novelraw Chapter 109 : Poisoning
Chapter 109 : Poisoning
109: Poisoning
"What could make him suddenly go mad like this?" Qin Wan asked hurriedly as she walked swiftly, robes gathered.
Yan Chi walked beside her, his tone serious. "The reason is unknown. Men were originally guarding outside Qin An's courtyard. But something over half a shichen ago, Qin An suddenly dashed out as if gone mad. The two bailiffs at the courtyard gate couldn't restrain him. Fortunately, they pursued and apprehended him, but now his condition is critical..."
Qin Wan frowned slightly. "Has Qian Bairen been treating him these past two days?"
Yan Chi nodded. "Yes, Qian Bairen has been in charge. The medicine he took also passed through Qian Bairen's hands."
Hitching her skirt slightly, Qin Wan quickened her pace. Qian Bairen was treating Qin An; the medicine was handled by Qian Bairen. Qian Bairen wouldn't dare harm Qin An. So, why did Qin An suddenly go mad?
Though severe, syphilis wouldn't cause madness. Listening to Yan Chi's description, Qin Wan felt Qin An was either truly driven insane by some shock or had been poisoned...
From the inner quarters to the outer courtyard, before they even drew near, Qin Wan saw Madam Lin and Qin Chen standing before the front courtyard. In front of them was Madam Jiang, supported by Caihe, who was currently arguing with the bailiffs at the gate.
"With you officers watching, our Old Madam only wishes to see the Master. The Master is critically ill; how can the Old Madam not see her son? Please show compassion for a mother's heart."
Caihe spoke earnestly, but the bailiffs at the gate didn't dare relax in the slightest. The orders came not only from Huo Huaixin but also from Yan Chi. With such commands, none of the bailiffs dared be careless.
Caihe glanced back at Madam Lin and Qin Chen, then turned forward again. "Gentlemen, this is still the Qin residence. Under your watch, what trouble could the Old Madam cause? We truly only wish to see the Master. We heard he took a turn for the worse. Please have compassion for a mother's heart."
No matter what Caihe said, the bailiffs refused entry. Madam Jiang, her usually composed face wore an uncharacteristic gravity.
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi. Yan Chi's brow creased slightly. Most of the servants had been released. This had given Madam Jiang an opportunity. And sure enough, news of Qin An's madness reached her ears so quickly.
"Hurry... hurry... Grandmother is ahead..."
Before Yan Chi could approach, voices suddenly came from behind them. Qin Wan and Yan Chi turned together to see Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, led by a young servant, hurrying toward them.
Qin Wan's eyebrow twitched. Could Qin An truly be dying?
Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang had been walking swiftly, but upon seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan ahead, their steps immediately slowed.
The two sisters exchanged a glance, then slightly lowered their heads, only stealing glances at Yan Chi's back. Yan Chi's brow furrowed for a moment before he strode toward the courtyard gate. Qin Chen saw him first and hurriedly turned to bow.
"My respects to Lord Heir..."
Madam Lin curtsied. Caihe nudged Madam Jiang's arm, and Madam Jiang also turned and gave a slight bow to Yan Chi.
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow slightly. "What does the Old Madam intend?"
Madam Jiang kept her eyes lowered, dressed in a deep purple formal robe, her hair immaculate. Yet, looking at her now, Qin Wan felt her dignified, rigid facade was barely holding.
"With such matters occurring in the Qin residence, the prefectural yamen's guards treat it like a prison. This old woman has no complaint. However, now that my unworthy son is gravely ill, hearing he is on the brink of death... I cannot be denied a final look at my son."
As she spoke, Madam Jiang lifted her eyes to glance at Yan Chi. "Therefore, I request Lord Heir to allow passage."
Yan Chi looked at Madam Jiang, his gaze shifting to Madam Lin and Qin Chen beside her. Just as everyone expected a refusal, he said calmly, "The Old Madam's maternal love is touching. Let them pass."
Only then did the bailiffs step aside. Yan Chi strode forward, entering the courtyard first. Qin Wan curtsied to Madam Jiang and Madam Lin, then quickly followed. Behind them, Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang came forward. They exchanged a look. Madam Jiang, gripping her cane, slowly turned. The expressions of the grandmother and her grandchildren were all grave, only Qin Shuang's large eyes darting left and right, showing not a trace of grief.
Apart from Qin Chen and Madam Lin, even Madam Jiang rarely visited the front courtyard, let alone Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang looked around and suddenly whispered, "Should we call Second Brother?"
Qin Xiang glanced at Madam Jiang's back. "Grandmother didn't say. It's probably fine either way."
Qin Shuang sighed. "Then don't call. Second Brother is also unwell."
"Ah! Let me go!"
Just as Qin Shuang finished speaking, a shrill, piercing shout came from the direction of the main hall!
Qin Shuang's face turned pale with fright. Instinctively, she grabbed Qin Xiang's arm. Though she'd been at odds with Qin Xiang, with only Qin Xiang beside her now, she had to make do. Qin Xiang herself was startled but winced from Qin Shuang's tight grip.
"You look ridiculous! Let go immediately!"
Qin Shuang didn't let go, her plump hand clinging tightly to Qin Xiang's arm. But after a moment, Qin Shuang suddenly asked, "Was that Father? Was that Father shouting just now?"
Qin Xiang nodded with some distaste. "Who else could it be..."
Qin Shuang looked bewildered. "What's wrong with Father..."
Before she finished, Qin Shuang saw Yan Chi and Qin Wan stop at the main hall entrance ahead. The doors were wide open. Inside, two household servants were holding Qin An, trying to restrain him, but Qin An's strength was immense, almost breaking free.
To the side, Huo Huaixin and Xu He stood by the wall. Huo Huaixin's collar was somewhat disheveled, perhaps from being grabbed by Qin An. Wiping sweat, he said, "Brother Qin, stop this. This matter cannot be covered up."
"Let go... let me go..."
"I... why are you locking me up? Do you know who I am!"
"I'll tell my elder brother, have him deal with you!"
Qin An's shouts were so hoarse his voice was about to give out. His robes were in disarray. The hairpin holding his hair had fallen during his struggles; his hair now hung wild and disheveled like a madman's. Combined with his insane ravings, he truly appeared deranged.
Huo Huaixin looked at Yan Chi with a wry smile. Seeing Yan Chi remained silent, his eyes cold, Huo Huaixin sighed inwardly.
Yan Chi came from the Western Frontier Army; he had no patience for dealing with lunatics like Qin An. If Yan Chi took action, Qin An would likely lose half his life. Thinking this, Huo Huaixin, out of duty, made a final attempt to persuade. "Brother Qin, stop this. Your feigning illness, your feigning madness, it's all just to cover up what happened all those years ago. But those children's bones have been..."
Huo Huaixin was pleading earnestly when suddenly, Qin An's eyes lit up. "Children?"
He seemed not to have heard the word "bones." He abruptly stopped struggling, his face showing a greedy, covetous expression as he searched around. In an instant, his gaze landed on Qin Wan standing at the forefront.
Yan Chi frowned and stepped left, blocking Qin Wan from view. Qin An's eyes lifted to meet Yan Chi's. Their gazes locked, and Qin An seemed frightened, taking a step back.
But as if possessed, not seeing Qin Wan, his gaze darted about. Suddenly, he caught sight of a figure in a pale purple gown. His eyes lit up. To everyone's surprise, he violently broke free from the two servants' grasp and, like a madman, charged toward Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang standing furthest back...
The two servants had been restraining Qin An for some time and were already exhausted. Seeing him suddenly stop struggling, they relaxed momentarily, never expecting his renewed violent struggle. Caught off guard, they lost their grip.
Seeing Qin An charge forward, Qin Chen, being a man, still had some agility.
He stepped forward to block, intercepting Qin An's path and also shielding Qin Shuang. But Qin An seemed utterly demon-possessed, deftly sidestepping to evade Qin Chen. Once past Qin Chen, Qin Xiang, who hadn't reacted, was exposed. Qin An let out a lewd chuckle, spreading his arms and pouncing toward Qin Xiang,
"Ah!"
Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang stood at a distance, the crowd in front partially blocking their view; they only vaguely saw Qin An restrained, unable to break free. They never imagined Qin An would suddenly charge at them.
The Qin An of the past, though he indulged in pleasure-seeking and ignored household affairs, was still frequently seen and always appeared decently dressed, somewhat dignified. But today, first seeing Qin An disheveled, then hearing his ravings, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were already shocked and frightened. Before they could react, they saw Qin An pounce on them like some vulgar scoundrel from the streets...
Qin Xiang first saw a face covered in purplish-red sores. Just as fear struck, a violent force slammed into her shoulder, sending her flying back!
Terror instantly spread through Qin Xiang's entire body. She crashed to the ground, Qin An tumbling down with her. Qin Xiang screamed in fright, unable to hold back her sobs. Meanwhile, Qin An tried to crawl toward Qin Xiang. Qin Chen stepped forward, grabbing Qin An by the back of his collar and hauling him up.
Seeing Qin An still struggling, the two stunned servants finally rushed forward to restrain him again. On this side, both Madam Jiang and Madam Lin had turned pale. Madam Lin's eyes held heartache and fury as she helped Qin Xiang up. Madam Jiang, however, stamped her cane hard on the ground. "Monster! You monster! In this state, it would be better if you were dead..."
Furious, Madam Jiang felt dizzy, nearly unable to stand. Madam Lin helped the sobbing Qin Xiang up from the ground. Qin Xiang cried, "Mother, what was Father trying to do..."
Madam Lin's heart ached. She pulled Qin Xiang into a tight embrace. "Your father is ill, gone mad. Don't be afraid."
Qin Xiang cried, her mind racing. A moment later, realization dawned. Her eyes flew wide. "Father... Father likes children... Those bones in the well are Father's..."
She didn't finish, her mouth covered by Madam Lin's hand.
Beside them, Qin Shuang, her eyes red, asked, "Were those children Father's... catamites?"
Qin Shuang was also badly frightened. Though Qin Chen had saved her, her fear in that moment was no less than Qin Xiang's. Seeing Qin Xiang crying uncontrollably now, she couldn't help but shed tears.
"Outrageous! What nonsense are you spouting!" Madam Jiang, trembling, her body nearly giving way, coldly snapped again. "A young miss like you, where did you learn such words? Truly outrageous..."
Yan Chi's gaze darkened. He stepped forward. "At this moment, Old Madam still wishes to conceal things?"
Madam Jiang leaned heavily on Caihe's arm for support, half her weight on the maid. She was about to collapse, crushed by this naked display. Earlier, news of Qin An's madness reached the Buddha Hall. She thought Qin An was truly dying, so she rushed out disregarding propriety and summoned the other children, clinging to the bonds of father and children. Who could have imagined Qin An was in the throes of madness? Not only mad, but he had mistaken Qin Xiang for the children of long ago...
Madam Jiang's hand gripping the cane trembled, yet her lips were pressed tightly together. "What does Lord Heir mean? My son is ill, his mind already deranged. He is mad. How can the words of such a madman be taken seriously?"
Qin An, held down by the servants, seemed to understand something. One servant suddenly pulled out a handkerchief and stuffed it into Qin An's mouth. Gagged, Qin An immediately fell silent, though his eyes still held that covetous gaze toward Qin Xiang hiding in Madam Lin's arms. Qin Xiang trembled in her mother's embrace, wishing Qin An would die right then.
At this moment, even Madam Jiang no longer felt any maternal sentiment, let alone Qin Xiang and her sister, who had never received Qin An's care. And the family values and propriety Madam Jiang had always upheld collapsed in this instant. She knew she was being unreasonable, deceiving herself. But at this point, she had no choice but to discard all dignity, to delay this case day by day.
"Old Madam, you and the Mistress should just speak the truth. Tell us what really happened." Huo Huaixin, watching this scene, also sighed with emotion. "Even the younger generation understands. There's no reason you, the elder, cannot see. Brother Qin has become like this. You must teach the younger generation what is right and wrong."
Madam Jiang took a deep breath to steady herself, though her face remained pale. "Prefect, continue your investigation. It would be best if he confesses personally. Whatever torture or methods, use them on him. If he confesses, then sentence him."
Finished, Madam Jiang sighed. "This old woman is also a sinner. If Prefect wishes to imprison this old woman, please proceed. As for anything else... this old woman knows nothing."
With that, Madam Jiang turned and walked away. After a few steps, she looked back. "In that state, Lord Heir and Your Honor may deal with him as you see fit. The guilt lies with him alone. It has nothing to do with the younger generation."
Her gaze swept over Qin Chen and the others. "Let's go. There's no need to come here again."
Having said this, Madam Jiang left. Madam Lin, holding Qin Xiang, also went out. Qin Shuang, afraid to stay in the courtyard, hurriedly followed. Qin Chen sighed, bowed to Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin with cupped fists, and departed.
With them gone, the courtyard quieted. Huo Huaixin stepped forward. "Lord Heir, what should we do? In this state, his words likely won't be accepted by the judicial review."
Yan Chi turned his gaze to Qin An. "Wasn't it said he was dying?"
Yan Chi hadn't seen Qin An's condition earlier, but Qin An didn't seem like he would die imminently.
Huo Huaixin made a puzzled sound. "He wasn't said to be dying, only that he went mad. Perhaps the message was wrongly relayed. But when it first happened, it was truly frightening. And the suddenness of it... we don't know why."
Qin Wan now stepped out from beside Yan Chi. As soon as she appeared, Qin An stared at her with wide, feverish eyes, his gaze ravenous and unconcealed. Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin, concerned, were about to order Qin An dragged away when Qin Wan walked right up to him. Her proximity made Qin An even more frenzied, as if he wanted to lunge at her immediately.
Qin Wan's expression was calm, her eyes sharp as knives. She stared at Qin An for a long moment. The blazing heat in Qin An's eyes actually diminished slightly. Suddenly, Qin Wan's hand flicked out. A silver needle pierced precisely between Qin An's eyebrows.
Qin An seemed frozen, his body quickly going limp and collapsing.
The two servants heaved a huge sigh of relief. Glancing at Qin Wan, they couldn't help but marvel inwardly: So, Qin Wan's medical skills were real. And her standing before Qin An without fear showed remarkable courage.
Once Qin An went limp and his eyes slowly closed, Qin Wan crouched down to examine him.
Compared to Qin Li, Qin An's face, neck, and exposed wrists and hands were already covered with many plum-blossom sores. Qin Wan frowned as she examined them. The two servants supporting Qin An struggled to conceal their disgust. If not for having served Qin An for many years, even ten thousand coins wouldn't make them want to care for such a master now.
"The plum-blossom sores have emerged. The flower-willow disease is quite severe," Qin Wan said slowly. "If they continue to spread like this, the flesh on his hands will soon rot to the bone. And his body... his internal organs will soon deteriorate."
Huo Huaixin frowned. "Could that be why he went mad?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "No. Plum-blossom sores themselves don't cause madness. Unless there is other stimulation. Initially seeing his own body festering, if he couldn't accept it, perhaps... But he is an adult, not a child. It's unlikely such a sudden, extreme reaction. Moreover, these sores didn't just appear today."
As she spoke, Qin Wan looked down at Qin An's exposed hands. Seeing them, her brow furrowed slightly.
Qin An's fingernails were unusually dark; the lunulae were nearly black. After a moment's thought, Qin Wan asked, "Who prescribed the recent medicine formulas? Qian Bairen?"
Yan Chi stepped forward. "Yes, him..."
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "I'm afraid we need to bring him here for questioning."
Huo Huaixin nodded and immediately ordered a bailiff outside the courtyard. After the man left, Qin Wan carefully checked Qin An's other hand, then parted his hair to examine his scalp.
"What symptoms has he shown recently?"
Qin Wan was asking the two servants present. They exchanged a glance, and one hurriedly answered, "The Master has been irritable and agitated lately. He also vomited twice. He can't sleep at night; his temper is worse than usual. But with such an illness, who could remain calm? The Master was accustomed to a life of pleasure. With this sudden change, the Old Madam forbade him from leaving the residence and from approaching the concubines. The Master was frustrated and irritable; we didn't think much of it."
As the first man finished, the other added, "Oh, also, the Master often complained of headaches and sometimes said his vision blurred. Naturally, we called Physician Qian to see him. But Physician Qian seemed afraid just looking at the Master's condition. Each visit, he was timid and hesitant. We did our best to make the Master take the medicine, but it didn't seem very effective."
The first servant added bitterly, "Earlier, the Master also feigned illness once or twice, exaggerating his symptoms. Later, we couldn't tell if he was being truthful or not..."
Qin Wan frowned slightly. "When did the headaches and blurred vision start? And the vomiting?"
The two servants thought. The first one replied, "It seems it started after Concubine Liu died. Vomiting and diarrhea came together. Headaches began a couple of days later. Also, the Master complained of chest tightness and abdominal pain. The Master listed too many symptoms, each time different. Sometimes we thought he was just trying to fool us. Besides, Physician Qian couldn't find anything."
Qin Wan listened silently. Soon, Qian Bairen was brought by the bailiffs.
Though Qin Wan hadn't seen Qian Bairen for days, he seemed to have lost some weight. Yet, he still had a portly appearance. Summoned specifically by the bailiffs, Qian Bairen appeared nervous. Upon entering the courtyard, he immediately knelt before Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin.
"This worthless one pays respects to the Prefect, to Lord Heir..."
After speaking, Qian Bairen prostrated on the ground, not daring to lift his head.
Huo Huaixin, knowing Yan Chi had no patience for courtroom-style interrogations, stepped forward. "Raise your head. When did you start treating your master?"
Qian Bairen obediently lifted his head, thinking for a moment. "It was... after Concubine Liu died. Only after her death did I learn she had earlier requested medicine to treat her own illness. Later, the Master also fell ill. It must... must have been Madam Liu who infected the Master."
Hearing him mention this, Huo Huaixin frowned. "Bring all the prescriptions you prescribed."
Qian Bairen seemed to have anticipated this. He actually pulled several prescriptions from his sleeve. "Here, here... they're all here. In the past few days, I changed the prescription three times for the Master. They're all here..."
Huo Huaixin took the prescriptions and directly handed them to Qin Wan. Qin Wan looked them over for a moment, then raised her eyes to Qian Bairen. "The prescriptions aren't fundamentally problematic. However... he is currently poisoned. What is the meaning of this?"
"Poisoned?!" Qian Bairen exclaimed, utterly shocked. "I... I don't know... How could he be poisoned?"
Qin Wan frowned. "He complained of headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and such. Did you not find that strange?"
Qian Bairen's eyes shifted. He never wanted to treat Qin An and knew he couldn't cure him. These prescriptions were merely copied from medical texts to fulfill his duty. He attributed all Qin An's symptoms to the flower-willow disease. Besides, he still didn't know all the symptoms of that disease...
"Wasn't... wasn't that the symptoms of the flower-willow disease?"
Qin Wan's eyes sharpened, but seeing Qian Bairen's cowering demeanor, she didn't know what to say. Qian Bairen was a quack; Madam Jiang couldn't possibly be unaware. Yet she had invited him.
Folding the prescriptions, Qin Wan handed them back to Huo Huaixin and continued, "His symptoms indicate poisoning."
"Poisoning?" Huo Huaixin smiled wryly. "But he's a suspect. Who would poison him? Ninth Young Miss, can you determine what poison he was given?"
Qin Wan glanced back at Qin An. "Most likely a heavy metal toxin."
Huo Huaixin frowned, confused. He looked at Yan Chi, who seemed to have thought of something. Qin Wan explained, "In the capital, some people were fond of alchemy. It's said that by refining an elixir, one could attain immortality. Surely Lord Heir knows of this..."
Yan Chi nodded. Qin Wan continued, "So-called alchemy involves refining metals and stones. What's produced is mostly harmful to the human body. Not only does it not lead to immortality, but it causes poisoning. Those poisoned may develop stomach ailments, experience dizziness and hair loss, become irritable and easily angered. More severely, their organs may deteriorate, develop tumors, and lead directly to death."
Qin Wan swept a glance at Qin An, then looked at the servants. "Did the Master have a habit of taking elixirs?"
The two servants exchanged glances and both shook their heads.
Qin Wan frowned. "Where is his medicine bowl? Where is the medicine usually decocted?"
"It's over there... This servant will fetch it immediately..."
In Qin An's courtyard, everything was at hand. Soon, a servant brought a medicine bowl and a medicine jar from a side room. "Ninth Young Miss, the bowl and jar are here. Usually, a servant fetches the herbs, decocts them here in the courtyard, and then we bring it to the Master."
Qin Wan took the bowl, examined it first, and finding nothing unusual, turned to the jar. There were still herb residues inside. Unable to see clearly, Qin Wan directly poured the contents into the bowl. The servant looked regretful, but Qin Wan, without looking up, said, "This prescription is useless; taking it or not makes little difference..."
The servant looked embarrassed. Qin Wan suddenly said, "No, that's not quite right. It does make a difference."
She looked up, her eyes darkening. "There's a layer of black powder settled at the bottom. It seems like residue from a dissolved elixir. This ingredient isn't in the prescription. Who added it? Did you notice anything when preparing the medicine?"
At this, both Qian Bairen and the two servants panicked.
Qian Bairen cried, "I'm innocent! If it's not in the prescription, I definitely didn't add it. It really wasn't me. If I added something, others might notice. I wouldn't do that..."
The two servants exchanged a glance. One shook his head. "We didn't watch. Each time, we just dumped everything into the jar. We don't recognize these herbs, can't tell them apart. Even if it was right before our eyes, we'd probably mistake it for some tonic." As he spoke, both glared accusingly at Qian Bairen.
Qian Bairen's face turned ashen, sweat beading on his forehead from anxiety. He kept bowing and pleading to Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin. "My Lords, it really wasn't me. I'm the household physician. If something happens to the Master, the first suspicion falls on me for prescribing the wrong medicine. I've always been extra careful. How could I dare to poison him?"
Huo Huaixin had been somewhat polite to Madam Jiang and the others but showed no such leniency to servants like Qian Bairen. He gave a cold snort. "The medicine was prescribed by you. How can you still try to wriggle out of it?!"
Hearing this, Qian Bairen grew even more frantic, kowtowing repeatedly. "Please, Your Honor, investigate clearly. It really wasn't me, really wasn't. Even if I had ten thousand times the courage, I wouldn't dare. Please investigate..."
Huo Huaixin didn't relent, only looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan watched Qian Bairen kowtow relentlessly, his forehead about to swell. She finally shook her head. "Physician Qian truly has no motive."
Hearing this, Qian Bairen felt a glimmer of hope and kowtowed toward Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss, please see clearly. It really wasn't me..."
Huo Huaixin gave a cold hum. "Since Ninth Young Miss speaks for you, we'll spare you for now. Stay in your courtyard and don't go out these next few days. You may be summoned for questioning at any time!"
Qian Bairen wiped the sweat from his face, kowtowed a few more times, then rose and retreated. As he turned to leave the courtyard, his legs were unsteady. Fuling, who had followed Qin Wan, had been waiting at the entrance. Seeing Qian Bairen like this, she felt a deep sense of vindication.
"If Qian Bairen had no motive, then who could it be?" Huo Huaixin shook his head, feeling utterly overwhelmed by one case tangling into another. "And why would someone want to kill Qin An?"
"To kill him, or for another purpose?"
Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi, as if seeking his opinion. Yan Chi shook his head. "I don't think so. If the aim was to silently kill Qin An through poison, the effects of this poison are too pronounced; others would quickly notice his abnormality. It would be better to use another poison, quicker and less detectable."
Hearing this, a light flashed in Qin Wan's eyes. Clearly, she thought the same.
"Lord Heir's possibility is the most likely. Therefore, the perpetrator's goal must be something else."
Qin Wan looked at Qin An's wretched state, a slight glimmer in her eyes. "This poison can cause impulsiveness, irritability, aggression, and mental confusion. Could that person have anticipated that if he ingested this poison, he would behave as he did today?"
Hearing this, Huo Huaixin felt it made sense. "Exactly! Without the poison, we wouldn't have seen such obvious loss of control. Today's incident, though he spoke while deranged, indeed allows us to confirm the events of those years were his doing!"
Qin Wan nodded. Huo Huaixin looked at the two servants. "Take him inside."
The two assented and together carried Qin An inside. Once they left, Huo Huaixin lowered his voice. "If that was the perpetrator's goal, could it be the same person who earlier killed Madam Liu and Liu Chun?"
Yan Chi and Qin Wan exchanged a glance. Yan Chi nodded. "That is indeed possible."
Huo Huaixin's eyes lit up. "Hmph, I thought after killing two people, they would do nothing more. I didn't expect another move. This time, only a few people could have accessed the medicine. It should be easy to find out!"
Clenching his fist, he added, "I'll investigate immediately. Please wait for my good news, Lord Heir, Ninth Young Miss."
Yan Chi nodded. Huo Huaixin strode out of the courtyard to instruct the bailiffs outside. With him gone, only Qin Wan and Yan Chi remained in the center of the courtyard. Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. "You haven't eaten breakfast yet. You should return first."
Qin Wan replied, "Don't we need to prolong Qin An's life?"
Yan Chi's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean?"
Qin Wan glanced toward the room. "Without treatment, he will suffer immense pain. Heavy metal poisoning will likely accelerate the deterioration of his condition. This way, he doesn't have many days left. Perhaps he won't survive long enough to be formally sentenced."
This case involved too many lives; it would certainly be reported to the Ministry of Justice. Once reported, it was unknown how long before a verdict. Qin An would inevitably be escorted to the capital. He probably wouldn't last through the lengthy process.
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "In that case, prescribe a new formula for him."
Qin Wan nodded. Yan Chi followed her into the room. After a few steps, Yan Chi suddenly asked, "For someone like him, in his current state, does he wish to live or die?"
"Most likely wishes to die," Qin Wan's tone was cool.
A glint of coldness flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. "Good. Then let him live."
Meanwhile, Caihe and Madam Lin supported Madam Jiang on either side as they walked toward the Buddha Hall. Madam Jiang's face was deathly pale, her steps somewhat unsteady. Madam Lin, her eyes red, asked, "Is Mother alright? Should we have Wan'er come take a look?"
Madam Jiang coughed lightly twice and shook her head. "No need. This old body doesn't have many days left anyway. I just feel I've wronged Chen'er, Xiang'er, and the other youngsters. Qin An... he has ruined everything!"
Madam Lin's nose stung. She looked back at Qin Chen, who walked behind with his head lowered.
Once, Qin Chen was a brilliant young man like the sun, with a beautiful wife and a family background that, while not illustrious, offered some support. With his own efforts, the future of the Qin family's Third Household held limitless promise. But now, once Qin An's case was settled, the Third Household would be branded a criminal family. Qin Chen's entire life would be ruined...
Thinking this, Madam Lin hated Qin An to the core. Today, Qin An had exposed all his ugliness before the younger generation. Even she felt her face stripped away, let alone Madam Jiang.
"Mother, you must take care of your health. Right now, the entire Qin family depends on you."
Madam Jiang sighed. "I am also a sinner. Only... I don't wish to face her father in the afterlife with no dignity. At this point, let all the evil deeds fall on this old woman. Let the Prefect investigate as he will. Qin An is so ill, who knows how many days he has left. Now... now I feel his death is insufficient atonement..."
Having spoken a few sentences, Madam Jiang was already exhausted, a thin sheen of sweat on her brow. Madam Lin sighed. "The letter you instructed me to send has been dispatched. But who knows when we'll have a reply. The messenger hawk is fast going, but the return from the capital is slow. I don't know if the Master can hold on. If he confesses everything, the case will be concluded. Then..."
Madam Jiang sighed deeply. "This case will definitely be reported to the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review. By the time all reviews and reinvestigations are done, a final verdict will take at least half a year or more. By then, he will surely be escorted to the capital. It's up to his fate. Perhaps once in the capital, we can leverage the Marquis's influence... but I don't know if his illness..."
Madam Jiang's voice trailed off. No matter how flawed, Qin An was still flesh of her flesh. At this point, she had to consider the Qin family's reputation and the future fate of these younger generations. She could only abandon him. Besides, he had committed such grave sins; even if she wanted to save him, she was powerless. Subconsciously, Madam Jiang took out the prayer beads from her sleeve but lacked the strength to rotate them. Supported by Caihe and the others into the Buddha Hall, the moment she sat down, all her strength seemed to leave her. Darkness swept before her eyes, and she collapsed.
The people in the room immediately panicked. Caihe hurriedly said, "Mistress, don't worry..."
She went to the inner room, retrieved a small vial, held it under Madam Jiang's nose for her to inhale, then fed her a few pills. Within a quarter of an hour, Madam Jiang slowly regained consciousness.
Madam Lin sighed, saying to Caihe, "The Old Madam did not spoil you for nothing."
Caihe hurriedly demurred, "I dare not claim that. This is merely this servant's duty."
Having regained consciousness, Madam Jiang understood the Qin family was inescapably doomed. She reached out toward Qin Chen. "Chen'er..."
Qin Chen stepped forward. Madam Jiang grasped his hand tightly. "Chen'er, this time your grandmother has no way out either. Your father becoming like this is my failure in teaching him. Chen'er, remember: never become like your father. Soon, the Qin family will no longer be able to stay in Jinzhou City. If people come from the capital, have them help arrange a new residence. You can go to the capital or to Jianzhou. Xinlan is a good child, now carrying your flesh and blood. Treat her well."
Qin Chen's eyes reddened, feeling as if Madam Jiang was giving final instructions. "Grandmother, save these words. Tell your grandson when the time comes..."
Madam Jiang closed her eyes and shook her head. "I can hold on for a few more days. Telling you now is so you have a foundation. What happens to your mother and me is unimportant. Xinlan carries your child; she is most important. And your younger sisters, and your second brother. As long as you are here, the Third Household will not fall. Chen'er, I watched you grow up. I know you are kind and upright. You must support the Third Household in the future. No matter how difficult, never stray onto a crooked path. No matter how glorious, never forget the lesson of your father's example."
Qin Chen nodded repeatedly. Madam Lin couldn't hold back her sobs. Having said so much, Madam Jiang was utterly exhausted. She merely waved a hand. "Enough. All of you, leave. Wait. Delay. Then... leave it to fate..."
Qin Chen bowed deeply to Madam Jiang. Madam Lin also curtsied. Then, supported by Qin Chen, they left.
The room was dimly lit. Caihe watched Madam Jiang, whose eyes were closed as if asleep, but did not nod. She stood quietly in attendance. Before long, Madam Jiang's breathing gradually steadied and grew too faint to hear. Looking at her, it seemed as if life had already left her.