The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 110 : The Pain of Love, The Sixth-Finger Skeleton

110: The Pain of Love, The Sixth-Finger Skeleton

"Take this prescription for three days. This formula is both to counteract the poison and to slow the progression of the flower-willow disease. However, the flower-willow disease is difficult to cure; I have no complete certainty. So, I don't know how many days we can delay."

After writing, Qin Wan handed the prescription to the servant attending Qin An. The servant, knowing Qin Wan's miraculous skills, was extremely grateful and thanked her repeatedly before leaving to fetch the medicine. Qin Wan stood up, entered the inner chamber, and glanced at Qin An, now tied to the bed. Her eyes held no compassion for him as they would for other patients.

Yan Chi stood behind Qin Wan. After a moment, he said quietly, "Let's go, I'll escort you back."

Qin Wan nodded and turned to leave the courtyard.

Despite the earlier commotion, it was still quite early outside. Qin Wan looked up at the sky, a transparent azure expanse. The dawn clouds on the horizon were faintly visible; in the blue, a pale gold spread, as if a brush dipped in blue ink had swept across the sky, then sprinkled a light dusting of gold powder.

The morning chill accompanied a gentle breeze. Only then did Qin Wan feel the cold. She pulled her collar tighter. Looking down, she noticed frost-like dew on the grass beside the path. Exhaling lightly, her breath formed a faint white mist. She frowned. "The weather turned cold so suddenly. It's not even the tenth month yet."

Fuling, attending her, dared to speak up even with Yan Chi present. "Miss, you've forgotten. It's always this cold around this time of year. Just more damp and cold; rarely snows in the south."

Qin Wan made a sound of acknowledgement. "So it is."

Yan Chi's gaze also swept over the sky, washed a clear blue. Hearing this, his brow furrowed slightly. "When you fell in the lake, did you injure your head? Are there any lingering discomforts?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "I had headaches when I first awoke, but all is well now. It's just that memories from before are not very clear."

A deep thoughtfulness appeared in Yan Chi's eyes, a flicker of questioning curiosity surfacing on their limpid surface. "Memories before are not clear... memory loss? In that case, there might still be undetected damage inside the skull. They say physicians cannot treat themselves. Why not find another physician to examine you? If some hidden injury remains, it could have significant impact in the future."

Though Yan Chi was not versed in medicine, years on the battlefield had given him experience with various internal and external injuries. On the battlefield, some suffered no external wounds but had damaged organs or brains. Army physicians often said there was internal bleeding in the skull or internal organs ruptured from impact, nothing visible externally, but medicine was needed.

Qin Wan shook her head. "The greatest fear is damage to the bone or internal bleeding in the skull. But I haven't had headaches since. I feel there's no need to see another physician. Perhaps a meridian in the brain was injured. Blocked meridians causing memory loss is possible."

Yan Chi understood that physicians generally accepted meridian theory. Moreover, as a physician, Qin Wan was responsible for others' health and wouldn't neglect her own. He didn't press further but then asked, "What exactly happened that night?"

A muscle twitched near Qin Wan's eye. "Actually, I've forgotten the specifics. Probably because the weather was oppressive and I felt somewhat melancholic, I decided to walk by Half-Moon Lake. But it suddenly started raining heavily. I slipped and fell into the lake."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "I've seen your Qin family's Half-Moon Lake. Unless one had suicidal thoughts, one wouldn't walk to the very edge. If you weren't at the edge, how could you accidentally fall in?"

Qin Wan sighed. Yan Chi was meticulous; a casual lie wouldn't fool him.

"Perhaps I was indeed distracted then, or perhaps I did have suicidal thoughts. I don't remember clearly now. But it's all in the past. After that, my state of mind has opened up considerably."

Yan Chi frowned, looking at Qin Wan beside him. With her temperament, would she have had suicidal thoughts?

Or perhaps, as Bai Feng said, her personality changed drastically only after falling into the lake?

Deep questions arose in Yan Chi's eyes, but he only buried them within, asking no more.

Yan Chi had said he would escort Qin Wan, and he truly saw her to the gate of Tinglan Pavilion. "Two more skeletons were dug up last night. They should be the last two. I hope your medicine can help Qin An improve sooner. Although we now know Qin An was responsible for what happened back then, the exact details remain unknown. He must speak them himself..."

Qin Wan nodded. "Alright. I'll go help in the back later."

Yan Chi acknowledged with a sound. "No hurry. Go inside now."

Qin Wan turned and entered the courtyard, her mind dwelling on the day's events with Qin An. Qin An had been poisoned over several days. The accumulated toxicity caused his violent madness. In his excited, frenzied state, he no longer concealed the past. The poisoner must also be connected to the victims from back then. In all likelihood, it was the same person who killed Madam Liu and Liu Chun.

Once inside, Fuling couldn't help gritting her teeth. "Third Master is truly heinous! To actually prefer keeping catamites... even Sixth Young Miss could see it, yet the Old Madam claims she cannot. The Old Madam is clearly trying to buy time..."

"If my own child were treated like that by someone, I'd want to kill him myself."

"In all these years, I've never seen someone so... so depraved. If I had such a father, I'd rather be dead. He's a sinner himself and drags the whole family down with him."

Qin Wan had left early and hadn't eaten breakfast. While setting out the meal, Fuling spoke, her brow tightly knitted. Though not highly educated, she wasn't one to curse; after thinking for a long time, she couldn't come up with any strong invectives.

Qin Wan's expression was also somber. Sitting down, she said, "Those who commit monstrous crimes in this world deserve death ten thousand times over. However, among them, some are coerced, some have no choice, while others act solely for their own greed. Imposing such evil upon children... those are truly the people I am most reluctant to save."

"Miss, will the medicine you prescribed cure Third Master?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "His illness is already far more severe than Qin Li's. Combined with poisoning, he already has one foot in the coffin. But for this case, we still need him to talk. My medicine merely prolongs his life."

After speaking, Qin Wan felt no ripple of emotion in her heart. If not for the oath she swore upon entering Medicine King Valley, she might have considered adding something else to Qin An's medicine. For someone like him, even letting him rot in the darkest corner in the most painful agony wouldn't be enough to atone for his sins. Thinking this, Qin Wan suddenly thought of the murderer of Liu Chun and Madam Liu.

The Qin family was large and powerful. Who, without cause, would think to dig up the Qin residence's abandoned wells? Even if the Second Concubine's remains were found, it wouldn't necessarily prove anything. If not for Yan Chi's presence, even Huo Huaixin would likely try to gloss things over, not daring to confront the Qin family head-on. If she were in that position, she couldn't guarantee she wouldn't resort to extreme measures to expose the truth.

But murderers must be punished. For ordinary people, the balance between law and human sentiment might be hard to judge. But Qin Wan, having followed her father for years, had long planted the seed that law supersedes sentiment. Regardless of the killer's connection to the victims of the past, one tragedy had triggered another. She could sympathize and pity, but the Great Zhou's penal code would not.

After breakfast, Qin Wan returned to the Purple Bamboo Grove. Including the remains dug up last night, a total of thirteen skeletons had been excavated. It wasn't until afternoon that Qin Wan and Xu He finished cleaning and assembling all thirteen sets.

"Ninth Young Miss, the Prefect said there shouldn't be any more."

Xu He walked over from the direction of the Purple Bamboo Grove. From the Flower Arbor to the well in the grove, a deep trench had now been dug. The work of dozens of prefectural bailiffs over two days and nights. Now, all the mud below had been turned over. Aside from finger bones and teeth, all other bones had been retrieved.

"Nothing major seems missing." Qin Wan was still tidying the long table. Though they still didn't know the names these skeletons bore in life, at least when buried later, their bones should be complete. Qin Wan didn't believe in ghosts, but she felt no less sorrowful and solemn.

"Truly a massive undertaking. These past two days and nights, the brothers at the yamen are exhausted. If this were construction work, a house could probably be built. The Prefect was just saying he'd add an extra tael of silver to everyone's pay this month as hardship allowance for this case and the earlier Marquis household case..."

Xu He spoke, a hint of a smile in his eyes, seeming quite satisfied. Qin Wan also curved her lips slightly. Prefect Huo's reputation as a good official wasn't unfounded. Though not the legendary incorruptible official of former times, one couldn't find fault with him.

"After recording these today, we can send all the skeletons to the yamen tomorrow." As he spoke, Xu He picked up the paper and brush from the table. "Among these, the oldest was twelve, the youngest only eight. Ah, truly lamentable... Who knows where they were from, where their homes were, if they had family."

Though Xu He performed what others considered a lowly task, he was literate and had a scholarly air. As he spoke, like Fuling, he couldn't stop sighing. "All young girls. If their families had other brothers and sisters, it might be bearable. If not... their parents would be around forty now. Having lost a daughter early, the old couple living alone... if they have some means, it's one thing. If not, it's truly pitiful..."

Qin Wan looked at Xu He. "Does Coroner Xu have any family left?"

Suddenly asked, Xu He replied, "No. My only elder, my father, passed five years ago. My father was literate in his youth, later became a village teacher for a time. But later he fell ill, bedridden, and just lingered until he was gone. It was also my uselessness."

A shadow crossed Qin Wan's eyes. "No wonder you can read and write. How did you become a coroner later?"

Xu He sighed, without resentment on his face. "Treating my father used up all the family's savings. Fortunately, a paternal uncle helped arrange the funeral. After that, I was at a loss. I had to do something to support myself. But I had no connections. Though literate, I never attended an academy. That same uncle, he was a coroner in Xishui County west of Jinzhou. He said he had little to teach me, but asked if I wanted to enter the coroner's line."

"I thought, any profession that could provide a living was good. So I studied with my uncle for a while, first helping in Xishui County. Later, the county magistrate saw I was young and diligent. As the prefectural yamen needed a coroner, he had me come. Actually, this position should have been my uncle's. But he said he was old, coming here was pointless, and I should gain more experience. So now, if you ask if I have any family left... I don't. But this uncle gave me a second chance at life. He's like my only kin..."

Xu He's tone was light, without any regret for entering the coroner's profession at a young age. Listening, Qin Wan thought for a moment. "How old are you, Coroner Xu?"

Hearing this, Xu He looked somewhat embarrassed. "I am twenty-three."

Twenty-three?! Qin Wan's hand holding the brush trembled slightly... She glanced at Xu He. Perhaps exhausted from recent days, Xu He's face was stubbled, dark circles under his eyes. At a glance, he indeed appeared around thirty. Recalling their first meeting, her first impression was also that Xu He was at least twenty-nine. But he was only twenty-three.

Qin Wan withdrew her gaze, feeling somewhat amused inwardly, then said seriously, "In that case, Coroner Xu is still young. Coroner Xu was not originally of lowly status; you are literate. Prefect Huo clearly intends to rely on you. When the opportunity arises, Coroner Xu could seek a position in the judicial review. In the future, perhaps you could help common people seek justice and investigate cases."

Xu He's eyes brightened. Unlike those born into the lowly caste, he at least came from a commoner household. Moreover, besides the imperial examinations, the Great Zhou also had recommendation and hereditary appointment systems. If he worked diligently and Huo Huaixin gave him some opportunities, the path Qin Wan mentioned wasn't impossible. He had thought of it before but lacked confidence. Hearing Qin Wan say it now, infinite hope bloomed in his heart.

"Yes, the best path I've considered is also that. Thank you for your auspicious words, Ninth Young Miss!"

Hearing this, Qin Wan almost laughed. "Coroner Xu is humble, eager to learn, and diligent. You can certainly do it."

Xu He nearly bowed deeply to Qin Wan. For some reason, he felt immense trust in her. With Qin Wan's endorsement, he truly felt more confident. "Thank you, Ninth Young Miss, for your auspicious words. Thank you..."

By the time all the skeletons were organized, it was already late. Then Huo Huaixin strode over from the front courtyard. Perhaps finding it inconvenient to speak outside, he invited Yan Chi, Qin Wan, and the others to a side hall.

"Prefect, what's wrong?"

Xu He asked cautiously. Huo Huaixin huffed angrily. "The poisoning investigation yielded nothing. Qian Bairen prescribed the medicine. Two young servants fetched it. The decocting was done by their own courtyard people. The most likely are those two servants and the one who decocted the medicine. But after a day of interrogation, those four refused to speak, even after thirty strokes of the rod!"

Yan Chi frowned. "If they truly intended harm, they wouldn't confess easily. But what motive would those people have?"

Huo Huaixin smiled wryly. "That's precisely what's strange. The two servants you and Ninth Young Miss saw today, they've been in Qin An's courtyard since childhood, for many years. The two who fetched the medicine are also household-born servants, their parents still in the Qin residence. Logically, household-born servants are even less likely to plot against their master. But Qian Bairen also has no motive to poison."

Huo Huaixin was panting with anger. Yan Chi pondered briefly. "Perhaps there are other clues we haven't found. I feel this matter is related to the Second Concubine. My men will bring back news from Yang County tomorrow. Then we'll see if there are any leads."

Pausing, Yan Chi asked Huo Huaixin, "What about Qin An?"

Huo Huaixin smiled bitterly. "Still raving. Made a huge commotion. They said he coughed up blood earlier."

Qin Wan's brow furrowed. Coughing blood indicated a severe condition, showing deep poisoning. However, Qin Wan had no intention of seeing Qin An again. She only said, "My medicine will take at least a day to show effect."

Huo Huaixin hurriedly said, "That's fine. We've waited many days already; it doesn't matter. It's just that the mastermind remains elusive. I don't know if they will act again."

Qin Wan nodded, saying nothing. Huo Huaixin exhaled, wiping his face. "In that case, tonight we'll withdraw the first shift of men on duty. Lord Heir should also return to the Marquis residence to rest. Two days and nights straight, I admit, even this humble official is feeling the strain. Security in the residence must not slacken. Let's take a breather first."

All the bailiffs had been busy for two days and nights, though in rotating shifts. But Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi hadn't left the Qin residence. Huo Huaixin was unshaven and exhausted; though less obvious, Yan Chi also had faint bloodshot eyes.

Yan Chi nodded. "That's appropriate. No need to rush this moment."

All the skeletons were sorted and piled in the western courtyard. As dusk approached, Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi left the Qin residence one after the other. Even so, the Qin residence remained filled with bailiffs.

Qin Wan returned to Tinglan Pavilion. Just after dinner, Yao Xinlan arrived at the courtyard gate.

Yao Xinlan hadn't visited Tinglan Pavilion for many days. Her sudden arrival surprised Qin Wan. Yao Xinlan entered, smiling. "These past two days, the residence has been too chaotic. I haven't been able to walk around. Hearing the Prefect and that Lord Heir left, I dared to come out. It's late; not sure where to go, so I came to sit with you."

Qin Wan helped Yao Xinlan to a seat. "Eldest Sister-in-law should indeed walk more daily. I have some osmanthus tea made from osmanthus picked a few days ago. Would you like a cup?"

Yao Xinlan patted her hand. "That would be lovely."

Moshu also said, "Seeing Ninth Young Miss has lifted Miss's spirits."

Qin Wan smiled and went to make tea. Fuling pulled Moshu outside to chat. When Qin Wan returned with a cup of tea, she saw Yao Xinlan sitting blankly, lost in thought. Qin Wan approached. "What's wrong, Sister-in-law?"

As she spoke, she offered the tea. "Sister-in-law, please taste..."

Yao Xinlan took the cup, took an absent-minded sip. "Mmm... indeed fragrant and sweet..."

Despite her words, Yao Xinlan set the cup down. Qin Wan glanced at the still-full cup and understood Yao Xinlan likely had something to say.

"Ninth Sister, I heard Father... the skeletons dug from the well in the Purple Bamboo Grove... are they all related to Father?"

Qin Wan's gaze shifted slightly. "What did Eldest Brother say?"

At this, Yao Xinlan's eyes dimmed. "Your Eldest Brother didn't say much. Just told me not to worry, to focus on nurturing my body and giving birth..."

Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "Eldest Brother is right. Sister-in-law need not worry about residence matters."

Yao Xinlan gave a bitter smile. "I'm not a child. When something happens, I should know. Ninth Sister, please tell me. Those children's bones... were they Father's..."

Yao Xinlan stared unblinkingly into Qin Wan's eyes. Qin Wan nodded.

A complex look crossed Yao Xinlan's face as she gave another bitter laugh. "This is truly... I originally thought the Qin family upheld proper decorum. But... truly... just thinking about it is terrifying..."

Clearly, this matter also exceeded Yao Xinlan's imagination. She couldn't find words to describe it.

Qin Wan sighed. If this had been exposed earlier, Yao Xinlan would never have married into the family. But what's done is done. Even if Yao Xinlan minded, it was too late. "Sister-in-law, set your mind at ease. This matter... may have some impact on the Qin family. But as long as Eldest Brother is here, the Qin family won't fall. I'm afraid you've suffered."

Yao Xinlan indeed felt wronged. She shook her head. "Actually, this matter isn't the main issue. Even marrying into another family, one might encounter such things. A family's rise and fall isn't controlled by one person. What I seek isn't the Qin family's wealth and glory, but merely your Eldest Brother as a person. But..."

"Hmm?" Qin Wan looked at Yao Xinlan. "But what?"

Yao Xinlan pressed her lips tightly together for a moment. "But I feel your Eldest Brother has someone else in his heart."

Qin Wan's eyes widened. "Still because of that dream?"

Yao Xinlan looked steadily at Qin Wan, as if deciding whether to tell her. After a long moment, Yao Xinlan leaned in, lowering her voice. "Last time, on the journey back, I showed spotting. It wasn't because the journey was hard. It was... because I heard him call a name in his dream. My heart was troubled, so..."

Qin Wan's heart gave a sudden lurch. "Called another's name? What name?"

Yao Xinlan gave a bitter smile. "I didn't hear clearly. Truly, I didn't. But do you believe a woman's intuition? His tone was tender... it must have been a woman's name. But it wasn't mine..."

Qin Wan's hands on her knees clenched slightly. Doubt filled her heart. Qin Chen had said Yao Xinlan's family had several members with madness, so she often dreamed and was sometimes confused between dream and reality. Yet, that jade pendant with the character "Yao" was something she personally found. This time, was what she said true?

"Maybe... maybe it was just random murmuring in sleep. Sister-in-law, don't overthink..."

Qin Wan felt somewhat helpless and disliked her own words. She simply didn't want to get entangled in this couple's troubles. But Yao Xinlan seemed to trust her. If Yao Xinlan spoke the truth, and she merely advised her not to overthink, it seemed somewhat cruel.

Indeed, disappointment flickered in Yao Xinlan's eyes. She looked at Qin Wan for a moment, then sighed. "Forget it. Ninth Sister is still young and doesn't know the feelings that come when two people are in love. Perhaps I'm being overly suspicious. But many things..." Changing the subject, she asked, "Ninth Sister, let me ask you this: what kind of husband do you wish to find?"

Qin Wan looked momentarily stunned. "This... I haven't thought about it..."

Yao Xinlan gave another bitter smile, lowered her gaze, and sighed. "Before, many talented young men in Jianzhou sought my hand, but I refused them all. Only because I felt they weren't devoted men. But your Eldest Brother, when he sought me, promised he would never take a concubine, that his heart would only have me forever. I didn't believe him then. But he said since childhood he saw his mother neglected by his father, while his father spent his days seeking pleasure, first keeping lovers outside, later openly bringing them into the residence, then taking concubines, one after another. He said he'd had enough and would never be like his father. My heart was deeply moved then, so I believed him."

"Does Sister-in-law no longer believe Eldest Brother now?"

Qin Wan asked tentatively. A glimmer of tears appeared in Yao Xinlan's eyes. "From believing to not believing, I..."

Yao Xinlan choked up. In that instant, Qin Wan felt as if struck, a pang of pain in her own heart. Yao Xinlan, born into a scholarly family, kind-hearted, with a face like a porcelain doll... yet now, the pain in her eyes was so evident. Her unshed tears brimmed in her eyes. Qin Wan suddenly felt perhaps Qin Chen truly had changed his heart as Yao Xinlan said. But who would Qin Chen like? Yao Xinlan was so good, yet he caused her such pain...

"Forget it." Yao Xinlan lowered her eyes. "I love him, so naturally I believe him. As long as he treats me well, I will believe him. Even if later I stop believing, as long as he treats me well again, pampers and cherishes me, I will believe him again..."

A chill ran down Qin Wan's spine hearing this, and her heart felt more pity for Yao Xinlan. Yao Xinlan wiped the corner of her eye, looked up at Qin Wan. "Isn't it spineless? I used to be proud too. But now I'm like this. Yet... something sticks in my heart, pricking me from time to time. Ninth Sister, I hope you never become like me."

Tears finally fell from Yao Xinlan's eyes. Qin Wan's throat tightened, truly not knowing what to say. Yao Xinlan looked at her in pain, like someone drowning at sea, about to be submerged.

She looked at her despairingly, hoping Qin Wan would hand her a pole or an oar to pull her ashore. Yet Qin Wan stood empty-handed, with nothing. She could only watch her struggle helplessly in the deep sea, sink, and finally be engulfed.

Perhaps the accumulated fatigue of recent days had already lowered Qin Wan's spirits. Or perhaps this case evoked sorrow. Or maybe, Yao Xinlan's tears, one after another, stirred her compassion. At this moment, Qin Wan's heart felt damp, sour, and desolate.

Can a woman in love suffer so much pain?

Qin Wan hadn't experienced love yet, but she began to deeply doubt this thing so often celebrated in poetry and songs.

"Sister-in-law, what do you want to do? What do you want me to do for you?"

Qin Wan suddenly spoke. She didn't want to be entangled in the Qin family's muddy waters; she only wished to be a physician healing Yao Xinlan's physical ailments. She couldn't be responsible for the sorrow in her heart. But now, her heart softened. She could no longer stand aside offering rational advice. She made a decision: if Yao Xinlan wanted her help with something, she would help!

But with this question, Yao Xinlan was stunned. "Do? I don't know what I can do..."

Qin Wan hardened her heart. "Since Sister-in-law suspects Eldest Brother, either believe him, or go investigate. See if Eldest Brother truly likes someone else. If he does, find out who that person is."

After saying this, Qin Wan suddenly felt clarity. She continued, "Sister-in-law merely guessing, immersing yourself in sadness, is useless. Sister-in-law is Eldest Brother's legitimate wife; you have absolute authority. Find that person. Either have Eldest Brother take her as a concubine, or send her out of the residence, so he can never see her again. Rather than uncertain suspicion, why not be decisive? Or, if Sister-in-law feels deeply hurt, you could even seek a separation... Of course, that's the worst option. Perhaps Eldest Brother has no one else."

Qin Wan finally recovered her rationality. Disliking ambiguity, she laid out these three paths before Yao Xinlan.

She thought Yao Xinlan would consider, but Yao Xinlan immediately lowered her gaze. "I won't let him take someone for me..."

Qin Wan had anticipated this possibility and replied, unsurprised, "Then send that person away."

But Yao Xinlan shook her head. "That way... he would hate me... and wouldn't treat me as well as now... And I... I carry his child. I never thought of separation. Leaving him... I wouldn't fare well either..."

Qin Wan was momentarily speechless. She considered herself perceptive, but looking at Yao Xinlan, she didn't know what she truly wanted. Even if she wanted to help, Yao Xinlan herself needed to know what she wanted.

"Ninth Sister... thank you... only..."

Yao Xinlan spoke disjointedly, unable to form a complete sentence. Qin Wan suddenly understood: Yao Xinlan had too many apprehensions. Qin Chen's affection for her was extremely important, not to be lightly damaged. So she could only hesitate. She came to Qin Wan not to ask her to do something, but merely to pour out her suspicions and bitterness.

Not knowing the taste of love, she couldn't fully understand Yao Xinlan's heart. Fortunately, she could still discern her thoughts.

Qin Wan sighed. Yao Xinlan looked like a fragile porcelain doll; her heart wasn't strong enough either. Qin Wan couldn't bring herself to call her weak, only feeling deep concern for her. If her relationship with Qin Chen was compared to beautiful porcelain, cracks had already formed inside. Yet Yao Xinlan, deceiving herself, still cherished that porcelain as a treasure close to her heart...

Qin Wan feared the day that porcelain shattered, it would cut her heart bloody.

"I understand. Sister-in-law doesn't have to choose either. If you feel troubled, come talk to me. But Sister-in-law must protect yourself. Even loving Eldest Brother, you must consider yourself more."

Yao Xinlan sniffled, wiped her tears, and curved her lips slightly. "Thank you, Ninth Sister. In this residence, Ninth Sister is probably the only one who sincerely cares for me..."

A slight chill touched Qin Wan's heart. What about Qin Chen?

Though she thought it, Qin Wan didn't ask aloud. Remembering she had two miscellany books, she went to fetch them for Yao Xinlan. "These are about the Great Zhou's landscapes and also contain many folk customs about raising children. Quite interesting. Sister-in-law can read them. But don't read too much each day, and read with good lighting to avoid straining your eyes."

Yao Xinlan initially had no interest in anything else, but seeing Qin Wan's sincere concern, she forced herself to accept them, promising, "Alright, I'll definitely read them. I've been to too few places; reading this is just right."

After a few more words, seeing it was late, Yao Xinlan took her leave. Qin Wan saw them to the courtyard gate, watching Yao Xinlan and Moshu's figures disappear before turning back.

Fuling said pityingly, "The Young Mistress's eyes were red again. Did she quarrel with the Eldest Young Master again?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "They didn't quarrel today. But my medicine can heal her physical pains and injuries, not the wounds in her heart. She came to me merely seeking some comfort."

Fuling's tone also turned somber. "It's somewhat heartbreaking to see."

Qin Wan exhaled, pausing in the courtyard to look at the night sky. Expecting to see a few stars, she gazed upward but found a starless, moonless overcast night. A few dark clouds drifted faintly, like Yao Xinlan's tears, oppressive and heavy on the heart. "Yes, heartbreaking. The word 'love' truly wounds..."

After speaking, Qin Wan lowered her head, exhaling again as if to expel the heaviness in her heart. A moment later, she shrugged. "The world is already harsh on women. If one also becomes trapped in love, unable to extricate oneself... the fortunate find a good match. The unfortunate... likely can only let their hearts grow cold bit by bit within these deep courtyards."

Fuling sighed. "Hearing this makes one not want to marry at all."

Qin Wan turned to look at Fuling. "Hmm? Our Fuling wants to marry?"

Fuling was startled, her face immediately flushing. She hurriedly shook her head. "No, no, this servant meant Miss. This servant originally hoped Miss would marry early, but now I worry, afraid Miss might end up like the Young Mistress..."

Qin Wan patted Fuling's hand, exhaling once more. "It's fine. Not only am I in no hurry to marry, but even if I do, I've thought it through."

Fuling's eyes widened. "What has Miss thought through?"

Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "Thought through... how not to let myself become as heartbroken as Sister-in-law..."

"Hmm?" Fuling's eyes lit up. "What method?"

Qin Wan blinked. "I'll tell you when our Fuling has someone in her heart. For now, I won't reveal this secret..."

Fuling's cheeks flushed slightly again, chiding Qin Wan to rest. Amused by Fuling's shy demeanor, and physically and mentally exhausted, Qin Wan lay down without further ado. This time, she slept dreamlessly through the night.

The next morning, Qin Wan rose as usual, taking a slow walk in the courtyard. After breakfast, Yan Chi arrived at the residence with news from Yang County.

When Qin Wan hurried to the western backyard, Huo Huaixin and Xu He were also there. Seeing her, Yan Chi immediately said, "From Yang County, the case file from back then. Come take a look together..."

Qin Wan curtseyed and stepped forward. Yan Chi handed her the file.

"Besides the file, there are testimonies from my men visiting nearby households. All here." Yan Chi placed a stack of letters containing the commoners' testimonies from Yang County.

Qin Wan nodded. Huo Huaixin also took the stack of letters to read. After a few glances, he suddenly frowned. "Huh? How come their family also had a daughter who went missing..."

Qin Wan immediately frowned. Yan Chi also looked at the letter in Huo Huaixin's hand.

Huo Huaixin handed it to Yan Chi. "Lord Heir, look. According to some elders in the area, back then, a young daughter also disappeared along with the wife. There were even rumors that the wife left with the child."

If a couple was estranged, it was possible for a wife to leave with a child. But since the husband reported it to the authorities, it likely wasn't that.

"This file records it very simply, only noting the disappearance of a twenty-two-year-old woman, presumably the Second Concubine. It doesn't mention a missing daughter..." Qin Wan waved the file, then her tone grew somber. "It was near the year's end. Probably, the yamen was too busy and didn't prioritize missing persons cases. Some local authorities either neglect their duties or are understaffed. As long as no lives are lost, they won't send people to investigate..."

Hearing this, Huo Huaixin looked somewhat uncomfortable. "Ninth Young Miss is right. Such situations indeed occur. That's why, in my years as Prefect, I visit the surrounding county yamens during festivals to ensure they don't neglect the people's affairs."

Qin Wan hadn't meant to imply that. Having accompanied her father on trips north in the past, she had seen how many small local yamens operated, so she knew more about it. She didn't respond, her gaze falling on the letter in Yan Chi's hand.

Yan Chi was reading intently when he suddenly frowned. "It says their daughter was only eight or nine at the time."

Qin Wan's heart skipped a beat. Yan Chi quickly looked at other letters. Compared to the neglectful authorities, these ordinary people's words inadvertently provided crucial clues.

Huo Huaixin also hurriedly looked at other testimonial letters. Seeing this, Qin Wan put down the file and took a few letters. All three scanned the contents rapidly. Qin Wan said, "Here someone mentions that rumor too, and also the fire."

"Here!" Yan Chi's voice suddenly steadied. "Someone said the missing young daughter was considered blessed because she was born with an extra finger! An extra finger... I recall among the skeletons dug up earlier..."

"There was a skeleton with an extra finger!"

Qin Wan finished the sentence swiftly, then her brow knitted tightly. "So, the Second Concubine and her daughter both ended up in the Qin residence? The Second Concubine, because she knew her daughter had been... that's why she threw herself into the well?"