“Take Manager Pang back for questioning.”
Pang You De was stunned, never expecting Yan Chi’s focus to fall on him.
He looked helplessly at Yan Chi, then instinctively turned to Pang Fu Liang. Pang Fu Liang was equally startled by these words. “Your Highness, why…”
Yan Chi looked at Pang Fu Liang, his lips pressed together in silence.
In that instant, Pang Fu Liang couldn’t continue his question.
Though past forty and having weathered countless storms in his life, before Yan Chi, Pang Fu Liang was still intimidated by his commanding presence.
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. “Does Master Pang know why the Young Master appeared here in such disarray?”
Meeting Yan Chi’s gaze, Pang Fu Liang felt his throat tighten as if gripped by an invisible hand. Seeing his silence, Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly. “In that case, we’ll have to ask Manager Pang.”
Though Yan Chi’s lips curved, his eyes held no trace of humor.
He turned to Wang Huai Yu, who was also somewhat dazed. At Yan Chi’s words, Wang Huai Yu immediately waved to the nearby yamen runners. “Take Manager Pang back to the yamen—”
Several runners dared not delay, stepping forward to twist Pang You De’s arms.
Pang You De didn’t dare plead his innocence to Yan Chi, only calling out hesitantly, “Master—”
Pang Fu Liang stood motionless, beside him lay the blood-covered face of Pang Yi Wen, and not far away, Pang You De was being led away. His lips moved slightly, but he didn’t know what to say.
As Pang You De was being taken away, Pang Fu Liang turned to see Qin Wan walking out of the building, followed by Madam Chang and Pang Jia Yan. Pang Jia Yun wore a cloak with a hood covering her head and face, her small figure as frail as a child’s. As they exited the first-floor doorway, Madam Chang paused, glancing at Pang Yi Wen’s blood-covered face. Then, holding both Pang Jia Yun and Pang Jia Yan, she followed Qin Wan down.
Pang Fu Liang’s eyes narrowed, dark gleams shooting like arrows at Madam Chang’s back.
Madam Chang didn’t look at Pang Fu Liang, quietly following behind Qin Wan. Yan Chi then ordered, “Prepare a separate courtyard and post guards for Madam Pang, Miss Pang, and the Third Young Master—”
At Yan Chi’s order, Pang Fu Liang’s brows immediately furrowed.
Wang Huai Yu’s eyes flickered. “Yes, I’ll arrange it right away.”
Yan Chi then lowered his gaze to Pang Yi Wen on the ground. “How does Master Pang think he died?”
Pang Fu Liang stared at Pang Yi Wen’s cooling corpse with deep eyes. “Certainly not an accident—”
“Then who is the murderer?”
Pang Fu Liang’s tone was gloomy, tinged with gritted teeth, while Yan Chi remained seemingly relaxed. Pang Fu Liang’s lips moved, but he couldn’t speak. In front of everyone, Pang Jia Yun had been on the first floor when Pang Yi Wen fell from the third floor… Yet how could Pang Fu Liang believe his son had accidentally fallen to his death?
“This humble one doesn’t know. That should be Governor Wang’s responsibility.”
Though Pang Fu Liang spoke softly, his words carried a sharp edge. Yan Chi turned to Wang Huai Yu. “Very well, then please have Governor Wang investigate.”
Wang Huai Yu seemed to catch Yan Chi’s meaning and stepped forward. “Rest assured, Master Pang, any unnatural death must be investigated. For now, please accept our condolences. Someone come and move Young Master Pang’s body to be placed with Official Liu’s body.”
Several yamen runners immediately moved at the order. Watching his son’s body being roughly carried away, Pang Fu Liang felt his tightly controlled temper about to explode.
Yan Chi sighed. “My condolences, Master Pang.”
Then looking at Wang Huai Yu, he added, “Continue investigating Liu Yun Tong’s death.”
Wang Huai Yu immediately responded, “Yes, Your Highness can rest assured.”
Yan Li, who had been waiting below, came forward. “What’s happening? Why keep watch over Madam Pang? Is this case related to them? I thought the Young Master died accidentally. No, wait, we need to know why he came here in the first place.”
Yan Chi nodded. “Miss Pang is unwell. We need to wait until Madam Pang has tended to her before questioning.”
Yan Li’s eyes flickered. “Ah yes, Miss Pang only talks to her mother.”
These few sentences caused Pang Fu Liang’s expression to change several times. Wang Huai Yu said directly, “Madam knows this garden better than I do. Please choose an isolated courtyard, Madam. I’m afraid you’ll have to remain there for the next few days.”
Though it seemed like confinement, it was protection.
Madam Chang nodded. “There are two guest courtyards to the west.”
The western courtyards were right next to where Qin Wan and her group were staying. Wang Huai Yu seemed satisfied and instructed several men, “You all, go with Madam and guard the courtyard gate.”
The yamen runners acknowledged and immediately “escorted” Madam Chang’s group away from the building.
With everyone gone, the mix of smoke and blood in the air was nauseating. Though the fire was extinguished, the small building was in ruins. The servants of Qing Hui Garden stood in small groups at a distance, uncertain what to do. Not only had there been successive deaths in the mansion, but now even the eldest young master was dead…
Wang Huai Yu looked at the silently standing Pang Fu Liang. “Master Pang, with these successive incidents in Qing Hui Garden, I’m afraid the entire garden will have to be sealed off. I won’t return tonight and will bring more men later to investigate how your son died.”
Pang Fu Liang had nothing to say. Wang Huai Yu continued, “Master Pang has lost his beloved son and must be heavy-hearted. Please go rest first.”
Pang Fu Liang nodded and turned stiffly.
Pang Yi Wu had arrived early but, having never been favored remained timid. Seeing Pang Fu Liang’s unsteady steps, he finally approached. Pang Fu Liang looked at him and, for once, didn’t glare coldly as usual. He reached out a hand, and Pang Yi Wu quickly moved to support him.
Watching the father and son slowly walk away supporting each other, Yan Chi’s eyes narrowed.
“When did this Manager Pang start serving Pang Fu Liang?”
At Yan Chi’s question, Wang Huai Yu couldn’t answer immediately. “This official truly doesn’t know.”
“Question this manager and have people watch Pang Fu Liang.”
Wang Huai Yu nodded but seemed confused. Qin Wan had only told Yan Chi what she knew, and Wang Huai Yu was still unaware. Yan Chi lowered his voice, “It’s likely related to the case from years ago.”
Wang Huai Yu’s mouth opened slightly, his eyes suddenly brightening. “If so, could it be—”
Yan Chi shook his head. “It’s not that simple. Unless this Manager Pang was also an accomplice back then, we have no evidence to hold him.”
Wang Huai Yu now understood why Yan Chi ordered surveillance on Pang Fu Liang. “Very well, I’ll arrange it now and question Manager Pang through the night…”
Yan Chi nodded. “This matter requires speed rather than delay. I’ll join you in the questioning.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan immediately recalled rumors of Yan Chi using dozens of torture methods on enemy spies in the West. She looked at him for a moment, unable to imagine him torturing people with those methods.
As evening approached, Yan Chi turned to Qin Wan. “You should go back and rest first.”
Qin Wan curtsied, nodded to Wang Huai Yu, and then left.
Qin Yan and Qin Shuang had been waiting nearby. As Qin Wan approached, Qin Shuang immediately came forward asking, “How was it? Why were Miss Pang and Pang Yi Wen inside?”
Qin Wan shook her head, indicating this wasn’t the place to discuss it. Qin Shuang didn’t press further.
Seeing this, Qin Yan already understood in his heart.
Qin Shuang looked toward the west. “Why were Madam Pang and Miss Pang taken over there?”
“For Pang Yi Wen’s case, we need to question Miss Pang, and Miss Pang needs Madam Pang’s care.”
Qin Wan repeated Yan Chi’s explanation. Though Qin Shuang still looked puzzled, she turned back to look at the building. “Speaking of which, that small building is strange. How did the second floor remain intact when there was such a big fire on the first floor?”
Qin Wan frowned, but Qin Yan explained, “On the northwestern plains grows a type of spiny oak. This wood is exceptionally hard—they say even arrows can’t penetrate it—and it’s extremely fire-resistant. It was discovered about fifty or sixty years ago and was later transported in large quantities to the northwestern provinces. It was extremely expensive. Since Qing Hui Garden was formerly a prince’s residence, I suspect this building might have used that type of wood. Otherwise, with ordinary materials, the entire building would have burned.”
Does such wood exist in the world? Both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were surprised.
The siblings walked westward and indeed saw lights burning in another separate courtyard not far from Qin Wan’s guest quarters. Remembering Madam Chang’s request that day, Qin Wan felt moved to check on Pang Jia Yun’s condition.
“I’ll go see Madam Pang.”
Qin Yan glanced at the distant courtyard. “Don’t stay too long then.”
Qin Wan nodded, and the siblings were about to part when Qin Shuang tugged at Qin Wan’s sleeve. “No, I want to go too.”
Qin Shuang was purely curious and wanted to join in, but Qin Wan hesitated, knowing Madam Chang’s reluctance to discuss Pang Jia Yun’s mental condition. However, Qin Shuang immediately swore to the heavens, “I promise I won’t ask or say anything.”
Qin Wan didn’t quite believe her, but seeing Qin Shuang’s eager gaze, she found it hard to refuse.
“Alright then, let’s go see if the yamen runners will let us through.”
Qin Shuang nodded happily, and Qin Wan led her toward the westernmost guest quarters. At the entrance, the yamen runners indeed tried to stop them, but one was the same man who had summoned Qin Wan earlier. After glancing inside, he stepped aside. “This is the Ninth Young Lady of the Zhong Yong Marquis’s mansion who helps Governor Wang with autopsies. No need to stop her.”
The other three guards looked at each other briefly before stepping aside.
Qin Wan nodded in thanks to the speaker before entering the courtyard.
Upon entering, she heard Pang Jia Yan’s light laughter. “Sister, do you like this?”
The main room’s doors were wide open. Pang Jia Yan had somehow found a small mask and put it on his face—a Monkey King mask. He made monkey-scratching gestures to amuse Pang Jia Yun. Pang Jia Yun stared blankly at him while Madam Chang sighed, “Yun’er, your brother is trying to make you happy, please be cheerful…”
Pang Jia Yun stared for a moment, then suddenly curved her lips slightly. Pang Jia Yan became even more delighted.
“Sister smiled, Sister smiled!”
Qing Niang watched with reddening eyes, then turned to see Qin Wan standing at the courtyard entrance. She quickly informed Madam Chang, and both stood up. Qin Wan had Bai Ying and the others wait outside, bringing only Qin Shuang inside.
“Ninth Young Lady is here—”
Madam Chang came out to greet them. Qin Wan reached the doorway and curtsied.
“I’m sorry to disturb Madam at this hour.”
Madam Chang now felt only gratitude toward Qin Wan. She had prepared herself to return to Hui Garden tonight and face Pang Fu Liang’s wrath, but unexpectedly, Yan Chi had protected them this way. “It’s no disturbance at all. I haven’t even thanked Ninth Young Lady yet.”
Qin Wan shook her head, looking at the blank-faced Pang Jia Yun inside. “That day when Madam mentioned letting me examine Miss Pang, was that sincere?”
Madam Chang was startled, and then her eyes brightened. She hadn’t expected Qin Wan to come for this reason. “Of course! Of course, it was sincere… Ninth Young Lady, if you could cure Yun’er, I would definitely…”
Qin Wan waved her hand. “Please don’t speak of cures yet, Madam. My medical skills are limited, and curing Miss Pang’s condition would be difficult. Even if possible, it wouldn’t happen overnight. I came tonight because I noticed Miss Pang is extremely thin, and I’m concerned about her physical health—”
Madam Chang grew even more grateful. “I understand, I understand. Such conditions are rarely cured among common people. I’m deeply thankful for Ninth Young Lady’s consideration and have no way to repay you. Please come in. If you could improve Yun’er’s physical health, I would be most happy. Sometimes I think perhaps it’s best if she lives her life not remembering or knowing anything.”
This brought sadness again. Meanwhile, Qing Niang moved emotionally to Pang Jia Yun’s side. “Young Miss, please sit by the table. This lady can treat your illness.”
Though expressionless, Pang Jia Yun heard Qing Niang’s words and walked to sit at the table.
Qin Wan was surprised—judging by Pang Jia Yun’s current behavior, one could hardly tell she was ill.
Madam Chang explained, “She only listens to me and Qing Niang. She won’t listen to anyone else.”
Having seen Pang Jia Yun huddled in the cabinet, Qin Wan knew Madam Chang spoke the truth. She sat beside Pang Jia Yun and said softly, “Jia Yun, please extend your wrist…”
When she finished speaking, Pang Jia Yun didn’t move. Qing Niang then said, “Young Miss, please extend your hand.”
Pang Jia Yun raised her arm, extending it straight toward Qin Wan. Qin Wan shifted slightly, one hand supporting her wrist while taking her pulse. After a moment, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed and her expression grew serious. She pondered briefly before checking the other wrist. Soon, Qin Wan asked, “Is there paper and brush here? I’d like to prescribe to improve Miss Pang’s physical condition. She needs both medicinal and nutritional supplements. As for her condition here…” She pointed to her heart. “I can’t yet decide the best treatment method.”
Qin Wan avoided mentioning Pang Jia Yun’s mental illness, only pointing to her heart.
Madam Chang shook her head. “We haven’t had time to prepare writing materials, but you can tell Jia Yan. He’ll remember.”
Qin Wan was surprised—her prescription would have at least ten herbs, plus the quantities for each. It wouldn’t be easy to remember everything exactly. However, she didn’t question it, instead listing the herbs one by one. After she finished, Pang Jia Yan’s usually smiling face grew serious as he thought for a moment, then nodded. “I remember.”
Qin Wan was somewhat surprised, and Pang Jia Yan, as if to prove himself, recited everything back.
When he finished, both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were amazed.
“Third Young Master is truly impressive, with such an excellent memory.”
Pang Jia Yan’s face showed no childish innocence. He merely glanced at Qin Shuang and said nothing more.
Madam Chang smiled bitterly. “Yun’er used to have a good memory too, but…”
While they discussed this, Pang Jia Yun remained unresponsive. Qing Niang simply said, “It’s getting late. Would Young Miss like to rest?”
When Pang Jia Yun didn’t respond, Qing Niang continued, “Would Young Miss like to take Third Young Master’s mask and lie down inside?”
Though Pang Jia Yun didn’t speak, she stood up, took Pang Jia Yan’s mask from the table, and turned to walk toward the inner chamber. Qin Wan was surprised—Pang Jia Yun could not only complete actions like “walk over and sit down” but also “pick up the mask and walk to the inner chamber.” Qing Niang didn’t follow her, suggesting she could also lie down by herself.
Qin Wan knew of Pang Jia Yun’s mental condition, but her condition was very different from ordinary cases. Watching Pang Jia Yun’s retreating figure, Qin Wan fell into deep thought. After a moment, she said, “Miss Pang listens well to Qing Niang.”
Madam Chang looked gratefully at Qing Niang. “Qing Niang joined the household when Jia Yan was just born. She essentially raised both siblings.”
Qin Wan nodded, then looked at Pang Jia Yan. Yan Chi was right—without evidence, they couldn’t do anything about Pang Fu Liang. After so many years, there were no witnesses left from that time.
After some thought, she still asked Madam Chang, “Does Madam know if Master Pang has any particularly secret places? Or does he have other capable assistants?”
Madam Chang frowned, then said, “His study? He meets all the important guests there. Besides that, there’s a storehouse in the mansion—he keeps the key himself. I don’t know anything else. As for capable people… just Manager Pang. I don’t know about his business outside…”
Being confined to the inner courtyard, Madam Chang indeed had no chance to know much. Qin Wan turned to Pang Jia Yan. “Does Third Young Master know?”
Pang Jia Yan blinked. “I don’t know. When that lady and Official Liu came before, Father wouldn’t let me stay around. This was the first time, and I only heard a few words…”
Pang Fu Liang must be extremely cautious, and Pang Jia Yan had been young before. Qin Wan sighed inwardly and instinctively looked at Qing Niang. “What about Qing Niang? You’ve always taken care of Third Young Master.”
Qing Niang replied somewhat embarrassedly, “That day this servant was unwell and wasn’t by the Third Young Master’s side.”
Qin Wan nodded, making a mental note of the storehouse Madam Chang mentioned.
Seeing it was getting late, Qin Wan bid farewell. Upon leaving the courtyard, she instinctively looked back at Bai Ying and Fu Ling’s skirts, then at her own. Seeing this, Fu Ling quickly asked, “What’s wrong, Young Lady?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “Nothing, I’m just checking if our skirts were burned.”
Fu Ling smiled. “No, no, this servant was careful about that. There wasn’t any open flame left in the building.”
Qin Wan’s forward steps faltered slightly. How had Qing Niang’s skirt gotten burned?