The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 91 : A Strange Prescription, An Eerie Dream's Trail

91: A Strange Prescription, An Eerie Dream's Trail

"Young Miss, what are you thinking?"

On the way back to Tinglan Pavilion, Qin Wan hadn't spoken a word. Fuling, feeling curious, asked suspiciously.

Qin Wan came back to her senses, paused her steps, then turned to look in the direction of the concubines' courtyard. Seeing her do this, Fuling and Wanxing also followed her gaze. Fuling asked again, "Young Miss, what are you looking at?"

Qin Wan shook her head and turned to continue walking forward. "Nothing. I saw Eighth Madam's prescription just now and found it a bit strange."

Fuling quickly asked, "Strange? What's strange about it?"

Qin Wan took a shallow breath. "The quantities of a few herbs in her prescription are off."

Fuling uttered an "um." Qin Wan sighed and said, "You're not yet at the stage where you can prescribe for others, so you wouldn't understand what I mean by that. It means the quantities of each herb in a prescription are fixed. Look at the prescription I just gave you. For the herb Solomonseal Rhizome, it only calls for five qian. The reason is that if you add too much of this herb, it will overpower the properties of the others. Sometimes, using too much of a certain herb can actually harm the patient."

Fuling nodded somewhat confusedly. "I suppose... the doctor who prescribed for Eighth Madam isn't very skilled, so he made a mistake. Then, Young Miss, could Eighth Madam's prescription be harmful to her?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Not harmful. It would just render the prescription ineffective."

Fuling gave a light humph. "Then forget it. We don't need to specially say anything. I still remember Eighth Madam's ambiguous tone when she saw Young Miss before." Lowering her voice, she added, "In the past, Third Master was very fond of her. Although she didn't dare do anything to the Mistress, she was extremely arrogant and overbearing towards the other concubines. She was also very harsh and intimidating within the household. I heard someone by her side had their arm broken because of her punishment. Later, that person was sold off because of it. Who knows if they're alive or dead now?"

Among wealthy families buying servants, who would buy someone with a disability? People like that were inevitably sold to the lowest places. Just thinking about it, it was clear the fate of that servant by Eighth Madam's side wouldn't be good.

Fuling sighed as she spoke. "Now that the Master is ill, and the Mistress has tightened control over the inner courtyard, her arrogance has been suppressed. But who knows what will happen if Third Master recovers from his illness later."

Fuling was also a servant. Because she was kind-hearted, she always felt particularly sorrowful whenever she heard of such tragic events happening to servants. Qin Wan turned back and gave her a comforting glance. "Rest assured. Her illness is not good. Just because of this, Third Uncle won't favor her as much as before."

Qin Wan had seen the prescription. Eighth Madam had persistent foul lochia. This illness didn't sound too frightening. But in Great Zhou, many men considered a woman's monthly cycle inauspicious. In many noble families, even when the principal wife had her period, the master of the house would stay out of her courtyard for several days. Let alone Eighth Madam, who was just a concubine, and her illness caused persistent foul discharge.

Fuling blinked and gave a light humph. "Indeed, Heaven sees what people do. Young Miss has done so many good deeds; you will certainly be healthy and smooth-sailing. The Mistress used to say doing good deeds was asking for blessings for oneself. In recent years, I've often thought the Mistress was wrong, but now I somewhat believe it."

After Qin Yi and his wife passed away, Qin Wan and Fuling had a turbulent life. Whether in the capital or Jinzhou, life was not easy. Where were the blessings Second Madam Qin spoke of?

Fuling had been extremely doubtful before. Now, seeing their lives getting better and better, she believed.

Qin Wan exhaled. "Yes, doing good deeds is never wrong."

As they spoke, the three had returned to Tinglan Pavilion. In the courtyard, Wantao was cleaning the yard with Wanxing's help, while Wanxing was still nowhere to be seen. Qin Wan glanced over expressionlessly and walked straight into the room. Turning back, she saw Wantao already directing Wanxing to sprinkle water and sweep.

Qin Wan asked Fuling, who had followed her in, "Is Wanxing still not coming out?"

Fuling gave a light humph. "Young Miss really should discipline Wanxing. It's really unacceptable. Since coming to our courtyard, she hasn't done much work. Occasionally, she even takes the paper and brushes from the side room used for keeping accounts and imitates the young ladies, practicing calligraphy. I went to look; although her handwriting isn't bad, she came here to be a servant, not a mistress!"

Fuling said indignantly, placing the medicine packets aside. Qin Wan went to find a tray, opened the two packets on it, and meticulously picked out a few herbs. Fuling watched, frowning. "Young Miss, these herbs... what are you picking out? Are we not using them?"

Qin Wan shook her head, placing the selected herbs together.

"No, these are the useful ones. Put the others away separately."

Fuling's eyes lit up with realization. "Ah, Young Miss meant it this way..."

Qin Wan gave a confirming hum. Although she intended to treat Qin Li, she didn't want to drag herself into it. And the medicine she needed couldn't be bought by Fuling, which would attract attention. So, she mixed the herbs Qin Li might need into two prescriptions. Among the herbs for the two prescriptions, the ones Qin Wan needed only comprised seven or eight ingredients. This way, it would be done secretly, and with the Grand Princess as a pretext, no one would discover she was treating Qin Li. Much more discreet.

Fuling smiled. "Young Miss is truly clever." Then she added, "Young Miss said last night you weren't confident, but now that you've decided on the prescription, do you have a plan in mind?"

Qin Wan sighed. "Syphilis is an incurable disease. It might be easier to treat at the onset, but he's already past that stage. I could write ten prescriptions if I wanted, but truly effective ones are too few."

Qin Wan sorted the herbs, her expression serious. Qin Li's illness was a hot potato. But since she had taken it on, she naturally had to put in her utmost effort. As she instructed Fuling to bring the mortar and pestle, she added, "Keep an eye on the others as usual. Remember to have Wanxing handle fetching the medicine."

Fuling looked over. "Young Miss seems to trust Wanxing quite a bit?"

Qin Wan paused her hands. "Not absolute trust. But I always feel she's somewhat special. At the very least, she harbors no malice towards me. Fetching medicine is important, so let her do it. As for the others, we can observe them a bit longer."

Fuling agreed crisply. Meanwhile, Qin Wan began reading a book while grinding medicine.

Qin Wan read until the afternoon. Around half-past Shen shichen, Moshu, whom she hadn't seen for days, arrived at Tinglan Pavilion.

"Greetings, Ninth Young Miss. Ninth Young Miss, our Young Mistress isn't feeling well. Could you trouble yourself to come see her?"

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. Yao Xinlan wasn't doing well again?

Suspicious, Qin Wan stood up. "What's wrong?"

At this question, Moshu's eyes instantly reddened. Lowering her head, she said, "You'll know once you see."

Qin Wan's heart drummed with unease. Yao Xinlan hadn't specially asked her to visit these past few days. Why now? Had something else gone wrong?

Qin Wan put down the mortar and pestle and book, tidied up a bit, and went out.

Arriving at Linfeng Courtyard, the moment Qin Wan entered, she sensed an oppressive atmosphere completely different from usual. All the servants in the courtyard were gathered outside, not daring to make a sound or breathe loudly.

Moshu led Qin Wan and Fuling into the main room and straight to the inner chamber. Just as Qin Wan reached the chamber door, voices inside could be heard.

"Stop crying. What do you want me to say? It was just a dream!"

"Is a dream worth all this? Lan'er, you know what kind of person I am, don't you?"

"Lan'er, your health has just improved. For the sake of our child, don't dwell on this anymore, alright? You're the only one in my heart. In this Linfeng Courtyard, you are the only mistress. Have I ever looked at anyone else even once?"

Qin Wan's footsteps halted. Fuling also lowered her head, her expression changing.

The speaker was clearly Eldest Young Master Qin Chen. And the content of the conversation seemed even more unsuitable for outsiders to hear. No wonder Moshu had been hesitant to speak when Qin Wan asked earlier. So, Eldest Young Master and the Young Mistress were having a quarrel. Was Moshu worried that the argument would harm the Young Mistress's health, so she came to fetch her Young Miss?

Fuling had a guess, then sighed inwardly. So even the most loving couples couldn't avoid quarrels and arguments.

But... the Young Mistress's words seemed to imply something else. Could Eldest Young Master have another woman outside?

"Young Master, Ninth Young Miss is here..."

Moshu's words brought a moment of silence inside. Soon, Qin Chen said, "Please invite Ninth Younger Sister in."

Moshu turned to Qin Wan, a pleading look in her eyes. "Ninth Young Miss, please come in."

Qin Wan stepped forward. Just as she reached the entrance to the inner chamber, she saw a shattered medicine bowl on the floor. Qin Chen stood by Yao Xinlan's bed, while Yao Xinlan lay on her back, face covered in tears, eyes tightly closed. Only her slightly heaving chest indicated her agitated state.

Qin Chen turned, forcing a faint smile. "Ninth Younger Sister, you're here. Please come in."

Qin Wan nodded to Qin Chen. "Eldest Brother..." Then glanced at Yao Xinlan. "Eldest Sister-in-law..."

Qin Chen let out a breath. "Your Eldest Sister-in-law isn't feeling well. Please examine her and talk with her for a while."

Yao Xinlan lay motionless on the bed. But in an instant, Qin Wan saw tears streaming even more fiercely down her face. Her delicate, doll-like face was covered in tear tracks, the corners of her eyes red from crying, making her look even more like a porcelain doll that might shatter at any moment.

"Alright, I'll examine Eldest Sister-in-law first." Qin Wan had no choice but to respond this way.

Qin Chen nodded, glanced back at Yao Xinlan. "Good. Then stay here. I'm going to the study in the front courtyard. I'll come back later. Please look after your Eldest Sister-in-law..."

After speaking, Qin Chen didn't linger and walked out.

Qin Chen's footsteps were rapid, soon fading into the distance. Listening to them, Qin Wan felt as if Qin Chen had wanted to escape Linfeng Courtyard for a while. The moment she arrived, he couldn't wait to leave.

Qin Wan felt this way; Yao Xinlan felt it even more.

She remained silent, eyes closed, lying like a puppet. But Qin Wan could see crystal tears rolling down her cheeks onto the pillow, which was already soaked through.

Both were women, and Yao Xinlan was pregnant. Qin Wan couldn't help but step forward. "Eldest Sister-in-law, let me examine you."

After speaking, Yao Xinlan still didn't move. Meanwhile, Moshu silently cleaned up the shattered medicine bowl on the floor, picking up shards while tears fell. Qin Wan and Fuling stood awkwardly, watching the tears of this mistress and maid. The atmosphere in the room seemed even more desolate and oppressive than before. Qin Wan sighed softly.

She sat on the high stool by the bed and said gently, "Eldest Sister-in-law, I know you're sad. But if you keep crying like this, it will hurt the baby and yourself."

Yao Xinlan's lips tightened, then she gritted her teeth, her voice hoarse. "You're afraid it will hurt the baby, aren't you? After all, you're also from the Qin household. This child belongs to the Qin family. It's always the most important."

Qin Wan blinked. "What do you mean, Eldest Sister-in-law? Without the mother, where would the child come from? To speak improperly, that day when I saved you, I wasn't thinking of saving the unborn child. I was thinking of saving you, a living person before my eyes..." Her tone turned serious. "Eldest Sister-in-law, whether you're a mother or not, the most important thing is to take good care of yourself. When I saw you regain your spirit the other day, I was happy for you. Why are you letting yourself get like this again?"

Tears suddenly streamed even more fiercely down Yao Xinlan's face. Yet she finally opened her reddened eyes. Looking at Qin Wan with utter despair and sorrow, she said, "I know... Ninth Younger Sister must think me worthless in your heart. But Ninth Younger Sister doesn't know the pain of putting all your heart on one man, and that man not loving you in return."

Qin Wan felt a slight prick in her heart. But looking at Yao Xinlan's bloodshot eyes, Qin Wan couldn't fully comprehend her pain. "I have never put all my heart on another person, so I don't know Eldest Sister-in-law's hardship and sorrow. But Eldest Sister-in-law, why should a person put all their heart on another in this world? Even if it's love, one must love oneself first." After a slight pause, Qin Wan suddenly said, "Eldest Sister-in-law, do you know a plant called dodder?"

Yao Xinlan was slightly stunned, not understanding why Qin Wan suddenly changed the subject.

Qin Wan didn't need Yao Xinlan to answer, continuing, "This plant is a medicine that can treat kidney deficiency and qi deficiency. But Eldest Sister-in-law certainly doesn't know that this plant often parasitizes large trees. Its tragedy is that if this plant dies, the tree remains full of life. But if the tree dies, this plant will wither and die."

After Qin Wan finished speaking, Yao Xinlan seemed stunned. In her daze, her tears also stopped. A few moments later, the despair in Yao Xinlan's eyes gradually disappeared, replaced by a flicker of vitality.

She sniffled, her eyes fixed on the canopy. "Do you know? I had a dream. I dreamed he had another woman. That woman wore a peach-red dress, her figure extremely beautiful. He held her, so careful, his eyes full of love and pity. Do you know? This dream was too real. I saw the look in his eyes. He has never looked at me like that."

As she spoke, tears fell again. "I also know I shouldn't dwell on a dream like this. But it's like I'm possessed. This dream lingers in my heart. I can't forget it no matter what."

Qin Wan frowned. "A dream? When?"

Yao Xinlan sniffled. "Last night. I dreamed I woke from a nap and wanted to take a walk. I walked along the corridor by the side door to the outside. Right by Half-Moon Lake, in that small grove, I saw them."

Qin Wan sighed inwardly. Hearing Qin Chen's words earlier, she had been suspicious. But now hearing Yao Xinlan say it, she confirmed Qin Chen's words with some helplessness, it really was because of a dream. Qin Wan shook her head and smiled wryly. "Eldest Sister-in-law, dreams are mostly the result of daytime thoughts appearing at night. Sometimes, there's no cause or effect at all. Has Eldest Brother been too busy lately, making you a bit suspicious? And that led to this dream?"

Yao Xinlan pressed her lips together. "I... I'm not..."

Qin Wan glanced at Fuling, whose expression mirrored her own. Clearly, getting so angry over a dream was making a mountain out of a molehill. Fuling inwardly felt very wronged on Qin Chen's behalf.

Qin Wan thought for a moment, then added, "Does Eldest Sister-in-law feel the dream was too real, implying something? Then Eldest Sister-in-law can think: Has Eldest Brother been caring enough towards you lately? Is there anything different from before?"

Yao Xinlan indeed focused and thought for a moment. Qin Wan then turned to Moshu. "Moshu, tell me, has Young Master had any strange changes recently?"

Moshu shook her head. "No, none. Young Master rests here every night. When he goes out in the morning and afternoon, he tells the Young Mistress where he's going and what he's doing. He returns when he says he will. There's nothing improper."

Qin Wan looked at Yao Xinlan. "Eldest Sister-in-law, did you hear? You've been haunted by this dream, but bystanders see clearly."

Hearing this, Yao Xinlan was stunned. Moshu was her close attendant, brought from the Yao household, so there was no possibility of deception. Yao Xinlan stared blankly at Moshu. "Are you telling the truth?"

Moshu's eyes reddened. "Of course it's true. Young Mistress, you're just too tired from carrying the young master, and you were frightened by the incident a few days ago. That's why you've been so unsettled lately. This servant is so worried seeing you arguing with Young Master over this. Young Mistress and Young Master are husband and wife. Young Master is your support in this household, the one you should trust most. If you become estranged from Young Master, it's not good. If Young Master were at fault, that would be one thing. But from what this servant sees, Young Master clearly hasn't done anything wrong."

Yao Xinlan remained stunned. After a moment, she wiped the corners of her eyes. "Alright. Since you say so, then let it be. I don't know what's wrong with me. I always think about these things and can't control my temper..."

Yao Xinlan muttered to herself, then looked at Qin Wan. "Ninth Younger Sister, could you prescribe a formula to calm my nerves and focus my mind?"

Qin Wan naturally nodded. "Eldest Sister-in-law has passed the previous crisis. Now you only need routine nourishment. I'll prescribe the formula you want. It can even be made into pills. Eldest Sister-in-law, don't overthink things."

Yao Xinlan immediately nodded. "Good. That's excellent."

After saying this, Yao Xinlan lay straight and still. Moshu stepped forward to cover her with a thin blanket, then said to Qin Wan, "Please feel Young Mistress's pulse."

Looking at Yao Xinlan, Qin Wan felt she seemed somewhat exhausted, so she nodded and began to check her pulse. After checking, she went to write a new prescription. By the time she finished writing, Yao Xinlan had closed her eyes and fallen into a deep sleep with long, even breaths.

Moshu put away the prescription and escorted Qin Wan out, her eyes still red.

Fuling, watching from the side, said, "Sister Moshu, why are you still sad? Hasn't the Young Mistress improved? After taking the medicine our Young Miss prescribed, she'll only get better and better."

Moshu looked at Qin Wan, an expression of wanting to speak but hesitating on her face. "Ninth Young Miss..."

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. Fuling, already anxious, said, "Sister Moshu, just say it straight. It's killing me with suspense."

Hearing this, Moshu's tears immediately fell again. Then she cried, "Ninth Young Miss, our Young Mistress... is probably not well."

"What do you mean?" Qin Wan frowned. "When I checked her pulse just now, she was only somewhat weak in qi and overly worried."

Moshu shook her head. "Ninth Young Miss, our Young Mistress has been unable to remember many things these past few days. The day before yesterday, she had already taken her medicine but said she hadn't, almost taking a second dose. And after already going for a walk, she couldn't remember and wanted to go out again at night. And last night... the Young Mistress went to bed early but mistook her dream for reality, saying she went out while sleeping..."

Moshu's tears fell in drops. "The Young Mistress isn't right, but you couldn't detect anything by checking her pulse. This is just like... just like the Young Mistress's maternal aunt who died of madness back then. At that time, many good doctors were called, but they couldn't find anything by checking the pulse. Yet the person went mad anyway..."

Moshu couldn't continue, but Qin Wan understood her meaning. Qin Chen had mentioned before that someone in Yao Xinlan's family had suffered from madness. And this madness had a high chance of being passed to one's children or other relatives. Moshu had seen Yao Xinlan's many strange behaviors and feared she might also develop madness.

Qin Wan's brow knitted tightly. No wonder... no wonder Yao Xinlan could argue with Qin Chen over a dream. So, she had already experienced these memory lapses many times!

But why exactly? Were they signs of impending madness?

Seeing Moshu's tears, Qin Wan suddenly felt a surge of helplessness. She had always believed her medical skills were not weak; if she wanted to save someone and had the chance, she could save many lives. But now, one case was Qin Li, the other Yao Xinlan, both suffering from such rare and difficult illnesses. Whether it was syphilis or madness, even Medicine King Sun Xi couldn't guarantee a cure, let alone her. For the first time, Qin Wan felt incompetent.

"Don't think that way just yet. Elder Brother told me that in your Young Mistress's family..."

Qin Wan stopped there, seeing the deep worry on Moshu's face, and continued, "When a person's constitution is too weak, forgetting things during pregnancy is normal. Don't be afraid. Not everyone who has madness in the family will develop it."

Moshu wiped her tears. "This servant is just worried. Even if the Young Mistress herself is fine, if she keeps acting up like this, she'll lose Young Master's affection. Then..."

Moshu's worry was indeed reasonable. The words Qin Wan spoke to Yao Xinlan earlier, though sincere, she also understood the ways of this world. Those words only applied to herself. For others, marrying and obeying their husbands, the husband was the only hope, their entire life.

For a moment, Qin Wan didn't know how to comfort her. After thinking, she could only say, "With you by her side to remind her, your Young Mistress won't be unaware of the seriousness. How two people interact is important. Besides, Elder Brother isn't that heartless."

Moshu pressed her lips together, a somewhat sorrowful expression appearing on her face as if she had thought of something. But in the end, she didn't speak ill of Qin Chen, only saying, "Young Master is also human. He will always... This servant will naturally advise the Young Mistress. In fact, I've already said those words many times. But the Young Mistress just doesn't listen. Sometimes she forgets right after hearing. I'm worried..."

Qin Wan let out a breath. "Actually, Eldest Sister-in-law is already carrying Elder Brother's child. No matter what, Eldest Sister-in-law still has the child."

Qin Wan wasn't trying to paint the worst picture. Besides anything else, Lady Lin was the best example. Qin An was licentious, but Lady Lin was still fine. Regardless of right or wrong, it was never wrong for a person to try to live well at any time.

Moshu wiped her eyes. "Yes, this servant understands. I'll certainly advise the Young Mistress more. The Young Mistress... was doted on by the Master and Mistress since childhood. Seeing the deep affection between the Master and Mistress, she always dreamed her future husband would also cherish her. Meeting Young Master, Young Master loved her, and she loved Young Master. Then she threw herself wholeheartedly into Young Master. But over time, inevitably, there are some unpleasant aspects. And the Young Mistress is stubborn, with a heart and eyes that can't tolerate a grain of sand."

Qin Wan actually understood Yao Xinlan's feelings. But that wasn't her concern. She merely pitied Yao Xinlan marrying into the Qin household alone, treating others generously while pregnant. "Counsel Eldest Sister-in-law well. A broad heart is most important."

Moshu nodded, thanking Qin Wan profusely before taking her leave. Only then did Qin Wan take Fuling back to Tinglan Pavilion.

Fuling sighed. "Everyone envies the Young Mistress, but seeing her like that just now truly makes one's heart ache. It's so strange. Why would there be such sorrow even after finding a husband like Young Master?"

Qin Wan looked up. "Perhaps... because there is no perfect love in this world. And no matter how deep the love, in the end, you still have to live day to day. In daily life, how can everything go smoothly?"

Fuling nodded. "That's exactly the truth."

The autumn chill grew heavier. Qin Wan gathered her collar tighter, but Yao Xinlan's tear-streaked face surfaced in her mind. She remembered Yao Xinlan's smiling face, delicate and lovely, her eyes bright as lacquer. Combined with her gentle nature, she was truly a pleasing sight. Probably because of this, Qin Wan was particularly concerned about her illness. But compared to her smiling face, what Qin Wan had seen most often was Yao Xinlan crying or looking dazed and wooden.

Yao Xinlan had said that once a woman meets the one she loves, it's the beginning of tears.

But if love only turns a person into a resentful woman who cries all day, then why involve oneself in love?

Qin Wan wondered, had her mother ever said such things? In her memories, her mother and father had also quarreled. But at that time, her mother seemed to have said nothing. Only one sentence her mother said remained: A woman suffers no matter which path she chooses.

Though Qin Wan had not experienced love, her heart seemed dampened by Yao Xinlan's tears. For a moment, she felt her heart heavy. Just as she was walking with her head down, a burst of noise reached her ears. Looking up, she saw Steward Liu Chun leading several male servants towards the inner courtyard. They carried hoes and ropes. Qin Wan frowned, feeling this scene was familiar.

Fuling quickly said, "They're going to clean the well. The Mistress suspended all those tasks when she was tightening control over the inner courtyard the other day. Now that it's done, they've started again. Haven't you noticed the ginseng soup tasted a bit strange these past few days?"

Qin Wan shook her head. Fuling then said, "Head Cook Liu said the well water is even harder to use now. The water used for the masters' meals is brought in from outside."

Fuling was enthusiastic about nourishing Qin Wan's health. Qin Wan always drank the soup in one go, so naturally hadn't paid attention to the taste. Besides, cooking, one person could produce a hundred different flavors. Even if there were occasional changes, Qin Wan hadn't paid them any mind.

Liu Chun and the others soon walked far away. Watching Liu Chun's retreating back, Qin Wan felt the urge to follow again.

Would Liu Chun use well cleaning as a pretext to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove again this time?

This thought had just surfaced when Fuling suddenly said from behind, "Huh, who is that..."

Qin Wan snapped back to attention and followed Fuling's gaze. At the sight, her brow immediately furrowed.

From the direction of the front courtyard, Qin Chen was walking alongside a man in silver robes. Looking more closely, wasn't that man Huan Ning?

Qin Wan felt a twinge of surprise. What was Huan Ning doing at the Qin residence?

The thought was subconscious. Qin Wan didn't want any entanglement with this Young Master Huan, lest he think she still had improper designs on him. That would be too unjust.

Qin Wan turned around and walked quickly towards Tinglan Pavilion.

"Ninth Younger Sister..."

Qin Wan hadn't taken two steps when Qin Chen's voice suddenly rang out. Qin Wan felt two gazes land on her back. She halted and had to turn around. "Eldest Brother."

Qin Chen waved her over. "Come here."

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. Though puzzled by Qin Chen's action, she showed no sign on her face. Then she walked over gracefully.

"Eldest Brother, Eldest Sister-in-law has already fallen asleep. I prescribed a formula to calm her nerves and focus her mind. Don't worry. Go back later and spend more time with her." Qin Wan assumed Qin Chen wanted to ask about Yao Xinlan and spoke as she approached.

Qin Chen seemed to relax, smiling. "That's excellent." Then he glanced at Huan Ning beside him. "You know Brother Huan. He came to our residence to borrow a few books. I need to go search the inner library now. Could you show Brother Huan around the courtyard for me?"

Qin Chen's eyes were frank. Qin Wan's brow, however, furrowed.

Qin Chen should know that the previous Ninth Young Miss had liked Huan Ning. Why was he asking her to accompany Huan Ning?

Seeing Qin Wan hesitate and not answer, Qin Chen stepped forward directly and patted Qin Wan's arm, then said in a low voice, "Ninth Younger Sister, don't be afraid. This won't get out. Take Brother Huan for a walk by Half-Moon Lake. I'll come join you later."

After saying this, Qin Chen's eyes held a hint of encouragement. Then, without waiting for Qin Wan to speak, he walked past her. Qin Wan turned, staring in astonishment as Qin Chen walked further away. Was Qin Chen under the impression she still liked Huan Ning as before and was trying to create an opportunity for her?!

Qin Wan was both amused and exasperated. In the past, the Ninth Young Miss would have been grateful. But now, she was no longer that Ninth Young Miss. She didn't need such opportunities...

Looking up, she saw Huan Ning seemed somewhat thinner after days of not seeing him. As a result, his handsome features appeared more sharply defined. Only, there were dark circles under his eyes, and his brows were slightly furrowed as if troubled by something. But his thin weariness didn't affect his arrogance. He still held his chin high, glancing at Qin Wan with a casual gaze.

At this moment, Qin Wan only wished Qin Shuang hadn't been confined to the Buddha Hall.

Qin Chen left extremely quickly, and neither he nor Huan Ning had brought attendants. For a moment, only Huan Ning and she stood there. When Fuling saw it was Huan Ning, her expression complicated for a moment before she stood silently to the side.

Qin Wan looked at Huan Ning, neither shy nor nervous. Indifferent to the point of apathy. She could very well turn and leave now. But Qin Wan suspected that this Young Master Huan would probably develop some strange notions again.

Thinking this, Qin Wan steeled her heart. Why overthink it? Since her heart was clear, wouldn't treating him with the most ordinary attitude suffice? Someone she had met a few times had come to the Qin residence. Qin Chen asked her to show him Half-Moon Lake. That was acceptable.

With this thought, Qin Wan glanced at Huan Ning. "Young Master Huan, this way please..."

Huan Ning stood stiffly, having already prepared himself for Qin Wan to turn and walk away without acknowledging him. But unexpectedly, Qin Wan actually listened to Qin Chen and was really accompanying him to stroll by the lake. Watching Qin Wan's retreating figure, Huan Ning was momentarily stunned before following.

Since it wasn't far, they soon caught sight of the rockeries and pavilions by Half-Moon Lake. Qin Wan thought for a moment. It seemed she herself hadn't been to Half-Moon Lake for several days either. The last time she came here was the day Qin Shuang pushed her in.

That day, right here, she had discovered the secret that she might have been killed in the Purple Bamboo Grove.

"Hey, why are you walking so fast?!"

Qin Wan's thoughts had naturally wandered to the case. Huan Ning's shout made her pause and realize he was speaking to her. She stopped and turned to see Huan Ning walking over, chin raised. "I don't want to go to Half-Moon Lake anymore. Take me somewhere else..."

Qin Wan's brow immediately furrowed. "There's a patch of autumn chrysanthemums in the western garden of the residence. Would Young Master Huan like to see them?"

Hearing this, Huan Ning snorted through his nose. "Then let's go take a look."

With that, Huan Ning turned. Having visited the Qin residence many times, he naturally knew where the western garden was. However, after walking four or five steps himself, he suddenly realized something was wrong. Huan Ning turned around, his eyes widening in surprise!

Not only had Qin Wan not followed, she had already walked to the edge of Half-Moon Lake!

"Hey, your Eldest Brother asked you to show me around the Qin residence! What are you doing?"

Qin Wan didn't look back. "My Eldest Brother asked me to show you Half-Moon Lake, not the gardens."

Qin Wan walked along the lake and soon reached the large Xuanwu stone. Fuling followed closely, afraid she might fall in again. Meanwhile, Huan Ning clenched his fist and walked towards the lakeside.

"I don't want to stroll here. Why aren't you guiding me?"

Qin Wan didn't even look up. "If you don't want to be here, then leave. Is anyone stopping Young Master Huan? Go straight from here, then east. That's the steward's courtyard in the outer residence. There will certainly be stewards there. Young Master Huan can ask anyone to take you to admire the chrysanthemums in the western garden."

As she spoke, Qin Wan frowned. This Huan Ning, after several encounters, still didn't know how to restrain his temperament!

Huan Ning watched Qin Wan crouching by the lake, examining the water, furious. He stood gritting his teeth on the opposite shore. Qin Wan only needed to look up to see him, but she seemed to ignore him again!

Arrogant or frank? Huan Ning glared fiercely at Qin Wan. At one moment, he suddenly shouted loudly, "It's because I know you fell into the lake here that day that I don't want to stroll here! Aren't you afraid to come here again?"

Qin Wan was looking at the lake water. The autumn Half-Moon Lake was clear, though the deepest parts were a lake green. The best part was the lack of wind; the surroundings of Half-Moon Lake were utterly tranquil. The lake surface was like a mirror, clearly reflecting her and Fuling's images. Seeing such calm water, Qin Wan's heart also settled. Then, she clearly heard Huan Ning's words.

She hadn't expected Huan Ning to say such a thing...

Seeing Qin Wan looking at him expressionlessly, Huan Ning straightened his neck defiantly. "It's because you fell in for me that day…"

Before the word "lake" could leave his mouth, he saw Qin Wan suddenly stand up. Across the lake, Huan Ning was so startled he stopped mid-sentence. He was about to continue when Qin Wan said to Fuling, "Look over there. What is that?"

Fuling looked over. "Where, Young Miss? Ah... there's something there..."

Before she finished speaking, Qin Wan had already walked towards Huan Ning. Huan Ning stood rooted, seeing Qin Wan stride towards him with such imposing momentum that he inexplicably grew extremely nervous. Just as he was nervously fidgeting, unsure what Qin Wan would do, she suddenly walked past him to the lakeside beside him...

Huan Ning felt a chill run through his entire body in an instant. Meanwhile, Qin Wan rolled up her sleeves and fished a jade pendant from the lake water.

Fuling said, "Was that shiny thing we saw from the other shore this?"

"It wasn't shining; it was reflecting light. This is…"

Qin Wan's words cut off the moment she turned the jade plaque over.

On the back of the jade plaque, the character "Yao" was clearly engraved.