The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 151 : Old Acquaintances of the Marquis Household, A Family of Immense Wealth

151: Old Acquaintances of the Marquis Household, A Family of Immense Wealth

The wind was fierce, the snow relentless. The graceful figure on horseback carried an air of unrestrained, almost giddy joy, and the blazing red robe he wore was the most scorching splash of color in this desolate, wind-whipped snowscape.

"Seventh Brother! I've been eagerly waiting for you for three whole days! Why are you so late!"

As he spoke, the man and horse drew closer. Peering out the carriage window, Qin Shuang drew a sharp, stunned breath.

Qin Shuang hadn't seen many men in her life. On the lower end, there was Huo Ning, dashing and spirited. On the higher end, there was Yan Chi, so devastatingly handsome and noble he seemed almost unapproachable. Even Qin Yan was an elegant, aristocratic beauty of a man. But the person before her now surpassed all her expectations. His ink-black hair was exceedingly long, loosely tied halfway up with a plain white jade hairpin, the rest cascading over his shoulders like a waterfall of satin. That womanly length of hair aside, he was actually wearing a scarlet robe with wide sleeves…

Scarlet. Qin Shuang had never seen a man wear a red robe before.

Qin Shuang stared, dumbfounded, her gaze somehow unable to pull away from the newcomer's face.

It was a face of such beauty it bordered on wildness. The bone structure of his features bore a faint resemblance to Yan Chi's, but the aura of the two men was worlds apart. Yan Chi's presence, much like his profound, ink-black robes, was noble, proud, sharp, and unfathomably deep. This new arrival, though he also possessed phoenix eyes, had longer, more slender, upturned corners. His features lacked Yan Chi's sharp, steely edge. Yan Chi's face seemed carved by axe and chisel, while this man's appeared painted with ink wash, beautiful indeed, and exquisite, yet carrying a more bewitching quality than Yan Chi. Combined with that hair, longer even than Qin Wan's, and that fiery, alluring red robe, and a frame far less straight and powerful than Yan Chi's… when Qin Shuang first saw him galloping towards them, she almost thought a woman was approaching.

His wide-sleeved crimson robe was very loose, flapping wildly in the fierce wind. The dancing red sleeves alongside that waterfall of blue-black hair held Qin Shuang utterly spellbound for a moment. Her own Second Brother Qin Li had somewhat delicate features, but compared to this man before her, it was the difference between cloud and mud. This man's beauty carried not a trace of femininity; instead, it bore an unrestrained, arrogant nobility. While his overall presence couldn't match Yan Chi's, he still managed to make Qin Yan, who had just stepped down from his carriage not far away, look like an ordinary young master of good family.

Standing there together, Qin Shuang looked from Yan Chi to this new man, and Qin Yan's presence seemed to dim by two degrees.

Compared to the newcomer's joyous enthusiasm, Yan Chi was far calmer. He seemed to have expected to encounter this person in Yuzhou, so the corner of his mouth merely lifted slightly. "We were delayed for two days in Yuanzhou."

As he spoke, Yan Chi turned to look at Qin Yan, who was walking over. "Coincidentally met up with the young master of the Qin household, so we came together."

Qin Yan stepped forward two paces. "Greetings to Your Highness, the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong."

Qin Shuang, still peeking out the window, abruptly snapped her mouth shut. She hurriedly dropped the curtain and retreated from the window, then looked at Qin Wan inside the carriage with utter disbelief. "The Heir Apparent of Prince Gong…"

From inside her own carriage, Qin Wan had also gotten a general look at the scene outside. Hearing this, she nodded slightly, indicating she understood.

She hadn't finished reading that list of names yesterday. At the time, she hadn't seen this person's name on it. But for Prince Yu's birthday celebrations, the arrival of Prince Gong's heir apparent was perfectly normal.

Yan Li laughed heartily, his gaze sweeping over to Qin Yan. "Eh? Why are you traveling by carriage and not on horseback?"

Qin Yan looked up with a pained smile. "Caught a chill."

Hearing this, Yan Li's grin widened. He pointed at Qin Yan with his riding crop, chuckling. "You useless thing! When we raced horses and played kickball in the capital, weren't you full of bravado?!"

Yan Li's tone suggested great familiarity with Qin Yan. Qin Yan, hearing it, showed no offense, merely smiling as he replied, "I'm afraid I've become a laughingstock in Your Highness's eyes."

Yan Li's smile didn't fade. His eyes swept over the several carriages behind Qin Yan. "These are…"

Qin Yan quickly explained, "I was on my way to Jinzhou to fetch three cousins of mine to the capital. Then word came from the family while I was in Yuanzhou summoning me here for the birthday celebrations. So I brought my cousins along, taking a slight detour."

Yan Li let out a sound of surprise. "Inside those carriages are three young Qin ladies?"

Qin Yan nodded and turned to say something to Zhou Huai. Soon, Zhou Huai came over to the carriages where Qin Shuang and Qin Wan were. "Sixth Young Miss, Ninth Young Miss, the young master requests that the two of you come down and pay your respects to His Highness, the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong…"

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged a glance. Qin Wan showed little reaction, but Qin Shuang swiftly straightened her dress. After Zhou Huai finished, he went to Qin Xiang's carriage. Not long after, all three Qin sisters, draped in cloaks, stepped down from their carriages.

The wind and snow still fell. Yan Li sat on his horse, a smiling light in his eyes as he watched the three young ladies descend. Qin Xiang, in a pale lotus-colored cloak, looked delicate and frail. Qin Shuang, in a purple dress, though still slightly plump, was undeniably pretty and charming. Qin Wan was the last to step down. As Yan Li's gaze landed on her, his eyes brightened slightly.

The wind was fierce, the snow relentless. Today, Qin Wan wore a moon-white padded jacket and skirt embroidered with a subtle orchid pattern, draped over with a deep blue cloak whose collar was trimmed with white fox fur. Because it was so cold, she had pulled the cloak's hood up when she descended. With the hood up, her small face appeared even more exquisite and fair, like frost or snow. Strangely, Yan Li felt an unshakable, unflappable grace about Qin Wan's bearing, as if even the wind and snow could not bend her. She walked last among the three, yet in Yan Li's eyes, only Qin Wan was visible.

Qin Wan's every step and movement carried poise. The wind and snow did not obscure her beauty; instead, they accentuated her ethereal, orchid-like elegance, standing apart from the world. As she walked, her eyes were slightly lowered, yet her back was as straight and proud as a bamboo stalk.

"Greetings to Your Highness."

Qin Xiang led the way, walking a few steps ahead. When she was four or five paces from Yan Li, she curtsied gracefully.

Qin Shuang and Qin Wan followed behind, also offering slight bows.

Seeing this, Yan Li laughed. "Quickly, rise, no need for such formalities. Young Master Qin, hurry and let these young ladies back into their carriages. In weather like this, best not let them catch a chill. If such beauties fall ill, this one's heart would ache as well."

Yan Li's laughter was bright, his tone teasing. Qin Yan shook his head with a resigned smile. "Alright, alright. Back to the carriages."

Qin Shuang gave a soft, disgruntled little huff as she turned. She walked quickly to Qin Wan's side. "Why didn't he say that before we got out of the carriage? He waited until we'd already walked all the way over before mentioning being afraid we'd catch a chill."

The corner of Qin Wan's mouth lifted slightly, but she said nothing for a moment. Regarding this Heir Apparent of Prince Gong, she knew a thing or two.

Among all the princely heirs, his status was rather awkward. Yet he showed not the slightest restraint. Whether in the capital or beyond, he was known for his reckless speech and actions, giving the imperial clan a great deal of headaches.

If Yan Chi was the demonic god of slaughter from the Shuo Xi plateau, this man was the capital's own little terror.

Over on their side, Yan Li looked from Yan Chi to Qin Yan. "Seventh Brother, Young Master Qin, where do you plan to stay tonight?" Then, directing his question to Yan Chi, "Uncle Prince Yu knew you were coming and had accommodations prepared. But when I went, I wanted to drag Seventh Brother to stay with me, so I declined his arrangements. I just didn't expect Young Master Qin would be with you."

Yan Chi looked at Yan Li. "Where are you staying?"

Hearing this, Yan Li's smile deepened. "Tianxiang Tower."

Just the name told Yan Chi and Qin Yan exactly what kind of place that was. Qin Yan smiled but remained silent. Yan Chi, however, frowned. "How can you be so unrestrained, even here in Yuzhou? Aren't you afraid the elders of the clan will criticize you again?"

Yan Li chuckled lightly. "They can't control me even in the capital, let alone here in Yuzhou."

With a casual wave of his riding crop, he added, "If Young Master Qin had come alone, the three of us staying at Tianxiang Tower would have been perfect. But with three young Qin ladies, it's rather inconvenient."

Qin Yan smiled wryly. "Your Highness need not stand on ceremony. Please, stay where you are most comfortable. We can manage at an inn."

A glimmer of deeper amusement appeared in Yan Li's eyes. "Tianxiang Tower has recently acquired a new top courtesan. Utterly delightful. A shame Young Master Qin won't have the chance to enjoy her this time."

Qin Yan could only shake his head with a rueful smile. Yan Li then looked at Yan Chi. "So, Seventh Brother, you'll come with me, right? The banquet is already prepared. It's been so long since we last met. Let's drink ourselves into oblivion tonight, and go see Uncle Prince Yu tomorrow."

Yan Chi's brow furrowed even tighter. "Since we're here, of course we must pay our respects to Uncle Prince Yu tonight. It wouldn't be proper to wait until tomorrow." With that, he urged his horse forward. "You're coming with me."

Yan Li immediately protested loudly. "No, no, you can't! You know what Uncle Prince Yu is like. If we go tonight, we'll never get back to Tianxiang Tower. My Hua Tong is waiting for me…"

Yan Chi had no intention of continuing the discussion. He merely glanced at Qin Yan. "Young Master Qin is staying at an inn?"

Qin Yan nodded. "Yes. I haven't prepared a gift yet for this trip. It's just as well to prepare a congratulatory gift tomorrow. I also need to meet a few of my father's old acquaintances here. Please, both Your Highnesses, go ahead. Don't stand on ceremony on my account."

Yan Chi nodded and said no more. "Very well. Then we shall take our leave first."

They had originally planned to part ways after entering the city. But Yan Li's sudden appearance forced Yan Chi's hand. Unwilling to be dragged to Tianxiang Tower by Yan Li, he had to forcibly steer him towards Prince Yu's residence. Qin Yan bowed respectfully, cupping his hands. "Please travel safely, Your Highnesses."

Yan Chi inclined his head slightly. His gaze seemed to sweep almost imperceptibly over the carriages behind them. Then he flicked his reins. Seeing Yan Chi's resolute, no-nonsense manner, Yan Li immediately urged his horse after him. "Ah, Seventh Brother… Seventh Brother, wait… Let's discuss this properly…"

Qin Yan stood in place for a moment, a helpless smile touching his lips, then turned back. Zhou Huai hurried forward. "Young Master, shall we proceed directly to the inn?"

Qin Yan nodded, then mounted his own carriage. By the time the Qin procession began moving again, Yan Chi and Yan Li were already out of sight ahead.

In the rear carriage, Qin Shuang was still muttering in awe. "I really feel that Heir Apparent of Prince Gong is even more beautiful than a woman…"

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qin Wan's party entered Yuzhou City.

The days of continuous travel meant they hadn't lingered in a bustling city for some time. Entering Yuzhou gave one the illusion of returning to Jinzhou. However, Yuzhou was already in the north. Not only was the weather colder, but everything about the surroundings differed from Jinzhou. Yet for Qin Wan, looking upon Yuzhou's bustling, lively streets evoked a faint sense of familiarity.

Night had already fallen completely. The pleasure boats and taverns lining Yuzhou's main street were brightly lit. Despite the late hour, the city's liveliness hadn't diminished in the slightest. Qin Shuang lifted the carriage window curtain to look outside. "It's wonderful. The capital must be even livelier than this, right? At this hour, are the streets of the capital even more crowded?"

Qin Shuang spoke with yearning. Qin Wan nodded. "Naturally, it is even more lively."

Qin Shuang blinked her large, bright eyes, reflecting the night lights from the buildings, making them sparkle. "If it's this lively here, one can only imagine the capital…"

The Great Zhou was vast. Jinzhou was in the south. Though also an important town, it couldn't quite compare to cities closer to the imperial capital. Qin Shuang stared, unblinking, and added, "Do you think, since we've already met the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong, we'll get to see other important figures? Maybe even a prince?"

Qin Wan couldn't help a slight smile. "I don't know. But with the New Year approaching, I imagine not many will come."

Qin Shuang nodded, about to speak, when she suddenly caught sight of a place with brilliant lights like a jade palace, a towering three-story building. "Look, what place is that? It truly looks like the imperial palace!"

Qin Shuang had never been to the palace, but the most magnificent, imposing place she could imagine was the palace, so she unconsciously used it for comparison. Qin Wan looked out the window, a faint smile touching her lips. "I'm afraid that might be where we are going."

Qin Shuang made a sound of surprise, full of disbelief. "Aren't we going to an inn?"

Qin Wan's smile remained but she said nothing. After another cup of tea's worth of travel, the Qin family carriages came to a stop before that jade palace-like location.

"Sixth Young Miss, Ninth Young Miss, we've arrived at the inn."

Qin Shuang stared at Qin Wan in astonishment. "Can you tell fortunes too?"

Qin Wan smiled but didn't answer. She couldn't tell fortunes, but in her memory, this building had existed ten years ago. Only, after ten years, the inn seemed to have expanded considerably, clearly Yuzhou City's number one establishment.

"This place is so big, so imposing."

Qin Shuang couldn't help exclaiming as soon as she stepped down. Qin Yan, who had just alighted nearby, heard her and chuckled. "This Shifang Inn is one of the largest inns in the entire northwest. The inn's owner has opened branches in every major western city. This one in Yuzhou is the original, so it's especially grand. The name means 'welcoming guests from all ten directions.'"

Hearing this, Qin Shuang was slightly amazed. "Opened in every western city…"

As she spoke, Qin Xiang and Qin Wan also descended from their carriages. Zhou Huai entered the inn first. Inside, they saw the decor was exceptionally elegant and refined. Qin Shuang stood to the side, listening as Zhou Huai paid. Naturally, the amount of silver was also exceptionally elegant and refined.

"Running inns is profitable to begin with. If the owner has opened so many, wouldn't that mean…"

Qin Shuang couldn't help muttering quietly. Qin Yan nodded with a smile. "The owner of this inn became one of the west's wealthiest men several years ago."

Qin Shuang sighed in admiration, nodding, and took a few more longing glances before reigning in her wonder.

Compared to Qin Shuang, Qin Xiang was much calmer. After days in the carriage, her face showed some weariness, though the minor injuries from before had healed. Even so, she still maintained an air of frail weakness, seldom speaking unless necessary.

"Esteemed guests, please, come upstairs."

Once Zhou Huai completed the formalities, an enthusiastic waiter led Qin Wan and the others upstairs. The inn had three floors. The waiter explained, "The rooms for our honored guests are on the third floor. The second floor has a restaurant. If you wish to dine, you may go down to the second floor."

Qin Shuang had never seen an inn with its own restaurant and couldn't help another exclamation of surprise. However, seeing Qin Xiang and Qin Yan both acting completely unfazed, she lifted her chin slightly, trying to look as if she'd seen it all before.

Soon, they reached their respective rooms. Qin Yan said, "I'll have Steward Zhou order a table of dishes sent up. We cousins haven't had a proper meal together in days. Come to my room when it's ready."

Seeing they were all somewhat tired, Qin Yan's consideration was thorough.

Qin Wan first settled Bai Ying in her room before going to her own to freshen up. After the master and servant had rested briefly, Zhou Huai came to knock on the door. The meal was ready.

True to its reputation as Yuzhou's finest inn, every room in Shifang Inn was spacious, divided into two sections. When the Qin sisters entered Qin Yan's room, they saw a table laden with fine dishes and wine, the best meal they'd had in days.

"Very well. Go down and have the others eat as well."

Qin Yan gave the order, and Zhou Huai closed the door and withdrew.

"Alright, we've finally reached Yuzhou. Everyone, eat at ease." Qin Yan gestured for them to sit and took his own seat. Qin Shuang sat down first but then seemed to remember something. "Third Brother, where are those two heir apparents?"

Hearing this, Qin Yan couldn't help a slightly rueful smile. "His Highness, the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong, has his own arrangements. We needn't concern ourselves."

There was a touch of helpless amusement in his smile as he spoke. Qin Shuang didn't pick up on it, but Qin Wan did.

Earlier, after they returned to the carriages, the Heir Apparent of Prince Gong's voice had risen and fallen; she hadn't clearly heard where they were going. But hearing Qin Yan's words now, she understood somewhat.

Thus, the meal became somewhat flavorless.

"Tomorrow, I need to meet two of Father's old acquaintances. You girls may stroll around the city or rest here. The day after, we'll attend Prince Yu's birthday banquet. Having thought it over, it wouldn't be proper for all three of you to go. At most, two can accompany me."

In an instant, all three young women, including Qin Wan, looked up at Qin Yan.

Qin Yan, meeting Qin Wan's gaze, felt a flicker of surprise. Hadn't she said she didn't want to go? Yet now, her eyes held a glimmer of anticipation. Uncertain, he asked, "Ninth Cousin, do you wish to go?"

A slight curve touched Qin Wan's lips. "I originally thought staying at the inn to rest might be better. But then I considered that Prince Yu's birthday banquet is sure to be a grand occasion, and the thought of seeing it arose. However, it's entirely up to you, Third Brother."

Qin Yan's gaze softened. Qin Wan's thinking was perfectly reasonable. Besides, he had originally intended to take her.

"Very well. Then you and Sixth Cousin will accompany me."

The moment these words left his mouth, Qin Shuang was immediately overjoyed, while Qin Xiang, who had also harbored some hope, froze, her eyes filling with disappointment. "Third Brother."

Qin Yan's gaze turned cold as he looked at her. "Your health is not yet recovered. Rest well and recuperate."

Qin Xiang opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it. She looked at Qin Yan for a moment, her eyes reddening. She put down her chopsticks and stood up.

Qin Yan frowned, also setting down his chopsticks. "What are you doing?"

Qin Xiang had intended to make a scene, but how could she dare defy Qin Yan? So, with a choked voice full of grievance, she said, "I've eaten my fill. Please continue your meal slowly, Third Brother, cousins. I shall retire first."

With that, she gave a curt bow, turned, and left.

The door opened and closed. Qin Xiang's figure vanished. Wanhe, who had followed Qin Xiang out, was frantic with worry, but how could she stop her mistress? She could only follow Qin Xiang back to her room.

Inside the room, the atmosphere grew heavy for a moment.

Qin Yan let out a cold laugh after a moment, then softened his tone. "It's fine. If she's full, we'll eat ours."

Qin Shuang forced a smile, her lips stretching awkwardly. "Let's eat, let's eat…"

Though Qin Xiang's departure greatly displeased Qin Yan, it didn't ultimately affect the meal. After a brief period of low spirits, Qin Shuang began chattering again. Soon, the three of them were eating and talking. After finishing, Qin Shuang followed Qin Wan back to her room, clinging to her for a few words before finally leaving. Once Qin Shuang was gone, Qin Wan washed up and lay down.

She hadn't originally intended to join the excitement. But Li Muyun was coming. She couldn't not go.

Qin Wan closed her eyes. She had intended to think about what role Li Muyun played in her father's case, but somehow her thoughts drifted to Yan Chi. Yan Chi had left with Yan Li. Qin Yan said they had arrangements. She had heard quite a few things about this Yan Li's reputation. What kind of arrangements could they be?

Qin Wan clutched the brocade quilt, feeling as if a hard lump of iron had lodged in her heart, an unpleasant weight.

Though feeling unwell, the exhaustion of many days on the road finally overtook her. After tossing and turning for a while, Qin Wan eventually slipped into slumber.

Early the next morning, Qin Wan awoke. Fuling was already up before her. Seeing her awake, she said, "Young Miss, it's snowing again! And heavier than the snow we saw at Cloud Mist Mountain!"

Qin Wan got up and walked to the window, pushing it open to look…

They were on the third floor, with an extremely open view. From here, she could see almost half of Yuzhou City. At this moment, the entire city was blanketed in heavy snow, a vast expanse of pure white that instinctively lifted one's spirits. Qin Wan breathed out a sigh, then hurriedly closed the window again. The snowy scene was magnificent, but it was also bitterly cold.

"The young master has already gone out. He said breakfast would be sent up later. With the heavy snow today, he instructed the three young misses not to wander off. If you wish to go out, wait until he returns to accompany you…"

Hearing this, Qin Wan frowned slightly. She did want to go out and take a look. The last time she was in Yuzhou was ten years ago, when her father held office here. A decade had passed; Yuzhou had naturally changed considerably. Stepping once more onto the land where her family had once lived filled her with nostalgia and a stirring excitement. However, since Qin Yan had given such instructions, she would simply not go out.

Staying in the guest room was naturally rather boring. Qin Wan went to check on Bai Ying.

Six days had passed. Bai Ying's wounds had begun to heal. With Qin Wan here, her recovery wasn't an issue, but two arrow wounds still required time to fully mend.

"In the future, do you wish to stay with me, or…"

Qin Wan had sent Fuling back to the room to fetch medicine and now asked quietly.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of anxiety appeared on Bai Ying's usually calm, expressionless face. "Does the Young Miss find this servant's service lacking? Or does the Young Miss mind that this servant is His Highness's subordinate?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Naturally, neither. It's that you possess martial skills. Staying with me would be a waste of your talent. I heard you originally handled intelligence for His Highness. Wouldn't it be better for you to remain by His Highness's side?"

Hearing this, Bai Ying relaxed slightly but shook her head. "His Highness's side is not short of one servant like me. His Highness trained many people in the early years, all deployed in various places. It's just that His Highness knew I didn't wish to be too far from my elder brother, so he kept me nearby for assignments. Young Miss need not consider that. Besides, His Highness's intention was always for this servant to protect you."

As she spoke, a look of self-reproach crossed Bai Ying's face. "Last time was this servant's failure in duty."

Qin Wan shook her head helplessly. "You failed in duty? If you hadn't taken those two arrows for me, I would likely be gone. You look so slender, yet you endured that pain for me. How could I blame you? I only feel heartache. Please don't overthink it."

Bai Ying lowered her head. "Young Miss is benevolent and kind-hearted. Serving you is this servant's good fortune. If you hadn't risked yourself to save this servant that day, Young Miss wouldn't have been in danger…" She looked up. "Most masters in this world believe servants should sacrifice themselves for them as a matter of course. They would never disregard their own safety for a mere servant. For that reason alone, this servant is willing to follow you from the bottom of my heart."

Qin Wan sighed softly. "If you think that way… very well. But if you ever wish to return, or if His Highness needs you back, you may go at any time…"

"Where would Bai Ying return to?"

Fuling stepped through the door, having overheard Qin Wan's words about Bai Ying returning. She hadn't quite understood.

Qin Wan and Bai Ying exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Bai Ying, usually so serious and unsmiling, smiled now, her face suddenly becoming vivid and lively. She was quite a lovely young woman.

"We were discussing her injuries. Saying we should take her downstairs for a walk later. She's been lying down for several days. If she feels unwell, she can just come back…"

Though Fuling felt something was a bit off, her little mind couldn't quite grasp what. She nodded in agreement. "Yes, she should move around a bit. Lying down too long makes one dizzy."

Bai Ying nodded. "Alright. I'll listen to the Young Miss."

The three of them chatted for a while longer. Not long after, Qin Shuang got up, and soon someone brought breakfast. After finishing the meal, while Bai Ying rested, Qin Wan took Qin Shuang to her own room to read.

After reading for a while, Qin Shuang began complaining of boredom, tugging at Qin Wan to go out. Qin Wan had Fuling fetch Bai Ying. The few of them bundled up warmly, preparing to go downstairs for a stroll. But just as they stepped out their door, Qin Yan returned. Seeing them all bundled up as if ready to go out, he smiled. "Where are you off to?"

Qin Shuang's eyes darted about. She pointed at Bai Ying. "Nine said lying down too long isn't good for an invalid. We're taking her down for a walk."

Fuling rolled her eyes. Qin Yan gave Qin Shuang an amused, knowing look. "The streets are covered in snow right now. What's there to see? If you want to stroll, how about I find you a garden?"

Qin Shuang blushed slightly at being seen through, then her eyes lit up at Qin Yan's words.

"Find a garden to stroll?! Where to?!"

Qin Yan smiled. "To show you what the home of one of the west's wealthiest families looks like."

Qin Shuang hadn't yet processed this when she saw Zhou Huai leading a middle-aged man in luxurious attire up the stairs. Zhou Huai smiled. "Brother Pang, these are the two young misses of the household. The other is likely resting…"

The middle-aged man following Zhou Huai, though dressed finely, wore a very respectful smile, indicating his status wasn't high. And since Zhou Huai addressed him as "brother," he was likely of similar standing.

Hearing Zhou Huai's introduction, the man hurried forward. "Pang Youde pays his respects to the two Young Misses."

Qin Shuang and Qin Wan curtsied slightly, still unclear about this man's identity. Seeing their confusion, Pang Youde smiled. "Though the inn is our own, now that the Young Master and the three Young Misses have arrived, how can you possibly stay here? The master is waiting for you. Please, prepare yourselves quickly and follow this humble servant back to the Clear Radiance Garden."

Seeing Qin Wan and Qin Shuang still looked puzzled, Qin Yan laughed heartily. "The owner of Shifang Inn is Lord Pang. Lord Pang has some past acquaintance with my father. Knowing we were here, he insisted we stay at his residence. This is Lord Pang's chief steward. Clear Radiance Garden is Lord Pang's estate. Alright, don't just stand there. Go prepare, and inform Fifth Cousin as well."

Qin Wan and Qin Shuang finally understood. In front of Pang Youde, it wasn't appropriate to ask more. They nodded in acknowledgment and returned to their rooms to pack. Their luggage was light to begin with. Qin Wan, besides a few sets of dresses, had only brought medicinal materials. It took barely the time to drink a cup of tea to pack. When they emerged, Pang Youde was still chatting with Zhou Huai about something. From what Qin Wan overheard, it seemed related to Prince Yu's birthday banquet…

Another moment later, Qin Wan and her party boarded carriages and headed straight for Clear Radiance Garden.

Qin Shuang, finally able to sit with Qin Wan again, said eagerly, "Third Brother didn't mention it at all yesterday. He only told us today that Eldest Uncle knows the owner of Shifang Inn. This Lord Pang is so enthusiastic, directly inviting us to stay at his home."

Listening, Qin Wan also felt a stir of curiosity. She hadn't expected the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household to have connections to the famous Pang Fuliang.

Speaking of which, this Pang Fuliang was also quite a figure. It was said he started from nothing, building his fortune from a single, unremarkable small inn, achieving great success in just a few short years. In Qin Wan's memory, ten years ago, Pang Filiang wasn't yet addressed as "Lord Pang." Presumably, as his family's wealth grew, he gained more respect. The Clear Radiance Garden they were going to was rumored to have been the residence of a certain prince decades ago. Qin Wan didn't know how it came into Pang Fuliang's hands.

In the Great Zhou dynasty, ordinary merchants weren't considered particularly distinguished. But a first-rank tycoon like Pang Filiang, who dominated the entire western region, commanded considerable respect. Not only would the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household not refuse his goodwill, even Prince Yu would likely seek his friendship. His family's enterprises were responsible for much of Yuzhou's prosperity. The title "Lord Pang" was well-deserved.

The snow hadn't stopped. This continuous flurry seemed intent on laying another thick silver blanket over Yuzhou City. The weather grew even more biting. Qin Shuang didn't dare lift the curtain to look at the scenery outside. Yet, as they followed Yuzhou's main road north, after the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, the noise and bustle faded away, replaced by serene quiet. Qin Shuang, curious, couldn't help peeking out.

What she saw was that the carriage had, at some point, entered a residential area. Though residential, it was clearly not ordinary homes. Not only were the gates of each household tall and imposing, but some estates also displayed continuous stretches of carved beams and painted rafters. Qin Shuang clicked her tongue. "The wealthiest families in Yuzhou must live here."

"Young Miss is correct."

Suddenly, Pang Youde, who had been riding behind them on horseback, came up alongside their carriage. He had also come on horseback and, hearing Qin Shuang's words, came forward to enlighten her. "The north side is where Yuzhou's most distinguished residents live. The master's Clear Radiance Garden is here. Prince Yu's residence is also in this area." He pointed. "Just one street over."

Qin Shuang craned her neck, but the mansion in front blocked her view. Pang Youde smiled kindly. "No need to be impatient, Sixth Young Miss. You'll see when you attend the banquet tomorrow."

Qin Shuang smiled sheepishly and quickly lowered the curtain, refraining from further gaping.

They traveled in silence for another cup of tea's time before the carriage slowly came to a stop.

Pang Youde's voice came from outside. "Young Misses, we've arrived. Please alight."

Qin Shuang was the first to step down, Qin Wan close behind. Upon descending, they saw an extraordinarily tall and imposing gatehouse. The Qin residence in Jinzhou was considered wealthy, but its entrance was far less grand and imposing than Clear Radiance Garden's. The three characters "Clear Radiance Garden," written in powerful, flowing calligraphy, were exceptionally majestic. Even Qin Xiang couldn't help showing a trace of awe.

Qin Yan walked ahead, following Pang Youde through the main gate. Just inside, a hearty laugh greeted them.

"The Young Master has arrived?! And the three young misses from the Marquis household are here as well?"

The voice carried a hint of arrogant pride, yet the laughter within it gave Qin Wan an inexplicable sense of dislike.

Raising her eyes, Qin Wan saw a young man in a blue robe walking briskly towards them.

In that brief moment, Qin Yan had already stepped forward. "Brother Pang, my cousins and I will be troubling you."

"What trouble? When the Young Master comes to Yuzhou but stays at an inn, that would be our great discourtesy…" As he spoke, the newcomer's gaze swept over the three young women behind Qin Yan. His eyes lingered on Qin Wan for a moment, then he exclaimed in admiration, "Heavens! I'd long heard the young ladies of the Marquis household were stunning, but seeing them now, I know the rumors didn't do you justice. What a pity I didn't know the Young Master was coming sooner…"

Qin Wan kept her eyes lowered, feeling the man's gaze sweep over her face with insolent freedom. She showed nothing on her face, but inwardly she was already on guard.

Yan Li also loved to laugh and spoke in a similarly playful manner, but he was far from this man's oily slickness. Yan Li had a reputation for unconventional behavior, but he didn't look at them with this man's brazen, naked appraisal…

"Young ladies, Pang Yiwen pays his respects…"

Pang Yiwen stood straight, offering a slight bow to the three Qin sisters. Qin Xiang stood at the front, lowering her eyes with a hint of shyness as she returned the greeting. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang followed her lead. Pang Yiwen smiled, his eyes sweeping over the three of them before turning back to converse with Qin Yan. "Let me first show the Young Master and your cousins to their courtyard to rest. Then we can go see Father and Mother for a meal. Mother has already prepared a banquet to welcome the Young Master."

Qin Yan navigated the pleasantries with Pang Yiwen with practiced ease. The two men walked ahead, Qin Wan and the others following behind. The garden they entered was a winding path of secluded beauty. Every detail, from the carved windows and bracket sets to the flower beds and rockeries, showed careful craftsmanship. If the details were so fine, the overall layout was even more imposing and magnificent, fully displaying the noble style of its owner.

Pang Yiwen seemed accustomed to hosting guests in his home. Every few steps, he would point out some feature of the garden's scenery. Each time he looked back, his gaze fell on Qin Wan. Admiring, appreciative, but mostly carrying a brash, covetous look that Qin Wan found distasteful. Qin Wan slowed her steps slightly, letting Qin Shuang, oblivious, walk ahead of her. This way, Pang Yiwen looked back less often.

Qin Wan frowned slightly, feeling that moving to Clear Radiance Garden might not have been the best decision.