“Why has the Crown Prince come?” Governor Wang Huaiyu of Yuzhou strode out from the court, lifting his robe to kneel. “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Yan Chi quickly helped Wang Huaiyu up. “Governor Wang, no need for such formality. I’m here about Qing Li’s case.”
Standing outside the carriage, Yan Chi noticed Wang Huaiyu’s gaze sweep over Fu Ling. The governor felt a sense of familiarity about her, and then a flash of recognition struck him. Yesterday, when Yan Chi visited the theater stage a second time, he brought a young lady with him. Later, he learned that the lady was the Ninth Miss of the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household, and this servant girl had been by her side.
Wang Huaiyu immediately understood and glanced at the curtained carriage, composing himself.
“Qing Li’s case? After yesterday’s interrogation, the murderer was confirmed to be Qing Lan.”
Wang Huaiyu asked puzzledly, “Has something changed?”
Yan Chi’s expression grew serious. “Did you know about the relationship between Yang Ying, the deputy head of Shuang Qing Troupe, and Qing Li’s young apprentice?”
Wang Huaiyu’s eyes showed traces of doubt. “They had a relationship?”
Yan Chi nodded. “It seems you didn’t know. I came specifically to tell you this. What did Qing Lan say? Did she confess?”
“No.” Wang Huaiyu shook his head. “She hasn’t confessed, but the evidence is conclusive. Moreover, people from Shuang Qing Troupe said Qing Lan had argued with Master Qing Li several times for unknown reasons. They said Master Qing Li had threatened to expel her from the troupe.”
Yan Chi raised his eyebrows. “Did Qing Lan say why?”
Wang Huaiyu shook his head. “Qing Lan hasn’t said yet. I plan to question her again today.”
This was something Yan Chi hadn’t known, and Qin Wan, sitting in the carriage, was also slightly surprised. If Qing Lan and Qing Li had conflicts, her suspicion would indeed be greater.
As Yuzhou’s governor, Wang Huaiyu was naturally as perceptive as Huo Huaixin. Seeing the contemplation on Yan Chi’s face, he softly asked, “If Your Highness has doubts, why not sit in on the interrogation?”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping toward the carriage. Wang Huaiyu immediately said, “It’s too cold outside. Since Your Highness and Ninth Miss have come, you shouldn’t keep standing here. Why not come inside for some hot tea?”
Yan Chi felt satisfied with this, and inside the carriage, Qin Wan moved to exit.
Since things had progressed to this point, and Wang Huaiyu was being so considerate of Yan Chi’s position, Qin Wan naturally accepted his kindness.
As the carriage curtain lifted, Fu Ling quickly held up an umbrella for Qin Wan. Fine snow was falling outside as Qin Wan descended from the carriage and curtsied to Wang Huaiyu. “Governor—”
Wang Huaiyu stepped aside. “Ninth Miss, no need for formalities. It’s too cold outside, please come in quickly.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi, who strode ahead.
The Yuzhou governor’s office was similar to the Jinzhou governor’s office. Wang Huaiyu directly led Qin Wan and Yan Chi into his usual reception study, ordered servants to serve tea, exchanged pleasantries with Yan Chi, and then commanded attendants to bring in Qing Lan for questioning.
The study was divided in two by a screen, hiding Yan Chi and Qin Wan from view.
Soon, heavy footsteps slowly entered the study.
There was a “thud” as Qing Lan presumably knelt.
While the screen blocked the view from outside, shadows could be faintly seen from inside.
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes to look carefully. After just one night, Qing Lan’s hair was disheveled, and she still wore that “Cowherd” costume, with visible traces of blood. She knelt on the ground, her head hanging dejectedly, not speaking a word.
“Qing Lan, raise your head—”
At Wang Huaiyu’s stern command, Qing Lan hesitated but lifted her head.
Wang Huaiyu softened his tone slightly. “You say you didn’t harm your master, but why did several people say they heard you arguing with her? And why did your master threaten to expel you from Shuang Qing Troupe?”
Qing Lan stared at Wang Huaiyu expressionlessly. After a while, she said, “I didn’t kill my master.”
Having heard this same response all night, Wang Huaiyu couldn’t help but laugh coldly. “How ridiculous! Why should this official believe you based on just that statement?!”
Seeing Qing Lan about to lower her head again, Wang Huaiyu threw a booklet in front of her with a “slap.”
“Look carefully. These are all witness testimonies.”
Those testimonies contained not only interrogation records but also names. Qing Lan could see who said what. Soon, her lifeless eyes filled with anger. “All lies! Complete lies!”
Wang Huaiyu said, “This official wants to help you, but you don’t value your life. Then this official has no choice. Tomorrow morning, Qing Xian and Yang Ying will come to collect your master’s body, and then escort the coffin back to Dingzhou. Within five days, your case will be concluded. Once the verdict is set, even if you want to protest your innocence, no one will listen. Have you thought it through?”
Seeing Qing Lan still silent, Wang Huaiyu sighed. “Guards, take her back—”
“Wait.” Qing Lan suddenly spoke.
Behind the screen, Yan Chi and Qin Wan exchanged glances, both their eyes flashing with understanding.
Qing Lan raised her head. “My master… I argued with my master because she wanted me to do something I refused… She threatened to expel me from Shuang Qing Troupe because of this matter. Though I was resentful, I wouldn’t kill her.”
Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. “What did she want you to do that you disapproved of?”
Qing Lan took a deep breath and lowered her eyes. “She wanted me to… serve noble patrons from the capital.”
With this simple statement, Wang Huaiyu understood. Actors weren’t courtesans, but they were still considered of low status. Among those who came to watch plays, besides genuine theater enthusiasts, many came for entertainment and pleasure. For young women like her and Qing Xian, having good figures, voices, and beautiful faces, although everyone knew they didn’t serve patrons, this only made those nobles more intrigued.
“The ladies of Shuang Qing Troupe have to do such things?”
Though not a capital official, Wang Huaiyu knew Shuang Qing Troupe’s great reputation. In his view, such a prosperous troupe shouldn’t need their women to serve patrons with their bodies. As his words fell, Qing Lan lowered her eyes and said coldly, “Master was a gambler. Others didn’t know, but Qing Xian and I did. Though the Shuang Qing Troupe seems successful and established in the capital, we’re different from the troupes that have deep roots there. Supporting a large household, managing various relationships, and dealing with occasional sabotage from rivals – after all these expenses, there isn’t much money left. Master lost nine times out of ten when gambling. Now Shuang Qing Troupe is only glamorous on the surface.”
“Shuang Qing Troupe’s income is limited, and some in the capital have had their eyes on us. Master wanted us to serve those nobles. I… I refused to serve… Master first tried to persuade me, then when that failed, she used both threats and beatings, even threatening to throw me out… We argued many times about this. Even if she hadn’t threatened to expel me, I didn’t want to stay. If not for remembering she was my master who raised me since childhood, I would have left long ago… On this southern journey, I planned to speak clearly with Master after returning to the capital, but unexpectedly, she died…”
Qing Lan kept her eyes lowered, though her back remained perfectly straight.
Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. “So your master didn’t force you to serve others?”
Qing Lan gave a cold laugh, raising her eyes to look at Wang Huaiyu with mockery as if he were one of those lecherous nobles. “I told her if she forced me, she’d have to send my corpse to those nobles. She knew my character, and though angry, she didn’t dare. She was very resentful of my defiance on this journey, and would likely have tried something else after returning to the capital.”
Wang Huaiyu raised his eyebrows. “You feared she would harm you after returning to the capital, so you killed her now?”
Qing Lan laughed coldly again. “If I wanted to kill her, I could have done it in the south. Why wait until now? Prince Yu’s birthday celebration is so important, and there are many perceptive people like you, Governor. Wouldn’t I fear being discovered?”
After saying this, Qing Lan lowered her head again.
“What about the key?”
At Wang Huaiyu’s cool question, Qing Lan immediately laughed.
“Someone wants to frame me. What can I do about it?”
Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. “Who wants to frame you…”
Qing Lan kept her eyes down. “I don’t know. I’ve never had conflicts with anyone in the troupe.” After a pause, she suddenly added, “However… though there are no open grudges, there are some hidden disputes.”
Wang Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, and Qing Lan continued, “Since my master’s master’s generation, Shuang Qing Troupe has only had one leader. Master’s master had only one disciple – my master, but my master had two disciples – me and my junior sister. The future leader will be chosen between us.”
With these words, Wang Huaiyu understood.
“Is there anything else?”
Qing Lan shook her head. “No.”
Wang Huaiyu pondered briefly. “Do you know about the relationship between Deputy Head Yang and your junior sister…”
Hearing this, Qing Lan’s eyes flickered, seemingly surprised that Wang Huaiyu would ask about this. She looked at him once, then lowered her eyes and shook her head. “The Deputy Head takes special care of junior sister, but I don’t know anything else.”
Wang Huaiyu nodded. “Guards, take her back.”
The guards waiting outside came in and quickly led Qing Lan away. Wang Huaiyu pulled back the screen and respectfully looked at Yan Chi. “Your Highness, she has spoken today. Since this is the reason, should we investigate further?”
Yan Chi nodded. “Being in the same troupe, she must have sensed something about Yang Ying and Qing Xian’s relationship, yet when you asked just now, she didn’t immediately confirm it…”
Wang Huaiyu nodded. “Indeed. Yesterday she didn’t reveal the reason for her arguments with Qing Li, probably not wanting outsiders to know Shuang Qing Troupe’s scandals.”
After a brief pause, Wang Huaiyu said, “This official will bring Yang Ying and Qing Xian back for questioning immediately.”
Yan Chi nodded, and Qin Wan stood up with him. Since Wang Huaiyu was going to apprehend suspects, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Qin Wan and Yan Chi to remain in the governor’s office. As Wang Huaiyu was about to summon people, Yan Chi and Qin Wan left the office first.
Back in the carriage, Qin Wan asked, “Is Your Highness going directly to Prince Yu’s mansion?”
Yan Chi looked at her and asked, “What reason did you give for coming out?”
Qin Wan’s eyes flickered. “I only had Sixth Sister tell Third Brother that I was going out for a stroll.”
Yan Chi lifted the carriage curtain and glanced outside. “Since you’re supposedly out for a stroll, how can you return empty-handed?”
He tapped on the carriage wall. “Head east—”
The driver wasn’t familiar with Yuzhou’s streets, so Yan Chi directed him. Soon, the carriage arrived at Yuzhou’s busiest market street. Yan Chi lifted the curtain to look around and said, “Go browse as you wish.”
Though they weren’t in the capital, having the Crown Prince of the Rui Principality accompany her shopping would still draw too much attention.
Qin Wan nodded. Just as she was about to leave, Yan Chi suddenly pressed a money pouch into her hand.
“Buy whatever you like.”
Qin Wan’s eyebrows rose high. While Yan Chi had been attentive to her preferences and protected her, giving her money was a first. Qin Wan tried to push it back. “I have money with me.”
Yan Chi frowned and gripped both the pouch and her hand. “Take it.”
Just two words, but his tone brooked no argument.
Qin Wan pressed her lips together for a moment, then nodded. “Alright then.”
She turned and walked out. Yan Chi stretched his long legs against the carriage wall, watching as Qin Wan and Fu Ling walked toward a silk shop. His lips curved slightly as he lowered the curtain and closed his eyes to rest.
Young ladies naturally liked silk and jewelry, though to him they all looked the same. Yan Chi had expected Qin Wan to browse for at least two cups of tea’s worth of time, but unexpectedly, she returned in less than one cup’s time.
Yan Chi lifted the curtain to look and saw Fu Ling holding only a brocade box.
He frowned slightly as Qin Wan lifted the curtain to enter the carriage.
“Why so quick? You only bought this?”
Yan Chi looked at the box, assuming Qin Wan had chosen some jewelry, but as she handed back his money pouch while bringing in the box, he was surprised to find the pouch’s weight barely changed.
“What is this?” Yan Chi asked disapprovingly, holding the pouch. Qin Wan smiled and opened the box. Yan Chi leaned forward to look and saw seven or eight sachets in different colors. He raised an eyebrow, understanding now why she hadn’t spent much money.
“I don’t need anything else, just ran out of sachets for making medicine pouches.”
Then Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi. “Would Your Highness like a medicine pouch?”
Yan Chi’s eyebrows rose. “Why ask me about such things?”
Qin Wan thought for a moment, understood, and nodded.
Having made their purchase and with the weather so cold, Yan Chi didn’t want her staying out longer. “Let’s head back now, to Qing Hui Garden.”
“What about Your Highness?” Qin Wan quickly asked, putting the box aside.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll get off partway.”
Qin Wan wanted to say more, but once Yan Chi made a decision, he wouldn’t let her object. He tapped on the carriage and gave instructions, and the driver quickly set the carriage in motion.
“When will Your Highness leave?” Qin Wan suddenly asked.
Yan Chi looked at her with a faint smile. “No rush…”
Qin Wan nodded, unsure if his unhurried attitude was for her sake or due to other matters. Yan Chi seemed to read her thoughts and said, “Yan Li also needs to return to the capital, he’ll likely travel with me. We’ll lag behind your group somewhat.”
Qin Wan’s eyes widened. “Your Highness should return to the capital first.”
Yan Chi looked at her. “I’m worried about you.”
Qin Wan’s heart softened. Yan Chi just smiled gently. Soon after, he lifted the curtain to look outside, and seeing they were near Qing Hui Garden’s street, he tapped on the carriage again. The carriage quickly stopped.
Yan Chi stepped forward to embrace Qin Wan briefly, kissed her lips once, and got off the carriage without another word.
The carriage began moving again. Qin Wan lifted the window curtain to look out. Yan Chi stood straight as a pine by the roadside, watching her. Though it was just an ordinary parting, Qin Wan felt somewhat melancholic. Only when the carriage turned a corner and Yan Chi disappeared from view did she lower the curtain.
Qin Wan opened the brocade box. Earlier when buying the sachets, she had specifically chosen a black one with a small embroidered orchid, adding a touch of elegance. She thought it particularly suited Yan Chi at first glance.
As soon as they entered Qing Hui Garden, Qin Wan saw several gatekeepers discussing something in low voices.
Qin Wan knew Wang Huaiyu must have already been there.
“Miss— did Governor Wang—”
“Shh.” Qin Wan made a silencing gesture. “To avoid trouble, don’t tell Third Brother about this yet.”
Fu Ling nodded. “Miss trusts Crown Prince more.”
Qin Wan didn’t refute these words, as she truly had no way to deny it.
The two returned to the guest quarters. As soon as they entered, Qin Shuang rushed out from the opposite room. “Where did you go? Why did it take so long to return? What’s that in your hand?”
As she spoke, Qin Shuang came forward and took the brocade box, opening it immediately, then looked disappointed.
“Why sachets—”
Qin Wan smiled and entered her room. “I ran out of sachets for medicine pouches.”
Qin Shuang handed the box to Fu Ling helplessly. “Why still make medicine pouches? After crossing Yan River, we won’t need so many, right?”
Qin Wan just smiled without answering. Qin Shuang hurriedly followed and said, “Did you know? Just now the Yuzhou governor brought people to take away Qing Xian and their deputy head Yang Ying, saying they found new suspicious points. Now Shuang Qing Troupe can’t leave tomorrow.”
Qin Wan had expected this. “Did they say what new suspicions?”
Seeing Qin Wan so calm, Qin Shuang was initially surprised, but remembering this was her usual demeanor, she accepted it. “How could they say? Anyway, they took people away.”
Qin Wan then asked, “Where’s Third Brother?”
Qin Shuang shook her head. “Don’t know. When I returned, Third Brother wasn’t in the courtyard. They said Master Pang invited him over, don’t know what they’re discussing.”
Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment and asked no more, focusing on arranging the sachets.
She had done all she could regarding Qing Li’s case. Previously unknown was Qing Li’s gambling habit and forcing troupe girls to serve capital nobles. Now knowing more, she thought Governor Wang would make his judgment.
Qin Wan spent the afternoon arranging sachets. After the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), Qin Zhen came over and entered the room. “Ninth Sister is back?”
Qin Wan stood up. “Yes, I went out to buy some sachets and returned.”
Looking at Qin Zhen, Qin Wan unexpectedly noticed his slightly furrowed brow showing some irritation.
“Third Brother, sit and have some tea?”
Qin Wan invited, and Qin Zhen sat. Qin Wan served him tea. “Third Brother went to speak with Master Pang?”
“And Liu Yuntong…”
Qin Zhen took a sip from his teacup. Qin Wan continued, “Third Brother looks troubled, has something difficult happened?”
Qin Zhen didn’t deny it, instead glancing at Qin Wan before shaking his head. “Just a small matter. No point explaining it to a young lady like you, you wouldn’t understand. It’s nothing serious, don’t worry.”
From this, Qin Wan knew it must be court matters.
Since it involved the court, it likely had a direct connection to Liu Renli…
Qin Wan casually said, “Could it be that Master Pang posed some difficult challenge to Third Brother? Isn’t Liu Yuntong at the mansion? Third Brother could discuss it with him.”
Qin Wan said this deliberately. As soon as she finished, Qin Zhen gave a light laugh. “Liu Yuntong… the problem lies with him…”
Qin Zhen suddenly stopped, apparently unwilling to continue. Looking over, he saw Qin Wan’s eyes full of candor watching him. Qin Zhen felt a chill down his spine – he had almost let something slip, but seeing Qin Wan’s expression, she didn’t seem to be deliberately probing or scheming. Qin Zhen smiled helplessly. “Liu Yuntong can’t help either.”
Qin Wan stopped there, understanding that Liu Renli was connected to what troubled Qin Zhen.
Could it be that Qin Zhen wanted to win over Liu Renli but was rejected?
Liu Renli held an important position in salt transportation, but after all, he was only a fourth-rank official and not from an aristocratic family. How dare he refuse the Crown Prince’s goodwill?
Qin Wan couldn’t quite understand but decided not to probe further into these court struggles. Qin Zhen also fell silent, his mood troubled. After sitting a while longer, Qin Zhen bid farewell and returned to his courtyard.
After dinner, Qin Wan continued making medicine pouches. Once finished, she washed up and retired for the night, sleeping well until bright daylight the next morning…
As Qin Wan rose to wash and dress, Qin Shuang burst into the room.
“Guess what I saw?”
Qin Wan was drinking water and turned to look, seeing Qin Shuang fully dressed with flushed cheeks, apparently just returned from outside. At her question, Qin Shuang announced, “Qing Hui Garden has more visitors!”
“More visitors?” Qin Wan wasn’t surprised but played along with Qin Shuang.
“And it’s an elderly lady—”
This did surprise Qin Wan slightly. An elderly lady had come.
After thinking, Qin Wan said, “It’s not strange, probably some relative of the Pang family.”
Qin Shuang shrugged. “I went to yesterday’s pavilion and heard some servants discussing it. I don’t know who she is.” Then she added, “Let’s go have breakfast with Third Brother.”
Qin Wan went with Qin Shuang. At Qin Zhen’s courtyard, they found his brow still furrowed after a night’s rest.
Seeing them arrive, Qin Zhen said, “We’ll leave for the capital tomorrow.”
While Qin Shuang was naturally happy about finally returning to the capital, Qin Wan sensed something unusual.
Seeing Qin Zhen’s serious expression, she didn’t dare ask more. When Qin Xiang arrived, the four siblings began their meal.
After breakfast, Qin Shuang grabbed Qin Zhen and asked, “Third Brother, haven’t Qing Xian and Yang Ying returned yet?”
Qin Zhen nodded. “Not yet. It seems Qing Li’s case isn’t so simple. Who harmed her is still uncertain.”
Qin Shuang’s eyes darted around, unable to make sense of it. “Who cares about all that? We’re leaving early tomorrow anyway. It’s only four or five days to the capital, right?”
Qin Zhen nodded. “Four days if we’re quick, five or six if we’re slow.”
Qin Shuang clapped happily. Seeing Qin Zhen unwilling to talk more, she pulled Qin Wan outside. “What’s wrong with Third Brother? He seems troubled by something.”
If even Qin Shuang noticed, it must be serious.
Qin Wan shook her head. “Probably court matters. We shouldn’t inquire.”
Qin Shuang nodded and tugged at Qin Wan’s arm. “Come, come, let me show you something.”
She pulled Qin Wan along yesterday morning’s path heading east. Qin Wan didn’t know what Qin Shuang wanted to show her until they reached yesterday’s pavilion and found a large snowman standing outside.
Qin Wan was surprised. “Did… you build this?”
The snowman Qin Wan saw was quite different from the small one Pang Jiayan had made yesterday. This one was as tall as a person, with a huge belly and palm leaves for arms. Stone pebbles formed its nose, eyes, and mouth. Qin Wan couldn’t help smiling, realizing Qin Shuang had gotten up early to build a snowman.
“Aren’t I amazing?! Wan Qing, Xiu Yun, and I built it together!”
“Isn’t it much better looking than yesterday’s small snowman?”
Just as Qin Shuang excitedly approached the snowman, a soft voice tinged with anger suddenly rang out.
“Mine was better looking—”
The sudden voice startled them both. Looking up, they saw Pang Jiayan somehow standing at the path entrance. Qin Shuang and Qin Wan were stunned, feeling rather awkward.
Pang Jiayan marched over on his short legs, pointed at Qin Shuang’s snowman, and declared, “Hmph, ugly—”
Though annoyed, Qin Shuang couldn’t argue with a child. She looked awkwardly at Qing Niang, who had followed. Qing Niang curtsied embarrassedly. “Greetings to both young ladies.”
She looked at Qin Shuang. “Please don’t mind, Young Master Third is in a mood.”
As she finished speaking, Pang Jiayan snorted again, then suddenly squatted down, scooped up some snow, and turned into the pavilion. Qing Niang sighed, also gathered some snow, and followed. She piled snow on the stone table and, while Pang Jiayan was making his snowman, came out to apologize.
“I apologize for his rudeness. Earlier, the master was in a bad mood and scolded Young Master Third. Though he didn’t cry, he’s upset.”
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were surprised. Qin Shuang asked, “Master Pang dotes on Young Master so much, how could he scold him?”
Qing Niang looked back, seemingly checking if anyone was coming, then said quietly, “The master can be temperamental sometimes. Even Young Master Third gets scolded.”
Qin Shuang opened her mouth but, not wanting to discuss Pang Fuliang, smiled and said, “No wonder. My mistake earlier — Young Master Third’s snowman is the most beautiful…”
She said the last part extra loudly, clearly intending for Pang Jiayan to hear.
Qing Niang smiled and walked back to the pavilion. “Young Master, don’t be angry. The master was upset because of that lady, it wasn’t directed at you…”
Qin Shuang and Qin Wan exchanged glances. The new guest had already angered the host.
Pang Jiayan snorted softly. “I heard it. That person asked Father for money…”
Qing Niang smiled wryly and looked at the two ladies. “With the Pang family’s prosperity, relatives often come asking for favors.”
This was understandable, but then Pang Jiayan snorted, “That person wants Father’s inn…”
This statement startled both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. Asking for an inn right away — this was no poor relative seeking help! Qin Wan felt they’d heard something they shouldn’t have and pulled Qin Shuang away, bidding farewell.
As they walked, Qin Shuang complained reluctantly, “Why rush away? Don’t you find it strange? I was waiting to hear more.”
Strange indeed. Qing Niang called them “relatives seeking favors,” yet they dared ask for an inn. Even Pang Yiwen and Pang Yiwu wouldn’t dare make such demands. Who was this person?!
“We’re leaving tomorrow anyway, and this is their private matter. How can we listen more?”
Qin Shuang pouted. “That’s exactly why we should listen more! A great household like the Pang family must have many secrets. Do you think that person knows some dirt on Master Pang, so they dare make such demands? The Shi Fang Inns are everywhere in the West, and each one does a booming business. Never mind asking for several, even one would support a large family for life…”
“Don’t look at what shouldn’t be seen, don’t listen to what shouldn’t be heard.” Qin Wan said seriously, though her heart held doubts and unease.
As Qin Shuang said, what great family didn’t have secrets? Qin Wan wasn’t surprised the Pang family had secrets; she only cared about right and wrong, justice and law. Not every secret needed investigating.
Back in their courtyard, Qin Wan gave Qin Shuang a miscellany to read, forcing her to study. Meanwhile, she wondered how to send word to Yan Chi, as going out again today would be inappropriate.
After some thought, Qin Wan went to Bai Ying’s warm room. These past two days, Bai Ying had mostly been bedridden. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, Bai Ying hurried to get up.
Qin Wan pressed her back down and, seeing Fu Ling hadn’t entered, whispered, “Do you have a way to send him a message?”
Bai Ying understood immediately and nodded.
Qin Wan said, “We’re leaving early tomorrow morning for the capital. Just tell him that.”
Bai Ying nodded, got up, and retrieved something from her bundle. Without hiding from Qin Wan, she went to the back window and released something skyward. Qin Wan heard a “whoosh” and saw a barely visible flash of light rise into the sky. As Qin Wan marveled at this mysterious sight, Bai Ying stood motionless by the window. Soon, a shadowy figure appeared outside the back window in broad daylight.
Bai Ying gave some instructions, and the person vanished silently.
Closing the window, Bai Ying turned back and said, “His Highness has people stationed outside the garden.”
Qin Wan recalled Yan Chi’s words about being “worried” about her. She nodded, advised Bai Ying to continue resting, and returned to her warm room where Qin Shuang was dozing off with the book.
“Ninth Miss—”
After half past Hai (10-11 PM), Zhou Huai suddenly appeared at the door.
Fu Ling opened the door, and Zhou Huai bowed and said, “Ninth Miss, Master Pang says we’re leaving tomorrow morning. He’s arranged a farewell banquet tonight. You, Fifth Miss, and Sixth Miss should prepare and come over now.”
This news was somewhat sudden, but since the Pang family had prepared, they couldn’t refuse.
Qin Wan had Fu Ling call Qin Xiang, and she and Qin Shuang each put on cloaks. When they came out, Qin Zhen was already waiting at the path entrance. The four siblings walked together toward Zhao Hui Hall.
Soon, they arrived outside Zhao Hui Hall.
Liu Renli was waiting outside. Seeing Qin Zhen approach, he hurried forward.
“Greetings, Crown Prince…”
“Greetings to the three young ladies…”
Liu Renli was much more enthusiastic and attentive than when Qin Wan last saw him. Looking at him, Qin Wan felt it wasn’t Qin Zhen trying to win over Liu Renli, but rather Liu Renli seeking something from Qin Zhen. In contrast, Qin Zhen was rather cold. “They are women with no titles. You’re a court official – how can you bow to them?”
Qin Zhen’s cold words immediately diminished Liu Renli’s face, yet Liu Renli showed no displeasure. “Crown Prince is right, Crown Prince is right. This official merely respects all members of the Marquis’s household. Please, Crown Prince…”
Qin Zhen led the way, with Liu Renli half a step behind, followed by Qin Wan and the others, all entering Zhao Hui Hall.
Upon entering, they saw Pang Fuliang playing with Pang Jiayan, who held that gleaming golden toy carriage in his hands. Hearing movement, Pang Fuliang turned around. “Crown Prince has arrived?”
Qin Zhen nodded and looked around. “Oh? I heard you have a guest, where are they?”
Pang Fuliang smiled. “Today is to bid farewell to the Crown Prince. Just us is fine.”
But Qin Zhen said, “How can that be? Wouldn’t that slight guest? Please invite that lady to join the banquet.”
Pang Fuliang hesitated slightly, and then Liu Renli said, “That would be good.”
At these words, Pang Fuliang’s eyes darkened. After a moment’s silence, he ordered toward the door, “Someone goes call Madam Qin…”
Pang Youde outside acknowledged and went to invite the lady.
Pang Fuliang patted Pang Jiayan’s shoulder and stood up. “Let’s start the banquet…”
He gestured, “Please, Crown Prince, Sir Liu…”
Qin Zhen naturally led Qin Wan and the others to their seats. Unlike the previous night, today only Pang Yiwu was present, not Pang Yiwen. Since the Pang family hadn’t sought out Qin Wan these past two days, presumably Pang Yiwen had recovered considerably.
“It’s truly regrettable. I had hoped to let the Crown Prince enjoy some opera performances, but then this happened.” Pang Fuliang said apologetically while personally pouring wine for Qin Zhen. “After this parting, who knows when we’ll see Crown Prince again. Next time the Crown Prince visits Yuzhou, please do let me know.”
Facing Pang Fuliang, Qin Zhen seemed to have lost the good mood from when he first arrived, though compared to his treatment of Liu Renli, his expression was much more cordial. “Don’t worry, Master Pang. If I come again, I’ll certainly impose on your hospitality.”
Pang Fuliang nodded and poured wine for Liu Renli. After serving everyone, he said, “Everyone, please begin…”
“Master Pang’s guest hasn’t arrived yet. There’s no rush.”
Qin Zhen glanced outside, showing perfect etiquette. At the mention of that guest, Pang Fuliang’s smile dimmed slightly, but after Qin Zhen’s words, as host, he could say nothing.
The room fell silent, everyone waiting for the lady. Pang Youde had been gone a while – why hadn’t they returned?
Seeing this, Liu Renli smiled and said, “This official will arrive in the capital one day later, and will visit the Marquis and Crown Prince first thing.”
Qin Zhen had originally thought well of this Salt Transport Commissioner, but now his expression was cold. “Sir Liu, upon returning to the capital, your primary duty is naturally to report for duty. How can you visit the Marquis’s mansion first? What would others think?”
Liu Renli’s face stiffened slightly. “Crown Prince is wise. This official didn’t think it through, didn’t think it through.”
As his words fell, hurried footsteps sounded outside. Liu Renli quickly said, “They’re here—”
At this, everyone looked toward the door, only to see Pang Youde enter with a deathly pale face. Before even reaching them, he trembled out, “Master, something’s happened…”