The carriage raced forward, with Yue Ning sitting quietly inside, unlike the lively and talkative girls of her age.
Qin Guan looked at Yue Ning and naturally thought of the murder case at Marquis Anyang Manor the previous night. Although her father was no longer the one presiding over the case, Qin Guan still habitually paid attention. "Did the Grand Princess suffer a fright because of last night's incident?"
Yue Ning nodded. "Grandmother has weathered many storms in her life, but last night..."
Yue Ning paused slightly and glanced at Qin Guan. Ordinary noble girls would shudder at the sight of a chicken being slaughtered, let alone witnessing a decapitated body—especially one found in a bizarre and eerie red bridal sedan.
Yue Ning had expected Qin Guan to show fear at this point, but when she looked over, she saw only a serene composure in Qin Guan's eyes. Those eyes were like a clear spring reflecting the stars, calm and unafraid.
Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. Earlier at Qin Manor, she had thought Qin Guan weak and timid when she remained silent despite Qin Shuang's bullying. But now, she realized she had misjudged. This gentle and beautiful young lady actually had some courage.
"The scene last night was one thing. Secondly, Grandmother had placed high hopes on this marriage, wishing for my elder brother to settle down and find happiness. But after last night, not only is the wedding ruined, but Marquis Anyang Manor is also entangled in a murder case."
A thoughtful glint flashed in Qin Guan's eyes. "The bride was the daughter of Duke Song's household, and it involves Marquis Anyang Manor—naturally, it's no ordinary matter. A night has passed; has there been any progress in the case?"
Yue Ning's brows lifted again. Among the young ladies of Jinzhou Prefecture, few stood out in terms of etiquette and grace, and their knowledge and perspectives were even more confined to the inner quarters, narrow and limited. Qin Guan, with her refined demeanor and impeccable manners, was already exceptional. Now, she was even inquiring about the case?
Yue Ning narrowed her eyes. Rumor had it that this Ninth Miss had once jumped into a lake for the Prefect's son. Would a timid, sheltered girl who knew nothing beyond romantic entanglements take the initiative to ask about a murder case?
"Not yet. It's been handed over to Governor Huo," Yue Ning replied briefly, curious to see what else Qin Guan might say.
Qin Guan nodded but fell silent, saying no more.
Yue Ning felt a slight disappointment, but considering Qin Guan was only sixteen, kind-hearted, and highly skilled in medicine, she quickly let it go.
The carriage moved along Jinzhou's bustling streets. Though it belonged to Marquis Anyang Manor, the curtains were drawn, keeping a low profile.
Having trained in martial arts since childhood, Yue Ning was naturally composed. Even as the lively crowds and vibrant scenes passed outside, she didn’t glance or lift the curtains to look. Yet, Qin Guan also sat quietly without stirring, which surprised Yue Ning once more.
Though Yue Ning was grateful to Qin Guan for saving the Grand Princess, after hearing about Qin Guan's plight in Qin Manor and her desperate act for the Prefect's son, she had pitied her as unfortunate, overly timid, and fragile. Until now, she had felt only gratitude and sympathy but little admiration. Today's journey, however, gave her a new impression of Qin Guan. Though her expression remained neutral, she had begun to appreciate Qin Guan's temperament.
Though the carriage was silent, there was an unspoken harmony between Qin Guan and Yue Ning. The wheels rolled swiftly through Jinzhou's long streets, and after about half an hour, the carriage came to a stop in front of the marquis's residence.
As soon as they stepped out, they saw Lu Xiu waiting anxiously at the gate—
"Ninth Miss! You’ve finally arrived! Please come quickly—Old Madam vomited and then fainted!"Qin Guan frowned, while Yue Ning's expression darkened. "What happened? When I left, Grandmother was still able to eat and speak—"
Lu Xiu's eyes flickered. "My lady, seeing the Old Madam is urgent now. We can report the details to you later!"
Yue Ning naturally understood this. Grabbing Qin Guan's hand, she hurried through the manor gates straight toward the Grand Princess's courtyard. After last night's incident, all the celebratory decorations at Marquis Anyang Manor had been dismantled, leaving only piles of red silk and festive lanterns in the corners. Qin Guan's heart grew heavier as she took it all in. As soon as they entered the Grand Princess's courtyard, they saw Jiang Shi emerging with reddened eyes.
The moment Jiang Shi spotted Qin Guan, her eyes lit up as if grasping at a lifeline.
"Guan'er, you’ve finally come! Please, take a look—Mother is not well..."
"Don’t panic, Madam. Take me to the Grand Princess at once!"
Qin Guan frowned, already certain the Grand Princess's condition had worsened.
Following Jiang Shi inside, she saw a room full of people as soon as she reached the inner chamber's entrance. Marquis Anyang Yue Qiong and Yue Jia were both present, but the second young master, Yue Qing, was nowhere to be seen. The moment Yue Qiong noticed her, he rushed forward. "Ninth Miss, my mother—"
Qin Guan's gaze immediately fell upon the Grand Princess lying on the bed. With no time for formalities, she raised a hand to stop Yue Qiong. "Please remain calm, my lord. Let me examine her first—"
Though her steps were quick, her demeanor remained composed. Yet as she drew closer, her pupils contracted slightly.
The Grand Princess lay fully dressed, but her eyes were rolled back, her body trembling. Her face was ashen, lips purplish, and her breathing was as faint as a thread. Qin Guan leaned in, pressing the Grand Princess's cheeks apart. Her lips parted slightly, revealing yellowish teeth. Applying more pressure, Qin Guan glimpsed a murky, bile-like froth in her mouth. Her brow furrowed as her hand moved down the Grand Princess's chest and abdomen—swollen yet soft to the touch...
Qin Guan paused, a thin layer of sweat forming at her temples.
"Ninth Miss, how is she? Can she be saved?"
Even someone with no medical knowledge could see the Grand Princess was beyond critical. The Yue family, of course, had long been aware of her condition.
Straightening up, Qin Guan's expression turned grave for the first time since entering the room.
"The Grand Princess's organs are failing. It will be difficult to prolong her life."
As soon as she spoke, Jiang Shi burst into tears. "My lord, what are we to do...?"
After the chaos at Marquis Anyang Manor yesterday, was the Grand Princess now to pass away today?
After a brief pause, Qin Guan clenched her jaw. "However... I can still try my utmost."
At her words, Jiang Shi and Yue Qiong stared at her intently. Yue Qiong added, "Ninth Miss, if you can save my mother's life, I will grant any request you make—"
Qin Guan had already made up her mind. Unmoved by his words, she bent to unfasten the Grand Princess's robes. "Please, my lord and the young master, step outside for now. I need certain medicinal herbs—Madam and the lady can assist in preparing them."
After a beat, she added, "Also, fetch me a thin, sharp dagger!"
At such a critical moment, these instructions were matters of life and death for the Grand Princess. Yue Qiong and the others dared not delay. But while Marquis Anyang Manor had no shortage of weapons, where could they find a thin, sharp dagger on such short notice?Yue Jia stepped forward with a pained expression. "Ninth Miss, I'm afraid there's no such short blade in the manor as you described. Would it be possible to have one made quickly at the city's workshops—"
Qin Guan frowned tightly. "I fear there isn't enough—"
"Use my knife!"
Before Qin Guan could finish speaking, a man's voice rang out.
Everyone in the room froze, turning to see Yan Chi striding forward. He drew the short blade from his waist and approached solemnly, offering it to Qin Guan with both hands.
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