Coroner's Diary

"How did Your Highness get in here?" Qin Guan glanced at the tightly closed doors and windows around them, her tone surprisingly calm.

Yan Chi tilted his chin toward the main entrance. "Walked in through there. You invited me here last time, so I took the liberty of waiting for you—"

Qin Guan raised her brows—he had simply strolled in through the front door?!

With that thought, she couldn’t help but shake her head. Yan Chi was highly skilled in martial arts, and with only Wan Xing left in the courtyard, it was no surprise she hadn’t noticed. Her gaze darkened slightly as she looked at him. "Your Highness trespassing into private property violates the law."

Yan Chi stood at ease, his usual spirited demeanor marred by faint shadows under his eyes. Qin Guan’s gaze flickered, catching sight of the mud-splattered hem of his robe and boots. Huo Huaixin had mentioned he had gone to the western garrison to apprehend someone.

Yan Chi took two steps forward. "What if there’s a reason?"

Qin Guan tilted her head slightly, meeting his gaze. "That depends on what the 'reason' is."

"How about a gift?" Yan Chi looked down at her, raising his hand as a token suddenly dropped into his palm.

Qin Guan’s eyes fell on the token—jet-black, adorned with a golden "Yan" character, and in the lower right corner, a small "Rui" character. It was unmistakably the token of the Rui Prince’s residence.

Her brows furrowed slightly. "What does Your Highness mean by this?"

Yan Chi handed the token to her. "This is today’s gift for you."

"Why would Your Highness give me a gift?" Qin Guan widened her eyes at him. Yan Chi wasn’t part of Marquis Anyang Manor—there was no need for gifts.

The corners of Yan Chi’s lips curved. "Do you know the Grand Princess is of the imperial clan? I call her grandaunt. Since you’re the Grand Princess’s granddaughter, doesn’t that make us relatives?"

Qin Guan found his reasoning absurd and hesitated to accept the token. "First, Your Highness need not give me gifts. Second, this gift is far too valuable—I dare not accept it."

Yan Chi chuckled, his rich, magnetic voice brushing against her ears, making them tingle slightly.

He simply smiled without speaking, his gaze unwavering on her face. After a moment, Qin Guan took a step back. "Your Highness truly doesn’t need to give me gifts..."

"This is for your protection," Yan Chi said lightly.

Qin Guan was surprised, eyeing the black token skeptically. "The sleeve arrow the princess gave me can indeed protect me, but this token... how could it? Does it conceal some mechanism?"

Yan Chi’s smile deepened, as if he hadn’t expected her to jest with him. His mood brightened further as he shook the token. "The sleeve arrow the princess gave you is for common bandits. What if you encounter official ones?"

Qin Guan blinked. That was something she hadn’t considered, but...

"The one escorting us is the heir of the Loyal Marquis Manor. Surely we won’t encounter official bandits."

A hint of mockery flashed in Yan Chi’s eyes. "You mean Qin Yan of the Loyal Marquis Manor?"

Qin Guan nodded, and Yan Chi extended the token another inch toward her. "Trust me, this token is more useful than him."

After a brief pause, Qin Guan said, "This token must be for the Rui Prince’s residence. It’s hardly appropriate for me to have it."Yan Chi's lips curled up again. He had been smiling quite a bit tonight, seemingly in excellent spirits. "You're overthinking it. This token is just one of many meant for Bai Feng and the others. When this token appears, it signifies your connection to the Rui Prince's residence. Common bandits might not even recognize it, but official bandits wouldn't dare act recklessly. Your journey north will take a month, and if you encounter snowstorms, it might take even longer. Every winter, the north sees many displaced people, as well as corrupt officials who exploit them. This is your protective talisman."

Qin Guan listened and inwardly nodded. Her past experiences told her that winters in the north were indeed harsh, with no shortage of displaced people and disaster victims. But... that still wasn't a reason to accept his gift.

Qin Guan slowly shook her head. "It's still not acceptable. Your words alone serve as a warning, and I'm already on guard. There's no need for Your Highness to worry—I'll take care of myself on this journey."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "You really won't take it?"

Qin Guan nodded. "One shouldn't accept unearned rewards. This gift from Your Highness is far too valuable."

"Miss, I've put away—ah—"

Fuling, who had just emerged from the inner chamber, hadn't even finished speaking when she spotted Yan Chi standing beside Qin Guan. It was late at night, and when she had entered earlier, the room had been pitch black. Where had Yan Chi come from in such a short time?

Fuling was startled and instinctively afraid of Yan Chi. Her face paled as she lowered her head. "Y-Your Highness..."

Noticing Fuling, Yan Chi's gaze settled on her. "Come here."

Fuling froze, looked up at Yan Chi for a moment, then, confirming he was indeed addressing her, walked over cautiously with utmost respect. Yan Chi handed her the token. "This is for your mistress. Keep it safe for her. If it's lost, you'll answer for it."

"Your Highness—" Qin Guan moved to stop him, but Fuling, head bowed and hands raised, had already accepted the token.

Qin Guan grabbed Fuling's hand, took the token, and held it out to return it to Yan Chi. "Your Highness, I truly cannot accept this."

Yan Chi took a step back and looked at Fuling again. "Do you remember what I just said?"

Uncertain of the situation but far more afraid of Yan Chi than her mistress, Fuling blurted out rapidly, "Keep it safe for Miss, and if it's lost, this servant will answer for it!"

Seeing Fuling's quick reaction and perfect recall, Yan Chi's eyes showed satisfaction. He glanced at Qin Guan again, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. "I only hope you won't need to use it. But if trouble arises, don't hesitate."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together tightly. "Your Highness—"

She still felt uneasy. This was an item from the Rui Prince's residence. Carrying it might cause trouble for Yan Chi.

Yan Chi sighed, his weariness suddenly deepening. He turned to survey the room, then pointed at the long couch by the window. "May I borrow your couch for tonight?"

Qin Guan was taken aback. "What does Your Highness intend to do?"

Yan Chi tugged at his collar. "I have to head west early tomorrow morning. The deputy general of the garrison fled. We didn't catch him this time, and if I go again, it'll be three days before I return—by then, you'll already be gone."

A sudden chill ran through Qin Guan's heart. "Your Highness, you're..."Before the words "why bother" could even be spoken, Yan Chi had already seated himself on the long couch. The couch was padded with soft cushions, originally serving as Qin Guan's occasional resting spot. However, it currently held a low table. Watching the visibly exhausted Yan Chi, Qin Guan couldn't help but feel helpless. "Your Highness... why not return to the Marquis's residence?"

Yan Chi brushed the dust off his clothes and replied, "Going back and forth would take many hours. Besides, no one knows I've returned. If I show up in the middle of the night, it would inevitably cause a commotion."

After a brief pause, Yan Chi glanced sideways at Qin Guan. "What? Can't I stay?"

His expression was calm, but a faint shadow lurked in his eyes, as if a single wrong word from Qin Guan would disappoint him. Qin Guan looked at him, then at the sky outside. Considering that no one had seen him enter, she gritted her teeth and said, "Your Highness may stay, but..."

Yan Chi seemed utterly exhausted, as if he had been waiting for Qin Guan's permission. The moment she uttered the word "stay," he swiftly moved the low table aside with one hand. In an instant, it was as if all the weight had lifted from his shoulders, and he leaned back wearily. "Don't worry, no one else will know, and I won't step out of this Warm Chamber."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow slightly—she naturally trusted him on that point.

Seeing how utterly drained Yan Chi was, she sighed. Though it was improper, she couldn't bring herself to refuse. She turned to Fuling. "Fetch a quilt and a pillow." Then she looked back at Yan Chi. "Would Your Highness like to freshen up? Or perhaps have a meal?"

At this, Yan Chi straightened up and began unfastening his collar. Qin Guan's eyes widened, and she instinctively turned away.

Yan Chi seemed to chuckle softly. "No meal, and no washing. I haven't slept in three days. I'll rest here for a while—I have to leave again tomorrow."

By then, Fuling had already brought the brocade quilt and pillow but hesitated to approach, standing nervously in front of Qin Guan instead. Qin Guan shot her a glare, took the bedding, and quickly placed it on the long couch. Without another word—or even a glance at Yan Chi—she turned and headed for the door. Fuling had already scurried out ahead of her. Once outside, Qin Guan closed the door behind her.

"Take care on your journey."

Before the door shut completely, those were the last words she heard from Yan Chi. She gave a soft "Mm" in response to the closed door, then turned toward the main hall. After a few steps, she glanced back, but the Warm Chamber remained silent. Suppressing the urge to eavesdrop outside, she pressed her lips together and returned to her inner chamber, where Fuling stood anxiously by the door.

"Miss—"

"Who is your master—the Crown Prince or me?"

Qin Guan felt the weight of the token in her hand, yet it seemed to carry a lingering warmth from Yan Chi. She sat on the edge of the bed in a huff, glaring at Fuling, who wore a pained expression as she stepped forward. "Miss, it's not that I acted on my own—it's just that the Crown Prince is too intimidating! I'm timid, I'm afraid of him..."

Fuling crouched beside Qin Guan, looking up pleadingly, as if she might drop to her knees at any moment. "Miss, now that the Crown Prince is sleeping in the Warm Chamber, what should we do? If anyone finds out, your reputation will be ruined."

Qin Guan frowned repeatedly, but seeing Fuling like this, her anger dissipated.She shouldn't have let Yan Chi stay, yet for some reason she couldn't bring herself to refuse. Keeping him here could easily invite trouble, but since he was already settled in, could she really go back on her word and kick him out now?

Qin Guan clutched the token tightly in her hand, her frown deepening. "Go tell Wan Xing to keep an eye out. If anyone comes, have her stall them first and then come report to me—then, go listen for any movement in the Warm Chamber."

Fuling shrank back. "This servant doesn't dare—"

Qin Guan sighed deeply. Why on earth was Fuling treating Yan Chi like some kind of monster? And how could she have listened to Yan Chi's words without consulting her first? This wouldn't do!

Qin Guan glared. "Are you going or not—"

Seeing Qin Guan's rare display of anger, Fuling hastily stood up. "This servant will go, this servant is going now—"

With that, Fuling hurried out. Qin Guan lowered her gaze to the token in her palm, feeling both touched and uneasy. Had Yan Chi really returned in such exhaustion just to deliver a gift to her?

The token itself was nothing special, but the prominent "Yan" character clearly marked it as a royal item. Carrying it around would undoubtedly draw attention.

After a moment's hesitation, Qin Guan decided it would be best to return the token to Yan Chi first thing tomorrow morning.

"Miss—" Fuling soon returned to the inner chamber. "Miss, I've told Wan Xing. There's no movement in the Warm Chamber—I listened for quite a while."

Fuling's "quite a while" couldn't be taken seriously, as she had only been gone for a brief moment.

Hearing this, Qin Guan relaxed slightly. She sat by the bed, lost in thought for a while before sighing. "Let's wash up and rest."

Fuling acknowledged and immediately attended to Qin Guan, then hesitantly added, "The Warm Chamber isn't far from here—"

Qin Guan was applying ointment to her face when she turned to give Fuling a puzzled look. "Don't tell me you think the Crown Prince would sneak into our room in the middle of the night..."

Fuling, caught off guard by Qin Guan's bluntness, looked somewhat abashed. Qin Guan shook her head helplessly and went to lie down by herself.

Fuling muttered under her breath, "After all... His Highness is still a man."

Qin Guan pretended not to hear and slowly closed her eyes.

Yan Chi was indeed a man, but far from being a lecher, he was no ordinary man. The one who led the Northwest Frontier Army to repel the Rong invaders at the border—how could such a man commit improprieties over mere feminine charms?

Qin Guan closed her eyes without a trace of worry. Not only was she unafraid, but the thought of having a mighty warrior like him staying in the same courtyard actually brought her a sense of security.

Seeing this, Fuling had no choice but to extinguish the lamp and withdraw.

The room fell into silence. Though Qin Guan felt at ease, sleep eluded her for some reason. She reached beside her pillow and found the token back in her palm. It was a token from the Prince Rui's residence. Yan Chi had said it was used by Bai Feng and others—presenting it would signify her connection to the Prince's household. A mix of emotions welled up in Qin Guan's heart, and the bitterness that had haunted her dreams these past two months eased slightly.

She was returning to the capital. The Marquis's household had first taken her in as an adopted daughter, and now Yan Chi had given her this token for protection. Even Qin Li in the Marquis's residence had treated her with great kindness. Warmth filled Qin Guan's heart as she realized that her second life wasn't just about cold vengeance and justice—she couldn't let down those who had shown her such kindness either.At this thought, Qin Guan's mind turned to Yan Chi again. He hadn't slept for three nights, yet still traveled such a long way to bring her this token. Her fingers tightened around the token as a warm sense of fulfillment blossomed in her chest.

Qin Guan didn't remember falling asleep, only that she had slept exceptionally soundly. When she opened her eyes, the token was still clutched in her palm. Blinking, she felt remarkably refreshed—until she turned her head and immediately frowned.

The daylight outside was already bright. Compared to usual, she seemed to have overslept!

Moreover—Yan Chi was still staying in her Warm Chamber—

Qin Guan bolted upright and threw aside the bed curtains, just in time to catch faint voices from the courtyard. She dressed with swift efficiency, hastily tying up her dark hair before heading out. But as she stepped beyond the inner chamber, Fuling entered with a deeply furrowed brow. "Miss—the Young Master is here!"

Qin Guan's frown deepened as she instantly realized who Fuling meant.

"Why is he here?" She paused mid-step, straining her ears—and sure enough, Qin Yan's voice carried faintly from outside.

Fuling hurriedly explained, "I don't know, he arrived suddenly. When Wan Xing said you hadn't risen yet, he insisted on waiting in the courtyard. I was about to come wake you—"

Ignoring Qin Yan for the moment, Qin Guan lowered her voice. "And His Highness?"

This was precisely what had Fuling so anxious. "I haven't checked yet—"

Without even glancing outside, Qin Guan turned and strode toward the Warm Chamber. As she walked, the voices in the courtyard grew louder—Qin Yan seemed to have already entered. Her heart pounded with dread at the thought of him barging inside or encountering Yan Chi.

With a soft creak, she pushed open the Warm Chamber door.

The sight of the empty room left her equally hollow. No one was inside. Not only that, the brocade quilt and pillows had been neatly arranged to the side, the low table returned to its original position. The window latches were all secured from within, showing no trace of any outsider's presence. Qin Guan stood frozen in the doorway, momentarily dazed before snapping back to reality.

Yan Chi was gone. She didn't know when he had left.

"His Highness left! I didn't even notice when." Fuling gasped softly before exhaling in relief. "Now no one will know he was ever here..."

Qin Guan nodded absently as Qin Yan's voice reached the corridor outside.

Drawing a shallow breath, she steadied herself and turned toward the main hall's entrance.

Outside, Qin Yan was saying lightly, "I heard Ninth Sister didn't originally live in this courtyard?"

Wan Xing answered woodenly, "When this servant arrived, the young lady was already residing here."

Qin Yan glanced at Wan Xing, taking in her plain features and demeanor before dismissing her as an insignificant maid. With slight puzzlement, he remarked, "I heard Ninth Sister's former quarters were rather poor..."Wan Xing stood with her hands clasped in front of her, head bowed low, appearing both timid and somewhat foolish in Qin Yan's presence. Naturally, Qin Yan had no intention of engaging in lengthy conversation with a mere servant. When he failed to get the answers he sought, he fell silent. Just as he was growing bored, the door suddenly opened. Turning around, Qin Yan saw the main chamber's door ajar, revealing Qin Guan standing gracefully inside, dressed in a smoke-blue pleated long skirt embroidered with wind-swept lotuses. Their eyes met briefly before Qin Guan lowered her head in a slight curtsy. "Greetings, Third Brother—"

"Ah, Ninth Sister, you're awake!" Qin Yan's smile instantly reached his eyes. "Did my visit disturb your rest?"

Qin Guan stepped aside to invite him in. "Not at all. I should have been up by now anyway. Please, come in, Third Brother."

Qin Yan strode in, his gaze sweeping over the room's furnishings. After a quick survey, he nodded approvingly. "This courtyard is quite elegant, and the interior decor suits your temperament perfectly."

Qin Guan's lips curved into a smile. "The courtyard was already like this when I arrived. I'm not skilled in such matters, so I didn't think to change anything. This way, Third Brother. I don't have any fine tea to offer—please don't mind its simplicity."

Qin Yan laughed heartily and followed Qin Guan into the Warm Chamber. Inside, the brocade quilt and pillows had been put away, leaving only a refined space for receiving guests. As soon as Qin Yan took his seat, Fuling approached with a tea tray.

Qin Yan glanced at Fuling. "This must be Fuling..."

Fuling set down the tea tray and immediately knelt to kowtow to Qin Yan. "Greetings, Young Master. This servant is indeed Fuling."

Qin Yan nodded, his eyes reflecting admiration. "How remarkable that you've stayed by your mistress's side all these years. You've taken excellent care of her. When we return to the capital, you shall be handsomely rewarded!"

Fuling hurriedly replied, "It is merely this servant's duty."

Even more pleased, Qin Yan tilted his chin slightly. "Good, very good. Rise now. I wish to speak with your mistress."

Fuling stood up and retreated to the side. Qin Yan turned his attention to Qin Guan. "I haven't yet congratulated you on gaining adoptive parents."

Qin Guan had expected Qin Yan to know about this. She smiled gently. "Thank you, Third Brother. It was entirely due to the Marquis and his lady's kindness. Since I had coincidentally saved Grand Princess once before, they wished to see me more often and thus adopted me as their daughter."

Qin Yan held the lid of his teacup, lightly stirring the foam on the surface of the tea. "I knew Second Uncle enjoyed reading medical texts, but I hadn't realized you possessed such exceptional skill. In such a short time, you've earned the title of Little Medicine Immortal in Jinzhou City."

Qin Guan shook her head with a wry smile. "That's just a misunderstanding. It's mainly because I treated Grand Princess."

Qin Yan looked up, his gaze warm. "Why didn't you display your talents back in the capital?"

Qin Guan lifted her lips slightly. "At that time, I had just lost my parents and was barely functional. Besides, I still saw myself as a daughter of the Qin family—it wouldn't have been proper to act like a physician treating others. That's why I never revealed it."

Qin Yan couldn't argue with that. Noble households had physicians for minor ailments and imperial doctors for serious ones. Back then, Qin Guan had been too young, and if she had upheld her status, she wouldn't have casually treated others.

Nodding in understanding, Qin Yan pressed further. "Then what changed your mind later?"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes slightly. "Third Brother, you've been here for a few days now. You must have heard that I once fell into a lake, haven't you?"Qin Yan had originally intended to ask about this matter, but he never expected Qin Guan to bring it up first. He nodded, and Qin Guan continued, "After that incident, I injured my head and forgot some things. But to be honest with you, Third Brother, I’ll never forget the feeling of being on the brink of death. At first, I didn’t understand what had happened that time, but I didn’t want to experience it again, so I decided to change."

With a soft sigh, Qin Guan added, "Saving the Grand Princess was just a coincidence, but seeing that I could help others filled me with great satisfaction."

Qin Yan’s expression turned sympathetic. "So it was suffering that changed your temperament. I actually thought you were wonderful before too. I remember back in the capital, you were much more well-behaved than Yu'er."

Lowering her eyes with a faint smile, Qin Guan said, "My parents passed away early. Practicing medicine is my way of accumulating good karma. Perhaps it’s also thanks to the blessings of my father and mother in heaven. Relying on what they taught me and the books I’ve read, I’ve actually been able to heal and save people."

Qin Yan knew nothing about medicine. Although he found it quite suspicious that Qin Guan had suddenly become the Little Medicine Immortal of Jinzhou City, he couldn't pinpoint exactly what was amiss. Qin Guan's explanations seemed plausible for now—could she truly be a genius?

Considering they would have plenty of time together in the future, Qin Yan wasn’t in a hurry to press for answers. Instead, he changed the subject. "Was it Eldest Brother who pushed you into the lake that time?"

A mocking smile touched Qin Guan's lips. "It must have been him."

Qin Yan sighed. "Don’t be sad, Ninth Sister. I’ve heard about everything that’s happened in Qin Manor these past few days. Eldest Brother has lost his mind over a woman, but Third Brother won’t. Rest assured, I’ll treat you well."

Gratitude flickered in Qin Guan's eyes. "Good, I understand. Thank you, Third Brother."

Qin Yan gave an acknowledging hum. "Are you all packed?"

"Everything’s ready. I don’t have much to bring."

Hearing this, Qin Yan quickly added, "Just take what you need for the journey. Once we reach the capital, you can have anything you want. Third Brother will buy you everything then."

Qin Guan’s lips curved, her dimples softening her expression with gentle sweetness. "Third Brother is so good to me!"

"Of course!" Qin Yan radiated warmth. He went on to ask Qin Guan about her daily preferences in Qin Manor, and she answered each question. Qin Yan showered her with praise, chatting for nearly half an hour before finally taking his leave.

Once Qin Yan was gone, Fuling frowned. "Third Young Master seems a bit too attentive..."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes in thought but decided not to dwell on Qin Yan’s motives for now—they still had a month-long journey ahead. After breakfast, she headed to Windward Courtyard again. As she walked, her brow remained furrowed. Fuling observed her and ventured, "Is Young Mistress worried about Eldest Brother’s Wife? We’re leaving tomorrow—"

Qin Guan nodded. "Who knows when we’ll see her again after this? She’ll be all alone in this manor from now on."

Fuling also sighed. "There’s nothing to be done. My heart aches for Young Mistress and little Qiqi. If only Madam would change her ways, things might improve. But if she doesn’t, Young Mistress will have a hard time."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together and remained silent. Before long, they arrived at Windward Courtyard. As she stepped inside, Qin Guan was struck by an unusual silence in the courtyard today. Frowning, she instinctively felt something was wrong and hurried into the main house.

Approaching the inner chamber, she still saw no one, which alarmed her. She rushed inside—only to freeze in her tracks the moment she entered. On the bed, Yao Xinlan, who had always been asleep during her previous visits, was sitting up today. She had changed into fresh clothes, her dark hair neatly tied up. Leaning against a large pillow behind her, she cradled a swaddled bundle in her arms—Qin Guan could just make out Qiqi’s tiny face peeking out.

Yao Xinlan had been playing with Qiqi but looked up at the sound of footsteps.

Qin Guan was stunned to see Yao Xinlan sitting up, and the sight of her interacting with Qiqi brought a lump to her throat.

Fuling, standing behind her, was equally moved, her eyes brimming with emotion.

"Ninth Sister, congratulations—" Yao Xinlan spoke, her voice slightly hoarse but light and carefree.

Only then did Qin Guan step forward slowly. "Eldest Brother’s Wife, you—"

Yao Xinlan smiled faintly, leaning forward to lift Qiqi into her arms. "I’ve made up my mind."Qiqi babbled incoherently as Yao Xinlan bent down to plant a kiss on her cheek, her face radiant with the immense satisfaction of new motherhood. Though Qin Guan didn't ask, Yao Xinlan whispered softly, "After you leave, I'll depart from here too."

Qin Guan hurried forward. "Eldest Brother's Wife has made up her mind?"

Yao Xinlan looked at Qin Guan and nodded. "Yes, I've decided."

Qin Guan hesitated slightly, as if recalling something. "But... this won't be easy."

The corners of Yao Xinlan's lips curved into a clear smile, her eyes filled with determination. "My father will arrive the day after tomorrow."

Qin Guan's eyes brightened—so Lord Yao was coming!

While Qin Guan was still processing this, Yao Xinlan's expression softened with tenderness. "I've remembered every word you've said these past days, Ninth Sister. With such a kind heart, you'll surely find someone who loves you deeply..."

Yao Xinlan's gentle smile and sincere gaze made Qin Guan feel the weight in her heart slowly lift. This was the Yao Xinlan she remembered, the one she had imagined all along.

Qin Guan smiled slightly. "I'll take your kind words to heart." Thinking of her impending departure and Yao Xinlan's mysterious forgetfulness—why had Yao Xinlan believed she was dreaming when Qin Chen and Cai He died?—Qin Guan added cautiously, "If you ever feel unwell in the future, please remember to seek me out."

Yao Xinlan's face was serene, as if she had finally found peace after hardship. "I will. Of all the physicians in the world, I trust you the most."

Yao Xinlan had chosen to "awaken" the day before Qin Guan's departure to set her mind at ease. Knowing Qin Guan would soon leave, she had servants pack several large trunks for her. The absence of attendants when Qin Guan arrived was because Yao Xinlan had sent them to gather treasures from the storeroom that would be easy to transport.

Yao Xinlan's dowry could truly be called lavish, and every item she gave Qin Guan was of the finest quality. Qin Guan could only marvel at the trunks, eventually yielding to Yao Xinlan's insistence and selecting the smallest one. When she opened it later, she found a box filled with flawless, luminous East Sea pearls, each the size of a pigeon's egg.

By evening, Qin Guan saw all the items she was to take with her. She had initially thought one trunk would suffice, but Fuling and Wan Xing had meticulously packed six large ones. Qin Guan felt a headache coming on—until Fuling mentioned that Qin Xiang was bringing ten trunks and Qin Shuang eight, which somewhat eased her mind.

Early the next morning, before dawn, Qin Guan and Fuling rose, and the entire Qin Manor stirred awake. After washing up, Qin Guan waited as servants loaded the trunks onto the prepared carriages. She then bid farewell to Yao Xinlan at Windward Courtyard before leaving the manor gates with Qin Xiang and the others.

With the three sisters bringing so many belongings, the convoy consisted of ten carriages—the first four for Qin Guan, her sisters, and Qin Yan, while the rest carried their luggage. Bathed in the morning light and escorted by twelve guards, the procession set off grandly toward the city gates.The taverns and teahouses along the streets had yet to open, and the vendors and laborers had just begun their day's work. The Qin Manor's carriage convoy quietly exited the city gates. Outside the gates, Lin Shi held Qin Xiang's hand, her reluctance palpable. Qin Li stood nearby, adopting the demeanor of an elder brother, first admonishing Qin Shuang and then Qin Guan. The family painted a touching scene of farewell.

"Xiang'er, remember what your mother told you—"

Qin Xiang wiped her tears with a handkerchief. "Don't worry, Mother. I understand. I'll come back to see you as soon as I can."

Lin Shi nodded repeatedly before turning to Qin Yan. "Please take good care of the three sisters, Young Master."

Qin Yan smiled warmly. "Rest assured, Third Aunt. Qin Yan will ensure the safe journey of the three sisters to the capital. Just await our letters—"

Lin Shi couldn't hold back her tears, clinging to Qin Xiang's hand, unwilling to let go. Qin Yan hesitated to urge them, while Qin Guan and Qin Shuang stood to the side, appearing somewhat solitary. Qin Li then approached Qin Shuang and said softly, "Sixth Sister, remember to rein in your temper."

Qin Shuang snorted lightly. "Second Brother, you'd better take care of Eldest Brother's Wife and Qiqi."

Qin Li sighed. "That goes without saying."

Qin Guan knew Yao Xinlan's plans had yet to be revealed, and Yao's father hadn't arrived yet. Bringing it up now would only complicate matters. In her heart, she didn't want Yao Xinlan to waste her life trapped in the mire of Qin Manor.

Qin Guan listened without speaking. Finally, Lin Shi steeled herself, drying her tears. "Alright, we mustn't delay any longer. Board the carriage and set off..."

Qin Xiang reluctantly released Lin Shi's hand, while Qin Guan and Qin Shuang curtsied in farewell. Just as the three were about to board the carriage, three fast horses suddenly approached from the direction of the city gates. Fuling looked over and exclaimed joyfully, "Miss, it's the Princess!"

Qin Guan paused mid-step, and everyone turned toward the city gates.

Three majestic horses galloped forward. Leading them was Yue Ning, followed by two strikingly handsome young men—Yue Jia and Yue Qing. At the sight of them, Qin Guan involuntarily took a few steps forward.

In moments, the three arrived. Yue Ning dismounted and said, "Thank goodness you haven't left yet! We almost missed you!"

Qin Guan curtsied. "Why have you come?"

Yue Jia stepped forward. "Fourth Sister is traveling so far—of course we had to see you off."

Yue Qing also approached. "Take care on your journey, Fourth Sister!"

The arrival of Yue Ning and her brothers shifted the atmosphere. Qin Yan stepped forward and greeted, "Young Master Yue, it's been a long time."

Yue Jia returned the courtesy, and Qin Yan exchanged pleasantries with them. "I didn't expect to have the fortune of seeing you three before our departure, all thanks to Ninth Sister. The last time we met, we were still children. Ten years apart, and now you, Young Master, carry the bearing of a leader; the Princess is a heroine no less than any man; and even Second Young Master stands as a capable figure."

Though the Yue family had been in Jinzhou for years, Yue Ning and her siblings had grown up in the capital and thus had met Qin Yan before. The conversation continued with more pleasantries, until Yue Jia turned to Qin Guan and said, "Your Ninth Sister is our Fourth Sister. Please take good care of her on this journey, Brother Qin. We'll visit you in the capital when the time comes."

Qin Yan laughed heartily and clasped his hands. "Rest assured, not a single hair on her head will be harmed! The hour grows late—we must bid farewell now. Ninth Sister and I will await you in the capital—"Yue Jia and the others nodded, offering Qin Guan a few more words of advice. Qin Guan felt a pang of melancholy in her heart, but as the sun climbed higher in the sky, she had no choice but to board the carriage. As the wheels began to turn, she lifted the curtain and saw Yue Ning and the other two still standing motionless in place, while Qin Li and Lin Shi also stood by, gazing at them with longing.

A sudden ache gripped Qin Guan’s heart. The journey to the capital was long and treacherous, and the unpredictability of life made it uncertain when she would see them again.

The early October wind carried a desolate chill, and the last traces of dawn were swept away by the rising sun. Under the golden-lit sky, Qin Guan felt like a tiny, insignificant ant—carrying boundless unknowns and hopes, a heart full of sorrow and solitary courage—slowly, inch by inch, crawling toward the empire’s northern heart: Lin’an.

(End of Volume)