novelraw Chapter 129 : Crisis with the Villagers, Divine Physician Sun Arrives!
Chapter 129 : Crisis with the Villagers, Divine Physician Sun Arrives!
129: Crisis with the Villagers, Divine Physician Sun Arrives!
Sun Muqing never imagined he would see Qin Wan here. His eyes were filled with delight, momentarily forgetting he was being restrained by someone behind him. "Miss Qin! How can it be you!"
His words stunned not only Qin Wan but also Qin Yan and Qin Shuang.
Qin Wan frowned slightly. Qin Yan reacted swiftly and asked, "Ninth Sister, do you know this person?"
Qin Wan looked at Sun Muqing, her emotions momentarily complex. She nodded. "Yes. We met a few times in Jinzhou. He also helped examine Third Uncle's illness. He's not a bad person."
Qin Yan understood the implication. He glanced at the attendants and nodded.
Immediately, Sun Muqing was released. He straightened up, not angry about being restrained. He looked at Qin Wan, then at Qin Yan. "So this is Miss Qin's brother..."
Qin Yan looked at Sun Muqing. "Since you are an acquaintance of my Ninth Sister, I apologize for the offense just now."
Qin Yan was, after all, quick‑witted and immediately changed his attitude. Sun Muqing smiled a bit foolishly. "No matter, no matter. As they say, no discord, no concord. I was also rather rash just now."
As he spoke, Sun Muqing bowed towards Qin Yan with clasped hands. "This humble one is Sun Muqing from Lianzhou."
Qin Yan heard this, his eyebrows rising slightly. "I am Qin Yan, third among the Qin family generation." He paused slightly. "Young Master Sun hails from Lianzhou. Could you be related to the Sun family of Medicine King Valley?"
Sun Muqing's smile deepened, his eyes also bright. "Young Master Qin has keen eyes. This humble one is a nineteenth‑generation disciple of Medicine King Valley." Then Sun Muqing added with some emotion, "I didn't expect so many people to know of Medicine King Valley."
Qin Yan found this amusing. He glanced back, saw Qin Wan showed no doubt, and thus believed Sun Muqing's background. If he were merely a chance acquaintance, that would be one thing, but upon hearing Sun Muqing was from Medicine King Valley, he dared not take him lightly.
Though Medicine King Valley had no involvement with the court, their ability to bring the dying back to life made many powerful figures vie to befriend them. Qin Yan naturally had this thought as well. Moreover, Sun Muqing bore the Sun surname. Medicine King Valley disciples with the Sun surname were different from other external disciples. These direct disciples might one day inherit the title of Medicine King, or at the very least hold authority over a certain branch of Medicine King Valley. Outwardly, they seemed detached from worldly affairs, practicing medicine to aid the people, but in reality, they could be entangled in many webs of power and wealth.
"Medicine King Valley enjoys renown throughout Great Zhou. Not only I, but even children know its great name. I truly offended earlier, not knowing it was Young Master Sun."
Qin Yan bowed again. Sun Muqing hurriedly returned the bow. "No matter, no matter. I didn't know Miss Qin was staying ahead. I imagine Third Young Master stationed guards to prevent others from disturbing Miss Qin?"
Qin Yan smiled and nodded. "Exactly so. I just didn't expect to offend a friend."
Sun Muqing waved his hand with a smile, then looked at Qin Wan. "But I wonder why Miss Qin and Third Young Master are here?"
Qin Wan looked at Sun Muqing with complex emotions, a touch of bitterness in her mouth. After parting in Jinzhou last time, she thought Sun Muqing was still in Jinzhou City. Little did she know he had not only left Jinzhou City but also crossed paths with them again. She didn't know if this was unfinished fate between them. Qin Wan glanced at Qin Yan, who then said, "It's like this. This time, I am escorting several sisters from the Jinzhou Qin residence to the capital. Because we were delayed recently, we had no choice but to rest in this remote mountainous place."
Sun Muqing suddenly understood. "No wonder there are so many carriages and horses in the courtyard." Then he looked at Qin Yan. "So Third Young Master is from the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household..."
Not just a young master, but the heir. Qin Yan smiled and nodded without spelling it out. Sun Muqing clearly didn't often travel outside. His words and actions lacked the slickness and shrewdness of others, his simple‑mindedness tinged with a kind of innocent straightforwardness, which was rather interesting.
"Exactly so. Then how did Young Master Sun come to this place?"
At Qin Yan's question, Sun Muqing chuckled. "It's like this. I grew up in Lianzhou and originally didn't venture out. But in recent years, Medicine King Valley found it extremely difficult to accept disciples who satisfied my master. So my master simply stopped accepting external disciples. He only has us, who grew up by his side, go out and travel to gain experience. Either to treat illnesses and save people, or to discover those with exceptional talent in the medical path. If fate allows, we invite them back to the valley to carry forward Medicine King Valley's medical skills for the benefit of the world."
Hearing this, Qin Yan's eyes were full of admiration. "Is the venerable Medicine King still in good health? This compassionate heart truly belongs only to Medicine King Valley. It truly fills me with respect..."
No one disliked hearing good words. Sun Muqing took Qin Yan's words at face value, his smile deepening further. "Master's health is quite good. Recently, he entered seclusion again. I set out from Lianzhou towards the south and have been traveling for over two months now. I first met Miss Qin in Jinzhou. I originally intended to stay in Jinzhou to inquire about a certain physician, but a few days later, I heard people say a village at the foot of Yunwu Mountain in Yuanzhou had an epidemic and many had died. The person describing the symptoms made them sound very complex. Upon hearing it, I thought some formidable malignant disease was spreading and immediately rushed here. I've been here for two days now."
Sun Muqing spoke cheerfully, his handsome face seemingly always wearing a smile, as if nothing bothered him. Qin Yan, listening, couldn't help but think of Wei Changfu's words and hurriedly asked, "Then has Young Master Sun discovered anything?"
At this, Sun Muqing's face finally showed a trace of helplessness. "After I arrived, I found the village wasn't as chaotic as imagined and didn't seem like an epidemic had broken out. I estimated the villagers had some strange illness. But these past two days, I've been visiting and inquiring everywhere. The villagers here treat me as if they've seen a ghost. As soon as they hear I'm from elsewhere, their faces turn cold."
Qin Yan couldn't help but think of his own party's experience and gave a bitter smile. "The villagers believe misfortune is brought by outsiders and are very unwelcoming to outsiders. We also encountered rejection earlier. Does Young Master Sun still intend to continue investigating?"
Sun Muqing nodded, but then a hint of embarrassment appeared on his face. "I wanted to investigate... but... but my travel funds are limited. I can't stay here indefinitely..."
Qin Yan quickly said, "Funds are easy. Since Young Master Sun is a friend of my Ninth Sister, you are naturally also a guest of honor at my Qin residence. If Young Master Sun is short on funds, please speak up."
Sun Muqing hastily waved his hands. "No, no, that won't do. That's not what I meant."
Qin Wan looked at Sun Muqing and sighed. "Young Master Sun, did you spend all your silver on buying medicine for patients along the way?"
At this question, Sun Muqing scratched his head awkwardly. "Miss Qin is truly perceptive."
Qin Wan sighed inwardly. She understood Sun Muqing too well. She didn't know how his master could send someone with his temperament down the mountain alone. Qin Wan glanced back at Fuling, who hesitated a moment before realizing. She quickly took a small coin purse from her sleeve. Qin Wan handed the purse to Sun Muqing. "Young Master Sun, a modest contribution. Please do not disdain it."
Sun Muqing took a step back, waving his hands more vigorously. "No, no, no, no, that won't do. I really didn't mean that..."
Qin Wan took a step forward. "If Young Master Sun doesn't accept it, does that mean you don't consider me a friend?"
Sun Muqing was stunned. "Of course not."
"Then please accept it, Young Master Sun."
Qin Wan stubbornly held out her hand. Sun Muqing looked at her, tilting his head and frowning, appearing very indecisive. Qin Wan kept her hand extended before him. Sun Muqing looked for a long moment, then said, his face slightly flushed, "Thank you, Miss Qin. This... I'll consider it borrowed. I will definitely repay you another day."
With that, Sun Muqing finally accepted the purse. Qin Wan withdrew her hand. "That can be arranged." She paused, then added, "Young Master Sun, if you find no results in your inquiries here, you should leave early."
Qin Wan always felt this village was strange, and someone with Sun Muqing's temperament staying here alone was somewhat dangerous.
Sun Muqing hurriedly nodded. "Yes, that is also my thought."
Qin Wan nodded, glanced again at the swirling snow in the central courtyard, then looked at Qin Yan. "Third Brother, the snow is rather heavy. I'm afraid we must set out early tomorrow morning."
Hearing this, Qin Yan's eyes also showed worry. "Exactly so. It should be a little over an hour until dawn. You all go back and rest first. Wear more tomorrow morning. We need to hurry to Yuanzhou City early."
Qin Wan nodded, then turned to look at Sun Muqing. Sun Muqing quickly said, "Miss Qin, please go rest quickly. Just now, I saw it was snowing and wanted to go to the central courtyard to see how thick the snow had piled up. That's why I walked further in and startled the guards..."
Qin Wan couldn't speak much with Sun Muqing, and standing here was truly unbearably cold. Qin Wan gave a slight curtsy, turned, and headed back to her room. Qin Shuang had followed Qin Wan over. As they returned, she said quietly, "I never thought we'd meet your friend here..."
Qin Wan sighed. "I didn't expect it either..."
Qin Shuang smiled. The lodgings formed a square courtyard, with guest rooms occupying three sides and a square central courtyard in the middle. Looking at the heavy snow falling from the square patch of sky, Qin Shuang wasn't worried at all. She even walked forward a few steps and scooped up a handful of snow. Wanqing watched, her heart leaping with fright. "My Young Miss, be careful of catching cold!"
Qin Shuang held the snow to her nose to smell it, then flung her hand, scattering the snowflakes like heavenly flowers, momentarily covering herself and Wanqing. Qin Wan, reaching the doorway, heard the commotion and looked back, her lips curving into a smile.
There was still over an hour until dawn. Though Qin Wan's mood was quite complex upon seeing Sun Muqing, thinking about tomorrow's journey, she dared not be careless. The brocade quilt still held warmth. She took off her outer robe, burrowed under the covers, and forced herself to fall asleep quickly.
Because the journey had been so exhausting, Qin Wan soon fell asleep. This sleep lasted until daylight was bright. Qin Wan opened her eyes to see the exceptionally bright sky outside. Her heart sank with a start, and she sat up immediately.
Sitting up, she saw Qin Xiang still asleep on the bed not far away, with Wanhe and Xiuzhi waiting beside her. Only Qin Shuang was missing. Wanxing, by the door, seeing this, hurried over. "Young Miss?"
Qin Wan glanced out the window again, her heart sinking. "Weren't we supposed to leave at dawn?"
Wanxing lowered her gaze for a moment, her tone slightly sighing. "The snow last night was too heavy. Half an hour ago, the Young Master sent people out to look. They said the snow on the road outside is also very thick. The carriages can't travel."
Hearing this, Qin Wan's brow immediately knitted.
She nimbly put on her clothes. Wanxing brought her a thick, crow‑feather‑blue cloak to wear. This was the thickest cloak Qin Wan had prepared, with a collar of white fox fur. Qin Wan's small face, framed by that circle of fox fur, appeared even brighter‑eyed and white‑toothed, her countenance like a bright moon. Wanxing stared at Qin Wan dazedly for a moment before accompanying her out.
As soon as she stepped out, Qin Wan saw Qin Shuang playing with snow under the covered walkway. The sound of the door opening startled Qin Shuang. She turned her head. "You're up! We can't leave today. Come here quickly; let's make a snow doll!"
Qin Wan looked at the still lively Qin Shuang and sighed. Unable to leave today, everyone was surely quite frustrated. Only Qin Shuang could still laugh and play. Qin Wan sighed. Well, that was fine too...
Qin Wan walked over a few steps. She saw Qin Shuang's hands and face were red from the cold, yet she remained immersed in it, not feeling uncomfortable at all. Qin Wan was momentarily amused and exasperated. Making snow dolls was something she often did before the age of ten but rarely did later.
Qin Wan looked around. The snow that had been two fingers deep last night was now at least half a foot deep. Moreover, the snowflakes in the sky hadn't stopped, still falling with the piercing cold wind. Seeing figures in the direction of the main hall, Qin Wan headed straight there.
In the hall, Qin Yan, along with Zhou Huai, was speaking with Wei Changfu.
Wei Changfu said pitifully, "Young Master, truly, there is none left. Because the inn has no business, I didn't prepare extra provisions. Here, it's just myself and two helpers who go outside to buy supplies every half month. Right now, even our own leftover food is almost gone. In such cold weather, we don't even have vegetables to eat..."
Qin Yan listened with a deep frown. Turning around, he saw Qin Wan. "Ninth Sister, you're up?"
Qin Wan nodded and walked over. Qin Yan had already impatiently waved his hand to dismiss Wei Changfu.
"What is it, Third Brother?"
Qin Yan raised his chin, indicating the heavy snow outside. "With this snow, the roads here become difficult. The carriages likely can't travel. Our fodder is also somewhat insufficient. Steward Zhou sent people out to look; it's indeed impassable. At the very least, we must wait for the snow to stop and melt a bit before setting out. I'm afraid we'll have to wait here for two days."
Qin Wan's heart sank. Qin Yan said, "The food on our carriage is all dry rations. In such weather, not having hot meals and dishes is truly hard to endure. Moreover, we don't have that much dry food either. I originally thought to pay the proprietor to think of a way, but the proprietor also has no solution."
Qin Wan composed herself. "Where is our next destination?"
"Guanyin Town. On a clear day, it would take us from morning till night to get there, let alone on a snowy day. Now, darkness falls early. Even if the carriages could move, traveling at night is extremely prone to accidents. There aren't even any village households along this stretch of road."
Qin Wan didn't speak further. It seemed they really had to stay here for two days.
"Ninth Young Miss need not worry. It will just be a bit more hardship. Once the snow stops, we can depart."
Zhou Huai suddenly spoke, as if afraid Qin Wan was frightened.
Qin Wan shook her head, a slight curve on her lips. "I know. I'm not worried. As long as everyone is safe and sound."
Zhou Huai nodded. Qin Yan spoke again. "It's too cold outside. Later, I'll have the proprietor bring a few braziers to your room. You should go back inside and stay there to avoid catching cold."
Staying outside served no purpose. Qin Wan had to return to her room first.
Passing by Room Number One, Qin Wan glanced inside. However, the door was tightly shut, and it was silent inside. Qin Wan didn't know if Sun Muqing hadn't gotten up or had already left. She was somewhat worried but couldn't inquire further, so she returned to her own room.
Soon, Fuling brought in hot tea. "We can't go without drinking water forever. This is snow water this servant and Xiuyun melted this morning. We borrowed Wei Changfu's kettle and washed it many times before using it. It should be fine."
A large pot of hot tea was placed on the table. Fuling also opened the food box brought from the carriage.
"Young Miss, come have some pastries."
Qin Wan walked to the table. Qin Shuang, who had been playing outside, also came in. Her hands and face were red from the cold, but her face was full of excited delight. "Ah, there's hot tea! I'm freezing..."
Xiuyun said softly, "Young Miss finally knows it's cold..."
Qin Shuang humphed, wiped her hands, then went to take a teacup. With one hand, she picked up a pastry and bit off half in one mouthful. Seeing her eating like this, Qin Wan actually felt a bit of appetite herself and also began to eat pastries. Over there, Qin Xiang also woke up but looked too lazy to get out of bed. Wanhe saw this, came over, took some pastries and a cup of hot tea, and brought them to Qin Xiang by the bed.
While the sisters were eating in the room, suddenly, a faint sound of music drifted over. For a moment, everyone stopped. Soon, Fuling reacted first. "Young Miss, it's funeral music... whose household had a death?"
The Qin residence had just held a funeral some days ago, so Qin Wan and the others were very familiar with funeral music. As soon as Fuling spoke, everyone else also recognized it. Qin Wan took another sip of tea, instinctively stood up, and walked to the window.
Standing by the window, the music was even clearer, seeming to be heading towards their inn.
Fierce wind and heavy snow, mournful music lamenting. Qin Wan's heart stirred slightly. She threw on her cloak and was about to go out. Seeing her leaving, Qin Shuang also stopped eating. "I'll go take a look too..."
As she spoke, Qin Shuang threw on her cloak and followed Qin Wan out the door.
The two of them, each with their maidservants, left the room. As soon as they stepped out, they saw Qin Yan and Zhou Huai also heading towards the main hall. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang hurried to catch up. Just as they reached the main hall entrance, they saw Wei Changfu standing pale‑faced at the main entrance, looking outside.
The inn had no wall, only a fence encircling it. Though relatively sturdy, one could see the scene outside clearly through the gaps. Qin Yan and Qin Wan's group strode to the entrance. At a glance, indeed, the funeral procession had already reached the front of the inn. The village funeral procession had only a dozen or so people, far less grand than Madam Jiang's funeral. About a dozen people all wore hemp mourning clothes, but walking at the very front was an elderly woman in her sixties.
Though there were over a dozen people, the funeral was still extremely simple, because the entire procession lacked a coffin. There was only a stretcher covered with a white cloth. Two men carried the stretcher, followed by several villagers, young and old.
"Proprietor Wei, what is going on?"
Qin Yan asked. Wei Changfu's face changed several times. He murmured, "There's been another death..."
As he spoke, Wei Changfu looked up at the ceiling of his main hall. "Heaven protect us, all deities and Bodhisattvas protect us. Protect this humble inn from any mishap..."
"Proprietor Wei? What exactly is going on?"
Seeing Wei Changfu didn't answer, Qin Yan asked again. Wei Changfu looked at the funeral procession outside moving very slowly due to the snow and gave a bitter smile. "That old woman in front is Granny Feng from the east end of the village. Her son and daughter are both dead; only a granddaughter is with her. Judging by this, it seems her granddaughter has met with misfortune."
As Wei Changfu said this, everyone immediately looked at the funeral procession. Qin Wan looked especially intently.
Meanwhile, Wei Changfu said with fearful trepidation, "I don't know how she died. The village hasn't had a death in two months. I thought nothing would happen anymore, but how come there's another..."
Wei Changfu's voice held a tremor of lingering fear. Just then, the white cloth covering the deceased was suddenly blown up by a cold gust of wind. Qin Wan caught a glimpse of a pale, emaciated hand.
In that instant, the blown‑up cloth fell back down. Qin Wan's heart jumped. "Proprietor Wei, you said yesterday, those who died half a year ago, what were they like?"
Wei Changfu's eyes flickered slightly. "When they died... they... their eyes were wide open, their bodies convulsing as they died..."
At these words, both Qin Yan and Qin Wan frowned. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "Didn't you say they died covered in pustules?"
Wei Changfu's eyes shifted again. "Ah... yes, yes... I remembered wrong..."
Qin Yan's expression darkened. "Proprietor Wei, are you deceiving us?!"
Proprietor Wei hastily waved his hands. "Wouldn't dare, wouldn't dare. Wouldn't dare deceive you esteemed guests... This... I also only heard this from others. Perhaps... perhaps because there are many versions of the rumors, I didn't know which one to say for a moment."
Hearing this, Qin Wan and Qin Yan were instantly furious.
Seeing their expressions darken, Proprietor Wei hurriedly smiled apologetically. "To be honest, I'm not originally from this village either. Moreover, because I run an inn here, I incurred the displeasure of many villagers earlier. So I truly have no way to get accurate information about these matters."
Qin Wan looked at Wei Changfu, feeling at that moment that this man couldn't be trusted either. When she looked back at the funeral procession, those people had already walked far away. Qin Wan stared blankly in the direction they had gone, the image of that hand she saw earlier floating in her mind again.
Wasn't the deceased Granny Feng's granddaughter? But that hand didn't look like a young girl's hand...
"Ninth Sister?" Qin Wan was lost in thought and only snapped back to attention upon hearing Qin Yan's call.
Coming to, she saw Qin Yan looking at her worriedly. "Ninth Sister, what's wrong?"
Qin Wan's thoughts wavered. "Nothing..."
Fuling at her side said, "Was the Young Miss thinking too deeply? Just now, the Young Master called you, and you didn't respond."
Fuling, after all, understood Qin Wan better and knew Qin Wan became very absorbed when pondering things. Qin Yan, however, was different, only fearing Qin Wan might have been affected by something inauspicious from seeing the funeral procession.
Qin Wan quickly nodded. "I was just thinking about what Granny Feng's granddaughter died from, as mentioned by Proprietor Wei."
Hearing this, Qin Yan said, "Ninth Sister, don't think about these things. It's very inauspicious."
Qin Wan understood Qin Yan's meaning and quickly nodded in agreement. Qin Yan then instructed Proprietor Wei to bring more charcoal braziers and told Qin Wan and Qin Shuang to return to their room. Qin Wan naturally wouldn't show too much of her thoughts and obediently returned to the room.
As they walked, Fuling said quietly, "Young Miss, don't think too much. We're leaving anyway. This village's affairs have nothing to do with us."
Qin Wan nodded. "Don't worry. I'm just thinking a little..."
Fuling then said, "This servant knew as soon as the Young Miss saw these things, her investigative curiosity would be aroused."
Qin Shuang followed behind Qin Wan and said upon hearing this, "There's been another death. This village is truly strange. Now I also think this snow came at a bad time. If something happens, in this remote wilderness..."
Hearing Qin Shuang's words, Fuling could only smile wryly but comforted her, "Don't worry, Sixth Young Miss. Nothing will happen."
Qin Shuang was just saying this. The inn, at least, wasn't a black shop, and they had so many Qin residence guards. Though the journey was delayed, there shouldn't be any major trouble. However, Qin Shuang never imagined that an hour later, trouble would come to them!
"Village Head, it's here. That group of outsiders last night is staying here!"
A tall, thin man carrying a hoe walked at the front, pushed open the gate of Changfu Inn, and entered the courtyard. Behind him, over fifty village men, including the Village Head of Sanyuan Village, Huang Wenshan, followed. Some carried hoes, some carried machetes, and some even carried homemade bows and arrows. Their eyes were full of anger, and they advanced menacingly to the front of Laifu Inn.
The commotion startled the horses in the courtyard, making them whinny incessantly. Wei Changfu heard the noise and came out. Seeing the courtyard filled with a dark mass of angry villagers, his face changed several times in fright. He forced a smile. "Village Head Huang, what is going on?"
Village Head Huang Wenshan was a lean old man around sixty. He wore thick cotton clothes and leaned on a cane. His gaze at Wei Changfu seemed as if he wanted to tear him apart. "Are those outsiders who entered the village last night staying here?"
Wei Changfu shivered under Huang Wenshan's gaze and nodded. "Yes..."
As soon as he spoke, all the villagers raised their tools. Wei Changfu, frightened, retreated several steps back. Huang Wenshan said coldly, "Go tell them to get out of Sanyuan Village immediately."
Wei Changfu first widened his eyes, then gave a bitter smile. "Village Head, how can you say that? Why drive them out?"
Huang Wenshan sneered coldly. "Granny Feng's granddaughter died. You know that. There are evil spirits at work in our village. It's been two months without incident, but as soon as they arrive, there's trouble! Besides, I told you long ago not to allow outsiders to stay in the village!"
Wei Changfu's eyes shifted. "Village Head, this... such heavy snow, these guests, and among them are delicate young ladies. Driving them out like this would be forcing them to their deaths!"
Huang Wenshan glanced at the carriages and horses in the corner of the courtyard. "However they came, they can leave the same way. I don't care if they are ladies or men. They brought misfortune to Sanyuan Village. Granny Feng's daughter is already dead. Who will be next? If they don't leave, they are forcing us to our deaths."
"Get out! Get out!"
The shouts of over fifty men rose in unison. These rough village men wouldn't care about niceties. If a conflict really broke out, Wei Changfu only worried his little inn would be overturned. Wei Changfu bowed towards the crowd outside. "Alright, alright, everyone wait a moment, wait a moment. I'll go talk to them..."
Wei Changfu, his face anxious, hurried towards the guest rooms. However, before he reached them, he saw Qin Yan and Zhou Huai walking over. Clearly, Qin Yan had already heard the commotion outside. Wei Changfu rushed up with a look of urgency. "Young Master..."
Qin Yan waved a hand grandly. "What is this mob of unruly villagers?! Does Proprietor Wei truly intend to drive us out?"
Wei Changfu wore a pained smile. "It's not that this humble one wants to drive you out, Young Master. It's them. I run an inn here. If I offend them again, once you leave, Young Master, what am I to do? Please, Young Master, be merciful. For your own sake as well, leave now. While it's still early, you might find another place to shelter from the wind and snow..."
Qin Yan, after all, grew up pampered and revered. The thought of being threatened by a mob of unruly villagers, he, a marquis heir, only felt anger; the idea of compliance never crossed his mind. "How ridiculous. Proprietor accepted so much lodging money from us, and now you tell us to leave just like that?"
Wei Changfu hurriedly said, "I'll refund it! This humble one can refund it all to you, Young Master!"
Qin Yan sneered. "Accept when you want, refund when you want. Proprietor Wei, that's not how business is done." As he spoke, Qin Yan instructed Zhou Huai, "Have the guards and coachmen guard the main hall entrance. Let me see what these village men intend to do."
Zhou Huai's eyes held some thoughtfulness, but he still went to give the order immediately. Soon, all the guards and coachmen from the rooms and corridors walked out. Though outnumbered, the Qin residence guards were all skilled in martial arts, and each carried a sword. The cold, gleaming blades alone had a rather intimidating, chilling presence.
Seeing this display, Wei Changfu nearly cried. "Young Master, Young Master! Please, do not harm the villagers! Young Master doesn't know, the local customs here are not enlightened. The villagers are obstinate and very protective of their own. Moreover, most of them know no law or propriety. If a real clash breaks out, they are the types who would fight to the death. Young Master can put on a show of force, but please, do not injure anyone..."
Zhou Huai stood behind Qin Yan and said in a low voice, "Young Master, that is exactly the case."
As they spoke, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang also came out. Qin Wan had heard the commotion outside earlier and knew it was bad, so she waited a moment before coming out to see. Having traveled extensively in the northwest with her father before, she had witnessed fierce local customs many times. She knew in such places, one indeed shouldn't confront the villagers head‑on. She stepped forward. "Third Brother, leaving today is truly not advisable. How about negotiating a compromise? What if we leave tomorrow morning? Stay just one more night. Once the snow stops, we'll suffer less on the road. Moreover, setting out early, we can travel farther."
Qin Yan was unwilling, but Zhou Huai was the first to express agreement. "Young Master, what Ninth Young Miss says makes sense."
Qin Yan might not value Qin Wan's opinion alone, but with Zhou Huai also expressing agreement, he had to take it seriously. He gritted his teeth, then looked at Wei Changfu. "Fine. Then you go tell them. We will leave tomorrow morning of our own accord."
Qin Yan, feeling resentful, spoke with particularly cold sternness. Wei Changfu, hearing this, also felt it was a compromise and immediately agreed, heading outside. Reaching the main hall entrance, he saw the Qin residence guards standing solemnly. The villagers outside, seeing this, were not afraid. Instead, their emotions ran higher. Before Village Head Huang could even speak after Wei Changfu stated the compromise, the others shouted!
"No! Can't wait! What if someone else dies tonight?"
"That's right! Last night, they disturbed every household, and then this happened. Right now, we're being good by not offering them as sacrifice to Granny Feng's granddaughter. How dare they negotiate terms with us!"
"Immediately! Right now! Make them get out of here!"
"Don't think having a few hired guards scares us! No matter who they are, nobles or whatnot, they have no say today!"
Wei Changfu had just been about to say Qin Yan's party were people of noble status. Hearing this, he could only swallow those words. Village Head Huang looked at Wei Changfu with a cold expression. "You heard them. Their meaning is my meaning."
Wei Changfu smiled bitterly repeatedly. "Village Head Huang, the guests aren't unwilling to leave. It's just that..."
"Nothing more to say! If they leave, we'll withdraw. If they don't leave, we're not afraid of these swords!"
Seeing the Village Head and villagers were resolute, Wei Changfu had no choice but to return to the guest area. Qin Yan's group had been listening to the commotion outside. Now, without Wei Changfu saying more, they knew the villagers' attitude.
Qin Yan frowned and sneered coldly. "Let me see exactly what kind of fierce folk they are..."
Having said this, Qin Yan strode outside. Wei Changfu couldn't even advise him in time. Zhou Huai, seeing this, hurried to follow. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances and also headed towards the main hall. In a few moments, Qin Yan reached the main hall entrance. He swept a glance over the scene outside, then looked at Village Head Huang Wenshan. "This must be Village Head..."
Huang Wenshan looked expressionlessly at Qin Yan. "Does the Young Master have something to say?"
Qin Yan narrowed his eyes slightly. "Upon first arriving in your esteemed village, we heard your village had incidents half a year ago. At that time, we hadn't yet arrived. These deaths were something your village had previously. Why blame it on us? I understand your misgivings. However, I have already paid for lodging. We can leave, but tomorrow."
Huang Wenshan listened silently. "Has the Young Master thought it through?"
Qin Yan raised his chin slightly, his demeanor quite imposing. However, he was not facing ordinary commoners but a mob of unruly villagers who knew no royal law. His bearing only further incited the villagers' anger.
Huang Wenshan narrowed his slender eyes. "If the Young Master is unwilling to leave, then we shall have to help the Young Master leave this place."
As he spoke, Huang Wenshan took a step back. The villagers behind him holding tools surged forward all at once. In that instant, Zhou Huai yanked Qin Yan back, and the Qin residence guards simultaneously drew their swords and blades. Elite guards versus unruly villagers; killing intent instantly erupted. However, at this critical moment, a clear, resonant voice rang out.
"Please, everyone, stop!"
The voice was gentle as jade yet somehow also carried a frosty, cold firmness. Upon hearing it, everyone was stunned. Then, the villagers, eyes full of fury, all turned to look towards the courtyard entrance.
Amid the icy, snow‑covered expanse of pure white, two men in white robes stood at the gate of Laifu Inn.
And the previously rough, angry villagers instantly changed demeanor, greeting the newcomers one after another.
"Divine Physician Sun is here!"
"Divine Physician Sun, why have you come?"
The sudden shift in the situation also slightly stunned Qin Wan and Qin Yan inside the main hall. Just as they were unclear about the situation, another familiar voice suddenly rang out. "Senior Brother, Senior Brother! The friends I mentioned are in that room right there!"