novelraw Chapter 158 : The Best Wanwan in the Four Seas and Central Plains!
Chapter 158 : The Best Wanwan in the Four Seas and Central Plains!
158: The Best Wanwan in the Four Seas and Central Plains!
"Little doll, hide-and-seek, giggling behind the stones…"
The soft, girlish voice, carrying an icy, eerie giggle, suddenly rang out. In an instant, the hairs on the arms of all four women stood on end. Qin Shuang grabbed Qin Wan's arm, her voice trembling with fright. "Who? Who's hiding back there?!"
"Little doll, hide-and-seek, giggling behind the stones…"
No one answered Qin Shuang. The sing-song chant echoed again. Qin Wan had heard this childish rhyme before, it was what Pang Jiayan had teased Pang Yiwen with last time. But this voice wasn't Pang Jiayan's. And there was no way Pang Jiayan could be here now. Qin Wan pursed her lips, her eyes scanning the surroundings before spotting a narrow side path. Taking that path would allow them to circle around the rockery to the patch of low bamboo. She frowned. "Do you want to find out who's playing tricks?"
"Little doll, hide-and-seek, giggling behind the stones…"
The little girl's voice continued, but this time, the four of them could clearly discern that the sound's location had shifted.
Qin Shuang, her face pale, looked at Qin Wan. "Aren't you scared? Is it a person or a ghost…"
Qin Wan frowned. "It's a person, of course. She's running away."
Hearing this, Qin Shuang pressed her lips together, glanced at Fuling and Wanqing, and hesitated. "Then… should we go behind and look?"
The area was somewhat dim but not pitch black. Seeing Qin Shuang also seemed stirred by curiosity, Qin Wan took her hand and led her toward the narrow path. It seemed the person behind the rocks heard their footsteps and retreated further.
"Little doll, hide-and-seek, giggling behind the stones…"
If Qin Wan and the others hadn't approached, it might have remained just a creepy sound. But now, as they advanced, it truly felt like they were playing hide-and-seek with someone. The passage between the rockeries was narrow, the light even dimmer. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, her grip tightening on Cold Moon hidden in her sleeve.
Whoever was playing pranks within Clear Radiance Garden was undoubtedly a person. Not just a person, but someone of no ordinary status.
If it were merely a servant, how would they dare treat guests like them this way?
But try as she might, Qin Wan couldn't think of who it could be. Pang Fuliang had no daughters. So who was this…
Lost in thought, they had already followed the narrow path to the front of the low bamboo. Behind the rockery was another path; the rockery and bamboo here acted like a screen between the two paths, preventing the area from being too open. The tallest bamboo was just over a person's height. When Qin Wan and the others reached the spot, they saw no one. But the voice was now coming from a dozen or so steps ahead.
"Little doll, hide-and-seek, giggling behind the stones…"
A rustling sound persisted as the person seemed to weave back and forth among the bamboo, truly as if playing hide-and-seek. From where they stood, Qin Wan's group could only see a not-too-tall shadow swaying back and forth. But they couldn't make out the person's features clearly. Qin Shuang frowned, mustering her courage as if to embolden herself. "As long as you're not a ghost, I'm not afraid! Have the guts to stand your ground!"
Qin Shuang shouted, grabbing Qin Wan's arm as if to charge into the bamboo grove. Seeing this, Qin Wan offered a wry smile and quickly pulled Qin Shuang back. She tilted her chin, indicating ahead. Sure enough, the shadow rustled as if moving further away, and soon the sounds ceased.
"She's gone. There's another path ahead."
Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow. "So she was just trying to scare us?"
She let out a breath, showing her palm to Qin Wan. "Scared me so much I'm all sweaty. That person, really! I don't know which servant it was, to be so ill-mannered. Tomorrow, I'll definitely complain to Steward Pang!"
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes at the now-silent expanse of bamboo ahead and shook her head. "I feel something's not right. Not to mention that a regular servant wouldn't dare do this, even if someone intended to frighten others, they wouldn't act like this. It's strange."
"Also," Qin Wan paused, "Young Master Pang also recited this nursery rhyme."
"Huh?" Qin Shuang finally remembered upon hearing this. "Yes, what Pang Jiayan said was quite similar."
Thinking this, a flicker of doubt appeared in Qin Shuang's eyes. "Could it be a servant boy from Pang Jiayan's side?"
Qin Wan shook her head again, scanning the surroundings. No one else was around. Initially hearing the noise had sent a shiver down her spine, but now it seemed the person meant them no harm. Yet who could it be?
Qin Wan pondered for a moment. "We can ask about it tomorrow when there's a chance. For now, let's go back."
It was bitterly cold outside. After Qin Wan spoke, the group retreated from behind the rockery. Returning to the main path, they headed for their guest courtyard. The night was already late. Qin Wan and Qin Shuang returned to their respective rooms and soon retired for the night.
They slept soundly. Early the next morning, before Qin Wan was even up, Qin Shuang arrived at her room.
"Stop sleeping, get up quickly! The Shuangqing Troupe members are back."
Qin Wan sat up, still a bit dazed. "They're all back?"
Qin Shuang shook her head. "Qinglan isn't back. They say it's settled, she's the one who killed Master Qingli…"
Hearing this, Qin Wan instantly became fully alert. Settled? Already?
Seeing Qin Wan's expression turn solemn, Qin Shuang blinked. "The Shuangqing Troupe is leaving. I wonder when we'll depart… Earlier, I saw them moving all their equipment back. They say they're leaving tomorrow. Without Qingli and without Qinglan, the Shuangqing Troupe only has Qingxian left. They might as well rename themselves the 'Single Qing Troupe.'"
Qin Wan got out of bed, dressing and tying up her hair while washing up. "What does Third Brother say?"
Qin Shuang shook her head again. "Haven't seen Third Brother yet. He seemed to come back very late last night." Then she added, "Originally, he said he wanted to introduce someone to Third Brother and have the Shuangqing Troupe perform in the garden for a couple of days. Now that the troupe has had this incident, surely they won't still perform. I just wonder if Third Brother managed to meet the person he wanted to see."
The person Qin Yan wanted to meet was that Transport Commissioner Liu. Staying late last night was likely to converse with him.
Qin Wan shook her head. "Not sure yet. We'll ask Third Brother when we see him later."
As they spoke, about the time it took to drink two cups of tea, Zhou Hua arrived to invite the three sisters to Qin Yan's courtyard for breakfast.
By the time they reached Qin Yan's courtyard, breakfast was already laid out. The fare was naturally far more exquisite than what they'd had at Hundred Herb Garden.
"Third Brother, when do you plan to leave?" Qin Wan asked as they began eating.
Qin Yan smiled. "Is Ninth Sister in a hurry? We'll stick to the original plan, stay a few more days before leaving."
Qin Wan pressed her lips together. "How did your conversation with Transport Commissioner Liu go?"
A slight gleam appeared in Qin Yan's eyes. Qin Wan was clearly more perceptive than Qin Shuang or Qin Xiang. He thought for a moment and replied succinctly, "Commissioner Liu has served as an official for many years and has considerable insight regarding salt transport. Let's just say we had a very congenial discussion."
Qin Wan nodded. "Has Commissioner Liu always been involved in salt transport?"
At this, Qin Yan sighed. "Commissioner Liu is already past forty, but his official career hasn't been particularly smooth. He didn't become a lowly county assistant magistrate until he was in his twenties. Later, he served as a county magistrate, a prefectural governor, then as a deputy commissioner of the Maritime Trade Office, before finally moving into salt transport. Getting to his current position was quite an achievement. Moreover, these past few years, both inside and outside the court, salt transport has been under intense scrutiny. Officials like him, while holding significant positions, have a difficult time. Last year alone, several corrupt salt transport officials in the eastern regions were prosecuted. Accepting bribes from salt merchants is one thing, but some even embezzled salt taxes out of personal greed…"
Qin Yan's tone carried a note of emotion. His words showed a deep understanding of court affairs. Qin Wan nodded. "Is the Shuangqing Troupe leaving?"
Qin Yan gave an affirming hum. "After this incident, Lord Pang cannot very well keep them."
Qin Wan said nothing more, but Qin Shuang asked, "Third Brother, with Master Qingli gone and one of her head disciples implicated, won't the troupe be finished from now on?"
Qin Yan replied regretfully, "Most likely. It's hard for one person to shoulder everything alone. And they've lost the reputation of the 'Shuangqing' name."
"Oh? What do you mean?"
Qin Yan explained, "Do you know the origin of the Shuangqing Troupe's name?"
Qin Shuang's eyes darted. "Third Brother means… the story about two southern opera stars forming a sworn sisterhood and starting a troupe?"
Qin Yan nodded. "Exactly. The two of them served as co-leaders. Later, they each took disciples. Their two disciples also became co-leaders. This tradition was passed down through generations."
Qin Shuang blinked. "Then why was there only Master Qingli in this generation?"
Qin Yan smiled. "I'm not entirely clear on that either. I only know that by Master Qingli's master's generation, there was only one troupe leader. It seems Master Qingli's martial aunt left the Shuangqing Troupe to get married. That branch ended there."
"So that's it. I was wondering. Since it's called the 'Shuangqing' (Two Qings) Troupe, there naturally should be two 'Qings.'"
Qin Shuang mused to herself. Qin Yan continued, "Although the stars of the Shuangqing Troupe are highly sought after, they are, after all, entertainers. When nobles favor them, they spend fortunes. But once they do something displeasing, they are cast aside like worn-out sandals. Those who are disobedient face lighter punishments like losing their livelihood, or worse, even their lives. In the end, theirs is a lowly profession."
In the Great Zhou Dynasty, the status of performers was not high. That's why they had no choice but to travel south from the capital at the invitation of a certain influential figure. The money offered was secondary; offending such a person would mean the Shuangqing Troupe had no way to survive.
"It's truly pitiful. Think of Qingli, who was almost at the peak of her career, only to be killed by her own disciple." Qin Shuang spoke with a hint of contempt. "A teacher for a day is a mother for life. How vicious."
A shadow passed over Qin Yan's eyes. "That's the nature of people's hearts. In the future, you will only encounter more of this. Guard your hearts against others; do not be without caution."
Qin Yan took the opportunity to impart a lesson. All three sisters nodded in agreement.
After the meal, Qin Wan seemed to remember something. "Third Brother, does Master Pang have any daughters?"
Qin Yan's gaze flickered. "Why do you ask?"
Qin Wan keenly noticed Qin Yan's slight unease. "Could it be Master Pang does have a daughter?"
Qin Yan met Qin Wan's firm, serious gaze and gave a wry smile. "Why are you concerned with this…"
"I'm just asking, Third Brother. Also, Madam Pang's age doesn't seem to match someone who could be the mother of the Pang family's Eldest and Second Young Masters. Is there something I don't know about that?" She paused, then added, "I won't speak of it carelessly."
If Qin Shuang had asked, Qin Yan would have likely rebuffed her without a second thought. But since it was Qin Wan asking, he couldn't simply evade. He lowered his voice. "Madam Pang is Lord Pang's second wife. She married into the family eleven years ago. When she came, she brought a daughter with her. Madam Pang was previously married. Her first husband passed away a few years into their marriage."
Qin Wan was slightly surprised. In the Great Zhou, widows remarrying wasn't uncommon. But thinking of Pang Fuliang, Qin Wan felt he wasn't the type to marry a widow for himself. She asked, "What is this Madam Pang's background?"
A gleam of approval appeared in Qin Yan's eyes. This was precisely why he treated Qin Wan differently. His Ninth Sister, after these years apart, not only possessed remarkable medical skills but also displayed intelligence and acuity that even his own sister, raised in the Marquis household since childhood, found hard to match.
"This Madam Chang comes from the Chang family of Dingzhou. The Dingzhou Changs were the wealthiest family in Dingzhou. Their business wasn't limited to inns and taverns; they also dealt in tea. At that time, they were among the top families not just in Dingzhou but in the entire western region. She was the family's only daughter. Back then, Lord Pang likely considered business connections and didn't mind Madam Pang's status as a widow."
Dingzhou was northwest of Yuzhou, a journey of perhaps three to five days by fast horse.
Qin Wan was inwardly startled. A decade ago, when her father served as an official in Yuzhou, Pang Fuliang was far from being called "Lord Pang." He was merely an ordinary innkeeper. Yet the Chang family of Dingzhou was so prominent that even a child like her had heard of them. As far as she knew, the Chang family gradually declined in the following years.
"I see. So Lord Pang has a stepdaughter. Why haven't we seen her?"
Qin Yan continued in a low voice, "She's ill. It's forbidden to even mention this person within the garden now."
Qin Wan was stunned for a moment. Qin Yan instructed, "Just know it. Never bring it up in front of the Pang family."
Qin Wan nodded. Over on her side, Qin Shuang tugged at Qin Wan. "Hurry, it's snowing again. Let's go have a look…"
It had cleared up for just one day, and now snow was falling again. Qin Shuang's love for snow remained undiminished. As she pulled Qin Wan out, she asked, "What were you and Third Brother talking about?"
Qin Wan looked at Qin Shuang for a moment, then whispered, "Madam Chang is Lord Pang's second wife. And Lord Pang has a stepdaughter."
Qin Shuang gasped, her eyes widening as she stared at Qin Wan. Nearby, Qin Xiang, who had been standing at the doorway about to return to her own courtyard, immediately looked over upon hearing this. Qin Shuang quickly forced a smile. "Fifth Sister, do you want to come enjoy the snow with us?"
Qin Xiang looked at Qin Shuang and Qin Wan's intimate stance with a knowing, half-smile. "No, I'm not feeling well."
With that, she led Wanhe toward her own courtyard. Qin Shuang snorted at Qin Xiang's retreating back. Once they were out of Qin Yan's courtyard, she whispered, "Lord Pang actually married a widow?"
Qin Wan frowned slightly. "What's wrong with a widow? To take a step back, Lord Pang was also taking a second wife."
Qin Shuang tilted her head, thinking. "True! Both had been married before. Neither can point fingers at the other…"
Qin Wan reminded Qin Shuang once more not to speak carelessly before feeling reassured. Qin Shuang agreed repeatedly, pulling Qin Wan toward the eastern part of the garden. "Yesterday when we came back, I saw a pavilion over there. There's an area of unswept snow outside it. Let's go look. Speaking of which, could the person we encountered last night be Lord Pang's stepdaughter?"
The moment Qin Wan finished reminding her not to gossip, Qin Shuang asked in a voice that wasn't particularly soft. Qin Wan anxiously glanced around, relieved only Fuling and Wanqing were following behind them, holding umbrellas. "Lower your voice. I think it's possible too."
Qin Shuang frowned slightly. "Then her playing hide-and-seek late at night took some nerve. And scaring us was very ill-mannered."
Hearing this, Qin Wan didn't mention the fact that the Pang young lady was ill. She was lost in her own thoughts about what kind of illness she might have…
"Ah! There are people there already! Really, if only we'd come earlier."
Qin Shuang suddenly complained. Hearing this, Qin Wan immediately looked up. In the distant pavilion, Madam Pang and Pang Jiayan sat together at a stone table. Qingniang stood nearby with two maids. Everyone was watching Pang Jiayan build a snowman on the table. The snowman was half-finished; Pang Jiayan was shaping its head.
Seeing Madam Chang and her son there, Qin Wan naturally didn't wish to disturb them. She was about to pull Qin Shuang away when Madam Chang spotted them. She stood up, her voice gentle. "Young Miss Qin."
If they hadn't been seen, they could have slipped away quietly. But now that they had been noticed, leaving would be impolite.
Qin Wan had no choice but to walk forward with Qin Shuang, curtseying slightly. "Madam."
Yesterday, Madam Chang had seemed somewhat reserved. Today, she appeared different. Slender and graceful, standing in the pavilion in her lotus-root-purple jacket and skirt, she was poised, elegant, and gentle. Aside from her habitually slightly furrowed brows, her entire demeanor was pleasingly gentle and refined. Qin Wan observed Madam Chang for a moment. "I didn't realize Madam was here. My apologies for disturbing you."
Qin Wan offered an apologetic smile. Madam Chang shook her head. "It's no trouble. Are you here to enjoy the snow?"
As she spoke, Madam Chang gestured to the stone stools beside the table. The two maids immediately produced cushions and placed them. Madam Chang then looked at Pang Jiayan. "Jiayan, greet the two elder sisters, invite them to sit…"
Pang Jiayan, who had been absorbed in playing with the snow, stood up upon hearing this. "Please sit, Elder Sisters."
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang exchanged a glance and sat down together.
Pang Jiayan said no more and sat back down to mold his snowball. Madam Chang also took a seat. "He loves playing in the snow too. Doesn't seem to feel the cold."
Qin Wan, having just learned of Madam Chang's background, couldn't help but feel a twinge of melancholy. Madam Chang's features were delicate, her brows and eyes lovely, making her appear quite youthful. But sitting closer, Qin Wan noticed the fine wrinkles covering Madam Chang's face, making her look several years older than she had from a distance.
Qin Shuang watched Pang Jiayan molding the snowman intently and smiled. "Young Master is quiet-natured, which is quite good."
Qin Wan thought the usual Pang Jiayan was indeed quiet. Yet she had also seen him teasing Pang Yiwen that day.
Madam Chang gave a faint smile. "I actually wish he were more noisy and playful like other children…"
Qin Wan sensed a trace of bitterness in Madam Chang's smile. At that moment, the two maids brought over a pot of hot tea from a small stove placed outside the pavilion and set out four cups. The table now held both the snowman and the teapot. Seeing the maid fumble slightly while pouring, Madam Chang said, "Let me…"
She took the teapot and poured tea for Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. "This is brewed with snowmelt from the plum grove. Please taste it."
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang took the cups with thanks. Qin Wan was about to express her gratitude after smelling the tea's aroma when she noticed Madam Chang's arm, holding the teapot, stiffen slightly, and her brow furrow. Qin Wan quickly asked, "Is Madam unwell?"
Madam Chang shook her head. "No, it's nothing. Just bumped my arm accidentally this morning."
"Is there bruising? I have a salve for dispersing stagnant blood."
Madam Chang smiled, shaking her head. "Ninth Young Miss is truly kind-hearted. Don't worry, I've already applied some ointment."
Only then did Qin Wan feel relieved. Madam Chang continued, "It's a pity. We originally intended to invite you to enjoy the opera. Now, it seems that won't be possible."
Qin Shuang quickly replied, "It's quite alright, Madam. The garden is so tranquil and pleasant. Staying here a few more days is lovely enough."
Qin Shuang was getting better at saying pleasant things. Madam Chang then said, "Well, if there's a chance next year around this time, you can visit again…"
Qin Shuang was surprised. "Come again next year?"
Madam Chang nodded. "Yes. Our Master particularly cherishes the Shuangqing Troupe's performances. He invites them every year at this time. Except for a couple of years when we couldn't get them, we never miss it."
No wonder the Shuangqing Troupe, despite receiving Prince Yu's invitation, stayed at Clear Radiance Garden. They were old patrons.
Qin Shuang sighed. "With Master Qingli gone, from now on, I'm afraid… If the Shuangqing Troupe declines and can't maintain its standing, I suppose Lord Pang will find another favorite."
"That won't happen. Isn't there still Miss Qingxian?" Madam Chang's voice remained gentle. "All the skills Qingli learned from the previous troupe leader, she taught to her two disciples. This time with Qinglan… alas. Qingxian is also quite skilled."
Qin Wan and Qin Shuang recalled the two acts they had listened to the other day. Indeed, both disciples were talented.
"It's truly despicable. That Qinglan repaid her master's kindness with betrayal."
Qin Shuang's sense of justice surfaced again. Hearing this, Madam Chang seemed to hesitate. "Miss Qinglan…"
"Hmm? What did Madam wish to say?" Qin Shuang asked.
"Miss Qinglan has a straightforward nature. In the past, she was also very filial. It's truly hard to understand why she would act this way now."
Madam Chang sighed. She had naturally seen the Shuangqing Troupe master and disciples many times over the years. Hearing her words, Qin Wan's heart stirred slightly. "Now that the case has just identified the killer, how are they handling Master Qingli's remains? Why are they in such a hurry to leave?"
Madam Chang seemed clear about the household arrangements. "The coffin was prepared under the Master's orders. Master Qingli's body is still at the yamen. Early tomorrow morning, the others will return first to the venue the troupe rents in the capital. Qingxian, with a few close attendants, will go to the yamen to receive Qingli's body and escort the coffin back to her hometown for burial."
"Her hometown? Where was Master Qingli from?" Qin Wan quickly asked.
Madam Chang said softly, "Master Qingli was from Dingzhou."
Qin Wan understood somewhat. Dingzhou wasn't far. After Qingli's burial, Qingxian could still return to the capital in time for New Year.
Qin Shuang then said, "From now on, the Shuangqing Troupe will have only Qingxian. I wonder if she can manage. She's a young lady, gentle and delicate. If the people under her cause trouble, she might not be able to handle them…"
"Deputy Troupe Master Yang."
Just as Qin Shuang finished speaking, Pang Jiayan, who had seemingly finished molding his snowman, suddenly spoke up.
Qin Wan was surprised. Even Madam Chang looked at Pang Jiayan. "Jiayan, what did you say?"
Pang Jiayan looked at his mother seriously. "Deputy Troupe Master Yang will help Qingxian."
Madam Chang frowned. "Where did you hear that? How do you know?"
Pang Jiayan tilted his head, thinking. "The first day they arrived, I was playing in the rockery cave. I saw Deputy Troupe Master Yang comforting Qingxian… like… like how Mother comforts me…"
His words caused the expressions of Madam Chang and the others to change.
Like how Madam Chang comforted Pang Jiayan? Madam Chang was Pang Jiayan's mother; naturally, she doted on him. If Pang Jiayan was upset, she would comfort him with utmost tenderness. If Yang Ying had comforted Qingxian like that… then it was undoubtedly a secret romantic relationship.
Yang Ying and Qingxian had a secret affair?!
Qin Wan suddenly remembered what she had seen that day. Qingxian was the one who inspected the mechanism. Yang Ying was the one who gave her the key. The two of them acted in concert. Later, the evidence found pointed directly to Qinglan. Could it be that the two of them conspired to frame Qinglan?
Qin Wan felt this was entirely possible…
Her heart began to pound. Over on her side, Madam Chang looked somewhat embarrassed. "Don't talk nonsense."
She then looked at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. "A child's words shouldn't be taken too seriously. Within the Shuangqing Troupe, private relationships are forbidden. Anyone who secretly pledges themselves to another is expelled."
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly. The doubts and unease in her heart grew stronger.
She had originally been unwilling to get involved further in the Shuangqing Troupe matter. But now, a huge question lay before her. Should she intervene or not?
Qin Wan forced a smile. "Young Master might have mistaken someone else."
Pang Jiayan looked at her with a hint of dissatisfaction. "Not possible. I don't make mistakes. They've been coming to our house for many years, always around year's end. I've seen Qinglan many times…"
Qin Wan quickly said, "Alright, alright, Young Master didn't mistake anyone." She changed the subject. "Who taught Young Master to build snowmen?"
Pang Jiayan glanced at Madam Chang. "Mother taught me."
Madam Chang also smiled. "He loves fiddling with little things. His father indulges him too. As soon as it snows, he clamors to build a snowman. Every winter, he looks forward to the snow. Such a little person, yet he doesn't seem to feel the cold."
With doubts now planted in her mind, Qin Wan didn't wish to linger. After sitting for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, she mentioned feeling a bit cold. Seeing Pang Jiayan showed no sign of leaving, she and Qin Shuang took their leave first.
Seeing her solemn expression, Qin Shuang asked, "What's wrong? Do you think there's something between Qingxian and that Yang Ying?… Now that you mention it, it's not impossible. Qingxian is a young woman; naturally, she might have budding feelings. Besides, she and Yang Ying must interact frequently."
"I need to leave the estate," Qin Wan halted suddenly.
Qin Shuang was taken aback. "Where are you going?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "Inform Third Brother for me. I'll take our family's carriage. Tell him… tell him I'm going out to stroll around…"
"If you're going for a stroll, why not take me?" Qin Shuang said righteously.
Qin Wan offered a bitter smile. "The place I'm going… you probably wouldn't want to go."
With that, she turned and walked away with Fuling. They had come out wearing cloaks and carrying umbrellas, so no further preparation was needed to go out. Qin Wan led Fuling straight to the outer courtyard's side rooms, found the Qin family coachman, and left the estate.
Seated in the Qin family carriage as they departed Clear Radiance Garden, Qin Wan instructed from inside, "To Prince Yu's residence."
The coachman hadn't been there before, so Fuling had to give directions to Prince Yu's residence. Inside the carriage, Fuling was puzzled. "Is Miss going to find His Highness the Heir Apparent? For what?"
Qin Wan nodded. "I feel there's a problem with Qingli's case."
Fuling gasped. "Does Miss think the killer isn't Qinglan?"
Qin Wan shook her head, then nodded. "I am not certain yet, but at least His Highness the Heir and the Prefect may not be aware of the full facts. If they knew about the illicit relationship between Yang Ying and Qingxian, the entire case might change."
Fuling sighed. "Is that so. You and Qinglan were mere passing acquaintances, yet you are willing to go to this trouble for her sake."
"A human life is at stake. It is merely a single trip. I cannot let an innocent person suffer a wrongful accusation."
Qin Wan's voice was solemn. Fuling looked at Qin Wan in this state, and a sense of reverence could not help but rise in her heart. She was just an ordinary lowly maidservant, yet her master possessed such integrity. For a moment, she felt a sense of pride by association.
Soon, the carriage stopped before the gates of Prince Yu's Manor. The birthday banquet had concluded, so there were few carriages before Prince Yu's Manor today. Once the carriage came to a halt, Fuling walked quickly to the manor gates. Just as expected, she was stopped by a guard before she could get close. Fuling said, "Please make an announcement. The Heir of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis is seeking the Heir Apparent of Prince Rui on a matter of urgency. Please ask His Highness to come out for a meeting."
The guard paused, glanced at Fuling, then looked at the Qin Manor carriage before nodding with hesitation and turning to enter the manor gates.
Fuling hurried back and said by the carriage, "Miss, they said they do not know if His Highness is in the manor."
Qin Wan was not certain either, but for this matter, she could only come to Yan Chi.
The master and servant waited in silence. Soon, Yan Chi strode out from within the manor gates. Fuling happily tapped on the carriage window. Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain to look, and the corners of her lips curled up.
One look at Fuling and Yan Chi knew it was Qin Wan. He walked with large steps to the carriage, his expression already somewhat grave. "What is wrong?"
Unless it was a matter of great importance, Qin Wan would never come looking for him.
"Are you busy at the moment?" Qin Wan asked from inside the carriage.
Yan Chi fixed his gaze on her. "I am free. Speak."
"Then get into the carriage."
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, lifted the curtain, and boarded. Qin Wan ordered the driver, "To the Yuzhou Prefectural Yamen!"
Yan Chi inside the carriage was even more surprised. Fuling, meanwhile, took her seat on the external carriage shaft.
Soon, the carriage was underway.
"What is it? Did a problem arise with Qinglan's case?"
Yan Chi asked sharply. Qin Wan nodded, then added, "Actually, I am not certain, but there is something I just found out. I heard the Young Master of the Pang Manor describe it and suspect an illicit relationship between Deputy Troupe Master Yang Ying and Qingxian. Do you remember? That day, first Qingxian inspected the mechanism, then Yang Ying claimed Qinglan had not left the room, and finally, the key happened to be found on Qinglan. At the time, it felt like nothing, but now knowing they have a private relationship, it feels as though it was orchestrated."
Qin Wan spoke with great speed. After listening, Yan Chi's expression turned solemn as well.
"Indeed, we were unaware of this point."
Qin Wan looked at him with anticipation. "So, this matter requires you to step forward."
Yan Chi stared fixedly at Qin Wan, who was leaning toward him. She had rushed over in such a hurry, all for Qinglan's case. His heart stirred slightly. He could not help but raise his hand to gently caress her cheek. "Very well."
This was originally a very serious matter, yet communicating between the two of them seemed particularly effortless. With just one word, "very well," from him, Qin Wan did not know what to say for a moment. His warm palm rested against her somewhat cold cheek, and the rough pad of his thumb was rubbing against her skin. Qin Wan's heart gave a jolt, and her face turned slightly red.
"What is wrong?" Qin Wan looked into Yan Chi's eyes. Just as she was about to retract her leaning body, Yan Chi suddenly lunged forward and pulled her from the seat into his embrace.
The carriage was spacious. Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan down to sit sideways across his lap.
"What is wrong?" Qin Wan turned her gaze to look at Yan Chi.
Yan Chi held her waist with one hand and gently stroked her cheek with the other. "Do you know? There will not be another woman in this world who would exert such mental effort for a complete stranger."
Qin Wan pursed her lips slightly. "A disciple harming their master is a grave crime according to both sentiment and the law. I cannot let someone suffer a false accusation."
"There are many people who suffer injustice in this world every day. In the eyes of others, as long as it does not concern them, there is no need to interfere. The court does not pay you a stipend, nor are you a family member or friend of the accused. You, oh you."
Yan Chi cupped Qin Wan's face and drew closer, planting a light, fleeting kiss on her lips.
Although this kiss lacked the fiery passion of the other day, Qin Wan could feel his cherishing of her. There was even a hint of admiration and doting affection. Qin Wan's heart softened slightly. "If I were asked to ascend a mountain of blades or plunge into a sea of fire to speak up for her today, I certainly would not be willing. If speaking one extra word would place myself and those around me in a predicament, I would certainly have to weigh it carefully. But this is merely a single trip. I will lose nothing, and it is not a matter of great consequence."
"What mountain of blades or sea of fire? Your words imply that the next time you encounter such a matter, you will do the same." Yan Chi continued to rub her cheek. "If you had been born a man, I fear you would certainly have become the Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."
A wave of sourness passed through Qin Wan's heart. She lowered her eyes. "I have no such great ambition. I also know that standing by does me no harm, and speaking up to help brings me no benefit. But if I do not do this, every time I think of it in the future, I will feel as if a piece has collapsed in my heart. It is not guilt, but merely the feeling that I should not become that kind of person."
"Silly girl." Yan Chi gave her cheek a pinch. Qin Wan raised her eyes and saw Yan Chi looking at her with eyes full of warm smiles. "I naturally know you. The next time, and the time after that, you may do as you wish."
As he spoke, Yan Chi leaned in slightly closer and said in a low voice, "Such matters seem like lifting a hand to you, yet in the eyes of others, they require considerable courage and a weighing of pros and cons. You always surprise me, and you make me cherish and appreciate you more and more. Just looking at you, I even draw strength myself." Having said this, Yan Chi kissed her lips again. "Truly fatal."
Qin Wan's face turned another shade redder unconsciously. "I."
Seeing that she wanted to speak but stopped, Yan Chi said softly, "It must have been the best father and mother in the world to have raised you to be like this."
Qin Wan thought he might say something sweet again, but she did not expect him to suddenly say such words. The best father and mother. Yes, her father and mother truly were the best father and mother under heaven.
A wave of grief and bitterness surged through Qin Wan's heart again. She suddenly threw her arms around Yan Chi, her head falling onto his shoulder.
Yan Chi paused for a moment, then immediately embraced Qin Wan tightly. While stroking her back, he said apologetically, "I spoke too hastily just now and made you sad?"
Qin Wan shook her head silently, but she felt a wave of damp heat in her eye sockets. She shut her eyes tightly, taking a long while to suppress that moisture. Yan Chi then said softly, "It is alright, it is alright. I will protect you on their behalf."
The emotions Qin Wan had just suppressed surged up once more. She hugged Yan Chi even tighter, afraid that if she met his eyes, her tears would fall, and she did not want Yan Chi to see her fragile appearance. A hint of distress rose in Yan Chi's eyes, but he did not speak, only allowing her to lean against him. After a good while, Qin Wan's head finally moved slightly on his shoulder.
Only then did a muffled voice come from Qin Wan. "Am I really that good?"
Yan Chi gave a soft laugh. "Mm. In all the Central States and Four Seas, the best."