“This—this isn’t a snowman—” Qin Shuang cried out in alarm, immediately stepping backward.
The entire tea garden extended upward along the mountainside, all built as well-maintained terraces. Qin Shuang stood near a stone wall, where that crooked snowman-like figure was leaning against it. From a distance, it appeared human-shaped, and being covered in white snow naturally made one think of a snowman at first glance. However, upon approaching closer, Qin Shuang noticed a collar protruding from the “snowman’s” nape. Because it was leaning against the stone wall, not every part of the “snowman” was covered in snow. If someone had built a real snowman, how could it have a collar?!
Qin Shuang’s expression changed several times, and Wan Qing, who had come along with her, also saw it and quickly pulled Qin Shuang back two steps.
Meanwhile, Qin Wan and Sun Muqing strode over, with Wan Xing and Fu Ling following closely behind. When they reached the spot, everyone’s expressions changed. Almost simultaneously, Qin Wan and Sun Muqing stepped forward together.
The medicinal garden was entirely covered in snow. The “snowman” sat crouched on the ground, completely white, curled up into a ball as if trying to merge with the surrounding snowfield. He pressed tightly against the stone wall behind him as if attempting to draw warmth from it. Only that small piece of collar showed eerily, and this detail would have been impossible to notice from too far away.
Sun Muqing narrowed his eyes, stepped forward, and rolled up his sleeves before brushing the snow from the snowman’s head. With this sweep, the top of a cotton hat was immediately revealed. Seeing this, Sun Muqing’s breath caught, and he quickly bent down to brush away more snow from the “snowman” with greater force. This revealed not only the hat but also a face. Seeing this, Qin Wan hurried over to help. The two of them efficiently swept all the snow off the “snowman,” revealing that beneath the thick white snow was a middle-aged man with graying hair and dark skin, curled up in this spot…
The man had been crouched there for an unknown time, his hands tucked between his knees, his entire body rigid as if frozen in place. His eyes were tightly closed, his expression peaceful, with icicles formed on his eyelashes, showing no signs of life.
“Heavens, it’s a dead person…” Qin Shuang clutched Wan Qing’s arm, half-hiding behind her. A cold sweat broke out on her back—if she had touched it earlier without looking carefully, she would have been even more terrified now.
“Not necessarily.” Sun Muqing dropped these three words, his face turning serious. He continued clearing snow from the man’s body. He initially wanted to pull the man’s hands out from his sleeves, but the thick cotton jacket was also frozen stiff, and the two hands were clasped together, impossible to separate. With no other choice, Sun Muqing quickly reached for the man’s collar instead.
After focusing intently for a moment, Sun Muqing quickly turned back, “He’s not completely dead yet! Quick, go back and call Uncle Dong—”
Sun Muqing looked at Fu Ling and Wan Xing. Fu Ling then looked at Qin Wan, who nodded, and Fu Ling pulled Wan Xing as they ran back. Qin Shuang came forward with wide eyes, “He’s not dead?!”
With Sun Muqing present, Qin Wan only needed to stand by. Sun Muqing continued, “His body temperature hasn’t completely dropped, and there’s still a faint pulse in his neck, though we don’t know if we can save him.”
Qin Shuang frowned slightly, finally relieved to know it wasn’t a dead person. “Did he freeze unconscious?”
Sun Muqing shook his head and then nodded, “You could say that. His body temperature is already very low. He looks like he’s sleeping, but this sleep is due to his body being unable to maintain its temperature, with all organs failing.”
Qin Shuang couldn’t understand so much detail. While waiting for Uncle Dong and the others to arrive, she looked around puzzledly, “This is Baicao Garden’s medicinal garden. How did this person get in? Is he a servant from Baicao Garden?”
Sun Muqing looked at the man’s clothes and shook his head, “Judging by these clothes, he’s probably not. He looks more like a villager from somewhere nearby.”
The frozen man wore a somewhat worn cotton jacket, his hair standing up under a black cotton hat. This appearance indeed resembled that of a villager from a nearby village. But why would he be here under normal circumstances?
“This medicinal garden isn’t fenced off, anyone can enter, though usually, no one comes here.” Sun Muqing examined the man for a moment, suddenly discovering several uprooted ginseng plants at the man’s feet. His brows furrowed, “Is he a medicine thief?”
Qin Wan also immediately noticed the ginseng. The roots still had soil on them, clearly just uprooted and not yet cleaned, and they were right beside this man—the evidence was conclusive!
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, finding it somewhat absurd.
“A medicine thief comes to steal at night but ends up freezing himself in the medicinal garden?”
Sun Muqing also found it rather strange, “Let’s not worry about why he came here first, let’s try to save him!”
Qin Wan naturally had no objection. She stood in place observing for a moment, then turned to look at the medicinal garden below. This look revealed nothing unusual—snow had only stopped falling this morning, and even if the ground had been disturbed, it wouldn’t be visible yet. Qin Wan looked left and right, finding an upturned tree branch nearby. She picked up the branch and scraped the ground a few times, indeed revealing ginseng stems.
“This is where the ginseng was planted…”
Qin Wan spoke softly, and Sun Muqing nodded on this side, “It seems this person truly came to steal medicine.”
He then smiled bitterly, “It seems Senior Brother’s medicinal garden needs a fence after all. Although there’s no one within ten li, that doesn’t mean people won’t target this medicinal garden. Once or twice might be fine, but if it attracts more people, Senior Brother’s garden will have been planted in vain.”
Qin Wan also sighed somewhat. Although the ginseng this person tried to steal wasn’t worth thousands in gold, theft was still not the way of a gentleman.
Qin Shuang let out a light snort, “This person came to steal medicine, and not only did he steal from us, but now we have to save him. Really…”
Sun Muqing also felt somewhat helpless. A thief might not deserve sympathy, but theft wasn’t a crime worthy of death. Neither Sun Muqing nor Qin Wan could ignore someone dying. After waiting another moment, several figures appeared from the direction of the west side gate!
Besides Fu Ling and Wan Xing, Uncle Dong and Qin Yan had also come, with Uncle Dong bringing two male servants. Seeing Qin Wan and the others below, they walked over immediately. When Sun Muqing saw them arrive, he quickly said, “Uncle Dong, do you recognize this person?”
Uncle Dong took a few steps forward, stared at the man for a moment, and shook his head, “Don’t recognize him. This person is…”
Sun Muqing briefly explained how they had discovered the man, then pointed to the ginseng on the ground, “Probably came to steal medicine, though we don’t know why he nearly froze to death here. Uncle Dong, although he’s likely a thief, we still need to save him. Please have him carried into the house.”
“Of course, of course, quickly, carry him in…”
At Uncle Dong’s command, the two male servants who had come along immediately lifted the man.
Sun Muqing quickly added, “Be careful, he’s easily injured right now…”
Watching the two male servants carry the man up, everyone else followed behind. Qin Shuang had long lost her playful mood and had become somewhat nervous. If this person died, it would be extremely unlucky, so it would be better if he didn’t die.
As they were about to enter the west side gate, Sun Muqing quickly said, “Take him to my place first. Uncle Dong, go find some hot ashes.”
As soon as Sun Muqing gave the order, Uncle Dong responded and entered the courtyard. The two male servants carrying the man walked very quickly toward the west, but because of the thick snow, Qin Wan and the others gradually fell behind. By the time they finally reached the gate of Sun Muqing’s courtyard, they saw Qin Xiang also standing at the door peering inside. Hearing the commotion, she turned her head, and upon seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang both panting heavily, she frowned, “You two, when out representing the daughters of the Qin family, how can you be so lacking in proper etiquette?”
Qin Xiang’s scolding made Qin Wan frown slightly. She didn’t even look at Qin Xiang and walked straight in. Seeing Qin Wan’s reaction, Qin Shuang let out a light snort and followed her in. Qin Xiang watched as Qin Shuang, who used to always follow behind her, now only followed Qin Wan’s orders, and her eyes darkened.
In the courtyard, the two male servants were carrying basins of snow into the house. Qin Yan and Uncle Dong stood at the door, and even Zhou Huai was standing in the courtyard. Seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang approach, Qin Yan walked up to them, “Were you two frightened?”
Qin Shuang shook her head repeatedly, “At first… at first we thought it was a dead person, but unexpectedly he’s still alive. As long as he’s not dead, that’s good.”
Qin Yan breathed a sigh of relief, “That’s good then. Young Master Sun is saving him inside now, don’t go in yet.”
Qin Shuang stretched her neck to peek inside, “How is he saving him?”
Qin Yan also looked toward the main room, “They’ve removed all his clothes, first rubbing his limbs with snow to warm them, then applying hot ashes to his chest.”
Upon hearing that they had removed all the man’s clothes, Qin Shuang immediately pulled back her neck and turned to Qin Wan, “Ninth Sister, how would you save someone like this?”
Qin Wan came back to her senses, “The same way.”
Qin Shuang made an “oh” sound, then asked, “Can he be saved?”
Qin Wan nodded, “There’s an eighty percent chance of saving him.”
Qin Shuang breathed another sigh of relief, then after a moment said, “Why didn’t this person call for help when he was freezing? Why did he just fall asleep against that wall when the west gate was so close…”
“He’s a medicine thief, naturally he wouldn’t come asking for help. Besides, when people are in cold weather and their body temperature drops, they unconsciously fall asleep. Sometimes they even have the illusion of feeling very warm. Without being aware, his body gradually stiffened but he didn’t notice. Even in his final moments of freezing to death, he might have been dreaming of sitting by a warm fire.”
Qin Shuang clicked her tongue in amazement, then after a moment asked, “So people don’t suffer when they die this way?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Most likely not. It’s only uncomfortable at the beginning when they’re still conscious. Later, they lose sensation. As their body temperature continues to drop, they might feel like they’re floating in warm water until they pass away. That’s why people who truly freeze to death usually have peaceful expressions without signs of suffering—”
As Qin Wan spoke steadily, the two male servants came out again to gather more snow. After going back and forth several times, about two cups of tea’s worth of time passed before a cheer came from inside. Uncle Dong, standing at the door, laughed, “Young Master Sun is truly impressive, able to save someone without even having to disturb the Master…”
From inside, Sun Muqing called out clearly, “It’s best not to disturb Senior Brother. Is he still making medicine now?”
“The Master had just seen Young Master Qin and Miss Qin, and is now talking with Young Master Bai.”
Uncle Dong spoke, and Sun Muqing exclaimed in surprise, “Young Master Bai?”
“Yes, it’s Young Master Fei Jue. He’s been here for a while, but he frequently goes out to buy medicine for the Madam. He’s as devoted as the Master in treating the Madam’s illness. He’s collected all the good medicinal ingredients from within Yuanzhou. He only returned last night—when Young Master went over earlier, he hadn’t even risen yet. After finishing his conversation with the Master, he’s preparing to make another trip to Yuanzhou.”
Sun Muqing brightened immediately, “I didn’t expect Brother Fei Jue to be here too! When I went over this morning, Senior Brother didn’t mention it! When did he return? I must see him!”
“You know the Master’s personality—he’ll say one word where he could say two. Young Master Bai will be here for at least a day or two, at most two or three days. You’ll certainly be able to see him.”
Hearing Uncle Dong’s words, Sun Muqing relaxed, “That’s good, then I won’t rush over now and disturb his time. By the way, has Sister-in-law awakened?”
Uncle Dong heaved a deep sigh outside, “Not yet. This time she might sleep for several days again…”
“Then definitely don’t disturb Senior Brother. Let him focus on treating and accompanying his Sister-in-law.” Sun Muqing instructed, then added, “I’ll write a prescription. Although this man is alive, he’s suffered frostbite and needs several days of care. When he wakes up, we can ask where he’s from…”
Uncle Dong nodded, “Young Master, please write it. The residence has plenty of everything, especially medicinal ingredients.”
Sun Muqing laughed heartily, “That’s good then. Thank you for the trouble, Uncle Dong.”
After a few more words from inside, they saw the two male servants carrying out the man from earlier. When they had brought him in, the man was curled up, but now his body was stretched out somewhat. They carried him from the main room to the side room on the left of this courtyard.
Qin Shuang widened her eyes, “How… is this person going to live with Young Master Sun?”
As these words fell, Sun Muqing happened to walk out, waving his hand with a smile, “It’s no trouble at all! There’s an empty side room in this courtyard, let him stay here. Other places would be harder to clean up.”
Uncle Dong smiled warmly, “Young Master Sun’s temperament hasn’t changed—not putting on any airs at all.”
Sun Muqing brushed his robe and said purely, “I’m not my teacher, what airs would I need…”
These words carried a hint of playfulness, making Uncle Dong laugh heartily, “If the Valley Master heard Young Master say this, he’d punish you to copy prescriptions…”
Sun Muqing blinked, “That’s why I’m saying it here…”
Everyone broke into smiles, and Uncle Dong said, “If this person is a thief, I wonder how the outer medicinal garden is. We usually send someone to check at noon every day but haven’t had the chance today. After I deliver the medicine here, I’ll first order some people to go check. There’s nobody around here, I never thought someone would come to steal medicine.”
With these words, Uncle Dong left the courtyard, and the two male servants followed shortly after. Only then did Qin Wan and the others enter the side room to see the man. He wore only his inner clothes, lying on the bed covered with thick brocade quilts. He was of medium build and very thin, with a dark complexion and cracked lips—the appearance of a farmer. Now that Sun Muqing had saved him, his dark face showed some redness from frostbite, further confirming everyone’s belief that he was likely a villager from nearby.
“I wonder which village this person is from. Could he be from Sanyuan Village?”
As Qin Shuang asked curiously, Sun Muqing said lightly, “He looks like an honest person. Perhaps he needed medicine for his family and had no choice. We’ll ask when he wakes up, but he must be from one of the nearby villages. He’ll wake up by tonight at the latest, and if he recovers well, he can return home in a day or two.”
After watching for a while longer, everyone left the room. Upon exiting, Sun Muqing sighed, “We just went out for a walk, yet unexpectedly brought back such a living person…”
Now that the man had been saved, Sun Muqing’s tone was very relaxed. Qin Yan asked, “Young Master Sun is also well acquainted with Young Master Bai?”
Hearing this, Sun Muqing smiled and said, “I wouldn’t say well acquainted. It’s just that the Bai family and Senior Brother’s branch are old family friends. When I was young, I met Sister-in-law and Brother Bai, but it’s been many years since I’ve seen them.”
Qin Yan nodded, “Young Master Bai has an imposing bearing and refined manner, truly living up to the Bai family’s great reputation.”
Sun Muqing immediately made a surprised sound, “Has Young Master Qin met Brother Bai?”
Qin Yan laughed, “No when we went to see Doctor Sun earlier, we happened to meet Young Master Bai. Under Doctor Sun’s introduction, we became acquainted. I have long admired the Bai family’s reputation, and it’s an honor to meet the new head of the Bai family today.”
Sun Muqing suddenly understood, “Ah, I see. It seems Brother Bai’s health has improved over these years. When he was young, he wasn’t very healthy and was quite thin. He and Sister-in-law stayed in Lianzhou partly because of family friendship, and partly to improve his health.”
Qin Yan immediately said, “Young Master Sun need not worry. Today’s Young Master Bai has an imposing presence and appears physically strong.”
“That’s good, that’s good. He and his sister were both not very healthy since childhood, I was worried.”
After saying all this, Sun Muqing quickly added, “The young ladies’ skirts have all gotten somewhat wet from this outing. Please return to your rooms to warm up, lest you catch a cold. I can look after the patient.”
Though Sun Muqing was a direct disciple of the Sun family with no humble background, he was willing to personally care for a patient. Qin Yan’s face showed surprise and admiration. Seeing this, Sun Muqing just smiled and said, “This is basic for a medical practitioner.”
Qin Yan praised him a few more times before leaving Sun Muqing’s courtyard with Qin Wan and the others.
After leaving the courtyard, Qin Xiang asked Qin Yan, “Third Brother, is the Bai family very powerful in the east?”
Hearing this, Qin Yan nodded and said as they walked, “The Bai family was a top-tier great family in the previous dynasty, producing countless literary giants and even two empresses. Although they declined somewhat under the Great Zhou, they haven’t lost their family’s heritage. Though none of them have taken official positions, many have been appointed by successive emperors as advisors to educate crown princes. Even now, they remain leaders among the scholars of the world. Now that Prince Yong has been established as crown prince, the emperor has sent people to Yizhou, intending to invite several Bai family elders to reside in the Eastern Palace.”
Though not holding high positions or great power, they were truly a family of literary giants, respected and relied upon even by the emperor…
Hearing this, Qin Xiang felt her heart surge and nodded without asking more.
Everyone returned to their courtyards. Qin Shuang followed Qin Wan through the gate, but instead of returning to her room, she followed Qin Wan inside, “I never imagined the Bai family was so impressive. I originally thought only the Medicine Valley was powerful.”
After thinking for a moment, Qin Shuang said again, “But it makes sense—like matches like, after all. Doctor Sun and his wife are childhood friends from families of equal status. For people of their standing, those who could be childhood friends naturally wouldn’t be ordinary families. One is today’s leader of the literary world, and the other heads the foremost medical sect in the realm—they’re truly well-matched! If only Madam Sun wasn’t ill, it would be perfect!”
“Nothing in this world is perfect. Madam Sun will get better.”
Qin Wan responded lightly. Qin Shuang sat down beside her and asked, “Have you met Young Master Bai?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan shook her head, “No…”
Qin Shuang seemed somewhat disappointed, “You haven’t seen him?”
Fu Ling smiled from the side, “Why is Sixth Young Lady asking about this?”
Qin Shuang let out a light snort, “Fifth Sister has seen him. Among us three, she’s the only one who has…”
Fu Ling shook her head with amusement, “Sixth Young Lady, what are you thinking? Why should our Young Lady and you have seen him just because Fifth Young Lady has?”
In the past, Qin Shuang wouldn’t even have acknowledged Qin Wan, let alone Fu Ling, but now she could speak calmly with Fu Ling, “Don’t think I have such thoughts. Fifth Sister had them first—she likes to compare herself with others…”
Fu Ling glanced at the unmoving expression of Qin Wan and just smiled without saying more.
Qin Shuang puffed up her cheeks as she looked at Qin Wan, who wouldn’t continue the conversation, “You speak even less than Doctor Sun—how boring!”
Qin Shuang stood up, and seeing that Qin Wan wouldn’t ask her to stay, she stomped her foot and turned to leave. Fu Ling found it extremely amusing, “Oh my, why do I find Sixth Young Lady more and more adorable lately…”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “The journey is boring—it’s not bad to have someone making a fuss.”
Fu Ling placed the charcoal brazier in a corner and poured Qin Wan a cup of tea, “That’s right. It’s quite nice that Sixth Young Lady likes to follow Young Lady now. After leaving Jinzhou, the Princess can’t accompany the Young Lady anymore. Although Sixth Young Lady can’t converse deeply with Young Lady, at least there’s someone making noise around you. Otherwise, this servant fears Young Lady’s temperament will become increasingly detached.”
Qin Wan laughed at these words, “It’s not that serious…”
As she said this, a wave of melancholy rose in her heart. They had left Jinzhou for half a month now, whereas usually, she would visit the Marquis’s mansion every few days. She wondered what Yue Ning was doing, how the Princess Dowager was feeling, and how Yao Xinlan was doing.
“Will we only receive letters when we reach the capital?”
Qin Wan asked a question to which she already knew the answer. Fu Ling nodded, “What does Young Lady want to know?”
Qin Wan looked out at the snow-covered ground outside the window, “I want to know if Sister-in-law has left the Qin residence.”
Fu Ling sighed, “If Lord Yao comes personally, she should be able to leave, right? This servant feels the Young Madam has changed somewhat. Once she understands, with the Yao family’s power, it should be possible!”
“Let’s hope so…”
“Would Young Lady like to rest for a while?”
Qin Wan didn’t usually nap in the afternoon, but because she had slept poorly the previous night, she did feel somewhat sleepy. Hearing this, she nodded, “Alright, I’ll go rest for a while—”
Qin Wan ended up sleeping for two hours. When she rose and left the inner chamber, she saw Qin Shuang sitting by the window again on the couch. She held a plate of tea pastries in her hand, eating while reading a book—it was the landscape miscellany that Qin Wan had been reading these past few days. Seeing her take it without permission, Qin Wan said nothing. As for Qin Shuang, she raised her head casually, “How did you sleep so long? Do you want some tea pastries? They’re delicious…”
Qin Wan shook her head, sighing as she watched Qin Shuang’s puffing cheeks. Eating like this, the lines that had just appeared on Qin Shuang’s face would become round again. Completely unaware of Qin Wan’s sigh, Qin Shuang just exclaimed, “Better than the ones by Yanjiang!”
Qin Wan felt quite helpless. Seeing that it was already afternoon outside, she asked, “Has that person woken up?”
Qin Shuang shook her head, “Don’t know. Young Master Sun hasn’t come to say.”
Qin Wan was somewhat concerned. Although she completely trusted Sun Muqing’s medical skills, she worried that he might not be meticulous enough in caring for patients, “I’ll go check—”
Hearing that Qin Wan was going out, Qin Shuang immediately stood up, “I’ll go too!”
Qin Wan had no choice but to let her come along. Fu Ling smiled, thinking that Qin Wan had gained a little tail.
As they spoke, they left and went straight to Sun Muqing’s courtyard. Upon entering the gate, they heard sounds coming from the side room. As Qin Wan and Qin Shuang walked over, they heard Sun Muqing ask, “How do you feel?”
Qin Wan’s heart stirred, and she quickly knocked on the door. The sound startled Sun Muqing, who turned around. Seeing it was Qin Wan, he quickly stood up, “Ninth Young Lady, Sixth Young Lady, please come in…”
Qin Wan entered, “Has he awakened?”
Sun Muqing nodded, “Yes, come and see…”
Qin Wan walked to the bedside. The man on the bed had barely opened his eyes, and when he saw Qin Wan and the others approach, his eyeballs moved slightly. However, Sun Muqing said, “He’s been awake for about two cups of tea’s worth of time, but he seems unable to speak.”
“Surely his throat hasn’t been injured?”
Qin Shuang asked anxiously. Sun Muqing nodded, “That’s possible, or perhaps he’s too weak. I’ve already given him medicine just now—we’ll see how he is tonight.”
As Qin Wan was nodding, Qin Shuang said, “Ninth Sister, won’t you examine him?”
Qin Wan smiled helplessly, “How could I compare to Young Master Sun…”
Qin Shuang snorted lightly, “Why not? You’re our manor’s Little Medical Immortal!”
At these words, Qin Wan froze, while Sun Muqing was even more stunned. He stared at Qin Wan with wide eyes, speechless for a long while…
The strange atmosphere left Qin Shuang confused. Seeing Sun Muqing’s expression, she explained, “Well… don’t underestimate Ninth Sister… She’s treated the Princess Dowager of Anyang Marquis’s mansion!”
The surprise on Sun Muqing’s face gradually settled, and then he sighed, “So it’s Ninth Young Lady…”
Qin Wan felt somewhat apologetic. That day when Sun Muqing had asked about Yan Chi, she had been present, and since Yan Chi hadn’t mentioned it, she hadn’t explained clearly either—essentially hiding this from Sun Muqing for many days. Qin Wan lowered her eyes, “I didn’t intentionally keep this from Young Master Sun. At that time…”
But Sun Muqing suddenly smiled, “I know, I know! That was only our second meeting, and Ninth Young Lady isn’t one to seek fame, so you didn’t want to say you were Jinzhou’s Little Medical Immortal…”
Hearing these words, Qin Wan felt even more guilty, but Sun Muqing instead sighed, “Ninth Young Lady is truly impressive. Other physicians, whenever they hear the name of Medicine Valley, all try to get close, but you rejected me from the start.”
Sun Muqing seemed both gratified and excited, “It seems heaven has treated me well, allowing me to meet Ninth Young Lady again. My trip to Jinzhou wasn’t wasted after all… I previously thought Ninth Young Lady just had an interest in medicine, but now I see that’s not the case. I heard the Princess Dowager’s illness was previously treated by a famous imperial physician from the palace, but he couldn’t cure it. Later, Ninth Young Lady cured it, showing that your medical skills surpass that imperial physician’s. From which senior did Ninth Young Lady learn medicine?”
Qin Shuang had meant well but caused trouble. Qin Wan felt anxious inside but showed nothing on her face. She hadn’t intended to keep it hidden forever, but she worried about Sun Muqing discovering that her medical skills came from Medicine Valley.
“I learned from my father and mother.” This was Qin Wan’s standard response to anyone who asked.
Sun Muqing was surprised, “Is that so? Did your honorable father and mother enter Medicine Valley?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled bitterly, “My parents passed away very early. As far as I know, they never entered Medicine Valley. They taught me much when I was young. Curing the Princess Dowager was just a coincidence—I truly don’t deserve the title of Medical Immortal.”
Sun Muqing felt somewhat apologetic. Seeing Qin Wan’s melancholy expression, he didn’t dare ask more, while Qin Wan tried to keep things vague. Sun Muqing just nodded, “I’m truly sorry, I didn’t know your parents had passed away—”
Qin Wan curved her lips, “It’s alright.” Looking at the man, she said, “He’s fallen asleep again.”
Sun Muqing turned to look—indeed, the man’s eyes had closed, and his breathing had become deep and steady.
“It’s good that he’s sleeping. He can’t eat right now; we’ll have to wait until evening.” Sun Muqing said this while leading Qin Wan and the others outside. After closing the door, he added, “It’s almost mealtime. Uncle Dong just came by, saying food will be sent shortly.”
“Then let’s wait at Third Brother’s place…”
At Qin Shuang’s call, they headed toward Qin Yan’s courtyard. Sure enough, the afternoon meal was soon delivered. As the food was laid out on the table, Qin Shuang kept glancing at Qin Xiang. Right after finishing the meal, Qin Shuang pulled Qin Wan aside and said, “Fifth Sister seemed distracted while eating and kept talking with Young Master Sun. Could she have some thoughts about him?”
Qin Wan laughed, “If you’re that bored, go for a walk—just don’t wander too far from the front, back, and sides.”
Qin Shuang widened her eyes, “You… how are you so…”
“Boring,” Qin Wan finished for her, leaving Qin Shuang both angry and frustrated. Qin Wan looked at her for a moment and sighed, “Alright, let’s go for a walk in the back. It’s cold outside—put on your cloak.”
“That’s more like it—”
Qin Shuang brightened up, and they each put on cloaks before heading out. Qin Wan had no intention of following their morning route, yet unconsciously, she still walked toward the north of the residence. Even from far away, her gaze kept drifting toward the courtyard where they had heard sounds that morning. Though she tried to control herself from speculating, the dark clouds hovering in her mind wouldn’t disperse.
“This is the path Young Lady took this morning, isn’t it?”
Fu Ling and Wan Xing were following this time. They had tracked Qin Wan’s footprints that morning, so now seeing Qin Wan walk this way again, Fu Ling asked. Qin Wan replied, “We’ve been to the west, shouldn’t disturb the east, the south is the main gate, and we’ve been there too. This is the only direction left.”
Hearing this, Fu Ling sighed again, “Next time Young Lady goes out, please let us accompany you. Even though this is Doctor Sun’s residence, with snow this heavy, what if Young Lady slips and twists her ankle?”
Just as she said this, Qin Shuang stumbled!
“Young Lady—”
Wan Qing cried out in alarm and steadied her. Qin Shuang herself was frightened and clutched her chest, turning to glare at Fu Ling, “You jinx… your Young Lady didn’t fall, but I almost did…”
Fu Ling smiled helplessly, not wanting to provoke Qin Shuang while she was upset.
“That scared me to death. Good thing I didn’t fall…”
As they were speaking, suddenly, a faint cry rang out. Qin Wan, already distracted from their conversation, immediately halted her steps.
“Don’t speak—what’s that sound?”
At these words, everyone fell silent.
Soon, a soft “meow” came from the front left.
Qin Shuang’s eyes widened, “A cat? Is it a cat?”
Qin Wan instinctively followed the sound. Qin Shuang said helplessly, “You want to find that cat? In a residence this big, it’s normal to have some stray cats. Stray cats are all dirty, you… ah…”
After saying a few words and seeing Qin Wan ignore her, Qin Shuang had no choice but to follow.
Qin Shuang followed Qin Wan to the side of a courtyard, and then their gaze fell on an alley between two small courtyards. The alley looked very old, with moss and cobwebs on the courtyard walls on both sides. The faint cat cry came from the end of the alley.
The alley seemed to turn right at the end, but looking at this narrow passage, Qin Wan hesitated to step forward.
“What’s wrong? Why did you stop?”
As they spoke, the cat’s cry sounded again. Qin Wan seemed moved by something and took the first step forward, but just as she was about to step out, Wan Xing suddenly moved to the front.
Qin Wan glanced at Wan Xing and lightly followed behind her.
After walking about twenty steps, they were nearly at the end of the alley when Qin Shuang suddenly covered her nose, “Heavens, what’s that smell? It’s disgusting…”
The alley was narrow, and the further they went, the stronger the putrid smell became.
Walking at the front, Wan Xing suddenly lightened her steps and raised her hand slightly, signaling those behind to walk more slowly.
Everyone’s steps halted, and Qin Wan’s expression became particularly grave. She listened carefully—the cat’s cry that had been so clear earlier had now stopped. As Qin Wan pondered this, Wan Xing moved forward with light but quick steps…
Wan Xing walked across the even snow, but Qin Wan noticed that Wan Xing’s footprints seemed shallower than theirs. When Wan Xing reached the end and turned right, her brows immediately furrowed at whatever she saw.
Qin Shuang looked at Wan Xing and asked softly, “What is it?”
Wan Xing glanced at Qin Wan before saying woodenly, “Cats—”
Cats? Qin Wan immediately quickened her pace, but when she walked a few steps to Wan Xing’s side and looked right, she too froze.
Seeing Qin Wan move forward, the others hurried to catch up, and soon all the young ladies crowded around Qin Wan. However, as soon as they steadied themselves, they all drew in sharp breaths. Qin Shuang stared with wide eyes, pointing at the mess not far away with trembling fingers. After a moment, she turned and began retching. Fu Ling’s face was also deathly pale as she said, “How can there be so many…”
Ten steps away, under the eaves where the snow hadn’t reached the gutter, lay scattered pieces of bloody flesh mixed with fur. Next to the mass of cat remains, a pitch-black cat was bristling and baring its teeth fiercely at Qin Wan and the others…