"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince of Northern Wei is in a mountain stream northeast of the third ridge of Mount Wei. Because the stream is quite deep, Commander Lin and His Highness Chi are still conducting rescue operations. The Crown Prince feared Your Majesty would worry, so he sent me ahead to report." After saying this, the soldier added, "That mountain stream is exactly as Ninth Miss described!"
In Yan Huai's main tent, all eyes turned to Qin Guan. Supporting the Empress Dowager, Qin Guan appeared somewhat relieved but not at all smug. Yan Huai cast an appreciative glance at her before urgently asking, "How is the Crown Prince's condition?"
Since he had fallen into a mountain stream, injuries were inevitable—otherwise he would have returned on his own.
The soldier quickly shook his head. "I don't know that yet. When we found the spot, it was because Changfeng refused to move from above the stream. When His Highness Chi sent men down to investigate, they discovered the Crown Prince's boot, confirming he must be below. As for how severe his injuries are, I have no information."
Yan Huai's heart grew heavy with renewed concern. After all this time, even minor injuries could have worsened for Tuoba Hong.
"Very well, I understand. You may go and receive your reward."
After the soldier withdrew, Zhao Shuhua smiled and said, "The Northern Wei Crown Prince has finally been found! Once again, Ninth Miss has rendered great service! After two days of searching yielded nothing, her simple deduction led to such a quick discovery!"
Qin Guan curved her lips slightly. "You flatter me, Empress."
Qin Shu was also present in the tent. Seeing Qin Guan's achievement, his face beamed with delight, though soon clouded with worry. "We just don't know how severely the Northern Wei Crown Prince is injured."
Yan Huai exhaled deeply. "Finding him is what matters most. It's almost dawn now—everyone should return and rest."
Having waited anxiously all night, everyone was indeed exhausted, especially the Empress Dowager who had waited just as long. Relieved that the Crown Prince had been found, the Empress Dowager finally led Qin Guan back to her tent.
Once inside, the Empress Dowager and Mammy Chen couldn't help but marvel again. The Empress Dowager asked Qin Guan with a smile, "Ninth girl, you've accomplished another great deed. What reward would you like?"
Qin Guan thought for a moment. "Any reward at all?"
The Empress Dowager chuckled. "Naturally—"
Qin Guan feigned difficulty. "Then it's hard to choose! There are so many rewards I'd like!"
The Empress Dowager laughed heartily, knowing well that Qin Guan cared little for wealth and honor. Her response likely meant she had no real desire for rewards. Sighing, the Empress Dowager said, "Think carefully. Besides riches and status, you could ask for something else."
A faint sparkle lit Qin Guan's eyes. "Something else? Then I'll think hard about it!"
After exchanging a few more light-hearted words, the Empress Dowager and Qin Guan finally retired. By then, it was the late night watch. Qin Guan fell asleep quickly and deeply. She didn't know how long she slept before the nightmare of the Shen family's execution returned—a vision of blood and fire, witnessing her father and mother's deaths once more, cold arrows flying straight toward her face—
With a violent shudder, Qin Guan woke, eyes wide open.
Gasping rapidly, she turned her head to find Yan Sui crouched by her bedside at some unknown hour. His piercing dark-and-white eyes stared directly at her, startling her inexplicably.
Qin Guan quickly composed herself and noticed the bright daylight outside.
She sat up promptly. "Why is His Highness the Ninth Prince here?" Has Her Highness the Empress Dowager risen?"Yan Sui nodded. Seeing Qin Guan busy dressing, he remained motionless, watching her intently. Suddenly, he asked softly, "What did you dream about?"
Qin Guan had already stepped down from the bed. Hearing this, she paused briefly before turning to meet Yan Sui's stubborn gaze. She reached out and patted his head, "I dreamed of being trapped during a hunt."
Yan Sui knew the Northern Wei Crown Prince had first gone missing and was later found, making Qin Guan's explanation quite reasonable.
Yet Yan Sui continued staring at Qin Guan, "You called out 'mother'."
Qin Guan halted her steps and smiled, "Everyone calls for their mother when they're scared."
Only then did Yan Sui fall silent. Qin Guan hurried to wash up and left the rear tent. Outside, the Empress Dowager was having breakfast and smiled upon seeing Qin Guan and Yan Sui emerge. "You were sleeping so soundly I didn't wake you. What were you two discussing?"
Qin Guan quickly replied, "The Ninth Prince asked if I dreamed last night..." She then looked outside, "Has the Northern Wei Crown Prince not been returned yet?"
The Empress Dowager shook her head, "Not yet. Come, have your meal first."
Qin Guan ate breakfast with Yan Sui. Just as they finished, Yan Chi's main forces appeared outside the camp!
The lead guard galloped into camp shouting, "Summon the imperial physicians! Quickly summon the imperial physicians! His Highness the Crown Prince has returned!"
Instantly, everyone in the camp rushed out again. While Yuan Qing sent for physicians, he reported to Yan Huai. When Qin Guan helped the Empress Dowager emerge, they happened to see Yan Chi and Lin Zhang escorting Tuoba Hong toward the main tent.
Tuoba Hong was tied to an improvised stretcher. Four soldiers carried him into his own tent. Soon, Yan Huai arrived with Zhao Shuhua and others outside the tent, while the imperial physicians also reached the scene!
Three accompanying imperial physicians entered Tuoba Hong's tent together for diagnosis.
Tuoba Wu and Tuoba Rui, exhausted from their night's labor, appeared particularly disheveled. Yet Tuoba Wu tightly grasped Tuoba Hong's hand, refusing to let go. Seeing the physicians enter, she dragged one to the bedside, "Quick! Save my brother!"
Tuoba Hong lay on the bed, appearing almost breathless from a distance. Only when standing closer could one faintly see his chest's slight rise and fall. His robe was wrinkled from water soaking, his hands and feet shriveled from immersion. Having been exposed to heavy rain for unknown duration, most terrifying was his complexion - deathly pale with no trace of color even on his lips, while the air faintly carried the scent of blood...
The physicians stepped forward and pulled open Tuoba Hong's robe, revealing a blood hole the size of a wine cup's mouth over his heart.
Though Tuoba Hong had numerous abrasions and bruises, the most fatal was clearly this chest wound. After two days and nights, the injury had begun swelling and festering. Soaked by rain, the wound gaped horrifically outward, with rotten flesh and scabs fused together inside the hole, making its contents completely indiscernible.
The three physicians divided tasks - one checking pulses, others examining injuries. Soon they had Tuoba Hong stripped down to his underwear. Yan Huai stood at the entrance, his brow tightly furrowed—"When we found the Crown Prince, he was already unconscious, lying in a large pool of blood. At first, we couldn't locate his wound until we noticed the tear in his clothing and the extensive bloodstain on his chest. We proceeded with extreme caution along the way, fearing the wound might reopen. A person only has so much blood to lose, and His Highness the Crown Prince has already lost far too much!"
After Lin Zhang finished speaking quietly, Yan Huai's eyes grew increasingly dark.
Yan Chi and Yan Che stood behind Yan Huai. Both had been through a night of turmoil, their clothes stained with mud. Yan Chi, accustomed to the rough-and-tumble of the battlefield, remained imposing and spirited, while Yan Che appeared weary and tormented, his energy significantly diminished.
Qin Guan supported the Empress Dowager at the outermost area, waiting with Zhao Shuhua and others for news from inside.
Tuoba Hong had been found, but if his life could not be saved, it would still mean he had died in Great Zhou. Great Zhou and Northern Wei would inevitably become enemies over this.
"Imperial Physicians! How is my brother?!"
Tuoba Wu's cloak and clothes were completely soaked, clinging to her body coldly and unpleasantly, yet she paid it no mind. Seeing the three imperial physicians at a loss and silent for a long while, she couldn't help but urge them.
At her urging, the three physicians exchanged glances, then rose together and knelt on the ground.
The head of the Imperial Hospital, the Path, said, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, the Crown Prince can no longer be saved."
"What did you say?!" Tuoba Wu's eyes widened as she shouted sharply.
Yan Huai raised an eyebrow. "What is the extent of his injuries? Why can he not be saved?"
The Path continued, "The Crown Prince's pulse is as faint as a floating thread—he is hanging on by his last breath. He has lost too much blood; it is a miracle he has lasted this long. Most critically, the wound on his chest appears to have been caused by an arrow. The shaft has been cut away, but the arrowhead remains embedded. Upon examination, I found that the arrowhead is likely from a hunting arrow. The arrows used in this hunt have particularly thick shafts. Since the wound is on the Crown Prince's chest, the first step in treatment would be to remove the arrowhead and remaining shaft. Not only has the Crown Prince lost too much blood to endure such a procedure, but even if he had just been injured, who would dare to cut open his chest to extract the arrowhead?!"
After the physician finished, he bowed to the ground in apology. "Not even a divine immortal could save the Crown Prince from this injury."
Tuoba Wu staggered, her knees nearly giving way, and had to be steadied by a maid behind her. Her eyes reddened as she cried out in anguish, "How can this be? Physician, how do you know it won't work without even trying? If you don't try, are we just to watch the Crown Prince die? If the Crown Prince dies, Northern Wei will not let this rest!"
The physician said with a pained expression, "Your Highness, it is not that I refuse to save him, but that it is truly impossible. If we administer medicine now, he might still open his eyes and speak his final words to you. But if we attempt to remove the arrowhead, he may pass away before it is even extracted. Your Highness, it is not due to my incompetence—there is simply no way to save him."
As Tuoba Wu listened, her gaze sharpened with anger, but just then, Tuoba Hong let out a soft groan. She rushed to the bedside, crying out, "Crown Prince Brother! Crown Prince Brother..."
She called out several times, but Tuoba Hong showed no response.
The Path said sorrowfully, "Your Highness, this is the Crown Prince's final rally.""I don't believe it!" Tuoba Wu's tears fell one by one. "I don't believe he can't be saved! You! Just try! If you can save him, I'll give you all my wealth! I'll grant you high positions and generous salaries in Northern Wei—whatever you want, I'll give it to you! Save him! I beg you, save him!"
Tuoba Wu's words were filled with anguish. Beside her, Tuoba Rui wept silently, his pleading eyes fixed on Yan Huai. Yet Yan Huai had no words to offer. As the Emperor of Great Zhou, he held dominion over the entire realm—he could order deaths and turn the living into the dead, but saving someone on the brink of death was beyond his power. Yan Huai let out a long sigh. "Princess, the Chief Physician would not deceive you. If it were possible to save him... why would I ever wish for the Crown Prince to meet misfortune in Great Zhou?"
Tuoba Wu knelt by Tuoba Hong's bedside, clutching his hand while turning her gaze to Yan Huai and the others. "I don't care! I don't care! No matter what, you cannot let him die like this! If he dies, I swear I will persuade Father to mobilize all of Northern Wei's forces to wage war against Great Zhou! Save him! Hurry and save him—"
Tuoba Wu's desperate cries echoed, but no matter how she threatened, the three imperial physicians wore only expressions of regret and pity. Realizing this, despair flooded Tuoba Wu's eyes. Her tears fell in heavy drops, and her entire body trembled with fear!
How could Big Brother Crown Prince die? It simply couldn't be! The last words she had spoken to him were "Get lost!"—she regretted it now. She wanted him to live. She knew she was wrong. She would apologize, she would never act recklessly again, never again...
"Big Brother Crown Prince, Big Brother Crown Prince, please don't die..."
"Big Brother Crown Prince, even if we must die, we cannot die in Great Zhou."
"Big Brother Crown Prince, let's go. I'll take you back to see Father. Father is still waiting for you..."
Tuoba Wu suddenly stood up, leaning forward as if to lift Tuoba Hong. But as she tried to hold him, fresh blood seeped from the wound on his chest. Her grief was so profound, her distraught state so pitiable, that Tuoba Rui stepped forward and grabbed her. "Elder Sister, Elder Sister, come to your senses! If you keep this up, Big Brother will pass even sooner!"
Tuoba Wu snapped back to reality, but for the first time, she looked helplessly at Tuoba Rui. "Fifth Brother, let's take Big Brother back to Northern Wei. We'll find the best physicians in Northern Wei—someone must be able to heal him..."
Tuoba Rui wiped away his tears. "But Elder Sister, how can we take Big Brother back over such a long journey?"
Returning to Northern Wei was impossible. The imperial physicians of Great Zhou were already among the most skilled; even back in Northern Wei, no better doctors could be found. Tuoba Wu knew this, but she couldn't afford to lose hope now. She had to do something—she couldn't just watch Tuoba Hong die. Her mind raced frantically, as if she had fallen into a pitch-black fog. She was terrified, and she absolutely refused to accept that Tuoba Hong was dying—
Suddenly, her gaze swept toward the tent entrance. The flap was drawn aside, and she spotted the figures standing outside—naturally, she also saw Qin Guan beside the Empress Dowager. Like a drowning person clutching at the last straw, Tuoba Wu shoved Tuoba Rui aside and dashed toward the entrance. Her movement was so swift that no one had time to react.She stepped out of the tent and approached the Empress Dowager, grabbing Qin Guan’s arm in a firm grip. Her eyes, wild with desperation, fixed on Qin Guan. “You! Aren’t you the Medicine Immortal? Save my elder brother! Save him—”
As she spoke, Tuoba Wu dragged Qin Guan toward the main tent. Though Qin Guan was no delicate woman who would collapse at a gust of wind, Tuoba Wu, driven by some inexplicable brute force, effortlessly pulled her away from the Empress Dowager. Fuling instinctively tried to hold her back but was no match for Tuoba Wu’s strength. Stumbling a few steps, Qin Guan had no choice but to follow Tuoba Wu into the tent.
Tuoba Wu felt as if she were losing her mind—how could she possibly care about propriety now?
She roughly hauled Qin Guan to Tuoba Hong’s bedside, tears streaming down her face as she insisted fiercely, “Save him! You’re the Medicine Immortal. You cured the Empress Dowager—you can save him too! Hurry, hurry and save him…”
Urged on by Tuoba Wu’s frantic pleas, Qin Guan glanced at the obsession and grief etched on her face. Without a word, she leaned over to examine Tuoba Hong’s injuries. In that moment, not only Tuoba Wu but even Yan Huai and Yan Chi felt a flicker of hope stir within them.
Perhaps Qin Guan truly could save Tuoba Hong…
“Princess, the Head of the Imperial Hospital spoke the truth. The Crown Prince is beyond saving.”
A moment later, Qin Guan’s calm voice shattered everyone’s hopes. Her demeanor was solemn and grave—at the brink of life and death, she would never speak recklessly. Tuoba Wu stared fixedly at Qin Guan, but in Qin Guan’s eyes, there was only the compassion unique to a healer. “The arrow struck directly in the center of his heart, and the time for treatment has passed. With these two factors, no one in this world could save the Crown Prince.”
No one had expected that Tuoba Hong had not only fallen into the mountain ravine but had also been struck by an arrow!
Yet, at this moment, no one was thinking about why Tuoba Hong had been shot—they only wanted to know if there was still any hope for his survival.
Tuoba Wu stared unblinkingly at Qin Guan, tears flowing silently, but her eyes seemed to burn with a raging fury ready to erupt at any moment. Her lips were pressed into a sharp, thin line, and her hands were clenched tightly at her sides, as if she might transform into a beast and tear Qin Guan apart at any second. Faced with such intensity, Qin Guan’s eyes held only pity.
She no longer minded Tuoba Wu’s earlier insolence. In the face of a loved one’s death, no one could accept it calmly. She, too, had once endured that heart-wrenching, bone-deep agony. She understood the torment Tuoba Wu was suffering and felt sympathy, even a pang of sorrow for her. After a moment, Qin Guan sighed softly. “Princess, please accept my condolences.”
With these words, Qin Guan turned to leave the tent. But after taking only two steps, a heavy thud sounded behind her.
Surprised, Qin Guan turned back to see Tuoba Wu kneeling before her.
Tuoba Wu’s tears fell even more fiercely now. Her eyes, glistening and bright, were filled with nothing but desperation and despair. “I beg you. They have no way to save him, but you must have a way. Can you at least try? I was wrong—I know I was wrong. Please, don’t hold a grudge against me and abandon my brother. He always felt I had wronged you—he isn’t as vicious and rude as I am. I kneel and apologize to you. Please, I beg you, save him…”Tuoba Wu crawled forward on her knees, "Ninth Miss, I beg you to try. Please don't give up on my elder brother like this. He has endured for so many days, suffered such severe injuries, lost so much blood, yet he still holds on. He can surely continue to endure—as long as you are willing to save him, I will do anything you ask. Ninth Miss, I implore you..."
The same person who had treated Qin Guan's life as a mere jest just days ago now appeared so humble and desperate. Qin Guan felt as if a block of cold iron had lodged in her chest as she gazed into Tuoba Wu's nearly transparent eyes. As a healer, she would never abandon Tuoba Hong's life because of her past conflicts with Tuoba Wu. Yet, what the imperial physicians said aligned with her own observations—if there were any hope, how could she not try?
As these thoughts crossed her mind, Qin Guan's peripheral vision caught a slight movement in Tuoba Hong's fingers. Her expression shifted subtly, and she focused intently on his hand, confirming that his fingers were indeed twitching. Her heart leaped, and she hurried to the bedside to check his pulse again. Her sudden movement startled everyone present. Tuoba Wu slowly turned to watch Qin Guan, her mind too numb to process whether Qin Guan had agreed, her entire being hollowed out as she stared blankly at the scene.
Qin Guan first checked the pulse, then gently pressed Tuoba Hong's chest. Leaning close to his ear, she called out clearly and resonantly, "Crown Prince!" After speaking, she watched his fingers closely—sure enough, they twitched once more. Qin Guan straightened abruptly, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She took a deep breath and turned to Tuoba Wu, "Princess, I can try—"
Tuoba Wu stared blankly, unable to comprehend at first. After a long pause, her eyes widened, and she burst into tears and laughter simultaneously. But Qin Guan hadn't finished, "However, I cannot guarantee I can save the Crown Prince's life."
Tuoba Wu froze again, but this time nodded rapidly, "You—you needn't worry. If you cannot save my elder brother, I will never blame you or implicate anyone else."
Qin Guan then looked toward Yan Huai, for saving Tuoba Hong required his approval as well.
Yan Huai's eyes had already brightened considerably, "Ninth girl, I have been waiting for you to say those very words! The Crown Prince's life is in your hands. Do your utmost—whatever the outcome, I will bear the responsibility!"
This was the best assurance she could receive. Qin Guan nodded, her gaze briefly meeting Yan Chi's. His eyes shone with brilliant trust and determination, like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. In that fleeting moment, Qin Guan felt strengthened. She then turned to the Empress Dowager, who sighed and said, "Ninth girl, I trust you!"
A faint curve touched Qin Guan's lips. But when she faced the three imperial physicians, her expression transformed completely. Her features settled into calm authority, her eyes radiating compelling brilliance and command, "Honored seniors, I require your assistance."
The three physicians had believed Tuoba Hong was beyond saving. They never expected Qin Guan to accept Tuoba Wu's plea. In the past, they might have mocked her youthful audacity, but now they had heard of her reputation. If she could achieve what they could not—potentially preventing war between Northern Wei and Great Zhou—nothing could be better!Seeing the three imperial physicians respond, Qin Guan turned to Tuoba Wu. "Princess, I need your help as well."
Tuoba Wu was still kneeling on the ground. Qin Guan stepped forward, pulled Tuoba Wu to her feet, then looked at Yan Huai. "Your Majesty, aside from the three imperial physicians and the princess, everyone else must withdraw. Moreover, I need the Imperial Hospital's medicine attendants on standby!"
Yan Huai nodded. "Very well! I shall have Yuan Qing make the arrangements immediately. When do you plan to begin?"
Qin Guan's expression sharpened with determination. "We begin now!"
......
......
Soon, Tuoba Hong's tent became the most heavily guarded area in the camp. Guards stood watch outside to prevent anyone from approaching, while the accompanying medicine attendants waited nearby for Qin Guan's instructions. Inside the tent, the three imperial physicians assisted Qin Guan in preparing the tools needed for the procedure. As for Tuoba Wu, Qin Guan instructed her to speak with Tuoba Hong.
"Say things that interest him, words that can move him—say anything at all, but keep talking, never stop. Stir his will to live, make him hold on!" Qin Guan instructed while wiping Tuoba Hong's body with boiled strong liquor.
Tuoba Wu nodded obediently, as if whatever Qin Guan said was absolute truth.
As she cleaned Tuoba Hong's wounds, Qin Guan turned to the Head of the Imperial Hospital. "Head of the Imperial Hospital, I have a Great Life-Sustaining Decoction. Could you write it down and have the medicine apprentice brew it? We'll need it shortly."
The Head of the Imperial Hospital, usually the one giving orders, now served as Qin Guan's assistant.
Time was critical, and Qin Guan spoke rapidly. Yet, because the Head was familiar with most medicinal principles and formulas, he neatly transcribed the prescription without needing repetition. After handing it to the apprentice, Qin Guan began excising the necrotic flesh around Tuoba Hong's wound. Tuoba Wu, seated further inside, had already started whispering in Tuoba Hong's ear. Watching Qin Guan write the prescription and clean the wound had been tolerable, but seeing her take a blade to slowly cut away the mangled flesh around the injury made Tuoba Wu's stomach churn violently.
She quickly averted her gaze, lowering her head to stare at the remaining part of Tuoba Hong's bed.
Once the wound was cleansed and treated, the medicine arrived. Qin Guan and two imperial physicians worked together to feed Tuoba Hong the entire bowl. After a brief wait, Qin Guan finally began extracting the arrow from his heart.
Qin Guan had removed her wide-sleeved outer robe, now wearing only a narrow-sleeved jacket and skirt. As she positioned the blade over Tuoba Hong's chest, Tuoba Wu couldn't help but fixate on the scene. She watched, wide-eyed, as Qin Guan's knife sliced open Tuoba Hong's chest, then saw her insert a clamp-like tool into the bloody cavity. Holding her breath with intense focus, Qin Guan gradually exerted force, slowly drawing the arrowhead outward—
Fresh blood gushed from Tuoba Hong's wound. Tuoba Wu, witnessing such a scene for the first time, felt acid rise to her throat. Yet when she looked at Qin Guan, her hands—suspended mid-air for so long—remained perfectly steady. Her clear, bright eyes, sharp and unwavering, were locked on the gruesome wound. Her expression was both solemn and cold, compassionate yet intimidating. Tuoba Wu stared in awe, wondering how she could have ever mistaken Qin Guan for an ordinary noblewoman of the capital.
Qin Guan gripped the arrowhead, pulling it out millimeter by millimeter. The irregularly shaped arrowhead would inevitably damage Tuoba Hong's heart vessels upon extraction, but Qin Guan's hands were impossibly steady, retracing its entry path with precision. As blood flowed more profusely, the three imperial physicians grew visibly anxious, yet Qin Guan's hands never faltered.
Smoothly but painstakingly slow, she drew the arrowhead from Tuoba Hong's chest. The moment it was removed, blood abruptly spurted, splashing onto Qin Guan's face. Tuoba Wu instinctively reached to wipe it, but Qin Guan sharply commanded, "Don't move!"
Startled, Tuoba Wu shrank back into her seat. Qin Guan continued calmly, "Keep talking to him."Tuoba Wu hurriedly looked at Tuoba Hong's face. Though he remained unconscious, large beads of cold sweat had already formed on his forehead. With a half-sobbing tone, she cried, "Crown Prince brother, do you still remember that hibiscus tree in the Northern Wei palace..."
"Ninth Miss, what should we do now?!"
The arrowhead had been removed from his shoulder, but how could the bleeding from Tuoba Hong's chest be stopped!
Seeing the severely torn and gaping wound, the three imperial physicians felt horrified.
Yet Qin Guan simply extended her hand, "Pass me the needle and thread—"
The physician hastily handed them over, and Qin Guan immediately began stitching up Tuoba Hong's wound with the temporarily prepared needle and thread. Tuoba Wu glanced sideways and saw Qin Guan sewing the wound stitch by stitch as if mending a quilt. Though her hands and front were completely stained with bright red blood, she paid no mind. Her eyes blinked repeatedly, focused to the extreme. In that instant, Tuoba Wu felt as if a sacred, holy radiance emanated from Qin Guan. Her entire demeanor was ethereal and exquisite, evoking the same reverence as the tribal goddesses from the northernmost regions of their Northern Wei. In that moment, she seemed to suddenly understand why someone like Yan Chi would be captivated by Qin Guan!
As she spoke, her heart felt empty for a second. All her previous doubts vanished without a trace. She suddenly felt that someone like Yan Chi should indeed be drawn to a woman like Qin Guan. The two of them—one like a war god protecting the homeland yet burdened with countless killings, and the other, Qin Guan, healing the world as if an immortal descended from the heavens—could there be anyone more perfectly matched in this world?
"Bring the healing ointment and the hemostatic medicine—"
Only after stitching the wound did Qin Guan begin applying medicine. Her hands were covered in bloodstains, and in her urgency, she wiped them hastily on her dress. Then, carefully, she used a silver spoon to gently spread the ointment over Tuoba Hong's wound. She had been bent over the entire time, with large beads of sweat on her forehead, yet she paid no attention, meticulously attending to every detail without negligence. Seeing her so focused and cautious, Tuoba Wu dared not even breathe loudly.
Soon, after the wound was bandaged with white cotton cloth, Qin Guan finally let out a soft sigh and took a step back. Her movement was extremely slow, clearly indicating the soreness and pain in her waist and back. Tuoba Wu hesitated to speak, but Qin Guan had already begun checking the pulse. After finishing, she picked up boiled wine and sprinkled it around the tent. Unable to hold back, Tuoba Wu whispered, "How is he—"
After sprinkling the wine, Qin Guan straightened up and looked at Tuoba Wu. "The arrowhead has been removed."
Of course, Tuoba Wu knew the arrowhead had been removed—what she wanted to know was whether her brother would survive!
Qin Guan understood her question and continued, "Next, we must see if the bleeding can be controlled, if the wound will fester, if he can take medicine, and if he can endure such significant blood loss. We must wait at least five days to know whether he will survive. Of course, even if he lives, he may suffer from various ailments."
"It's alright, it's alright! As long as he lives, that's enough—"Tuoba Wu gazed at Qin Guan with earnestness and gratitude. Qin Guan continued, "For the next few days, only you, I, and the three imperial physicians may enter this tent. He must never be left unattended. When you come, speak to him. Before arriving, ensure your clothes and hands are thoroughly cleaned. I will place more wine in the tent these two days—it can be used to cleanse hands or sprinkle on the ground. In short, do not bring any filth inside—"
With each instruction from Qin Guan, Tuoba Wu nodded. Qin Guan glanced at him and said, "For now, the three imperial physicians and I will watch over him. You should return to rest and eat. Come back in the evening."
Tuoba Wu seemed to want to say more, but Qin Guan left no room for argument. "You will keep watch at night, and not just for a day or two. You must not collapse at this critical moment. Go now."
Intimidated by Qin Guan's commanding tone, Tuoba Wu cast a reluctant glance at Tuoba Hong before finally leaving.
Qin Guan looked at Tuoba Hong's pallid face and murmured, "We have done all we can. What happens next depends on his fate."
As she spoke, her gaze fell upon the arrowhead placed nearby.
The rescue was complete; now it was time to ponder why Tuoba Hong had been struck by an arrow.
Qin Guan and the three imperial physicians cleaned the bloodstains from the tent and emerged carrying the arrowhead.
Outside, Mammy Chen was the first to greet them. The rescue of Tuoba Hong had taken nearly two hours, and the sight of basin after basin of blood being carried out had shaken not only Mammy Chen but even the soldiers. Yet upon learning that Qin Guan had ultimately succeeded, everyone began to regard her as divine.
Mammy Chen approached Qin Guan, and others gathered around as well. Soon, more and more people came, their eyes filled with admiration and reverence, truly seeing Qin Guan as the Medicine Immortal. Her moon-white robe was stained with blood, but this only heightened the solemnity of her life-saving mission. After exchanging a few words with Mammy Chen, Qin Guan, eager to report to Yan Huai and still soiled with blood, did not stop to greet the Empress Dowager but went directly to Yan Huai's quarters.
By the time she arrived, Yan Huai had already received the news. Seeing Qin Guan, he exclaimed with emotion, "Ninth girl, you have done excellently!"
Qin Guan presented the arrowhead. "Your Majesty, this was extracted from the wound of the Northern Wei Crown Prince."
Frowning, Yan Huai examined the arrowhead and asked, "Ninth girl, what are his chances of survival?"
After a moment's thought, Qin Guan replied, "Three in ten."
"Only thirty percent?!"
Qin Guan nodded. Yan Huai sighed. "Thirty percent is better than none." He handed the arrowhead to Lin Zhang. "See if this belongs to Tuoba Hong himself..."
Lin Zhang inspected it closely and, indeed, found a small character "Hong" engraved where the arrowhead met the shaft.
"How could Crown Prince Tuoba's own arrow have struck him?" Yan Huai asked hesitantly.
Lin Zhang was equally puzzled. Qin Guan, standing below, suddenly inquired, "Commander Lin, when you found His Highness, did you notice anything else?"
Lin Zhang replied, "We only found His Highness's bow, arrows, and quiver. Nothing else. The game he hunted was with his attendants, and other supplies like rations or bait for luring prey were not on his person."Qin Guan nodded and didn't ask further. Yan Huai glanced at her and said, "Ninth girl, what do you think?"
After pondering, Qin Guan replied, "This humble girl believes it must be intentional."
Yan Huai raised an eyebrow, and Qin Guan continued, "When I extracted the arrowhead, I noticed it penetrated straight into the Crown Prince's chest. This angle suggests he was shot from the front. Moreover, the break on the arrowhead is clean and sharp, clearly cut by a sharp weapon."
Lin Zhang frowned, "When we found the Crown Prince, his sword was drawn. Could His Highness have cut it off himself?"
Qin Guan shook her head, "Did Commander Lin find any arrow shafts near the Crown Prince?"
This question caught Lin Zhang off guard, "It was nighttime when we found the Crown Prince. We were focused on rescuing him and didn't pay much attention to his belongings... I ordered someone to collect them, but I'm not sure if they found any. I'll send someone to check immediately."
Yan Huai asked, "Could it have been an accident?"
Qin Guan hesitated slightly, "I can't say for certain, but judging by the arrow's angle, it appears deliberate. If it were an accident, it would be too coincidental - the Crown Prince falls into a mountain stream, just as there is an arrow standing upright, and he lands face down, impaling himself. Furthermore, the arrow's penetration depth would have to be limited; otherwise, it should have passed completely through his body."
Hearing this, Yan Huai also found it incredible. Yet if someone deliberately harmed Tuoba Hong, who could it be? And why would they use Tuoba Hong's own arrows?
Yan Huai pondered briefly but couldn't grasp the key. Seeing Qin Guan standing below, he said, "Ninth girl, you've worked hard. Go rest now. You'll need to keep close watch over the Northern Wei Crown Prince these next two days."
Qin Guan bowed and withdrew. Since she had saved Tuoba Hong, she naturally couldn't afford to be careless now.
With this thought, Qin Guan didn't return to the Empress Dowager but instead turned toward Tuoba Hong's large tent.
The tent was heavily guarded, but the guards immediately made way when they saw Qin Guan approaching. Entering the tent, she washed her hands, checked his pulse, examined the wound, and felt Tuoba Hong's forehead before finally relaxing slightly. At least for the moment, Tuoba Hong showed no signs of danger. If this continued, his chances would be better than thirty percent.
Just as she thought this, Qin Guan noticed something stuck in Tuoba Hong's disheveled black hair. Earlier, they had been solely focused on saving him and hadn't noticed. Now the dirt stood out conspicuously. Qin Guan leaned over and cleaned the debris from his hair. Thinking it was mud, she was surprised to find dark red, birdseed-like residue.
Qin Guan frowned. What is this?
She rubbed it between her fingers and smelled it. Immediately, her brow furrowed deeply.
This substance wouldn't be unusual to find in a hunting ground, but it absolutely shouldn't be on Tuoba Hong!
Her eyes darted around. Seeing the tent had been cleaned, she hurried out and asked the guards outside, "Where are Crown Prince Tuoba's clothes from earlier?"
The guard quickly led the way, and soon Qin Guan arrived at a laundry and storage area.
Tuoba Hong's clothes were piled to the side. Qin Guan hastily shook them out. Besides mud and some dried grass stains, she found the same dark red substance on the collar of the clothing.After two consecutive days of heavy rain, everything else on the clothing had been washed away, except for the intricate patterns around the collar button that trapped the filth. Qin Guan carefully inspected it and directed the guards to bring Tuoba Hong's clothing back to Yan Huai's main tent.
Qin Guan's unexpected return surprised Yan Huai. "What is it, girl?"
After performing a formal bow, Qin Guan said, "Your Majesty, I am certain Crown Prince Tuoba was deliberately murdered."
Yan Huai straightened his posture. "How so?"
Qin Guan pointed to the clothing brought by the guards. "There are dark red residues resembling bird feed on the Crown Prince's garments. I detected a bloody scent upon smelling them. I suspect these were baits used during hunting to lure prey. If the Crown Prince's injury was merely accidental, then who smeared these baits on his clothing? Clearly, someone first injured the Crown Prince, then left these lures on his body to attract wild beasts to devour him, thereby destroying the evidence!"
Lure wild beasts to devour him? Destroy the evidence?
Yan Huai's dark pupils contracted sharply, sending a chill down his spine.
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