When Qin Guan arrived at Chaohui Tower, Yan Chi was already waiting by the window. Seeing no one else in the room, she stepped closer. "Why are you here so early? Have all the interrogations finished?"
Yan Chi looked vigorous, his brocade robe immaculate, giving no hint of his sleepless night to the untrained eye. His expression relaxed slightly. "Qing Niang confessed very readily. By the time I reached the prefectural office, she had already recounted half of the events. Later, when the Double Purity Troupe members arrived, they answered every question without hesitation. It went remarkably smoothly."
Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "Did Qing Niang explain what happened back then?"
Yan Chi nodded, taking her hand and leading her to the window-side couch. Only after they sat did he speak. "She told everything. Back then, when they reached Dingzhou, Qing Yun used their shared troupe background to reconnect with Qingxi. Though Qingxi had left the Double Purity Troupe on bad terms with Qing Yun, years had passed, and Qingxi, being kind-hearted, warmly welcomed Qing Yun when she seemed to extend an olive branch. It was then that Qing Yun learned the escort team would split into several routes."
"How Qing Yun met Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli remains unclear. We only know Pang Fuliang came from a martial arts school family and trained in martial arts himself, while Liu Renli's family once ran an herbal shop. The three conspired together, along with Qing Yun's apprentice Qing Li, and followed Qingxi's family to a relay station. Qing Yun used the excuse of the opera troupe heading to Mengzhou to perform as a pretext to meet Qingxi again. She drugged the inside, then coordinated with the others to eliminate the escorting soldiers. As for Qingxi's family, they were tortured and murdered by Qing Yun and her accomplices."
Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes. "After Qing Niang left the Double Purity Troupe, she had stayed with Qingxi. Qingxi had planned to arrange a marriage for her with a deputy general under Zhenwu Jiangjun. But then this tragedy occurred. Having endured hardships with the troupe and witnessed many unsavory tricks, Qing Niang recognized the scent of the Dreamland Drug. As soon as she felt its effects, she knew something was wrong. She tried to save Qingxi but saw Pang Fuliang and the others burst in."
"A few skilled soldiers, not yet fully affected by the drug, fought back with blades. Though they wounded Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli, they were ultimately slaughtered. Qing Niang said the scars on Liu Renli's back and Pang Fuliang's leg were from that fight."
Qin Guan frowned slightly. No wonder she had noticed something off about Pang Fuliang's gait before.
"Half-drugged and realizing the situation was hopeless, Qing Niang hid in a station cabinet. Pang Fuliang and the others focused on killing the remaining soldiers and coercing Qingxi for the escort cart keys, momentarily forgetting about her. Before they set the fire, she escaped from the cabinet. After the deed, the conspirators were too preoccupied with taking the gold to count the dead, thus missing Qing Niang.""At that time, Qing Niang didn’t know who Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli were. Moreover, she had suffered severe injuries in that incident. By the time she recovered and sought to track down her enemies, they were already beyond her reach. Later, she first wandered with the Double Purity Troupe, and only after more than four years did she discover Pang Fuliang’s existence. By then, Pang Fuliang had already achieved minor success, moving about with bodyguards, making it impossible for her to get close. Additionally, since she hadn’t found Liu Renli, she could only wait. Eventually, she noticed that the Double Purity Troupe visited the Pang residence every year, and by chance, she discovered Liu Renli’s presence as well. That was when she realized these men would periodically gather at the Pang residence. Later, Qing Niang entered the Pang household under the guise of a wet nurse. Though the Double Purity Troupe came every year, she still couldn’t find an opportunity where all four were together."
"She feared that targeting just one would alert the others, causing them to flee or become wary. With her limited strength, she had no choice but to wait for the right moment. This time, even though Qing Yun didn’t come, she first killed Qing Li to lure Qing Yun out. Years ago, the gold they had stolen was divided equally among them, but Pang Fuliang later persuaded them to invest their shares into his inns. This was how Pang Fuliang became the wealthiest man in the northwest within just over a decade. Their annual meetings were to collect their dividends. When Qing Yun didn’t attend, Qing Li would collect her share. With Qing Li dead, Qing Yun would naturally come in person—and suspect Pang Fuliang."
Qin Guan listened quietly to Yan Chi’s account and nodded at this point. "So she killed them one by one, sowing suspicion and distrust among them, then took advantage of Liu Renli’s fear and panic to kill him?"
Yan Chi nodded. "Liu Renli seemed to have feelings for Qing Yun. That night, she disguised herself as Qing Yun and sang a passage to lure him out. She led him into the rockery, subdued him using the method you mentioned, and threw him into the lotus pond. Liu Renli was indeed drowned alive. She had intended to frame Pang Fuliang, but with so many deaths this time, and after you treated Chang Shi, clues gradually surfaced. The closer she got to the end, the more her resolve weakened. Believing her vengeance was complete and acknowledging the blood on her hands, she made less effort to conceal her actions. In the end, she simply killed Pang Fuliang herself."
Qin Guan didn’t understand the feeling of personally avenging a wrong, but she remembered the relief on Qing Niang’s face when she left.
"What now? This case has dragged on for so long—gathering evidence won’t be easy."
Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly. "Before his death, Pang Fuliang had Pang Yiwu take the key to their ancestral home in Dingzhou. My men have already taken it there. If I’m not mistaken, that house must hold evidence related to the past. As you once said, a man like Pang Fuliang would keep such things as trophies to flaunt his deeds."
Qin Guan’s eyes brightened. "Pang Fuliang actually sent Pang Yiwu to Dingzhou…"
Yan Chi let out a cold laugh. "He knew his crimes had drawn attention. Afraid of being caught if he went himself, he sent his son instead. If Pang Yiwu retrieved what he needed, they would reunite. If he failed and was captured by the authorities, Pang Fuliang planned to disappear alone under a new identity. What a cunning scheme."Pang Fuliang was an extremely controlling man, and whatever he coveted even in life-and-death situations must have been of immense value. Normally, such precious items would be something he'd insist on acquiring personally. Yet this time, he sent his own son on the journey—clearly intending to use Pang Yiwu as a pawn to test the safety of the ancestral home in Dingzhou.
Qin Guan recalled Chang Shi's words, and a deeper chill settled in her heart. "A man like him truly doesn't deserve to be a father."
That day, though Yan Chi had been standing outside, the door was wide open, and with his exceptional hearing, he had caught most of Chang Shi's words. "Pang Fuliang is the kind of man who stops at nothing to achieve his goals. He wouldn't spare even his own son."
As he spoke, Yan Chi's eyes darkened briefly, as if recalling something, but he didn't continue.
Qin Guan studied him for a moment, but Yan Chi quickly regained his composure. "If we find something in Dingzhou, well and good. If not, we'll have to put in more effort. The stolen treasury gold from back then had inscriptions. Pang Fuliang would have had to melt it down and convert it into silver to serve as his startup capital. Even after fifteen years, that trail isn't impossible to trace."
Qin Guan nodded, then asked, "When do you plan to return to the capital?"
After all this discussion, she already knew solving this case thoroughly would take time. Even as she asked, she anticipated the answer. Sure enough, Yan Chi didn't reply immediately, only tightening his grip on her hand slightly. "If this case were just about the two murders, I wouldn't need to stay. But the Gold Heist Case back then had major repercussions. It happened when my father was leading the Northwest Frontier Army against enemies in the northwest. The loss of military funds prolonged the battle lines, causing heavy losses to the army. For all these years, this case has been a lingering burden for my father and the veterans of the Northwest Frontier Army. So this time, I intend to stay and investigate every detail before returning to the capital. I promised to accompany you back, but now I can't."
Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh ruefully. "Your Highness sounds almost apologetic. I'd already thought of everything you mentioned, and I guessed your decision too. This is your duty—it would be strange if you didn't stay."
Hearing her address him as "Your Highness" again, Yan Chi frowned and sighed. "Baiying's injuries have mostly healed. With her by your side, I'm at ease. The journey to the capital is all along official roads—nothing like what happened in Yuanzhou will occur again."
Yuzhou was the northwestern region closest to the capital. The journey would take just a few days, entirely along main roads with no threat from bandits or troublemakers. The route passed through prosperous towns, so even if Qin Guan were traveling alone, she wouldn't be afraid.
"I know. I was just thinking—if this case drags on past the New Year, won't you be unable to return to the capital for the celebrations?"
Qin Guan blinked. To her, the New Year was a significant occasion. Yet after her question, Yan Chi's expression remained indifferent. "The New Year... If the case isn't resolved by then, so be it. It's fine."
Qin Guan hesitated, but knowing Yan Chi's character prioritized official duties, she didn't press further.
"Seventh Brother, who are you talking to—"
Just as Qin Guan was about to ask about Qing Niang's possible sentence, Yan Li's voice suddenly rang out from outside the door.Qin Guan immediately stood up, withdrawing her hand from Yan Chi's grasp. Yan Chi raised an eyebrow just as Yan Li's voice reached the doorway, "Is that Ninth Miss—?"
As the words fell, Yan Li stepped inside. Qin Guan turned and curtsied gracefully, "Greetings to the Crown Prince."
Yan Li broke into a smile upon seeing her. "I knew it was Ninth Miss! Prefect Wang mentioned it was you who uncovered the wet nurse as the culprit. How did you figure it out?"
Qin Guan's lips curved slightly at Yan Li's eager question. "Actually, it wasn't me who discovered it. It was Prince Rui's heir who brought up the circumstances of Qingxi's death, which led me to suspect Qing Niang. Otherwise, I wouldn't have doubted her."
Yan Li glanced at Yan Chi, who also rose to his feet. "What brings you here?"
Yan Li chuckled. "I went to the prefect's office, but Seventh Brother had just left. I waited there for a while, and when you didn't return, I came over. What brought you here, Seventh Brother?"
Yan Chi couldn't very well say he'd come just to see Qin Guan, so he replied, "I came to see if I could find any evidence here."
Yan Li's eyes sparkled. "Seventh Brother actually encountered the Gold Heist Case this time and solved it! Uncle will be overjoyed when he finds out."
Yan Chi remained impassive. "Investigating this case will take some time. You should prepare to return to the capital soon."
Yan Li was taken aback. "Seventh Brother isn't leaving?"
"I need to oversee this case personally."
Yan Chi's response made Yan Li nod in understanding. "Right... this case involves the Northwest Frontier Army..." His eyes then gleamed mischievously. "If Seventh Brother isn't going back, neither am I. I'll wait and return with you."
Yan Chi frowned slightly. "Other times would be fine, but it's the end of the year. You should go back to accompany the princess consort."
Yan Li pursed his lips. "Mother has been secluded in the Buddhist shrine for the past few months. The New Year means little to her. Even if I return early, she won't ask anything of me. I'd rather stay and help Seventh Brother."
Yan Chi seemed to consider this for a moment, then glanced at Yan Li's stubborn expression and finally nodded in agreement.
Yan Li grinned and turned to Qin Guan. "When will Ninth Miss be returning?"
Yan Chi also looked at Qin Guan. He had intended to ask her privately, but Yan Li had beaten him to it.
"Third Brother said we'll leave tomorrow," Qin Guan replied calmly.
Yan Li's smile deepened. "Qin Shizi is in a hurry to return..." He shot a glance at Yan Chi. "With the New Year approaching, it's best to return early. The journey to the capital takes at most five or six days, so it's not far."
Qin Guan nodded. "Indeed. Originally, we were supposed to arrive in the capital by the start of December, but we've been delayed."
Yan Li nodded, then suddenly asked, "Ninth Miss grew up in the capital as a child, didn't you?"
Uncertain of his intent, Qin Guan answered cautiously, "Yes."
Yan Li sighed regretfully. "What a shame we didn't meet sooner. It's good that you and Qin Shizi are returning first. When Seventh Brother and I return, we can reconnect then."
Qin Guan quickly nodded and curtsied in acknowledgment. Seeing Yan Li ramble on, Yan Chi interjected, "Alright, there's nothing else for now. I'll take him to search Hui Garden. You may go back first."After a pause, Yan Chi added, "The garden will be sealed off in the next couple of days. It's better for you to leave early."
Qin Guan nodded with a soft "Mm," then bowed once more before taking her leave.
As Qin Guan walked out, Yan Li continued to gaze with interest toward the doorway, a sly glint in his eyes as if scheming something. Yan Chi frowned and asked, "What are you plotting?"
Yan Li snapped back to attention and quickly offered an appeasing smile. "No, no, Seventh Brother, you misunderstand. Have you ever met Ninth Miss in the capital before?"
Yan Chi strode forward, his expression unchanging as he replied, "No."
Yan Li let out a puzzled sigh. "That's strange..."
"What's strange?" Yan Chi shot him a glance, slightly displeased at his preoccupation with Qin Guan.
Completely oblivious to Yan Chi's faint frown, Yan Li tilted his head and said, "Yesterday, I asked Lu Yun which branch of the Qin family Ninth Miss belongs to. That's when I found out she isn’t from the marquis’ household but from the second branch. I do vaguely recall Second Master Qin—though he never held office, he was quite renowned for his talent in the capital back then. I was wondering if I’d ever met Ninth Miss before. If I had, I shouldn’t have forgotten her entirely. But if not, didn’t she later live in the marquis’ residence? The Loyal Marquis Manor hosts grand banquets once or twice a year, and all the nobility in the capital attend..."
Yan Chi frowned. "Later, she was sent to Jinzhou by the marquis’ household. From what I can tell, they didn’t value her much."
Yan Li nodded in agreement. "That must be the case. Ninth Miss lost her parents and had to rely on others wherever she went. It’s remarkable she still carries herself with such grace and beauty, not to mention her astonishing medical skills."
With an intrigued chuckle, Yan Li added, "Seventh Brother, you must know that the Loyal Marquis Manor boasts the capital’s top talented lady, cherished as the apple of the marquis couple’s eye and their first choice for the Eastern Palace. I wonder if that might change once Ninth Miss returns to the capital?"
Yan Chi’s steps faltered almost imperceptibly before his lips thinned into a firm line. "No."
The word was crisp and cold. Yan Li laughed. "True, Ninth Miss isn’t from the marquis’ household, so that possibility is out of the question. But even if she can’t enter the Eastern Palace, with her elegance and charm, the noble young masters of the capital will surely flock to her. Aren’t you worried, staying here in Yuzhou?"
Among all the imperial clan’s younger generation, Yan Li was perhaps the one who understood Yan Chi best. After these days together, he had noticed Yan Chi’s unusual regard for Qin Guan. His words were both a reminder and a tease. Yet Yan Chi remained unmoved, replying calmly, "How could those fops in the capital ever catch her eye?"
......
......
True to his word about setting off for the capital the next day, Qin Yan took Zhou Huai out in the afternoon to purchase supplies. By dusk, they returned not only with provisions for the journey but also large gift boxes for Qin Guan and the others.
Qin Shuang rushed over to Qin Guan’s quarters in high spirits. "Third Brother is so good to us! The pearl hairpin he gave me has a pearl as big as a thumb—perfectly round and glossy, the finest I’ve ever seen. I can’t imagine how much it cost..."
As she spoke, she glanced at the box beside Qin Guan. "What did he give you?"After all that talk, Qin Shuang had come simply to find out what Qin Guan had received. Hearing this, Qin Guan casually lifted her chin, signaling Qin Shuang to see for herself. Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow and, without hesitation, opened the box. Inside lay a pristine snow-white fox fur cape, neatly folded. Qin Shuang's eyebrows climbed higher as she seemed to weigh its value in her mind, then gave a light snort. "This fur looks like a fine piece, but mine has pearls and jade, and the hairpin itself is solid gold. I’d say they’re about equal in worth." With that, she closed the box, satisfied.
Though Qin Shuang was no longer as domineering and unreasonable as before, the petty competitiveness ingrained in her bones remained. Qin Guan paid it no mind—as long as it was harmless, she preferred to avoid such trivialities. Seeing Qin Shuang’s cheerful expression, Qin Guan shook her head in amusement. "Have you packed everything? We leave early tomorrow morning."
Qin Shuang nodded. "All done. There wasn’t much to begin with."
She then glanced toward the main house. "Guess what Fifth Sister got?"
Qin Guan didn’t even lift an eyebrow. "What?"
Qin Shuang sighed at her indifferent response. "Honestly, how can you not be curious at all? Among the three of us sisters, don’t you think she’s comparing herself to you too?"
Qin Guan shrugged. "Let her compare if she wants."
Qin Shuang frowned deeply. "Your attitude is impossible. Third Brother gave you a cape, me a hairpin—both things girls would like. But for Fifth Sister… he sent a set of writing brushes and inkstones. Of course, they’re fine quality, but when Zhou Huai delivered them, he said Third Brother hoped she’d practice calligraphy more often to cultivate her temperament."
Qin Guan understood immediately. "So Third Brother was warning her?"
"Exactly." Qin Shuang wasn’t gloating, only sighing. "Uncle and Aunt must already know about that incident. Who knows if others in the capital have heard? If they have, she’ll never find a husband."
After a pause, she added, "Third Brother must be worried she won’t know her place in the capital. After all, it’s full of nobles there."
Qin Guan wasn’t sure of Qin Yan’s exact intentions, but it was clear he meant to caution Qin Xiang.
Thinking of Qin Xiang’s recent behavior, Qin Guan sighed inwardly.
If Qin Xiang still didn’t learn her lesson by the time they reached the capital, there’d truly be no helping her.
Meanwhile, Qin Xiang stood red-eyed and furious, glaring at Wan He, who clutched the box from Qin Yan desperately. "Miss, you mustn’t! This is a gift from the Young Master. If you destroy it, you’ll only anger him further. We’re about to leave for the capital—if you offend him now, who will speak up for you there?"
"Speak up for me?!" Qin Xiang snapped. "Can’t you see Third Brother already despises me more each day? Who knows what he’s told Uncle and Aunt about me. They’ll hate me before I even set foot in the capital!"Wan He hesitated, wanting to say that Qin Xiang's actions had been too outrageous and couldn't be blamed on others. But as a servant, how could she dare voice such thoughts? She could only console, "Miss, don't think like that. The heir is a true gentleman and not one to dwell on such matters. If you behave properly, just as you did before, he's sure to favor you again."
At the mention of the past, Qin Xiang's throat tightened. How wonderful her life had been at Qin Manor before! Now, even though she was going to the capital, she lacked any of the dignity befitting the legitimate daughter of the Qin family. "Third Brother may be a man with simple thoughts, but what about those two?"
As she spoke, Qin Xiang clenched her sleeves tightly, her gaze shooting like an arrow through the window toward Qin Guan's quarters.
Wan He felt utterly exhausted. "Sixth Miss grew up with you. Even if her words sometimes sting, she'd never wish you harm. As for Ninth Miss, she's never been one to compete for anything..."
"She doesn't compete or fight for anything?!" Qin Xiang sneered coldly. "Look, even you think she's so wonderful now. That just shows how skilled she is at winning people over. And you still say she doesn't compete? Look how Qin Shuang and Third Brother are both siding with her now—this is her scheming at work! She's taken everything, yet still makes you all believe she's so indifferent..."
Wan He smiled bitterly. "Miss, you mustn't think this way. The more you dwell on it, the more trapped you'll become. You should try to befriend Sixth Miss again, as you did before, and also treat Ninth Miss as a sister. We'll soon arrive in the capital, where there's also an Eighth Miss—she's truly formidable. You can't afford to wallow in self-pity alone."
Hearing this, Qin Xiang grabbed a teacup from the table and hurled it at Wan He. "Are you saying I'm wrong?! I don't need a servant like you—get out!"
The cup struck Wan He's calf, making her shudder in pain. Meanwhile, Qin Xiang had spilled tea all over her own hands. As Wan He opened her mouth to speak again, Xiu Zhi quickly stepped forward, wiping Qin Xiang's hands while signaling Wan He with her eyes. Wan He hesitated, then finally set down the box in her hands and turned to leave. Once outside, she saw Chang Shi entering their courtyard—but Chang Shi didn't even glance toward the main room, heading straight for Qin Guan's quarters instead.
The cold wind outside was biting, and Wan He's leg ached from both the impact and the chill. She stared blankly at Qin Guan's room, a sudden wave of sorrow washing over her. She knew the standing of the three Qin sisters had clearly shifted, with Qin Guan now the most favored—but none of this was the result of scheming or competition. Yet her mistress couldn't grasp this truth.
Wan He lifted her gaze to the dark, heavy sky and suddenly felt afraid of reaching the capital.
A few dozen steps away, Chang Shi knocked on Qin Guan's door. It soon opened, revealing Fuling's surprised face. "Madam? What brings you here..."
Hearing Fuling's voice, both Qin Guan and Qin Shuang rose and came to the doorway.
Night had already fallen, and the bitter wind howled through the ink-black darkness. Chang Shi's cheeks were flushed from the cold. Seeing Qin Guan, she quickly said, "Ninth Miss, are you leaving?"
Qin Guan nodded. "We depart first thing tomorrow." She paused, then added, "I didn't realize you'd returned yet. I was planning to bid you farewell once you came back."
Chang Shi gave a wry smile but seemed somewhat relieved. "I was at the yamen answering some questions and only just returned. When I came to take stock of the servants, I saw Qin Manor's guards loading the carriages and realized you and Qin Shizi would be leaving tomorrow."
Pressing her lips together, Chang Shi continued, "At the yamen today, Prefect Wang didn't hold me accountable. He only said Qinghui Garden would definitely be sealed and that we should pack up and find another place to stay soon. The unrelated servants will all be dismissed, and about half of the Double Purity Troupe members have already left. The rest will depart once they've finished giving their statements. I was thinking—if Qin Shizi isn't in a hurry—we might host you all for a farewell meal in town tomorrow."Qin Guan sighed, "Thank you for your kindness, Madam. At this point, it won't be easy for you to leave this place either, and naturally, there will be some chaos. There's no need to see us off. We've already delayed here for many days, so it's better to set off early."
Chang Shi gave a bitter smile. "Actually, we don't have much to take with us. After leaving the yamen this afternoon, I had someone find a civilian residence. By now, I've already sent two old servants to tidy it up. All I'm taking are a few pieces of clothing. Yun'er and Jiayan only have a few more toys to play with. As for the rest, anything with the word 'Pang' on it, we won't take."
Qin Guan pondered for a moment. "As long as you've considered everything carefully, Madam. In the future, when you're raising the young miss and young master, you shouldn't let the children suffer."
A hint of moisture flashed in Chang Shi's eyes. "Ninth Miss, don't worry. This time... thank you, Ninth Miss."
"There's no need to thank me. Thank Qing Niang instead." Qin Guan's voice then lowered as she asked, "Has Prefect Wang said anything about how Qing Niang will be sentenced?"
At these words, Chang Shi's eyes reddened even more, her lips pressed tightly together as she remained silent for a long while.
Qin Guan was familiar with the Great Zhou's penal laws. Qing Niang had four lives on her hands this time. Even if there were extenuating circumstances, the law was greater than human sentiment, and the outcome was bound to be grim. Qin Guan took a deep breath. "Qing Niang also pitied your misfortunes, Madam. In the future, take care of yourself."
Chang Shi's eyelashes trembled, and a tear rolled down. She hurriedly wiped it away with her hand. "Yes, I know. I know. Our entire family was saved by her. All these years, she has taken meticulous care of Yun'er and Jiayan..."
The more Chang Shi spoke, the more her tears flowed uncontrollably. Qin Guan said sympathetically, "Madam, don't stand outside. Come in and talk."
Chang Shi wiped her tears and shook her head, taking a step back. "No, no. I just heard that Ninth Miss is leaving, so I came to say a few words. The residence is in chaos, and I still need to oversee things. Tomorrow morning, I'll bring Yun'er and Jiayan to see you off."
As she spoke, Chang Shi took two steps back, curtsied, and turned to leave.
Now alone, without maids or Qing Niang by her side, not even someone to hold a lantern for her, her slender figure stood straight in the night, her steps firmer than ever before.
Chang Shi's figure disappeared at the courtyard gate, but Qin Guan and Qin Shuang remained stunned for a long while. After a while, Qin Shuang said hoarsely, "There are so many unfortunate people in this world. Thinking about it, I should cherish my blessings more."
Qin Guan sighed. "Alright, let's rest. We'll rise early tomorrow."
Qin Shuang gave a soft "Mm" and slowly returned to her room.
After Qin Shuang left, Qin Guan turned and headed into the inner chamber. Fuling closed the door, picked up a box, and followed Qin Guan inside. Once there, Fuling looked at a jewelry box placed by the bed and said, "The young master has been thoughtful this time. This clearly shows his special fondness for you, Miss, and also highlights your status among the three Qin ladies. If you ask me, even if Sixth Miss finds out, it doesn't matter. Although Sixth Miss has improved lately, sometimes she still... It might be better to let her know that you have the young master's favor."
Qin Guan replied indifferently, "Better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Besides, even if I have Third Brother's favor now, it might not last. There's no need for me to flaunt any status. Put this jewelry box away with the others. We'll open it when the time comes."Seeing Qin Guan's lack of interest in the jewelry box, Fuling sighed softly, "This set of pink jade hair ornaments is more exquisite and vibrant than any of your other jewelry. It's not good for you to always dress so plainly."
Qin Guan remained unmoved. "Just put it away..."
Fuling glanced helplessly at Baiying, hoping she might chime in, but Baiying's expression remained impassive, showing no sign that she thought Qin Guan should dress more brightly. Fuling pouted slightly and had no choice but to comply.
After a good night's sleep, Qin Guan woke early the next morning. She washed and dressed briskly, and soon Qin Yan had breakfast sent over. The meal, procured by Zhou Huai from outside, was simple but filling. Once finished, the group left the courtyard and headed for the main gate. After the night's events, Qinghui Garden had grown much quieter, with none of the usual bustle of servants coming and going.
Qin Yan remarked, "Madam Pang acted swiftly. Last night, she dismissed all the unrelated servants from the estate, reportedly with generous compensation. Early this morning, before dawn, dozens of them had already left."
"It seems Madam Pang truly doesn’t wish to stay here a moment longer."
Qin Shuang murmured with a sigh, "If it were me, I’d also want to leave this place as quickly as possible."
Qin Yan nodded. "This place is indeed ill-fated. The authorities will conduct another search later, after which the estate will likely be sealed. Once the case is resolved, it will be reported to the Internal Affairs Bureau to decide whether the property will be awarded or sold."
Qin Shuang blinked. "What will happen to Master Pang’s vast fortune?"
The Pang family was the wealthiest in the northwest, with numerous inns and restaurants under their name. Would all those Ten Directions Inns be sealed as well?
Qin Yan shook his head. "The assets of a convicted family are all to be confiscated and auctioned. The government will resell them, and the new owners can simply rebrand and rename the businesses to continue operations. The proceeds will go to the state treasury or be used for governance. The buildings won’t be left to ruin. If the businesses continue as before, most new owners will hire experienced hands, so the former workers can still make a living."
"I see. That’s somewhat better. The Ten Directions Inn in Yuzhou City is so grand—it would be a terrible waste to let it go to ruin." Qin Shuang mused aloud, then suddenly looked up and let out a soft "Huh?" "Madam Pang—"
Qin Guan and Qin Yan followed her gaze and spotted Chang Shi and her group waiting at the main gate. She held Pang Jiayan with one hand and Pang Jiayun with the other, while Pang Yiwu stood behind her.
As Chang Shi was still Pang Yiwu’s stepmother, and since Pang Yiwu hadn’t been implicated in any crimes, he naturally hadn’t been detained by the authorities. For now, Pang Yiwu and Chang Shi were still considered family. Qin Guan hadn’t expected Pang Yiwu to accompany them this time.
"Greetings to the Young Master—" Chang Shi bowed first, followed by Pang Yiwu’s respectful salute. Apart from Pang Jiayun’s expressionless face, even Pang Jiayan performed a proper bow.
Qin Yan’s lips curved slightly. "Why are you here, Madam?"
Chang Shi smiled faintly. "Yesterday, we learned that the Young Master and the three young ladies would be departing for the capital today. Given the fright you all endured at Qinghui Garden and the delay it caused, this humble woman could do no less than come to see you off."As she spoke, Chang Shi turned to look at the only maidservant standing behind her—the same old woman Qin Guan had seen earlier keeping watch at the gate of Hui Garden. The old woman was holding a long box, which Chang Shi took and then offered to Qin Yan. "This humble woman has no fine gifts to present. As the heir of a noble family, you surely have no need for ordinary trinkets. Last night, I searched through my dowry and found this—the Hundred Horses Painting. It is the only authentic masterpiece in existence. Please accept it as a token of my gratitude."
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow in surprise, while Qin Guan also looked slightly taken aback. Qin Shuang quickly leaned in to whisper to Qin Guan, "What is the Hundred Horses Painting?"
"It’s a renowned masterpiece by the famous painter Ning Danqing from the Xia Dynasty, worth a fortune," Qin Guan replied softly.
Qin Shuang immediately understood. Meanwhile, Qin Yan frowned and said, "Such a valuable gift is too much for me to accept. I deeply appreciate your kindness, but please take it back. You’ve endured much hardship in these recent upheavals. I hope you, your daughter, and your son will take care in the days to come. After this parting, I do not know if we shall meet again."
But Chang Shi glanced at Qin Guan and insisted, "No, this... this is my token of thanks. You must accept it, or I shall remain uneasy in my heart. Please, take it..."
Her words were earnest, her gaze shifting between Qin Yan and Qin Guan. Qin Yan gave a wry smile and also looked back at Qin Guan before sighing. "Very well, then. I shall not refuse. Thank you, madam."
Only then did Chang Shi exhale in relief. Turning her gaze, she saw the line of Qin Manor’s carriages already waiting outside the gate. "The weather has been splendid these past few days. I pray your journey back to the capital will be smooth and safe. With the New Year approaching, I offer my blessings to you and the three young ladies. Though we may not meet again, I wish you all peace and prosperity."
"Please take care as well," Qin Yan said with a cupped-hand salute.
At this, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang stepped forward to bid farewell to Chang Shi.
After exchanging a few more words, Qin Shuang looked down at Pang Jiayan and said, "Little Master, I’ve kept the jade thumb ring you gave me. If we ever meet again, I’ll give you an even bigger one."
Pang Jiayan lifted his chin. "Then I shall demand the finest jade."
Qin Shuang covered her mouth with a laugh, while Chang Shi tapped Pang Jiayan’s head in mock exasperation. Qin Guan studied the three of them for a moment, then turned to Pang Yiwu and spoke earnestly, "Madam and the young master are both wise and capable. I trust you will take good care of the eldest young lady. May this turmoil soon pass, and may you find health and happiness in the days ahead. As for the young master..."
She looked at Pang Jiayan. "With such remarkable intelligence, he will surely bring honor to your family in the future."
Pang Jiayan stared unblinkingly at Qin Guan before finally lowering his eyes and taking Chang Shi’s hand, suddenly appearing docile. Qin Guan then turned back to Chang Shi. "Madam, it’s time for us to part. We must be on our way."
Chang Shi nodded and escorted them to the gate. One by one, Qin Guan and the others boarded their carriages. Soon, the wheels began to turn. Chang Shi and her family stood on the steps outside, watching as Qin Guan’s carriage slowly disappeared down the long street.
In the silence that followed, Pang Yiwu’s eyes flickered as he asked hesitantly, "Mother... are we truly moving out tonight?"Chang Shi snapped out of her reverie, her previously gentle expression hardening instantly as she turned a cold, stern gaze toward Pang Yiwu. "Second Young Master refuses to leave? This residence is about to be sealed off—it's impossible for you to stay. Or perhaps... you don't wish to go with us?"
Pang Yiwu's face paled slightly. "N-no, that's not it... I just can't bear to—"
A flicker of mockery passed through Chang Shi's eyes as she took Pang Jiayun's hand and turned toward the door. Outside, Pang Jiayan craned his neck to look at Pang Yiwu. "Second Brother, if you don't listen to Mother, you might end up like Eldest Brother—"
Pang Yiwu recoiled in fright. "Wh-what did you say...?"
Pang Jiayan stuck out his tongue playfully, grinning with childish innocence. "Second Brother is so scared!" With that, he toddled after Chang Shi on his short legs. Pang Yiwu remained rooted in place, images of Pang Yiwen's gruesome death flashing relentlessly through his mind. He swallowed hard, watching the retreating figures of Chang Shi and the others with growing dread.
Meanwhile, Qin Guan's carriage had already reached the end of Qinghui Garden's main street when, suddenly, she instinctively lifted the curtain to glance back. Beside her, Fuling asked in confusion, "Miss, what's wrong?"
Qin Guan shook her head, peered out a moment longer, then let the curtain fall.
The wheels rolled onward, turning onto the main thoroughfare of Yuzhou City. The driver cracked his whip, and the carriage picked up speed, racing toward the city gates.
On the rooftop of a nearby house not far from Qinghui Garden, Yan Chi clenched the dark Medicine Sachet hidden in his sleeve.
Qin Guan was heading toward the opulent capital—a city of ruthless power struggles, where danger lurked at every turn. An eerie premonition seized Yan Chi: her journey to the capital would inevitably unleash an earth-shattering storm upon that decadent imperial city, with her delicate frame at its center...
{End of Volume}
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