes, but wisely, he didn’t ask for details, only consoling, “My condolences, Young Master Sun. Your junior sister’s spirit will be comforted knowing you remember her.”

Sun Muqing straightened up and let out a long breath, “I understand. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought this up and spoiled everyone’s meal. Come, let’s eat. Since Senior Brother couldn’t come personally, I’ll offer a toast with tea…”

After speaking, Sun Muqing took a sip of clear tea. His lips were pulled up in an attempt at his usual casual smile, but to Qin Wan, that smile seemed more bitter than tears.

Another wave of dull pain ground through Qin Wan’s heart.

This was the first proper meal for Qin Wan’s group in two days, yet she couldn’t taste anything. Even though Sun Muqing put on a smile and changed the subject, and the table became lively with conversation, it couldn’t dispel the grievance and indignation in her heart.

After dinner, night had nearly fallen, and the cold wind that had died down began to howl again outside the window. The heavy snow in the sky still showed no signs of letting up. Fuling supported Qin Wan as they walked back to their courtyard. As they walked, Qin Wan raised her eyes to the sky. This heavy snow had blocked their road back to the capital—could it be a sign that in the capital, when she tried to investigate her father’s case, a similar snowstorm would await her?

Qin Wan had just settled her mind after sitting in a chair for a moment and was preparing to wash up and retire early when there was another knock at the door. Fuling opened it to find Qin Shuang standing there with a troubled expression, “Um… um…”

Qin Shuang looked hesitant and somewhat embarrassed. Qin Wan walked to the door and looked at her puzzled, “What’s wrong?”

Qin Shuang glanced at her, then quickly lowered her eyes, “I… my monthly visit has come. Do you have any… you know?”

Qin Wan was startled for a moment before quickly understanding. She looked at Fuling, who smiled wryly, “Miss’s time isn’t these few days, those things are all in the carriage.”

Qin Shuang’s face paled, “What… what should I do? I can’t soil their bedding.”

She looked at Qin Wan with a pleading expression, “I… I want to go get it myself…”

Hearing this, Fuling understood immediately. Qin Shuang didn’t want to go alone; she wanted Qin Wan to accompany her. Fuling coughed lightly, “Should we ask the Young Master to send someone…”

Qin Shuang’s face immediately reddened, “No… A third Brother is a man.”

Fuling knew this solution wouldn’t work, so she looked at Wanqing who had come with Qin Shuang, “Then should Wanqing go get it?”

Before Wanqing could speak, Qin Shuang quickly said, “No, Wanqing is timid, I’d have to go with her…”

Fuling blinked, surprised that Qin Shuang was so protective of her servants, and felt more favorably toward her. Seeing this, Qin Wan sighed, “Take down the lamp from under the eaves, and we’ll go together.”

Though it was dark, with six people going together, surely there would be nothing to fear.

Qin Wan put on a cloak, and Fuling took the lamp and opened the courtyard gate. The six young women split into two rows and walked toward the main gate along the path they had come. Not a single light was lit anywhere in the mansion, and the huge residence was pitch black. Qin Wan could finally understand the eerie feeling Fuling had mentioned. Even in a group, the six young women walked fearfully to the carriages.

Qin Wan and Fuling’s group stood to one side while Qin Shuang, with Wanqing and Xiuyun, went to find her carriage. Soon, Wanqing found what Qin Shuang needed, and the three quickly ran back, with Qin Shuang grinning at Qin Wan.

The journey had been uneventful, and now that Qin Shuang had what she wanted, she relaxed. Seeing Qin Wan’s composed demeanor, she suddenly pointed behind her and shouted, “Ah, a ghost—”

Fuling screamed and grabbed Qin Wan, while Wanxing instantly turned to look in the direction Qin Shuang was pointing. Wanqing also let out a sharp scream, and Xiuyun tightly hugged Qin Shuang’s arm.

Only Qin Wan remained motionless, staring at Qin Shuang.

“Miss, what are you doing…” Wanqing said tearfully, now understanding that Qin Shuang was just trying to scare them, though they had all been genuinely frightened for a moment.

Qin Shuang frowned at the unmoved Qin Wan, “Why isn’t Ninth Sister scared at all?”

Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang composedly, “If there really were a ghost, you would have screamed in fright, how would you have time to shout ‘ghost’? Moreover, your first reaction wouldn’t likely have known if it was human or ghost.”

Qin Shuang held her forehead, “I really… oh never mind, I’ve never seen anyone as brave as you. Alright, let’s go…”

Qin Shuang, appearing dejected, gestured for Qin Wan to go first. Fuling looked at Qin Shuang with mixed amusement and exasperation, holding Qin Wan’s arm tightly as they walked forward. But after just a few steps, Qin Shuang suddenly let out a piercing scream from behind—

Hearing this, Fuling said helplessly, “Sixth Miss, you can’t scare us twice…”

As she finished speaking, Wanqing suddenly grabbed Fuling’s arm. Fuling paused, inadvertently causing Qin Wan to stop as well. Wanqing, trembling, pulled at Fuling again, and Fuling and Qin Wan sensed something wrong and turned around.

As they turned, Qin Wan saw a figure standing in the dim light ten paces away.

The person’s disheveled hair covered their face, but through the strands, a pair of eyes stared at them sinisterly…