Coroner's Diary

"Lord Shen has a daughter. Have you met her?"

Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained unchanged. "Why does the Crown Prince ask this?"

Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan with straightforward honesty. "You hold Lord Shen in such high regard. I thought perhaps you might have met him, or possibly his wife and daughter. He's a capital official, and you grew up in the capital too. It's possible you might have crossed paths at some ladies' tea gathering."

Qin Guan felt a slight relief and shook her head. "No, I never had that opportunity. Lord Shen returned to the capital over three years ago, but by then, I had already been sent to Jinzhou. A pity, really."

Yan Chi nodded. "Lord Shen's only daughter shares the same name as you—'Guan.' It must be fate connecting you two."

Qin Guan's heart raced again. "Is that so? Then it truly must be fate." After a brief pause, she changed the subject. "By the way, I forgot to ask, how did Your Highness find me that night? That storeroom was quite remote."

The sudden shift in topic made Yan Chi wary, but his expression remained composed. "Xu He mentioned you were looking for a painting, so I thought you might have gone to the library. When I didn't find you there, I searched the surroundings and noticed the storeroom's light was on."

Qin Guan realized—it had been nighttime, and the lit lamp would have been visible from afar. Her question had merely been a diversion. Once Yan Chi finished speaking, she lifted the carriage curtain to gaze at the streets outside. Yan Chi's deep eyes lingered on her before he suddenly asked, "With the Qin Manor in such a state, what will you do now?"

Qin Guan turned back. "The Qin Manor may have declined, but it doesn't affect me much."

"Even if the family's crimes don't implicate you, the Qin name is now tarnished in Jinzhou. That can't be good for you."

Qin Guan lowered her eyes with a faint smile. "Reputation is just reputation. Besides, I am still part of the Qin family. There's no reason for me to leave and go elsewhere."

Her voice was calm, devoid of resentment. Even within the Qin Manor, people like Qin Xiang likely blamed Qin An for their downfall, wallowing in bitterness over their diminished status. Yet Qin Guan remained unshaken.

Yan Chi studied her intently before asking, "Do you not wish to return to the capital?"

The question struck a nerve, but Qin Guan suppressed the urge to nod and replied evenly, "I could go anywhere, depending on fate. Given the Qin Manor's current situation, it's hard to say what the future holds."

Yan Chi fell silent. He understood Qin Guan's resolve and capabilities.

The carriage moved westward through the city. Early winter had left Jinzhou bleak and desolate, the sky a dull gray, the wind bitingly cold. The sight of the city's decay weighed on Qin Guan's heart. Of course, she longed to return to the capital—without going back, she couldn't uncover the truth behind her father's case. But she bore the Qin name, and this matter was beyond her control.

Though the carriage was cramped, it moved swiftly. Before long, it came to a smooth halt before the Marquis's residence.

Days had passed since her last visit, yet the estate remained as opulent as ever. The gatekeeper, seeing Qin Guan and Yan Chi alight together, hurried inside to announce them. The two entered one after the other, and soon, Yue Ning approached with Lü Qi in tow.

"I thought you'd come these past few days—and here you are!"Yue Ning looked Qin Guan up and down. "You seem to have lost weight. Is everything alright at Qin Manor?"

Qin Guan curtsied slightly in greeting, a gentle smile curving her lips. "It must be the princess's concern making me appear thinner. Qin Manor is fine, and so am I. There's no need to worry. How is Grand Princess's health?"

Yue Ning cast a meaningful glance at Yan Chi before walking alongside Qin Guan. "She's well. Grandmother has been taking walks recently and seems stronger than before. She's still taking the medicine you prescribed."

"And Young Master Wei's leg injury?" Qin Guan inquired further.

Yue Ning chuckled. "He's already left Jinzhou. His leg injury has nearly healed."

Qin Guan looked surprised. "He left? When did he depart?"

As Wei Qizhi was originally Qin Guan's patient, she couldn't help but worry when he left without her completing his treatment.

"He left on the day of Old Madam's funeral..."

Yue Ning seemed to understand Qin Guan's concern and reassured her, "Don't worry. He has guards ensuring his safety."

Qin Guan nodded. "With all the recent events at Qin Manor, I..."

Yue Ning shook her head. "We're aware of the situation at Qin Manor. Grandmother and Mother have been asking about you. When Old Madam's funeral was held, Qin Manor didn't send invitations, but Grandmother had considered sending Mother to attend."

Qin Guan felt touched. At this time, with Qin Manor's reputation tarnished and its standing precarious—which was why Qin Li had kept arrangements simple—some old acquaintances wouldn't have come even if invited. Yet the Marquis's household had thought of attending on their own initiative.

"Given Qin Manor's current circumstances, it wasn't appropriate to hold elaborate ceremonies. Please convey my gratitude to Grand Princess and Madam."

As they spoke, they approached Grand Princess's courtyard, where Lu Xiu was waiting eagerly at the gate. Upon entering, Jiang Shi immediately grasped Qin Guan's hands. "Oh, my heart aches for you! We've been wanting to have Ning'er visit you all these days, but with Qin Manor in mourning, we didn't want to breach etiquette. Come in, come in—you've lost so much weight!"

Before Qin Guan could respond, she was pulled to Grand Princess's side. The elderly woman patted the seat beside her. "How is Qin Manor? Who's managing affairs there now?"

Though Qin Guan was a guest, the Yue family treated her with such warmth that she felt more at home here than at Qin Manor. "Qin Manor is managing for now. Second Brother is overseeing matters. Please don't worry, Grand Princess."

Grand Princess sighed deeply. "Such a shame... what happened to that family..."

She patted Qin Guan's hand. "If things become difficult there, you're welcome to stay here with Ning'er. This household would surely be better for you."

Qin Guan smiled gently. "There's no need for concern. While the servants are unsettled, I'm fine. Oh—Eldest Brother's Wife has given birth to a daughter. I've been spending most of my time with her recently. The baby looks just like her mother and is utterly adorable."

"What wonderful news! At least your eldest brother has an heir now!"

Grand Princess's expression softened, and Jiang Shi added warmly, "This is truly a blessing."

Amid Qin Manor's turmoil, decline, and the shadow of death hanging over the household, the birth of Qiqi—this new life—was, if nothing else to others, a tremendous blessing to Qin Guan herself.After inquiring about the situation at Qin Manor, the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi, mindful of propriety, didn’t pry too deeply. Jiang Shi then said, “Since you’re here, you must stay for lunch. I’ll have some nourishing soup prepared for you right away. Look at you—you’ve gotten even thinner. Being too thin isn’t good.”

With that, Jiang Shi went off to arrange the meal, leaving Qin Guan no chance to decline. The Grand Princess held Qin Guan’s hand and smiled, “Let her handle it. You really do need to replenish yourself. I can see your complexion isn’t as good as before.”

Qin Guan didn’t feel her complexion had worsened, but since their kindness was hard to refuse, she acquiesced.

From the moment Qin Guan entered, the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi had been engrossed in conversation with her, inadvertently overlooking Yan Chi. The Grand Princess now turned to him and asked, “Have all those people been captured? Are there still any at large?”

“One of the account managers escaped. We’re tracking him down and currently know he fled eastward. I believe we’ll apprehend him within a few days,” Yan Chi replied, standing tall and poised by the window, not withholding the details from the Grand Princess.

The Grand Princess exhaled in relief. “Though this incident originated from Qin Manor, at least it exposed those outsiders. Such wicked deeds must be thoroughly eradicated by dealing with all involved.”

Just then, Yue Qing, clad in a blue robe, strode in excitedly. “Grandmother, has Ninth Miss arrived?”

Spotting Qin Guan seated beside the Grand Princess, his eyes brightened further. “So it’s true—Ninth Miss is here! How have you been lately?”

Qin Guan made to rise and greet him, but the Grand Princess held her back, teasing Yue Qing, “Look at you, sweating profusely! Stick to your drills—what business is Wan Yatou’s arrival of yours?”

Wiping the sweat from his face, Yue Qing grinned. “Grandmother talks about Ninth Miss every day, making me worry that the troubles at Qin Manor might affect her. It’s all your influence, yet you scold me…”

The Grand Princess shook her head with a smile. Qin Guan interjected, “Thank you for your concern, Second Young Master. Qin Manor is managing, and I’m fine.”

Yue Qing approached, visibly relieved. “That’s good. Otherwise, who would tend to Grandmother’s health?”

Qin Guan steered the conversation back to the Grand Princess, inquiring in detail about her daily routine before taking her pulse and prescribing a new remedy. The Grand Princess had the prescription stored away and led Qin Guan’s party to the front garden of wood-hibiscus flowers.

“This incident has indeed dealt a heavy blow to the Qin family in Jinzhou. What has the capital said about it?” the Grand Princess asked slowly, her tone thoughtful as she considered Qin Manor’s future.

Qin Guan shook her head. “The message should have been sent, but with the distance of a thousand li, we don’t yet know their stance.”

The Grand Princess sighed. “Is your second brother reliable in temperament?”

At the mention of Qin Li, Qin Guan hesitated. The former Qin Li had been far from “reliable,” but now he seemed somewhat changed. “Second Brother had his flaws before, but now he’s barely holding his ground.”

“Wealthy young masters raised in ordinary households must face trials, or they’ll seldom mature. If he can uphold Qin Manor from now on, the Jinzhou branch of the Qin family may yet have hope for revival.”Qin Guan nodded frequently as she listened to the Grand Princess's earnest words. Before long, a servant from the front courtyard came to invite everyone for lunch. Upon arriving at the main hall, they saw Yue Qiong and Yue Jia were also present. Due to the larger gathering, this midday meal was more elaborate than usual.

During the meal, Yue Qiong offered many words of comfort. After lunch, Jiang Shi had someone bring out the gifts prepared for Qin Guan. Aside from the jade pieces, Jiang Shi also presented Qin Guan with two premium mountain ginseng roots and a snow lingzhi mushroom, saying they were for nourishing her health. Qin Guan initially wanted to decline, but the Grand Princess spoke up again, leaving her no choice but to accept.

After the meal, Qin Guan accompanied the Grand Princess for a stroll. However, they had barely taken a few steps when the sky suddenly darkened.

"It looks like rain is coming again—" Yue Ning murmured, looking up to see a vast mass of dark clouds silently gathering on the horizon. The wind was also gradually picking up. Only a few days had passed since the last stretch of autumn rain, and now another downpour was imminent.

Seeing the approaching rain, Qin Guan took her leave. The Grand Princess thought for a moment and, glancing at Yan Chi who was following behind, said, "Xiao Qi, why don't you escort Wan Yatou back? If it rains, the journey might not be safe."

Yan Chi naturally agreed. Qin Guan bid farewell to the Grand Princess, Jiang Shi, and the others, then walked out with Fuling, who was carrying an assortment of gift boxes. Outside the manor gates, the carriage had been replaced—the Hou Manor's carriage was spacious and ornate, far superior to the prefectural one.

The sky was overcast with dark clouds as Qin Guan and Yan Chi boarded the carriage one after the other. Before they had gone far, a light drizzle began outside. Qin Guan lifted the carriage curtain to look out. "Your Highness mentioned earlier that only the accounting manager of Qingyuan Pawnshop remains at large, meaning all the others have been apprehended. Does this case involve anyone else?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Naturally. Qin An had his own vices, and others had theirs. As long as they could pay, the pawnshop would oblige. So far, two other wealthy households in the city have been implicated. Governor Huo will soon arrest them."

Qin Guan's eyes darkened slightly. "As expected, it's not just Qin Manor..."

If it had only been Qin An purchasing young girls, that would have been one thing. But once Qingyuan Pawnshop was involved, it was certain to extend beyond the Qin family. People only envied the nobility's outward glamour and prestige, but very few knew the hidden sins beneath their dignity. Qin Guan understood—this was a major case, far more significant than Song Rou's.

Yan Chi nodded. "There's still more to uncover. The accounting manager has a ledger detailing everyone involved."

Qin Guan suddenly understood why Yan Chi's tone had grown so serious when mentioning that man. "With the year's end approaching, Governor Huo is going to be busy."

A thoughtful glint appeared in Yan Chi's eyes. "This case is indeed extensive and difficult to investigate, but it's also an opportunity for Governor Huo. I can see he's putting in a lot of effort."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, understanding now. Huo Huaixin had been in local office for years and was surely aiming for a promotion to the capital. This case was indeed his chance. This line of questioning made her think of Yan Chi. "Your Highness holds the position of Judicial Commissioner—is it because you're currently in Jinzhou, or will you later join the Ministry of Justice?"

Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan, a faint smile playing on his lips. "The questions you ask are always different from other women's."Qin Guan was slightly taken aback for a moment when Yan Chi remarked, "Other noble ladies wouldn't be as concerned with court politics as you are."

With a helpless smile, Qin Guan replied, "It was just a passing thought that led to the question."

At this, Yan Chi's gaze deepened slightly. "Whether I'll go to the Ministry of Justice remains to be seen. I won't know until I return to the capital and meet with... certain individuals. Having been away for years, returning early to enjoy the comforts of the capital wouldn't be so bad."

Qin Guan's heart sank a little. Yan Chi was young and at the prime age to achieve great deeds—returning to the capital now was hardly about comfort.

Pretending not to understand, she remained silent for a while before asking, "When will Your Highness return to the capital?"

Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you eager for me to go back?"

"Of course not," Qin Guan said, her eyes darting playfully. "It just came up in conversation."

Only then did Yan Chi's expression ease. "This case isn't over yet. No matter what, I won't leave until it's resolved."

Qin Guan nodded, and Yan Chi added, "If I return to the capital, won’t it be difficult for us to meet again?"

Qin Guan smiled. "If fate allows, we'll meet again."

Yan Chi shook his head, feigning dissatisfaction with a sigh. "That’s hardly a loyal thing to say. After all, we worked together to solve a case—surely there’s some camaraderie between us."

Lowering her gaze, Qin Guan’s faint dimples appeared as she murmured, "Your Highness is a young hero with grand ambitions. Your stay in Jinzhou was always meant to be temporary—sooner or later, you’d have to return."

Yan Chi dropped his teasing demeanor and said solemnly, "Once I’m back in the capital, I’ll be a thousand miles away from you."

Qin Guan lifted her eyes, meeting his gaze squarely, and replied with a smile, "Is Your Highness worried you won’t find someone else as skilled as me in dissection and bone examination?"

Her words made Yan Chi’s lips curve, though he nodded seriously. "Indeed. I fear I won’t."

Qin Guan was momentarily stunned, as if she could no longer hold his gaze. Turning away, she lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. "We’re almost there. The rain is heavy—the Crown Prince should return to the marquis’s residence soon."

As she spoke, the carriage came to a stop. Qin Guan lifted the curtain and stepped down, but Yan Chi remained inside. After alighting, she glanced back at the still-drawn curtain before turning toward the estate. The gatekeeper, spotting her, hurried over with an umbrella.

Just as Qin Guan reached the entrance, she turned back and saw the carriage still standing in the misty rain. She was about to enter when the curtain was suddenly lifted. Yan Chi’s face appeared, watching her from across the rain-streaked distance. Qin Guan held his gaze for a moment, then smiled faintly and stepped inside.

The gatekeeper escorted Qin Guan and Fuling under the umbrella toward Orchid Isle Courtyard. As she walked, Qin Guan glanced up at the umbrella’s canopy and was reminded of another umbrella—one held high and steady, shielding her from every slanting wind and drizzle.

Only after entering the courtyard did Qin Guan exhale softly, casting aside the tangled thoughts in her heart.

"Miss, shall I place these gifts in the tall cabinet in the inner chamber?"

Qin Guan nodded, then suddenly remembered something. "Take out one ginseng root. We’ll go see Eldest Brother’s Wife."

Fuling hesitated. "Miss, this ginseng is of the finest quality. Wouldn’t it be better to—"

Qin Guan gently interrupted. "I know what you mean, which is why we’ve kept one aside for emergencies. Right now, I’m just a little tired—any tonic will do. But this ginseng can be a lifesaver. Eldest Brother’s Wife has been extremely weak since childbirth. It’ll be of greater use to her."Fuling sighed, "The young lady is truly kind-hearted."

Fuling took out a mountain ginseng and draped a cape over Qin Guan before they set off for Windward Courtyard under the pale blue umbrella. Upon arrival, Mo Shu and the two newly arrived matrons were visibly moved by the ginseng Qin Guan had brought. However, when Qin Guan entered the inner chamber, she found Yao Xinlan still asleep. Five days had passed since Qiqi's birth, and no matter how much Yao Xinlan loved sleep, it was unusual for her to be asleep every time Qin Guan visited.

As usual, Qin Guan first checked Yao Xinlan's pulse and, finding nothing amiss, stepped out with Mo Shu.

"Has Eldest Brother's Wife been sleeping like this all day?"

Mo Shu nodded, her eyes brimming with worry. This loyal girl, much like Fuling, was deeply concerned about Yao Xinlan's condition. "Ninth Miss, this servant feels something isn't right. After so many days, even someone without medical knowledge can see that the young lady's complexion has improved and her body is no longer cold, which means she's recovering. But why does she keep sleeping?"

Qin Guan walked to the adjacent Warm Chamber, where the wet nurse was feeding Qiqi. Watching the baby's innocent smacking lips, Qin Guan felt a slight relief. "Eldest Brother's Wife might still be struggling with her own emotional barriers."

Mo Shu glanced at Qiqi, her expression dimming. "The young lady shows no reaction even when she sees the little miss. This servant fears the little miss and her mother won't bond. Moreover... these past few days, Madam hasn't sent anyone over. If the little miss doesn't receive her mother's love, it would be truly pitiful. But with the young lady in such a state, this servant doesn't know how to advise her. Right now, her body still needs rest, and I'm afraid of upsetting her further."

Qin Guan shook her head. "There's no need to advise. Just bring Qiqi to her every day and let her see the baby. Qiqi is still young—she won't grow distant. Just take good care of her health and ensure Qiqi is well looked after."

As Qiqi finished her meal, Qin Guan stepped forward and took the baby into her arms. The little one's cheeks were as soft and white as dough, and Qin Guan couldn't resist pressing her face against them. Qiqi responded with a couple of coos.

Mo Shu exclaimed, "The little miss really likes Ninth Miss..."

Qin Guan felt her heart melting. She kissed Qiqi's forehead and whispered, "Such a well-behaved Qiqi must understand her mother's difficulties. When Mother gets better in a few days, she'll come hold Qiqi, alright..."

As Qin Guan spoke, Qiqi cooed again. Mo Shu's eyes reddened. "Thank you, Ninth Miss..."

Qin Guan stayed at Windward Courtyard for another hour before leaving. By the time she returned to Orchid Isle Courtyard, it was already late. Having held Qiqi for so long, her arms ached with fatigue. Shortly after returning to her room, she washed up and went to bed.

She slept soundly through the night. The next morning, as usual, Qin Guan rose early, had breakfast, and spent an hour or two at Windward Courtyard, playing with Qiqi and occasionally exchanging a few words with Yao Xinlan. Seeing Yao Xinlan still lying with her eyes closed as if asleep, Qin Guan could only sigh inwardly. When Qiqi took her midday nap, Qin Guan returned to her quarters, studying medical texts and refining prescriptions. In the afternoon, when she had time, she visited Windward Courtyard again. Sometimes Qin Shuang was there too. Qin Shuang's temperament had changed dramatically—she even initiated conversations with Qin Guan now.

Qin Guan spent four or five days like this, while the autumn rain continued unceasingly. On the morning of the fifth day, just as Qin Guan finished breakfast, Fuling hurried in with a slightly anxious expression.

"Young lady, Third Master has died at the government office—"Qin Guan was just heading to Windward Courtyard when she paused slightly upon hearing this. "Five days, that should be about right."

Fuling didn't quite understand at first, so Qin Guan asked, "Who went over?"

"Young Master went, along with the newly promoted steward He Xing."

Qin Guan nodded, turned on her heel, and walked back into the Warm Chamber. Fuling sighed, "They said the people from the yamen came not only to announce the death but also that the case against Third Master has been settled. Although it doesn't involve implicating the whole family, several of the Qin family's businesses have been seized. I heard these businesses were connected to that Qingyuan Pawnshop and had dealings with several other wealthy households in the city who were also arrested."

This was something Qin Guan had anticipated. It seemed Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin had managed to capture the fugitives within these five days, and during this time, Qin An had likely confessed most of his crimes. The seizure of the Qin family's businesses was now a foregone conclusion.

"It's only right. At least they didn't seal up this residence—that's something."

Fuling looked worried. "We don't know yet. This is just the beginning."

Understanding Fuling's concern, Qin Guan reassured her, "It's nothing. Things will get better. We used to live in the west backyard, where the conditions were worse than ordinary houses outside. Could our situation possibly be worse than back then?"

Fuling gave a bitter smile. "Young Miss really isn't worried at all..."

Qin Guan tilted her head. "What's there to worry about? You now know a hundred medicinal herbs—you could even become an apprentice at a pharmacy."

Fuling blushed slightly. "But... but which pharmacy would take a girl as an apprentice? Unless there's a female physician in charge..."

Qin Guan gestured to herself with her eyes. "Isn't there a ready-made female physician right here?"

Fuling's eyes widened, and she quickly waved her hands. "No, no! Young Miss is noble and precious—you can't go practicing medicine. If others found out, they'd surely laugh at you."

Qin Guan chuckled. "Noble and precious? Back when we lived in the west backyard, weren't we quite free?" She raised her hands. "Earning a living with one's own hands is a dignified thing."

Unable to argue, Fuling could only nod. "Yes, yes, whatever Young Miss says is right."

......

......

Qin An's death caused little stir in Qin Manor. Already terminally ill and guilty of grave crimes, when his mutilated corpse was brought back, Qin Li merely called a few male servants to complete the minor funeral rites. The coffin had been prepared in advance, and the ancestral hall was the same one Jiang Shi had used before, with the mourning banners and white funeral flowers still hanging.

As a convicted criminal, Qin An's funeral was destined to be the simplest. Qin Li didn't even invite monks to perform rites. After lying in state for just one night, early the next morning, Qin Shuang and her sister, along with Qin Guan, offered incense before Qin An was carried out of the city for burial. His lawful wife, Lin Shi, who should have attended in mourning attire, was absent, citing severe illness.

From encoffining to burial, there were no wails of grief, no funeral music. Qin Li didn't even carry the memorial tablet through the streets. On a drizzly morning, Qin An, once the head of the Qin family in Jinzhou, was buried in the cold, desolate earth outside the city, his passing as quiet as the muted rain.

Qin An died silently, but the crimes he committed and the consequences they bore now fell squarely upon the younger generation of the Qin family. For three consecutive days, yamen officers came to the manor. Though the residence itself wasn't sealed, Qin An's former quarters were thoroughly searched. Beyond the manor walls, multiple Qin family businesses were confiscated.The Qin family's grand ship was ultimately in tatters, and all the servants of Qin Manor lived in constant anxiety day after day. Another day passed, and Qin Li decided to cut unnecessary expenses in the manor. The first measure was to reduce the number of attendants serving each master.

Fuling hurried in from outside and sighed as she looked at Qin Guan, who was practicing calligraphy in the Warm Chamber. "Miss, they are still kneeling outside."

Qin Guan remained silent, only lifting her head after finishing the last stroke. "Let them in," she said, setting down the brush and moving to sit by the window.

Soon, Fuling led in Wan Tang, Wan Tao, and Wan Li. As soon as they entered, the three knelt on the floor.

Qin Guan took a sip of tea indifferently. "Why must you do this? Every part of the manor is reducing staff—even the Fifth and Sixth Young Misses are no exception. You come to beg me, but you know as well as I do that I have no extra silver to support you. Besides, you’ve been here long enough to know I don’t need so many attendants."

The three knelt, but Wan Xing was conspicuously absent. Wan Tang raised her head at Qin Guan's words, her eyes pleading. "But Miss... why keep Wan Xing? This servant has been loyal to you. I promise to serve you even more diligently in the future."

Wan Tang's eyes reddened with grievance. Beside her, Fuling sighed inwardly. When Qin Guan had asked her whom to keep, she had suggested Wan Tang. At the time, Qin Guan hadn’t objected, yet when the day came, she had unexpectedly named Wan Xing to stay. Fuling was surprised—she had always been quite satisfied with Wan Tang—but she would always stand by Qin Guan’s side and would never question her decision.

As soon as Wan Tang finished speaking, Wan Tao, her eyes also red, added, "Miss... I know I’m foolish and talk too much, but... but I don’t want to be driven out of the manor. Please show mercy, Miss..."

Wan Tao wiped her eyes and continued, "I’m not as capable as Sister Wan Tang, but... I don’t even need wages. I just want to stay with you, Miss. Please don’t send me away..."

After Wan Tao finished, Wan Li kept her head lowered in silence. Qin Guan turned to her. "Wan Li, what are your thoughts?"

Wan Li bowed her head even lower. "This servant... begs Miss... begs Miss..."

Qin Guan sighed. "You’ve all been here for two months now. Though I seldom call upon you, I thought since you’ve come, I should at least provide you shelter. I had hoped that if no misfortune befell Qin Manor, things could continue as they were. But now, with the manor in such a state, I cannot make an exception."

She paused briefly, then looked at Wan Li. "Wan Li, you are proud and unwilling to humble yourself even now. That’s commendable. You’ve studied poetry and possess many talents. With these, you’ll easily stand out among maidservants. Even outside Qin Manor, you’ll find a good place. I won’t keep you—staying here would only make you live in resentment."

Qin Guan spoke plainly. Wan Li trembled, then after a moment, kowtowed deeply to her.

Qin Guan said no more and turned to Wan Tao. "Wan Tao... do you truly wish to stay in the manor?"

At these words, hope flickered in Wan Tao’s eyes. "Yes, yes! This servant wants to stay!"Qin Guan's lips curved slightly. "What if it's a more laborious task?"

Wan Tao pondered briefly before nodding firmly. "This servant is willing!"

Qin Guan seemed to relax. "Good. The manor is downsizing its staff. Aunt Liu from the kitchen is a long-time servant who has decided to stay. She's an excellent cook and wants to take on an apprentice..."

Wan Tao's eyes instantly brightened, then welled with tears. "Miss—"

"Don't agree so hastily." Qin Guan's expression turned serious. "The kitchen staff has also been reduced. While you can learn cooking from Aunt Liu, you'll still have to handle daily chores—much harder work than here." She paused, her tone softening. "I remember your filial nature, so I want to explain this opportunity clearly. A skilled cook like Aunt Liu could earn high wages at an inn, but she stays at Qin Manor for comfort. You're still young—learn from her first. With a proper skill, your future will be in your own hands."

Tears rolled down Wan Tao's cheeks. "Miss... thank you..."

Normally eloquent, Wan Tao could only kowtow repeatedly now. Qin Guan sighed. "This is the path I think best for you, but your future depends on your own efforts. You don't have to accept—the choice is yours."

"This servant will go! Of course I'll go! Thank you, Miss..."

As an experienced maid, Wan Tao knew kitchen matrons held high status among servants—second only to stewards—with the best wages. Qin Guan's arrangement lifted her from the mud of potential dismissal to the clouds. Without Qin Guan's intervention, Aunt Liu would never have chosen her.

Qin Guan waved dismissively, and Wan Tao stopped kowtowing, wiping tears with a dazed smile.

Turning to Wan Tang, Qin Guan saw hope blazing in her eyes after witnessing the favorable arrangements made for Wan Tao and even kind words for Wan Li.

"Wan Tang, from now on... you're on your own."

Wan Tang froze, utterly unprepared for this response. Her face paled. "Miss... why...? This servant has served diligently at Orchid Isle Courtyard, never slacking..."

Her eyes moistened with what appeared to be genuine hurt.

Qin Guan's gaze turned icy. "Diligent at what? Diligently passing my affairs to others?"

Her voice carried cold, simmering anger.

Wan Tang's wounded expression stiffened, panic flashing in her eyes.

Fuling and Wan Tao frowned slightly, confused by Qin Guan's accusation as Wan Tang seemed ready to weep. After a moment, Wan Tang stammered, "What does Miss mean...?"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, her tone sharp as Cold Moon's blade. "The Eldest Young Master."

Those three words made Wan Tang's spine rigid. She stared wide-eyed at Qin Guan, trembling uncontrollably. "E-Eldest Young Master... this servant...""You appear to be a role model for the four of them, but in truth, your true master is the eldest young master. Wasn't it under his orders that you repeatedly entered my private chambers? Wasn't it you who informed him of my plans to visit the gatehouse?"

Qin Guan's tone was steady, devoid of any aggressive edge, yet this very calmness made Wan Tang break out in cold sweat. Meanwhile, Fuling beside her widened her eyes in shock and anger. "So it was you who sneaked into the young lady's chambers!"

Wan Tang lowered her head in panic, still struggling desperately. "N-no... that's not true... The young lady is just suspecting me... She has no proof..."

"Proof?" Qin Guan's expression turned icy as she suddenly looked at Wan Tao.

Wan Tao had never seen Qin Guan like this before. Under that cold gaze, she immediately straightened up, her face filled with deference.

"Take a whiff of her. Do you detect the scent of clover grass?"

At this question, Wan Tao quickly leaned over to sniff. After a few breaths, she nodded urgently. "Yes, there is. I've noticed it before too, but I thought it was just grass scent she picked up somewhere..."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, her usually clear and gentle gaze now sharp as a blade. "That's the Hundred Herbs Scent I applied to the innermost part of the bookshelf. This fragrance loses its scent quickly when exposed to sunlight. Only when the person who touched it steps into the sunlight will the scent emerge after about half an hour, and once it does, it lingers. I haven't touched that part of the shelf for days—so who did? This scent isn't on Fuling, nor on Wan Tao, yet it appears solely on you, Wan Tang. Have I wronged you in accusing you of insubordination and deceiving your mistress?!"

Her clear, resolute words struck like a hammer, and Wan Tang's trembling body collapsed to the ground.

"Young lady... young lady... it was the eldest young master who..."

Wan Tang sobbed as she spoke, but Qin Guan waved her hand impatiently. Wan Tang's offense had nearly cost Qin Guan her life at Qin Chen's hands. If not for the fact that she was merely a servant being manipulated, the punishment would not have been so lenient.

"Fuling, take them out."

At Qin Guan's command, Fuling immediately stepped forward with an angry huff and dragged Wan Tang up. The group filed out, and Qin Guan faintly heard Fuling's scolding outside. She shook her head. Qin Li reducing the number of servants was a good thing—she had long grown tired of so many people crowding the courtyard. As for Wan Xing, she truly suited her tastes.

Just as she was thinking this, the courtyard gate creaked softly. Fuling's scolding stopped abruptly as she hurried to open it.

Qin Guan didn't know who had arrived, assuming it was someone to take Wan Tang and Wan Li away, so she paid no attention. But soon, Fuling rushed back to the doorway, breathless. "Young lady, someone from the capital has come! The second young master requests your presence in the front courtyard—"