The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 98 : The Mysterious Figure, Revisiting the Purple Bamboo Grove

98: The Mysterious Figure, Revisiting the Purple Bamboo Grove

Wei Yanzhi has committed suicide at the Ten Li Temple?!

Qin Wan frowned, her gaze instantly sharp and cold. "He did this..."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "By the time he was discovered, it was too late. He stole a constable's blade. The constables thought he had fled, but when they pursued, they found him dead in the birch grove."

"In the birch grove? The same grove where he killed Song Rou?"

Yan Chi nodded. Qin Wan's expression turned complex. "If he knew it would come to this, why did he act in the first place? Was this to atone for his sins, or to escape the punishment to come?"

A profound look flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. "Both, I suppose. A person like him is both extremely arrogant and deeply insecure. He acts with extreme caution, yet harbors bitterness and resentment. The reasons that drove him to kill Song Rou were likely present from the start."

Qin Wan nodded. Yan Chi then looked at her. "You came running in such a hurry. What is it?"

The question immediately sharpened Qin Wan's focus. She glanced around, seemingly mindful of the people nearby. Seeing her expression, Yan Chi took a few steps to the side. "Do you have something to ask me?"

Qin Wan felt a wave of relief. Yan Chi was perceptive; while it was easy for him to see through her, it also had its advantages. For instance, he often understood her thoughts without her needing to speak, and he would cooperate without further prompting.

Qin Wan lowered her voice. "I suddenly remembered there were two points Your Highness hasn't told me yet."

Yan Chi blinked. Qin Wan continued, "First, Your Highness must have questioned Xiuqin. Did she say when Eighth Concubine first had her fetch medicine? Your Highness likely also questioned Qian Bairen. Did he provide that prescription?"

A flash of understanding crossed Yan Chi's eyes. He then said, "Xiuqin did say. The first time she fetched medicine was about twenty days ago. The prescription was given to her by Eighth Concubine. She merely followed orders to fetch it. Even the brewing, at first, was done by Concubine Liu herself. Later, Xiuqin happened upon it and noticed Concubine Liu would specifically separate out a few herbs to brew separately. Then Concubine Liu said it was a method from a medical book she had read before. Xiuqin didn't suspect anything and complied."

He paused briefly, then added, "As for your residence physician, I've asked. He didn't prescribe that formula for Lady Liu. The maidservant brought the prescription. He glanced at it, thought it was a formula for women's ailments, and didn't inquire further."

Qin Wan composed herself. "Your Highness, could that prescription have been given to her by the person she was involved with? She likely discovered her illness herself. Initially, she might not have been sure it was syphilis. Later, when she confirmed it, she grew panicked. She wanted to seek treatment but feared exposure, so she turned to that person for help. Or perhaps she even threatened him, saying if he didn't cure her, she would expose the affair. After all, contracting such a disease is often a death sentence. Perhaps some argument or conflict arose from this, leading to murderous intent."

She continued, "Earlier we discussed that the person involved with Lady Liu could also be Qin Li. But Qin Li came to me for medicine. He didn't ask me for the prescription; even if he recognized the formula on his own, it would be completely different from Eighth Concubine's prescription."

She glanced towards the courtyard. "How is Your Highness's investigation proceeding?"

Yan Chi shook his head. "Still investigating. Nothing conclusive yet. Your meaning is that currently there are two most likely suspects: First, Qin Li. Second, Steward Liu Chun of the residence?"

Qin Wan nodded. "Exactly."

Yan Chi looked back at the courtyard, a hint of doubt appearing on his face. "But Steward Liu isn't here."

Qin Wan frowned. "Steward Liu isn't here?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Earlier, when gathering all the servants, Steward Liu was the only one missing. Questioning his attendant, he said Steward Liu was still in the residence this morning. After the incident in the inner courtyard, Steward Liu said he would go check, and then he was never seen again. Asked others, and no one has seen him either."

Qin Wan's eyes narrowed instantly. Yan Chi's expression also turned grave.

"Young Miss Qin, why are you here?" Huo Huaixin emerged from the courtyard and, seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan talking, immediately frowned. "Has something happened?"

Huo Huaixin walked over. Yan Chi, after a moment's thought, relayed roughly half of what Qin Wan had just said. Hearing this, Huo Huaixin frowned. "I also find the missing Steward Liu highly suspicious. Since Young Miss Qin says the same, we must thoroughly investigate this man's whereabouts."

Yan Chi hadn't mentioned the details of Qin Li's syphilis to Huo Huaixin. Qin Wan felt a surge of gratitude. Huo Huaixin added, "That handkerchief, could it be a token between Eighth Concubine and Steward Liu?"

Yan Chi nodded. "It's possible."

Huo Huaixin's expression firmed. "Your Highness, shall I make arrangements?"

Yan Chi nodded. Huo Huaixin immediately turned and re-entered the courtyard.

Once Huo Huaixin left, Yan Chi asked, "Where is Qin Li's courtyard?"

Qin Wan understood Yan Chi's meaning. The case was not yet solved; all suspects naturally had to be screened. She pointed west towards the inner courtyard. "Over there..."

Yan Chi nodded, his voice low. "It's late. You should return. I'll take some men there."

Qin Wan hesitated for a moment, then curtsied before leaving.

She hadn't told Yan Chi she had seen Liu Chun and Lady Liu both enter the Purple Bamboo Grove. If she had, with Yan Chi's keen perception, he would certainly have noticed her unusual interest in the grove.

The night was indeed deep, a starless, moonless sky pitch black, the autumn chill becoming more pronounced. Qin Wan tightened her collar and exhaled a heavy sigh. If they could identify the person involved with Lady Liu, would that also determine the murderer who killed the Ninth Young Miss? Liu Chun... was it him?

His greedy, leering gaze when looking at her. The day after she discovered the mysterious figure in the orchid nursery, she saw Liu Chun's boots stained with the nursery's gray soil. Was the person that night also him?

Qin Wan's thoughts were in turmoil. Returning to Tinglan Pavilion, she lost all appetite for dinner.

"Fuling, pay attention to any movement outside."

Qin Wan gave the order and went to practice calligraphy, though her mind was on the likely unease in the Qin residence tonight.

Less than half an hour later, Fuling entered the small study. "Young Miss, the male servants from the stewards' courtyard have dispersed. It seems nothing was found. Then Prefect Huo took some men to Steward Liu's courtyard."

Qin Wan stopped writing. "What about His Highness Yan?"

Fuling shook her head. "I don't know for now." She paused briefly. "By the way, Young Miss, is Steward Liu the one involved with Eighth Concubine? Why did he disappear right after this incident?"

Qin Wan set down her brush and walked out, going to the water basin nearby to wash the ink from her fingers. The ink spread in the water. Watching the ink patterns slowly disperse, Qin Wan said in a heavy voice, "We'll know once we find Steward Liu."

…

…

"Young Miss, Prefect Huo and his men searched the entire residence high and low and still didn't find Steward Liu. People from both inner and outer courtyards all say they haven't seen him. Young Miss, has Steward Liu run away?"

Qin Wan frowned. No trace anywhere?

If so, it really seemed he had fled...

Thinking this, Qin Wan's brow furrowed deeply. If Liu Chun was involved with Lady Liu, then the person who killed the Ninth Young Miss in the Purple Bamboo Grove that day was most likely Liu Chun. Perhaps the Ninth Young Miss stumbled upon their illicit affair and was killed for it!

A cold glint flashed in Qin Wan's eyes. If it was Liu Chun, how could she let him escape?!

"What did Prefect Huo say?"

Fuling quickly replied, "Prefect Huo left a few constables guarding the Qin residence gates. Because he found Steward Liu's belongings still in his room, he's afraid Liu Chun might sneak back, or that another incident might occur in the residence. It's too late today. Prefect Huo said they will begin searching Jinzhou City for Liu Chun first thing tomorrow morning."

Qin Wan's frown deepened. "And His Highness Yan?"

Just as Fuling was shaking her head, Wantang's voice sounded from outside the door. "Young Miss, there's someone outside the courtyard asking for you."

Qin Wan's heart stirred. She hurried outside, it must be Yan Chi!

Seeing this, Fuling quickly grabbed the cloak nearby. "Young Miss, be careful not to catch cold..."

It was almost midnight. The Qin residence, shrouded in the mystery of Lady Liu's death, felt desolate and bleak. Qin Wan walked swiftly, Fuling practically running to drape the cloak over her shoulders.

Fuling ran ahead to open the courtyard gate. Sure enough, Bai Feng stood outside.

Seeing Qin Wan approach, Bai Feng said, "Ninth Young Miss, the master is waiting for you."

Qin Wan nodded and stepped out. Indeed, Yan Chi stood at the same small path intersection as before. He held no lantern; only the dim light from a distant lamp cast his shadow obliquely. Qin Wan walked towards him, curtsied, and couldn't help asking, "Has Your Highness gone to see Qin Li?"

Yan Chi nodded. "I have."

As he spoke, he frowned slightly, noticing the cloak on Qin Wan's shoulders had slipped when she curtsied. He naturally reached out and pulled it back up for her, then said, "He said he came to see you last night, took a packet of medicine, returned, decocted and took the medicine, then slept until this morning. He was among the last in the residence to learn about Concubine Liu's incident. He also said his syphilis was contracted from a lady friend and has absolutely no connection with Concubine Liu. The two attendants in his courtyard can attest to that."

Qin Wan nodded upon hearing this. "He did come to see me last night. What happened afterwards, I don't know." She then looked tentatively at Yan Chi. "Does Your Highness believe him?"

Yan Chi neither nodded nor shook his head. "Let's wait until we find Liu Chun. For now, he is not entirely above suspicion."

Qin Wan bowed her head. If she were in Yan Chi's position, she would think the same.

Qin Wan glanced around. The hour was late; the inner quarters of the Qin residence had quieted down. Large sections of the mansion were dark. She asked, "Is Your Highness returning to the Marquis's estate?"

She glanced at Yan Chi's shoulder. "Is Your Highness's wound better?"

Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes, seeming to want to say something, but meeting Qin Wan's gaze, he restrained himself. His tone was casual. "Much better. It's late. I came to inform you before returning to the estate."

He paused, then added, "Before Liu Chun is found, do not let your guard down within the Qin residence either."

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi for a moment, then said, "Please wait a moment, Your Highness," before turning and running back towards the courtyard gate. She ran so hastily that Fuling couldn't react in time. After a few steps, the cloak slipped from her shoulders and fell to the ground. Fuling hurriedly picked it up and softly called Qin Wan's name, but Qin Wan's pace didn't break. Soon, her figure disappeared inside the courtyard gate.

Yan Chi stood where he was, a slow smile curving his lips.

Qin Wan went quickly and returned just as quickly, running again. When she reached Yan Chi, she held a packet of medicinal ointment. "I made this over the past couple of days. Your Highness, take it back and change your dressing."

Yan Chi glanced at Qin Wan's slender, onion-white hands. "You still remembered."

Only then did he accept the ointment. Qin Wan felt momentarily speechless. "Your Highness was away at the military camp these past few days. Since I couldn't see you, I couldn't inquire about your wound..."

Yan Chi's expression remained unchanged. He then asked, "Are you confident about Qin Li's illness?"

At this question, a rare dimness clouded Qin Wan's expression. "Not confident. Although I've prescribed several rounds of medicine, the effects have been poor. I've been troubled by this these past few days."

Qin Wan frowned, lips pressed tightly together, the dimples by her cheeks faintly visible.

Yan Chi inwardly sighed. It seemed she truly faced a difficult challenge...

"His illness is not a minor ailment. You needn't be too anxious. The more anxious you are, the harder it is to resolve."

Qin Wan looked up at Yan Chi. This was the first time she heard him speak so gently. Seeing her gaze on him, Yan Chi added, "I believe in you."

Qin Wan blinked. Yan Chi then looked at her cloak-less shoulders. "Go inside."

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi for a moment, nodded, and turned towards the courtyard gate.

She walked step by step towards the gate, feeling Yan Chi's gaze resting on her back. Her heart pounded for a moment. For some reason, she inexplicably wanted to look back, but somehow she managed to restrain herself. Not only that, she lifted her skirt slightly and quickened her pace even more. Once inside the courtyard gate, Yan Chi's line of sight was finally blocked.

Qin Wan stopped, unsure if she had walked too fast. She took two breaths before her heartbeat slowed.

She smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt and entered the main room with a calm expression.

The night was cool as water. After entering the main room, Qin Wan went directly to the warm chamber. Tonight, Qin Li would likely come again. She wanted to see for herself how Qin Li would react after Lady Liu's incident.

"Young Miss, there's still some time."

Fuling poured a cup of tea and brought it over. Qin Wan, however, sat dazed, seeming lost in thought. Fuling thought to call her again but ultimately remained silent. After an unknown length of time, a tapping sound suddenly came from outside the window.

Both master and servant snapped back to attention at the same time.

Fuling stepped forward and opened the window. Outside, Qin Li was dressed as before.

Without another word, Fuling went to guard the door.

Qin Wan composed her thoughts and stood up, staring directly into Qin Li's eyes.

"Second Brother must know about Eighth Concubine's incident, right?"

Qin Li looked at Qin Wan calmly. "Naturally." He then added, "His Highness Yan has already come to see me. Did Ninth Sister tell him about my illness?"

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. Before she could speak, Qin Li clasped his hands and gave her a deep bow.

"Thank you, Ninth Sister, for preserving my face."

Qin Wan's act was indeed out of kindness. She thought Qin Li might not appreciate it, but he understood.

Qin Wan's expression remained unchanged. "Second Brother previously said this illness wasn't contracted within the residence. Although I intended to cover for you, I still have doubts in my heart. Second Brother and Concubine Liu truly have no connection?"

Qin Li straightened up with a bitter smile. "Ninth Sister, although I frequent brothels and pleasure houses, I still have my preferences. Never mind that Concubine Liu is Father's woman; even if she weren't, I wouldn't fancy someone like her."

He continued, "Ninth Sister may not know, but Concubine Liu originally came from a brothel or a painted boat. However, she entered the residence as a 'pure courtesan.' Even so, she mastered the ways of brothels tenfold. Though beautiful, she was vulgar; her speech and conduct were utterly unrefined. Even the servants in the residence disliked her."

Qin Li's face was full of bitterness, as if Qin Wan's misunderstanding made him want to laugh and cry. "I haven't even exchanged words with her. How could there be any illicit affair? Ninth Sister doesn't believe me? Fine, then I swear to Ninth Sister: if I have any connection with Concubine Liu, may I die of this illness, my intestines rotting, my belly rupturing..."

Curses and oaths held no persuasive power for Qin Wan.

Qin Wan stared straight at Qin Li. "Then why did you tell me not to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove?"

At this question, Qin Wan indeed saw a flicker in Qin Li's eyes. He no longer looked directly at Qin Wan, saying only, "The Purple Bamboo Grove is a forbidden area of the residence. Ninth Sister should not go."

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes slightly. "Only because it's a forbidden area?"

Qin Li nodded, suddenly extending his wrist. "Please, Ninth Sister, feel my pulse."

Qin Wan looked at him. In just a short moment, a thin layer of sweat had broken out on Qin Li's temples. Seeing her stare, Qin Li's brow furrowed tighter and tighter. After a moment, Qin Wan withdrew her gaze and placed her fingertips on Qin Li's wrist. She distinctly felt Qin Li relax.

"Based on your pulse, the condition hasn't worsened, but it also hasn't improved."

Qin Wan frowned. "There's no new medicine today. Keep taking the same prescription. Don't stop washing the affected areas either."

Qin Li withdrew his hand and nodded. "What about tomorrow?"

Qin Wan answered without hesitation. "Come again tomorrow."

"Fine. I'll come again at this time tomorrow night."

Qin Li turned to leave, but Qin Wan suddenly called out to stop him. "Second Brother."

Qin Li's body, half-turned, stiffened slightly, his back tense. Meanwhile, Qin Wan's tone suddenly softened. "Second Brother's illness, though difficult, is not incurable. Second Brother need not be overly worried."

Qin Li's back immediately relaxed. "Yes, I believe in Ninth Sister."

With that, Qin Li strode into the night.

The window remained wide open. A cool breeze swept in. Qin Wan stood by the window, her brow tightly furrowed.

Qin Li's behavior was so strange. The Purple Bamboo Grove definitely held a secret!

…

…

The entire night passed as quietly as usual in the Qin residence. However, the next morning, as the household rose, they saw constables stationed within the residence and immediately realized, the Qin residence was different now. Someone had died in the Qin residence, and the murderer had not been caught!

"Young Miss, are we going to the Marquis's estate?"

Qin Wan, unshaken, paced in the courtyard as usual, eating her meal slightly faster than usual.

"Yes. I'll go to check the Grand Princess's pulse and return."

Fuling nodded and hurried to prepare the cloak Qin Wan would need to go out.

True to her word, Qin Wan didn't delay. After finishing her meal and donning her cloak, she left.

Today she wore a smoke-green, high-collared short jacket with a matching pleated skirt, overlaid with a crow-black hooded cloak. Her figure was graceful and slender, her posture elegant. As she walked, her skirt swayed gently, her demeanor dignified. Wherever she passed, even the Qin residence maids couldn't help but glance at her a few more times. Once outside, Qin Wan boarded the carriage and headed straight for the Marquis's estate.

"Young Miss, they say Steward Liu didn't return to the residence last night. They'll probably search Jinzhou City today."

"The more Liu Chun disappears, the more likely he is responsible for this case."

Qin Wan replied, lifting the carriage curtain to look at the morning streets of Jinzhou. As expected, she saw several teams of yamen constables patrolling the market streets. Qin Wan silently praised Huo Huaixin's efficiency but wondered inwardly: if Liu Chun was indeed the person involved with Lady Liu, and if Liu Chun and Lady Liu, upon being discovered by the Ninth Young Miss, resorted to murder, then capturing Liu Chun would essentially solve the case. But if so, how did it relate to the secret of the Purple Bamboo Grove?

Purple Bamboo Grove... Purple Bamboo Grove... The name swirled relentlessly in Qin Wan's mind.

"Young Miss, could Steward Liu have already fled the city?"

Qin Wan snapped back to attention and shook her head. "If he left the city, someone at the city gates should have noticed. Even if he really did escape, if the search in Jinzhou City yields no results, Prefect Huo will distribute his portrait to the surrounding counties and prefectures. Unless he hides deep in the mountains and never emerges, they'll find him eventually."

Fuling gave a light snort. "Steward Liu always looked lecherous; he never seemed like a good person. By the way, what about Eighth Concubine?"

"Once the yamen finishes the autopsy, they will release the body to the family for burial. Today or tomorrow, the Qin residence can likely proceed with burying Lady Liu according to custom. Most likely, they'll buy a gravesite outside the city."

Hearing this, Fuling couldn't help but sigh. "I didn't interact with Eighth Concubine much. The one or two times I did, I didn't particularly like her. But for a person to suddenly die like that... it's still sad. Steward Liu's nerve was too great, daring to kill someone within the residence. Didn't he think that once authorities were notified, they'd discover Concubine Liu's illness? Wouldn't it be easy to trace it back to him then?"

Qin Wan had been idly watching the market streets outside, but hearing this, she frowned.

"No, that's not right..."

Fuling frowned. "What's not right?"

Qin Wan sat up straight. "That's not it. Initially, we weren't certain it was him. It was only after he suddenly disappeared that we became sure..."

Fuling tilted her head, still not quite understanding. Meanwhile, Qin Wan's expression grew increasingly grave!

Liu Chun didn't know she had seen him and Lady Liu enter the Purple Bamboo Grove. Under those circumstances, what he should have done was conceal himself. Could it be that after learning the Qin residence had reported to the authorities, he deduced he would inevitably be discovered and so fled?

Qin Wan slowly leaned back against the carriage wall. Though it made sense, she still felt something was off.

By the time the carriage stopped at the Marquis's estate gate, Qin Wan still hadn't figured out what specifically felt wrong.

Alighting from the carriage, Qin Wan composed herself and entered the estate, heading straight for the Grand Princess's courtyard.

Inside the courtyard, both the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang were present. Yue Ning even grabbed her as soon as she entered. "We've been waiting for you all morning. Quick, come in and tell us, what happened at the Qin residence?"

Qin Wan first performed the proper greetings before saying, "A concubine passed away."

Madam Jiang gave Yue Ning a disapproving look. "Why are you so impatient? Whether this matter is appropriate to discuss depends on Wan'er herself. You are being very rude!"

Yue Ning looked somewhat helpless upon hearing this. "I asked her; she can choose not to tell me."

Qin Wan shook her head with a faint smile. "It's alright, Madam. Sooner or later, everyone in Jinzhou will probably know. If I tell her now and satisfy the Princess's curiosity, she won't be anxious."

Yue Ning gave a light hum. "That's more like it..."

Qin Wan continued, "A concubine was murdered within the residence. Currently, it appears this concubine was involved in an illicit affair. His Highness and Prefect Huo are still investigating. The murderer hasn't been identified yet."

The Grand Princess frowned. "The Qin family's discipline has always been strict. How could..." She seemed to recall something. "Oh, Master Qin has been ill recently..."

Qin Wan gave a pained smile. "Most likely. This isn't a good matter, but telling Her Highness and Madam shouldn't be a problem."

Madam Jiang quickly said, "Rest assured, Wan'er. It will only enter our ears today and will never leave this room." She shot Yue Ning a reproachful glance, containing a warning.

Qin Wan had come to check the Grand Princess's pulse. After speaking a few more sentences, she shifted the topic to the Grand Princess's condition. After taking her pulse, Qin Wan adjusted the prescription based on the Grand Princess's current health. After sitting for about half an hour, Qin Wan bid her farewell. The Grand Princess and Madam Jiang, knowing the Qin residence was in a troubled time, didn't insist on her staying, only asking Yue Ning to see her out.

Once outside the Grand Princess's courtyard gate, Yue Ning said, "Do you know about Wei Yanzhi's suicide?"

Qin Wan sighed. "I know. His Highness Yan told me last night."

Yue Ning shook her head. "That man... if he truly had deep feelings, how could he have done it in the first place? And now he's filled with remorse. Probably, he finally saw his future path clearly, so he died at the Ten Li Temple, lest he meet Song Rou in the underworld with no peace. One tragedy after another; he himself ended up this way."

Qin Wan's tone was also somber. "It was his own choice. Now he has lost everything. Rather than endure the torture to come, death might be a release."

Yue Ning turned to look at her. "Did you know, previously he wrote down the detailed process of how he killed Song Rou. Because of that, the judicial office and prefect have sentenced him to beheading; he couldn't escape that."

Her eyes grew cold. "He cut off Song Rou's head, went back and stole her wedding dress, then waited until the blood from Song Rou's head stopped flowing before moving the body into the bridal sedan. He tied a handkerchief around Song Rou's neck, covered her with the bridal veil, and managed to deceive those maidservants. They were already afraid of Song Rou. That morning, he also scolded them harshly. They were terrified all day and didn't notice anything amiss. Midway, he deliberately had the carriages and sedan arranged chaotically. Taking advantage when everyone rested, he retrieved Song Rou's head from the sedan window and placed it in his pack. After doing all this, that evening when they arrived at the Marquis's estate, he could still face everyone normally..."

Having calmly recounted this, Yue Ning exhaled. "It truly sends chills down one's spine."

Yue Ning, after all, had limited experience. The more detailed the knowledge, the more horrifying her perception of Wei Yanzhi became. Qin Wan also sighed softly. "This matter is over, Princess. Don't dwell on it."

Yue Ning looked at the estate gate just ahead and stopped walking. "The Qin residence has actually had a homicide case too. Are you safe there? If not, why not stay at the Marquis's estate for a few days?"

A slight curve touched Qin Wan's lips. "Thank you, Princess. I'm naturally fine. Right now, many constables are stationed in the residence, just waiting for the murderer to reveal himself. Please rest assured, Princess."

Yue Ning said no more, seeing Qin Wan onto her carriage.

…

…

Fuling had been listening to Qin Wan and Yue Ning's conversation. On the way back to the Qin residence, she couldn't help sighing. "You really can't judge a person by appearance. Someone might use a thousand faces to deceive others. Like Master Wei, who would have thought he was the murderer? Poor Eldest Master Wei, and the Wei family and Duke Song's household. Song Rou is dead, a grand wedding turned into this... truly..."

Qin Wan took a shallow breath. "Perhaps... it's not entirely pitiable."

Fuling raised an eyebrow. "What does Young Miss mean?"

Qin Wan turned her head to look at the passing street scenes outside the carriage window. "A person's past shapes their present. Wei Yanzhi was a concubine-born son; he suffered much mistreatment before. Coupled with his mother's death, it turned him into this. Eldest Master Wei... even if he bore no malice back then, he must have committed unintended wrongs. And his mother, the Wei family master, Duke Song's household, they all have their faults, more or less. The Wei family and Duke Song's household knew Song Rou was already involved with someone else, yet they still married her off. That was their mistake, a selfish and self-serving one. So, facing these consequences now is only fair. So there's no need to pity them. If we speak of pity, perhaps the Anyang Marquis's household is the one to pity. They did nothing wrong yet suffered this turmoil for no reason. I only hope heaven doesn't make them suffer a second time."

Fuling nodded upon hearing Qin Wan's words. "Young Miss means Wei Yanzhi is not worthy of sympathy."

"Wrong." Qin Wan's tone was gentle yet firm and powerful. Fuling looked at Qin Wan, her clear black-and-white eyes showing confusion. "Isn't that what Young Miss meant?"

Qin Wan's expression turned serious. "I'm not telling you Wei Yanzhi isn't worthy of sympathy. You can sigh and lament, but you cannot justify his actions. Now he sought death and found it; nor is he worth the Princess grieving over him. What I was telling you just now is: never underestimate the power of evil. Any crime or malice can drive a person to unforeseen extremes."

She narrowed her eyes, her voice becoming cool and solemn. "We cannot be sure if we will be hurt by others, but we can ensure we do not become evildoers ourselves. The wounds inflicted on others will always exist. Even after twenty or thirty years, when the scars seem to have healed, they never truly disappear."

Fuling stared dumbfounded at Qin Wan. She had never heard Qin Wan speak like this before. Not just Qin Wan; she hadn't heard such talk from anyone else. She felt these truths, usually profound and mysterious, became simple and understandable when Qin Wan explained them. Moreover, Qin Wan's tone carried an indescribable, poignant sadness that made Fuling shiver involuntarily.

Her young mistress had changed, greatly changed from before.

The carriage was silent save for Qin Wan and Fuling's breathing. After a long while, the carriage slowly stopped. Fuling lifted the curtain to look outside and quickly said, "Young Miss, we're back at the residence!"

Qin Wan alighted from the carriage, only to see the yamen constables previously stationed at the Qin residence's west side gate were gone.

Qin Wan approached and asked the gatekeeper on duty. The gatekeeper hurriedly replied, "About half an hour ago, the yamen people came and took everyone away. Said they're going to thoroughly search Jinzhou City today."

Qin Wan nodded and entered the residence gate. After walking a few steps, she saw several servants carrying a coffin towards the inner courtyard.

Qin Wan frowned at the sight. Fuling, seeing her deep gaze, went over to inquire. She returned shortly. "Young Miss, Concubine Liu's mourning hall is set up in a side courtyard to the west. They said they'll invite a Taoist master into the residence this afternoon, hold a ritual tonight, and take Concubine Liu out for burial tomorrow."

Qin Wan listened, feeling this procedure oddly familiar!

Then she frowned, wasn't this exactly the procedure followed for the Ninth Young Miss?!

A chill ran inexplicably down Qin Wan's spine. Without another word, she quickened her pace back to Tinglan Pavilion.

The courtyard was quiet. Entering the main room, Qin Wan thought of Qin Li's illness and had no choice but to continue studying medical texts. After half a day of effort, she finally made some adjustments to the existing prescription.

Qin Wan wrote out four or five medicinal names separately. "Fuling, take Wanxing and go fetch the medicine!"

Fuling walked over, took the list, nodded, and went out.

Watching Fuling's back disappear through the door, Qin Wan wearily rubbed her sore neck. Syphilis was truly difficult to cure. Even during her studies at Medicine King Valley, she had never heard of any prescription that could definitively cure it. Yet she vaguely remembered her master mentioning an ancient formula. However, her master had only mentioned it in passing; she couldn't recall it clearly now. She could only rely on the medical principles she knew and try them one by one.

She only hoped Qin Li's illness wouldn't deteriorate too quickly; otherwise, even medicine would be powerless. Thinking this, Qin Wan stood up. She had been sitting too long, and her back ached somewhat. Hearing the serene quiet in the courtyard, she simply walked out. Standing under the covered walkway, Qin Wan first glanced towards the side rooms. On ordinary days, the maids would be chatting in the side rooms. Other masters might consider servants lazy for staying in their rooms, but Qin Wan thought it fine. If more people moved about this small courtyard, it would be far too noisy for her.

Qin Wan walked a few more steps outward. The beams above were painted with gold designs; under the eaves hung two moon-over-the-west-pagoda wind lanterns. Qin Wan stretched her limbs, her gaze casually sweeping the surroundings. At this glance, her brow immediately furrowed.

From her vantage point, she could see the side gate adjoining the orchid nursery was slightly ajar!

Annoyance flared. Qin Wan strode towards the side gate.

Who had opened the door this time? Could it be Wanqing again?!

Qin Wan quickly reached the side gate. Sure enough, the side gate was open. Qin Wan pushed it open, intending to see who was in the orchid nursery. But out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a figure in blue disappearing at the far end of the nursery.

Qin Wan froze. The figure wore a blue robe, the most common servant's attire in the residence. Who was it?

Wantang? Wanqing? Or Wanli?!

Her courtyard's main gate faced south; the side gate faced east. And that figure was heading north.

Instead of using the main gate, why use the side gate? What secret was being concealed?

Qin Wan's mind settled. She strode forward and followed. Exiting the orchid nursery, she turned in the direction the figure had disappeared. She thought she had lost sight of the person, but unexpectedly, the figure was still within her line of sight!

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes and hurriedly followed again.

North from the orchid nursery, following the winding corridors westwards, the more Qin Wan looked, the more something felt off. The figure ahead seemed to be heading towards the vicinity of the small lotus pond! Qin Wan's heart immediately began pounding!

The small lotus pond wasn't far from the western back courtyard where Qin Wan had initially lived. Moreover, Concubine Liu's mourning hall was now set up nearby. Was someone from her courtyard going to the mourning hall?!

Qin Wan's heart was filled with shock and suspicion. Following the figure around corner after corner, the figure remained within her sight yet she could never quite catch up. Each time she caught a glimpse, the figure would turn a corner. Apart from seeing a slender build, she couldn't even catch a glimpse of their profile!

At one point, Qin Wan's view suddenly opened up. The small lotus pond she hadn't visited for days was right before her!

But when Qin Wan focused her gaze, the green-robed figure she had been following was nowhere to be seen!

Qin Wan's heart skipped a beat. She scanned the area intently. Suddenly, her eyes fixed on the small path leading to the Purple Bamboo Grove!

She had walked that path before, it was the only small path from the west leading to the Purple Bamboo Grove. And now, amidst the clusters of low bamboo, Qin Wan clearly saw a faint, shadowy figure moving...

Qin Wan was greatly shaken. The Purple Bamboo Grove! That person had actually gone to the Purple Bamboo Grove!

She had missed Steward Liu Chun going to the Purple Bamboo Grove. She hadn't dared to investigate when Concubine Liu went!

Later, Concubine Liu died tragically, and Steward Liu Chun disappeared without a trace. A cold glint flashed in Qin Wan's eyes. This time, no matter what, she should not let go of this excellent opportunity...

Thinking this, Qin Wan stepped forward and followed!