novelraw Chapter 105 : Holding an Umbrella for Her. All Girls
Chapter 105 : Holding an Umbrella for Her. All Girls
105: Holding an Umbrella for Her. All Girls
Qin Wan walked swiftly along the small path outside the Purple Bamboo Grove.
The midnight rain fell icy as cold needles, slicing diagonally under her umbrella onto Qin Wan's body. Her palms were icy cold, yet she reflexively clenched her sleeves. Her eyes were dark and somber, brows tightly knit. Fuling, following closely behind her, practically at a trot, had never seen Qin Wan with such an expression.
Before they even drew near, they could see the Purple Bamboo Grove ablaze with light.
The night rain pattered serenely. Though a cool wind blew through the bamboo grove, a layer of rain mist still hung in the air. The scent of bamboo, mingled with the decaying smell of rain-soaked earth, somewhat sharply invaded Qin Wan's senses. She walked along the leaf-strewn path between the trees. The layers of dead branches underfoot had pooled water, quickly soaking her shoes. Qin Wan had no time to care about this.
Following the main path deeper, the closer they got, the clearer the sound of the constables' chaotic chatter. Just listening to the commotion, one could imagine this was no simple well excavation. Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin had clearly mobilized many more people.
"Young Miss Qin is here!"
Bai Feng hurried ahead a few steps, then announced softly.
Yan Chi, standing in the distance, turned and immediately saw Qin Wan approaching with an umbrella. The rain still fell; the entire grove was damp. Yan Chi's gaze lowered slightly and he instantly saw Qin Wan's wet skirt hem and shoes. He frowned slightly and strode forward to Qin Wan's side. Qin Wan curtsied in front, Fuling holding the umbrella behind her.
Seeing Yan Chi approach, Fuling quickly lowered her eyes, not daring to look directly. But in the next moment, the umbrella handle she held was suddenly taken. Before she could react, her hand was empty.
Fuling looked up, somewhat dazed, at Yan Chi. Yan Chi, however, looked at her and said, "Go fetch a hand warmer for your young miss."
Fuling was taken aback. Straightening up, Qin Wan was also slightly startled. "Your Highness, there's no need…"
"Who says there's no need?" As Yan Chi spoke, he matter-of-factly and lightly grasped Qin Wan's overlapping hands in front of her. The touch was brief, carrying no hint of impropriety. Yet in front of so many people, he made no attempt to avoid it? "Your hands are too cold. We need you here, but we cannot let you catch a chill."
Yan Chi finished with a glance at Fuling. Even without any threatening intent, that single look made Fuling's heart and spirit tremble. Fuling nodded repeatedly. "Yes, this servant will go at once."
After speaking, Fuling turned and left. Yan Chi switched the umbrella to his other hand, turned, and stood beside Qin Wan, holding the umbrella over her.
Qin Wan stood frozen for a moment. She was indeed very cold, especially her hands by her side. The slanting rain had speckled the back of her hands. Yan Chi's sudden, unexpected touch had instantly transferred the warmth from his palm to her skin. The contact was fleeting; the warmth seemed to dissipate as soon as his hand left. Yet Qin Wan's overlapping hands switched positions; she covered the spot Yan Chi had just touched with her left hand. Somehow, the back of her hand no longer felt as icy.
The idle thoughts vanished in a flash. Qin Wan's brow furrowed as she looked at the greatly excavated well opening not far away. "What's the situation below? Just now, Bai Feng said there was more than one skeleton?"
Yan Chi nodded. Holding the umbrella with one hand, he stood right beside Qin Wan, his arm slightly behind, the entire umbrella canopy sheltering Qin Wan's head. His own shoulder was half-exposed outside, yet he didn't seem to mind getting wet. "They're still digging down there. In just this short time, they've already unearthed three skulls and a pile of bone fragments. They dug deeper this time. After removing the newly filled soil, they dug another two chi into the mud below. In those two chi of mud, they also found a few scattered bone fragments. But the actual skeletons were all below that two chi of mud."
Yan Chi's tone was steady, his eyes sharp as a hawk's. Qin Wan turned to glance at him. From her angle, she could see Yan Chi's sharp, defined profile and his resolute, stern gaze. Qin Wan was naturally highly focused; Yan Chi seemed the same. Qin Wan looked at him for a moment, then raised her eyes to the bamboo umbrella above. Unlike Fuling, who held the umbrella low and unsteadily, Yan Chi held it high and stable, tilted against the rain's angle. For a while now, not a single raindrop had touched her.
A slight sense of relief settled in Qin Wan's heart. "Two chi of mud separating them... they must have been buried very deep originally. As for bone fragments being brought up with the mud, it's likely because over the years, the original functioning well became dry, with mud, stones, and sand sinking and soil rising." She paused briefly, then added, "Also, earlier I saw Third Uncle being escorted by Eldest Brother, trying to leave the Qin residence."
Hearing this, Yan Chi didn't even twitch an eyebrow, only turning to look at her. "There are people stationed around this Qin residence. No need to worry." Then, as if unable to help himself, he asked, "You went to the front courtyard earlier?"
Qin Wan pressed her lips together slightly. "I heard the Old Madam had fainted, but Eldest Brother went to the front courtyard to fetch a physician. I felt something was off and went to check. I happened to see Third Uncle about to be taken out."
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. "Even within the Qin residence, danger exists."
This one sentence made Qin Wan understand his meaning. Thinking this, she immediately recalled the Ninth Young Miss's death. Indeed, besides the deaths of Lady Liu and Liu Chun, there was another person's death in the Qin residence. It was just that because of her, that person's death had been concealed. The killing intent within the Qin residence was far greater and more complex than it appeared on the surface.
Qin Wan lowered her eyes. "Yes, earlier I thought too simply..."
Because it was Qin Chen, Qin Wan hadn't connected him to the word "killing intent." But now, thinking about it, there was quite a distance between the inner and outer courtyards. It was entirely possible for someone to ambush and harm her along the way.
Qin Wan was meticulous by nature and rarely felt she had been thoughtless. Perhaps Yan Chi's aura was too formidable, or perhaps Qin Wan sensed Yan Chi's concern was genuine. For a moment, admitting her oversights didn't seem like a big deal. Yan Chi, seeing her slightly lowered face, inexplicably felt a warmth in his heart. Then, he subtly shifted half a step to the right.
This brought him even closer to Qin Wan. Yan Chi's presence now more fully enveloped her. Perhaps it was the harsh environment of the Purple Bamboo Grove, or perhaps the rainy night was too cold. Yan Chi inexplicably felt that at this moment, Qin Wan appeared alone and vulnerable. If he didn't stay close, the demons and monsters hidden in this bamboo grove might swallow her whole.
The rain fell softly. Constables above and below the well were still shouting. Huo Huaixin stood by the well, now asking if anything had been found below, now asking why the dispatched manpower hadn't arrived yet. Amidst the noise and bustle, Qin Wan didn't notice Yan Chi's thoughts. She only stared at the dark opening and suddenly asked, "How far is this well from the one under the flower arbor?"
The sudden question caught Yan Chi off guard. He turned to look behind, estimated, and said, "About twenty zhang or so. Why? What does that matter?"
Qin Wan frowned. "That day when Sixth Sister fell into the well, she also said she touched human bones. Now I'm guessing, could there really have been human bones in that well? Your Highness said three skulls have already been found below. I'm afraid digging further will reveal even more skeletons. How could the small Qin residence have so many dead people?"
Yan Chi pondered briefly. "The yamen's manpower hasn't been fully mobilized yet. Once Qilin arrives, that well can also be examined. With so many skeletons, this case is no simple homicide."
Qin Wan nodded, taking a deep breath. "No wonder Third Uncle wanted to leave earlier..."
As she spoke, Yan Chi turned to Bai Feng. "Go outside the residence and see how things are."
Then he looked towards Huo Huaixin not far away. "Prefect Huo."
His call made Huo Huaixin hurry over. Seeing Yan Chi actually holding an umbrella for Qin Wan, Huo Huaixin first sucked in a cold breath, then waded over with difficulty. "Your Highness, what are your orders?"
On this cold, bleak rainy night, Qin Wan was chilled stiff, yet Huo Huaixin kept wiping sweat. Everyone, even Qin Wan, thought there might be one or two more skeletons at the bottom of this well at most. But no one expected three to be unearthed at once. For Huo Huaixin, Prefect of Jinzhou, this case instantly escalated from a current homicide to a major cold case. With so many lives buried in the Qin residence, if there was no explanation, if it couldn't be solved, his official hat would likely be lost.
"Young Master, what are your instructions?"
The Qin residence was part of Jinzhou City's nobility, and being descendants of the Zhongyong Marquis's household, Huo Huaixin had always sought to build connections. Even with this incident, he treated Madam Jiang, Madam Lin, and Qin An with considerable consideration. However, the law outweighed personal ties. Now, Huo Huaixin knew that if things went badly, it could very well affect his official career. At this moment, he was immensely grateful to the current Emperor for bestowing upon Yan Chi the title of Provincial Judicial Commissioner.
Yan Chi looked at Huo Huaixin's somewhat panicked expression and narrowed his eyes. "At this point, the Qin residence must temporarily be treated as a criminal household. Everyone within the Qin residence, masters and servants alike, must be guarded. No one can escape. Once the digging here is mostly done, strict interrogations must begin. So many skeletons, this is of grave importance."
Huo Huaixin wiped his sweat again. "Yes, yes... this official understands... this official will give the orders immediately..."
Huo Huaixin nodded incessantly, then turned to call a constable over for instructions. After a quick whisper, the constable immediately left the Purple Bamboo Grove. Huo Huaixin's heart was full of bitterness. Earlier, solving Song Rou's case, though not particularly fast, at least he hadn't made any mistakes. By year's end, he could include it in his performance review as an achievement. But who would have thought, before the evaluation, the Qin residence would have another incident? He initially thought it was just internal conflict or a crime of passion, in short, not a major case. Yet he never imagined this seemingly ordinary homicide would uncover such a shocking secret in the Qin residence's forbidden area...
"Sir, another skull has been found below..."
Before Huo Huaixin's heart could settle, a constable by the well suddenly shouted. Hearing this, Huo Huaixin's bitterness deepened, cold sweat beading even more profusely on his forehead.
Yan Chi and Qin Wan also heard, their expressions darkening.
Lighting below the well was poor, and the constables didn't know medicine. Currently, they could only use skulls to determine the number of deaths. With this fourth skull, it meant at least four people were buried at the bottom of the well. Why did these people die?
The constable's words also made the other yamen officers above change expressions. The Jinzhou prefectural yamen often handled cases, but most were minor ones like Lin Daxing's. The successive deaths of Lady Liu and Liu Chun were already somewhat tricky murders. Yet they never expected the deaths of Liu Chun and Lady Liu were just the beginning. Two people died, then Second Concubine's remains were exhumed. Before Second Concubine could be buried, the well bottom turned out to be a burial pit...
If not for the number of people present, these burly constables would have felt their scalps crawling.
"Light a few more torches. Move some of this mud out."
A few constables lit more torches. Instantly, the area around the well opening became as bright as day. The spot had been dug before, later filled by the Qin family, and now dug up again, leaving a complete mess. Dry soil and mud were piled into small hills around the opening. Several constables looked at the well opening; a few carried the excavated mud out. People came and went, shouts and noise mingling. Though bamboo rustled in the cold wind and rain, for a while, it didn't feel so eerily sinister.
Before long, Fuling, holding an umbrella and carrying a hand warmer, walked in.
"Young Miss, please take it quickly..."
Fuling held a small, white-glazed hand warmer with a blue floral pattern and speckled agate-green designs. Inside, aloeswood was added with a silver charcoal piece. The temperature was just right. When handing it over, Fuling happened to touch the back of Qin Wan's hand and was shocked to find it cold as ice. She glanced up at Yan Chi, never expecting him to be more considerate and attentive than her.
Fuling held her own umbrella, gave a meaningful look at Yan Chi who showed no intention of returning hers, and had no choice but to step back and stand aside with her umbrella. From behind, she saw Yan Chi sheltering Qin Wan completely under the umbrella, while his own shoulder was exposed. Her heart inexplicably warmed. Looking again, Yan Chi was tall and imposing, exuding an imposing aura, while Qin Wan, cloaked, stood elegantly and gracefully under Yan Chi's umbrella. The two of them under one umbrella truly looked like a painting. Fuling blinked. Compared to Yue Qing, this Prince Rui's heir apparent indeed seemed a better match for her young miss...
Qin Wan, standing in front, had no idea of Fuling's fanciful thoughts. Watching the busy activity at the well opening, she couldn't help but step forward to see how the constables below were working. But as soon as she took a step, Yan Chi reached out and stopped her arm.
"The front is all mud. Just watch from here."
Qin Wan halted, looking down to see Yan Chi's own boots spattered with mud.
Seeing this, a slight smile actually touched Yan Chi's lips. "When marching in the Western Frontier, we once traveled a hundred li across cold plains at night, slept in snow wolf dens, went a month without changing uniforms. How can you compare to me?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan's heart stirred. She knew that during military campaigns, soldiers often lay in ambush for long periods without changing clothes. But sleeping in snow wolf dens, this was the first she'd heard of it. Snow wolves were fierce and often lived in packs. Taking over their den, never mind the filth and chaos… surely required a fierce battle to occupy it?
Qin Wan thought. If she praised his bravery now, he'd probably heard too much of that. If she commended his hardship, the Western Frontier Army's merits couldn't be summed up with just "hardship." After a moment's contemplation, she nodded. "Your Highness truly lives up to your reputation."
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, about to say more, when Bai Feng's figure flashed in from outside the bamboo grove. He left quickly and returned just as fast. Qin Wan didn't even see how he entered before he stood beside Yan Chi.
"Master, Master Qin was apprehended just as he left the gate. He can't leave now and has been sent back to the front courtyard. The guards at the residence gate have withdrawn to outside Master Qin's courtyard. Our people remain outside. Everything went smoothly."
Yan Chi nodded, his gaze shifting as Qilin led over a dozen prefectural constables into the Purple Bamboo Grove.
Seeing Qilin arrive, Huo Huaixin immediately stepped forward to give orders. Qilin nodded, then headed towards the Qin residence's front courtyard with his men.
As Qilin left, instructing as he went, "Gather all the servants in the steward's courtyard. Find Mistress Qin, gather the young masters and misses as well. Where is the Old Madam?"
A constable stepped forward. "In the Buddha Hall to the east."
Qilin's expression darkened. "Good, you two, go guard there. Later, Prefect Huo and His Highness will go personally. For now, don't let people move about the residence. Ensure the Qin residence is sealed tight as a drum!"
The constables assented in unison. Qilin strode straight towards the front courtyard.
Meanwhile, as the prefectural constables reached the Buddha Hall entrance, Caihe hurried in from outside. "Old Madam, it's terrible! The yamen has posted guards. They've sealed off the outside of our Buddha Hall. They said it's Prefect Huo's order. From now on, everyone in the residence, masters and servants, cannot move about freely. They also said they'll come question you later."
As she spoke, Caihe looked at Madam Lin beside her. "Mistress, the constables outside say you must gather all the young masters and misses. They'll question everyone together later."
Madam Jiang was reclining on a long couch. Hearing this, her hand trembled, nearly dropping her prayer beads.
She paled, her brow twitching as she closed her eyes. She sighed deeply. "Forget it, it's over..."
Madam Lin beside her had already reddened her eyes. "Mother, what should we do?"
Madam Jiang pressed her lips together tightly. "What can we do? All these years... I often dreamed of this scene. Now, it's just that what was due has arrived... What can we do..."
Madam Lin gritted her teeth. "Mother, forget about us, but the master, the master is even more... But Chen'er is still young! He is our Qin family's only hope. Once this matter comes out, it will surely affect Chen'er. What about the second half of Chen'er's life? Could it be ruined because of this? Mother, think of a way, save Chen'er..."
Madam Jiang's hand holding the prayer beads trembled violently. When she spoke again, her voice was shaking. "This matter has reached this point; it cannot be reversed. Perhaps it's heaven's will. No matter how much we conceal it, we cannot hide it anymore..."
Madam Lin began sobbing softly. Suddenly, Madam Jiang pushed herself up from the couch. "No, there is still a way!"
A light sparked in Madam Lin's eyes. Madam Jiang looked at her. "Send a letter to the capital. No matter what, Chen'er is a descendant of the Qin family. The Zhongyong Marquis's household still needs Qin descendants to contribute. Quick, I'll write the letter myself..."
Madam Jiang rose, about to step down, her hand outstretched. Caihe hurried to support her. Madam Jiang, trembling, walked towards the desk not far away. Helping Madam Jiang sit, Caihe quickly fetched paper and brush from nearby, placing them on the desk. Caihe then brought over the nearby lamp. Madam Jiang composed herself before picking up the brush.
The room was silent except for Madam Lin's suppressed sobs. Madam Jiang wrote stroke by stroke, her brow tightly furrowed into a "川" character. She wrote extremely slowly, as if each word held the Qin family's life and death. After the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, a letter was barely finished. Madam Jiang then said, "Fetch my seal."
Caihe assented, set down the lamp, and walked towards the inner chamber. Shortly after, she returned carrying Madam Jiang's seal.
Madam Jiang carefully stamped the seal on the letter, waited for the ink to dry somewhat, then folded it. Once folded, she immediately handed it to Madam Lin. "Send someone to deliver this letter to the capital immediately!"
Madam Lin knew this letter was a lifeline for her son. She hurriedly took it. "Good, Mother, rest assured. I'll go at once."
Madam Jiang nodded. "While the residence blockade isn't strict yet, go."
Madam Lin assented and turned to leave.
After Madam Lin left, Madam Jiang sat dazedly. Caihe watched, her heart aching. "Old Madam, don't worry. All these years, your vegetarian fasting and Buddhist prayers have accumulated blessings for the Qin family. This time will surely turn danger into safety."
Madam Jiang slowly began rotating her prayer beads but shook her head bitterly. "It's useless. The sin is too great. Even Buddha cannot forgive. This time, our third branch is completely finished. I only beg... I only beg the capital to act quickly. The sins belong to the elders; they have nothing to do with the younger generation in the residence."
Caihe pressed her lips together, frowning. "Things haven't reached that point yet. Old Madam, don't assume the worst first."
Madam Jiang, however, continued shaking her head. "You don't understand. There's no room for maneuver in this matter."
Caihe's eyes showed a flicker of doubt. "Old Madam, back then..."
But Madam Jiang closed her eyes at that moment, clearly unwilling to say more. Caihe, seeing this, realized she shouldn't press further and immediately fell silent. Only when adjusting the dim lamp did she notice that Madam Jiang, usually composed and calm, actually had a thin layer of sweat on her face.
She sighed, lowering her gaze.
...
...
Qin Chen stood soul-less on the covered walkway. Qin Wan had left long ago, yet he remained standing tall. The cold wind carrying rain hit him mercilessly. Soon, the hem of his robe was soaked.
His usual elegance and handsome bearing had completely dissipated. Qin Chen's gaze was somewhat vacant, staring into the vast, ink-black night. The Qin family's secret had been discovered; this scandal concealed for years was about to be exposed. At this moment, the Qin residence was like a great ship about to sink. Despite his immense unwillingness, what could he do? With his strength alone, how could he turn the tide?
If the Qin family's ship sank, everyone on board would sink with it. So many people. Qin An deserved his fate, but what about the others? His sisters were not yet married. And he himself, his ambitions not yet realized. Yet he knew that in a few days, all his ambitions and aspirations would have nothing to do with him. The Qin family would become a criminal household, perhaps implicating others in the residence.
A surge of hatred and rage suddenly rose in Qin Chen's eyes. At no moment had he felt more disgusted with being born into the Qin family than now. This was a night filled with misery and bitter rain. Qin Chen's back bent slightly, as if crushed by an invisible mountain.
"Master, Master, we couldn't help it either..."
"Master Qin is so seriously ill. He should stay in his own courtyard."
"Exactly. If something happens outside the residence gate, on the main street, you can't even find a physician."
Voices approached. Qin Chen stood dazed for a moment before turning. The chill had already spread throughout his body. Turning, he realized his legs had long gone numb from standing. Squinting, he saw two yamen constables in official uniforms following the servant carrying Qin An. Qin Chen swayed. So they truly couldn't leave.
"Eldest Young Master, why are you still here? We..."
The lead servant saw Qin Chen and was slightly startled. Qin Chen came back to himself and stepped forward. "I know. It's nothing. Take Master back."
The servant nodded. Qin Chen then followed them in. The two constables exchanged a glance and both stood at the courtyard entrance. Qin Chen looked back just in time to see this. His eyes darkened. He walked inside, seeing the servant had already carried Qin An into the room. Due to the haste, Qin An only had a cloak thrown over him. Once inside, the cloak was removed, revealing Qin An's face. The lamp in the room was still lit. Qin Chen immediately saw the purplish-red hard chancres on Qin An's face.
A wave of discomfort rose in Qin Chen's heart. He forced down the nausea in his stomach and stepped forward. "Father, we can't leave..."
Qin An was gravely ill. Having not taken effective medicine for many days, and now frightened, his body weakened and his mind grew somewhat delirious. "Can't leave? Why? Why?"
Qin An panicked, instinctively looking out the window. "Go, leave now. We must leave..."
As he spoke, Qin An stepped onto the ground. But before he could stand, pain in his joints made him collapse to the side. A servant nearby hurried to help him up, advising, "Master, we can't leave. Inside and outside the residence, it's all government people. Weren't we just stopped and turned back? We truly can't leave..."
Qin An waved a hand. "Useless! Find Prefect Huo! Prefect Huo will certainly make an exception..."
Qin An's face twisted with rage, a vicious expression. Watching this, pain flashed in Qin Chen's eyes, followed by renewed hatred. Unwilling to say more, he looked at the servants left and right. "Keep watch over Father. Don't let him leave this courtyard!"
The servants could all see Qin An was now somewhat delirious and quickly nodded. Qin Chen didn't glance at Qin An again, turned, and strode out. Behind him, Qin An, seeing Qin Chen like this, grew even angrier and began shouting.
"Unfilial son! You unfilial son! Come back here!"
Qin Chen strode on, deaf to the curses behind him. Once outside the courtyard gate, he glanced at the two constables but said nothing, heading straight for the inner courtyard. As soon as he entered, he saw many more yamen constables than usual. After a few steps, he spotted Qilin. Qin Chen paused. Meanwhile, Qilin walked over unhurriedly.
"Young Master returning from the outer courtyard? How is Master Qin?"
Qilin's tone carried sarcasm. Qin Chen's face alternated between green and red. "He's fine."
Qilin smiled meaningfully and nodded. "That's good. I was just about to check on Master Qin. With his serious illness, more people should be sent to watch over him. By the way, where is the Young Master going?"
Qin Chen's voice was calm and unfluctuating. "To see my grandmother..."
Qilin gave a half-smile. "Better not visit the Old Madam now, Young Master. Return to your own courtyard. After the questioning, you can visit the Old Madam. Prefect Huo and His Highness have ordered that from one cup of tea ago, no one in the Qin residence is to move about randomly."
Qin Chen pressed his lips together. He felt chilled to the bone; his face even felt frozen stiff, unable to show displeasure or anger. He nodded, bypassed Qilin, and walked expressionlessly towards his courtyard.
Qilin turned, watching Qin Chen's retreating back, and instructed those beside him, "Send two men to protect the Young Master."
Two constables assented and hurried after him.
Qilin sighed, then shook his head before turning towards the front courtyard. The constables around him looked somewhat uneasy. One stepped forward. "Head Constable, is the Qin family finished?"
Qilin snorted coldly. "Didn't you see the bones at the bottom of the well? The Qin residence concealed so many lives. You think they're finished?"
The constables shrank their necks, not daring to ask more.
…
…
The Qin residence was originally a luxurious official ship sailing on the river. This ship carried many people's wealth and status. Everyone living on this ship, surnamed Qin, was intimately connected to it, including, naturally, Qin Wan.
In the Purple Bamboo Grove, Yan Chi had held an umbrella for Qin Wan for nearly half an hour. Seeing more and more mud being dug up, Yan Chi turned to Qin Wan. "This matter will greatly impact the Qin residence. It can't be said to have no effect on you either. What are your plans?"
Qin Wan seemed not to have expected Yan Chi to ask this. She turned to look at him, then smiled slightly. "If I said I have no plans, would Your Highness believe me?"
Hearing this, Yan Chi focused for a moment, then after a pause, pressed his lips together without saying more.
Qin Wan then withdrew her gaze, continuing to look towards the well opening. "I don't know what will happen to the Qin residence. That will be determined by what's dug up from the bottom of this well. Currently, my fate is indeed greatly tied to the Qin residence. But I believe the laws of the Great Zhou are just. Those involved will be punished; those uninvolved will ultimately be unharmed."
She paused briefly, then added, "As for wealth and status... when the Qin residence was prosperous, those surnamed Qin enjoyed noble status and wealth beyond ordinary people. Since they enjoyed these things, when the Qin residence falls, they should also bear the consequences. So, I truly haven't made any plans. Once the truth of this case surfaces and a conclusion is reached, we'll see."
Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. "Ninth Young Miss is quite carefree..."
Hearing this, Qin Wan only smiled slightly without further comment. She wasn't carefree; she simply didn't have deep feelings for the Qin family. Now, although the Qin residence's outcome was still unclear, she could already glimpse it. The Qin family's downfall would definitely affect her. But so what? When she was first born, her father was just a minor judicial officer. Life was undoubtedly hard then, but they managed. Compared to Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, she had no difficulty enduring hardship. Moreover, she had medical skills and could perform autopsies. At the very least, she needn't worry about livelihood.
Qin Wan thought clearly. Since she could handle any situation, she could remain calm and composed.
Time passed bit by bit. The torches above the well were replaced several times. Before long, a shout came from below the well. Huo Huaixin stepped forward to listen, then turned. "Your Highness, another skull has been found. Should we pull the bones up?"
Yan Chi's expression turned serious. He nodded. "Pull them up first."
At Huo Huaixin's order, the constables quickly laid a felt cloth. As before, they intended to pile the bones on the cloth for Qin Wan to examine.
The terrain below the well was narrow. Soon, a bamboo basket was lowered. After a while, the people above began pulling the basket up. As the basket rose higher, the bones inside became clearer. The basket's top held a skull caked in mud. Seeing it, Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi both frowned. Before Qin Wan could speak, they already sensed something was wrong.
Huo Huaixin was the first to step forward. Not daring to touch directly, he picked up a branch to poke at them, frowning. "Strange, these skulls look somewhat... somewhat..."
"Small!"
Before Huo Huaixin could find the word, a constable beside him blurted it out first. Huo Huaixin's eyes lit up. "Right! Exactly! Small!"
Yan Chi glanced at Qin Wan, who had taken a few steps to the felt cloth. Yan Chi frowned. "Your guess was right."
Qin Wan guessed correctly. The well bottom indeed contained children's bones, just like the one she found, much smaller than an adult's. Qin Wan handed the hand warmer to Fuling behind her, then crouched to carefully examine the pile of mud-caked white bones. Because they were covered in mud, details were unclear, but the approximate size of the bones was apparent.
Qin Wan studied them intently for a moment. "Judging by the bone size and joint connections, the owners of these skeletons were around ten years old." Using a dry branch to poke a bit more, she added, "Around ten, or eleven or twelve at most. Certainly not older than twelve..."
After Qin Wan finished speaking gravely, silence fell around them.
If the dead were all adults, one could still think they were killed due to some grievance or enmity. But if they were all young children, what grudge could the vast Qin residence have with mere children?
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, her gaze unprecedentedly somber. Having followed her father to various places before, she had seen cases involving young children. Such cases were usually the most oppressive and heavy with tension.
"Can you only determine the age? Can you tell how they died?" Huo Huaixin asked anxiously.
Qin Wan shook her head. "We must wait until the mud is removed..."
As she spoke, the constables sent to fetch water returned. Four wooden buckets were set aside. Several constables began washing the bones, placing the cleaned ones to the side. Qin Wan waited a moment. Seeing washed bones of varying sizes, she stepped forward to examine them carefully. Yan Chi didn't ask anything but continued holding the umbrella beside Qin Wan. Huo Huaixin brought a nearby torch closer, shining more light on Qin Wan.
The torchlight bright as day, Qin Wan's cold, solemn eyes inspected each bone. Gradually, her brows deepened. The surrounding constables didn't dare make a sound. For a moment, even the wind in the bamboo grove seemed to stop. The only sound was the soft patter of rain. Qin Wan picked up one bone after another. By the time the bones beside her piled into a small hill, she slowly stopped.
Looking at the small pile of bones, Yan Chi keenly noticed Qin Wan's fingers trembling slightly.
Yan Chi's breath caught, a sudden ominous premonition rising in his heart. He hurriedly asked, "Well?"
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, swallowing with difficulty before speaking hoarsely, "Girls. They're all young girls..."