Leaving the palace, Qin Wan went directly to Meng Manor in Yan Chi’s carriage. Having promised Meng Yao, she couldn’t keep her waiting long. Moreover, with numerous clues emerging in the Meng Manor case, her return served two purposes: examining Meng Yao’s brother and looking for any discoveries.
This being an official visit, Qin Wan finally didn’t need to use the side entrance. She followed Yan Chi through the main gate, and soon Meng Yao personally came to welcome them.
“Greetings, Your Highness, Ninth Miss—”
After a night’s rest, Meng Yao’s complexion had notably improved, though her slightly swollen eyes revealed earlier tears. After her curtsy, Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, “I’ll check on the Second Branch, Official Zheng is still within the manor.”
Qin Wan nodded, and only then did Yan Chi depart.
Meng Yao glanced at Yan Chi’s retreating figure, then hurriedly led Qin Wan toward the main courtyard.
“Ninth Miss has come so early, did you just leave the palace?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Indeed, I thought since it was on the way, I’d stop by.”
Gratitude filled Meng Yao’s eyes, “I thought Ninth Miss would come tomorrow, unexpected to see you today. I’ll send someone to inform Father.”
Qin Wan quickly said, “No need to disturb Lord Meng, just take me to see the young master.”
Meng Yao shook her head, “That wouldn’t be right. I’ve already told Father about yesterday’s visit, and he insisted on personally thanking Ninth Miss when you arrived.” Her expression changed slightly, “However, with today’s incident at the manor, Father felt unwell earlier and is resting in the back hall. Ninth Miss, this way—”
Qin Wan sighed, “My condolences to Miss Meng.”
Meng Yao shook her head, “Elder Brother’s death was too sudden, none of us expected this.” She exhaled, “Ninth Miss finally visits our manor only to encounter such circumstances. Fortunately, you don’t consider it inauspicious.”
Meng Yao didn’t know about Qin Wan’s morning visit, much less that she had performed autopsies on both Meng Wei and his father. Qin Wan quickly said, “How could I? If anything, I shouldn’t have come at such a time.”
Hearing this, Meng Yao forced a slight smile, “I spoke too much. Since that’s settled, I won’t stand on ceremony with you, otherwise, we could go back and forth with pleasantries all day.”
Speaking thus, Meng Yao led Qin Wan into the main courtyard. The entire Meng Manor was extremely large, with the main courtyard being the largest. The main courtyard was closest to the front gate, with corridors and passages leading to other branches.
Remembering the side door she’d used before, which was very close to the Second Branch’s courtyard, Qin Wan remarked, “Meng Manor’s layout is quite different from others.”
Meng Yao explained, “Several branches of the family live here. The main courtyard belongs to us, the First Branch, while other branches have their quarters elsewhere. Though we’re one big family, each branch has relatively independent courtyards. Besides the main gate, Meng Manor has two side entrances – the eastern one near the Second Branch, and the western one near the Third and Fourth Branches.”
Qin Wan nodded as they entered the main courtyard. Intending to inform Meng Zhou of Qin Wan’s arrival, Meng Yao led her to the main hall. A maid had already gone ahead to announce them, and Meng Zhou was waiting inside when Qin Wan arrived.
Not having seen Meng Zhou up close before, Qin Wan now noticed he bore some resemblance to Meng Jin. Due to the two recent deaths in the manor, Meng Zhou looked extremely weary, with dark circles under his eyes, sallow complexion, and cold sores at his lips’ corners, appearing quite haggard.
Seeing Meng Zhou, Qin Wan quickly curtsied. Meng Zhou forced a smile, expressing gratitude, “Please rise, Ninth Miss. Having you come all this way in such cold weather makes me feel quite guilty.”
“Lord Meng, please don’t stand on ceremony. Miss Meng and I clicked immediately, and besides, I am a physician – this is nothing.”
Meng Zhou studied Qin Wan briefly, his eyes showing some comfort, his tone particularly warm, “Ninth Miss cured the Empress Dowager’s illness, and now everyone in the capital knows of your divine healing abilities. It’s Yao’er’s fortune to receive your consultation. If Ninth Miss can help relieve Yao’er and Zhen’er’s ailments, I’d willingly spend my entire fortune.”
Seeing this, Meng Yao sighed, “Father, Ninth Miss isn’t even charging a fee, how could you speak of spending your fortune?”
Meng Zhou gave a resigned laugh, “I just don’t know how to thank Ninth Miss properly.”
Qin Wan said, “The consultation hasn’t even begun, Lord Meng’s thanks are premature. Moreover, Lord Meng doesn’t look well – surely from excessive worry. You must also take care of your health.”
Meng Zhou shook his head, “I’m fine. These past days have been busy at the manor, naturally causing more thoughts. Ninth Miss comes at such a time, I fear we can’t properly host you—”
Meng Yao quickly said, “Father, Ninth Miss didn’t want to disturb you. I’ll take her to my quarters now. Please go rest in the back, don’t worry about us.”
Qin Wan nodded along, and only then did Meng Zhou cease speaking. Meng Yao led Qin Wan toward her small courtyard.
As they walked, Meng Yao said, “Mother passed away early, and my brother is young. I wasn’t comfortable leaving him with the nursemaid, so Father placed him in the courtyard next to mine and connected the two courtyards, making it easier to look after him.”
Meng Yao was only Qin Wan’s age yet bore the responsibility of caring for her brother. Qin Wan said, “He’s fortunate to have such a good sister. With your care, even illness won’t be as painful.”
Meng Yao sighed, “He’s still suffered greatly, which is why I thought to seek Ninth Miss’s treatment.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll do my utmost.”
By now, they had reached Meng Yao’s courtyard. Past the gate, besides several main rooms like those in Pine Wind Courtyard, there was a moon gate in the left white wall leading to another courtyard.
Meng Yao pointed, “My brother is next door.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Good, let’s see the patient first.”
Meng Yao felt somewhat embarrassed, “You’ve come so far, you should at least have a hot cup of tea.”
Qin Wan smiled faintly, “No need. As you said earlier, let’s not stand on ceremony.”
Meng Yao’s expression grew complex again, finally sighing, “Alright, let’s see Zizhen first. Afterward, I’ll properly serve you tea—”
Speaking thus, she led Qin Wan into Meng Zizhen’s courtyard.
Though separated only by a moon gate, Meng Zizhen’s courtyard was far less fresh and elegant than Meng Yao’s. Just as they reached the entrance, a woman who appeared to be a nursemaid came out to greet them, “Miss—”
Meng Yao asked, “Where’s Zizhen? I’ve brought the doctor.”
The nursemaid looked slightly surprised, first glancing at Qin Wan, then behind her. Seeing no one else, she finally realized Qin Wan was the doctor Meng Yao had invited, and quickly said, “Young Master is lying in bed.”
Hearing this, Meng Yao walked inside, passing a screen and a side door to reach a bedroom.
“Sister, is that you?”
Upon entering, Qin Wan heard a soft, tender voice.
Meng Yao quickened her pace, walking directly to the bedside. Following her, Qin Wan saw a seven or eight-year-old boy in silver robes lying on the bed. Due to illness, his face was pale, making his already slender frame appear even more like a bamboo pole. This made his clear black-and-white eyes particularly poignant.
Qin Wan inwardly praised Meng Zizhen’s beautiful eyes as she approached the bedside.
Meng Yao spoke coaxingly, “Zizhen, look, the doctor I invited has arrived. I promise this doctor is more skilled than any previous ones.”
Before Meng Yao finished speaking, Meng Zizhen spotted Qin Wan. His eyes brightened, and he asked in surprise, “This pretty sister is the doctor Sister invited?”
Meng Yao couldn’t help but smile, gently tapping Meng Zizhen’s nose, “Yes, this pretty sister is here to treat you.”
Meng Zizhen stared at Qin Wan without blinking, “What’s Sister’s name? I feel like I’ve seen Sister somewhere before.”
His face still held baby-like features with childish innocence, but his eyes overflowed with admiration. Qin Wan’s lips curved in amusement, “Really? Where have you seen me?”
Meng Zizhen blinked, “In my dreams. Last night, I dreamed a fairy would come to treat my illness, and that fairy looked exactly like Sister—”
Qin Wan’s smile widened as Meng Yao lightly tapped the top of Meng Zizhen’s head, “Stop talking nonsense! Where are your manners!”
She looked at Qin Wan apologetically, “He spends all day looking at picture books and illustrations, usually just teasing me. Today with you here, he must feel comfortable enough to be so forward.”
Qin Wan sat down, “Having such a sweet-talking brother must bring much joy daily.” She turned to Meng Zizhen, “I’m Qin Wan, ninth in my family.”
Meng Zizhen quickly asked, “Ninth Sister Qin, do you know medicine?”
Meng Yao responded exasperatedly, “She’s currently the most famous doctor in the capital. Others can’t even get an appointment to see her.”
Meng Zizhen, seemingly unused to meeting strangers, became excited upon seeing Qin Wan. His eyes fixed on her, “The most famous? Ninth Sister is so beautiful and can heal people too. Doesn’t that mean everyone wants Ninth Sister to treat them?”
Qin Wan smiled and asked Meng Zizhen to extend his hand. Meng Yao said, “Yes, so you should cherish this opportunity and stop chattering!”
Meng Zizhen leaned back against his pillow and fell silent. Qin Wan quietly checked his pulse. After a while and asking several questions, she said, “It’s similar to your asthma, but since he’s young, it hasn’t set deep. As you said, the chances of a complete cure are better, though his young age requires careful consideration of medications.”
Qin Wan’s tone grew serious. Meng Zizhen listened in surprise, “Sister can cure me?”
Qin Wan smiled, “I expect so. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best, though it won’t be cured overnight. Can you endure bitter medicine?”
Usually, children fear bitterness, but Meng Zizhen quickly nodded, “Of course I can!”
Qin Wan showed an approving smile, “Good, I’ll write you a prescription!”
Meng Yao said, “Let’s do that in my quarters. This little one needs his afternoon nap.”
Meng Zizhen looked at Qin Wan expectantly, “Will Ninth Sister come back?”
Qin Wan nodded with a smile, “Of course, to check on you.”
Only then did Meng Zizhen slide down from his pillow, pulling the blanket up to his chin, his small face peeking out with clear eyes blinking, softening Qin Wan’s heart.
Leaving with Meng Yao, they turned left back to her courtyard. Upon entering, they were met with a subtle fragrance.
Meng Yao’s room was elegantly arranged. The nursemaid who had met Qin Wan yesterday eagerly served tea and snacks. They sat in the warm alcove, and Meng Yao had servants bring paper and brushes. Qin Wan began prescribing the low table.
“The young master hasn’t become withdrawn due to his illness. His eyes are full of light. You two are wonderful siblings.”
As Qin Wan wrote and spoke, Meng Yao’s smile became genuine, “He does have a good nature. Even at his worst, he never cries. I’m the one who cries terribly seeing him suffer. Though I’m his sister, I’ve cared for him since he was little, so our relationship is different from other siblings.”
Meng Yao sighed again, “Among our generation in the manor, only Elder Brother grew up healthy, but now…”
Qin Wan’s brush paused, “I heard you mention before that the Third Branch’s two elder brothers – one passed from illness and one is unwell. For boys, practicing martial arts from childhood might help their health.”
Meng Yao shook her head, “My second brother who passed early practiced martial arts from childhood but still couldn’t escape fate. Father is a civil official, and our family doesn’t emphasize such things. Even in Father’s generation, only Fourth Uncle practiced martial arts.”
Qin Wan’s gaze fell on the paper, suddenly thinking of Meng Wei’s death, “How skilled is Fourth Master in martial arts?”
Meng Yao was startled by the question, then recalled, “He was formidable in earlier years, but I’m not sure now. He’s older now and has been focusing on business recently, which led to the family disputes.”
By then, Qin Wan had finished writing the prescription. She handed it to Meng Yao, “The medicine quantities must be exact. When servants fetch the medicine, make sure they specify it’s for the young master.”
Meng Yao looked at the prescription and nodded quickly. Qin Wan said, “Give me your hand, let me check.”
Meng Yao extended her hand, “After taking the medicine last night, I could finally sleep. Even today, I haven’t felt particularly unwell. Your medical skills truly live up to their reputation.”
Qin Wan smiled, withdrew her hand, and took out a medicine pouch from her sleeve, “Here, take a smell of this.”
Meng Yao looked puzzled but took the pouch and sniffed it lightly. Her eyes soon brightened, “This scent… what’s in it? My chest felt congested, but after one smell, it feels clearer.”
Qin Wan’s smile deepened, “It’s a medicine pouch. Keep it with you and smell it when you feel unwell. It’s for emergencies.”
Meng Yao’s face lit up with joy, and she took several more sniffs, “This fragrance is truly wonderful.”
Qin Wan was pleased seeing how much she liked it. Just then, the nursemaid entered again, speaking softly, “Miss, the pine paintings from Master Ning have arrived. They were meant for the Master, but since he’s resting, Manager Zhang had them brought to you. Master Ning didn’t come personally today; it was an apprentice from the painting studio. He’s still waiting outside, asking if Miss is satisfied with the mounting and inscription. If there are no issues, he’ll return to report.”
Hearing this, Meng Yao immediately stood up and looked at Qin Wan, “Perfect timing, you should look too.”
She instructed the nursemaid, “Bring in all the paintings, we’ll view them with Ninth Miss.”