For three consecutive days, Windward Courtyard remained peaceful. The anger Yao Xinlan had shown that day had completely dissipated, and Mo Shu's sorrowful expression had also lightened, becoming lively and cheerful. Yao Xinlan's spirits were high, and on this day, she even managed to pull Qin Guan out for a long walk.
"Last year around this time, I had just married into the family. The chrysanthemums in the West Garden were in full bloom, and Mother even hosted a chrysanthemum-viewing banquet. But this year, Father fell ill, the manor has just undergone some reorganization, and Mother hasn't been feeling well these past couple of days. Grandmother is also in seclusion for fasting and prayer, so the Mid-Autumn Festival in the manor felt like it didn't happen at all. It's been quite desolate."
Yao Xinlan supported her lower back with one hand while holding Qin Guan's hand with the other. Mo Shu and Fuling followed behind, carrying capes, while seven or eight servants trailed further back with tea and snacks. Before long, Qin Guan caught the scent of chrysanthemums in the air.
The Qin Manor was wealthy and naturally invested great effort in landscaping and flowers. Beyond Orchid Isle Courtyard was an orchid garden, while the West Garden boasted a chrysanthemum garden. Other areas featured plum groves or lotus ponds, each season offering its own unique scenery.
"Now that it's September, the weather has turned cooler. I had wanted to eat crab, but it's not possible now."
Yao Xinlan glanced down at her protruding belly. "This little one kicked me again last night. When your eldest brother was listening to its movements, it even kicked him once. You wouldn't believe it—when he saw my belly move, he was completely stunned. He asked if I was in pain, saying that such a little thing rolling around inside must be uncomfortable."
Her voice brimmed with joy. Watching her, Qin Guan almost felt the same envy as those outsiders who admired the young couple's affection. Yet, deep down, Qin Guan still remembered Yao Xinlan's dream. Even though Yao Xinlan herself seemed to have forgotten it now, that dream lingered like a heavy shadow over Qin Guan's heart. Because of this, she couldn't bring herself to respond with playful banter, fearing that Yao Xinlan's current happiness might also be just a dream.
"Eldest Brother's Wife, given your condition now, it's indeed not suitable to eat crab. Let's wait until next year. By then, you'll have mostly recovered and can host your own chrysanthemum-viewing banquet. Then you can enjoy it to your heart's content..."
At this, Yao Xinlan laughed. "Exactly! Come to think of it, the baby will be born around New Year's. By this time next year, I should be fully recovered. Ninth Sister, let's make a pact—next year at this time, we must host a chrysanthemum-viewing banquet together. Admiring chrysanthemums, eating crab, and opening a few jars of aged Daughter's Red wine—how wonderful!"
As they spoke, the two arrived outside the chrysanthemum garden. Under a clear sky, the meticulously tended garden displayed yellow Huangxiangli, white Yaotai Fengwu, pink Erqiao, and orange-red Dianjiangchun—each variety arranged like a splendid carpet across the flower beds. A wooden walkway led from the outer edge straight to the pavilion at the garden's center. Qin Guan supported Yao Xinlan as they slowly made their way across the walkway to the pavilion. Once inside, Qin Guan felt surrounded by a sea of flowers—chrysanthemums of countless varieties, each with its own distinct character: some bright and vibrant, others serene and solitary, still others noble and alluring. Every bed had its own charm, and together, they transformed this modest-sized garden into the most dazzling spectacle of autumn. The circular layout around the pavilion further enhanced the grandeur of the scene.The maids quickly stepped forward, first laying cushions and tablecloths on the chairs and tables, then arranging tea and snacks. Though there were no crabs or wine, the scene still carried the essence of chrysanthemum appreciation. Qin Guan helped Yao Xinlan take her seat, and only then did Yao Xinlan let out a soft sigh of relief.
"The child will be born in three months, and your eldest brother and I still haven't decided on a name," Yao Xinlan said cheerfully, her tone brimming with contentment.
Qin Guan replied, "Eldest Brother is highly learned—he’ll surely choose a good name for the child. There’s no need for you to worry, Eldest Brother's Wife."
Yao Xinlan smiled at this. "He already has a few in mind, but I’ve been thinking about what pet name to give the child. Once, I read the Greater Odes , where there’s a line that goes: ‘The phoenix sings, on that high ridge; the parasol tree grows, bathed in the morning sun. Lush and luxuriant, harmonious and melodious.’ When I first read the words ‘lush and luxuriant, harmonious and melodious,’ I didn’t understand their meaning, so I asked my father. He told me it described the cry of the phoenix. At the time, I thought the words ‘Qiqi’ and ‘Yongyong’ sounded beautiful. So I thought, if the child is a boy, his pet name could be Yong-ge, and if it’s a girl, Qiqi..."
Yao Xinlan’s voice was filled with longing, as if she could already see the tiny hands and feet of her unborn child. Qin Guan looked at her and sincerely shared in her anticipation and joy as an expectant mother. "Both names are lovely and carry excellent meanings. Eldest Brother's Wife, you must wish for your child to rise to fame and enjoy good fortune."
Yao Xinlan covered her lips with a laugh and personally poured tea for Qin Guan. "Rising to fame isn’t necessary—health and peace are what matter most. Here, this is Wuxi Silver Needle tea I brought from Jianzhou. Try it."
The fragrance of the tea, mingling with the scent of chrysanthemums, created a unique charm. Qin Guan lifted the cup and took a sip, finding the brew rich and sweet with a lingering aftertaste. Just as she was about to praise it, she noticed several servants rushing past the chrysanthemum garden in a flurry, their panic suggesting something had gone wrong in the household. Yao Xinlan saw it too and immediately frowned. "What’s going on?"
At her question, Mo Shu stepped forward to inquire. Soon after, Mo Shu returned with a troubled expression. "Miss, it’s the Sixth Young Lady. She’s making a scene in her courtyard—she even hit her head and bled."
Yao Xinlan stood at once. "What happened? Let’s go see—"
Since Qin Shuang had been confined last time, over a month had passed. Why was she causing trouble today?
Seeing this, Qin Guan also rose to follow. The chrysanthemum garden wasn’t far from Qin Shuang’s courtyard, and the group soon arrived outside Fushuang Courtyard. Even before entering, the commotion inside reached their ears.
"All of you—you’re bullying me!"
"I want to see Grandmother! I’ve been confined, I’ve copied the family precepts—why won’t you let me out?!"
"Get away! Get away! If you come any closer, I’ll die right in front of you!"
Hearing this, Qin Guan and Yao Xinlan exchanged glances. Two pale-faced maids knelt at the entrance, and at the sight of Qin Guan and Yao Xinlan, they immediately bowed. Yao Xinlan waved them aside and led Qin Guan into the courtyard.
The moment they stepped inside, the chaos in the courtyard startled them both.In a courtyard as large as Orchid Isle Courtyard, four or five servants stood fearfully and helplessly on the side, forming a loose circle around Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang's clothes were disheveled, her hair wild, her eyes bloodshot, and a swollen bruise on her forehead showed traces of blood. What was most distressing was that she held a dagger in her hand, pressing it diagonally against her own neck!
Already agitated, she had initially felt a slight relief upon seeing Yao Xinlan enter. But when she noticed Qin Guan following behind, her eyes widened instantly. She glared at Qin Guan and shrieked, "Get out! Get out of here! Why are you here? Did you come to laugh at me? Are you satisfied now that I’ve been locked up for so long?"
Qin Shuang screamed and cried, her face streaked with tears and snot, looking utterly wretched. Qin Guan frowned slightly and was about to turn and leave when Yao Xinlan grabbed her hand. Yao Xinlan sighed and said, "Sixth Sister, Ninth Sister came with me. Do you want me to leave too?"
At this question, Qin Shuang faltered, unable to retort. Yao Xinlan then spoke gently, "Look at you, your forehead is hurt. What happened? Why are you making such a scene? Put the dagger down quickly so you don’t hurt yourself."
Qin Shuang harbored no hostility toward Yao Xinlan, but seeing her hold Qin Guan’s hand only deepened her resentment. "Eldest Brother's Wife, are you taking her side now too?" she asked, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Yao Xinlan sighed again. "Shuang'er, you’re misunderstanding. You’re a good girl, and Ninth Sister is too. Sisters should love and care for each other. Don’t be so angry. Regardless of anything else, put the dagger down first—you might hurt yourself, alright? If you put it down, I’ll speak to Mother and have your confinement lifted."
Qin Shuang took a step back. "None of you... none of you care about me! If I hadn’t made this scene, who knows how long I’d have been locked up? Mother... Mother forgot about me too. For a whole month, I thought if I behaved, I’d be let out. But all this time, who’s come to see me even once?"
The more she spoke, the more heartbroken she became, gripping the dagger tighter. "I want to see Grandmother! I want to see Grandmother!"
Qin Shuang was not Lin Shi’s biological daughter, and when the incident occurred, Qin Xiang hadn’t spoken up for her. Lin Shi had simply ordered her confined. In Qin Shuang’s heart, the strict Jiang Shi was the only one who treated her and Qin Xiang equally.
"Sixth Sister, you’re overthinking it. Father has been ill recently, and Mother has been busy caring for him and managing the household. That’s why she hasn’t visited you—it’s not what you think. I’ve wanted to see you too, but I’ve been unwell these past few days and neglected you. If you must blame someone, blame me. Tell me what you want, and I’ll have it brought to you, alright?"
Yao Xinlan’s tone was tender, almost coaxing, but Qin Shuang’s expression remained unchanged.Qin Guan watched and sighed softly. Qin Shuang's current predicament was entirely the result of her own long-standing arrogance and venomous tongue. Usually, she followed behind Qin Xiang, perhaps truly believing herself to be on par with her, and thinking that Lin Shi and the household treated her with great affection. But when trouble arose, she was placed under house arrest—Qin Xiang didn’t speak up for her, and Lin Shi also seemed somewhat negligent. Only then did she realize that although she was also a young lady of the household, she couldn’t compare to Qin Xiang. Her situation was even similar to that of Qin Guan, whom she had mocked many times before.
Qin Shuang felt aggrieved and resentful, longing to see Jiang Shi but unable to do so. After days of pent-up frustration, she finally erupted today. The maids tasked with watching her didn’t dare act rashly, so they went to fetch Lin Shi. Moreover, considering Qin Shuang’s usual unruly behavior and frequent improprieties, it was likely she had long provoked discontent—this was merely the bitter fruit of her actions coming to light.
Qin Guan understood the situation clearly, but Qin Shuang could not. She shook her head stubbornly. “I don’t want anything else—I just want to see Grandmother! I want her to judge whether I’m right or wrong…”
Yao Xinlan wore a helpless expression, glancing at the maids in the courtyard. Naturally, they followed Lin Shi’s orders. Despite Qin Shuang’s tantrum, the maids stood firm, blocking her without yielding—proof that Lin Shi intended to use this opportunity to discipline Qin Shuang’s lack of propriety. Yao Xinlan saw this clearly and could only try to persuade her.
“Sixth Sister, Grandmother is currently observing a period of fasting and seclusion. You won’t be able to see her.”
Qin Shuang’s brows furrowed in disbelief. “I don’t believe it! Eldest Brother’s Wife, are you lying to me too? I don’t believe it—I’ll go to the Buddhist shrine myself to see!”
Yao Xinlan shook her head, about to speak again, when heavy footsteps approached.
Turning, she saw Lin Shi walking over with Qin Xiang and four or five servants in tow.
Yao Xinlan pulled Qin Guan a step back. With Lin Shi here, there was nothing more for them to do.
“What is going on?!” Lin Shi, usually gentle and refined, now spoke with a stern authority as she frowned. Once inside the courtyard, she fixed Qin Shuang with a severe gaze. “Shuang'er, what are you doing?”
Qin Shuang’s eyes flickered. “Mother, Shuang'er has reflected for a month already. Why won’t you let me out? These past few days, I’ve asked the maids to report to you, but they refused to move. How long do you intend to keep me confined?”
In front of Yao Xinlan and Qin Guan, Qin Shuang’s words made Lin Shi’s face alternate between pale and flushed with embarrassment. Her frown deepened, and she cut straight to the point. “Look at yourself right now—and you ask why I won’t let you out? That matter was originally meant to be kept quiet for your sake, but then your father found out. You dared to speak disrespectfully of the Grand Princess! He immediately ordered me to discipline you strictly, which is why you’ve remained confined. I thought this month would have helped you improve, but look at you now—where is the bearing of a well-bred young lady? Put that dagger down at once!”
Qin Shuang’s eyes widened. “Father knows…”
Lin Shi pressed her lips together, silent. But Qin Shuang waved her hand dismissively. “I don’t believe it! Father never interferes in the inner household’s affairs. Mother… Mother, let me out! I want to see Grandmother…”Qin Shuang clearly no longer trusted Lin Shi. Perhaps it was the first time she had been confined for so long, but Qin Shuang began speaking recklessly. Lin Shi grew even more furious. "You don't believe me... You... Why would I lie to you about this?! Your grandmother is currently in seclusion for fasting and prayer. Why must you disturb her?!"
Qin Shuang shook her head. Lin Shi's words clearly meant she wouldn't let her see Jiang Shi and had no intention of releasing her. Tearfully, Qin Shuang cried, "No! I'm a young lady of Qin Manor, not a prisoner! I won't accept this! I want to see Grandmother..."
As she spoke, Qin Shuang pressed the dagger against her own neck. Instantly, a thin red line appeared on her fair skin. Yao Xinlan gasped and took a step back, while Qin Guan quickly steadied her. Lin Shi glanced at Yao Xinlan and said, "Xinlan, your health is delicate. Return to Windward Courtyard first—don't risk getting hurt in this commotion."
Then she turned to Qin Guan. "Guan'er, help your Eldest Brother's Wife back."
Qin Guan nodded and supported Yao Xinlan as they walked out. The servants guarding the courtyard gate immediately stepped aside to let them pass. In that fleeting moment, Qin Shuang, who had been motionless, suddenly bolted toward the gate. Clutching the dagger, she caught the surrounding maids off guard. By the time they reacted, her wild slashes with the blade made them hesitate to approach. Seizing the opportunity, Qin Shuang dashed out of Frost Brush Courtyard—
"What are you all doing?! Go after her at once!" Lin Shi barked before hurrying out herself. The maids, now spurred into action, scurried after Qin Shuang. Yao Xinlan and Qin Guan exchanged glances, both surprised that the plump Qin Shuang could run so swiftly.
"Ninth Sister, Sixth Sister seems to have lost her mind from confinement. Let's follow and see!" Yao Xinlan suggested, already moving in the direction Qin Shuang had fled. Qin Guan had no choice but to accompany her, silently thinking that today's outburst would likely enrage Lin Shi further, leading to even harsher confinement for Qin Shuang.
Jiang Shi had always been the one in charge of Qin Manor, but now that she was in seclusion, Lin Shi had taken over. She had already tightened discipline in the inner household to restore order. If Qin Shuang's tantrum reached Jiang Shi's ears, Lin Shi's authority would surely crumble.
As Qin Guan pondered this, they soon caught up with Lin Shi and Qin Xiang. Lin Shi ordered the maids, "Stop her! Don't let her disturb Old Madam's meditation in the Buddhist shrine!"
At once, some servants cut off Qin Shuang's path. Weeping and panting, the pampered young lady soon ran out of breath. The maids closed in, leaving Qin Shuang no choice but to veer toward the only unblocked direction—straight toward the medicine storage.
"Shuang'er, stop this nonsense!" Qin Xiang scolded. "The entire household is laughing at you! Is this how a young lady of Qin Manor should behave? Don't disgrace our family!"
Qin Shuang only grew more aggrieved. "Fine! I'm disgracing Qin Manor, am I? Then I might as well die!"As she spoke, Qin Shuang glanced at the maidservants closing in behind her and bolted frantically toward the east. Lin Shi chased after her, breaking into a light sweat from the exertion. Seeing the commotion grow louder, Lin Shi couldn't help but say, "Shuang'er, if you have something to say, let's go back to the courtyard! Stop running like this! Do you really think you can run out of Qin Manor?"
Qin Shuang wiped her tears and retorted stubbornly, "I will run out of Qin Manor..."
Lin Shi let out a long sigh at this. "You—all of you! Catch her and bring her back! This is... this is utterly disgraceful!"
The maidservants were all strong women, and Qin Shuang was no match for them. Not daring to stop, she could only race along the winding corridors toward the east. In doing so, she passed by the concubine's courtyard. Since she was on the covered walkway, the maidservants couldn't immediately seize her, allowing her to move further northeast. Before long, Qin Shuang found herself outside the Purple Bamboo Forest. Qin Guan, supporting Yao Xinlan, followed Qin Shuang closely. As they neared the Purple Bamboo Forest, both of them froze.
"Sixth Young Miss! Don't go any further! That's the Purple Bamboo Forest ahead—"
One of the maidservants gasped out a warning. Qin Shuang halted at these words and looked up—sure enough, the Purple Bamboo Forest loomed before her. It was a forbidden place in the manor, rumored to be haunted. Qin Shuang naturally knew this and would never dare approach it under normal circumstances. But today was different. Yet... should she really go in?
Hesitating, she suddenly turned to face the maidservants pursuing her.
"Stay back!" Qin Shuang pressed the dagger against her own throat again, then looked at Lin Shi. "Mother, Shuang'er just wants to see Grandmother. Why won't you let me? Are you going to keep locking me up...?"
By now, Qin Shuang had drawn quite a crowd. Lin Shi felt the situation was spiraling out of control and wanted to resolve it as quickly as possible to calm Qin Shuang down. "Of course not," she said. "Put down the dagger, and I won't lock you up."
A faint light flickered in Qin Shuang's eyes. "Really? You won't lie to me?"
Lin Shi hesitated. Qin Shuang had caused such a scene today—she couldn't possibly let her off lightly. But if she promised not to deceive her in front of so many people, wouldn't that mean she truly couldn't punish her later?
This moment of hesitation made Qin Shuang's tears fall even faster. "I know... I know I've embarrassed you today, Mother. You'll definitely punish me. If that's the case, then I might as well... I might as well..."
As she spoke, she stepped backward. At this point, she was in too deep to retreat, her heart filled with resentment and unwillingness to let things end like this. Retreating slowly, she searched for an alternative path—was there any side route that could lead her to the Buddhist shrine?
Her grip on the dagger remained firm as she eyed the hesitant maidservants before her. The faster she retreated, the more she hoped to shake them off and circle toward the shrine. The maidservants, sensing her intent, moved to follow, but two among them suddenly noticed the flower trellis behind Qin Shuang. One of them widened her eyes in alarm and shouted, "Sixth Young Miss, don't take another step back!"
Qin Shuang paid them no heed—if anything, their warning only made her retreat faster. Just then, Qin Guan and Yao Xinlan also spotted the trellis behind Qin Shuang. But the trellis wasn't the real danger—it was the well beneath it.
"Sixth Sister! Stop—!"Before Yao Xinlan could finish shouting "Stop!", Qin Shuang stumbled backward, her foot catching on something. In that moment, she staggered unsteadily, her footing gave way, and she tumbled uncontrollably backward!
"Ah—"
"Sixth Young Miss!"
"Shuang'er—"
"Sixth Sister!"
Screams mingled with the cries of the onlookers. Lin Shi watched in horror as Qin Shuang fell into the well, her face turning deathly pale. She turned to the stunned maids in front of her and shouted, "Hurry and save the Sixth Young Miss!"
At her sharp command, the maids snapped out of their daze and rushed to the well's edge.
The once-raised well platform had been dismantled recently for cleaning, leaving only a gaping hole in the ground. A pile of debris had been stacked beside the well, obscuring it from Qin Shuang's view earlier. The wells in Qin Manor were all active, their depths unknown. If anything happened to Qin Shuang after her fall, the consequences would be dire. Trembling, Lin Shi leaned on Qin Xiang for support and strode forward.
"Quick! Save her now! What a calamity! Why were you all standing so close just now?"
In her panic, Lin Shi could only shout at the maidservants before rushing to the well's edge. "Shuang'er?! Shuang'er?!"
Lin Shi called out, but the well was pitch black inside. The thought of Qin Shuang possibly drowning sent a chill down her spine, nearly making her legs give way. Just then, a heart-wrenching wail echoed from the depths of the well!
"Waaah—Help me—Mother, save me—"
Hearing the voice, Lin Shi's scattered wits returned. She pulled Qin Xiang closer and stepped forward. "Shuang'er? Are you alright? Don't be afraid, Mother will get you out right now. You silly child, don't panic, we'll save you..."
In this critical moment, Lin Shi's eyes reddened with regret. All she wished for now was Qin Shuang's safety, and she no longer had the heart to scold her. A nearby maidservant quickly reassured her, "Madam, don't worry. This well has been undergoing cleaning these past few days, and the water has been temporarily drained. Look around here... Madam, rest assured, the water inside shouldn't be deep."
"Wuwu, Mother, save me quickly! Mother, I'm going to die..."
Lin Shi nearly burst into tears upon hearing the maidservant's words and Qin Shuang's desperate cries. Qin Xiang, who had been reprimanding Qin Shuang earlier, was now drenched in cold sweat and hurriedly said, "Shuang'er, don't move around! We'll pull you up right away!"
Among the clutter near the well was a rope, and the maidservants quickly tied a knot and lowered it down.
"Wuwuwu, it's so dark and cold! My feet are sinking in!"
"Mother, Fifth Sister, I'll never dare again! Wuwu, save me..."
Qin Shuang's sobs were incoherent. Yao Xinlan, who had been frightened out of her wits earlier, now found the situation both exasperating and amusing. She tightly gripped Qin Guan's hand and said, "Thank goodness, thank goodness. Sixth Sister nearly got herself killed..."
Though Qin Guan's expression remained neutral, she too felt helpless. Qin Shuang was impulsive and simple-minded. If not for the well being cleaned, who knew whether she would have survived the fall...
"Sixth Miss, grab the rope! Tie it around yourself! We'll pull you up!"
"Okay, wuwu... hurry..."
The rope was lowered into the well, and everyone saw it tremble slightly. Soon, Qin Shuang's voice rose from below.
"Alright, pull me up—" Just as the maidservants were about to heave, Qin Shuang suddenly added, "Ah, wait—my skirt is caught on something..."
Hearing this, the maidservants paused. Everyone held their breath, waiting for Qin Shuang to signal that she was ready. But after a moment of silence, no word came. Lin Shi frowned suspiciously at the dark well opening and was about to ask when—without warning—Qin Shuang's piercing scream erupted from the well! Unlike her earlier wails, this shriek was filled with sheer terror, as if she had seen a ghost!
Qin Xiang shouted urgently, "What's wrong, Shuang'er?! Shuang'er?!"
Qin Shuang screamed several more times before finally howling in horror, "Pull me up now! There's... there's a dead person in this well!"
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