The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 112 : A Collection of Erotica

112: A Collection of Erotica?

"Aunt Liu, what are you doing?"

Qin Wan arrived at the servants' quarters with Fuling. Upon entering, she saw Aunt Liu grinding something in the outer room. Aunt Liu looked up, slightly surprised. "Ninth Young Miss, why have you come? This old servant pays her respects to the Young Miss..."

Qin Wan entered the room. With just a faint sniff, she smiled. "Dried tangerine peel."

Aunt Liu's eyes lit up. Smiling, she wiped her hands on the apron tied around her waist. "The Young Miss is truly perceptive. Please, Young Miss, go sit inside first. This servant will wash her hands and be right with you..."

Qin Wan nodded and left the doorway of the outer room with Fuling, heading toward Aunt Liu's room. The door was half-closed; Qin Wan didn't enter first. Soon, Aunt Liu emerged from the outer room.

She hurried forward and pushed the door open. "Please, Young Miss..."

Qin Wan entered with a smile, her tone relaxed. "What were you doing just now?"

Aunt Liu poured tea as she spoke. "The Old Madam hasn't been well these past few days, can't keep anything down. This servant thought of making some dried tangerine peel cake, which is light and soft, and might help improve her appetite."

As she spoke, the tea was ready. "Please don't mind the humble offering, Young Miss. This servant has nothing good here."

Qin Wan took the teacup, sipped twice, then asked, "How have you been these past few days, Aunt Liu?"

With this question, Aunt Liu understood Qin Wan's meaning. The Qin residence had been in utter chaos these days. Whether masters or servants, no one could live as before. The masters were somewhat better off, but the servants were called for questioning daily, sometimes confined in the Stewards' Courtyard for an entire afternoon.

Aunt Liu sighed. "Naturally, it's still alright. Being questioned within the Qin residence is one thing; being dragged to the dungeon for interrogation would be true hardship."

A shadow crossed Qin Wan's face. "Does Aunt know about the Master's matter?"

Aunt Liu's eyelids twitched. She looked at Qin Wan, seeming hesitant to speak.

Qin Wan's expression was sincere. "Aunt, matters have reached this point. The Qin family is likely to fall. I just went to see the Master. In his state, forget about imprisonment and sentencing; I doubt he can live much longer. What else can't you say?"

Aunt Liu lowered her gaze and heaved a heavy sigh. "This servant understands the Young Miss's meaning. It's just that this servant doesn't know the details... I only know that back then, the Master bought many female slaves over a period and kept them in his own courtyard. Everyone knew of the Master's... amorous nature. But those slave girls were just children, placed among the menial servants, unable to do heavy work. Later, the Old Madam couldn't stand it and forbade the Master from doing so. They argued for several days over it. Later, the Master suddenly quieted down."

As she spoke, Aunt Liu's brows trembled slightly. "Everyone thought the Master had mended his ways. But who could have known... the Master brought the Second Concubine into the residence. Before that, the Master only had one concubine, elevated from an earlier chamber maid. Second Young Master's birth mother. Unfortunately, she died of illness early on. The Old Madam forbade the Master from taking concubines. The Master sought pleasure outside, kept several mistresses in external residences. The Old Madam knew but understood his nature and didn't want to restrain him too much, lest he rebel... until the Second Concubine entered the residence..."

Aunt Liu's eyes narrowed slightly, as if lost in memory. "That period... was probably the most spirited time I've seen the Master. However... the Master disliked the Second Concubine appearing outside. At the same time, the Master set up a separate courtyard within the residence, often going there. That courtyard was guarded by two servants assigned by Head Steward Liu; no one else could approach. Later, I overheard a servant or two mention it casually, saying they seemed to hear children's cries from that courtyard."

"Servants weren't allowed to discuss the masters' affairs, let alone such matters." Aunt Liu's face was heavy. "This situation lasted a little over a year. Then suddenly, one day, the Purple Bamboo Grove was sealed off..."

At this, Qin Wan suddenly frowned. "Wait, the Purple Bamboo Grove was sealed off? Had the Second Concubine thrown herself into the well by then?"

Aunt Liu shook her head. "Not yet. It wasn't exactly 'sealed.' It's just that, before, people often went to the grove for leisure, even the masters would stroll there. But from that day on, the grove was closed off. Not only were gardeners and servants not allowed to tend it, even the masters of the residence were forbidden to go. At that time, the Eldest Young Master and Second Young Master were already old enough to run and play. Children were especially forbidden. Since the Old Madam often believed in geomancy and such, the servants didn't find it strange. But a few months later, the Second Concubine threw herself into the well. That incident was known throughout the residence. After that, the Purple Bamboo Grove truly became a forbidden area."

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. So the widespread rumor that the Purple Bamboo Grove became forbidden because the Second Concubine drowned herself was false. Before the Second Concubine's suicide, Qin An had killed the little girls he bought from Qingyuan Pawnshop and disposed of their bodies in the well. That's why people were forbidden from entering the Purple Bamboo Grove. At that time, Qin An didn't have a blatant excuse. Only after the Second Concubine's suicide did the Purple Bamboo Grove become a true forbidden area, and the well was sealed with the Demon-Suppressing Stone.

"Aunt didn't know then, but you know now, right?"

Hearing this, Aunt Liu sighed again. "I know now. Those children's bones... must be the Master's doing..." As she spoke, she gritted her teeth. "Having committed such heinous acts, no wonder he's gravely ill now."

Qin Wan continued, "By the way, Aunt, do you remember the Second Concubine's appearance? Also, were there any strange incidents back then? And, did the matter of the Master's preference for young girls get exposed?"

Aunt Liu shook her head. "It wasn't exposed. At that time, the Old Madam was in better health, managing the servants very strictly. Casual remarks once or twice were the limit. As for strange incidents... it was the Second Concubine. From the moment she entered the residence, she rarely appeared. And the Master sometimes doted on her excessively, but other times would storm out of her courtyard and not visit for days. As for the Second Concubine's appearance... this servant only caught a distant glimpse. The Second Concubine liked plain colors, had an ethereal air. Her features were naturally exquisite. And she looked... both like a jade-like young maiden and carried a gentle, alluring charm. This servant was quite struck at the time."

She gave a bitter smile. "But it's been so many years. This servant can't remember the details clearly."

Listening, Qin Wan felt a slight disappointment. Aunt Liu didn't know the Second Concubine had been kidnapped. The Second Concubine knew her family home, missed her husband and daughter daily. How could she sincerely serve Qin An? Perhaps, to beg him, she feigned affection. Then Qin An would be pleased. But knowing Qin An deceived her and wouldn't let her go, the Second Concubine would naturally reveal her true feelings. Seeing that, how could Qin An continue to dote on her?

Seeing Qin Wan's disappointment, Aunt Liu asked, "Why does the Young Miss wish to know the Second Concubine's appearance?"

Qin Wan shook her head, reassuring her. "Nothing, just curious."

Aunt Liu thought intently. "If the Young Miss truly wishes to know, you could look in the Master's study. When the Master was young, he liked to affect a cultured elegance. He received instruction from a master in painting and calligraphy. The Master truly cherished the Second Concubine back then. He likely painted her. If you search there, you might find paintings the Master did back then."

Qin Wan's eyes lit up. Yes! Someone as dissolute as Qin An, embracing a beauty, how could he not dabble with brush and ink?

Qin Wan stood up abruptly. "Why didn't I think of that? Aunt, you've been a great help!"

Aunt Liu looked somewhat embarrassed and also stood. "What this servant knows isn't detailed, couldn't tell the Young Miss anything truly useful. If this idea helps, then it's this servant's good fortune."

Qin Wan took a deep breath. "Regardless, thank you, Aunt. I'll go to the front courtyard now."

Qin Wan turned to leave but paused at the doorway. She pulled a hairpin from her updo, one from the set of cyan jade hair ornaments Madam Jiang had given her. She stepped forward and pressed it into Aunt Liu's hand, her tone grave. "Aunt has been in the residence for many years, probably never imagined the Qin family would fall. But with this upheaval, even the masters are like duckweed in the wind; you, Aunt, are even more so... Keep this. In the coming days, think carefully about your own future. If you need help, come to Tinglan Pavilion."

A flash of fear first appeared in Aunt Liu's eyes, then she glanced at the hairpin Qin Wan had pressed into her hand. Her eyes instantly reddened. She wanted to refuse, but Qin Wan clasped her hand, keeping the hairpin within.

"Aunt, think carefully. I must go now."

Qin Wan patted Aunt Liu's hand and turned to leave without another word.

Aunt Liu stood rooted, seeming to want to speak but unable to find words. In those moments, Qin Wan had already pushed the door open and left. Aunt Liu stood dazed for a moment before cautiously entering the inner room.

Leaving the western servants' quarters, Qin Wan's pace quickened. Fuling almost had to jog to keep up. "Miss, why did you ask about the Second Concubine's appearance? Does Miss truly want to know how beautiful she was?"

As soon as she said it, Fuling shook her head. Her mistress wasn't a man lusting after beauty...

Qin Wan, holding up her skirt as she walked ahead, replied, "The killer is connected to the victims from back then. If possible, I'd like to know what every victim looked like. But where can we ask now? The only one we can ask about is the Second Concubine. Looking at a portrait, perhaps the mastermind is related to the Second Concubine. If they are related by blood, there might be traces in their appearance."

A light dawned in Fuling's eyes. "Miss is truly clever!"

Qin Wan smiled slightly. "It was Aunt Liu who helped me..."

From the inner quarters to the front courtyard took the time of half an incense stick. Qin Wan had just left the front courtyard not long ago. When she returned, Chief Constable Qi, guarding the entrance, looked slightly surprised. "Ninth Young Miss, why have you come?"

Qin Wan pointed at the closed courtyard gate. "I need to find something inside."

Chief Constable Qi naturally wouldn't stop Qin Wan; on the contrary, he would personally accompany her. The gate opened. Qi Lin gestured for her to enter, following as he asked, "What is Ninth Young Miss looking for?"

Qin Wan walked swiftly. "Looking for a portrait... a portrait of the Second Concubine..."

Hearing this, Qi Lin immediately understood it was related to the case and became alert. Seeing Qin Wan's serious expression, he dared not ask more. The two entered the main hall. Just as they reached the doorway, the old servant caring for Qin An emerged from a side room. He held a medicine jar, seemingly about to wash it. Seeing Qin Wan, he hurriedly handed the jar to a young servant beside him and approached quickly.

"Ninth Young Miss, why have you come?"

Seeing him was fortuitous. Qin Wan hurriedly asked, "Where are the Master's paintings and calligraphy stored?"

The old servant was momentarily stunned. "In the study... but which paintings and calligraphy does the Young Miss mean? The Master collected many, from previous dynasties, from contemporary scholars and elegant gentlemen, and some of his own..."

Qin Wan waved her hand. "I want paintings the Master did himself. Preferably from over eight years ago."

Saying this, Qin Wan suddenly decided to be direct. "Did the Master ever paint the Second Concubine from back then?"

Mentioning the Second Concubine, the old servant naturally thought of the recent chaos in the Qin residence. His face showed tension but he still nodded. "He did paint her. However... however, this old servant doesn't know where they are kept. Ten years ago, this old servant was just a minor steward in this courtyard, not attending closely..."

"Then who knows where the Master's paintings from that time are?"

At this question, the old servant's eyes flickered. "Head... Head Steward Liu knew..."

Qin Wan felt a blockage in her chest, frowning helplessly. "Liu Chun is already dead. Take me to the Master's study. The Master's paintings wouldn't have been casually discarded."

The old servant nodded repeatedly, leading Qin Wan toward Qin An's study.

Besides the main hall, Qin An's study was set up in a spacious side hall. The center was open, with bookshelves, curio cabinets, and a small reception area. Though Qin An had lost interest in refined pursuits in recent years, his study still held considerable treasures. Everything from incense holders and painted screens to porcelain and jade pieces were top-grade items of great value. The famous paintings and calligraphy on the walls were also priceless treasures. Qin Wan swept her gaze over them, seeing the writing desk with the Four Treasures of the Study already covered in a layer of dust. Yet each of those Four Treasures was a precious item. Qin Wan inwardly sighed; Qin An had truly wasted such fine things.

"Young Miss, there are many things in the Master's study. There are many scrolls of painting and calligraphy on those bookshelves over there. And in those two cabinets, there are ones the Master painted himself, ones given by others, and some he collected. The Master hasn't used the study for a long time, usually forbids anyone from entering, so no one maintains it..."

Qin Wan understood the old servant's meaning: there were too many paintings; he didn't know which one she sought. Qin Wan waved her hand. "Understood. You may go. I will search myself..."

The old servant seemed hesitant. Qin Wan said reassuringly, "Don't worry. Nothing will be damaged or lost."

The old servant looked somewhat awkward, then retreated to guard outside the door.

Fuling stepped forward. "Miss, there are so many. How do we search?"

Qin Wan sighed. Indeed, there were many, but they had to search anyway.

"Look one by one. Be careful not to damage anything."

As she spoke, Qin Wan walked toward Qin An's bookshelves. Fuling asked, puzzled, "But this servant doesn't know how to look..."

"Look at the signature, seals, and inscriptions. But first, look for beauties."

Fuling smiled. "This servant understands. First see if it's a beauty. If it is, then check the signature and inscription..."

Qin Wan acknowledged with a sound and went first to the bookshelf, taking down over twenty scrolls and placing them on the desk, then began examining them one by one.

Meanwhile, Fuling went to the cabinet against the east wall, also pulling out many scrolls and placing them on the table.

"This is landscape... no. This is peonies... no."

"This one has people... ah, it's an old man..."

"Hey, this is a court lady... beautiful... but this isn't painted by the Master!"

Fuling muttered to herself as she looked. Seeing this, Qi Lin opened another cabinet. Though a rough man, he could also follow Qin Wan's instruction: first look for beauties, then check signatures and seals!

The old servant at the door watched uneasily as the three inside took out Qin An's treasured scrolls one by one. But then he thought, Qin An was already gravely ill; where would he find the mind to care about these? Moreover, with such a major case exposed in the Qin residence, the family likely faced being branded criminal. By then, what would these riches and honors have to do with Qin An?

Thinking this, the old servant walked aside to instruct the young servant. "Take the medicine jar and wash it."

With that, the old servant couldn't be bothered to guard anymore and went to check on Qin An in the main hall.

Inside, Fuling soon sighed. "So many beautiful paintings, piled in cabinets, gathering so much dust... it's a pity. Fortunately, this servant doesn't know how much a painting like this could sell for, or I'd feel even worse."

Qi Lin was extremely careful. His hands were calloused; he feared accidentally damaging the painting in his hands.

After roughly the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, a light sweat broke out on Qi Lin's brow. "Ninth Young Miss, I haven't found any here..."

Qin Wan frowned slightly. She looked faster than Qi Lin and had seen more, but she also hadn't found it.

"None here either. It's from ten years ago. Even if he thought of it later and painted again, it's been so many years. It must have been misplaced long ago."

Saying this, Qin Wan finished the last scroll on her side. Feeling disappointed, she sighed and returned all the scrolls to their original places, then turned to survey the study. The walls were mostly hung with ink landscapes and inscriptions by famous masters. Besides that, there were only those two tall cabinets. But they contained nothing either...

Qin Wan walked to Fuling's side. Seeing only five or six scrolls left, Qin Wan shook her head. "The paper on these is too new, likely from the last year or two. No need to look."

"What if Third Master painted the Second Concubine again in the last year or two?"

Fuling wanted to finish her task, but Qin Wan shook her head. "He is not a man of lasting affection. Besides, after so many years, the details of her appearance would be blurred. Any painting wouldn't be accurate."

Having said that, Qin Wan went to check on Qi Lin. At his side, he was also nearly done.

The three of them spent roughly half an hour searching but found nothing.

Qin Wan shook her head. Could it be that after the events of that year, Qin An had discarded all portraits of the Second Concubine?

"Ninth Young Miss, what now?"

Qi Lin looked somewhat at a loss. Qin Wan waved her hand. "It's fine. Put the paintings back. Perhaps there really aren't any here. I'll go look elsewhere in this courtyard..."

Qi Lin nodded. Qin Wan waited for them to return the scrolls before turning to leave the room.

After some thought, Qin Wan first went to the main hall. Naturally, it also had paintings for decoration. But after looking around, Qin Wan found no portraits of beauties. As for Qin An, he still lay barely breathing on the bed. Hearing movement, he opened his eyes and glanced at Qin Wan. His eyes held a flicker of surprise, as if he didn't recognize Qin Wan. Qin Wan looked at him coldly for a moment, then turned and left.

With the search fruitless, Qin Wan left the courtyard with Fuling. Fuling tilted her head. "Could it be... the Master truly never painted her? Or had them thrown away? Or perhaps gave them away?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Giving them away is unlikely. Not painting her is also unlikely; after all, it was two years. Thrown away, perhaps. Or lost during moves over the years..."

She sighed. Having just solved the mystery of the Purple Bamboo Grove, Qin Wan thought she could learn more and deduce the mastermind. She hadn't expected to come up empty-handed.

"Miss, where to now?"

"Go back first."

…

…

Since the children's skeletons were unearthed, the Qin residence had been under strict control. Qin Wan thought for a moment; she hadn't seen Qin Li for several days. Returning to her courtyard, she decided to prepare another three days' worth of Xingren paste.

"The medicine fetched earlier is insufficient again..."

Qin Wan looked at the remaining herbs and shook her head. "It seems we need to go to the medicine storeroom again."

With that instruction, Qin Wan left again with Fuling.

Though the Qin residence was in chaos, the medicine storeroom remained unchanged. When Qin Wan and Fuling arrived, they saw Qian Bairen fetching medicine for a young maid.

The maid looked somewhat familiar to Qin Wan, but Fuling recognized her immediately.

"Miss, that's a maid from the Old Madam's side."

As she spoke, Qin Wan indeed saw Qian Bairen speaking obsequiously. "Musk is running low. I don't know if the Old Madam still has any..."

The young maid nodded upon hearing. "It's fine. The Old Madam still has top-grade musk stored. I'll ask Sister Caihe for some later."

Hearing this, Qian Bairen immediately nodded, wrapping the herbs as he said, "That would be excellent. With the residence in its current state, it's truly inconvenient to send people out to purchase."

The young maid was very efficient. "We'll talk about it after this matter is over. For now, the residence has many needs for medicine. Prioritize the Young Mistress and the Master. The Old Madam will continue with her usual prescriptions for recuperation."

"Exactly, exactly. The Old Madam is truly attentive to the Young Mistress."

The young maid raised an eyebrow. "Naturally. The Old Madam reviews the prescriptions before giving medicine to the Young Mistress, afraid she might take the wrong thing. She even orders Sister Caihe to supervise closely. No matter who prescribed it, even if it was Ninth Young Miss's previous prescription..."

"Ninth Young Miss."

The young maid had her back to Qin Wan, but Qian Bairen faced the door. While wrapping the herbs, he looked up and saw Qin Wan standing at the entrance. His soul nearly fled his body in fright. Seeing the young maid about to say something she shouldn't, Qian Bairen immediately shouted loudly. At his shout, the young maid's face also turned pale.

She grabbed the medicine package Qian Bairen had wrapped, turned and curtsied to Qin Wan, then hurried out.

Passing by Qin Wan, the maid walked even faster. Qin Wan glanced calmly at Qian Bairen, said nothing, and entered. "The same herbs as last time. Fuling…"

Fuling knew what Qin Wan needed and, after giving Qian Bairen a cold snort, entered the medicine storeroom.

After the previous incident, Qian Bairen no longer dared show any disrespect to Qin Wan. He hurried out, bowing obsequiously. "Ninth Young Miss, please sit... That... just now... um..."

Qin Wan's expression was impassive. "The Old Madam sometimes doesn't trust the prescriptions I open?"

Qin Bairén's face shifted colors several times, afraid Qin Wan would blame him too. He hurriedly said, "This... it's not that... The Old Madam is very concerned about the Young Mistress's health, so she doesn't dare use any prescription carelessly. Not only that, even the herbs must be of the finest quality, meticulously selected, fearing that inferior or spoiled herbs might be used."

Though Qin Wan's face remained cold, in her heart she understood Madam Jiang's thoughts and sympathized. Madam Jiang valued descendants, placed great hopes on Qin Chen, and felt the same about his child. The prescription must be correct, the herbs must be of good quality. Some herbs, stored too long, could become worm-infested or moldy and naturally couldn't be used.

Qin Wan nodded, then suddenly asked, "The Old Madam has top-grade musk?"

Qian Bairen, currently wishing to be utterly forthcoming, would answer anything, even unrelated questions, as long as he knew. "Yes, the musk at the Old Madam's place is of much higher quality than the medicinal grade. Either sent from the capital or purchased elsewhere. In short, they are treasures among treasures."

Inevitably, Qin Wan thought of the medicine given to Yao Xinlan containing musk and angelica.

She frowned slightly, recalling the events of that day. That night, outside the residence, learning Yao Xinlan had spotted, Madam Jiang and Madam Lin's anxiety didn't seem feigned. Later, Madam Jiang's concern for Yao Xinlan also seemed genuine. It couldn't be that she was the one who put such lethal ingredients in Yao Xinlan's medicine, could it?

But angelica was common; only musk was hard to obtain. However, Qin Chen's servant had also fetched some...

Madam Jiang, Qin Chen, one the child's great-grandmother, the other the child's father. Logically, neither would want to harm the child. But musk... it was strangely connected to these two.

"Ninth Young Miss... every word this lowly one says is true. If Ninth Young Miss doesn't believe me, you can ask that maid just now, or ask others in the residence. This is something everyone knows..."

Qin Wan snapped back to attention. Turning her gaze, she saw Qian Bairen standing beside her, sweating profusely, a look of fear on his face.

Qin Wan inwardly sighed. The previous Qian Bairen had never been so deferential to her. When the original Ninth Young Miss was weak, he bullied and exploited her extensively. After she arrived and her personality changed, Qian Bairen's respect was only superficial. Only after seeing Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi's attitude toward her did he develop some genuine awe.

This world truly fawned on the high and trampled the low...

"Did I say I didn't believe you?"

Qin Wan's quiet question made Qian Bairen's heart clench anxiously. Had he said the wrong thing again? His face fell miserably, and he said with utmost apprehension, "No, no, this lowly one wouldn't..."

Before he finished, Fuling emerged from the medicine storeroom. Seeing her come out, Qin Wan rose directly and, without waiting for Qian Bairen to finish, prepared to leave. Watching Qin Wan walk out the main door, Qian Bairen's legs went weak.

Had he offended Qin Wan again?

If they investigated Qin An's illness later, would they suspect him of poisoning again?

Thinking this, darkness seemed to cloud Qian Bairen's vision...

"Miss, what were you asking outside just now?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Asking if the Old Madam stores top-grade musk."

Fuling made a sound of understanding. "That's certain. The Old Madam has her own small treasury, storing many precious things."

Qin Wan didn't speak further. She always felt Madam Jiang's concern for Yao Xinlan wasn't fake. But then again, Madam Jiang was somewhat inscrutable. Perhaps she also hid some unknown secret.

Deep in thought, Qin Wan walked toward Tinglan Pavilion. Before reaching the courtyard gate, she saw Yan Chi waiting there. Seeing him, Qin Wan hurried forward. "Lord Heir, why are you here? Have you finished your questioning?"

Yan Chi also took a few steps toward Qin Wan and nodded. "Yes, finished. No leads for now."

Qin Wan wasn't surprised. "That mastermind didn't act on impulse. Since it was planned, naturally we wouldn't discover it so quickly."

"You went to the front courtyard earlier, to Qin An's study?"

Yan Chi learned things quickly. Qin Wan nodded. "Yes, I asked Aunt Liu about the Second Concubine's appearance. Aunt Liu said she couldn't remember the details. If we want to see what the Second Concubine looked like, Qin An likely painted her."

Her expression turned somber. "Unfortunately, we searched the entire study but found nothing."

Yan Chi pondered briefly. "You want to see the Second Concubine's appearance, then see if anyone in the residence resembles her?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Exactly. Unfortunately, we didn't find it... It's been too long..."

Yan Chi said, "You only searched Qin An's study just now. Did you check other storehouses? Paintings and calligraphy can be considered valuable assets. Perhaps they are stored in some treasury."

Yan Chi's words made Qin Wan's eyes light up. "I actually forgot!"

Seeing Yan Chi's puzzled look, Qin Wan sighed. "Today, both you and Aunt Liu thought of things I didn't. I really... There are storehouses in the residence, not just one. There's also a book repository. I actually forgot about it just now!"

Qin Wan had gone to the book repository once before to look for medical texts but returned empty-handed, so her impression of it wasn't deep. But now, with Yan Chi's reminder, she suddenly remembered: besides books, the repository also contained paintings... At the time, seeing the back filled with paintings and calligraphy, she hadn't continued looking.

Qin Wan felt a surge of excitement. "Let's go to Linfeng Courtyard, get the key from Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law!"

She turned to instruct Fuling. "Put the medicine inside, then come to the book repository to find me later..."

Qin Wan set off as she spoke. Fuling nodded and hurried into the courtyard. Yan Chi followed Qin Wan. "You've been to the book repository?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Yes, once to look for medical texts. But I didn't think of it. I remember there were many paintings and calligraphic works inside. What we're looking for might be there. I actually forgot..."

A slight curve touched Yan Chi's lips. "Simply didn't think of it at the moment. If we find it, it will be a great achievement."

Qin Wan turned her head as she walked. "Then it would be Lord Heir's and Aunt Liu's credit."

Yan Chi didn't respond, but a faint light appeared in his eyes. He followed Qin Wan all the way to Linfeng Courtyard. Just before reaching it, they saw Qin Chen walking out with a dark expression.

Qin Wan paused. Qin Chen also didn't expect to encounter Qin Wan and Yan Chi. He immediately suppressed his gloomy expression. He bowed toward Yan Chi with cupped fists. "My respects to Lord Heir."

"Eldest Young Master, rise. No need for formalities."

Yan Chi replied flatly. Qin Chen straightened. "Why has Lord Heir come?"

Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly toward Qin Wan. "Accompanying your younger sister."

His words carried a somewhat ambiguous tone. Qin Wan's back stiffened slightly. Qin Chen looked at Qin Wan with a deep gaze. "Why has Ninth Sister come?"

If Qin Wan were visiting Yao Xinlan, she wouldn't have brought Yan Chi. Bringing Yan Chi likely meant it was for the investigation.

Qin Wan's expression remained composed and harmless. Meeting Qin Chen's gaze, she suddenly thought of the musk incident. Thinking this, she instinctively answered, "I gave Sister-in-law a miscellany last time. Today, while talking with Lord Heir, he happened to be looking for that book too, so I came to retrieve it."

A look of understanding dawned in Qin Chen's eyes. He had seen the miscellany Qin Wan gave Yao Xinlan; it lay by Yao Xinlan's pillow.

Seeing Qin Chen's expression relax, Qin Wan added, "Eldest Brother, where are you going?"

Qin Chen replied, "Haven't visited Father yet today."

The events of that year were ultimately Qin An's doing. Now the truth was mostly clear, having little to do with Qin Chen. Hearing this, Qin Wan sighed slightly. "Alright, Eldest Brother, go ahead."

Qin Chen acknowledged with a sound, bowed again to Yan Chi, and headed toward the front courtyard.

Watching Qin Chen leave, Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. "Why lie?"

Qin Wan's gaze flickered aside, seeming somewhat troubled. Yan Chi looked back in the direction Qin Chen had gone. "Whatever your reason, being cautious of him is right."

Qin Wan was momentarily stunned. Her wariness toward Qin Chen only arose because of the musk incident, leading to unfavorable conjectures about him. But why would Yan Chi say such a thing? He didn't know about the musk!

"Why does Lord Heir say that?"

Yan Chi turned back. "Your Eldest Brother is not simple."

Qin Wan blinked. Yan Chi urged, "Go in. I'll wait outside for you."

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi for a moment, then nodded and turned to enter Linfeng Courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, that oppressive, heavy atmosphere once again enveloped her. Two maids stood guard at the entrance, heads bowed low like flower branches battered by a passing storm.

Qin Wan's footsteps made the two young servants look up. Seeing Qin Wan, one immediately went inside to announce.

Soon, Moshu emerged. Moshu's eyes were slightly reddened. Seeing Qin Wan, her expression was one of wanting to speak but hesitating.

"What's wrong? Did Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law quarrel?"

Qin Chen's expression earlier, and the atmosphere in the courtyard now, left little need for Qin Wan to guess what had happened.

"Where is Sister-in-law?" Qin Wan asked as she walked inside. Reaching the doorway, she saw Yao Xinlan sitting blankly on the edge of the bed, not weeping as Qin Wan had imagined.

"Young Mistress, Ninth Young Miss is here."

Moshu announced. Yao Xinlan slowly turned to look at Qin Wan. Tears brimmed in her eyes but didn't fall. Qin Wan hurried forward. "Sister-in-law…"

Yao Xinlan forced a bitter smile. "Ninth Sister, I suddenly... suddenly feel... you were right. I should do something."

Qin Wan's heart stirred. She quickly sat beside Yao Xinlan. "Sister-in-law, have you thought it through?"

Yao Xinlan shook her head. "I haven't figured it out yet, but I've started thinking." Saying this, she pulled at the corners of her lips. "I don't want to go on like this anymore. It is too bitter, truly too bitter..."

As she spoke, she sniffled. "Did Ninth Sister come to see me?"

Qin Wan was momentarily at a loss for words, but thinking that Yan Chi was waiting, she had no choice but to be honest. "I came to ask my sister-in-law for help. I... I want to find something in the library, and I wanted to ask my sister-in-law to lend me the key."

Yao Xinlan showed no hint of disappointment, only nodding. "Alright, let Moshu get it for you. I don't know if it is in the courtyard; usually, the library is used by your brother..."

Qin Wan hurriedly shook her head. "It's no matter. If it isn't there, I will just go ask Brother."

Saying this, Qin Wan started to speak, then hesitated. "Sister-in-law..."

Yao Xinlan shook her head. "It's fine, go ahead. I want to think, I need to think clearly..."

As she spoke, Yao Xinlan lapsed into a daze again. Qin Wan looked at her for a moment, then followed Moshu out. Moshu went to the side room and quickly came back out. "The key is here. Ninth Miss, here you are..."

Qin Wan took the key. Moshu apologized, "Ninth Miss, this servant cannot escort you today..."

"It's nothing, I remember the way." Qin Wan cast a worried glance toward the inner chamber. "You go look after my sister-in-law. Once I have finished searching, I will come back to keep her company." Then, Qin Wan added, "I'll leave that miscellaneous notebook with my sister-in-law for now."

Hearing this, Moshu assumed Qin Wan had intended to take that miscellaneous notebook away and hurriedly said with gratitude, "Thank you, Ninth Miss..."

Qin Wan said nothing more. She walked out of the courtyard with quick steps. Seeing Yan Chi, Qin Wan hurriedly said, "Your Highness, quickly..."

After speaking, Qin Wan said no more, directly leading Yan Chi toward the library.

Perhaps because she had deceived Qin Chen, or perhaps because seeing the growing rift between Yao Xinlan and Qin Chen made her increasingly skeptical of his profound affection, at this moment, holding the key to the library, her heart was pounding wildly.

She was somewhat nervous, and her steps were extremely fast. Along the way, Yan Chi merely followed closely without making a sound. When they reached the library, Qin Wan deftly opened the door. Once Yan Chi entered, Qin Wan slammed the door shut.

"The paintings and calligraphy are all at the very back. We must be quick."

As soon as her voice fell, Yan Chi moved even faster than Qin Wan. In the cramped space, tall bookshelves surrounded them on all sides. The seven or eight cabinets at the very back all held paintings and calligraphy. Qin Wan looked left and right, walking straight toward the most inconspicuous cabinet in the very back.

Given Qin An's character, Eighth Aunt's paintings would likely only fascinate him for a while; they wouldn't be stored together with those masterpieces worth thousands in gold. The cabinet before her was the most inconspicuous and covered in dust, making it the most likely place for them.

Yan Chi was originally looking for his own, but he wanted to be closer to Qin Wan. He turned around and walked toward Qin Wan. Just then, he clearly saw Qin Wan freeze in place the moment she opened a painting.

Yan Chi's expression turned sharp. "Found it?" Saying this, he took a few steps to stand behind Qin Wan.

Yan Chi looked at the painting with high hopes, but very quickly, his brows furrowed.

Upon the two-foot-long paper, more than a dozen small scenes were painted. In every small scene, two naked people were tangled together...

In a room, a courtyard, on the grass, by a stream, inside a wooden tub, on a swing...

Tangled and intertwined, vivid and lifelike, the postures varied, the brushwork exquisite.

Yan Chi scanned them one by one, the tail of his narrow phoenix eyes lifting. It was... erotic art?