The next day, Qin Liuxi appeared before Qi Qian and his companions, looking refreshed and spirited, much to their frustration.
"Well, Young Master Qi, did you have a night of contemplative solitude? Didn't sleep well?" Qin Liuxi teased.
Qi Qian replied, "I had a night full of disturbing dreams."
He had dreamt of a female ghost wandering the inn with a child, likely influenced by Qin Liuxi's previous words to the Zhou family, which had subconsciously affected him. Qi Qian had always believed in rationality and dismissed superstitions, but since meeting Qin Liuxi, his understanding had been upended. From the haunted forest of Wanhuai to yesterday's spirit cleansing and soul crossing, and her eerie predictions—Qi Qian could no longer use old sayings to comfort himself.
Qin Liuxi chuckled. "No worries, Young Master Qi. It's merely a result of daytime thoughts. Recite the Clear Mind Mantra a couple of times."
"I think a couple of peace talismans from Dr. Qin would be more effective," Qi Qian suggested.
Qin Liuxi shook her finger. "Peace talismans are given by fate. Those destined will naturally receive them..."
Qi Qian promptly handed over a banknote worth a hundred taels.
Qin Liuxi's eyes curved into a smile. She accepted the note with one hand and pulled a triangular-folded peace talisman from her sleeve with the other, handing it over. "We had no fate before, but your generosity has forged one. Kind-hearted people have boundless blessings from the heavens."
Qi Qian placed the talisman into the purse hanging from his waist.
"Young Master Qi," called out Lady Ding, who approached supported by her granddaughter. Qin Liuxi noticed their weary expressions and understood they hadn't slept well.
Lady Ding had come to bid farewell.
Qi Qian's expression was indifferent. "Safe travels, Lady Ding."
With a hint of embarrassment, Lady Ding bowed and led her reluctant granddaughter away.
"Young Master Qi, you're quite cold-hearted. The young beauty's sorrow is palpable," Qin Liuxi commented with a playful smile.
"What does that have to do with me? But Dr. Qin..." Qi Qian began but paused as he noticed Qin Liuxi's smile fading. Following her gaze, he saw the Zhou family helping a frail Xie Qikang into a carriage. In just one night, Xie Qikang looked even weaker, clutching his chest as if he could die at any moment.
Lady Zhou, her expression shifting, seemed to sense their gaze. She looked over and, seeing Qin Liuxi, stiffened, her lips trembling. Ultimately, she didn't approach but boarded the carriage and left.
Qi Qian looked back at Qin Liuxi's cold expression and asked, "That scholar Xie, you said he won't live past three days. Is that true?"
"I'm not one to speak lightly," Qin Liuxi replied, sipping her tea. "He carries the weight of three lives. He deserves to die."
Qi Qian's eyes widened in shock. "He carries lives on his conscience?"
"Yes, he killed his father-in-law, his wife, and his child. Ruthless, isn't he?"
Qi Qian immediately instructed Huo Lang, "Go fetch the station master."
Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow. "Young Master Qi wants to intervene?"
"If he's responsible for such deaths, the authorities should adjudicate. Even if he's destined to die, those he killed died unjustly. They deserve justice," Qi Qian stated firmly.
Qin Liuxi paused for a moment before saying, "Then you'd better hurry. He originally had three days, but now, he might not survive the day."
Xie Qikang's aura of death had thickened. He might not even make it to Ningzhou and could die on the road.
Qi Qian, alarmed, glanced at Huo Lang, who nodded and swiftly left.