Coroner's Diary

The Great Zhou Dynasty had been established for over two hundred years. Emperor Taizu had governed with diligence, and none of the subsequent emperors were mediocre rulers. More than a century ago, its territory had already become the most expansive in the Central Continent. By now, it had grown into the foremost empire of the Central Continent, capable of commanding tribute from all nations.

Stretching from Weizhou Island in the south to the Azure Dragon Mountain Range in the north, bordered by the East Sea to the east and the towering Northwest Plateau to the west, the vast and resource-rich Great Zhou Empire stood majestically upon the Central Continent. However, noblewomen like Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, who rarely ventured beyond their homes, typically traveled no farther than the distance from their parents' residence to their in-laws'. Thus, while Qin Xiang remained indifferent due to her illness upon hearing they were going to Yuzhou, Qin Shuang was overjoyed.

Only then did Qin Guan realize she had been outmaneuvered by Yan Chi. With his extensive intelligence network, how could he not have known that Qin Yan would also be accompanying them to Yuzhou? Though inwardly vexed, she showed no sign of it and quietly returned to her courtyard to prepare for the journey.

Qin Yan, eager to win Yan Chi over, naturally seized the opportunity to travel together and promptly visited Yan Chi's courtyard again. Early the next morning, Prefect He Zhixing and County Magistrate Jiang Yuanzhou of Jixian saw them off with great deference. Yan Chi, accompanied by Bai Feng, set off for Yuzhou with Qin Yan's entourage. It was already the twenty-fourth day of the tenth month, and their time was not particularly ample.

The Qin family's coachmen, carriages, and luggage were still at Changfu Inn, while Qin Yan's group had already covered half the distance to the capital. Had they proceeded directly to the capital, they would have arrived in another half-month. However, the detour to Yuzhou would add five or six days to their journey. As a result, Qin Yan decided to split the luggage, sending his trusted attendants ahead to the marquis' estate with part of it.

By noon, Qin Yan's party arrived at Changfu Inn. Wei Changfu, seeing not only Qin Yan's return but also the arrival of an even more distinguished guest, hurried to serve tea and water, careful not to speak out of turn.

"Young Master, please inspect at your leisure. All your belongings are here, and the coachmen have been well-fed and rested these past two days without any neglect," Wei Changfu said, leading Qin Yan to check. After a brief survey, Qin Yan nodded and had his attendant reward Wei Changfu with silver.

Wei Changfu beamed with delight, while Qin Yan issued instructions to Zhou Huai.

Soon, the original convoy of over a dozen carriages was reduced to just four. Qin Guan and Qin Shuang shared one, Qin Xiang—being ill—rode alone in another, a third was reserved for Baiying, and the last carried the essential luggage and miscellaneous items for the three sisters. As the luggage needed repacking, Fuling and others who knew what their mistresses required came to assist.

For a time, the spacious inn lobby was left with only the three sisters and Yan Chi.

Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang had met Yan Chi before, but this was the first time they sat so close to him. Qin Xiang, listless from illness, kept her head lowered but couldn't resist stealing glances at Yan Chi, while Qin Shuang seemed somewhat afraid of him, sitting sideways to avoid facing him directly.

Qin Guan sat upright and silent, contributing to the oddly tense atmosphere in the lobby.

"Was this where you stayed before?" Yan Chi asked Qin Guan in a deep voice.

She nodded. "Yes. We had initially hoped to rent a private residence, but the villagers were unwelcoming, so we had no choice but to stay at the only inn in the village."

"And then you encountered Sun Muqing?"

Qin Guan nodded again, and a hint of disapproval flickered in Yan Chi's eyes.Qin Guan understood Yan Chi's implication—he was probably wondering how she could have followed Sun Muqing to the Herb Garden after just a few brief encounters.

But aside from the fact that she already knew Sun Muqing, the circumstances at the time had left them with no other choice.

Qin Guan sighed inwardly. "There was no other way back then."

As she spoke, she suddenly seemed to recall something. "Didn’t we see constables when we entered the village earlier?"

No sooner had she spoken than Wei Changfu stepped forward respectfully. "Ninth Miss is right. There were indeed constables. Just yesterday, they suddenly arrived in the village, claiming they’d figured out the cause of the strange incidents that happened here earlier and came to investigate."

Qin Guan looked at Wei Changfu, waiting for him to continue. He glanced at Yan Chi and, seeing no displeasure on his face, went on, "The constables said the earlier deaths were caused by human hands—that it wasn’t man-eating monsters, nor plague, nor a curse. They visited every household where someone had died and even went to the graves."

A trace of fear flickered across Wei Changfu’s face. "Guess what, Ninth Miss? Some of the graves were empty. Like that granddaughter of Old Woman Feng you met—her coffin was empty."

Qin Guan suddenly asked, "Did she suffer from heart pains when she was alive?"

Wei Changfu nodded, then shook his head. "I don’t know the specifics, only that she’d been frail since childhood. Later, some said it was consumption. I was afraid and never interacted with her family."

Qin Guan gave a slight nod. Seeing she had no further questions, Wei Changfu retreated.

Qin Shuang’s expression shifted several times. "Do they still not know it was Sun—"

Qin Guan shot her a look, and Qin Shuang immediately fell silent, though she muttered under her breath, "That impostor who pretended to be the young master of the Bai family—wasn’t he always coming and going? Could it have been him? But why would he dig up corpses?"

Qin Guan still remembered that dissected body with its organs removed. Judging by that, Sun Haoyue had likely been studying the state of the dead to devise a cure.

She shook her head. "Perhaps he wanted to understand how they really died."

Qin Shuang blinked. "Like a coroner in the yamen?"

Qin Guan gave an affirming hum. Qin Shuang then looked enlightened. "Could he have been trying to bring the dead back to life? But Madam Sun passed away long ago..."

Qin Guan didn’t respond. This case hadn’t emerged because of their arrival—it had begun a century ago. Without a corpse examination, she couldn’t know exactly when Madam Sun had died, nor what later drove Sun Haoyue’s obsession. The only clear thing was that Madam Sun’s illness had been the deepest wound that drove him to madness.

The thought made Qin Guan sigh. Seeing that the Prefect of Yuanzhou had already taken over the case at the Herb Garden and that they were about to leave, she suppressed her curiosity about it.

"Everything’s arranged. We can set off now."

Before long, Qin Yan strode in from outside, followed by Fuling and the others.

Yan Chi stood. "Good. Then let’s depart. We’ll reach Guanyin Town before nightfall."

Qin Yan nodded and walked out with Yan Chi, then lowered his voice. "My apologies. My sisters can’t ride, so we’ve inconvenienced Your Highness."Yan Chi curved his lips slightly. "It's no trouble. The mountain roads are rough anyway, so going slower doesn't matter."

Qin Yan had originally intended to ride in a carriage, but seeing that Yan Chi had only prepared horses, he abandoned the idea. Soon, the group set off again—four carriages and over a dozen swift horses first sped away in a cloud of dust, followed by another procession of carriages departing the courtyard of Changfu Inn. Wei Changfu stood at the gate, watching them leave with a sigh. The most noble figures he would likely ever meet in his lifetime were probably these very people...

After leaving Sanyuan Village and continuing northward, Qin Guan's party arrived at Guanyin Town by nightfall. Though merely a town, it rivaled the county seat of Ji County. The group lodged at a comfortable inn there and, after a good night's rest, resumed their journey early the next morning.

Heading west from Guanyin Town, they reached Hu County, adjacent to Ji County, within a day. From Hu County, they took the main road northwest and, after two days, exited Yuanzhou and entered the territory of Yuzhou.

Yuzhou lay northwest of Cloud Mist Mountain and was slightly colder than Yuanzhou. Another day passed, and the skies—clear for several days—suddenly began to snow. The snowfall made the journey particularly harsh for Yan Chi, Qin Yan, and the others traveling on horseback.

By the evening of the 28th, when they stopped to rest, Qin Yan was showing signs of having caught a chill.

They had now reached Xiang County in southeastern Yuzhou. With one more day of travel, they could arrive in Yuzhou City by the evening of the 29th of the tenth month. However, Qin Yan's illness greatly worried the steward, Zhou Huai.

"Perhaps we should stop at Beimiao Town north of Xiang County tomorrow? Or arrange a carriage for the Young Master. And Your Highness, it would be best not to ride horseback anymore either, lest you all fall ill—that would be unfortunate."

As Zhou Huai spoke, Qin Yan coughed and smiled wryly. Glancing at the composed Yan Chi, he didn't want to appear too frail at this moment and quickly said, "Steward Zhou worries too much. We'll arrive tomorrow evening—why delay on the road? Let Ninth Miss prescribe me some medicine, and that will suffice. My apologies, Your Highness. I've grown somewhat lax these past few years, and my health isn't what it used to be."

Yan Chi stood by the window, observing them, and waved his hand dismissively. "You weren't raised in the harsh northwest like I was. I doubt you've ever traveled such a long distance before. It's normal to fall ill from exhaustion."

He then glanced at Qin Guan. "With Ninth Miss here, some medicine and a couple days' rest in Yuzhou will set you right. But tomorrow, it would be best to arrange a carriage for you."

Qin Yan wanted to refuse, but Yan Chi added, "We'll prepare a carriage for you and proceed directly to Yuzhou City."

This gave Qin Yan pause. He didn't want to delay the group's progress, but if he continued riding, he wasn't confident in his own condition. After a moment's consideration, he decided not to overthink it—falling seriously ill would be far more embarrassing. "Very well. Then please arrange a carriage for His Highness as well."

Yan Chi smiled faintly. "That won't be necessary." He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over Qin Guan. "Though if Ninth Miss has any medicine to ward off the cold, I wouldn't mind some as a precaution."

Qin Guan nodded. "Of course. I'll send some to Your Highness later."

The group was gathered in Qin Yan's room. Satisfied, Yan Chi said, "Good. Everyone should rest early. We'll set off as planned tomorrow. I'll retire first."

Qin Yan naturally agreed. After Yan Chi left, he instructed Qin Guan, "Make sure to deliver the medicine to His Highness later."Qin Guan nodded, then took out paper and brush to write a prescription. "Third Brother's cold has already settled in. Start drinking this tonight, and make sure the carriage is warmer tomorrow. After breaking a sweat twice, you'll feel much better."

As she spoke, Qin Guan handed the prescription to Zhou Huai, who immediately nodded in understanding. "Yes, I'll see to it."

With that, Zhou Huai went out to prepare the medicine, as they had brought some herbs along in their carriage.

"Thank you, Ninth Sister. Your medical skills have saved us a lot of trouble," Qin Yan said gratefully.

Qin Guan smiled slightly. "It's my duty. Third Brother should take better care of his health."

Qin Yan chuckled. "I know. I'll drink the medicine you prescribed properly." He paused briefly before adding, "How are Fifth Sister and your maid doing now?"

At this, Qin Guan sighed helplessly. Qin Shuang, standing nearby, interjected quickly, "Fifth Sister is fine now—she's just too embarrassed to show her face. Baiying is still quite unwell, though."

The mention of Qin Xiang reignited Qin Yan's anger, so he didn’t inquire further. "Alright, you two should go rest now. Tomorrow is the last day of travel. Once we reach Yuzhou City, we won’t have to endure this hardship anymore."

Qin Shuang nodded and was about to leave when Qin Guan asked, "Third Brother, are you planning to take all of us to Prince Yu’s birthday banquet?"

Attending Prince Yu’s celebration would naturally be a good opportunity, but it was unheard of for someone to bring three sisters along as guests. Their group was already quite large, and their presence would undoubtedly draw attention.

Qin Yan hesitated. "Bringing everyone would be impractical. But since many will be attending the banquet, it could be a good chance for you to broaden your horizons."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang’s eyes gleamed with an idea. "Fifth Sister hasn’t fully recovered yet. She probably shouldn’t attend the banquet."

Qin Guan and Qin Yan exchanged glances, both amused by her transparent ploy. Qin Shuang coughed awkwardly. "Was I... too obvious?"

Qin Guan covered her lips, her smile deepening. Qin Shuang was quick-witted but not malicious, so she replied, "I don’t mind whether I go or not. If it’s inconvenient, Third Brother can just take the two elder sisters."

Qin Shuang’s eyes widened. "You—aren’t you making me look especially bad now?"

Qin Guan laughed. "Sixth Sister is just straightforward. Third Brother understands."

Qin Yan glanced at them both, showing no displeasure. "Alright, I’ll think about it. You two go rest now."

With that, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang turned to leave. Once outside, Qin Shuang huffed. "Why give in? Do you really not want to go? Or are you fine with letting Fifth Sister steal the spotlight?"

Qin Guan considered it. A prince’s birthday banquet was no ordinary event—grand, lively, and filled with distinguished guests. For young women like them, it might even be a chance to meet promising young talents...

But none of that mattered to her. She truly had no desire to attend.

"It’s not about giving in. If I went, I’d have to stay on guard the whole time. I’m exhausted from this journey. You two can enjoy the excitement—I’ll rest at the inn."

Her tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt. Qin Shuang stared at her for a moment before falling silent.

"The kind-hearted get trampled on. You really are too easygoing."Qin Guan smiled faintly, "Alright, no matter what, you can still go. Don't worry, go back and rest. I'm going to deliver medicine to the Crown Prince."

Speaking of Yan Chi, Qin Shuang's eyes sparkled mischievously, "Speaking of which, Fifth Sister has been paying quite a lot of attention to His Highness Chi these past few days."

Qin Guan blinked, "Oh? Has Fifth Sister taken a fancy to him again?"

Qin Shuang snorted lightly, "She'd have to weigh her own worth before daring to set her sights on His Highness Chi. But... if she really gets the chance, do you think she wouldn't dare? Just think about what happened last time!"

Qin Guan nodded, "Fifth Sister does have quite the nerve."

Qin Shuang then gave Qin Guan a once-over, "How can you be so dense!"

Qin Guan looked genuinely puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Qin Shuang sighed deeply, adopting a serious tone, "What do I mean? His Highness Chi has been taking such good care of you along the way. Whatever the reason, you must know the saying 'the moon is brightest when closest to home,' don't you?"

Qin Guan tilted her head in thought for a moment, "That does make some sense—"

Her indifferent tone was clearly just a perfunctory response, which annoyed Qin Shuang. "If I had your looks, I would've already..."

Qin Guan hummed, "Already what?"

Qin Shuang seemed to think of something but shook her head, "No, even if I had your looks, I wouldn't dare covet His Highness Chi. He's the Demon King who fought in the west, slaughtering countless. With such heavy blood on his hands, do you think the heavens would let him off easy? He might even drag down those around him. Power and wealth are nice, but they come at a price."

As she spoke, Qin Shuang's tone took on a somewhat worldly-wise air. Qin Guan chuckled, "Where did you hear all this? His Highness Chi was defending our country..."

"Grandmother said it," Qin Shuang replied, her eyes clouding with worry as she thought of Jiang Shi. "Grandmother believes in these things the most. And look at the state of Qin Manor now—doesn't it prove her right? Father's actions... have dragged the whole family down."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together. When it came to Qin An, that was indeed the case.

As they talked, they reached Qin Shuang's room. Qin Shuang stopped and said, "You shouldn't get too close to His Highness Chi either."

There was genuine concern in her words. Qin Guan gave a bitter smile and nodded.

Once Qin Shuang entered her room, Qin Guan headed toward her own. They were on the second floor of the inn, which Qin Yan had generously rented out entirely. There were nine rooms on the floor: one for each of the four Qin siblings and their servants, one for Yan Chi, one for the injured Baiying, and the remaining three were crammed with Qin Manor's guards sleeping on the floor.

Somehow, Yan Chi's room was at the far end of the western corridor, separated from Qin Guan's only by Baiying's room. This made it very convenient for Qin Guan to visit him.

"Miss, would you like me to accompany you?"

"No need, I'll be back soon. Just stoke the brazier a bit hotter."

With Baiying recovering, Qin Guan only had Fuling by her side. Since Qin Guan didn't ask her to come along, Fuling stayed behind in the room without worry.Since Yan Chi had saved Qin Guan right before her eyes, she had held him in great reverence and trust. Qin Guan was just going to deliver medicine to him, so she wasn't the least bit worried. Besides, the distance was merely twenty-some steps—nothing could possibly go wrong.

Qin Guan walked toward Yan Chi's room holding a medicine bottle. Just as she reached the door, Bai Feng emerged from inside. Seeing Qin Guan, Bai Feng immediately smiled. "Ninth Miss—"

Qin Guan gestured with the medicine bottle. "I've come to deliver medicine to His Highness."

Bai Feng nodded with a smile and stepped aside. "Please, Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan entered the room with a composed smile, and as soon as she stepped inside, Bai Feng closed the door behind her.

Yan Chi had already removed his outer robe and was now sitting by the window in just a dark inner garment, reading something. Today, his dark robe remained fastened, giving him a proper and restrained appearance. When he saw Qin Guan enter, he beckoned her over. "Come here—"

Qin Guan approached Yan Chi with the medicine bottle and noticed he was reading an official document—or rather, something more like a confidential report sent by his subordinates. She only glanced at it before turning her head away, but Yan Chi pulled her into his embrace.

"I want you to see it. Why are you avoiding it?"

Qin Guan found herself seated on Yan Chi's lap, feeling the intimacy was too much. She struggled slightly, half-leaning away, but when she turned her gaze back, she saw it was a list of names and official titles. Scanning through, she noticed most were local officials from Yuzhou, but there were also many nobles and court officials who had come from the capital.

Among them, the names of the Crown Prince and several princes were prominently listed.

Qin Guan's eyes darkened slightly. "Are these the guests who will attend Prince Yu's birthday banquet?"

Yan Chi's lips curved faintly. "Not all of them, but close enough. The Crown Prince and the other princes likely won't attend in person, but the rest will definitely be there."

"Why show this to me...?"

The list was extremely long, and Qin Guan hadn't read it all. Since she had no intention of attending Prince Yu's banquet, she naturally paid little attention to it. Yan Chi narrowed his eyes at her indifferent attitude. "Isn't it better for you to know early?"

Qin Guan remained expressionless. Seeing that he was still holding the document in front of her, she pretended to skim through it. "I don't plan to—"

Before she could finish the word "go," her voice abruptly halted. Her gaze fixed on the document, where a very familiar name caught her eye.

Her reaction immediately drew Yan Chi's attention. He followed her line of sight and saw a few names of court officials. "What's wrong? Do you recognize any of these people?"

Qin Guan snapped out of her daze. "No, but they seem somewhat familiar."

Yan Chi studied her for a moment. "The one you find familiar is Li Muyun, isn't it?"

Qin Guan's breath hitched. Seeing that name had sent a shock through her, and Yan Chi's words instantly put her on guard. Noticing her odd expression, Yan Chi watched her for a few more seconds before speaking slowly. "He was originally the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. After Shen Yi's incident, he was promoted to Minister."

Only then did Qin Guan's eyes darken further as she nodded. "I see... His name must have been mentioned alongside Lord Shen's before..."

Yan Chi continued staring straight at her and nodded. "He was the one who exposed Shen Yi's crimes."Qin Guan was half-seated on Yan Chi's lap, enveloped like a delicate flower by his presence. Yet as soon as Yan Chi spoke those words, her back slowly straightened. The softness and shyness in her demeanor vanished in an instant, leaving her as imposing as a slender jade bamboo. Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly and asked, "What's wrong?"

It was common knowledge that the former Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Shen Yi, had engaged in favoritism and misconduct in the case where Prince Jin plotted against Consort Jin, deliberately shielding the prince. However, his crimes were only exposed to the world when his most trusted deputy blew the whistle. Yan Chi knew that Qin Guan admired Shen Yi, so he understood her reaction upon learning about Li Muyun’s involvement. Yet, for some reason, seeing Qin Guan like this, he felt her obsession with Shen Yi’s downfall was unusually heavy.

"He’s actually the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review? Why would he leave the capital at this time?" Qin Guan had to grit her teeth to suppress the turbulent emotions surging within her. Yet, in front of Yan Chi, she couldn’t show even a hint of it.

Yan Chi tightened his embrace slightly, set aside the booklet, and wrapped both arms around her.

"Year-end duties in Yuzhou might have called him away. Otherwise, he wouldn’t leave the capital without reason."

The Court of Judicial Review oversaw criminal cases nationwide, holding even higher authority than the Ministry of Justice. By year’s end, major cases and key prisoners from various provinces were sent to the capital for joint review by the Court and the Ministry. If Li Muyun had left the capital now, it was likely due to complications in approving a case from Yuzhou. Qin Guan nodded. "I see..."

Noticing the heaviness in her voice and the inexplicable coldness about her, Yan Chi gently stroked her back. "Have you heard before about how he exposed Shen Yi’s crimes?"

Since Yan Chi asked this, it meant he suspected something. Qin Guan lowered her gaze and gave a quiet "Mm."

Yan Chi sighed softly. "I know of your admiration for Shen Yi. After reading his works, I too find it hard to believe he would compromise his integrity in Prince Jin’s case. Don’t worry—once we return to the capital, I’ll look into this when the opportunity arises."

His words warmed Qin Guan’s heart. Others might have advised her that since the Emperor had already passed judgment, a young girl like her needn’t dwell on it. They might even say, "Appearances deceive—a man who writes such essays isn’t necessarily a saint." Yet Yan Chi didn’t offer a single word of discouragement.

Qin Guan turned to look at him. "Do you think there’s something suspicious about this case?"

Yan Chi brushed his fingers against her cheek. "No obvious flaws stand out, but after reading his writings and having his years of performance evaluations and anecdotes investigated, I’ve come to believe he truly lived up to the title of ‘upright and incorruptible.’ Besides, your corpse examination and case-solving methods were heavily influenced by him. For that alone, it’s only right I look into it."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together, nearly voicing more of her thoughts. Given Yan Chi’s status and position, he had far better access to the case and more authority to speak on it than she did. Yet her throat tightened, as if saying more would be taking advantage. She took a shallow breath. "I only assumed he was a good official based on his writings. Since the case has already been concluded, your inquiries might stir discontent."

"Do you really need to remind me of such things?"

Yan Chi cupped her face, turning it toward his. "There’s another reason I want to look into this... Prince Jin."

Their eyes met, and a faint light flickered in Qin Guan’s gaze. "Prince Jin?"Yan Chi nodded slightly. "Having been away from the capital for many years, I've grown somewhat distant from these cousins of mine. What you may not realize is that both inside and outside the palace walls, it's a place that can change a person's nature. Those who spend years in the palace, constantly by the emperor's side—who knows when they might develop ulterior motives? But Prince Jin... he's someone I'm certain hasn't changed."

His gaze grew distant as he continued, "His birth mother was a concubine who stayed by His Majesty's side back when he was still a prince. When Prince Jin was born, His Majesty was merely a prince himself. Though he was the eldest son, being born of a concubine meant he knew from the start he had no claim to the throne. He always intended to seek an early post outside the capital. His situation is much like Prince Yu's—with such thoughts in mind, he's never involved himself in court factions all these years. And... why would he, of all people, suddenly plot to murder a consort? Especially the emperor's most favored one? The crime occurred during a palace banquet, with everyone witnessing Consort Jin die right before his eyes. It's utterly bizarre."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes as well. A favored consort of the inner palace meeting a tragic end—yet the culprit wasn't some jealous concubine, but rather an adult prince. Though not particularly favored, his status as a prince guaranteed a lifetime of privilege. Why would he suddenly murder a favored consort? Not only that, but he was caught red-handed before countless witnesses.

This was a case that shook the capital—a bizarre incident within the imperial household.

An inexplicable victim, an inexplicable murderer, with no discernible motive to be found.

Qin Guan regretted not having read the case records... What exactly had happened back then?

Her father seemed to have sensed something unusual about this case from the very beginning. Whereas he'd never stopped her from reviewing case files before, that time he strictly forbade her from getting involved. Qin Guan was obedient, and given that it involved both a favored consort and a prince—far different from the cases handled by local prefectures—she didn't dare overstep.

But as time passed, her father grew increasingly silent, his expression ever more grave. Over the years, he'd dealt with many strange and sinister cases—opponents ranging from seemingly harmless yet vicious commoners to martial arts masters who could kill with ease, even powerful nobles who wielded immense influence. Yet that was the first time she'd seen hesitation, despair, and even a trace of fear on her father's face—as if he somehow foresaw their family's impending doom.

"I see... I didn't know any of this. I only knew that Lord Shen never bowed to the powerful. Had the culprit been the current crown prince, that would be one thing—but it was only Prince Jin. Why would he risk bending the law for Prince Jin's sake...?"

Yan Chi gently brushed Qin Guan's cheek. "What you say makes perfect sense. But we haven't returned to the capital yet—don't dwell on it for now. As for that newly appointed Minister of the Court of Judicial Review—though he was the one who exposed the crime, we still don't know what role he truly played. Don't overthink it. You've suffered enough on this journey—rest well once we reach Yuzhou."

After a brief pause, Yan Chi added, "What was it you said earlier? About not planning to do something?"

The corners of Qin Guan's lips twitched. "Not planning to pay attention to those of noble status. Just going along to see the spectacle will suffice."

Yan Chi chuckled softly. "Why would you concern yourself with those people anyway?"With that, he lightly pinched her waist. As soon as the words left his lips, he lowered his head, intending to draw closer. Qin Guan leaned back, her face slightly flushed as she tried to evade him, but Yan Chi complained resentfully, "You barely spoke to me the entire journey, and now you dare to dodge me?"

Hearing this, Qin Guan stopped avoiding him. Yan Chi's kisses then fell upon her lips, delicate and dense. Unlike the urgent, aggressive kisses from days before, even after several days apart, he remained unhurried and gentle. Qin Guan felt her tense body gradually soften under his tenderness, and the heavy sorrow in her heart melted away somewhat. Only when she was left breathless did Yan Chi finally stop. His thumb brushed over her lips, collecting a glistening trace of moisture, and Qin Guan's face flushed instantly.

Yan Chi pulled her into an embrace, pressing her head against his chest.

Qin Guan slowly closed her eyes and murmured, "I've been out for a while now..."

Though she said this, she made no move to leave. For some reason, she simply felt exhausted.

"Just say my old injury flared up, and you treated me with needle therapy."

It was a perfect excuse. Qin Guan gave a soft "Mm" and settled quietly against his chest, eyes closed.

The brazier in his room wasn't particularly strong, yet he wore only a thin robe. Qin Guan wanted to say something, but feeling the warmth radiating from him, she held back. After all, he had endured the harsh cold of the Shuo Xi plains—his body was like a furnace.

Yan Chi didn’t speak further, only gently stroking her back. He gazed down at the crown of her head, almost surprised by his own tenderness. Before Qin Guan, the only thing he had ever treated with such care was his spear.

But now, Qin Guan bore none of the sharp, lethal aura of his red-tasseled spear. She was gentle and serene, like a child who hadn’t yet grown up, and the way she leaned against him inexplicably stirred his blood, making him want to do something.

Yet he knew nothing could be done tonight. Ever since Qin Guan saw Li Muyun’s name, she hadn’t been herself. And that unfinished sentence of hers—she had altered its meaning at the last moment.

All of this, of course, was because of Li Muyun. Li Muyun... Shen Yi...

In the end, it was because of Shen Yi. This former Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, renowned for his integrity, held such weight in her heart.

Yan Chi understood now, and his gaze darkened further. Before long, Qin Guan, who had been motionless, suddenly straightened and decisively pulled away from him. "I should go. This medicine is for warding off the cold. I prepared a lot of it back in Jinzhou. Seeing you braving the snow these past few days, I wanted to give it to you. Wear an extra cape tomorrow."

Yan Chi calmly released her. "Alright, as you say."

Qin Guan glanced at him once more before turning to leave.

Yan Chi remained seated, watching her go before clasping the medicine bottle in his palm.

Early the next morning, as the group prepared to depart, Qin Guan noticed Yan Chi wearing an additional black cape. The snow still hadn’t stopped, and clad in his striking dark robes with the cape draped over his shoulders, he cut a figure of breathtaking nobility atop his horse—handsome and exuding an air of dignified pride that was impossible to ignore. Even Qin Shuang couldn’t resist lifting the carriage curtain to steal a few extra glances. Qin Guan, too, looked at him twice.

Soon, Qin Shuang glanced between Yan Chi and Qin Guan and said, "You might not believe me, but..."

Unsure what she was about to say, Qin Guan played along. "What?"

With utmost seriousness, Qin Shuang declared, "You two look good together—"Qin Guan was about to take a sip of tea when she heard this, torn between laughter and exasperation, and quickly set the teacup down.

Though it was snowing, since Xiang County had already entered Yuzhou City, the official road Qin Guan and her party traveled on was wide and smooth. They hurried along, and by the time they reached the outskirts of Yuzhou, the sky had not yet darkened completely...

“That’s Yuzhou City! Heavens! We’re finally here!”

Qin Shuang nearly stuck her head out of the carriage window, while Qin Guan gazed at the towering city in the distance.

Though Prince Yu had not remained in the capital, the late emperor had treated him exceptionally well. Moreover, while Yuzhou was not as prosperous and abundant as Yuanzhou, it was still the foremost strategic stronghold in the west. The grandeur of its city gate alone spoke volumes of its imposing presence!

Just as Qin Shuang was brimming with excitement, she suddenly spotted a group of fast horses charging straight out of the city gates. At the lead was a figure clad in blazing red robes, galloping toward them at breakneck speed. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, the red-clad rider was upon them. Qin Shuang widened her eyes at the bewitching figure on horseback, who joyfully exclaimed, “Seventh Brother, you’ve finally arrived!”