Yan Chi shook his head, "I've asked about this matter too. After the incident at Prince Jin Manor, the chief administrators and others inside were also convicted. Later, they were exiled or sent away, none remaining in the capital."
Qin Wan nodded, "Then there's no way."
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, "What do you want to do?"
Qin Wan smiled bitterly, "I just remembered Prince Jin's case again. Now that we're in the capital, especially after hearing the Ninth Prince's words last time, I have even more doubts in my heart."
Yan Chi's eyes also darkened for a moment, seeming thoughtful.
Seeing Yan Chi like this, Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. "When I wasn't in the capital, I always thought it was a place of prosperity. But now that I'm here, I realize that the more noble the family, the more they're caught in the game, where every step must be taken with caution."
Yan Chi sighed and raised his hand to stroke Qin Wan's hair. He wouldn't forget that Qin Wan said she still had an unfulfilled wish. Though he never knew what her wish was, Yan Chi instinctively felt it was related to her medical skills and her path as a coroner.
He knew her extraordinary talent and that her temperament was unlike ordinary women. So he never withheld any opportunity for her to take action. He wanted the world to know how exceptional she was, and he understood that as long as she continued down this path she envisioned, he would eventually learn what her heart desired.
"With me by your side, you don't need to tread carefully." Yan Chi gently stroked Qin Wan's smooth hair. "Just do what you want to do, even if it's as difficult as reaching for the heavens."
Qin Wan turned back, "How does one do something as difficult as reaching for the heavens?"
The corners of Yan Chi's lips curved upward. "Your medical skills surpass those of many old physicians who have practiced for decades. Was it not difficult to achieve such medical proficiency? You also perform corpse examinations - you're the first woman in over two hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty to assist government offices with corpse examinations. Was that not difficult? These were all very difficult, yet you accomplished them. This shows that even things as difficult as reaching for the heavens are not impossible."
Qin Wan's heavy heart was warmed by Yan Chi's words. Suddenly she said, "What if this matter is not only as difficult as reaching for the heavens, but also accompanied by many dangers?"
Hearing this, Yan Chi smiled, "You just go ahead and do it. Leave the dangers to me."
Qin Wan's heart skipped two beats. Pressing her lips together, she added, "But if doing this requires power and opportunity..."
The smile on Yan Chi's face remained unchanged as he grasped Qin Wan's hand. "Power must be fought for, opportunities can be created. In a place like the capital, all struggles revolve around 'power,' all human relationships revolve around 'benefits.' Understand the true essence of things, and cater to what people want."
Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi, and a thought suddenly emerged in her mind.
The corners of her lips curved as she suddenly asked Yan Chi, "Is Shuoxi difficult?"
Yan Chi placed one hand on Qin Wan's shoulder, leaning back slightly against the carriage wall, making his tall and handsome figure even more prominent. "Difficult." Seeing Qin Wan's clear black-and-white eyes, Yan Chi worried she might not believe him, so he continued slowly, "I entered the military camp at age ten. After just half a year of training with veteran soldiers, my father threw me into patrolling the Cold Plains. Shuoxi's Cold Plains are perpetually frozen with no human traces, often accompanied by heavy snow. Yet I and about ten others had to patrol the Cold Plains for an entire month.""For half of this past month, we slept in ice caves and ate nothing but dry flatbread. When we couldn't bear it any longer, we'd go hunt a black bear from the Cold Plains together, roasting its meat and drinking its blood."
"I've slept in ice caves and wolf dens, once nearly frozen to death in the snow. While others ventured out at most twice a year, I had to go out four times annually. Even so, I remained the lowest-ranking supply soldier, unqualified to fight on the front lines. Two years passed like this. It wasn't until I was fourteen that I truly experienced battlefield combat for the first time. The Western Rong tribes are far more ferocious than bears or wolves from the Cold Plains. When cornered, they'd slaughter and consume their wounded comrades - or captives, if they had any."
Qin Wan's fingertips trembled slightly. Though Yan Chi's words were spoken lightly, as if describing ordinary matters, she could vividly imagine the hardship and danger they conveyed. And back then, he had been just a half-grown boy.
Qin Wan gazed into Yan Chi's ink-black eyes but detected no resentment or pain. When recalling these memories, his eyes held only unshakable determination, as if he could single-handedly hold up the collapsing sky.
She gripped Yan Chi's hand tightly. "No wonder the Northwest Frontier Army remains ever-victorious."
The corners of Yan Chi's lips lifted as he pulled Qin Wan into his embrace. "The Northwest Frontier Army will continue its winning streak."
Speaking of the Northwest Frontier Army, his tone carried natural fervor. He added, "Whether in the northwest or the capital, you needn't worry. If you require my assistance with anything, just tell me."
Qin Wan's lips parted slightly, but she ultimately just rested against his chest. "I know." Then she continued, "Since I couldn't be of much help today, I wonder if there might be an opportunity for me to meet other members of the Meng residence?"
Yan Chi looked down at her. "You wish to assist with our investigation?"
Qin Wan nodded. "Mainly to meet the Fourth Master of the Meng family."
Yan Chi pondered briefly. "After I make arrangements, I'll send word ahead through Baiying."
Qin Wan promptly agreed. As daylight waned, they exchanged no further words and headed directly for the Marquis' residence.
...
...
The next day, Qin Wan entered the palace again after 10 AM. Having been unable to visit the shop yesterday, she had instructed Han Dong and his son to return first. Today, however, she intended to make the trip to the shop.
Arriving at the Longevity and Health Palace, she saw Zhao Shuhua sitting by the Empress Dowager's bedside upon entering the inner chamber.
Qin Wan hurriedly bowed upon seeing Zhao Shuhua. "Your humble subject pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress."
Zhao Shuhua smiled as she helped her rise. "Rise, rise quickly, dear child. How is Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's health?"
The Empress Dowager leaned against her pillow, chuckling. "I feel much improved indeed. This child is truly remarkable - in just these few days, I already feel much stronger."
Qin Wan hastily responded, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is blessed with fortune. It was merely a minor ailment." Then, turning to Zhao Shuhua, she added, "Your Majesty may rest assured. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager only requires proper recuperation hereafter. The earlier critical condition has completely passed."
Zhao Shuhua exhaled in profound relief upon hearing this. "Excellent, most excellent." She then stepped aside. "Come, examine Her Majesty's pulse promptly. These past few days, knowing you entered the palace daily to treat Her Majesty, I refrained from visiting to avoid disturbing the medical sessions."Qin Wan then stepped forward, first checking the pulse, then inquiring about the Empress Dowager's daily diet and other matters before saying to Zhao Shuhua, "Your Majesty, the medicine Her Highness the Empress Dowager is taking has shown some effect. Please rest assured."
She then turned to the Empress Dowager, "Your Highness, if you feel some strength in your legs and feet, it would be best to get up and walk around a bit. Start with just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, then gradually increase the duration. This will help speed up your recovery."
The Empress Dowager looked at Mammy Chen, "Did you hear that? You can't keep insisting I lie down all the time."
Mammy Chen quickly replied with a smile, "Understood, understood. We'll follow Ninth Miss's advice. After your nap, you can get up and move around."
Zhao Shuhua smiled beside them, "From now on, I will accompany Mother Empress in the garden every day."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, "There's no need for that. You have your own duties to attend to. None of you need to worry about me; I know what to do. Where's Little Jiu? Let Little Jiu accompany me."
Zhao Shuhua also glanced toward the door, "That's right, why isn't Little Jiu here?"
Mammy Chen chuckled, "The Ninth Prince has started learning to read characters. Today is the fourth day of the month, so he's with his tutor."
Zhao Shuhua seemed to recall something and smiled, "Ah, that's right. Little Jiu has begun his studies now. I actually forgot about that. In that case, I'll stay with Mother Empress here a while longer."
The Empress Dowager, seemingly unwilling to trouble Zhao Shuhua, said, "No need to stay with me. You young people would find it dull being with an old woman like me. Go attend to your own affairs. I'm feeling a bit tired."
Mammy Chen, seeing this, added, "Her Highness the Empress Dowager usually rests for a while after taking her medicine in the afternoon. Your Majesty need not worry. We servants will take good care of Her Highness."
Zhao Shuhua sighed, "In that case, I shall return tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Qin Wan had no intention of staying long at the Longevity and Health Palace. Hearing that the Empress Dowager needed to rest, she naturally prepared to take her leave. Zhao Shuhua said, "Come, walk with me. I'll see you to the Zhengyang Gate."
Qin Wan quickly replied, "I dare not trouble Your Majesty."
But Zhao Shuhua stepped forward, took Qin Wan's hand, and led her out, "You saved the Empress Dowager's life. To the Emperor and me, you are our savior as well. What trouble could it be?"
The Empress's hand was slightly cool. Qin Wan, being led by her, felt instinctively uncomfortable but had no choice but to walk out.
Outside the Longevity and Health Palace, the Empress's sedan chair stood quietly. The Empress led Qin Wan into the sedan before releasing her hand and asked, "I heard that people have been visiting the Marquis residence seeking your medical help?"
Qin Wan's lips curved slightly, "Yes, the wife of Marquis Wu'an and the daughter of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue."
Zhao Shuhua raised an eyebrow, "The Left Vice Minister of Revenue? The one whose residence recently had a murder case?"
Qin Wan nodded, "Exactly. Because of this, Miss Meng, who was supposed to come to the Marquis residence yesterday, was unable to make it."
Zhao Shuhua nodded and continued, "I heard you were bullied by Feng Zhang at the palace gate that day?"
Qin Wan hesitated slightly, "Heir Apparent Feng was somewhat rude, but then His Highness Yan Chi happened to pass by—"
Zhao Shuhua sighed, "There's no need to cover for Feng Zhang. Relying on the influence of the Duke of Zhongguo's household, he has always acted without restraint. In the capital, one could say he has committed numerous misdeeds. Fortunately, you encountered Yan Chi that day, otherwise who knows what might have happened."After looking at Qin Wan for a moment, Zhao Shuhua continued, "During these past few days in the palace, have you encountered Consort Su?"
Qin Wan shook her head, "I haven't encountered Consort Su."
Zhao Shuhua seemed to breathe a sigh of relief again, "That's good." After a pause, she added, "In the future, if she gives you any trouble in the palace, you can just come and inform me."
Qin Wan stared at Zhao Shuhua with wide eyes. Zhao Shuhua said with some concern, "Feng Zhang's temperament means he'll likely hold a grudge about this incident. He can't do anything to Yan Chi, but he can target you. Moreover, because of this matter, the Emperor has neglected Consort Su for two days—she probably harbors resentment too. In any case, you should be extra careful from now on."
Regardless of Zhao Shuhua's true intentions, at least on the surface these words were meant for Qin Wan's benefit. Qin Wan naturally agreed, "Thank you for your concern, Empress. Qin Wan understands."
Zhao Shuhua looked at Qin Wan with great satisfaction. "I've always liked your elder sister very much. Now it seems the Qin Manor is truly a place that nurtures outstanding people—you sisters are both exceptional. There will be a palace banquet on the Lantern Festival; you and your sister should come together then."
Today was the fourth day of the month; the Lantern Festival palace banquet would be in ten days. Qin Wan hurriedly accepted the invitation.
"I heard two other sisters entered the palace with you?"
As the palanquin slowly moved toward Zhengyang Gate, Zhao Shuhua continued her gentle questioning.
Qin Wan nodded, "Yes, Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister."
Zhao Shuhua smiled and asked, "Is your aunt preparing marriage arrangements for your two sisters?"
Qin Wan's mind tightened slightly, but she knew nothing could be hidden from Zhao Shuhua, so she nodded, "Preparations are underway. Aunt seems inclined to have Old Madam Song of Wuan Marquis help with the matchmaking."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shuhua chuckled, "I know Old Madam Song—she has facilitated many good marriages."
Qin Wan offered an agreeable response, and Zhao Shuhua continued, "After your two sisters, it will be your Eighth Sister and you..."
Qin Wan lowered her eyes as if shy. Zhao Shuhua laughed, "Do you have anyone in mind?"
Qin Wan naturally shook her head, "Such important matters naturally depend on Uncle and Aunt's arrangements."
Zhao Shuhua smiled and nodded, then changed the subject. Before long, they arrived at Zhengyang Gate. Qin Wan stepped down from the palanquin, bid farewell to Zhao Shuhua, and watched the Empress's carriage disappear into the distance before walking toward the palace gate.
Fuling let out a long sigh, "Miss, is the Empress really that amiable and kind?"
A faint glimmer flashed in Qin Wan's eyes, "Yes, she appears very amiable and kind."
After the master and servant exited Zhenghua Gate, they saw Qin Ye waiting outside. Once in the carriage, Qin Wan said, "Fourth Brother, please take me to the shop on West Yangjiao Street. I need to find Han Dong."
Qin Ye nodded. The guard cracked his whip, and the carriage started moving.
To save time, Qin Wan headed directly to her family's shop instead of returning to the manor. Qin Ye seemed willing to grant Qin Wan's every request and didn't say anything. They proceeded along the Imperial Road, then turned onto the main street heading west. After the time it takes two incense sticks to burn, they reached Yangjiao Street. On Yangjiao Street stood a large gold and silver jewelry store—the biggest shop under Qin Yi's name. Han Dong, as the chief steward, usually worked at this shop. When the carriage stopped in front of the jewelry store, Qin Wan sent a guard named Fu Jing to announce their arrival.
However, after a short while, Fu Jing returned with a young shop assistant instead.The young clerk approached Qin Wan's carriage and said respectfully, "Greetings, Miss, greetings, Young Master. Shopkeeper Han is not in the store at the moment. Before he left, he instructed that if Miss were to arrive, you should wait in the shop for a while."
Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain. "Where did Shopkeeper Han go?"
The clerk had been keeping his head lowered, but upon hearing this, he instinctively looked up. The moment he saw Qin Wan's face, his eyes widened as if he were stunned. It was only when Fuling nudged him with her elbow that he snapped out of it.
"Sh-Shopkeeper Han went to the bank on the neighboring street to deposit yesterday's payment."
Coming back to his senses, the clerk lowered his head in embarrassment. Fuling noticed his entire face had turned red. She had intended to scold him for his rudeness, but seeing his flustered state, she sighed in resignation and let it go.
Qin Wan didn’t take offense and asked further, "The bank on the neighboring street? What’s its name?"
The clerk hurriedly replied, "It’s called Xiangfu Bank."
Qin Wan nodded and turned to Qin Ye. "Shall we go find Shopkeeper Han instead?"
Uncertain how long Han Dong would be gone and unwilling to waste time, Qin Wan decided to seek him out directly since it wasn’t far.
Qin Ye had no objections and immediately guided the horse toward the neighboring street. The group reached the end of the street, turned the corner onto another long road, and hadn’t gone far when they spotted the prominent sign of Xiangfu Bank. Before they even reached the bank’s entrance, Han Dong came into view. He was accompanied by two young clerks, each carrying a small, inconspicuous bundle—doubtless containing the payment. As Han Dong walked, he caught sight of Qin Ye. Just then, Fuling pulled open the carriage curtain, and Han Dong realized Qin Wan had arrived. At her command, the carriage came to a halt by the roadside.
"Greetings, Miss, greetings to the Fourth Young Master—"
Han Dong approached and bowed respectfully.
Qin Wan smiled slightly. "We just stopped by the shop and came here upon hearing you were nearby. Is everything settled?"
Han Dong nodded hastily. "Yes, indeed. I didn’t expect you to come at this hour, so—"
Qin Wan chuckled. "I didn’t specify a time, so it’s not your fault. Is Han Bo still in the city?"
Han Dong quickly affirmed, "Yes, yes. After you mentioned it yesterday, Father decided to stay in the city. He’s currently in the southern district. Would you like to see him?"
Qin Wan curved her lips. "Is the shop not busy today?"
Han Dong replied promptly, "Not at all, not at all. Please feel free to give any instructions."
Qin Wan then said, "I’d like to visit Han Bo. Take us there." She added, "Come into the carriage."
Han Dong waved his hands. "It’s no trouble, Miss. I can walk."
As it was the first month of the year and quite cold, and the southern district wasn’t exactly close, walking was out of the question. Qin Wan laughed lightly. "We’re not so strict about formalities here. Get in the carriage—I also have some matters to discuss with you."
Seeing Qin Wan’s serious expression, Han Dong instructed the two clerks to return to the shop first, then nodded and climbed into the carriage.
Qin Wan smiled and was about to lower the curtain when she suddenly noticed a rather familiar figure emerging from Xiangfu Bank. She frowned immediately. Han Dong, seated in the corner near the carriage door, noticed Qin Wan staring intently out the window and followed her gaze. Seeing her focus on a young man in his twenties, he asked hurriedly, "Do you know that person, Miss?"Qin Wan wanted to nod but ultimately shook her head instead. "I don't recognize him. I just thought it was strange that he looked so angry."
As she spoke, Qin Wan glanced over again. Of course she recognized this person—she had just seen him yesterday afternoon. He was one of the male servants she had encountered at the Meng residence.
Han Dong's smile deepened upon hearing this. "He couldn't withdraw money, so he's angry."
Qin Wan frowned. "How do you know?"
Han Dong replied casually, "Just now, when I went to deposit funds, this man came in midway. He entered and immediately said he wanted to make a withdrawal, but it wasn't from his own account. After giving a name, the shopkeeper said there was an agreement with that client that a token was required. This man didn't have the token and argued something about how even a son shouldn't be barred from withdrawing his father's money. I didn't catch all the details, but it seems the amount he wanted to withdraw was substantial—he seemed extremely anxious."
As Qin Wan listened, a sudden realization flashed through her mind.
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