Coroner's Diary

Jiang Shi tightly gripped Qin Chen's arm, her previously composed and indifferent expression shattered, her eyes filled with shock!

Liu Chun?! Didn’t Liu Chun run away? How could he be in the well...

Yan Chi looked at Jiang Shi with cold eyes. "His servant said that on the day he left, he was wearing an indigo-blue robe. Coincidentally, the body in the well is still relatively fresh and also dressed in an indigo-blue robe."

Yan Chi stated with certainty, "There’s no doubt—the person at the bottom of the well is Liu Chun."

Jiang Shi’s hand trembled slightly as she tightly clutched her prayer beads. Her shock and panic lasted only a moment before she quickly regained her composure, as if an invisible mask had slipped back into place. She said calmly, "Perhaps he was hiding here and, knowing he would be discovered, chose to drown himself in the well..."

Yan Chi shifted his gaze from Jiang Shi to Huo Huaixin. "Governor Huo, arrange for the body to be retrieved from the well."

Huo Huaixin had first learned of the ghost fire appearing in the Purple Bamboo Forest, then heard Jiang Shi mention that a deceased acquaintance was buried in the well, and now discovered that Liu Chun—who had been searched for an entire day and night—was actually in the well. This series of events left him stunned for a long time. Only after Yan Chi’s order did he snap back to attention, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, yes, of course. This official will see to it immediately."

Despite his words, his instructions to the constables were somewhat disorganized. Meanwhile, Yan Chi turned back to Jiang Shi. "The Old Madam mentioned there was another death in this well—a concubine from the manor?"

Jiang Shi avoided Yan Chi’s gaze, her eyes fixed darkly on the distant, shadowy mouth of the well.

"Yes, it was the Second Concubine of the manor. She took her own life here eight years ago."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, his tone now carrying authority. "Eight years ago? The Great Zhou has laws—any unnatural death within a household must be reported to the authorities for investigation. Only after a conclusion is reached may the body be buried. Did the Old Madam witness the concubine’s suicide in the well herself?"

Jiang Shi frowned slightly. "This old woman did not see it personally."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "Then who did?"

Jiang Shi sighed. "It was the Second Concubine’s maidservant... She witnessed her mistress throw herself into the well. By the time it was reported to me and we arrived, there was no sound from the well. At the time, a revered monk was staying in the manor, so we immediately sought his counsel. The monk declared this well cursed—that the Second Concubine had become an evil spirit upon entering it. He advised sealing her body within the well and covering it with a Demon-suppressing Stone, lest the cursed well bring calamity upon the entire Qin Manor."

Yan Chi’s expression remained unchanged. "And what of the Second Concubine’s maidservant?"

Jiang Shi seemed to recall the events of eight years ago, her eyes tinged with sorrow. "That maidservant was loyal. Not long after, she fell ill and died. This matter is known to the older servants of the manor."

The maidservant was a household slave of Qin Manor, and her death from illness was common knowledge. Since the master saw no reason for suspicion, it was understandable that the authorities were not notified. With this explanation, Jiang Shi effectively smoothed over the deaths of both the Second Concubine and her maidservant.

Yan Chi shook his head. "Qin Manor is a household of scholarly refinement and propriety. Yet when a concubine dies by drowning in a well, instead of reporting it to the authorities and conducting a proper burial, you heed the words of a monk. The Old Madam truly governs the household’s children well—no wonder Qin Manor is so quick to hold seven-day Buddhist services."

Jiang Shi’s brow twitched, and beside her, Qin Guan also snapped out of her daze.The nightmare from the day was now right before her eyes. She had suspected there might be something strange about the Purple Bamboo Forest, but Qin Guan never imagined that Liu Chun would truly die deep within its depths. Her dream had become reality...

Qin Guan looked at Yan Chi, knowing full well that the seven-day-and-night Buddhist service he mentioned referred to the ritual held when she had returned from death. She faintly detected a tone of accusation in his words. Though she felt his visit had nothing to do with her, hearing someone point out Jiang Shi's obstinate indifference still warmed her heart slightly.

Jiang Shi lowered her gaze. Though she often fasted, chanted prayers, and hosted grand Buddhist services with eminent monks, she didn’t want Qin Chen to be associated with such impressions. The Great Zhou Dynasty valued political clarity, emphasizing benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust as the pillars of education. Those aspiring to official careers must avoid any association with supernatural forces. Integrity and impartiality were paramount for court officials, and those too invested in superstitious beliefs risked censure from the Imperial Censorate. Thus, while many in the capital practiced Buddhism, most were women. If word spread that someone had enshrined a golden Buddha for themselves in a temple, it would surely draw the Censorate’s scrutiny.

As an elderly woman past sixty, Jiang Shi naturally had no fear of a younger man like Yan Chi, no matter how distinguished his military achievements—such things were far removed from her world. Yet she couldn’t help but consider Qin Chen’s future.

Jiang Shi bowed her head, her voice tinged with deference. "The Crown Prince speaks wisely."

Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly. "Since the Old Madam did not report to the authorities back then, doing so today is still timely. First, we’ll retrieve Liu Chun’s remains, then invite that departed soul to join us. Only after the official investigation can they be properly laid to rest. Though she was merely a concubine, she still deserves a grave to rest in peace. Otherwise, the Old Madam’s prayers would be tainted by guilt."

Jiang Shi swayed slightly but dared not refute him. She nodded. "Yes, as the Crown Prince commands."

Yan Chi then turned to Huo Huaixin, who hastily nodded in agreement.

"Good. The rest can be left to the Prefect. The Old Madam may retire now."

Yan Chi’s tone was polite, yet utterly devoid of inflection. Jiang Shi watched as Huo Huaixin directed the men to retrieve the remains, then nodded and turned away with a light cough.

Qin Chen glanced at Qin Guan standing nearby, as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he followed Jiang Shi out.

The Purple Bamboo Forest, long forbidden within the estate, had not seen so many visitors in years. To aid in retrieving the remains, Huo Huaixin ordered more torches lit, and soon the forest was ablaze with light.

The illumination dispelled much of the forest’s eerie gloom, yet the autumn night remained chilly. The wind carried a putrid dampness that brushed against cheeks, leaving an unsettling discomfort. The bailiffs tasked with the retrieval worked diligently, eager to finish and leave as quickly as possible. Qin Guan stood to the side, wrapped in a dark blue cape, her expression solemn.

Soon, Yan Chi approached. "You were right again."

Qin Guan lifted her gaze. The flickering torchlight cast a noble, proud glow upon Yan Chi’s features.

"Did you read Shen Yi’s writings? Which one?"

The name "Shen Yi" sent a ripple of unease through Qin Guan. She lowered her eyes. "I don’t recall which one, but I vaguely remember. After all, tales of ghost fire are always shrouded in mystery..."Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan. "I've received the imperial decree, but my knowledge of criminal justice is limited. What legal texts have you studied? Prepare a booklist for me later."

Qin Guan raised her eyes. At this moment, Yan Chi's gaze was utterly transparent and sincere.

"The Great Zhou Penal Code is essential. Beyond that, there are the works of Minister Shen Yi, along with the penal codes and legal histories from previous dynasties. The rest are miscellaneous essays and records."

Yan Chi met her gaze. "I need specific titles."

Qin Guan held his gaze briefly before lowering her eyes. "Understood. I'll prepare the list for Your Highness shortly."

After studying Qin Guan for another moment, Yan Chi turned toward the well.

"Careful now, slowly—"

"Pull now, put your back into it—"

A constable was being lowered into the well while five or six others waited above. Yan Chi watched as the rope was gradually pulled up. Qin Guan approached but didn't look into the dark well opening. Instead, her attention was drawn to the massive stone beside it. According to Jiang Shi's account, the so-called eminent monk had intended to seal this well with a Demon-suppressing Stone. Presumably, this boulder was that very stone. But if it was meant to cover the well, why had it been moved aside?

Qin Guan examined the stone closely. It was merely a two-foot-square slab of Black Tortoise Stone, its surface darkened by years of accumulated grime in the bamboo grove. A layer of black moss had grown around its edges. Taking a torch, she inspected the moss more carefully.

Before Liu Chun could be pulled from the well, Yan Chi noticed Qin Guan's actions and approached. "What is it?"

Puzzled, Qin Guan replied, "This Demon-suppressing Stone was originally placed over the well. How did it get moved aside? A stone this size would be impossible for an average man to shift."

She reached out to touch the surrounding moss, her pristine fingertips instantly stained. Unbothered, she continued, "Judging by the moss growth, it must have been moved over half a year ago."

"Half a year?" Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "This is a forbidden area of Qin Manor. Who would have come here to move the stone that long ago? As you said, it would require a strong man. What purpose would moving it serve?"

Qin Guan frowned. Half a year ago, she had still been in the Shen residence in the capital, living as the young mistress of the Shen family. Who in Qin Manor would have moved the stone then?

The answer eluded her. Moreover, the stone's massive size meant only someone exceptionally strong or skilled in martial arts could have shifted it. Who in Qin Manor possessed such strength?

Her gaze drifted to the well. Could Liu Chun have moved it himself?

"Few in Qin Manor likely knew of this well's existence—I certainly didn't. Whoever discovered it must have known about the past incident. But moving the stone would risk exposing that history. Unless... someone stumbled upon the well by accident and moved the stone out of curiosity?"

Shaking her head, Qin Guan admitted this detail remained unclear. Just then, a figure emerged from the well.The rope was tightly bound around Liu Chun's body, and he was pulled up from the bottom of the well in a grotesque shape. As soon as he was brought out, all eyes turned toward him.

Qin Guan and Yan Chi walked over together. At a glance, Liu Chun's face was pale, his entire countenance bearing the same lifeless gray pallor Qin Guan had seen in her dream. His hair was disheveled, and his collar slightly askew. Under the bright torchlight, Qin Guan immediately noticed the purple ligature marks around his neck. Narrowing her eyes slightly, a hint of suspicion flickered in her gaze.

Meanwhile, Huo Huaixin had already crouched down to examine the body. "Ligature marks—these seem identical to the ones on Consort Liu's body. Liu Chun didn't drown himself in the well; he was strangled to death!"

As he spoke, Huo Huaixin glanced back at Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss..."

There were many yamen officers around, and beyond them, servants from Qin Manor stood outside. Huo Huaixin couldn't speak too openly, but Qin Guan understood his meaning. After a brief pause, she lowered her voice and said, "Have the officers guard the perimeter. No one else should come in."

Huo Huaixin immediately stood up. "You men, go guard the outside. No one is allowed to enter. I will personally examine the corpse!"

At his command, the officers planted their torches in the ground and withdrew. Soon, only Yan Chi, Qin Guan, and a few others remained by the dried-up well.

With the officers gone, the Purple Bamboo Forest, though still illuminated by torches, suddenly felt vast and empty. A cold autumn wind swept through, sending a chill down Huo Huaixin's spine. He quickly turned to Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, we must trouble you..."

Qin Guan's expression was graver than ever. Liu Shi had died an unnatural death, and Liu Chun had been the prime suspect. The handkerchief found in his courtyard had also confirmed his illicit affair with Liu Shi. A steward and a concubine engaging in such behavior was a grave offense. It was highly likely that the original Ninth Miss had been killed for stumbling upon their secret. But now—how had Liu Chun died?

If he had drowned himself in the well, it would have been one thing. But the ligature marks were unmistakable—he had most likely been murdered.

Qin Guan rolled up her sleeves and retrieved Cold Moon from within them. At the sight of the blade, Yan Chi's eyes gleamed faintly.

"Place the body here," Qin Guan instructed, pointing to a flatter area. Huo Huaixin hurried over and personally dragged Liu Chun's corpse to the spot.

Qin Guan stepped forward, carefully observing the body before crouching down.

Though the well was mostly dry, a layer of sludge remained at the bottom. Liu Chun, having been found inside, had his disheveled hair and robes stained with muck. Qin Guan spoke softly, "The deceased's head, left shoulder, and the left side of his clothing bear more sludge, while his back, the backs of his legs, and the heels of his shoes are mostly coated with dry mud from outside. Preliminary deduction: he was pushed into the well after death."

As she spoke, Qin Guan ran her hands through Liu Chun's dark hair, meticulously feeling his scalp before moving down to his cheeks and neck. After closely examining the purple ligature marks, she pried open Liu Chun's tightly shut eyelids for a look. Then she checked his fingernails and the backs of his heels. Finally, she began unbuttoning his outer robe—

The moment she opened it, her brow furrowed.Amid the surrounding blaze of torches, Qin Guan immediately noticed the blisters on Liu Chun’s neck. Narrowing her eyes, she pulled his robe down further to examine the cadaveric spots on his left shoulder and the left side of his body. She then turned him over to inspect his back. Sure enough, purple cadaveric spots overlapped with the blisters, particularly severe on his chest, abdomen, and lower body.

No wonder Liu Chun had been wearing high-collared clothing that covered him tightly even in early autumn…

Qin Guan examined him in silence, taking a full two cups of tea’s worth of time before finally stopping.

“As we suspected, he also had a venereal disease. Judging by the symptoms, his condition developed earlier than the others we already knew about. It’s clear he took medicine, but it had little effect. Given the severity of his illness, he wouldn’t have lived more than half a year.”

Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin showed no surprise at this. Since the handkerchief had been found in Liu Chun’s courtyard, it confirmed his affair with Liu Shi, making the source of her venereal disease obvious.

Even so, as Yan Chi watched Qin Guan calmly examining Liu Chun’s corpse, his gaze darkened momentarily. The stench and decay of the body were one thing, but the festering sores from the venereal disease on Liu Chun’s chest, abdomen, and lower body were enough to unsettle even him. Yet Qin Guan remained composed and unshaken, as if she were long accustomed to such repulsive sights.

Qin Guan was only sixteen—how had she developed such fortitude?

Unaware of Yan Chi’s gaze, Qin Guan continued with her findings, the venereal disease being no surprise. “The victim’s face is cyanotic, caused by the constriction of his neck cutting off blood flow. The ligature mark is below the Adam’s apple, deep with traces of blood above and below. The marks intersect at the back of the neck, with nearly equal depth front and back. Additionally, there are distinct hemorrhages in the victim’s pupils. His heels show clear abrasions and are caked with dry mud, likely from struggling when he was killed outdoors. As for his hands…”

Qin Guan lifted Liu Chun’s hand. “There are several wounds on his fingertips, and between his nails are fragments of dried leaves and dirt, undoubtedly from his struggle.”

Pausing, she added gravely, “Liu Chun wasn’t exceptionally strong, but he was still a grown man. The method used to kill him is nearly identical to how Liu Shi was murdered. While Liu Shi, as a woman, could be easily overpowered, Liu Chun was different. Even if taken by surprise, killing him would require considerable strength. The absence of other wounds on his body suggests the killer struck a fatal blow in one move.”

“The darkest areas of his cadaveric spots roughly match the mud stains. They’ve now spread across his body, and pressing them no longer causes fading. Moreover, when we dragged him out earlier, you must have noticed his body is no longer fully stiff, meaning rigor mortis has passed its peak. Combined with the cloudiness of his pupils, I estimate his time of death was around this time last night—approximately the hour of Hai.”

By the hour of Hai, the night had long since deepened. Qin Guan’s composed words hung in the eerie silence of the Purple Bamboo Forest, carrying an inexplicable, blade-like sharpness. Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin both frowned at the same time."Last night during the hour of Hai?" Huo Huaixin narrowed his eyes. "That was right after the Crown Prince and I had just left Qin Manor... So you're saying Liu Chun was killed around that time?"

Qin Guan adjusted Liu Chun's clothing. "Preliminary judgment suggests that timeframe. If I recall correctly, Prefect searched the Purple Bamboo Forest around the hour of Xu. At that time, Liu Chun was either hiding in the Purple Bamboo Forest where the Prefect didn't find him, or he was hiding elsewhere in the manor and only came to the forest after the Prefect left."

After a pause, Qin Guan's voice turned colder. "It's highly possible the murderer summoned him out. We previously suspected Manager Liu likely killed Liu Shi, but now Manager Liu is dead with almost identical wounds. Shouldn't we suspect someone else killed Liu Shi two days ago? This person is from Qin Manor—first killing Liu Shi, then Manager Liu..."

Glancing at the massive stone by the well, she added, "And it's possible this person also moved this boulder."

Huo Huaixin's eyes lit up. "It must be so! Someone who could move this boulder could kill Manager Liu seemingly out of thin air! This explanation makes perfect sense! But does Qin Manor have such a person?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "I don't know. To my knowledge, no. But it's not impossible. The murderer has killed two people consecutively and knows how to conceal themselves—not just concealment, but they're also skilled at hiding."

Examining Liu Chun's body again, Qin Guan continued, "This is the preliminary examination. Like Liu Shi, the cause of death is easily determined, though there are few clues left on the body. Looking at the strangulation marks, I'd speculate it was a thin but sturdy cord. Nothing from the rope was left in the wounds, so we can't draw definitive conclusions yet."

She then asked, "Would the Crown Prince and Prefect like an autopsy performed?"

Yan Chi inquired, "Would an autopsy yield significant results?"

Qin Guan glanced at Liu Chun. "Too much time has passed, and the cause of death is already clear. The benefits would likely be minimal. However, if the Crown Prince and Prefect wish it, we can arrange one—though not here."

Though she had Cold Moon with her, performing an autopsy here would undoubtedly alert the entire Qin Manor, leading to complications. For Qin Guan's current situation, this wasn't an outcome she desired.

Huo Huaixin looked to Yan Chi. "The Crown Prince may decide."

Yan Chi said, "Then we'll forgo the autopsy. The cause and time of death are established, and the murder likely occurred here. Let's search the area for any clues first. Also, don't forget—we still have someone at the bottom of the well to retrieve."

Yan Chi's tone sent a chill down Huo Huaixin's spine. Whoever had been thrown into the well eight years ago would surely be nothing but White bone by now. Moreover, Jiang Shi had called this well the cursed well—whether true or not, the idea was unsettling.

"Understood. I'll send men down to excavate shortly."

Huo Huaixin responded quickly. Yan Chi surveyed their surroundings. "Not tonight. Leave some men here to guard the site, and we'll excavate tomorrow. After eight years, one more day makes no difference."

Huo Huaixin relaxed slightly. It was too late now, and both the well and its surroundings were pitch black—hardly ideal conditions for work. Proceeding tonight would mean none of the officers would get any sleep. "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness..."Yan Chi waved his hand and, seeing Qin Guan stand up, said, "Alright, you should go back and rest now."

It was too late, and the Purple Bamboo Forest was both eerie and damp. Qin Guan paused slightly at his words, and Yan Chi added, "Tomorrow, we’ll bring that person out. Whether they truly died by drowning in the well—you’ll need to examine them."

Qin Guan nodded. Meanwhile, Fuling hurriedly took out a handkerchief to wipe the mud from Qin Guan’s hands. After cleaning them, Qin Guan finally said, "Very well, then Qin Guan will take her leave."

Qin Guan nodded again, and Yan Chi turned to Bai Feng beside him. "Escort Ninth Miss back."

Bai Feng nodded in acknowledgment and gestured with his hand, "Ninth Miss—"

Qin Guan initially wanted to decline, but after glancing at Yan Chi's eyes, she held back her words. She curtsied slightly before turning to leave. Qin Guan walked slowly out of the Purple Bamboo Forest. Meanwhile, Huo Huaixin turned and said, "Your Highness, regarding Liu Chun—"

He had only uttered five words when his speech abruptly halted. His gaze fell upon Yan Chi, who was still staring in the direction Qin Guan had departed. The intensity and depth in his eyes startled Huo Huaixin.

Being somewhat shrewd, Huo Huaixin quickly lowered his gaze and pondered for a moment. When the possible implication dawned on him, his heart raced.

At this moment, Yan Chi turned back. "What about Liu Chun?"

Huo Huaixin grinned. "Should we relocate Liu Chun to another place?"

Yan Chi glanced toward the southwest. "Is there any space left in the courtyard of Consort Liu's ancestral hall? Move him there for now. This case has taken a different turn. Inform Qin Manor that Consort Liu’s burial must be postponed for another two days."

Huo Huaixin nodded vigorously and immediately called out to the distant constables, "Someone, carry Liu Chun out... take him to that courtyard. The rest of you, search the surroundings for any possible clues or traces!"

......

The Purple Bamboo Forest buzzed with activity, and the entire Qin Manor was thrown into shock. Soon, the news reached Jiang Shi.

Jiang Shi frowned. "What?! Liu Chun is really dead?! And in the same manner as Consort Liu?"

The servant nodded. "Yes. Right now, the Prefect has temporarily placed Manager Liu's remains in Consort Liu’s courtyard. He also said this case has changed and neither of them can be buried yet."

Jiang Shi’s prayer beads spun rapidly in her hands. Beside her, Lin Shi let out a long, sorrowful sigh. "Mother, what is happening? I thought catching Manager Liu would resolve everything. How could he also die? Does this mean both Manager Liu and Consort Liu were killed by someone else, and the murderer is still hiding in our manor?"

Jiang Shi slowly closed her eyes. Qin Chen, standing nearby, said, "Mother, that seems to be the case."

Lin Shi tightened her grip on her handkerchief. "Master’s illness hasn’t improved at all, and now this... And from years ago, the matter of Second Concubine has also been uncovered by the Prefect and Prince Rui's heir. This—"

"Stop panicking!" Jiang Shi’s eyes snapped open, a sharp glint flashing within them.

"So what if they know? Back then, we merely concealed the truth—we didn’t take her life. Your reaction makes it seem as though we murdered Second Concubine. Now that the authorities have exhumed the remains, it’s just another burial process."

Lin Shi paled under Jiang Shi’s scolding but nodded obediently. "Yes, Mother is right. This daughter-in-law was merely flustered."

Jiang Shi sighed and turned to Qin Chen. "Chen’er, how is your father’s condition?"

After being asked several times, a hint of indifference surfaced in Qin Chen’s eyes. "Still the same. Qian Bairen is useless—no effect at all." He paused before adding, "Grandmother, should we ask Ninth Sister to—"

Jiang Shi shook her head. "No. Qin Guan is a junior. It’s already humiliating enough that she knows about the elders’ disgraceful affairs. Now you want her to treat your father? If so, your father might as well never show his face again!"

Qin Chen hesitated, wanting to say more. At this point, what mattered more—life or dignity?But when he thought of Qin An, who was lustful and indulgent, the anxiety in Qin Chen's heart suddenly faded. So what if he valued face? Life wasn't that important after all...

A shadow passed through Qin Chen's eyes for a moment, and he immediately stopped trying to persuade Jiang Shi further.

Yet after a pause, Jiang Shi said, "Go and invite Divine Doctor Huang. No matter the cost, we must bring him here. That illness is life-threatening, and we can't delay any longer. Tomorrow—tomorrow, Chen'er, you must go and invite him."

Qin Chen pressed his lips together. "Yes, Grandson will go tomorrow."

Only then did Jiang Shi slowly exhale, glancing at Lin Shi and Qin Chen before adding, "The manor is going through troubled times now. Don't panic. Lord Huo at least has some ties with the Qin family. Since he's investigating, we'll cooperate. After all, the murderer isn't among us. Right now, I just hope the culprit is found soon, so our household can stop being in such chaos."

She then turned to Qin Chen. "Chen'er, these next few days, keep a tighter rein on the outer courtyard. Choose a capable steward to replace Liu Chun's position. Whatever Lord Huo needs, you must provide it for him."

Qin Chen nodded again, and Jiang Shi narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps this is a trial for our Qin family, but we will overcome it—we must. Even if the Prefect doesn't investigate, I will root out the scourge harming our household..."

Lin Shi sighed in agreement. "Who could it be? Liu Shi and Manager Liu both held some standing in the manor. Who would dare do such a thing?"

Jiang Shi remained silent, her face grim, while Qin Chen looked equally bewildered. "Killing Liu Shi is one thing, but Liu Chun died in that well..."

At the mention of the well, the expressions of both Lin Shi and Jiang Shi darkened.

Jiang Shi closed her eyes again, swiftly turning her prayer beads. "That is a cursed well—truly cursed. Once Second Concubine's remains are retrieved, we must fill and seal it for good! Two deaths in a row... perhaps it's the work of that accursed well!"

......

Night had fallen, and Qin Guan returned to her room to bathe and prepare for bed.

Having just conducted a corpse examination, she washed with extra care, even changing the water once. Leaning back in the wooden tub, she closed her eyes and pondered—first Liu Shi, then Liu Chun. What grudge did the culprit hold against them? And if Liu Chun had been murdered, then why had Ninth Miss been killed?

In her mind, the black mist from her dream in the Purple Bamboo Forest seemed to drift forth again, slowly enveloping the entire Qin Manor. Standing in that mist, she felt lost, unsure of the path ahead, with unseen demons lurking all around.

"Miss, be careful not to catch a chill..."

Fuling brought in more hot water and, seeing Qin Guan resting with her eyes closed, assumed she was dozing. After adding the water and watching Qin Guan sink deeper into the tub, she sighed. "Miss must be exhausted after standing so long in the woods earlier. I hope you don't fall ill. Stay in the bath a little longer, and don't let your shoulders get cold."

Qin Guan gave a soft hum and opened her eyes, watching Fuling bustle about.

"Were you scared tonight?"

The sudden question made Fuling pause. She nodded, then shook her head.

"At first, I was terrified. But after watching you examine the bodies, I wasn't as afraid anymore. Whenever I see you unafraid, it's like I stop being scared too."

A faint smile touched Qin Guan's lips. Fuling then asked, "Miss, now that Manager Liu is also dead... who could the murderer be?"Qin Guan sighed, "If I knew, wouldn't that make me more capable than the Prefect and His Highness Chi?"

Fuling snorted, "I don't know about His Highness Chi, but you're definitely more capable than the Prefect. Back in the bamboo forest, he was just as scared as I was."

Qin Guan chuckled but said nothing. Fuling, however, frowned. "Speaking of which, this murderer is really stupid."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How so?"

Fuling was usually lively and simple-minded, so this was the first time Qin Guan had heard her call someone stupid.

Fuling tilted her head and said, "Logically, after killing Consort Liu, everyone would suspect Manager Liu since he was involved with her. Once that was confirmed, he'd never be able to clear his name. So why would the murderer go and kill Manager Liu too? Doesn't that just reveal the existence of a third person?"

The amusement in Qin Guan's eyes faded, replaced by a grave expression.

Two murders happening one after the other would normally make people think that someone had a grudge against both Consort Liu and Manager Liu. But if it were truly about revenge, framing Manager Liu for Consort Liu's death would have been enough—a perfect scheme where no one would even know about the third person. Now, however, everyone knows there's another killer hiding in the manor, which makes things much more dangerous for the murderer...

"Miss, what's wrong? Did I think wrong?" Fuling asked cautiously when Qin Guan didn't respond.

Qin Guan curved her lips slightly and shook her head. "No, you didn't. That's one way to look at it. But then, why would the murderer be so stupid?"

Fuling frowned. "Either... the murderer really is too dumb to think that far and just wanted to kill for revenge, or... they had some other purpose..."

Having accompanied Qin Guan through several corpse examinations, Fuling had grown bolder and even enjoyed listening to her deductions. Now, she wanted to help figure out the reason behind it all. "Consort Liu died under the flower shed, and Manager Liu was found in the well at Purple Bamboo Forest. Could it be... could it be that the murderer wanted to expose what happened to the Second Concubine?"

Hearing Fuling's words, Qin Guan recalled Jiang Shi's account earlier that day.

She had only mentioned that the Second Concubine had drowned herself in the well, but everyone's attention had been diverted by Liu Chun, so no one had asked why the Second Concubine had taken her own life eight years ago.

"Fuling, do you know why the Second Concubine drowned herself back then?"

Fuling tilted her head in thought. "I think... I think it was something about losing her child or something... About a year ago, I heard Aunt Liu from the kitchen mention it. Only the older servants in the manor would know about these old matters."

Qin Guan understood. Jiang Shi hadn't mentioned the reason for the Second Concubine's suicide, likely because it wasn't something to be discussed openly. In a prominent household like Qin Manor, conflicts between concubines were common. Had the Second Concubine's child been harmed by someone else, driving her to despair? And if Jiang Shi didn't speak of it, perhaps the person responsible was someone she wanted to protect.

Qin Guan frowned. Could it be Lin Shi?

The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.If that's the case, it explains why Second Concubine had no choice but to throw herself into the well back then. Jiang Shi, being superstitious about ghosts and spirits while also wanting to protect Lin Shi, sealed the well to prevent the incident from coming to light.

But then... who is the murderer? And from what standpoint does she want to expose what happened back then to broad daylight?

Qin Guan frowned slightly. She knew too little about the past events to draw any hasty conclusions.

"This servant can't figure it out either. I just think... since Manager Liu died in such a strange place, it brought the past incident to light. So perhaps that was the murderer's other purpose?"

Fuling shook her head, "No, no, this servant is too stupid to figure it out."

Qin Guan exhaled, "It's alright if you can't figure it out. Tomorrow we'll go ask Aunt Liu and see what really happened back then. Bring my clothes in, I need to get up."

Fuling was slightly surprised, "Miss, you should soak a while longer..."

Qin Guan shook her head, "Someone will be coming later."

She gave Fuling a meaningful look, as if to say: Have you forgotten Qin Li is coming?

Fuling suddenly realized and slapped her own forehead, "Look at this servant's memory! I completely forgot! Miss, please wait..."

Fuling quickly fetched the dress. After Qin Guan put it on, Fuling helped dry and loosely tie up her hair before following Qin Guan to the Warm Chamber. Just as they reached the door, knocking sounds came from the rear window.

Because of the incident at Purple Bamboo Forest, Qin Guan had returned very late tonight. It seemed Qin Li had already been waiting for some time.

Fuling opened the window and went to guard the door while Qin Guan approached. Seeing her come near, Qin Li removed his hood and asked urgently, "Ninth Sister, did you go to Purple Bamboo Forest tonight?"

Qin Guan stared intently at Qin Li, "Second Brother knows about it?"

Qin Li's expression changed dramatically, almost frantic as he said, "Ninth Sister, have you forgotten what I told you? Don't go to Purple Bamboo Forest! Don't go near the well!"

Then his voice lowered, inexplicably taking on a sinister tone, "That's a cursed well... it will bring you fatal misfortune..."

Qin Guan had just bathed and was completely relaxed, but now Qin Li's words sent a chill down her spine.

She fixed her gaze on Qin Li, "Second Brother, what exactly do you know?"