novelraw Chapter 115 : Hero Saves Beauty, The Maddened Murderer
Chapter 115 : Hero Saves Beauty, The Maddened Murderer
115: Hero Saves Beauty, The Maddened Murderer
Xu He waited anxiously at the entrance of the Qin Manor, unable to help but ask the constable beside him, "Why haven't they returned after being gone so long?"
Infected by Xu He's anxiety, the prefectural constable also looked toward the end of the long street. "I don't know either, Brother Xu. What matter is so urgent? Has something happened in the manor?"
Xu He naturally could not say directly. He pursed his lips. "It is a minor matter."
The constable frowned disapprovingly. "If it's minor, why be so anxious? The Official and His Highness are apprehending many people this time. That Qingyuan Pawnshop's business is large, and their network is extensive. The slightest carelessness, and they will flee."
Xu He naturally understood this principle, yet the matter within the Qin Manor could not be underestimated either. "Ah, if only His Highness would return. They don't both need to come back, but it's been so long without news."
He continued, "I remember the Qingyuan Pawnshop is in the west of the city, right? On East Fourth Street?"
The constable nodded. "What, do you want to go look for them yourself?"
Xu He had promised Qin Wan. Thinking that perhaps Qin Wan had already opened the painting scroll by now, he grew even more anxious.
Looking left and right, Xu He planned to borrow a horse from the Qin Manor gatehouse. But just as he turned, the sound of hoofbeats came from the end of the long street. Xu He paused his steps and hurriedly looked toward the source.
"Is it coming toward us?"
Night had already fallen heavily. Although moonless, scattered cold stars dotted the night sky. Occasional lanterns lit the long street, faintly revealing the silhouettes of several swift riders.
"It seems to be heading our way."
The constable beside him answered. A faint light sparked in Xu He's eyes. The few fast horses galloped like the wind, arriving before the Qin Manor in mere moments. Xu He looked; it was none other than Yan Chi.
Yan Chi, with Bai Feng and the constable who had gone to deliver the message, rode swiftly. Reaching the manor gate, he sharply reined in and dismounted. Seeing Xu He still waiting at the entrance, he frowned. "What is it? What happened?"
Xu He saluted with a cupped fist, then gestured with his hand. "Please, Your Highness, enter the manor first."
Yan Chi threw the riding whip to the constable and entered the manor gate with Bai Feng.
As they walked, Xu He explained, "Ninth Miss asked you to return. Just now, Ninth Miss discovered who poisoned Master Qin. Furthermore, Ninth Miss learned something else. Because it is critically related to the case, she wished for you to return so she could tell you."
Hearing this, Yan Chi quickened his pace toward the inner courtyard. "Where is she?"
"At Tinglan Courtyard! Oh, also, Ninth Miss also found a portrait that might be of the Second Aunt. However, it was too old to open. Right now, Ninth Miss has most likely already opened the scroll."
A faint light flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. He changed direction and went straight toward Tinglan Courtyard.
Xu He closely followed Yan Chi. Yan Chi moved with such speed that Xu He had to trot to keep up, soon panting. Before long, they arrived before Tinglan Courtyard.
As usual, Bai Feng stepped forward to knock. After two light raps, a maid with a round face and large eyes opened the courtyard gate.
"Huh? Brother Guard…"
The one who opened the door was Wan Tao. She recognized Bai Feng, glanced at him, then looked past him at Yan Chi and Xu He standing behind. She blinked. Bai Feng said, "His Highness wishes to see Ninth Miss."
Wan Tao’s eyes widened. She looked back at the dark main room. "Our Miss hasn't returned yet."
Bai Feng frowned, also seeing at a glance the unlit main room. If Qin Wan were in the courtyard, the main room would not be without light. Bai Feng turned to look at Yan Chi. Hearing the exchange, Yan Chi’s brow furrowed tightly.
He turned to Xu He. "Ninth Miss hasn't returned? Didn't you say she came back?"
Xu He was slightly surprised for a moment. "This subordinate parted from Ninth Miss in the front courtyard. At the time, Ninth Miss said it would be best to inform Your Highness or the Official soon. This subordinate took on the task of delivering the message and waited at the manor gate. When we parted, Ninth Miss did say she was returning to Tinglan Courtyard, and Fuling was carrying the painting scroll at the time."
Hearing this, Yan Chi’s eyes darkened. Somehow, a bad premonition rose in his heart.
He took two steps forward and looked at Wan Tao. "Your Miss hasn't returned. What about Fuling?"
Seeing Yan Chi ask the question, Wan Tao immediately lowered her head, not daring to meet his gaze, and answered respectfully, "Sister Fuling has been serving the Miss. The Miss hasn't returned, so Sister Fuling hasn't returned either."
Yan Chi’s heart sank another notch. He glanced at the dark, quiet courtyard, then turned to look elsewhere in the manor. Night had fallen, and the hour was late. Where else could Qin Wan go?
Yan Chi walked forward a few steps. Bai Feng said to Wan Tao, "If Ninth Miss returns later, tell her His Highness came looking for her."
Wan Tao hurriedly answered respectfully. Bai Feng then nodded and left. Wan Tao watched the departing figures of Bai Feng and Yan Chi for a moment before gently closing the courtyard gate.
Meanwhile, Xu He asked anxiously, "Could Ninth Miss have gone back to the front courtyard?"
Hearing this question, Yan Chi also thought it possible. He immediately headed toward the front courtyard. "You said just now Ninth Miss discovered who poisoned Qin An?"
Hearing this, Xu He’s eyes lit up. "Exactly. As dusk fell, this subordinate was collecting official documents and the letters and other dossiers Your Highness brought back from Yang County the other day, originally intending to take them to the Prefectural Yamen. But the Official said to ask Ninth Miss, so this subordinate waited at the gate for Ninth Miss. Not long after, I saw Ninth Miss coming from the east..."
"Ninth Miss and this subordinate exchanged a few words. Ninth Miss suddenly saw something written on one of the letters. It said the husband of that Second Aunt suffered from an eye disease that prevented him from distinguishing colors. His Highness and the Official likely hadn't noticed this point before. At the time, Ninth Miss thought of something and became suspicious of a servant girl in the manor named Caihe..."
Hearing "Caihe," Yan Chi’s steps halted. "Caihe?"
Xu He nodded. "Exactly. It seems Ninth Miss had discovered something before. However, Ninth Miss said this illness alone couldn't confirm it. Then she said it would be best to find a portrait. So we went to the front courtyard again, intending to ask the two old servants if there were any paintings of the Second Aunt. We saw a young servant boy who hadn't cleaned a medicine jar properly. Ninth Miss noticed something amiss and went to look. Upon inspection, she realized the poisoner had taken advantage of the boy cleaning the jars to put the poison inside."
Yan Chi quickened his pace by another fraction. "Did Ninth Miss say to apprehend the person immediately?"
Xu He quickly shook his head. "No, no. Ninth Miss feared alerting the enemy and wanted to find more evidence. When we went to the front courtyard, the old servant took Ninth Miss to another study there. Ninth Miss found a painting that looked quite old, pressed at the very bottom. However, it was so old the paper had stuck together and couldn't be opened directly. At the time, Ninth Miss told this subordinate she would go back to open the scroll, then wait for Your Highness or the Official to return before apprehending the person."
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. Qin Wan naturally considered things more thoroughly than others. Right now, neither he nor Huo Huaixin was present. She had no standing to apprehend anyone. Moreover, acting rashly would indeed alert the enemy. She wouldn't go to the Buddha Hall herself. But at this late hour, if nothing else had happened, why wouldn't she return to Tinglan Courtyard as agreed and instead go somewhere else?
The Qin Manor was in a state of turmoil, and now it was nighttime. Ink-black night enveloped the manor's connected buildings. Although cold starlight shone from the sky, it ultimately made one's heart feel sinister and heavy.
No matter what, Qin Wan absolutely must not come to harm.
Thinking this, Yan Chi quickened his pace even more. Soon, the front courtyard was just ahead. The two constables were still guarding the courtyard entrance. Having stood guard for so long, they were rather tired. Seeing Yan Chi approach, they didn't react immediately.
Only when Yan Chi reached them did they both bow in succession.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Yan Chi only asked in a deep voice, "Has Ninth Miss come by?"
The two were stunned. One of them said, "Didn't Ninth Miss leave the front courtyard not long ago? This subordinate hasn't seen Ninth Miss come back."
Yan Chi’s heart sank instantly. Meeting the constables' puzzled gazes, he didn't wish to explain further. He turned and headed back toward the inner courtyard. Xu He, seeing him walk so fast, hurriedly asked, "Where is Your Highness going?"
"To Linfeng Courtyard."
Xu He blinked. Yan Chi looked at Bai Feng. "Go contact her. Also, ask the constables stationed around the manor."
Bai Feng nodded, his figure flashing into the night. Xu He didn't understand Yan Chi’s order but dared not ask more. He only followed behind Yan Chi toward Linfeng Courtyard.
"Linfeng Courtyard is where her Big Brother and sister-in-law live. Her sister-in-law is pregnant and relies on her to regulate her health."
Yan Chi said a sentence. Xu He immediately understood and then curved his lips. "That makes sense. At this late hour, Ninth Miss was most likely invited to see a patient. Where else could she go?"
Xu He hadn't been anxious initially, but seeing Yan Chi’s expression, he felt inexplicably uneasy. His words seemed to comfort both himself and Yan Chi. Yet after saying them, he felt even more uneasy.
Yan Chi had been to Linfeng Courtyard before. After the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, they arrived at the courtyard gate.
The servant woman at the gate didn't recognize Yan Chi but sensed his imposing presence. Remembering that the investigation in the Qin Manor these past few days was presided over by a noble, she didn't dare be careless and knelt on the ground. Yan Chi asked directly, "Is the manor's Ninth Miss here?"
The servant woman quickly shook her head. "She is not. She came in the afternoon..."
Yan Chi naturally knew Qin Wan had come in the afternoon; he had accompanied her then. Yet if Qin Wan wasn't at Linfeng Courtyard, where could she be?
Yan Chi said no more and turned to leave. The servant woman was dazed for a moment before daring to raise her head.
"Your Highness, could Ninth Miss have gone to the manor gate and missed us?"
Yan Chi shook his head, his steps suddenly slowing. "No. The path we took was already the shortest."
His steps slowed, and his mind began turning rapidly. Qin Wan was not someone who acted recklessly. She had the scroll, which might be a portrait of the Second Aunt. Her first priority should have been to open it. So what reason caused her not to return to her courtyard? Thinking this, Yan Chi swept his gaze around. Although the night was deep, the manor had prefectural guards, and Fuling was with her. There was no reason for her to be abducted without a trace...
Yan Chi’s expression darkened. Yet the more anxious he was, the more calm and rational his thoughts became.
Suddenly, Yan Chi frowned. Qin Wan had the scroll to uncover the most crucial point of the case. Whatever caused her to leave must be related to a clue in the case. Her urgent task was to find the Second Aunt's portrait. Could she have opened the scroll midway, discovered it wasn't the right one, and then gone somewhere else to look?
Yan Chi felt this idea was highly possible and headed back toward Tinglan Courtyard. After walking for another quarter of an hour, Bai Feng suddenly dashed over from the east. "Master, couldn't make contact. Half the constables in the manor were withdrawn. Asked the others; all said they hadn't seen Ninth Miss!"
"Not at Tinglan Courtyard?!"
Yan Chi asked, his eyes dark and heavy. Bai Feng nodded. "No."
Yan Chi’s brows instantly knit together. If even his most secretive arrangement was now useless, then perhaps Qin Wan hadn't left of her own volition...
This thought emerged, and Yan Chi felt a slight chill run down his spine.
"Your Highness, where could Ninth Miss have gone?" Xu He was also shocked into a cold sweat by Bai Feng's words.
Yan Chi’s gaze was deep. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly saw a star slowly rising from the east of the Qin Manor. The light in Yan Chi’s eyes changed. Bai Feng also exclaimed lowly, "Your Highness!"
...
...
Watching the door close, a chill crawled up from the soles of Qin Wan's feet.
Qin Chen stood grimly at the doorway, walking step by step toward Qin Wan. Qin Wan retreated a step, but behind her was the tall cabinet filled with scrolls. With nowhere to retreat, she had to force herself to calm down.
"Big Brother, what are you doing..."
Not a trace of warmth remained in Qin Chen’s gentle eyes. At this moment, he looked at Qin Wan coldly, as if gazing at a dead thing.
"Ninth Sister hasn't answered me. What were you asking the gatekeeper?"
Qin Wan frowned tightly. With a sweep of her gaze, she saw Fuling lying pale-faced on the ground and asked first, "What did Big Brother do to Fuling? What is Big Brother doing? Did Big Brother deliberately bring me here tonight?"
Qin Chen stopped about five or six steps away from Qin Wan. This storeroom was remote. Moreover, the constables in the manor had been withdrawn, and Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi were not present. He still had ample time.
"Ninth Sister remembered that night?"
Qin Wan’s heart tightened, but her face showed nothing. She only looked at Qin Chen with continued astonishment. "What is Big Brother saying? Which night is Big Brother referring to?"
Qin Chen narrowed his eyes. A somber expression surfaced on his scholarly face. "Why pretend, Ninth Sister? The night Ninth Sister fell into the lake, what exactly happened? Hasn't Ninth Sister remembered?"
Qin Wan blinked. "That night, I slipped and fell into the water myself. What does Big Brother mean by asking like this?"
Qin Chen raised a hand, his long fingers brushing past the landscape screen beside him, then methodically straightened his robe hem. "Since Ninth Sister thinks so, then why go to the gatekeeper to ask? Was it to ask whether I left the Qin Manor that night?"
Seeing Qin Chen's demeanor, Qin Wan knew he was determined to confront her openly. And this meant he intended to kill her. Subconsciously, Qin Wan clenched her sleeve. The Cold Moon inside it pressed painfully into her palm.
"How does Big Brother know?" Qin Wan knew she could not pretend any longer. Qin Chen had knocked out Fuling. Since he had started acting, he would not think of stopping. A dangerous aura pressed in on Qin Wan. For a moment, she silently berated herself for being careless.
From where she stood to the door was twenty paces. Yet with Qin Chen blocking the way, she could not escape.
Hearing Qin Wan’s words, Qin Chen sighed lightly. "Why did you remember, Ninth Sister?"
His tone held deep regret, as if Qin Wan had destroyed something very beautiful. "How good it would have been if Ninth Sister truly remembered nothing."
Qin Wan lowered her eyes for a moment, letting a trace of fear show on her face. "I... I only remembered the Purple Bamboo Grove..."
The corners of Qin Chen's lips curved slightly. "No wonder... no wonder you kept running to the east."
Qin Wan stared directly at Qin Chen. After a moment, a pained look appeared in her eyes. "So... so that night, the person I met... was you?"
Seeing Qin Wan’s shock and hurt, Qin Chen’s tone instead relaxed. "It was me."
As those two words settled, Qin Wan’s heart trembled slightly. He admitted it. Before she had even truly asked the gatekeeper, Qin Chen admitted it! That night, it was him. He killed the Ninth Miss. And the other person could be none other than Caihe!
Qin Wan had been wondering why the Ninth Miss was killed. After much thought, she speculated it was likely because the Ninth Miss stumbled upon something, provoking a killing intent. She had suspected Liu Chun and Concubine Liu before, but now it truly was Qin Chen.
Qin Chen, the favored son of the Qin Manor, this outwardly gentle and scholarly Eldest Young Master, could actually kill for the sake of a Caihe? Her brow twitched. Qin Wan looked at Qin Chen and gave a bitter smile. "How could Big Brother be so ruthless?"
Qin Wan’s face was full of pain and disappointment, as if unable to accept that Qin Chen had harmed her. A trace of regret also flickered in Qin Chen’s eyes. "I originally pitied your loneliness and suffering. But you had to follow me into the Purple Bamboo Grove. Ninth Sister, you cannot blame me."
Qin Wan subconsciously leaned back further, appearing even more frail and afraid. "Does Second Brother... like Caihe that much?"
Hearing this, Qin Chen was momentarily stunned. But quickly, his expression returned to a calm coldness. "You don't understand these things. But you knew what you shouldn't have. Ninth Sister, don't blame Big Brother."
As he spoke, Qin Chen suddenly stepped forward slowly. Qin Wan’s heart leapt. The scroll she held in her hand fell to the ground with a thud. As it landed, the rolled scroll unfurled along the ground, the half-opened painting instantly spreading open. Upon opening, a young woman in green robes appeared vividly on the paper. The woman appeared to be in her twenties, with features like a painting, intelligent eyes, exquisite facial features, and cloud-like black hair. She stood gracefully by a half-lake shore, like a lotus fairy emerging from the water. Though the figure was still, the painter’s skill was extraordinary. The strands of hair blown by the wind were like clouds, seeming to move. Anyone who saw it would be captivated.
Qin Wan held her breath. The woman in the painting had a pure and ethereal aura, but those beautiful eyes looked very familiar, and the contours of her face and features also felt vaguely familiar. Qin Wan’s eyes widened slightly... Caihe... It truly was another Caihe...
The Second Aunt wore fine robes and light gauze, her features pure yet not without allure. In comparison, perhaps because Caihe was used to being a subservient maid and dressed simply, her aura fell far short of the Second Aunt’s. But looking at the features of the woman in the painting, it wasn’t hard to imagine that in a few more years, Caihe would also blossom into greater beauty.
Caihe... Could Caihe truly be the Second Aunt’s daughter?!
The daughter from that household hadn't died in the great fire back then?!
Qin Wan’s heart was full of shock. She turned her gaze, but Qin Chen had walked right up to her. Qin Wan’s heart leapt. She hurriedly pointed at the painting on the ground. "Big Brother... look... you must have seen the Second Aunt before. Is this portrait of the Second Aunt? But Big Brother, look carefully. Isn't the person in this painting remarkably similar to someone in the manor?"
Qin Wan’s tone was urgent, but Qin Chen seemed unwilling to engage with her further. He took another step forward, his foot ruthlessly stepping on the scroll. Seeing him ignore her, Qin Wan said anxiously, "Big Brother, it's Caihe! Caihe is the Second Aunt’s daughter! Look!"
At this, Qin Chen’s eyes flickered. Seeing he had listened a little, Qin Wan continued, "Big Brother, wake up. Caihe entered the manor with another purpose. The deaths of Liu Chun and Concubine Liu are most likely related to her. Even... even you, Big Brother, are a pawn she is using. Someone put medicine in sister-in-law's miscarriage-prevention decoction before. It was Caihe who did it..."
A fluctuating light shone in Qin Chen’s eyes. "What is Ninth Sister saying? At a time like this, Ninth Sister still wants to say these things to influence me?"
As he spoke, Qin Chen’s fist had already clenched. Seeing his murderous intent gradually rising, Qin Wan truly had no intention of fighting him. She only urgently pointed at the scroll. "I'm not lying to you, Big Brother. Look at this portrait! What happened to the Second Aunt back then was so tragic. How could Caihe truly love you? She is using you!"
"You shut up!"
Only two steps away from Qin Wan, Qin Chen gave a low shout. His figure suddenly lunged. The clenched fist at his side shot toward Qin Wan, changing from a fist to a claw that clamped around her neck.
Qin Wan felt a sharp pain in her neck. The next instant, her body was firmly pinned against the tall cabinet by Qin Chen. Qin Chen’s fingers exerted force, making Qin Wan’s vision blacken with pain. For a moment, Qin Wan seemed to experience the fear the Ninth Miss felt deep in the night of the twenty-first day of the seventh month. It was the fear of confronting a murderer head-on, with one's life firmly held in his grasp.
Cold sweat broke out on Qin Wan’s forehead. She struggled, her hands clawing at Qin Chen’s hand. "Cough... Why would I... lie to Big Brother... Concubine Liu... Liu Chun's... deaths... were... to expose the past..."
Qin Wan’s throat was in severe pain, her face flushed red from suffocation, yet she still spoke with great effort. As their eyes met, the murderous intent in Qin Chen’s eyes was replaced by a flicker of hesitation. His gaze shifted downward to the scroll on the ground.
Simultaneously, his hand loosened slightly. Qin Wan felt a bit more assured and continued with effort, "She... came for... revenge... Big Brother... was deceived... by her..."
Qin Chen’s brow instantly furrowed tightly. While choking Qin Wan with one hand, he stared fixedly at the scroll on the ground, his whole person plunged into extreme shock and struggle. At that moment, Qin Wan, gripping the Cold Moon in her sleeve, suddenly stabbed toward Qin Chen’s wrist...
Qin Chen was tall and long-limbed, with considerable strength. One hand choking Qin Wan left her with no power to struggle. He was focused on the portrait, his mind analyzing whether Qin Wan’s words were true or false. He never expected that Qin Wan, who had been showing weakness and struggling, would suddenly attack him. With a tearing sound, his robe was cut, and a piercing pain shot through his wrist. Instantly, Qin Chen’s right hand went numb and weak. Subconsciously, he retracted it. In that split second, Qin Wan had slipped away like a fish. Qin Chen’s injured hand tried to grab but had no strength, barely letting Qin Wan run toward the door.
Although one hand was injured, having taken action, Qin Chen would not stop. Seeing Qin Wan run for the door, Qin Chen grabbed a nearby scroll with his uninjured hand and threw it at her. Qin Wan, weakened from being choked earlier, was unexpectedly struck behind the knee. Her whole body immediately pitched forward. With a clatter, Qin Wan fell, her knees in sharp pain. Even more terrifying, the Cold Moon slipped from her hand.
Qin Wan immediately tried to get up. However, her skirt was cumbersome, and her knees were in severe pain. She didn't rise as quickly as imagined. In that very instant, a hand firmly grasped her ankle and dragged her violently backward. Qin Wan, caught off guard, fell to the ground again. Qin Chen leapt in front of her. When Qin Wan looked up again, the Cold Moon was in his hand.
"Ninth Sister carries such a sharp blade on her person?"
Qin Chen’s right hand dripped blood, splashing onto his blue brocade robe, momentarily staining it a deep black. He held the Cold Moon in his left hand, his right hanging uselessly. A mocking smile hung at the corner of his mouth as his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Qin Wan.
"The Ninth Sister that night only knew how to cry and scream. This time is different."
Feigning ignorance had been used, showing weakness had been used. Facing Qin Chen, whose strength was several times greater than hers and who now held a blade, Qin Wan’s heart sank secretly. Yet her face calmed for the moment. Qin Chen continued to stare at her, then suddenly narrowed his eyes, seeming somewhat perplexed. "That night, Ninth Sister was clearly dead. I even watched the corpse for so long. Later, the body sank into the lake. Even if not dead, she should have drowned. Yet afterward, Ninth Sister actually returned from death..."
Qin Chen tightened his grip on the Cold Moon, then walked slowly to where Qin Wan still lay on the ground. He slowly placed the Cold Moon against Qin Wan’s neck. Qin Wan’s counterattack had been futile. Now that she had retaliated and lost her best weapon, Qin Chen felt Qin Wan could use no more tricks. So he was in no hurry to kill her immediately.
"Ninth Sister? You've changed too much..."
The dagger pressed against Qin Wan’s neck, yet she only slightly lowered her eyes. She did not cry or scream, not even trembling. Apart from her breathing being somewhat tight, Qin Wan’s composure was beyond Qin Chen’s expectations.
He looked deeply at Qin Wan, voicing the doubts he had held for so long as if no one else were present.
"If it were injury-induced amnesia, one's temperament wouldn't change so drastically. At times, I even feel you are not the former Ninth Sister. The former you was weak and easily bullied, looking pitiable and contemptible. The current you is different. You inexplicably possess superb medical skills. You have this kind of steady, calm temperament. Ninth Sister, who exactly are you?"
Qin Wan’s heart gave a fierce jolt, but her tone remained calm. "What does Big Brother think?"
Qin Wan did not look into Qin Chen’s eyes but answered like this. She wanted to pique Qin Chen’s interest to buy time, yet she couldn't think what use buying time would serve. Still, a faint thought, a hope, lingered in her heart.
Qin Chen narrowed his eyes. "You truly are not Ninth Sister!"
Perhaps because he no longer needed to hide, Qin Chen’s words carried a hint of mad obsession. He stared at Qin Wan, forgetting that killing her was the most important thing, and continued, "You are not Ninth Sister? Then who are you?!"
This was indeed a shocking and perplexing matter. Qin Chen brought the dagger closer by a fraction. "Who are you?!"
Qin Wan raised her head. Her eyes, clear and shallow as a stream, looked at Qin Chen. She truly wasn't afraid. If Qin Chen thrust the dagger into her neck, she would only treat these many days as a dream. She was a person who should have died long ago. Borrowing the Ninth Miss’s body to live these extra days, aside from being unable to clear her father’s name, Qin Wan had no regrets.
Their eyes met. Qin Chen was daunted by the cold clarity in Qin Wan’s eyes. In that instant, he suddenly felt he did not recognize this person with the same face. He was no longer hiding; neither was Qin Wan. Her gaze seemed to stare at a cold-blooded stranger, her tone chillingly detached. "Will killing me today allow Big Brother to escape? Caihe wants to plunge the Qin Manor into eternal ruin. Big Brother is a member of the Qin family. How can you escape? Every single thing in this Qin Manor is her doing. She won't kill you. She only needs to destroy you."
Qin Chen’s hand trembled. The crescent-moon-like tip of the Cold Moon immediately pierced Qin Wan’s skin. A streak of brilliant crimson appeared on her snow-white neck, as startling as red plum blossoms blooming upon snow. Qin Chen heard Qin Wan’s words, but he became even more certain of his own notion. If the Ninth Sister before him were still the Ninth Sister, then she would laugh at his words as mere fantasy. But she did not. Her demeanor and tone had shed the usual gentle, warm pretense. At this moment, she was like a complete stranger.
Qin Chen seemed pricked by Qin Wan’s clear gaze. He suddenly felt that, compared to Caihe entering the Qin Manor for revenge, the fact that the Ninth Sister before him was not truly the Ninth Sister made him feel even more horrified. He brought the dagger closer again, almost piercing Qin Wan’s neck once more, and asked in a sinister voice, "Who are you? Who exactly are you...? You are not Ninth Sister. Why did you become Ninth Sister?!"
The corners of Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, her smile cool and tinged with regret.
This dream had been so long. Not only long, but also thrilling. She had actually inherited her father’s unfulfilled wish and truly taken up the work of a coroner and investigator. Only, she didn’t know if, now descending to the Nine Springs, she could still see her father and mother.
Qin Wan still lay on the ground, her knees and elbows injured. Propping herself up with one hand, she slowly sat up. Her gaze drifted somewhat ethereally toward the high window behind. Outside the window was a deep, ink-black sea. She was like duckweed, floating in this vast ocean. If she were to die here, she would owe nothing to anyone. Thinking this, Qin Wan turned her head to glance at Fuling lying by the door.
A trace of heartache flashed in her eyes. Qin Wan understood that if she died, Qin Chen would likely not spare Fuling either.
A sour feeling rose in Qin Wan’s heart. If she owed anyone, it was Fuling…
"Tell me…" Qin Chen, looking at Qin Wan’s extraordinarily calm face, suddenly grew anxious. The calmer Qin Wan was, the more panicked he felt. This person who had returned from death, this person with supreme medical skills, what was her origin? What was her purpose?
The unknown filled Qin Chen with fear. Suddenly, he hardened his heart. "Since you won't tell, don't blame me!"
Saying this, Qin Chen gritted his teeth. "No matter who you are, you know what you shouldn't. That leaves only death."
As he spoke, Qin Chen made a horizontal sweep with the Cold Moon.
Qin Wan abruptly closed her eyes. She could almost imagine Qin Chen’s motion would make the Cold Moon slice horizontally. Her windpipe and the blood vessels on the side of her neck would be severed. And with the Cold Moon’s sharpness, it might even cut through her cervical spine. As for her cause of death, it would be either suffocation or excessive blood loss... Perhaps she had done too many autopsies lately; she had even determined her own cause of death.
With this thought, a shadow suddenly flashed through Qin Wan’s mind.
In that fleeting moment, this was all Qin Wan could think of. Yet, just as the Cold Moon was about to cut into her neck, a soft, whistling sound suddenly cut through the air. A dull thud sounded. Immediately after, something clattered to the ground. Then, a gust of powerful wind swept into the room with lightning speed. Qin Wan instinctively opened her eyes, only sensing a shadow flash before her. The next instant, she was pulled up from the ground. A broad embrace held her. By the time she steadied herself, Qin Chen stood seven or eight paces away, the Cold Moon having fallen from his hand, while she stood half-supported near the doorway...
Qin Wan turned her head. Within her sight, Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes were dark and heavy, yet the faint light within them shone like cold stars on a winter night.
Yan Chi...
Qin Wan looked into Yan Chi’s eyes, momentarily stunned as if not comprehending.
Yan Chi held Qin Wan firmly by the waist, his gaze falling on Qin Chen, who also seemed not to have fully reacted. The moment Qin Chen saw Yan Chi, his face turned deathly pale. He looked down at his empty palm, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. When he looked up, unconcealed resentment filled his eyes...
"Young Master, using my blade to kill someone without asking my opinion seems presumptuous." Yan Chi’s voice was icy. As he spoke, a cold wind swept through the hall. Though it was only autumn, it suddenly felt like the depths of bitter winter.
Qin Chen lowered his gaze to look at the Cold Moon. Behind him, an osmanthus branch with golden stamens was embedded deep in the wooden door of the tall cabinet. Qin Chen gave a bitter smile. "So it is Your Highness’s blade…"
Then he looked at Qin Wan, standing within Yan Chi’s embrace, his gaze complex and still filled with doubt.
A cold smile played at the corner of Yan Chi’s lips. "The Qin Manor is utterly ruined, its great house about to collapse. Instead of thinking how to clean up the mess, the Young Master is here killing his own sister. Could it be Ninth Miss uncovered some secret related to the Young Master?"
As he spoke, Yan Chi noticed the scroll behind Qin Chen’s feet. He turned his gaze to Qin Wan. Qin Wan said, "Caihe... is likely the Second Aunt’s daughter. Poisoning Qin An was probably orchestrated by her."
Then she looked at Qin Chen. "He... is having an affair with Caihe... That painting we saw in the archive, the person depicted... is Caihe..."
Understanding dawned in Yan Chi’s eyes. His gaze dropped, and his expression suddenly changed. Earlier, he had rushed in too quickly and hadn't noticed the blood on Qin Wan’s neck. "You're injured."
Qin Wan raised a hand to touch the side of her neck, about to say it was nothing, but Yan Chi had already called out, "Someone!"
At his command, Bai Feng immediately entered from outside. Without even glancing at Qin Chen, Yan Chi said, "Take him out! Confine him in the front courtyard and await disposition!"
Bai Feng assented and immediately walked to Qin Chen’s side. At this point, Qin Chen understood he had no room for resistance. He gave a bitter laugh and, dragging his injured hand, walked somewhat disheveledly toward the outside.
"Your Highness need not worry. I am fine."
Qin Wan took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped the injured spot herself. Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, his expression momentarily grave. Before he could speak, Qin Chen, passing by them, suddenly looked at Qin Wan and said, "Who exactly are you?"
Hearing this, Yan Chi turned his gaze. He saw a hint of madness appear on Qin Chen’s face. As he walked out, he looked stubbornly at Qin Wan. "Ninth Sister was already killed by me. Who are you...? You pretended to be Ninth Sister and deceived us all... You are not her!"
Qin Wan wiped her neck while looking at Qin Chen and said calmly, "Big Brother has gone mad."
Bai Feng gave Qin Chen a push. Qin Chen stumbled out the door. Qin Wan pressed the handkerchief to her wound, glanced sidelong at Yan Chi, then went to check on Fuling on the ground. A small bump had formed on the back of Fuling’s head, but her breathing remained even. After checking several times, Qin Wan felt slightly relieved. Yan Chi, however, walked up behind her. "How is she?"
"She is fine. Just knocked unconscious. She’ll recover after resting."
"I was asking about you." Yan Chi’s tone held a note of displeasure.
Qin Wan collected herself and then turned. "Thank you for saving me, Your Highness. It's just a scratch. I am fine."
Yan Chi was looking at Qin Wan with a complex expression, about to speak, when Xu He came running over, out of breath. "What happened? Why was it the Qin Manor’s Eldest Young Master... Ah, Ninth Miss is here. How is Ninth Miss injured..."
Xu He was a flurry of surprise, then saw Fuling. "Heavens, what happened to Miss Fuling?!"
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan but spoke to Xu He. "Coroner Xu, take Fuling back."
Xu He was momentarily stunned, then quickly nodded and stepped forward. Bending over, he picked Fuling up. Qin Wan watched, then went to pick up the Cold Moon that had fallen on the ground. Throughout, Yan Chi’s gaze remained fixed on her.
"You go back too. Though a minor injury, don't be careless."
Two moments later, Yan Chi gave this order. Qin Wan assented. Xu He, carrying Fuling, walked out first, saying as he went, "Fortunately Ninth Miss is unharmed. Why did Ninth Miss come here? And also, the Eldest Young Master, he..."
Xu He spoke while walking. The few followed the path back toward Tinglan Courtyard. But after walking only a few more steps, a figure could faintly be seen walking ahead in the distance. Xu He called out softly, "Who is there!"
His shout made the figure ahead pause. When the person turned around, Qin Wan was surprised to find it was Moshu.
Moshu also spotted Qin Wan at a glance and hurried over to curtsy. She first saw the unconscious Fuling, then glanced at the bloodstain on Qin Wan’s neck, asking in surprise, "Ninth Miss, this is... Fuling, she..."
Qin Wan found it hard to explain. "It's nothing. Why are you here?"
At this question, Moshu said somewhat helplessly, "Who knows what happened. Tonight, Old Madam asked the Young Madame to go over and keep her company, to talk. This servant took the Young Madame over, but Old Madam then told this servant to return, saying only the Young Madame should stay."
A change came over Qin Wan’s eyes. "Old Madam asked your Young Madame to go talk? What did Old Madam say to you?"
Moshu herself was somewhat puzzled. "The one who came to deliver the message was a young maidservant. When we arrived, we only saw Sister Caihe..."
Qin Wan already found it strange that Madam Jiang would summon Yao Xinlan to the Buddha Hall so late. Hearing this, she immediately felt something was wrong. "You only saw Caihe?! Caihe is the Sec… Your Young Mistress is in danger!"
In her urgency, Qin Wan didn't know how to explain. In the end, she only stated this last sentence with certainty. Hearing this, Moshu’s face paled. "What? How could there be danger? This servant only returned after delivering her to the door..."
Qin Wan didn't want to explain so much. She grabbed Moshu’s arm, about to head toward the Buddha Hall. But as she turned, Qin Wan froze on the spot.
Beneath the pitch-black night sky, in the direction of the Buddha Hall where Madam Jiang resided, a glaring, blazing light, accompanied by billowing black smoke, now painted half the sky a fiery red...