The man wearing the emerald green robe was Pang Yi Wen. Just as Qin Wan had sat down and barely exchanged a few words with Qin Shuang, Pang Yi Wen appeared beside them.
“Yi Wu, Father wants to see you,” he said.
Pang Yi Wu had been silently following Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. Since Pang Fu Liang had only instructed him to escort them here, he didn’t know where to go after completing his task. The flower hall was mostly filled with women, and Pang Yi Wen appeared while he was hesitating about where to go. Usually, Pang Fu Liang only assigned important matters to Pang Yi Wen, so why would he suddenly summon Pang Yi Wu?
Pang Yi Wu hesitated, “What does Father want with me?”
Pang Yi Wen first smiled at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, then said, “Just go when you’re called. He’s in the outer study room where you all just left…”
Pang Yi Wu replied with an “Oh” and naturally didn’t dare refuse Pang Yi Wen’s instruction, immediately nodding and running out.
Pang Yi Wen turned to watch Pang Yi Wu leave and sighed, “My second brother is quite slow-witted. Father worried he couldn’t properly look after our two sisters and Third Brother, so he sent me to accompany you both.”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. Qin Shuang gave a cold smile and said, “There’s no need for company. We’ll stay here and won’t wander around. Besides, since this area is full of women, it might be inconvenient for Young Master Pang to remain here.”
Pang Yi Wen chuckled, “How could that be?” Looking around at the women in the flower hall, he continued, “Yu Province’s customs are more liberal than those in the capital and Jin Province. Sixth Sister needn’t worry.” Just then, some young master from another family entered, and Pang Yi Wen said, “See? Everyone is quite casual here. With both sisters being so beautiful, it would be unfortunate if you encountered any accident while walking around the mansion. It’s better if I watch over you.” He glanced at Pang Jia Yan, “Besides, my Third Brother can be quite mischievous.”
After Pang Yi Wen said this, there was nothing more Qin Shuang could say. Pang Yi Wen smiled, lifted his robe, and sat beside Qin Wan. Though he didn’t dare sit too close in public, the situation still made Qin Wan uncomfortable.
There were teacups on the table, and Pang Yi Wen eagerly poured tea for them. Meanwhile, Nanny Qing, sitting on a stool holding Pang Jia Yan, didn’t dare remain seated when Pang Yi Wen arrived. She let Pang Jia Yan sit alone. Pang Jia Yan held the small golden carriage, constantly turning its wheels with one hand. Seeing the wheels spin endlessly, even Qin Shuang found it somewhat endearing.
Pang Jia Yan’s young face showed pure innocence as he sat properly on the stool, appearing well-behaved. Because both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang seemed to like Pang Jia Yan, Pang Yi Wen asked gently, “Third Brother, would you like some tea?”
Pang Jia Yan looked at Pang Yi Wen briefly, then nodded.
Pang Yi Wen, acting like a gentle older brother, poured a cup of tea for Pang Jia Yan and placed it before him. Pang Jia Yan looked at the teacup and suddenly said, “Hot—”
Pang Yi Wen’s lips curved slightly, “Then let it cool for a while before drinking.”
“I want to drink it now.”
Pang Yi Wen’s lips trembled slightly, probably remembering Pang Jia Yan’s unruly behavior yesterday. A flash appeared in his eyes, and he looked up at Nanny Qing behind Pang Jia Yan, “Nanny Qing, cool the tea for Third Young Master.”
“I want Big Brother to cool it…”
Pang Jia Yan stared unblinkingly at Pang Yi Wen, whose expression became somewhat stiff. However, in front of Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, he couldn’t show his displeasure. After a long moment, he nodded, “Alright…”
Then, Pang Yi Wen held the teacup, stirring it with the lid while gently blowing on it.
Seeing Pang Yi Wen’s twisted expression as he did something he didn’t want to do, both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang found it somewhat amusing. Qin Shuang took a sip of tea and looked around at the women in the hall, commenting softly, “They all appear to be from noble families.”
Qin Wan had already observed everyone in the room, “Naturally, only distinguished families would be invited to Prince Yu’s birthday celebration.”
After a few moments, Pang Yi Wen handed the teacup back, “Here, Third Brother.”
Pang Jia Yan glanced at the teacup in Pang Yi Wen’s hand, frowned, and then turned to Nanny Qing.
“Nanny Qing, I want to go play—”
Pang Yi Wen’s expression immediately changed, wanting to express anger but unable to do so. Nanny Qing saw Pang Yi Wen’s expression and hesitated, “Third Young Master, First Young Master’s tea…”
“Nanny Qing, I want to go play—”
Pang Yi Wen took a deep breath and put down the teacup, “Nanny Qing, take him for a walk, but return within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea…”
Nanny Qing quickly agreed and carried Pang Jia Yan away.
With Pang Jia Yan gone, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were left to face Pang Yi Wen alone. He smiled and said, “Third Brother has been spoiled by Father since childhood, so his temperament isn’t very good. I hope both sisters won’t take offense.”
After a pause, Pang Yi Wen continued, “Father doesn’t discipline him, so as the eldest brother, I naturally have to say something. But this has led to that little one’s resentment…”
Pang Yi Wen wore an expression of helpless resignation, though his gaze kept drifting toward Qin Wan. He then changed the subject, “Both sisters have come at a somewhat unfortunate time. With the heavy snow these days, you can’t see Yu Province’s true appearance. Otherwise, I’m sure both sisters would love it here. Yu Province isn’t as humid as the south nor as dry as the north. The four seasons are distinct, winters aren’t too cold, and summers aren’t too hot—perfect for long-term residence. Our family business has gradually shifted southward, and many people ask why we don’t move our residence as well, but Father particularly likes it here.”
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang nodded slightly but didn’t respond.
Finding it difficult to continue, Pang Yi Wen’s eyes darted around before he said, “Ninth Sister, there’s a plum garden in the prince’s mansion, not far from here. Would you like to see it?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “No need. Young Master Pang should attend to his other matters.”
Qin Shuang blinked, seeming to think of something, and smiled lightly, “We sisters will be fine together. Besides, Young Master Pang, Master Pang needs you by his side. Please go ahead with your duties.”
Sensing their intention to dismiss him, Pang Yi Wen’s eyes shifted as he said, “Father’s matters aren’t urgent, but Third Brother has been gone for a while and hasn’t returned. I’ll go look for him.”
He stood up and walked out, frowning slightly. Though anxious, he didn’t want to offend Qin Wan, so he had to retreat strategically. However, thinking of Qin Wan’s expression, he felt somewhat indignant. Although Qin Wan shared the Qin surname, she wasn’t born into the Marquis’s household, and both her parents were gone—what was she so proud of?
As Pang Yi Wen walked, he suddenly encountered a man wearing the prince’s mansion guard uniform. “Young Master Pang, the Prince requests your presence.”
Pang Yi Wen was startled—what would Prince Yu want with him?
Though surprised, Pang Yi Wen nodded, “Where should I go?”
“Young Master Pang, please follow me.”
After saying this, the guard turned north.
The speaker seemed unfamiliar, and although Pang Yi Wen had visited the prince’s mansion several times, he didn’t come often, so it was normal not to recognize everyone. Moreover, the speaker carried himself with a certain dignity, quite different from ordinary servants.
Thinking this, Pang Yi Wen followed directly.
However, after passing through a corridor, Pang Yi Wen frowned, “Has the Prince retired to the back for rest?”
It was just past noon, the time when guests were most numerous, yet this guard was leading him deeper into the prince’s mansion.
“The Prince is feeling somewhat unwell and needs to rest for a while.”
Pang Yi Wen knew about Prince Yu’s poor health, so he didn’t suspect anything and continued following toward the back. However, after passing another corridor, Pang Yi Wen instinctively felt something wasn’t right.
This area was somewhat secluded, and they were getting further and further from Prince Yu’s main courtyard.
“Wait…” Pang Yi Wen stopped, “This isn’t the way to the Prince’s quarters.”
The guard ahead also stopped but didn’t immediately turn around. After a pause, he turned, and Pang Yi Wen saw a cold smile on his face. Seeing this expression, even someone as slow as Pang Yi Wen realized something was wrong. He stepped backward twice, about to turn and flee, but at that moment, a forceful wind suddenly approached from behind. Before Pang Yi Wen could react, a black cloth bag was pulled over his head, and simultaneously, someone kicked the back of his knees.
Pang Yi Wen let out a cry of shock and fell to his knees. Just as he was about to struggle, he was dragged several steps to the left.
“Alright, right here, beat him!”
Fists rained down on Pang Yi Wen like a storm. He screamed in pain, unable to imagine who would dare cause trouble at Prince Yu’s birthday celebration.
……
……
“Master, it’s done.” Lu Yun, wearing dark blue fitted clothes, approached with an excited expression, “We didn’t break any bones, but he’ll need at least two days before he can get up…”
Yan Li let out a delighted cry upon hearing this and turned to look at Yan Chi, “How about that, Seventh Brother? Clean and efficient, right?”
Yan Chi remained standing by the window and responded, “In the entire Prince Yu’s mansion, how many people would dare to beat someone during the birthday celebration?”
Yan Li chuckled, “How many could there be? Naturally, only me!”
As his words fell, Yan Li’s smile faded, “Seventh Brother means…”
Speaking with widened eyes, Yan Li said, “That can’t be… Even if they suspect me, they have no evidence. And even with evidence, what could they do to me?”
Yan Li walked forward, “Just looking at that emerald green robe he wore was irritating enough, not to mention how obvious his intentions were toward Miss Qin…”
Yan Chi naturally didn’t object to the Pang family’s eldest son suffering a bit, “I just worry you might achieve the opposite of what you intended.”
Yan Li made a puzzled sound, “How would it backfire?”
As they spoke, Yan Li noticed someone approaching the entrance of the flower hall below. The person looked around at the doorway, then walked straight to Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. After exchanging some words, Qin Shuang and Qin Wan shared a glance before standing up.
Then, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang followed that person out of the flower hall.
Yan Li was dumbfounded, “What… what’s going on? Why did they leave?”
While Yan Li didn’t know why Qin Wan left, Yan Chi did. His eyes darkened as he turned to go downstairs. Seeing this, Yan Li immediately called out, “Hey, wait, what are you going to do, Seventh Brother…”
……
……
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang followed behind Pang You De, walking rather quickly.
Qin Shuang said in disbelief, “Manager Pang, how could First Young Master be injured out of nowhere?”
Walking ahead and leading the way, Pang You De sighed, “We don’t know yet. First Young Master can barely speak now. This matter shouldn’t be spread around. The Young Master mentioned that Ninth Miss knows medical arts, which is why I came to fetch her.”
This incident was truly strange. At a perfectly normal birthday celebration, Pang Yi Wen had only gone out briefly, yet somehow got beaten up. This was Prince Yu’s mansion, after all…
Although Qin Wan disliked Pang Yi Wen, if it came to a matter of life and death, she couldn’t stand idly by, especially since Qin Yan had already mentioned her medical skills.
The three walked along the mansion’s winding corridors for a while before arriving at a guest chamber. As they reached the door, Qin Wan could hear groaning sounds from inside.
“Master, Young Master, Sixth Miss, and Ninth Miss have arrived,” Pang You De announced.
Pang Fu Liang immediately responded, “Come in quickly.”
Qin Shuang and Qin Wan entered together. Inside, they saw Pang Yi Wen lying on a couch near the window, his face bruised and swollen. Several people stood around him, and upon hearing that Qin Wan and Qin Shuang had arrived, Pang Yi Wen raised his hand halfway.
He lifted his hand as if trying to cover his face, but as soon as he touched his cheek, he cried out in pain. By this time, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang had already walked up to him.
Qin Wan looked at Qin Yan, “What happened…”
Qin Yan’s face showed confused embarrassment as he coughed lightly before saying, “Since you know medicine, please check if First Young Master is seriously injured.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes to glance at Pang Yi Wen, stepped forward, and asked, “Where are you injured, First Young Master?”
Pang Yi Wen felt ashamed to appear this way before Qin Wan, but since she had already seen him, he thought of another approach. Squinting his eyes, he said, “I feel hurt all over. I’m not sure if my legs are broken, and there’s pain in my chest and abdomen, plus my face…”
While Pang Yi Wen’s facial injuries were visible, the extent of his body injuries was unknown. As he spoke, he half-opened his eyes to look at Qin Wan, imagining how it would feel to have her delicate hands examining his body. However, he saw Qin Wan suddenly take out a cloth bag from her sleeve. Pang Yi Wen was stunned, not comprehending what was happening…
“I’m most skilled at acupuncture. Let me examine First Young Master.”
As she spoke, Qin Wan pulled out a long needle with a slightly thick head from the cloth bag. The silver needle gleamed brilliantly, extremely sharp, with a tip flat like a dagger’s edge. When Pang Yi Wen saw it, he trembled in fear, but before he could stop her, Qin Wan had already inserted the needle into his leg.
“Ow—”
Pang Yi Wen didn’t know where Qin Wan had inserted the needle, but it felt like the flesh of his entire thigh was being torn off. He howled in pain, instinctively lifting his leg. Seeing that he could raise and bend his leg, and was trying to withdraw from her needle, Qin Wan nodded and said, “The leg isn’t broken.”
Then, with lightning speed, Qin Wan inserted another needle near Pang Yi Wen’s ribs.
“Ow ow now—”
Pang Yi Wen was already covered in external injuries, and now being stabbed by Qin Wan’s needles made his whole body curl up in pain. He frantically shrank back, both hands protecting his stomach, with tears nearly forced out by Qin Wan’s needles.
Seeing his exaggerated movement of protecting his stomach, and that he could curl up without showing signs of increased pain, Qin Wan said, “The ribs should not be broken, and the internal organs seem uninjured. The arms… aren’t broken either. It appears to be just external injuries.”
After speaking, Qin Wan looked at Pang Yi Wen again, “Does First Young Master hurt anywhere else?”
Pang Yi Wen was drenched in cold sweat, not from the beating but from Qin Wan’s needles. He looked at the gentle-appearing Qin Wan, then at the silver needles in her hand, and seeing that her needle bag contained other strange-looking needles, he immediately shook his head, “No, no more, that’s all, that’s all…”
Qin Wan nodded and slowly put away her needles.
Qin Shuang watched in astonishment, while Qin Yan’s expression was somewhat complex. Pang Fu Liang glanced at Qin Wan twice, then instructed Pang You De, “Since there’s no serious injury, first have someone escort him back to Qing Hui Garden, then invite the family’s regular physician.”
Pang You De quickly nodded, “Yes, I’ll arrange to send First Young Master back right away.”
As he spoke, Pang You De called Pang Yi Wu, and the two of them supported Pang Yi Wen on either side to help him up.
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang stepped aside. Pang Yi Wen didn’t even have the strength to stand, groaning as he was helped out. Qin Shuang looked at Pang Yi Wen, who was not only disheveled and bruised but also had dirt and footprints on his clothes. She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. After Pang Yi Wen left, Qin Yan said, “Master Pang, about this matter—”
Pang Fu Liang’s eyes were deep and dark, but he showed no sign of anger, “It’s nothing, perhaps it’s related to business matters. In recent years, I’ve let Yi Wen and Yi Wu handle affairs, so they’ve inevitably made some enemies. Today is Prince Yu’s birthday, so we’ll keep it quiet for now and investigate later.”
If it were anyone else, they would have likely already made a scene before Prince Yu, but Pang Fu Liang remained composed.
Hearing this, Qin Yan immediately said, “Master Pang truly shows great tolerance and consideration for the bigger picture. I admire that.”
Pang Fu Liang smiled, “We must give a face to Prince Yu. As for Yi Wen, he’s a grown man—as long as no bones or internal organs are damaged, it’s not a serious matter. We can investigate later.”
As he spoke, melodious music and the sound of firecrackers rang out simultaneously. Pang Fu Liang said, “It seems the birthday celebration is about to begin. This celebration will feature the Shuang Qing Troupe throughout. Hearing these sounds, we should head over.”
Qin Yan quickly agreed. By this time, Pang You De had returned, “Master, First Young Master has left.”
Pang Fu Liang nodded and looked around while walking out, “Go find Third Young Master.”
Qin Shuang said, “Earlier in the flower hall, Third Young Master said he wanted to go play, and Nanny Qing took him out. We don’t know where they went.”
Pang Fu Liang nodded, glancing at Pang You De, who quickly nodded and left.
Pang Fu Liang then led Qin Yan and the others toward the main courtyard.
……
……
“Hahahahaha, she just directly stabbed him with needles?”
“Did he scream even louder than when he was being beaten?”
“My goodness, if I had known, I would have gone to watch too…”
Yan Li was laughing so hard he was shaking, almost crying from laughter. He brushed back his long black hair and spun around twice in delight, “This Miss Qin is really interesting and has such character!”
Speaking of which, Yan Li looked at Yan Chi and said, “Seventh Brother was worried about her being constrained by others!”
The corner of Yan Chi’s lips curved up, his heart slightly relaxing. He had worried that Qin Wan would be forced to treat the First Young Master’s injuries. The thought of Qin Wan having to undress another man and apply medicine to him—how could he have endured that?
Fortunately, Qin Wan always showed no mercy to those with ill intentions.
Thinking this, Yan Chi felt a tickle in his heart. Qin Wan didn’t want their relationship to become public, and she wouldn’t even tell her little maid, let alone the Qin family’s Sixth Miss who followed her around all day. That’s why he hadn’t sent someone to call her over, but after all this time and after this incident, he was finding it hard to resist.
“Seventh Brother, what are you thinking about?” seeing Yan Chi silent, Yan Li asked.
Yan Chi listened for a moment, “The birthday celebration seems to be starting.”
Yan Li also listened and smiled, “They’re setting off firecrackers, it should be starting. What? Shall we go take our seats? If we’re not there later, Uncle Prince Yu might send someone to look for us.”
Yan Chi’s eyes shifted slightly, “Wait a bit longer.”
Yan Li opened his eyes wide, looking at Yan Chi, “What are you planning to do, Seventh Brother?”
Yan Chi curved his lips, “Nothing, you go take your seat first.”
As he spoke, he walked to one side and quietly gave some instructions to Bai Feng.
Seeing this, Yan Li knew Yan Chi had his arrangements and shrugged, “Alright then, I’ll go ahead and wait for you.”
With that, he strode quickly toward today’s banquet location.
……
……
Since they would be dining while watching a performance, today’s birthday celebration was set up in an open area near the main courtyard by the lake. When Qin Wan and the others arrived, they saw that felt carpets had already been laid out over the large open space and warm pavilions had been erected. Rows of square huanghuali wood tables were neatly arranged, and on the far east of the grounds stood a high theater stage.
Walking alongside Qin Wan, Qin Shuang pulled her close and said softly, “I truly admire you.”
Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment, “What? What do you admire about me?”
Qin Shuang glanced at Pang Fu Liang and Qin Yan who were talking ahead of them, “You dared to do that right in front of them… Who treats patients like that…”
The corner of Qin Wan’s lips curved up, “Weren’t they just asking me to check if he was seriously injured?”
As Qin Wan spoke, the smile on Qin Shuang’s face grew deeper, “When you put it that way, I suppose there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Qin Wan’s smile remained faint, clearly unconcerned about any consequences of her actions. Even if there were consequences, it would only let Pang Yi Wen know that she wasn’t someone to be trifled with, which suited her just fine.
While Qin Wan was lost in thought, Pang Fu Liang and Qin Yan had already entered the warm pavilion. As a native of Yu Province, Pang Fu Liang naturally knew all the official and wealthy families, so as soon as he entered, many people stood up to greet him. Qin Yan followed along, exchanging pleasantries. Pang Fu Liang hadn’t forgotten about Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, instructing Pang You De to lead them to their assigned seats, as seating arrangements had been made in advance due to the large number of guests, many of high status.
Once seated, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang felt more at ease. The banquet area was divided between male and female guests. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang sat among other young ladies of similar age. Perhaps because others also felt uncomfortable, no one spoke at first, only casting occasional glances at others at the table.
Soon, servants came to serve tea at their table.
The servants poured tea one by one, placing cups in front of each person. Qin Wan noticed the tea was clear and fragrant. Just as she was about to pick it up, she felt something under the teacup.
Qin Wan glanced at it briefly before instinctively looking toward the men’s section, searching for a while but not seeing Yan Chi. After a moment’s thought, she suddenly said, “I seem to have lost my needle case.”
Qin Shuang was slightly surprised, “What happened? Did you drop it?”
Qin Wan said quietly, “Wait here, I’ll go back and look for it.”
“I’ll go with you,” Qin Shuang quickly offered.
Qin Wan pressed her hand down, “It’s fine, I’ll go with Fu Ling. You stay here, otherwise we might lose our seats when we return.”
Qin Shuang wanted to say more but seeing Qin Wan’s determined expression, she nodded, “Come back quickly, don’t go far.”
Qin Wan nodded and left the pavilion with Fu Ling.
Fu Ling said anxiously, “I was following right behind Miss, but I didn’t see you drop anything.”
Qin Wan shook her head, “I’m not going to look for the needle case.”
Fu Ling was startled, “Ah? If not to find the needle case, then what for?”
Qin Wan’s lips pressed together slightly, “It’s Prince Chi—”
Fu Ling was first surprised, then said, “Prince Chi wants to see Miss?” She looked back toward the pavilion, “Oh, Prince Chi must be worried about people misunderstanding if he speaks with you in front of everyone, but… being seen like this now could lead to even bigger misunderstandings. Where is Prince Chi?”
Just as she finished speaking, Bai Feng appeared at a corridor corner.
“Ninth Miss, please follow me—”
Qin Wan nodded to him, and Bai Feng led her directly to the Moon-Getting Tower.
In less than half a cup of tea’s time, Qin Wan arrived at the Moon-Getting Tower. When the door opened, she entered while Fu Ling remained outside. This time Bai Feng hadn’t called for her, but she seemed to have grown accustomed to this.
“Guard Bai, why did His Highness summon Miss?”
Though Fu Ling hadn’t entered, she was still curious.
Bai Feng smiled and said, “Nothing much, just knowing that Ninth Miss has changed residences, he wanted to ask if she’s comfortable there.”
Fu Ling was moved, “His Highness… His Highness is truly so good to Miss, completely fulfilling the Grand Princess’s entrustment.”
Bai Feng smiled brightly, “Naturally…”
Inside the room, Yan Chi was looking Qin Wan up and down. Qin Wan glanced outside, and seeing the door close, said softly, “What is it? The birthday celebration is about to begin outside.”
“I know.” Yan Chi walked closer, “Why do you seem thinner?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan was first stunned, then laughed, “We just saw each other yesterday, how could I be thinner?”
As he spoke, Yan Chi took her hand, and feeling it was cold, he took her other hand as well, holding both in his palms. Yan Chi was in his prime, his palms warm with vitality. He held Qin Wan’s hands and blew on them with a “hoo” before saying, “You did very well today.”
Qin Wan’s eyes widened slightly, not immediately understanding.
Yan Chi looked into her eyes and said, “The needle treatment was well done—”
Qin Wan took a shallow breath, “Pang Yi Wen… did you order someone to beat him?”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, “What do you think?”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi for a moment, then shook her head, “It probably wasn’t you…”
Yan Chi laughed softly and simply kissed her fingertip. Qin Wan’s face warmed at his kiss, and she tried to pull her hand away, but Yan Chi wouldn’t let go. She said, “Your men aren’t thugs. Though they can show restraint, if they had done it, they would have been more ruthless where needed, at least breaking some tendons or bones. Also… this method seems somewhat playful, like a childish prank. It doesn’t seem like something you would do.”
In the pavilion, Yan Li, who had been staring at a delicate maid beside him, suddenly felt his nose itch and let out a big sneeze.
The corner of Yan Chi’s lips curved up, “Sometimes, the simplest methods are the most direct.”
Qin Wan opened her eyes wide—was it Yan Chi who did it?
“It wasn’t me, it was Eighth Brother,” he paused, then said, “The Crown Prince of Duke Gong.”
Qin Wan understood for a moment, “If it was him… that makes sense…”
“Oh?” Yan Chi’s perceptiveness made Qin Wan’s heart flutter. Sure enough, he said, “You’ve only met him once, yet you know about his glorious deeds?”
Qin Wan’s lips twitched, “Third Brother mentioned a bit about it, but I could guess the rest.”
Speaking of which, Qin Wan firmly pulled her hands away, “Hasn’t he arranged many amusements for you?”
Just as Qin Wan was about to pull her hands away, Yan Chi grasped them again, “You mean the Tian Xiang House?”
At the mention of “Tian Xiang House,” the smile disappeared from Qin Wan’s face. She stopped trying to pull her hands away, but her expression grew cold. She had only heard Qin Yan mention that Yan Li had made arrangements, not knowing exactly what they were. Her words had been merely a probe, but she hadn’t expected to hit the mark so easily.
Tian Xiang House… the name alone suggested a pleasure house or pleasure boat. What else would men do in such a place?
Indeed, her suspicions had been confirmed…
The more Qin Wan thought about it, the colder her heart grew, and even her previous flush faded away.
Everyone has emotions and desires. She had been ignorant of matters of the heart in both lives, and she didn’t resist the budding feelings in her heart now. If everything had been as she wished, she might have allowed herself to become more deeply involved. However, now that her suspicions were confirmed, she needed to carefully guard her heart. She had been very clear with Yan Chi—if forced into an unavoidable marriage, she might act like any other “virtuous and proper” woman in this world, maintaining appearances while keeping her distance. But now, though they weren’t yet at the point of marriage, Yan Chi had been her own choice. Therefore, how much of her heart she gave him had to be her own decision.
Seeing the changes in Qin Wan’s expression and eyes, Yan Chi’s eyebrows lifted slightly. When he saw the coldness in her eyes, he immediately understood its source…
After a moment, Yan Chi couldn’t help but smile.
“Yan Li fell for a singing girl at the Tian Xiang House, saying she was devastatingly beautiful, with a voice as enchanting as celestial music.” Yan Chi spoke slowly, and sure enough, as he finished speaking, Qin Wan truly tried to pull her hands away.
“You, let go.” Qin Wan spoke with extreme calmness. Yan Chi had wanted to tease her more, but seeing her like this, his heart fluttered with worry. He quickly tightened his grip on her hands and said, “But I didn’t go. These past two days, I’ve been resting at Prince Yu’s mansion.”
Qin Wan froze, the strength in her hands relaxing—
Yan Chi’s relieved smile grew broader, “Why didn’t you ask yesterday?”
Qin Wan frowned, “Why didn’t you go?”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, “Why should I go?”
Qin Wan lifted her chin, “Isn’t visiting pleasure houses common for men?”
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan with a sincere smile, “I don’t have that habit.”
“Oh.” Qin Wan responded coolly, then stared at Yan Chi for a moment, “It’s very good that Your Highness doesn’t have this habit. In pleasure houses, the risk of contracting venereal disease is very high.”
She paused, then added, “However, Your Highness might keep favored concubines hidden in your residence…”
Yan Chi stared at Qin Wan without moving, then suddenly burst out laughing. While laughing, he pulled her into his embrace, “Now you’re raising another question. What else do you want to know? Keep asking. What if I tell you I don’t have the habit of keeping hidden concubines either? Are you going to ask next if I have personal serving maids? Let me tell you, I don’t have such things as serving maids, whether in Xi West or the prince’s mansion in the capital…”
Such things as serving maids…
Being held roughly by Yan Chi, Qin Wan felt his words showed considerable disdain for serving maids. Sure enough, Yan Chi continued, “Women are physically weak and of little use to me. Not only useless but a burden. The Bai Ying you saw, and Bai Feng are siblings adopted by the old steward in childhood. They’re close, but even so, I originally didn’t want her to work for me. Only after Bai Feng tested her skills in front of me did I agree. Women are useless in war, useless as secret guards, but in espionage, women can use their perceived weakness and beauty to sometimes achieve more than men.”
Yan Chi spoke seriously, and while the logic made sense, Qin Wan felt his disdain for women carried a sense of superiority. Yet she couldn’t argue against it—on the battlefield where weapons spoke, women were indeed at a disadvantage, and Great Zhou had explicit laws forbidding women from entering military camps.
Qin Wan pressed her lips together. She hadn’t even thought about the serving maid aspect. In wealthy households and noble families, young masters didn’t have a couple of maids serving them, first as bedmates then as concubines…
“What’s wrong, you don’t believe me?”
Seeing Qin Wan silent, Yan Chi asked again.
Qin Wan shook her head, “It’s not that I don’t believe you, it’s that I hadn’t even thought about this aspect.”
Yan Chi laughed so hard his chest shook, but Qin Wan pushed him away, “Yan Chi—”
Hearing her call his full name, Yan Chi’s smile faded slightly, though he still looked at her with pleasure.
Qin Wan’s eyes focused intently as she said, “With your mindset and perspective, you should know what I want. I will never make unreasonable demands of you, but if you cross my bottom line, I will withdraw my affections—”
The curve of Yan Chi’s smile gradually diminished. He knew Qin Wan wasn’t joking.
Qin Wan continued, “Perhaps you think I’m different from others, but this is who I am. You were my choice, made by my own heart, so I will never let my heart’s choice break my resolve.”
Yan Chi stepped forward wanting to embrace her, but Qin Wan stepped back again, “Don’t answer easily, and don’t make promises to me. Think about what I’ve said. Only when you’ve thought it through will I believe your words.”
Speaking thus, Qin Wan glanced outside, “It’s getting late. I’ll go first, you come later.”
With these words, Qin Wan turned and walked out. Yan Chi watched her leave without following. He just stood there, his phoenix eyes gentle with a faint smile, followed by a slightly helpless sigh, “Silly girl…”