At the moment Qin Wan entered the courtyard, she noticed the light on in her room. Upon pushing the door open, she found Qin Yan and Qin Shuang waiting inside. After a brief contemplation, her expression softened as she asked, “Third Brother, why are you here?”

Qin Yan glanced behind Qin Wan. “Where is Your Highness?”

Qin Wan walked in with an unchanged expression while Fu Ling and Bai Ying closed the door behind her.

“His Highness went to the magistrate’s office to work with Magistrate Wang through the night to clarify several cases.”

Qin Wan’s gentle tone contrasted sharply with her earlier heavy demeanor when leaving Miss Chang’s courtyard. Noticing this, Qin Yan narrowed his eyes and asked, “What exactly is this case about? Earlier, Qing Niang mentioned past events… She’s called Qing Huan? Was she also from the Shuang Qing Troupe? What was that about a senior sister? Jealousy? A family massacre?”

Since Qing Niang’s words weren’t detailed, Qin Wan and Yan Chi understood the old case, but someone like Qin Yan remained confused. Qin Wan pondered for a moment before asking, “Third Brother, do you know about the Great Gold Robbery case that happened in Meng Province fifteen years ago during the Western Rong invasion?”

Qin Yan’s dark pupils contracted. “You mean… the military pay robbery case from fifteen years ago?”

Qin Wan nodded, and Qin Yan drew in a sharp breath. “I don’t know much about this case. I was just becoming aware when it happened, with only vague impressions. I’ve heard people mention it later – fifteen years on, it remains unsolved.”

After a brief pause, Qin Yan continued with some tension in his voice, “Are the past events Qing Niang mentioned related to this case?”

Qin Yan’s eyes brightened as his expression grew solemn. He never imagined their visit to the Qing Hui Garden would connect to a fifteen-year-old case, especially the Great Gold Robbery. This wasn’t an ordinary robbery – fifteen years ago when the Western Rong invaded, it coincidentally occurred when the national treasury was depleted. The Emperor first withdrew gold reserves as military pay for transport to the northwest. The general in charge took every precaution to ensure the pay’s safety, yet it was still stolen.

That military pay was crucial to the Great Zhou dynasty’s survival. Its loss dragged out what could have been a swift victory into a half-year-long campaign. Though the case investigation received maximum effort due to military urgency, the impact was considerable, leading to it becoming an unsolved case.

“Indeed, it was that major case. Qing Niang was also from the Shuang Qing Troupe, the same generation as Qing Li. Her master was Qing Xi, of the same generation as Qing Jun. Back then, Qing Xi caught the attention of General Zhen Wu, left the troupe, and married him. The robbery happened four years after their marriage. I don’t know the specific details, but it seems Qing Jun used her connection as a fellow disciple to learn about General Zhen Wu’s route and plans, then struck when the general let his guard down. Besides Qing Jun, Pang Fu Liang, Liu Ren Li, and Qing Li were all conspirators. Qing Niang stayed at the Pang residence all these years for revenge.”

After a slight pause, Qin Wan continued with a complex tone, “She originally intended only revenge but unexpectedly encountered other suffering souls, so she helped Madam Chang and her daughter.”

“Was Madam Chang also a conspirator?” Qin Yan responded quickly.

Qin Wan hesitated. “She likely knew about it, but whether she was a conspirator requires Magistrate Wang’s investigation.”

At this point, Qin Yan understood Qin Wan’s meaning. He nodded and stopped asking about Madam Chang, though his expression grew increasingly grave. “To think the Pang family was connected to the Great Gold Robbery case—”

Qin Yan had already felt this journey was a grave mistake. Now that it involved the Great Gold Robbery case, his heart grew even heavier. Originally, he thought Pang Fu Liang and Liu Ren Li’s collusion was merely official merchant corruption that led to murder cases unrelated to the Qin family. But now it appeared Pang Fu Liang had committed such atrocities, and his current wealth was all ill-gotten – yet the Qin family had done business with the Pang family several times.

Seeing Qin Yan’s solemn expression, Qin Wan hesitated before asking, “Third Brother, may I ask what exactly is the connection between Pang Fu Liang and our marquis estate?”

Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan, clearly seeing she had thought of deeper implications.

While Qin Yan didn’t believe family matters should be casually disclosed to female relatives, he had no intention of concealing things from Qin Wan. So, omitting some details, he explained, “The Marquis estate has its businesses. Since Yu Province is neither too far nor too close to the capital, Father established some family properties there several years ago. During this time, we had several dealings with Pang Fu Liang. Father met him twice. Pang Fu Liang was very enthusiastic about our estate’s affairs, helped several times, and Father returned the favors accordingly.”

Qin Wan’s lips tightened. She knew Qin Yan wouldn’t tell her the whole truth – the reality must be more serious than what he described. After brief contemplation, she said, “There’s still time. Tonight the magistrate is conducting overnight interrogations, so word hasn’t spread yet. The third Brother should immediately send word back to inform Uncle. I believe Uncle will know how to handle it. Wait until the case is fully investigated before submitting the memorial to the capital – it should be after the new year at least.”

Hearing this, Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan for a moment. Seeing his dark eyes, Qin Wan quickly added, “I’m just making a suggestion. Third Brother naturally has his methods for handling such matters. These affairs aren’t for me to question.”

Though Qin Wan’s intelligence matched any man’s, she knew her position in the Qin family. As a woman, and not from the main branch, she naturally shouldn’t inquire about the main branch’s private affairs. If not for Ninth Miss’s Qin family background, she needn’t even make this suggestion. However, once this case concluded, they would soon depart for the capital, where she would be firmly tied to the Marquis estate. In matters that caused no major harm, she naturally considered the estate’s interests.

Hearing this, Qin Yan curved his lips. “No, without Ninth Sister, our estate might have become deeply entangled. I must thank Ninth Sister for her previous warning. You’re right – I’ll send word to the capital now.”

After speaking, Qin Yan turned to leave. After a few steps, he turned back and said, “Rest well tonight, Ninth Sister.”

With these words, Qin Yan quickly departed. Qin Shuang stood aside, raising an eyebrow. Though she stood nearby, Qin Yan had ignored her. She inwardly snorted before looking at Qin Wan and asking, “So you helped His Highness solve another case? I’ve been with you these past days – how did I not notice anything unusual?”

Qin Wan smiled briefly at Qin Shuang. “Your carefree nature is quite good indeed.”

Fu Ling and Bai Ying exchanged glances, feeling “carefree” might better be replaced with “thoughtless.”

Qin Shuang shook her head, suddenly stepping forward to grab Qin Wan’s arm. Qin Wan started, “What are you doing?”

Qin Shuang’s lips curved as she said, “Well… since the case is solved, we’ll be returning to the capital soon. You grew up in the capital, so you must be more familiar with it than me…”

Qin Wan sat on the couch, and Qin Shuang sat close beside her. “You must look after me when we reach the capital.”

Qin Wan was about to pour herself tea when she heard this and couldn’t help but laugh. “In the capital, it will be Uncle’s home – why would you need my care?”

Qin Shuang sighed, “But I’ve never met Uncle…”

Qin Wan thought for a moment – she hadn’t met Loyal and Brave Marquis Qin Shu either. What kind of person was this Loyal and Brave Marquis?

Thinking of Qin Yan, Qin Wan’s expression grew solemn.

To have taught Qin Yan to be so capable at such a young age – he must be extraordinary.

Qin Wan exhaled and patted Qin Shuang’s hand. “We’ll look after each other.”

This was Qin Wan’s best night’s sleep since entering Qing Hui Garden. With her greatest worry resolved, when she opened her eyes the next morning, daylight already filled the sky. Qin Wan gathered her thoughts, faintly hearing Fu Ling and Bai Ying talking outside.

“The master will surely know about the Hundred Herbs Garden incident. Let’s see how arrogant she remains then.”

“Though she’s the legitimate daughter of the third branch, she’s brought shame to the Qin family.”

“Earlier she seemed gentle and soft, though somewhat proud. Who knew she’d turn out like this?”

“I’m the same age as our lady. Honestly, I barely remember what the Marquis estate was like. But the capital is the capital – the servants there are proper and well-mannered, not reckless like in Jin Province… Never mind, we’re going to the capital soon, no need to mention Jin Province. The master and mistress passed early, but at least our lady grew up under the master’s care. He should treat our lady well, right?”

Fu Ling chattered on while Bai Ying only occasionally responded. Listening, Qin Wan fell into deep thought.

She had always looked forward to returning to the capital, but simply arriving wouldn’t let her investigate her father’s case. Moreover, she was now Qin Wan, not Shen Wan – ensuring she didn’t expose herself before the Qin couple who had raised her for years would be extremely tricky. Only after establishing a firm footing in the Loyal and Brave Marquis estate could she gradually investigate her father’s case.

Thinking this far, Qin Wan’s brows were already furrowed.

Previously, her father had transferred between various posts, knowing many in official circles. But with his upright and unyielding nature, he had few true friends. Later in the capital, as the position of Chief Justice was crucial, she rarely saw her father entertain guests at home. He never mentioned to her the depth of his official relationships. Thinking of the capital full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, awash in glory and wealth, Qin Wan suddenly couldn’t think of who might help. Even if she had candidates, how could she ask for help with her current identity?

Among the few colleagues of her father that Qin Wan had met, besides some former northwestern prison officials who had transferred to the Ministry of Justice, there were only a few Court of Judicial Review officials. Among them was current Vice Director Li Mu Yun, who had exposed her father’s alleged protection of Prince Jin. In her memory, this current Chief Justice was a very refined middle-aged man. He had come for Prince Yu’s birthday celebration, but when chaos erupted over Qing Li’s death that day, she hadn’t noticed Li Mu Yun’s presence in the crowd.

Now, with her return to the capital approaching, whether Li Mu Yun had come or not was no longer important.

Under her silk quilt, Qin Wan’s fists clenched tightly. Li Mu Yun was several years younger than her father and had once been highly valued by him. His position was below her father’s – he was her father’s right hand. Why would he expose her father like that?

She never doubted her father’s integrity – so what were Li Mu Yun’s intentions?

Was he acting on someone’s orders, or did he want her father’s position as Chief Justice?

As Qin Wan carefully recalled the details of those days, she more clearly remembered Shen Yi’s grave expression in the days before the incident. Their family was struck down like lightning as if Shen Yi had committed unforgivable crimes. This couldn’t have been accomplished by Li Mu Yun alone. Qin Wan’s lips tightened as the refined face of Li Mu Yun in her mind turned cold.

Gritting her teeth, Qin Wan slowly narrowed her eyes.

Her father’s case had concluded – it was a case judged by the Emperor himself. In all the historical judicial documents Qin Wan had read, she had never seen anyone question a case that the Emperor had definitively ruled on. Though Qin Wan’s eyes were wide open and daylight filled the sky outside, she felt darkness surrounding the bed curtains. Moreover, in this room, on the road from Yu Province to the capital, and in that capital city overflowing with glory and power struggles, a dark haze enveloped everything.

She knew well that this haze would grow darker and heavier the closer they got to the capital.

Qin Wan suddenly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Difficult – she had always known it would be difficult. To others, it might seem impossible, but was moving from death to life possible? Yet she had truly moved from death to life…

Opening her eyes again, Qin Wan’s gaze was clear. She put on her clothes and rose, doing her hair before walking out.

“My lady is up! You slept long today, my lady – finally well-rested.”

Fu Ling said cheerfully, hurrying forward to help Qin Wan with her morning preparations. Just as they finished, Zhou Huai came to invite her.

Arriving at Qin Yan’s courtyard, she saw Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were already there. Qin Xiang, who had rarely appeared in recent days, still maintained a delicate, sickly appearance, though her chin remained raised high with an air of nobility and pride.

Seeing Qin Wan arrive, Qin Yan’s lips curved slightly. “Come have breakfast. This afternoon, have someone go shopping for food for the journey. We can leave Yu Province early tomorrow morning…”

As he spoke, Qin Yan’s tone lightened. “These were all bought by Steward Zhou – try them.”

The breakfast on the table was completely new, looking appetizing. As Qin Wan sat down, though she had anticipated they would leave quickly, Qin Yan’s words made her wonder when Yan Chi would depart. Though the case was clear, they still needed to search for evidence and confirm the sequence of events, which would take some time. Since it involved the Great Gold Robbery case, they might need to visit Meng Province and retrieve old case files. Would Yan Chi handle it personally or leave it to Magistrate Wang?

“Half an hour ago, another group of yamen runners arrived. All the bodies were sent to the yamen, and several people from the Shuang Qing Troupe were taken away. Madam Pang was also called to the yamen for questioning. I think the case will be clear soon. Qing Hui Garden and all Pang family properties will likely be sealed. Now that everything is clear, there’s no need for us to stay longer.”

As Qin Yan spoke further, Qin Shuang was overjoyed. “We should have left long ago!”

Qin Xiang remained silent while Qin Wan seemed lost in thought. Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan for a moment and was about to speak when Zhou Huai suddenly entered from outside. “Ninth Miss, His Highness has sent someone to request your presence at Zhao Hui Tower.”