Coroner's Diary

The guest quarters prepared by the Pang family for the Qin siblings were located west of Qinghui Garden. Qin Guan and her two sisters shared one courtyard, while Qin Yan's residence was adjacent to theirs. Pang Yiwen assigned a servant to escort Qin Guan and her sisters to their lodgings while he accompanied Qin Yan.

"Oh, this courtyard is quite spacious—"

Qin Shuang exclaimed upon entering. Though the courtyard had only one main gate, it was remarkably expansive. The central row of three main rooms had exceptionally wide bays, flanked by wing rooms on either side. As Qin Shuang paused, before she could utter another word, Qin Xiang had already led Wan He and Xiu Zhi straight toward the main rooms. Qin Shuang widened her eyes and turned to Qin Guan, "Which side will you take?"

Qin Guan smiled slightly, "Either is fine."

Qin Shuang headed toward the left wing nearest to her, while Qin Guan turned to the right wing.

Inside the wing, the space was divided into three sections: a small central hall with larger rooms to the north and south. The northern chamber was a bedroom furnished with a canopy bed, while the southern one was a Warm Chamber. Fuling unpacked their belongings and settled Baiying in the Warm Chamber. Though Baiying had recovered considerably, Qin Guan insisted she rest.

Once Qin Guan had settled in, Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang also stepped out.

As the three sisters exited the courtyard, Pang Yiwen was already waiting outside. Snow was falling, and Fuling and the others held umbrellas. Watching the graceful approach of the three sisters, Pang Yiwen smiled faintly, "The heir is truly fortunate—I don’t have such lovely sisters..."

Qin Yan frowned slightly but chuckled, "Brother Pang, if you had so many sisters, you might find them troublesome instead."

Pang Yiwen gestured politely, "This way, heir. My father has prepared a banquet at Chaohui Hall."

With that, Qin Yan and Pang Yiwen led the way, following the covered walkways of Qinghui Garden northeastward. The garden’s meticulously crafted eaves, sloping roofs, and elegant landscaping were all blanketed in snow, while a few vibrant red plum blossoms blazed against the white at the corners—truly a picturesque winter scene.

Along the way, the servants of Qinghui Garden appeared few and far between, all disciplined and silent. When they encountered their master, they bowed respectfully without even a stray glance—clearly well-trained household attendants. Yet... Qin Guan glanced at Pang Yiwen ahead—this master seemed somewhat slick and unrestrained...

After passing another flower bed, the quiet atmosphere was suddenly broken. Faintly, Qin Guan heard the strains of music. Just as she found it odd, Qin Yan ahead remarked, "Hmm, who’s playing music?"

Hearing this, Pang Yiwen smiled. "It’s not someone from our household."

He paused as if teasing, then suddenly asked, "Surely the heir knows of the Double Purity Troupe?"

Qin Yan’s eyes brightened. "How could I not know of them?"

Pang Yiwen laughed. "Of course, of course. The Double Purity Troupe is currently in the capital—no doubt the heir is a frequent patron and knows them well." He glanced toward the source of the music and added, "For Prince Yu’s birthday, aside from preparing a gift, my father has also booked the troupe. Starting tomorrow, they’ll perform at Prince Yu’s residence for two days. Afterward, my father will host two old friends, and they’ll perform here for another two days."As the words fell, he turned his head with a sweeping glance, adding, "I must ask the Crown Prince and the young ladies to stay and enjoy the opera."

Qin Yan's eyes flickered with surprise, while the three Qin sisters—Qin Guan among them—also showed subtle changes in expression. Even someone as reclusive as Qin Shuang had heard of the Double Purity Troupe, and Qin Yan was even more familiar with it. In the capital, while carousing with the sons of nobility, aside from pleasure boats and brothels, opera troupes were a major pastime. The Double Purity Troupe specialized in Southern Opera, with a majority of female performers. Their repertoire tended to be more delicate and graceful compared to Northern Opera troupes, and their stars were renowned for their beauty, naturally attracting lavish spending from these young nobles.

In the capital, the Double Purity Troupe was usually packed to the brim. Recently, it was rumored they had been invited south by a wealthy patron, and the troupe leader had taken two prized disciples with him. It was assumed they would return to the capital before the New Year, yet unexpectedly, they had come to Yuzhou. Though performing for the Prince of Yu's birthday was a great honor, the Pang family's apparent exclusive booking of the troupe spoke volumes of their wealth. Qin Yan couldn't help but marvel once more at the Pang family's immense fortune.

"To think the Double Purity Troupe is right here in this garden! What luck. If tomorrow’s celebrations at the Prince of Yu’s residence aren’t enough, we can return here and indulge in the opera to our hearts' content..."

Pang Yiwen laughed. "Naturally! The Crown Prince may listen to whatever he pleases!"

Qin Yan's smile deepened, but then the sound of strings and flutes gradually faded into the distance. Pang Yiwen explained, "The entire troupe has over twenty members. We’ve arranged for them to stay at the back so as not to disturb the Crown Prince and the young ladies."

Qin Yan remarked, "Brother Pang’s consideration is truly impeccable..."

The two exchanged a few more words about the troupe. As she listened, Qin Guan couldn’t help but glance toward the northern part of the courtyard. She had long known of the Double Purity Troupe’s reputation and had even accompanied her mother to a couple of performances in earlier years. Later, as the troupe grew more famous and the crowds noisier, her mother, disliking the commotion, never went again.

Qin Guan lowered her gaze, her heart growing heavy. The further north they traveled, the closer they drew to the past.

Passing through another courtyard, the view suddenly opened up, revealing a three-story pavilion ahead, its roof blanketed in snow. Plum groves flanked both sides of the pavilion, and though Qin Guan couldn’t see beyond it, she imagined the scenery was much the same. As she mused, the faint, refreshing fragrance of plum blossoms reached her nose. She inhaled softly, and the weight in her chest lightened somewhat.

"Elder Brother—Crown Prince—"

Just then, a young man in a blue robe emerged from the doorway. His features bore some resemblance to Pang Yiwen’s, though he seemed more reserved. Pang Yiwen gestured to him. "Second Brother, come quickly and pay your respects to the Crown Prince."

Turning to Qin Yan, he added, "This is my younger brother, Yiwu!"

Pang Yiwu strode forward and bowed. "Greetings to the Crown Prince..."

Pang Yiwen then indicated the Qin sisters. "These are the three young ladies from the Marquis’s household."

Pang Yiwu hastily clasped his hands in salute. "My respects to the three young ladies."

Qin Yan smiled. "This is my first time meeting the second young master."

Pang Yiwen patted his brother’s back. "Second Brother is often away assisting our father with business affairs. I hope the Crown Prince will forgive his absence."

With a gesture, he added, "Father is inside. Please, after you—"Qin Yan promptly led Qin Guan and the other two into the Chaohui Hall. As soon as they stepped inside, a wave of warmth greeted them. The seating arrangements were already prepared, and Pang Fuliang, dressed in a deep brown luxurious robe, was playing by the window with a little boy of about five or six years old. Hearing the commotion, he turned around and said with a smile, "The young master has arrived—"

"Lord Pang—forgive the intrusion!"

Pang Fuliang chuckled and patted the little boy's shoulder, signaling him to turn around. The child was holding an exquisite miniature carriage in his hands. As he turned, Qin Yan immediately remarked, "Is this the third young master? Truly a handsome child."

Pang Fuliang then looked down and said, "Jiayan, why aren’t you greeting them? Call them brothers..."

The miniature carriage in Pang Jiayan’s hands was golden—whether it was made of pure gold was unclear, but the gemstones embedded in it seemed real. The horses and shafts of the carriage were fixed, but the wheels were movable. Pang Jiayan kept spinning the wheels absentmindedly while staring at Qin Yan, pausing for a moment before saying, "Hello, brothers."

Qin Yan smiled and took out a Jade Token from his sleeve. "This is my first time meeting the third young master, and I didn’t prepare any gifts. Please don’t disdain this humble token."

Pang Jiayan only reached Qin Yan’s waist in height. When Qin Yan handed him the Jade Token, the boy hesitated and glanced back at Pang Fuliang, who said cheerfully, "Take it."

Pang Jiayan showed no smile, only a hint of curiosity as he examined the token before accepting it.

For a moment, everyone in the room laughed. Pang Fuliang, now in his forties, finally stood up. Despite his age, he was tall and imposing, his noble attire further accentuating his dignified bearing—a stark contrast to his elder and second sons, who lacked his commanding presence. His features were well-proportioned, with slightly narrow eyes that exuded shrewdness yet held just the right amount of warmth. Taking Pang Jiayan’s hand, his gaze swept over the three Qin sisters.

"Are these the three young ladies of Qin Manor?"

Qin Yan quickly nodded. "Indeed, my three younger sisters—"

As he turned to glance at them, Qin Xiang promptly led the other two in a curtsy.

After rising from the gesture, Pang Fuliang smiled warmly. "Such grace and beauty—truly befitting the Qin family. Now that you’re here, treat this as your own home and don’t stand on ceremony."

He gestured toward the seating in the main hall. "Come, let’s all take our seats."

Turning back, he added, "Jiayan, put the carriage down. It’s time to eat."

Pang Yiwen and Pang Yiwu had already turned to invite Qin Yan and the others to their seats, but since Pang Fuliang hadn’t moved, Qin Yan remained still as well.

Pang Fuliang was already of considerable age, while Pang Jiayan appeared to be only six or seven—clearly a child born late in life. In the short time since their arrival, Qin Guan and the others had observed how deeply Pang Fuliang doted on his youngest son.

Pang Jiayan was exquisitely beautiful, with bright amber eyes and long, curled lashes like tiny fans. Though a boy, his delicate features made him as endearing as a little girl. His quiet, well-behaved demeanor even drew a fond look from Qin Yan. At Pang Fuliang’s words, Pang Jiayan obediently set down the gold-and-gem-encrusted carriage—along with the Jade Token Qin Yan had given him—and dutifully followed his father.Thus, the group made their way to the banquet table. Pang Fuliang took the seat of honor with Pang Jiayan in his lap, while Qin Yan and Qin Guan, along with the other three, were seated to his left. Pang Yiwen and his brother sat to his right.

"A humble feast, I hope the young master won’t disdain it. Please enjoy the flavors of Yuzhou," Pang Fuliang said warmly.

Qin Yan raised his wine cup and replied, "Our visit has truly troubled you, Lord Pang. Allow me to toast you first."

Pang Fuliang chuckled as he lifted his cup. "Trouble? What trouble? If you hadn’t come, I’d have been upset. It’s been years since I last saw the Marquis. Now that you’re here, how could I let you stay in an inn?"

With that, Pang Fuliang raised his cup to Qin Yan. "This is the finest Zhuyeqing wine in Yuzhou. Try it."

Qin Yan drank it in one go and praised it enthusiastically. After two rounds of drinks, the welcoming banquet officially began. Qin Guan noticed there was no seat reserved for Madam Pang and wondered why she hadn’t come. Just as she was thinking this, she felt a piercing gaze land on her face. She looked up and met Pang Yiwen’s eyes.

Pang Yiwen smiled. "Young ladies, please don’t hold back. Eat heartily."

Qin Guan nodded slightly and lowered her gaze.

Meanwhile, Pang Fuliang, while helping Pang Jiayan with his meal, asked, "How long does the young master plan to stay?"

Qin Yan replied, "My family urged me to return early. With the New Year approaching, it’s not good to linger outside for long. Originally, I intended to leave right after the birthday banquet."

Pang Fuliang smiled. "I was hoping to introduce you to someone."

Qin Yan was momentarily surprised. "Oh? Who?"

"The head of the Lianghu Salt Transport Envoy. Do you know of him?"

Qin Yan paused briefly. "Lord Pang, are you referring to... Liu Renli, the Salt Commissioner?"

Pang Fuliang nodded amiably. "Exactly. He’s coming from Huzhou, originally to attend the birthday celebration, but was delayed on the road. He’ll arrive tomorrow. We share some old ties, so I’ll have him stay at Qinghui Garden as well."

Qin Yan’s eyes flickered with surprise. "Commissioner Liu hasn’t returned to the capital for years."

Pang Fuliang chuckled. "As you know, the salt production in the southern Lianghu region has been increasing, and so has the smuggling. These past few years, he’s been managing the official salt trade while cracking down on illegal salt operations—naturally, he’s been swamped. But this time, he’s returning to the capital to report on his duties. If there are no changes, he’ll continue overseeing Lianghu and may even take charge of Weizhou Island to the east."

At this, Qin Yan’s eyes brightened slightly.

The Great Zhou Dynasty enforced strict regulations on salt. Unauthorized salt trading was a grave crime, punishable by collective punishment. Despite this, the immense profits from salt attracted many who sought to make their fortune through illicit means.

Thus, combating salt smuggling had always been a critical issue both within and outside the court. However, the government couldn’t possibly oversee every salt field or pool, nor did it have the manpower or resources to manage the entire process of salt extraction and production. This necessitated the involvement of salt merchants, who had to obtain permits from the Salt Transport Offices to legally produce and trade salt within strictly defined limits. Operating without official authorization was considered smuggling—a severe offense. Though salt merchants paid hefty taxes, the remaining profits still ranked among the highest in the nation.For this reason, salt merchants were most likely to become the wealthiest magnates in their regions, and who in the world wouldn’t want to be a magnate? However, the documents issued by the Salt Commissioner’s Office were limited. Thus, the officials who decided which merchants received the salt production licenses became a crucial link. Although these officials were court-appointed, they could determine the flow of wealth, making them natural targets for merchants to curry favor with. Qin Yan was not surprised that Pang Fuliang had dealings with such a person, but since Pang Fuliang had mentioned it to him, it meant he knew Qin Yan would be interested—and Qin Yan’s interest naturally stemmed from the political struggles at court.

“I’ve often heard Liu Yuntong’s name from my father but have never had the chance to meet him. Since we’ve crossed paths this time, I must make his acquaintance no matter what. I’d appreciate it if you could introduce me, Lord Pang.”

Qin Yan spoke earnestly, and Pang Fuliang nodded with a smile. “Nothing could be easier. I’ve heard that even before he arrived at Wild Goose River, gifts from the capital had already been delivered to his residence. He’s almost afraid to go back.”

The corners of Qin Yan’s lips lifted slightly. “So Liu Yuntong has come here to avoid the attention?”

Pang Fuliang laughed heartily. “And to enjoy a performance by the Double Purity Troupe!”

Qin Yan chuckled as well, then raised his wine cup to Pang Fuliang. The two exchanged several toasts when suddenly, Pang Jiayan, who had been sitting in Pang Fuliang’s lap, grew restless and looked up at him. “Father, Jiayan is full.”

Pang Fuliang set down his cup and asked kindly, “Full already?”

Pang Jiayan nodded. Naturally, a child couldn’t endure the endless toasts among the adults, so Pang Fuliang called toward the door, “Qing Niang, take the Third Young Master out to play.”

As soon as he spoke, a plainly dressed woman entered from outside.

Pang Jiayan immediately slid down and stretched out his arms, wanting her to carry him. The woman picked him up and quickly left with her head bowed. Watching Pang Jiayan go, Pang Fuliang exhaled softly before turning back to Qin Yan to subtly discuss court affairs again.

Qin Guan ate in silence, finding the meal utterly tasteless. She knew the Marquis’s household had already sided with the Crown Prince and guessed that Qin Yan likely wanted to win Liu Yuntong over for the Crown Prince’s faction. After all, even though the Crown Prince was the heir apparent, having control over the salt trade in the south and east through trusted allies would bring much greater peace of mind.

At the moment, Qin Guan had little interest in court politics—such matters felt distant to her, and she had no say in the Marquis’s household affairs anyway. Still, she noticed that Pang Fuliang seemed well-informed about these matters, including Liu Yuntong’s arrangements, which perfectly aligned with Qin Yan’s intentions. Qin Guan realized they would likely be staying at Qinghui Garden for several days.

Finally, the meal ended, but Pang Fuliang insisted Qin Yan stay longer. “It’s been too long since I last saw the heir. Stay a while longer. Yiwen, Yiwu, escort the three young ladies back.”

Hearing that he was to accompany the three sisters, Pang Yiwen promptly stood with a smile.

“Very well. Sisters, let me see you back.”

Qin Xiang thanked him, while Qin Guan and Qin Shuang merely went through the motions. Each attended by their maids holding umbrellas, the three turned to leave. Pang Yiwen walked ahead, Qin Xiang in the middle, and Qin Guan and Qin Shuang at the rear.Qin Shuang quickly ducked under Qin Guan's umbrella and whispered, "Staying at an inn would've been better. It's hard to feel at ease living here."

Qin Guan curved her lips slightly as Pang Yiwen ahead asked, "What are you two whispering about, Sixth Sister?"

Qin Shuang had no idea where this "Sixth Sister" address came from, but under Pang Yiwen's gaze, she felt compelled to respond. "We were just saying how Qinghui Garden truly lives up to its reputation."

Anyone could offer pleasantries, and Qin Shuang wasn't particularly fond of this eldest son of the Pang family either, so she gave a perfunctory reply.

Pang Yiwen seemed pleased nonetheless. "Why don't I take you three sisters for a casual stroll around?"

Qin Shuang hesitated at this suggestion. "Ah... no need. We saw everything when we came in earlier. Besides, you must have other matters to attend to—no need to accompany us..."

This response satisfied Qin Guan greatly, but Pang Yiwen insisted, "It's no trouble at all. There are flower beds and a lotus pond over there. Come, let me show you. With the snow falling now, the scenery is quite different."

With that, Pang Yiwen led the way forward. Qin Xiang paused briefly but then followed without hesitation.

Seeing this, Qin Shuang had no choice but to take Qin Guan's arm and follow along. Pang Yiwen, seemingly in high spirits, enthusiastically explained the origins of the garden's features as they walked, even showing off a couple of poems. Qin Guan let the words go in one ear and out the other, pretending not to hear. But soon, a soft, childlike voice reached them—

"Little child, hide and seek..."

"Laughing inside the stone cave..."

"Qing Niang, come find me quick..."

"Why can't you ever see me..."

The group had just reached the edge of the lotus pond. In winter, the pond had become a smooth blanket of snow, while beside it stood an imposing artificial rockery. The sweet, childish voice they heard was coming from within that rockery.

Though the wind and snow had lessened somewhat, it was still quite cold. Recognizing the voice as that of the young third master, Pang Jiayan, and recalling the nursery rhyme, Qin Guan frowned. Playing hide-and-seek in such weather?

Pang Yiwen also stopped in his tracks. Frowning, he called out sharply, "Qing Niang?"

At his words, a figure emerged from behind the nearest part of the rockery—the same middle-aged woman who had carried Pang Jiayan away earlier.

Seeing Pang Yiwen, Qing Niang hurriedly bowed. "Young Master."

Pang Yiwen scowled. "Is Jiayan hiding in there?"

Qing Niang cast a fearful glance at him and nodded. "Yes."

"In this freezing weather! What is he doing crawling around in there?" Pang Yiwen glanced back at the others. "And with guests touring the garden—this is utterly improper..."

"Yes, yes, I'll fetch the third young master right away."

Qing Niang stood up and called out from where she was, "Third Young Master? Please come out now!"

The rockery appeared to be built from ancient stones, towering three or four zhang high. At its peak grew several pine trees, and halfway up was a pavilion—truly an exquisite and imposing structure. Qin Guan noticed occasional window-like gaps in the rock face, revealing a dark, hollow interior, suggesting there was much more to it than met the eye.

As Qing Niang called out, Pang Yiwen turned back to the group with an apologetic smile. "Forgive my brother's mischief. He's quite the handful."Qin Guan didn't find Pang Jiayan mischievous at all. She was only worried that the little child might catch cold in such freezing weather. Moreover, it was pitch dark inside, yet the child, no more than six or seven years old, didn't seem afraid at all.

Pang Yiwen's tone carried a hint of apology. Qin Guan had no desire to respond, and Qin Shuang remained silent as well. It was Qin Xiang who spoke up, "How could we laugh? The young master is utterly adorable. At his age, it's only natural to be lively and fond of play."

Pang Yiwen sighed, "You only say that because you've just met him. He's truly mischievous. While he behaves in front of Father, he shows no manners whatsoever around others."

As if to prove Pang Yiwen's words, the moment he finished speaking, a snowball thudded against the back of his head!

"Who?!" Pang Yiwen had been wearing a helpless, self-consciously refined smile, but the sudden attack naturally angered him. Being humiliated in front of the three Qin sisters made it all the more unbearable, so his shout was especially fierce!

As he turned around, clutching the back of his head, he spotted Pang Jiayan standing by the pavilion halfway up the hillside.

Pang Yiwen immediately flew into a rage, "Pang—Jiayan—how dare you!"

Before he could finish, another snowball came hurtling toward him. This time, facing Jiayan directly, Pang Yiwen was prepared and dodged with a sidestep. Seeing this, Jiayan grinned, scooped up another handful of snow, and hurled it at him. Surrounded by snow, his small hands were already red from the cold, yet he seemed utterly unfazed, relentlessly pelting Pang Yiwen. Though Pang Yiwen avoided most, the sheer indignity of being forced to dodge a child's attacks left him thoroughly disheveled!

"Pang Jiayan! Come down here this instant! Don’t make me tell Father—"

Pang Yiwen was nearly beside himself, but Jiayan, far from being intimidated, only intensified his assault. Clearly accustomed to such games, he gleefully lobbed chunks of snow downward. His elevated position made it effortless, and soon one struck Pang Yiwen squarely. Jiayan’s grin widened, while Pang Yiwen, looking as though he might storm up to drag him down, hesitated—the moment he moved, Jiayan sidled toward an exit nearby, ready to dart into a stone tunnel if pursued.

Realizing the boy’s plan, Pang Yiwen suddenly gritted his teeth and hissed, "Do you want me to tell your mother?"

Jiayan paused briefly but seemed unshaken, raising another snowball. Pang Yiwen spoke rapidly, "You’d better think carefully—"

At this, Jiayan’s hand stilled. With what might have been a faint scoff, he tossed the snow aside and turned, slipping back into the stone tunnel. Qin Guan caught glimpses of him flitting past gaps in the rocks, though his exact path was unclear. Qing Niang, standing nearby, had gone pale. "Apologies, Eldest Young Master. This servant will take Third Young Master back at once."

With that, Qing Niang also disappeared into the tunnel...

The artificial mountain was a labyrinth of hidden passages—undoubtedly entertaining, but given the low ceilings, adults would have to stoop to navigate them. How could Qing Niang possibly catch Jiayan?

Soon, a soft, giggling voice echoed again.

"Little child, hide and seek..."

"Laughing in the stone caves deep..."

"Qing Niang, hurry and find me..."

"Why can’t you ever see?"The artificial hill was hollow inside, with secret passages winding through it. As a result, any sounds that escaped were muffled, making it difficult even for Qin Guan to pinpoint Pang Jiayan's exact location. After this incident, Pang Yiwen was visibly flustered, feeling he had lost face in front of Qin Guan and the others, and naturally, his enthusiasm waned.

"What was supposed to be a pleasant garden stroll was ruined by that little rascal."

Pang Yiwen straightened his collar, forcing a tone of affection. Qin Xiang also seemed somewhat awkward, while Qin Shuang spoke bluntly, "Young Master Pang, your robe is wet. You should hurry back to change. We're also tired from walking and will head back now."

Pang Yiwen glanced at his robe, where two patches of snow had left conspicuous marks on his chest and hem. He gave a bitter smile. "Very well. Since we couldn’t enjoy ourselves fully this time, I’ll take you three sisters for another tour once the snow stops. It’s quite cold now, and it wouldn’t do for you to stay outside too long and catch a chill."

Qin Shuang nodded. "We can return on our own. There’s no need for courtesy, Young Master Pang."

With that, she curtsied and pulled Qin Guan along to leave. Behind them, Qin Xiang seemed to murmur a word of thanks before following.

"That third young master truly is mischievous. At least the eldest young master wasn’t wrong about that." Qin Xiang’s tone suddenly darkened. "When we were children, we’d never dare to behave like that toward our elder brother..."

Qin Xiang seemed melancholic as she thought of Qin Chen. Though Qin Guan didn’t respond, she understood perfectly. Qin Shuang had grown up with Qin Chen, and since he had never wronged her, she still held affection for this elder brother.

This outing hadn’t yielded much in terms of scenery, but it had revealed the farce between the two Pang brothers. Though Pang Yiwen kept calling Pang Jiayan a "little rascal," Qin Guan instinctively felt he didn’t like the boy. Moreover, his words had been peculiar.

—"You’d better think about your mother."

Why say "your mother" instead of just "Mother"? And no matter how one interpreted it, the phrase sounded like a threat.

This train of thought reminded Qin Guan that she hadn’t seen Madam Pang today.

A flicker of suspicion arose in Qin Guan’s mind, but she had no interest in the Pang family’s affairs and didn’t dwell on it. She followed Qin Shuang back to their courtyard, where the three sisters, all seemingly exhausted, retired to their respective rooms.

Just as she entered with Fuling, Baiying, who had been resting in the Warm Chamber, called out, "Sister Fuling, could you come here for a moment?"

Hearing this, Qin Guan hurried over, only to find Baiying looking somewhat embarrassed. "This servant was looking at the medicinal names Sister Fuling wrote earlier and became curious. I wonder if Sister Fuling could explain them to me."

Qin Guan had initially worried Baiying might be unwell, so she sighed in relief. Fuling, who had been learning more these days, was instantly eager—she finally had a chance to teach someone!

Qin Guan shook her head with a smile, pleased to see Fuling and Baiying getting along so well. She then turned toward the north wing but froze at the doorway. In broad daylight, Yan Chi was standing right beside her bed.