The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 155 : The Birthday Banquet Spectacle, the Troupe Leader's Death

155: The Birthday Banquet Spectacle, the Troupe Leader's Death

"Young Miss, what did His Highness the Heir Apparent say?"

Fuling followed behind Qin Wan, inexplicably sensing a touch of seriousness in her aura. She had initially thought Yan Chi would accompany Qin Wan to the birthday banquet, but to her surprise, Qin Wan had come out first.

"Nothing much. He just asked when we were departing."

Hearing this, Fuling also found it quite reasonable and asked, "Will His Highness the Heir Apparent travel back with us?"

Qin Wan frowned slightly. She hadn't asked about that, but...

"He probably won't go together with us. He'll likely leave ahead of us."

Fuling nodded with an "Mm." The two walked a few more steps east and immediately heard the sounds of strings, flutes, and singing coming from afar. Qin Wan couldn't help but quicken her pace. "Hurry, it's already started."

When Qin Wan reached the outskirts of the warming tent, the performance on the stage had indeed already begun. Qin Wan hurriedly walked to sit beside Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang anxiously said, "You're finally back. I thought you'd gotten lost. Did you find it?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Found it. It fell on the roadside."

Qin Shuang sighed softly in relief. "That's good. The birthday banquet has already started."

Qin Wan could see that for herself. Her gaze shifted and she saw Pang Jiayan sitting beside Pang Fuliang in the men's seating area some distance away. She asked, "The Pang family's Third Young Master has also returned?"

"He came back just after you left." Qin Shuang had already started eating. After all, this was Prince Yu's residence; today's birthday banquet fare was exceptionally exquisite.

Qin Wan nodded in acknowledgment and looked up. On the stage, they were performing the segment "The Golden Branch Wishes Longevity." This piece was a must for birthday banquets, a lively and auspicious opening.

The female guests mostly didn't drink wine, but the male guests had already begun clinking cups and toasting.

Qin Wan had little appetite, only watching the performance on stage. At the moment, Qin Wan didn't know who the two performers on stage were, but both their voices were as clear and pleasant as pearls falling on jade. Just as Qin Wan was listening intently, she suddenly heard a commotion from the direction of the male guests. The disturbance drew the attention of the female guests, and Qin Wan also looked over. There, she saw Yan Chi striding over from outside.

"Oh, who's that? Never seen him before."

"With such grace and bearing, if I'd seen him before, I'd definitely remember."

"Could he be some distinguished guest from the capital?"

The young ladies at the table couldn't help but start discussing. Qin Wan swept her gaze over the others at the table; each girl seemed to have stars in her eyes. She lowered her gaze, not moving.

Qin Shuang, seeing these young ladies so interested, cleared her throat lightly. "That is His Highness the Heir Apparent of Prince Rui."

The moment these words left her mouth, everyone at the table looked at her.

Qin Shuang raised her chin slightly, a hint of pride appearing on her face. Back in Jinzhou, within the household, she was the little tail following behind Qin Xiang. Outside, she had never been in the spotlight. Now, in Yuzhou, thanks to Yan Chi, she was drawing attention for once.

Soon, a girl in pink clothes asked, "His Highness the Heir Apparent of Prince Rui?"

Qin Shuang calmly and confidently nodded. "Exactly."

The pink-clad girl was quite lovely and cute, her large eyes fixed on Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang gave a gentle smile. "We met in Jinzhou. We traveled together on the way back."

"Ah... traveled together..." The pink-clad girl was clearly very surprised. "You are..."

Everyone at the table looked at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. Though Qin Shuang was the one speaking, more people kept glancing at Qin Wan. Qin Shuang's smile grew warmer. "We are from the capital's Loyal and Valiant Marquis household..."

"Ah, the Loyal and Valiant Marquis household." The pink-clad girl was young and somewhat exclamatory. "So that's it. You're both from the capital. No wonder. To be able to travel together, you must be quite close."

Qin Shuang smiled, about to say more, but Qin Wan subtly tugged her wrist under the table.

Qin Shuang paused slightly, then smiled. "We are somewhat acquainted."

Qin Shuang's words were vague. The others looked at her uncertainly for a moment, then turned back to watch Yan Chi. In that brief moment, Yan Chi had already taken a seat beside Prince Yu, along with Yan Li and others, all members of the imperial clan.

Once Yan Chi was seated, the scene returned to normal. But the discussion at Qin Wan's table hadn't ended.

"I never imagined His Highness the Heir Apparent of Prince Rui looked like this. Such fine features."

"Not just fine features, but also very capable. I heard he performed many military feats at a young age, commands a hundred thousand troops. None in the imperial clan can compare."

"Shh, keep your voice down. Such words shouldn't be spoken carelessly."

The speaker stuck out her tongue, not daring to say more. But it was the previously pink-clad girl who spoke again. "Speaking of which, several princely heirs haven't married yet..."

"That's right. Aside from His Highness Zhi beside Prince Yu, who married early, the others haven't wed yet."

Qin Wan and the other were considered part of the Marquis household. The young ladies who could sit at the same table with them naturally had good status. However, Qin Wan didn't know exactly which families they were from. But clearly, compared to Qin Shuang who was from distant Jinzhou, they knew much more about the affairs of the imperial clan.

"That's because Prince Yu came to Yuzhou early, and Prince Yu was the late Emperor's eldest son."

"Exactly. Not to mention the princely heirs, even several imperial princes haven't married yet."

"Didn't they say the Crown Prince will select a consort?" Suddenly, a girl in a yellow skirt asked.

Qin Wan was drinking tea. Hearing this, her heart stirred. The current Crown Prince was the former Prince Yong, Yan Che. The one originally betrothed to Yan Che was her... Now, times had changed. She could actually sit here listening to others discuss Yan Che as an onlooker.

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. This feeling, this feeling of her being in the dark, holding the initiative...

"The Crown Prince is already past the age of capping. He should have selected a consort long ago. Now that his status has changed, selecting a consort has become an urgent matter for court officials as well. If not for the incident earlier, the Crown Prince's wedding date would probably have been set by now."

"An incident? What incident?"

Ordinary girls secluded in boudoirs rarely knew about court politics. Even if they did, they only knew the generalities. However, these few before her were clearly from official families; they seemed quite knowledgeable about the earlier case of Prince Jin.

"It's all because of that Prince Jin case. We can only talk about it here in Yuzhou. In the capital, it's not to be mentioned." The speaker was a girl in green. After speaking, she added, "Earlier, when the Crown Prince was still Prince Yong, he was betrothed to someone, the only daughter of the former Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Later, that Prince Jin case implicated that Chief Minister. In the end, the entire family was executed."

"Executed?" The girl in pink gasped in surprise, clutching her chopsticks tightly, her face showing fear as if frightened.

Having spoken of such bloody matters, the girl in green smiled apologetically. "Don't be afraid. It's all in the past now. Anyway, now the Crown Prince needs to select a consort anew. That position is being eagerly watched."

As she spoke, a meaningful smile appeared on the green-clad girl's face. "Haven't your fathers mentioned it?"

Everyone at the table shook their heads. The green-clad girl's smile deepened. Qin Wan looked at her, thinking this girl was quite beautiful, especially her swan-like neck as white as congealed cream. When she smiled meaningfully and lifted her chin, her posture truly was as elegant as a noble swan. Qin Wan knew this girl would likely be involved in the Crown Prince's consort selection.

As they spoke, the entire venue suddenly erupted in cheers and applause. Qin Wan turned to look and saw that the Shuangqing Troupe's first act had finished. Qin Shuang clapped while whispering, "Selecting a Crown Prince consort, what are the requirements?"

For a while, Qin Shuang hadn't spoken again. Her moment in the spotlight had been stolen by the girl in green.

So she had also secretly taken note of the Crown Prince consort selection. Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled. "Background, character and appearance, virtue."

Then Qin Wan added, "The first item is the most important."

Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow, glanced at the green-clad girl again, then pursed her lips. "The Crown Prince will have a harem of three thousand later. What's good about marrying someone like that?"

Qin Wan was slightly surprised Qin Shuang could say such a thing. She smiled and nodded without speaking.

After one act finished, the next soon began. Behind the curtain on the left side of the stage, the musicians began playing. Meanwhile, Qin Wan and the others' gazes were drawn over.

"It's 'Meeting at the Immortal Bridge' again. The Shuangqing Troupe's 'Meeting at the Immortal Bridge' is a masterpiece. Both the Cowherd and Weaver Girl on stage are female, and they're both disciples of Troupe Master Qingli..."

"Later, there's also 'Mulian Rescues His Mother.' That's also their signature act."

"'Mulian Rescues His Mother'? Does that mean Troupe Master Qingli will perform personally later?"

"Of course. Today is Prince Yu's birthday banquet..."

Everyone at the table whispered amongst themselves. Qin Shuang stared wide-eyed at the newly costumed Seven Immortal Maidens appearing on stage, muttering under her breath to Qin Wan, "What is 'Mulian Rescues His Mother'?"

Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "'Mulian Rescues His Mother' is about a man who wants to attain Buddhahood rescuing his mother."

Qin Shuang gave an "Oh," but didn't seem very interested.

The story didn't sound as moving as this lingering, sentimental "Meeting at the Immortal Bridge."

Since it was a birthday celebration, the three acts the Shuangqing Troupe performed today were all familiar pieces. Qin Shuang didn't care for this art form, so naturally she didn't know what "Mulian Rescues His Mother" was. But for true aficionados, "Mulian Rescues His Mother" was where real skill was displayed. Qin Wan had accompanied her mother to watch "Mulian Rescues His Mother" once before and still couldn't forget the performer's skills from that time.

In the current Great Zhou opera, besides singing and recitation, it also incorporated many elements like acrobatics and magic tricks. While "Meeting at the Immortal Bridge" was poignant and lingering, it ultimately lacked excitement and stimulation. As they performed on stage, the clinking of cups and toasting continued below. After listening for a while, Qin Shuang also seemed to lose interest and turned back to her soup.

At the table, some watched the opera, some watched the people, and some were distracted. Qin Shuang was probably the most focused on eating. By the time "Meeting at the Immortal Bridge" finished, she was also full. And just then, the previously mournful, lingering melody changed abruptly, becoming majestic and powerful. The scene on stage shifted. A "Venerable One" dressed in gray-white monk's robes with a white hood appeared on stage. Instantly, everyone's gaze turned toward the stage.

Qin Shuang tugged Qin Wan's sleeve. "Is that person Mulian?"

Qin Wan nodded. "This is after he has attained enlightenment. Both his parents have passed away. After attaining enlightenment, he wishes to liberate his mother's soul. Now, he is telling Buddha about his feelings for his mother."

Qin Shuang gave an "Oh." "This person's stage appearance is really quite handsome."

Her voice wasn't small. Others at the table also heard. The green-clad girl from earlier smiled. "This is Qingli, the current head of the Shuangqing Troupe. Seeing her in costume, you probably wouldn't think she's a woman, right? Also, she's over thirty, nearly forty. Can you tell?"

"What?! Looking at her figure, she seems only twenty!"

The green-clad girl sighed. "She was a late bloomer. She only began to show her talent around twenty. Over the years, she must have practiced diligently every day to maintain this figure and this fine voice. Just wait and see. Later, she'll show off many special skills."

This green-clad girl clearly knew even more than Qin Wan. The last time Qin Wan watched "Mulian Rescues His Mother" was when she first entered the capital, accompanying her mother. The performer then didn't seem to be Qingli. Even so, she had been awestruck at the time.

After speaking, the green-clad girl fell silent. On stage, "Mulian" had finished pouring out his heart to Buddha. Suddenly, thick white smoke billowed across the stage, so dense it almost obscured "Mulian's" figure. The audience felt as if the legendary illusory scenes had appeared before their eyes, naturally finding it novel and exciting. Simultaneously, the previously Buddha-light-filled backdrop changed, replaced by a curtain depicting ghosts, demons, and ferocious beasts...

"Ah, what does this mean now..."

Qin Shuang grabbed Qin Wan. Qin Wan was about to explain, but the green-clad girl smiled. "Didn't you hear? Mulian wants to liberate his mother's wandering soul, but Buddha wants him to search for his mother's figure in the Eight Great Hells himself. Actually, there's a bit of a prelude not mentioned here. It's said Mulian's mother didn't cherish grain and food, so after death, she was trapped in a certain hell, unable to be liberated. That's why Mulian went to beg Buddha. Now, he's reached the first hell, the 'Reviving Hell.'"

Qin Shuang listened and nodded, then nodded in thanks to the girl.

The green-clad girl smiled without speaking. At that moment, many dead people appeared on stage. These people wore masks and clothes painted with talismanic script, holding various weapons, seemingly fighting amongst themselves. The scene was somewhat frightening. If not for "Mulian" standing tall and straight as bamboo beside them, watching with compassionate eyes amidst the "immortal mist," most of the young ladies below would have been too scared to watch. But with Mulian present, the audience seemed to become Mulian themselves, witnessing the horrors of hell, fostering a greater sense of reverence.

"This... if Grandmother saw it, she'd definitely like it."

Watching, Qin Shuang thought of Lady Jiang again. Lady Jiang believed in Buddhism. Besides portraying Mulian as a filial son, this piece also promoted Buddhist teachings. If Lady Jiang saw it, she would naturally feel more moved than others.

Hearing this, Qin Wan felt somewhat gratified. Qin Shuang hadn't forgotten Lady Jiang's kindness.

"Bravo! bravo, bravo!"

Cheers rose in waves, each louder than the last, all because the "ghosts and demons" on stage began performing their special skills following the plot's development. Some caught white blades with bare hands, some balanced steel spears on their throats, and some even walked barefoot on nail boards. Not only were the male guests watching with bated breath, but even the female guests couldn't help but cheer along.

If it were just skill performances without plot or singing, it would be inferior. If it were just singing, it would lack a certain excitement. This entire piece had the lofty theme of a filial son turning to Buddha to liberate his mother, the poignant and compassionate singing of Qingli in the middle, and thrilling acrobatics below. In the capital, it was one of the Shuangqing Troupe's most popular pieces. Moreover, because this piece required many performers and combined difficult singing with dangerous acrobatic skills, whether in the capital or elsewhere, it wasn't performed lightly. Cheers rose wave after wave. After the first hell scene, they moved to the second.

"Now we're at the 'Black Rope' hell. Look at the skills they're performing. They're the Shuangqing Troupe's signature techniques."

This time, Qin Shuang didn't ask the green-clad girl before she began explaining. "Later, there's the 'Assembly' hell, followed by the 'Crying' hell, the 'Cold Ice' hell, and so on. Guess where Mulian's mother actually is?"

The green-clad girl looked around. When no one else spoke, Qin Shuang couldn't help saying, "The Cold Ice hell?"

The green-clad girl smiled and shook her head. "No. The last one, the Avīci hell."

Qin Shuang blinked. The green-clad girl said, "Mulian searched through so many hells without finding his mother. But seeing the miserable state of those who committed evil in life suffering in hell after death, he became even more determined to promote Buddhist teachings and encourage people to do good. However, when he finally found his mother, he couldn't rescue her. His mother had created karma in life; after death, she had to be punished regardless. At this point, Mulian must receive punishment in her place."

Qin Shuang immediately asked, "You said earlier Troupe Master Qingli would show her special skills at this point. What skills?"

The green-clad girl said, "Mulian's mother wasted food in life, so in hell, she had nothing to eat. By the time Mulian found her, she was starved to skin and bones. When food was placed before Mulian's mother, she would reach for it to eat. But the moment she took it in her hand, the food would turn into fiery red charcoal. Mulian's mother would immediately be burned. Yet when she threw it away, the charcoal would turn back into food. This cycle repeated, driving his mother mad."

Qin Shuang frowned. This green-clad girl really knew how to create suspense. After circling around, wasn't it just to show off how much she knew?

Qin Shuang was already growing impatient. Fortunately, the green-clad girl continued, "So the first trial is to cross a bridge covered in charcoal for his mother... Troupe Master Qingli will display a skill called 'Stepping on Buddha's Lotus.'"

Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow. Wasn't that just qinggong (lightness skill)?

"A bridge of charcoal?" Qin Shuang was slightly surprised. "Wouldn't that hurt?"

The green-clad girl covered her mouth with a light laugh. "You'll see for yourself..."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang stared intently. Though waiting for Qingli, the acrobatics of the others before were also exceptionally brilliant. Qin Shuang had never seen so many acrobatic acts in one place before, each showcasing high skill. Combined with Mulian's eager singing to rescue his mother, it was quite moving. After the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, they finally reached the Avīci hell the green-clad girl mentioned.

Sure enough, as the green-clad girl said, as soon as "Mulian" arrived at the Avīci hell, he found his mother. However, because punishment was required, for "Mulian" to rescue his mother and liberate her soul, he had to pass trials in her place. The first trial was to cross a bridge covered in charcoal...

"Heavens... are those real charcoal flames..."

A bridge of fire, about forty or fifty feet long, suddenly appeared on the stage. Because it was winter, the charcoal burned especially bright and red. Knowing some in the audience might not believe it, someone picked up a basin of water and splashed it over the bridge. Instantly, a sizzling sound erupted. White smoke billowed from the bridge. And "Mulian," hands clasped in prayer, walked onto it with calm steps.

Qin Shuang had originally thought "Mulian" would use qinggong. But to her surprise, he was truly walking, step by step, extremely slowly. The music rose grandly. The demons of hell watching "Mulian's" action snarled and shouted from the sides. Yet Mulian showed not the slightest wavering. He walked steadily, chanting under his breath, as if enveloped in Buddha's light.

"Is he really walking on it?"

Everyone at the table who hadn't seen it before asked. Qin Shuang also looked at Qin Wan. "Is she really walking on it?"

The corner of Qin Wan's mouth curved. "Sleight of hand. Half of today's performance is sleight of hand."

Qin Shuang frowned slightly, still focusing intently, as if trying to see through the trick. But even after "Mulian" finished crossing, she couldn't figure it out.

"What's next? After 'Stepping on Buddha's Lotus'?"

Qin Shuang couldn't wait for the stage performance to continue and asked the green-clad girl directly.

The green-clad girl said, "Next is a movement skill called 'Shadowless on Vulture Peak.'"

Qin Shuang's eyes widened. The green-clad girl explained, "The Avīci hell has many methods of punishment. After the fire bridge, there's an arrow path. Forty-nine arrows. Troupe Master Qingli must dodge forty-nine arrows."

Qin Shuang blinked, turning to look at Qin Wan. "How is this sleight of hand?"

Qin Wan whispered, "This one doesn't use sleight of hand. This requires fast movement and precise calculation."

Qin Shuang let out an "Ah." Before she could turn her head back, she saw everyone stand up. It turned out "Mulian" had begun walking the arrow path. Qin Shuang quickly pulled Qin Wan up as well, so they could see what was happening on stage.

White smoke suddenly billowed. The massive backdrop changed again. The supporting demon characters still roared ferociously. Thus, Mulian in his white robes appeared even more solemn and dignified. He still chanted under his breath. In front of him, an iron chain was suddenly stretched across the fire bridge. Simultaneously, several iron chains descended from above the stage...

"In a moment, these iron chains will be Troupe Master Qingli's footholds. She cannot touch the ground."

After the green-clad girl finished speaking, Qin Shuang's eyes widened. Not only could she not step on the fire bridge, she also couldn't be hit by the flying arrows. This was truly…

Just as Qin Wan was thinking this, she saw "Mulian" suddenly leap up and grab the nearest iron chain. With a light swing, he stood on the taut chain. The chain was loose; "Mulian" couldn't put his full weight on it. And at that moment, three cold arrows shot out from behind the backdrop at the front of the high stage. Everyone's hearts were in their throats. But then, "Mulian" leaped into the air again. His movements were swift as a fleeting shadow. With a few crisp ding sounds, the arrows struck the iron chain where he had just landed. Just as the audience breathed a sigh of relief for Mulian, suddenly, three more cold arrows shot out, seemingly homing in on "Mulian." By then, "Mulian's" figure was already in mid-air. With arrows coming, he had to release the chain he held and leap toward the next hanging chain. In that moment of release and leap, three arrows whistled past "Mulian's" shoulder.

Qin Shuang watched, gasping. She whispered, "Did she calculate the timing and position of the arrows?"

Qin Wan nodded. Qin Shuang watched the stage unblinkingly, then added, "If she dodges too much, it looks fake. If she dodges too little, she risks injury. It's really not easy."

Qin Wan gave an "Mm" but didn't continue. Not just Qin Wan, no one had time to talk at the moment.

Qingli's "Shadowless on Vulture Peak" had to be performed in one breath. She knew exactly how the arrows would come next, yet still had to go there, timing her dodges perfectly to create the illusion of being chased by arrows. If she got scared, she could simply stop moving. But if she did, the performance would be ruined, and she'd lose her livelihood.

"Just ten more arrows."

The green-clad girl suddenly said softly. Everyone couldn't help but widen their eyes. They saw Mulian, now in the middle of the fire bridge, suddenly leap into the air. But his toes only lightly touched a hanging chain before he spun directly toward the end of the fire bridge. And at that moment, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, ten cold arrows flew out horizontally, streaking past Mulian's body. Everyone held their breath, watching. Only when Mulian performed two aerial somersaults and landed on the chain at the end of the fire bridge did the crowd finally exhale, followed by thunderous cheers. Watching the figure on stage, Qin Wan also felt quite excited. Because this performance was even more thrilling and moving than the one she'd seen with her mother!

The cheers lasted a long time. But Qin Wan suddenly sensed something was wrong. Because "Mulian," standing at the end of the fire bridge, wasn't moving. According to what she'd seen last time, "Mulian" still had a final singing segment before successfully rescuing his mother.

Just as Qin Wan felt puzzled, suddenly, the figure of "Mulian" on stage swayed left and right. Then, he fell straight backward off the stage. Instantly, the cheers died down sporadically. No one knew what had happened, but everyone sensed something was wrong. Those on stage reacted faster than the audience. The first to reach "Mulian's" side were the ferocious demons. They gathered around Qingli, shouting chaotically. The musicians at the side of the stage also fell into disarray. The chaos on stage gripped everyone's hearts.

"Someone! Someone! Troupe Master Qingli is dead!"

Just as everyone was infected by the panic, someone suddenly roared!

With that one shout, Prince Yu's birthday banquet descended into complete chaos. Prince Yu, hearing this, coughed violently several times, his hand trembling as he pointed at the stage. "Zhi'er! Zhi'er!"

"I know, I know. Father, please sit first. I'll go see!"

Yan Zhi helped Prince Yu sit down, then turned and strode toward the stage. Yan Li, also seated at the head table, went wherever there was excitement. He immediately followed. Yan Chi followed behind Yan Li. Since the Jinzhou incident, he had become particularly sensitive to death. Perfectly fine, how could Qingli have died?

"What happened?! I didn't see her get hit by an arrow!"

"How could she die? How could she die just like that!"

"Don't panic, everyone, don't panic. Please sit first. The Heir Apparent has gone to see. Don't be afraid."

Prince Yu looked like he was about to have a relapse of his old illness. The chief steward of Prince Yu's residence quickly stepped forward, calling out loudly. Only then did the crowd quiet down somewhat. Qin Shuang sat beside Qin Wan, her gaze fixed intently on the stage. She saw Yan Zhi, upon arriving, make the "demons" and musicians step back. After bending down to look for a moment, he went to the side to instruct the residence guards.

Yan Li and Yan Chi followed close behind. The two examined the situation briefly, their expressions changing slightly. They said something to Yan Zhi, who then called the steward over. Soon, the residence guards formed a tight circle around the stage, sealing off the stage's interior, exterior, and even the small courtyard behind it. The chief steward hurried to Prince Yu's side and whispered something.

"Quick, quick, call Wang Huaiyu to go see! This is preposterous, cough cough cough..."

Prince Yu broke into violent coughing, then collapsed. Attendants around him cried out in panic. The steward immediately ordered him carried inside. Meanwhile, though the guests didn't dare move around recklessly, their hearts were in turmoil. Prince Yu's illness had flared up again, and it was still unknown whether the Shuangqing Troupe leader was dead or alive. The stage was tightly surrounded. And Wang Huaiyu, whom Prince Yu had just named, also stepped forward. Seeing this, the green-clad girl said, "Troupe Master Qingli must be dead. Otherwise, they wouldn't call the Yuzhou Prefect."

Hearing this, Qin Wan's heart sank. Had Qingli died in an accident?

Just as she was thinking this, she saw Yan Chi, under the scrutiny of everyone, walking toward their direction.

Instantly, everyone at the table straightened up. The green-clad girl, the pink-clad girl, the yellow-clad girl, all stared at Yan Chi, some surprised, some expectant. Soon, Yan Chi strode up to them. But Yan Chi didn't look at anyone, turning a corner to stand before Qin Wan. "Come with me."

Seeing Yan Chi's grave expression, Qin Wan naturally didn't delay. She immediately stood up.

Yan Chi turned, and Qin Wan quickly followed. Qin Wan had thought Yan Chi wanted her to examine Qingli, but to her surprise, Yan Chi led her toward the main residence. Turning a corner, they left the area visible from the stage and warming tents.

Only then did Qin Wan ask, "Aren't we going to see Qingli?"

"She's already dead," Yan Chi said succinctly.

A chill ran down Qin Wan's spine. Fuling, following behind, also paled.

"Then where are we going now?" Qin Wan hurriedly asked.

"Uncle Prince Yu's illness has flared up. I want you to examine him."

Hearing this, Qin Wan nodded but couldn't help worrying about Qingli's case. "How did she die?"

"Hit by an arrow. In the back, near the heart. Hard to see from below."

Qin Wan pursed her lips. "An accident?"

"For now, it looks like one." Yan Chi and Qin Wan exchanged quick questions and answers along the way. Hearing this, Qin Wan's heart relaxed slightly. If it was an accident, it was truly a pity.

Not long after, Yan Chi brought Qin Wan to the place where they had met Prince Yu earlier. Just as they reached the entrance, Prince Yu's chief steward came out. Seeing Yan Chi, he said, "Your Highness, this is..."

"This is the Ninth Young Miss of the Qin family from the Loyal and Valiant Marquis household. Her medical skills are excellent. I brought her to see Uncle."

The steward looked at Qin Wan. "The Ninth Young Miss is so young..."

His tone held some hesitation, as if he didn't quite believe Qin Wan's medical prowess. Yan Chi looked at him and said, "She treated my injuries. Same for the Grand Princess in Jinzhou."

Hearing this, the steward didn't dare obstruct further and immediately let Yan Chi and Qin Wan enter.

Entering the room, they went straight to the inner chamber. Soon, Qin Wan saw Prince Yu lying on the bed, unconscious. Qin Wan rolled up her sleeves, then began taking his pulse. After a moment, she took out her needle pouch from her sleeve. Seeing Qin Wan take out the needle pouch, the steward immediately looked worried. But seeing Yan Chi's solemn, silent expression, he restrained himself.

Qin Wan took out an extremely fine, short needle and stepped forward, inserting it successively into several major acupoints on Prince Yu's shoulders, neck, chest, and abdomen. After finishing, she also pricked both of Prince Yu's middle fingers. The steward stepped forward to look; sure enough, dark blood flowed out. And in that brief moment, Prince Yu coughed twice and woke up...

Seeing this, the steward was overjoyed. "Your Highness, you're awake?"

Prince Yu groggily regained consciousness, first seeing Yan Chi, then Qin Wan. He was dazed for a moment. "Lao Qi... you are... which family's young lady again..."

"Qin, Your Highness. This is the young lady from the Loyal and Valiant Marquis household."

The steward hurried forward to explain. Prince Yu thought for a moment. "Oh, I remember. The prettiest young lady I saw today."

Hearing this, Qin Wan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She gave a slight bow as a salute.

The steward quickly added, "Your Highness, it was the Ninth Young Miss who revived you just now."

"Is that so?" Prince Yu's clouded eyes scrutinized Qin Wan for a few moments, then nodded. "Good, very good."

Then Prince Yu seemed to remember something. "Right, the Shuangqing Troupe..."

"Uncle, don't worry. Eldest Brother is overseeing things there." After a pause, Yan Chi added, "It seems to be an accident."

Hearing this, Prince Yu coughed lightly twice. "Ai, I should have known better than to hold this birthday banquet. Really, with a death now, it's truly inauspicious."

"Uncle, don't worry. This isn't about whether you held the banquet or not. Rest peacefully. Eldest Brother and we are handling things outside."

Prince Yu sighed. "Alright, then I'll rest..."

Yan Chi said a few more words, then led Qin Wan out. Fuling, waiting outside, hurried forward. Then she heard Yan Chi say, "Alright. Earlier, when I heard they were going to summon a physician, I thought of having you come take a look."

As they walked out, Yan Chi added, "The birthday banquet will probably be called off. You should go back first."

Seeing this, Qin Wan quickly asked, "How long will you be staying here?"

Yan Chi paused slightly but didn't answer immediately. "I'll tell you later."

Qin Wan didn't ask further. Yan Chi led Qin Wan back toward the warming tents. Before they reached them, they indeed saw Yan Zhi already seeing guests off. The birthday banquet was nearly over anyway. Besides, with such an incident, who had the heart to drink? Naturally, everyone wanted to leave early to avoid getting involved and to cause less trouble for the host.

From a distance, Yan Chi saw Qin Yan. Just as he was about to take Qin Wan over, Bai Feng suddenly hurried over.

"Master... there's a problem."

Then, Bai Feng whispered something.

Yan Chi frowned. In the distance, Qin Yan also saw them. Seeing Qin Yan walking toward them, Yan Chi said, "I'm afraid you can't go back for now."