Upon hearing that Yan Li and Yan Chi had arrived, a faint light flickered in Qin Wan’s eyes as she stepped aside. Yuan Qing retreated from the inner chamber, and soon after, Yan Li and Yan Chi entered together from outside.
Today, Yan Chi still wore an elegant dark robe, while Yan Li was in his usual red gown. However, today his red robe was adorned with dark embroidered coiling dragons along the borders, making it appear more solemn than his usual attire.
Perhaps due to his audience with the Emperor at court, he also carried himself with greater dignity.
“Greetings to Your Majesty, greetings to Her Majesty the Empress—”
After they paid their respects in turn, Emperor Yan Huai smiled and said, “Rise. It’s considerate of you both to visit the Empress Dowager. She has just awakened but is having trouble recognizing people…”
Before he could finish speaking, the Empress Dowager reached out to Yan Chi and Yan Li, “Han’er? Lin’er?”
Yan Chi and Yan Li’s brows remained unmoved at this, as if long accustomed to it. Emperor Yan Huai stood up from the bed and said, “Though it’s New Year’s Day and the Empress Dowager’s mind isn’t clear, you two should stay and keep her company.” Speaking thus, he looked not at Yan Li but at Yan Chi and said, “Yan Chi, come find me at Chong Zheng Hall later.”
Yan Chi quickly acknowledged this. Emperor Yan Huai then looked at Yan Li and asked, “Last night during New Year’s celebrations, were you out carousing or spending time with your mother?”
Given Yan Li’s reputation for carousing in the capital, which Emperor Yan Huai was well aware of, he smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, I was properly staying at the prince’s mansion accompanying my mother.”
Emperor Yan Huai nodded, “That’s more like it.”
Looking at the Empress and others, he said, “Well, since the Empress Dowager is stable for now, there’s no need for everyone to crowd in here. You may all return, and those who wish can visit again in the evening.”
Zhao Shu Hua and Noble Consort Su both bowed in acknowledgment. Emperor Yan Huai added, “I shall take my leave first.”
As Yan Li and Yan Chi made way and cupped their hands in respect, Emperor Yan Huai took two steps out before suddenly turning back to look at Qin Wan, “Girl, stay here and watch over the Empress Dowager’s medicine, then come with Yan Chi to Chong Zheng Hall later.”
Qin Wan was slightly surprised. While it made sense for Yan Chi to go to Chong Zheng Hall where the Emperor handled state affairs, why would she be summoned there?
Though puzzled, she still nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Emperor Yan Huai finally left the Hall of Longevity with Zhao Shu Hua and the others.
Once Emperor Yan Huai departed, Yan Li, who had been somewhat more reserved than usual, immediately slouched his shoulders and let out a sigh of relief. As he walked toward the bed, he looked at Qin Wan, “Ninth Miss, we owe you much gratitude for saving the Imperial Grandmother. Seventh Brother told me everything.”
Seeing this, Chen Mama smiled from the side, “Oh? Prince Li recognizes Ninth Miss?”
Yan Li’s eyes crinkled into a smile as he sat down by the bed, taking hold of the Empress Dowager’s hand.
“We met at Prince Yu’s birthday banquet when Ninth Miss was traveling north from Jin Zhou and stopped to offer birthday greetings to Prince Yu.” Yan Li kept it simple, omitting the subsequent case-related events.
After speaking, Yan Li looked toward Yan Chi, “Seventh Brother knew Ninth Miss even earlier when he went to pay respects to Great-Aunt. Oh right, Mama Chen might not know, but Ninth Miss is Great-Aunt’s adopted granddaughter.”
Chen Mama exclaimed in surprise, “Adopted granddaughter?!”
Yan Li smiled and nodded, “Indeed. Ninth Miss was adopted by the An Yang Marquis and his wife.”
Chen Mama, who was already grateful to and fond of Qin Wan, felt even more closeness upon hearing this. Seeing Chen Mama’s change in expression, Yan Li continued, “Moreover, Ninth Miss once saved Great-Aunt’s life.”
Chen Mama hadn’t known Qin Wan before, and though Qin Wan had saved the Empress Dowager, she hadn’t realized Qin Wan had such deep connections with the Imperial Princess. Thinking of the Imperial Princess, Chen Mama said, “So Ninth Miss has such a fateful connection with the Imperial Princess. No wonder this servant felt such immediate warmth toward Ninth Miss. The Imperial Princess was closest to the Empress Dowager when she was in the capital. After she left for Jin Zhou, the Empress Dowager became much lonelier. How is the Imperial Princess’s health?”
Qin Wan quickly replied, “Please don’t worry, Grandmother is much better now.”
Chen Mama nodded. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager held Yan Li’s hand and said, “Han’er, weren’t you studying?”
Though the Empress Dowager’s voice was hoarse, she couldn’t help but speak. Yan Li gently comforted her, “Imperial Grandmother, I am Yan Li, your grandson. Father will come to visit later.”
Seeing this, Chen Mama gave Qin Wan a bitter smile and explained, “Ninth Miss, please excuse this. The Empress Dowager has trouble recognizing people now. Perhaps due to her age, she only remembers His Majesty’s generation and often mistakes the young princes for their fathers.”
Qin Wan was understanding, “That’s normal for the elderly. The Empress Dowager’s condition is due to her long illness. Once her condition improves, her spirit will be better, and she’ll likely have more moments of clarity.”
Hope appeared in Chen Mama’s eyes, “Yes, yes, this servant looks forward to that day.”
As they spoke, Yan Chi’s gaze fell on Qin Wan. Seeing that the three of them were acquainted, Chen Mama went to the outer chamber to check on the medicine, leaving only two young maids to attend inside. Yan Chi stepped closer to Qin Wan and asked, “How is Imperial Grandmother?”
Qin Wan replied, “Don’t worry, the worst has passed. Now she just needs to follow the prescription for five or six days to see results, then slowly recuperate. She will get better.”
Yan Chi’s expression brightened, seemingly relieved, “That’s good then.”
Yan Li had somehow managed to soothe the Empress Dowager to sleep. He turned to look at Qin Wan, “I knew before that Ninth Miss’s medical skills were exceptional, but only now do I realize how truly remarkable they are. This time, without Ninth Miss, Grandmother might have been beyond saving.” Yan Li’s eyes twinkled as he added, “Ninth Miss surely doesn’t know that your reputation as the Little Medical Immortal has spread throughout the capital!”
Though Qin Wan had heard mention of this from Zheng Bai Shi, she cared little for such fame.
“I don’t run a medical practice, so such empty titles are useless.”
Yan Li smiled meaningfully, “That might not be true—”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows slightly, wondering what Yan Li meant, when suddenly a small child appeared at the doorway.
Before Qin Wan could react, Yan Li swiftly moved to the door and scooped the child into his arms, laughing, “Little Nine, why are you so late today?!”
The child was only four or five years old, adorably delicate, with especially clear black and white eyes. Held in Yan Li’s arms, he looked like a porcelain doll. He showed no fear of being picked up by Yan Li and softly said, “Brother Li, Sui’er wants candy.”
Yan Li laughed heartily and pulled out a handkerchief-wrapped candy from his sleeve.
Qin Wan had known that the Ninth Prince was in the Hall of Longevity, but this was her first time seeing Prince Yan Sui.
Yan Sui quickly stuffed the candy into his clothes, as if afraid others would discover it. Then, peering over Yan Li’s shoulder toward the bed, he whispered, “Has Imperial Grandmother not recovered yet?”
It was evident that Yan Sui was somewhat shy. Though close to Yan Li, he seemed to shrink away when looking at Yan Chi.
Qin Wan’s gaze darkened slightly as she looked at this small child. This was Noble Consort Jin’s son.
As Yan Li was playing with Yan Sui, Chen Mama entered with a servant carrying a medicine bowl. Seeing Yan Sui in Yan Li’s arms, she immediately smiled and said, “The Ninth Prince has come! The medicine smell is strong here, we were planning to bring you to see the Empress Dowager later.”
“Is Imperial Grandmother better?” Yan Sui asked Chen Mama in his childish voice, one hand clutching Yan Li’s collar.
Chen Mama quickly replied in a gentle voice, “Don’t worry, Ninth Prince, the Empress Dowager will recover soon.”
Then, turning to Qin Wan, she said, “Ninth Miss, the medicine is ready.”
Qin Wan stepped forward and smelled the medicine to check if the prescription and brewing were correct. She nodded, “Use half a bowl for the first dose, and wait until it cools before giving it to the Empress Dowager.”
Chen Mama looked at the servant, who then moved to the side with the medicine bowl to let it cool.
Meanwhile, Yan Sui struggled to get down and walked to the Empress Dowager’s bedside on his little legs. He grabbed the Empress Dowager’s hand, his eyes full of concern. Chen Mama sighed and, noting the Empress Dowager’s closed eyes, said, “Prince Li truly knows how to soothe Her Majesty. Whenever Prince Li comes, Her Majesty falls asleep obediently.”
Yan Li’s smile deepened, and he looked at Yan Chi, “Seventh Brother, aren’t you going to Chong Zheng Hall?”
Though Yan Chi wasn’t in a hurry, at this mention, Chen Mama said, “Your Highness should go quickly. His Majesty has many state affairs these days, it wouldn’t be good to keep him waiting.” She added, “His Majesty also requested Ninth Miss to go along.”
Yan Chi then said, “Very well, I’ll go see what the matter is first, then return to visit Imperial Grandmother.”
Chen Mama quickly acknowledged, and Yan Chi left with Qin Wan.
As soon as they stepped out, Fu Ling came to meet them. Qin Wan instructed, “Stay close to me, I’m going to see His Majesty.”
Fu Ling nodded quickly, not daring to ask any questions.
The snow had stopped outside. With Yan Chi present, Chen Mama didn’t send additional escorts. The two walked ahead along the palace path, while Fu Ling and Bai Feng followed several steps behind. Yan Chi glanced at Qin Wan and asked, “Are you wondering why His Majesty summoned you?”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi, “You know?”
Yan Chi replied, “I meant to tell you last night, but then my mind became… distracted, and I forgot.”
Qin Wan’s face reddened slightly. When Yan Chi mentioned being “distracted,” he was referring to their intimate moment. Thinking of this, she gave him a reproachful glance. Yan Chi’s smile deepened, “When the Jin Zhou case was reported to the court, your name wasn’t included because Jin Zhou at least had Xu He. But in Yu Zhou, without their coroner, they had to clearly state who performed the autopsy. The Yu Zhou Prefect isn’t one to claim undue credit, so he reported all the details of how the case was solved. When His Majesty saw this, he naturally learned of your involvement.”
Qin Wan hadn’t expected the Yu Zhou Prefect to report everything in such detail and was momentarily stunned.
In the Great Zhou Dynasty, women didn’t involve themselves in political matters. What could the Emperor want with her?
“Don’t worry. When His Majesty read the case files that day, he questioned me about it. Since Wang Huai Yu had reported truthfully, I answered His Majesty’s questions. From what I could tell, His Majesty wasn’t displeased; on the contrary, he seemed quite interested.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan nodded, “That’s good then.”
But Yan Chi looked at her and said, “If His Majesty asks you about this today, you can say you used medical knowledge to perform the coroner’s duties, but don’t mention Shen Yi’s name—”
Qin Wan’s steps faltered, “Shen… can’t Lord Shen’s name be mentioned even though his matter is past?”
Yan Chi’s eyes darkened, “I know you admire Lord Shen, but this is no small matter. Wan’er, trust me on this.”
Their eyes met briefly, and Qin Wan understood Yan Chi’s meaning. She nodded and continued walking forward.
The palace pathway was empty except for the occasional palace servant passing silently. In Qin Wan’s heart, that feeling of oppressive gloom rose again. Yan Chi glanced down for a moment, then suddenly grabbed her hand.
Qin Wan was startled and instinctively looked around. They had reached a corner where even Fu Ling and Bai Feng were out of sight, but Qin Wan still anxiously tried to pull away. Yan Chi squeezed her hand firmly before releasing it, just as Fu Ling and Bai Feng turned the corner behind them.
Understanding Yan Chi’s attempt to comfort her, Qin Wan said softly, “Don’t worry, I understand.”
Yan Chi then said, “Court affairs change rapidly, all revolving around power. Others might be different, but before His Majesty, one must never be careless.”
While Qin Wan had only seen the Emperor from afar before and didn’t know his temperament, this palace visit had given her a not unfavorable impression. If nothing else, his concern for the Empress Dowager differed from her image of a cold-hearted ruler.
Nevertheless, given Yan Chi’s warning, Qin Wan remained guarded.
As if knowing her thoughts, Yan Chi said quietly, “The current Emperor values filial piety greatly, but in matters of governance, his strategic prowess surpasses all previous emperors.”
Yan Chi’s words were low, and hearing them sent a chill down Qin Wan’s spine.
She nodded solemnly, “I understand.”
After walking for a quarter-hour, they reached Chong Zheng Hall. Yuan Qing smiled meaningfully upon seeing them arrive together. “Your Highness, Ninth Miss, His Majesty is reviewing memorials inside. Please enter—”
With that, Yuan Qing personally escorted them into the Imperial Study within Chong Zheng Hall.
Though it was New Year’s Day and the entire court was on holiday, Emperor Yan Huai had spent the whole day in his study. As Qin Wan and Yan Chi crossed the threshold, Emperor Yan Huai sensed their presence and looked up from the dim light.
His eyes were backlit, and in that moment, Qin Wan suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of cold ruthlessness.
However, when she approached and paid her respects, Emperor Yan Huai smiled and said, “Rise. Has the Empress Dowager taken the new medicine?”
Qin Wan quickly replied, “When we left, the medicine had been prepared and was cooling. She should be taking it now.”
Emperor Yan Huai nodded, looking first at Qin Wan, “Girl, do you know why I summoned you today?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “This commoner does not know—”
Emperor Yan Huai glanced at Yan Chi, “Take a guess.”
Qin Wan quickly glanced at Emperor Yan Huai before saying, “Could it be that Your Majesty has more rewards to bestow upon this commoner?”
At this, Emperor Yan Huai burst out laughing and set down his imperial brush, realizing Yan Chi hadn’t told Qin Wan the details. “Are this morning’s rewards not enough? What else would you like? Feel free to ask…”
Qin Wan showed alarm, “This commoner wouldn’t dare. If it’s not about rewards, this commoner knows not what else it could be.”
Emperor Yan Huai turned and took out a memorial from the side. Opening it, he said gently, “Recently, We received a memorial here from the Yu Zhou Prefect, detailing several cases there. Are you familiar with this?”
Qin Wan hesitated for a moment, “This commoner… is aware.”
Emperor Yan Huai watched her with amusement, “Such hesitation doesn’t suit you. What did you do in these cases?”
Qin Wan kept her eyes lowered, “This commoner… helped the Yu Zhou Prefect perform autopsies…” Then she quickly added, “This commoner shouldn’t have interfered with official matters. Please forgive this transgression, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Yan Huai watched her leisurely, “Shouldn’t have interfered? You knew you shouldn’t interfere? Then why did you do so multiple times?”
Qin Wan looked even more alarmed, raising her eyes to look helplessly at Emperor Yan Huai. Seeing that he had truly frightened her, Emperor Yan Huai smiled helplessly, “And here I thought you were quite clever. How can you not understand Our meaning? If We were displeased with you, why would We summon you to the Imperial Study? We’re merely curious how a young woman like yourself dared to perform autopsies?”
Appearing relieved, Qin Wan lowered her gaze and said, “Because this commoner is not afraid of the dead.”
Emperor Yan Huai raised an eyebrow, “Not afraid of the dead? Not afraid of ghosts either?”
Qin Wan continued, “This commoner’s grandmother in Jin Zhou was devoted to Buddhism in her lifetime. According to Grandmother, after death, people must enter the six realms of reincarnation. Those ghosts are mostly people burdened with karma, and as long as we don’t create evil karma while alive, we won’t be harmed by evil spirits. The ghosts that people commonly fear are merely ghosts in their minds. For this commoner, it’s like the Buddhist saying: ‘The bodhi tree has no existence, the bright mirror has no stand.’ Having received Buddhist teachings, this commoner understood these things and became unafraid.”
Emperor Yan Huai was somewhat surprised by Qin Wan’s explanation. Seeing her particularly composed and serene manner, and noting how her plain clothing carried a sense of zen elegance, he believed her somewhat. He then asked, “How did you learn these methods?”
Qin Wan continued with her previous explanation. Emperor Yan Huai listened with slight amazement, “There are such methods of healing?”
Qin Wan nodded and said, “When this commoner traveled to Yuan Zhou, I met a direct disciple of the Medicine King Valley. From that disciple, this commoner saw several ancient texts. These texts stated that for ailments of the head, one could treat them by opening the skull; for heart ailments, one could open the chest cavity. With proper methods, a person could survive even with their chest and abdomen opened. The texts recorded the ancients’ experimental methods, which were first tested on the deceased.”
Emperor Yan Huai, already impressed by Qin Wan’s medical skills, found her explanation mystifying yet didn’t suspect her of lying. “I see,” he said, then asked, “Did you also help with the cases in the capital?”
Qin Wan wasn’t sure how to explain this, but realizing that nothing could be hidden in the capital, she admitted, “Yes, my brother learned that I could perform autopsies using medical knowledge, so he asked for my help.”
Emperor Yan Huai was very pleased. “Your ability truly amazes Us. Since ancient times, our Great Zhou has never had a woman practice as a coroner. You are the first. It’s a pity that women in Great Zhou cannot enter government offices, and your status makes it inappropriate to act openly. Otherwise, you would truly be a great talent We have discovered.”
Qin Wan kept her head lowered, “Your Majesty overpraises me. If there is anything you wish me to do, I will do my utmost.”
Emperor Yan Huai waved his hand with a smile, “If We were to have you perform autopsies, the Loyal and Brave Marquis wouldn’t be able to keep it hidden. Would you truly be willing to let everyone know of your coroner skills? Could you bear the rumors and gossip that would arise?”
Emperor Yan Huai clearly understood the ways of the common people. Hearing this, Qin Wan pressed her lips together without answering.
Emperor Yan Huai continued, “It’s enough that We know of your ability. Moreover, it’s good that Yan Chi knows. We believe that it won’t be Us who will need your help, but Yan Chi—”
Qin Wan raised her head, looking first at Emperor Yan Huai, then at Yan Chi, somewhat confused.
Emperor Yan Huai then turned to Yan Chi to discuss official matters, “Yan Chi, the barbarian enemies suffered a great defeat in the latter half of last year and haven’t caused trouble for some time. They should remain peaceful for a year or two. With your father in the military, that’s sufficient. How about you stay in the capital and take on a new position?”
Yan Chi replied gracefully, “Upon returning to the capital, I indeed found its prosperity and splendor quite peaceful. Even if Your Majesty didn’t ask me to stay, I would have requested it. Please instruct me as you see fit.”
Emperor Yan Huai smiled, “After fighting for so many years, it’s good that you want to return. The Empress Dowager’s health is poor, and we don’t know how long you younger generation will have with her, so do stay in the capital.” After a slight pause, he continued, “When you went south, We gave you the position of Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. You performed excellently, especially in solving the gold robbery case. Your father must be very proud. For this new position, We are thinking of sending you to the Ministry of Justice. What do you think?”
Yan Chi cupped his hands, “I will follow Your Majesty’s arrangements.”
Emperor Yan Huai nodded and took a memorial from his desk. Yuan Qing quickly stepped forward to receive it and presented it to Yan Chi. After reading it, Yan Chi bowed again, “Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will not disappoint you.”
Emperor Yan Huai declared boldly, “The Minister of Justice is advanced in years and has expressed his wish to retire in the next year or two. Yet among the ministry’s officials, we cannot find a suitable replacement. For now, you will serve as Left Vice Minister. This way, We will have someone We can rely on in the Ministry of Justice.”
“I understand. I will report to the Ministry of Justice tomorrow to assume my duties.”
Having concluded official business, Emperor Yan Huai looked at Qin Wan again, “Girl, do you understand Our meaning now? In the future, he will be the one to seek your help.”
Though Emperor Yan Huai hadn’t publicly acknowledged Qin Wan’s contributions, he seemed to tacitly approve of her assisting government offices. Qin Wan quickly nodded in respectful agreement. Having said all he needed to, and needing to attend to state affairs, Emperor Yan Huai dismissed them both.
They left the Imperial Study and only spoke when they reached the path back to the Hall of Longevity.
“Left Vice Minister of Justice… is this what you wanted?”
Yan Chi handed the memorial to Bai Feng to carry and smiled faintly, “In court politics, one rarely gets what one truly desires.”
Knowing Yan Chi couldn’t possibly truly enjoy such flowery peace, Qin Wan said, “Indeed, you belong on the battlefield.”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, “What makes you say that?”
Qin Wan gave him a cool sideways glance, “Those aren’t my words.”
Yan Chi made a questioning sound, “Then whose words are they?”
Qin Wan let out a light snort, unwilling to say. She lifted her skirts slightly and walked ahead. She walked very quickly, but the palace paths were complex and intertwining. In her haste, she took a wrong turn. When she realized this, she heard Yan Chi’s rich, deep chuckle behind her, “Why have you stopped?”
Qin Wan inwardly snorted, looked at the clouds in the sky, and quickly determined the direction. Though the palace paths were intricate, she had only taken a longer route. She still knew the location of the Hall of Longevity, and getting back wouldn’t be difficult.
Seeing how quickly she oriented herself, Yan Chi couldn’t help but laugh, “This way north leads to the back garden. If we go past the garden and then head west, we’ll arrive directly.”
“I know—” Qin Wan raised her chin.
Yan Chi watched her retreating figure with both amusement and surprise. At this moment, Qin Wan seemed to be showing a bit of temper, quite different from her usual self. “You still haven’t said whose words those were, if not yours?”
Those words had naturally come from Peng Hua Jing, and Qin Wan particularly remembered the admiration in her tone when she said them.
However, Qin Wan couldn’t say this now. She turned to look at Yan Chi, “Does Your Highness know any noble ladies well in the capital?”
Hearing this, the smile in Yan Chi’s eyes grew boundless. Why would Qin Wan suddenly ask such a question? This question must be connected to the previous words. Though he had his suspicions, he didn’t pursue them, instead firmly denying, “I entered the military at age ten, and in all these years, my time back here doesn’t add up to two months. How could I know any noble ladies in the capital well?”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, knowing his words were true.
Yan Chi continued, “Come to think of it, there is one person I know well.”
Qin Wan quickly looked at Yan Chi, who smiled and said, “Unfortunately, this person barely speaks to me in public.”
Qin Wan’s ears grew hot as she realized he meant her. She turned away, no longer wanting to pursue the matter.
Yan Chi’s smile continued warmly. As they spoke, they had reached the edge of the Imperial Garden. Just as Qin Wan was about to change the subject, she looked up and saw a small figure standing by an ornate flower wall.
“Ninth Prince—” Qin Wan exclaimed softly, and Yan Chi looked over as well.
They had seen the Ninth Prince just moments ago and couldn’t mistake him now. The young prince’s small figure was huddled against the wall, motionless, watching something. Strangely, he had no attendants with him.
Qin Wan and Yan Chi exchanged glances and hurried toward the Ninth Prince. Though their footsteps were neither light nor heavy, the Ninth Prince hadn’t noticed them. When they reached his side and Qin Wan bent down to speak, he suddenly realized their presence. His little face went pale and he was about to cry out, but in an instant, Yan Chi covered his mouth.
Qin Wan frowned at Yan Chi’s action, but he raised his chin slightly to indicate the direction the Ninth Prince had been watching. When she looked, Qin Wan froze. In the next moment, Yan Chi gathered the Ninth Prince into his arms and pulled Qin Wan to hide behind the flower wall.
Yan Sui trembled in Yan Chi’s arms, his eyes full of tears. Yan Chi held him, awkwardly patting his back, “Don’t be afraid, they won’t discover us—”
The “they” Yan Chi referred to was in a pavilion separated from their flower wall by a flower bed.
In that pavilion sat a beautifully dressed woman in blue palace garments. Though the woman had her back to them, Qin Wan could instantly recognize her as Noble Consort Su, whom they had seen just that morning.
Noble Consort Su sat with her back to them, surrounded by four servants. Not far from her, in the snow, knelt a palace maid in green clothing. The maid was being held down by four eunuchs, two of whom were applying finger-pressing bamboo boards to her. Though the maid’s mouth was stuffed with white cotton, even from this distance, Qin Wan could faintly hear her agonized screams and see the heart-wrenching pain on her face.
She had been tortured several times already, with large beads of sweat and tears on her face, and her fingers were covered in blood. Though her whole body was curled up in pain, the eunuchs held her down, not allowing her to collapse.
“Xiu’er, you know how well the Noble Consort has treated you, yet you repay kindness with betrayal, you ungrateful wretch!”
A serving girl spoke in rebuke, then looked at Feng Ling Su. Feng Ling Su nodded, and the serving girl said, “Let’s see what she has to say.”
A eunuch immediately pulled the cotton cloth from Xiu’er’s mouth. She gasped heavily for air, then begged through her tears, “Noble Consort, please spare this servant! This servant momentarily lost her senses. Please spare me, don’t ruin my hands. My embroidery skills depend entirely on these hands…”
“Noble Consort, this servant will never dare again, Noble Consort…”
The servant’s cries were heart-wrenching. Neither Qin Wan nor Yan Chi knew what Xiu’er was crying about or what crime she had committed.
Just then, the serving girl spoke again, “Lost your senses? You lost your senses and dared to wear the Noble Consort’s clothes to deliver her soup to His Majesty? What brazen audacity! You intended to seduce His Majesty using the Noble Consort’s garments!”
Then the serving girl ordered, “Continue—”
“Ah— Noble Consort, this servant truly won’t dare again! That garment was of common design, one you had discarded and said we could pick through. It was New Year’s Eve, and I only wore it then… this servant didn’t mean to… Ah…”
Without the cotton in her mouth, the servant’s screams became even more heart-rending, causing Yan Sui to bury his head in Yan Chi’s shoulder. Qin Wan’s brows furrowed deeply. At this rate, the servant’s hands would surely be ruined. However, this was the palace, and the one administering punishment was Feng Ling Su—she had no right to save the person. Moreover, Feng Ling Su was within her rights to punish her servants who had broken the rules.
Though she couldn’t see Feng Ling Su’s expression, from her posture, Qin Wan could tell that Feng Ling Su was completely relaxed, and punishing palace servants was a commonplace occurrence for her.
“Noble Consort… Noble Consort, please spare this servant… this servant truly didn’t mean to…”
“Didn’t mean to?” Feng Ling Su finally spoke, her voice still delicate but now carrying a sharp edge and an air of superiority. This version of her was no longer the fragile, gentle flower she appeared to be.
“A servant in my palace dares to try to seduce His Majesty while carrying my sentiments? If His Majesty hadn’t been focused on state affairs last night, wouldn’t you, you worthless wretch, have climbed into His Majesty’s bed? You know nothing of your place!”
After saying this, Feng Ling Su raised her chin to signal the eunuchs to continue.
The two eunuchs applied force from both sides, causing Xiu’er to roll on the ground in pain while two other eunuchs forcefully held her down. The torture didn’t stop, and whether from losing her mind to the pain or knowing her hands were ruined, Xiu’er suddenly burst into curses amid her pleading!
“Feng Ling Su! Poisonous woman! You venomous witch!”
“You scheme to monopolize His Majesty—Noble Consort Jin was killed by you!”
“Kill me then! Kill me! Even as a ghost, I won’t let you be!”
Feng Ling Su trembled with rage at these sudden curses. She pointed at Xiu’er, “Tear her mouth apart for me! Tear it apart—Beat her to death! Beat her to death!”
“Noble Consort, please don’t be angry. Let the servants handle this worthless wretch. Please don’t be angry!”
As servants tried to calm her, Feng Ling Su abruptly stood up. She strode away with her people, and the eunuchs paused briefly to bow. After she left, they exchanged glances and dragged Xiu’er eastward.
Qin Wan’s delicate fists clenched, “Where are they taking her?”
“Most likely the Imperial Punishment Office.” Yan Chi’s voice was steady as he gently stroked Yan Sui’s back.
At the mention of the Imperial Punishment Office, Qin Wan’s eyes darkened. The Imperial Punishment Office was where palace maids were punished within the inner palace. The laws of Great Zhou held no power here; the palace had its own rules, and the Imperial Punishment Office was a place that made everyone in the palace shudder at its mention.
“Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, they’re gone now.”
Yan Chi patted Yan Sui’s back gently, and the child’s trembling finally began to subside.
Though initially wary of the unfamiliar Yan Chi, Yan Sui now had no choice but to rely on him. Hearing these words, he lifted his head from Yan Chi’s shoulder, looked toward the distant pavilion, blinked, and tears immediately rolled down.
Qin Wan’s heart ached at the sight. She quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe Yan Sui’s tears, “It’s all right now, it’s all right. Your Highness, how did you end up here alone? Where are your attendants?”
Though Qin Wan spoke gently, Yan Sui’s tears wouldn’t stop. He stared straight at the pavilion, his eyes showing both fear and hatred. Qin Wan suddenly remembered that Xiu’er had cursed that Noble Consort Jin had been killed by Noble Consort Su. Her heart jolted, and she looked down at Yan Sui again, “Your Highness, what’s wrong?”
“She… she killed my Mother Consort…”
After a long moment, Yan Sui spoke through his sobs. At these words, both Yan Chi and Qin Wan frowned.
Everyone knew Noble Consort Jin had been killed by Prince Jin, so how was Noble Consort Su involved?
Though Qin Wan wanted to uncover the truth of this case, Yan Sui was only a four-year-old child—could his words be trusted? Yet to Qin Wan, Yan Sui was the person closest to the deceased Noble Consort Jin!
“Your Highness, why do you say this—”
Qin Wan asked instinctively, and Yan Sui looked up toward the pavilion, “They all say so.”
Qin Wan and Yan Chi exchanged glances, realizing that rumors of Noble Consort Su killing Noble Consort Jin had long circulated in the palace. If so, how did Prince Jin become entangled in this case? Prince Jin’s guilt had been established—how dare anyone spread such rumors?
Qin Wan took a deep breath, frustrated that she didn’t know the circumstances of the incident or have access to relevant records. Thinking this, she couldn’t help but look at Yan Sui. As Noble Consort Jin’s son, he had only moved to the Hall of Longevity after the incident, which meant he must have been with Noble Consort Jin before. Where was he when it happened? Had he seen anything?
Though Yan Sui’s answer suggested he was merely repeating rumors, if he had seen or heard anything that day, it might bring the truth of the case to light.
Thinking this, Qin Wan’s lips moved to probe further.
But just then, Yan Chi said, “Such words must not be spoken carelessly.”
Qin Wan immediately came to her senses as Yan Chi looked sternly at Yan Sui, “You can say this to us, but remember, if others are present, you must never mention it to anyone else, understand?”
Startled by Yan Chi’s severity, Yan Sui could only sniffle with tears, remaining silent for a long while before asking, “Can’t I tell Brother Li?”
Seeing Yan Sui’s frightened state, Yan Chi’s voice softened slightly, “You can tell him, but no one else.”
Yan Sui nodded, lowering his eyes and crying silently, looking utterly pitiful.
Seeing this, Qin Wan could no longer ask anything. Moreover, Yan Chi was right—Yan Sui must not speak of this freely in the palace. Aside from the Emperor having already concluded the case, Feng Ling Su’s power was not something a small child like Yan Sui could resist. Without his mother, he now had only the protection of the Hall of Longevity, and with the Empress Dowager’s poor health, how long could she protect him?
Looking at Yan Sui’s miserable state, Qin Wan felt great sympathy. Though born as a noble prince, Yan Sui’s circumstances meant his future would not be easy. Her rash questioning would not only remind him of his dead mother but could also easily expose her investigation. Yan Sui, not understanding the situation, would surely reveal everything if asked—how could that be explained?
For both emotional and practical reasons, investigating this matter rashly within the palace was inadvisable. Qin Wan sighed and swallowed the questions in her throat.
After wiping Yan Sui’s tears again and seeing his face reddened by the cold wind, Yan Chi prepared to carry him back to the Hall of Longevity.
“Mother Consort… when Mother Consort died, her hands were like that person’s…”
Just as they had taken two steps, suddenly, Yan Sui spoke between sobs.
At these words, Qin Wan and Yan Chi both frowned simultaneously.