As soon as Qin Wan returned to the Marquis mansion, she headed straight to the main courtyard. With the afternoon hour approaching, she proceeded directly there instead of returning to Song Feng Court, mindful of her appointment to examine the elderly Madam of Marquis Wu’an. Madam Hu was already waiting in the main courtyard. Upon seeing Qin Wan’s return, she naturally first inquired about the palace situation and was relieved to learn that the Empress Dowager’s condition was improving day by day.
After taking a brief rest, Qin Wan asked, “First Aunt, I recall you mentioning that the daughter of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue was supposed to come today. Did someone in her clan pass away yesterday?”
Tea and refreshments had been prepared in the main hall’s reception area. Madam Hu quickly nodded, “Yes, the Left Vice Minister of Revenue’s surname is Meng. Miss Meng has suffered from asthma since childhood. Over the years, they’ve sought treatment everywhere, even from imperial physicians, but haven’t found a complete cure. This winter, I heard it became more severe, which is why they reached out to us. The person who passed away yesterday was her second-branch clan uncle. According to custom, today is the funeral, so naturally, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to leave home.”
Qin Wan’s suspicions were confirmed – the case she had heard about outside the palace gates was indeed about Miss Meng’s uncle. The coincidence seemed too perfect. Thinking of this, she shared what she had heard earlier with Madam Hu, who exclaimed in surprise, “What? The young master of the Meng family believes his father was murdered?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, I met Prince Chi at the palace. The Prince has taken up the position of Left Vice Minister of Justice. Just as we left the palace gates, officials from the Ministry of Justice came looking for him, saying the Meng family had reported the case to the Lin’an Prefecture. Since it involves the Left Vice Minister of Revenue, the case has been transferred to the Ministry of Justice.”
Madam Hu was stunned for a moment before regaining her composure. Before she could say more, Qin Chaoyu and Qin Xiang entered together from outside.
Seeing Qin Wan’s return, Secretary Qin’s face brightened, “Wan’er has returned. How were things at the palace?”
Qin Wan quickly repeated what she had told Madam Hu earlier. Secretary Qin finally breathed a sigh of relief, “The Empress Dowager has been doing well these past few days. It seems we’ve passed this hurdle. It’s all thanks to Wan’er. You’ve done very well.”
Qin Wan hurriedly demurred, saying she didn’t dare accept such praise. Meanwhile, Madam Hu asked, “My Lord has returned. Have you heard about the matter concerning the Left Vice Minister of Revenue’s clan?”
Secretary Qin and Qin Yan had just returned from outside. Upon hearing Madam Hu’s question, his smile faded slightly, “Of course I know. How could I not? The capital isn’t that big, and this news has already spread everywhere. When the young master of the Meng family reported it to the authorities, he directly accused his Fourth Uncle of being responsible. This has put Minister Meng in quite a predicament.”
Secretary Qin sat down in the main seat and continued, “When serving as an official, even if one maintains proper conduct, if a clan member commits a crime, it can result in dismissal from office at best or collective punishment at worst. The Meng family branches haven’t divided their household since the previous generation. Even now, several branches live together in the Meng family mansion, so this incident will likely affect Minister Meng’s reputation as an official.”
Madam Hu sighed, “Which lord of the Meng family was the one who passed away?”
Secretary Qin took a sip from his teacup, “It was the Second Lord. While the Meng family’s first branch serves in court, the second branch mainly manages the clan’s businesses. That Second Lord was quite the businessman. Over these past ten years or so, he had become one of the capital’s foremost wealthy merchants. They say his body was discovered in the Meng family lake yesterday morning. When the body was retrieved, nothing seemed amiss, so everyone assumed either the Second Lord had taken his own life, or he had fallen into the lake on New Year’s night after drinking too much. They had already set up the memorial hall when the second branch’s young master reported it to the authorities, saying his father would never commit suicide, nor was it an accident – he was murdered.”
Qin Wan remembered that Official Xu from the Ministry of Justice had also mentioned the word “suicide” earlier. She frowned and asked, “When someone dies, it’s either an accident or murder. Why would they think of suicide?”
Secretary Qin shook his head helplessly, “The Meng family business ran into trouble. They say that before the New Year, the Second Lord sold off most of the Meng family’s shops and restaurants to raise money for buying a mine in the West. He claimed he had found a highly profitable opportunity, but he encountered swindlers instead. Several hundred thousand taels of silver were lost to fraud. Suddenly, not only had the Meng family lost most of their assets, but they also had no working capital – they couldn’t even pay their shop workers’ wages. The Second Lord became the family disgrace, and because of this, the fourth branch was demanding to split from the family, refusing to help pay his debts…”
Madam Hu sighed helplessly hearing these troubling matters, “This is truly… they were doing perfectly fine with their stable businesses, why did they get involved in mining? Now they’ve even lost a life. Every family truly has its difficulties to bear.”
Qin Yan, sitting to the side, nodded, “The Meng family had considerable wealth, with generations of officials in their clan. But this time, their greed went too far. Losing money is a small matter, but now it has cost a life.”
Madam Hu nodded and looked at Qin Yan and Secretary Qin, “So what happened with the Second Lord’s death?”
Secretary Qin shook his head, “Since this case involves Minister Meng, it’s now being jointly investigated by the Lin’an Prefecture and the Ministry of Justice. No specific details have been uncovered yet.” He sighed and continued, “Our mansion doesn’t have deep ties with the Meng family, so it’s not appropriate for us to inquire further. Let’s wait for more news. If it was an accident, that’s that, but if not, this could be considered the court’s first major case of the new year.”
Just as he finished speaking, Maid Yu announced from outside, “Madam, Young Miss Sixth Young Miss, and Fifth Young Miss have arrived.”
Madam Hu’s lips curved slightly, “Let them in—”
Before she finished speaking, Qin Chaoyu entered first, followed by Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang.
Seeing Secretary Qin present, the three first paid their respects. Qin Yan then asked, “Why are you three here together?”
Qin Chaoyu looked at Qin Wan, “We heard Ninth Sister was going to examine the elderly Madam of Marquis Wu’an today. We’re curious about how Ninth Sister treats patients, so we came to observe—”
Madam Hu laughed, “You’re all so nosy! When the elderly Madam arrives, make sure to pay your proper respects.”
As she spoke, Secretary Qin rose and said, “Since you’re examining the elderly Madam, I’ll take Yan’er to the study. There are some Ministry of Personnel matters to attend to later; remember to have tea and refreshments prepared.”
Madam Hu, well-versed in handling such matters, quickly agreed.
After Secretary Qin left, Qin Chaoyu asked, “Ninth Sister, how is the Empress Dowager?”
Qin Wan had no choice but to explain the Empress Dowager’s condition for the third time. Qin Chaoyu seemed relieved, “The Empress will likely summon people in the next few days. I wonder if there will be a chance to see the Empress Dowager.”
Given Qin Chaoyu’s unique status, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang didn’t dare even dream of such an opportunity.
Qin Chaoyu continued asking, “Ninth Sister, did you see the Crown Prince at the palace?”
Qin Wan shook her head. Qin Chaoyu pressed on, “Then did you see the Empress?”
Qin Wan shook her head again, “No, only the Ninth Prince was in Shou Kang Palace.”
Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu finally stopped asking. After a few more exchanges, Maid Yu announced, “Madam, the elderly Madam of Marquis Wu’an has arrived, accompanied by the Marchioness.”
Madam Hu immediately perked up, “Excellent, please invite them in—”
She glanced at the four sisters, and seeing them all properly and appropriately dressed, went to the entrance to welcome the guests. Soon, an elderly lady with snow-white hair came into view. The elderly lady wore an elegant deep purple dress and was supported by a woman in her thirties.
Behind them followed two maids in green attire. All four carried themselves with dignity and possessed distinguished appearances. Madam Hu hurried forward to greet them, “We’ve been waiting for the elderly Madam and my sister. You’re truly punctual.”
The elderly Madam Song of Marquis Wu’an’s mansion smiled, “Today is the third day of the month. We came early fearing we might disturb your household.”
She coughed twice as she spoke. Beside her, Marchioness Qi also smiled, “Sister’s household must be much busier than ours. If not for Mother’s poor health, we wouldn’t dare intrude today.”
Madam Hu supported the elderly Madam from the other side, laughing, “What nonsense is this? The elderly Madam is welcome to visit any day she wishes. I couldn’t ask for anything better.” She looked toward Qin Wan and the others standing at the door, “All of you, come forward and pay your respects.”
Qin Chaoyu led the way, followed by Qin Wan and the others, as they came forward to bow.
Madam Song smiled warmly as she bid the four to rise, and observed them for a moment before entering the room. After taking her seat, she looked at Qin Wan and said, “I saw the Ninth Young Lady at the palace banquet that day, but I haven’t met the Fifth and Sixth Young Ladies. True to the Qin family’s reputation, each one is more outstanding than the last.”
Marchioness Qi added, “Indeed, we’ve always known about Chaoyu, but who would have thought the other young ladies would be equally extraordinary, especially the Ninth Young Lady? Her reputation as a medical prodigy has spread throughout the capital. If we didn’t have some friendship with your sister, we might not have had this opportunity to have the Ninth Young Lady help with treatment.”
Madam Hu smiled, “The elderly Madam and Sister are too generous with their praise. Sister, it’s only because you don’t have daughters of your own that you view them so favorably. Your young heir entered the Ministry of Works last year, and I hear his work on several river management projects has been excellent, even earning repeated praise from His Majesty.”
After this exchange of pleasantries and compliments, Madam Song looked toward the doorway and said, “I remember that Miss Meng from the Meng family was also supposed to come for treatment today. I suppose she won’t be coming now?”
The conversation inevitably returned to the Meng family matters. Madam Hu sighed, “The elderly Madam must know about the incident at the Meng mansion. Miss Meng sent word yesterday that she wouldn’t be coming today.”
Madam Song and Marchioness Qi exchanged glances, their expressions growing somber.
Madam Song sighed, “During the New Year celebration, the Meng family encounters such misfortune. I hear they’ve reported it to the authorities, though the truth remains unclear. But that Meng boy claims his Fourth Uncle did it. Whatever the outcome, domestic turmoil is inevitable. I wonder how the Censorate will write about this matter.”
Though they were all women, their positions as marchionesses gave them some understanding of court affairs.
Madam Hu sighed as well, “Indeed. The Marquis was just saying that Minister Meng will likely be implicated. We have limited interaction with the Meng family, but do the elderly Madam and Sister know what happened?”
When women gather, such matters are bound to be discussed. When Madam Hu asked, Madam Song explained, “Even without this death, the Meng family was already in turmoil. The first branch serves as an officials and naturally wants to keep family scandals private. They turn a blind eye to their younger brothers’ private affairs unless things come to light publicly, only then mediating. The second branch manages the family business and only respects the first branch, showing disdain for the third and fourth branches. The third branch lord has passed away, leaving only a mother and son. That young master reportedly has a stutter and is considered ineffective. So it’s mainly the fourth branch that’s at odds with the second branch. The fourth branch has lived under the second branch’s intimidation and has long grown weary of it. Even before the business troubles before New Year’s, the fourth branch seemed to be considering splitting from the family.”
Madam Song shook her head, “Every family has its difficulties. The Meng family is large with extensive business interests. If brothers work together, all is well, but without unity, problems are bound to arise.”
Madam Hu sighed. For great families and clans, disputes over family division were extremely unfortunate, let alone when they resulted in death. If it truly was a case of brothers harming each other, the family’s reputation would be ruined.
After hearing Madam Song’s words, Madam Hu didn’t inquire further, only saying, “Wan’er has just finished examining the Empress Dowager. Would the elderly Madam like her examination now, or shall we sit for a while longer?”
Madam Song, whose face was like jade even in her advanced years, appeared even more kindly with age. Hearing this, she looked at Qin Wan and said, “You just examined the Empress Dowager? Then I am blessed indeed. Let’s not wait – examine me now, so we don’t waste your time.”
Madam Hu repeatedly assured her it was no waste of time, then looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan stepped forward and paid her respects again before taking Madam Song’s pulse. As Madam Song observed Qin Wan, she glanced at Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, “Are the Fifth and Sixth Young Ladies the same age?”
While letting Qin Wan take her pulse, Madam Song asked Madam Hu, who nodded, “Yes, those two are the same age. Yu’er and Wan’er are the same age as well. All four of them are only about a year apart.”
Hearing this, Madam Song smiled, “Then you’ll have much to worry about this year.”
Madam Hu looked at Madam Song and Marchioness Qi, “Indeed, I’ll need to start making arrangements after the New Year. I’ll need the elderly Madam and Sister’s help with this matter.”
Though they didn’t specify, their meaning was clear – Madam Hu wanted Madam Song and Marchioness Qi to help her find suitable matches for Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. While Qin Wan focused on taking the pulse, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang’s faces turned slightly red.
Madam Song said with great enthusiasm, “That’s wonderful, leave this matter to me.”
Madam Hu was naturally delighted to hear this and quickly had servants bring more tea. Soon, Qin Wan finished checking the pulse.
“Does the elderly Madam experience chest pain and palpitations, along with occasional coughing, though it’s neither a cold nor a respiratory condition?”
Qin Wan spoke slowly, and Madam Song immediately nodded, “Yes, I cough occasionally. I thought there might be something wrong with my lungs and took medicine for a while, but it didn’t improve.”
Qin Wan nodded, “This is a cold pathogen entering the body. The chest pain and tightness is one symptom, and mild coughing is another. In severe cases, it can cause pain and diarrhea. From your pulse, elderly Madam, your five organs are in discord, affecting your heart and causing cardiac pain. When your heart hurts, it affects your back, causes irritability and agitation, feeling as if something is stabbing your heart from behind. Now in winter, combined with the cold pathogen, the elderly Madam feels particularly uncomfortable. At night, when the heart pain occurs, any movement makes it worse, and during the day, you may experience dizziness.”
Before Madam Song could respond, Marchioness Qi was already nodding repeatedly, “Young Lady Qin is right. Whenever Mother feels heart palpitations and pain, her back also becomes stiff and painful. At night when the illness strikes, she dares not move until the pain passes, often sweating profusely from the pain. She does cough, and sometimes Mother feels short of breath. She’s even fainted once or twice, and indeed becomes irritable when the illness flares up.”
Seeing how accurate Qin Wan’s diagnosis was, Madam Hu’s eyes brightened. This was her first time witnessing Qin Wan examine someone in person, and she felt Qin Wan truly lived up to her reputation. Beside her, Qin Chaoyu raised her eyebrows in appreciation.
Qin Wan nodded at Marchioness Qi’s words, “The elderly Madam’s condition isn’t a rare or complex illness. When pathogens enter the heart, they cause heart pain and palpitations, easily leading to melancholy, and frequent dizziness, and in older patients, falls can occur. I will now prescribe a formula based on the elderly Madam’s deficiencies and excesses. Since the elderly Madam’s condition won’t be cured overnight, this prescription will be for an initial half-month treatment. After half a month, I will perform acupuncture once, then change to a new prescription.”
Seeing how Qin Wan could determine Madam Song’s symptoms just by taking her pulse and hearing her speak with such calm confidence, Madam Song and Marchioness Qi developed trust in her. Madam Song asked, “Can Young Lady Qin predict how long it will take to see initial results?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “One month. You’ll see results in one month, but for stable improvement, it will take at least half a year. The elderly Madam is advanced in years, so firstly, I’ll use gentle remedies for treatment, and secondly, as time progresses, there may be more symptoms. Please don’t be anxious, elderly Madam.”
Madam Song quickly nodded with a smile, “Good, good, good. That timeframe is much shorter than I expected. Very well, I’ll follow your instructions.”
Qin Wan asked Maid Yu to bring paper and brush, “I’ll write the prescription here, but please obtain the medicines yourself, elderly Madam. I’ll write down the instructions for decocting and taking the medicine.” After a slight pause, Qin Wan continued while writing, “This prescription primarily aims to expel cold pathogens and treat the cardiac pain. It will be less effective when spring comes and the weather warms. Three Qian each of rhubarb, peony, and bupleurum; two Qian each of black cohosh, Scutellaria, platycodon, and cinnabar; one Qian each of euonymus alatus, cassia heart, and mirabilite. Take three times daily, decoct with cold water, and boil three bowls down to one. Please return in three days, elderly Madam. If there are no major issues, the prescription will remain unchanged; otherwise, I will write a new one.”
Qin Wan quickly finished writing and waited for the ink to dry slightly before handing it to Marchioness Qi, who brought it to Madam Song. After they both examined it, they looked at Qin Wan with admiration in their eyes.
Madam Song remarked with feeling, “Young Lady Qin, at such a young age, you possess such remarkable medical skills and such beauty. I wonder who will be fortunate enough to marry you in the future?”
Qin Wan smiled and nodded, while Madam Hu said with a laugh, “She’s still young, there’s no hurry. When the time comes, we’ll surely need the elderly Madam’s help.”
But Madam Song shook her head, “I’m afraid Young Lady Qin’s marriage won’t need my attention when the time comes.”