The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 141 : A Cold Night and a Lush Dream, Qin Xiang Elopes

141: A Cold Night and a Lush Dream, Qin Xiang Elopes

"Ninth Young Miss, you are leaving early tomorrow morning. This is a notebook I keep with me. Let me give it to you as a parting gift." Early in the morning, Sun Muqing arrived at the courtyard where Qin Wan was staying.

Qin Wan looked at the booklet in Sun Muqing's hands, the corners of her lips curving slightly. She recognized this booklet. It had been with Sun Muqing for many years, a collection of the essence of his medical practice gathered over time. "A notebook... may I take a look?"

Sun Muqing handed the booklet over and said, "You may certainly look. I intended to give it to Ninth Young Miss in any case. Look through it as you please, only my handwriting is ugly, and I do not know if the things recorded inside will be of any use to Ninth Young Miss."

Qin Wan glanced at the sky outside. Seeing it was still early, she said, "I see that what is recorded here are the essentials of what you have learned, Young Master Sun. To give it to me for nothing is truly inappropriate. However, given Young Master Sun's kind intentions, I truly wish to learn a thing or two from you, so... why don't I borrow Young Master Sun's booklet to read for half a day?"

Sun Muqing was taken aback, completely unexpected that Qin Wan would come up with such a solution. He hesitated slightly. He truly intended to give the booklet to Qin Wan, but seeing him want to speak yet stop, Qin Wan looked at him with eyes full of seriousness. "I certainly will not accept this booklet. I will treat it as Young Master Sun giving me some pointers. Since today is a free day, I will read Young Master Sun's notes for a while. This could not be better."

Sun Muqing smiled wryly. "Ninth Young Miss is truly..."

Sun Muqing did not know how to describe her for a moment, but seeing the determined look on Qin Wan's face, he knew he could not change her mind. He said helplessly, "Very well. If Ninth Young Miss has anything else she wishes to know, she may ask me at any time."

Qin Wan answered in the affirmative. Seeing that Qin Wan truly looked as if she only wanted to read a book, Sun Muqing temporarily left Qin Wan's room.

Once Sun Muqing left, Fuling smiled. "Young Master Sun is truly honest. Even I, a servant, know this booklet is very valuable, yet he wanted to simply give it to the Miss..."

"The Medicine King Valley does not keep secrets to begin with, and his nature is pure and straightforward."

Fuling nodded. Seeing that Qin Wan really posed as if she were going to read, she went to brew a cup of tea for her. On the other side, because they were leaving the next day, Qin Shuang was having Wanqing pack up the things in the room. However, since they were only staying temporarily, there were not many things brought down from the carriage to begin with, so there was not much to pack.

Qin Shuang sat opposite Qin Wan, leaning over to look at the scenery outside the window. "I heard that Constable Song and the others left early this morning. Uncle Dong sent two people to follow them all the way, and they even took that person's corpse. Now that this case is settled, I actually feel a bit reluctant to leave."

Wanqing chimed in, "Didn't the Miss say she doesn't like how empty this residence is?"

Qin Shuang sighed. "Isn't that so? But we have to start sitting in the carriage again. Just thinking about it gives me a headache."

As she spoke, Qin Shuang glanced at Qin Wan, who was calm and composed. In her impression, it seemed that no matter when or where, Qin Wan always had this appearance of calm serenity. Thinking of this, Qin Shuang could not help but think of last night.

A playful smile emerged in her eyes. Last night, Qin Wan had been frightened too.

Qin Wan flipped through Sun Muqing's notebook. Most of what was written were his notes on diagnosing and treating illnesses in his daily practice. More than half of it Qin Wan had already read. Qin Wan did not look at the front much, only reading the last few pages. Those pages recorded the symptoms Sun Muqing encountered as he traveled south and west after leaving Medicine King Valley. Because it recorded every patient's condition in detail, it was quite different from other medical books.

Qin Wan read with interest for a while. After finishing reading what Sun Muqing had written, she thought of Sun Haoyue. Now she had faded the intention of asking Sun Haoyue for medical advice. Besides seeing that Sun Haoyue's heart was almost entirely focused on Bai Feiyu, the events that occurred in this residence also gave her a somewhat strange feeling in her heart.

Qin Wan shook her head. Although there was something strange, they were leaving early tomorrow morning, so she no longer had the desire to investigate. Moreover, she wanted to return to the Capital a bit earlier. Matters in the Capital were more important than anything else.

After sitting for a while longer, Qin Wen took the notebook, intending to return it. Seeing that she was going out, Qin Shuang naturally followed. Fuling saw that Qin Shuang had truly become Qin Wan's little tail and was momentarily between laughter and tears. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang each put on a cloak. Just as they walked out the door, they saw Bai Feiyu enter the courtyard gate with two attendants. As soon as he saw Qin Wan and Qin Shuang, Bai Feiyu was slightly surprised but immediately cupped his hands in a salute.

Qin Shuang and Qin Wan hurriedly curtsied in return. Then Qin Shuang smiled and asked, "Why has Young Master Bai come?"

Bai Feiyu curved his lips. "I came to bring Fifth Young Miss some wound medicine."

As soon as the words fell, the door of the opposite wing room opened, and Qin Xiang's figure flashed into view at the entrance. Today she wore a goose-yellow skirt, her figure slender and her appearance beautiful. Qin Shuang smiled. "Please, Young Master Bai. Let us go out for a walk."

Bai Feiyu cupped his hands again toward Qin Shuang and Qin Wan, and the two sisters left the courtyard.

Once out of the courtyard gate, Qin Shuang frowned. "This Young Master Bai really does not avoid suspicion either."

Qin Wan had the same thought, but Young Master Bai was, after all, one of the masters of this residence, so they could not say anything. "If Young Master Bai truly has good intentions, that would be excellent."

Qin Shuang gave a light hum. "Yes, that would be excellent. Then Fifth Sister will be the Young Mistress of the Bai family."

Hearing a hint of sourness in Qin Shuang's words, Qin Wan just smiled and said nothing.

It had been sunny for two days, and quite a bit of the snow in the residence had melted. The bluestone path revealed the stones beneath. On the high trees and rooftops to the side, patches of white could still be seen, but it was already much better than the previous few days. Soon, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang arrived at the entrance of Sun Muqing's courtyard. Fuling knocked on the courtyard gate, and Sun Muqing quickly walked out from inside. Seeing Qin Wan coming with his notebook, he was slightly surprised. "Ninth Young Miss finished reading so fast? Or is Ninth Young Miss being polite with me..."

Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled faintly, the dimples by her cheeks flashing, causing Sun Muqing to stare dazedly for a moment.

"Naturally not. I do not read books slowly. Today I just read what interested me; there is absolutely no politeness involved."

Qin Wan would not be polite regarding the path of medicine. If she had the opportunity to learn more, she was naturally eager for knowledge. Sun Muqing felt reassured upon hearing this. He then sighed, "Ninth Young Miss is going to the Capital. I have actually also developed a bit of an interest in going to the Capital..."

Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow, then looked at Qin Wan with interest in her eyes.

Qin Wan was also somewhat surprised. "Young Master Sun is going to the Capital too?"

A dark color flashed through Sun Muqing's eyes, but his face was still smiling. "Yes, to... see an old friend."

Qin Wan's heart moved slightly. Qin Shuang had already spoken quickly, "What old friend is Young Master Sun going to see?"

Sun Muqing curved his lips. "To see someone from my sect."

Qin Shuang said "Oh" and asked no further. Qin Wan then asked, "When are you going?"

Sun Muqing smiled. "Perhaps in half a month. It was rare to see a senior brother, so I will stay here for a while."

Qin Wan nodded. Sun Muqing was leaving in half a month, so he could not travel with them. This was just as well.

"Very well. When Young Master Sun arrives in the Capital, you must certainly send someone to the Marquis Manor to let us know. This time we were fortunate to have Young Master Sun's invitation, otherwise we siblings would truly have been in a wretched state." Qin Wan invited him warmly.

Sun Muqing laughed brightly. "That is natural. When the time comes, I must definitely see you all."

Qin Wan nodded, not intending to say more. She bade farewell to Sun Muqing with Qin Shuang and turned to leave. Sun Muqing's mood also became somewhat heavier within those few words, and he did not ask them to stay.

After walking a few steps, Qin Shuang suddenly laughed. "I thought Young Master Sun was going to the Capital for the sake of Ninth Sister."

"How is that possible." Qin Wan raised her chin slightly, her gaze becoming distant for a moment.

Qin Shuang giggled and said, "Young Master Sun treats Ninth Sister quite well. Perhaps..."

"Meow."

Qin Shuang was speaking mischievously, but before she could finish, she suddenly heard a faint meow. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang stopped in unison. Qin Wan even more keenly walked toward the source of the sound.

The sound seemed to come from a dark alley to the east. Qin Wan and her group were originally returning to their own courtyard in the west, but now they were drawn to the east by this meow.

"Meow."

Another cry. Qin Wan identified the direction even more accurately. After walking about a dozen steps, Qin Wan finally saw the entrance to that alley. As soon as she stood at the entrance, in the dim light of the dark alley, she saw a pair of glowing eyes.

It was a black cat. Qin Wan looked carefully and discovered that this black cat was the same one she had seen beside the pile of cat corpses the other day. It was squatting in the dark alley. Seeing Qin Wan appear, it was not afraid. Instead, it let out another "meow."

Qin Wan frowned, subconsciously looking beside the black cat. She was only afraid that another pile of cat corpses would appear beside the black cat. However, looking over this time, Qin Wan did not see anything. Scattered dry leaves lay on the ground of the dark alley. Because the roof above was sealed, the ground had not even become wet. Qin Wan stared at the black cat for a moment, not knowing what it was doing here.

Just when Qin Wan thought this black cat would stay here unmoving, suddenly, the black cat actually ran toward the back exit of the dark alley. Seeing it run away, Qin Wan was not surprised. However, a moment later, the black cat stopped at the back exit.

"Meow."

"Meow."

The black cat ran to the back exit and did not move anymore. Instead, it stopped and looked at Qin Wan. If Qin Wan did not walk forward or approach, it would cry out one after another. Qin Wan's brows knit tightly together.

Qin Shuang and Fuling stood behind Qin Wan. Fuling said, "It... what is it doing? Could it be calling us over?"

Qin Shuang shook her head. "This is that cat from last time, isn't it? No, this cat is all black; it's a bit frightening... I remember someone saying that cats and dogs can see things humans cannot see."

As soon as this sentence landed, it sent a chill down Fuling's back. "Sixth Young Miss, don't believe those things. It is just a small pet."

Qin Shuang gave a hum and was about to speak, but suddenly widened her eyes. It was because she saw Qin Wan walking forward. "Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? Are you really going over there..."

Fuling was not afraid of cats, but she was afraid the black cat would lead Qin Wan to look at cat corpses again. She was momentarily hesitant. Just as she hesitated, Wan Xing followed beside Qin Wan. Qin Wan looked back and saw it was Wan Xing, a bright light in her eyes.

Seeing her approach, the black cat also did not move. It waited until Qin Wan was five or six steps away before it moved again. It made a sudden turn around the corner. It looked as if it had run away, but when Qin Wan also turned the corner, she saw the black cat squatting at the next corner waiting. A look of absurdity and peculiarity rose in Qin Wan's eyes. "This cat actually has spirituality."

Fuling saw that Wan Xing had followed up, so she followed up as well. Seeing this, Qin Shuang had no choice but to step forward too. Seeing the black cat waiting at a corner, Qin Shuang also said in surprise, "Could it be that it wants to lead us somewhere?"

"Can a cat have such spirituality?"

Fuling was slightly surprised. Qin Wan looked at the people beside her. "There are many of us; we need not be afraid. Just follow it and walk, and we will know."

Saying this, Qin Wan continued to walk forward. It was still the same; she would walk to a place not far from the black cat, and it would disappear. When Qin Wan and her group turned a corner, the black cat would be waiting not far away. After walking for a while, Qin Shuang began to marvel, and unknowingly, Qin Wan's group was led to the east side.

Half a cup of tea later, the black cat stopped in a pavilion in a central courtyard.

Qin Wan looked at this central courtyard. From far away, she smelled a faint fragrance of red plums at the tip of her nose. She had never been to this central courtyard and did not know where it was. Moreover, there were not many people in the residence, and walking over, they did not see any servants.

Qin Wan felt slightly suspicious in her heart. She saw that there was still residual snow on the bonsai in the central courtyard, and the pavilion stood straight in the middle, making the winter courtyard appear somewhat empty. Thinking this, Qin Wan stepped onto the stone path and walked toward the pavilion.

Just as Qin Wan arrived at the pavilion, the black cat stopped moving again. For some reason, it actually scrambled onto the roof of the pavilion. Qin Shuang was between laughter and tears. "Could it be that it wants to take us up onto that roof?"

As she spoke, Fuling ran outside first. "There is nothing up there."

The black cat still paced on the roof, and it even let out a somewhat restless low cry. Qin Wan was momentarily baffled. She looked at the central courtyard but still did not discover anything abnormal. Just as the group was somewhat confused, a figure suddenly flashed out from the corner.

"Eh, Miss Qin? Why are you here..."

Aunt Lin walked over holding a food box. Seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang both here, she was slightly surprised.

Qin Shuang and Qin Wan looked at each other. Qin Shuang hurriedly said, "Aunt Lin... have you made something delicious to eat again?" As she spoke, Qin Shuang pointed at the roof of the pavilion. "We were just taking a walk when we encountered this little kitten. We wanted to tease it a bit, but it only knew how to run..."

Hearing this, Aunt Lin immediately laughed. She patted the food box and said, "I was just planning to make plum blossom cakes. Regarding this black cat you mentioned, it is the most gluttonous. Let alone you, even the men in our residence cannot catch it. At first, when I saw it stealing food, I wanted to catch it to teach it a lesson or throw it out, but after discovering I simply could not catch it, I gave up. It is a frequent visitor to my kitchen."

Qin Wan stepped forward. "This black cat belongs to this residence originally?"

Aunt Lin nodded. "I do not know about that. I only remember suddenly seeing a kitten stealing food in the kitchen one day. At the time, I just wondered where this wild cat came from... Later, I saw it more and more often, but I still do not know exactly where it came from. This residence is so large, and usually, there are not that many servants managing it, so having a few wild cats is normal."

Qin Wan scanned the central courtyard, still not knowing what the black cat had brought them here for. She asked, "Where is this place? Just now I chased the kitten over here; I do not know if I intruded."

Aunt Lin waved her hand. "No, no. This place is ordinary too. The courtyard to the south is uninhabited. To the northeast is a plum forest. Due north is a small flower garden. Further north is Benevolent Heart Courtyard."

Qin Wan suddenly understood. She subconsciously looked north. It turned out they were close to Benevolent Heart Courtyard again.

The people who killed Little Pinezi and Dacheng wanted to avenge their daughter, so they sneaked near Benevolent Heart Courtyard. But what was this black cat for?

"The two Qin Young Misses are leaving soon. Once I finish making the plum blossom cakes later, I will definitely bring them over for you two to taste. I will not disturb you two young ladies any longer. I will go pick some fresh plum blossoms."

Qin Wan nodded. Aunt Lin walked toward the plum forest while shouting a couple of scoldings at the black cat.

The black cat let out a low cry, looked at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang again, then leaped down to the ground. Before Qin Wan could see clearly, it had burrowed into the dense bonsai and disappeared.

"It just ran away like that?" Qin Shuang was slightly stunned. "This little thing was making fun of us!"

Qin Wan was also somewhat puzzled. She originally thought the black cat brought them here because there was something strange, but unexpectedly, they only arrived at this somewhat empty central courtyard. Qin Wan sighed. "Perhaps it really was teasing us. Let us go back."

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang returned to the courtyard together. Qin Shuang glanced at Qin Xiang's room. Seeing the doors and windows closed and no attendants of Bai Feiyu in the courtyard, she knew Bai Feiyu had already left.

Qin Shuang gave a light hum. "I fear he came to say goodbye..."

The Qin group was going to the Capital, while Bai Feiyu was returning to Yizhou. One in the north, one in the east. Naturally, they would not be traveling together.

After reading a book for a while and being led around the residence by the black cat, the time was already late. Since they were leaving tomorrow, although Qin Wan's group had been in the residence for many days, they had not formed a deep friendship with the master, Sun Haoyue. In the afternoon, only Qin Yan went to Benevolent Heart Courtyard to bid farewell to Sun Haoyue. When he returned, Aunt Lin came with him, and sure enough, she brought two boxes of plum blossom cakes.

"These are for the young ladies to take along. I hope you will not disdain my skills. The residence does not have any precious food. The only other things are tea crisps, which are all packed. They can be put directly onto the carriage."

Qin Shuang's eyes lit up. "Aunt Lin's tea crisps are made the best! Thank you, Aunt Lin!"

Qin Wan also said, "Thank you for your hard work, Aunt Lin."

Aunt Lin waved her hand repeatedly. After saying a few more words about wishing them a safe journey, she left.

Not long after Aunt Lin left, Uncle Dong came over. He had prepared a few small gifts, mostly medicinal herbs and tea leaves. "These are all produced in our own courtyard. There are also some commonly used medicinal pills and ointments made by the Young Master. If you encounter anything on the road, they can be used for emergencies. You have all seen that this residence is somewhat poor, so there really is nothing good..."

Qin Yan had someone accept them. Although their group was rushing on the journey, they also carried some things with them. Having stayed here for a few days, Qin Yan also had Zhou Huai prepare a thin gift. He repeatedly urged that if Sun Haoyue brought people to the Capital in the future, they must be sure to tell them. This was considered proper etiquette. After Uncle Dong left, the sky was already turning dark.

After Qin Yan instructed Qin Wan and Qin Shuang not to leave anything behind and to rest early, he left. Once Qin Yan was gone, knowing they had to get up early to rush on the road the next day, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang also went to bed to rest.

Qin Wan fell asleep quickly, but she did not sleep soundly. In her dream, lights and shadows shifted. Faces of people she had seen in the past floated up one by one. Even the black cat she had seen during the day made an appearance. Just as Qin Wan felt the black cat was terrifyingly intense, Yan Chi's figure suddenly flashed out. In the dream, Yan Chi's silhouette was incredibly tall and imposing. He stood before her like a mountain, able to shield her from wind and rain. A moment later, Yan Chi's face gradually pressed closer. Just as Qin Wan was about to speak, Yan Chi pulled her into his arms.

This dream was long and romantic. When Qin Wan woke up, the sky outside had just begun to brighten. Her body was filled with warmth, and her cheeks were flushed a deep crimson. She touched her face, and her heartbeat suddenly accelerated.

"What?! How is she missing?!"

Qin Wan was flustered by her racing heart and burning cheeks when suddenly, Fuling's voice rang out from outside. Although it was not very clear because she was far away, because Fuling shouted loudly, Qin Wan still heard it.

Her brows furrowed, and her thoughts were drawn to the disturbance outside.

"We must hurry and tell the Heir Apparent. Be careful not to let anything happen!"

Fuling shouted a sentence anxiously, then ran toward the inner room.

Her movements were not small, and even Qin Shuang was awakened. She asked groggily, "Are we getting up?"

Qin Wan did not answer because Fuling had already rushed in. "Miss, Miss, something bad has happened. Fifth Young Miss is missing!"

Qin Wan propped herself up and sat straight. "Fifth Sister is missing?! What happened?!"

Fuling said with extreme helplessness, "This servant saw it was time to get up, so I got up first. The opposite wing room probably saw that we had lit our lamp, so they lit theirs too. But very quickly, Wanhe ran out and came to our side. She opened her mouth and said Fifth Young Miss was missing. She also said a bundle was missing, and all the jewelry and gifts Young Master Bai gave Fifth Young Miss, along with some silver notes, are gone too... Wanhe said... she is afraid her Miss followed Young Master Bai..."

Qin Wan was instantly stunned. Qin Shuang looked at Fuling with wide eyes. "You mean... you mean she eloped with Young Master Bai?"

Fuling did not dare to nod and only smiled wryly. "That is what Wanhe said."

Qin Shuang hurriedly climbed up. "Too presumptuous! Qin Xiang is truly too presumptuous!"

Qin Xiang's presumption not only angered Qin Shuang but also made Qin Yan more furious than ever before.

The sky was already bright. Qin Xiang's disappearance completely disrupted the Qin group's travel plans.

"The Miss wore the clothes I prepared last night. She also wore a cloak. There was also a bundle containing a few of the Miss's favorite pieces of jewelry and some silver notes. Usually, I carry them to guard against needs on the road."

"This servant and Xiu Zhi did not hear any movement. When we woke up, she was gone."

"The Miss was perfectly fine last night. She only asked me to prepare thicker clothes."

Inside Qin Xiang's wing room, Wanhe and Xiu Zhi were kneeling on the ground crying. As Wanhe spoke, she was filled with self-blame, while Xiu Zhi already looked as if she were guilty of a capital offense. Speaking of this, Wanhe suddenly said, "That is right. The Miss only asked one question last night. The Miss asked me, did we always take one big road when we came? I thought about it at the time, and it seemed so, so I told the Miss. The Miss was not abnormal at the time. I never thought she would..."

Qin Yan's brows were tightly knit. He, who was usually handsome and unflappable, now had a face full of suppressed anger. Just sitting there, Wanhe and Xiu Zhi were already terrified to the extreme. First, they were worried something bad might happen to Qin Xiang. Second, they understood that with the master looking like this, the fault was entirely on them. Even if they were dragged out and beaten to death today, it would be justified!

The room was filled with a silent, oppressive atmosphere. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang stood to the side. Qin Shuang was too scared to speak. Qin Wan did not know what to say either. Just then, a sound of footsteps came from the courtyard. A moment later, Zhou Huai pushed the door open and entered. "Heir Apparent, the west gate is open. Our carriages and everything are there. This servant went outside the west gate to look and discovered footprints on the small path beside the medicine garden. Also, this servant asked the servants in the residence. They said Young Master Bai had already left overnight last night."

The snow had melted considerably. The small path beside the medicine garden outside was now a stretch of mud. If someone had walked over, they would naturally leave footprints. Qin Yan immediately stood up. "Chase them. Chase them immediately."

Zhou Huai hesitated slightly. "Do we want to find someone in the residence to help?"

Qin Yan looked at Zhou Huai. "Do you think this was her own doing, or was it instigated by Young Master Bai?"

Zhou Huai frowned slightly. "This matter is too improper. Young Master Bai knows our status. He would absolutely not dare to induce Fifth Young Miss to elope with him. Besides, looking at Young Master Bai's character, he does not seem like someone who disregards the rules."

"Then it was her own doing." Qin Yan said through gritted teeth. "In that case, do not look for Uncle Dong. She went out alone. Even if she left in the middle of the night, she could not have gone far. We will set out now. After leaving the residence, we will discuss how to find her. Perhaps she is only a few miles away."

With an order from Qin Yan, Zhou Huai immediately went to arrange things. The time was a bit later than they had originally planned, but for the people of Hundred Herb Garden, it was still very early. By the time they all arrived at the main gate of the residence, Sun Muqing, Uncle Dong, Aunt Lin, and the others came to see them off. Qin Yan was anxious in his heart and quickly took everyone away from Hundred Herb Garden.

After leaving the residence and heading down the mountain, once they got on the main road, Qin Yan finally cursed in a low voice.

He had come to pick up Qin Wan and her sisters to enter the Capital. Let alone an elopement, he would not even allow Qin Xiang to be injured. But now, Qin Xiang had run off on her own accord. He did not oppose a marriage alliance between the Qin family and the Bai family. However, Qin Xiang's shameless behavior would undoubtedly bring shame to the Marquis Manor. Even if the Marquis Manor could not rank among the prominent clans in the Capital, even a small wealthy family that could not rank would never allow their daughter to privately interact with a man like this...

If this matter spread back to the Capital, not would Qin Xiang's future be difficult, but even the Marquis Manor would be criticized. Furthermore, the factional struggles within the court were becoming increasingly intense. Even a small matter could be impeached by the Censorate. For emotion, for reason, for public and for private, Qin Yan had to capture Qin Xiang and bring her back. Not only that, but he also had to make this big incident small and a small incident nothing.

Having made up his mind, Qin Yan even kept it hidden from the guards of the Qin Manor. Inside Qin Xiang's carriage now sat only Wanhe and Xiu Zhi. However, after walking nearly ten miles along the main road, Qin Yan still had not seen Qin Xiang's shadow.

If Qin Xiang had such a personality, daring to go out before the sky was even bright was already astounding. Could it be she did not take the main road but took a small path? Both Qin Yan and Zhou Huai had anxious looks on their faces. Seeing they had walked quite a distance forward, Zhou Huai suddenly frowned and said, "Heir Apparent, is it possible Fifth Young Miss knew we would take this road back, so she actually took a different small path?"

As he spoke, Zhou Huai turned around and said, "Does Heir Apparent remember, we just passed a small path. This servant remembers that if you continue forward on that small path for ten-plus miles, you can get on a road that leads to Huai County. Huai County is to the east of Ji County..."

To go to Yizhou, one had to keep heading east. But most people would take the official road through Yuanzhou City to go east. If Qin Xiang knew Huai County was east of Ji County, perhaps she truly might have thought of going to Ji County first. Anyway, keep going east.

The hand with which Qin Yan gripped the horse whip tightened incessantly. Their schedule had already been delayed. Now there was also a Qin Xiang who did not know the severity of the situation! Qin Yan was furious in his heart, yet he could not ignore it. Moreover, if Qin Xiang really ran to Huai County, would they still have to take a detour to chase Qin Xiang?

Qin Yan took a deep breath. "Divide our forces into two paths. I will take people down the small path. You take them and continue forward."

He paused slightly, then Qin Yan said, "Tonight we were supposed to rest in Guanyin Town. We will still go via Sanyuan Village north. If she took the main road, you will meet her not far ahead. If she took the small path, I can catch up with a fast horse. We will see how the situation is then. If it is early, I will turn back to chase you. If it is late, I will take another road to Guanyin Town to find you."

Zhou Huai wanted to speak but stopped. "Heir Apparent, let this servant go..."

Qin Yan gave a cold laugh. "She dared to do such a thing; she is set on it. If you find her and she refuses to come back, what do you intend to do? What if she threatens to kill herself?"

Zhou Huai was, after all, a servant. Hearing this, he also found it difficult. Qin Yan gave another cold laugh. "I will go. I want to see exactly to what lengths she will go for that Bai Feiyu!"

Zhou Huai sighed. On one hand, Qin Xiang had to be found. On the other hand, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang also had to be well looked after. Zhou Huai nodded. "In that case, Heir Apparent take a few people. Go quickly and return quickly."

Qin Yan nodded and quickly selected five or six guards to turn back.

In the carriage, seeing Qin Yan leave, both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were somewhat puzzled. It was only when Zhou Huai came over to explain in a low voice that they understood. Qin Shuang immediately said angrily, "I never thought she could go this far. Once we get to the Capital, I want to see how she explains to Uncle and Aunt. Truly... she has lost all face for our Third Household!"

Qin Shuang's anger was also Qin Yan's anger. Qin Wan frowned slightly, also very much disapproving of Qin Xiang's actions. But she was still somewhat surprised. Qin Xiang actually dared to leave Hundred Herb Garden alone in the dark and head east alone... For a young lady who had never left the courtyard gate and had been served by others growing up, this truly required immense courage.

All along the way, Qin Shuang kept cursing Qin Xiang. But as she cursed, she became more and more anxious in her heart. Their carriage walked slowly, but it was still much faster than people walking. And Qin Yan chasing on a fast horse was even faster like the wind and lightning. However, watching as they had walked for over two hours, they had neither seen Qin Xiang's shadow on the main road nor seen Qin Yan catch up from behind.

Qin Shuang pursed her lips and said, "How far can she walk alone? Usually, if she walks a bit more in the courtyard, she feels tired. Let alone now. Either she borrowed a horse or carriage from the Bai family's Young Master, or something happened to her. I do not know if she came out in the middle of the night. If she was kidnapped by village men, what should we do?"

The more Qin Shuang thought about it, the more worried she became. Qin Wan also felt anxious. She could not help but lift the curtain and say, "Steward Zhou."

Hearing the shout, Zhou Huai approached the carriage. Qin Wan said, "We still have not seen her. Either she is hiding somewhere, or she has a carriage or a horse, or something happened to her. Steward Zhou, if possible, why not find a household by the roadside and ask, see if she walked this road. If not, we must go back to look. There is also the possibility that something happened to her..."

Zhou Huai also felt it was very strange. Hearing this, he said, "Very well. Then let us still go to Sanyuan Village."

Qin Wan's impression of Sanyuan Village was not good at all. However, they were only passing through today; they could certainly stop in the village. Qin Wan's eyes shifted slightly. "Then let us still go to Laifu Inn to ask."

Zhou Huai knew the villagers of Sanyuan Village were exclusive of outsiders, so he immediately nodded.

That day when they went to Hundred Herb Garden in the heavy snow, they walked for nearly half a day. Today the snow had melted, so they walked a bit faster. After the two of them agreed, they walked for another half hour and arrived at Sanyuan Village.

The group entered the village in a grand procession. Sure enough, not long after entering the village, they encountered villagers with unfriendly looks in their eyes. Moreover, some people recognized them. Probably thinking of the fact that Sun Haoyue had come that day, the passing villagers only cast unkind glances but did not do anything. Following the village's long street forward, soon, the convoy stopped in front of Laifu Inn.

"While asking questions, you two young ladies should eat something. We still have to rush on the road in a while."

As Zhou Huai said this, Fuling and the others brought down the pastries Aunt Lin had prepared. They had just entered the courtyard gate when Wei Changfu walked out of the room with a "yo." "The two Qin Young Misses are here. Seeing the weather cleared up, I was thinking your group might be heading north. I didn't expect I really guessed right. Eh, why are there only two of you..."

"The Heir Apparent and Fifth Young Miss have matters to attend to."

Zhou Huai stepped forward to explain a sentence, then exchanged pleasantries with Wei Changfu and entered the main hall. Wei Changfu said enthusiastically, "Although there is no good wine or food, there is hot tea." As he spoke, he ordered a waiter to serve tea.

In such cold weather, having hot tea was excellent. The last incident could not be blamed on Wei Changfu. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang sat down in the hall. Fuling and the others opened the food box, treating it as a lunch.

On the other side, Zhou Huai had already started asking. Wei Changfu waved his hand and said, "No. The road is incredibly desolate right now. I actually wish I could see someone pass by..."

Zhou Huai asked somewhat vaguely. Wei Changfu did not take it to heart at all. He turned his eyes but saw Qin Shuang eating a tea crisp. The fragrance was very unique. Wei Changfu took a light sniff and his eyes immediately lit up. "Who made this tea crisp of yours, Miss Qin?"

Zhou Huai was anxious in his heart, but with Wei Changfu here, he could not speak with Qin Wan and the others. Hearing this question, Qin Shuang said, "It was brought over from Divine Physician Sun. Why?"

Wei Changfu sniffed lightly again. "This tea crisp is truly fragrant..."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang smiled. She was just about to praise Aunt Lin's skills when she heard Wei Changfu say, "This scent reminds me of a small cook in the village. It is the daughter of the Zhang family at the east end of the village. The Zhang family grew tea for generations. She makes a hand-me-down tea crisp. The taste is exactly the same as the fragrance of the tea crisp you are eating, Miss Qin. I even bought some to eat before..."

A light flashed in Qin Shuang's eyes. "Eh? It is exactly the same and still available for sale? Where is her house? I want to go buy some to take along..."

Hearing this, Wei Changfu sighed. "You cannot buy it anymore. That Zhang family daughter died a few months ago."