Inside the carriage, Madam Lin bit her lip as tears streamed down her face. Wet Nurse Yu sighed beside her, “Third Madam, please don’t be too heartbroken. As parents, we all hope for our children to live well. Although Fifth Miss… but from what we’ve seen today, she’s living quite well. Since she chose this path, all you can do is hope for her to live better; there’s no other way.”
Madam Lin took a deep breath and wiped the tears from her face. Wet Nurse Yu wasn’t one of their own, and even though she had lost all face, she still wanted to maintain some dignity. “It’s my fault for not teaching her well. She’s become like this because of me.”
Wet Nurse Yu sighed, “You can’t blame yourself for this. Fifth Miss used to be your precious one; you never had the heart to speak harshly to her. Some children are just too young to handle matters properly.”
Wet Nurse Yu’s consolation was ineffective, especially since she shared Madam Hu’s anger towards Qin Xiang. She looked down somewhat on Madam Lin, but still maintained proper etiquette as Wet Nurse Yu knew her place before the Third Madam.
Madam Lin shook her head and fell silent, but forced herself to decide in that instant.
Qin Xiang had already become a concubine in the Cheng Wang Manor. For a concubine to flee privately, it would be justified even if the Cheng Wang Manor caught and beat her to death. When the Cheng Wang Manor came to receive her, it was Qin Xiang’s only chance, but she squandered it. From now on, she could only part ways with the Qin family. Moreover, Madam Lin couldn’t possibly stay in the capital. Aside from her position as Third Madam, she couldn’t brazenly remain here when her daughter had become someone’s concubine – what would that look like?
The carriage followed the main road eastward, quickly arriving at the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor. Madam Lin wiped her face, and by the time she alighted from the carriage, her expression revealed nothing. Wet Nurse Yu accompanied Madam Lin to the main courtyard, where Madam Hu was waiting for her.
Seeing Madam Lin return, Madam Hu hurried over, “Sister-in-law, did you see Xiang’er?”
Madam Lin’s eyes reddened again as she nodded, “I saw her and exchanged a few words. At this point, I couldn’t take her away, and she… naturally wouldn’t want to leave with me. Sister-in-law, this matter has truly caused you trouble.”
Madam Hu quickly pulled Madam Lin to sit down, “It’s nothing. We’re all family, sister-in-law, please don’t stand on ceremony.”
Madam Lin sat down as servants brought hot tea. Madam Hu continued, “Don’t be angry or sad. No matter what choices Xiang’er makes, she’s still your daughter. It’s just that now there’s the Cheng Wang Manor between you, making it inconvenient for you to communicate and visit.”
It was more than just inconvenient. Madam Lin thought of being forced to use the side door, of that dim doorkeeper’s room, and her heart ached bitterly. Fortunately, Madam Hu was someone who knew about maintaining face and spoke such pleasant words. Seeing her silence, Madam Hu continued, “Since you’re here, don’t think too much about these things. If you haven’t been to the capital for many years, take a good rest for a few days. The day after tomorrow is Shuang’er’s wedding, and she still needs to pay her respects to you. After the wedding, once you’ve rested well, I’ll take you around. When May comes, the azaleas behind Jing’an Temple outside the city bloom beautifully. We can go offer incense at Jing’an Temple and then view the flowers.”
Madam Lin smiled bitterly, pressing her lips together before saying, “Sister-in-law, I won’t stay long.”
Madam Hu was startled, “Sister-in-law, what do you mean?”
Madam Lin continued, “For Shuang’er’s wedding, if I make an appearance, people will inevitably think of her father’s matter, which would be extremely unfavorable for her. Few people know about my arrival this time. I’m thinking of returning to Jinzhou early tomorrow morning. I watched Shuang’er grow up, and though I didn’t care for her as much as Xiang’er, she’s still like the flesh of my heart. For her wedding, it’s best if you and your brother handle everything. The Xue family will treat her well considering the Marquis Manor’s face. Now, every extra day I stay is an extra day of trouble.”
Madam Hu hadn’t expected Madam Lin to be so decisive and clean-cut, “But sister-in-law, this…”
Madam Lin shook her head, “What I’m saying, sister-in-law must understand. Shuang’er came to the capital precisely to avoid her father’s ill reputation. My staying here is truly a burden. Sister-in-law, please discuss this with your brother. I’ll leave early tomorrow morning. Also, Wan He plans to return to Jinzhou, so I’ll take her with me this time.”
Seeing Madam Lin’s determined expression, Madam Hu sighed, “Very well then, I’ll speak with the Marquis about it.”
Madam Lin nodded, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, stood up, and bowed to Madam Hu before returning to the guest quarters.
As soon as Madam Lin left, Madam Hu looked at Wet Nurse Yu, who immediately recounted everything that had happened at the Cheng Wang Manor. After hearing it all, Madam Hu was so angry she kept patting her chest, “No wonder she’s so upset she won’t stay even one more day. This Qin Xiang, how can she be so ignorant of kindness, even trying to bring shame to the Marquis Manor’s face? It’s truly hateful and laughable!”
Wet Nurse Yu helplessly added, “She was all dressed up flashily, with multi-colored jewelry gleaming all over her, as if afraid others wouldn’t know that Cheng Wang had given her things. But no matter how many gifts she receives, she’s still just the Ninth Concubine of the Cheng Wang Manor. She doesn’t think about that at all. In my opinion, the Third Madam is truly sensible – delivered one slap and left. It’s pitiful when you think about it.”
Thinking of Madam Lin, Madam Hu also sighed, “She used to have both son and daughter, but now… Ah, she’s two years younger than me, but now she looks older than me. It hasn’t been easy.”
Madam Hu pondered briefly, “Since she’s made up her mind to leave, we won’t keep her. Quickly go make arrangements, and make sure everything is thorough. After this trip, who knows if she’ll ever have the chance to enter the capital again.”
Wet Nurse Yu quickly agreed and left to arrange for Madam Lin’s departure tomorrow.
After returning to the guest quarters, Madam Lin took a moment to collect herself before calling for Wan He. As soon as Wan He arrived, she asked, “Madam, did you see Young Miss? How is she now? What did she say?”
Wan He had many years of master-servant friendship with Qin Xiang, and when Madam Lin heard her questions, grief welled up in her heart and she began crying again. Wan He, seeing this, knew something was wrong and started crying too. Madam Lin didn’t want to speak ill of Qin Xiang, and after the master and servant pair cried for a while, she said, “I plan to leave the capital early tomorrow morning. You can return to Jinzhou with me.”
Wan He was slightly surprised but dared not ask more. Madam Lin continued, “I’ve prepared some things for you to take to Sixth Miss.”
She had a maid bring two large bundles, and when Wan He looked, she saw they were filled with valuable jewelry and money. Wan He exclaimed in surprise, “So much…”
Madam Lin smiled bitterly, “These were originally all for Fifth Miss, but now they’re of no use. My things probably wouldn’t meet her standards now. I am Shuang’er’s mother; let these things be considered my dowry for her. Take them to her.”
From Madam Lin’s words, Wan He understood that things must have ended badly between her and Qin Xiang, so she dared not say more. She took the bundles to find Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang had only seen Madam Lin yesterday, and when she saw the dowry Wan He brought from Madam Lin, her heart was also shaken. Hearing that Madam Lin would leave tomorrow, she hurried to find Qin Wan, and together they went to see Madam Lin. However, when they reached the guest quarters, Madam Lin wouldn’t see them.
“Princess, Sixth Miss, Madam went to sleep as soon as she returned. Madam will set out early tomorrow morning, so you need not come to see her off. Princess, there’s no need to speak of it now, and Sixth Miss, you’re about to be married. Madam fears staying would only cause you trouble, so leaving early is also for your benefit. You grew up under Madam’s care, and she says she hopes you’ll have a harmonious life after marriage.”
Qin Shuang’s eyes reddened slightly. Although Madam Lin didn’t treat her as well as Qin Xiang, she wasn’t Madam Lin’s birth daughter after all, and Madam Lin had been a decent stepmother. “Is Mother alright? Didn’t she go to see Qin Xiang today?”
The maid’s face showed difficulty, “Fifth Miss hurt Madam’s heart. Madam is firstly heartbroken and secondly doesn’t want to cause trouble for your wedding, so she decided to leave early tomorrow morning. But don’t worry, Sixth Miss, we’ll take care of Madam. Madam’s health isn’t seriously affected, it’s just that right now… she really can’t see you and the Princess.”
Qin Shuang sighed, “Once Mother leaves this time, who knows when we’ll meet again? Since Mother won’t see us, I’ll kowtow to her out here as a farewell—”
After speaking, Qin Shuang truly knelt on the ground and knocked her head three times toward the half-closed door. The maid watching also felt emotional. Qin Shuang stood up, gave a few more instructions, and then turned to leave. Inside the room, Madam Lin’s face was streamed with tears. This return to the capital had truly ground away all her dignity and face. Regardless of the reason, she only wanted to leave immediately.
Qin Shuang sighed as she walked back, “Throughout my life, Mother never deprived me of anything materially, nor did she mistreat me. But she didn’t want to watch me develop or excel, so she just let me be. Plus, with Qin Xiang always egging me on, I became increasingly unruly.
However, compared to other noble families who mistreat their concubine-born daughters, Mother never did anything like that. She’s a proud person, and Qin Xiang has severely damaged her face this time. From now on, I fear there won’t be many chances to see her again.”
Qin Wan thought of the former Qin Shuang and found it amusing, “Back then, you were always thinking about your Huo-ge…”
At the mention of Huo Ning, Qin Shuang’s face reddened, and the sadness in her heart faded. Then she suddenly looked at Qin Wan, “Hey, speaking of which, you liked Huo Ning back then too. How did that suddenly change…”
Qin Wan blinked, “Who said I liked him? Back then, I hadn’t seen other men, so I just looked at him a bit more. You saw that and thought it was love. Huo Ning was just a pretentious weak scholar; I never liked him.”
Qin Wan spoke so righteously that she made Qin Shuang doubt her memory, though something felt off. She kept questioning Qin Wan as they made their way back to Songfeng Court together.
The next day, before dawn, Madam Lin left the Marquis Manor. From her arrival in the capital to her departure, it was barely three days, and those three days were filled with misery. Qin Shuang and Qin Wan had wanted to see her off but didn’t expect her to leave so early. Only Madam Hu and Qin Shu, hearing the doorkeeper’s report, hurriedly rose to bid Madam Lin a final farewell. Missing her departure left Qin Shuang dejected for quite a while.
However, with just one day until the wedding, Qin Shuang didn’t have time to remain dejected before being swept up in the preparations of her bridal chamber. According to Great Zhou’s custom, the day before the wedding, the bride’s close friends and family sisters would help decorate the bridal chamber. Since Qin Shuang didn’t know many young ladies from the capital’s wealthy families, Qin Wan invited Yue Ning and Meng Yao over. Qin Chaoyu didn’t come in person but sent gifts. While the servants handled the actual decorating, the young ladies sat together drinking tea and teasing the bride.
“Young Master Xue is a good man. My father knows him too. There are many young men in the capital, but most are just pleasure-seeking rich sons who idle away their time drinking and wasting their family’s fortune. Those who are truly capable can be counted on one’s fingers. Though the Xue family isn’t extremely wealthy, in a place like the capital, those with real ability usually catch the eye of important people. You’ll surely live a blessed life after marrying him.”
Though no one would say anything unpleasant before a wedding, Meng Yao’s words were very sincere. Qin Shuang’s eyes brightened, “Really? I didn’t know. The capital is full of powerful and wealthy people; I feared those of lower status would struggle to succeed…”
Yue Ning smiled, “The capital has many nobles, but also many opportunities. As long as one works hard, there’s no need to worry about not succeeding.”
Qin Shuang thought this made sense. The capital did offer more opportunities for advancement than smaller places, though everyone was fighting desperately for those opportunities. To stand out, one needed real ability.
Qin Shuang didn’t know Xue Qingshan well, but since everyone said he was capable, he surely wouldn’t disappoint her.
“Hehe, I don’t seek great wealth or status. I’m quite content with their family’s current situation.”
As Qin Shuang spoke, she poured tea for everyone. Seeing her like this, Yue Ning smiled slightly. This Sixth Miss Qin used to be quite unlikeable, but now she had become much more lovable. Meng Yao, not knowing the former Qin Shuang, had felt from the start that Qin Shuang was blessed, “With such an undemanding and peaceful attitude, you’re sure to live a happy life. If everyone in the capital were like you, that would be wonderful.”
Qin Shuang sighed, “Mainly because I don’t have looks, background, or talent – I have nothing. Even if I wanted to compete, I couldn’t. So I can only be this way…”
Meng Yao found Qin Shuang truly adorable. Qin Wan teased, “You dare say you have nothing? You’re quite good at eating! Who was it that got up in the middle of the night yesterday to eat a plate of glutinous rice cakes?”
Meng Yao and Yue Ning burst out laughing. Qin Shuang blushed and tried to pinch Qin Wan, “Ah, you! How could you tell them about that!”
The room erupted in laughter. By the afternoon, Meng Yao and Yue Ning took their leave. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang personally saw them at the manor gate. Just as they were about to return after seeing off Yue Ning and Meng Yao, they saw a yamen runner from the prefectural office riding towards them. Qin Wan looked carefully – it was Tong Yu.
Tong Yu rode up, and upon seeing Qin Wan at the gate, quickly dismounted and bowed, “Princess! Greetings, Princess!”
“Why are you here? Did Captain Zhan send you?”
Tong Yu nodded and stepped forward, “We’ve identified the fifth victim. He was indeed a carpenter, formerly a disciple at Fahua Temple outside the city, with the Buddhist name Huixin. He was later expelled for breaking temple rules and had to return to secular life, changing his name to Wang Xin. He lived in the south of the city, taking odd jobs. Because he lived alone, no one came looking when he died. We only found out when we searched that area and someone said they knew him. We’ve checked his courtyard – it’s very modest, and we didn’t find any useful clues inside.”
Catching his breath, Tong Yu continued, “He was usually idle when he had no work. We don’t know why he would suddenly go to that mill. Captain Zhan is still investigating. He knows the Marquis Manor is busy with the wedding celebrations and you’re occupied, but knowing you’re concerned about this matter, he sent me to inform you.”
Qin Wan nodded, “I won’t be able to come to the yamen until the day after tomorrow. Tell Captain Zhan to be careful. Also, tomorrow night is another auspicious time for setting up the altar. Has Captain Zhan made arrangements?”
Tong Yu quickly nodded, “Please don’t worry, everything has been arranged.”
Having delivered his message, Tong Yu didn’t linger. He bowed again and took his leave.
Qin Wan sighed and walked back with Qin Shuang, who asked curiously, “Does this mean someone else will die tomorrow?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “I don’t know. I hope not.”
Seeing fear cross Qin Shuang’s face, Qin Wan smiled, “Don’t worry. Your wedding is during the day tomorrow, and you’ll be picked up early. Don’t think about these things. Let’s go see if anything else needs preparing.”
Qin Shuang hugged Qin Wan’s arm, “Then stay with me tonight – it’s the last night.”
Qin Wan smiled and agreed, “Alright, tomorrow night you’ll be sleeping somewhere else!”
At this, Qin Shuang’s face immediately reddened, and she raised her hand to pinch Qin Wan, “You’re just a young girl, how dare you say such things. If others heard you, hmph…”
They entered the courtyard and checked all the preparations needed for tomorrow. Madam Hu, being especially careful, went with the servants to inspect the kitchen for a long while. Though tomorrow’s feast at the Marquis Manor wouldn’t have as many guests as Qin Chaoyu’s wedding, they couldn’t afford any mistakes. Meanwhile, Qin Wan had already gone to Qin Shuang’s courtyard early.
As the night deepened, Qin Shuang couldn’t sleep and insisted on talking with Qin Wan, “Tomorrow I’ll be married off. What if Young Master Xue doesn’t like me? What if his parents make things difficult for me? What if… Qin Wan, I’m so scared… What if Xue Qingshan isn’t as good as we think?”
Qin Wan smiled. Qin Shuang had asked these questions a hundred times before, and she had analyzed them a hundred times too. She could only say, “If you don’t sleep well tonight, you’ll have dark circles under your eyes tomorrow, and your whole face will look dark and tired. Even powder won’t be able to hide it. When Young Master Xue sees you then, who knows what he’ll think…”
Hearing this, Qin Shuang immediately panicked, “Alright, alright, I’ll sleep, I’ll sleep well.”
Qin Wan turned to look at Qin Shuang and patted her gently twice, “Then rest easy. You’re just scaring yourself now.”
Thinking of how she needed to be a beautiful bride tomorrow, Qin Shuang dared not say more. She mumbled a few words and settled down to sleep. Qin Shuang proved to be quite relaxed at heart because soon Qin Wan heard her snoring. Qin Wan smiled slightly and turned over to sleep as well.
Early the next morning, before dawn, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were woken up. As Qin Shuang’s sister, Qin Wan didn’t need to attend to guests but had to help in the bridal chamber. The pre-arranged maids and matrons rushed in, pulling Qin Shuang to bathe, clean her face, and apply makeup, bustling about in a flurry. Now this couldn’t be found, now that had disappeared, and Qin Wan helped look for everything one by one. By the time Qin Shuang was mostly ready, the sky outside was bright. Wet Nurse Yu brought some small desserts and a bowl of bird’s nest soup from the kitchen. Qin Shuang was already hungry and quickly ate, though she dared not eat too much.
After eating, the servants helped her change into her wedding dress. The bridal gown was as red as fire, layer upon layer, completely armoring Qin Shuang. After changing into the dress, pre-arranged women of good fortune helped put up Qin Shuang’s black hair, adding ornaments one by one. When all the decorating was done, they finally added rouge to her cheeks and lips, completing the bride’s makeup.
Qin Shuang, wearing all the heavy ornaments on her head, had scrunched her face into a little bun. Soon after, Yue Ning and Meng Yao arrived. They entered the bridal chamber, and seeing Qin Shuang fully dressed, came forward to congratulate her. Though Qin Shuang felt somewhat uncomfortable in the heavy layers of wedding clothes, today’s Qin Shuang was extremely beautiful.
The former Qin Shuang had been slightly plump, with an overbearing look between her brows. Now she was slender, her expression more reserved and refined. Her entire person had undergone a great transformation. Today’s makeup made her even more exquisitely beautiful, and with the bright red wedding dress complementing her, she looked especially charming and radiant.
“They say a bride is at her most beautiful on her wedding day. Shuang’er is truly gorgeous today; Young Master Xue will probably be dazzled…”
Hearing Meng Yao’s words, Yue Ning added, “Indeed, Xue Qingshan is quite fortunate, such a rough fellow getting such a beautiful bride…”
Though Qin Shuang’s face was already painted with rouge, her cheeks turned as red as apples at these words. “Stop teasing me. The ornaments on my head are killing me, don’t laugh at me…”
Qin Wan gave her a pat, “It’s your wedding day, you can’t say the word ‘die.’ You don’t believe me when I say you look beautiful, and you don’t believe Lady Meng and Princess Yue either! Are you waiting for Xue Qingshan’s compliments before you’ll believe it?”
This made Qin Shuang blush even more. As laughter filled the room, Madam Hu and Wet Nurse Yu arrived with several ladies and young misses who had come to see the bride. Seeing the lively atmosphere, Madam Hu was delighted and said, “The auspicious hour is approaching. They say the wedding procession has already passed Xing’an District and is heading our way. If you young ladies have anything more to say, say it quickly – you won’t have the chance later.”
The room erupted in more teasing laughter. Qin Shuang, not knowing these noble ladies, felt somewhat awkward with so many people suddenly present. After they teased her a bit, more guests arrived outside, and Madam Hu had no choice but to go attend to them.
In the room, a group of noble young ladies surrounded Qin Shuang. Other servants brought wedding candies for the young ladies to enjoy, creating a joyful atmosphere. After a while, firecrackers suddenly burst outside!
The sound of firecrackers meant Xue Qingshan’s wedding procession had arrived!
Qin Shuang’s heart jumped, and she immediately became nervous, desperately holding onto Qin Wan’s hand. Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile. The ladies in the room, hearing the groom had arrived, all went out to peek. Qin Shuang’s heart kept pounding. Soon they heard the feast beginning outside. Once the feast started, the groom would have to accompany the elders and attend to guests. Only at the auspicious hour would the bride emerge.
The longer it took, the more nervous Qin Shuang became, her palms sweating. Fortunately, Qin Wan and the others stayed with her.
When the second round of firecrackers sounded, it meant the auspicious hour had arrived. Wet Nurse Yu came in to take Qin Shuang to bid farewell to her elders. With Madam Lin gone, she only needed to bid farewell to Lord and Lady Qin. Qin Shuang first went to the main hall to kowtow to them, then someone brought out the red veil. Once the veil was placed, Qin Yan would carry her out to the bridal sedan.
Qin Shuang’s eyes suddenly reddened as she looked reluctantly at Qin Wan. By this point, Qin Wan also felt emotional – who could have imagined that she and Qin Shuang would become such close sisters? Qin Wan squeezed Qin Shuang’s hand, “Don’t miss the auspicious hour.”
Wet Nurse Yu came forward to cover Qin Shuang with the veil. Qin Yan and others came forward with words of comfort and instruction. When the third round of firecrackers sounded, Qin Yan carried Qin Shuang out. Lord and Lady Qin continued to see off guests, but Qin Wan couldn’t go outside. She returned to Songfeng Court with Fu Ling and Bai Ying, where Yue Ning and Meng Yao were waiting for her.
By now the sun was setting, though the Marquis Manor’s feast hadn’t ended. The sounds of celebration could still be heard from outside. Seeing Qin Wan’s melancholy, Meng Yao consoled her, “She’s married within the capital – you’ll see her when she returns for the third-day visit.”
Yue Ning added, “That’s right, and we can still visit her at the Xue residence.”
Qin Wan sighed, “Ah, it’s just that earlier, I suddenly felt emotional. When each of you gets married later, I’ll feel sad too.”
Yue Ning snorted, “That’s still far off for me.”
Hearing this, Meng Yao’s expression grew serious. Qin Wan quickly asked, “Has Lord Meng discussed marriage arrangements for you?”
Meng Yao smiled bitterly and nodded, “They’re discussing it, but the candidate hasn’t been decided yet.”
Qin Wan sighed, “After Eighth Sister marries, the three of us will have to worry too.”
No woman could escape marriage; none of the three could avoid it.
By the time the Marquis Manor’s feast ended, it was dark. By now, Qin Shuang would have completed the ceremony, and the Xue family’s wedding feast would have begun. Seeing it was late, Yue Ning and Meng Yao took their leave. In the main court, Madam Hu and Lord Qin were still entertaining guests, with close friends of the manor staying longer.
After seeing off Yue Ning and Meng Yao, Qin Wan unconsciously walked to Qin Shuang’s courtyard. Two days before the wedding, Qin Shuang’s maids had gone to the Xue residence to prepare the bed. Today, the dowry and other items had followed the sedan chair. The courtyard suddenly seemed empty. Usually, at this time, Qin Shuang’s courtyard was the liveliest – her restless nature always found ways to keep everyone talking and laughing. But now, the courtyard was pitch dark.
Since her revival, Qin Wan has always felt a sense of detachment. She wasn’t the real Qin Wan; she was just surviving by pretending to be Qin Wan while working to uncover the truth about what happened. But now, after nearly half a year, she seemed to have truly become Qin Wan. The name Shen Wan was just a secret in her heart that couldn’t be spoken. These people who knew her as Qin Wan and treated her with true sincerity had become an inseparable part of her heart. All this had made her increasingly become the new Qin Wan.
“Miss, don’t be sad. If you miss her, you can visit Sixth Miss at the Xue residence tomorrow.”
Qin Wan laughed, walking toward her courtyard, “Wouldn’t that break convention?! Who visits from the bride’s family on the second day? I just suddenly feel unaccustomed. Though Qin Shuang wasn’t good before, she changed greatly recently. I didn’t notice before she married, but now the manor feels a bit empty…”
Qin Wan and Qin Chaoyu had little to talk about, but Qin Shuang would always seek her out, asking about palace affairs and outside matters. Having such a person had made her heart livelier.
After walking a few steps, Qin Wan suddenly asked, “Who came as guests today?”
Fu Ling quickly replied, “Many people came. The Crown Prince sent gifts, and Young Master Wei sent gifts too.”
Wei Qizhi? Qin Wan’s eyebrows raised slightly at the mention.
Qin Wan looked up at the current time. There was still some time until the Hour of Zi, but it was getting late. Tonight, would the killer make a move?
Tonight was the Hell of Knives and Saws – how would the killer murder this time?!
Thinking of this, Qin Wan’s heart sank, and she quickened her pace. Upon returning to Songfeng Court, she washed up and retired for the night.
Early the next morning, Qin Wan immediately went to the prefectural yamen. When she arrived, she found it quiet. After she announced herself, the guard said, “Princess, nothing happened last night. Captain Zhan is still catching up on sleep in the barracks. I’ll go wake him right away!”
Qin Wan was startled – nothing happened last night?
After sitting in the back hall for a short while, Zhan Yang appeared. Upon seeing Qin Wan, he first bowed, then said, “Princess, we stationed men at three locations last night, but there was no activity even until late at night. Master Zhang said the auspicious time had passed, so even if someone was killed, it wouldn’t be related to the ritual. Then we returned.”
Qin Wan quickly asked, “So the killer didn’t act last night?”
Zhan Yang nodded, “Correct. Either the killer knew about our arrangements and couldn’t act, or something delayed them. In any case, no one died last night.”
Qin Wan immediately breathed a sigh of relief, “No matter what, it’s good that no one died.”
Zhan Yang nodded, “That’s right. However, Master Zhang has calculated that the next time for action will be tomorrow night, also at the Hour of Zi. The men are still resting now, but tomorrow we’ll continue surveillance.”
Knowing that Zhan Yang and his men were exhausted from days of investigation, Qin Wan said, “Very well, you should rest too. If there’s any news or if you need my help, come find me. I won’t disturb you further.”
Zhan Yang agreed and saw Qin Wan out of the yamen.
Back in her carriage, Qin Wan frowned, “The killer didn’t act this time! Was it because they had no opportunity, or were they delayed by something else…”
Qin Wan muttered, unable to figure it out. The previous two times, the yamen had deployed sufficient men for surveillance, but the killer still managed to kill. Why would the killer retreat this time?
Qin Wan instinctively felt this wasn’t the case. The killer must have had some reason for not acting.
Master Zhang had said the time between two fire sacrifices couldn’t exceed seven days, meaning the killer must act tomorrow night. She thought for a moment, then suddenly instructed Bai Ying, “Go to the south city, to the stone mill we visited last time. Even without Captain Zhan leading us, let’s go look ourselves. Hopefully, we can find some clues.”
Knowing Qin Wan wanted to investigate the case, Bai Ying immediately ordered the escort to turn the horses around.