Qin Guan's mind flashed with realization—that familiar sweet yet pungent scent was exactly the same as what she had encountered on that servant last night. Her heart pounded wildly as she glanced around and suddenly noticed scattered fragments of spilled medicinal herbs on the ground. Though she couldn't clearly identify them, the scent alone told her it was licorice root.
Meanwhile, Sun Haoyue had approached. As a fellow physician, he showed no fear of the dead, but the gruesome sight of Da Cheng's body evoked a trace of sorrow in his eyes.
Dong Shu, standing nearby, asked in surprise, "Young Master, what do you mean? You know the reason behind this murder?!"
Song Li, who had been arrogant in front of Dong Shu, instinctively tempered his demeanor in Sun Haoyue's presence. "Divine Doctor Sun... you know why this happened?"
Sun Haoyue cast another glance at Da Cheng's body. "Over two months ago, I treated a young girl who suffered from paralysis in her limbs. Her condition was too severe, and she eventually passed away. At the time, her mother accompanied her, but it seemed she also had a father."
Dong Shu's eyes widened in sudden understanding. "Ah, yes! Now I remember! The Young Master saved many people back then, but that child was too ill... You couldn't save her..."
Listening quietly, Qin Guan felt a chill creep down her spine.
Song Li frowned skeptically. "Divine Doctor Sun, are you suggesting this is revenge from the girl's parents?"
Sun Haoyue narrowed his eyes, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I don't know. But with two deaths in the household, both victims having their limbs severed... it makes me think of that incident."
"But... is that really possible? Killing someone just because the treatment failed?"
Song Li seemed doubtful, but Qin Guan's heart sank. It was entirely possible. The depths of human malice were beyond ordinary comprehension. Sun Haoyue bore the title of Miracle Doctor, and patients came to him with immense hope. Yet when he couldn't fulfill their expectations, some people—those who might not even be grateful if helped—would instead nurture resentment. Losing a child was already a tragedy, but if compounded by other grievances, they might project all their despair and fury onto others.
The killer hadn't planned Da Cheng and Xiao Songzi's deaths—they were crimes of opportunity. Qin Guan studied the bloody handprint on the windowsill, then looked southward. "Isn't this place quite close to Divine Doctor Sun's courtyard?"
Dong Shu nodded quickly. "Exactly. This Small Medicine Depot used to be the Grand Pharmacy, where the Young Master prepared and researched medicines. Beyond the Grand Pharmacy lies the Benevolence Courtyard." He paused. "Ninth Miss, what are you thinking?"
Qin Guan frowned. "The first time, when Xiao Songzi was killed, the murderer might have passed through here. And now, they struck directly in the Small Medicine Depot. I suspect Divine Doctor Sun is right—because both times, the killer may have been trying to reach the Benevolence Courtyard. But since the courtyard is heavily guarded and frequented, the killer hesitated. Filled with hatred yet fearful, they vented their rage on whoever crossed their path."Qin Guan's words sent a chill down Song Li's spine. He seemed to see a blood-soaked murderer lurking somewhere in the mansion, knife in hand—anyone who encountered this killer would meet their end.
"Uncle Dong, does this Small Medicine Depot usually get many visitors?"
At Qin Guan's question, Dong Shu immediately turned to her. "Not many. Although the door isn't locked, people don't just come and go as they please. Anyone taking medicine would come to me first. In the past six months, nothing has gone missing from here."
Qin Guan nodded and turned her attention back to the bloodstains on the floor. Though the medicine storage was crowded, she was the only woman present. Today she wore a narrow-sleeved jade-colored gown embroidered with silver lotus patterns, draped with a dark green cape. She stood out like a verdant mountain peak against a vast expanse of snow. If Sun Haoyue resembled a frost-born celestial being, then Qin Guan was the immortal spirit who could bring spring to all things. As she moved toward the window from the darkest corner of the room, Song Li noticed an inexplicable radiance about her that seemed to repel the gloom and bloodstains in the chamber.
"Young Master Sun, do you remember the servant we encountered on our way back last night?"
Qin Guan suddenly spoke as she crouched down. Medicine was scattered across the floor—half soaked in Da Cheng's blood, the other half spread further away. She picked up several pieces of licorice root before standing and turning to Sun Muqing.
Sun Muqing hesitated briefly. "Last night? Ninth Miss, do you mean the servant who bumped into Fuling?"
Qin Guan nodded. "Exactly. You might not have noticed, but when he passed by, he carried the distinct scent of medicine—sweet yet pungent, undoubtedly licorice root. And look here—the floor of this Small Medicine Depot is strewn with licorice."
Sun Muqing's eyebrows rose slightly. Even from a distance, he could tell what Qin Guan held was indeed licorice root. "Ninth Miss, are you suggesting...?"
"While licorice has a medicinal scent, simply brushing against it wouldn't leave such a strong odor. I suspect the person we encountered last night must have spent considerable time in this medicine depot—perhaps even stayed overnight."
As she spoke, Qin Guan glanced toward the innermost corner. "This Small Medicine Depot sees few visitors and is relatively close to Benevolence Courtyard. If someone were hiding here, they'd rarely be discovered. Two days have passed since Xiao Songzi's murder, and with the freezing weather outside, the killer would certainly need shelter..."
"Ninth Miss, are you saying the person we saw last night was the murderer?!" Sun Muqing's eyes widened as a chill ran through him.
Dong Shu also looked startled, while Song Li's brows knitted together. "What? You saw the killer last night?!"
Sun Muqing quickly clarified, "No, we merely encountered someone on our way back—a man dressed as a servant, carrying a snow broom. He appeared nervous yet respectful when he saw us. Since we don't know all the servants, we assumed he belonged here. I wouldn't have suspected him if Ninth Miss hadn't pointed it out!"
Qin Guan remained deep in thought, her brow slightly furrowed. Song Li's eyes suddenly brightened at this revelation. "So... the killer isn't originally from the mansion at all? With the estate being so large, the murderer could be hiding anywhere!"With a cold laugh, Song Li continued, "Since no one is lying, this should be much simpler. Just gather all the servants and search every corner of this mansion, right?"
Song Li quickly made the decision. Neither Qin Guan nor Sun Muqing spoke. In principle, it was straightforward, but given the mansion's vast size, actually finding the culprit wouldn't be easy.
"Steward, go summon everyone immediately. Make sure every single person is accounted for."
Dong Shu nodded, then glanced at Sun Haoyue. "Young Master—"
"You handle it. If this is truly the case, then the fault lies with me. Once the culprit is caught, give those two a proper burial. For the rest, you may discuss with Constable Song and Qin Shizi."
As Sun Haoyue spoke, his expression grew even more detached, the ethereal air about him intensifying. He turned to Qin Guan and Qin Yan. "My apologies for dragging you into this matter."
Qin Yan hastily clasped his hands in respect. "Miracle Doctor, you needn't say such things. Please tend to your wife—there’s no need to worry about matters outside."
Sun Haoyue nodded. Though his face showed no smile, he didn’t come across as aloof. Instead, his compassionate demeanor commanded instinctive reverence. Without further pleasantries, he turned and walked out.
Song Li blinked as he watched Sun Haoyue leave, momentarily speechless. Among all the masters of crime scenes he’d encountered, Sun Haoyue was the most peculiar. On one hand, he seemed deeply compassionate—yet he rarely appeared when deaths occurred in his own household, making it seem as though he wasn’t particularly concerned about the case. On the other hand, despite this apparent indifference, he bore the title of Miracle Doctor and had saved countless lives.
Song Li shook his head, not daring to comment further, and turned to Dong Shu. "Steward, proceed as we discussed earlier."
Dong Shu nodded. Song Li then faced Qin Yan, bowing respectfully. "Shizi, for the search of the mansion, I must ask you, Young Master Sun, and Miss Qin to return to your courtyards. It would be best if all servants and attendants remain together to avoid any mishaps."
Qin Yan nodded and glanced at Qin Guan. Seeing she had no objections, he turned and left.
While Qin Yan departed, Qin Guan remained, studying the Small Medicine Depot. Earlier, Dong Shu had mentioned there was also a Grand Pharmacy in the mansion. Given the abundance of medicines stored here, the Grand Pharmacy must be even larger...
As Qin Yan exited, Qin Guan also moved toward the door. Walking slowly, she examined the medicine cabinets on either side, feeling a sense of awe. Sun Haoyue had only purchased this mansion half a year ago, yet it was already stocked with such an extensive collection of medicinal herbs. Not only that, but he had also cultivated many in the western tea garden. Was he planning to reside here permanently?
But even if he were, there was no need to essentially open a medicine shop within the mansion...
Qin Guan’s gaze shifted thoughtfully. Then she recalled that Sun Haoyue frequently treated patients—and without charging fees. With this realization, she felt a surge of admiration for him.Perhaps it was a habit from her medical training, but as Qin Guan walked, she instinctively pulled open a few drawers of the medicine cabinet to glance inside. She had never run a pharmacy before, but back in Medicine King Valley, there had been many such medicine storages. When she first started and couldn’t recognize all the herbs, she would examine them drawer by drawer. Over time, she had honed her skills to the point where she could identify herbs just by their scent.
Acting on a whim, Qin Guan casually opened a few drawers out of habit. The first two were fully stocked, suggesting they weren’t frequently used. But when she reached the third drawer, it was completely empty. She raised an eyebrow—had the Small Medicine Depot run out of notoginseng powder? It didn’t strike her as particularly odd. The thought made her recall the disoriented man she had encountered that night. His condition likely resembled madness—what medicine would Sun Haoyue have used?
Based on her own judgment, Qin Guan mentally drafted a prescription. Her gaze swept across the shelves, quickly locating the relevant herbs. After a brief hesitation, she still opened the drawer...
Dong Shu and Song Li had already stepped out, leaving only Sun Muqing in the room. He seemed to be examining Da Cheng’s body. Separated from Sun Muqing by the medicine cabinet, Qin Guan felt a flicker of unease as she opened the drawer—was this akin to stealing knowledge?
With a soft clatter, she opened the first drawer, only to find it still fully stocked. Her heart sank. She checked the next one, but it, too, was full. The unease in her chest dissipated, replaced by a cold emptiness. Had her prescription been wrong? Unwilling to concede, she checked several more drawers in quick succession—seven or eight in total—but all were fully stocked. Qin Guan froze, as if doused with icy water.
This wasn’t the ideal time to study medicine, yet a stubborn determination rooted her in place. She had never been entirely confident about treating madness, and Yao Xinlan’s case had only deepened her interest in the condition.
Throughout her journey, she had often pondered it, believing that while her prescription might not be entirely accurate, at least a few of the herbs would have been correct. Yet now, it seemed she hadn’t gotten a single one right...
Just then, a figure appeared at the Small Medicine Depot’s entrance—Dong Shu had returned with two servants to collect Da Cheng’s body. Clinging to a final shred of hope, Qin Guan asked, “Dong Shu, how often are the herbs here replenished?”
Dong Shu paused mid-step and smiled. “Usually once a month. The last restocking was a month ago. With winter’s chill setting in, the young master has been tending to the mistress and hasn’t gone out. Few patients have come seeking treatment, so we haven’t needed to restock recently. Your question reminds me—once this snow melts, we’ll need to replenish everything.”
Qin Guan’s lips curved slightly, but her heart remained cold. It wasn’t about competitiveness—she had always trusted her medical skills, yet this time, she couldn’t even grasp the basics...
“Then... Dong Shu, are the herbs in the residence stored here and in the Grand Pharmacy?”Dong Shu knew that Qin Guan had some medical knowledge, so he wasn’t surprised by her questions. He smiled and explained, “Not exactly. The Small Medicine Depot only stocks common herbs, while the Grand Pharmacy houses rare and precious ones, primarily tonics for the young mistress’s health. It’s called the Grand Pharmacy because the young master spends most of his time there, and it’s equipped with tools for preparing medicines. Usually, when the young master treats outsiders, he writes prescriptions and has his attendants fetch the herbs from the Small Medicine Depot.”
Qin Guan nodded. “I see… Dong Shu, you may go about your duties.”
Dong Shu smiled and headed deeper inside, while Qin Guan stood before the medicine cabinets, feeling somewhat disheartened. The herbs were replenished monthly, and the missing ones revealed which treatments had been used in the household recently. From Dong Shu’s explanation, it was clear the Grand Pharmacy was exclusively for Madam Sun’s use, while Sun Haoyue prescribed medicines for others from here. The mentally disturbed patient she encountered had been treated just three days prior, yet the medicine storage hadn’t been restocked since. This was enough proof that Sun Haoyue hadn’t used any of the herbs she had prescribed.
“Ninth Miss, is something wrong?”
Seeing Qin Guan lost in thought before the cabinets, Sun Muqing quickly approached.
Snapping out of her reverie, Qin Guan composed herself and replied calmly, “It’s nothing. I’m just surprised by how well-stocked the household is. The herbs here might even surpass those in some external pharmacies.”
Sun Muqing chuckled. “That’s why it’s called the Herb Garden. From what I gather, my senior brother intends to stay here long-term. Not only does my sister-in-law require regular medication, but he also needs herbs for treating others, including the household servants.”
Qin Guan nodded, keeping her expression neutral, though her heart remained unsettled. She wanted to ask Sun Muqing about his treatment methods but hesitated, fearing he might notice something amiss. Suppressing the thought, she steadied herself and changed the subject, turning her gaze to Da Cheng’s corpse. “Young Master Sun, have you noticed anything?”
Sun Muqing shook his head. “The wounds are similar to Xiao Songzi’s. The killer likely didn’t even change weapons.”
An inexplicable unease rose in Qin Guan’s heart. At the far end, two male servants had placed Da Cheng’s body on a wooden plank, preparing to carry it out. Qin Guan stepped aside, and Sun Muqing did the same.
Da Cheng’s blood had long since drained. Though his limbs had been severed, the fatal wound was in his chest and abdomen. Unlike Xiao Songzi, Da Cheng seemed to have struggled violently—his clothes were disheveled.
The two servants lifted Da Cheng onto the plank and arranged his limbs neatly before carrying him out. The aisle between the cabinets was narrow, so Qin Guan stood aside. As the servants carefully passed by her, she felt a pang of pity. But as her gaze swept over Da Cheng, she frowned.
Da Cheng’s bloodstained clothes had obscured her earlier view, but when the servants moved him, his collar loosened further. From her vantage point, Qin Guan could now faintly make out a wound on his chest.In the Great Zhou Dynasty, it was believed that one's body, hair, and skin were gifts from one's parents and should not be lightly damaged. Thus, medical treatments rarely involved surgical procedures. However, the Medicine King Valley, the foremost authority in medical arts, was an exception. Ancient texts within the valley recorded that ancestors of the Sun clan had once scraped poison from bones and even performed skull surgeries to cure headaches. Though these accounts sounded horrifying, Qin Guan deeply admired the Sun lineage's exceptional medical skills. In the Medicine King Valley, only the most outstanding disciples were personally taught such techniques by the valley master.
Qin Guan was fortunate to be one of them, which was why she dared to perform abdominal surgery to save the Grand Princess.
She also knew well that the wounds left by a physician's incisions were distinct. The scar on Da Cheng’s chest was no ordinary one—it resembled a centipede, clearly stitched up. Had Da Cheng been injured before? Or had he suffered from an illness?
Qin Guan stared blankly as Da Cheng’s body was carried away. Meanwhile, Qin Yan, who had already stepped outside, grew impatient waiting for her and returned to the doorway. "Ninth Miss, we must return to the courtyard now..."
Snapping out of her daze, Qin Guan nodded and hurried out, her mind in disarray.
"Why are you so slow? We need to go back. Let’s all gather in Third Brother’s courtyard and call Fifth Sister too. Staying together will keep us from being afraid," Qin Shuang muttered, nudging Qin Guan when she noticed her distracted expression. "Hey, are you listening?"
The touch snapped Qin Guan out of her thoughts, and her unease dissipated slightly. Her focus returned to finding the culprit, and she quickly nodded. "Alright, let’s go to Third Brother’s courtyard..."
Sun Muqing, walking beside her, whispered, "Ninth Miss, what’s wrong?"
Qin Guan glanced at him. Sun Muqing had arrived at the Herb Garden the same day they did, though earlier. Like her, he likely knew nothing.
Pressing her lips together, she shook her head. "Nothing. I was just wondering where the killer might be hiding now."
Sun Muqing surveyed the sprawling estate. "This place is too big and too empty. He could be lurking in any corner."
Qin Guan nodded silently, then spotted Aunt Lin and another servant carrying a roll of white silk toward the Small Medicine Depot. She called out, "Aunt Lin, what are you doing?"
Startled, Aunt Lin turned and hurried over to bow before answering, "Da Cheng needs to be prepared for burial. We can’t let it be too shabby. This is to set up the ancestral hall for him and Xiao Songzi."
Qin Guan nodded, then asked casually, "Earlier, I noticed Da Cheng’s wounds were worse than Xiao Songzi’s. He must have fought with the killer. Was he usually in good health?"
At this, Aunt Lin’s eyes reddened. "No, not when he first arrived. He seemed to have some illness, but the young master treated him, and he gradually grew stronger. Back then, he was the first patient the young master cured. We all said he was blessed. Who would’ve thought... now..."Seeing this, Sun Muqing quickly comforted Aunt Lin, but Qin Guan felt a strange sensation in her heart. Aunt Lin wiped the corners of her eyes and said, "The young master treats every servant with kindness. We servants get along extremely well, just like one big family. Now that Xiao Songzi and Da Cheng have suddenly passed, this servant's heart truly aches."
Only after speaking did Aunt Lin realize she had been somewhat improper and immediately added, "Look at me, delaying Young Master and Miss Qin's time. Constable Song said they would search the residence. Young Master and Miss Qin should hurry back. This servant takes her leave."
After Aunt Lin departed, Qin Guan and Sun Muqing continued walking forward. Meanwhile, Qin Shuang and Qin Yan had also overheard Aunt Lin's words. Qin Shuang said with reverence, "I never imagined there were people like Divine Doctor Sun in this world. I've never seen a master treating illnesses for household servants before. Since Divine Doctor Sun is so kind, Madam Sun's condition will surely improve."
Qin Yan also smiled and said, "Good deeds bring good rewards. Madam Sun will naturally be fine."
Sun Muqing's tone carried a hint of pride as he spoke, "To tell the truth, Senior Brother Haoyue truly had the best temperament among all our senior brothers. When I was little, I always followed him around—no, I should say all the children in Medicine King Valley followed him back then. He excelled in both scholarship and medical skills, earning our master's highest regard. Later, when he grew up and married, he temporarily left Medicine King Valley. Even in his absence, our master often held him up as a model to inspire us. The kindness in me was learned from him. Sometimes I think how unfair Heaven is—someone as virtuous as Senior Brother and a sister-in-law equally kind-hearted, yet they fell ill."
Qin Guan felt a pang in her heart listening to Sun Muqing. Though she didn’t share his long-standing admiration for Sun Haoyue, as fellow disciples of Medicine King Valley and knowing how many lives he had saved with his benevolent heart, she deeply sympathized with the couple. Yet she understood all too well how unjust Heaven could sometimes be.
"Young Master Sun, don’t worry. With Divine Doctor Sun’s miraculous skills, curing Madam Sun is only a matter of time," Qin Shuang offered some comforting words.
Sun Muqing nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes, it will—it must—"
"Divine Doctor Sun has been working so hard to save so many people. Do you think he’s doing it to accumulate blessings, hoping Madam Sun will recover?" Qin Shuang murmured after walking a few steps. Hearing this, Qin Guan halted abruptly. Earlier, she had found it odd that so many servants in the household had been cured by Sun Haoyue, but Qin Shuang’s words made her understand.
Saving others and saving his wife weren’t directly related, yet sometimes people clung to such beliefs. Even someone as formidable as Sun Haoyue, when faced with the challenge of his wife’s illness, might place hope in the idea that good deeds bring good fortune.
Qin Guan believed neither in Buddha nor the Dao, but she knew people sometimes needed faith—not necessarily in religions or omnipotent deities, but in the guiding principles of their hearts. Faith was the foundation of one’s journey through life, the reverence when faced with moral choices. Buddhists revered the Buddha, Daoists sought immortality, and those who believed in karmic justice performed good deeds.
As she walked, Qin Guan recalled that blood-soaked, fiery night when she had questioned her own beliefs. Yet when she awoke in Ninth Miss’s body, she felt a flicker of gratitude toward Heaven—was this her reward for goodness?
The more she thought, the lighter her heart grew, and the earlier unease dissipated. She said nothing more, simply following Qin Shuang to Qin Yan’s courtyard. As soon as they entered, Qin Shuang announced, "I’ll go call Fifth Sister…"
She left quickly—and returned just as swiftly, alone.
Qin Yan asked urgently, "Where’s Fifth Sister?"
Qin Shuang forced a stiff smile. "She’ll be here soon."Qin Guan was puzzled at first, but moments later, Qin Xiang arrived gracefully in a water-pink dress. The exquisite gown was tailored from fine silk gauze, and as Qin Xiang moved with delicate steps, the skirt billowed like mist. A gentle breeze stirred, sending ripples through the pink haze. It was an ethereal and airy dress, yet given the winter season and the recent death, Qin Xiang's overly vibrant attire struck an uncomfortable chord. Not only that, but her Cloudy Hair was elegantly coiled, her face adorned with makeup. Today was supposed to be a day when everyone was preoccupied with catching the murderer, yet her appearance suggested she was dressing up for a New Year's banquet. Sun Muqing widened her eyes as she stared at Qin Xiang...
Before long, Sun Muqing moved closer to Qin Guan and whispered, "Ninth Miss, does Fifth Miss always dress so elaborately at home?"
Qin Guan watched Qin Xiang, feeling somewhat helpless. Meanwhile, Qin Shuang quickly sidled up to her and snorted softly, "She’s never like this at home..."
Sun Muqing looked incredulous. "Then why...?"
Qin Shuang snorted again. "She has her own motives. A death means nothing to her, and she’s not afraid of the murderer coming for her. Today, someone is returning..."
Her sarcastic tone left Sun Muqing half-understanding, half-confused. Qin Guan shook her head, unwilling to explain further. Nearby, Qin Yan frowned at Qin Xiang’s outfit. If she dressed like this every day, it wouldn’t be so noticeable, but since her attire wasn’t always so refined and opulent, today’s ensemble seemed particularly deliberate.
And Qin Yan knew exactly why she was being so deliberate.
"Why do we all have to gather in one place just for a search of the courtyards?"
Qin Xiang entered the room with perfect poise. Though Qin Yan felt some displeasure, he showed none of it on his face and merely replied calmly, "The murderer’s whereabouts are unknown. This search might force him to flee, so staying together serves two purposes: to avoid suspicion and to ensure our own safety."
Qin Xiang dared not ignore Qin Yan’s words and quickly nodded. "I see. Thank you for your concern, Third Brother."
Qin Shuang pursed her lips and leaned toward Qin Guan. "I was the one who went to fetch her, yet she only has praise for Third Brother. How ungrateful. Next time, I won’t bother calling her."
Qin Guan offered a faint, bitter smile and patted Qin Shuang’s arm in consolation.
Qin Xiang took her seat and turned to Qin Yan. "Third Brother, I heard another person died today?"
Everyone had known about the death since early morning, yet Qin Xiang was only asking now. Qin Yan inwardly shook his head but refrained from making an issue of it with a young girl. "Yes, another male servant was killed."
Qin Xiang’s brows furrowed slightly, and she fell silent. Qin Shuang, as if reading her mind, tilted her head toward Qin Guan’s ear. "She’s probably thinking how unlucky it is that someone died—and also wondering why Young Master Bai still hasn’t returned after all these days. Look at how she’s dressed today—utterly shameless. I didn’t even dare wear my red cape after the death, yet here she is, all dolled up. Hmph, this is what comes of being raised by Madam Lin..."
Having left Qin Manor and nursing grievances, Qin Shuang didn’t hesitate to drag Lin Shi into her complaints.Qin Guan merely smiled without speaking and headed towards the small Warm Chamber nearby. Waiting was always tedious. Qin Shuang clung to Qin Guan, chattering incessantly. Though Qin Guan only responded to every three sentences Qin Shuang spoke, it was still better than sitting there idly. Qin Yan and Sun Muqing were engrossed in their own conversation, leaving Qin Xiang alone in the hall. Zhou Huai stood guard at the entrance, and soon, Qin Xiang grew restless.
"How much longer must we wait? I'd rather return to my own courtyard. With the doors and windows shut, what danger could there possibly be?"
Impatient, Qin Xiang complained, prompting Wan He to quickly soothe her, "Please be patient, Miss. This is the young master's order."
At the mention of Qin Yan, Qin Xiang exhaled sharply, "If it weren’t for Third Brother’s sake, I wouldn’t have come at all!"
Wan He sighed in relief. In the past, Qin Xiang had appeared gentle and magnanimous, but that was only because she was the most favored in Qin Manor. When everything naturally went her way, she had no reason to reveal her less pleasant side. Now, however, things were different. At least on the surface, Qin Yan treated the three sisters equally. On the contrary, Qin Shuang’s constant shadowing of Qin Guan inadvertently highlighted Qin Guan’s status. Moreover, Sun Muqing’s prior acquaintance with Qin Guan made Qin Xiang seem even more isolated and forlorn. Thus, while she managed to maintain composure in public, in private, Qin Xiang’s temper grew worse by the day.
"I wonder when the young master of the Bai family will return today?"
After sitting for a while longer, Qin Xiang suddenly murmured. Wan He glanced down and noticed Qin Xiang’s exquisite makeup and resplendent attire, presenting a strikingly beautiful appearance. Though somewhat inappropriate, it clearly reflected her girlish sentiments. Wan He sighed, "Miss, don’t be impatient. The young master of the Bai family will surely return—if not today, then tomorrow."
Qin Xiang shook her head, "But... haven’t you seen? They’re searching the courtyards now. If they find the murderer, the case will be solved. Once the case is closed, how can we stay here? The snow has stopped too..."
While everyone else rejoiced at the cessation of snow, Qin Xiang’s tone was filled with regret. Wan He could only smile bitterly inside, "Miss, there will be plenty of time in the future. Isn’t this also an opportunity to see how much the young master of the Bai family cares for you?"
Qin Xiang frowned slightly, seeming lost in thought for a moment, "I don’t care how much he cares for me."
Having spent the past few days visibly lovestruck, Qin Xiang’s sudden statement left even Wan He stunned, "What do you mean, Miss?"
Clutching her handkerchief tightly, the emotion in Qin Xiang’s eyes faded, replaced by a trace of melancholy, "How many men in this world are truly constant in their affections? Just look at Father..."
Wan He hadn’t expected such words from Qin Xiang and was momentarily at a loss, "Then what does Miss intend to do...?"
"I merely admire the young master of the Bai family’s appearance and his family’s status."
With no one else in the main hall, Qin Xiang lowered her voice to confess her true thoughts. Wan He remained dumbfounded, feeling a mix of pity, bitterness, and bewildered amusement. With such intentions, Qin Xiang was bound to vie for her desires, but this also meant she might resort to even more outrageous actions...
"Miss, the Bai family isn’t the most prestigious in the world. Once we reach the capital, there will be many more nobles and royals..."Wan He whispered her advice, hoping to steady Qin Xiang's thoughts first, but Qin Xiang shook her head. "Do you think I don’t know? Mother has already told me. In the capital, every household is noble, each with several high-ranking relatives. I’m not the legitimate daughter of the Loyal Marquis Manor, and I have a father who committed crimes. What does such a background amount to in the capital? Besides... the Marquis Manor already has an Eighth Sister, and now there’s a Ninth..."
When Qin Xiang mentioned Qin Guan, a trace of resentment flashed in her eyes. She gritted her teeth and said, "So... I don’t want to let go of any opportunity I can grasp. We haven’t reached the capital yet—I can still decide for myself."
Wan He listened, her palms damp with sweat. She wanted to persuade her but didn’t know how. Qin Xiang, however, didn’t continue. After speaking her mind, she seemed to feel much lighter and no longer complained. She waited in Qin Yan’s courtyard until nightfall before finally standing up. "I’ve waited most of the day—how much longer must I wait? I’m going back!"
Qin Xiang’s temper flared, and she strode off without another word. Wan He hurriedly called after her, "Miss, at least inform the heir before leaving!"
Qin Xiang glanced back and saw Qin Yan speaking with Qin Guan in the Warm Chamber. Her expression darkened, and she stormed out without hesitation. Wan He sighed and had no choice but to follow.
Qin Xiang walked swiftly, heading straight for the main room upon entering her courtyard. The moment she stepped inside, she stomped angrily toward the inner chamber. She marched straight to the bed, but the moment she sat down, she sensed something amiss.
In the pitch-black room, a faint, almost imperceptible breath brushed against the back of her neck.
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