Coroner's Diary

"Aunt Liu, what are you doing here?"

Qin Guan arrived at the servants' quarters with Fuling and saw Liu Shi grinding something in the outer room as soon as she entered. Liu Shi looked up in surprise, "Ninth Miss, what brings you here? This old servant pays her respects..."

Qin Guan stepped inside and with just a slight sniff, smiled, "Citrus peel."

Liu Shi's eyes brightened as she wiped her hands on the apron tied around her waist. "The young miss is truly clever. Please have a seat inside while this servant washes up..."

Qin Guan nodded and left the doorway of the outer room with Fuling, heading instead to the entrance of Liu Shi's quarters. The door was slightly ajar, but Qin Guan didn't enter immediately. Soon, Liu Shi emerged from the outer room.

She hurried forward and pushed the door open. "Please come in, Miss..."

Qin Guan entered with a smile, her tone light. "What were you doing just now?"

As she prepared tea, Liu Shi replied, "Old Madam hasn't been well these past few days and has no appetite. This servant thought to make some citrus peel cake—soft and fluffy, and it might help stimulate her appetite."

While speaking, Liu Shi finished brewing the tea. "Please don't mind the poor quality, Miss. This servant has nothing better to offer."

Qin Guan accepted the tea, took a few sips, and then asked, "How have you been these past few days, Aunt Liu?"

At this question, Liu Shi understood Qin Guan's meaning. Qin Manor had been in chaos recently, with neither masters nor servants able to carry on as usual. While the masters fared better, the servants were summoned daily for questioning, sometimes confined in the steward's courtyard for entire afternoons.

Liu Shi sighed. "Naturally, it's been difficult. But at least we're still in Qin Manor. Being dragged to the prison for interrogation would be far worse."

A shadow crossed Qin Guan's face. "Aunt, do you know about the master's affairs?"

Liu Shi's eyelids twitched, and she hesitated before speaking.

Qin Guan's expression was earnest. "Aunt, at this point, Qin Manor is likely to fall. I just visited the master—in his state, forget being imprisoned and sentenced, I doubt he'll live much longer. What can't you tell me now?"

Liu Shi lowered her gaze and sighed heavily. "This old servant understands what you mean, Miss. But I don't know the specifics... Only that the master once bought many young slave girls and kept them in his courtyard. Everyone knew of his philandering ways, but those girls were mere children, placed among the servants yet unable to handle heavy labor. Later, Old Madam couldn't bear it and forbade him, leading to several days of arguments. Then suddenly, the master quieted down."

As she spoke, Liu Shi's brow furrowed. "We all thought he'd changed his ways. But who knew he would bring Second Concubine into the manor? Before her, the master had only one concubine—a former chamber maid who bore the second young master but died young. Old Madam forbade the master from taking concubines, so he kept several women in outside residences. She knew but tolerated it, not wanting to provoke his rebellious nature... until Second Concubine entered the manor..."Liu Shi narrowed her eyes slightly, as if lost in some memory. "That period was probably when I saw the master at his most spirited. However... the master didn’t like Second Concubine to come out. At the same time, he set up a courtyard in the estate and often went there. Manager Liu assigned two servants to guard it, and no one else was allowed near. Later, I overheard a couple of servants mention by chance that they seemed to have heard a child’s crying from that courtyard."

"Servants were never allowed to gossip about their masters, let alone something like this," Liu Shi said with a grave expression. "This situation lasted a little over a year. Then suddenly one day, the Purple Bamboo Forest was sealed off..."

At this point, Qin Guan frowned. "Wait, the Purple Bamboo Forest was sealed off? Did Second Concubine drown herself in the well by then?"

Liu Shi shook her head. "Not yet. It wasn’t exactly sealed off—before that, people in the estate often went to the forest for leisure, and even the masters would stroll there. But from that day onward, the forest was closed off. Not only were craftsmen and servants no longer allowed to tend to it, but even the masters of the estate were forbidden to enter. By then, the eldest and second young masters were old enough to run around, but children were especially prohibited from going there. Since Old Madam often believed in feng shui and yin-yang superstitions, the servants didn’t find it strange. But a few months later, Second Concubine drowned herself in the well. Her death became known throughout the estate, and only after this incident did the Purple Bamboo Forest truly become a forbidden place."

Qin Guan’s eyes narrowed slightly. So the widespread belief that the Purple Bamboo Forest became forbidden because of Second Concubine’s suicide was false. Before her death, Qin An had already killed the little girls he bought from Qingyuan Pawnshop and thrown their remains into the well. That was why no one was allowed near the Purple Bamboo Forest. At the time, Qin An didn’t have an overt excuse—until Second Concubine’s suicide, which turned the forest into a forbidden zone, and the well was sealed with the Demon-suppressing Stone.

"Auntie, you didn’t know back then, but now you do, right?"

Liu Shi sighed again. "I know now. Those children’s remains... it must have been the master’s doing." She gritted her teeth. "Committing such heinous acts, no wonder he’s gravely ill now."

Qin Guan added, "By the way, Auntie, do you remember what Second Concubine looked like? And were there any other strange incidents back then? Also, was the master’s... preference for little girls ever exposed?"

Liu Shi shook her head. "It never came to light. At that time, Old Madam was in better health and kept the servants under strict control. Occasionally whispering a word or two was already the limit. As for strange incidents... it was mostly about Second Concubine. From the moment she entered the estate, she rarely appeared. Sometimes the master doted on her excessively, but other times he would storm out of her courtyard and not visit for days. As for her appearance... I did catch a glimpse of her from afar. She preferred plain colors and had an ethereal grace. Her features were naturally exquisite, and she looked like a young maiden in the prime of her youth, yet with a gentle, alluring charm. I was quite struck by her beauty at the time."

Liu Shi gave a bitter smile. "But it’s been so many years—I can’t recall the details clearly anymore."Qin Guan felt a slight disappointment in her heart. Liu Shi didn’t know that the Second Concubine had been abducted. The Second Concubine knew her family’s whereabouts and longed for her husband and daughter every day—how could she truly serve Qin An? Perhaps she might feign affection to beg him, and Qin An would be pleased for a while. But once the Second Concubine realized Qin An had deceived her and would never let her go, her true feelings would inevitably surface. Seeing this, how could Qin An continue to dote on her?

Noticing Qin Guan’s disappointment, Liu Shi asked, “Why does the young miss wish to know what the Second Concubine looked like?”

Qin Guan shook her head and reassured her, “It’s nothing, just curiosity.”

Liu Shi thought for a moment and said, “If the young miss truly wishes to know, you could visit the master’s study. In his youth, the master fancied himself a man of refined tastes and even studied painting under a renowned teacher. He genuinely cherished the Second Concubine back then, so he must have painted her. If you search there, you’ll likely find the portraits he made of her.”

Qin Guan’s eyes brightened. Of course! A man like Qin An, who reveled in romance, would surely have immortalized his beauties with brush and ink.

She stood up abruptly. “Why didn’t I think of that? Aunt Liu, you’ve been a great help!”

Liu Shi, somewhat embarrassed, also rose. “This servant knows little of what the young miss asked and couldn’t provide anything useful. If this idea helps, it’s this old servant’s good fortune.”

Qin Guan took a deep breath. “Thank you, Aunt Liu, regardless. I’ll go to the front courtyard now.”

She turned to leave but paused at the door. Removing a hairpin from her bun—one from the green jade jewelry set Jiang Shi had given her—she stepped forward and pressed it into Liu Shi’s hand, speaking earnestly. “Aunt Liu, after so many years in the manor, you probably never imagined the Qin Manor would fall. But with this upheaval, even the masters are like drifting duckweed—how much more so for you? Keep this. In the coming days, think carefully about your future. If you need help, come to Orchid Isle Courtyard.”

Liu Shi’s eyes first flashed with fear, then she glanced at the hairpin Qin Guan had given her, her eyes reddening. She tried to refuse, but Qin Guan clasped her hand, ensuring the hairpin stayed in her grasp.

“Think it over, Aunt Liu. I must go now.”

Patting Liu Shi’s hand, Qin Guan left without another word.

Liu Shi stood there, hesitating to speak, her lips parting slightly but no words coming out. In that brief moment, Qin Guan had already pushed the door open and left. Liu Shi stood dazed for a while before cautiously retreating to the inner room.

Exiting the servants’ quarters on the west side, Qin Guan quickened her pace. Fuling followed closely, almost jogging, and asked, “Why did the young miss ask about the Second Concubine’s appearance? Did you really want to know how beautiful she was?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Fuling shook her head—her young mistress wasn’t some beauty-obsessed man.

Holding up her skirts as she walked ahead, Qin Guan replied, “The killer is connected to the victims from back then. If possible, I’d like to know what every one of them looked like. But where could I ask now? The only one left is the Second Concubine. Looking at her portrait might reveal clues—perhaps the mastermind is related to her. If they share kinship, there might be traces in their features.”

Fuling’s eyes brightened slightly. “The young miss is truly clever!”

Qin Guan smiled. “It was Aunt Liu who helped me…”From the inner courtyard to the front courtyard was a distance that took half the time of an incense stick to traverse. Qin Guan had just left the front courtyard not long ago, so when she returned, the guard Qi Lin looked slightly surprised. "Ninth Miss, what brings you here?"

Qin Guan pointed to the closed courtyard gate. "I need to retrieve something inside."

Naturally, Qi Lin wouldn’t stop her—not only would he not stop her, but he would also personally accompany her. As the gate opened, he gestured politely and followed Qin Guan inside, asking, "What is Ninth Miss looking for?"

Qin Guan walked briskly. "A portrait... Second Concubine’s portrait..."

Hearing this, Qi Lin immediately understood it was related to the recent case and quickly became more alert. Seeing Qin Guan’s serious expression, he dared not ask further. The two went straight to the main chamber, but just as they reached the entrance, the elderly servant responsible for Qin An’s care emerged from a side room. He was holding a medicine jar, seemingly on his way to clean it. Spotting Qin Guan, he hastily handed the jar to a young boy beside him and hurried over.

"Ninth Miss, what brings you here?"

Qin Guan was glad to see him and asked urgently, "Where are the master’s paintings and calligraphy stored?"

The old servant hesitated. "In the study... but which paintings does Ninth Miss mean? The master has collected many—some from previous dynasties, some from contemporary scholars and artists, and others..."

Qin Guan waved her hand impatiently. "I need the ones he painted himself, preferably from more than eight years ago."

Then, she decided to be more direct. "Did the master ever paint Second Concubine back then?"

At the mention of Second Concubine, the old servant’s face tensed, clearly recalling the recent turmoil in Qin Manor. Still, he nodded. "He did paint her, but... but this old servant doesn’t know where they are kept. Ten years ago, I was just a minor steward in this courtyard and wasn’t close enough to attend to such matters..."

"Then who would know where the master’s old paintings are stored?"

At this question, the old servant’s eyes flickered uneasily. "Manager... Manager Liu would know..."

Qin Guan felt a lump of frustration rise in her chest and frowned helplessly. "Liu Chun is already dead. Take me to the master’s study. His paintings couldn’t have just been thrown away randomly."

The old servant nodded repeatedly and led Qin Guan to Qin An’s study.

Apart from the main chamber, Qin An’s study was set up in a spacious side hall. The hall was open in the middle, furnished with bookshelves, display cabinets, and a small reception area. Though Qin An had long lost interest in refined pursuits, his study still held an air of sophistication. From the incense burners and painted screens to the porcelain and jade pieces, everything was of exquisite quality. The famous paintings and calligraphy hanging on the walls were also rare treasures. Qin Guan swept her gaze over the room, noting that the desk where Qin An kept his Four Treasures of the Study was already covered in a thick layer of dust—yet each of those treasures was a priceless artifact. She sighed inwardly; Qin An had truly wasted such fine things.

"Ninth Miss, the master’s study holds many items. There are numerous scrolls and paintings on those bookshelves over there, and in those two cabinets, you’ll find works he painted himself, gifts from others, and some collected pieces. The master hasn’t used this study in years and forbids anyone from entering, so no one has maintained it..."

Qin Guan understood the old servant’s meaning—there were too many paintings, and he didn’t know which one she sought. She waved him off. "Understood. You may leave. I’ll search myself..."The old servant hesitated to speak, but Qin Guan understood clearly. "Don't worry, nothing will be damaged or lost."

The old servant looked somewhat resentful but moved to guard the door instead.

Fuling stepped forward. "Miss, there are so many... how are we supposed to find it..."

Qin Guan sighed. Indeed, there were too many, but the search had to continue.

"Go through them one by one. Be careful not to damage anything."

As Qin Guan spoke, she walked toward Qin An's bookshelf. Fuling asked doubtfully, "But I don't know how to tell..."

"Look for the signature, the seal, and the inscription—but first, look for a beauty."

Fuling smiled. "I understand. First, check if it's a beauty. If it is, then look for the signature and inscription..."

Qin Guan gave an affirmative hum and went straight to the bookshelf, picking up the scrolls. She carried down over twenty scrolls and placed them on the desk, then began examining them one by one.

Meanwhile, Fuling went to the cabinet against the east wall and also brought out many scrolls, placing them on the table.

"This is a landscape... no, this is peonies... not it..."

"This one has a person... ah, it's an old man..."

"Oh, this one is a court lady... beautiful... but this isn't painted by the master!"

Fuling muttered to herself as she examined the scrolls. Seeing this, Qi Lin opened another cabinet. Though he was a rough man, he could still follow Qin Guan's instructions—first look for a beauty, then check the signature and seal.

The old servant at the door watched uneasily as the three of them took out Qin An's treasured scrolls one by one. But then he thought, Qin An was already so ill—how could he care about these things now? Besides, with such a major scandal exposed in Qin Manor, the family would likely be branded as criminals. What did wealth and status matter to Qin An then?

With this in mind, the old servant walked away and instructed a young servant, "Go wash the medicine pot."

Having said that, he couldn't be bothered to keep watch anymore and simply went to the main room to check on Qin An.

Inside the study, Fuling soon sighed. "So many beautiful paintings, just piled up in the cabinets, covered in dust... it's such a shame. Good thing I don’t know how much one of these could sell for, or I’d feel even worse."

Qi Lin was extra careful—his hands were calloused, and he feared accidentally damaging the delicate scrolls.

After roughly the time it took to drink two cups of tea, a thin layer of sweat formed on Qi Lin's forehead. "Ninth Miss, I haven’t found anything here..."

Qin Guan frowned slightly. She had examined them faster than Qi Lin and had seen more, but she hadn’t found anything either.

"Nothing here either. It was ten years ago—even if he painted it again later, after all this time, it must be lost somewhere by now."

As she spoke, Qin Guan finished the last scroll on her side. Disappointed, she sighed and returned all the paintings to their original places, then turned to survey the study. The walls were mostly adorned with ink landscapes and famous calligraphy, and apart from the two tall cabinets, there was nothing else left to check—yet still, nothing.

Qin Guan walked over to Fuling, who only had five or six scrolls left. She shook her head. "The paper on these is too new—they were probably painted in the last year or two. No need to check."

"But what if Third Master painted Second Concubine again in the last year or two?"Fuling still wanted to finish her task, but Qin Guan shook her head. "He's not a sentimental man. Besides, after so many years, the details of people's appearances are blurred. Even if we draw it, it wouldn't be accurate."

With that, Qin Guan turned to Qi Lin. By the time she reached him, he had almost finished his search as well.

The three of them spent nearly half an hour searching but found nothing.

Qin Guan shook her head. Could it be that after the incident back then, Qin An had disposed of all the portraits of the Second Concubine?

"Ninth Miss, what should we do now?" Qi Lin asked, somewhat at a loss.

Qin Guan waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine. Put the paintings back. Maybe there really aren't any here. I'll check elsewhere in the courtyard..."

Qi Lin nodded, and Qin Guan waited until both of them had returned the paintings to their original places before turning to leave.

After a moment's thought, Qin Guan headed to the main room first. Naturally, there were paintings adorning the walls there as well, but after a quick glance, Qin Guan found no portraits of beauties. Qin An, however, was still lying weakly on the bed. Hearing the sound of footsteps, he opened his eyes and glanced at Qin Guan. There seemed to be a flicker of surprise in his gaze, as if he didn't recognize who she was. Qin Guan gave him a cold look before turning away.

Finding nothing, Qin Guan left the courtyard with Fuling in tow. Tilting her head, Fuling asked, "Could it be... that the master never painted her? Or had someone throw them away? Or perhaps gave them away?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "Giving them away is unlikely. Not painting her at all is also improbable—after all, it was two years. Lost, maybe... or misplaced during all these years of moving things around..."

She sighed. Having just uncovered the secret of the Purple Bamboo Forest, Qin Guan had hoped to learn more and deduce the mastermind behind it all. Yet, she had come up empty-handed.

"Miss, where should we go now?"

"Let's head back first—"

......

Since the skeletons of the children had been unearthed, Qin Manor had been placed under strict control. Qin Guan realized she hadn't seen Qin Li for several days. Upon returning to her courtyard, she decided to prepare another three days' worth of White Apricot Cream.

"The herbs we fetched earlier aren't enough again..." Qin Guan shook her head as she looked at the remaining ingredients. "It seems we'll have to visit the medicine storage."

With that, she set out again with Fuling.

Despite the chaos in Qin Manor, the medicine storage remained unchanged. When Qin Guan and Fuling arrived, they saw Qian Bairen handing medicine to a young maid.

The girl looked somewhat familiar to Qin Guan, but Fuling recognized her immediately.

"Miss, that's a maid from Old Madam's quarters."

As soon as she spoke, Qin Guan noticed Qian Bairen saying ingratiatingly, "We're running low on musk. I wonder if Old Madam still has any in stock..."

The maid nodded. "No worries. Old Madam still has some high-quality musk stored away. I'll ask Cai He to fetch a bit later."

Qian Bairen nodded eagerly, wrapping the herbs as he replied, "That would be perfect. With the manor in such a state, it's difficult to send anyone out to purchase more."

The maid was brisk and efficient. "We'll manage after this matter is settled. For now, the manor needs medicine in many places. Prioritize the Young Mistress and the master. Old Madam can continue with her usual prescriptions."

"Exactly, exactly. Old Madam is so considerate toward the Young Mistress."The little maid raised her eyebrows. "Of course! Old Madam always checks the prescription before giving the medicine to Young mistress. She’s so worried Young mistress might take the wrong thing that she even has Sister Cai He keep a close watch. No matter who prescribed it, even if it was Ninth Miss who—"

"Ninth Miss—"

The little maid had her back to Qin Guan, but Qian Bairen was facing the door. As he was wrapping the medicinal herbs, he glanced up and saw Qin Guan standing at the entrance. His soul nearly fled from fright. Seeing the little maid was about to say something she shouldn’t, Qian Bairen immediately shouted. At his cry, the little maid’s face instantly turned pale.

She grabbed the medicine package wrapped by Qian Bairen, turned to give Qin Guan a quick curtsey, and hurried out.

As the little maid brushed past her, walking even faster, Qin Guan calmly glanced at Qian Bairen without a word and stepped inside. "The same medicines as before, Fuling—"

Fuling knew what Qin Guan needed and snorted at Qian Bairen before entering the medicine storage.

After the last incident, Qian Bairen no longer dared to show any disrespect toward Qin Guan. He hastily stepped forward, bowing obsequiously. "Ninth Miss, please have a seat... Um... just now... well..."

Qin Guan remained expressionless. "Does Old Madam distrust the prescriptions I write?"

Qin Bairen's face shifted through several expressions, terrified that Qin Guan might blame him too. He hurriedly explained, "No, no, it's not that... Old Madam is just very concerned about Young Mistress's health, so she’s cautious about every prescription. Not only that, but the medicines must be of the highest quality, meticulously checked and rechecked. She fears even the slightest chance of spoiled or ineffective ingredients."

Though Qin Guan maintained a cold demeanor, she understood Jiang Shi's concerns. Jiang Shi placed great importance on descendants, pinning high hopes on Qin Chen and his unborn child. The prescription had to be correct, the medicines had to be the best—some herbs could rot or grow mold if stored too long, rendering them unusable.

Qin Guan nodded, then suddenly asked, "Does Old Madam keep high-grade musk?"

At this point, Qian Bairen was eager to share everything he knew. Whether it was musk or anything else, as long as he had the answer, he wouldn’t hold back. "Yes, Old Madam's musk is far superior to medicinal-grade. Some were sent from the capital, others specially procured—all are rare treasures among treasures."

Inevitably, Qin Guan thought of the medicine Yao Xinlan had taken, laced with musk and angelica.

Her brow furrowed slightly as she recalled that night outside the manor. When they learned Yao Xinlan was bleeding, Jiang Shi and Lin Shi’s panic had seemed genuine. Later, Jiang Shi’s concern for Yao Xinlan also appeared heartfelt. Could she really have been the one to slip such a deadly substance into Yao Xinlan’s medicine?

Angelica was common enough, but musk was harder to obtain—yet Qin Chen’s servant had also procured some...

Jiang Shi and Qin Chen—one the child’s great-grandmother, the other its father. Logically, neither would wish harm upon the child. Yet musk... somehow linked them both.

"Ninth Miss... I swear every word I’ve said is true. If you don’t believe me, you can ask that maid from earlier or anyone else in the household. This is common knowledge..."

Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts and turned to see Qian Bairen standing beside her, sweating profusely, his face full of fear.

She sighed inwardly. The old Qian Bairen would never have been this deferential. Back when the original Ninth Miss was timid and weak, he had bullied and exploited her. Even after Qin Guan changed her demeanor, his respect had been superficial—until he witnessed Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi’s attitudes toward her. Only then did genuine reverence take root.

This world truly fawns upon the high and tramples the low...

"Did I say I didn’t believe you?"

Qin Guan’s quiet question sent Qian Bairen into a panic. Had he misspoken again? His face twisted in distress as he stammered, "No, no, how would I dare..."Before the words could fully leave his mouth, Fuling emerged from the medicine storage. Seeing her come out, Qin Guan rose directly to her feet, preparing to leave before Qian Bairen could finish speaking. As Qin Guan walked out the main door, Qian Bairen's knees suddenly went weak.

Had he offended Qin Guan again?

Would he be accused of poisoning if Qin An's illness was investigated in the future?

With these thoughts, darkness momentarily clouded Qian Bairen's vision...

"Miss, what were you asking about outside just now?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "I was asking whether Old Madam keeps high-quality musk in her private collection."

Fuling made an understanding sound. "Of course she does. Old Madam has her own small treasury with many treasures."

Qin Guan fell silent. She couldn't shake the feeling that Jiang Shi's concern for Yao Xinlan seemed genuine, yet on second thought, Jiang Shi remained somewhat inscrutable—perhaps she too harbored undisclosed secrets.

Lost in thought, Qin Guan was approaching Orchid Isle Courtyard when she spotted Yan Chi waiting at the gate. She hurried forward. "Your Highness, why are you here? Have you finished all your inquiries?"

Yan Chi took a few steps toward her and nodded. "Yes, all done. No leads for now."

Qin Guan wasn't surprised. "The mastermind behind this isn't acting on impulse. Since it's premeditated, naturally we won't uncover it so quickly."

"You went to the front courtyard earlier—to Qin An's study?"

Yan Chi was remarkably well-informed. Qin Guan nodded. "Exactly. I asked Aunt Liu about Second Concubine's appearance, but she said she couldn't recall the details. If we want to see what Second Concubine looked like, Qin An must have painted her portrait."

Her expression darkened slightly. "Unfortunately, we searched the entire study but found nothing."

Yan Chi pondered briefly. "You want to see Second Concubine's likeness to compare if anyone in the residence resembles her?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Precisely. But we couldn't find it... Too much time has passed..."

Yan Chi suggested, "You only checked Qin An's study just now. Have you looked through other storerooms? Paintings and calligraphy can be valuable assets—they might be kept in one of the estate's storerooms."

His words sparked realization in Qin Guan's eyes. "How could I have forgotten!"

Seeing Yan Chi's puzzled look, Qin Guan sighed. "Today, both you and Aunt Liu thought of things that slipped my mind. I truly... The estate has storerooms—not just any storerooms, but also a library. It didn't even occur to me earlier!"

Qin Guan had once visited the library searching for medical texts but left empty-handed, leaving only a faint impression. Now, reminded by Yan Chi, she suddenly recalled that besides books, the library housed paintings... Back then, seeing the back filled with scrolls, she hadn't bothered to look further.

A surge of excitement rose within her. "To Windward Courtyard—we'll ask Eldest Brother and Eldest Brother's Wife for the keys!"

Turning to Fuling, she instructed, "Put the medicine away and meet me at the library later..."

With that, Qin Guan strode off. Fuling nodded and hurried back into the courtyard. Yan Chi followed Qin Guan. "You've been to the library before?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Yes, when I was looking for medical texts. But I remember now—there were many paintings and calligraphy inside. What we're searching for might be there. How could I have forgotten..."

Yan Chi smiled slightly. "It just slipped your mind momentarily. If we find it, it'll be a major breakthrough."

As they walked, Qin Guan glanced back. "That would be thanks to Your Highness and Aunt Liu."Yan Chi remained silent, yet a faint glimmer flickered in his eyes. He followed Qin Guan all the way to the Windward Courtyard. Just as they approached, they saw Qin Chen walking out with a somber expression.

Qin Guan was taken aback, and Qin Chen hadn’t expected to run into her and Yan Chi either. He quickly masked his dark expression and bowed respectfully to Yan Chi. "Greetings, Crown Prince—"

"No need for formalities, Young Master Qin. Rise."

Yan Chi replied indifferently. Qin Chen straightened up and asked, "What brings Your Highness here?"

Yan Chi tilted his chin slightly toward Qin Guan. "Accompanying your sister."

His words carried an ambiguous undertone, making Qin Guan tense slightly. Qin Chen gave her a deep, probing look. "Ninth Miss, what brings you here?"

If Qin Guan had come to visit Yao Xinlan, she wouldn’t have brought Yan Chi along. Since he was with her, it was likely related to the investigation.

Qin Guan maintained a calm and innocent expression. Meeting Qin Chen’s gaze, she suddenly recalled the incident involving the musk. Without thinking, she replied, "I lent Eldest Brother’s Wife a miscellany last time. Today, while speaking with His Highness, I learned he was also searching for that book, so I came to retrieve it."

Understanding dawned in Qin Chen’s eyes. He had seen the miscellany Qin Guan gave Yao Xinlan—it lay by her pillow.

Seeing his expression relax, Qin Guan asked, "Where are you headed, Eldest Brother?"

Qin Chen replied, "I haven’t visited Father yet today."

The past incident had been Qin An’s doing, and now that the truth was mostly clear, it had little to do with Qin Chen. Hearing this, Qin Guan sighed softly. "Very well, go ahead."

Qin Chen gave a quiet "Mm," bowed once more to Yan Chi, and then headed toward the front courtyard.

Once Qin Chen was gone, Yan Chi turned to Qin Guan. "Why lie?"

Qin Guan averted her gaze, seemingly troubled. Yan Chi glanced back in the direction Qin Chen had left. "Whatever your reason, it’s wise to be wary of him."

Qin Guan was startled. Her wariness toward Qin Chen stemmed solely from the musk incident, which had led her to harbor suspicions about him. But why would Yan Chi say such a thing? He didn’t even know about the musk!

"Why do you say that, Your Highness?"

Yan Chi turned back to her. "Your eldest brother is no simple man."

Qin Guan blinked. Yan Chi urged, "Go on in. I’ll wait here."

After a brief pause, Qin Guan nodded and entered the Windward Courtyard.

As soon as she stepped inside, the oppressive and heavy atmosphere enveloped her once more. Two maids stood by the door, their heads bowed low like flower stems battered by a storm.

Hearing Qin Guan’s footsteps, the maids looked up. One of them immediately went inside to announce her arrival.

Soon, Mo Shu emerged. Her eyes were slightly reddened, and she wore an expression of unspoken words when she saw Qin Guan.

"What happened? Did Eldest Brother and Eldest Brother’s Wife quarrel?"

Given Qin Chen’s earlier expression and the atmosphere in the courtyard, Qin Guan didn’t need to think hard to guess what had transpired.

"Where is Eldest Brother’s Wife?" Qin Guan asked as she walked inside. At the doorway, she saw Yao Xinlan sitting blankly on the edge of the bed—not weeping as Qin Guan had imagined.

"Miss, Ninth Miss is here."Mo Shu announced their arrival, and Yao Xinlan turned her head blankly to look at Qin Guan. Tears brimmed in her eyes but did not fall. Qin Guan hurried forward. "Eldest Brother's Wife—"

Yao Xinlan forced a bitter smile, her lips trembling slightly. "Ninth Miss, I suddenly... suddenly feel... you were right. I should do something."

Qin Guan's heart stirred, and she quickly sat beside Yao Xinlan. "Eldest Brother's Wife, have you made up your mind?"

Yao Xinlan shook her head. "Not yet, but I've started thinking about it." She gave another strained smile. "I don’t want to live like this anymore. It’s too painful... truly too painful..."

She sniffled and asked, "Did Ninth Miss come to see me?"

Qin Guan hesitated, but remembering Yan Chi was waiting, she decided to be honest. "I came to ask for your help. I... I need to find something in the library and wanted to borrow the key."

Yao Xinlan showed no disappointment, merely nodding. "Alright, let Mo Shu fetch it for you. I’m not sure if it’s in the courtyard—your eldest brother usually handles the library..."

Qin Guan quickly shook her head. "It’s fine. If it’s not here, I’ll ask him directly."

She hesitated again. "Eldest Brother's Wife..."

Yao Xinlan waved her off. "It’s nothing. Go ahead. I need to think... I need to figure things out..."

Her gaze grew distant again. Qin Guan watched her for a moment before following Mo Shu out. Mo Shu went to the side room and soon returned. "The key is here, Ninth Miss. Here you go..."

Qin Guan took the key, and Mo Shu apologized, "Ninth Miss, I can’t accompany you today..."

"It’s alright. I remember the way." Qin Guan glanced worriedly toward the inner chamber. "Stay with Eldest Brother's Wife. After I finish searching, I’ll come back to keep her company." She added, "Leave that miscellany with her for now."

Mo Shu, thinking Qin Guan had originally intended to take the book, quickly expressed gratitude. "Thank you, Ninth Miss..."

Without another word, Qin Guan hurried out of the courtyard. Spotting Yan Chi, she urged, "Your Highness, quickly..."

Without further explanation, she led Yan Chi straight to the library.

Perhaps because she had deceived Qin Chen, or perhaps because witnessing the growing rift between Yao Xinlan and Qin Chen made her increasingly skeptical of his supposed devotion, her heart pounded wildly as she clutched the library key.

Nervous, her steps were swift. Yan Chi followed closely in silence. Upon reaching the library, Qin Guan deftly unlocked the door. Once Yan Chi entered, she shut it firmly behind them.

"The paintings and calligraphy are at the very back. We must hurry."

No sooner had she spoken than Yan Chi moved faster than her. In the cramped space, surrounded by towering bookshelves, the innermost seven or eight cabinets held the artworks. Qin Guan glanced around and headed straight for the most inconspicuous cabinet at the back.

Given Qin An’s nature, the Eighth Concubine’s paintings might have stirred his fleeting admiration but wouldn’t be stored alongside priceless masterpieces. This neglected, dust-covered cabinet was the most likely place.

Yan Chi had initially been searching for his own item but now wanted to stay closer to Qin Guan. As he turned toward her, he clearly saw her freeze, a painting she had just opened held motionless in her hands.Yan Chi's expression turned serious. "Found it?" he asked, striding over to stand behind Qin Guan in a few steps.

With hopeful anticipation, Yan Chi glanced at the painting—but soon, his brows furrowed.

On the two-foot-long sheet of paper were over a dozen small illustrations, each depicting two naked figures entwined together...

In a bedroom, a courtyard, on grass, by a stream, inside a wooden tub, on a swing...

Entangled, lifelike, in various positions, exquisitely rendered.

Yan Chi scanned them one by one, the corners of his slightly narrowed phoenix eyes lifting in disbelief. Was this... an erotic painting?