Coroner's Diary

"Take this prescription for three days. This formula serves two purposes: to detoxify and to suppress the venereal disease. However, venereal diseases are difficult to treat, and I can't guarantee complete success, so it's uncertain how long we can delay its progression."

After finishing the prescription, Qin Guan handed it to the servant attending to Qin An. The servant, aware of Qin Guan's miraculous healing abilities, was overwhelmed with gratitude and repeatedly thanked her before leaving to fetch the medicine. Qin Guan stood up and entered the inner chamber to glance at Qin An, now tied to the bed, her eyes devoid of the usual compassion she showed other patients.

Yan Chi stood behind Qin Guan and after a moment said quietly, "Let's go, I'll take you back."

Qin Guan nodded and turned to leave the courtyard.

Despite the earlier commotion, it was still early outside. Qin Guan looked up to see a transparent azure sky, with faint morning clouds lingering at the horizon. The blue was tinged with a soft golden hue, as if a brush dipped in blue ink had swept across the sky, then sprinkled with a dusting of gold powder.

The morning chill carried by a gentle breeze made Qin Guan shiver slightly. She tightened her collar and looked down to see a layer of frost-like dew on the grass by the path. Her breath formed a faint mist as she exhaled, prompting her to frown. "The weather turns cold so suddenly—it's not even October yet."

Fuling, standing nearby, dared to speak up despite Yan Chi's presence. "Miss, you've forgotten. It's always this cold around this time of year, though it's usually damp rather than snowy in the south."

Qin Guan murmured, "I see."

Yan Chi's gaze also swept across the washed-blue sky, his brow furrowing slightly. "Did you injure your head when you fell into the lake? Are you still feeling unwell?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "I had a headache when I first woke up, but it's gone now. I just don’t remember much from before."

Yan Chi's eyes darkened, a flicker of suspicion surfacing in their depths. "You don’t remember much from before... amnesia? That suggests there might still be undetected damage in your brain. They say physicians can't heal themselves—why not consult another doctor? If there are hidden complications, they could cause serious problems later."

Though Yan Chi wasn’t versed in medicine, years on the battlefield had taught him much about internal and external injuries. He’d seen soldiers with no visible wounds but damaged organs or brains. Army medics often spoke of blood clots in the skull or ruptured organs—invisible to the eye but requiring treatment.

Qin Guan shook her head again. "The greatest risks are bone injuries or blood clots in the skull, but since the headaches stopped, I didn’t think further examination was necessary. Perhaps a meridian in my brain was blocked, causing the memory loss."

Yan Chi understood that most physicians adhered to meridian theory. As a healer herself, Qin Guan wouldn’t neglect her own health any more than her patients'. He let the matter drop but then asked, "What exactly happened that night?"

Qin Guan’s eyelid twitched. "Truthfully, I don’t remember the details. I suppose the stifling weather made me feel restless, so I went for a walk by Crescent Lake. Then it suddenly started raining heavily, and I slipped and fell into the water."Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "I've seen the Crescent Lake in your Qin Manor. Unless you had suicidal thoughts, you wouldn't have walked to the very edge. Since you didn't go near the edge, how could you have accidentally fallen in?"

Qin Guan sighed. Yan Chi was meticulous by nature, and casual lies wouldn't deceive him.

"Perhaps I was indeed in a daze at that time, or maybe I did have suicidal thoughts. Right now, I can't quite remember. But it's all in the past. After that incident, my state of mind has become much more open."

Yan Chi frowned as he looked at Qin Guan beside him. Would someone of Qin Guan's temperament have suicidal thoughts?

Or was it truly as Bai Feng had said—that her personality underwent a drastic change after falling into the lake?

Deep questions arose in Yan Chi's eyes, but he merely buried them in his heart and didn't press further.

When Yan Chi said he would escort Qin Guan, he truly did so, bringing her all the way to the front of Orchid Isle Courtyard. "Two more skeletons were dug up last night. They should be the last two. I hope your medicine can help Qin An recover sooner. Although we now know Qin An was behind what happened back then, the full details remain unclear. He'll have to tell us himself..."

Qin Guan nodded. "Alright, I'll go help out later."

Yan Chi gave an "Mm" in response. "No need to rush. Go on in."

Qin Guan turned and entered the courtyard, her mind preoccupied with Qin An's situation. Qin An had been poisoned, and the accumulated toxins over the past few days had driven him into a frenzied state. In his heightened agitation, he no longer concealed the events of the past. The poisoner must also be connected to the victims from back then—most likely the same person who killed Liu Shi and Liu Chun.

As soon as she entered the room, Fuling couldn't help but grit her teeth and say, "Third Master is truly despicable! To think he enjoys keeping catamites—even Sixth Young Miss could tell, yet Old Madam pretends not to see. Old Madam is clearly just trying to buy time..."

"If my own child were treated like that by someone else, I'd want to kill them too."

"In all these years, I've never met someone so... so utterly depraved. If I had a father like that, I'd rather die. He's a criminal himself and has dragged the whole family into his mess."

Qin Guan had left early and hadn't eaten breakfast yet. As Fuling set out the meal, she kept talking, her brows tightly knitted. Though she wasn't well-educated, she wasn't one to curse, and after thinking for a long time, she couldn't come up with any harsh words.

Qin Guan's expression was also somber as she sat down. "Those who commit heinous crimes in this world deserve death a thousand times over. But among them, some are forced, some have no choice, and others act solely out of selfish greed. Those who inflict suffering upon children are the ones I least wish to save."

"Will the medicine you prescribed cure Third Master?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "His condition is far worse than Qin Li's, and with the added poisoning, he's practically halfway into the coffin. But this case still needs his testimony. My medicine is merely prolonging his life."Qin Guan finished speaking, yet her heart remained utterly unperturbed. Had it not been for the oath she swore upon entering Medicine King Valley, she might have even considered adding something extra to Qin Guan's medicine. A man like him deserved to rot painfully in the darkest corner—such a death wouldn’t even begin to atone for his sins. As these thoughts crossed her mind, Qin Guan suddenly recalled the murderer who had killed Liu Chun and Liu Shi.

Qin Manor was vast and influential. Who would think to dig up its abandoned well without reason? Even if the remains of the Second Concubine were unearthed, it wouldn’t prove much. If not for Yan Chi’s presence, even Huo Huaixin would likely have hesitated to confront Qin Manor directly. Were she in his place, she couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t resort to extreme measures to expose the truth.

But murder demanded punishment. For ordinary people, the balance between law and sentiment might be hard to judge, but Qin Guan, having followed her father for years, had long believed in the supremacy of law over personal feelings. Regardless of the connection between the mastermind behind this crime and the deceased from years ago, it remained a tragedy that had birthed another. She could sympathize and pity, but the legal code of the Great Zhou Dynasty would not.

After breakfast, Qin Guan returned to the Purple Bamboo Forest. Including the remains unearthed the previous night, a total of thirteen skeletons had been excavated from beneath. It wasn’t until the afternoon that Qin Guan and Xu He finished washing and reassembling all thirteen skeletons.

"Ninth Miss, the Prefect says there shouldn’t be any more," Xu He reported as he approached from the direction of the Purple Bamboo Forest. Between the flower shed and the well in the bamboo grove, a deep trench had been dug—the result of two days and nights of labor by dozens of yamen runners. Every inch of the muddy depths had been overturned, and aside from small fragments like finger bones and teeth, all other remains had been recovered.

"Nothing seems to be missing now," Qin Guan replied, still tidying the long table. Though the identities of these remains remained unknown, she wanted to ensure they were complete before burial. While she didn’t believe in spirits, she held no less reverence and solemnity for the dead.

"This was truly a monumental task. The yamen brothers are exhausted after these two days and nights. If this effort had gone into construction, they could’ve built a whole house by now," Xu He remarked with a faint smile. "The Prefect just announced an extra tael of silver for each man this month, as compensation for their hard work on this case and the previous one involving the Marquis’s estate..."

Xu He’s eyes warmed with satisfaction, and Qin Guan’s lips curved slightly. Prefect Huo Huaixin’s reputation as a capable official wasn’t unfounded. Though he wasn’t the legendary incorruptible official of the previous dynasty, he was still beyond reproach.

"Once we finish recording today, we can send all the remains to the yamen tomorrow," Xu He said, picking up the brush and paper from the table. "Among them, the oldest was twelve, and the youngest only eight. Truly heartbreaking... Who knows where they came from, where their homes were, or whether they had any family left."

Though Xu He performed what many considered a lowly duty, he was educated and carried himself with scholarly refinement. Like Fuling, he couldn’t help but lament, "All of them were young girls. If their families had other children, it might be bearable. But if not... their parents would now be in their forties. Having lost their daughters so early, the elderly couple would be left to fend for themselves. If they had some wealth, it might be tolerable—but if not, their lives would be truly bleak..."Qin Guan looked at Xu He, "Does Coroner Xu have any family left?"

Xu He was suddenly asked and replied, "No, my only elderly father passed away five years ago. He had some education in his early years and even taught as a village schoolteacher for a while. But later, he fell ill and was bedridden for a long time until he eventually passed. It was my fault for not being able to help him."

A shadow crossed Qin Guan's eyes, "No wonder you're literate. How did you end up becoming a coroner, then?"

Xu He sighed, though his expression showed no resentment. "Treating my father's illness drained all our family's savings. Fortunately, a cousin helped arrange the funeral. After that, I was at a loss—I needed to find a way to support myself, but I had no connections. Though I'd studied, I'd never attended an academy. That same cousin, who was a coroner in Xishui County west of Jinzhou, asked if I wanted to enter this profession, saying he had little else to teach me."

"I thought any trade that could provide a living was good enough, so I learned from him for a while. I started by assisting in Xishui County, and later, the magistrate noticed my diligence. When the prefectural office needed a coroner, he recommended me. Actually, the position should have gone to my cousin, but he said he was too old and it would be better for me to gain experience. So now, if you ask if I have any family left, the answer is no—except for that cousin, who’s been like a second father to me."

Xu He spoke lightly, without any regret for entering the coroner's profession at a young age. Qin Guan pondered briefly before asking, "How old are you, Coroner Xu?"

Xu He seemed slightly embarrassed. "I’m already twenty-three."

Twenty-three?! Qin Guan’s hand holding the brush trembled slightly. She glanced at Xu He again. Perhaps worn out from recent work, his stubble was dark, and dark circles shadowed his eyes, making him appear at least thirty. Recalling their first meeting, she had also thought he was around twenty-nine. Yet he was only twenty-three.

Qin Guan averted her gaze, inwardly amused. She composed herself and said earnestly, "In that case, Coroner Xu is still young. You’re not from a lowly background and have some education. Lord Huo clearly intends to rely on you. If the opportunity arises, you could seek a position in the Judicial Review Office. In the future, you might even help commoners seek justice and solve cases."

Xu He’s eyes brightened. Unlike those born into the coroner class, he came from a respectable household. Moreover, the Great Zhou Dynasty employed not only the imperial examination system but also recommendations and hereditary appointments. If he worked diligently and Lord Huo gave him a chance, the path Qin Guan mentioned wasn’t impossible. He had considered it before but lacked confidence. Now, her words filled him with boundless hope.

"Yes, that’s the best path I’ve imagined too. Thank you for your kind words, Ninth Miss!"

Qin Guan smiled faintly. "Coroner Xu is humble, eager to learn, and diligent. You’ll surely succeed."

Xu He nearly bowed deeply to her, inexplicably convinced by her words. Her encouragement alone bolstered his confidence. "I am deeply grateful for your auspicious words, Ninth Miss. Truly, thank you..."By the time all the skeletons were sorted, it was already late. At this moment, Huo Huaixin strode in from the front courtyard. Perhaps finding it inconvenient to speak openly outside, he invited Yan Chi, Qin Guan, and the others into a side hall.

"Prefect, what's the matter?" Xu He asked cautiously.

Huo Huaixin huffed angrily, "We can't trace the poisoning. The prescription was written by Qian Bairen, the medicine was fetched by two young servants, and it was brewed by their own courtyard people. The most likely suspects are those two servants and the one who brewed the medicine. But after a whole day of interrogation, these four refuse to talk—we've already given them thirty strokes of the rod!"

Yan Chi frowned, "If they truly had malicious intent, they wouldn't confess easily. But what motive could these people have?"

Huo Huaixin smiled bitterly, "That's the strangest part. The two servants you and Ninth Miss saw today have been in Qin An's courtyard since childhood—many years now. As for the two who delivered the medicine, they're also born servants of Qin Manor, with parents still serving there. Logically, homebred servants would be the least likely to harm their masters. Yet Qian Bairen also has no reason to poison anyone."

Breathing heavily in frustration, Huo Huaixin continued. After a moment's thought, Yan Chi said, "Perhaps there are other clues we haven't found yet. I keep feeling this matter is connected to Second Concubine. Tomorrow, my men will bring news from Yang County—we'll see if that yields any leads."

Pausing briefly, Yan Chi then asked Huo Huaixin, "What about Qin An?"

Huo Huaixin sighed, "Still raving mad. He was making such a scene earlier—they say he even coughed up blood."

Qin Guan's brow furrowed. Coughing blood indicated a severe condition, proving the depth of the poisoning. However, she had no intention of examining Qin An again and simply said, "My medicine will take at least a day to show effect."

Huo Huaixin quickly replied, "That's no issue. We've waited this long already—a little longer won't hurt. But with the mastermind still at large, we don't know what they might do next."

Qin Guan nodded silently. Huo Huaixin exhaled deeply and wiped his face. "In that case, let's relieve the first shift of guards tonight. The Crown Prince should also return to the marquis's residence to rest. Two full days and nights—even I can barely keep going. We must maintain security in the manor, but we should take a breather first."

All the constables had been working nonstop for two days and nights, with rotating shifts. Yet Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi hadn't left Qin Manor once. Huo Huaixin looked exhausted, his face unshaven, while Yan Chi, though less visibly affected, had developed faint bloodshot eyes.

Yan Chi nodded. "Exactly. There's no need to rush this moment."

All the remains had been sorted and piled in the western courtyard. As night fell, Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi departed Qin Manor one after another. Even so, the manor remained heavily guarded by constables.

Qin Guan returned to Orchid Isle Courtyard. Just after finishing dinner, Yao Xinlan arrived at her gate.

Yao Xinlan hadn't visited Orchid Isle Courtyard in many days, making this sudden appearance surprising. As she entered, she smiled and said, "The manor has been too chaotic these past two days—I couldn't venture out at all. Only after hearing the Prefect and that Crown Prince had left did I dare come by. It's late now, and I wasn't sure where to go, so I thought I'd sit with you for a while."

Qin Guan helped Yao Xinlan take a seat. "Eldest Brother's Wife should indeed move about more daily. I have some osmanthus tea made from flowers picked recently—would you like a cup?"

Yao Xinlan clapped her hands lightly. "That sounds wonderful."Mo Shu also remarked, "Seeing Ninth Miss has lifted our young lady's spirits quite a bit."

Qin Guan smiled and went to brew tea, while Fuling pulled Mo Shu outside to chat. When Qin Guan returned with a cup of tea, she found Yao Xinlan sitting stiffly, lost in thought. Qin Guan approached her, "What's the matter, Eldest Brother's Wife?"

Handing over the tea, she said, "Please try this..."

Yao Xinlan took the teacup and absentmindedly took a sip, "Mmm... indeed fragrant and sweet..."

Despite her words, she set the cup down again. Qin Guan glanced at the still-full cup and realized Yao Xinlan likely had something on her mind.

"Ninth Sister, I heard that Father... those remains dug up from the well in the Purple Bamboo Forest... are they connected to him?"

Qin Guan's eyes flickered slightly, "What did Eldest Brother say about it?"

At this, Yao Xinlan's expression darkened, "Your brother didn't say much, just told me not to worry and to focus on resting and delivering the baby safely..."

Qin Guan curved her lips, "Eldest Brother is right. You needn't concern yourself with matters of the manor."

Yao Xinlan gave a bitter smile, "I'm not a child. When something like this happens, I ought to know. Ninth Sister, please tell me—were those children's remains... was it Father who...?"

Yao Xinlan stared unblinkingly into Qin Guan's eyes, and Qin Guan nodded.

Yao Xinlan let out a complicated, hollow laugh, "This is truly... I always thought Qin Manor was a family of upright morals, but... to think... it's terrifying just imagining it..."

Clearly, this matter exceeded Yao Xinlan's expectations, leaving her at a loss for words.

Qin Guan sighed. Had this been exposed earlier, Yao Xinlan would never have married into the family. But what was done was done—there was no use regretting it now. "Eldest Brother's Wife, don't dwell on it. This matter... may affect Qin Manor somewhat, but as long as Eldest Brother is here, the manor won't fall. I'm sorry you have to bear this."

Yao Xinlan indeed felt wronged. She shook her head, "Actually, this isn't the main issue. Even if I'd married into another family, something like this might have happened. The rise and fall of a family isn't controlled by one person. What I sought wasn't Qin Manor's wealth or status—just your brother himself. But..."

"Hmm?" Qin Guan looked at her, "But what?"

Yao Xinlan pressed her lips together tightly for a moment before speaking, "But I feel... your brother has someone else in his heart."

Qin Guan's eyes widened slightly, "Is this still about that dream?"

Yao Xinlan stared at Qin Guan, seemingly debating whether to tell her. After a long pause, she leaned in and whispered, "Last time, when I saw blood on the journey back... it wasn't because I was exhausted from traveling. It was... because I heard him call another woman's name in his sleep. My heart was so troubled that..."

Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat, "He called another name? What was it?"

Yao Xinlan gave a pained smile, "I didn't catch it clearly, truly. But do you believe in a woman's intuition? His tone was so tender—it must have been a woman's name. And it wasn't mine..."

Qin Guan's hands on her knees clenched slightly, her mind swirling with doubt. Qin Chen had mentioned that several in Yao Xinlan's family had suffered from madness, causing her to often confuse dreams with reality. Yet, the jade token with the character "Yao" had been picked up by Qin Guan herself. This time—was what she said true?"Perhaps... perhaps it was just some random nonsense. Eldest Brother's Wife, don't overthink it..."

Qin Guan felt a sense of helplessness in her heart, and even disliked her own words. She simply didn't want to get involved in the conflicts between this couple, but Yao Xinlan seemed to regard her as someone trustworthy. If what Yao Xinlan said was true, and she kept insisting that Yao Xinlan shouldn't overthink it, it would seem somewhat cruel.

Yao Xinlan's eyes indeed showed a trace of disappointment. After gazing at Qin Guan for a moment, she sighed, "Never mind. Ninth Sister is still young after all and doesn’t know what it feels like when two people are in love. Perhaps I’m being overly suspicious, but many things..." She then changed the subject, "Ninth Sister, let me ask you this—what kind of husband do you want to find?"

Qin Guan looked slightly dazed. "I... I haven’t thought about it yet..."

Yao Xinlan gave a bitter smile, lowered her eyes, and sighed. "In the past, many talented young men from Jianzhou came to propose to me, but I refused them all because I felt they weren’t devoted. But your eldest brother—when he proposed to me, he promised he would never take a concubine and that I would be the only one in his heart for the rest of his life. I didn’t believe him at first, but he told me that since childhood, he had watched his mother being neglected by his father, who spent his days chasing after women—first keeping a female confidante in an outside residence, then openly bringing her into the family home, and later taking concubines, one after another. He said he had had enough and would never be like his father. That moved me deeply, and that’s why I believed him."

"Does Eldest Brother's Wife no longer trust Eldest Brother now?"

Qin Guan tentatively asked, and Yao Xinlan’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "From trust to distrust, I..."

Yao Xinlan choked up suddenly, and in that moment, Qin Guan felt as if something had struck her heart, making it ache as well. Yao Xinlan was born into a scholarly family, kind-hearted and as delicate as a porcelain doll. But now, the pain in her eyes was unmistakable. Her tears hovered on the brink of falling, pooling in her eyes. Qin Guan suddenly wondered if Qin Chen had truly changed his heart, as Yao Xinlan said. But who could Qin Chen possibly be interested in? Yao Xinlan was such a wonderful person—how could he cause her so much pain?

"Never mind," Yao Xinlan murmured, lowering her gaze. "I love him, so of course I trust him. As long as he treats me well, I’ll believe in him. Even if I stop trusting him later, as long as he treats me well again, spoils and cherishes me, I’ll trust him once more..."

Qin Guan felt a chill run down her spine, and her heart ached even more for Yao Xinlan. Yao Xinlan wiped the corner of her eye and looked up at Qin Guan. "Isn’t it spineless? I used to be proud, but now I’m like this. Yet... there’s something stuck in my heart, pricking me from time to time. Ninth Sister, I hope you’ll never end up like me."

Tears finally spilled from Yao Xinlan’s eyes. Qin Guan’s throat tightened, unsure of what to say. Yao Xinlan gazed at her in agony, like someone drowning at sea, desperate for rescue.

She looked at Qin Guan with despair, hoping she would hand her an Artemisia stalk or an oar to pull her ashore. But Qin Guan stood empty-handed, with nothing to offer, and could only watch helplessly as Yao Xinlan struggled in the depths, sinking, until she was swallowed whole.

Perhaps it was the exhaustion of recent days that had left Qin Guan’s spirits low, or perhaps it was the sorrow of this case. Or maybe it was Yao Xinlan’s repeated tears that stirred her pity. Whatever the reason, Qin Guan’s heart felt soaked, sour and desolate.

Could love bring a woman such pain?

Qin Guan had yet to experience love herself, but she now harbored deep doubts about this thing so often celebrated in poetry and songs.

"Eldest Brother's Wife, what do you want to do? What can I do for you?"Qin Guan suddenly spoke up. She had no desire to be dragged into the murky waters of Qin Manor's affairs—she only wished to be a physician healing Yao Xinlan's physical ailments. The sorrow in Yao Xinlan's heart was not her responsibility, yet in this moment, her resolve softened. The rational voice urging her to remain detached could no longer hold sway. She made her decision: if Yao Xinlan needed her help with anything, she would assist!

Yet when she posed the question, Yao Xinlan froze. "Do what? I don't know what I can do..."

Hardening her heart, Qin Guan said, "Eldest Brother's Wife, since you suspect Eldest Brother, you must either trust him or investigate to see if he truly has feelings for someone else—and if so, who that person is."

After speaking, clarity suddenly dawned on Qin Guan, and she continued, "Eldest Brother's Wife, indulging in suspicion and wallowing in sorrow serves no purpose. As Eldest Brother's lawful wife, you hold absolute authority. Find that person, then either have Eldest Brother take her as a concubine or send her away from the manor, ensuring he never sees her again. Rather than tormenting yourself with uncertainty, why not act decisively? Or, if you find the pain unbearable, you could even seek a separation... Of course, that would be the worst-case scenario. Perhaps Eldest Brother hasn’t strayed at all."

Qin Guan finally regained her rationality. Disliking ambiguity, she laid out these three paths before Yao Xinlan.

She expected Yao Xinlan to deliberate, but instead, the woman lowered her gaze instantly. "I won’t arrange a concubine for him..."

Qin Guan had anticipated this response and replied without surprise, "Then send that woman away."

But Yao Xinlan shook her head. "If I do that... he’ll hate me... and he won’t treat me as kindly as he does now... And I... I’m carrying his child. I’ve never considered separation either. Leaving him would only make my life worse..."

Qin Guan was momentarily at a loss. Though she considered herself perceptive, she couldn’t fathom what Yao Xinlan truly wanted. Even if she wished to help, Yao Xinlan needed to clarify her own desires first.

"Ninth Sister... thank you... but..." Yao Xinlan’s words faltered, fragmented. Qin Guan suddenly understood—Yao Xinlan was shackled by too many fears. Qin Chen’s affection was too precious to risk, leaving her paralyzed by hesitation. She hadn’t come seeking solutions, only to unburden her suspicions and misery.

Having never experienced love’s complexities, Qin Guan couldn’t fully grasp Yao Xinlan’s turmoil, but she recognized the woman’s intent nonetheless.

With a sigh, Qin Guan observed how Yao Xinlan resembled a fragile porcelain doll—delicate in appearance and spirit. She couldn’t bring herself to call the woman weak, only feeling profound concern. If Yao Xinlan and Qin Chen’s relationship were likened to exquisite porcelain, cracks had already formed within. Yet Yao Xinlan, in self-deception, still cradled that flawed vessel to her heart like a treasure...

Qin Guan feared the day that porcelain would shatter, leaving Yao Xinlan’s heart lacerated and bleeding.

"I understand. Eldest Brother's Wife, you don’t have to choose. If you feel troubled, you can always come talk to me. But you must protect yourself. Even while loving Eldest Brother, you must also consider your own well-being."

Yao Xinlan sniffled, wiping her tears before forcing a faint smile. "Thank you, Ninth Sister. In this manor, you might be the only one who genuinely cares for me..."

A chill settled in Qin Guan’s heart. What about Qin Chen?Though these thoughts crossed Qin Guan's mind, she didn't voice them aloud. Remembering she had two miscellaneous journals, she fetched them for Yao Xinlan. "These record the landscapes of Dazhou and many folk customs about child-rearing—quite interesting. Eldest Brother's Wife may read them, but not too much each day, and always with a bright lamp to avoid straining your eyes."

Yao Xinlan had little interest in anything else, but touched by Qin Guan's sincere concern, she mustered her spirits to accept them, promising, "Very well, I'll be sure to read them. I've been to so few places; this will be just the thing."

After a few more words, seeing the hour was late, Yao Xinlan took her leave. Qin Guan escorted her and Mo Shu to the courtyard gate, watching until their figures disappeared before turning back.

Fuling said sympathetically, "The Young mistress's eyes were red again. Did she quarrel with the eldest young master?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No quarrel today. But while my medicine can heal her physical ailments, it cannot mend the wounds in her heart. She comes here merely seeking some solace."

Fuling's voice grew somber. "It's rather heartbreaking to see."

Qin Guan exhaled, pausing in the courtyard to gaze at the night sky. She had hoped to see a few stars, but upon closer look, it was a starless, moonless overcast night. Faint clouds drifted like Yao Xinlan's tears, casting a heavy, oppressive weight on the heart. "Yes, heartbreaking indeed. The word 'love' truly wounds..."

After speaking, Qin Guan lowered her head and exhaled again, as if trying to expel the heaviness in her chest. After a moment, she shrugged. "The world is already harsh on women. To be trapped in love, unable to extricate oneself—well, the fortunate find a good match, while the unfortunate can only grow colder and colder within these deep mansion walls."

Fuling sighed. "Listening to this makes me not want to marry at all."

Qin Guan turned to her. "Hmm? Does our Fuling wish to marry?"

Fuling froze, her face flushing instantly as she hastily shook her head. "No, no! I meant you, miss. I had hoped you would marry soon, but now I worry—what if you end up like the Young mistress..."

Qin Guan patted Fuling's hand and exhaled once more. "It's alright. Not only am I in no hurry to marry, but even if I do, I've already thought it through."

Fuling's eyes widened. "Thought what through, miss?"

Qin Guan curved her lips. "How... to avoid being as heartbroken as Eldest Brother's Wife."

"Eh?" Fuling's eyes brightened. "What's the method?"

Qin Guan blinked. "I'll tell you when our Fuling has a sweetheart. For now, this secret stays with me..."

Fuling's cheeks flushed again, and she chided Qin Guan to rest. Amused by Fuling's bashfulness, Qin Guan, weary in body and mind, needed no further urging to lie down. That night, she slept dreamlessly. Early the next morning, she rose as usual and took a slow stroll in the courtyard. After breakfast, Yan Chi arrived at the residence with news from Yang County.

When Qin Guan reached the western rear courtyard, Huo Huaixin and Xu He were already there. Yan Chi spotted her and said, "These are the case records from Yang County—the ones from that year. Come take a look..."

Qin Guan curtsied and stepped forward as Yan Chi handed her the documents."Aside from the case files, there are also testimonies gathered from nearby households during their visits, all compiled here." Yan Chi laid out another stack of letters, each containing statements from the common folk interviewed in Yang County.

Qin Guan nodded. Beside her, Huo Huaixin also picked up the stack of letters to examine. After a few glances, Huo Huaixin suddenly frowned. "Hmm? Why does it mention that their family also had a missing daughter..."

Qin Guan’s brows immediately furrowed, and Yan Chi also turned his gaze toward the letter in Huo Huaixin’s hand.

Huo Huaixin handed it to Yan Chi. "Crown Prince, take a look. Some elderly neighbors mentioned that back then, along with the wife, a young daughter also disappeared. There were even rumors at the time that the wife had taken the child and left."

If a couple had marital discord, it wouldn’t be unusual for a wife to leave with her child. But since the husband had reported it to the authorities, it likely wasn’t the case.

"The case file records are very brief, only noting the disappearance of a twenty-two-year-old woman—presumably the Second Concubine—but it doesn’t mention anything about a missing daughter from the household..." Qin Guan waved the case file lightly before her voice lowered slightly. "It was the end of the year back then. The local government was probably too swamped and didn’t prioritize missing persons cases. Some small-town officials either neglect their duties or lack manpower—unless there’s a death involved, they won’t bother investigating..."

Huo Huaixin listened with an awkward expression. "Ninth Miss is right. Such situations do exist. That’s why, in the years I’ve served as prefect, I’ve made it a point to visit the surrounding county offices during festivals to ensure they don’t neglect the people’s affairs."

Qin Guan hadn’t expected this. She had merely witnessed how small-town governments operated when traveling with her father in the north, so she was more familiar with such matters. She didn’t respond immediately, her gaze instead settling on the letter in Yan Chi’s hand.

Yan Chi was reading intently when his brows suddenly knit together. "It says their daughter was only eight or nine years old at the time."

Qin Guan’s heart skipped a beat. Yan Chi quickly scanned the other letters. Compared to the negligent officials, it was the words of these ordinary people that inadvertently revealed crucial clues.

Huo Huaixin also hurriedly picked up the other testimonial letters. Seeing this, Qin Guan set aside the case file and took a few letters as well. The three of them skimmed through the contents rapidly. Qin Guan remarked, "Here, someone else mentions those rumors—and the fire."

"Here!" Yan Chi’s voice suddenly sharpened. "Someone says the missing daughter was considered fortunate because she was born with six fingers. Six fingers... I recall that among the remains unearthed earlier..."

"There was a skeleton with six fingers!"

Qin Guan finished his sentence swiftly, her brows tightening in deep thought. "So, both the Second Concubine and her daughter ended up in Qin Manor? The Second Concubine threw herself into the well because she knew what had happened to her daughter...?"