It was an incredibly long and profound kiss. Initially, Qin Wan retained her clarity of mind, but as Yan Chi gradually advanced with gentle persistence, her breathing became unsteady and her waist weakened. Her entire body had to rely on Yan Chi’s support just to remain standing.

Yan Chi’s touch grew increasingly forceful, his hands moving from her back to her waist, then trailing further down. He seemed intent on having Qin Wan cling to him entirely. As her breathing quickened and her heartbeat accelerated, suddenly, an involuntary soft moan escaped from between her lips. This quiet sound falling upon Yan Chi’s ears only intensified the tingling in his heart, and in a moment of passion, his kiss deepened. Both their breathing grew increasingly heavy and urgent. Just when Qin Wan felt things might become unstoppable, Yan Chi suddenly halted.

He held Qin Wan tightly, his heavy breathing falling on her neck in the darkness, causing her entire body to tremble uncontrollably. A thin layer of sweat had formed on her neck, and both her cheeks and heartfelt burning hot. She pressed her lips together, only to feel a glistening wetness at the corners. Her mind exploded, causing her body to shudder once more. Yan Chi noticed this, his breathing still unsteady.

“Are you cold?”

Qin Wan nestled deeper into Yan Chi’s embrace, silently shaking her head. She couldn’t speak at the moment. If it had been bright daylight, things might have been different, but this pitch-black darkness heightened her senses while concealing her shyness. As a result, all her sensations were intensely magnified, and their passionate entanglement overwhelmed her like a tidal wave.

Qin Wan was inexperienced in matters of the heart and had never been so intimate with anyone before. Combined with Yan Chi’s powerful advances, she was completely unable to respond. She was like someone unfamiliar with the path ahead, could only follow Yan Chi’s ebb and flow. Even now that they had stopped, the desire in her heart still lingered warmly. She had never felt so flustered and urgent, nor had she ever been so intoxicated and moved. Her heart seemed to overflow with spring water, becoming damp within moments, waves crashing with resonant sounds. Her usual armor of tranquility had been shed, her body becoming like soft flower petals pressed against Yan Chi’s chest, greedily inhaling his scent.

Yan Chi curved his lips in the darkness. Though he didn’t laugh out loud, the satisfaction and joy in his voice couldn’t be concealed.

“Wan’wan… Wan’wan…”

Yan Chi called out softly twice as if all his emotions were contained in those two utterances. Qin Wan felt her body beginning to tingle again.

“What is it?” Qin Wan spoke, startled as soon as she heard her voice.

She had never heard herself speak in such a water-soaked tone before. While she usually didn’t speak without gentleness, that gentleness was the appropriate kind within proper etiquette – proper, natural, elegant, and refined. Though pleasant to the ear, it rarely gave the impression of feminine tenderness. But now, her voice made even herself feel a tingling sensation on her scalp.

Yan Chi’s embrace tightened, his burning palms unconsciously stroking her back.

“We can’t stay here much longer.”

Qin Wan, who could quickly compose herself, had already calmed down considerably by now. Hearing these words, she felt something odd. Just then, Yan Chi added, “Listen…”

Qin Wan held her breath to listen. First, she heard Yan Chi’s strong heartbeat. Though he was now more composed than her, his heart was still beating extremely fast. Just as Qin Wan was moved by this subtle detail, she quickly heard muffled voices.

Those voices seemed to come from extremely far away, so muffled that Qin Wan couldn’t make out a single word. However, she was certain they were human voices. With this realization, Qin Wan suddenly turned her head toward the stone wall.

Those voices were coming from beyond the stone wall – people had found this place!

With this thought, Qin Wan immediately pushed Yan Chi away—

Her movement was swift and decisive, showing no mercy. Yan Chi’s recent pleasant mood instantly sank. He, the Young Commander of the Northwest Army, the Crown Prince of the Rui Prince, now felt as if he had been discarded after an intimate moment. His brows furrowed, and he pulled Qin Wan back with one motion. “It’s still too early for them to get in.”

He spoke in a lowered voice, gritting his teeth. Qin Wan was startled, realizing she had been too rough.

“Unless I break the final mechanism inside, they won’t be able to enter.”

Yan Chi spoke emphatically. Only then did Qin Wan understand that his earlier silence wasn’t intentional teasing.

How many layers of mechanisms in this secret chamber had he broken? And he still left the final layer?

As Qin Wan pondered this, her chin was suddenly cupped by Yan Chi’s large hand. He forced her to look up, and though in darkness, Qin Wan sensed his substantial gaze. Yan Chi spoke in a deep voice, “Could it be that once we leave this place, you’ll pretend none of this happened?”

Qin Wan could only smile bitterly at these words. “Your Highness is the Crown—”

Qin Wan had intended to say that as he held such a noble position, how could she pretend it didn’t happen, but before she could finish, he pinched her cheek. “Your Highness, Your Highness, why are you still calling me Your Highness?!”

Qin Wan pulled his hand away, feeling as if her face had been squeezed around. Though he had controlled his strength, it was still quite undignified. “Fine… I won’t call you Your Highness anymore. How could I pretend it didn’t happen? It’s just that, it’s just that we can’t let people see… ouch…”

Before Qin Wan could finish speaking, she felt a pain on her lips – Yan Chi had suddenly lowered his head and bit her lip. She raised her hand to cover the painful spot, only to hear Yan Chi coldly laugh and threaten, “If you pretend this didn’t happen, I’ll go to the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion.”

Qin Wan smiled helplessly. “Your… you can’t threaten me like this.”

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow and pressed her against the wall again. “Only saying without doing would be a threat. You think this is just a threat?”

Pinned by him, Qin Wan felt both helpless and a twinge of heartache. “Never mind whether I would or wouldn’t, you still shouldn’t go to the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion. You are the Crown Prince of the Rui Prince, the choice of your future Princess Consort is no small matter. I know you have your plans, and I trust you. You should also trust me. Though I don’t wish for others to know, my feelings for you are also clear and certain.”

Hearing this, Yan Chi paused. He had thought that someone with Qin Wan’s cool and composed nature would surely resist repeatedly when faced with his declaration of feelings. She thought him unfathomable, but wasn’t she the same? There were still many mysteries about her, and additionally, young ladies were usually extremely reserved in matters of the heart. But he hadn’t expected Qin Wan to neither retreat nor be proud.

However, though she had given a clear answer, it was one that couldn’t be shown to others, nor did it have any definite outcome.

“Also…” Before Yan Chi could speak, Qin Wan continued.

Yan Chi raised his eyebrows, wanting to see what else Qin Wan would say.

Qin Wan paused before continuing, “Also, how are you so certain I can be your Princess Consort?”

Yan Chi’s eyebrows rose dramatically. “How am I certain…”

His voice carried a cold laugh as if he had been angered. Qin Wan raised her head slightly. Having been in the darkness for so long, she seemed to have adapted and could vaguely make out Yan Chi’s silhouette. She looked up at him with great focus.

Sensing her serious inquiry, Yan Chi finally suppressed his temper. He took her hand and bit it gently before placing it against his lips. “I know your concerns, but the answer to your question isn’t simple.”

He kissed her palm again. “You’ll need a lifetime to see and hear the answer.”

Qin Wan was both moved and surprised. Not being in Yan Chi’s position, she perhaps lacked his confidence, or maybe she didn’t have his swift and decisive nature. Therefore, she hadn’t thought as far as the word ‘lifetime.’ Responding to Yan Chi’s feelings was simply because she didn’t want to disappoint him and wanted to be true to herself, but as for how far they could go together, she truly hadn’t considered it.

Seeing Qin Wan’s silence, Yan Chi’s irritation dissipated into heartache. He leaned forward and embraced Qin Wan gently. “The decisions I make have no room for change, the things I want to accomplish I never abandon halfway, and the person I want – even if she were a goddess from the ninth heaven, I would bring her to my side. Wan’wan, you may be uncertain now, but you’ll understand in time.”

Yan Chi’s words, gentle yet powerful, carved themselves into Qin Wan’s heart bit by bit. Her heart trembled, finally realizing that Yan Chi’s feelings were deeper than she had imagined. She raised her arms to embrace him, her hands also gently stroking his back.

“Then… what if that goddess from the ninth heaven has no interest in you?”

Yan Chi was stunned, thoroughly choked by Qin Wan’s words. His arms tightened, and as punishment, he lowered his head to give her neck a hard kiss, only raising his head after hearing Qin Wan’s sharp intake of breath. “Then I’ll make her interested in me…”

The bite had hurt Qin Wan, and with her expert medical knowledge, she instantly knew it would leave a mark. She gritted her teeth and retorted to Yan Chi, “However, such matters aren’t within human control – even the Jade Emperor couldn’t control them.”

“Oh?” Yan Chi felt Qin Wan was deliberately provoking him, so he coldly laughed and said through gritted teeth, “That’s fine then. We’ll just persist. Two people suffering together is better than me suffering alone. Having someone accompany me in this, I’m not at a loss.”

His words were ominous as if warning Qin Wan of something. Qin Wan smiled bitterly and buried her head in his chest.

If she hadn’t harbored feelings for him, she might have found his thoughts extremely domineering and too stubborn. But now, with feelings in her heart, she only found his determination admirable, causing another wave of tenderness to wash over her.

Yan Chi noticed Qin Wan’s compliance and knew her doubts had largely been resolved. Just as he was about to leave another mark on her neck, unexpectedly, the previously faint voices suddenly became clear.

“It’s open, it’s open, just one last door left—”

“I wonder how Young Lady is doing, it’s been so long… *sob*…”

“Don’t speak such discouraging words! Ninth Sister won’t come to any harm…”

“Guard White, how long will you need for this final door?”

“About the time it takes two incense sticks to burn. Please keep quiet…”

Previously, separated by countless doors, the voices had been muffled and unclear, but now it was different. Though still separated by one stone door, Qin Wan could hear who was speaking outside. Her heart jumped, and she hurriedly tried to push Yan Chi away, but he had anticipated this and wouldn’t let her succeed.

“Let go, they’re coming in…”

“Two incense sticks’ worth of time,” Yan Chi whispered, holding her even tighter.

Qin Wan’s face suddenly burned hot. Yan Chi was embracing her, but just beyond the door were Fu Ling, Bai Feng, Qin Shuang, and the others. This scene, like a secret tryst, made her heart beat even faster.

Yan Chi also knew the others would enter soon. Thinking of how Qin Wan’s resolute nature would surely change once they left, his heart felt as if gnawed by countless ants. Without thinking, he lowered his head to kiss her again.

Qin Wan let out a soft moan, and any remaining protests were swallowed by Yan Chi’s kiss. He seemed to know time was short, abandoning his gentle, lingering kissing style. He wished he could meld Qin Wan into his embrace, leave marks all over her neck, and somehow stamp “Belongs to Yan Chi” across her face…

…

…

“Shh, quiet…” Outside the stone door, Bai Feng, who was working on the mechanism, suddenly became serious and pressed his ear against the stone door.

His sudden action made everyone else tense up immediately.

Qin Shuang held her breath, watching as Bai Feng’s brows furrowed and relaxed, then furrowed again. After a long while without saying what he’d heard, Qin Shuang couldn’t remain patient and asked softly, “What is it?”

Bai Feng listened carefully for another moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up!

“There are people inside! It must be Master and Ninth Young Lady!”

“What?” Qin Shuang’s eyes brightened as well. “You heard Qin Wan’s voice?”

“Young Lady?!” Without waiting for Bai Feng’s response, Fu Ling rushed to the stone door, pounding and hitting it. “Young Lady, are you inside? Young Lady? Young Lady, are you alright? *sob*…”

As Fu Ling pounded on the door while crying out, Bai Feng smiled wryly for a moment. “Well… Miss Fu Ling, the sounds inside are too faint to make out clearly, but it should be Master working on opening the stone door. Please don’t cry anymore.”

At the mention of Yan Chi’s name, Fu Ling’s crying stopped, and thinking of him being behind the door, she instinctively stepped back.

Seeing this, Bai Feng’s expression became serious, and he pressed his ear against the door again to listen.

Soon, a sound that everyone could hear rang out, and as it did, Bai Feng immediately stepped back. The stone door that had stood immovable before him began to open.

As the door opened, there was first only pitch darkness like thick ink. As the opening widened and light from outside streamed in, they could finally see inside. In the dark room with stone walls on all four sides, Yan Chi stood casually at the front, while Qin Wan stood behind him. Both appeared somewhat disheveled – their clothes were fine, but their hair still held traces of moisture. Upon seeing them, Fu Ling immediately rushed into the dark room…

“Young Lady… you’re alive!”

Bai Feng also stepped forward. “Master, are you and Ninth Young Lady well?”

Yan Chi nodded, then looked back to see Qin Wan holding Fu Ling’s hand and quietly comforting her, truly not sparing him a single glance. Fu Ling, however, suddenly turned to Yan Chi and kowtowed. “Thank you, Your Highness, for saving our lives.”

Qin Wan looked at Fu Ling with a bitter smile, while Qin Shuang and the others outside also bowed to Yan Chi.

Yan Chi waved his hand. “Rise. Your mistress will thank me herself.”

Yan Chi’s voice was steady, exactly the kind of discretion Qin Wan had wanted, but his words made her face burn hot, unsure what kind of thanks he was referring to…

Fu Ling straightened up, slightly stunned, looking at Yan Chi then at Qin Wan, made an “Oh” sound, and stood up. Whether it was her imagination or not, she felt Yan Chi seemed much more approachable than usual.

Fu Ling obediently stood behind Qin Wan as Yan Chi asked Bai Feng, “How are things outside?”

Bai Feng’s expression turned serious. “General Han has apprehended everyone. The one called Uncle Dong took poison and died.”

Qin Wan’s heart jumped at this news, wondering who this “General Han” was.

Yan Chi nodded, pointing inside the secret chamber. “There’s another person inside, along with some items. Take some people in to bring the person out and conduct a thorough search. The people in this residence should be detained for now.”

Bai Feng nodded, glancing at Qin Wan, and said, “This entrance was revealed by Uncle Dong before he took his own life.”

Qin Wan’s eyes darkened, and Yan Chi fell silent as well. He then turned to Qin Wan, “Let’s go outside.”

Qin Wan nodded, but when their eyes met, she felt inexplicably guilty, afraid others might notice something improper between her and Yan Chi. As a result, her face became even more composed, making her appear somewhat haggard and dazed.

Fu Ling immediately supported her, asking in detail if she was unwell. Qin Wan shook her head, “Just a bit chilled, nothing serious.”

As they spoke, Yan Chi had already strode ahead, and Qin Wan followed out. Qin Shuang hurried forward, her eyes slightly red as she looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan observed them all – though they had cleaned up, they hadn’t changed their clothes, which were covered in dirt and quite disheveled. Fortunately, there were no major injuries visible. “How are you all? Where is Bai Ying?”

Fu Ling shook her head first, “We’re fine, this servant and Sixth Young Lady only have some scrapes, Fifth Young Lady has a wound on her arm and is resting now, and…” Fu Ling paused, “Young Lady, who is Bai Ying?”

Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “Wan Xing…”

Fu Ling’s eyes darted about, initially wanting to ask why Wan Xing had become Bai Ying, but quickly realized this wasn’t the time for such questions. She hurriedly said, “Military doctors came, and the arrow has been removed from her body.”

Only then did Qin Wan feel relieved. “That’s good.”

Fu Ling nodded slightly and continued in a low voice, “It’s wonderful that the Young Lady is safe. You don’t know, but the entire eastern section of this residence collapsed. Some servants who weren’t aware when it happened were also injured. Fortunately, no lives were lost, except for Uncle Dong…”

Qin Wan patted Fu Ling’s arm, speechless for a moment.

Beyond the stone door was another dark passage. Following it forward about ten paces led to a staircase. Yan Chi went first, with Qin Wan following behind him up the stairs. When they reached the top, they found themselves in an empty room with tightly shut windows and doors, emanating a solemn atmosphere. As Qin Wan had expected, it was already bright daylight outside.

Yan Chi turned back to look at Qin Wan, his eyes profound. Their gazes met briefly before parting. Just as Yan Chi turned back, the room’s door was pushed open, and a military man with a full beard entered. Upon seeing Yan Chi, he exclaimed joyfully, “Your Highness! Are you well?!”

Yan Chi maintained his dignified bearing and nodded, “All is well.”

The military man’s face showed excitement, and he glanced behind Yan Chi. When he saw Qin Wan, a peculiar light flashed in his eyes before he clasped his hands to Yan Chi and said, “Thankfully Your Highness is unharmed, otherwise this humble general wouldn’t know how to face the Rui Prince!”

At the mention of the Rui Prince, Yan Chi spoke flatly, “Isn’t everything fine now? Is everything settled outside?”

Han Kaiyang nodded firmly, “Your Highness can rest assured, everything is settled!”

Yan Chi nodded and strode outside. Seeing the sudden appearance of General Han, Qin Wan hesitated to let Han Kaiyang go first. Unexpectedly, Han Kaiyang stood still, smiling at Qin Wan. Despite his tall, imposing figure, full beard, and sharp eyebrows giving him a rough, heroic appearance, and his yellow-toothed grin appearing quite crude, he politely gestured, “Please, Ninth Young Lady, go ahead. Your Highness has been quite concerned about you—”

Qin Wan felt the comment inappropriate, and Yan Chi, walking ahead, turned back to look at Han Kaiyang, “Too much talk!”

Just those two words made Han Kaiyang immediately stop smiling and fall silent. Qin Wan said, “Please go ahead, General Han…”

Han Kaiyang glanced at Yan Chi’s back, seemingly noncommittal, before nodding and following Yan Chi. Only then did Qin Wan step forward. Upon exiting, she was startled – this was a courtyard she’d never visited before, seemingly northeast of the Herb Garden. The courtyard gates were wide open, filled with soldiers in red uniforms.

Qin Wan’s heart tensed slightly. Fu Ling quickly whispered, “Scary, isn’t it, Young Lady? And these aren’t even all of them – there are more soldiers stationed at the foot of the mountain. Our Young Master said His Highness brought enough men to level this entire residence.”

Qin Wan pressed her lips together, raising her eyes to look at Yan Chi walking ahead. He had never mentioned any of this.

Her heart grew heavier, her gaze fixed on Yan Chi’s back without wavering. He led Han Kaiyang straight out of the courtyard. Once outside, Qin Wan saw soldiers everywhere in the Herb Garden. Soon, she spotted Qin Yan and Zhou Huai.

“Ninth Sister—”

Qin Yan seemed to have been stopped by soldiers, but after his call, they let him through. He walked straight over, first bowing to Yan Chi, “Greetings, Your Highness. Thank you for saving my sister.”

Yan Chi stood straight as a spear, just as when Qin Wan first met him. He nodded slightly, “Your sister is unwell. Young Master Qin, take her to rest. If anything regarding the estate needs attention, I’ll send someone for you later.”

The Herb Garden had been taken over by Han Kaiyang’s men. After Yan Chi spoke, Qin Yan repeatedly nodded. He hurried to Qin Wan, anxiously asking, “Ninth Sister, are you alright?”

Qin Wan shook her head, “I’m fine.”

Qin Yan sighed, “Fortunately, Ninth Sister came ahead this time, otherwise Fifth Sister might have…” He glanced at Yan Chi, who was speaking with Han Kaiyang, and continued, “Go rest first. The eastern courtyard is destroyed, everyone’s staying in the west now. We’re still in our previous quarters.”

Qin Wan nodded. Looking at Yan Chi, she saw him listening to Han Kaiyang without glancing their way. She nodded, “Then let’s go.” But after just two steps, she heard Han Kaiyang say “He’s also from Medicine Valley.” She paused, turning to look at him.

Sure enough, Han Kaiyang said, “He arrived just days ago, and had invited Ninth Young Lady’s group here earlier. He seems unrelated to this case, though he’s quite dejected now, unable to accept it. He just asked if Ninth Young Lady had been found.”

Han Kaiyang was speaking of Sun Muqing. Thinking of him, Qin Wan sighed. Sun Muqing had still been rejoicing at seeing Sun Haoyue, likely never imagining this would happen. He certainly wouldn’t be implicated, but it must be difficult for him psychologically. Qin Wan stepped forward, “May I ask, General Han, where is Young Master Sun?”

At these words, Yan Chi immediately looked over, his gaze dark as an abyss, causing Qin Wan to start in surprise.

Han Kaiyang, not noticing Yan Chi’s reaction, quickly replied, “He’s in the back courtyard. All the servants are being held there now. Why? Does Ninth Young Lady wish to see him?”

Just as Qin Wan was about to nod, Yan Chi said coldly, “Since his surname is Sun, keep him detained until the Yuanzhou Magistrate arrives.” He cast a chilling glance at Qin Wan, “Ninth Young Lady should prioritize recovering.”

Qin Wan sensed Yan Chi’s strong displeasure at her request. Their eyes met, his filled with frost.

At first, puzzled, she quickly realized the source of his displeasure and found herself caught between laughter and tears.

“Then… Your Highness has considered everything thoroughly.” Qin Wan didn’t insist, curtsied, and turned to leave.

As she turned, her lips curved involuntarily. Fu Ling noticed and asked curiously, “What is it, Young Lady?”

Qin Wan quickly suppressed her smile and shook her head, “Nothing. Let’s go back, we should check on Bai Ying first.”

“She’s taken her medicine and is sleeping,” Fu Ling said, then whispered, “Why did Wan Xing suddenly become Bai Ying?”

Qin Wan’s eyes darted playfully, “Isn’t Bai Ying prettier than Wan Xing?”

Fu Ling thought for a moment and nodded, “Indeed it is. Young Lady is so clever.”

Qin Wan made an affirming sound without further comment. As they spoke, they reached their previous courtyard. As Uncle Dong had said, this courtyard remained unchanged. Since Bai Ying was sleeping, Qin Wan decided to change clothes before visiting her.

Upon entering, Fu Ling brought out a dress and prepared hot water for washing.

“Young Lady, what happened to your neck?”

Fu Ling was helping Qin Wan change when she noticed the marks on her neck.

Qin Wan’s face warmed slightly, but she maintained her composure and shook her head, “Probably just some scrape or bruise, nothing serious.”

She quickly dressed, fortunate that winter clothing had high collars, and with her hair covering it, the marks were hidden. By the time everything was settled, an hour had passed.

Fu Ling brought hot tea and snacks, but Qin Wan only took one sip before going to see Bai Ying.

“Young Lady, Fifth Young Lady is in the wing room across from us.”

Since someone had died in the previous courtyard, Qin Xiang refused to stay there, preferring to remain in the same courtyard as Qin Wan and the others. Bai Ying was placed in the quarters where Qin Xiang had previously stayed. Qin Wan nodded upon hearing this but still went to see Bai Ying first.

Those two arrows had penetrated deep to the bone, and though Qin Wan’s face didn’t show it, she was extremely worried. When they reached Qin Xiang’s courtyard and entered, they found Bai Ying awake, lying on the bed. Upon seeing Qin Wan enter, she immediately tried to get up.

“Don’t move, your wounds can’t be disturbed—”

Qin Wan held Bai Ying down. Bai Ying turned her head to look at Qin Wan, “Is Young Lady alright?”

Qin Wan nodded, “I thought you’d still be sleeping. If I’d known you were awake, I would have come earlier.”

“This servant is fine, as long as Young Lady is safe.”

Bai Ying wore an undergarment, with her left shoulder wound already bandaged. Qin Wan immediately lifted the brocade quilt and pulled down the undergarment slightly to examine the wound carefully. Only after seeing it was healing properly did she breathe a sigh of relief.

Fu Ling spoke up, “Young Lady wasn’t seriously injured. His Highness saved her. Wan Xing, don’t worry, just focus on recovering. Oh, and the Young Lady has given you a new name – Bai Ying. Do you like it?”

Bai Ying was startled, seemingly surprised that Qin Wan already knew. She looked at Qin Wan, who gazed back with gentle eyes full of gratitude and concern and lowered her head, “I like it. This servant likes it very much.”

Qin Wan smiled, “I’m fine, and His Highness is fine too. Rest easy. I’ll come change your bandages tonight.”

Bai Ying’s brows twitched. As one of Yan Chi’s subordinates, she naturally worried about his safety, yet Qin Wan had told her without being asked. Feeling both grateful and remorseful, she said, “If Young Lady hadn’t tried to save me, you wouldn’t have fallen into the trap, and you and His Highness wouldn’t have had to take such risks.”

Qin Wan tilted her head thoughtfully, “This adventure… was rather interesting.”

Her voice softened as if recalling something, then she smiled and said, “Not only are we unharmed, but we also found much evidence of Doctor Sun’s crimes. So don’t worry about it anymore. Besides, you saved all of us – without you, we couldn’t have escaped the stone door, and even if we had, we would never have survived the arrow formation outside.”

Fu Ling completely missed the deeper meaning in Qin Wan’s words, but Bai Ying, knowing Yan Chi’s feelings, caught the hint that something might have happened between them. However, as a mere servant, such matters were not for her to know, so she took Qin Wan’s comment about it being “interesting” at face value. Due to her serious injuries, Qin Wan spoke with her briefly to ease her mind, then waited for her to fall asleep. Despite feeling somewhat embarrassed, Bai Ying soon fell into deep breathing, weakened by blood loss.

Qin Wan watched her for a while longer before quietly leaving with Fu Ling.

Outside, it was already noon. Qin Wan looked east, where the once-continuous architectural features now showed a gap – this otherworldly old residence nestled in the mountainside had finally been damaged.

Qin Wan slowed her steps. Though it was noon, the sky remained gloomy, as if brewing another heavy snowfall. As the cold wind blew, Qin Wan, wrapped in her cloak, felt a subtle pain and itch on her neck. She had already checked in the mirror – there were two or three marks on her neck, with the worst one swollen and raised.

Earlier, in the underground chamber’s urgent situation, she hadn’t thought much about it. Now, outside, her calmness and rationality had largely returned, bringing a mix of emotions. She and Yan Chi… Yan Chi…

“Ninth Sister, have you finished checking?”

Just then, Qin Shuang suddenly approached. Qin Wan had barely nodded when Qin Shuang continued, “Third Brother said if you’re not resting, he’d like you to visit him.”

Qin Wan’s eyes focused – she knew what Qin Yan wanted to know.

Following Qin Shuang to Qin Yan’s quarters, they entered the courtyard to find Zhou Huai standing at the door. His face was pale and drawn. Seeing Qin Wan, he hurried forward and bowed, “Ninth Young Lady!”

Qin Wan looked him over, “Are you injured?”

Zhou Huai shook his head, “No, just haven’t recovered from the drug’s effects.” He paused, “Ninth Young Lady has truly impressed everyone.”

Qin Wan smiled faintly, “I’m glad Steward Zhou is alright.”

His eyes flickered at her words, and he merely gestured, “The Young Master is waiting inside.”

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang ascended the steps. Inside, Qin Yan was giving instructions to an attendant holding a letter. Seeing Qin Wan enter, the attendant nodded and left.

“Ninth Sister, come sit.” Qin Yan showed genuine concern for Qin Wan. “Are you feeling alright? Why not rest a while? The mechanism below was full of icy water – should you prepare some medicine for yourself?”

Qin Wan smiled and shook her head, “I’m fine. What did Third Brother want to discuss?”

Qin Yan hesitated, then sighed, “I never expected this incident would put you all in danger. Fifth Sister was careless in her actions, and I will reprimand her. I’m glad you two are unharmed.”

After a pause, he finally asked his real question, “Ninth Sister, how did you come to possess His Highness’s token?”

Qin Wan had been reluctant to use Yan Chi’s token, but at the time she worried the Jixian County office would again be ineffective, and Qin Xiang’s situation was urgent. With Qin Yan absent, she had no choice but to use Yan Chi’s token for leverage. She hadn’t expected things to escalate so much, with Yan Chi bringing even the Yuanzhou garrison…

Though her thoughts raced, her face remained composed. “It was the Grand Princess’s idea.”

Having accepted the Yue Qiong couple as her adoptive parents, naturally the Grand Princess could be considered her half-grandmother. Using the Grand Princess to explain this made perfect sense. “The Grand Princess worried I might encounter danger on my journey and be unable to protect myself. She initially wanted the Second Young Master of the Marquis’s household to escort me, but how could I accept that? Coincidentally, His Highness was also in Jinzhou, returning to the capital. The Grand Princess then entrusted me to His Highness. Third Brother knows His Highness couldn’t travel with us then, so he gave me this token, saying that showing it would let others know I was connected to the Rui Prince’s household and they wouldn’t trouble me.”

Qin Yan gazed deeply at Qin Wan. If not for her clear and composed demeanor, he would have thought she was deceiving him. “But… do you know what kind of token the Crown Prince of Rui gave you?”

Qin Wan blinked, “Isn’t it just a token used by servants of the Rui Prince’s household?”

Qin Yan shook his head and sighed, “Ninth Sister, you’re thinking too simply. That’s the token representing the Crown Prince’s own identity. When that token appears, the entire Yuanzhou garrison knows of his arrival. And not just the garrison – by nightfall, both the Yuanzhou Prefect and Jixian County Magistrate will likely come in person. When you sent the guard to the county office with that token, the magistrate must have been scared out of his wits.”

Qin Wan froze, taking a moment to process this. “Representing… His Highness’s identity…”

Seeing Qin Wan’s bewildered expression, Qin Yan couldn’t help but laugh and cry. “That token is unique in all the world – how could it be for mere servants of the Rui Prince’s household? By giving you this, he allowed you to represent him. Not just the small Jixian County office, but even the Yuanzhou garrison would follow your orders. But if anything went wrong, he alone would bear the responsibility.”

Unique in all the world… power over the Yuanzhou garrison… sole responsibility…

Qin Wan’s small fists clenched in her lap as her emotions surged. Just then, an attendant rushed in from outside, “Young Master, the Crown Prince of Rui requests Ninth Young Lady’s presence for questioning—”