“Miss, what did His Highness the Prince say?” Fu Ling followed behind Qin Wan, sensing an unusual seriousness in her demeanor. She had expected Yan Chi to accompany Qin Wan to the birthday banquet, but unexpectedly, Qin Wan had left her alone.

“Nothing much, just asked when we would be departing.”

Fu Ling found this reasonable and asked, “Will His Highness be traveling back with us?”

Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. She hadn’t asked about this, but…

“He probably won’t travel with us. He’s likely to leave first.”

Fu Ling nodded in acknowledgment. As they walked several steps eastward, they heard the distant sound of musical instruments and singing. Qin Wan quickened her pace. “Hurry, it’s already started.”

When Qin Wan arrived at the heated pavilion, the performance had indeed begun on stage. She quickly took her seat beside Qin Shuang, who anxiously said, “You’re finally back! I thought you’d gotten lost. Did you find it?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, it had fallen by the roadside.”

Qin Shuang sighed in relief, “That’s good. The birthday celebration has already begun.”

Qin Wan could see that. Her gaze shifted to where Pang Jiayan sat beside Pang Fu Liang in the men’s section, and she asked, “The Pang family’s Third Young Master has returned as well?”

“He came back right after you left.” Qin Shuang had already started eating. As expected of the Yu Prince’s Manor, today’s birthday feast was particularly exquisite.

Qin Wan nodded in response and looked up at the stage, where they were performing a section of “Golden Branch Birthday Wishes.” This piece was a mandatory selection for birthday celebrations, perfect for opening the festivities with its lively and auspicious nature.

While the female guests generally abstained from alcohol, the male guests had already begun their drinking exchanges.

Qin Wan had little appetite and focused on the stage performance. She didn’t recognize the two performers currently on stage, but their voices were as clear and pleasant as falling jade pearls. As she listened intently, suddenly there was a commotion from the men’s section that drew the attention of the female guests. When Qin Wan looked over, she saw Yan Chi striding in from outside.

“Oh, who’s that? I’ve never seen him before.”

“With such bearing and appearance, we’d surely remember if we had.”

“Could he be some noble from the capital?”

The young ladies at the table couldn’t help but gossip. Qin Wan glanced around the table, seeing how the young ladies’ eyes seemed to sparkle. She lowered her gaze, remaining still.

Seeing how interested these young ladies were, Qin Shuang cleared her throat and said, “This is His Highness, the Crown Prince of the Rui Prince…”

At these words, everyone at the table turned to look at her.

Qin Shuang raised her chin slightly, showing a hint of pride. Back in Jin Zhou, she had been merely following behind Qin Xiang within the manor, and outside, she had never stood out. Now in Yu Zhou, thanks to Yan Chi, she had finally drawn attention.

Soon, a young lady in pink clothes asked, “The Crown Prince of the Rui Prince?”

Qin Shuang nodded calmly, “Indeed.”

The young lady in pink was quite pretty and adorable, with large eyes fixed directly on Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang smiled gracefully, “We knew him in Jin Zhou, and traveled back on the same route as His Highness.”

“Ah… the same route…” The pink-clothed young lady was surprised. “You are…”

Everyone at the table looked at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. Although Qin Shuang was speaking, most eyes frequently turned toward Qin Wan. Qin Shuang’s smile grew warmer, “We are from the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor in the capital…”

“Ah, the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor.” The young lady in pink, being quite young, was rather excitable. “So that’s it! Both are from the capital, no wonder. Traveling together must mean you’re quite close?”

Qin Shuang smiled and was about to say more when Qin Wan gently tugged at her wrist under the table.

Qin Shuang paused briefly, then said, “We have some acquaintance.”

Qin Shuang’s words were light, leaving the others uncertain as they looked at her before turning their attention back to Yan Chi. By now, Yan Chi had taken his seat beside the Yu Prince, along with Yan Li and other royal clan members.

After Yan Chi was seated, the atmosphere returned to normal, but the discussion at Qin Wan’s table wasn’t over.

“I never expected the Rui Prince’s Crown Prince to look like this. Such fine features.”

“Not just fine features, he’s quite formidable too. I heard he achieved many military merits at a young age and commanded a hundred thousand troops. No one else in the royal family can compare.”

“Hush, speak softer. These aren’t matters to discuss carelessly.”

The speaker stuck out her tongue, not daring to say more, but the young lady in pink spoke again, “Speaking of which, none of the princes’ crown princes are married yet…”

“Yes, except for Prince Zhi besides the Yu Prince who married early, none of the others have taken wives yet.”

Qin Wan and her companion’s status placed them among the Marquis households, and those sitting at their table naturally had high status as well. However, Qin Wan didn’t know which families these young ladies came from, but, regarding royal clan matters, they knew more than Qin Shuang, who was far away in Jin Zhou.

“That’s because the Yu Prince came to Yu Zhou early, and the Yu Prince is the late emperor’s eldest son.”

“Indeed, not just the princes’ crown princes, even the several princes themselves haven’t married yet.”

“Isn’t the Crown Prince supposed to be selecting consorts?” Suddenly, a young lady in yellow asked.

Qin Wan, who had been drinking tea, felt her heart stir at these words. The current Crown Prince was formerly Prince Yong, Yan Che, and she had once been betrothed to him… Now times had changed, and she could listen to others discuss Yan Che as an observer.

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, enjoying this feeling of having the upper hand from the shadows.

“The Crown Prince has passed his coming of age, he should have selected consorts long ago. Now with his different status, selecting consorts has become a matter that even court officials are anxious about. If it weren’t for what happened before, the Crown Prince’s wedding date would probably be set by now.”

“What happened? What incident?”

Ordinary young ladies in the inner chambers rarely knew about court politics, and even if they did, they only knew the general outline. However, these ladies before them came from official families and knew quite a bit about the earlier case of Prince Jin.

“It’s about Prince Jin’s case. We can only talk about it here in Yu Zhou; it’s not to be mentioned in the capital.” The speaker was a woman in green clothes, who continued, “Earlier, when the Crown Prince was still Prince Yong, he was betrothed to someone – the only daughter of the former Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature. Later, Prince Jin’s case implicated that Chief Minister as well, and in the end, the whole family was executed.”

“Executed?” The young lady in pink started, her hands tightly gripping her chopsticks, showing fear on her face.

Having mentioned such bloody matters, the lady in green clothes smiled apologetically, “Don’t be afraid, it’s all in the past. Anyway, now the Crown Prince needs to select consorts anew, and this position is quite coveted.”

As she spoke, the green-clothed lady’s face showed a knowing smile, “Haven’t any of your fathers mentioned this?”

Everyone at the table shook their heads, and the green-clothed lady’s smile grew even more meaningful. Qin Wan looked at her, noting how this woman’s features were elegant, especially her swan-like neck as white as congealed cream. When she smiled meaningfully with her chin raised, her bearing was truly as elegant as a high-and-mighty swan. Qin Wan knew this lady would likely be involved in the Crown Prince’s consort selection.

At this moment, applause and cheers suddenly erupted throughout the venue. Qin Wan turned to look and saw that the Shuang Qing Troupe’s first performance had ended. Qin Shuang, while clapping, asked in a low voice, “What are the requirements for the Crown Prince’s consort selection?”

Qin Shuang hadn’t spoken for quite a while; her moment in the spotlight had been stolen by the lady in green clothes.

So she had also taken an interest in the matter of the Crown Prince’s consort selection. Qin Wan smiled at her question, “Family background, appearance, and virtue.”

Then Qin Wan added, “The first requirement is most important.”

Qin Shuang raised her eyebrows and glanced at the lady in green clothes again, then curled her lips and said, “The Crown Prince will have three thousand concubines in the future, what’s so good about marrying such a person?”

Qin Wan was surprised that Qin Shuang would say such things and smiled while nodding without speaking.

As one performance ended, another quickly began. Behind the curtain on the left side of the stage, the musicians had started playing. The attention of Qin Wan and the others was drawn back to the stage.

“It’s ‘Meeting at the Heavenly Bridge’ again. The Shuang Qing Troupe’s version is exceptional. The roles of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl are both played by young women, and they’re both disciples of Troupe Master Qing Li…”

“Later there will be a performance of ‘Mulian Saves His Mother,’ which is also their specialty.”

“‘Mulian Saves His Mother’? Will Qing Li herself perform?”

“Indeed, this is the Yu Prince’s birthday celebration after all…”

The whole table began whispering among themselves. Qin Shuang watched the newly dressed Seven Fairies intently on stage but asked Qin Wan in a low voice, “What is ‘Mulian Saves His Mother’?”

Qin Wan smiled and said, “‘Mulian Saves His Mother’ tells the story of a person who wants to achieve Buddhahood by saving his mother.”

Qin Shuang made an “oh” sound but didn’t show much interest.

This story didn’t sound nearly as appealing as the romantic “Meeting at the Heavenly Bridge.”

Since it was a birthday celebration, the Shuang Qing Troupe was performing three well-known pieces today. Qin Shuang, not fond of this art, naturally didn’t know what “Mulian Saves His Mother” was, but for true enthusiasts, “Mulian Saves His Mother” was the moment to display real skill. Qin Wan had once accompanied her mother to watch a performance of “Mulian Saves His Mother,” and she still couldn’t forget the mastery shown by the performer at that time.

At this time in the Great Zhou Dynasty, theatrical performances included not just singing and recitation, but also acrobatics, magic tricks, and various other elements. Although “Meeting at the Heavenly Bridge” was touching and romantic, it lacked excitement and spectacle. While the performance continued on stage, the clinking of cups and general merrymaking continued below. After listening for a while, Qin Shuang seemed to lose interest and returned to drinking her soup.

At the table, some watched the performance, others observed people, and some were simply distracted. Qin Shuang was perhaps the most focused on her meal. By the time “Meeting at the Heavenly Bridge” concluded, she had finished eating. At this moment, the previously melancholic melody suddenly transformed into something majestic and powerful. The stage scene changed, and a “Venerable One” appeared wearing gray-white kasaya robes and a white hood. All eyes immediately turned toward the stage.

Qin Shuang tugged at Qin Wan, “Is this person Mulian?”

Qin Wan nodded, “This is his appearance after achieving enlightenment. His parents had passed away, and after attaining enlightenment, he wished to help his mother’s soul transcend. Now, he’s relating his relationship with his mother to the Buddha.”

Qin Shuang made an “oh” sound, “This person’s appearance is quite refined.”

Her comment wasn’t quiet, and others at the table heard it. The lady in green clothes smiled and said, “This is Qing Li, the current troupe master of the Shuang Qing Troupe. Looking at her appearance, you wouldn’t think she’s a woman, would you? And she’s already over thirty, nearly forty – can you tell?”

“What?! Looking at her figure, she couldn’t be more than twenty!”

The lady in green sighed, “She’s a late bloomer. She only began showing promise at twenty and must have practiced rigorously daily all these years to maintain such a figure and voice. Just wait and see, she has many spectacular skills to show later.”

This lady in green knew even more than Qin Wan. The last time Qin Wan had watched “Mulian Saves His Mother” was when she first arrived in the capital, accompanying her mother. The performer then wasn’t Qing Li, yet even that performance had left her in awe.

The lady in green fell silent as on stage, “Mulian” finished relating his story to Buddha. Suddenly, white smoke rose in waves, so thick it nearly obscured “Mulian’s” figure. The audience felt as if they were witnessing legendary scenes before their eyes, finding it fresh and exciting. Meanwhile, the previously Buddha-illuminated backdrop changed to one filled with ghost realms and fierce beasts…

“Oh, what does this mean…”

Qin Shuang grabbed Qin Wan, but before she could explain, the lady in green smiled and said, “Didn’t you hear? Mulian wants to help his mother’s soul transcend, but Buddha wants him to search for her through the eight great hells himself. There’s some background not mentioned – Mulian’s mother didn’t cherish grain and food, so after death, she was trapped in one of the hells, unable to achieve salvation. That’s why Mulian sought Buddha’s help. Now we’re at the first hell, the ‘Equal Torment Hell.'”

Qin Shuang nodded and thanked the lady.

The lady in green smiled silently. On stage, many dead souls appeared, wearing masks and clothes inscribed with mystical symbols, holding various weapons as they engaged in mutual slaughter. The scene was frightening, and if not for “Mulian’s” upright bamboo-like presence, watching with compassionate eyes through the “celestial mist,” most young ladies below might have been too scared to watch. With Mulian present, the audience seemed to share his perspective, seeing the horrors of hell and developing a sense of reverence.

“This… if Grandmother saw this, she would surely love it.”

Watching this, Qin Shuang thought of Madam Jiang. Madam Jiang was a Buddhist, and this piece not only portrayed Mulian as a filial son but also promoted Buddhist teachings. If Madam Jiang were watching, she would naturally feel more moved than others.

Qin Wan felt somewhat comforted hearing this, as Qin Shuang hadn’t forgotten Madam Jiang’s kindness.

“Bravo! Bravo! Excellent!”

The cheers grew increasingly enthusiastic as the “ghosts” on stage began performing their specialties according to the story’s development. Some caught bare blades with their hands, others balanced spears at their throats, and some even walked barefoot on nail boards. Not only were the male guests watching with bated breath, but even the female guests couldn’t help but cheer.

If it had been just stunts without plot or singing, it would have been lacking, and if it were just singing, it would have missed some excitement. This entire piece had the noble theme of a filial son seeking Buddha’s help to save his mother, Qing Li’s earnest and compassionate singing, and spectacular acrobatics. In the capital, it was one of the Shuang Qing Troupe’s most popular pieces. Due to the large number of performers required and the combination of difficult singing parts with dangerous acrobatic skills, it wasn’t performed often either in the capital or elsewhere. The cheers continued wave after wave as they moved from the first hell to the second.

“Now we’re at the ‘Black Rope Hell.’ These stunts they’re performing are the Shuang Qing Troupe’s specialties.”

This time, the lady in green began explaining without Qin Shuang asking, “Next comes the ‘Gathering Crowd Hell,’ followed by the ‘Crying Hell,’ ‘Ice Hell,’ and so on. Can you guess where Mulian’s mother is?”

The lady in green looked around, and when no one else spoke, Qin Shuang couldn’t help asking, “Ice Hell?”

The lady in green smiled and shook her head, “No, in the last one, Avici Hell.”

Qin Shuang blinked, and the lady in green continued, “After searching through so many hells without finding his mother, Mulian witnessed the terrible fates of those who did evil in life. This strengthened his resolve to spread Buddhist teachings and encourage people toward goodness. However, when he finally finds his mother, he cannot save her directly. His mother created karmic obstacles in life and must be punished after death no matter what. At this point, Mulian must suffer the punishment in her place.”

Qin Shuang immediately asked, “You mentioned earlier that Master Qing Li would show her special skills at this point. What skills?”

The lady in green explained, “Because Mulian’s mother wasted food in life, she has nothing to eat in hell. When Mulian finds her, she’s nothing but skin and bones. When food is placed before Mulian’s mother, she tries to eat it, but as soon as she touches it, the food turns into burning hot coals, instantly burning her. When she drops it, the coals turn back into food. This cycle repeats endlessly, driving his mother mad.”

Qin Shuang frowned. This lady in green knew how to build suspense, circling just to show off her knowledge.

Qin Shuang was growing impatient, but fortunately, the lady in green continued, “So the first trial is crossing a bridge covered in burning coals in his mother’s place… Master Qing Li will demonstrate the ‘Step by Step Buddha Lotus’ technique.”

Qin Shuang’s eyebrows raised slightly – wasn’t this just lightness skill?

“A bridge of burning coals?” Qin Shuang asked in surprise. “Won’t that cause injury?”

The lady in green covered her smile, “Just watch and you’ll see…”

Qin Shuang fixed her gaze on the stage. Though waiting for Qing Li’s performance, the other performers’ acrobatics were also excellent. Qin Shuang had never seen such varied acrobatics before, each performer displaying superb skill. Combined with “Mulian’s” urgent singing about saving his mother, it was quite moving. Two cups of tea later, they finally reached the Avici Hell that the lady in green had mentioned.

Just as she had said, “Mulian” found his mother as soon as he reached Avici Hell. However, to save his mother’s soul and help her transcend, “Mulian” had to face trials in her place. The first trial was crossing a bridge covered in burning coals…

“Heavens… are those real burning coals?”

Suddenly, a bridge about fifteen zhang long appeared on stage, covered in coals that glowed especially red in the winter air. Knowing some in the audience might doubt, someone poured a basin of water over it, creating a sizzling sound and sending up white steam. “Mulian,” with hands clasped in prayer, calmly began walking across.

Qin Shuang had initially thought “Mulian” would use lightness skills, but unexpectedly, she truly walked across, step by step, very slowly. The music swelled majestically while the demons below screamed and grimaced at “Mulian’s” actions. However, Mulian remained unwavering, walking steady and level, muttering prayers, seemingly surrounded by Buddha’s light.

“Did she walk across?”

Everyone at the table who hadn’t seen it before was asking. Qin Shuang also looked at Qin Wan, “Did she walk across?”

Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “It’s an illusion. Half of today’s performance is illusion.”

Qin Shuang frowned slightly, still watching intently as if trying to see through the illusion. However, even after “Mulian” finished crossing, she couldn’t figure out how it was done.

“What comes next? After the Step-by-Step Buddha Lotus?”

Qin Shuang couldn’t wait for the stage performance to continue and asked the lady in green directly.

The lady in green explained, “Next comes a masterful display of movement called Spirit Mountain Shadowless.”

Qin Shuang’s eyes widened, and the lady in green continued, “There are many forms of punishment in Avici Hell. After crossing the fire bridge, one must pass through an arrow path with forty-nine arrows in total. Master Qing Li must dodge all forty-nine arrows.”

Qin Shuang blinked and turned to Qin Wan, “How is this done with illusion?”

Qin Wan spoke softly, “This doesn’t use illusion. It requires quick movements and precise timing.”

Qin Shuang made a sound of surprise, but before she could turn back, everyone had stood up – “Mulian” was beginning to walk the narrow path. Qin Shuang hurriedly pulled Qin Wan up as well, allowing them to see the stage better.

White smoke arose as the massive backdrop changed again. The supporting demon characters continued their fierce howling, making the white-robed Mulian appear even more solemn and dignified. Still murmuring prayers, an iron chain suddenly appeared on the fire bridge before her, while several more chains descended from above the stage…

“Soon, these chains will be Master Qing Li’s foothold. She cannot touch the ground.”

After the lady in green’s explanation, Qin Shuang’s eyes widened dramatically. Unable to step on the fire bridge or get hit by the flying arrows, this was truly—

Before Qin Wan could finish her thought, “Mulian” suddenly leaped up and grabbed the nearest chain. With a gentle swing, she stood on the raised chain, which hung loose and slack, preventing her from gaining solid footing. At that moment, three arrows shot out from behind the front curtain with sharp whistles. Everyone’s hearts jumped, but “Mulian” leaped into the air again, her movements swift as a flying shadow. With several clear “dings,” the arrows struck the chain where she had stood. Just as the audience sighed in relief for Mulian, three more arrows suddenly shot out, seemingly tracking her movements. “Mulian” was already airborne, forcing her to release her chain and leap toward the next hanging chain. In that moment of release and grab, the three arrows grazed past her shoulders.

Qin Shuang drew in a sharp breath and whispered, “Did she calculate the timing and position of the arrows?”

Qin Wan nodded, and Qin Shuang watched the stage intently, adding, “If she dodges too much it looks fake, but if she dodges too little she could get hurt. It’s not easy.”

Qin Wan made a sound of agreement but didn’t respond further. Like her, no one had time to talk now.

Qing Li’s Spirit Mountain Shadow Flew had to be performed in one fluid motion. Though she knew how the arrows would come, she still had to move into position and time her dodges perfectly to create the illusion of being pursued by arrows. If she became afraid, she could simply stop moving, but if she did that, even if the stage collapsed, she would never work in this profession again.

“Only ten arrows left—”

The lady in green suddenly whispered, and everyone’s eyes grew wider. They watched as Mulian, now at the bridge’s center, suddenly soared upward. Her toes barely touched the hanging chain before she spun directly toward the bridge’s end. At that moment, ten arrows whistled through the air, grazing past Mulian’s body. The audience held their breath until Mulian executed two mid-air flips and landed on the chain at the bridge’s end. Only then did they exhale sharply, followed by thunderous applause. Qin Wan watched the stage with excitement, for this performance was even more thrilling than the one she had watched with her mother!

The cheers continued endlessly, but suddenly Qin Wan noticed something was wrong. “Mulian,” standing at the bridge’s end, wasn’t moving. According to what she remembered from last time, Mulian still had a singing part before successfully saving his mother.

Just as Qin Wan felt something amiss, suddenly “Mulian’s” figure on stage swayed left and right, then fell straight down toward the stage. In an instant, the cheers stuttered to a stop. No one knew what had happened, but everyone sensed something was wrong. The stage performers reacted faster than the audience – the fierce-looking demon characters were the first to rush to “Mulian’s” side, gathering around Qing Li and shouting in chaos. The orchestra section also fell into disarray. The chaos on stage gripped everyone’s hearts—

“Help! Help! Master Qing Li is dead!”

As everyone was infected by the panic, someone suddenly shouted these words!

With just this cry, the Yu Prince’s birthday banquet descended into complete chaos. The Yu Prince, hearing these words, coughed violently, his hand trembling as he pointed at the stage, “Zhi’er! Zhi’er—”

“I understand, I understand, Father Prince, please sit down. I’ll go look!”

Yan Zhi helped the Yu Prince sit down before turning and heading toward the stage. Yan Li, also seated at the head table, always drawn to excitement, quickly followed. Yan Chi followed behind Yan Li – since the Jin Zhou incident, he had become particularly sensitive to deaths. How could Qing Li have died so suddenly?

“What happened?! We didn’t see her get hit by any arrows!”

“How could she die? How could someone die so suddenly—”

“Don’t panic, everyone please don’t panic. Please be seated, the Crown Prince has gone to look. Everyone, don’t be afraid.”

Seeing the Yu Prince about to relapse into his old illness, the manor’s Chief Steward quickly stepped forward, calling out instructions. Only then did the crowd quiet down. Qin Shuang sat beside Qin Wan, her gaze fixed on the stage, watching as Yan Zhi approached and ordered the “demon” performers and musicians to step back. After examining briefly, he went aside to instruct the manor’s guard.

Yan Li and Yan Chi followed closely, and after examining briefly, their expressions changed slightly. They exchanged words with Yan Zhi, who then called over the steward. Soon, the manor’s guards lined up around the stage, surrounding not only the stage itself but also the small courtyard behind it. The Chief Steward hurried to the Yu Prince’s side and whispered something.

“Quickly, quickly, get Wang Huai Yu to take a look! How preposterous, cough cough cough…”

The Yu Prince broke into violent coughing and collapsed. The servants around him called out in panic, and the steward immediately ordered him to be carried inside. Though the guests dared not move about, their hearts were in turmoil. The Yu Prince had fallen ill again, and no one knew whether the Shuang Qing Troupe’s master was dead or alive. The stage was completely cordoned off, and Wang Huai Yu, whom the Yu Prince had named, stepped forward. The lady in green commented, “Master Qing Li must be dead, otherwise they wouldn’t call for the Yu Zhou Prefect.”

Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat – Qing Li had died in an accident?

As she pondered this, Yan Chi walked toward their table in full view of everyone.

The entire table sat up straight. The ladies in green, pink, and yellow all stared at Yan Chi with both surprise and anticipation. Soon, Yan Chi strode up to their table, but he looked at none of them. Instead, he turned and went directly to Qin Wan, “Come with me.”

Seeing Yan Chi’s serious expression, Qin Wan naturally didn’t delay and stood immediately.

Yan Chi turned, and Qin Wan quickly followed. She had thought Yan Chi would take her to see Qing Li, but unexpectedly, he led her toward the main courtyard, turning a corner until they were out of sight of the stage and heated pavilion.

Only then did Qin Wan ask, “Aren’t we going to see Qing Li?”

“She’s already dead,” Yan Chi replied tersely.

Qin Wan felt a chill down her spine, and Fu Ling, following behind, also changed expression.

“Where are we going then?” Qin Wan asked hurriedly.

“Uncle Yu Prince has fallen ill. Take a look at him.”

Qin Wan nodded but couldn’t help asking about Qing Li’s case, “How did she die?”

“An arrow struck her in the back, near the heart. It wasn’t clear from below the stage.”

Qin Wan’s lips tightened, “An accident?”

“It appears so at the moment.” Their quick exchange continued as they walked, and hearing this, Qin Wan felt slightly relieved. If it was an accident, it was truly unfortunate.

Soon, Yan Chi led Qin Wan to where they had earlier met the Yu Prince. Just as they reached the door, the manor’s Chief Steward came out and, seeing Yan Chi, asked, “Your Highness, this is…”

“This is the Ninth Miss of the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor, the Qin family. She’s highly skilled in medicine. I’ve brought her to examine Uncle Prince.”

The steward looked at Qin Wan, “The Ninth Miss is so young…”

His tone was hesitant, seemingly doubting Qin Wan’s medical expertise. Yan Chi looked at him and said, “She treated my injuries, and also the Jin Zhou Princess Royal’s illness.”

Hearing this, the steward didn’t dare block them anymore and immediately let Yan Chi and Qin Wan enter.

They went straight to the inner chamber, where Qin Wan soon saw the unconscious Yu Prince lying in bed. She rolled up her sleeves and began checking his pulse. After a moment, she took out her needle case from her sleeve. Seeing the needle case, the steward became worried, but noting Yan Chi’s serious, silent expression, he held his tongue.

Qin Wan took out an extremely fine, short needle and proceeded to insert it into several major acupoints on the Yu Prince’s shoulders, neck, chest, and abdomen. After finishing, she pricked the middle fingers of both his hands. The steward looked closer and saw dark blood flowing out. At that moment, the Yu Prince coughed twice and woke up…

The steward was overjoyed, “Your Highness, you’re awake?”

The Yu Prince came too slowly, first seeing Yan Chi, then Qin Wan. He stared for a moment, “Seventh… you are… which family’s young lady…”

“Qin, Your Highness. This is the young lady from the Zhong Yong Marquis Manor,” the steward quickly explained.

The Yu Prince paused, “Ah, I remember now, the most beautiful young lady I saw today.”

Qin Wan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at these words, and curtseyed in response.

The steward quickly added, “Your Highness, it was the Ninth Miss who revived you.”

“Is that so?” The Yu Prince’s clouded eyes examined Qin Wan for a moment before nodding, “Good, very good.”

Then, seeming to remember something, he asked, “Oh yes, the Shuang Qing Troupe…”

“Uncle Prince need not worry, Elder Brother is overseeing it,” Yan Chi paused, then added, “It seems to be an accident.”

The Yu Prince coughed twice more upon hearing this, “Ah, if I had known, I wouldn’t have held this birthday celebration. Now someone has died, it’s most inauspicious…”

“Uncle Prince, don’t worry. This isn’t about whether you held the celebration or not. Rest easy, Elder Brother and we are handling things outside.”

The Yu Prince sighed, “Very well, I’ll rest then…”

After a few more words, Yan Chi led Qin Wan out. Fu Ling, waiting outside, hurried to meet them. Yan Chi said, “Good when I heard they were going to send for a doctor, I thought to have you take a look.”

As they walked out, Yan Chi added, “The celebration will likely disperse. You should return first.”

Qin Wan quickly asked, “How long will you stay here?”

Yan Chi’s steps faltered slightly, but he didn’t answer immediately, “I’ll tell you later.”

Qin Wan didn’t press further. Yan Chi led her back toward the heated pavilion, and before they reached it, they saw Yan Zhi already sending guests away. The celebration was nearly over anyway, and with such an incident, no one was in the mood for drinking. They all wanted to leave early to avoid trouble and not add to the host’s difficulties.

From a distance, Yan Chi spotted Qin Yan and was about to send Qin Wan over when Bai Feng suddenly hurried over.

“Master… there’s a problem.”

He whispered something to Yan Chi.

Yan Chi’s brows furrowed, and seeing Qin Yan walking toward them in the distance, he said, “I’m afraid you can’t return just yet.”