In the carriage, Qin Wan’s brows were deeply furrowed. Two days ago, she had left only after checking Yao Xin Lan’s pulse. Though she had said it would take two days of medication to know if Yao Xin Lan’s pregnancy could be saved, she had been quite confident. From the moment she applied acupuncture, Yao Xin Lan’s pregnancy was secured, and that day’s pulse examination proved she had indeed improved significantly. If so, why was Yao Xin Lan gravely ill now?
“Ninth Sister, has Princess Tai Chang’s illness improved?”
From outside the carriage, Qin Chen inquired softly from horseback. Qin Wan lifted the curtain to look out, seeing Qin Chen in blue robes looking somewhat haggard, though he still maintained an elegant bearing even while riding.
“She has improved considerably and is out of danger.”
“That’s good.” Qin Chen sighed in relief. “If Xin Lan weren’t suffering so severely, I wouldn’t have come to fetch you. Fortunately, the Marquis and his wife are understanding. Ninth Sister, you are truly remarkable.”
Earlier, Madam Jiang had held Qin Wan’s hand as they left, showing mother-daughter-like affection. It seemed Qin Wan had indeed cured Princess Tai Chang’s illness. But Qin Wan had been in Jinzhou for three years – who knew she had medical skills?
In the past, there had been once or twice when Qin Wan caught a cold fever in winter and was at death’s door. He had helped call for a doctor then. If Qin Wan knew medicine herself, why didn’t she treat herself?
“The Marquis and his wife are both reasonable people and won’t mind. Besides, Qin Wan is still a member of the Qin family, so naturally, our own family’s patient takes priority.” Qin Wan supported the curtain with her hand and explained softly.
Seeing this, Fu Ling took over the curtain and said to those outside, “Young Master came at just the right time. The Marquis Manor isn’t peaceful—”
Fu Ling was straightforward, and Qin Wan couldn’t stop her in time. Qin Chen frowned, “What happened?”
Qin Wan gave Fu Ling a stern look, which finally silenced her impending words. Instead, she sighed and said, “Miss Song’s case remains unsolved, so the manor has been quite chaotic these past two days.”
Though Qin Chen hadn’t experienced that night’s events, he had heard discussions everywhere after returning. Without Qin Wan saying more, he understood. “It’s a murder case after all, and on a wedding day no less. Of course, it’s unsettling.”
After a brief pause, Qin Chen said concernedly, “If Princess Tai Chang’s illness has improved, you should visit Marquis Manor less until the case is solved, to avoid getting involved in trouble.”
Fu Ling nodded vigorously inside the carriage. Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “Yes, thank you, Elder Brother.”
Qin Wan hadn’t intended to stay long at the Marquis Manor, but at this point, she was worried about Princess Tai Chang’s illness, and Miss Song’s case raised more questions in her mind. She hadn’t forgotten that the events of last night and this morning seemed to be directed at her.
Though she thought this, having been fetched by Qin Chen, she had no choice but to set aside the Marquis Manor’s affairs for now. Qin Wan had Fu Ling lower the curtain as her eyes darkened. After all, the Qin Manor wasn’t peaceful either.
Just as the carriage steadied at the manor gate, Mo Shu’s voice carried over, “Ninth Young Lady has returned!”
Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down. Mo Shu approached her as if seeing a lifeline, eyes reddened, “Ninth Young Lady, you’re finally back. Our Lady has been waiting for you…”
Qin Wan frowned and walked quickly toward the gate, “What exactly happened?”
Mo Shu’s nose tinged with emotion, “Our Lady… these past few nights she’s been having nightmares. Though there’s been no bleeding, she keeps feeling pain in her belly. Before you returned, Old Madam suggested calling Doctor Yang, but our Lady refused, wanting only you to examine her.”
Qin Wan’s lips tightened slightly. Pregnant women were especially vulnerable. It was normal for Yao Xin Lan to be anxious and restless after being frightened by the previous bleeding. She followed Mo Shu quickly, with Qin Chen trailing behind them. Soon they reached Lin Feng Court.
Entering the courtyard and reaching the inner chamber’s door, they saw the room was full of people.
Madam Jiang sat beside Yao Xin Lan, Madam Lin stood at the foot of the bed, and Qin Xiang also surrounded Yao Xin Lan. All three wore gloomy expressions. When they heard movement and saw Qin Wan, their expressions became subtly complex for a moment.
They all disliked Qin Wan, yet ironically, now they had to rely on her to save Yao Xin Lan.
Madam Lin reacted first, stepping forward and saying gently, “Wan’er has returned…”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes and curtsied, “Greetings to Old Madam and Third Aunt.”
Madam Lin quickly helped Qin Wan up, “We’ve been waiting for you to return. Your Sister-in-law is unwell again. She trusts only you. Come quickly and examine her. Is all well at the Marquis Manor?”
Qin Wan was pulled forward by Madam Lin as Qin Xiang moved aside.
“Princess Tai Chang’s illness has initially stabilized.”
While speaking, Qin Wan looked at Yao Xin Lan. In just two days, Yao Xin Lan appeared thinner. Her black hair hung loose over her shoulders, making her small face look even more delicate and weak. Her face was pale, lips ashen, with dark circles under her eyes, showing she indeed hadn’t slept well due to deep worry these past days. Seeing Qin Wan approach, she managed a weak smile, “Ninth Sister has finally returned.”
Hearing her speak, Qin Wan frowned again. Yao Xin Lan was as weak as she had been two days ago.
“Sister-in-law, please extend your hand.” Qin Wan immediately moved forward to check her pulse.
As her fingers rested on Yao Xin Lan’s wrist, Qin Wan’s expression gradually grew serious. Then she looked at Yao Xin Lan and asked, “Sister-in-law hasn’t been taking her medicine properly these past two days?”
Yao Xin Lan’s back stiffened slightly, but she said, “Of course I took it, but my organs are too weak. I vomited half of the medicine I drank.” After a pause, Yao Xin Lan added, “Ninth Sister, can you perform acupuncture again?”
When Qin Wan had saved Yao Xin Lan that day, she had started with acupuncture because Yao Xin Lan was in critical condition and medicine would have been too slow. Only after averting the danger did Qin Wan prescribe medicine. The acupuncture technique was direct and intense, accompanied by pain. Delicate noble ladies like Yao Xin Lan usually disliked it, so Qin Wan hadn’t expected her to request it.
Yao Xin Lan waited steadily for Qin Wan’s answer, with a hint of pleading in her eyes.
Qin Wan felt something strange stir in her heart, sensing something wasn’t right. After brief consideration, she nodded, “Very well. Since Sister-in-law is willing, we’ll proceed with acupuncture.” Then Qin Wan looked at Madam Jiang and the others, “Please, everyone step out first.”
Treating Yao Xin Lan was important, and after the previous experience, naturally, no one doubted much this time. Madam Jiang rose first, with Qin Xiang and Madam Lin following without comment. Qin Chen looked at Qin Wan, “Thank you for your trouble, Ninth Sister.”
After speaking and casting a concerned look at Yao Xin Lan, he too left the room.
As everyone departed, the room suddenly became quiet. Qin Wan felt her sleeve pocket, about to take out her needle case when unexpectedly, Yao Xin Lan grabbed her tightly. Her grip was extremely strong, her nails almost digging into Qin Wan’s wrist. Qin Wan winced in pain and looked up in shock—
Only to see Yao Xin Lan’s eyes reddened, full of fear as she said, “Ninth Sister! Someone wants to harm me!”