Coroner's Diary

Inside the carriage, Yan Chi gently smoothed Qin Guan's slightly disheveled dark hair for her.

Qin Guan shot Yan Chi a reproachful glance before gracefully alighting from the carriage. The twilight had already descended as she stood firmly on the ground. After expressing her thanks, she turned and walked through the gates of Qinghui Garden.

Yan Chi waited outside a while longer, only giving the order to depart after Qin Guan's figure had completely disappeared from view.

Fuling looked back hesitantly, her words seemingly stuck in her throat. "Miss, I think His Highness treats you exceptionally well."

Qin Guan responded with a noncommittal "Hmm." Fuling, observing her mistress's profile, ventured cautiously, "Has Miss ever considered... well... it seems no one treats you better than His Highness..."

A ripple of emotion passed through Qin Guan's heart as she turned to look at Fuling, yet hesitation lingered. Fuling was simple by nature—if she were to learn of certain matters, it might be manageable now while they were away, but once they returned to the capital and entered the Marquis's residence, Fuling might inadvertently reveal something.

Pursing her lips, Qin Guan feigned indifference. "The Grand Princess, the County Princess, and my adoptive parents all treat me well too."

At this, Fuling nodded in agreement. "That's true..."

Having successfully diverted the topic, Qin Guan shook her head slightly and said no more. The deepening twilight cast Qinghui Garden in a different light, its scenery taking on a new charm under the dim sky. The snow had been cleared from the garden paths, leaving only the flower beds and the roofs of artificial hills blanketed in pristine white. As Qin Guan's gaze swept over the scene, the contrast between the south and the north struck her profoundly. Her eyes then fell upon the bundle in Fuling's hands, and another pang of sorrow gripped her heart.

Qin Guan strode back to the guest courtyard and entered her room, which was even darker than outside. "Light the lamp," she instructed Fuling.

Fuling complied, and Baiying also rose from her bed to attend. Qin Guan glanced at her. "Your injuries aren't fully healed yet. Go back and rest."

Baiying shook her head. "As long as I don't engage in martial movements, I'll be fine. Please don't worry, Miss."

Seeing her determination, Qin Guan didn't press further. Once Fuling had lit the lamp, Qin Guan picked up several journals to read. Under the flickering yellow light, the handwriting in the journals appeared somewhat blurred. Her fingers trembled slightly as they traced the pages, and her eyes grew moist.

Her father's calligraphy had been strong and distinctive, and he had personally taught her to write. Yet perhaps she lacked talent in this art, for she could only manage a delicate, flowery script in the end. Her mother had remarked that such handwriting suited a young lady just fine.

These journals had been written by her father ten years ago. As Qin Guan opened one, the first case that met her eyes was one of murder for profit.

The culprit, having failed to borrow money, had brutally killed a father and son, ultimately receiving a death sentence to be carried out in autumn. Her father, serving as the reviewing official, had meticulously documented the entire case, including the causes and consequences, as well as the key points of the corpse examination.

Before coming across her father's belongings, the grief hadn't been so overwhelming. But now, holding his journals in her hands, the sorrow within her became almost unbearable. Just then, however, footsteps sounded in the courtyard, and Qin Shuang's voice rang out first. "Why have you returned so late?"

Before the words had fully faded, she pushed the door open and entered. Qin Guan's melancholy was abruptly interrupted, and she hurriedly set aside the journals, steadying her emotions.

"What were you doing at the Prince's residence? Helping with the investigation?" Qin Shuang walked straight up to Qin Guan, her tone casual.

Suppressing the ache in her chest, Qin Guan replied calmly, "No. The old Prince's condition took a turn for the worse, so I went to check on him."

Before returning, Qin Guan had indeed gone to see Prince Yu once more.Qin Shuang let out an "Oh" and her gaze fell upon the book in Qin Guan's hand. "What's this?"

"Just some books about corpse examination."

Qin Shuang had initially wanted to take a look, but upon hearing this, she immediately recoiled, her expression one of distaste. "Are you really planning to pursue this path? For a young lady like you, isn't healing and saving lives enough?"

Qin Guan smiled. "Studying these can also be beneficial for medical knowledge."

Qin Shuang waved her hand dismissively. "Suit yourself. By the way, how's that case going? Is Qing Li really dead?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Yes, dead."

Qin Shuang sighed. "What a shame. The Double Purity Troupe still hasn't returned, so it seems Master Pang won't be able to entertain his guests after all. Have they found the killer yet?"

"Not yet, but there's already a suspect."

"Who is it?" Qin Shuang widened her eyes, brimming with excitement.

Qin Guan gathered the notes in her hands and wrapped them up, speaking slowly, "One of Qing Li's disciples—the cowherd from the second act."

Qin Shuang gasped. "A disciple killing their master? Why would they do that?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "The Yuzhou magistrate hasn't interrogated them yet, so I don't know. Perhaps... it wasn't her..."

Qin Guan recalled Qinglan's demeanor—her straight back and stubborn gaze. For a moment, Qin Guan had wanted to believe her. But the key had been found in her possession, and compared to expressions, Qin Guan trusted evidence more.

Qin Shuang frowned deeply. "This is really... There must be a reason... The Double Purity Troupe is finished now. With Qing Li gone and one of her disciples implicated... I heard Qing Li only took two disciples, right?"

Qin Guan wasn't entirely clear on these details, so she shook her head and didn't answer. Just then, footsteps sounded outside again, followed by Pang Youde's voice. "Ninth Miss, are you there?"

The lit room clearly indicated someone was inside.

Qin Guan glanced at Fuling, who immediately responded, "She's here," and went to open the door. Sure enough, Pang Youde stood outside. "Ninth Miss, I'm glad you're back. The thing is, the young master hasn't been well since he returned. Would you mind coming to take a look at him?"

Qin Guan's brow furrowed instantly. "Hasn't a physician been called?"

Pang Youde hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes, we called one this afternoon. The physician said it wasn't serious and prescribed some medicine and ointment. But just now, the young master suddenly took a turn for the worse. The master went to see him, and the young master seemed disoriented—whether from pain or a problem with the medicine, we're not sure. That's why we'd like you to examine him. Of course, it's highly improper to trouble a guest like this, but this area is all residential, and calling a physician would take too long."

After a brief pause, Pang Youde added, "Qin Shizi and the master are also there."

Qin Guan was reluctant, but considering Qin Yan was present and Pang Youde had likely come with his permission, refusing would embarrass Qin Yan. Moreover, given the cheerful atmosphere in the room, she had no plausible excuse to decline. So she nodded. "Alright, I'll go."

Qin Shuang's eyes sparkled. "I'll come too..."

Pang Youde chuckled. "That would be wonderful."

Fuling fetched Qin Guan's cape, and the group headed out of the courtyard.Qin Guan and her companions were staying in the western part of the estate, while Pang Yiwen's courtyard was located in the east. The group followed the main path eastward, seeing Qinghui Garden already illuminated by brilliant lanterns as the last traces of twilight were swallowed by the encroaching night.

Unfamiliar with the estate's layout, Qin Guan trailed behind Pang Youde as they headed east. The ink-black night and cold, bright lanterns cast an inexplicable air of desolate chill over Qinghui Garden. Qin Shuang quickened her pace to walk beside Qin Guan and whispered, "The Double Purity Troupe members don't seem to have returned yet."

Though Qin Shuang spoke very softly, the surrounding silence carried her words to Pang Youde ahead. Turning back, he said, "Sixth Miss needn't worry. Master has already sent someone to inquire. The Prefect said everyone must be questioned today, so they won't return until tomorrow morning."

Qin Shuang smiled sheepishly. "That's good, that's good..."

Pang Youde nodded with a smile before continuing to lead the way. Before long, they arrived before a particular courtyard.

"Sixth Miss, Ninth Miss, we've arrived."

Pang Youde ushered Qin Guan and the others inside. Wan Qing and Fuling followed at the rear, both surveying the courtyard. This compound was naturally much more spacious than their quarters, with lush trees and flowering shrubs, the main rooms brightly lit.

Pang Youde quickened his pace. Upon reaching the doorway, he announced, "Master, Ninth Miss and Sixth Miss have arrived."

"Please come in—" came Pang Youde's slightly anxious voice from within.

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang entered one after another, both surprised to find the room packed with people.

At the doorway stood four beautiful maidservants, likely Pang Yiwen's attendants. Further inside, while Pang Youde and Qin Yan's presence was expected, and Pang Yiwu's attendance not unusual, even Pang Jiayan was present—still clutching his beloved toy carriage. Beside him stood a graceful middle-aged woman.

The woman appeared to be in her early thirties, slender with delicate features, dressed in luxurious robes like radiant clouds over crimson snow. Yet Qin Guan found something peculiar—she had guessed the woman's identity, but her demeanor seemed oddly restrained.

"Third Brother, Master Pang..."

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang curtsied, then turned their gaze to the finely dressed woman.

Qin Yan quickly introduced, "This is Madam Pang—"

Madam Pang, who had been keeping her head lowered, finally looked up at Qin Guan briefly before nodding to them and lowering her eyes again.

Qin Guan curtsied once more. "Madam—"

This was what Qin Guan found strange. Pang Fuliang held an exalted position and was already past forty, with his eldest and second sons nearing adulthood. Yet this Madam Pang appeared no older than thirty.

The age discrepancy was one thing. Secondly, this Madam Pang seemed somewhat timid.

As the wife of Pang Fuliang—revered as "Lord Pang" throughout Yuzhou—even if she came from humble origins, she should at least carry some air of a matriarch...

"Ninth Sister, please examine the young master quickly."

Qin Guan nodded and approached the bed where Pang Yiwen lay.As she approached, Qin Guan frowned. She had seen Pang Yiwen's injuries during the day and had examined him then. At that time, his wounds weren't severe—just some superficial bruises from being beaten. Afterward, he had been brought back and a physician had been called. By all reasoning, his condition should have improved by now. Yet, looking at Pang Yiwen before her, Qin Guan was puzzled. His cheeks were badly swollen, the dark bruises at the corners of his lips and eyes showed no signs of fading, and there were even a few scratch marks on his face, as if he had clawed at himself.

"How could this be? Wasn't a physician called this afternoon?"

Pang Yiwen lay there, his eyes slightly narrowed, his breathing uneven. Though his gaze swept over her, it was as if he didn't see her at all. Frowning, Qin Guan stepped forward to take his pulse.

At her words, Pang Youde hurriedly replied, "The physician was called, medicine was prescribed, and the young master took it."

As he spoke, Pang Youde glanced at the maids standing at a distance. "Which of you will speak?"

After a pause, the most alluring of the four women stepped forward. "Answering the young miss, the master did take his medicine, but his wounds continued to pain him terribly. By evening, he became somewhat incoherent. We called to him, but he didn’t respond..."

Qin Guan's frown deepened. Pang Yiwen's strange condition had momentarily made her forget her usual dislike for him, as she now noticed his pulse was highly abnormal. After a moment, she turned to Pang Youde. "Could you please show me the prescription the physician wrote?"

Pang Youde quickly turned and went to a side room, returning shortly with a slip of paper.

Qin Guan took the prescription and studied it briefly before her brows knitted together. "The prescription is correct."

Pang Youde, Pang Fuliang, and Qin Yan all watched Qin Guan, unsure what she meant.

Qin Yan felt a twinge of nervousness. Pang Fuliang had been warmly hospitable to their family, and he naturally wanted to reciprocate by having Qin Guan demonstrate her medical skills. But if she couldn’t identify the problem, he would lose face.

"What does Ninth Miss mean?" Pang Fuliang finally asked.

Qin Guan looked at him. "The young master's pulse is abnormal, as if he took the wrong medicine. Yet the prescription is correct."

Pang Fuliang frowned, while Qin Guan's sharp gaze swept over the maids nearby. As she spoke, the maids had exchanged nervous glances. Narrowing her eyes, Qin Guan asked, "Aside from the medicine, what else did your master take?"

The maids paled slightly, their tension evident. Pang Fuliang also noticed something amiss and turned a questioning gaze their way.

The maids immediately knelt. The same one as before spoke up, "The master... he took a few pills of Qianjin Chenmeng Wan..."

"Qianjin Chenmeng Wan?" Pang Fuliang echoed in confusion. Qin Guan also frowned. "What is that?"

The lead maid replied, "It's... a kind of celestial elixir. The master spent a great deal of silver to acquire it. After taking it, one feels as if they’re floating like an immortal. This afternoon, after drinking the medicine, he saw no improvement. The pain was everywhere, so he took one pill. Perhaps because of his injuries, the pill didn’t work as usual... Then... then he took two more. After those, he immediately felt much better, but... but his behavior became somewhat strange...""How unusual?! The extra wounds on his face were self-inflicted?"

Qin Guan's voice was cold and stern. At her words, Pang Fuliang and the others were taken aback. They had also examined Pang Yiwen but hadn’t noticed any additional wounds on his face...

"Yes, the young master... became somewhat frenzied this afternoon..."

The lead maidservant spoke in a hushed tone, her face showing a trace of fear.

Pang Youde frowned. "Why didn’t you mention this earlier?"

Hearing this, the four servants immediately knelt and prostrated themselves, trembling. The maidservant replied, "Because... because the young master forbade us from speaking of the Thousand Gold Deep Dream Pills..."

Pang Fuliang's expression darkened. He glanced toward Pang Yiwen’s bed, his face filled with frustration at his son’s failings.

Qin Guan frowned slightly. A drug that could induce frenzy—and what these maidservants called an "immortal elixir"—sounded exactly like the symptoms Qin An had exhibited when poisoned.

Yet the servants had clearly stated that the drug was something Pang Yiwen had sought out himself, not administered by another.

At this thought, Qin Guan inwardly scoffed. Pang Yiwen, in the prime of his life, had actually succumbed to the delusion of "ascending to immortality." She could only imagine how Pang Fuliang must feel about this...

Pang Fuliang’s face was now a mix of anger and shame. The moment the words "immortal elixir" were uttered, he knew exactly what kind of expensive concoction Pang Yiwen had purchased. He forced a bitter smile at Qin Yan. "My apologies for this disgraceful spectacle, Your Highness. Yiwen has been assisting me with business these years and has met many people—some of them wealthy idlers with no proper occupation. It seems he’s fallen prey to those fraudulent Daoist charlatans. This is all due to my lax discipline..."

Qin Yan was also somewhat embarrassed. He hadn’t expected Pang Yiwen to have such an indulgence. In the Great Zhou, many pursued Daoist cultivation—some sincerely seeking enlightenment, others idly chasing immortality. As Pang Fuliang had said, countless fake priests peddled so-called "elixirs of eternal youth" or "pills of divine power." Some induced hallucinations of transcendence, while others gave a false glow while secretly ravaging the body. In any case, respectable families would never allow their children near such things.

"The eldest young master manages the vast Pang family business for you. It’s inevitable he’d encounter a few idle characters."

Qin Yan’s tone was neutral—neither overly comforting nor particularly surprised. Meanwhile, Qin Guan asked, "Are there any of those pills left?"

She wanted to examine this so-called "immortal elixir" to determine the proper antidote.

Pang Yiwen’s injuries were now secondary. Unlike with Qin An, where the poison had been immediately identifiable, Qin Guan suspected this might be some unfamiliar concoction.

"Answering the young lady, there are none left. The young master consumed them all."

Qin Guan frowned. On the side, Pang Fuliang snorted coldly and turned to Madam Pang. "Yiwen has developed such a habit. As his mother, how have you disciplined him?"

His voice wasn’t particularly loud or furious, yet Madam Pang paled slightly at his words, lowering her head and pressing her lips together without a word.

Pang Jiayan stepped forward then, her voice soft and gentle. "Father, elder brother does as he pleases. Only you can truly restrain him... Mother has no control over him..."Pang Fuliang frowned, seemingly surprised that Pang Jiayan could utter such words. He stared at Pang Jiayan for a moment but chose not to reprimand him for the defiance. However, seeing Pang Fuliang's reaction, Pang Jiayan grew even more fearful and tightly grasped Madam Pang's hand.

"Without the pill, can Ninth Miss still treat him?"

Pang Fuliang looked at Qin Guan and asked coldly. Qin Guan nodded, "There is indeed a universal antidote formula, though its effects are somewhat slower."

"No matter. Let him suffer for a few days."

Upon hearing this, Qin Guan naturally began writing the prescription. Soon, the prescription was handed to Pang Youde.

"Take it three times a day, mixed with cold water."

Qin Guan instructed, and Pang Youde nodded repeatedly. Qin Guan then turned to the maids, "It would be best to bind his hands and feet. Only untie him after he drinks the medicine and can move and shout again. There’s no telling when he might go berserk."

The maids quickly nodded in agreement. Only then did Qin Guan look back at Pang Fuliang and say, "After taking this medicine, improvement should be visible by tomorrow. However, to fully detoxify, he’ll need to take it for at least ten days."

Pang Yiwen’s condition wasn’t yet severe, so he couldn’t have been taking the pill for long. Ten days would suffice.

Pang Fuliang nodded, "Thank you, Ninth Miss. It’s late now, so please return and rest well."

Qin Guan nodded and glanced at Qin Yan, who smiled and said, "You all go back and rest. I still have matters to discuss with Lord Pang."

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang exchanged a look before bidding farewell to Qin Yan and Pang Fuliang and turning to leave. Just as they stepped out the door, they heard Pang Fuliang instruct Pang Youde to investigate who had given Pang Yiwen the Qianjin Chenmeng Pill...

Qin Shuang and the others quickly left the courtyard. Since they already knew the way back, they didn’t ask for an escort. Once they were farther away, Qin Shuang whispered, "The Pang family is a prominent household in Yuzhou, the wealthiest in the western region. How could Pang Yiwen believe such nonsense? It’s truly shameful."

Qin Guan was also surprised, but recalling the way Pang Yiwen had looked at her, she could understand. Pang Yiwen had dubious intentions—these unorthodox methods might hold an inexplicable allure for him.

"If he hadn’t been beaten, this matter might have remained hidden. A blessing in disguise, I suppose."

Qin Guan spoke softly. Though the toxicity of those "immortality pills" wasn’t immediately apparent, prolonged use could drain even the most vigorous young man, leading to an early death. Now that it had been discovered, it was ultimately good for Pang Yiwen. Moreover, with him bedridden for the next few days, he wouldn’t be able to harass her and her sister. Qin Guan’s eyes turned cold—if pushed, she had plenty of ways to make Pang Yiwen even sicker.

"Don’t you think Pang Yiwen has a lecherous look about him?"

Qin Shuang suddenly said, "Especially when he looks at you—his gaze is clearly ill-intentioned."

Her tone still carried anger. "After all, they’re just merchants. No upbringing."

Qin Guan sighed softly. Though the remark was somewhat biased, it was fitting in Pang Yiwen’s case.

The two sisters continued whispering about Pang Yiwen as they walked back. The Pang residence, being the wealthiest in the western region, had lanterns lining the main paths one after another. Even the flower beds and rockeries in unvisited corners were illuminated, as if lamp oil cost nothing. Qin Shuang glanced around, a hint of envy creeping in, and the conversation shifted to the Pang family’s rise to fortune.The story of how the Pang family rose from humble beginnings had long been widely known, and Qin Shuang was naturally aware of it. As the two were talking, suddenly a soft "thud" sounded. Lowering her gaze, Qin Shuang saw a small pebble land at their feet.

They had just reached a fork in the road when this pebble appeared abruptly, clearly thrown intentionally by someone.

Qin Shuang halted her steps. "Who's there?"

The main path was lit by lanterns, but the fork where Qin Guan and Qin Shuang stood led to a narrow trail. Further down that path lay an area of low rocks and bamboo thickets—precisely the direction from which the pebble had come.

The two women exchanged glances. Was someone hiding behind those rocks and bamboos, playing tricks on them?

"Who's there?" Qin Guan also called out.

Silence followed her words, but then another pebble came flying out.

Qin Shuang frowned. "Who is so ill-mannered?!"

Her angry question still received no answer. Stamping her foot, Qin Shuang pulled Qin Guan toward the narrow path. Her fiery temper had been provoked, but Qin Guan found it strange—all the Pang family masters were in Pang Yiwen's courtyard, so who would dare tease them like this here? As these thoughts crossed her mind, they had already reached the cluster of rock formations.

Almost the moment they stopped, a little girl's soft laughter rang out.

The sudden laughter made the four of them pale. Before they could retreat, the eerie voice giggled again, "Little child, hide and seek, giggling behind the rocks..."