The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 93 : Upheaval in the Qin Residence, a Corpse in the Well

93: Upheaval in the Qin Residence, a Corpse in the Well

For three consecutive days, Linfeng Courtyard had been peaceful. Yao Xinlan’s anger from that day had vanished without a trace. Moshu also shed her sorrowful expression, looking relaxed and lively again. And Yao Xinlan’s spirits had improved so much that today, she could actually drag Qin Wan out for a walk.

"Last year around this time, I had just married into the household. The chrysanthemums in the western garden were blooming beautifully. Madam even held a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet. But this year, Father is ill. The inner courtyard has just been reorganized, and Madam hasn't been feeling well these past couple of days. Grandmother is also in seclusion for fasting. The Mid-Autumn Festival in the residence might as well not have happened. It's extremely quiet right now."

Yao Xinlan supported her lower back with one hand and held Qin Wan's hand with the other. Moshu and Fuling followed behind, carrying cloaks, while seven or eight servants trailed further back with tea and snacks. Before long, Qin Wan caught a whiff of chrysanthemum fragrance.

The Qin family was wealthy and naturally spared no effort on scenery and flowers. Besides Tinglan Pavilion's Orchid Nursery, there was a Chrysanthemum Garden in the western garden. Other places had plum groves or lotus ponds. Each season had its own attraction.

"Entering the ninth month, the weather is cooler. I originally wanted to eat crab, but I can't right now."

Yao Xinlan looked down at her protruding belly. "This little one kicked me again last night. When your Eldest Brother was listening to its movements, it even kicked him. You don't know, when your Eldest Brother saw my belly move, he was completely stunned. He even asked if it hurt terribly, saying such a little thing flipping and turning inside must be uncomfortable."

Yao Xinlan's tone was filled with pure joy. Looking at her, Qin Wan almost felt like those outsiders who envied this young couple's affection. But Qin Wan still remembered Yao Xinlan's dream. Even though Yao Xinlan herself now seemed to have forgotten it, that dream still hung like a heavy shadow over Qin Wan's heart. So much so that at this moment, she couldn't pick up the thread of conversation, couldn't utter teasing or playful words, because she feared Yao Xinlan's current happiness was also a dream.

"Eldest Sister-in-law, given your current condition, it's indeed not suitable to eat crab. Next year then. By this time next year, Eldest Sister-in-law will have recovered enough to host a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet yourself. Then you can eat your fill..."

Hearing this, Yao Xinlan laughed. "Exactly! Speaking of which, the baby will be born around New Year. By this time next year, I should indeed be well recovered. Ninth Younger Sister, let's make a pact. Next year at this time, we must host a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet together. Appreciating chrysanthemums, eating crab, opening a few jars of ten-year-old Nü'erhong wine. How wonderful!"

As they spoke, they had already reached the entrance of the Chrysanthemum Garden. The sky was clear. Within the meticulously maintained garden, yellow "Fragrant Yellow Pear," white "Jade Terrace Phoenix Dance," pink "Two Qiaos," orange-red "Rouged Lips"... bed after bed spread like magnificent carpets across the flower fields. A wooden covered bridge led from the outer edge directly to the pavilion in the center of the garden. Qin Wan helped Yao Xinlan step onto the bridge and walk towards the pavilion. Inside, they felt surrounded by a sea of flowers. The abundant, uniquely elegant chrysanthemums were either brilliantly vibrant, serenely solitary, or nobly alluring. Each bed had its own character; beds connected to beds, transforming this not-so-large garden into the most brilliantly eye-catching spot in autumn. Since it encircled the pavilion, it created an even more imposing and majestic scene.

The maidservants quickly stepped forward, first spreading cushions and tablecloths on the stools and table, then setting out tea, snacks, and fruits. Though there was no crab or wine, it still carried the flavor of appreciating chrysanthemums. Qin Wan helped Yao Xinlan sit down. Only then did Yao Xinlan let out a soft sigh of relief.

"There are still three months until the baby is born. Your Eldest Brother and I haven't decided on a name yet."

Yao Xinlan's tone was joyful, filled with contented happiness.

Qin Wan said, "Eldest Brother is learned and erudite. He will surely give the child a good name. Eldest Sister-in-law, don't worry."

Hearing this, Yao Xinlan smiled, her lips curving. "He has a few in mind. But I'm thinking about what milk name to give the child. In the past, I read the Classic of Poetry, 'Greater Odes.' There's a line: 'The phoenix sings, on that high ridge; the parasol tree grows, facing the morning sun. Lush and dense, harmonious and melodious.' At the time, I didn't understand the meaning of 'lush and dense, harmonious and melodious,' so I asked Father. He said it describes the phoenix's cry. I immediately thought the characters 'Qi Qi,' meaning lush, and 'Yong Yong,' meaning harmonious, sounded very pleasant. So I thought, if it's a boy, his milk name could be 'Brother Yong.' If it's a girl, her milk name could be 'Qiqi.'"

As Yao Xinlan spoke, her voice carried longing, as if she could already see the baby's cute little hands and feet. Looking at Yao Xinlan, Qin Wan genuinely felt her anticipation and joy at becoming a mother. "Both names sound nice and have excellent meanings. Eldest Sister-in-law hopes the future child will make a stunning mark and have auspicious fortune."

Yao Xinlan covered her mouth with a laugh, then personally poured tea for Qin Wan. "Making a stunning mark isn't necessary. Smooth health and peace are best. Here, this is Wuxi Silver Needle I brought from Jianzhou. Taste it."

The tea aroma was refreshing, mingling with the chrysanthemum fragrance, creating a unique charm. Qin Wan picked up the teacup and took a small sip, finding the tea rich and sweet with a lingering aftertaste. She was about to praise it when she saw several servants running past outside the Chrysanthemum Garden, looking hurried and flustered as if something had happened in the residence. Yao Xinlan also saw and immediately frowned. "What's going on?"

At this question, Moshu quickly stepped forward to inquire. Shortly after, Moshu returned, her expression somewhat troubled. "Young Mistress, it's Sixth Young Miss. Sixth Young Miss is making a scene in her courtyard. She even hit her head and broke the skin."

Yao Xinlan immediately stood up. "What happened? Let's go see."

Ever since Qin Shuang was confined last time, nearly a month had passed. Why was she causing trouble today?

Seeing this, Qin Wan also stood up to follow. The Chrysanthemum Garden wasn't far from Qin Shuang's courtyard. The group didn't walk long before reaching Fushuang Courtyard. Just outside the courtyard wall, the sounds of commotion spilled out!

"You're all bullying me!"

"I want to see Grandmother! I've been confined! I've copied the family precepts! Why won't you let me out?!"

"Get away! Get away! If you come any closer, I'll kill myself in front of you!"

Hearing this, Qin Wan and Yao Xinlan exchanged a glance. Two pale-faced maidservants were guarding the gate. Seeing Qin Wan and Yao Xinlan appear, they immediately knelt. Yao Xinlan waved her hand and led Qin Wan into the courtyard!

The chaos inside the courtyard, similar in size to Tinglan Pavilion, startled Qin Wan and Yao Xinlan.

Four or five servants stood around in a semicircle, looking both fearful and helpless, blocking Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang's clothes were disheveled, her hair loose and messy, her eyes bloodshot, a red swelling visible on her forehead with a trace of blood. But what was truly alarming was that she held a dagger, pressed diagonally against her own neck!

She was already agitated. Seeing Yao Xinlan enter, her heart initially relaxed, but upon seeing Qin Wan behind Yao Xinlan, her eyes instantly widened. She glared at Qin Wan and shrieked, "Get out! Get out of here! Why are you here? Did you come to laugh at me? Are you satisfied that I've been locked up for so long?!"

Qin Shuang screamed and cried, tears and mucus streaming down her face, a truly wretched sight. Qin Wan frowned slightly and was about to turn and leave, but Yao Xinlan grabbed her arm. Yao Xinlan sighed. "Sixth Younger Sister, Ninth Younger Sister came with me. Do you want me to leave too?"

At this question, Qin Shuang was instantly tongue-tied. Yao Xinlan then said gently, "Look at you, your forehead is injured. What exactly happened? Why are you making such a fuss? Put the dagger down quickly to avoid hurting yourself."

Qin Shuang harbored no hostility towards Yao Xinlan. But hearing Yao Xinlan's words and seeing her holding Qin Wan's hand, she felt even more wronged. "Eldest Sister-in-law, even you are going to protect her?"

Seeing Qin Shuang's tears fall again, Yao Xinlan sighed once more. "Shuang'er, you're mistaken. You are good, and Ninth Younger Sister is also good. Sisters should love and care for each other. Don't be willful. Regardless of anything else, put down the dagger first. Be careful not to hurt yourself, alright? Put down the dagger, and I'll speak to Mother to lift your confinement."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang took a step back. "You... none of you care about me! If I hadn't caused this scene, who knows how long I would have been locked up! Mother... Mother forgot about me too. This whole month, I fully believed that if I behaved well, I'd be let out. But it's been so long, who has come to see me even once?"

The more Qin Shuang spoke, the more heartbroken she became, gripping the dagger tighter. "I want to see Grandmother! I want to see Grandmother!"

Qin Shuang was not Lin-shi's biological daughter. After this incident, Qin Xiang hadn't spoken up for her, and Lin-shi had merely ordered her confined. In Qin Shuang's heart, the strict Jiang-shi actually treated her and Qin Xiang more equally.

"Sixth Younger Sister, you're overthinking. Father has been ill recently. Mother has been tending to Father and reorganizing the inner courtyard. That's why she hasn't come to see you. It's not what you think. I've been wanting to visit you too, but I wasn't feeling well these past few days, so I neglected you. If you want to blame someone, blame me. Whatever you want, Eldest Sister-in-law will have it brought to you, alright?"

Yao Xinlan's tone was gentle, almost coaxing Qin Shuang. But hearing these words, Qin Shuang's expression didn't change.

Qin Wan watched and sighed inwardly. Qin Shuang's situation was purely the consequence of her long-standing arrogant and malicious tongue. Usually, following Qin Xiang, she might truly have felt she was as good as Qin Xiang, and that Lin-shi and others in the household treated her with great affection. But this incident occurred; she was confined. Qin Xiang didn't speak up for her, and Lin-shi indeed had some oversights. Only then did she realize that although she was also a young miss of the household, she couldn't compare to Qin Xiang. Her situation was even similar to that of Qin Wan, whom she had mocked many times before.

Feeling wronged and resentful, Qin Shuang wanted to see Jiang-shi but couldn't. After several days of pent-up emotions, she finally erupted today. The women assigned to watch her didn't dare act rashly and could only go find Lin-shi. Moreover, considering Qin Shuang's usual unruly and improper behavior, she had likely long incurred dissatisfaction. Only now were the bitter fruits being seen.

Qin Wan understood, but Qin Shuang did not. She shook her head. "I don't want anything. I just want to see Grandmother! I want Grandmother to judge what's fair..."

Yao Xinlan looked utterly helpless. She glanced at the several maidservants in the courtyard, naturally, they followed Lin-shi's orders. That Qin Shuang had caused such a scene, yet these maids still rigidly blocked her, showed Lin-shi's intent to use this opportunity to properly discipline Qin Shuang's lack of manners. Yao Xinlan understood clearly but could only try to persuade Qin Shuang.

"Sixth Younger Sister, Grandmother is in seclusion for fasting these days. You won't be able to see her."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang's eyes widened. "I don't believe it! Are you lying to me too, Eldest Sister-in-law? I don't believe it. I want to go to the Buddha Hall and see for myself!"

Yao Xinlan shook her head, about to speak further when a set of heavy footsteps approached!

Yao Xinlan turned to see Lin-shi walking over with Qin Xiang and four or five maidservants.

Yao Xinlan pulled Qin Wan back a step. With Lin-shi here, naturally, there was nothing more for them to do.

"What is going on?!" Lin-shi was usually elegant, but now, with a frown and a low shout, she carried an air of authority. As soon as she spoke, Lin-shi entered the courtyard and immediately looked sternly at Qin Shuang. "Shuang'er, what are you doing?"

Qin Shuang's eyes flickered. "Mother, Shuang'er has been reflecting for a month. Why won't you let me out? These past few days, I've been asking the nannies to report to you, but they wouldn't move. Mother, how long do you plan to keep me confined?"

In front of Yao Xinlan and Qin Wan, Qin Shuang's words made Lin-shi's face alternately pale and flushed, looking very awkward. Her frown deepened. She simply stated directly, "Look at yourself now. And you ask why I won't let you out? That matter was originally intended to be kept quiet for your sake, but later, your father found out. You even dared to speak disrespectfully of the Grand Princess. Your father immediately ordered me to discipline you strictly. That's why I've been confining you. I thought after a month you would have improved. But look at you now. Where is the demeanor of a young lady from a good family? Put down that dagger immediately!"

Qin Shuang's eyes widened. "Father knows..."

Lin-shi pressed her lips together without speaking. But Qin Shuang waved her hand. "I don't believe it! I don't believe it! Father never involves himself in inner courtyard matters. Mother... Mother, let me out. I want to see Grandmother..."

Qin Shuang clearly no longer trusted Lin-shi. Perhaps this was the first time she had been confined for so long. Qin Shuang spoke recklessly. Lin-shi grew even more annoyed. "You don't believe... I... Why would I lie to you about this?! Your grandmother is in seclusion for fasting right now. Why would you go disturb her?!"

Qin Shuang shook her head. Lin-shi's words clearly meant she wouldn't let her see Jiang-shi or release her. Qin Shuang cried, "No, I am a young miss of the Qin household, not a prisoner. No! I want to see Grandmother..."

As she spoke, Qin Shuang pressed the dagger against her neck. Instantly, a trace of red appeared on her fair neck. Yao Xinlan gasped and stepped back. Qin Wan quickly supported her. Lin-shi glanced at Yao Xinlan and said, "Xinlan, you're unwell. Go back to Linfeng Courtyard first. Be careful not to get hurt in the commotion."

Then she looked at Qin Wan. "Wan, help your Eldest Sister-in-law back."

Qin Wan nodded, supporting Yao Xinlan as they prepared to leave. The servants originally guarding the courtyard gate stepped aside upon seeing Yao Xinlan about to leave. In that instant, Qin Shuang, who had been motionless, suddenly charged towards the courtyard gate! She held a dagger. The maids surrounding her didn't react at first. By the time they did, seeing Qin Shuang brandishing the dagger, they didn't dare to approach. In this brief gap, Qin Shuang had already rushed out of Fushuang Courtyard…

"What are you all doing?! Go after her and catch her!"

At Lin-shi's command, they quickly gave chase. Lin-shi also hurried out. Yao Xinlan and Qin Wan exchanged a glance, both clearly surprised that the somewhat plump Qin Shuang could run so fast.

"Ninth Younger Sister, Sixth Younger Sister seems a bit unhinged from being confined. Let's follow and see!"

As Yao Xinlan said this, she followed in Qin Shuang's direction. Qin Wan had no choice but to accompany her, thinking to herself that after today's scene, Lin-shi would likely be furious and confine Qin Shuang for even longer.

The Qin household had always been ruled by Jiang-shi, but now Jiang-shi was in seclusion, and Lin-shi was in charge. She had just reorganized the inner courtyard to uphold discipline. If Qin Shuang's disturbance reached Jiang-shi, Lin-shi's authority would likely be undermined.

Thinking this, sure enough, after following not far, they saw Lin-shi and Qin Xiang. Lin-shi ordered the maidservants, "Stop her! Don't let her go to the Buddha Hall and disturb the Old Madam's quiet cultivation!"

As soon as she spoke, someone immediately took a shortcut to block Qin Shuang's path. Qin Shuang ran while crying, but after all, she was a pampered young lady. Before long, she was breathing heavily from exhaustion. Soon, several maidservants were upon her. Qin Shuang had no choice but to run in the direction they hadn't blocked. Qin Wan looked over, it was the direction of the residence's medicine storeroom.

"Shuang'er, stop making a scene. Stop quickly."

Qin Xiang couldn't help but scold. "Making such a scene, the entire household is watching your joke! How is this befitting a young lady of the Qin household?! Don't disgrace the Qin family!"

Hearing this, Qin Shuang felt even more wronged. "Fine, fine! I'm disgracing the Qin family! Then I might as well die!"

With that, Qin Shuang, seeing the maidservants closing in from behind, fled hastily towards the east in panic. Lin-shi chased after her, also breaking into a light sweat from the exertion. Seeing the commotion growing bigger, Lin-shi couldn't help but say, "Shuang'er, whatever you have to say, say it back in your courtyard! Stop running like this! You can't run out of the Qin residence!"

Qin Shuang wiped her tears, stubbornly saying, "I want to run out of the Qin residence..."

Seeing this, Lin-shi sighed heavily. "You! You all! Catch her and bring her back! Really... this is truly unbefitting!"

The maidservants were all strong. How could Qin Shuang be their match? Qin Shuang didn't dare stop, only ran along the winding corridor towards the east. This led past the concubines' courtyard. And because they were on the covered walkway, the maidservants momentarily failed to catch Qin Shuang, allowing her to run further and further northeast. Before long, Qin Shuang saw she was almost at the Purple Bamboo Grove. Qin Wan, supporting Yao Xinlan and following Qin Shuang, was both startled upon seeing they were near the Purple Bamboo Grove!

"Sixth Young Miss! Don't go any further! Ahead is the Purple Bamboo Grove."

A maid, catching her breath, shouted. Qin Shuang, hearing this, halted abruptly. Looking up, she indeed saw the Purple Bamboo Grove. The Purple Bamboo Grove was a forbidden area in the residence, rumored to be haunted. Qin Shuang naturally knew this. Ordinarily, she wouldn't dare go near. But today was different. Yet... should she really go?

Qin Shuang hesitated. Suddenly, she turned to face the maidservants chasing her.

"Don't come any closer!" Qin Shuang continued to press the dagger against her neck, then looked at Lin-shi. "Mother, Shuang'er just wants to see Grandmother. Why won't you let me? Do you plan to keep confining Shuang'er..."

Qin Shuang's actions along the way had already drawn many spectators. Lin-shi deeply felt this matter could no longer be contained. At that moment, she only wanted to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and calm Qin Shuang down. She said, "Of course not. Put down the dagger. I won't confine you."

A glimmer of hope flashed in Qin Shuang's eyes. "Really? Mother won't lie to me?"

Hearing this, Lin-shi was taken aback. Qin Shuang's behavior today was extremely improper; she naturally wouldn't let her off lightly. And in front of so many people, if she said she wouldn't lie, wouldn't that mean she truly couldn't punish her?

Her hesitation made fresh tears roll down Qin Shuang's face. "I know, I know I've embarrassed Mother today. Mother will surely punish me. Rather than that, I might as well... I might as well let me..."

As she spoke, Qin Shuang retreated step by step. Things had reached this point; she was in a dilemma, feeling even more wronged and unwilling to let it go. She retreated slowly, thinking of a way to change the situation. Was there any small path here that led to the Buddha Hall?

Thinking this, Qin Shuang didn't loosen her grip on the dagger. She watched the maidservants before her, not daring to approach, retreating faster, still hoping to shake them off and go around to the Buddha Hall. Several maidservants saw her intention and were about to step forward when two of them caught sight of the flower shed behind Qin Shuang. One widened her eyes and hurriedly shouted, "Sixth Young Miss, you must not retreat further!"

Qin Shuang wouldn't listen to them. This only spurred her to retreat faster. At that moment, Qin Wan and Yao Xinlan also saw the flower shed behind Qin Shuang and more importantly, the well beneath it.

"Sixth Younger Sister! Stop!"

Before Yao Xinlan could finish the word "stop," Qin Shuang, retreating hastily and perhaps stepping on something, suddenly stumbled. At that same moment, she staggered and lost her footing, her whole body falling uncontrollably backward!

"Ah!!"

"Sixth Young Miss!"

"Shuang'er!!"

"Sixth Younger Sister!"

Screams mixed with everyone's shouts. Lin-shi watched Qin Shuang fall into the well, her face instantly pale with terror. Seeing the stunned maidservants ahead, she shouted, "Hurry and save Sixth Young Miss!"

At her sharp command, the maidservants snapped out of their daze and rushed to the well's edge.

They saw that the originally high well platform, recently dismantled to clear sludge, was now just a large hole in the ground. At that moment, a pile of debris was stacked by the well's edge, blocking Qin Shuang's view initially. The Qin residence's wells were active, with unknown depths of water. If Qin Shuang fell in and something happened, this matter would become serious. Lin-shi, her hands trembling, supported herself on Qin Xiang and strode forward!

"Hurry! Hurry and save her! This is truly a calamity! Why were you standing so close just now?!"

Panicked, Lin-shi could only berate the maidservants. She took a few more steps toward the well. "Shuang'er?! Shuang'er?"

Lin-shi called out once, but only saw darkness inside the well. Imagining Qin Shuang might have fallen in and drowned, a chill ran down Lin-shi's spine, and she almost couldn't stand steady. Just then, a pitiful wail floated up from the well.

"Waaaa! Save me! Mother, save me!"

Hearing a voice, Lin-shi's soul, which had almost left her body, returned. She pulled Qin Xiang closer. "Shuang'er? How are you, Shuang'er? Don't be afraid, Mother will get you out right now. You foolish child, don't be scared. We'll save you right now..."

At this critical moment, Lin-shi's eyes reddened with some regret. Now, she only hoped Qin Shuang was unharmed and naturally wouldn't reprimand her further. A maid nearby quickly said, "Madam, don't worry. This well has been undergoing sludge cleaning these past few days. The water inside has been temporarily drained. Look around... Madam, rest assured. The water inside shouldn't be deep."

"Wuwu, Mother, save me quickly. Mother, I'm going to die..."

Hearing the maid's words and then Qin Shuang's pitiful cries from the bottom, Lin-shi nearly shed tears. Qin Xiang, who had earlier scolded Qin Shuang, was also startled into a cold sweat and hurriedly said, "Shuang'er, don't move around. We'll pull you up right away!"

Among the debris by the well, there was rope. The maids quickly tied a knot and lowered it.

"Wuwu, it's so dark and cold. My feet are sinking in."

"Mother, Fifth Sister, I won't dare do it again. Wuwu, save me..."

Qin Shuang cried incoherently. Yao Xinlan, who had been scared out of her wits earlier, was now utterly torn between tears and laughter. She tightly grasped Qin Wan's hand. "Fortunately, fortunately. Sixth Younger Sister almost got herself killed..."

Though Qin Wan's expression showed nothing, her heart was full of helplessness. Qin Shuang acted impulsively and thought simply. If not for the well cleaning, her fall could have been fatal...

"Sixth Young Miss, grab the rope! Tie it around yourself! We'll pull you up!"

"Okay, wuwu... quickly..."

The rope was lowered into the well. Everyone saw it tremble. Soon, Qin Shuang's voice came from below.

"Okay, pull me up!" As these words fell, just as the maids were about to exert force, Qin Shuang added, "Ah, wait, my skirt is caught on something..."

Hearing this, the maids stopped moving. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Qin Shuang to say she was ready to be pulled up. But after a moment, she didn't speak. Lin-shi glanced suspiciously at the dark well opening and was about to ask when, suddenly, Qin Shuang's piercing scream erupted from the well! Different from her previous wails, this scream was filled with terror, as if there were ghosts in the well!

Qin Xiang hurriedly shouted, "What's wrong, Shuang'er?! Shuang'er?!"

Qin Shuang screamed several more times before shrieking hysterically, "Pull me up quickly! There's... there's a dead person in this well..."