If Zhao Xun were any other official, Qin Guan might have been reluctant to disrupt his current life. But he had been her father’s aide—the person closest to her father during his duties at the Court of Judicial Review. Why was this ledger in his possession? He must have known about the contents related to Prince Jin’s case. For this reason, Qin Guan could not afford to let Zhao Xun slip away.
Not long after returning to the marquis’ residence, Baiying came back. “Miss, Zhao Xun lives alone in a civilian house in Majia Alley in the southern part of the city. Shortly after he returned home, he went out and headed to a trading company in the south. It seems he now works there as a laborer.”
Once a proper official of the Court of Judicial Review, now reduced to manual labor—the stark contrast was palpable. No wonder he had been so terrified when he realized they had come looking for him.
Qin Guan pondered briefly. “I understand. For now, we’ll leave him be.”
Baiying hesitated. “Miss, Zhao Xun is connected to Lord Shen. What are you planning to do?”
Qin Guan looked at Baiying, unsure how to respond. Baiying was loyal to her, and she trusted Baiying deeply, but Baiying was too clever. Behind Baiying stood Yan Chi. If even a fraction of Qin Guan’s true intentions were revealed, Baiying would guess, and so would Yan Chi. Even now, Qin Guan hadn’t figured out how to broach the subject with Yan Chi.
“I want to understand what really happened in Prince Jin’s case.”
After much hesitation, Qin Guan could only offer this explanation. Baiying seemed slightly uneasy. “Miss, when this incident occurred, most people in the capital connected to it were gone. Prince Jin Manor, in particular…”
Qin Guan smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, I understand. I know what I’m doing.”
Baiying quickly replied, “This servant has spoken out of turn.”
“I know you mean well, but for now, just do as I instruct.”
With that, Baiying nodded in agreement. Qin Guan said no more, instead carefully considering Zhao Xun’s situation. The official investigation had hit a dead end, and with Qin Shuang’s wedding approaching in the marquis’ residence, now was not the right time to approach Zhao Xun.
With this in mind, Qin Guan went to Qin Shuang’s courtyard, first having a gift prepared to bring along. With only four days left until the wedding, Qin Shuang was now occupied with small embroidery projects in her courtyard. The bridal veil was finished, and the wedding gown and all other items were ready. All that remained was to wait for the auspicious day on the third of May.
Delighted to see Qin Guan bringing another gift, Qin Shuang beamed. The two sisters chatted for a while before Qin Shuang suddenly said, “Ninth Sister, I’m getting married in May, Eighth Sister in June. You should start thinking about your own future too.”
Fuling, who was attending to Qin Guan, nodded in agreement. “Yes, Miss, it’s time you considered your own matters.”
Qin Guan smiled wryly. “I know. There’s no need for you to worry about me.”
Fuling sighed, her expression troubled. “Sixth Miss, you see? This is how our young lady always responds, but I can’t tell if she’s truly taking it to heart…”
Qin Shuang frowned at Qin Guan. “Actually, have you ever considered Prince Rui’s heir…”
Qin Guan, who was drinking tea at that moment, choked and spat it out. Qin Shuang hurriedly handed her a handkerchief, looking both amused and concerned. “What’s wrong?! Isn’t Prince Rui’s heir a good match? Why are you so frightened?”Qin Guan helplessly wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. "It's not that it's bad, it's just..."
Fuling blinked upon hearing this, then suddenly came to her senses. "That's right, Miss. The Crown Prince treats you best. With the connections through the Empress Dowager and Grand Princess, he would never treat you poorly in the future."
Baiying stood nearby with a gentle smile. Qin Guan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she couldn't help but cough lightly. "Ahem... let's not dwell on that for now. We'll discuss it after your wedding."
Qin Shuang sighed resignedly. "Once I'm married, I won't be able to chat with you so freely anymore. Though Prince Rui's Heir holds an exalted status and possesses striking looks, his only flaw might be his military background—he may not be the most attentive. Still, his upright character is what truly matters."
As Qin Shuang spoke with earnest deliberation, Qin Guan grew increasingly embarrassed. After enduring a few more remarks, she could bear it no longer and hastily excused herself. Stepping out of Qin Shuang's courtyard, Qin Guan let out a relieved breath. Fuling continued murmuring beside her, while Baiying maintained her amused smile. Qin Guan shot Baiying a glare, too flustered to return to Qin Shuang's quarters.
Early the next morning, Qin Guan went to the prefectural office, where she found Ning Buyi already present.
When Zhan Yang escorted Qin Guan to the rear hall, Ning Buyi was painting there. Zhan Yang explained, "Our men have been unable to identify the deceased, so we've invited Master Ning to create a portrait for public posting."
Qin Guan was surprised. The victim had been dead for two days with features too disfigured to recognize—did Ning Buyi have no reservations about depicting such a subject?
Noticing Qin Guan's arrival, Ning Buyi promptly stepped forward to greet her. Qin Guan glanced at his painting and was astonished to see a nearly completed portrait. Though she had seen the corpse—its face half-smashed beyond recognition—she hadn't been able to visualize the person's appearance. Yet Ning Buyi's depiction immediately struck her as accurate: while the actual victim had closed eyes and a bloodied face, the painting showed him with open eyes and a serene expression. "Master Ning truly lives up to his reputation—you've captured the essence of the deceased in life."
Zhan Yang chuckled. "Though Master Ning's studio employs several artists, he alone possesses such skill in portraiture. He's always willing to assist, even with depictions of the deceased, and has helped our office numerous times."
Qin Guan was already aware of this. Ning Buyi smiled faintly at the praise and resumed his work, adding final touches to the nearly finished portrait. As Qin Guan observed, Zhan Yang suddenly remarked, "It's a pity Master Ning never met the eldest son of the Earl of Weiyuan's household. Otherwise, we could have asked him to paint a portrait to aid in the search."
Ning Buyi looked up. "The Wu family of Weiyuan?"
Hearing his recognition, Zhan Yang eagerly asked, "You know them?"
Ning Buyi nodded. "Yes. The third and fourth young masters have purchased paintings from my studio. Previously, I even helped the third young master acquire a renowned artwork, seemingly intended as a gift for the Vice Minister of Works."
Then, as if reconsidering his words, he added with a light laugh, "The third young master is quite dedicated to his official career."Wu Yu's previous duties were in the Ministry of Works, so it was perfectly normal for him to give gifts to his superiors. Both Qin Guan and Zhan Yang were reasonable people who understood such conventions, and naturally didn't mind this remark.
Qin Guan recalled the paintings by Ning Buyi she had seen at the Wu residence and thought she had been overthinking things. The Ink-Stained Painting House was renowned, and seventy to eighty percent of painting buyers went to Ning Buyi. Prominent families like the Weiyuan Earl's household would naturally purchase fine works—a single painting was indeed quite ordinary. Now that Ning Buyi had mentioned it himself, it seemed even more routine.
With this settled, Qin Guan dismissed her remaining doubts and asked Ning Buyi, "Has Master Ning ever met the eldest young master of the Wu family?"
Ning Buyi thought for a moment. "I believe I have... Our painting house has been open for several years. In the early days when we weren't well-known, few customers came. The third young master of the Wu family visited quite early on. As for the eldest young master, I think I met him, but my memory is hazy now. It would be difficult to create a portrait."
Zhan Yang sighed. "Then forget it—"
Qin Guan then asked, "What kind of person does Master Ning think the third young master of the Wu family is?"
Ning Buyi set down his brush and pondered before replying, "The third young master is very pragmatic. Although his status is somewhat awkward, he has always worked for the benefit of the Marquis household over the years. Moreover, he is extremely filial. His mother is bedridden, and I've heard he rests in her room every night just to personally serve her medicine and soup."
Wu Yu's mother had remarried into the Marquis household with him, likely suffering considerable hardship due to her remarried status. Fortunately, Wu Yu was exceptionally filial. But could it be that this very filial piety had led him to make mistakes?
Ning Buyi sighed. "The third young master is the most filial young nobleman I have ever met."
Listening to this, Qin Guan's eyes darkened thoughtfully. Ning Buyi said no more and soon completed the painting. Zhan Yang examined it and said, "I'll have someone make copies. With this portrait, the search will undoubtedly proceed much faster."
As he finished speaking, Zhang Daoshi emerged from the back. "Constable Zhan, I've completed the calculations—"
Zhang Daoshi couldn't prevent the killer from striking nor investigate cases himself; his role was solely to calculate the timing of each incident. After speaking, he entered the room and promptly bowed to Qin Guan upon seeing her. Previously, he hadn't shown her such respect, but since Qin Guan had saved his life, he no longer dared to act arrogantly toward her.
"Has the Daoist Master determined the time?"
At Qin Guan's question, Zhang Daoshi replied, "Yes, three nights from now."
Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat—three days later was precisely Qin Shuang's wedding day!
Zhan Yang frowned deeply. "In that case, we have even less time. I'll immediately take more men to investigate..."
He called out, and Tong Yu entered. Zhan Yang instructed Tong Yu to have the painting copied while tallying the personnel for the search. Qin Guan then asked, "Has anything been uncovered about Shopkeeper Wang?"
Zhan Yang shook his head. "Nothing. Shopkeeper Wang is a skilled businessman with an excellent temper. His apprentices all respect him greatly, and most of his business competitors enjoy dealing with him."
"What about his business rivals?"
Zhan Yang shook his head again. "We investigated. There were indeed two jewelry shops in the East Market that had disputes with him, but they both had alibis for that night—"Before Wang Shouchang's case could be clarified, a fifth person had died. Qin Guan, well aware of Zhan Yang's difficulties, refrained from further questions and took her leave first. Ning Buyi, having finished his painting, also bid farewell and walked out with her.
Qin Guan and Ning Buyi were now quite familiar with each other, so Qin Guan remarked, "Given Master Ning's current reputation, it's truly rare that you're still willing to assist the authorities with such minor tasks."
Ning Buyi replied leisurely, "As you said, County Princess, these are minor matters. Painting a portrait is quite easy for me. If it helps the magistrate's office, it counts as merit for me."
After a slight pause, Ning Buyi added, "By the way, were the two masters' paintings of Yongning County Princess to your satisfaction?"
Only then did Qin Guan recall that they had deliberately stalled for time that night, and later two masters had gone to Marquis Anyang Manor to paint Yue Ning and the Grand Princess. "I haven't visited the manor these past two days, so I haven't seen the paintings yet. But given the masters' exceptional skills, she's bound to like them."
Ning Buyi nodded, "That's good to hear."
As they conversed, they exited the magistrate's office. After bidding farewell to Ning Buyi, Qin Guan boarded her carriage.
Inside the carriage, Qin Guan murmured softly, "Hell of the Millstone, Hell of Blades and Saws, Hell of Heart Excavation..."
The Hell of the Millstone punished those who broke precepts or wasted grains; the Hell of Blades and Saws punished those who trafficked or mistreated women and children; while the Hell of Heart Excavation punished those unfaithful in love or who betrayed affections. The Hell of the Millstone was already completed—what would be next for the Hell of Blades and Saws and the Hell of Heart Excavation? Who were the killer's targets, and how would they strike?
Though Qin Guan pondered this, no clear answers emerged. Remembering that Ning Buyi had mentioned Yue Ning earlier, she instructed, "To Marquis Anyang Manor—"
The attendant driving outside turned the horse around and swiftly headed toward the manor in the western part of the city. Within less than an hour, the carriage arrived at Marquis Anyang Manor. Seeing Qin Guan approach, the manor's guards respectfully invited her in. Before she could reach the main courtyard, Yue Ning came out to meet her.
"What brings you here today?"
Qin Guan smiled, "I came to see the paintings the masters made for you."
Mentioning this, Yue Ning couldn't help but laugh. "To be honest, they're very well done. Grandmother is quite pleased. If you hadn't had that sudden inspiration that day, I might not have thought to commission portraits. Looking back now, we should have hired artists much earlier."
Sighing, Yue Ning added, "Grandmother has aged, and even Mother has wrinkles now. We should have had their portraits painted in their prime."
As she spoke, Yue Ning led Qin Guan toward the main courtyard. When Qin Guan met the Grand Princess and expressed her wish to see the paintings, the Grand Princess was equally delighted. The group proceeded to the side hall, where upon entering, they saw two portraits hanging on the wall—one of the Grand Princess and one of Jiang Shi. The Grand Princess remarked cheerfully, "They're very well done. Yue Ning said this was your idea—truly a good one."
Qin Guan and Yue Ning exchanged a discreet glance, both unable to suppress a smile.
The Grand Princess continued, "We originally wanted to have one done for Yue Qing as well, but he insisted that painting is a woman's pursuit and refused no matter how we tried to persuade him. Ah, since his father passed, it's truly hard to keep him in line."Qin Guan knew that Yue Qing now took his duties extremely seriously and mostly didn't want to waste time on painting, so she offered a few comforting words with a smile. The Grand Princess then grabbed Qin Guan's hand and led her into the courtyard. In early summer, the garden was a vibrant tapestry of colorful blooms. As they walked, the Grand Princess remarked, "The painting turned out wonderfully, but sitting for it was utterly exhausting. Even after two days, my bones haven't recovered."
Yue Ning chuckled, "We can't sit still for even an hour, but Grandmother endured two full hours that day. The painters, knowing they were portraying Grandmother, were especially careful and diligent, afraid that the slightest lack of detail would make the portrait unflattering. But that made it all the more taxing for Grandmother and Mother. Fortunately, the final painting turned out exquisite..."
Qin Guan nodded in agreement, smiling. The painting she had just seen indeed captured the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi with remarkable vividness. As the saying goes, meticulous work yields fine results—to create something excellent, one cannot rush.
"The painters were seeing Grandmother and Foster Mother for the first time, so naturally they needed to observe them carefully to paint well."
Yue Ning, recalling her own late-night painting session, also smiled and nodded. "Exactly! That night, the painters stared at me for what felt like ages too."
The Grand Princess laughed affectionately, "When you came back so late, I wondered what you were up to—turns out you dragged the painters out at night to paint you! You really are something..."
Yue Ning shrugged and exchanged a knowing glance with Qin Guan.
But after taking a few more steps with the Grand Princess, Qin Guan's smile gradually faded. In this world, could someone truly paint a person's entire likeness with such lifelike accuracy just by briefly observing their ordinary appearance?
Noticing Qin Guan's distraction, the Grand Princess asked, "How are the wedding preparations for your elder sister coming along?"
Qin Guan snapped back to attention and replied promptly, "Everything is ready. Aunt has arranged everything quite thoroughly."
The Grand Princess nodded with a smile. "I won't be attending on the day. Your sister's wedding isn't meant to be a grand affair, so I'll send Yue Ning to represent me with a generous gift."
Qin Guan quickly nodded. "Grandmother is too kind—"
The Grand Princess patted her hand. "It's all for your sake.Qin Guan clung to the Grand Princess's arm, acting coyly, saying, "Wan'er understands." Thank you, Grandmother."
The Grand Princess then turned her gaze to Yue Ning and sighed. "Ah, seeing the Marquis's residence prepare for a wedding makes me think of you two—especially Yue Ning, who is particularly unreliable in such matters.".."
Yue Ning's expression soured. "Grandmother, Miss Qin's marriage is her own affair. Why must you drag me into it?"
Yue Qing shot a pleading look at Qin Guan, who swiftly steered the conversation toward paying respects to the Empress Dowager at the palace.
The three generations strolled leisurely through the garden, and Qin Guan stayed to join the Grand Princess for lunch. She only prepared to leave the Marquis's residence after the Grand Princess had retired for her nap. But before she could exit the main courtyard, a servant announced from outside: Wei Qizhi had arrived!
Qin Guan was surprised. Why had Wei Qizhi come?!
She glanced at Yue Ning, whose face showed no trace of surprise—clearly, Yue Ning had known in advance.
"He must be here to deliver the veterinarian! The pony he sent fell ill, so I sent someone to his residence. He said he'd bring someone to examine the pony..."
Hearing this, Qin Guan was in no hurry to leave and went with Yue Ning to welcome Wei Qizhi into the residence.
When they met Wei Qizhi, he indeed had a middle-aged man with him—an expert in treating horse ailments."I didn't expect Yongci County Princess to be here as well. This is Master Li from my merchant troupe, who's most skilled at diagnosis. Where's the foal? Let him take a look and he'll know how to treat it..."
As Wei Qizhi spoke, Yue Ning personally led him toward the stables. Noticing that Wei Qizhi's attendant was carrying something, Qin Guan remarked, "Did Young Master Wei bring gifts with his visit?"
Wei Qizhi smiled. "The day before yesterday, while checking shops in the southern city, I unexpectedly acquired an antique from the previous dynasty—a sword rumored to be the Cheng Ying Sword. Though I'm not certain, and I don't practice martial arts myself, among the people I know, the County Princess is most suited to wield this blade."
Qin Guan was mildly surprised. The Cheng Ying Sword was one of the Ten Famous Swords, said to be forged by the Sword Sage Ou Yezi. Compared to other famous swords, its blade was slender and elegant, making it most suitable for women. Could such an item really be obtained just by browsing the southern city?
Skeptical, Qin Guan studied Wei Qizhi. As he spoke, his gaze frequently drifted toward Yue Ning, carrying a hint of anticipation, as if eager to win her favor.
Qin Guan frowned. What was Wei Qizhi scheming?!
Yue Ning was also taken aback that it was the Cheng Ying Sword. As a martial enthusiast, she naturally cherished exceptional weapons. She almost immediately stopped and opened the box the attendant carried. Inside lay a long sword gleaming with a cold light. Though called a long sword, its blade was exceptionally narrow—evident just from the scabbard. Yue Ning took it, drew the blade, and in that instant, a dazzling cold gleam flashed past. Qin Guan knew little about swords, but even she could tell from that radiance that this was a superior weapon.
It was an exceedingly elegant sword. If someone like Yan Chi held it, it would likely seem incongruous, but paired with Yue Ning, it fit perfectly. Yue Ning casually twirled a sword flower, her eyes brightening slightly. She glanced at Wei Qizhi and said frankly, "This sword—it's not another repayment of gratitude, is it?"
Wei Qizhi rubbed the tip of his nose. "Heh, as long as the County Princess accepts it, you may think of it however you please."
Had it been anything else, Yue Ning might have declined, but a sword precisely catered to her preferences. She genuinely liked the blade and decided then, "Very well, I'll accept it. From now on, you and our Marquis Household are even!"
Wei Qizhi laughed heartily. "Excellent, excellent! I'm glad the County Princess likes it."
Qin Guan watched from the side, her brow furrowed. This Wei Qizhi was highly suspicious!
They proceeded to the stables. From afar, the foal inside neighed wildly toward them. Wei Qizhi's eyes lit up, and he strode forward. The foal was temperamental, but Wei Qizhi paid no mind, approaching to stroke its head. The previously agitated foal immediately lowered its head, utterly docile. Yue Ning watched from behind, quite astonished.
"She's so obedient when she sees you—" Yue Ning felt somewhat indignant. The foal had been delivered a month ago, and she had cherished it, tending to it meticulously. Yet clearly, the foal was more attached to Wei Qizhi.
Wei Qizhi chuckled. "I hunted her myself, so of course she listens to me!"
He patted the foal's head. "Chiluan, why aren't you obeying the County Princess?"The foal snorted twice, and Wei Qizhi seemed to understand it as he said, "Alright, alright, I know. I'll treat you right now. Once you're better, you better behave!"
Wei Qizhi spoke with such conviction that Qin Guan and Yue Ning exchanged a glance, both thinking this man wasn't quite right—how could anyone understand what a horse was saying?!
Wei Qizhi waved his hand. "Quick, take a look at Chilian."
The master following behind stepped forward, took out a few tools, and began examining Chilian's teeth. Soon, the master identified the cause and said, "Young master, I'll go back and prepare two doses of medicine to send over. It'll be better in two or three days."
Wei Qizhi was delighted, "Good, good. Go back and receive your reward. If it's truly better in two or three days, there will be another reward."
Wei Qizhi bestowed his rewards with great generosity, exuding the demeanor of a wealthy merchant laden with riches. Yue Ning looked at him with considerable disdain, "Since she's close to you and you're here, why not take her for a walk?"
Hearing this, Wei Qizhi was very happy. He opened the stable and led out Chi Luan. The small foal looked utterly adorable, and Wei Qizhi's expression towards Chi Luan was as warm and affectionate as if he were treating a friend. Qin Guan understood then that Wei Qizhi's obsession with horses was no lie. Not far from the stable was a small riding ground. Wei Qizhi led Chi Luan into the field and indeed began to walk her, all the while teaching Yue Ning equestrian techniques. The variety of tricks he demonstrated left Qin Guan astonished and Yue Ning wide-eyed!
Listening to Wei Qizhi speak eloquently, Qin Guan felt as if he were radiating light.
After walking the horse, Wei Qizhi straightened his robe and went to the main hall to see the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi.
Back in Jinzhou, not only had Wei Qizhi been injured, but the incident with Song Rou had also wronged him and left him heartbroken. At that time, Wei Qizhi hadn't possessed the same vigor he did now. Although Wei Qizhi wasn't from a noble family, he could still speak confidently and generously in front of the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi. With just a few words, he could make the Grand Princess laugh heartily. Though his stay wasn't long, it was clear that the Grand Princess rather liked him. After Wei Qizhi left, the Grand Princess sighed.
"What a pity. Such a fine young man. If he entered officialdom, he might achieve great things in the future."
As a royal princess, the Grand Princess's thoughts often turned to court and politics. Jiang Shi smiled, "I think he could accomplish much even as a merchant. With an aunt who is an imperial consort, if he wished, he could already be an official in the court."
The Grand Princess sighed, "That's true, but merchants, after all, hold a lower status."
Yue Ning seemed somewhat dazed upon hearing these words. Qin Guan tugged at her sleeve, "What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
Yue Ning whispered, "Envy. I envy Wei Qizhi... he does whatever he wants to do... He probably doesn't care whether others think his status is high or low. In this world, few are as unconcerned about face as he is."
Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh. Yue Ning was praising Wei Qizhi in her own way...
If Wei Qizhi were truly from a merchant family, it would be one thing, but his maternal family was the Duke Song's household, and he had an aunt who was an imperial consort. Compared to that, his choice to become a royal merchant seemed rather unambitious. Yet he still did it!
"Young Master Wei's courage is indeed admirable. In today's Great Zhou, it's rare to find someone like him. But everyone has their own Path. Some may enter officialdom unwillingly, yet they find joy in rising swiftly."
Qin Guan knew what Yue Ning was thinking. She and Yue Ning were about the same age. Qin Shuang and Qin Chaoyu were already getting married, and the two of them couldn't avoid it either. Before marriage, everything was fine, but after marrying, their current freedom would likely become an illusion. Yet, if men faced such circumstances, they would still be criticized—what could women do?Due to Wei Qizhi's appearance, Qin Guan had delayed her return, and it was already quite late. She first went to the main courtyard to see Qin Shu and Hu Shi. When Qin Guan returned to her own courtyard, she found Qin Shuang sitting in her room. Seeing Qin Guan return, Qin Shuang said, "I'm sleeping with you tonight. I've already brought my quilt over..."
Fuling covered her mouth and chuckled, "Miss, the Sixth Young Miss says she can't bear to part with you and wants to sleep with you these next few nights."
Qin Guan felt both helpless and touched, and she agreed immediately. After washing up and bathing, she lay down with Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang was both nervous and excited, tugging at Qin Guan and chattering incessantly about the wedding until Qin Guan grew drowsy and didn't even know when she fell asleep. Early the next morning, before Qin Guan was fully awake, she heard the rustling sounds of many people talking outside.
Opening her sleepy eyes, Qin Guan called out "Fuling" and saw Fuling enter with a troubled and surprised expression. Just by looking at Fuling's face, Qin Guan knew something was wrong and instantly became alert. "What is it? What happened?"
Fuling glanced at the still-sleeping Qin Shuang and whispered, "Miss, Third Madame has arrived!"
For a moment, Qin Guan didn't react, but after a brief thought, she realized who Fuling meant. She sat up abruptly. "Third Aunt is here?!"
Fuling nodded. "Yes, she arrived at the Marquis's residence before dawn. I heard she was just arguing with the Marquis and the First Madame."
Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat. Without much thought, she knew what Lin Shi was arguing with Qin Shu and his wife about...
Frowning, Qin Guan looked at Qin Shuang beside her. Qin Shuang was sleeping deeply, having been so excited the night before that it was unclear when she had finally fallen asleep. She was now snoring softly. Qin Guan rubbed her temples. "It would be best if Uncle can explain clearly. If not, Third Aunt might misunderstand Qin Shuang..."
As soon as Qin Guan finished speaking, the sound of a commotion erupted in the courtyard outside.
"Where is Qin Shuang! Bring her out to confront me!"
"How could she steal her sister's husband! Forcing her sister to become someone's concubine!"
"I raised her—how could she be so ungrateful..."
One accusation after another echoed at the courtyard gate. A flicker of darkness passed through Qin Guan's eyes. At that moment, Qin Shuang was finally awakened by the noise. She sat up, bleary-eyed. "What's going on? Who's making such a racket outside?"
Fuling's expression shifted. Qin Guan sighed, helped Qin Shuang up, and said gravely, "Third Aunt is here. She likely misunderstands you now. Let's get up quickly. Just speak the truth when the time comes."
As she spoke, Hu Shi's voice came from outside. Hu Shi pleaded earnestly, "Third Sister-in-law, it's not what you think. Why won't you listen to us? No one forced Qin Xiang—she made the decision herself..."
Lin Shi, having traveled in haste, was covered in dust and exhaustion. She didn't believe Hu Shi's words at all. "Xiang'er isn't the type to be so reckless. Even if the other party is Prince Cheng, without a proper status, she'd only be a concubine. Something must have happened! It must have! Eldest Sister-in-law, let Qin Shuang come out. I want to hear what Qin Shuang has to say—"
Lin Shi grew frantic, her eyes red as she pushed forcefully against the maids blocking her way.
Baiying, along with Ban Xia and a few others, guarded the courtyard entrance. Ban Xia said, "Third Madame, the two young ladies haven't risen yet. It would be improper for you to enter like this. Please rest in the front courtyard first."Lin Shi glared fiercely at Ban Xia. "What are you, a mere servant?! Even your own mistress wouldn't dare speak to me like that! How dare you block my way?!"
Lin Shi was indeed furious. Qin Xiang was her only hope, and she couldn't allow Qin Xiang's marriage to change so ambiguously. So what if it was Prince Cheng? Qin Xiang hadn't been carried into his residence in a grand, eight-person sedan chair—she had been taken away in a small carriage by Prince Cheng himself!
What did that signify? Lin Shi didn't even dare to think about it...
Qin Xiang had been brought to the Marquis' estate—why hadn't the Marquis' family stopped it?!
Why had they stood by and watched her be taken away?!
Ban Xia was too intimidated by the scolding to utter a single word. Baiying frowned and was about to speak when the door was suddenly pushed open. Qin Guan and Qin Shuang stood at the doorway. Qin Shuang wore a look of apprehension, while Qin Guan's expression was cold.
"Third Aunt, you've traveled a long way and should rest properly. Getting so angry like this will only harm your health."
Qin Guan was now the Yongci County Princess, and Lin Shi knew this. Yet she merely cast a cold glance at Qin Guan before turning to Qin Shuang. Seeing both Qin Guan and Qin Shuang emerge, Baiying stepped aside without further resistance. Lin Shi shoved away the maid supporting her and strode quickly to Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang looked more beautiful than she had in Jinzhou, her clothes more exquisite. The gold bracelet on her wrist was clearly prepared for the wedding—and all of this should have been Qin Xiang's!
"Tell me, what exactly happened?!"
Qin Shuang had already been harboring hidden worries, and now, confronted so fiercely by Lin Shi, she was utterly terrified. "Mother... it wasn't me. It was Fifth Sister herself... she and Prince Cheng developed a secret affair..."
Lin Shi's eyes widened in fury. "What did you say?! How dare you slander Xiang'er?!"
Blinded by rage, Lin Shi raised her hand to strike Qin Shuang across the face, but as her hand swung down, it was caught firmly by someone.
The one gripping her arm was Qin Guan.
Lin Shi stared furiously at Qin Guan. "You—what are you doing—"
Qin Shuang had shut her eyes in fear, but the expected slap never came. When she opened her eyes and saw Qin Guan holding Lin Shi's arm, she was moved to tears.
Qin Guan looked coldly at Lin Shi. Back in Jinzhou, this Third Aunt had never directly harmed Ninth Miss, but she had never offered help either. Qin Guan felt no closeness to her. "Third Aunt, you're trying to hit someone without even understanding the situation? Is there any reason left in you?! Qin Shuang didn't steal anything from Qin Xiang. Instead, you should be asking what misdeeds Qin Xiang has committed!"
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