Coroner's Diary

Sun Muqing never expected to encounter Qin Guan here. His eyes brimmed with delight, momentarily forgetting even the pain of having his arms twisted by the men behind him. "Miss Qin! How could it be you?"

His exclamation stunned not only Qin Guan but also Qin Yan and Qin Shuang.

Qin Guan frowned slightly, while Qin Yan reacted swiftly, asking, "Ninth Sister, do you know this man?"

Qin Guan looked at Sun Muqing, her emotions momentarily complex. She nodded and said, "Yes, we met a few times in Jinzhou. He even helped examine Third Uncle's illness. He's no villain."

Understanding her implication, Qin Yan glanced at the attendants and gave a nod.

Immediately, Sun Muqing was released. Straightening up, he showed no resentment for being restrained, instead looking between Qin Guan and Qin Yan. "So you're Miss Qin's brother—"

Qin Yan regarded Sun Muqing. "Since you're an acquaintance of my ninth sister, my apologies for the earlier offense."

Qin Yan, ever quick-witted, promptly adjusted his demeanor. Sun Muqing grinned foolishly. "No harm done, no harm done. As they say, no discord, no concord. I was the one acting rashly just now."

With that, Sun Muqing clasped his hands and bowed to Qin Yan. "I am Sun Muqing of Lianzhou."

Qin Yan's eyebrows lifted slightly. "I am Qin Yan, third in the Qin family lineage." After a pause, he added, "Young Master Sun hails from Lianzhou—could you be related to the Sun family of Medicine King Valley?"

Sun Muqing's smile widened, his eyes brightening. "Third Young Master Qin has a keen eye. I am a nineteenth-generation disciple of Medicine King Valley." He then sighed with some emotion. "I didn't expect so many to know of Medicine King Valley."

Qin Yan found his words somewhat amusing. Glancing back and seeing no skepticism from Qin Guan, he accepted Sun Muqing's background. A chance encounter was one thing, but learning Sun Muqing was from Medicine King Valley made him tread carefully.

Though Medicine King Valley stayed clear of court politics, their ability to revive the dead had many nobles vying for their favor. Qin Yan was no exception. Moreover, Sun Muqing bore the Sun surname—disciples of this lineage differed from other external disciples. These direct descendants might one day inherit the title of Medicine King or at least wield significant influence within the valley. Outwardly, they appeared detached, devoted to healing, but in reality, they were entangled in webs of power and wealth.

"Medicine King Valley is renowned throughout Great Zhou. Even children know its name. I truly apologize for not recognizing you earlier, Young Master Sun."

Qin Yan bowed again, and Sun Muqing hastily returned the gesture. "No need, no need. I wasn't aware Miss Qin was staying ahead. I presume Third Young Master stationed guards to prevent any impropriety toward her?"

Qin Yan smiled and nodded. "Exactly so. Little did I expect to offend a friend."

Sun Muqing waved his hand dismissively, then turned to Qin Guan. "Might I ask why Miss Qin and Third Young Master are here?"Qin Guan gazed at Sun Muqing with complex emotions, a bitter taste lingering in her mouth. After their last parting in Jinzhou, she had assumed Sun Muqing was still in the city. To her surprise, not only had he left Jinzhou, but their paths had crossed again. She wondered if this was some unfinished fate between them. Glancing at Qin Yan, she heard him explain, "Indeed, I'm escorting several sisters from the Qin Manor in Jinzhou to the capital. Due to recent delays, we had no choice but to rest in this remote mountain area."

Sun Muqing suddenly understood, "No wonder there are so many carriages and horses in the courtyard." He then looked at Qin Yan and said, "So, Third Young Master is from the Loyal Marquis Manor—"

Not just any young master, but the heir. Qin Yan smiled and nodded without elaborating. Sun Muqing seemed inexperienced in worldly affairs, his words and actions lacking the usual polish and shrewdness. His naive simplicity carried a touch of natural charm, making him rather amusing.

"Exactly so. And how did Young Master Sun come to be here?"

At Qin Yan's question, Sun Muqing chuckled. "Well, I grew up in Lianzhou and rarely ventured out. But in recent years, Medicine King Valley has struggled to find disciples who meet my master's standards. So, he stopped accepting outsiders and instead sent us—those raised in the valley—to gain experience. Whether by healing the sick or discovering those with exceptional medical talent, if fate allows, we invite them back to the valley to carry on Medicine King Valley's legacy and benefit the world."

Qin Yan's eyes filled with admiration. "Is the venerable Medicine King in good health? Such a noble aspiration is truly unique to Medicine King Valley. I am deeply impressed—"

No one dislikes praise, and Sun Muqing took Qin Yan's words at face value, his smile widening. "Master is in good health, though he recently entered seclusion again. I left Lianzhou two months ago, heading south. I first met Miss Qin in Jinzhou. I had intended to stay there to inquire about a certain physician, but a few days later, I heard rumors of a plague in a village at the foot of Cloud Mist Mountain in Yuanzhou. The symptoms described sounded severe, so I rushed here, arriving two days ago."

Sun Muqing spoke cheerfully, his handsome face perpetually lit with a smile, as if nothing could trouble him. Qin Yan, recalling Wei Changfu's words, quickly asked, "And what have you discovered, Young Master Sun?"

At this, Sun Muqing finally showed a hint of frustration. "Upon arriving, I found the village wasn't as chaotic as I'd imagined, nor did it seem plagued. I suspect the villagers are suffering from some strange illness. But these past two days, whenever I tried to inquire, they treated me like a ghost. The moment they learned I was an outsider, they turned cold."

Qin Yan couldn't help but think of his own group's experience and sighed wryly. "The villagers believe outsiders bring misfortune and despise strangers. We faced the same hostility earlier. Do you still plan to continue your inquiries?"

Sun Muqing nodded, though his expression turned slightly awkward. "I'd like to, but... my funds are limited. I can't stay here indefinitely..."Qin Yan quickly interjected, "Travel expenses are no trouble at all. Since Young Master Sun is a friend of our Ninth Sister, he is naturally an honored guest of Qin Manor. If you're short on funds, please don't hesitate to say so."

Sun Muqing waved his hands hurriedly, "No, no, that wouldn't be proper. That's not what I meant at all."

Qin Guan looked at Sun Muqing and sighed, "Young Master Sun, did you spend all your silver on medicine for patients during your journey?"

At this question, Sun Muqing scratched his head awkwardly, "Miss Qin is truly perceptive."

Qin Guan sighed inwardly. She knew Sun Muqing too well. She couldn't understand how their master had allowed someone with his temperament to descend the mountain alone. Turning to Fuling, Qin Guan gave her a meaningful glance. After a brief moment of confusion, Fuling quickly retrieved a small money pouch from her sleeve. Qin Guan offered it to Sun Muqing, "Young Master Sun, please accept this modest sum. Don't think poorly of it."

Sun Muqing took a step back, waving his hands even more vigorously, "No, no, no, no! I really can't accept this. That wasn't my intention at all..."

Qin Guan stepped forward, "If Young Master Sun refuses, does that mean you don't consider me a friend?"

Sun Muqing froze, "Of course not."

"Then please accept it."

Qin Guan stubbornly extended her hand. Sun Muqing looked at her with his head tilted and brows furrowed, clearly torn. Qin Guan kept her hand outstretched before him until, after a long pause, Sun Muqing finally accepted the pouch with slightly flushed cheeks, "Thank you, Miss Qin. I'll consider this a loan and will repay you without fail."

As Sun Muqing took the pouch, Qin Guan withdrew her hand, "That can be discussed later." After a pause, she added, "If your inquiries here prove fruitless, Young Master Sun, you should leave this place soon."

Qin Guan found the village peculiar and thought it dangerous for someone of Sun Muqing's temperament to remain here alone.

Sun Muqing nodded eagerly, "Yes, I was thinking the same."

Qin Guan nodded in return, then glanced at the heavy snowfall in the central courtyard before turning to Qin Yan, "Third Brother, the snow is quite heavy. We'll likely need to depart early tomorrow morning."

Qin Yan's eyes showed concern, "Indeed. It should be just over an hour until dawn. You should all rest now. Tomorrow morning, dress warmly—we'll need to make an early start for Yuanzhou City."

Qin Guan nodded and turned to Sun Muqing, who quickly said, "Miss Qin, please go rest. I only came this way because I saw the snow and wanted to check how much had accumulated in the courtyard... I didn't mean to alarm the guards."

Unable to prolong the conversation and feeling the bitter cold, Qin Guan curtsied slightly before turning toward her room. Qin Shuang, who had accompanied Qin Guan, whispered as they walked back, "I never expected to meet your friend here..."

Qin Guan sighed, "Neither did I..."

Qin Shuang smiled. The lodging was a square compound with guest rooms on three sides surrounding a central courtyard. Watching the heavy snow fall through the square opening above, Qin Shuang showed no concern. She even stepped forward and scooped up a handful of snow, causing Wan Qing to exclaim in alarm, "Young mistress! Be careful you don't catch cold!"Qin Shuang held a handful of snow to her nose and sniffed it, then flung her hand upward, scattering the snowflakes like celestial blossoms. For a moment, the snowflakes showered over her and Wan Qing. Hearing the commotion, Qin Guan, who had just reached the doorway, turned back to look and couldn't help but smile.

There was still over an hour before dawn. Though Qin Guan's emotions were tangled upon seeing Sun Muqing, she dared not be careless, knowing they had to travel the next day. The brocade quilt still held warmth as she slipped out of her outer robe and curled beneath it, forcing herself to fall asleep quickly.

Exhausted from the journey, Qin Guan soon drifted off and slept until broad daylight. When she opened her eyes, the unusually bright sky outside startled her, and she sat up abruptly.

Sitting up, she noticed Qin Xiang still asleep on the nearby bed, with Wan He and Xiu Zhi keeping watch beside her. Only Qin Shuang was missing. Seeing this, Wan Xing hurried over from the doorway. "Miss?"

Qin Guan glanced out the window again, her heart sinking. "Weren't we supposed to leave at daybreak?"

Wan Xing lowered her gaze briefly and sighed. "The snowfall last night was too heavy. Half an hour ago, the young master sent someone to check, and they said the snow on the roads is too thick for the carriages to pass."

At this, Qin Guan's brows furrowed tightly.

She dressed swiftly, and Wan Xing helped her into a thick, dark blue cape—the warmest one Qin Guan had prepared, lined with white fox fur around the collar. Framed by the fur, Qin Guan's delicate features and bright eyes shone even more radiantly, like the moon. Wan Xing stared at her for a moment before accompanying her outside.

As soon as she stepped out, Qin Guan spotted Qin Shuang playing with snow under the corridor. The sound of the door opening caught Qin Shuang's attention, and she turned around. "You're up! We can't leave today—come quick, let's make a snow doll!"

Qin Guan sighed at Qin Shuang's boundless energy. While everyone else was likely frustrated by the delay, only Qin Shuang could still laugh and play. Qin Guan sighed again—perhaps it was for the best.

She walked over and saw Qin Shuang's hands and face red from the cold, yet the girl remained utterly absorbed, seemingly unfazed. Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh and shake her head. She used to make snow dolls often before she turned ten but had rarely done so since.

Glancing around, Qin Guan noted that the snow, which had been two fingers deep last night, now reached half a foot, and the snowfall showed no sign of stopping, still swirling down with the biting wind. Spotting figures near the main hall, she headed straight there.

Inside, Qin Yan and Zhou Huai were speaking with Wei Changfu.

Wei Changfu looked pitiful as he explained, "Young masters, we truly have nothing left. With no business at the inn, we didn't stock extra provisions. Just me and two workers go out every half-month to buy supplies, and now even our own reserves are nearly gone. In this bitter cold, we can't even get fresh vegetables..."

Qin Yan frowned deeply but turned when he noticed Qin Guan. "Ah, Ninth Sister, you're awake?"

Qin Guan nodded and approached as Qin Yan impatiently waved Wei Changfu away.

"What's the matter, Third Brother?"Qin Yan lifted his chin, indicating the heavy snow outside. "With this snowfall, the roads here will be difficult to traverse. The carriage likely won't make it, and our fodder is running low. Steward Zhou sent someone to check—it's indeed impassable. We'll have to wait until the snow stops and melts a bit before we can set off. I'm afraid we'll be stuck here for two days."

Qin Guan's heart sank slightly. Qin Yan continued, "All the food we have on the carriage is dry rations. In weather like this, enduring without hot meals is tough, and we don’t even have enough dry provisions. I thought of paying the innkeeper to find a solution, but he couldn’t do anything either."

Qin Guan steadied herself and asked, "Where are we heading next?"

"To Guanyin Town. On a clear day, it would take us from dawn till dusk to get there, let alone in snowy weather. Now that it gets dark early, even if the carriage could move, traveling at night would be extremely risky. There aren’t even any villages along the way."

Qin Guan fell silent. It seemed they really would have to stay here for two days.

"Ninth Miss, don’t worry. It’s just a bit of hardship. Once the snow stops, we can leave," Zhou Huai suddenly spoke up, as if concerned that Qin Guan might be frightened.

Qin Guan shook her head, a faint smile curving her lips. "I know. I’m not worried. As long as we’re all safe and sound, that’s what matters."

Zhou Huai nodded. Qin Yan added, "It’s too cold outside. I’ll have the innkeeper bring a few braziers to your room later. You should go inside and stay warm to avoid catching a chill."

Seeing no point in staying outside, Qin Guan had no choice but to return to her room.

As she passed by Room No. 1, she glanced inside, but the door was tightly shut, and not a sound could be heard. Qin Guan wasn’t sure if Sun Muqing was still asleep or had already left. Though she felt a pang of worry, she knew it wasn’t her place to ask, so she simply returned to her own room.

Soon after, Fuling came in with a pot of hot tea. "It won’t do to go without drinking water. This is snowmelt Xiu Yun and I collected this morning. We borrowed Wei Changfu’s kettle and cleaned it thoroughly many times before using it. It should be fine."

A large pot of hot tea was placed on the table, and Fuling opened a food box they had brought from the carriage.

"Miss, come have some pastries."

Qin Guan walked over to the table just as Qin Shuang, who had been playing in the snow outside, came in. Her hands and face were red from the cold, but her expression was brimming with excitement. "Ah, hot tea! I’m freezing—"

Xiu Yun chided softly, "And whose fault is that, Miss?"

Qin Shuang snorted, wiped her hands, and grabbed a teacup. She then snatched a pastry and took a big bite. The sight of her eating so heartily actually stirred Qin Guan’s appetite a little, and she too began nibbling on a pastry. Meanwhile, Qin Xiang had woken up but seemed too lazy to get out of bed. Seeing this, Wan He brought over some pastries and a cup of hot tea, delivering them right to Qin Xiang’s bedside.

As the sisters were eating in the room, a faint strain of music suddenly drifted in. For a moment, everyone froze. Fuling was the first to react. "Miss, it’s funeral music... Who has died?"

Having recently attended a funeral at Qin Manor, Qin Guan and the others were all too familiar with the mournful tune. As soon as Fuling spoke, they all recognized it. Qin Guan took another sip of tea and instinctively stood up, walking to the window.

Standing by the window, the music grew clearer—and it seemed to be heading straight for their inn.Amid the howling wind and heavy snow, accompanied by mournful funeral music, Qin Guan felt a slight stir in her heart. She draped her cape over her shoulders and was about to step out when Qin Shuang, seeing her leave, also set down her meal. "I’ll go too—"

With those words, Qin Shuang threw on her cape and followed Qin Guan out the door.

The two women, each accompanied by their maids, left the house. As soon as they stepped outside, they saw Qin Yan and Zhou Huai also heading toward the main hall. Qin Guan and Qin Shuang hurried after them. Upon reaching the entrance of the hall, they saw Wei Changfu standing at the doorway, his face ashen as he stared outside.

The inn had no walls, only a fence encircling it. Though sturdy enough, the gaps between the wooden slats allowed a clear view of the outside. Qin Yan, Qin Guan, and the others strode to the entrance and looked out. Sure enough, the funeral procession had arrived right in front of the inn. The village’s procession consisted of just over a dozen people—far less grand than Jiang Shi’s funeral. Every one of them wore coarse hemp mourning garments, but leading the procession was an elderly woman in her sixties.

Despite the number of mourners, the funeral was strikingly simple. There was no coffin—only a stretcher covered with a white cloth, carried by two men. Behind them followed a few villagers, young and old alike.

"Manager Wei, what’s going on—?"

Qin Yan’s question made Wei Changfu’s expression shift several times before he muttered, "Another death…"

Then, he glanced up at the roof of the inn’s main hall and murmured, "Heaven protect us, gods and bodhisattvas, please keep this inn safe…"

"Manager Wei? What exactly is happening?"

When Wei Changfu didn’t respond, Qin Yan pressed again. Wei Changfu gave a bitter smile as he watched the slow-moving procession trudging through the snow. "That old woman at the front is Old Woman Feng from the east end of the village. Her son and daughter are already dead, and she only has a granddaughter left. By the looks of it, it seems her granddaughter has met misfortune."

At his words, everyone turned their attention to the funeral procession, with Qin Guan observing particularly intently.

Meanwhile, Wei Changfu spoke with a shudder, "Who knows how she died. The village hadn’t seen a death in two months—I thought the worst was over. How could this happen again…"

His voice carried a tremor of lingering fear. Just then, a cold gust of wind lifted the white shroud covering the deceased. Qin Guan caught a glimpse of a pale, emaciated hand before the cloth settled back down. Her brow twitched.

"Manager Wei, yesterday you mentioned—how did those who died half a year ago look?"

Wei Changfu’s eyes flickered. "When they died… their eyes were wide open, and their bodies convulsed…"

At this, both Qin Yan and Qin Guan frowned. Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. "Didn’t you say they were covered in pox marks when they died?"

Wei Changfu’s gaze darted again. "Ah… yes, yes… I must have misremembered…"

Qin Yan’s expression darkened. "Are you deceiving us, Manager Wei?!"

Wei Changfu hastily waved his hands. "No, no, I wouldn’t dare mislead esteemed guests like you… It’s just… I only heard these things from others. Maybe… maybe there are different versions of the rumors, and I wasn’t sure which one to say."

Hearing this, Qin Guan and Qin Yan were instantly furious.Seeing the uneasy expressions on their faces, Manager Wei quickly smiled apologetically. "To be honest with you all, I'm not originally from this village either. Because I opened this inn here, I've long incurred the displeasure of many villagers. So I really have no way of getting accurate information about these matters."

Qin Guan looked at Wei Changfu and suddenly felt this man couldn't be trusted either. When she turned to look at the funeral procession again, the group had already moved far away. Staring blankly at the direction they had gone, the image of that hand she had seen earlier resurfaced in her mind.

Wasn't the deceased supposed to be Feng's granddaughter? But that hand didn't look like it belonged to a young girl...

"Ninth Sister?" Qin Guan was so deep in thought that she only snapped out of it when she heard Qin Yan's call.

Coming back to her senses, she saw Qin Yan looking at her with concern. "Ninth Sister, what's wrong?"

Qin Guan's thoughts wavered. "It's nothing..."

Beside them, Fuling chimed in, "Miss, were you lost in thought just now? You didn't respond when the Young Master called you."

Fuling understood Qin Guan better and knew she became deeply absorbed when pondering matters, whereas Qin Yan was simply worried that Qin Guan might have seen something ominous from the funeral procession.

Qin Guan nodded quickly, "I was just thinking about what Manager Wei mentioned—what exactly caused the death of Feng's granddaughter."

Upon hearing this, Qin Yan said, "Ninth Sister, don't dwell on such things. It's inauspicious."

Understanding his concern, Qin Guan promptly agreed. Qin Yan then instructed Manager Wei to keep more charcoal burning and urged Qin Guan and Qin Shuang to return to their rooms. Naturally, Qin Guan didn’t reveal too much of her thoughts and obediently went back.

As they walked, Fuling whispered, "Miss, don’t overthink it. We’ll be leaving soon anyway—what happens in this village has nothing to do with us."

Qin Guan nodded. "Don’t worry, I was just thinking aloud..."

Fuling sighed, "I knew the moment you saw this, you’d grow curious."

Qin Shuang, following behind, chimed in, "Another death? This village is truly strange. Now I feel this snowfall is ill-timed. If something happens, we’re stuck in this wilderness..."

Fuling gave a wry smile at her words but reassured her, "Don’t worry, Sixth Miss. Nothing will happen."

Qin Shuang was merely voicing her thoughts. After all, the inn wasn’t some shady establishment, and they had plenty of Qin Manor guards. Though their journey was delayed, she didn’t expect any real trouble. Yet, little did she know, trouble would come knocking within the hour!

"Village Chief, this is the place! Those outsiders from last night are staying here!"

A tall, lean man carrying a hoe led the way, shoving open the gate of Changfu Inn and striding into the courtyard. Behind him, over fifty village men—including Village Chief Huang Wenshan of Sanyuan Village—followed, armed with hoes, machetes, and even homemade bows. Their eyes burned with fury as they stormed toward the inn’s entrance.

The commotion startled the horses in the yard, making them whinny in alarm. Wei Changfu stepped outside at the noise and paled at the sight of the angry mob. Forcing a smile, he asked, "Village Chief Huang, what’s the meaning of this?"

Huang Wenshan, a gaunt old man in his sixties bundled in thick cotton robes and leaning on a cane, glared at Wei Changfu as if he wanted to tear him apart. "Are the outsiders who arrived last night staying here?"

Wei Changfu shivered under his gaze and nodded. "Yes..."

The moment he spoke, the villagers raised their weapons threateningly. Wei Changfu stumbled back in fear as Huang Wenshan snapped coldly, "Go tell them—they must leave Sanyuan Village immediately."

Wei Changfu’s eyes widened before he forced a strained laugh. "Village Chief, what’s this about? Why drive them out?"

Huang Wenshan sneered. "Old Woman Feng’s granddaughter is dead—you know that. Evil spirits have been plaguing our village, and we’ve had no incidents for two months. Then these outsiders show up, and suddenly there’s another death! Besides, I’ve warned you before—no outsiders are to stay in the village!"

Wei Changfu’s eyes darted nervously. "But Village Chief... in this heavy snow, with delicate young ladies among the guests, forcing them out would be sending them to their deaths!"Huang Wenshan glanced at the carriages and horses in the corner of the yard. "However they came in, they can leave the same way. I don’t care if they’re women or men—they’re the ones who brought misfortune to Sanyuan Village. Old Woman Feng’s daughter is already dead. Who’s next? If they don’t leave, they’re pushing us to our deaths."

"Get out! Get out—"

The shouts of over fifty men rose in unison. These rough village men wouldn’t hold back, and if a real conflict broke out, Wei Changfu feared his small inn would be torn apart. Wei Changfu clasped his hands and bowed to the crowd outside. "Alright, alright! Everyone, wait a moment, just wait. I’ll go talk to them now..."

Wei Changfu hurried anxiously toward the guest rooms, but before he could reach them, he saw Qin Yan and Zhou Huai approaching. Clearly, Qin Yan had already heard the commotion outside. Wei Changfu rushed up to him, his face full of distress. "Young Master—"

Qin Yan waved his hand dismissively. "Where did these unruly peasants come from?! Manager Wei, are you really going to drive us out?"

Wei Changfu forced a bitter smile. "It’s not that I want to drive you out, Young Master, but they do! I run an inn here. If I offend them, and you leave, what will become of me? Please, for your own sake, leave now while it’s still early. You might still find shelter from the snow..."

Qin Yan, having grown up in privilege, was furious at the thought of being threatened by a bunch of peasants. The idea of yielding never crossed his mind. "How absurd! You took so much money from us for lodging, and now you expect us to leave just like that?"

Wei Changfu quickly replied, "I’ll refund it! I’ll return every penny to you, Young Master—"

Qin Yan sneered. "Take it when you want, return it when you want—that’s not how business is done, Manager Wei." With that, he turned to Zhou Huai. "Tell the guards and coachmen to stand at the entrance of the main hall. Let’s see what these village men can do."

Though Zhou Huai seemed thoughtful, he immediately relayed the order. Soon, all the guards and coachmen from the rooms and corridors moved to the entrance. Though outnumbered, the Qin Manor guards were all skilled fighters, each armed with a sword. The cold gleam of their blades alone was enough to intimidate.

Wei Changfu nearly wept at the sight. "Young Master, Young Master! Please, don’t harm the villagers! You don’t understand—the customs here are uncivilized. The villagers are stubborn and fiercely protective of their own, and most know nothing of the law. If a fight breaks out, they’ll fight to the death. Just show them your strength, but don’t hurt anyone..."

Zhou Huai, standing behind Qin Yan, whispered, "The heir is right."

Just then, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang emerged. Qin Guan had heard the noise outside and sensed trouble, so she waited a moment before coming out to assess the situation. Having traveled extensively in the northwest with her father, she was well acquainted with such fierce local customs. Knowing it was unwise to confront the villagers head-on, she stepped forward and said, "Third Brother, leaving today isn’t the best solution. Why don’t we find a compromise? How about we leave first thing tomorrow morning? Just one more night—once the snow stops, we’ll suffer less on the road. And if we set off early, we can cover more ground."Qin Yan was initially unwilling, but who knew Zhou Huai was the first to voice his agreement. "Young Master, what Ninth Miss says makes sense."

Qin Yan might not have valued Qin Guan's opinion alone, but with Zhou Huai also expressing agreement, he had no choice but to reconsider. Gritting his teeth, he turned to Wei Changfu. "Fine, then you go and tell them. We will leave first thing tomorrow morning."

Frustrated, Qin Yan's tone was especially cold. Wei Changfu also felt this was a compromise and immediately headed outside to relay the message. At the entrance of the main hall, the Qin Manor guards stood solemnly, but instead of being intimidated, the villagers grew even more agitated. Before Village Chief Huang could even respond to Wei Changfu's proposed compromise, others began shouting:

"No! We can't wait! What if someone else dies tonight?"

"Exactly! Last night, they disturbed every household, and then disaster struck. We're already being merciful by not offering them to Old Woman Feng's granddaughter as sacrifice—how dare they negotiate with us!"

"Now! Get them out of your place immediately!"

"Don't think we're scared just because they have a few servants! No matter how noble they are, they have no say today!"

Wei Changfu had been about to mention the distinguished status of Qin Yan's group, but hearing this, he swallowed his words. Village Chief Huang Wenshan stared coldly at Wei Changfu. "You heard them. Their words are mine."

Wei Changfu forced a bitter smile. "Village Chief Huang, the guests aren’t refusing to leave, it's just that—"

"Enough talk! If they leave, we’ll back off. If not, we’re not afraid of their swords!"

Seeing the villagers and the chief’s unyielding stance, Wei Changfu had no choice but to return to the guest quarters. Qin Yan and the others had been listening to the commotion outside, so they already knew the villagers' stance without needing further explanation.

Qin Yan frowned and sneered. "Let’s see what kind of unruly mob we’re dealing with—"

With that, he strode out before Wei Changfu could even try to dissuade him. Zhou Huai quickly followed. Qin Guan and Qin Shuang exchanged a glance before also heading toward the main hall. In moments, Qin Yan reached the entrance. He surveyed the scene outside, then fixed his gaze on Village Chief Huang Wenshan. "You must be the esteemed Village Chief."

Huang Wenshan regarded Qin Yan expressionlessly. "Do you have something to say, young master?"

Qin Yan narrowed his eyes. "Upon arriving in your esteemed village, we heard that incidents began occurring half a year ago—long before we came. These deaths were already happening here. Why blame us now? I understand your concerns, but we’ve already paid for our lodging. We’ll leave—tomorrow."

Huang Wenshan was silent for a moment. "Have you made your decision, young master?"

Qin Yan lifted his chin, exuding an air of authority. However, he wasn’t facing ordinary villagers but a lawless mob. His demeanor only further incited their anger.

Huang Wenshan’s slender eyes narrowed. "If you refuse to leave, then we’ll have to help you depart."As he spoke, Huang Wenshan took a step back, and the villagers armed with weapons surged forward in an instant. Zhou Huai swiftly pulled Qin Yan behind him, while the guards of Qin Manor simultaneously drew their swords and sabers. The tension between the elite soldiers and the unruly villagers erupted into a palpable killing intent. Yet, at this critical moment, a clear and composed voice rang out.

"Please, everyone, stop—"

The voice was as gentle as jade, yet carried an inexplicable frost-like chill. At these words, everyone froze, and the villagers, their eyes blazing with fury, turned toward the courtyard entrance.

Amid the pristine white of the snowy landscape, two men in white robes stood at the gate of Laifu Inn.

In an instant, the previously aggressive and angry villagers transformed, eagerly greeting the newcomers.

"Divine Doctor Sun is here—"

"Divine Doctor Sun, what brings you here—"

The sudden shift in the situation left Qin Guan and Qin Yan inside the hall momentarily stunned. Just as they were trying to make sense of it, another familiar voice chimed in, "Senior brother, senior brother! The friends I mentioned are right inside that house!"