《My Lady Always Lacks Ambition》


 Chapter 1: The Qin Family Was Raided

    Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Qin Family Was Raided


    The Qin family was finally ransacked!


    And I had been waiting for this day for ten years!


    Ten years ago, I traveled through time with full mastery of Face Reading. As soon as I opened my eyes, I foresaw that my family would inevitably face this calamity.


    And I, was the only turning point.


    But before I could dedicate myself to resolving the crisis for my family, I was exiled to the countryside by the short-sighted Old Lady.


    ---


    Qin Liuxi looked at the crowd packed into the floral hall.


    Drenched as they were, their expressions were still haughty, probably still unable to grasp reality, still thinking of themselves as high and noble gentry.


    Qin Liuxi sighed and said to Old Mrs. Qin, who was leading the group, "Grandmother, your granddaughter has prepared ginger soup and hot water. May I suggest having some ginger soup and taking a hot bath to remove the chill before we talk?"


    Eh?


    Old Mrs. Qin was taken aback, a flicker of doubt in her eyes.


    They hadn''t even been notified about the ransacking. How did this girl get the news and make preparations in advance?


    But after all, being weary from the long journey, Old Mrs. Qin didn''t have the energy to investigate. She simply nodded and said, "You take care of it."


    Qin Liuxi instructed Aunt Li and the others to lead these dozen or so people to wash up one after another. When she noticed a pregnant woman with a large belly, her eyelids twitched.


    It was really like a leaking house being hit by continuous nighttime rain.


    The Qin family''s misfortune had come so suddenly that they had no time to hide anything during the ransacking. Not only were they unable to take any valuables from the house but even the hairpins, rings, and brocade dresses were taken, which was why the women were only wearing simple undresses.


    This wasn''t a big deal, at most they would just have to endure simple meals. She wouldn''t let these people go hungry, but the difficult part was this pregnant woman. At a time of great disaster and fright, weakened in spirit, with a baby about to be born, her face nearly covered in black qi.


    Qin Liuxi turned her head and whispered a few words to Qi Huang, who was following by her side. He quickly went out.


    As expected, no sooner had Qi Huang left than the woman let out a cry of pain and fell to the ground, blood slowly soaking her white dress red from beneath her.


    The sudden incident caused everyone still in the floral hall to turn pale with fear, crying out in alarm.


    "Third Sister-in-law." A woman with a slightly worn but still dignified face rushed over, lifted the groaning and crying woman from the ground, and held her in her arms.


    "It hurts, my stomach hurts so much," Mrs. Gu moaned, holding her belly, her face as white as snow, cold sweat beading on her forehead.


    "Mother," Mrs. Wang looked at Old Mrs. Qin, pale-faced, and said, "I''m afraid Third Sister-in-law is about to give birth."


    Old Mrs. Qin''s body went limp. This was her daughter-in-law''s second birth, but she was carrying twins. And now she was barely seven months along; if she gave birth prematurely, could these two children survive?


    Not to mention the two children, but even the mother, having gone through such an ordeal, terrified out of her wits, giving birth in such a condition was like walking on the edge of a cliff.


    Old Mrs. Qin slightly closed her eyes, and a wave of sorrow flooded her heart.


    The Qin family had thrived for decades, but now the building had collapsed in a single morning. Was Heaven determined to destroy her Qin family?


    "Mother?"


    Old Mrs. Qin bit her tongue hard, tasting the salty, metallic taste of blood, then opened her eyes and took a deep breath: "Prepare to help Mrs. Gu give birth."


    She looked toward Qin Liuxi nearby.


    Qin Liuxi immediately stepped forward and said, "Grandmother, I''ve sent someone to fetch the midwife. Please rest assured, let''s move Third Aunt to the birthing room first."


    Old Mrs. Qin looked around and saw the room full of frightened and trembling women and children. She hadn''t expected that it would be Qin Liuxi, a girl who had just come of age, who would be able to help.

 Chapter 2: Adding Insult to Injury

    Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Adding Insult to Injury


    Old Mrs. Qin pointed at Mrs. Xie and said, "It''s the second son''s family; take Aunt Pan and the rest to settle the children first. Mrs. Wang and Lady Mei will stay and attend in the delivery room. Once they are settled, come over and help."


    "Yes, Mother."


    Qin Liuxi instructed Chen Pi to lead the way to settle people, while she and Qi Huang moved Mrs. Gu to the prepared delivery room; now she felt a headache coming on.


    Usually, she preferred tranquility and did not like to go out, so the ancestral home did not have many servants arranged, with only the siblings Qi and Huang accompanying her, and Uncle Li''s family of four taking care of the house. Aunt Li, with her daughter Xiao Xue, took care of the kitchen and miscellaneous matters, while Uncle Li and a boy called Li Cheng did everything from house managing to gatekeeping.


    With few masters in the ancestral home, and Qin Liuxi herself not fond of disturbances, this small number of people had been sufficient. But now, with the sudden influx of people, things seemed inadequate.


    They hurriedly placed Mrs. Gu onto the temporarily prepared birthing bed, and Qin Liuxi gave her a look, feeling a chill in her heart.


    In just a short while, the black aura on her Third Aunt''s face had intensified; it didn''t bode well for passing this ordeal.


    She looked at her greatly swollen abdomen, touching her wrist; it was twins.


    A disaster piled atop another.


    Qin Liuxi took off the jade pendant hanging at her waist and tied it on Mrs. Gu''s clothing, then glanced at Qi Huang, who had come and gone. Without a word, Qi Huang stepped out again.


    Old Mrs. Qin and the others were taken aback at this action and looked towards Qin Liuxi.


    With an unchanged expression, Qin Liuxi said, "This is the Jade Ruyi, consecrated and blessed to ensure the Third Aunt''s safe delivery."


    Old Mrs. Qin''s expression softened slightly, and her eyes held a trace of hope.


    The woman who first held Mrs. Gu, who was Qin Liuxi''s legitimate mother Mrs. Wang, said, "Xixi is thoughtful, your Third Aunt will surely have a safe delivery for mother and child."


    Though she said this, the sight of the frail person on the bed and the thought of the recent upheaval in the family deepened the worry in the eyes of Mrs. Wang and others.


    When Qi Huang, carrying a small box, returned to the chamber, she saw everyone''s distressed faces and tiptoed to Qin Liuxi''s side, staying quietly by her.


    Because of Qin Liuxi, she wasn''t particularly fond of the Qin family. The arrival of the Qin family was so abrupt and pitiable, and seeing the young woman in front of her who was clearly having a premature labor, despite her dislike, she wouldn''t add to their troubles.


    "Has the midwife not arrived yet?" Old Mrs. Qin was getting anxious, repeatedly glancing towards the door.


    Qin Liuxi''s voice was cold, "It''s raining outside, the roads are not easy to navigate, and we had to summon her on short notice; she might not be home. It''s likely there will be a delay."


    Old Mrs. Qin''s lips tightened even more.


    As they were speaking, a few people came from outside¡ªit was the Qin family''s Second Madam, Mrs. Xie, and two concubines, one of whom was Qin Liuxi''s birth mother, Mrs. Wan.


    Upon entering the room, Aunt Wan''s gaze first fell on Qin Liuxi.


    Qin Liuxi looked back; mother and daughter''s eyes met.


    Aunt Wan observed closely, her brows knit a little with dissatisfaction and puzzlement.


    This daughter of hers was a chubby baby when born; how had she grown up to be so plain? If not for her long hair, she might be mistaken for a nun.


    Qin Liuxi inwardly sighed. Her birth mother must be over thirty by now and had two children, yet her face was soft and fair. Even without makeup, she didn''t lose a bit of beauty, looking as pure and desiring as a young girl, with her simple attire highlighting her figure¡ªa chest was a chest, a waist a waist¡ªso piteous and lovely. Truly a stunning concubine, and a favored one at that.


    It seemed she had not suffered in the Qin household, not at all; in fact, she lived very well, so well she seemed to forget she had a daughter.


    Qin Liuxi slightly bent her knee in greeting, "Concubine Mother."


    Aunt Wan opened her mouth, "You''ve grown up a bit ugly, not like me or your brother."

 Chapter 3 - 3 Helping the Third Aunt Induce Labor

    Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Helping the Third Aunt Induce Labor


    A bit ugly!


    Qin Liuxi: "..."


    You say you''re pretty, can that be eaten with rice? It''s still a life doomed to copy others!


    Old Mrs. Qin coughed, displeased, casting a glance at Aunt Wan, is this the time for pleasantries?


    How tactless!


    Aunt Wan immediately cowered.


    Only then did Old Mrs. Qin speak: "Where are the children?"


    Mrs. Xie hurriedly said, "Aunt Pan is leading them to get settled. Mother, how is Third Sister-in-law?"


    She looked at Mrs. Gu, lying on the bed, her gaze showing a hint of sympathy. On normal days, she disdained Mrs. Gu''s meek and peace-seeking demeanor, but now, as a woman and having faced difficulties together, she was somewhat worried for her.


    "Still unable to give birth," Mrs. Wang answered first, then said to Old Mrs. Qin, "Mother, you should go wash up first, and then have a bowl of ginger soup. We can handle things here."


    "Lady and Great Aunt should both go, you''ve been caught in the rain. We''ve all had some, we can keep watch here for now," said Aunt Wan.


    Old Mrs. Qin walked to her daughter-in-law''s bedside, seeing her in pain, and said, "Mrs. Gu, don''t yell, save your strength, you still have to give birth to two."


    Mrs. Gu slightly opened her eyes, tears rolling down, her gaze somewhat bewildered and fearful: "Mother, I..."


    Old Mrs. Qin put her hand over her mouth: "Don''t be afraid, we are all here for you." She then turned to Qin Liuxi, "Get someone to prepare hot water, basins, scissors, bedclothes, fabric, and such. If possible, invite a doctor to come stay with us. Add some brown sugar to that ginger soup, and beat a couple of eggs into it, let your Third Aunt gather her strength. If there are ginseng slices, also have them ready."


    She was making the worst-case plans, to deliver the baby themselves if they couldn''t find a midwife.


    Fortunately, although delayed for some hours, the midwife was finally summoned.


    After a check-up, the midwife''s expression looked somewhat gloomy. She put down the blanket that covered the pregnant woman and walked towards Qin Liuxi.


    Old Mrs. Qin was about to ask questions, but saw the midwife already bowing to Qin Liuxi, and was momentarily taken aback.


    "Young Miss, this lady''s term is not full, yet she has bleeding and her waters have broken, and the cervix is not dilating. I fear she will need to take induction medicine. Moreover, there should be some preparations, please instruct us, Young Miss."


    Qin Liuxi heard this without much reaction, but the other women present all changed their expressions.


    They had all been through it, most of them mothers themselves, who didn''t understand that childbirth for a woman was like going through Ghost Gate, and this current crisis was fraught with danger, like a path laid with swords; any weakness on Third Mrs. Qin''s part could result in three lives lost.


    Understanding this, Old Mrs. Qin''s knees went weak, she clutched her Buddha Beads tightly, her wrinkled face looking even more tired and aged.


    The two concubines had started sobbing softly, to Old Mrs. Qin''s annoyance, she reprimanded sharply: "Stop crying, get out."


    The crying ceased abruptly.


    Qin Liuxi then said, "Grandmother, what do you think?"


    Old Mrs. Qin cast a glance at her young daughter-in-law on the bed, exhaustedly said: "Have the doctor write a prescription and brew it here."


    Qin Liuxi nodded, glanced at Qi Huang, and they both walked out.


    "You go to my storage room to pick out the medicine ingredients, personally brew them," Qin Liuxi said to Qi Huang in a low voice, naming several medical herbs.


    Qi Huang did not voice any objections and quickly went on his way.


    Qin Liuxi watched the shadowy figures inside the room through the window, massaged the tip of her brows, let out a sigh, and took a medical kit to the side room.


    Opening the medical kit, she took out paper and a pen and dark vermillion, paused thoughtfully to gather energy, then began to draw a talisman.


    Her strokes were stable and quick, the sharp tip of the pen pressed hard against the paper, as if a golden light flashed by; and after the flash of golden light, the incomprehensible lines on the paper suddenly sprang to life.

 Chapter 4: Drawing a Talisman to Keep Third Aunt Ping鈥檃n Safe

    Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Drawing a Talisman to Keep Third Aunt Ping''an Safe


    Qin Liuxi consecutively drew three talismans, folded them into a triangle, and after putting away her belongings, returned to the birthing room.


    At this moment, Qi Huang had already returned, holding in her hands a steaming bowl of medicinal soup, and upon receiving a nod from her young mistress, she personally fed the medicine to Mrs. Gu.


    Mrs. Wang stepped forward to help, but this Qi Huang, with a nimbleness nobody knew how she mustered, easily supported the woman and poured the medicine in.


    Meanwhile, Qin Liuxi tied two Spirit Talismans to the head of the bed and under the pillow, keeping another one on standby.


    The people witnessing this scene wore strange expressions on their faces.


    "Xixi, what is this?" Mrs. Wang''s eyebrows twitched. How could the girl be so odd and mystical?


    Qin Liuxi replied impassively, "Oh, peace charms, for safety."


    The crowd: "..."


    It sounded somewhat bizarre, yet nobody dared to comment.


    The effects of the induction medicine were swift, and Mrs. Gu began to cry out in pain again. She had barely opened her mouth when she was comforted by the midwife, "Lady, rest assured, with the eldest young lady here, both mother and child will certainly be safe."


    Mrs. Gu was momentarily stunned but didn''t take it to heart, considering it a mere comfort, and with tear-filled eyes, she looked towards Mrs. Wang: "Elder sister, give me a handkerchief to bite on."


    Mrs. Wang folded a clean handkerchief and placed it in her mouth.


    Old Mrs. Qin, seeing Qin Liuxi still in the room, said, "You''re an unwed maiden; it''s best you don''t stay here. Wait outside instead, Mrs. Wang and Lady Mei can help here."


    Yes.


    Qin Liuxi obediently pushed the door open and left.


    It was Qi Huang who handed her a cup of tea, teasingly saying, "Miss, are you really just going to sit here?"


    The one suffering inside was her very own Third Aunt.


    Qin Liuxi sipped her tea and glanced at her, saying, "As an unwed maiden, a dignified young lady from a prestigious family, how appropriate is it for me to watch a woman give birth?"


    The Qin family, ah, even if their mansion was to collapse, was once the family of a third-rank official; she herself was indeed a dignified official''s daughter.


    Qi Huang nearly laughed out loud and said, "It doesn''t seem to hurt your face to say that. Just last month, when you passed by Taohua Village, you assisted the Deng Family''s woman who was having a hard birth and delivered a healthy chubby boy!"


    Qin Liuxi''s expression did not change: "After having a piece of their peach blossom cake, I became entwined in their karma. Naturally, it was something I had to repay."


    Qi Huang giggled, then composed herself and asked, "Miss, did you really not foresee the Qin family''s sudden calamity?"


    Qin Liuxi fell silent for a moment. Could she tell Qi Huang that she had divined it when she was just a child?


    After pondering for a long while, she finally said, "People have their rises and falls, and so do families. No flower blooms for a hundred days. The Qin family has prospered for decades, and now to suffer such misfortune is due to the schemes and destined calamity of the wicked. When the villains prevail, one must avoid their edge, break down before rebuilding. The lush mountains remain; the day will come when the clouds part and the mountain view is clear once again."


    Qi Huang commented, "What you say is true. As long as you are here, the Qin family will surely not collapse!"


    Qin Liuxi smiled without a word, quietly raising her cup of tea again.


    All was the result of karma.


    "But with so many people in the Qin Family, only the weak and the women have arrived, and they are already overwhelmed. There are still a few vulnerable unarmed men along the exile route; everywhere requires Silver Coin to smooth things over. Miss, your carefree days are coming to an end," Qi Huang suddenly remarked with a touch of schadenfreude in her tone.


    Qin Liuxi: "!"


    The tea tasted rather bitter, and she could no longer bring herself to drink it!


    She suddenly stood up and positioned herself beside the window, gazing at the drizzling rain.


    ...


    Outside the city gates.


    A troop of guards wearing straw raincoats and bamboo hats rode into Li City, knocking on the inn''s door to seek shelter from the rain.


    In the privileged room, a noble-looking man unfurled a scroll, on which was the ambiguous face of a beautiful person, with jet-black hair simply tied up with a bamboo hairpin, an indifferent expression, and lips slightly downturned as if disdaining all worldly matters.


    He stood before a Daoist Temple, exuding the air of a nobleman facing the wind, ready to depart, as if conveying the sense that before him, all were mere mortals.


    "Rest up. If the weather is fine tomorrow, we shall head to Qingping Temple," commanded Qi Qian as he rolled the scroll back into its copper tube.


    It is said that there is a Daoist doctor in Li City known as Buqiu, whose medical skills are profound, and the Taoist Taisu Pulse Method he mastered is said to be exceptionally miraculous, capable of discerning one''s fortunes and misfortunes, social status, and even predicting the fate of descendants through pulse diagnosis, all seemingly very profound.


    And he was on a mission to seek medicine for his grandmother.

 Chapter 5 -s 5 to 7: Is the young lady a scoundrel?

    Chapter 5: Chapters 5 to 7: Is the young lady a scoundrel?


    Women in childbirth are said to have one foot in the Ghost Gate, and this is no mere exaggeration. Qin Liuxi listened to the commotion coming from the delivery room and closed her eyes.


    Qi Huang glanced at the hourglass; they had been toiling all night and dawn was about to break. Basins of blood were continuously brought out, yet not a single cry of a newborn was heard, and the sounds inside were growing fainter.


    "Miss, I fear that..."


    Before Qin Liuxi could even take a step, someone stumbled out from inside; it was her Aunt Qin Meiniang, who had been sent back home because of a scandal in the Qin family, looking utterly exhausted with dark circles under her eyes and a pale face.


    "Can''t give birth, where, where is the doctor?" Qin Meiniang''s lips were crusted with dried blood, completely at her wit''s end.


    Qin Liuxi quickly stepped inside. The midwife saw her and, as if seeing a savior, hurriedly said, "Eldest Miss, the Lady has fainted."


    Old Mrs. Qin''s body swayed as if it might fall at any moment; biting her tongue tip again, she said to Qin Liuxi, "What is a young lady like you doing here? Quickly go out and call a doctor to administer acupuncture to your Third Aunt."


    Mrs. Wang had not expected Qin Liuxi, a young lady, to be so bold. Exhausted, she said, "Xixi, the delivery room is unclean, heed your grandmother''s words and go outside."


    Ignoring the pervasive smell of blood, Qin Liuxi walked up to the birthing bed, felt Mrs. Gu''s wrist, and then let go. Seeing the earrings she wore, Qin Liuxi took them off: "These belong to Third Aunt? Consider them my fee."


    Everyone watched as she pocketed the earrings, and they were dumbfounded.


    Old Mrs. Qin''s anger rose rapidly, pointing at her, "You, you''re such a¡ª!"


    She took deep breaths, so furious she looked ready to faint at any moment. Which of her granddaughters was ever so out of line?


    "Xixi, quickly apologize to your grandmother," Mrs. Wang said, seeing Old Lady Qin was seriously agitated. Though surprised by Qin Liuxi''s behavior, she did not want to add fuel to the fire and said to Old Mrs. Qin, "Mother, the child is probably scared silly. Please forgive her!"


    "Big sister, I don''t think so. Look how pale her eyelids are," Mrs. Xie said mockingly, taking pleasure in the catastrophe.


    "Second sister-in-law!"


    Qin Liuxi, finding the noise bothersome, glanced at them and said, "All of you stop making noise and wait outside, except for the midwife¡ªif you want to see Third Aunt give birth safely."


    Everyone was stunned. What did she mean by that?


    Mrs. Xie snorted. Now this really does look like someone has gone foolish!


    "Qi Huang, light the incense, prepare the talisman."


    "Yes."


    Qin Liuxi had already taken out a box from the chest, opened it, and inside were a series of Golden Needles of various sizes. Seeing everyone still standing around, she looked over, "Aren''t you going out yet?"


    Her tone was indifferent, showing no respect for the elders present.


    Old Mrs. Qin scolded her sternly, "What are you trying to do? This is not the time for your nonsense, go out and call for a doctor immediately."


    "There is no doctor."


    Old Mrs. Qin was taken aback. What?


    "She wants to give birth safely, and I am the only one who can help her." Qin Liuxi was already holding a Golden Needle.


    Old Mrs. Qin looked at the needle shimmering in the candlelight, her heart skipping a beat, "You, you want to perform acupuncture on your Third Aunt?"


    "Xixi, you know medical skills?" Mrs. Wang and the others were also doubtful; they had never heard of this.


    "Nonsense, what medical skills do you know? This is utterly absurd!" Old Mrs. Qin was incensed, blocking Qin Liuxi, full of disbelief.


    The girl was still young, always nurtured in the ancestral home; when had she ever learned medicine?


    She was playing with the lives of her Third Aunt and her child!


    Qin Liuxi''s patience was gone, they didn''t believe her?

 Chapter 6 - 8 Dawn Breaks, The Infant Cries

    Chapter 6: Chapter 8 Dawn Breaks, The Infant Cries


    Qin Liuxi was furious.


    To tell the truth, as an Alien Soul, she actually had little affection for the Qin Family. When she crossed over, it was when the original body was just five years old and had been sent back to the old mansion to be fostered, where she grew by herself.


    Although it wasn''t her original wish, by taking over the body, she had formed a karmic bond with the Qin family. She was karmically connected to these people, but if we''re talking about closeness and importance, frankly, the Qin family members couldn''t compare to Qi Huang and the siblings, Chen Pi, who stayed by her side.


    At this moment, Old Mrs. Qin still didn''t believe her and was preventing her from saving someone, which really infuriated Qin Liuxi.


    "Old Lady, are you sure you want to stop me? If we continue to delay, she will end up with one corpse and three lost lives," Qin Liuxi said indifferently, pointing to the person on the birthing bed.


    "Mother, Third Younger Sister-in-law is almost gone," Qin Meiniang spoke with a sobbing voice.


    Everyone was shocked and turned back to look.


    They saw Mrs. Gu with a bloodless face, eyes tightly shut, and so feeble and slow in her chest movements that they were barely noticeable.


    At this rate, even if another doctor were called, it would probably be too late.


    Old Mrs. Qin''s face was ashen, she stumbled back a step, and old tears slipped from the corner of her eyes.


    "Old Lady, let the eldest young lady perform acupuncture, if we delay any further, it will really be too late," the midwife said tremblingly. Although she was accustomed to seeing one body and two lives lost, the current situation was about three lives; if they were lost, it would be a sin.


    As a midwife, of course, she wanted to see the mother and child safe; that was good for her reputation.


    Mrs. Wang pursed her lips and advised, "Mother, we have no other option."


    A dead horse must be treated as if it''s alive; we can only leave it to fate.


    Old Mrs. Qin closed her eyes, turned her head away, and heavily nodded.


    It could be fortune or disaster, but if it''s disaster, it can''t be avoided; it''s up to Heaven to decide.


    Qi Huang had already lit a stick of incense, his focus and breath calm, comforting to the spirit. He then dissolved the talisman prepared by Qin Liuxi earlier in warm water and approached the bed.


    Seeing that they had given in, Qin Liuxi snorted and, with detached efficiency, twirled the Golden Needle and plunged it directly into Third Mrs. Qin''s major acupoint.


    Two gasps were heard.


    Qin Liuxi turned her head and glared coldly, quieting the commotion.


    Old Mrs. Qin was also so frightened that her face turned pale, and her hand shook uncontrollably.


    Mrs. Gu made a faint sound and slowly came to, her pupils slowly focusing, but her eyes were filled with despair.


    "Drink this," Qin Liuxi had already taken the cup of talisman water from Qi Huang''s hand and brought it to her lips.


    Her voice was clear and cold, like a spring entering the ear, prompting Mrs. Gu to open her mouth subconsciously, and under everyone''s astonished gaze, she drank all the water.


    Qin Liuxi then took out a few more Golden Needles and inserted them into her body, at the bilateral three yin acupoints, Hegu acupoint, and Sanyinjiao, inserting the needles firmly and quickly.


    "Show some spirit; if Third Uncle receives joyful news of you and the children being safe, it will be a comfort on his journey of exile, but if it ends in one corpse and three lost lives, I''m afraid he won''t be able to live either. How miserable would it be for the younger sister to lose her mother at such a young age?"


    Her words were cruel and harsh, but they acted like a shot of adrenaline to Mrs. Gu, bringing tears to her eyes and filling her with strength.


    She must not die; she had to live and take care of her children.


    "Midwife, come," Qin Liuxi glanced at the midwife and continued twirling the Golden Needles and performing acupuncture while chanting an unknown spell.


    The midwife replied with an "Aye," gave Mrs. Gu a few instructions, and pushed on her stomach.


    This scene, witnessed by Old Mrs. Qin and the others, made them look at Qin Liuxi as if she were a monster, filled with fear and bewilderment.


    This young girl seemed different from all the others.


    Dawn broke, and the cry of a newborn rose.

 Chapter 7 - 9 The Eldest Miss is So Unruly

    Chapter 7: Chapter 9 The Eldest Miss is So Unruly


    The birth of new life brought joy, and for the Qin family, which had suffered a great change, it dispersed some of the gloom.


    Old Mrs. Qin looked at her pair of grandsons, her eyes filled with joy but also tinged with worry, as tears streamed down her face.


    Had these twin boys been born a year earlier, how good that would have been. Now, they were prematurely born Qi Xingzi, so frail and tiny, it was uncertain whether they could be raised to survival.


    "Mother, you have also been laboring for a whole day and night, please go rest for now. The wives here can manage things well," Mrs. Wang said gently to comfort her.


    Old Mrs. Qin nodded and said, "Have someone go invite two wet nurses back."


    Mrs. Gu''s delivery was not only premature but also difficult. Giving birth to the children cost her most of her life, and she would need careful nurturing. She could not be expected to feed them, so wet nurses would have to be hired.


    Before Mrs. Wang could speak, Mrs. Xie preemptively asked, "Mother, where do we have the Silver Coin to hire two wet nurses?"


    The confiscation of their household had come suddenly, and Noble Princess Consort Meng''s family had deliberately suppressed them. They couldn''t even talk about bringing anything valuable, let alone the fact that they had already taken off quite a bit of precious jewelry from their bodies. Where could the Silver Coin come from to suddenly hire two wet nurses?


    "Can''t we even lose the monthly salary of two wet nurses?" Old Mrs. Qin said with a cold face.


    Mrs. Xie did not dare to provoke displeasure, and instead said, "Mother, if that''s the case, then let''s buy a few more maids and servants. There are only three people who came with us to our household. With such a large family, both young and old, how can we manage?"


    Even in this old mansion, there are only a few servants coming and going.


    Old Mrs. Qin was infuriated to the point of leaning back; this foolish woman still thought the Qin family was like it used to be, surrounded by servants, delighting her.


    "First, go invite two wet nurses." Old Mrs. Qin didn''t bother to reason with this foolish woman and only instructed her eldest daughter-in-law, "These two children are premature, they need to be taken care of meticulously. Hire two good wet nurses, and also your sister-in-law in her third trimester, she needs to complete the full double confinement period."


    "Yes."


    "Miss Xi..."


    Old Mrs. Qin had just begun to speak when she looked around and realized that Qin Liuxi had long vanished, leaving her stunned.


    Qi Huang and the midwife had already tidied up Mrs. Gu properly, and seeing the situation, she said, "My young lady has been exhausted the entire night, she has gone to rest. Please, Old Lady, you should rest as well."


    Old Mrs. Qin: "!"


    Mrs. Xie snorted lightly, "The elders are still here, and they have all been exhausted the entire night, yet this young one leaves without a word of notice, really lacking in manners!"


    Qi Huang replied indifferently, "My young lady was performing acupuncture and massaging the Third Madam, which are tasks that greatly drain one''s mind and strength. Moreover, her own constitution is not exactly robust, which Second Madam is surely aware of. I presume you wouldn''t trouble our young lady over such a trivial matter." After all, the reason why the eldest miss was fostered in the old mansion was tied to this very issue.


    "You!" Mrs. Xie was furious, the servant girl was sharp-tongued and quick-witted.


    Qi Huang bowed to Old Mrs. Qin and said, "Old Lady, this servant needs to follow the young lady''s orders to prepare medicine for the Third Madam, so I must take my leave first."


    Old Mrs. Qin waved her hand wearily.


    As Qi Huang stepped out with the midwife, Mrs. Xie''s scolding voice towards Mrs. Xie echoed throughout the house, prompting Qi Huang to sneer.


    "Mother, please calm your anger, take care of your health. Second sister-in-law, you should quickly admit your fault and then accompany mother to rest," Mrs. Wang said in her heart, extremely displeased with the second sister-in-law. At such a critical time, she was still causing trouble; Mrs. Wang herself was too exhausted to cope.


    Mrs. Xie had no choice but to beat a retreat, speaking a few flattering words before attempting to help Old Lady out. However, after taking just one step, the Old Lady''s body weakened and she collapsed.


    "Mother!"

 Chapter 8 - 10: The Omen of the First Severed Kin

    Chapter 8: Chapter 10: The Omen of the First Severed Kin


    Qin Liuxi withdrew her hand from taking the pulse, her expression somewhat ugly.


    She detested being disturbed during her sleep.


    "Xixi, how is your grandmother doing?" Mrs. Wang''s heart lifted when she saw Qin Liuxi''s grim expression.


    Qin Liuxi half-opened her eyelids and asked a question seemingly out of the blue: "How old is the Old Lady this year?"


    Mrs. Wang and the others were stunned.


    "Your grandmother is also fifty-five this year." Mrs. Wang furrowed her brows and asked, "But Xixi, what does this have to do with your grandmother''s health?"


    Qin Liuxi placed Old Mrs. Qin''s hand back under the blanket and said faintly, "The Old Lady is of advanced age and has recently endured great changes. Presumably, she has been forcefully maintaining her spirit. Now that the taut string has relaxed, it is as if she can hold on no longer. The pent-up emotions in her heart and the burdens of worry have led to her fainting."


    Her fingers flexed slightly, but she did not reveal the fortune and misfortune, wealth and poverty of Old Mrs. Qin''s life, which she deduced using the Yitaisu Pulse Method.


    Old Mrs. Qin''s Life Chart indicated a noble birth, a smooth marriage, and a house full of children and grandchildren. Yet now, there were miscellaneous patterns at her ''tear hall'', indicating poor luck with offspring; fearing she won''t be able to enjoy family bliss. Moreover, her pulse suggested a desolate twilight, physical impairment, and that she would not live past her ''jia'' cycle.


    Therefore, Qin Liuxi asked about the Old Lady''s age. Fifty-five, not much time left indeed!


    With her gaze lowered, Qin Liuxi''s expression grew even colder.


    "What should be done for treatment, or... are you capable of treating it? Elder sister, should we not call a doctor to examine mother to be on the safe side?" Mrs. Xie was quite anxious.


    The Old Lady was her mother-in-law and her aunt-in-law, her pillar of support within the Qin family. She must not be allowed to fall ill. Qin Liuxi, a mere young girl, who knew where her medical knowledge came from, probably not even formally trained, could not be relied upon.


    Qin Liuxi''s face darkened: "Are you questioning me?"


    Unhappy, she was actually being doubted.


    Seeing Qin Liuxi''s stern face, Mrs. Wang gave Mrs. Xie a glare and said, "I think what Xixi said is quite accurate. The family has gone through a crisis, and everything has relied on the mother to stabilize. Now that she has relaxed, a backlash is inevitable. However, Xixi, the Old Lady has also had some health issues before. Shall we invite another doctor to assist with the pulse diagnosis?"


    Qin Liuxi did not embarrass her legitimate mother, the Lady, and simply said, "As you please." Then she instructed Qi Huang, "Later, ask Uncle Li to invite Doctor Song from Song''s Clinic to come and diagnose the Old Lady."


    "Yes, miss."


    Qin Liuxi dropped these words and was about to leave when Mrs. Wang stopped her.


    "Xixi, there has been a major upheaval in our-house, and we were only able to bring three servants, among which two are your grandmother''s attendants, Nanny Ding and Ju''er, and the other is Nanny Shen, who serves by my side. Now, we also need to hire two wet nurses to take care of and feed your two little cousins on your Third Aunt''s side. We are not too familiar with Li City. What do you think about the servant situation?"


    Qin Liuxi replied, "Just instruct Uncle Li to bring some people over, as for the rest..." She paused for a moment and then spoke to Qi Huang, "You follow the Lady for now, assist her, and settle these miscellaneous matters."


    "But miss, there will be no one to serve by your side." Qi Huang hesitated.


    "Don''t we still have Chen Pi? I won''t be going out. Should there be any matter, I will have him relay it." Qin Liuxi''s expression revealed her irritation; she wanted to catch up on sleep now.


    Hearing her tone, Qi Huang knew she was intolerant due to lack of sleep and promptly complied.


    Qin Liuxi left the room without looking back.


    Elder sister, look at her; is she giving us the cold shoulder? You really need to teach her a lesson," Mrs. Xie said, upset.


    Mrs. Wang felt somewhat impatient, and with a cool glance, she replied, "Second sister-in-law, have you forgotten our family''s current situation?"


    Mrs. Xie gave a slight start, bit her lip, and said, "I''m going to check on mother."


    Mrs. Wang massaged the bridge of her nose, exhausted. The trying days were just starting!

 Chapter 9 - 11: Money Comes, Buy You Everything!

    Chapter 9: Chapter 11: Money Comes, Buy You Everything!


    Qin Liuxi slept for two days straight, and when she walked out of the house, the sky was filled with beautiful red clouds.


    But the gorgeous scene didn''t last long before it was ruined by some discordant noise.


    Her pleasant mood instantly dissipated a bit, she pursed her lips and headed towards the source of the noise.


    The Qin family''s old residence was a compound with three courtyards. Previously, only Qin Liuxi lived there. In the vast residence, she only occupied a small courtyard on the back street, which was convenient for coming and going.


    The noise was in the flower hall.


    When Qin Liuxi arrived, Aunt Li and Xiao Xue were standing at the entrance, looking somewhat aggrieved. Their eyes brightened upon seeing her.


    "Miss," the two greeted her in unison.


    Qin Liuxi waved her hand and stepped in: "What happened?"


    She glanced around and saw the spacious flower hall filled with heads, big and small, all looking towards her with uneasy expressions on some faces.


    In the hall, there were two large round tables with dishes that could hardly be called exquisite: a steamed fish, a plate of pickled vegetables stir-fried with pig offal, two vegetarian dishes, and a large bowl of steamed buns.


    Qin Liuxi raised her eyebrows; it was time for dinner, but clearly, these dishes could not satisfy the group of big and small masters here.


    "What''s the problem?" Mrs. Xie, pointing at the food on the table with a stern face, said: "Miss Xi, look at this, what kind of food is this? Even our servants wouldn''t eat this. Is this supposed to be dinner? It was the same yesterday, I didn''t say anything, but it''s still the same today. If the kitchen staff can''t cook, then replace them with someone capable."


    As she spoke, she glared at Aunt Li and her daughter.


    Aunt Li, a temperamental woman, hurriedly said: "Miss, there used to be fewer people in the house, and you never liked elaborate dishes, so we always bought lighter groceries. Suddenly, with so many people added these past two days, it''s hard to change our buying habits immediately; we can only buy in larger quantities, and about the Silver Coin..."


    Aunt Li paused, finding it difficult to continue.


    For a mansion''s procurement, the exact amount of Silver spent daily is clear. Previously, the old house only had Qin Liuxi as the master, and the rest were just a few servants. Aside from Qin Liuxi''s food being a bit more refined, those of the servants were just like ordinary households, which was sufficient.


    But with more than ten persons suddenly added these past two days, with insufficient Silver Coin, how could they buy? They had to purchase dishes that were good enough to fill the stomach according to the Silver available, without thinking about whether they were exquisite or not.


    Now, with these masters making trouble, they felt wronged and found it difficult. Even a three-year-old child knows that a clever wife can''t cook without rice.


    "Nonsense, I clearly saw you secretly prepared a pot of red date and lean meat soup for her," accused a girl about thirteen or fourteen, frowning at Qin Liuxi.


    Qin Liuxi looked at her; she was a cousin from her second uncle''s family named Qin Mingyue.


    Aunt Li was stunned for a moment and then explained: "The Miss hasn''t eaten for two days, what''s wrong with keeping this soup for her?"


    "Are you implying that the Miss is more precious than the Old Lady?" Mrs. Xie immediately picked up the conversation.


    Aunt Li was at a loss for words: "No, this..."


    In her heart, the Miss was more precious than anyone, but how could she dare to say that here, wouldn''t that undeservingly tarnish the Miss''s reputation for filial piety?


    Aunt Li looked at Qin Liuxi for help.


    Qin Liuxi turned her gaze to Mrs. Xie with a hint of coldness in her eyes.


    Mrs. Xie''s brow bones were bony and her cheekbones sharp, such facial features indicated a dominant and overbearing personality, cold-hearted by nature, profit-oriented, a person she did not want to associate with and disliked.


    Qin Liuxi''s tone became slightly cold: "So, you''re full and have nothing better to do here, looking for trouble? Want to have an exquisite dinner with meat and vegetables, perhaps even add cubilose ginseng as nourishment? That''s not impossible, Aunt, where''s the Silver?"


    She extended her hand towards Mrs. Xie: "Bring the money, and I''ll buy everything you want!"

 Chapter 10 - 12: One Should Behave with Humility

    Chapter 10: Chapter 12: One Should Behave with Humility


    Eat well, bring the silver.


    Mrs. Xie stared at Qin Liuxi''s slender fingers, her face turning red with restraint.


    Money, where did she have any silver coins?


    Even if she had some, it was just a tiny bit, and she dared not use it casually, otherwise, when she needed some silver later, she would have none at all.


    "What, what silver!" Her eyes darted away as she stammered, "You''re not unaware of our family''s situation, where would I get silver!"


    Qin Liuxi laughed, "Oh, Aunt, you are finally clear-headed now, aware of the Qin family''s plight. I thought you were born an optimist, acting as if nothing''s the matter, living the good old days surrounded by servants and indulging in delicacies!"


    This speech, like a slap, scorched the faces of those present and sobered them up.


    Indeed, the Qin family today was no longer the third-rank official''s family but had been reduced to ordinary civilians, who no longer lived high and mighty with servants at their beck and call, no longer constantly discussing which Silver Building had new jewelry or which cloth shop had new fabric patterns, or even eating delicacies until they were sick of it.


    Such seemingly lavish items had all drifted away from them, no longer in existence.


    Everyone glanced again at the dishes on the table, feeling a shiver down their spine. The days of riches were unattainable, and perhaps even these meat-containing dishes were beyond their reach, since the main earners of the family had been exiled, and these women and children, powerless to truss a chicken, who could earn the silver?


    Panic and bewilderment once again overwhelmed them like dark clouds, leaving them gasping for breath.


    Mrs. Xie felt unexpectedly embarrassed.


    But quickly, she set her face in a frown. After all, she was a senior; this girl was truly lacking in respect.


    Just as she was about to speak, Qin Liuxi turned to Qin Mingyue and asked, "This sister, have you recognized the situation? You yourself are a precious lady, but you must also adjust to circumstances, right?"


    Not recognizing the situation is a serious matter. Looking at Qin Mingyue, her eyes slightly sunken, they seemed to be hiding, which in physiognomy indicates that the ''Couple Palace'' is sunken, suggesting a troubled marital life. This cousin, with an unstable temperament and emotions that easily fluctuate between anger and joy, might not have a favorable marital fate, and her family tranquility might be difficult to maintain.


    Qin Mingyue stiffened, biting her teeth and said with a slightly fine voice, "Even if I''m not a precious lady, neither is big sister anymore."


    They are all Qin family members, no two Qins can be written differently. They are dismal, isn''t she the same, just a civilian, and moreover, a concubine''s daughter only registered under her legitimate mother''s name, how could she be nobler than anyone?


    As Qin Mingyue thought this, she straightened her chest.


    "Oh, I am different from you, I have always considered myself an orphan!" Qin Liuxi said indifferently.


    Qin Mingyue: "!"


    Mrs. Wang and Aunt Wan: "..."


    They are still standing right here, alive and well!


    However, Mrs. Xie seized the opportunity, saying, "Big sister-in-law, you see, this girl really needs to be well educated, isn''t this cursing you and big brother?"


    Qin Liuxi snorted coldly.


    At such a young age, she was sent to be raised in the old house, and now they come to talk to her about being well educated, she wanted to see who dared bring up this issue!


    Mrs. Wang said, "Younger sister-in-law, Miss Xi does have a point. Our Qin family is no longer the Qin family of the past; we must tighten our belts and live frugally, not as richly as before. If you really want to add some dishes, you could use some of your private money to ask Aunt Li to cook for you."


    "You big sister-in-law is right!"


    A feeble voice emanated from the entrance.


    Everyone turned to see Old Mrs. Qin being supported by Nanny Ding walking in, and they all hurriedly went to greet her.


    "Grandmother."


    "Old Lady''s well-being."


    "Mother," Mrs. Wang stepped forward to support her, concern in her voice, "Why have you come as well?"


    Old Mrs. Qin took the main seat, looking around with an authoritative expression, she spoke, "If I don''t come, have you all forgotten that we are the Qin family who were investigated by the Holy Emperor, and should keep our tails tucked between our legs?"

 Chapter 11 - 13 The Present is Different from the Past

    Chapter 11: Chapter 13 The Present is Different from the Past


    Old Mrs. Qin''s words had scarcely left her lips when everyone in the dining hall fell to their knees en masse, their expressions filled with panic.


    Except for one person.


    As the only one standing amidst the sea of kneeling bodies, her upright figure was like a snow lotus perched atop a cliff, impossible to ignore.


    Qin Liuxi stood straight, her eyes cast down upon the mandrake flower embroidered on her chest, pretending not to see the full room of kneeling people.


    Old Mrs. Qin''s gaze swept over her, her lips pressed tightly as her brows furrowed slightly.


    Although Qin Liuxi was one of the Qin family, to Old Mrs. Qin she felt like an outsider who didn''t engage in their affairs, someone beyond control.


    "The Qin family has fallen. Your grandfathers, husbands, or fathers and brothers are all on the road to exile, enduring who knows what kind of torment, and we don''t know if they are hungry, thirsty, sick, or..." Old Mrs. Qin''s eyes brimmed with tears, yet she stubbornly wiped away the ones that were about to fall.


    Cries of lamentation filled the parlor.


    "Being exiled and having our property confiscated is not the same as being executed. The only thing we can be thankful for is this ''mercy'' bestowed by the Holy Emperor. With proper arrangements, there will come a day when your fathers and brothers can return. Based on this assumption, we must properly take care of this household, stabilize it. Those of you remaining must also study hard, as if something untoward happens to them in the northwest, you will be the future pillars of the Qin family!"


    "Grandmother, I will definitely study hard," Qin Mingqi from the second branch of the family said while clenching his fists and reddening eyes.


    Aunt Wan nudged the little dumpling Qin Mingchun beside her; he uttered an "ah" sound, blinking his big bewildered eyes and echoing the statement, "I, I will do it too."


    Studying, ah, studying is too difficult!


    Old Mrs. Qin looked at these two grandsons, thinking of the legitimate eldest grandson of the first branch who had just turned twelve and was also taken away for exile, as well as the second branch''s legitimate son, and tears started to roll down her cheeks.


    Her husband, her three legitimate sons, and two grandsons, they were all on the road to exile; no one could understand her pain better than she did.


    All she could do now was to pray for divine mercy, hoping they would arrive safely. Even if their lives were harder there, staying alive was what mattered most.


    "Our property was confiscated so suddenly, and we couldn''t take our belongings with us; the only fortunate thing is that we still have this old mansion to cover our heads. These are not the days of the past, and life for the Qin family will certainly not be like before. Drinking thin tea and eating simple meals will be the norm, and we''ll have to swap our silk dresses for coarser cloth shoes..." Old Mrs. Qin started coughing.


    Mrs. Wang lifted her head and wiped the slightly reddened corners of her eyes, saying, "Mother, don''t worry. We have a long life ahead, and everyone is just temporarily confused, struggling to adapt. With time, they will understand."


    Everyone goes through an adjustment process after falling from the clouds.


    Even someone as strong-willed as her.


    Thinking about her only son, who was on the road to exile, Mrs. Wang felt a piercing pain in her heart, but she took a deep breath. She was the Qin Family Matriarch; she could not show weakness.


    "That''s right, everyone get up. Finish this meal, and if there are things you don''t understand, you can think them over slowly later," Old Mrs. Qin raised her hand, indicating for everyone to rise.


    Everybody stood up, took their seats, and silently resumed eating, though the food tasted bland and uninspiring, they still had to force it down.


    After the meal, Old Mrs. Qin told the concubines and the younger members of the family to return to their rooms, keeping only Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Xie, and Qin Meiniang to discuss how the household would be managed in the future. It was important to lay things out clearly.


    Noticing the situation, Qin Liuxi made to leave, but Old Mrs. Qin stopped her.


    "Miss Xi, you stay and listen as well."


    Qin Liuxi paused, sat back down, and picked up a cup of tea.

 Chapter 12 - 14: The Acts That Glorify the Petty Man

    Chapter 12: Chapter 14: The Acts That Glorify the Petty Man


    "Miss Xi, when you were young, your constitution was weak, and you often fell ill. It was due to clashing with the Qin family''s evil spirits. Master Chi Yuan said your Life Chart was unusual, so he had it recorded under your legitimate mother''s name early on. With the noble rank of your legitimate mother to suppress it, and your living away from home, this would lead to happiness for all. Only then did we send you back to the old residence. Grandmother knows that you harbor resentment in your heart, resentful that we left you to be raised in the old house for ten years, but this was also for the best interests of each other."


    Old Mrs. Qin looked at Qin Liuxi, her tone indifferent, "Over these years, the Qin family has not short-changed you in your expenses, and the people arranged to look after you have also done their utmost. The Qin family has brought you up to this day; to say we were heartless is not true, but there is grace."


    Qin Liuxi lifted her gaze, meeting her grandmother''s eyes, her own devoid of any ripples.


    Old Lady''s words weren''t wrong¡ªHeartless and yet graceful: it is the grace of giving life and upbringing, only lacking the companionship and guidance, but the consequences had already been formed in the beginning.


    Qin Liuxi stood up and gave Old Mrs. Qin a formal bow.


    Old Mrs. Qin didn''t know why, but her heart felt even more suffocated. She bit the tip of her tongue and continued, "You have grievances in your heart, Grandmother understands. But you are a Qin; your name is registered in the Qin Family Genealogy as the legitimate eldest daughter of the main branch. As long as your name exists, you are a daughter of the Qin family, the Miss of the main branch."


    "My grandfather and the others have been stripped of their official ranks, what kind of Miss does that make me?" Qin Liuxi said with self-mocking laughter.


    Old Mrs. Qin bit her lips and spoke, "This does not change the fact that we once came from an official family. I will not beat around the bush with you¡ªthe Holy Emperor has confiscated our property and exiled us. Are you aware of these details?"


    "I would like to hear more."


    Old Mrs. Qin closed her eyes, her face showing restraint.


    Seeing this, Mrs. Wang then said, "Your grandfather was a Minister of the Ministry of Rites and held a third-rank position. During the ritual sacrifice at the Grand Ancestral Temple in July, the sacrificial lamb suddenly died without warning, considered an ill omen, which incited the Holy Emperor''s wrath..."


    For a dynasty, the Grand Ancestral Temple sacrifice is a major event, and the rituals are particularly important. Such a significant error in the ritual would naturally infuriate the Emperor, and it was, of all things, the lamb of the sacrificial animals.


    At the founding of the Da Feng Dynasty, it is said that the Grand Ancestor Emperor, besieged by enemy forces with his troops, entered a forest maze and got lost for nearly half a month. With food and supplies exhausted, the team sustained themselves for days on a magically appearing lamb, and by following the lamb, which looked back occasionally to lead the way, they eventually emerged from the woods, joined with reinforcements, not only turning defeat into victory but also flowering from victory to victory, ultimately establishing the Da Feng Dynasty.


    Thus, the Grand Ancestor Emperor regarded the lamb at that time as a celestial lamb and made it Da Feng''s mascot. In the sacrifice of the three animals, a living lamb was an essential presence.


    But now, the lamb in the ritual had suddenly fallen dead, blood flowing from its seven orifices; such an offering to the ancestral temple was naturally seen as an ill omen and disrespectful, and it even suggested that the Emperor was unkind.


    When the Emperor is enraged, a million lie dead.


    Qin Yuanshan, as the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, failed in his oversight. Coupled with Noble Princess Consort Meng, his family''s sworn enemy, whispering in the Emperor''s ear, heavy sins of disrespect and disloyalty were brought down on the Qin family. With no chance to resist, it immediately fell apart, like a building collapsing.


    Mrs. Wang, reaching this point, clenched her hands into fists and pursed her lips.


    Qin Liuxi said, "Such an important occasion, how could my grandfather have been careless? There must have been treachery at play!"


    Old Mrs. Qin was somewhat surprised by her sharpness and said through gritted teeth with hatred, "You''re right. Your grandfather, by nature cautious, would never dare to be negligent on such an important occasion. But one can''t guard against everything, and still, someone found a loophole to exploit!"

 Chapter 13 - 15 Who Designed the Qin Family鈥檚 Plan

    Chapter 13: Chapter 15 Who Designed the Qin Family''s Plan


    Old Mrs. Qin started coughing violently when she got to the exciting part of the story, feeling increasingly dizzy. Mrs. Wang and Nanny Ding quickly stepped forward to help her catch her breath.


    After a long while, Old Mrs. Qin''s breathing eased off a bit, but her face became even paler.


    Qin Liuxi glanced at her and said, "Let''s not talk about whether our ancestor was wronged or not; the officialdom is like accompanying a tiger¡ªonce the Holy Emperor wishes your death, you cannot refuse, even if his favor towards you is deep. Any small pretext can lead to your downfall. Now that things have come to this, it''s pointless to ponder over it. You should prioritize taking care of your health."


    Her calm, outsider-like account not only caused Old Mrs. Qin''s brows to furrow deeply; even Mrs. Wang and the others felt complicated emotions.


    This girl, although recorded in our family register, has been fostered in the old residence since she was little, without the guidance of elders. It''s admirable that she is able to speak such words.


    Being favored by the Holy Emperor is a good thing, but sometimes it is also like a hanging sword over one''s head, never knowing when it might fall.


    The younger members of the family are still panicking about the downfall of the Qin family and the loss of their wealth and grandeur. None of them could speak of accompanying the emperor as if accompanying a tiger like Qin Liuxi did.


    Mrs. Wang felt a strong curiosity towards this girl registered under her name.


    Her calmness, her steadiness, and her medical skills, who has been teaching her these past ten years? That Master Chi Yuan?


    "Even though the matter is settled, we must bring back your grandfather, your father and uncles, and your brothers," Old Mrs. Qin said resolutely. "I won''t rest in peace, even in death, until I see the Qin family rehabilitated and our men returned from that cold and bitter land in the northwest, cough cough..."


    Qin Liuxi said, "Then you really need to take good care of yourself."


    After all, her days were numbered.


    Old Mrs. Qin choked upon hearing this, her face turning dark.


    Mrs. Xie then said, "You girl, are you trying to anger your grandmother on purpose?"


    Qin Liuxi silently picked up her tea and took a sip, not responding.


    Mrs. Xie felt like she was punching cotton, frustrated and unable to vent.


    Old Mrs. Qin raised her hand and continued, "The confiscation of our home was sudden, and they did not allow us to take any possessions with us. This was because Meng Li from the Meng Family led the confiscation."


    Qin Liuxi looked towards Mrs. Wang, expecting an explanation.


    Mrs. Wang explained, "Three years ago, the Meng Family sent a woman into the palace who quickly gained great favor. Within a mere three years, she rose to the rank of Imperial Concubine. Our family has never been on good terms with the Meng Family. Even when Noble Princess Consort Meng was promoted, your grandfather, after drinking with friends, once said that the Meng Family was foxy and undeserving of their position. This grudge has been held against us to this day..."


    Qin Liuxi''s lips twitched, her foolish grandfather had been trapped, right?


    Mrs. Wang also felt helpless mentioning this old matter, as the elder truly had lost his composure.


    "Noble Princess Consort Meng was promoted to concubine, and this year, she bore a little prince. The Meng Family''s fortune soared. Not only was Noble Princess Consort Meng named Imperial Noble Concubine, but the Meng Family was also granted a marquisate, now known as Marquis Ancheng. That Meng Li you speak of is the Imperial Concubine''s favorite brother, granted the position of an imperial guard who carries a blade. He was the one leading the team that confiscated our property."


    Everything then became clear.


    No wonder the Qin Family arrived without a single garment of silk, to say nothing of any possessions. It was because there was a sworn enemy watching closely, and naturally, it was impossible to preserve anything.


    Of course, the more cautious ones would have likely stashed away something small and private.


    "Was it the Meng Family that plotted against our ancestor?" Qin Liuxi asked another question out of curiosity.


    Mrs. Wang remained silent.


    For some reason, Old Mrs. Qin asked her back, "What do you think?"

 Chapter 14 - 16 Another Person

    Chapter 14: Chapter 16 Another Person


    Qin Liuxi''s eyebrows rose slightly. Was she testing her?


    "Grandmother is flattering me. I am someone who is not an orphan yet grew up like one, fostered in the old mansion. How could I have been taught any principles by the elders? By asking this way, you are putting your granddaughter in a difficult position!"


    Old Mrs. Qin was pricked by those words, feeling somewhat embarrassed and displeased.


    Mrs. Wang glanced at Old Mrs. Qin''s expression and after some thought said, "It is the spectator who sees the chess game best, and it is precisely because Miss Xi, you were not in the vortex of the capital that you should see things clearer than us who are in the midst of it. As to whether you have this discernment, the mere fact that you could help your Third Aunt give birth smoothly, along with these past few days'' arrangements in the old mansion, is enough to prove your capability."


    Qin Liuxi looked up at her legitimate mother.


    Mrs. Wang''s forehead was broad and full, her eyes large and eyebrows delicate, with a straight nasal bridge, and a clear philtrum without any unsightly moles or wrinkles. Her jet-black hair was glossy. Such facial features are typical of a prosperous countenance; it''s a pity, however, that her couple palace had become dim and sunken, with crow''s feet and protruding veins. This foreshadowed changes or separation in her marital relationship.


    A marital separation was still not a big deal; what was most important was the Children Palace. Her Children Palace was not full, and the lineage was already thin. Now there even showed signs of sinking, suggesting potential loss of children.


    But the eight characters must still be considered. If there were occurrences like self-transforming wealth, self-transforming power, and self-transforming Hua Ji in the Children Palace, it would predetermine great changes in the children''s fortunes or indicate dangers.


    Qin Liuxi withdrew her gaze and pursed her lips.


    Mrs. Wang, being the main branch''s legitimate wife, naturally also had illegitimate children calling her mother. But the only child she bore was the brother named Qin Mingyan, who was now exiled with their grandfather and father.


    If something happened to that child, Mrs. Wang would be devastated.


    When Mrs. Wang saw her eyelids droop, covering those dark eyes, her heart seemed to tighten inexplicably, with a vague sense of unease.


    And she did not know if it was her illusion, but she seemed to glimpse a fleeting sympathy in Qin Liuxi''s eyes.


    It must have been a mistake!


    Mrs. Wang''s fingers curled slightly.


    "I am not familiar with the Meng Family''s ways, nor do I know Noble Princess Consort Meng personally. But if it were me, even if I acted ostentatiously while the little prince was young, I would certainly not touch the dragon''s scales and set up such an irreverent scheme," Qin Liuxi disdainfully said. "The Imperial Concubine enjoys favor and has given birth to an Imperial heir. If she desired to act against the Qin family, simply whispering a few words in the right ears would suffice. Why would she need to stake her own and the prince''s future?"


    Having a prince is not the end of the world; the Holy Emperor is almost at the age of knowing his destiny, with two grown princes beneath him, not to mention two younger ones. The Imperial Family certainly does not lack princes.


    The Meng Family, wishing to elevate their status through the little prince, would be foolish to touch on matters as grave as the ancestral temple sacrifices. Once investigated, both the little prince and the Meng Family would be beyond redemption.


    Thus, it is someone else who seeks to move against the Qin family; the Meng Family is merely striking the fallen and opportunistically adding a strike.


    Hearing these words from Qin Liuxi, Old Mrs. Qin''s eyes flickered continuously, and her chest rose and fell.


    Mrs. Wang, on the other hand, had sparks of appreciation in her eyes because her daughter''s words aligned perfectly with her own analysis on the journey home.


    "If not the Meng Family, who could it be?"


    Qin Liuxi answered: "Mother also said that I am not in the center of the vortex, and I have not been in the capital these years. Who the Qin family''s enemies are, I really do not know. I am unable to respond to Grandmother''s questioning."


    She stood up and said, "It''s getting dark, please go back to your room, Grandmother."


    After saying this, Qin Liuxi walked to the door, and just as she was stepping out with one foot, with the other still inside, she turned back and blinked, asking, "Grandmother, this mansion belongs to me, and it counts as such, right?"

 Chapter 15 - 17 The Ancestral Home Belongs to the Eldest Miss

    Chapter 15: Chapter 17 The Ancestral Home Belongs to the Eldest Miss


    "This estate is mine, does that count?"


    Old Mrs. Qin''s mind kept echoing Qin Liuxi''s words until she returned to her own room, then she looked at Mrs. Wang with a complex expression.


    "What is she thinking?"


    Mrs. Wang remained silent, unable to comprehend Qin Liuxi either.


    However, Mrs. Xie couldn''t hold back and urgently asked, "Mother, what did Miss Xi mean just now? That the old house belongs to her? Isn''t it our Qin family''s ancestral home?"


    The distinguished ancestral home, even the males dare not covet, how did it become that girl''s possession?


    Old Mrs. Qin sighed, "Master Chi Yuan, I''m afraid, had already foreseen the troubles of the Qin family back then."


    Mrs. Xie was confused, what did that mean?


    It turned out that when Master Chi Yuan took Qin Liuxi away years ago, he had a confidential talk behind closed doors with Old Master Qin. The escort who brought Qin Liuxi back turned out to be Old Master Qin''s trusted Uncle Cheng. Upon returning to Li City, Uncle Cheng ran errands, and the old house ostensibly remained the Qin family''s ancestral home, but the deed owner changed to become Chi Yuan''s property, which was then gifted to Qin Liuxi.


    And when the properties were seized, all properties of the Qin family were sealed, except for this one ancestral home far away in Li City.


    Old Mrs. Qin preserved this house by gifting it as private property and pleaded with the Empress Dowager to keep it untouched, hence everything about this ancestral home remained undisturbed, allowing the Qin family members to return and settle down here.


    Then Qin Liuxi suddenly mentioned this.


    "So, the deed of the house is now in Miss Xi''s hands? Is it hers?" Mrs. Xie''s voice sharpened in shock.


    Would they then be living at someone''s mercy, possibly being kicked out anytime?


    "This was also an expedient measure." Old Mrs. Qin said wearily, "It''s lucky that the house changed hands back then, otherwise we wouldn''t even have a place to stay now."


    "But mother, this is the ancestral home, how can it be given to Miss Xi? We need to take the deed back," Mrs. Xie anxiously pleaded, the property would be entirely in Qin Liuxi''s hands from now, how could that be allowed.


    Mrs. Wang spoke calmly, "Sister-in-law, our family now bears a criminal record, even if we take it back, do we need to hand it over to the officials to be sealed?"


    Mrs. Xie choked, thinking Mrs. Wang of course would not care, with the deed in Qin Liuxi''s hands, it effectively remained within the main branch.


    "That''s not what I mean..."


    "Enough, your sister-in-law is right. Now is the time for the Qin family to keep a low profile. Why make a fuss over a deed?" Old Mrs. Qin scolded sternly, "Your husband, your father-in-law, and your son, they''re all still on the road to exile, aren''t you worried about them? Instead, you''re fixated on this deed?"


    Mrs. Xie''s face turned purple, she grabbed a handkerchief to wipe the non-existent tears at the corner of her eyes, choking up, "Mother, you''re cutting deep into my heart, he''s my husband, how can I not think of him? If not for worrying about the children, I''d have longed to join him."


    Old Mrs. Qin scoffed, "Stop your fake crying, I find it distasteful."


    Mrs. Xie looked embarrassed.


    Old Mrs. Qin, thinking of today''s events, turned to Nanny Ding, who handed a wallet to Mrs. Wang.


    "This wallet was secretly given to me by your great-aunt when we left the capital. Take it; you must take charge of this family," Old Mrs. Qin remarked, eyeing the wallet, "They say adversity reveals true friends; the Wang family is honorable. Our Qin family did not tie the wrong marital knot. If one day our Qin family is vindicated, you must also remember the Wang family''s kindness."


    It''s easy to add flowers to brocade but difficult to send charcoal in snowy weather. Being able to secretly offer aid against the Holy Emperor''s disfavor shows capability and loyalty, unlike Qin Meiniang''s in-laws who, once the Qin family faced trouble, immediately sent a letter of divorce, leaving no trace of affection.


    Qin Meiniang, reminded of this, bowed her head and began to sob quietly.

 Chapter 16 - 18 Close Your Red Eyelids

    Chapter 16: Chapter 18 Close Your Red Eyelids


    Ignoring the sadness of the aunt-grandma, Mrs. Xie glared at the simple wallet in Mrs. Wang''s hand, embroidered only with the word "Ping''an", her eyes reddening with the urge to snatch it and see how much Silver it contained.


    Mrs. Wang clenched the wallet, feeling no hard objects inside, presumably all silver notes, then said: "Mother, since you still allow me to manage the household, shall I take full authority then?"


    Old Mrs. Qin nodded wearily.


    "Sister-in-law, quickly check how much Silver is inside? We''ll need to buy two more servants, right?" Mrs. Xie urged eagerly.


    Mrs. Wang glanced at her but did not open the wallet, instead reporting to Old Mrs. Qin: "The family encountered a sudden incident; we don''t have much wealth. Yesterday, I had Uncle Li find some people, and for the time being, we''ve hired a wet nurse for our younger sister and brother and two coarse workers for miscellaneous chores and laundry."


    "A wet nurse?" Old Mrs. Qin frowned.


    Mrs. Wang explained: "Given the urgency, we could only find this one; she just had a baby two months ago and is in good health, enough to feed two children. I''ve already asked Uncle Li to look for another suitable one. Moreover, Ju''er will also serve only our younger brother and sister."


    Old Mrs. Qin nodded: "That works. She gave birth to Qi Xingzi prematurely and greatly damaged her Primordial Qi, she cannot be left alone; let Ju''er stay and serve her. Also, instruct the kitchen to prepare some nourishing dishes for her, she must have a proper postpartum recovery. As for us, we can eat simpler meals."


    The daughter-in-law had children untimely and it affected her health significantly; taking care of her is a priority, otherwise, how would the body recover, and what would happen to the younger brother''s children later?


    Mrs. Wang reassured: "Rest assured, I will instruct everyone accordingly, and neither your nor our younger sister''s daily needs will be neglected."


    Mrs. Xie felt anxious, what about them?


    "Sister-in-law, should we not buy some maids to serve us as well?"


    "Second sister-in-law, the Qin family has been seized, all our possessions are confiscated, where do we get the Silver from? Are you looking at this little amount?" Mrs. Wang raised the wallet in her hand, saying: "Father and my husband''s younger brother are on their way to exile; we need Silver everywhere. We need to manage daily expenses and also think of ways to save, how can we afford to buy servants?"


    Old Mrs. Qin stared at Mrs. Xie with displeasure and coldly said: "If you cannot endure this hardship, go back to the Xie Family, I suppose they won''t lack a meal for you."


    Mrs. Xie''s face paled, and she knelt down begging for forgiveness: "Mother, I dare not harbor such thoughts, I am a daughter-in-law of the Qin family in life and a ghost of the Qin family in death."


    Before her marriage, she was under her stepmother''s care, and it was due to favouring from this aunt and catching the eye of Mr. Qin that she married into the Qin family, enjoying several years of prosperity.


    Even so, she had concubines in her quarters, but this did not affect her position as a principal wife. If she were to return to her family, disliked by stepmother and estranged from brothers, she would face a dead end.


    Old Mrs. Qin huffed heavily: "If that''s the case, then gather yourself. You''re capable, can''t you manage on your own? If you can earn Silver and wish to buy some maids, that is your own ability. But this Silver is for the entire family''s expenses and is more importantly needed for facilitating things for your father-in-law and others, put your mind to rest soon, shut those greedy eyes and stop thinking about this little money."


    "Yes." Mrs. Xie meekly lowered her head.


    As Old Mrs. Qin was about to speak again, her youngest granddaughter, Qin Mingbao, ran up crying, saying her mother was unwell, causing everyone''s expression to drastically change.

 Chapter 17 - 19 The Young Lady Named Him Ping鈥檃n

    Chapter 17: Chapter 19 The Young Lady Named Him Ping''an


    Old Mrs. Qin and her entourage arrived at Mrs. Gu''s room to find the babies crying loudly, while Qin Liuxi was administering acupuncture to Mrs. Gu. The look on her face was ghastly.


    "What''s going on here?" Old Mrs. Qin''s heart raced, especially seeing Mrs. Gu''s pale complexion, which made her hands tremble.


    Mrs. Wang had the wet nurse surnamed Zhou and Ju''er hold a baby each and take them aside to soothe them, otherwise the commotion was too unsettling.


    Mrs. Gu slowly came to her senses, and when she saw everyone around, she was dazed for a moment before her gaze followed the sound of the babies'' crying.


    "Third Aunt, don''t blame me for being blunt and unpleasant, but your constitution isn''t suited to breastfeeding. I''m sure Qi Huang has warned you. Your insistence on trying will only wear you out," Qin Liuxi said, her face dark as she withdrew the needles and looked directly at Mrs. Gu with an icy tone. "You had a premature twin birth, which was not easy. After finally achieving a safe delivery for both mother and child, instead of focusing on your recovery, you exhaust yourself. Do you find your life too long?"


    Mrs. Wang was somewhat helpless, softly calling out, "Xixi..."


    Although the words were sensible, couldn''t they have been phrased more gently?


    Mrs. Gu forced herself to sit up, looking at Qin Liuxi with a guilty and aggrieved expression. "I just saw the child crying badly and wanted to let him have a few sips, but I didn''t expect that I..."


    She lowered her head, tears falling like beads off a string.


    She never imagined she would not have a drop of milk for her child, seeing him struggle vigorously but unable to suckle anything, and then crying heart-wrenchingly. Her heart shattered. She was both frantic and panicked, and in her agitation, she fainted when she couldn''t catch her breath.


    "Your body can''t handle it. The prescription I''ve given you includes medicinal herbs that suppress lactation. You can''t breastfeed him," Qin Liuxi said quietly.


    Mother''s milk is as precious as a woman''s blood, but Mrs. Gu''s body couldn''t support breastfeeding. No amount of replenishment would suffice for what she would lose.


    The child is important, but the mother is even more so. If the mother is gone, where does that leave the child?


    Mrs. Gu was stunned.


    Old Mrs. Qin had already understood the situation and advised, "Mrs. Gu, your priority is to recover your health. Leave the children to the wet nurses. If one is not enough, then find another. But if something happens to you, what will become of the children and your husband?"


    "Mother, I''m scared!" Qin Mingbao knelt by the bed, crying as he grasped her hand.


    Mrs. Gu''s heart ached even more, and her tears fell faster.


    "Stop crying now. You can''t cry during your confinement, or else your eyes will suffer later on," Mrs. Wang wiped away her tears, saying, "We know you''re heartbroken for the children, but that''s all the more reason to take care of yourself, isn''t it?"


    Mrs. Gu nodded, "I was shortsighted."


    She was only thinking of her pity for the children, without considering that her body couldn''t allow it.


    Mrs. Gu looked at Qin Liuxi, "Like my sister-in-law, may I also call you Xixi? Xixi, these children were born smoothly with your presence, drawing upon your good fortune. Could you please give them names?"


    Qin Liuxi''s brows slightly furrowed as she turned to Old Mrs. Qin, "It should be the elders in the family who decide this."


    "Mother..." Mrs. Gu immediately looked at Old Mrs. Qin, her eyes pleading.


    Old Mrs. Qin then said, "Third Aunt is right, go ahead and give them names for now. These can be their nicknames; later, we will write to your grandfather and Third Uncle. When the children turn three, we''ll give them their formal names."


    With things having come to this point, Qin Liuxi refrained from further protest. She was well aware of the children''s birth details and had also checked their pulses. But the children were too small, and it was too early to make any determinations, so she kept silent.


    "Peace," Qin Liuxi looked at the swaddled babies in the hands of the wet nurse and Ju''er, suggesting, "Just call him ''Peace'' for now. It''s neither pretentious nor humble, and it signifies a life easily sustained."

 Chapter 18 - 20 Miss, It鈥檚 Time for You to Open for Business!

    Chapter 18: Chapter 20 Miss, It''s Time for You to Open for Business!


    Leaving Mrs. Gu''s side, Qin Liuxi returned to her room with Qi Huang. As soon as she entered, her face fell. In just a few days, so many frustrating matters had arisen.


    "I don''t seem to see any increase in the number of servants. Didn''t Uncle Li bring any lads over?" Qin Liuxi poured herself a cup of tea and gulped it down to moisten her throat before she asked Qi Huang.


    Qi Huang replied, "Your orders were clear; how could they not be followed? The boys did come, but Madam only agreed to hire a wet nurse and two coarse servant women."


    Qin Liuxi was startled: "Two?"


    Qi Huang nodded and explained, "Aunt Li still oversees the kitchen. The two robust women handle miscellaneous chores and laundry. As for Xiao Xue''er, Lady has moved her to the inner courtyard, preparing her to be a maid, but she''s not dedicated to serving a specific person."


    Seeing Qin Liuxi frown, Qi Huang reminded her, "Miss, the Qin family is not what it used to be. It''s no longer the official family of the past. When the property was confiscated, we didn''t bring out any valuables. We need to use Silver for everything. How could Madam afford to surround herself with servants like before? Even today''s meal, as you saw, without Silver, we can only tighten our belts. Otherwise, would Second Madam and the others kick up such a fuss?"


    Qin Liuxi gave her a sidelong glance: "I feel like you''re hinting at something."


    Qi Huang said unflinchingly, "There''s hardly any Silver left in the accounts. I expect Uncle Li will soon come seeking you out to discuss this matter."


    Meaning, it''s time for you to start doing business!


    Qin Liuxi''s scalp tightened. Hardly any Silver left - did this mean she could no longer afford to slack off?


    "That''s impossible. What about the Silver Coin I saved before? You kept track of it, right?" She had saved a small fortune before; it couldn''t be gone so soon.


    Qi Huang magically produced an account book and a small abacus and began to calculate. "Allow this servant to remind you, your laziness and refusal to take on work or even hide away, aren''t proper. You occasionally purchase medicine ingredients from Changsheng Hall. I remember you bought a Century-old ginseng last month, oh, it went into the medicine, which was given to Mr. Zhong of West Street. You charged him five taels of Silver, but that ginseng cost two thousand taels."


    Qin Liuxi''s lips twitched, slightly guiltily she said, "Do I actually give things away for free?"


    Qi Huang chuckled, her smile plainly suggesting that not only do you do it, but you do it often!


    Her young mistress, though seemingly world-weary and indifferent, had the softest heart. She healed and saved people based on mood, fate, and karma. If someone was utterly wicked, she wouldn''t save them for all the Gold in the world and would even wish them an early death. But for those poor and kind-hearted, she not only saved them altruistically but would often do so even at her own expense.


    Thus, even if she had accumulated some Silver Coin in the past, she couldn''t withstand her generosity; she was truly too lenient with her wealth.


    And with such extravagance coupled with her idleness, a fortune would soon be squandered despite having plenty.


    Qin Liuxi touched her nose and asked, "How much Silver is left in the accounts now?"


    Qi Huang flipped through the account book and answered, "There are a thousand taels left. Oh, Chen Pi mentioned that Changsheng Hall has received a new batch of medicine, among which is the Wind Spirit Flower you''ve long been seeking."


    Qin Liuxi''s eyes lit up.


    Seeing her sparkling eyes, Qi Huang mercilessly doused her enthusiasm, "Miss, we''re out of Silver."


    Qin Liuxi waved her hand dismissively, "Understood, understood. After the twin''s third-day washing ceremony at Third Aunt''s tomorrow, we''ll make a trip to the Daoist Temple. Also, send Chen Pi to Changsheng Hall to ask Shopkeeper Qian to reserve the Wind Spirit Flower for us."


    Qi Huang nodded, about to speak when a familiar voice of Mrs. Wang came from outside.


    "Is Xixi inside?"

 Chapter 19 - 21 Legitimate Mother Sends a Hairpin

    Chapter 19: Chapter 21 Legitimate Mother Sends a Hairpin


    Mrs. Wang stood in the small, secluded courtyard of Qin Liuxi, looking around.


    The courtyard was not very big and did not have many flowers or plants. It was simple and square, with a small artificial hill piled up in the northwest corner. Below the hill was a small pond with a few lotus plants. It was almost the end of July, yet there was still a trembling lotus flower blooming, with two odd little fish, one black and one white, swimming inside.


    This scene made Mrs. Wang linger and forget to return. She then glanced toward the southeast corner where a pomegranate tree was planted. The pomegranate flowers were still blooming, bright and luxuriant, demonstrating a vibrant vitality.


    A breeze came, carrying a mix of floral scents. Mrs. Wang was about to follow the fragrance when Qin Liuxi came out to greet her.


    "Why are you here, mother?" Qin Liuxi greeted Mrs. Wang with a bow.


    Mrs. Wang paused, her lips curving slightly: "It''s not yet completely dark. I came to have a chat with you."


    Qin Liuxi stepped aside, inviting her inside.


    Mrs. Wang did not decline and stepped up into the house. Once inside, she looked around.


    The interior was simple without any luxurious decorations or ornaments. Under the window, there was a table with the Four Treasures of the Study and several untidily stacked books. Beside the table was a beauty couch with a light cyan blanket on it.


    In the center of the room, there was a round table with tea sets on it. Mrs. Wang sat down, and Qi Huang served the tea.


    Mrs. Wang took a sip and looked at Qin Liuxi: "This residence is not small, there are many empty rooms. Over the years, why did you choose to live in this small courtyard?"


    Qin Liuxi replied indifferently: "Convenient, quiet."


    Mrs. Wang choked on these words. How could this be considered quiet? The courtyard was close to the back street, and it even had a corner gate opened for convenient access; some noise could still come through.


    But she couldn''t really mean the convenience of coming and going, could she?


    Mrs. Wang forcefully suppressed this thought, looking at the too-light face in front of her, momentarily at a loss for words.


    The natural mother of Qin Liuxi was extremely beautiful, and needless to say, her figure was also. However, Qin Liuxi didn''t quite resemble her.


    Qin Liuxi''s features were not gentle, her cheeks slightly gaunt, her lips thin and crimson, but her eyes were extremely expressive. When her eye corners lifted, she looked invincible, contemptuous of everyone.


    This look was quite captivating.


    Mrs. Wang said: "All these years, you''ve been alone in the old house. It must have been hard for you."


    Qin Liuxi lifted her eyelids and said: "It''s not about hardship. It''s quite fine. I''m used to it."


    Mrs. Wang stiffened again, not saying much but pulling a small silver hairpin from her sleeve and handing it to her: "You should have had a ceremony for your coming of age. There was a sudden family issue, and nothing valuable could be brought out. This silver hairpin was only purchased yesterday; the gift is modest."


    Qin Liuxi looked at the silver hairpin with a begonia pattern, hesitated a moment before taking it, and said: "Thank you, mother."


    Mrs. Wang tugged at the corner of her mouth: "What thanks to speak of? This should have been given by the Qin family. If not for the mishap, you should have had a better hairpin, after all, you are the legitimate daughter of my Qin family, recognized if only nominally."


    Qin Liuxi was silent for a moment, then clipped the silver hairpin into her hair and reached out to touch her mother''s wrist, saying: "Don''t worry."


    The moment her hand touched the pulse, Qin Liuxi''s eyebrows furrowed, and looking at Mrs. Wang''s Children Palace, her expression darkened a bit, her lips pursing.


    "Mother, your nights are restless, and your liver is congested with anger. If this continues for a long time, it harms the body and lifespan. Only with a broad heart, can there be hope."


    Mrs. Wang''s pupils shook, and she locked eyes with her.

 Chapter 20 - 22: The Noble Guest from Whose Family

    Chapter 20: Chapter 22: The Noble Guest from Whose Family


    Mrs. Wang walked out of Qin Liuxi''s courtyard, her head slightly lowered, gazing at the item she held in her hands, her thoughts momentarily adrift. She had come to deliver the belated coming-of-age hairpin to Qin Liuxi, but Qin Liuxi had returned to her a Jade hairpin. Etched with a Ruyi knot on the moon-white Jade hairpin, its quality could not compare to the various jade pieces she had owned before, but when held in hand, it was moist and vibrant, definitely not something a silver hairpin could match. "Ruyi hairpin, be at ease, may all be as you wish," Qin Liuxi had said at the time. A hint of sorrow appeared in Mrs. Wang''s eyes: "This girl..." She pressed her hand against her chest, took off the cloth band used to tie her hair, and fastened her hair with the Jade hairpin before leaving at a measured pace.


    Inside the room, Qi Huang looked at the silver hairpin in Qin Liuxi''s hand and muttered, "Miss, that Jade hairpin could buy many such silver hairpins, you really are generous with it." That Jade hairpin might not look the best, but it was a Magic Artifact nurtured by Qin Liuxi, attracting auspice and warding off misfortune, not at all comparable to an ordinary Jade hairpin. Qin Liuxi toyed with the silver hairpin in her hand, "It''s just a Jade hairpin, worth your protection. You said they didn''t even send a coming-of-age gift; look, isn''t this a blessing from an elder." Qi Huang replied with disdain, "You actually value such a silver hairpin?" Qin Liuxi, with a nonchalant voice, said, "The Qin family has been plundered, has to take care of matters in the northwest, and has a whole family to support, so every Silver Coin must be carefully spent. The heartless ones wouldn''t remember I didn''t even have a hairpin for my coming-of-age, while the caring ones, even a silver hairpin represents their sentiment."


    Qi Huang said, "You have a broad and kind heart." Qin Liuxi smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, saying, "Let''s see if wearing that hairpin can change her Qi Fortune. If fate is Heartless, then our family should prepare for a funeral." Qi Huang was taken aback and asked, "You mean?" Qin Liuxi''s expression was inscrutable, "Whether my brother can meet a benefactor, it''s all up to destiny!" While they were talking, Uncle Li''s request to see her was heard from outside, and Qi Huang instantly showed an expression eager for drama. Qin Liuxi felt a bit numb. Poverty, it''s a bit of trouble!


    ...


    On the road to exile in the northwest, nearing August, the nighttime temperature was already ice-cold, let alone for the thinly dressed individuals, who felt the bone-chilling cold even more. "Yan''er, Yan''er," a harrowing cry echoed through the official road. The official guards exchanged glances and went over to ask, "What happened?" The middle-aged man holding his son, dishevelled and wearing only an undergarment, looking haggard, turned to the guards with a pained expression, pleading, "Sir, my son has a high fever that won''t subside, and he has fainted. I implore you to take my son to see a doctor." As he spoke, he knelt down with a thud and kowtowed several times.


    "Sir," an old man with white hair and a shaky stance was also helped over by another son, kneeling down, "Sir, have mercy, my Qin family will be forever grateful." The official guard looked at the frail child and then at the old man, saying to another guard, "There''s a station not far ahead, I''ll take him on horseback first to see if there''s a doctor, and what can be done, it''s all up to heaven." "Thank you, sir," was the reply. The guard picked up the child and mounted his horse, and with a flick of the reins, he was off in a cloud of dust.


    At the station, a caravan was approaching, and seeing the guard galloping over, they all moved aside. A Steward came out from the station towards the carriage and said, "My lord, you can get out of the carriage now." "I heard some commotion just now, what''s the matter?" a slightly hoarse voice sounded from inside the carriage as the curtain was drawn aside. "A child has developed a high fever, and the guard is looking for a doctor. It seems to be a prisoner''s child being exiled to the northwest." The man with the aquiline nose in the carriage responded with an "Oh" and was unconcerned. Seeing the exiled to the northwest was common. "By the way, it was said that the child''s family name is Qin, seemingly from the capital!" The man''s steps paused, the Qin family?

 Chapter 21 - 23: Lining One鈥檚 Pockets?

    Chapter 21: Chapter 23: Lining One''s Pockets?


    Mrs. Gu''s twin sons'' "Third Day Washing" ceremony was insisted by Old Mrs. Qin to be attended by everyone as a sign of importance.


    In fact, only family members could attend, for such an untimely birth of these twins.


    Qin Liuxi arrived just on time, yawning as she entered, her casual demeanor drawing the eyes of those in the side room, all filled with curiosity.


    Yesterday, this eldest sister seemed formidable, not someone easy to provoke.


    Qin Liuxi swept her gaze around, it passed over everyone''s plain cloth skirts, not seeing much discomfort, look, adversity will make you quickly adapt.


    Her gaze stopped momentarily on Aunt Wan and her peach-eyed little dumpling by her side, her eyebrows twitching slightly.


    It''s true that clothes make the man, but some, born stunningly beautiful, even in simple coarse cloth, cannot hide their remarkable beauty.


    Her biological mother was such; even wearing the same coarse cloth and tying her hair casually with a red band, lacking flamboyance, yet added a touch of graceful purity, still breathtakingly beautiful.


    Beautiful people are pleasing to the eye, and Qin Liuxi acknowledged that.


    Aunt Wan, catching her daughter''s gaze, proudly puffed out her chest, as if saying, "I am the most beautiful in the world!"


    And Qin Mingchun, her full sister, also puffed out her little chest, her gaze pure.


    Qin Liuxi shifted her gaze.


    Qin Mingchun seemed somewhat dejected, softly tugging at Aunt Wan''s skirt, a little aggrieved.


    The other young girls looked at Qin Liuxi''s attire, their eyes slightly red - all of similar age, couldn''t they have shared one or two sets of her clothes?


    Mrs. Wang supported Old Mrs. Qin as she came in, Mrs. Xie stepped forward, eyeing the Ruyi hairpin that gathered her hair, her expression changing instantly.


    Just yesterday, her mother gave her a wallet, and today there''s a jade hairpin on her head, this Wang Yanru, still claiming no selfishness, but already reaping benefits!


    During the house search, Mrs. Xie knew exactly how everyone behaved, yet just yesterday, Mrs. Wang used a cloth to tie her hair and today, a jade hairpin appears, not purchased but fallen from heaven?


    Mrs. Xie, without a second thought, questioned, "The jade hairpin on elder sister''s head is quite unique, I''ve never seen it before."


    Swish swish swish.


    Everyone''s gaze fell on Mrs. Wang, their eyes flickering.


    Where did it come from?


    Newly bought?


    What about theirs?


    Mrs. Wang remained composed and said, "You have good taste, it''s a filial gift from Xixi to me, her mother!"


    Meaning, can you encourage your own daughter to give you one?


    She looked at Qin Liuxi, her eyes tender, strangely enough, after receiving this hairpin and hearing Qin Liuxi''s words, the sleepless nights ended, and she slept peacefully last night, looking much fresher this morning.


    Qin Liuxi''s gaze swept over her Children Palace, she lowered her eyes, rubbing her fingertips.


    Mrs. Xie, taken aback, glanced at Qin Liuxi, then Aunt Wan, laughing, "Miss Xi does play favorites, even Aunt Wan doesn''t have one."


    Qin Liuxi looked towards Aunt Wan, who came to her senses and said confusedly, "Isn''t it normal that I don''t have one? Lady is the wife and I am the concubine, can I even compare?"


    Mrs. Xie: "..."


    Forgot she''s a bit foolish.


    "Everyone''s here, let''s start," Old Mrs. Qin said lightly.


    Nanny Ding directed Ju''er and wet nurses to bring in the children, the midwife lit incense and arranged the ceremony, starting to chant auspicious phrases soon after.


    Plop.


    Old Mrs. Qin first tossed two silver shells in, the midwife overjoyed, the auspicious words flowed freely.


    The other adults also threw in some copper coins.


    Thud.


    Two small ingots were placed in the wooden basin, leaving everyone stunned. She''s this wealthy?


    Qin Liuxi withdrew her hand that placed the ingots, walking out under the envious gaze of everyone.

 Chapter 22 - 24 Seeking Medical Help Rather Than Enmity

    Chapter 22: Chapter 24 Seeking Medical Help Rather Than Enmity


    ```


    Qin Liuxi changed into a different outfit, mounted the carriage, and left the residence to depart from the city. She parted the curtains and gazed into the distance at the lush, green forests, exhaling a long sigh.


    Just three short days had been enough to suffocate her nearly into depression; she truly wasn''t suited for communal living.


    "Young master seems like he''s fleeing from a great disaster," Chen Pi, sitting atop the carriage shaft, chuckled upon hearing the sigh from inside.


    At this moment, Qin Liuxi, in the eyes of others, was dressed as a young man, and whenever she adopted this appearance, Chen Pi and the others would instinctively address her as "young master."


    Qin Liuxi slouched lazily inside the carriage, pinching a piece of candied fruit and popping it into her mouth, she mumbled, "Your young master wholeheartedly agrees."


    She even considered whether to stay at a Daoist Temple for a few days to hide and enjoy some tranquility.


    Chen Pi laughed softly.


    Qingping Temple was just on the outskirts of the city, and the carriage ride would only take a little over two hours; with a fast horse, it would take just over an hour to reach.


    Meanwhile, in one of the guest chambers of Qingping Temple, a servant brought in a plate of fresh wild berries to a young man seated on a cushion in the room.


    "Master, it has been three days already, shall we just wait here doing nothing? Why not let Huo Lang tie up the Daoist priests here, and after eighteen types of torments, they''ll surely confess where the Daoist doctor can be found."


    Qi Qian picked up a berry, still beaded with water droplets, and glanced sideways at him, saying, "When did you become so impatient? To tie up a Daoist priest, you dare say such a thing!"


    Ying Nan was kneeling in front, saying, "Am I not just anxious? These Taoists are impervious to oil and salt, speaking only of fate and divine will. I have been impatient for a long time; if they truly had compassionate hearts, they should disclose the whereabouts of that Daoist doctor to us, considering our sincere prayers for healing."


    He was an atheist, not believing in either Taoism or Buddhism, especially after spending so much time with his own master, he scorned such illusory things, believing that strength and power were truly important.


    Just like with these Taoist priests, if they were captured and subjected to threats and bribes, wouldn''t they reveal where the Daoist doctor was?


    "Master, you surely haven''t started to believe in this Taoist karma and retribution, have you?"


    Qi Qian bit into a berry and said, "It''s not that I believe in karma and retribution, but I''m afraid of inadvertently offending the Daoist doctor."


    Ying Nan was stunned, could his master really be afraid of offending a mere doctor?


    Qi Qian eyed him and said, "Medicine and poison are two sides of the same coin; a doctor capable of healing is also capable of poisoning. If offended, they might change one ingredient in a medicine or misidentify an acupoint, leading you to your death."


    "He wouldn''t dare!"


    "It doesn''t matter if he dares or not. A real Divine Doctor, one should seek to befriend rather than make an enemy. In this world, not just you and I, who doesn''t have some minor ailments? Befriending a truly skilled Divine Doctor can only be good with no harm." Qi Qian lowered his gaze, "We''re here to seek healing, not to make enemies."


    Ying Nan''s face turned slightly red, and he said, "It is my shallowness."


    Qi Qian continued, "Wait a bit longer, the Daoist said that the person will surely come to the mountain in the next few days. Maybe Ying Bei will also bring good news from the city. If we still cannot find him, then we''ll make another plan."


    The key was that Gu Cheng mentioned, this Daoist doctor has a peculiar temperament, and could only be treated nicely, not offended; otherwise, even with millions of wealth, he would not treat you if he said so.


    If he truly could cure his grandmother''s old ailment, what''s the harm in waiting?


    "Yes."


    "Master," Huo Lang rushed in with a face full of joy, "That person has appeared."


    Qi Qian suddenly stood up, "Really?"


    "Just like the one depicted in the scroll, and also, I saw her treating someone."


    Qi Qian immediately went out, saying, "Lead the way."


    ```

 Chapter 23 - 25: Kid, I am that Diamond Cutter

    Chapter 23: Chapter 25: Kid, I am that Diamond Cutter


    Qin Liuxi rose from the carriage, casually wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth, and asked languidly, "What''s going on outside?"


    "Master, there''s an old lady who''s suddenly fallen critically ill, and everyone is in a panic."


    Qin Liuxi gave an indifferent "Oh," and was about to order the continuation of the trip up the mountain, but then he remembered Qi Huang''s words about the thousand taels they still had.


    A thousand... taels!


    Qin Liuxi was somewhat glum and stepped down from the carriage. Chen Pi, upon seeing this, immediately followed behind her.


    Civilians were gathered around, pointing and discussing, and the family was desperately shouting for a doctor while rushing the carriage to come so they could return to the city for medical help.


    As Qin Liuxi approached, the bystanders gave her a glance and naturally made way.


    Such a handsome young man, but as inaccessible as the icy peaks of a snow mountain.


    Qin Liuxi glanced at the old woman on the ground and was about to speak when someone announced that a doctor had arrived. She looked over and saw a thin old man with a white beard, and she simply stood there with her arms folded.


    She did not have the habit of snatching patients.


    "Ah, this is a stroke," said the elder, examining the old woman''s sallow complexion, twitching limbs, and crooked mouth. Without even taking her pulse, he made his diagnosis.


    Huh, a stroke?


    Qin Liuxi''s mouth twitched, thinking where did this quack, spouting nonsense, come from!


    "Doctor, doctor, please save my mother! I will reward you handsomely." The middle-aged man in a brocade robe who was supporting the old woman looked at him as if he had seen a savior.


    The doctor stroked his white beard, pretending to be compassionate and said, "Rest assured, a doctor''s heart is like a parent''s. Now that I am here, there is no reason not to save her."


    He squatted down, placed two fingers on the old woman''s wrist, his expression changing slightly. Could it be that he couldn''t feel her pulse?


    "How is it, doctor?"


    The doctor became a bit flustered, focused again, and tried to feel for the pulse once more. Indeed, not a single of the Six Meridians was detectable. Was she dead?


    "This..." He clenched his teeth, took a silver needle from the cloth bag he carried, and tried to let blood from the old woman''s fingertips, but she did not awaken. The son began to grow impatient at the sight, his gaze towards the doctor turning increasingly hostile and skeptical.


    "Old Lady, your limbs are ice-cold; did you catch a cold last night?" asked the doctor.


    The man turned to look at the servants, and an old nurse quickly said, "Last night, the Old Lady went to bed early in anticipation of visiting the Daoist Temple to offer incense today. She didn''t get up in the night, nor did she have any discomfort."


    "This can''t be," the doctor said. "Well, I will write a prescription and borrow the facilities of a nearby farmhouse to brew it..."


    "If it''s indeed a stroke, why are you treating it as a cold?" Qin Liuxi could no longer stand idly by, stepping forward to address the elder: "Old man, your diagnosis is uncertain, yet you recklessly prescribe. Do you intend to commit murder?"


    The doctor''s face fell: "Where did this insolent brat come from? You''re defaming me!"


    "I may defame you, but it''s still better than you, a quack doctor, dispensing random prescriptions. If she were to take your concoction, the Old Lady would soon be taking a journey to the Western Heaven!"


    Doctor: "..."


    Middle-aged man: "!"


    Do you know how to speak properly?


    The middle-aged man, still retaining some rationality and recognizing Qin Liuxi''s confident assertions, suppressed his displeasure and noticed her face for the first time, asking softly, "Young Master, could it be that you are also knowledgeable in medicine?"


    "I know a bit, you have money?"


    A vein popped on the middle-aged man''s forehead as he patiently replied: "My name is Qian, from Li City Four-direction Street, not as wealthy as a nation, but nevertheless possessed of immense wealth. As long as you can save my mother, a generous reward is assured! But one''s life is at stake, and if you don''t have the expertise, don''t take on this responsibility, for I know all too well that matricide is an unforgivable sin!"


    Landlord Qian''s gaze was sharp, hiding a warning.


    Hey, look at my temper!


    Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow and said, "Landlord Qian speaks well, with money involved, I might just be that capable person you need!"

 Chapter 24 - 26: Treating an Elderly Woman, Open Wide

    Chapter 24: Chapter 26: Treating an Elderly Woman, Open Wide


    With money, I am that diamond drill!


    Qin Liuxi spat out these words, and everyone present was stunned for a moment. Upon closer examination, they couldn''t help but be dazzled.


    This young man, was truly handsome. As he spoke, he carried a bit of a frivolous and wicked charm, making him even more enticing. Look at all the young wives and girls present, which one wasn''t blushing and stealing glances with pursed lips?


    Chen Pi glanced over, feeling somewhat proud. His young miss was indeed adored by both men and women ¨C no, that is to say, she was liked by everyone!


    Landlord Qian, however, hesitated a bit. To say ''with money one is a diamond drill'' implied that without silver, was she saying she''d be as worthless as silver-coated weaponry?


    It seemed somewhat unreliable!


    Landlord Qian wanted to return to the city, but the trip would take over two hours, and he was also worried about delaying his mother''s illness, putting him in a difficult situation.


    But Qin Liuxi had already squatted down, her fingers touching the Old Lady''s wrist, examining her complexion, while her other hand felt the abdomen. The body was ice-cold, the Six Meridians entirely absent, face darkened and stomach retracted.


    The attending doctor had already stood by Qin Liuxi as she took the pulse, looking on gloatingly. He didn''t believe that this boy, whose facial hair hadn''t even fully grown in, could actually practice medicine. It would be perfect if he could clean up this mess.


    "Did the Old Lady suffer from diarrhea during midsummer, feeling weak and tired, yet didn''t take any medicine?" Qin Liuxi asked the old maid.


    The old maid was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly nodded, "Exactly, exactly. It was hot this year, and the Old Lady ate a bit too much cold melon for the sake of staying cool, leading to diarrhea and her spirit was also not good."


    Landlord Qian was furious, "When the Old Lady was unwell, why didn''t you call for a doctor to prescribe medicine?"


    The maid shrank back a bit, "The Old Lady wouldn''t allow it, she only secretly drank some Pueraria Water once, and was also worried about the Lady..."


    Landlord Qian''s brows furrowed as he looked towards Qin Liuxi.


    Qin Liuxi touched the pulse, her brows slightly raised as she said, "Landlord Qian''s household has a pregnant woman, who is also feeling unwell, and it has become a matter not to be discussed, right?"


    Landlord Qian''s pupils contracted, and a chill ran down his spine. How did she know?


    Nevertheless, Qin Liuxi seemed to ask this casually, before redirecting the topic back to the Old Lady, "The spleen is responsible for raising yang, and the stomach for the movement of qi. When earthly elements are strong, clear yang is distributed everywhere; when they are weak, turbid yin clogs and obstructs. The Old Lady has long suffered from diarrhea without proper medication, resulting in a drain of vitality. Moreover, she suddenly fell while making an earnest trip up to the Daoist Temple, which is like a collapse of an empty earth, leading to the prolapse of spleen energy and stomach qi rising..."


    She explained clearly and logically, but seeing Landlord Qian and the others looking puzzled, she simplified the conclusion, "In other words, the Old Lady shunned medical advice and concealed her illness, which led to the weakening of her spleen and stomach. Added to her mental exhaustion and ascending the mountain on foot, she suddenly fainted and her face turned cold and green with skewed convulsions."


    "How can this be treated?"


    "Do you have ginseng in your carriage?" Qin Liuxi asked, looking towards the nearby carriage.


    "Yes, we do."


    "Take one liang (tael) of ginseng and five qian (units) of processed ginger with five slices boiled together for the Old Lady to drink. In about one to two hours, her fingers will start to warm up slightly, and by midnight, her body will become warm and her consciousness will be clear. Afterward, continue with a regimen focused on tonifying the middle and restoring the spleen." As Qin Liuxi recited the prescription, she also took out a Golden Needle from the wallet hanging at her waist and inserted it at an angle into the Du Meridian, at the acupoint.


    As she performed acupuncture, her face slightly lowered, her slender, pale fingertips kneading delicately, applying varying pressures. Before long, the Old Lady showed signs of movement.


    "She''s awake, she''s awake," shouted someone from the crowd of onlookers.


    Landlord Qian was overjoyed, "Mother?"


    Old Mrs. Qian opened her eyes, opened her mouth, but couldn''t speak, looking frail.


    "Young master, my mother, she..."


    "She just woke up and is still weak, it''s alright. Go boil the prescription and drink it, then go home to recover, and additionally have a doctor regulate the spleen and stomach." Qin Liuxi stood up and said with a smile, "Landlord Qian, since the Old Lady has awakened and I''ve prescribed a treatment, my fee is one hundred Silver Coins."

 Chapter 25 - 27: What Happened to the Doctor鈥檚 Benevolent Heart?

    Chapter 25: Chapter 27: What Happened to the Doctor''s Benevolent Heart?


    One hundred taels for a diagnosis fee!


    Even the old doctor who had been ready to flee in disgrace, let alone the onlooking commoners, all gasped in astonishment. That was, simply put, far too expensive!


    Look at this young man. He felt the pulse, inserted a needle, prescribed some medicine, and all within less a time than it takes to drink a cup of tea ¨C and then he had the gall to ask for a hundred taels.


    This, this is downright daylight robbery!


    Even in the city, the most expensive doctors from Shengyuan Hall don''t charge this much. Yet, this young man dares to ask for so much.


    Landlord Qian was also alarmed. He had amassed his wealth through hard work in business, not by a stroke of luck. Was this young man deliberately trying to extort him?


    But it was he who had promised a generous reward. As a businessman who valued integrity above all else, Landlord Qian felt he was being taken advantage of, but he wouldn''t lose his reputation over a hundred taels.


    Moreover, he had some other concerns he wanted to ask about.


    Landlord Qian took out a silver note worth a hundred taels from his wallet and handed it to Qin Liuxi, saying, "Young Master saved my mother, and this diagnosis fee is well deserved. But as the saying goes, ''Don''t trouble two masters with one issue.'' My mother''s condition needs further care, could you please examine her more closely?"


    Qin Liuxi took the silver note without even looking at it and handed it directly to Chen Pi, saying, "Landlord Qian, you are straightforward, and so this is easy to discuss. But your worries aren''t just about Old Mrs. Qian''s health, are they?"


    Landlord Qian''s heart skipped a beat as he remembered the casual question he had asked earlier. Seeing that his mother''s complexion had noticeably improved, he pursed his lips, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted, "To speak honestly, my wife is currently pregnant and has been feeling unwell lately. After consulting doctors for a month without improvement, we thought to add some incense oil at the Daoist Temple and ask for a peace charm for her well-being. Little did we expect this incident to happen."


    "You did come to the right place, having met me by chance. Your Lady surely cannot rest comfortably," said the old lady whose pulse indicated she had been through the bloom of youth and widowhood, old age with numerous sicknesses, a lost daughter-in-law, and a frail young grandson. Suffering hardships from a young age, if she could get past this ordeal, her descendants'' lives would also change for the better.


    Landlord Qian''s eyes widened, "How do you know?" Not waiting for Qin Liuxi to reply, he anxiously asked, "May I ask if you could visit and diagnose my wife at home?"


    "This..." Qin Liuxi rubbed his thumb and index finger together.


    Landlord Qian, sensing the implied request, eagerly said, "If Young Master can cure my wife''s ailment, not to mention a hundred, I, Mr. Qian, am willing to pay a thousand taels for the diagnosis fee."


    Having longed for this child for many years, he couldn''t afford the slightest mistake. A thousand taels was an understatement; if both mother and child were safe, he would willingly spend all his wealth.


    Qin Liuxi''s lips curled into a smile, "And where is your estate?"


    Landlord Qian quickly gave his address.


    Qin Liuxi nodded, remembering it, and said, "I will visit your home tomorrow at the hour of the dragon."


    Upon hearing this, Landlord Qian hurriedly bowed deeply and said, "I shall personally await your arrival."


    Qin Liuxi waved her hand dismissively, "Old Lady shouldn''t stay out for too long. Have the medicine soup and head back to the city."


    Landlord Qian bowed again and saw her off.


    With the crowd pointing the way, Qin Liuxi turned and headed for the carriage.


    Before she reached the carriage, suddenly someone collapsed heavily in front of her, raising a cloud of dust that made her nose itch.


    The person began to raise his hand, "Doctor, please save..."


    Qin Liuxi stepped over his hand without a glance, not giving him a second look.


    What an actor, a complete waste of her time!


    Ying Nan: "!"


    What happened to the heart of a doctor being akin to a parent''s?


    How cold-hearted!


    "May I ask, Young Master, are you Daoist Doctor Buqiu?"


    Just as Qin Liuxi was about to get on the carriage, she heard a question from beside her and turned her head to see a pair of profound and deep eyes.

 Chapter 26 - 28: Is it Buqiu?

    Chapter 26: Chapter 28: Is it Buqiu?


    The young man before her was just over twenty, with a stern set of facial features. A Purple Gold Crown held his hair in place, and his figure was tall and slender like Cuizhu. He wore a black robe flecked with gold-woven brocade and matching brocade boots embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, one hand casually resting behind his back, exuding an overwhelming noble aura.


    His entire demeanor and appearance were of the highest calibre, yet upon closer inspection, his face was somewhat strange¡ªas if shrouded in clouds and mist. It had an air of nobility, but also seemed a bit unlucky, a contradictory feeling that aroused intense curiosity.


    Ah, curiosity killed the cat¡ªhence, curiosity should be avoided!


    Qin Liuxi hurriedly suppressed the curiosity that had just sprung up.


    While she sized up Qi Qian, he was also scrutinizing her without a sound.


    He had already observed Qin Liuxi treating Old Mrs. Qian and had carefully watched this slender, youthful figure whose status was not yet that of a distinguished young adult. His black hair was simply tied with a ribbon, adding a touch of grace. His features were as delicate as those in a painting ¡ª long eyebrows stretching to the temples and narrow, upturned eyes; his striking facial contours complemented his pale, delicate skin ¡ª androgynous.


    For a moment, Qi Qian thought the person before him was a woman, but seeing her disdainful expression, he had a sudden realization. That cold, contemptuous posture didn''t resemble a woman, for it lacked any trace of feminine gentleness or charm, especially in her movements, which were utterly free-spirited.


    Moreover, her indifference when ignoring Ying Nan collapsed at her feet was nothing short of imperious.


    A woman could not possibly be like this.


    So cool and indifferent.


    "Is this young master the Daoist doctor Buqiu?" Qi Qian clasped his hands in greeting.


    "No."


    Qin Liuxi got into the carriage, patted the carriage wall, and signaled Li Cheng to drive up the mountain.


    This direction led to the Daoist Temple.


    Qi Qian''s eyes flashed briefly, but he did not stop her and merely watched as she ascended the mountain.


    "Master, are we not stopping her?" Huo Lang did not understand his master''s intent at this moment.


    Ying Nan had already gotten up, dusting off himself, and said, "Master, we''ve got the wrong person, right? Look at her, does she have even a trace of a doctor''s compassion?"


    No, there is some, otherwise, she would have stepped directly on his hand instead of walking over!


    "No, this is quite in line with the rumors about her character," Qi Qian narrowed his eyes slightly.


    Willful and untamed, mysterious in her whereabouts, extraordinary in her actions, and when he asked, she answered too decisively, not even inquiring who Buqiu is, not the slightest bit curious.


    Either she herself is Buqiu, which is why she was not curious and simply refused him.


    "So, master, what are we waiting for? Shall we catch up to her?"


    Qi Qian said, "We are not in a hurry. Let''s go back to the Daoist Temple first. However, Huo Lang, you keep an eye on the movements of the Qian family, see how Old Mrs. Qian is doing?"


    Although they came seeking a healer, since they had encountered her, it was also a good opportunity to see if her medical skills were as miraculous as rumored, especially after witnessing her conversation with Landlord Qian, his curiosity intensified.


    Huo Lang suddenly understood. The one who had accepted Landlord Qian''s invitation would visit the Qian family to provide medical consultation tomorrow; they could still intercept, which was also a chance to see how Old Mrs. Qian was recovering.


    After all, the one they needed to treat was the Old Princess Consort; negligence was not an option.


    "I''m on my way."


    On Qin Liuxi''s side, Chen Pi was also inquiring of his master: "Those people came seeking medical help, right? They seem quite formidable."


    "Of noble birth, with a prominent Fu Xi bone structure and double pupils, this individual has the countenance of a prince ¡ª he is either a scion of the royal family or a prince," said Qin Liuxi indolently.


    Chen Pi exclaimed, "You turned him down?"


    "Turned down? We will meet again," Qin Liuxi flicked her finger, continuing, "We might need to travel in a few days."


    Ah, it''s a bit troublesome, running around; it''s so exhausting.


    But if he''s truly a noble, then arrangements are necessary; she can''t overlook the cadre she is responsible for, especially the most important ones still trudging along the Northwest Road.

 Chapter 27 - 29: The Predetermined Deadly Tribulation

    Chapter 27: Chapter 29: The Predetermined Deadly Tribulation


    Qin Liuxi entered the Daoist Temple and headed straight for the main hall. In front of the Grandmaster''s large incense burner, she bowed several times and then began to dig.


    Suddenly, a flash of white light came towards her. She agilely dodged it with a twist of her body.


    "Hey, you can''t hit me, you just can''t hit me!" She clenched her fist triumphantly, holding a piece of jade-colored corner in her hand.


    The white light swung again, accompanied by a cursing voice: "Hey, where did this little thief come from, stealing right in front of the Grandmaster, not afraid of the Grandmaster''s blame?"


    "I already greeted him, and his silence meant consent for me to dig. Besides, it''s my own stuff I buried; how can that be stealing!" Qin Liuxi argued.


    Three Pure Ancestors: I''ll descend sooner or later to strike her dead!


    "Nothing else grows, but your mouth keeps blabbing endlessly as if sharpened on a whetstone!" Standing in front of Qin Liuxi was an old man in a Daoist robe with a bun, no, an old Daoist, pointing at her with a white horsetail whisk.


    Qin Liuxi smiled: "Look at how delicate I am, I surely can''t use a whetstone, it must be slick talk!"


    Master Chi Yuan glared at her and then looked at her hand: "Came up here just to dig for jade?"


    Qin Liuxi stirred the ash in the incense burner to level it, then let go of her hand, revealing two small jade buckles in her palm, walked over to the old Taoist, and said, "We''ve added two little brothers at home, Qi Xingzi, who are so fragile. Without some Magic Artifacts, I''m afraid they can''t be taken care of."


    "Oh, you''re usually cold and heartless, and suddenly you''re all benevolent. Could it be that your conscience kicked in?" Master Chi Yuan scoffed.


    Qin Liuxi glared at him, saying, "It''s not my conscience, it''s that I''m afraid someone will kick me out of the sect."


    "You? Scared?"


    Qin Liuxi just hummed.


    The two of them walked out of the main hall towards the rear hall, chatting as they went.


    "Has everyone from your family come?" Master Chi Yuan subdued his playful demeanor.


    "Mhm." Qin Liuxi replied, "Except for my grandfather and a few others, it''s all old people, women, and children."


    "A fated calamity that cannot be avoided, only faced. Compared to beheading, having the family confiscated and exiled is already a great fortune." Holding the horsetail whisk, Master Chi Yuan said, "If not for you these years, we might all be meeting in the Yellow Spring by now."


    This calamity of the Qin family was a karma from their ancestors, a deathly ordeal, worse than the current outcome. It''s only because of the merits Qin Liuxi had accumulated over the years that the family was preserved.


    Qin Liuxi remained noncommittal.


    Master Chi Yuan wasn''t worried, as long as Qin Liuxi was willing, she would always be able to resolve this difficulty.


    "Have you encountered that group of people yet?"


    Qin Liuxi glanced at him: "That noble son?"


    "Naturally noble, unspeakably distinguished, it''s just..." Master Chi Yuan''s words trailed off, his expression somewhat inscrutable.


    Qin Liuxi didn''t press further, nor could she, as the old chap''s hand reached out in front of her, making her grimace.


    "It''s not a lot of money, shall we not count it this time?" Qin Liuxi said through gritted teeth, "My whole family depends on me, and we''re very poor, just this time..."


    "Five Disadvantages and Three Deficiencies, if you don''t pay, as your master, I can only sigh for you." Master Chi Yuan wore a look that he would not force her, then said, "You just dug up the incense burner too, I don''t know if the Grandmaster..."


    Qin Liuxi: "..."


    Give, will she give? Isn''t that okay?


    She clenched her teeth and reluctantly handed over fifty taels with a smack to Master Chi Yuan.


    Master Chi Yuan was beaming, flicked his horsetail whisk, and said: "Blessings to the Infinite."


    Qin Liuxi huffed heavily.


    This was one of the reasons why she was poor, no matter how much she earned, half of it always had to go to the temple for adding incense oil and doing good deeds.

 Chapter 28 - 30 A Minor Warning

    Chapter 28: Chapter 30 A Minor Warning


    Qin Liuxi had a room dedicated to her rest and cultivation in the Daoist Temple, and after speaking with Master Chi Yuan, she entered her room to retrieve yellow paper and vermilion to draw talismans.


    The scene of her speaking with Master Chi Yuan was also witnessed by Qi Qian and others.


    "This old Taoist, clearly acquainted with Buqiu, yet stubbornly refuses to tell us, could he be intentionally keeping us in suspense?" Ying Nan, with a pallid complexion from anger, declared: "No, I must go forward and ask him."


    He dashed towards Chi Yuan in a few quick strides and confronted him with a grim face: "Temple master, you clearly recognize Buqiu, why have you been stringing us along for days? Do you not realize lives are at stake?"


    "Ying Nan, show some respect!" Qi Qian stepped forward and rebuked him mildly, his voice carrying little anger.


    He also did not understand, why the temple master of Qingping Temple, who clearly knew Buqiu, would not connect them.


    "My subordinate was rude, I beg the temple master to not take offense, it''s just his youthful impetuosity and lack of patience," stated Qi Qian with a slight arrogance.


    Master Chi Yuan flicked his horsetail whisk and said, "As for karma..."


    "Karma, karma, do you, as an old Daoist, think we are ignorant? Isn''t karma and retribution a Buddhist concept? You are Taoist, what business do you have talking about karma?" Ying Nan interrupted without any courtesy.


    "Good sir, Taoism also speaks of karma, everyone has their fate set by the Heavenly Dao, how dare I meddle with it?" replied the old Taoist.


    "We are merely here to seek medical help, asking you, old Taoist, to facilitate an introduction, how does that involve the Heavenly Dao? That''s quite a stretch!" Ying Nan snorted and said, "You''re clearly just making excuses."


    Chi Yuan maintained a smile: "When the destined moment arrives, the good sir will get what he seeks."


    Qi Qian raised an eyebrow.


    "Heh, you old Taoist, speaking as if reciting a Buddha''s poem..." said Ying Nan.


    "Ying Nan." As Qi Qian spoke, Ying Nan immediately stepped back.


    Master Chi Yuan looked at Qi Qian, his eyes deep, and said, "Some people, with shallow ties to their parents, should remember not to force things, good sir."


    Qi Qian caught his breath, his lips pursed for a moment before he managed a faint smile: "Do not blame my subordinate, even I feel the Daoist is reciting a Buddha''s poem."


    "The abbot of the neighboring Wuxiang Temple is a good friend of mine," smiled Master Chi Yuan.


    Everyone: "..."


    Watching Master Chi Yuan walk away, Ying Nan said, "Master, this old Taoist really is..." he seemed to deserve a smack, as did Buqiu.


    Qi Qian said, "Let it be, he did touch upon a truth, that we will always end up waiting."


    The other side hadn''t said they had found the wrong person, which meant that the young man was indeed Buqiu, so young.


    Qin Liuxi drew several talismans and stacked them neatly, rubbing her nose before getting up, opening the window, and seeing the noble young master.


    "Master, are you planning to descend the mountain?" Chen Pi approached.


    "Yes." If not for those people at home, Qin Liuxi would have planned to reside on the mountain.


    Packing up the talismans, Qin Liuxi descended the mountain.


    "Master, there are men following us," said Chen Pi as he looked back at several strong, high-headed horses.


    With an indifferent command, Qin Liuxi said, "Take a detour through Wanhuai Forest."


    "Yes."


    The carriage entered a narrow path.


    Qi Qian and his party immediately followed, but as they walked, their expressions changed.


    "Master," Ying Nan said with a hint of panic looking at Qi Qian, they had wandered for a long time, the carriage in front had long disappeared, and they found themselves going in circles; this tree, they had passed it five times already.


    Could this be the legendary "ghost hitting the wall"?


    Qi Qian''s expression was very serious, he glanced up at the towering locust trees which had covered the sky; the surroundings were ink-dark, and the rustling of tree tops in the wind sounded sinister and terrifying, as if something they had never encountered before might leap out at them.


    The other party had intentionally led them into the forest.


    Was it a warning for following them?


    Qi Qian gripped the reins tightly, his lips tight with apprehension, and decisively ordered, "Build a fire, we''ll spend the night here."


    He had underestimated the young master.

 Chapter 29 - 31: The Image of the Elder Sister is... Bad!

    Chapter 29: Chapter 31: The Image of the Elder Sister is... Bad!


    Qin Liuxi entered the manor, making her way to her little side courtyard. Yet before she could enter, her steps halted, and she turned to look at the osmanthus tree on the right.


    "Come out."


    As her voice fell, a head peeked out from behind the tree, timidly eyeing her, slowly revealing its entire small body.


    "What are you doing here?" Qin Liuxi looked down upon this small sibling born of the same mother, gazing at him from above.


    Qin Mingchun bashfully approached and performed a respectful bow, "Elder sister."


    Qin Liuxi hummed in response, locking eyes with him.


    The little fellow really knew how to grow, inheriting all the best traits from the parents¡ªsuch a delicate and beautiful little face, so innocent and endearing, quite irresistible to the urge to tease.


    Qin Liuxi reached out and pinched him, quite satisfied with the feeling.


    Qin Mingchun''s eyes widened, filled with disbelief.


    "Don''t cry," Qin Liuxi saw the tears gathering in his lovely peach-like eyes and threatened, "Otherwise, I''ll hit you."


    Burp.


    Elder sister sure is scary.


    Qin Mingchun''s stomach gurgled audibly; he quickly covered it, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and muttered with his head bowed, "I''m not hungry, it''s just my stomach growling on its own."


    Hehe, to think he''s trying to act cute in front of her at such a young age!


    Qin Liuxi cast him a glance, entered the courtyard, and Qin Mingchun, not daring to follow, just watched her go.


    After a long moment, her voice came from inside: "Come in."


    "Yes." Qin Mingchun immediately complied.


    Inside the house, Qin Liuxi took a box handed over by Qi Huang, opened it, and pushed it in front of Qin Mingchun.


    It was a box of four-color pastries, giving off an enticing sweet aroma.


    Qin Mingchun''s peach-blossom eyes lit up as he licked his rosy little lips non-stop.


    Pastries like these used to be commonplace for him before their family''s troubles, but since then, he hadn''t had the chance to taste such delicacies, not to mention extremely refined food.


    "Go ahead and eat."


    "Really? Thank you, elder sister." Qin Mingchun''s eyes sparkled, he wiped his little hands on his clothing, then picked up a piece of Fuling Cake, first licking it, and then taking a tiny bite, revealing a satisfied expression.


    Qin Liuxi watched on and suddenly felt somewhat uncomfortable, yet still maintained a cool demeanor.


    Qin Mingchun nibbled on a small piece, chewed it for a long time before swallowing, then hesitantly said, "I''m full, I won''t eat anymore. Can I save it for later?"


    He claimed he wouldn''t eat any more, but his eyes couldn''t leave the pastry in his hands.


    "No, you can only finish it here with me, or don''t eat at all," Qin Liuxi pretended to take it away.


    Qin Mingchun panicked, quickly stuffing the pastry into his mouth, and in his rush, he began to choke, his little face turning purple as he struggled for breath.


    Qin Liuxi calmly pressed on his stomach, the pastry came out, and upon seeing the little guy coughing continuously, she said, "This is a lesson for you. No matter how delicious food is, you can''t gobble it down in haste, because it might choke you to death."


    Qin Mingchun''s eyes were red-rimmed, looking regretfully at the Fuling Cake on the ground, tears brimming but not falling.


    "Since you''ve finished eating, you can go now."


    "Oh." Qin Mingchun stood up, taking one last reluctant look at the pastries on the table.


    He left, looking back three steps at a time.


    Seeing his behavior, Qin Liuxi picked up the rest and quickly finished them, speaking vaguely, "Gone now."


    Qin Mingchun: "..."


    Tears streamed down his face.


    Qin Liuxi grinned at him, taking pleasure in her deed.


    Unable to take it anymore, Qin Mingchun ran out. Elder sister is so mean.


    Qi Huang came in and said, "You even bully little kids, you''re too wicked!"


    And this one is a close brother at that.


    Qin Liuxi said, "I''m doing this to build an image of the elder sister so that in the future he''ll be wary around me!"


    Qi Huang let out a light scoff, just watch, she would soon end up sending something to the little master anyway, given how adorable he is.


    Sure enough, Qin Liuxi then said, "Take the remaining pastries to Madam."


    Qi Huang thought to herself, look at that, the wickedness doesn''t even last a cup of tea''s time!

 Chapter 30 - 32: Having Such a Sister Is a Great Fortune

    Chapter 30: Chapter 32: Having Such a Sister Is a Great Fortune


    Mrs. Gu was languidly leaning against the bed when she suddenly heard Ju''er shout, "The eldest miss has arrived."


    Qin Liuxi walked in.


    "It''s Xixi who has come." Mrs. Gu showed a pale smile on her face towards her.


    Qin Liuxi looked at her complexion and frowned, "You have not yet recovered from childbirth; you should be resting in bed."


    Mrs. Gu said, "Lying down for too long is also tiring. I only just sat up not long ago. Are you here to see me?"


    "Please lie down, I''ll perform acupuncture on you." Qin Liuxi stepped forward to help her lie down, first took her pulse, then opened a box of Golden Needles, and lifted the blanket.


    Qin Liuxi gently rubbed her abdomen, saying, "This childbirth has greatly depleted your Primordial Qi. To recover well, simple dietary supplements are not enough. It must be complemented with acupuncture to dredge the meridians, guide the yang energy into the body, and replenish the Primordial Qi. Otherwise, even after you recover from confinement, you will suffer from a cold uterus and back pain, especially on rainy days."


    Mrs. Gu looked at her in surprise, "You are so young yet you know so much. Who did you learn your medical skills from? We had no idea that you knew this."


    "It''s quite normal that you don''t know, given that I''ve been away from home since I was young." Qin Liuxi took a Golden Needle, glanced at her, and said, "If you are not at ease, I won''t treat you."


    Mrs. Gu quickly said, "I''m not doubting you, our lives¡ªthe lives of the three of us¡ªwere all saved by you. How could Third Aunt not be grateful and trust you! It''s only curiosity, and admiration; you''re very impressive."


    Qin Liuxi hummed in agreement, offering no rebuttal.


    She held the needle at an angle and pierced Mrs. Gu''s Guanyuan acupoint on her abdomen, shallowly at first then deeper, pressing firmly and lifting slowly nine times. This was followed by Shenque, Mingmen and several other acupoints, treated likewise, repetitively several times.


    As Qin Liuxi twirled the needles, sweat began to form on her forehead. Looking at Mrs. Gu, she said, "Acupuncture, in addition to helping you expel lochia as soon as possible, is also about Solidifying Foundation and Nourishing Yuan, benefiting yang and replenishing deficiencies. It''s normal to feel some heat in your abdomen from the needling, there''s no need to panic."


    Indeed, Mrs. Gu felt a gradual burning warmth in her abdomen, yet she felt no discomfort, only immense relief, and said, "It''s true, it''s miraculous, it feels like there''s hot water compress on my stomach."


    Qin Liuxi didn''t explain that this was the acupuncture technique known as Mountain Fire Burning, naturally comfortable.


    With Mrs. Gu feeling warmth, Qin Liuxi removed the needles, massaged the needle points closed, took out all the needles, and pulled the blanket up for her, saying, "You just rest well."


    "Third Aunt doesn''t know how to thank you enough," Mrs. Gu looked at Qin Liuxi with grateful eyes.


    "I''ve accepted your valuables, it''s only right that I treat you."


    Mrs. Gu was somewhat puzzled, what valuables of hers were there?


    Qin Liuxi didn''t explain further and asked the wet nurse to bring the children over. She took out two jade buckles hanging on red ropes and tied them to their swaddles, saying, "Both your younger brothers, being premature and frail, are more susceptible to harm from evil forces. These two Peace Pendants, which I''ve obtained from the Daoist Temple, should not be removed from them in the future, they will protect them from all evil."


    Mrs. Gu was deeply moved, sat up, and bowed solemnly to Qin Liuxi while still on the bed, "On their behalf, I thank my elder sister for your protection and love."


    Qin Liuxi, hearing the term ''elder sister'', showed no particular emotion. Meanwhile, the two little ones opened their eyes that could not yet focus and looked her way. She curled her fingertips slightly, quickly leaving.


    Mrs. Gu signaled for the wet nurse to place the children on the bed. She picked up the jade buckles to look and with warm eyes, affectionately touched the faces of her two sons, murmuring, "I thought your lives were misfortunate, but it turns out mother was wrong."


    Having a sister like this is a great fortune.

 Chapter 31 - 33 The Only Remaining Blessing of the Qin Family

    Chapter 31: Chapter 33 The Only Remaining Blessing of the Qin Family


    ```


    When Qin Liuxi was performing acupuncture on Mrs. Gu, Mrs. Wang gazed at the four-color pastries in front of her for a long while before sighing lightly.


    "The Qin family indeed has some blessings." Otherwise, how could there be such a residence to live in, and bring up a girl with a sharp and detailed mind?


    "Lady, are you referring to the blessings related to the young miss?" Nanny Shen presented a cup of tea to Mrs. Wang.


    "Is it not?" Mrs. Wang took the tea and retorted, "Let''s not speak of everyone in the entire residence, but just the third branch alone; if it weren''t for her intervention, could this house and those red lanterns still be hanging?"


    Nanny Shen understood the implication, knowing she was referring to Mrs. Gu and her three children. Without Qin Liuxi''s help, that situation would not only have endangered both mother and children but would definitely have led to losses.


    But now, both mother and children are safe, truly a fortunate thing.


    "The young miss is indeed exceptional; no wonder the Old Master insisted on putting it in your name back then." Nanny Shen, with an inscrutable face, said, "Lady, looking at it now, was the young miss being put in your name back then and later sent back to the main house because the old Taoist had already predicted this trouble in the house?"


    Mrs. Wang did not speak, merely stroking the rim of her teacup, lost in thought.


    "If he really predicted the fortunes and misfortunes early on, why did he not mention them? If he had, our Eldest Young Master might not have ended up..."


    Nanny Shen began to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes.


    The Eldest Young Master she mentioned was naturally the eldest son of the main branch, the only legitimate son borne by Mrs. Wang, the true eldest legitimate grandson, who now suffers hardships together with his forebears in that cold and desolate land.


    Just thinking about this made Nanny Shen feel as if her heart was being cut by knives.


    She never had children of her own and served Mrs. Wang her whole life, treating her like her own daughter, and naturally cared for her children as her own grandchildren. That child, who should have been clad in fine garments and studying in school, is now exiled, suffering unknown illnesses and injuries.


    Nanny Shen couldn''t help shedding tears.


    Mrs. Wang also felt a heart-wrenching pain, turned her head away, and wiped the tears from her eyes, saying, "What would have been the use of mentioning it? What is meant to be a blessing cannot turn into a curse, and what is a curse cannot be avoided. If we evade it today, can we also avoid it tomorrow? Nanny, it''s hardest to contend with heaven; even the best calculations cannot surpass fate!"


    "That''s a reasonable point, but the old servant still feels sorry for the young master."


    Mrs. Wang suppressed her sorrow and murmured, "Your heart aches, but as his mother, my heart aches more than yours. I only hate that I cannot suffer in his place."


    Nanny Shen looked at her, seeing the lady she had known since childhood unable to hide her sad spirit, looking even more lonely and desolate under the light, with a haggard appearance.


    Indeed, she is a mother, but she is also the main madam of the Qin family; no matter how hard and painful it is, she can only endure.


    "It''s my fault for upsetting you," Nanny Shen came forward and hugged her, patting her back.


    Mrs. Wang wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "Don''t blame yourself; you have endured these hardships alongside me, how could I blame you? Nanny, you really shouldn''t have come with me back then."


    "This old servant has no children and only this life; wherever I go, I would live my life. Even if it means enduring hardship with you, I have no complaints or regrets."


    On hearing this, Mrs. Wang''s mouth curved into a smile, saying, "Rest assured, I will provide for you in your old age."


    "Alright."


    Mrs. Wang then turned her attention to those pastries, perked up, and said, "Distribute some of these pastries to Aunt Wan and Chun''er, and also to the Old Lady, and send another portion to the third sister-in-law."


    "What about you?"


    Mrs. Wang shook her head, "I don''t need to indulge in these; if the second sister-in-law and others found out, they might have something to say."


    Upon thinking of Second Madam''s personality, Nanny Shen also fell silent.


    ```

 Chapter 32 - 34 Rules? Full and Bored!

    Chapter 32: Chapter 34 Rules? Full and Bored!


    The next morning, Qin Liuxi had breakfast in her small courtyard and left with Chen Pi; today, she had a clinic appointment.


    She left early, unaware that back at Old Mrs. Qin''s place, everyone was eagerly waiting for her, causing Mrs. Xie to incessantly apply eye medicine to Old Mrs. Qin and criticize, "Such a lady lacks proper manners. Previously, there was no choice, but now that the elders are all present, she must be properly taught. Otherwise, going out will only bring ridicule."


    Aunt Wan said, "Here in Li City, if she doesn''t disclose her identity, who would know she''s a Qin Family''s daughter?"


    Mrs. Xie scowled, "Aunt Wan, mother and sister-in-law haven''t even spoken, what place do you have to intervene? Sister-in-law has spoiled you, without any discipline."


    She disliked Mrs. Gu''s tender-hearted nature and also despised her sister-in-law''s pretense of being virtuous, treating the concubines as close as real sisters, utterly hypocritical.


    Mrs. Wang said indifferently, "Aunt is worried about the Qin family''s discipline and upbringing, but I am concerned about the household expenses. Mother, we''re consuming our reserves, and with the Silver Coin on hand, even if we save, it might run out next year. We have no income, and even the sacrificial lands have been sealed."


    Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent with a look of panic on their faces.


    Mrs. Wang, fearing they did not understand the severity of the situation, continued, "Not to mention the expenses father and the others need for using Silver Coin to settle matters. At home, the boys still need to attend school amongst other expenses. Not to look too far ahead, it''s soon autumn, and we need to buy winter clothes and charcoal for the winter... I fear this year might be a harsh winter."


    Rules? Only those who are full and content could still afford to maintain such airs!


    Everyone''s faces turned pale.


    The charcoal used in winter, especially the high-quality silver frost charcoal, was expensive. For such a large family, even crowded sleeping arrangements would mean significant charcoal expenses through winter.


    So, all this burns Silver, and without Silver, wouldn''t it merely be a cold winter?


    At this point, who even cares about rules? The concern is whether we can survive the winter!


    Old Mrs. Qin, still recovering from illness yet trying to keep her spirit up, after hearing Mrs. Wang''s words, first glared at Mrs. Xie, then said, "Silver Coin is indeed crucial to save. Fortunately, we all know needlework. Mrs. Wang, have someone buy some embroidery threads and satin. When people have time, they can embroider some handkerchiefs and wallets to sell at the embroidery shop."


    Everyone looked deeply anxious. Has it really come to this point?


    "Mother, I want to go out and find a job," Qin Meiniang suddenly spoke up.


    Old Mrs. Qin was startled.


    Mrs. Wang also looked over.


    Qin Meiniang bowed her head. It was not that she was selfish or reluctant to contribute. Being divorced and back with two daughters, her situation was most awkward and hopeless. She needed to plan for herself and her daughters. After all, in a few years, her daughters would need to marry, and without a dowry, would the maternal family care?


    She never wished to be publicly visible, but for her daughters, she would do what was necessary.


    Song Yu Yan and Song Yuqing, the sisters, both hung their heads and started sobbing quietly.


    "Lady Mei, you are also a daughter of the Qin family. There will always be food for you three here in the household. Rest assured," Old Mrs. Qin, suppressing her grief, said, "Even for the future dowries of Yu Yan and others, the Qin family will find a way."


    This was a promise that when the two married, the Qin family would provide a dowry.


    Mrs. Xie''s face changed a few times; she wanted to speak, but quieted down under Old Mrs. Qin''s sharp gaze.


    Mrs. Wang then said, "Let''s have breakfast first, this matter is not urgent."


    Everyone picked up their chopsticks, but looking at the plain porridge, steamed buns, and little pickles on the table, thinking of the days ahead, they found it hard to swallow.

 Chapter 33 - 35 The Name of the Daoist Doctor is Not In Vain

    Chapter 33 - 35 The Name of the Daoist Doctor is Not In Vain


    When Qin Liuxi arrived at Qian Mansion on time, Landlord Qian was indeed waiting at the front gate, and upon seeing her, he personally went up to greet her with respect and gratitude.


    "Young Master, we have finally waited for your arrival."


    Qin Liuxi gave a faint smile: "We agreed on this time, I haven''t been late, have I?"


    "Of course not, even if there were a delay, I would have still waited for you." Landlord Qian made a bow and said, "Young Master is truly a Divine Doctor, my mother took the prescription you gave, and just as you said, her body has warmed and improved."


    Qin Liuxi was not arrogant, and simply said: "Landlord Qian is exaggerating, I only have a modest understanding of this field."


    But Landlord Qian took it as her being modest, felt even better about her, and more confident, and said: "Young Master, why not come into the mansion for a cup of tea before taking my mother''s pulse?"


    "No need, I''m here specifically for the consultation, just lead the way."


    "Young Master is straightforward, this way, please."


    As Qin Liuxi followed him inside, she glanced seemingly inadvertently towards the left street corner before entering, the corner of her mouth tilting slightly upward.


    As her figure disappeared, someone appeared at the left street corner, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and quickly left.


    As Landlord Qian was leading Qin Liuxi to Old Mrs. Qian''s Fushou Hall, servants had already gone ahead to inform her, signaling that they were arriving, and Old Mrs. Qian, already dressed neatly, was waiting inside and tried to stand up with the help of her nanny upon seeing Qin Liuxi.


    "Young Master has outstanding medical skills and a compassionate healing touch, I cannot thank you enough," Old Mrs. Qian actually wanted to bow to Qin Liuxi.


    Qin Liuxi stepped aside, saying, "Old Lady, please do not be too courteous, it''s merely that Landlord Qian paid the Silver, and I provided the consultation."


    She did not mention anything about medical ethics.


    Coming from a family of merchants, Old Mrs. Qian and her son did not stick rigidly to formalities; rather, they appreciated the straightforwardness: I provide the money, you provide the service, neither of us owes the other¡ªvery good.


    "Regardless, we owe it to the young master''s exceptional intervention," Old Mrs. Qian said with a smile at the corner of her mouth.


    Landlord Qian said, "That''s true, Young Master, please take more care of my mother''s health."


    Qin Liuxi helped Old Mrs. Qian to sit comfortably, then took her pulse for a moment, and said, "Old Lady has been enduring a deficiency that has not healed, with weakened spleen and stomach. I will perform acupuncture first, then supplement with herbal soups. After three doses of the medicine, it should be sufficient."


    "Please, Young Master."


    Despite Qin Liuxi''s young age, since there had already been an example of her treating Old Mrs. Qian, no one doubted her, and she cooperated fully with the acupuncture.


    Old Mrs. Qian felt a warm flow through her stomach during the acupuncture, which satisfied her even more. Lately, she had been worried about her daughter-in-law''s health, dismissing her own diarrhea and bad appetite; she always felt cold in her stomach and had trouble sleeping at night, suffering quite a bit.


    Now, with the young man''s acupuncture, she felt warmth in her stomach and felt like eating something.


    After a while, Qin Liuxi finished the acupuncture and sealed the points, then prescribed two more herb formulas and handed them to the servant beside Old Mrs. Qian, stating, "Old Lady, at your age, even once the spleen and stomach are regulated, you should not indulge in cold items recklessly to avoid weakening the spleen and stomach again and depleting the Yang energy. After taking the formulas for regulating the spleen and stomach, continue with the tonifying formulas daily. They are very mild and regulate the Five Elements to strengthen the body."


    "Thank you, young master, I will keep this in my heart," Old Mrs. Qian gratefully said.


    Landlord Qian also stepped forward to express his thanks, hearing how his mother felt after the acupuncture and visually more excited, showing increasing respect to Qin Liuxi.


    This young master, not yet of age, yet possesses such exquisite medical skills, and remembering the news from the housekeeper about a Saint Doctor named Buqiu from Qingping Temple, he excitedly said, "They say there is a Saint Doctor named Buqiu from Qingping Temple, it must be you, Young Master. Your reputation is indeed well-deserved, it was my oversight not to recognize you, my apologies."

 Chapter 34 - 36: Assertion

    Chapter 34 - 36: Assertion


    Qin Liuxi heard Landlord Qian''s praise and said, "What renowned reputation? It''s all blindly spread by the world. Look at my age, they say my medical skills are exquisite, heh, I''m afraid not many people believe that. I just have a slight understanding of Qi Huang''s methods, and happened to know how to treat Old Mrs. Qian''s illness."


    "A person with true talent doesn''t depend on age. Among the countless scholars, some children can become Scholars, while some old ones spend their entire lives just as child students. It''s all simply a matter of one''s own aptitude," Landlord Qian chuckled lightly.


    Qin Liuxi didn''t want to talk much. Fame and such, she never cared about it. If she were not in need, she wouldn''t even take up medical practice.


    She was nothing but an unmotivated character.


    Landlord Qian, a businessman adept at observing words and expressions, saw that Qin Liuxi did not wish to speak further, so he changed the subject: "I don''t know how to address the young master. I heard you''re from the Qingping Temple, is Buqiu your Daoist name?"


    "That could be said."


    "Then should I address you as Doctor Buqiu or Master Buqiu?"


    Qin Liuxi: "I''m unworthy of the title Master, my actual surname is Qin."


    "Then I shall call you Doctor Qin."


    It didn''t matter to Qin Liuxi what she was called, a name was just a name.


    "Doctor Qin, about my wife..." Landlord Qian rubbed his hands nervously.


    "Lead the way ahead."


    "Ah, right, right."


    Landlord Qian was already middle-aged, and after more than a decade of marriage to his first wife, they were constantly seeking medical advice. Only now did they finally get their wish ¨C his wife had been carrying a child for seven months. But suddenly, she struggled with rapid breathing to the point of being unable to speak or lie down to sleep, and the fetus was abnormally swollen.


    As Mrs. Qian continued to suffer and rapidly lose weight, both Landlord Qian and Old Mrs. Qian were in a panic, ceaselessly seeking medical advice and praying to gods and Buddha, with no improvement. They wondered if an evil spirit had entered the home and thought about inviting a master to expel it, which led them to the visit to Qingping Temple.


    Upon seeing Mrs. Qian, even Qin Liuxi was taken aback. The haggard woman had dark circles under her eyes, and seated on the bed, her enormous belly almost obscured her upper body.


    "Yue Niang, Doctor Qin has arrived," Landlord Qian came forward, holding his wife''s hand.


    Mrs. Qian looked towards Qin Liuxi, and even though she had heard from her husband that this child was young, she did not expect to see such a young lad. Unable to speak, she nodded as a greeting.


    Qin Liuxi nodded and sat down to take her pulse first, asking, "Lady, you must have consumed quite a few nourishing soups during the pregnancy."


    Landlord Qian quickly replied, "Indeed, my wife is also of some age, and for the sake of the child, she has consumed quite a few. The doctors we previously consulted also said it was not suitable, mentioning that if the fetus absorbs too much, it''s difficult to give birth, so we stopped."


    "Of course, it''s unsuitable. It''s not wrong to nourish a pregnant woman, but continuous nourishment can lead to an overly large fetus. Not to mention Lady''s current state, even if the body is normal, a baby that is too large may lead to difficult labor during childbirth."


    "This point has also been mentioned by the doctors who examined her before, and we have already stopped."


    After examining the pulse, Qin Liuxi said, "You have consumed a lot of nourishing goods, causing the fetus to grow daily, and consequently, the fetal toxins have also gradually accumulated. Reaching this sixth or seventh month, as the fetus grows larger, the fetal energy becomes more pressing and the fire more intense, going against the upward flow, and with the growing fetus pressing against the stomach, it''s the reason why the Lady feels difficult to breathe and experiences rapid breathlessness when lying down. Your restlessness and worries undoubtedly exhausted both your spirits and looks."


    Mrs. Qian nodded, it was indeed so.


    "What should be done then?"


    "Lady, you are now in the late stage of pregnancy. Your condition is actually not difficult to treat. You can''t lie down, but you can still sit up until childbirth. However, it''s most important for a pregnant woman to keep her mood relaxed, so childbirth can proceed smoothly. If it continues like now, although breathlessness can still be relieved with medication, I''m afraid that if it recurs during childbirth, even having an elixir on hand will make it difficult to save!"


    Landlord Qian and his wife became pale.

 Chapter 35 - 37: Attaining Merit

    Chapter 35 - 37: Attaining Merit


    "Dr. Qin, you must save my wife and child. If she can give birth smoothly, I am willing to spend all my wealth if necessary." Landlord Qian knelt directly in front of Qin Liuxi.


    Qin Liuxi slightly raised her hand and said, "Landlord Qian and Lady Qian are kind-hearted, there is a glimmer of hope. See, you have met me now."


    Landlord Qian was overjoyed.


    "Get up, it''s not a serious illness and it''s not yet beyond remedy. Why would I need you to spend all your wealth?" Qin Liuxi said, "When Lady Qian is better or has given birth smoothly, you just need to replenish some incense oil at Qingping Temple as a way to fulfill your vows."


    "That''s for sure."


    Qin Liuxi said: "The pregnant woman needs to ensure rest and quiet. Lady Qian has also been unable to lie down for a long time, probably she can''t sleep well. I will first perform acupuncture on you, let you lie down and have a good sleep, then with a simple prescription, two doses will be enough for recovery. The most critical is the day of childbirth, we must adjust the vital energy without dispersion, to ensure everything is safe."


    Landlord Qian nodded like a pecking chicken, "Whatever Doctor Qin says, we will follow."


    Qin Liuxi hummed, dismissed the bystanders, and only kept Landlord Qian to assist. She steadily performed acupuncture on Mrs. Qian. While the needles were in place, she wrote a prescription on a table aside, using three parts each of Perilla stem, citrus peel, and three slices of ginger, and providing detailed decoction instructions.


    Besides, she prescribed another recipe for adjusting the vital energy as well.


    Once the prescription was set, she removed the needles and closed the points. Her movements were efficient and clear throughout.


    After removing the needles, Mrs. Qian felt much lighter and blurted out without thinking, "I feel so much lighter."


    Her voice was hoarse and rough, but she could speak.


    "Yue Niang, you can speak now?" Landlord Qian was extremely surprised.


    Mrs. Qian was also unexpectedly overjoyed, "Yes."


    This young doctor, merely with acupuncture, had enabled her to speak; such divine skill.


    Mrs. Qian looked at Qin Liuxi as if she was an Immortal descended from heaven, her eyes full of admiration and gratitude.


    "Now that you can speak again, you should still talk less. First, drink the medicine and rest a bit to avoid straining your throat," Qin Liuxi advised.


    Mrs. Qian nodded, "Thank you so much."


    With that thank you, Qin Liuxi felt something extra on her spiritual platform, and a sincere smile appeared on her face.


    This visit was not bad, she earned two merits from the Qian family.


    Mrs. Qian tried lying down and found it wasn''t as suffocating or urgently breathless as before. She relaxed and yawned, then fell into a deep sleep.


    Seeing this, Landlord Qian was even more relieved and deeply bowed to Qin Liuxi, full of gratitude.


    "These prescriptions, take two doses, if you''re not at ease, then three doses will do. Also, this one for adjusting the vital energy," Qin Liuxi handed him two prescriptions, thought for a moment, and took out a peace charm from her sleeve: "This prevents evil spirits from invading. Let her wear it on her body, don''t let it touch water, it''s 50 taels, would you like it?"


    "Yes, yes, yes," Landlord Qian immediately took it, eagerly asking, "Do you have more?"


    Qin Liuxi, with a full smile, took out two more.


    Landlord Qian put them away, helped her pack up, sent someone to fetch the medicine prescribed, and escorted Qin Liuxi to the door himself.


    "Dr. Qin, we are very grateful for your help this time. How about having lunch at our house before you go?"


    "No need, the same words, you provide the money, I provide the service, we owe nothing to each other." Qin Liuxi refused.


    Landlord Qian didn''t dare to insist and cautiously asked, "Then Dr. Qin, when my wife goes into labor, could we invite you to our home to oversee it? We offer a generous reward."


    Qin Liuxi said, "Since I''ve taken action, I guarantee her safe delivery. Don''t you trust me? For Lady Qian''s childbirth, you can invite Dr. Mao from the Changsheng Hall to oversee. He is quite sufficient."

 Chapter 36 - 38 Guidance, Trade

    Chapter 36 - 38 Guidance, Trade


    Qin Liuxi declined Landlord Qian''s invitation, and though he was disappointed, he knew he couldn''t force her and dared not offend her. As he took a box from the butler and handed it to Qin Liuxi, he asked another question.


    "Dr. Qin truly lives up to her reputation. Although I, Mr. Qian, have been engaged in business outside for many years and have seen many doctors, I have never encountered one as young as you with such exceptional medical skills."


    "That''s because Landlord Qian has not met enough people. Not to mention Da Feng, where the land is vast and the people are talented, but also beyond Da Feng, there are several small countries such as Shang Country and Yu Country, and even the barbarian lands, all brimming with talented individuals, none of whom I can compare to." Qin Liuxi, smiling, took the box filled with consultation fees and handed it to Chen Pi behind her.


    Landlord Qian laughed and said, "Then it is because I have too shallow a connection with them, hence I have not met them."


    Qin Liuxi thought to herself that businessmen indeed know how to speak.


    "Dr. Qin, I, Mr. Qian, also know many affluent businessmen, some of whom are rich but unfortunately have been suffering from chronic hidden ailments and cannot be cured. If they wish to consult Dr. Qin, where could they find you? Rest assured, they are all capable of paying a substantial consultation fee."


    This was just another way to try to find out how to locate Qin Liuxi.


    Forming ties with a Daoist doctor with profound medical skills was all advantage and no disadvantage for Landlord Qian. Firstly, it ensured that his family had access to a good doctor, and secondly, by acting as a middleman in facilitating these connections, he could accumulate a lot of favors owed to him.


    Thus, Landlord Qian''s current submissive attitude towards Qin Liuxi was also for that invisible benefit. After all, in business, pursuing profit is normal.


    Qin Liuxi saw through his thoughts but was not annoyed. She did not lack patients, nor did she lack wealthy patients. It all depended on whether she was willing to ''advance'' herself. But since someone wanted to facilitate these connections, her involvement was optional; whether to treat them or not depended solely on her mood.


    Qin Liuxi then said, "Since you were able to find out that I am from Qingping Temple, naturally you can also find me there. Just go to Qingping Temple. However, our Daoist doctors are not like ordinary doctors. Especially me, I do not save the wicked or those immersed in karma, even for a vast amount of wealth."


    Landlord Qian shuddered inside.


    "Landlord Qian is kind-hearted and frequently does good deeds, surely there will be blessings, and even future generations will benefit from these virtues. People say one earns wealth for their descendants to enjoy prosperity. But if one commits sins, no matter how good their fortune, it will dissipate, and all the amassed riches become meaningless."


    Landlord Qian quickly bowed down: "I, Mr. Xie, am grateful for your guidance."


    Qin Liuxi waved her hand, then thought for a moment before asking, "What business does your family do?"


    Landlord Qian replied, "It varies. I started by trading goods from the north and the south, it''s essentially general merchandise. Traversing from the south to the north, we stock everything commonly needed by the common folk. And you, Dr. Qin?"


    "Do you have fabrics like silk and cotton?"


    "Of course, those are bulk items."


    "I''ll have someone visit your store to pick some fabrics. It doesn''t matter how fine they are, as long as they are practical. Could your shopkeeper oversee the quality?" Qin Liuxi said.


    Landlord Qian gasped, "Dr. Qin, aren''t you causing distress to old Mr. Qian? If you need anything, just let me know, and I''ll deliver it to your house. Why should you spend your own money?"


    "That won''t do. There are no free lunches in this world, and even if there are, I do not partake. And don''t mention anything like saving lives. You''ve paid the consultation fee, so we are even. If I deal with you in business, it must also be square, with payment exchanged for goods, otherwise, I would not dare to do business with you."

 Chapter 37 - 39: Befriending and Currying Favor with Miracle Doctor Qin

    Chapter 37 - 39: Befriending and Currying Favor with Miracle Doctor Qin


    ```


    Qin Liuxi, a person who placed great emphasis on cause and effect, would not ask for more than the proper consulting fee after treating and saving a person; otherwise, she would bear the consequences.


    Therefore, she rejected Landlord Qian''s attempt to court her favor, simply agreeing that someone would come to buy from his shop, then she took her leave.


    As Landlord Qian watched her departure, he turned back toward the mansion and ordered his steward: "Go and inform Manager Liao that if the person Dr. Qin mentioned comes, treat them well, no, no, no, actually summon Manager Liao here; I''ll instruct him personally."


    The steward said, "Master, I can convey the message myself; no need to trouble you."


    Landlord Qian shot him a glare and said, "What do you know? Who is this Dr. Qin? A doctor! In the eyes of high officials and nobility, doctors are actually considered lowly and are looked down upon; however, when these nobles fall ill, who do they rely on but these very doctors? Making acquaintance with a doctor of exceptional medical skills is an excellent thing, after all, we are merely mortals prone to illness and pain. If we are faced with complex and tricky diseases that common doctors can''t cure, then a divine doctor with extraordinary medical skills truly becomes invaluable."


    "Not to mention something distant, let''s talk about Lady Qian. She has seen many doctors without any improvement, but once Dr. Qin stepped in, with just one needle injection, hey, your lady could speak and sleep again. That''s enough to see the exceptionality of her medical skills," Landlord Qian said with reverence, "Such a person, who wouldn''t want to make their acquaintance? Especially for us businessmen, dealing in commerce and having interactions with both businessmen and officials¡ªif someone on the other side has an illness that can''t be cured, hey, if you could introduce them, wouldn''t they owe you a favor? With this debt of gratitude, your own path broadens as well."


    The steward praised while bending his waist, "It''s really the master''s foresight that''s sharp; you certainly think more than us."


    Landlord Qian smiled and said, "This Dr. Qin, although peculiar in temperament, also adheres strongly to principles. Straightforward in dealings, in fact, easier to get along with than other doctors. Such a person, even I might not be able to make their acquaintance, but now the opportunity has come. The person she sends over won''t be a mere servant from her household; at the very least, it will be someone she knows. If I, your master, show good hospitality, I''ll leave a lasting impression. Ah, speaking of which, I must see to it personally. Let''s go, let''s go."


    The steward, witnessing the master''s change of heart, couldn''t help but be amazed¡ªit was quite a show of importance for someone so young, but thinking of the other''s medical expertise, it seemed quite justified.


    Indeed, ordinary doctors are easy to find, but a divine doctor is hard to come by, and even harder to befriend.


    What the steward doesn''t know is that at this very moment, the divine doctor of high character that they speak of is looking at a box full of shiny gold ingots with a foolish smile.


    "Young Master, there''s a total of two thousand taels; Landlord Qian has been quite generous. He must be trying to curry favor with you," Chen Pi counted them.


    Qin Liuxi toyed with an ingot and said, "After all, it''s about his wife and child''s lives; how could he not be generous?"


    "Is Lady Qian''s pregnancy really that dangerous?" Chen Pi asked further.


    "Abnormally swollen fetus, liver fire rushing up, spirit and vital essence both depleted; when the time comes for childbirth, without the protection of vital essence, how could she survive?" Qin Liuxi said indifferently, "The final outcome is but forced delivery, and with such a method, the mother''s body will inevitably perish."


    Chen Pi shuddered and said, "Well, they''re quite fortunate to have met you, Young Master."


    "It is because Landlord Qian has accumulated some merit; he must have done many good deeds in his business ventures, otherwise..."


    Thump.


    The carriage came to a sudden stop.


    Qin Liuxi''s head hit against the side of the carriage, and she couldn''t help but wince in pain.


    ```

 Chapter 38 - 38 40 Solemn Nonsense

    ?Chapter 38: Chapter 40 Solemn Nonsense Chapter 38: Chapter 40 Solemn Nonsense Qin Liuxi clutched the back of her head, her face half darkened.


    A sudden collision hurt the most.


    Chen Pi was also startled and first asked if Qin Liuxi was all right, then opened the small door connected to the carriage shaft and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Brother Li, what happened?¡±


    He didn¡¯t blame him, knowing that Li Cheng wasn¡¯t a reckless person.


    ¡°Someone suddenly jumped out to stop the carriage; is the young master all right?¡± Li Cheng turned around and looked at Qin Liuxi, his eyes somewhat regretful.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Qin Liuxi replied, looking outside. Well, there he was.


    ¡°Are you not Master Buqiu? My young master invites you,¡± Ying Nan stepped forward, making a respectful bow, though his tone was somewhat resentful and gritting his teeth.


    This person had made them suffer miserably yesterday.


    Qin Liuxi opened the carriage door, looked at Ying Nan, and saw the dark circles under his eyes and his pale complexion. She knew he had spent a miserable night in that Wanhuai Forest.


    Serves him right!


    Qin Liuxi felt no sympathy at all and said, ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person, Li Cheng, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Li Cheng pulled the reins to drive the horse away, but Ying Nan urgently blocked their way, ¡°Master Buqiu, we sincerely seek medical help; would you let someone die without helping, and still call yourself a doctor?¡±


    ¡°Ying Nan.¡±


    Ying Nan backed off with a slight bow, ¡°Master.¡±


    Qi Qian walked forward and bowed with his fists joined towards Qin Liuxi, ¡°I am Qi Qian. I haven¡¯t managed them well and let the master see a joke.¡±


    Qin Liuxi sat in the carriage, resting her chin in one hand, and said, ¡°You really don¡¯t manage them well; with this kid¡¯s mouth yapping away, walking outside, he¡¯s bound to get himself beaten up!¡±


    Ying Nan: ¡°!¡±


    Wasn¡¯t I forced by you?


    Qi Qian said, ¡°The master is right. But didn¡¯t you already teach us a lesson yesterday?¡±


    Qin Liuxi feigned innocence, batting her eyes, ¡°What are you talking about, what lesson? Hey, I say, Young Master Qi, you can¡¯t just speak recklessly. I am a law-abiding, first-class good citizen, innocent and upright. I won¡¯t accept the dirty water you¡¯re throwing on me!¡±


    ¡°Wanhuai Forest!¡± Ying Nan couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Do you dare say you didn¡¯t intentionally lead us in there and trap us?¡±


    Qin Liuxi clapped her hands and said, ¡°Wanhuai Forest, ah, this Young Master Qi, you must be from out of town, right? Did you happen to enter Wanhuai Forest around dusk?¡±


    She jumped down from the carriage and stood in front of Qi Qian, her face full of sympathy, ¡°Young Master Qi, you¡¯re an outsider and did not know. We, the people of Li City, all know that this Wanhuai Forest, around dusk, is best not entered. Why? Because of the name, of course!¡±


    Huh, the name?


    ¡°The character for huai, ghost leans on wood, and the locust tree tends to attract yin. Just look at that one character for ghost, and you¡¯ll know, let alone thousands upon thousands of locust trees. Once you break it down, isn¡¯t it just a ¡®Ten Thousand Ghosts Forest¡¯?¡± Qin Liuxi said sympathetically, ¡°So, this Wanhuai Forest also has another name, ¡®Ten Thousand Ghosts Forest.¡¯ At dusk, when the sun sets, it¡¯s the time for those good friends to come out. Entering their territory is courting death, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Qi Qian and his companions turned pale.


    So, the wailing they heard all night last night wasn¡¯t just an illusion?


    ¡°We locals won¡¯t enter Ten Thousand Ghosts Forest during that time. After all, there¡¯s a balance of yin and yang. Once you go in, you can¡¯t be sure you¡¯ll come out. If you get out, it¡¯s because the people are generous. If not, all you can do is wander in place.¡± Qin Liuxi said, smiling widely, ¡°You¡¯re out; you¡¯ve met good people, or rather, good ghosts. It¡¯s truly a blessing!¡±


    Ying Nan: ¡°...¡±


    Master, if you want to punish, just punish. I¡¯ve never seen such serious nonsense. My hands itch, and I want to draw my sword!

 Chapter 39 - 39 41 Come Experience the Trickiness of Buqiu

    ?Chapter 39: Chapter 41: Come, Experience the Trickiness of Buqiu Chapter 39: Chapter 41: Come, Experience the Trickiness of Buqiu Qi Qian had long heard from childhood friends that Master Buqiu was eccentric, but he hadn¡¯t realized just how hard to deal with he was until now.


    ¡°What, a cause for celebration?¡±


    Qi Qian gritted his teeth and suppressed his irritation, taking a deep breath before saying, ¡°It appears we were ignorant and unaware of such a place as the Wangui Forest.¡±


    Qin Liuxi nodded in agreement, saying, ¡°That¡¯s why one shouldn¡¯t speak carelessly, nor should one recklessly enter dense forests. Once you do, it¡¯s easy to run into trouble.¡±


    I suspect you¡¯re making lewd jokes, but I have no proof.


    Ying Nan, gritting his teeth, said, ¡°Since you knew, why did you still take that path through the forest, clearly leading us into it on purpose?¡±


    ¡°Ying Nan!¡± Qi Qian was already somewhat displeased, glaring at him.


    Ying Nan shrank his neck, feeling wronged!


    ¡°I took that path because I was in a hurry. Traveling through the Wanhuai Forest would get me back to the city half an hour faster than the official road!¡± Qin Liuxi explained, ¡°Moreover, with righteousness filling my body, I am not afraid of any crooked shadows; the upright qi of heaven and earth protects me from sinister forces.¡±


    Damn it, he¡¯s indirectly scolding us!


    Ying Nan wanted to retort but was pulled back by Huo Lang, forcing him to step back.


    ¡°In the end, it was our fault for not knowing the way and taking the wrong path, just like you said, down to a bit of luck,¡± Qi Qian said indifferently.


    Qin Liuxi eyed him and remarked, ¡°Luck, you say? Well, one must guard their words, especially in places of Buddhist Path. Those who don¡¯t watch their mouths could easily commit sins of speech. Who knows if it was your own verbal indiscretions that led you astray? There are some things that you may not believe in, but you must at least respect. What do you think, young master?¡±


    Ying Nan, whose mouth often lacked restraint: ¡°!¡±


    Qi Qian caught the warning in the statement, realizing that perhaps Qin Liuxi had seen Ying Nan¡¯s disrespect towards the Daoist the day before and this was his way of admonishing them.


    ¡°Qian takes the lesson to heart.¡± He bowed again with his hands clasped.


    Qin Liuxi waved his hands dismissively, ¡°Let¡¯s leave it at that.¡±


    ¡°Master Buqiu, we¡¯ve long heard of your exquisite medical skills, and we¡¯ve come sincerely to seek medical help,¡± Qi Qian said, ¡°It is said that a doctor possesses a parental heart; we implore Master Buqiu to make a house call.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person,¡± Qin Liuxi called out without turning back, ¡°This young lad here only has a superficial understanding of Qi Huang, enough to bluff people.¡±


    ¡°Ten thousand taels,¡± Qi Qian offered from behind her.


    Qin Liuxi halted in his steps.


    ¡°As long as the master is willing to make a move, Qian is willing to offer ten thousand taels as the consultation fee.¡±


    Qin Liuxi turned around with a smile, ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°Ten thousand taels as the reward.¡±


    ¡°No, the sentence before that.¡±


    Qi Qian, slightly confused, thought for a moment: ¡°Master Buqiu...¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Qin Liuxi laughed, ¡°Young master, what business do you have with me?¡±


    Qi Qian: ¡°...¡±


    Ying Nan and the others had already placed their hands on their sword hilts, ready to draw their blades at any moment, furious!


    ¡°Qian is here to seek medical assistance; if Master Buqiu is willing to accompany Qian to treat an elder in the family, Qian is willing to offer a reward of ten thousand taels in gold,¡± Qi Qian said, keeping his composure.


    Qin Liuxi waved his hand, ¡°Ah, seeking medical help is it? The reward doesn¡¯t really matter; after all, a doctor has a parental heart, right? Especially moved by the young master¡¯s filial piety, I¡¯d be touched even if it wasn¡¯t commanded by the heavens. Now, where is this patient? Let¡¯s be on our way!¡±


    Qi Qian and his companions couldn¡¯t help but sneer internally, nearly believing the lofty way in which he spoke.


    ¡°The elder is not well enough to travel; it would trouble the master to journey far. The other residence is near Ningzhou Prefecture, and the journey will take about three days,¡± Qi Qian explained.


    ¡°Ah, Ningzhou, that¡¯s quite a distant trip, and I, for one, dislike troubles. My body isn¡¯t in the best condition either...¡±


    Qi Qian quickly replied, ¡°All matters of food, lodging, and travel on the road will be taken care of by Qian, the master need not worry.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then first, the carriage must be spacious and shock-absorbent, I want to drink the finest Da Hong Pao Tea, and since the journey is long and boring, we can¡¯t skimp on snacks either...¡±


    Ying Nan, listening from behind, scowled. These demands sounded like someone going on a vacation, didn¡¯t they?

 Chapter 40 - 40 42 God Makes a Move

    ?Chapter 40: Chapter 42 God Makes a Move Chapter 40: Chapter 42 God Makes a Move ¡°Master, is this master deliberately swindling us? Look at her demands; they seem as if she¡¯s out to have fun,¡± Ying Nan muttered behind Qi Qian.


    Qi Qian turned around, his face expressionless as he looked at him.


    Ying Nan felt a thump in his heart, sweat beading on his forehead under that gaze: ¡°Master, Mas...Master...¡±


    ¡°That Master Buqiu did say something true. If one doesn¡¯t guard their words, sooner or later it will bring trouble upon this very tongue. You¡¯ve been presumptuous and disrespectful,¡± Qi Qian said indifferently. ¡°If you were to cause trouble with your words while following me on a case, I, as your master, would only be dragged down and held back because of you.¡±


    Ying Nan kneeled down abruptly: ¡°Master, I was wrong.¡±


    ¡°After we return, you¡¯ll stay in Hawk Hall for a while. When you¡¯ve learned to be more composed, you can come back and serve by my side,¡± Qi Qian said from above, looking down at him.


    Ying Nan turned pale, kneeling and begging for mercy: ¡°Master, please spare me this once. I won¡¯t dare to do it again.¡±


    ¡°I thought after last night¡¯s experience in Wanhuai Forest, you would have become more cautious. Could Master Buqiu really be as harmless as she appears on the surface, leading us there effortlessly? But after last night¡¯s events, you still speak recklessly today. If Master Buqiu doesn¡¯t even take this hefty sum of money to heart, wouldn¡¯t our trip here be in vain?¡±


    Ying Nan¡¯s face was ashen; he dared not plead any further and prostrated on the ground: ¡°I admit my mistake. I almost ruined your affairs, Master. I should indeed be punished.¡±


    ¡°Get up, and arrange everything as the master has requested.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Ying Nan bowed and retreated.


    After he left, Huo Lang said: ¡°Master, Ying Nan is just young and impetuous, provoked by that person. To be honest, even I find it hard to keep my temper at bay.¡±


    ¡°When one needs help, even if you¡¯re dying of rage, you have to endure it. Otherwise, without the demeanor of asking for help, who would pay attention to you?¡±


    ¡°But Master, you have a noble status, not something these Daoists and laymen can reach,¡± Huo Lang still felt indignant for his master.


    Qi Qian spoke coldly: ¡°As long as she can help my grandmother to be well and comfortable, I am willing to withstand this anger. Besides, I¡¯ve endured much bigger tantrums than this.¡±


    Huo Lang seemed to recall something; his expression shifted, and he immediately fell silent.


    Qi Qian stood in front of the window, watching the hustle and bustle on the street, his gaze landing on a particular spot.


    ¡°Mr. Qin, so are we heading to Ningzhou?¡± Chen Pi, walking beside Qin Liuxi, asked cheerfully: ¡°Sister didn¡¯t say so, but I was sure to follow Mr. Qin anyway.¡±


    ¡°The journey to Ningzhou is long; you¡¯re not tired?¡±


    ¡°With Mr. Qin, how can there be any fatigue?¡± Chen Pi smiled and said: ¡°Besides, I can protect Mr. Qin.¡±


    Qin Liuxi paused briefly, turned his head to look at him, flicked his forehead, a smile curling at the corner of his lips as he walked into Changsheng Hall.


    ¡°Shopkeeper Lai, have you kept the Phoenix Spirit Flower for me?¡±


    Seeing her, Shopkeeper Lai set aside what he was doing and greeted her: ¡°Of course, it is kept aside. But Mr. Qin, my boss mentioned that the Phoenix Spirit Flower is hard to come by...¡±


    Qin Liuxi frowned, saying: ¡°What now, is that Black Merchant Feng trying to bait and switch me? To raise the price!¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, absolutely not,¡± Shopkeeper Lai hurriedly replied, wringing his hands: ¡°The boss merely thought that Mr. Qin has not been active lately, perhaps too busy with noble matters, and thus sent me to remind Mr. Qin, to practice processing the Jade Skin Flower, lest you lose your touch one day.¡±


    Qin Liuxi snorted: ¡°All said and done, it¡¯s just Feng trying to exploit me.¡±


    ¡°Not at all, the boss said if Mr. Qin personally processes the Jade Skin Flower, we will offer the Phoenix Spirit Flower for free,¡± Shopkeeper Lai revealed a masterstroke.


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s eyes lit up, and he coughed, saying: ¡°Your boss is quite considerate. This craftsmanship, it¡¯s like a knife, it becomes blunt if not honed. Where¡¯s the Jade Skin Flower?¡±

 Chapter 41 - 41 43 It Depends on My Willingness

    ?Chapter 41: Chapter 43: It Depends on My Willingness Chapter 41: Chapter 43: It Depends on My Willingness Qin Liuxi left the residence nearly empty-handed, but upon her return, she brought back several large cases; one was filled with the consultation fee in silver, another from Changsheng Hall contained the Jade Skin Flowers encased in a jade box, and the last one held Phoenix Spirit Flowers.


    Qi Huang saw her come back and went forward to greet her, smiling as he said: ¡°Miss seems to have had quite the successful trip this time.¡±


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s eyes curved into a smile: ¡°You can tell?¡±


    ¡°Of course, your smile is almost reaching your ears,¡± Qi Huang chided with a laugh.


    Qin Liuxi entered the room and said: ¡°The Qian family has been rather decent, managing to obtain two merits, and Landlord Qian is generous too, giving the two thousand taels of silver as consultation fee without a second thought.¡±


    As Qi Huang poured water, he said: ¡°In my opinion, Miss should have charged more, two thousand taels is too little for him.¡±


    With merits already involved, could the matter be trivial?


    Accepting the tea from him, Qin Liuxi saw Chen Pi place the items on the table and then said: ¡°Take half of this consultation fee and have someone deliver it to the temple.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Miss is being quite proactive this time, the temple master must be overjoyed,¡± Qi Huang remarked.


    Qin Liuxi caressed the chest and sighed: ¡°Can I afford not to be proactive? With the Five Disadvantages and Three Deficiencies looming over, if I embezzle even a bit, it will come to pass immediately, faster than anyone. Why should I suffer such a curse?¡±


    She even suspected that the Heavens were deliberately making things difficult for her. There were others in the world devoted to cultivation; everyone cultivated, so why were they so strict with her? Just because she lacked ambition?


    Qi Huang divided the silver and said: ¡°That¡¯s exactly it. With Miss not being lazy, how much silver can¡¯t you earn?¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Qin Liuxi looked at the silver and said: ¡°You keep the rest for now. Later on, tell Uncle Li to use this silver to purchase all the necessities for autumn and winter, whether it¡¯s grain, cloth, medicines, oh, and silver charcoal. Now is different from before, with so many more people in our household, we need to prepare a substantial amount of these supplies.¡±


    ¡°Miss, isn¡¯t it Madam¡¯s responsibility to take charge of the household? Shouldn¡¯t these funds be allocated from there?¡± Qi Huang asked.


    Qin Liuxi replied: ¡°Her side doesn¡¯t have much silver to spare, there are uses for it everywhere, and it¡¯s not enough. The autumn in Li City is short, winter comes quickly, and we have many people to look after. If we don¡¯t prepare their winter clothes early enough, illnesses from the cold will be a real trouble.¡±


    ¡°They might start to take advantage of your kindness.¡±


    Qin Liuxi huffed: ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s up to me whether I want to give them that opportunity, whether I want to part with the silver.¡±


    Qi Huang thought to himself, this made sense; his mistress has always been firm with her decisions.


    When she¡¯s willing, she doesn¡¯t care about the cost, but when she¡¯s unwilling, she¡¯d rather throw it into the Li River than give it to you.


    Qin Liuxi continued with her instructions: ¡°This Landlord Qian also does business; they have stores, and Qianji¡¯s Trading Company on East Ping Street is theirs. Have Uncle Li go there to purchase cloth and such; he should be able to get some quality goods. It¡¯s all been arranged.¡±


    Qi Huang heard something off and said: ¡°Miss, the way you¡¯re giving a series of orders sounds like you¡¯re planning to travel far.¡±


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s smile widened: ¡°I really can¡¯t keep anything from you.¡±


    ¡°Where to? For how many days? I¡¯ll pack for you.¡±


    ¡°Ningzhou Prefecture,¡± Qin Liuxi stated: ¡°How many days I¡¯ll be away is difficult to say just yet, and you know the journey to Ningzhou is long. Just pack two sets of spare clothes, nothing else is needed.¡±


    She has always traveled with light luggage, which Qi Huang was aware of, so he agreed.


    ¡°Also, you don¡¯t need to accompany me this time; Chen Pi will suffice.¡±


    Qi Huang frowned: ¡°How could that be alright? Chen Pi is rather rough around the edges; he can¡¯t tend to you properly. I should go with you.¡±

 Chapter 42 - 42 44 Lying Low As One Should

    ?Chapter 42: Chapter 44: Lying Low As One Should Chapter 42: Chapter 44: Lying Low As One Should ¡°Chen Pi is your own brother, what kind of sister are you to call your own brother impatient?¡± Qin Liuxi playfully scolded, saying: ¡°If it had been in the past, both of you could keep up, but now, with such a large group of people in the family who have just arrived not long ago, and with things not yet settled both inside and out, you should help the Lady at home keep an eye on things.¡±


    Qi Huang said: ¡°What sort of person is the Lady, surrounded by capable nannies as she is? Where would she need me? Without me, the Lady could still arrange everything properly. On the contrary, you shouldn¡¯t be without a single maid at your side. Miss, why don¡¯t we buy a couple more maids for their service? We¡¯re not lacking this bit of silver, after all. I plan to follow you closely, I do not wish to handle the affairs of the Chief of Internal Affairs.¡±


    Qin Liuxi teased: ¡°Yo, even the Grand Steward is not willing to do the work? Are you, like your Family Head, not striving for improvement?¡±


    ¡°Following you is my greatest progress,¡± Qi Huang retorted with slight annoyance. ¡°In my heart, you are my master. How could I leave your side and go serve others instead? Wouldn¡¯t that be getting things backwards?¡±


    ¡°In that case, your master assigns you this task: for this period, stay with the Lady and get the household in order, inside and out. After that, you can follow by my side, inseparable. Does that work for you?¡±


    Qi Huang glared at her.


    ¡°We can buy more maids, after all, problems that can be solved with silver are never big problems. But you also know the situation of the Qin family; after the confiscation and exile, this residence is only what the Old Lady could save when she begged for mercy, the remaining place for us to stay. To take a step back, the residence itself is not so important, but if people with intentions know that the Qin Family has returned to the old residence and are living a carefree life surrounded by servants, one black-hearted report, and can you imagine the consequences?¡±


    Qin Liuxi, stroking the rim of the teacup, said: ¡°The Qin family¡¯s disaster was someone¡¯s plot. Once someone with intentions investigates and finds out that, after confiscation, the family is still living comfortably, it¡¯s like ignoring imperial power, a ready-made handle to use against us. What would the Emperor on the dragon throne think when he learns of this? What might occur to him when a whispering advisor reminds him, could his leniency be the reason the Qin family dares so much?¡±


    Qi Huang pursed her lips in silence.


    ¡°No one likes having their power and prestige challenged and despised, especially the Emperor. An affront to imperial power is absolutely intolerable. If the Emperor can¡¯t tolerate you, there are plenty of reasons to deal with you, and that could lead to total disaster.¡± Qin Liuxi said: ¡°The Qin family is still in the eye of the storm; it¡¯s best not to flaunt ourselves and instead keep a low profile, biding our time until this wave passes and we become unnoticeable, and only then may we have a chance at a comeback.¡±


    Qi Huang said: ¡°With you here, how low-profile can the Qin family be?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really jinxing me,¡± Qin Liuxi huffed lightly. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s right that I¡¯m not striving for a higher status, in order to maintain a low profile.¡±


    ¡°So we¡¯re resigned to a life of hardship and self-denial?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not acceptable.¡± Who could bear the hardship? If not, what¡¯s the meaning of living?


    Qi Huang felt helpless; it was a case of ¡®Officials can start fires, but the common man can¡¯t even light a lamp.¡¯


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave it at that. Stay with the Lady for now, and you may also give her some suggestions. The Lady and the Old Lady are just keeping these people in check, that should be quite enough, food and drink also won¡¯t be lacking from them.¡±


    ¡°For a servant like me, what right do I have to advise a housewife? You should be the one to speak. That great lady seems to have plans to go out and find some work for herself!¡±


    ¡°The Grand Aunt of mine?¡± Qin Liuxi raised her eyebrows slightly.


    Qi Huang nodded.


    ¡°Miss, the Madam requests your presence,¡± came a voice from outside the door.

 Chapter 43 - 43 45 Humiliation from Elder Sister

    ?Chapter 43: Chapter 45 Humiliation from Elder Sister Chapter 43: Chapter 45 Humiliation from Elder Sister Qin Liuxi entered Mrs. Wang¡¯s room and saw Aunt Wan and Qin Mingchun also there, only Aunt Wan was holding some needlework, while her bargain of a younger brother was sitting at the desk, pinching a brush to practice characters. His eyes carried a deep resentment as he saw her come in.


    Oh, is the little one still brooding over that stolen cake grudge?


    Qin Liuxi glanced at him and greeted Mrs. Wang and Aunt Wan with a bow.


    Mrs. Wang, with a smile on her face, beckoned: ¡°Xixi has come, come sit.¡± Then, noticing Qin Mingchun sitting motionless, with his eyes just floating around, she said: ¡°Chun¡¯er, your elder sister has come, why have you not stood up to greet her?¡±


    Her voice was gentle, but her tone carried a faint authority.


    Qin Liuxi cast a sidelong glance, wearing a half-smile.


    Qin Mingchun shivered and hurriedly got down to cup his hands in a bow, stutteringly saying: ¡°El ¨C Elder Sister, greetings.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Qin Mingchun hung his head.


    Qin Liuxi walked over to his desk, glanced at his work, and said: ¡°This writing is so ugly, how many years have you been at it?¡±


    ¡°Started learning from the basics two years ago.¡± Mrs. Wang came over as well, took a glance, and shook her head with a chuckle.


    ¡°Two years and still like this?¡± Qin Liuxi said: ¡°Well, it¡¯s fine, you can become a little Taoist in the future. This is just how a Daoist paints talismans.¡±


    Commonly referred to as ghost scribbling.


    Not very hurtful, but incredibly insulting.


    Whoosh.


    Qin Mingchun burst into a loud cry, struck by the comment.


    Mrs. Wang was a bit caught between laughter and tears.


    Aunt Wan came over, craned her neck to take a look, and earnestly said: ¡°It really is a bit ugly. But son, as long as you look good, that¡¯s enough. In the future, you can simply marry a wife with a substantial dowry. We don¡¯t rely on talent ¨C living off your looks is fine.¡±


    Mrs. Wang: ¡°...¡±


    Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow lightly, thinking how truly motherly ¨C for her son to become a pretty boy doesn¡¯t matter!


    Qin Mingchun cried even harder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry!¡± Qin Liuxi reprimanded softly.


    The crying instantly stopped, turning into intermittent sobbing.


    Mrs. Wang then said: ¡°Chun¡¯er, continue writing.¡± She then pulled Qin Liuxi to sit down on an Arhat bed near the window to talk.


    Qin Liuxi sat down and said: ¡°I have something to tell you, I will go to the Daoist Temple for seclusion for a while tomorrow. I will leave Qi Huang behind for you to manage, to straighten out the affairs inside and outside this home before returning to my duties.¡±


    Mrs. Wang was stunned: ¡°Seclusion?¡±


    Qin Liuxi spoke indifferently: ¡°As you know, I was unwell as a child, otherwise, would you have sent me back to the old residence? The Daoist Temple is located on Xiangshan, full of spiritual and outstanding sceneries, quite suitable for recuperation and Cultivation. I go there every year to seclude myself for Cultivation and recuperation. Otherwise, where would such a physique come from?¡±


    Mrs. Wang glanced at the wooden hairpin holding up the crown of her hair, and cautiously asked: ¡°Xixi, although you have followed a master, you haven¡¯t officially entered Enlightenment, have you?¡±


    ¡°You are mistaken, I have officially entered the Dao.¡±


    Mrs. Wang¡¯s expression changed slightly.


    Aunt Wan said: ¡°You have become a female practitioner. How will you marry and have children in the future?¡±


    ¡°My sect is lenient; we are not bound strictly and can have partners,¡± Qin Liuxi said. ¡°But discussing this is too early.¡±


    Aunt Wan wasn¡¯t much affected, but Mrs. Wang breathed a sigh of relief and asked: ¡°How many days will you be gone?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say for sure.¡± Qin Liuxi said: ¡°You¡¯re the housewife, and the Old Lady has spoken too. You¡¯ll be in charge of the house. Uncle Li has already been instructed by me and will make the necessary household purchases. Mother, you just make sure to keep everyone in this household in line and avoid going out for the time being.¡±


    Mrs. Wang looked slightly astonished.


    Qin Liuxi played with the silk tassel at her waist, saying nonchalantly: ¡°The Qin family¡¯s matter is not over yet. Keeping a low profile so as not to draw attention is better, isn¡¯t it?¡±

 Chapter 44 - 44 46 Evil Disciple Deceives Master

    ?Chapter 44: Chapter 46 Evil Disciple Deceives Master Chapter 44: Chapter 46 Evil Disciple Deceives Master Mrs. Wang looked deeply at Qin Liuxi.


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. Moreover, the Qin family is in decline, with only women and children left at home. It is also to avoid unnecessary trouble.¡±


    Qin Liuxi stopped talking. Being born into a noble family, if she didn¡¯t even understand this much, then the reputation of a prestigious family would be in vain.


    Mrs. Wang continued, ¡°Actually, your grandmother also thought about visiting the temple master at Qingping Temple. It¡¯s just that she has been delayed recently due to her health.¡±


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°The temple master has been away recently. Even if she went, I¡¯m afraid she would not be able to see him.¡±


    Qi Huang, standing at the doorway, glanced at her and then lowered his eyes, apparently telling lies with his eyes wide open.


    Qin Liuxi didn¡¯t feel the slightest bit guilty or timid. With her health being poor, why bother with such folly? Given the current situation, hoping for an immediate turnaround was impossible.


    ¡°By the way, what did you call me here for?¡±


    Mrs. Wang came back to her senses and said, ¡°Here¡¯s the thing. During the confiscation, all male members above the age of twelve were listed for exile...¡±


    ¡°Are you worried about my second brother?¡± Qin Liuxi took a glance at her expression and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s inevitable that my second brother suffers on the road to exile¡ªeven possibly... But rest assured, with the aid of a noble person, he will surely turn peril into safety and arrive safely.¡±


    Mrs. Wang¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she looked at Qin Liuxi, her lips trembling, ¡°Do you, do you know something?¡±


    Could this child have entered the Dao and learned to predict fortunes and disasters from her master?


    ¡°No need to know, a guess will suffice. This incident was sudden. He was a well-tended young master who suddenly faced a great calamity. At such a young age, being exiled with his father and brothers, how could he not suffer?¡± Qin Liuxi said, ¡°As for the help of a noble person, it was something Master divined.¡±


    For the second time, she used Master Chi Yuan as a shield.


    Master Chi Yuan, who was meditating in the main hall of Qingping Temple, touched his slightly warm ears and unceremoniously rubbed his nose.


    That evil disciple was definitely deceiving her master.


    Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang felt overjoyed and couldn¡¯t help but grab Qin Liuxi¡¯s hand, ¡°Is it truly what the temple master said?¡±


    Qin Liuxi looked at the woman¡¯s hands that had obviously become rougher in just a few days and nodded.


    Tears welled up in Mrs. Wang¡¯s eyes as she said, ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    She slightly turned her head and wiped her eyes, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this. As for what we were discussing earlier, currently in our family, what¡¯s left are powerless women and children. Although when leaving the capital, our relatives secretly gave us some silver, with so many people the resources will quickly run out. I was thinking, should we buy about ten acres of good land to rent out? We could register it under Li Dagui¡¯s name. In one aspect, it won¡¯t attract attention; on the other, the rent we collect can cover the family¡¯s food expenses, so we don¡¯t have to constantly spend silver. So I wanted to ask you, what do you think of Li Dagui? Can he be trusted?¡±


    ¡°The Li family, all are loyal servants.¡±


    Qin Liuxi affirmed the Li family¡¯s character with just eight words.


    Mrs. Wang understood and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s proceed with that. As for other incomes, we plan to work on some needlework and send it to embroidery workshops and grocery stores for consignment sale. The monthly salary, also give it to them, they need to have some money in hand to feel secure.¡±


    Qin Liuxi had little patience for such matters, ¡°You and the Old Lady decide.¡±


    She looked up at Aunt Wan, who was wearing coarse clothes and busy with needlework, and then looked at Qin Mingchun also dressed in coarse clothes, thinking that if they wore nicer clothes, they would be much more pleasing to the eye.


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I shall take my leave,¡± Qin Liuxi said, standing up to say goodbye.


    ¡°You may go.¡±


    Qin Liuxi bowed and also offered respects to Aunt Wan before walking up to Qin Mingchun. Seeing the youngster stiffen, she said, ¡°Although one can live off their looks, what if they become faulty? Therefore, it¡¯s still necessary to learn some skills. If your handwriting is still like this when I return from outside, I will beat you!¡±


    Qin Mingchun: ¡°!!!¡±


    Wuwuwu, is this really my own sister?

 Chapter 45 - 45 47 Qin Xiaowu I Carry Too Much Burden

    ?Chapter 45: Chapter 47 Qin Xiaowu: I Carry Too Much Burden Chapter 45: Chapter 47 Qin Xiaowu: I Carry Too Much Burden Mrs. Wang waited until Qin Liuxi had left, then, seeing Qin Mingchun on the verge of tears, an expression of slight grievance, she rarely showed a smile.


    ¡°You big sister is right, one might be handsome as a child but not necessarily when grown up. A boy still needs to possess some talents.¡± She touched the back of Qin Mingchun¡¯s head, saying, ¡°Keep on writing. I¡¯m going to your grandmother.¡±


    Qin Mingchun politely watched her leave, then sat back down on the chair, rubbing his wrists. His hands were truly sore.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to your mother and big sister. Who says one gets ugly when growing up? They are just scaring you,¡± Aunt Wan eyed him and said, ¡°You don¡¯t resemble your sister; you¡¯ve inherited all the beauty from me and your father. I¡¯m beautiful, so how could you end up looking bad when you grow up?¡±


    Qin Mingchun¡¯s eyes shimmered, ¡°Aunt, are you encouraging me to stop writing? If big sister beats me, you will have to protect me!¡±


    Aunt Wan became instantly timid, saying, ¡°You are a man. You have got to bear the pain and the hardships yourself. How can you rely on your Aunt? I¡¯m delicate.¡±


    She dared not provoke Qin Liuxi. Although she might be dull, her female intuition told her that Qin Liuxi, this daughter, was not someone to be trifled with.


    Seeking good fortune and avoiding disaster is human nature, and Wan Wanrou was also a master of this.


    Moreover, even though Qin Liuxi didn¡¯t appear to harbor ill will against her, who could say for certain she didn¡¯t begrudge her deep inside?


    Aunt Wan shuddered at the thought, saying, ¡°Better you continue writing. Your sister seems quite inscrutable. If she really hits you, I won¡¯t be able to save you. At most, I can only apply medicine for you.¡±


    Qin Mingchun: ¡°!¡±


    At such a minor age, it seemed he was bearing too much!


    The main courtyard.


    Old Mrs. Qin drank her medicine with Mrs. Wang¡¯s assistance, leaning against the head of the bed, she asked, ¡°Did she really say that?¡±


    ¡°How could your daughter-in-law tell lies?¡± Mrs. Wang sat down, her face filled with emotion as she said, ¡°This child has indeed developed a sharp mind, and she can withstand troubles patiently and gracefully.¡±


    ¡°She does not resemble Mrs. Wan in appearance, which is fortunate because her intellect and wits also do not follow hers,¡± Old Mrs. Qin remarked.


    Mrs. Wang said, ¡°It seems the temple master of Qingping Temple has been teaching her as if she were his own daughter. Xixi says that she has formally entered into the Daoist path, but their sect still permits marriage.¡±


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s demeanor and wisdom, in her view, was unmatched by any of the Qin family¡¯s girls, especially her intelligence. How splendidly the child brought up outside the house had turned out, in contrast to the girls and boys within the family, alas, there¡¯s no comparison.


    Old Mrs. Qin said, ¡°Had the Qin family not fallen from grace, and if she were still registered under your name, she might have been married into a respectable family, but now...¡±


    Mrs. Wang¡¯s eyes flickered slightly as she said, ¡°In our dynasty, it¡¯s not rare for women to marry late. She¡¯s just come of age; it¡¯s not urgent. Perhaps the old master and the others will return by then.


    Old Mrs. Qin remained silent, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, but she held them back, saying, ¡°She¡¯s right, the Qin family is still in a precarious situation. We really need to keep a low profile. Keep them restrained on ordinary days; do not allow them to go out.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s clever alright, but her attitude is also...¡± Old Mrs. Qin pursed her lips, choosing not to finish her sentence.


    Detached, polite, surface calm but, in truth, Qin Liuxi and the rest seemed like there was a line between them¡ªthey were not close but had barriers in their hearts.


    Mrs. Wang gauged her mood and said, ¡°Mother, since the child has been alone in the old house since she was young, we can¡¯t blame her for having grievances in her heart. We cannot force her to feel otherwise.¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin looked at her, direct and unflinching, and decided not to continue the topic, ¡°Autumn is coming, and it must be getting cold in the northwest. I don¡¯t know where Bo Hong and the others have reached, but regardless of where they are, we need to make some arrangements. Have Li Dagui make a trip to the Ding family in Bali Alley and say I wish to visit their Old Lady to chat about old times.¡±

 Chapter 46 - 46 48 The Eldest Miss is a Village Girl

    ?Chapter 46: Chapter 48: The Eldest Miss is a Village Girl? Chapter 46: Chapter 48: The Eldest Miss is a Village Girl? ¡°Changsheng Hall wants me to concoct the Jade Skin Flower, and since there¡¯s still a bit of time, I¡¯ve done it to avoid the delay of going to Ningzhou which I don¡¯t know how many days it will take. They would keep rushing me day in and day out.¡± Qin Liuxi said to Qi Huang by her side: ¡°Later, take out the Snow Lotus and cold fragrance among others and soak them in Medicine House.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Qi Huang said: ¡°Jade Snow Skin has fetched tens of thousands of taels in the capital, still with no market for ready buyers, a bottle is hard to come by; no wonder Boss Feng is anxious.¡±


    Jade Snow Skin is a fragrance highly sought after in high society ladies¡¯ circles in recent years; priced exorbitantly, it has extraordinary effects on women. Applied on the body, it makes the skin snowy and tenderly smooth, a true ice-cool skin like snow. After prolonged use, one can emit a faint cold fragrance that is captivating and heartwarming; hence it is named Jade Snow Skin.


    Moreover, it can fade blemishes.


    But this miraculous Jade Snow Skin is extremely rare, not to mention the secret formula for its concoction, just the ingredients themselves are exceedingly rare. The primary ingredient, Jade Skin Flower, along with the Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus, grows only on glaciers and snowy land. The human labor, material, and financial resources required to seek it are tremendous.


    Therefore, Jade Snow Skin, only a bottle the size of a woman¡¯s finger, is priced at tens of thousands of taels, with no fixed price to speak of. In recent years, one could only get it at the Jiuxuan Auction Hall.


    Jade Snow Skin is said to be concocted, which is nearly similar to refining, except the process is complex: adding every material needs precise steps and fire control. A single mistake, and an entire pot of Jade Snow Skin would be wasted.


    This is why only Qin Liuxi can concoct Jade Snow Skin.


    And Qin Liuxi... Well, one cannot say she¡¯s not lazy and without ambition, but no one can do anything about her. Unfortunately, as the small family¡¯s cherished ancestor, she can only be indulged.


    Now, for the Wind Spirit Flower that¡¯s even more precious than the Jade Skin Flower, Qin Liuxi has bent her back.


    Alas, it¡¯s all due to lack of money.


    ¡°He can be anxious if he wants to, anyway he¡¯s not short of the money from Jade Snow Skin to do business.¡± Qin Liuxi said: ¡°Concocting that thing, one must at least stick around for eight hours, keeping vigilant. You know that. I¡¯m not in good health; I can¡¯t overexert myself and waste all these years of cultivation!¡±


    Qi Huang held back from exposing her pretense and laughed: ¡°Indeed, your compassion is like that of a Bodhisattva; you can¡¯t bear to see Boss Feng getting sick from anxiety.¡±


    ¡°Heh, Qi Huang knows me best. No wonder I can¡¯t do without you...¡± Qin Liuxi¡¯s voice paused, her smile also retracted as she looked at several people in the courtyard who were looking around, with their hands clasped behind their backs.


    The visitors in the courtyard could be called rare guests. They were Qin Liuxi¡¯s younger sisters and cousins.


    Upon seeing Qin Liuxi, Qin Ming Yue and the others felt somewhat unsure and embarrassed, their eyes resting upon her.


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s attire was not elaborate, nor was it flamboyant, but the material was of the finest. She currently wore a simple cyan robe with wide sleeves and lucky cloud patterns, the hem embellished with a few embroidered pomegranate flowers in gold and silver. Her slim waist was cinched, with two silk tassels hanging down, standing with her hands behind her back, her posture upright.


    Her face was bare, without makeup; her skin was pale and delicate, not the gentle kind of visage, but rather sharp and hard. She just pinned up her hair casually with a wooden hairpin, without any embellishments. Her pair of eyes were calm and clear, quietly gazing over, not uttering a single word. Yet she was tall, and her gaze from above gave others a subtle sense of pressure.


    How curious, Qin Liuxi¡¯s mother, Aunt Wan, was so beautiful that it made all these young ladies feel inferior. Even Qin Mingchun was born extremely beautiful. But Qin Liuxi seemed to have taken another path; she didn¡¯t possess that breathtaking beauty, but when her gaze shifted, her face took on an enigmatic androgyny and an air of supremacy.


    Next to this ¡®peasant girl¡¯, they seemed all the more like real peasant girls!

 Chapter 47 - 47 49 Putting on Airs and Talking About Rules

    ?Chapter 47: Chapter 49 Putting on Airs and Talking About Rules Chapter 47: Chapter 49 Putting on Airs and Talking About Rules Indeed, in the eyes of Qin Mingyue and the others, Qin Liuxi, who had always lived in the old family home since she was young, was nothing but a country girl.


    They used to think that Qin Liuxi, who had always been cooped up in the small town of Li City, would hardly have any close girlfriends from her childhood in Shengjing. Even if she did, they, like Shengjing, had changed a lot over the years. Unlike them, who were born and raised in the capital, mingling with noble ladies from the very start, indulging in high-end circles of poetry and tea gatherings, what about Qin Liuxi?


    While Li City was nice, it was still just a small county town, nowhere near as bustling as the big city, and with no elders to guide her, living in solitude¡ªwho could she learn from? That¡¯s right, it was said that she was even taught by a Daoist Temple master. She probably just shuttled back and forth between the estate and the Daoist Temple. How could such a naive country girl, with no exposure to the world, turn out to be anything but pitiable?


    But now, when they compared themselves, who seemed more like a country girl?


    Qin Mingyue and the others glanced at the coarse ramie clothes they wore, their faces turning red with embarrassment, suddenly feeling a sense of inferiority.


    It turns out they themselves were the clowns!


    While feeling awkward and inferior, they also felt a twinge of jealousy and resentfulness. They were all young ladies of the Qin family; the Qin family had fallen into ruin, and they had to wear rough ramie clothes. Why did Qin Liuxi still dress like a lady?


    Jealousy tainted the face with ugliness. Qin Liuxi swept a glance at Qin Mingyue¡¯s face, letting out a scoff.


    ¡°The Qin family has fallen, and yet you¡¯ve all lost even the basic manners. Don¡¯t you know how to greet someone when you meet them?¡±


    Qin Mingyue and the others stiffened.


    ¡°We pay respect to elder sister.¡±


    ¡°We pay respect to cousin Liu Xi.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Qin Liuxi nodded and said, ¡°Now that you¡¯ve paid your respects, go back.¡±


    Qin Mingyue¡¯s expression changed as she stepped forward and gave a deep bow again, ¡°We came to speak with elder sister, and yet you do not invite us into your home. Do you not welcome us?¡±


    ¡°Mhm, not particularly welcoming, and I have things to attend to.¡± Qin Liuxi began to leave.


    ¡°Why do you need to find an excuse, elder sister? If you just say you don¡¯t like us, we¡¯ll leave.¡±


    Qin Liuxi turned back and smiled, ¡°Do you think I need to bother finding an excuse to send you off?¡±


    Who do you think you are?


    Qin Mingyue bit her lip, somewhat ashamed and annoyed.


    ¡°Cousin Liu Xi, may we walk around elsewhere?¡± Song Yu Yan also stepped forward.


    ¡°This small courtyard can be seen in a glance, what is there to walk around for? You are forbidden to go to the back; that¡¯s where I have planted my medicine garden, you mustn¡¯t trespass.¡± Qin Liuxi spoke indifferently, ¡°If you are bored, feel free to walk outside the courtyard. Qi Huang, lead them out.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Ladies, please.¡±


    Qin Mingyue and the others were then half-invited, half-shooed out of the side courtyard; standing outside, their faces were a mix of awkwardness and discomfort.


    ¡°Elder sister is really indifferent. We¡¯ve come all this way; the least she could do is invite us in for a cup of tea and some refreshments, right?¡± Qin Mingxin puffed out her cheeks, indignantly muttering, ¡°Growing up in a small city, she just doesn¡¯t understand how to treat guests; yet she still puts on airs with us about manners.¡±


    Qin Mingyue muttered under her breath, ¡°Who told her to be the elder sister.¡±


    ¡°The elder sister should set an example, to care for us sisters, isn¡¯t there a saying ¡®elder sister is like a mother¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it. Maybe elder sister wasn¡¯t taught well and doesn¡¯t understand this.¡±


    ¡°Then someone should teach her. I¡¯m going to tell mother right now.¡± Qin Mingxin ran off.


    Qin Mingyue looked once more at the small courtyard, biting her lip and following reluctantly.


    Song Yuqing followed behind her elder sister, whispering, ¡°Sister, shall we leave too?¡±


    That cousin Liu Xi looked so authoritative; she didn¡¯t dare to look at her.


    Song Yu Yan nodded, concealing the envy and sorrow in her eyes, and pulled her away. In terms of an embarrassing situation, who could compare to the three of them, mother and daughters?

 Chapter 48 - 48 50 Reporting a Complaint

    ?Chapter 48: Chapter 50 Reporting a Complaint Chapter 48: Chapter 50 Reporting a Complaint When Qi Huang came in, Qin Liuxi had already changed into simpler clothes and was pouring herself some tea.


    ¡°Has everyone left?¡±


    ¡°You were only short of grabbing a broom to chase them out. Those young ladies have thin skin; how could they have the nerve to stay?¡± Qi Huang said with a smile, ¡°But what did they come to see Miss for?¡±


    ¡°They surely didn¡¯t come to bond over sisterly affection with me?¡± Qin Liuxi, while rolling up her sleeves, said, ¡°These sheltered daughters, on ordinary days talk nothing but music, chess, calligraphy, painting, embroidery, or who has the newest jewelry or designs, then follow with various comparisons. If they¡¯re not here to compare, they are here for comfort.¡±


    ¡°Comfort?¡± Qi Huang stepped forward to help her with the sleeves, saying, ¡°What comfort could they possibly seek here with Miss? Though you are sisters, you are hardly close.¡±


    ¡°You just don¡¯t understand. In their eyes, I¡¯m just the pitiful little one ¡®exiled¡¯ back to the countryside, while they are city people. Now that they¡¯ve fallen on hard times, they come to look at this pitiful me. If I were miserable, timid, and filled with inferiority, wouldn¡¯t that comfort them?¡±


    The psychology of most mortals, ah, is ¡®I am miserable, ah, but you are even more miserable, so I¡¯m not that miserable!¡¯


    Qi Huang chuckled, ¡°What a pity, looking for comfort but instead got a setback.¡±


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°Let¡¯s drop them and head to the Medicine House, otherwise it will take all night.¡±


    ...


    Qin Mingxin ran off to tattle at Mrs. Xie, exaggerating her complaint about an elder sister who fails to live up to her status.


    ¡°...Not to mention serving us tea and snacks, she didn¡¯t even invite us inside. Mother, she¡¯s putting on way too high airs, not a bit of affection.¡±


    Mrs. Xie¡¯s face turned green: ¡°Did she really chase you out?¡±


    Qin Mingyue sighed, ¡°Perhaps she also despises us.¡±


    She stretched the ramie fabric of her dress; she had never worn this material before. Now wearing it, she felt scratchy, and over the past few days, it seemed her skin had grown rough.


    The more Qin Mingyue thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt.


    Mrs. Xie, noticing her movements and looking at the ramie on herself, also felt somewhat depressed and gloomy. It is hard to adjust from luxury to frugality; it had been many years since she wore such fabric, her children, raised in luxury, were certainly not used to it.


    Wrong, that dead girl Qin Liuxi¡¯s clothes did not include ramie; couldn¡¯t she have shared a few pieces with her sisters?


    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t make too much of this. Your elder sister has always been in the old house, never really following the rules. Mother will talk to your grandaunt later and get her properly taught,¡± Mrs. Xie advised, keeping her composure.


    Qin Mingxin nestled in her arms, acting spoiled, ¡°Mother, I saw that elder sister has a pretty pair of earrings, I want them too.¡±


    Mrs. Xie pinched her little nose, chiding, ¡°You always want everything.¡±


    Qin Mingyue said, ¡°Sister, that¡¯s elder sister¡¯s property, do you think she would give it to you? Don¡¯t make a fuss, if it reaches your grandaunt or grandmother, who knows, they might say you¡¯re being rude.¡±


    Mrs. Xie somewhat disagreed, saying, ¡°Yue¡¯er, as the elder sister, she naturally should also be caring and give way to her sister.¡±


    Wasn¡¯t that statement also intended for her to hear?


    Mother is just biased, not just favoring my younger brother, but also my younger sister.


    Qin Mingyue lowered her eyelids, softly saying, ¡°Daughter understands, but times are different now aren¡¯t they? Hasn¡¯t grandmother also hinted as much?¡±


    Mrs. Xie felt a bit uncomfortable, saying, ¡°Indeed, Xinxin, be good. Your grandmother is also ill now, don¡¯t disturb her. Mother will speak with your grandaunt later...¡±

 Chapter 49 - 49 51 Dissatisfaction of the Grandmother

    ?Chapter 49: Chapter 51 Dissatisfaction of the Grandmother Chapter 49: Chapter 51 Dissatisfaction of the Grandmother Qin Liuxi emerged from the Medicine House as dawn was breaking, her face a shade paler after staying up the entire night, prompting a deep concern from Qi Huang.


    ¡°Master, after staying up all night, why don¡¯t you get some more sleep with a short nap? Otherwise, we still have to travel, and where will you get the energy from?¡±


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Go and get things ready. I¡¯ll take a medicine bath, and then I need to say goodbye to Old Mrs. Qin and the others before we leave.¡±


    As she mentioned this, she was filled with bitter resentment. In the past, she never needed to inform others of her whereabouts, coming and going as she pleased. Now, however, things were different.


    She had lost her freedom!


    Qin Liuxi felt increasingly suffocated.


    Seeing her troubled expression, Qi Huang didn¡¯t dare to speak further, hastily preparing everything. Within the time it took to brew a pot of tea, she had already arranged all the clothes and medical bath ingredients.


    Qin Liuxi entered the purification chamber and settled into the bathtub, instructing Qi Huang, who was massaging her acupoints.


    ¡°After I leave, all household affairs will be handed over to Madam, but you must guard my little courtyard, especially the Medicine House and the medicine garden. Don¡¯t let them take advantage of it.¡±


    Qi Huang asked, ¡°Are you guarding against those young ladies?¡±


    ¡°Rather than them, I¡¯m more concerned about Second Madam.¡± With her eyes closed in the medicinal soak, Qin Liuxi said, ¡°That woman is greedy for wealth and small gains and has a fierce temperament. If she comes to this courtyard with high and mighty airs, you block her. If there¡¯s any issue, we¡¯ll discuss it upon my return. If worse comes to worst, call Madam to decide.¡±


    ¡°Rest assured, I will guard it well for you.¡± Qi Huang and her brother Chen Pi had unique constitutions; both had been saved by Qin Liuxi during their hardest times and had followed her since. Qin Liuxi never asked them to sign a servitude contract, but they had already sworn a Blood Covenant at the Daoist Temple¡¯s Grandmaster, vowing never to betray her.


    So if anyone in the house thought to control them with a servant contract, it would be impossible.


    ¡°Personally deliver the Jade Snow Skin to Changsheng Hall, and as for the other medicines you¡¯ve refined, keep them safe. If there are any sudden incidents with Third Madam or Old Lady, let them take it.¡±


    ¡°Have you detected any Heavenly Secrets?¡±


    ¡°No. But as the saying goes, man¡¯s plans can¡¯t match Heaven¡¯s. With one growing old and the other newly postpartum and still weak, especially during this precarious time, I worry about accidents happening when I can¡¯t make it back in time.¡± Qin Liuxi continued, ¡°If things become uncontrollable, you know where to seek help, right?¡±


    ¡°Rest assured.¡±


    Qin Liuxi then stopped talking and relaxed. In two or three breaths, she had fallen asleep.


    Qi Huang stopped her movements upon seeing this, checked the water temperature, and with a smile at the sight of her master leaning against the tub edge facing her, she draped a large towel over the tub. Moving quietly, she left the purification chamber to instruct Chen Pi to take good care of their master on the road.


    Qin Liuxi was awake after a short rest, nimbly dressed herself, and as she left, she ran into Qi Huang.


    ¡°I can go to say goodbye myself. Make sure everything is packed.¡±


    Qi Huang agreed.


    As Qin Liuxi stepped outside, the sky was fully lit, and standing under the eaves, a breeze blew by, bringing a chill.


    Old Mrs. Qin, with her light sleep and preoccupied mind, had already awakened early. Hearing that Qin Liuxi was coming to bid farewell and knowing from her daughter-in-law that she intended to stay at the Daoist Temple for a few days of Cultivation, she understood that Qin Liuxi intended to say goodbye.


    Yet with their family in the midst of troubled times and having just returned to the old residence amidst uncertainty, Qin Liuxi¡¯s talk of retreating to the Daoist Temple for a few days of Cultivation slightly perturbed her.


    However, Qin Liuxi, who wouldn¡¯t indulge her, paid her respects, informed her of her departure, took her pulse, and wrote a new prescription. She instructed Nanny Ding to take it to Uncle Li for the medicine, then took her leave.


    Old Mrs. Qin¡¯s expression soured greatly, her dissatisfaction clear, ¡°This child, without her near to be taken care of, has truly become distant!¡±

 Chapter 50 - 50 52 Misss Favor

    ?Chapter 50: Chapter 52 Miss¡¯s Favor Chapter 50: Chapter 52 Miss¡¯s Favor Nanny Ding dared not fabricate stories about Qin Liuxi. Firstly, as a mere servant, even one in Old Mrs. Qin¡¯s entourage, she had no place to gossip about her masters.


    Furthermore, the display of Qin Liuxi¡¯s medical skills alone proved her remarkable abilities, and Nanny Ding, being no fool, naturally understood that such a person was not to be offended.


    Thirdly, although Qin Liuxi was distant and lukewarm towards Old Mrs. Qin and others, all the arrangements she had made were impeccable.


    Moreover, the young miss had been sent to the old residence to be fostered alone since childhood, separated from the Qin family. Wasn¡¯t it perfectly normal for her to lack closeness with them?


    Could one really expect someone who did not grow up in a large family to have no barriers or distance, to be close and warm, after more than a decade? Even a saint couldn¡¯t achieve that, right?


    In fact, those who do behave that way are truly frightening; it shows that the person can endure greatly and hide their true self.


    Nanny Ding carefully observed Old Mrs. Qin¡¯s mood and said warmly, ¡°Don¡¯t be too hard on the young miss. She has been away from home for so many years. Not to mention you and Lady, even the younger masters and mistresses¡ªshe hasn¡¯t met any of them; how can she be expected to be close?¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin fell silent.


    ¡°The young miss may be a reserved and indifferent person, but she does have filial piety towards you. Look, she was even worried about your health before she left!¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin¡¯s face softened upon hearing this, as it was indeed undeniable.


    ¡°And as for Third Madam, she is very concerned about her, too. Ju¡¯er told me that she privately treated Third Madam and even instructed Li Dagui¡¯s family to prepare those nourishing remedies for her, all specially made. If she didn¡¯t care, why would someone her age think of doing such things?¡± Nanny Ding sighed softly. ¡°What convinces me most of her care is for the newborn little masters. I heard she went to the Daoist Temple specifically to get an exorcism and safety jade buckle for them, which is an energized Magic Artifact.¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin¡¯s face felt warm as she glanced at the old nanny who had followed her for many years and said, ¡°You old thing, how many benefits has she given you for you to be speaking well of her everywhere after just a few days?¡±


    Nanny Ding gave a bitter smile: ¡°How could I? But seeing things as they are, I was afraid you might dwell on it too deeply and harm your health, so I spoke the candid truth.¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin let out a sigh, ¡°I am getting senile.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say such things. After so many years apart, it¡¯s still unfamiliar. As you spend more time together, affection will naturally develop,¡± Nanny Ding hastened to comfort.


    ¡°Mmm,¡± Old Mrs. Qin¡¯s voice was very low, her gaze distant, ¡°I¡¯m just afraid I don¡¯t have enough time left, and I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll live to see that day.¡±


    Nanny Ding felt a pang in her heart but smoothly changed the subject.


    Meanwhile, Qin Liuxi, the subject of their conversation, had gone over to Mrs. Gu¡¯s side, performed acupuncture again, and gave her a few instructions along with a prescription.


    ¡°This prescription is for a medicinal bath soup that I¡¯ve researched for Brother Ping and his brothers. I¡¯ve also copied one for Qi Huang. From today on, let them take a bath every other day. It will strengthen their bodies and make their muscles and bones more robust,¡± she said.


    Mrs. Gu was taken aback, took it and glanced at it, her expression showing some hesitation.


    ¡°If you feel there¡¯s any issue with it, you don¡¯t have to use it,¡± said Qin Liuxi.


    Mrs. Gu shook her head: ¡°You would not harm them, I trust you. In the past, I wouldn¡¯t have hesitated, but Xixi, you also know the situation our family is in now. Medicinal baths require too many costly herbs and silver.¡±


    They couldn¡¯t afford it, and she could not be selfish by demanding too much just for the twins, considering the current plight of the Qin family.


    Qin Liuxi said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if I¡¯m offering it, I¡¯ve already arranged everything. After I leave, Qi Huang will take care of it.¡±

 Chapter 51 - 51 53 Caught Her Eye

    ?Chapter 51: Chapter 53: Caught Her Eye Chapter 51: Chapter 53: Caught Her Eye Mrs. Gu still accepted Qin Liuxi¡¯s kindness; after all, with the children¡¯s father on the path of exile, if anything should happen, her two sons would be the foundation of their third branch.


    Mrs. Gu gritted her teeth and selfishly said, looking at Qin Liuxi: ¡°Xixi, for Third Aunt to say she¡¯ll pay you back later, it¡¯s undoubtedly like promising you pie in the sky, so I won¡¯t mention it. Third Aunt just wants to say one thing, your kindness, we will engrave it in our hearts in the third branch.¡±


    A small favor garners a spring-like response; this is what the third branch should remember since her son was safely born.


    Qin Liuxi smiled: ¡°Third Aunt, rest well, your good fortune is yet to come.¡±


    Mrs. Gu¡¯s heart stirred, her brows suddenly clear, good fortune to come?


    She didn¡¯t overthink it and let the wet nurse bring over her two sons to pay respects to Qin Liuxi.


    Qin Liuxi was tolerant toward the two newborns, seeing that they were both awake at the time, hands not swaddled, but next to their mouths, she couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    She picked up one child¡¯s hand, resting a finger on the tiny wrist for a long while before releasing it and switching to the other.


    ¡°If the children feel unwell, go find Qi Huang. She has been by my side for many years and is somewhat proficient in the Qihuang Technique,¡± Qin Liuxi said to Mrs. Gu.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Mrs. Gu nodded with a smile.


    Qin Liuxi then stroked the little heads of the two little ones and then took her leave.


    ¡°Bao¡¯er, see your elder sister out,¡± Mrs. Gu said to her daughter hiding by the door.


    Qin Mingbao came out, timidly looking at Qin Liuxi, performed a gesture of respect, and said with a soft voice: ¡°Elder sister, Bao¡¯er will see you out.¡±


    Qin Liuxi went out, followed by Qin Mingbao, and after they left the room, in the courtyard, her skirt was tugged. She couldn¡¯t help but look down.


    Qin Mingbao released her hand, looking up at this tall figure who seemed both sister and brother, blinking, her round face turning red with effort.


    Before the Qin family¡¯s incident, she had never seen Qin Liuxi, only hearing vaguely from her mother about an elder sister who due to poor health from a young age was fostered at the old house.


    But having met her, this elder sister was very powerful, having saved not only her mother but also her two brothers; she must be an Immortal sent by the Gods.


    Qin Mingbao knelt down suddenly, properly kowtowing and offering a grand gesture of respect to Qin Liuxi.


    Qin Liuxi: ¡°!¡±


    This unexpected gesture caught her completely off guard.


    She helped the little girl up, asking, ¡°What are you kneeling for, all of a sudden?¡±


    With admiration and gratitude in her eyes, Qin Mingbao said in a babyish tone: ¡°Elder sister saved my mother and brothers, I can¡¯t repay you enough, so I can only offer you a grand gesture of respect. But when I¡¯m able to, I will surely repay elder sister, I swear!¡±


    Hearing this, Qin Liuxi¡¯s smile deepened with genuine warmth. Looking at the little girl¡¯s big eyes, round face, chubby chin, and her hair tied up in a pair of red ribbons, wearing coarse cloth with a cloth belt around her waist, she resembled a child from a farming household, her innocence intact.


    She pinched her cheek, thought for a moment, and took out a silver note from her sleeve, handing it to her, ¡°This is a meeting gift from your elder sister, keep it for yourself, and buy snacks in the future.¡±


    Qin Mingbao was surprised, glanced at the denomination on the silver note, eyes widening, and when she looked up again, that elder sister¡¯s skirt had already disappeared through the courtyard door.


    Qin Mingbao took a few steps to chase, but upon losing sight of her, she ran back into Mrs. Gu¡¯s room, handed over the silver note and told her about the event with a bit of unease: ¡°Mother, should I return this to elder sister?¡±


    Mrs. Gu, looking at the silver note worth a hundred taels, patted her daughter¡¯s head, sighed, and said: ¡°You too have good fortune. Since elder sister gave it to you, keep it for yourself, but you must remember this kindness and repay it a thousandfold in the future.¡±


    Without that good fortune, how could you have caught Qin Liuxi¡¯s eye?


    Qin Mingbao looked at the silver note, only half understanding.

 Chapter 52 - 52 54 Im Frail and Affected

    ?Chapter 52: Chapter 54 I¡¯m Frail and Affected Chapter 52: Chapter 54 I¡¯m Frail and Affected Qin Liuxi got into the carriage amidst Qi Huang¡¯s incessant nagging, while Chen Pi waved cheerfully at his own sister, looking quite pleased with himself.


    Qi Huang gritted her teeth and threatened, ¡°If you don¡¯t take good care of our master and let her get hurt, I¡¯ll skin you when we come back. You won¡¯t be called Chen Pi anymore, but Skinned Pi.¡±


    Chen Pi shuddered and restrained himself a bit, ¡°Got it.¡±


    Only then did Qi Huang watch them leave and turned back into the house after a long while.


    Qin Liuxi had already agreed to meet someone called Qi Qian at the gate of Donghua City, and they arrived late, with the others already having waited for a long time.


    ¡°Master.¡± Qi Qian came up to greet her, clearly relieved to see Qin Liuxi.


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°Don¡¯t call me master, my family name is Qin.¡±


    Qi Qian was startled, then bowed again, ¡°Then, Doctor Qin?¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± Qin Liuxi waved her hand and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the carriage?¡±


    She looked around and saw a sturdy, tall horse harnessed to a rather plain but solid-looking carriage, walked over and nodded in satisfaction upon closer inspection.


    The exterior was plain and solid, but inside, it was spacious enough for her to lie down comfortably, with soft beddings placed inside, a few trunks and small tables, and even a small red stove with silver frost charcoal.


    Chen Pi hopped in first, placed their luggage down, then pulled open some fixed trunks, seeing various delicate snacks and preserves stored inside, along with tea sets, thermoses, small heating stoves, and so on, taking care of every detail.


    Chen Pi pretended to be curious but was actually checking to ensure nothing inappropriate was placed inside the carriage.


    Soon, he grinned innocently at Qin Liuxi and said, ¡°Young Master, this carriage is pretty sturdy, it¡¯s got everything, just like a movable little home.¡±


    Following Qi Qian, Ying Nan held back from rolling his eyes; it has everything because it was your young master¡¯s strict request, right?


    But he dared not say that.


    Qin Liuxi also smiled and thanked Qi Qian with a bow, saying, ¡°Young Master has put in a lot of effort, I am frail and need to be a bit particular.¡±


    ¡°As long as you are satisfied,¡± Qi Qian replied while looking at her long lashes, feeling inexplicably relieved.


    Satisfied, no trouble, now they could set off.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go, the sooner we leave, the sooner we return. Ah, I am someone who is homesick and always worries about traveling far.¡± Qin Liuxi hopped into the carriage, where Chen Pi had already laid out pillows and bedding for their master to take a nap.


    Qi Qian glanced inside, seeing the setup, was she planning to sleep?


    Being a gentleman, he did not stare any further, just returned to his own carriage, and everything was set in motion by his people.


    Indeed, once Qin Liuxi got into the carriage, she lay down, while Chen Pi first poured her a cup of tea from the thermos then lit an incense stick, and sat near the carriage door.


    ¡°Young Master, you sleep, I¡¯ll keep watch.¡±


    Qin Liuxi yawned and said, ¡°The carriage is spacious enough, if you¡¯re tired, you can lie down too. It doesn¡¯t matter whether you keep watch or not, the guards outside aren¡¯t being fed for nothing.¡±


    Each of them was a well-trained, sharp, and disciplined expert.


    Chen Pi cheerfully complied.


    In another carriage, Ying Nan cautiously reported to Qi Qian after observing Qin Liuxi¡¯s side, ¡°Young Master, they really did lie down.¡±


    Qi Qian glanced at him faintly and said, ¡°Let¡¯s set off.¡±


    Ying Nan dared not say more, respectfully bowed, and signaled the head guard, Huo Lang.


    The team slowly started moving, and Qin Liuxi, listening to the rumbling sound of the carriage wheels, drifted deep into sleep.

 Chapter 53 - 53 55 Dont Drag Me Down with Your Bad Luck

    ?Chapter 53: Chapter 55 Don¡¯t Drag Me Down with Your Bad Luck Chapter 53: Chapter 55 Don¡¯t Drag Me Down with Your Bad Luck Qin Liuxi had been asleep until the hours of Shen, skipping lunch without getting up, and only then did she open her eyes, calmed her spirit, and sat up inside the carriage.


    ¡°Master, you¡¯re awake.¡± Chen Pi, who had been feigning sleep, quickly got up upon hearing the movement and poured her some tea, while saying, ¡°You slept so deeply, I didn¡¯t call you. Your lunch has been kept warm in the food box. Do you want to eat that or have some snacks?¡±


    Qin Liuxi took the tea from him and asked, ¡°What time is it?¡± She looked up at Chen Pi with a frown.


    ¡°Master, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°Where have we reached? You have signs of a bloody disaster.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    Qin Liuxi frowned as she observed a faint trace of blood rising to his face. It seemed though there was a sign of blood, it was not life-threatening, so she asked, ¡°Do you have any Copper Coins?¡±


    Chen Pi, aware of her habit, quickly took out a few Copper Coins from his sleeve and handed them to her.


    Qin Liuxi took them, casually tossed them, while her other hand was engaged in swiftly counting and making gestures. She tossed again, her fingers moving rapidly.


    Chen Pi waited quietly.


    After a while, Qin Liuxi put away the Copper Coins and said, ¡°Stop the carriage. We can¡¯t go any further.¡±


    Without another word, Chen Pi pulled open the carriage door and shouted for a halt.


    Huo Lang, who was driving the horses, came up and asked, ¡°Little Chen Pi, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Stop. My master says we can¡¯t go any further.¡±


    Huo Lang was taken aback, then said, ¡°Wait a moment.¡±


    He drove his horse up to Qi Qian¡¯s carriage to report.


    Qi Qian had been resting his forehead and feigning sleep. Hearing the news, he glanced at the sundial to check the time and said, ¡°Stop.¡±


    He stepped off the carriage, and Ying Nan followed, asking, ¡°Master, why can¡¯t we go on when everything seems alright?¡±


    Qin Liuxi had also alighted from her carriage and was surveying the surroundings and the skies. At this moment, they were on a mountainous official road, and according to the guards, they would be passing a very narrow gorge next.


    ¡°Doctor Qin.¡±


    Qin Liuxi turned around.


    Qi Qian noticed a red mark on one side of her face, which made her complexion appear ruddy. He averted his eyes and with folded hands asked, ¡°Did I hear you ordered a halt?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Qin Liuxi said. ¡°It will rain heavily within half an hour, quite suddenly, and passing through the gorge would be dangerous. Let¡¯s stop and find a place to shelter from the wind and rain temporarily.¡±


    Everyone was stunned.


    Ying Nan looked up at the blazing sun and couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°But, Doctor Qin, the sun is still blazing. You¡¯re saying it¡¯s going to rain?¡±


    He¡¯s kidding with us!


    Qi Qian also hesitated somewhat. Although his grandmother¡¯s illness was not immediately fatal, the earlier they returned, the less she would suffer. So, the sooner they could set off, the better.


    ¡°Yeah, I said it¡¯s going to rain. If you want to go, go ahead.¡± Qin Liuxi glanced at him with a smirk, ¡°But I see a scar on your Heaven, a mark on the wings of your nose, a dim complexion¡ªan omen of financial loss and decreased fortune in your career. And now there¡¯s darkness at your Yintang and blood masking your face; if you go forward, you¡¯ll be the one who¡¯s unfortunate! It¡¯s fine if you¡¯re unlucky, but dragging us down is not acceptable. Chen Pi, get our luggage.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Ying Nan, criticized by Qin Liuxi for his facial signs, was so angry that smoke seemed to be coming out of his seven orifices, and he was about to leap in front of Qin Liuxi and roll up his sleeves to argue when Huo Lang, with a changing expression, pulled him back.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who lost your money bag yesterday?¡± Huo Lang reminded him in a whisper, ¡°And you were scolded by the master, being told to go to Hawk Hall.¡±


    Ying Nan stiffened, his fingertips tingling. Having been scolded by his master, it was inevitable that he was unsettled and lost his money bag while attending to his duties. Qin Liuxi couldn¡¯t possibly have been following him all the way, could she?


    But most importantly, Qin Liuxi came from a Daoist Temple, and everything she had analyzed had hit the mark.


    So, was he indeed the unlucky one?

 Chapter 54 - 54 56 Resolute and Incisive Judgment

    ?Chapter 54: Chapter 56: Resolute and Incisive Judgment! Chapter 54: Chapter 56: Resolute and Incisive Judgment! Common sayings claim it¡¯s better to believe in something than nothing at all. Faced with Qin Liuxi¡¯s direct and decisive judgment, Qi Qian agreed with her.


    After all, she had already approved of the events that had happened to Ying Nan.


    Huo Lang immediately ordered his men to find a place that could shelter them from the wind and rain, but surrounded by mountains on all sides, where to look?


    ¡°Let¡¯s head west,¡± Qin Liuxi faced the west direction.


    Huo Lang instinctively glanced at his master, and after seeing a nod, led his people to scout ahead. Very soon, someone was sent back to report that not far from the narrow path, there was a small dilapidated temple, which now served as a temporary rest stop for hunters.


    Qi Qian looked at Qin Liuxi intensely.


    Ying Nan grew even more nervous ¨C damn it, she was right again.


    The group immediately rushed to the broken temple and upon entering, the sky was still clear, which led them to wondering, will it really rain? Were they just spouting nonsense?


    Huo Lang had already had his men tidy up the messy temple, clearing out a clean space to lay down blankets, and they had also gathered dry branches and twigs from the forest outside to have on hand.


    Seeing this, Qin Liuxi commented to Qi Qian: ¡°You have a good guard here, thinking ten steps ahead and sharp-witted, loyal and dedicated. He¡¯ll be of great use.¡±


    Caught off-guard by the praise, Huo Lang was overjoyed and replied with cupped hands, ¡°Doctor Qin is joking.¡±


    Chen Pi said proudly, ¡°My lord has never misjudged anyone. If she says you¡¯ll be of great use, then you undoubtedly will be.¡±


    Huo Lang¡¯s smile grew even wider, and he pulled out a piece of malt sugar from his sleeve, offering it to Chen Pi, ¡°Then I must thank your lord for the high praise.¡±


    Ying Nan, who was observing from the side, felt a sting of sadness ¨C no one had acknowledged his worth, only his misfortune.


    A guard walked in, his arms filled with jujubes, and said to Qi Qian: ¡°There¡¯s a jujube tree behind this broken temple that seems rather old, still hanging with a few jujubes. Your subordinate has picked some.¡±


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s eyes lit up, she stood up immediately ¨C she had foretold that this journey would bring an unexpected joy, could it be right here?


    ¡°Where is this jujube tree?¡±


    ¡°Right behind us, look, that¡¯s it,¡± the guard casually pointed out.


    Qin Liuxi and Chen Pi looked over to see through a large broken window to the northwest of the temple, a jujube tree with a trunk as thick as the mouth of a bowl ¨C it must have been several decades old.


    Qi Qian, noticing Qin Liuxi¡¯s interest, asked, ¡°Doctor Qin, is there something unusual about this jujube tree?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just a jujube tree, what could possibly be unusual about it? Go ahead, taste it, see if the jujubes are sweet,¡± Qin Liuxi said with a smile.


    Qi Qian kept his composure, but he felt as though the other party was on guard against him.


    ¡°The sky¡¯s gotten dark,¡± exclaimed a guard named Da Yong stationed at the doorway.


    As soon as his voice fell, a gust of wind started blowing through the forest, the sky gradually obscured by dark clouds, filtering out any speck of light.


    In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, a thunderous boom roared, followed closely by raindrops the size of beans, falling fast and furiously.


    Everyone looked towards Qin Liuxi, who was still leisurely sipping tea and eating pastries, eyes revealing reverence.


    She was right again.


    Ying Nan swallowed nervously; no worries, he didn¡¯t shed any blood, it still didn¡¯t count as accurate.


    ¡°Master, let me check how heavy the rain is.¡± He stood up and walked toward the doorway. But after only three steps, he suddenly felt a sharp pain on his forehead and his vision blurred.


    Clatter.


    A roof tile had fallen down.


    Ying Nan touched his forehead, his fingers met with bright red blood ¨C not a lot, but still, it was blood.


    A darkened Yintang and a blood omen, an ironclad prophecy!


    Everyone: ¡°!¡±


    Wondering how much silver it would take to have such a master calculate their fate?


    Under everyone¡¯s awed stares, Qin Liuxi squinted her eyes with a smile, her demeanor exuding an aura of hidden achievements and renown.

 Chapter 55 - 55 57 Just do good deeds do not inquire about

    ?Chapter 55: Chapter 57: Just do good deeds, do not inquire about the future Chapter 55: Chapter 57: Just do good deeds, do not inquire about the future Thunder roared, just as Qin Liuxi had mentioned, the autumn rain fell fiercely. The dilapidated temple had no doors, and the outside storm swept in with moisture, bringing a chilling sensation.


    Huo Lang and his companions had earlier gathered firewood, which was now set ablaze, quickly engulfing the chill with its heat waves.


    ¡°How many years has Doctor Qin been cultivating?¡± Qi Qian looked towards Qin Liuxi, who was meditating by the side. The firelight shimmered on her side profile, blazing red, making it even harder to discern whether the figure was male or female.


    ¡°I entered the path of cultivation at the age of five.¡±


    ¡°So early, Doctor Qin, you don¡¯t seem to have reached the age of adulthood yet,¡± Huo Lang sighed.


    Qin Liuxi: ¡°Naturally, I am only fifteen this year.¡±


    There was an astonished murmur.


    So young.


    ¡°Aside from slaying demons and removing disasters for people, fixing graves, and assessing feng shui, does a cultivator like Doctor Qin also possess unfathomable medical skills?¡± Qi Qian continued to inquire.


    Qin Liuxi looked at him, smiling ambiguously, ¡°Young Master Qi, you ask quite directly.¡±


    ¡°Just purely curious, if it troubles Doctor Qin, consider that I never asked.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not something that cannot be discussed. As the saying goes, nine out of ten paths lead to medical skills. Cultivators often possess medical skills, it¡¯s just about how proficient they are,¡± Qin Liuxi said, ¡°Cultivators ultimately seek immortality and longevity; to maintain health, one naturally must know medicine. Only by cultivating one¡¯s spiritual power can one ascend to Heaven.¡±


    Squatting not too far and pretending to be dead, Ying Nan couldn¡¯t help but interject: ¡°In this world, are there really immortals who live forever?¡±


    ¡°No, and if there are, they¡¯re just fooling you, only fools would believe!¡±


    Ying Nan: ¡°???¡±


    That¡¯s not what you were saying earlier!


    Qin Liuxi smirked, ¡°Taoists, commonly called charlatans, may deceive you for ten or eight years. Those who really ascend merely close their eyes, leaving behind their physical bodies, with their souls returning to Heaven. In their next life, they naturally gather immense wealth and blessings due to the merit cultivated in their previous life. Oh, those with heavy cultivation of merit may live much longer than ordinary people.¡±


    Everyone listened, utterly bewildered.


    Qin Liuxi continued, ¡°So, never believe in everlasting life, such things do not exist in this world, and everyone will eventually die.¡±


    What a joke, even if there was immortality, she would have to deny it. Otherwise, if it reached the Emperor, wouldn¡¯t they capture her to concoct the Longevity Elixir? Wouldn¡¯t that be jumping into a pit of her own making?


    Qin Liuxi added another layer of protection for herself: ¡°The words spoken today are from my mouth to your ears only; take it as it is, but never say that it was I who said it. I will not acknowledge it. Whoever misrepresents, well...¡±


    It was a warning.


    Qi Qian glanced at his men, and they hastily responded: ¡°Doctor Qin, rest assured, we will not spread it recklessly.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you do, in the end, any misfortune or retribution will be yours,¡± Qin Liuxi said cheerily.


    ¡°Then, Doctor Qin, if not immortality, what about longevity?¡±


    ¡°Longevity, of course, exists. By maintaining health, accumulating yin de, and doing good deeds, you will certainly reap benefits.¡± Qin Liuxi raised a hand and said, ¡°As the Taoists say, do good deeds without asking about your future, consider that my gift to you all.¡±


    Doing good deeds without questioning the future, the crowd muttered these words, engraving them in their hearts.


    Suddenly, a loud crash sounded, as if something had collapsed.


    ¡°Master, should your subordinate go out and check?¡± Huo Lang stood up, wanting to investigate.


    Qi Qian instinctively looked at Qin Liuxi, seeking her opinion.


    Qin Liuxi then said, ¡°No need, the rain is pouring heavily outside, it seems like a landslide. It¡¯s better to check it after the rain stops.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s wait,¡± Qi Qian plainly deferred to her.


    Amid the thunderous booms,


    ¡°That jujube tree was struck by lightning!¡± exclaimed a guard facing the broken window, who could see the jujube tree.

 Chapter 56 - 56 58 Obtaining Thunderstruck Wood

    ?Chapter 56: Chapter 58: Obtaining Thunderstruck Wood Chapter 56: Chapter 58: Obtaining Thunderstruck Wood The jujube tree was struck by lightning!


    Everyone instinctively looked over, only to see the tree behind the window burst into flames after being struck by lightning, but soon, the heavy rain extinguished it.


    Qin Liuxi jumped up and ran to the window to look, what a pleasant surprise, what a pleasant surprise!


    Qi Qian and others found it strange, it¡¯s just a tree struck by lightning, yet she seemed as excited as if she had found thousands of taels of gold.


    Chen Pi was also incredibly happy, his mouth opened to speak, but glancing at the many people around, he changed his statement to: ¡°Young Master, this tree is really pitiful!¡±


    ¡°Yes, indeed pitiful, we¡¯ll take good care of it soon,¡± Qin Liuxi nodded solemnly.


    The two exchanged a glance, sharing a somewhat sly smile.


    Qi Qian: ¡°!¡±


    This felt increasingly strange!


    The rain continued for an hour before it finally stopped, and it was getting darker. If they didn¡¯t hit the road now, they would have to spend the night in the wilderness or find a farm to stay overnight.


    Huo Lang and others packed up, while Qin Liuxi borrowed some people and tools from Qi Qian, and ran to the back.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you,¡± Huo Lang volunteered, still mindful of Qin Liuxi¡¯s high praise and wanting to do something in return.


    Qin Liuxi didn¡¯t mind and took Chen Pi and him out.


    Qi Qian, curious, also followed.


    What Qin Liuxi did wasn¡¯t anything special; she just instructed Huo Lang to chop down the slightly charred section of the jujube wood that had been struck by lightning.


    ¡°Doctor Qin, what is this?¡±


    As Qin Liuxi saw Huo Lang climbing the tree, thinking he was someone else¡¯s subordinate, she said: ¡°Thunderstruck Wood, you might not find it peculiar, but for us Taoists, Thunderstruck Wood is a rare exorcism material, able to suppress and vanquish evil spirits.¡± She paused, then added: ¡°Young Master Qi, you wouldn¡¯t compete with me for it, would you?¡±


    She looked quite wary.


    Qi Qian coughed lightly: ¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯t. But since it can suppress evil and exorcise, having a small section as a peace charm would be good.¡±


    Meaning, he wouldn¡¯t fight for it, but wanted a small piece.


    Huo Lang chopped down that section of the wood, about the length of half a forearm, and handed it to Qin Liuxi, but Chen Pi took it first.


    Qin Liuxi looked at the still intact Thunderstruck Wood, slightly begrudging: ¡°Perhaps the trims and corners can be carved into a small Magic Artifact for you.¡±


    Qi Qian immediately smiled, bowing: ¡°Then I truly thank Doctor Qin for your generosity!¡±


    Qin Liuxi shrugged her nose, looked towards Huo Lang, hesitating whether she should also share since everyone saw it.


    But Huo Lang waved his hand generously: ¡°Doctor Qin if you have valuable use for it, I don¡¯t need it. However, if you have something like a peace charm, I¡¯d like to ask for one for my wife.¡±


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s eyebrows raised slightly as she examined his face, laughing: ¡°Mr. Huo, you¡¯re going to be a father, huh?¡±


    Huo Lang was instantly delighted: ¡°You can tell just by looking?¡±


    His wife had just been pregnant for two months when he began traveling with his master, and he hadn¡¯t told anyone, yet Qin Liuxi could tell, which was amazing.


    ¡°The Children Palace is full, moist with a glossy appearance, pale yellow with a center purplish, you¡¯re having twins!¡± Qin Liuxi took out two peace charms from her bosom and handed them to him: ¡°Consider it balancing the karma for you chopping down the Thunderstruck Wood for me. When you return, have your family situate the nursery in the northeast direction; all will be well, and auspicious stars will shine.¡±


    Huo Lang couldn¡¯t contain his joy, accepting them with deep gratitude: ¡°Thank you, Doctor Qin, thank you.¡±


    ¡°No need for thanks, just good karma,¡± Qin Liuxi waved her hand, gesturing to Chen Pi, and the master and servant pair joyfully walked away with the Thunderstruck Wood.


    Huo Lang watched her walk away, excitedly turning to Qi Qian: ¡°Master, did you hear that? The sage said my subordinate is going to have twins!¡±


    Qi Qian glanced at the peace charm in his hand: ¡°Truly happy for you!¡±


    Huo Lang scratched his head with a goofy smile, belatedly realizing, why does the master seem a bit envious?

 Chapter 57 - 57 59 More Misfortune than Fortune

    ?Chapter 57: Chapter 59: More Misfortune than Fortune Chapter 57: Chapter 59: More Misfortune than Fortune ¡°Master, the rain just now was sudden and heavy, and the canyon ahead was blocked by some mudslides and rocks,¡± Huo Lang said. ¡°It will take some time to clear the path, and taking a detour would delay us even more. I¡¯m afraid we won¡¯t make it to the town or post station tonight.¡±


    Qi Qian¡¯s gaze was deep as he looked ahead at the canyon. If they hadn¡¯t listened to Qin Liuxi and insisted on hurrying along, would they have been directly hit by the mudslide?


    He glanced back at Qin Liuxi¡¯s carriage and said to Huo Lang, ¡°It¡¯s getting dark soon. Let¡¯s not take a detour. Clear a path just enough for the carriage to pass through.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Chen Pi, who was nearby, ran back to Qin Liuxi¡¯s carriage after hearing this and said, ¡°Young Master, they need to clear the canyon before we can proceed.¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Qin Liuxi was still fiddling with the Thunderstruck Wood, thinking about what kind of Magic Artifact to make. A small sword?


    Chen Pi didn¡¯t disturb her and idly went to watch Huo Lang and the others clear the path, happily going, but returning with a sad face.


    He was helping to clear the debris when his hand was suddenly cut by a falling rock, and it was bloody.


    Qin Liuxi clicked her tongue, ¡°It¡¯s a blessing, not a disaster; if it¡¯s a disaster, it can¡¯t be avoided.¡±


    ¡°Young Master!¡± Chen Pi felt wronged.


    Qin Liuxi took some golden sore medicine and clean water, washed his wound, and then applied the medicine, saying, ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious, just a minor misfortune without life-threatening danger. It will pass.¡±


    Accompanying Chen Pi back, Qi Qian heard this and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you think of helping him avoid this disaster?¡±


    Qin Liuxi replied, ¡°Just a little bloodshed, can¡¯t be avoided if it¡¯s meant to happen. Besides major life and death matters, it¡¯s not a big deal. Also, I did help him already. Otherwise, why would he avoid the rain? But his failure to avoid it is his own choice and fate. You see, a kid with nothing to do, just watch the action; why bother helping others? See, he made things worse!¡±


    Truly a Heartless Master!


    Qi Qian looked at the disheartened Chen Pi and felt sympathy!


    The Heartless Master, however, had a look of ¡®you deserve it,¡¯ which made Qi Qian feel even more pity for the poor kid.


    Qi Qian leaned against the carriage door, waiting for the subordinates to clear the debris while listening to Qin Liuxi lecturing Chen Pi, watching as the sky grew darker. Nearby, the sound of a carriage¡¯s wheels was approaching.


    ¡°At this hour, there are still people hurrying on their way,¡± Qin Liuxi also heard the carriage¡¯s wheels and looked towards the direction of the sound.


    Qi Qian stood up straight and called Huo Lang to be on guard.


    A carriage and several mounted servants appeared in their sight, looking somewhat urgent. The leading man saw the situation on Qi Qian¡¯s side, raised his hand, and halted the team behind him, galloping over first.


    Huo Lang went up to meet him.


    The middle-aged servant, wearing a short brown cloak and riding a tall horse, dismounted and greeted Huo Lang. Shortly after, he returned to his carriage, received instructions from his master, and came back with a few servants to help clear the debris.


    With the extra hands, the blocked road was quickly cleared, and Qin Liuxi and their group resumed their journey. As night wholly fell, they indeed didn¡¯t make it to the town or even a post station; they had to stop and stay overnight in a small village.


    ¡°Master, that carriage behind us has passed,¡± Huo Lang said to Qi Qian.


    Qi Qian hummed and didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°They¡¯ll come back,¡± Qin Liuxi looked at the dark night sky and said, ¡°And they will come back severely injured.¡±


    The smell of blood and death was intense; it seemed that unlucky fate befell that group of people.


    Everyone was shocked.

 Chapter 58 - 58 60 Difficult to Save with Good Medicine

    ?Chapter 58: Chapter 60 Difficult to Save with Good Medicine Chapter 58: Chapter 60 Difficult to Save with Good Medicine Nightfall descended like ink, the piercing and intense sounds of combat echoing from the woods, startling the perched birds into chaotic flight.


    ¡°Pingzi, take them and leave,¡± a middle-aged attendant ordered, cutting through the throat of an assailant dressed in black, and shouting fiercely.


    ¡°Uncle.¡± Pingzi, a young attendant fighting back-to-back with him, had reddened eyes and was about to turn back.


    ¡°Go.¡± The middle-aged attendant gasped for breath: ¡°Protect them well, hurry, this is an order.¡±


    Pingzi¡¯s throat choked up, his footsteps light, he made several leaps and reached the carriage that had been split in two, pulling out two children, ready to mount the horse.


    ¡°You take the little brother,¡± the elder child handed over the gasping younger one in her arms to him.


    ¡°Young Miss, what about you?¡±


    The girl called Young Miss turned her head around, and had there been light, her face smeared in blood would be clearly visible; yet her eyes remained calm yet filled with loathing.


    She grabbed another horse, swiftly mounted, glanced back at the middle-aged attendant still tangled in battle, bit her lip hard, and turned her head around: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    She led the way, and Pingzi, carrying the child, urged his horse to follow.


    Seeing their escape, a black-robed man wanted to pursue. Emitting a piercing shriek, the middle-aged attendant pounced forward, his long sword dancing, and thrust.


    The sounds of combat faded behind them; Xi Zheng wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, pursed his lips, and spurred his horse back the way they came, galloping off.


    At that moment, in the quiet village, Qin Liuxi and the others had just finished their dinner at a farmer¡¯s home and were enjoying their tea.


    The sound of horse hooves approached.


    Qin Liuxi set down his teacup; it was good tea, but there was no time left to savor it.


    ¡°Chen Pi, have the host boil a big pot of hot water.¡±


    ¡°Right away.¡±


    Qi Qian looked towards Qin Liuxi, his lips parted as if to speak, but he said nothing.


    The sound of horse hooves rose outside the farmhouse courtyard.


    Huo Lang, who was on guard outside, quickly entered and saluted towards Qi Qian: ¡°Young Master, they have indeed returned, and it seems they are seriously injured.¡±


    The scent of blood could be smelled from afar.


    ¡°Please, Young Master, grant us medicine to save lives.¡± Outside, a crisp voice arose, followed by a faint thud, perhaps someone had knelt down.


    ¡°Doctor Qin, what do you think?¡±


    Qin Liuxi lazily said: ¡°I¡¯m only here to provide medical service because of your invitation; I¡¯m your guest, and it¡¯s not up to me to decide.¡±


    ¡°Go and have a look,¡± Qi Qian stood up.


    Qin Liuxi glanced at him and said: ¡°Young Master Qi is indeed warm-hearted, unafraid of attracting trouble.¡±


    Qi Qian stood with his hands behind his back, and on hearing this, looked over and said: ¡°Isn¡¯t Doctor Qin also fearless? You even had Little Chen Pi make preparations.¡±


    Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow and also stood up: ¡°I see if there¡¯s silver to be made. Let¡¯s go and have a look.¡±


    Several people left the house and, indeed, saw someone kneeling outside the courtyard, face covered in blood, a young girl, and behind her by one step, a young attendant held a child who was barely alive.


    Judging by the bloodstains on their bodies, and that only a few remained, it wasn¡¯t hard to imagine that they had experienced a bloody and fierce battle; otherwise, more would have been left.


    Xi Zheng saw Qi Qian, and a step behind him, Qin Liuxi, then prostrated on the ground, pleading: ¡°Please, Young Master, out of kindness, grant good medicine to save my brother¡¯s life.¡±


    Qin Liuxi looked at the child and said with hands behind his back: ¡°He is close to death; even good medicine might not save him.¡±


    Good medicine might not save him, but she could.


    Xi Zheng¡¯s body trembled, she sharply raised her head to look at Qin Liuxi, wanting to argue, but once she saw his eyes, the tears she held back rolled down.


    This young master was not telling lies; she knew.


    Xi Zheng crawled forward on her knees, kneeling in front of Qin Liuxi, and said: ¡°Save him, Young Master, and my life is yours!¡±

 Chapter 59 - 59 61 Such Treatment of Injuries

    ?Chapter 59: Chapter 61: Such Treatment of Injuries Chapter 59: Chapter 61: Such Treatment of Injuries Qin Liuxi bent down, locking eyes with Xi Zheng, the latter unflinching, his gaze full of determination.


    ¡°Your life is quite precious,¡± Qin Liuxi smiled as he straightened up, instructing the servant to carry the child into the room.


    Xi Zheng felt his racing heart suddenly calm, composed himself, and climbed up from the ground to follow inside.


    Without needing Qin Liuxi¡¯s orders, Chen Pi had already prepared water in the room and brought in Qin Liuxi¡¯s small medicine box.


    ¡°All unrelated people, please leave.¡±


    Qi Qian¡¯s eyes flickered as he said, ¡°Let me assist you.¡±


    Qin Liuxi turned his head, looked at him with a sly smile, and snorted lightly.


    Qi Qian¡¯s expression remained unchanged, displaying an attitude of refusal to leave.


    Xi Zheng overheard their conversation, feeling somewhat surprised; could this young gentleman know about medicine?


    ¡°Miss, this...¡± Pingzi was extremely nervous, stepped forward, attempting to intervene.


    Qin Liuxi was too young; could she really save our young master?


    Xi Zheng blocked him with a hand, looking at him: ¡°You go out.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°Trust me!¡±


    Pingzi pursed his lips and turned to leave.


    Xi Zheng directed his attention back to the person breathing weakly on the bed, his vision blurred as he clenched his fists tightly.


    Chen Pi glanced at her, noting Qin Liuxi wasn¡¯t dismissing anyone, so he didn¡¯t pay much attention. He looked at the child on the bed, took scissors, swiftly cut off the clothing, and inhaled sharply at the sight of the fierce sword wound on the child¡¯s body.


    The sword wound crossed the abdomen, all mangled; had it been deeper, it would have been a disembowelment.


    Xi Zheng saw this, biting her lip; it should have been her who was injured, but her little brother took the blow for her. If he died because of this, how would she face their parents underground?


    Xi Zheng became somewhat dizzy, harshly bit her tongue, using the pain to stimulate herself, staring wide-eyed, making sure to see and remember it clearly.


    Qin Liuxi first washed his hands and took the pulse, then lifted the child¡¯s eyelids, opening a small compartment in the medicine box to retrieve a delicate jade bottle.


    Once the wooden stopper on the jade bottle was removed, a rich aroma of medicine wafted out, refreshing the spirit.


    Qi Qian watched intently.


    Coming from a noble background, he was naturally familiar with good things, and the medicine contained in Qin Liuxi¡¯s jade bottle must be a rare and effective elixir.


    What could it be used for?


    Xi Zheng also caught the scent, a glint of hope coloring her eyes.


    Qin Liuxi poured a pearl-sized pill from the jade bottle, placing it into the child¡¯s mouth, and then took out the Golden Needle to pin several vital acupoints.


    The main injury was at the abdomen, and as soon as the needle pricked, the oozing wound ceased bleeding.


    ¡°Water.¡±


    Chen Pi handed over clean, warm water, and Qin Liuxi gently washed away the bloodstains bit by bit, removing the curled and necrotic flesh, making the wound appear even more ghastly.


    Qin Liuxi then sprinkled some golden sore medicine, and only then took a needle and silk-thin catgut to sew up the open wound.


    Qi Qian was dumbstruck, ¡°!¡±


    Xi Zheng almost forgot to breathe, staring intently.


    Could anyone really heal wounds like this, sewing up a person¡¯s injury as if repairing clothing?


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s movements were extremely steady, not the slightest tremor in his hands, as though he had done this countless times.


    After stitching the wound, she took a roll of gauze from the box to wrap it up.


    Qi Qian saw it clearly; the gauze looked light and breathable, much better than the usual bandaging cloth. What material was it made of?


    After completing everything, Qin Liuxi checked the pulse and breathing again, removed the needle, and washed her hands.


    ¡°Young Master, is it finished?¡± Xi Zheng asked, her voice trembling, cautiously inquiring.

 Chapter 60 - 60 62 Reviving the Dead with Flesh and Bone

    ?Chapter 60: Chapter 62: Reviving the Dead with Flesh and Bone Chapter 60: Chapter 62: Reviving the Dead with Flesh and Bone Qin Liuxi straightened up, looking toward the anxious Xi Zheng, and said, ¡°Be careful not to stretch the wound, otherwise it will have to be stitched again. When he wakes up, even using Powder for Anesthesia will be painful, and you won¡¯t be able to stitch as neatly as I did.¡±


    Xi Zheng and Qi Qian shuddered unconsciously upon hearing this, turning their gazes toward the boy on the bed.


    Watching the boy in pain, they too felt discomfort as if the needle and thread were moving on their own bodies.


    ¡°Then, will he still die?¡±


    Qin Liuxi proudly declared, ¡°The person I snatched from the hands of Black and White Impermanence will not just die like that.¡±


    As she spoke, her gaze unintentionally swept across the foot of the bed, her lips curling up provocatively.


    Qi Qian noticed it and instinctively looked over, but there was nothing there, so whom was she looking at?


    Qin Liuxi averted her gaze and naturally did not tell them that a well-known Ghost Messenger, after watching for quite a while, huffed off indignantly.


    Ah, rescuing someone has hindered their performance, necessitating appeasement, hence a need to stack up a few more gleaming ingots.


    Xi Zheng, feeling somewhat sensitive, rubbed his arms, ignoring the chill in the room, knelt in front of Qin Liuxi, and kowtowed three times: ¡°This servant thanks the noble son for saving my life.¡±


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°Stop kowtowing, you should also tend to your injuries. Here is some golden sore medicine.¡±


    She handed over a small bottle of golden sore medicine.


    Qi Qian felt a pang of envy. He had just seen Qin Liuxi administering stitches and medicine, and the wound had quickly stopped bleeding, proving the medicine was much stronger than ordinary ones.


    Xi Zheng hesitated for a moment before accepting it, then thanked her again.


    Qin Liuxi signaled Chen Pi to pack up and walked out.


    Qi Qian followed two steps behind. Seeing Qin Liuxi had left, he checked the boy¡¯s pulse by the bed and observed his steady breathing, thinking that the rumors were indeed true ¨C without seeking a Daoist doctor, one could revive the dead and mend broken bones.


    Just a moment ago, the boy had been hanging on by a mere breath, but after Qin Liuxi administered medicine and treated the wound, his breathing stabilized, and his pulse was even.


    Qi Qian gave Xi Zheng a deep look and said, ¡°You¡¯re quite lucky.¡±


    Xi Zheng was startled.


    As Qi Qian left, she immediately rushed to the bedside, checked her brother¡¯s breathing, felt his pulse, and finding both stable, her tears flowed freely.


    Pingzi also entered and seeing this, his heart skipped a beat, fearing the young master¡¯s condition had worsened.


    ¡°Miss?¡±


    Xi Zheng wiped her tears and said, ¡°Brother Ping, Ling is alright, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Pingzi was overjoyed: ¡°Really?¡±


    Xi Zheng nodded, ¡°We¡¯ve encountered a noble person.¡± She handed over the golden sore medicine, ¡°This is the medicine the gentleman gave, quickly apply it Brother Ping.¡±


    ¡°The servant¡¯s injuries are not serious, but Miss you...¡±


    ¡°I only have superficial wounds, this medicine seems very valuable, you use it, Ling still needs your care.¡± Xi Zheng did not miss the look of jealousy and envy in Qi Qian¡¯s eyes when he stared at her medicine.


    Hearing her words, Pingzi felt tense but dared not say anything, choosing instead to step out and tend to his own wounds first.


    Xi Zheng held her little brother¡¯s hand, rubbed her face against it, then turned around upon hearing footsteps behind her, only to see Chen Pi, roughly the same age as her brother, holding some clothes.


    ¡°These were sent by our master, bought from a local farm. They¡¯ve been worn by others but are the best available and have been washed clean, certainly better than what you are wearing now.¡±


    Xi Zheng glanced at her own blood-stained, tattered clothes. With pursed lips, she bowed to Chen Pi, ¡°I thank you and the master for the consideration, I will personally thank the master later.¡±

 Chapter 61 - 61 63 Catering to the Audience

    ?Chapter 61: Chapter 63: Catering to the Audience Chapter 61: Chapter 63: Catering to the Audience Qi Qian watched as Chen Pi carried in clothing and turned his gaze to Qin Liuxi, who was sipping her tea calmly, suddenly feeling that he could not fully see through this young person.


    You would say she¡¯s greedy for money, yet she didn¡¯t even ask Xi Zheng how much he would pay for treating him; she merely required that he owe her his life, then used her precious medicine and medical skills to save the child.


    But if you say she¡¯s not greedy, she insists on an exorbitant fee of ten thousand taels just to get her to make a house call.


    ¡°Makes rash judgments based on appearances!¡± Qi Qian muttered, his tone carrying a hint of bitter resentment.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Qin Liuxi glanced over.


    Qi Qian said, ¡°Speaking of Doctor Qin, that¡¯s really quite unfair. You were so tolerant and kind to that Xi Zheng, could it be just because she is a young lady?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Qin Liuxi moved closer, mischievously blinked an eye, and said, ¡°If Young Master Qi were a lady, and just as pitiful, I would also be kind and compassionate toward you.¡±


    Qi Qian instinctively leaned his head back, turned away his eyes, his ears tinged with red, and asked, ¡°The medicine Doctor Qin fed to that child, I don¡¯t even know what it¡¯s called, and that golden sore medicine, could I possibly convince Doctor Qin to part with it? Rest assured, we can negotiate a reasonable price for it.¡±


    Qin Liuxi set down her teacup, let out a sigh, and said, ¡°It¡¯s getting late, it¡¯s time to rest. Young Master Qi, I am young and of frail health, I cannot stay up with you!¡±


    Just then Chen Pi came out, and she called him to head towards the room that had already been arranged by the host.


    Qi Qian: ¡°...¡±


    Huo Lang, who had been watching their conversation without daring to make a sound, wanted to laugh but didn¡¯t dare, the urge suppressed within him.


    Qi Qian seemed to sense something and glanced over: ¡°Is everyone settled in?¡±


    Huo Lang immediately stood up straight, clasped his hands and said, ¡°Do not worry, master, arrangements have been made, and the men will take turns standing guard.¡±


    Qi Qian nodded, ¡°Stay alert, they might attract trouble that ought not to appear.¡±


    ¡°Rest assured.¡±


    Xi Zheng, having changed into a peasant¡¯s outfit, came out and paused his steps upon hearing this, his lips tightly pressed as he looked over.


    Qi Qian with a cold and hard expression, somewhat aloof, said, ¡°If that really happens, I will only toss you out.¡±


    He did not have the same compassion as Qin Liuxi.


    Xi Zheng clenched her fists and bowed slightly, ¡°After speaking with the young master, I will have the house servants take my younger brother away.¡±


    Chen Pi came out, ¡°The young master has gone to bed, he also said there is no need for Miss Xi to come by, you should rest early.¡±


    Xi Zheng was startled, looked towards the room behind him, bowed respectfully, and turned to leave.


    Chen Pi then went out again, Ying Nan caught the hint from his own master and followed: ¡°Little Chen Pi, where are you going so late?¡±


    ¡°Need to get some things from the farmer uncle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m idle too, I¡¯ll keep you company.¡±


    Chen Pi smiled with his eyes, ¡°The young master said that¡¯s great you¡¯re idle, I might need your help with something!¡±


    Ying Nan¡¯s eyelids twitched violently, sensing an ominous feeling.


    He followed Chen Pi to the hosting farmer¡¯s home and knocked on several other farmers¡¯ doors, gathering some things with a peculiar expression on his face.


    Upon returning to his master, he seemed somewhat dispirited, taking a while to react even after Qi Qian had asked twice.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Ying Nan opened his mouth, swallowed his saliva, and said, ¡°Master, do you know what Chen Pi went out to get?¡±


    Qi Qian did not ask, just waited for him to speak up.


    Ying Nan¡¯s expression slightly crestfallen, said, ¡°It¡¯s yellow paper and other offerings!¡±


    God knows, when he saw Chen Pi asking for these things, his first reaction was that it was outrageous, why such bad luck late at night?


    Qi Qian was surprised, yellow paper?

 Chapter 62 - 62 64 Come Help Me Dig a Hole

    ?Chapter 62: Chapter 64: Come, Help Me Dig a Hole Chapter 62: Chapter 64: Come, Help Me Dig a Hole In the middle of the night, Xi Zheng walked out of the farmhouse courtyard, about to mount the horse she had just led out, when a hissing sound came from behind her.


    ¡°We agreed that your life belongs to me, you¡¯re being dishonest girl, trying to sneak away on your own?¡±


    Xi Zheng turned around, some embarrassment on her face, yet she kneeled before Qin Liuxi: ¡°Young Master. I am not trying to flee, but rather have some matters to attend to.¡±


    ¡°Like gathering your servants¡¯ corpses?¡± Qin Liuxi smiled: ¡°Offspring of a General¡¯s family indeed, quite audacious.¡±


    Xi Zheng¡¯s complexion changed repeatedly, staring at Qin Liuxi in astonishment, how could she have known?


    ¡°Want to know how I found out?¡± Qin Liuxi¡¯s smile turned roguish: ¡°I guessed, but clearly, I guessed right.¡±


    Xi Zheng: ¡°...¡±


    This young master, truly, is itching one¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Qin Liuxi also walked towards another horse.


    ¡°Young Master, you?¡±


    ¡°I need to follow you, what if you run away or meet with mishaps, who would compensate for my life?¡± Qin Liuxi patted the horse by her side, which obediently knelt down.


    Yet in Xi Zheng¡¯s heart, it was complicated and hard to articulate, she wasn¡¯t foolish, naturally knowing Qin Liuxi wasn¡¯t truly afraid of her escaping; she feared for her safety, didn¡¯t she?


    How does such a person exist in this world.


    Like the warm sun, effortlessly warming one¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Doctor Qin.¡± Qi Qian also walked out.


    Upon seeing him, Qin Liuxi teased: ¡°Yo, Young Master Qi is so young, yet has weak kidneys? Needing to visit the latrine at night?¡±


    Qi Qian¡¯s face soured, grinding his teeth he said: ¡°I appreciate Doctor Qin¡¯s concern, my kidneys are just fine.¡± He glanced at the others¡¯ movements and then said: ¡°Since Doctor Qin can¡¯t sleep, why not start the journey together, arrive in Ningzhou earlier as well.¡±


    Xi Zheng instinctively looked at Qin Liuxi, tightening the reins.


    Qin Liuxi said: ¡°Alright, we are going the same way anyway, too lazy to turn back now. Go wake them up, arrange them in the carts.¡±


    The latter remark was directed at Xi Zheng.


    Xi Zheng fell silent for a moment, then nodded.


    ...


    The group proceeded under cover of night and in less than an hour, they reached the slope where Xi Zheng¡¯s group had been ambushed, with dawn approaching, still silent around.


    The sky brightened, revealing the gruesome scene in the forest, bodies strewn everywhere, the stench of blood yet lingering.


    ¡°Uncle.¡± Pingzi rushed to a corpse and knelt down with a thud.


    Huo Lang, by the torchlight, recognized it was the middle-aged servant who had inquired about the situation the previous day; in just one night, he had become a deceased soul.


    Xi Zheng stepped forward, knelt down, and kowtowed three times.


    Qin Liuxi glanced around, pinched her fingertips while calculating, then stood on a small hill, waved at Ying Nan with a smile.


    ¡°Chen Pi said you¡¯re extremely bored before, come here, help me dig a hole!¡±


    Ying Nan looked at her devilish smile: ¡°!¡±


    No, I am not idle, please spare me!


    Qi Qian subtly guessed something, raised his chin slightly, and signaled several people to join Qin Liuxi, using hoes and shovels bought from the farmhouse to start digging.


    Qin Liuxi then approached Xi Zheng, saying: ¡°Let¡¯s prioritize the urgent matters; even if we were to take their ashes with us, it would take time. It¡¯s better to bury them right here. That spot for burial is also considered auspicious. For now, let them be interred here, if you wish in the future, you can exhume and transport them back to your hometown. If not transfered, their valiant souls can still linger, providing some blessings to the future generations.¡±


    Xi Zheng looked up at Qin Liuxi, her eyes tearful, overwhelmed with gratitude, she deeply knelt before her.


    ¡°Stand up, the valiant souls who defended their home and country should not be left exposed in the wilderness, aimlessly returning to death without tranquility day and night.¡± Qin Liuxi personally helped her stand.


    Qi Qian, somewhat astonished on the side, looked towards those bodies, are these the valiant souls, were they soldiers?

 Chapter 63 - 63 65 Crossing the Dead Soul

    ?Chapter 63: Chapter 65 Crossing the Dead Soul Chapter 63: Chapter 65 Crossing the Dead Soul Upon learning that Xi Zheng is a descendant of a General¡¯s family and her servants are all soldiers, Qi Qian didn¡¯t need Qin Liuxi to instruct him anymore; he promptly had people wrap the bodies one by one with mats collected from the peasants¡¯ homes and place them into the pit.


    Qi Qian, looking at the bodies wrapped in cool mats, turned to Qin Liuxi and said, ¡°Perhaps we should ask those peasant families later if they have simple coffins?¡±


    Former soldiers, who had defended and protected their country, their ultimate fate was to be wrapped in a cool mat, to die a foreign death far from home; this made him feel somewhat uneasy.


    If there was a simple coffin, it would be better than just a cool mat, and the peasant families always prepared coffin wood in advance for the elderly.


    When Qin Liuxi heard this, he looked over and said, ¡°That¡¯s just a small village. Usually, they can only buy their daily necessities by trading with peddlers. The coffin wood is all felled and shaped by themselves from the mountains. In the entire village, only one old man had made preparations. Most of them will end up like these people, with just a cool mat to wrap around them after a hundred years.¡±


    Qi Qian fell silent.


    ¡°Let it be, whether it¡¯s a mat or coffin wood, whether they are clad in tattered clothes or wrapped in silk, in the end, when a person dies, it¡¯s just dust returning to dust, earth returning to earth,¡± Qin Liuxi said to Xi Zheng, ¡°You add the first handful of soil.¡±


    Xi Zheng nodded, took a shovel, and filled the first shovelful of soil into the pit, then followed by another. This, she did on behalf of her younger brother, and afterward, Pingzi took his turn.


    Qin Liuxi, on the other hand, sat down cross-legged, opened his lips, and began to recite the mysterious scripture Taiyin Jiu Ku Tianzun had expounded for delivering souls from the Blood Lake in Fengdu, to liberate the dead souls, while Chen Pi beside him used a flint to burn the effigies of gold ingots meticulously folded from yellow paper.


    A serene silence filled the forest, the only sound was the scripture, purifying the spirit of the listeners.


    Whether it was Qi Qian or Xi Zheng and the others, this was their first time witnessing the deliverance of souls from such close quarters, and the one performing the scripture was just a ¡®young boy.¡¯ Yet, as she recited the scripture and conducted the simplest of Daoist ceremonies, it involuntarily commanded their solemn respect.


    Prickly characters like Ying Nan, in such a setting, also couldn¡¯t help but show reverence and fear.


    The chanting of the ancient and distant spell ceased, a breeze came by, and it seemed as if the sound of chains echoed through the air.


    Qin Liuxi opened his eyes and gazed into the Void, his hands performing mantras and sealing spells, his eyes calm and peaceful.


    In the Void that others couldn¡¯t see, there were soul bodies bowing and expressing their gratitude to her, then disappearing into the forest with the messenger.


    Qin Liuxi saw several specks of golden light flying towards the spiritual platform and let out a long sigh of relief.


    She took a few gold ingots and placed them into the fire alone, murmuring words to herself ¨C this was a special offering to a certain messenger as a reward for their troubles and consolation.


    After the ceremony was complete, Qin Liuxi carved a piece of the wordless tombstone, inscribing it only with a few Taoist runes, and erected it in front of the new graves.


    Xi Zheng burned the last gold ingot in front of the graves and solemnly kowtowed three times before standing up and bowing to Qin Liuxi: ¡°Xi Zheng thanks Mr. Xie for his compassion.¡±


    She did not inquire about Qin Liuxi¡¯s identity. Qin Liuxi¡¯s successive actions had both impressed her and filled her with gratitude; from now on, Xi Zheng¡¯s life was pledged to Qin Liuxi, with no regrets until death.


    Qin Liuxi stood up, took the wet handkerchief handed over by Qi Qian to wipe his hands, and said to her, ¡°Your life¡¯s fortunes lie to the west. Head westward; to go northward is to follow a path to death.¡±


    Xi Zheng was startled, then understood something, and took a step forward: ¡°Mr. Xie, you...¡±


    It seemed Qin Liuxi did not wish to take her with him.


    ¡°You have your own destiny, but it¡¯s not by my side; it¡¯s in the west. If you dare to venture, you will find your own domain.¡± Qin Liuxi handed the handkerchief back to Chen Pi, then took out a Jade Talisman and gave it to her: ¡°Wear it, may it bring you peace and safety.¡±

 Chapter 64 - 64 66 She is the Ancestor We Must Worship Her

    ?Chapter 64: Chapter 66: She is the Ancestor, We Must Worship Her! Chapter 64: Chapter 66: She is the Ancestor, We Must Worship Her! Qin Liuxi did not allow anyone to follow her; no one could stay by her side, including Xi Zheng.


    Xi Zheng did not forcibly detain her; she simply took the Jade Talisman that Qin Liuxi had given her, wore it around her neck, and said, ¡°If the young master does not wish to keep me, I will make my own way in the place the young master mentioned. Once I have achieved something, I will return to find the young master. Xi Zheng¡¯s fate belongs to the young master, and that will never change.¡±


    Qin Liuxi faintly smiled: ¡°Then you should remember this well, let no one take your life, apart from me.¡±


    Xi Zheng nodded, then asked, ¡°We have received the young master¡¯s grace, but do not know the young master¡¯s name, and hope the young master will inform us.¡±


    Qi Qian, who was standing not far away, looked over unintentionally upon hearing this; he also did not know.


    Qin Liuxi and she locked gazes, silent for a long moment before she said: ¡°Qin Liuxi, my name is Qin Liuxi. When I was young, my master divined that the water before our gate was destined to flow westward, and so too must I, Yi Zhi1. When he took me as his disciple, he gave me the name Liuxi.¡±


    Xi Zheng etched this name in her heart and said, ¡°Xi Zheng has remembered it.¡±


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°You may go now.¡±


    Xi Zheng¡¯s eyes reddened slightly, she bowed three times to Qin Liuxi, and then boarded the carriage.


    Qi Qian approached, asked her a question, and then let her leave.


    Qin Liuxi watched Xi Zheng¡¯s carriage disappear into the west, yawned and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Qi Qian watched her walk towards her own carriage, took a step to the carriage first, and said, ¡°Doctor Qin shows compassion for the lady, preferring to offer her own carriage¡ªQi Qian is impressed. Huo Lang, choose a horse for Doctor Qin.¡±


    How stingy.


    You think I can¡¯t handle you?


    Qin Liuxi smiled without any hint of annoyance and said, ¡°Then choose a gentler horse. A too fiery horse would certainly be rough. I am delicate and can¡¯t bear it. This journey, I fear I may fall ill, and it might take ten days and a half-month to recover from, making any work difficult.¡±


    Meaning, I don¡¯t mind riding a horse, but if something goes wrong, I need to recuperate, and don¡¯t expect me to do any diagnosing!


    Qi Qian: ¡°!¡±


    Is this a doctor, or an ancestor?


    The ancestor couldn¡¯t possibly go against her wishes, of course, and must be treated with care!


    Qi Qian stepped aside slightly and said, ¡°Since I went to the trouble of inviting Master Buqiu here, how could I allow you to suffer hardship on the road? That wouldn¡¯t conform to your requirements for making house calls, right? Please, get in the carriage.¡±


    ¡°How could I possibly? Alas, I am someone who just can¡¯t refuse other people¡¯s kindness. I would be rude to decline.¡± Qin Liuxi got into the carriage with a smile.


    Qi Qian ground his teeth with a smile and followed into the carriage.


    Qin Liuxi¡¯s smile froze at the corner of her mouth: ¡°?¡±


    ¡°Qi Qian is still recovering from internal injuries and should not suffer the bumps of the road either. Surely Doctor Qin, who even shows compassion towards the dead, will not overlook my injury,¡± Qi Qian said cheerfully, placing a high hat on her head. He further said, ¡°And since we are both men, Doctor Qin won¡¯t mind, right?¡±


    Regarding what internal injuries, so angry that he hurt himself!


    Qin Liuxi was generously open-minded and said, ¡°With the company of such a refined and graceful Young Master Qi, naturally, I wouldn¡¯t mind.¡±


    Qi Qian: ¡°...¡±


    Feeling a bit uneasy, but couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on what was wrong.


    Huo Lang thought to himself that this Master Buqiu truly lived up to the name of a Taoist, with his sharp tongue; perhaps it became so smooth from frequently reciting spells and scriptures, looking at how his own Family Head was bested.


    Chen Pi also jumped onto the carriage and sat by the door.


    Qi Qian looked at Qin Liuxi¡¯s relaxed self, unable to hide the fatigue in her eyes, and softened when he thought of her previous actions, he said, ¡°That Xi Zheng, why didn¡¯t Doctor Qin keep her with you? You have bestowed her a grace akin to a new life. If you took her in, she would surely be a devoted servant.¡±

 Chapter 65 - 65 67 The Rantings of a Stinking Taoist

    ?Chapter 65: Chapter 67 The Rantings of a Stinking Taoist Chapter 65: Chapter 67 The Rantings of a Stinking Taoist Regarding Qin Liuxi¡¯s refusal to keep Xi Zheng, Qi Qian was somewhat surprised. After all, Qin Liuxi¡¯s actions had completely convinced and made Xi Zheng grateful; had she been a servant, she would never dare to rebel.


    Yet Qin Liuxi didn¡¯t keep her, and even provided her with guidance out of her confusion, without taking a single penny.


    In a languid manner, Qin Liuxi said, ¡°I have no idea how many lives I¡¯ve saved through my medical practice. If everyone were like her, volunteering themselves as slaves, wouldn¡¯t I be surrounded by swarms of servants? As a mere Taoist, where would I find enough silver to support all these servants? Do they really think I run a Charitable Hall?¡±


    ¡°You cannot truly mean that, Doctor Qin,¡± Qi Qian didn¡¯t believe her words.


    ¡°Indeed, the main reason is that she herself brings troubles. If I were to keep her by my side, what if she manages to attract these troubles to me? Being frail, would I not be inviting trouble for no reason?¡± Qin Liuxi put on a scared expression.


    Qi Qian: ¡°...Your medical skills are extraordinary, capable of predicting fortunes and avoiding calamities, and you even possess inscrutable powers that even God and Ghost cannot fathom. Should troubles come, I¡¯m afraid it would be a problem for them, not for you.¡±


    So, stop pretending, I see right through you!


    Qin Liuxi raised her eyebrows slightly: ¡°Unexpectedly, in Young Master Qi¡¯s eyes, I am so capable. This truly causes me some embarrassment.¡±


    Qi Qian chuckled, then after a long while, he said, ¡°Her father, named Xi Penghai, was once a Fourth-Rank General, but he fled from battle during the West Sea war in the twenty-second year of Kangwu, leading to the capture and death of fifty-thousand soldiers. Thus, he was branded as a traitor, a disgrace to the nation. He even embezzled military provisions, causing the Holy Emperor to rage, stripping Xi Penghai of all military achievements and official titles, demoted him to commoner status. Unable to bear the slanders, Xi Penghai took his own life, and Xi Zheng¡¯s mother followed him in death, leaving only a pair of children.¡±


    Half-leaning against the carriage wall, Qin Liuxi fiddled with a Jade Talisman, silent, neither confirming nor denying.


    ¡°Do you believe Xi Penghai truly fled the battlefield and betrayed his country?¡± Qi Qian intensely stared at her.


    Qin Liuxi finally looked over, speaking helplessly, ¡°Young Master Qi is indeed earnest. You may discuss Taoist scriptures with me, burning the midnight oil without issue, but with regards to such state affairs, how could I know? Having never seen General Xi myself, how could I know if he was loyal or traitorous?¡±


    Qi Qian¡¯s eyes narrowed as he said, ¡°You refer to him as General Xi, and you even helped perform rites for the Xi Family¡¯s retainers. Being a Cultivator, you certainly cannot be ignorant of right from wrong, so...¡±


    ¡°Hey, I did not say anything!¡± Qin Liuxi cut him off, shaking her finger, ¡°Young Master Qi is not familiar with the Mystic Sect, but not all those who practice cultivation are righteous. There¡¯s also the Evil Path. As long as one can pay with silver and bear the cost, these practitioners engage in nefarious and crooked activities that harm others. How would you know whether I belong to the Evil Path?¡±


    ¡°If you were of the Evil Path, you would not have saved Young Master Xi without taking a single Silver Coin,¡± Qi Qian rebuffed.


    ¡°How do you know I haven¡¯t received compensation?¡± Qin Liuxi chuckled, ¡°Their compensation has already been given, it¡¯s just that Young Master Qi isn¡¯t aware of it.¡±


    Those merits are truly a reward beyond any amount of gold.


    Qi Qian frowned.


    ¡°Young Master Qi, there are countless wrongful cases in this world. You ask whether Xi Penghai was loyal or treacherous to seek the truth or to reverse his case? Whichever it is, you¡¯ll need to investigate on your own, right? If I say he was a loyal official, would you believe it, would the Emperor believe it?¡± Qin Liuxi showed a hint of mocking smile, ¡°Only evidence can convince the Emperor, no matter how dubious; once the evidence of a crime is presented, the sentence can be given. Let me add one more thing, if the Emperor does not believe in his loyalty, even without any evidence, he is not a loyal official, and his life is forfeit.¡±


    Such is the way between an Emperor and his subjects; if the Emperor wishes for a subject¡¯s death, the subject cannot escape death.


    Qi Qian¡¯s face changed slightly, and his demeanor became more fierce.

 Chapter 66 - 66 68 Miss Eldests Thoughtful Ironing

    ?Chapter 66: Chapter 68 Miss Eldest¡¯s Thoughtful Ironing Chapter 66: Chapter 68 Miss Eldest¡¯s Thoughtful Ironing For the Emperor to judge cases and determine guilt, Qin Liuxi herself is part of those wronged and unjust cases; she naturally empathizes deeply. The honest truth is, if the Emperor trusts you, even mistakes can be overlooked, but if not, even your breathing might be considered a fault.


    This is the authority of the Emperor, supreme and absolute.


    Qi Qian sensed her disdain for imperial power from her tone, his expression growing somewhat sullen.


    ¡°Xi Zheng¡¯s facial features suggest that his parents¡¯ palace is sunken, indicative of losing paternal and maternal love. His eyebrows higher on the right signify the loss of his father before his mother. When I conducted the Taisu Pulse Method on her brother, it indicated that their father met a violent death,¡± Qin Liuxi¡¯s voice was extremely cold.


    Qi Qian caught his breath: ¡°Are you saying Xi Penghai did not commit suicide but was murdered?¡±


    Qin Liuxi spread her hands, returning to her capricious demeanour: ¡°I don¡¯t know, there are many types of violent deaths, but as a fourth-rank general, there are rumors of him fleeing in battle. Could it be his military merits were seized from others to ascend to his position?¡±


    This statement appeared to demean Xi Penghai, but in reality, it was meant to exonerate him. How could Xi Penghai, who reached the rank of a fourth-rank general, truly rely solely on seizing military merits? Would someone who genuinely earned their military merits flee in battle?


    Qi Qian fell into deep thought.


    Qin Liuxi yawned, her eyes half-closed.


    Qi Qian tentatively asked, ¡°Doctor Qin, can the Taisu Pulse Method really predict good or bad fortune?¡±


    Qin Liuxi, with a smile, countered: ¡°Why, Young Master Qi, do you want this God Stick to predict your fortune? How curious, for a noble such as you, shouldn¡¯t you uphold the wisdom of not discussing strange forces and gods?¡±


    Qi Qian replied, ¡°While it is said to not discuss strange forces and gods, there are those who believe in the Dao and Buddha, otherwise, why would Da Feng have its Buddhist temples and Taoist sects? I do not speak of them, yet I know how to respect beliefs.¡±


    Qin Liuxi was pleased with this answer and raised an entirely unrelated question: ¡°So, Young Master Qi, what is your view on the family tragedy of a father killing his own father?¡±


    Qi Qian: ¡°?¡±


    What kind of question is that?


    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯m going back to sleep; I have been on the road for two days and haven¡¯t slept well, I am truly tired.¡± Qin Liuxi lay down and closed her eyes.


    Seeing this, Qi Qian became uncomfortably restrained, wondering how someone could be so oblivious to others.


    Qin Liuxi lay on her side, her lips barely forming a faint sigh; noble indeed, but her fate...


    Meanwhile at Qin Mansion.


    Mrs. Wang, looking at the cotton fabrics that Li Dagui had brought back, was somewhat surprised and said, ¡°Chief Li, I don¡¯t recall asking you to purchase these...¡±


    Li Dagui, bowing slightly, respectfully responded, ¡°My apologies, Lady, this was ordered by the young Miss. You might not be aware, but autumn in Li City is quite short, and winter arrives quickly. It is already August, and the weather is getting cooler. The young Miss feared not being able to prepare in time, thus she ordered me to purchase them early and have the winter clothing and bedding ready.¡±


    Hearing this, Mrs. Wang sighed in admiration of Qin Liuxi¡¯s thorough and considerate nature, saying, ¡°The child has taken the trouble; tell me how much silver it all costs, and I will provide you with it.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry, Lady, the accounts are already settled. The accounts were handled through Qi Huang as instructed by the young Miss,¡± Li Dagui explained, smiling. ¡°Before the young Miss departed, she instructed that house purchases be charged to Qi Huang¡¯s account. You only need to continue arranging the distribution, or if you have any specific orders, just instruct me to handle them.¡±


    Mrs. Wang understood that she need not provide the silver herself, merely manage the distribution.


    Looking at the goods filling the courtyard, Mrs. Wang fell into deep thought. Where did Qin Liuxi get the silver from?

 Chapter 67 - 67 69 Excuses and Evasions

    ?Chapter 67: Chapter 69 Excuses and Evasions Chapter 67: Chapter 69 Excuses and Evasions ¡°Madam?¡±


    Li Dagui¡¯s address startled Mrs. Wang from her reverie. She looked over composedly, a faint smile on her lips, ¡°I was momentarily lost in thought.¡±


    Li Dagui bowed slightly.


    ¡°Chief Li, you¡¯ve been with our Qin family for many years, and we owe much to your whole family for looking after this old residence and taking care of the young miss. You have worked hard.¡±


    Li Dagui bent slightly, respectfully saying, ¡°Madam, you flatter your servant too much. All that we have done is no more than our duty.¡±


    Mrs. Wang nodded, then said, ¡°You know, our Qin family is no longer the third-rank official family it once was. In the capital, we¡¯ve dismissed the servants who needed to be dismissed, and those who should have left have gone. As the saying goes, ¡®people reach for higher strata.¡¯ Chief Li, you and your family...¡±


    Li Dagui immediately knelt down and said, ¡°Madam, my family and I have been part of this old residence for many years now, faithfully serving the young miss. We regard her as our master from the bottom of our hearts, and whether in wealth or poverty, life or death, we will remain with the young miss and serve her.¡±


    Mrs. Wang raised an eyebrow.


    Following the young miss, not the Qin family.


    In demonstrating his loyalty, Li Dagui had also made it clear who his family truly served.


    It seemed Qin Liuxi had won over the Li Dagui household completely. No wonder Aunt Li and the others always protected Qin Liuxi, always putting her first in everything.


    Mrs. Wang was not displeased. If Qin Liuxi could win over this household, it was a testament to her capability. Whoever could take them would depend on their ability.


    Mrs. Wang glanced over the courtyard¡¯s goods and said, ¡°You may rise. Xixi is well aware of your family¡¯s loyalty. That¡¯s why she entrusts you with these matters.¡±


    Li Dagui smiled and got up from the ground.


    ¡°However, as the saying goes, ¡®one cannot live off stores without replenishing them.¡¯ Even though Xixi is willing, our whole family, with all its members, cannot depend solely on her. Li Dagui, the Old Lady and I have discussed the matter and plan to purchase a few acres of good farmland under your name. Renting them out could yield some grain, so not everything would require spending silver. Do you think this feasible?¡±


    Li Dagui pondered for a while and said, ¡°Qi Huang also mentioned this to your servant. The farmlands near Li City already have owners, and they are not easily sold. Besides, because of their proximity to Li City, the prices are steep, pricing around eleven or twelve silver taels per acre.¡±


    Mrs. Wang was a little surprised, so expensive.


    ¡°By contrast, Qinghe County next door, though farther in distance, benefits from a river that flows into the larger river. The farmlands there are fertile and more affordable, averaging around eight or nine silver taels per acre. If a little farther out, even six or seven taels could seal a deal. For an entire small manor of several dozen acres, with a pond, gardens, and farmlands, a few hundred silver taels might suffice.¡± Li Dagui cautiously added, ¡°Even if we buy it, Qinghe County wouldn¡¯t be as prestigious as Li City.¡±


    A thought struck Mrs. Wang.


    That meant if their Qin family bought a small manor, using someone else¡¯s name, without being monitored closely at Li City, it wouldn¡¯t likely cause any trouble.


    ¡°You¡¯ve given this careful thought. Find an opportunity to check Qinghe for such small manors up for sale. If you find them and the prices are reasonable, go ahead and buy.¡± Mrs. Wang immediately made up her mind.


    ¡°Aye.¡±


    Li Dagui agreed, then hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°There¡¯s one more thing.¡±


    ¡°Mm? What is it?¡±


    Li Dagui answered, ¡°You asked your servant to deliver a visiting card to the Ding family at Bali Alley. The gatekeeper there said it was unfortunate timing, as with the autumn festival approaching, the Lord Prefect from Ningzhou Prefecture expressed his longing for Mrs. Ding and has taken the Old Lady to Ningzhou Prefecture for a family reunion. It¡¯s uncertain when she will return.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang put down the cup of tea she had been holding, her fingers curling slightly. This was no coincidence; it was clearly an excuse to decline.

 Chapter 68 - 68 70 The Coldness of Human Relationships

    ?Chapter 68: Chapter 70: The Coldness of Human Relationships Chapter 68: Chapter 70: The Coldness of Human Relationships ¡°Truly, when the wall falls everyone pushes it down. Consider when the Qin family held a third-rank position; every year the Ding family would send gifts, always mentioning our fellowship as townsmen. Think about how Ding Shouxin climbed from a ninth-rank official to a Secondary Fourth-rank Prefect today, how much he relied on our Qin family¡¯s power? Now that the Qin family has fallen, they avoid us as much as possible. Haha, so much for being townsmen, alas...¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin, overcome with anger, started coughing violently, taking a handkerchief from Nanny Ding and covering her mouth, only to reveal a smear of red on it.


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    Mrs. Wang, shocked, turned pale, her hands trembling as she poured warm water and directed the equally pale-faced Nanny Ding to fetch medicine.


    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t be anxious,¡± Mrs. Wang placed the water on a small table and gently patted her back, consoling, ¡°Mother, it¡¯s quite common for people to leave others in difficult times. Hurting yourself over this only pleases those petty people.¡±


    Nanny Ding also brought the medicine, helping her to take it, and also advised, ¡°Old Lady, you must take great care of yourself; you still need to see the Old Master and the lords return.¡±


    After taking the medicine and drinking some water, Old Mrs. Qin leaned weakly against the pillow, letting out a bitter smile, ¡°Although I anticipated this, I still harbored a hint of hope; never thought they wouldn¡¯t even want to meet.¡±


    At this moment, she truly felt desolation.


    Mrs. Wang inwardly sighed. It was human nature to seek fortune and avoid disaster, and she couldn¡¯t blame those who avoided the Qin family like a flood or ferocious beast to protect their own futures.


    Looking at her elder sister-in-law Qin Meiniang, who was also a relative by marriage, yet the Song Family had dismissed her without a second word, even driving out her two daughters, how utterly cold-hearted.


    If relatives could be so indifferent, not to mention mere fellow townsmen.


    Old Mrs. Qin caught her breath, then said, ¡°We can no longer depend on the Ding family, but in Li City, there isn¡¯t just the Ding family, there are also...¡±


    ¡°Mother!¡± Mrs. Wang interrupted her.


    Old Mrs. Qin looked confusedly, unsure why her daughter-in-law would interrupt her.


    ¡°Mother, we have only just returned to Li City. As you know, our Qin family is still in a precarious position. Even if people want to help, not many would dare to compromise their future. I remember, the Deputy Magistrate Zhao Ping of Li City is the cousin of the Meng Family¡¯s Third Grandmother,¡± Mrs. Wang softly stated, ¡°Our Qin family, as it were, operates under the Meng Family¡¯s scrutiny. Any major moves might end up being reported to the Meng Family, possibly stirring up trouble.¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin pursed her lips. From her daughter-in-law¡¯s words, she clearly understood that the Qin family¡¯s current situation was even more difficult than imagined.


    ¡°That¡¯s why, Mother, if we rashly visit now, it¡¯s likely that people will worry about the Zhao and Meng families. Even if they want to help, they would not dare; after all, everyone has their own interests and cannot risk their future for the sake of relationship,¡± Mrs. Wang reasoned what Old Mrs. Qin might also not consider.


    Mrs. Wang continued, ¡°Mother, let¡¯s first get settled before planning further.¡±


    ¡°But we can wait, I¡¯m afraid Bo Hong and the others can¡¯t wait any longer, the weather is turning cold here, let alone in the Northwest Region?¡± Old Mrs. Qin thought of her grandsons and her husband, her heart aching unbearably.


    Thinking for a moment, Mrs. Wang suggested, ¡°Mother, we also have other people who can lend a hand, like Xixi. And Xixi and Master Chi Yuan are master and disciple; Master Chi Yuan even guided our Qin family before, he knows our family¡¯s situation well. If anyone can help settle things in the Northwest without fearing the consequences, it would be him alone.¡±

 Chapter 69 - 69 71 Thin-skinned

    ?Chapter 69: Chapter 71: Thin-skinned Chapter 69: Chapter 71: Thin-skinned Mrs. Wang picked up some comforting words that Qin Liuxi had said to soothe Old Mrs. Qin.


    ¡°...Xixi said that Master Chi Yuan once divined for father and the others, saying that they would receive assistance from a noble and safely reach the northwest.¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin¡¯s cloudy eyes suddenly brightened, and she grabbed Mrs. Wang¡¯s hand: ¡°Is this true? You¡¯re not just trying to placate me, are you?¡±


    Mrs. Wang smiled and said: ¡°Why would I lie to you? Yan¡¯er is here too, and as his mother, would I wish him any harm?¡±


    After hearing these words, Old Mrs. Qin looked at Mrs. Wang¡¯s face, which had obviously aged quite a bit, sighed, patted her hand, and said: ¡°You¡¯ve had it tough.¡±


    Every member of the Qin Family was suffering, but Mrs. Wang was suffering the most among all the daughters-in-law. She was the eldest daughter-in-law and bore the responsibility that came with it. Moreover, she was a mother, yet she had only one son, who was usually the apple of her eye. But this child had gone with his elders to the harsh northwest.


    Simply because he had just turned twelve.


    Which mother could bear to part with her child?


    Don¡¯t be fooled by Mrs. Wang¡¯s composed appearance, with the dark circles under her eyes indicating she hadn¡¯t had a good night¡¯s sleep for who knows how long!


    Wasn¡¯t it all because she was worried about her son and that had worn her out?


    With a tearfully sour nose, Mrs. Wang still forced a smile and said: ¡°So, mother, don¡¯t overexert yourself. You must take good care of your health. We still need you to stabilize the family like the Divine Needle.¡±


    Old Mrs. Qin gave a wry smile: ¡°A stabilizer? I¡¯m now of no more use than a little girl.¡±


    Mrs. Wang¡¯s eyebrows raised slightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. If anyone can offer help, it¡¯s probably Master Chi Yuan. He¡¯s not an official, and he has a history with our Qin Family. He is also Miss Xi¡¯s master, so it might be more effective to use his name to find someone to handle things rather than us exposing ourselves in the open,¡± Old Mrs. Qin said and continued, ¡°Miss Xi might stay at a high position for a while, why don¡¯t we go to the Daoist Temple and find Master Chi Yuan?¡±


    Mrs. Wang hurriedly said: ¡°Mother, don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re still weak right now; it¡¯s not good for you to travel. And the household is in disarray, not to mention we have to take care of the matters concerning your third daughter-in-law. I believe Xixi will mention it to her master. She is a clever girl.¡±


    ¡°Clever she is, but slightly heartless,¡± Old Mrs. Qin remarked.


    ¡°Even if she¡¯s heartless, she wouldn¡¯t ignore us. You¡¯ve seen it with your own eyes. Besides, she had Li Dagui procure many items, not taking a single silver from me.¡± Mrs. Wang told Old Mrs. Qin about everything Qin Liuxi had done in private.


    Upon hearing this, Old Mrs. Qin¡¯s face showed a complex expression, saying: ¡°Once the Qin family is better off, she must not lack a proper dowry when she gets married.¡±


    Mrs. Wang smiled but did not engage further in the conversation, feeling inexplicably that Qin Liuxi¡¯s secrecy might mean they had to revise their understanding of her quite a bit.


    After leaving the old lady¡¯s room, Mrs. Wang walked slowly towards the storehouse. Before entering, she overheard Nanny Shen¡¯s voice, somewhat urgent, and...


    Mrs. Wang quickened her steps, and as expected, she saw Mrs. Xie with her child taking the best silk fabrics, her face immediately darkened: ¡°Second sister-in-law, what are you doing?¡±


    Mrs. Xie stiffened, then put on a smile and said, ¡°Eldest sister-in-law, I¡¯ve heard that Chief Li has acquired some fabrics and threads. I¡¯ve decided, since mother is ill, I¡¯d like to make her a new set of clothes to cheer her up. These bolts of fabric look of average quality, but they¡¯re still presentable, so may I take them first?¡±


    Her excuses were so transparently flimsy it was almost unbearable to listen.


    Mrs. Wang responded coolly, ¡°It¡¯s good that you have the filial piety to do so. How about this, why don¡¯t we both go and let our mother decide whether she likes the patterns before making any decisions?¡±

 Chapter 70 - 70 72 The Maid鈥檚 Great Authority

    ?Chapter 70: Chapter 72: The Maid¡¯s Great Authority Chapter 70: Chapter 72: The Maid¡¯s Great Authority When she heard she had to go to Old Mrs. Qin, Mrs. Xie instantly became weak.


    She was not dumb; she knew that Mrs. Wang¡¯s suggestion wasn¡¯t genuinely for seeking Old Lady Qin¡¯s opinion on the fabric style, but was actually to set her up for a scolding!


    Old Mrs. Qin, who was already worn out from family affairs and currently ill in bed, should have thought about how clever Old Lady is. Would she not notice the tangled details in bringing such trivial matters of a few bolts of fabric before her?


    By then, Mrs. Xie might be severely chastised!


    ¡°Older sister, as you say, such small matters need not bother her old age, right? It would be nicer to give her a surprise.¡± Mrs. Xie said with a forced laugh.


    Mrs. Wang replied, ¡°To win the old lady¡¯s favor, one must also suit her taste.¡±


    Seeing that Mrs. Xie was unyielding, her face turned rather unpleasant. What was wrong with taking a few fabrics?


    Mrs. Xie wanted to make a scene like old times, but Mrs. Wang didn¡¯t give her the chance. She turned to Nanny Shen and said, ¡°Get Qi Huang to come help sort out these things to the storage; it was ultimately Miss Xi¡¯s initiative, and we should see if Miss Xi left any instructions on how to handle them.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Mrs. Xie was taken aback and asked, ¡°Older sister, what do you mean? These fabrics were brought back by that girl, Qin Liuxi?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Mrs. Wang sighed, ¡°I don¡¯t know how that girl did it, bringing back those items so quietly and thoughtfully; it has put me as an elder to shame.¡±


    Mrs. Xie suddenly felt the fabrics in her hands were burning hot, and she put them down.


    Mrs. Wang saw this and slightly curled the corner of her lip, almost imperceptibly.


    Qi Huang soon arrived, and on the way, she learned from Nanny Shen about Mrs. Xie¡¯s behavior and despised it internally. Upon arrival, she maintained a detached demeanor towards Mrs. Xie while showing due respect to Mrs. Wang with a courteous bow.


    ¡°Madam said, now that Madam is running the household, she should decide on the allocation of the resources.¡±


    ¡°This Miss Xi, from where did she find such unusual channels to procure these things? As a young lady, one hopes she has not been deceived,¡± Mrs. Xie remarked with discontent, unable to hold back a barb.


    Mrs. Wang¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Second sister-in-law, you are also an aunt; how can you speak like that?¡±


    Qi Huang glanced and said, ¡°Second Madam¡¯s words indeed amuse me. Unusual channels? You wouldn¡¯t think it¡¯s the wind that blew them here, right? Such luck doesn¡¯t just happen! It was merely a merchant who owed Miss a favor, and thus he offered the goods for the lowest price, bought with real gold and silver. This person was grateful, unlike some who are ungrateful ingrates.¡±


    Enraged, Mrs. Xie said, ¡°Hey, why are your words so sharp, who are you calling an ingrate!¡±


    Qi Huang ignored her, bowed again to Mrs. Wang, and said, ¡°Madam, since the young lady has already instructed, please proceed as you see fit. The young lady once said that what she is willing to give requires merely a snap of her fingers, and what she isn¡¯t, she can make someone spit it back out just as well.¡±


    Having said so, she bowed slightly and left the room.


    ¡°That girl, such arrogance and insolence. Older sister, do you see this and do nothing?¡± Mrs. Xie, seeing Qi Huang¡¯s untouchable demeanor, felt like she was dealing with Qin Liuxi.


    Mrs. Wang calmly responded, ¡°That¡¯s Miss Xi¡¯s maid, now of age, and should know how to manage her own people, so I won¡¯t overstep. Second sister-in-law, please return first. Once the items are organized, someone will send them to you.¡±


    ¡°Older sister!¡±


    Annoyed, Mrs. Wang¡¯s expression turned colder, ¡°Second sister-in-law, I have been irritated lately.¡±


    Mrs. Xie: ¡°...¡±


    Under Mrs. Wang¡¯s cold gaze, she dared not say more, and in a passive-aggressive tone, she quipped, ¡°If the older sister has excessive internal heat, drink some herbal tea to cool down; don¡¯t vent it on me.¡±


    Nanny Shen watched her leave, and feeling sorry for her own mistress, she said, ¡°Madam, that Second Madam is really...¡±


    Troublesome, not considering the family situation at all.


    Mrs. Wang rubbed her temples, ¡°Her temper, if it changed, would indeed be strange. Forget it, call Xue¡¯er to sort things out.¡±

 Chapter 71 - 71 73 The Young Master is Very Mischievous

    ?Chapter 71: Chapter 73 The Young Master is Very Mischievous Chapter 71: Chapter 73 The Young Master is Very Mischievous ¡°Ah oh.¡±


    Qin Liuxi bounced and rolled onto the bed in the posthouse guest room, turning over comfortably and sighing in relief.


    ¡°Finally, I can lie on a real bed, traveling is truly exhausting.¡±


    Chen Pi placed the luggage to one side in a cabinet, and with a laugh said, ¡°Young Master, it¡¯s barely more than a two-day journey from Li City to Ningzhou, and you¡¯re already tired. Wouldn¡¯t a longer trip be the death of you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why your master is someone who prefers to die in comfort,¡± Qin Liuxi said, stretching out her limbs. ¡°From now on, those seeking medical help will have to come to me. It¡¯s up to them if they want to be treated or not.¡±


    Chen Pi smiled and said nothing. Although that¡¯s what was said, she would still go if there were inconveniences.


    ¡°Young Master, you rest first. Shall I go and prepare a medicinal bath for you to relieve your fatigue?¡±


    ¡°Let Huo Lang and the others help. You take a break too.¡±


    Chen Pi grinned and said, ¡°I¡¯m not tired. For matters concerning the Young Master, if I let those clumsy people take care of it, big sister would twist my ears for sure. Young Master, I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±


    Qin Liuxi knew they were both like this; they wouldn¡¯t entrust matters concerning her to others, so she let him go.


    While waiting for the medicine bath, Qin Liuxi closed her eyes to rest for a while. Once the medicinal bath was ready, she indulged in a refreshing soak before appearing in the posthouse¡¯s main hall, her spirit revitalized.


    Qi Qian had also changed into fresh clothes and was seated enjoying some tea when he suddenly caught a faint scent of medicine. Turning his head, he saw Qin Liuxi descending the stairs, her complexion glowing from the bath, looking as smooth as porcelain jade.


    There were others in the hall who, upon seeing Qin Liuxi, couldn¡¯t help but take a second glance. This young master was fair-skinned and handsome, yet seemed to carry an air of proud indifference.


    ¡°I thought Doctor Qin would dine in her room,¡± Qi Qian said, taking another cup and pouring tea for Qin Liuxi as she seated herself.


    Qin Liuxi replied, ¡°Hearing Young Master Qi speak, it¡¯s as if you¡¯re reluctant to see me. Should I leave?¡±


    ¡°Qi wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Qi Qian continued to inquire, ¡°Doctor Qin, was that a medicinal bath you took? It seems effective,¡± changing from the previous fatigue.


    Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow, ¡°Does Young Master Qi also want a prescription?¡±


    ¡°If Doctor Qin is willing to be generous, Qi is willing to pay for it, including the golden sore medicine and those medicine pills you prepared,¡± Qi Qian¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Qin Liuxi thought to herself that he knew good things at first glance, heh.


    ¡°Young Master Qi, all medicine has a degree of toxicity, and medicine, not candy, shouldn¡¯t be taken recklessly.¡±


    Qi Qian indifferently replied, ¡°Not taken recklessly, just essential medicine for home and travel, it¡¯s better to be safe than sorry.¡±


    Pfft.


    Qin Liuxi choked on her tea, leaned in, and whispered, ¡°Actually, I have this extremely toxic Death Powder, an essential medicine for self-defense and killing, do you want it? I see quite a few people wanting to kill you!¡±


    Qi Qian: ¡°...¡±


    Chen Pi, seated at the next table, laughed; the young master was being naughty again.


    Just as Qi Qian was about to speak, Qin Liuxi looked towards the entrance and he followed her gaze.


    They saw the Posthouse Minister personally welcoming a group inside, with an expression of respect and humility¡ªit was unclear who they were.


    Leading the group was a middle-aged attendant, followed by a nobly dressed elderly lady. A young girl wearing a white veil supported her by the side.


    The elderly lady walked straight to the private courtyard at the back of the posthouse without a sideways glance, her demeanor quite haughty. However, the girl at her side seemed to notice the gaze from Qin Liuxi and others, and upon seeing Qi Qian, she whispered something into the elderly lady¡¯s ear.


    The elderly lady seemed startled, looked over following the girl¡¯s indication, and upon seeing Qi Qian, she immediately came over.

 Chapter 72 - 72 74 Does the Eldest Miss Have No Value in

    ?Chapter 72: Chapter 74: Does the Eldest Miss Have No Value in Making Connections? Chapter 72: Chapter 74: Does the Eldest Miss Have No Value in Making Connections? Qin Liuxi watched with interest as the grandmother and grandchild approached, stealing a glance at Qi Qian who clearly came for him. Look at those eyes, hungry like a wolf spotting meat, utterly enticed.


    Qi Qian, sensing Qin Liuxi¡¯s amused gaze, furrowed his thick brows slightly as he forcefully suppressed that strange sensation.


    ¡°Little Prince...¡± The old lady was still a few steps away from Qi Qian when she was halted by Huo Lang, causing her surprise.


    Huo Lang asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The old lady felt somewhat embarrassed but still bowed respectfully to Qi Qian, smiling as she clarified her identity, ¡°It¡¯s my rudeness for not introducing myself sooner. I am the mother of Ding Shouxin, the Magistrate of Ningzhou. Last year when your honored grandmother celebrated her birthday, I had the good fortune to meet you once when I went to offer my wishes.¡±


    The mother of the Magistrate of Ningzhou?


    ¡°So, it¡¯s Old Mrs. Ding. Please forgive my oversight for not recognizing you immediately. Where are you headed now?¡± Qi Qian did not stand up but merely greeted her lightly.


    Old Mrs. Ding didn¡¯t find his demeanor rude and quickly replied, ¡°The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and my son has specially invited me to stay in Ningzhou Prefecture for a while. Are you also heading back to Ningzhou, young sir? And this is...¡±


    She turned to look at Qin Liuxi, sensing a faint familiarity in this young master.


    Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow, looking at Old Mrs. Ding in front of him.


    It turns out she was the one who was short-sighted, failing to recognize Old Mrs. Ding. Ah, it¡¯s been many years since their last encounter, and the lady had been elevated in rank. Her demeanor had noticeably improved, exuding a majestic and noble presence, no longer like the lesser Imperial Decree holder from before.


    When the Qin family was still affluent, the Ding family knew how to behave, sending gifts and greetings during festivals. When Qin Liuxi was ten, Old Mrs. Ding even visited personally. What was the reason again?


    Right, it was the year Qin Liuxi¡¯s grandfather was promoted to third-rank; therefore, Old Mrs. Ding came to offer her warmth.


    However, Qin Liuxi was not fond of social interactions, nor did she like to mingle with typical privileged young ladies who gathered in groups discussing music, chess, literature, embroidery, and lavish apparels. She spent most of her time on cultivation, concocting medicine, alchemy, visiting the Daoist Temple, or practicing medicine to help the world.


    As a result, staying in the old residence, Qin Liuxi, who never actively put herself forward, had very little presence. Rarely mentioned by others, it was unlikely for anyone to see her if not for Old Mrs. Ding¡¯s visit, and that was just one occasion.


    As for not receiving invitations before?


    There were some.


    But Qin Liuxi¡¯s replies were either that she was ill and recuperating or that it was inappropriate to leave home without her elders. Over time, she was forgotten. Most importantly, in the circles of nobility, those like Qin Liuxi, ¡®exiled¡¯ to live away from family alone, were either despised by their family or deemed unimportant.


    A girl not valued by her family had no prospects; even her future marital arrangements wouldn¡¯t tie her to a distinguished family, thereby offering no significant advantages.


    In summary, Qin Liuxi was a person of little value; thus, she was naturally not a focus for ingratiating or forming connections.


    Here, even when Old Mrs. Ding saw Qin Liuxi sitting at the same table with Qi Qian, she completely failed to recognize her initially. Firstly, Qin Liuxi was dressed as a man, and secondly, Qin Liuxi looked very different from her childhood.


    Old Mrs. Ding merely felt a slight familiarity.


    Qin Liuxi remembered that before she left home, Li Dagui had mentioned that the Old Lady intended to send an invitation to Old Mrs. Ding, hoping to visit her.


    Now, this old lady mentioned staying briefly in Ningzhou Prefecture for a reunion, was this an avoidance? Deliberate or unintentional?


    Qin Liuxi inclined towards the former.


    She lowered her eyes, lifting her teacup to cover the smile at the corner of her lips. Quite interesting indeed.

 Chapter 73 - 73 75 Coming to Life

    ?Chapter 73: Chapter 75 Coming to Life Chapter 73: Chapter 75 Coming to Life Regarding Old Mrs. Ding¡¯s probing, Qi Qian did not reveal Qin Liuxi¡¯s identity, but only said a few words, ¡°Qian¡¯s distinguished guest,¡± then picked up the teacup.


    Old Mrs. Ding, hearing the words ¡°distinguished guest¡± and seeing him pick up the teacup, very tactfully bowed slightly and took her granddaughter to leave, still taking a few extra glances at Qin Liuxi before departing.


    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re not too fond of the old lady.¡±


    Qi Qian waited until Old Mrs. Ding¡¯s figure was out of sight, then he turned to Qin Liuxi and spoke.


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°You must have eye trouble, where did you see me dislike her?¡±


    ¡°Intuition.¡± Qi Qian mentally hypnotized himself, reminding himself not to argue with her, as she¡¯s like a little ancestor and should be venerated.


    Humphing, Qin Liuxi said, ¡°Then your intuition is wrong. It¡¯s just that the human instinct to flock to fortune and avoid disaster is inborn¡ªit kicks in at crucial times.¡±


    Qi Qian frowned.


    ¡°Hurry up and serve the dishes, I¡¯m hungry.¡± Qin Liuxi swiftly changed the subject, since there was nothing to talk about. That Old Mrs. Ding was but a stranger to her.


    As for whether Old Mrs. Qin wanted to use Magistrate Ding¡¯s connections to lobby for her exiled relatives, she didn¡¯t care to get involved, but clearly, Old Mrs. Qin didn¡¯t need to use them.


    Night fell, and the station was lit up brightly. Qin Liuxi, having eaten her fill, waved her hand towards Qi Qian, indicating she was going upstairs, but then she heard a commotion coming from the station¡¯s separate courtyard.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening over there?¡± Some people had already stood up, curious to find out.


    Qin Liuxi, however, had no interest in joining the fray and proceeded to ascend the stairs.


    In the back courtyard, however, someone rushed into the hall, urgently asking if there was a doctor present as their family head had fainted and needed immediate medical attention.


    Qi Qian and others immediately turned their gaze towards Qin Liuxi¡ªhere¡¯s where the action starts.


    One foot already on the wooden stair, Qin Liuxi: ¡°!¡±


    Seeing Qin Liuxi¡¯s reluctance, Qi Qian said, ¡°If Doctor Qin is tired, you can rest first.¡±


    The address of ¡°Doctor Qin¡± exposed Qin Liuxi¡¯s identity, and all eyes turned towards her, filled with surprise, skepticism, and disbelief.


    This young man is a doctor?


    The servant who had come rushing out no longer cared about Qin Liuxi¡¯s authenticity as a physician and, clutching at straws, said, ¡°Young Master, if you know anything about Qi Huang, please take a look at our old master? Saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda!¡±


    Qin Liuxi: As someone from the Mystic Sect, what pagoda nonsense is this!


    ¡°It¡¯s not healthy to go to bed right after eating. A walk could be good.¡± Qin Liuxi withdrew her foot and shot a glance at Qi Qian.


    Thanks a lot, hand me the job!


    The group made their way to the separate courtyard of the station, and in front of a small building, a richly dressed woman with a weary and sallow face was anxiously glancing inside every now and then. Beside her, a young girl softly comforted her. Judging by the girl¡¯s attire, she should be one of Old Mrs. Ding¡¯s attendants, and Old Mrs. Ding herself was standing a few steps behind them.


    Seeing Qi Qian and the others arrive, Miss Ding released the woman and stepped forward to greet Qi Qian with a curtsey, her voice melodious as a golden oriole, ¡°Young Master Qi, Miss Zhou¡¯s husband has suffered an acute syncope and fainted. I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s anyone here knowledgeable in Qi Huang medical practices who can offer some help? If so, would Young Master Qi be so kind as to assist and help resolve Miss Zhou¡¯s urgent plight?¡±


    Qin Liuxi barely resisted whistling¡ªso much for the belief that cloistered ladies are too shy to interact with men; look at how boldly Miss Ding is showcasing herself.


    Young Master, look at my beauty and kindness, my eagerness to help others, how I hasten to assist in someone¡¯s desperate hour, truly the kind of lovely bride suitable for any household!


    Old Mrs. Ding also accompanied the woman over, saying, ¡°We do have a servant who knows a bit about Qi Huang, but even she cannot discern what has afflicted him.¡±


    ¡°Lady, do you have an accompanying physician who can take my husband¡¯s pulse?¡± The woman surnamed Zhou, seeing Qi Qian¡¯s distinguished air, couldn¡¯t help but harbor some hope.

 Chapter 74 - 74 76 Resentment of the Evil Spirit

    ?Chapter 74: Chapter 76: Resentment of the Evil Spirit Chapter 74: Chapter 76: Resentment of the Evil Spirit When Mrs. Zhou spoke up, Qi Qian subconsciously looked towards Qin Liuxi, and everyone followed his gaze, expressions turning curious and odd.


    Could it be that this young man is a skilled physician?


    Qin Liuxi seemed oblivious to the attention, focusing solely on the room with half-closed eyes.


    Such a strong evil spirit, nearly bursting forth.


    She turned her gaze back to Mrs. Zhou; in the dim light, Mrs. Zhou¡¯s features also came into Qin Liuxi¡¯s view.


    Forehead high, nose prominent, and chin plump ¨C signs of great wealth. Yet, horizontal lines marred her forehead, the tomb mound was recessed with thin flesh, and scarring indicated her husband would not live long. Additionally, the deep indentation of her Children Palace suggested shallow relationships with children and difficulty conceiving.


    It¡¯s true that nobody¡¯s perfect. Mrs. Zhou has wealth but struggles with offspring, faces impending widowhood, and now an evil spirit afflicts her, signaling her fortunes are on the decline.


    Qin Liuxi took another look at the room besieged by the evil spirit and let out a cold laugh internally, seemingly having realized something.


    Mrs. Zhou felt a shiver down her spine under Qin Liuxi¡¯s scrutiny, instinctively stepping back.


    Her intuition told her it was best not to get involved with this young man lest her life¡¯s tranquility be disrupted.


    ¡°Young Master Qi, what is this about?¡± asked Old Mrs. Ding, seeming puzzled.


    Qi Qian looked at Qin Liuxi and asked, ¡°Doctor Qin, what do you think?¡±


    Could he really be a doctor?


    Old Mrs. Ding¡¯s heart skipped a beat. His surname is Qin?


    She seemed to think of something, her expression unfathomable and strange. She scrutinized Qin Liuxi a few times more, but however she looked at him, she perceived he was male and thus her apprehensions eased.


    ¡°If your husband is gravely ill, why aren¡¯t you by his side? You seem quite untroubled,¡± Qin Liuxi said to Mrs. Zhou.


    Upon hearing this, the crowd turned their gaze to Mrs. Zhou. Indeed, if her husband had suddenly fallen ill and become unconscious, how could she, as his wife, remain outside and not be by his bedside?


    Mrs. Zhou appeared displeased, but before she could offer an explanation, Qin Liuxi added, ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time he¡¯s been like this, is it?¡±


    Mrs. Zhou, who was about to return to the room, steadied her spirit and instinctively replied, ¡°Indeed, since the beginning of this year, he¡¯s been fainting sporadically. He would recover on his own after a short while, and no doctor could find anything wrong. But as the frequency increased, the durations of unconsciousness grew longer, and his body weakened day by day. This time, we have even sought help from Qianjin Hall in Shangning Prefecture. How did you know?¡±


    Qi Qian stood with his hands behind his back, not surprised in the slightest. Buqiu might be a Daoist doctor who doesn¡¯t rely on examinations to make his predictions, but this statement convinced him even more of Qin Liuxi¡¯s abilities.


    Perhaps my grandmother¡¯s chronic ailments can be cured after all?


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°Your husband has fallen ill, and while as his wife, you do show grave concern, your calmness suggests he¡¯s suffered illness before, or that you simply don¡¯t care for him, perhaps even wishing for his demise.¡±


    What vicious words!


    ¡°Nonsense!¡± retorted Mrs. Zhou without thinking, sharply saying, ¡°My husband and I have been married for ten years, as affectionate as ever. Even though I¡¯ve been unable to bear children for years, he has never abandoned me nor taken a concubine. He even suggested adopting from Charitable Hall. With such a good man, how could I be indifferent towards him? I would lay down my life for such feelings. You¡¯re a mere youngster, ignorant of the facts, how dare you make such wild accusations?¡±


    Qin Liuxi couldn¡¯t help but laugh, ¡°Lay down your life? I fear he cannot uphold such deep affection.¡±


    What does that mean?


    ¡°There¡¯s really no need to see what ails him, but given your profound affection, I¡¯m inclined to investigate,¡± Qin Liuxi said as she stepped towards the room. ¡°I want to see just what kind of man, worthy of you risking your life, could harbor such a tremendous surge of malice and resentment.¡±

 Chapter 75 - 75 77 Refusing to Help the Dying

    ?Chapter 75: Chapter 77: Refusing to Help the Dying Chapter 75: Chapter 77: Refusing to Help the Dying Qin Liuxi entered without an invitation, with Mrs. Zhou barely having time to hastily follow.


    Qi Qian was somewhat astonished; he had clearly heard Qin Liuxi¡¯s soft murmur, ¡°an air of resentful evil spirits?¡±


    ¡°This room is so cold, it smells so bad,¡± Ding Suman muttered, clinging closely to Old Mrs. Ding¡¯s side, unconsciously rubbing her arms.


    Old Mrs. Ding furrowed her brows as well, touching the Buddha Beads on her wrist. Somehow, upon entering this room, she felt completely uncomfortable and just wanted to turn around and leave.


    Qin Liuxi, undisturbed by the cold aura of the room, as if already knowing the inner part, headed straight for the bedroom upon entry. Her fingers formed a mantra, her lips slightly moved, and the spell spilled from her lips.


    Entering the bedroom, she stopped in her tracks, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Upon waking, did your husband mention anything?¡± Qin Liuxi asked Mrs. Zhou who followed behind.


    Mrs. Zhou was displeased by Qin Liuxi¡¯s uninvited intrusion, but her question made Mrs. Zhou hesitate for a moment.


    ¡°Did he say anything about difficulty breathing, a heavy heart, as if a thousand pounds were pressing down on him or being strangled around the neck, unable to breathe?¡±


    Mrs. Zhou¡¯s complexion changed dramatically, her eyes filled with horror. How... how could she know?


    Qin Liuxi sneered, glanced at the head of the bed, then looked towards the emaciated man on the bedstead and said, ¡°Is such a person truly worth risking your life for?¡±


    Mrs. Zhou thought she referred to how thin the man had become from sickness and said, ¡°He is just this thin because of illness. Are you, are you really a doctor? Can you save him? If you can save him, I will pay you any amount.¡±


    ¡°No cure,¡± Qin Liuxi said, her eyes showing a trace of disgust, and she spoke coldly, ¡°Within three days, he is bound to die beyond doubt.¡±


    Everyone was stunned.


    Is it possible, just by looking, she can tell? She hasn¡¯t even observed his appearance, listened, asked, or felt his pulse!


    ¡°You... you...¡± Mrs. Zhou trembled with rage.


    How can there be such a malicious person in the world, and a doctor at that? Are all doctors as nasty as she is in their words?


    Without even taking his pulse, she curses a living man?


    Old Mrs. Ding also frowned and said, ¡°Young sir, without having observed, listened, asked, or felt the pulse, how can you be so conclusive?¡±


    ¡°Those who must atone for their karma are beyond help, why need to diagnose?¡± Qin Liuxi said coldly, ¡°Even if he could be saved, I wouldn¡¯t do it. He is not worth it!¡±


    ¡°So you just watch him die?¡± Ding Suman exclaimed, thinking this person to be extremely cruel.


    Qi Qian cast a cold glance towards her.


    Ding Suman felt petrified by the look, her face turning deathly pale.


    Qin Liuxi sneered, ¡°Just watch him die? You can put it that way.¡±


    Saving such a person laden with karmic debts, she feared for her own fortune.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Mrs. Zhou, overwhelmed with anger, stood in front of her husband¡¯s bed, pointed towards the door, and commanded, ¡°I do not need you to save him, please leave.¡±


    Qin Liuxi left without another word. After two steps, she stopped again and said, ¡°You say your husband is deeply devoted to you, preferring to adopt orphans from the Charitable Hall rather than take a concubine to have children? But how do I see that he not only has children, but two at that. Did he tell you, he has taken a liking to one of the kids, just five years old, who shares a special bond with him?¡±


    Mrs. Zhou was dumbfounded.


    ¡°Furthermore, did he ever tell you he once had a wife? And now, another woman on the side?¡±


    After dropping these remarks, Qin Liuxi said, ¡°If you had known these things, could you still risk your life for him?¡±


    Mrs. Zhou slumped to the ground, her face stricken with shock, while Old Mrs. Ding and the others were full of questions. What did all this mean?


    They looked towards the horrified Mrs. Zhou, then at Qin Liuxi¡¯s indifferent, non-joking demeanor, suddenly feeling a chilling terror, a coldness shooting up from the soles of their feet to the crown of their heads, and felt even colder.

 Chapter 76 - 76 78 Even Ghosts Should Have Morals

    ?Chapter 76: Chapter 78: Even Ghosts Should Have Morals Chapter 76: Chapter 78: Even Ghosts Should Have Morals Qin Liuxi quickly left Mrs. Zhou¡¯s house, exhaling deeply, about to return to her room when she caught a glimpse of Qi Qian from the corner of her eye, and paused.


    ¡°What, does Young Master Qi also think that I am cold and heartless, indifferent to others¡¯ deaths?¡±


    Qi Qian indifferently responded, ¡°How could that be? As the great Master Buqiu, if you do not save someone, there must be a reason. I wouldn¡¯t dare to presume your motives.¡±


    Qin Liuxi showed an expression of ¡®you know your place¡¯.


    Qi Qian followed up, saying, ¡°If Doctor Qin could solve the doubts in my mind, I would be extremely grateful.¡±


    Qin Liuxi smiled, saying, ¡°Want to know? I simply won¡¯t tell you!¡±


    Dropping that remark, she walked away with Chen Pi, uncaring whether the people in that household lived or died.


    Standing in place, Qi Qian felt speechless.


    ¡°Young Master Qi, that young master, how could he be so...¡± Old Mrs. Ding came over to speak.


    Qi Qian turned his head, cooling stating, ¡°Old Mrs. Ding, what are you trying to say? Without knowing the full picture, it¡¯s inappropriate to comment. I would think Magistrate Ding and everyone else in the Ding family, coming from a scholar¡¯s background, should understand this principle, but it seems not.¡±


    Old Mrs. Ding¡¯s face turned pale instantly, and she almost knelt down to apologize on the spot.


    ¡°The dew grows heavier, and Old Lady, you are of advanced age, you should rest early to take care of your health,¡± said Qi Qian before walking away without looking back.


    Old Mrs. Ding was left trembling, not sure whether to kneel or stand, seemingly about to collapse.


    ¡°Grandmother, this Prince Rui, he...¡± Ding Suman, supporting Old Mrs. Ding, had her face turn pale too. She wasn¡¯t foolish; Qi Qian¡¯s remarks were clearly a snub to them and even to the entire Ding family.


    ¡°Stop talking, let¡¯s go back to our room, and leave first thing tomorrow morning,¡± Old Mrs. Ding said with pursed lips and a grave face.


    ...


    Qin Liuxi arrived at her own room¡¯s door, pausing slightly before pushing the door closed and speaking to the Void, ¡°You dare to come to me? Aren¡¯t you afraid that I might capture you?¡±


    If Qi Qian were here, he might think Qin Liuxi had gone mad, speaking to herself in an empty room.


    However, Qin Liuxi was staring at a spot where the seemingly calm Void was touched lightly like a ripple on water, and a wet, gloomy figure of a young woman in plain clothes and a horrific face appeared mid-air.


    Next to her, a child was playing with a clump of water grass, emitting shrill, eerie laughter.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t caught me.¡± Although the female ghost dared to come, she dared not get close to Qin Liuxi. She felt that approaching this woman¡ªwho she could tell was a woman¡ªmight cause her soul to scatter.


    Qin Liuxi sat by the table, poured herself a cup of tea, and said with a smirk, ¡°Your tone sounds like you regret that. What, did you come here wanting me to send you to be reincarnated?¡±


    Upon hearing about reincarnation, the female ghost¡¯s resentful aura surged dramatically, causing the temperature in the room and even the entire station to drop sharply. Qin Liuxi¡¯s room grew even colder and reeked of a foul stench.


    Thud.


    Qin Liuxi heavily set down her teacup on the table, startling the female ghost who reflexively jumped back two steps.


    ¡°In my presence, put away your resentful aura. You¡¯ve made my room freezing and unbearably stinky. How am I supposed to sleep later?¡± Qin Liuxi coldly accused, ¡°Even as a ghost, you need to maintain some decency. Don¡¯t just recklessly spread your aura in someone else¡¯s room, especially mine.¡±


    Female ghost: ¡°!¡±


    Really? I¡¯m supposed to be fearful of you just because I¡¯m a ghost?


    The female ghost wanted to argue, but seeing Qin Liuxi¡¯s gaze, she instantly chickened out, contracting her resentful energy and said with a pitiful tone, ¡°I, I won¡¯t go!¡±

 Chapter 77 - 77 79 This Master is So Fierce

    ?Chapter 77: Chapter 79: This Master is So Fierce! Chapter 77: Chapter 79: This Master is So Fierce! Qin Liuxi leisurely sipped her tea, listening to the female ghost¡¯s reasons for resisting reincarnation.


    ¡°...My name is Ling Rong, originally a tea-selling girl at a tea stall, Xie Qikang is my cousin, who came to live with us after becoming an orphan. He was useless in everything except reading. My father and I supported his education by selling tea, penny by penny. He promised that once he passed the Imperial Examination, he would bring us great fortune and make me an Imperial Decree Wife. But in reality, once he became a Scholar, the Zhou Family took notice of him.¡±


    Qin Liuxi lowered her eyes, somewhat listless, much like many stories, a good woman exhausts everything for a worthless man to study, and once the man gains status, he abandons his humble wife to marry a wealthy bride. Ling Rong was no different.


    Ling Rong, seemingly oblivious to Qin Liuxi¡¯s disinterest, was engulfed in her enormous resentment: ¡°The Zhou Family was wealthy, able to provide him with the finest Four Treasures of the Study and servants to attend to him. He could live like a nobleman, oblivious to the world outside, focused only on reading saintly books, dressed in silk and dining on delicacies. He wanted to be the golden son-in-law of the Zhou Family, he didn¡¯t want to live with us, eating pickled vegetables and steamed buns in a dark, damp hut.¡±


    ¡°My father called him an ingrate and wanted to expose his true face to the Zhou Family, so Xie Qikang strangled my father to death.¡± Ling Rong¡¯s resentful energy surged as she spoke: ¡°At that time, I was seven months pregnant. After killing my father, he deceived me, saying that my father had gone up the mountain to pick tea. It was raining heavily that day; he tricked me into looking for my father on that deserted hillside, where he smashed my head into pieces with a rock.¡±


    Qin Liuxi looked up, the Ling Rong before her had transformed, completely drenched, her head smashed in on one side, her appearance was blurred, the flesh so muddled it was impossible to discern her original face.


    This was how she looked at the time of her death.


    ¡°At that moment, I was in pain, the child was about to be born, but he wouldn¡¯t let me or my child live. I died, and my child was suffocated inside me, just a moment away from seeing this mortal world.¡± Ling Rong looked down at the child at her feet and laughed miserably: ¡°Xie Qikang is truly cruel. Those hands that once held only a pen, when they grasped a rock, were not gentle at all, particularly forceful. I still remember the feeling of the rock smashing on my head, thud, thud thud...¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    Qin Liuxi interrupted her, saying, ¡°There¡¯s no need to go into detail, I understand what you¡¯ve gone through, but since you¡¯ve been dead for ten years, why only seek revenge now? Oh, first cover up your grisly appearance, I fear I¡¯ll have nightmares if I see too much.¡±


    Ling Rong: ¡°...¡±


    This master is so fierce!


    She reluctantly composed herself, restoring her graceful appearance, and said: ¡°Xie Qikang is extremely cruel; after killing me, fearing that I might become an Evil Ghost to haunt him, he found a Taoist to seal me in a box, hammered seven Soul Suppressing Nails into it, then chained it up and pushed it into the lake. I hadn¡¯t seen daylight for many years.¡±


    Qin Liuxi immediately became serious; this was the work of the Evil Path, so she asked, ¡°What happened afterward?¡±


    ¡°Earlier this year, the Soul Suppressing Nails rusted and loosened, and my son and I escaped. At that time, my soul body was extremely weak, so I desperately devoured a few Lonely Souls...¡± Ling Rong¡¯s voice lowered as she spoke, fearing Qin Liuxi might capture her if provoked. Seeing Qin Liuxi remain calm, Ling Rong courageously continued: ¡°After devouring a few Lonely Souls, I went looking for Xie Qikang. He had a Jade Pendant that was blessed by the Buddhist Temple, and I dared not get too close, only following from a distance. Later, he went to his concubine and the pendant broke. I saw my chance to get close, I strangled him, continuously attacking him with resentful aura, wanting him to experience the feeling of suffocation. Master, our family died so unjustly. How can my hatred be relieved if Xie Qikang does not die, how can I reincarnate?¡±

 Chapter 78 - 78 80 He Must Die

    ?Chapter 78: Chapter 80: He Must Die Chapter 78: Chapter 80: He Must Die Ling Rong harbored deep resentments: the resentment of her father¡¯s murder, betrayal, and the murder of herself and her child, but most importantly, the resentment of soul suppression.


    She never expected that her once gentle and kind husband would kill them in his pursuit of wealth and power, and even suppress their souls, causing them to suffer from the cold at the bottom of the lake day and night, unable to be reincarnated.


    Such a cruel man!


    It was for these reasons that Ling Rong¡¯s resentful aura was so heavy, accelerating the disintegration of Xie Qikang¡¯s vitality.


    ¡°With such a heavy resentful aura, you could have dragged him into hell the moment you got close to him instead of torturing him like this. Why didn¡¯t you kill him?¡± Qin Liuxi asked.


    Ling Rong replied, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t killing him quickly have been too easy on him? I want to torment him bit by bit, making him restless day and night. Do you know how satisfying it feels to see him becoming thinner and more terrified over time, yet still pretending to be kind and righteous to Mrs. Zhou? Pah, he had already secretly taken another woman and fathered a child. Only her foolishness made her mistake a wolf for a good man.¡±


    As she spoke, she gave a self-deprecating smile, ¡°Forget it, who am I to judge her? Am I not the same as her?¡±


    ¡°Since Xie Qikang could find the Evil Path to suppress your and your child¡¯s souls, how could he not be alert when such strange things suddenly appeared on him?¡± Qin Liuxi felt it didn¡¯t make sense.


    Given that Xie Qikang had done such deeds, and now has been suffering from a strange illness for half a year without a diagnosed cause, he should have thought of the possibility of evil cult involvement. After all, a clear conscience fears no midnight knocking, but he was guilty because of his actions.


    Normally, someone who had done such things would have thought of this. How come Xie Qikang never sought advice from the Daoist Temple?


    Ling Rong said, ¡°He did seek out. He sent his servant to look for that Evil Path, and I scared that servant out of his wits.¡±


    Qin Liuxi narrowed her eyes, her tone more cutting, ¡°Did you harm an innocent person?¡±


    Feeling a chill over her body, Ling Rong looked alarmed and tremblingly said, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t harm him, I just scared him so much that he lay in bed for two days. He went to the Daoist Temple himself and got a talisman to carry with him.¡±


    ¡°What about Xie Qikang?¡±


    ¡°He naturally sent someone else. I didn¡¯t dare to commit sins, so I left them alone. It¡¯s fortunate that, later on, the servant reported back that the Daoist had died last year. Yet this relentless man still desperately wants to fight against my child and me.¡± Ling Rong gritted her teeth, her eyes bloodshot.


    Qin Liuxi said, ¡°This time he is headed to Ningzhou, not to seek medical help but to seek Daoist advice?¡±


    ¡°I heard there is a Changyun Temple in Ningzhou, and the Daoists there possess some skills.¡±


    Qin Liuxi nodded in understanding, ¡°So you plan to strangle him on the road? Why haven¡¯t you taken action yet? If you have vengeance, then settle it once and for all.¡±


    Ling Rong was silent, then looked at her and asked, ¡°Is the master advising me to stop?¡±


    ¡°Why would I advise you? No one knows another¡¯s pain, so why urge another to goodness? As long as you don¡¯t harm the innocent, it¡¯s just revenge for revenge. Why should I care? But you should know, taking a life is creating bad karma. Even if you are a resentful soul, the Underworld will record it in the book of merits and demerits. Once you kill, you become an Evil Ghost, and the book will record it leading you to suffer in the three lower realms of the Underworld, unable to have a good rebirth,¡± Qin Liuxi pointed at the little ghost by her feet.


    Ling Rong looked down at her child, her eyes showing affection, ¡°I am aware of that, which is why I don¡¯t dare to strike fatally. But master, your Taoist teachings always say, what goes around comes around. Seeing that man, who is akin to an Evil Ghost, living freely and happily, I cannot accept it.¡±


    ¡°You may not need to feel that way; he won¡¯t live long,¡± Qin Liuxi said. ¡°Did his mother die of a heart palpitation?¡±


    ¡°How do you know?¡±


    ¡°His lips are purple, and his eyelids are swollen, signs of a bad heart, inherited or acquired. Now that his Mingmen shows signs of decay, his earlobes marked with lines of a knife, and Heaven filled with dark clouds influenced by your resentful aura, he will surely die from a heart attack within three days.¡±


    Ling Rong was stunned. She had thought Qin Liuxi in that house meant that Xie Qikang would be killed by her, yet he was going to die of an illness?

 Chapter 79 - 79 81 Its Hard to Live as a Ghost

    ?Chapter 79: Chapter 81 It¡¯s Hard to Live as a Ghost! Chapter 79: Chapter 81 It¡¯s Hard to Live as a Ghost! Ling Rong was not disbelieving Qin Liuxi. Merely from the aura emanating from Qin Liuxi¡¯s being, she was aware that the person before her was no ordinary individual; her declaration that Xie Qikang didn¡¯t have much longer to live was not made without basis.


    Although Ling Rong also wished to personally take revenge and dispel the hatred in her heart, her child deserved to be born into a good life.


    Ling Rong looked at Qin Liuxi and prostrated herself: ¡°Master, I won¡¯t kill him, but I must see him die with my own eyes to be satisfied. Once he is dead, could the Master send me and my child off?¡±


    ¡°Possible,¡± said Qin Liuxi. ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t get too close to them. That Mrs. Zhou has also been affected by your malevolent spirit; her fortune is not looking good. She may be foolish, but she¡¯s just a person blinded by deceit, equally misled. Have some pity on her.¡±


    Ling Rong muttered, ¡°Why doesn¡¯t the Master take pity on her and reveal Xie Qikang¡¯s true nature?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve said it just now, whether she believes it or not is her business,¡± responded Qin Liuxi. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Mrs. Zhou. Once Xie Qikang dies, his mistress will surely bring her child to claim their share of the inheritance. By then, she won¡¯t be grieving over her husband¡¯s death but rather guarding her own possessions.¡±


    Mrs. Zhou¡¯s demeanor also suggested she was a resolute and strong-willed person. Her sorrow would be transient, and since people pass away, she¡¯s still young and will quickly forget.


    Foolish is the one who clings to a deceiving dead man.


    Hearing this, Ling Rong said no more, merely bowed to Qin Liuxi and prepared to leave.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wander around the post station; after all, this place is granted protection by officialdom. Your prolonged presence brings no benefits to you and your malevolent aura affects everyone, causing them ill health and poor luck,¡± Qin Liuxi waved a hand, ¡°Hurry along, my room is both cold and fishy smelling, I need to rid it of the stench before I sleep.¡±


    Ling Rong, the one denounced from all sides: ¡°!¡±


    She sniffed her own odor and said, ¡°Having sunk in a lake for ten years, one couldn¡¯t expect me to smell fresh.¡± Seeing Qin Liuxi glance over, she immediately added, ¡°I¡¯ll leave at once!¡±


    Alas, life is tough for a ghost!


    Ling Rong disappeared.


    Qin Liuxi then called Chen Pi into the room.


    ¡°Master, she¡¯s gone?¡± Chen Pi didn¡¯t notice anything amiss.


    Being naturally a Pure Yang Body, averse to all evil, it was the ghosts who feared him, so Qin Liuxi had not invited him to enter.


    ¡°Gone. Burn some incense to clear out the smell,¡± said Qin Liuxi.


    ¡°Right away,¡± Chen Pi fetched a long matchbox from his pack, lit an incense stick with flint, and asked about the grudge between the female ghost and the man close to death.


    Qin Liuxi yawned and commented, ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? It¡¯s just the same old structured plot from a trite drama, utterly unoriginal.¡±


    With a brief explanation, Chen Pi lost interest and said, ¡°Hard to see that Scholar Xie is such a heartless beast.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t judge people by their looks, nor can you judge situations likewise. Not everyone with charming brows and good looks is necessarily good, and those with fierce brows and glaring eyes aren¡¯t necessarily bad,¡± said Qin Liuxi. ¡°Bring some water for washing and then let¡¯s rest.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Elsewhere, Ying Nan and company were also attending to their own Family Head, saying, ¡°Even though we¡¯ve entered August, I don¡¯t recall past years being this cold. Tonight is especially weird, unusually cold, don¡¯t you think, Huo Lang?¡±


    Huo Lang shook his head, ¡°Is it? I don¡¯t feel cold at all!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t feel it?¡± Qi Qian eyed him thoughtfully.


    ¡°Right, where¡¯s the cold? It¡¯s quite warm actually!¡±


    Qi Qian pondered before asking, ¡°Where did you put the peace charm that Doctor Qin gave you?¡±


    Grinning, Huo Lang patted his chest, ¡°Such a valuable thing, of course, I¡¯d keep it close to me. I wrapped it in a small wallet and wore it around; I¡¯ll give it to my wife once I¡¯m back home, so it won¡¯t get lost.¡±


    Qi Qian¡¯s eyes gleamed with a hint of red; Huo Lang¡¯s peace charm must have protected him from evil spirits!

 Chapter 80 - 80 82 You and I Were Not Meant to Be Its All

    ?Chapter 80: Chapter 82: You and I Were Not Meant to Be, It¡¯s All Because You Splurged Chapter 80: Chapter 82: You and I Were Not Meant to Be, It¡¯s All Because You Splurged The next day.


    Qin Liuxi had a good night¡¯s sleep and appeared refreshed and invigorated in front of Qi Qian and the others, causing people to feel quite frustrated.


    ¡°Yo, did Young Master Qi spend last night lost in thought? Didn¡¯t sleep well?¡±


    Qi Qian said, ¡°Rather, I had a night filled with disturbing dreams.¡±


    Last night, he actually dreamed of a female ghost leading a child wandering around the posthouse, not knowing if it was because of the words Qin Liuxi said in front of Mrs. Zhou that triggered some self-suggestion.


    Children should not talk about strange forces and gods, Qi Qian had always firmly believed in this, but since he went looking for Qin Liuxi, he felt that his understanding had been overturned.


    From the Wanhuai Forest to yesterday when Qin Liuxi handled the corpse passing the soul, and then to her assertions last night.


    Combining all these, Qi Qian no longer dared to comfort himself with the saying that children should not talk about strange forces and gods.


    Qin Liuxi laughed: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Young Master Qi is just preoccupied with his thoughts. Just recite the Heart Clarity Spell a couple of times.¡±


    ¡°I think, Doctor Qin granting two peace charms would be more effective,¡± Qi Qian suggested.


    Qin Liuxi waved her finger, ¡°Peace charms are sought after, and those destined will attain them on their own...¡±


    Qi Qian tactfully handed over a silver note, a hundred taels.


    Qin Liuxi immediately smiled, accepting the silver note with one hand and from the other sleeve, she pulled out a triangular folded peace charm, laughing, ¡°You and I have no destiny, it¡¯s all because you spend money. Good people are greatly good, blessings to the Infinite.¡±


    Hehe.


    Qi Qian placed the peace charm in the wallet hanging from his waist.


    ¡°Young Master Qi.¡±


    Old Mrs. Ding came over supported by her granddaughter, Qin Liuxi glanced at them, seeing their dejected looks as if they hadn¡¯t slept well all night, understanding instantly.


    Old Mrs. Ding came to say goodbye.


    Qi Qian¡¯s expression was indifferent: ¡°Safe travels, Old Mrs. Ding.¡±


    Old Mrs. Ding slightly embarrassed, bowed, and then led her granddaughter who kept turning her head back as they walked away.


    ¡°Young Master Qi is quite indifferent, even the sadness of the young beauty is leaking out.¡± Qin Liuxi chuckled.


    ¡°What does it have to do with me, rather it¡¯s Doctor Qin...¡± Qi Qian had just started speaking when he saw Qin Liuxi¡¯s smile fade, and he followed her gaze.


    It was Mrs. Zhou from last night, supporting the now awake Xie Qikang getting into the carriage. In just one night, Xie Qikang seemed even weaker, clutching his chest as if he was about to die from breathlessness.


    And Mrs. Zhou, her expression also fluctuating, perhaps sensing the gaze, looked over and stiffened upon seeing Qin Liuxi, her lips quivered but ultimately, she did not come over, but instead got on the carriage and left.


    Qi Qian withdrew his gaze, seeing Qin Liuxi¡¯s expression turn icy, and said: ¡°That Mr. Xie is a scholar, you said he won¡¯t live past three days, is that true?¡±


    ¡°I, personally, do not like to speak without basis,¡± Qin Liuxi picked up a teacup, took a sip, and said: ¡°He bears the deaths of three people, he should die.¡±


    Qi Qian¡¯s pupils constricted, almost unable to sit still: ¡°He bears the death of others?¡±


    ¡°Yes, indeed, killing his father-in-law, his wife, and his child, isn¡¯t he ruthless?¡±


    Qi Qian immediately instructed Huo Lang: ¡°Go and bring the Posthouse Minister.¡±


    Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow: ¡°Young Master Qi wants to intervene?¡±


    ¡°Since he bears the death of others, it should be for the officials to decide the case,¡± Qi Qian said: ¡°Even if his death is certain, those he killed are wrongful deaths, they deserve justice.¡±


    Qin Liuxi was silent for a moment, then said: ¡°Then you must act quickly, he originally had three days left, but now, he probably won¡¯t survive today.¡±


    That Xie Qikang, his aura of death intensified, unlikely to even reach Ningzhou, he might die on the way.


    Qi Qian was startled and looked at Huo Lang, who nodded and left.