The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 139 : Murderer Found, A Perilous Breath

139: Murderer Found, A Perilous Breath

A flash of insight struck Qin Wan's mind. This sweet-pungent scent, it was so familiar, wasn't it the smell from the servant they had encountered last night? Her heart began to race. She glanced around and suddenly spotted a mess of scattered medicinal herbs on the floor. She frowned. Though she couldn't see clearly what they were, she knew from the scent that it was licorice root.

Meanwhile, Sun Haoyue had already drawn near. Being a physician, Sun Haoyue was naturally not afraid of the dead. But seeing Da Cheng in such a state, a hint of compassion appeared in his eyes.

Old Dong, standing to the side, asked with some surprise, "Young Master, what are you saying? You know the reason for these murders?"

Song Li, who could be arrogant and self-important in front of Old Dong, unconsciously restrained himself a little in Sun Haoyue's presence. "Divine Physician Sun… you know the reason for the murders?"

Sun Haoyue glanced once more at Da Cheng on the floor. "More than two months ago, I treated a young woman who was unable to use her limbs properly. Later, her condition grew too severe, and she passed away. At the time, her mother accompanied her, but it seemed she originally had a father as well."

As he spoke, Old Dong's eyes lit up with sudden realization. "That's right, that's right! This humble one remembers too! Young Master treated many people back then. It was just that child's illness was too grave. You weren't able to save her…"

Listening from the side, Qin Wan felt a chill run down her spine.

Song Li's brows tightened. "Divine Physician Sun believes this is revenge from the girl's parents?"

Sun Haoyue narrowed his eyes, his voice somber with a heavy sorrow. "I don't know. But with two deaths in the manor in succession, and with their hands and feet all severed, it can only make me think of that incident."

"But… is that really possible? To kill someone just because they couldn't be cured?"

A hint of disbelief showed in Song Li's eyes, but Qin Wan's heart sank slowly. It wasn't impossible. The evil in the human heart was beyond what ordinary people could imagine. Sun Haoyue bore the name of Divine Physician; patients must have come to him with immense hope, yet in the end, he had failed to grant their wish. There was a certain type of person in this world who might not feel gratitude if you helped them, but if you failed to satisfy them, they would harbor resentment. It was tragic enough for parents to bury their child, but if other troubles arose from it, they would place all their dissatisfaction and disappointment upon another's head.

The murderer's killings of Da Cheng and Little Songzi were not premeditated; they were chance encounters. Qin Wan glanced at the bloody handprint on the windowsill, then looked to the south, and said suddenly, "This place is not far from Divine Physician Sun's courtyard, is it?"

Old Dong nodded quickly. "Indeed. This small storeroom was the main pharmacy, the place where Young Master usually prepared and compounded medicines. Before the main pharmacy is the Benevolent Heart Courtyard." He paused, then added, "What has Ninth Young Miss thought of?"

Qin Wan frowned. "The first time Little Songzi died, the murderer might have passed this way. Now, with a murder directly in the small pharmacy, I suspect what Divine Physician Sun is thinking is correct. Both times, it's possible the murderer was trying to sneak towards the Benevolent Heart Courtyard. However, because the Benevolent Heart Courtyard is the most important area in the manor, with people coming and going, the murderer was very wary. He was filled with hatred but also afraid. So, once discovered, he simply vented his rage on the person he encountered."

Hearing Qin Wan's words, Song Li felt a chill down his spine. It was as if he saw a murderer, knife in hand, face covered in blood, hiding somewhere in the manor, killing whoever he met.

"Uncle Dong, do many people come to this small pharmacy?"

At Qin Wan's question, Old Dong immediately looked at her. "Not many. Although the door isn't locked, it's not a place people come and go freely. When servants need medicine, they tell me first before getting it. In the past half-year, not a single herb has gone missing from this small pharmacy."

Qin Wan nodded, then looked at the bloodstains on the floor. There were many people in the storeroom, but Qin Wan was the only young miss. Today she wore a jade-colored, narrow-sleeved gown embroidered with a faint silver lotus pattern, and over it a charcoal-grey cloak. She was like a shadow of spring mountains amidst the vast white snow. If Sun Haoyue was a divine lord formed of frost and snow, then Qin Wan was an ethereal spirit who could bring forth life from all things in spring. She walked towards the window, standing in the darkest corner of the room. But when Song Li glanced over, he felt as if a faint, luminous glow surrounded Qin Wan, causing the dim light and the aura of blood in the room to retreat from her on its own.

"Young Master Sun, do you remember the servant from the manor we encountered on our way last night?"

Qin Wan suddenly spoke. As her words settled, she crouched down. Herbs were scattered across the floor. Half were soaked in Da Cheng's blood, while the other half lay scattered farther away. Qin Wan picked up a few pieces of licorice root and straightened up, then turned to look at Sun Muqing.

Sun Muqing hesitated for a moment. "Last night? Ninth Young Miss means the servant who bumped into Fuling?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Precisely. Young Master Sun probably didn't notice. When he passed us last night, he carried a medicinal scent. It was sweet-pungent; it must have been licorice root. And the ground in this small pharmacy is covered in scattered licorice."

Sun Muqing's brow lifted. He glanced over and knew without needing to look closer that what Qin Wan held was indeed licorice root. "Ninth Young Miss means…"

"Licorice root has a medicinal scent, but it doesn't leave a smell on one's body from a casual touch. So, I suspect the person we saw last night likely lingered in this small pharmacy for some time, perhaps even spent the night here."

As she spoke, Qin Wan looked towards the innermost corner. "Not many people come to this small pharmacy, and it is relatively close to the Benevolent Heart Courtyard. If someone were hiding here, they would be less likely to be discovered. It has been two days since Little Songzi was killed. With the weather so cold outside, the murderer would definitely need a place to hide…"

"Ninth Young Miss, are you saying the person we saw last night is the murderer?!" Sun Muqing's eyes widened, a chill creeping over his heart.

Old Dong was also slightly stunned. Song Li's brows shot up. "What? You saw the murderer last night?!"

Sun Muqing quickly said, "No, when we were returning last night, we encountered someone on the path. He was dressed in a servant's clothes and holding a large broom for sweeping snow. When he saw us, he was very frightened and respectful. We don't recognize everyone in the manor. At the moment, we just assumed he was one of the servants. If Ninth Young Miss hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have thought he was the murderer!"

Qin Wan frowned, seemingly lost in thought. At this, Song Li's eyes lit up. "So… the murderer isn't someone who was originally in the manor? This manor is so large; he must be hiding in some corner!"

He gave a cold laugh and continued. "As long as no one is lying, this is much easier to handle. Just gather all the servants and search every inch of this manor, won't that do?"

Song Li made his decision quickly. Qin Wan and Sun Muqing said nothing. In simple terms, that was the solution. But this manor was so vast; finding the murderer by a simple search would not be easy.

"Steward, go and summon everyone immediately. Every single person."

Old Dong nodded, then looked at Sun Haoyue. "Young Master…"

"You handle it. If things are as you say, then this is ultimately my fault. Once the murderer is captured, have them buried with honor. As for other matters, you may discuss them with Constable Song and Heir Apparent Qin."

As Sun Haoyue spoke, his gaze grew distant. In an instant, his otherworldly aura, that of one who did not partake of worldly fare, grew even stronger. He looked at Qin Wan and Qin Yan. "I truly apologize for dragging you into this."

Qin Yan quickly cupped his hands. "Divine Physician, you must not say such things. Please go and attend to Madam. You need not worry about matters outside."

Sun Haoyue nodded. Though his face held no smile, it did not make him seem aloof. Instead, his compassionate, world-pitying demeanor made one subconsciously wish to respect him. Hearing this, he did not engage in more pleasantries but simply nodded and turned to leave.

Song Li blinked, watching Sun Haoyue walk away, and said nothing for a moment. Of all the masters of crime scenes he had met, Sun Haoyue was the strangest. If you said he was compassionate, he had rarely appeared since the deaths in his manor, making him seem unconcerned with the case. But if you said he was indifferent, he had the title of Divine Physician and had saved so many lives.

Song Li shook his head, not daring to say more. He just looked at Old Dong. "Steward, give the order as we just discussed."

Old Dong nodded. Song Li then looked at Qin Yan, cupping his hands respectfully. "Heir Apparent, since we are to search the manor, I must ask you, Young Master Sun, and Miss Qin to return to your courtyards. It would be best to have your attendants and all servants stay together, to avoid any accidents."

Qin Yan nodded, then glanced at Qin Wan. Seeing she had nothing to say, he turned and walked out.

Qin Yan was leaving, but Qin Wan was still looking around the small pharmacy. Old Dong had just said there was a main pharmacy in the manor as well. This place already held a large stock of medicines. The main pharmacy Old Dong spoke of was probably even larger…

Seeing Qin Yan go out the door, Qin Wan also walked towards the entrance. As she walked, she glanced at the medicine cabinets on both sides. She was secretly astounded. Sun Haoyue had bought this manor only half a year ago, yet he had prepared so many medicinal herbs. Not only that, but he had also planted many in the tea garden to the west. Did Sun Haoyue intend to live here long-term?

But even if he were to live here long-term, there was no need to open an apothecary in his home…

Qin Wan's thoughts shifted. She remembered Sun Haoyue often treated people. With this in mind, she began to understand. Sun Haoyue not only treated people but did so without charging consultation fees. She couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

Perhaps out of a physician's habit, as Qin Wan walked, she subconsciously pulled open a few drawers on the medicine cabinets to look inside. She had never run an apothecary, but back in Medicine King Valley, there had been many such storerooms. When she first couldn't recognize all the herbs, she had gone through them drawer by drawer. Later, she trained herself to the point where she could identify an herb just by its scent.

Acting on a whim, Qin Wan pulled open a few drawers at random. The first two drawers were full of herbs, seemingly uncommon ones. But the third drawer was completely empty. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. The notoginseng powder in this small pharmacy was used up? She didn't find it too strange. Thinking of this, she recalled the person of muddled consciousness she had encountered that night. The illness that person suffered from must be similar to madness. What medicine would Sun Haoyue use?

Qin Wan drafted a rough prescription in her mind based on her own judgment. Her gaze swept across the area, and she quickly located the herbs for a few of the ingredients. After a brief hesitation, she still opened the drawers…

Old Dong and Song Li had already left. Only Sun Muqing remained in the room, seemingly examining Da Cheng's body. A medicine cabinet separated Qin Wan from Sun Muqing. As she opened the drawer, her heart was still uneasy. Did this count as stealing knowledge?

With a "clatter" sound, Qin Wan opened the first drawer. But as it opened, it was still full of herbs. Her heart sank. She moved to the next one. That one was also full. The unease in her heart dissipated, replaced by a chilling coldness. Was her prescription wrong? Thinking this, her refusal to admit defeat compelled her to check the next few drawers. But after checking seven or eight in a row, all of them were full. Qin Wan froze, as if a basin of cold water had been poured over her head.

Now was not the time for her to study medicine, but a stubbornness in her heart rooted her feet in place. She had always been uncertain about treating madness, and because of Yao Xinlan, her interest in it had grown even greater.

On the journey here, she had often mulled over it, thinking her prescription might not be entirely correct, but at least a few of the herbs should be right. Yet now, it seemed not a single one was correct…

Just then, a figure flashed at the entrance to the small pharmacy. It was Old Dong, who had brought two male servants in to collect Da Cheng's body. Holding on to a sliver of hope, Qin Wan asked, "Uncle Dong, how often are the medicines here restocked?"

Old Dong paused his steps and smiled at her words. "Generally once a month. The last restock was a month ago. Once winter came and it grew cold, Young Master was busy looking after Madam and didn't go out. Not many people came seeking medical treatment. So we haven't restocked recently. Ninth Young Miss mentioning it reminds this humble one. Once the snow melts, I'll have to see that everything that needs restocking is filled again."

A slight curve touched Qin Wan's lips, but her heart was a sheet of ice. It wasn't that she was competitive; she had always had some confidence in her medical skills. But this time, she seemed to have missed the mark completely…

"Then… Uncle Dong, are the medicines in the manor stored both here and in the main pharmacy?"

Old Dong knew Qin Wan also had some medical knowledge, so he wasn't surprised by her questions. He just smiled. "Not exactly. The medicines in this small pharmacy are common ones. The main pharmacy has some more rare medicinal ingredients, mainly tonics for nourishing the Young Madam's body. It's called the main pharmacy because the Young Master spends more time there, and it also has many implements for preparing medicines. Usually, when Young Master treats outsiders, he writes a prescription and has his attendant come to this small pharmacy to fetch the medicine."

Qin Wan nodded. "I see. You may go about your duties, Uncle Dong."

Old Dong smiled at her words and walked towards the back. Qin Wan stood before the medicine cabinets, feeling rather dejected. These medicines were restocked monthly. By seeing which herbs were missing, one could know what illnesses had been treated in the manor recently. And from what Old Dong said, the main pharmacy was clearly dedicated to Madam Sun. When Sun Haoyue treated others, the medicine was fetched from this very place. She had encountered that muddled patient just three days ago, and the pharmacy hadn't been restocked since then. All of this was enough to prove that Sun Haoyue hadn't used a single one of the herbs from her prescription.

"Ninth Young Miss, what's wrong?"

Seeing Qin Wan standing dazed before the medicine cabinets, Sun Muqing hurried to her side.

Qin Wan snapped out of it, quickly composing herself. "It's nothing. I was just surprised the manor had prepared so many medicines. The stock here is probably more complete than some apothecaries in town."

Sun Muqing laughed. "That's why it's called the Hundred Herb Garden. From what I see of my Senior Brother's intentions, he plans to stay here for a long time. Not to mention Sister-in-law needing medicine year-round, but he also needs it for treating others, and the servants in the manor as well."

Qin Wan nodded, showing nothing on her face while a feeling of blockage remained in her heart. She looked at Sun Muqing, wanting to ask how he would treat the illness, but for a moment feared he would see through something. She could only suppress the matter for now. Qin Wan collected herself, not wanting to discuss it further, and looked again at Da Cheng's body. "Did Young Master Sun discover anything?"

Sun Muqing shook his head. "The wounds are similar to Little Songzi's. I'm afraid the murderer didn't even change his knife."

For some reason, a sense of unease surged in Qin Wan's heart. At the back of the room, the two male servants had already placed Da Cheng's body on a wooden plank, preparing to carry it out. Seeing this, Qin Wan quickly stepped to the side, and Sun Muqing also made way.

Da Cheng's blood had long since drained away. Although his limbs had been severed, the fatal wound on his body was also in the chest and abdomen. And unlike Little Songzi, Da Cheng's struggles seemed much more violent; even the front of his robe was disheveled.

The two male servants lifted Da Cheng's body onto the plank and arranged his limbs alongside him. Before long, they lifted it and headed out. The passage between the medicine cabinets was narrow. Qin Wan stood to the side. The two servants carefully carried the wooden plank past her. A feeling of pity rose in Qin Wan's eyes, but as her gaze swept over Da Cheng, her brow furrowed.

Da Cheng's robe was open. Covered in bloodstains as it was, Qin Wan hadn't seen it very clearly earlier. But just now, as the two servants moved him, they inadvertently pulled the front of his robe open wider. From her vantage point looking down, Qin Wan vaguely saw a wound on Da Cheng's chest.

In the Great Zhou, it was taught that one's body, hair, and skin were received from one's parents and not to be lightly damaged. Therefore, treating the sick rarely involved knives. However, Medicine King Valley, the foremost ancestral sect of the medical arts, was different. Ancient texts in Medicine King Valley recorded that the Sun family ancestors had once scraped bone to remove poison for a man, and another had performed trepanation to treat headaches. These things sounded sensational, but Qin Wan knew deeply the exquisiteness of the Sun family's medical skills. In Medicine King Valley, only the most outstanding disciples were personally taught these therapies by the Valley Lord.

Qin Wan was fortunate enough to be one of them. That was why she dared to perform abdominal surgery to save Grand Princess Jiayi.

And Qin Wan knew deeply that the wounds left by a physician when opening a person's body were distinct. The wound on Da Cheng's chest was not an ordinary scar, but one sewn shut, resembling a centipede. Had Da Cheng been injured before? Or had he suffered from an illness?

Qin Wan stared blankly as Da Cheng's body was carried away. Meanwhile, Qin Yan, who had long since left, having waited for Qin Wan for some time, came back to the doorway. "Ninth Sister, we must return to our courtyard now…"

Qin Wan snapped back to her senses, a trace of panic in her heart as she hurried out.

Her mind suddenly felt muddled, and for a moment, she couldn't sort out her thoughts.

"Why are you so slow? We need to go back. Let's all go to Third Brother's courtyard. We'll call Fifth Sister too. It'll be safer if we're all together." Qin Shuang grumbled a few lines. Seeing Qin Wan's somber expression, she couldn't help but pat her. "Hey, are you listening?"

The pat from Qin Shuang dispelled much of the strangeness in Qin Wan's heart. Her attention was drawn back to the matter of finding the murderer. She quickly nodded. "Alright, to Third Brother's courtyard…"

Sun Muqing followed beside Qin Wan, whispering, "Ninth Young Miss, what's wrong?"

Qin Wan glanced at Sun Muqing. He had arrived at the Hundred Herb Garden on the same day as her, just a bit earlier. He must know just as little as she did.

Qin Wan pressed her lips tightly and shook her head. "It's nothing. I was just wondering where the murderer might be at this moment."

Sun Muqing looked at the sprawling manor. "This manor is too large, and far too empty. I'm afraid he's hiding in some corner right now."

Qin Wan just nodded without replying. She turned her gaze and saw Aunt Lin and another servant woman carrying a bolt of white silk towards the small pharmacy. Qin Wan quickly called out, "Aunt Lin, what are you doing with that?"

Being called out, Aunt Lin saw that Qin Wan and the others had walked this way. She changed direction and came over to curtsey, then looked at the white silk in her hands. "Da Cheng is to be encoffined. We can't be too shabby. This is for setting up the mourning hall for him and Little Songzi."

Qin Wan nodded, then asked nonchalantly, "Just now, it looked like Da Cheng's injuries were more severe than Little Songzi's. I'm afraid he must have struggled with the murderer. Da Cheng must have been very strong, usually?"

At this, Aunt Lin's eyes reddened, but she shook her head. "He wasn't in good health when he first arrived. It seemed he had some illness, but later Young Master cured him, and he slowly grew sturdy. He was the first person Young Master cured of his illness. We all said he was blessed, but who knew, now…"

Seeing this, Sun Muqing quickly tried to comfort Aunt Lin. But as Qin Wan listened, a strange feeling grew in her heart. Aunt Lin wiped the corner of her eye. "Young Master is good to every servant. We servants all get along very well, like one big family. Now, with Little Songzi and Da Cheng suddenly gone, this servant's heart truly aches."

After speaking, Aunt Lin felt she had lost her composure and quickly added, "Look at me, delaying Young Master Cousin and Miss Qin. Constable Song is going to search the manor. You should return to your courtyards. This servant will take her leave."

After Aunt Lin left, Qin Wan continued forward with Sun Muqing. Meanwhile, Qin Shuang and Qin Yan had also heard Aunt Lin's words. Qin Shuang said with admiration, "It's truly surprising that someone like Divine Physician Sun exists in this world. I've never seen a master treat his own servants before. Divine Physician Sun is such a good person. Madam Sun's illness will surely get better."

Qin Yan also smiled. "Good deeds are rewarded. Madam Sun will naturally be fine."

Sun Muqing's tone held a hint of pride. "Speaking of which, Senior Brother Haoyue truly has the best temper among all my Senior Brothers. When I was little, I always followed him around. No, I should say, all us children in Medicine King Valley followed him. He was excellent in his studies and in his medical skills, most favored by Master. After he grew up and married, he temporarily left Medicine King Valley. Even when he was away, Master often used him as a model to encourage us. The compassion in me comes from learning from him. Sometimes I think the heavens are unfair. My Senior Brother is so good, and Sister-in-law is so kind, yet she fell ill."

Qin Wan's heart also felt heavy hearing Sun Muqing's words. Although she wasn't an old acquaintance of Sun Haoyue's and didn't revere him as Sun Muqing did, they both came from Medicine King Valley, and Sun Haoyue, with his physician's benevolence, had saved so many people. For these two reasons alone, she felt great pain for Sun Haoyue and his wife. Yet Qin Wan knew deeply that sometimes, the heavens were truly unjust.

"Young Master Sun, don't worry. Divine Physician Sun has miraculous hands. Curing Madam Sun is only a matter of time."

Qin Shuang finally said a few kind words. Sun Muqing hurriedly nodded. "Yes, it will, it definitely will…"

"Is it that Divine Physician Sun is always trying so hard to save so many people, hoping to accumulate blessings to make Madam Sun better?" After walking a few more steps, Qin Shuang murmured. Hearing this, Qin Wan's footsteps suddenly halted. Earlier, she had found it strange that so many servants in the manor had been treated by Sun Haoyue. But hearing Qin Shuang say this, Qin Wan could now understand.

Saving others and saving his own wife were not directly related, but sometimes people were like that. Even someone as powerful and skilled as Sun Haoyue, when faced with difficulties in his wife's condition, would probably place his hopes on sayings like "good deeds are rewarded."

Qin Wan believed in neither the Buddha nor the Dao. But sometimes, people did need something to believe in. This belief might not be a sect or religion, nor any immortal master with boundless power since ancient times. Because belief was the original intention with which one walked the world; it was the reverence in one's heart after making a choice between good and evil. Those who believed in the Buddha revered him; those who believed in the Dao sought longevity; those who believed that good deeds are rewarded would do good deeds.

As she walked, Qin Wan thought of that horrific night of blood and fire. That night, she had doubted what she believed. But when she awoke in Ninth Young Miss's body, she felt a gratitude towards the heavens. Was this her reward?

The more she thought about it, the more relieved she felt in her heart. The earlier sense of strangeness vanished. She said no more, simply following Qin Shuang to Qin Yan's courtyard. As soon as they entered, Qin Shuang said, "I'll go call Fifth Sister…"

Qin Shuang left quickly, but she returned just as quickly, and she was alone.

Qin Yan asked quickly, "Where is Fifth Sister?"

Qin Shuang stiffened and gave a forced tug of her lips. "She'll be right here."

Qin Wan was puzzled, but a moment later, Qin Xiang approached, dressed in a water-pink gown. It was a gown cut from fine, sheer gauze. Qin Xiang's steps were graceful, her skirt like mist and smoke. As a breeze swept by, a pink mist seemed to billow. It was a very ethereal and light gown, but because it was winter and people had just died, Qin Xiang's overly bright color felt somewhat inappropriate. Not only that, but her hair was coiffed high, her face made up with powder and paint. On a day when everyone was preoccupied with catching the murderer, her dress was as if she were preparing to attend some New Year's banquet. Sun Muqing's eyes widened as he looked at Qin Xiang…

Before long, Sun Muqing moved to Qin Wan's side and whispered, "Ninth Young Miss, is Fifth Sister always so elaborately dressed at home?"

Qin Wan looked at Qin Xiang, feeling rather helpless. Meanwhile, Qin Shuang had quickly scurried to her side and let out a soft snort. "She's not usually like this at home…"

Sun Muqing looked incredulous. "Then why…?"

Qin Shuang snorted again. "She has her motives. A few deaths mean nothing to her. She's not even afraid the murderer might come for her. Today… someone is supposed to return…"

Qin Shuang's tone was laced with sarcasm. Sun Muqing seemed to understand yet not understand. Qin Wan shook her head, unwilling to explain. Meanwhile, Qin Yan also frowned at Qin Xiang's attire. If Qin Xiang dressed like this every day, it would be one thing. But she did not; most of her gowns were not so exquisite and gorgeous. Because of this, today's outfit seemed especially deliberate.

And Qin Yan knew what this deliberation was for.

"Isn't it just a search of the courtyard? Why do we all have to gather in one place?"

Qin Xiang entered the room with a thousand graces. Although Qin Yan felt some displeasure in his heart, he didn't show it on his face. He just said calmly, "The murderer's whereabouts are unknown. This search will likely make him flee everywhere. By staying together, we first avoid suspicion, and second, it's for our own safety."

Since Qin Yan had spoken, Qin Xiang dared not ignore him. She quickly nodded. "So that's how it is. Thank you for your trouble, Third Brother."

Qin Shuang pouted to the side and quickly whispered to Qin Wan, "I was the one who went to get her, but she only has eyes for Third Brother. Truly heartless. I'm never calling for her again."

Hearing this, a wry smile touched Qin Wan's lips. She patted Qin Shuang's arm in a gesture of comfort.

Qin Xiang sat down and then asked Qin Yan, "Third Brother, I heard someone else died today?"

Everyone had known about another death since early morning, but Qin Xiang only asked now. Qin Yan shook his head internally but wouldn't bother arguing with a young miss. "Yes. Another male servant died."

Qin Xiang frowned slightly and fell silent. Qin Shuang seemed to see through Qin Xiang's mind and leaned over to Qin Wan's ear. "She must be thinking it's bad luck that someone died, and also wondering, after all these days, why hasn't Young Master Bai returned yet? Look at her today, she has no propriety at all. I wouldn't even dare to wear my red cloak right after someone died, yet she's all dolled up. Hmph, this is how her mother raised her…"

Having left the Qin residence and with grievances in her heart, Qin Shuang couldn't help but speak ill of Madam Lin as well.

Qin Wan just smiled without speaking and headed towards a small, warm chamber to wait. Waiting was always boring. Qin Shuang stuck close to Qin Wan, chattering away. Although Qin Shuang spoke three sentences for every one of Qin Wan's replies, it was better than just sitting and waiting. Qin Yan and Sun Muqing were talking about something, leaving Qin Xiang sitting alone in the main hall. Zhou Huai stood guard at the door, and she soon grew restless.

"How much longer do we have to wait? It would be better to go back to our own courtyard and wait. With the doors and windows shut, what danger could there be?"

Qin Xiang was impatient. Wanhe quickly tried to soothe her. "Miss, be patient. This is the Heir's order."

At the thought of Qin Yan, Qin Xiang let out a breath. "If it weren't for Third Brother's sake, I wouldn't have come!"

Wanhe breathed a sigh of relief. In the past, Qin Xiang seemed gentle and magnanimous because she was the most favored in the Qin residence. When everything went her way naturally, she never had a chance to expose her unlikeable side. But things are different now. On the surface, at least, Qin Yan treated the three sisters no differently. In fact, with Qin Shuang now following Qin Wan around, it subtly highlighted Qin Wan's status. Coupled with the fact that Sun Muqing and Qin Wan were old acquaintances, Qin Xiang appeared isolated and left out. As a result, while she was still decent in public, in private, her temper was growing day by day.

"I wonder when Young Master Bai will return today?"

After sitting for a while longer, Qin Xiang suddenly murmured. Wanhe looked down and saw that Qin Xiang's makeup was exquisite, her dress gorgeous, a truly vibrant and beautiful picture, though somewhat inappropriate for the occasion, it was filled with a young maiden's thoughts. Wanhe sighed. "Miss, don't be anxious. Young Master Bai will definitely return when he does. If not today, then tomorrow."

Qin Xiang shook her head. "But… but didn't you see? They are searching the courtyard. If they find the murderer, the case will be solved. Once the case is solved, how can we stay here? The snow has stopped…"

Everyone else hoped the snow would stop, but Qin Xiang's tone was full of regret. Hearing this, Wanhe could only smile bitterly in her heart. "Miss, the days ahead are long. Can't you take this time to see more of Young Master Bai's feelings for you?"

Qin Xiang frowned slightly, seeming to be in a daze for a moment. "I don't care how much he feels for me."

For days, Qin Xiang had seemed as if Cupid's arrow had struck her. To suddenly say this now, even Wanhe was stunned. "Miss, what do you mean by that?"

Qin Xiang gripped her handkerchief tightly. The affection in her eyes faded, replaced by a hint of melancholy. "How many men in this world are truly constant in their affections? Just look at Father…"

Wanhe hadn't expected Qin Xiang to say this and was momentarily unable to react. "Then is Miss thinking of…?"

"I only like Young Master Bai's looks, and I like the Bai family's status."

No one else was in the main hall. Qin Xiang took the opportunity to lower her voice and speak her mind. Wanhe remained stunned, feeling a mix of pity, bitterness, and a bewildered sense of helplessness. With such thoughts, Qin Xiang was ready to fight for her position, but this way, she was very likely to do something even more outrageous…

"Miss, the Bai family's status is not the best in the world. In the capital, there are even more royal and noble families."

Wanhe tried to persuade her in a low voice, wanting only to stabilize Qin Xiang's thoughts for the moment. But Qin Xiang shook her head. "You think I don't know? Mother has already told me. In the capital, any household you can point to is a noble one, with several high-ranking clans as relatives. I am not the legitimate daughter of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household, and I have a father who has been convicted of a crime. What is such a background worth in the capital? Besides… in the Marquis's household, there is already an Eighth Sister, and now there is a Ninth…"

When Qin Xiang mentioned Qin Wan, a hint of unwillingness appeared in her eyes. She gritted her teeth and said, "So… for any opportunity I can grasp, I don't want to give it up easily. Before we even reach the capital, I can still make my own decisions."

Wanhan felt a layer of sweat on her palms. She wanted to persuade her but didn't know how. And Qin Xiang didn't continue. She seemed to feel much better after saying this and didn't complain anymore. She just waited in Qin Yan's courtyard until night fell, then stood up. "We've waited most of the day. How much longer do we have to wait? I'm going back!"

Qin Xiang's temper finally flared. With that, she left. Wanhe said anxiously, "Miss, at least tell the Heir!"

Qin Xiang turned and swept a glance around. She saw Qin Yan talking with Qin Wan in the warm chamber. Her gaze hardened, and she strode out. Wanhe sighed and could only follow.

Qin Xiang walked very quickly, entering her courtyard and heading straight into the main room. As soon as she entered, she fumed and walked towards the inner chamber. She went directly to the bedside, but as soon as she sat down, she felt something was wrong.

In the pitch-black room, a faint yet perceptible breath was falling on the back of her neck.