novelraw Chapter 80 : He Is the One Who Killed Song Rou
Chapter 80 : He Is the One Who Killed Song Rou
80: He Is the One Who Killed Song Rou
"Outrageous! Utterly outrageous..."
Jiang‑shi stood by Grand Princess Jiayi's bed, trembling with anger. Looking at her dignified, upright son Yue Jia beside her, she almost hated till her eyes turned red. She was also a daughter of a noble family and understood deeply that a daughter like Song Rou was the greatest disgrace to a clan. Her upbringing forbade her from speaking malicious words, but she truly resented the Song family.
Her son was so excellent. She never wanted to climb social ladders by marrying a girl from a much higher family. She only sought a virtuous, gentle, educated, and reasonable daughter-in-law who could harmonize with her son, add charm to his life, and then bring prosperity and descendants to the household.
Her demands weren't high. When this marriage with the Song family was decreed, she wasn't particularly pleased because of the Song family's status. She only thought the Song family was a prestigious clan in the capital; their daughter must be well-bred.
But she never expected the Song family to inflict such a great humiliation upon the Anyang Marquis's household!
"Marquis, we absolutely cannot let this matter rest!"
Jiang‑shi gritted her teeth. Beside her, Yue Jia merely frowned, his expression relatively calm.
Yue Qiong nodded, looking at Grand Princess Jiayi. "Mother, should we immediately send someone to the capital…"
Grand Princess Jiayi gave another cold laugh. "The Song family is one of the capital's prominent families. But the capital... the more prosperous and wealthy the place, the more unimaginable filth and depravity exist." Her expression turned firm. "This matter should be divided in two. The entanglement with the Song family is our private affair. Miss Song's death is an official matter. Official matters first, private matters later."
Contrary to Yue Qiong's expectations, Grand Princess Jiayi wasn't furious. His concern for her health eased. He nodded. "I obey Mother's instructions. We'll deal with other matters after the murder case is concluded."
Grand Princess Jiayi then looked at Huo Huaixin. "You handle your case. The Marquis's household's private matters are not your concern."
Huo Huaixin felt somewhat nervous inwardly. He wished he'd never learned of this private matter. He cleared his throat. "Your Highness, rest assured. This official knows the gravity. This matter is not small. This official suspects Young Master Wei must know the reason. So, I'd like to summon Young Master Wei for questioning. What do you think?"
Grand Princess Jiayi's face still bore signs of illness, but now there was also a decisive, commanding aura. She nodded. "Fine. Call him over for questioning. I also want to hear what this Wei nephew has to say."
Huo Huaixin assented, then looked at Yue Qiong. Yue Qiong instructed a servant outside, "Go invite Young Master Wei."
Huo Huaixin's eyes flickered. He walked to Yue Qiong's side and whispered a few words. Yue Qiong raised an eyebrow, pondered briefly, then nodded. "Alright, go handle it."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Xi's voice came from outside. "Marquis, Prefect, Chief Constable Qi has arrived."
Huo Huaixin and Yue Qiong exchanged a glance and went out. They returned shortly. Those inside didn't know what arrangements Huo Huaixin had made, but Huo Huaixin's face now held a confident air. Soon, Wei Yanzhi arrived.
"This humble nephew pays respects to Her Highness the Grand Princess, to the Marquis, to the Lady, to Prefect!"
Wei Yanzhi bowed to everyone in turn, then also bowed to Yan Chi and Yue Jia. Huo Huaixin and Yue Qiong sat in chairs on either side of the room. Yue Qiong remained silent. Huo Huaixin spoke first. "Young Master Wei, were you aware the mortuary caught fire last night?"
Wei Yanzhi was taken aback. "Fire? The mortuary caught fire?"
Facing Wei Yanzhi's surprise, Huo Huaixin remained unruffled, a faint smile on his face. "It seems Young Master Wei didn't know. Since you don't know about this, you must know about another matter."
Wei Yanzhi had already sensed the unfriendly tone in Huo Huaixin's voice. He straightened his back, his expression open and honest. "What matter is Prefect referring to?"
Huo Huaixin pressed his lips together, his voice turning grave. "The matter of Miss Song having been pregnant. Young Master Wei should know about that, right?"
Wei Yanzhi's eyebrows jumped, his eyes couldn't help but flicker. "Been... pregnant..."
Huo Huaixin stared fixedly at Wei Yanzhi. Everyone in the room was also watching Wei Yanzhi. Exposed under their gazes, Wei Yanzhi finally showed bitterness on his face. "Prefect, this matter... this humble nephew is not clear... I..."
"You're not clear? The Duke's household and your Wei family are closely connected. Otherwise, they wouldn't have sent you to escort the bridal procession." Huo Huaixin leaned forward, his gaze and tone becoming imposing. "Before Miss Song's marriage, was she seriously ill? You don't even know this? Miss Song was pregnant. Who was the father? Miss Song was raised in deep seclusion. Those who could have contact with her must be families close to the Duke's household. The Wei family is one of them. Could it be you, Young Master Wei..."
Huo Huaixin's accusation pointed directly at Wei Yanzhi. Wei Yanzhi's expression instantly turned stern. "No!"
Wei Yanzhi's fists clenched tightly in his sleeves. He stood like a dead tree. "Not me, of course not me. This humble nephew, a concubine-born son, how could I catch the eye of the Duke's legitimate daughter..."
As he spoke, Wei Yanzhi lowered his head, his voice tinged with pain. "This matter... this humble nephew truly doesn't know. Only... only that before Xiao Rou married, she was seriously ill for half a month. That was... about a month before the bridal procession set off. At that time, she was confined under the pretext of preparing for marriage. But I heard she was seeing a doctor and taking medicine..."
He paused slightly, then continued, "Also around that time, my legitimate elder brother broke his leg. At the time, I only had some doubts. My elder brother has always loved taming horses; his skill is exceptional. How could he still break his leg? When I went to visit, I saw people from the Duke's household were also there, but their expressions were very unfriendly. At the time, I didn't know why. After my elder brother broke his leg, he was confined. Then the escort was changed to me..."
Huo Huaixin frowned. "So, you mean the man who had an affair with Miss Song is your legitimate elder brother?"
Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "This humble nephew isn't certain. But since you ask, the only person I can think of is my elder brother. He grew up with Xiao Rou, and cared for her deeply. In our family, some even joked that the Wei and Song families would become in-laws. But... but the Wei family is in decline. Although the Duke's household dotes on their grandson, they didn't want to facilitate this marriage."
"Right!" Wei Yanzhi suddenly looked up. "My elder brother is left-handed."
These words made Huo Huaixin's eyes widen. "What did you say?!"
Wei Yanzhi said bitterly, "Actually, the first night I heard you mention a left-handed person, I wanted to say something. But... but the bridal procession had already set off south, and my elder brother was in the capital. So... so I didn't mention it."
Huo Huaixin and Yue Qiong exchanged a glance. Huo Huaixin said incredulously, "Your legitimate elder brother is truly left-handed?"
Wei Yanzhi nodded. "Many among the Song family's guards know this. Some people in the world are naturally left-handed. Because they are few, they are seen as oddities. Later, my elder brother also learned to write with his right hand, but that was acquired through practice."
Huo Huaixin fell silent. They had searched for a left-handed person for so long, even suspecting Yan Chi. But Wei Yanzhi suddenly said his legitimate elder brother was left-handed. Could it be that his elder brother, deeply in love with Song Rou, unwilling to see her marry far away, followed her? Then, love turned to hatred, and he killed Song Rou?
Jinzhou was a thousand li from the capital. This point could be verified by sending someone to check if Wei Yanzhi's elder brother was in the capital. Huo Huaixin's brow furrowed tightly. Jinzhou was too far from the capital; going back and forth would take much time. Moreover, it involved two powerful families, making it truly difficult for him to handle.
"What did you do after returning last night?"
Huo Huaixin suddenly asked. Wei Yanzhi frowned. "Last night, we returned very late. This humble nephew went directly back to the Eastern Courtyard to wash up and sleep. I didn't do anything else. Others in the Eastern Courtyard can testify to that."
Huo Huaixin's brow immediately furrowed deeply. Wei Yanzhi looked at him. "Could it be Prefect suspects this humble nephew?"
Huo Huaixin's brow relaxed, a slight smile curving his lips. "Of course not. Just asking." He leaned back. "Alright, that's all. Thank you, Young Master Wei, for being so forthcoming."
Wei Yanzhi hurriedly bowed. "I dare not accept thanks. It's my duty." After speaking, he added with difficulty, "Prefect, this matter... this humble nephew isn't absolutely certain. Please..."
"Don't worry. We will naturally investigate these matters. We know what can and cannot be said." Huo Huaixin let out a breath. "Alright, that's all the questions. You may go back. We already have many leads in this case and will soon reach a conclusion."
Wei Yanzhi nodded, then turned to look at Yue Qiong. "Marquis, in this matter, the Duke's household has wronged the Anyang Marquis's household. This humble nephew... is ashamed before the Marquis's household. Perhaps... perhaps I should take the Song family guards and move out, to avoid..."
Yue Qiong's gaze at Wei Yanzhi no longer held the previous warmth. But this matter had nothing to do with Wei Yanzhi. Wei Yanzhi wasn't from the Duke's household; he couldn't decide anything. Yue Qiong shook his head. "These words shouldn't come from you. This matter has nothing to do with you. Just tell Prefect what you know. Go rest."
Wei Yanzhi hesitated, wanting to say more, but facing Grand Princess Jiayi and Yue Qiong's cold expressions, he ultimately didn't dare. He bowed again, then turned and left. Once he was gone, Grand Princess Jiayi's chest heaved with anger!
Huo Huaixin then looked at Yan Chi, who had been standing aside. "Your Highness Yan Chi, earlier the Marquis asked Your Highness to send someone back to the capital. I wonder when news from the capital will reach Jinzhou?"
Yan Chi said solemnly, "At the latest, tomorrow."
Huo Huaixin nodded, then looked at Grand Princess Jiayi. "Your Highness, you heard. The left-handed person we've been searching for, could it be Young Master Wei's legitimate elder brother? And the man who had an affair with Miss Song, could it also be his elder brother?"
Grand Princess Jiayi let out a breath. "These matters shouldn't be meddled with by an old woman like me. You are the Prefect; go investigate. I only need to know the result." She waved her hand tiredly. "You all may go. I have a few words to say with Jing Shu and Qiong'er."
Hearing this, everyone understood she intended to instruct Yue Qiong and Jiang‑shi on how to proceed.
This matter was, after all, the Marquis's household's secret. Huo Huaixin immediately stood up to take his leave. Qin Wan also withdrew with Yan Chi.
Once outside, Yue Qing and Yue Ning were already waiting. They had also received news of the mortuary fire this morning. Initially thinking the autopsy couldn't proceed, they didn't expect Qin Wan to still have gone to the mortuary. Yue Ning grabbed Qin Wan's hand and pulled her aside. "How did it go? What were the autopsy results? Why was Young Master Wei called for questioning? Young Master Wei looked terrible. Earlier, I asked what happened, and he just said 'sorry.' What exactly was found?"
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, looking somewhat troubled by the presence of Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin. Yue Jia then said to Huo Huaixin, Yan Chi, and the others, "Prefect, Your Highness Yan Chi, Qing'er, let's go wait in the front flower hall."
Yue Jia's attitude was straightforward; he didn't mind Yue Ning knowing. Such matters were usually private, inner household scandals ordinary families wouldn't let the younger generation know. But the Anyang Marquis's household had different customs, without such strict rules.
Once Yan Chi and the others left, Qin Wan concisely told Yue Ning what she learned and heard today.
Yue Ning's eyes widened, unable to react for a long moment. "This... the Duke's household is truly audacious..."
She gritted her teeth in anger but couldn't utter harsh words, only clenched her fists angrily. Qin Wan pulled her. "This matter will be handled by the Grand Princess, the Marquis, and the Lady. It's enough that you know. Don't speak of it further."
Yue Ning slapped a nearby pillar. "No wonder Young Master Wei said 'sorry' earlier. I was wondering what he was sorry for. After all, the Song family and he should be the most grieved..."
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "Could it be that the Wei family's eldest son really came to Jinzhou?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "I don't know. It's not impossible. And if it really is the Wei family's eldest son who came to Jinzhou, then the previous events could be explained."
"If it's him, how did he kill her? Was he also the one pretending to be a ghost?"
Qin Wan tilted her head. "The Wei family's eldest son, the Commandant, is also highly skilled in martial arts. It's possible he scaled walls and entered houses. Moreover, he likely planted confidants among the guards to relay information to him."
Yue Ning frowned deeply. "This matter is getting more and more complicated."
Qin Wan also felt heavy-hearted. The matter was indeed becoming more complex. But just as the darkest night precedes dawn, the more complex the situation, the closer the truth might be.
"Ah, Chief Constable Qi."
Yue Ning suddenly spoke. Qin Wan looked up and indeed saw Chief Constable Qi walking over from the east direction. After asking a maid outside, he went straight to the flower hall.
Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged a glance and hurried after him.
Just as they reached the hall entrance, they heard Chief Constable Qi say, "Last night, he was indeed in the Eastern Courtyard. He wrote for half the night. Many people saw his shadow writing on the window. This morning, he got up at his usual time..."
Qin Wan understood: Huo Huaixin had sent Qi Lin to investigate Wei Yanzhi.
It seemed he had also begun to suspect Wei Yanzhi.
...
...
Qin Wan talked with Yue Ning for a while. When Jiang‑shi and Yue Qiong came out from the inner chamber, she went in to check Grand Princess Jiayi's pulse again. Grand Princess Jiayi was extremely angered by the matter, her heart unsettled. Qin Wan prescribed a new formula, then took her leave. Grand Princess Jiayi, pitying Qin Wan for rising early to perform the autopsy, let her go. Yue Ning saw her to the mansion gate, watching Bai Feng drive the carriage away before returning. Yan Chi did not appear.
"Young Mistress, are you tired? Rest a bit..."
Qin Wan was indeed somewhat tired and leaned against the carriage wall, closing her eyes. Fuling adjusted her cloak and sat quietly aside, not disturbing her rest. Bai Feng drove the carriage extremely smoothly. Unconsciously, Qin Wan drifted into a half-asleep state. But just as she was about to fall asleep, the carriage suddenly jolted and stopped abruptly.
Qin Wan's body swayed, her back hitting the wall, waking her instantly. Outside, Bai Feng's harsh reining-in of the horse and the horse's shrill neigh were ear-piercing. The street outside was also noisy and chaotic, mixed with shouts and curses.
"Young Mistress, are you alright?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "What happened? Why did we stop?"
Before she finished speaking, Qin Wan suddenly heard someone shouting outside.
"Stop! You there, stop! Thief! Help catch the thief!"
It was a man's shout. Because he shouted too hard, his voice was shrill and strained, even cracking. But Qin Wan found it vaguely familiar. At that moment, Bai Feng spoke outside. "Ninth Young Miss, someone ahead had something stolen. Several people are chasing. The street is a bit chaotic."
Qin Wan hummed in acknowledgment. "It's fine. We can wait a while before moving."
Bai Feng assented outside. Qin Wan moved her slightly stiff neck. In those moments, the outside noise sounded again. "It's that person! Stop! Thief!"
The shouting man was now panting heavily, out of breath. His voice wasn't as loud as before. Though still shouting, his tone carried a hint of discouragement. Clearly, the thief had run far away and couldn't be caught. Because of this, the man's voice returned to normal. Qin Wan's heart stirred. She lifted the carriage curtain.
About four or five zhang ahead on the street, a man in a brown robe was bent over, hands on knees, panting heavily. Though Qin Wan only saw his back, how could she not recognize someone she had seen just this morning?
"Bai Feng, is the person who lost something ahead... Coroner Xu?!"
"It seems... yes, it's Coroner Xu." Bai Feng probably also looked carefully for a moment and recognized Xu He. He had seen Xu He very few times, so he hadn't recognized him at first glance.
Qin Wan then said, "Take the carriage ahead."
Bai Feng obeyed, and the carriage slowly moved forward. Soon, it reached Xu He's side.
Xu He was still bent over, hands on knees. His earlier loud shouts had alarmed many people around. A couple had even helped chase for a few steps. But the thief ran too fast, disappearing in a flash. In the end, the crowd only cast sympathetic glances at him. Xu He looked bitterly at the bustling street ahead. The thief was gone, and his box was lost. Never mind the rest; that box contained two taels of silver, nearly half a year's living expenses for him!
Xu He was lost in the grief of losing his livelihood, completely unaware that a carriage had come to a stop beside him. He took a few more breaths, calming slightly before straightening up. At that moment, a clear, gentle call came from beside him.
"Coroner Xu."
Xu He was startled. Turning, he saw Qin Wan's face inside the carriage window. Xu He's eyes widened in disbelief. He hurriedly bowed. "Ninth Young Miss."
After speaking, realizing Qin Wan must have seen his earlier actions, his face flushed red!
Seeing his awkwardness, Qin Wan's lips curved slightly. "Bai Feng, take the carriage to the street corner. I'll speak a few words with Coroner Xu."
Bai Feng complied. Xu He also followed.
Xu He had left the mortuary this morning and hadn't gone to the Marquis's household. After Qin Wan went to the Marquis's household and came out, she naturally didn't expect to meet Xu He here. "Coroner Xu lost something?"
Xu He's face showed bitterness, not hiding it. "Yes, Ninth Young Miss. You see, my box was stolen, more like snatched. Just now, I was eating noodles at the noodle stall ahead. Before I finished a bowl of plain noodles, someone grabbed the box beside me. I reacted quickly and chased, but that person ran like a rabbit. I chased half the street but couldn't catch up."
Qin Wan looked at his deeply furrowed brow, his expression on the verge of tears, feeling both sympathy and an urge to laugh. "The box contained autopsy tools?"
"Yes!" Xu He was too embarrassed to mention the silver, only continuing, "That set of tools is how I make a living. Though not valuable, they've been with me a long time. Now that they're lost, I really don't know what to do. Fortunately, the yamen doesn't need me for autopsies right now, or Prefect might make me pack up and leave."
"Only a set of tools?"
Xu He shook his head. "Not exactly. There's also incense to dispel miasma, autopsy record paper and brushes, and... a little of my own savings, some yamen documents, miscellaneous things. Not worth much, but I'm just heartbroken. Those documents and today's autopsy record, I'll have to recopy them. Luckily, my memory isn't bad."
Qin Wan sighed, glanced at Fuling. Fuling immediately took out three taels of silver and handed them over.
Seeing this, Xu He hurriedly waved his hands. "No, no, I didn't mean that, I..."
"Take it. I know you didn't mean that. If you feel it's inappropriate, consider it a loan from me for now. When you receive your salary, you can repay me." Qin Wan's voice was gentle. Xu He couldn't refuse.
"Ninth Young Miss is truly kind-hearted... Then... then I'll accept. When I get my salary, I'll definitely return it to you." Xu He took the three taels, his eyes filled with genuine gratitude.
Qin Wan nodded. "No hurry. Next time, be more careful when eating on the street."
Xu He nodded vigorously. "Ninth Young Miss, rest assured. I'll be extra careful from now on." He gave a bitter smile. "Seems I've had bad luck recently. Four or five days ago, I lost a bag. Today, I lost my entire box. I feel those thieves really don't know how to pick targets. I don't look like a wealthy man..."
Xu He joked about himself. Qin Wan also found it somewhat laughable. "How come you lost things twice in a row?"
"Yes. That time, the bag I lost was my usual one for carrying yamen documents. It was on my way to the yamen. I went to buy some medicine, and it was gone. Fortunately, it only contained two documents and autopsy records, no silver."
"Buying medicine?" Qin Wan noticed Xu He's words.
Xu He shook his head. "Not for me. The old man who rents the courtyard to me was sick. He's better now."
Qin Wan nodded. Seeing Bai Feng driving the carriage and heading east, Xu He knew Qin Wan was returning to the Qin manor. He stepped back. "Ninth Young Miss must be returning to the manor. I dare not delay you. Young Miss's generosity, Xu He will surely remember. Please return to the manor. I respectfully see you off."
Qin Wan felt comforted seeing him so grateful for a kindness. She smiled in acknowledgment, then lowered the curtain. Bai Feng flicked the whip, and the carriage slowly moved from the roadside toward the Qin manor in the east of the city.
...
...
Today, the Qin manor was newly decorated, but when Qin Wan returned, it wasn't as lively and festive as imagined. Qin Wan paid no mind, first going to Linfeng Courtyard to check Yao Xinlan's pulse. Unusually, Yao Xinlan's mood seemed much improved.
"Did Younger Sister go to the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern fair last night?"
Yao Xinlan leaned against the pillow behind her. Though still sickly, having changed into new clothes, her delicate, pitiable features made Qin Wan unconsciously lower her voice when speaking to her.
"Yes, I went. It was indeed very lively." Qin Wan summarized briefly. It was lively, but she also had a fright and nearly lost her life.
"What a pity. I don't have that fortune. I heard Jinzhou's Mid-Autumn Festival celebration is the liveliest, much more so than in Jianzhou Prefecture. I wonder if I'll ever have the chance to see it."
"What are you saying, Sister-in-law? Of course you can. After the child is born, you can go next year."
Yao Xinlan's lips curved slightly. "I hope so. The child kicked me this morning. That must be a sign of the child's health, right?"
Seeing Qin Wan nod, Yao Xinlan touched her belly with a satisfied expression. "As long as the child is healthy, I'm content. Things in this world truly follow cause and effect. I had someone donate fifty dan of relief grain, all to pray for blessings for this child. Ninth Younger Sister, my child will surely be born safely, right?"
"Naturally." Qin Wan carefully observed Yao Xinlan's expression but saw no confusion or blankness. It seemed as if that day, when she had asked the same question twice, was merely her imagination. "Sister-in-law's health has improved greatly. You will surely give birth smoothly. In a couple of days, Sister-in-law should get up and move around more. The weather is turning cold. Lying down too long can let cold enter the body. Moderate movement promotes blood circulation."
Yao Xinlan nodded. "I'll definitely listen to Ninth Younger Sister. Rest assured."
Qin Wan nodded. "No need to change the prescription for now. If the pills run out, I'll make more for you."
Yao Xinlan was extremely grateful and hurriedly had Moshu bring out two jade hairpins. "It's the festival. This is Sister-in-law's small token of appreciation. Please don't disdain it; you must accept."
Qin Wan initially wanted to decline, but Yao Xinlan's eyes instantly reddened. "Does Ninth Younger Sister disdain it?"
Seeing this, what more could Qin Wan say? She nodded and accepted them. After a few more words, she left Linfeng Courtyard to return to Tinglan Pavilion. After walking a few steps, Fuling said quietly, "Young Mistress, the manor isn't very peaceful."
"Hmm? Not peaceful?"
Fuling nodded. "Yes. This year's Mid-Autumn Festival, the Qin manor also chartered a boat as usual. Originally, the whole family was to go enjoy the lanterns and cruise the lake. But yesterday, the Master and Mistress didn't go out. Not only that, last night the Mistress invited masters from Lingyin Temple outside the city to perform rites, saying there were fox spirits and demons causing trouble in the manor, making the Master ill."
Earlier, while Qin Wan spoke with Yao Xinlan, Fuling chatted with the maids in Linfeng Courtyard. Now that Qin Wan's status was different, the maids didn't dare disrespect Fuling and even tried to curry favor.
"The Master is ill? Were doctors invited to the manor?"
Fuling shook her head. "Not yet. Right now, the Master's courtyard is sealed off, heavily guarded. Only Physician Qian was allowed to see him last night. Then they performed the rites. Probably the Old Madam and Mistress think the Master's illness is caused by fox spirits and demons."
Qin Wan took this in but didn't comment. Qin An was lustful; his body had long been damaged. Whatever illness he had now was his own doing. If it was an illness caused by wine and women, he probably wouldn't want a junior like her to see. Just as well; she didn't want to get involved in the Qin family's muddy waters. Yao Xinlan alone was enough to worry about.
"And also, Second Young Master is ill." Fuling suddenly added.
Qin Wan's heart tightened. "What happened there?"
Fuling sighed. "The maids in the manor used to envy the ones serving Second Young Master the most. Though Second Young Master is flirtatious, he treats servants very well. Those around him are all pretty. Second Young Master never shortchanges them. They were like half-mistresses. But yesterday, Second Young Master suddenly sent two of them away..."
Qin Wan frowned. Had her suspicion come true?
"The maids in the manor were quite pleased, saying those two didn't serve properly, causing Second Young Master to fall ill. Yesterday, Second Young Master's courtyard gate was closed. It seems his illness is quite serious."
Qin Wan's mind stirred, thinking of what she saw that day, becoming more certain of her thoughts. "Was a doctor called?"
"No." Fuling shook her head. "The Master is ill. The Mistress and Old Madam are preoccupied with the Master. Second Young Master has never been favored by the Old Madam, and the Mistress isn't his birth mother. Second Young Master closed his courtyard himself; others wouldn't bother."
Qin Wan naturally understood the dynamics. After returning to Tinglan Pavilion, she also instructed Wantang to close the courtyard gate.
The four "Wan" maids bowed outside. Qin Wan only took Fuling inside. Fuling helped Qin Wan remove her cloak. Qin Wan had just turned toward the warm chamber when, after not two steps, she paused.
Fuling, having hung the cloak, turned and saw this. "Young Mistress, what is it?"
"Someone has been in here."
Fuling frowned. "What?!"
As soon as the thought arose, Fuling immediately looked toward the door. But Qin Wan raised a hand. "Don't make a sound."
She walked slowly toward the warm chamber. Entering, she swept her gaze around, then a slight smile touched her lips. Qin Wan turned and walked toward the inner chamber. As she walked, she casually looked around. Fuling, however, quickly walked to the sandalwood box on the tall cabinet. That box contained the sapphire hair ornaments Qin Chen gave and the two sets of jade jewelry Jiang‑shi gave, currently Qin Wan's most valuable possessions. Opening the box, Fuling let out a long sigh of relief. "Fortunately, nothing's missing."
But Qin Wan didn't look at the sandalwood box. Instead, she walked to the writing desk nearby.
She didn't have a study, only a moon gate alcove set up on one side of the inner chamber. Behind the moon gate was a side room with a writing desk, ink, paper, and brushes, and a small bookshelf. She wasn't Qin Chen; to the Qin family, these were enough for a young lady's chambers. She looked at the writing implements on the desk and narrowed her eyes.
"Young Mistress, did the person who came in come here?"
Qin Wan slowly nodded. "They certainly wouldn't dare steal. If they stole and I found out, an investigation would follow. If I'm displeased, all four could be dismissed."
"Then why did they come in?" Fuling tilted her head, looking around. "How did Young Mistress discover someone came here? This servant doesn't see any changes."
Qin Wan stepped forward. "The copybook I was practicing was under the paperweight. My habit: the paperweight must be on top of the papers, pressed tightly against the edge. But now, though it's on top, the edge is exposed."
Then, she pointed to the bookshelf. "I'm used to arranging books neatly. The outer edges of the books must form a straight line, not protruding, not recessed. But look, what's wrong now?"
Fuling looked over. At first, she saw nothing different. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. This time, she saw it. "Top left, the top left corner. Those three books are recessed!"
Qin Wan nodded. "Ordinary people roughly arrange books neatly. But my habits are very strict. A straight line must be exactly straight. That person probably noticed my books were neatly arranged and, afraid those three books would stand out, pushed them in further. But she had clearly overlooked the detail. Even the slightest indentation, I can tell."
With that, Qin Wan walked toward the bed. Upon reaching it, she couldn't help but scoff.
"Young Mistress, what is it? Was this also disturbed?"
Fuling asked, looking over. The bed, the brocade quilt, the pillows were all arranged neatly, not looking disturbed at all...
"Young Mistress's habit: the lotus pattern on the pillow must face upward. It is facing upward now. Young Mistress leaves a three-finger gap between the quilt and pillow. It is indeed three fingers now."
Fuling had never noticed these small habits of Qin Wan before, and Qin Wan had never told her about them. She noticed while attending to Qin Wan's daily needs because several times she found Qin Wan readjusting the bed after she made it. Over time, she learned Qin Wan's preferences. In comparison, Qin Wan preferred tidying the desk and bookshelf herself, so Fuling was less familiar with those.
Qin Wan didn't answer Fuling. Instead, she leaned over and lifted the pillow with one hand.
As soon as she lifted it, Fuling immediately saw the wrinkles on the brocade mattress beneath.
Fuling gasped. "This servant clearly smoothed it perfectly flat!"
Qin Wan reached out and smoothed the wrinkles. Soon, the brocade mattress was smooth as a mirror. Qin Wan put the pillow down. "That person must be very skilled at making beds and very meticulous in this regard. But she came in secretly, in a panic. In a panic, oversights are inevitable. Places not easily seen would be missed."
"Young Mistress, who do you think it was? She didn't steal anything. She went to the warm chamber, rummaged the bed, and looked at your study. What was she trying to do?"
Qin Wan turned and walked out, this time directly entering the warm chamber. "Perhaps out of curiosity. The warm chamber holds my daily interests. The bed might hide some secret. The study holds my studies, thoughts, my calligraphy style, favorite poems and writings, these are all me. She just wanted to investigate."
Fuling let out a breath. "That's good then. Fortunately, she meant no harm. Even if we don't find out who it is for now, it's fine. Otherwise, this servant would be terrified..."
Qin Wan's hand, just picking up a teacup, paused slightly.
Fuling was wrong. Investigating her was the greatest malice.
In the entire Qin manor, the person most wanting to investigate her now was the murderer who killed the Ninth Young Miss.
Qin Wan didn't voice this thought because she wasn't sure who had entered her main room. She pretended nothing happened, staying behind closed doors. In the evening, she dried the residue brought from the mortuary and had Fuling give some silver rewards to the four "Wan" maids. She believed that when Fuling approached the side rooms, that person must have been nervous. But when Fuling stated her purpose, that person surely sighed in relief. Then, at some point in the future, she would sneak into the study again...
Qin Wan remained calm and unruffled. Fuling seemed to have gained some insight, vaguely understanding Qin Wan's intention. They slept well that night. Early the next morning, after breakfast, Qin Wan left the manor gate as usual.
Bai Feng was indeed waiting outside. Qin Wan boarded the carriage and headed straight for the Anyang Marquis's household.
Today was the day Yan Chi's people would bring news from the capital. Though not directly involved in the case, Qin Wan was somewhat curious about its direction. Upon arriving at the Marquis's household, Lü Xiu personally came to greet her, and Qin Wan went directly to Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard.
Qin Wan was still wondering when the news would arrive today, but unexpectedly, just as she reached the courtyard gate, she saw Huo Huaixin striding out with Qi Lin. Seeing Qin Wan, Huo Huaixin also stopped.
Qin Wan curtseyed. "Greetings, Prefect."
Huo Huaixin waved a hand. "At ease, at ease. Ninth Young Miss, this case is about to be solved!"
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
Huo Huaixin puffed out his chest. "His Highness Yan Chi's men brought news. The Wei family's eldest son didn't break his leg falling from a horse; it was broken by people from the Duke's household. The man who had an affair with Song Rou is him. Moreover, on the surface, the Wei family claimed their eldest son was recovering. But His Highness's men investigated; there was no sign of the Wei family's eldest son in the courtyard! Even the Wei family is secretly searching for the eldest son!"
He paused, his expression triumphant. "So now, this official has reason to believe! The Wei family's eldest son is likely in Jinzhou Prefecture right now! He is the one who killed Song Rou!"