Lu Youxin was furious outside, momentarily forgetting about Qin Wan. The mining disaster in the Fifth Branch was a crisis for the entire Lu family. For two months, she had been racking her brains over this matter, but she never imagined that this mining disaster was orchestrated by someone from their own family!

In the inner chamber, Fuling worriedly looked at Qin Wan, who shook her head without going out to comfort Lu Youxin. At this moment, Lu Youxin naturally had to prioritize the Lu family clan’s affairs, and since she hadn’t met the people from the Fifth Branch yet, it would be good to meet them today.

Lu Youxin sent someone to invite them, and soon, Lu Boyi and Lu Jinghe from the Fifth Branch arrived. Lu Boyi wore a blue cotton robe, his face pale with dark circles under his eyes, holding a handkerchief to his mouth, coughing as he entered. Lu Jinghe supported Lu Boyi, appearing even more refined than Lu Jingxun. Due to always following Lu Jingxiu, Lu Jingxun lacked independence in everything, relying on Lu Jingxiu for all matters, which over time made him appear somewhat timid. In contrast, Lu Jinghe had a gentle, unassuming presence, especially appearing more elegant and cultured with his seriously ill father beside him.

“Second Sister, what matter brings us here?”

Lu Youxin’s anger had not yet subsided. She merely lifted her chin and said, “Sit down first. We’ll wait for Second Brother to arrive.”

Upon learning that Second Brother Lu Borong had also been invited, Lu Boyi immediately frowned, “What’s the matter? Is there news about Jingcheng?”

Lu Youxin wearily shook her head, “Not yet. Today isn’t about Jingcheng.”

Lu Boyi coughed twice into his handkerchief, becoming somewhat confused. He glanced at his son, seeing that Lu Jinghe’s face also showed traces of puzzlement, but naturally didn’t know what was happening. Madam Huang and others served tea and snacks, and after about half a cup of tea’s time, they finally waited for Lu Borong to arrive.

In just a few days, Lu Borong, who had previously been spirited and vigorous, seemed to have aged ten years. His son’s death had dealt him a severe blow, and his usual tactic of making a scene was now useless against Lu Youxin. Between grief and anger, he was also on the verge of falling ill.

Supported by servants as he entered, Lu Borong glanced at everyone but sat down opposite Lu Boyi without saying a word. Although Lu Borong wasn’t seriously ill, he looked just as bad as the gravely ill Lu Boyi, perhaps even more dejected and lifeless.

Lu Youxin looked at Lu Borong, “Second Brother, the dead cannot be brought back to life. You must find a way to cope with your grief.”

Hearing this, Lu Borong merely twisted his lips and gave a cold laugh, “It’s been so many days, what have you found out about Jingcheng’s case? You’re the family head of the Lu family, yet you can’t even find the murderer who harmed your nephew. What face do you have to remain as family head?!”

Lu Youxin responded with a cold laugh, “I don’t know what qualifications I have to be family head, but I do know that you, Second Master, will no longer have any say in the Lu family from now on.”

Lu Borong frowned, turning to look at Lu Youxin. His dull, clouded eyes narrowed slightly, and soon, a trace of resentment emerged, “What? Jingcheng is gone! Not only do you not seek justice for him, but you also want to drive us out?! Lu Youxin, you have a heart of stone…”

Lu Youxin laughed once, “The one with a heart of stone was Jingcheng, not me.”

Lu Borong’s eyes suddenly widened, “What did you say?! Jingcheng is dead! Yet you still want to tarnish his reputation?!”

Lu Youxin just smiled grimly without saying more, only handing several copies of black-and-white documents to Madam Huang. Madam Huang stepped forward, giving each person a copy of the fingerprinted testimonies. Lu Boyi suspiciously accepted it and slowly began reading, while Lu Borong, not knowing what Lu Youxin intended, didn’t even look at it. Madam Huang had no choice but to place the testimony on the table beside him. Meanwhile, Lu Boyi’s expression gradually changed…

“This… Second Sister, this is…”

Lu Boyi’s voice trembled, and the hand holding the testimony kept shaking.

Lu Youxin laughed coldly, “Second Brother, I advise you to take a look as well.”

Seeing Lu Boyi’s dramatic reaction, Lu Borong felt some doubts in his heart. Frowning, he finally picked up the testimony.

Lu Youxin then said, “Regarding the mining disaster, the two main managers fled immediately, and we couldn’t figure out what exactly happened. Because of this, we’ve all suffered these past two months. You all know how difficult it’s been. We originally couldn’t find anything, but to investigate Jingcheng’s matter, we had to look into who he had met recently and if he had made any enemies. This investigation led us to Hu Guangde.”

At the mention of this name, everyone present changed expression.

Hu Guangde had left after the Fifth Branch took over Xiushan, and there was some enmity with the Fifth Branch. However, this person had maintained connections with the Second Branch, which Lu Borong knew about. Although Lu Borong was reluctant to read the testimony, by now he had roughly seen what was written on it. Hearing Lu Youxin’s words, he immediately understood everything. Combined with the detailed writing in the testimony, he couldn’t help but read it with trepidation!

But quickly, Lu Borong suddenly stood up, “Impossible! I don’t believe it! I don’t believe this! Jingcheng is dead, and instead of investigating who harmed him in the capital, you want to pin the Fifth Branch’s mistakes on Jingcheng. You… Lu Youxin, how cruel you are! Jingcheng grew up under your watch, how could you do this? How can Jingcheng rest in peace underground with you doing this?! Lu Youxin, I don’t believe it, this is all made up by you to slander Jingcheng!”

Lu Youxin had anticipated Lu Borong would try to make a scene like this. She calmly replied, “Hu Guangde is in the manor’s dungeon. I didn’t want to offend your eyes by showing you how he was so scared he wet himself. What? You don’t believe it? Then I’ll have him brought out right now.”

“Bring Hu Guangde here!”

At Lu Youxin’s command, guards went to fetch him. Seeing Lu Youxin so composed, Lu Borong’s legs weakened, and he collapsed back into his chair!

Lu Boyi was so angry his hands were shaking, and his look toward Lu Borong had changed, “I never imagined it would be like this… over twenty lives… actually…”

For this matter, Lu Youxin had rushed over from Lanzhou to comfort the families of the victims and negotiate with the Salt and Iron Bureau officials, while Lu Boyi had fallen seriously ill because of it. Yet the Second Branch families had come to watch the drama and fight over family property. Thinking of this, Lu Boyi’s anger grew stronger, “Second Brother, was this Jingcheng’s doing alone? Or did you know about it too?!”

“Of course, I didn’t know!” Lu Borong instinctively defended himself, then after a moment, with a trembling voice said, “That… that Hu Guangde was always a villain, how can his words be trusted?! I don’t believe it, he’s slandering Jingcheng…”

Lu Youxin narrowed her eyes, having reached the peak of anger, though she appeared calm. She spoke steadily, “Slander? What is Lu Jingcheng worth? He was nothing but the most worthless member of our Lu family. Besides, when Hu Guangde was brought in, he didn’t even know Jingcheng was dead. Second Brother, everything is written clearly in the testimony, and it won’t be difficult to investigate further.”

The testimony had recorded everything clearly, and it indeed wouldn’t be difficult to verify. Lu Borong was sweating profusely. He knew about Lu Jingcheng’s contact with Hu Guangde, but he never imagined Lu Jingcheng would do such things.

Lu Youxin never did anything without certainty and never used business tactics against her family members. Over the years, even if Lu Borong was unwilling to admit it, he knew that Lu Youxin had served as family head with a clear conscience. So when he saw this testimony, he began to fear. His verbal defenses couldn’t overcome his guilty conscience – he knew that once they investigated further, those two managers would be caught, which would corroborate Hu Guangde’s testimony, and naturally, everything would come to light.

Although Lu Jingcheng was responsible for these actions, he was dead, and as the only son of the Second Branch, all his sins would be borne by the Second Branch. As Lu Youxin said, the Lu family would likely no longer have a place in the Second Branch… Lu Borong suddenly began shaking uncontrollably.

He knew Lu Jingcheng was incompetent, but he was his only son. In recent years, he had gradually handed over business matters to Lu Jingcheng, which had led to so many problems!

Lu Borong took a deep breath, his vision darkening, “Second Sister, this matter… naturally I… naturally I believe you… but Jingcheng was just a child, who knows who influenced him to do these things? You know his true nature. Youxin, Second Sister, you’ve worked hard these years. The Lu clan is vast, and our direct descendants are just these few branches. If… if this matter falls on the Second Branch, who knows how the clan elders will blame us? They might even blame you. Youxin, this matter…”

Lu Borong was trembling, not even knowing what he was saying, but Lu Youxin understood. Lu Borong was pleading, wanting to minimize this incident and let the Second Branch escape from the controversy!

Lu Youxin narrowed her eyes without speaking. If judging purely by right and wrong, Lu Borong’s thoughts were purely delusional. However, after so many years, Lu Youxin deeply understood that not everything in this world could be judged solely by right and wrong. The Lu family had existed for over two hundred years, with constant internal struggles among direct descendants, but looking at the bigger picture, there was also conflict between the collateral and direct branches. Lu Borong lived up to his name as mediocre and ineffective, but on this point, he saw some truth.

The mining disaster had severely harmed the Fifth Branch, which was why Lu Youxin immediately called both families to make a clear judgment, but she hadn’t yet decided how to handle it ultimately.

“Fifth Brother, what do you think about this matter?”

Lu Youxin didn’t look at Lu Borong, only at Lu Boyi. Lu Boyi coughed several times and said, “The fault lies with Jingcheng, Hu Guangde, and those two managers who took bribes. At the very least, those two managers must be caught. As for the Second Branch…”

Lu Boyi looked at Lu Borong’s sweat-drenched appearance and heaved a long sigh, “Second Sister, you decide.”

After speaking, Lu Boyi started coughing again into his handkerchief.

Beside him, Lu Jinghe hurriedly stepped forward to pat Lu Boyi’s back, showing great filial piety and consideration.

Lu Borong looked pleadingly at Lu Youxin, “Second Sister, this matter… I truly didn’t know. If I had known, I would never have let Jingcheng do this. These years, though I wanted you to establish Jingcheng, but… but I would never use methods that harm lives, and would never let the Lu family suffer…”

Lu Borong sat uneasily, almost wanting to kneel before Lu Youxin right there, “Second Sister, truly, Jingcheng was brainless, I don’t know what he was thinking, to actually…”

Lu Borong was so anxious he was nearly in tears, but Lu Youxin maintained her calm demeanor, “I called you here today merely to inform you of this matter. Hereafter, this case will need to be coordinated with the officials. After all, over twenty lives were lost. If we settled this casually, I fear I would never be at peace.”

Hearing this, Lu Borong became even more distraught, “Second Sister…”

Lu Youxin raised her hand to stop Lu Borong, “Second Brother need not say more. I will continue investigating this matter. Once those two managers are caught, I’ll speak with you again. Now that the truth is clear, you all understand the situation. As for Jingcheng’s case, I will investigate it thoroughly. Second Brother can rest assured about that.”

Lu Borong wanted to speak but held back. Lu Youxin didn’t want to continue the conversation and waved her hand, “Second Brother, go back first. If you want to resolve this matter properly, don’t say a word or give any orders right now. I know everything you do in this White Deer Prefecture.”

Hearing these words, Lu Borong instantly regretted coming here. If he were elsewhere, he could at least make some arrangements. Now any action would be under Lu Youxin’s watchful eye, and he truly dared not act rashly. Lu Borong hesitated several times to speak, but faced with Lu Youxin’s cold expression, couldn’t say a word. He tried hard to stand up, taking several attempts before managing to rise, nodded to Lu Youxin, and was finally supported by servants as he left.

After Lu Borong left first, Lu Boyi remained, covering his mouth while coughing, his expression very worried.

Lu Youxin sighed. The Fifth Branch had suffered the most in this incident, and Lu Boyi had even been taken to the magistrate’s office. Now Lu Boyi was seriously ill, all because of this mining disaster. Lu Youxin said, “Fifth Brother, now that everything is clear, you can put your mind at ease somewhat. It wasn’t your fault. Your health isn’t good, so focusing on recovery is most important right now.”

Then Lu Youxin looked at Lu Jinghe, “How has your father’s illness been these past two days?”

Lu Jinghe quickly replied, “It’s still the same. The previous medicine wasn’t very effective, and father has been coughing a lot these days.”

Lu Youxin’s brows furrowed tightly, “Fifth Brother, why not try a different doctor?”

Lu Boyi waved his hand, “Don’t worry about me. I know clan matters are busy around the New Year, just focus on your tasks. Let’s wait until after the New Year. It’s normal to cough in this cold weather, don’t worry…”

After speaking, Lu Boyi started coughing again. Lu Youxin felt distressed hearing this, “It’s my fault, I should have come to see you. It’s not as warm here as at your place. You should go back quickly. Don’t think too much about this matter, I’ll order a continued investigation. For now, just focus on recovering.”

Lu Boyi nodded and then stood up. Lu Jinghe quickly supported him, and father and son left the main hall of Wutong Garden.

Seeing them leave, the anger in Lu Youxin’s heart dissipated slightly. After sitting for a moment, she suddenly remembered Qin Wan was still in the inner chamber and hurriedly went there. Seeing Lu Youxin enter, Qin Wan rose to greet her. Lu Youxin apologetically said, “I’m so sorry, I left you sitting here alone for so long.”

As they sat down, Qin Wan smiled, “I wasn’t just sitting here. I hadn’t met Fifth Uncle before, but I saw him today. I can’t say much about the mining disaster, but I noticed some signs about Fifth Uncle’s illness.”

At these words, Lu Youxin’s eyes immediately brightened – after all, Qin Wan was the most excellent doctor in all of Great Zhou!

Lu Youxin couldn’t help grabbing Qin Wan’s hand, “Wan’er? What did you notice?”

Qin Wan smiled and said, “Without taking his pulse or examining him closely, I just noticed something off about Fifth Uncle’s cough. I suspect there’s a problem with his lungs. If Aunt wishes, I can examine Fifth Uncle. It must be very difficult for him in this deep winter.”

Lu Youxin didn’t just wish for it, she desperately wanted it, “Wan’er! Can you help?!”

Lu Youxin leaned forward, her eagerness evident. Qin Wan nodded, “But Aunt needs to find the right opportunity.”

Lu Youxin’s eyes lit up as she nodded, “I understand, we need to find a reason for Fifth Brother to come over so you can examine him privately. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange it. It’s getting late today, so I’ll schedule it for tomorrow or the day after.”

Qin Wan nodded, then added, “We were investigating the case but uncovered the truth about the mining disaster. I’m wondering if someone in the garden might have known about the mining disaster’s truth beforehand and chose to kill Lu Jingcheng for revenge?”

Lu Youxin’s eyebrows immediately furrowed, “Known beforehand? It took us so long to investigate and discover this, and it was just a coincidence. It would have been impossible for others to figure it out. Besides, in this garden, those with the means and connections are just the heads of the different branches, and they’ve been quite well-behaved lately.”

Qin Wan frowned. She knew Lu Youxin’s reasoning made sense, but now it seemed Lu Jingcheng’s case could only be investigated in this direction.

“Wan’er, don’t rush. Even if we handed this case to the officials, it would be difficult to solve. If it weren’t for your help in pointing us in the right direction, we wouldn’t have uncovered the truth about the mining disaster,” Lu Youxin frowned and sighed deeply. “This matter has weighed on my mind for two months, yet I never imagined the problem lay with Jingcheng. When Hu Guangde said he wanted to burn incense and pray to Buddha, I wondered if Jingcheng’s situation was heaven’s punishment for him. Take your time with the investigation. There’s been no news from Chi these past few days, and I’m somewhat worried about him.”

Lu Youxin was extremely busy but still very concerned about Yan Chi. Yan Chi hadn’t sent any news for several days, and while Lu Youxin was worried, Qin Wan was even more anxious. However, Qin Wan’s trust in Yan Chi allowed her to maintain her composure for now, “Aunt, don’t worry. He said he would return for the New Year. There are still a few days left, there will surely be news before the New Year.”

Hearing this, Lu Youxin could only nod and let it be. The two sat and talked for a while longer, and when the sky darkened, Qin Wan finally took her leave.

When Qin Wan returned to Handan Pavilion, she saw a servant holding a large bunch of plum blossoms standing at the courtyard gate. The servant was from the Lu family, usually only taking orders outside, and not qualified to enter Handan Pavilion. Seeing Qin Wan return, he hurriedly came forward. Fuling looked at the bright red plum blossoms with surprise, “Oh, who had you pick these? They’re beautiful! Such colors can only be found here!”

The servant smiled and replied, “We didn’t pick them. They were just sent over from Lanxiang Court for the Madam.”

The Lu family servants outside didn’t know Qin Wan’s true identity and simply called her Madam. Hearing this, Fuling was very surprised, and Qin Wan was also astonished. Before Qin Wan could speak, Fuling stepped forward to receive them, asking, “Lanxiang Court? Who sent them?”

The servant replied, “It was Fifth Young Master—”

Fuling was startled, “Oh? Does he think the earlier apology wasn’t sincere enough?”

Qin Wan stood beside them listening, looking at the large bunch of plum blossoms and feeling increasingly that something was odd.

Seeing Fuling’s delight with the large bunch of flowers, she said nothing and turned to enter the courtyard.

Fuling carried the flowers inside, smiling as she said, “We already have fresh plum blossoms in our rooms these past two days, but with such a large bunch, we seem to have no place to put them. It would be a shame to throw them away. Your Highness, where do you think we should place them?”

Without turning around, Qin Wan said, “If you like them, put them in your room. The warm chamber already has too many; it would be too gaudy.”

Qin Wan appreciated plum blossoms for their noble character, and the flowers arranged in her room were carefully chosen for their artistic effect. Although these flowers were brilliantly bright, they weren’t to Qin Wan’s taste. Moreover, it was strange that Lu Jingxiu would suddenly send such a large bunch of plum blossoms, and Qin Wan would certainly not casually let them into her room.

Hearing Qin Wan’s words, Fuling was overjoyed and pulled Baiying along, “Come, come, let’s find a vase to put them in!”

Though Baiying wasn’t interested in such things, she had to follow Fuling. Baifeng watched from the side, his frown deepening, and unusually verbose for his typically taciturn self, said, “You’re so quick to accept things from others, even wanting to give them to the Princess. When she doesn’t want them, you put them in your room. Aren’t you worried about hidden dangers?”

Fuling had never heard Baifeng speak like this before. His tone was serious as if she had done something wrong. Fuling stopped in her tracks, feeling hurt. Looking at Baifeng’s disapproving face and then at the flowers in her hands, she said bewilderedly, “Why are you making such a fuss? We met Fifth Young Master earlier today when he came to apologize. He’s a young master of the Lu family, what ill intentions could he have? Besides… besides, the Princess didn’t tell me to throw them away.”

Baifeng wasn’t skilled at arguing, especially with Fuling, whom Qin Wan trusted most. However, he had always disliked Lu Jingxiu, and seeing Fuling’s lack of judgment, he couldn’t help speaking up. Now that Fuling was defensive, he felt quite helpless, “Yes, he is from the Lu family, but the Fourth Young Master’s cause of death hasn’t been discovered yet, and he knows the Princess is investigating the case. If he’s connected to the Fourth Young Master’s death, don’t you think he might harbor ill intentions toward the Princess?”

Hearing this, Fuling felt both hurt and aware of the problem, immediately throwing the flowers to the ground.

“I… I didn’t think that far ahead. That Fifth Young Master must have been scolded by Madam Lu, and his attitude changed greatly afterward. I… I just trusted him, that’s all. They’re all Lu family members, and when others send gifts, it’s not good to throw them away… Why are you scolding me like this?”

Baifeng opened and closed his mouth, not knowing what to say. He truly disapproved of Fuling’s carelessness but wasn’t trying to scold her, only remind her. Seeing Fuling’s hurt expression and teary eyes, Baifeng became flustered. The more flustered he became, the colder his expression appeared, and seeing this, Fuling immediately turned and ran into the house in tears. Baifeng wanted to say something but couldn’t, looking bewilderedly at Baiying, “I just…”

Baiying looked helplessly at her brother, shook her head, and went to find Qin Wan.

Inside, Qin Wan had just removed her cloak and walked to the warm chamber when she heard Fuling’s words, then watched as Fuling ran into her room. She felt both sympathetic and surprised. When Baiying entered, she said, “Fuling is usually so careless, how did she become so hurt this time?”

Baiying tilted her head and thought for a moment before saying, “Perhaps it’s because my brother usually doesn’t scold people like this.”

Qin Wan laughed, blinking as she said, “Go take some snacks to Fuling, the chestnut cakes Aunt had sent earlier will do. She likes those.”

Baiying smiled in agreement and went to take the chestnut cakes to Fuling. Qin Wan sat in place, lost in thought for a moment, then smiled slightly.

Soon, Fuling returned to the warm chamber with Baiying, her eyes still red and looking quite embarrassed. Seeing her enter, Qin Wan said teasingly, “What’s wrong? Should we have Baifeng come to apologize to you?”

Fuling lowered her head, fidgeting with the silk ribbon on her belt, “No, no need. This matter was indeed my oversight, My Lady need not worry.”

Qin Wan smiled and teased, “Baifeng usually says little, but today he made a valid point. Why were you so upset?”

Hearing this, Fuling suddenly raised her head, her face quickly turning a suspicious shade of red, “No, no, not at all… He’s usually so quiet, how could he be so harsh today? I’ve served My Lady for so long and never been told I served poorly. When he suddenly said that, I felt hurt and didn’t want to admit my oversight.”

Seeing her embarrassment, Qin Wan beckoned her over. When Fuling came forward, Qin Wan took her hand and said, “You serve very well. Today’s matter was my fault for not giving you instructions. Now that you’ve had the chestnut cakes, are you feeling better?”

Fuling smiled sheepishly, “I’m fine now. I won’t hold it against him! I understand My Lady’s meaning – we can’t refuse gifts from others outright. Once we accept them, we can deal with them as we please, but we must consider others’ faces. How could he understand that?”

Seeing Fuling return to her usual vivacious self, Qin Wan knew the earlier incident had passed and felt relieved.

After chatting for a while longer, Qin Wan thought about examining Lu Boyi and asked Fuling to bring her medical books to study. She only stopped when her eyes grew tired. As soon as she lay down, Qin Wan dreamed of Yan Chi again. In her dream, there was a scene of raging warfare, with Yan Chi riding a blood-sweating warhorse, spear in hand, charging into enemy lines like a descending deity, disappearing in an instant. Amidst the battle cries and bloodshed mixed with smoke, Qin Wan never saw Yan Chi return!

In the dream, Qin Wan grew increasingly anxious and frightened. At one point, she suddenly jerked awake!

Qin Wan was covered in cold sweat, and outside it was still dark. Looking at the water clock in the corner of the room, it was only the hour of Mao. After such a dream, she couldn’t sleep anymore. She lay holding her blanket, staring at the canopy, thinking about Yan Chi’s current situation in Qianzhou, her worry growing stronger. Thinking about how Yan Chi had faced countless dangers over the years, feelings of tenderness, pity, and longing welled up together…

She tossed and turned until dawn, and in her exhaustion, Qin Wan felt sleepy again. However, thinking about the possible examination today, she still got up early. It wasn’t until noon that Lu Youxin sent word that the examination of Lu Boyi had been arranged for the evening.

Qin Wan felt relieved and took a short rest in the afternoon.

In Lanxiang Court, Lu Jingxun ran in from outside saying, “Fifth Brother! Did you know? The aunt said she invited a famous doctor from Jianzhou to examine Fifth Uncle, scheduled for tonight… It seems Fifth Uncle’s illness hasn’t improved at all.”

Lu Jingxiu had been lost in thought and initially didn’t react to these words, but after a moment, he suddenly stood up!

“They’re going to examine Fifth Uncle?”

Lu Jingxun was stunned, “Yes, didn’t you ask me to keep an eye on the movements at Wutong Garden? This was just arranged.”

Lu Jingxiu’s eyes gleamed slightly, and after a moment he said, “Let’s go see Fifth Uncle. He’s been ill for so long, and we haven’t visited him much.”

Lu Jingxun’s eyes widened in extreme surprise. His Fifth Brother was good in every way except for his impatience with dealing with elders. After Lu Boyi fell ill, even when he did visit, he would only stay briefly before leaving, and afterward would just send some tonics. He would never go voluntarily. How had he suddenly changed his nature?

Lu Jingxiu started to leave but suddenly stopped at the doorway, “Wait, did you say the examination is tonight?”

Lu Jingxun nodded, “Yes, it’s tonight.”

Lu Jingxiu asked again, “Is everything normal at Handan Pavilion?”

“Everything’s normal!” Lu Jingxun nodded, and hearing Lu Jingxiu’s question, finally realized something, “Fifth Brother, what are you trying to do? Why have you been so interested in Handan Pavilion these past few days?”

Lu Jingxiu paced a few steps before turning to sit down, his face showing both worry and helpless resignation.

He didn’t know what was wrong with him, but these past days, Qin Wan’s image had stayed constantly in his mind!

He wanted to see Qin Wan again, but had no proper way to do so, nor could he appear abruptly. Thus, he kept watching here and there, not wanting to miss any chance to see her again…

“Tonight, let’s go see Fifth Uncle tonight. His illness is very serious now, so we can hear what this famous doctor has to say.”

A famous doctor invited from Jianzhou who would only examine patients at night – the doctor’s identity was obvious. Lu Jingxiu wasn’t surprised at all. With Princess Yongci, known as the Little Medical Sage of the capital, in the garden, how could she not examine his uncle?!

With this plan in mind, Lu Jingxiu felt slightly relieved and began to look forward to the evening.

When evening came, Lu Jingxiu didn’t rush. When the time seemed right, he took Lu Jingxun and waited along the path between Bamboo Court and Wutong Garden. Sure enough, before long, they encountered Lu Boyi and his son.

Upon this “chance” meeting, Lu Jingxiu immediately went forward, “Fifth Uncle! Fifth Uncle, we were just going to visit you. Why are you out?”

Lu Boyi knew the younger generation’s personalities, and hearing this, he was quite surprised. However, not wanting to dismiss Lu Jingxiu’s gesture, he said, “Your aunt invited a doctor from Jianzhou to examine me. My poor health has caused everyone concern. We’re heading to Wutong Garden now.”

Lu Jingxiu took Lu Boyi’s other arm, “In that case, let us accompany you.”

Lu Boyi was extremely surprised, and even Lu Jinghe looked at Lu Jingxiu with astonishment. Lu Jingxiu grinned at them, “Let’s go see what this famous doctor has to say, so we can put our minds at ease.”

Although it felt strange, Lu Boyi wasn’t one to refuse, so he let Lu Jinghe and Lu Jingxiu support him to Wutong Garden.

Lu Jingxiu usually wasn’t patient enough to talk with elders, but along the way, he was surprisingly witty and improved Lu Boyi’s mood considerably. Lu Jinghe, usually a man of few words, kept glancing at Lu Jingxiu, finding his behavior extremely odd today!

Soon, they arrived at Wutong Garden. Lu Youxin had already arranged for Qin Wan to be in the inner chamber and was quite surprised to see so many people arrive at once.

Lu Jingxiu quickly explained, “We were going to visit Fifth Uncle when we met him on the way, so we accompanied him here. We’d like to hear what the doctor says.”

Hearing this, Lu Youxin was naturally pleased, thinking her earlier lecture had changed Lu Jingxiu. She simply nodded and said, “This doctor doesn’t like others present during examinations. You all wait outside while Fifth Brother comes in with me.”

Though Lu Jinghe and his son found this strange, they didn’t suspect anything – famous doctors often had their peculiarities!

But Lu Jingxiu was extremely disappointed. He had come specifically to see Qin Wan and watch her treat patients, but hadn’t expected Lu Youxin’s arrangement. He became quite dejected as Lu Boyi headed toward the inner chamber.

After these past few days, Lu Jingxun had begun to understand Lu Jingxiu’s feelings. Seeing his Fifth Brother’s state, he helplessly pulled at Lu Jingxiu’s sleeve, “Fifth Brother? What should we do now? Should we keep waiting?”

Lu Jinghe stood calmly nearby, hearing Lu Jingxun’s words and looking at them with even more surprise.

Lu Jingxiu glared at Lu Jingxun, coughed lightly and said, “What a foolish question, we’re here for Fifth Uncle’s illness.”

As he said this, Lu Jingxiu suddenly frowned. Fifth Uncle’s illness… illness…

His eyes suddenly brightened as an idea struck!

Lu Jingxiu took two steps forward, appearing to want to enter the inner chamber. Madam Huang, guarding the door, quickly stopped him, “Fifth Young Master, what are you doing? The doctor is examining Fifth Master inside. Please don’t go in.”

Lu Jingxiu painfully rubbed his temples, “To be honest, Madam Huang, my head has been hurting today, right here at the temples. It’s throbbing, and I’m feeling chills. I wanted to ask Aunt if this doctor could examine me as well?”

Madam Huang was surprised as Lu Jingxiu continued rubbing his temples, looking genuinely pained.

After a moment’s hesitation, Madam Huang said, “Then please wait, Young Master. I’ll go ask the Miss.”

Hearing this, Lu Jingxiu couldn’t help feeling delighted and nodded. Madam Huang then turned and went inside.

In the inner chamber, Lu Boyi hadn’t expected the doctor to be a young lady, and now understood why she didn’t want others present. Noting Qin Wan’s extraordinary bearing and noble demeanor, Lu Boyi guessed her identity must be significant, but tactfully didn’t ask any questions. Qin Wan, upon seeing Lu Boyi, also didn’t say much, but first checked his pulse. Wanting to be thorough, she took her time, checking first his left hand then his right. Before she finished with the right hand, Madam Huang entered.

Madam Huang went to Lu Youxin’s ear and whispered a few words. Lu Youxin frowned, “Is this child really ill?”

Madam Huang nodded, “He seems unwell.”

As they spoke softly, Qin Wan finished checking the pulse and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lu Youxin turned with a wry smile, “My fifth nephew seems to be ill and asks if you could examine him. But don’t worry about it – his illness doesn’t need your attention. I can find another doctor for him.”

Though Lu Boyi hadn’t said much, he had been observing Qin Wan. Noting how Lu Youxin spoke to Qin Wan with both intimacy and respect, he regarded Qin Wan even more highly. Qin Wan, hearing this, found it even stranger. She had heard Lu Jingxiu speaking outside earlier and had been surprised that he had come!

However, hearing it was a chance encounter, she hadn’t thought much of it. But now, Lu Jingxiu was claiming to be ill?!

Yet when he spoke earlier, his voice had been strong and clear!

What was this Lu Jingxiu up to…

With these thoughts, Qin Wan simply smiled and said, “It’s fine, let him come in.”

Lu Jingxiu already knew her identity, and since he had come, Qin Wan felt that with his intelligence, he must have guessed it was her. Whether his illness was real or fake, she would know once he came in…

Lu Youxin was surprised by Qin Wan’s response and was somewhat moved, sighing, “Alright then, I’ll trouble you with this.”

She instructed Madam Huang, “Let him in. Really, such a worry…”

As Madam Huang left, Qin Wan continued quietly asking Lu Boyi about his recent symptoms. As they talked, Lu Jingxiu entered with Madam Huang. As soon as he entered, Qin Wan felt his burning gaze fall upon her face.

In that instant, Qin Wan suddenly realized what had been strange!