novelraw Chapter 133 : Saving the Medicine Thief, Scattered Remains Everywhere
Chapter 133 : Saving the Medicine Thief, Scattered Remains Everywhere
133: Saving the Medicine Thief, Scattered Remains Everywhere
"This… this isn't a snowman…"
Qin Shuang exclaimed, her face changing color, and immediately took a step back.
This entire tea garden followed the mountain slope, built in well‑constructed terraces. Qin Shuang stood near a stone wall, and the somewhat lopsided "snowman" leaned against the wall.
From a distance, it looked humanoid. Covered in snow, it naturally made one think of a snowman first. But up close, Qin Shuang saw a section of collar exposed at the back of the snowman's neck. Because it leaned against the stone wall, not every part of the "snowman" was covered in snow. And if it were a real snowman made by someone, why would there be a collar?!
Qin Shuang's expression changed several times. Wanqing, who had followed, also saw it and hurriedly pulled Qin Shuang back two more steps.
Meanwhile, Qin Wan and Sun Muqing also strode over, with Wanxing and Fuling following closely. Looking at it, everyone's expressions changed. Almost simultaneously, Qin Wan and Sun Muqing stepped forward.
The herbal garden was covered in snow. The "snowman" squatted on the ground, its body completely white, curled up almost blending with the surrounding snow. It clung tightly to the stone wall behind, as if seeking warmth from it. Only that piece of collar looked somewhat eerie, a detail impossible to see from far away.
Sun Muqing narrowed his eyes, stepped forward two paces, rolled up his sleeves, and brushed the snow off the snowman's head. This action immediately revealed the top of a cotton hat. Seeing this, Sun Muqing's breath tightened. He hurriedly leaned over and more vigorously brushed the snow off the "snowman." This revealed not only the hat but also a person's face. Seeing this, Qin Wan came over to help. The two efficiently brushed all the snow off the "snowman," only to find that beneath the thick snow was a middle‑aged man with graying hair and a dark face, curled up here...
The man, who had been curled here for who knows how long, had his hands tucked between his knees. His entire body was stiff as if frozen in place. His eyes were tightly closed, his expression peaceful, icicles forming on his eyelashes. He appeared completely lifeless.
"Heavens, it's a dead person..." Qin Shuang held Wanqing's arm, half hiding behind her. Cold sweat broke out on her back. If she had touched it earlier without looking closely, she would be even more terrified now.
"Not necessarily." Sun Muqing said these three words, a serious look appearing on his face. He continued clearing snow from the man. He wanted to pull the man's hands from his sleeves, but the thick cotton coat was frozen stiff. The two hands were clasped together and wouldn't come out no matter how he pulled. Helpless, Sun Muqing quickly reached for the man's collar instead.
Sun Muqing concentrated, sensing for a moment, then soon turned back. "He's not completely dead yet! Quick, go back and get Uncle Dong…"
Sun Muqing looked at Fuling and Wanxing. Fuling then looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan nodded. Fuling pulled Wanxing and ran back. Qin Shuang's eyes widened as she stepped forward. "He's not dead yet?!"
With Sun Muqing here, Qin Wan only needed to stand by. Sun Muqing continued, "His body temperature hasn't completely dropped. There's still a faint pulse at his neck. Just don't know if he can be saved."
Qin Shuang frowned slightly. Learning it wasn't a corpse, she relaxed. "Was he frozen unconscious?"
Sun Muqing shook his head, then nodded. "You could say that. His body temperature is already very low. He looks like he's just sleeping. But this sleep is when the body can't maintain temperature, and all internal organs are failing."
Qin Shuang didn't understand all that. While waiting for Uncle Dong, she only looked around in surprise. "This is Hundred Herb Garden's herbal garden. How did this person get in? Is he a servant from Hundred Herb Garden?"
Sun Muqing looked at the man's clothes and shook his head. "Judging by the clothes, probably not. More like a villager from somewhere."
The frozen man wore a somewhat shabby padded coat, his hair tied up, wearing a black cotton hat. This attire indeed looked like a villager from a nearby village. But why would he be here for no reason?
"This herbal garden isn't fenced; anyone can enter. It's just that usually no one comes here." Sun Muqing examined the man for a moment, then suddenly spotted several uprooted mountain ginseng plants at the man's feet. He frowned. "A medicine thief?"
Qin Wan also saw the ginseng immediately. The ginseng still had soil attached, clearly freshly dug and not cleaned, right beside the man, a solid evidence!
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, feeling somewhat absurd.
"A medicine thief comes to steal medicine at night but freezes himself in the herbal garden?"
Sun Muqing also found it strange. "Never mind why he came. Let's try to save him first!"
Qin Wan naturally had no objection. She looked around for a moment, then turned to survey the herbal garden below. She didn't see anything unusual. The snow had only stopped this morning; even if the ground had been disturbed, it wouldn't be obvious yet. Qin Wan looked left and right, found a protruding branch nearby, picked it up, and scraped the ground a few times. Sure enough, she saw ginseng stems.
"This is exactly where the mountain ginseng is planted..."
Qin Wan said softly. Sun Muqing nodded. "It seems this person truly came to steal medicine."
He then smiled wryly. "It seems Senior Brother's unfenced herbal garden won't do. Although there's no one within ten miles, it doesn't mean no one has designs on this garden. Once or twice is fine, but if it attracts more people, Senior Brother's efforts will be wasted."
Qin Wan also felt some regret. The mountain ginseng this person stole wasn't worth a fortune, but theft is unworthy behavior.
Qin Shuang humphed softly. "This person came to steal medicine. Such a person steals our medicine, and we still have to save him. Really..."
Sun Muqing also felt somewhat helpless. A thief isn't worthy of sympathy, but theft isn't a capital crime. Sun Muqing and Qin Wan couldn't just stand by and watch someone die. After waiting a moment, several figures appeared from the direction of the west side gate!
Besides Fuling and Wanxing, Uncle Dong and Qin Yan also came. Uncle Dong brought two male servants behind him. Seeing Qin Wan's group below, he immediately walked over. Sun Muqing, seeing them arrive, hurriedly said, "Uncle Dong, do you recognize this person?"
Uncle Dong walked over, stared at the man for a moment, and shook his head. "Don't recognize him. Who is this person..."
Sun Muqing briefly explained how they found the person and pointed at the ginseng on the ground. "Probably came to steal medicine. Just don't know why he nearly froze to death here. Uncle Dong, though he's likely a thief, we must save him. Carry him into the manor."
"Of course, of course. Quick, carry him in..."
At Uncle Dong's order, the two male servants immediately picked up the man.
Sun Muqing hurriedly said, "Be careful. He's easily injured now..."
Watching the two male servants carry the man up, the others also followed. Qin Shuang had lost all interest in play and felt somewhat tense. If this person really died, it would be very inauspicious. So it was better he didn't die.
As they approached the west side gate, Sun Muqing quickly said, "Take him to my place first. Uncle Dong, find some warm ashes."
At Sun Muqing's instruction, Uncle Dong acknowledged. Entering the courtyard gate, the two male servants carried the man swiftly west. Because the snow was thick, Qin Wan's group gradually fell behind. When they finally reached Sun Muqing's courtyard gate, they saw Qin Xiang also standing at the entrance peeking inside. Hearing the commotion, she turned. Seeing both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang panting from running, she frowned. "You two are out representing the Qin family daughters' propriety. How can you be so unruly?"
Qin Xiang's admonishment made Qin Wan frown. She didn't look at Qin Xiang and walked straight in. Qin Shuang, seeing Qin Wan do this, humphed softly and also went in. Qin Xiang, watching Qin Shuang who used to follow her now obeying Qin Wan's lead, couldn't help but darken her eyes.
In the courtyard, two male servants were carrying basins of snow into the room. Qin Yan and Uncle Dong stood at the door; even Zhou Huai stood in the courtyard. Seeing Qin Wan and the other approach, Qin Yan walked over to them. "You weren't frightened, were you?"
Qin Shuang repeatedly shook her head. "At first... at first thought it was a dead person, but he's actually alive. As long as it's not a corpse, it's fine."
Qin Yan relaxed. "That's good. Young Master Sun is saving him inside. Don't go in yet."
Qin Shuang craned her neck to look inside. "How is he saving him?"
Qin Yan also looked towards the main room. "Strip all his clothes, first rub his limbs with snow to warm them, then use warm ashes to apply heat to his chest."
Hearing they stripped all the man's clothes, Qin Shuang immediately pulled her neck back. She then looked at Qin Wan. "Ninth Sister, if it were you, how would you save that person?"
Qin Wan returned to her senses. "The same way."
Qin Shuang went "Oh," then asked, "Can he be saved?"
Qin Wan nodded. "Eighty percent chance he can be saved."
Qin Shuang relaxed again. After a moment, she said, "Why didn't this person call for help when he was freezing? How could he just fall asleep leaning against that wall? The side gate is so close..."
"He's a medicine thief. Naturally, he wouldn't come asking for help. Besides, when a person's body temperature drops in cold weather, they unconsciously become drowsy. Sometimes they even feel a false sense of warmth. Caught off guard, his body gradually stiffened without him realizing it. Even at the moment of freezing to death, he might have been dreaming of warming by a fire."
Qin Shuang clicked her tongue slightly. After a moment, she said, "So this way of dying, the person doesn't feel pain?"
Qin Wan nodded. "Mostly so. Only uncomfortable at the beginning when conscious. Later, there's no sensation. As body temperature drops further, they might even feel like they're soaking in warm water until they cease breathing. So those who truly freeze to death mostly have peaceful, painless expressions."
Qin Wan spoke steadily. Meanwhile, the two male servants inside soon came out again to fetch snow. Coming and going like this, after the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, cheers finally came from inside. Uncle Dong, standing at the door, chuckled. "Young Master Cousin is truly skilled. Didn't even need to disturb the Young Master to revive him..."
Inside, Sun Muqing said clearly, "Not disturbing Senior Brother is best. Is Senior Brother still making medicine now?"
"The Young Master met with Young Master Qin and the young miss earlier. He's currently speaking with Young Master Bai."
As Uncle Dong spoke, Sun Muqing sounded surprised. "Young Master Bai?"
"Yes, precisely Young Master Feijue. He arrived a while ago. Recently, he often goes out to buy medicine for Madam. Like the Young Master, he's eager to cure Madam. He's gathered all the good medicinal herbs in Yuanzhou Prefecture. He only returned last night. When you went over earlier, he hadn't gotten up yet. But after speaking with the Young Master, he plans to go to Yuanzhou again."
Sun Muqing was delighted. "I never thought Brother Feijue was here too! Didn't hear Senior Brother mention it this morning! When will he return? I must see him!"
"Young Master's temperament, you know, Young Master Cousin. Can say one word, won't say two. Young Master Bai will be gone at least one or two days, at most two or three. You'll definitely see him, Young Master Cousin."
Hearing Uncle Dong say this, Sun Muqing felt reassured. "Good. Then I won't hurry over to delay him now. By the way, has Sister‑in‑law woken?"
Uncle Dong outside sighed heavily. "Not yet. This time, she might sleep for several more days..."
"Then definitely don't disturb Senior Brother. Let him focus on treating Sister‑in‑law and keeping her company." Sun Muqing instructed, then added, "I'll write a prescription. Though this person is alive, he has frostbite. Needs a few days of care. Ask him which village he's from when he wakes..."
Uncle Dong nodded. "Young Master Cousin, please prescribe. This manor has nothing in abundance except medicinal herbs."
Sun Muqing laughed heartily. "Good. Thank you, Uncle Dong."
After a few more words inside, the two male servants carried the man out. When brought in, the man was curled up; now his body was somewhat straightened and laid flat. They came from the main room and carried the man into the left side room of this courtyard.
Qin Shuang's eyes widened. "What... let this person stay with Young Master Sun?"
As she said this, Sun Muqing happened to walk out, smiling and waving. "It's fine, it's fine! This courtyard happens to have an empty side room. Let him stay here. Other places would be hard to clean."
Uncle Dong chuckled. "Young Master Cousin's temperament hasn't changed. Not a bit of airs."
Sun Muqing brushed his robe, very naturally saying, "I'm not Master; why would I need airs..."
This had a somewhat teasing tone, making Uncle Dong laugh heartily. "If the Valley Master heard Young Master Cousin say that, he'd make you copy prescriptions as punishment..."
Sun Muqing blinked. "That's why I'm saying it here..."
Everyone showed smiles. Uncle Dong then said, "If this person really is a thief, I wonder about the herbal garden outside. We usually send someone to check at noon daily, but today we haven't yet. I'll bring the medicine over shortly. For now, I'll send a few people to check. No one around here; never thought someone would come steal medicine."
Uncle Dong spoke and left the courtyard first. The two male servants also left afterward. Only then did Qin Wan's group enter the side room to see the man. The man wore only underclothes, lying in bed covered with a thick brocade quilt. He was of medium height, quite thin, with a dark face and chapped lips, typical of a farmer. Now revived by Sun Muqing, his dark face showed some frostbite‑like redness. Qin Wan's group became even more certain this person was likely a nearby villager.
"This person, which village is he from? Could he be from Sanyuan Village?"
Qin Shuang asked curiously. Meanwhile, Sun Muqing said casually, "Looks like an honest person. Probably needed medicine at home and had no choice. Ask him when he wakes. At most, he's from a nearby village. He'll wake by tonight at the latest. If he recovers well, he can go home on his own in a day or two."
After looking a bit longer, everyone left the room. Outside, Sun Muqing sighed. "Went out for a walk but ended up picking up such a big living person..."
The person saved, Sun Muqing sounded very relaxed. Qin Yan then said, "Young Master Sun is also quite familiar with the Bai family's young master?"
Hearing this, Sun Muqing smiled. "Can't say very familiar. Just that the Bai family and Senior Brother's branch have been family friends for generations. I met Sister‑in‑law and Brother Bai when we were children. Haven't seen them for many years."
Qin Yan nodded. "Young Master Bai has an imposing, scholarly bearing, truly living up to the Bai family's great name."
Sun Muqing immediately went "Eh." "Young Master Qin has met Brother Bai?"
Qin Yan smiled apologetically. "Not exactly. When we went to see Divine Physician Sun earlier, we happened to meet Young Master Bai. Divine Physician Sun introduced us. I've long admired the Bai family's name. Meeting the new head of the Bai family today is an honor."
Sun Muqing understood. "So that's it. Seems Brother Bai has been well these years. When we were children, Brother Bai wasn't very healthy, quite thin. He and Sister‑in‑law stayed in Lianzhou partly because of the family friendship, partly to regulate his health."
Qin Yan immediately said, "Young Master Sun needn't worry. Today's Young Master Bai has a dignified bearing; his physique looks quite good."
"That's good, that's good. Both siblings weren't very healthy since childhood. I was worried."
After this talk, Sun Muqing hurriedly said, "Going out, the young ladies' skirt hems are somewhat wet. Go back and warm up to avoid catching cold. I'll take care of the patient."
Sun Muqing, after all, was a direct disciple of the Sun family, his status not low at all. Yet he would personally care for a patient. Qin Yan immediately showed surprise and admiration. Seeing this, Sun Muqing smiled. "For those in medicine, these are basics."
Qin Yan praised a few more times, then left Sun Muqing's courtyard with Qin Wan's group.
Outside, Qin Xiang asked Qin Yan, "Third Brother, is the Bai family very powerful in the east?"
Hearing this, Qin Yan nodded. As they walked, he said, "The Bai family was a first‑class great clan in the previous dynasty, producing countless great literary masters and two empresses. In Great Zhou, though slightly declined, the clan's foundation remains. Though no one from their family holds office, many have been appointed by successive emperors as guest scholars to tutor the crown prince. They remain leaders among scholars. Now that Prince Yong has been established as Crown Prince, the Emperor immediately sent people to Yizhou, intending to invite several Bai family elders to reside in the Eastern Palace."
Though not holding high positions, they were a true literary family, respected and relied upon even by the emperor...
Hearing this, Qin Xiang felt her heart surge but didn't ask further.
Everyone returned to their respective courtyards. Qin Shuang followed Qin Wan into the courtyard gate but didn't go to her own room, instead following Qin Wan inside. "Never thought the Bai family was so powerful too. I originally only thought Medicine King Valley was powerful."
After a thought, she added, "But that's right. As they say, matches should be of equal standing. Divine Physician Sun and his wife are childhood sweethearts from families of equal status. Such families with childhood friendships naturally aren't ordinary. One is the current leader of scholars under heaven; the other is the foremost medical sect under heaven. Truly a perfect match! If only Madam Sun weren't ill, it would be perfect!"
"Nothing in the world is perfect. Madam Sun will recover."
Qin Wan replied calmly. Qin Shuang sat beside Qin Wan. "Have you met that Young Master Bai?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan shook her head. "No..."
Qin Shuang seemed somewhat disappointed. "You haven't even met him."
Fuling beside them smiled. "Sixth Young Miss, why ask that?"
Qin Shuang humphed softly. "Fifth Sister has met him. Among us three, only she has met..."
Fuling shook her head, amused. "Sixth Young Miss, this mindset, why must you and our Young Miss have met just because Fifth Young Miss has?"
In the past, Qin Shuang looked down even on Qin Wan, let alone Fuling. But now she could speak calmly with Fuling. "Don't think I have this mindset. Fifth Sister started it. Fifth Sister likes to compare with others..."
Fuling glanced at Qin Wan's unchanged expression, just smiled and said no more.
Qin Shuang looked indignantly at Qin Wan, who didn't respond. "You speak even less than Divine Physician Sun. How boring!"
Qin Shuang stood up. Seeing Qin Wan didn't urge her to stay, she stamped her foot and left. Fuling found it quite amusing. "Ah, lately, the more I look at Sixth Young Miss, the more I find her quite cute..."
Qin Wan curved her lips slightly. "The journey is boring. Having someone to fuss a bit is alright."
Fuling placed the charcoal brazier in a corner and poured Qin Wan a cup of tea. "Exactly. Sixth Young Miss liking to follow you now is good too. Leaving Jinzhou, the Young Princess can't keep you company. Though Sixth Young Miss can't converse deeply with you, having someone making noise by your ear is something. Otherwise, I fear Young Miss's temperament will grow even more detached."
Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled faintly. "It's not that serious..."
She said this, but a thread of melancholy arose in her heart. They had left Jinzhou half a month ago. Usually, she would visit the marquis's household every few days. She didn't know what Yue Ning was doing, how the Grand Princess's health was, or how Yao Xinlan fared.
"Can we only receive letters once we reach the capital?"
Qin Wan asked a question whose answer she already knew. Fuling nodded. "What does Young Miss wish to know?"
Qin Wan looked out the window at the white snow. "Whether Sister‑in‑law has left the Qin residence."
Fuling sighed. "If Lord Yao came personally, she should be able to leave. This servant feels Young Madam has already changed somewhat. Once she understands, plus the Yao family's influence, it should be possible!"
"I hope so..."
"Young Miss, want to rest a bit?"
Qin Wan didn't have a habit of napping, but because she slept poorly last night, she did feel somewhat drowsy. Hearing this, she nodded. "Alright. I'll rest a while…"
Qin Wan's nap lasted an hour. When she got up and came out of the inner chamber, she saw Qin Shuang already sitting on the couch by the window. She held a plate of tea pastries, eating while reading a book, the landscape miscellany Qin Wan had been reading these past days. Seeing she took it upon herself to read it, Qin Wan didn't say anything. Qin Shuang, however, looked up boldly. "Why did you sleep so long? Want some tea pastries? They're really delicious..."
Qin Wan shook her head, looking at Qin Shuang's moving cheeks and sighing inwardly. Eating like this, the lines just appearing on Qin Shuang's face would become round again. Qin Shuang, completely unaware of Qin Wan's sigh, only exclaimed, "Better than those by the Yanjiang River."
Qin Wan felt quite helpless. Seeing the sky outside was already afternoon, she said, "Has that person woken?"
Qin Shuang shook her head. "Don't know. Young Master Sun hasn't come to say."
Qin Wan was somewhat concerned. Though she fully trusted Sun Muqing's medical skill, she worried he might not care for the patient meticulously enough. "I'll go check.
Hearing Qin Wan was going out, Qin Shuang immediately stood up. "I'm coming too!"
Qin Wan had no choice but to let her. Fuling smiled, feeling Qin Wan had gained a little tail.
They left the room and went to Sun Muqing's courtyard. Entering the gate, they heard sounds from the side room. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang walked over and heard Sun Muqing say, "How do you feel?"
Qin Wan's heart stirred. She quickly knocked on the door. The sound startled Sun Muqing. Seeing it was Qin Wan, he stood up. "Ninth Young Miss, Sixth Young Miss, please come in..."
Qin Wan entered. "Is he awake?"
Sun Muqing nodded. "Awake. Come see..."
Qin Wan walked to the bedside. The man on the bed had weakly opened his eyes. Seeing Qin Wan's group approach, his eyeballs moved slightly. But Sun Muqing said, "He woke about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea. But seems unable to speak."
"Could his throat be injured?"
Qin Shuang said urgently. Sun Muqing nodded. "Possibly. Or his body is too weak. I already gave him medicine earlier. See how he is tonight."
Qin Wan nodded. Qin Shuang said, "Ninth Sister, won't you examine him?"
Qin Wan smiled helplessly. "How can I compare with Young Master Sun..."
Qin Shuang humphed softly. "How can't you compare? You're our household's Little Medical Immortal!"
At this, Qin Wan was stunned, and Sun Muqing was even more stunned. He stared wide‑eyed at Qin Wan, speechless for a long moment...
The awkward scene puzzled Qin Shuang. Looking at Sun Muqing's expression, she explained, "That... don't underestimate Ninth Sister... she treated the Grand Princess of Anyang Marquis's household!"
Sun Muqing's surprise gradually faded, then he sighed. "So it's Ninth Young Miss..."
Qin Wan felt somewhat apologetic. That day when Sun Muqing asked Yan Chi, she was also present. Yan Chi didn't say, so she hadn't clarified, essentially keeping it from Sun Muqing for many days. Qin Wan lowered her eyes. "Didn't mean to hide it from you, Young Master Sun. At that time..."
But Sun Muqing suddenly smiled. "I know, I know! That was our second meeting. Ninth Young Miss isn't someone who seeks fame, so didn't want to say you're the Little Medical Immortal of Jinzhou City..."
Hearing this, Qin Wan felt even more guilty. Sun Muqing instead sighed. "Ninth Young Miss truly makes one look twice. Other physicians, upon hearing Medicine King Valley's name, none fail to draw close. But you refused me from the start."
Sun Muqing felt a mix of relief and excitement. "Seems Heaven still treats me well, letting me meet Ninth Young Miss again. Then my trip to Jinzhou wasn't wasted... Earlier, I only thought Ninth Young Miss had an interest in medicine. Now it seems otherwise. I heard the Grand Princess's illness was previously treated by a very famous imperial physician from the palace who couldn't cure her, but later Ninth Young Miss cured her. Shows Ninth Young Miss's medical skill surpasses that imperial physician's. With which senior did Ninth Young Miss study medicine?"
Qin Shuang meant well but caused trouble. Qin Wan felt somewhat anxious inside but didn't show it. She hadn't deliberately planned to keep hiding forever, but she worried Sun Muqing might discover her medical skills came from Medicine King Valley.
"Learned from my father and mother." No matter who asked, this explanation from Qin Wan was always safe.
Sun Muqing was surprised. "So that's it. Did your esteemed parents enter Medicine King Valley?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled wryly. "My father and mother passed away very early. As far as I know, they didn't enter Medicine King Valley. They taught me much when I was young. Curing the Grand Princess was also chance. The title 'Medical Immortal' truly isn't deserved."
Sun Muqing felt apologetic. Seeing Qin Wan's wistful expression, he didn't press further. Qin Wan, meanwhile, kept things vague. Sun Muqing just nodded. "Truly sorry. I didn't know Ninth Young Miss's parents had passed…"
Qin Wan curved her lips. "It's fine." She looked at the man. "He's asleep again."
Sun Muqing turned to look. Indeed, the man's eyes were closed, his breathing even and long.
"Sleeping is good too. Can't eat yet; have to wait until evening." Sun Muqing said, then led Qin Wan's group outside. After closing the door, he said, "Almost time for the evening meal. Uncle Dong just came, said it'll be delivered soon."
"Then let's go to Third Brother's place to wait..."
Qin Shuang called out. The group went to Qin Yan's courtyard. Sure enough, the evening meal was soon delivered. As the food was laid out on the table, Qin Shuang kept glancing at Qin Xiang during the meal. Right after eating, Qin Shuang pulled Qin Wan aside. "Fifth Sister seemed absent‑minded during the meal and kept talking with Young Master Sun. Does she have some idea?"
Qin Wan smiled faintly. "If you're truly bored, go out for a walk. Front, back, left, right, just don't go far."
Qin Shuang glared. "You... how can you be so..."
"Boring." Qin Wan said the word for her, making Qin Shuang both angry and vexed. Qin Wan looked at her a few moments, then sighed. "Alright. Let's go for a walk out back. It's cold outside; put on your cloak."
"That's more like it."
Qin Shuang happily put on her cloak and walked out with Qin Wan. Qin Wan had no intention of following the morning's path, but unconsciously, she still headed north in the manor. Still far away, her gaze involuntarily drifted toward the courtyard where she heard noise that morning. Though she restrained herself from suspicion, the shadow over her heart hadn't dissipated.
"This is the path Young Miss walked this morning, right?"
Fuling and Wanxing followed this time. They had traced Qin Wan's footprints in the morning, so seeing Qin Wan walk this way again, Fuling asked. Qin Wan said, "We've been west. East isn't good to disturb. South is the manor gate; we've walked there too. Only this way left."
Hearing this, Fuling sighed again. "Next time Young Miss goes out, please call us to accompany you. Though this is Divine Physician Sun's manor, the snow is so heavy. What if you slip and sprain your ankle?"
Just as she spoke, Qin Shuang beside them stumbled with her next step!
"Young Miss!"
Wanqing exclaimed, steadying her. Qin Shuang herself was startled, covering her heart, then turned to glare at Fuling. "You jinx... your Young Miss didn't fall, I almost did..."
Fuling smiled helplessly, not provoking Qin Shuang in her mood.
"Really scared me. Good thing I didn't fall..."
As she spoke, suddenly, a faint cry sounded. Qin Wan, already not paying attention to their talk, immediately halted.
"Quiet. What's crying?"
At this, everyone fell silent.
Soon, a soft "meow" came from the left front.
Qin Shuang's eyes widened. "A cat? Is it a cat?"
Qin Wan instinctively followed the sound. Qin Shuang said helplessly, "You want to find the cat? This manor is so big; a few stray cats are normal. Stray cats are dirty. You... ah..."
Qin Shuang said a few words, seeing Qin Wan ignored her, had to follow.
Qin Shuang followed Qin Wan to one side of a courtyard, then their gazes fell on an alley between two small courtyards. The alley looked very old, both side walls covered in moss and spiderwebs. The faint cat cry came from the alley's end.
The alley's end seemed to allow a right turn. But looking at this narrow alley, Qin Wan momentarily didn't step forward.
"What's wrong? Why not go forward?"
As she spoke, the cat cried again. Qin Wan, as if stirred by something, took the first step forward. But just as she was about to step, Wanxing beside her suddenly stepped ahead, taking the lead.
Qin Wan glanced at Wanxing and followed lightly behind her.
After about twenty steps, they neared the alley's end. Qin Shuang suddenly covered her nose. "Heavens, what smell is this place? Disgusting..."
The alley was narrow, and the further in, the more a rotting stench became apparent.
Wanxing at the front suddenly lightened her steps, raised a hand slightly, signaling those behind to slow down.
Everyone halted. Qin Wan's expression grew especially solemn. She listened closely; the previously clear cat cry was now gone. Qin Wan, puzzled, saw Wanxing already walking forward quickly but lightly...
Wanxing walked over the flat snow, but Qin Wan noticed Wanxing's footprints seemed shallower than theirs. Reaching the end, Wanxing turned right, then frowned, apparently seeing something.
Qin Shuang, looking at Wanxing, asked softly, "What is it?"
Wanxing glanced at Qin Wan, then said woodenly, "Cat."
Cat? Qin Wan immediately quickened her steps. But when she reached Wanxing's side and looked right, she too froze.
The others behind, seeing Qin Wan approach, hurried their steps. Soon, the girls crowded beside Qin Wan. But just as they steadied themselves, they all gasped in unison. Qin Shuang, eyes wide, pointed trembling at the messy pile not far away. After a moment, she turned and vomited with a "wah." Fuling also turned pale. "How can there be so many..."
Ten steps away, under the eaves where snow did not cover the gutter, lay a scattered mess of blood-red flesh mixed with fur. Beside the cat remains covering the ground, an all-black cat faced Qin Wan's group, its fur bristling, teeth bared menacingly.