The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 123 : A Long-Cherished Wish Fulfilled, Preparations to Return to the Capital

123: A Long-Cherished Wish Fulfilled, Preparations to Return to the Capital

"Miss, someone has come from the capital! Second Young Master requests your presence in the front courtyard."

Fuling hurried to the door, her voice tinged with surprise. Qin Wan frowned slightly and slowly stood up. Fuling said something to Wantao and the others outside, then hurried in to fetch fresh clothes for Qin Wan.

"We don’t know who has come. Miss, you must not be careless; you should change into a nicer outfit."

As she spoke, Fuling went to the wardrobe. Qin Wan shook her head helplessly. "No need to change. This is fine as is."

Fuling’s movements paused. She turned around and looked. Today, Qin Wan was wearing a gown in a pattern of pale green and jade, her hair half-coiled and pinned with a green jade hairpin Madam Jiang had previously gifted. Though her face bore no cosmetics, she was still bright-eyed and lovely. Fuling looked at Qin Wan for a moment, then suddenly closed the wardrobe doors. "Miss is right. Miss has natural beauty and does not need to change clothes at all."

Qin Wan shook her head with a wry smile and turned to go out, heading toward the front courtyard.

Leaving the courtyard, Fuling was still fuming. "This Wantao… I even thought she was very reliable, but I never imagined that the spy among us was actually her!"

Then she looked at Qin Wan with a grievance. "Miss knew all along but didn’t tell me…"

Hearing this, Qin Wan sighed. "You are not good at hiding things. If I had told you, wouldn’t that have shown that I knew? There are no secrets in my room. Revealing it early was not as good as seeing what she wanted to do. At first, I didn’t know who her master was. It was only when the Eldest Young Master developed a murderous intent toward me that I realized. But then the Eldest Young Master died, and the Qin residence underwent such a change. I had anticipated there would be a day like today. Even if we weren’t reducing staff today, I wouldn’t have kept her for long anyway."

Fuling thought of Qin Chen, and her expression was not good either. She gave a light snort. "The Eldest Young Master is truly… He was probably afraid that Miss would remember what happened that night, so he arranged for someone to be in Miss’s courtyard to find out if she had truly forgotten that night. What a deep and frightening scheme. I used to think he was a great gentleman."

Saying this, Fuling couldn’t help but feel discouraged. "This servant truly has no discernment!"

Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled faintly. Seeing Fuling pouting and looking quite frustrated and self-blaming, she simply changed the topic. "But did they say who has come?"

Hearing this, Fuling quickly shook her head. "I haven’t heard that, but with such a major event happening in the Qin residence this time, it naturally wouldn’t be just anyone. I just don’t know who exactly has come."

Qin Wan thought the same. Although the Jinzhou Qin residence was the third branch of the Qin family, it was still a very important branch, with many dealings with the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence. With such a major event happening in the Jinzhou Qin family now, it was certainly not something to be handled carelessly.

With this thought, Qin Wan had already brought Fuling near the front courtyard. Qin An’s courtyard had been raided, and everything inside had been taken away. In the past few days, Qin Li had people clean it up again. At least the reception area in the front courtyard could still be used.

When Qin Wan reached the entrance, she saw that Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were already there.

Servants were waiting outside. In the main hall, Madam Lin, looking ill, was seated in the guest seat on the left. On the right sat a young man in a silver robe about the same age as Qin Chen and Qin Li. Qin Li was seated in the guest seat next to Madam Lin, and Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were seated next to Qin Li. Standing beside the silver-robed young man was a middle-aged man in a deep blue long gown.

Qin Wan’s glance swept over them. Madam Lin and Qin Li were not remarkable. In contrast, the silver-robed young man was exceptionally handsome and elegant. Although he was about the same age as Qin Chen and Qin Li, his bearing and demeanor far surpassed theirs. And the middle-aged man standing behind him, though dressed in a very plain servant’s attire, stood behind the silver-robed young man with calm composure, exuding an air of refined elegance. Qin Wan did not know who this person was, but she instinctively sensed he was not ordinary.

Qin Li had been watching outside. Seeing Qin Wan, he quickly said, "Ninth Sister, you’re here."

With that said, everyone in the room looked in Qin Wan’s direction.

Qin Wan lowered her gaze slightly and entered the hall with small steps. She stood to the left side of the hall’s center and curtsied towards Madam Lin’s direction. "I greet the Mistress."

Before Madam Lin could speak, the silver-robed young man beside her spoke up, his eyes shining with admiration, his laugh clear. "It’s been over three years. Ninth Sister has grown into such a beauty that Third Brother hardly recognizes you."

Qin Wan turned her gaze toward him, meeting his eyes. Hearing him call himself "Third Brother," Qin Wan instantly understood his identity.

Although the Qin family had three branches, each branch’s lineage was quite simple. This man who called himself "Third Brother" was the current heir of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s household, Qin Shu’s legitimate eldest son, Qin Yan.

"I greet Third Brother." Qin Wan lowered her eyes and curtsied again.

Qin Yan’s smile broadened, and he continued to gaze at Qin Wan with lingering admiration. He had a dignified and handsome appearance, and being the heir of a Marquis’s household added an extra air of lofty nobility. His features were handsome, his face like jade, his eyes bright and spirited, a pair of sword-like brows that slanted into his temples, and his dark hair was bound with a jade crown. He looked exactly like every noble young master from aristocratic families Qin Wan had seen in the capital. If it was only surface nobility, that would be one thing, but those smiling eyes of his also held a hint of calculation and assessment, the kind of gaze one developed from moving in power circles…

He was the legitimate eldest son, made heir at a young age. Qin Shu, the Loyal and Valiant Marquis, had great ambitions and naturally would teach his successor well. It was clear that Qin Yan had been taught extremely well. On the surface, he had the confidence and charm to manage grand occasions. His eyes were full of smiles, with just the right warmth and the haughty distance that displayed his status, along with thoughtful calculation.

Qin Wan didn’t look directly at Qin Yan, but she understood that this Heir Apparent was far beyond Qin Li’s comparison.

The Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s Heir Apparent, Qin Yan, was among the best even among the capital’s many noble young masters.

Qin Yan continued to look at Qin Wan. After a moment, he suddenly stood up and took a jade plaque from his sleeve. "It’s been over three years since Ninth Sister left the capital. Third Brother has missed you terribly. I rushed here in a hurry this time and didn’t bring any heavy gifts. Please take this jade plaque."

Seeing Qin Yan personally walk over and hand her the plaque, Qin Wan’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. She then curtsied and accepted it. "Thank you, Third Brother."

Qin Yan’s smile made his eyes crinkle slightly, making him appear even more amiable.

To the side, Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow. Qin Xiang twisted the handkerchief in her hand tightly.

Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan a few more times, still sighing. "These past years, I have often thought of visiting you, but I never had the time. Besides me, Father and Mother, and Yu’er, all miss you terribly."

Hearing this, Qin Wan’s eyelids twitched. Even without the Ninth Young Miss’s memories, the fact that the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s household had sent the Ninth Young Miss to Jinzhou was enough to show that their attitude toward her was not very good. In the vast Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence, why couldn’t they tolerate one little girl? Not knowing the details, Qin Wan took Qin Yan’s words as mere polite conversation.

"All these years, I have also missed Third Brother, Uncle, and Aunt terribly."

Qin Yan’s smile brightened. "Then do you wish to see them?"

Qin Wan was taken aback and raised her head suddenly. Seeing her like this, Qin Yan only thought that she had been waiting for these words for many years. After all, they had grown up together. Looking at the now radiant and beautiful Qin Wan, he couldn’t help but reach out and brush away a stray strand of hair from her shoulder, showing sibling closeness. "If I said I came this time to take you back to the capital, would you like to return?"

"Back… to the capital?!"

Qin Wan’s voice was hesitant, the shock in it unmistakable. She had thought day and night about going to the capital to find an opportunity for her father’s case. Now, Qin Yan’s words were like solving her biggest problem.

Seeing Qin Wan like this, Qin Yan’s heart suddenly understood. On the way here, he had learned the general situation of the third branch. He knew that Qin Wan had not had a good life these past years. She must have been bitter, must have thought about returning to the capital one day. In the past, Qin Wan was a meaningless existence to the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s household. But now it was different.

"Yes, back to the capital. Back then, you fell ill repeatedly. We invited a fortune-teller. The Daoist priest said we needed to find a place with good feng shui and a warm, humid climate for you, otherwise your life would be in danger. After much discussion, Father and Mother sent you here. Now things are different. Naturally, we must take you back to the capital to take good care of you. Otherwise, how could we face Second Uncle’s spirit in heaven?"

Qin Yan spoke to Qin Wan with great warmth. Qin Wan did not recall Fuling mentioning any illness, but at the moment, that was not important. Whatever intentions the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence had, being able to return to the capital with a legitimate reason was the best possible outcome for her. She pressed her lips together. "Since Third Brother came personally to fetch me, naturally I must return. It has been a long time since I swept my father’s and mother’s graves."

Qin Yan sighed softly and patted Qin Wan’s shoulder. "I know you are filial. Don’t worry. Father and Mother send people every year to pay respects to Second Uncle and Second Aunt."

"I have troubled Uncle and Aunt."

Qin Wan’s voice held gratitude. Qin Yan’s smile became even more relaxed. He had grown up with Qin Wan since childhood, so their relationship was naturally familiar. With Qin Wan’s arrival, he had almost overlooked everyone else. Only then did he turn to look at Madam Lin. "Third Aunt, have you decided?"

Qin Wan, having arrived late, did not know what had been said earlier. She only saw Madam Lin give a light cough at these words and look at Qin Xiang with deep reluctance. "Eldest Brother’s intentions are all good. I understand. Since it is so, then go."

Qin Yan’s smile widened. "Third Aunt, please rest assured. Father and Mother have prepared everything. They are only waiting for the younger sisters to arrive in the capital."

Hearing this, Qin Wan finally understood. They intended to take Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang as well. But why was this? Qin Wan thought it over and a flicker of understanding dawned in her eyes.

Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were both of marriageable age. Being far away in Jinzhou made it difficult to find suitable high-ranking husbands, especially now that the Qin residence had had such a scandal. It would be even harder. At this time, going to the capital was the best option for them. At the same time, the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s household probably needed a few daughters to serve the purpose of marriage alliances and connections.

"With Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law there, I am naturally at ease. It’s just that Xiang’er and Shuang’er have never been to the capital. I am always a bit worried." As Madam Lin spoke, she coughed lightly again. Qin Chen had just passed, and now Qin Xiang was leaving. In a few moments, she would be left without her own children by her side. How could that not make her heart ache? But she also knew that only by going to the capital would Qin Xiang have a good future.

Hearing this, Qin Yan reassured her, "Third Aunt need not worry. Even if you don’t mention that Father, Mother, and I will take care of them, both younger sisters are so beautiful and lovely. When they arrive in the capital, they will only attract more affection."

When Qin Xiang saw that Qin Yan had only given a gift to Qin Wan, she had been very displeased, but upon hearing this, a light shone in her eyes.

The Qin residence was currently in a state of chaos and disrepute. Wherever Qin family members went outside the residence, they would be subject to gossip and censure. Even the servants couldn’t stand it, let alone them. She had never been to the capital, but she knew of its prosperity and wealth. Before this topic was raised, she hadn’t felt it so keenly, but in these few moments, she thought of the exquisite jewelry, treasures, and silks sent by the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence every time… Those were things not found in Jinzhou. An immense longing suddenly arose in Qin Xiang’s heart. The capital was a whole new world, a place where she could cast aside all the filth and disgrace of this residence and become the lofty Qin family’s Young Miss again!

A flicker of light also shone in Qin Shuang’s eyes. However, as if thinking of something, hesitation appeared on her face.

"That’s good. You, Heir Apparent, have had a difficult journey. You must stay in the residence for a few days?"

Madam Lin asked weakly. Qin Yan quickly said, "There is no need to stay. The year-end is approaching, and in a while, if it snows, the roads will become difficult to travel. So Father and Mother have repeatedly instructed that I must bring the three younger sisters back to the capital before the twelfth month." He paused for a moment, then added, "However, I was not here when the Old Madam and Third Uncle passed. It is only right to offer incense. And the three younger sisters will need to prepare before leaving here. After five days, we shall depart."

Madam Lin nodded and looked at Qin Xiang with deep affection. Seeing this, Qin Li stood up and said, "The journey has been arduous for the Heir Apparent and Steward Zhou. For now, let me take you to rest. Tonight, we will hold a banquet to welcome you."

Hearing this, Qin Yan smiled and nodded, looking at Qin Wan again. "Ninth Sister, there are still five days. Be prepared."

Qin Wan quickly lowered her gaze. "Yes, thank you, Third Brother."

Qin Yan smiled broadly and followed Qin Li out. As they walked, he asked about the recent affairs of the residence. Although Qin Li was older than Qin Yan, he answered with utmost respect.

The middle-aged man in the blue robe, addressed as Steward Zhou, also followed them out. Whether it was Qin Wan’s imagination or not, she felt that as he passed by her side, he glanced at her a few times with a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Once the three of them left, Madam Lin called out hoarsely, "Xiang’er."

A flicker of emotion also appeared in Qin Xiang’s eyes. Although she wanted to go to the capital, she really could not bear to part with her mother. Qin Xiang quickly stood up and supported Madam Lin, comforting her softly. "Mother, do not worry. With Third Brother here, Mother, let me help you back first."

Madam Lin coughed twice more and was helped out the door by Qin Xiang. After they left, Qin Shuang gave a light hum and also stood up.

She glanced at Qin Wan and said, "Is the capital fun?"

Qin Wan looked at her and shook her head. "No, it’s not."

Qin Shuang said with a sour tone, "Others all say the capital is fun, but you say it’s not. Is it because no one took you out to have fun before?"

Qin Wan did not answer this. Qin Shuang then sighed with a hint of melancholy. "Staying here is certainly not good. But I also know that when we go to the capital, people like us will be like country bumpkins. I suppose it won’t be that great either. Also, if we leave, what about Qiqi?…"

Qin Shuang’s words made Qin Wan’s heart sink. However, seeing that Qin Wan didn’t engage, Qin Shuang didn’t want to force the issue. She left the room on her own, taking her maid with her. Qin Wan stood where she was, stunned for a moment before slowly leaving.

"Miss… we’re going back to the capital?!"

As soon as she stepped outside, Fuling looked at Qin Wan with a face full of surprise. Qin Wan nodded, the corners of her lips curving upward slightly.

No matter what, returning to the capital was the most important thing for her. Even if she was concerned about Yao Xinlan and Qiqi, she had to insist on this decision. After a moment’s thought, Qin Wan led Fuling towards Linfeng Courtyard.

"Fuling, I can’t remember the events from before. Back then, why exactly was I sent to Jinzhou?"

Having died and come back to life only two months ago, Qin Wan had previously been tormented about how to go to the capital. She never imagined an opportunity would come so quickly. Therefore, she had asked very little about matters in the capital for fear that asking too much would arouse Fuling’s suspicion. Today, she could take the opportunity to ask.

Fuling had been waiting outside earlier and had roughly heard what was said inside. She understood Qin Wan’s meaning and quickly said, "Miss, don’t listen to what the Heir Apparent said. You were indeed ill back then, but… before you, it was Eighth Young Miss who fell ill first."

Fuling lowered her voice. Qin Wan’s steps suddenly halted. "Eighth Young Miss fell ill first?"

Fuling looked around, then took Qin Wan’s hand. "Yes. At the time, this servant also remembered a bit hazily. I only knew that the people in the residence looked at us differently, as if we had caused Eighth Young Miss’s illness. Then, not long after, Miss also felt unwell. But in this servant’s eyes, it was just a minor chill. Yet the people in the residence took it very seriously and even invited a Daoist priest to perform rites. After that, I don’t know what was said, but we were sent to Jinzhou. This servant vaguely remembers that the Marquis’s wife seemed to say that the young miss needed to recuperate in the south. But at that time, this servant and the young miss were both a bit frightened. I can’t remember clearly."

Qin Wan frowned slightly. This indeed seemed unusual. Could her illness have been just an excuse? And her being sent away was related to that Eighth Young Miss? Eighth Young Miss Qin Zhaoyu was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis. When Qin Wan was still Shen Wan, she had heard of her reputation. She was known as the capital’s number one talented woman. Although Qin Wan had never met her, just the title alone showed that Qin Zhaoyu was extremely outstanding.

Qin Wan shook her head. Without evidence, and relying only on Fuling’s hazy memory, it was difficult to draw conclusions.

Qin Wan took a deep breath and lifted her chin. The capital! She could finally return to the capital!

Qin Wan’s gaze was firm, and since no one was around, she did not conceal the surging emotions in her heart. A long-buried bitterness suddenly rushed into her, making her nose sting. This was a difficult road, a path full of thorns and darkness. But since Heaven had given her a chance to die and be reborn, no matter what, she had to walk this path.

After walking a bit further, Qin Wan calmed her emotions. "And who is that steward?"

Since it wasn’t the first time she knew that Qin Wan couldn’t remember the past, Fuling had no suspicion about this question. Hearing it, she quickly replied, "The steward is called Zhou Huai. He is one of the most capable stewards by the Marquis’s side."

"One of?" Qin Wan looked at Fuling. Were there more than one steward?

Fuling quickly nodded. "There’s also one called Wu Yang, also highly valued by the Marquis."

Qin Wan uttered an "Mmm," silently committing it to memory, and said, "It seems I have some impression…"

Fuling’s eyes brightened. "It seems Miss hasn’t forgotten everything. Will Miss slowly get better?"

Qin Wan’s gaze shifted. "That’s possible, but it’s also possible I never will."

Fuling sighed. "If there was a way to completely cure you, that would be good."

Qin Wan looked at Fuling. "It’s not that there is no way… I read in a medical book that there was once a person who fell and injured his head. He became a fool, but he was cured."

Fuling’s eyes widened. "What?! A fool could be cured?!"

"Yes. Do you want to know what method was used?"

Fuling quickly nodded. "Miss, tell me. Perhaps it can cure Miss too?"

Qin Wan smiled. "It’s using a knife. They cut open the person’s head and let out the clotted blood…"

Fuling was startled by Qin Wan. Seeing a hint of teasing in Qin Wan’s eyes, she then realized. "Oh, Miss! You were just teasing me! You made me have such great hopes. Never mind cutting open a head; even harming Miss the slightest bit is unacceptable! It doesn’t matter if you can’t remember. Isn’t this servant here?…"

Qin Wan looked at the simple-hearted Fuling and sighed inwardly. It wasn’t that she purposely deceived Fuling, but once she set foot on the road back to the capital, she would have many more questions to ask. If she didn’t plant this seed first, Fuling might become suspicious.

Qin Wan praised Fuling with a smile, and Fuling, completely unaware, accompanied Qin Wan to Linfeng Courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, Qin Wan saw Qin Shuang’s maid, Wan Qing. Qin Shuang’s attitude toward Qin Wan had changed, and Wan Qing was terrified upon seeing Qin Wan. After all, a little over a month ago, it was she who had pushed Qin Wan into Half-Moon Lake.

Seeing Wan Qing there, Qin Wan knew that Qin Shuang was also in Linfeng Courtyard. She went straight to the inner chamber. Sure enough, she saw Qin Shuang talking with Moshu. Hearing the commotion, they both turned their heads. At a glance, both had worried expressions.

"Ninth Miss… I greet Ninth Miss."

Qin Wan helped Moshu up with a gesture. "How is Sister-in-law today?"

Moshu shook her head. "It’s the same as before. She doesn’t speak much. Qiqi slept next to the Miss today, but the Miss didn’t move much. Later, when Qiqi cried, it was the wet nurse who soothed her."

Qin Wan frowned slightly and went into the inner chamber first. Upon entering, she indeed saw Yao Xinlan lying in bed with her eyes closed. Qin Wan stepped forward to check her pulse. Getting closer, she noticed that Yao Xinlan’s breathing was not as smooth and even as before. She didn’t show anything on her face, acting as she usually did. Moshu and Qin Shuang stood behind. Soon, Qin Wan withdrew her hand. "She’s much better than a few days ago. Just care for her as you would any woman in confinement. In another seven or eight days, when the first layer of scabs falls off her wound, she will be able to get out of bed."

Hearing this, Moshu felt a sense of relief. "Thank heavens… otherwise, once Ninth Miss leaves…"

As Moshu spoke, her throat choked up. In the entire residence, Yao Xinlan liked Qin Wan the most, and Qin Wan was the one who took care of Linfeng Courtyard the most. With Qin Wan gone, if anything happened to Yao Xinlan again, Moshu truly didn’t trust any other physician.

Thinking this, Moshu glanced at Qin Shuang. Although Qin Shuang’s temperament wasn’t the best, she was respectful and close to Yao Xinlan. But now she was leaving too. Once she left, Linfeng Courtyard would truly become lifeless.

"Don’t worry. I will leave prescriptions behind, detailing the symptoms and medication meticulously. Even if something happens to Sister-in-law, you can handle it in an emergency. Sister-in-law needs to change her prescription now. I’ll dictate, you write…"

Upon hearing this, Moshu hurriedly went to fetch paper and brush. Qin Wan said, "There are two prescriptions. The first is the Sisun Lizhong Pill. Six qian of licorice, three qian each of ginseng, white atractylodes, and dried ginger. Grind them into fine powder, mix with honey, and make into pills the size of phoenix tree seeds. Ten pills per dose. This is for postpartum deficiency, to regulate the qi of the organs."

Seeing Moshu writing nonstop, Qin Wan paused briefly. After Moshu finished writing, she spoke again. "The second is for postpartum weakness, poor appetite, and digestion. Seven qian of angelica, five qian each of peony root, ginseng, cinnamon twigs, ginger, licorice, twenty dates, and five qian of dried rehmannia root. Mince these eight herbs and boil them in water. Three doses daily."

After Qin Wan finished speaking, Moshu wrote quickly again, then handed the prescription to Qin Wan. "Ninth Miss, please see if I wrote it correctly."

Qin Wan leaned in and looked carefully for a moment, then nodded. "That’s it. Starting today, change to this prescription. Continue with nourishing food."

Moshu quickly nodded. "Good. Then this servant will go make arrangements. Ninth Miss, please wait a moment."

Qin Wan nodded. Moshu immediately took the prescription and went out. Qin Shuang stood quietly to the side, looking at Qin Wan with a strange gaze. Seeing that only the two of them were left in the room, she seemed a bit uncomfortable and said, as if to herself, "I’m going to see Qiqi." Then she turned and walked out. With Qin Shuang gone, only Qin Wan and Yao Xinlan remained in the room.

Qin Wan turned to look at Yao Xinlan, who still had her eyes closed as if asleep.

Qin Wan leaned over and tucked the quilt around Yao Xinlan. "Sister-in-law, someone from the Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence in the capital has come. They are taking us three sisters to the capital. We depart in five days."

Qin Wan spoke as if to herself, seemingly not expecting a response from Yao Xinlan. Seeing that Yao Xinlan still showed no reaction, Qin Wan continued, "Once Sixth Sister and I leave, only you will be left. Qiqi will only have her wet nurse."

"If Sister-in-law can’t get over your own hurdle, what about Qiqi? In the half-month since her birth, she has only been surrounded by maids and wet nurses, and only has her aunts who care for her. Her mother pays her no attention. My heart aches for Qiqi."

Qin Wan spoke quietly, her tone calm, yet with a weight that struck directly at the heart.

Qin Wan reached out and smoothed the stray hair by Yao Xinlan’s ear. "Qiqi is very endearing, exactly as you wished. But you are not treating her as you wished you would."

After saying this, Qin Wan sighed, looked at Yao Xinlan for another moment, then turned and walked out.

Outside, Moshu was just returning. Seeing Qin Wan come out, she was surprised. Qin Wan then walked toward the Warm Chamber. "I’m going to see Qiqi."

Moshu quickly followed. In the Warm Chamber, Qin Shuang had already begun to play with Qiqi. The tiny baby was soft and pudgy, her face like a tender pink dough ball. Qin Shuang held her in her arms, calling her sweetly as if she were her own heart.

Seeing this scene and thinking that in a few days, no one would dote on Qiqi like this, Moshu’s nose suddenly felt sour.

Qin Wan sat in the Warm Chamber for an hour before heading back. When she reached the entrance of Tinglan Pavilion, she saw Qin Li actually waiting outside. Qin Wan was slightly surprised and walked forward. "Second Brother, why are you here?"

Qin Li looked at Qin Wan with deep eyes but didn’t speak, only letting out a low sigh.

Qin Wan suddenly understood. She looked at the chancre sore on Qin Li’s neck for a moment, then gestured. "Second Brother, come inside to talk."

Fuling opened the courtyard gate. Qin Wan entered the courtyard first, with Qin Li following behind. They went straight into the Warm Chamber.

"Second Brother, please sit. Hold out your hand."

Hearing this, Qin Li paused but did as he was told and sat to one side.

Qin Wan then stepped forward to check his pulse. Her fingertips rested on his wrist for a moment before she withdrew her hand, a faint light in her eyes. Qin Li pulled down his sleeve. "Ninth Sister, I didn’t come."

"The damp-heat toxins in your body have been suppressed."

Qin Wan interrupted Qin Li’s words, her tone tinged with relief.

Qin Li was stunned. He had been about to say something else but was cut off. However, hearing this, he lost interest in saying anything else and asked hesitantly, "What does Ninth Sister mean… Then…"

Qin Wan nodded. "As long as the damp-heat toxins are suppressed, there is hope to cure this illness."

Qin Li’s eyes instantly widened. The deep darkness in his eyes was replaced by a bright light. He clenched his fists as if suppressing the excitement in his heart. "Is it… is it true?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Take this prescription for three more days, then switch to a new one. Within half a month, perhaps you will be fully recovered."

Hearing this, Qin Li shot to his feet. His chest heaved violently, and after a long while, his eyes grew moist. "Ninth Sister, I… how can I ever thank you?…"

Qin Wan turned and shook her head. "I take it as saving a life being as virtuous as constructing a seven-story pagoda."

Qin Li was silenced by Qin Wan’s words, yet he still smiled. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he said, "Oh, right, Ninth Sister, I didn’t come here for you to examine me. I wanted to say, you’re about to leave. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Hearing this, Qin Wan was somewhat surprised. After a moment, she shook her head. "No need."

Qin Li’s eyes dimmed, seeming a bit disheartened. He thought for a moment, then took a stack of banknotes from his sleeve. "Ninth Sister, this is all I can manage at the moment. Shuang’er has saved up many things over the years. I don’t need to worry about Xiang’er. Only you, when you came here, you had nothing, and now when you leave, it’s the same. These banknotes can be exchanged in the capital. Keep them with you."

Qin Wan turned around and saw that Qin Li held a stack of banknotes, each one worth one hundred taels, totaling perhaps over a thousand taels. Qin Wan understood that Qin Li had lived lavishly in the past, spending a lot, and as a concubine’s son, he was not as wealthy as Qin Chen. This thousand taels was probably all his money. Qin Wan looked at Qin Li for a moment. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes without any hint of testing, she thought for a moment and reached out to take the top note. "This one hundred taels will be considered Second Brother’s consultation fee. Take the rest back."

Hearing this, Qin Li’s brow immediately furrowed. "Ninth Sister."

Qin Wan handed the banknote to Fuling and said firmly, "That’s it. I appreciate Second Brother’s intent, but keep this money for yourself. The Qin residence is not what it used to be. In the future, the household expenses might need to come from you."

Qin Li wanted to say more, but Qin Wan’s gaze remained firm and clear.

Qin Li seemed defeated by Qin Wan and could only sigh. "Alright, if Ninth Sister doesn’t want it, I won’t force you."

Hearing this, Qin Wan relaxed. "I truly appreciate Second Brother’s thoughtfulness." She paused for a moment, then added, "I have been taking care of Sister-in-law’s health all this time. In five days, I won’t be able to look after her anymore. I must ask Second Brother…"

Qin Li understood Qin Wan’s meaning and quickly nodded. "Don’t worry. I will naturally take good care of her and the child."

Qin Wan gave a soft "Mmm." Seeing that there was nothing more to say, Qin Li bid farewell to Qin Wan and left Tinglan Pavilion. After he left, Fuling said in surprise, "Heavens, how much silver was that just now? Such a thick stack…"

Qin Wan looked at Fuling teasingly. "What? Are you disappointed that I didn’t take it?"

Fuling gave a bitter smile. "This servant is not such a greedy person. It’s just that in all my life, I’ve never seen that much silver. Miss took one hundred taels, that’s just right. One hundred taels is not a small amount either."

As she spoke, Fuling waved the banknote in her hand. "We really do need some money for the journey."

Then she added, "Miss, we still have quite a few things now. Should we take everything?"

Qin Wan tilted her head in thought. "Take everything valuable. We really do need the money now. And the medical books I’ve collected. And… take the clothes too. The medicinal herbs can’t be left behind. Other bulky items that are hard to take, send them to Linfeng Courtyard."

Fuling nodded upon hearing this. "Good. Then this servant will start packing early. I don’t know how much Fifth Young Miss and Sixth Young Miss will take."

Qin Wan waved her hand. "No need to worry about that. We’ll prepare our own. The journey will take over a month, and the further north we go, the colder it will be. We’ll need to prepare a few winter clothes to take."

Fuling agreed again. "Alright. This servant will start packing now. We’ll see what’s missing and buy it later."

Qin Wan nodded and walked from the Warm Chamber to the inner room. Fuling added, "Miss is leaving. Should we inform the Young Princess? And the Grand Princess and Madam, we must visit them, right?"

Qin Wan nodded. "That’s natural. Prepare a gift. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the Marquis’s residence."

With that said, a trace of melancholy rose in Qin Wan’s heart. The Yao family had been the kindest to her these past two months. Night and day, she had thought of going to the capital, never expecting the day to come so quickly. Besides her excitement, she also felt a helpless sense of loss.

In a guest courtyard not far from Tinglan Pavilion, Qin Yan stood by the window. "What do you think, Steward Zhou?"

Zhou Huai stood tall and straight behind Qin Yan, a faint smile appearing on his calm, steady face. "Ninth Young Miss has indeed changed greatly."

"And what about those rumors?" Qin Yan asked again.

Zhou Huai thought for a moment. "I believe they are true."

Hearing this, Qin Yan was silent for a moment. Then he suddenly said, "The Rui Prince’s Heir Apparent is also in the city?"

The ease in Zhou Huai’s voice vanished, replaced by a hint of seriousness. "In the current situation, the Heir Apparent should not get too close to imperial relatives not of the Yong Prince’s faction. The Marquis has repeatedly emphasized this."

A faint, ambiguous smile touched Qin Yan’s lips. "However, I’ve heard that Ninth Sister is very close to His Highness Chi."