Jiang Qingwan arrived at the He residence in Doctor Zhong's carriage. He originally intended to personally escort her back, but when the carriage passed Huichuntang, the shop entrance was already in chaos.
The apprentice recognized his carriage and quickly stopped it.
"Master, a few more people have come with sores all over their bodies. They are in great pain, and we really have no other choice."
Doctor Zhong, anxious for his patient, cupped his hands in greeting to Jiang Qingwan, instructing the coachman to make sure she was safely returned before hurriedly alighting from the carriage.
A commotion of conversation could be heard outside the carriage.
"What's going on in Majia Village in the eastern suburbs? Is it possessed by an evil spirit?"
"Could it be some kind of curse? Otherwise, why would so many people be covered in sores and have such a foul stench? It's terrifying."
"It's only because Dr. Zhong is kind-hearted that other clinics refuse to take him in, saying they're afraid it's the plague."
"Let's go quickly, we've really caught the disease."
...
As the carriage drove further and further away, the chatter gradually faded into the distance.
Jiang Qingwan recalled what she had seen while stargazing that day, and realized that the Great Zhou Dynasty was likely to become increasingly turbulent.
The carriage entered Chang'an District and stopped at the entrance of the Prince's Mansion's backyard.
Jiang Qingwan got out of the car, and the driver, eager to go back and help, bowed and hurried away.
Before she could turn around, she saw Qin Minglang standing across the street.
Under the sunlight, the man was even more handsome than when they first met. He had changed into a moon-white long robe, which gave him a more refined look. He strode over with a tender smile on his lips.
"Qingwan".
Jiang Qingwan frowned, but did not dodge.
"If you just want me to help you get into the He family, you don't need to ask."
Perhaps it was because of Su Yulan's arrogance, but Qin Minglang now felt even more attracted to Jiang Qingwan than he had five years ago.
"Qingwan, do you still remember the riverbank where we first met? That fleeting glimpse is still vivid in my memory, often haunting my dreams in the middle of the night, lingering with longing..."
"Qin Minglang!" Jiang Qingwan interrupted coldly, "Are you saying all this to disgust me?"
Qin Minglang rushed forward and reached out to hug Jiang Qingwan, but she dodged him.
“If you dare to overstep your bounds again, I will make sure you and Su Yulan suffer the same fate.”
Qin Minglang instinctively covered his nose, but then, remembering the image of Su Yulan covered in a foul stench, he could only step back.
"Qingwan, I know you have many misunderstandings about me now. No matter how much I say, you won't believe that I've always been trying to protect you. The Su family is powerful, and I'm determined to become stronger so that I can protect you."
He lowered his eyes, his gaze filled with desolation.
"Perhaps it's because we've been apart for too long, you don't understand me, and I understand you even less. I never imagined that the frail woman from back then would have such extraordinary abilities, living in the backyard of the Ninth Prince's mansion, making the Prefect of the Capital bow down, and even allowing He Nian, who had just arrived in the capital to take up his post, to freely enter and leave his residence. Qingwan..."
He slowly raised his head and stared intently at her.
How many things have you been hiding from me?
Jiang Qingwan was utterly speechless.
"Qin Minglang, what does this have to do with you marrying a new wife, abandoning me, and even trying to kill me in your mansion?"
Qin Minglang's expression changed slightly.
His facade of affection was precisely stripped away, and his expression turned somewhat fierce.
"I've given you chance after chance, why don't you cherish them? Do you think the Ninth Prince will be sincere to you? What is his status, and what is yours? Once he gets tired of you, won't you just be kicked aside?"
"In this world, the only one who can accept you is me."
He took a deep breath and stepped forward again.
"Qingwan, I know you love me. Help me achieve my wish, and I swear I'll come to marry you with a grand wedding procession, okay?"
Just as Jiang Qingwan was about to make a move, suppressing her disgust, she heard a sneer.
"This is the first time I've ever seen such a shameless man! He actually came to Chang'an District to embarrass himself!"
Jiang Qingwan turned around and was surprised to see Song Yushu walking over with Yuying.
Qin Minglang didn't recognize her, but anyone who could come and go in Chang'an District was certainly not an ordinary woman.
He bowed stiffly, but his words were firm.
"My wife is being temperamental with me, please excuse me."
"Your wife?" Song Yushu stopped beside Jiang Qingwan. "Didn't you divorce her for the sake of the county princess from the Su family? You even kicked her out. Now you're saying she's your wife? You really have a thick skin."
These words stung Qin Minglang's face.
"Who exactly are you? What gives you the right to interfere in my family affairs?"
Song Yushu coldly said, "You've already come to my Prince's mansion and started causing a scene, and I can't even do anything about it? Let me tell you, Madam Jiang is a distinguished guest of my Ninth Prince's mansion. If you dare to insult her again, I'll smash your mouth!"
Although Qin Minglang did not recognize Song Yushu, he knew that the Ninth Prince had an aunt who was from a military background. She was not only granted the title of First Rank Lady, but was also deeply respected by Mo Yunhan and could be considered a mother figure.
He felt a chill run down his spine and quickly bowed again.
"So it's Madam Song. I am Qin..."
"Get out of here!"
Before he could finish speaking, Song Yushu ordered him to leave.
Yu Ying even rolled up her sleeves.
Qin Minglang's face was tense, and he dared not refute, so he could only look at Jiang Qingwan again.
"Qingwan, think carefully about what I just told you. I'll wait for you to come to me."
He turned around with what he thought was a cool gesture, only to be punched in the face.
"You're bullying my young lady again! I'll beat you to death!"
Li Dou was much more skilled and stronger than before. Qin Minglang was afraid of Song Yushu and dared not fight back, so he ran away as fast as he could.
Lian'er quickly ran to Jiang Qingwan's side, "Miss, are you alright?"
Jiang Qingwan shook her head and cupped her hands in a respectful gesture towards Song Yushu.
Thank you.
In fact, Song Yushu saw Jiang Qingwan's carriage as soon as it entered the alley.
She heard everything Qin Minglang said and Jiang Qingwan's reply clearly, and felt increasingly disgusted by their temper.
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