“Young Master, be careful!” Qing Niang called out anxiously, but Pang Jia Yan paid no attention as he climbed to the top of the rockery. His small frame moved with remarkable agility, and in no time, he was standing high atop the artificial mountain.
Qin Shuang and Qin Wan watched nervously from below. Qing Niang explained apologetically, “The Young Master has always loved climbing since he was little, and he enjoys crawling through the rockery caves. There was no helping it; Master gave him the Small Red Tower in Hui Garden.”
Hui Garden was the main courtyard of Pang Fu Liang and Madam Chang, and the Small Red Tower was a three-story building behind it. Qin Shuang asked with slight surprise, “The Third Young Master is so young, yet he doesn’t sleep with Madam anymore?”
At this, Qing Niang looked tenderly in Pang Jia Yan’s direction. “Although Young Master likes to climb around and sometimes plays pranks, in other ways, he’s less troublesome than other children. He stopped sleeping with Madam at age three. Usually, he’s very quiet, though when he gets excited, he can be quite worrisome.”
Indeed, children with unsteady limbs who love to climb can be concerned.
Qin Shuang remarked, “Third Young Master seems unique. He’ll surely grow up to be very intelligent.”
Qing Niang nodded with a smile. Though just a servant, it was clear she genuinely cared for Pang Jia Yan.
After the murder case in the mansion, although Qin Shuang was terrified at night, she grew restless during the day. Right after breakfast, she suggested going for a walk. Last time, Pang Yi Wen had led them only as far as the lotus pond without going further. Curious, and no longer afraid, Qin Shuang pulled Qin Wan along. Since Bai Ying’s injuries had mostly healed, she followed them, and Qin Wan went along.
Unexpectedly, when they reached the lotus pond, they saw Pang Jia Yan climbing and crawling around the rockery.
“This garden looks large, but it’s usually quite quiet. Since the Qin ladies arrived, it’s finally livelier. Young Master has been especially playful these days—” Qing Niang’s voice trailed off with a sigh. “I heard from Madam that the Qin ladies were supposed to leave today, but the murder case delayed their departure. Your families must be worried.”
Qin Wan smiled gently. “That’s not a problem. As long as we return to the capital before New Year’s, it’s fine.”
Then Qin Wan suddenly remembered something. “Where is Madam?”
At this question, Qing Niang’s eyes darkened slightly, and she lowered her gaze. “Madam… is unwell. She’s still resting.”
Qin Wan frowned. “Is she sick?”
Seeing this, Qin Shuang quickly said, “If Madam is ill, she can examine her. Her medical skills are excellent!”
It was unlike the old Qin Shuang to praise Qin Wan, showing how much she had changed.
Hearing this, Qing Niang’s eyes flickered uncertainly. “Madam’s illness isn’t serious… it’s just a minor ailment…”
Qing Niang’s evasive eyes made both Qin Wan and even Qin Shuang suspect something was amiss. She glanced at Qin Wan for a moment and asked softly, “What’s wrong with Madam—”
“You can treat illnesses?”
Suddenly, from beneath the rockery where they stood, Pang Jia Yan’s figure emerged.
Just moments ago, he had been at the top of the rockery, but in an instant, he had made his way to the bottom.
He had heard Qin Shuang’s words, and now he was staring intently at Qin Wan. Qin Wan nodded, and Qin Shuang added, “Your eldest brother even invited her to treat an illness…”
At the mention of Pang Yi Wen, Pang Jia Yan let out a slight snort. He walked up to Qin Wan on his short legs. “Can you help examine my mother?”
Looking at Pang Jia Yan’s delicately carved small face, Qin Wan naturally couldn’t refuse.
“Alright,” she said, then looked toward Qing Niang. “I just don’t know if it’s convenient.”
Qing Niang’s expression showed signs of concealment, and Qin Wan suspected that Madam Chang’s illness might be something that shouldn’t be known to others, which was why young Pang Jia Yan had spoken up without knowing better.
However, Qing Niang looked at Pang Jia Yan, “Young Master…”
Pang Jia Yan turned to look at Qing Niang, “My mother is in terrible pain.”
Hearing this, Qing Niang’s face showed heartache, but she said softly, “We can’t let Master know.”
Pang Jia Yan nodded like a little adult, “Go see where Father is, we’ll wait here.”
Qing Niang looked at Pang Jia Yan, then at Qin Wan, nodded, and left.
At this point, both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang understood that Madam Chang’s condition must be serious. Not only was Madam Chang uncomfortable seeing people, but Pang Fu Liang particularly didn’t want outsiders to know…
Qin Shuang hesitated, as did Qin Wan, but Pang Jia Yan looked at her, “Can you make my mother stop hurting?”
Qin Wan spoke gently, “What illness does Madam have? As long as it’s not some rare disease, I should have a way to help.”
Pang Jia Yan didn’t say what illness Madam Chang had, but just looked at Qin Wan trustingly, “You can do it.”
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances, both completely puzzled.
After waiting for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qing Niang appeared again, “Young Master, Master, and Magistrate Wang are in that Madam’s courtyard.”
Pang Jia Yan’s eyes lit up, and he immediately said, “Quick, follow us.”
Pang Jia Yan looked at Qin Wan, then frowned after a moment, “You two can come, but the other maids cannot.”
Fu Ling and Bai Ying, standing behind them, frowned immediately. They both thought of what happened in the Herb Garden, where Sun Hao Yue, who everyone thought was a great and kind doctor, had harmed so many people. If even Sun Hao Yue couldn’t be trusted, how could they trust the people of the Pang mansion?
“No, I must stay with Young Miss.”
“Me too.”
Fu Ling and Bai Ying spoke in succession, and Pang Jia Yan’s brows furrowed. He looked at Fu Ling and Bai Ying, “You are indeed loyal. Very well, you two can follow, but you cannot enter the room.”
With that, Pang Jia Yan started walking northward. Whether it was because he was so familiar with the garden or for some other reason, they didn’t encounter any of the mansion’s servants along the winding path to Hui Garden. They only saw an elderly female servant waiting at the entrance.
Seeing her waiting, Qing Niang hurried forward to meet her, “Is everything arranged?”
The elderly woman nodded, “I’ve sent everyone else away.”
Qing Niang made a sound of acknowledgment and then invited Qin Wan and Qin Shuang to enter.
Hui Garden was larger than Qin Wan had imagined, but she had no time to look around. She just followed Qing Niang and Pang Jia Yan straight to the inner chambers. Soon, they arrived at Madam Chang’s inner room. The bedchamber of Madam Chang and Pang Fu Liang was as magnificent as any wealthy household’s inner chamber. When Qin Wan and Qin Shuang entered, Madam Chang was lying on the bed in a daze.
Hearing movement, Madam Chang instinctively turned her head. When she saw Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, her expression immediately changed.
“Miss… Miss Qin…”
“Mother, don’t be afraid, Father doesn’t know.”
Pang Jia Yan quickly ran to Madam Chang’s side, while Qin Wan and Qin Shuang approached and curtsied.
As they got closer, both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were startled. Madam Chang was half-leaning against the soft pillows behind her, wearing an undergarment that didn’t reveal much, but on her face, near her eyes, there was a purple bruise. She was originally a woman of delicate features, and this purple bruise on her face was particularly shocking. Presumably seeing the surprise in Qin Wan and Qin Shuang’s eyes, Madam Chang showed signs of discomfort and looked at Qing Niang, “What is this about…”
But Pang Jia Yan urgently said, “Ninth Miss can treat illnesses, I asked her to come treat Mother.”
Seeing Pang Jia Yan’s earnest expression, Madam Chang’s eyes reddened. When she looked at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang again, she smiled bitterly, “I apologize for letting the young ladies see me in such a state. I’m truly not fit to receive guests. Please forgive my rudeness.”
Qin Wan sighed, “Please don’t worry, Madam. I will only fulfill my duty as a physician and won’t ask any questions.” After a pause, Qin Wan added, “Third Young Master shows great filial piety, but if Madam truly refuses, Qin Wan and Sixth Sister can leave.”
Madam Chang became even more embarrassed, looked down at Pang Jia Yan again, and nodded, “Very well, then I’ll trouble Ninth Miss.”
Qin Wan nodded and stepped forward, carefully examining the bruise on Madam Chang’s face. After a moment, she asked, “Is it only this injury? Does Madam have any other discomfort?”
Pang Jia Yan said, “Mother’s body hurts too.”
Madam Chang’s face reddened slightly, seeming somewhat nervous. Qin Wan said, “Madam doesn’t need to show me everything, just let me see a part so I can understand your injuries and prescribe appropriate medicine.”
Madam Chang hesitated for a moment, then rolled up her sleeve.
Madam Chang had extremely delicate and fair hands, with long fingers like jade scallions, and wrists as white as frost. But when she rolled up her sleeve, Qin Wan saw shocking whip marks and large bruises.
Qin Wan pressed her lips tightly to suppress her shock, and after a moment nodded, “Are these the only two types of injuries?”
Madam Chang’s eyes were moist as she silently nodded.
Qin Wan pondered briefly and said, “I understand. We brought many ointments and herbs that I use personally on our journey. I’ll get them and give them to Qing Niang, and Madam can use them according to instructions.”
After speaking, Qin Wan stepped back, “Take care, Madam.”
Madam Chang’s eyes were red as she nodded and looked at Qing Niang. Qing Niang understood and turned to escort Qin Wan and Qin Shuang out.
While Qin Wan maintained her composure, Qin Shuang seemed shocked, her steps somewhat stiff.
Qin Wan collected her thoughts and glanced around. Looking out the window of the bedchamber, she could see the Small Red Tower behind it. The tower was exquisitely designed with bright red lacquer, indeed suitable for the pampered Pang Jia Yan.
But who could have imagined that while the child was showered with love, the mother would…
Qin Wan clenched her sleeve, her expression grave as she walked out.
Even after leaving Hui Garden, they didn’t see any other servants. The same elderly woman was still vigilantly guarding the entrance. Seeing Qin Wan’s group leave, she finally relaxed, curtsied again, and watched them depart.
Only after they had walked past the western fork of Hui Garden did Qing Niang, who hadn’t spoken until now, turn and bow deeply.
“Thank you, young ladies. This matter…”
“Rest assured, we won’t speak a word of this to anyone else,” Qin Wan said earnestly.
Qing Niang’s eyes reddened, “Madam suffers too much. Every time she endures it like this, it’s too painful. The Young Master is older now, and can’t be fooled anymore…”
Qin Wan’s lips tightened, wanting to say something, but ultimately held back, only sighing, “Tell Madam to take care of herself. I’ll go get the medicine.”
Qing Niang nodded, “I shouldn’t go over there, I’ll wait in the pavilion up ahead.”
Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgment and briskly led Qin Shuang back to their courtyard.
After walking more than ten steps, Qin Shuang finally spoke shakily, “Was… was that done by Master Pang? All those bruises and whip marks… she’s the Madam of the house, who else would dare lay hands on her?”
Qin Wan shook her head and remained silent for a moment. Qin Shuang thought of Madam Chang’s injuries and shrank her shoulders in fear.
Although the Third Branch of the Qin Family in Jin Zhou wasn’t nobility, they were still a wealthy family. These young ladies had been pampered since childhood – forget about being beaten, they hadn’t even experienced ordinary bumps and scrapes. Madam Chang came from an extremely wealthy background too, yet now she was living such a life. She had only shown Qin Wan her arm, what about other places?
No wonder Pang Jia Yan could tell his mother was in pain…
“Why doesn’t Madam Pang speak up? Why doesn’t she return to her maiden family and have them stand up for her? What if she gets beaten to death someday? No, even if she isn’t beaten to death, this will surely shorten her life.”
Qin Shuang was impetuous by nature and couldn’t hold back her thoughts. But Qin Wan understood Madam Chang’s difficulties, “It’s true Madam Pang came from a wealthy family, but her maiden family has since declined, while the Pang family is now the wealthiest in the Northwest. Unless Madam Pang can steel her heart for divorce, the Chang family has to consider their face and can’t make a big scene. They also have to consider the entire family. I’m afraid no one can control Master Pang.”
Qin Shuang gritted her teeth, “If anyone dares treat me like this in the future, I’ll grab a knife and fight them! It’s too unfair – no, it’s not just unfair, it’s living without basic human dignity.”
Qin Wan said helplessly, “Lower your voice. If Master Pang learns we visited Madam Pang, it might bring her more trouble. Madam Pang is certainly suffering, but when I saw her arm, there were old scars beneath the new injuries. She must have endured this many times already. As outsiders, we can’t tell her what to do. Madam Pang must make her own decision.”
Qin Shuang understood now. Though her heart ached for Madam Chang, she knew marriages between great families couldn’t be simply severed with divorce, especially given Master Pang’s current status and position.
They quickly returned to their courtyard. Qin Wan first took out two jars of ointment she had already prepared and then wrote a prescription. She initially wanted to send the prescription along, but worried that if Master Pang saw it, there would be no way to explain. In the end, she just told Fu Ling several medicinal ingredients to relay to Qing Niang. Having studied with Qin Wan for so long, Fu Ling could quickly memorize the ingredients for a prescription. After everything was properly arranged, Fu Ling took the ointments to find Qing Niang.
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang waited in the courtyard. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Fu Ling returned, panting.
“Young Miss, everything has been arranged as instructed. Don’t worry.”
Qin Wan’s heart eased slightly. Qin Shuang let out a long sigh, “It’s pitiful. That young master is so little, yet he already knows his mother suffers like this. I wonder if it will affect him.”
“It definitely will,” Qin Wan’s voice deepened. “It will affect him in some way.”
Qin Shuang shook her head, “Never mind, never mind. In the future, it’s better not to marry into too powerful a family. Master Pang may be the wealthiest man in the Northwest but in private he… It’s best to marry someone honest, someone the maiden family can keep in check. That way, if a daughter suffers in her married home, her maiden family can still support her…”
Qin Wan smiled wryly, “That’s not necessarily true either.”
Qin Shuang snorted, “Never mind, why am I thinking about these things? It’s probably not something I can decide anyway.”
Though Qin Shuang seemed simple-minded and impulsive, ever since the incident at the Qin mansion when she stopped following Qin Xiang, she had grown more mature. She now realized that the Marquis’s family taking them north wasn’t just about family ties – there were probably other arrangements.
The murder case in the mansion had already made everyone uneasy, and now learning about Madam Pang’s situation added another layer of gloom to Qin Shuang and Qin Wan’s hearts. By afternoon, Qin Wan hadn’t heard any news of Yan Chi’s arrival, only knowing that Wang Huai Yu had sent more people into the mansion and questioned all the household members again. Meanwhile, the Shuang Qing Troupe case was temporarily ruled as an accident.
In the evening, Qing Lan returned to the Qing Hui Garden.
She had been wrongly accused, and now that Qing Xian and Yang Ying had confessed, she was naturally cleared.
The other Shuang Qing Troupe members who were taken away the previous night were also released, with only Qing Xian and Yang Ying remaining in custody.
At dinner time, the three Qin sisters went to Qin Yan’s courtyard to dine together.
Throughout the day, Qin Yan had frequently gone to De Yue Tower to inquire about the case. At this time, Qin Shuang was the first to speak up, “Third Brother, when will this case be solved? Did the Magistrate make any progress today?”
Qin Yan’s expression had become increasingly grave, even more solemn than before, “There are no leads yet. There was a suspicious person in the kitchen, but after investigation, they just turned out to be someone who had embezzled procurement funds. As for Qing Jun’s death, there are no strong leads.”
Qin Shuang made a sound of acknowledgment. Qin Wan thought of what Yan Chi had said the previous night, “When did Liu Yun Tong leave?”
Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan, “I don’t know when he left. Why do you ask?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Liu Yun Tong isn’t afraid of getting involved in trouble. Since he’s both a long-time friend of Master Pang and knew Qing Jun, I imagine the Magistrate would question him thoroughly…”
“He’s already been questioned, and his story matches Master Pang’s exactly.”
Qin Shuang snorted quietly, having lost all faith in Pang Fu Liang after learning he had beaten his wife.
Qin Wan said casually, “Master Pang is a wealthy magnate of the West, and Official Liu knows to maintain good relations with him. This way, if he encounters any difficulties in his official career, he’ll have someone to help him.”
Qin Yan’s brows furrowed slightly. Qin Wan’s words made him sink into deep thought.
The relationship between Liu Ren Li and Pang Fu Liang was much deeper than he had imagined, certainly not as casual as Pang Fu Liang had described. Although he had always suspected this, he had no specific evidence to support it. Now with Qin Wan’s comment, he couldn’t help but wonder if Liu Ren Li’s visit to the Pang mansion was for something else.
“Third Brother, be careful with matters concerning Official Liu.” Seeing Qin Yan deep in thought, Qin Wan decided to warn him directly.
As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Xiang, who had been silent until now, said, “Third Brother can handle external affairs himself. Ninth Sister is meddling too much.”
Qin Wan remained neutral, but Qin Yan seemed not to have heard Qin Xiang’s words and looked at Qin Wan for a moment. In his mind, the current Qin Wan was no ordinary young lady. If she suddenly said something like this, she must have noticed something.
Qin Yan nodded, “I will certainly be careful.”
At these words, Qin Xiang’s face immediately stiffened slightly. Qin Shuang looked at Qin Xiang with amusement, then suddenly thought of her former self. She used to be like that too, thinking she spoke well but appearing foolish and presumptuous in others’ eyes.
Thinking of this, Qin Shuang’s face reddened slightly. Fortunately, she now knew to be more restrained.
After dinner, Qin Wan returned to her room to continue making medicine. After finishing the medicine, she went to bed early without delay. Learning about Madam Chang’s situation today left her with many thoughts.
In the current world, if she were Madam Chang, she would also have many concerns. Those who could get divorced usually had powerful maiden families to stand up for them. In ordinary families, divorce was seen as a shame for the man. In the previous dynasty, only men were allowed to divorce their wives. Although there were many examples of divorce in the current dynasty, in people’s eyes, it was as if the wife had divorced her husband. Therefore, unless necessary, very few men would agree to divorce. If they didn’t like their wives, it wasn’t a problem – they could take concubines or establish equal wives.
The more Qin Wan thought about it, the heavier her heart felt. Just as she was feeling troubled, suddenly, there was a rustling sound outside her back window. Qin Wan’s heart tightened and she immediately sat up. Today she hadn’t left the window open for Yan Chi; the window was locked from the inside. As Qin Wan was uncertain what to make of this, a soft “tap tap” knocking sound came from the window.
If it were a thief, why would they knock? Qin Wan’s heart stirred, and she immediately threw off her blanket and got out of bed.
Walking to the window, Qin Wan softly asked, “Yan Chi?”
Outside, Yan Chi’s voice gave a low sound of acknowledgment. Qin Wan hurriedly opened the window.
As the window opened, sure enough, Yan Chi stood there tall and elegant.
He supported himself on the windowsill and leaped in, closing the window behind him. When he saw she was wearing only a single robe, he quickly said, “Get back to bed.”
As he said this, he pulled her toward the bed. Qin Wan asked softly, “Why did you come?”
Yan Chi looked at her, “Why wouldn’t I come?”
“Then why didn’t you come during the day?”
Yan Chi pulled her to the bedside, made her get in bed and cover herself with the brocade quilt, then said in a low voice, “Could I have seen you during the day?”
Qin Wan thought about it and realized he was right. Although they hadn’t seen each other for just one day, now that Yan Chi was before her, she naturally felt a small happiness spreading in her heart. “Although it wasn’t convenient to see me, you’re still the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. Shouldn’t you have been investigating the case during the day?”
Yan Chi tucked the quilt around her, “I came precisely to tell you—”
Hearing this, Qin Wan hurriedly asked, “What is it?”
Seeing her eagerness, Yan Chi’s voice carried a smile, “What I told you last night about investigating Liu Ren Li’s past – I’ve found something.” Qin Wan’s eyes brightened as Yan Chi continued, “Before the New Year, Liu Ren Li served as the Deputy Magistrate of Xu Zhou.”
Qin Wan frowned, “Xu Zhou? Xu Zhou is downstream of the Yan River, with Yu Zhou in the west and Xu Zhou in the east.”
Yan Chi nodded, “Exactly, but there’s one interesting coincidence – Liu Ren Li is also from Ding Zhou.”
It seemed Yan Chi had thoroughly investigated Liu Ren Li in just one day. Qin Wan asked with slight surprise, “Liu Ren Li is from Ding Zhou? Wasn’t Qing Jun also from Ding Zhou?”
Yan Chi nodded, “Not only that, Pang Fu Liang is also from Ding Zhou, though he later chose to build his fortune in Yu Zhou.”
Although Ding Zhou wasn’t far from Yu Zhou, why had Pang Fu Liang come to Yu Zhou?
However, this wasn’t the most important point. Qin Wan frowned, “If the three of them are from the same hometown, why didn’t Pang Fu Liang mention it? There’s a natural fellowship among people from the same hometown. If Pang Fu Liang’s relationship with them was based on this, it would make perfect sense.”
Yan Chi nodded, “Exactly. I haven’t yet sent people to investigate Qing Jun’s residence in Ding Zhou…”
Qin Wan naturally knew that one day wasn’t enough time to thoroughly investigate the situation in Ding Zhou. After thinking for a moment, she suddenly remembered something, “That’s right, although Qing Jun is dead, I remember she had an elder martial sister.”
Yan Chi also remembered, “You mean her martial sister might know what kind of relationship she had with Pang Fu Liang?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Wasn’t it said that her martial sister got married? Even if she’s married, they couldn’t have completely lost contact. Or perhaps her martial sister knows if she had any enemies?”
The person who died was Qing Jun. Pang Fu Liang said she was from Ding Zhou and had no living relatives or old friends, but Qin Wan already knew of one such person. Being her martial sister, she would surely know more.
“I understand what you mean. I’ll have someone look into it.” After a slight pause, Yan Chi added, “The Shuang Qing Troupe members are still in the mansion. Tomorrow we can have Magistrate Wang question them directly.”
Qin Wan made a sound of agreement, “Both cases are connected to the Shuang Qing Troupe.”
Saying this, Qin Wan suddenly felt it was too coincidental, “The two people who died one after another – one was the current troupe leader, one was the previous troupe leader. If Qing Li’s death hadn’t been temporarily ruled as an accident, I would think someone was seeking revenge against the Shuang Qing Troupe…”
Yan Chi’s eyes narrowed, “Qing Li’s case is still considered an accident, but if it wasn’t, that’s certainly a possibility.”
Qin Wan nodded, then said, “I’ve already hinted to Third Brother about Liu Ren Li’s situation. I believe he’ll be careful.”
“That’s all for your sake. Otherwise, why would I care what happens to the Marquis’s household?”
Qin Wan pondered for a moment, “Is the Marquis’s household gathering support for the Crown Prince?”
Yan Chi nodded, “You probably figured that out when you saw us playing chess last time…”
“What do you think about it?” Qin Wan asked.
“What do I think… Since ancient times, there have been civil officials and military commanders. Civil officials maintain peace while military commanders secure the nation. In court, civil officials scheme actively while military commanders hold crucial military power. Right now, I can’t have any thoughts, nor can I let His Majesty think I have any thoughts.”
Yan Chi’s words seemed casual, but Qin Wan’s heart tightened. The current Emperor was in his prime. Although he had appointed a Crown Prince, that didn’t mean the Crown Prince had any real power in court yet. Throughout history, many Crown Princes had been deposed, and many who were appointed had tried to seize the throne early through force. The Rui Prince was the Commander-in-Chief of the Northwest Army, and although Yan Chi had returned to the capital, he was still the Young Commander. If Yan Chi agreed to Qin Yan’s suggestion and aligned with the Crown Prince, one could imagine how wary the current Emperor would become.
Therefore, Yan Chi could only remain neutral, maintaining his loyalty to the current Emperor to protect himself.
Understanding this connection, Qin Wan felt a chill. When Qin Yan had tried to win over Yan Chi that day, she hadn’t thought this far ahead. Now that she understood, she realized Yan Chi’s attitude that day had been very meaningful.
“I see. I was thinking too simply.”
“What were you thinking?”
“That day when I saw your ambiguous attitude, I only thought you didn’t want to rely on the Crown Prince.”
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly, “Why? The Crown Prince is the Eastern Palace, the future Emperor.”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together for a moment, “Although he is the Crown Prince, in my heart, you are the illustrious Young Master of the Rui Prince. Inside or outside the court, no one can force you to do anything.”
Hearing Qin Wan say this, Yan Chi paused and didn’t speak.
Qin Wan didn’t know what was wrong with him. After a moment, Yan Chi raised his hand to caress her cheek, his tone becoming somewhat heavy, “Suddenly, I don’t want you to go to the capital…”
“Hmm?” After waiting for so long, this was what she heard.
Yan Chi leaned forward and drew Qin Wan into his embrace, “You see others being extremely respectful to me, but I’m not immune to pressure either, especially in that imperial city. On the surface, it’s magnificent and wealthy, but inside countless hands are stirring up waves. Everyone who has a say there holds some bargaining chips. The intrigues there are shrouded in layers of mist, a hundred times harder to grasp than any mysterious case. Moreover, it’s full of killing intent – you never know how many cold arrows are aimed at you.”
Qin Wan’s heart tightened at Yan Chi’s words, and she unconsciously wrapped her arms around his waist.
Yan Chi noticed her movement and lowered his head to kiss the tip of her ear, “Are you scared?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “I had already imagined some of it, but naturally not as clearly as you know it.”
Yan Chi gently stroked her back, “Of what I’ve told you, just take half of it to heart. Maintain necessary vigilance, and leave the rest to me.”
Qin Wan’s nervous mood eased slightly. She naturally trusted him, even though he had just said he wasn’t free from constraints. She had survived several near-death experiences because of Yan Chi. She didn’t trust in any overwhelming power he might have, but rather in his unwavering dedication to her.
“I know. I trust you.”
Qin Wan’s voice was soft, particularly touching on this cold, howling winter night. Yan Chi tightened his embrace and raised his hand to stroke Qin Wan’s hair. There was one more thing he hadn’t said – the capital was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, but also mixed with all sorts of people. He didn’t know how the Marquis’s household would arrange Qin Wan’s future, but he was certain that more eyes would fall on her.
This point both filled him with pride and considerable annoyance.
“This is for you—”
As Yan Chi was thinking, he felt something being tucked into his embrace.
He quickly pulled back to take out what had been placed in his arms, and as soon as he touched it, he knew what it was.
“You finished the medicine pouch?” Yan Chi asked, bringing it to his nose for a sniff.
Although it was a medicine pouch, the medicinal scent wasn’t strong at all. Instead, it gave off a fresh woody fragrance. After inhaling for a moment, Yan Chi felt remarkably refreshed.
“Yes, it’s finished. It mainly contains herbs that help with mental focus.”
Yan Chi put the pouch back against his chest and pulled Qin Wan into a tight embrace, “Everything you make is wonderful.”
Qin Wan smiled silently, and then Yan Chi suddenly asked, “Who else has one?”
Qin Wan, completely unsuspecting, replied, “Fu Ling got hers earlier, and I’m making ones for Bai Ying and Sixth Sister now – they’re almost done. I haven’t planned for others yet, we’ll see later…”
Yan Chi’s breath caught slightly, “I won’t say anything about your little maid, but why are you making one for Qin Six? And Bai Ying too? You want me to use the same medicine pouch as my former subordinate?”
Though Yan Chi kept his voice low, his annoyance was audible.
Qin Wan was taken aback, “But I’ve almost finished making them…”
Yan Chi lowered his head and planted a firm kiss on her cheek, “Give them to me, give them all to me!”
The next morning, Qing Niang personally led the kitchen staff to deliver breakfast.
“Madam says the case must be taxing for Young Master and the three young ladies, so she specially prepared some soups today. Not knowing what the three young ladies prefer, she also ordered pastries from Yu Zhou City’s most famous confectionery.”
As Qing Niang spoke, servants laid out the food. Qin Yan raised his eyebrows at the table full of dishes and pastries, “This is too generous. Please thank Madam for her kindness.”
Qing Niang smiled and waved her hand, “It’s not too much at all. Please enjoy, Young Master and young ladies.”
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang stood to the side, catching Qing Niang’s particularly grateful look, and knew that Madam Chang must have improved after using the medicine. After Qing Niang left, the siblings sat down to eat together.
Qin Yan remarked with slight surprise, “Today is quite different from previous days—”
Though Pang Fu Liang had been careful in hosting Qin Yan and his sisters, with every meal being quite refined, today’s spread far exceeded the usual standard, leaving Qin Yan somewhat puzzled. Halfway through the meal, Qin Yan said, “We don’t know when this case will be solved, but we shouldn’t delay too long. If there’s still no result after two more days, we’ll leave.”
Although it had been proven that Qin Yan’s group had nothing to do with Qing Jun’s death, since they chose to stay, it would be best to wait for a conclusion. Moreover, what Qin Yan cared most about – Liu Ren Li’s true nature – was particularly important. Now that Qin Yan seemed to have changed his mind about Liu Ren Li, there was naturally no need to wait much longer—
“That would be best…” Qin Shuang was satisfied with this arrangement!
Qin Wan didn’t respond, though she naturally wouldn’t object. However, she wondered when Yan Chi planned to return to the capital.
His position as Provincial Surveillance Commissioner was both important and not important, but since it was personally appointed by the Emperor, now that he had become involved in this case, would he need to see it through to the end, just like in Jin Zhou?
“Ninth Sister?” Qin Shuang suddenly called out loudly.
Qin Wan came back to her senses and looked at Qin Shuang, who said helplessly, “What are you thinking about? Third Brother is talking to you.”
Qin Wan quickly turned to look at Qin Yan, who was watching her with concern, “Are you feeling unwell?”
Qin Wan tugged at the corner of her mouth and shook her head, “No, maybe I just… didn’t sleep well.”
Qin Yan said, “I was saying, don’t stay cooped up in the courtyard all day. If you’re bored, go out for a walk with Sixth Sister. The mansion has a gloomy atmosphere now.”
A place where someone had died would naturally be gloomy. Qin Yan meant well, and Qin Wan nodded, “Don’t worry, Third Brother. I’ll go out if I want to.”
After breakfast, Qin Shuang was indeed restless to go out, but just as they reached the courtyard gate, they saw Pang Jia Yan standing outside holding a box, with Qing Niang behind him. Seeing Qin Wan come out, Qing Niang quickly curtsied.
Qin Wan was slightly surprised, “Why are you here?”
Qing Niang smiled and said, “Third Young Master has come to bring gifts… He enjoys playing with the two young ladies.”
Qing Niang didn’t say more, but it was likely because Madam Chang’s injuries had improved. Pang Jia Yan had come, and such a small child carrying such a large box looked quite tiring.
Qin Wan quickly said, “Then please come in.”
Pang Jia Yan didn’t speak, just followed behind Qin Wan carrying the box.
Entering the room, Fu Ling and Bai Ying both curiously watched the box in Pang Jia Yan’s hands. He placed the large box on the main room’s table and opened it with a “pop.”
When the box opened, they saw it was full of various trinkets, with Pang Jia Yan’s favorite golden toy carriage prominently displayed inside. There were golden slingshots, jade Chinese ring puzzles, clay dolls, cloth tigers… all children’s toys. Everyone broke into smiles at once.
Seeing them smile, Pang Jia Yan lifted his chin, “You, choose first.”
He pointed at Qin Wan, who walked forward with an amused smile, “So many treasures, is Third Young Master really willing to part with them? Even the carriage?”
Pang Jia Yan looked reluctantly at the carriage, but forcefully turned his gaze away, “Take it if you want it!”
Qin Wan picked up the carriage, and Pang Jia Yan quickly glanced at it, then turned his head away as if trying not to show his reluctance. Qin Wan put the carriage down and began examining the items one by one. Qin Shuang found it entertaining and came forward too, “Oh, I played with these Chinese rings when I was little, but I could never figure them out…”
Qin Wan just looked without speaking, while Qin Shuang chattered away with questions.
“What’s this?” Qin Shuang asked, holding up a silver cylinder.
Pang Jia Yan frowned, “A telescope—”
“Hmm?” Hearing it was for looking, Qin Shuang held it to her eye and looked at Pang Jia Yan, then quickly gasped and threw it back in the box, “Heavens! The face becomes so huge, it’s frightening!”
Then she picked up several dolls, “Oh, these are so lifelike.”
“Qing Niang made those by hand,” Pang Jia Yan said proudly.
Qin Wan looked over and saw they were figures performing acrobatics – some wielding swords, others swallowing swords or breathing fire. Each doll was only half a palm high, yet each had different clothes, expressions, and poses, making them quite interesting.
Qin Shuang looked around, put them down, and asked, “And what’s this?”
She held a square game board where the square “pieces” were pressed tightly together but could slide up, down, left, and right. The pieces had different colored figures painted on them, with just one space empty on the board.
Pang Jia Yan glanced at it, “This is the Klotski puzzle—” then added, “I’ll tell you how to play. If you can help ‘Cao Xing’ escape, you can choose something too!”
Qin Shuang was startled – so she wasn’t allowed to choose otherwise… She glanced at Pang Jia Yan’s box, wanting to tease him a bit and not wanting this little child to look down on her, so she raised her chin, “It’s a deal!”