Snow fell heavily in the night as Qin Wan stood before Handan Pavilion, motionless for a long while. The testimony was tucked in her sleeve – should she tell Lu Youxin?

Fu Ling stood behind Qin Wan, anxiously glancing at Bai Ying. Seeing Bai Ying’s uncertainty, Fu Ling looked pleadingly toward Bai Feng.

Just as Bai Feng was about to speak after a moment’s contemplation, Qin Wan turned around.

Fu Ling exclaimed in surprise, “Princess, what are you going to do?”

Qin Wan gazed distantly toward Wutong Court, “I need to go back and speak with Aunt about something.”

Everyone around her widened their eyes in surprise. Qin Wan took a deep breath and turned toward Wutong Court. She simply couldn’t get past this hurdle within herself.

Though she wasn’t a court official and had no desire to judge anyone, if she didn’t tell Lu Youxin what she knew, it would betray Lu Youxin’s trust and she couldn’t convince herself otherwise. That being the case, there was no need to worry about so many things. Qin Wan strode purposefully toward Wutong Court’s entrance. Upon entering the courtyard, she saw the main door tightly shut, with Matron Huang and others standing guard outside, as if someone was inside.

Qin Wan hurried forward. Matron Huang was surprised to see her, “Why have you returned?”

Qin Wan glanced at the closed doors, “I came back to discuss something with Aunt. What’s wrong? Are there other visitors?”

Matron Huang looked worriedly toward the door, “Ninth Young Master is here.”

Everyone had seen Lu Boyi’s expression when he left earlier. Though they didn’t know what he had said, something wasn’t right for him to look that way. Matron Huang understood this, and when she had entered the inner chamber earlier, she saw Lu Youxin secretly wiping away tears. In all these years, when had Matron Huang ever seen Lu Youxin so heartbroken?!

As tremendous waves churned in Matron Huang’s heart, just as she was about to inquire further, Lu Jinghe arrived.

“When Ninth Young Master came, he said he had something to discuss with Miss in private, wouldn’t let us servants stay to listen, so we came out,” Matron Huang glanced at the tightly closed door. “Ah, I don’t know what’s wrong, why both Fifth Master and Ninth Young Master were so strange tonight, coming one after another with such grave expressions.”

Qin Wan’s brows immediately furrowed. Lu Boyi had just left, and Lu Jinghe had come…

Since Lu Boyi had come to take the blame, Lu Jinghe should have followed along with Lu Boyi’s words, behaving properly these few days to avoid complications. Yet he had come to seek Lu Youxin at this time – what would he say to her?

Qin Wan lowered her gaze as a thought occurred to her.

“In that case, I’ll wait here.”

After saying this, Qin Wan turned to stand under the corridor eaves. Matron Huang worried, “How can this be good? It’s too cold here. Why doesn’t Princess wait in the side hall?”

Qin Wan waved her hand, “No need. I’m sure it won’t take long, it’s fine.”

Though Qin Wan wore a cloak, the bitter wind outside was fierce, with snow particles being swept under the eaves – it couldn’t possibly be cold.

Fu Ling pulled Qin Wan back two steps and stood slightly ahead on her left side, finally blocking some of the cold wind from reaching Qin Wan. Seeing this, Matron Huang quickly ordered someone to bring out a brazier from the side room, then had them fetch a chair and a tall table, and served Qin Wan a cup of hot tea.

Even after all this bustle, Qin Wan’s body was still stiff with cold when she sat down.

Lu Jinghe stayed inside longer than she had expected. Qin Wan had two sips of tea and waited until the cup had gone completely cold without seeing Lu Jinghe emerge. The brazier outside gave off faint heat as Matron Huang kept glancing at the door, softly asking, “Won’t you please wait in the side hall? It’s too cold here.”

Qin Wan shook her head, still refusing. Her heart was suspended, wanting only to know first-hand why Lu Jinghe had come.

Looking at the increasingly heavy snow and wind, Qin Wan suddenly said, “The New Year is in two days.”

Matron Huang smiled, “Yes, New Year is in two days. Miss had wanted you and His Highness to spend a proper New Year in the garden, but who could have expected Fourth Young Master’s incident? As such, we can’t have grand celebrations this year, I’m afraid you’ll both be disappointed.”

At the mention of Yan Chi, a trace of bitterness rose in Qin Wan’s heart. New Year was in two days – would Yan Chi make it back in time?

Though uncertain if Yan Chi can return, at least Lu Jingcheng’s case has some clarity now. Qin Wan strained to listen but couldn’t hear anything from inside. Finally giving up, everyone just kept waiting outside. After who knows how long, heavy footsteps suddenly sounded from within, and soon there was a creaking sound as the door opened from inside. Qin Wan stood up, while Matron Huang and the others quickly turned to look, immediately seeing Lu Jinghe’s deathly pale face.

Lu Jinghe no longer maintained his usual composed and refined demeanor, as if his robes had been torn open, revealing the desolation and silent grief in his heart. Seeing Qin Wan, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes, but he quickly averted his gaze and walked out…

“Ninth Young Master, you…”

Matron Huang wanted to say something, but Lu Jinghe walked past them without a sideways glance.

He walked into the wind and snow without looking back, like a man whose soul had been extracted. Matron Huang grew worried seeing him like this and quickly beckoned a servant to follow Lu Jinghe. Then she looked inside but didn’t see Lu Youxin, so she said, “Miss must be in the inner chamber, please go in.”

Lu Youxin trusted Qin Wan so much that Matron Huang didn’t even need to announce her before letting her enter, but Qin Wan stood still, watching Lu Jinghe’s retreating figure.

Lu Jinghe still wore that cyan robe, and on this snowy night, his clothes fluttered with snow particles. As he walked further away, his figure seemed to merge with the ink-black deep night. Qin Wan had seen just now – Lu Jinghe’s face was white and his eyes were red, showing he had been crying. Qin Wan’s lips pressed tightly together as the heavy stone in her heart finally settled.

She nodded and turned to enter the house, passing through the main hall directly into the inner chamber. Upon entering, Qin Wan saw Lu Youxin sitting on a low couch by the window.

Compared to when she had left, Lu Youxin’s complexion was even grayer now. Hearing movement, she slowly raised her eyes. Seeing it was Qin Wan, the tears that had just subsided welled up again. Her lips moved but no words came out. Qin Wan hurried over to hold Lu Youxin’s hands.

Lu Youxin lowered her head as tears fell one by one. Those scorching teardrops fell onto the back of Qin Wan’s hand, instantly making her heart ache unbearably.

Lu Youxin’s back was bent now, looking indescribably wretched and pitiful. Looking at her like this, Qin Wan could no longer recall how dignified and even somewhat condescending Lu Youxin had appeared when they first met. Qin Wan freed one hand to stroke Lu Youxin’s shoulders and back, comforting her, “Aunt, everything has passed now, at least it hasn’t reached the worst outcome.”

Lu Youxin slowly raised her eyes, looking at Qin Wan through tear-filled eyes, “Wan’er, you…”

Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “I know what really happened. I heard Fifth Uncle’s words earlier, which is why I didn’t speak up then. On my way back I felt uneasy, feeling I couldn’t deceive you, so I came back. I didn’t expect Ninth Young Master would come too.”

Lu Youxin covered her eyes, taking a deep breath to stop her sobs. She wiped her eyes and lowered her hand, saying, “I just feel so heartbroken. When Jinghe came, I didn’t know why at first, I thought… he was here to plead for his father, but I never expected…”

“Lu Jingcheng truly deserves death!” Lu Youxin suddenly cried out, her body trembling, “He… he harbored such filthy thoughts toward his brother. How could our Lu family… produce such an abomination?!”

Lu Youxin gripped Qin Wan’s hand in return, squeezing until her joints hurt.

Qin Wan sighed and took out the testimony from her sleeve, “This was meant for Aunt to see originally. I hesitated earlier when I saw Fifth Cousin’s condition, but since I’ve come back now, I’ll place it in Aunt’s hands. I trust Aunt will make her judgment.”

Lu Youxin wiped her tears and took the testimony. Qin Wan explained, “These are statements I obtained from questioning Lu Jingcheng’s servants. After reading them, Aunt will better understand.”

Lu Youxin tremblingly released Qin Wan and unfolded the testimony. Just reading the first few lines, anger rose again in her face.

Qin Wan said, “Aunt needn’t decide immediately. It’s very late now, and you’ve spent much energy tonight. You should rest for a while to avoid harming your health.”

Lu Youxin hadn’t experienced a night like this in many years. But with her decisive nature, Qin Wan couldn’t stop her. She stubbornly insisted on reading the testimony line by line. Qin Wan could only stay with her. Lu Youxin initially read while crying, but as she reached the latter parts, she gradually became calmer. After finishing all four testimonies, the tear stains on her face had dried, leaving only a cold, murderous intent in her eyes.

She sat straight, lost in thought without speaking. Seeing this, Qin Wan knew the hardest moment had passed for Lu Youxin. She stood up and said, “It’s late. I won’t disturb Aunt further. Whatever decision you make about this matter will be fine.”

Lu Youxin stood to see Qin Wan out, but Qin Wan helped her sit back down. “No need to see me out, Aunt. I’ll come visit you tomorrow.”

Without further words, Qin Wan turned and left the inner chamber. Outside, she met Matron Huang’s worried gaze.

“Princess, what happened? Miss…”

Qin Wan turned back, “Aunt encountered some difficulties, but I believe it’s nothing she can’t handle. Matron, please go in and take care of her.”

Matron Huang had been extremely worried and quickly went to the inner chamber upon hearing this.

Qin Wan sighed and finally left Wutong Court. She hadn’t expected Lu Jinghe to visit Wutong Court; with this, the last bit of conflict in her heart dissipated.

Qin Wan’s steps lightened. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Just one more day until New Year, yet still no news from him. Bai Feng, we need not concern ourselves with the Lu family matters anymore. Quickly send a message to Qianzhou to see how the battle situation is!”

Bai Feng promptly agreed. Qin Wan returned to Handan Pavilion contentedly.

That night, Qin Wan slept very soundly. In her dreams, she saw Yan Chi returning alone on horseback to Bailu Prefecture!

After many days apart, Yan Chi appeared before her just as she had been thinking of him day and night, tall and magnificent.

After a night of pleasant dreams, when Qin Wan awoke, it was already bright outside. Winter days dawned late, but seeing this, Qin Wan hurriedly got up. After washing up, she asked Fu Ling about any movement from Wutong Court. Fu Ling replied, “There’s been no movement yet. With the New Year approaching, the stewards won’t come to report these two days. This servant doesn’t know what Madam is doing at this hour. If Princess is worried, shall I go inquire?”

Qin Wan shook her head, “No need to inquire. I’m just somewhat worried about Aunt. I won’t interfere in Lu’s family matters, and I can’t help with other things. To deliver a bottle of my previously prepared qi-tonifying pills to Wutong Court. Aunt is already weak and has trouble sleeping due to heavy thoughts. After last night’s events, I fear she might fall ill.”

Hearing this, Fu Ling happily went to deliver the medicine. She returned shortly, saying, “Matron Huang received me. She said Madam hasn’t risen yet. Last night went very late, and the matrons dare not wake her, letting her rest well.”

Qin Wan breathed a sigh of relief at this, “It’s good that she can sleep. It seems Aunt has already made her decision.”

After breakfast, Qin Wan felt completely relieved. The truth about the mining accident had been uncovered, and Lu Jingcheng’s death had been solved. Now she felt unburdened, only worried about Yan Chi. At noon, Bai Feng suddenly hurried in from outside, announcing, “Princess, news has arrived from Qianzhou!”

Qin Wan perked up, “What is it? Tell me quickly!”

Bai Feng hurriedly reported, “The Qianzhou garrison has been defeated. Commander Jiang Heying fled with a small force. Now Master controls Qianzhou City. The original Qianzhou prefect is sensible and very cooperative. The master might need to leave some men in Qianzhou later.”

Qin Wan frowned, “Was the message from him?”

Bai Feng shook his head, “No, it came through other secret channels. These days Qianzhou has had heavy snow, and Master has no messenger birds available. Sending messages must be extremely difficult.”

Qin Wan took a deep breath and nodded, “Regardless, it’s good that this battle was won. But now that he’s taken over Qianzhou city, there must be much aftermath to deal with…”

Could Yan Chi still make it back for New Year?!

Thinking this, Qin Wan felt somewhat lonely and disappointed.

Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. Even if Yan Chi had wings, he couldn’t fly back in time.

Realizing this, Qin Wan gathered her spirits and said, “Send this news to Wutong Court too. Tell Aunt she can rest easy.”

Bai Feng accepted the command and left, while Qin Wan became somewhat listless.

Before their marriage, separations hadn’t seemed so difficult, but now as newlyweds, such partings were truly troublesome.

When Bai Feng returned, he told Qin Wan that Lu Youxin had risen and was giving instructions for tomorrow night’s New Year’s Eve dinner. Hearing this, Qin Wan prepared herself and headed to Wutong Court. Upon arrival, she indeed saw Lu Youxin in formal dress directing the servants, no longer showing yesterday’s sorrowful appearance.

Seeing Qin Wan arrive, Lu Youxin hurried to welcome her, “Wan’er has come.”

Qin Wan approached and, seeing new lanterns being hung in the courtyard, asked, “Are these New Year lanterns?”

Lu Youxin nodded and led Qin Wan inside, “Yes, your courtyard will have them hung later too. We should have some New Year atmosphere.”

Previously, because of Lu Jingcheng’s marriage matter, Lu Youxin hadn’t put much thought into decorations. It seemed she had decided not to let Lu Jingcheng’s death affect everyone’s spirits. Though only a few new lanterns were added, the courtyard’s atmosphere was quite different.

Qin Wan carefully avoided mentioning the Fifth House’s affairs, only asking, “Have you heard the news from Qianzhou?”

Lu Youxin nodded, “Yes, and I’m relieved. However… Chi’er probably won’t make it back.”

Qin Wan nodded, “I thought so too, but it’s alright. He’ll surely return after New Year. As long as the battle goes well and he’s not injured, that’s what matters.”

Lu Youxin’s eyes were full of comfort. After last night, her gaze toward Qin Wan had become even more affectionate. Though Qin Wan was her junior, her character and wisdom were admirable. Now Lu Youxin viewed her as both family and friend. As they sat, Lu Youxin discussed more New Year’s Eve dinner arrangements, then said, “Tomorrow night, everyone might not be in the mood to dine together. I’ll make arrangements. At that time, Aunt invites you over for a few drinks, how about that?”

Though Qin Wan couldn’t drink much, she agreed. Lu Youxin then mentioned the medicine pills Qin Wan had sent earlier. Though traces of fatigue remained around her eyes, she had applied light makeup today, sweeping away all dejection. As they chatted pleasantly, Matron Huang suddenly entered, saying, “Miss, Fifth Young Master, and Sixth Young Master have arrived.”

Lu Youxin raised an eyebrow, “Didn’t they go to Jianzhou City again yesterday?”

These past few days, Lu Jingxiu and his brother had frequently visited Jianzhou City. Lu Youxin had thought they were just seeking entertainment.

Matron Huang said, “Yes, both Young Masters came to see you right after returning. Fifth Young Master says he received news from Qianzhou and wants to inform you.”

Lu Youxin was slightly surprised and looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan gave a slight smile. Lu Youxin felt somewhat strange but still said, “Then let them in. The news circulating in Jianzhou City is probably more abundant, though it’s likely a mix of truth and fiction…”