It was a very modest farmhouse courtyard. Upon entering, the elderly grandmother and her daughter-in-law were already waiting. They had expected ordinary wealthy visitors, but when Qin Wan and Yan Chi arrived with their many guards, both women became somewhat flustered and showed signs of fear.
“Grandmother, don’t be afraid. Just help us prepare a few rooms that are suitable for staying,” Qin Wan said.
While the daughter-in-law was young and frightened, the grandmother, seeing that despite their noble bearing the visitors weren’t threatening, smiled warmly. “This old woman’s house has four habitable rooms in total. My daughter-in-law and I can share one, leaving three rooms for the Young Master and his Wife, and the other distinguished guests. Though it’s very humble.”
Qin Wan quickly responded, “That’s fine. We’re the ones imposing. Grandmother, do you have any food available?”
The grandmother nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes, though it’s very simple. I’m afraid it won’t suit your refined tastes.”
Qin Wan smiled, “Don’t worry, Grandmother. We’ll eat whatever you have.”
She then had Bai Ying hand over some silver. A farming household barely earned any silver throughout the year, so Qin Wan was naturally willing to pay generously. The grandmother and daughter-in-law exchanged glances before hesitantly accepting the money.
Having accepted the silver and seeing how kind these noble guests were, the grandmother felt more at ease. She hurriedly instructed her daughter-in-law, “Quickly show the honored guests to their rooms, then come help me. We’ll take out the fine flour and make some stuffed flatbread for them tonight.”
The daughter-in-law repeatedly agreed and led Qin Wan’s group to see the rooms. They were simple mud-walled structures, but fortunately very clean and tidy. There were no fine wooden beds, and the mattresses and quilts were old, but neither Qin Wan nor Yan Chi minded such things. After viewing the rooms, Qin Wan and Bai Ying took one room, Yan Chi another, and the rest of their party could make do with sleeping mats in the remaining room.
Before long, the grandmother had prepared the meal and invited Qin Wan and the others to the main room. Though simple, it was very clean. Qin Wan sat down without hesitation while the grandmother stood nearby, smiling as she watched Qin Wan and Yan Chi. “How did such distinguished guests end up in our poor remote village? Are you heading to Luozhou?”
Indeed, He Family Village was only passed through by those traveling to Luozhou.
Yan Chi wasn’t accustomed to speaking gently with elderly folks, so Qin Wan replied, “We’re not going to Luozhou. We’re here to visit an old acquaintance, though we’re not sure of their exact whereabouts at present.”
The grandmother eagerly responded, “Could you tell me their surname and name? This old woman has lived here all her life and knows most people within ten or fifteen li.”
Qin Wan considered for a moment before saying, “Surname Zhao, previously worked in the capital—”
The grandmother’s eyes lit up. “Ah, I know! Could it be the Zhao Hai family?”
Seeing uncertainty in Qin Wan’s eyes, the old woman continued, “There aren’t many capable people in our village. Zhao Hai’s only son, called Zhao… Zhao Xun earned an official degree and worked in the capital. I heard he even became an official. Everyone in our village knows about it. Zhao Hai was truly fortunate – though he passed away early, his son proved very capable. Ah, but the boy’s mother had a hard life. When Zhao Hai died, Zhao Xun was only seven or eight. His mother raised him alone, but before she could enjoy better days, she contracted a strange illness…”
The grandmother slowly related the Zhao family’s story, then curiously asked, “Why are you distinguished guests looking for Zhao Xun?”
Qin Wan smiled, “Didn’t you say he’s an official? We need his help with something.”
Hearing this, the grandmother’s eyes grew round with surprise, thinking how capable Zhao Xun must be to have such distinguished people specifically seeking him out. She quickly gave directions to the Zhao residence, eager to show her familiarity with the family.
Qin Wan and Yan Chi listened with smiles, and since it wasn’t completely dark yet, they headed toward the Zhao residence after their meal.
……
……
Zhao Xun had just returned home that day. Upon entering, he discovered his mother had been eating moldy rice, so he immediately went to the market town to buy fresh rice. The trip took considerable time, and it was dark by the time he reached his door. However, as soon as he entered, Zhao Xun sensed something was wrong. Lights were lit inside, and two people stood guard outside the main door.
For a moment, Zhao Xun felt blood rush to his head, almost thinking the events of last year’s seventh month were repeating – that people from the capital had found his home. However, he quickly realized that one of the guards looked very familiar.
Zhao Xun walked forward a few steps and recognized Bai Ying.
Upon seeing Bai Ying, Zhao Xun instantly understood who had come. First came relief that it wasn’t what he had feared, followed by intense anger. How dare Princess Yongci find his home! How dare she disturb his mother?!
Zhao Xun strode up the steps to the eaves, threw down his bag of rice and flour, and angrily faced Bai Ying.
Bai Ying and Bai Feng had already spotted Zhao Xun’s return. They weren’t surprised by his anger. Bai Ying merely nodded calmly to him, “Young Master Zhao—”
Zhao Xun’s anger instantly intensified. He was no “Young Master” – his origins were very humble. How could someone like him withstand the noble families’ torments and mockery? Not only had they failed to find him in the capital, but they had tracked him down to He Family Village! To his mother! What did these people want? What were they after?!
Zhao Xun felt his anger reaching its peak. Gritting his teeth, he pushed open the door.
As the door opened, the warm yellow lamplight inside seemed particularly cozy and inviting.
Madam Zhao was about the same age as Madam Hu but looked over a decade older. Her hair was graying, her face wrinkled, and due to her illness, she often had worry lines between her brows. Yet at this moment, she was smiling.
After Zhao Xun became an official in the Court of Judicial Review, their household had become somewhat better off, making their home slightly better furnished than where Qin Wan and Yan Chi were staying, with at least some decent furniture. Madam Zhao now lay in a bamboo rocking chair while Qin Wan sat beside her, performing acupuncture on her hand.
Madam Zhao smiled warmly, “Xun’er hasn’t been home much lately. I noticed he’s gotten darker and thinner, and worried something had happened. I never expected he was just assigned to work elsewhere. Miss Qin, you’re the capital’s best female physician – how much do you charge for house calls? Please don’t laugh, but I’m inexperienced in such matters, and our finances are tight, so I must ask.”
Qin Wan smiled, “Don’t worry about that. Young Master Zhao has a respectable position and is my friend. This visit is no trouble at all, so please don’t concern yourself with such matters.”
Madam Zhao’s face showed even more gratification. Given Qin Wan’s bearing and appearance, she must surely be the capital’s finest female physician. That her son could invite such a person, and count her as a friend, proved how well he was doing.
Qin Wan sat bent forward, while Yan Chi leaned against a low cabinet nearby. Since his mother had no idea of their true identities, she felt no tension or timidity, and calmly accepted Qin Wan’s treatment.
Seeing this scene, Zhao Xun suddenly felt his anger was out of place. He hesitated at the threshold instead of barging in. Inside, Yan Chi didn’t look his way, and Qin Wan didn’t move. Madam Zhao was turned toward Qin Wan and hadn’t noticed his return. Zhao Xun’s anger transformed into bitterness and helplessness. He was no longer an official of the Court of Judicial Review – he had been dismissed and expelled. Faced with his mother’s eager expectations, he hadn’t dared tell her the truth…
He had thought Qin Wan’s arrival would expose all his lies, but instead, they had helped maintain his deception. This made him feel even more unable to hold his head high.
Inside, Madam Zhao continued speaking, “It’s truly remarkable that Xun’er could make friends like you. Are you and Young Master Yan newly married?”
Qin Wan chuckled and nodded, “Yes…”
Madam Zhao sighed, “You’ve gone to such trouble, coming all this way from the capital – it’s not an easy journey. Xun’er didn’t even tell me. With my illness, I’m in no condition to properly host you.”
Hearing this, Zhao Xun couldn’t hold back any longer and stepped inside. “Mother, I’m back.”
Madam Zhao turned around, “Xun’er, you’re finally home! Your two friends are here! Why didn’t you say anything? Miss Qin started treating my illness as soon as she arrived – that’s when I learned she’s the capital’s finest female physician!”
Yan Chi stood expressionlessly to the side while Qin Wan sat on a small stool. They didn’t even have good tea to offer, yet Qin Wan showed no surprise at his return, simply sitting on the ground looking at him without any hint of superiority. Though Zhao Xun didn’t know Yan Chi’s identity, one look told him it could only be high, not low.
Zhao Xun looked at Qin Wan, then at Yan Chi. Not wanting to worry his mother, he said, “Mother, you’ve always complained of chest pain. When Miss… Miss Qin learned of this, she said she wanted to examine you.”
Madam Zhao said, “Miss Qin is truly remarkable. Just by taking my pulse, she described exactly how my pain usually feels… I never imagined someone so young could be so skilled.”
Zhao Xun thought to himself that the capital’s “Little Medical Immortal” truly lived up to her reputation. If nothing else, if Qin Wan could truly cure his mother’s heart condition, it would fulfill his greatest wish.
Zhao Xun forced a smile and looked at Qin Wan. “How… how is my mother’s condition?”
With needles still in Madam Zhao’s arm, Qin Wan replied, “The Madam will need both medicine and acupuncture together for any chance of recovery. As long as we maintain consistent treatment with both, we can ensure her condition won’t easily flare up.”
Zhao Xun’s eyes brightened upon hearing this. Every time his mother’s heart condition acted up, she suffered terribly, sometimes even fainting from the pain. Given her age, he didn’t hope for a complete cure – just reducing her suffering would be more than enough.
Qin Wan continued, “I’ll leave you a prescription for the medicine to use for six months. As for acupuncture, I can teach you several simple acupoints. With some practice, you’ll be able to perform the treatment yourself.”
Looking at the darkening sky outside, she added, “It’s too late now. Tomorrow I’ll give Auntie a full acupuncture treatment and show you the points to focus on. I brought some herbs with me, so we can start her treatment tonight.”
Only then did Zhao Xun notice the packages of herbs in the shadows behind Qin Wan. He pressed his lips together, unsure what to say. Qin Wan began removing the needles, then told Madam Zhao, “Auntie, it’s getting late. Remember to take your medicine before sleeping. We should go now.”
Madam Zhao quickly protested, “It’s so late – you must stay here—”
Qin Wan replied, “We’re too many people; it would be inconvenient. Don’t worry, we’ve already made arrangements.”
Madam Zhao hesitated, looking at Zhao Xun, seemingly wanting him to persuade Qin Wan to stay, lest they appear inhospitable.
Zhao Xun gritted his teeth. “All right, I’ll see you out—”
Madam Zhao’s expression changed, but Qin Wan made a few more polite declining remarks. Having no choice, Madam Zhao sighed as she watched Qin Wan and Yan Chi leave. Zhao Xun lingered, saying, “Mother, don’t worry…”
Madam Zhao, somewhat upset with Zhao Xun, waved her hand hurriedly. “Quick, go see them off! Oh, really…”
Zhao Xun nodded and closed the door behind him as he left.
Turning around, he found Qin Wan and Yan Chi waiting in the courtyard.
Zhao Xun’s gaze darkened as he strode over. Looking at them both, he stood straight-backed and said, “Princess didn’t finish speaking in the capital, making you come so far – it’s my fault.”
Hearing his resentful tone, Qin Wan sighed. “Zhao Xun, I’m not forcing you. It’s just that your mother’s illness can’t wait.”
Zhao Xun gave a cold laugh, lowering his voice, “Princess came so far, with such a grand entourage, just to treat my mother? Could Princess be so kind-hearted?!”
If they wanted nothing, why make such a show of force…
Qin Wan looked at him with dark eyes, then sighed after a moment. “I have some history with Lord Shen, and as for this person beside me, you probably don’t know who he is…”
Zhao Xun looked at Yan Chi, indeed not knowing his identity – and he knew for certain that Qin Wan wasn’t even married!
This time Qin Wan hadn’t come alone but brought someone with her, which troubled him most.
Qin Wan said, “This is His Highness, the Crown Prince of Prince Rui.”
At these words, Zhao Xun’s expression instantly changed. The Crown Prince of Prince Rui! Yan Chi?!
Zhao Xun was stunned. No wonder he had sensed in Yan Chi a sharp, martial energy absent in other noble youths of the capital. Even though Yan Chi had restrained himself before his mother, he had still felt it.
Zhao Xun looked between Qin Wan and Yan Chi, not understanding how Qin Wan could speak of such matters in Yan Chi’s presence, or what it meant that she had brought him.
Qin Wan noticed Zhao Xun’s wariness. “His Highness shares some friendship with Prince Jin. He doesn’t believe Prince Jin would kill palace consorts, so he wants to know if there’s more to this case.”
Zhao Xun’s expression shifted slightly, his gaze lowering. This explanation was indeed credible, and he believed that Yan Chi and Qin Wan understood the consequences of involving themselves in this matter better than he did.
Yan Chi’s narrow eyes fixed on Zhao Xun, his overwhelming presence making Zhao Xun unable to raise his head. Yan Chi said, “After it happened, you remained in the capital – surely you had your discontent. In that case, you were like a fish caught in the net. Are you willing to let the secrets behind it all sink into obscurity?”
Sweat appeared on Zhao Xun’s forehead. Yan Chi continued, “You kept Lord Shen’s writings, surely hoping for a chance to do something. You were his clerk for three years while he served as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review – you should know best what kind of person he was. When he defended Prince Jin, was it favoritism or a pursuit of justice? You know this better than anyone. After Lord Shen and Prince Jin died in succession, all you lower officials close to Lord Shen were dismissed. The others have vanished without a trace, yet you alone remained in the capital. Do you feel no indignation on Lord Shen’s behalf?”
Zhao Xun’s neck stiffened, and when he spoke, his voice was particularly rough. “I’m… just a nobody. I can’t stir up any waves…”
Yan Chi replied, “We’re not asking you to stir up waves – you couldn’t do that, and we wouldn’t let you try. No one in the capital knows of our visit. We simply want you to tell us what you know.”
Zhao Xun was sweating profusely. “But this matter is too significant. I still have my mother to care for. I don’t want this to implicate myself or my mother. If others discover this, they’ll likely trace it back to me. Princess and Your Highness are high above, but I’m powerless. I can’t take such a risk…”
Yan Chi’s lips curved in a faint smile that never reached his eyes. Instead, his eyes held dark, icy depths that made the smile appear particularly cruel and dangerous.
“At this point, do you think you can remain uninvolved?”
This was an obvious threat. Zhao Xun’s body instantly tensed. Qin Wan pulled at Yan Chi’s sleeve, saying, “Zhao Xun, you can think it over today. We understand your concerns. If you tell us what you know, we’ll naturally ensure your safety…”
Zhao Xun’s fists were tightly clenched as he remained silent. Qin Wan sighed and pulled at Yan Chi again. Only then did he turn to leave with her. Only after they had left the Zhao family courtyard did Zhao Xun raise his head to look in their direction.
Could he remain uninvolved? It seemed that from the moment he decided to keep that book, he no longer could.
……
……
Yan Chi and Qin Wan had different approaches. If not for considering Qin Wan’s feelings, Yan Chi would have already found ways to make Zhao Xun tell everything without omission. However, Qin Wan’s methods were also good – while the northwestern military situation required his swift, thunderous methods, the capital was a place of superficial elegance.
Back at the small courtyard, Yan Chi followed Qin Wan into the room. Seeing her slightly furrowed brows and worried expression, he tapped her forehead. “Worried that Zhao Xun won’t listen to reason?”
Qin Wan sighed, “We can’t threaten him, can we?”
Yan Chi didn’t give a clear answer, only saying, “Don’t worry. From his manner, he’s not unreasonable. His concerns are manageable – he can leave the capital and care for his mother at home.”
Qin Wan nodded. “Yes, I thought of that too. I suspect the writings he sold that day were only the majority – there must still be Lord Shen’s records about Prince Jin’s case. With those, we’d know where the problem lies.”
Yan Chi nodded. “Though the Emperor made the final decision, it passed through many hands first.”
They needed to clarify who had interfered, and what Lord Shen had discovered in his initial investigation.
It was getting late. Yan Chi looked at the darkening sky and advised Qin Wan to rest early. Today’s conditions were even more modest than yesterday’s, but Qin Wan didn’t want to trouble the elderly grandmother. She simply washed up briefly before lying down. With everyone in the courtyard tonight, Yan Chi didn’t tease her and soon returned to his room.
Early the next morning, when Qin Wan rose, Bai Feng and the others were already up. The grandmother and her daughter-in-law had made porridge and white steamed buns. Though simple fare, eaten with summer wild vegetables, it had its charm.
After breakfast, Qin Wan went to Zhao Xun’s home. Knowing she would come, he had prepared early. The night had been difficult for him – when Qin Wan saw him, there were dark circles under his eyes. She noticed but didn’t mention it, focusing instead on treating Madam Zhao. Since Qin Wan wouldn’t return, she decided to use her most advanced acupuncture techniques. The treatment lasted from morning until sunset. Though Madam Zhao endured considerable discomfort and broke out in sweat, when it was finished, she was amazed to feel much better overall. Not only had her chest pain disappeared, but her chronic joint and meridian problems had also improved. Where before she had been weak-legged and dizzy, often confined to bed, now she could walk with strength.
Qin Wan was drenched in sweat, having skipped lunch. Zhao Xun saw all this and was deeply moved.
After a brief rest, Qin Wan taught Zhao Xun how to perform acupuncture on his mother. He studied intently, and by nightfall, had mastered the basics. Madam Zhao, feeling better, prepared some snacks for Qin Wan and the others. After eating, Zhao Xun handed a package to Qin Wan and Yan Chi. “What Princess wanted is all in here.”