novelraw Chapter 83 : The Murderer is Caught!
Chapter 83 : The Murderer is Caught!
83: The Murderer is Caught!
"Young Princess, look, what is this?"
"Hmm?" Yue Ning turned, looking at the tray. "Look at what?"
Qin Wan blinked, examining the tray carefully. She picked up the tray and tilted it slowly. As she tilted it, perhaps the angle to the light changed, something on the originally dull, fragmented paper glinted.
Yue Ning also noticed. "Ah, I see it. What is that..."
As she spoke, she grabbed Qin Wan's hand and slowly pressed down on the tray. With this pressure, Qin Wan found the glowing object. She simply picked up the paper fragment and held it toward the window. Viewed this way, the glittering object became more apparent. "This is... gold dust?"
"Gold dust?" Yue Ning leaned closer, peering at the paper fragment with Qin Wan.
The gray paper fragment, corroded until only a thin layer remained, had lost any sense of paper texture. But right in the middle of the fragment, a speck of extremely fine, dust-like gold powder was embedded. If not for Qin Wan's accidental discovery, it would have been missed.
"Song Rou died from having her head cut off, not from swallowing gold. How could there be gold dust in her stomach?"
Qin Wan's fingertip brushed over the paper scrap, her brow tightly furrowed. She shook her head. "No, it's not gold dust..."
A deep contemplation flashed in her eyes. A moment later, her eyes suddenly lit up. "I know!"
Yue Ning looked at her eagerly. "Know what?!"
"I know what kind of paper this is!"
Yue Ning was slightly stunned. "Know what kind of paper?"
Qin Wan nodded. "This is Gilded Paper!"
Yue Ning tilted her head, thinking. "The Gilded Paper known as 'Little Sprinkled Gold Paper'?"
Qin Wan nodded again. Yue Ning then asked, "How do you know?"
Qin Wan pointed to the golden glint on the paper fragment. "This isn't gold dust. If it were gold dust, we would have seen it easily when we took it out. Look carefully; this color isn't as bright as gold dust. This is orpiment."
Yue Ning knew nothing of this and had never heard of orpiment. Qin Wan continued, "You know Sprinkled Gold Paper, used by the nobility. Even wealthy families like the Qin household only use it for writing invitation cards during grand banquets, never for casual letters or calligraphy practice. This Gilded Paper, though more expensive than ordinary bamboo paper, is much cheaper than Sprinkled Gold Paper. Moreover, Gilded Paper comes from the south, precisely because the south produces abundant orpiment. And orpiment is used to make gold lacquer."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if recalling something. "I once read in a book that when making Gilded Paper, they don't directly dye it with orpiment because orpiment is hard and cannot blend with paper pulp. Usually, raw gold lacquer is added to wood pulp, then made into paper. Besides its color resembling Sprinkled Gold Paper, this paper has a faint lacquer tree fragrance. This scent is much lighter than lacquer, mixed with the smell of wood pulp. It's quite favored by ordinary nobility. In the previous dynasty, there was a poem line: 'A sheet of gilded paper beneath the pillow, fragrant,' praising scholars who slept with the paper under their pillows while studying diligently by cold windows. Because Gilded Paper has a special fragrance, smelling it while sleeping meant dreaming of reading and writing. Many people thought the poem referred to Sprinkled Gold Paper, but it was actually Gilded Paper."
Qin Wan explained in detail. Yue Ning, listening to her, could only sigh at how little she herself had studied and read.
"This... so many intricacies. That makes sense. Gilded Paper is more common in the south. Using it for letters is reasonable." Yue Ning exhaled. "Now you can finally be at ease. You already know everything you wanted to know..."
Qin Wan nodded slightly, looking at the remaining clump of Gilded Paper in the white porcelain cup and shaking her head. "Alright, the rest can be discarded. The ink is gone, and besides, the case has a conclusion."
Yue Ning looked at Qin Wan with a hint of admiration. "You really have to understand everything thoroughly."
Qin Wan called Fuling over and instructed her to take the white porcelain cup away, then smiled. "Studying medicine, if one lacks this mindset, what can be done when encountering difficult and complex diseases? What is unclear, what is doubtful, must naturally be thoroughly understood."
Yue Ning was quite impressed. "I've never seen someone so young know so much. No wonder Grandmother likes you so much. Having talent and knowing how to work hard naturally leads to greater achievements than others."
Qin Wan shook her head, pouring Yue Ning a cup of tea. "Not necessarily. Probably just a fondness for studying medicine."
Yue Ning picked up the teacup. "True. Doing what one likes, one is always willing to spend effort and time. But ordinary young ladies mostly enjoy elegant pursuits like music, calligraphy, and painting..."
Changing the topic, Qin Wan smiled. "Is the Young Princess implying she also is not an ordinary young lady?"
Yue Ning lifted her chin. "Isn't that so?"
Hearing this, Qin Wan couldn't help but laugh. Even Fuling, standing nearby, covered her mouth and chuckled. For a moment, the room was filled with harmony. Since they were on this topic, Yue Ning asked in detail what books Qin Wan read. Qin Wan remained composed on the surface, but her answers were deliberately vague and simple. Soon, she quietly shifted the conversation elsewhere...
Chatting and laughing, time unknowingly passed the afternoon. Seeing it was getting late, Yue Ning finally took her leave, only reminding Qin Wan to come to the Marquis's household early the next day.
Qin Wan had been going to the Marquis's household for many consecutive days. If she didn't go one day, Yue Ning would feel unaccustomed. Hearing this, Qin Wan could only smile and agree.
After seeing Yue Ning off, Fuling walked back inside, smiling. "The Young Princess is truly kind. When we first met her, I thought her aura was intimidating. Now, seeing her become friends with you, Young Mistress, this servant is also happy for you."
The corner of Qin Wan's lips curved, naturally agreeing with Fuling.
Entering the room, Qin Wan glanced toward the courtyard gate again. "It's the Mid-Autumn Festival season, yet the manor is so quiet."
Fuling was tidying the tea table and nodded. "Indeed. The Mistress hasn't taken the young masters and misses out. The main courtyard has become forbidden. Also these past few days, many servants in the manor have been sold off. Some said they had sticky fingers, some were lazy and neglected work. But this servant guesses most are because of the Master's illness."
Qin Wan frowned slightly, her doubts growing heavier. Was Qin An's illness this serious?
Thinking this, she asked again, "What about Second Young Master's side?"
Fuling shook her head. "Second Young Master's side has been quiet instead. These days, the Mistress is rectifying affairs in the inner courtyard. The work to clean the well from before has stopped. Those sold off... some are probably because they discussed the Master's illness."
Fuling looked apprehensive. "This servant has already warned those four not to gossip these days."
Qin Wan's lips curved. "Fuling is increasingly carrying herself like a senior maid.."
Fuling shyly stuck out her tongue. "Naturally, I can't let Young Mistress lose face."
Master and servant chatted a bit more. After dinner, Qin Wan started making medicine again. But after grinding about half of the medicinal powder, she suddenly snapped back to reality. She didn't need to make medicine anymore! Yan Chi wasn't in a hurry to leave; why was she making medicine?!
Putting down the mortar, Qin Wan felt annoyed again.
Seeing this, Fuling asked in surprise, "What's wrong, Young Mistress?"
Qin Wan had been making medicine every night for many days, truly showing great dedication. Why wasn't she making it today?
Qin Wan gave a light humph, stood up, and walked toward the bathing chamber. "Not making it. I'll make it when I have time later. Let's rest early tonight."
Fuling blinked, not understanding the reason for Qin Wan's mood change.
After bathing and lying down, Qin Wan asked inconspicuously, "Have you seen anyone lingering outside our courtyard these past few days?"
Fuling shook her head. "No. Why does Young Mistress ask?"
Qin Wan then gazed at the bed canopy, lost in thought. Could there really be the murderer's spy among the four "Wan" maids?
Thinking this, she shook her head again. "Nothing. Starting tomorrow, I'll make some tonic medicine for myself. Although physicians shouldn't treat themselves, I've forgotten the past. It's not good to seek medical treatment outside for this."
Fuling felt a pang of heartache. "Is Young Mistress unwell?"
Qin Wan reassured her. "Not exactly. It's just some things still can't be remembered. Don't worry. Go rest."
Only then did Fuling extinguish the lamp and rest on the small couch outside.
...
...
A dreamless night. Qin Wan rose early and walked around the courtyard again. After breakfast, she wrote a prescription and had Fuling take Wantang to the manor's medicine storehouse to get the ingredients. The prescription was an ordinary tonic, mostly for nourishing the brain. As soon as Physician Qian saw it, he would know the focus of Qin Wan's ailment. In a few days, the entire manor would naturally know her problem.
After getting the medicine, Qin Wan worked on it for about half an hour. When the gatekeeper said someone from the Marquis's household had come to fetch her, Qin Wan left the manor. Naturally, it was Bai Feng again. Qin Wan boarded the carriage and headed straight for the Marquis's household.
Today, the Marquis's household seemed quieter than usual. As Huo Huaixin found direction in Song Rou's case, the gloom that had hung over the Anyang Marquis's household for many days was about to disperse. When she reached Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard, Grand Princess Jiayi also seemed much more at ease.
"Good people receive good rewards. The Anyang Marquis's household has been loyal for generations; the family, old and young, also do good deeds and accumulate virtue. If we are still implicated after this, then Heaven truly has no eyes." Grand Princess Jiayi held Qin Wan's hand. "I heard the Qin family didn't go to Li River Lake this year?"
Qin Wan replied, "We donated a lantern boat. But Uncle is ill, and the Old Madam, being devout, dislikes crowds. So, we didn't join the festivities this year. The manor has been very quiet these days."
Grand Princess Jiayi nodded. "I see. What illness? Serious?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "I don't know about that. But it's probably not an ordinary minor illness like a cold or fever."
Hearing this, Grand Princess Jiayi understood: the Qin family hadn't asked Qin Wan to treat Qin An. Considering this, Grand Princess Jiayi had an idea and said, "Your uncle is in his prime. It shouldn't be serious. He'll recover in a while."
Qin Wan nodded in agreement. As they spoke, Yue Ning suddenly strode in from outside. "I knew you were here. Finished checking Grandmother's pulse?"
Qin Wan nodded. "Finished. What is it?"
Yue Ning sighed. "Young Master Wei is ill. He's been ill for several days but didn't say anything. I only found out yesterday after returning to the residence. Since you've finished checking Grandmother's pulse, why not go to the Eastern Courtyard to see him?"
Qin Wan naturally had no objection and stood up, looking at Grand Princess Jiayi.
Grand Princess Jiayi asked, "What illness? Serious?"
Yue Ning shook her head. "Seems like just a cold. But colds can be minor or severe. He just had his subordinate buy medicine. Taking it for days hasn't helped. He's so cold he needs a brazier."
Grand Princess Jiayi sighed. "Wan girl, then go take a look. It's no trouble anyway."
Qin Wan nodded, bid farewell to Grand Princess Jiayi, and went with Yue Ning to the Eastern Courtyard.
"Young Princess, how did you know Young Master Wei was ill?"
Yue Ning wore martial attire, her face still slightly flushed. "Earlier, I went to the training ground but didn't see Young Master Wei. Asking the servants there, they said Young Master Wei hadn't been for several days. I grew suspicious and sent someone to ask. That's how I found out. They said three days ago, Young Master Wei started having alternating chills and fever but didn't mention it. When Prefect Huo came to investigate the case, he didn't say anything either. Just had servants move a brazier to his room. Though autumn is cool, it's not yet time for braziers. I suspect his illness is somewhat severe."
Huo Huaixin had come the day before yesterday to have Wei Yanzhi draw a portrait of Wei Qizhi. Three days ago, she had also seen Wei Yanzhi. At that time, she hadn't noticed his illness was that severe. Qin Wan felt something was strange but couldn't pinpoint it immediately.
Soon, Qin Wan and Yue Ning reached the Eastern Courtyard. Yue Ning, familiar with the place, led her to Wei Yanzhi's room.
"Greetings, Young Princess."
Two young men, similar in age to Wei Yanzhi, guarded the door. They were very respectful to Yue Ning but looked somewhat questioning upon seeing Qin Wan. Yue Ning said, "Is your young master inside? I heard he's ill. I came to see him."
The two guards looked pleased. One smiled and cupped his hands. "Please wait a moment, Young Princess. This humble one will inform the young master. The young master is unwell and is currently lying down."
Yue Ning nodded. After all, Wei Yanzhi was a man and needed to tidy his attire before meeting.
Qin Wan also stood to the side, her gaze sweeping the layout of the Eastern Courtyard. Though for guests, the rooms in the Eastern Courtyard were spacious and grand, with exquisite carvings and paintings. Glancing around, Qin Wan saw the other guard remaining outside. He wore a blue robe, stood tall and straight, head bowed respectfully before Yue Ning and Qin Wan, so she couldn't see his eyes. Qin Wan shifted her gaze. Just then, the door opened.
"Young Princess, our young master invites you in..."
Yue Ning acknowledged and immediately led Qin Wan inside.
Upon entering, Qin Wan's brow furrowed. The room was hotter than she imagined. At first glance, she saw the brazier by the window, an ingeniously shaped tall stove with a gourd-shaped chamber. The room had no underfloor heating; only such a stove could produce such intense heat.
Qin Wan's gaze shifted again. The front window was closed, but the back window was open. With the window open, the room was still this hot? Looking further, she saw a porcelain pot nearby, seemingly used for brewing medicine. Indeed, such a stove saved effort for brewing medicine oneself.
Thinking this, Qin Wan listened carefully and immediately heard the roaring sound of the stove fire. Her mind settled. So the stove fire was this strong. Was Wei Yanzhi's illness truly this severe?
Taking two more steps inside, Qin Wan finally saw Wei Yanzhi standing by the inner chamber door, dressed.
After not seeing him for several days, Wei Yanzhi indeed looked ill. He stood at the inner chamber doorway, wearing only his middle garments inside, with an outer robe and a cloak over it. In such a hot room, he was still wearing a cloak, his hair loosely hanging down, adding to the aura of illness radiating from him. Yue Ning was startled at the sight. "Young Master Wei, how did you become so ill?"
A bitter smile touched Wei Yanzhi's lips. "So impolite of me. Greetings, Young Princess, Ninth Young Miss…"
He stepped forward. "Please sit here."
He invited them to the small alcove by the window. The guard who had entered earlier served tea to the three.
Qin Wan sat down. Besides the tea scent, her nose detected the smell of medicine. Since Wei Yanzhi brewed his own medicine, naturally the room was filled with the odor. From the smell, she could tell it was indeed an ordinary prescription for colds. Qin Wan's eyes shifted slightly. "How many days has Young Master Wei been taking medicine?"
As soon as she asked, Wei Yanzhi coughed lightly. "Three days. Two doses."
Yue Ning frowned. "Where did you buy the medicine?"
Wei Yanzhi looked at the guard. The guard hurriedly said, "At Tongshan Hall in the east of the city."
Yue Ning shook her head. "How can the old master at Tongshan Hall compare to Ninth Young Miss? Since you're seriously ill, and Ninth Young Miss comes every day, why didn't you send someone to ask Ninth Young Miss to examine you?"
Wei Yanzhi coughed twice more, smiling bitterly. "What are you saying, Young Princess? Ninth Young Miss isn't a practicing physician. How can she casually treat others? Yanzhi dares not trouble Ninth Young Miss."
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. Meanwhile, Qin Wan said gently, "Young Master Wei is too reserved. We are acquainted now. As a physician, treating illnesses and saving people is my duty. How can it be trouble?"
Yue Ning quickly said, "Exactly. You're too much of a stranger. I brought Ninth Young Miss today precisely to have her examine you. Since Ninth Young Miss is already here, don't decline. Let Ninth Young Miss check your pulse first."
Qin Wan stood up. Wei Yanzhi coughed twice more, his face filled with apology. "This... truly thank you, Young Princess and Ninth Young Miss." Saying this, he naturally couldn't refuse further and rolled up his sleeve.
Qin Wan walked to Wei Yanzhi's side and placed her fingertips on his wrist.
While checking his pulse, Qin Wan observed Wei Yanzhi's complexion. His face was pale, lips dry, and bloodshot eyes were faintly visible, indeed the appearance of illness. She calmed her mind and carefully examined his pulse, then frowned.
Yue Ning looked somewhat worried. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
Qin Wan looked at Wei Yanzhi. "Young Master Wei's cold came on rather abruptly. The pulse is dry and floating, with severe internal cold." She paused. "Did Young Master Wei perhaps bathe in cold water?"
Surprise flashed in Wei Yanzhi's eyes. "Ninth Young Miss... truly divine!"
He gave another bitter smile. "This is indeed my own fault. Three days ago, after returning from the training ground, I was drenched in heavy sweat. Impatient to wait for hot water, I simply used cold water. It's improper to mention, but back in the capital, even in winter, I could bathe in cold water. So, I didn't pay attention at the time. But somehow, this time I fell ill."
Yue Ning listened, full of astonishment. "Young Master Wei, how... Could it be the household servants weren't diligent enough?"
Yue Ning thought perhaps the household servants, following orders, had neglected Wei Yanzhi. But Wei Yanzhi hurriedly waved his hands. "No, no, of course not. It was my own recklessness, thinking I was strong."
Yue Ning sighed. "Young Master Wei traveled all the way from the capital; that itself was arduous. Later, you were deeply worried. Your body probably isn't as before. Naturally, you can't act like you used to."
Qin Wan withdrew her hand. "Change the prescription. The one you're using now is for ordinary colds. Your current cold is somewhat different." She turned to the guard. "Please fetch paper and brush..."
The guard glanced at Wei Yanzhi. Seeing him nod, he hurried to the inner chamber and soon returned with paper and brush.
Qin Wan looked up, and her pupils instantly contracted. What the guard held was actually Gilded Paper.
Having just identified Gilded Paper from Song Rou's stomach the day before, Qin Wan's heart jolted upon seeing it. But then she thought: Gilded Paper was common in the south. It could have been prepared by the Qin household or bought by him himself. Both were possible.
Thus, Qin Wan composed herself and said calmly, "I'll dictate; you write. Platycodon root, asarum..."
Qin Wan listed eight or nine ingredients in one breath, then said, "Take this prescription three times a day. If you sweat after taking it, that's good. If not, continue taking it. These two days, eat only bland food; warm porridge is best."
Wei Yanzhi quickly nodded. The guard beside him noted this before stepping aside.
Yue Ning smiled. "With Ninth Young Miss here, the medicine will certainly cure the illness."
Qin Wan scanned the room, then looked at the brazier. "Young Master Wei has severe chills. Heating the room with a brazier is fine, but this temperature is somewhat dry and hot. Although the window is open for ventilation, it is still not ideal for someone who is ill."
Wei Yanzhi looked ashamed. "I've embarrassed myself before Ninth Young Miss. Truly, when night falls, I feel waves of severe chills. Plus, this room is spacious, so I had the servants add more charcoal. Rest assured, Young Miss, I'll have them reduce the fire shortly."
Qin Wan nodded, about to look away, when her eyes suddenly fell on the iron tongs beside the brazier.
The tongs were for adding charcoal. But now, their tips were coated with a layer of black grime. To Qin Wan, it looked like something had melted and adhered to them.
"That's right. Since you're staying at the Marquis's household, don't stand on ceremony."
Yue Ning spoke warmly, then added, "Has the Prefect asked you to draw your elder brother's portrait again?"
Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "Not since yesterday. He only asked about my elder brother's preferences."
Yue Ning nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "He won't ask you to draw again."
Wei Yanzhi nodded subconsciously, then frowned. "Young Princess means... could it be my elder brother has already been..."
Yue Ning chuckled. "Not yet. But the Prefect already knows your elder brother's whereabouts and has a way to make him comply. He'll likely capture him within a day or two."
Wei Yanzhi was dazed for a moment, then lowered his eyes and let out a long sigh.
His expression seemed genuine. Yue Ning looked at him with considerable sympathy. "I know you brothers are close. But a life is at stake. Think of the deceased Song Rou. Your brother must be held accountable for this."
Wei Yanzhi gave a bitter smile, his voice extremely strained. "Yanzhi naturally understands this principle. One is a cousin, the other an elder brother I grew up with. If only... if only this hadn't happened..."
Yue Ning and Qin Wan exchanged a glance. Even Qin Wan felt a pang of sorrow upon hearing Wei Yanzhi's tone.
"Things have come to this. Young Master Wei, don't be too sad. First, recover from your illness. Perhaps you can still see your elder brother."
Yue Ning intended to comfort him. But Wei Yanzhi started coughing. "Yes, Yanzhi... will will ease my heart... cough cough cough..."
Seeing him so uncomfortable, Yue Ning couldn't stay long and stood up. "Go get the medicine according to Ninth Young Miss's prescription. Getting better is what matters. When there's news about your brother, I'll send someone to inform you."
Wei Yanzhi repeatedly thanked them. Qin Wan took another look at the strange iron tongs before following Yue Ning out.
Seeing Qin Wan and the others leave, the guard looked at Wei Yanzhi. "Master, should we change the prescription?"
Wei Yanzhi coughed again, standing by the window, gazing thoughtfully as Qin Wan and Yue Ning's figures disappeared beyond the courtyard gate. He nodded. "Of course we must change it. Ninth Young Miss is a living medical genius, naturally more skilled than the physician at Tongshan Hall."
With that, Wei Yanzhi closed the window, tightened his cloak, and walked toward the inner chamber.
The guard added, "Master, do you still feel cold? Should I reduce the brazier fire?"
Wei Yanzhi paused but shook his head. "Let's take Ninth Young Miss's medicine first. I still feel cold now."
The guard hurriedly assented. Looking at Wei Yanzhi's retreating back, he couldn't help but ask nervously, "Master, that matter was two days ago. Could the Prefect trace it to us?"
Wei Yanzhi turned. His somewhat pale face took on a stern expression. "Naturally not. Remember, we acted for the good of the Duke's household and the Wei family."
"But... but they still found out."
Wei Yanzhi sighed. "But we at least tried. Now, if Elder Brother meets this end, we can't help it."
The guard nodded silently, then couldn't help saying, "Master's heart is entirely for the Duke's household and the Wei family. If the Eldest Young Master is really caught, he deserves it. How could he kill Cousin Miss!"
Wei Yanzhi sighed repeatedly, his retreating figure appearing desolate as he entered the inner chamber.
...
...
Qin Wan and Yue Ning left the Eastern Courtyard. After walking a few steps, they saw two servants carrying a large basket. Seeing Yue Ning and Qin Wan, they quickly set the basket down and bowed.
Yue Ning glanced at the large, covered basket. "What is this?"
The leading male servant hurriedly replied, "Reporting to the Young Princess, this is charcoal for Young Master Wei. At this time every day these past few days, we humble ones have been delivering charcoal to Young Master Wei."
Yue Ning nodded. "Good, go ahead."
The two servants lifted the basket and headed toward the Eastern Courtyard. Yue Ning's expression was normal, finding this utterly ordinary. But Qin Wan watched as the two men carried the charcoal basket into the Eastern Courtyard gate.
"What is it? What are you looking at?"
Qin Wan shook her head, turning back to continue walking. "Coming at this time every day, each time with such a large basket. Young Princess, don't you think this large basket is too much?" She paused, then said outright, "Or rather, Young Master Wei has the brazier fire in his room burning too fiercely..."
Yue Ning, remembering the room's temperature, nodded. "His room was indeed quite hot. But isn't he ill? You checked his pulse. Did you find anything abnormal about his illness?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "It's indeed a cold."
She paused slightly, her tone hesitant. "However... his constitution is very good. How could he suddenly have such severe cold? It's not winter now. Moreover, the cold in his body came extremely quickly. Could he have stayed in cold water too long?"
Yue Ning frowned. "Matters of men bathing, how can we ask?"
Qin Wan also knew this was true and immediately shook her head, dispelling stray thoughts.
Yue Ning, knowing she liked to overthink, put an arm around her shoulder. "Alright, don't overthink. No matter how he fell ill, he's truly ill. I'm really afraid you'll worry yourself sick."
Qin Wan's lips curved slightly, also feeling perhaps she was being too suspicious, and said no more.
She and Yue Ning returned to Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard together, chatted with Grand Princess Jiayi for a while, then took their leave. Yue Ning saw her to the manor gate. Bai Feng was already waiting outside. Looking at Bai Feng, Qin Wan couldn't help feeling it somewhat strange. Bai Feng was Yan Chi's personal guard, yet now he had become her carriage driver...
Boarding the carriage, Qin Wan sat inside and said, "Guard Bai, next time, have the Marquis's household coachman come."
Bai Feng chuckled outside. "It's no trouble, Ninth Young Miss. This is also my master's order."
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow but said no more.
Returning to the Qin manor, everything was still calm. These past two days, Qin Wan had only visited Linfeng Courtyard once, and Yao Xinlan's health had improved. Considering this, she didn't go more often.
"Young Mistress, it seems we go to the Marquis's household every day."
"In a few days, when the Grand Princess's health improves greatly, we won't need to go every day."
Fuling tilted her head. "Strange. Why didn't we see Second Young Master today?"
Qin Wan laughed softly, teasing, "What? Are you disappointed not to see Second Young Master?"
Fuling's face reddened as she chided, "This servant only thought of this for the Young Mistress's sake, yet the Young Mistress says such things..."
Qin Wan also smiled. "Didn't the Grand Princess say yesterday? She wants Second Young Master to spend more time with the army. Second Young Master probably went to the army today. Second Young Master is young; it's time for him to gain experience."
Fuling sighed. "This servant hasn't even mentioned it. Yesterday, Young Mistress truly gave Second Young Master no face at all. Anyone could tell Second Young Master prepared those storybooks for you. Yet you said you had no time."
Qin Wan looked innocent. "Wasn't I really without time? I've been making medicine every day!"
Fuling's lips twitched. "Young Mistress makes medicine because of..."
The words "His Highness Yan Chi" nearly blurted out, but Fuling forcefully held them back. Even though Yan Chi wasn't present, just thinking of him made her heart tremble. Better not speak ill of that demon prince behind his back.
Seeing her expression, Qin Wan knew what she was thinking and found it quite amusing. Lifting her skirt slightly, she strode toward Tinglan Pavilion. Qin Wan was in a very good mood. However, upon entering the courtyard gate, her brow furrowed.
She stopped in her tracks. Fuling also stopped, sensing Qin Wan's sudden change in mood. She hurriedly followed Qin Wan's gaze, and anger also rose on her face. "What's going on?! Who opened the door?!"
Fuling stepped past Qin Wan and strode toward the side door leading to the orchid nursery!
Since that eerie shadow was encountered in the orchid nursery on their first night, the side door had been locked. Usually, it was only opened when orchids needed to be moved. After moving the orchids, it was locked again. The key was hung in the side room along with the main gate key, but without Qin Wan's order, who would dare open it?!
This was why Qin Wan was angry. Fuling was even angrier! She still felt lingering fear from that night's incident!
Fuling strode to the side door. "Who opened this door? Without Young Mistress's order, you actually…"
Fuling marched over aggressively, but just as she reached the side door, her words cut off. Qin Wan walked a few steps slower, not yet understanding what Fuling saw, but first hearing a voice.
"Sister Fuling, it's me, it was me who opened it..."
Wantao? A question arose in Qin Wan's mind, but her nose also caught the smell of something burning. She quickened her steps to the door. Seeing the scene behind it, she was also somewhat surprised.
Outside the door, in the orchid nursery, Wantao knelt by the wall. Before her sat a small charcoal basin. At that moment, something was burning inside it. The burnt smell came from there.
Qin Wan frowned and walked over. Seeing Qin Wan approach, Wantao panicked even more, her eyes reddening.
"Greetings, Young Mistress. Young Mistress, this servant knows she was wrong. Please, please don't sell this servant."
Seeing this round-faced, peach-cheeked, usually lively and smiling maid on the verge of tears, Qin Wan raised an eyebrow but didn't answer. She first looked at what was burning in the charcoal basin. She saw it was some scattered paper money and two sets of clothing sewn from fabric scraps.
"Are you making offerings to a relative?"
"Yes, this servant knows she was wrong."
Wantao knelt prostrate, kowtowing repeatedly to Qin Wan.
"Today is this servant's mother's death anniversary. This servant... this servant saw that the Young Mistress had not returned for a long time and had this thought. Afraid of leaving a smell in the courtyard, I stole the key and opened the door, intending to lock it again after burning... Who knew..."
As she spoke, Wantao truly began to sob. Qin Wan had initially been angry only that someone opened the door without permission. Seeing it was Wantao, she calmed somewhat. Now learning the reason, how could she remain angry?
"If it's a death anniversary, why not report to me and make offerings openly?"
Qin Wan's words fell. Wantao was stunned. Fuling also said in surprise, "Young Mistress, how can servants in the manor make offerings to their own relatives within the manor? This... if the Old Madam found out, it would be extremely inauspicious."
Qin Wan suddenly understood. The Shen family wasn't a prominent noble clan. Even after Shen Yi became Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, there weren't many servants, and rules weren't so complex or strict. Qin Wan, lacking the awareness of a young lady from a great household, had forgotten Wantao wouldn't dare report to her. She cleared her throat lightly. "Though this action should not have been done, your filial piety is sincere. Filial piety is never wrong."
Qin Wan spoke sternly to salvage her image, then added, "This matter stays within our courtyard. Continue burning. Lock the door after finishing." She paused, then said coldly, "But next time, do not open the courtyard gate without reporting, no matter the reason."
Wantao kowtowed with great joy. "This servant thanks the Young Mistress, thanks the Young Mistress! This servant certainly won't do it again!"
Qin Wan was satisfied, nodded, and prepared to leave. But as she turned, she suddenly felt she saw something familiar. Frowning, Qin Wan looked closely at the charcoal basin burning the clothing. She saw a dry twig beside the basin, presumably used by Wantao to stir the burning items. On that twig, a layer of burnt grime was stuck.
A thought flashed through Qin Wan's mind like lightning!
In Wei Yanzhi's room, the grime on the iron tongs was residue from burnt fabric!
Wei Yanzhi wasn't just burning charcoal in the stove; he had burned some clothing too?
Qin Wan's heart raced. She had suspected Wei Yanzhi before, but the sudden appearance of Wei Qizhi had diverted her attention. Later, Huo Huaixin, hearing Wei Yanzhi's words, decided the case and prepared to arrest Wei Qizhi. Almost everyone thought Wei Qizhi killed Song Rou. But the more Qin Wan thought, the more inconsistencies remained.
How did Wei Qizhi bypass the Marquis's household's numerous guards to dress as a headless female corpse and scare her?
If Wei Qizhi scared her, at that time she hadn't been to the mortuary. How did he know she could perform autopsies?
Qin Wan's expression turned grave, almost dazed as she walked out. Wantao and Fuling, seeing Qin Wan's sudden change, were puzzled but dared not ask. Fuling followed Qin Wan, confused and worried.
Wei Qizhi and Song Rou were in love, but he was proud and aloof, not on good terms with the Duke's household...
Wei Qizhi pursued her over a thousand li, luring Song Rou out with a letter on Gilded Paper, then either intentionally or accidentally killed her...
He cruelly killed Song Rou, not only failing to return to the capital to establish an alibi but even following all the way to Jinzhou.
Why follow? To see the chaos in the Anyang Marquis's household? To monitor Huo Huaixin's investigation progress?
He cut off Song Rou's head, but how did he take her head away from the bridal procession without anyone noticing?
Qin Wan walked and thought, too many unsolved puzzles in her mind, making her quite anxious. A few moments later, Qin Wan suddenly looked up, her eyes fixed blankly on the empty space ahead. "I must have missed something! There must be something wrong somewhere!"
Fuling, watching from behind, felt her heart pounding with fear. "What is Young Mistress saying?"
Qin Wan kept shaking her head. "Too many things don't add up. I must have missed something. There must be a crucial point I overlooked..."
Fuling hesitated, about to speak, when voices sounded at the courtyard gate.
"Ninth Young Miss, Coroner Xu from the yamen sent you a letter!"
Qin Wan turned sharply. A male servant from the gatehouse stood outside the courtyard. Qin Wan, unable to continue thinking, hurried to the gate. "Coroner Xu sent a letter? Where is he?"
The servant held out a letter with both hands. "He's already left. He only said Ninth Young Miss would certainly want to know this, just to inform you."
Qin Wan took the letter, opening it as she walked back. After three steps, she stopped, frowning deeply.
Fuling cautiously approached. "Young Mistress, what did Coroner Xu say?"
Qin Wan still stared unwaveringly at the letter, her gaze so cold and heavy it was frightening.
"The Wei family's eldest son was captured an hour ago."