Coroner's Diary

The man dressed in turtle-green was none other than Pang Yiwen.

Qin Guan had just taken her seat and barely exchanged a few words with Qin Shuang when Pang Yiwen appeared beside them.

"Yiwu, Father wants to see you."

Pang Yiwu had been silently trailing Qin Guan and Qin Shuang. Since Pang Fuliang had only instructed him to escort them here, he had no idea where to go after completing his task. The flower hall was mostly filled with female guests, leaving him hesitant about his next move. Just then, Pang Yiwen showed up. However, Pang Fuliang usually only assigned important matters to Pang Yiwen—why would he suddenly summon him?

Pang Yiwu froze for a moment. "What does Father want with me?"

Pang Yiwen first smiled at Qin Guan and Qin Shuang before replying, "Just go when asked. He's waiting in the outer study where you just left..."

Pang Yiwu let out an "Oh," not daring to refuse Pang Yiwen, and nodded before hurrying off.

Pang Yiwen watched his younger brother leave and sighed. "My second brother is rather dull. Father worries he can't properly look after you two sisters and our third brother, so he sent me to accompany you."

Qin Guan frowned slightly, while Qin Shuang forced a smile and said, "There's really no need. We won't wander off, and this place is full of ladies. It might be inconvenient for you to stay here, Young Master Pang."

Pang Yiwen chuckled. "How so?"

He glanced around the flower hall at the gathered women and added, "Yuzhou's customs are more liberal than those of the capital or Jinzhou. Sixth Sister needn't worry." As he spoke, another young master from some family entered, and Pang Yiwen pointed out, "See? Everyone is quite relaxed here. With your striking beauty, it wouldn't do for you to encounter any mishaps while moving about the estate. It's better if I keep an eye on you." He then glanced at Pang Jiayan. "Besides, my third brother can be quite mischievous."

With Pang Yiwen insisting, Qin Shuang could say little more. Smiling, Pang Yiwen swept his robe aside and sat beside Qin Guan. Though he dared not sit too close in public, his presence still made Qin Guan deeply uncomfortable.

Tea cups were arranged on the table, and Pang Yiwen eagerly poured tea for them. Nearby, Qing Niang had been sitting on a stool holding Pang Jiayan, but upon Pang Yiwen's arrival, she no longer dared to sit, leaving only Pang Jiayan seated. The boy clutched his golden toy carriage, spinning its wheels incessantly with one hand. Even Qin Shuang found herself somewhat charmed by the whirring motion.

Pang Jiayan's childish face bore an innocent expression as he sat upright and well-behaved on the stool. Noticing Qin Guan and Qin Shuang's apparent fondness for him, Pang Yiwen asked gently, "Third Brother, would you like some tea?"

Pang Jiayan stared at Pang Yiwen for a moment before nodding.

Pang Yiwen, playing the part of a gentle elder brother, poured a cup of tea and placed it before Pang Jiayan. The boy eyed the cup and suddenly said, "Hot—"

The corners of Pang Yiwen's lips curled slightly. "Then let it cool for a while before drinking."

"I want to drink it now."

Pang Yiwen's mouth twitched, likely recalling Pang Jiayan's audacity from the previous day. A glint flashed in his eyes as he looked up at Qing Niang behind the boy. "Qing Niang, cool the tea for Third Young Master."

"I want Eldest Brother to cool it for me..."Pang Jiayan's unblinking gaze was fixed on Pang Yiwen, whose expression stiffened slightly. However, with Qin Guan and Qin Shuang present, he couldn't immediately lose his temper. After a long pause, he finally nodded, "Alright..."

As he spoke, Pang Yiwen held the teacup, gently blowing on it while stirring with the lid.

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang found Pang Yiwen's reluctant yet forced compliance rather amusing. Qin Shuang took a sip of tea and glanced around at the ladies in the hall. After surveying them, she whispered, "They all seem to be from distinguished families."

Qin Guan had already observed everyone in the room. "Naturally, those invited to Prince Yu's birthday banquet are no ordinary folk."

Within moments, Pang Yiwen handed the teacup back. "Here, third brother."

Pang Jiayan glanced at the cup in Pang Yiwen's hand, frowned, and then turned to Qing Niang.

"Qing Niang, I want to go play outside—"

Pang Yiwen's expression instantly darkened, though he suppressed his anger. Qing Niang hesitated, noting his displeasure. "Third Young Master, Eldest Young Master's tea..."

"Qing Niang, I want to go play outside—"

Pang Yiwen took a deep breath before setting the teacup down. "Qing Niang, take him out for a stroll. No more than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, then bring him back."

Qing Niang hastily agreed and carried Pang Jiayan out.

With Pang Jiayan gone, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang were left alone with Pang Yiwen, who smiled apologetically. "My third brother has been spoiled by Father since childhood, so his temper isn't the best. Please don't take offense, ladies."

After a pause, he added, "Father doesn't discipline him, so as the eldest brother, I must scold him occasionally. Over time, the little one has grown resentful of me..."

Pang Yiwen sighed with feigned helplessness, his gaze frequently drifting toward Qin Guan. Changing the subject, he continued, "Your visit is somewhat unfortunate timing. The heavy snowfall these past few days obscures Yuzhou's true beauty. Otherwise, I'm sure you'd both adore it here. Yuzhou isn't as humid as the south nor as dry as the north. The seasons are distinct—winters aren't too harsh, and summers aren't too hot. It's the perfect place to settle. Though our family's business has gradually shifted southward, many wonder why we haven't relocated our residence. Yet Father insists on staying here."

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang nodded slightly, offering no response.

Pang Yiwen faltered, then brightened. "Ninth Sister, there's a plum grove in the prince's residence, not far from here. Would you like to see it?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No need. You may attend to your own affairs, Young Master Pang."

Qin Shuang blinked, a faint smile crossing her lips as if recalling something. "We sisters will be fine together. You, however, should be by Elder Pang's side. Please don't let us keep you."

Recognizing their dismissal, Pang Yiwen's eyes flickered. "Father isn't in urgent need of me, but third brother has been gone for a while. I should go look for him."With that, he stood up and walked out first. Pang Yiwen frowned slightly. Although he was somewhat anxious in his heart, he ultimately didn’t want to provoke Qin Guan, so he had no choice but to retreat for now. However, recalling Qin Guan’s expression, he couldn’t help but feel indignant. Though Qin Guan bore the surname Qin, she wasn’t born of the Marquis’s household, and both her parents were gone—what gave her the right to be so arrogant!

As Pang Yiwen walked, a man dressed in the uniform of the prince’s guards suddenly approached him. “Young Master Pang, His Highness requests your presence.”

Pang Yiwen was taken aback. Why would Prince Yu want to see him?

Though surprised, Pang Yiwen nodded. “Where to?”

“Just follow me, Young Master.”

With that, the guard turned and headed north.

The speaker’s face was somewhat unfamiliar. Although Pang Yiwen had visited the prince’s residence a few times, he didn’t come often, so it was normal not to recognize everyone. Moreover, the man carried an air of authority, quite different from ordinary servants.

Thinking this, Pang Yiwen followed without hesitation.

Yet after passing through a corridor, Pang Yiwen frowned. “Has His Highness retired to the inner quarters?”

It was just past noon, the busiest time for guests, yet the guard was leading him deeper into the residence.

“His Highness is feeling slightly unwell and needs to rest for a while.”

Pang Yiwen knew Prince Yu’s health wasn’t the best, so he followed without suspicion. But after traversing another corridor, he instinctively felt something was amiss.

This place was rather secluded and seemed to be taking him farther from Prince Yu’s main courtyard.

“Wait a moment…” Pang Yiwen stopped. “This isn’t the way to His Highness’s quarters.”

The guard ahead paused but didn’t turn around immediately. After a beat, he finally turned, revealing a cold smirk. Seeing this expression, even Pang Yiwen—dense as he was—realized something was wrong. He stumbled back two steps, ready to flee, but at that moment, a gust of wind rushed up behind him. Before he could react, a black cloth bag was pulled over his head, and someone kicked the back of his knees.

Pang Yiwen let out a startled cry, his legs buckling as he collapsed to the ground. Just as he struggled, he was dragged several steps to the left.

“Alright, here’s good. Beat him up!”

Fists rained down on Pang Yiwen like a storm. He screamed in agony, unable to fathom who would dare cause trouble at Prince Yu’s birthday banquet.

……

……

“Master, it’s done.” Lu Yun, dressed in a dark blue martial outfit, approached with a hint of excitement. “No bones were broken, but he’ll need at least two days to recover…”

Hearing this, Yan Li cheered and turned to Yan Chi. “Well, Seventh Brother? Clean and efficient, wasn’t it?”

Yan Chi remained by the window and replied, “In the entire Prince Yu’s residence, how many people would dare to assault someone during the birthday banquet?”

Yan Li grinned. “How many could there be? Naturally, just me!”

His smile faded as he continued, “Seventh Brother, you mean…”

His eyes widened slightly. “Surely not… Even if they suspect me, they have no proof. And even if they did, what could they do to me?”Yan Li stepped forward, saying, "That guy's turtle-green outfit is already annoying enough, not to mention the way he was eyeing Miss Qin—his intentions were painfully obvious..."

Yan Chi naturally wouldn't object to the Pang family's eldest young master suffering a bit. "I just worry you might overplay your hand."

Yan Li made a surprised sound. "How so?"

As they spoke, Yan Li noticed someone entering the flower hall below. The person glanced around at the entrance before heading straight toward Qin Guan and Qin Shuang. After exchanging a few words, Qin Shuang and Qin Guan exchanged a look and stood up.

Soon after, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang followed that person out of the flower hall.

Yan Li was dumbfounded. "What's... going on? Why did they leave?"

While Yan Li was puzzled by Qin Guan's departure, Yan Chi understood. His eyes darkened as he turned and headed downstairs. Seeing this, Yan Li immediately called out, "Hey, wait! Seventh Brother, where are you going—"

......

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang followed Pang Youde at a brisk pace.

Qin Shuang asked incredulously, "Steward Pang, how could the young master have gotten injured out of nowhere?"

Pang Youde led the way with a sigh. "We don't know yet. The young master can barely speak right now. This matter shouldn't be spread around, but the heir mentioned that Ninth Miss knows medicine, so I came to ask for her help."

This was truly bizarre. In the middle of a perfectly good birthday banquet, Pang Yiwen had stepped out briefly only to get beaten up—and this was Prince Yu's residence, no less...

Though Qin Guan disliked Pang Yiwen, she couldn't stand by if his life was truly in danger, especially since Qin Yan had already mentioned her medical skills.

The three of them wound through the covered corridors of the estate and soon arrived at a guest chamber. As they approached the door, Qin Guan could already hear groans of pain from inside.

"Master, Heir, Sixth Miss and Ninth Miss are here."

At Pang Youde's announcement, Pang Fuliang immediately responded, "Bring them in."

Qin Shuang and Qin Guan entered together to find Pang Yiwen lying on a daybed by the window, his face swollen and bruised, surrounded by a crowd. Upon hearing their arrival, Pang Yiwen weakly raised a hand.

He lifted it halfway as if to cover his face, but the moment his fingers brushed his cheek, he let out another groan. By then, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang had already stepped forward.

Qin Guan glanced at Qin Yan. "What happened...?"

Qin Yan wore an awkward, puzzled expression. After a light cough, he said, "You know medicine—check if the young master's injuries are serious first."

Qin Guan lowered her gaze to Pang Yiwen and stepped closer. "Where are you injured, Young Master?"

Pang Yiwen had initially felt humiliated to be seen in such a state by Qin Guan, but now that she was here, another idea occurred to him. He squinted his eyes dramatically. "I feel like my entire body's been beaten. Not sure if my leg's broken... My chest and stomach hurt too, and my face..."The injuries on Pang Yiwen's face were obvious at a glance, but those on his body remained unknown. After saying this, Pang Yiwen weakly opened his eyes to look at Qin Guan, imagining how it would feel to have her slender, delicate hands press and touch his body. Just then, he saw Qin Guan suddenly take out a cloth pouch from her sleeve. Pang Yiwen froze, momentarily stunned...

"I specialize in acupuncture. Let me examine the young master."

As she spoke, Qin Guan drew out a long needle with a slightly thicker tip from the pouch. The needle gleamed silver, sharp and formidable, its point flattened like the edge of a dagger. At the sight of it, Pang Yiwen shuddered uncontrollably. Before he could even react, Qin Guan jabbed the needle into his leg.

"Ow—!"

Pang Yiwen didn’t know where exactly she had pricked him, but the pain felt as if the flesh of his entire thigh was being torn off. He howled in agony, instinctively lifting his leg. Seeing that he could raise and bend his leg, even curling it inward to dodge her needle, Qin Guan nodded approvingly. "The leg isn’t broken."

Then, with lightning speed, she jabbed another needle into Pang Yiwen’s ribs.

"Ow ow ow—!"

Already covered in external injuries, Pang Yiwen curled up in pain from the needle’s sting. Terrified, he shrank back, clutching his stomach with both hands, tears nearly forced out by the agony.

Observing how vigorously he protected his stomach and noting that he didn’t seem to be in further distress despite his movements, Qin Guan concluded, "The ribs likely aren’t broken, and the internal organs seem unharmed. The arms... the arms aren’t broken either. It appears you’ve only suffered external injuries."

She then looked at Pang Yiwen again. "Where else hurts, young master?"

Drenched in cold sweat—not from the beating but from Qin Guan’s needles—Pang Yiwen stared at her gentle demeanor and the silver needle in her hand. Noticing the pouch also contained other oddly shaped needles, he hastily shook his head. "No more, no more! That’s all, that’s all...!"

Qin Guan nodded and slowly put away her needles.

Qin Shuang watched in stunned silence, while Qin Yan’s expression turned complicated. Pang Fuliang glanced at Qin Guan before instructing Pang Youde, "Since it’s nothing serious, have someone take him back to Qinghui Garden first, then summon the physician we usually consult."

Pang Youde quickly nodded. "Yes, I’ll arrange for the young master’s return immediately."

With that, he called for Pang Yiwu, and the two of them supported Pang Yiwen on either side.

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang stepped aside to let them pass. Unable to even stand on his own, Pang Yiwen was carried out, groaning in pain. Qin Shuang bit her lip to suppress laughter at the sight of him—not only beaten to a disheveled, bruised mess but also covered in dirt and footprints on his clothes. Once Pang Yiwen was gone, Qin Yan spoke up, "Lord Pang, this matter—"

Pang Fuliang’s gaze darkened, yet he showed no intention of making a scene. "It’s nothing. Perhaps it’s related to business matters. In recent years, I’ve had Yiwen and Yiwu handle affairs, so it’s inevitable they’ve made enemies. Today is Prince Yu’s birthday—let’s set this aside for now and investigate later."

Most others would have rushed to complain to Prince Yu, but Pang Fuliang remained composed.

Qin Yan nodded in admiration. "Lord Pang’s magnanimity and consideration for the greater good are truly commendable."Pang Fuliang smiled and said, "Prince Yu's face must be saved. As for Yiwen, he's a grown man—as long as his bones and organs aren't injured, it's nothing serious. We can investigate later."

As he spoke, the melodious sounds of string instruments and firecrackers rang out simultaneously. Pang Fuliang remarked, "It seems the birthday banquet is about to begin. The Double Purity Troupe will perform throughout the event. Hearing this, we should head over now."

Qin Yan quickly agreed. In that brief moment, Pang Youde also returned. "Master, the eldest young master has left."

Pang Fuliang nodded, glancing around as he walked out. "Go find the third young master."

Qin Shuang then said, "He was sitting in the flower hall earlier, but he said he wanted to go out and play. Qing Niang took him, but I don’t know where they went."

Pang Fuliang nodded again, giving Pang Youde a meaningful look. Pang Youde hurriedly bowed and left.

With that, Pang Fuliang led Qin Yan and the others toward the main courtyard.

……

……

"Hahahahaha, she just stabbed him with a needle?"

"Did he scream even louder than when he was beaten?"

"Oh heavens, I should’ve gone to peek too…"

Yan Li laughed so hard he nearly cried, his long ink-black hair swaying as he twirled gleefully in place. "This Miss Qin is truly amusing and full of character!"

He then turned to Yan Chi and said, "Seventh Brother, you were worried she’d be pressured!"

The corners of Yan Chi’s lips curled slightly, his heart easing a little. He had feared Qin Guan might be forced to treat that eldest young master’s injuries. The thought of her seeing another man undressed and applying medicine to him was unbearable!

Fortunately, Qin Guan never showed mercy to those with ill intentions.

The thought made Yan Chi’s heart itch. Qin Guan didn’t want their relationship public, and she hadn’t even told her own maidservant, let alone the Qin Manor’s Sixth Young Lady, who followed her around all day. That’s why he hadn’t sent for her earlier. But after all this time and this incident, he could hardly hold back any longer.

"Seventh Brother, what are you thinking?" Yan Li asked when Yan Chi remained silent.

Yan Chi listened for a moment. "The birthday banquet seems about to start."

Yan Li also perked up. "The firecrackers are going off—it must be starting. What? Shall we take our seats? If we’re missing, Uncle Prince Yu might send someone to look for us."

Yan Chi’s gaze flickered. "Wait a little longer."

Yan Li widened his eyes. "What are you planning, Seventh Brother?"

Yan Chi smiled faintly. "Nothing. You go ahead."

With that, he turned aside and whispered a few instructions to Bai Feng.

Seeing this, Yan Li knew Yan Chi had his own plans and shrugged. "Fine, I’ll go ahead and wait for you."

He strode off toward the banquet area.

……

……

Since the banquet would include performances, the venue was set up on a lakeside clearing near the main courtyard. When Qin Guan and the others arrived, they saw a vast open space covered with carpets and sheltered by warm canopies. Rows of huanghuali square tables were neatly arranged, while a high stage stood at the eastern end.

Qin Shuang walked beside Qin Guan and whispered, "I really admire you."

Qin Guan hummed. "What? Admire me for what?"Qin Shuang glanced at Pang Fuliang and Qin Yan, who were speaking ahead, "In front of them, you dare... Who treats patients like that..."

A faint smile curved Qin Guan's lips, "Didn't you just ask me to check if he was seriously injured?"

As Qin Guan spoke, the smile on Qin Shuang's face deepened, "If you put it that way, I suppose there's nothing wrong with it."

Qin Guan's expression remained calm, clearly unconcerned about any consequences this trip might bring. Even if there were consequences, it would only serve to show Pang Yiwen that she wasn't someone to be trifled with—wouldn't that be just perfect?

Qin Guan's mind was at ease as Pang Fuliang and Qin Yan had already entered the warm pavilion ahead of her. Being a native of Yuzhou, Pang Fuliang naturally knew all the officials and wealthy families in the region, so many people stood up to greet him as soon as he entered. Qin Yan followed along, exchanging pleasantries. Pang Fuliang didn’t forget about Qin Guan and the others, instructing Pang Youde to escort them to their seats. Due to the large number of guests today, many of whom held high status, the seating had been arranged in advance.

Once seated, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang finally relaxed a little. The banquet area was divided into sections for male and female guests. Qin Guan and Qin Shuang sat among several other young girls, and since everyone seemed equally uncomfortable, no one spoke for a while, each discreetly sizing up the others at the table.

Soon, attendants brought tea to their table.

The attendants poured tea for each person and placed the cups in front of them. Qin Guan noticed the tea was clear and fragrant, and just as she was about to take a sip, she felt something beneath her cup.

With just a glance, she instinctively turned her gaze toward the male guests' section. After searching for a while without spotting Yan Chi, she paused thoughtfully before suddenly saying, "I think I’ve lost my needle kit."

Qin Shuang was surprised. "What happened? Did you drop it somewhere?"

Qin Guan lowered her voice. "Wait here for me. I’ll go back and check."

"I’ll come with you," Qin Shuang quickly offered.

Qin Guan pressed her hand reassuringly. "It’s fine. I’ll take Fuling with me. You stay here so we don’t lose our seats when we return."

Qin Shuang hesitated but nodded when she saw Qin Guan’s determined expression. "Hurry back, and don’t wander too far."

Qin Guan nodded and left the warm pavilion with Fuling.

Fuling looked anxious. "I was right behind you, miss. I didn’t see you drop anything."

Qin Guan shook her head. "I’m not looking for the needle kit."

Fuling was taken aback. "Huh? Then what are we doing?"

Qin Guan pursed her lips. "It’s His Highness Yan Chi—"

Fuling blinked in confusion before realization dawned. "His Highness wants to see you?" She glanced back at the pavilion. "Oh, he must be worried about causing misunderstandings if he speaks to you in front of everyone. But... wouldn’t this look even more suspicious if someone sees you? Where is His Highness?"

Just then, Bai Feng appeared at the corner of a covered walkway.

"Ninth Miss, please follow me—"

Qin Guan nodded, and Bai Feng led her straight to the Moon Viewing Pavilion.

In less than the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, Qin Guan arrived at the pavilion. The door opened, and she stepped inside while Fuling remained outside. This time, Bai Feng didn’t call for her, but she seemed to have already grown accustomed to the routine.

"Guard Bai, what does His Highness want with the young miss?" Fuling asked, still curious despite staying outside.

Bai Feng smiled. "Nothing much. He just heard Ninth Miss had moved residences and wanted to ask if she’s settling in well."

Fuling’s expression softened. "His Highness... His Highness is truly too good to the young miss. He hasn’t failed Grand Princess’s trust in the slightest."

Bai Feng’s smile brightened. "Naturally..."

Inside the room, Yan Chi was studying Qin Guan intently. She glanced outside, ensuring the door was closed, before whispering, "What is it? The birthday banquet is about to start.""I know." Yan Chi stepped closer. "You seem thinner somehow."

Qin Guan was taken aback at first, then chuckled. "We just saw each other yesterday. How could I have lost weight?"

As he spoke, Yan Chi took Qin Guan's hand. Noticing her fingers were cold, he clasped her other hand between his palms. His vigorous blood flow made his hands warm, and he blew gently on them before saying, "You did really well today."

Qin Guan's eyes widened slightly, momentarily confused.

Yan Chi gazed into her eyes and clarified, "The needle pricking was well done—"

Qin Guan inhaled sharply. "Pang Yiwen... Did you have someone beat him up?"

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "What do you think?"

After studying him for a moment, Qin Guan shook her head. "Probably not..."

Yan Chi smiled and kissed her fingertips. The gesture made Qin Guan's cheeks warm, and she tried to pull her hands away, but he held firm. She said, "Your men aren't thugs. Even if they could restrain themselves, if they were the ones who did it, they'd be more ruthless where it counts—at least breaking bones or something. And... this method seems more like petty mischief, a bit silly, not your style."

Inside the greenhouse, Yan Li, who had been eyeing a pretty maid nearby, suddenly sneezed loudly, his nose itching.

The corner of Yan Chi's lips curved up. "Sometimes, the silliest method is the most straightforward one."

Qin Guan's eyes widened. Did Yan Chi really do it?

"Not me—my eighth brother." After a pause, he added, "Prince Gong's Heir."

Qin Guan had a moment of realization. "If it's him... that makes sense..."

"Hmm?" Yan Chi's sharpness made Qin Guan's heart skip. Sure enough, he asked, "You've only met him once, and you already know about his 'glorious deeds'?"

Qin Guan pursed her lips. "Third Brother mentioned a little, but I could guess the rest."

With that, she firmly pulled her hands free. "Didn't he arrange all sorts of entertainment for you?"

Just as her hands were about to slip away, Yan Chi caught them again. "You mean the Heavenly Fragrance Brothel?"

The moment the words "Heavenly Fragrance Brothel" left his lips, the smile faded from Qin Guan's face. She didn't struggle to pull her hands back, but her expression turned cold. She had only heard Qin Yan mention that Yan Li had made arrangements—she didn’t know the specifics. This had been a test, and she hadn’t expected it to confirm her suspicions so quickly.

Heavenly Fragrance Brothel... The name alone made it obvious—a pleasure house. What else would men go there for?

Her earlier suspicions had been right after all...

The more Qin Guan thought about it, the colder her heart grew, the warmth from earlier completely gone.

Everyone had desires. In her two lifetimes, she had never known romance, and now that her heart was stirring, she didn’t resist it. If everything went as she wished, she might have let herself sink deeper into these feelings. But now that her fears were confirmed, she needed to rein in her emotions. She had made it clear to Yan Chi—if their marriage was forced upon her, she might act like any other "virtuous and dutiful" woman in this world, handling everything with grace while keeping her heart untouched. But even though marriage wasn’t on the table yet, Yan Chi was someone she had chosen herself. How much of her heart she gave him would be entirely up to her.Seeing the subtle changes in Qin Guan's expression and gaze, Yan Chi raised his eyebrows slightly. When he clearly discerned the coldness in her eyes, he immediately understood the reason behind her look...

Two moments later, Yan Chi couldn't help but let his lips curl upward.

"Yan Li has fallen for a songstress from the Heavenly Fragrance Brothel, claiming she's a peerless beauty with a voice like celestial music," Yan Chi said slowly. As expected, upon hearing this, Qin Guan immediately tried to withdraw her hand.

"You—let go," Qin Guan said with icy calm. Yan Chi had initially wanted to tease her further, but seeing her like this, a flicker of panic rose in his chest. He quickly tightened his grip on her hand and added, "But I didn't go. These past two days, I've been staying at Prince Yu's residence."

Qin Guan froze, the tension in her hand easing slightly—

Only then did Yan Chi's relaxed smile widen. "Why didn't you ask yesterday?"

Qin Guan frowned. "Why didn't you go?"

Yan Chi arched a brow. "Why should I have gone?"

Qin Guan lifted her chin. "Isn't it common for men to visit brothels?"

Yan Chi gazed at her with a warm, amused smile. "I don't have that habit."

"Oh." Qin Guan responded indifferently, then studied him for a moment. "It's excellent that Your Highness lacks such habits. Brothels are places where the risk of contracting venereal disease is exceptionally high."

After a pause, she added, "However, Your Highness might have a hidden beauty in your residence..."

Yan Chi watched her motionlessly before suddenly bursting into laughter. Still chuckling, he pulled her into an embrace. "Now you're bringing up another matter entirely. What else do you want to know? Go on. What if I also don't have a habit of keeping hidden beauties? Would you then suggest I take on more maidservants? Well, let me tell you—whether in Shuoxi or the capital's princely residence, I don't have such things as maidservants..."

Maidservants... such things...

Qin Guan, now enveloped in his arms, sensed a hint of disdain in his words toward maidservants. Sure enough, Yan Chi continued, "Women are physically weaker and of little use to me. Not only are they useless, but they can also be a burden. The Baiying you've seen—she and her brother Bai Feng were adopted by the old steward since childhood, so they're close. Even so, I initially didn’t want her working for me. It was only after Bai Feng brought her before me and tested her skills that I agreed. Women are useless in battle, useless as shadow guards. But in intelligence and espionage, their perceived weakness and allure can sometimes yield greater results than men."

Yan Chi spoke earnestly, and while his reasoning held truth, Qin Guan couldn’t shake the feeling that his dismissive attitude toward women carried an air of superiority. Yet, she couldn’t quite articulate a rebuttal. On the battlefield, where blades knew no mercy, women were indeed at a disadvantage. Moreover, the Great Zhou Dynasty explicitly forbade women from entering military camps.

Qin Guan pressed her lips together. She hadn’t even considered the matter of maidservants yet. In wealthy households and noble families, which young master didn’t have a couple of maids attending to him—first as bed companions, later as concubines...

"What, you don’t believe me?"

Noticing her silence, Yan Chi pressed the question.

Qin Guan shook her head. "It’s not that I don’t believe you. I just hadn’t thought that far yet."

Yan Chi laughed so hard his chest vibrated, but Qin Guan pushed him away. "Yan Chi—"

Hearing her address him by his full name, Yan Chi’s laughter subsided, though his eyes remained bright with amusement.Qin Guan's eyes hardened as she said, "With your insight and discernment, you should know exactly what I want. I would never demand the impossible from you. But if you cross my bottom line, I will withdraw my affections—"

The curve of Yan Chi's lips gradually faded. He knew her words were no jest.

Qin Guan continued, "Perhaps you think I'm different from others, but this is simply who I am. I chose you of my own free will, and I will never let my own whims undermine my resolve."

Yan Chi stepped forward to embrace her, but Qin Guan retreated another step. "Don't answer lightly, nor make promises to me. Think carefully about what I've said. Only when you've truly considered it will I believe your words."

Glancing outside, she added, "It's getting late. I'll leave first—you follow later."

With that, Qin Guan turned and walked out. Yan Chi watched her retreating figure but did not pursue her. He remained where he stood, his phoenix eyes tender with a faint smile, then sighed with a touch of helplessness. "Silly girl..."