"Miss, the third young master of the Wu family has returned to the Weiyuan Earl's residence. I heard the second young master made a scene, but it was suppressed by the third young master. After resting for a few days, the third young master has now resumed his duties. However, the case involving their eldest young master is still pending with the authorities, and Zhan Butou is currently investigating the matter."
After the case was closed, Qin Guan hadn't visited the magistrate's office again. Currently occupied with treating Yan Ze's eyes, she had no time for other matters. This news was something she had asked Baiying to inquire about.
Qin Guan remarked, "The second young master of the Wu family has been accustomed to a dissipated life for many years. The Weiyuan Earl's residence has long been under the third young master's control. Even if he wanted to make trouble, he couldn't achieve much. The third young master is the only one in the Weiyuan Earl's residence holding an official position, and the entire family relies on his promotions. It's just that these matters have now become publicly embarrassing."
Wu Yu had secretly embezzled a significant portion of the earl's estate's assets. Previously unknown to the Wu family, this was now common knowledge.
Noble families were fraught with countless complexities both internally and externally. Qin Guan had no interest in untangling them. With the case concluded, her future interactions with this third young master of the Wu family would only decrease.
Qin Guan sighed again, "It's a pity that Zhang Daoshi didn't leave any message when he departed."
Zhang Daoshi had left without a sound, without even the magistrate's office knowing when he had gone. Recalling his previous words, Qin Guan felt persistently uneasy. To make matters worse, there was still no progress regarding the military provisions.
Fuling entered from the side room, "Miss, everything is prepared."
Glancing at the two medicine packets in Fuling's hands, Qin Guan nodded and stood up, "Alright, let's set off."
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Today, Qin Guan was going to Prince Yi's royal residence to perform needle therapy on Yan Ze. Having visited the royal residence once before, she didn't need Yan Chi to escort her this time. After boarding the carriage and arriving at Prince Yi's royal residence, a servant was already waiting at the entrance.
The treatment was still arranged in the flower hall, which was divided into inner and outer sections. The outer section served as a reception area, while the inner section was a small resting place. When Qin Guan arrived at the flower hall, Sun Muqing was also present.
"Young Lady, you haven't visited these past three days. You truly have confidence in me."
Qin Guan smiled, "My eighth sister is getting married. I've been helping with the preparations at the marquis' residence these past couple of days."
Qin Chaoyu's wedding was the foremost event at the marquis' residence. Indeed, Qin Guan had assisted Hu Shi with some minor tasks recently, mainly to avoid appearing too detached. Sun Muqing said, "I know! Your sister is marrying the Crown Prince!"
Qin Guan nodded and said to Yan Ze, "Please lie down, Your Highness. I need to apply warm medicinal soup to your eyes."
Yan Ze complied. Qin Guan asked, "Yue Ning didn't come today?"
Yan Ze replied gently, "She comes every day. I'm not sure why she's late today—probably occupied with something. I've told her she doesn't need to come daily, but she doesn't listen."
The medicinal application used medicine packets Qin Guan had brought herself. Yan Ze instructed his attendant Chen Xiang to prepare the medicinal soup. Qin Guan washed her hands and examined Yan Ze's eyes once more. His eyes were clear, with some minor redness in the pupils and whites, though not severe. After a moment's thought, Qin Guan inquired about Sun Muqing's medication regimen. Finding nothing amiss, she said no more.
Soon, Chen Xiang brought the prepared medicinal soup. Qin Guan soaked the medicated gauze in it and applied it warm to Yan Ze's eyes. After waiting for the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, she finally began the needle therapy.When performing needle therapy around the eyes, utmost caution is required. Yan Ze dismissed everyone, keeping only Sun Muqing by his side.
Qin Guan’s expression remained calm as she used the silver needles—the very set of Plain Questions Nine Needles gifted to her by Yan Chi. Though young, her needle technique was remarkably seasoned. The area around the eyes is densely packed with blood vessels, yet she worked with swift, precise, and flawless movements, earning Sun Muqing’s deep admiration as he watched.
Once the needles were in place, Qin Guan instructed Yan Ze to close his eyes and rest, then withdrew from the room.
As she stepped out, Sun Muqing followed her. Tea and refreshments were prepared in the outer hall, where the two sat down to drink.
Sun Muqing asked, "Was the needle technique you used also taught by your father?"
Qin Guan nodded without hesitation. "Although my father was not widely known, he was deeply devoted to the Path of medicine. However, being part of a noble family, his hands were tied."
Qin Yi, as the second young master of the Marquis’s household, could hardly have become a physician.
Sun Muqing nodded in genuine agreement. "Watching you perform the needle therapy just now reminded me of my junior apprentice sister. I had hoped to visit her former home upon arriving in the capital, but the Crown Prince advised against it. Besides, the place has long been deserted, with no traces left of those who once lived there."
A faint ache stirred in Qin Guan’s heart. Sun Muqing, having accompanied Yan Ze to the capital, clearly still held her in his thoughts. Unfortunately, the cases involving Prince Jin and her father had become forbidden topics in court.
"The Crown Prince is right. Young Master Sun, it’s best not to dwell on this matter."
Disappointment flickered across Sun Muqing’s face. "Ah, so you think so too? But my junior apprentice sister died unjustly, and no one even knows where her remains lie in the capital. Her father was an exceedingly upright man…"
As Sun Muqing seemed about to continue, Qin Guan interjected gently, "I recall that Medicine King Valley does not involve itself in court affairs, does it?"
Sun Muqing’s expression shifted slightly, and his voice softened. "I understand. I don’t intend to do anything else—I wouldn’t know how. It’s just that upon hearing my junior apprentice sister’s entire family was executed, I wanted to pay my respects in the capital."
The fate of executed prisoners was often a mass burial ground outside the city; at best, a grave marker might remain, but in worse cases, only white bones turned to dust remained. Qin Guan’s heart grew heavy. "Young Master Sun, if you wish to honor them, you may simply burn memorial offerings during festivals. I believe your junior apprentice sister and her family would deeply appreciate your remembrance."
Sun Muqing, unfamiliar with court politics and even worldly affairs, felt closer to Qin Guan than to Yan Ze. Yet, hearing even her discouraging words, he fell silent as if doused with cold water.
Though pained, Qin Guan could only ask, "When does Young Master Sun plan to leave the capital?"
Sun Muqing looked surprised. "Ah? I’ve only just arrived."
Qin Guan smiled bitterly inwardly. "The capital… is full of complications. Someone of your temperament is not suited to stay here long."
Sun Muqing seemed disheartened. "I thought you would be happy to see me. I’m merely a physician—how could I possibly get entangled in troubles? Rest assured, I… will leave once I’ve cured His Highness’s eyes. There is some connection between His Highness’s mother and Medicine King Valley—I won’t abandon the treatment midway."
Qin Guan had no choice but to reply, "Naturally."
When the time was right, Qin Guan returned to remove the needles. Yan Ze, with closed eyes, seemed on the verge of sleep. After the needles were withdrawn, he stirred slightly. "Thank you for your trouble, my lady…"
"How does Your Highness feel?"
Yan Ze smiled. "There’s a slight warmth around my eyes, but nothing else notable."Qin Guan nodded, "Exactly. With both medication and needle therapy, it will take at least one or two months to see results."
Yan Ze sat up, "I'm not in a hurry. Your Highness can take your time with the treatment."
Just as they were speaking, Chen Xiang entered and announced, "Your Highness, the Princess has arrived—"
Before she finished speaking, Yue Ning strode in. "Oh, has the needle therapy already finished?! I rushed as fast as I could but still didn't make it in time."
Qin Guan smiled, "Why are you late today?"
Yue Ning sighed helplessly, "It's all because of Wei Qizhi. His foal hasn't recovered yet, so he brought a doctor over."
"Who is Wei Qizhi?"
Yan Ze instinctively asked, but Yue Ning waved her hand dismissively, "Third Brother, don't worry about it. He's just a friend." She stepped closer, "How are you feeling, Third Brother? Are you uncomfortable? Did the needle therapy hurt?"
Seeing Yue Ning like this, Qin Guan shook her head inwardly.
Yue Ning was usually someone who didn't care even if she herself was injured and bleeding, yet here she was, distressed over Yan Ze receiving needle therapy.
Yan Ze also smiled, "Of course it didn't hurt. On the contrary, it felt warm and very comfortable."
Yue Ning breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good, that's good."
Sun Muqing also noticed Yue Ning's concern for Yan Ze and said with a smile, "The bond between the Princess and the Crown Prince is truly wonderful. It makes Muqing envious—"
Yue Ning grinned, "Divine Doctor Sun is right. Though Third Brother and I aren't blood-related, we're practically the same."
Yan Ze smiled gently, looking entirely in agreement.
Qin Guan soaked the medicated gauze again, and Yue Ning took it, personally tying it on for Yan Ze.
Qin Guan watched Yue Ning and felt that she had been smiling much more often lately. Her usual aloof and proud demeanor had softened, as if she had shed an outer shell, revealing a gentler, more delicate side.
The old Yue Ning was so fond of martial arts—when would she ever have done something like caring for others?
Qin Guan sighed again. Having finished the needle therapy, she didn't plan to stay any longer. As soon as she made her farewells, Yue Ning was reluctant to let her go but, knowing the Marquis's residence had been busy these past few days, allowed her to leave.
Qin Guan left the royal residence but didn't return to the Marquis's residence immediately. It was noon, the hottest part of the day. She boarded her carriage and gave instructions to head toward the southern part of the city—she was going to find Zhao Xun.
When she reached the southern city, the sun was scorching. As Qin Guan's carriage approached the entrance of the alley, she could hear the sound of an argument coming from inside.
"Prices are rising everywhere now! Take it or leave it! If you don't want to stay, get out right now!"
"We had a clear agreement! I paid for a full year, and now you're suddenly changing your mind—since when is that fair?! If you insist on this, let's go to the magistrate and settle it!"
"Oh ho, going to the magistrate, are you?! Still acting like some official! Take a look at your shabby self! Fine! You've lived here for half a year now. I'll refund half your money, and you can get out! I don't need you living here, and you don't need to spend extra. Go find somewhere cheaper to live, alright..."
"You... what are you doing?!"
As Qin Guan stepped out of the carriage, she saw Zhao Xun's belongings being thrown out of the courtyard one by one by three men. The middle-aged man at the head took a few pieces of broken silver from his sleeve and threw them directly into Zhao Xun's face. "Here, you can leave now. Go ahead and see—see who will rent you such a cheap place!"Zhao Xun’s face was flushed with suppressed rage, his gaze more piercing than the midday sun. The middle-aged man had initially been fearful, but emboldened by his companions, he sneered, "Still not scramming? You’re nothing but a stray dog from the Court of Judicial Review—don’t think you’re still some official lord!"
Zhao Xun stared at the man for a long moment before turning away, slowly gathering his scattered belongings piece by piece. Just as he clutched an armful of odds and ends, he turned and saw Qin Guan standing not far away.
Zhao Xun’s face flushed crimson, shame finally washing over him in a violent wave.
……
……
In a roadside tea shack in the southern district, Zhao Xun stared at the cup of cold tea before him with conflicted emotions.
Qin Guan sat across from him. "Did you not use the silver I left you last time?"
Zhao Xun jerked his head up as if suddenly remembering. He rummaged through his bundle and produced a money pouch—the very one Qin Guan had given him. "Every coin is accounted for. You may count it, My Lady."
Qin Guan arched an eyebrow. "Why go to such lengths?"
Zhao Xun lowered his head. "One should not accept unearned rewards. We share no kinship, and though you generously offered silver, I dare not keep it. Please take it back."
Qin Guan sighed. "Now that you’ve lost your lodgings, how will you pay for your mother’s treatments?"
At these words, the redness that had faded from Zhao Xun’s face returned. He hunched over until his head nearly touched the teacup, his spine rigid and fists clenched, as if Qin Guan had deliberately insulted him. She sighed again and asked, "Zhao Xun, have you ever wondered how you ended up in this state?"
Qin Guan had only meant to suggest his temperament was too unbending, but Zhao Xun clearly misunderstood. He snapped his head up and retorted sharply, "Of course it’s because the emperor is incompetent—"
The words seemed torn from him in desperation, but as they hung in the air, he realized his grave mistake. His face paled instantly. Alertly, he scanned their surroundings, cold sweat beading on his skin. As a former aide to Shen Yi, if such words were overheard, his life would be forfeit!
Qin Guan had not expected such an outburst from Zhao Xun, and she quickly sensed something amiss.
For him to speak this way, he must harbor deep resentment toward the emperor—but why?
He undoubtedly knew much about the old case—he must be aware of the truth behind it!
Qin Guan leaned forward abruptly. "Zhao Xun, what do you mean by that?!"
Zhao Xun pressed his lips together. "I meant nothing. You heard nothing—"
But Qin Guan would not let him evade. "If I report what you just said to the authorities, they could arrest you on the spot. Tell me—what really happened in that case? Lord Shen was framed, wasn’t he?!"
Zhao Xun’s eyes shot up, filled with a mix of terror and suspicion. His words had indeed been treasonous, but Qin Guan’s questioning revealed she too suspected Shen Yi’s innocence!
Yet Zhao Xun couldn’t fathom why—Qin Guan and Shen Yi had no connection whatsoever!
Gritting his teeth, Zhao Xun muttered, "Don’t ask me, My Lady. I know nothing…"
With that, he snatched his bundle and stormed out of the tea shack, his retreat so hurried it seemed he was fleeing demons. Qin Guan watched his receding figure, her brow furrowed deeply.
Baiying asked, "Shall we follow him, Miss?"
Qin Guan glanced at the money pouch left on the table and nodded. "Just find out where he settles."Baiying, seeing the intense heat outside, said, "Miss, perhaps you should return to the Marquis's residence first."
Qin Guan then rose and left the teahouse, heading back to the Marquis's residence ahead of time.
After waiting at the residence for over an hour, Baiying returned. "Miss, Zhao Xun has settled at the trading company where he works. I've found out clearly that the company is short of a warehouse keeper, and he can just live in the warehouse, though the conditions are rather poor."
Zhao Xun was a tough nut, unyielding and unbending; using force against someone like him wouldn't work.
Qin Guan thought for a moment. "Go and find out what illness his ailing mother has..."
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