novelraw Chapter 132 : Beauty's Life Cut Short, The Snowman in the Tea Garden
Chapter 132 : Beauty's Life Cut Short, The Snowman in the Tea Garden
132: Beauty's Life Cut Short, The Snowman in the Tea Garden
"When we were young, we didn't understand. Later, growing up and remembering, I truly envied Senior Brother Haoyue. The bond between Senior Brother and Sister‑in‑law is the best I've ever seen since childhood. Those two truly deserve to be called an immortal couple."
Sun Muqing's tone was admiring. He continued, "The last time I saw Sister‑in‑law was over ten years ago. Come to think of it, I saw Senior Brother Haoyue less and less later too. It was better when we were children. Ninth Young Miss probably doesn't know, but the children from the major branches of the Sun family in Medicine King Valley attended the clan school together when young. We learned to read and studied books together, took exams and were punished together. Those were the happiest times."
Sun Muqing's words also stirred memories of Qin Wan's youth, though her childhood wasn't as carefree and fun as Sun Muqing's. Back then, her father was still just a minor Investigating Commissioner in the Court of Judicial Review. Their family life was rather difficult. Yet unlike others, she had started watching her father perform autopsies from that time.
Qin Wan thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Does Madam Sun have an elder brother?"
Sun Muqing's eyes lit up. "How did Miss Qin know?"
Qin Wan's eyes shifted slightly. She curved her lips. "Earlier, when I went around to the back, I heard some noise from a courtyard. At first, I thought someone was inside. But soon, Uncle Dong came over and said there were a few dogs sent by Madam Sun's brother kept inside."
Sun Muqing made a sound of surprise but didn't inquire further. He nodded. "Yes, Sister‑in‑law does have an elder brother. I met him once when we were children. Young Master Bai writes excellent calligraphy. I remember when we met as children, Young Master Bai was writing alone, while the rest of us all stood watching. I also heard that when Young Master Bai was young, his right hand was injured once, so he temporarily switched to writing with his left hand. The elders at home were worried, but who would have thought, in just half a month, Young Master Bai made his left‑hand writing almost indistinguishable from his right‑hand writing. When this news came back, even our teacher mentioned it..."
Qin Wan nodded, then frowned. "Does Madam Sun like dogs? Or does Young Master Bai like dogs? Or perhaps Divine Physician Sun?"
Uncle Dong said Young Master Bai sent dogs, but Madam Sun came here to recuperate. There was no reason to send dogs for no reason; someone must like them for them to be sent. Hearing this question, Sun Muqing frowned slightly. "I don't know about that. When I saw them, we were all young, and we weren't together all the time. I didn't hear about anyone liking pets. But it's possible I didn't know. And keeping pets, developing that preference later is possible."
Qin Wan found this reasonable. Suddenly, she remembered the person she saw last night. "Is Divine Physician Sun still treating patients here? Last night, when I accompanied Sixth Sister to get something, I saw a person with disheveled hair. Later, Uncle Dong said he was a patient living in this manor. Because he was somewhat deranged, he ran out from the courtyard."
Sun Muqing showed a moment of surprise. "There was such a thing? Were you frightened?"
Qin Wan shook her head. Sun Muqing said, "I only arrived yesterday; I didn't know about this. But Senior Brother Haoyue was an outstanding disciple under Master back then. Though he left the mountain early, Master often mentioned him to me. His medical skills are superb, above mine. Now treating illnesses and saving people is only natural."
Qin Wan sighed. "Those from Medicine King Valley are indeed different..."
Sun Muqing curved his lips. "Ninth Young Miss flatters me. These are a physician's basic duties."
As they spoke, the two had walked along the main path in the manor to the east of the central axis. Towering ancient trees cast shade; layers of piled snow made the manor seem especially gloomy and sternly cold. Qin Wan's breath made white puffs. She looked around and said, "Why did Divine Physician Sun think of buying this manor? It's so large, yet only the two of them live here. It must feel rather desolate ordinarily."
Sun Muqing tilted his head, thinking. "I haven't asked about that yet. Perhaps because of Sister‑in‑law's illness. I noticed Senior Brother speaks even less than before. When I saw him yesterday, we didn't talk long. Later, I mentioned a few friends staying at Laifu Inn and that one of them had been kind to me. Senior Brother said since the manor is big anyway, why not let you come stay. Truthfully, we haven't talked that much. The manor is indeed somewhat large. But Senior Brother might like the climate here. And this manor is at the foot of Goddess Peak. There's a legend that a goddess truly lives on Goddess Peak, protecting the surrounding people from illness and disaster..."
Sun Muqing chuckled. "Forgive me, Ninth Young Miss. Those who study medicine shouldn't believe such things."
Qin Wan shook her head. "Physicians are ordinary people too. Seeking auspiciousness is never wrong. Now it's winter. In summer, the Yunwu Mountain area must be very cool. By the way, Divine Physician Sun came half a year ago, right?"
"Exactly. Senior Brother said originally he took Sister‑in‑law to Yizhou to recuperate. But Sister‑in‑law prefers coolness, so when spring was turning to summer, he brought her south for a trip. Because Sister‑in‑law dislikes boats, they didn't cross the Yanjiang River, only visited a few places around Yunwu Mountain. Later, when Sister‑in‑law came to Goddess Peak area and saw the vast bamboo forest, cool and pleasant, she grew fond of this place. Seeing this, Senior Brother had people look for a manor. Probably only this manor's location suited them best."
Listening to Sun Muqing's leisurely narration, Qin Wan couldn't help but glance towards the northwest. Last night, when they arrived, heavy snow was falling and a cold wind blowing. The mountain peaks were shrouded in thick mist. Vision was blocked by the snow curtain and fog, limiting what could be seen. Today, the snow had stopped, and the sky was already bright, naturally allowing a view for miles.
With just this glance, Qin Wan saw a tall peak to the northwest. Hundred Herb Garden was already on the gentler slope halfway up the mountain. Following the mountain terrain upward a few more miles, a peak rose abruptly from the mountaintop. The peak soared into the clouds, like a giant stone bamboo shoot. Moreover, because of protruding boulders on it, it faintly seemed to outline a human shape. The clouds and mist at the peak's summit were like a veil, subtly covering the beautiful goddess's face...
Qin Wan didn't believe in ghosts and deities either, but she had entered temples with her parents before to pay respects to Buddha. Seeking auspiciousness in all matters was never wrong. Besides, this manor was located halfway up the mountain within a bamboo forest, not only offering excellent views and fresh air but also peaceful, quiet, and scenic, truly a good place for recuperation. She wondered why the previous owner was willing to sell it.
The two talked as they walked. Before long, they reached what appeared to be a particularly spacious courtyard. Qin Wan looked up and saw the courtyard gate's lintel bore two characters: 'Ren Xin' (Benevolent Heart). This was undoubtedly Sun Haoyue's main residence.
"This is it. Senior Brother and Sister‑in‑law live here."
As soon as Sun Muqing finished speaking, a round‑faced older woman walked out from within the courtyard. Seeing Sun Muqing and Qin Wan approach, she was momentarily startled, then quickly reacted. "Is it... Young Master Cousin?"
Sun Muqing hurriedly nodded. "Yes. I wonder what Senior Brother is doing? I came to see him."
The woman quickly nodded. "Good, good. This servant will go in to announce. Please wait a moment, Young Master Cousin."
This woman didn't recognize Qin Wan. She glanced at Qin Wan again before entering. Sun Muqing looked at Qin Wan and curved his lips. "Senior Brother doesn't talk much. Please don't take offense when you meet him later."
Qin Wan quickly nodded. "Of course. I'm afraid my coming along disturbs your reunion, Young Master Sun."
"How could it!" Sun Muqing waved a hand. "Senior Brother is busy all day, but most of the time he's accompanying Sister‑in‑law. When Sister‑in‑law is ill, Senior Brother doesn't want to leave her side for a moment..."
Hearing this, Qin Wan felt some admiration. In her past medical studies, she had seen many marriages disrupted by one partner's serious illness. If the wife in a wealthy family fell ill, even if the couple was loving before, the husband would often take concubines or remarry. For ordinary poor families, it was even more tragic. A wife's illness would burden the whole family. Mortals had to live their lives; how many could endure the grinding of illness and poverty and remain united in heart and virtue?
Qin Chen and Yao Xinlan initially made everyone think they were a deeply loving couple. But later, Qin Chen had someone else in his heart. What about Senior Brother Haoyue and Madam Sun? Thinking of how Sun Haoyue's first act upon returning home yesterday was to inquire about Madam Sun's condition, Qin Wan felt somewhat certain. Sun Haoyue was undoubtedly different towards Bai Feiyan.
"Young Master Cousin, the Young Master invites you in..."
Soon, the same woman came out. Sun Muqing smiled, thanked her, and walked in. Entering the courtyard, he saw Sun Haoyue waiting for him at the doorway. Seeing him, Sun Muqing said, "Senior Brother, did I disturb you?"
Sun Haoyue shook his head, naturally also seeing Qin Wan following behind. Sun Muqing continued, "I brought Ninth Young Miss to see you too. This is the Qin family's Ninth Young Miss, the one I mentioned who was kind to me."
Qin Wan felt somewhat guilty hearing this. She had only given Sun Muqing a few dozen taels of travel funds, yet in his words, it became a great kindness.
"Qin Wan pays respects to Divine Physician Sun."
Qin Wan gave a slight curtsy. Sun Haoyue nodded, his face still wearing that compassionate, merciful expression. Though not particularly smiling, it didn't feel cold. "Ninth Young Miss need not be so formal. Please come in and sit."
The main hall's doors were open. Sun Haoyue gestured sideways. Sun Muqing smiled and entered the main hall. After all, they grew up together. Though Sun Haoyue was several years older, Sun Muqing treated him as family, so his words and actions were quite casual. "What were you doing, Senior Brother? Where's Sister‑in‑law? Since I'm here, I should pay my respects to Sister‑in‑law."
"I was grinding herbs. Your Sister‑in‑law is asleep."
Sun Muqing let out a regretful "Ah." "Then my timing is unfortunate."
Sun Haoyue met Sun Muqing's eyes, seeming to see the regret in them. He said, "She finally managed to fall asleep. Better not disturb her. But you haven't seen her for over ten years. It wouldn't be good if you came and didn't see her. Come with me."
A light sparkled in Sun Muqing's eyes. He glanced at Qin Wan. "Senior Brother, Ninth Young Miss..."
"Ninth Young Miss may come along too." Sun Haoyue said considerately.
Sun Muqing's smile immediately broadened considerably. He hurriedly led Qin Wan to follow Sun Haoyue towards the inner chamber. As they walked, Qin Wan frowned slightly. From entering the courtyard, she had smelled a medicinal odor. The closer to the inner chamber, the stronger the smell became. The three exited through a side door from the main hall, walked towards the back, winding around for a while before reaching the inner chamber door. Sun Haoyue gently pushed the door open. An even stronger medicinal odor indeed rushed out.
A landscape screen stood at the entrance. Sun Haoyue brought Sun Muqing and Qin Wan inside. They circled around the screen and stood before the first curtain. Qin Wan glanced around. The room had curtains hanging on all sides, exquisitely arranged. Incense for calming the mind burned in the corner; the scent of aloeswood was especially noticeable. The inner chamber was very large, and the window lattices on all sides were quite open. However, behind the screen were layer upon layer of hanging curtains. Currently, all curtains were drawn, only allowing a faint glimpse of the bed's shadow at the very back.
Sun Haoyue lifted the first curtain and walked in, then lifted the second. By the time he lifted the fourth, the true appearance of the inner chamber was revealed. But here, Sun Haoyue's steps halted. He slightly raised his chin, indicating Qin Wan and the other to look towards the bed, and said softly, "Going closer might wake her. Take a look at her."
They were already not far from the bed, but the bed curtains were also drawn. Through a thin layer of white gauze, one could vaguely see a woman lying on the bed. Bai Feiyan lay flat, her face unclear. But Qin Wan could see her waterfall‑like black hair spread on the pillow. She was covered with a thick brocade quilt, making it hard to see the rise and fall of her chest. Looking at her, Qin Wan could scarcely detect any sign of life. Qin Wan's heart sank. What illness was it? Had it already reached a critical stage?
Sun Muqing also sighed, naturally sensing something amiss. Afraid of disturbing his Sister‑in‑law, he looked a couple of times, then turned and walked out. Sun Haoyue lowered the curtains layer by layer. After exiting the inner chamber door, he gently closed it.
Sun Muqing hadn't spoken. Only after returning to the main hall did he ask, "What illness does Sister‑in‑law have exactly?"
Sun Haoyue sighed. "A constitutional weakness brought from the womb."
Sun Muqing blinked. "Even with Senior Brother's skill, it can't be regulated?"
Thinking of his beloved wife's condition, Sun Haoyue's eyes darkened slightly. A shadow fell over the usually calm compassion on his face. "I even wrote to ask Master. Master said my prescription was correct, but her constitution is weak and needs time. Half a year ago, her condition worsened somewhat. After coming to Yunwu Mountain, it improved a bit. Now that winter has arrived, it's become difficult again. Sometimes she sleeps for days; other times she wakes but can't sleep. She's growing weaker and weaker."
Both Qin Wan and Sun Muqing studied medicine. Hearing this, they understood somewhat. Even Sun Xi said Sun Haoyue's prescription was correct, so it was a matter of time. Or, the possibility that Bai Feiyan's weak constitution was failing couldn't be ruled out.
"With Senior Brother here, Sister‑in‑law will definitely recover. It's just this winter is indeed hard. Once past this winter, it will be better."
Sun Muqing consoled him. Sun Haoyue nodded and called towards the door, "Auntie Lin... bring tea."
A response came from outside. The woman who had greeted them earlier entered the main hall. Qin Wan and Sun Muqing took their seats. Auntie Lin served them tea and then withdrew...
Sun Haoyue said calmly, "Taste it. This is grown in the tea garden out back."
Sun Muqing, holding his teacup, used the lid to skim the foam on the tea surface. "The manor Senior Brother bought has a very large tea garden not far east. A few years ago, this tea garden was a famous recreational spot for hundreds of miles around. Later, the owner stopped growing tea and left. The garden was abandoned, and then this manor became vacant. Senior Brother likely favored this place partly because of that tea garden. Now Senior Brother has planted many medicinal herbs in that tea garden."
Hearing this, Qin Wan suddenly realized. Wei Changfu said his inn was liveliest because of a tea garden. So the tea garden he mentioned was actually the previous owner's tea garden...
Qin Wan nodded in acknowledgment, feeling an inexplicable sense of fate.
Sun Muqing and Qin Wan tasted the tea, both showing satisfaction. Sun Muqing then asked, "How long does Senior Brother plan to stay here? Or does he intend to live here with Sister‑in‑law from now on?"
Sun Haoyue said calmly, "We'll stay here for now. Once your Sister‑in‑law's illness improves, we'll see what she wishes."
When Sun Haoyue said this, his voice softened slightly. Though only a little, Qin Wan sensitively noticed. Sun Muqing smiled upon hearing this. "Senior Brother and Sister‑in‑law are truly enviable. Though the manor is somewhat large, the location is excellent."
Sun Haoyue slightly lowered his eyes. "Yes. She likes this place."
Sun Muqing's lips curved. "The New Year is approaching. This year, Senior Brother and Sister‑in‑law can have a quiet New Year. If in Yizhou or Lianzhou, people from several branches would gather, which wouldn't be good for Sister‑in‑law's recuperation."
"Exactly so. This year, it will be just the two of us for the New Year."
Though only two people for the New Year, Sun Haoyue's tone held no regret. Instead, there was a faint sense of contentment, as if he had long looked forward to spending the New Year just the two of them.
After speaking, Sun Haoyue looked at Qin Wan. "I heard from Muqing that Ninth Young Miss's party is heading to the capital?"
Qin Wan nodded. "Yes. We are imposing on you, Divine Physician. Once the snow melts, we will depart."
Sun Haoyue calmly shook his head; the momentary tenderness from moments ago was gone. "It's no imposition. The manor is large anyway; having more people stay doesn't matter. Since you are Muqing's friends, naturally we must treat you well. It's just there aren't many servants in the manor. If anything is lacking, please forgive us. If you need anything, you can find Uncle Dong or Auntie Lin."
Qin Wan hurriedly nodded. "Yes, Divine Physician, rest assured. My brothers, sisters, and I are staying very comfortably."
Seeing Sun Haoyue and Qin Wan speaking, Sun Muqing's smile widened. He then spoke of his encounters with Qin Wan, starting from meeting in Jinzhou, their encounter at the jail, omitting details about Qin Wan treating a flower‑willow disease and Qin An's crimes and finally their meeting at the inn. Then he said excitedly, "I never expected such fate with Miss Qin..."
Qin Wan felt her face grow warm, as her contribution truly couldn't be considered a great kindness. "Young Master Sun has a pure heart. If not for that, our siblings would be stranded in the ice and snow. Having Young Master Sun as a friend is truly Qin Wan's good fortune!"
After such mutual praise, Sun Haoyue listened with a calm expression, occasionally asking a question or two. Most of the time, Sun Muqing did the talking. After finishing a cup of tea, Sun Muqing finally said, "Senior Brother said you were grinding herbs earlier. Do you need help?"
When studying medicine at Medicine King Valley, everyone personally handled tasks like grinding herbs, so Sun Muqing wanted to help. Sun Haoyue faintly curved his lips. "No need. This manor is quiet, and there's not much entertainment. Please keep Ninth Young Miss and her siblings company for me."
This arrangement was quite good. Sun Muqing stood up. "Alright then. Since that's the case, I won't disturb you further, Senior Brother. Ninth Young Miss hasn't had breakfast yet. I'll escort her back..."
Sun Haoyue and Qin Wan both stood. Qin Wan gave a slight curtsy, bidding farewell to Sun Haoyue.
As they came out, they happened to see Auntie Lin standing at the courtyard gate holding a food box, speaking with an older woman servant. Auntie Lin had a round face and peach‑blossom cheeks, her appearance looking very kind. Seeing Sun Muqing and Qin Wan come out, she showed a smile, said something more to the woman, then waved for her to leave. Once the woman left, Auntie Lin turned. "Young Master Cousin and Miss Qin are leaving? I didn't know it was Miss Qin earlier. Please forgive this servant." She gave a curtsy to Qin Wan.
Qin Wan waved a hand. Auntie Lin smiled. "This servant was just about to go west to deliver pastries. Please go ahead, Young Master Cousin and Miss Qin."
Sun Muqing looked at the food box in Auntie Lin's hands and smiled. "What delicious things are you holding, Auntie Lin?"
Auntie Lin raised the food box, then opened the lid. "Tea pastries. Would Young Master Cousin like to try one?"
Sun Muqing laughed heartily, reached out, and took a piece, popping it into his mouth. Soon he exclaimed, "Excellent! Are these made by you, Auntie Lin? The taste is much better than those by the Yanjiang River!"
The three walked and talked. Hearing this, Auntie Lin's face immediately showed a proud smile.
"Young Master Cousin guessed right! They are indeed made by this servant! The Young Master also thought they were delicious... This servant thought there aren't other lavish foods in the manor, so I'm bringing some for Young Master Cousin and the guests to try."
Qin Wan listened with a faint smile. Sun Muqing, however, was very interested. "You've worked hard, Auntie Lin. Did you come from Yizhou?"
At this question, Auntie Lin nodded. "Young Master Cousin has sharp eyes! When the Young Master and Madam came, they brought only a few people. This old servant and Old Dong were two of them. After arriving here, we bought a few more servants. Truly because there are only the Young Master and Madam, and caring for Madam is done personally by the Young Master. So actually, we only need to serve the Young Master."
Sun Muqing listened and immediately asked, "Does Sister‑in‑law come out often?"
This question seemed to stump Auntie Lin. She smiled wryly. "To tell the truth, Young Master Cousin, this servant actually only started serving at Benevolent Heart Courtyard about ten days ago. Not long after I arrived here, my old heartache problem acted up. It was so painful I thought I was going to die. But who would have thought, in the end, it was the Young Master who saved me. After that, it took a full three months of recuperation before my body recovered. At first, I couldn't do heavy work, so I helped in the kitchen. These tea pastries were what I made then. Strangely, the flavor I make is very similar to the local taste."
Sun Muqing was surprised. He carefully examined Auntie Lin's complexion before nodding. "So you were seriously ill not long ago. No wonder your complexion looks a bit off. What illness did you have? With Senior Brother here, how could you not recover!"
When Auntie Lin mentioned her illness, Qin Wan was also observing her complexion. She was about to ask, but Sun Muqing asked first. Auntie Lin answered, "Don't know exactly what it was. Just often had heart pain, sometimes so severe I'd black out and faint. Usually not serious, but after coming here, it suddenly worsened. Fortunately, the Young Master was here."
Auntie Lin clearly wasn't knowledgeable about medicine, and Sun Haoyue hadn't explained in detail. Sun Muqing's eyes shifted. He could only ask, "Then how did Senior Brother cure you..."
At this, Auntie Lin's eyes immediately lit up, filled with admiration for Sun Haoyue. "Young Master Cousin also knows medicine. You probably know about the chest‑opening method... The Young Master diagnosed repeatedly, saying it was highly likely something had grown inside my chest. So later, the Young Master used the chest‑opening method to remove the thing inside my chest."
Sun Muqing's eyes also lit up. "Chest‑opening?"
Auntie Lin kept nodding. "Exactly so. I still have a scar on my chest!"
Sun Muqing looked at Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss also knows something about medicine, right? Have you heard of this method? Cutting open a person's chest, then removing the growth inside. Senior Brother truly has miraculous skill!"
When Sun Muqing first met Qin Wan, she was preparing medicine. Hearing her hesitate about which medicine to use, he knew the prescription was her own. He naturally didn't know Qin Wan was the 'Little Medical Immortal,' nor did he think the Qin family would send their daughter to study medicine. So he only regarded Qin Wan as someone who studied medicine out of personal interest.
Qin Wan certainly knew what Auntie Lin meant. When treating the Grand Princess, she had also used this method. The difference was Sun Haoyue operated on the chest, where a slight mistake could injure vital areas. Qin Wan nodded, feeling even more respect for Sun Haoyue. "Divine Physician Sun truly lives up to his name..."
As Qin Wan spoke, Auntie Lin's face showed a sense of shared honor. "That's certainly true. The old Valley Master once said of the Young Master that with his aptitude, he could even be the next Medicine King."
Sun Muqing nodded. But Auntie Lin sighed slightly. "However... however, with Madam so ill now, the Young Master's mind is entirely on her. This servant sees him studying medicine all day. Though it's good, he has lost his smile."
Hearing this, Sun Muqing's heart also sank. Although they had been talking with Sun Haoyue earlier, he indeed hadn't seen him smile much. Compared to the peerlessly brilliant Senior Brother among the younger Sun disciples back then, the current Sun Haoyue was very introverted and somber. Illness not only grinds down the patient but also those who love the patient.
"Don't worry. Sister‑in‑law will definitely recover."
Auntie Lin sighed. "I hope... I hope Madam recovers soon. How good the old days were..."
The three walked together, talking as they returned west. Before reaching their area, Qin Wan suddenly saw Fuling and Wanxing waiting anxiously at a path junction. Seeing Qin Wan appear, Fuling immediately ran over. Only then did Qin Wan realize: when she left, she hadn't said anything, and she hadn't returned earlier. Fuling and Wanxing didn't know where she had gone all morning.
"Young Miss, why were you out so long? When I woke, I didn't know where you'd gone!"
Fuling grabbed Qin Wan, looked her up and down, then relaxed. She added, "If not for Wanxing saying we could come out and look at the footprints, I would have thought you'd disappeared! Wanxing and I followed the footprints, saw you went north then came back, then went east. Realizing you went to see Divine Physician Sun, we waited here."
Hearing this, Qin Wan felt both amused and exasperated. She hadn't even thought of checking footprints. As she said this, Qin Wan glanced at Wanxing. Previously, Wanxing rarely entered the main rooms, so she hadn't understood her well. Now, after spending more time together, she discovered Wanxing could constantly surprise her. "Don't worry. I'm back now. I woke too late this morning."
Auntie Lin smiled upon seeing this. "Don't worry. Miss Qin won't get lost in this manor."
Only then did Fuling curtsy to Auntie Lin. Auntie Lin handed over the basket in her hands. "These are tea pastries for the guests. I'll entrust them to you, young miss. Please give them to the guests. This servant must return to Benevolent Heart Courtyard to keep watch. Madam will need her medicine soon."
Fuling quickly took it. "Rest assured. I'll handle it."
Auntie Lin nodded, then turned and left. Fuling, holding the food box, added, "Please come have breakfast with us, Young Master Sun. Breakfast is all at Third Young Master's place. Fifth Young Miss and Sixth Young Miss are also up."
Sun Muqing raised his lips. "Good, good. Let's go have breakfast together..."
Qin Wan's group went to Qin Yan's courtyard. Food was indeed already laid out in the room. Sun Muqing invited everyone to sit. "Went to see Senior Brother. Kept you all waiting..."
Qin Xiang sat delicately to the side. Hearing this, she said, "Ninth Sister went too?"
Qin Wan had just sat down. Hearing this, she nodded. "I went for a walk early and happened to meet Young Master Sun, so I went with him. Since we are staying here, we should express thanks."
Qin Yan said, "Indeed, we should go express thanks. I was negligent." He looked at Sun Muqing. "Young Master Sun, is Divine Physician Sun busy today? Would it be presumptuous if we went later?"
Sun Muqing said casually, "Senior Brother is making medicine, but he will certainly see you, Young Master Qin. Please go ahead. Though Senior Brother doesn't talk much, he treats people very well. Don't worry, Young Master Qin."
Qin Yan nodded, reassured, and then ate with everyone.
After breakfast, Qin Wan returned to her room first. Not long after, Qin Shuang suddenly ran over. As soon as she entered, she said, "Did you know? Third Brother just went east to see Divine Physician Sun..."
Qin Wan wasn't surprised at all. "Didn't he say earlier he would go?"
But Qin Shuang shook her head, then said quietly, "But Fifth Sister went with him too..."
Hearing this, Qin Wan still wasn't particularly surprised. She only walked to the low couch by the window to make new medicinal sachets. Meanwhile, Fuling prepared a hand warmer for Qin Wan and handed it over. "Sixth Young Miss, what's wrong with Fifth Young Miss going east with the Young Master?"
Qin Shuang blinked. "When Ninth Sister went east earlier, Fifth Sister's tone was odd. Now she hurriedly follows Third Brother. Isn't it just to not fall behind?"
Hearing this, Fuling tilted her head, thought a moment, then said somewhat puzzled, "What's there to compare about going east?"
Qin Shuang humphed and sat beside Qin Wan. "She's jealous of Ninth Sister, so whatever Ninth Sister can do, she must do too. Today it's seeing Divine Physician Sun. What if tomorrow it's meeting some prince or marquis?"
This made Fuling understand somewhat, but she smiled wryly. "This... our Young Miss can't do anything about it."
Hearing this, Qin Shuang frowned slightly. Looking at Qin Wan, Qin Wan showed no reaction. Qin Shuang said urgently, "She'll even try to take things from you..."
Qin Wan looked at her helplessly. "What's mine, she can't take. What's not mine will leave even if she doesn't take it. Sixth Sister, are you bored in the courtyard? How about taking a book from me to read?"
Qin Shuang humphed softly. "Not recognizing a good heart!"
Though showing displeasure, Qin Shuang didn't leave. She still sat there. After a moment, she said gloomily, "It is indeed very boring. Sitting in the carriage, you could at least look at the scenery outside, occasionally see something interesting on the road. Here, that's not possible."
Qin Wan listened without expression. "Sixth Sister isn't feeling well? Perhaps you should rest."
Qin Shuang humphed again, then suddenly said, "How about we go out and look around? When we arrived yesterday, we saw a bamboo forest, right? That place has nice scenery. Let's go see?"
She turned towards the window again. "Such good snow outside! Playing in the snow would be fun too!"
Qin Wan remained unmoved. Having walked earlier, she had now settled her mind. Seeing she couldn't persuade Qin Wan, Qin Shuang was utterly discouraged. Just then, footsteps sounded outside. "Ninth Young Miss, are you there..."
Hearing Sun Muqing's voice, Fuling hurried to open the door. "Young Master Sun, our Young Miss is here. What is it?"
Sun Muqing raised his lips. "Staying in the rooms all the time must be boring. How about we go see the tea garden?"
Hearing this, Qin Shuang's eyes lit up greatly. She jumped up instantly. "Where's the tea garden? Let's go! Let's go now!"
Sun Muqing's smile deepened. Qin Wan helplessly set down her medicinal sachet.
When the seven of them left the courtyard gate, Qin Yan and Qin Xiang hadn't returned yet. Qin Shuang only informed Zhou Huai, who stayed in Qin Yan's courtyard, then they headed west. Sun Muqing, clearly having asked for directions, led the way. Soon, they exited through a small side gate on the west side, then followed a small path covered with snow northwest. Not far ahead, they saw a well‑maintained tea garden on the hillside. The original tea garden was abandoned; now only a small patch of tea plants remained. The rest of the area was planted with medicinal herbs by Sun Haoyue.
"There's still tea here. That small garden over there. The rest are medicinal herbs. Over there is Chinese angelica, also astragalus, costus root, gastrodia tuber, and outside, pseudo‑ginseng... over there is a patch of mountain ginseng..."
Sun Muqing led them, talking as they walked. Many people grow flowers, grass, or tea, but few grow medicinal herbs. Qin Shuang was highly enthusiastic, walking quickly at the front. After only a few steps, Qin Shuang suddenly stopped and pointed towards the herbal garden below.
"Look! Who made a big snowman over there?"
Saying this, Qin Shuang immediately grew excited and hurriedly lifted her skirt to run down. Qin Wan was also slightly surprised. Looking from afar, by the stone wall of the herbal garden, there indeed was a somewhat lopsided snowman. She and Sun Muqing exchanged a glance and also walked down. Qin Shuang was the first to reach the snowman. But before Qin Wan and Sun Muqing could get close, Qin Shuang suddenly turned pale and screamed in shock. "This… this isn't a snowman…"