The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 152 : Uncanny Brothers, Yan Chi's Sudden Appearance

152: Uncanny Brothers, Yan Chi's Sudden Appearance

The guest courtyard prepared by the Pang family for the Qin siblings was located to the west of Clear Radiance Garden. The three Qin sisters were assigned to one courtyard, while Qin Yan's courtyard was adjacent to theirs. Pang Yiwen called a servant to lead Qin Wan and the other two to their lodgings, then went off with Qin Yan.

"My, this courtyard is rather spacious…"

The moment they entered the courtyard, Qin Shuang exclaimed in admiration. Though the courtyard had only a single inner gate, it was quite expansive. The main hall, a row of three large rooms, was particularly broad, with a wing of side rooms on each side. Qin Shuang paused briefly, but before she could utter a second word, Qin Xiang, followed by Wanhe and Xiu Zhi, headed straight for the main hall. Qin Shuang blinked, then turned to look back at Qin Wan. "Which side will you take?"

Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "Either is fine."

Qin Shuang moved toward the left wing closest to her, and Qin Wan turned toward the right wing.

Entering the room, she saw it was also divided into three sections. The central sitting area was smaller, while the north and south wings were larger. The north wing held a bedroom furnished with a canopied bed, and the south wing was a warm antechamber. Fuling set down all the belongings they had brought, settling Bai Ying in the warm antechamber. Though Bai Ying had recovered a fair amount, Qin Wan insisted she rest and recuperate by lying down.

Once Qin Wan had settled, Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang also emerged from their rooms.

The three of them stepped out of the courtyard gate. Pang Yiwen was already waiting outside. Because it was snowing, Fuling and the others held up umbrellas. Pang Yiwen watched the three graceful young ladies approach, a slight smile playing on his lips. "The Young Master truly has good fortune. I lack such beautiful sisters..."

Qin Yan's brow furrowed slightly, but he smiled. "If Brother Pang truly had so many younger sisters, you might find them rather vexing."

Pang Yiwen gestured with a sweep of his hand. "Young Master, this way, please. Father has arranged a banquet in the Morning Light Hall."

His words spoken, Qin Yan and Pang Yiwen walked ahead, leading the procession north along the gallery within Clear Radiance Garden. The garden's features, whether the meticulously carved flying eaves and gabled roofs or the elegantly arranged flower beds and rockeries, were all blanketed in a layer of white snow. Occasionally, a few clusters of brilliant red plum blossoms bloomed vividly at the corners of walls, creating a truly magnificent winter scene.

As they walked, Qin Wan noticed that there seemed to be few servants in Clear Radiance Garden, and those they saw moved with quiet, orderly decorum, bowing respectfully to their master and mistress without even a flicker of their eyes. They were clearly well-trained servants of a prominent household.

Yet... Qin Wan glanced at Pang Yiwen walking ahead. This master of theirs seemed somewhat slick and lacking in substance.

Passing another flower bed, the previously quiet atmosphere was suddenly broken. Faintly, Qin Wan heard the sound of strings and flutes. Just as she was feeling a little surprised, Qin Yan ahead spoke up. "Hm? Who is playing music?"

Hearing this, Pang Yiwen smiled. "It's not someone from our household playing."

With that, Pang Yiwen paused for a moment as if to create suspense, then asked, "The Young Master must know of the Shuangqing Troupe, right?"

A light sparkled in Qin Yan's eyes. "How could I not know of them?"

Pang Yiwen's smile widened. "Of course, of course. The Shuangqing Troupe's troupe is currently in the capital. The Young Master is likely a regular patron. Naturally, you know them well." He glanced in the direction of the music. "For Prince Yu's birthday this time, besides preparing a gift, Father also booked the entire Shuangqing Troupe. Starting tomorrow, they'll perform for two consecutive days at Prince Yu's residence. After those two days, Father will also be receiving a couple of old friends. They'll perform at our home for another two days."

He finished speaking and looked back at them. "I hope the Young Master and Young Misses will stay and enjoy the opera."

Qin Yan's eyes showed surprise. The three Qin sisters also looked slightly astonished. Even someone as sheltered as Qin Shuang had heard of the Shuangqing Troupe's reputation, and Qin Yan knew them even better. When carousing with the sons of nobility in the capital, besides frequenting pleasure quarters and painted boats, opera troupes were a major entertainment. The Shuangqing Troupe performed southern opera, and its members were predominantly women. Their repertoire tended to be more delicate and graceful than northern opera troupes, and the actors and actresses were exceptionally beautiful. Naturally, they earned vast sums of silver from these young noblemen.

In the capital, visiting the Shuangqing Troupe on a regular day was always packed. Some time ago, word had it that the Shuangqing Troupe had received a lavish invitation from a wealthy southern merchant, so the troupe leader took his two favorite disciples south. It was assumed they would return to the capital earlier, given the approaching New Year. But unexpectedly, they had come to Yuzhou. Though performing for Prince Yu's birthday celebration was a great honor, the Pang family's act of booking the entire troupe showcased their immense wealth. Qin Yan couldn't help but marvel once more at the Pang family's colossal fortune.

"To think the Shuangqing Troupe is actually here in the garden. That's wonderful. If we don't get our fill at Prince Yu's residence tomorrow, we can come back and enjoy our fill here at Brother Pang's..."

Pang Yiwen laughed openly. "Naturally, of course! The Young Master can request any piece you wish to hear!"

Qin Yan's smile deepened as well. But then he noticed the music gradually fading into the distance. Pang Yiwen explained, "Their entire troupe has over twenty people. We've arranged quarters for them at the back, so as not to disturb the Young Master and Young Misses."

Qin Yan couldn't help but remark, "Brother Pang's consideration is truly thorough..."

As they spoke, the two men exchanged a few more words about the Shuangqing Troupe. Listening, Qin Wan also unconsciously glanced towards the northern part of the garden. She had known of the Shuangqing Troupe's reputation for a long time. In her youth, she had accompanied her mother to listen to their performances a couple of times. Later, as the troupe's fame grew and the audiences grew larger and noisier, her mother found it too clamorous and never went again.

Qin Wan lowered her gaze, her heart growing somewhat heavy. Traveling northward, she was finally drawing closer and closer to the past.

Passing through another central courtyard, the view suddenly opened up. A three-story pavilion stood not far ahead, also blanketed in white snow. Plum groves flanked both sides of the pavilion. Though Qin Wan couldn't see behind it, she imagined it was similar. As she thought this, the fresh, delicate fragrance of plum blossoms wafted to her nose. Qin Wan inhaled lightly, the heaviness in her heart dissipating considerably.

"Elder Brother, Young Master..."

Just then, a young man in a blue robe emerged from the doorway. His features bore some resemblance to Pang Yiwen's, but he seemed more reserved than his elder brother. Seeing him, Pang Yiwen said, "Second Brother, come quickly and pay your respects to the Young Master."

Then he looked at Qin Yan. "This is my second brother, Yiwu!"

Pang Yiwu strode forward briskly. "Greetings to the Young Master..."

Pang Yiwen pointed to Qin Wan and the others. "These are the three young misses from the Marquis household."

Pang Yiwu hurriedly cupped his hands respectfully. "Young Misses, my respects."

Qin Yan smiled. "I believe this is the first time I've met the Second Young Master."

Pang Yiwen patted Pang Yiwu on the back. "My second brother is often away helping Father with business. Young Master, please don't take offense."

He gestured with his hand. "Father is inside. Please."

Qin Yan then led the three Qin sisters, striding into the Morning Light Hall. As soon as they entered, a wave of warmth greeted them. The banquet tables were already arranged. Pang Fuliang, dressed in a rich, dark brown robe, was playing with a young boy of about five or six by the window. Hearing the commotion, he turned, smiling. "The Young Master has arrived."

"Lord Pang. We impose upon you!"

Pang Fuliang chuckled and patted the little boy on the shoulder, gesturing for him to turn and look at the guests. The boy held a delicate little carriage in his hands. He turned around, and Qin Yan immediately said, "Is this the Third Young Gentleman? Truly a handsome child."

Pang Fuliang looked down. "Jiayan, why aren't you greeting them? Call him 'Brother'..."

The little carriage in Pang Jiayan's hands was gold-colored. Whether it was pure gold or not was unclear, but the jewels inlaid on it seemed real. The horses and shafts of the carriage were fixed, but the wheels were movable. Pang Jiayan looked at Qin Yan while continuously spinning the carriage wheels with his hands. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Hello, Brother."

Qin Yan smiled, pulling a jade pendant from his sleeve. "Meeting the Third Young Gentleman for the first time, I didn't prepare a proper gift. Please don't disdain this humble jade pendant."

Pang Jiayan only came up to Qin Yan's waist. Qin Yan offered the pendant to him. Pang Jiayan seemed at a loss for a moment, then turned to glance at Pang Fuliang. Pang Fuliang chuckled kindly. "Take it."

Pang Jiayan's face showed no particular joy, only a bit of curiosity as he looked at the pendant twice before accepting it.

For a moment, everyone in the room smiled. Pang Fuliang, now past forty, finally stood up. Though middle-aged, Pang Fuliang was tall and imposing. His luxurious robes further accentuated his distinguished bearing. In contrast, both his eldest and second sons lacked his commanding presence. His features were regular, his eyes somewhat long and narrow, hinting at shrewdness yet containing just the right amount of warmth. He took Pang Jiayan by the hand, his gaze sweeping over Qin Xiang and her two cousins.

"These are the three young misses of the Qin household?"

Qin Yan nodded quickly. "Yes, these are my three cousins."

He turned to glance at the three young women. At his look, Qin Xiang hurriedly led Qin Wan and the others in a curtsy.

They rose after bowing. Pang Fuliang smiled, his lips curving upward. "Such grace, such beauty. Truly worthy of the Qin household. Since you're here, treat it as your own home. Please, don't stand on ceremony."

He pointed to the main hall's banquet tables. "Come, let's all be seated."

As he spoke, he turned his head. "Jiayan, put the carriage down. Time to eat."

Pang Yiwen and Pang Yiwu had already turned to invite Qin Yan and his party to take their seats. But seeing Pang Fuliang hadn't moved, Qin Yan also remained standing.

Pang Fuliang was of an advanced age, while Pang Jiayan appeared only six or seven, clearly a son born in his later years. In the short time since they entered, Qin Wan and the others had seen clearly that Pang Fuliang doted on this young son immensely.

Not only was Pang Jiayan exquisitely beautiful like carved jade, his eyes were a bright amber color, and his lashes were long and curled like tiny fans. Though a little boy, he was as adorable as a doll. Added to his quiet, well-behaved nature, even Qin Yan's eyes showed a flicker of affection. After Pang Fuliang spoke, they saw Pang Jiayan obediently place the gold-inlaid, jewel-studded carriage on the table, even setting down the jade pendant Qin Yan had given him, then obediently followed Pang Fuliang.

Only then did the group proceed to take their seats. Pang Fuliang sat at the head of the table with Pang Jiayan on his lap. Qin Yan sat with the three Qin sisters on his left, while Pang Yiwen and his brother sat on his right.

"A simple meal with some modest wine. I hope the Young Master will not disdain it. Please, taste the local flavors of Yuzhou."

Pang Fuliang spoke warmly and kindly. Qin Yan raised his wine cup. "We truly impose upon you, Lord Pang. First, let me toast you."

Pang Fuliang chuckled, raising his own cup. "What imposition? If you didn't come, I'd be upset. I haven't seen the Marquis for years. With you here, how could I let you stay at an inn?"

With that, Pang Fuliang raised his cup to Qin Yan. "This wine is Yuzhou's finest Bamboo Leaf Green. Try it."

Qin Yan drank it in one gulp, praising it repeatedly. After two cups, the welcoming banquet truly began. Qin Wan noticed there was no place setting left for another person and wondered why Lady Pang hadn't come. As she was thinking, she felt a tangible gaze land on her face. She looked up and immediately met Pang Yiwen's eyes.

Pang Yiwen smiled. "Young ladies, please don't stand on ceremony. Eat well."

Qin Wan nodded slightly, lowering her gaze.

Pang Fuliang, while helping Pang Jiayan eat, asked, "How long does the Young Master plan to stay?"

Qin Yan replied, "The family urged an early return. With the New Year approaching, it's not good to linger outside too long. I originally planned to leave after the birthday celebration."

Pang Fuliang smiled. "I was hoping you might meet someone."

Qin Yan showed a flicker of surprise. "Hm? Meet whom?"

"The Head Salt Transport Commissioner for the Two Lakes. Does the Young Master know of him?"

Qin Yan was slightly taken aback. "Lord Pang means... Transport Commissioner Liu Renli?"

Pang Fuliang nodded with a gentle smile. "Exactly him. He's traveling from Huzhou, originally also coming to offer birthday congratulations. But he was delayed on the road and won't arrive until tomorrow. He and I have some past acquaintance. I'll also be having him stay at Clear Radiance Garden."

Qin Yan showed a flicker of surprise, his eyes rapidly shifting. "Transport Commissioner Liu hasn't returned to the capital for years."

Pang Fuliang smiled. "The Young Master is aware. Salt production in the southern Two Lakes region is increasing. Illegal salt smuggling is also growing. These past few years, he's been busy managing official salt in the south while also cracking down on smuggling. Naturally, he's been swamped. But this time, he's returning to the capital to report on his duties. If there's no change, he'll continue stationed in the Two Lakes region, and perhaps take on additional oversight of Weizhou Island to the east."

Hearing this, Qin Yan's eyes brightened noticeably.

The Great Zhou implemented an official salt system. Privately selling salt was a severe crime, punishable by collective punishment. Despite this, because salt profits were enormous, many still sought to make their fortune through this trade.

Thus, combating illegal salt smuggling was one of the most serious issues inside and outside the court. However, the government couldn't possibly control all the salt fields and ponds in the empire. Moreover, the government lacked the manpower and resources to manage all salt extraction and production. This was where salt merchants came in. Salt merchants had to obtain permits from the various Salt Transport Commissions. How much salt to extract and produce was strictly regulated. Without official permits, it became illegal salt smuggling, a major crime. Though salt merchants had to pay enormous taxes, even after taxes, the remaining profits were still the highest in the nation.

Because of this, salt merchants most easily became regional tycoons. And who in the world didn't want to become immensely wealthy? But the permits issued by the Salt Transport Commissions were limited. Thus, the officials who decided who received salt production permits became a crucial link. These officials, though court-appointed, could determine the flow of wealth and naturally became targets for merchant flattery. Qin Yan wasn't surprised that Pang Fuliang had dealings with this man. But by telling Qin Yan, he clearly knew Qin Yan would be interested. And the reason for Qin Yan's interest was, naturally, court politics.

"I often hear Transport Commissioner Liu's name from my father, but never had the chance to meet him. Since we've encountered him this time, I must make his acquaintance regardless. I ask Lord Pang to make the introduction."

Qin Yan spoke sincerely. Pang Fuliang nodded, smiling. "Nothing easier. I heard from him that even before he reached Yan River, gifts from the capital had already arrived at his residence. He's somewhat afraid to return."

The corner of Qin Yan's mouth lifted. "So Transport Commissioner Liu simply came here to avoid the wind?"

Pang Fuliang laughed heartily. "And to listen to the Shuangqing Troupe's opera!"

Qin Yan laughed as well, then raised his cup to Pang Fuliang. The two exchanged a few toasts. Suddenly, Pang Jiayan, sitting in Pang Fuliang's lap, grew restless. He looked up at Pang Fuliang. "Father, Jiayan is full."

Pang Fuliang set down his wine cup, speaking kindly. "Full?"

Pang Jiayan nodded. A child's nature couldn't endure a table full of adults drinking and toasting. Pang Fuliang called toward the door, "Qing Niang, take the Third Young Master down to play."

His words spoken, a woman dressed simply and plainly walked in from outside.

Seeing her, Pang Jiayan got down from his father's lap, stretching his arms out to be carried. The woman picked up Pang Jiayan, kept her head bowed, and walked out quickly. Seeing Pang Jiayan leave, Pang Fuliang exhaled softly, then resumed speaking with Qin Yan, this time more obliquely about court affairs.

Qin Wan ate silently beside them, finding the meal utterly tasteless. She knew the Marquis household had already aligned itself with the Crown Prince. She guessed Qin Yan likely wanted to win over Transport Commissioner Liu for the Crown Prince's sake. After all, though the Crown Prince was the Crown Prince, having control over salt transport in the south and east through trusted people would bring much more peace of mind.

At this moment, Qin Wan had no interest in court politics. Court matters were, after all, somewhat distant from her. Moreover, she had no say in the Marquis household's affairs. However, listening, she felt Pang Fuliang seemed very well-informed about these matters. His arrangements regarding Transport Commissioner Liu perfectly suited Qin Yan's intentions. Qin Wan knew they would undoubtedly be staying at Clear Radiance Garden for several days.

Finally, the meal ended. But Pang Fuliang wanted Qin Yan to stay and talk. "It's been so long since I've seen the Young Master. Please stay a while. Yiwen, Yiwu, you two escort the young ladies back."

Hearing he was to escort the three sisters back, Pang Yiwen immediately stood up with a smile.

"Very well. Cousins, I'll see you back."

Qin Xiang offered thanks. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang only needed to go through the motions. The three of them, with their respective maids holding umbrellas, turned to leave. Pang Yiwen walked in front, Qin Xiang in the middle, Qin Wan and Qin Shuang at the rear.

Qin Shuang ducked under Qin Wan's umbrella after a few steps, whispering, "It's not as good as staying at the inn. Staying here, we can't be ourselves at all."

Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. Pang Yiwen ahead asked, "What is Cousin Shuang saying?"

Qin Shuang didn't know where this "Cousin Shuang" address came from, but with Pang Yiwen looking at her, she couldn't not answer. So she said, "We were just saying Clear Radiance Garden truly lives up to its reputation."

Anyone could say nice things. Qin Shuang didn't much like this Pang Eldest Young Master either, so she gave a perfunctory reply.

Pang Yiwen seemed somewhat pleased to hear it. "Then why don't I take the three cousins for a casual stroll?"

Hearing this, Qin Shuang seemed somewhat unwilling. "That... no need. I saw enough on the way in. Besides, Young Master Pang must have matters to attend to. There's no need to show us around..."

This response was quite satisfactory to Qin Wan. However, Pang Yiwen said, "It's no trouble. There are a couple of flower beds and lotus ponds over there. Come, I'll take you to see. With the snow now, the scenery is quite different."

With that, Pang Yiwen led the way forward. Qin Xiang hesitated for a moment, then actually followed.

Seeing this, Qin Shuang couldn't very well stand still, so she linked arms with Qin Wan and followed. Pang Yiwen seemed in high spirits, introducing the origins of the garden's features as they walked, even showing off by reciting a couple of poems. Qin Wan let the words go in one ear and out the other, pretending not to hear. But soon, a soft, sweet voice rang out.

"Little child, hide and seek..."

"Laughing inside the stone cave..."

"Qing Niang, hurry and find me..."

"Why can't you ever find me..."

The group had just reached the edge of the lotus pond. In winter, under the snow, the pond was a flat expanse of white velvet. But beside the pond stood a towering artificial rockery. The soft, sweet voice Qin Wan and the others heard came from within that rockery.

The wind and snow, though less intense than before, were still significant. Upon hearing the voice, they immediately knew it was the Third Young Gentleman, Pang Jiayan, from earlier. Recalling the nursery rhyme, Qin Wan frowned. Hide and seek in such cold weather?

Pang Yiwen also stopped. He frowned, calling out first in a light tone, "Qing Niang?"

As soon as he spoke, a figure emerged from behind the nearest part of the rockery. It was the middle-aged woman who had carried Pang Jiayan away earlier.

Seeing it was Pang Yiwen, Qing Niang hurriedly bowed. "Eldest Young Master."

Pang Yiwen frowned. "Is Jiayan hiding in there?"

Qing Niang glanced at Pang Yiwen fearfully and nodded. "Yes."

"On such a cold day! What is he doing crawling around in there!" As he spoke, Pang Yiwen looked back. "Besides, we have guests touring the garden. This is most improper..."

"Yes, yes. This servant will fetch the Third Young Master out immediately."

With that, Qing Niang stood up, calling out from where she stood, "Third Young Master? Please come out now!"

This rockery seemed constructed from massive Taihu stones, standing thirty or forty feet tall. A few green pines were planted at its very top, and halfway up was a pavilion. It was exquisitely crafted and imposing. At a glance, Qin Wan could see occasional window-like gaps revealing a pitch-black interior. It was hollow inside. She immediately realized there were likely many passages within.

As Qing Niang called out, Pang Yiwen turned back. "I apologize for the spectacle, cousins. My younger brother is truly mischievous."

Qin Wan didn't think Pang Jiayan particularly mischievous. She was only worried the little child might catch a chill in such cold weather, hiding in that dark place. A child of only six or seven wasn't even afraid.

Pang Yiwen's tone held a note of apology. Qin Wan had no intention of responding. Qin Shuang also said nothing. Qin Xiang spoke up, "How could we laugh? The little young master is incredibly adorable. At his age, it's only natural to be lively and love to play."

Pang Yiwen sighed. "You've only just met him, so you don't think so. He truly is mischievous. In front of Father, it's one thing. In front of others, he has no manners at all."

As if to validate Pang Yiwen's words, the moment he finished speaking, a snowball thwacked him on the back of the head!

"Who?!" Pang Yiwen had been wearing a smug, self-satisfied smile of assumed refinement. Suddenly being attacked naturally angered him. Added to the fact that it happened in front of the three Qin sisters, he was utterly embarrassed. Thus, his shout was particularly frightening!

As he turned, one hand clutching the back of his head, he saw Pang Jiayan standing in the pavilion halfway up the rockery.

Pang Yiwen flew into a rage. "Pang Jia Yan! How dare you!"

Before he could finish, Pang Jiayan threw another snowball. This time, facing him, Pang Yiwen naturally had some warning. He dodged to the side. Seeing this, Pang Jiayan grinned, grabbed another handful of snow, and hurled it at Pang Yiwen. Snow was all around him. His little hands were red from the cold, but he seemed not to feel it at all, relentlessly pelting Pang Yiwen. Though Pang Yiwen wasn't hit, being forced to dodge and weave by a child was utterly humiliating!

"Pang Jiayan! Come down here this instant! Be careful, I'll tell Father!"

Pang Yiwen sounded somewhat frantic. However, Pang Jiayan not only showed no fear but attacked even more fiercely. He seemed to enjoy this game immensely, tirelessly throwing snow chunks down from his high vantage point. He stood elevated, so it required little effort. Soon, Pang Yiwen was hit once. Pang Jiayan's grin widened. Meanwhile, Pang Yiwen seemed about to climb up and grab him. But the moment he moved, Pang Jiayan leaned against an opening beside him. If Pang Yiwen came up, he'd just duck into the stone cave!

Pang Yiwen understood his intention. Suddenly, he gritted his teeth. "Do you believe me if I go tell your mother?!"

Pang Jiayan paused briefly, but still seemed unafraid, preparing to continue his assault. Pang Yiwen spoke quickly, "You'd better think about your mother!"

At these words, Pang Jiayan's hand stilled. He seemed to give a soft snort, tossed the snow in his hand aside, then turned and ducked back into the stone cave. Qin Wan vaguely saw him flit past a couple of gaps, but couldn't tell where he went. Qing Niang stood to the side, her face pale with fear. "My apologies, Eldest Young Master. This servant will take the Third Young Master back now."

After saying this, Qing Niang also ducked inside...

The rockery was full of intricacies, undoubtedly fun. But given its height, adults would likely have to bend over to enter. In that case, how could Qing Niang possibly catch Pang Jiayan?

Soon, that soft, sweet, laughing voice rang out again.

"Little child, hide and seek..."

"Laughing inside the stone cave..."

"Qing Niang, hurry and find me..."

"Why can't you ever find me..."

The rockery was hollow, with winding passages inside. Consequently, the sound, even when it emerged, was muffled. Even Qin Wan couldn't immediately tell where Pang Jiayan was. After this incident, Pang Yiwen was somewhat flustered and angry, feeling he had lost face in front of the Qin sisters. Naturally, his enthusiasm waned.

"A perfectly good garden stroll, ruined by that little imp."

Pang Yiwen straightened his robes, forcing a tone of intimacy. Qin Xiang also felt somewhat awkward. Qin Shuang spoke directly, "Young Master Pang's robes are wet. You should go back and change. We're also tired from walking. We'll head back now."

Pang Yiwen looked at his robe. Two distinct wet patches from the snow marked his chest and hem. He smiled wryly. "That's fine too. We didn't get to enjoy it fully this time. I'll take you for another stroll after the snow stops. It's quite cold now anyway. It's not good for you ladies to stay out too long and catch a chill."

Qin Shuang nodded. "We can find our own way back. Young Master Pang needn't trouble yourself."

With that, she curtsied slightly, took Qin Wan's hand, and left. Behind them, Qin Xiang seemed to utter words of thanks before following.

"That Third Young Master really is mischievous. On that point, the Eldest Young Master wasn't wrong." As she spoke, Qin Xiang's tone suddenly turned somber. "When we were children, how would we dare behave like that toward our elder brother..."

Qin Xiang seemed to be thinking of Qin Chen, a tinge of sadness in her voice. Though Qin Wan didn't respond, she understood perfectly. Qin Shuang had grown up with Qin Chen. Besides, Qin Chen had never done her any harm, so she naturally still remembered this elder brother fondly.

This excursion hadn't offered much scenic beauty, but they had witnessed the farce between the two Pang brothers. Though Pang Yiwen kept calling him a "little imp," Qin Wan instinctively felt he didn't like Pang Jiayan. Not only that, his words were very strange.

"You'd better think about your mother."

Why "your mother" and not just "Mother"? And the words sounded distinctly like a threat.

Thinking this, Qin Wan also remembered they hadn't seen Lady Pang today.

A sliver of suspicion arose in Qin Wan's heart, but she had no mind for the Pang family's domestic affairs and didn't dwell on it. She followed Qin Shuang back to their courtyard. All three sisters seemed somewhat weary and retired to their respective rooms.

She had just entered her room with Fuling when Bai Ying, lying in the warm antechamber, spoke up. "Sister Fuling, could you come here for a moment?"

Hearing this, Qin Wan hurried over as well, only to see Bai Ying looking somewhat embarrassed. "This servant was looking at the medicinal names Sister Fuling wrote. I became interested. I wonder if Sister Fuling could explain them to me."

Qin Wan had thought Bai Ying was feeling unwell. Hearing this, she sighed in relief. And Fuling, having learned more these past days, naturally felt great enthusiasm at the prospect. She finally had a chance to teach someone something!

Qin Wan shook her head with a slight smile, pleased to see Fuling and Bai Ying getting along. She turned and headed toward the north wing. Just as she reached the doorway, she froze.

In broad daylight, Yan Chi was standing by her bed.