novelraw Chapter 148 : The Intimacy of Applying Medicine, I'll Obey You
Chapter 148 : The Intimacy of Applying Medicine, I'll Obey You
148: The Intimacy of Applying Medicine, I'll Obey You
"Young Miss, what does His Highness the Heir Apparent wish to ask you about?"
Having left Qin Yan's courtyard, Fuling's tone held a hint of apprehension. "Surely His Highness hasn't forgotten that you helped him in Jinzhou, and there's the Grand Princess's instructions..."
Qin Wan, hearing Fuling's fearful tone, could only smile wryly. "Naturally, it's to inquire about the events in this residence. Among the Qin household party, only I share an old acquaintance with him. Asking others would probably not put his mind at ease."
Fuling tilted her head, thinking this made sense, and couldn't help but sigh. "Young Miss, this time we truly owe it to His Highness. He saved you again. Counting back, it seems His Highness has saved you three times now."
"At that moment, this servant was truly desperate, wishing she could have jumped in after you. But that beam was more than half my height; I couldn't even have climbed over it. Just as this servant was frantic, His Highness appeared. You have no idea, his face changed the moment he heard you had fallen. Without a second thought, he jumped right in."
Fuling's voice was filled with awe and gratitude. "I truly never expected His Highness the Heir Apparent to be such a man of his word. Having promised the Grand Princess, he would brave such danger. Indeed, those from the military are different."
Qin Wan listened, wanting to laugh and sigh at Fuling's naivety. She nodded in agreement. "Exactly so. His Highness the Heir Apparent has saved my life this time, not to mention previous occasions. Naturally, I will answer whatever he asks thoroughly."
Fuling, with utmost seriousness, supported Qin Wan, nodding repeatedly.
Before long, the soldier leading the way stopped and pointed to a courtyard ahead. "Here we are, Ninth Young Miss. His Highness the Heir Apparent is resting here temporarily. Please go in."
Qin Wan nodded her thanks and stepped through the gate.
The courtyard before her clearly had just been hastily cleaned. The speed had been impressive; dust and cobwebs from the eaves and railings were gone, but Qin Wan could see clearly that much of the red lacquer had also been scraped off. It occurred to Qin Wan that this was likely the work of General Han's soldiers. She smiled faintly with a sigh.
"Ninth Young Miss!" Bai Feng called from the doorway, promptly coming over to bow, then said with a smile, "His Highness is waiting for you inside."
Qin Wan acknowledged this and headed toward the tightly closed main door. Upon reaching it, Bai Feng pushed it open. "Please."
Qin Wan entered. Fuling started to follow, but Bai Feng smiled and said, "Miss Fuling, would you mind waiting outside?"
Hearing this, Fuling was secretly relieved. She was somewhat intimidated by Yan Chi anyway; not having to serve at his side was best. Moreover, Yan Chi had saved Qin Wan multiple times and was particularly attentive to the Grand Princess's instructions. Fuling couldn't be more reassured.
She looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan sensed something slightly different in Bai Feng's gaze but didn't dwell on it. "Then you wait here."
"Yes. This servant will wait outside for the Young Miss. Call if you need anything, Young Miss." Fuling agreed cheerfully.
Qin Wan's figure disappeared behind the door. Bai Feng closed it, a bright smile on his face.
With the door shut, the room fell into silence. Qin Wan looked around the guest courtyard; it was similar to her own, with the inner chamber in the second section. She called out hesitantly, "Your Highness?"
No response came. At the same time, Qin Wan faintly heard rustling sounds from the inner chamber.
Frowning, she walked toward it. As she reached the doorway, Yan Chi's figure came into view. He had changed his clothes, but now he wore only a thin inner robe. The robe's front was unfastened, hanging wide open. Qin Wan's eyes immediately fell on the expanse of his bare chest, and her steps halted abruptly. Looking closer, his half-tied hair still held a hint of dampness; clearly, he had washed not long ago. Qin Wan blinked, momentarily forgetting to bow.
Yan Chi, seeing Qin Wan suddenly stop, frowned slightly. "Come over here."
Qin Wan's gaze remained fixed on his chest. This scene was different from being underground.
Qin Wan didn't move. Yan Chi's frown deepened. He suddenly strode toward her. His robe, already open, billowed with his movement, revealing even more of his toned, clearly defined chest and abdomen.
Qin Wan's lips pressed tighter and tighter. Combined with Yan Chi's intimidating aura, she almost wanted to flee. But she had only retreated one step when her hand was caught. Yan Chi wordlessly pulled her toward the bed.
"That... Your High... You..."
Yan Chi simply pulled Qin Wan toward the bedside. Hearing Qin Wan stammer, he glanced sideways at her. His eyes caught the faint blush coloring her cheeks and the flicker of panic in her gaze. Clearly, she was thinking the wrong thing.
Yan Chi chuckled softly, a low "heh" that made Qin Wan glare at him. That glare held anger, annoyance, and a hint of reproach, stirring an itch deep in Yan Chi's heart. He pulled her over, then sat down on the edge of the bed with an imposing, legs-apart posture, immediately removing his outer robe.
Qin Wan's eyes widened further, as if trying to bore a hole through him with her stare.
While Great Zhou's society wasn't overly strict about male-female separation, and it was common for men and women with good rapport to go out together for leisure, two people alone together with disheveled clothing was certainly no small matter.
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi's bare torso. Besides old scars, the clearly defined lines of his waist and the taut muscles of his abdomen were carved like stone, making her face burn and her heart race. Yan Chi had served in the army for years and possessed martial prowess, yet his physique wasn't overly bulky or rough. Instead, it was firm and lean to a perfect degree. Moreover, this body had been tempered and forged in the vast, bloody expanse of war. Every time Qin Wan thought of this, she felt an awe-inspiring, stirring power seemed to lie beneath his skin, a force capable of conquering cities and territories. That power filled her with both reverence and attraction. Plus, everyone appreciates beauty. Qin Wan had seen countless bodies, living and dead, but never one as perfect as Yan Chi's. Thus, the palpitations in her heart intensified.
Qin Wan calmed her mind, making several efforts to regain the detachment a physician should have toward a patient. Not only did she fail, but her gaze still involuntarily drifted toward Yan Chi, even as her cheeks burned as if on fire.
A glint of interest and something deeper appeared in Yan Chi's eyes. In the dark, Qin Wan had already been remarkably different, but ultimately, he couldn't see her expression. Now, with bright daylight outside the window, the rosy glow on Qin Wan's face was as brilliant and tender as peach blossoms in March. Yan Chi's originally restrained heart was finding restraint difficult. He glanced down at his own body. "Does it look good?"
Qin Wan snapped her head up, eyes widening even more fiercely.
When she conducted autopsies or was serious and angry, she could be quite intimidating. But this glare held no imposing aura whatsoever, instead brimming with a mix of reproach, anger, shyness, and annoyance, making Yan Chi's thoughts run wild. Yan Chi's throat moved; he almost wanted to pull her into his arms immediately. But the moment he raised his hand, Qin Wan took a step back.
Instantly, she was all caution. "Why did you summon me?"
Seeing her like a bristling cat, Yan Chi couldn't bear to provoke her further. He smiled slightly and turned around. As he turned, the old scar running diagonally across his back came into view.
At the sight of this injury, Qin Wan's guard immediately dropped.
Yan Chi's wound was severe. Back in Jinzhou, she had said it would take at least a month to heal, and to fully recover, he needed to avoid martial exertion for two months. But avoiding martial exertion was impossible for Yan Chi. Leaving aside other matters, he couldn't have saved her twice without using his skills. Looking at it now, Qin Wan's heart softened instantly.
Things were truly different now. They had confessed their feelings, and she valued him more than before. Seeing his wound, how could she stay angry? Frowning, Qin Wan stepped forward.
"Does it hurt?" Qin Wan's fingertips gently brushed over the area. The upper and lower parts of the wound had healed, but the central inch-long section showed signs of festering. Qin Wan's heart sank slightly. Yan Chi's voice remained steady. "It doesn't hurt."
Qin Wan said nothing. "Where is the ointment I gave you?"
Yan Chi pointed to a tall cabinet beside the bed. Sure enough, the ointment she had given him was placed there.
Qin Wan walked over and picked it up. As soon as she held it, her frown deepened. "Why is there still so much left?"
Yan Chi didn't turn, speaking with utter indifference. "There were military drills in Jinzhou those days. I didn't pay attention."
Military drills... Hearing this, Qin Wan knew he must have exerted himself again. The corner of her mouth twitched, but she said nothing. "If it keeps festering, the wound will need to be reopened. That will definitely leave lasting issues."
As she spoke, Qin Wan had already taken out Cold Moon. The blade's tip hovered over the festering area, but she couldn't bear to cause him more pain. After a moment, she sheathed it and applied the ointment instead. "Did you come to Yuanzhou for the military drills? Did you participate?"
Yan Chi shook his head. "No. General Han is an old subordinate of my father's. I came on private business."
Qin Wan let out an "Oh," somewhat relieved. "I don't know if the pharmacy here was destroyed. I'll need to make new ointment for you. For the next half month, you absolutely must not exert yourself martially. If the wound reopens, it will fester again."
Yan Chi was silent for a moment, his voice softening. "I'll obey you."
Without his serious demeanor, Qin Wan's heart felt as if it had been gently bumped. She remained silent, applying the medicine. Soon, she fetched some cotton cloth from nearby to bandage him.
It wasn't the first time she had bandaged him, but back then, she hadn't harbored the slightest romantic thought. Even being close to his bare back hadn't felt like anything. This time was completely different.
Qin Wan took the cloth and wrapped it from his back to his front. Her hand passed under his left armpit, then from his chest over to his right shoulder. It was almost as if she were embracing him from behind. The first wrap was fine, the second was fine. On the third wrap, Yan Chi suddenly grabbed her hands. He held both her hands, guiding her to tie a knot in front of his chest. Once the knot was tied, he swiftly turned around. Qin Wan had no time to retreat now. Yan Chi's hands settled on her waist.
He sat with his legs apart, posture erect, pulling Qin Wan to stand between his legs, his arms encircling her waist.
Qin Wan took a deep breath. Standing while he sat, their gazes were almost level; Yan Chi even had to tilt his head slightly to look at her.
From her angle, Yan Chi's eyes seemed exceptionally deep, yet a few embers flickered faintly in their depths. Sensing his arms tightening, Qin Wan quickly braced her hands against his shoulders.
Yan Chi's gaze grew increasingly dark, his voice dropping low. "What?"
If she hadn't known his intentions, Qin Wan might have inwardly trembled. But knowing what he wanted to do, Qin Wan, feeling it was improper, wouldn't indulge him. "Broad daylight, and I've been in here a while."
Yan Chi chuckled softly. "So what?"
Qin Wan then said, "My Third Brother already knows about the token you gave me..."
Yan Chi smiled. "That brother of yours is sharp. He must have questioned you. How did you answer?"
"I only said you entrusted me with the Grand Princess's care and gave me the token because you couldn't travel with me." Pausing briefly, a wave of tenderness softened Qin Wan's heart, and her voice unconsciously lowered. "You deceived me again..."
Yan Chi's eyes held amusement and a hint of restless, possessive desire. He looked at Qin Wan for a moment, then suddenly wrapped his arms around her and turned. With a gasp, Qin Wan found herself lying on the bed amidst a whirl of disorientation. Yan Chi leaned over her, his eyes so profound they made Qin Wan shiver. Her meager strength was useless against him. If he wanted to do something to her, she couldn't resist. If she managed to hold him off momentarily, it was only because he was holding back.
Her robes swirled around her, spreading on the bed like a blooming green lotus. Her inky hair swirled too, now fanning out around her head like a pool of fragrant ink. Yan Chi gazed at her, his breathing growing slightly unsteady. "How did I deceive you?"
Seeing he was only supporting himself above her, not pressing down, Qin Wan stopped resisting for now. Besides, she wasn't ungrateful; she was genuinely moved. "That token symbolizes your identity within the imperial family. How could you give it to me?"
Yan Chi's attention seemed only half on her words. He was meticulously studying her brows, eyes, and cherry lips. Though he answered, his thoughts and physical control were focused on restraint. "Why couldn't I give it to you?"
Qin Wan was taken aback. "What if I lost it? What if I used that token recklessly, acting improperly on my own whims? How would you handle the fallout? And... and if people knew you gave that token to an unrelated woman, how would you explain that?"
"First, you wouldn't lose it.
Second, you wouldn't act improperly.
Third, even if you did both of the above, it would be just the thing to let them all know."
As Yan Chi spoke, Qin Wan suddenly felt her sleeve grow heavy. Reaching in, she felt the cold touch of metal. The token had been placed in her sleeve pocket. Qin Wan was utterly shocked. "No!"
She tried to sit up and take out the token, but Yan Chi suddenly leaned in closer.
His bare upper body hovered over hers, seemingly touching yet not. Qin Wan felt restrained and didn't dare move while lying there. "Third Brother has already started to suspect. It truly won't do..."
Yan Chi remained perfectly composed. "I rather wish he would know."
Qin Wan glared at him. To pinpoint when their relationship grew closer, it was likely when he assumed the role of Investigating Commissioner to oversee the Qin family case. At that time, Qin Wan felt he had cleared the way for her, as if understanding what she wanted and silently helping her achieve it. Whether out of appreciation or genuine need for her assistance, such indulgence and care had truly made her let down her guard toward him unconsciously. Add to that his repeated rescues, and she witnessed his reliability and decisiveness in ordinary matters. During the two months of working closely together, she unknowingly grew more attached. Back then, she hadn't really perceived that demon-king side of him.
But now, Qin Wan finally understood. This man's decisive, swift actions aside, the pride and dominance in his bones were extremely well-hidden. Qin Wan vividly remembered the time he held an umbrella for her. Back then, she only felt he was steady and dependable, inwardly admiring how someone of his status could so silently and thoroughly care for a young girl, what grace and propriety...
Seeing Yan Chi's resolute, uncompromising expression, Qin Wan inwardly smiled wryly.
What grace? What propriety? That was probably this man exercising restraint and employing strategy. Seemingly effortless, he understood that with her temperament, he had to be patient and subtle. On one hand, indulging her; on the other, helping her. Then occasionally showing some care and goodwill, revealing glimpses of his strength in front of her, while keeping this domineering, wicked side hidden. Add to that the heartache she felt while treating his wounds... If she hadn't developed any feelings, she would truly be made of wood...
"No! You cannot! I forbid it!"
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi's face and uttered these six words decisively. She didn't want to judge a gentleman with a petty heart, but she had some skill in reading people. Given Yan Chi's cunning tactics and his strategic mind, she truly believed he was capable of such things. Angry at her own slowness to realize, her tone was forceful.
"No, cannot, forbid…"
Yan Chi playfully "chewed over" these six words, then looked down at her from his superior position. "Your ‘no' and ‘cannot' hold no weight with me. But this ‘forbid' is rather interesting. Explain how you intend to ‘forbid' me."
Qin Wan's face immediately flushed red. This "forbid" seemed similar to "no" and "cannot," but carried an ambiguous, commanding tone, as if proclaiming sovereignty born of possession. Yan Chi's gaze made her heart miss a beat.
"‘Forbid' means forbid. This isn't a matter for you alone."
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, then suddenly settled his weight fully upon her. His upper body was bare, his head resting on her shoulder, his breath brushing her cheek and ear. His voice was deeper and more mesmerizing than ever before. "I always thought that aside from the one seated on the throne, no one in this world could tell me ‘no.' But I love it when you ‘forbid' me. Since you forbid it, then I'll obey you."
As long as he didn't make their relationship public, Qin Wan wouldn't be angry. But not only had he changed his attitude, his words were also so... so provocative... Qin Wan's hands pushing against his shoulders seemed to lack strength.
Sensing her subtle movement, Yan Chi chuckled softly. "Too heavy?"
Qin Wan slightly furrowed her brows. Though he wasn't a hulking giant, he was still...
Before Qin Wan could finish her inner complaint, Yan Chi rolled onto his side, lying beside her. Qin Wan turned her head, but Yan Chi pulled her into his embrace. Qin Wan half-leaned on Yan Chi's chest, momentarily unable to bring herself to push away from his bare torso.
"Lie with me for a while. I haven't rested for several days."
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. Yan Chi's display of strength and vulnerability was always perfectly timed. A moment ago, she was standing a step away from him; now she was willingly lying in his arms. Qin Wan sighed softly and nestled against his arm.
The token placed in her sleeve pocket had warmed slightly. Qin Wan suddenly came to her senses. "How did the token reach you?"
She had given the token to a Qin household guard, who should have gone to the Jixian Magistrate's office. The guard seemed to have returned, but she hadn't heard Qin Yan mention where the token was earlier. Yet here it was, with him.
"The Magistrate of Jixian and the Prefect of Yuanzhou have arrived."
Qin Wan's brows twitched. Qin Yan had said they would arrive before nightfall, but they were already here. She looked at Yan Chi, who had closed his eyes, and whispered, "Since they're here, why are you leaving them waiting?"
"Naturally, they should wait." Yan Chi's tone was icy, holding a hint of thinly veiled anger.
Qin Wan didn't understand his meaning but didn't ask for now. She still felt Yan Chi being bare-chested was improper, so she pulled his outer robe over him. Yan Chi didn't react. "When will you depart?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan's brow creased slightly. "Third Brother hasn't said, but based on his earlier intentions, we were in a hurry."
As she spoke, she asked, "When will you leave? Is there business in Yuanzhou?"
Yan Chi opened his eyes to look at her. "When do you want me to leave?"
Qin Wan knew Yan Chi was also returning to the capital. If they could travel together, it would be ideal. But with Qin Yan and the Qin household party watching, she feared revealing any telltale signs. Seeing her expression, Yan Chi understood her worry and snorted lightly. "Heartless."
"You have other matters to attend to. If we can travel together, that would be good."
Qin Wan added this after a moment. When she looked at Yan Chi again, she saw his eyes were closed, his breathing deep and even. Qin Wan was slightly surprised. She waited a while longer, but Yan Chi showed no sign of movement. Only then did she prop herself up to look at him. They were mere inches apart. For someone as vigilant as him to fall asleep like this... Qin Wan watched him for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, then pulled a thin quilt over him. In such cold weather, how resilient must one's constitution be to withstand the chill?
But even the most resilient body could be injured. Qin Wan's gaze darkened as she looked at the cotton bandage on his shoulder.
She rose with extreme care, then cautiously walked out. Only when she reached the outer room did she straighten her robes. Glancing back uneasily, she could see nothing beyond the wall.
Qin Wan exhaled softly several times, showing no abnormality as she walked out. Opening the door, Fuling and Bai Feng both looked over. Qin Wan smiled slightly. "Your master said he wishes to rest for a while."
Bai Feng nodded. "Understood. This humble servant will guard outside."
Qin Wan then looked toward the main gate direction. "I heard the Prefect and the Magistrate of Jixian have arrived?"
Bai Feng, being Yan Chi's most trusted aide, naturally knew these things well. Sure enough, he said, "Yes. They arrived over half an hour ago. The master doesn't wish to see them, so they're waiting outside."
He paused slightly. "I heard His Highness is displeased because the Magistrate of Jixian failed to control his subordinates properly."
Qin Wan's heart stirred. Looking at Bai Feng, she sensed a deeper meaning in his eyes. His words were clearly meant for her to know. Another layer of emotion, both aching and tender, settled in her heart. "I see." After a moment, she asked, "Did your Highness mention when he plans to return to the capital?"
Bai Feng quickly replied, "His Highness has been discussing matters with General Han. It seems nothing major remains. General Han is temporarily overseeing this place. However, since such a major case occurred here, ultimately the Prefect of Yuanzhou should take charge. Tonight, this place will likely be handed over to the Yuanzhou Prefectural Yamen. General Han will take his men back. As for the master's plans, it's not yet known."
Qin Wan took a deep breath. "If His Highness returns to the capital, traveling with us would be excellent. However, our journey will be quite slow. I fear it would delay His Highness."
A light flashed in Bai Feng's eyes. "Not at all, not at all, how could it? When the master wakes, this humble servant will definitely relay your words exactly."
Qin Wan repeated herself, worried Yan Chi might not have heard her earlier. Seeing Bai Feng's response, she felt reassured and left with Fuling. Once outside the courtyard gate, the peculiar feeling in her heart still lingered.
Leaving aside that he had saved her again, even in other matters, his intentions were clear and evident. And she, who had never experienced such convoluted emotions before, now understood the torment of affection.
"Young Miss, what did His Highness the Heir Apparent say?"
Fuling still hadn't detected the slightest hint of romantic sentiment between Yan Chi and Qin Wan. Qin Wan replied, "He just asked about everyone in the residence and what we knew during our few days here."
"What could we know? We only saw a cat corpse once..." Fuling sighed. "Divine Physician Sun's affair... I really don't know what to say. A man of his stature, how could he not see reason? Although Madam Sun passed away, he still had so many family members and servants, so many people waiting for him to save them. And then... so many in the world revered him."
Qin Wan's steps paused slightly. She glanced toward the east. She hadn't approached the ruins, but even from this distance, she could sense the desolation among the broken walls and collapsed beams. Qin Wan sighed. "Where is Young Master Sun?"
Hearing this, Fuling quickly nodded. "I know, I know. I asked Guard Bai earlier."
Qin Wan nodded. "Then take me to see him..."
Fuling agreed with an "Mhm." Though their acquaintance with Sun Muqing was brief, even Fuling could see through his pure, kind nature. Fuling quite liked Sun Muqing's innocence and goodness. So she led Qin Wan northward.
"Young Miss, it seems to be that courtyard ahead."
Fuling pointed. Qin Wan looked and indeed saw several soldiers guarding the courtyard gate. Qin Wan approached with Fuling. Before she could speak, a soldier asked, "The Ninth Young Miss of the Qin household?"
Qin Wan nodded. The soldier pushed the gate open. "Ninth Young Miss, please!"
Qin Wan hesitated slightly. "How do you recognize me?"
The soldier chuckled. "General Han gave orders. He said if a young, pretty lady came, we should ask if she's the Ninth Young Miss of the Qin household. If she is, let her in."
Qin Wan remembered that earlier in the morning, Yan Chi hadn't wanted her to see Sun Muqing. But Han Kaiyang had given such orders, meaning it must be Yan Chi's command. Qin Wan nodded. As she stepped inside, her mind was filled with images of Yan Chi.
"Ninth Young Miss!"
Before Qin Wan could finish her thought, she heard a clear, warm voice. Raising her eyes, she saw Sun Muqing striding out of a room, his face haggard.
A night and half a day had passed. Sun Muqing seemed not to have slept at all last night, dark circles under his eyes, his appearance dejected, no longer resembling the jade-like youth. "Ninth Young Miss, you're out? Are you alright?"
Qin Wan's gaze held reassurance. "Don't worry, Young Master Sun. I am well. Aside from a maid beside me who was injured, everyone else is fine."
Sun Muqing let out a long exhale. "That's good, that's good. You all were my guests. If something had happened, I would have died of shame. Ninth Young Miss, I never imagined Senior Brother would..."
As he spoke, Sun Muqing's eyes reddened, and he lowered his head.
Qin Wan sighed. "Divine Physician Sun loved his wife deeply. Unable to overcome that barrier, he took a wrong path. This matter has nothing to do with you, Young Master Sun. You should keep an open heart, and... accept condolences."
Sun Muqing sniffled, then lifted his head. His eyes were red, slightly damp at the corners, but he hadn't lost composure in front of Qin Wan and Fuling. "I... I know. I'm fine. It's just that my heart feels somewhat..."
He wanted to downplay his emotions, but halfway through, he couldn't continue. Sun Haoyue was someone he deeply respected and admired. For things to turn out like this, he truly couldn't feel at ease anytime soon.
Seeing this, Qin Wan didn't know how to console him. Though she also hailed from Medicine King Valley, she was different from Sun Muqing. She couldn't share his feelings, so it wasn't appropriate to offer calm, rational advice. She had come here because she was concerned about him, but there was little she could actually do to help.
"What did General Han say?" Qin Wan asked after a long moment.
"He said the case will ultimately be handed over to the Yuanzhou Prefectural Yamen. I've already sent letters to Yizhou and Lianzhou. Their families should send people soon. For now, I'll stay here and assist the Prefectural Yamen with the aftermath. Once representatives from both sides arrive, I'll decide when to leave. The servants here are panicked; I cannot leave now."
Qin Wan nodded. "That's the right thing to do. Consider it fulfilling your duty."
Sun Muqing's voice was low and heavy. "I originally intended to go to the capital, but now it will certainly be delayed for a long time. When will you depart, Ninth Young Miss?"
Qin Wan pressed her lips together. "In a few days."
Sun Muqing's face showed renewed regret. "It's all my fault, delaying your journey. And your elder sister... please convey my apologies on my behalf. Fortunately, nothing happened, otherwise..."
Qin Wan said, "She merely suffered a fright. Moreover, this matter has nothing to do with you. Why apologize? It might be better that you aren't heading north now, Young Master Sun. It looks like snow is coming again. Traveling alone would be quite inconvenient."
Sun Muqing gave a bitter smile. "Now... I'll have to wait until next spring at least before going to the capital. I wonder if the Heir Apparent will hold any grudge against the Sun and Bai families because of this. I..."
"He won't." Qin Wan's tone was firm. Leaving aside that Qin Yan needed to cultivate alliances, simply based on his character, he wasn't one to confuse right and wrong. "Third Brother won't. We all know the rights and wrongs of this matter."
Sun Muqing relaxed a little. "That's good. I truly don't wish to lose you as a friend, Ninth Young Miss. Hearing you say so puts my mind at ease. When there is an opportunity in the future, we will surely meet again."
Qin Wan immediately agreed. But looking at Sun Muqing, she didn't truly wish for him to set foot in the capital.
He said he wanted to visit an old acquaintance. Who else could it be? Having grown up in Lianzhou, how many old acquaintances did he have in the capital?
Qin Wan hesitated, wanting to say more, but ultimately held back. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, she left with Fuling. Shen Wan was dead; now she was Qin Wan. If she said too much, it might raise questions about their past senior sister-junior brother relationship.
Returning to her courtyard, as soon as Qin Wan entered her room, she saw Qin Yan. Seeing her return, Qin Yan hurriedly asked, "What did His Highness ask about?"
Qin Wan smiled. "He only asked about any anomalies in the residence these past few days, and if the journey had been safe. All matters pertaining to the Grand Princess's instructions. Then he offered a few words of advice and let me leave. However, I went to see Young Master Sun just now."
Qin Yan uttered an "Oh." "The Prefect of Yuanzhou and the others have arrived."
"So soon." Qin Wan feigned ignorance. "Are they here to take over?"
Qin Yan nodded. "His Highness didn't go to see them? He only spoke with you for a while?"
Leaving the Prefect of Yuanzhou waiting while speaking with Qin Wan was indeed hard to justify.
Qin Wan replied, "His Highness seemed rather tired. After speaking for a bit, he said he needed to rest. I don't know his plans."
Qin Yan nodded again. "How is Young Master Sun faring?"
"He intends to stay and help with the aftermath. It's unknown when people from Lianzhou and Yizhou will arrive. As a direct descendant of the Sun family, he naturally won't leave. He originally said he would go to the capital, but now that will be postponed."
As Qin Wan spoke, she sat down. Fuling hurried to pour tea. Noticing Qin Shuang wasn't in the room, Qin Wan changed the subject. "Where is Sixth Sister?"
"She went to see Fifth Younger Sister." Qin Yan's expression shifted several times when mentioning Qin Xiang. Sun Haoyue wouldn't have openly abducted anyone; he merely set a trap to see if Qin Xiang would take the bait. He probably never expected a Fifth Young Miss of the Qin household to be so easily fooled.
If not for Qin Xiang, they would already be in Yuanzhou City by now.
"She's not seriously injured, just gained another trauma."
Qin Yan's tone held a hint of coldness. Qin Wan nodded and didn't inquire further.
Qin Yan then said, "Your maid's injury is rather serious, so we'll depart the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, let her rest and recover for a day. Shuang'er mentioned that maid is quite clever. It's good to have her by your side."
Only quite clever? Qin Wan's mind turned. Hearing Qin Yan's words felt quite comforting. "Good. Thank you, Third Brother."
"We are family. No need for thanks. If anyone should thank you, it's Fifth Younger Sister."
Qin Wan smiled but remained silent, contemplating whether to return Bai Ying to Yan Chi. After a moment's thought, she shook her head and dismissed the idea. With Yan Chi's personality, not adding more people to her entourage would be a blessing.
Since Qin Yan had set the time, Qin Wan had no objections. Soon, Qin Shuang returned and clung to Qin Wan. Qin Wan couldn't very well seek out Yan Chi herself, and Yan Chi didn't send anyone to summon her again. While this avoided suspicion, Qin Wan, having developed feelings, couldn't help but miss Yan Chi. After resting that night, she dreamed of Yan Chi again. Waking early the next morning, she learned the soldiers in the residence had all been withdrawn by General Han, but Yan Chi had remained.
Since they were leaving the next day, this day was quite leisurely. Qin Wan retrieved medicinal herbs from her carriage and prepared two batches of ointment. One was for Bai Ying; as for the other, she was pondering how to deliver it to Yan Chi when Qin Yan came to her.
"Come with me to see His Highness the Heir Apparent of Prince Rui."
These words made Qin Wan's heart skip a beat. "What does Third Brother intend to do?"
Qin Yan frowned slightly. "Since His Highness the Heir Apparent is here, it wouldn't be proper to be in the same place and not meet. I'm not well acquainted with him. Having you accompany me would be best."
This reasoning was sound. Qin Wan agreed, unsure if Qin Yan was genuine or testing her relationship with Yan Chi. With trepidation, she followed Qin Yan to Yan Chi's quarters.