This was a rather humble farmhouse. Upon entering the courtyard, the old woman and her daughter-in-law were already waiting. Initially, they had expected an ordinary wealthy traveler seeking lodging, but when Qin Guan and Yan Chi arrived, the old woman and her daughter-in-law grew somewhat flustered. The presence of numerous guards further heightened their apprehension.
"Grandma, there’s no need to be afraid. Just help us prepare a few rooms that are fit for staying in," Qin Guan reassured them.
The daughter-in-law, being young, wore a fearful expression, but the old woman, noticing that the visitors, though noble, were not menacing, smiled warmly. "There are only four habitable rooms in my humble home. My daughter-in-law and I will share one, and the remaining three can be for the young master, the lady, and the other esteemed guests. But I must warn you, our home is very simple."
Qin Guan quickly replied, "That’s perfectly fine. We’re the ones imposing. Do you have any food here, Grandma?"
The old woman nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, but it’s very plain. I’m afraid it may not suit the tastes of such distinguished guests."
Qin Guan smiled. "Don’t worry, Grandma. We’ll eat whatever you have."
She then instructed Baiying to offer some silver. Farming families earned little money throughout the year, so Qin Guan was naturally willing to give more. The old woman and her daughter-in-law exchanged glances and hesitantly accepted the money.
With the silver in hand and seeing how kind the noble guests were, the old woman felt reassured and promptly instructed her daughter-in-law, "Quickly take the guests to see the rooms, then come back to help me. Bring out the fine flour—we’ll make some stuffed pancakes for the guests tonight."
The daughter-in-law agreed repeatedly and led Qin Guan and the others to inspect the rooms. The dwellings were simple, made of earthen walls, but fortunately, they were clean and tidy. There were no fine wooden beds, and the bedding was old, but Qin Guan and Yan Chi naturally didn’t mind. After viewing the rooms, it was decided that Qin Guan and Baiying would share one, Yan Chi would take another, and the rest of the party could make do with floor space in the remaining room.
Before long, the old woman finished preparing the meal and invited Qin Guan and the others to the main room. Though the space was humble, it was exceptionally clean. Qin Guan sat down without hesitation, while the old woman stood nearby, smiling as she observed Qin Guan and Yan Chi. "What brings such esteemed guests to our remote, impoverished area? Are you heading to Luozhou?"
In Hejia Village, only those traveling to Luozhou passed through this way.
Yan Chi was not accustomed to speaking gently to elders, so Qin Guan answered, "We’re not going to Luozhou. We’re here to visit an old friend, though we’re not sure where he is at the moment."
The old woman eagerly responded, "What’s his name, esteemed guest? I’ve lived here my whole life and know most people in the surrounding villages."
Qin Guan thought for a moment and said, "His surname is Zhao. He used to work in the capital—"
The old woman’s eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, I know! Are you referring to Zhao Hai’s family?"
Seeing Qin Guan’s puzzled expression, the old woman explained, "There aren’t many accomplished people in our village. Zhao Hai’s only son, named Zhao… Zhao Xun, I believe, earned an official rank in the past and later worked in the capital. I heard he even became an official. Everyone in our village knows about it. Zhao Hai was truly fortunate—though he passed away early, his son was very promising. Ah, but the boy’s mother also had a hard life. When Zhao Hai died, Zhao Xun was just a seven- or eight-year-old child. His mother raised him single-handedly, but before she could enjoy a better life, she contracted a strange illness..."The old woman leisurely recounted the Zhao family's affairs, and only after finishing did she ask curiously, "Why are you two distinguished guests looking for that Zhao Xun?"
Qin Guan smiled, "Didn't you say he's an official? We need his help with something."
Upon hearing this, the old woman's eyes instantly widened, thinking to herself how capable Zhao Xun must be to have such noble people specifically seeking him out. She quickly told them where the Zhao family lived, not daring to slight Qin Guan and the other, and even trying to appear as if her own family was very familiar with the Zhaos.
Qin Guan and Yan Chi listened with smiles. After finishing their meal and seeing that it wasn't completely dark yet, they headed to the Zhao residence.
...
...
Zhao Xun had just returned home today. Upon entering, he discovered his mother had been eating moldy old rice and immediately went out to buy fresh rice from the market. The round trip took considerable time, and by the time he reached his doorstep, it was already dark. However, as soon as he entered, he sensed something amiss—the house was lit, and two people were standing guard outside the main entrance.
In that instant, Zhao Xun felt a surge of blood rush to his head. He almost thought the events of last July were repeating themselves, that people from the capital had found his home. But soon, he noticed that one of the two people standing guard looked very familiar.
Zhao Xun took a few steps forward and saw Baiying.
The moment he saw Baiying, Zhao Xun immediately understood who had come. First, he felt relieved that it wasn't what he had feared, then he grew furious. How could this Yongci County Princess come to his home?! How could she disturb his mother?!
Zhao Xun strode up the steps to the porch, threw down the bag of rice and flour, and glared angrily at Baiying.
Baiying and Bai Feng had seen Zhao Xun return long ago. They weren't surprised by his anger. Baiying merely nodded calmly at Zhao Xun and said, "Young Master Zhao—"
Zhao Xun's fury intensified instantly. He was no young master—his origins were humble. How could someone like him withstand the torment and mockery of these nobles?! Moreover, after failing to find him in the capital, they had actually come to Hejia Village! They had found his mother! What did these people want?! What exactly were they trying to do?!
Zhao Xun felt his anger had reached its peak. Gritting his teeth, he pushed the door open.
As the door opened, the warm, dim light inside felt particularly comforting.
Though Mrs. Zhao was about the same age as Hu Shi, she looked over a decade older. Her hair was graying, her face full of wrinkles, and from enduring illness, she often had a deep furrow between her eyebrows. But at this moment, she was smiling.
After Zhao Xun began working at the Court of Judicial Review, the family's circumstances had improved somewhat. Their home was a bit better than the one where Qin Guan and Yan Chi had stayed, with at least a few decent pieces of furniture. Mrs. Zhao was currently lying in a bamboo rocking chair, with Qin Guan sitting beside her, administering acupuncture to her hand.
Mrs. Zhao chuckled and said, "Xun'er hasn't been home much lately. I noticed he's gotten darker and thinner, and I was worried something had happened to him. Turns out he was just assigned work outside. Miss Qin, you're the best medical practitioner in the capital. How much does your visit cost? Please don't laugh at me—I haven't seen much of the world, and our family's finances are tight. I have to ask."Qin Guan smiled and said, "There's no need to worry. Young Master Zhao holds a respectable position and is also my friend. My visit here doesn't inconvenience anyone, so please don't trouble yourself over these matters."
Mrs. Zhao's face brightened with even more relief. With such grace and appearance, Qin Guan must be the finest medical practitioner in the capital. The fact that her son could invite her and be friends with her was proof enough of his own merits.
Qin Guan sat bent slightly forward, while not far away, Yan Chi leaned against a low cabinet. Unaware of their true identities, Mrs. Zhao felt no tension or timidity and instead received Qin Guan's treatment with remarkable composure.
Watching the scene, Zhao Xun suddenly felt his own anger seemed out of place. He paused mid-step, refraining from barging in. Inside the room, Yan Chi didn't glance his way, and Qin Guan remained still. Mrs. Zhao, however, was turned toward Qin Guan, completely unaware of his return. Zhao Xun's anger instantly melted into bitterness and helplessness. He was no longer an official at the Court of Judicial Review—he had been dismissed and expelled. Faced with his mother's earnest expectations, he hadn't dared to tell her the truth...
He had thought Qin Guan's arrival would expose all his lies, but instead, they had covered for him. This only made Zhao Xun feel even more ashamed.
Mrs. Zhao continued speaking in the room, "It's truly rare for Xun'er to make friends like you. Have you and this Young Master Yan just recently married?"
Qin Guan chuckled softly and nodded, "Yes..."
Mrs. Zhao sighed, "You've had a hard journey, then. The road from the capital is long and difficult. Xun'er didn't even mention it to me. With my illness, I'm afraid I can't properly host you."
Hearing this, Zhao Xun could no longer hold back and stepped inside. "Mother, I'm back."
Mrs. Zhao turned around, "Xun'er, you're finally back! Your two friends are here! Why didn't you tell me? This Miss Qin started treating me as soon as she arrived—I had no idea she's the best medical practitioner in the capital!"
Yan Chi stood indifferently to the side, while Qin Guan sat on a small stool. Their home didn't even have decent tea to offer, yet Qin Guan showed no surprise at his return, simply sitting there and looking at him without any airs. Zhao Xun didn't know Yan Chi's identity, but one glance was enough to tell it was anything but ordinary.
Zhao Xun glanced at Qin Guan, then at Yan Chi, not wanting to worry his mother. He said, "Mother, you've always complained of heartache. This... Miss Qin found out and insisted on coming to examine you."
Mrs. Zhao exclaimed, "Miss Qin is truly remarkable! Just by feeling my pulse, she described exactly how the pain usually feels... I never expected someone so young to be so skilled."
Zhao Xun thought to himself, the Little Medicine Immortal of the capital truly lived up to her reputation. If Qin Guan could really cure his mother's heartache disease, it would fulfill his greatest wish.
Forcing a smile, Zhao Xun looked at Qin Guan and asked, "How... how is my mother's condition?"
Needles were still inserted in Mrs. Zhao's arm. Qin Guan replied, "Madam will need both medication and acupuncture treatments to potentially recover. As long as the treatments continue without interruption, we can ensure the illness doesn't flare up easily."Zhao Xun's eyes lit up as he listened. Every time his mother's heartache disease flared up, she suffered unbearably, sometimes even fainting from the pain. His mother was getting older, and he didn't expect a complete cure—he only hoped she could suffer less, which would be more than enough.
Qin Guan added, "I'll leave you the prescription for the medicine. Use it for six months first. As for acupuncture, I can teach you a few simple acupoints. With a little practice, you'll be able to perform it yourself."
Glancing at the sky outside, Qin Guan continued, "It's too late now. Tomorrow, I'll give your mother a full acupuncture session and show you the key points. I've brought some herbs with me, so you can start using them for your mother tonight."
Only then did Zhao Xun notice the bundles of herbs stacked in the shadows behind Qin Guan. He pressed his lips together, momentarily at a loss for words. Qin Guan began collecting the needles. Once finished, she said to Lady Zhao, "Auntie, it's very late. Remember to take the medicine before you sleep. We'll be leaving now."
Lady Zhao quickly responded, "It's so late—you must stay here for the night—"
Qin Guan replied, "There are quite a few of us, and it would be inconvenient. Please don't worry, we've already made arrangements."
Lady Zhao hesitated, glancing at Zhao Xun as if urging him to persuade Qin Guan, lest they appear poor hosts.
Zhao Xun gritted his teeth. "Alright, I'll see you out—"
Lady Zhao's expression shifted, but Qin Guan politely declined again. With no other choice, Lady Zhao sighed and watched as Qin Guan and Yan Chi headed out. Zhao Xun lingered a step behind and reassured her, "Mother, don't worry..."
Lady Zhao felt slightly reproachful toward Zhao Xun and waved him off. "Hurry and see them out! Ah, really..."
Zhao Xun nodded, closing the door behind him as he stepped out.
Turning around, he saw Qin Guan and Yan Chi standing in the courtyard, clearly waiting for him.
Zhao Xun's gaze darkened as he strode over. After studying Qin Guan and Yan Chi, he stood straight-backed and said, "The Crown Prince's unfinished words in the capital, and now you've traveled all this way. It is entirely my fault for troubling you."
Hearing Zhao Xun's resentful tone, Qin Guan sighed. "Zhao Xun, I'm not forcing you. It's just that your mother's condition can't be delayed any longer."
Zhao Xun sneered, lowering his voice. "You came all this way with such a grand display, just to treat my mother? Since when have you been so kind?!"
If she had no ulterior motives, why go to such lengths...
Qin Guan looked at him, her eyes shadowed. After a moment, she sighed again. "I have some past ties with Lord Shen. And as for the person beside me, I suppose you don't know who he is..."
Zhao Xun stared at Yan Chi. He truly didn't recognize him, and he was even more unsettled by the fact that Qin Guan, who was still unmarried, had not only come herself but brought others along.
Qin Guan stated, "This is Prince Rui's heir."
At these words, Zhao Xun's face immediately changed. Prince Rui's heir! Yan Chi?!
Zhao Xun was stunned. No wonder he had sensed a fierce, imposing aura about Yan Chi—one unlike the pampered noble youths of the capital. Even though Yan Chi had restrained himself in front of his mother, Zhao Xun had still felt it.
He looked from Qin Guan to Yan Chi, unable to comprehend why she would speak so openly in front of Yan Chi or what her intentions were in bringing him along.Qin Guan noticed the wariness on Zhao Xun's face. "The Crown Prince shares some camaraderie with Prince Jin. He doesn't believe Prince Jin would murder imperial consorts, so he wishes to uncover whether there are hidden truths behind this case."
Zhao Xun's expression shifted slightly, his gaze lowering. This explanation did carry some credibility, and he believed Yan Chi and Qin Guan understood better than he did the consequences of being entangled in this matter.
Yan Chi's narrowed eyes fixed on Zhao Xun, his oppressive aura making it impossible for Zhao Xun to lift his head. Yan Chi said, "After the incident, you remained in the capital—surely there's some unresolved resentment within you. In that case, you were merely collateral damage. Can you truly accept letting the secrets behind it sink into oblivion?"
A thin layer of sweat formed on Zhao Xun's forehead. Yan Chi continued, "You kept Lord Shen's writings, likely hoping for an opportunity to act. Lord Shen served as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review for three years. As his clerk, you knew his character best. Was his defense of Prince Jin motivated by personal favoritism or by justice and righteousness? You understand this better than anyone. After Lord Shen and Prince Jin died successively, all officials close to Lord Shen were expelled. The others have since vanished without a trace—only you remain in the capital. Do you feel no indignation on Lord Shen's behalf?"
Zhao Xun stiffened his neck, his voice strained as he spoke, "I... am but a nobody. I cannot stir any waves..."
Yan Chi replied, "We're not asking you to stir waves—such tasks are beyond your capacity, and we wouldn't assign them to you. Our presence in the capital is unknown to all. We merely seek the information you possess."
Zhao Xun was drenched in sweat. "But... this matter is of grave importance. I have a mother to care for—I cannot risk implicating myself or her. If this is discovered, they will inevitably trace it back to me. Your Highness and the princess stand exalted, but I am alone and vulnerable. I cannot take this risk..."
A faint smile curled at the corner of Yan Chi's lips, yet it never reached his eyes. Instead, his gaze remained dark and sharp as ice spikes, making the smile appear particularly cruel and dangerous.
"At this point, do you still believe you can truly remain uninvolved?"
This was an overt threat. Zhao Xun's body tensed instantly. Qin Guan tugged at Yan Chi's sleeve and said, "Zhao Xun, take today to consider carefully. We understand your concerns. If you share what you know, we will naturally ensure your safety..."
Zhao Xun clenched his fists tightly, remaining silent for a long while. Qin Guan sighed and tugged at Yan Chi again, prompting him to turn and leave with her. Only after the two had exited Zhao Xun's courtyard did he lift his head to gaze in the direction they had departed.
Could he still remain uninvolved? It seemed that from the moment he decided to keep that ledger, it was no longer possible.
...
...
Yan Chi and Qin Guan employed different approaches. Were it not for his consideration of Qin Guan, Yan Chi would have long since found a way to make Zhao Xun divulge every detail without omission. Yet Qin Guan's preference for this method was just as well. With the urgent military situation in the Northwest Frontier Army, he had to act swiftly and decisively. The capital, after all, was a place that only appeared radiant and serene on the surface.Returning to the small courtyard, Yan Chi followed Qin Guan into the room. Qin Guan frowned slightly, looking troubled, so Yan Chi gently tapped her forehead and asked, "Worried that Zhao Xun won’t heed our advice?"
Qin Guan sighed, "We can’t really threaten him, after all."
Yan Chi didn’t give a clear response but said, "No need to worry. From what I observed, he doesn’t seem unreasonable. His concerns are unfounded—once he leaves the capital to care for his mother at home, things will be fine."
Qin Guan nodded, "Yes, I thought so too. I suspect the writings he sold that day were only a portion; there must be more, especially the parts recorded by Lord Shen Yi related to Prince Jin’s case. If we get those, we’ll know where the problem lies."
Yan Chi nodded in agreement, "Although the Emperor made the final decision, many hands were involved in the process."
They needed to figure out who had interfered and what Shen Yi had uncovered during his initial investigation.
As it was getting late, Yan Chi glanced at the sky outside and urged Qin Guan to rest early. The conditions today were even simpler than yesterday’s, and Qin Guan didn’t want to trouble the elderly woman of the house, so she washed up briefly and lay down. With everyone in the courtyard that night, Yan Chi didn’t disturb her and soon returned to his own room.
Early the next morning, when Qin Guan got up, Bai Feng and the others were already awake. The elderly woman and her daughter-in-law had prepared porridge and plain steamed buns. Though it was humble fare, paired with some unnamed wild summer vegetables, it had a unique flavor.
After breakfast, Qin Guan went to Zhao Xun’s place. Knowing she was coming, Zhao Xun had prepared early. He seemed to have had a difficult night, with dark circles under his eyes when he saw Qin Guan. Not mentioning it, Qin Guan proceeded to perform acupuncture on Lady Zhao. Since this would be her last visit, Qin Guan used the most challenging acupuncture technique, treating Lady Zhao from morning until sunset. Throughout the process, Lady Zhao endured considerable discomfort but broke into a heavy sweat. Once the treatment was over, she was surprised to feel much lighter—not only had the dull pain in her chest vanished, but the usual issues in her joints and meridians had also improved significantly. Previously weak-legged and often bedridden with dizziness, she now walked with renewed energy.
Qin Guan was drenched in sweat and hadn’t even eaten lunch. Zhao Xun took note of this and was deeply moved.
After a short rest, Qin Guan taught Zhao Xun how to perform acupuncture on his mother. Zhao Xun studied diligently, and by nightfall, he had mastered the essentials. With Lady Zhao feeling better, she prepared some snacks for Qin Guan and the others. After the meal, Zhao Xun brought out a bundle and handed it to Qin Guan and Yan Chi, saying, "Everything the County Princess asked for is in here."
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