novelraw Chapter 130 : The Ghostly Shadow in the Old Manor
Chapter 130 : The Ghostly Shadow in the Old Manor
130: The Ghostly Shadow in the Old Manor
"Senior Brother, Senior Brother! The friends I mentioned are in that room right there!"
At the familiar voice, Qin Wan and Qin Yan immediately exchanged a glance. Qin Wan turned and walked a few steps towards the main hall entrance. Moving forward, she immediately saw two figures standing at the courtyard gate.
Under the simple lintel of the gate, a figure in white robes stood like jade. Amidst the ice and snow, the newcomer's aura was pure and handsome, his features picturesque. From a distance, one might mistake him for a celestial deity formed from ice and snow. A flicker of surprise passed through Qin Wan's eyes. She never expected to see such a person in such a village. Perhaps her gaze was too intense, for soon the newcomer looked towards her. Their eyes met, and Qin Wan's heart suddenly softened, because the person's eyes held a sense of compassion for all living beings. Coupled with the villagers' earlier address, Qin Wan immediately understood this person's identity.
But soon, Qin Wan frowned. She did not know this "Divine Physician Sun," but she knew the other person standing behind "Divine Physician Sun." Looking at Sun Muqing, who was watching them with concern, the questions in Qin Wan's heart also continuously grew. If she hadn't misheard, Sun Muqing called this "Divine Physician Sun" 'Senior Brother'?!
Although the former Shen Wan had apprenticed under Medicine King Sun Xi of Medicine King Valley, her time studying medicine in Medicine King Valley wasn't very long. The people she had met were only a few. She had never seen this deity‑like figure before.
"Miss Qin..."
Qin Wan looked at Sun Muqing. Sun Muqing was also looking at Qin Wan. Seeing Qin Wan look over, Sun Muqing immediately waved at her. "Miss Qin, don't be afraid. My Senior Brother will explain to the Village Head..."
Sun Muqing shouted loudly. Huang Wenshan naturally heard. Huang Wenshan glanced at Qin Wan, then turned around questioningly. "Divine Physician Sun, last night, Granny Feng's granddaughter died. These people arrived in the village last night. We think this group brought misfortune to the village, so we want them to leave quickly."
The man addressed as Divine Physician Sun swept a glance in Qin Wan's direction, then said calmly, "The Feng family's granddaughter already suffered from consumption. Her death has no relation to them. Village Head, you are mistaken."
The man's voice was extremely mild, yet somehow carried a compassionate and solemn air. Because of this, the Village Head pondered for a moment before saying, "But... but the village hasn't had any incidents for a long time."
Hearing this, the man nodded. "I understand the Village Head's concern. I came here to invite them to my humble abode. That way, they won't be considered staying in the village. The snow is heavy today. Village Head, please lead everyone home early."
Though the man's tone held little fluctuation, it was inexplicably heart‑soothing.
Huang Wenshan asked with slight surprise, "Divine Physician Sun wishes to take them to Hundred Herb Garden?"
At this question, the man nodded. "Yes. They are friends of my junior brother."
Understanding dawned in Huang Wenshan's eyes. He looked at the man for a moment, then turned to glance in Qin Wan's direction. He bowed with clasped hands. "I didn't know they were Divine Physician Sun's friends. I have offended greatly."
After saying this, Huang Wenshan bowed to the man again, waved his hand grandly, and said, "Everyone, leave this place. Return home."
At his command, Huang Wenshan led the village men to retreat like a receding tide. Once they left, the courtyard instantly became empty, only the auspicious snow covering the courtyard was somewhat trampled and muddy. A look of joy appeared on Sun Muqing's face. He gave the man a grateful glance, then strode into the courtyard. The Qin residence guards had already stepped to the sides. Qin Yan and Qin Wan came out.
"Miss Qin, Young Master Qin, are you all right?"
Sun Muqing asked urgently. Qin Yan stepped forward and shook his head. "We're fine. Thank you, Young Master Sun. But this gentleman is..."
As Qin Yan asked, Sun Muqing seemed to just remember. He turned to look towards the courtyard gate. The man at the gate hadn't moved initially but now came forward a few steps to stand beside Sun Muqing. He nodded towards everyone. "This humble one is Sun Haoyue."
Qin Wan, hearing this name, felt it truly suited the person. Meanwhile, Sun Muqing was already speaking excitedly. "Miss Qin and Young Master Qin probably don't know. What a coincidence. I originally came for the illness in this village, but after two days of inquiries with no results, I later learned a Divine Physician Sun had come to the village and cured many people. I thought of paying a visit to the famous physician. Miss Qin knows, I came out from Lianzhou precisely to seek out renowned physicians everywhere, either to seek instruction or to invite them into Medicine King Valley."
"I originally wanted to see what was remarkable about this physician and also take the opportunity to ask what illness the villagers actually had. But when I reached the foot of Goddess Peak, I discovered this physician was actually an old acquaintance of mine."
As he spoke, Sun Muqing glanced at Sun Haoyue. "Senior Brother Haoyue is eight years older than me. He is a disciple Master accepted in his early years. Later, after Senior Brother completed his studies and left the mountain, I hadn't seen him for many years. I never expected to meet him here."
Sun Muqing's expression was excited and thrilled. Sun Haoyue gave a faint smile. Qin Yan hurriedly said, "Truly, destined meetings span a thousand miles. Our meeting Young Master Sun is fate, and Young Master Sun meeting Divine Physician Sun is also fate."
Sun Muqing immediately nodded. "Exactly, exactly. Senior Brother Haoyue came to Yunwu Mountain half a year ago. Now he bought a residence at the foot of Goddess Peak for Sister‑in‑law to recuperate. Young Master Qin, Miss Qin, we came this time to invite you all to stay at Senior Brother's place. That inn isn't warm and has no food. Who knows when this snow will stop. From here to the foot of Goddess Peak isn't far. It only takes about an hour to get there. Please, Young Master Qin and Miss Qin, do not refuse..."
Just now, Sun Haoyue had said he would take Qin Yan's party away. Qin Yan was about to ask, but Sun Muqing explained himself.
Qin Yan hesitated. "How can we impose... there are so many of us..."
Sun Muqing glanced at Sun Haoyue and smiled. "It's no trouble. Senior Brother bought a residence. It's very large. Currently, only Senior Brother, Sister‑in‑law, and a few servants live there. Even if you go, you won't fill it. Who knows how long this snow will last. How can you stay here? If I hadn't met Senior Brother, that would be one thing, but since I have, how can I let Young Master Qin and Miss Qin go hungry and suffer cold?"
Sun Muqing's words were earnest. Qin Yan hesitated, looking at Sun Muqing, then at Sun Haoyue.
Sun Haoyue nodded. "Please, feel free to come."
It was clear Sun Haoyue was not a man of many words. Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan frowned slightly, looking at Sun Muqing and sighing. She naturally trusted Sun Muqing. Moreover, this Sun Haoyue was actually a Senior Brother before their time, undoubtedly a great master of the medical path. Though Qin Wan no longer considered herself Shen Wan and no longer had the senior‑junior bond with Sun Muqing, in her heart, she regarded Sun Haoyue as a senior in the medical path, first feeling admiration, then trust.
"Third Brother, please decide." Qin Wan said this, thinking if Qin Yan didn't plan to go, she would absolutely have no objection.
Qin Yan, after learning Sun Muqing's identity last night, had already thought of befriending him, let alone today when another direct disciple of Medicine King Valley appeared. His eyes shifted slightly, and he made a decision. "Alright. Then we will trouble Divine Physician Sun and Young Master Sun."
Hearing this, Sun Muqing immediately smiled. "Great, great! There's no trouble at all! I only met Miss Qin by chance, yet she could generously assist me. Now I'm merely repaying a small kindness."
Qin Wan had only given Sun Muqing some travel funds, but Sun Muqing was providing a completely new place to stay for so many of them. This was no simple exchange of favors. In comparison, Sun Muqing was repaying with precious jade.
Qin Yan bowed with clasped hands. "My Ninth Sister only gave Young Master Sun some travel funds, but Young Master Sun and Divine Physician Sun are helping us so greatly. I am truly endlessly grateful. I am determined to be friends with Young Master Sun and Divine Physician Sun."
Sun Muqing laughed heartily. "Good, good, friends, friends..."
As he spoke, Sun Muqing said, "The residence Senior Brother bought is now called Hundred Herb Garden. Inside, there's a very large garden left by the original owner that was abandoned. Now it's all planted with medicinal herbs. It's at the foot of Goddess Peak to the west. The snow is heavy today; it will take us about an hour to get there. If it were clear, it would take a little over half an hour."
He glanced at the sky. "Before the snow gets much thicker, Young Master Qin, please have everyone set out."
Qin Yan listened, immediately clasped his hands and nodded. Turning, he saw Wei Changfu standing to the side, looking embarrassed. Qin Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, ignored Wei Changfu, and instructed Zhou Huai. Zhou Huai immediately directed everyone to harness the horses and prepare to depart. In the guest rooms, the maidservants packed the food boxes, brocade quilts, etc., and loaded them onto the carriages. Even the bedridden Qin Xiang was dressed properly and came out. Sun Muqing and Sun Haoyue stood waiting at the main hall entrance the whole time. Only when the Qin family's carriage convoy was fully prepared did they start walking out.
At the intersection outside the courtyard gate, a small blue‑cloth carriage was waiting. So Sun Muqing and Sun Haoyue had also come by carriage. Sun Muqing stood outside and said to Qin Yan behind, "Young Master Qin, just follow us."
Qin Yan acknowledged with a 'good.' Only then did Sun Muqing and Sun Haoyue board their carriage. The wheels rolled. Because the snow on the ground was very thick, they moved quite slowly. Even so, the Qin family's convoy gradually left Changfu Inn's courtyard and headed west.
Following the long street of Sanyuan Village out of the village, they then took the mountain path leading west. The path could only barely accommodate one carriage at a time. On both sides were tall, straight, luxuriant green trees. Green trees, white snow, cold wind, dark clouds. Qin Wan sat in the carriage, lifted the curtain, and looked out. Though rather cold, the view was a scene of a snow‑covered mountain forest, momentarily refreshing and pleasing to the mind.
Sun Muqing said it would take an hour, but in fact, it took an hour and a half to reach Hundred Herb Garden.
Qin Wan looked out the carriage window and first saw a lush expanse of bamboo forest. Following the mountain slope upwards, before long she saw a black‑tiled, white‑walled residence situated halfway up the mountainside. Row upon row of undulating upturned eaves stretched out. Judging by the sight, it was not a residence of ordinary size. No wonder Sun Muqing said there would be enough room even if the entire Qin party moved in. Qin Wan took a shallow breath. The scent of bamboo mixed with the chill of snow instantly calmed her heart. As the residence drew closer, Qin Wan's heart grew calmer. No wonder Sun Haoyue bought this place. Faced with such a residence, even Qin Wan felt a desire to seclude herself from worldly affairs...
When the carriages stopped, the wind also died down. As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, Qin Wan felt enveloped by an intangible tranquility. This manor seemed quite old. The tiles on the eaves were covered with moss. Even so, the residence didn't have much of a lived‑in atmosphere, only making one feel this place was particularly detached from the world.
"Here we are, here we are. Drive the carriages directly inside..."
Sun Muqing got off the small blue‑cloth carriage at the front and directly called to everyone. For propriety's sake, Qin Yan and the others still disembarked from their carriages one after another. Stepping down, they saw the antique, simple manor's lintel bore three large characters: 'Hundred Herb Garden.' Sun Haoyue had also alighted and stood to the side. Besides him, an elderly white‑haired servant waited at the entrance.
"Uncle Dong, these are my friends. Please make arrangements."
The white‑haired elderly servant was advanced in years, dressed in a gray cotton robe, stooped, his face full of wrinkles, his eyes narrowed into slits from smiling. Hearing this, he nodded with a smile. "Good, good, good. Young Master Cousin, rest assured."
Sun Muqing nodded and walked towards Qin Wan. Meanwhile, Sun Haoyue turned to ask Uncle Dong, "How is Madam?"
Uncle Dong immediately nodded. "Good. Madam is well."
Hearing this, Sun Haoyue turned to look at Qin Yan's group. "Young Master Qin, Young Cousin and Uncle Dong will make arrangements here. My wife is gravely ill and cannot be without me. I shall go see her first."
At these words, Qin Yan hurriedly said, "Of course. Divine Physician Sun, please go ahead. We are imposing."
Sun Haoyue waved a hand, turned, and quickly entered the manor gate.
Fuling stood beside Qin Wan and said quietly, "Young Miss, this Divine Physician Sun is a divine physician himself. How come his wife is still gravely ill? Can he not cure her?"
Qin Wan sighed but didn't dare question this Senior Brother in the slightest. "Even a divine physician cannot cure every illness. Some illnesses are inherently slow to heal; some illnesses even an immortal deity cannot treat with medicine."
Fuling sighed. "What if... what if Young Miss takes a look?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan immediately smiled bitterly. "Do you know the prowess of direct disciples of Medicine King Valley? Before them, how could I parade my slight skill before an expert..."
It wasn't that Qin Wan underestimated herself, but during her time studying medicine at Medicine King Valley, she had seen too much. The Sun family direct disciples studied pharmacology from childhood, their knowledge far surpassing later disciples like her. Whether in pharmacology, needle classics, or pulse theory, direct disciples were vastly more learned and knowledgeable. This was something later students could never match no matter how diligent.
Fuling realized she had underestimated Sun Muqing and the other and quickly shrank her neck, saying no more.
Meanwhile, Uncle Dong had already directed the Qin family's carriages to enter the courtyard gate one by one. Sun Muqing said, "Everyone, follow me in. Please treat it as your own home..."
As he spoke, Qin Wan followed Qin Yan inside.
Sun Muqing had said Sun Haoyue bought this residence not long ago. Because of this, upon entering, one could see a wall of deep green on the white walls. Vines grew wildly upwards. Without long‑term, meticulous care, they gradually formed their own momentum. Though the greenery was fresh, when the fresh green turned into mottled, deep green, it gave a feeling of desolation and oppression.
Passing the spirit wall, they entered the central courtyard. Qin Wan didn't know how many courtyards the manor had, but she saw corridors extending in all directions on both sides. Sun Muqing stood waiting for Uncle Dong, somewhat apologetically saying, "I've only been inside once before..."
Sun Muqing also didn't know the way. Qin Yan stood chatting with Sun Muqing. "Divine Physician Sun just now mentioned his wife is gravely ill. May I ask what illness?"
Sun Muqing sighed upon hearing this. "I don't know yet. Senior Brother didn't say. Probably an illness requiring quiet recuperation. Otherwise, they wouldn't have moved here. I haven't seen him for four or five years. I vaguely heard he came south before. I thought he was in Yongzhou or Huzhou."
Qin Yan's eyes shifted slightly. "I see. Divine Physician Sun must care deeply for Madam Sun. Just now I noticed he seemed very concerned and anxious."
Hearing this, Sun Muqing immediately smiled. "Young Master Qin may not know. Senior Brother and Sister‑in‑law have a childhood sweetheart relationship. They married when they were around my age. Sister‑in‑law is from the Bai family of Yizhou. They are an immortal couple envied by all. Who would have thought she fell ill... but... but with Senior Brother's attainments, he will surely cure Sister‑in‑law!"
"Of course, of course..."
Qin Yan agreed, then added, "Divine Physician Sun has a Bodhisattva's heart. He and Madam Sun will certainly receive good karma. I originally thought this place was very close to Sanyuan Village, so he went to treat the villagers. I didn't expect it to be this far."
Sun Muqing sighed. "Yes. I didn't expect it either."
Qin Wan had woken up late, then been delayed, and traveled for so long. Now, the sky was already darkening. As they spoke, Uncle Dong finished arranging the Qin family's carriages and horses, pointed out two smaller courtyards near the outer area for the Qin family guards, then walked over to Sun Muqing's group. "Young Master Cousin, the courtyards are all arranged."
Sun Muqing chuckled. "Thank you, Uncle Dong. After not seeing you for so long, as soon as we meet, I have to trouble you."
Uncle Dong smiled, his eyes narrowing. "No trouble, no trouble. This old servant hasn't seen Young Master Cousin for a long time. I am very happy. These are all Young Master Cousin's friends, so naturally they must be treated well."
So saying, Uncle Dong gestured with a hand. "Esteemed friends of the Young Master Cousin, please..."
Uncle Dong walked hunched over, slightly stooped. He walked slowly, so Qin Yan also slowed his pace, looking curiously at Sun Muqing. "Young Master Cousin?"
Sun Muqing smiled. "The Sun lineage is originally the same clan. Though Senior Brother Haoyue and I are beyond the five degrees of mourning, we are still of the same lineage. So the servants at home usually address us that way."
Qin Yan nodded in understanding. Uncle Dong led everyone west from the manor gate.
As they walked, Uncle Dong said, "This residence was bought a while ago but hasn't been properly maintained. Please forgive any shortcomings, Young Masters and Young Misses. The snow last night was heavy. The residence hasn't been swept yet..."
Qin Shuang, following behind Qin Wan, hadn't intended to speak, but hearing this, she smiled. "Not sweeping is good. We can still make snow dolls."
Uncle Dong's smile deepened. "Young Miss, please don't freeze your hands."
Qin Shuang quickly said, "I won't, I won't." Uncle Dong continued, "Many rooms and courtyards in the residence haven't been tidied up. We didn't expect guests. Only these few on the west side are originally more spacious and brighter."
Sun Muqing hurriedly asked, "Where does Senior Brother Haoyue live?"
"In the east. The east garden has a plum grove. Madam likes it there. It's also quiet."
Uncle Dong finished, gestured with his hand. "This way, please..."
Qin Wan glanced east but only saw a stretch of snow‑covered, continuous upturned eaves and bracket sets. Originally an extremely exquisite and imposing manor, but because of the snow, the overwhelming whiteness always made Qin Wan think of the white flowers at Madam Jiang's funeral hall.
Following the corridor not much further, they reached several courtyards. Uncle Dong stopped. "Madam needs quiet for recuperation, so not many people are stationed in this residence. Each of these three courtyards has two side rooms. If you need anything, just come to the small courtyard with the wintersweet planted at the entrance on the way back to find me." Uncle Dong pointed, then added, "Dinner will be brought to you shortly."
Sun Muqing nodded, then asked, "Uncle Dong, won't Senior Brother Haoyue dine with us?"
Uncle Dong shook his head. "It's getting late. The Young Master must accompany Madam."
He bowed again to Qin Yan's group. "I truly apologize. This is discourteous."
Qin Yan hurriedly waved his hands. "Not at all, not at all. We are imposing. Please let the residence routine remain as usual. We must not disturb Madam's recuperation on our account, or it would be our fault."
Seeing this, Uncle Dong gave a comforting smile, then glanced at the sky. "It will be dark soon. The courtyards aren't swept of snow. Please don't wander around at night."
Qin Yan quickly agreed. Uncle Dong coughed lightly twice, then turned and left.
Once Uncle Dong left, Sun Muqing smiled and pointed at the nearby courtyards. "Our courtyards are next to each other. You... how would you like to arrange yourselves?"
Qin Yan naturally would stay with Zhou Huai. But the three Qin sisters only had two courtyards. Qin Xiang still seemed listless. Qin Shuang immediately said upon hearing this, "I'll stay with Ninth Sister..."
This was probably the first time Qin Shuang sincerely called Qin Wan 'Ninth Sister.' Fuling's eyebrows lifted slightly. Qin Yan looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan nodded. "Anything is fine."
Qin Yan smiled, then looked at Qin Xiang. "Fifth Sister, will you be afraid?"
Qin Xiang smiled like a delicate, sickly beauty. "Of course not."
"Good. Then you all go in and settle down..."
They nodded and each entered a courtyard. Sun Muqing craned his neck to look at Qin Wan, seeming like he wanted to follow her in. But thinking Qin Wan was, after all, a young miss, his eyes shifted to Qin Yan. "Young Master Qin, let me accompany you in to have a look."
Qin Yan naturally happily agreed. Soon they entered the courtyard gate together.
Since Qin Shuang wanted to stay with Qin Wan, and there were two side rooms anyway, Qin Wan didn't mind. Entering the courtyard, she even let Qin Shuang choose first. Qin Shuang randomly picked one and went in with Wanqing and Xiuyun. Meanwhile, Qin Wan, with Fuling and Wanxing, pushed open the door. The room was more elegant than Qin Wan had imagined, but one could tell no one had lived here for a long time. The room had a damp, musty smell.
"Young Miss, why did Divine Physician Sun buy such a large manor?"
Fuling, while putting things away, asked curiously. "This manor is so big, yet only a few people live here. Won't it feel eerie?"
Qin Wan walked over and opened a window. The cold wind outside was somewhat piercing but could disperse the smell in the room. "The manor is indeed large, but the ambiance here is excellent. Madam Sun needs to recuperate; it's actually quite suitable."
Fuling frowned slightly. "For recuperation, shouldn't one find a place with more human activity? This manor is so empty. The rooms even have a musty smell. This servant thinks it's unsuitable for a patient."
Qin Wan gave a slight laugh. "This room is like this because no one has lived here for a long time. The east side certainly won't be like this."
Fuling thought for a moment, seeming to find Qin Wan's words quite reasonable, and also smiled. "Then this servant must have overthought. Perhaps Madam Sun simply dislikes noise."
Qin Wan nodded. "Exactly..."
As they were speaking, Sun Muqing's voice suddenly sounded at the courtyard gate. "Ninth Young Miss? May I come in?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan hurried to the doorway. She saw Sun Muqing holding something, peering in at the gate. Qin Wan quickly said, "Young Master Sun, please come in..."
At her words, Sun Muqing walked in carrying a charcoal brazier. "Ninth Young Miss, this room doesn't have underfloor heating. Light a charcoal brazier for now to manage, so you don't freeze."
The snow in the courtyard had been swept clean, showing Uncle Dong had put in considerable effort to welcome them. Seeing Sun Muqing like this, Qin Wan felt moved, inevitably recalling many scenes from the past.
"Ninth Young Miss, see if anything is missing in the room. Just tell me directly..."
Sun Muqing busied himself back and forth, happy to run errands. Seeing this, Qin Wan curved her lips. "That's fine. Young Master Sun, you should also go rest."
Sun Muqing chuckled in agreement and hurriedly turned to leave. Once he left, Fuling smiled. "Young Master Sun is really interesting. Young Miss only gave him some travel funds, yet he wants to repay us with a spring gushing from a rock!"
Qin Wan stood by the window looking out, watching Sun Muqing's figure trot out of the courtyard gate and disappear. Suddenly, a trace of melancholy arose in her heart. Sun Muqing was the most guileless person she had ever met, and he remained so. Counting, it had been three months since the Shen family incident. Did he know Shen Wan had died?
A dull ache emerged in Qin Wan's heart. Yet she silently shook her head inwardly.
Not to mention that returning from the dead and borrowing another's body was something even she herself could hardly believe. Just considering the things she needed to do, she didn't want to involve past connections. This was a path that could only be walked in darkness. Until she saw the light, she could only walk alone.
"Young Miss... everything is tidied. Do you want to rest a bit?"
Fuling walked over and closed the window in front of Qin Wan. "It's so cold outside. Aren't you afraid of catching a chill?"
Qin Wan returned to her senses. Fuling added, "This place is much better than that inn. This time we really must thank Young Master Sun."
Qin Wan smiled bitterly. Footsteps suddenly sounded outside again. It was Qin Yan knocking at the door. "Ninth Sister?"
Fuling hurried forward and opened the door. As soon as it opened, Qin Yan said, "Ninth Sister, although Divine Physician Sun cannot dine with us, I think it's better if we still eat together. Plus Young Master Sun. What do you think?"
Qin Wan nodded. "As Third Brother arranges..."
Qin Yan curved his lips. Hearing the commotion, Qin Shuang also came out of her room. "Eat together? Where?"
Qin Shuang was rather impulsive, but Qin Yan didn't mind. "At my place."
Thus, the three siblings moved to Qin Yan's courtyard. Upon entering the room, dinner was already laid out: seven or eight hot dishes, meat and vegetables, presented quite nicely. Sun Muqing and Qin Xiang were already there. Seeing them, Sun Muqing hurriedly welcomed them. "Ninth Young Miss..."
Qin Wan nodded to him. Everyone took their seats. There was no wine on the table, so Sun Muqing raised tea in place of wine. "This humble one is Sun Muqing, fortunate to know Young Master Qin, Miss Qin, and the two Young Misses. To be somewhat presumptuous, I have yet to ask the esteemed names of Miss Qin and the two Young Misses..."
Sun Muqing had seen Qin Wan at Madam Jiang's funeral, only knowing she was a Qin family young miss, that others called her Ninth Young Miss, but not knowing her name. He didn't know Qin Shuang's or Qin Xiang's names either. Not only had he helped them greatly, he was also someone Qin Yan wanted to befriend. Moreover, they would be together for the next two days. Knowing names was only natural.
"I am Qin Shuang, sixth among the Qin family generation."
Qin Shuang spoke first. Qin Xiang then said softly, "Qin Xiang, ninth among the Qin family generation."
After they both finished, only Qin Wan remained. Before Qin Wan could speak, Qin Shuang swiftly interrupted, "This is our ninth sister, named Qin Wan..."
Sun Muqing had been listening seriously. Now his brows trembled slightly. "Qin... Wan? May I ask which 'Wan' character?"
Qin Shuang giggled. "The 'Wan' from 'wan er yi xiao' (to give a slight smile)!"
Sun Muqing stared blankly at Qin Wan, his expression changing instantly. He was inherently poor at hiding his feelings; now the change was even more evident. Qin Yan and the others were slightly taken aback. Qin Wan also pretended to look somewhat puzzled. "Young Master Sun, what's wrong?"
Sun Muqing was stunned another moment before coming to his senses. Then he lowered his eyes and gave a faint smile. "I am truly discourteous. It's just... just that Ninth Young Miss's name is the same as one of my Junior Sister's. It made me think of her for a moment."
He paused, then forced another smile. "But... but many people in the world share the same name, let alone just the given name. I meant nothing else. Please forgive me, Ninth Young Miss..."
Bitterness surged in Qin Wan's heart, but she showed none on her face, only shaking her head calmly.
Meanwhile, Qin Shuang asked in surprise, "It's actually the same name? That name is rather uncommon. Young Master Sun, where is your Junior Sister now?"
At this question, Qin Wan clenched her hands on her knees. Sun Muqing's expression also changed.
He slowly set down his teacup. The pure, cheerful aura on him vanished in an instant. Instead, a heavy shadow seemed to envelop him. "She... she is already dead..."
"Ah..." Qin Shuang gasped softly, not expecting this. She was both curious and apologetic. "How... how did it happen? Was it... illness?"
Sun Muqing smiled bitterly, lowered his eyes, and shook his head. In an instant, he transformed from a simple, almost childlike youth into a sorrowful, pained elder. "No. She was very healthy. She... her family was wronged."
Qin Shuang stared wide‑eyed, not knowing how to ask further, also affected by the grief emanating from Sun Muqing, momentarily at a loss for words. Qin Xiang seemed thoughtful for a moment but remained reserved and silent. Only Qin Yan, sensitively catching the key point.
"Wronged? Could that Junior Sister be from an official family? May I ask, Young Master Sun, where was she from?"
Sun Muqing was inherently unguarded with people, let alone not knowing Qin Yan's exact identity. So he sighed, "An official family. Her father held high position and power but was upright and incorruptible. She... she was from the capital."
The capital... Qin Yan's eyes narrowed slightly.
On this return journey, the ordinary Qin Yan merely seemed like an elder brother considering everything meticulously. But once it involved power struggles in the capital, his instincts became far more acute than ordinary people's.
Qin Yan pondered briefly. "When did her family meet with misfortune? Are her parents still alive?"
Qin Wan knew Qin Yan had already caught the thread. Hearing this question, she initially wanted to stop Sun Muqing, but after a thought, she remained still. Meanwhile, Sun Muqing indeed said, "Three months ago. Her parents are both gone. It was also that wrongful..."
A faint light flickered in Qin Yan's eyes. Wisely, he didn't ask for details, only comforted, "Young Master Sun, please accept my condolences. Your Junior Sister's spirit in heaven, knowing you remember her, will also be greatly comforted."
Sun Muqing straightened slightly and let out a long breath. "I know. I truly apologize. I shouldn't have brought this up, affecting everyone's meal. Come, let's all start eating. Since Senior Brother cannot come personally, I'll borrow this cup of tea to toast everyone..."
Sun Muqing finished, raised his head, and drank a mouthful of plain tea. The corners of his mouth were pulled high, trying to put on his usual relaxed smile. But Qin Wan, looking at him, felt that smile was more bitter and unsightly than crying.
Another wave of dull, cutting pain struck Qin Wan's heart.
This was the first proper meal Qin Wan's party had in two days, yet Qin Wan found the food tasteless. Even though Sun Muqing put on a smile and asked about other topics, and the table seemed lively with pleasant conversation, it still couldn't dispel the resentment and indignation in her heart.
After the meal, the sky was almost dark. The cold wind outside, which had died down, began to howl again. The heavy snow in the sky still swirled down without any sign of lessening. Fuling supported Qin Wan as they walked back to their courtyard. Qin Wan walked, occasionally looking up at the sky. This heavy snow hindered her journey back to the capital. Did it also signify that in the capital, when she sought to investigate her father's case, such a heavy snow would also await her?
Qin Wan sat in a chair for a while before settling her mind. She was just about to wash up and rest early when the door was knocked again. Fuling opened it and saw Qin Shuang standing at the door with a troubled expression. "Um... that..."
Qin Shuang's face showed hesitation and indecision, tinged with a hint of embarrassment. Qin Wan walked to the door and looked at her puzzled. "What is it?"
Qin Shuang glanced at her, then quickly lowered her eyes. "I... my monthly visit came. Do you have any... supplies?"
Qin Wan was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood. She looked at Fuling. Fuling smiled apologetically. "Young Miss's time isn't these days. Those things are all in the carriage."
Qin Shuang's face paled. "This... what should I do? We can't dirty their bedding."
As she spoke, Qin Shuang looked at Qin Wan with a pleading expression. "I... I want to go get them myself..."
Fuling immediately understood the implication. Qin Shuang didn't really want to go herself; she clearly wanted Qin Wan to accompany her. Fuling coughed lightly. "Should we ask the Young Master to send someone..."
Qin Shuang's face instantly reddened. "No... Third Brother is a man."
Fuling also knew that wouldn't work and looked at Wanqing, who accompanied Qin Shuang. "How about Wanqing goes to get it?"
Before Wanqing could speak, Qin Shuang hurriedly said, "No. Wanqing is timid. I have to accompany her..."
Fuling blinked, somewhat surprised Qin Shuang would protect her servant like this, momentarily gaining a bit more favorable impression of her. Seeing this, Qin Wan sighed. "Take the lantern from under the eaves. Let's go together."
Though it was dark, if they all went together, there would be six of them. Surely six people wouldn't be afraid?
Qin Wan put on her cloak. Fuling took the lantern. They opened the courtyard gate. The six girls walked in two rows along the way they came towards the manor gate. The entire huge manor was pitch black without a single light lit. Qin Wan finally understood the eerie feeling Fuling mentioned. Even with many people, the six girls walked the entire way with pounding hearts to the carriage area.
Qin Wan, Fuling, and the other two stood to the side. Qin Shuang, with Wanqing and Xiuyun, went to find their carriage. Before long, Wanqing found what Qin Shuang needed. The three quickly ran back. Qin Shuang grinned at Qin Wan.
The walk had been uneventful. Qin Shuang got what she wanted and immediately relaxed. Seeing Qin Wan's calm, composed demeanor, she suddenly pointed behind Qin Wan and shouted, "Ah, a ghost!"
Fuling screamed and grabbed Qin Wan. Wanxing instantly turned to look in the direction Qin Shuang pointed. Wanqing beside them also screamed in fright. Xiuyun tightly clutched Qin Shuang's arm.
Only Qin Wan stood motionless, looking at Qin Shuang.
"Young Miss, what are you doing..." Wanqing said with a sob, now realizing Qin Shuang was just scaring them. But in that instant, they had been truly frightened.
Qin Shuang frowned, looking at Qin Wan, who hadn't moved. "Ninth Sister, why aren't you scared at all?"
Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang with composure. "If there really were a ghost, you'd be screaming in fright. You wouldn't have time to shout 'a ghost' first. Moreover, your first reaction probably wouldn't even know if it was a person or a ghost."
Qin Shuang put a hand to her forehead. "I really... ah, forget it. I've never seen anyone as brave as you. Alright, let's go..."
Qin Shuang looked crestfallen, gesturing for Qin Wan to lead. Fuling looked at Qin Shuang, amused and exasperated, tightened her grip on Qin Wan's arm, and walked ahead. But after only a few steps, Qin Shuang behind them suddenly screamed loudly.
Hearing this, Fuling said helplessly, "Sixth Young Miss, you can't scare people twice, can you?"
As she finished speaking, Wanqing behind suddenly grabbed Fuling's sleeve. Fuling paused, momentarily pulling Qin Wan to a stop. Wanqing tugged Fuling's sleeve again, trembling. Fuling and Qin Wan, sensing something wrong, turned around.
Turning, Qin Wan saw a figure standing in the dim light about ten paces away.
The person's hair was disheveled, covering the face. From within the hair gaps, a pair of eyes peered out, staring at them eerily...