Chapter 28 : Opening the Abdomen
28: Opening the Abdomen
Today, Yan Chi wore his hair half-tied, dressed in casual clothes, a black cloak embroidered with golden patterns, making his broad shoulders and long arms even more pronounced, his presence overwhelming.
This was the first time Qin Wan saw Yan Chi so close up. She felt he was peerlessly handsome, his eyes like a cold night filled with stars, brilliant, noble, proud, yet also intensely intimidating, much like the short blade in his hand.
It was a short blade that couldn’t serve as a weapon.
About three inches long, the hilt very short, carved with dragon patterns. The blade curved into an elegant arc, as if a sliver of the crescent moon had been cut off. The scabbard was inlaid with multicolored gems, luxurious and noble.
It seemed delicate like a trinket, but even through the scabbard, Qin Wan could sense a sharp, murderous aura.
Qin Wan met Yan Chi’s gaze for a moment, then accepted it.
The scabbard still held the residual warmth from Yan Chi’s palm. Facing Yan Chi’s upright posture, Qin Wan’s own straight back softened slightly under this lingering warmth.
The short blade was slightly heavier than Qin Wan expected. She drew it out, instantly narrowing her eyes.
The blade was forged from rare, high-quality steel, mirror-bright, the edge gleaming coldly. Most importantly, its shape was precise and easy to control. The entire knife was thin as a cicada’s wing, concealable in a sleeve or hidden in a hair bun. Qin Wan was very satisfied.
"This is Cold Moon. Is it suitable?"
Qin Wan lifted her gaze, looking at Yan Chi again. Their eyes met. Qin Wan’s gaze held a calmness like mist over cold smoke.
"This blade is usable. Thank you, Heir."
Yan Chi looked over Qin Wan’s shoulder at the Grand Princess. He narrowed his eyes momentarily, also realizing the Grand Princess was critically ill. His lips thinned. Yan Chi stared fixedly at Qin Wan. "Are you confident?"
Qin Wan held Cold Moon, meeting Yan Chi’s deep, somber eyes.
Those usually star-bright eyes now resembled an abyss that could suck a person in. Stars had fallen; darkness reigned. Qin Wan felt a tightness in her scalp. Even with her strong will, she nearly retreated under his gaze.
She hadn’t forgotten that the person before her was the "Demon King" born of the imperial family, who joined the army young and achieved illustrious military merits.
He wasn’t just a military man who only understood troop formations and conquering lands. Nor was he the bright, smiling youth before the Grand Princess. He moved between court and frontier, playing effortlessly with power others couldn’t hope to reach, backed by his formidable military achievements.
Beneath this handsome, noble exterior, within this awe-inspiring, rigid physique, he also possessed a mind of immense depth and unparalleled political skill. This was Yan Chi.
Qin Wan’s hand holding Cold Moon tightened. "As long as one person believes in me, I will not let them down."
Yan Chi’s eyes narrowed further. The somberness in his gaze dispersed; brilliant stars rose again from the edge of the abyss. He curved his lips slightly. "If you save Grand Aunt, I’ll give you this Cold Moon."
Qin Wan was stunned. But Yan Chi smiled and turned away. "Marquis, Brother Jia, let’s wait outside."
Yan Chi’s arrival was sudden. Only now did Yue Qiong and the others react. His Cold Moon had solved their urgent need. Hearing Qin Wan’s words just now, Yue Qiong said, "I leave it to you," and turned to leave.
Qin Wan quickly regained her composure. She glanced at Cold Moon, her eyes and brows firm as rock.
Once outside, Yue Qiong’s brow furrowed. He looked around and said harshly, "Where is Qing’er?! He angered Mother into this state, and now where has he run off to?!"
Yue Jia’s eyes were bloodshot. "Father, don’t worry. Someone has been sent to find him."
Yue Qiong clenched his fists. The Grand Princess’s critical illness weighed on his heart like a boulder. His originally robust, tall frame seemed to have shrunk. A few strands of gray hair showed at his temples; he had aged many years overnight.
"Prefect Huo will certainly come soon. Qing’er… bring him back. No matter what, if he committed the crime, he must admit it." Yue Qiong shook his head. "First your marriage is ruined, then Qing’er… how can Mother bear it?"
Yue Jia nodded. Yesterday he was the spirited bridegroom; today he looked haggard and despondent.
Hearing this, Yan Chi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Just now, when I returned through the side gate, there was a crowd of commoners causing a disturbance outside. I faintly heard they said Second Young Master beat someone to death? Did Grand Aunt fall ill because of this?"
Yan Chi had gone out early to settle his accompanying troops at the Jinzhou camp. Returning to the estate, he learned the Grand Princess was critically ill and hurried over. But he didn’t know the specific reason for her decline.
Yue Qiong nodded. "Exactly. Last night’s matter isn’t resolved, and today again…"
As he spoke, Jiang‑shi came out from inside, wiping her tears. "Getting entangled in two murder cases in a row, I don’t know if our household has offended some villain. Let’s not talk of Jia’er’s matter. Qing’er may enjoy martial arts, but he wouldn’t beat someone to death."
Seeing this, Yue Qiong walked over and put an arm around Jiang‑shi’s shoulder.
Yue Qiong and Jiang‑shi had married young. After marriage, the couple was harmonious; he hadn’t taken concubines. Rumor said this was also a Yue family precept. In his early years, Yue Qiong served in the army away from home, so the couple spent little time together. The household was entirely managed by Jiang‑shi. Thus, Yue Qiong both loved and was grateful to Jiang‑shi. Now, he cherished her even more.
"Right now, Mother’s illness is the priority. I’ve already sent someone to Prefect Huo. Set your heart at ease. If Qing’er is wronged, Prefect Huo will certainly clear his name."
He then looked at Yue Ning. "Ning’er, you and your mother prepare what Ninth Young Miss needs. Take good care of your mother."
Yue Ning hurriedly nodded. Though she had practiced martial arts since childhood, possessing courage like a man’s, she was also very filial to her mother. Hearing this, she quickly supported Jiang‑shi, heading toward the estate’s storeroom.
The dark cloud of the Yue household’s Second Young Master beating someone to death hung over everyone’s heads. But the Grand Princess’s illness was currently the most agonizing matter for the Yue household. Yue Qiong and the others went to the side hall, watching servants come and go with medicinal ingredients and decoctions as ordered. They waited a full half hour without seeing Qin Wan emerge. Before long, Jiang‑shi and Yue Ning also arrived at the side hall.
"Ninth Young Miss is performing acupuncture on Mother. Mother hasn’t woken yet."
Jiang‑shi sighed. Yue Qiong hurriedly comforted her. "Mother is already seriously ill. Naturally, she won’t wake easily."
The entire room waited anxiously. After another short while, Lüxiu walked into the side hall, her face frightened. "Master, Lady!"
Yue Qiong and the others immediately stood. "How is Mother?"
Lüxiu seemed about to cry. "Master, Lady, Ninth Young Miss… she wants to use a knife to cut open the Grand Princess’s stomach…"
"What?!"
Jiang‑shi exclaimed, her legs weakening, nearly fainting.