Volume One, Chapter 15: Doubt

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Watching Nurse Zhao sobbing with tears and snot, Lin Qingyun was thoroughly disgusted, yet restrained herself from pushing her away, mindful that Lin Qingyan was present. She quickly motioned to Chunxi to help Nurse Zhao up and then gently comforted her, “Nurse Zhao, take your time to explain what happened. Is there some misunderstanding with Second Miss? How could she suddenly lay hands on you?”

Under Lin Qingyun’s subtle prompt, Nurse Zhao began tearfully recounting her grievance. “Several hours ago, my husband’s body was retrieved from the moat. I intended to go to the Purple Bamboo Garden to ask Second Miss about it.”

“Hold on,” Lin Qingyan interrupted with a frown. “I’ve heard about this as well. Since you are long-time servants in the household, I was planning to return to Madam and have you receive some silver to arrange a proper burial. Why would you seek out Second Miss?”

Lin Qingyan looked at her displeased. Surely Nurse Zhao wasn’t trying to stir trouble for Lin Qingwu again?

“Please don’t be angry, Young Master,” Nurse Zhao hurriedly explained, noticing his expression. “I only happened to hear that Second Miss went to the ancestral tomb yesterday, so I thought…”

“Lin Qingwu went to the ancestral tomb?” Lin Qingyan appeared surprised. “From what you say, are you suspecting that Yang Bo’s death is connected to her?”

“I dare not say so,” Nurse Zhao wiped her tears. “But Old Yang was always dutiful and would never go down the mountain at night to drink and carouse. Besides, he was an excellent swimmer—there’s no way he would just disappear like that.”

Her words trailed off into uncontrollable sobbing.

Lin Qingyan was initially somewhat displeased at Nurse Zhao’s suspicion of Lin Qingwu, but hearing this and seeing the sorrowful woman before him, he could not help but feel a flicker of doubt himself. Could it really be related to Lin Qingwu?

Irritated, he glanced sharply at Nurse Zhao. “Stop crying. I will go ask her myself right now.”

Just as Lin Qingyan finished speaking and was about to turn away, Lin Qingyun stopped him. In a soft voice, she urged, “Brother, don’t rush. I believe Second Miss would never do anything so reckless. She must be upset over what happened this morning, which is why she was harsher with Nurse Zhao. If you go now, it might only make her more suspicious.”

“Then perhaps I should leave this matter to you, Qingyun. You can try to clear up the misunderstanding between you and our sister…”

“You’re always so sensible,” Lin Qingyan smiled with relief, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind Lin Qingyun’s ear. “Then I’ll leave it to you. If Lin Qingwu dares to bully you again, tell me immediately. I will stand up for you.”

“Yes, Qingyun knows Brother cares most for her,” Lin Qingyun nodded with a smile.

After Lin Qingyan left, Lin Qingyun’s smile vanished instantly.

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She coldly glanced at Nurse Zhao before heading straight into the Hibiscus Courtyard. Nurse Zhao hurriedly followed, careful not to upset her further. Chunlan and Chunxi waited outside; once the door closed, Nurse Zhao immediately knelt before Lin Qingyun with a thud.

Lin Qingyun’s expression was unreadable as she asked, “What exactly happened?”

Nurse Zhao glanced timidly at her and reported honestly, “I was ordered by you to probe her, but she didn’t even give me a chance to speak. Instead, she directly questioned me about Bai Qiuyun’s death.”

“What did you say?” Lin Qingyun jumped up sharply, looking at her. “Lin Qingwu is suspicious?”

“No, she only suspects me, but I said nothing. Please rest assured, Third Miss,” Nurse Zhao declared her loyalty.

She touched her swollen cheek, which was bruised from Lin Qingwu’s beating because she refused to reveal anything.

Seeing Nurse Zhao’s eager look for praise, Lin Qingyun felt relieved and sat back down. “Don’t worry, we’re on the same side. Just keep your mouth shut and you won’t be treated unfairly.”

She then ordered Chunlan to bring a silver note. Helping Nurse Zhao up, she pressed the note into her hand. “You suffered today, Nurse Zhao. Take this hundred taels as a token of Qingyun’s appreciation.”

“Thank you, Third Miss!” Nurse Zhao held the note reverently, secretly delighted. “I will remember this kindness and remain loyal, ready to risk my life for you.”

Lin Qingyun nodded slightly, satisfied with her declaration. She stood, smoothed her non-existent wrinkles on her dress, and instructed, “Chunlan, escort Nurse Zhao back and help apply some medicine. Don’t let this turn into a lingering illness.”

“Yes,” Chunlan agreed after meeting Lin Qingyun’s subtle nod.

Deeply moved by Lin Qingyun’s kindness, Nurse Zhao thanked them profusely as she followed Chunlan out.

But she failed to notice the subtle shift in Lin Qingyun’s tone as she gave that last instruction.

Watching them leave, Lin Qingyun’s smile faded completely, replaced by a cold glare. “Nurse Zhao, Nurse Zhao… don’t blame me. Blame that little wretch Lin Qingwu instead.”

…

At dawn the next day, as the first light broke, Yunshang and Zhiyi followed Lin Qingwu’s orders and went to a village outside the city. Lin Qingwu herself, accompanied by Zhixin, entered the palace.

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Having received news the day before, Princess Fu Wan was already waiting at Huayang Palace.

Seeing Lin Qingwu, she hurried forward eagerly. “Sister Awu!”

“Wan’er, slow down,” Lin Qingwu quickened her pace and took the wheelchair from Xiao Beiyi.

While pushing Princess Fu Wan inside, she chided gently, “Wan’er, you’re always so reckless. You don’t even watch where you’re going. If your leg had been injured again, all the previous care would have been wasted.”

“Sister, it’s not Aluyi’s fault,” Princess Fu Wan clasped her hand and quickly explained.

“You,” Lin Qingwu half-scolded, half-laughed. “Such a fine guard, yet you’ve been spoiled so much you don’t act like one.”

Princess Fu Wan was surprised and curiously asked, “Then what do I act like?”

Lin Qingwu leaned close to her ear with a teasing tone, “Naturally, like Your Highness’s fiancé~”

“Sister, you’re teasing me again…” Lin Qingwu’s voice was low, but Princess Fu Wan blushed deeply.

Worried that Xiao Beiyi behind them might overhear, she quickly found an excuse to send him away. “Sister Awu wants to check my leg. Aluyi, you may step back now.”

“As you command,” Xiao Beiyi respectfully bowed and stood guard outside.

Once inside the inner hall, Xiao Ru brought in tea.

Lin Qingwu made no fuss, took a sip, then instructed Zhixin and Xiao Ru to help Princess Fu Wan onto the soft couch.

She carefully placed a cushion behind her and gently rested Wan’er’s legs on the couch, then lifted her skirt to begin examining.

Princess Fu Wan smiled softly at Lin Qingwu’s focused expression.

Without looking up, Lin Qingwu asked, “What’s so funny?”

“I’m smiling because this is my real Sister Awu,” Princess Fu Wan said with some emotion. “Seeing you today, the stone in my heart has finally settled…”