“Baby, playing hide and seek, giggling behind the rocks…” A soft, girlish voice rang out with an eerily cold laugh, causing the hair to stand up on all four people in Qin Wan’s group. Qin Shuang grabbed Qin Wan’s arm and asked tremulously, “Who? Who’s hiding back there?!”
“Baby, playing hide and seek, giggling behind the rocks…”
No one answered Qin Shuang, but the nursery rhyme rang out again. Qin Wan had heard this rhyme before when Pang Jia Yan was teasing Pang Yi Wen, but this wasn’t Pang Jia Yan’s voice, and he couldn’t possibly be here at this time. Qin Wan pressed her lips together, her eyes darting to a small path nearby. That path would lead around the rocks to the dwarf bamboo. Qin Wan frowned, “Want to know who’s playing tricks?”
“Baby, playing hide and seek, giggling behind the rocks…”
The girl’s voice continued, but everyone could tell her position had changed.
Qin Shuang, her face slightly pale, looked at Qin Wan. “Are you scared? Is this human or a ghost…”
Qin Wan frowned, “Of course it’s human, and she’s about to run.”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang pressed her lips together, glancing at Fu Ling and Wan Qing, hesitantly saying, “Should we go look behind there?”
The area was somewhat dim but not completely dark. Seeing Qin Shuang’s curiosity, Qin Wan took her hand and walked toward the small path. Seemingly hearing their footsteps, the person behind the rocks retreated further.
“Baby, playing hide and seek, giggling behind the rocks…”
It wasn’t so bad before Qin Wan’s group approached, but once they did, it truly felt like playing hide and seek with that person. The rocky passage was narrow, the light even dimmer, and Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, gripping the Han Yue blade tightly in her sleeve.
Anyone playing pranks in Qing Hui Garden had to be someone, and not just anyone, but someone of significant status.
If it were just a servant, how would they dare treat guests this way?
But as Qin Wan thought about it, Pang Fu Liang had no daughters, so who could this be…
By this time, the group had walked along the passage to the dwarf bamboo. Behind these rocks was another path, with the rock formation and dwarf bamboo serving as a screen between the two paths to prevent emptiness. The bamboo was only slightly taller than a person. When Qin Wan’s group reached the front, they saw no one, but that voice had moved about ten steps ahead of them.
“Baby, playing hide and seek, giggling behind the rocks…”
There was a constant rustling sound as the person moved back and forth among the dwarf bamboo, truly seeming to play hide and seek. From where Qin Wan’s group stood, they could only see a not-too-tall shadow swaying back and forth, but couldn’t make out what the person looked like. Qin Shuang frowned and shouted as if to boost her courage, “As long as you’re not a ghost, I’m not afraid of you. If you have the guts, don’t run—”
Qin Shuang shouted and tried to pull Qin Wan into the bamboo grove, but Qin Wan smiled wryly and quickly held her back, lifting her chin to indicate the front. Sure enough, the shadow rustled as if running further away, and soon the sound stopped.
“She ran away. There’s another path ahead.”
Qin Shuang raised her eyebrows, “So she just wanted to scare us?”
She exhaled and showed her palm to Qin Wan, “I was so scared my hands are all sweaty. This person really… who knows which servant it was, showing such poor manners. Tomorrow I’ll complain to Manager Pang!”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes at the now-quiet expanse of dwarf bamboo and shook her head, “Something feels off. Not only would ordinary servants not dare act this way, but even if someone wanted to scare us, they wouldn’t do it like this. It’s strange.”
“Also,” Qin Wan paused, “Third Young Master Pang has said this rhyme before.”
“Hmm?” Only then did Qin Shuang remember, “Yes, Pang Jia Yan said something similar.”
Thinking about it, confusion appeared in Qin Shuang’s eyes, “Could it be one of Pang Jia Yan’s servants?”
Qin Wan shook her head and looked around again. There was no one else. Initially, hearing those sounds had been chilling, but now it seemed the person had meant them no harm. But who could it be?
Qin Wan pondered for a moment, “We can ask about it tomorrow if we have the chance. For now, let’s head back.”
It was very cold outside. After Qin Wan finished speaking, the group retreated from behind the rocks, returned to the main path, and headed to their guest quarters. By now it was late at night, and after Qin Wan and Qin Shuang returned to their respective rooms, they soon retired.
After a good night’s sleep, early the next morning, before Qin Wan could get up, Qin Shuang came to her room.
“Stop sleeping, get up quickly, the Shuang Qing Troupe people have returned.”
Qin Wan sat up, still slightly dazed, “Everyone’s back?”
Qin Shuang shook her head, “That Qing Lan hasn’t returned. They say it’s confirmed—she was the one who harmed Master Qing Li…”
Hearing this, Qin Wan immediately became alert. It was confirmed already?
Seeing Qin Wan’s serious expression, Qin Shuang blinked and said, “The Shuang Qing Troupe is leaving. I don’t know when we’ll leave… I just saw them bringing back all their equipment. They say they’re leaving tomorrow. Without Qing Li, and now without Qing Lan, Shuang Qing Troupe only has Qing Xian left—might as well rename it ‘Single Qing Troupe.'”
Qin Wan got up to dress and do her hair, washing up while asking, “What did Third Brother say?”
Qin Shuang shook her head, “Haven’t seen Third Brother yet. He seems to have returned very late last night.” She continued, “Wasn’t someone supposed to be introduced to Third Brother, and wasn’t the Shuang Qing Troupe supposed to perform in the garden for a couple of days? Now that something’s happened to the troupe, they surely can’t perform anymore. I wonder how Third Brother’s meeting went with the person he was supposed to meet.”
The person Qin Rui was supposed to meet was Liu Yun Tong, and staying there last night must have been to talk with him.
Qin Wan shook her head, “We don’t know yet. We’ll find out when we see Third Brother later.”
As they were speaking, after about two cups of tea worth of time, Zhou Huai came to invite the three Qin sisters to have breakfast at Qin Rui’s courtyard.
When they arrived at Qin Rui’s courtyard, breakfast was already laid out, naturally much more elaborate than at Bai Cao Garden.
“When does Third Brother plan to leave?” As soon as they began eating, Qin Wan asked.
Qin Rui smiled, “Is Ninth Sister in a hurry? We’ll stick to the original plan and stay for a few more days.”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “How was Third Brother’s conversation with Liu Yun Tong?”
A light flashed in Qin Rui’s eyes; Qin Wan was more perceptive than Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang. He thought for a moment and simply said, “Liu Yun Tong has been an official for many years and has great insight into salt transportation. We had a pleasant conversation.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Has Liu Yun Tong always been in salt transportation?”
At this, Qin Rui sighed, “Liu Yun Tong has reached the age of forty, but his official career hasn’t been smooth. He didn’t become even a lowly county assistant magistrate until his twenties through contribution, then served as county magistrate, prefect, and deputy commissioner of maritime affairs before moving to salt transportation. Getting to where he is today hasn’t been easy. Moreover, in recent years, both the imperial court and local authorities have been watching salt transportation very closely. Though these salt transportation officials hold important positions, their jobs aren’t easy. Last year alone, several corrupt salt transportation officials in the east were dealt with—accepting bribes from salt merchants was one thing, but some even embezzled salt taxes out of self-interest…”
Qin Rui’s tone was contemplative, his words showing his deep understanding of court politics. Qin Wan nodded, “Is the Shuang Qing Troupe leaving?”
Qin Rui made an affirmative sound, “After what happened, Lord Pang can’t keep them here.”
Qin Wan said nothing more, but Qin Shuang asked, “Third Brother, now that the Shuang Qing Troupe has lost Master Qing Li and one of their main disciples, will they be able to succeed in the future?”
Hearing this, Qin Rui replied regretfully, “Most likely not. It’s too difficult for one person to manage everything, and they’ve lost the meaning behind the name Shuang Qing Troupe.”
“Oh? What do you mean by that?”
Qin Rui explained, “Do you know the origin of the Shuang Qing Troupe?”
Qin Shuang’s eyes brightened, “Is Third Brother referring to… the story of two southern opera actresses who became sworn sisters and formed a troupe?”
Qin Rui nodded, “Exactly. These two were both troupe leaders. Later, they each took on disciples who also became troupe leaders, and so it continued generation after generation.”
Qin Shuang blinked, “Then how did it come down to just Master Qing Li alone?”
Qin Rui smiled, “I’m not entirely clear on the details, but I know that by Master Qing Li’s master’s generation, there was only one troupe leader. It seems Qing Li’s martial aunt left Shuang Qing Troupe to get married, and that line ended there.”
“I see, I was wondering about that – since it’s called Shuang Qing Troupe, there should naturally be two ‘Qing’s.”
As Qin Shuang mused to herself, Qin Rui continued, “Although the actresses of Shuang Qing Troupe are admired by many, they’re still just performers. The nobles shower them with gold when they’re pleased, but once they do something the nobles dislike, they’re discarded like worn-out brooms. If they’re disobedient, at best they lose their livelihood, at worst their lives. They’re still considered lowly servants.”
Performers in Da Zhou held low status, which was why they had to travel south from the capital just for someone’s invitation. The money was secondary – if they offended these people, the Shuang Qing Troupe would have no way to survive.
“How pitiful. Qing Li was almost through her hardships, yet was killed by her disciple,” Qin Shuang said with contempt. “A teacher for a day is a mother for life – how cruel.”
Qin Rui’s eyes darkened, “This is human nature. You’ll see much more of it in the future. One must always be vigilant.”
Taking the opportunity to teach a lesson, Qin Rui’s three sisters all nodded in agreement.
As they finished eating, Qin Wan suddenly seemed to remember something and asked, “Third Brother, does Lord Pang have a daughter?”
Qin Rui’s eyes flickered at the question, “Why do you ask?”
Qin Wan noticed Qin Rui’s unease immediately, “So Lord Pang does have a daughter?”
Faced with Qin Wan’s certain, serious gaze, Qin Rui smiled wryly, “Why are you concerned about this…”
“I’m just asking Third Brother. Also, Madam Pang doesn’t seem old enough to have given birth to the First and Second Young Masters Pang. Is there something I don’t know?” After a pause, Qin Wan added, “I won’t speak carelessly about it.”
If it had been Qin Shuang asking, Qin Rui would have likely dismissed the question immediately. But since it was Qin Wan asking, he couldn’t completely refuse to answer, so he said quietly, “Madam Pang is Lord Pang’s second wife, who married into the family eleven years ago. When she came, she brought a daughter with her. Madam Pang had been married once before, but her husband passed away after just a few years of marriage.”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised. In Da Zhou, it wasn’t uncommon for widows to remarry, but thinking of Pang Fu Liang, she didn’t think he was the type to take a widow as his wife. So she asked, “What’s Madam Pang’s background?”
A light flashed in Qin Rui’s eyes – this was why he treated Qin Wan differently. His ninth sister, after not seeing her for several years, had not only developed formidable medical skills but her wisdom and intelligence had also greatly improved, surpassing even his sister who had been raised in the Marquis’s mansion.
“Madam Chang comes from the Chang family of Ding Prefecture. The Chang family was the wealthiest in Ding Prefecture, owning not only inns and restaurants but also dealing in tea. At that time, they were one of the top families not just in Ding Prefecture but throughout the western region. She was the only sister in her family. At the time, Lord Pang likely married her mainly for business considerations, overlooking her widow status.”
Ding Prefecture lay northwest of Yu Prefecture, only three to five days’ ride by fast horse.
Qin Wan was secretly shocked. Ten years ago, when her father was an official in Yu Prefecture, Pang Fu Liang was far from being known as “Lord Pang” – he was just an ordinary innkeeper then. But even she, as a child, knew of the Chang family of Ding Prefecture at that time. From what she knew, the Chang family had gradually declined in the years since.
“I see, so Lord Pang has a stepdaughter. Why haven’t we seen her?”
Qin Rui continued in a low voice, “She’s ill. No one in the garden is allowed to mention her now.”
Qin Wan was stunned for a moment. Qin Rui instructed, “Now that you know, you must never mention this in front of the Pang family.”
Qin Wan nodded, and just then Qin Shuang pulled at her, saying, “Quick, it’s snowing again, let’s go look…”
After just one clear day, it was snowing again. Qin Shuang’s love for snow hadn’t diminished. As she pulled Qin Wan outside, she asked, “What were you discussing with Third Brother?”
Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang for a moment before saying quietly, “Madam Chang is Lord Pang’s second wife, and Lord Pang has a stepdaughter.”
Qin Shuang let out an “Ah!” and stared at Qin Wan with wide eyes. At that moment, Qin Xiang was standing at the doorway about to return to her courtyard. Hearing this, she immediately looked over. Qin Shuang quickly smiled, “Fifth Sister, would you like to go enjoy the snow?”
Qin Xiang gave a meaningful smile at the sight of Qin Shuang and Qin Wan’s closeness, “No, I’m not feeling well.”
With that, she walked toward her courtyard with Wan He. Qin Shuang humphed at Qin Xiang’s retreating figure, and only after leaving Qin Rui’s courtyard did she say quietly, “Lord Pang married a widow?”
Qin Wan frowned slightly, “What’s wrong with being a widow? Besides, Lord Pang was also marrying for the second time.”
Qin Shuang tilted her head in thought, “You’re right! They’ve both been married before, neither can judge the other…”
Qin Wan only felt reassured after warning Qin Shuang again not to speak carelessly. Qin Shuang promised repeatedly, pulling Qin Wan eastward, “Yesterday when we were coming back, I saw a pavilion there with unswept snow outside. Let’s go look. Come to think of it, could that person we met last night have been Lord Pang’s stepdaughter?”
Just after warning Qin Shuang not to speak carelessly, she asked this question rather loudly. Qin Wan anxiously looked around, fortunately finding only Fu Ling and Wan Qing following behind them with umbrellas. “Lower your voice. I think it’s possible.”
Qin Shuang frowned slightly, “Then she’s quite bold to play hide and seek at night, and it was quite rude to scare us.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan didn’t mention that the Pang young lady was ill but wondered to herself what illness she might have…
“Oh… someone’s there already! We should have come earlier.”
Qin Shuang suddenly complained. Qin Wan looked up at her words and saw that in the distant pavilion, Madam Chang and Pang Jia Yan were sitting together at the stone table, with Qing Niang and two maids standing nearby. Everyone was watching Pang Jia Yan build a snowman on the stone table – the snowman was already half complete, and Pang Jia Yan was shaping its head.
Seeing Mother Chang and their son there, Qin Wan naturally didn’t want to disturb them and was about to lead Qin Shuang away when Madam Chang spotted them. She stood up and called out softly, “Miss Qin—”
If they hadn’t been seen, they could have left on their own, but now that they’d been spotted, leaving would be impolite.
Qin Wan had no choice but to approach Qin Shuang, both curtsying, “Madam.”
Yesterday’s Madam Chang had seemed somewhat reserved, but today she appeared different. She was slender and graceful, wearing a lotus-purple jacket and skirt as she stood in the pavilion, elegant and beautiful, charming and gentle. Except for her habitually furrowed brow, her entire bearing was pleasing to behold. Qin Wan observed Madam Chang for a moment, “We didn’t expect to find Madam here. We’ve disturbed you.”
Qin Wan smiled apologetically, but Madam Chang shook her head, “It’s no bother. You came to see the snow, right?”
Speaking thus, Madam Chang pointed to the stone benches beside the stone table, and the two maids immediately brought out cushions to place on them. Madam Chang then looked at Pang Jia Yan, “Jia Yan, invite the two sisters to sit…”
Pang Jia Yan had been absorbed in playing with the snow, but hearing this, he stood up and said, “Please sit, sisters.”
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances before sitting down together.
Pang Jia Yan didn’t say anything more, just sat back down to shape snowballs. Madam Chang also sat down and said, “He likes playing with snow too, doesn’t feel the cold at all.”
Having just learned of Madam Chang’s background, Qin Wan felt somewhat melancholic. Madam Chang had delicate features and beautiful eyes that should have made her look quite young, but sitting close, Qin Wan noticed that her face was covered in wrinkles, making her look several years older than she appeared from afar.
Qin Shuang stared at Pang Jia Yan making his snowman and smiled, “Young Master has a quiet nature, which is quite nice.”
Qin Wan thought that while Pang Jia Yan was usually quiet, she had also seen him teasing Pang Yi Wen.
Madam Chang smiled slightly, “I rather wish he would be noisy and lively like other children…”
Qin Wan detected a hint of bitterness in Madam Chang’s smile. Just then, the two maids brought up a pot of hot tea from the small stove outside the pavilion and distributed four cups. With both the snowman and teapot on the table, Madam Chang noticed one maid awkwardly trying to pour tea with a twisted wrist and said, “Let me…”
As she spoke, she began pouring tea for Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, “This is brewed with snow water from the plum grove. Please try it.”
The two young ladies accepted with thanks. As Qin Wan lowered her teacup to express gratitude, she suddenly noticed Madam Chang’s arm stiffen while holding the teapot, her brows furrowing. Qin Wan quickly asked, “What’s wrong, Madam? Are you feeling unwell?”
Madam Chang shook her head, “No, I just accidentally bumped my arm this morning.”
“Is it bruised? I have some bruise-healing ointment.”
Madam Chang smiled and shook her head, “Ninth Miss is so kind. Don’t worry, I’ve already applied medicine.”
Only then did Qin Wan relax. Madam Chang continued, “It’s a pity. We had planned to invite you to watch the opera, but now that won’t be possible.”
Qin Shuang quickly said, “It’s fine, Madam. This garden is peaceful and pleasant – even staying here for a few days is wonderful.”
Qin Shuang was becoming increasingly skilled at saying pleasant things. Madam Chang replied, “Well then if there’s an opportunity next year at this time, you can come again…”
Qin Shuang was surprised, “Come again next year?”
Madam Chang nodded, “Yes, our Lord particularly loves Shuang Qing Troupe’s performances. He invites them every year at this time, except for two years when they weren’t available. He never misses it otherwise.”
No wonder Shuang Qing Troupe had accepted Prince Yu’s invitation yet stayed at Qing Hui Garden – they were old patrons.
Qin Shuang sighed, “With Master Qing Li gone, in the future… if Shuang Qing Troupe declines and can’t maintain their standards, Lord Pang might find new favorites.”
“That won’t happen, isn’t there still Miss Qing Xian?” Madam Chang said gently. “Qing Li taught all the skills she learned from the previous troupe leader to her two disciples. This time with Qing Lan… ah, Qing Xian is quite good too.”
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang recalled the two acts they’d watched yesterday – indeed, both performers were talented.
“How despicable, that Qing Lan would repay kindness with betrayal and harm her own master.”
Qin Shuang’s sense of justice emerged again, but Madam Chang seemed hesitant to speak, “Miss Qing Lan…”
“Hmm? What did Madam want to say?” Qin Shuang asked.
“Miss Qing Lan has always been straightforward and was very filial before. I don’t understand why she would do this now.”
Madam Chang sighed. She had naturally seen the Shuang Qing Troupe members many times. Hearing her words, something stirred in Qin Wan’s mind, “Now that they’ve just identified the murderer, how are they handling Master Qing Li’s remains? Why are they in such a hurry to leave?”
Madam Chang was clear about the household arrangements, “Our Lord ordered the coffin to be prepared. Right now, Qing Li’s body is still at the magistrate’s office. Tomorrow morning, the others will return to Shuang Qing Troupe’s rented quarters in the capital, while Qing Xian will take a few attendants to collect Qing Li’s body from the magistrate’s office, and then escort the coffin back to their hometown for burial.”
“Their hometown? Where was Master Qing Li from?” Qin Wan asked eagerly.
Madam Chang said quietly, “Master Qing Li was from Ding Prefecture.”
Qin Wan understood – Ding Prefecture wasn’t far, and after Qing Li’s burial, Qing Xian could still return to the capital for the New Year.
Qin Shuang said, “From now on, Shuang Qing Troupe will only have Qing Xian. Who knows if she can manage it? Such a young, delicate girl – she might not be able to control the subordinates if they cause trouble…”
“Troupe Leader Yang.”
Just as Qin Shuang finished speaking, Pang Jia Yan, who had finished making his snowman, suddenly spoke up.
Qin Wan was surprised, and even Madam Chang looked at Pang Jia Yan, “Jia Yan, what did you say?”
Pang Jia Yan looked seriously at Madam Chang, “Troupe Leader Yang will help Qing Xian.”
Madam Chang frowned, “Where did this come from? How do you know?”
Pang Jia Yan tilted his head in thought, “On their first day here, I was playing in the rock garden cave and saw Troupe Leader Yang comforting Qing Xian… just like… just like Mother comforts me…”
At these words, everyone’s expression changed.
Like how Madam Chang comforted Pang Jia Yan? Madam Chang was Pang Jia Yan’s mother, naturally doting on him. If Pang Jia Yan had any troubles, she would naturally comfort him tenderly. If Yang Ying comforted Qing Xian in the same way, it surely indicated a romantic relationship…
Yang Ying and Qing Xian were involved romantically?!
Qin Wan suddenly recalled what she had seen that day – Qing Xian had checked the mechanism, Yang Ying had provided the key, they had worked in concert, and later the evidence they found pointed directly to Qing Lan. Could it be that the two of them had conspired to harm Qing Lan?
Qin Wan felt this was entirely possible…
Her heart was pounding as Madam Chang said somewhat awkwardly, “Don’t talk nonsense.”
Looking at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, she continued, “Don’t take a child’s words too seriously. Romance is forbidden within the Shuang Qing Troupe. Anyone who becomes romantically involved must be expelled.”
Qin Wan’s eyes narrowed, her doubts and unease growing stronger.
She had not wanted to involve herself further in Shuang Qing Troupe’s affairs, but now a huge question lay before her – should she intervene or not?
Qin Wan smiled and said, “Perhaps the Young Master mistook what he saw.”
Pang Jia Yan looked at her with some displeasure, “No, I wouldn’t mistake it. They’ve been coming to our home for many years, always at year’s end. I’ve seen Qing Lan many times…”
Qin Wan hurriedly said, “Alright, alright, Young Master didn’t make a mistake.” Changing the subject, she asked, “Who taught Young Master to make snowmen?”
Pang Jia Yan glanced at Madam Chang, “Mother taught me.”
Madam Chang smiled and added, “He likes to play with small things, and our Lord indulges him. As soon as it snows, he wants to make snowmen. Every winter he looks forward to snow, such a small person yet not afraid of the cold at all.”
With questions in her mind, Qin Wan didn’t want to stay longer. After another cup of tea, she said she was feeling cold, and seeing that Pang Jia Yan showed no signs of leaving, she took the initiative to bid farewell to Qin Shuang.
Seeing her serious expression, Qin Shuang asked, “What’s wrong? Do you think between Qing Xian and Yang Ying… come to think of it, it’s possible? Qing Xian is a young lady, naturally, she might develop feelings, especially since she must interact with Yang Ying often.”
“I need to leave the manor for a while,” Qin Wan suddenly said, stopping in her tracks.
Qin Shuang was startled, “Where are you going?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Tell Third Brother that I’m taking our carriage out. Just say I’m… say I’m going out for a stroll…”
“Why not take me along for a stroll?” Qin Shuang asked righteously.
Qin Wan smiled wryly, “Where I’m going, I’m afraid you wouldn’t want to go.”
With that, she left with Fu Ling. Since they were already wearing cloaks and carrying umbrellas, they needed no further preparation to go out. Qin Wan went straight to the outer courtyard’s side room, found the Qin family’s carriage driver, and left the manor.
Riding in the Qin family carriage away from Qing Hui Garden, Qin Wan instructed from inside, “Go to Prince Yu’s manor.”
The driver didn’t know the way, so Fu Ling had to give directions. In the carriage, Fu Ling asked puzzled, “Miss, are you going to see the Crown Prince? What for?”
Qin Wan nodded, “I think there’s something wrong with Qing Li’s case.”
Fu Ling exclaimed, “Miss, you think Qing Lan isn’t the murderer?”
Qin Wan shook her head, then nodded, “I’m not certain, but at least the Crown Prince and the Prefect may not know all the facts. If they knew about the relationship between Yang Ying and Qing Xian, the entire case might change.”
Fu Ling sighed, “I see. Miss, though you barely know Qing Lan, you’re willing to make this trip for her.”
“It’s a matter of life and death. It’s just one trip, and we can’t let an innocent person be wrongly accused.”
Qin Wan spoke solemnly. Looking at her this way, Fu Ling felt a surge of admiration. Though she was just an ordinary maid, having such a principled master made her feel proud of her association.
Soon, the carriage stopped before Prince Yu’s manor. With the banquet over, there weren’t many carriages outside today. As the carriage settled, Fu Ling quickly walked to the manor’s entrance, where guards predictably stopped her. Fu Ling said, “Please announce that the Heir of the Loyal and Brave Marquis seeks an urgent audience with Crown Prince Rui.”
The guard hesitated, looking at Fu Ling and then at the Qin family carriage before nodding and turning to enter the manor.
Fu Ling hurried back to the carriage, saying, “Miss, I’ve told them, but we don’t know if His Highness is in the manor.”
Qin Wan wasn’t certain either, but Yan Chi was her only option for this matter.
Master and servant waited silently. Soon, Yan Chi strode out from the manor gates. Fu Ling happily tapped on the window, and Qin Wan lifted the curtain to look, her lips curving into a smile.
Seeing Fu Ling, Yan Chi knew it was Qin Wan. He walked to the carriage, his expression already serious, “What’s wrong?”
Unless it was urgent, Qin Wan wouldn’t come looking for him…
“Are you busy right now?” Qin Wan asked from inside the carriage.
Yan Chi’s eyes focused, “No, tell me.”
“Then get in the carriage—”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, lifted the curtain, and entered. Qin Wan ordered, “To the Yu Prefecture magistrate’s office!”
Inside the carriage, Yan Chi was even more surprised, while Fu Ling sat on the shaft outside.
Soon, the carriage began moving.
“What’s wrong? Did something go wrong with Qing Li’s case?”
Yan Chi asked perceptively. Qin Wan nodded but continued, “Actually, I’m not sure, but I just learned something… From how the Pang family’s young master described it, I suspect Deputy Troupe Leader Yang Ying and Qing Xian are romantically involved. Remember that day, first Qing Xian checked the mechanism, then Yang Ying said Qing Lan never left, and finally, they found the key with Qing Lan. It didn’t seem suspicious then, but now knowing about their relationship, it feels planned.”
Qin Wan spoke rapidly, and after listening, Yan Chi’s expression turned serious.
“Indeed, we didn’t know this.”
Qin Wan looked at him earnestly, “That’s why we need your intervention…”
Yan Chi stared at Qin Wan as she leaned toward him. She had rushed here so urgently for Qing Lan’s case. His heart stirred, and he couldn’t help but raise his hand to gently caress her cheek, “Alright.”
This was a very serious matter, yet communication between them seemed particularly easy. His simple “alright” left Qin Wan momentarily speechless. His warm palm against her cold cheek, his rough fingertips grazing her skin, made her heart skip and her face flush slightly.
“What is it?” Qin Wan looked into Yan Chi’s eyes, about to lean back, but Yan Chi suddenly pulled her from her seat into his embrace.
The carriage was spacious, and Yan Chi had Qin Wan sit sideways on his lap.
“What is it?” Qin Wan turned to look at Yan Chi.
With one arm around her waist and the other hand caressing her cheek, Yan Chi said, “Do you know? There wouldn’t be another woman in the world who would go to such lengths for a stranger.”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “A disciple harming their master is a serious crime both morally and legally. We can’t let someone be wrongly accused.”
“There are many people wrongly accused in this world every day. To others, if it doesn’t concern them, they need not get involved. The court doesn’t pay you, and you’re not related to the accused person. You, oh you…”
Yan Chi held Qin Wan’s face close and kissed her lips lightly like a dragonfly touching the water.
Though this kiss wasn’t as passionate as the one days ago, Qin Wan could feel his cherishing love, even admiration and indulgence. Her heart softened slightly, “If today I had to climb mountains of blades or wade through seas of fire to speak for her, I certainly wouldn’t. If speaking up would put me and those around me in difficulty, I would think carefully too. But it’s just one trip – I won’t lose anything, it’s no big deal.”
“What mountains of blades and seas of fire? You’re saying you’d do this again if you encountered something similar.” Yan Chi continued caressing her cheek, “If you were born a man, you’d surely become the Minister of Justice.”
Qin Wan’s heart ached, and she lowered her eyes, “I don’t have such grand ambitions. I know staying uninvolved wouldn’t harm me, and helping won’t benefit me. But if I don’t do this, whenever I think back on it, I’ll feel like something’s collapsed inside me. Not guilt exactly, just feeling that I shouldn’t become that kind of person.”
“Silly.” Yan Chi pinched her cheek, and when Qin Wan looked up, she saw him smiling warmly, “Of course I know you. Next time, and the time after that, do what you want to do…”
Leaning closer, he said softly, “You see this as a small effort, but others would need considerable courage and would weigh the pros and cons. You always surprise me, and make me cherish and admire you more. Even I gain strength watching you.” He kissed her lips again, “You’re lethal!”
Qin Wan’s cheeks reddened unconsciously again, “I…”
Seeing her hesitate, Yan Chi said softly, “Only the world’s best father and mother could have raised you to be this way.”
Qin Wan had thought he might say something sweet again, but he unexpectedly said this instead. The best father and mother – yes, her father and mother truly were the world’s best parents.
A wave of sorrow hit Qin Wan, and she suddenly hugged Yan Chi, resting her head on his shoulder.
Yan Chi was slightly startled but immediately embraced her fully, stroking her back while apologizing, “I spoke too hastily, made you sad?”
Qin Wan silently shook her head but felt her eyes growing hot. She quickly closed them, taking a long while to suppress the tears. Yan Chi said softly, “It’s alright, it’s alright. I’ll protect you in their place.”
The emotions Qin Wan had just suppressed surged again. She held onto Yan Chi even tighter, afraid that if she met his eyes, her tears would fall, not wanting him to see her vulnerable. Yan Chi’s eyes showed pain, but he didn’t speak, just let her nestle against him. After a long while, Qin Wan’s head finally stirred on his shoulder.
She asked in a muffled voice, “Am I really that good?”
Yan Chi chuckled softly, “Yes, the best in all the Central Plains.”