Coroner's Diary

"This—this isn't a snowman—"

Qin Shuang's face paled as she exclaimed in shock, immediately taking a step back.

The entire tea garden stretched up the mountainside in meticulously constructed terraces. Qin Shuang stood near a stone wall, where the lopsided "snowman" leaned against it.

From a distance, its humanoid shape covered in snow naturally made one think of a snowman at first glance. But as Qin Shuang approached, she spotted a collar peeking out from the back of the snowman's neck. Since it was pressed against the stone wall, not every part of the "snowman" was covered in snow. And if it were a real snowman built by someone, why would there be a collar?!

Qin Shuang's expression shifted rapidly. Wan Qing, who had followed her, also saw it and quickly pulled Qin Shuang two more steps back.

Meanwhile, Qin Guan and Sun Muqing strode over, with Wan Xing and Fuling close behind. When they reached the spot, their faces changed as well. Almost simultaneously, Qin Guan and Sun Muqing stepped forward.

The medicinal garden was blanketed in snow, and the "snowman" crouched on the ground, its body entirely white, curled up in a way that nearly blended into the snowy surroundings. It pressed tightly against the stone wall behind it, as if seeking warmth from it. Only the eerie glimpse of a collar stood out—something impossible to notice from too far away.

Sun Muqing narrowed his eyes, stepping forward and brushing the snow off the snowman's head with his sleeve. With that motion, the top of a cotton hat was revealed. Seeing this, Sun Muqing's breath hitched. He leaned in and swept the snow off the "snowman" more forcefully. This time, not only the hat but also a human face emerged. Qin Guan hurried over to help, and the two swiftly cleared the snow from the "snowman," revealing beneath the thick white layer a middle-aged man with graying hair and a dark complexion, curled up there.

The man had been crouching there for who knew how long, his hands tucked into his knees, his entire body stiff as if frozen in place. His eyes were closed, his expression serene, with ice spikes forming on his eyelashes. He seemed utterly lifeless.

"Oh heavens, it's a dead man..." Qin Shuang clung to Wan Qing's arm, half-hiding behind her. A cold sweat broke out on her back—if she had reached out to touch it without looking closely earlier, she would have been even more terrified now.

"Not necessarily," Sun Muqing uttered three words, his expression turning serious. He continued clearing the snow from the man's body, attempting to pull his hands out from his sleeves. But the thick cotton coat was frozen stiff, and his hands were tightly clasped together, impossible to separate. Giving up, Sun Muqing quickly moved his fingers to the man's collar instead.

After focusing intently for a moment, Sun Muqing turned back. "He's not completely dead yet! Quick, go back and call Dong Shu—"

Sun Muqing looked at Fuling and Wan Xing. Fuling then glanced at Qin Guan, who nodded. Fuling grabbed Wan Xing's hand and sprinted back. Qin Shuang, wide-eyed, stepped forward. "He's still alive?!"

With Sun Muqing handling the situation, Qin Guan only needed to stand by. Sun Muqing continued, "His body temperature hasn't dropped entirely, and there's still a faint pulse at his neck. But I don't know if he can be saved."

Qin Shuang frowned slightly, relieved to hear it wasn't a corpse. "Did he freeze and pass out?"Sun Muqing shook his head and then nodded. "You could say that. His body temperature is already very low, making him appear as if he's merely asleep. But this 'sleep' is one where his body can no longer sustain warmth, and all his organs are failing."

Qin Shuang didn’t quite understand all that. Taking advantage of the fact that Dong Shu and the others hadn’t arrived yet, she turned her head in surprise to look around. "This is the Herb Garden’s medicinal plot. How did this person get in here? Is he one of the Herb Garden’s servants?"

Sun Muqing glanced at the man’s clothes and shook his head. "Judging by his attire, he doesn’t seem to be. He looks more like a villager from somewhere."

The frozen man wore a somewhat tattered cotton coat, his hair tied up under a black cotton hat—an outfit typical of a villager from a nearby settlement. But why would he be here for no reason?

"This medicinal plot isn’t fenced off. Anyone could enter, though usually no one comes here." Sun Muqing studied the man for a moment before suddenly spotting several uprooted mountain ginseng plants at the man’s feet. His brow furrowed. "A thief?"

Qin Guan also noticed the ginseng at once. The roots were still caked with soil, clearly freshly dug up and uncleaned, lying right beside the man—undeniable evidence of his crime.

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, finding the situation somewhat absurd.

"A thief comes to steal herbs in the dead of night, only to freeze himself stiff in the medicinal plot?"

Sun Muqing also found it strange. "Never mind why he’s here—let’s try to save him first!"

Naturally, Qin Guan had no objections. She stood there observing for a moment before turning to survey the medicinal plot below. At first glance, nothing seemed amiss. The snow had only stopped this morning, and any disturbed ground would be hard to spot. After a moment, she noticed a protruding branch nearby. Picking it up, she scraped at the ground a few times and uncovered the stems of ginseng plants.

"This is where the mountain ginseng is planted…"

Qin Guan murmured softly. Sun Muqing nodded in agreement. "It seems this man really came here to steal."

He then gave a wry smile. "It seems my senior brother’s medicinal plot needs a fence after all. Though there’s no one within ten miles, that doesn’t mean no one would target this place. Once or twice is one thing, but if more people catch wind of it, all his efforts here would be wasted."

Qin Guan also sighed. The stolen ginseng might not be worth a fortune, but theft was still dishonorable.

Qin Shuang snorted. "So this man came to steal our herbs, and now we have to save him on top of that? Ridiculous..."

Sun Muqing was also at a loss. A thief didn’t deserve sympathy, but theft wasn’t a capital offense. Neither he nor Qin Guan could stand by and let the man die. After a short wait, several figures appeared from the direction of the western gate.

Along with Fuling and Wan Xing, Dong Shu and Qin Yan arrived, followed by two male servants. Spotting Qin Guan and the others below, they immediately approached. Seeing them, Sun Muqing quickly said, "Dong Shu, do you recognize this man?"

Dong Shu stepped forward and scrutinized the man for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I don’t. Who is he...?"Sun Muqing briefly explained how they had discovered the man and pointed at the mountain ginseng on the ground. "He was probably here to steal herbs, though it's unclear why he nearly froze to death here. Uncle Dong, even if he's likely a thief, we must save him. Carry him into the house."

"Of course, of course. Quickly, take him inside..."

At Uncle Dong's command, the two male servants immediately lifted the man.

Sun Muqing hurriedly added, "Be careful—he's easily injured now..."

As the two servants carried the man away, the others followed closely behind. Qin Shuang had long lost any interest in playing and now felt tense. If this man really died, it would be terribly inauspicious, so it was best he didn't.

As they neared the western side gate, Sun Muqing called out, "Take him to my quarters first. Uncle Dong, fetch some warm ashes."

At Sun Muqing's instruction, Uncle Dong acknowledged and entered the courtyard. The two servants carried the man swiftly westward. The thick snow made it difficult for Qin Guan and the others to keep up. By the time they finally reached the entrance of Sun Muqing's courtyard, they saw Qin Xiang also standing at the doorway, peering inside. Hearing the commotion, she turned and frowned upon seeing Qin Guan and Qin Shuang panting heavily from running. "You two are out here representing the propriety of the Qin family's daughters. How can you be so undisciplined?"

Qin Guan frowned at Qin Xiang's scolding but ignored her, walking straight past. Seeing this, Qin Shuang snorted and followed. Qin Xiang watched Qin Shuang, who had once obediently trailed behind her, now unquestioningly following Qin Guan's lead, her eyes darkening with displeasure.

In the courtyard, the two servants were carrying basins of snow into the house. Qin Yan and Uncle Dong stood at the doorway, while even Zhou Huai waited in the yard. When Qin Guan and Qin Shuang approached, Qin Yan stepped forward. "You weren't frightened, were you?"

Qin Shuang shook her head vigorously. "At first... we thought he was dead. But he's still alive—as long as he doesn't die, it's fine."

Qin Yan sighed in relief. "Good. Young Master Sun is treating him inside—don't go in yet."

Qin Shuang craned her neck to peer inside. "How is he being treated?"

Qin Yan also looked toward the main room. "They've stripped him completely, first rubbing his limbs with snow to warm them, then using warm ashes to heat his chest."

Upon hearing the man had been stripped naked, Qin Shuang immediately recoiled and turned to Qin Guan. "Ninth Sister, how would you treat him if it were you?"

Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts. "The same way."

Qin Shuang gave an "Oh," then asked, "Will he survive?"

Qin Guan nodded. "There's an eighty percent chance he'll pull through."

Qin Shuang exhaled in relief before murmuring, "Why didn't he call for help when he was freezing? How could he just lean against the wall and fall asleep? The west gate was so close..."

"He's a herb thief—of course he wouldn't come asking for help. Besides, when a person's body temperature drops in extreme cold, they unconsciously slip into a stupor. Sometimes they even hallucinate feeling hot. Without realizing it, his body gradually stiffened until he couldn't move. In his final moments, he might even have been dreaming of warming himself by a fire."Qin Shuang listened with slight astonishment, then asked after a moment, "So, people who die this way don’t feel any pain?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Most likely not. They only suffer at the very beginning when they're still conscious. After that, they lose all sensation. As their body temperature drops further, they might even feel like they're soaking in warm water until they quietly pass away. That’s why those who truly freeze to death often have peaceful, painless expressions—"

Qin Guan spoke slowly, while inside the room, two male servants came out repeatedly to fetch snow. After about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, a cheer finally erupted from inside. Dong Shu, standing at the door, chuckled. "Young Master Sun is truly remarkable. He managed to revive the man without even needing to disturb the young master..."

Sun Muqing’s clear voice rang out from inside. "It’s best not to trouble my senior brother. Is he still preparing medicine now?"

"The young master met with Master Qin and Miss Qin earlier and is currently speaking with Young Master Bai," Dong Shu replied.

At this, Sun Muqing sounded surprised. "Young Master Bai?"

"Yes, it’s Young Master Feijue. He arrived a while ago, but he’s been frequently going out to buy medicine for Madam. He’s as eager as the young master to treat her illness and has gathered all the finest medicinal herbs in Yuanzhou. He only returned last night and hadn’t gotten up yet when you arrived earlier. But after speaking with the young master, he’s preparing to make another trip to Yuanzhou."

Sun Muqing brightened. "I had no idea Brother Feijue was here! When I visited this morning, my senior brother didn’t mention it. When will he return? I must see him!"

Dong Shu smiled. "You know the young master’s temperament—he never says more than necessary. Young Master Bai’s trip will likely take one or two days, or at most two or three. You’ll definitely see him."

Reassured, Sun Muqing said, "Good. Then I won’t rush over and waste his time now. By the way, has my sister-in-law woken yet?"

Dong Shu sighed heavily. "Not yet. This time, she might sleep for several more days..."

"Then we absolutely mustn’t disturb my senior brother. Let him focus on treating her and keeping her company." Sun Muqing gave his instructions, then added, "I’ll write a prescription. Though this man has been revived, he’s suffered frostbite and needs a few days to recover. Once he wakes, we should ask where he’s from..."

Dong Shu nodded. "Go ahead and write the prescription, Young Master Sun. This household has no shortage of medicinal herbs."

Sun Muqing laughed heartily. "Excellent. Thank you, Uncle Dong."

After a few more words were exchanged inside, the two servants carried out the man who had been brought in earlier. When he was first brought in, his body had been curled up tightly, but now it lay somewhat stretched out. They exited the main hall and carried him into the left side chamber of the courtyard.

Qin Shuang’s eyes widened. "Huh... is this man going to stay with Young Master Sun?"

Just as she spoke, Sun Muqing emerged, waving his hand cheerfully. "No trouble at all! There happens to be an empty side room in this courtyard. Let him stay here—it’d be harder to clean up elsewhere."

Dong Shu chuckled. "Young Master Sun’s temperament hasn’t changed a bit. Not a hint of arrogance."

Sun Muqing brushed off his robe with an unaffected air. "I’m not the master—why would I need to put on airs?"

His playful tone made Dong Shu burst into laughter. "If the Valley Master heard you say that, he’d surely punish you by making you copy prescriptions..."Sun Muqing blinked, "That's why we're talking about it here..."

Everyone couldn't help but smile. Dong Shu then said, "If this person is really a thief, I wonder how the herb garden outside is doing. We usually send someone to check it every noon, but today we haven't had the chance yet. After I deliver the medicine, I'll send some people to inspect the area. This place is usually deserted—I never expected someone would come to steal herbs."

As Dong Shu spoke, he left the courtyard first, followed by the two male servants. Only then did Qin Guan and the others enter the side room to examine the man. The man was dressed only in undergarments, lying on the bed covered with a thick brocade quilt. He was of medium build, very lean, with a dark complexion and cracked lips—clearly the appearance of a farmer. Having been revived by Sun Muqing, his dark face now showed signs of frostbite-like redness, further convincing Qin Guan and the others that he was likely a villager from nearby.

"I wonder which village he's from. Could he be from Sanyuan Village?" Qin Shuang asked curiously.

Sun Muqing replied casually, "He looks like an honest man. Probably desperate for medicine at home. We'll ask him when he wakes up. In any case, he must be from one of the nearby villages. At the latest, he'll wake by tonight. If he recovers well, he can return on his own in a day or two."

After observing for a while longer, the group left the room. Once outside, Sun Muqing sighed, "We only went out for a stroll, yet ended up bringing back a living person..."

Having successfully saved the man, Sun Muqing's tone was lighthearted. Qin Yan then asked, "Young Master Sun, are you also well acquainted with the young master of the Bai family?"

Sun Muqing smiled, "Not exactly well acquainted. The Bai family has been long-time friends with my senior brother's branch. I met my sister-in-law and Elder Brother Bai when I was a child, but it's been many years since I last saw them."

Qin Yan nodded. "The young master of the Bai family carries himself with dignified grace and scholarly refinement, truly living up to the Bai family's reputation."

Sun Muqing immediately exclaimed, "Oh? You've met Elder Brother Bai, Qin Gongzi?"

Qin Yan chuckled. "No, we just happened to encounter the young master of the Bai family when we went to see Divine Doctor Sun earlier. We were introduced by the Divine Doctor. I've long admired the Bai family's reputation, so meeting the new head of the family today was an honor."

Sun Muqing understood. "I see. That means Elder Brother Bai has been in good health these years. When he was young, he wasn't very healthy—quite thin, in fact. He and my sister-in-law stayed in Lianzhou partly because of their family friendship and partly to help him recuperate."

Qin Yan responded, "Young Master Sun needn't worry. The Bai young master we saw today appeared robust and in excellent health."

"That's good, that's good. Both he and his sister had frail health since childhood—I was concerned."

After this exchange, Sun Muqing quickly added, "After this outing, the young ladies' skirts must be damp. Please return to your rooms and warm up to avoid catching cold. I'll take care of the patient."

Despite being a direct descendant of the Sun family with no less distinguished status, Sun Muqing was willing to personally tend to the patient. Qin Yan couldn't hide his surprise and admiration. Noticing this, Sun Muqing simply smiled and said, "This is basic for those in the medical profession."

Qin Yan praised him a few more times before leaving Sun Muqing's courtyard with Qin Guan and the others.

Once outside, Qin Xiang asked Qin Yan, "Third Brother, is the Bai family very influential in the east?"Qin Yan nodded upon hearing this and said as they walked, "The Bai family was one of the top aristocratic families in the previous dynasty, producing countless great literary figures and even two empresses. Although they have declined slightly in the Great Zhou era, the heritage of their lineage remains intact. While no one from their family currently holds official positions, many have been appointed by successive emperors as guest scholars to educate the crown prince. Today, they still lead the literary world. Now that Prince Yong has been designated as the crown prince, the emperor immediately sent envoys to Yizhou to invite several elders of the Bai family to reside in the Eastern Palace."

Though not holding high positions of power, they are a true literary aristocracy, respected and relied upon even by the emperor...

Qin Xiang felt her heart surge with excitement upon hearing this and nodded without asking further.

Each of them returned to their own courtyards. Qin Shuang followed Qin Guan through the gate but instead of going to her own room, she entered with Qin Guan. "I never realized the Bai family was so influential. I originally thought only Medicine King Valley was remarkable."

After a moment's thought, Qin Shuang added, "But it makes sense—matches should be well-suited. Divine Doctor Sun and Madam Sun were childhood friends from intertwined families. Naturally, such bonds wouldn't form between ordinary households. One is the leader of the literary world today, the other the foremost in the medical field—truly a perfect match! If only Madam Sun weren’t ill, it would be flawless."

"There’s no such thing as perfection in this world. Madam Sun will recover," Qin Guan replied calmly.

Qin Shuang sat down beside Qin Guan and asked, "Have you ever met that young master Bai?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No, I haven’t..."

Qin Shuang seemed somewhat disappointed. "You’ve never even seen him?"

Fuling chuckled from the side. "Why does the Sixth Young Miss ask about this?"

Qin Shuang snorted lightly. "Fifth Sister has met him. Out of the three of us, she’s the only one who has..."

Fuling shook her head in amusement. "Sixth Young Miss, why must you and our young lady have met him just because Fifth Young Miss has?"

In the past, Qin Shuang would have looked down on Qin Guan, let alone Fuling, but now she could speak to Fuling calmly. "Don’t think I’m the one with such thoughts—Fifth Sister started it. She loves comparing herself to others..."

Fuling glanced at Qin Guan, whose expression remained unchanged, and simply smiled without saying more.

Qin Shuang pouted at Qin Guan, who refused to engage. "You speak even less than Divine Doctor Sun. How boring!" She stood up, and when Qin Guan didn’t try to keep her, she stomped her foot and left. Fuling found it quite amusing. "Ah, lately, the more I see the Sixth Young Miss, the more I find her rather endearing..."

Qin Guan curved her lips slightly. "The journey is dull. Having someone to stir things up isn’t so bad."

Fuling placed the charcoal brazier in a corner and poured Qin Guan a cup of tea. "Exactly. It’s nice that the Sixth Young Miss enjoys following you now. After leaving Jinzhou, the Grand Princess can’t keep you company anymore. Though Sixth Young Miss doesn’t share much in common with you, at least there’s someone to chatter by your side. Otherwise, I fear your temperament might grow even more reserved."

Qin Guan laughed softly. "It’s not that serious..."

Yet as she spoke, a wave of melancholy rose in her heart. It had already been half a month since leaving Jinzhou. In the past, she would visit the marquis’s residence every few days. She wondered what Yue Ning was doing now, how the Grand Princess’s health was, and how Yao Xinlan fared.

"Will we only receive letters once we reach the capital?"Qin Guan asked a question to which she already knew the answer. Fuling nodded, "What would you like to know, miss?"

Qin Guan then gazed out the window at the snow-covered ground. "I want to know if Eldest Brother's Wife has left Qin Manor."

Fuling sighed. "If Lord Yao comes in person, she should be able to leave. I think the Young Mistress has already begun to change. Once she makes up her mind, coupled with the Yao family's influence, it should be possible!"

"I hope so..."

"Would you like to rest for a while, Miss?"

Qin Guan wasn't in the habit of taking afternoon naps, but having slept poorly the previous night, she did feel somewhat drowsy. Hearing this, she nodded. "Alright then, I'll take a short rest—"

This nap ended up lasting two hours. When Qin Guan rose and stepped out of her inner chamber, she found Qin Shuang already seated by the window couch again, holding a plate of Tea Cakes while reading one of Qin Guan's recent leisure reads—a travelogue of mountains and rivers. Seeing her take the book without permission, Qin Guan said nothing, but Qin Shuang looked up boldly. "Why did you sleep so long? Want some Tea Cakes? They're really delicious..."

Qin Guan shook her head, sighing at Qin Shuang's munching cheeks. If she kept eating like this, the newly defined lines of her face would soon round out again. Oblivious to Qin Guan's concern, Qin Shuang marveled, "These are even better than the ones by Wild Goose River."

Qin Guan felt rather helpless. Noticing the afternoon light outside, she asked, "Has that person woken yet?"

Qin Shuang shook her head. "Don't know. Young Master Sun hasn't come by."

Qin Guan was somewhat concerned. Though she fully trusted Sun Muqing's medical skills, she worried he might lack meticulousness in patient care. "I'll go check—"

Hearing Qin Guan was heading out, Qin Shuang immediately stood up. "I'm coming too!"

Qin Guan had no choice but to let her tag along. Fuling chuckled quietly, thinking Qin Guan had acquired a little shadow.

Soon they arrived at Sun Muqing's courtyard. Upon entering, they heard movement from a side chamber. Approaching, they heard Sun Muqing ask, "How are you feeling?"

Qin Guan's heart skipped. She knocked, startling Sun Muqing, who turned and rose upon seeing them. "Ninth Miss, Sixth Miss, please come in..."

Entering, Qin Guan asked, "Is he awake?"

Sun Muqing nodded. "Yes, come see..."

Qin Guan approached the bed where the man lay with his eyes barely open. His pupils shifted slightly at their arrival. Sun Muqing added, "He woke up about two cups of tea ago but seems unable to speak."

"Could his throat be injured?" Qin Shuang blurted.

Sun Muqing agreed. "Possibly, or he's simply too weak. I've already given him medicine—we'll see how he is by evening."

As Qin Guan nodded, Qin Shuang said, "Why don't you examine him, Ninth Sister?"

Qin Guan laughed helplessly. "How could I compare to Young Master Sun..."

Qin Shuang sniffed. "Why not? You're our manor's Little Medicine Immortal!"

The title stunned both Qin Guan and Sun Muqing, who gaped at her in silence.

The awkward pause confused Qin Shuang. Explaining to Sun Muqing, she said, "Ah... don't underestimate Ninth Sister... she once treated the Grand Princess of Marquis Anyang Manor!"

Sun Muqing's surprise gradually faded into admiration. "So it's you, Ninth Miss..."

Qin Guan looked apologetic. When Sun Muqing had questioned Yan Chi that day, she'd been present. Since Yan Chi hadn't revealed it, neither had she, effectively keeping Sun Muqing in the dark for days. Lowering her eyes, Qin Guan said, "I didn't mean to conceal it from you, Young Master Sun. At that time..."Sun Muqing suddenly laughed, "I know, I know! That was our second meeting. Ninth Miss isn't someone who seeks fame, so you didn't want to reveal you were the Little Medicine Immortal of Jinzhou City..."

Hearing this, Qin Guan felt even more guilty. Sun Muqing, however, sighed and said, "Ninth Miss is truly remarkable. Other physicians, upon hearing the name Medicine King Valley, would flock over without exception. Yet you rejected me outright from the start."

Sun Muqing felt both gratified and excited, "It seems Heaven has been kind to me after all, allowing me to meet Ninth Miss again. My trip to Jinzhou wasn't in vain... I initially thought Ninth Miss merely had an interest in medicine, but now I see otherwise. The Grand Princess's illness was said to have been treated by a renowned imperial physician from the palace, yet it wasn't cured. Later, Ninth Miss succeeded, proving your medical skills surpass even that imperial physician's. From whom did Ninth Miss learn medicine?"

Qin Shuang had good intentions but made things worse. Qin Guan felt anxious inside but showed no sign of it. She hadn't planned to keep it a secret forever, yet she worried Sun Muqing might discover her medical knowledge came from Medicine King Valley.

"I learned from my parents," Qin Guan replied. No matter who asked, this answer was always safe.

Sun Muqing was surprised, "Is that so? Did your esteemed parents ever enter Medicine King Valley?"

Qin Guan smiled wryly, "My parents passed away very early. To my knowledge, they never entered Medicine King Valley. They taught me many things when I was young. Curing the Grand Princess was merely coincidental. The title of 'Medicine Immortal' is truly undeserved."

Sun Muqing felt apologetic. Seeing Qin Guan's melancholy expression, he refrained from further questions. Qin Guan, meanwhile, remained deliberately vague. Sun Muqing nodded, "I'm truly sorry. I didn't know Ninth Miss's parents had already passed—"

Qin Guan curved her lips, "It's alright." Then she glanced at the man, "He's asleep again."

Sun Muqing turned to look. Indeed, the man's eyes were closed, his breathing steady.

"Sleep is good. He can't eat yet—we'll have to wait until evening." Sun Muqing led Qin Guan and the others outside. After closing the door, he said, "It's almost mealtime. Dong Shu just came by and said food will be delivered soon."

"Then let's wait at Third Brother's place..."

At Qin Shuang's call, the group headed toward Qin Yan's courtyard. Sure enough, lunch arrived shortly after. As the dishes were laid out on the table, Qin Shuang kept glancing at Qin Xiang during the meal. Once finished, she pulled Qin Guan aside and said, "Fifth Sister seemed distracted during the meal and kept talking to Young Master Sun. Does she have some idea?"

Qin Guan chuckled, "If you're truly bored, take a walk. Just don't wander too far."

Qin Shuang glared, "You... how can you be so..."

"Boring," Qin Guan finished for her, leaving Qin Shuang both angry and exasperated. After a moment, Qin Guan sighed, "Fine, let's take a stroll in the back. It's chilly outside—wear your cape."

"That's more like it—"Qin Shuang cheered up, and she and Qin Guan each donned their capes to head outside. Qin Guan had no intention of retracing their morning path, yet unconsciously, she still found herself walking north of the estate. Even from a distance, her gaze drifted toward the courtyard where she had heard noises earlier that morning. Though she tried to restrain herself from suspicion, the shadow over her heart refused to dissipate.

"This is the path you took this morning, isn't it?"

Fuling and Wan Xing were accompanying them this time, having followed Qin Guan’s footprints earlier. Seeing her take the same route again, Fuling couldn’t help but ask. Qin Guan replied, "We’ve already been to the west, the east is too intrusive to visit, and the south leads to the main gate—we’ve walked there too. That leaves only this direction."

Fuling sighed. "Next time, Miss, please call for us to accompany you. Even though this is Divine Doctor Sun’s estate, the snow is so heavy. What if you slipped and twisted your ankle?"

No sooner had she spoken than Qin Shuang stumbled, nearly falling.

"Miss—!"

Wan Qing cried out, steadying her. Qin Shuang clutched her chest in fright before turning to glare at Fuling. "You and your jinxing mouth… Your mistress didn’t fall, but I almost did!"

Fuling smiled helplessly, choosing not to provoke Qin Shuang in her irritation.

"That really scared me… Good thing I didn’t fall…"

Just then, a faint sound reached them. Qin Guan, who hadn’t been paying attention to their conversation, halted abruptly.

"Quiet—what was that noise?"

At her words, everyone fell silent.

Soon, a soft "meow" came from the left ahead.

Qin Shuang’s eyes widened. "A cat? Was that a cat?"

Instinctively, Qin Guan followed the sound. Qin Shuang sighed. "You’re going to look for it? A place this big must have a few strays—they’re filthy, you know… Ugh…"

After a few more complaints, seeing Qin Guan ignore her, Qin Shuang had no choice but to follow.

They reached the side of a courtyard, their gazes settling on a narrow alley between two smaller buildings. The passage looked ancient, its walls covered in moss and cobwebs. The faint meowing seemed to come from the alley’s far end.

The path appeared to turn right at the end, but Qin Guan hesitated before the cramped, shadowed space.

"What’s wrong? Why aren’t you going forward?"

As she spoke, the cat’s cry sounded again. Qin Guan, as if stirred by something, stepped forward first—but just as she moved, Wan Xing swiftly took the lead.

Qin Guan glanced at her before following closely behind.

After about twenty steps, they neared the alley’s end. Qin Shuang suddenly covered her nose. "Ugh, what is that smell? It’s disgusting…"

The narrow path grew fouler the deeper they went, the stench of decay thickening in the air.

At the front, Wan Xing slowed her steps, raising a hand to signal the others to proceed cautiously.

Everyone paused. Qin Guan’s expression darkened as she strained to listen—the once-clear meowing had vanished. Just as she grew puzzled, Wan Xing moved forward with silent urgency…Wan Xing walked across the flat snowfield, but Qin Guan noticed at a glance that the footprints she left behind seemed shallower than theirs. As Wan Xing reached the end and turned right, her brows suddenly furrowed at whatever she saw.

Qin Shuang looked at Wan Xing and asked softly, "What is it?"

Wan Xing glanced at Qin Guan before replying woodenly, "A cat—"

A cat? Qin Guan immediately quickened her pace. But when she reached Wan Xing's side and looked to the right, she froze in shock.

Seeing Qin Guan approach, the others hurried over as well. Soon, the group of girls crowded around Qin Guan, but the moment they steadied themselves, they collectively gasped. Qin Shuang's eyes widened as she pointed trembling fingers at the gruesome mess nearby. Moments later, she turned away and vomited with a retching sound. Fuling also turned pale, muttering, "How can there be so many..."

Ten paces away, beneath the corridor's eaves where the snow hadn't reached the gutter, lay a scattered mess of bloodied flesh mixed with fur. Beside the mangled remains of cats, a pitch-black feline bared its teeth at Qin Guan and the others, its fur bristling fiercely...