When they walked out of Qin Yan’s courtyard, Fu Ling spoke with slight unease, “Miss, what did the Crown Prince want to ask you? Surely His Highness hasn’t forgotten how you helped him in Jin Zhou, and there’s also the Imperial Princess’s instructions…”

Qin Wan couldn’t help but laugh at Fu Ling’s nervous tone. “Naturally, he wants to ask about matters within this residence. Among all those from the Qin household, only he and I are old acquaintances. He probably wouldn’t trust asking others.”

Fu Ling tilted her head in thought, realizing this made sense, and sighed again, “Miss, we were truly fortunate to have His Highness this time. He saved you once again – thinking about it, this makes it the third time he’s saved you.”

“At that moment, I was utterly desperate. I wanted to jump in after you, but that beam was taller than half my height. I couldn’t even climb over it. Just as I was panicking, His Highness appeared. You should have seen him, Miss – his face changed completely when he heard you had fallen in. Without a moment’s hesitation, he jumped right in.”

Fu Ling’s voice was filled with both admiration and gratitude. “I never expected the Crown Prince to be such a man of his word. Having promised the Imperial Princess, he would even risk such danger. Indeed, military men are different.”

Qin Wan could only smile at these words, amused by Fu Ling’s pure-hearted nature. She nodded in agreement, “That’s right. The Crown Prince has saved my life this time. Not to mention the previous occasions – whatever he asks, I shall answer thoroughly.”

Fu Ling earnestly supported Qin Wan, repeatedly nodding in agreement.

Soon after, the guiding soldier stopped and pointed to a courtyard ahead, “This is it. Ninth Miss, the Crown Prince is resting here temporarily. Please go in.”

Qin Wan nodded in thanks and stepped through the gate.

The courtyard before her had been hastily cleaned. Though the dust and cobwebs had been cleared from the eaves and railings, Qin Wan could see that much of the red lacquer had been scraped off in the process. She guessed this was likely the work of General Han’s soldiers and couldn’t help but smile with a sigh.

“Ninth Miss!” Bai Feng called out at the door, hurrying over to bow before saying with a smile, “His Highness is waiting for you inside.”

Qin Wan acknowledged this and walked toward the closed main door. When she reached it, Bai Feng pushed it open, “Please—”

As Qin Wan entered, Fu Ling was about to follow, but Bai Feng smiled and said, “Miss Fu Ling, would you mind waiting outside?”

This suggestion was exactly what Fu Ling wanted. She had always been somewhat afraid of Yan Chi, and not having to attend to him was preferable. Moreover, given how many times Yan Chi had saved Qin Wan and how well he had kept the Imperial Princess’s instructions, Fu Ling felt completely at ease.

She looked toward Qin Wan, who noticed something slightly different in Bai Feng’s gaze but didn’t dwell on it, saying, “Then wait outside.”

“Yes, I’ll wait for Miss outside. Just call if you need anything.”

Fu Ling happily agreed, and Qin Wan’s figure disappeared behind the door as Bai Feng closed it, his face wreathed in smiles.

Once the door closed, the room fell silent. Qin Wan looked around the guest quarters, which were similar to her own, with the inner chamber in the second section. She hesitantly called out, “Your Highness?”

After her call, there was no response, but at the same moment, Qin Wan faintly heard rustling sounds from the inner chamber.

She raised an eyebrow and walked toward the inner chamber. As soon as she reached the doorway, Yan Chi’s figure appeared before her. He had changed his clothes, but currently wore only a thin shirt on his upper body. The collar was unfastened, hanging wide open, and Qin Wan’s steps immediately halted when she caught sight of his exposed chest. Looking closer, she noticed his half-tied hair still carried traces of moisture, evidently having just finished washing up. Qin Wan blinked, momentarily forgetting to bow.

Yan Chi frowned slightly at Qin Wan’s sudden stop. “Come here—”

Qin Wan continued staring at his chest, finding this situation quite different from their time below.

When she didn’t move, Yan Chi’s frown deepened. He suddenly strode toward her. His shirt, already loose, billowed with his movement, completely exposing his well-defined chest and abdomen.

Qin Wan’s lips pressed together more tightly, and with Yan Chi’s imposing presence, she almost wanted to flee. But just as she took a step back, he caught her hand and pulled her decisively toward the bed.

“That… Your High… you…”

Yan Chi continued pulling Qin Wan toward the bed, but hearing her stumble over her words, he glanced sideways at her. He saw a faint blush on her face and panic in her eyes, clearly having misunderstood his intentions.

Yan Chi let out a soft “heh” of laughter, which earned him a glare from Qin Wan. That glare contained anger, annoyance, and coyness, making his heart itch with desire. He pulled her over, sat down brazenly on the edge of the bed, and promptly removed his outer garment. Qin Wan’s eyes grew wider and wider as if trying to stare a hole through him.

Though the Great Zhou Dynasty wasn’t strict about gender separation, and men and women who were close friends often went out together, being alone with someone in a state of undress was still no small matter.

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi’s bare upper body. Besides the old scars, the defined lines of his waist and the contours of his abdominal muscles were like carved stone, making her face heat up and her heart flutter. Despite his many years in the military and his martial skills, his build wasn’t bulky or crude, but rather perfectly lean and firm. Moreover, this body had been forged in the endless smoke and blood of war. Whenever Qin Wan thought of this, she felt as if a tremendous power capable of conquering cities lurked beneath his muscles – a power that both awed and attracted her. Additionally, everyone appreciates beauty, and though Qin Wan had seen many bodies, both dead and alive, she had never seen one as perfect as Yan Chi’s, which added another layer to her heart’s trembling.

Qin Wan tried to calm herself, making several attempts to regain a physician’s clinical detachment toward a patient, but failed. Not only that, her gaze kept unconsciously falling on Yan Chi’s body while her cheeks burned like fire.

Yan Chi’s gaze grew deep with interest. Qin Wan had been quite different in the darkness, but he couldn’t see her expressions then. Now, in broad daylight, the blush on her face was as brilliant and gentle as March peach blossoms. Yan Chi’s resolve to maintain control began to waver. He looked down at his own body and asked, “Do you like what you see?”

Qin Wan’s head snapped up, her eyes glaring even more fiercely.

Though she could be quite intimidating when examining corpses or when serious and angry, this glare carried no weight at all. Instead, her indignant embarrassment made Yan Chi’s inappropriate thoughts run wild. His throat moved as he almost pulled her into his embrace, but as soon as he raised his hand, Qin Wan stepped back.

She immediately became alert, “Why did you call me here?”

Seeing her like a bristling cat, Yan Chi didn’t want to upset her further. He smiled and turned his body, revealing the diagonal old wound across his back.

As soon as this wound was exposed, Qin Wan’s defensiveness dissipated.

This wound of Yan Chi’s was extremely serious. Back in Jin Zhou, she had said it would take at least a month to heal properly, and for complete recovery, he would need to avoid martial activities for two months. But how could Yan Chi possibly avoid such activities? Just the two times he saved her required physical exertion. Looking at the wound, Qin Wan’s heart immediately softened.

Things were different now from before. They had expressed their feelings for each other, and she cared for him more than before. Seeing his wound, how could she stay angry with him? Her brows furrowed as she stepped forward.

“Does it hurt?” Qin Wan’s fingertips gently traced the wound. She saw that while the top and bottom had healed, a central section about an inch long showed signs of infection. Her heart sank slightly, but Yan Chi replied impassively, “It doesn’t hurt.”

Qin Wan said nothing but asked, “Where’s the ointment I gave you?”

Yan Chi raised his hand to point at the tall cabinet beside the bed, where indeed the ointment she had given him sat.

Qin Wan walked over and picked it up, her frown deepening as soon as she held it, “Why is there still so much left?”

Yan Chi didn’t turn around, simply stating matter-of-factly, “Those days we had military drills in Jin Zhou, I couldn’t attend to it.”

Military drills… Hearing this, Qin Wan knew he must have engaged in combat again. Her lips moved slightly, but she said nothing about it. “If it continues to fester, the wound will need to be reopened surgically. That would surely leave a chronic condition.”

As she spoke, Qin Wan drew out Han Yue again. The blade tip glided over the infected area, but she couldn’t bear to cause him more pain. After a moment, she put the blade away and applied the medicine, “Did you come to Yuan Zhou for military exercises? Will you be participating?”

Yan Chi shook his head, “No, General Han is one of my father’s former subordinates. I came here for personal matters.”

Qin Wan let out an “Oh” and finally relaxed a bit, “I don’t know if the local pharmacy has been destroyed. I should make your new medicine. For the next half month, you absolutely must not engage in combat, or the wound will tear open and fester again.”

Yan Chi was quiet for a moment before softening his voice, “I’ll do as you say.”

His formal demeanor had disappeared, and something stirred in Qin Wan’s heart. She silently continued applying the medicine, then quickly took up some cotton cloth to bandage him.

This wasn’t the first time she had bandaged him, but during the first time, she had no romantic thoughts about him. Even when close to his bare back then, she hadn’t felt anything special. But this time was entirely different.

Qin Wan wrapped the cotton bandage from his back to his front, her hand passing under his left armpit, then around to his right shoulder. The position made it seem as if she were embracing him from behind. The first circle was fine, the second circle too, but as she reached the third circle, Yan Chi suddenly caught her hands. He held both her hands, guiding them to tie a knot at his front. As soon as the knot was secured, he turned around. Before Qin Wan could retreat, his hands were on her waist.

He sat with his legs apart in a commanding pose, pulling Qin Wan to stand between them, his hands embracing her waist.

Qin Wan took a deep breath. With her standing and him sitting, their eyes were level, with Yan Chi even tilting his head slightly to look up at her.

From her angle, Yan Chi’s eyes seemed particularly deep, with sparks of fire hiding in their depths. Noticing his hands tightening around her, Qin Wan quickly braced her hands against his shoulders.

Yan Chi’s eyes grew darker, and his voice lowered, “What’s wrong?”

If she hadn’t known his intentions, Qin Wan might have let her heart waver, but since she knew what he wanted to do, she wouldn’t comply if she felt it inappropriate. “It’s broad daylight, and I’ve been here quite a while—”

Yan Chi chuckled, “So what?”

Qin Wan then said, “Third Brother already knows about the token you gave me…”

Yan Chi smiled, “Your Third Brother is quite shrewd. He must have questioned you. How did you answer?”

“I only said you were entrusted by the Imperial Princess to look after me, and gave me the token because you couldn’t accompany me.” After a slight pause, Qin Wan’s heart softened, and her voice unconsciously lowered, “You deceived me again…”

Yan Chi’s eyes held both amusement and a predatory desire to possess. He looked at Qin Wan for a moment, then suddenly embraced her and turned. Qin Wan let out a startled cry, and in a whirl of motion, found herself lying on the bed with Yan Chi propped above her. The depth in his eyes made her tremble. Her strength meant nothing before him – she couldn’t resist whatever he wanted to do to her. If she managed to stop him at all, it was only because he was restraining himself—

Her clothes swirled like a blooming blue lotus on the bed, her black hair also swirling to spread like fragrant ink above her head. As Yan Chi gazed at her, his breathing became unsteady, “How did I deceive you?”

Seeing that he was only propping himself up and not pressing down on her, Qin Wan didn’t resist. Moreover, she wasn’t ungrateful and was moved by the moment, “That token is a symbol of your royal status. How could you give it to me?”

Yan Chi seemed only half focused on what she was saying, intently studying her features and lips. Though he answered, all his thoughts and strength were focused on self-control, “Why couldn’t I give it to you?”

Qin Wan was startled by his response, “What if I lost it? What if I missed it according to my whims? How would you explain that? And… and if people found out you gave your token to an unrelated woman, how would you explain that?”

“First, you won’t lose it.”

“Second, you won’t misuse it.”

“Third, even if both happened, I’d be glad for everyone to know.”

As he spoke, Qin Wan suddenly felt something cool in her sleeve. She touched it and found he had placed the token in her sleeve pocket. Qin Wan was immediately alarmed, “No—”

She tried to sit up to remove the token, but Yan Chi suddenly pressed closer.

His bare upper body hovered over her, seemingly both touching and not touching her. Qin Wan felt as if restrained and quickly lay still, not daring to move, “Third Brother is already suspicious, this isn’t appropriate…”

Yan Chi replied leisurely, “I’d like him to know.”

Qin Wan glared at him. Their relationship grew closer when he took the position of Criminal Inspector to investigate the Qin family case. At that time, Qin Wan felt he had given her great latitude as if knowing what she wanted to do and silently helping her achieve it. Whether it was out of admiration or a genuine need for her assistance, such indulgence, and care truly made her unconsciously lower her guard against him. Combined with his repeated rescues and seeing his usual steady and decisive manner in handling matters, their daily interactions made her grow increasingly fond of him. During those two months, she hadn’t noticed his devilish side.

But now, Qin Wan finally understood. His decisive and efficient nature in killing was one thing, but he had perfectly hidden his innate arrogance and dominance. Qin Wan particularly remembered when he held an umbrella for her – at that time, she had only felt his steady reliability, secretly marveling at how someone of his status and position could so thoughtfully care for a young girl with such grace and propriety…

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi’s confident and uncompromising expression with inner wry amusement.

What grace, what propriety – at that time, it was probably just this man’s restraint and scheming. He had seemed to leave no trace but clearly understood that someone of her nature could only be won over gradually and imperceptibly. He indulged her while helping her, occasionally showing care and kindness, displaying his strength before her while concealing his domineering and wicked side. Add to that her sympathy while treating his wounds, and if she hadn’t been moved at all, she would truly have been made of wood…

“No! Not allowed! Forbidden!”

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi’s face and crisply spoke these six words. She didn’t want to judge a gentleman’s heart with a petty person’s mind, but she had some ability to read people. Based on Yan Chi’s cunning methods and his strategic nature, she truly believed he was capable of it. Annoyed at her late realization, her tone was quite harsh.

“No, not allowed, forbidden—”

Yan Chi playfully “bit” these six words, then looked down at her and said, “Your ‘no’ and ‘not allowed’ don’t count with me, but this ‘forbidden’ is interesting. Tell me, how is it forbidden?”

Qin Wan’s face immediately reddened. This “forbidden” seemed similar to “no” and “not allowed,” but carried an intimate commanding tone, as if declaring some kind of possessive authority. Yan Chi’s gaze made her heart skip a beat.

“Forbidden means forbidden. This isn’t just about you.”

Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, suddenly pressing down completely. His bare upper body rested on her shoulder, his breath falling on her cheek and ear, his voice unprecedentedly low and rich, “I used to think that besides the one on the throne, no one could say ‘no’ to me. But I love your ‘forbidden.’ Since you forbid it, I’ll comply with you.”

If he hadn’t brought their relationship into the open, Qin Wan wouldn’t have been annoyed. But not only had he changed his attitude, his words were so… so alluring… Her hands pushing against his shoulders lost their strength.

Noticing this small movement, Yan Chi gave a low laugh, “Am I too heavy?”

Qin Wan frowned slightly. Though he wasn’t burly, still…

Before she could finish her mental complaint, Yan Chi rolled to lie beside her. Qin Wan turned her head, but he pulled her into his embrace. Qin Wan half-lay on Yan Chi’s chest, unable to prop herself up against his bare chest.

“Lie with me for a while. I haven’t rested my eyes for several days.”

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. Yan Chi’s displays of strength and vulnerability were always perfectly timed. Just moments ago, she had stood a step away from him, but now she willingly lay in his embrace. Qin Wan sighed and leaned on his arm.

The token in her sleeve pocket had gained some warmth. Qin Wan suddenly came to her senses, “How did the token reach your hands?”

She had given the token to the Qin family guard, who should have gone to the Ji County office. The guard seemed to have returned, but she hadn’t heard Qin Yan mention where the token was earlier, yet here it was with him.

“The Ji County Magistrate and Yuan Zhou Prefecture Governor have arrived.”

Qin Wan’s eyebrows twitched. Qin Yan had said these two officials wouldn’t arrive until nightfall, yet they had come so early. She looked at Yan Chi, who had his eyes closed, and said softly, “Since they’re here, how can you keep them waiting?”

“Of course, I’ll keep them waiting.” Yan Chi’s tone was icy, carrying a hint of anger.

Qin Wan didn’t understand his meaning but didn’t ask. She still felt it improper for him to be bare-chested, so she pulled his outer robe over to cover him. Yan Chi’s expression remained unchanged as he asked, “When will you depart?”

Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly at this, “Third Brother hasn’t said, but from his earlier words, he seemed to be in a hurry.”

Then she asked, “When will you leave? Do you have business in Yuan Zhou?”

Yan Chi opened his eyes to look at her, “When do you want me to leave?”

Qin Wan knew Yan Chi also needed to return to the capital. Though traveling together would be nice, with Qin Yan and the Qin family watching, she feared revealing their relationship. Yan Chi understood her concerns from her expression and scoffed lightly, “Heartless.”

“You have your matters to attend to, but traveling together would be nice if possible.”

Qin Wan added this after a moment. When she looked at Yan Chi again, she found his eyes closed and his breathing deep and even. Qin Wan was slightly surprised, and after waiting a while with no movement from him, she propped herself up to look at him. They were only inches apart. For someone usually so alert, he could still fall asleep. Qin Wan watched him for nearly half an hour before pulling a thin blanket over him. In such cold weather, what kind of iron-like constitution did one need to endure it?

But even iron bones could be wounded. Qin Wan’s gaze darkened as she looked at the cotton bandage on his shoulder.

She rose very carefully, then cautiously walked out. Only when she reached the outer room did she adjust her clothes, glancing back worriedly, though she could see nothing through the wall.

Qin Wan took several shallow breaths and walked out showing no sign of anything unusual. When she opened the door, Fu Ling and Bai Feng looked over. Qin Wan smiled slightly, “Your master said he wanted to rest for a moment.”

Bai Feng nodded, “Yes, I’ll keep watch outside.”

Qin Wan then looked toward the main gate, “I heard the Prefecture Governor and Ji County Magistrate have arrived?”

As Yan Chi’s most trusted attendant, Bai Feng naturally knew these matters. Indeed, he replied, “Yes, they’ve been here for over half an hour. Master doesn’t want to deal with them, so they’re waiting outside.”

After a slight pause, Bai Feng added, “I heard the Ji County Magistrate failed to properly supervise his subordinates, and Master is displeased about this.”

Qin Wan’s heart stirred, noticing the meaningful look in Bai Feng’s eyes. His words were meant for her to understand. Something soft and sour stirred in Qin Wan’s heart, “I see.” After a pause, she asked, “Has His Highness mentioned when he’ll return to the capital?”

Bai Feng quickly replied, “His Highness was just discussing with General Han. There’s no major business left. General Han will temporarily oversee this place, but since such a major case occurred here, it should be under the Yuan Zhou Prefecture’s jurisdiction. Tonight, this matter will likely be transferred to the Yuan Zhou government office. General Han will take his men back. As for Master’s plans, they’re still uncertain.”

Qin Wan took a deep breath, “If His Highness is returning to the capital, traveling together would be excellent, but we move very slowly on the road. I fear we would delay His Highness.”

Bai Feng’s eyes brightened, “No, no, how could that be? When Master wakes, I’ll relay your words exactly.”

Qin Wan repeated herself, worried that Yan Chi hadn’t heard her earlier words. Seeing Bai Feng’s response, she felt reassured and left with Fu Ling. After leaving the courtyard, the strange feeling in her heart persisted.

Not only had he saved her again, but even elsewhere, his intentions were crystal clear. She had never experienced such circling thoughts before, and now she truly understood how love could torment one so.

“Miss, what did the Crown Prince say?”

Fu Ling still hadn’t noticed any hint of the feelings between Yan Chi and Qin Wan. Qin Wan replied, “He just asked about everyone in this residence, and what we knew about these past few days.”

“What do we know? We only saw a dead cat once…” Fu Ling sighed as she spoke, “I don’t know what to say about Doctor Sun’s matter. How could someone like him lose hope? Though Lady Sun has passed, he still had so many family members and servants, and so many people waiting for him to save them. Moreover, so many people in the world respected him.”

Qin Wan’s steps faltered slightly as she looked toward the east. Though she hadn’t gone to the ruins, even from this distance she could feel the desolation among the broken walls. Qin Wan sighed, “Where is Young Master Sun?”

Fu Ling quickly nodded upon hearing this, “I know, I know, I just asked Guard Bai.”

Qin Wan nodded, “Then take me to see him…”

Fu Ling agreed with an “Mm.” Though their encounter with Sun Muqing had been brief, even Fu Ling could see through his nature completely. Fu Ling quite liked Sun Muqing’s pure goodness, so she led Qin Wan toward the north.

“Miss, it seems to be that courtyard ahead.”

Fu Ling pointed, and Qin Wan looked over to see several soldiers standing guard at the courtyard gate. Qin Wan approached Fu Ling, and before she could speak, a soldier asked, “Are you Ninth Miss Qin?”

Qin Wan nodded, and the soldier pushed open the gate, “Ninth Miss, please—”

Qin Wan hesitated slightly, “How do you know who I am?”

The soldier chuckled, “General Han instructed us that if a young, pretty lady came by, we should ask if she was Ninth Miss Qin, and if so, let her in.”

Qin Wan remembered that earlier in the morning, Yan Chi hadn’t wanted her to see Sun Muqing, but since Han Kaiyang had given such instructions, it must have been Yan Chi’s order. She nodded and stepped inside, her mind full of thoughts of Yan Chi.

“Ninth Miss—”

Before Qin Wan could finish her thought, she suddenly heard a clear, low call. Looking up, she saw Sun Muqing walking out of the house with a haggard face.

After a night and half a day, Sun Muqing seemed to have not slept at all the previous night. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his complexion was dejected, no longer resembling the jade-like youth he had been. “Ninth Miss, you’re out? Are you alright?”

Qin Wan’s eyes held reassurance, “Don’t worry, Young Master Sun. I’m fine. Apart from one of my maids being injured, everyone else is unharmed.”

Sun Muqing let out a long breath, “That’s good, that’s good. You came at my invitation, if anything had happened, I would have died of shame. Ninth Miss, I never thought my Senior Brother would…”

As he spoke, Sun Muqing’s eyes reddened and he lowered his head.

Qin Wan sighed, “Doctor Sun’s deep love for Lady Sun led him astray when he couldn’t overcome that hurdle. This has nothing to do with you, Young Master Sun. You should be more at ease, and… my condolences.”

Sun Muqing sniffled before raising his head. Though his eyes were red and slightly wet, he maintained his composure before the two women. “I… I know. I’m fine, just feeling a bit…”

He tried to downplay his emotions, but couldn’t finish his sentence. Sun Haoyue had been someone he deeply respected, and with things ending this way, he truly couldn’t feel at ease for the time being.

Seeing this, Qin Wan didn’t know how to console him. Though she also came from Medicine Valley, her situation was different from Sun Muqing’s. She couldn’t truly empathize with his feelings, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to offer cold, rational advice. She had come only because she was worried about him, but there wasn’t much she could do to help.

“What did General Han say?” After a while, Qin Wan asked.

“He said this matter will ultimately be handed over to the Yuan Zhou Prefecture office. I’ve sent messages to Yi Zhou and Lian Zhou. Their representatives should arrive in a few days. For now, I’ll stay here to help the prefecture office with the aftermath. I’ll decide when to leave after people from both places arrive. The servants here are also very anxious now, I can’t leave.”

Qin Wan nodded, “That’s right, just do what you can.”

Sun Muqing spoke in a low, heavy voice, “I had planned to go to the capital, but now I’ll surely be delayed for quite some time. When will Ninth Miss depart?”

Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “In the next few days.”

Sun Muqing’s face showed remorse again, “It’s all my fault, for delaying Ninth Miss’s journey. And Sister An too, please let me apologize to her. Fortunately, nothing serious happened, otherwise…”

Qin Wan said, “She only received a fright, and this matter has nothing to do with you. Why should you apologize? Young Master Sun shouldn’t need to go north now. It looks like it’s going to snow again, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for Young Master Sun to travel alone.”

Sun Muqing smiled bitterly, “Now… I’ll have to wait until spring next year to go to the capital. I don’t know if the Crown Prince will harbor ill feelings toward the Sun and Bai families because of this matter. I…”

“He won’t.” Qin Wan’s voice was steady. Not only did Qin Yan need to maintain connections with various powers, but given his character, he wasn’t someone who couldn’t distinguish right from wrong. “Third Brother won’t. We all know the rights and wrongs of this matter.”

Sun Muqing relaxed slightly, “That’s good. I wouldn’t want to lose Ninth Miss as a friend no matter what. Hearing you say this puts me at ease. When there’s a chance in the future, we must meet again.”

Qin Wan immediately agreed, but looking at Sun Muqing, she didn’t hope for him to enter the capital.

She knew who the old friend he wanted to see was. Growing up in Lian Zhou, how many old acquaintances could he have in the capital?

Qin Wan hesitated but ultimately said nothing more, exchanging a few more words before leaving with Fu Ling. Shen Wan was dead, and now she was Qin Wan. Saying too much might bring up their relationship as fellow disciples.

Returning to her courtyard, Qin Wan saw Qin Yan as soon as she entered the room. Seeing her return, he quickly asked, “What did the Crown Prince ask about?”

Qin Wan smiled, “He just asked about any unusual occurrences in the residence these past few days, and whether the journey was safe – all things the Imperial Princess had instructed about. After a few more reminders, he let me go. But I just went to see Young Master Sun.”

Qin Yan made a sound of acknowledgment, “The Yuan Zhou Prefecture Governor has arrived.”

“So quickly.” Qin Wan pretended not to know, “Are they here to take over?”

Qin Yan nodded, “The Crown Prince didn’t see them? Only spoke with you for a while?”

It did seem strange that he would ignore the Prefecture Governor but speak with Qin Wan.

Qin Wan explained, “His Highness was rather tired, spoke briefly then said he needed rest. I don’t know his plans.”

Qin Yan nodded again, “How is Young Master Sun?”

“He will stay to help with the aftermath. We don’t know when people from Lian Zhou and Yi Zhou will arrive. Being from the main Sun family line, he naturally won’t leave. He had planned to go to the capital, but now that must be delayed.”

As Qin Wan spoke, she sat down. Fu Ling hurried to pour tea. Seeing Qin Shuang wasn’t in the room, Qin Wan changed the subject, “Where is Sixth Sister?”

“Gone to see Fifth Sister.” Qin Yan’s expression changed several times when mentioning Qin Xiang. Sun Haoyue wouldn’t have openly abducted someone; he had merely set a trap to see if Qin Xiang would fall for it. He probably hadn’t expected that the noble Fifth Miss of the Qin family would be so easily deceived.

If not for Qin Xiang, they would have reached Yuan Zhou city by now.

“She’s not seriously hurt, just gained another emotional wound.”

There was some coldness in Qin Yan’s words. Qin Wan nodded without asking more.

Qin Yan continued, “Your maid’s injuries are somewhat serious, so we’ll depart the day after tomorrow, letting her rest tomorrow. Shuang’er said this maid is quite clever, very good to keep by your side.”

Just quite clever? Qin Wan’s thoughts turned, but Qin Yan’s words were considerate, “Alright, thank you, Third Brother.”

“We’re family, no need for thanks. If anyone should thank you, it’s Fifth Sister.”

Qin Wan smiled without speaking but wondered whether to return Bai Ying to Yan Chi. After a moment’s consideration, she shook her head and dismissed the thought. Knowing Yan Chi, it would be good enough if he didn’t add more people to her service.

Since Qin Yan had set the time, Qin Wan had nothing more to say. Soon Qin Shuang returned and stuck close to Qin Wan. Qin Wan couldn’t go find Yan Chi herself, and his side hadn’t sent anyone to summon her again. Though this wouldn’t arouse suspicion, now that Qin Wan’s feelings were involved, how could she not think of Yan Chi? After resting through the night, she dreamed of Yan Chi again. Early the next morning, Qin Wan learned that General Han had taken all the soldiers from the residence, but Yan Chi had stayed behind.

Since they were leaving the next day, this day was quite leisurely. Qin Wan took medicinal materials from her carriage and made two portions of medicine. She gave one to Bai Ying and was wondering how to send the other to Yan Chi when Qin Yan came to her.

“Come with me to see the Crown Prince of the Rui Prince—”

At these words, Qin Wan’s heart jumped, “What does Third Brother want to do?”

Qin Yan frowned slightly, “Since the Crown Prince is here, it wouldn’t be right to be in the same place without meeting him. I’m not well acquainted with him, so it’s best if you accompany me.”

This reasoning made sense. Qin Wan agreed but wasn’t sure if Qin Yan was being truthful or testing her relationship with Yan Chi. She could only anxiously follow Qin Yan to Yan Chi’s place.