The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 90 : Qin Li Seeks Help, Suspected Syphilis

90: Qin Li Seeks Help, Suspected Syphilis

With Qin Wan adding another patient to her care, she went to the marquis's estate for three consecutive days.

On this day, when Qin Wan arrived at the marquis's estate, Yue Ning was already waiting inside. The moment she opened her mouth, she said, "He hasn't come back yet. We have to wait a bit."

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "His injuries aren't healed. Where has he gone?"

Yue Ning, accompanying Qin Wan towards the eastern courtyard, said, "The several Military Comptrollers from the Judicial Court have already reviewed the details of Song Rou's case. Yesterday, Xu He came to say Prefect is preparing to submit a memorial to the capital. In a few more days, it will be sent to the capital along with the other two suspects. Wei Qizhi couldn't sit still upon hearing this. He went to the prison to see Wei Yanzhi today."

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly and sighed. It was already nearing the ninth month. At the end of every year, each prefecture summarized its annual governance reports to submit to the capital. Naturally, criminal cases were also among the most important matters to report.

Yue Ning continued, "Now the prefecture's conclusion is indeed as you said. Only severe, not light. Once it reaches the capital, the result will likely be the same. Wei Qizhi knows that if he doesn't see Wei Yanzhi now, it will be difficult to see him later." As she spoke, Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "But I'm still somewhat curious about what he wants to say to Wei Yanzhi."

Qin Wan and Yue Ning arrived at the eastern courtyard and first sat for a moment in a side room. Not long after, they heard Yue Qing's voice outside the courtyard. Qin Wan and Yue Ning stood up and went out. Sure enough, Yue Qing was at the front, while Wei Qizhi, leaning on a crutch, was supported by Wu Shu as he walked in. The moment they saw Qin Wan and Yue Ning there, Yue Qing hurried forward. "Ninth Young Miss, sorry for the long wait!"

Qin Wan gave a slight curtsy. Yue Ning was about to tease Yue Qing, but upon lifting her gaze, she saw Wei Qizhi's solemn expression. She pressed her lips together and ultimately said nothing more.

The group entered the room. Only then did a faint smile appear on Wei Qizhi's face. "Kept Ninth Young Miss waiting."

Qin Wan took out cotton cloth and ointment while saying, "You went to the prison today. Did you achieve what you wished?"

Wei Qizhi's leg was still wrapped in layer upon layer of gauze. Once inside the room, he was helped to recline on the long couch. With one leg lying flat on the couch, when Qin Wan removed the gauze today, he didn't even furrow his brow.

"Achieve what I wished?" Wei Qizhi's voice carried a hint of bitterness. "I didn't really have a purpose. I just wanted to see him. After all, we grew up together as brothers."

"Brothers?" Hearing this, Yue Qing was the first to speak up eagerly. "He framed you like that; how can you still consider him a brother? You saw today, he wouldn't even look at you."

Yue Ning was slightly surprised. "What do you mean, 'wouldn't even look at you'?"

At this, Yue Qing felt indignant on Wei Qizhi's behalf. "Today, Brother Wei went to see Wei Yanzhi with good intentions. But when Brother Wei arrived at the prison, Wei Yanzhi sat with his back to him, not even turning around. Brother Wei stayed in the prison for half a shichen. Wei Yanzhi didn't move a muscle, nor did he say a single word."

Wei Qizhi lowered his gaze and smiled bitterly. "He probably thinks I went to mock him. He likely feels humiliated and resentful. Naturally, he wouldn't speak to me..."

Yue Qing shook his head. "Brother Wei's leg injury is so severe. I advised you not to go in the first place."

Wei Qizhi only smiled bitterly without speaking. At this point, Wu Shu came forward holding a medicine bowl. "Second Young Master doesn't know. Our Young Master has the kindest heart. Since childhood, he has always treated Second Young Master as a real brother. To end up like this now... this servant and the Young Master never expected it. This servant is full of anger, but the Young Master is open-minded, saying Second Young Master has had a hard time."

Yue Qing shook his head disapprovingly. "If everyone who has had a hard time turned to murder and theft, the world would be overrun with bandits and villains. Brother Wei's kindness is admirable, but you shouldn't forgive Wei Yanzhi."

Wei Qizhi shook his head. "Not forgiveness. It's just that we were brothers after all. I went to bid him farewell, that's all. In a couple more days, he'll be sent to the capital. This parting will likely be the last time we see each other." Saying this, Wei Qizhi seemed to recall past times and sighed deeply. "Thinking about it now, I always thought I had been good enough to him. Looking at it now, I still didn't understand his suffering. At least... regarding that matter with his mother, I was indeed at fault."

With Wei Qizhi saying this, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy. After a few moments of silence, Wei Qizhi suddenly let out a long breath. "Even if I was at fault, it was a minor one. After his mother fell ill, I even sent medicine. Back then, his mother wanted to place him under my mother's name but couldn't bear the bond of mother and child being together day and night. Later, she reluctantly sent him away, but it left a deep-rooted illness in her heart. My mother was indeed somewhat excessive. But his mother's health had been poor for a long time. Now, with my leg, I've paid for it. And that matter... I don't plan to explain anything more. So, we're even now. But killing Rou Biaomei was absolutely unforgivable. Now, he's getting what he deserves!"

Only then did Yue Qing laugh heartily. "Exactly! I knew with Brother Wei's mindset, you could see right and wrong in this matter. He alone disrupted the peace of three households. Now, it's cause and effect."

Qin Wan had been changing Wei Qizhi's medicine. Only at this point did she shake her head slightly. "Young Master Wei, as the elder brother, you are already the victim. Yet you still sigh over Wei Yanzhi. It truly makes one admire you."

Qin Wan's tone held not a shred of sincerity, even carrying a hint of teasing.

Wei Qizhi's mouth twitched. "Ninth Young Miss truly has sharp eyes. Even a little thought like mine was seen through. A real man must endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens. Having suffered such a great injustice, although complaining is justified, wouldn't it make you all feel more favorably towards me if I acted as if I was thinking of him? Perhaps you'd think me deeply loyal and righteous. Maybe Ninth Young Miss would even use her special skills to make my leg recover like a normal person..."

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "Young Master Wei, returning this leg to normal will not be easy."

Wei Qizhi leaned back against the couch and sighed deeply. "It seems those several dozen 'beauties' in my stable are destined to remain beyond my reach in this lifetime!"

Wei Qizhi's love for horses was well-known. The "beauties" he referred to were naturally the fine steeds he had spent great resources to raise. But now, with a leg injury that would likely leave him disabled, how could a lame man manage horses?

Yue Ning's eyes shifted. "Why no chance? Young Master Wei can change from training horses to trading them. Since Young Master Wei has no interest in an official career, you'll need to find something to do in the future anyway. If you can become the top merchant in the capital through this, you might even shed the label of a prodigal son."

Perhaps because Wei Qizhi himself liked to joke about himself, these past few days, even someone of Yue Ning's temperament teased him occasionally. Hearing her words, Wei Qizhi smiled bitterly. "The Princess is truly thoughtful, even planning my future livelihood for me. Would the Princess like to be my first customer? I have a sweat-blood steed from the Western Barbarians named 'Stepping on Snow.' Its pure coat rivals frost and snow. I'd say it's quite suitable for the Princess..."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "Young Master Wei dares to say such things? You're staying at the marquis's estate, enjoying the best food, drink, and accommodations, and being treated by the number one medical immortal in Jinzhou City, my grandmother's personal physician. Not only do you not offer to give us, brother and sister, one horse each, but you actually have the nerve to charge money? Second Brother, it's hard on you calling him brother..."

Wei Qizhi's face fell, then he looked at Yue Qing for help. Yue Qing was about to laughingly help Wei Qizhi out of the awkward spot when Qin Wan nodded from the side. "The Princess's words are quite reasonable."

Hearing this, the words Yue Qing was about to say, "Don't listen to my sister's nonsense," immediately changed to "I think so too." Wei Qizhi widened his eyes at Yue Qing. His leg hurt, but his heart hurt even more.

After examining Wei Qizhi's leg injury, Qin Wan packed up the ointment and asked, "Where is His Highness Chi?"

Hearing this, Yue Ning quickly said, "He went to the military camp these past two days. Why?"

Qin Wan then said, "His injuries haven't healed either. In principle, it's time for a dressing change." After a slight pause, she added, "Since he's not here, I'll leave the ointment at the estate. When His Highness returns, please pass it on, Princess."

Before Yue Ning could speak, Yue Qing said, "I'm afraid His Highness won't be back for a few days."

Yue Ning and Qin Wan both looked at Yue Qing. Yue Qing scratched his neck. "He's helping Father revise the Yue family army's military system. He'll probably stay at the camp for five or six days before returning..."

Qin Wan frowned. "Will Second Young Master be going to the camp?"

Yue Qing nodded. "Of course."

Qin Wan then took the ointment from her sleeve. "Then, Second Young Master, could you please give this to His Highness? He knows how to apply it."

Since Qin Wan was willing to ask for his help, Yue Qing was naturally very pleased and immediately accepted it.

Qin Wan thought for a moment and added, "Also, please remind His Highness not to engage in martial arts activities, lest the wounds reopen."

Yue Qing naturally agreed happily. Qin Wan thanked him, then walked out with Yue Ning. After a few steps, Qin Wan suddenly said, "I truly have an inseparable connection with the marquis's estate. Now I have another patient."

Yue Ning chuckled, looking at her teasingly. "I wonder which one you are most concerned about?"

Qin Wan blinked, her expression perfectly ordinary. "Naturally, they are all the same."

Yue Ning seemed about to say something but hesitated. In the end, she said nothing more. After bidding farewell to the Grand Princess, Yue Qing personally escorted Qin Wan to the estate gate. Soon, the carriage carrying Qin Wan slowly drove out from the marquis's estate gates...

Watching the carriage gradually disappear into the distance, Huo Ning, around the street corner, watched the carriage for a long time without moving.

Fei Quan whispered beside him, "Master, why not go up and greet her?"

Huo Ning's lips were pressed tightly together. "Who is she? Why should I greet her?"

Fei Quan pouted. "First, Master stayed behind closed doors for half a month. Then, ever since seeing Ninth Young Miss, you've been acting strange. I don't know if Master is afraid of Ninth Young Miss or what. It wasn't like this before..."

Hearing this, a surge of depression rose again in Huo Ning's heart.

Yes, it wasn't like this before... Before, it was Qin Wan who followed him!

...

...

Returning to the Qin residence, the entire inner quarters were peaceful. There was also no movement from the direction of Linfeng Courtyard. Qin Wan hadn't visited Yao Xinlan in the past couple of days, and Yao Xinlan hadn't sent Moshu to invite her. Qin Wan felt somewhat tired and simply returned to Tinglan Pavilion.

Back in the courtyard, Tinglan Pavilion was also quiet. Qin Wan went straight into the main room. The moment she entered, her brow furrowed. Fuling followed behind her, puzzled. "Young Miss, what is it?"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, scanned the front hall, then hurried towards the inner chamber. "Someone has been in here."

Fuling was stunned. "Ah, was it the person who came in the last time?"

Qin Wan checked the inner chamber, then went to the study. Seeing the slightly irregular placement of the books on the bookcase, she nodded. "It should be the same person. This time, they focused on the study."

Fuling frowned deeply. "Who could it be? Could it be one of the four Wans?"

Qin Wan walked over, straightened the books on the shelf, then curved her lips with a light snort. "If you want to know who has entered the room, it's actually quite simple. I was a bit busy earlier with medicine and autopsies, so I didn't pay much attention to this matter. But now I have the time."

Saying this, Qin Wan said, "Go find a few medicinal ingredients..."

Fuling's expression became serious, immediately beginning to memorize Chinese medicine names Qin Wan mentioned.

After giving instructions, Qin Wan said, "Have Wanxing go with you to fetch the medicine."

Fuling agreed with a hum and hurried out. Once Fuling left, Qin Wan sat down and settled her thoughts.

Someone had indeed entered a second time. And this time, they only came to the study, clearly indicating that the study held what they were most concerned about. Although everyone in the mansion knew she couldn't clearly remember the past after falling into the lake, the murderer certainly didn't entirely believe it. And the person who entered the room was probably looking for some clues.

Soon, Fuling and Wanxing returned with the medicine. Fuling thought Qin Wan was going to do something, but then saw Qin Wan blending incense by the window.

Thinking Qin Wan must have her reasons, Fuling didn't dare ask. Qin Wan blended incense until dusk.

After dinner, Fuling urged, "Young Miss, rest early tonight. You finally finished the case at the marquis's estate. You should properly recuperate. After drinking ginseng soup for a few days, your complexion has already improved a lot."

Qin Wan was also a bit tired. She was about to listen to Fuling when, suddenly, a "thud" sounded from outside the back window. Qin Wan and Fuling looked at each other. Both thought they had misheard.

But soon, a second sound came. It was distinctly the sound of something hitting the back of their window.

Fuling's first instinct was to run out and call for help, but Qin Wan grabbed her arm. Fuling looked at Qin Wan with a fearful expression. "Young Miss? Shouldn't we go out and call for people?"

Qin Wan pressed her lips together and shook her head. "Let's look first. Whoever is making such a noise is doing it intentionally."

Fuling was slightly stunned, immediately understanding. Since it was intentional, they likely meant no harm.

Nodding slightly, Fuling was still somewhat uneasy. Looking around, she picked up a feather duster from a curio cabinet. Meanwhile, Qin Wan had already strode towards the back window.

The back window was tightly shut. Qin Wan took a deep breath and pushed the window lattice open. As it opened, the dim lamplight from inside faintly illuminated the area behind the room. Behind Qin Wan's main room was a flower bed in Lan Ting Garden, also with orchids. Next to the back wall, two ancient willow trees stood quietly. Qin Wan's gaze swept the area, but the orchid garden, while offering a clear view, was empty of any figures.

Her heart was full of suspicion. Qin Wan turned her gaze and vaguely saw a human figure under the ancient willow in the corner.

The person was tall and slender, but their head and face were wrapped. Qin Wan saw only that it was a man, and the figure seemed somewhat familiar, but she couldn't make out who it was specifically. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. At this moment, the person spoke.

"Ninth Elder Sister, could we speak in private?"

A low, hoarse voice came from under the tree, accompanied by the night's cold wind, instantly making Qin Wan's eyes widen!

Qin Li! The person speaking under the tree was actually Qin Li!

Separated by four or five zhang, Qin Wan was momentarily almost convinced she was dreaming!

The wall of her backyard wasn't too high, but in the dead of night, Qin Li had actually climbed over the wall? And to seek her out in this way was utterly absurd and bizarre. Qin Wan stood inside without moving, even wanting to slam the window shut.

"Ninth Elder Sister, there is an urgent matter. Could we speak in private?"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, gripping the window ledge tightly to ensure she could close it at any moment.

Beside her, Fuling stood ready with the feather duster. She hadn't caught Qin Li's first words clearly, but she heard the second time perfectly. Fuling felt her scalp tingle and immediately pulled Qin Wan back. "Young Miss, it's so late. You shouldn't talk with Second Young Master. Young Miss, close the window..."

Qin Wan thought the same thing. She had witnessed Qin Li's oddness and felt no fondness for him. Moreover, for him to break into her courtyard in the dead of night couldn't be for anything that could see the light of day. What couldn't be said during the day that had to wait until night? Qin Wan took a deep breath and raised her hand to close the window.

"Eldest Sister! Begging Eldest Sister to save my life!"

Qin Wan's window was halfway closed when Qin Li suddenly stepped forward anxiously. Upon hearing these words, Qin Wan's hand paused. She immediately remembered Qin Li's illness. Qin Li hadn't been out for many days, not only shutting himself in and not seeing anyone but also selling off the servants from his courtyard. And Qin Wan vividly remembered the festering wound on Qin Li's neck she had seen that day at Brocade Embroidery Workshop.

Qin Wan had the instinct of a healer. Whenever life-saving or illness-treating was mentioned, it always calmed her considerably.

Qin Wan's deep gaze fell on Qin Li. Was he here to beg for help, or did he have other intentions?

If he was begging for help, she could lend a hand. But she feared he had other schemes.

"Young Miss... ask Second Young Master to come tomorrow..."

Fuling whispered, still deeply disliking this Second Young Master. In the dead of night, if word got out, it would certainly stir up trouble again. And her Young Miss couldn't withstand such commotion!

"Even to save a life, one should come during the day. It's too late now. Second Brother, please return."

After Qin Wan finished speaking, with a click, she closed the window. With the window closed, Qin Wan felt slightly at ease. Fuling also breathed a soft sigh of relief. Though the words had been final, Qin Wan didn't move. Qin Li outside seemed to know she hadn't moved and continued speaking softly. "If this illness allowed me to come during the day, why would I disturb Older Sister Ninth at this hour? Ninth Sister practices medicine to help the world, with outstanding medical skills. Your Second Brother truly has no other way. I beg Ninth Sister to save Second Brother's life..."

As he spoke, Qin Li suddenly coughed violently. Qin Wan's brow furrowed.

It was a starless, moonless dark night. With the window closed, the orchid garden outside was pitch black. Qin Li, wrapped with only his eyes showing, looked exceptionally eerie in the deep night. His gaze was fixed tightly on the window Qin Wan had opened earlier, seeming to lock onto the figure behind the window lattice.

One moment, two moments passed. The hopeful glint in Qin Li's eyes gradually dimmed as time went by. Although the figure in the window hadn't moved, it seemed the person behind had made up their mind not to open the window again.

Qin Li gritted his teeth, clenched his fist, and prepared to leave…

He felt a chill penetrate his entire body. But just as he turned, the tightly closed window suddenly creaked open with a soft sound. Qin Li's back stiffened. A gentle, unhurried voice came from behind. "Second Brother, speak in the left warm chamber."

As the words fell, the window clicked shut again.

Qin Li stood stock-still, his chest heaving. Turning his head, he saw the previously darkened warm chamber suddenly light up again, and the window on one side had been pushed open. Qin Li's heart surged. He hurried towards the window.

Inside the room, Fuling was softly muttering, "Young Miss, you really..."

Qin Wan shook her head. "Go guard outside. Don't let anyone find out about this for now."

Fuling knew that once Qin Wan decided to do something, not even ten horses could pull her back. So she hurriedly acknowledged and went to guard outside. Once Fuling left, Qin Li appeared at the window.

Qin Li stood outside, seemingly without any intention of climbing in through the window. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "Does Second Brother need me to invite you in?"

Qin Li gave a bitter smile. "Ninth Sister, for your safety, I'll speak from outside."

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, surveying him up and down. "I heard you've been ill for many days. You just said to save your life. Has your condition worsened?" Then she added, "You cover your head and face. Is it not only to avoid being recognized but also to keep others from seeing the symptoms of your illness?"

The light in Qin Li's exposed eyes suddenly brightened. "Ninth Sister, only you can save me!"

This was essentially confirming Qin Wan's speculation. Qin Wan's heart sank. She took two steps forward. "Take off your cloak and the cloth covering your face!"

At her words, Qin Li raised a hand but seemed to hesitate.

"Ninth Sister, I might look a bit frightening now. Ninth Sister, you!"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "I told you to take it off. Just do it."

At this command, Qin Li seemed to make a decision and pulled off the hood and the cloth covering his face. At that moment, even Qin Wan, who was unafraid of autopsies and dissections, felt her scalp tingle.

The lamplight from inside fell on Qin Li, illuminating his face in full view.

Before, Qin Li, though with a smiling appearance, thin build, and sometimes giving off an eerie, effeminate vibe, was, after all, considered handsome and graceful in a crowd. But now, after less than ten days apart, Qin Li standing outside the window had wasted away to skin and bones. And what was most terrifying were the several ulcerated sores at the corners of his mouth. Purplish-red ulcers spread from the corners of his lips, faintly showing signs of festering pus. Qin Wan's gaze swept further, seeing similar lesions on his lips, behind his ears, and on his neck. Though his body was tightly covered, Qin Wan knew without looking that they must be spreading all over.

Qin Li clearly saw the fluctuating emotions in Qin Wan's eyes. He gave a bitter smile. "It seems Ninth Sister already knows what illness this is. This illness is too shameful to mention. I shouldn't have troubled Ninth Sister. But the whole of Jinzhou City knows of Ninth Sister's superb medical skills. And if this matter spreads, my reputation will certainly be ruined. I trust Ninth Sister. Please... save my life."

Qin Wan could not help but be shocked. That day, she had only suspected. She never imagined it was true!

Not only was it true, but from Qin Wan's perspective, Qin Li's syphilis had been present for over half a month. And soon, these purplish-red, raised ulcers would spread to more places, his lower body, even his hands. And syphilis was the most despised malignant disease in the entire Great Zhou, the illness most commonly contracted by prostitutes in brothels!

Qin Li was the Qin family's Second Young Master. Though an illegitimate son, he still enjoyed wealth and privilege, standing above others. By nature, he was licentious, but Qin Wan was certain he would never frequent brothels or back alleys. Qin Wan couldn't understand, how could he have contracted this disease?

"Ninth Sister must be asking how I contracted this disease." Qin Li's voice was strained, completely devoid of his previous playful smirk or feigned depth. Now, his emaciated frame swayed weakly under the heavy cloak. Qin Wan understood! Contracting this disease, even for just over ten days, must be torment!

"But this matter is a long story. I won't burden Ninth Sister with outside matters." As he spoke, Qin Li's eyes darkened. "I also know this disease is extremely difficult to treat. In Great Zhou, no one can guarantee a cure. I originally planned to hide this matter for the sake of my reputation. But for some reason, deep down, I feel Ninth Sister can do what others cannot. Just like last time when Ninth Sister saved Eldest Sister-in-law's life... Ninth Sister, will you save me?"

Qin Li's voice trembled, his eyes faintly pleading. Seeing him like this, Qin Wan sighed inwardly, but her expression remained unperturbed. "How long have you had this illness?"

Qin Li's eyes flickered as he lowered his head. "Seven or eight days."

Qin Wan immediately sneered coldly and stepped forward to close the window. "If Second Brother doesn't plan to tell me the truth, then please return the way you came. I absolutely will not treat someone who lies repeatedly!"

"No, no, Ninth Sister, please don't be angry."

Qin Li hastily pressed against the window frame, urgently saying, "Thirteen, fourteen days. At first, it was just one or two sores. I didn't pay attention. Later, when the sores grew larger, I realized the severity."

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "I know how this disease is contracted; you must know even better. May I ask, do you know where the person who transmitted this disease to you is?"

Qin Li gave another bitter smile. "This... I truly don't know. But that's not important. After this, I will certainly be chaste and self-disciplined. This matter shouldn't be publicized. Even having Ninth Sister treat this illness makes me feel very guilty. So, Ninth Sister only needs to cure me. There's no need to concern yourself with anything else."

A thought flashed through Qin Wan's mind. "Then, Second Brother must have contracted it outside the residence, not inside."

A flicker of surprise appeared in Qin Li's eyes. "Of course. I only have two maids who grew up in the residence since childhood. Naturally, they didn't infect me."

Qin Wan's heart relaxed slightly. Then her voice turned serious. "Since Second Brother has come seeking help, even if this illness is one I shouldn't be treating, I won't abandon Second Brother's life. However..." Qin Wan's voice deepened. "However, I cannot guarantee a cure. You yourself know, ordinary people who get this disease have no choice but to wait for death."

A glimmer of hopeful light appeared in Qin Li's eyes. He stepped back and repeatedly bowed deeply to Qin Wan. "Thank you, Ninth Sister. As long as Ninth Sister is willing to help, even if I still die in the end, I will have no regrets." Raising his head, he said, "From now on, whatever orders Ninth Sister gives, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

Qin Wan inwardly sneered. When a person reaches a life-or-death juncture, they truly become different.

"Let's not speak of those things yet. You came too urgently tonight. I don't have medicine suitable for you here. Go back for now. Come again at this time tomorrow night. By then, I should at least be able to prescribe a formula." She paused, forcing herself to adjust her attitude towards Qin Li, and added, "Judging by your ulcers, it's not yet at its most severe stage. But we can't be careless either."

Qin Wan's voice was calm. Hearing it, Qin Li naturally didn't dare object. He bowed gratefully again, then put on his face covering and pulled up his cloak's hood, completely covering his head and face as before, and then turned to leave.

Once he left, Qin Wan closed the window. The moment it shut, a tangle of questions began to grow wildly in her heart...

Hearing no movement from inside, Fuling knew Qin Li had left. She hurried in and whispered, "Young Miss, has Second Young Master left? What's going on? What serious illness does he have that he has to come begging for treatment in the dead of night?"

Qin Wan glanced at Fuling and took a deep breath. "Syphilis."

As the words settled, confusion flickered in Fuling's eyes for a moment. Qin Wan sighed and said, "It's what everyone commonly calls the flower-willow disease..."

"Ah, Flower-willow disease!"

Fuling was utterly shocked. "How could Second Young Master contract this disease?!"

Qin Wan glanced outside and warned in a low voice, "I'm telling you because I don't want to hide it from you. Don't let anyone else find out."

Fuling quickly covered her mouth and nodded repeatedly. "No, no, I won't, Young Miss. This disease... not only the person who has it, but if people found out you were treating him, there would be gossip!"

Qin Wan nodded, her expression unusually grave. Seeing this, Fuling asked, "Young Miss, is it very difficult?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Very difficult. Extremely difficult. Even I am not confident."

Fuling's heart sank. Since learning her Young Miss knew medicine, she had watched Qin Wan treat the Grand Princess who was on the verge of death, saved Yao Xinlan who nearly died with her child, treated Yan Chi, treated Wei Qizhi... there seemed to be no mysterious illness that appeared before her Young Miss that she couldn't cure. And each time, her Young Miss was confident and composed when diagnosing. Only this time, Qin Wan said bluntly that she was not confident.

"Then, Young Miss, what should we do? If you can't cure Second Young Master, will he keep bothering you?"

Fuling's worries were not unfounded. But Qin Wan, who had extended help to the dying Grand Princess by the roadside, a stranger, naturally wouldn't refuse Qin Li either. This was her innate compassion as a healer. Moreover, Qin Li's previous ambiguous, sinister words always made her feel that he knew some secrets of the Qin family. Perhaps, by treating him, she could also glimpse these secrets and then uncover the increasingly well-hidden murderer...

She had found the murderer who killed Song Rou; naturally, she could also find the evildoer in the Qin household.

"I am a healer. His life is now entirely in my hands. If he has any ulterior motives, I naturally won't go easy on him either. Rest assured."

Saying this, Qin Wan's heart also settled. She had seen many wicked people in ordinary times; faced with life-threatening illness, none failed to exhibit a strong desire to live. Just now, she had seen this desire in Qin Li.

Fuling nodded. "Then, Young Miss, what should we do now?"

At this question, Qin Wan immediately stood up. "Now, of course, we sleep."

"Ah?" Fuling was slightly stunned. "Sleep?"

Qin Wan headed straight for the inner chamber. "Yes. Put out the lights here. We'll rest. This matter won't be accomplished in a short time. Tomorrow, I will go personally to the medicine storeroom in the residence."

Although Qin Wan said she wasn't confident, hearing her words, Fuling inexplicably felt reassured. She agreed crisply and hurried to prepare Qin Wan's washing. After everything was done, Qin Wan, as she said, lay down early.

Perhaps because she had another matter on her mind, Qin Wan slept restlessly that night. The next morning, she woke early. Early-rising Qin Wan walked in the courtyard for an extra ke. After breakfast, she took Fuling and Wanxing to the medicine storeroom.

Fuling noticed that every time they came to the medicine storeroom, Qin Wan would direct Wanxing, while for matters in the front courtyard or other tasks, she would assign the others. Fuling silently noted Qin Wan's preferences, intending to arrange things accordingly in the future.

"Young Miss, you didn't write a prescription today."

Qin Wan nodded. "I haven't decided which formula to use yet. Let's go to the medicine storeroom and see. Perhaps I can decide which prescription to use."

Fuling agreed with a hum and looked back. Wanxing trailed behind like a shadow, not making a sound the entire way. Fuling felt pleased. Though Wanxing was a bit slow-witted, she was reliable and didn't stir up trouble. She was indeed someone worth nurturing! Someone who worked silently without talk was the best kind of help!

Fuling thought to herself. Soon, the group arrived at the medicine storeroom. The guard outside, seeing Qin Wan, no longer dared to stop her and hurriedly ushered her in. Just as they entered the courtyard gate, a young maid walked out from inside. Perhaps not expecting to encounter the household's mistress here, the maid was momentarily flustered and retreated to the side to bow.

Qin Wan glanced at the young maid and saw she held a packet of medicine.

She waved her hand. Qin Wan said nothing more and headed towards the main hall.

"Young Miss, that was Xiuqin, Eighth Madam's maid."

After walking a few steps, Fuling whispered to Qin Wan. Qin Wan looked back halfway and saw the young maid walking away hurriedly. Qin Wan gave a noncommittal hum. Preoccupied with Qin Li's syphilis, she didn't dwell on it.

Qian Bairèn had seen Qin Wan from afar and was already standing at the entrance to greet her. "Greetings, Ninth Young Miss. Haven't seen Ninth Young Miss in person for several days. Just saw these two young ladies come once last night."

Qin Wan nodded. "Take me inside the medicine storeroom to look around. I need to make some emergency medicinal pills for the Grand Princess. The categories are diverse. I want to select the ingredients myself."

Hearing the Grand Princess's name, how dare Qian Bairèn neglect her? He quickly nodded and led Qin Wan inside. The Qin family's medicine storeroom was sizable. Though the quantity of each medicinal ingredient wasn't as plentiful as in external pharmacies, the variety was very comprehensive. Looking at the dazzling array of medicinal drawers, Qin Wan nodded with satisfaction.

"By the way, what medicine did that young maid just come to get?"

Qin Wan asked casually. Qian Bairèn said in a low voice, "That was Eighth Madam's maid. She said Eighth Madam's monthly courses have been lasting too long this time and came to get some medicine to regulate her body."

Qin Wan nodded. Women often experienced prolonged menstruation. It was normal. Suppressing this matter for now, Qin Wan walked to the rows of medicine cabinets. After circling the storeroom, she roughly had an idea in mind. Immediately, two prescriptions came to mind. She took paper and brush, wrote them down, gave one to Fuling and one to Wanxing, telling them to gather the medicines separately. The two prescriptions both appeared to treat bone and joint pain; it was perfectly normal for elderly people to use such formulas. Initially, Qian Bairèn followed Fuling and Wanxing, but probably after discerning the ailment, he lost interest and retreated.

Once Qian Bairèn left, the medicine storeroom became quiet and empty. Thinking of the young maid earlier, Qin Wan recalled Eighth Madam. Thinking this, she naturally remembered the previous incident where Eighth Madam came out from the Purple Bamboo Grove. Since then, she hadn't gone to the northeast side, so she didn't know if Eighth Madam had returned to the Purple Bamboo Grove. And she hadn't had a second chance to investigate why Eighth Madam entered the Purple Bamboo Grove...

Qin Wan walked and thought. Soon, she reached the area beside the medicine cabinets where prescriptions were stored. The topmost one was clearly the prescription the young maid had just taken for Eighth Madam. Qin Wan glanced at the entrance. Seeing Qian Bairèn hadn't come in, she unconsciously picked up the prescription and looked at it. At a glance, Qin Wan's brows immediately furrowed!