Coroner's Diary

Qin Guan had another patient to attend to, which meant she had to visit Qin Manor for three consecutive days.

On this particular day when Qin Guan arrived at Qin Manor again, Yue Ning was already waiting inside. As soon as she saw Qin Guan, she said, "He hasn't returned yet. We'll have to wait a while."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "His injuries haven't healed yet. Where did he go?"

As Yue Ning accompanied Qin Guan toward the East Courtyard, she explained, "The officials from the Judicial Review Office have already re-examined the details of Song Rou's case. Yesterday, Xu He came to inform us that the Prefect is preparing to submit a memorial to the capital. In a few days, the case will be sent to the capital along with the other two suspects. When Wei Qizhi heard this, he couldn't sit still. Today, he went to the prison to see Wei Yanzhi."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes slightly and sighed. It was almost September, and by the end of the year, all the prefectures would be submitting their annual governance reports to the capital. Naturally, judicial matters were among the most critical to report.

Yue Ning continued, "As expected, the prefecture's conclusion aligns with what you said—harsh, if not harsher. Once it reaches the capital, the outcome will likely be the same. Wei Qizhi knows that if he doesn't see Wei Yanzhi now, it'll be difficult to do so later." She then raised an eyebrow. "Still, I'm curious about what he wanted to say to Wei Yanzhi."

Qin Guan and Yue Ning arrived at the East Courtyard and waited briefly in a side hall. Before long, Yue Qing's voice could be heard outside the courtyard. Qin Guan and Yue Ning stepped out and saw Yue Qing leading the way, while Wei Qizhi, leaning on a crutch, was supported by Wu Shu as they entered.

As soon as Yue Qing spotted Qin Guan and Yue Ning, he hurried forward. "Ninth Miss, apologies for the wait!"

Qin Guan gave a slight curtsy. Yue Ning was about to tease Yue Qing, but when she glanced up and saw Wei Qizhi's solemn expression, she pressed her lips together and held back her words.

Once everyone entered the room, Wei Qizhi managed a faint smile. "My apologies for keeping you waiting, Ninth Miss."

As Qin Guan took out cotton gauze and ointment, she asked, "Did you accomplish what you set out to do at the prison today?"

Wei Qizhi's leg was still wrapped in layers of bandages. After entering the room, he was helped onto a long couch, where he rested his injured leg flat. When Qin Guan removed the bandages today, he didn't even flinch.

"Accomplish what I set out to do?" Wei Qizhi's voice carried a hint of bitterness. "I didn’t really have a purpose. I just wanted to see him. After all, we grew up together as brothers."

"Brothers?" Yue Qing couldn't hold back. "After he framed you like that, how can you still call him a brother? You saw it yourself today—he wouldn’t even look at you."

Yue Ning was surprised. "What do you mean he wouldn’t even look at you?"

At this, Yue Qing spoke indignantly on Wei Qizhi's behalf. "Today, Brother Wei went to see Wei Yanzhi with good intentions, but when he arrived at the prison, Wei Yanzhi sat with his back turned and refused to face him. Brother Wei stayed in the cell for half an hour, and Wei Yanzhi didn’t move or say a single word the entire time."

Wei Qizhi lowered his gaze and smiled bitterly. "He probably thought I was there to mock him. He must feel humiliated and resentful, so of course he wouldn’t speak to me..."

Yue Qing shook his head. "With your leg injury this severe, I advised against you going in the first place."Wei Qizhi could only offer a bitter smile without speaking. Meanwhile, Wu Shu stepped forward with a medicine bowl and said, "Second Young Master may not know this, but our young master has always been the most kind-hearted. Since childhood, he has treated Second Young Master as his own brother. That things have come to this—neither this humble servant nor our young master could have imagined it. This servant is also full of anger, yet our young master remains understanding, saying Second Young Master has had his hardships."

Yue Qing shook his head disapprovingly. "If everyone who faced hardships resorted to murder and theft, the world would be overrun with bandits and villains. Brother Wei's kindness is commendable, but you shouldn't forgive Wei Yanzhi for this."

Wei Qizhi shook his head. "It's not forgiveness. It's just that, after all, we were brothers. I merely want to bid him farewell. In two days, he’ll be sent to the capital. Once we part, I doubt we’ll ever meet again." As he spoke, Wei Qizhi seemed to recall past memories and sighed deeply. "Looking back now, I always thought I had treated him well enough. But it seems I never truly understood his suffering. At least... regarding his mother’s matter, I was indeed at fault."

His words cast a heavy silence over the room. After a long pause, seeing no one speak, Wei Qizhi finally exhaled deeply. "Even if I was at fault, it was only a minor one. After his mother fell ill, I even sent medicine. Back then, she wanted to place him under my mother’s care but couldn’t bear to part with him. In the end, she sent him away in anguish, but the grief left a lasting scar. My mother was indeed harsh, but his mother had long been in poor health. Now, with my leg as compensation, and that incident—I won’t offer any further explanations. This way, we’re even. But what he did to Cousin Rou was unforgivable. Now, he’s getting what he deserves!"

Yue Qing finally laughed heartily. "That’s exactly right. I knew Brother Wei’s wisdom would allow him to see the truth clearly. He alone has thrown three households into turmoil—this is simply the consequence of his actions."

Qin Guan had been quietly redressing Wei Qizhi’s wounds and only now shook her head. "Young Master Wei, as the elder brother, is already the victim in this matter. Yet here you are, still sighing over Wei Yanzhi’s fate. Truly admirable."

Her tone was anything but sincere, laced with a hint of teasing.

Wei Qizhi grinned. "Ninth Miss has sharp eyes indeed. Even this humble one’s little schemes can’t escape your notice. A true man must endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens. Though I’ve suffered this great injustice, and grumbling would be justified, wouldn’t it be better to appear concerned for him? Perhaps then you’d think more highly of me—maybe even consider me deeply loyal and righteous. Who knows? Ninth Miss might even use her finest skills to restore my leg to its former state..."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "Young Master Wei, restoring your leg to normal won’t be easy."

Wei Qizhi leaned back with a long sigh. "It seems the dozens of 'beauties' in my stable will remain beyond my reach in this lifetime!"

Wei Qizhi’s love for horses was well-known—his so-called "beauties" were the prized steeds he had lavishly raised. But now, with his leg injured and likely to leave him permanently disabled, how could a lame man ride?Yue Ning's eyes sparkled mischievously. "How is there no solution? Young Master Wei could switch from horse training to horse trading. Since you have no interest in official career paths, you'll need something to do eventually. This could make you the top merchant in the capital and rid you of that 'prodigal son' reputation."

Perhaps because Wei Qizhi himself enjoyed self-deprecating humor, even someone of Yue Ning's temperament had taken to teasing him frequently these past few days. Hearing her words, Wei Qizhi smiled wryly. "How thoughtful of you, my lady, to have already planned my future livelihood. Would you be my first customer? I have a purebred Ferghana horse named Treading Snow, with a coat whiter than frost—perfect for someone like you..."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "How shameless of you to say that, Young Master Wei. You live in the Marquis's residence, enjoying the finest food and comforts, with my grandmother's royal physician—the best healer in Jinzhou—tending to you. Instead of gifting horses to me and my brother, you dare ask for payment? Second Brother, I don't know how you bear calling this man your sworn brother..."

Wei Qizhi's expression turned pained as he looked pleadingly at Yue Qing, who was about to laughingly defend him when Qin Guan nodded in agreement. "The lady makes a fair point."

At this, Yue Qing's nearly spoken words—"Don't listen to my sister's nonsense"—instantly changed to "I think so too." Wei Qizhi stared wide-eyed at Yue Qing, his leg aching but his heart aching more.

After examining Wei Qizhi's leg injury, Qin Guan tidied the ointments and asked, "Where is His Highness Chi?"

Hearing this, Yue Ning quickly replied, "He went to the military camp these past two days. Why?"

Qin Guan explained, "His wounds haven't fully healed yet. It's time to change the dressings." She paused briefly before adding, "Since he's not here, I'll leave the ointment here. Please deliver it to him when he returns, my lady."

Before Yue Ning could respond, Yue Qing interjected, "His Highness likely won't return for several days."

Both Yue Ning and Qin Guan turned to him. Yue Qing scratched his neck. "He's helping Father revise the Yue Army's military regulations. He'll probably stay at the camp for five or six days..."

Qin Guan frowned. "Will you be going to the camp, Second Young Master?"

Yue Qing nodded. "Of course."

Qin Guan then retrieved an ointment from her sleeve. "Then please deliver this to His Highness. He knows how to apply it."

Delighted that Qin Guan sought his help, Yue Qing accepted it readily.

After a moment's thought, Qin Guan added, "Please also remind His Highness to avoid any martial exertion, lest his wounds reopen."

Yue Qing agreed cheerfully. After thanking him, Qin Guan walked out with Yue Ning. A few steps later, Qin Guan suddenly remarked, "Truly, fate ties me to the Marquis's residence. Now I've gained another patient."

Yue Ning chuckled, giving her a teasing look. "I wonder which one occupies your thoughts the most?"

Qin Guan blinked, her expression perfectly neutral. "Naturally, they're all the same."

Yue Ning hesitated, holding back further comment. After bidding farewell to the Grand Princess, Yue Qing personally escorted Qin Guan to the estate gates. Soon, the carriage carrying Qin Guan slowly departed from the Marquis's residence...

As the carriage gradually disappeared into the distance, Huo Ning's gaze remained fixed on it from the street corner.

Fei Quan whispered beside him, "Why didn't you go greet her, my lord?"Huo Ning's lips pressed tightly together. "Who is she? Why should I greet her?"

Fei Quan curled his lip. "First, the master shut himself away for half a month, then after meeting Ninth Miss, he started acting strange. Who knows if he's afraid of her or what—he wasn't like this before..."

Hearing this, a surge of frustration rose in Huo Ning's heart.

Yes, it wasn't like this before... Before, it was Qin Guan's gaze that followed him!

......

Returning to Qin Manor, the entire inner residence was quiet, with no movement from the Windward Courtyard either. Qin Guan hadn't visited Yao Xinlan in the past two days while staying at the marquis's residence, and Yao Xinlan hadn't sent Mo Shu to invite her either. Feeling somewhat weary, Qin Guan simply returned to Orchid Isle Courtyard.

The courtyard was equally tranquil. Qin Guan went straight to the main room, but the moment she stepped inside, her brows furrowed. Fuling followed behind, puzzled. "What's wrong, Miss?"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, scanning the front hall before striding quickly toward the inner chamber. "Someone's been in here."

Fuling was stunned. "Ah, could it be the same person who entered last time?"

After checking the inner chamber, Qin Guan moved to the study. Seeing the slightly disordered books on the shelves, she nodded. "It must be her again. This time, she focused on the study."

Fuling frowned deeply. "Who could it be? Is it one of the four Wan girls?"

Qin Guan walked over, rearranged the books neatly, then curled her lips and let out a soft hum. "Finding out who entered isn't too difficult. Earlier, I was too busy with medicine-making and corpse examinations to pay attention, but now I have time."

She then said, "Go fetch a few medicinal herbs..."

Fuling immediately began memorizing the names of the herbs Qin Guan listed.

After giving instructions, Qin Guan added, "Take Wan Xing with you to get them."

Fuling gave an affirmative hum and hurried out. Once she was gone, Qin Guan sat down to steady her thoughts.

Indeed, someone had entered a second time, and this time, they had only gone to the study—clearly, that was where their true interest lay. Though everyone in the manor knew she couldn't remember much after falling into the lake, the culprit wouldn't fully believe it. Whoever had entered was likely searching for some trace of evidence.

Soon, Fuling and Wan Xing returned with the herbs. Fuling had expected Qin Guan to prepare something, but instead, she saw her mixing incense by the window.

Assuming Qin Guan had her reasons, Fuling didn't dare ask. Qin Guan continued blending until dusk fell.

After dinner, Fuling urged, "Miss, you should rest early tonight. Now that the marquis's case is finally over, you should take care of yourself. After days of ginseng soup, your complexion has improved a lot."

Qin Guan was indeed tired and about to heed Fuling's advice when suddenly— thud —a sound came from outside the rear window. Qin Guan and Fuling exchanged glances, both wondering if they had misheard.

But soon, a second sound followed—clearly, something had struck their window.

Fuling's first instinct was to call for help, but Qin Guan grabbed her arm. Fuling looked at her in alarm. "Miss? Shouldn't we call for someone?"

Qin Guan pursed her lips and shook her head. "Let's check first. Whoever it is made that noise on purpose."Fuling was momentarily stunned but quickly understood. Since this was intentional, there likely wasn't any ill intent.

She nodded slightly, though still somewhat uneasy. Shifting her gaze, she picked up a feather duster from the nearby curio cabinet. Meanwhile, Qin Guan had already strode toward the rear window.

The window had been tightly shut. Taking a deep breath, Qin Guan pushed the lattice open with one swift motion. As the window swung open, the dim lamplight from inside faintly illuminated the area behind the house. Behind Qin Guan's main quarters lay a flower garden in the Orchid Pavilion, also filled with orchids. Near the rear wall, two ancient willow trees stood silently. Qin Guan's sweeping glance revealed no one in the unobstructed view of the garden.

Just as she began to doubt, her gaze shifted, and she caught sight of a shadowy figure beneath one of the old willows in the corner.

The figure was tall and slender, but their head and face were completely covered. Qin Guan could only discern that it was a man, and his silhouette seemed vaguely familiar, though she couldn't place who it was. Narrowing her eyes, she remained still—until the person spoke.

"Ninth Sister, may I have a word with you?"

The low, hoarse voice carried from beneath the tree, accompanied by the cold night breeze, causing Qin Guan's eyes to widen in an instant.

Qin Li! The person standing beneath the tree and speaking was actually Qin Li!

At a distance of about fifteen feet, Qin Guan momentarily wondered if she was dreaming.

The wall of her backyard wasn't exceptionally high, but for Qin Li to scale it in the dead of night and seek her out in such a manner was utterly absurd and eerie. Qin Guan stayed rooted inside, even tempted to slam the window shut.

"Ninth Sister, I have an urgent matter to discuss. May I have a word?"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, gripping the windowsill tightly to ensure she could close it at any moment.

Meanwhile, Fuling stood at the ready with the feather duster. She hadn't caught Qin Li's first words clearly, but this time, she heard him distinctly. A shiver ran down her spine, and she immediately tugged Qin Guan back. "Miss, it's so late—you shouldn't speak with Second Young Master. Miss, close the window..."

Qin Guan was of the same mind. She had witnessed Qin Li's eccentricities before and held no fondness for him. Moreover, for him to barge into her courtyard in the middle of the night surely meant his business wasn't something to be discussed openly. Why couldn't it wait until daylight? Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand to shut the window—

"Second Sister! I beg you, save my life!"

Just as the window was halfway closed, Qin Li took an urgent step forward. At his plea, Qin Guan's hand froze. She suddenly recalled Qin Li's illness—he hadn't been seen for days, refusing visitors and even dismissing the servants from his own courtyard. And she vividly remembered the festering wounds on his neck she had seen that day at the Brocade Embroidery Workshop.

As a healer, Qin Guan had an instinctive response to pleas for medical help, which tempered her agitation somewhat.

Her gaze darkened as it settled on Qin Li. Was he truly here to seek help, or did he have ulterior motives?

If it was the former, she might be willing to intervene—but she feared some hidden scheme.

"Miss... tell Second Young Master to come back tomorrow..." Fuling whispered, her dislike for the man undiminished. If word got out about this midnight encounter, it would only stir up more trouble—and her mistress had endured enough turmoil already!"Even if it's a matter of life and death, you should come during the day. It's too late now, Second Brother. Please go back."

With a "click," Qin Guan shut the window. Only after it was closed did she feel slightly at ease, and Fuling let out a quiet sigh of relief. Though her words had been final, Qin Guan hadn't moved away from the window. Outside, Qin Li seemed to sense this and continued in a hushed voice, "If this illness could wait until daylight, I wouldn’t disturb you at this hour, Second Sister. Ninth Sister, your medical skills are renowned for saving lives. I truly have no other choice—I beg you to save me..."

As he spoke, Qin Li suddenly broke into a fit of coughing, causing Qin Guan’s brow to furrow.

It was a starless, moonless night. With the window closed, the orchid garden outside was plunged into darkness. Qin Li had his head and face wrapped tightly, revealing only his eyes—a sight unsettling enough in the dead of night. His gaze remained fixed on the window Qin Guan had just opened, his eyes locked onto the shadowy figure behind the lattice.

One moment passed, then another. The hope in Qin Li’s eyes gradually dimmed as time dragged on. Though the figure behind the window hadn’t moved, it seemed the person had steeled their heart against opening it again.

Qin Li gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and turned to leave—

A bone-deep chill had seeped into him, but just as he turned away, the tightly shut window creaked open with a soft "squeak." His back stiffened, and Qin Guan’s calm voice drifted out, "Second Brother, speak to me from the Warm Chamber on the left."

With another "click," the window closed again.

Qin Li stood frozen, his chest heaving. He turned his head and saw the previously dark Warm Chamber suddenly illuminated, its side window now pushed open. His heart surged, and he hurried toward it.

Inside, Fuling muttered under her breath, "Young Miss, you really..."

Qin Guan shook her head. "Go keep watch outside. Don’t let anyone notice this for now."

Fuling knew that once Qin Guan made up her mind, not even ten horses could pull her back. She quickly obeyed and went to stand guard. As soon as she left, Qin Li appeared at the window.

He remained outside, making no move to climb in. Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "Do I need to invite you in, Second Brother?"

Qin Li gave a bitter smile. "For your safety, Ninth Sister, I’d rather speak from here."

Qin Guan studied him intently. "I heard you’ve been ill for days. You said you’re begging for your life—has your condition worsened?" She paused, then added, "You’re covering your face—not just to hide your identity, but also to conceal the symptoms of your illness, aren’t you?"

Qin Li’s exposed eyes brightened abruptly. "Ninth Sister, you’re the only one who can save me!"

His words confirmed her suspicions. A weight settled in Qin Guan’s chest as she took two steps forward. "Take off your cape and the cloth covering your face—"

At her command, Qin Li lifted a hand but hesitated.

"Ninth Sister, I... I might look frightening right now. Are you sure—"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. "I told you to remove them. Just do it."

With that, Qin Li seemed to steel himself and pulled off both the cape and the cloth covering his face. The moment he did, even Qin Guan—who had never flinched at corpse examinations or dissections—felt a cold prickle at the back of her neck.The lamplight in the room fell upon Qin Li, illuminating his face clearly.

The Qin Li of the past, though bearing a perpetually smiling countenance and a slender frame that occasionally gave off an eerie, effeminate air, was still considered handsome and graceful among the crowd. Yet now, after barely ten days apart, the Qin Li standing outside the window had withered to skin and bones. Most horrifying of all were the festering sores at the corners of his lips—purplish-red lesions spreading from his mouth, with traces of pus faintly visible. Qin Guan's gaze swept further, noticing similar wounds at his lips, behind his ears, and on his neck. Though his body was tightly wrapped, she knew without looking that the disease must have nearly spread across his entire form.

Qin Li clearly saw the shifting emotions in Qin Guan's eyes. He gave a bitter smile. "It seems Ninth Sister already knows what illness this is. It's... shameful to speak of. I shouldn’t have come to you, but all of Jinzhou knows of your exceptional medical skills. If this were to spread, my reputation would be ruined. I trust you, Ninth Sister. Please... save my life."

Qin Guan was undeniably shaken. Back then, she had only suspected—never imagining it could be true!

Not only was it true, but from her assessment, Qin Li's syphilis had already progressed for over half a month. Soon, these raised, purplish-red sores would spread further—his lower body, even his hands. Syphilis was the most despised affliction in the Great Zhou, a disease most commonly contracted by brothel prostitutes.

Qin Li was the second young master of Qin Manor. Though born of a concubine, he still enjoyed wealth and privilege, standing above others. He was known for his flirtatious nature, but Qin Guan was certain he would never visit brothels or back alleys. She couldn’t fathom—how had he contracted this?

"Ninth Sister must be wondering how I got this disease," Qin Li said hoarsely, his voice stripped of the playful or deliberately profound tones he’d once used with her. Now, his gaunt frame trembled beneath the heavy cape. Qin Guan understood—even in just these ten-odd days, the suffering must have been unbearable.

"But this matter is... complicated. I won’t trouble you with the details." His expression darkened. "I also know this illness is nearly impossible to cure. In the Great Zhou, no one can guarantee a full recovery. I had planned to hide it to preserve my reputation, but... for some reason, I felt that Ninth Sister could achieve what others couldn’t. Just as you once saved Eldest Brother’s Wife. Ninth Sister... will you save me?"

His voice trembled, eyes pleading. Qin Guan sighed inwardly but kept her expression neutral. "How long have you had this illness?"

Qin Li’s gaze flickered downward. "Seven or eight days."

Qin Guan let out a cold laugh and moved to shut the window. "If Second Brother refuses to tell me the truth, then return to where you came from. I do not treat liars."

"No, no—Ninth Sister, please!"

Qin Li frantically pressed against the window. "Thirteen or fourteen days! At first, it was just a few blisters—I didn’t think much of it. But when they grew larger, I realized the severity."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. "I know how this disease is transmitted—and you know even better. Tell me, Second Brother—do you know where the person who gave this to you is?"Qin Li gave a bitter smile. "This... I really don't know, but it's not important. After this incident, I will definitely keep myself clean. This matter shouldn't be spread around. In fact, I feel deeply ashamed even having Ninth Sister treat this illness. So, Ninth Sister only needs to cure me alone. There's no need for you to concern yourself with others."

A thought flashed through Qin Guan's mind. "Then Second Brother must have contracted the disease outside the residence?"

Qin Li looked surprised. "Of course. In the residence, I only have two maids who grew up here since childhood. It couldn't have been them who infected me—"

Qin Guan felt slightly relieved, then spoke solemnly, "Since Second Brother has come to seek help, even if this illness shouldn't be treated by me, I won't abandon you to your fate. However..." Her voice lowered. "However, I can't guarantee a cure. You know as well as I do that for ordinary people, this disease is a death sentence."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Qin Li's eyes. He took a step back and bowed deeply to Qin Guan repeatedly. "I thank Ninth Sister deeply. As long as Ninth Sister is willing to help, even if I still die in the end, I will have no regrets." Raising his head, he added, "From now on, whatever Ninth Sister commands, I will obey even at the cost of my life."

Qin Guan sneered inwardly. People truly change when faced with life and death.

"Let's not talk about that for now. You came too urgently tonight. I don't have the medicine you need here. Go back for now and return at the same time tomorrow night. By then, I should at least be able to prescribe you something." She paused, forcing herself to maintain a composed attitude toward Qin Li, then added, "Judging from your sores, it's not at the most severe stage yet, but we still can't afford to be careless."

Qin Guan's calm tone left Qin Li with no room for argument. Overflowing with gratitude, he bowed deeply once more before putting on his face covering and pulling up the hood of his cape, concealing his head and face completely as before, then turned to leave. Once he was gone, Qin Guan closed the window. The moment the window shut, a tangle of questions began to grow wildly in her mind...

Hearing the silence inside, Fuling knew Qin Li had left. She hurried in and asked quietly, "Miss, has Second Young Master left? What was it? What serious illness does he have that he had to come seeking treatment in the middle of the night?"

Qin Guan glanced at Fuling and took a deep breath. "Syphilis."

The word hung in the air, and Fuling looked momentarily confused. Qin Guan sighed and added, "Also known as venereal disease..."

"Ah—venereal disease!"

Fuling was shocked. "How could Second Young Master contract such a disease?!"

Qin Guan looked outside and warned, "Keep your voice down. I told you because I didn't want to hide it from you, but don't let anyone else know."

Fuling immediately covered her mouth and nodded repeatedly. "No, no, Miss. With this disease, not only the patient but even you treating him could invite gossip if people found out!"

Qin Guan nodded, her expression unusually grave. Seeing this, Fuling asked, "Miss, is it very difficult?"

Qin Guan nodded again. "Very difficult. Extremely difficult. Even I can't be sure."Fuling's heart skipped a beat. Ever since learning that her young mistress practiced medicine, she had witnessed Qin Guan successfully treat Grand Princess who was on the verge of death, save Yao Xinlan from a nearly fatal childbirth, and heal both Yan Chi and Wei Qizhi. There wasn't a single difficult illness that appeared before her mistress that she couldn't cure. Each time, Qin Guan had approached the diagnosis with complete confidence—except this time, when she openly admitted she wasn't certain.

"But Miss, what should we do? If you can't cure Second Young Master, might he keep pestering you endlessly?"

Fuling's concern wasn't unfounded. Yet Qin Guan, who had extended help to the ailing Grand Princess—a complete stranger—by the roadside, naturally wouldn't refuse Qin Li either. This was her innate duty as a healer. Moreover, Qin Li's previous cryptic remarks had always given her the impression that he knew some secret about Qin Manor. Perhaps by treating him, she might uncover those secrets and eventually expose the increasingly elusive murderer...

She had found the killer who murdered Song Rou; surely she could also unmask the villain within Qin Manor.

"I'm a healer. His life now rests entirely in my hands. If he harbors any ill intentions, I won't go easy on him either. You needn't worry."

As Qin Guan spoke, her resolve solidified. She had seen too many evildoers who, when faced with life-threatening illness, became desperate to survive. Earlier, she had noticed that same desperation in Qin Li.

Fuling nodded. "Then Miss, what should we do now?"

At this question, Qin Guan immediately stood up. "Now, we naturally go to sleep—"

"Ah?" Fuling was slightly startled. "Sleep?"

Qin Guan headed straight for the inner chamber. "Yes. Put out the lights here, and let's rest. This matter won't be resolved in a day. Tomorrow, I'll personally visit the manor's medicine storage."

Though Qin Guan had admitted her uncertainty, hearing her words inexplicably steadied Fuling's heart. She responded crisply and hurried to prepare Qin Guan's bath and bedtime routine. After the flurry of activity, Qin Guan retired early as promised.

Perhaps burdened by this new concern, Qin Guan slept restlessly that night and woke early the next morning. After an extra quarter-hour stroll in the courtyard and breakfast, she set off for the medicine storage with Fuling and Wan Xing in tow.

Fuling noticed that whenever they visited the medicine storage, Qin Guan always assigned Wan Xing, whereas other tasks or trips to the front courtyard were delegated to different maids. She quietly noted her mistress's preferences, resolving to arrange things accordingly in the future.

"Miss, you didn't prescribe anything today—"

Qin Guan nodded. "I haven't decided on the prescription yet. Visiting the medicine storage might help me settle on one."

Fuling gave an acknowledging hum and glanced back to see Wan Xing following silently like a shadow, not making a single sound the entire way. This pleased Fuling—though Wan Xing was somewhat dull, she was reliable and never competed for attention. She was indeed someone worth nurturing further. Such quiet, diligent workers were the best kind of help!

As Fuling mused, the group soon arrived at the medicine storage. The guards outside no longer dared to stop Qin Guan and hurriedly ushered them in. Just past the courtyard gate, a young maid emerged from within. Apparently not expecting to encounter the manor's mistress here, the girl flusteredly stepped aside to bow in greeting.Qin Guan glanced at the little maid and noticed she was holding a medicine packet in her hand.

Waving her off without a word, Qin Guan headed toward the main hall.

"Miss, that was Xiuqin from Eighth Concubine's side," Fuling whispered to Qin Guan after they had walked a few steps. Qin Guan turned halfway to look back, only to see the little maid scurrying away in a hurry. She gave a noncommittal "Hmm," her mind preoccupied with Qin Li's venereal disease, and thought no more of it.

Qian Bairen had already spotted Qin Guan and was waiting at the door to greet her. "Greetings, Ninth Miss. It's been days since we last saw you in person. Just last night, these two young ladies came by once."

Qin Guan nodded. "Take me to the medicine storage. I need to prepare some emergency pills for the Grand Princess. The variety is quite specific, so I'd like to select the herbs myself—"

At the mention of the Grand Princess, Qian Bairen dared not delay and promptly led Qin Guan inside. The Qin Manor's medicine storage was sizable. Though the quantities of each herb weren't as abundant as in an external pharmacy, the variety was impressively comprehensive. Surveying the rows of neatly labeled herb drawers, Qin Guan nodded in satisfaction.

"By the way, what medicine did that little maid come to fetch earlier?" Qin Guan asked casually.

Qian Bairen lowered his voice. "She's from Eighth Concubine's side. Said Eighth Concubine's monthly cycle has been unusually prolonged and came to get a prescription to regulate her body."

Qin Guan nodded. It wasn't uncommon for women to experience prolonged menstrual bleeding, so she set the matter aside for now. Walking along the rows of medicine cabinets, she circled the storage once, quickly forming a mental outline. Two prescriptions came to mind, which she jotted down on paper—one handed to Fuling, the other to Wan Xing—instructing them to gather the herbs separately. Both prescriptions appeared to treat joint and muscle pain, perfectly ordinary for elderly patients. Initially, Qian Bairen followed Fuling and Wan Xing, but once he discerned the nature of the ailment, his interest waned, and he soon excused himself.

With Qian Bairen gone, the medicine storage fell quiet and empty. Qin Guan's thoughts drifted back to the little maid, then to Eighth Concubine. This naturally reminded her of the time she had seen Eighth Concubine emerging from the Purple Bamboo Forest. Since then, she hadn't ventured to the northeastern area again and thus had no way of knowing whether Eighth Concubine had returned to the bamboo grove. Nor had she gotten a second chance to uncover the reason for Eighth Concubine's visit there...

Lost in thought, Qin Guan soon reached the section where prescriptions were stored. The topmost sheet was unmistakably the one the little maid had taken for Eighth Concubine. Glancing toward the entrance to ensure Qian Bairen hadn't returned, she inexplicably picked up the prescription to examine it. The moment she did, her brows furrowed tightly.