Early the next morning, as expected, Yan Huai summoned Qin Wan to the main tent. Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager immediately decided to accompany Qin Wan. When they arrived at the tent, they found everyone who should have been there present, including even Qin Shu standing to the side.
Qin Wan helped the Empress Dowager to her seat and then performed a ceremonial bow. Yan Huai smiled and said, “Rise, Ninth Miss. In solving this case, you and Yan Chi have accomplished great merit. I previously promised you a reward in front of many people. Now tell me, what do you want? Whatever can be granted, I will certainly grant it!”
Being asked so directly after just standing up, Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, and a thoughtful expression appeared on her face. The Empress Dowager smiled beside her, “Ninth Miss, you’ve accomplished a great merit this time. Whatever you want, just say it directly—don’t hesitate to aim high!”
The officials in the tent couldn’t help but smile. Although the news of Qin Wan’s ability to perform autopsies had caused quite a stir in the camp, given the urgent circumstances and the looming threat of conflict between the three kingdoms, Qin Wan’s unconventional skill had particularly shown its value in averting disaster. Indeed, Qin Wan and Yan Chi hadn’t disappointed anyone—they had caught Xu Chang.
The murderer had been caught, and Tuoba Hong’s life had been temporarily saved—these were all Qin Wan’s achievements. Additionally, she had helped with many previous cases. Therefore, Qin Wan deserved to be rewarded. Not to mention, the great gold robbery case had remained unsolved for over ten years. Solving this case had put the minds of the Northwest Army at ease and brought peace to the spirits of the soldiers who died in that great battle. However, despite all this, everyone watched Qin Wan, curious to know what reward she would request.
Qin Wan gathered her thoughts for a moment, “Your Majesty, your subject has two requests.”
Yan Huai raised his eyebrows, “Oh? What’s the first one? Let’s hear it.”
Qin Wan’s expression turned slightly serious, “Your subject wishes to assist the Ministry of Justice with autopsies…”
Though Qin Wan’s words were indirect, as soon as she finished speaking, there was an outcry among the crowd. They had thought that as a young lady, she would ask for other luxuries and honors, but unexpectedly, her first words were about performing autopsies again!
How could a young lady from a Marquis’s household always be thinking about autopsies?
However, Yan Huai smiled, “What do you mean by this? Assisting the Ministry of Justice with autopsies… this word ‘assist,’ are you asking me to give you an official position?”
An official position?! A female official?!
Among those present were several elder statesmen who, upon hearing this, were already stirring with objection—a female official would be a serious breach of propriety!
But Qin Wan shook her head, “Your subject knows that female officials go against ancestral customs, and I am well aware that my talents and virtues are insufficient to ask Your Majesty to set such a precedent. I need not be an official, but I wish for a nominal title. With my medical skills and knowledge of forensics, if I can truly help the ministry solve various cases, that would be my fortune.”
Not wanting to break ancestral customs by becoming an official, yet wanting a nominal title to facilitate performing autopsies.
Yan Huai’s eyes deepened with interest, finding Qin Wan increasingly intriguing, “Indeed, Great Zhou’s ancestors did prohibit women from becoming officials, but there are no explicit rules regarding guest positions. You mean for me to give you a title so that when people need your autopsy skills, you can participate openly, is that right?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Your Majesty is most perceptive—”
With Yan Huai putting it this way, he felt that Qin Wan showed both a desire to help the ministry and no pursuit of fame or profit, truly demonstrating sincere dedication. Yan Huai pondered for a moment, “In that case, I’ll give you an unprecedented title… how about Inspector of the Criminal Investigation Bureau?”
Great Zhou had several Criminal Investigation Bureaus across its provinces and prefectures. When Yan Chi went south, he held such a position. These positions had both permanent officials and those like Yan Chi who held imperial orders. However, “Inspector of the Criminal Investigation Bureau” was a new title—while it sounded like a Criminal Investigation Bureau official, the “Inspector” part was unheard of.
Yan Huai continued, “Your forensic skills can reveal the truth and clear false charges, so take this title of Inspector. Not only will you examine bodies and investigate cases, but you’ll also have supervisory responsibilities. What do you think?”
Though it was only a nominal title without an official seal, Yan Huai had given her considerable authority. He gave her words weight while not giving her independent decision-making power. This way, as a woman, she wouldn’t be seen as disrupting the court’s order!
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened slightly at these words, but she asked, “Would I be able to move freely between different government offices?”
Yan Huai laughed upon hearing this, “Don’t tell me you want to spend every day in government offices solving cases? The Capital doesn’t have that many cases. When cases occur, let them seek you out. If you know of any improprieties in their investigations, you may inquire about them. Wouldn’t that be more convenient?”
It sounded like she would just be a useful coroner but with some additional supervisory authority and initiative. A flash of light passed through Qin Wan’s eyes—this was just the beginning, but it would suffice for now.
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for granting this! Your subject is grateful!”
With Qin Wan’s thanks, this matter was settled. Yan Huai then asked, “What about the second reward?”
At this, Qin Wan pressed her lips slightly and said, “For this second reward, your subject wishes for something more substantial.”
Yan Huai smiled, “Go ahead and tell me—”
Qin Wan lowered her head and said, “Your subject’s parents are both deceased, and I’ve been fortunate to receive care from my Uncle and Aunt. However, now that my reputation for performing autopsies and solving cases has spread, I’m bound to face criticism. If I’m to openly assist government offices with autopsies in the future, I’m likely to encounter many obstacles. Your subject wishes for a substantial title that would both protect me and allow me to move freely.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Huai laughed, “You clever girl, first asking for a nominal title, and now coming to ask me for a substantial one. If I give you both at once, wouldn’t you have both nominal and substantial titles?!”
Qin Wan blinked her eyes, “But this way, your subject can focus solely on criminal cases without involvement in court politics.”
Hearing this, Yan Huai thought it made sense. Moreover, given Qin Wan’s special status, he had already been considering something. He turned to look at the Empress Dowager, “Mother, what do you think would be an appropriate substantial title to bestow?”
The Empress Dowager smiled serenely, “Well, just considering that Ninth Miss saved my life, she deserves a grand title!”
Saving the Empress Dowager, solving cold cases, bringing the Northern Wei Crown Prince back from the brink of death, finding the murderer, and preventing conflict between the three kingdoms—counting these achievements one by one, it was truly unprecedented.
Yan Huai’s smile deepened, “When I learned that Princess Tai had taken you as her adopted granddaughter, I thought you had some fate with the royal family. Now, you’ve accomplished so many merits. As Mother says, if we don’t give you a grand reward, Princess Tai might be displeased with me in the future. In that case, I’ll give you a grand title…”
Qin Wan opened her eyes wide, looking at Yan Huai. After brief consideration, he said, “Your medical skills are unmatched, and even your forensic knowledge comes from medicine. As a healer, you show great compassion and relieve the suffering of all beings. I’ll take the character ‘Ci’ (compassion). You’re Princess Tai’s adopted granddaughter, and in her family, Yue Ning holds the title Yongning, so you shall take the character ‘Yong’ (eternal). Thus, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Princess Yongci, so you and Yue Ning can be companions. What do you think?”
He then looked at the Empress Dowager, “Mother, do you approve?”
The Empress Dowager was already beaming, “I think it’s excellent!”
Qin Wan stood there somewhat surprised. She had thought that with her merits, the title of County Princess would have been more than enough. She hadn’t expected to receive the title of Commandery Princess. Seeing her stunned, the Empress Dowager called out first, “Ninth Miss! Quickly give thanks!”
Qin Wan finally reacted and hurriedly knelt to express her gratitude. Yan Huai smiled again, “We can’t properly bestow the rewards here in the military camp. When we return to the capital, I’ll have Yuan Qing visit officially.”
Qin Wan thanked him again, her mind slowly processing what had just happened.
Beside her, Qin Shu hadn’t expected Qin Wan to receive the title of Commandery Princess either and felt immensely proud. Their Marquis’s household had produced both a Crown Princess and an imperially appointed Commandery Princess—future honors would surely be abundant! And since Qin Chao Yu was still unmarried, even after marriage, the Crown Princess title wouldn’t be from her lineage. In comparison, regardless of whom Qin Wan would marry in the future, just considering her status alone, Qin Wan’s position had risen significantly—she was now Princess Yongci!
Thinking this, Qin Shu felt something indescribable in his heart. However, since Qin Wan lived in the Marquis’s household, her glory was also the household’s glory, so there was no need to analyze it too carefully.
Qin Wan made a deep bow of gratitude, and the others in the tent regarded her with increased gravity. Qin Wan had first requested permission to conduct autopsies, then sought the title of Commandery Princess—meaning that Princess Yongci could now freely involve herself in any suspicious cases in Lin’an City. Though she claimed not to want official authority, who wouldn’t respect her with the title of Princess?
The assembled officials felt something strange stirring in their minds. While Qin Wan’s exceptional medical and forensic skills had greatly aided the court, and her interest in this field wasn’t particularly shocking, and while her great achievements certainly merited the title of Princess, when these two elements were combined, these veteran courtiers seemed to catch the scent of conspiracy. However, looking at Qin Wan in her simple yet elegant attire, appearing like an otherworldly fairy, they dismissed such thoughts. She was just a young lady, orphaned by both parents, seeking a title for self-protection—what conspiracy could there be…
Just as Qin Wan stood up, voices were heard outside the tent. Soon, the curtain was lifted, and Tuoba Wu rushed in impetuously. Her abrupt entrance drew everyone’s attention, and Yan Huai’s brows furrowed.
However, Tuoba Wu exclaimed, “Qin Wan, my brother has awakened! Come quickly—”
Without waiting for Qin Wan’s response, she turned and ran. Everyone in the tent was startled—the Northern Wei Crown Prince had awakened!
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened, “Your Majesty, may I take my leave!”
Yan Huai quickly waved his hand, “Go quickly—”
Qin Wan turned and hurried away. When she reached Tuoba Hong’s tent, indeed, he was lying on the bed with his eyes slightly open. Tuoba Wu held his hand, “Elder Brother, Ninth Miss is here. She saved your life.”
Qin Wan approached the bed, quickly took up a medicine bowl, and carefully fed Tuoba Hong a few sips of the medicinal soup. She then moistened his cracked lips. Tuoba Hong made a slight sound in his throat but couldn’t speak. Qin Wan quickly said, “Crown Prince, please don’t try to speak. You’ve been bedridden for many days, and your body is very weak right now. Don’t force yourself to talk.”
After speaking, Qin Wan went to check his pulse, then walked to the entrance to instruct the medicine boy outside, “Go prepare the medicinal food I prescribed!”
Last night when deceiving Xu Chang, Qin Wan had said Tuoba Hong would wake soon, though she hadn’t been certain then. However, she had ordered the medicinal food prepared in advance. Tuoba Hong had been lying unconscious for many days without eating, completely exhausted. Though his awakening was good news, he wouldn’t recover quickly.
Tuoba Wu’s eyes were red, “Elder Brother, don’t speak. Listen to Ninth Miss. It’s enough that you’ve awakened.”
Tuoba Hong moved his lips again but, seemingly realizing he truly couldn’t speak, gave up. Seeing Tuoba Wu wiping away tears, Tuoba Hong’s eyes also grew moist. Qin Wan turned back into the tent, “Shall we notify the Fifth Prince?”
Tuoba Wu nodded, and Qin Wan went out to instruct the guards. Soon, Tuoba Rui entered the tent. Seeing Tuoba Hong indeed awake, Tuoba Rui’s face lit up with joy as he hurried forward, “Elder Brother, you’re awake!”
Seeing Tuoba Rui, Tuoba Hong’s eyes moved slightly. Noticing this, Tuoba Rui quickly asked Qin Wan, “Ninth Miss, what’s wrong with my brother?”
Qin Wan explained, “He’s just awakened—speaking is impossible right now. But awakening itself is excellent progress. He’ll need to continue taking medicine and recuperating, but Princess and Your Highness need not worry. Now that he’s awake, the Crown Prince’s life is certainly saved.”
Tuoba Wu nodded, “There’s no rush, no rush. His awakening is the best news!”
“Yes! As long as Elder Brother’s life is saved, the rest can be treated gradually.”
With Tuoba Rui’s arrival and Tuoba Hong’s awakening, the strict protocols in the tent could be relaxed. Soon, Yuan Qing and Matron Chen also arrived, representing the Emperor and Empress Dowager to check on Tuoba Hong. Though Tuoba Hong couldn’t speak, his brows moved slightly. When the medicine boy brought the medicinal food, Tuoba Wu personally fed it to Tuoba Hong.
Though called food, it was merely a thick soup made with premium rice, yam, and wolfberries, along with medicinal ingredients. Tuoba Hong couldn’t eat solid food yet and could only consume liquids. He managed only half a bowl before falling into deep sleep again.
Seeing Tuoba Hong asleep, Tuoba Wu grew worried again, but Qin Wan reassured her, “Don’t worry, sleeping is normal. When he wakes up next time and takes more food and medicine, he’ll be much better.”
Tuoba Wu nodded, looking at Qin Wan with profound gratitude, “Qin Wan, thank you so much for everything. If it weren’t for you, my elder brother would surely have died.”
Tuoba Rui also grew serious, “Thank you, Ninth Miss. You’ve saved my brother’s life, earning great merit with Northern Wei. It’s a pity you can’t come to Northern Wei, or we would certainly treat you as an honored guest!”
Tuoba Wu nodded in agreement, and Qin Wan curved her lips in a smile, “I am a healer. Saving lives is a healer’s duty. You needn’t be so formal. Now that Crown Prince Tuoba has improved, you can stay by his side.”
After a few more words, Qin Wan took her leave. Her heart had finally settled. Saving Tuoba Hong had consumed much of her energy, but now that he was saved, she felt much lighter.
However, though Tuoba Hong had awakened, she still hadn’t figured out the origin of the scars on his body. With Xu Chang dead, this detail might never be uncovered.
Returning to the Empress Dowager’s tent, she found the Empress Dowager waiting, naturally wanting to know about Tuoba Hong’s condition. However, as soon as Qin Wan entered, everyone, including Matron Chen, gave her deep bows, “Greetings to Princess Yongci—”
Qin Wan was startled, only then remembering she now held the title of Princess. Matron Chen and the others had always treated her respectfully, and now they seemed intent on making her aware of her noble status, making Qin Wan somewhat embarrassed.
“Matron, please rise…”
As she went forward to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, the latter took her hand and smiled, “You’re not used to it at first, but now that you have a title, propriety cannot be neglected. Those around me must observe these formalities, not to mention others.”
Fu Ling and Bai Ying, standing guard at the entrance, were overjoyed. Their mistress being named a Princess was beyond their wildest dreams! With this title, what did it matter that their mistress was an orphan? Throughout all of Great Zhou, how many Commandery Princesses were there?
Qin Wan quickly agreed, “Yes, Empress Dowager, don’t worry, I understand.”
The Empress Dowager held Qin Wan’s hand and sighed, “You wouldn’t say before, and only today did I realize you had such intentions…”
Qin Wan smiled bitterly, “If everything had been normal and I had said I wanted to perform autopsies for the government offices, everyone would have found it shocking.”
The Empress Dowager nodded, “Indeed. This time, with Liu Yun making everyone aware of your autopsy skills, and you helping solve many cases, plus this Northern Wei incident, it truly was the perfect opportunity, you clever girl! At any other time, the Emperor might not have granted your request, only this time…”
Qin Wan had been seeking the right opportunity. Everything before had been groundwork, and this was finally the perfect moment. Indeed, she had succeeded in one strike. Thinking back to when she first started performing autopsies alone in Jin Prefecture until now, she had encountered many bizarre and mysterious cases. At least there had been some gains. Thinking this, she felt somewhat guilty—she didn’t have the noble intention of advocating for the people. She was merely seeking a path to investigate her father’s case, and just finding this path had taken her so long.
The Empress Dowager continued, “Speaking of which, Yan Chi has learned from you.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows, “Why do you say that?”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Just now when the Emperor asked Yan Chi what reward he wanted, he also said he hadn’t decided yet and would request it from the Emperor after thinking it through—”