Coroner's Diary

"Miss, someone from the capital has arrived! Second Young Master requests your presence in the front courtyard."

Fuling hurried to the doorway, her voice tinged with surprise. Qin Guan frowned slightly and slowly rose to her feet. Fuling said something to Wan Tang and the others outside before quickly entering to fetch fresh clothes for Qin Guan.

"We don't know who's come. You mustn't be careless, Miss. You should change into something more presentable."

As Fuling spoke, she began rummaging through the wardrobe. Qin Guan shook her head helplessly. "There's no need. This will do."

Fuling paused mid-motion and turned to look. Today, Qin Guan wore a misty green pleated long skirt, over which she had draped a slightly lighter celadon jade-colored cardigan shirt. Her hair was half-coiled in a loose bun, adorned with the celadon jade hairpin Jiang Shi had gifted her earlier. Though her face bore no makeup, her bright eyes and white teeth painted a picture of natural beauty. After studying Qin Guan for a moment, Fuling abruptly shut the wardrobe door. "You're right, Miss. With your natural grace, there's truly no need to change."

Qin Guan chuckled and shook her head before turning to head toward the front courtyard.

Once outside the courtyard, Fuling huffed indignantly. "That Wan Tang... I actually thought she was reliable! Who would've guessed she was the mole in our midst all along!"

She then gave Qin Guan a reproachful look. "You knew all along but didn't tell me..."

Qin Guan sighed. "You can't keep secrets. If I'd told you, it would've revealed that I knew. There are no real secrets in my quarters—better to uncover her intentions sooner rather than later. At first, I didn't know who she served either. It wasn't until Eldest Young Master showed his murderous intent that I understood. But then he died, and with the upheaval in Qin Manor, I knew this day would come. Even without today's staff reductions, I wouldn't have kept her much longer."

Fuling's expression darkened at the mention of Qin Chen. "Eldest Young Master was truly... He must have been terrified you'd remember that night, so he planted someone in your courtyard to monitor whether you'd truly forgotten. What a sinister mind! And to think I once considered him a kind soul."

Her shoulders slumped in dismay. "I really have no judgment at all!"

Qin Guan laughed softly at Fuling's pouting, self-reproaching expression and deftly changed the subject. "Did they say who has arrived?"

Fuling quickly shook her head. "No details, but given the gravity of recent events in Qin Manor, they wouldn't send just anyone. Though who exactly it is remains unclear."

Qin Guan shared this view. Though the Jinzhou branch was only the third lineage of the Qin family, it remained an important one with close ties to Loyal Marquis Manor. Such a significant incident would undoubtedly warrant a serious response.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Qin Guan and Fuling approached the front courtyard. Qin An's quarters had been ransacked and emptied during the investigation, but Qin Li had ordered the reception area cleaned up in recent days, making it at least presentable for guests.

When Qin Guan reached the entrance, she saw Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were already there.The servants waited outside. In the main hall, Lin Shi, looking rather ill, sat on the left side of the central seat, while a silver-robed young man of similar age to Qin Chen and Qin Li occupied the right. Qin Li took a seat below Lin Shi, with Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang sitting beside him. Meanwhile, a middle-aged man in a deep blue robe stood next to the silver-robed youth.

At a glance, Qin Guan noted that Lin Shi and Qin Li’s group appeared unremarkable. In contrast, the silver-robed young man was strikingly handsome. Though he was around the same age as Qin Chen and Qin Li, his bearing and demeanor far surpassed theirs. The middle-aged man standing behind him, though dressed plainly like a servant, carried himself with the composed elegance of a refined scholar. Qin Guan didn’t know who he was, but she instinctively sensed his significance.

Qin Li had been watching the entrance and immediately called out upon seeing Qin Guan, “Ninth Sister is here.”

At this, everyone in the room turned their gaze toward Qin Guan.

Lowering her eyes slightly, Qin Guan stepped lightly into the hall and took her place slightly to the left of the center. She curtsied toward Lin Shi and said, “Greetings, Madam.”

Before Lin Shi could respond, the silver-robed young man laughed brightly, his eyes alight with admiration. “After more than three years apart, Ninth Sister has grown so beautifully that Third Brother hardly recognizes you.”

Qin Guan turned her gaze to meet his eyes. Hearing him refer to himself as “Third Brother,” she instantly understood his identity.

Though the Qin family had three branches, each household was relatively small. This self-proclaimed “Third Brother” was none other than the current heir of the Loyal Marquis Manor—Qin Yan, the eldest legitimate son of Loyal Marquis Qin Shu.

“Greetings, Third Brother,” Qin Guan murmured, lowering her eyes and curtsying again.

Qin Yan’s smile deepened, but his gaze remained lingering and appreciative as he studied her. He was undeniably handsome, and as the heir of a marquisate, he carried an air of innate nobility. His features were refined, his complexion jade-like, and his bright, spirited eyes were accentuated by sharply arched brows. A jade crown held his ink-black hair, adding to his distinguished aura. He resembled every well-bred noble scion Qin Guan had ever seen in the capital. But beyond mere aristocratic bearing, his smiling eyes held a hint of calculation—the look of someone accustomed to navigating power dynamics.

As the eldest legitimate son, he had been named heir shortly after birth. Loyal Marquis Qin Shu was ambitious, and naturally, he had raised his successor meticulously. Qin Yan was evidently the product of such grooming—confident and poised for grand occasions, his eyes brimming with just the right mix of warmth and aloofness, along with deeper contemplation.

Without directly looking at Qin Yan, Qin Guan understood that this heir was far beyond Qin Li’s league. Even among the elite young nobles of the capital, Qin Yan stood out as exceptional.

Qin Yan continued watching her before suddenly rising and retrieving a Jade Token from his sleeve. “Ninth Sister, it’s been three years since you left the capital. Third Brother has missed you dearly. I didn’t bring any grand gifts in my haste, but please accept this Jade Token for now.”

As Qin Yan approached to hand her the token, Qin Guan’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly before she curtsied and accepted it. “Thank you, Third Brother.”Qin Yan smiled with his eyes slightly narrowed, making him appear even more amiable.

Beside him, Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow, while Qin Xiang twisted the handkerchief in her hands tightly.

Qin Yan glanced at Qin Guan a few more times and sighed again, "Over the years, I’ve often wanted to visit Ninth Sister, but I’ve been too busy. Besides me, Father, Mother, and Yu’er have all missed you dearly."

Qin Guan’s eyelids twitched slightly as she listened. Though she had no memories of Ninth Miss, the fact that the Loyal Marquis Manor had sent her to Jinzhou was proof enough that their attitude toward her hadn’t been particularly favorable. Why couldn’t such a grand household tolerate a single young girl? Qin Guan didn’t know the details, so she took Qin Yan’s words as mere polite conversation.

"Over the years, I’ve also missed Third Brother, Uncle, and Aunt very much."

Qin Yan’s smile brightened. "Then do you want to see them?"

Qin Guan froze, abruptly lifting her head. Seeing her sudden reaction, Qin Yan assumed she had been waiting for these words for many years. After all, they had grown up together. Looking at Qin Guan, now blossomed into a stunning beauty, he couldn’t help but reach out and smooth the stray strands of hair on her shoulder as a gesture of sibling affection. "What if I told you I’ve come this time to take you back to the capital? Would you want to return?"

"Back… to the capital?!"

Qin Guan’s voice was hesitant, her shock unmistakable. She had been longing day and night for a chance to go to the capital to investigate her father’s case. Qin Yan’s words now resolved her greatest dilemma.

Watching her reaction, Qin Yan suddenly understood. On his way here, he had gathered a rough idea of the third branch’s circumstances. He knew Qin Guan had not lived well these past few years—she must have been miserable, yearning for the day she could return to the capital. In the past, Qin Guan had been an insignificant presence to the Loyal Marquis Manor, but now things were different.

"Yes, back to the capital. Back then, you fell ill repeatedly, and after consulting a fortune-teller, the Taoist priest said you needed to be sent to a place with favorable feng shui and a warm, humid climate, or your life would be in danger. Father and Mother deliberated many times before sending you here. But now things have changed, so of course we must bring you back to the capital to take proper care of you. Otherwise, how could we face Second Uncle’s spirit in the afterlife?"

Qin Yan spoke to Qin Guan with great warmth, but she couldn’t recall Fuling ever mentioning her illness. Still, none of that mattered now. Whatever the Loyal Marquis Manor’s intentions, being able to return to the capital legitimately was the best possible outcome for Qin Guan. She pressed her lips together. "Since Third Brother has come personally to fetch me, of course I’ll return. It’s been so long since I last visited Father and Mother’s graves."

Qin Yan sighed softly and patted her shoulder. "I knew you were filial. Don’t worry—Father and Mother send people to pay respects to Second Uncle and Second Aunt every year."

"Uncle and Aunt have gone to such trouble for me."

Qin Guan’s voice carried gratitude, and Qin Yan’s smile grew even more relaxed. Having grown up with Qin Guan, he naturally felt closer to her. Her presence almost made him forget the others. Only then did he turn to Lin Shi. "Third Aunt, have you decided?"

Qin Guan had arrived late and didn’t know what had been discussed earlier. She only saw Lin Shi cough lightly, her eyes brimming with reluctance as she looked at Qin Xiang. "Eldest Brother means well, I know. If that’s the case, then let it be so."Qin Yan's smile deepened. "Third Aunt, you needn't worry. Father and Mother have made all preparations. We're only waiting for our sisters to arrive in the capital."

Only then did Qin Guan realize they intended to take both Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang along.

But why now? As Qin Guan pondered carefully, a glimmer of understanding dawned in her eyes.

Both Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang had reached marriageable age. Being far away in Jinzhou made it difficult to find suitable high-ranking matches, especially now that the Qin family had suffered such a disgrace. At this juncture, going to the capital was undoubtedly their best option. Simultaneously, the Loyal Marquis Manor likely needed daughters to facilitate marriage alliances and social connections.

"With Eldest Brother and his wife there, naturally I'm at ease. But Xiang'er and Shuang'er have never been to the capital, so I can't help but worry," Lin Shi said, coughing lightly. With Qin Chen recently departed and now Qin Xiang leaving, she would soon be without any of her own children by her side. How could this not pain her heart? Yet she knew Qin Xiang could only secure a good future by going to the capital.

Qin Yan reassured her, "Third Aunt, there's no need for concern. Not only will Father, Mother and I look after them, but with both sisters being so lovely and charming, they'll surely win many admirers in the capital."

Qin Xiang, who had been displeased at Qin Yan only giving gifts to Qin Guan, brightened visibly at these words.

The Qin Manor was currently mired in scandal. Wherever members of the Qin household went outside these walls, they faced gossip and censure—even the servants couldn't bear it, let alone the young ladies. Though she'd never visited the capital, Qin Xiang knew of its wealth and splendor. Previously, she hadn't given it much thought, but now she recalled all the exquisite jewelry, treasures, and silks sent by the Loyal Marquis Manor—items unavailable in Jinzhou. An intense longing suddenly blossomed in her heart. The capital represented a whole new world where she could leave behind all the filth and disgrace of this household and reclaim her status as an esteemed young lady of the Qin family!

Qin Shuang's eyes also shone faintly, though some hesitation surfaced on her face as if she'd thought of something troubling.

"That's good to hear. Since the heir has come all this way, won't you stay at the manor for a few days?" Lin Shi asked weakly.

Qin Yan quickly replied, "I'm afraid we can't stay long. With the New Year approaching and snow likely to make travel difficult soon, Father and Mother insisted we must bring all three sisters back to the capital before the twelfth month." He paused, then added, "However, since I wasn't present when Old Madam and Third Uncle passed away, I must pay my respects with incense. And the sisters will need time to prepare for their departure. Let's set out five days from now."

Lin Shi nodded, gazing at Qin Xiang with tender affection. Seeing this, Qin Li stood and said, "The heir and Steward Zhou must be weary from your journey. Let me show you to your quarters to rest now. We'll hold a welcoming banquet this evening."

Qin Yan smiled in agreement, then turned to Qin Guan. "Ninth Sister, you have five days to get ready."

Qin Guan lowered her eyes respectfully. "Yes, thank you, Third Brother."

With a cheerful laugh, Qin Yan followed Qin Li out. As they walked, he inquired about recent affairs in the manor. Though Qin Li was older, he answered with utmost deference.Following the two of them out was the middle-aged man in blue robes addressed as Steward Zhou. Whether it was Qin Guan's imagination or not, she felt his gaze deepen slightly as he passed by her.

Once the three had left, Lin Shi called out hoarsely, "Xiang'er..."

Qin Xiang's eyes also showed emotion. Though she longed to go to the capital, her reluctance to part with her mother was genuine. Qin Xiang quickly rose to support Lin Shi, comforting her softly, "Mother, don't worry. With Third Brother here... Mother, let me help you back first."

Lin Shi coughed twice more before being assisted out by Qin Xiang. After their departure, Qin Shuang snorted lightly and stood up.

She eyed Qin Guan and asked, "Is the capital fun?"

Qin Guan looked at her and shook her head. "No."

Qin Shuang said with a tinge of envy, "Everyone says the capital is fun, yet you claim otherwise. Did no one take you out to play before?"

Qin Guan neither confirmed nor denied this. Qin Shuang sighed melancholically, "Staying here certainly isn't good. But I also know that in the capital, people like us would be little better than country bumpkins—probably nothing good there either. And if we leave... what will become of Qiqi?"

Her words weighed heavily on Qin Guan's heart. Seeing that Qin Guan wasn't engaging much, Qin Shuang didn't press further and left with her maid. Qin Guan stood still for a moment before slowly stepping out.

"Miss... we're returning to the capital?!"

As soon as they exited, Fuling looked at Qin Guan with excitement. Qin Guan nodded, a slight smile curving her lips.

No matter what, returning to the capital was her paramount goal. Even with concerns for Yao Xinlan and Qiqi weighing on her heart, she had to stand by this decision. After some thought, Qin Guan led Fuling toward Windward Courtyard.

"Fuling, my memories from before are unclear. Why exactly was I sent to Jinzhou back then?"

Having returned from death for only two months, Qin Guan had been troubled by this. Who would have thought an opportunity to return to the capital would come so soon? Thus, she had asked little about the capital, fearing too many questions might arouse Fuling's suspicion. Now, she could take the chance to inquire.

Fuling, who had been waiting outside, had overheard most of the conversation inside. Understanding Qin Guan's meaning, she quickly said, "Miss, don't listen to what the heir said. It's true you fell ill back then, but... but before you, it was the Eighth Miss who got sick first."

Lowering her voice, Fuling continued. Qin Guan abruptly halted her steps. "The Eighth Miss fell ill first?"

Fuling glanced around before taking Qin Guan's hand. "Yes. At the time, even I was a bit unclear. I only remember the way people in the mansion looked at us—it was as if we had caused the Eighth Miss's illness. Not long after, you did feel somewhat unwell, but to me, it seemed like nothing more than a minor cold. Yet the household treated it with grave importance, even summoning a Taoist priest to perform rites. After that, somehow, we were sent to Jinzhou. I vaguely recall the Marchioness mentioning something about the south being better for your health, but back then, both you and I were too frightened to remember clearly."Qin Guan frowned slightly. This was indeed unusual. Could her illness have been just an excuse, and her being sent away related to that Eighth Miss? Qin Chaoyu, the Eighth Miss, was the eldest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery. Even when Qin Guan was still Shen Guan, she had heard of her reputation. Qin Chaoyu was hailed as the top talented lady of the capital. Though Qin Guan had never met her, the title alone suggested she must be extraordinary.

Qin Guan shook her head. Without concrete evidence and relying only on Fuling’s vague memories, it was hard to draw such a conclusion.

Taking a deep breath, Qin Guan lifted her chin slightly. The capital! She was finally returning to the capital!

Her gaze grew resolute. With no one around, she didn’t bother hiding the surge of emotions in her heart. A long-buried bitterness welled up, making her nose sting. This was a difficult path—one fraught with thorns and darkness. But since Heaven had granted her this chance to return from death, she would walk this road no matter what.

After walking a while longer, Qin Guan finally calmed her emotions. "And who is that steward?"

Since it wasn’t the first time Fuling had heard Qin Guan couldn’t remember the past, she didn’t suspect anything when Qin Guan asked. She quickly replied, "The steward is called Zhou Huai, one of the most trusted stewards by the Marquis."

"One of?" Qin Guan looked at Fuling. Were there multiple stewards?

Fuling nodded eagerly. "There’s also one named Wu Yang, who is also highly regarded by the Marquis."

Qin Guan hummed in acknowledgment, committing the names to memory. "I think I have some impression of them..."

Fuling’s eyes brightened. "It seems Miss hasn’t forgotten everything after all! Could it be that Miss is slowly recovering?"

Qin Guan’s gaze flickered. "Perhaps. Or perhaps it won’t get better at all."

Fuling sighed. "If only there were a way to cure Miss."

Qin Guan looked at her. "There might be a way... I once read in a medical book about a man who fell and injured his head, becoming a fool, but was later cured."

Fuling’s eyes widened. "What?! Even a fool could be cured?!"

"Yes. Do you want to know how?"

Fuling nodded eagerly. "Please tell me, Miss! Maybe it could help you too?"

Qin Guan smiled. "They used a knife to cut open his skull and drain the clotted blood inside..."

Fuling jumped in fright, only realizing Qin Guan was teasing her when she saw the playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, Miss! You were just fooling me! You got my hopes up for nothing! I wouldn’t let anyone harm even a hair on your head, let alone cut open your skull! It doesn’t matter if you can’t remember—you have me, don’t you?"

Qin Guan sighed inwardly at Fuling’s innocence. She hadn’t meant to deceive her, but once they set off for the capital, she would need to ask many more questions. If she didn’t plant this seed first, Fuling might grow suspicious.

Praising Fuling a few more words with a smile, Qin Guan let her accompany her to Windward Courtyard without any suspicion.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, Qin Guan spotted Wan Qing, Qin Shuang’s maidservant. Qin Shuang’s attitude toward Qin Guan had changed, but Wan Qing was still terrified at the sight of her—after all, it was she who had pushed Qin Guan into Crescent Lake over a month ago.

Seeing Wan Qing here meant Qin Shuang had also come to Windward Courtyard. Qin Guan strode straight into the inner chamber and, as expected, found Qin Shuang speaking with Mo Shu. Hearing the commotion, the two turned around, their faces filled with worry."Ninth Miss... Greetings, Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan gently helped Mo Shu up. "How is Eldest Brother's Wife today?"

Mo Shu shook her head. "Still the same, barely speaking. Qiqi slept beside her today, but she hardly moved. Later, when Qiqi cried, it was the wet nurse who comforted her."

Qin Guan frowned slightly and stepped into the inner chamber. As soon as she entered, she saw Yao Xinlan lying on the bed with her eyes closed. Qin Guan approached to check her pulse. Drawing closer, she noticed Yao Xinlan's breathing was somewhat uneven. Keeping her expression neutral, she proceeded as usual while Mo Shu and Qin Shuang stood behind her.

Soon, Qin Guan withdrew her hand. "She’s doing much better than a few days ago. Now, just care for her as you would during a normal postpartum recovery. In another seven or eight days, once the first layer of scab on the wound falls off, Eldest Brother’s Wife can even get out of bed."

Mo Shu felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank goodness... Otherwise, once Ninth Miss leaves..."

Her voice caught slightly in her throat. In the entire manor, Yao Xinlan favored Qin Guan the most, and Qin Guan was also the one who cared for Windward Courtyard the most. Without Qin Guan here, if anything were to happen to Yao Xinlan, Mo Shu truly wouldn't trust any other physician.

With this thought, Mo Shu glanced at Qin Shuang. Though Qin Shuang's temperament wasn't the best, she was still respectful and affectionate toward Yao Xinlan. But now she too was leaving. Once she was gone, Windward Courtyard would truly become lifeless.

"Don't worry, I'll leave behind prescriptions. I'll write down the symptoms and medications in detail so that even if Eldest Brother's Wife takes a turn for the worse, there will be emergency measures. Right now, we need to change her prescription. I'll dictate, and you write..."

At Qin Guan's words, Mo Shu hurried to fetch paper and brush. Qin Guan began, "There are two prescriptions. The first is Sishen Lizhong Wan: six qian of licorice root, three qian each of ginseng, white atractylodes rhizome, and dried ginger. Grind them into fine powder, mix with honey, and form into pills the size of phoenix tree seeds. Ten pills per dose. This treats postpartum deficiency and regulates the qi of the internal organs."

Seeing Mo Shu writing swiftly, Qin Guan paused, waiting for her to finish before continuing, "The second prescription treats postpartum weakness and poor appetite: seven qian of Chinese angelica, five qian each of peony root, ginseng, cinnamon bark, fresh ginger, and licorice root, twenty jujubes, and five qian of dried rehmannia root. Chop these eight ingredients and decoct them in water. Take three doses daily."

Once Qin Guan finished, Mo Shu wrote hurriedly again, then handed the prescriptions to Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, please check if I wrote them correctly."

Qin Guan leaned over and examined them carefully before nodding. "That's correct. Starting today, switch to these prescriptions. Continue with the nourishing diet as before."

Mo Shu nodded immediately. "Understood. I'll go arrange this now. Please wait a moment, Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan nodded, and Mo Shu hurried out with the prescriptions. Qin Shuang stood silently nearby, watching Qin Guan with a peculiar gaze. As the room emptied, leaving only the two of them, she seemed uneasy and muttered, "I'll go see Qiqi," before turning to leave. With Qin Shuang gone, only Qin Guan and Yao Xinlan remained.

Qin Guan turned to look at Yao Xinlan, who still lay with her eyes closed as if asleep.

She leaned over and gently tucked the blanket around Yao Xinlan.

"Eldest Brother's Wife, envoys from Loyal Marquis Manor in the capital have come to take the three of us sisters there. We depart in five days."

Qin Guan spoke as if not expecting a response. Seeing Yao Xinlan remain motionless, she continued, "Once Sixth Sister and I leave, only you will remain. Qiqi will only have her wet nurse left."

"If Eldest Brother's Wife can't overcome this hurdle, what will become of Qiqi? In the half-month since her birth, she's only been surrounded by servants and wet nurses, with only her aunts showing concern. Her own mother pays her no attention. My heart aches for Qiqi."

Qin Guan spoke quietly, her tone calm yet laden with piercing weight.

She reached out and brushed aside the stray hairs at Yao Xinlan's temple. "Qiqi is very endearing, just as you imagined. But you haven't treated her the way you once hoped you would."

With a sigh, Qin Guan gazed at Yao Xinlan a moment longer before turning to leave.

Outside, Mo Shu was returning and looked surprised to see Qin Guan emerge. Qin Guan turned toward the Warm Chamber. "I'll go see Qiqi."Mo Shu hurried after her and saw Qin Shuang already playing with Qiqi in the Warm Chamber. The tiny baby was soft and delicate, her cheeks like tender pink dumplings. Qin Shuang held her in her arms, cooing endearments as if she were the most precious treasure.

Watching this scene, Mo Shu felt her nose sting at the thought that in a few days, no one would dote on Qiqi like this anymore.

Qin Guan stayed in the Warm Chamber for an hour before finally heading back. As she reached the gate of Orchid Isle Courtyard, she was surprised to see Qin Li waiting there. She approached him and asked, "Second Brother, what are you doing here?"

Qin Li gazed at her with deep, unreadable eyes but said nothing, only letting out a quiet sigh.

Understanding dawned on Qin Guan, and she glanced at the Plum Pox Sores on his neck. After a moment, she gestured politely, "Second Brother, come inside to talk."

Fuling opened the courtyard gate, and Qin Guan entered first, with Qin Li following behind until they reached the Warm Chamber.

"Second Brother, please sit and extend your hand," Qin Guan instructed.

Qin Li hesitated briefly but complied, sitting down as asked.

Qin Guan stepped forward to take his pulse. After a moment, her fingers stilled, and a faint light flickered in her eyes as she withdrew her hand. Qin Li pulled his sleeve back down. "Ninth Sister, I didn’t come here to—"

"The damp-heat toxin in your body has been suppressed," Qin Guan interrupted, her tone carrying a note of relief.

Qin Li froze. He had been about to say something else, but her words left him momentarily speechless. Swallowing hard, he asked hesitantly, "Ninth Sister, what does this mean…? Could it be…?"

Qin Guan nodded. "As long as the damp-heat toxin is suppressed, there’s hope for a full recovery."

Qin Li’s eyes widened, the dimness in them replaced by a bright glow. His fists clenched tightly as if to contain his overwhelming emotions. "R-Really?"

Qin Guan nodded again. "Take this prescription for three more days, then switch to a new one. Within half a month, you may be completely cured."

At this, Qin Li shot to his feet, his chest heaving violently. After a long pause, his eyes grew moist. "Ninth Sister, how… how can I ever thank you?"

Qin Guan turned away and shook her head. "Consider it my act of merit—saving a life is worth more than building a seven-story pagoda."

Though momentarily silenced by her words, Qin Li still smiled. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he said, "Ah, Ninth Sister, I didn’t come here just for my illness. I wanted to ask—since you’re leaving soon, is there anything I can do to help?"

This took Qin Guan by surprise. After a pause, she shook her head. "There’s no need."

Qin Li’s expression dimmed slightly, disappointment flickering across his face. After a moment’s thought, he pulled out a stack of banknotes from his sleeve. "Ninth Sister, this is all I can spare right now. Shuang'er has saved quite a bit over the years, and Xiang'er doesn’t need my concern. But you—you came with nothing, and now you’re leaving the same way. These notes can be exchanged in the capital. Take them with you."Qin Guan turned around to see Qin Li holding a stack of banknotes, each with a denomination of one hundred taels. Altogether, it likely amounted to over a thousand taels. Qin Guan understood that Qin Li had spent lavishly in his wilder days, and as a concubine-born son, he wasn't as wealthy as Qin Chen. This thousand taels was probably all the money he had. She studied Qin Li for a moment, noting the solemn sincerity in his eyes with no hint of testing her. After a brief consideration, she reached out and took only the top note. "This hundred taels will suffice as Second Brother's consultation fee. Please take the rest back."

Qin Li frowned immediately. "Ninth Sister—"

Qin Guan handed the banknote to Fuling and said firmly, "That's settled. I appreciate Second Brother's kindness, but you should keep the rest for yourself. Qin Manor isn't as prosperous as before, and you may need to cover household expenses in the future."

Qin Li hesitated, but Qin Guan's gaze remained resolute and clear.

Defeated, Qin Li sighed. "Very well. If Ninth Sister refuses, I won't press further."

Relieved, Qin Guan said, "I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness." After a pause, she added, "I've been tending to Eldest Brother's Wife's health, but I won't be able to continue after five days. I must trouble you, Second Brother."

Understanding her meaning, Qin Li nodded quickly. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of her and the child."

Qin Guan gave a soft "Mm." Seeing no further reason to stay, Qin Li bid her farewell and left Orchid Isle Courtyard. Once he was gone, Fuling exclaimed in astonishment, "Heavens! How much silver was that? Such a thick stack..."

Qin Guan teased her, "What, are you disappointed I didn't take it all?"

Fuling gave a wry smile. "This servant isn't so greedy. It's just that I've never seen so much silver in my life! Taking a hundred taels was just right—it's still a considerable sum."

She waved the banknote in her hand. "We'll need funds for the journey, after all."

Then she asked, "Miss, we still have quite a few belongings. Should we take everything?"

Qin Guan tilted her head in thought. "Take all the valuables—we do need the money. Also, the medical texts I collected, and... our clothes as well. We can't leave the medicinal herbs behind either. As for the larger items that are difficult to transport, send them to Windward Courtyard."

Fuling nodded. "Understood. I'll start organizing everything early. I wonder how much Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss will bring."

Qin Guan waved dismissively. "No need to worry about them. Let's focus on our own preparations. The journey will take over a month, and it'll grow colder as we head north. We should pack some winter clothing too."

Fuling agreed. "Yes, I'll begin packing now. If we find anything missing later, we can always purchase it."

Qin Guan nodded and stepped out of the Warm Chamber toward the inner quarters. Fuling spoke up again, "Since you're leaving, Miss, should we inform the Marchioness? And what about Grand Princess and Madam?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Naturally. Prepare a gift—we'll visit the Marquis's residence tomorrow."

At this thought, a trace of melancholy crept into her heart. Over these past two months, the Yao family had treated her with the utmost kindness. Though she had dreamed day and night of going to the capital, she hadn't expected the day to come so soon. Amid her excitement, she also felt an unexpected sense of loss.In a guest courtyard not far from Orchid Isle Courtyard, Qin Yan stood by the window and asked, "What does Steward Zhou think?"

Zhou Huai stood tall behind Qin Yan, a faint smile appearing on his calm and steady face. "Ninth Miss has indeed changed tremendously."

"And what about those rumors?" Qin Yan pressed further.

Zhou Huai pondered for a moment. "I believe they are true."

Hearing this, Qin Yan fell silent for a while before suddenly asking, "Is Prince Rui's heir also in the city?"

The composure in Zhou Huai's voice vanished, replaced by a touch of gravity. "Given the current circumstances, the heir should not associate too closely with imperial relatives who are not of Prince Yong's faction. This is something the Marquis has repeatedly emphasized."

Qin Yan smirked briefly. "Yet I've heard that Ninth Miss is getting rather close to His Highness Chi."