“Brother Zheng has arrived! Brother Li! Captain Zhan – Happy New Year to all three of you!” Qin Shu went forward to greet them. Zheng Baishi smiled and returned the New Year greeting, then turned to Qin Wan, “Congratulations to Ninth Young Lady. Today, your name truly resounds throughout the capital. Everyone in Beijing is talking about the Little Medical Immortal!”
Qin Wan curtsied politely, though confusion showed in her eyes. Zheng Baishi turned to Qin Shu and explained, “Your Lordship, earlier when I told my carriage driver to head to the Marquis’s mansion without specifying which one, he immediately asked if it was the mansion where the Little Medical Immortal resided. When I asked how he knew, he said that since early morning, the whole capital had been discussing how the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion had produced a Little Medical Immortal.”
Qin Shu showed momentary surprise, “So many people know already?”
Li Muyun stepped forward and explained, “Last night, the Ninth Young Lady was taken by His Majesty before many witnesses to treat the Empress Dowager. Though everyone later left the palace, they were all concerned about the matter. After the Ninth Young Lady left the palace, every household received the news. Today being the first day of the New Year, people started visiting with New Year gifts early, so naturally, the news spread throughout the capital. Even for those who weren’t certain, the grand display of Imperial Eunuch Yuan delivering rewards couldn’t be missed. By now, even more people must know.”
Qin Shu glanced at Qin Wan, who stood with graceful composure, a slight smile on her lips, showing no sign of pride. Such fame and such rewards would have made even him feel triumphant, yet Qin Wan remained perfectly composed, deliberately showing not the slightest trace of excitement.
While Qin Shu inwardly praised Qin Wan, his eyes brightened as he thought of those people Li Muyun mentioned who were concerned about the matter – most likely hoping for the Marquis’s mansion to lose face. Instead, this young girl Qin Wan had surpassed even the palace physicians. “I see. Since Wan’er is still young, people must still harbor doubts.”
Zheng Baishi’s smile deepened, “No matter the doubts, everything has become clear today, which is why I say congratulations are for the Ninth Young Lady.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes, “I merely saved one person, it’s nothing special.”
Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun exchanged glances, both showing a hint of admiration in their eyes. Zheng Baishi waved his hand, instructing his attendant to present New Year gifts, “Coming to disturb you so early in the morning, it would be discourteous to arrive empty-handed.”
Meanwhile, Li Muyun also had his attendant bring out prepared gift boxes. Seeing this, Madam Hu quickly ordered someone to accept them and invited the three men to have tea in the front courtyard. However, Zheng Baishi smiled and said, “No need to trouble yourself, Madam. Li and I aren’t here as guests. We can just sit in His Lordship’s study.” He looked at Qin Wan, “It concerns the earlier case. We request Ninth Young Lady to join us as well.”
Qin Wan’s relaxed expression immediately tensed slightly, “Wasn’t the culprit already caught?”
Zheng Baishi nodded, “Yes, he was caught. This case was solved thanks to Ninth Young Lady’s help. We came today to inform you and His Lordship of the details, to put your minds at ease.”
Qin Wan nodded, as she indeed wanted to know the case details.
Madam Hu said, “Go ahead, Wan’er. I’ll have these moved to your courtyard. Let Fuling and others organize them. You need to enter the palace later, so I’ll have Fuling prepare you first.”
Qin Wan responded with an “Mm” and said, “Thank you, First Aunt.”
At this, Qin Shu gestured with his hand, “In that case, please, this way.”
Zheng Baishi nodded and led Zhan Yang and Li Muyun toward Qin Shu’s study. Qin Wan followed behind Qin Shu, and Qin Yan, seeing this, also followed. Qin Yi stood in place for a moment, called out “Big Brother” and walked over as well.
Though Qin Yan ranked third in the clan, he was the eldest in the Marquis’s mansion. When Qin Yi called out, Qin Yan slowed his pace slightly. Qin Yi caught up and lifted his chin to indicate those ahead, “Ninth Sister is a physician, how did she help Master Zheng?”
Qin Yan was quite brotherly toward this sibling and didn’t conceal anything, “Besides treating illnesses, Ninth Sister’s medical skills include examining wounds on corpses.”
Qin Yi showed momentary surprise, “You mean… Ninth Sister also knows the art of coroners?”
“You could say that,” Qin Yan nodded.
Qin Yi pondered for a moment, then smiled brightly, “Ninth Sister is truly remarkable.”
Appreciation showed in Qin Yan’s eyes as well, “Ninth Sister is no ordinary person.”
Soon they reached the study door. Curious about how Qin Wan had helped Zheng Baishi solve the case, Qin Yi followed them in. Zheng Baishi and the others were quite familiar with the two young masters of the Marquis’s mansion and didn’t mind their presence. After everyone was seated, Zheng Baishi looked at Zhan Yang.
Zhan Yang stepped forward and said, “That day, when Ninth Young Lady pointed us toward the medicine shops as a lead, we immediately sent people to search all the pharmacies in the southern city. There are dozens of pharmacies large and small in the southern city, but only five large shops sell the ointment Ninth Young Lady mentioned. We asked the shopkeepers about people who had bought medicine more than twice in the past month or so, thus obtaining a list. This included both men and women – we could eliminate the women, leaving only about ten men. Among these, five lived outside Lin’an City, with only nine living within the city. We investigated their residences according to their addresses…”
“Based on the dates of the incidents, we inquired about these nine people’s whereabouts on those three nights and whether they had witnesses. After questioning, three people gave accounts without witnesses: one was a kitchen helper at a restaurant who often worked late and stayed there instead of going home; another was a tailor who stayed at his shop to watch over it; and the third was a scholar who lived alone in a new house to study for next year’s literary examination. All three locations were in the southern city and had stairs or steps, but after interrogation, we found the murderer.”
When Zhan Yang finished, Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “Was it the tailor?”
At this question, both Li Muyun and Zheng Baishi’s expressions changed, and even Zhan Yang raised his eyebrows high!
“How did Ninth Young Lady know?!”
At Zhan Yang’s surprised question, Qin Wan pressed her lips together and said, “Usually after harming someone, a murderer tries to erase all traces and wouldn’t take the victim’s belongings – firstly because it’s inauspicious, and secondly because if discovered, it would increase the chance of exposure. However, in these three cases, the killer took away the victims’ undergarments, showing a pathological obsession with women’s intimate clothing.”
She paused briefly before continuing, “Among the three suspects Captain Zhan mentioned, only the tailor had opportunities to handle women’s clothing. Moreover, judging from the condition of the three victims when found, though their undergarments were missing, their outer clothes were still relatively neat, indicating the killer was very familiar with women’s clothing.” Qin Wan frowned slightly, “I remember all three victims were engaged to be married. Could it be… they all had clothes made by the killer?”
Zheng Baishi exchanged another glance with Li Muyun, while Zhan Yang looked at Qin Wan for a moment before nodding.
“Ninth Young Lady is correct. The killer was a master tailor at the Zhao Family Silk Shop in the southern city, having worked there for less than two years. All three victims had ordered their wedding clothes and other items from the Zhao Family Silk Shop. On the nights of the incidents, the first two victims had gone out and suddenly remembered about their ordered clothes, so they took a detour down another street to inquire. It was late, and all shops around the Zhao Family shop were closed, with only the killer watching the store. Seeing the victims come alone, he developed evil intentions. He first made casual conversation, learned that they hadn’t told their families about coming, and then struck.”
“He first strangled them, then hid the bodies in the second-floor loft where the fabric was stored, waiting until the streets were deserted late at night before taking the victims out. The third victim had also gone to the silk shop early that day to check on her ordered dress. Seeing her come alone, the killer arranged to meet her at sunset to view it. Later, when the victim arrived as agreed, the killer tried to follow his previous method to kill her, but this third young lady was much stronger than the previous two and almost struggled free. It was during this struggle that the frostbite ointment from his hands got under her fingernails.”
Qin Wan listened to Zhan Yang’s words calmly, though her heart grew cold. These young ladies were all about to be married and had anxiously gone to inquire about their dresses with hopeful hearts, never expecting to fall into the hands of an evil person.
After Zhan Yang explained the case, Qin Shu and the others remained silent for a moment. After a while, Qin Shu asked, “Has the killer confessed to everything?”
Zhan Yang quickly nodded, “He has confessed. We found those undergarments in his resting place at the silk shop. He said ever since he started learning tailoring, he would develop perverted thoughts whenever making women’s clothes, which eventually led to his evil deeds.”
With Qin Wan being the only woman in the room, Zhan Yang stopped there without elaborating, though his meaning was clear.
Though the Great Zhou Dynasty wasn’t strict about the separation between men and women, social customs were still not entirely open-minded. Even a lady’s handkerchief was considered private, let alone undergarments. Wealthy families had their maids and seamstresses to make intimate items, but ordinary families sometimes had to order or buy complete sets of clothing.
While ordinary clothing shops and embroidery houses employed female seamstresses, tailors were often male. These male tailors who made women’s clothes generally knew women’s measurements, but those like the killer who developed evil thoughts from women’s clothing were extremely rare. Thinking about this made Qin Wan feel a chill, though fortunately, the person had been caught.
Thinking of this, Qin Wan quickly asked, “Oh right, what about the spy? Did you find out who was behind it?”
Zheng Baishi shook his head, “No, though he confessed everything. We even had the capital’s best artist help create a portrait, but it turned out to be just an unremarkable face – we couldn’t trace anything.”
Qin Wan nodded and asked no more questions. With this case resolved, one of her worries was lifted.
Li Muyun looked at Qin Wan and said, “Not only can Ninth Young Lady help examine corpses with her medical skills, but she’s also much quicker in deductive reasoning than others. Has Ninth Young Lady studied criminal investigation?”
Looking at Li Muyun’s handsome face, Qin Wan felt an even deeper chill, “I enjoy reading and have indeed read some articles about criminal cases, but I wouldn’t dare say I understand it thoroughly.”
Li Muyun turned to Qin Shu and said, “With Ninth Young Lady’s talent, if she were a man, her future would truly be limitless.”
Qin Shu smiled, “It’s precisely because she’s a girl that her First Aunt and I cherish her so much. These two in my family are enough – what need is there for more sons? Her First Aunt particularly loves having daughters.”
“Indeed, indeed,” Li Muyun agreed with a smile.
Not wishing to linger, Qin Wan stood up and said, “If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave. I need to enter the palace later to check on the Empress Dowager…”
“Yes, yes, actually, I wanted to thank Ninth Young Lady today.”
Zheng Baishi said with a warm smile. Qin Wan hurriedly said “I wouldn’t dare,” while Qin Shu responded, “Brother Zheng is too kind.” Then he looked at Qin Wan and said, “Wan’er, you go back and prepare. Let your Third Brother escort you to the palace gate later.”
Qin Wan nodded, curtsied, and turned to leave.
As Qin Wan left, both Qin Yan and Qin Yi followed her out.
Qin Yan said, “Ninth Sister, it’s still early. Go prepare, and I’ll come find you when it’s time.”
Qin Yi praised, “Ninth Sister truly lives up to her reputation.”
Qin Wan first nodded to Qin Yan, then hearing the deeper meaning in Qin Yi’s words and remembering that this morning Qin Yi had mentioned Qin Shu’s letter about the three sisters, she felt at ease, “There’s no reputation to live up to, I only helped a little bit.”
After speaking, she added, “Brothers need not escort me, I can return by myself.”
It was daytime now, and surely Qin Yan and Qin Yi had matters to attend to, plus Qin Wan knew the way.
Hearing this, the two brothers stopped, and Qin Wan headed toward Songfeng Court alone.
Just as she reached the entrance of Songfeng Court, she saw many people in her courtyard today – Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were both there, along with Madam Hu and Qin Chaoyu, as well as several maids and elderly servants from the mansion, all moving things for her.
Seeing Qin Wan return, Madam Hu came forward, took her hand, and said, “We’ve specially set aside a side room to store these things for you.”
Qin Wan quickly expressed her thanks. By now, most things had been moved. Seeing Qin Wan’s return, Madam Hu and Qin Chaoyu left Songfeng Court together. As soon as Madam Hu left, Qin Shuang finally couldn’t help but come forward and say, “Heavens, Qin Wan, just that box of pearls – how much must it be worth? The Emperor and Empress are truly generous, and that Noble Consort Su – everything she sent was precious medicine!”
Qin Wan curved her lips in a smile, but before she could speak, Qin Xiang said with contempt, “Who could have imagined back in Jinzhou that Ninth Sister would have such a day? Truly about to fly up to become a phoenix. I hear one can meet many officials and nobles when entering the palace. Oh, and Sister even met the Emperor – with Sister’s beauty, what couldn’t you obtain?”
The first sentence was bearable, but the later words were harsh. As soon as they were spoken, the servants in the courtyard all showed slight changes in their expressions. Fuling’s brows furrowed as she was about to rebuke, and Qin Shuang also frowned, but Qin Wan spoke first, “Fifth Sister is quite right about one thing – indeed, life is unpredictable. We also didn’t expect Fifth Sister’s later actions.”
Hearing this, Qin Xiang’s face paled and her eyes widened as she was about to speak again, but Qin Wan continued, “Though life is unpredictable, one’s fate lies in one’s own hands. What I have today wasn’t gained through ignorant arrogance or malicious spite.”
Previously, no matter how Qin Xiang’s words offended her, Qin Wan never responded. Now that Qin Wan showed her temper, Qin Xiang didn’t know how to retort. She stared at Qin Wan with wide eyes, her lips pressed tightly into a line. After a while, she stomped her foot angrily and turned to leave the courtyard, “Let’s go!”
Wanhe and Xiuzhi looked anxious as they curtsied to Qin Wan, hurriedly following behind Qin Xiang.
Seeing them leave, Qin Shuang clapped her hands happily, “Aha! You finally stopped being a silent gourd! She’s truly someone who bullies the weak and fears the strong – when you confront her, she doesn’t dare say anything!”
Qin Wan watched Qin Xiang walk away, shook her head, and turned to enter the house. If Qin Xiang had any self-awareness, she should have known that both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang knew about that incident. She should have controlled her temperament and gotten along well with everyone, but instead, she repeatedly offended others. Though Qin Wan was good-natured, she wasn’t without temper. She wouldn’t always yield for the sake of sisterly affection. Before, she didn’t mention that incident out of respect for Qin Xiang’s self-esteem, but Qin Xiang seemed not to care about others protecting her dignity.
Though the snow had stopped, it was still very cold outside. Qin Wan led Qin Shuang into the house. Fuling and Baiying pulled Qin Wan to look at the rewards. Fuling said, “Young Miss, with these things, we won’t end up on the streets in the future.”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang found it both amusing and somewhat sad, “Silly girl, now that we’re all in the Marquis’s mansion, how could we end up on the streets… that won’t happen, that won’t happen…”
Fuling smiled sheepishly, “Hehe, pardon me, Sixth Young Lady. This servant is always worried.”
Qin Wan also shook her head with a smile, then opened another chest. Inside was a box containing the hairpins and other ornaments from the Empress last time. Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang and said, “Look through them and take whatever you like…”
Qin Shuang was somewhat tempted at first, but thinking of Fuling’s words earlier, she remembered the hard times Qin Wan had endured in Jinzhou, including the part she had played in those difficulties. With this in mind, she felt guilty and quickly waved her hands, “No, no! Just now First Aunt said these rewarded items represent Imperial grace, and should only be worn on important occasions, let alone given away. I don’t want them, I don’t want them…”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, then turned to look and took out a kingfisher feather gold step-shake ornament. The step-shake was made in the shape of feathers, with each feather inlaid with emeralds – arguably the most elaborate of the twelve pieces in the box.
“You know I don’t like wearing jewelry, especially something this eye-catching. Take it.”
Qin Wan pushed the step-shake into Qin Shuang’s hands. Qin Shuang’s eyes grew moist. Qin Wan found it amusing, “Just take it. It’s just pretty, not particularly valuable. There are pearls and such too – take whatever you like.”
Holding the step-shake, Qin Shuang hummed and said softly, “I just… just remembered the past… I was terrible then… treated… treated you badly…”
Though Qin Shuang had improved considerably, she had never apologized to Qin Wan for past events. Hearing these words suddenly, Qin Wan felt somewhat moved. She wasn’t the real Ninth Young Lady, but if the real Ninth Young Lady knew Qin Shuang was like this now, she would probably be touched.
Qin Wan responded briefly to Qin Shuang’s words. After checking the rewards, she went with Qin Shuang to the warm pavilion to talk. Qin Shuang naturally asked about the palace banquet matters, and Qin Wan answered whatever was asked. The sisters talked for about half an hour. Seeing it was getting late, Qin Wan changed clothes and arranged her hair to prepare for going out. For today’s palace visit, she naturally wore her needle case and had Fuling accompany her.
Fuling never imagined she would be able to enter the palace, and was immediately overjoyed. She also changed into new clothes. After waiting a moment, sure enough, Qin Yan came to Songfeng Court. Seeing they were already prepared, the group set out directly.
This was Qin Wan’s first time entering the palace alone. Qin Yan couldn’t help but give many instructions along the way. Though Fuling was usually somewhat careless, at this moment she was clever enough to remember all of Qin Yan’s words. Following the main road slowly for about fifteen minutes, they arrived at Zhenghua Gate. After getting out of the carriage, Qin Wan bid farewell to Qin Yan and showed her waist token to the imperial guards.
Qin Yan stood outside the city gate, leaving two servants to wait, while he returned to the Marquis’s mansion first.
As soon as they entered Zhenghua Gate, Qin Wan saw Elder Maid Chen from Shoukang Palace waiting at the palace gate, who came forward as soon as she saw Qin Wan.
“This old servant pays respects to Ninth Young Lady—”
Qin Wan stepped aside to avoid Elder Maid Chen’s bow, “Why did Elder Maid come to welcome me personally?”
Elder Maid Chen smiled and said, “You are the Empress Dowager’s lifesaver. This old servant should personally come to welcome you. Imperial Eunuch Yuan said you would enter the palace early, so this servant has been waiting here for a quarter-hour. Fortunately, we didn’t miss you.”
Elder Maid Chen’s words were polite and respectful, with genuine warmth in her eyes. Qin Wan knew she was grateful.
“Ninth Young Lady, please come this way. We’ll have to walk.”
As Qin Wan wasn’t a palace resident, she naturally had to walk. Last night’s heavy snow had covered the entire Imperial City in silver, and most of the snow hadn’t been cleared today, creating a majestic and pleasing sight.
Qin Wan followed Elder Maid Chen, with Fuling following behind Qin Wan obediently, eyes downcast.
Elder Maid Chen remarked, “Ninth Young Lady’s servant is also so well-behaved.”
Qin Wan glanced at Fuling, “She’s quite noisy at home, just afraid to be unruly in the palace.” She added, “Neither of us knows palace rules. If there’s anything improper, please guide us, Elder Maid.”
Elder Maid Chen was already grateful to Qin Wan, and seeing that Qin Wan didn’t put on airs like other noble ladies, she liked her even more. She nodded immediately, “I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare. Young Lady need not worry, this servant will look after you.” Lowering her gaze, she continued, “The Empress Dowager took her medicine at dawn and is still sleeping. By the time the Young Lady reaches Shoukang Palace, she might be awake. The Empress Dowager was in good spirits when she woke this morning and even had half a bowl of rice porridge, so Young Lady need not worry about this.”
Qin Wan nodded. Elder Maid Chen continued, “Early this morning, both His Majesty and Her Majesty visited Shoukang Palace. When this servant left, the Noble Consort had also arrived, along with the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng. They’re all with the Empress Dowager now.”
This was a hint, and Qin Wan understood, nodding with a “Good.”
Elder Maid Chen observed Qin Wan, noting that today she wore plain colors from head to toe. Compared to yesterday, she showed less noble ostentation but still maintained an elegant and dignified bearing. Elder Maid Chen said, “Young Lady carries herself so well, surely you must have had an excellent upbringing at home? Which elder maid taught you?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan could only smile bitterly – neither she nor the real Ninth Young Lady had what could be called an excellent upbringing.
“Elder Maid jests. I had no one to teach me at home, let alone an elder maid.”
Not knowing Qin Wan’s background, Elder Maid Chen was surprised, “Then how…”
Qin Wan sighed and explained, “When at home, I had nothing to do but read books. Perhaps that’s why I’m quieter than others.”
Elder Maid Chen shook her head, “It’s not just quietness.” Though surprised, she didn’t ask further and instead changed the subject, “Why haven’t we seen Ninth Young Lady enter the palace before?”
Having served in the palace for many years, Elder Maid Chen knew well the palace residents and capital nobles, especially the young ladies who frequently entered the palace, but she had never seen Qin Wan before.
Qin Wan naturally told the truth, “My father and mother passed away early. Though I grew up in the capital as a child, I went to my Third Uncle’s place several years ago. My Third Uncle is in Jinzhou, and I’ve only been back in the capital for just over ten days, so I haven’t entered the palace before.”
Elder Maid Chen was shocked again, not expecting Qin Wan’s background to be thus. She stopped asking such questions and instead introduced various places in the palace while walking, including mentioning the different royal residents. Qin Wan listened quietly. It took about an hour and a half to reach Shoukang Palace. Just as they reached the palace gates, a maid came forward to greet them.
“Elder Maid, the Empress Dowager has awakened and taken her medicine!”
Elder Maid Chen was delighted to hear this and quickly looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan smiled, “The Empress Dowager has passed this hurdle.”
“All thanks to Young Lady’s efforts—”
Elder Maid Chen said as she continued leading Qin Wan inside. Today, Qin Wan could finally see the layout of Shoukang Palace. As the Empress Dowager’s residence, Shoukang Palace was spacious and noble. Despite the early hour, all snow had been cleared from the courtyard’s stone paths. Elder Maid Chen led Qin Wan directly to the main hall. Before reaching the door, Qin Wan saw Yuan Qing standing guard.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, Ninth Young Lady has arrived—”
Qin Wan glanced back at Fuling, and they followed Elder Maid Chen into the hall. Instantly, more than ten pairs of eyes fell on Qin Wan. Qin Wan knelt and performed the proper greeting, including expressing gratitude for Imperial’s grace.
“Rise,” Yan Huai’s voice was gentle. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
Only then did Qin Wan and Fuling rise. Looking up, she saw the Emperor and Empress seated in the main positions, with the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng seated on the left, while the Noble Consort and another consort sat on the right. Though everyone had changed into casual clothes, Qin Wan still felt the room blazing with jewels and royal majesty.
“This commoner has kept Your Majesty and Your Highness waiting, please forgive me.”
Yan Huai smiled, “It’s not your fault, We were too anxious. The Empress Dowager is in the inner chamber. Shall you go in to examine her first?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes—”
As she spoke, a young palace maid held Fuling back outside – naturally, only Qin Wan was allowed into the inner chamber.
Qin Wan followed the Emperor and Empress inside, with others following behind. Upon entering the inner chamber, she saw the Empress Dowager leaning against a large pillow drinking porridge. Seeing people enter, the Empress Dowager looked up somewhat hazily.
“Han’er has come? Where is your brother…”
The Emperor’s name was Huai, while this “Han” was the Prince Gong’s given name.
When these words were spoken, everyone in the room lowered their eyes, pretending not to hear. Elder Maid Chen smiled and said, “Your Highness, this is His Majesty.”
The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Huai as he approached, “Oh, where is Han’er then?”
Yan Huai sat by the bed and said gently, “Royal Brother is studying. Mother will see him later.”
The Empress Dowager nodded hazily and waved away her porridge.
Qin Wan didn’t dare approach rashly but observed the Empress Dowager briefly. The Empress Dowager was about the same age as the Grand Princess, but her hair was completely gray. Due to her long illness, her body was emaciated, her face covered in wrinkles, and her cheeks sunken. Compared to yesterday, she had more vitality, but her eyes remained very clouded, and her whole person seemed lost in another world.
Judging by her features, the Empress Dowager must have been a beauty in her youth, but she couldn’t resist time’s ravages. Now she was just an ordinary elderly person with an untreated chronic illness. Thinking of this, Qin Wan felt more tenderness in her heart.
“Qi’er? Has Qi’er returned?”
Suddenly, the Empress Dowager turned to look at Qin Wan. Perhaps because Qin Wan was most unfamiliar to her, she noticed her more easily. However, Qin Wan didn’t know who this “Qi’er” was.
Elder Maid Chen leaned to Empress Dowager’s ear and said, “Your Highness, this is the Qin family’s Ninth Young Lady who is treating your illness, not the Sixth Princess.”
The Empress Dowager still stared at Qin Wan in a daze. Yan Huai explained, “Qi’er was My sixth sister who passed away from illness years ago. The Empress Dowager misses her daughter deeply.”
Qin Wan immediately understood. Seeing that the Empress Dowager couldn’t recognize people clearly, Yan Huai directly said, “Come examine the Empress Dowager.”
Qin Wan hurriedly went forward to check her pulse. As her fingertips touched the Empress Dowager’s wrist, the Empress Dowager was still carefully examining Qin Wan, saying in a hoarse voice, “Qi’er grows more and more beautiful, looking more and more like Noble Consort Rong. It’s a pity Noble Consort Rong left us so early.”
This Noble Consort Rong must have been the Sixth Princess’s birth mother. Qin Wan pretended not to hear and concentrated on checking the pulse.
Soon, Qin Wan had her diagnosis. She withdrew her hand, stepped back, and said, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager’s critical condition has passed. Now we only need to prescribe medicine for wind syndrome.” Then Qin Wan looked at the Empress Dowager’s face again, “Besides wind syndrome, the Empress Dowager may also have an ear condition. May this commoner examine her ears?”
Upon hearing this, Yan Huai immediately nodded, “Of course! Mother’s hearing has indeed been getting worse these past two years. Though the Imperial Physicians examined her, they couldn’t find anything wrong and just said it was due to yin deficiency and exhaustion. Since you’ve noticed a condition, can you treat it?”
Qin Wan simply said, “This commoner will do her utmost.”
Looking at Elder Maid Chen, she said, “Please have the Empress Dowager lie down.”
Elder Maid Chen now fully trusted Qin Wan and hurriedly helped the Empress Dowager lie down. Yan Huai and Elder Maid Chen stepped aside to watch Qin Wan. Qin Wan took out her needle case from her sleeve and drew out a long needle. Leaning forward, she prepared to insert the silver needle into the acupoint behind the Empress Dowager’s ear. Elder Maid Chen unconsciously clenched her hands, and Yan Huai was also somewhat tense.
This method looked quite dangerous. Yan Huai watched intently as Qin Wan inserted the silver needle into the Empress Dowager’s skin. Though he expected it to be extremely painful, the Empress Dowager lay quietly without any reaction. Only then did Yan Huai breathe a sigh of relief.
Qin Wan carefully examined both of Empress Dowager’s ears before turning to ask Elder Maid Chen, “Elder Maid, does Empress Dowager often feel pain in her lower back and spine? Does she also experience tinnitus and dryness?”
Elder Maid Chen quickly nodded, “Yes, the Empress Dowager cannot sit for long, and sometimes when no one is speaking, she thinks she hears voices. When asked, she says there’s a ringing in her ears.”
Qin Wan nodded, showing understanding, “This commoner understands. Currently, the Empress Dowager’s wind syndrome is urgent. The ear condition can be treated gradually, and stronger medicine can be used after the wind syndrome improves.”
Elder Maid Chen kept nodding, but then seemed to think of something and said, “Ninth Young Lady, the Empress Dowager is weak, using such medicine…”
The Empress Dowager was advanced in age and had many ailments. Due to her weak constitution, the Imperial Physicians dared not prescribe medicine freely, so they always chose the most cautious and conservative methods when treating her. Qin Wan understood what Elder Maid Chen was thinking and reassured her, “Elder Maid need not worry, I understand the situation. This is what I wanted to discuss – I will prescribe elderly dietary therapy, mainly to strengthen the Empress Dowager’s constitution. I will carefully control the medicine dosages.”
Elder Maid Chen sighed with relief, “Good, many thanks to Ninth Young Lady.”
Qin Wan turned to look at Yan Huai, “Your Majesty, may I write the prescription now? I remember the Imperial Physician is in the palace, should I…”
Since the Empress Dowager had her dedicated Imperial Physician, Qin Wan also knew the palace’s emphasis on specialized treatment and had no intention of competing for the right to treat the Empress Dowager. However, before she finished asking, Yan Huai said, “This is also what I wanted to discuss with you today. Imperial Physician He has been treating Mother without success or failure. This time you saved Mother, and I feel your medicine is more effective for her. Moreover, you previously treated the Grand Princess for a similar illness, so I think, would you be willing to take charge of Mother’s health care from now on?”
After Yan Huai said this, Qin Wan naturally dared not say she was unwilling, “This commoner is certainly willing.”
Yan Huai smiled, “Good. You are neither a medical maid nor an Imperial Physician. Saving Mother this time is your first merit. If you can improve Mother’s condition further and help her recognize people, that will be another merit. At that time, I will have great rewards!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Qin Wan will do her utmost!”
Yan Huai nodded, “The waist token given to you is for your daily palace entry. From today, discuss with Elder Maid Chen how often you should come to the palace.”
Qin Wan agreed and said to Elder Maid Chen, “Elder Maid, where are the paper and brushes? I will write the prescriptions for you.”
Hearing this, Elder Maid Chen led Qin Wan to a writing desk separated by a moon-shaped doorway in the inner chamber. Once there, being somewhat distant from Yan Huai and the others, Elder Maid Chen said in a low voice, “The Empress Dowager used to enjoy writing and painting, but after falling ill, she increasingly couldn’t do so.” She took out a wolf hair brush, laid out white paper, and dipped it in ink for Qin Wan.
While writing, Qin Wan said, “Elder Maid need not worry. The Empress Dowager’s light has not yet dimmed – she will improve.”
Elder Maid Chen’s eyes reddened, “Thanks to Ninth Young Lady, thanks to Ninth Young Lady.”
Soon, both prescriptions were completed, and Qin Wan handed them all to Elder Maid Chen, “One is for dietary therapy, one for medicine. The decoction method is also written there. Starting today, I will come to the palace daily to check the Empress Dowager’s pulse. Once she improves, I can come every few days. What does Elder Maid think?”
Elder Maid Chen naturally agreed, and then went to Yan Huai’s side to report everything. Yan Huai was very satisfied and quickly ordered people to obtain and decoct the medicine. Just as he finished giving orders, the Empress Dowager grabbed Yan Huai’s hand and said, “Where is Lin’er? Why don’t I see Lin’er?”
Yan Lin was Prince Rui’s given name. Qin Wan lowered her eyes, only to hear Yan Huai say with a smile, “Mother has forgotten again, Royal Brother is guarding the border in Shuoxi…”
But the Empress Dowager shook her head, “I… I just saw Lin’er yesterday.”
Yan Huai laughed, “The one you saw yesterday was Yan Chi, Royal Brother’s son.”
Before he finished speaking, Yuan Qing suddenly entered from outside and said with a smile, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, Prince Chi, and Prince Li have come to the palace to pay New Year’s respects to the Empress Dowager.”
The expressions of everyone in the room changed slightly, and Yan Huai laughed heartily, “Let them come in, we were just talking about them!”