As June began, the entire Marquis Manor grew busier. During this time, Qin Wan made another visit to the Prince’s Manor for acupuncture and spent other time helping Madam Hu with minor matters. On the third day of June, Bai Ying brought back information about Zhao Xun’s mother.
“Zhao Xun’s hometown is in He Family Village in Yangshui County, outside Lin’an City. From Lin’an, it’s a two-day journey. I went to the medicine shop where Zhao Xun last visited and found his prescription. Miss, please take a look—”
Qin Wan took it in hand, and with just a glance understood what illness Zhao Xun’s mother had. She frowned and said, “His mother likely has heart disease, and it seems quite serious. However, this prescription only treats the symptoms, not the root cause.”
Bai Ying hurriedly asked, “What does Miss plan to do?”
Qin Wan thought for a moment and said, “I want to make a trip to Yangshui County.”
Bai Ying was somewhat concerned and hesitated before asking, “Should we inform His Highness about this?”
Qin Wan didn’t want to hide things from Yan Chi, but she also feared his questions. After pondering briefly, she said, “We should tell him. I don’t want to bring the Marquis Manor’s guards for this trip out of the city. I want to borrow his people.”
Although it was just a trip to Yangshui County, Qin Wan still worried about potential problems on the road, so she needed protection. Given Zhao Xun’s sensitive status, she especially didn’t want Qin Shu to know. As for Yan Chi, she could only hope he wouldn’t press her with questions.
“Find a way to notify him that I wish to see him.”
Bai Ying nodded and went to inform Yan Chi. Soon, Bai Feng arrived.
Bai Feng used the pretext of inviting Qin Wan to treat Prince Yi’s heir to escort her out.
In the carriage, Yan Chi sat like a great Buddha statue.
After Qin Wan got into the carriage, it headed straight east. She asked, “Are we going to see Mistress Xun?”
Yan Chi nodded, “The lotus flowers are blooming there now. Why did you suddenly have Bai Ying send me a message?”
If nothing was wrong, Qin Wan wouldn’t casually have Bai Ying send him messages.
Qin Wan said, “I want you to assign two people to me. I need to make a trip to Yangshui County. It’s four days round trip, plus two days there, so it might take five or six days to return.”
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, “Going to Yangshui County… alright, I’ll have Bai Feng accompany you.”
Qin Wan blinked, “You’re not going to ask me why I’m going?”
Yan Chi smiled, “If you’re not telling me, you must have your reasons. Besides, even if I don’t ask, Bai Feng will report back to me.”
Qin Wan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. After thinking, she suddenly said, “I’ve found someone who might know inside information about Prince Jin’s case. To get this person to willingly help me is why I’m going to Yangshui County.”
She hadn’t planned to mention this, but with Yan Chi so close, she couldn’t bear to keep it from him.
Yan Chi had intended to show no shock or surprise at whatever Qin Wan said, and absolutely not interfere with her affairs, but he hadn’t expected that she was investigating Prince Jin’s case.
“Prince Jin’s case? Who did you find?”
Qin Wan explained, “I found Officer Shen’s former assistant, a former clerk at the Ministry of Justice. He used to follow Officer Shen and recently sold one of Officer Shen’s collections. That’s how I discovered him. I’ve met him, and from his manner, I’m certain he knows some inside information about Prince Jin’s case.”
Yan Chi’s expression grew serious, and he suddenly asked, “Why are you going to Yangshui County?”
Qin Wan replied, “This person is very upright in character. He’s living in very poor conditions now, but when I offered him money, he wouldn’t take it. I learned he has a seriously ill mother in his hometown, so I want to see if this might move him.”
Even for someone as upright as this clerk, if Yan Chi wanted to extract information from him, it would be the simplest matter – there would be no need to treat the clerk’s mother. But clearly, such methods were not Qin Wan’s way.
Yan Chi pondered briefly, “When do you plan to go?”
Qin Wan said, “I plan to go in five days. Zhao Xun will also return home then.”
Yan Chi nodded, “Since this is about Prince Jin’s case, I’ll accompany you.”
Yan Chi had thought Qin Wan was going for something else, but now that it involved Prince Jin’s case and she would be gone for so many days, he felt uneasy. Qin Wan hurriedly said, “But you still need to monitor the Northwest military supplies case.”
Yan Chi shook his head, “There’s no definite news for now. Yesterday, Father sent a letter saying I shouldn’t act rashly for now, that he would handle things there. The letter was sent half a month ago.”
Qin Wan immediately felt relieved. Daoist Zhang’s words were still fresh in her mind, and she had been constantly worried. Now that even Prince Rui was telling Yan Chi not to act rashly, she felt much more at ease. “Good, good, then let’s follow His Highness’s words and not go to the Northwest carelessly.”
Thinking of this, Qin Wan suddenly realized that going to Yangshui County was also leaving Lin’an City – could this be fulfilling Daoist Zhang’s words?
She hurriedly asked, “Do you know about Daoist Zhang leaving the capital?”
Yan Chi nodded, “I know. I had wanted to keep him here, but I could see he had no such intention. For someone like him, forcing him to stay would only make things worse.”
This matched Qin Wan’s thoughts. She said, “I saw him before he left. He seemed to have noticed our relationship and asked me to remind you not to leave the capital recently.”
Yan Chi smiled, “Oh? Why is that?”
Qin Wan said, “He said you would face a calamity.”
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s smile deepened, “Calamity? I don’t believe in such things.”
Seeing Yan Chi’s expression, Qin Wan became anxious, “But you’ve seen how he could predict many things, and even knew where you returned from. I think he has some supernatural abilities – just for that, we should believe him somewhat.”
With Qin Wan saying this, Yan Chi couldn’t argue, “Then we’ll do as you say. But going to Yangshui County doesn’t count as leaving the capital – Yangshui County is under the capital’s jurisdiction.”
Qin Wan wanted to say more, but Yan Chi squeezed her hand, “We’re here. Let’s eat first.”
The carriage stopped in the same small alley. Mistress Xun stood at the door waiting. Seeing Qin Wan and Yan Chi, she quickly smiled and bowed, then said, “We’ve been waiting for Your Highness. It’s midsummer now, and the lotus flowers in the pond are in full bloom. My husband has been preparing lotus banquets these past few days. Does the Princess like sweet foods?”
Qin Wan hurriedly replied, “I do, I’m not picky.”
Mistress Xun laughed heartily, “That’s wonderful! Your Highness and Princess, please wait a moment. My husband is still preparing, and the waterside pavilion has already been cleaned…”
Walking along the small path, they soon saw the pond full of blooming lotus flowers. The same waterside pavilion from before stood beside the pond, looking even more elegant and pleasant now. Qin Wan and Yan Chi entered the pavilion.
The three windows facing the water were all wide open, with cool breezes and lotus fragrance wafting through. Qin Wan took a deep breath, feeling this place was truly refreshing. Remembering their earlier conversation, she said, “I can go to Yangshui County by myself.”
But Yan Chi was firm, “Are you worried that my presence will make that person more hesitant?”
Qin Wan hadn’t thought of it that way. With her approach, Zhao Xun couldn’t understand why a woman would investigate Prince Jin’s case, but Yan Chi was different. With Prince Rui’s power behind him and his close friendship with Prince Jin, his desire to know the truth was perfectly natural.
The only reason she didn’t want Yan Chi to come was her worry about fulfilling Daoist Zhang’s warning.
Seeing through Qin Wan’s thoughts, Yan Chi couldn’t help but laugh, “Yangshui County is only a hundred li from the capital – how could anything happen? I’ll bring plenty of guards when I come along, so don’t worry.”
Qin Wan knew she couldn’t dissuade Yan Chi, so she said, “I don’t plan to let Uncle know about this. I’ll just say I’m staying at the Anyang Marquis Manor for a few days. It shouldn’t be a problem, and Yue Ning will help cover for me.”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi, implying, “What about you?”
Yan Chi smiled, “Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything properly. Before this matter has a proper conclusion, we can’t let anyone know you’re investigating this.”
Qin Wan nodded. She understood how dangerous this was, but she was somewhat surprised that Yan Chi hadn’t tried to stop her.
As if seeing her thoughts, Yan Chi smiled bitterly, “Could I stop you if I tried? Besides, as I told you before, I also want to learn the truth about Prince Jin’s case. I’m just better at weighing the pros and cons.”
The Northwest military supplies case wasn’t resolved yet, and it wasn’t good for Yan Chi to be distracted now. Moreover, if the Emperor learned he was investigating Prince Jin’s case, it would likely raise suspicions. However, Qin Wan had now found one of Shen Yi’s people – this was an excellent opportunity. Whether they could glimpse the inside story of Prince Jin’s case depended on this chance.
If not for Qin Wan, weighing the consequences, he might have abandoned his old friendship with Prince Jin. But if Qin Wan could be so brave, how could he fall behind her?
Yan Chi wrapped his long arm around Qin Wan, pulling her into his embrace, “If we only looked at the pros and cons, this shouldn’t be done. But the heart can’t only consider gains and losses. This is thanks to you – otherwise, I probably wouldn’t easily touch this case.”
Before returning to the capital, Yan Chi had doubts about Prince Jin’s case, but after returning, the situation was different, especially after it became entangled with the crown prince’s succession and Northwest military power. Everything had become extremely sensitive, and Yan Chi would never casually reveal his intentions.
Mentioning this, Qin Wan also felt worried. Yan Chi still didn’t know why she was interested in this case. Their purposes were different – she was willing to pursue this case regardless of any consequences to herself.
Right now it was just Zhao Xun, but Qin Wan didn’t know what storms this might eventually stir up. She felt somewhat uneasy, but that was her secret, buried deep in her heart, meant to be buried for life. She dared not speak it…
Soon Mistress Xun and Master Yuan came to the pavilion. Entering, Mistress Xun smiled and said, “Princess, Your Highness, the lotus flowers and leaves used in these dishes were all picked from this pond – they couldn’t be fresher. This wine is also lotus-brewed, and very mild. Princess can try some too.”
Seven or eight exquisite dishes were laid out, with Mistress Xun enthusiastically serving them while Master Yuan stood aside smiling. Qin Wan and Yan Chi sat down. The dishes not only smelled wonderful but each one was beautifully presented. When Qin Wan tried them, the flavors were rich and fresh, earning her repeated praise!
Mistress Xun and Master Yuan were delighted to hear this. After finishing their meal, Qin Wan and Yan Chi stayed in the pavilion for a while before leaving. Mistress Xun was very reluctant to see them go, repeatedly telling Qin Wan to come again.
Qin Wan agreed, feeling that Mistress Xun’s hearty and warm manner was very endearing.
Yan Chi escorted Qin Wan back to the Marquis Manor. Early the next morning, Qin Wan went to the Anyang Marquis Manor. After telling Yue Ning her plans, Yue Ning immediately agreed but was somewhat worried, “So many days? What are you going to do? Will it be very dangerous?”
Qin Wan laughed, “Don’t worry. Don’t ask about the matter now, just help cover for me if Uncle asks.”
Yue Ning nodded, “I’ll say Grandmother isn’t feeling well, and you’re here giving her acupuncture.”
Seeing how quickly Yue Ning thought of an excuse, Qin Wan was very satisfied. Yue Ning knew Qin Wan was sensible, so she didn’t ask further. After chatting for a while, they went to Prince Yi’s Manor together.
No acupuncture was needed today, but when they arrived at the manor, Yan Ze was in his study.
It seemed strange for someone with a long-term eye condition to have a study, but when Qin Wan and Yue Ning arrived outside Yan Ze’s study, they saw through the half-open door that he had quite a collection of books, with about half being thick volumes specially made for blind readers.
“Your Highness, the two Princesses have arrived…”
Chen Xiang announced, and Yan Ze immediately came to attention. He closed the book he was “reading” and said toward the door, “Have the two Princesses entered?”
Chen Xiang hurriedly said, “Yes, they’re outside—”
Yan Ze made an acknowledging sound and waved his hand. The door opened, and a young servant came out. The servant was very delicate-looking and quickly bowed to Qin Wan and Yue Ning before turning to leave.
Chen Xiang smiled, “That’s Tan Xiang, His Highness’s reading servant, who occasionally reads books to His Highness.”
Qin Wan and Yue Ning nodded and entered Yan Ze’s study together.
Yan Ze’s study not only had many books, but his desk was also complete with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone. There were even papers where Yan Ze had practiced calligraphy, and Qin Wan noticed his writing was quite beautiful.
For a blind person to write such beautiful characters showed how much effort he must have put in.
Yan Ze maintained his usual gentle manner. Yue Ning browsed through Yan Ze’s books, occasionally asking questions which Yan Ze patiently answered. Yan Ze’s knowledge also surprised Qin Wan. After spending some time in the study, they moved to the flower hall, where Sun Muqing soon joined them.
It wasn’t until the afternoon that Qin Wan left the manor.
Two days later, Qin Wan told Qin Shu and Madam Hu she would stay at the Anyang Marquis Manor for a few days. Qin Shu and Madam Hu were too busy to worry about Qin Wan, and they considered it beneficial for her to build good relationships with both the Anyang Marquis Manor and Prince Yi’s Manor, so Madam Hu agreed without any questions.
With arrangements made on both sides, on the morning of the fifth day, Qin Wan took two bundles and left the manor with Bai Ying. Bai Ying drove the carriage, first following the main road toward the Anyang Marquis Manor for a while, then turning directly toward the city gate. When they reached outside the city, Yan Chi was already waiting.
Looking at Yan Chi, Qin Wan felt a strange sensation in her heart.
It was as if they were eloping…