novelraw Chapter 159 : Reversal of Fate, Trouble in the Pang Household
Chapter 159 : Reversal of Fate, Trouble in the Pang Household
159: Reversal of Fate, Trouble in the Pang Household
"Young Master, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?"
Prefect Wang Huaiyu strode out of the yamen, lifting his robe to kneel. "Your humble official pays his respects to Your Highness."
Yan Chi helped Wang Huaiyu to his feet. "Prefect Wang, there's no need for such formality. I've come regarding Qingli's case."
Yan Chi stood outside the carriage. Wang Huaiyu's gaze swept over, landing on Fuling. A thought flickered in his mind; the girl looked familiar. Suddenly, it struck him. The other day, when Yan Chi came to the theater for the second time, he was accompanied by a young lady. Later, he'd learned she was the Ninth Young Miss of the Loyal and Valiant Marquis household. And at that time, the maidservant by the Ninth Young Miss's side had been this one.
Instantly, Wang Huaiyu understood. He glanced at the carriage with its drawn curtains and composed himself.
"Qingli's case? After the interrogation yesterday, the killer has been confirmed as Qinglan."
Wang Huaiyu asked with concern, "Has there been some new development?"
Yan Chi's expression was serious. "Are you aware of a secret romantic relationship between the Shuangqing Troupe's Deputy Troupe Master, Yang Ying, and Qingli's younger disciple?"
A flicker of doubt appeared in Wang Huaiyu's eyes. "The two of them have a secret affair?"
Yan Chi nodded. "It seems you were unaware. I came precisely because I feared you might not know. What did Qinglan say? Did she confess?"
"No," Wang Huaiyu shook his head. "She didn't confess. However, the evidence against her is conclusive. Moreover, some within the Shuangqing Troupe said Qinglan had quarreled with Master Qingli several times recently for unknown reasons, and that Master Qingli had even threatened to expel her from the troupe."
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "Did Qinglan say what the quarrels were about?"
Wang Huaiyu shook his head again. "Qinglan hasn't said yet. I intended to interrogate her further today."
This was new information for Yan Chi. Inside the carriage, Qin Wan also felt a jolt of surprise. If Qinglan had conflicts with Qingli, then her suspicion indeed grew heavier.
Wang Huaiyu, as Prefect of Yuzhou, possessed the same keen insight as Huo Huaixin. Seeing the contemplation on Yan Chi's face, he softly asked, "If Your Highness has doubts, would you care to sit in on the interrogation?"
Yan Chi raised a brow, his gaze sweeping toward the carriage. Wang Huaiyu immediately added, "It's too cold outside. Since Your Highness and the Ninth Young Miss have come, it would be remiss to have you stand outside. Why not come inside for a cup of hot tea?"
Yan Chi felt a flicker of satisfaction. Inside the carriage, Qin Wan bent down to exit.
Since things had come to this, and Wang Huaiyu was being tactful out of respect for Yan Chi, Qin Wan naturally accepted his courtesy.
The carriage curtain lifted. Fuling hurriedly held an umbrella for Qin Wan. Outside, a fine, dense snow was falling. Qin Wan stepped down and offered a slight curtsey to Wang Huaiyu. "Prefect Wang…"
Wang Huaiyu sidestepped slightly. "Ninth Young Miss, please, no need for formalities. It's too cold outside. Please, come inside."
Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi, who was already striding ahead.
The Yuzhou Prefectural Yamen was largely similar to the Jinzhou one. Wang Huaiyu directly invited Qin Wan and Yan Chi into his usual guest-study. After ordering servants to serve tea and exchanging a few pleasantries with Yan Chi, he instructed his subordinates to bring Qinglan for questioning.
The study was divided into two parts by a folding screen, hiding Yan Chi and Qin Wan from view.
Not long after, heavy footsteps slowly entered the study.
A thump. likely Qinglan kneeling.
From behind the screen, the outside was obscured, but the interior could vaguely see the shadows outside.
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, peering closely. Compared to the day before, Qinglan's hair was disheveled. She still wore the "Cowherd" costume, now stained with what seemed to be blood. She knelt on the ground, her head hanging listlessly, not uttering a word.
"Qinglan, raise your head."
Wang Huaiyu's authoritative voice commanded. Qinglan paused, then lifted her head.
Wang Huaiyu's tone softened slightly. "You claim you did not harm your master. Then why did several people testify they personally heard you quarreling with your master? And why did your master threaten to expel you from the Shuangqing Troupe?"
Qinglan looked expressionlessly at Wang Huaiyu. After a long moment, she said, "I did not kill my master."
Hearing these words again, after a whole night, Wang Huaiyu couldn't help a cold laugh. "Preposterous. Why should this official believe your single statement?!"
Seeing Qinglan about to lower her head again, Wang Huaiyu slapped a booklet of testimonies in front of her.
"Take a good look. These are the testimonies of others."
The testimonies contained not only interrogation records but also names. Qinglan could clearly see who said what. Sure enough, the dead calm in Qinglan's eyes was soon replaced by fury. "Lies! They're all lies!"
Wang Huaiyu said, "This official wished to help you, but you do not value your life. There is nothing more I can do. Early tomorrow morning, Qingxian and Yang Ying will come to collect your master's body and escort the coffin back to Dingzhou. Your case will be finalized within five days. Once the verdict is passed, no one will listen if you cry injustice. Have you thought it through?"
Seeing Qinglan remain silent, Wang Huaiyu sighed. "Guards, take her back."
"Wait." Qinglan suddenly spoke.
Behind the screen, Yan Chi and Qin Wan exchanged a glance, a flicker of light in their eyes.
Qinglan raised her head. "My master and I… we quarreled because she wanted me to do something I was unwilling to do… Her threat to expel me from the Shuangqing Troupe was also over this matter alone. I was indeed resentful, but I would not kill her."
Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. "What did she do that you disapproved of?"
Qinglan took a deep breath, lowering her gaze. "She wanted me… to serve a nobleman in the capital."
With that simple sentence, Wang Huaiyu understood. Opera performers were not courtesans, but they were still considered lowly entertainers. Those who came to watch operas, aside from true aficionados, were often there for fun and excitement. Young women like her and Qingxian, possessing good figures, voices, and pretty faces… even though it was known they did not provide such services, that very fact only fueled the desires of certain noblemen.
"A Shuangqing Troupe performer, forced into such things?"
Wang Huaiyu was not a capital official, but he knew the Shuangqing Troupe's reputation was substantial. In his view, such a prosperous troupe shouldn't need its performers to sell their bodies. After he spoke, Qinglan lowered her eyes with a cold tone. "My master had a gambling addiction. Others didn't know, but Qingxian and I did. Moreover, while the Shuangqing Troupe appears successful and well-established in the capital, it's fundamentally different from troupes with deep roots there. Supporting a large troupe, plus the constant need to grease palms and deal with rivals' schemes… after all that, there wasn't much money left. Master lost nine out of ten bets. The Shuangqing Troupe's current brilliance is only surface-deep."
"The troupe's income is limited. Certain nobles in the capital have had designs on us for a while. Master wanted us to serve those noblemen. I… I refused… Master first tried coaxing, then when that didn't work, she applied pressure and threats, even threatening to throw me out… Our frequent quarrels stemmed from this. Even if she didn't expel me, I didn't want to stay. If not for the fact that she was my master, who raised and taught me since childhood, I would have left long ago… On this trip south, I had planned to make things clear with her upon returning to the capital. But I never expected… she would die…"
Qinglan kept her head bowed, but her back remained ramrod straight.
Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. "So, you were never actually forced by your master to serve others?"
A cold laugh escaped Qinglan. She looked up at Wang Huaiyu, her eyes filled with sarcasm, as if Wang Huaiyu himself were one of those lecherous nobles. "I told her that if she forced me, she could present my corpse to those noblemen. She knew my temperament. Though furious, she didn't dare push further. She held a deep grudge against me for this. Upon returning to the capital, she would likely have found another way to deal with me."
Wang Huaiyu raised a brow. "Fearing she would find a way to harm you upon returning to the capital, you decided to kill her now?"
Qinglan gave another cold laugh. "If I truly wanted to kill her, I could have done it in the south. Why wait until now? Not to mention the importance of Prince Yu's birthday banquet, there were no few sharp-eyed people present like yourself, Prefect. Wouldn't I be afraid of leaving traces?"
After saying this, Qinglan hung her head again.
"What about the key?" Wang Huaiyu's voice turned cool.
Hearing this, Qinglan immediately laughed.
"Someone wants to harm me. What can I do?"
Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. "Who wants to harm you…"
Qinglan lowered her gaze. "I don't know. I've never clashed with anyone in the troupe." She paused briefly, then suddenly added, "However… while there's no overt enmity, there might be some underlying rivalry."
Wang Huaiyu raised an eyebrow. Qinglan continued, "Since my master's master's generation, the Shuangqing Troupe has had only one troupe leader. My grandmaster had only my master as a disciple. My master had two disciples: me and my junior sister. The future troupe leader was to be chosen between my junior sister and me."
Hearing this, Wang Huaiyu understood.
"Is there anything else?"
Qinglan shook her head. "No."
Wang Huaiyu pondered for a moment. "Are you aware of the relationship between Deputy Troupe Master Yang and your junior sister…"
Upon hearing this, Qinglan's eyes flickered, seemingly surprised Wang Huaiyu would ask this. She glanced at him, then lowered her gaze and shook her head. "The Deputy Troupe Master is quite caring toward my junior sister. Beyond that, I know nothing."
Wang Huaiyu nodded. "Guards, take her back."
The guards outside entered and soon escorted Qinglan out. Wang Huaiyu pulled aside the screen, looking respectfully at Yan Chi. "Your Highness, she spoke more today. Given this new information, should we investigate further?"
Yan Chi nodded. "They are in the same troupe. She must have sensed something about Yang Ying and Qingxian's relationship. Yet when you asked just now, she didn't immediately point fingers…"
Wang Huaiyu agreed. "Exactly. She didn't mention the reason for her conflicts with Qingli yesterday, likely not wanting to air the Shuangqing Troupe's dirty laundry."
He paused slightly. "This humble official will immediately have Yang Ying and Qingxian brought in for questioning."
Yan Chi nodded. Qin Wan stood up with him. Since Wang Huaiyu was going to summon people, it was inappropriate for Qin Wan and Yan Chi to remain at the yamen. Wang Huaiyu went to gather his men, so Yan Chi and Qin Wan left the yamen first.
Once in the carriage, Qin Wan asked, "Is Your Highness returning directly to Prince Yu's residence?"
Yan Chi looked at her. "What reason did you give for coming out?"
Qin Wan's gaze shifted. "I just asked Sixth Sister to tell Third Brother I was going out for a stroll."
Yan Chi lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside. "Since you're out for a stroll, you shouldn't return empty-handed."
He tapped on the carriage wall. "Head east."
The coachman didn't know the roads of Yuzhou City, so Yan Chi directed him. Before long, the carriage arrived at the busiest, most bustling street market in Yuzhou. Yan Chi pulled back the curtain to look. "Go look around as you please."
Even though they weren't in the capital, having the esteemed Heir Apparent of Prince Rui accompany her shopping would still be rather conspicuous.
Qin Wan nodded and was about to step out when Yan Chi suddenly pressed a money pouch into her hand.
"Buy whatever you like."
Qin Wan's brows shot up high. Yan Chi paid attention to her preferences, rescued and protected her, but this was the first time he'd given her money. Qin Wan pushed it back. "I have silver with me."
Yan Chi frowned, wrapping his hand around both the pouch and hers. "Take it."
Two simple words, spoken in a tone that brooked no argument.
Qin Wan pressed her lips together for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
With that, she turned and stepped out. Yan Chi stretched his legs, leaning against the carriage wall, watching Qin Wan and Fuling walk toward a silk shop on the street. The corner of his mouth lifted. He dropped the curtain and closed his eyes to rest.
Naturally, young ladies liked silks and jewelry. But to him, one piece looked much like any other. Yan Chi thought Qin Wan would take at least the time for two cups of tea to return. Unexpectedly, in less than the time for one cup of tea, she was back.
Yan Chi lifted the window curtain to look and saw Fuling holding an embroidered box.
He frowned slightly. Meanwhile, Qin Wan had already lifted the carriage curtain and entered.
"Why so soon? Just bought this?"
Yan Chi looked at the box, assuming Qin Wan had chosen some jewelry. But when Qin Wan handed the money pouch back to him while bringing in the box, Yan Chi was surprised to find the pouch's weight almost unchanged.
"What's this?" Yan Chi took the pouch, displeased. Qin Wan smiled, opening the box. Yan Chi leaned over to look and saw seven or eight sachets in various colors. Yan Chi raised a brow. No wonder she hadn't spent much silver.
"I don't need anything else. I just ran out of pouches for medicine sachets."
As she spoke, Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi. "Does Your Highness want a medicine sachet?"
Yan Chi's brows lifted. "Why even ask me this?"
Qin Wan thought for a moment, understood, and immediately nodded.
After the purchase, and since it was too cold outside, Yan Chi didn't want her lingering. "Let's head back now. Back to Clear Radiance Garden."
"And Your Highness?" Qin Wan placed the box aside hurriedly asked.
"Don't worry about me. I'll get off halfway."
Qin Wan wanted to say more, but Yan Chi had made his decision and wouldn't hear otherwise. He tapped on the carriage wall, and the coachman soon set the carriage in motion.
"When will Your Highness leave?" Qin Wan suddenly asked again.
Yan Chi looked at her with a faint smile. "No hurry…"
Qin Wan nodded, unsure if his lack of hurry was for her or due to other matters. Yan Chi seemed to read her thoughts and said, "Yan Li also needs to return to the capital. He'll likely travel with me. At that time, I'll lag behind your group a bit."
Qin Wan's eyes widened slightly. "Your Highness could return to the capital first."
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. "I wouldn't feel at ease."
A soft ache touched Qin Wan's heart. Yan Chi merely gave a slight smile. Not long after, he lifted the curtain to glance outside. Seeing the carriage nearing the street where Clear Radiance Garden was located, he tapped the carriage wall again. Soon, the carriage stopped.
Yan Chi leaned forward, gave Qin Wan a quick embrace, kissed the corner of her lips, and without another word, stepped out of the carriage.
The carriage started moving again. Qin Wan lifted the window curtain to look back. Yan Chi stood tall and straight by the roadside, watching her. It was an ordinary parting, yet Qin Wan felt a pang of melancholy. Only when the carriage turned a corner and Yan Chi was out of sight did she let the curtain fall.
Qin Wan opened the box. When selecting the pouches earlier, she had specifically chosen an ink-black one. The smooth, dark silk pouch was embroidered with a small orchid, adding an elegant touch. Qin Wan had felt it suited Yan Chi perfectly from the first glance.
...
...
As soon as Qin Wan entered the gates of Clear Radiance Garden, she saw several gatekeepers whispering amongst themselves.
Qin Wan knew Wang Huaiyu must have already come.
"Miss, was it Prefect Wa…"
"Shh." Qin Wan put a finger to her lips. "To avoid trouble, don't tell Third Brother about this for now."
Fuling nodded. "Miss trusts His Highness more."
Qin Wan heard this but did not refute it. She truly had no way to refute it.
The two of them returned to the guest courtyard together. As soon as she entered, Qin Shuang rushed out from the room opposite. "Where did you go? You've been gone half the day! What's that in your hand?"
As she spoke, Qin Shuang took the box from her and opened it, her face showing disappointment.
"Why are they just pouches?"
Qin Wan smiled, entering her own room. "I ran out of pouches for medicine sachets."
Qin Shuang helplessly handed the box back to Fuling. "Still making medicine sachets? Won't we need fewer after crossing Yan River?"
Qin Wan just smiled without answering. Qin Shuang eagerly followed her in. "Did you know? Just now, the Prefect of Yuzhou brought people and took Qingxian and their Deputy Troupe Master, Yang Ying, away. Said new suspicious points were found. Now the Shuangqing Troupe can't leave tomorrow."
As Qin Wan expected. "Did they say what the new suspicious points were?"
Seeing Qin Wan so calm, Qin Shuang initially felt some surprise, but thinking of Qin Wan's usual demeanor, she relaxed a bit. "How could they say? They just took them away."
Qin Wan asked, "Where's Third Brother?"
Qin Shuang shook her head. "Don't know. When I came back earlier, Third Brother wasn't in his courtyard. He was said to have been invited by Master Pang. Don't know what they're discussing."
Qin Wan made an acknowledging sound and stopped asking, focusing on the sachets.
Regarding Qingli's case, this was all she could do. Previously, she hadn't known about Qingli's gambling addiction or that she forced performers from her own troupe to serve noblemen. Now knowing more, she believed Prefect Wang would make his own judgment.
Qin Wan spent the afternoon fiddling with the sachets. After the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), Qin Yan came over, entering the room. "Ninth Sister is back?"
Qin Wan stood up. "Yes, I just went out to buy some pouches and came back."
Looking at Qin Yan, Qin Wan was surprised to find his brows slightly furrowed today, as if troubled.
"Third Brother, please sit and have some tea?"
At Qin Wan's invitation, Qin Yan took a seat. Qin Wan poured him a cup of tea. "Third Brother, were you discussing matters with Master Pang?"
"And Transport Commissioner Liu…"
Qin Yan took a sip from his cup. Qin Wan continued, "Third Brother doesn't look well. Have you encountered some difficulty?"
Qin Yan didn't deny it. Instead, he glanced at Qin Wan, then shook his head. "Just a minor matter. Telling a young lady like you, you wouldn't understand. It's nothing serious. Don't worry."
Hearing this, Qin Wan knew it was a matter concerning the court.
Since it involved the court, it was highly likely directly related to Liu Renli…
Qin Wan said casually, "Could it be that Master Pang has presented Third Brother with some difficult proposition? Transport Commissioner Liu is at the estate, right? Third Brother could discuss it with him."
Qin Wan said this deliberately. As soon as the words left her mouth, Qin Yan gave a light laugh. "Transport Commissioner Liu… the problem is precisely with him…"
Qin Yan abruptly cut himself off, evidently not wishing to continue. He turned to see Qin Wan looking at him with utterly open and honest eyes. A chill ran down Qin Yan's spine. He had nearly let something slip just now. But judging from Qin Wan's expression, she didn't seem to be probing deliberately or scheming. Qin Yan gave a helpless smile. "Transport Commissioner Liu has no solution either."
Qin Wan stopped there but understood that Liu Renli was involved in whatever was troubling Qin Yan.
Could it be that Qin Yan wanted to win Liu Renli over but was refused?
Liu Renli held a significant position in salt transport, but ultimately, he was only a fourth-rank official. Moreover, he wasn't from a prominent family. Did he dare refuse the Crown Prince's goodwill?
Qin Wan couldn't quite figure it out but decided against probing further into these court intrigues. Qin Yan also fell silent. The more he was like this, the more it indicated his displeasure. After sitting a while longer, Qin Yan bid farewell and returned to his own courtyard.
After dinner, Qin Wan continued working on the medicine sachets. Once finished, she washed up and retired. She slept soundly through the night. Early the next morning, Qin Wan slept until broad daylight before rising…
Qin Wan got up and washed. Just as she finished, Qin Shuang burst into the room.
"Guess what I saw?"
Qin Wan was drinking water. She turned to see Qin Shuang was fully dressed, her cheeks flushed as if she had just returned from outside. With this question, Qin Shuang immediately said, "Clear Radiance Garden has guests again!"
"Guests again?" Qin Wan wasn't surprised, but she played along for Qin Shuang's sake.
"And it's an elderly madam."
Hearing this, Qin Wan was slightly surprised. An elderly madam?
After thinking, Qin Wan said, "That's not strange. Probably a relative of the Pang family."
Qin Shuang shrugged. "I went to that pavilion from yesterday morning and overheard some servants discussing it. I don't know who it is." Then she added, "Let's go to Third Brother's for breakfast."
Qin Wan went out with Qin Shuang. Arriving at Qin Yan's courtyard, they saw that even after a night, Qin Yan's brows remained knit with worry.
Upon seeing them, Qin Yan said, "We leave this place tomorrow morning and return to the capital."
Finally returning to the capital naturally delighted Qin Shuang, but Qin Wan sensed something unusual.
Seeing Qin Yan's serious expression, she didn't ask further. When Qin Xiang arrived, the four siblings began their meal.
After breakfast, Qin Shuang grabbed Qin Yan's arm. "Third Brother, haven't Qingxian and Yang Ying returned yet?"
Qin Yan nodded. "Not yet. It seems Qingli's case isn't so simple. Who exactly is the culprit remains uncertain."
Qin Shuang's eyes darted. For a moment, she couldn't quite grasp it. "Never mind all that. We're leaving early tomorrow anyway. It should only take four or five days to reach the capital from here, right?"
Qin Yan nodded. "Four days if we're fast, five or six if slower."
Qin Shuang clapped her hands happily. Seeing Qin Yan seemed unwilling to talk much, she pulled Qin Wan outside. "What's wrong with Third Brother? He seems troubled by something."
Even Qin Shuang noticed, so it couldn't be a small matter.
Qin Wan shook her head. "Probably a court matter. It's not our place to ask."
Qin Shuang nodded in agreement, then grabbed Qin Wan's arm. "Come on, come on, I want to show you something."
As she spoke, Qin Shuang pulled Qin Wan along the path they had taken yesterday morning toward the east. Qin Wan didn't know what Qin Shuang wanted to show her. When they reached yesterday's pavilion, she discovered a large snowman standing outside it.
Qin Wan was surprised. "This… you made this?"
The snowman before Qin Wan's eyes was vastly different from the small one Pang Jiayan had made yesterday. This snowman was nearly as tall as a person, with a huge belly. Two palm fronds were stuck on either side for arms. On its head, pebbles formed the nose, eyes, and mouth. Qin Wan couldn't help but smile. So Qin Shuang had gotten up early to build a snowman.
"Am I amazing?! Wanqing, Xiuyun, and I built it together!"
"Doesn't it look much better than that little snowman from yesterday?"
Qin Shuang excitedly walked toward the snowman. As soon as she finished speaking, a soft, childish voice full of indignation suddenly rang out.
"Mine is prettier."
The sudden voice startled Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. They looked up simultaneously to see Pang Jiayan standing at the path intersection ahead. Qin Shuang and Qin Wan were taken aback, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
Pang Jiayan toddled over on his short legs, pointed at Qin Shuang's snowman, and declared, "Hmph, ugly."
Although annoyed, Qin Shuang couldn't very well argue with a child. She looked somewhat awkwardly at Qingniang, who had followed Pang Jiayan over. Qingniang offered an apologetic curtsey. "Greetings, Young Misses."
Then she looked at Qin Shuang. "Sixth Young Miss, please don't mind him. The Third Young Master is in a temper."
Before she finished, Pang Jiayan gave another disdainful huff. Then he suddenly squatted down, scooped up a handful of snow, turned, and marched into the pavilion. Qingniang sighed and also scooped up some snow, following him inside. Qingniang piled several handfuls of snow onto the stone table. While Pang Jiayan started molding a new snowman, she came out to apologize.
"My apologies for the discourtesy. Earlier, the Master was in a bad mood and scolded the Third Young Master a few times. Although the Young Master didn't cry, he's unhappy."
Both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were surprised. Qin Shuang said, "Master Pang dotes on the Young Master so much. How could he scold him?"
Qingniang glanced back, as if checking if anyone was approaching, then lowered her voice. "The Master can be somewhat unpredictable in his moods sometimes. Even the Third Young Master gets scolded."
Qin Shuang opened her mouth but refrained from commenting on Pang Fuliang. She forced a smile. "No wonder. My mistake earlier. The Young Master's snowman is, of course, the prettiest…"
She said the last sentence loudly, as if deliberately for Pang Jiayan to hear.
Qingniang also smiled, walking back into the pavilion. "Young Master, don't be angry. The Master was just upset by that Madam. It wasn't directed at you…"
Qin Shuang and Qin Wan exchanged another glance. Had the new guest angered the host so soon after arriving?
Pang Jiayan snorted. "I heard. That person was asking Father for money…"
Qingniang gave a pained smile, looking at Qin Wan and Qin Shuang. "With the Pang family's prosperity, it's inevitable that relatives come seeking handouts."
This wasn't hard to understand. Pang Jiayan snorted again. "That person wants Father's inn…"
Hearing this, both Qin Wan and Qin Shuang were shocked. Asking for an inn outright was no simple request from a poor relative! Qin Wan felt she had overheard something she shouldn't have. She tugged Qin Shuang's sleeve, taking the lead in saying their farewells.
As they walked away, Qin Shuang grumbled, "Why leave in such a hurry? Don't you think it's strange? I was waiting for him to say more!"
Strange, of course it was strange. The "relative seeking handouts" Qingniang mentioned dared to ask for an inn. Even Pang Yiwen and Pang Yiwu probably wouldn't dare make such a demand outright. Who was that person?!
"We're leaving tomorrow. Besides, this is their private affair. It's impolite to eavesdrop."
Qin Shuang pouted. "That's exactly why we should listen more, since we're leaving tomorrow! A wealthy family like the Pangs must hide many secrets. Do you think that person knows some secret of Master Pang's, that's why they dare make such a demand? Shifang Inns are all over the west; every one does booming business. Forget asking for several inns; even asking for one would support a large family for a lifetime…"
"Do not look at what is contrary to propriety; do not listen to what is contrary to propriety," Qin Wan admonished solemnly, though she too felt some suspicion and unease.
As Qin Shuang said, which prominent family didn't have its secrets? Qin Wan wasn't surprised the Pang family had secrets. She cared about justice, law, right and wrong, but she wasn't someone who investigated every secret.
Pulling Qin Shuang back to their courtyard, Qin Wan handed her a book of miscellaneous tales, forcing her to read, while simultaneously wondering how to get a message to Yan Chi. Going out again today probably wouldn't be appropriate.
After some thought, Qin Wan went to Bai Ying's warm chamber. These past two days, Bai Ying still rested in bed most of the time. Seeing Qin Wan, Bai Ying hurried to sit up.
Qin Wan gently pressed her back down. Seeing Fuling hadn't entered, she lowered her voice. "Do you have a way to send him a message?"
Bai Ying understood instantly and nodded.
Qin Wan then said, "We depart early tomorrow morning to return to the capital. Just tell him that."
Bai Ying nodded, rose from the bed, and retrieved something from her bundle. She didn't hide it from Qin Wan. Walking to the rear window, she pointed something toward the sky and released it. Qin Wan only heard a faint whoosh and saw an almost imperceptible streak of light shoot into the sky. Qin Wan found it almost magical. She saw Bai Ying stand motionless by the window. Soon, a figure descended outside the rear window in broad daylight.
Bai Ying conveyed a few words, and the person vanished without a sound.
Closing the window, Bai Ying turned back. "His Highness left people outside this garden."
Qin Wan couldn't help but recall Yan Chi's words, "I wouldn't feel at ease." She nodded, instructed Bai Ying to continue resting, and returned to her own warm chamber. Qin Shuang was already dozing off with the book in her arms.
"Ninth Young Miss."
Around half past the hour of Hai (around 10 PM), Zhou Hua suddenly appeared outside the door.
Fuling opened the door. Zhou Hua bowed. "Ninth Young Miss, Master Pang says we depart tomorrow morning. He has arranged a farewell banquet tonight. Please, you, Fifth Young Miss, and Sixth Young Miss prepare yourselves. We should head over now."
The news was somewhat sudden. However, since the Pang family had already prepared, it would be impolite to refuse.
Qin Wan sent Fuling to notify Qin Xiang. She and Qin Shuang each draped their cloaks and went out. By the time they emerged, Qin Yan was already waiting at the path junction. The four siblings headed together toward the Radiant Dawn Hall.
Before long, they arrived outside the hall.
Unexpectedly, Liu Renli was waiting there. Seeing Qin Yan approach, he hurried forward to greet them.
"Your humble official pays his respects to the Young Master…"
"Greetings to the three Young Misses…"
Liu Renli was far more enthusiastic and attentive than when Qin Wan had last seen him. Looking at him, Qin Wan felt it wasn't that Qin Yan wanted to win over Liu Renli, but that Liu Renli had some request of Qin Yan. In contrast, Qin Yan appeared much cooler. "They are young ladies without formal titles. You are a court official. How can you bow to them?"
Qin Yan's cold words instantly stripped Liu Renli of face. Yet Liu Renli showed not a hint of displeasure, merely saying, "The Young Master is right, the Young Master is right. This humble official simply holds the Marquis household in high esteem. Young Master, please…"
Qin Yan went first, Liu Renli half a step behind, followed by Qin Wan and the others, all entering the hall.
Upon entering, they saw Pang Fuliang once again amusing Pang Jiayan. The gleaming golden toy carriage was back in Pang Jiayan's hands. Hearing the commotion, Pang Fuliang turned. "Young Master has arrived?"
Qin Yan nodded, then glanced around. "Hmm, I heard guests arrived at the estate. Why aren't they here?"
Pang Fuliang smiled upon hearing this. "Tonight is specifically to bid farewell to the Young Master. Just us is fine."
Qin Yan said, "How can that be? Wouldn't that slight the guest? Please invite the lady to join the banquet."
Pang Fuliang hesitated slightly. From the side, Liu Renli said, "That would be fine too."
Hearing this, a shadow crossed Pang Fuliang's eyes. After a moment's silence, Pang Fuliang called toward the door. "Someone, go invite Madam Qin…"
Pang Youde acknowledged from outside and went to invite the lady.
Pang Fuliang patted Pang Jiayan's shoulder and stood up. "Let us begin the banquet…"
He gestured invitingly. "Young Master, please. Commissioner Liu, please…"
Qin Yan naturally led Qin Wan and the others to the banquet seating. Different from the night they arrived, today only Pang Yiwu was present, not Pang Yiwen. The Pang family hadn't sought Qin Wan these past two days, suggesting Pang Yiwen had improved considerably.
"What a pity. I originally intended for the Young Master to enjoy a couple of days of opera for relaxation, but such an incident occurred." Pang Fuliang's tone was regretful. As he spoke, he personally poured wine for Qin Yan. "Once we part this time, who knows when we'll meet again. Young Master, if you visit Yuzhou again, you must inform me."
Facing Pang Fuliang, Qin Yan seemed to have lost some of the good spirits from their arrival day. But compared to his demeanor toward Liu Renli, his expression was still much friendlier. "Lord Pang, rest assured. If I come again, I will certainly impose on your hospitality."
Pang Fuliang nodded, also pouring wine for Liu Renli. After everyone's cups were filled, he said, "Please, let us begin…"
"Lord Pang's guest hasn't arrived yet. There's no hurry."
Qin Yan glanced outside, his manners impeccable. Mentioning the guest caused Pang Fuliang's smile to fade slightly, but with Qin Yan having said this, he, as the host, couldn't very well object.
The room fell silent as everyone waited for the lady. Pang Youde had been gone for quite a while. Why hadn't she arrived yet?
Seeing this, Liu Renli smiled. "This humble official will depart for the capital a day later. Upon my return, I will visit the Marquis and Young Master at the earliest opportunity."
Qin Yan had initially held this salt transport commissioner in high regard. But now, his expression remained indifferent. "Commissioner Liu, upon returning to the capital, your primary duty will naturally be reporting to the throne. How could you visit the Marquis residence first? What would others think?"
Liu Renli's expression stiffened slightly. "The Young Master is wise. This humble official was inconsiderate, inconsiderate."
As his words fell, hurried footsteps sounded outside. Liu Renli quickly said, "She's here."
At this, everyone looked toward the door. They saw Pang Youde walk in, his face deathly pale. Before even reaching them, he said in a trembling voice, "Master… something has happened…"