Yan Chi shook his head, “I’ve asked about this matter before. After the incident at Prince Jin’s mansion, the officials inside, including the Chancellor, were charged with crimes. Those who were exiled are no longer in the capital.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Then there’s nothing we can do.”
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, “What do you want to do?”
Qin Wan gave a bitter smile, “I just thought about Prince Jin’s case again. Now that I’m in the capital, especially after hearing the Ninth Prince’s words, I have even more questions in my mind.”
Yan Chi’s eyes darkened for a moment, seeming lost in thought.
Seeing Yan Chi’s expression, Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside. “Before coming to the capital, I always thought it was a place of prosperity. But now that I’m here, I realize that the more noble and powerful a family is, the more they’re trapped in this game, having to navigate everything carefully.”
Yan Chi sighed and reached out to stroke Qin Wan’s hair. He hadn’t forgotten that she said she had an unfulfilled wish, though he still didn’t know what it was. He instinctively felt it had something to do with her medical skills and her work as a coroner.
He knew of her brilliant talent and understood that her character was unlike ordinary women. That’s why he never held back any opportunity for her to demonstrate her abilities. He wanted the world to know just how extraordinary she was, and he understood that by letting her follow this path she desired, he would eventually learn what she truly wished for.
“With me by your side, you don’t need to be so careful,” Yan Chi continued stroking Qin Wan’s smooth hair. “Just do what you want to do, even if it seems as difficult as climbing to heaven.”
Qin Wan turned back to him, “How can one accomplish something as difficult as climbing to heaven?”
Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly, “Your medical skills surpass those of many doctors who have practiced for decades. Wasn’t it difficult to achieve such mastery? You can also perform autopsies – you’re the first woman in two hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty to help the magistrate’s office with autopsies. Wasn’t that difficult? These were all extremely challenging, yet you accomplished them. This proves that even things as difficult as climbing to heaven aren’t impossible.”
Qin Wan’s heavy heart warmed at Yan Chi’s words. She suddenly asked, “What if this matter is not only as difficult as climbing to heaven but also comes with many dangers?”
Yan Chi smiled at her words, “You just focus on doing it, leave the dangers to me.”
Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat. She pursed her lips and continued, “But what if to do this thing, we need power and opportunity?”
Yan Chi’s smile remained unchanged as he grabbed Qin Wan’s hand, “Power must be fought for, opportunities can be created. In a place like the capital, all struggles revolve around the word ‘power,’ and all social interactions around the word ‘benefit.’ Once you understand the true nature of things, you can use them to your advantage.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi, a sudden thought crossing her mind.
Her lips curved slightly, and she suddenly asked Yan Chi, “Is Northwest difficult?”
Yan Chi placed one hand on Qin Wan’s shoulder, leaning back slightly against the carriage wall, appearing even more tall and handsome. “Yes, it is.” Looking at Qin Wan’s clear black and white eyes, afraid she wouldn’t believe him, he continued slowly, “I entered the military camp at ten years old. After only half a year of training with the veteran soldiers, my father sent me to patrol the cold plains. The Northwest’s cold plains are frozen year-round with no human traces, often accompanied by heavy snow, yet I and more than a dozen others had to patrol for an entire month.”
“During this month, we spent half our time sleeping in ice caves, eating nothing but dry flatbread. When we couldn’t stand it anymore, we would hunt a black bear from the plains together, roast the meat, and drink the blood.”
“We slept in ice caves and wolf dens. Once I was frozen in the snow and almost didn’t wake up. While others would go out at most twice a year, I had to go four times. Even so, I was just the lowest-ranking supply soldier, not qualified to fight on the frontlines. After two years like this, at fourteen, I finally went into my first real battle. The Western Rong people were far fiercer than the bears and wolves of the cold plains. When faced with life-and-death situations, they would kill injured soldiers from their ranks to eat their meat and drink their blood. Of course, if there were prisoners at the time, they would kill the prisoners instead.”
Qin Wan’s fingers trembled slightly. Although Yan Chi spoke lightly, as if describing something ordinary, Qin Wan could imagine the hardships and dangers. And at that time, he was just a young boy.
Looking into Yan Chi’s ink-black eyes, she saw no resentment or pain. Recalling these events, his eyes showed only unwavering determination, as if even if the sky were to fall, he could hold it up with his strength alone.
Qin Wan gripped Yan Chi’s hand tightly, “No wonder the Northwest Army keeps winning.”
Yan Chi’s lips curved upward as he pulled Qin Wan into his embrace, “The Northwest Army will continue to win.”
Speaking of the Northwest Army, there was a natural heroic spirit in Yan Chi’s tone. He continued, “Whether in the Northwest or the capital. So you can rest assured, if you need me to help you with anything, just tell me.”
Qin Wan’s lips moved, but in the end, she just rested against his chest, “I know.” She then added, “Today I wasn’t able to help much. Is there any chance I could meet other people from the Meng family?”
Yan Chi looked down at her, “You want to help us investigate the case?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Mainly, I want to meet the Fourth Master of the Meng family.”
Yan Chi thought for a moment, “Once I arrange things on my end, I’ll send word through Bai Ying.”
Qin Wan quickly agreed. As it was getting late, they didn’t say more and headed straight for the Marquis’s mansion.
……
……
The next day, Qin Wan entered the palace after the mid-morning hour as usual. Yesterday she hadn’t been able to visit the shop, so she had sent Han Dong and his son back first, but today she needed to make a trip to the shop.
When she arrived at Shoukang Palace and entered the inner chamber, she saw Zhao Shuhua sitting by the Empress Dowager’s bedside.
Upon seeing Zhao Shuhua, Qin Wan quickly bowed, “Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress.”
Zhao Shuhua smiled and helped her up, “Quick, rise, good child. How is the Empress Dowager’s health?”
The Empress Dowager, leaning against her pillows, smiled and said, “I feel much better. This child is truly remarkable. In just a few days, I have much more strength.”
Qin Wan quickly replied, “Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is blessed. It was just a minor illness.” Then looking at Zhao Shuhua, she added, “Your Majesty the Empress need not worry. The Empress Dowager’s condition only needs proper care from now on. The earlier dangers have passed.”
Hearing this, Zhao Shuhua let out a long sigh of relief, “That’s good, that’s good.” She then stepped aside, “Come, quickly check Mother Empress’s pulse. I knew you’d been coming to the palace daily these past few days, and I didn’t want to disturb you while you were treating Mother Empress, so I didn’t come.”
Qin Wan stepped forward, first checking the pulse, then asking about the Empress Dowager’s daily diet and other matters, before telling Zhao Shuhua, “Your Majesty the Empress, the medicine for the Empress Dowager is showing small effects now, you can rest assured.”
Then looking at the Empress Dowager, she continued, “Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, if you feel you have strength in your legs, it would be best to get up and walk around a bit. Start with just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, then gradually increase the duration. This will help you recover faster.”
The Empress Dowager looked at Chen Nanny, “Did you hear that? You can’t keep letting me lie down all the time.”
Chen Nanny quickly smiled and said, “Yes, yes, we’ll do everything as Ninth Miss says. After your afternoon nap, you can get up and walk around.”
Zhao Shuhua smiled from the side, “From now on, I will accompany Mother Empress on walks in the garden every day.”
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, “There’s no need for that. You have your duties to attend to. None of you need to worry about me, I know what to do. Where’s Little Nine? Let Little Nine accompany me.”
Zhao Shuhua also looked toward the door, “Yes, where is Little Nine?”
Chen Nanny laughed, “The Ninth Prince has started learning to read now. Today is the fourth day, he’s with the tutor.”
Zhao Shuhua smiled as she remembered something, “That’s right, Little Nine has started learning characters now. I had forgotten about that. In that case, I’ll stay here with Mother Empress a while longer.”
The Empress Dowager seemed unwilling to trouble Zhao Shuhua, and said, “No need to keep me company. You young people won’t find it interesting staying with an old woman like me. Go about your business. I’m a bit tired.”
Seeing the situation, Chen Nanny said, “The Empress Dowager usually takes a nap after her medicine these days. Your Majesty need not worry, we servants will take good care of the Empress Dowager.”
Zhao Shuhua sighed, “In that case, I shall return tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Qin Wan hadn’t planned to stay long at Shoukang Palace. Hearing that the Empress Dowager needed her afternoon nap, she naturally prepared to take her leave. Zhao Shuhua then said, “Come, walk with me. I’ll escort you to Zhengyang Gate.”
Qin Wan quickly replied, “I wouldn’t dare trouble Your Majesty.”
But Zhao Shuhua took Qin Wan’s hand and walked toward the exit, “You saved the Empress Dowager’s life. To the Emperor and me, you are our lifesaver. How could it be any trouble?”
The Empress’s hand was slightly cool. Qin Wan, being led by her, felt uncomfortable but had no choice but to walk along.
Outside Shoukang Palace, the Empress’s palanquin waited quietly. The Empress led Qin Wan into the palanquin before releasing her hand, then asked, “I hear people have already come to the Marquis’s mansion seeking your medical help?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “Yes, the Lady of Marquis Wu’an and the daughter of the Left Minister of Revenue.”
Zhao Shuhua raised her eyebrows, “The Left Minister of Revenue? The one whose household recently had a murder case?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, because of this, Miss Meng was supposed to come to the mansion yesterday but couldn’t make it.”
Zhao Shuhua nodded, then said, “I heard you were bullied by Feng Zhang at the palace gate that day?”
Qin Wan hesitated slightly, “Young Master Feng was somewhat discourteous, but then Prince Chi happened to pass by—”
Zhao Shuhua sighed, “You needn’t cover for Feng Zhang. He has always acted without restraint, relying on Duke Zhongguo Manor’s influence. In the capital, one could say he has committed many evil deeds. Fortunately, you met Yan Chi that day, otherwise, who knows what might have happened.”
Looking at Qin Wan for a moment, Zhao Shuhua continued, “Have you encountered Noble Consort these past few days in the palace?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “I haven’t met Noble Consort.”
Zhao Shuhua seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, “That’s good.” After a pause, she added, “In the future, if she gives you any trouble in the palace, just come and tell me.”
Qin Wan looked at Zhao Shuhua with widened eyes. Zhao Shuhua said worriedly, “Given Feng Zhang’s nature, he’s likely to hold a grudge about this incident. He can’t do anything to Yan Chi, but he can target you. Moreover, because of this incident, the Emperor has been cold toward Noble Consort Su for two days, so she’s probably feeling quite displeased. In any case, you should be careful from now on.”
Regardless of Zhao Shuhua’s intentions, at least on the surface, these words were meant for Qin Wan’s benefit. Qin Wan naturally responded, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. I understand.”
Zhao Shuhua looked at Qin Wan with great satisfaction, “I already quite liked your elder sister, and now I see that the Qin mansion is truly a place of outstanding people. You sisters are both extraordinary. There will be a banquet in the palace at the Lantern Festival. When the time comes, you and your sister should come together.”
Today was the fourth day of the month, and the Lantern Festival palace banquet would be in ten days. Qin Wan quickly agreed.
“I hear there are two more sisters who entered the palace with you?”
As the palanquin slowly moved toward Zhengyang Gate, Zhao Shuhua continued asking gently.
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister.”
Zhao Shuhua smiled and asked, “Is your elder aunt preparing marriage arrangements for your two sisters?”
Qin Wan tensed slightly but knew she couldn’t hide anything from Zhao Shuhua, so she nodded, “She is preparing. Elder Aunt seems to want Lady Wu’an to help with the matchmaking.”
Hearing this, Zhao Shuhua smiled, “I know Lady Song. She has arranged many good marriages.”
Qin Wan agreed, and Zhao Shuhua continued, “After your two sisters, it will be your Eighth Sister’s and your turn…”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes, appearing shy. Zhao Shuhua smiled, “Do you have anyone in mind?”
Qin Wan naturally shook her head, “Such important matters naturally depend on Elder Uncle and Elder Aunt’s arrangements.”
Zhao Shuhua nodded with a smile and changed the subject. Soon, they arrived at Zhengyang Gate. Qin Wan alighted from the palanquin, bid farewell to Zhao Shuhua, and watched her palanquin disappear into the distance before walking toward the palace gate.
Fu Ling let out a long breath, “Miss, is the Empress so kind and gentle?”
A glimmer flashed in Qin Wan’s eyes, “Yes, she appears to be very kind and gentle.”
The master and servant pair exited Zhenghua Gate and saw Qin Ye waiting outside. After boarding the carriage, Qin Wan said, “Fourth Brother, please take me to the shop on Yangjiao Street in the west to find Han Dong.”
Qin Ye nodded, and the guard raised his whip, setting the carriage in motion.
To avoid wasting time, Qin Wan headed straight to their shop without returning to the mansion. Qin Ye seemed to grant all of Qin Wan’s requests and said nothing. They followed the imperial road forward, then took the main street westward. Two incense sticks’ time later, they arrived at Yangjiao Street. There was a very large jewelry shop on Yangjiao Street, the largest shop under Qin Yi’s name. Han Dong, as the general manager, usually worked at this shop. When the carriage stopped in front of the jewelry shop, Qin Wan ordered a guard named Fu Jing to announce their arrival.
However, after a moment, Fu Jing returned with a young shop assistant.
The assistant came to Qin Wan’s carriage and respectfully said, “Greetings, Miss, Young Master. Manager Han is not in the shop at present. Before he left, he said that if Miss came, she should wait in the shop for a while.”
Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain, “Where did Manager Han go?”
The assistant had been looking down, but upon hearing the question, he instinctively looked up. When he saw Qin Wan’s face, his eyes widened, and he seemed to freeze. Fu Jing had to elbow him before he came back to his senses.
“Ma-Manager Han went to the money house on the next street to deposit yesterday’s earnings.”
The assistant, realizing his impropriety, lowered his head again. Fu Ling watched as the assistant’s entire face turned red. She had intended to rebuke him for his rudeness but seeing his reaction, she felt rather helpless and smiled, abandoning the idea of scolding him.
Qin Wan wasn’t offended and asked again, “The money house on the next street? What’s it called?”
The assistant quickly replied, “It’s called Xiangfu Money House.”
Qin Wan nodded, looking at Qin Ye, “Shall we go find Manager Han?”
Not knowing when Han Dong would return and not wanting to waste too much time, Qin Wan decided to go find him, since it wasn’t far anyway.
Qin Ye had no objections and led the horses to the next street. The group reached the end of the street and turned into another long street. They hadn’t gone far when they saw the large sign of Xiangfu Money House, and before they reached the entrance, Han Dong’s figure appeared in everyone’s view. Han Dong was accompanied by two shop assistants, each carrying an inconspicuous small bundle, naturally containing the earnings. As Han Dong walked, he caught sight of Qin Ye, and when Fu Ling lifted the curtain, Han Dong realized Qin Wan had come. At Qin Wan’s command, the carriage stopped by the street.
“Greetings, Miss, Fourth Young Master—”
Han Dong approached and gave a respectful bow.
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “I just went to the shop and heard you came here, so I came to check. Have you finished your business?”
Han Dong quickly nodded, “Yes, I didn’t know Miss would come at this time, so—”
Qin Wan smiled, “I didn’t tell you when I’d come, so naturally I don’t blame you. Is Uncle Han still in the city?”
Han Dong quickly nodded, “Yes, yes. After Miss mentioned it yesterday, Father stayed in the city. He’s in the south of the city now. Does Miss wish to see him?”
Qin Wan smiled, “Is the shop not busy today?”
Han Dong quickly replied, “Not busy at all. If Miss has any instructions, please just say so.”
Qin Wan then said, “I want to see Uncle Han. Take us there.” Then she added, “Come up into the carriage.”
Han Dong quickly waved his hands, “It’s no trouble, Miss. I can walk.”
It was cold in the first month, and the south of the city was not close, so walking was not practical. Qin Wan laughed, “I don’t stand for such a ceremony. Get in the carriage. I have some things to ask you anyway.”
Seeing Qin Wan’s serious expression, Han Dong told the two assistants to return to the shop first, then nodded and boarded the carriage.
Qin Wan smiled and was about to lower the curtain when suddenly, she saw a familiar figure walking out of Xiangfu Money House. Her brows immediately furrowed. Han Dong, who had seated himself near the door, saw Qin Wan staring outside and also looked out, seeing that Qin Wan was watching a young man in his twenties. He quickly asked, “Does Miss know this person?”
Qin Wan started to nod but ultimately shook her head, “I don’t know him. I just noticed he looked angry, which seemed strange.”
As Qin Wan spoke, she looked again at the man. She certainly recognized him—she had just seen him yesterday. He was one of the male servants she had seen at the Meng mansion yesterday afternoon.
Han Dong’s smile deepened slightly, “He couldn’t withdraw any money, that’s why he’s angry.”
Qin Wan frowned, “How do you know?”
Han Dong explained casually, “When I was depositing the earnings earlier, this man came in halfway. He immediately said he wanted to withdraw money, but it wasn’t his own money. After he mentioned a name, the manager said they had an agreement with that client that a token was required. This man didn’t have the token. He was saying things like how even a son couldn’t withdraw his father’s money and so on. I didn’t hear everything clearly, but it seems he wanted to withdraw quite a sum, seeing how anxious he was—”
As Qin Wan listened to these words, suddenly a flash of insight struck her mind.