Coroner's Diary

The carriage came to a halt in front of the Marquis's residence, and Fuling was the first to jump down.

"Miss, take your time."

Qin Guan descended with Fuling's assistance, and Fuling then retrieved the prepared gift box. As the two ascended the steps of the Marquis's residence, the gatekeeper immediately went inside to announce their arrival. Familiar guards of the residence greeted them with practiced bows, and Qin Guan entered without any hindrance.

Walking along the main path inside the estate, they hadn't gone far when Yue Ning approached, clad in a white martial attire.

Her dark hair was tied up with a white silk ribbon, hanging spiritedly behind her. With each step, her sleeves fluttered gracefully, and her bright eyes seemed to hold a warm sun within them. "Hmm... What's the meaning of bringing gifts?" Yue Ning strode up to Qin Guan, her tone tinged with surprise. "It's not any festival or special occasion..."

Qin Guan curtsied slightly, and Yue Ning, with her usual straightforwardness, helped her up, still eyeing Qin Guan with curiosity. Though not as perceptive as Qin Guan, Yue Ning had a gut feeling that her visit today was for a reason. "Has something happened?"

"There's no need for concern, my lady. There is indeed a matter I need to inform you and the Grand Princess about."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow and asked first, "Is it good news or bad..."

Qin Guan's eyes flickered momentarily. "It should be good news, but then again, it might not be."

Qin Guan didn't know what awaited her on the journey back to the capital, nor could she determine the best timing. Uncertain, she added the words "might not be." Yue Ning grew impatient. "Don't keep me in suspense. What exactly is it?"

"Someone from the Marquis's residence in the capital has come to take us three sisters to the capital."

Qin Guan spoke calmly, but Yue Ning abruptly stopped in her tracks. "Take you to the capital?"

Qin Guan nodded. "They arrived yesterday, and we'll be leaving in four days."

A glimmer of realization flashed in Yue Ning's eyes. "So that's why you brought gifts. You're here to bid us farewell..." She sighed, her expression turning gloomy. "Leaving in just four days is too rushed."

Yue Ning slowed her pace, and Qin Guan matched her steps. "Winter is approaching, and the journey to the capital takes nearly a month. If we encounter snow along the way, it will delay us further. That's why the timing is so tight—they want us to arrive before the twelfth month."

Yue Ning pressed her lips together, momentarily at a loss for words. Qin Guan had grown up in the capital, and with the recent incidents at Qin Manor in Jinzhou, it made sense for them to be summoned back. Still, it felt too sudden. The thought of Qin Guan leaving left Yue Ning feeling unsettled. "Once you go, you probably won't return to Jinzhou, will you?"

Qin Guan lowered her gaze with a faint smile. "I don't know..."

Yue Ning snorted lightly. "Once you're in the capital, in a few years you'll be married off. Why would you ever come back?"

Qin Guan chuckled and shook her head. "But you might return to the capital as well, my lady. Then we'd surely meet again."

Yue Ning snorted again, her usually bold and spirited demeanor now resembling that of a sulking young girl. Seeing her like this, Qin Guan also felt a pang of melancholy and simply said, "I didn't expect them to come for us so suddenly either."

Yue Ning sighed after a moment's thought. "Never mind. Let's go see Grandmother first."The two had been walking slowly for a while, but now they quickened their pace. When they arrived at the Grand Princess's courtyard, both the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi were present. Qin Guan stepped forward to greet them and had Fuling present the gifts. Both Jiang Shi and the Grand Princess showed slight surprise, much like Yue Ning had earlier. Qin Guan hurriedly explained her purpose for visiting. Upon hearing that someone from the Loyal Marquis Manor had come to take Qin Guan away, the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi were even more astonished.

"Why the sudden decision to take you sisters to the capital?" Jiang Shi frowned slightly. "Is it just because of what happened at Qin Manor?"

Qin Guan nodded. "The one who came is Third Brother—the heir of the Loyal Marquis Manor. That’s what he said."

Jiang Shi looked at the Grand Princess, who remained silent but wore a thoughtful expression. After a moment, the Grand Princess said, "Given the current situation at Qin Manor, returning to the capital is indeed the better choice."

After a brief pause, however, the Grand Princess added with concern, "But you’ve been away from the capital for many years. Going back now might be difficult to adjust to. The situation in the capital is far more complicated than in Jinzhou, and you’ll likely face more hardships."

Qin Guan smiled faintly. "Grand Princess, please don’t worry. You know my temperament—I’ll take good care of myself."

The Grand Princess nodded. "I trust your temperament, of course. But once you leave Jinzhou, we’ll rarely see each other, and I won’t be able to look after you as often. With both your parents gone, even though your uncle and aunt will be there, to me, it still feels like you’re returning to the capital alone. Naturally, that weighs on my mind."

Qin Guan felt a warmth in her heart. Though she had saved the Grand Princess first, that had merely been a small act of kindness on the street. Yet the Grand Princess had remembered it. Later, even though Qin Guan had helped the marquis’s household, it all stemmed from the Grand Princess’s gratitude—she had invited Qin Guan to Yue Jia’s wedding. Without that invitation, her circumstances would have been far different.

Moved, Qin Guan’s eyes glistened with moisture. "I know the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang care for me deeply. But since someone from the capital’s marquis manor has come, I have no choice but to return. Grand Princess, your health has been improving—do you plan to return to the capital someday?"

The Grand Princess sighed. "When I left that place, I swore I’d never go back. What the future holds, I don’t know. That’s why I worry. Once you leave, who knows if we’ll ever meet again?"

A wave of sorrow rose in Qin Guan’s heart. Unlike her sisterly bond with Yue Ning, the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi’s concern was that of elders—often reminding her of her own parents. Though the Grand Princess’s health had improved, she was still advanced in years. At her age, illness was inevitable. If anything were to happen, they might truly never see each other again.

"Of course we’ll meet again." Qin Guan couldn’t bring herself to say many comforting words. Instead, she turned and took a box from Fuling’s hands. "This is a set of prescriptions I’ve prepared for the Grand Princess—all beneficial to your health. Following these will gradually dispel the harmful influences in your body. In daily life, the Grand Princess should move around more and maintain a balanced diet. I’ve also noted all the dietary restrictions inside. Most importantly, the Grand Princess must keep a cheerful heart and avoid exposure to cold. In a few days, when the weather turns cooler, remember to light the Earth Dragon in your chambers early..."Qin Guan felt a pang in her heart as she spoke. The gifts she had bought were merely jade artifacts and ceremonial items—things the marquis's manor certainly didn't lack. After much deliberation, she decided to follow the same method she had used when leaving prescriptions for Yao Xinlan, jotting down everything she could think of. The box even contained secret recipes she had learned from Medicine King Valley. Unable to replicate them exactly, she substituted very similar medicinal ingredients—all excellent formulas for nurturing the elderly.

She made these preparations out of concern that after she left Jinzhou, the Grand Princess would have to rely on other physicians for even minor ailments like headaches or fevers. It wasn’t that she distrusted others, but after spending so much time tending to the Grand Princess’s health, she had almost come to see it as her personal responsibility. These prescriptions would last at least half a year. By then, the Grand Princess’s condition might change, necessitating new formulas.

Yet voicing such plans made it seem as though they might never meet again, as if she were making final arrangements. Not only Qin Guan, but even Jiang Shi beside her felt her nose sting. Qin Guan appeared to be meticulously settling every future matter, which pained Jiang Shi. Though unspoken, Jiang Shi understood: if the Loyal Marquis Manor in the capital had sent Qin Guan to Jinzhou back then, they certainly hadn’t treated her as a beloved niece.

The bond formed during their daily interactions years ago had never been strong, and now, after three years apart, even that faint affection had faded. Any superficial politeness and consideration wouldn’t make them feel like family.

Coming from a prominent noble family in the capital herself, Jiang Shi was all too familiar with the covert rivalries among aristocratic women and the scheming within grand households. She worried Qin Guan might face bullying upon returning to the capital...

"Ning'er couldn’t compare to Guan'er’s thoughtfulness," Jiang Shi said, her voice slightly hoarse. "But hearing you talk like this makes me feel we might never see each other again. Once you return to the capital, you’ll likely marry within a couple of years, and then it’ll be hard for you to come back to Jinzhou."

Yue Ning hurried over and clasped Jiang Shi’s arm.

If Yue Ning could foresee this, Jiang Shi certainly could. Qin Guan’s heart clenched at Jiang Shi’s words, and she quickly reassured, "I’ll come back to visit the Grand Princess and you, Madam. It’s not as though marriage means I can never leave home again."

Though she said this, Qin Guan knew it would be incredibly difficult. While Jinzhou had its share of wealthy families, most never traveled as far as the capital in their lifetimes. Her words were merely meant to comfort everyone—including herself. Jiang Shi understood, and so did the Grand Princess, who sighed again. "Speaking of marriage, I wonder how they’ll arrange things for you."

At this, Qin Guan’s heart sank further.

After the New Year, she would turn seventeen. In the Great Zhou dynasty, girls could be betrothed as early as fourteen or fifteen, with most marrying between fifteen and nineteen. Those still unwed by twenty would face criticism.

At seventeen, the marquis’s household in the capital would likely start considering this matter. The fact that they were bringing both Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang back to the capital made Qin Guan suspect the household had its own motives—after all, there was only one daughter in the marquis’s family.The Grand Princess had seen and experienced much in her life, so her words only further confirmed Qin Guan's suspicions. She curved her lips slightly, "Your Highness need not worry. Everyone has their own destiny..."

The Grand Princess shook her head, "It's not quite like that. With your parents gone, the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery is effectively the head of your clan. When it comes to your marriage, he likely won't consider your feelings in his arrangements."

Qin Guan lowered her gaze. The Grand Princess always had a way of cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Jiang Shi seemed to notice how the Grand Princess's words weighed on Qin Guan's mind and tried to console her, "But that's still a year or two away. When the time comes, we'll be here to help."

Though Jiang Shi said this, the Grand Princess didn't echo her sentiment, only revealing a thoughtful look in her eyes.

"Your Highness and Madam truly needn't worry. I don't have strong expectations regarding marriage."

Qin Guan genuinely didn't dwell on marriage. With both parents deceased and no one to rely on, her circumstances were already disadvantaged. She hadn't given much thought to whom she might marry—returning to the capital was solely to clear her father's name and seek justice. That might very well be her sole purpose for the greater part of her life to come.

Jiang Shi hesitated, wanting to say more, but the Grand Princess interjected, "Marriage is of utmost importance for a young woman. While fate plays a role, one cannot simply leave everything to chance. Sometimes, heaven is unfair, and you must fight for yourself."

Qin Guan smiled faintly, not wishing for the Grand Princess to worry too much about her. "Very well. Rest assured, when the time comes, I'll give it careful thought. With my temperament, no one can easily force me into anything."

Hearing this, the Grand Princess finally showed a hint of a smile. "Well said. Outwardly, you appear gentle and soft, but inwardly, you have remarkable resilience—very much like me. Remember, no matter what troubles arise in the future, just send word to me. I'll always find a way to help you."

Qin Guan nodded earnestly. "Yes, thank you, Your Highness."

The Grand Princess waved her hand slightly, as if mildly chiding her, perhaps sensing the heaviness of the topic. She changed the subject, "Leaving in four days? Are the carriages and arrangements prepared? Is that young heir of the Qin family accompanying you?"

Qin Guan nodded quickly. "Preparations are underway. There's no need to worry about the arrangements. My two sisters and I will be traveling together, so everything will be well-organized for our journey. Third Brother is coming with us, and I've heard he's bringing Marquis estate guards for added safety."

The Grand Princess exhaled in relief. "Good, that's good."

Qin Guan had come to bid farewell but didn’t want to leave everyone in low spirits over her concerns. Noticing the weather outside had cleared, she suggested, "Would Your Highness like to take a stroll? I can accompany you a little longer today."

The Grand Princess smiled and rose. "Then I must make the most of it—in a few days, you won’t be here to keep me company."

Qin Guan hurried to assist the Grand Princess to her feet, while Yue Ning supported her other side, and together they stepped outside. Jiang Shi, pleased by the sight, followed them into the garden. After a short walk among the flower beds, Jiang Shi excused herself to oversee lunch preparations in the kitchen. Not long after, Yue Qing suddenly appeared from the eastern path, looking flustered.

"Grandmother! Ninth Miss!"Yue Qing called out from a distance, causing Qin Guan and the others to pause in their steps. As soon as they stopped, Yue Qing approached them. He looked at Qin Guan with concern, "Ninth Miss, are you returning to the capital?"

Qin Guan curtsied slightly, then asked with mild surprise, "How did Second Young Master know?"

Yue Qing clenched his fists anxiously, "I just saw Lü Yun, and she mentioned it."

Lü Yun was a maidservant serving Jiang Shi and had been attending in the inner chamber earlier, so she naturally knew about Qin Guan's departure.

Qin Guan nodded in realization, "Yes, my uncle in the capital sent Third Brother to fetch me. Not just me, but my two elder sisters are also returning to the capital together."

Yue Qing pursed his lips, his brows slightly furrowed, appearing somewhat agitated.

Seeing him like this, Qin Guan smiled gently, "What's the matter, Your Highness?"

"Once you leave, will you ever return to Jinzhou?"

Qin Guan glanced at Yue Ning before hesitating, "I'm not sure, but—"

Noticing her hesitation, Yue Qing understood her meaning. He looked at her, wanting to say something but seemingly at a loss for words. Beside them, Yue Ning frowned slightly, while the Grand Princess narrowed her eyes, "Where did you come from? Where are Xiao Qi and the Prefect?"

Qin Guan felt a stir in her heart. She hadn't seen Yan Chi since arriving at the Marquis's residence, and the case was still unresolved. She had assumed Yan Chi had left the estate—had he not?

As she pondered this, Yue Qing replied, "They're discussing matters in the study."

The Grand Princess said, "Good. Go and inform them. It's almost time for the meal—tell them to come to the rear hall."

Yue Qing's frown remained, and he didn't move immediately. He looked at Qin Guan again, still unable to voice his thoughts, and could only nod in frustration before heading toward the study. Yue Ning blinked, "What's wrong with Second Brother?"

Qin Guan tilted her head slightly in thought but didn't respond. The Grand Princess, acting as if nothing were amiss, pointed to the nearby pavilion, "Come, let's sit there for a while. We'll all dine together shortly."

……

……

"This case has implicated so many people so far. The entire personnel of the Judicial Bureau have been mobilized to draft the case files and verify the details. Once everything is clarified, we can report it to the imperial court."

Huo Huaixin took a sip of tea. Though his face showed signs of fatigue, his eyes gleamed brightly.

At the year's end, such a major case had erupted in Jinzhou. If handled poorly or even just adequately, it would reflect poorly on him. But if he handled it exceptionally well, it would add a brilliant stroke to his official record, likely advancing his promotion to the fourth rank by at least a year.

He then turned to Yan Chi, "This time, we owe much to the Crown Prince's assistance. Without it, this official would have struggled greatly with this case. Oh, and Ninth Miss as well."

As Huo Huaixin mentioned "Ninth Miss," he thought he noticed a flicker in Yan Chi's eyes—though the prince's expression remained unreadable. Yan Chi replied calmly, "Governor Huo led the effort. I merely assisted."

Huo Huaixin smiled even more warmly, "This official dares not claim so. Truly, Your Highness deserves the foremost credit."

Watching their exchange, Yue Qiong chuckled, "There's no need for either of you to argue. Exposing such a festering wound in Jinzhou is a shared achievement."

Huo Huaixin cupped his hands toward Yue Qiong, "You flatter me, Marquis."After saying this, Huo Huaixin turned to Yan Chi, "This case is almost concluded. When will the Crown Prince return to the capital?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Chi's eyes revealed contemplation. Seeing his expression, Huo Huaixin's heart skipped a beat, fearing he had asked the wrong question. Meanwhile, Yue Qiong's smile faded as he said, "He should return soon. We can't let him truly take on the role of Judicial Commissioner permanently."

Huo Huaixin's eyes flickered. Though not a capital official, he had many old connections in the court and was just as informed as Yue Qiong about political shifts. Understanding the deeper meaning behind Yue Qiong's words, he refrained from further comment.

Yan Chi raised his brows and shook his head. "No rush. I actually think the role of Judicial Commissioner isn’t bad."

Yue Qiong was slightly surprised. "What do you mean? The year-end is when the court undergoes the most changes. This position is merely a sinecure. What if the Emperor makes it permanent after the new year?"

Yan Chi curved his lips, his demeanor calm. "The Northwest Frontier Army is under my father’s command, and the warfront is no longer urgent. If I’m assigned to the Ministry of Justice, it might be just right." He paused briefly before adding, "Besides, returning to the capital now would likely invite trouble. Prince Yong has ascended to the position of Crown Prince, and his ambitions have only grown."

Yue Qiong understood. "Indeed, the court has seen significant changes recently."

As a marquis and Yan Chi as a royal relative, they could freely discuss court affairs, even commenting on the Emperor himself. But Huo Huaixin, though the highest authority in Jinzhou, was of lower status compared to them. Hearing them speak of court matters and succession, he immediately fell silent.

"So, I’ll decide when to return to the capital only after this case is fully resolved."

With Yan Chi’s decisive statement, Huo Huaixin chimed in, "Yes, the case will likely take another half-month to conclude at the Judicial Review Office."

Just then, Yang Xi announced from outside, "Marquis, the Second Young Master is here."

The three had been discussing court affairs, while Yue Qing had never been involved in political struggles. At Yang Xi’s reminder, they fell silent. Soon, footsteps approached the door.

The door opened, and Yue Qing strode in. He nodded to Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin before addressing Yue Qiong, "Father, Grandmother requests your presence, along with His Highness and Lord Huo, for dinner in the inner courtyard."

Yue Qing had come to relay the message, but his troubled expression betrayed his inner turmoil over Qin Guan’s matter.

Yue Qiong looked at him directly. "What happened in the inner courtyard?"

Yue Qing instinctively wanted to say nothing was wrong, but then he admitted bluntly, "Ninth Miss is here."

Yan Chi’s brows twitched. Huo Huaixin glanced at him subtly, while Yue Qiong’s lips curved slightly. "Ninth Miss’s visit is good news. Why do you look like something bad has happened?"

Yue Qing pressed his lips together. "Loyal Marquis Manor in the capital has sent people—first, to help resolve Qin Manor’s current crisis, and second, to take the three Qin sisters to the capital. Ninth Miss came today to bid farewell. She’ll leave in four days."

At this, Yue Qiong and Huo Huaixin raised their brows in surprise.

Yan Chi’s brows furrowed slightly, then a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes.She had been worried that once he returned to the capital, they would be separated by a thousand miles, but now... she was also going back to the capital!

A surge of joy rose in Yan Chi's heart—was heaven itself helping him?

"So suddenly? You're leaving in just four days?"

Yue Qiong asked, and Yue Qing nodded with some frustration, "Exactly. The people from Loyal Marquis Manor arrived yesterday—it was the heir of the manor who came. They're worried about the roads becoming unsafe if it snows later, so they want to reach the capital before the start of December. Besides, given Qin Manor's current situation, they probably don’t want to stay in Jinzhou any longer than necessary."

Yue Qiong nodded, "That makes sense. Arriving early means they can celebrate the New Year properly. And once the snow starts in the north, the roads and mountains often get blocked. It would be dangerous for a group of young ladies to travel under such conditions."

As she spoke, Yue Qiong grew concerned again, "Is Loyal Marquis Manor really taking all three young ladies back to the capital at once?"

As he spoke, he glanced at Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin. Both were men who navigated the world of power, so their thoughts naturally turned to matters related to authority first. Almost simultaneously, the three of them thought of using women as bargaining chips in marriage alliances.

Huo Huaixin frowned slightly. "The two young ladies of Qin Manor are still alright—they at least have their mother and elder brother. But Ninth Miss has lost both parents. I fear her situation won’t be too favorable even if she returns to the capital."

Huo Huaixin was following Yue Qiong’s line of thought, but his concern for Qin Guan was genuine. She had helped him multiple times, and he felt a sense of gratitude toward her.

"Exactly," Yue Qiong sighed. "Once she’s far away, we won’t be able to reach her even if we wanted to."

Hearing Yue Qiong and Huo Huaixin’s words, Yue Qing felt he had come to the right place. "Yes, Father, that’s what I thought too. If Ninth Miss encounters any trouble alone in the capital, we won’t even be able to help her."

Yue Qiong sighed again. "But the Loyal Marquis Manor must have made up their minds. Since they’ve already sent someone, we outsiders can hardly interfere." He then added, "Let’s prepare some things she might need first. I’ll discuss it with your mother later."

Yue Qing hesitated, his worries running deeper. He wasn’t just concerned about her immediate troubles—he feared that once Qin Guan left, they might never see her again. In a year or two, she might even be betrothed to someone else, and she still didn’t know how he felt.

Yue Qiong, who often stayed in the outer courtyard, only noticed his son’s unusual concern for Qin Guan but didn’t think much of it. Since they were about to have dinner, he decided to see Qin Guan first and then discuss matters with his mother and wife.

With that in mind, Yue Qiong stood up. "Alright, let’s go eat first."

He gestured for Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi to join. Huo Huaixin quickly raised his hand in deference. "Marquis, there’s no need for formalities. We’re all family here—please, after you."

As the junior, Yan Chi also yielded to Yue Qiong, who then patted Yue Qing’s shoulder and led the way. Yue Qing followed for a few steps before he couldn’t resist asking, "Father, must Ninth Miss really leave?"

Yue Qiong sighed. "This is ultimately Qin Manor’s family matter. They’ve already sent someone—how can we interfere?"

Yue Qing’s face twisted with anxiety. "But… but…"

As Yue Qing lowered his voice to speak with Yue Qiong, Huo Huaixin and Yan Chi deliberately slowed their pace, falling slightly behind. Huo Huaixin glanced at Yan Chi from the corner of his eye and noticed he seemed in good spirits. This confirmed his suspicions—Yan Chi was definitely returning to the capital. If Qin Guan had stayed in Jinzhou, it would have been difficult for them to meet often. But now that she was also going back, things would be much more convenient for them. Huo Huaixin’s lips curved slightly. Thankfully, he had discerned Yan Chi’s intentions early and prevented Huo Ning from acting recklessly.

"I didn’t expect Ninth Miss to be summoned back. Though she’s under the Marquis’s care in Jinzhou now, the Qin Manor here has a rather notorious reputation. If she stayed, she’d inevitably be affected by it."

Knowing Yan Chi’s thoughts, it was easy for Huo Huaixin to say things that aligned with them. Sure enough, Yan Chi gave a slight nod at his words. Seizing the opportunity, Huo Huaixin continued, "Speaking of which, Ninth Miss has helped us greatly this time. Your Highness must also be aware of her character and conduct. When you return to the capital, I hope you’ll look out for her a little."Yan Chi's lips relaxed slightly, a faint smile seeming to appear on his face. "Prefect, rest assured, this is only right."

Huo Huaixin chuckled heartily. "Speaking of which, Ninth Miss is leaving soon. I truly can't bear to see her go. She has helped us repeatedly, and I had intended to host a farewell banquet for her. But with only a few days left before her departure, I'm afraid there won't be time. Later, I'll have my wife prepare some food and supplies for Ninth Miss to take on her journey. The road north is long, and the bitter cold is truly worrying."

At these words, Yan Chi's expression brightened further. Yet his calm gaze remained fixed on Yue Qing's back ahead of him. From his vantage point, Yue Qing was deep in conversation with Yue Qiong. Without needing to guess, Yan Chi knew Yue Qing must also be expressing concern for Qin Guan—a concern Yan Chi understood all too well. Suddenly, Yan Chi narrowed his eyes.

Yue Qing was young, righteous, and bold, with the fiery spirit of youth. Watching his visibly anxious demeanor, Yan Chi feared he might suddenly muster the courage to plead with the Grand Princess. If the Grand Princess spoke first, Yan Chi would lose his advantage.

With this in mind, Yan Chi suddenly said, "Ninth Miss is kind and benevolent, earning not only your concern, Prefect, but also the regard of the Marquis's family as one of their own. Look how anxious the Second Young Master is. Who knows how worried the Grand Princess must be?"

Huo Huaixin glanced over and indeed saw Yue Qiong and his son deep in discussion. Knowing how highly the Yue family regarded Qin Guan, he nodded understandingly. "Exactly. The Grand Princess adores Ninth Miss, and the Marchioness dotes on her as well. Now that Ninth Miss is leaving for the capital so abruptly, they must be terribly worried. But as the Marquis said, no matter how concerned they are, the Loyal Marquis Manor is still an outside family. It's truly difficult for them to intervene."

Yan Chi's eyes narrowed briefly. "Actually, there might still be a way."

Hearing this, Huo Huaixin's eyes lit up. "Your Highness has a solution?"

Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly. Though his tone remained calm and amiable, his gaze on Yue Qing's back carried a hint of coolness. After a pause, he said evenly, "Ninth Miss's return to the capital is inevitable. What worries everyone is that she has no support there."

Huo Huaixin pressed urgently, "Then... what does Your Highness suggest?"

Yan Chi pressed his lips together. "The Grand Princess and the Marchioness are so fond of Ninth Miss, and the young mistress treats her like a sister. Why not deepen this bond? That way, the Marquis's family would have the right to intervene in Ninth Miss's affairs in the future."

Huo Huaixin stared at Yan Chi in momentary confusion. "Your Highness means... having the Marquis and Marchioness adopt Ninth Miss...?"

Yan Chi nodded, then looked at Huo Huaixin. "But this matter requires a witness. I am still young and a generation below the Marquis and Marchioness in seniority. In my opinion, only you, Prefect, are suitable."

Huo Huaixin's eyes flashed with realization. "I... I am suitable?"

Yan Chi laughed openly. "Governor Huo, you are the magistrate of Jinzhou and have known the Marquis and Marchioness for years. You also understand the situation at Qin Manor perfectly. You couldn't be more suitable. If this succeeds, you will have rendered no small service."

Huo Huaixin's breath hitched. He understood—he understood Yan Chi's meaning. If what Yan Chi proposed came to pass, his standing with the Marquis's family and Qin Guan would rise significantly!"Very well, then this official will... this official will speak with the Marquis shortly."

Huo Huaixin grasped Yan Chi's meaning, his emotions immediately stirring with excitement. He had initially thought to find a time in the afternoon to discuss it with Yue Qiong, but remembering Qin Guan's imminent departure, he decided not to delay any further.

After speaking, Huo Huaixin glanced toward Yue Qiong. Their lengthy conversation seemed to have concluded, as Yue Qiong and Yue Qing appeared to have finished their discussion. Quickening his pace, he approached them. Huo Huaixin knew this matter required consultation with both the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi, but until a decision was made, he could only advise Yue Qiong privately. Thus, he waited until they were alone before speaking.

Others merely saw the two standing outside the dining annex, whispering, their words inaudible. Just then, Qin Guan appeared in the distance, supporting the Grand Princess as they slowly approached.

Once the Grand Princess halted, Qin Guan stepped forward to greet Yue Qiong and the others. Yue Qiong gave her a complicated look before noticing the meal was not yet ready. He suddenly moved to support the Grand Princess. "Mother, let me accompany you for a walk."

The Grand Princess, perceptive as ever, understood Yue Qiong had something to say and nodded. "Ning'er, take Wan Yatou inside to rest. Xiao Qi and Qing'er, keep Governor Huo company."

Huo Huaixin smiled apologetically while Yue Qiong guided the Grand Princess toward the eastern corridor.

Yue Qing and Yue Ning assumed Yue Qiong was discussing arrangements for Qin Guan's journey to the capital and paid no mind. Yue Ning glanced at Yan Chi before leading Qin Guan by the hand into a nearby parlor.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shi arrived with kitchen servants bearing lunch dishes. From afar, she noticed Yue Qiong and the Grand Princess deep in conversation. Puzzled, she approached. "Mother, Marquis, what's the matter?"

Seeing her, Yue Qiong beckoned. "Come here. There's something we must discuss."

Jiang Shi, surprised, hurried over. "What happened?"

After a moment's thought, Yue Qiong repeated what he had just told the Grand Princess. Jiang Shi was momentarily stunned, then her face lit up with joy. "Ah, why didn’t I think of that? The Marquis is truly wise!"

Yue Qiong chuckled. "It was Brother Huo who reminded me. Our family has never done such a thing before, so it didn’t occur to me. But his suggestion makes perfect sense. If nothing else, Ninth Miss saved Mother’s life—breaking protocol is justified. Besides, you admire her temperament, and Ning'er has grown close to her like never before with any other girl."

Jiang Shi nodded. "Naturally. I’ve seen how well Ning'er and Wan Yatou get along as sisters. Ning'er has become much livelier and gentler lately, which eases my heart. Marquis, if we’re to proceed, we must act quickly—Wan Yatou is about to leave!"

Yue Qiong agreed. "Mother and I were just discussing it."

Jiang Shi beamed, but the Grand Princess’s gaze darkened slightly as she looked toward the annex. Her eyes flickered over Huo Huaixin, then Yan Chi, before settling on Yue Qing. "I only fear this may hurt Qing'er."

At this, Jiang Shi’s smile faltered. "Yes, Qing'er seems to have feelings for Wan Yatou..."

Yue Qiong was taken aback. "Is that so? Then when the time comes..."Grand Princess suddenly straightened her gaze, as if having made up her mind. "Qing'er and Wan'er are not suited. It's better to sever his thoughts early to prevent him from harming himself. This matter is settled."

Jiang Shi hesitated slightly at the thought of Yue Qing, but Yue Qiong said, "But Mother, what if Ninth Miss disagrees..."

The Grand Princess gave a light hum, her eyes filled with unwavering determination. "That little girl has a strong will, but I've seen clearly—she can't resist those who treat her well. This matter is mine to decide!"

With that, the Grand Princess lifted her chin. "Come, let's sit and talk."

As she spoke, the Grand Princess led the way to the side hall. Upon entering, they saw the table already laden with dishes. The Grand Princess took her seat at the head of the table, while Yue Ning quickly pulled Qin Guan along. Jiang Shi sighed, glancing at Yue Qing twice before inviting the others to sit. Qin Guan, as usual, took her place to the left of the Grand Princess.

Once everyone was seated, the Grand Princess spoke in a solemn tone, "There is one matter that Qiong'er, Jing Shu, and I have just decided upon."

At these words, everyone except Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin showed curiosity.

The Grand Princess then looked at Qin Guan and declared, "I wish for Qiong'er and Jing Shu to adopt Wan Yatou as their daughter. From now on, she will be my own granddaughter, the younger sister of Ning'er and her two brothers, sharing both the glory and hardships of our marquisate."