The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 104 : Digging the Well. More Than One Skeleton

104: Digging the Well. More Than One Skeleton

Fuling stared wide-eyed at Qin Wan, momentarily unable to react. "A child's bones?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Exactly. Previously, I kept thinking these were bones from Second Concubine's remains. So after looking for so long, I couldn't figure out where they came from. Plus, Second Concubine's skeleton was nearly complete. Just now, hearing you ask about the flower types, I thought, perhaps I was wrong from the start. If these are a child's undeveloped bones, of course they wouldn't fit anywhere on Second Concubine's body. Or, if considered as adult bones, it's impossible to determine their origin either."

Fuling understood, her face brightening. "So Young Miss has finally figured it out! Does Young Miss know which part these bones are from now?"

Qin Wan looked at the bone in her palm, frowning slightly for a moment. "They resemble metacarpals. This shape and width should be the second or third cuneiform bone of the hand..."

Fuling glanced at the bone in Qin Wan's palm, her brow furrowing. "But Young Miss, how did a child's bones appear in that well?"

Qin Wan clenched the bone tightly, her expression growing solemn. "I'm also wondering. Not only shouldn't there be a child's bones, there shouldn't be any extra bones at all."

Qin Wan paced the room with a grave expression. After a few rounds, she suddenly turned to Fuling. "When we saw Caihe earlier, she said she had already sent people to fill the well?"

Fuling nodded. "Yes, Young Miss. She said the well has been sealed and filled."

Qin Wan tightly gripped the bone in her hand, taking a shallow breath. "Since it's already filled, there's no rush for now. Let's wait for news from His Highness. Second Concubine's identity is also crucial."

Though she said this, Qin Wan understood inwardly: if there really were other skeletal remains buried at the bottom of that well, Madam Jiang sealing and filling it now was likely to cover something up. If she rashly ordered the recently filled well dug up again, she would likely alert the enemy. Qin Wan frowned, thinking, then looked out the window. "At this hour, His Highness probably won't be coming."

Fuling also grew somewhat worried. "Should we send someone to check? Or go to the Marquis's estate to find His Highness?"

Qin Wan shook her head, deciding to calm her mind. "Let's wait a bit longer."

She glanced towards the door. "It's fine. Go bring the flowers in and have them rest."

Fuling gave an affirmative sound and turned to leave. Qin Wan looked at the continuous rain outside, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease. She lowered her gaze to her palm. This small white bone suddenly felt heavy and oppressive.

The first autumn rain of the south lingered for three days. During those three days, constables remained stationed in the Qin residence. Huo Huaixin visited once but didn't stay long before leaving. Qin Wan hadn't seen Yan Chi again.

Qin Wan's heart felt unsettled; Fuling also looked troubled beside her. However, Qin Wan knew that if they found nothing, Yan Chi would certainly return to the Qin residence immediately. His absence now likely meant they had discovered something.

"It's already the fourth day. Why hasn't His Highness come?"

Fuling sighed, looking at the Fragrant Snow Sea chrysanthemums blooming on Qin Wan's desk. Turning her head, she saw Qin Wan was again reading the two medical books beside her. These medical texts were bought from the market outside. The bone had been placed in a drawer. Hearing this, Qin Wan continued reading on her own. "They must have found something."

Fuling blinked. "If they found something, why not come to the residence? The killer should still be here, right?"

Qin Wan sighed, closed the book, and set it aside. She pushed open the window lattice and looked out. The rain had grown lighter. Qin Wan reached out; fine, silky raindrops slanted onto her palm. "Something must have delayed them."

Hearing this, Fuling murmured, "I wonder if the killer will do anything again."

Her words immediately caught Qin Wan's attention. But after a moment's thought, she shook her head. "We don't know the killer's identity or motive, so we can't guess. But these past few days, constables have been in the residence. Presumably, the killer won't dare act recklessly."

The killer's previous targets were Eighth Concubine and Steward Liu, both of relatively low status in the residence. This showed the killer still had reservations. Thinking of this, Qin Wan frowned. When Eighth Concubine died, she carried a handkerchief. She went out late at night, probably mistaking the killer for Steward Liu. The killer, using Steward Liu's name, lured Eighth Concubine out. But what about Liu Chun?

Liu Chun died in the Purple Bamboo Grove. By then, Eighth Concubine was already dead. Surely the killer couldn't have used Eighth Concubine's name to lure Liu Chun there. Liu Chun disappeared for a day and a night. His time of death was around 9 PM. Could it be inferred that the killer showed his true face, coaxing or tricking Liu Chun into the Purple Bamboo Grove?

Or perhaps the killer, knowing of Liu Chun and Eighth Concubine's affair, used it to gain favor or threaten him. Then Liu Chun, thinking hiding in the Purple Bamboo Grove could save him... At 9 PM, the killer brought food to Liu Chun and seized the opportunity to kill him!

Qin Wan's gaze sharpened. If it were an ordinary servant, even using this matter to coerce or bribe, Liu Chun might not have complied. Conversely, if this person held some status in the residence, it was possible to make Liu Chun obey...

People with status in the residence... apart from the masters, there were the other stewards.

Madam Jiang and Madam Lin had no need to kill Liu Chun. Qin An, if he wanted to kill him, could use other legitimate methods. Qin Li and Qin Chen... Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. They could also order Liu Chun around. If they wanted to kill him, setting a trap would be simple. Luring him to the Purple Bamboo Grove to strangle him seemed too easy to expose themselves. But besides them, who else?

"Young Miss... constables just came to the residence. They said Steward Liu and Concubine Liu's bodies can be buried now."

Qin Wan had been lost in thought by the window for a long time. Fuling had already gone out and returned. Qin Wan turned to look at her. Fuling said, "This servant went out to look. His Highness hasn't come, but I happened to see several constables heading to the inner courtyard. They said it was Prefect Huo's order. Concubine Liu and Liu Chun can be buried. Keeping the bodies there isn't right either."

Qin Wan nodded. "Everything that can be investigated has been."

As soon as the words left her mouth, the courtyard gate was knocked again. Qin Wan walked a few steps out and happened to stand by a window with a clear view of the gate. She saw Wantang open it, and Moshu entered with a somber expression.

Fuling immediately said, "Moshu doesn't look well. Is it the Young Madam...?"

Qin Wan turned and walked straight to the door. Just as she reached it, Moshu was already at the foot of the steps.

A light rain fell. Moshu had braved the rain to come. Her shoulders were slightly damp, and her gathered hair seemed dusted with a white, misty frost. Seeing Qin Wan emerge, Moshu immediately curtsied. "Ninth Young Miss, our young miss isn't well. Please come see her..."

Qin Wan didn't ask further, nodding and instructing Fuling to fetch an umbrella.

Fuling brought two, one handed to Moshu, the other held over Qin Wan.

The three of them walked out the courtyard gate before Qin Wan asked, "What's wrong with Sister-in-law?"

Moshu's eyes reddened slightly. "Our young miss had another nightmare."

Qin Wan frowned, a sense of unease rising in her heart. Seeing Yao Xinlan a few days ago, she thought her complexion was excellent. The earlier turmoil seemed masked by her smile and good spirits. Qin Wan almost had the illusion nothing had happened. But now Yao Xinlan was having nightmares again. Qin Wan immediately thought of the jade pendant inscribed with "Yao."

"Why another nightmare? What did she dream?"

Moshu sighed. "Our young miss dreamed... dreamed the Eldest Young Master had someone outside. She said she saw the Eldest Young Master painting a portrait of a woman, but it wasn't her. She also said the painting was of a mountainside covered in red beans..."

Qin Wan pressed her lips together. "What did your young master say?"

Moshu shook her head. "The young master naturally said it wasn't true. He even took the young miss to his study. She looked, but she still said the dream felt so real, she couldn't shake it off."

Qin Wan felt apprehensive. Before reaching the courtyard, she saw Linfeng Courtyard shrouded in a layer of rain and mist, hazy and indistinct, much like the relationship between its master and mistress, elusive and hard to grasp.

Just as they reached the courtyard gate, Qin Wan spotted Caihe waiting outside.

Moshu's expression changed slightly as she hurried forward. "Sister Caihe, has the Old Madam come?"

Caihe nodded, curtsying to Qin Wan. "The Old Madam heard the Young Madam was unwell, so she came to see. Has Ninth Young Miss come to examine the Young Madam?"

Qin Wan gave an affirmative sound. Caihe then said, "Then please go in quickly, Ninth Young Miss. The Old Madam is speaking with the Young Madam."

Qin Wan, with Moshu and Fuling, headed towards the inner chamber. Before they got close, they heard Madam Jiang's aged, deliberate voice.

"You carry the Qin family's legitimate eldest grandson. The Qin family's future rests entirely on you and Chen'er. This great-grandson will need your careful guidance in the future. Chen'er also relies on your support. I told Chen'er long ago that marrying you was his fortune. Although our Qin family isn't a literati-official clan, starting with him, I won't allow him to take concubines."

Madam Jiang sighed. "His father, as you know, is entirely different from Chen'er. I won't let him be like that either. Look at those families in the Great Zhou that have passed down for generations, none indulged in women. Though in great households, having a few concubines isn't strange, I want to emulate the Anyang Marquis's household: domestic peace and harmony, allowing the men smooth official careers. Moreover, I also like your temperament and certainly won't let you suffer injustice."

Hearing this, Qin Wan immediately thought of Madam Lin. Compared to Madam Lin, Yao Xinlan truly had won Madam Jiang's heart. She couldn't bear to let Yao Xinlan suffer injustice, but what about Madam Lin all these years?

Thinking this, Qin Wan walked slowly to the doorway. Moshu announced from the side, "Old Madam, Ninth Young Miss is here."

Madam Jiang stopped speaking and turned. As she turned, her heavy gaze fell on Qin Wan's face. Meanwhile, Yao Xinlan, seeing Qin Wan, perked up. "Ninth Sister, you're here. Come quickly..."

Qin Wan slowly entered and curtsied. "Old Madam, Sister-in-law."

Madam Jiang nodded but didn't speak, only looking at Yao Xinlan. "Good child, remember what I said. Don't overthink. A happy heart is better than anything."

With that, Madam Jiang stood up. "Let Qin Wan examine you properly. I'll return first."

Yao Xinlan tried to rise, but Madam Jiang pressed her down.

Qin Wan stepped aside and curtsied again. Madam Jiang walked out without glancing sideways.

Once Madam Jiang left, Yao Xinlan's weak voice immediately sounded. "Ninth Sister, you've come."

Qin Wan sat beside Yao Xinlan. "What's wrong, Sister-in-law? I heard from Moshu you had another nightmare?"

Yao Xinlan slowly lay back, staring blankly at the ceiling. "Yes, I dreamed again... Ninth Sister, I feel my spirits are poor. Sometimes I don't know if I'm dreaming or awake."

Qin Wan focused. "Sister-in-law, give me your wrist."

Yao Xinlan, not looking at Qin Wan, simply extended her hand. Qin Wan placed her fingertips on the pulse. After a moment, her brow furrowed slightly. She looked left and right, her expression somewhat strange. Watching this, Moshu hurriedly asked, "Ninth Young Miss, what are you looking at?"

Qin Wan said, "Sister-in-law is emotionally distressed and has symptoms of deficiency heat and shortness of breath. I'm checking if there are any unfavorable plants or flowers in this room."

After speaking, Qin Wan scanned the room but saw no potted plants.

Moshu also looked helpless. "We had a few pots of orchids before, but because of that medicine... the orchids were somewhat damaged. Later, all the plants were removed."

Qin Wan composed herself. "It could also be that Sister-in-law is overly anxious. I'll go back and make some calming pills for her."

Moshu felt grateful. Turning her head, she saw Yao Xinlan frowning. "Could it be... because someone died in the residence? Did something inauspicious enter this room? That's why I'm having nightmares and feel unsettled?"

Qin Wan smiled wryly. "Sister-in-law, rest assured. Today, Lady Liu and Steward Liu will be buried. Sister-in-law is just somewhat physically weak with slightly excessive liver fire. I'll make some calming pills for you."

Yao Xinlan's expression remained dull. "Is that so? Good, I'm willing to take your calming pills..."

As she spoke, footsteps sounded outside. Soon, Qin Shuang slipped in.

"What's wrong with Sister-in-law?" As soon as the words were out, Qin Shuang saw Qin Wan by the bed. For once, she didn't show scorn, just hurried to Yao Xinlan's bedside. "Sister-in-law?"

Yao Xinlan turned to look at Qin Shuang, forcing a slight smile. "Sixth Sister, you've come?"

Qin Shuang nodded, sitting directly on the edge of the bed. "I heard you weren't well, so I came to see. Is it because the rain these past few days made you feel stifled? The rain is lighter now. Sister-in-law, try to be cheerful. When it stops, we can go see the flowers."

Yao Xinlan sighed upon hearing this. "This body of mine is truly uncooperative."

Qin Shuang then comforted Yao Xinlan, finally glancing at Qin Wan. "Sister-in-law, don't worry. Don't we have a medical immortal in our residence?"

Her tone carried a hint of sarcasm, but she turned back. "Take the medicine, and Sister-in-law will get better."

Yao Xinlan nodded. "Ninth Sister's medical skills are the best."

Seeing Qin Shuang's arrival, Qin Wan stood to take her leave. "Sister-in-law, rest well. I'll go back and make the medicine now, then send it over later."

Qin Shuang pursed her lips but said nothing. Yao Xinlan hurriedly told Moshu to see Qin Wan out.

Leaving Linfeng Courtyard, Qin Wan immediately returned to Tinglan Pavilion to prepare the medicine. She worked from afternoon until evening, then had Fuling deliver it. Perhaps because she also liked Yao Xinlan's temperament and had treated her before, Qin Wan was now very concerned about Yao Xinlan and her unborn child.

"Young Miss, Prefect Huo and His Highness have arrived..."

Fuling, returning from delivering the medicine, announced this as soon as she entered. A light sparked in Qin Wan's eyes. "Where did they go?"

Fuling quickly said, "They went to the front courtyard first, seemingly to see Third Master."

Qin Wan stood up, hesitated for a moment, then sat back down. Her gaze kept drifting towards the courtyard gate.

After waiting nearly half an hour, Qin Wan finally heard the courtyard gate creak softly.

Fuling hurried to open the door. Sure enough, Bai Feng stood outside.

"Young Miss, His Highness wishes to see you." Fuling turned back, calling out excitedly. She knew that although Qin Wan showed nothing on her face, she had been waiting for news from Yan Chi these past few days.

Fuling held an umbrella and escorted Qin Wan out. Master and servant walked quickly to the gate. Looking up, they saw Yan Chi standing there, draped in a black cloak.

It was a cloudy, rainy day, and the hour was late. The sky was a dull, dark gray. Yan Chi stood imposingly in a black cloak embroidered with faint golden patterns, exuding an inexplicable aura of authority. But Qin Wan looked closely and saw stubble shadowing Yan Chi's lips. Looking at his boots, they too were spattered with mud.

Qin Wan walked over and curtsied, looking up to ask, "Where has Your Highness been?"

Yan Chi looked into Qin Wan's eyes. Though his face showed fatigue, he smiled slightly. "I went to Yang County."

"Yang County?" Qin Wan looked puzzled. Though she had been in Jinzhou over a month, she truly didn't know about the surrounding counties.

Yan Chi's smile widened. "We checked the records. For missing persons from ten years ago, we found five cases in total. Two were men, so we disregarded those. Of the remaining three, one was a twelve-year-old girl; the other two were twenty-two and twenty-four. The twelve-year-old definitely wasn't Lady Yang. The other two caught our attention."

He paused briefly, then continued. "One of them was in Yang County, under Jinzhou Prefecture's jurisdiction. The other was in Siping Village just outside Jinzhou City. I took some men to investigate, then went to Yang County."

Qin Wan frowned. "How far is Yang County from Jinzhou City?"

"Over a hundred li," Yan Chi answered quite frankly.

Qin Wan's brow furrowed. "Over a hundred li, and in the rain. Your Highness must have traveled day and night."

Yan Chi didn't address that, only said, "The missing person from Siping Village was surnamed Zhang. When she disappeared, she was already a mother of three. Her family reported it, but they never found her all these years. Moreover, we asked; the missing woman wasn't beautiful, just ordinary-looking. Then we went to Yang County and found the family that reported it back then. But strangely, that family vanished in a fire over ten years ago..."

Qin Wan watched Yan Chi's increasingly grave expression, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart.

"Vanished over ten years ago?"

Yan Chi nodded. "The records show the time as September of the 229th year of the Zhou calendar, around this time. But when we visited Yang County, locals said that around New Year that year, a fire broke out on the street where that family lived. It burned for days and nights, even catching a nearby tavern. People from the tavern escaped, but the man and daughter from that family disappeared. Later, it was said they must have burned to death, not even bones remained. Too much time has passed; neighboring families don't remember clearly. They only said that family ran a small silk shop, had two daughters. Then one day, the wife suddenly didn't return for several days. It caused quite a stir at the time."

Yan Chi finished in one breath, his expression heavy. "The records have no portrait, so confirmation is impossible. But that family's wife was indeed surnamed Yang. However, neighbors said she rarely went out; her appearance is long forgotten."

Qin Wan hadn't expected Yan Chi to personally go to Yang County. But why did that family coincidentally perish in a fire?

"It's too coincidental. Did the local authorities not reach a conclusion about that fire?"

Yan Chi shook his head. "We also went to the Yang County yamen. The magistrate is still the same one from ten years ago. He said the fire started from New Year fireworks and firecrackers."

Qin Wan pondered briefly. "Did Your Highness go question Third Uncle earlier?"

Yan Chi nodded. "To ask him where he bought Second Concubine back then..."

"What did Third Uncle say?"

"Master Qin said he bought her outside Jinzhou City."

Qin Wan collected her thoughts. "If she was trafficked, they usually take them far to sell. And since Jinzhou City houses all the prominent officials and nobles of the prefecture, bringing her here makes sense."

Saying this, Qin Wan frowned slightly. "If Second Concubine was really that missing wife, and her husband and daughter died in that fire, who else related to her would know of her existence?"

Yan Chi shook his head. "That's the strange part. Unless someone survived that fire." His tone carried regret. "This time was too rushed. I've sent people back to Yang County. Whether it's the yamen or the missing person's parents or siblings, there's still much to investigate. We'll have news soon."

Qin Wan nodded, suddenly remembering the bone. Her expression turned serious.

"Your Highness, there's something..."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, but Qin Wan looked towards her courtyard. "Your Highness, please come in to speak."

Tinglan Pavilion was Qin Wan's courtyard, so Yan Chi had always waited outside, never entering. Hearing Qin Wan invite him in, Yan Chi's eyes widened slightly. Then a smile touched his lips, and he strode towards the courtyard gate.

Qin Wan followed behind. Once inside, Yan Chi unobtrusively surveyed the surroundings. Upon entering the main room, even more interest lit his eyes. Fuling, following, seeing Yan Chi damp, hurried to make hot tea, then withdrew, not daring to say more.

Qin Wan led Yan Chi straight to the warm chamber. "Your Highness, please..."

Yan Chi removed his cloak, and Bai Feng quickly took it. Fuling, seeing Yan Chi's damp clothes, hurried to make tea, then retreated, not daring to speak further.

Qin Wan entered the warm chamber and went straight to the desk. Opening a drawer, she took out a small white bone.

"Your Highness, look."

Seeing the small bone in Qin Wan's palm, Yan Chi frowned. "What is this?"

Qin Wan took two steps closer, raising her hand higher. "After Your Highness left that day, seeing it was raining, I went to bring the bones in from the courtyard. When I arrived, I saw the two constable brothers had already started collecting. Relieved, I was just watching when they accidentally dropped a few bone fragments. I went to help pick them up and saw this bone in my hand..."

Qin Wan looked at her palm. "Your Highness surely remembers Second Concubine's remains, there were many small fragments I left aside. Though I didn't fit them into the skeleton, I knew where each came from. But that day, picking up this fragment, I didn't recognize it. Later, I carefully assembled all the fragments, not missing a finger bone or tooth. But after finishing, only this one bone had no place."

Yan Chi quickly said, "This isn't from Second Concubine's remains?"

A light sparked in Qin Wan's eyes. She nodded. "Not only is it not from Second Concubine's remains, this bone is likely from a child. Because it's not fully developed, its size differs from an adult's. I didn't recognize it for days until a chance thought. Your Highness, this bone was excavated with Second Concubine's remains. I'm certain it's human bone."

Yan Chi's fingers resting on the table's edge tapped lightly. "The only possibility is there are more remains in that well."

Qin Wan nodded. "Though Prefect Huo ordered a thorough search that day, the well bottom was full of mud. It's still possible something was missed. However, a few days ago, the residence people sealed and filled that well."

Yan Chi frowned. "If it's filled, we can dig it up again. But we need a reason."

Qin Wan composed herself, then seemed to think of something else. "Also, that day when my sixth sister fell into the well under the flower arbor, she said she saw human bones inside. Steward Liu went down then and threw out a dead branch. But thinking about it now, maybe what she saw really were human bones?"

Yan Chi stood up. "I understand. Wait here."

With that, Yan Chi turned and left. Qin Wan looked down at the small bone, hoping she wasn't mistaken.

Once Yan Chi and Bai Feng left Tinglan Pavilion, Qin Wan instructed Fuling, "Go out and see. Pay attention to where His Highness goes."

Fuling left on her mission. Inside, Qin Wan waited anxiously.

The continuous rain darkened the sky quickly. Before long, Fuling returned in large strides. "Young Miss, His Highness first went to find Prefect Huo, then they went to the western courtyard together. They stayed inside for a while, then took men to the Purple Bamboo Grove."

Qin Wan felt slightly relieved and told Fuling to go check again.

After another cup of tea's time, Fuling returned. "Young Miss, His Highness wants to reopen the well. The Old Madam found out and has gone to the Purple Bamboo Grove to stop them. The Eldest Young Master has also returned from the front courtyard, and the Mistress, they've all gone over."

Qin Wan frowned. As she expected, Madam Jiang had gone to stop Yan Chi. But could she stop him? Qin Wan nodded. "I know. Keep watching."

Fuling went out but soon returned. "Young Miss, His Highness sent someone. He said you shouldn't go to the Purple Bamboo Grove."

Qin Wan was momentarily taken aback but quickly understood. Madam Jiang certainly wouldn't want this; if Qin Wan went, Madam Jiang would likely vent her anger on her. Qin Wan felt a warmth in her heart. "I understand. You may go."

Fuling left, but returned somewhat slower this time. Just as Qin Wan was wondering if something had gone wrong, Fuling came running back in small steps. "Young Miss, the Old Madam has fainted..."

Qin Wan was shocked. Fuling gasped for breath. "The Old Madam took the Eldest Young Master and Mistress there, wanting to question His Highness about why he was digging the well again. She said once a cursed well is sealed, it mustn't be dug up; it would ruin the Qin residence's fortune and shorten the family's lifespan. His Highness didn't believe that at all. He directly said Second Concubine still had bones not excavated. If she were buried incomplete, it would surely disturb the Qin residence's peace. Then His Highness gave the order. The Old Madam saw His Highness's determination and knew she couldn't stop him. She was so angry she fainted on the spot. Now the Old Madam has been taken back to the Buddha Hall."

After speaking, Fuling took a quick breath. "Then the Eldest Young Master went to the front courtyard to fetch a physician."

Qin Wan listened with a grave expression. Hearing this, she suddenly frowned. "You said he went to the front courtyard to fetch a physician?"

Fuling nodded, then suddenly felt something was off. "Huh, why would the Eldest Young Master go to the front courtyard for a physician... There's no physician in the front courtyard... Unless Qian Bairen is there now?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "No, something's not right."

With that, Qin Wan went to get her cloak and instructed, "Let's go to the front courtyard and see."

Fuling was slightly surprised, instinctively wanting to dissuade Qin Wan, but seeing her expression, knew she couldn't be stopped. Sighing inwardly, she hurried to fetch an umbrella and lantern. Once Qin Wan had her cloak on, she swiftly followed Qin Wan towards the front courtyard.

Perhaps due to the commotion later, there were surprisingly few people in the front courtyard area now.

Qin Wan thought for a moment and headed directly towards Qin An's courtyard. Fuling watched. "Young Miss, where are you going?"

"To see Third Uncle."

Qin Wan spoke quickly, her steps not slowing at all. At this moment, the Old Madam's illness was most critical. Yet Qin Chen had come to the front courtyard. There were no physicians in the front courtyard; only Qin An was there!

Thinking this, Qin Wan grew even more certain of Qin Chen's intent. But why had he come to find Qin An?

To warn him? Or for something else...

As she pondered, Qin Wan suddenly stopped. She had already reached the covered walkway of the front courtyard. Not far ahead was the courtyard gate. Right now, about seven or eight zhang away at the gate, Qin Wan saw Qin Chen leading five people out. And on one person's back, someone was being carried.

One person carried, while the other four, two held bundles, two held umbrellas, emerged from the front courtyard and headed towards the residence gate. Qin Wan's brow tightened. Were they sending Qin An out?!

The Old Madam just fainted, and Qin Chen was sending Qin An away...

Qin An had been ill for so long without considering moving to a separate residence for recuperation. It was unlikely he'd choose to leave in the rain now for that reason.

And judging by the look, it seemed they had just learned something and were leaving in haste with only a couple of bundles. Qin Wan's eyes turned cold, immediately thinking of the phrase "fleeing from guilt"...

Qin An was trying to escape... If it were just some insignificant, shameful secret, why would he need to flee?

"Eldest Brother." Qin Wan hurried a few steps and suddenly called out.

Qin Chen, walking urgently ahead, turned, never expecting Qin Wan to appear at the front courtyard at this moment.

Qin Chen's gaze swept the surroundings. In sight, only Qin Wan and Fuling were there. He waved his hand, signaling the people ahead to go on, then walked towards Qin Wan. "Ninth Sister, why have you come?"

Qin Wan frowned slightly, standing on tiptoe to look at the people heading towards the gate. "Who are they? Who are they carrying?"

Qin Chen stepped forward, blocking her view, but said, "It's so late and raining. Aren't you afraid of catching cold? Go back quickly. You needn't worry about these..."

Watching those people getting farther away, Qin Wan grew anxious.

But with Qin Chen here, a young girl like her couldn't possibly stop those people.

Qin Chen pressed her lips together. "Second Brother, why are you sending Third Uncle away so late?"

At this question, Qin Chen's expression immediately turned serious, even carrying a hint of cold severity. "Don't concern yourself with this. It's too late. Return to your courtyard at once. The residence has been chaotic these days. How dare you come out alone?"

Qin Wan looked at Qin Chen, finally unable to hold back. "Eldest Brother, if Third Uncle has truly committed something, have you considered that arranging for him to leave will only increase his guilt? Prefect Huo has ties to the Qin residence. Even if there's something, he will handle it impartially and show consideration. If Third Uncle flees like this, he becomes a fugitive..."

Qin Chen's brow furrowed tighter and tighter. Qin Wan added, "Besides, with His Highness present, how could Third Uncle possibly escape?"

Whether from the perspective of the Ninth Young Miss being a Qin family member or considering Qin Chen's past care for the Ninth Young Miss, Qin Wan felt she had said enough. Moreover, she didn't need to stop those escorting Qin An out.

In the vast Jinzhou City, the vast Great Zhou, even if he escaped Jinzhou, what then?

As long as Yan Chi wanted, he would certainly catch Qin An!

Qin Chen's sternness shifted to hesitation, looking at Qin Wan with a probing gaze. "What does Ninth Sister know? Did Ninth Sister already know His Highness's plan?"

Qin Wan collected her thoughts. "His Highness's plan? What plan?"

Seeing Qin Wan playing dumb, Qin Chen shook his head, his expression complex. He turned to look in the direction the people had gone, seeing they had disappeared, then sighed with lowered eyes. "I was merely following orders. Once past this gate, life or death is up to fate!"

Whether it was an illusion, Qin Wan felt Qin Chen exuded an aura of defeat in that moment.

He was following orders. In the entire Qin residence, whose orders could he follow?

Qin Wan sighed. Madam Jiang was not only superstitious but also failed to see the situation clearly. Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin were both in the residence, yet she could so openly arrange for Qin An to leave. Or perhaps, knowing it was hopeless, she still wanted to do something?

Qin Wan didn't understand. At that moment, Qin Chen looked up with a bitter smile. "Does Ninth Sister find it disgraceful?"

Qin Wan sighed. "The word 'flee' always makes one seem cowardly and disgraceful. As for other disgraceful matters, I don't know yet."

Qin Chen met Qin Wan's gaze. Looking into her eyes, his expression deepened, and a hint of helplessness appeared on his face. "Before, I only thought Ninth Sister, after the Half-Moon Lake incident, had revealed exceptional medical skills. I never imagined Ninth Sister had hidden such resilience and cleverness all these years. I truly didn't know Ninth Sister was like this before..."

Qin Wan also didn't know what to say. At this moment, she only wanted to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove to see what was really at the bottom of that well.

"His Highness is still at the Purple Bamboo Grove. Does Eldest Brother want to go see?"

Qin Chen lowered his eyes again, shaking his head despondently. "No need. It's just those unspeakable things."

Qin Wan's heart tightened. First, hastily arranging Qin An's escape; now Qin Chen personally saying this. What secret did that small, square abandoned well hold for the Qin family?

Qin Wan took a deep breath. "In that case, I'll return to the inner courtyard first."

Qin Wan finished speaking, turned, and walked away, having made up her mind to go to the Purple Bamboo Forest to take a look. Her steps were extremely fast, her figure vanishing into the night like an ocean of ink. Only after she had completely disappeared did Qin Chen slowly raise his eyes. A bitter, faint smile floated upon his handsome face, yet deep within his eyes seeped heavy unwillingness and resentment.

Over on this side, just as Qin Wan reached the entrance of the inner courtyard, she saw Bai Feng. Bai Feng seemed to be looking for someone; the moment he saw Qin Wan, his eyes lit up. "Ninth Miss, where have you been?"

Qin Wan said anxiously, "Qin An is trying to escape; he went in the direction of the east gate."

Seeing her urgency, Bai Feng hurriedly said, "Ninth Miss, need not worry. There are men arranged by His Highness all around the Qin Manor; no one can get away." After a slight pause, Bai Feng continued, "This humble one was ordered to invite the Miss to the Purple Bamboo Forest..."

"Did you find them?" Qin Wan's gaze was sharp as a torch.

Yet a heaviness rose upon Bai Feng's face, as if this matter were not worth delighting in at all.

"Yes, we found them, and... there is more than one skeleton."