novelraw Chapter 134 : The Thief Disappears, A Murder in the Old Manor
Chapter 134 : The Thief Disappears, A Murder in the Old Manor
134: The Thief Disappears, A Murder in the Old Manor
"How can there be... so many..."
Fuling's face was pale. Qin Shuang, beside her, had vomited until only bile remained. Qin Wan looked at the hissing black cat, then at the ground littered with cat remains, her brow tightly knit. After a moment, she took two steps forward.
The pungent stench of decay mixed with the icy wind blowing over her. She tightened her cloak and began observing the scattered cat remains up close. Some were fresh, blood‑drenched; others were old, discolored and rotting. Qin Wan focused on the fresher ones and saw that the wounds were remarkably neat, as if cut by a knife...
Qin Wan's eyes darkened. Looking further, she saw the newest cat corpse had its belly slit open, the bloody, indistinct organs vaguely visible. These cat remains seemed to have been dragged here from somewhere else, flesh and gore mixed with filth, creating a horrifying sight.
"Young Miss, what should we do? There are at least ten cat bodies here..."
Fuling stepped forward, wanting to pull Qin Wan away. Meanwhile, Qin Shuang, unsteady from vomiting, clutched Wanqing and Xiuyun's hands and staggered towards the alley exit. Wanqing supported Qin Shuang anxiously, glancing back to see Qin Wan's straight, unmoving back.
As Qin Wan stepped closer, the already snarling black cat grew even more furious, glaring at Qin Wan as if protecting its young. Seeing the cat's ears flattened back, claws digging into the ground as if about to pounce, Fuling and Wanxing both shielded Qin Wan. Qin Wan was about to say it was fine when the black cat took two steps back, turned, and ran away. The alley turning right still led in multiple directions. The black shadow flashed and the cat vanished. Fuling finally let out a relieved breath. "Scared me to death. Thought it would attack."
"Young Miss, what should we do?" Fuling looked at Qin Wan. These cat remains piled here didn't seem like a day or two's work. Apparently, the manor's servants hadn't discovered them. Should they tell Uncle Dong?
Qin Wan took a step back, turned, and walked towards the alley exit. "Leave here first."
At the alley mouth, Qin Shuang was panting, her face pale. Seeing Qin Wan come out, she said with lingering fear, "Why... why are there so many cat corpses? Why piled there?"
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "Probably brought there by that black cat from elsewhere."
Qin Shuang's eyelids twitched. "Elsewhere? Where's elsewhere?"
"I don't know. The snow has covered all traces." Qin Wan shook her head. "But it should still be within this manor."
Qin Shuang's eyes widened. "In this manor? Does someone here enjoy torturing and killing cats?"
Though Qin Shuang didn't like pets, the earlier scene still frightened her deeply. Disliking was one thing, but if someone killed so many cats so cruelly, that person was likely a deranged lunatic.
"Not necessarily. Could be for other reasons." Qin Wan seemed thoughtful but didn't elaborate.
"So what now?" Qin Shuang's eyes held horror. "Should we tell Uncle Dong and the others?"
Qin Wan nodded. "Of course. But Sixth Sister needn't worry. I'll handle it. Sixth Sister, go back first. Don't spread this..."
Qin Shuang was already very frightened. Hearing this, she relaxed somewhat. "Alright. I... I'll go back and rest."
Qin Shuang left, Wanqing and Xiuyun naturally following. Once she was gone, Fuling looked urgently at Qin Wan. "Young Miss, what should we do now?"
Qin Wan looked east. "Let's go around and see."
Fuling blinked, unsure of Qin Wan's plan, but followed obediently. The three intentionally headed east. Not long after, they encountered two male servants sweeping snow. Other areas of the manor didn't need sweeping, but the east where the master lived couldn't be neglected. Seeing Qin Wan, the two immediately stopped working and bowed.
Qin Wan nodded without engaging and continued east. After a few steps, Uncle Dong came over. Seeing Qin Wan, he smiled. "Miss Qin, why are you here? To see the Young Master?"
Qin Wan quickly waved a hand, smiling. "No, no. Just finished eating, out for a walk to aid digestion. Originally thought of going where I walked this morning, but just now I smelled something strange. Don't know what it is."
Uncle Dong frowned slightly. "A smell? What smell?"
Qin Wan said with innocent expression, "Seems like a small animal smell. This morning, Uncle Dong said dogs are kept in that courtyard. But I didn't get that far just now. Does another courtyard keep something else?"
A flicker of doubt passed through Uncle Dong's eyes, then quickly vanished. "Oh. Then this humble servant will send someone to check."
Qin Wan nodded. "Could be I'm mistaken." She glanced ahead. "We're almost at Benevolent Heart Courtyard. Shouldn't disturb the Divine Physician. We'll head back now. Uncle Dong, please carry on."
Uncle Dong smiled and nodded. Only then did Qin Wan turn and leave with Fuling and Wanxing.
This time, Qin Wan didn't go elsewhere, returning directly to her courtyard. Entering the gate, she turned to Wanxing. "Wanxing, go out and find a way to see how they handle it."
Wanxing nodded, asked no questions, and slipped out again.
Fuling looked at Qin Wan in surprise. "What does Young Miss want Wanxing to see?"
Qin Wan sighed. "I want to know who did this."
Hearing this, Fuling also showed thoughtful concern. "Young Miss said those cat remains were likely carried by the black cat. So there might be more elsewhere. Who in this manor has such a hobby?"
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, silent for a moment. Seeing Qin Wan's somber expression, Fuling didn't press further.
The two sat inside. After about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, Wanxing returned quietly. "Young Miss, Uncle Dong took two male servants. They shoveled all the cat remains and took them out of the manor. Don't know exactly where, probably buried outside. This servant observed Uncle Dong wasn't surprised, just wanted to cover it up."
Hearing this, Qin Wan's heart sank further. "I see..."
Fuling glanced at Wanxing, then at Qin Wan who said no more, and didn't ask further.
Qin Wan stood and walked to the window. The sky was gradually darkening; night approached. Yet in just one day, aside from the medicine thief, they first discovered a courtyard with strange noises, then found the scattered cat remains. Uncle Dong said the dogs in the courtyard were drugged mute. Would those dogs end up like the cats?
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, suddenly recalling rats she had once kept. Uncertain if a prescription's proportions were correct or might trigger toxicity, she had used rats to test the medicine. Later, those rats indeed died from the medicine. Since then, she rarely touched such dubious prescriptions and never again used living creatures for testing. Using small animals for drug testing wasn't illegal, but so many cats...
Qin Wan felt waves of chill rising in her heart...
"Young Miss?" Fuling, seeing Qin Wan's cold demeanor, worried and called softly.
Qin Wan sighed quietly. "This matter... let it be for now..."
Fuling seemed to want to say more. "This doesn't seem like Young Miss's nature."
Qin Wan smiled wryly. "What should my nature be? Sometimes, I am powerless too."
The sky darkened further. Though it hadn't snowed during the day, there was no sun either. By evening, a cold wind rose again, gusting fiercely, rustling the old willows in the courtyard. Soon, Fuling exclaimed in surprise, "Young Miss, it's snowing again outside..."
Qin Wan's heart sank. They only needed to wait a day for the snow to melt a bit before leaving, but now it was snowing again. This new snow would only add another layer to the already unmelted accumulation, further delaying their journey!
As she thought this, the door of the opposite side room opened. Qin Shuang, wrapped in her cloak, ran towards Qin Wan's room. Pushing the door open, she said, "It's snowing again! What should we do? With this snow, will we have to leave even later?"
Fuling poured tea for Qin Shuang while saying, "Sixth Young Miss liked snow before. Why worry now?"
Qin Shuang gave Fuling a reproachful look, humphed softly, and said, "I still want to leave early. Starting from that Sanyuan Village, I've been scared. Thought it would be better coming to this manor, but... anyway, I find this place very strange too. Want to leave early."
Qin Shuang was naturally referring to the cat remains seen that afternoon. She looked at Qin Wan. "What about that matter?"
Qin Wan walked to Qin Shuang. "Mentioned it to Uncle Dong. He's already taken people to clean it up."
"That's it?" Qin Shuang stood up immediately. "You always followed the Young Master and the Prefect before. I thought you hated evil. How can this be let go? Investigate! Find out who in this manor is so wicked!"
"And then?" Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang. "Then report to the authorities?"
Qin Shuang was stunned. "Such a thing... would the authorities handle it..."
Qin Wan shook her head. Qin Shuang's eyes widened slightly, seeming to understand. If this matter had no legal standing, they were merely temporary guests in someone else's manor. How could they interfere?
"Then... then just let it go like that?"
Qin Wan frowned slightly. "We don't know the full context of this matter. Even if we wanted to handle it, we couldn't."
As she spoke, Qin Wan lowered her eyes. Others might not see it, but she could tell: the wounds on the fresher cat corpses were neat, knife‑cut, and the organs within their bellies were vaguely visible. Who in this manor had such skill?
This thought wasn't absolute, but this suspicion alone made Qin Wan know she couldn't handle this matter.
Hearing this, Qin Shuang also drooped her head. "I'll tell Third Brother. Let's think of a way to leave early."
With that, Qin Shuang turned and ran out. Fuling watched her back and sighed. "Sixth Young Miss is probably badly frightened."
Fuling naturally knew Qin Wan wasn't scared. Her Young Miss was adept at autopsies and bone examination; a few cat corpses were nothing.
Thinking Qin Shuang wouldn't return, but not long after, Qin Shuang ran back again, fuming. "Heavens! Do you know what I saw at Fifth Sister's just now?"
Qin Wan looked at her cooperatively. "Saw what?"
Qin Shuang frowned. "She has a pair of jade butterflies."
Qin Wan didn't understand immediately. "What jade butterflies?"
Taking a deep breath, Qin Shuang said, "A pair of butterflies made of jade, very delicate. Any young miss would like them. She didn't have them before; someone gave them to her. Guess who?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan was somewhat surprised. Qin Xiang didn't know anyone in this manor. Her eyes shifted. "Third Brother?"
Qin Shuang stamped her foot. "Not Third Brother! It's the Bai family's Young Master!"
Qin Wan processed this, then understood and couldn't help but smile faintly. "The Bai family's Young Master, huh..."
She only sighed and said no more, not satisfying Qin Shuang at all. Qin Shuang humphed. "You know, they were delivered this afternoon. They said the Bai family's Young Master went out, but before leaving, he instructed someone to send them to her. Looking at Fifth Sister's demeanor, she likes them immensely. Her eyes sparkle when mentioning the Bai family's Young Master!"
Qin Wan understood. Qin Xiang met the Bai family's Young Master during the day, and later he sent a gift, naturally delighting her. Qin Wan found it quite normal. Qin Yan said that Bai family's Young Master was exceptional. At Qin Xiang's age, developing some interest upon meeting an exceptional man was normal, especially when that man also showed her favor.
"Fifth Sister has taken a liking to Young Master Bai? That's not necessarily bad."
Qin Wan wasn't particularly concerned, but Qin Shuang said, "But think about it! The Bai family! That's the Bai family! So many noble families befriend the Bai family; how could it be Fifth Sister's turn? Besides, he only sent a pair of jade butterflies. She acts as if he already regards her highly. Maybe he's just being courteous, giving a young miss a small trinket upon first meeting..."
Qin Wan wasn't overly concerned with the Qin sisters' personal affairs, but seeing Qin Shuang take it so seriously, she thought and said, "Your thinking is also right. If you feel she's taking it too seriously, you could remind her gently, so she doesn't become too invested if Young Master Bai only has ordinary intentions, ending up heartbroken. If she truly thinks Young Master Bai is good, she could also observe and understand more first."
Qin Shuang stamped her foot. "I said so! Just now I said so, but she wouldn't listen!"
Qin Wan hesitated. She could tell Qin Xiang's attitude towards her wasn't particularly friendly. Her eyes shifted. "Then you could tell Third Brother, let him offer advice indirectly."
Qin Shuang hesitated again. "Is it good to tell Third Brother such things? She forbade me from telling others..."
A young miss's private thoughts indeed shouldn't be discussed with men. But Qin Wan couldn't go remind Qin Xiang either; that would likely anger her. Qin Wan sighed. "It's only just begun. She's developed a fondness for Young Master Bai; it's normal she won't listen to you. We're only staying here a few days. As long as she doesn't do anything improper, it's fine. Of course, if Young Master Bai truly becomes interested and a marriage alliance results, wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Qin Shuang humphed softly, glanced at Qin Wan, and said, "I don't think the Bai family's Young Master would fancy her so easily. She doesn't have stunning beauty; her character and temperament are quite ordinary. If the Bai family's Young Master is truly a noble, upright young master from a great family, how could he so casually fancy her and show favor?"
Qin Wan previously always thought Qin Shuang impulsive, her speech sometimes illogical, willful and unreasonable. But these words made her somewhat agree. Qin Wan frowned slightly. "True. Sending a gift immediately after the first meeting, if truly meant to show favor, it seems somewhat frivolous."
"Exactly!" Qin Shuang huffed. "Besides, Fifth Sister overestimates herself. I think she's not very clear‑headed right now. If that Bai family's Young Master is a flirt, it might just lead Fifth Sister on for nothing."
"In that case, keep an eye on her more. Fortunately, the Bai family's Young Master isn't in the manor currently. Even if she becomes more infatuated, she won't do anything immediately..."
Qin Shuang nodded. "That's true. There's still some propriety."
Qin Shuang, calmed by Qin Wan, said a few more things and, seeing it was late, returned to her room. In just that short while, the night outside was already filled with howling wind and snow, biting cold. Qin Wan worried about the weather. Fuling, adding charcoal to the brazier, said, "Sixth Young Miss has really changed lately. To hear the word 'propriety' from her mouth..."
Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled faintly. "Yes. The change is indeed considerable."
As she said this, Qin Wan could no longer connect the current Qin Shuang who ran around, though somewhat mocking, still concerned about Qin Xiang, with the Qin Shuang who ordered a maid to push her into Half‑Moon Lake and laughed heartily...
In just three short months, Qin Shuang seemed reborn.
Fuling said a few more things, mostly recounting how Qin Shuang used to "maliciously" bully them, master and servant. Qin Wan only smiled without comment. Seeing it was late, she prepared to sleep. Having slept poorly the previous night, this night, Qin Wan similarly slept poorly.
The window was tightly shut but couldn't completely block the howling wind and snow outside. Qin Wan felt this night's snow was much heavier than at Changfu Inn, and the wind's howl in the vast dark night made even Qin Wan feel somewhat uneasy.
Not just Qin Wan; even Fuling and Wanxing found it hard to sleep. Master and servants tossed and turned half the night before falling into a light sleep. Early next morning, Qin Wan was awakened by knocking.
"Ninth Sister!"
"Ninth Sister, open the door quickly!"
"Ninth Sister! Something's happened!"
Qin Wan abruptly opened her eyes, listened a moment to confirm it was indeed Qin Shuang knocking. Outside, Wanxing had already gotten up and opened the door. As the door opened, Qin Shuang, seeing Fuling still sleepy‑eyed and Qin Wan not even up yet, rushed in. Their side room had inner and outer sections. Qin Shuang charged into the inner chamber. "Something's happened! That thief ran away!"
Qin Wan had just sat up. Hearing this, she immediately became fully alert. "Ran away?"
Qin Shuang nodded vigorously. "Yes! Just now, Young Master Sun got up and went to check on him, only to find the room empty. Their courtyard gate was open too. This manor is so big, and we don't even know that thief's name. Third Brother said to stay in our courtyards and not go out alone, to avoid trouble..."
Qin Wan hurriedly dressed and got up. Qin Shuang frowned and muttered, "Never knew you slept so heavily before..."
Qin Wan smiled wryly without explaining. After dressing and washing quickly, she left with Qin Shuang.
Opening the door, fine, dense snowflakes fell outside. The snow on the ground had indeed added another thick layer. The branches of two old willows in the corner were heavily laden with snow; two dried branches had broken under the weight and fallen.
Without asking Qin Yan, Qin Wan knew: they couldn't leave today either...
She walked swiftly. Reaching Sun Muqing's courtyard, she saw Qin Yan and Qin Xiang also there, with Uncle Dong speaking…
"Said the west back gate was open. Probably that thief, knowing his medicine theft was discovered, woke yesterday but pretended to still be unconscious, then, afraid of punishment, escaped after midnight."
Sun Muqing smiled wryly. "With such heavy snow last night, escaping is dangerous for him."
Uncle Dong also said helplessly, "If this person truly stole medicinal herbs, just a bit of herbs, we wouldn't punish him much, just a scolding. Now he's run off, don't know how far home is. If he faints on the road, it's rather dangerous."
Sun Muqing nodded, thought a moment, and said, "I checked when I found something wrong. He didn't disturb much in the room, didn't take anything, just put on his original clothes. When I came out, I noticed no footprints in the courtyard. The new snow had already covered them. So estimate he left before dawn."
Uncle Dong's eyes lit slightly. "Young Master Cousin is so meticulous?!"
Qin Yan also smiled. "Yes. Ordinary people wouldn't think to check footprints and such..."
Hearing this, Sun Muqing chuckled sheepishly. "I wouldn't have before either. Later, someone taught me many methods. She's usually very careful and meticulous. She notices many details I'd miss, reacts fastest, judges most accurately in many situations. And she loves reading those strange tales and case‑solving storybooks. If she were here, she'd see even more details than me, could even trace the escape route. Being around her, I naturally learned some."
Qin Yan's eyes brightened. "Oh? The person Young Master Sun describes sounds suited for solving cases and catching thieves..."
Sun Muqing's smile deepened. "Young Master Qin, I've said that before too. She herself once had such aspirations. Pity she's a woman; can't enter government offices as a constable or official. I used to regret that greatly. But her nature is meticulous and careful, reacts very quickly. That's very useful ordinarily. Not to mention, in studying medicine, she learned faster than others, considered things more thoroughly. When she researched a difficult illness, she could put in more effort than me."
Sun Muqing spoke more and more, clearly very familiar with and admiring that person, talking on and on without pause. Qin Shuang immediately said, "The person Young Master Sun mentions, is it that Junior Sister you mentioned before?"
Sun Muqing's smile faded slightly but he nodded. "Exactly. Didn't expect Miss Qin to guess."
Qin Shuang said, "I guessed because Young Master Sun's expression and eyes when speaking of this young miss are exactly the same as last time when speaking of your Junior Sister. So I guessed it's that Junior Sister..."
Sun Muqing said, "Miss Qin observes quite carefully too..."
Sun Muqing seemed unwilling to dwell on the topic. He looked at Uncle Dong again. "Since that person ran, let it be. Or send someone to look around. But I think since he's run, he won't stay nearby. If he truly freezes to death on the road, then there's nothing we can do..."
Uncle Dong also nodded. "Exactly so. Young Master Cousin needn't worry. Already gave orders."
Sun Muqing nodded, glanced at the still‑falling fine snow, and sighed. "This snow adds another layer. Young Master Qin will likely have to stay a couple more days. I hope Young Master Qin's journey to the capital isn't urgent?"
Qin Yan hurriedly shook his head. "Nothing urgent, Young Master Sun needn't worry. We're staying here very comfortably. Just feel deeply ashamed imposing on Divine Physician Sun for several more days..."
Uncle Dong, hunched over, coughed lightly twice. "Not at all. This manor livens up with Young Master Qin and sisters here. Just the snow is heavy; the manor's vegetable stores aren't ample. The meals these next few days might be quite simple. Hope Young Master Qin won't mind. The Bai family's Young Master went down the mountain; things will improve only after he returns from Yuanzhou."
Qin Yan hurriedly said, "How could we, how could we. These days' meals are already much better than our recent travel rations. I'm immensely grateful, wouldn't dream of minding. My sisters and I aren't delicate. Uncle Dong, please proceed as convenient."
After a few more words, Uncle Dong left. Seeing everyone standing in the side room, Sun Muqing invited them to the main room to warm up. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang walked last. After a few steps, they heard Qin Xiang say, "Such heavy snow, I wonder if Young Master Bai's journey is safe, where he is now. Probably the village roads below are difficult too."
Hearing this, Qin Shuang couldn't help saying, "Fifth Sister, he only gave you a pair of jade butterflies! Why are you so concerned? Those jade butterflies might just be courtesy. Don't overthink it and end up heartbroken."
Qin Xiang frowned. "If it's just courtesy, he could give something else. Why a pair of jade butterflies? It's a pair! And I saw the jade quality is superior, better than what Mother gave me. If there's no other meaning, it's too extravagant."
Qin Shuang pressed her lips, wanting to say something harsher. But since she used to follow Qin Xiang, habit held her back. She only said, "Fifth Sister, be clear‑headed. Even if he truly has some meaning, Fifth Sister should remain reserved, lest people say the Qin family's daughters lack propriety..."
Qin Shuang finished and walked ahead. Qin Xiang halted, her expression changing. Wanhe, beside her, heard everything and hurriedly whispered, "Young Miss, don't be angry. Sixth Young Miss means well."
"Means well?! What good meaning?!" Qin Xiang was furious. She clenched her sleeve tightly, nails nearly tearing the fabric. "Look at her! Disrespectful to me even in the residence, now always mixed up with Qin Wan, even daring to speak to me like that! She's extremely jealous! Jealous the Bai family's Young Master showed me favor, while she hasn't even met him! And that Qin Wan! She can't stand me doing well. I was above her before. Later, she met the Grand Princess's family and thought she could surpass me everywhere. Now the Bai family's Young Master is someone she can't reach, so she's resentful too!"
Wanhe listened, wanting to console further, but seeing Qin Xiang's anger, didn't dare say more. Qin Xiang, seeing everyone had entered the room and no one attended to her, immediately turned and walked towards her own courtyard...
"This heavy snow is fine. I'll wait for Young Master Bai to return!"
Inside the room, Qin Yan was looking at the sky outside. Though anxious, he said, "Thought we'd only impose for two days, never expected this snow to last so long. This stay has been too long. Divine Physician Sun originally sought quiet here to accompany his wife's recuperation. Now disturbed by us. Truly very sorry..."
Sun Muqing said casually, "Young Master Qin needn't worry. You're only staying in the west, never went east. How is that disturbing? Uncle Dong and the others just need to be a bit more attentive. I was worried Senior Brother's temperament might make Young Master Qin and the young ladies feel slighted…"
"Not at all, not at all. Divine Physician Sun lives up to his name; such lofty solitude is fitting." Qin Yan naturally only praised. He added, "Young Master Sun has also helped us greatly this time. If not for you, we truly wouldn't know what to do."
Qin Yan and Sun Muqing exchanged concerns and apologies. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang only listened. Soon, Auntie Lin's voice sounded at the courtyard gate. "Young Master Cousin? Is Young Master Qin here?"
Everyone hurried out to see. Auntie Lin stood at the gate with a food box. "Young Master Cousin and guests are all here? Should breakfast be served in this courtyard?"
Sun Muqing looked at Qin Yan. Qin Yan immediately smiled. "Anywhere is fine."
Hearing this, Auntie Lin smiled and walked in. Auntie Lin had a round face, looking very kind. Having delivered meals personally several times these past two days, she was somewhat familiar with Qin Wan's group. Qin Shuang, seeing Auntie Lin enter, stepped forward smiling. "Auntie Lin, any tea pastries today? Your tea pastries are unmatched in the south; even the best tea houses outside can't compare!"
Hearing this, Auntie Lin immediately beamed. "Yes, yes! Sixth Young Miss can have as many as you like! Earlier, much new tea was harvested from the garden, but the Young Master doesn't care for it, so I kept it all, planning to make tea pastries. Usually, the Young Master doesn't eat these, and Madam often sleeps. My tea pastries usually go to Old Dong and the others. Fortunately, Sixth Young Miss came."
This made everyone laugh. Auntie Lin carried the food box inside, opened it to reveal several exquisitely prepared small dishes. Auntie Lin added, "The manor buys fresh vegetables every half month. Now with snow, it'll be delayed a few days. The meals these next few days will be rather simple. Hope Young Master Cousin and guests won't mind."
Uncle Dong had said similar earlier. Qin Yan repeated his earlier response. Auntie Lin laid out the dishes but no rice or porridge. Auntie Lin said, "The porridge is still with Little Li. I was afraid Young Master Cousin and guests would wait too long, so came ahead first. He's probably still on his way with the porridge after filling it."
No one was in a hurry. Qin Shuang asked Auntie Lin about the tea pastry recipe. Seeing Qin Shuang so liked her skill, Auntie Lin naturally shared generously. Qin Shuang urged Wanqing to note it down quickly. After hearing, she said, "How did Auntie Lin learn to make these tea pastries? Auntie Lin is from Yizhou, right? Are they popular there too?"
Auntie Lin also smiled. "Not popular in Yizhou. Strange to say, I only knew how after that serious illness earlier. Was just trying then, but casually made, everyone said they were delicious."
"That's truly odd. Must be Auntie Lin's exceptional skill!"
Qin Shuang, who never used to flatter, now did so easily. Auntie Lin smiled brightly. After waiting a while, the porridge‑bearer, Little Li, still hadn't arrived. Auntie Lin frowned. "What's with this child? Did he spill it halfway?"
Sun Muqing hurriedly said, "Auntie Lin, don't worry. The snow's heavy today; it's far from the kitchen. Very likely the porridge spilled!"
Auntie Lin sighed. "Speaking of which, it's odd today too. Usually, the kitchen helper is Little Songzi, around Little Li's age. But this morning, Little Songzi also vanished, don't know where he went. Little Li isn't familiar with kitchen errands like delivering meals. I worriedly instructed him before coming."
Auntie Lin stood at the door waiting. Though reassured by Sun Muqing, she was still somewhat anxious. Sun Muqing was family, but Qin Yan's group were guests. Shouldn't keep guests waiting.
After another moment with no Little Li, Auntie Lin sighed. "This child must have messed up. Please wait a moment. I'll go check. Really need Little Songzi for this..."
With that, Auntie Lin left the room and headed for the courtyard gate. Sun Muqing wanted to stop her but, seeing her genuine worry, didn't. Just as Auntie Lin was about to exit the gate, a figure suddenly ran to the gate. Everyone in the room relaxed, Little Li had come.
Auntie Lin at the gate also said, "Why are you only coming now?!"
Before finishing, Auntie Lin saw Little Li's hands were empty. Frowning, she scolded, "Why are you empty‑handed? The porridge? The porridge you were to bring!"
Little Li seemed to have sprinted here. At the gate, one hand braced against the gatepost, panting heavily. Only after Auntie Lin finished scolding did he say hoarsely, "Something... something happened, Auntie Lin..."
Auntie Lin frowned. "What happened? Did you spill the porridge?"
Little Li immediately shook his head. "No... it's... it's Little Songzi! Something happened to him! He's dead!"
"What!" Auntie Lin exclaimed sharply. Instantly, everyone in the room widened their eyes!
Little Songzi dead?! They hadn't misheard…
Qin Wan and Sun Muqing simultaneously stood and rushed out; Qin Yan and Qin Shuang hurriedly followed!
At the gate, Auntie Lin seemed about to collapse, naturally no longer asking about porridge. "What happened?! How could Little Songzi die for no reason?! Where is he?! Where did you see him..."
Little Li's face was ashen, forehead drenched in sweat. "I didn't find him. It was Uncle Zhang. Uncle Zhang found him and wanted to find Uncle Dong, but Uncle Dong took people to chase the medicine thief. So he went to the kitchen looking for you, but you'd already left. Uncle Zhang told me to inform you. Little Songzi... Little Songzi died in a back gutter near a storage courtyard not far from Benevolent Heart Courtyard!"
Auntie Lin's face turned deathly pale, lips trembling but saying nothing, just standing there red‑eyed, at a loss. Sun Muqing stepped forward. "Where is he?! Take us to see!"
Auntie Lin, called back to her senses, hurriedly said, "Young Master Cousin! Young Master Cousin shouldn't see such things. I'll go, I'll go..."
Sun Muqing grabbed Auntie Lin's trembling arm. "A death is a major matter; can't handle it casually. I know some methods for examining bodies. Let me go see. That Little Songzi surely didn't kill himself!"
"Not suicide, not suicide..." Little Li beside them widened his eyes, voice filled with terror. "Uncle Zhang said... Little Songzi's limbs were all cut off..."