Coroner's Diary

Fuling stared wide-eyed at Qin Guan, momentarily stunned. "A child's bone?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Exactly. I had been thinking all along that this was part of Second Concubine's remains. I examined it for so long without figuring out its origin. Moreover, Second Concubine's remains were already mostly complete. Just now, when I heard you asking about the types of flowers, it occurred to me—perhaps I was mistaken from the start. If this is indeed an undeveloped bone from a child, it naturally wouldn't fit anywhere on Second Concubine's body. Or, if considered in the context of an adult, it would be impossible to determine which part it came from."

Fuling understood now, her face lighting up with joy. "So you've finally figured it out, miss! Do you know now where this bone comes from?"

Qin Guan looked at the bone in her palm, her brow furrowing slightly. "It somewhat resembles a metacarpal bone. Given its shape and width, it should be the second or third cuneiform bone in the hand..."

Fuling glanced at the bone in Qin Guan's hand and frowned. "But miss, how could a child's bone appear in that well?"

Qin Guan clenched the bone tightly, her expression darkening. "I'm wondering the same thing. There shouldn't be a child's bone in that well—nor any extra bones at all."

With a grave expression, Qin Guan began pacing the room. After a few steps, she suddenly turned to Fuling. "Earlier, when we saw Cai He, she mentioned she had already had the well filled in, didn't she?"

Fuling nodded. "Yes, miss. She said the well had been sealed and filled."

Qin Guan tightened her grip on the bone and took a shallow breath. "Since it's already been filled, there's no need to rush. Let's wait for news from the Crown Prince. Second Concubine's identity is also crucial."

Though she said this, Qin Guan knew in her heart that if there were indeed other remains buried at the bottom of the well, Jiang Shi sealing it now was likely an attempt to cover something up. If she rashly tried to reopen the already filled well, she might alert the wrong people. Frowning, Qin Guan turned her gaze to the window. "At this hour, the Crown Prince probably won't be coming."

Fuling also looked troubled. "Should we send someone to check? Or perhaps go to the Marquis's residence to find the Crown Prince?"

Qin Guan shook her head, deciding to steady herself. "Let's wait a little longer."

She glanced toward the door. "It's fine. Go bring in the flowers and let the others rest."

Fuling gave an "Mm" of acknowledgment and turned to leave. Qin Guan watched the drizzling rain outside the window, an inexplicable sense of unease rising in her heart. She lowered her eyes to her palm—the small white bone suddenly felt heavy and oppressive.

The first autumn rain of the southern lands lingered for three days. During those three days, Qin Manor remained under the watch of constables. Huo Huaixin visited once but left without staying long. Qin Guan hadn't seen Yan Chi again since.

Qin Guan felt uneasy, and Fuling wore a similarly worried expression beside her. Yet Qin Guan knew that if Yan Chi had found nothing, he would have returned to Qin Manor immediately. His absence now likely meant he had uncovered something.

"It's already the fourth day. Why hasn't the Crown Prince come back yet?"Fuling sighed as she looked at the blooming Xiangxuehai on Qin Guan's study desk. Turning her head, she saw Qin Guan engrossed in two medical books she had bought from the market. The bone fragment had been placed in a drawer nearby. Hearing Fuling's sigh, Qin Guan continued reading without looking up. "They must have found something already."

Fuling blinked. "If they've found something, why hasn't the Crown Prince come to the manor? The killer should still be here, right?"

Qin Guan sighed, closed the book, and set it aside. She pushed open the window lattice—the rain outside had lightened to a drizzle. She reached out, letting the fine raindrops slant onto her palm. "Something must have delayed him."

Fuling murmured, "I wonder if the killer will strike again."

Her words immediately caught Qin Guan's attention. After a moment of thought, Qin Guan shook her head. "We don't know the killer's identity or motive, so it's hard to guess. But with constables stationed in the manor these past few days, the killer likely wouldn't dare act recklessly."

The killer's previous victims were the Eighth Concubine and Manager Liu, neither of high status in the manor. This suggested the killer had reservations. Frowning, Qin Guan recalled the handkerchief found on the Eighth Concubine's body. She must have gone out at night, mistaking the killer for Manager Liu. The killer had lured her out under Manager Liu's name—but what about Liu Chun?

Liu Chun had died in the Purple Bamboo Forest after the Eighth Concubine's death. It was unlikely the killer had used the Eighth Concubine's name to lure him there. Liu Chun had disappeared for a full day and night, with his time of death around Xu hour that evening. Could it be that the killer had shown his true face to deceive Liu Chun into going to the Purple Bamboo Forest?

Alternatively, since the killer knew of Liu Chun's affair with the Eighth Concubine, he might have used it to coax or threaten him. Liu Chun might have thought hiding in the Purple Bamboo Forest would save him, only for the killer to bring him food at Xu hour and kill him then.

Qin Guan's gaze sharpened. If the killer were just an ordinary servant, threats or bribes might not have worked on Liu Chun. On the other hand, someone of higher standing in the manor could have compelled Liu Chun's obedience.

Those of high standing... aside from the masters, there were the other stewards.

Jiang Shi and Lin Shi had no reason to kill Liu Chun. If Qin An wanted him dead, he could have used more straightforward methods. Qin Li and Qin Chen... Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. The two of them could also order Liu Chun around. If they wanted him dead, setting a trap would suffice. Luring him to the Purple Bamboo Forest to strangle him seemed too risky—but who else could it be?

"Miss... constables just arrived at the manor. They said Liu Chun and Consort Liu's bodies can now be buried."

Qin Guan stood by the window, lost in thought for a long while. Fuling had gone out and returned. Turning to her, Qin Guan listened as Fuling explained, "I went to check. The Crown Prince hasn't come, but I saw constables heading to the inner courtyard. They said it was the Prefect's order—Consort Liu and Liu Chun can be buried. Leaving the bodies out like this isn't proper."

Qin Guan nodded. "They've examined all they could."

Just then, the courtyard gate was knocked again. Qin Guan took a few steps forward, stopping by a window with a clear view of the gate. Wan Tang went to open it, and Mo Shu entered with a grim expression.Fuling immediately said, "Mo Shu looks unwell. Is it the young mistress..."

Qin Guan turned and headed straight for the door. Just as she reached it, Mo Shu had already arrived at the foot of the steps.

A light rain was falling, yet Mo Shu had come through it. Her shoulders were slightly damp, and the coiled bun atop her head seemed dusted with a layer of frosty mist. Seeing Qin Guan emerge, Mo Shu quickly curtsied. "Ninth Miss, our young mistress isn't feeling well. Could you please come see her..."

Without further questions, Qin Guan nodded and instructed Fuling to fetch an umbrella.

Fuling brought two—one handed to Mo Shu, the other held over Qin Guan's shoulder.

Only after the three of them had passed through the courtyard gate did Qin Guan ask, "What's wrong with Eldest Brother's Wife?"

Mo Shu's eyes reddened slightly. "Our young mistress has been having strange dreams again."

Qin Guan frowned, a sense of unease stirring within her. When she'd seen Yao Xinlan a few days prior, she'd thought her complexion was excellent—so much so that the earlier troubles seemed to have been smoothed over by her smile and vigor. Qin Guan had almost felt as if nothing had happened at all. But now Yao Xinlan was dreaming again, and Qin Guan immediately thought of that Jade Token inscribed with the character "Yao."

"How did the strange dreams start again? What did she dream of?"

Mo Shu sighed. "Our young mistress dreamed... dreamed that the young master had someone else. She said she saw him painting a portrait of a woman—but it wasn't her. She also said the painting was filled with red love peas covering the mountains and fields..."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together. "And what did your young master say?"

Mo Shu shook her head. "The young master naturally denied it. He even took our mistress to his study to see for herself. She looked, but she still insists the dream felt terribly real, and it's left her deeply unsettled."

Qin Guan's heart grew heavy with foreboding. Before they'd even reached their destination, she could see Windward Courtyard shrouded in a veil of rain and mist, hazy and indistinct—much like the relationship between the master and mistress of this household, impossible to decipher.

Just as they arrived at the courtyard gate, Qin Guan spotted Cai He waiting outside at a glance.

Mo Shu's expression shifted slightly as she hurried forward. "Sister Cai He, has the Old Madam come?"

Cai He nodded and curtsied to Qin Guan. "The Old Madam heard the young mistress was unwell and came to see her. Has Ninth Miss come to treat her?"

Qin Guan gave a quiet "Mm," and Cai He said, "Then please go in quickly, Ninth Miss. The Old Madam is with the young mistress now."

Qin Guan led Mo Shu and Fuling toward the inner chambers. Before they'd even drawn near, they could hear Jiang Shi's aged voice speaking.

"You're carrying the Qin family's legitimate first grandson—the future of Qin Manor rests entirely on you and Chen'er. This great-grandson will need your careful guidance in the future, and Chen'er will rely on your support. I've long told Chen'er that marrying you was his good fortune. Though our Qin Manor isn't among the most esteemed families, starting with him, I won't permit him to take concubines."

Jiang Shi sighed. "You know his father well enough—Chen'er is nothing like him, and I won't allow him to be. Look at the great families of Da Zhou that have endured through generations—not a single one prospered by indulging in women. Though it's hardly unusual for prominent households to have a few concubines, I'd like to follow Marquis Anyang Manor's example—harmony at home allows men to flourish in their careers. Besides, I've always admired your temperament and would never let you suffer any grievances."Hearing these words, Qin Guan immediately thought of Lin Shi. Compared to Lin Shi, Yao Xinlan had indeed won Jiang Shi's favor. She couldn't bear to see Yao Xinlan suffer, but how had Lin Shi endured all these years?

With these thoughts in mind, Qin Guan slowly walked to the doorway. Mo Shu announced from the side, "Old Madam, Ninth Miss is here."

Jiang Shi paused mid-sentence and turned around. As she turned, her heavy gaze fell upon Qin Guan's face. Meanwhile, Yao Xinlan perked up upon seeing Qin Guan arrive. "Ninth Sister, you're here! Come quickly..."

Qin Guan entered gracefully and curtsied. "Old Madam, Eldest Brother's Wife."

Jiang Shi nodded but remained silent, instead turning to Yao Xinlan. "Good child, remember what I said. Don't overthink things—keeping your spirits up is what matters most."

With that, Jiang Shi stood up. "Let Qin Guan examine you properly. I'll take my leave now."

Yao Xinlan made to rise, but Jiang Shi pressed her back down.

Qin Guan stepped aside and curtsied again as Jiang Shi walked out without so much as a glance in her direction.

Once Jiang Shi had left, Yao Xinlan's weak voice sounded. "Ninth Sister, you've come."

Qin Guan sat beside Yao Xinlan. "What's wrong, Eldest Brother's Wife? Mo Shu mentioned you've been having nightmares again?"

Yao Xinlan lay back slowly, her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. "Yes... more dreams... Ninth Sister, I feel so drained. Sometimes I can't tell if I'm dreaming or awake."

Qin Guan focused intently. "Eldest Brother's Wife, give me your hand."

Without looking at Qin Guan, Yao Xinlan extended her hand. Qin Guan placed her fingers on the pulse point and soon frowned slightly. She glanced around the room with a puzzled expression. Noticing this, Mo Shu asked, "What are you looking for, Ninth Miss?"

Qin Guan replied, "Eldest Brother's Wife is troubled and shows signs of restlessness, deficiency heat, and shortness of breath. I'm checking if there are any harmful plants in this room."

After a thorough scan, she found no flowers or plants present.

Mo Shu sighed helplessly. "We used to have a few pots of orchids, but because of the medicine... they withered. Later, all the potted plants were removed."

Qin Guan composed herself. "It might also be due to excessive worry. I'll prepare some calming pills for her when I return."

Mo Shu looked grateful, but Yao Xinlan frowned and muttered, "Could it be... because of the deaths in the household? Has something unclean lingered in this room? Is that why I'm plagued by nightmares and restlessness?"

Qin Guan gave a wry smile. "Don't worry, Eldest Brother's Wife. Liu Shi and Manager Liu will be buried today. You're just slightly weak with a bit of liver fire. The calming pills I make will help."

Yao Xinlan's expression remained wooden. "Is that so? Very well, I'll take your calming pills..."

Just then, footsteps sounded outside, and soon Qin Shuang hurried in.

"What's wrong with Eldest Brother's Wife?" she asked, spotting Qin Guan seated by the bed. For once, she didn't sneer but quickly approached Yao Xinlan's bedside. "Eldest Brother's Wife?"

Yao Xinlan turned to look at Qin Shuang and forced a faint smile. "Sixth Sister, you're here?"

Qin Shuang nodded and sat down beside the bed. "I heard you weren't feeling well, so I came to see you. Is it because the rain these past days has been stifling? The rain is lighter now—try to lift your spirits. Once it stops, let's go flower-viewing."Yao Xinlan sighed upon hearing this, "My body is truly failing me."

Qin Shuang comforted Yao Xinlan and then glanced at Qin Guan, "Eldest Brother's Wife, don't worry. Don't we have a miracle doctor in our household?"

Her tone carried a hint of sarcasm, but she quickly added, "Once you take the medicine, you'll feel better."

Yao Xinlan nodded, "Ninth Sister's medical skills are unparalleled."

Seeing Qin Shuang arrive, Qin Guan stood up to take her leave, "Eldest Brother's Wife, rest well. I'll go back and prepare the medicine, and send it over once it's ready."

Qin Shuang pursed her lips without a word, while Yao Xinlan hurriedly asked Mo Shu to escort Qin Guan out.

After leaving Windward Courtyard, Qin Guan immediately returned to Orchid Isle Courtyard to prepare the medicine. She worked from noon until late afternoon, and once finished, she promptly sent Fuling to deliver it. Whether it was because she also admired Yao Xinlan's temperament or because she had treated her multiple times, Qin Guan now deeply cared for Yao Xinlan and the child in her womb.

"Miss, Lord Huo and the Crown Prince have arrived..."

These were the words Fuling uttered as soon as she returned from delivering the medicine. A faint light flickered in Qin Guan's eyes, "Where did they go?"

Fuling quickly replied, "They went to the front courtyard first, likely to see Third Master."

Qin Guan stood up, hesitated for a moment, then sat back down, her gaze repeatedly drifting toward the courtyard gate.

After waiting for nearly half an hour, Qin Guan finally heard a soft sound at the gate.

Fuling hurried to open the door, and sure enough, Bai Feng was standing outside.

"Miss, the Crown Prince wishes to see you—" Fuling turned back excitedly, knowing that although Qin Guan showed no outward signs, she had been waiting for news from Yan Chi these past few days.

Fuling held an umbrella to escort Qin Guan out, and the two of them quickly walked to the entrance. There, they saw Yan Chi, draped in a black cape.

The gloomy weather and the late hour cast a dusky gray hue across the sky. Yan Chi stood imposingly, clad in a dark cape embroidered with faint golden patterns, exuding an inexplicable aura of authority. Yet, when Qin Guan looked closely, she noticed the stubble darkening his lips and the mud splattered on his boots.

Qin Guan approached and curtsied, then looked up and asked, "Where has Your Highness been?"

Yan Chi gazed into Qin Guan's eyes. Though fatigue marked his face, his lips curved into a smile, "I went to Yang County."

"Yang County?" Qin Guan looked puzzled. Despite having been in Jinzhou for over a month, she was unfamiliar with the surrounding counties.

Yan Chi's smile widened, "We reviewed the records and found five cases of disappearances from ten years ago. Two were men, so we disregarded them. Of the remaining three, one was a twelve-year-old girl, and the other two were twenty-two and twenty-four years old. The twelve-year-old couldn’t have been Lady Yang, so the other two caught our attention."

He paused briefly before continuing, "One of them was from Yang County, under Jinzhou's jurisdiction, and the other was from Siping Village, just outside Jinzhou City. I took my men to investigate and then made a trip to Yang County."

Qin Guan frowned, "How far is Yang County from Jinzhou City?"

"Over a hundred li," Yan Chi answered frankly.

Qin Guan's brows furrowed deeper, "Over a hundred li, and in this rain? Your Highness must have traveled day and night."Yan Chi did not answer the question directly. Instead, he said, "The missing person from Siping Village was surnamed Zhang. She was already a mother of three when she disappeared. After reporting to the authorities, they never found her all these years. Moreover, we inquired and learned that the missing woman wasn’t particularly beautiful—just an ordinary-looking village woman. Later, we went to Yang County and found the family who had reported her missing. Strangely enough, that family had perished in a fire over ten years ago..."

Qin Guan watched Yan Chi’s increasingly somber expression, and a sense of foreboding rose in her heart.

"They disappeared over ten years ago?"

Yan Chi nodded. "According to the records, the date was the ninth month of the 229th year of the Zhou calendar—around this time of year. But when we visited Yang County, the locals told us that around the New Year of that same year, a fire broke out on the street where that family lived. The blaze raged for days and nights, even spreading to a nearby tavern. Everyone in the tavern managed to escape, but the man and daughter of that household vanished. Later, it was assumed they had burned to death, with no remains left behind. It’s been too long, and the neighbors couldn’t recall much. They only remembered that the family ran a small silk shop and had two daughters. Then one day, the wife suddenly didn’t return home for several days, causing quite a stir at the time."

Yan Chi finished in one breath, his gaze heavy. "There was no portrait in the records, so we couldn’t confirm anything. But the wife’s surname was indeed Yang. The neighbors said she rarely went out, so no one remembered her appearance clearly."

Qin Guan hadn’t expected Yan Chi to personally go to Yang County. But why had that family coincidentally perished in a fire?

"That’s too much of a coincidence. Did the authorities ever determine the cause of the fire?"

Yan Chi shook his head. "We also visited the Yang County magistrate’s office. The magistrate is still the same one from ten years ago. He said the fire was caused by fireworks and firecrackers around the New Year."

Qin Guan pondered for a moment. "Earlier, did the Crown Prince go to ask Third Uncle?"

Yan Chi nodded. "He asked where he had purchased Second Concubine back then..."

"What did Third Uncle say?"

"Qin Laoye said he bought her outside Jinzhou City."

Qin Guan thought carefully. "If she had been abducted by traffickers, it’s common for them to take their victims far away before selling them. And since all the influential families of Jinzhou Prefecture reside in Jinzhou City, bringing her there makes sense."

As she spoke, her brows furrowed slightly. "If Second Concubine really was the missing wife from that family, and her husband and daughter died in that fire, who else could have known about her existence or had any connection to her?"

Yan Chi shook his head. "That’s the strange part. Unless someone from that fire didn’t die." He sighed regretfully. "This time, we were pressed for time. I’ve already sent people back to Yang County to investigate further—whether it’s the magistrate’s office or the missing woman’s parents or siblings. There’s still much to look into, and we should have news soon."

Qin Guan nodded, then suddenly remembered the bone fragment. Her expression turned serious.

"Crown Prince, there’s something else..."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, but Qin Guan glanced toward her courtyard and said, "Your Highness, please come inside to talk."

Orchid Isle Courtyard was Qin Guan’s residence, so Yan Chi had always waited outside and never entered. Hearing her invitation, his eyes widened slightly before he curved his lips into a smile and strode toward the courtyard gate.Qin Guan followed behind, entering the courtyard gate after Yan Chi.

As soon as Yan Chi stepped inside, he discreetly surveyed the surroundings. Upon entering the main hall, his eyes gleamed with interest. Qin Guan caught up and promptly invited him into the Warm Chamber. "Crown Prince, please..."

Yan Chi removed his cape, which Bai Feng quickly took. Noticing the dampness on Yan Chi's clothes, Fuling hurried to prepare hot tea before quietly withdrawing, not daring to speak further.

Once inside the Warm Chamber, Qin Guan walked straight to the desk, opened a drawer, and retrieved a small piece of white bone.

"Your Highness, look at this—"

Staring at the white bone in Qin Guan's palm, Yan Chi frowned. "What is this?"

Qin Guan took two steps closer, raising her hand higher. "After Your Highness left that day, seeing it was about to rain, I intended to bring the white bones from the courtyard indoors. When I approached, I noticed the two constables had already begun collecting them. Relieved, I stood by watching. However, they accidentally dropped a few fragmented bones. As I helped pick them up, I noticed this particular bone in my hand..."

She looked at her palm. "Your Highness must recall that among Second Concubine's remains, many fragmented bones were left untouched. Though those pieces weren't incorporated into the skeleton, I knew exactly which part of the human body they came from. Yet when I picked up this fragment that day, I couldn't identify it. Later, I meticulously assembled all the bone fragments, including phalanges and teeth, but after completing the reconstruction, this single piece remained unplaced."

Yan Chi quickly asked, "This doesn't belong to Second Concubine's remains?"

A glimmer appeared in Qin Guan's eyes as she nodded. "Not only does it not belong to Second Concubine, but this bone most likely comes from a young child. Being underdeveloped, its size differs from an adult's. I failed to recognize it initially until a fortunate coincidence brought it to mind. Crown Prince, this bone was excavated alongside Second Concubine's remains, and I'm certain it's human."

Yan Chi's fingers resting on the table edge tapped lightly. "The only possibility is that there are more remains in that well."

Qin Guan nodded. "Although the Prefect ordered a thorough search that day, the well bottom was filled with sludge, leaving room for oversight. However, the well was sealed by the household several days ago."

Yan Chi frowned. "A sealed well can be reopened, but we'll need a plausible pretext."

Collecting herself, Qin Guan added, "Also, when my sixth sister fell into the well beneath the flower shed that day, she claimed to have seen human bones. Manager Liu descended and threw out what appeared to be a withered branch. But reconsidering, she might have indeed seen human remains."

Yan Chi stood up. "Understood. Wait here."

As he turned to leave, Qin Guan glanced at the small bone, hoping her deduction was correct.

The moment Yan Chi and Bai Feng departed Orchid Isle Courtyard, Qin Guan instructed Fuling, "Go observe where His Highness is headed."

With Fuling gone on her mission, Qin Guan waited anxiously indoors.

The persistent drizzle darkened the sky quickly. Soon, Fuling returned in haste. "Miss, the Crown Prince first sought the Prefect, then they went to the western courtyard together. After a brief stay, they headed to Purple Bamboo Forest with attendants."

Hearing this, Qin Guan felt slightly reassured and sent Fuling out again for updates.

After another interval lasting a tea's steeping, Fuling returned. "Miss, the Crown Prince ordered the well reopened. Old Madam has learned of this and rushed to Purple Bamboo Forest. The young master returned from the front courtyard, and Madam has gone there too."

Qin Guan frowned. Events unfolded as anticipated—Jiang Shi would undoubtedly attempt to obstruct Yan Chi, but could she possibly hinder his resolve? Qin Guan nodded. "Understood. Continue observing."Fuling left the courtyard but quickly returned. "Miss, the Crown Prince has sent someone to say you shouldn't go to the Purple Bamboo Forest."

Qin Guan was momentarily taken aback but soon realized—Jiang Shi would certainly oppose this. If she went, Jiang Shi would likely vent her anger on her. A warmth spread through Qin Guan's heart. "I understand. You may go."

After Fuling left, Qin Guan rose and walked to the window. The sky had darkened completely, and wind lanterns were lit in her small courtyard. Beyond the courtyard, lights shimmered everywhere, their warm glow piercing through the misty rain and settling deep in her heart.

Compared to the previous two times, Fuling took longer to return this time. Just as Qin Guan began to worry something might have gone wrong, Fuling suddenly came running back in quick, small steps. "Miss, the Old Madam has fainted..."

Qin Guan was stunned. Fuling gasped for breath as she continued, "The Old Madam took the young master and the madam to confront the Crown Prince about why he insisted on digging the well again. She said once this cursed well is sealed, it must not be reopened—it would ruin the Qin Manor's Luck and shorten the Lifespan of the People from the Qin Mansion. The Crown Prince dismissed this outright, stating that the Second Concubine's Remains haven't been fully recovered. If she were buried without a Complete corpse, it would surely make the Qin household Restless. Then the Crown Prince gave the order. When the Old Madam saw there was no stopping him, she fainted from anger. She’s been taken back to the Buddhist shrine now."

After finishing, Fuling took a quick breath. "Then the young master went to the front courtyard to fetch a physician."

Qin Guan had been listening with a grave expression, but at this point, she suddenly frowned. "You said he went to the front courtyard for a physician?"

Fuling nodded, then realized something was off. "Huh? Why would the young master go to the front courtyard for a physician... There’s no physician there... Unless Qian Bairen is in the front courtyard now?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No, something’s not right."

With that, she reached for her cape and instructed, "Let’s go to the front courtyard."

Fuling was surprised and instinctively wanted to dissuade Qin Guan, but seeing her expression, she knew it was futile. Sighing inwardly, she hurried to fetch an umbrella and a lantern. Once Qin Guan had fastened her cape, she swiftly followed her toward the front courtyard.

Perhaps due to the commotion in the back, the front courtyard was nearly deserted.

After a brief moment of thought, Qin Guan headed straight for Qin An’s quarters. Fuling asked, "Where are we going, Miss?"

"To see Third Uncle—"

Qin Guan spoke quickly, her steps never slowing. At this moment, the Old Madam’s condition was the most urgent matter, yet Qin Chen had come to the front courtyard. There was no physician here—only Qin An!

The more she thought about it, the more certain Qin Guan became of Qin Chen’s intentions. But why would he come to Qin An?

Was it to pass on a message, or for some other reason...

Just as she was pondering this, Qin Guan suddenly halted. She had reached the front courtyard’s covered walkway, not far from the gate. There, about twenty feet away, she saw Qin Chen emerging with five men—one of whom was carrying someone on his back.

The one carried the person, while the other four followed—two holding bundles and two holding umbrellas. They exited the front courtyard and headed toward the manor gate. Qin Guan’s brow furrowed tightly. Were they trying to send Qin An away?

The Old Madam had just fainted, yet Qin Chen was sending Qin An out...Qin An had been ill for so long without considering moving to a separate courtyard to recuperate—surely he wasn’t planning to brave the rain for that purpose now?

Judging by the scene before her, it seemed he had just learned something urgent, leaving him no time to pack properly. He had only grabbed two simple bundles before attempting to flee. Qin Guan’s eyes turned cold as the phrase "fleeing from guilt" flashed through her mind...

If Qin An was running away... then whatever secret he was hiding couldn’t be trivial. Why else would he flee?

"Eldest Brother—" Qin Guan called out, quickening her steps.

Qin Chen, who had been hurrying toward the gate, turned in surprise. He hadn’t expected Qin Guan to appear in the front courtyard at this hour.

His gaze flickered around, taking in their surroundings. Only Qin Guan and Fuling were in sight. He waved for the others ahead to continue before stepping toward her. "Ninth Sister, what brings you here?"

Qin Guan frowned slightly, rising on her toes to peer at the figures heading for the manor gate. "Who are they? And who is that person they’re carrying?"

Qin Chen shifted to block her view but replied, "It’s late, and it’s raining. You’ll catch a chill. Go back—this isn’t something you need to concern yourself with..."

As the group moved farther away, Qin Guan grew increasingly anxious.

But with Qin Chen here, there was no way she—a young girl—could stop them.

Pressing her lips together, she asked, "Second Brother, why are you sending Third Uncle away so late at night?"

At this question, Qin Chen’s expression darkened, his eyes turning sharp and cold. "Don’t meddle in this. It’s too late—return to your courtyard. The manor has been unsettled these past few days. How could you come out alone?"

Qin Guan met his gaze and finally couldn’t hold back. "Eldest Brother, if Third Uncle has truly done something wrong, have you considered that helping him escape will only worsen his crimes? The Prefect has ties to the Qin family. Even if something happened, he would handle it fairly and show leniency. But if Third Uncle flees now, he’ll be a fugitive..."

Qin Chen’s frown deepened. Qin Guan pressed on, "Besides, with the Crown Prince here, how could Third Uncle possibly escape?"

Whether speaking as a member of the Qin family or considering Qin Chen’s past kindness to Ninth Miss, Qin Guan felt she had done her duty by saying this. There was no need for her to physically stop those escorting Qin An out.

No matter how vast Jinzhou was, no matter how vast the Great Zhou Empire—even if he escaped the city, where could he truly go?

If Yan Chi wanted him caught, Qin An would be found.

The severity in Qin Chen’s eyes wavered, replaced by hesitation as he studied her. "Ninth Sister, what do you know? Did you already know about the Crown Prince’s plans?"

Qin Guan schooled her expression. "The Crown Prince? What plans?"

Seeing her feign ignorance, Qin Chen shook his head, his expression growing complicated. He turned to look in the direction the group had gone. By now, their figures had vanished. With a sigh, he murmured, "I was only following orders. Once he passes through that gate, his fate is no longer in my hands."

For a fleeting moment, Qin Guan thought she sensed an air of defeat emanating from Qin Chen.

He was following orders—but in the entire Qin Manor, whose orders could he possibly be following?Qin Guan sighed. Not only was Jiang Shi superstitious about ghosts and gods, but she also seemed unable to read the situation clearly. With Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin both in the manor, she actually dared to arrange Qin An's departure so openly. Or perhaps, she knew it was futile but still wanted to try something?

Qin Guan didn’t understand. At that moment, Qin Chen looked up with a bitter smile. "Ninth Miss, do you find this disgraceful?"

Qin Guan sighed again. "The word 'escape' always carries a sense of cowardice. As for other disgraceful things, I don’t know yet."

Qin Chen met Qin Guan’s gaze. Their eyes locked, and his expression darkened slightly, his face tinged with helplessness. "I originally thought the incident at Crescent Lake only revealed Ninth Miss’s extraordinary medical skills. I never imagined you had hidden such resilience and wisdom all these years. I truly didn’t know you were like this..."

Qin Guan was momentarily at a loss for words. Right now, she only wanted to go to the Purple Bamboo Forest to see what lay beneath that well.

"The Crown Prince is still in the Purple Bamboo Forest. Would you like to come and see, Elder Brother?"

Qin Chen lowered his gaze again, shaking his head dejectedly. "No need. It’s just those unspeakable things."

Qin Guan’s heart tightened. First, the urgent arrangements for Qin An’s escape, and now Qin Chen’s own words—what secret of Qin Manor was hidden in that small, square abandoned well?

Taking a deep breath, Qin Guan said, "In that case, I’ll return to the inner courtyard first."

With that, she turned and left, determined to visit the Purple Bamboo Forest. Her steps were swift, and her figure soon vanished into the ink-dark night. Only after she was completely out of sight did Qin Chen slowly raise his head. A faint, bitter smile touched his handsome face, but beneath it lay a deep well of resentment and unwillingness.

Meanwhile, as Qin Guan reached the entrance of the inner courtyard, she spotted Bai Feng, who seemed to be searching for someone. His eyes lit up the moment he saw her. "Ninth Miss, where have you been?"

Qin Guan urgently replied, "Qin An is trying to escape—he’s heading toward the east gate."

Seeing her agitation, Bai Feng quickly reassured her, "Ninth Miss, don’t worry. His Highness has stationed men all around Qin Manor. No one can leave." Pausing briefly, he added, "I was ordered to escort you to the Purple Bamboo Forest..."

"Did they find something?" Qin Guan’s eyes burned with intensity.

But Bai Feng’s expression turned grave, as though the discovery was anything but joyful.

"Yes, they found something. And... it’s not just one skeleton..."