Coroner's Diary

The young man had a face as fair as jade, adorned with a feathered crown. His almond-shaped eyes were clear and bright, and his white robes fluttered gracefully, as pristine as frost and snow. Qin Guan found herself momentarily stunned as she looked at him, while the young man across from her was equally taken aback by her appearance.

"Wild creepers spread o’er the plain,

With crystal dew they’re wet.

There’s a maiden fair and sweet,

With eyes so clear and bright—"

With a hearty laugh, the young man suddenly recited four lines of poetry, his lips curving into a smile. Qin Guan stared at him for a moment, gripping her sleeves tightly to steady herself before regaining her composure. Seeing her silence, the young man clasped his hands and bowed slightly. "My apologies for the intrusion."

Suppressing the turmoil in her chest, Qin Guan lowered her gaze and returned a slight curtsey. "There’s no need for such courtesy, young master."

Straightening up, the young man swept a glance over Qin Guan before turning his attention to the medicinal herbs on the counter. He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "You don’t appear to be the one afflicted with illness, so these herbs must be for someone in your household. And this prescription—it must be of your own making?"

Qin Guan turned to the herbs on the counter, seemingly unwilling to engage further. Though Fuling could tell the young man was no common ruffian, he was still a stranger. Seeing Qin Guan’s silence, she stepped forward to shield her, preventing the young man from looking at her further.

Realizing his forwardness, the young man quickly added, "I am Sun Muqing, also a physician. I merely spoke up because I noticed your uncertainty about the prescription."

Also a physician? Fuling blinked at Sun Muqing. His refined demeanor and bright, clear almond eyes gave him an air of purity and grace, like a crane among clouds. She found herself without any dislike for him and took a small step back.

Qin Guan glanced at Sun Muqing. "You’re a physician as well?"

Sun Muqing smiled. "Do I not look the part?" He then turned back to the herbs. "Your prescription is already excellent, but adding a dose of smilax glabra would enhance its efficacy. Within ten days, the patient will surely show improvement."

A flicker of emotion passed through Qin Guan’s heart, but she maintained her composure. She nodded. "Thank you for your advice." Turning to the shop assistant, she said, "Add five qian of smilax glabra ."

The assistant acknowledged her request, and Qin Guan felt a measure of relief. Yet the young man remained standing nearby.

Qin Guan looked at him questioningly, and he grinned. "Your prescription bears some resemblance to one I know of. Did you devise it yourself?"

Qin Guan’s heart sank slightly. She had never treated venereal disease before, and time did not permit her to experiment with remedies one by one. The prescription she was using now was one she had vaguely recalled from her studies in Medicine King Valley. The original formula was far more complex—she had retained a few key ingredients and supplemented the rest based on her own research.

"No," she replied. "I once came across a similar prescription in a medical text, but it was too long ago, and I didn’t think to memorize it at the time. This time, I simply added a few more herbs to the ones I remembered."

Sun Muqing’s eyes brightened. "What was the name of the medical text you read?"

Qin Guan feigned thought for a moment before shaking her head. "I can’t recall. It might have been an ancient, incomplete manuscript..." She then looked at Sun Muqing. "Do you happen to know the origin of this prescription?"Sun Muqing hurriedly said, "This prescription is..."

Halfway through his sentence, he seemed to recall something and smiled somewhat sheepishly. "I can't quite remember now, but I find this prescription of yours quite remarkable..."

Qin Guan looked at Sun Muqing for a moment, nodded, and didn't continue the conversation.

Meanwhile, the shop assistant had already wrapped up the medicinal herbs. Seeing Qin Guan about to leave, Sun Muqing spoke again, "May I ask, miss, are you a female physician practicing in this city? Do you have a clinic?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "I don't practice medicine. I just enjoy reading medical texts in my spare time."

The assistant handed over the medicine package, and Fuling paid the money. Qin Guan nodded to the young man before turning to leave. Sun Muqing watched her longingly, taking a couple of steps forward before finally stopping, watching helplessly as Qin Guan boarded the carriage and departed. Only then did he let out a wistful sigh.

"Wild creepers spread across the fields, heavy with morning dew..."

Sighing, Sun Muqing turned back to the medicine counter and asked with a smile, "Shopkeeper, I heard there's a Little Medicine Immortal in Jinzhou City. Do you know where this Little Medicine Immortal practices?"

The shop assistant frowned. "This... I'm afraid I don't know. But I've heard that the Little Medicine Immortal cured the Old Madam of Marquis Anyang Manor..."

Sun Muqing made an "ah" sound, his face showing a hint of hesitation.

Marquis Anyang Manor—it sounded like a very prestigious place. Should he go or not?

......

Inside the carriage, Fuling said with some surprise, "Miss, that young gentleman just now seemed to be from a wealthy or noble family, yet he's actually a physician. Which wealthy young master in Jinzhou City would study medicine?"

Qin Guan sat straight against the carriage wall, her eyes slightly closed.

Sun Muqing was naturally not some wealthy young master from Jinzhou City. His surname was Sun, and he was a direct descendant of the Sun family from Medicine King Valley. When she had studied medicine in Medicine King Valley, Sun Muqing had been her senior brother. Qin Guan hadn't expected him to come to Jinzhou City.

"I don't know. It was just a chance encounter—no need to think too much about it."

Qin Guan's voice was calm, but her heart was filled with sorrow. To meet someone familiar yet remain unrecognized—this was her advantage, but also her sorrow. All connections in this world are precious, but in his heart, Shen Wan was already dead, and so their bond as senior brother and junior sister was naturally severed.

Qin Guan sighed deeply in her heart. "Let's return to the manor."

Fuling sensed Qin Guan's sudden melancholy but didn't know the reason. Seeing Qin Guan's somber expression, she didn't dare to ask further.

The carriage moved steadily and soon arrived at Qin Manor.

Though Qin Guan hadn't spoken much about Sun Muqing during the journey, his words and smile lingered in her mind, stirring waves of emotion within her. She couldn't help but think—she was no longer Shen Wan, but in the future, she might encounter more of Shen Wan's old acquaintances. Qin Guan had never considered this issue before, but after meeting Sun Muqing, her thoughts naturally turned to her father's wrongful case.

"Miss, shall I deliver the medicine to Second Young Master now?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Three doses a day will suffice. For the ulcerated areas, continue applying the White Apricot Cream as before."Qin Guan's mind was in turmoil. After giving a casual order, she headed to the Warm Chamber. She walked behind the writing desk but had no intention of practicing calligraphy. Instead, she turned and stood by the window. It was already the end of the ninth month, and the autumn chill had deepened. The desolation in the courtyard was even more pronounced. In the blink of an eye, she had already returned from death for two months.

Qin Guan stood motionless until Fuling returned from her errands.

"Young Miss, it's getting late. The ancestral hall in the front courtyard has been prepared. Second Young Master said everyone should gather there to pay respects," Fuling announced as soon as she entered.

Hearing this, Qin Guan quickly turned and acknowledged. Today, she wore a plain white pleated long skirt, which was neither too bright nor inappropriate for the occasion. She smoothed the folds of her skirt, removed the jade hairpin from her hair, and then left with Fuling.

The sky was ablaze with a brilliant sunset, its golden light casting a glow over the eaves and pavilions of Qin Manor. As Qin Guan walked along the manor's paths, Fuling continued, "Originally, the Old Madam's passing should have been grandly commemorated, but given the current situation in Qin Manor, Second Young Master couldn't arrange anything elaborate. He said we should just pay our respects now and not notify the rest of the clan. Only a few monks will be invited to perform a ritual, and after three days of mourning, she will be buried outside the city."

Qin Guan listened, understanding this was the only feasible solution. Taking a shortcut to the front courtyard, she saw the mourning decorations before she even arrived. Ahead of her, Lin Shi, dressed in hemp mourning clothes, was being supported by Qin Xiang as they walked.

Qin Li stood at the entrance of the ancestral hall, waiting for Lin Shi and the others. Frowning slightly, Qin Guan approached.

"Mother, if you're unwell, just offer incense and then rest," Qin Li said.

Overnight, Lin Shi seemed to have aged over a decade. The wrinkles on her forehead had deepened, and strands of white hair were visible at her temples. Hearing Qin Li's words, she nodded expressionlessly and allowed Qin Xiang to lead her into the ancestral hall.

After watching Lin Shi enter, Qin Li turned and noticed Qin Guan. He took a few steps forward. "Ninth Sister..."

Qin Guan nodded. "The medicine has been delivered to your courtyard. Take it according to this prescription for ten days."

Qin Li quickly agreed. Qin Guan glanced around. "Eldest Brother's Wife shouldn't need to come, right?"

"Of course not," Qin Li replied. "Ninth Sister, please go in and offer incense. Given the circumstances, we have to keep things simple. I hope Grandmother won't blame us."

"These are extraordinary times. We have no choice," Qin Guan said before entering the ancestral hall.

By now, Jiang Shi had already been encoffined. The coffin rested coldly in the hall, with a bright lamp burning. Several elderly maids who had served Jiang Shi for years were burning paper offerings nearby, creating a somber atmosphere.

Lin Shi had just finished offering incense. Qin Xiang helped her turn around, and without looking at anyone, Lin Shi was led out by her daughter.

Seeing Lin Shi's heartbroken expression, Qin Li sighed and gestured. "Ninth Sister, please offer your incense."

Qin Guan stepped forward and respectfully lit three sticks of incense for Jiang Shi.

Though she couldn't truly regard Jiang Shi as family in her heart, she still observed the proper rites.

After offering incense, Qin Li accompanied Qin Guan outside. Clearing his throat, he said, "Ninth Sister, please take good care of Eldest Brother's Wife. With Eldest Brother gone, we can't afford to lose her too."

"You don't need to worry about that," Qin Guan assured him.

With a nod, she bid Qin Li farewell and headed to Windward Courtyard to visit Yao Xinlan.Upon entering the courtyard gate, Qin Guan immediately heard Qin Shuang's voice from inside the house, her cooing tones suggesting she was still playing with the baby. A maidservant went in to announce their arrival, and soon Mo Shu emerged. "Ninth Miss—"

"Is Eldest Brother's Wife awake?" Qin Guan stepped forward and asked directly.

Mo Shu sighed. "She woke for a while but has fallen asleep again."

Having already checked her pulse during the day, Qin Guan didn't inquire further. She merely peeked into the inner chamber before moving to the Warm Chamber to see Qiqi. Qin Shuang had known of Qin Guan's arrival and spoke up as she entered, "Have you paid your respects to Grandmother yet?"

Qin Guan was slightly surprised. Behind her, Fuling and Mo Shu exchanged startled glances.

This was the first time Qin Shuang had voluntarily spoken to Qin Guan—and the first time her words carried no trace of rejection or mockery.

"I just came from there. I also ran into Madam and Fifth Sister."

Qin Shuang's attitude had softened, while Qin Guan had never provoked her to begin with. To Qin Guan, this change in Qin Shuang was a positive development.

"Madam and Fifth Sister..." Qin Shuang snorted disapprovingly before lowering her head to gaze tenderly at Qiqi. "If Madam were bedridden, that would be one thing. But since she can go to the front courtyard, she could at least come here to visit. Yet she hasn't."

She tapped Qiqi's tiny nose. "Your fifth aunt and grandmother don't treat you well."

Mo Shu hurriedly interjected, "Sixth Miss, you shouldn't say such things... Though Young Miss is small, she might still understand."

Qin Shuang chuckled. "How silly. She's only a day old. Even if she could understand, it wouldn't matter—it's the truth anyway..."

Her voice trailed off with a sigh. Watching her, Qin Guan suddenly understood—Qin Shuang's mother had also passed away shortly after her birth, and few in the family had genuinely cared for her growing up.

Mo Shu seemed to want to say more but ultimately held her tongue. Naturally, she harbored resentment and pitied Yao Xinlan, but as a servant—and even Yao Xinlan herself—she couldn't voice such thoughts openly. With Qin Chen gone, Yao Xinlan and her child were struggling to get by in Qin Manor. Mo Shu dared not offend anyone carelessly.

After a moment's thought, Mo Shu said instead, "It's alright. Young Miss still has her sixth aunt and ninth aunt to love her."

Seeing the situation, Qin Guan thought it best not to comment further. She stayed a while longer in Windward Courtyard, checking Yao Xinlan's pulse once more before leaving. On their way back, Fuling sighed. "Poor Young Miss, losing her father at birth with no elder brother to inherit the family estate. If Madam maintains this attitude, Young mistress will have an exceedingly difficult time."

Qin Guan understood this well and couldn't help worrying for Yao Xinlan. Yet she herself was like drifting duckweed in Qin Manor—how could she possibly help Yao Xinlan? Comparatively, Yao Xinlan wasn't entirely without resources.

"Don't forget—Yao Xinlan still has her maternal family."

......

A good night's sleep was interrupted early the next morning by unusual commotion in the courtyard—a rare occurrence in Orchid Isle Courtyard. Collecting herself, Qin Guan drew aside the bed curtains to see Fuling entering with a celadon vase in her arms.

Frowning, Qin Guan asked, "Where did that come from?"

Fuling had been moving quietly and started at the question. Setting down the vase, she approached excitedly. "Miss, your words were truly prophetic..."

Half-awake, Qin Guan asked in confusion, "What do you mean?"Fuling's face was beaming with joy. "The young mistress's family has sent people over!"

As she spoke, she glanced at the porcelain vase on the table by the window. "This time, the young mistress's family has prepared gifts for everyone, and they've sent especially many to our side. This vase is one of the things they brought."

Qin Guan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. The Yao family had arrived so quickly?!

Yao Xinlan had only received the letter two days ago, and today the Yao family was already at the manor?

Qin Guan pushed aside the bed curtains and got up, beginning to understand. The magistrate of Jianzhou must have issued urgent orders upon learning of the incident at Qin Manor, especially since Yao Xinlan was nearing her delivery date—this was no time for carelessness.

While dressing, Qin Guan asked, "Who has come?"

Fuling quickly replied, "Two maidservants came—they're said to be the Old Madam Yao's personal attendants. When they set out, they only knew something had happened at Qin Manor. It wasn't until they arrived today that they learned both the Old Madam and the young master had passed."

Fuling sighed. "But then again, who could have imagined such a sudden and drastic change at Qin Manor?"

Qin Guan nodded. "True. Still, it's good that Eldest Brother's Wife now has capable people by her side."

"Exactly. As soon as word spread that the Yao family had sent people, Madam Lin went straight to Windward Courtyard first thing this morning."

Fuling gave a bitter smile, but Qin Guan shook her head. "I just wonder what Eldest Brother's Wife plans to do."

Fuling didn't respond to this. Given Yao Xinlan's temperament, there wasn't much to expect from her.

After finishing her morning routine and breakfast, Qin Guan headed to Windward Courtyard. At the courtyard gate, she happened to run into Lin Shi and Qin Xiang on their way out. Lin Shi's expression remained cold, and Qin Xiang was frowning deeply. Noting their displeasure, Qin Guan lowered her eyes as if she hadn't noticed and gave a slight curtsy in greeting. Lin Shi said nothing and hurried away with Qin Xiang.

Only after they had left did Qin Guan straighten up. She watched their retreating figures for a moment before silently entering the courtyard. Mo Shu was speaking with a few maidservants and immediately brightened upon seeing Qin Guan, eagerly stepping forward to welcome her.

"Ninth Miss—" It was clear that the arrival of the Yao family had lifted Mo Shu's spirits and given her a renewed sense of support.

Mo Shu ushered Qin Guan inside, announcing as soon as they entered, "Honored maidservants, Ninth Miss is here!"

Her voice carried unmistakable excitement. Almost instantly, two dignified maidservants emerged from the inner chamber. Both appeared to be in their forties. Though they were servants, their clothing and accessories were of fine quality, and their bearing carried the refined grace and measured deference characteristic of those raised in noble households.

The two approached Qin Guan in turn, sinking into deep bows before they even reached her.

"We pay our respects to Ninth Miss and thank you for your life-saving kindness."

With these words, they both kowtowed to Qin Guan. Qin Guan hurried forward. "Honored maidservants, this is too much! Please rise—how could I possibly accept such a gesture from elders like yourselves?"

But the two maidservants refused to rise, completing three full kowtows before straightening.

Qin Guan glanced at Mo Shu. "Quickly help the honored maidservants up..."Before Mo Shu could speak, one of them said, "This courtesy is not for others to receive, but Ninth Miss certainly deserves it. Mo Shu has told us all the details. We've watched our young lady grow up since childhood. Knowing she was due to give birth in just over a month, we wanted to come earlier. Never did we expect such chaos during her delivery. Had it not been for Ninth Miss's intervention, our young lady might have already lost her life. For this tremendous life-saving grace, we offer our deepest gratitude on behalf of Old Madam and the master of our household."

Qin Guan sighed softly upon hearing this. "You exaggerate. It was only what should be done. Please rise, both of you."

Only then did the two women stand up one after another. The same woman continued, "Mo Shu also mentioned that when our young lady returned last time, it was Ninth Miss who saved her then too. And in daily life, our young lady has relied on Ninth Miss's care. We will surely report all these kindnesses to our master upon our return. The Yao family remembers its debts of gratitude."

Qin Guan shook her head with a faint smile. "When I did those things, it wasn't for any reward. There's no need to take it to heart. What matters now is Eldest Brother's Wife—she's been very weak these days and needs your careful attention."

The woman nodded. "Naturally. We two are most experienced in caring for women in confinement. We'll make sure our young lady recovers properly. The birth of a young miss is happy news. Although we're currently in the mourning period for Old Madam, this news must still be reported to our master. We came specifically for our young lady, and now we'll naturally stay for the time being."

Qin Guan was primarily concerned about Yao Xinlan's health. How the Yao family handled their communications wasn't her place to interfere. Moreover, she understood that the two women, having witnessed Yao Xinlan's condition, would naturally inform Yao Xinlan's father as well—which would involve more complicated matters.

As Qin Guan exchanged pleasantries with the two women and entered, their arrival immediately brought a sense of calm to everyone in Windward Courtyard. With them present, even the head maid Mo Shu could only stand by. Seeing this, Qin Guan felt some relief for Yao Xinlan—if nothing else, having Yao Xinlan's health properly restored would be the best outcome.

With capable hands now managing Windward Courtyard, Qin Guan only needed to focus on Yao Xinlan's medical consultations. However, two days passed—Yao Xinlan's lochia had significantly reduced, and her complexion improved, yet she remained silent.

She woke for only brief moments each day before falling back asleep. In the first two days, Qin Guan's medicine had sedative effects, but even after changing the prescription, Yao Xinlan remained excessively drowsy. Strangely, Qin Guan's pulse readings revealed nothing abnormal.

Gradually, everyone in Windward Courtyard understood that Yao Xinlan's condition was psychological. Mo Shu and the two newly arrived women wore worried expressions, though they dared not show it in front of Yao Xinlan. Qin Guan spent time talking with Yao Xinlan daily, but it had no effect.

On the third day at dawn, Jiang Shi's funeral procession began.

Though the Qin Manor's reputation in Jinzhou City was already ruined, as the head of the household, Jiang Shi's funeral was still grand. Except for Yao Xinlan, all younger family members including Lin Shi donned mourning garments to follow the procession. Mourning banners fluttered, and dirges filled the air. Qin Li led the procession holding the memorial tablet, with Qin Guan and others close behind, followed by a long line of Qin Manor servants all in white mourning clothes, wailing as they walked. Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, walking ahead, cried until their faces were streaked with tears—but Qin Guan found herself unable to weep.Qin Guan lowered her eyes, suddenly recalling the unclaimed remains of her father and mother.

That bloody and cruel long night, the remains of their entire family had fallen outside the imperial city.

And afterward? Qin Guan narrowed her eyes in thought. According to the habits of the patrol battalion and the imperial guards, the executed members of a condemned clan were usually left abandoned in mass graves beyond the city. A sharp pang struck her heart...

Drifting funeral paper money scattered across the ground. Though Qin Li had chosen a secluded main road, it wasn’t long before the Qin Manor’s funeral procession reached a more crowded area. At the sight of the Qin family’s burial procession, murmurs immediately rose among the onlookers.

"Is that Qin Manor? Is that the Old Madam of Qin Manor?"

"Indeed. That fire... it burned the Old Madam to death..."

"How did the fire start? I saw it—that fire was eerily sinister!"

"It was the murderer hiding in Qin Manor. Do you all remember the deaths in Qin Manor earlier? They say the Qin family committed too many evil deeds, and someone came back for revenge. They hid in the manor for years, biding their time, then set a fire that killed two of the Qin family's masters."

"Besides Old Madam, who else…?"

"I think it was the Qin family's eldest young master. Look, the one carrying the memorial tablet in front is the Qin family's illegitimate son."

The murmurs from the crowd seeped through the gaps in the funeral music, reaching the ears of the people from the Qin Mansion. Amidst such gossip, the Qin family's funeral procession slowly made its way out of the city. Once outside the city walls, all the Qin Mansion people exhaled deeply, as if they had been holding their breath for a long time.

In a teahouse near the city gate, Sun Muqing grabbed the arm of a patron beside him and pointed at the funeral procession that had just passed by. "Which family suffered this misfortune?"

The middle-aged man he stopped raised an eyebrow. "You're not from around here, are you?"

Sun Muqing chuckled. "No, I just arrived a few days ago. Brother, is this family well-known?"

Hearing this, the man smiled meaningfully. "Well, I wouldn't say 'well-known.' A month ago, they were still counted among the noble families of Jinzhou. But in less than a month, they first had a murder case, then a scandal from ten years ago was exposed. Now, this family is practically infamous."

Sun Muqing frowned, his mind still lingering on the fleeting glimpse of Qin Guan's profile he had just caught...

After a moment's thought, he grew even more certain he hadn't misremembered and asked, "How did the murder happen? And what scandal?"

As a regular at the teahouse, the middle-aged man had naturally heard many tales. Seeing Sun Muqing's genuine curiosity, he decided to indulge him. "This family has had quite a few strange incidents. Let me start with their 'Ninth Miss,' who 'returned from death'..."

Sun Muqing blinked. "Ninth Miss? Returned from death?"

The man grinned. "I don't know the full truth of it, but Jinzhou's noble circles are small, and rumors spread fast. Here's how it went: at the end of July, their Ninth Miss..."

The man launched into a vivid retelling of the Qin family's bizarre affairs. Sun Muqing ordered him a fresh pot of tea, and the man grew even more enthusiastic. Half an hour later, Sun Muqing stared at him wide-eyed. "What? The Qin family's master had such depraved habits? And he killed all those young girls?!"

Sipping his tea, the man sighed. "Exactly. Who would've thought? The Qin family is a branch of the Loyal Marquis Manor in the capital. They used to have some reputation in Jinzhou—noble families always put on airs of righteousness. Outsiders might believe it, but who knew they were capable of such heinous acts..."

Sun Muqing's frown deepened. "This is truly... unconscionable!"

The man nodded and glanced out the window. "That's why, while people usually refrain from gossip during funerals, did you notice how many were pointing and whispering at the Qin family's procession?"Sun Muqing nodded, "Indeed." Then, with a playful glint in his eyes, he added, "However, the events that followed were merely the result of human malice. But what you mentioned at the beginning—about the Ninth Miss of her household returning from death and possessing extraordinary medical skills—that’s rather hard to believe."

"Why is it hard to believe?!" The storyteller, clearly annoyed at having his tale questioned, raised his eyebrows. "This caused quite a stir in Qin Manor for a while. Many people there knew about it and still whisper about it behind closed doors."

Sun Muqing quickly asked, "What does the Ninth Miss of Qin Manor look like? Is she beautiful?"

The middle-aged man widened his eyes at Sun Muqing. "Young man, why are you asking about a young lady’s appearance? I thought you were simply curious about the affairs of Qin Manor, but now you—"

With that, the man stood up. "You look decent enough, but I never expected you to be such a shameless rogue, prying into a lady’s looks! Why don’t you just go and see for yourself?"

After downing the last of his tea, the man flicked his sleeves and stormed off. Sun Muqing watched his retreating figure helplessly. "If I really went there in person, wouldn’t that just confirm his suspicions…?"

With a long sigh, Sun Muqing blinked and murmured, "So she’s a young lady from Qin Manor… But which one? Surely she can’t be that Ninth Miss…"

……

……

By the time Qin Guan returned from the funeral outside the city, dusk was already falling. She headed straight for Orchid Isle Courtyard upon entering the manor. Fuling, who had accompanied her, was exhausted as well and immediately prepared a bath for Qin Guan once they arrived.

As Qin Guan undressed and stepped into the tub, Fuling remarked curiously, "When we returned just now, Wan Tang, Wan Xing, and Wan Li were all outside. Wan Tang is one thing, but why was Wan Li there too? Do you remember, miss? She’s been showing up a lot these past few days."

Qin Guan leaned back in the tub to rest for a moment before replying, "With Qin Manor in its current state, even the masters can’t rest easy, let alone the servants. Wan Li is proud and ambitious—she probably thinks she deserves to serve a more favored mistress. But now, whether favored or not, Qin Manor is on the verge of collapse. Servants like them are all fearing for their own futures."

Her tone was calm as she slowly closed her eyes. Fuling’s eyes brightened slightly. "I hadn’t thought of that. I heard the trouble in Qin Manor this time is serious—many of their assets might be seized. Not only will they bear the stigma of a disgraced family, but their daily comforts will never be the same as before. They’re probably worried about being cast out, aren’t they?"

Qin Guan gave a soft hum of agreement. Fuling was far from foolish—she grasped things quickly.

"Miss, if you had to choose one of them to keep, who would you pick?"

Without opening her eyes, Qin Guan replied mildly, "If it were up to you, who would you choose?"

Fuling tilted her head in thought. "Wan Tang. She’s the most well-trained—one of her could do the work of three. Wan Li is out of the question. Wan Xing is good too, but she’s too quiet and dull. In the future, you’ll need capable people who can manage affairs and socialize with others. Wan Xing probably wouldn’t be up to the task."

Qin Guan’s expression was weary. "That’s sound reasoning."Fuling smiled and, seeing that Qin Guan was utterly exhausted, refrained from speaking further. Qin Guan remained in the bath for a while longer before stepping out to change clothes and soon lay down on the bed. After tidying the inner chamber, Fuling stepped outside and noticed Wan Tang and the others still waiting there.

Fuling had a better impression of Wan Tang, so she naturally instructed her to lead the others to rest for the night.

That night, Qin Guan slept deeply, so much so that when she awoke the next day, the sky outside was already bright.

Collecting herself, Qin Guan rose from bed. Hearing the movement, Fuling entered and said with a smile, "Miss, you finally managed to sleep in for once."

Qin Guan chuckled, but the full night's rest had indeed restored her spirits considerably. After a moment's thought, she said, "It's been many days since I last visited the Marquis's residence. I wonder how Grand Princess's health is, and Young Master Wei's leg injury..."

Fuling couldn't help but laugh. "Miss, you truly never stop."

After breakfast, Qin Guan went to Windward Courtyard as usual. Yao Xinlan's pulse was steady, and her complexion had regained some color. However, just like in previous days, she remained reticent. Meanwhile, Qiqi's tiny face had lost its newborn wrinkles, revealing delicate features that bore a striking resemblance to Yao Xinlan. Qin Guan stayed a while longer when suddenly Qin Li hurriedly arrived at Windward Courtyard.

Mo Shu ushered Qin Li inside, and his eyes immediately sought out Qin Guan. "Ninth Sister, you're indeed here!"

Qin Guan stood up. "What's wrong? Has something happened?"

Qin Li's brow was deeply furrowed. "Just now, someone from the prefectural office came to say that Father is in critical condition in prison and asked for someone to go see him. They said... it might be the last chance... Ninth Sister, could you accompany me?"

At this, Qin Guan understood—Qin Li wanted her to come along in case it became necessary for her to try saving Qin An. Qin Guan had no desire to spare Qin An's life, but seeing the plea in Qin Li's eyes, her heart softened, and she nodded.

Qin Li's eyes brightened. "That's wonderful! Ninth Sister, let's go now! The carriage is ready!"

Without further words, Qin Guan instructed Fuling to fetch the necessary acupuncture needles before leaving the residence with Qin Li. Once in the carriage, Qin Li looked at Qin Guan and said, "I'm sorry, Ninth Sister. I shouldn't have asked you to come."

Qin Guan remained expressionless. "If you knew you shouldn't, why did you ask? Since I'm already here, there's no need for such words. I have no wish to save his life—I'm only doing this out of consideration for your filial devotion."

Qin Li looked abashed at her words. "Ninth Sister, you have a kind heart. I know that, though he deserves his fate, he is still my father. And I thought... given his condition, even you might be powerless to help."

Qin Guan privately agreed that her visit was unlikely to change anything. Qin An's venereal disease had reached its final stages, beyond the reach of medicine. Still, as a physician, she couldn't make a definitive judgment without seeing the patient.

Qin Guan didn't respond to Qin Li, and silence fell in the carriage. This wasn't her first time at the prefectural office. When the carriage stopped, she was the first to step out, heading straight for the entrance with Qin Li following behind. After exchanging a few words with the guards at the gate, they were promptly led inside.The constables already knew Qin Guan and were aware of her standing in the eyes of both Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi. They treated her with utmost respect, explaining the purpose of their visit along the way, while barely sparing Qin Li a glance. Qin Li could only force a bitter smile. As the group moved deeper into the government office, nearing the prison entrance, a voice suddenly rang out—

"Miss Qin—"

Qin Guan halted in her tracks, stiffening instantly.

Sun Muqing had just emerged from a side path. Overjoyed at the sight of Qin Guan, he strode right up to her. "Miss Qin, it's really you! I never thought I'd have the fortune of meeting you again. Ever since we last parted, I've often reminisced about your grace and beauty. Had I not seen you in mourning attire on the street yesterday, I wouldn't have even known you were from the Qin family..."

Qin Guan frowned slightly at Sun Muqing's warm, beaming smile. Before she could respond, a dark figure stepped out from the prison entrance. Raising her gaze, she saw Yan Chi standing there, a cold, unfriendly smirk playing at the corner of his lips.