As Lu Jingxiu followed Grandmother Huang through the door, he immediately saw Qin Wan. Qin Wan and Lu Boyi were seated on a low couch by the window. Lu Boyi’s hand rested on the cushioned table, while Qin Wan’s fingertips had just left Lu Boyi’s wrist.
The lamp by the window flickered brightly, illuminating Qin Wan’s jade-like complexion. Her delicate features appeared even more exquisitely carved, and her clear, bright eyes sparkled with a mesmerizing light. She was quietly inquiring about Lu Boyi’s condition, her voice as melodious as a flowing spring. In that instant, Lu Jingxiu’s heart skipped a beat, and a warm feeling spread through his chest. His gaze upon Qin Wan grew intense.
“Does your chest hurt, especially when coughing?” Qin Wan continued asking.
Lu Boyi replied, “It does hurt somewhat, especially here on the left side. Sometimes it hurts even when pressed—*cough* *cough* *cough*—”
As Lu Boyi started coughing again, Qin Wan carefully observed his complexion and furrowed her brow. “Do you experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, and pain that extends to both shoulders?”
Lu Boyi merely nodded in response, “Divine Physician, everything you’ve mentioned is present, and I also feel quite cold.”
Qin Wan frowned, “The coldness is normal. When evil wind enters the lungs, the body becomes dominated by cold rather than heat. You must avoid catching cold, especially now during the depths of winter.”
Lu Boyi nodded repeatedly, and noticing Qin Wan’s serious expression, asked, “May I ask, Divine Physician, is my condition beyond hope?”
Qin Wan was startled, but Lu Boyi smiled calmly and said, “Lately, I’ve had this premonition that this illness cannot be cured.”
Lu Youxin, who stood nearby, hurriedly spoke up, “Fifth Brother, what are you saying? Don’t you know… the Divine Physician before you have exceptional medical skills. With her here, she will cure you. Please put your mind at ease.”
Lu Boyi only smiled without speaking. Qin Wan said, “Your condition is indeed quite serious, but rest assured, I will treat you properly.”
Lu Boyi nodded and began coughing again, covering his mouth. Qin Wan wrote down everything Lu Boyi had mentioned, then asked, “Do you also experience difficulty sleeping at night, skin irritation, and dizziness?”
Lu Boyi’s eyes brightened slightly as he looked at Qin Wan. “Yes, yes, ever since the coughing began, I’ve had great difficulty sleeping at night.”
After checking his pulse, Qin Wan had accurately identified all his symptoms, which gave both Lu Youxin and Lu Boyi hope. Qin Wan nodded and continued taking notes, but didn’t ask anything more. “The condition is serious but curable. I will prescribe two decoctions and perform acupuncture. This combined treatment should show improvement.”
After a pause, Qin Wan added, “It’s too late for acupuncture tonight. You may return now, and I’ll have someone deliver the prescriptions later.”
Although Lu Boyi had hoped to wait for the prescriptions, he didn’t argue when Qin Wan spoke thus. He stood up, expressed his thanks, exchanged a few words with Lu Youxin, and left the inner chamber. Lu Youxin personally escorted Lu Boyi out while Qin Wan remained lost in thought, studying her notes.
Meanwhile, Lu Jingxiu stood staring intently at Qin Wan, not even blinking.
Voices could be heard from outside as Lu Boyi and his father departed. Lu Youxin quickly returned to the inner chamber and, seeing Lu Jingxiu standing there, frowned and said, “What ailment do you have? Have you caught a cold? Since you know Wan’er’s identity, how dare you ask her to examine you? You truly don’t know proper etiquette!”
Hearing these words, Qin Wan finally lifted her gaze from her notes and turned to look at Lu Jingxiu.
Lu Jingxiu’s heart and eyes had been burning with intensity, but when he met Qin Wan’s gaze, his heart inexplicably turned cold.
Qin Wan maintained such composure and self-possession, her eyes like clear pools that could instantly reflect Lu Jingxiu’s image. Lu Jingxiu hadn’t felt he was being particularly discourteous, but at that moment, he suddenly felt self-conscious and couldn’t maintain eye contact with Qin Wan for long, quickly lowering his gaze.
Qin Wan’s eyes were not only clear but also cold. Lu Jingxiu could see plainly that Qin Wan looked at him no differently than she had looked at Lu Boyi—perhaps even with less warmth than she had shown Lu Boyi, due to their previous encounter. Lu Jingxiu kept his head down, feeling both regretful and disappointed, unable to answer Lu Youxin’s question.
Lu Youxin’s frown deepened. “Child, I’m asking you a question.”
Qin Wan spoke from the side, “Aunt if he is truly ill, it’s no matter. When I practiced medicine before, I treated all patients equally. I just don’t know what’s ailing the Fifth Young Master?”
As soon as Qin Wan spoke, Lu Jingxiu felt an even stronger sense of being kept at arm’s length.
Though Qin Wan’s manner of speaking wasn’t much different from how she had addressed Lu Boyi earlier, Lu Jingxiu could sense her indifference toward him. His heart ached and his hands grew cold, as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown over his burning hopes. His throat tightened, and after a long moment, Lu Jingxiu finally looked up and said, “I… I have a headache, and I feel cold…”
Qin Wan looked at Lu Jingxiu calmly. “Are you coughing?”
While Lu Jingxiu felt disappointed, he still tried his best to maintain eye contact with Qin Wan, straining to find any trace of concern in her gaze. However, after looking for a long while, Lu Jingxiu only saw composure and steadiness in Qin Wan’s eyes. He felt utterly disappointed. Though the room was warm, he felt his hands and feet growing cold. He shook his head, his voice dropping lower, “No… no…”
Qin Wan observed Lu Jingxiu for a moment. “The Fifth Young Master’s complexion appears normal, without obvious signs of illness. It’s likely just the beginning of a cold. I’ll write a prescription for the Fifth Young Master, that should suffice.”
Lu Youxin noticed something odd about Lu Jingxiu and quickly said, “A prescription is enough. I haven’t heard of him being sick in a long time. He has a strong constitution and should recover quickly.”
Qin Wan picked up some paper and began writing. For those unfamiliar with medicine, the prescription might seem simple, but those who understood would recognize that it mostly contained warming and nourishing medicines. Shortly after, Qin Wan finished writing and handed it to Fuling, saying, “Take with cold water, brew three bowls down to one, and take after each meal.”
Fuling took the prescription and approached Lu Jingxiu. “Fifth Young Master—”
Qin Wan had already turned her attention back to Lu Boyi’s medical records, but Lu Jingxiu continued to stare at her somewhat dazedly. Fuling frowned, “Fifth Young Master?”
Lu Jingxiu suddenly came to his senses and hurriedly took the prescription.
When examining patients, regardless of the severity, doctors always check the pulse, yet Qin Wan hadn’t checked his.
Lu Jingxiu couldn’t understand why. He felt disappointed, thinking perhaps he truly didn’t look ill, or maybe his reported symptoms weren’t serious enough, or perhaps… Lu Jingxiu’s eyes widened as he looked at Qin Wan—had she seen through his pretense?!
At this thought, Lu Jingxiu’s back broke out in cold sweat, but looking at Qin Wan again, she appeared completely normal.
Lu Youxin found Lu Jingxiu’s dazed state strange and scolded, “Alright, alright, you may leave now. Remember what I told you before.”
This referred to not revealing Qin Wan’s identity. Lu Jingxiu nodded numbly before turning to leave the inner chamber.
Seeing Lu Jingxiu emerge in a daze, Lu Jingkun quickly approached him. “Fifth Brother? How did it go?”
Noticing the prescription in Lu Jingxiu’s hand, he immediately exclaimed with joy, “Oh! She examined you!”
Lu Jingxiu couldn’t smile. He walked heavily toward the door. Though he had often been accompanied by women during his travels with friends, he had never met anyone like Qin Wan. He had approached with such enthusiasm, but upon seeing Qin Wan’s cold gaze, he found himself unable to speak or act. Qin Wan needed only to sit there calmly, and his heart unconsciously filled with reverence. He was reluctant to admit it, but in that moment, he had felt somewhat intimidated.
“Fifth Brother? What’s wrong with you? You went in for a medical examination and came out looking like you’ve lost your soul!”
Hearing these words, Lu Jingxiu heaved a long sigh. Previously, as the eldest son of the Lu family’s third branch in Lan Prefecture, he had been considered a gifted young man. Later, as he excelled in martial arts and easily made friends, he became even more proud and arrogant. When had anyone ever caused him such emotional turmoil?!
Yes, he had lost his soul—his soul remained in the Wutong Courtyard…
Lu Jingxiu looked down at the prescription in his hand, feeling both disappointed and faintly happy. At least this paper had been touched by her, and these beautiful small-script characters were written by her. A feeling of tenderness arose in his heart, and after some thought, he carefully folded the prescription and placed it in his sleeve.
…
…
After Lu Jingxiu left, Qin Wan raised her eyes to look at the entrance, shaking her head with some resignation.
This young Lu Jingxiu, though young, wasn’t exactly a wastrel. At least during the family crisis, he knew to protect the Lu family. After learning of his identity, he considered the bigger picture and didn’t cause further trouble, certainly better than Lu Jingcheng. However, she had found it strange when he waited to apologize on the road that time, and then later sent that large bunch of plum blossoms. She had felt an odd sense of unease. Lu Jingxiu was certainly not foolish, and with his self-proclaimed generous nature, once their grievances were settled, there should have been no further complications. That bunch of plum blossoms had seemed quite unnecessary, though she hadn’t understood why at the time.
Until just now, when Lu Jingxiu’s gaze had stood out as particularly fervent compared to others in the room, she finally had a vague sense of what it meant, leaving her both amused and exasperated.
Qin Wan didn’t consider herself beautiful enough to inspire love at first sight, and couldn’t understand why this Fifth Young Master had taken such special notice of her. But since she couldn’t understand it, there was no need to dwell on it. To her, Lu Jingxiu was just an ordinary member of the Lu family, and she wouldn’t waste her thoughts on him.
Fortunately, Lu Youxin ran a strict household, so she wouldn’t need to meet Lu Jingxiu again in the future, avoiding many complications. Moreover, Lu Jingxiu wasn’t yet twenty and was proud by nature – what significance could a momentary admiration or liking have? Although Qin Wan was a year or two younger than Lu Jingxiu, when she thought of him now, she felt the amused indulgence of an elder watching a child. Children were naturally playful, like being fond of an interesting toy – such interest would dissipate after a few days. Lu Jingxiu’s interest in her was probably similarly fleeting, though she truly couldn’t understand what had possessed him…
A thousand thoughts flashed through Qin Wan’s mind in an instant, then her brows furrowed tightly.
Compared to Lu Jingxiu’s puzzling gaze, Qin Wan’s current concern was Lu Boyi’s illness.
Lu Youxin returned from outside and, seeing Qin Wan still studying the notes, came forward and asked softly, “Wan’er? How is it?”
Qin Wan looked up, “Aunt, it’s not very optimistic.”
At these words, Lu Youxin’s heart sank, and she quickly sat down across from Qin Wan, in the spot where Lu Boyi had sat earlier, then asked, “What? Is it very serious? You said earlier it could be treated… were you just… just comforting Fifth Brother?”
Qin Wan shook her head, “Not exactly. It’s just that Fifth Uncle’s illness has persisted for too long. The evil qi has already entered his internal organs. When I took his pulse earlier, it was as weak as a feather in the wind, and when pressed lightly, it was as faint as silk thread. Such pulse signs are very ominous. The only hopeful sign is that Fifth Uncle hasn’t started coughing blood yet, so his organs haven’t reached the point of decay. I specialize in acupuncture, so perhaps after needle treatment there might be some improvement, but if we rely on medicine alone, I’m afraid we can only delay the inevitable.”
Hearing this, Lu Youxin sat there stunned. “It’s already… this serious?”
Qin Wan sighed, “If it had been two months earlier, the treatment might have been more effective. Fifth Uncle’s qi and pulse are not only weak, but he also shows symptoms of heart and lung congestion. The stress from the mine incident these past two months must have weighed heavily on him, causing his condition to deteriorate more rapidly. Looking at it now, it’s quite difficult.”
Lu Youxin suddenly clenched her fists, her anger toward Lu Jingcheng resurfacing. “How detestable! It would be one thing if he only brought trouble upon himself, but now he’s harming so many others!”
Qin Wan comfortingly held Lu Youxin’s hand, “Aunt, please stay calm. This prescription isn’t easy to write. Fifth Uncle is very weak now, at a critical point. My prescription must be gentle and gradual with warming tonics, lest his body can’t handle it. As for acupuncture, we must use some supplementary medicines first.”
Lu Youxin quickly responded, “Good, good, good, do everything as you think best. I’ve sought many doctors for him, and he’s found quite a few himself. As you said, half a year ago those doctors could still write prescriptions, but starting two months ago, some doctors even refused to examine him. I realized then that his condition had worsened, but I didn’t think it had become this serious. Fifth Brother probably knows this himself.”
Earlier, Lu Boyi had asked if his condition was incurable, showing that he had his suspicions.
Qin Wan pondered for a moment, then began writing the prescription, speaking as she wrote, “Although it’s somewhat late now, if we waited another two months, then it would truly be beyond help. Now that the truth about the mine incident has come to light, Fifth Uncle’s mind should be somewhat more at ease. This is a good time to administer medicine.”
Qin Wan always managed to find words of comfort. Lu Youxin smiled gratefully, “Wan’er, Chi’er bringing you to Jian Prefecture is truly my good fortune.”
If not for Qin Wan, she would still be in the dark about the truth of the mine incident. And with Qin Wan here, both Lu Jingcheng’s case and Lu Boyi’s health seemed to have great hope.
Qin Wan smiled without saying much and soon finished writing the prescription. “Let’s use this prescription. I’ve also written a dietary therapy prescription here. Fifth Uncle’s condition requires dietary restrictions. Following my prescription will benefit his health and help him feel more comfortable. Two herbs in the decoction might be hard to find – I’m not sure if they’re available in the garden. If not, Aunt, you might need to search in Jian City.”
Lu Youxin quickly replied, “That won’t be difficult. I’ll give the orders right away. Wan’er, thank you.”
“Aunt, no need for thanks. To be honest, it’s almost impossible for Fifth Uncle to fully recover. I can only do my best now.”
Lu Youxin’s face showed sadness as she took a deep breath and said, “I understand. I trust your medical skills. Even if we can just gain a month or two, I would be grateful.”
After writing the prescriptions, Qin Wan didn’t linger and headed toward Handan Pavilion in the evening.
Walking along the path, Fuling asked, “What was wrong with the Fifth Young Master today? How did he seem like a completely different person from that day?”
Qin Wan heard this and replied resignedly, “How is he a different person? Of course, he seems different when he’s ill.”
Fuling blinked, looking at Qin Wan, then turned to look at Bai Ying, seeming to have words stuck in her throat that she dared not speak.
Bai Ying looked at Fuling puzzled, and Fuling leaned toward her and said, “I… didn’t the Fifth Young Master’s gaze toward our Princess seem strange today?”
Bai Ying’s brows furrowed slightly, first confused, then turned to look at Bai Feng behind them.
Bai Feng maintained his usual serious and taciturn demeanor. Fuling also quickly glanced at Bai Feng, then hurriedly turned back, her face showing some embarrassment.
Walking at the rear, Bai Feng shook his head and let out a soft sigh.
The atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Although Fuling was straightforward, she wasn’t stupid. Thinking of her thoughts and remembering Bai Feng’s rebuke the other day, she suddenly had a realization – could it be that Bai Feng had noticed something earlier, which was why he didn’t want to keep those plum blossoms?
After all, Bai Feng had never concerned himself with the inner courtyard’s flowers and plants before!
Thinking this, Fuling’s face reddened involuntarily. She prided herself on having served Qin Wan for many years, being her most attentive maid and most trusted confidante, and naturally couldn’t bear to hear others say she served poorly. Now she realized she hadn’t understood Bai Feng’s meaning…
Feeling sheepish, Fuling quickly glanced back at Bai Feng again, then turned away before their eyes could meet!
Though she thought her reactions were quick and nimble, Bai Feng behind her inexplicably frowned again.
Since Qin Wan didn’t wish to discuss Lu Jingxiu further, Fuling dared not ask more. After returning to Handan Pavilion, she slowed her pace, and after everyone had entered the courtyard, she instructed the servants at the courtyard gate, “From today onward, only items sent from Wutong Courtyard can be accepted. Things sent from elsewhere must not be accepted under any circumstances.”
The servants didn’t understand why but dared not contradict Fuling, nodding their heads repeatedly in agreement.
After saying this, Fuling let out a breath, feeling relieved as if she had made up for her mistake. When she turned to enter the courtyard, she saw Bai Feng standing at the bottom of the steps. He was looking at her, having heard what she had just said. Fuling’s feet froze, her face suddenly turning red again. Her eyes darted around, not knowing where to look, her hands unconsciously fidgeting with the silk sash at her waist, even her walking became awkward…
Bai Feng had naturally heard Fuling’s words and felt pleased inwardly, though his expression remained unchanged. As Fuling’s gaze wandered and her hands fidgeted nervously with her waist sash, her steps became uneven and graceless. When she approached him, she almost tripped on her skirt hem.
Seeing this, Bai Feng quickly stepped forward three paces, his hand slightly raised to support Fuling, but since she managed to steady herself, he smoothly withdrew his hand and foot. Fuling suddenly ran back to the main room like a rabbit…
Bai Feng’s frown deepened, his gaze increasingly puzzled – what was wrong with Fuling?
…
…
After washing up, Qin Wan took up a medical text to study. Lu Boyi’s condition was more serious than she had thought, and although she knew reading medical texts now might be meaningless, she still wanted to do something more. She read for nearly half an hour until the lamp wick crackled, and Fuling came over saying, “Princess, stop reading now to avoid straining your eyes. You can continue tomorrow. It’s late, you should rest.”
Qin Wan glanced at the water clock in the corner of the room and finally put down the book, but fell into thought again.
After so many days, there was still no news from Qian Prefecture. What had Yan Chi been doing these past few days? Were things going smoothly in Qian Prefecture?
Yan Chi had said that his trip to Qian Prefecture might lead to military conflict, but Qin Wan didn’t know exactly how he planned to deploy his troops. Thinking of last night’s nightmare, she felt uneasy.
After being lost in thought for a while, Qin Wan finally lay down. Fortunately, this night passed without dreams. Early the next morning, Qin Wan asked Bai Feng to send a message to Qian Prefecture. No matter what, she needed to find a way to learn news of Yan Chi…
Lu Boyi’s illness could only be treated gradually. With her natural healer’s instinct, Qin Wan was always concerned for her patients. After breakfast, she asked about the directions to the Medicine Lodge, wanting to check on the preparations for Lu Boyi’s medicine. Fuling instructed a servant, and soon Grandmother Huang came from Wutong Courtyard.
Grandmother Huang accompanied Qin Wan to the Medicine Lodge, explaining as they walked, “This Medicine Lodge has been here for a long time, but since the garden was usually unoccupied, the lodge remained empty. Only after Master Lu and his family arrived, because of Master Lu’s constant need for medicine, did we start using it again. Usually, only one medicine boy watches over it. Young Master Lu and their attendants are responsible for Master Lu’s medicine. At this hour, only the medicine boy would be here, but I’ve already sent someone ahead to have him go elsewhere.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Thank you, Grandmother. I was somewhat worried.”
Grandmother Huang gratefully replied, “It is I who should thank the Princess. After writing the prescription, you didn’t need to concern yourself further, yet now you’re personally coming to check. This shows how much you care about Master Lu’s condition. Princess’s kindness truly embodies a healer’s compassion.”
Qin Wan smiled, “Fifth Uncle’s illness is complex. We cannot afford any mistakes with the decoction, which is why I’m concerned. I wouldn’t be so careful with other ailments.”
Grandmother Huang continued expressing gratitude with repeated sighs, and soon they entered the Medicine Lodge.
The Medicine Lodge was an independent small courtyard with two main rooms and two wing rooms on either side, totaling six rooms.
Upon entering the courtyard, Qin Wan first caught the scent of herbs and then was drawn to a small water wheel.
In the center of the Medicine Lodge was a flower bed with a small stream flowing through it, and the tiny water wheel sat at the stream’s lowest point.
During this season, even the Deer Pool was frozen, yet this small stream had only a thin layer of broken ice on its surface. After observing for a moment, Qin Wan suddenly discovered its clever design: the stream was drawn from underground, and the water wheel’s outlet was connected to an underground bamboo pipe. The water wheel kept the water circulating, preventing the stream from freezing. Qin Wan exclaimed, “Was this made by the estate’s craftsmen? It’s so ingenious!”
Grandmother Huang smiled, “This wasn’t made by the estate’s craftsmen, but by the Ninth Young Master. Since water becomes inconvenient in winter due to freezing, he drew water from the Deer Pool and made this water wheel, which prevents freezing. The stream leads to a pond further on, which supplies water for the Medicine Lodge.”
Qin Wan was amazed. So the water wheel’s bamboo pipe outlet connected elsewhere, and such clever thinking could keep a pool of water flowing! It was truly remarkable!
“The Ninth Young Master is so skilled?! Not just skilled hands, but such ingenious thinking – it’s wonderful!”
As Qin Wan praised while walking closer, Grandmother Huang explained, “Princess may not know, but the Ninth Young Master usually enjoys crafts besides his studies. He even said that if he didn’t inherit the Fifth Family’s business in the future, he might become a carpenter. He said this with childish innocence, please don’t laugh.”
Qin Wan would never laugh at this. It was remarkable that a member of the Lu family like Lu Jinghe had such interests rather than focusing solely on family business and power. Perhaps his talk of becoming a carpenter truly reflected his disinterest in power.
“Not at all, I’m quite impressed. The Ninth Young Master must have been clever from a young age.”
While praising, Qin Wan walked inside, focusing on her main purpose of checking the medicines. Grandmother Huang responded, “Indeed, the Ninth Young Master was very intelligent from a young age, making small trinkets with ease. As a child, he didn’t even want store-bought wooden carts or kites because he could make them himself.”
Qin Wan was even more surprised, but her surprise lasted only a moment before she suddenly stopped at the doorway…
Grandmother Huang didn’t understand what had happened to Qin Wan, only seeing her look back once more toward the water wheel. A complex expression flashed across her face, but she then entered the room calmly, and when observed again, her expression had returned to normal.
Grandmother Huang shook her head without asking further.
In just one night, Lu Boyi’s medicine was almost ready, lacking only one ingredient. Lu Youxin had sent someone to Jian City to find it, and they would return that afternoon. Then, Lu Boyi’s medicine would be complete.
After checking the medicine, Qin Wan didn’t linger at the Medicine Lodge to avoid complications. On the way back, she asked, “Grandmother, you mentioned earlier that the Ninth Young Master oversees Fifth Uncle’s medicine?”
Grandmother Huang nodded, “Yes, the Ninth Young Master manages it. He has a quiet nature, and since Master Lu has been ill for many years, he’s been brewing medicine for his father since he was young – very filial. Now, he can even treat minor ailments himself. You’ve met the Ninth Young Master – he appears refined and gentle, but this servant thinks he’s the most intelligent among the younger generation.”
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes in recollection. Indeed, among the younger generation, Lu Jinghe didn’t stand out at first glance. At most, his temperament was gentler than Lu Jingyun’s, without appearing timid, though he couldn’t match Lu Jingxiu’s martial artist’s vigor and obvious pride.
“Making wooden carts and kites from childhood, and self-taught in medicine – from what Grandmother says, I also think the Ninth Young Master is quite gifted. How about his studies? How is his scholarship?”
Grandmother Huang smiled, “The Ninth Young Master’s scholarship is also excellent, but as Princess may have noticed, he shares his father’s nature – not fond of competition or showing off. No matter how clever he is, he never puts himself forward or displays his strength, so others don’t understand him. Thus, he doesn’t have much reputation within the clan.”
Qin Wan nodded, “I see. This is good – a steady temperament is better for achieving great things.”
Grandmother Huang sighed, “Indeed. The Young Miss was very fond of the Ninth Young Master before.”
Qin Wan turned to look at Grandmother Huang, “Did Aunt want to choose him as the heir?”
At this question, Grandmother Huang’s expression became somewhat complex, and finally, she smiled and said, “No, not really. The Fifth Family never contends for the position of heir.”
Qin Wan nodded, “In that case, Fifth Uncle’s family truly keeps away from worldly struggles.”
Grandmother Huang smiled and nodded, seeming to want to say something but ultimately holding back.
After returning to Handan Pavilion, Grandmother Huang left first, while Qin Wan began to ponder. Seeing the clever water wheel design and hearing Grandmother Huang’s repeated praise of Lu Jinghe, she thought of the mechanism at Lu Jingcheng’s door. It wasn’t a particularly sophisticated mechanism, but for ordinary people, very few could have conceived it.
Just based on this point, Lu Jinghe was worth some suspicion.
However, Grandmother Huang said the Fifth Family had no interest in competing for the heir position, and the whole family was gentle and unworldly. This reduced Qin Wan’s suspicion of Lu Jinghe somewhat. Combined with the erotic book found in Lu Jingcheng’s study, she still didn’t strongly suspect any of the young masters.
Yet, Lu Jinghe was from the Fifth Family involved in the mine incident – did he know about this?
Qin Wan had many doubts but couldn’t resolve them at the moment. In the afternoon, Bai Feng suddenly entered carrying a letter, “Princess! A letter from the Master!”
At these words, not only Qin Wan but also Bai Ying and Fuling were overjoyed. Qin Wan hurriedly opened the envelope and eagerly read the letter, which contained only a few words. She scanned it, and upon finishing, sat there in a daze.
Seeing Bai Feng and the others looking at her eagerly, Qin Wan finally said, “Fighting has broken out in Qian Prefecture and remains intense these past few days. He tells us not to worry, saying victory will be determined soon, and he will return before the New Year.”
After saying this, Qin Wan’s heart sank further.
War had indeed broken out. Since Jiang Heying came from the Northwest Army, he naturally knew it well, and with the substantial garrison in Qian Prefecture, Qin Wan worried about the intense fighting and even more about Yan Chi being injured. She gripped the letter tightly, wishing she could be by Yan Chi’s side at that moment, even amidst the flames of war, just to be with him.
“All right, don’t worry,” Qin Wan took a deep breath, suppressing all her emotions. “Trust him. We’ll wait for his return.”
Bai Feng and the others nodded in agreement, but Qin Wan knew that no one could truly feel at ease.
This letter answered Qin Wan’s questions about the situation in Qian Prefecture but also brought more concerns and worries. However, she only showed these feelings when alone. Jian Prefecture and Qian Prefecture were separated by hundreds of miles, and this letter had been written two days ago – no one knew what was happening today.
In the evening, Qin Wan sent someone to invite Lu Youxin to Handan Pavilion. When Lu Youxin arrived, she told her about Yan Chi’s letter. Upon hearing that war had truly broken out, Lu Youxin became worried as well, “This letter was written two days ago, and the fighting probably didn’t just start then. He must have been busy these days without extra time to write to us. But many people travel between Qian Prefecture and Jian Prefecture – I’ll send someone to the city tomorrow to inquire about news from Qian Prefecture.”
Qin Wan had the same thought and naturally agreed with Lu Youxin’s suggestion. Seeing Qin Wan wasn’t completely overcome with worry, Lu Youxin offered some comforting words before changing the subject, “I heard you were very impressed by Jinghe’s water wheel. He’s a skillful child. Among the Lu clan, he’s made many small devices. That water wheel system only took him five days from start to finish. He used to say he wanted to be a carpenter, and I think even if he did become one, he’d be an exceptional carpenter…”
Qin Wan smiled slightly, “Yes, Grandmother Huang told me quite a bit. I was very surprised – it shows the Ninth Young Master is truly gifted.”
Lu Youxin sighed, “Yes, he’s very clever, and learns everything quickly. I often think, if only Jingxiu had his steadiness and intelligence.”
Qin Wan heard these words with some confusion, “Aunt, do you mean… Do you favor the Fifth Young Master? But if you think the Ninth Young Master is also excellent, why not simply…”
Hearing this, Lu Youxin pressed her lips together, her expression growing heavy. After a pause, she said, “Actually… it’s not that I don’t like Jinghe. I’m very fond of him. I’ve told you before that the younger generation still needs tempering, but when the time comes, I won’t refuse to name an heir. However, if I were to name Jinghe, the clan elders would certainly object…”
Qin Wan’s eyes filled with confusion. Lu Youxin looked at her for a moment, then as if making a decision, said, “My Fifth Brother has been in poor health since childhood, and although his marriage is harmonious, they… they had difficulty having children. Jinghe… is a child my Fifth Brother adopted from a branch of the Lu family, not their biological son. Only I and a few clan elders know this… Because of this, no matter how good Jinghe is, it would be very difficult for me to choose him.”
Qin Wan instantly understood why Grandmother Huang’s expression had been complex earlier, and her recently dismissed suspicions about Lu Jinghe were reignited by Lu Youxin’s words. If Lu Jinghe wasn’t born to the Fifth Family, then he wasn’t Lu Jingcheng’s blood cousin after all!