The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 68 : Revisiting the Purple Bamboo Grove

68: Revisiting the Purple Bamboo Grove

"Young Miss, how should these four be arranged?"

When Fuling returned, Qin Wan was already grinding medicinal powder. As she ground, Qin Wan asked, "Have they all settled in?"

Fuling nodded. "They've settled in. All very proper."

Qin Wan hummed in acknowledgment. "We don't need so many people for work. There's not much to assign."

Fuling glanced at the medicines in the room. "Who says there's no work to do? Grinding medicinal powder is work, isn't it?"

The corners of Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "This is medicine for Prince Rui's Heir‑apparent. Others must not interfere."

Fuling hummed in agreement, then her eyes shifted. "But Young Miss, leaving these four unused is truly a waste..."

Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "How would you like to use them?"

Fuling's eyes darted around. "These four are household‑born servants of the Qin residence. We don't know their temperaments yet. When Young Miss has important matters to instruct in the future, who should be assigned?"

"Then what do you think should be done?" Qin Wan's focus was on the medicine.

Fuling's lips curved. "Naturally, we should observe them carefully and select two steady and reliable ones. But if we don't give them tasks, we won't see anything. Young Miss, think of a way to test them, how about that?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "No need to rush these one or two days. Our courtyard can remain as before."

Fuling sighed. "Young Miss is truly composed."

Qin Wan gave a faint smile but said nothing, focusing her attention on making the medicine.

It had been over half a month. She had been shuttling between the Qin residence and the Marquis's residence, with incidents on both sides. Yet the most important thing was still finding the hidden murderer who had killed her.

Thinking this, Qin Wan's heart grew heavy. She had to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove again.

Qin Wan had returned late. By the time she finished making the medicine, the hour was already late. Just as she was about to rest, Fuling came in. "Young Miss, Wantang, Wantao, and Wanxing are all waiting outside. But Wanli is not here."

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, removing her outer garment. "Oh? Where is Wanli?"

Fuling snorted, her face already showing displeasure. "Among these four, when choosing their quarters, this servant could already tell a thing or two. That Wantang is steady and generous; she let everyone else choose first. Wantao is lively and active; she also yielded politely. Wanxing mumbled that she didn't care where she lived. But that Wanli, her airs are so high! She immediately chose the quietest, innermost spot."

"This servant saw it then but didn't tell Young Miss. Now it seems her problem is even bigger! Today is their first day in Tinglan Pavilion. Young Miss hasn't assigned any tasks all day. The other three know to wait outside, but this Wanli doesn't care at all. Who knows if she's here to be a young lady or a servant!"

The corners of Qin Wan's lips lifted. "When you have a chance, ask the other three about Wanli's background."

Fuling nodded, then came to help Qin Wan change.

After changing and washing up, Qin Wan lay down and instructed, "Tell them to go rest. You rest too."

Fuling hurriedly agreed, extinguished the lamp in the corner, and withdrew.

Qin Wan covered herself with the fragrant, soft brocade quilt and soon fell asleep.

In her dream, it was again that night of chaos and turmoil.

Her father, always as steady as a mountain, suddenly returned, his face deathly pale. Without a word, he told her mother to pack their belongings. Her mother, sharing a deep understanding with her father, knew from his expression that something terrible had happened. She only took the most basic gold, silver, and valuables.

But even that was too late...

As soon as they stepped out, the city was already under martial law. Before they could walk a single street, the Imperial Forest Army had already reached the Shen residence.

Then came the pursuit and indiscriminate slaughter.

Qin Wan still couldn't understand. Her father was a third‑rank senior official. Even if the charges were confirmed, they should have gone through the Ministry of Justice to the Court of Judicial Review for sentencing. Yet that slaughter... the other side had clearly come to take their lives...

Qin Wan's eyes snapped open, cold sweat beading on her forehead.

The agonized faces of her father and mother from the dream still floated before her eyes. And the furious expression on her father's face before he died must have been due to injustice. Who exactly wanted to harm her father...

Qin Wan felt her throat go dry, a throbbing pain at her temples. Turning to look, she saw the sky outside the window lattice was already faintly brightening. Another night was passing, yet her hope of returning to the capital remained slim.

Yet at this moment, in the capital a thousand li away, Prince Yong had ascended to the position of Crown Prince.

Thinking of this former fiancé she had only met a few times, Qin Wan's brow furrowed tightly.

What role had he played in the Shen family's tragedy?

The cold sweat made Qin Wan shiver with chills. She wrapped the brocade quilt tighter but could no longer sleep.

Too slow. If she just waited day by day like this, when would she ever return to the capital? Or, did she really have to, as she jokingly told Fuling, marry into the capital?

Qin Wan clenched her fists. Though it was the worst plan, if there was no other way, it wasn't impossible.

Qin Wan closed her eyes, but her mind was in turmoil. The murderer she wanted to find remained elusive, yet she was entangled in the Marquis's residence's troubles. The truth she wanted to see clearly remained obscured, yet she was surrounded by the Qin residence's mysteries. If her father were still here, Song Rou's case would certainly be simple. If her father were still here, the Qin residence's mysteries could also be unraveled.

When Fuling helped Qin Wan get up, she saw she looked somewhat fatigued. "Young Miss, didn't sleep well last night?"

Qin Wan shook her head without further comment. After freshening up and having breakfast, she began making medicine again. Once she started making medicine, she naturally thought of Yan Chi. Thinking of Yan Chi reminded her of him writing with his left hand.

The entire Marquis's residence was looking for a left‑handed person. He was the only left‑hander discovered. Yue Ning's suspicion of him was understandable. Yet Qin Wan's intuition told her Yan Chi was not someone who would end a woman's life, especially in such a cruel manner.

With his status, even Duke Song himself wouldn't dare to easily form enmity with him, let alone a mere Song Rou. Even if there truly was some grudge, he had plenty of ways to handle it cleanly and neatly, never leaving flaws for others to seize.

Thinking this, Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. Yan Chi definitely wasn't absolutely righteous. But he wasn't foolish enough to think that dressing in a wedding gown to scare her would make her leave the Anyang Marquis's residence and abandon the case...

"Young Miss, this servant thinks Wantang is reliable." Fuling came in from outside, her face bright with joy.

Qin Wan turned. "What makes you say that?"

Fuling smiled. "Early this morning, Wantang got up. She didn't enter the main chamber but first tidied the orchid plants in the courtyard, then waited at the courtyard gate to receive your breakfast. When this servant got up, I saw the orchid plants on the flower stands neatly arranged by her. She seems to understand flower arrangement too; a few pots she trimmed looked extremely nice."

The corners of Qin Wan's lips curved. "If that's the case, then she's quite useful."

"Exactly. In the future, with so many orchid plants, you won't have to tend them yourself."

After the first terrifying incident in the Orchid Nursery, Qin Wan had moved over ten pots of orchids from the nursery into the courtyard, then locked the side gate. Since then, daily orchid care had become one of her habits.

Qin Wan asked again, "What about the others?"

Fuling pouted. "Wantao, seeing Wantang like that, also followed suit. But this servant sees she's not steady enough in her actions. She kept asking this servant what Young Miss was doing, saying she wanted to come serve in front. Hmph, this servant ignored her. As for that Wanxing, she stood silently to the side, clearly not one to shoulder important matters. That Wanli... this servant hasn't seen her face this morning!"

As she spoke, the corners of Fuling's lips lifted slightly. "But this servant does know her background now!"

A hint of playful mockery appeared in Fuling's eyes. "Wanli's parents are both stewards on the outer estates. They have some standing in the Qin residence. She's been pretty since childhood. Originally, she was going to be sent to Fifth Young Miss as a senior maid, but for some reason, Fifth Young Miss didn't take a liking to her and didn't choose her. Later, she was to be sent to Sixth Young Miss. Who knew Sixth Young Miss didn't choose her either when selecting. Unable to become a senior maid beside a young lady, she wanted to go to the two young masters. However, besides a few maids chosen by the Old Madam, Eldest Young Master doesn't like to have many female servants in his rooms. And around Second Young Master, there are already several maidservants more beautiful than her. After twists and turns, she failed to go where she wanted. Not only is she older, but just as her parents were about to arrange a marriage for her, the residence needed to select people again..."

Hearing this, Qin Wan smiled. She had seen the two senior maids beside Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang. Their looks were quite ordinary. Wanli was pretty. If she outshone her mistress, wouldn't that be inappropriate?

That was why Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang hadn't chosen her. But she never expected that after delays, she ended up in Tinglan Pavilion. Qin Wan was an outsider in the Qin residence; who knew what her future prospects were? Naturally, Wanli was unwilling. That's why she acted this way. Qin Wan shook her head, her smile deepening slightly.

"Young Miss, you're still laughing. Before, didn't Sister Caihe say if Young Miss was dissatisfied, you could go tell her? This servant thinks this Wanli has no sense of propriety at all! She really thinks she's half a mistress! Young Miss, should we go tell Sister Caihe and have her sent out again?"

Qin Wan lowered her head and continued grinding medicine, smiling. "I just find her experiences both annoying and laughable. Failing selection repeatedly, unable to reach where she wanted to go. Ah, Heaven really likes to play tricks on people."

Fuling felt Wanli disrespected Qin Wan, yet Qin Wan seemed completely unconcerned. "Young Miss, should we go tell Sister Caihe?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Forget it. Let's keep her for now. After all, we don't need that many people to work."

Fuling pressed her lips together, muttering softly, "Young Miss is too kind‑hearted!"

Qin Wan patted her reassuringly. Fuling wanted to persuade further, but knocking sounded from outside. Fuling went out. Before long, faint voices came from outside. Though the four "Wan" had only spoken when paying respects yesterday, Qin Wan remembered all their voices. The one who came now was Wantang.

The voice was distant, and Wantang spoke softly. Clearly, she truly understood propriety.

Not long after, Fuling came in. "Young Miss, someone came from the front courtyard. They said for the Mid‑Autumn Festival celebration, each courtyard needs to send someone to the front courtyard to receive supplies. Who should our courtyard send?"

Qin Wan thought for a moment. "Did any of them volunteer to go?"

Fuling was slightly surprised. "How did Young Miss know... Wantao said she wanted to go..."

Qin Wan smiled and nodded. "Good, then let her go. Have her go with Wantang."

Hearing Qin Wan named Wantang, Fuling felt her recommendation had indeed been useful. Her face lit up with joy as she went out to instruct. Before long, activity in the courtyard faded from near to far, then quieted down.

Fuling returned. "In previous Mid‑Autumn Festivals, it had nothing to do with us. Now things are truly different." Then she added with anticipation, "The little servant from the front courtyard said all the servants are gathered in the front courtyard right now. The residence is probably going to be decorated extensively."

Qin Wan's hand paused. "All gathered in the front courtyard?"

Fuling nodded. "Yes. What's wrong, Young Miss?"

Qin Wan glanced at the medicinal powder before her. "My medicine is insufficient. I need to get more."

"Ah? What does Young Miss need? This servant will fetch it."

Qin Wan stood up. "I'll go myself. You stay here and grind this red peony for me."

Fuling hesitated. Qin Wan rubbed her neck. "Just as well. I've been sitting too long; my neck is sore. I'll take a walk."

Fuling said hesitantly, "Then this servant will accompany you. Grinding later isn't too late."

"Your young lady isn't unfamiliar with the way." Qin Wan chuckled, patted the wrinkles from her skirt, and walked out. "This red peony powder must be ground very fine. Don't be lazy. I'll check when I return!"

Fuling made an "oh" sound. Thinking it was broad daylight and the path to the medicine storehouse wasn't far, she swallowed her words.

Qin Wan left the main chamber. Seeing the side room's door half‑closed, her expression turned serious. She quickly walked out of the courtyard gate. Her expression was calm, but her steps were swift. Sweeping her gaze over the places she passed, she indeed saw no one in the inner courtyard where maids and servants usually bustled. Qin Wan's mind steadied. Her steps unconsciously quickened further. The Qin residence had many people and complicated affairs; these servants couldn't be gathered for too long. Perhaps they would soon return to their posts and get busy. She had to hurry!

Qin Wan walked with wind in her steps. The former Ninth Young Miss's body was still somewhat weak. Before long, sweat actually beaded on her forehead. She ignored it, heading straight east. She had said she was going to fetch medicine, but when she reached the fork leading to the medicine storehouse, she didn't turn as last time. She went further east. Soon, the concubines' courtyard appeared. Yet Qin Wan's steps still didn't stop. She chose a secluded path, heading straight for the Purple Bamboo Grove... This path was one she had seen last time when following someone to inspect the well cleaning!

She had missed the opportunity last time. This time, she absolutely had to seize this rare chance.

Qin Wan's eyes darted around, afraid someone might suddenly appear. In the current situation, if she were seen, it would only be more suspicious than usual. The chance of being discovered was smaller, but once discovered, the matter would be major. Qin Wan's heart rose to her throat.

The faint fragrance of bamboo wafted over. Before reaching the Purple Bamboo Grove, Qin Wan saw some withered yellow bamboo leaves blown by the wind. Soon, the Purple Bamboo Grove was right before her. Qin Wan's heart steadied. She was about to stride in when, in the distance among the trees, a figure suddenly flashed out. Qin Wan's steps halted abruptly, and she hurriedly retreated...

Qin Wan hid in the side corridor not far from the Purple Bamboo Grove. The figure emerging from the grove gradually became clear. Amidst the lush green bamboo, the figure in a water‑red dress was slender and elegant yet carried a hint of vulgar allure. Though no one was around, the person's walking pace was still a swaying, three‑step sway. At the same time, Qin Wan could still imagine the powder fluttering off that person's face with each step...

The one coming from the Purple Bamboo Grove was actually Eighth Concubine, Lady Liu!

The Purple Bamboo Grove was a forbidden area in the residence. Having been in the residence for years, Lady Liu couldn't possibly not know. But why had she also taken advantage of all the servants going to the front courtyard to run to the Purple Bamboo Grove?

Qin Wan focused her gaze. She saw Lady Liu's face also held anxiety. Her steps were extremely fast, her eyes carefully scanning her surroundings, looking frightened of being discovered. Qin Wan pressed her lips together. She went to the Purple Bamboo Grove to find the murderer. Why did Eighth Concubine go? Frowning, Qin Wan suddenly noticed Eighth Concubine's strange hands...

One hand was curled before her chest, while the other tightly clutched her sleeve pocket... Qin Wan was certain Eighth Concubine must be hiding something in her sleeve pocket. Could she have gone to the Purple Bamboo Grove to retrieve something?

What treasure could be in that gloomy, shaded bamboo grove?

Qin Wan collected her thoughts, but saw Eighth Concubine walking toward her direction...

Qin Wan inwardly groaned. This Eighth Concubine was also taking this secluded path. In that case, she could only retreat further back. Qin Wan's steps quickened even more because, though Eighth Concubine walked with swaying grace, she was walking much faster than Qin Wan. Qin Wan half‑ran, retreating only when she reached south of the concubines' courtyard, then stopped to catch her breath.

Turning to look, indeed, Eighth Concubine sneaked back into the concubines' courtyard.

With this trip, wait, and retreat, Qin Wan's best opportunity had passed. She caught her breath, looking at the distant Purple Bamboo Grove, still unwilling to give up. Was Eighth Concubine the only one? Could there be others coming out from inside?

Qin Wan stood behind the flower wall, waiting quietly. But after waiting another half‑cup‑of‑tea's time, the Purple Bamboo Grove area remained silent. Was Eighth Concubine not meeting someone? Just retrieving something?

Qin Wan's heart pounded wildly. She wished she could run over now to investigate. But first, too much time had passed; second, the Purple Bamboo Grove was vast. After a moment's consideration, Qin Wan dismissed the thought of going to the Purple Bamboo Grove now.

This trip wasn't entirely without gain. At least, she had discovered another person who went to the Purple Bamboo Grove.

Clearly, everyone said the Purple Bamboo Grove was a forbidden area haunted by ghosts, yet people still went inside...

While thinking, Qin Wan turned to leave. But halfway through turning, her figure froze abruptly!

She saw someone who shouldn't be here...

She had just hidden behind the flower wall, watching the direction of the Purple Bamboo Grove, her posture somewhat furtive. Yet at a corridor turn five zhang ahead, Wanxing in a blue‑green dress stood there, having appeared at some unknown time.

She still hunched her shoulders, eyes lowered, appearing dull and nervous.

Seeing Qin Wan turn, Wanxing curtsied. "Ninth Young Miss, this servant came to find you to return..."

Qin Wan's heart drummed. She pressed her lips together for a moment, then walked toward Wanxing. Reaching Wanxing, she paused slightly. "Who told you to follow..."

Her tone had already taken on a stern edge. Wanxing lowered her head even further.

"You had just left when the Mistress arrived. It was Sister Fuling who told this servant to find you."

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, looking at her for a moment, then stepped toward Tinglan Pavilion. As she walked, Qin Wan glanced back at Wanxing, seeing her head bowed low as if wanting to bury it in the ground.

Qin Wan said nothing, striding back to Tinglan Pavilion. As she neared the entrance, Qin Wan's steps halted again.

At Tinglan Pavilion's gate stood not only Lady Lin, but also Qin Xiang, Qin Chen, and Qin Li. Fuling stood nervously to the side. Seeing Qin Wan return, her face lit up with joy.

"Wan'er, they said you went to fetch medicine. Why did you take so long…"

As soon as Lady Lin saw Qin Wan, she asked. Though it was a mild reproach, her tone wasn't heavy. Qin Wan hurried forward and curtsied. "Apologies for making the Mistress wait. Because I need to make medicine for the Grand Princess of the Marquis's residence, I dared not be careless."

Qin Li's narrow eyes squinted slightly, sweeping over Qin Wan. Qin Xiang looked at Qin Wan with slight dissatisfaction.

Qin Chen stepped forward with a gentle smile. "Why are you sweating? Did you run back in a hurry?"

Qin Wan's heart tightened. Just as she was about to speak, the wooden‑faced Wanxing behind her said, "Ninth Young Miss was waiting for Physician Qian from the medicine storehouse to return. Hearing the Mistress had arrived, she dared not delay and hurried back."

Qin Wan's spine stiffened. She hadn't gone to the medicine storehouse at all, nor had she waited for Qian Bairèn.

She knew this herself. Wanxing should also know.

Qin Chen smiled. "Physician Qian also went to the front courtyard. Your timing was off."

The corners of Qin Wan's lips lifted slightly, her tone still composed and unperturbed. "I'm afraid I'll have to make another trip later..."

Lady Lin stepped forward gently. "Why go personally? Have a servant go later. Tomorrow is the Mid‑Autumn Festival celebration. The Old Madam instructed new autumn clothes for you all. We'll go to Brocade Embroidery Workshop in the city to have them made. We'll leave now."

Being taken by Lady Lin to Brocade Embroidery Workshop for clothes was no ordinary treatment!

Fuling's eyes already brightened greatly. Qin Wan also curtsied with a smile. "Alright. Thank you, Mistress."

Lady Lin smiled without speaking, leading Qin Xiang ahead. Qin Wan followed, glancing back as she walked.

Wanxing stood where she was, still looking as if she wanted to bury her head in the ground.