Coroner's Diary

“F-fire!” Mo Shu shouted in disbelief before suddenly dashing toward the Buddhist shrine like a madwoman. “Miss! Miss is still there, Miss—!”

As she ran, her voice cracked with sobs. Qin Guan’s heart clenched into a knot. She turned to Yan Chi. “Let’s go check it out! This fire is suspicious—”

After speaking, she glanced at Xu He. “Take Fuling back!”

With that, Qin Guan lifted her skirts and hurried off. Xu He stood frozen, holding Fuling, torn between following and not knowing what to do with her. Meanwhile, Yan Chi immediately gave chase. “Put Fuling down and alert the rest of the manor!”

Qin Guan followed Mo Shu, Yan Chi followed Qin Guan, and at the very front, Qin Chen—his expression complex—also spotted the raging fire in the direction of the shrine. He halted, his eyes widening slowly before he, too, moved toward it. But the moment he took a step, Bai Feng blocked his path. “Where are you going, Young Master?”

Qin Chen pointed toward the flames. “Can’t you see? The Buddhist shrine is on fire!”

Bai Feng had seen it, but Yan Chi’s orders were clear: escort Qin Chen to the front courtyard for detainment.

Meeting Bai Feng’s indifferent gaze, Qin Chen’s eyes contracted sharply. “I’m not a convict yet—no verdict has been passed! I… No one knows the layout of Qin Manor better than I do. If we don’t put out the fire, are we just going to watch the entire manor burn to ashes?!”

Bai Feng frowned, hesitation flickering in his eyes. Seizing the moment, Qin Chen shoved Bai Feng’s arm aside and rushed toward the shrine. Bai Feng didn’t stop him but followed closely behind. Qin Chen’s expression was resolute, yet his heart pounded with unease—why had the shrine caught fire? Recalling Qin Guan’s earlier words, his anxiety surged wildly.

The storeroom was already in the east, and the shrine also lay in the eastern part of Qin Manor. Mo Shu, leading the way, was the first to reach the shrine’s entrance. She had only been gone for a short while, yet upon returning, the shrine had already become a sea of flames. Not just the courtyard—even the main entrance was engulfed in fire. The autumn wind swept past, carrying not just the acrid stench of burning wood but also the pungent odor of pine oil. Mo Shu stood helplessly outside, her eyes reddening instantly.

“Miss! Miss!”

She screamed hoarsely twice before footsteps approached from behind. Turning, she saw Qin Guan and Yan Chi catching up. Tears streamed down Mo Shu’s face as she grabbed Qin Guan’s arm desperately. “Ninth Miss! Miss is still inside! She’s still inside… Ninth Miss… What do we do…?”

Before she could finish, Yan Chi had already leaped onto the rooftop. Qin Guan squeezed Mo Shu’s hand, her heart sinking as she took in the inferno. Watching Yan Chi’s figure on the roof, she bit her lip anxiously.

From afar, the fire hadn’t seemed so overwhelming, but up close, its intensity was staggering. Qin Guan had never seen a blaze this massive in her life, and for a moment, she was at a loss. Her gaze fixed urgently on Yan Chi, who soon descended.

In that brief ascent and descent, his robes were already smeared with soot. Brushing off his sleeves, he shook his head. “The rear buildings are completely ablaze. The central courtyard is surrounded by fire—even the courtyard itself is too scorching to step into.”

At these words, Mo Shu’s legs gave way. Clinging weakly to Qin Guan, she could only whimper, “Miss…”In the midst of despair, Mo Shu suddenly looked up and saw Qin Chen and Bai Feng running toward them. Qin Chen's face was deathly pale, his eyes filled with urgency, and his body was speckled with blood. His right arm hung limply, as if injured. Mo Shu didn’t know that Qin Chen had just tried to kill Qin Guan, nor did she have the mind to wonder why he was hurt. Her thoughts were solely on Yao Xinlan, and she frantically rushed to Qin Chen’s side.

"Young master! There’s a fire! Please save the young mistress—"

Qin Chen had come for Jiang Shi and Cai He, but he was momentarily surprised to see Mo Shu there. Upon hearing her words, he exclaimed in shock, "Xinlan is here?"

Mo Shu nodded repeatedly. "The Old Madam asked to speak with the young mistress. I had just escorted her here when—when the fire broke out not even a cup of tea’s time later! Young master, the young mistress is with child! Young master—"

Mo Shu was sobbing uncontrollably, her heart shattered, but Qin Chen’s body suddenly stiffened.

Everything Qin Guan had just said flooded his mind. Even if he hadn’t believed it before, the raging inferno before him left no room for doubt. The flames roared violently. Though they stood four or five zhang away from the entrance, the scorching heat still pressed against them. Sparks flew in all directions, and black ash swirled in the wind, threatening to land on them at any moment. A fire this massive couldn’t have started on its own—who had set it? And why had it ignited just as Yao Xinlan arrived?

Jiang Shi wouldn’t have wanted to harm Yao Xinlan, which meant the arsonist could only be her...

Yan Chi turned to Bai Feng. "Go and gather the manor’s people to help put out the fire."

Bai Feng acknowledged the order and vanished into the night. By now, the hour was late, and many servants had already retired. Yet, the sheer scale of the fire quickly roused the entire household. With just a few shouts from Xu He and Bai Feng, numerous servants came running with basins and jars of water. Meanwhile, standing before the Buddhist shrine, Qin Guan felt powerless for the first time.

"There’s the smell of pine oil—this fire was set deliberately."

Qan Guan’s voice was strained. Through the raging flames, she could faintly make out the spirit wall inside the shrine, now scorched black. But what lay beyond it was unimaginable.

"Cai He?" Yan Chi asked quietly. Qin Guan nodded.

Yan Chi’s lips pressed into a thin line. "Why set the fire now? And why summon the young mistress of the manor here...?"

Qin Guan’s hands, hanging at her sides, clenched into fists. Her eyes filled with sorrow. "She... exposed the truth of the past case, fulfilling her greatest wish. Once this case comes to light, Qin Manor will lose all its wealth and prestige. As for why she invited Eldest Brother’s Wife here—her family could save Qin Manor. And she’s carrying Eldest Brother’s child. Perhaps... she wanted to ensure Qin Manor could never rise again..."

As she spoke, Qin Guan suddenly recalled the first time Cai He had led her to the Buddhist shrine. Back then, Cai He had been sweet and gentle, like an amiable girl next door. Even when Fuling mentioned she was the inner courtyard’s steward, Qin Guan had found it hard to believe that such a young girl could harbor such vengeful intent...

The crimson glow of the fire illuminated Qin Guan’s face, accentuating the sorrow etched upon it. Watching her, Yan Chi’s gaze deepened. Nearby, Mo Shu knelt on the ground, weeping.

"Eldest Young Master, I beg you—please save the young mistress—"Mo Shu looked at Qin Guan's dazed expression with utter despair. She kept shaking Qin Chen's arm, her eyes filled with pleading. "Eldest Young Master, the young mistress is with child. Even if not for her sake, think of the child..."

Qin Chen suddenly snapped out of his stupor and grabbed Mo Shu's arm. "I know, I know..."

Suppressing her sobs, Mo Shu turned to assess the fire again, her heart sinking further. With flames this fierce, not even Qin Chen—let alone the exceptionally skilled Yan Chi—could enter. Was there any hope left for her young mistress?

"Hurry! Over here—the well is to the east—"

Shouts suddenly rang out. Mo Shu turned to see Bai Feng and Xu He leading a crowd of people rushing over!

Servants of Qin Manor, men and women alike, carried wooden basins and buckets, joined by the arriving constables. All hurried toward the well, but with only one well available, they had to wait their turn. Qin Chen glanced around, as if the sudden crowd had jolted him awake. "There's another well to the west! Don't all crowd here!"

With Qin Chen directing them, the servants immediately had a sense of purpose. Soon, someone fetched water and began approaching the fire.

Basin after basin of water was thrown at the entrance. Those without water grabbed brooms or hoes and joined the firefighting efforts. Yet despite this, the flames showed no sign of abating. The arsonist had used pine oil—the moment water doused the fire, it reignited. Seeing this was futile, Yan Chi leaped onto the roof again, relying solely on his own strength. But this time, he came down even faster. "The fire's too intense. There's no footing on the roof."

Qin Guan's heart pounded wildly. Meanwhile, Yan Chi's sharp eyes caught a furtive figure lurking at the back of the crowd. Unlike the frantic rescuers, this person hid in the shadows, seemingly afraid to come forward.

"Bai Feng—" Yan Chi called out.

Following Yan Chi's gaze, Bai Feng spotted the figure too. He strode over and soon dragged the person forward—a young maidservant no older than thirteen or fourteen.

"What's your name? Which part of the household do you serve?"

Trembling under Yan Chi's imposing presence, the maidservant fell to her knees with a thud.

"This lowly one is... is called Huan'er... a servant of Old Madam's quarters..."

"Huan'er?" Qin Guan frowned slightly. "Your name is Huan'er?"

Huan'er peeked up at Qin Guan and nodded timidly, shrinking into herself. Yan Chi turned to Qin Guan, who hesitated before asking, "Why are you out here? Shouldn't you be inside attending to duties?"

Huan'er's face paled. "Today... today Sister Cai He said we weren't needed and told us to rest early."

Qin Guan immediately exchanged a glance with Yan Chi, whose eyes darkened.

Huan'er continued, "Our quarters are in the servants' rooms west of the Buddhist shrine. We all ran out when the fire started."

Cai He had dismissed the other young servants but specifically called for Yao Xinlan—proof of her premeditation.

Qin Guan leaned in slightly, brows furrowed. "Was Cai He kind to you?"

At this question, Huan'er's eyes reddened. "Yes, very kind."

Qin Guan hummed in acknowledgment. "So you knew she set the fire?"Huan'er froze for a moment, then widened her eyes in shock before frantically shaking her head. "I don't know... I really don't know..."

Qin Guan sneered coldly. "She could make you poison the master, yet you claim not to know she wanted to set a fire?"

Huan'er's face turned deathly pale, beads of sweat immediately forming on her forehead. She pressed her lips tightly together as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I... I don't know... I just..."

Only then did Yan Chi realize this Huan'er was the one who had poisoned the medicine jar.

Yan Chi studied Huan'er briefly before ordering, "Take her away."

At these words, Huan'er's legs gave way beneath her. She kept shaking her head and weeping but offered no defense as two bailiffs half-dragged, half-supported her to her feet. Even as she was led away, she kept looking back at the burning Buddhist shrine. Watching her reaction, Yan Chi asked Qin Guan, "Do you believe her?"

Qin Guan sighed. "Cai He set the fire fully intending to die. What Huan'er says might be true—"

Before she could finish, Lin Shi appeared at the western crossroads supported by her maidservant. Lin Shi's face glistened with sweat from her hurried approach, followed closely by Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. All three wore expressions of urgent concern, their eyes filled with alarm at the raging fire.

"How could this fire start?! How?!" Lin Shi's face was ashen, her hands trembling as she stared at the nearly collapsed entrance. "Is Mother still inside?"

Her gaze shifted to Qin Chen. "Chen'er! How could this happen out of nowhere?!"

Qin Chen turned and approached Lin Shi. "Mother..."

His eyes filled with distress, Qin Chen could only lower his head under Lin Shi's bewildered and anxious stare.

Lin Shi gripped his arm tightly. "How did the fire start?! What exactly happened?!"

Her eyes reddening with urgency, Lin Shi took an involuntary step forward. "Mother is still—"

Before she could finish, she spotted Mo Shu weeping nearby. Her expression changed instantly. "Mo Shu, why are you here..."

Mo Shu burst into louder sobs, immediately dropping to her knees before Lin Shi.

"Madam, please save the young mistress! About half an hour ago, the Old Madam said she wanted to speak with her. I escorted the young mistress here, and it was Cai He who met us at the door. Cai He said my services weren't needed and told me to return. But before I even reached Windward Courtyard, the fire broke out here. Madam, the young mistress is inside the Buddhist shrine too..."

"What?!" Lin Shi gasped in shock, her legs nearly giving way beneath her. That Jiang Shi was in the shrine was one thing, but Yao Xinlan too?! Yao Xinlan was carrying Qin Chen's child—the Qin Manor's legitimate great-grandson!

"How could... Mother cared so much about Xinlan's health. Why would she summon Xinlan for late-night talks without your attendance?!" Lin Shi panted heavily, needing Qin Chen's support to remain upright.

Mo Shu wept, "I don't know, I didn't see the Old Madam—only Cai He..."

Lin Shi had no reason to doubt Cai He. She turned desperately to Qin Chen. "Chen'er, think of something! Quickly! We must save Xinlan!"Though engulfed in raging flames, Qin Chen felt an icy chill throughout his body. Hearing Lin Shi's words, he nodded mechanically like a puppet. Qin Xiang stepped forward anxiously, "No matter what, we must save Grandmother and Eldest Brother's Wife! Her family just sent a letter today—if anything happens to her..."

At these words, Lin Shi remembered too and nearly fainted on the spot.

"Chen'er, Chen'er, save them—quickly—"

Qin Chen nodded and turned toward the entrance. Though it was like trying to extinguish a burning cartload of firewood with a cup of water, the flames at the doorway had weakened slightly. Snatching a hoe from someone nearby, Qin Chen ignored the sparks underfoot and strode forward to knock down the partially collapsed lintel. With a crash, the once solemn and dignified entrance to the Buddhist shrine was breached. After glancing around, Qin Chen grabbed a basin of water from a servant and doused himself. Lin Shi cried out, "Chen'er!"

Though Lin Shi worried for the child in Yao Xinlan's womb, her heart ached even more for Qin Chen. But before she could finish speaking, Qin Chen charged into the courtyard.

Yan Chi frowned and followed. He had no intention of caring whether Qin Chen lived or died after Qin Chen had tried to kill Qin Guan, but with a pregnant woman inside, he couldn't simply stand by. "Break down the wall!"

At his command, Bai Feng and Xu He immediately directed the crowd to demolish the wall. Suddenly, Qin Shuang exclaimed, "Eldest Brother is injured!"

Wiping her tears, Lin Shi noticed Qin Chen's right arm hanging limp and weak, sending another pang through her heart. But there was no time to dwell on it. Pressing a hand to her chest, she glanced at Qin Guan and Yan Chi before instinctively beginning to chant Buddhist scriptures.

Under Yan Chi's orders to break the wall, Bai Feng led the yamen runners in a concerted effort. Soon, they created a larger breach in the fiery barrier. Servants carrying water rushed through the gap into the shrine's central courtyard.

Inside, the main hall where guests had once been received was now a roaring inferno. Amid the flames, there was no sign of Yao Xinlan or Jiang Shi. The shrine was a sea of fire, with only the crackling of burning wood breaking the silence.

"Miss—"

"Grandmother—"

As Qin Guan entered the courtyard, Mo Shu and Qin Shuang followed close behind. The air was thick with smoke and swirling ash, the intense heat scorching their cheeks. The precarious wooden beams on the surrounding walls and corridors threatened to collapse at any moment.

Qin Xiang supported Lin Shi outside, but Qin Shuang, undaunted, stared at the entrance with reddened eyes. "Grandmother—Grandmother, can you hear me? Grandmother—where are you—"

Qin Shuang's mournful cries cast a shadow over everyone's hearts. Before her voice faded, another figure emerged from the breach—Qin Li, pale and weak, stepped into the courtyard and stood beside Qin Shuang in shock.

"How could... where's Grandmother..."

Tears welled in Qin Shuang's eyes. "Grandmother didn't make it out. Second Brother, Eldest Brother's Wife is inside too!"

Qin Li's brows twitched violently. "Eldest Brother's Wife is inside?!"

Scanning the crowd, Qin Li spotted Qin Guan and hurried over. "Ninth Sister, what happened?"

Qin Guan met his gaze and replied calmly, "Cai He is Second Concubine's daughter."

Qin Li froze, his eyes widening in horror before he staggered back a step.

"Cai He... this fire... did Cai He set it?"Bucket after bucket of water was thrown at the main room's entrance. The flames, once raging, began to dwindle but stubbornly refused to die out completely. Just then, a faint, feeble cry emerged from within the room—

Everyone froze. Then, the cry grew slightly louder.

"Help me—help—"

Mo Shu stood stunned for a moment before shouting frantically, "Young mistress?! Young mistress, where are you?!"

The fire was terrifying, its tongues licking up the beams and pillars, the roof already engulfed in roaring flames and thick, choking smoke. Amid the deafening chaos, Yao Xinlan's weak, tearful voice managed to pierce through. "I—I'm tied up... I..."

Her voice was hoarse and distant, as if she were trapped somewhere deep inside. Mo Shu burst into silent sobs, pacing anxiously in place. "Young mistress, hold on! Help is coming!"

Qin Chen's eyes reddened—not just with emotion, but with the fiery reflection of the blaze.

He turned and bellowed, "Hurry! Fetch more water—now!"

The servants moved faster, but Yao Xinlan's weeping voice came again.

"Chen-ge? Is Chen-ge outside—"

"Lan-er! I'm here—" Qin Chen lunged forward, as if ready to charge into the inferno.

Yao Xinlan suddenly coughed, then asked between gasps, "Chen-ge... did you... cough ... come for someone else...?"

Qin Chen stiffened, bitterness flooding his eyes. If she was asking this, she must already know. Swallowing hard, he rasped, "Don't be afraid, Lan-er. I'm coming to save you—"

Lin Shi, supported by Qin Xiang, hurried in. Hearing Yao Xinlan's voice, her eyes welled up, but the words left her bewildered. In fact, everyone except Qin Li seemed equally confused.

Inside, Yao Xinlan let out a loud, bitter laugh. "Chen-ge... you've deceived me so cruelly... I—"

Her anguished words cut off abruptly after that single "I."

Lin Shi rushed forward in alarm. "Xinlan?! Xinlan, what's wrong?"

Only the roar of the fire answered. Even Qin Guan held her breath, straining to hear any sound from within. Then, a cold, clear voice spoke—

"Why is Madam so nervous? Is it for the Young mistress... or the child in her womb?"

The voice was unmistakable. Lin Shi's eyes widened in disbelief. "Cai He?! You're unharmed? Cai He! Protect the Young mistress—where is Old Madam? Shield them both! Once the fire outside weakens, we'll break the door down!"

Lin Shi's frantic orders were met with several mocking laughs from inside. "Protect her?"

Cai He's tone dripped with scorn. "Does Madam not realize... I was the one who set this fire?"

Lin Shi froze. So did every servant outside. Qin Chen's fists clenched, his eyes bloodshot as he roared, "Get more water! Why are you all standing there—"

His shout snapped everyone back to action. Meanwhile, Cai He continued calmly, "Madam didn't expect this, did she? You asked about Old Madam? Oh, she took her medicine... and is fast asleep."

Lin Shi gasped, nearly collapsing. "You... why would you—""Why?" Cai He had been smiling all along, her tone even carrying a hint of innocence. Yet the more she spoke, the more it became clear she had descended into madness. "Madam asks me why? Why doesn't Madam go ask the master—when he set fire to burn my father alive, did my father ever get the chance to ask why?!"

Cai He suddenly flew into a rage. Her usually gentle and melodious voice rose sharply, turning shrill and frenzied!

"Qin An! Qin An, the so-called scion of a powerful family! Qin An, who abducts married women and lusts after young girls! When he committed these heinous crimes, did any of you ever stop to ask why?!"

"The Qin Manor prides itself on a family of poetry and propriety, yet within its walls lies such filth and corruption. The Old Madam chants scriptures and prays to Buddha every day, but she trembles in fear! Because there are ghosts in her heart—she fears those children and our family returning as vengeful spirits to claim her life!"

Cai He let out two cold laughs. "She thinks that by chanting scriptures daily, the Qin Manor will remain safe. But she forgets—Buddha does not embrace those burdened with sin! Karma delivers retribution, and now! This is the Qin Manor's reckoning!"

Lin Shi trembled with rage. Though the servants outside were still carrying water to douse the flames, they had already been stunned into disarray by Cai He's words. Cai He had served in the manor for years and was the Old Madam's most trusted confidante. Yet who could have imagined her true identity was...

"Cai He... you..." Lin Shi had no words to refute Cai He's accusations. Before so many servants, Cai He's words had torn away the Qin Manor's last shred of dignity...

At a loss, Lin Shi could only turn to Qin Chen. "Chen'er... how could she..."

"Don't call for the young master, Madam." Cai He sighed, her tone dripping with mockery. "The young master already knows."

Lin Shi's eyes widened, her hand clutching her chest even tighter. But Cai He wasn't finished. "The young master is the only righteous person in this manor. Knowing my tragic past, he showed me such kindness—enough to kill his own sister for my sake. Did you truly think Ninth Miss drowned by accident? On the night of the twenty-first of July, it was our young master who strangled Ninth Miss with his own hands and then threw her body into Crescent Lake..."

Though Cai He couldn't see the expressions of those outside, she could almost picture them. Amid the roaring flames, her voice carried a hint of grim satisfaction. "Perhaps even Heaven couldn't bear to watch the Qin family's wickedness. Ninth Miss didn't die after all. Madam, your beloved son has blood on his hands..."

Like a thunderbolt striking the earth, Lin Shi could never have imagined that the old case involving the Second Concubine would implicate Qin Guan—nor that behind Qin Guan's supposed suicide attempt lay such a sinister truth.

Lin Shi's gaze sharpened as she mustered her strength to defend Qin Chen. "You lie! You venomous wretch! The Old Madam treated you like her own child, and this is how you repay the Qin Manor? Now... now you dare tarnish my son's name—"

"Tarnish his name? If you don't believe me, Madam, why not ask the young master yourself?"

Cai He's tone was leisurely, as though she were watching a fine spectacle. Outside, Lin Shi turned to Qin Chen in desperation. "Chen'er! Speak!"

Qin Chen's hands shook violently. His face was flushed from the heat, his teeth clenched so tightly he couldn't utter a word. Unwilling to relent, Lin Shi shouted again, "Chen'er! Speak for yourself! Say something—"

Qin Chen stared fixedly at the inferno before him, as though he could see Cai He's expression through the raging flames. After a long silence, he finally forced out a few words through gritted teeth. "The Qin Manor owes you... but she doesn't!"

"Hah—" Cai He burst into laughter. "True, she doesn't owe me. But she carried your child. Her greatest sin was bearing the seed of a Qin. The Qin Manor's crimes are so heinous even Buddha would curse you! Wretches like you deserve to suffer for eternity—to die without heirs, without peace..."Cai He's shrill screams, like those of a demon, cackled through the sea of flames. Qin Chen's face finally showed a trace of pain, but Cai He continued relentlessly, "This fire—I've wanted to set it for so long. Every day I faced you all, every time I dutifully served you, I couldn't help but think of the torment my mother and sister endured in this manor. Night after night, I dreamed of lighting this fire. But I knew if I set it too soon, the world would never learn of the Qin Manor's evils. Now, the world knows. And Qin An—he won't die in the flames. Instead, he'll perish from the most shameful disease, rotting into putrid flesh, dying in the most agonizing and humiliating way possible!"

Lin Shi clutched her chest in fury and collapsed to the ground. "Mother!" Qin Xiang cried out.

Lin Shi slumped unsteadily to the floor, and Qin Xiang, holding her, had long since reddened eyes. She glared resentfully at Qin Chen. "Elder Brother! How can you let her speak like this? Tell everyone—what she's saying isn't true!"

Qin Chen remained speechless, but Cai He pressed on, "Actually... this still isn't enough... but I'm out of time... Now, I must go see the Old Madam. She might be waking soon. When she does, she'll witness her most beloved granddaughter-in-law and her own legitimate great-grandchild die before her eyes. That will be far more effective than chanting sutras and praying to Buddha..."

Cai He's voice grew distant and erratic. Only then did the crowd realize her words and Yao Xinlan's came from the same direction—but now, Cai He seemed to have left Yao Xinlan's side.

"To the right, about thirty feet away. Now she's at least fifty feet out," Yan Chi suddenly spoke, pinpointing Yao Xinlan and Cai He's locations by their voices.

Qin Guan urgently added, "There's a Buddhist shrine behind the main hall. She must be heading there now!"

"She's insane... completely mad..." Lin Shi, still sprawled on the ground, seethed with stubborn resentment. "She's mad—ignore her ravings. With such a fierce fire... there's no saving anyone now... Chen'er..."

Lin Shi's words drained the color from Mo Shu's face. Falling to her knees, Mo Shu wept and pleaded, "Madam, I beg you! The young mistress is carrying the young master's child! You can't possibly abandon the young master's heir—"

The flames raged on, and Lin Shi, deaf to Mo Shu's pleas, had already resolved that Cai He must die. As for Yao Xinlan and Jiang Shi, they could only be saved if possible—but Qin Chen must not suffer even a scratch.

Just as she steeled herself, Qin Chen suddenly moved. He seized another basin of water, doused himself, and charged toward the half-burned doorframe. Lin Shi's eyes nearly burst from their sockets. "Chen'er—!"

"Elder Brother—!" Qin Xiang screamed, tears streaming down her face.

Qin Chen's figure vanished in a flash, his blue silhouette like a robe consumed by the inferno. Against such flames, even ten garments thrown in would barely stir a ripple. Watching him, Qin Guan couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, yet his gaze remained icy."My Chen'er... my Chen'er... my Chen'er..." Watching Qin Chen dart inside, Lin Shi could no longer hold back her wails. Clueless about what to do, her gaze fell upon Yan Chi. Struggling to her feet, she crawled on her knees toward him. "Crown Prince, Crown Prince, I beg you to save them, please think of a way..."

Yan Chi frowned slightly at Lin Shi's desperate weeping. "This fire is beyond human control..."

As he spoke, Bai Feng could be seen in the distance urgently directing servants to carry water. Hearing this, despair flashed in Lin Shi's eyes. She turned her head abruptly and pleaded, "Your Highness, order them—order them to go inside and put out the flames there!"

Yan Chi's expression darkened instantly. The main hall was the fiercest blaze, likely the origin point of the fire. The front entrance had burned down to mere embers, the beams charred black, and the roof teetered precariously on the verge of collapse. How could Yan Chi send others to certain death? He regarded Lin Shi coldly. "You have a son, but they too have mothers. Entering such flames is suicide. If lives are lost, how will you bear the responsibility?"

Utterly hopeless, Lin Shi sobbed, "I can pay them—give them piles of silver... as long as they're willing to go in... Crown Prince..."

Yan Chi's demeanor grew even frostier. "With such thinking, no wonder the young master's morals are twisted." He then raised his chin toward the distance. "Everyone, work as quickly as you can. Save whom you can—if it's beyond saving, the blame won't fall on you."

Both the Qin Manor servants and the government officers visibly relaxed at these words. Though their movements became more efficient, their gazes toward Lin Shi lost all sympathy. Collapsing to the ground in despair, Lin Shi wailed uncontrollably. Qin Xiang stood frozen, tears streaming as she stared at the main hall. The wooden doors and windows had already crumbled into ashes, and several beams inside had snapped and collapsed under the flames. Witnessing this, Qin Xiang was certain Qin Chen couldn't possibly survive—her tears gushed forth like a flood.

This was a fire of vengeance. Qin Guan cared little for Qin Chen's fate, yet Yao Xinlan's porcelain-doll face kept surfacing in her mind. Heart heavy with sorrow, she clenched her fists, silently willing Qin Chen to somehow save Yao Xinlan.

Her anxiety and tension didn't escape Yan Chi's notice. Glancing at the roaring flames lashing through the window, he suddenly strode toward two servants hauling buckets of water. Taking the buckets from them, he walked toward the window frame now stripped bare by the fire. His departure was silent—by the time Qin Guan noticed, he was already at the window.

"Your Highness—"

Qin Guan cried out urgently. In the same instant, Bai Feng also spotted him.

"My lord—"

Their calls came one after another, but neither halted Yan Chi's steps. Buckets in hand, he leaped through the window into the inferno. Just like Qin Chen moments before, his figure vanished into the flames as if devoured by the blaze.

Qin Guan rushed forward two steps, her face paling instantly. Xu He and Bai Feng also hurried over. Bai Feng hitched up his robe, ready to charge inside, but Xu He grabbed his arm. "Guard Bai! You mustn't go in!"

Bai Feng's expression had already twisted with urgency. With a sharp shake, he broke free from Xu He's grip.

Swift as a shadow, the moment he was released, he flashed through the fiery window.Qin Guan's eyes trembled violently, her heart wrenching painfully. Xu He cried out in distress, "This... what should we do... If anything happens to the Crown Prince, how terrible!"

Qin Guan didn’t know why Yan Chi had entered, but cold sweat instantly drenched her temples. Even when held at knifepoint by Qin Chen with Cold Moon pressed against her neck, she hadn’t felt like this. Yet now, no matter how hard she tried to steady herself, she couldn’t calm down at all.

"Have everyone... have everyone pour water into this room... quickly!"

Her voice shook slightly as she spoke. At her words, the surrounding constables immediately gathered. They had watched Yan Chi enter, their hearts in their throats, terrified that something might happen to him...

Qin Guan clenched her sleeves tightly, pacing back and forth helplessly.

Xu He also wore a pained expression, but as he stared at the roaring flames, he knew that entering now would be certain death!

Qin Guan could hardly bear to look toward the room, but suddenly—with a loud crash—the beam nearest to the window collapsed from the ceiling, splitting in two as flames engulfed it.

Xu He shuddered in fright. "It... it can’t collapse..."

Qin Guan froze mid-step, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on the room. The fire raged, but there was no sign of Yan Chi or Bai Feng. Her heart pounded so violently it felt like it might leap out of her throat, yet she had no way to help. Not only was Qin Guan frantic, but everyone in the courtyard was affected. Just moments ago, Yan Chi had told the constables and servants they didn’t need to enter the fire to rescue anyone—yet in the blink of an eye, he had gone in himself. He was the exalted Prince Rui’s heir, after all—

"Ninth Miss..." Xu He’s voice cracked with emotion. "What if—"

Just as he was about to ask, "What if His Highness doesn’t come out?" Qin Guan’s anxious eyes suddenly brightened. Xu He whirled around—and through the fire-licked window, two figures staggered into view...

Xu He shouted urgently, "Your Highness! Your Highness—"

At his cry, the figures drew closer. But upon closer look, it was Qin Chen carrying Yao Xinlan into sight. Outside, Lin Shi rushed to the window, sobbing uncontrollably, while Qin Guan’s gaze remained fixed on the space behind Qin Chen.

Seeing Qin Chen emerge, those outside immediately doused the room with water. Soon, Qin Chen carried Yao Xinlan to the window. Qin Guan’s eyes flickered—both Qin Chen and Yao Xinlan were covered in soot, their hair dripping wet against their faces. Taking in their state, Qin Guan instantly realized Yan Chi must have poured most of the water over them.

"My son... my dear son..."

"Eldest Brother... Eldest Brother’s Wife..."

With help from outside, Qin Chen soon carried Yao Xinlan out of the fire. Lin Shi and Qin Xiang rushed to them, weeping. Most of the onlookers sighed in relief—but Qin Guan stood frozen by the window, not moving an inch.

Where was Yan Chi?! Where was Bai Feng?!

Her heart burned with anxiety. Then—with another deafening crash—two more beams collapsed inside. Xu He gasped, his face twisting in grief. "Your Highness—Your Highness, he—"Before the words could fade, though there was no movement from inside the window, two figures suddenly leaped out from the billowing smoke on the rooftop. Xu He gasped, and Qin Guan held her breath. She looked up to see the two figures vault through the thick smoke before descending one after the other from the sky.

Qin Guan stared blankly as Yan Chi, covered in black soot, landed right in front of her. Her hands, still tightly clutching her sleeves, trembled slightly. But seeing Yan Chi alive and well, an overwhelming wave of bittersweet relief washed over her—the kind that comes after narrowly escaping death.