Qin Wan quickly asked, “About Master Ning? What is it?”
Meng Yao thought for a moment. “During New Year’s, when our family wanted paintings done, Master Ning was already acquainted with Second Uncle. Master Ning had even gone to Feng Qi Tower with Second Uncle. I heard about this from Second Uncle’s servant once. At the time, they looked down on Master Ning, but thinking he was a businessman and Second Uncle enjoyed that sort of thing, I didn’t think much of it.”
Qin Wan asked, “Did the Second Master have any business dealings with Master Ning?”
Meng Yao shook her head. “Probably not. Master Ning doesn’t involve himself in other matters. In that respect, he’s very focused on painting. It was just surprising to learn he went to such pleasure quarters with Second Uncle since Master Ning doesn’t seem like someone who would frequent such places—”
Qin Wan frowned deeply, her bright eyes showing deep contemplation.
Shortly after, Qin Wan stood up. “Come, let’s go to the An Yang Marquis Mansion.”
Meng Yao was surprised. “What’s wrong? Why are we going there?”
Qin Wan took Meng Yao’s hand. “To find Yue Ning. I need to discuss something with her. Since I can’t properly host you, you might as well come along.”
Though confused, Meng Yao knew Qin Wan must have her reasons. She smiled helplessly but didn’t object. She hadn’t seen Yue Ning for several days either, and the three of them together would be more enjoyable.
With Qin Shuang married, the Loyal and Brave Marquis Mansion was now only preparing for Qin Chaoyu’s wedding to the Crown Prince next month. Qin Wan could come and go with fewer restrictions. She took Meng Yao with her, boarding a carriage directly to the An Yang Marquis Mansion.
Yue Ning was practicing martial arts when Qin Wan unexpectedly arrived. She hurriedly came out to welcome them. Seeing Meng Yao had also come, she first took them to see the Grand Princess, then to her courtyard. As soon as they entered, Qin Wan said, “Go invite Young Master Wei over. We need to discuss the previous matter thoroughly—”
Yue Ning nodded and quickly complied. Meng Yao watched curiously. “Why do we need Young Master Wei to come?”
Qin Wan winked. “It’s an important matter. You’ll know soon.”
Wei Qizhi arrived quickly. After entering the mansion and talking briefly in Yue Ning’s courtyard, Wei Qizhi left the mansion, heading straight for the outskirts of the city.
Qin Wan stayed at the An Yang Marquis Mansion until the afternoon. Feeling somewhat uneasy, she went to the yamen after leaving.
At the yamen, Ning Buyi had already been picked up by his people. Zhan Yang and Zheng Baishi had interrogated Wu Yu for hours and were exhausted. When they saw Qin Wan arrive, they barely had the energy to welcome her, having learned nothing from the interrogation.
Qin Wan went specifically to the prison cell. She saw Wu Yu’s body covered in numerous whip marks and bloodstains, but he still hadn’t confessed. Qin Wan said to Zhan Yang, “Captain Zhan, rather than interrogating Third Young Master Wu, why not thoroughly investigate his two residences? I suspect there must be some connection.”
Zhan Yang raised an eyebrow. “Related to the case?”
Qin Wan nodded, then shook her head. “I’m not certain, but if he won’t talk, torture alone might give him grounds to claim a forced confession.”
With the interrogation at an impasse, Qin Wan’s suggestion offered a clear direction. Zhan Yang quickly agreed. Qin Wan looked once more at Wu Yu lying in his cell before leaving the yamen.
Upon leaving, Qin Wan took Bai Ying directly to the residence in Copper Coin Lane in the west.
Though Qin Wan hadn’t visited for many days, when she arrived, she found the residence still neat inside and out, showing that Butler Han had put in considerable effort. She rewarded both Butler Han and Er Bao generously.
“I’m here today waiting for a friend who will arrive at nightfall.”
Butler Han understood Qin Wan’s meaning. After serving tea and snacks, he hurriedly took Er Bao to the side courtyard, not daring to disturb Qin Wan.
Qin Wan and Bai Ying waited until nightfall. Though the sky had grown completely dark, there was still no movement outside the courtyard gate. Bai Ying worried, “Miss, could Young Master Wei have failed to bring someone?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “Don’t underestimate him. I believe he can bring them.”
Speaking thus, Qin Wan walked to the window and looked up at the sky. Though moonless, the sky was filled with brilliant stars. Qin Wan stared for a moment, her mind on the case. Beside her, Bai Ying asked, “Is Miss thinking about how to find other evidence?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “I’m thinking about his motive, wondering why he would set up this training ground.”
Bai Ying frowned, but if Qin Wan couldn’t figure it out, how could she know the answer? Seeing Qin Wan deep in thought, Bai Ying dared not disturb her. After about half an hour passed this way, the courtyard gate finally rang with knocking.
Master and servant’s expressions changed slightly. Qin Wan walked toward the gate first. When the gate opened, Wei Qizhi stood outside smiling. “Sorry to keep you waiting…”
Qin Wan nodded, then looked at the person standing beside Wei Qizhi.
……
……
When Qin Wan and Wei Qizhi were leaving the courtyard, Wei Qizhi said, “Master Ning’s injuries aren’t light. I went to see him today. That day when Third Young Master asked him to deliver paintings, the Princess and I had just come out of the palace and happened to hear it.”
Qin Wan nodded. “So you two can testify for him.”
Wei Qizhi said, “That’s correct.”
Qin Wan nodded, thought for a moment, and then said, “It’s late today. Tomorrow let’s go look at paintings together, and check on Master Ning’s injuries while we’re at it.”
Wei Qizhi agreed, then parted ways with Qin Wan.
Watching Wei Qizhi leave, Qin Wan turned and boarded her carriage. Upon returning to the mansion, she immediately washed up and retired. Fu Ling and Bai Ying extinguished the lights in her inner chamber and withdrew. Shortly after they left, Qin Wan’s back window lattice made two light sounds.
Qin Wan started, got up, put on her shoes, and went to the back window. Opening the lattice, she found Yan Chi standing outside as expected.
Yan Chi supported himself on the windowsill as he entered. Seeing Qin Wan wasn’t wearing an outer robe, he pulled her to the bed. “I just went to see Magistrate Zheng. He said you visited the yamen during the day, then left.”
Pulling Qin Wan to sit down, she finally said, “I did. When I learned Wu Yu hadn’t confessed, I left.”
Yan Chi said, “I came specifically to talk to you about Wu Yu.”
Qin Wan immediately stared at Yan Chi intently. The corners of Yan Chi’s lips lifted in a warm smile as he held Qin Wan’s hand and said, “Starting several years ago, Wu Yu has been managing the household affairs of the Weiyuan Baron’s Manor alone. His other brothers are full of vices. If not for Wu Yu, the Weiyuan Baron’s Manor would likely have been squandered long ago. Even so, the old Weiyuan Baron had said early on that after his death, he would divide the family property among the other three sons, leaving Wu Yu only with his yamen position. This Wu Yu appeared very compliant on the surface, but privately, he had been embezzling the Weiyuan Baron Manor’s assets. From large estates to small shops, he quietly transferred nearly half of the family’s property to himself.”
Qin Wan’s brow twitched as she listened. “So that’s why he has that separate residence? When we asked about that residence, Wu Yu was evasive and hesitant. Could this be the reason?”
Yan Chi nodded. “Very likely.”
Qin Wan thought for a moment. “I see. If Wu Yu was accumulating wealth this way, why would he set up this training ground? After all, one mistake and everything he worked so hard to obtain would vanish. Someone who is so calculating and cautious in trivial matters would never suddenly develop such a deranged idea.”
Yan Chi’s face showed complete agreement. “So what do you want me to do?”
Qin Wan hesitated briefly. “Nothing for now. Are you free the day after tomorrow?”
Yan Chi held her shoulders. “Whenever you need me, I’ll be available.”
Qin Wan’s heart warmed, and she quickly said, “Good, then I have a plan.”
As she finished speaking, rustling sounds suddenly came from outside. Qin Wan’s heart jumped, and she quickly sat up straight from Yan Chi’s embrace. “It’s Fu Ling – quick, you must go—”
Yan Chi was quite reluctant, having just arrived moments ago!
However, the footsteps outside grew closer, and Yan Chi had no choice but to head for the back window. Qin Wan followed him, watching him climb out the window, then waved urgently for him to leave quickly. Yan Chi sighed inwardly – to think that he, the Crown Prince of the Rui Principality, had become so familiar with climbing in and out of windows! Seeing Qin Wan’s anxiety, clearly not wanting her maid to discover their feelings for each other, Yan Chi frowned. Though dissatisfied, he departed swiftly.
Qin Wan hurriedly closed the back window. Just as it shut, Fu Ling entered with a lamp, her eyes still drowsy.
“Miss, why are you closing the window?”
Qin Wan replied calmly, “I couldn’t sleep and wanted some cool air. Now I’m feeling sleepy.”
Fu Ling was quite concerned. “Miss, you must be thinking too much about the case. It’s so late – is the room too hot? Though the summer heat isn’t too intense yet, you shouldn’t be feeling so warm.”
Fearing Fu Ling would worry, Qin Wan quickly lay down obediently and spent quite some time persuading Fu Ling to go rest. She let out a sigh – things couldn’t continue this way. At the very least, Fu Ling needed to know. But after keeping it secret for so long, telling Fu Ling now would surely make her angry. What could be done?
While pondering this, Qin Wan drifted off to sleep, quickly entering dreamland.
The next day, Qin Wan went to the An Yang Marquis Mansion again. Shortly after, Wei Qizhi also arrived, and the three headed to the Ran Mo Gallery. At the gallery, Ning Buyi was indeed still resting from his injuries. As the servant led them to the back courtyard, he explained, “Our master’s health was already poor, and now after this ordeal, he can’t even get out of bed.”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. “His health was already poor?”
The servant’s expression changed slightly, as if he’d said something he shouldn’t have. Then he smiled bitterly. “Our master had been ill before, and never fully recovered. He still needs to take medicine regularly.”
Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances – this was something they hadn’t known.
Qin Wan recalled checking Ning Buyi’s pulse the previous night and hadn’t noticed anything particularly strange. He had been very weak from blood loss, but no vital organs had been damaged. Had she missed something? Or was his weak, floating pulse not entirely due to blood loss?
The servant continued, “These past two days, the master hasn’t been receiving visitors. However, he couldn’t refuse to see the two Princesses and Young Master Wei, though I’m afraid he’ll have to be discourteous as he’s confined to bed.”
Wei Qizhi quickly said, “We came specifically to check on him – what discourtesy could there be?”
As they spoke, the three entered the back courtyard and soon reached the main room’s entrance.
The servant knocked on the door. “Master, the two Princesses, and Young Master Wei are here.”
“Please show them in—”
Ning Buyi’s weak voice came from inside, and the servant opened the door to let them in.
Upon entering, they noticed the bitter smell of medicine in the air. Qin Wan’s nostrils twitched as she recognized the prescription – it was for treating Ning Buyi’s chest wound. The three turned left upon entering and immediately saw Ning Buyi half-propped up in bed.
Seeing Ning Buyi’s complexion, Qin Wan was shocked. He had only lost blood, and after a day of rest, he should have improved somewhat. However, at first glance, she saw his face was deathly pale, as if seriously ill.
“Brother Ning, we’ve come to see you. How are your injuries?”
Wei Qizhi stepped forward, and Ning Buyi replied hoarsely, “I’m truly sorry I cannot properly greet you—”
Wei Qizhi hurried to say, “No need for such formalities – we’re not outsiders.”
Ning Buyi smiled gratefully. “The injuries have stabilized. Thank you for your concern, Brother Wei and Princesses, for coming all this way. I’m sorry I can’t properly host you in this state.”
Qin Wan stepped forward. “Have your injuries truly stabilized? Why is your face so pale?”
Ning Buyi smiled bitterly. His black hair lay loose on his shoulders, with strands falling across his face, making his unusual complexion even more apparent. “The injuries have indeed stabilized. As for my complexion… it’s due to an old ailment.”
Qin Wan frowned involuntarily, and Yue Ning’s brows also creased slightly. Previously when they’d seen Ning Buyi, his complexion had been like jade, but he would apply powder and rouge. They hadn’t understood before, but now they somewhat realized – Ning Buyi had been trying to conceal his sickly appearance.
Qin Wan quickly said, “Master Ning has an old ailment? Would you like me to take a look?”
Ning Buyi shook his head. “It’s just a minor old ailment, nothing serious. No need to trouble the Princess.” Then he added, “With my injury, I couldn’t retrieve the Princess’s painting. I sent someone to speak with the old master, who said it would be delivered tomorrow. The Princess will have to wait one more day.”
The painting was certainly not important, but Ning Buyi’s quick change of subject clearly showed he didn’t want her asking about his illness.
She was known as the Little Medical Immortal, and countless people in the capital sought her medical help. Yet Ning Buyi was unwilling. His face was strangely pale – if truly nothing was wrong, how could his complexion be like this, unless…
Unless his illness was incurable.
Qin Wan was still thinking about Ning Buyi’s pulse. If he were truly at death’s door or had some terminal illness, she would have detected it. So what was causing his complexion?
While Qin Wan harbored many doubts, Ning Buyi began coughing lightly. Seeing his discomfort, Qin Wan quickly said, “Master Ning should focus on recovering. My painting isn’t urgent.”
After coughing several times, Ning Buyi asked, “What about Third Young Master Wu…”
Hearing this, Qin Wan sighed. “He was caught in the act. This time he won’t escape the death penalty. The yamen has been investigating and interrogating him these past days. The case should be resolved soon.”
Ning Buyi sighed. “I never imagined it would turn out like this.”
Qin Wan also sighed softly. “Indeed, who could have imagined? He harmed so many people, and now his capture is just retribution. As they say, the net of heaven has large meshes, but nothing escapes it.”
As Ning Buyi was recovering, the three exchanged a few more words before taking their leave. Walking out, Yue Ning asked, “Is Third Young Master Wu truly the killer? Is the case going to be closed?”
Qin Wan made a gesture of silence and quickly led the other two away.