The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 67 : I'd Rather Suspect Young Master Wei

67: I'd Rather Suspect Young Master Wei

Qin Wan looked at Yue Ning, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "What is the Princess saying..."

Yue Ning's brow furrowed. "Then why do you seem protective of him? You personally experienced this matter. Don't you think the person who came to scare you, even if not the murderer, is related to the murderer? He's the only left‑handed person in the entire Marquis's residence! Besides, that day when you performed the autopsy for Second Brother, he was there watching. I'm afraid he knows about your autopsy skills, which is why he went to scare you."

Qin Wan exhaled, but images of the old scars crisscrossing Yan Chi's body floated before her eyes. Even though many clues pointed to him, from the bottom of her heart, she was unwilling to suspect someone who had been wounded all over from fighting on battlefields. She steadied herself, forcing herself to calm down. Whether it was Yan Chi's injuries or Yue Ning's indignant tone, she needed to set them aside.

"Princess, the clues are still very limited at the moment."

Qin Wan's voice was calm, inexplicably carrying a compelling force.

"Prefect Huo has sent people to interrogate others in the residence: Song Rou's maidservants, matrons, and guards. Moreover, the Prefect has sent people to Ten Li Temple. Princess, you can wait a bit. The Prefect might have new information. It's not too late to mention it then."

As she spoke, Qin Wan thought of another point. Earlier, it was Yan Chi who had offered to help the Marquis's household investigate news from the capital regarding Duke Song's family. If Yan Chi were truly the murderer, if he killed Song Rou midway, arrived at the Marquis's residence first, witnessed Song Rou's death with everyone else, then coldly intervened in the case's progress as a bystander...

Qin Wan felt a chill run down her spine. "When His Highness Yan Chi arrived, he brought hundreds of soldiers. He couldn't have slipped away silently." Qin Wan's eyes shifted. "Five days. We can wait at most five days."

Seeing Qin Wan's sincere expression, Yue Ning's anger subsided somewhat. But she gazed intently and said, "You and I are alike; we don't know much about this His Highness Yan Chi. I even have a slight kinship tie with him. But why do you trust him more than I do?"

Qin Wan was somewhat at a loss for words. Yue Ning's words weren't unreasonable. Collecting her thoughts for a moment, she decided to be honest. "Last time when His Highness Yan Chi was injured, when I went to treat him, I saw many old scars on his body. Some were nearly ten years old, some within the last six months. Most were blade wounds. If I'm not mistaken, they were likely inflicted by Rong Di sabers. At the time, I felt somewhat heart‑sore."

Hearing this, Yue Ning also fell silent. Yan Chi was about the same age as Yue Jia, yet he had been on the battlefield for twelve years. Saying this to others was one thing, but hearing it herself was more convincing than any reasoning.

Their Anyang Marquis's household had generations of military service. If women could join the army, she would even want to go to the battlefield to see. Though she had no chance to go to the battlefield, for her, her father and her elder and second brothers, who would undoubtedly serve in the army, were figures she greatly admired. Given this, suspecting Yan Chi felt somewhat discordant.

Yue Ning was silent for a moment. "So that's how it is. If you hadn't said that, I wouldn't have known. I only knew his reputation in the west was significant. Considering his status as heir‑apparent, I thought he led troops with arrogance and defiance."

Yue Ning exhaled. "We'll wait five days then. If he's unrelated, I can apologize to him. If he's involved... hmph, it won't matter that he's Prince Rui's heir‑apparent."

A sly smile touched Qin Wan's lips. "Even if he's unrelated, the Princess doesn't need to apologize. After all, His Highness Yan Chi doesn't know we suspect him."

The corners of Yue Ning's mouth lifted. "That's true..."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Yue Ning suddenly looked up behind Qin Wan. "Young Master Wei."

Qin Wan turned and saw Wei Yanzhi approaching. Several days had passed, and Wei Yanzhi seemed much more spirited. Dressed in a blue robe, he looked quite dashing. Seeing Yue Ning and Qin Wan, Wei Yanzhi hurriedly cupped his hands. "Princess, Ninth Young Miss..."

Yue Ning smiled. "Where are you headed?"

Wei Yanzhi's lips curved, his expression amiable and polite. "Is Prefect Huo still in the front courtyard? Earlier, the Prefect said all the guards needed to be re‑interrogated. Those who weren't present before have now arrived, waiting for Chief Constable Qi."

Yue Ning nodded. "He's still here, but he's questioning the Marquis's residence servants. Young Master Wei needn't worry."

Wei Yanzhi nodded, then looked at Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss came to treat the Grand Princess?"

"Yes. The Grand Princess's health still needs careful conditioning and care."

Wei Yanzhi sighed with emotion. "Ninth Young Miss, at such a young age, possesses such medical skill. It's truly astonishing. Yanzhi admires you."

Qin Wan smiled slightly. "I dare not claim such praise. Jinzhou is a small place. If in the capital, Qin Wan's medical skills would be quite ordinary."

Wei Yanzhi sighed again. "In the end, no physician can bring the dead back to life..."

Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged a glance, knowing he was thinking of the deceased Song Rou. A flicker passed through Qin Wan's eyes. She then said, "Young Master Wei, please accept my condolences. Miss Song has been gone for many days. This tragedy is not your fault. You needn't blame yourself excessively." She paused slightly, then added, "Young Master Wei must have been very close to Miss Song before."

Wei Yanzhi gave a bitter smile, glancing at Yue Ning. "After all, she was my cousin. Although... anyway, with this incident, I cannot escape blame. Xiao Rou was so young. It was all because I failed to protect her. If... if my elder brother had been the one escorting the bride, perhaps such a mishap wouldn't have occurred..."

Qin Wan sighed, her tone now more sincere. "When a murderer wants to harm someone, it's hard to guard against. Young Master Wei, please don't blame yourself. The Prefect is currently investigating. I believe there will be answers soon. When the truth comes out and the murderer is caught, Miss Song will be comforted in the afterlife."

A trace of bitterness appeared on Wei Yanzhi's face. "How long will it take for the Prefect to find out... It's already been seven days. I don't know what condition Xiao Rou is in at the mortuary. When I asked earlier, the Prefect didn't give a clear answer. I'm afraid it's a distant hope..."

"Young Master Wei, rest assured. Miss Song is... everything is fine. The Prefect has handled many cases. Given time, he will surely find the murderer..."

After Qin Wan finished speaking, Wei Yanzhi looked at her slightly surprised. "Ninth Young Miss went to the mortuary?"

Qin Wan's heart tightened, but her expression remained unchanged as she shook her head. "Not at all. Just now at the Grand Princess's place, the Prefect mentioned it. He went to the mortuary yesterday. He wouldn't neglect matters concerning Miss Song."

Grief once again clouded Wei Yanzhi's eyes. "I wanted to go to the mortuary to see, but the Prefect said relatives of the Song family should not go. Now we can only wait for the Duke's household to send someone to seek justice for Xiao Rou. After all, I am an outsider."

His voice trailed off. Yue Ning said briskly, "Young Master Wei, don't think too much for now. Anyone with clear eyes can see this has nothing to do with you. The Duke's household people won't arrive for a while. The Song family guards and servants still rely on you to manage."

Wei Yanzhi gave another bitter smile. "That's natural."

He glanced toward the front courtyard. "I'll go inform the Prefect."

Yue Ning nodded. Wei Yanzhi cupped his hands to the two women and walked toward the front courtyard.

Watching Wei Yanzhi walk away, Yue Ning said, "What? You still don't trust him?"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, speaking half‑jokingly. "It's not that I don't trust him. It's just that if I had to suspect one between His Highness Yan Chi and Young Master Wei... I'd rather suspect Young Master Wei..."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, looking at Qin Wan with deep contemplation.

...

...

Qin Wan was still thinking about Yan Chi writing with his left hand even after returning to the Qin residence.

Fuling walked beside her, saying, "So the ointment Young Miss made was for His Highness Yan Chi. This servant thought it was for the Grand Princess."

"What's the difference?"

Qin Wan didn't notice the deeper meaning in Fuling's words.

Fuling said urgently, "Making medicine for the Grand Princess is proper. But His Highness Yan Chi is a man."

Qin Wan's thoughts were pulled back. "What about him being a man?"

Fuling gave a pained smile. "Young Miss's mind is all on making medicine. Haven't you noticed how particularly enthusiastic the Marquis's second son is toward you? Being enthusiastic is one thing, but this servant sees the light in Second Young Master's eyes when he looks at you."

Qin Wan frowned slightly. "So what?"

Fuling sighed, speaking with an air of worldly wisdom. "This servant has calculated for Young Miss. Young Miss now has no one to rely on. Aiming for Prince Rui's heir‑apparent might be somewhat difficult. Besides, who knows how troublesome a prince's household is? Even if Young Miss entered the household, it would be very hard. Better to go to the Marquis's residence. The Marquis's household status is not low, the family is wealthy, and this servant sees the Grand Princess, the Marquis, and the Lady all like you. They would surely treat you sincerely. And Second Young Master's nature is warm and lively; being with him would be fun. Not being the principal wife, not having to manage the household laboriously, it would be as good as it gets. And most importantly, if Second Young Master likes you, he would value you. Also, the most, most important point: the Marquis's household has no custom of taking concubines…"

Fuling grew more excited as she spoke, practically feeling she had planned the best future path for Qin Wan. Qin Wan listened quietly, then nodded. "What you said is not wrong. These advantages aren't found in other families."

Fuling's eyes brightened greatly. "So Young Miss understands this servant's meaning?"

Qin Wan nodded. "You're saying the Marquis's second son is an excellent candidate for a husband."

Fuling nodded repeatedly. Qin Wan then said, "Yes, Second Young Master is very good. I wonder who will marry Second Young Master in the future. That person will surely be very fortunate..."

Fuling was stunned. "Young Miss, this servant is talking about you!"

Qin Wan let out an "oh." Just as Fuling was getting anxious, Qin Wan sighed again. "Don't think about these things. Your young lady's heart is not in Jinzhou. Even if I were to marry, I'd have to marry into the capital, wouldn't I..."

Fuling gasped, looking at Qin Wan with slight surprise as she walked toward Linfeng Courtyard. She did hope her young lady had greater ambitions, not like before when she sought nothing. But wasn't this change a bit too drastic?

"Young Miss... Second Young Master might return to the capital in the future!"

Qin Wan's steps halted. She felt it necessary to explain this issue to Fuling. So she said, "The Grand Princess and the Lady's fondness is mostly gratitude. But if I take advantage of others' gratitude to enter their household, it wouldn't be proper. Besides, at the moment, your young lady has no thoughts of marriage. In the future, when we go to the Marquis's residence, no matter what Second Young Master says or does, you must remain expressionless."

Fuling looked utterly astonished. "So Young Miss has noticed? This servant thought Young Miss was completely unaware. What does Young Miss mean? In the future, should we both play dumb?"

The hour was already late. Layers of yellow clouds piled up on the horizon, like withered leaves scattered chaotically on the ground in autumn. Qin Wan took a shallow breath. "Of course not. Although Second Young Master is warm toward me, he hasn't expressed anything. Let's observe for a few more days. If it's true, then we'll have to think of a way."

Fuling wanted to make one last effort. "Doesn't Young Miss think the Marquis's second son is truly excellent?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "No matter how good a person is, now is not the time for romantic entanglements."

Fuling gave a bitter smile. "Then when will be the time? A candidate as good as Second Young Master, if missed, there might not be another."

Qin Wan pressed her lips together. She didn't know when the time for romantic entanglements would be. Perhaps, in this lifetime, she might never have one. "Matters of love, matters of marriage, they all depend on fate. In any case, remember my instructions."

Fuling suddenly felt a touch of cold severity in Qin Wan's calm tone. Her heart tightened, and she hurriedly agreed.

Following her arrangement with Moshu, Qin Wan went to Linfeng Courtyard. Just as she reached the courtyard gate, she encountered Qin Chen striding out. Qin Chen was always scholarly and amiable, but the Qin Chen Qin Wan saw now wore a cold, angry expression, walking briskly as if infuriated by someone!

Qin Chen walked hurriedly, almost bumping into Qin Wan. He halted his steps. "Ninth Sister, you're back?"

Qin Wan nodded, glancing toward the main chamber. "What's wrong, Eldest Brother?"

Qin Chen took a deep breath, suppressing the anger on his face. "It's nothing. I was just going to the outer study. News came from the capital; it's a serious matter. I need to discuss some things with Father. Your Eldest Sister‑in‑law is inside. Go see her."

Qin Wan nodded. Qin Chen immediately strode out of Linfeng Courtyard.

Qin Wan stood still for a moment. Fuling exhaled deeply. "Was Eldest Young Master angry? Heavens, when someone usually so gentle and smiling gets angry, it's truly frightening!"

Qin Wan said nothing more and went straight to the main chamber. Just as she reached the entrance, Moshu came out. Seeing Qin Wan, she hurriedly curtsied. "I knew it was Ninth Young Miss. Ninth Young Miss, please come in quickly..."

Qin Wan nodded. Fuling also followed into the room. Bypassing a screen, Qin Wan went directly to the inner chamber. Upon entering, she saw Yao Xinlan's slightly reddened eyes. Seeing Qin Wan, she wiped the corner of her eye and eagerly reached out toward Qin Wan.

Qin Wan walked over. Since she had already seen, she had to ask. "What's wrong, Eldest Sister‑in‑law? Your health isn't fully recovered yet. You mustn't cry; it will affect the child..."

Hearing Qin Wan's concerned words, Yao Xinlan's tears rolled down again, falling more and more heavily. She wiped her face again, looking at Qin Wan's clear, spring‑like eyes with a sigh. "Ninth Sister, you haven't yet tasted the flavor of tears, have you..."

Qin Wan was somewhat puzzled. Yao Xinlan, however, smiled. "I only hope Ninth Sister never knows the taste of tears. Once you know it, it's the beginning of heartache and hardship."

After speaking, seeing Qin Wan seemed not to understand, Yao Xinlan choked up again. "Forget it. I'd rather Ninth Sister meets someone she loves. Whenever you meet such a person, tears are inevitable, right?"

Qin Wan was utterly confused by Yao Xinlan's words. Simply saying, "Let me take your pulse, Eldest Sister‑in‑law."

As she spoke, she really began to check her pulse. Yao Xinlan watched with a smile, her tears gradually stopping. "I truly envy Ninth Sister. You are still free, and you possess exceptional medical skills."

This time, Qin Wan seemed to understand. She lowered her eyes. "What is there to envy about me? I'm all alone."

Yao Xinlan shook her head. "Sometimes, being alone is better. You have nothing. If he likes you, it's genuine. Otherwise, you wouldn't know what he loves about you. Ninth Sister, don't give your heart away easily. Even if one day you lose your heart, you must leave yourself a way out."

Yao Xinlan's words were so clear; how could Qin Wan not understand? It was simply that the couple had quarreled.

"I will remember these words, Eldest Sister‑in‑law. Please remember not to worry excessively."

The corners of Yao Xinlan's eyes were moist and red, yet her face held a vague, distracted smile. She seemed lost in thought, pondering something. Qin Wan watched, her brow slightly furrowed. Yao Xinlan turned to look at her again. "It's getting late. I know Ninth Sister just returned from the Marquis's residence. Ninth Sister, go back and rest. When you have time, come keep me company again."

Previously, Yao Xinlan had been reluctant to let Qin Wan leave, only stopping when tired. Today, however, she seemed unwilling to say more, actually urging Qin Wan to go rest. Qin Wan naturally wouldn't refuse.

Leaving the room, Qin Wan fell silent. Fuling also wore an uncharacteristically somber expression.

"I thought Eldest Young Master and the Young Madam were deeply in love. But just now when this servant saw the Young Madam, she seemed in great pain. Plus, Eldest Young Master was angry. Could it be... Eldest Young Master no longer loves the Young Madam?"

Qin Wan sighed helplessly. "Love is the most elusive thing in the world. But if it's truly profound love, how could it vanish so easily?"

"Then what's wrong with Eldest Young Master and the Young Madam?"

Qin Wan gave a bitter smile. "How would I know? Even between husband and wife, there are times to quarrel."

Though she said this, Qin Wan's heart felt as cold as autumn.

In the Qin residence, she ultimately positioned herself as an outsider. And whether based on the former Ninth Young Miss's experiences or her own nature, she wouldn't interfere in these messy matters without understanding right and wrong.

Fuling pouted. "This servant thought finding a husband like Eldest Young Master would mean no worries."

Qin Wan only thought Fuling naïve. Looking up, she saw the residence servants replacing the lanterns with new ones.

The newly hung lanterns were painted with a new pattern of the moon setting over a western tower, quite elegant. Fuling also saw them from behind and immediately said, "The Mid‑Autumn Festival is coming. The residence also needs to be decorated."

Qin Wan nodded slightly, thinking of her appointment with Yue Ning to attend the garden fair the day after tomorrow. Her steps unconsciously quickened.

But when she reached the entrance of Tinglan Pavilion, Qin Wan was taken aback. Caihe stood outside the courtyard gate with four young maids, clearly waiting for her.

"Ninth Young Miss is back."

Caihe stepped forward warmly and politely, her smile bright.

Qin Wan nodded, sweeping her gaze over the four pretty young maids.

Caihe then said, "Ninth Young Miss, early this morning, Eldest Young Master went to see the Mistress and the Old Madam, saying you were short‑handed here. After Eldest Young Master spoke, the Old Madam also felt it reasonable and hurriedly instructed this servant to select four people to send to you."

She turned. "These are Wantang, Wantao, Wanxing, and Wanli."

All four had names beginning with "Wan." Qin Wan remembered Qin Shuang's and Qin Xiang's maids also had "Wan" names. Clearly, these were senior maids prepared for her. The corners of Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. With a glance, she saw these four maids were all pretty young women with delicate features and tall stature, around fourteen or fifteen years old. Yet, looking closely, each had slight differences.

Wantang was proper in etiquette, calm and steady. At the moment, she stood with lowered eyes, very respectful toward Qin Wan. Wantao had a round face and peach‑blossom cheeks. Though she kept her head bowed, her eyes were somewhat lively, and she had glanced at Qin Wan the moment she approached. Wanxing's shoulders were slightly hunched, her body a bit tense. Though she stood with lowered eyes according to propriety, among the four, she had almost no presence. Wanli also appeared respectful, but strangely, when Qin Wan looked at her, she felt an inexplicable sense of ethereal aloofness about her...

"They all have good looks and manners. Thank you, Miss Caihe."

Caihe's smile deepened. "Ninth Young Miss should thank the Old Madam. These are all household‑born servants raised outside the residence, properly trained. When any young master or young lady needs them, they are brought in. Ninth Young Miss, use them first. If you're unsatisfied, come tell me, and I'll have them sent out and replaced with new ones immediately."

Caihe said this in front of the four. Sure enough, their expressions grew even more respectful.

Qin Wan nodded. "Alright. You've caused trouble."

"This servant dares not accept." Caihe curtsied. "Then this servant will take my leave."

Qin Wan nodded. Caihe also nodded to Fuling before leaving. Once Caihe was gone, Qin Wan glanced at the four and stepped into the courtyard. Fuling also examined the four curiously from outside. In her view, the appearance of these four symbolized Qin Wan's status. She only felt curiosity and excitement. But turning her head and seeing Qin Wan had walked in by herself, Fuling's eyes sparkled. She smiled. "Come in."

Qin Wan, walking ahead, curved her lips slightly and entered the main chamber alone.

Qin Wan took a seat. Fuling entered to attend her. The four "Wan" maids followed, performing deep bows to Qin Wan. Qin Wan drank the hot tea Fuling handed her, secretly observing the four "Wan."

Now that she had suddenly changed courtyards and frequently visited the Anyang Marquis's residence, she was the most noticeable presence in the household. Were any of these four planted by others? Or perhaps, were any related to the murderer...

Sending four maidservants made it seem she had become a proper young lady of the household. But among these four "Wan," there must be some who didn't think so. Four years of cold neglect and harsh treatment had led everyone to see her as an unlucky person, easy to bully. And this perception among all the servants couldn't possibly be erased so quickly.

Qin Wan lifted her chin slightly. "There are only two of us here, not much work to do. You four, go tidy up the side rooms first and settle your living arrangements."

Qin Wan spoke like an orphan girl who had just gained favor, even seeming not to know how to manage servants, giving casual orders, lacking the airs of Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang.

"Yes."

This time, none of the four showed any expression. They acknowledged and stood up.

Qin Wan glanced at Fuling. Fuling, delighted, said to the four, "Follow me."

Although all four "Wan" were senior maids, in Qin Wan's place, Fuling was the closest. Now with four "Wan" arriving, none could surpass her. So, for the first time, Fuling felt like a senior maid.

"You four, follow me!"

Fuling puffed out her small chest and walked out first. The four curtsied to Qin Wan and followed.

Once they left, Qin Wan stood up and went to the window. Through the half‑open lattice, she could see the figures of the five.

Whether these people could stay would soon be known.