Fu Ling listened with astonishment, “You know? Who is the murderer?” She asked urgently. Qin Wan looked at her but remained silent for a moment. Outside, the cold wind grew increasingly bitter, cutting across Qin Wan’s face like a knife. Just as she was unsure how to respond, Grandmother Huang approached from nearby, “Young Madam, have you finished your inquiries?”
Qin Wan nodded, “Yes, I have.”
Grandmother Huang quickly asked, “Did you learn anything?”
Qin Wan’s lips moved slightly, replying with fatigue, “I learned quite a bit, but I need to organize my thoughts.”
Seeing this, Grandmother Huang hastily nodded, “Yes, Young Madam should rest now. You still need to check Fifth Master’s pulse and perform acupuncture tonight.”
Qin Wan nodded and headed toward Hantan Pavilion. Fu Ling, noticing Qin Wan’s grave expression and genuine exhaustion, dared not ask more questions.
Back at Hantan Pavilion, Qin Wan sat by the window with a cup of hot tea, deep in thought. At this point, although there was no concrete evidence, she had pieced together the sequence of events. If there were no unexpected developments, she knew who the killer was. However, she hesitated. While Lu Jingcheng deserved his fate, and though the killer was guilty, their actions were somewhat understandable. If she told Lu Youxin, how would he choose?
Qin Wan sat motionless in Hantan Pavilion for a long time, only coming to her senses when she noticed the darkening sky outside. After a simple evening meal, she went to Wutong Courtyard.
At Wutong Courtyard, Lu Youxin was talking with Lu Boyi, both wearing smiles. Lu Jinghe stood respectfully and gracefully to the side, appearing well-behaved. Qin Wan glanced at him while walking inside.
“You’re here!” Lu Youxin rose to welcome Qin Wan upon seeing her.
Lu Boyi also stood up, “Miss Qin has arrived…”
In recent days, Lu Boyi’s condition has shown slight improvement. His cough was less severe, and he slept more soundly. Seeing this, everyone’s trust in Qin Wan’s medical skills increased, along with their hopes for Lu Boyi’s recovery.
Qin Wan entered the main hall, “How are you feeling today, Fifth Master?”
Lu Boyi smiled, “I was just telling Second Sister that I’m much better. Before, when I coughed, it felt like my chest was being torn apart, but now I hardly cough unless I catch a chill.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Very well, Fifth Master, please come inside. I’ll check your pulse first, then proceed with acupuncture.”
Lu Boyi’s spirit had improved so much that he no longer needed Lu Jinghe’s support while walking. He gestured for Qin Wan to go first, then followed her to the inner chamber.
As they settled on the low couch by the window, Qin Wan began checking Lu Boyi’s pulse. Before she finished, Grandmother Huang entered from outside and whispered something in Lu Youxin’s ear. Lu Youxin frowned and stood up, “There’s an issue with Second Brother. I need to check on it.”
Since Qin Wan and Lu Boyi had become familiar with each other, she simply nodded at this news.
After Lu Youxin left, the room fell quiet. Qin Wan finished checking the pulse and said, “We need to change the prescription. The previous medicine showed some effect, and combined with acupuncture, Fifth Master’s condition has notably improved. Now I want to use a stronger prescription. We’ll try it for one day, and if Fifth Master experiences any discomfort, I’ll adjust it.”
Over these days, Qin Wan had been checking Lu Boyi’s pulse almost daily. Through their interactions, Lu Boyi realized she wasn’t as aloof as she seemed. He asked, “The previous prescription worked well. I thought Miss Qin wouldn’t change it yet. Given your excellent medical skills, I’m sure the new prescription will be even more effective. May I keep these prescriptions for future use?”
Qin Wan had never concealed her prescriptions, and Lu Boyi knew this. Since she would leave after the New Year, he wanted to keep the prescriptions for personal use.
Hearing this, Qin Wan raised her eyebrows slightly, “This prescription is only suitable for Fifth Master’s current condition. Using it at other times might not only be ineffective but could harm your health.”
While writing with brush and paper, she continued, “Fifth Master’s current pulse shows Yin deficiency and cold in the lung meridian. If you want a prescription for future use, it would be better for me to write one before I leave. The current prescription requires pulse examination and diagnosis to determine its suitability.”
Lu Boyi nodded, “Yes, Miss Qin makes sense. I was being foolish.”
Qin Wan smiled and continued writing today’s prescription. Lu Boyi looked up to see her elegant small regular script, pleasing to the eye. He had seen the previous prescription, and today’s was indeed quite different, with additional ingredients like Du Huo, Qin Jiao, Du Zhong, Fu Zi, and others, in larger doses than before.
Qin Wan quickly finished writing the prescription and explained, “There are twenty-two herbs in total. Instead of decocting them, make them into powder according to the proportions. Take one Qian each time with hot wine, twice daily after lunch and dinner.” Lu Boyi accepted the prescription, realizing how different it was from the previous one, and agreed to all instructions.
Qin Wan nodded and asked Lu Boyi to lie on the long couch for acupuncture. Lu Jinghe came forward to help Lu Boyi change clothes as usual. After he finished, Qin Wan began the treatment. Being familiar with the procedure now, she worked more quickly, finishing within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. She then left the room as Lu Boyi dozed off, and Lu Jinghe naturally withdrew as well.
In the outer hall, only Grandmother Huang and a few servants remained, hurrying to serve hot tea.
Qin Wan took a sip from her teacup and suddenly asked Lu Jinghe, “Did Fifth Master previously take ginseng soup daily?”
Lu Jinghe, also holding a teacup, quickly replied, “Yes, daily, but he stopped after Miss Qin prescribed the dietary therapy.”
Qin Wan nodded, “Simply taking supplements alone doesn’t help the condition.”
After a pause, she looked at Lu Jinghe again, “Besides making crafts, what else does Ninth Young Master enjoy doing?”
Lu Jinghe quietly met her gaze, “Nothing else. Since Father fell ill, most of my time has been spent caring for him.”
Qin Wan nodded and glanced outside, suddenly noticing it was snowing again. She stood up and walked to the window, “It was clear when I came, but now it’s snowing again.” She turned back and said, “I see the plum blossoms in the garden are blooming beautifully. With fresh snow falling now, would Ninth Young Master like to make plum blossom wine?”
Lu Jinghe’s hand holding the teacup trembled, “What?”
Qin Wan watched him, “The craftsmen have tended the plum blossoms in the garden excellently. The flowers are large and vibrant, with an exquisite fragrance. Combined with fresh snow, if we store it through winter and take it out in late spring or early summer next year, it will surely be better than nectar. Isn’t Ninth Young Master tempted?”
Lu Jinghe slowly put down his teacup and pressed his lips together, “Of course I’m tempted… During the first snow some days ago, I gathered some plum blossoms and snow water to make wine, but I seem to lack skill in this area, so I set it aside.”
Qin Wan smiled, “How could that be? Ninth Young Master created that flowing water wheel; other intricate crafts must come easily to you. Plum blossom wine is much simpler than those.”
Lu Jinghe’s lips twitched slightly, “Since Miss Qin says so, I’ll try again.”
Qin Wan nodded with a smile, “I know there’s also a bamboo grove in the plum garden. The snow under those bamboos, with the fragrance of both plum and bamboo, must be perfect.”
Lu Jinghe’s eyes remained as calm as an ancient well, but his fingertips trembled slightly at her words, “Yes… it’s very elegant. I didn’t realize Miss Qin had visited so many places in the manor…”
Qin Wan turned to the side, looking out the window again, “White Deer Isle has beautiful scenery everywhere, especially the Deer Garden and Plum Garden, which are truly captivating.”
Lu Jinghe watched Qin Wan’s profile but didn’t respond this time.
Qin Wan stood by the window for a while, and seeing that Lu Youxin hadn’t returned, she asked Grandmother Huang who remained, “What happened at Second Master’s place?”
Grandmother Huang quickly replied, “Second Master said the memorial hall Madam prepared for Fourth Young Master was too plain and simple. He’s made a fuss about it twice before. Previously, Madam didn’t see him, but tonight he’s causing trouble at the memorial hall, so Madam had no choice but to go check.”
Qin Wan’s eyes showed understanding, “I see. Second Master’s grief over losing his beloved son is understandable.”
Lu Jinghe sat quietly to the side, as if in meditation. Qin Wan’s gaze passed over him, “Fourth Young Master’s death at such a young age is truly regrettable. I heard he was murdered. I wonder who could have been so ruthless.”
Grandmother Huang frowned, not immediately understanding why Qin Wan said this, but after glancing at Lu Jinghe, she realized Qin Wan might be trying to establish her position as a doctor and expressed surprise.
Grandmother Huang gave a bitter smile, “Yes, the manor is still investigating.”
Qin Wan turned to Lu Jinghe, “Ninth Young Master, who do you think harmed Fourth Young Master?”
Lu Jinghe didn’t look up. He kept his eyes lowered and after a pause said, “I don’t know either.”
Qin Wan withdrew her gaze and closed the window, shutting out the cold wind and snow, “Heaven’s net casts wide but lets nothing slip through. The murderers will surely reveal themselves sooner or later…”
Lu Jinghe spoke again, “It might not be easy. Like this fresh snow – when new snow falls, it covers old tracks.”
Qin Wan turned to look at Lu Jinghe, “New snow can only cover previous tracks in the snow, but it can’t wash away blood from stone points, nor can it erase the wounds on the killer’s body. So I believe the killer’s exposure is just a matter of time.”
Lu Jinghe also looked at Qin Wan and suddenly asked, “Does Miss Qin believe in gods and Buddha?”
Qin Wan’s breath lightened, “No.”
Hearing this, Lu Jinghe smiled slightly and lowered his gaze, “Miss Qin’s medical skills are extraordinary, having saved countless lives. In others’ eyes, Miss Qin herself is like a living deity. However, many people in this world not only can’t save others but are deeply mired in their troubles. At such times, they can only rely on themselves. Though gods and Buddha can’t protect all beings, they are most compassionate. If these people have made mistakes, perhaps they can be forgiven.”
Lu Jinghe calmly gazed at Qin Wan, his eyes growing increasingly deep and dark. Qin Wan couldn’t detect any other emotions in them.
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “Though I don’t believe in gods and Buddha, I believe in cause and effect. I know all beings suffer, and those trapped in trouble aren’t just one person. However, if people harbor evil thoughts and create karmic obstacles, seeking Buddha’s forgiveness requires first immersing oneself in karmic fire to cleanse sins. Otherwise, if everyone could first do evil and then hope for Buddha’s compassion without paying any price, what logic would that be?”
Lu Jinghe had been looking at Qin Wan, but after she finished speaking, he turned his gaze away with an expressionless face.
He sat there motionless and silent, his demeanor refined, but his eyes were as cold as the chill outside.
Grandmother Huang listened from the side and suddenly felt something strange about the atmosphere between Qin Wan and Lu Jinghe. Just as she was about to speak, violent coughing erupted from the inner chamber. Qin Wan’s expression changed slightly as she hurried inside, with Lu Jinghe instantly rising to follow.
Entering the inner chamber, they saw Lu Boyi with his eyes open, his face reddened from coughing. Upon seeing Qin Wan and Lu Jinghe enter, he finally caught his breath and stopped coughing.
While removing the needles, Qin Wan asked, “Fifth Master, what happened? Are you experiencing any discomfort?”
Lu Boyi waved his hand, “No, no, my throat just suddenly became very itchy.”
Qin Wan relaxed at this. After removing all the needles, Lu Jinghe helped Lu Boyi put on his clothes. Lu Boyi tremblingly held onto Lu Jinghe, and after putting on his cloak, said, “Second Sister hasn’t returned, but we won’t wait. I’m rather tired and will retire to rest. Miss Qin, farewell.”
Qin Wan nodded, watching the father and son leave the main room.
After they left, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed. Lu Jinghe’s earlier words had diminished her sympathy somewhat.
Having followed her father in investigating cases for many years, she had witnessed countless human sufferings. The more suffering she saw, the more compassion grew in her heart. Yet no matter how compassionate and soft-hearted one became, the fundamental nature of good and evil remained unchangeable. In this world, regardless of whether one was good or evil, strong or weak, everyone had to pay the appropriate price for their actions.
Seeing that Lu Youxin hadn’t returned for quite some time, Qin Wan also bid farewell and returned to Hantan Pavilion.
Upon returning, Qin Wan immediately summoned Bai Feng, “Keep watch on the activities at Qingzhu Court.”
Bai Feng accepted the order but seemed confused, “Does Lu Jingcheng’s case have something to do with the Fifth House?”
Qin Wan nodded, her face showing some frustration, “I’ve understood all the connections but have no evidence. That’s the current situation, which is why I need you to watch Qingzhu Court.”
Though Bai Feng had doubts, she nodded and turned to leave.
Qin Wan sat in the warm chamber, feeling troubled. In the current situation, without evidence, Lu Youxin might not fully believe her words. So much time had passed since the incident that there was no concrete evidence left. Even if she revealed everything, if the killer denied it strongly, she would have no way to prove it…
Qin Wan sighed and reviewed the clues she had gathered from her day’s questioning, yet still felt somewhat lost.
Lu Jingcheng knew about Lu Jinghe’s background and could have used it to blackmail him into submission. Given Lu Jingcheng’s disdain for Lu Jinghe’s status, combined with finding Lu Jinghe’s appearance attractive, he might have harbored evil intentions. From this perspective, it wasn’t impossible.
Later, Lu Jingcheng had his subordinates monitor the movements of those two managers, probably because he had made some promises to Lu Jinghe, simultaneously threatening and tempting him with conditions. Thus, whether Lu Jinghe was willing or not, he had no choice but to comply. Now that Lu Jingcheng was dead, Lu Jinghe could simply deny everything…
Frowning, Qin Wan thought of Lu Youxin’s appreciation for Lu Jinghe, then of Lu Boyi’s illness, making her even more hesitant.
Early the next morning, Bai Feng came to report, “Young Madam, we’ve watched Qingzhu Court for a long time but haven’t noticed anything unusual about Fifth Master and Ninth Young Master. There aren’t many servants in Qingzhu Court, and nothing seems strange.”
After some thought, Qin Wan said, “Where is Lu Suiyong, who guards the plum forest? Please help me find him. He has met me before, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Bai Feng left immediately, and soon Lu Suiyong arrived at Hantan Pavilion.
Though Lu Suiyong had met Qin Wan before, he still didn’t know her identity and was quite nervous about being summoned.
After he paid his respects in the main hall, Qin Wan asked, “You’ve guarded the plum garden for a long time. Have you seen Ninth Young Master’s visit?”
Lu Suiyong looked up and replied, “Of course, I have, though Ninth Young Master doesn’t come often. I’ve only seen him once or twice.”
“When? Who was he with?”
Lu Suiyong tilted his head and thought for a moment, “About two months ago, just after Jian Province had its first heavy snow. Ninth Young Master came to gather snow-covered plum blossoms. I saw him once then. He was alone and didn’t bring anyone with him. Unlike the other young masters, Ninth Young Master usually doesn’t bring attendants.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan felt even more helpless, “And after that?”
“I saw Ninth Young Master from afar once more, but I was busy at the time and didn’t go forward to pay my respects. He was alone again, seemingly gathering plum blossoms. I haven’t seen him since then.”
Qin Wan held her forehead, “Mm, you may leave.”
As Lu Suiyong withdrew somewhat anxiously, Qin Wan fell into deep thought.
She had asked everything she could. Now she could only bring in people from the Fifth House for questioning, but doing so would clearly show her suspicion of the Fifth House.
Without first discussing it with Lu Youxin, Qin Wan felt she wouldn’t approve of investigating the Fifth House.
Seeing Qin Wan so troubled, Bai Ying couldn’t help saying, “Young Madam, why not tell Madam the truth and see how she wants to handle it?”
Qin Wan looked at Bai Ying, who continued, “Usually when you help officials investigate cases, you always want to find sufficient evidence before accusing the culprit. But today is different. In White Deer Isle, the final decision lies first with Madam, and only then with the law. Even with Hu Guangde, if Madam wanted to use private punishment, who else would know?”
Though Bai Ying was typically as taciturn as Bai Feng, today’s words greatly resonated with Qin Wan.
As Bai Ying said, since this case hadn’t been reported to the authorities, Lu Youxin was still handling it as a family matter. Her current constraints were all because of this – why not tell Lu Youxin everything she knew and let her decide? This way, there would be no need to delay further.
Qin Wan sighed, “You’re right. I was thinking about this as if it were like before. Very well, I’ll go see Aunt tonight.”
Having made this decision, Qin Wan didn’t give up organizing the clues. With her remarkable memory, she even wrote down the testimonies of Lu Jingcheng’s servants to give to Lu Youxin that night. After making preparations, she headed to Wutong Courtyard early in the evening.
She first sent someone to announce her arrival. When she reached Wutong Courtyard, only Lu Youxin and Grandmother Huang were present with a few others.
Seeing Qin Wan arrive, Lu Youxin came forward smiling, “Why have you come so early today? Isn’t the pulse-taking still some time away?”
Qin Wan’s face showed no smile. Lu Youxin looked at her for a moment, and her smile faded slightly, “What is it? Has something happened?”
Qin Wan stepped forward, “Aunt, I have something to report.”
Seeing Lu Youxin watching her, Qin Wan continued, “It’s about Lu Jingcheng’s case. If nothing is amiss, I believe I know who the killer is.”
Lu Youxin’s eyes widened slightly as she grabbed Qin Wan’s hand, “You know? Who is it? Tell me quickly!”
Lu Youxin was extremely excited. Qin Wan patted the back of her hand and said, “When you learn who this person is, Aunt, you’ll likely be very shocked and heartbroken. Right now, I haven’t found any concrete evidence. I can only tell you my deductions, and after hearing them, how to proceed will be entirely up to you.”
Lu Youxin quickly nodded, “Of course I trust you. Just tell me who it is. No matter what, a life was taken – I won’t be lenient about this.”
Qin Wan nodded and was about to speak when Grandmother Huang suddenly entered from outside, “Miss, Fifth Master has arrived.”
Qin Wan’s brows immediately furrowed. Lu Youxin was also surprised and glanced at the water clock in the corner, asking with astonishment, “Why so early?”
It had just turned dark, and their usual appointment for pulse-taking wasn’t for another half hour. This was the first time Lu Boyi had come so early.
Though surprised, Lu Youxin still said, “Quickly let him in.”
Grandmother Huang nodded and soon escorted Lu Boyi inside.
The interruption made it impossible for Qin Wan to continue what she was about to say. Lu Youxin squeezed her hand and whispered, “Your Fifth Uncle is a good person, don’t worry.”
These words meant Qin Wan didn’t need to be cautious later, but how could she speak in front of Lu Boyi?
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, saying nothing for the moment, and noticed that today Lu Boyi had come alone.
Though his condition had improved in the past two days and smiles had become common on his face, now Lu Boyi entered with a stern expression. His steps were heavy, his eyes showing determination. Seeing this expression, Qin Wan instinctively felt uneasy, as if something was about to happen!
“Miss Qin is here too…”
Lu Boyi nodded to Qin Wan as he entered, his tone suppressed and heavy.
Lu Youxin must have also noticed Lu Boyi’s strange behavior and frowned, “Fifth Brother, why have you come so early today? Has something happened?”
Lu Boyi looked at Lu Youxin, then at Qin Wan. His hand at his side suddenly clenched into a fist, then he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. After a moment, he opened them, the determination in his eyes even stronger, “Since Miss Qin is here, please let her be a witness.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows, while Lu Youxin looked even more confused. Lu Boyi glanced at Grandmother Huang and the others, his meaning very clear.
Lu Youxin quickly said, “All of you withdraw—”
After Grandmother Huang and the others withdrew and even closed the door, Lu Youxin stepped forward, “Fifth Brother, what’s wrong?”
Lu Boyi looked at Lu Youxin with a pained expression, then suddenly lifted his robe and knelt.
Lu Youxin was shocked – Lu Boyi was her elder brother, how could he kneel to her?!
“Fifth Brother! What are you doing?! What has happened that requires you to kneel like this? Quickly get up, you’re still ill!”
Lu Youxin stepped forward to help Lu Boyi up, but he shook his head and held her hands, “Youxin, listen to me.”
Lu Youxin froze, her sense of unease growing stronger, “Fifth Brother… what do you want to say?”
Lu Boyi looked up at Lu Youxin, then glanced at Qin Wan, who though surprised, maintained a very calm expression. He suddenly said slowly, “I… killed Jingcheng.”
Lu Boyi’s voice trembled slightly as he spoke. After saying these words, he gave a bitter smile as if relieved, “It was me… I accidentally killed Jingcheng… After all these days, watching the manor in chaos, I’ve come today to confess my guilt.”
Lu Youxin was completely stunned, her pupils constricted, and she couldn’t speak for a long time, “How… how could it be Fifth Brother…”
Compared to Lu Youxin’s shocked stammering, Qin Wan suddenly became calm. The unease in her heart had become a reality. Looking at Lu Boyi’s face full of guilt and pain, she felt her throat tightening. She could easily expose Lu Boyi’s lie, but at this moment, she couldn’t say a single word.
Lu Boyi lowered his eyes, their corners becoming slightly moist, “I knew about the mine disaster beforehand.”
Lu Youxin was startled again. Lu Boyi continued, “You know what Jingcheng was like – typically quite domineering. As his elder, I tolerated it all. But the mine disaster – I simply couldn’t bear it. About a month ago, while walking near the plum forest, I saw Jingcheng there. I inadvertently overheard his conversation with a servant. He was saying that Hu Guangde was demanding money, but he was short on funds. He couldn’t refuse – over twenty people had died in the mine disaster. If they didn’t silence Hu Guangde quickly, he would expose everything!”
Lu Youxin’s eyes immediately reddened, her body swaying. Qin Wan quickly moved to support her.
“Fifth Brother… knowing this, why didn’t you tell me immediately?!”
In Lu Youxin’s heart, this Fifth Brother was honest and upright, always the one being bullied, never one to lie. Moreover, he wouldn’t confess to such a serious crime without cause. Once confessed, it must be true. Though her heart was shocked and disbelieving, her reason told her Lu Boyi’s words weren’t false.
Lu Boyi shook his head, “I was foolish. I should have come to you then, but… but I held back because I wanted to find evidence. Preferably… preferably catch him giving money to Hu Guangde. However… my health betrayed me, and my condition worsened. This delay cost us the best opportunity. The matter was too significant – I dared not tell anyone, not even Jinghe.”
“That day, I encountered Jingcheng again by the plum forest. This time I couldn’t contain my anger and confronted him. I thought once I revealed that I knew about the mine disaster, he would surely break down crying and beg for forgiveness. But to my surprise, not only was he not remorseful, but he… he even used Jinghe’s background to threaten me!”
Lu Boyi looked up, his eyes brimming with tears. Lu Youxin gasped, “What?! He knew about that?!”
Lu Boyi nodded, “Yes, he knew. He said what’s done is done – those people are dead and can’t be brought back. But if I exposed this matter, he would tell others that Jinghe isn’t Fifth House’s biological son. You know how weak our Fifth House’s position is. Even as the legitimate son, Jinghe faces bullying. If people learned he was only adopted, he might not get any of Fifth House’s inheritance. For Jinghe’s sake, I had to swallow my anger.”
“I conceded and planned to drop the matter, thinking that catching those two managers would be enough to resolve this. But Jingcheng… he went too far! Not only did he use Jinghe’s background to prevent me from revealing the mine disaster truth, but he also demanded fifty thousand taels of silver from me for his silence! I… as you know, where would I get fifty thousand taels?! When I said I didn’t have the money, Jingcheng demanded the deed to Fifth House’s ancestral home in Lan Prefecture! He said he’d return it when I paid the fifty thousand, but if I couldn’t gather the amount, the ancestral home would be his!”
Lu Youxin was so angry her vision darkened, “What?! This wicked creature! How dare he be so presumptuous!”
Lu Boyi sighed, “I had no choice, but he set a deadline – I had to give it to him the night of the incident. I knew he was injured that day, but I didn’t visit him. When the appointed time came, I still went, fearing he would expose Jinghe’s background in a fit of rage! I went empty-handed and begged him, but he wouldn’t listen, saying he would tell everyone about Jinghe’s background the next day…”
Tears suddenly rolled down Lu Boyi’s cheeks, “Jinghe is my child – even if not by birth, he might as well be. All these years, he’s endured so much hardship in Fifth House without a word of complaint. Youxin, you know how we’re like a real father and son. How could I let someone ruin the rest of Jinghe’s life?! I couldn’t allow it! Would never allow it! I even knelt before him, but he wouldn’t budge at all. In a fit of rage… I pushed him down in the snow and smothered him!”
Lu Boyi wiped his eyes, “I’m useless. All these years, not only have I failed to help you, but I couldn’t even protect my wife and child, letting others bully us like this. As an elder, I couldn’t even handle a nephew. My incompetence has brought trouble to the entire household. It’s all my fault. These past few days, I’ve felt extremely guilty. After much thought, I decided to confess to you. New Year’s approaching – confessing this gives me peace of mind, even if I must spend the holiday in prison!”
After saying this, Lu Boyi looked up at Lu Youxin, “Youxin, I’ve said everything. I’ll accept whatever punishment you decide!”
Lu Boyi knelt there stiffly, his gaze resolute. Yet his sickly pale appearance aroused pity. Lu Youxin swayed, her heart aching terribly after hearing Lu Boyi’s words. Her tears were now unstoppable. Half-leaning on Qin Wan for support, she looked at Lu Boyi, feeling lost for the first time, “Fifth Brother… how could you…”
Lu Boyi slowly lowered his gaze, as if unable to face Lu Youxin’s grief-stricken, sympathetic eyes.
“For Jinghe, I would do anything.”
Lu Youxin closed her eyes tightly, tears sliding down her cheeks. When she opened them again, there was still hesitation in her eyes, “Do Fifth Sister-in-law and Jinghe know about this?”
Lu Boyi shook his head, “Only you, me, and Miss Qin know.”
Lu Youxin didn’t mind whether Qin Wan knew or not, but she hadn’t expected Lu Boyi wouldn’t mind either. Just then, Lu Boyi looked up at Qin Wan, his eyes full of pleading, “Miss Qin has healing hands and a benevolent heart, truly a living Bodhisattva. It doesn’t matter that she heard what I said today. The fault lies with me. Miss Qin clearly distinguishes right from wrong – I’ll peacefully accept any punishment. So there’s no need to keep this from her.”
Qin Wan’s lips moved slightly, but her chest felt tight and her throat constricted, unable to say anything.
From the moment Lu Boyi admitted to killing Lu Jingcheng, she understood his intentions. Having not exposed him initially and hearing all those words afterward made it even harder to speak. Seeing Qin Wan’s silence, Lu Boyi seemed relieved and looked back at Lu Youxin, “Youxin, give the order. Send me to the authorities tomorrow. This will resolve the chaos in our household…”
Lu Youxin wiped her eyes, how could she bear to grant Lu Boyi’s request?
“Fifth Brother, this matter… this matter needs careful consideration… I never imagined it would be you. You’re… so seriously ill, how could you…”
Lu Boyi lowered his head and said tremblingly, “Though gravely ill, I am still a man. I was furious at the time, and Jingcheng was injured, I…”
Lu Youxin closed her eyes in pain. After a while, she suddenly waved her hand, “This matter! This matter requires more thought! Go back first. Tomorrow, I will decide!”
Lu Boyi looked up at Lu Youxin. Compared to Lu Youxin and Qin Wan, he seemed calmer now, “Youxin, don’t be reluctant. Though my illness has improved somewhat under Miss Qin’s care, I… I know I only have a few years left at most. I’ve lived most of my life, and I’m content.”
Lu Youxin frowned and commanded, “I said I’ll decide tomorrow means I’ll decide tomorrow! As family head, I order you to return first!”
Hearing this, Lu Boyi slowly lowered his eyes, seemingly pondering for a moment before shakily standing up. He sighed and walked out.
Lu Boyi’s steps were heavy, and his figure stooped. Lu Youxin watched his retreating form with fresh tears. Only after he disappeared did she turn and tightly grasp Qin Wan’s hand, letting out a low sob, “How… how could it be like this!”
Qin Wan quickly helped Lu Youxin sit down, “Aunt…”
Lu Youxin couldn’t calm down, “No wonder, no wonder you said I would be heartbroken if I knew. It was Fifth Brother! Wan’er, what do you think I should do? Fifth Brother has been close to me since childhood. Among all my cousins, he was the most righteous and kind. Why must such a good person endure such injustice? He asks me to send him to prison – should I do that? He only gained a few more years of life after meeting a doctor like you. If he goes to prison now, wouldn’t that… wouldn’t that be sending him to the execution ground!”
Lu Youxin clutched Qin Wan with one hand while holding her chest with the other. In just moments, her face had turned paper-white. Qin Wan felt heartbroken and said hoarsely, “Aunt should follow her heart. Fifth Uncle… Fifth Uncle is truly pitiful.”
This prompted more distress from Lu Youxin, “Jinghe is their lifeline. Without this child, Fifth Brother probably wouldn’t have much will to live. Over the years, Jinghe has become half a doctor and learned from caring for his father. He’s the most filial child – there’s none more dutiful in the world. Such affection surpasses many biological father-son relationships! How could Fifth Brother not protect him…”
Qin Wan nodded, recalling Lu Boyi’s earlier appearance. His pain was genuine, his remorse real, but those tears weren’t shed for himself. He had crafted the cause and effect flawlessly, even describing the details of Lu Jingcheng’s death clearly – evidently, he knew exactly why Lu Jingcheng was killed and naturally understood how much Jinghe had suffered. He took the blame out of extreme love for Jinghe.
Most of what he said today was false, but his statement about doing anything for Jinghe was true.
Qin Wan didn’t know whether to feel moved or sigh. She just quietly comforted Lu Youxin. After a long while, Lu Youxin finally contained her grief, wiped her eyes, and gripped Qin Wan’s hand, “Wan’er, this matter… I need to think it through carefully. If I… if I protect Fifth Brother, would you despise me?”
Qin Wan took a shallow breath and shook her head, “No, it’s entirely Aunt’s decision.”
Lu Youxin nodded but stared blankly toward the doorway. This sudden turn of events seemed to have scattered her soul. After weathering so many storms over the years, she now felt helpless and conflicted. After a long daze, she remembered Qin Wan was still there and hurriedly said, “Wan’er, go rest now. I need to think… I need to think this through carefully…”
Lu Youxin stood up and walked unsteadily toward the inner chamber. Qin Wan felt a tightness in her chest. After standing for a moment, she had no choice but to turn and leave. As she walked, she felt the testimonies in her sleeve pocket. After a moment’s hesitation, she pushed them deeper into her sleeve.
Qin Wan had arrived with a complex state of mind but left with even heavier thoughts. Walking along the small path toward Hantan Pavilion, she felt an increasingly complex, dull pain in her heart. This pain came from sympathy for Lu Boyi, and deeper still, from the conflict in her own heart.
Good people shouldn’t suffer evil consequences, but… should they let Lu Youxin, the decision-maker, remain in the dark?
A walk that usually took half an incense stick’s time took her a full stick’s time today. When she reached Hantan Pavilion’s entrance, Qin Wan suddenly stopped.
Her whole body felt cold, yet standing before Hantan Pavilion’s gate, she found herself unable to step inside.