The guest quarters that the Pang family prepared for the Qin siblings were located west of Qing Hui Garden. The three Qin sisters – Qin Wan, Qin Shuang, and Qin Xiang – stayed in one courtyard, while Qin Yan’s quarters were right next door. Pang Yi Wen called a servant to lead the three Qin sisters to their residence while he accompanied Qin Yan.
“Oh, this courtyard is quite spacious—” Qin Shuang remarked upon entering. Though it was only one section deep, the courtyard was extremely generous in size. The main building had three exceptionally large rooms, with wing rooms on both sides. Before Qin Shuang could say more, Qin Xiang had already headed toward the main building with Wan He and Xiu Zhi. Qin Shuang widened her eyes and looked back at Qin Wan, “Which side will you stay in?”
Qin Wan curved her lips slightly, “Either side is fine.”
Qin Shuang went toward the left wing while Qin Wan turned toward the right wing.
Upon entering, they found that each wing was also divided into three rooms. The middle hall was relatively small, while the north and south wings were larger. The north wing contained a bedroom with a raised platform bed, and the south wing was a warm chamber. Fu Ling set down all their belongings from the journey and settled Bai Ying in the warm chamber. Though Bai Ying’s health had improved considerably, Qin Wan still ordered her to rest in bed.
After Qin Wan finished settling in, Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang also came out.
The three walked out of the courtyard gate where Pang Yi Wen was already waiting. As it was snowing, Fu Ling and the others held umbrellas. Seeing the three gracefully approaching, Pang Yi Wen’s lips curved slightly, “The Young Lord is truly blessed to have such beautiful sisters. I don’t have such lovely sisters myself…”
Qin Yan’s brows furrowed slightly, but he smiled and said, “If Master Pang truly had so many sisters, you might find it troublesome.”
Pang Yi Wen gestured with his hand, “Young Lord, this way, please. Father has prepared a feast in Zhao Hui Hall.”
With that said, Qin Yan walked at the front with Pang Yi Wen, following the corridor of Qing Hui Garden toward the northeast. The entire garden, from its intricately carved eaves to its elegant flowerbeds and groves, was covered in a layer of white snow. Occasional red plum trees bloomed brilliantly in the corners, creating a truly magnificent winter landscape.
Along the way, it was noticeable that Qing Hui Garden had relatively few servants, and those present were disciplined and silent. When they saw their masters, they bowed respectfully without even shifting their gaze, clearly showing the training of servants from a great household. However… Qin Wan glanced at Pang Yi Wen ahead, noting that the master himself seemed somewhat slick and informal…
After passing another flower bed, the previously silent atmosphere was suddenly broken. Faintly, Qin Wan heard the sound of string and bamboo instruments. Just as she found it strange, Qin Yan ahead already asked, “Oh? Who’s playing music?”
Hearing this, Pang Yi Wen smiled, “No one in the household is playing music.”
He paused mysteriously before asking, “Young Lord must know of the Shuang Qing Troupe?”
Qin Yan’s eyes brightened, “How could I not know of the Shuang Qing Troupe?”
Pang Yi Wen broke into a smile, “Of course, the Shuang Qing Troupe is currently in the capital, and Young Lord is probably their regular patron, so naturally, you know them well.” Looking toward the direction of the music, he continued, “For Prince Yu’s birthday celebration, besides preparing a gift, Father has also booked the entire Shuang Qing Troupe. Starting tomorrow, they will perform at Prince Yu’s mansion for two consecutive days. After that, Father will be hosting two old friends, and they will perform here for another two days.”
He turned back to look at them, “I hope Young Lord and the young ladies will stay to watch the opera.”
Qin Yan’s eyes showed surprise, and the three Qin sisters also changed expression slightly. Even the homebound Qin Shuang knew of Shuang Qing Troupe’s reputation, and Qin Yan was even more familiar with it. Among the capital’s young nobles who enjoyed wine and women, besides brothels and pleasure boats, opera troupes were another major attraction. The Shuang Qing Troupe was a southern opera troupe, predominantly featuring female performers. Their repertoire was generally more coquettish and graceful than northern troupes, and their performers were all exceptionally beautiful, thus earning substantial income from these young nobles.
In the capital, Shuang Qing Troupe performances were always packed. Recently, it was heard that the troupe had been cordially invited by a wealthy southern household, so the troupe leader had taken two favorite disciples south. Everyone thought they would return to the capital before the New Year, but unexpectedly they came to Yu Province. Though celebrating Prince Yu’s birthday was certainly prestigious, the Pang family’s apparent booking of the entire troupe demonstrated their considerable wealth. Qin Yan once again marveled at the Pang family’s enormous fortune.
“I didn’t expect the Shuang Qing Troupe to be right here in this garden. That’s wonderful – if we don’t get enough at Prince Yu’s mansion tomorrow, we can come back here to enjoy more…”
Pang Yi Wen smiled broadly, “Of course, the Young Lord can listen to whatever you wish!”
Qin Yan’s smile deepened, but noticed the music gradually fading. Pang Yi Wen explained, “They have over twenty people in their troupe, we’ve arranged for them to stay in the back to avoid disturbing Young Lord and the three young ladies.”
Qin Yan couldn’t help but say, “Master Pang is truly thoughtful…”
As they continued discussing the Shuang Qing Troupe, Qin Wan couldn’t help but glance toward the northern part of the compound. She had known of the Shuang Qing Troupe’s reputation early on and had even accompanied her mother to watch them perform twice in earlier years. Later, as the troupe’s fame grew and audiences increased, her mother found it too noisy and never went again.
Qin Wan lowered her eyes, feeling a heaviness in her heart. The further north they traveled, the closer they got to the past.
After passing another courtyard, the view suddenly opened up before them. A three-story building stood not far ahead, likewise covered in white snow. Plum forests flanked both sides of the building, and though Qin Wan couldn’t see behind it, she imagined it was similar. As she thought this, the fresh fragrance of plum blossoms reached her nose, immediately dispersing some of her melancholy.
“Big Brother — Young Lord —”
Just then, a young man in cyan robes walked out from inside. His features bore some resemblance to Pang Yi Wen but appeared more reserved. Seeing him, Pang Yi Wen said, “Second Brother, come quickly to greet Young Lord.”
Looking toward Qin Yan, he added, “This is my Second Brother, Yi Wu!”
Pang Yi Wu hurried forward, “Greetings, Young Lord…”
Pang Yi Wen then pointed to Qin Wan and her sisters, “These are the three young ladies from the Marquis’s mansion.”
Pang Yi Wu quickly cupped his hands, “Greetings to the young ladies.”
Qin Yan smiled, “This is my first time meeting Second Young Master.”
Pang Yi Wen patted Pang Yi Wu’s back, “Second Brother is always helping Father manage business affairs outside, please don’t take offense, Young Lord.”
He gestured with his hand, “Father is inside, please —”
Qin Yan then led Qin Wan and her sisters into Zhao Hui Hall. As soon as they entered, a wave of warmth enveloped them. The tables and seats were already prepared, and Pang Fu Liang, wearing a deep brown formal robe, was playing with a five or six-year-old boy by the window. Hearing the movement, he turned his head and smiled, “Young Lord has arrived—”
“Master Pang — We’re imposing on you!”
Pang Fu Liang smiled and patted the young child’s shoulder, gesturing for him to turn and look at the guests. The child held an exquisite small carriage in his hands as he turned around. Qin Yan immediately said, “Is this Third Young Master? He’s quite handsome.”
Pang Fu Liang lowered his head and said, “Jia Yan, why aren’t you greeting people? Call him Big Brother…”
Pang Jia Yan held a golden small carriage, possibly made of pure gold, with what appeared to be real gems embedded in it. While the horses and shaft of the carriage were fixed, the wheels could move. Pang Jia Yan looked at Qin Yan while continuously spinning the carriage wheels, and hesitated for a moment before saying, “Hello, Big Brother.”
Smiling, Qin Yan pulled out a jade pendant from his sleeve, “This is my first time meeting Third Young Master. I haven’t prepared any proper gifts, but please don’t think poorly of this jade pendant.”
Pang Jia Yan, whose height only reached Qin Yan’s waist, watched as he offered the jade pendant. Pang Jia Yan hesitantly turned to look at Pang Fu Liang, who smiled and said, “Go ahead and take it.”
Pang Jia Yan’s face remained expressionless, but he curiously looked at the jade pendant a couple of times before accepting it.
Everyone in the room smiled at this moment. Pang Fu Liang, now over forty, finally stood up. Despite his age, he was tall and imposing, his luxurious robes making him appear even more distinguished. In contrast, his eldest and second sons couldn’t match his dignity. His features were proper, with slightly elongated eyes that appeared shrewd yet contained just the right amount of gentleness. He held Pang Jia Yan’s hand and swept his gaze over the three Qin sisters.
“Are these the three young ladies from the Qin family?”
Qin Yan quickly nodded, “Yes, these are my three sisters—”
As he spoke, he turned to look at Qin Xiang and her sisters, who promptly curtsied.
After they rose, Pang Fu Liang smiled warmly, “Such grace, such beauty, truly worthy of the Qin family. Now that you’re here, please consider this your home, and don’t feel constrained.”
He pointed to the seats in the main hall, “Come, let’s all be seated.”
Then turning his head, he said, “Jia Yan, put down the carriage, it’s time to eat.”
Pang Yi Wen and Pang Yi Wu had already turned to invite Qin Yan and the others to sit, but seeing that Pang Fu Liang hadn’t moved, Qin Yan also remained still.
At his age, with Pang Jia Yan only being six or seven years old, Pang Fu Liang had a late-born son. During their time in the room, Qin Wan and the others could see how much Pang Fu Liang doted on this youngest son.
Pang Jia Yan was not only exquisitely featured, but his eyes were a clear amber color, complemented by long curled eyelashes like small fans. Though a young boy, he was as endearing as a little girl, and his quiet, well-behaved demeanor even made Qin Yan’s eyes show traces of fondness. After Pang Fu Liang spoke, Pang Jia Yan obediently placed the gem-encrusted golden carriage on the table, along with the jade pendant Qin Yan had given him, then quietly followed at Pang Fu Liang’s side.
Finally, everyone moved to take their seats. Pang Fu Liang sat in the host’s position with Pang Jia Yan in his lap. Qin Yan and the three Qin sisters sat on his left, while the Pang brothers sat on his right.
“Just some modest wine, I hope Young Lord won’t mind trying some local Yu Province flavors.”
Pang Fu Liang spoke with gentle warmth as Qin Yan raised his wine cup, “We’re truly imposing on Master Pang this time. Let me first toast to you.”
Pang Fu Liang smiled and raised his cup, “What imposition? I’d be angry if you didn’t come. I haven’t seen the Marquis in several years. Now that you’re here, how could I let you stay at an inn?”
He raised his cup to Qin Yan, “This is Yu Province’s finest Zhu Ye Qing. Have a taste.”
Qin Yan drained his cup in one go, praising it profusely. After drinking two cups, the welcoming feast properly began. Qin Wan noticed there was no place set for the lady of the house and wondered why Madam Pang wasn’t present. As she pondered this, she felt a substantial gaze fall upon her face. Looking up, she immediately met Pang Yi Wen’s eyes.
Pang Yi Wen smiled, “Young ladies, please don’t be reserved, do eat more.”
Qin Wan nodded, lowering her gaze slightly.
Meanwhile, Pang Fu Liang attended to Pang Jia Yan’s meal while asking, “How long does Young Lord plan to stay?”
Qin Yan replied, “They’re urging me to return home soon. With the New Year approaching, it’s not good to stay away too long. I had planned to leave after attending the birthday celebration.”
Pang Fu Liang smiled, “I was hoping you could meet someone.”
Qin Yan showed slight surprise, “Oh? Who?”
“The Chief Salt Transport Commissioner of the Two Lakes region, does Young Lord know of him?”
Qin Yan paused briefly, “Master Pang, you mean… Liu Ren Li Yun Tong?”
Pang Fu Liang smiled gently and nodded, “Exactly. He’s coming from Hu Province for the birthday celebration, but was delayed on the road and won’t arrive until tomorrow. We’re old friends, and I’m also having him stay in Qing Hui Garden.”
Qin Yan showed slight surprise, his eyes quickly flickering with interest, “Commissioner Liu hasn’t returned to the capital for several years.”
Pang Fu Liang smiled and said, “As Young Lord knows, salt production in the southern Two Lakes region has been increasing, and so has salt smuggling. These past few years, he’s been managing both official salt operations and combating illegal salt trade, naturally keeping him extremely busy. However, this time he’s returning to the capital to report on his duties. If there are no changes, he’ll continue overseeing the Two Lakes region, and might even take on additional responsibility for Wei Zhou Island in the east.”
Hearing this, Qin Yan’s eyes noticeably brightened.
Under the Great Zhou Dynasty’s official salt system, private salt trading was a serious crime involving collective punishment. Despite this, many people still attempted to make their fortunes through this trade due to its substantial profits.
Therefore, combating illegal salt trade remained a crucial issue both inside and outside the court. However, the government couldn’t control all salt fields and salt ponds, and they lacked the manpower and resources to handle all salt harvesting and processing. This was where salt merchants came in, but they needed to obtain documentation from the Salt Transport Commission offices for all their operations. The amount of salt harvested and processed was strictly regulated, and operating without official approval constituted illegal salt trading, a serious crime. Although salt merchants had to pay enormous taxes, the remaining profits were still the highest in the empire.
Consequently, salt merchants often became regional tycoons, and who wouldn’t want such wealth? However, the Salt Transport Commission’s permits were limited, making these offices, which determined who received salt production permits, crucial players. Although these officials were court appointees, they could influence the flow of wealth, naturally becoming targets for merchants’ cultivation. Pang Fu Liang’s connection to this person didn’t surprise Qin Yan, but by telling him this, Pang Fu Liang knew Qin Yan would be interested in meeting him, particularly due to court politics.
“I’ve often heard Commissioner Liu’s name at Father’s place but never had the chance to meet him. Since we’ve crossed paths this time, I must get to know him. Please, Master Pang, make the introduction.”
Qin Yan spoke sincerely, and Pang Fu Liang nodded with a smile, “Nothing could be easier. I heard from him that before he even reached Yan Jiang, people in the capital had already sent gifts to his residence. He’s quite anxious about returning.”
Qin Yan’s lips curved slightly, “So Commissioner Liu is taking shelter here to avoid the attention?”
Pang Fu Liang laughed heartily, “And to enjoy some Shuang Qing Troupe performances!”
Qin Yan laughed too and raised his cup to Pang Fu Liang. After they had exchanged several drinks, suddenly Pang Jia Yan grew restless in Pang Fu Liang’s lap, looking up at him, “Father, Jia Yan is full.”
Pang Fu Liang put down his cup and said kindly, “You’re full?”
Pang Jia Yan nodded, naturally unable to endure the prolonged formal dining atmosphere. Pang Fu Liang called out, “Qing Niang, please take Third Young Master to play.”
A simply dressed woman entered from outside.
Pang Jia Yan saw her and immediately stretched out his arms to be carried. The woman picked him up and quickly left with her head lowered. After Pang Jia Yan left, Pang Fu Liang exhaled slightly and began discussing court politics with Qin Yan in subtle terms.
Qin Wan ate silently, finding the food tasteless. She knew the Marquis’s mansion had already aligned with the Crown Prince and guessed that Qin Yan likely wanted to win over Commissioner Liu for the Crown Prince’s faction. After all, though he was the Crown Prince, having his people control the salt transport in the south and east would provide much more security.
Qin Wan currently had little interest in court politics, as such matters felt distant from her, and she had no say in the Marquis’s affairs anyway. However, listening to Pang Fu Liang, she noticed he seemed very knowledgeable about these matters, including his arrangements for Commissioner Liu, which perfectly aligned with Qin Yan’s interests. Qin Wan knew they would be staying at Qing Hui Garden for several days.
Finally, when the meal ended, Pang Fu Liang wanted to keep Qin Yan for further discussion, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen Young Lord, please stay a while. Yi Wen, Yi Wu, escort the three young ladies back.”
Hearing he was to escort the three sisters back, Pang Yi Wen immediately stood up with a smile.
“Very well, young ladies, let me escort you back.”
Qin Xiang expressed thanks, while Qin Wan and Qin Shuang merely went through the motions. The three sisters, each with their maids holding umbrellas, turned to leave. Pang Yi Wen walked in front, Qin Xiang in the middle, and Qin Wan and Qin Shuang at the back.
Qin Shuang ducked under Qin Wan’s umbrella and whispered, “This is worse than staying at an inn – we can’t relax here at all.”
Qin Wan curved her lips slightly, but Pang Yi Wen called from ahead, “What is Sixth Young Lady saying?”
Qin Shuang didn’t know where this “Sixth Young Lady” title came from, but being addressed directly by Pang Yi Wen, she had to respond, “I was just saying that Qing Hui Garden truly lives up to its reputation.”
Anyone can speak pleasant words, and Qin Shuang, not particularly fond of the Pang family’s eldest son, gave a perfunctory response.
Pang Yi Wen seemed rather pleased with her answer, “Then why don’t I give the three young ladies a brief tour?”
Qin Shuang showed some reluctance at this suggestion, “Well… that’s… not necessary. I saw everything when we came in, and besides, Young Master Pang must have other matters to attend to, no need to show us around…”
This response greatly satisfied Qin Wan, but Pang Yi Wen persisted, “It’s no trouble. There are two flower gardens and lotus ponds over there. Come, let me show you. With the snow, the scenery is quite different.”
As he spoke, Pang Yi Wen took the lead, and after a moment’s hesitation, Qin Xiang followed him.
Seeing this, Qin Shuang could hardly remain standing still, so she linked arms with Qin Wan and followed. Pang Yi Wen seemed in excellent spirits, explaining the history of various garden features as they walked, even showing off by reciting two poems. Qin Wan let the words go in one ear and out the other, pretending not to hear, but soon, a soft, sweet voice rang out—
“Little child, playing hide and seek…”
“Laughing in the stone cave…”
“Qing Niang, come find me quick…”
“Why can’t you ever find me…”
The group had reached the lotus pond, in which winter snow had transformed into a smooth blanket of white. Beside the pond stood a tall artificial mountain. The soft voice they heard was coming from within this mountain.
Though the snowfall had lessened from before, it was still considerable. Everyone recognized the voice as belonging to Third Young Master Pang Jia Yan from earlier. Thinking of the nursery rhyme, Qin Wan frowned – playing hide and seek in such cold weather?
Pang Yi Wen also stopped, his brows furrowing as he called out sharply, “Qing Niang?”
At his call, a figure emerged from behind the nearest part of the artificial mountain – the middle-aged woman who had carried Pang Jia Yan away earlier.
Seeing Pang Yi Wen, Qing Niang hurriedly bowed, “First Young Master.”
Pang Yi Wen frowned, “Is Jia Yan hiding in there?”
Qing Niang glanced fearfully at Pang Yi Wen and nodded, “Yes.”
“In such cold weather! What business does he have crawling around in there!” Pang Yi Wen looked back, “Moreover, with guests touring the garden, this is most improper…”
“Yes, yes, yes, this servant will find Third Young Master right away.”
Qing Niang stood up and called out from where she stood, “Third Young Master? Please come out!”
The artificial mountain appeared to be built from ancient rocks, reaching three or four zhang in height, with several green pines planted at its peak and a pavilion halfway up. It was quite elaborate and impressive. Qin Wan noticed occasional window-like openings revealing darkness within, indicating the mountain was hollow. She immediately realized there must be more to it than met the eye.
As Qing Niang called out, Pang Yi Wen turned back to them, “I apologize for my brother’s mischief-making you lose face, young ladies.”
Qin Wan didn’t find Pang Jia Yan mischievous so much as she worried about the child catching a cold in such weather and found it strange that such a young child wasn’t afraid of the dark interior.
As Pang Yi Wen spoke apologetically, Qin Wan chose not to respond and Qin Shuang remained silent, but Qin Xiang said, “There’s no loss of face. The young master is quite adorable. At his age, it’s natural to be lively and playful.”
Pang Yi Wen sighed, “You only think so because you’ve just met him. He’s truly mischievous. He behaves himself in front of Father, but shows no manners at all before others.”
As if to prove Pang Yi Wen’s words, just as he finished speaking, a snowball hit him squarely in the back of his head with a “thump”!
“Who?!” Pang Yi Wen, who had been wearing what he believed to be a refined smile of resignation, was naturally angered by the sudden attack. Moreover, it happened in front of the three Qin sisters, making it especially humiliating. Thus, his shout was particularly frightening!
As he turned around with one hand covering the back of his head, he saw Pang Jia Yan standing in the pavilion halfway up the mountain.
Pang Yi Wen immediately flew into a rage, “Pang—Jia—Yan—how dare you!”
Before he could finish speaking, Pang Jia Yan threw another snowball. This time, Pang Yi Wen was facing him and naturally more prepared, dodging it with a quick sidestep. Seeing this, Pang Jia Yan grinned and grabbed another handful of snow to throw at Pang Yi Wen. He was surrounded by snow, and though his small hands were red from the cold, he seemed completely unbothered, continuously pelting Pang Yi Wen with snow. Though Pang Yi Wen managed to avoid being hit, dodging around to escape a child’s attacks was quite unseemly!
“Pang Jia Yan! Come down here! Just wait until I tell Father—”
Pang Yi Wen was quite flustered, but Pang Jia Yan showed no fear. Instead, his attacks grew more fierce. He seemed well-practiced at this game, gleefully throwing snowballs from his advantageous height with little effort. Soon enough, he managed to hit Pang Yi Wen again, making his grin even wider. Meanwhile, when Pang Yi Wen tried to climb up to grab him, Pang Jia Yan would edge toward an exit, ready to duck into the stone cave as soon as Pang Yi Wen got close!
Seeing through his strategy, Pang Yi Wen suddenly gritted his teeth and said, “You’d better believe, I’ll tell your mother!”
Pang Jia Yan hesitated but still seemed unafraid and ready to continue his assault. Pang Yi Wen quickly added, “You’d better think about your mother—”
At these words, Pang Jia Yan’s hand paused. He seemed to give a light snort, then threw down the snow in his hand and turned to dive back into the stone cave. Qin Wan caught glimpses of him flashing past two openings but couldn’t tell where he went. Qing Niang stood by, her face pale, “I apologize, First Young Master. I’ll bring Third Young Master back right away.”
After saying this, Qing Niang also crawled into the cave…
The artificial mountain had many secrets, and while it seemed fun, judging by its height, adults would need to stoop to enter. That being the case, how could Qing Niang catch Pang Jia Yan?
Soon, that soft, gleeful voice rang out again:
“Little child, playing hide and seek…”
“Laughing in the stone cave…”
“Qing Niang, come find me quick…”
“Why can’t you ever find me…”
The mountain being hollow with winding passages meant the voice was muffled, and even Qin Wan couldn’t tell exactly where Pang Jia Yan was. After this incident, Pang Yi Wen was flustered and embarrassed about losing face in front of the Qin sisters, naturally losing his enthusiasm.
“A pleasant garden tour, ruined by this little troublemaker.”
Pang Yi Wen straightened his clothes, forcing an intimate tone. Qin Xiang also seemed somewhat embarrassed, while Qin Shuang spoke directly, “Young Master Pang’s clothes are wet, please go change quickly. We’re also tired from walking and will head back now.”
Pang Yi Wen looked at his robe, noting the obvious wet spots from snow on his chest and hem. He gave a bitter smile, “Very well then. Since we couldn’t fully enjoy the tour this time, I’ll show the young ladies around again when the snow stops. It’s quite cold now, and the young ladies shouldn’t stay out too long lest you catch a chill.”
Qin Shuang nodded, “We can find our way back. Please don’t trouble yourself, Young Master Pang.”
With that, she curtsied and pulled Qin Wan along. Behind them, Qin Xiang seemed to say a word of thanks before following.
“That Third Young Master is truly mischievous, the First Young Master wasn’t wrong about that.” Qin Xiang’s tone suddenly grew somber, “When we were young, we would never have dared treat Big Brother-like that…”
Qin Xiang seemed somewhat melancholic thinking of Qin Chen. Though Qin Wan didn’t respond, she understood completely. Qin Shuang had grown up with Qin Chen, and since he had never wronged her, she naturally still remembered her elder brother fondly.
While they hadn’t seen much of the garden’s beauty, they had witnessed quite a scene between the Pang brothers. Though Pang Yi Wen kept calling Jia Yan mischievous, Qin Wan instinctively felt he didn’t like Pang Jia Yan. Moreover, his words had been strange.
—You’d better think about your mother.
Why not just “mother,” but “your mother”? And how did it sound so much like a threat?
Thinking of this, Qin Wan also recalled that they hadn’t seen Madam Pang all day.
Though these questions arose in Qin Wan’s mind, she had no interest in the Pang family’s private affairs and didn’t dwell on them. She followed Qin Shuang back to their quarters, and all three sisters, seeming somewhat tired, retired to their respective rooms.
Just as she entered with Fu Ling, Bai Ying, who was lying in the warm chamber, spoke up, “Sister Fu Ling, could you come here for a moment?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan quickly followed as well, only to hear Bai Ying say somewhat embarrassedly, “I was looking at the medicine names Sister Fu Ling wrote down and became interested. I wonder if Sister Fu Ling could explain them to me.”
Qin Wan had worried Bai Ying was feeling unwell and felt relieved. Fu Ling, having learned even more these days, naturally showed great enthusiasm at the request – she finally had a chance to teach someone!
Qin Wan shook her head with a smile, pleased to see Fu Ling and Bai Ying getting along so well. She turned toward the north wing but stopped short at the doorway – in broad daylight, Yan Chi was standing beside her bed.