The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

86: The Murderer's Disguise, the Prefect Makes an Arrest

"So, Wei Qizhi truly has nothing to do with this case?" In the reception side room of the prefectural yamen, Huo Huaixin looked at the long letter in his hand and listened to Qin Wan's deductions, his expression a mix of astonishment and distress.

Beside him, Yue Ning nodded. "Exactly so. If you don't believe it, sir, you can have someone test what Ninth Young Miss said. See if Wei Qizhi reacts to lacquer poison. Then ask his servant if Wei Qizhi ever used Gilded Paper..."

After reading Yan Chi's long letter at the marquis's estate, Qin Wan had finally recalled the information she had missed. After analyzing it, she, along with Yan Chi and Yue Ning, returned to the prefectural yamen. Huo Huaixin dared not slight Yue Ning's visit, let alone Yan Chi's presence. He only allowed Constable Qi and Xu He to listen to the case discussion. Now, hearing Yue Ning's words, he gave Constable Qi a meaningful look.

Constable Qi nodded and turned to leave...

Putting down the long letter, Huo Huaixin said worriedly, "So, Ninth Young Miss suspects the murderer might be the Wei family's second young master?"

Qin Wan nodded. "What does the prefect think?"

Huo Huaixin frowned. "Based on this analysis, that possibility is indeed the greatest. Song Rou and Wei Yanzhi had no connection before, but now Song Rou had a hold over Wei Yanzhi. If Song Rou told the Duke's household, everyone there would not let him off, and Wei Qizhi would also hate him to the core."

Qin Wan affirmed, "Correct. Precisely because of these stakes, Wei Yanzhi has even more motive to kill Song Rou."

Huo Huaixin nodded. Though extremely reluctant internally, he accepted the current situation. Originally, he thought the case could be closed in a couple of days, but now it seemed they had to continue investigating. He sighed. "If that letter that day was truly written by Wei Yanzhi, then perhaps he didn't intend to kill Song Rou; maybe it was accidental manslaughter. Then the weapon he used would most likely be one he carried with him. Pretending to be a ghost to scare people is hard to find evidence for, but burning the mortuary can be investigated. They used tung oil to burn the mortuary. We just need to ask at nearby workshops if anyone bought tung oil during that period."

Huo Huaixin, after all, had his own methods. Meanwhile, Yue Ning added, "That night, after Grandmother said the autopsy would be the next morning, the fire broke out that same night. So, the time for buying tung oil can almost be fixed between half-past Xu shichen that night and Mao shichen the next morning."

Qin Wan smiled and nodded. "Buying tung oil late at night wouldn't be easy. The shopkeeper would likely remember."

Huo Huaixin continued, "Also, the person who tried to harm Ninth Young Miss wore a robe very similar to Second Young Master's. I suspect that day, clothes must have gone missing from Second Young Master's courtyard, specifically between the time Second Young Master got up in the morning and when he departed for Li River Lake that evening. Because the perpetrator needed to know what Second Young Master would wear that day to set up this scheme."

Qin Wan hadn't expected Huo Huaixin's reasoning to be so quick. She nodded. "Sir is wise."

Huo Huaixin coughed lightly, somewhat uncomfortable. He wasn't wise at all. If not for Qin Wan deducing these connections, he would have almost created another wrongful case. "This time, it's all thanks to Ninth Young Miss. How can I be called wise? I'll have Constable Lin investigate these two leads shortly. Once clarified, we can have a conclusion."

Qin Wan nodded. After all, she wasn't part of the yamen and shouldn't interfere too much. After a slight pause, she added, "However, to avoid alerting the suspect, sir can temporarily detain the Wei family's eldest young master. Release the two of them once we have more leads."

Huo Huaixin nodded repeatedly. "Naturally, naturally." After saying this, Huo Huaixin added, "I must also trouble Ninth Young Miss to help record the matter of the Gilded Paper for the case file. Xu He, you write it down."

Xu He acknowledged and quickly fetched paper and brush. Qin Wan then recounted the process of discovering it was Gilded Paper. After Xu He finished recording, Huo Huaixin respectfully picked up the long letter and walked over to Yan Chi. "I've troubled Your Highness Chi to make this trip. It's truly this official's fault. I return this letter to Your Highness. Thank you, Your Highness..."

Huo Huaixin was extremely respectful and even more apprehensive. Yan Chi took the letter. "Regarding this matter, Prefect should just thank Ninth Young Miss. If not for her mentioning it, I wouldn't have noticed these many details either."

Huo Huaixin hurriedly agreed. "That's true, that's true. My utmost thanks to Ninth Young Miss!"

As they were speaking, Qi Lin returned from the prison cells. He had been gone for nearly half a shichen and came back smelling of lacquer. "Sir! It worked indeed!" Qi Lin's eyes were bright, his tone excited. "Sir, I applied raw lacquer to Wei Qizhi's arm. Sure enough, after just two ke, red patches and rashes appeared. His servant cried and shouted that I was trying to harm his young master. He also said his young master couldn't stand the smell of lacquer. I also asked about the Gilded Paper and even showed Gilded Paper to the servant for identification. He cried, saying his young master never used that kind of paper..."

Qi Lin said all this in one breath, then began panting heavily. Huo Huaixin's spirits also lifted. "So it's confirmed! Ninth Young Miss's deduction is indeed correct. The eldest young master wasn't cursed; he was just poisoned by lacquer!"

Saying this, Huo Huaixin couldn't help but think of the complex internal affairs of the Wei family described in the long letter. Wei Qizhi was merely poisoned by lacquer but was rumored to be cursed. Who knows if others had a hand in that?

Collecting his thoughts, Huo Huaixin immediately said, "Next, I have a task for you to investigate. Check the workshops along the route from the marquis's estate to the mortuary. See if anyone bought tung oil between Xu shichen that night and Mao shichen the next morning."

Qi Lin also knew how the mortuary was burned. Thinking briefly, he understood the reason and quickly nodded in agreement. Huo Huaixin then looked at Yue Ning. "As for the matter at the marquis's estate, I will go inquire personally."

Yue Ning stood up. "Very well. Then we can return to the estate."

Yan Chi also rose, looking at Qin Wan. "Where will Ninth Young Miss go?"

The hour was already late. Qin Wan glanced outside. "It's getting late. Grand Princess doesn't need a dressing change today. Qin Wan will return to the Qin residence first and visit the estate tomorrow."

Yue Ning frowned. "If you return to the Qin residence, how will you know the progress of the case? Better to come to the estate together. If there are any developments, you'll know immediately."

By now, Qin Wan essentially knew all the details of the case from beginning to end and was naturally very concerned about the outcome. Moreover, Wei Yanzhi was at the estate. If the murderer was truly him...

Qin Wan's brow furrowed. She suddenly said, "I just remembered, Second Young Master Wei was seriously ill the day before yesterday. I don't know if he's better now."

After speaking, Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged a glance. Yue Ning understood Qin Wan's meaning instantly. She nodded. "Right. You prescribed medicine for him last time. You should check on his recovery today."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, a faint gleam in his eyes. "You two, be careful."

Qin Wan smiled slightly and walked out. "It's fine. Right now, he's still the impeccably courteous Second Young Master Wei!"

Yue Ning strode after her. Huo Huaixin, behind them, seemed to want to say something but hesitated. After a moment's thought, he ultimately said nothing. Wei Yanzhi was staying at the marquis's estate and wasn't under suspicion yet, so presumably, there shouldn't be any danger.

Yan Chi watched Qin Wan's retreating back for a moment before following.

Yue Ning's party left first. Huo Huaixin would follow later with yamen personnel. When the carriage stopped at the marquis's estate gate, Qin Wan said, "Since we've come to the estate, naturally we should first pay our respects to Grand Princess."

Yue Ning, seeing her observing propriety, gladly accompanied her to Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard. Yan Chi returned to Pine Garden. After seeing the Grand Princess, Yue Ning and Qin Wan did not inform her of the latest case developments. After chatting with the Grand Princess for a while, they headed towards the eastern courtyard.

Arriving at the eastern courtyard, the guard outside Wei Yanzhi's door seemed surprised to see Qin Wan and Yue Ning visiting again today. After a moment of astonishment, he bowed. "Greetings, Princess, Ninth Young Miss..."

Yue Ning wore a relaxed, slight smile. "We came to check on your young master's illness yesterday. Is he any better today?"

The guard's eyes flickered. With a sigh, he said, "A little better. But the young master is still somewhat unwell. Please wait a moment, Princess and Ninth Young Miss. This lowly one will go announce you."

Yue Ning nodded. The guard turned and entered the room. Yue Ning's gaze swept and noticed a pile of charcoal ash in a corner of the courtyard. She raised an eyebrow. "Why is there so much charcoal ash burned? Didn't you say yesterday not to let the room get too hot?"

Qin Wan also looked over, her brow just furrowing when the door opened.

"Princess, Ninth Young Miss, the young master invites you in."

Qin Wan calmly withdrew her gaze and entered with Yue Ning.

Upon entering, Qin Wan's brow immediately furrowed. The room was indeed, as Yue Ning said, just as hot as yesterday. Qin Wan glanced around and saw the large iron stove in the center glowing faintly red. Inside the stove cavity, there was the same roaring fire as yesterday. Looking at the iron poker nearby, the stain was still there. Probably Wei Yanzhi and his guard hadn't paid it any mind.

"Greetings, Princess, Ninth Young Miss... What brings you here?"

Wei Yanzhi, still draped in his outer cloak, stood at the inner chamber doorway, as if he had just risen from bed. After speaking, he coughed lightly and quickly gestured. "Princess, Ninth Young Miss, please sit..."

"We came to see you yesterday. Seeing you so ill, I was somewhat worried. So today, I brought Ninth Young Miss along again to see if you're better. Cold damage can be serious. You've been overworked and burdened with worry lately, a time when the body is most vulnerable to illness. You must not take it lightly." Yue Ning didn't understand medicine, but her words sounded very sincere.

Wei Yanzhi tightened his robe and smiled wryly. "I've started taking the medicine Ninth Young Miss prescribed. There's already improvement. Princess and Ninth Young Miss needn't worry. To have you come again, I'm truly embarrassed."

Yue Ning and Qin Wan sat on the open chairs by the window. Hearing this, Yue Ning frowned. "Don't say that. With Miss Song's case about to be closed, you mustn't fall ill..."

"Closed?" Wei Yanzhi was taken aback. "It's about to be closed?"

Yue Ning feigned slight surprise. "Second Young Master doesn't know? Your elder brother was captured yesterday!"

A flash of shock and pain crossed Wei Yanzhi's eyes. "Captured... My elder brother was truly captured?"

Yue Ning sighed. "Ninth Young Miss and I just returned from the prefectural yamen. We've already seen your elder brother. He's injured in his left leg, and his features bear a thirty percent resemblance to yours."

Hearing this, Wei Yanzhi immediately straightened. "It's really... Then what did my elder brother say? Did he admit to killing Xiao Rou?"

A guard served tea. Qin Wan picked up her cup to drink, quietly listening to the conversation between Yue Ning and Wei Yanzhi.

Yue Ning shook her head. "After all, it's a human life. It's not that easy. Not only that, your elder brother also said the one who had the affair with Miss Song wasn't him at all..." Yue Ning scoffed. "Tell me, how ridiculous. Probably everyone in the Duke's household and the Wei family knows about this. Yet he thinks he can deceive us, relying on the thousand li between Jinzhou and the capital."

Wei Yanzhi was stunned, frowning. "He truly said that? Then what does the prefect plan to do?"

Yue Ning sneered. "The prefect has already started using torture. When we were there, your elder brother was already beaten bloody and bruised. I suspect he won't hold out much longer. He'll probably confess soon."

Something flickered in Wei Yanzhi's eyes. A moment later, he said, "My elder brother... my elder brother is proud and aloof, also a trained fighter. His martial skills are no less than mine. For the prefect to make him talk is naturally not simple. As for his affair with Xiao Rou... it's true, everyone in the Duke's household and the Wei family knows. Him lying about this is a major flaw..."

Speaking, Wei Yanzhi looked urgently at Yue Ning. "Princess, if my elder brother confesses truthfully, will his punishment... be reduced?"

Yue Ning pondered briefly. "Naturally it would. But from what I saw, he doesn't intend to confess. Last night, the prefect used such severe torture, yet he didn't change his story. Now even the prefect seems hesitant."

Wei Yanzhi was stunned for another moment before tightening his cloak collar and sitting down. Yue Ning had said much, then suddenly frowned. "Why is this room still so hot? Didn't we say yesterday that Young Master Wei's room shouldn't be like this?"

Wei Yanzhi coughed lightly again, smiling wryly. "After the Princess and Ninth Young Miss left yesterday, I did reduce the fire a bit. But... once the fire died down, I was hit by wave after wave of chills. Helpless, I had to increase the fire again. However, today is much better than the previous few days, which shows Ninth Young Miss's medicine is already taking effect!"

Yue Ning nodded and picked up her tea cup to drink.

Meanwhile, Qin Wan looked at the faintly glowing red stove cavity and said, "This stove is quite ingenious. I wonder what it looks like inside? It seems much warmer than a heated kang."

With that, Qin Wan moved to examine the stove. Seeing this, Wei Yanzhi immediately stood up. "The stove is dirty, Ninth Young Miss, be careful. This type of stove is more common in the north because it's colder there. I didn't expect the marquis's estate to have one prepared."

Qin Wan paused her steps, then walked towards the iron poker. "Oh? It's common in the north? I remember the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's estate seems to have a similar one. I wonder if it's the same..."

Qin Wan had lived at the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's estate for three years in her youth and naturally knew about northern customs. Seeing her heading straight for the poker, Wei Yanzhi immediately instructed his guard, "Hurry and open the lid for Ninth Young Miss..."

The guard stepped forward, picked up the poker, and lifted the lid. As soon as the lid was removed, hot air rushed out. Qin Wan looked inside the stove but only saw the top layer of red-hot charcoal. Looking further down was impossible. Qin Wan curved her lips slightly. "Seems different. This one is more ingenious. It probably has an extra layer of grate below, allowing all the charcoal in the stove cavity to burn, quickly heating the room."

After speaking, Qin Wan turned and walked back to her seat. The guard then replaced the lid.

Yue Ning didn't know why Qin Wan examined the stove but said, "This stove was made when Grandmother first came south, finding the southern winters damp and cold. She ordered it built, very similar to the ones in the capital."

Qin Wan immediately continued, "Yes, the south isn't as cold as the north, but the humidity is heavy. It's hardest for the elderly to endure."

Changing the subject, Qin Wan looked at Wei Yanzhi. "I see a slight flush on Second Young Master's face, seemingly from the heat." She stood up. "Please extend your wrist..."

This was to take his pulse. Without suspicion, Wei Yanzhi offered his wrist. Qin Wan's fingertips rested on his wrist, her expression turning slightly focused. After a moment, she withdrew her hand, a slight curve on her lips. "Indeed, there's improvement compared to yesterday. The cold pathogen has dissipated somewhat. Second Young Master, remember to continue the medication." She paused briefly. "However, the slight flush on your face seems indicative of heat symptoms. Has the window in your inner chamber been opened?"

Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "Not yet, because..."

Qin Wan turned and walked towards Wei Yanzhi's inner chamber. "With this illness, your room needs ventilation. However, the direction of the draft matters. It must not align with the orientation of your bed..."

Seeing Qin Wan about to enter his inner chamber, Wei Yanzhi frowned and was about to rise. But Qin Wan stopped. It turned out she was just surveying the room. A moment later, Qin Wan pointed to a lattice window outside. "This window here should be opened a bit..."

Wei Yanzhi breathed a huge sigh of relief and hurriedly opened the window as instructed. As the window opened, cool air rushed in, instantly refreshing Yue Ning. She chimed in, "That's better. It was too stuffy when we came in. If you're always in such a room, won't the illness linger inside?"

Wei Yanzhi quickly nodded. "Yes, thank you for the advice, Ninth Young Miss..."

Qin Wan slowly shook her head. "Second Young Master is now my patient as well. What should be said, Qin Wan naturally won't conceal."

Wei Yanzhi looked at Yue Ning and Qin Wan, a smile curling his lips. "To receive the Princess and Ninth Young Miss's concern is my fortune." After a pause, he seemed to just remember. "By the way, since my elder brother is in prison, I wonder if I can see him now? He's alone in Jinzhou. I'd like to visit him."

Yue Ning looked troubled. "This matter isn't for me to decide. We must ask the prefect. However, the case is still under interrogation. I'm afraid it won't be easy for Second Young Master to see the eldest young master. After the eldest young master confesses, seeing him won't be difficult." She paused. "Or perhaps, Second Young Master could go persuade the eldest young master to admit his crime?"

Wei Yanzhi showed hesitation. "Princess may not know. In the past at the Wei residence, I always followed my elder brother's lead. Now that he's been captured and faces conviction, he must be very angry and resentful. At this time, if I go and try to persuade him to submit, my elder brother will likely become even angrier. Then I'd have the opposite effect."

Yue Ning's eyes shifted. "That also makes sense." Reaching this point, Yue Ning asked Wei Yanzhi, "What? In the past at the Wei residence, did the eldest young master often bully you?"

A bitter expression appeared on Wei Yanzhi's face, but he said, "No, not at all. My elder brother... is just somewhat arrogant and aloof. That's to be expected. He was born of the legitimate wife, naturally more noble than I..."

Yue Ning and Qin Wan exchanged a glance. Wei Yanzhi's long statement, except for the first three words, essentially said Wei Qizhi did bully him, and his expression was so genuine.

If she hadn't already become suspicious of Wei Yanzhi, she might have been deceived by his act. Yue Ning now understood Qin Wan's meaning. On the surface, Wei Yanzhi indeed appeared to be the perfect brother.

"Second Young Master, set your mind at ease. Regardless of the past, now that he's been thrown into prison, it's also payment for his character. As long as he confesses, the crime will be settled. From then on, he'll naturally get what he deserves."

These words were most suitable coming from Yue Ning, especially since Wei Yanzhi had previously told Yue Ning about his circumstances.

Hearing this, Wei Yanzhi showed gratitude. "Even so, he is after all my elder brother. Thinking of it, I still can't bear it. When Father and Mother find out, I don't know how heartbroken they'll be..."

Yue Ning added, "Why should the Second Young Master show mercy to someone who plotted to take another's life? Everything is his just deserts. After taking a life, did he think he could continue living freely?"

Wei Yanzhi sighed, his voice strained. "Indeed, that's true. Ai..."

Qin Wan watched Yue Ning speak with an unchanged expression. She hadn't expected the usually reticent Yue Ning to act so well. Inwardly, she smiled slightly. Meanwhile, Yue Ning suddenly added, "But if he truly holds out to the end, it's not a good thing either."

Upon hearing this, Wei Yanzhi's brow furrowed. Qin Wan continued, "Yes, I've read many storybooks before. Some people in them truly could rely on willpower to endure the yamen's severe tortures."

Qin Wan had performed autopsies; Wei Yanzhi had seen it and knew she had helped much with the case. He said, "But if this continues, my elder brother's final punishment will likely be heavier. Is there any way to make him confess sooner to seek a reduced sentence?"

Qin Wan pondered briefly. "Unless... we find crucial evidence..." At this point, she seemed to remember something. "Speaking of which, Miss Song's head still hasn't been found. Second Young Master understands the eldest young master. Can you guess where the eldest young master might have hidden Miss Song's head?"

Wei Yanzhi lowered his gaze for a moment, then looked up and shook his head. "That's truly hard to guess. If Elder Brother killed someone, he'd probably hide the head very well. Elder Brother is clever. He might hide it somewhere none of us would think of."

Qin Wan sighed. "That would be troublesome."

Yue Ning also shook her head. "The prefect will have to expend more effort."

Wei Yanzhi also sighed with emotion. "My elder brother probably still clings to hope at this stage. If people from the capital arrive, I don't know..."

Qin Wan frowned. "Could it be Second Young Master wants to exonerate the eldest young master?"

Wei Yanzhi hurriedly said, "No, no, certainly not. What I mean is, by then, there might be some maneuvering. Perhaps... perhaps they could reduce my elder brother's punishment..."

Wei Yanzhi lowered his head, seeming somewhat uncomfortable. But Qin Wan understood his meaning: with power and influence, even a murder case could be smoothed over. However, Qin Wan said sternly, "If the Wei family truly intends this, Second Young Master should still advise against it. Otherwise, not only might the eldest young master not be saved, but more people could be dragged down."

A look of shame appeared on Wei Yanzhi's face. "Ninth Young Miss, rest assured. I certainly will. The Wei family definitely won't have anyone bending the law for personal gain."

Yue Ning also said beside them, "You overthink. Second Young Master is an upright person. He wouldn't."

Qin Wan curved her lips and exhaled. "Naturally. Qin Wan spoke too hastily."

Wei Yanzhi, holding his collar with one hand, waved the other. "It's fine, it's fine. Ninth Young Miss is upright, just, a heroine among women. I truly admire you..."

Qin Wan smiled without speaking. Yue Ning then stood up. "Alright, you're ill. We won't keep you talking. When you're better, we'll spar a few more rounds." As she spoke, Yue Ning glanced around the room. "Where's your saber?"

Wei Yanzhi coughed lightly. "Hung in the inner chamber. Princess, rest assured. Once I recover, I'll certainly spar with you again."

Yue Ning smiled and cupped her hands in a salute, her entire demeanor heroic and spirited. Qin Wan also gave a slight curtsy. Wei Yanzhi stepped forward. "I'll see you both out..." He then escorted Yue Ning and the other to the door.

Wei Yanzhi stood at the doorway, watching Qin Wan and Yue Ning's figures disappear before turning back inside.

Once inside, Wei Yanzhi removed his outer cloak and asked the guard beside him, "It seems the news is true."

The guard then said, "Why doesn't the Eldest Young Master confess early to seek a lighter sentence?"

Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "Don't you know the Eldest Young Master's temperament? He's not one to bow easily. But wait. The prefect will continue the interrogation. He probably won't hold out much longer."

The guard then added, "Master, should we really not go see the Eldest Young Master? It would be good to persuade him."

Wei Yanzhi narrowed his eyes, glancing at the guard. The guard's heart chilled, and he quickly lowered his head, not daring to say more.

...

...

Leaving the eastern courtyard, Yue Ning let out a long sigh and looked at Qin Wan. "Well?"

Qin Wan frowned slightly. "His wrist was extremely hot. You can tell he also can't stand the heat in the room. Look at the flush on his cheeks. Clearly can't endure it, yet he still keeps such a large fire in the room. There must be something strange. However, I just examined the stove and didn't see anything unusual. Right now, we have no reason to search his room. We can only let it be."

Yue Ning said, "Before, I didn't pay attention. Now, I realize Wei Yanzhi is truly a master. He says Wei Qizhi didn't bully him, but his expression, tone, and words are all silent accusations. Just this point makes me dislike him. A grown man putting on a hesitant, wronged act, so many twists and turns!"

Qin Wan also exhaled. "Also, his initial reaction upon hearing Wei Qizhi was captured seemed somewhat strange. He seemed to hesitate before showing surprise. It made me feel he already knew from the start. And if he knew from the start but is now pretending, he definitely has something to hide. Moreover, he didn't express a single doubt about Wei Qizhi's guilt, his stance almost firmer than ours. His first thought was whether Wei Qizhi could get a reduced sentence, not the possibility that Wei Qizhi might not be the murderer."

Yue Ning nodded. "And he's unwilling to see Wei Qizhi. Perhaps it's truly as he said, afraid of having the opposite effect. But as Wei Qizhi's brother, does he really want Wei Qizhi to confess immediately? Knowing Wei Qizhi is being tortured in prison, his first reaction wasn't to visit him but only brought it up much later. When we suggested he go persuade him, he refused again."

"There are too many suspicious points. Now we just wait for the results of the prefect's investigation."

Hearing Qin Wan's words, Yue Ning said, "If you want to know the results, why not stay at the marquis's estate tonight?"

Qin Wan was slightly surprised. "How could that be? I've already troubled the estate before..."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "That was for Grandmother's treatment. Grandmother treats you like a daughter, and she dotes on you so much. Are you saying such distant words when I ask you to stay? If not for seeing you put so much effort into this case, I wouldn't bother with this for you. Who cares if you learn the news first or not..."

Hearing this, Qin Wan felt a slight warmth in her heart. After thinking, she nodded. "Alright. But I'll trouble you to send someone to the Qin residence to inform them."

Yue Ning agreed with an "mm," then suddenly remembered something. "I see you have a few more people in your courtyard. Will it be alright if you don't return tonight?"

Hearing this, Qin Wan felt a flicker of doubt, but soon Wanxing's figure flashed in her mind. She shook her head. "It's fine. There are reliable ones. It should be alright."

Yue Ning felt reassured and immediately instructed someone to go to the Qin residence. Then she took Qin Wan to Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard. Learning Qin Wan would stay at the estate for the night, the Grand Princess immediately ordered Jiang‑shi to prepare a feast for everyone to dine together that evening.

Jiang‑shi was fond of Qin Wan and naturally agreed happily. Not long after, Yue Qing returned from the military camp. Learning Qin Wan hadn't left yet, he was overjoyed. Hearing she would stay the night, he brought a cloth bundle to the Grand Princess's quarters like a treasure.

"Grandmother, look, I found two rare books..."

Hearing this, the Grand Princess looked over and smiled. "What rare books make you so happy?"

Yue Qing opened the small cloth bundle and took out two booklets with yellowed covers. "It's the tenth and ninth chapters of 'The Inner Canon.'"

Seeing they were medical texts, the Grand Princess's smile deepened meaningfully. Yue Ning raised an eyebrow slightly. Yue Qing had already said with a smile, "Your grandson has bought many books lately, but these two medical books are of no use. Your grandson plans to give them to Ninth Young Miss..."

Seeing this, Qin Wan's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly she sighed. The Grand Princess smiled, taking Qin Wan's hand. "Wan girl, these two medical books are much more useful to you than those common storybooks. Just accept them."

Qin Wan pressed her lips together, feeling somewhat helpless. Yue Qing's intentions seemed quite obvious now. And these two medical books certainly weren't casually bought. They were not only rare editions but had been lost for many years. Even Medicine King Valley only had fragments of the tenth chapter of "The Inner Canon." One could imagine that these past few days, though Yue Qing went to the military camp, his mind was probably entirely on these two books.

"Grand Princess... these two books are too precious. How dare Qin Wan..."

The Grand Princess squeezed Qin Wan's hand. "If I say you can, you can. You cured my illness, and I haven't thanked you yet. Consider these two books as from me. What, won't you accept even if I give them to you?"

Qin Wan was speechless. "If the Grand Princess bestows, naturally one dare not refuse. It's just..."

"Haha, then accept them. No need for so many scruples."

After speaking, the Grand Princess gently pinched Qin Wan's palm. Qin Wan looked up and saw a knowing glint in the Grand Princess's eyes. Qin Wan was startled. The Grand Princess had seen through it, seen through Yue Qing's intentions and her own unease.

Meeting her gaze for a moment, Qin Wan finally bowed her head and curtsied. "Then Qin Wan will accept them. Thank you, Grand Princess."

The Grand Princess laughed happily. Yue Ning looked at the Grand Princess, then at Qin Wan, feeling the Grand Princess's words held some deeper meaning, but still happily handed the books to Fuling. The Grand Princess then looked at Yue Qing. "This time, it's not Ninth Young Miss owing you a favor. You're being filial to your grandmother. These books can be considered as found for Ninth Young Miss on behalf of your grandmother. How about that?"

Yue Qing felt even more that something was strange but still nodded haltingly. "Yes, being filial to Grandmother is fine however."

The Grand Princess looked at Yue Qing with a sighing gaze. "Your filial piety, Grandmother knows. Silly child... Be careful at the military camp. Don't get injured..."

Yue Qing glanced at Qin Wan, puffing out his chest. "Grandmother, don't worry. Few in the camp are my match. Besides, a real man, a little injury is nothing."

The Grand Princess smiled and shook her head. Seeing Lüyun's figure flash outside, she said, "Alright, it's time for the evening meal. Let's go to Jishan Hall."

Jishan Hall was where the marquis's estate usually hosted guests and held banquets. Today, since everyone was dining together, Jiang‑shi had set the table there. Besides the Yue family members, Qin Wan and Yan Chi were also guests of honor.

The Grand Princess sat in the center, with Yan Chi on her right and Qin Wan on her left. Even Yue Qiong could only sit below Yan Chi. Yue Qiong said with a hearty laugh, "Mother ordered 'Drunken Flower Shade' prepared. It shows Mother is extremely happy today."

As he spoke, Lüxiu had already brought up the wine jug. The Grand Princess said, "This wine was brought with me to Jinzhou ten years ago. Over the years, much has been drunk. Not much remains now. Today, we open a jug. Everyone, drink freely. Last time Wan girl stayed at the estate, I wasn't awake. Later, she never stayed again. Tonight she stays; we dine together. Consider it an old woman's gratitude for Wan girl's lifesaving grace. Wan girl, dare you drink?"

Qin Wan, sitting in the seat of honor, felt somewhat uneasy. Hearing this, she quickly said, "Daring to drink one cup with the Grand Princess."

The Grand Princess laughed, pointing at Yue Ning and the others. "These ones, I tricked them all into drinking when they were little. Jia'er and Qing'er found it spicy and stopped immediately. Only Ning'er, holding a small wine cup, drank a whole cup without knowing what it was. Later, she got drunk, her little face flushed red, slept without crying or fussing, giving Jingshu quite a scare."

The Grand Princess's smile was clear, her eyes sparkling with the vigor of reminiscing about the past. Looking at the Grand Princess's expression, Qin Wan suddenly understood somewhat. The Grand Princess, born into the imperial family, must have been unrestrained and free-spirited in her youth. Only after marrying did she restrain her nature. But in her bones, the imperial noble blood remained unchanged, as did that bold, willful flamboyance.

Thus, even as a grandmother back then, she could do such bold and amusing things.

Jiang‑shi and Yue Qiong both smiled brightly. Jiang‑shi even chided, "Mother still remembers. Ning'er was only four then. Usually, she'd cry and fuss to sleep with me. Only that day, she was as obedient as a kitten. It really gave me a scare."

The Grand Princess smiled and shook her head. "You all, too timid. In my day..." She paused, then didn't continue, sighing. "Forget it, I'm an old woman now. No more of that. Lüxiu, pour wine for everyone. Fill Xiao Qi's cup too. Speaking of which, among these 'Drunken Flower Shade' wines, some were given to me by your father back then..."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "Father gave them to you? Father never drinks..."

The Grand Princess scoffed. "He doesn't drink? Hmph, he changed his habits after joining the army. Taste it. How does this 'Drunken Flower Shade' compare to those in the capital?"

Hearing this, Yan Chi raised his cup. "To Grand Aunt." With that, he tilted his head back to drink.

"Your Highness's wound hasn't healed. You must not drink alcohol."

Just as Yan Chi was about to drink, Qin Wan suddenly spoke. Her words were slightly abrupt; even she was taken aback after saying them. The others were also startled. Yan Chi even paused the wine cup at his lips.

"Haha, I forgot." The Grand Princess laughed. "Forget it, forget it! The little medical immortal is sitting here. Both of us are her patients. Naturally, we must listen to her. Today, you have no fortune with this wine! Put the cup down, change to tea!"

Hearing this, everyone at the table laughed. Yan Chi very slowly, very slowly, set down his wine cup. Qin Wan curved her lips slightly, watching her own cup being filled with wine. This 'Drunken Flower Shade' was a tribute wine of Great Zhou, commonly available in the imperial court but extremely rare among the people. Qin Wan had tasted it once before and found it unforgettable. She didn't feel she had affected Yan Chi's drinking at all and only drank a cup contentedly with the Grand Princess.

As the wine entered her throat, its mellow fragrance and clear, crisp taste spread. Only then did Qin Wan notice Yan Chi's gaze had been fixed on her the whole time. Whether due to the wine or something else, Qin Wan inwardly humphed and paid no attention. Moreover, with Jiang‑shi enthusiastically serving dishes beside her, Qin Wan ate and drank her fill, completely unaware of the meaningful look in Yan Chi's eyes.

After the meal, Qin Wan, supported by Fuling, returned to Yue Ning's quarters. The 'Drunken Flower Shade' didn't have a strong aftereffect, but perhaps because Ninth Young Miss's body couldn't handle alcohol well, Qin Wan felt somewhat dizzy. As soon as she entered the bedroom, she grew drowsy. After Fuling helped her wash up, Qin Wan simply fell asleep. Having witnessed Qin Wan's formidable side for days, Yue Ning couldn't help but laugh heartily at the sight.

The 'Drunken Flower Shade' had a lingering effect. Qin Wan slept dreamlessly all night. Early the next morning, just as Qin Wan groggily opened her eyes, she heard Lüqi's flustered yet excited voice!

"Young Miss, Prefect has brought people into the eastern courtyard!"

Qin Wan was stunned, bolting upright. Prefect Huo had come to arrest Wei Yanzhi!