The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 94 : Sealing the Well, a Death in the Qin Residence

94: Sealing the Well, a Death in the Qin Residence

"Wuwu wuwu..."

By the pile of debris beside the well, Qin Shuang, covered in mud and filth, lay collapsed on the ground.

Pointing at the pitch-black well opening, Qin Shuang sobbed incoherently. "Wuwu... a dead person, a dead person down there..."

Lady Lin frowned. Her expression, which had softened upon Qin Shuang's fall into the well, immediately darkened again. "What dead person? Where is there a dead person?"

Qin Shuang immediately cried out. "Mother, it's true! It's human bones!"

Lady Lin glanced at the well opening and shook her head. "How could that be?"

A maidservant brought a woolen blanket and draped it over Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang trembled. "It's true, Mother. I felt it with my hand. It's a person's hand, pale and white. I could tell just by the look of it..."

As she spoke, her eyes still filled with terror. Meanwhile, Qin Wan and Yao Xinlan exchanged a glance.

Yao Xinlan stepped forward. "Mother, Sixth Younger Sister wouldn't lie about something like this. Should someone be sent down to check?"

Lady Lin saw Yao Xinlan speaking up but frowned. "Lan'er, why are you still here? This place is such a mess; it's no place for you. Be careful of hurting the child in your belly. Lan'er, be good, go back to Linfeng Courtyard."

Yao Xinlan didn't leave. "Mother, really, send someone to look."

As Yao Xinlan spoke, perhaps due to the commotion caused by Qin Shuang's fall, servants had begun to gather from the direction of the concubines' courtyard. In the distance, Qin Wan even saw the figure of Eighth Madam.

Seeing more and more people arriving, Lady Lin wiped the thin sweat from her brow and turned to order a maidservant beside her, "Go, call Steward Liu. Have him bring someone to check the bottom of the well."

The maid acknowledged and left. Lady Lin then walked to Qin Shuang's side. "Shuang'er, don't be afraid. Mother is having someone go down to check. Your clothes are all wet and dirty. Go back, wash up, and drink some calming soup."

Qin Shuang was indeed frightened, but she didn't want to go back now. "No, Mother, Shuang'er wants to see what's really at the bottom of the well. I saw it clearly just now. It really was human bones. How could there be a dead person at the bottom of a well?"

Lady Lin frowned. "You probably saw wrong..."

Qin Shuang tightly clutched the blanket wrapping her, but her head kept shaking. "No, no, I couldn't have. I still remember how it felt when I touched it..."

As Qin Shuang spoke, her voice already carried a tone of fear. Beside them, Qin Xiang, hearing this, also grew nervous, grabbing Lady Lin's hand. "Mother, this well has been used by the household for many years. How could...?"

Lady Lin shook her head. "Shuang'er was frightened when she fell down. Who says it has to be human bones? It could be some dead branches. Wait a moment. Wait for Steward Liu to come and check."

Hearing Lady Lin's words, Qin Wan frowned. When Qin Shuang had cried out about a dead person at the bottom of the well, her attention had been caught. If possible, she would have liked to go look into the well herself. But that would be too conspicuous.

Steward Liu's arrival was faster than Qin Wan expected. Perhaps because Lady Lin had ordered it, he rushed into the inner courtyard, his face covered in sweat. "Greetings, Mistress. Mistress, what's the matter? This well was almost cleaned. How did Sixth Young Miss...?"

Steward Liu saw the mud and filth on Qin Shuang and looked surprised.

Lady Lin then frowned. "Shuang'er accidentally fell in just now. She even said she saw human bones at the bottom. Go down and see if there's anything down there."

Hearing this, Steward Liu's eyes widened. "Dead person... bones?"

Lady Lin frowned deeply. "What? You don't dare?"

"No, no, of course not." Steward Liu shook his head repeatedly and hurriedly turned to instruct the male servant who had come with him. "Come, lower me down. Bring a lamp..."

The bottom of the well was pitch black. With ordinary eyesight, naturally, one couldn't see clearly.

Soon, a servant brought an oil lamp. Two men tied a rope around Steward Liu's waist. Holding the lamp, Steward Liu was slowly lowered down. Before long, the two men let go of the rope. Steward Liu had reached the bottom.

"Mistress, there's nothing down here…"

Steward Liu's voice floated up muffled from the well. Hearing this, Qin Shuang's expression changed. "Impossible! There must be! It's in the shallow water. Look for it, search properly!"

Lady Lin also hurriedly said, "Did you hear? Look for it."

Steward Liu acknowledged from below. Soon, he let out a sound of surprise. The expressions of those above shifted slightly, all thinking Steward Liu had found something. But then they heard Steward Liu say from below, "Mistress! There's a dead branch! I'll throw it up!"

As he spoke, everyone by the well stepped aside.

With a soft thud, a dead branch wrapped in mud flew out of the well and landed on the ground with a slap. Immediately after, Steward Liu shouted from below, "Alright, pull me up. It looks like the sludge at the bottom is almost cleaned. This well can be used again..."

Hearing this, Lady Lin waved her hand. "Pull him up."

Several men exerted force together. Soon, Steward Liu was hauled up.

Once out of the well, Steward Liu's originally blue robe was now covered in mud. He casually rolled up the hem and tied it around his waist, then bowed to Lady Lin. "Mistress, this humble one looked. Sixth Young Miss must have been mistaken. Don't worry."

Lady Lin sighed, looking at Qin Shuang. "See? You must have been too frightened and mistook a dead branch for human bones. You really..."

Lady Lin was both angry and amused. She reached out to smooth the disheveled hair on Qin Shuang's shoulder. Qin Shuang had fallen sideways into the well, her clothes stained with large patches of grime. Lady Lin sighed. "Look at you..."

Qin Shuang, recovering from the shock of the 'human bones,' suddenly remembered today's commotion.

"Mother, Shuang'er..."

Lady Lin gave an annoyed hum. "You, you... you don't know my good intentions. Your father gave the confinement order. If I didn't restrict you, do you want your father to scold you himself?"

Qin Shuang was momentarily speechless. Looking at Lady Lin, her eyes reddened. "Mother..."

Lady Lin shook her head. "You've certainly given everyone a show today. Aren't you ashamed?" Seeing Qin Shuang lower her head uncomfortably, Lady Lin added, "It seems you've learned your lesson this time. Did you get hurt from the fall?"

Qin Shuang shook her head, then touched her shoulder. The water at the bottom of the well was shallow, and there was mud. She hadn't really hurt herself, but her shoulder had scraped against the well wall when she fell, and it ached now.

"Alright. Go back now, wash up, and get cleaned. If you're hurt anywhere, call a doctor quickly to apply medicine." Lady Lin straightened up and looked at the maidservants beside Qin Shuang. "Hurry up and take Sixth Young Miss back."

The maidservants quickly acknowledged, half-supporting, half-carrying Qin Shuang to her feet. Qin Shuang took a step but suddenly turned back. "Mother, will you still confine me?"

Lady Lin smiled wryly. "Rest for a couple of days first. After that, you can do as you please."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang's eyes instantly lit up. She finally let out a long sigh of relief and allowed the maidservants to help her away. Once Qin Shuang was gone, Lady Lin looked at Yao Xinlan. "Are you reassured now, Lan'er?"

Yao Xinlan smiled sheepishly. "How could Mother not know? You were certainly worried about Shuang'er being here. As the Eldest Sister-in-law, your concern for your younger sister is truly commendable. Now go back and rest. Don't you know how delicate your health is?"

"How could Madam say that? I'm much better now than before."

Yao Xinlan responded. Lady Lin then looked at Qin Wan. "I know, it's all Wan's credit. Alright, you two go back. It's too chaotic here. It's not convenient for either of you."

Yao Xinlan gave a slight curtsey. "Alright, then Lan'er will listen to Mother and return first."

Lady Lin smiled with satisfaction and nodded. Qin Wan also bowed slightly and followed Yao Xinlan away. Watching them leave, Lady Lin turned to instruct Steward Liu. "It's too messy here. Finish the cleanup quickly and tidy up the flower shed."

Steward Liu hurriedly acknowledged. Only then did Lady Lin leave, supported by Qin Xiang.

Meanwhile, Yao Xinlan walked a distance and turned to look at Qin Wan. "Ninth Younger Sister, what's wrong? Were you frightened?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Not that. I just find it strange. How could Sixth Sister mistake a dead branch for human bones? She's grown up probably never having seen human bones, right?"

Hearing this, Yao Xinlan chuckled lightly. "Exactly. I was quite surprised too."

Then she shook her head. "But it's impossible. This mansion is an old Qin residence, but it was newly built by the Qin family back then. Where would there be human bones?"

Qin Wan pressed her lips together without speaking. Turning her gaze, she saw a flash of water-red skirt disappear into a courtyard gate in the distance.

Yao Xinlan saw her looking and said, "That's Eighth Madam Lady Liu's courtyard."

Qin Wan frowned. She had seen Lady Liu come out to watch the commotion earlier, but she left quickly.

After a few more moments, Qin Wan withdrew her thoughts. Although she was always unusually sensitive to topics of death, since it was a false alarm, there was no need to dwell on it. Yao Xinlan, supported by Qin Wan, continued towards the Chrysanthemum Garden.

"Sixth Younger Sister is truly pitiable."

Qin Wan didn't respond. Qin Shuang wasn't originally pitiable. She had brought this pitiable state upon herself.

...

...

Yao Xinlan couldn't stay outside for long. Soon, Qin Wan accompanied her back to Linfeng Courtyard. Leaving Linfeng Courtyard, Qin Wan's mind still lingered on the matter of the human bones. Fuling beside her also said, "Sixth Young Miss really made a big scene today. But Third Master is ill, and the Old Madam is fasting and abstaining. Otherwise, who knows how she would have been punished."

Qin Wan sighed. "She fell into the well and was badly shaken. Hopefully, she'll learn a lesson."

Fuling pouted, unconvinced. "Seeing how she treated you today, this servant doesn't think she's the type to learn lessons."

Qin Wan said nothing more. Returning to Tinglan Pavilion, she continued reading medical texts. She hadn't been to the marquis's estate in two days, devoting all her effort to Qin Li's illness. Yet, she still had few ideas. She could try prescription after prescription, but Qin Li couldn't. Syphilis was manageable in the early stages, but later, not even the greatest physician could save him!

Qin Wan was reading when Fuling came running in from outside. "Young Miss! Guess who's here?"

Qin Wan was slightly stunned. Without looking up, she asked, "Is it the Princess?"

Fuling was startled. Stepping into the room, Yue Ning gave a light humph. "How did you know it was me?"

Only then did Qin Wan put down her book and look up. Seeing Yue Ning dressed in a moon-white martial outfit, she said, "Not many people come here usually. Besides you, who else could it be? Come in and sit..."

Qin Wan stood up and personally prepared tea. After Yue Ning sat by the window, she asked, "Haven't seen you at the marquis's estate for days. What's wrong?" She glanced at the desk and saw a thick stack of books. "What are you researching?"

Qin Wan sighed. "Nothing much. I just suddenly thought of an illness I didn't know how to treat. I've been reading these past few days."

Hearing this, Yue Ning immediately perked up. "What illness?"

Qin Wan blinked. "Madness..."

Qin Wan wasn't intentionally hiding it from Yue Ning; syphilis wasn't a good illness, better not to let Yue Ning know. Hearing this, Yue Ning was indeed surprised. "Why think of researching this illness?"

Qin Wan smiled slightly. "Having free time, finding something to do. By the way, how is Young Master Wei's leg?"

Yue Ning nodded. "Much better. The wound is starting to heal."

Qin Wan nodded slightly. "That's good. I'll go take a look tomorrow. Is Her Highness the Grand Princess also well?"

"Grandmother is much better. She's still following the prescription you prescribed."

Qin Wan handed Yue Ning a cup of tea. "That's good."

Then she glanced at Yue Ning and smiled. "Your coming certainly isn't for nothing. Tell me, what do you have to say?"

Yue Ning sighed. "Nothing much else. Just wanted to tell you that Wei Yanzhi's sentence has been finalized. People from the Duke's household will arrive tomorrow. Then, to avoid long nights and many dreams, Prefect is sending all prisoners sentenced to exile or worse to the capital today. Wei Yanzhi is among them. By now, they've probably left the city."

Qin Wan was slightly surprised. She hadn't expected Huo Huaixin to act so quickly.

"I didn't expect that. Leaving today."

Yue Ning sighed. "Exactly. Wei Yanzhi's case is to be transferred to the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice. Prefect and the Military Comptrollers of Jinzhou Prefecture wrote 'decapitation' on the charges. But who knows what will happen once it reaches the capital. The current Holy One grants amnesty every year. Before the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice make a decision, whether Wei Yanzhi lives or dies is still unknown."

Qin Wan also narrowed her eyes slightly. "If the Duke's household and the Wei family don't interfere, the outcome is uncertain. But it's impossible for them not to interfere. The Duke's household's young lady in the palace is currently favored. With just one word from her, Wei Yanzhi's fate is decided."

Yue Ning shook her head. "It's truly lamentable and pitiable..."

Qin Wan refilled Yue Ning's tea. "Everything has cause and effect. You don't need to grieve over this."

Qin Wan had seen many such cases. Some people might have no choice, but Wei Yanzhi did have choices. For such people, Qin Wan usually felt no pity or sympathy. And since Yue Ning had previously considered Wei Yanzhi a friend, it was normal for her to feel somewhat sorrowful now. Fortunately, Yue Ning was also a free-spirited person. Hearing this, she waved her hand with a bitter smile. "Forget it, let's not talk about this. People from the Duke's household arrive in Jinzhou tomorrow. I want to see what they have to say."

"Who did the Duke's household send?" Qin Wan quickly asked.

Yue Ning sneered. "Song Rou's father."

Qin Wan sighed. "With Her Highness around, they won't dare be neglectful or disrespectful. It's not bad that Song Rou's father came. We'll see their attitude. Don't worry, Her Highness knows what's what."

Yue Ning humphed. "It's just a great injustice for Eldest Brother. Originally, Eldest Brother could have had a better marriage. But after this mess, Eldest Brother's enthusiasm has waned. Afterward, he's going to the Western Frontiers. Who knows when he'll return? It will delay several more years before he can marry. Our marquis's estate really suffered a disaster through no fault of our own. All of this is also the Emperor's fault!"

Qin Wan glanced at Fuling by the door. Fuling immediately went out and closed the door.

Qin Wan said, "Such words should not be spoken outside. Although Jinzhou is remote, it's still an act of great disrespect."

Yue Ning pursed her lips. "Naturally, I'd only say such things in front of you. The Emperor is the prime mover in this matter. Tell me, what did our marquis's estate do to deserve this? We prepared for a grand wedding joyfully, forget the wasted money and goods. Grandmother, Father, Mother, and Eldest Brother, our whole household was eagerly anticipating it. And we got a murder case instead."

Qin Wan patted Yue Ning's hand. "Consider it a stroke of bad luck. But after bad luck passes, good fortune comes. Though your Eldest Brother's marriage was disrupted, perhaps this trip to the Western Frontiers will allow him to achieve glory and establish a career?"

Yue Ning raised her chin slightly. "My Eldest Brother certainly can!"

Seeing Yue Ning's spirits lift, Qin Wan changed the subject. "What happened at the Qin residence today? When I entered the estate just now, the servants all seemed off."

Qin Wan smiled wryly and recounted Qin Shuang's major scene. Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "This Sixth Young Miss truly doesn't improve at all. Lady Qin is perhaps too lenient with her!"

Qin Wan also shook her head. "Constant leniency isn't necessarily good."

Hearing this, Yue Ning suddenly blinked. "Could it be... Lady Qin deliberately raised Sixth Young Miss to be like this?"

Qin Wan was stunned. She hadn't meant that earlier, but Yue Ning's words sent a chill down her spine. If that were true, it would be like nurturing Qin Shuang into a twisted state.

"I didn't say that." Qin Wan chuckled and looked towards the door.

Yue Ning couldn't help but laugh twice. "Don't worry, it's just between us. I just think this Sixth Young Miss is a strange flower among noble young ladies. As for how she became one, I don't care."

Qin Wan rarely saw Yue Ning mock others, so she let her continue. The two chatted a bit more before Yue Ning took her leave.

"Young Miss, Young Master Wei was sentenced to decapitation. Does that mean execution next autumn?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Not necessarily. If the decapitation sentence is truly confirmed, it might not wait until next autumn."

Fuling's expression grew somewhat pensive. "At the very beginning, we didn't suspect Young Master Wei at all. But in the end, he couldn't escape. It shows people really shouldn't do even the slightest bit of bad."

Qin Wan nodded in agreement, setting the matter aside for now, and returned to reading.

She read until dusk. Fuling brought dinner from outside. "Young Miss, have dinner. Don't read at night; you'll strain your eyes."

Qin Wan put down her book and walked over. Meanwhile, Fuling looked puzzled. "Young Miss, speaking of which, it's a bit strange."

"What's wrong?" Qin Wan sat down, looked up, and saw Fuling's small face scrunched in confusion.

"Young Miss, that well to the east has been sealed."

Qin Wan's hand, about to pick up chopsticks, paused. "Sealed? Why? This afternoon, Steward Liu said the sludge inside was almost cleaned. Could be used again soon?"

Fuling shook her head. "They say the water from that well tastes strange. Seems like the last bit of sludge can't be cleared. Also said it's an old well, the bottom has sunk badly."

Qin Wan's brow furrowed. Why were there so many explanations all at once? Moreover, this afternoon, Steward Liu clearly said the sludge at the bottom was almost cleaned. How come after just half a day, they decided to seal the well?

"Young Miss, isn't it strange? Don't just think; eat."

Qin Wan, full of doubts, "After dinner, let's go take a look."

Fuling wanted to say something but held back. Why go there at night for a well?

Wanting to dissuade Qin Wan but seeing her serious expression, Fuling ultimately said nothing.

After the meal, Qin Wan indeed took her cloak and went out. Exiting the main room, she saw the four "Evening" maids waiting outside. Qin Wan glanced at Wanxing. "Have Wanxing accompany us." Then she walked out.

Wanxing and Fuling followed Qin Wan straight to the eastern courtyard. Along the way, they encountered no one.

Qin Wan looked back at Fuling. "Who did you hear it from?"

"From a little servant in the kitchen. They use the well water most often; they found out quickly."

Qin Wan nodded and hurried along the covered walkway. The sky was already dark, and the further east they went, the quieter it became. Fuling carried a lantern. Looking at the pitch-black surroundings, she couldn't help feeling scared.

"Young Miss, why does this area feel exceptionally quiet tonight..."

Qin Wan frowned. She noticed it too. She had come to the medicine storeroom at night before. By comparison, today was indeed much quieter.

"Probably a coincidence. No one comes this way at this time now."

As they spoke, the three neared the concubines' courtyard. Qin Wan headed straight for the well, but just as they turned a corner of the walkway, a graceful figure blocked their path. Qin Wan looked closely, it was Caihe.

"Greetings, Ninth Young Miss. It's so late. Why has Ninth Young Miss come here?"

Caihe, dressed in light green robes, wore a faint, respectful smile as she looked at Qin Wan.

Qin Wan pressed her lips together. "I came for a walk. Why are you here?"

Caihe glanced towards the direction of the flower shed and replied respectfully, "Today's incident disturbed the Old Madam. The Old Madam sent me to have a look. The words Sixth Young Miss said about feeling human bones here reached the Old Madam's ears. This afternoon, the Old Madam invited a priest to perform rites. The priest said this well indeed has some peculiarities. This time, Sixth Young Miss fell in but wasn't harmed, but there's no guarantee the well won't cause more trouble in the future. In a fit of anger, the Old Madam ordered the well sealed."

Qin Wan still remembered when she and Fuling were confined in the western backyard, and priests performed rites outside for seven days and nights. Jiang-shi indeed favored such practices. Caihe's explanation was much more reasonable than what Fuling heard from the little servant.

Qin Wan understood. "So that's what happened." Saying this, she looked into the distance and indeed saw several figures moving around the previously messy flower shed. "Sealing it tonight?"

Caihe nodded. "Exactly. The Old Madam detests such things. Not even a night's delay is tolerated."

Qin Wan uttered an "oh." Caihe looked at Qin Wan, then at Wanxing and Fuling. "Are these four servants serving Ninth Young Miss well? If there's anything improper, please speak up."

Qin Wan curved her lips. "There's not much to do in my place usually. Naturally, they work well."

Caihe smiled slightly and nodded, then glanced at the dark night sky. "There are no stars or moon tonight, and the weather is cool. Ninth Young Miss should return to your rooms and rest early to avoid catching a chill."

Qin Wan nodded. "Yes, I was just about to return."

With that, Qin Wan turned to leave. After a few steps, she looked back. Caihe still stood in the distance, smiling at her. Though Qin Wan saw her smiling, she felt no warmth in her heart. She knew that at this moment, Caihe represented Jiang-shi.

"So that's why they sealed the well. The Old Madam is too superstitious... Today, Sixth Young Miss fell in because she wasn't careful. Does she think there's some man-eating monster in the well that dragged Sixth Young Miss down?"

Fuling muttered quietly, sending a chill down her own spine.

Qin Wan didn't speak. Although she felt it completely unnecessary, there really were people in this world who attributed everything to gods and ghosts. Considering Jiang-shi's usual level of devotion to Buddhism and purification, it wasn't impossible.

Qin Wan sighed inwardly. Coming here so late at night was also her being overly cautious.

Steward Liu said during the day that the well would be cleared for use, but by evening, they were sealing it. This inconsistency made Qin Wan instinctively feel something strange about the well. Coupled with Qin Shuang's mention of human bones, she couldn't sit still.

Moreover, perhaps Yao Xinlan was also right. The Qin family had lived in this mansion for many years. Who would allow human bones to remain in their own residence? Looking at Jiang-shi's actions, she clearly wouldn't tolerate any inauspicious presence.

Qin Wan settled her mind and returned to Tinglan Pavilion. Entering the main room, Fuling watched the four "Evening" maids close and lock the gate outside before coming inside. It was already half-past Xu shichen. Qin Wan waited for Qin Li in the warm chamber.

"Young Miss, here are today's medicine packets."

Fuling brought in several medicine packets prepared earlier. Master and servant waited for the sound outside the window.

A quarter-hour later, there was movement outside the window. Fuling stepped forward and opened it. Outside stood Qin Li, still dressed in black, wearing a cloak. Qin Li glanced at Qin Wan and Fuling, bowed with clasped hands. "Ninth Sister."

The current Qin Li had not a trace of arrogance left. Qin Wan stepped forward with the medicine packets and asked, "How have you been these two days?"

Qin Li said, "Using Ninth Sister's medicine, no new ulcers have appeared on my neck. But..."

As he spoke, Qin Li's gaze drifted downward, as if finding it difficult to speak.

Qin Wan frowned. "Speak plainly."

Qin Li's brow furrowed into a deep crease, his face a picture of difficulty. Qin Wan frowned, her expression turning stern. She was about to speak when Qin Li's voice strained. "It's just... the lower body has started to swell..."

Fuling beside them widened her eyes in astonishment, but Qin Wan's expression remained serious. "Skin ulceration, developing chancres and swelling are normal. These are the new medicine packets. The large one is for washing, the small one for internal use. Still four times a day."

Qin Li raised his head. Qin Wan said, "Extend your hand."

Qin Li extended his hand. Qin Wan rolled up her sleeves and placed her fingertips on his wrist. Fuling watched from the side, her heart pounding. After checking the pulse, Qin Wan shook her head. "Take the medicine for now. Come again tomorrow."

Qin Li's heart sank slightly. "Ninth Sister."

Qin Wan sighed. "This illness is inherently difficult to treat. For now, we can only hope the medicine's properties can curb the ulceration on your body. But the effects are slow. It won't show significant results with just one or two doses."

Qin Li gripped the medicine packets. "I naturally trust Ninth Sister!"

Regardless of whether Qin Li trusted her or not, Qin Wan herself had no confidence. She waved her hand. "We'll see if there's any improvement tomorrow. You may go."

Qin Li nodded and was about to turn when he suddenly said, "Today, Sixth Younger Sister fell into a well?"

Qin Wan was surprised Qin Li also knew about this. She nodded. "Yes, she fell accidentally. She was rescued and is fine."

Qin Li's gaze deepened as he looked at Qin Wan. "Ninth Sister, don't go to the Purple Bamboo Grove, and don't fall into the well either."

The night breeze was chilly. Qin Wan was stunned by Qin Li's eerily deep words. Just as she was about to ask him, he turned and left swiftly. Watching his retreating back quickly disappear into the night, Qin Wan only felt something was strange.

...

...

Early the next morning, Qin Wan got up to prepare to go to the marquis's estate. She brought medicine for the Grand Princess and ointment for Wei Qizhi's leg wound. After breakfast, Qin Wan took Fuling and left the residence.

The carriage arrived leisurely at the marquis's estate when the sun was already high. At the estate gate, Qin Wan saw seven or eight lacquered carriages parked outside. Remembering what Yue Ning said yesterday, Qin Wan guessed the owners of these carriages.

The gatekeeper, seeing Qin Wan, naturally ushered her in immediately. Qin Wan hadn't walked far when Lüqi came to greet her. Seeing it was Lüqi, Qin Wan was slightly surprised. Meanwhile, Lüqi explained, "Ninth Young Miss, people from the Duke's household have just arrived. Right now, the Old Madam, the Marquis, and the Mistress are all discussing matters in the main hall. The Princess is also there. The Princess knew you were coming and had this servant bring you to the Old Madam's courtyard to wait. After the Old Madam finishes seeing the guests, she'll still need you to check her pulse."

Qin Wan nodded slightly and asked, "Is Her Highness the Grand Princess well?"

Lüqi blinked. "Of course. No matter how arrogant the Duke's household people are, they wouldn't dare displease the Old Madam."

Hearing this, Qin Wan felt slightly relieved. This matter was, after all, the Duke's household's fault. Even the cause of Song Rou's death had nothing to do with the An Yang Marquis's household. Moreover, the An Yang Marquis's household had done all it could; they had been extremely benevolent and righteous. Yet the Duke's household, knowing Song Rou's private conduct was flawed, still married her off, showed great disrespect to the An Yang Marquis's household.

Qin Wan only worried that the Grand Princess might get so angry she'd harm her health. But hearing Lüqi's words, it seemed this Duke's household gentleman understood right and wrong.

Qin Wan relaxed a bit. She knew the way to the Grand Princess's courtyard. With Lüqi accompanying her, they soon reached the courtyard gate. Maidservants were waiting inside. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, they respectfully served tea and water. Qin Wan sat in the main hall, waiting for the Grand Princess to return.

"Oh, that's right. Did Eldest Young Master Wei go?"

Lüqi chuckled upon hearing this. "He didn't. Eldest Young Master Wei said he didn't want to see the Duke's household gentleman."

Qin Wan's eyebrow rose slightly. "How soon will Her Highness the Grand Princess return?"

Lüqi said, "I'm afraid they'll be talking for a while. Ninth Young Miss, would you like to see Eldest Young Master Wei first?"

The entire marquis's estate knew Qin Wan was treating the Wei family's eldest young master's leg injury. It was perfectly normal for Qin Wan to visit. Qin Wan nodded. "Let's go quickly and return shortly. After checking Her Highness the Grand Princess's condition, I can return to the residence."

Lüqi quickly said, "Alright, then this servant will escort you there."

Qin Wan put down the medicine packets for the Grand Princess and followed Lüqi towards the eastern courtyard.

After several days, Qin Wan just entered the courtyard gate when she saw Wei Qizhi hopping around on one foot with a crutch. Looking closer, she saw several grids drawn on the ground with branches. Furthermore, every few grids, a horse's name was written. Qin Wan was stunned. Meanwhile, Lüqi coughed lightly.

Wei Qizhi struggled to stop and steady himself. Meanwhile, Wu Shu had already seen Qin Wan and said happily, "Ninth Young Miss is here!"

Qin Wan then walked into the courtyard and looked at Wei Qizhi. "What is Young Master Wei doing?"

Wei Qizhi wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "This humble one invented the Hundred Zhang Flying Horse. Each grid is four zhang, twenty-five grids in total. Then, each person can choose a horse. Here is a die..."

As he spoke, Wei Qizhi revealed a die from his palm. "The roll of the die determines whether this horse is superior, average, or inferior grade. It can also determine whether it has a saddle, stirrups, or a whip. If a horse is superior grade and has all the tack, then this horse is the fastest and can finish a hundred zhang first."

Qin Wan listened and roughly understood what he was talking about. Although she found it somewhat interesting, her nature was not as playful as Wei Qizhi's. Besides, she hadn't come to watch him play. Qin Wan then frowned and said, "Young Master Wei's leg injury isn't healed yet. If you usually feel uncomfortable from sitting too long, have Wu Shu massage your leg. Jumping around like this isn't good for bone injury recovery."

Then, Qin Wan gestured with the medicine packet in her hand. "Starting today, change to this medicine."

Qin Wan pointed to a nearby lounge chair. "Lie down. Let me see how the wound is healing."

Wei Qizhi naturally had to obey Qin Wan. Hearing this, he hopped over to the lounge chair. Wu Shu took his crutches and helped him sit, then rolled up his pant leg. Qin Wan crouched down and touched the bandaged cotton cloth.

Applying slight pressure, Wei Qizhi's lips twitched. Qin Wan asked, "Does it hurt?"

Wei Qizhi's head shook like a rattle drum. "No, no pain, not at all..."

Qin Wan frowned and pressed harder. "Does it hurt?"

Wei Qizhi's lips trembled again, his face paling, but he still shook his head. "No pain, no pain..."

Qin Wan looked left and right, picked up a tea tray from a nearby side table, raised her hand, and pretended to smash it towards his leg. This action frightened Wei Qizhi's face deathly pale. He hurriedly shouted, "Ninth Young Miss, spare me..."

Qin Wan frowned and asked seriously again. "Does it hurt?"

Wei Qizhi nodded like pounding garlic. "It hurts! It hurts so much I'm seeing stars!"

Fuling and Lüqi beside them burst out laughing. Qin Wan gave a faint, amused smile. "The physician is asking about your symptoms, not a time for you to show off!"

Wei Qizhi made a pained face, looking quite wronged. "I thought Ninth Young Miss was checking if her medicine was effective. This humble one didn't want to discourage Ninth Young Miss..."

Qin Wan's face showed helplessness. She shook her head. "The swelling has subsided. Next is nourishing your bone injury. Did you prepare the wooden boards I asked for last time?"

Wei Qizhi nodded. "All prepared!"

Qin Wan then looked at Wu Shu. "Go get them."

Wu Shu nimbly went inside and soon brought out two thin wooden boards, each over half a chi long. Qin Wan first removed the cotton gauze from Wei Qizhi's leg, reapplied ointment, then placed the two wooden boards on either side of his leg. Finally, she wrapped the boards and his leg together tightly. Wei Qizhi, watching Qin Wan's smooth, practiced bandaging, frowned slightly. "Ninth Young Miss is so young. How are you so proficient at this?"

Qin Wan didn't look up. "Talent. Intelligence."

Wei Qizhi's eyebrow twitched. Qin Wan added, "I heard people from the Duke's household have arrived. Why didn't Young Master Wei go see his uncle?"

Wei Qizhi raised his chin. "My leg was broken by him. Even if he's my uncle, unless he apologizes to me, don't expect me to see him. Hmph!"

Qin Wan chuckled softly and was about to tease him further when she suddenly felt the entire courtyard inexplicably fall silent.

Qin Wan was puzzled, about to speak again, when the sound of Fuling and Lüqi's bows and greetings rang out.

"Greetings to His Highness the Heir Apparent."

Qin Wan was slightly stunned. Her hand still holding the cotton cloth, she turned her body first. Looking up, she immediately saw Yan Chi standing at the courtyard entrance.

Qin Wan saw Yan Chi, but Yan Chi had been watching Qin Wan long before. Upon seeing Qin Wan holding Wei Qizhi's calf with one hand and gripping cotton gauze with the other, his phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you doing here?"

"Ah?" Qin Wan rarely showed a dazed look. "Treating Young Master Wei's leg injury."

Yan Chi frowned deeply, stepped forward, and pulled Qin Wan up abruptly. Qin Wan was pulled up, her hands naturally releasing. In an instant, Wei Qizhi's leg lost support and slapped against the arm of the lounge chair with a thud, pain nearly making tears burst from his eyes.

Meanwhile, Yan Chi was interrogating Qin Wan, "What are you doing?"

Qin Wan looked down at Yan Chi's hand. "Isn't that... treating his illness?"

Yan Chi's footsteps halted. "It's not me who's unwell. It's your Qin residence."

Qin Wan frowned. "The Qin residence? What's wrong with the Qin residence?"

A profound heaviness flickered in Yan Chi's eyes before he said firmly, "Someone just reported to the prefectural yamen that... someone has died in your Qin residence."