Chapter 65 : Protect Her, No Room for Error (3)
65: Protect Her, No Room for Error (3)
In the Tinglan Pavilion, Qin Wan had already written over ten new prescriptions.
Fuling handed Qin Wan a cup of hot tea, saying somewhat fondly, "Young Miss started writing prescriptions the moment you returned. Look, it's already dark. Don't strain your eyes. Rest for a while, alright?"
The gravity in Qin Wan's eyes eased slightly. She set down the brush, but her brow remained tightly furrowed.
Fuling hurried forward. "What's wrong, Young Miss? Is something difficult?"
As she spoke, she leaned over to look, seeing only some unfamiliar medicinal names. "Bai Ji, Tiger Cane, Dalbergia Odorifera, Astragalus... Red Peony... Small Thistle, Green Tangerine Peel... Young Miss, what are these prescriptions for?"
Qin Wan picked up the teacup, taking a small sip to moisten her throat. "They're all for reducing swelling, relieving pain, and promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration."
Fuling nodded. "Among the prescriptions Young Miss wrote, each one has these herbs like Bai Ji, yet they're not exactly the same. Is Young Miss uncertain which to choose?"
Qin Wan sighed. Her mind was now filled with the image of Yan Chi's hideous back wound. Yan Chi's injury was extremely severe. Using ordinary prescriptions, given time, it could heal. But he said he would only be in Jinzhou for seven more days. Healing his wound in seven days was still too rushed. Yet since he had made this request, she naturally had to find a way to fulfill it.
"Yes, I'm uncertain. And there's no time for me to experiment."
Fuling stepped forward, massaging Qin Wan's shoulders and neck. "Young Miss started thinking and writing as soon as you returned this afternoon. This servant thinks each of these prescriptions must have great use. If Young Miss truly can't decide, just pick the one you're most confident in."
Qin Wan exhaled. Her experience was still too limited; otherwise, she could have quickly determined which prescription would be most effective. "There isn't one I'm most confident in. There is the most commonly used one, but currently, the most common one clearly isn't potent enough."
As she spoke, Qin Wan looked somewhat pained out the window at the descending night. *If you accept favors, your hands are tied; if you take gifts, your resolve softens.* If she couldn't meet Yan Chi's requirements this time, then accepting this payment would weigh on her conscience.
"Decided! Use this one!" Qin Wan picked up a prescription. The herbs listed were quite potent, truly a risky approach. In her medical practice, she mostly used gentle, safe methods. This was the first time she had prescribed such a formula. But only this way could Yan Chi's injury heal quickly. Qin Wan let out a breath and stood up abruptly. "Go buy the herbs."
Hearing this, Fuling was astonished. "Go buy herbs? It's already dark, Young Miss."
Qin Wan gave a bitter smile. Thinking of Yan Chi's inscrutable, profound demeanor, she could only say helplessly, "I know the hour is late. But if we don't prepare it tonight, I won't be able to deliver tomorrow."
Fuling grabbed her arm. "Young Miss, why not get the herbs from the residence's medicine storehouse?"
Qin Wan paused. That wasn't impossible. Previously, when making medicine pills for Yao Xinlan, the herbs had been delivered from the residence's medicine storehouse. However, this time it was for Yan Chi. She wasn't sure if the residence's storehouse would provide them.
"Young Miss is worried the storehouse won't give the herbs?" Having lived a hard life with Qin Wan, Fuling understood her concerns best. But she said, "Young Miss, things are different now. Let's try. Perhaps they'll let us take them?"
Qin Wan looked at the darkened sky outside, her heart wavering. Yes, trying wouldn't hurt.
Thinking this, Qin Wan nodded. "Alright, let's try."
Fuling agreed, grabbing a cloak for Qin Wan to wear and picking up a lantern, then followed Qin Wan out of Tinglan Pavilion's gate.
The Qin residence was wealthy and had its own resident physician, as well as a medicine storehouse. Qin Wan, with Fuling, left the courtyard and headed east. Before long, they reached a row of low buildings. The medicine storehouse was located in a small courtyard behind these buildings.
Medicinal herbs were always valuable items, so guards were posted at the small courtyard's entrance. When Qin Wan arrived, two male servants were sitting idly on the doorsteps, dozing off. Hearing the noise, they opened their eyes. Seeing it was Qin Wan, they first froze, then, as if remembering something, their expressions changed slightly as they stood up. "Ninth, Ninth Young Miss…"
Qin Wan offered no pleasantries. "Is the resident physician here?"
"Yes, yes, he's here. What instructions does Ninth Young Miss have?"
Seeing their respectful attitude, Qin Wan stated directly, "I need to take some medicinal herbs."
The two men immediately broke into smiles, bowing and gesturing. "Ninth Young Miss, please come in. The Master gave orders today, saying whatever Ninth Young Miss needs, the residence must supply. Before, the Eldest Young Master also instructed that whatever herbs you want, you may come and choose."
Qin Wan was slightly surprised inwardly, but her expression remained unchanged. As she walked in, she thought of the Third Uncle she had met today.
Just from his complexion, Qin Wan knew the rumors of his dissolute lifestyle were true. Barely past forty, he already looked hollowed out. Continuing like this, within a year, his body would surely collapse, perhaps triggering other major illnesses. However, even though he indulged in sensual pleasures, his lust for power remained sharp. Merely seeing Yan Chi visit the residence once, merely discovering her various connections with the Anyang Marquis's household, and his attitude changed so swiftly.
Qin Wan stepped through the courtyard gate. One male servant had already run ahead to the main hall. Soon, a middle‑aged man in his thirties hurried out. Before he even got close, Fuling whispered from behind, "Young Miss, this is Physician Qian of the residence. It was him who extorted money before when you were ill and needed medicine."
"Ninth Young Miss has come. Ninth Young Miss is here to fetch herbs?"
Qian Bairèn wore a forced smile. Perhaps feeling guilty, his tone was full of caution.
Qin Wan glanced at him. At Qian Bairèn's age, it should be a good time to delve into medical studies. Yet he had become a resident physician early, living a retired life. Looking at his somewhat portly figure, Qin Wan inwardly sneered.
In this world, there were too many people who fawned on the powerful and trampled on the weak. Even among physicians, such vulgar individuals were not lacking.
Qin Wan nodded expressionlessly. Qian Bairèn's manner grew even more respectful. "Which herbs does Ninth Young Miss need? Although the residence doesn't have large quantities of each type, common herbs are not lacking. Does Ninth Young Miss have a prescription? If you give the prescription to this humble one, I can fetch the herbs for Ninth Young Miss..."
As he spoke, Qian Bairèn stole glances at Qin Wan. At a certain moment, Qin Wan suddenly looked at him. Qian Bairèn's heart tightened, actually feeling a surge of panic as if he'd been seen through. He wanted to see Qin Wan's prescription. Only by seeing it would he know the extent of Qin Wan's medical skill. And perhaps he could also steal some knowledge.
Qin Wan's gaze was cool and clear, carrying an unapproachable solemnity. Qian Bairèn felt slightly flustered and hurriedly smiled. "Or... this humble one can accompany Ninth Young Miss to fetch them. Ninth Young Miss can measure the amounts herself as needed."
"No need." Qin Wan spoke lightly, taking out the prescription from her sleeve.
Watching Qin Wan hand the prescription to Qian Bairèn, Fuling behind her widened her eyes. Even she knew Qian Bairèn wanted to steal knowledge. Why did Young Miss hand over the prescription?!
Looking at the prescription before him, Qian Bairèn's eyes gleamed as he accepted it with both hands. With a quick scan, Qian Bairèn became even more obsequious. "Please wait a moment, Ninth Young Miss. This humble one will fetch the herbs immediately..."
The medicine storehouse had two sections. The main hall was only for receiving guests and consultations; the back was the pharmacy. Qin Wan stood outside, not even intending to enter. Seeing Qian Bairèn instruct a male servant to go to the back, Fuling immediately said with heartache, "Why did Young Miss give him the prescription? Young Miss's medical skills are superb. This prescription must be a treasure. How could you just let him see it?"
Seeing Fuling's anxious expression, Qin Wan's smile deepened slightly. "In the medical field, some prescriptions are indeed treasures. However, my prescription isn't one. Besides, I'm afraid he won't understand my prescription."
Fuling seemed to understand but not fully. Yet seeing Qin Wan not only confident but also with a hint of cunning in her eyes, she immediately felt relieved. "Phew... Young Miss, really. This servant thought Young Miss hadn't considered that. This Physician Qian is the most opportunistic person. The skills Young Miss possesses must not be stolen by him!"
Qin Wan sighed. "Don't worry. I'm not who I was before."
The corners of Fuling's lips curved up, her apricot eyes filled with sincerity. "No matter what Young Miss is like, this servant will follow you. This servant just feels sorry for Young Miss and doesn't want to benefit bad people."
Qin Wan's heart warmed. "I know. I won't tolerate bad people either."
Fuling nodded repeatedly. As they spoke, footsteps sounded from the back. Qian Bairèn emerged, still full of smiles, holding several medicine packets. "Ninth Young Miss, all the herbs you requested are here."
He paused slightly, as if casually asking, "Who is this prescription for?"
Fuling took the medicine packets. Qin Wan retrieved the prescription, saying calmly, "That's not for you to concern yourself with."
She paused again. "Add one liang of musk."
Musk wasn't listed on the prescription. Qian Bairèn's smile faltered slightly, somewhat embarrassed. "Ninth Young Miss came a bit late. The musk stored in the residence was all taken by a little maid from the Eldest Young Master's quarters four days ago. She said the Eldest Young Master had been working hard on his writings lately, often suffering from mental fogginess. That day, there was less than one liang left, and it was all taken."
Qin Wan's eyelid twitched violently. "Taken by a maid from the Eldest Young Master's quarters?"
Qian Bairèn didn't notice Qin Wan's unusual reaction. He nodded. "Exactly. If Ninth Young Miss isn't in a hurry, the storehouse will go out to purchase some tomorrow or the day after. If it's urgent, send someone out first thing tomorrow to buy some."
Qin Wan's heart pounded wildly. She nodded absently and turned to leave.
Qian Bairèn wanted to ask more, but Qin Wan's steps were too fast. How could he get the chance? Thinking of the prescription he had just seen, Qian Bairèn frowned, pondering hard. "What exactly is it treating..."
"Young Miss, walk slower…"
Qin Wan walked briskly out of the courtyard gate. Hearing Fuling's call, she slowed her pace. The cool autumn night wind blew against her face. Chilled by the wind, Qin Wan finally came to her senses. She clenched her sleeve tightly. Yao Xinlan's terrified eyes appeared in her mind. Someone had put musk in her medicine. And coincidentally, Qin Chen had sent someone to take all the musk from the residence.
Musk did have the effect of clearing channels and opening orifices, and could treat symptoms like mental fogginess due to internal dryness and irritability. But was it really such a coincidence?
Thinking of Yao Xinlan's behavior, clearly knowing someone had drugged her but not telling Qin Chen or Jiang‑shi. Qin Wan felt Qin Chen's gentle, amiable image was suddenly shrouded in a thick shadow.
"Young Miss, when Physician Qian asked you just now, why didn't you give him a random answer?"
Fuling caught up. Clearly, she detested this Physician Qian to the extreme.
Qin Wan glanced at her. "Why give him a random answer?"
Fuling huffed angrily. "He definitely wanted to steal knowledge. If Young Miss had given him a fake one, when he uses it to treat himself later with the wrong medicine, he'd naturally suffer."
Qin Wan frowned. "But what if he uses the wrong medicine on someone else?"
Fuling was momentarily speechless. "Then!"
Qin Wan's expression turned serious. "Fuling, medical knowledge is not for you to use to harm people."
Fuling, frightened by Qin Wan's look, quickly said, "This servant wouldn't dare harm people. It's just... just wanted to teach Physician Qian a lesson. Before, he truly ignored us when we were dying and even took the opportunity to skim a lot of profit..."
Qin Wan shook her head. "No matter how much you hate someone, you cannot use this method."
"Then... what if Young Miss deals with a criminal?"
Qin Wan's voice lowered. "If I can kill someone with a knife, I won't use medicine."
Fuling mumbled, "This servant understands. This servant was mistaken..."
Qin Wan said no more, her thoughts heavy as she walked toward Tinglan Pavilion. Although she didn't intend to get involved in the Qin residence's murky waters, if she clearly knew who had poisoned Yao Xinlan, she ultimately couldn't help but intervene. Otherwise, Yao Xinlan and the fetus in her womb would likely be in danger. But was it really Qin Chen?
Why would Qin Chen drug Yao Xinlan? Why would he harm his own child?
And it was Qin Chen who told her Yao Xinlan might be developing madness...
Qin Wan was utterly perplexed. She only felt that this outwardly glorious and wealthy Qin residence hid an unknown number of evil deeds. And she even had a premonition that what she currently knew and saw might only be the tip of the iceberg.
"Eldest Young Master…"
Just as they were about to reach Tinglan Pavilion, Fuling's surprised, low exclamation snapped Qin Wan out of her thoughts. Qin Wan looked up and indeed saw Qin Chen standing at the entrance of Tinglan Pavilion, seemingly waiting for them.
Qin Wan quickly composed herself and walked forward, giving a shallow curtsey. "Eldest Brother."
Qin Chen glanced at Qin Wan, then noticed the medicine packets in Fuling's hands. "What's wrong? Went to the medicine storehouse?"
"Exactly." Qin Wan said calmly. "I went to the Marquis's residence today. Need to make some medicine pills for the Grand Princess to send over."
Qin Chen nodded. "I came to ask you precisely about that. You've been going to the Marquis's residence continuously to treat the Grand Princess. Is everything going smoothly?"
"Smoothly. The Grand Princess's condition has improved greatly."
Qin Chen then showed a faint, relieved smile. "That's good. Now I finally don't have to worry about you anymore."
With her earlier suspicions, Qin Wan now felt no emotional stirring upon hearing Qin Chen's words. She merely curved her lips slightly. "What are you saying? Qin Wan naturally still needs Eldest Brother's care." Then she said, "Today the Grand Princess also mentioned Eldest Brother, saying you have a good reputation in Jinzhou. In the future, if needed, she could write a letter of recommendation to the capital."
Qin Chen's breath hitched, a flicker of light flashing in his eyes. "This... this is all Ninth Sister's merit."
Qin Wan chuckled. "Of course not. Eldest Brother already has a reputation. Otherwise, the Grand Princess wouldn't be willing to intervene either."
The autumn night wind was cool. As she spoke, Qin Wan instinctively gathered her cloak around her shoulders. Seeing this, Qin Chen said with concern, "Why did you go out to get medicine yourself so late at night?" He glanced at the empty Tinglan Pavilion. "You still lack servants here. Tomorrow, I'll have Mother select a few young maids to send over. Fuling alone isn't enough."
Qin Wan hesitated, about to speak, but Qin Chen said warmly, "You are a young lady of the Qin residence. Naturally, you should have more servants at your disposal. If you have to do everything yourself, how can you appear dignified?"
Qin Wan gave a wry smile. "Then I'll leave it to Eldest Brother to decide."
Only then did Qin Chen's brows and eyes relax into a smile. "Nothing else for now. Since you are visiting the Marquis's residence, be cautious in all matters."
"Qin Wan understands. Thank you, Eldest Brother."
Qin Chen hummed in acknowledgment. "Alright, go inside. The night is getting cold."
Qin Wan looked deeply at Qin Chen for a moment, then nodded and entered the courtyard gate.
Fuling, holding the medicine packets, sighed. "In the entire Qin residence, only Eldest Young Master truly cares for Young Miss."
Qin Wan pressed her lips together without speaking. Entering the room, she instructed, "Unwrap all the medicine packets. Let's make the medicine tonight."
Fuling exclaimed in surprise, "If it's for the Grand Princess, there's no need to rush like this. Young Miss has been tired all day; you should rest. The Grand Princess certainly won't mind..."
If it were truly for the Grand Princess, Qin Wan might have heeded Fuling's words. But unfortunately, the one waiting for the medicine wasn't the Grand Princess, but a certain Demon King who was about to leave Jinzhou.
...
...
Qin Wan hadn't toiled so hard making medicine for many years. But to avoid accepting payment without delivering, she had no choice but to put in more effort. By noon the next day, half her medicine was ready.
"Have someone prepare the carriage. We're going to the Marquis's residence."
At Qin Wan's instruction, Fuling sighed beside her. "Young Miss has been so diligent, forgetting to eat and sleep for the Grand Princess. It's only right the Grand Princess likes you."
Qin Wan's hand paused. She had intended to explain, but after a moment's thought, she let it go.
After Fuling left Tinglan Pavilion, Qin Wan began packing the ointment she had made yesterday. Before long, she heard Fuling's returning footsteps.
"Young Miss, we don't need to prepare a carriage! The gatekeeper said someone from the Marquis's residence has been waiting at the gate for a long time."
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "Waiting for a long time? Then why wasn't I informed?"
Fuling was also very surprised. "Young Miss, I wondered about that too. Shall we go?"
Qin Wan composed herself, picked up the ointment, and nodded. "Let's go now."
Fuling helped Qin Wan into her cloak, took the remaining ointment, and they went out. Just outside, they encountered Moshu coming their way. Seeing them like this, Moshu was slightly surprised. "Ninth Young Miss is going out?"
Qin Wan inclined her head. "Need to go to the Marquis's residence. Is Eldest Sister‑in‑law well?"
Moshu's face showed difficulty. "Our young lady is feeling somewhat agitated. She wanted to invite Ninth Young Miss over to talk. But if Ninth Young Miss is going to the Marquis's residence, please go ahead. When you return, please come to Linfeng Courtyard to see our young lady."
Qin Wan thought for a moment. "Just have your young lady take the pills I made. Handle the decoction as before. I'll go see her after I return this afternoon."
Moshu hurriedly nodded in agreement. Only then did Qin Wan leave.
Moshu's eager gaze followed her back. Qin Wan's heart felt heavy.
The Qin residence was shrouded in strange, dense fog. She shouldn't rashly involve herself in any matter. Yet she couldn't just stand by and watch something happen to Yao Xinlan. She could only instruct Yao Xinlan to be careful with her medicine. As long as she only took the pills Qin Wan made, there shouldn't be a problem.
Steeling herself, Qin Wan strode toward the residence gate. Just reaching the entrance, she saw Bai Feng with a solemn expression.
Why was it Bai Feng again?
Yesterday, Yan Chi had come to fetch her because he needed to take her to examine the corpse. But why was Bai Feng here today?
She didn't think this guard Bai Feng had that much leisure.
Thinking this, Qin Wan had already walked out the gate. Bai Feng, seeing her, hurriedly bowed. "Greetings, Ninth Young Miss."
Qin Wan raised her chin slightly. "No need for formalities." After a pause, she asked, "Did the Grand Princess send you?"
Bai Feng was momentarily stunned. "Yes, and no..."
With this answer, Qin Wan understood. She looked at the carriage waiting on the long street outside and strode toward it. For a moment, looking at the quietly hanging curtain, she suddenly wondered: was Yan Chi inside the carriage?
Lifting the carriage curtain, the interior was empty.
Qin Wan was momentarily dazed, feeling a faint thread of emptiness and disappointment brush her heart, like a pebble dropped into still water, causing only the slightest ripple before quickly calming.
Qin Wan's expression remained unchanged as she boarded the carriage. The slight pause in her movement was something even she didn't notice.
The carriage rumbled along. From the eastern part of the city to the western part would take another half an hour. Bai Feng drove extremely steadily. Fuling, looking happy, chatted with Qin Wan. "Young Miss, things are truly different now. Just now when this servant went to the gatekeeper, he was very respectful to me too."
The corners of Qin Wan's lips lifted slightly. "That's good." After a pause, she added, "It will get better and better in the future."
Fuling spoke with emotion about past events. Qin Wan's expression grew distant, suddenly remembering her own true past. Her father had mostly been posted to the western and northern regions. She had traveled almost all over the magnificent landscapes of the northwest. Later, they went to the capital, Lin'an. The imperial capital's grandeur was awe‑inspiring, a hundred miles of wealth and prosperity. She transformed from the little bookboy following her father into a young lady of an official's household who rarely left her home.
Three years in the capital. Her father steadily held the position of Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. She visited Medicine King Valley every six months. Her parents were harmonious; her medical skills advanced. Just as life seemed to go as wished, Prince Jin's case abruptly emerged.
A favored consort in the palace died tragically; the murderer was actually a prince of the court. This major scandal of the imperial family, her father initially didn't find difficult to handle. But from which day did it start? Her father's brows grew more and more tightly furrowed, his face showing deep worry, even a hint of fear. Later, the situation took a sudden turn for the worse. Her father was actually listed as a major criminal...
"Young Miss? We've arrived at the Marquis's residence."
Fuling's voice abruptly pulled Qin Wan back from her immersion in the past. Qin Wan's expression was momentarily bewildered. Looking again, they had indeed arrived outside the Anyang Marquis's residence.
"Young Miss, did you stay up too late last night? Are you tired?"
Fuling was somewhat worried. Qin Wan shook her head, rallying her spirits. "It's nothing. Let's go in."
The carriage had just stopped when a servant went inside to announce their arrival.
Qin Wan, with Fuling, entered the residence. Bai Feng followed quietly behind as before. The moment she stepped through the gate, Qin Wan sensed something amiss. Today, the Anyang Marquis's residence was unusually quiet. The usual flow of servants coming and going was absent. Soon, Lüyun came over from the direction of the inner courtyard. "Greetings, Ninth Young Miss. The Lady and the Marquis are both with the Grand Princess. This servant has come to receive you..."
A faint smile appeared on Qin Wan's face. "Why is the residence so quiet today?"
Lüyun sighed. "Ninth Young Miss may not know. Early this morning, Prefect Huo brought people to the residence. He said there were discrepancies in the previous witness statements. Everyone, from the Marquis's residence servants to the Song family guards, needs to be re‑interrogated."
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. Was it because of what she said about the ink stain?
Qin Wan nodded and followed Lüyun straight toward the Grand Princess's courtyard. Just reaching the entrance, she saw Yue Qing peering out from inside. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, he immediately came forward. "Ninth Young Miss, Grandmother has been talking about you since she opened her eyes this morning."
Qin Wan curtsied. "I've troubled the Grand Princess to worry."
Yue Qing led Qin Wan inside. Before entering, they could hear the Grand Princess's slightly hoarse voice.
"That's good too. Stability in the court is good for the common people. Otherwise, the common folk will suffer."
Qin Wan's footsteps paused. Instinctively, she felt they must be discussing topics related to the court. In that case, it might not be appropriate for her to enter. Seeing her hesitation, Yue Qing smiled. "It's fine. Come in. You're not an outsider."
Qin Wan nodded, but her steps still held some hesitation. At that moment, Huo Huaixin's voice also sounded from inside.
"Still, no one expected Prince Yong to be established as Crown Prince so quickly." He paused slightly. "Prince Jin's case implicated many, even Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Shen Yi was involved. Prince Yong was somewhat affected..."
Qin Wan, who had just reached the doorway, suddenly froze in her tracks.
Yue Qing, who had already entered ahead, asked, "Why was Prince Yong affected when Shen Yi was implicated in Prince Jin's case?"
Huo Huaixin laughed. "Second Young Master may not know. The fiancée Prince Yong previously betrothed was the only daughter of Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Shen Yi."