novelraw Chapter 97 : Who Was She Involved With He Committed Suicide!
Chapter 97 : Who Was She Involved With He Committed Suicide!
97: Who Was She Involved With? He Committed Suicide!
"This is... syphilis?!"
Huo Huaixin, after years in officialdom, had naturally seen his share. Though this disease often originated in brothels among lower-class courtesans, he had personally witnessed a subordinate contract it and was now rather shocked.
Qin Wan's clenched fists slowly relaxed. It took her a moment to find her voice. "Yes, it's syphilis."
Beside them, Coroner Xu let out a breath. "I also surmised it was this disease, but I thought... given that Lady Liu was, after all, a concubine of the Marquis's household, how could she possibly contract such an illness..."
Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression unusually somber.
Seeing that Qin Wan didn't respond, Xu He wondered if he had said something wrong and added, "Ahem, I didn't mean it that way. It's just that such a disease... could also be something she contracted herself..."
Qin Wan suddenly stepped forward to examine the sores on Lady Liu's body more closely. Huo Huaixin also stepped closer. "Ninth Young Miss, as a physician, you are most knowledgeable about such conditions. What do you think?"
Qin Wan pressed her lips together. "Judging by the condition, the onset was at least a month and a half ago."
Huo Huaixin blinked. "Is this related to her death?"
Qin Wan still held the white handkerchief. She glanced at it, then looked back at Lady Liu, her expression grave. "Perhaps it is. Perhaps... the Old Madam's suspicion is correct. Her illness, after all, is peculiar."
Yan Chi, standing nearby, said, "Master Qin is also ill. I wonder what illness he has?"
Qin Wan's brow twitched. Huo Huaixin frowned. "Could it be... but I heard from the Eldest Young Master this morning that Master Qin fell ill only about ten days ago, while Lady Liu's illness has been present for much longer."
As he spoke, he looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan said, "The progression of this disease also depends on the individual's constitution. On that point, Prefect, it's best to inquire further. Let's be clear first. For now, this handkerchief is the key."
She handed the handkerchief to Huo Huaixin, who nodded. "Indeed."
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "This handkerchief is a man's item. It seems that apart from Master Qin, there is indeed someone in this residence with a close relationship to her. And her illness could also have been transmitted from that person."
Hearing this, the waters of the Qin residence seemed murkier and deeper. Huo Huaixin shook his head inwardly with a sigh. "It seems we have much to ask the Old Madam and the Second Young Master later."
Yan Chi then looked at Xu He. "After your examination, did you discover anything else?"
Xu He shook his head. "Not for now, only that she had this disease." He paused briefly. "Given her condition, it doesn't seem likely she could engage in illicit relations with anyone. Last night, she probably went out intending to meet someone."
Indeed, with sores and ulcers covering Lady Liu's body, let alone engaging in illicit affairs, just looking at her was enough to instill fear. Qin Wan's nose twitched. Suddenly, she turned and walked to the outer room.
A medicinal odor filled the outer room. Qin Wan's gaze swept the area and soon spotted a medicine bowl on the table by the window.
Without hesitation, Qin Wan walked over, first picking up the bowl with residue and smelling it. Then she went out and headed towards a side room. Lady Liu's courtyard didn't have a small kitchen, but tasks like brewing medicine had to be handled within her own courtyard. Qin Wan pushed open the side room door and immediately saw the medicine-brewing stove and a packet of herbs.
A light sparked in Qin Wan's eyes. She quickly stepped forward and opened the herb packet.
"What is this medicine for?"
Qin Wan turned to see Yan Chi standing in the doorway. "On the surface, it treats excess lochia. But in reality, several of these herbs can be used to treat the syphilis she had."
Qin Wan suddenly recalled the scene that day at the medicine storehouse. Xiuqin had gone to fetch medicine for Lady Liu. And this prescription, like hers, had a cover story. Qin Wan had split her prescription into two formulas, while Lady Liu had simply increased the dosage of certain herbs within a single formula. However, by comparison, although Lady Liu's formula also treated syphilis, it wasn't as effective as Qin Wan's. And where had Lady Liu obtained her formula?
In the Great Zhou, medicinal formulas were highly valuable, and formulas for treating syphilis were even rarer. Lady Liu, who rarely left her courtyard, who had found this formula for her? It couldn't have been Qian Bairen!
"Did she find it herself, or did someone else find it for her?"
Yan Chi asked precisely what Qin Wan was thinking. Qin Wan set down the herb packet. "We'll have to ask Xiuqin, who fetched the medicine for her, and the residence physician, Qian Bairen. However, I happened to see Xiuqin fetching medicine last time. I suspect Qian Bairen was likely unaware. He probably also didn't detect the hidden purpose in Lady Liu's prescription. Moreover, this matter is significant; Qian Bairen likely didn't have the courage to conceal it for Lady Liu. Perhaps... the person she met last night gave her the formula."
Yan Chi nodded. For a household concubine to contract syphilis was not only a stain on the Qin family's reputation, but if transmitted to Qin An, it would be highly improper. Which servant in the Qin residence would dare help Lady Liu conceal it? Even Lady Liu herself probably wouldn't dare let anyone she didn't trust know...
"I understand. I will investigate these points."
Hearing Yan Chi's reply, a dark shadow flashed in Qin Wan's eyes. If Lady Liu truly had an illicit affair with another man in the residence, and given that Lady Liu had syphilis for over a month, that person most likely also had syphilis. If Qin Wan didn't know, that would be one thing. But she knew that Qin Li had this disease!
Qin Wan's heart was conflicted. Was there a connection between Lady Liu and Qin Li? Should she tell Yan Chi about this?
"What's wrong? Is there something else?"
Qin Wan looked up and immediately met Yan Chi's penetrating gaze.
Yan Chi's eyes were deep and dark, yet within their beautiful irises shone a brilliant light, like a moonbeam breaking through deep sea darkness. Qin Wan pressed her lips together and shook her head. "No. The only key clue from the body is the syphilis. The rest requires investigation."
Yan Chi looked at her deeply for another moment, then turned and headed towards the main room. He gave some orders to Huo Huaixin, who then left Lady Liu's courtyard with two constables. Qin Wan remained standing there. Yan Chi then walked over. "Do you wish to return to your own courtyard? You've been back at the residence for some time but haven't gone back yet."
Qin Wan said, "Does Your Highness no longer need me to answer questions?"
Yan Chi looked her up and down. "I see you are rather deeply troubled. Go back and rest first."
Qin Wan glanced towards the bedchamber, nodded, and took two steps before suddenly stopping again. "I will be at Tinglan Pavilion. If Your Highness needs me to answer questions, just send someone for me."
Yan Chi nodded, giving a faint hum of acknowledgment. Only then did Qin Wan turn to leave.
Yan Chi stood where he was, watching Qin Wan depart. As soon as she left, Bai Feng approached from behind and said in a low voice, "Since Your Highness has come to the Qin residence, do you wish to see Bai Ying?"
Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly. At the edge of his vision, Qin Wan's figure disappeared past the courtyard gate.
After a moment's contemplation, Yan Chi finally shook his head. "No need. The Qin residence is in turmoil. Have her focus on her own duties."
Bai Feng quickly assented, not daring to mention it again.
By early September, the weather was already quite chilly. Qin Wan emerged from Lady Liu's courtyard and looked up at the sky. Layers of dark yellow clouds piled on the distant horizon, casting a desolate and stern hue over the entire sky. Taking a deep breath, boundless anger surged in Qin Wan's heart. If Lady Liu's syphilis wasn't transmitted from Qin An, where did she contract it from?
If she didn't know, it might be different. But now, she knew of another person in the Qin residence with syphilis. It would be strange not to suspect. Qin Wan frowned. Qin Li had a dissolute, unrestrained nature. Given his character, it was entirely possible he had entangled himself with Lady Liu. Moreover, he had warned her several times before not to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove or near the well, clearly aware of some secret there. Could the secret of the Purple Bamboo Grove be related to him and Lady Liu?
Thinking this, Qin Wan's fists clenched. The Ninth Young Miss was killed in the Purple Bamboo Grove. Her earlier deduction was that she had been lured into the grove and saw something she shouldn't have, which led to her death. Before this, Qin Wan had no leads, only a vague sense that many things in the Qin residence were strange, though she couldn't pinpoint exactly why. But now Lady Liu was dead, and Lady Liu had syphilis. Coincidentally, the other person with syphilis was the Second Young Master of the residence. An affair between the Qin residence's Second Young Master and a concubine, could this be the reason behind the Ninth Young Miss's murder?
Lost in thought, Qin Wan walked towards Tinglan Pavilion. Soon, she arrived before the courtyard. The gate was open, but no one was inside. Fuling caught up. "They've probably also been taken for questioning..."
Qin Wan, preoccupied with her thoughts, nodded. "It's fine. They'll return after questioning is done."
Qin Wan entered the room with a heavy heart. Fuling, seeing her expression, dared not disturb her, even serving tea with extra care. Handing the teacup to Qin Wan, Fuling finally couldn't help asking, "Young Miss, how could Eighth Concubine be killed for no reason? Is there truly such an evil person within the Qin residence?"
Qin Wan took a sip of tea. "Once interests become entangled, those with slightly malicious hearts may conceive of murder. And such people might just be greedy servants, jealous maids, or lazy cooks under ordinary circumstances. In normal situations, they might only commit minor faults, far from evil. But often, it's these very people who ultimately commit murder."
Fuling pressed her lips together. "But what grudge did Eighth Concubine have with them?"
Qin Wan set down her teacup and stood up. "That we cannot know yet. It might be a minor grievance, revenge, or perhaps a moment of impulsiveness leading to accidental killing. We'll have to wait for His Highness and Prefect Huo to investigate further."
Fuling nodded, then suddenly said, "His Highness Yan is actually investigating a case now. Provincial Judicial Commissioner for the Ministry of Justice... it sounds very impressive. Does it mean His Highness Yan will join the Ministry of Justice in the future?"
At this thought, Qin Wan's gaze deepened. Even Fuling could see this issue; others wouldn't fail to understand. When they saw the Grand Princess at the Marquis's estate this morning, her tone had been somewhat grave. Had she also discerned the Emperor's intention to use this opportunity to move Yan Chi into the Ministry of Justice? Joining the Ministry of Justice might be an excellent arrangement for scions of other aristocratic families, but for Yan Chi, it meant he would soon be separated from the Western Frontier Army. Did this indicate that the Emperor was beginning to distrust Prince Rui's household?
Qin Wan shook her head. These were not her concerns. The most pressing matter now was whether Qin Li's illness was related to Lady Liu's. If Qin Li was the person Lady Liu met last night, then he was very likely her murderer!
Just as she was thinking this, several sounds came from the courtyard outside. Fuling went to the door to look and returned. "Young Miss, it's Wantang and the others coming back..."
Qin Wan turned. "Have them come in..."
Fuling assented and went out. Qin Wan sat on the low divan by the window. Soon, Fuling led Wantang and the other three in.
"Greetings to Young Miss..."
The four bowed respectfully. Qin Wan swept her gaze over them. Wantang and Wanshu looked respectful but also slightly frightened. Wanqing still wore her usual aloof expression, chin slightly raised, only her brows slightly furrowed. Only Wanxing, despite such a major incident occurring today, still wore her dull, wooden expression, showing no emotional change.
"Were you all just taken for questioning?"
Qin Wan's tone was neutral. Upon hearing this, Wantang quickly replied, "Yes, Young Miss. It was the prefectural constables who questioned us. They only asked where we were last night, whether we saw anything strange this morning, and about the concubine's usual conduct in the residence, if she had conflicts with anyone. We've only been in the residence a short time and don't know much, so we were released quickly."
Qin Wan had asked only one question, but Wantang answered many, saving Qin Wan from further inquiry. Qin Wan pondered briefly. "What did others in the residence say?"
Wantang glanced at Wanqing. Wanqing said, "Others said they hadn't seen much of Eighth Concubine lately in the residence and hadn't seen her feud with anyone. However, in the past, Eighth Concubine's temper was somewhat flamboyant, and she wasn't very good to the servants. With this incident happening, few are grieving for her. Some just sigh that she was killed within the residence, and everyone is a bit scared."
Judging from Qin Wan's first encounter with Lady Liu, she knew Lady Liu was not a restrained, steady person in daily life. Such a temperament was most prone to offending others. However, murder over a few sharp words was unlikely. Moreover, Lady Liu wouldn't go out in the middle of the night to meet someone she had argued with. Someone she would meet at night could only be a person she trusted intimately. And if she were being threatened, she certainly wouldn't change into new clothes and apply perfume before going out.
Qin Wan nodded. "These are eventful days in the residence. Unless necessary, don't leave the courtyard. Wait until things settle down."
"Yes, we will heed Young Miss's instructions."
Qin Wan made an acknowledging sound. "Go out less, talk less. You may withdraw."
Wantang and the others bowed in unison and left.
Once they were gone, Fuling said, "This matter has nothing to do with us anyway, right? Will Young Miss still help His Highness investigate?"
Qin Wan pondered briefly. "Everything that needed checking today has been checked. For the future, I'll wait for His Highness's instructions."
Fuling sighed. "It's just that ever since we learned of the incident in the residence, Young Miss's expression has been particularly grave. This servant fears excessive worry will harm your health."
It was impossible for Qin Wan not to overthink, unless the murderer who killed the Ninth Young Miss could be found quickly.
"Don't worry. I have a sense of proportion."
…
…
"Young Miss, His Highness is outside. He requests your presence."
As dusk fell, just as Qin Wan thought Yan Chi wouldn't seek her out today, Fuling suddenly came in to announce. Qin Wan straightened her skirt and hurried out of the courtyard.
At the intersection outside the courtyard, Yan Chi stood imposingly in a black robe. Hearing footsteps, he turned around.
The Qin residence was already lit with lanterns. After a full day of questioning, most people's suspicions had been cleared. Thus, by now, occasional servants could be seen moving about the inner courtyards. However, because of Concubine Liu's incident, the Qin residence had suddenly grown quiet. Moreover, with constables stationed in the residence, the servants didn't even dare walk too loudly.
"Your Highness..." Qin Wan approached and curtsied.
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, frowned, and said, "The night is cold. Why didn't you wear a cloak?"
Qin Wan was slightly taken aback, not expecting such concern from Yan Chi. She shook her head. "Your Highness needn't worry. I don't feel cold now. Has Your Highness come because you have questions?"
Yan Chi pressed his lips together. "Prefect Huo has already seen Master Qin. Master Qin's illness is indeed also syphilis."
Yan Chi kept his voice low. Qin Wan's heart jolted upon hearing this. She quickly asked, "How long?"
A flicker of light appeared in Yan Chi's eyes. "About twenty days. It was concealed at first, only revealed when it became severe. The duration of his illness is shorter than Lady Liu's. Moreover, when asked, the last time he shared a bed with Lady Liu was exactly a month ago. At that time, Lady Liu must have already been infected, but he didn't notice."
Qin Wan frowned. "So... Lady Liu's illness wasn't transmitted by Third Uncle?"
Yan Chi gave an affirmative hum. "Exactly. So now, the most suspicious person is the one Lady Liu met late at night. And that person is within the Qin residence. Moreover, that person must also have syphilis."
Qin Wan's heart dropped. Qin Li also had syphilis. However, Qin Li's infection timeframe was also shorter than Lady Liu's. There were two possibilities. First, as Qin Li himself claimed, he contracted it outside the residence. Second, although Qin Li wasn't the one who transmitted the disease to Lady Liu, his own illness was transmitted to him by Lady Liu. That would give him a motive for murder.
"So Your Highness plans to screen all the men in the residence?"
A faint smile touched Yan Chi's lips. "Precisely. And it will begin in half an hour."
Qin Wan's heart tightened. "Half an hour?"
Yan Chi frowned perceptively. "What's wrong?"
Qin Wan lowered her gaze, her eyes darting left and right. Seeing this, Yan Chi grew more suspicious, but he didn't ask, only fixing her with a firm gaze. Qin Wan's mind was a battlefield of conflicting thoughts. Suddenly, she looked up and was struck by the certainty in Yan Chi's eyes. Gritting her teeth, she lowered her voice. "There is one person Your Highness need not screen."
Yan Chi's dark lashes flickered. "Who?"
Qin Wan glanced around, stepped closer to Yan Chi, and also lowered her voice. "Qin Li."
Yan Chi frowned. "The Qin residence's Second Young Master?"
Qin Wan gave an affirmative sound. "Your Highness need not screen him because... because he has already been confirmed to have syphilis. Several days ago, he came to seek treatment from me. I've already prescribed several rounds of medicine for him."
A cold gleam flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. The Qin residence's Second Young Master also had syphilis?! One was a concubine of the Qin residence, the other the Second Young Master... What was the relationship between these two?
"Only the two of you know of this?"
Yan Chi asked with a frown, a strange feeling rising in his heart. Syphilis was not only a vile disease that could be transmitted, but also one society despised. Typically, young masters and misses from respectable families would never contract it. Though Qin Wan was a physician, highly skilled, and saving lives was her calling, Yan Chi couldn't help feeling indignant.
Qin Wan shook her head. "Fuling also knows. His personal attendant likely knows as well."
She paused, then continued, "I asked him. He said he contracted it outside the residence. But I cannot be certain if his words are true. His onset time is similar to Third Uncle's, both later than Lady Liu's. If what he said is true, then he likely has little connection to this case. But if he lied, for example, if he contracted the disease from being involved with Lady Liu, then he would also have a motive for this murder..."
As Qin Wan spoke, she recalled the gloom and pain in Qin Li's eyes. She pressed her lips together, her clear, stream-like gaze fixed on Yan Chi. Seeing Qin Wan like this, Yan Chi suddenly felt his breath grow faint.
Her height was average for a woman, but standing before him, she only reached above his chest. Now she stood extremely close, looking up to meet his eyes. Loose strands of hair fell behind her ears; her delicate, pretty face tilted upward at a charming angle. Her eyes, illuminated by nearby lanterns, appeared especially clear and captivating, like jewels dropped into a flowing stream. The sparkling light didn't dazzle Yan Chi's eyes but stirred his heart.
Yan Chi swallowed with difficulty, his hand almost unconsciously reaching to touch her cheek. Clenching his fist, he restrained himself. He said in a low voice, "You want me not to screen him publicly? To spare him some face?"
Seeing through someone's thoughts was an easy matter for Yan Chi.
Qin Wan telling him this, while partly out of trust, also held some pity for Qin Li. Syphilis was a disgrace for women, but for a young master like Qin Li, it also damaged his reputation. Yan Chi saw this clearly, but felt somewhat displeased. This Qin Li, why should he occupy so much of Qin Wan's thoughts?
Qin Wan still looked up slightly. "Yes. I have informed Your Highness of the truth. Your Highness can directly investigate or summon him for questioning. Of course, if Your Highness feels this is unfair to others, you can re-examine him publicly."
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, a slight curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Why do you protect him?"
Qin Wan's gaze shifted. "Treating him these past few days, I've developed some concern."
Yan Chi didn't intend to delve deeper. Since she brought it up, he would comply. He nodded. "Alright. I know what you mean. Any other requests?"
Yan Chi's demeanor was compelling, his eyes also brilliant. Qin Wan blinked, only now realizing she stood too close. She took a step back. "Of course not. Regarding this case, I will follow Your Highness's instructions."
Yan Chi's lips curved into a light smile. Moments ago, she had made a request of him, and now she said she would follow his instructions. She certainly knew how to speak. Just as he thought this, footsteps sounded from nearby.
Yan Chi turned to look and saw a maidservant leading people over. He recognized this maidservant; she was the Old Madam's personal attendant. Qin Wan also looked over and immediately saw Caihe approaching.
Caihe walked up and curtsied. "Greetings to His Highness, greetings to Ninth Young Miss."
With Caihe's arrival, the smile vanished from Yan Chi's face, replaced by a solemn tone. "Rise. How goes the gathering of people?"
Caihe replied respectfully, "Reporting to Your Highness, all male servants from the outer courtyard have been gathered. They are at the stewards' courtyard as before. Prefect Huo is already there."
Yan Chi nodded, then looked at Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss, you may return."
In front of others, his tone was appropriately distant. Qin Wan curtsied. Yan Chi turned and left.
Yan Chi had just left, but Caihe was in no hurry to go. She looked at Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss, the Old Madam requests your presence."
Qin Wan's heart sank slightly, but her expression showed no surprise.
What was coming would come. Since Yan Chi had personally requested her to stay by his side to answer questions, it was natural for Madam Jiang to summon her for an inquiry. However... being summoned like this, Qin Wan felt something was off.
Madam Jiang had returned to the Buddha Hall. Qin Wan followed Caihe along the quiet path directly towards the hall. The Buddha Hall's location was somewhat secluded; there was even a section along the way without any lantern light. Fortunately, the two maidservants accompanying Caihe carried lanterns.
After a few steps, Caihe suddenly turned back. "Is Ninth Young Miss afraid?"
Qin Wan shook her head. "Of course not."
Caihe smiled. "Ninth Young Miss is truly brave. It's good you're not afraid. This path is dark; this servant was worried you might be frightened..." She paused briefly, then added, "With such an incident in the residence, even this servant feels somewhat panicked."
After all, a death had occurred. Qin Wan understood Caihe's feelings. She didn't respond, only followed Caihe to the Buddha Hall.
Soon they arrived before the hall. Upon entering the main room, Qin Wan looked up and saw Madam Lin and Qin Chen both present. Qin Wan bowed in greeting. Madam Jiang's heavy gaze fell upon her. Madam Lin, however, asked gently, "Wan'er, you were with Prince Rui's Heir Apparent and Prefect Huo today investigating. Do you know how their investigation is proceeding?"
Qin Wan kept her eyes lowered. "His Highness and Prefect Huo discovered that Concubine Liu had a strange illness. Currently, they infer that Concubine Liu was indeed involved with someone else. Presumably, they will investigate in that direction."
Hearing Qin Wan's words, Madam Lin glanced at Madam Jiang. Their expressions showed neither surprise nor doubt, indicating that what Qin Wan said was true, and they were already aware of these circumstances.
"Did His Highness investigate anything else?" Suddenly, Madam Lin asked another question.
Qin Wan was puzzled. Investigate what else? What did she mean?
Qin Wan shook her head. "No. Only that. Right now, His Highness and Prefect Huo aren't screening all the male servants in the residence for illness?"
The room fell silent for a moment. Clearly, what Qin Wan knew and what they knew were not far apart.
"Ninth Sister, will you continue assisting His Highness with the investigation tomorrow?" Qin Chen suddenly spoke. "With a death in the residence, you should stay in your courtyard like Xiang'er and Shuang'er. Having you accompany His Highness and Prefect Huo truly pains our hearts. Tonight, do not be afraid."
Qin Wan looked at Qin Chen for a moment. Seeing genuine concern on his face, she said, "I'm not afraid. It's just that thinking a murderer is hiding within the residence makes me uneasy."
Qin Chen nodded. "Naturally it would. So stay in your own courtyard at night and don't wander about."
Qin Wan bowed her head. "Yes, thank you, Eldest Brother."
Qin Chen gave a slight smile and looked at Madam Lin and Madam Jiang. "Mother, Grandmother, if there's nothing more to ask, let Ninth Sister return to rest."
Madam Jiang's gaze remained fixed on Qin Wan. After a long silence, she finally spoke. "Since His Highness and Prefect Huo value you, considering the Grand Princess's face, answer truthfully whatever they ask. However, in all matters, you must also consider the Qin family's reputation. You are, after all, a member of the Qin family. Do not let the Qin family's affairs become too public."
Qin Wan inwardly felt a mix of amusement and irony, but her expression remained unchanged. "Yes, Wan'er understands."
Madam Jiang slowly closed her eyes and sighed. "Very well, you may go. Caihe, escort her."
Qin Wan curtsied again before turning to leave. Caihe followed with the two lantern-bearing maidservants. Once outside the Buddha Hall's main door, Caihe said softly, "Ninth Young Miss, do not be afraid. The Old Madam is also thinking of the Qin family's reputation."
Qin Wan naturally understood Madam Jiang's thoughts, but she felt Madam Jiang was being overly cautious. She was, after all, an outsider. For instance, she hadn't known Qin An had syphilis. How could she tell Yan Chi? What she knew, Yan Chi would eventually uncover. Madam Jiang's actions seemed somewhat like a guilty conscience.
"I understand that, of course." Qin Wan's tone was ordinary, as if truly unmoved.
Caihe glanced at her a few times and gave a light laugh. "Ninth Young Miss is even bolder than Sixth Young Miss and Fifth Young Miss. However, with such an incident in the residence, Ninth Young Miss should still be careful. As you said, the murderer is still hiding. Who knows when he might strike again? Although the Qin residence has separate inner and outer courtyards, that doesn't prevent men from the outer courtyard from entering the inner quarters at night."
Qin Wan's heart stirred. She turned to look at Caihe. "Who does Sister Caihe think it is?"
Caihe, hearing this, blinked but shook her head. "Caihe is just a maidservant; how could I guess? We can only wait for His Highness and Prefect Huo. But the Old Madam always thinks that well is at fault. It is strange indeed. Sixth Young Miss fell in just that day, and now Eighth Concubine has met with misfortune. The Old Madam says once this case is resolved, we must invite a Taoist master to conduct a forty-nine-day grand ritual to properly cleanse the residence of its ill luck."
Qin Wan almost laughed. "That well has already been sealed. Eighth Concubine's incident likely has nothing to do with the well."
Caihe also showed a helpless expression. "The Old Madam has devoted herself to Buddhism these years. Whenever something inauspicious happens in the residence, she always invites masters to perform rituals. Over time, it has become a habit." She paused, then suddenly said, "By the way, I wonder when people can go to the flower arbor? The filled-in well mouth hasn't been covered with paving stones yet; it looks quite unsightly. The Old Madam urged me about it this afternoon, but with His Highness and Prefect Huo investigating, how can we lay stones..."
Qin Wan's eyelid twitched, feeling Madam Jiang was far too superstitious. "I don't know that either. Perhaps tomorrow. Tomorrow should be fine."
Caihe nodded. "That's good. Thank you, Ninth Young Miss."
"I haven't done anything. No thanks are needed."
Caihe shook her head, then suddenly added, "Ninth Young Miss... did you understand the Old Madam's meaning earlier?"
Qin Wan looked at Caihe. "What does the Old Madam mean?"
Caihe stepped closer, lowering her voice. "The Old Madam doesn't like His Highness and Prefect Huo going to the forbidden areas of the residence. The Qin family is, after all, a prominent household in Jinzhou City. Matters involving concubines and masters often damage the family's reputation."
Qin Wan's heart tightened. "You mean... the Purple Bamboo Grove?"
They had been walking and talking and had already passed the darkest section of the path. Caihe stopped, a slight smile on her lips. "Ninth Young Miss is clever; you will certainly understand the Old Madam's meaning." She glanced towards Tinglan Pavilion. "Tinglan Pavilion is not far. Caihe must return to serve the Old Madam, so I won't escort you further. Please go slowly."
Qin Wan nodded slowly. Caihe curtsied and turned to walk back the way they came.
Watching Caihe leave, Qin Wan stood still for a long time.
Fuling asked from beside her, "What is it, Young Miss?"
Qin Wan came back to herself, glanced at the path, and began walking with a dazed expression. The Ninth Young Miss was killed in the Purple Bamboo Grove. Yet first Qin Li, now Caihe, both warned her not to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove...
What secret was hidden in the Purple Bamboo Grove?
Right now, both Yan Chi and Prefect Huo trusted her. With just a word from her, she could point the investigation towards the Purple Bamboo Grove. Not only could they openly enter the grove, but they could also use Yan Chi's authority to thoroughly investigate the Ninth Young Miss's death.
Should she do it or not?
Qin Wan lowered her head, her brows tightly knit.
"Young Miss, what did Sister Caihe say just now?"
Earlier, Caihe had intentionally walked close to Qin Wan, so Fuling and the two lantern-bearing maidservants had fallen a few steps behind. Even Fuling hadn't heard clearly what Caihe said. Qin Wan took a shallow breath. "She said not to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove."
Fuling felt a chill run down her spine upon hearing this. "Why go to the Purple Bamboo Grove?" She looked at Qin Wan with surprise. "Does Young Miss wish to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove again? You still haven't told me why you went there last time."
Qin Wan shook her head and suddenly asked, "Who told you the rumor about the Purple Bamboo Grove?"
Fuling thought for a moment. "Is Young Miss referring to the rumor about why the Purple Bamboo Grove became a forbidden area in the Qin residence? I remember back then, it was Cook Liu who said it. But older servants in the residence all know. It's said that years ago, a concubine hanged herself in the Purple Bamboo Grove, and then the master ordered the grove sealed off."
"But that grove of purple bamboo is very precious to the residence. For some reason, the master didn't have all the bamboo removed, just left it abandoned. However, since then, whether master or servant, no one dared go there anymore."
Not that no one dared go there... Steward Liu had been there. Lady Liu had also been there...
Wait, hold on…
Qin Wan's steps suddenly halted. How could she have forgotten this?!
Lady Liu had been to the Purple Bamboo Grove, and she had also seen Steward Liu there. Could it be... that the person involved with Lady Liu was most likely Steward Liu?!
Qin Wan's breath caught. Suddenly, she remembered the herb packet in Lady Liu's room.
Lady Liu wouldn't dare ask Qian Bairen for medicine. So someone else must have given her the prescription and also taught her the method to conceal it. That person could be either Qin Li or Liu Chun. Which one was it?
Qin Wan suddenly frowned, her slow steps quickening...
"Young Miss, where are you going?!"
Fuling hurriedly asked. Qin Wan said, "To find His Highness Yan!"
Fuling hurried to keep up. "His Highness Yan is at the stewards' courtyard!"
Qin Wan knew this. Holding her skirt, she almost ran towards the direction of the stewards' courtyard. Many questions swirled in her mind. Earlier, when Yan Chi came, she hadn't had a chance to ask in detail. Now, she just needed to ask Yan Chi to find out. Who was involved with Lady Liu? The answer would soon be revealed!
Qin Wan's heart pounded wildly. Thinking of that time she saw Eighth Concubine emerging from the Purple Bamboo Grove, she felt even more certain. Concubine Liu had gone to the Purple Bamboo Grove to retrieve something. What she retrieved was a huge question!
Qin Wan was slightly breathless from running. Arriving before the stewards' courtyard, she indeed saw constables guarding the entrance layer upon layer. Qin Wan stopped to catch her breath for a moment, then immediately walked over. She was about to announce herself to the constables, but as she reached the gate, she saw Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin standing in the courtyard. A constable stood before them. Whatever the constable said made both Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin's expressions change. Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, her gaze falling on the constable.
Though all wore constables' uniforms, this one was dusty, not only his shoes covered in mud but even his robe hem spattered with dirt. Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. This constable had traveled a long distance!
Perhaps Qin Wan's gaze was too intense, for Yan Chi inside the courtyard looked towards her. He frowned slightly and immediately walked over to Qin Wan. When he reached her, seeing she was sweating lightly from running, he frowned. "What is it?"
Qin Wan curtsied first, glancing into the courtyard. "What happened?"
Yan Chi's expression darkened. After a moment's contemplation, he lowered his voice. "Wei Yanzhi has committed suicide at the Ten Li Temple."