A flash of realization struck Qin Wan’s mind – that distinctive sweet and pungent scent was so familiar, wasn’t it the same smell she encountered on that servant last night? Her heart began racing wildly. Looking around, she suddenly noticed fragments of spilled medicinal herbs on the ground. Though unable to identify them clearly, Qin Wan knew from the scent it was licorice.
Meanwhile, Sun Haoyue had approached closer. Being a fellow physician, Sun Haoyue wasn’t afraid of the dead, but seeing Dacheng’s tragic state, his eyes revealed a trace of compassion.
The nearby Manager Dong asked in surprise, “Young Master, what do you mean? You know the reason behind this murder?!”
While Song Li could act arrogant before Manager Dong, he became notably more restrained in Sun Haoyue’s presence. “Doctor Sun… you know the cause of this murder?”
Sun Haoyue took another look at Dacheng on the ground. “Over two months ago, I treated a young lady who had difficulty moving her limbs. Later, she passed away due to the severity of her illness. Her mother accompanied her then, though it seemed she had a father as well.”
At these words, Manager Dong’s eyes lit up in recognition. “Yes, yes! This humble servant remembers too! Young Master saved many people then, but that child’s illness was too severe, and you couldn’t save her…”
Qin Wan listened from the side, feeling a chill run down her spine.
Song Li frowned deeply, “Doctor Sun, you think this is revenge from the girl’s parents?”
Sun Haoyue narrowed his eyes, his voice carrying both sorrow and gravity, “I don’t know, but two people in the residence have died consecutively, both with their limbs severed. This can only remind me of that incident.”
“But… is this possible? Killing someone just because they couldn’t cure an illness?”
While Song Li showed disbelief, Qin Wan’s heart slowly sank. It wasn’t impossible – human malevolence could exceed ordinary imagination. Sun Haoyue’s reputation as a divine physician meant patients came with enormous hope. However, when Sun Haoyue ultimately failed to fulfill their wishes, there existed a type of person who might not show gratitude if helped but would harbor resentment if left unsatisfied. It was already tragic for elderly parents to bury their young, and if other troubles arose from this, they would direct all their disappointment and dissatisfaction toward others.
The killer’s attacks on Dacheng and Little Songzi weren’t premeditated but opportunistic. Qin Wan glanced at the bloody handprint on the windowsill, then looked south and suddenly asked, “This place isn’t far from Doctor Sun’s courtyard, is it?”
Manager Dong quickly nodded, “Indeed. This small medicine storehouse used to be the main pharmacy where Young Master usually prepared and researched medicines. The main pharmacy is right before Renxin Court.” After a pause, he added, “Does Ninth Miss have something in mind?”
Qin Wan frowned, “When Little Songzi was first killed, the murderer likely passed through here. Now, the killer directly murdered someone in the small pharmacy. I suspect Doctor Sun is right – both times, the killer might have been trying to sneak into Renxin Court. However, since Renxin Court is heavily guarded and frequently visited, the killer was very wary. Though filled with hatred, they were also afraid, so when discovered, they simply vented their anger on whoever they encountered.”
Song Li felt a chill down his spine as Qin Wan spoke. He seemed to envision a blood-covered killer wielding a knife, hiding somewhere in the residence – whoever met them would die.
“Manager Dong, do many people usually come to this small pharmacy?”
At Qin Wan’s question, Dong immediately turned to her, “Not many. Although it’s not locked, people don’t enter freely. When anyone needs medicine, they come to tell me first before taking any. We haven’t lost any medicine from the small pharmacy in half a year.”
Qin Wan nodded and went to examine the bloodstains on the ground. Though there were several people in the medicine storehouse, Qin Wan was the only young lady present. Today she wore a jade-colored long dress with narrow sleeves, adorned with silver wind and lotus patterns on the hem, covered by an indigo cape. She appeared like a spring mountain silhouette amid vast snow. If Sun Haoyue was a celestial lord formed from frost and snow, then Qin Wan was an immortal spirit capable of bringing spring to all things. As she walked toward the window, though standing in the darkest corner of the room, Song Li glanced over and felt Qin Wan emanate a faint glow that seemed to naturally repel the dim light and bloody air of the room.
“Doctor Sun, do you remember the servant we met on the road last night?”
Qin Wan suddenly spoke up. As she finished speaking, she crouched down. The medicine was scattered all over the floor, half soaked in Dacheng’s blood, the other half scattered further away. Qin Wan picked up several pieces of licorice and stood up, turning to look at Sun Muqing.
Sun Muqing hesitated briefly, “Last night? Ninth Miss means the servant who bumped into Fuling?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Exactly. Doctor Sun probably didn’t notice, but when he passed by last night, he carried a medicinal smell – sweet and pungent, undoubtedly licorice. And here in the small pharmacy, licorice is scattered all over the ground.”
Sun Muqing raised his eyebrows. With one glance, he could tell without approaching that what Qin Wan held was indeed licorice. “What does Ninth Miss mean…”
“Though licorice has a medicinal smell, it doesn’t leave such a strong scent from casual contact. So I guess the person we met last night likely spent considerable time in this small pharmacy, perhaps even stayed overnight.”
Speaking thus, she looked toward the innermost corner again. “This small pharmacy doesn’t receive many visitors and is relatively close to Renxin Court. Hiding here would attract little attention. It’s been two days since Little Songzi was killed, and with the weather so cold outside, the killer needed a hiding place…”
“Ninth Miss means the person we saw last night was the killer?!” Sun Muqing’s eyes widened, feeling a slight chill in his heart.
Manager Dong was also slightly startled, while Song Li’s brows shot up, “What? You saw the killer last night?!”
Sun Muqing hurriedly explained, “No, when we were returning last night, we met someone wearing the residence’s servant clothes and carrying a large broom for sweeping snow. When he encountered us, he acted very nervous and respectful. We didn’t recognize him fully and simply assumed he was from the residence. If Ninth Miss hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have thought he was the killer!”
Qin Wan frowned slightly, seemingly still pondering something, while Song Li’s eyes immediately brightened at these words. “So… the killer isn’t originally from the residence? The residence is so large, the killer must be hiding somewhere!”
Letting out a cold laugh, Song Li continued, “If no one’s lying, this will be much easier to handle. We just need to gather all the servants and search every corner of the residence, right?”
Song Li quickly made his decision. Neither Qin Wan nor Sun Muqing spoke – simply put, that was the approach, but with such a large residence, finding the killer wouldn’t be easy-
“Manager, go call everyone immediately. Every single person must come.”
Manager Dong nodded, then looked toward Sun Haoyue, “Young Master-“
“Handle it as you see fit. If this is indeed the case, it’s ultimately my fault. When the killer is caught, give those two a proper burial. For everything else, discuss it with Constable Song and Young Master Qin.”
As Sun Haoyue spoke, his gaze grew distant, instantly intensifying that otherworldly aura about him. He looked at Qin Wan and Qin Yan, “I’m truly sorry for involving you in this matter.”
Qin Yan quickly cupped his hands, “Doctor Sun, please don’t say that. Please go tend to Madam, don’t worry about matters out here.”
Sun Haoyue nodded. Though his face showed no smile, he didn’t appear arrogant. Rather, his compassionate demeanor naturally commanded respect. He acknowledged without further pleasantries, simply nodding before turning to leave.
Song Li blinked, watching Sun Haoyue leave without speaking. Among all the homeowners he’d encountered at crime scenes, Sun Haoyue was the strangest. To say he was compassionate – well, people died in his residence yet he rarely appeared, seeming almost indifferent to the case. But to call him apathetic – he was a divine physician who had saved countless lives.
Song Li shook his head, not daring to comment further. He only looked at Manager Dong and said, “Manager, proceed as discussed earlier.”
Manager Dong nodded, then Song Li turned to Qin Yan, respectfully cupping his hands, “Young Master, for the residence search, please return to your courtyard with Doctor Sun and Miss Qin. Best to have the servants and all attendants gather together to avoid accidents.”
Qin Yan nodded and glanced at Qin Wan. Seeing she had nothing to say, he then turned to leave.
While Qin Yan prepared to leave, Qin Wan continued examining the small pharmacy. Earlier, Manager Dong mentioned there was another main pharmacy in the residence. This place already stored plenty of medicine; the main pharmacy he mentioned must be even larger in scale…
As Qin Yan left, Qin Wan walked toward the door while examining the medicine cabinets on both sides. She found herself amazed – though Sun Haoyue had only owned this residence for half a year, it was stocked with such abundant medicines. Moreover, many herbs were planted in the western garden. Was Sun Haoyue planning to stay here permanently?
But even for permanent residence, there was no need to set up a pharmacy in the mansion…
Qin Wan’s gaze shifted as she recalled how Sun Haoyue frequently treated patients. Thinking this through, she finally understood better – Sun Haoyue not only treated people but did so without charging fees. She couldn’t help but admire him.
Perhaps out of a physician’s habit, Qin Wan absently opened drawers in the medicine cabinet as she walked. Though she had never run a pharmacy, she had worked with similar medicine storehouses in Medicine Valley. When she first couldn’t identify medicines, she would check drawer by drawer, until eventually reaching the point where she could identify herbs by smell alone.
Following her instincts, Qin Wan casually opened several drawers. The first two were full of medicines, appearing rarely used. However, the third drawer was empty. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow – had all the Notoginseng powder in this small pharmacy been used up? She wasn’t surprised. This reminded her of the delirious person they encountered that night, whose illness likely resembled madness. What medicines would Sun Haoyue use?
Qin Wan mentally composed a prescription based on her judgment. Her eyes quickly scanned and located several herbs. After a slight hesitation, she still opened the drawers…
Manager Dong and Song Li had already left, with only Sun Muqing remaining to examine Dacheng’s body. Separated from Sun Muqing by a medicine cabinet, Qin Wan felt uneasy opening the drawers – was this considered stealing trade secrets?
With a “whoosh,” Qin Wan opened the first drawer. However, it was still full of medicines. Her heart sank as she checked the next one, which was also full. Her unease dissipated, replaced by a cold feeling – was her prescription wrong? Unwilling to give up, she checked several more drawers, but after examining seven or eight, all were full. Qin Wan froze as if doused with cold water.
Though it wasn’t the best time to study medicine, something stubborn kept her rooted in place. She already lacked confidence in treating madness, and after Yao Xinlan’s case, her interest in the condition had only grown.
Throughout their journey, she had often pondered this. She thought her prescription might not be entirely correct but assumed at least some medicines would match. Yet now, it seemed she hadn’t gotten a single ingredient right…
Just then, a shadow flashed at the pharmacy door – Manager Dong had returned with two male servants to collect Dacheng’s body. Clinging to a last hope, Qin Wan asked, “Manager Dong, how often are the medicines here restocked?”
Manager Dong paused, then smiled, “Usually monthly. The last restock was a month ago. It’s gotten cold in winter, and Young Master has been caring for Madam without going out. Fewer people have come seeking treatment, so we haven’t restocked recently. Miss Qin’s question reminds this humble servant – once the snow melts, we should replenish everything.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, but her heart felt ice-cold. It wasn’t about being competitive – she had always been confident in her medical skills, yet this time she couldn’t grasp even the basics…
“Then… Manager Dong, are medicines kept both here and in the main pharmacy?”
Understanding Qin Wan’s medical knowledge, Manager Dong wasn’t surprised by her questions. He smiled, “Not exactly. This small pharmacy contains common medicines, while the main pharmacy houses rare herbs, mainly supplements for Young Madam’s health. It’s called the main pharmacy because Young Master spends more time there and has various medicine-making equipment. When Young Master treats outsiders, he usually writes prescriptions and sends attendants here to collect medicines.”
Qin Wan nodded, “I see… Please go about your business, Manager Dong.”
As Manager Dong walked to the back, Qin Wan stood dejectedly before the medicine cabinet. With monthly restocking, missing medicines would indicate recent treatments. Manager Dong’s explanation revealed the main pharmacy was exclusively for Madam Sun, with Sun Haoyue treating others using medicines from there. She had encountered the delirious patient just three days ago, and the pharmacy hadn’t been restocked since – proving that Sun Haoyue hadn’t used any of the medicines she would have prescribed.
“Ninth Miss, what’s wrong?”
Seeing Qin Wan lost in thought before the cabinet, Sun Muqing hurried over.
Qin Wan came to her senses, quickly composing herself, “Nothing. I just didn’t expect the residence to stock so many medicines – perhaps more complete than some outside pharmacies.”
Sun Muqing smiled, “That’s why it’s called Hundred Herbs Garden. I think Master Brother intends to stay here long-term. Besides Sister-in-law’s regular need for medicine, he treats others and the household servants need medicines too.”
Qin Wan nodded, maintaining a neutral expression despite her inner turmoil. She looked at Sun Muqing, wanting to ask about his treatment approach, but feared revealing too much. Suppressing the matter temporarily, she gathered herself and turned her attention to Dacheng’s body. “Has Doctor Sun noticed anything?”
Sun Muqing shook his head, “The wounds are similar to Little Songzi’s. The killer probably used the same knife.”
An inexplicable unease welled up in Qin Wan. At the back, two male servants had placed Dacheng’s body on a wooden board to carry out. Seeing this, Qin Wan quickly stepped aside, as did Sun Muqing.
Though his limbs were severed, Dacheng’s blood had long since dried. His fatal wound was in the chest and abdomen area. Unlike Little Songzi, Dacheng seemed to have struggled more violently, his front clothing in disarray.
The servants arranged Dacheng’s body and limbs on the board and lifted it. The path between the medicine cabinets was narrow, so Qin Wan moved aside. As the servants carefully carried the board past her, Qin Wan felt pity, but when her gaze swept over Dacheng, her brows furrowed.
Dacheng’s clothes were open, and though blood-stained, Qin Wan hadn’t seen them before. Now as the servants moved him, they inadvertently pulled his chest clothing wider. Looking down, Qin Wan faintly saw a wound on Dacheng’s chest.
The Great Zhou Dynasty emphasized preserving one’s body as received from parents, rarely using surgery for treatment. However, Medicine Valley, the world’s foremost medical institution, was different. Ancient texts recorded Sun clan ancestors scraping bones to treat poison and opening skulls to treat headaches. While these procedures sounded shocking, Qin Wan deeply admired the Sun clan’s medical expertise. In Medicine Valley, only the most outstanding disciples were personally taught these techniques by the Valley Master.
Qin Wan was fortunate to be among them, which gave her the courage to perform surgery on the Imperial Princess.
She knew well that wounds left by medical procedures were distinctive. The scar on Dacheng’s chest wasn’t ordinary – it resembled a centipede, showing signs of stitching. Had Dacheng been injured before? Or had he been ill?
Qin Wan stared blankly as Dacheng’s body was carried away. Meanwhile, Qin Yan, who had left earlier, returned to the door after waiting long for Qin Wan. “Ninth Sister, we need to return to our courtyard…”
Qin Wan suddenly snapped back to awareness, nodding and walking out somewhat anxiously.
Her mind was suddenly in chaos, unable to sort through her thoughts.
“Why are you so slow? We need to go back. Let’s all go to Third Brother’s courtyard and call Fifth Sister too. We’ll feel safer together,” Qin Shuang muttered. Seeing Qin Wan’s grave expression, she nudged her, “Hey, did you hear me?”
Qin Shuang’s nudge dispersed some of Qin Wan’s unease, redirecting her attention back to finding the killer. She quickly nodded, “Yes, let’s go to Third Brother’s courtyard…”
Sun Muqing, walking beside Qin Wan, asked softly, “Ninth Miss, what’s wrong?”
Qin Wan glanced at Sun Muqing. He had arrived at Hundred Herbs Garden the same day as them, just earlier – surely he was as unknowing as she was.
Pressing her lips together, Qin Wan shook her head, “Nothing, just wondering where the killer might be now.”
Sun Muqing looked at the sprawling residence, “This place is so vast and empty, they could be hiding in any corner.”
Qin Wan merely nodded without responding. Glancing around, she spotted Housekeeper Lin and another maid carrying white silk toward the small pharmacy. “Housekeeper Lin, what are you doing?”
Housekeeper Lin, noticing them, quickly came over to bow. Looking at the silk in her hands, she explained, “We’re preparing Dacheng’s body for laying out. We can’t be too frugal – this is for his and Little Songzi’s memorial hall.”
Qin Wan nodded, then casually remarked, “Dacheng’s wounds seemed worse than Little Songzi’s, suggesting he fought with the killer. He must have been quite healthy?”
At this, Housekeeper Lin’s eyes reddened. She shook her head, “He wasn’t well when he first came, seemed to have some illness. Later Young Master cured him, and he gradually grew strong. He was the first person Young Master successfully treated. We all said he was fortunate, but who knew that now…”
As Sun Muqing rushed to comfort Housekeeper Lin, Qin Wan felt a strange sensation. Wiping her eyes, Housekeeper Lin continued, “Young Master is kind to every servant. We all get along well, like one big family. Now suddenly both Little Songzi and Dacheng are gone… this servant’s heart aches.”
Realizing her impropriety, Housekeeper Lin quickly added, “Look at me, delaying Young Master Sun and Miss Qin. Constable Song said they’re searching the residence – you should hurry back. This servant takes leave.”
After Housekeeper Lin left, Qin Wan resumed walking with Sun Muqing. Qin Shuang and Qin Yan had overheard the conversation. Qin Shuang spoke reverently, “I never imagined someone like Doctor Sun existed. I’ve never seen a master treat their servants’ illnesses. Doctor Sun is so kind – Madam Sun will surely recover.”
Qin Yan smiled, “Good deeds bring good fortune. Madam Sun will certainly be fine.”
Sun Muqing spoke with pride, “Indeed, Master Brother Haoyue was the kindest among all senior disciples. I always followed him as a child all the children in Medicine Valley did. He excelled in learning and medicine, earning the Master’s highest regard. After he grew up and married, he temporarily left Medicine Valley. Even in his absence, Master often held him up as a model to inspire us. I learned my compassion from him. Sometimes I think heaven is unfair – Master Brother is so good, and Sister-in-law so kind, yet she fell ill.”
Sun Muqing’s words weighed heavily on Qin Wan. Though she didn’t know Sun Haoyue as well or revere him as Sun Muqing did, they shared Medicine Valley roots. Given his physician’s compassion in saving so many lives, she deeply sympathized with the couple. Yet Qin Wan knew well that heaven could indeed be unfair.
“Don’t worry, Doctor Sun. With his miraculous healing skills, curing Madam Sun is just a matter of time.”
Qin Shuang offered these kind words, and Sun Muqing quickly nodded, “Yes, yes, certainly-“
“Is Doctor Sun treating so many people to accumulate good karma for Madam Sun’s recovery?” Qin Shuang mused after walking a few steps. Qin Wan stopped abruptly at these words. She had found it odd that so many servants had been cured by Sun Haoyue, but Qin Shuang’s perspective made it understandable.
Healing others had no direct connection to healing one’s wife, but people sometimes worked this way. Even someone as powerful as Sun Haoyue, when faced with difficulties treating Madam Sun’s condition, might place hope in the notion that good deeds bring good fortune.
Qin Wan believed neither in Buddha nor Tao, but people sometimes needed faith. This faith needn’t be in any religious sect or all-powerful immortal – faith was one’s initial intention in walking through life, the reverence felt after choosing between good and evil. Those who believed in Buddha worshipped Buddha, those who believed in Tao sought immortality, and those who believed good deeds brought good fortune did good deeds.
Walking along, Qin Wan recalled that blood-soaked, horrific night. She had doubted her beliefs then, but when she awakened in Ninth Miss’s body, she felt somewhat grateful to heaven. Was this her reward for good deeds?
The more Qin Wan thought about it, the lighter her heartfelt, earlier strangeness completely dispelled. She said nothing more, just following Qin Shuang to Qin Yan’s courtyard. Upon entering, Qin Shuang said, “I’ll go call Fifth Sister…”
Qin Shuang left quickly but returned just as fast – alone.
Qin Yan hurriedly asked, “Where’s Fifth Sister?”
Qin Shuang forced a stiff smile, “She’s coming soon.”
Qin Wan was puzzled, but moments later, Qin Xiang arrived wearing a water-pink silk dress. The fine silk gown swished elegantly as Qin Xiang walked gracefully, the skirts like smoke and mist. A breeze stirred the pink haze – normally an ethereal and light ensemble, but given the winter season and recent death, Qin Xiang’s overly bright colors felt inappropriate. Moreover, her hair was elaborately styled and her face was made up. On a day when everyone was concerned with catching the killer, her attire suggested she was dressed for a New Year’s celebration. Sun Muqing stared at Qin Xiang with wide eyes…
Shortly after, Sun Muqing moved beside Qin Wan and asked quietly, “Ninth Miss, does Fifth Miss dress so formally at home too?”
Looking at Qin Xiang, Qin Wan could only feel helpless. Meanwhile, Qin Shuang quickly moved beside her, letting out a light snort, “She never dresses like this at home…”
Sun Muqing looked incredulous, “Then why…”
Qin Shuang snorted again, “Someone has ulterior motives. Death means nothing to her, and she’s not afraid of the killer. Today, someone is supposed to return…”
Qin Shuang’s sarcastic tone left Sun Muqing seeming both understanding and confused. Qin Wan shook her head, unwilling to explain. Meanwhile, Qin Yan frowned at Qin Xiang’s attire. If she dressed this way daily, it would be one thing, but she didn’t usually wear such exquisite and gorgeous gowns. This made today’s outfit appear particularly deliberate.
And Qin Yan knew the reason for this deliberateness.
“If it’s just searching the courtyards, why do we all need to gather in one place?”
Qin Xiang entered the room with perfect poise. Though Qin Yan felt some displeasure, he showed none of it, merely saying quietly, “We don’t know where the killer is hiding. This search might cause them to flee around. By staying together, we both avoid suspicion and ensure our safety.”
Qin Xiang wouldn’t dare ignore Qin Yan’s words, quickly nodding, “I see. Thank you for Third Brother’s consideration.”
Qin Shuang pouted nearby, hurrying to Qin Wan’s side, “I was the one who called her, but she only praises Third Brother. How heartless! I won’t call her next time.”
Hearing this, a bitter smile touched Qin Wan’s lips as she patted Qin Shuang’s arm in comfort.
After sitting down, Qin Xiang asked Qin Yan, “Third Brother, I heard someone else died today?”
Everyone had known about the death since early morning, yet Qin Xiang only asked now. Qin Yan inwardly shook his head but wouldn’t quibble with a young lady, “Yes, another male servant died.”
Qin Xiang frowned slightly, saying nothing more. Qin Shuang, seeming to see through Qin Xiang’s thoughts, leaned to whisper in Qin Wan’s ear, “She must be thinking how inauspicious a death is while wondering why Young Master Bai hasn’t returned after so many days. Look at her appearance today – not a shred of dignity! I felt embarrassed to wear that red cape after someone died, but she’s all made up. Hmph, this is how Madam raised her…”
Having left the Qin residence, Qin Shuang harbored resentment, even criticizing Madam Lin.
Qin Wan merely smiled without speaking, heading toward the small warm pavilion. Waiting was tedious, but Qin Shuang stuck close to Qin Wan, chattering away. Though Qin Wan only responded to every third comment, it was better than sitting and waiting. Qin Yan and Sun Muqing were discussing something unknown, leaving Qin Xiang sitting alone in the hall. Zhou Hui stood guard at the door, and she soon grew restless.
“How long must we wait? We might as well return to our courtyards and lock ourselves in. What danger could there be?”
As Qin Xiang grew impatient, Wanhe hurried to counsel, “Miss, please be patient. These are Young Master’s orders.”
Thinking of Qin Yan, Qin Xiang finally sighed, “If not for Third Brother’s sake, I wouldn’t have come!”
Wanhe felt relieved. Previously, Qin Xiang had appeared gentle and gracious, but that was because she had been the most favored at the Qin residence. When everything naturally went her way, she had no opportunity to reveal her disagreeable side. Now things were different – at least on the surface, Qin Yan treated all three sisters equally. Conversely, Qin Shuang following Qin Wan, subtly highlighted Qin Wan’s status. Added to Sun Muqing’s familiarity with Qin Wan, Qin Xiang appeared isolated and diminished. As a result, while still composed in public, and in private, Qin Xiang’s temper grew worse by the day.
“I wonder when Young Master Bai will return today?”
After sitting a while longer, Qin Xiang suddenly muttered. Wanhe lowered her gaze to see Qin Xiang’s elaborate makeup and gorgeous dress, presenting a truly charming appearance. Though somewhat inappropriate, it clearly contained a young woman’s sentiments. Wanhe sighed, “Miss, don’t be anxious. Young Master Bai will certainly return – if not today, then tomorrow.”
Qin Xiang shook her head, “But… but don’t you see? They’re searching the courtyards. If they find the killer, the case will be solved. Once it’s solved, how can we stay here? And the snow has stopped…”
While everyone else hoped for no snow, Qin Xiang’s tone was full of regret. Wanhe could only smile bitterly inside, “Miss, there’s still plenty of time ahead. Wouldn’t it be better to observe Young Master Bai’s feelings toward you?”
Qin Xiang frowned slightly, seeming lost in thought for a moment, “I don’t care about his feelings for me.”
After days of appearing lovestruck, this sudden statement startled even Wanhe, “Miss, what do you mean?”
Qin Xiang clutched her handkerchief tightly, the emotion in her eyes fading, replaced by a touch of melancholy, “How many men in this world can remain devoted? Just look at Father…”
Wanhe hadn’t expected this response and couldn’t react immediately, “Then Miss wants to…”
“I just like Young Master Bai’s appearance and his family’s status.”
With no one else in the main hall, Qin Xiang lowered her voice to reveal her true thoughts. Wanhe remained stunned, feeling a mixture of pity and bitterness, but mostly bewildered amusement. With such intentions, Qin Xiang would surely compete, potentially leading to even more inappropriate behavior…
“Miss, the Bai family isn’t the most prestigious. There are many more noble families in the capital.”
Wanhe advised softly, hoping to stabilize Qin Xiang’s thoughts. However, Qin Xiang shook her head, “Do you think I don’t know? Mother told me everything. In the capital, every family is noble, with connections to prestigious households. I’m not the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s legitimate daughter, and I have a father who committed crimes – what does such a background count for in the capital? Moreover… the Marquis’s household already has Eighth Sister, and now there’s Ninth…”
When mentioning Qin Wan, resentment flashed in Qin Xiang’s eyes. She gritted her teeth, “So… I don’t want to easily give up any opportunity I can grasp. We haven’t reached the capital yet; I can still make my own decisions.”
Wanhe listened as her palms grew sweaty, wanting to advise but not knowing how. Qin Xiang didn’t continue either. Having spoken her mind, she seemed much relieved and stopped complaining. She remained in Qin Yan’s courtyard until dusk before standing up, “We’ve waited most of the day – how much longer? I’m going back!”
When Qin Xiang’s temper finally flared, she left immediately after speaking. Wanhe hurriedly said, “Miss, at least inform Young Master!”
Qin Xiang glanced around to see Qin Yan talking with Qin Wan in the warm pavilion. Her eyes darkened as she strode out, leaving Wanhe to sigh and follow.
Qin Xiang walked quickly, entering her courtyard and heading straight for the main house. She went directly to the inner chamber, walking to the bed. But as soon as she sat down, something felt wrong.
In the pitch-black room, a faint breath fell on the back of her neck.