As soon as Qin Guan returned to the Marquis Manor, she headed straight for the main courtyard. With the hour of Shen approaching soon, Qin Guan, mindful of her appointment to treat the Old Madam of Wu'an Marquis, did not return to Pine Breeze Courtyard. Upon arriving at the main courtyard, she found Hu Shi already waiting there. Naturally, Hu Shi first inquired about the situation in the palace. Learning that the Empress Dowager's condition was improving day by day, Hu Shi felt reassured.
After resting briefly, Qin Guan asked, "Aunt, I recall you mentioning last time that the daughter of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue was supposed to come today, but yesterday, an elder in her clan passed away?"
Hot tea and pastries were laid out in the front hall of the main courtyard. Hu Shi quickly nodded in response, "Yes, the Left Vice Minister of Revenue is surnamed Meng. The Meng family's young lady has suffered from asthma since childhood. Over the years, they've sought medical help everywhere, even consulting imperial physicians, but she has never fully recovered. This winter, her condition is said to have worsened, which is why they sought us out. The one who passed away yesterday was her second uncle from the same clan. According to custom, today is the funeral, so it wouldn't be appropriate for her to go out on her own."
Qin Guan confirmed her suspicions. The case she had overheard outside the palace gates earlier truly involved the Meng young lady's uncle—it seemed almost too coincidental. Reflecting on this, she relayed what she had heard to Hu Shi. Hu Shi was startled, "What? The young master of the Meng family believes his father was murdered by someone else?"
Qin Guan nodded, "Yes. I encountered His Highness Chi in the palace. His Highness has taken up the post of Left Vice Minister of Justice and was heading to the yamen today. Just as we left the palace gates, an official from the Ministry of Justice came to report that the Meng family had already filed a case at Lin'an Prefecture. Since it involves the Left Vice Minister of Revenue, the case has been transferred to the Ministry of Justice."
Hu Shi was stunned for a moment before she could respond. Before she could say more, Qin Chaoyu and Qin Xiang entered together from outside.
Qin Shu, seeing Qin Guan return, beamed with a smile, "Wan Yatou is back. How was the palace?"
Qin Guan repeated what she had told Hu Shi earlier. Qin Shu let out a relieved sigh, "The Empress Dowager has been well these past few days. It seems she has passed this crisis. It's all thanks to Wan Yatou. Wan Yatou, you've done very well."
Qin Guan hurriedly demurred, "I dare not take credit." Meanwhile, Hu Shi interjected, "My Lord, have you returned? Are you aware of the matter concerning the clan of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue?"
Qin Shu and Qin Yan had just returned from outside. Hearing Hu Shi's question, Qin Shu's smile faded slightly, "Of course I know. The capital is only so big, and this matter has already spread far and wide. When the young master of the Meng family reported the case, he outright accused his fourth uncle of being the perpetrator. This has left Minister Meng extremely anxious.As he spoke, Qin Shu took his seat in the main position and continued, "When serving in court, even if one remains upright, if a criminal emerges within one's clan, the consequences can range from dismissal to implication in a crime." The Meng family's various branches have lived together without dividing the household since the previous generation, and they still share the same residence in the main family compound. So, this incident will likely tarnish Minister Meng's official reputation."
Hu Shi sighed, "Which member of the Meng family passed away this time?"Qin Shu took a sip of tea from his cup. "It's the Second Master of the Meng family. The eldest branch of the Meng household serves as officials in court, while the second branch primarily manages the family's businesses. The Second Master was quite skilled in business—over the past decade or so, he had become one of the foremost wealthy gentry in the capital. It’s said that yesterday morning, his body was discovered in the lake of the Meng residence. When they retrieved the body, nothing seemed amiss, so everyone assumed he had either taken his own life or had accidentally fallen into the lake after drinking too much on the first night of the month. The ancestral hall was already set up, but the young master of the second branch reported it to the authorities, insisting that his father could not have committed suicide, nor could it have been an accident—he was murdered."
Qin Guan recalled that Lord Xu from the Ministry of Justice had also mentioned the word "suicide." Frowning, she asked, "When someone dies, it’s either an accident or murder. Why would anyone think of suicide?"
Qin Shu shook his head helplessly. "It’s because the Meng family’s business ran into trouble. It’s said that before the New Year, the Second Master sold off most of the Meng family’s shops and taverns to raise funds for buying a mine in the west. He claimed to have found a highly profitable one, but it turned out he was swindled—tens of thousands of taels of silver were stolen. As a result, the Meng family not only lost most of their assets but also had no cash flow left, struggling even to pay their shop employees. The Second Master became the family’s scapegoat overnight, and because of this, the fourth branch is demanding to split the household, refusing to help repay his debts..."
Hu Shi sighed at these distressing events. "This is truly... Why abandon stable business to venture into the Mining Industry? And now he’s lost his life as well. Every family truly has its own troubles to bear."
Qin Yan, seated nearby, nodded in agreement. "The Meng family does have some foundation, with generations of officials in their lineage. But this time, their greed went too far. Losing money is one thing, but now a life has been lost because of it."
Hu Shi nodded and looked at Qin Yan and Qin Shu. "So, what exactly happened to the Second Master of the Meng family?"
Qin Shu shook his head. "The case involves Lord Meng, so it’s now jointly supervised by the Lin’an Prefecture and the Ministry of Justice. Nothing concrete has been uncovered yet." He sighed. "Our family isn’t closely acquainted with the Mengs, so it’s not appropriate for us to inquire further. We’ll have to wait for updates. If it was an accident, so be it. If not, it could very well be the first major case of the year in the court."
As soon as he finished speaking, Granny Yu announced from outside, "Madam, the young ladies and the Sixth and Fifth Misses are here."
A slight smile touched Hu Shi’s lips. "Let them in—"
No sooner had she spoken than Qin Chaoyu entered first, followed by Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang.
Seeing Qin Shu present, Qin Chaoyu and the other two greeted him properly. Qin Yan then asked, "What brings the three of you here together?"
Qin Chaoyu looked at Qin Guan. "We heard that Ninth Sister is treating the Old Madam of Marquis Wu’an today. We were curious about how she does it, so we all came to see—"
Hu Shi chuckled. "You’re quite the spectacle! When the Old Madam arrives, make sure to greet her properly—that’s what matters."
As they spoke, Qin Shu stood up. "Since the Old Madam is coming for treatment, I’ll take Yan'er to the study. Some officials from the Ministry of Personnel will be arriving shortly to report. Remember to have refreshments prepared."
Hu Shi, well-versed in handling such matters, promptly agreed.
Once Qin Shu had left, Qin Chaoyu asked, "Ninth Sister, how is the Empress Dowager?"Qin Guan had no choice but to repeat the Empress Dowager's condition for the third time. Qin Chaoyu seemed reassured, "The Empress will likely summon you in the coming days. I wonder if there will be an opportunity to visit Her Majesty then."
Given Qin Chaoyu's unique status, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang dared not even entertain such thoughts.
Qin Chaoyu then asked, "Ninth Sister, did you happen to see the Crown Prince in the palace?"
Qin Guan shook her head. Qin Chaoyu pressed further, "Then did you see Her Majesty the Empress?"
Again, Qin Guan shook her head, "No, there was only the Ninth Prince in the Longevity and Health Palace."
Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu asked no more. After exchanging a few more words, Granny Yu interjected, "Madam, the Old Madam of Wu'an Marquis Manor has arrived, accompanied by the Marquess's wife."
Hu Shi immediately perked up, "Excellent, please show them in—"
As she spoke, she glanced at Qin Guan and the others. Seeing that all four sisters were properly dressed and presentable, she walked to the doorway to greet the guests. Soon, a silver-haired elderly lady came into view, dressed in deep purple ceremonial robes and supported by a middle-aged woman in her thirties, slowly making their way toward the hall.
Behind them followed two maids in blue attire. The party of four all carried themselves with grace and distinction. Hu Shi hurried out to meet them, "We've been awaiting your arrival, Old Madam and Sister. You are truly punctual."
Song Shi, the Old Madam of Wu'an Marquis Manor, smiled, "Today is the third day of the month. We feared coming too early might cause you inconvenience."
As she spoke, she coughed twice. The Marquess's wife, Qi Shi, also smiled and said, "Sister's household is undoubtedly busier than ours. Were it not for Mother's poor health, we would never dare disturb you today."
Hu Shi supported the Old Madam on her other side, replying warmly, "What nonsense. The Old Madam is welcome anytime she wishes to visit. I would be delighted." She then looked toward Qin Guan and the others standing at the doorway, "All of you, come forward and pay your respects."
Led by Qin Chaoyu, with Qin Guan and the others following, they stepped forward to bow.
Song Shi chuckled and bade the four to rise. After studying them briefly, she entered the room. Once seated, she looked at Qin Guan and said, "I recall seeing Ninth Miss at the palace banquet the other day, but I hadn't met Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss before. Truly, they are all exceptional, as expected of the Qin Manor."
Qi Shi added, "Indeed. We've long known Chaoyu, but we didn't expect the other young ladies to be equally remarkable. Especially Ninth Miss, whose reputation as the Medicine Immortal resounds throughout the capital. If not for our friendship with Sister, we might not have the chance to seek Ninth Miss's medical assistance."
Hu Shi laughed, "Old Madam and Sister, you flatter them too much. It's only because you have no daughters of your own that you hold them in such high regard. Your heir apparent joined the Ministry of Works last year, and I heard he has excelled in several flood control assignments, earning even the Emperor's praise."
After this exchange of pleasantries and compliments, Song Shi glanced toward the doorway and said, "I remember that Miss Meng was also supposed to come for a consultation that day. I suppose she isn't coming today?"
The conversation eventually turned to the Meng family matter. Hu Shi sighed, "Old Madam must have heard about the incident at the Meng residence. Miss Meng sent word yesterday that she wouldn't be coming today."
Song Shi and Qi Shi exchanged glances, their expressions turning solemn.Song Shi sighed, "During the New Year festivities, the Meng residence encountered such a mishap. I heard it’s already been reported to the authorities, though the truth remains unclear. The young master of the Meng family claims it was his fourth uncle’s doing. Regardless of the outcome, a restless household is inevitable. Who knows how the Imperial Censorate will record this affair?"
Although they were all women, their positions in the marquis’s household afforded them some understanding of court matters.
Hu Shi also sighed, "Indeed, the marquis was just saying that Lord Meng will likely be implicated. We have little contact with the Meng family, but does Old Madam or my sister know what truly happened this time?"
Gatherings among women often involved discussions of such matters. Since Hu Shi had asked, Song Shi replied, "Even if no one died this time, the Meng household is unsettled. The eldest branch holds an official post and naturally wishes to avoid airing their dirty laundry. They turn a blind eye to the underhanded dealings of the younger brothers unless matters come to light and require mediation. The second branch manages the Meng family’s businesses, deferring only to the eldest while looking down on the third and fourth branches. The third branch’s master has passed away, leaving only a mother and son. I’ve heard the young master suffers from a stutter and is rather ineffectual, so the only opposition to the second branch comes from the fourth. The fourth branch has long lived under the shadow of the second and grown impatient. Even before the Meng family’s business troubles at year’s end, the fourth branch seemed to be considering dividing the family."
With that, Song Shi shook her head. "Every family has its own troubles. The Meng household is large, and their business is extensive. If the brothers were united, it might be manageable, but discord makes it all too easy for problems to arise."
Hu Shi sighed again. In prominent families, disputes over dividing assets were highly unfavorable, let alone when they involved loss of life. If it truly came to brothers harming one another, the family’s reputation would be ruined.
Hearing Song Shi’s explanation, Hu Shi did not press for details but instead said, "Ninth girl has just come from attending to the Empress Dowager. Would Old Madam like her to examine you now, or shall we sit a while longer?"
Song Shi, whose face was as smooth as jade and whose age only enhanced her kindly appearance, looked at Qin Guan and said, "She’s just treated the Empress Dowager? Then I am fortunate indeed. Let’s not wait—have her examine me now, so as not to delay you."
Hu Shi repeatedly assured her it was no trouble, then glanced at Qin Guan. Qin Guan stepped forward, bowed once more, and began feeling Song Shi’s pulse. As Song Shi observed Qin Guan, she turned her gaze to Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. "Are the fifth and sixth young ladies the same age?"
While Qin Guan conducted the examination, Song Shi inquired of Hu Shi, who nodded. "Yes, they are the same age. Yu’er and Guan’er are also the same age, with all four born within a year of each other."
Song Shi laughed lightly. "Then you’ll have your hands full this year."
Hu Shi looked at Song Shi and Qi Shi. "Indeed, after the New Year, I’ll have to start making arrangements. I’ll need Old Madam and my sister’s help in this matter."
Though unspoken, the meaning was clear: Hu Shi wished for Song Shi and Qi Shi to help identify suitable matches for Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. While Qin Guan focused on the pulse diagnosis, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang blushed faintly.
Song Shi, in high spirits, declared, "That’s wonderful. You can count on me for this."
Delighted, Hu Shi promptly asked servants to serve more tea. Soon, Qin Guan completed the pulse reading."Does Old Madam feel heart pain and palpitations, along with occasional coughing, yet it's not due to cold damage or issues with the chest, lungs, or throat?"
Qin Guan spoke softly, and Song Shi immediately nodded. "Yes, occasional coughing. We initially thought it was a lung problem and even took medicine for a while, but there was no improvement."
Qin Guan nodded. "This is due to cold pathogens entering the body. Heart pain and chest obstruction are one aspect; the other is mild coughing. In severe cases, it can cause pain and diarrhea. From the pulse reading, Old Madam's condition is due to chaotic organ functions affecting the heart, leading to reversal heart pain. When the heart hurts, it radiates to the back, causing irritability and agitation, as if something is piercing the heart from behind. Now that it's winter, combined with the cold pathogens, Old Madam will feel particularly uncomfortable. If heart pain occurs at night, even slight movement worsens the pain. During the day, there may also be dizziness."
After Qin Guan finished speaking, before Song Shi could respond, Hu Shi nodded repeatedly. "Ninth Miss is absolutely right. Whenever Mother feels palpitations and heart pain, her back also becomes stiff and painful. If it happens at night, she dares not move at all, waiting for the pain to pass. Each time, it leaves her drenched in sweat. The coughing is also present, and sometimes Mother feels short of breath and has even fainted once or twice. When the illness flares up, she does become quite irritable."
Seeing that Qin Guan had accurately described everything, Hu Shi's eyes lit up. This was her first time witnessing Qin Guan diagnose someone in person, and she felt that Qin Guan truly lived up to her reputation. Beside her, Qin Chaoyu raised an eyebrow with an appreciative expression.
Listening to Hu Shi, Qin Guan nodded. "Old Madam's illness is not a rare or complicated condition. When pathogens enter the heart, it causes heart pain, palpitations, a tendency toward melancholy, and frequent dizziness. In older individuals, it can even lead to falls. For now, I will prescribe a formula based on Old Madam's deficiencies and excesses. Since this illness didn't develop overnight, this formula will be used for half a month to regulate the body. After that, I will perform needle therapy once and then change to a new formula."
Seeing that Qin Guan had identified Song Shi's symptoms just by checking her pulse and spoke with calm confidence, Song Shi and Hu Shi began to trust her. Hearing this, Song Shi asked, "Then, Ninth Miss, can you estimate how long it will take to see initial results?"
Qin Guan smiled slightly. "One month. Results will be visible in one month, but to stabilize the condition, it will take at least half a year. After all, Old Madam is advanced in years. On one hand, I will use gentle, regulating herbs. On the other hand, as time goes on, more symptoms may arise. Please don't rush, Old Madam."
Song Shi quickly nodded with a smile. "Good, good, good. This timeline is much shorter than I expected. Very well, I'll follow your instructions."
Qin Guan then asked Granny Yu to bring paper and a brush. "I will only write the prescription here. Please prepare the medicine yourself, Old Madam. I will write down the methods for decocting and taking the medicine." She paused slightly and continued writing as she spoke. "This formula primarily focuses on dispelling cold pathogens and treating reversal heart pain. Its effectiveness will diminish in spring when the weather warms up. Use three qian each of rhubarb, peony root, and bupleurum; two qian each of cimicifuga, scutellaria, platycodon, and cinnabar; and one qian each of euonymus alatus, cinnamon bark, and mirabilit. Take it three times a day. Decoct the medicine in cold water, boiling three bowls down to one. After three days, please visit again, Old Madam. If there are no major issues, the formula will remain unchanged. Otherwise, I will adjust it accordingly."Qin Guan quickly finished writing on a piece of paper. After waiting for the ink to dry slightly, she picked it up and handed it to Qi Shi, who then brought it before Song Shi. The two of them examined it carefully, and then looked at Qin Guan with admiration in their eyes.
Song Shi sighed with emotion and said, "Ninth Miss is so young, yet her medical skills are already this impressive, and she possesses such striking beauty. I wonder who will have the good fortune to marry Ninth Miss in the future?"
Qin Guan smiled and nodded slightly. Hu Shi chuckled and said, "She is still young, there's no hurry. When the time comes, we will surely have to trouble Old Madam."
Song Shi, however, shook her head and said, "When it comes to Ninth Miss's matters, I'm afraid it won't be my place to worry about them then."
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