Although the Palace Banquet for the Lantern Festival was approaching, it held little significance for Qin Wan.

Early the next morning, Qin Wan headed to the Meng Manor. She arrived early when the main gates were still tightly shut. After knocking, she waited for a while before someone came to open them. The doorkeeper, recognizing Qin Wan, dared not be negligent and hurried to inform Meng Yao.

After another brief wait, Meng Yao finally appeared. This time, she showed none of the previous joy at Qin Wan’s arrival. The Meng family case had been settled, and not only had they learned the identity of the murderer, but they also had to face the impending sentencing of Meng Ziyi and Madam Xu. Ultimately, the murder case exposed even deeper, darker crimes within the Meng family. Meng Yao truly had no reason to smile.

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to properly host you today. Let’s go sit in my quarters first.”

Meng Yao’s face showed signs of exhaustion, with dark circles under her eyes, clearly indicating she hadn’t slept well these past few days. Qin Wan nodded and followed Meng Yao as they walked slowly toward her courtyard.

Snow had fallen for two consecutive nights, coating the Meng Manor in silver and white, much like the scene from that painting. However, unlike that day, everything had changed. Due to the incident at the manor, the servants who were previously visible were nowhere to be seen. No one had cleared the snow from the corridors and courtyards. As snowflakes drifted down, Qin Wan felt cold despite wearing a cloak. Looking at Meng Yao, her face bore an expression of dejection and grief. Though not exactly discourteous to Qin Wan, Meng Yao had guessed that the case’s progress had much to do with Qin Wan, something she had never mentioned before.

Meng Yao walked in front, while Qin Wan observed her tightly pressed lips, unable to speak for a long while.

After walking for about half a cup of tea’s time, they reached Meng Yao’s courtyard. Upon entering the room, Qin Wan noticed it was particularly cold. Only when they reached the warm chamber did she realize Meng Yao had left the windows wide open, though for what purpose remained unclear.

Qin Wan sighed, “Your body won’t be able to handle this. If you catch a cold, your asthma will worsen.”

As she spoke, Qin Wan closed the windows. Meng Yao didn’t stop her but maintained her dejected expression. Qin Wan looked at her and sighed again. Meng Yao’s servant brought a cup of hot tea and then withdrew.

“How has the manor been these past few days?”

When Qin Wan asked, Meng Yao shook her head, “Not well. Third Aunt fell ill upon her return, and Father is also unwell. He’s bedridden now and won’t be able to see you today.”

Qin Wan quickly offered, “Would you like me to examine them?”

Meng Yao continued shaking her head, “No need. It’s just their old ailments. We’ve already called for other physicians.”

Qin Wan nodded and took a sip from her teacup.

After a moment of blank staring, Meng Yao sighed again and turned to look at Qin Wan, “Please don’t take offense. Now that the case is settled and we know the truth, our hearts are truly heavy. The second Uncle and Elder Brother are gone, and now we don’t know what will happen to the Third Brother and his wife. These past few days, I’ve been exhausted taking care of Third Aunt and Father…”

Qin Wan shook her head and, after some thought, said, “I came today to explain things to you.”

Meng Yao gave a bitter laugh and shook her head, “No need to explain. I understand everything. Once the case happened, it happened. If these truths hadn’t been revealed now, we would never have known. You were just helping Magistrate Zheng and His Highness the Crown Prince solve the case. Without you, it wouldn’t have been solved so quickly…”

Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “When this case first occurred, we didn’t know each other. So initially, I did withhold information. Later, it became even more difficult to tell you anything. You only knew I was involved in solving the case, but not what exactly I did, correct?”

Meng Yao nodded. Though she didn’t know the details, she showed little interest. While she didn’t blame Qin Wan, it still hurt to be kept in the dark by a trusted friend.

Qin Wan continued, “My medical skills, besides treating illnesses, have another purpose…”

As Qin Wan spoke slowly, her words carried an air of suspense that immediately caught Meng Yao’s curiosity. She raised her head to look at Qin Wan, “Another purpose?”

Qin Wan nodded, “I can also use my medical skills… to examine corpses.”

Upon hearing this, Meng Yao’s expression changed dramatically. She first raised her eyebrows, and then confusion filled her eyes, “Examine corpses? You mean… what the coroners do at the magistrate’s office?!”

Meng Yao knew Qin Wan’s medical skills were extraordinary, but medicine was medicine – healing and saving people was a respected and revered skill. At its most basic, it could cure pain and heal injuries; at its most advanced, it could bring people back from the brink of death. Those with superior medical skills were honored as masters! But examining corpses? That was what coroners at the magistrate’s office did. Throughout history, from previous dynasties to the current Great Zhou, she had never heard of a female coroner!

Meng Yao was utterly shocked. Her previous dejection completely disappeared due to her astonishment. She carefully examined Qin Wan for a few moments, and only after confirming that Qin Wan wasn’t joking did her gaze steady. “You… you can examine corpses…” At this point, her eyes suddenly widened in realization, “So, you examined Second Uncle’s and Elder Brother’s bodies?”

Qin Wan nodded, “That’s right. When your family’s case first occurred, I only heard about it. Even when you first came to the Marquis Manor for treatment, I still didn’t know the details. But after two days, because there was no progress in the case, Magistrate Zheng and His Highness the Crown Prince asked me to take a look. On the fourth, I entered your manor to examine your Second Uncle’s body. That was the first time I learned the details of the Meng family case.”

Seeing Meng Yao’s solemn expression and obvious desire to know the entire process, Qin Wan continued, “During the first examination, because your family wouldn’t allow an autopsy, I could only deduce that your Second Uncle’s death wasn’t an accidental fall – it was most likely murder. That’s why the officials continued their investigation. A few days later, the magistrate’s office suspected your Fourth Uncle, but just then, your Elder Brother died. Your Elder Brother’s death was made to look like suicide, but when I examined him, I found injury marks indicating murder. Only then did your family agree to an autopsy, which revealed several crucial clues.”

Meng Yao listened with widening eyes. As a proper young lady from a prestigious family, she only knew of literature and etiquette. She merely knew of coroners’ existence, but now hearing Qin Wan speak of autopsies, she couldn’t believe that Qin Wan’s pure, delicate hands would perform such examinations…

“When you say autopsy, you mean… cutting open a dead person?”

Meng Yao’s voice was thick with disbelief. By now, she had forgotten all about the family case’s worries, completely absorbed in Qin Wan’s revelations.

Qin Wan nodded, “Yes. After death, the stomach, nose, and mouth all retain clues. For instance, if someone drowns, their stomach will contain evidence of where they drowned…”

Because the deceased was Meng Jin, Qin Wan avoided being too direct. However, Meng Yao had heard Zhan Yang’s report that day – they had found rose seeds in Meng Jin’s stomach, and later discovered an unused bathtub and rose petals for bathing at Madam Xu’s place. Meng Yao’s hands, hanging at her sides, clenched slightly, her eyes filled with disbelief.

“How… how do you manage to do it? How dare you…”

Meng Yao couldn’t imagine how someone with such refined features and elegant demeanor could face corpses, let alone cut them open…

Many had asked Qin Wan this question before. Her expression remained composed, her eyes solemn, “People consider coroners’ work beneath them, believing contact with corpses is filthy and inauspicious. But think about it – if the dead have spirits, wouldn’t they desperately want someone to seek justice for them? Someone to reveal everything that happened after their death, helping the authorities catch their murderers… And coroners are the ones who help them…”

Meng Yao’s eyes flickered several times before Qin Wan continued firmly, “While others may see it as lowly work, I consider it a noble skill. Physicians can relieve the suffering of the living, but what about the dead? While everyone fears the dead, only coroners can speak for them. I don’t see this work as degrading or filthy. Moreover, there are many commonalities between forensics and medicine. By chance, I ended up helping the authorities…”

“So, this wasn’t your first time?”

Meng Yao asked tentatively, and as expected, Qin Wan nodded.

Meng Yao stared at Qin Wan, her emotions complex. A few days ago, she and Qin Wan had enjoyed pleasant conversations, and despite their brief acquaintance, they had felt an immediate connection. She didn’t oppose Qin Wan helping with the investigation, but she wondered – given their close relationship at the time, why hadn’t Qin Wan shared anything with her when she was so worried and anxious. She didn’t blame her, but there was still disappointment. Qin Wan was rational and calm; perhaps in her view, their relationship didn’t warrant such complete honesty…

The family case had caused her much worry, and Qin Wan’s revelation made her even more troubled. Thus, when she saw Qin Wan today, she inevitably lacked her usual cheerfulness. However, looking at Qin Wan’s serious gaze now, she suddenly understood her mindset – before their instant connection, she had already been seriously involved in the case. Given that, how could she casually tell her anything?

“What happened next? What else did you discover?”

Qin Wan continued, “What I found from the corpse examinations was limited. The rest relied on the magistrate’s office’s investigation. But then came the day when you showed me those paintings…”

“Paintings?” Meng Yao was surprised. “You mean the ones Master Ning created?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, those paintings. At first glance, I didn’t notice anything special. But on the eighth, when I visited the Yong’an Marquis Manor, they also invited a painter to paint us. We were on the upper floor looking west, but the painter was painting from the east, including us and the plum forest in his work, though he couldn’t see the people to the west.”

Seeing Meng Yao’s confusion, Qin Wan explained further, “Because his view was blocked by the plum forest. That suddenly reminded me of the paintings you showed me. You mentioned they were painted by three different artists from different locations. Then I thought about the painting of your father and his brothers, where your Second Uncle was looking down intently at something below…”

Meng Yao, being clever, immediately understood, “So you thought Second Uncle’s death might not have been about the family inheritance?”

“Correct, so I shared this thought with His Highness the Crown Prince…”

“And then His Highness came to our home to look at the paintings?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, and it proved my suspicion. That day, your Second Uncle was watching the Young Madam.”

At these words, Meng Yao’s eyes darkened. This wasn’t something positive; rather, it was a great shame for the Meng family. She lowered her eyes for a moment, then exhaled before asking, “Is that why suspicion fell on the Third Branch?” Then, remembering Yan Chi and Zheng Baishi’s later examination of the Third Branch, she added, “But they didn’t find anything conclusive in the end.”

Qin Wan made an affirming sound, “That day when you and your brother visited the Marquis Manor, Zi Chen mentioned seeing the Third Young Master acting strangely, even breaking a thick wolf-hair brush with one hand. I was surprised. After you left, I tested many brushes myself and determined that breaking such a brush would require at least the strength of a normal adult man, which didn’t match the Third Young Master’s condition. Later, when I visited your manor to confirm this personally, I verified that the Third Young Master’s arm was fine, with no damage to the joints or meridians—”

“If the Third Young Master had been pretending, he wouldn’t have kept up the act for so many years. Then I realized he wasn’t deceiving anyone. The incident of breaking his arm had created a psychological barrier. Even though his arm had fully healed, he hadn’t mentally recovered. Later, due to his gentle nature, only when he believed he was his brother could his arm exert strength.”

At this point, Meng Yao understood the case clearly, “So that led to the final trap?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Yes… that led to the final situation.”

After hearing the whole story, Meng Yao looked at Qin Wan’s calm eyes, unsure how to react. She had known Qin Wan was extraordinary, but never imagined her character had reached such depths. Respect grew in her eyes, but suddenly knowing this other side of Qin Wan left her somewhat uncertain and confused.

“Without you, this case might still be unsolved.”

Meng Yao sighed, “You… you managed to… If it were me, I…”

Kindness showed in Qin Wan’s eyes, “You grew up in the Meng Manor; you’d probably be frightened just hearing about a death somewhere. How could you be like me?”

Qin Wan spoke lightly, but Meng Yao suddenly thought of how Qin Wan had grown up in Jin Zhou after losing both parents.

Suddenly, Meng Yao asked, “In Jin Zhou, did they treat you well?”

This question caught Qin Wan off guard. After some thought, she answered honestly, “It was barely manageable. At least I grew up, and look at me now – aren’t I doing well?”

Despite her words, Meng Yao caught that moment of hesitation. Her heart filled with sympathy. While the Meng family case was significant, it wasn’t a matter of life and death, yet she had become depressed over it. Looking at Qin Wan, who had lost both parents and wandered for over a decade, yet had grown into someone so admirable.

Thinking this, Meng Yao suddenly felt she had been too weak and petty, even harboring doubts about Qin Wan and adding to her troubles. She straightened her back and forced a smile, “Does anyone else know about this?”

Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, but not many…”

Meng Yao quickly sighed in relief, “That’s good, that’s good. You know current customs still don’t accept such things, especially since you’re a woman. You must be very careful about this.” Then she asked, “Who knows?”

Qin Wan thought and replied, “His Highness the Crown Prince, Magistrate Zheng, my First Uncle, my Third Brother, and among others, my Sixth Sister, my two close maids, and in the palace, His Majesty also knows…”

Meng Yao was startled, “What?! His Majesty knows too?!”

Qin Wan nodded and explained the Yuan Zhou incident. Hearing this, Meng Yao was even more amazed. Having grown up in the sheltered Meng Manor, she knew little of the outside world. Hearing Qin Wan’s story made her seem like a character from a novel, her experiences both distant yet thrilling and vivid!

“No wonder! So you contributed to solving that major case too!” Meng Yao’s tone no longer held the dejection from earlier. Her eyes sparkled, “Now I understand! When you said before that opening a medical clinic someday wouldn’t be bad, you weren’t joking. Is there anything you can’t do?”

Seeing Meng Yao’s reaction, Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “When that day truly comes, I’ll be at ease.”

Then she asked, “Now that I’ve told you everything, do you still resent me for keeping secrets?”

Meng Yao blushed, hurriedly responding, “How could I? I did have some doubts before, but now I understand everything…”

Qin Wan then asked, “And you don’t find me inauspicious?”

What noble young lady would want to be friends with someone who dealt with corpses?

Meng Yao slapped the table, “How could I! There were deaths in my manor, yet you weren’t afraid!” She continued with admiration, “Before knowing this, I saw you as a divine healer. Now that you’ve told me everything, I see you as a heroine from novels – healing the sick and helping seek justice for others. These things you do, I couldn’t even dream of doing…”

Qin Wan was relieved by Meng Yao’s words. She had few friends before and wasn’t naturally sociable, so after her revival, she didn’t want to disappoint those who treated her sincerely – whether it was Yue Ning, later Qin Shuang, or now Meng Yao.

“I’m not that impressive. I just use what I’ve learned to help others where I can.”

Hearing this, Meng Yao’s smile deepened. She let out a big sigh as if trying to expel all the recent troubles and worries. Then she pushed open the window again, “You’ve helped me again today. These past days, thinking of my Second Uncle and Elder Brother, I wondered how people I grew up with could commit such sins. Then thinking of Third Brother – he and Third Sister-in-law are pitiful, and now their fate is unknown… In less than half a month, during what should be the joyous New Year period, our manor has been turned upside down. Father will surely be demoted, and who knows what people will say about our family…”

“These thoughts kept coming one after another. I haven’t slept for two nights. This morning I dozed briefly but couldn’t sleep anymore. Thinking of my Third Aunt and Father’s illness, I felt I was the only one who could handle everything. I felt like I was about to collapse. But after hearing your story, I realize a woman can be so capable!”

Perhaps just emerging from her depression, Meng Yao’s words carried some spirit. Looking at the snow outside, she said, “I want to have some wine and food prepared. I need to drink with you. You don’t know how stifled I’ve been these past days.”

Qin Wan was about to laugh when suddenly a figure rushed into the warm chamber, “Sister, I want to…”

Qin Wan and Meng Yao were startled to see Meng Zi Chen had been hiding outside the door, though it wasn’t clear how much he had heard. Now his bright eyes were fixed on Qin Wan. Meng Yao waved her hand, “Fine, I’ll indulge you today!”

She truly ordered the preparations. Meng Zi Chen moved closer to Qin Wan, “Ninth Sister, I knew you weren’t an ordinary person…”

Soon, wine and dishes were brought to the warm chamber. A pot of plum wine was warming on a small red clay stove. Qin Wan initially didn’t want to let Meng Yao and her brother drink, but seeing how stifled Meng Yao had been, and since it was just plum wine, she allowed her two cups. Meng Zi Chen had only one cup, while Qin Wan, who couldn’t handle alcohol well, merely took two sips before setting her cup down.

“I couldn’t tell you before, but now I can say a few words. Though we don’t know how the Third Young Master and Young Madam will be sentenced, there is still hope. Yesterday, Magistrate Zheng reported this matter to His Majesty…”

Qin Wan related yesterday’s events when Zheng Baishi reported to Yan Huai, omitting the dispute between Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince. Hearing this, Meng Yao’s expression brightened considerably, her eyes reddening, “So, it might not be a death sentence, right?”

Qin Wan nodded, “I can’t guarantee, but there’s hope.”

Meng Yao sighed deeply, “Second Uncle and Elder Brother were just buried yesterday after their funeral rites. At this point, we couldn’t give them a grand ceremony. Last night, Father called me over and said we should also prepare for Third Brother and his wife. Though the verdict isn’t out yet, everyone knows two lives would normally mean an unavoidable death sentence…”

Meng Zi Chen’s eyes also reddened, “Father fell ill, and Sister managed affairs half the night. With such events in the manor, even the servants have become disobedient. Sister never managed these matters before, and the servants are giving her trouble.”

Hearing this, Meng Yao didn’t complain to Qin Wan, “Never mind, never mind. Compared to having hope for Third Brother and Sister-in-law, these things don’t matter. Yes, they’re guilty, but they’re pitiful people. I don’t want to see them executed.”

Hearing Meng Zi Chen’s words, Qin Wan sighed. Though Meng Yao spoke lightly of it, the situation had indeed placed the entire weight of the Meng Manor on her shoulders alone. Not knowing what else she could do for her, Qin Wan said, “Drink just a little wine. Later, I’ll change your medicine. At this time, both of you must take care of yourselves. If there’s any news from the magistrate’s office, I’ll tell you immediately.”

Meng Yao agreed repeatedly and indeed stopped drinking more. After the meal, Qin Wan added some calming herbs to Meng Yao’s prescription and then checked on Meng Zhou’s condition before taking her leave.

Leaving the Meng Manor, Qin Wan directed her carriage straight to the Qin residence in Copper Coin Lane.

Qin Wan wasn’t good with alcohol, and though she’d only had two sips, her chest felt warm now. As the carriage moved slowly, beyond the curtains were flying snow and the silver-white cityscape of Lin’an. Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain to watch the street scenes passing by, feeling a hint of bitterness in her heart. She had comforted Meng Yao, but her pain surfaced. Meng Yao could speak about the Meng family matters, but her affairs? Those couldn’t be spoken of, not a single word.

The Lantern Festival was approaching, and the New Year would soon end. She had helped solve another case using what she learned from her father, but what about her father’s case? How were her father and mother spending this New Year?

Qin Wan closed her eyes and leaned against the carriage wall, her heart heavy with sorrow. She claimed not to believe in ghosts and spirits, yet often wondered where her parents’ souls had gone. They were wrongfully killed – would they find peace in the underworld? And how could she find an opportunity, even just to touch the edges of their case?

“Young Miss, we’ve arrived—”

After an unknown time, Fu Ling called softly. Qin Wan opened her eyes to see they had indeed reached the Qin residence. It was already afternoon, and the lane was silent without a soul in sight. Days of accumulated snow had left thick white blankets everywhere. Looking outside the carriage, Qin Wan suddenly said, “Let’s walk for a while.”

Fu Ling was surprised, “Young Miss, it’s very cold outside.”

Qin Wan shook her head, “It doesn’t matter—”

Fu Ling sensed something unusual in Qin Wan’s manner and dared not question further. She had the carriage stop at the Qin residence’s gate and took an umbrella to accompany Qin Wan walking along the empty street.

Chang Le Ward was where nobles resided in the western district, with mansions standing side by side, inhabited by the wealthy and privileged. Consequently, the adjoining lanes were very quiet. Along the lane, old footprints were covered by fresh snow, leaving only faint traces. Qin Wan walked in silence, and after watching her expression several times, Fu Ling couldn’t help but ask.

“Young Miss, what’s wrong?”

Qin Wan shook her head, “Just suddenly remembering some old matters.”

Fu Ling thought Qin Wan was thinking of the Ninth Young Miss’s parents and said, “Since Young Miss has returned to the capital, you’re bound to see many old acquaintances. Hearing Miss Meng’s words, did it remind you of when Master and Madam were still here?”

Though she asked this, Fu Ling couldn’t quite understand – the current situation was very different from the former Qin residence. When Master Qin Yi and his wife were alive, Qin Wan had been an envied noble young lady, but things were very different now.

Qin Wan walked very slowly and shook her head without saying more. Fu Ling sighed and stopped asking, just accompanying Qin Wan from the Qin residence’s gate to the end of the street. Seeing they had walked so far, Fu Ling instinctively said, “Are you tired, Young Miss? Let’s go back. I wonder if Old Han and Er Bao have prepared any good food today…”

Qin Wan shook her head, “Let’s walk a bit more—”

She was already turning the street corner. Fu Ling had no choice but to follow. After turning onto another street, Fu Ling no longer recognized the area. Seeing Qin Wan had no intention of speaking, she could only follow along. The adjacent lane was similar to Copper Coin Lane, sparsely populated. Occasionally, one or two servant women would emerge from side doors, glance briefly at Qin Wan, then hurry away. In such cold weather, no one would linger on the empty streets. Soon, Qin Wan reached another street corner.

After walking through two streets, Fu Ling was somewhat tired, let alone Qin Wan. However, Qin Wan seemed intent on walking to yet another street. This time, Fu Ling simply remained silent, as she noticed Qin Wan’s aura growing increasingly sorrowful.

Fu Ling was certain Qin Wan must be thinking of her deceased parents, and her expression took on a mournful cast. After walking for about half a cup of tea time more, Qin Wan suddenly stopped.

At this halt, Fu Ling was slightly surprised, thinking Qin Wan was finally ready to return. But looking up, she saw only a rather dilapidated manor. Though the surrounding residences weren’t as grand as the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor, they at least maintained white walls, grey tiles, and an air of quiet nobility. But this mansion that Qin Wan was staring at was particularly run-down.

The vermillion-painted main gate showed patches of worn paint, and cobwebs covered the door frame. The plaque that should have shown the family name had vanished, leaving an empty, desolate beam. Looking past the doorframe, Fu Ling caught sight of a charred beam. While other manor walls usually revealed upturned eaves, decorated brackets, pavilions, or lush bamboo groves, what was this blackened beam about? Not only was there a charred beam, but also half-collapsed walls. Fu Ling frowned, instinctively feeling the place was inauspicious.

“Young Miss, this residence seems to have suffered a major fire. Look at the state of the buildings inside.” Fu Ling moved closer to Qin Wan, “Who knows if anyone perished here? Young Miss, this place isn’t good. Let’s leave.”

After Fu Ling spoke, Qin Wan remained motionless. Not only did she not move, but complex emotions welled up in her eyes, and she even took two steps forward. Fu Ling was startled, “Young Miss, what are you doing?”

Qin Wan suddenly stopped, lowered her eyes, and then, as if struck by some thought, quickly turned to walk back.

“Nothing, let’s return.”

Fu Ling was puzzled but hurried to follow with the umbrella. At the street corner, she couldn’t help looking back at the abandoned mansion, “In such a good location, how could there be an abandoned residence? I wonder whose house it was.”

As Fu Ling muttered to herself, Qin Wan walked extremely fast, as if completely unaware of fatigue.

Fu Ling followed behind Qin Wan, breaking into a sweat. When they finally reached the carriage, Qin Wan said indirectly, “We won’t go in. It’s getting late, we should head back early.”

Fu Ling was surprised, glancing at the nearby Qin residence gate, and bewildered, followed into the carriage.

As the carriage started moving, Fu Ling couldn’t help lifting the curtain to look toward the abandoned residence. Her Young Miss had been so strange today, making this detour only to not even enter the Qin residence, as if she had come specifically to see that abandoned mansion.

……

……

Once in the carriage, Qin Wan closed her eyes to rest. Upon entering the Marquis Manor gates, her earlier oddness vanished completely. She went straight to the main courtyard, entering with a calm expression and faint smile, as if her previous strange behavior had been merely Fu Ling’s imagination.

“Wan’er has returned. Come look at these clothes prepared for your palace entry.”

Madam Hu pulled Qin Wan toward several small boxes inside the room. “Look, see which set you like…”

The room contained not only Madam Hu but also Qin Chao Yu, Qin Shuang, and Qin Xiang. Though Qin Xiang had been angry before, today she stood smiling beside Qin Shuang. Although she still held her chin high with some pride, her voluntary presence was already great progress. Qin Wan, uninterested in clothing, casually picked two sets.

Madam Hu nodded approvingly and continued, “The Lantern Festival is just days away. The palace banquet is in the afternoon, and in the evening, let your two brothers take you to see the lantern market.”

At this, Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang became extremely excited. Unable to enter the palace, they looked forward only to seeing the lantern market.

Qin Wan naturally agreed, but just then, Qin Shu suddenly strode in from outside. Unlike the smiling faces inside, his brows were tightly furrowed, clearly indicating something was wrong. Moreover, his first glance upon entering was directed at Qin Wan. Though she noticed, she didn’t immediately question it, but Madam Hu approached him.

“My Lord, where have you returned from? Has something happened?”

Qin Shu shook his head and sat in the main seat. As servants served tea, he glanced at Qin Wan again. Though his gaze shifted quickly, Qin Wan had grown suspicious and wouldn’t miss such details.

Qin Shu put down his teacup and sighed, “The Lantern Festival palace banquet… perhaps Wan’er better not attend.”

Hearing this, Madam Hu was stunned. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were also surprised, while Qin Chao Yu stepped forward, “Father, what’s wrong? Why shouldn’t Ninth Sister go?”

Qin Shu’s lips pressed tightly together, “Though having Wan’er go would be good, but…” his eyes shifted slightly, “I need her help with something that day, so she’d better not go.”

Madam Hu looked at Qin Wan, then at Qin Shu. While she wouldn’t defy him, it seemed unreasonable to suddenly prevent Qin Wan from attending after everything had been arranged. Qin Wan now had the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s favor; her absence would be hard to explain. “My Lord, what do you need Wan’er’s help with?”

Qin Shu showed impatience, “Something extremely important. Don’t ask now.”

If he wouldn’t even tell Madam Hu, no one else dared to speak up. Qin Shu looked at Qin Wan, “Wan’er, what do you think? Your Uncle needs your help. As for the palace banquet… there will be plenty of opportunities to attend in the future.”

Qin Wan, already indifferent about the banquet, showed no objection, “It’s fine, I’ll follow Uncle’s instructions.”

Hearing this, Qin Shu showed a satisfied smile, then added, “These next few days, don’t enter the palace either. Just wait here in the manor…”

With only two days until the Lantern Festival, and according to schedule, she was supposed to check on the Empress Dowager’s health tomorrow. Yet now Qin Shu wouldn’t even let her enter the palace? Qin Wan frowned, sensing something major had occurred.

Madam Hu found this inappropriate, “My Lord, what about the Empress Dowager’s illness?”

Qin Shu waved his hand, “Don’t worry, just say Wan’er is unwell and fears passing her illness to the Empress Dowager.”

Qin Chao Yu and Madam Hu exchanged glances, both sensing the matter wasn’t simple.

First helping with something, then claiming illness – this was deliberately preventing Qin Wan from entering the palace. But why?

“That’s all. Wan’er, don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything for you.”

After speaking, Qin Shu put down his teacup and headed to his study, leaving everyone staring at each other in confusion. Madam Hu forced a smile, “Wan’er, it’s fine, there will be many future opportunities to enter the palace…”

Qin Wan wasn’t concerned about lacking chances to enter the palace and nodded, appearing very accepting.

Madam Hu added another set of clothes for Qin Wan, chatted a while longer, and then dismissed everyone. On the way back to Pine Wind Court, Qin Shuang wondered aloud, “What’s going on? Uncle was so strange just now. Making you claim illness to avoid treating the Empress Dowager, and needing your help on the banquet day, not tomorrow.”

Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “It’s fine. The Empress Dowager is much better now; missing one day won’t matter.”

Qin Shuang shook her head, “It still seems strange… like he’s deliberately keeping you out of the palace.”

Qin Xiang joined in analyzing, “Could something bad happen if you enter the palace? Have you offended anyone there before?”

Qin Wan laughed, “How could I have offended anyone…”

Though she said this, Qin Wan suddenly remembered meeting someone in the palace yesterday!

Prince Cheng – she had met Prince Cheng, but surely her words yesterday hadn’t offended him…

Yet if not Prince Cheng, who could it be?

Qin Shu preventing her palace entry while showing such worry couldn’t be a simple matter. Had someone set a trap in the palace to harm her? Or perhaps intended to use her to harm the Marquis Manor?

Qin Wan couldn’t understand Qin Shu’s reasons, but she felt instinctively uneasy. Her intuition told her something was about to happen, and it involved her.

If her guess was right, would Qin Shu’s method of hiding her in the manor work?