Coroner's Diary

“Why has the Crown Prince come?”

Wang Huaiyu, the Prefect of Yuzhou, strode out from the yamen and knelt with a sweep of his robe. “Your Highness, I pay my respects.”

Yan Chi quickly helped Wang Huaiyu up. “Prefect Wang, there’s no need for such formalities. I’ve come regarding Qingli’s case.”

Standing outside the carriage, Yan Chi watched as Wang Huaiyu’s gaze flickered to Fuling beside him. A thought struck him—Fuling seemed familiar. Then, like a flash of lightning, he remembered. When Yan Chi had visited the theater for the second time yesterday, he had been accompanied by a young lady. Later, he learned she was the Ninth Miss of the Loyal Marquis Manor. And at that time, the maid by her side had been this very girl.

In an instant, Wang Huaiyu understood. He glanced once more at the carriage with its drawn curtains and composed himself.

“Qingli’s case? After yesterday’s trial, the murderer was confirmed to be Qinglan.”

Wang Huaiyu frowned. “Has something changed?”

Yan Chi’s expression turned grave. “Did you know that Yang Ying, the deputy leader of the Double Purity Troupe, was having an affair with Qingli’s young apprentice?”

Wang Huaiyu’s eyes flickered with doubt. “The two of them were involved?”

Yan Chi nodded. “It seems you were unaware. That’s precisely why I came—to inform you. What has Qinglan said? Has she confessed?”

“No.” Wang Huaiyu shook his head. “She hasn’t confessed. But the evidence is irrefutable. Moreover, someone from the Double Purity Troupe mentioned that Qinglan had argued with Master Qingli several times for unknown reasons. They also said Master Qingli once threatened to expel her from the troupe.”

Yan Chi raised a brow. “Did Qinglan say why?”

Wang Huaiyu shook his head again. “Qinglan hasn’t spoken yet. We planned to interrogate her further today.”

This was news to Yan Chi. Inside the carriage, Qin Guan was equally surprised. If Qinglan and Qingli had conflicts, then Qinglan’s suspicion would indeed be greater.

As the Prefect of Yuzhou, Wang Huaiyu was as sharp as Huo Huaixin. Noticing the gravity on Yan Chi’s face, he asked softly, “If Your Highness has doubts, would you care to observe the trial?”

Yan Chi’s gaze flicked toward the carriage. Wang Huaiyu immediately added, “It’s too cold outside. Since Your Highness and Ninth Miss have come, it wouldn’t do to stand here. Why not come inside for some warm tea?”

Yan Chi was satisfied. Inside the carriage, Qin Guan rose to step out.

Having come this far, and with Wang Huaiyu extending such courtesy out of respect for Yan Chi, Qin Guan naturally accepted the goodwill.

The carriage curtain lifted, and Fuling hurriedly held an umbrella for Qin Guan. Outside, a fine, dense snow was falling. Qin Guan descended and curtsied to Wang Huaiyu. “Prefect—”

Wang Huaiyu sidestepped slightly. “Ninth Miss, there’s no need for formalities. It’s too cold—please, come inside.”

Qin Guan glanced at Yan Chi, who strode ahead.

The Yuzhou Prefecture’s yamen was much like that of Jinzhou’s. Wang Huaiyu led Qin Guan and Yan Chi to his usual reception study, served them tea, exchanged a few pleasantries with Yan Chi, then ordered his attendants to bring Qinglan for questioning.

The study was divided by a folding screen, concealing Yan Chi and Qin Guan from view.

Before long, heavy footsteps entered the study.

A thud—Qinglan must have knelt.

From behind the screen, the outside was obscured, but the figures beyond could still be faintly seen.Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, observing carefully. Overnight, Qinglan's hair had become disheveled, still clad in the same "Cowherd" opera costume, with faint traces of blood visible. She knelt on the ground, her head hanging low in dejection, not uttering a single word.

"Qinglan, lift your head—"

Wang Huaiyu's authoritative command rang out. Qinglan hesitated for a moment before finally raising her head.

Wang Huaiyu softened his tone slightly, "You claim you didn't harm your master, but why do several people say they heard you arguing with her? And why did your master threaten to expel you from the Double Purity Troupe?"

Qinglan stared expressionlessly at Wang Huaiyu for a long moment before replying, "I didn't kill my master."

Having heard this same line all night, Wang Huaiyu couldn't help but sneer, "How ridiculous! Why should I believe you based solely on your word?!"

Seeing Qinglan about to lower her head again, Wang Huaiyu slammed a ledger down in front of her with a sharp "thwack."

"Take a good look. These are the testimonies from others."

The records not only contained interrogation notes but also names. Qinglan could clearly see who had said what. Sure enough, her previously lifeless eyes soon filled with rage. "Lies! All lies!"

Wang Huaiyu said coldly, "I intended to help you, but since you refuse to value your own life, there's nothing more I can do. At dawn tomorrow, Qing Xian and Yang Ying will come to collect your master's body and escort the coffin back to Dingzhou. Your case will be finalized within five days. Once the verdict is passed, no one will listen to your pleas of innocence. Have you thought this through?"

When Qinglan remained silent, Wang Huaiyu sighed. "Guards, take her back—"

"Wait." Qinglan suddenly spoke up.

Behind the screen, Yan Chi and Qin Guan exchanged glances, a faint glimmer in their eyes.

Qinglan lifted her head. "The argument with my master... was because she wanted me to do something I refused. She threatened to expel me from the Double Purity Troupe over this matter. I was angry, yes, but I wouldn't kill her."

Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. "What did she do that you disapproved of?"

Qinglan took a deep breath and lowered her gaze. "She wanted me... to serve a nobleman from the capital."

With that simple statement, Wang Huaiyu understood. Opera performers were not courtesans, but they were still considered lowly. Among those who came to watch operas, aside from true enthusiasts, many sought entertainment and amusement. Young women like Qinglan and Qing Xian, with their graceful figures, melodious voices, and beautiful faces, were particularly enticing. Though it was known they did not engage in such services, this very fact only heightened the desires of certain nobles.

"Members of the Double Purity Troupe have to resort to this?"

Though not an official from the capital, Wang Huaiyu knew the troupe's reputation was stellar. In his view, such a prosperous troupe shouldn't need its members to trade on their looks. As he finished speaking, Qinglan replied coldly, her eyes downcast, "My master had a gambling addiction. Others didn't know, but Qing Xian and I did. The Double Purity Troupe may seem prestigious and well-established in the capital, but it's nothing like those troupes with deep roots here. Supporting a large troupe, greasing palms at every turn, and dealing with rivals' schemes—all this left little money to spare. And my master lost nine out of ten bets. The Double Purity Troupe is only a facade of prosperity now.""The Double Purity Troupe's income is limited, and there have long been people in the capital eyeing us. Our master made us serve those nobles... I... I refused to serve them... At first, she tried to coax me, and when that didn't work, she resorted to threats, even saying she'd expel me from the troupe... Our frequent arguments stemmed from this. Even if she didn't expel me, I no longer wanted to stay. If not for the fact that she's my master who raised me since childhood, I would have left long ago... This trip south, I had planned to make things clear with her upon returning to the capital, but I never expected she would die..."

Qinglan kept her eyes downcast, yet her back remained straight.

Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes, "So you weren't forced by your master to serve others?"

Qinglan gave a cold laugh, raising her gaze to meet Wang Huaiyu's with a mocking look, as if he too were one of those lustful nobles. "I told her that if she forced me, she could present my corpse to those nobles. She knew my temperament—though furious, she didn't dare push further. She harbored great resentment toward me for this, and upon returning to the capital, she would surely have tried something else."

Wang Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, "You feared she would harm you after returning to the capital, so you killed her now?"

Qinglan laughed coldly again, "If I truly wanted to kill her, I could have done so in the south. Why wait until now? Prince Yu's birthday banquet was of utmost importance, and with sharp-eyed officials like the Prefect present, wouldn't I fear leaving traces?"

After saying this, Qinglan lowered her head once more.

"What about the key?" Wang Huaiyu asked coolly.

At this, Qinglan immediately smiled. "Someone wanted to harm me—what could I do?"

Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes, "Who wanted to harm you...?"

Qinglan lowered her gaze, "I don't know. I've never had conflicts with anyone in the troupe." After a slight pause, she suddenly added, "However... though there were no overt grudges, there were some hidden disputes."

Wang Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, and Qinglan continued, "Since our grandmaster's generation, the Double Purity Troupe has only had one leader. The grandmaster had only our master as a disciple, but our master took two—me and my junior sister. The next leader would have been chosen between us."

With this, Wang Huaiyu understood. "Anything else?"

Qinglan shook her head, "No."

Wang Huaiyu pondered briefly, "Do you know about the relationship between Master Yang and your junior sister...?"

Qinglan's eyes flickered, seemingly surprised by the question. She glanced at Wang Huaiyu before lowering her gaze again. "The deputy leader was quite attentive to my junior sister. Beyond that, I don't know."

Wang Huaiyu nodded, "Guards, take her back."

The attendants outside entered and quickly escorted Qinglan out. Wang Huaiyu pulled aside the screen and respectfully addressed Yan Chi, "Your Highness, she spoke today. Given this reason, should we investigate further?"

Yan Chi nodded, "They are from the same troupe. She must have sensed something between Yang Ying and Qing Xian, yet when you asked, she didn't outright accuse them..."

Wang Huaiyu agreed, "Exactly. Yesterday, she didn't mention the reason for her dispute with Qing Li, likely to avoid exposing the troupe's dirty laundry."

After a brief pause, Wang Huaiyu added, "I will summon Yang Ying and Qing Xian for questioning immediately."Yan Chi nodded, and Qin Guan stood up with him. Since Wang Huaiyu was about to apprehend someone, it was only natural that Qin Guan and Yan Chi couldn’t stay in the yamen any longer. While Wang Huaiyu went to gather his men, Yan Chi and Qin Guan left the yamen first.

Once inside the carriage, Qin Guan asked, “Is Your Highness heading directly back to Prince Yu’s residence?”

Yan Chi looked at her instead. “What reason did you give for coming out?”

Qin Guan’s eyes flickered slightly. “I just asked Sixth Sister to inform Third Brother that I was going out for a stroll.”

Yan Chi lifted the carriage curtain and glanced outside. “Since you’re out for a stroll, how can you return empty-handed?”

He then tapped the carriage wall. “Head east—”

The coachman wasn’t familiar with the roads of Yuzhou City, so Yan Chi directed him forward. Before long, the carriage arrived at the busiest and liveliest street market in the city. Yan Chi lifted the curtain again and said, “Go take a look around.”

Even though they weren’t in the capital, having the esteemed Prince Rui’s heir accompany her while shopping would still draw too much attention.

Qin Guan nodded and was about to step out when Yan Chi suddenly pressed a money pouch into her hand.

“Buy whatever you like.”

Qin Guan’s brows rose in surprise. Yan Chi had always been attentive to her preferences, had saved and protected her, but this was the first time he had given her money. She raised her hand to push it back. “I have silver with me.”

Yan Chi frowned, gripping both the pouch and her hand firmly. “Take it.”

Just two simple words, but his tone brooked no argument.

Qin Guan pressed her lips together for a moment before nodding. “Very well.”

With that, she turned and stepped out. Yan Chi stretched his legs leisurely against the carriage wall, watching as Qin Guan and Fuling walked toward a silk shop by the street. The corner of his lips curled slightly before he lowered the curtain and closed his eyes to rest.

Naturally, young ladies enjoyed silks and jewelry, but to him, they all looked the same. Yan Chi had assumed Qin Guan would take at least the time of two cups of tea before returning. Yet, before even one cup’s worth of time had passed, she was back.

Lifting the curtain, Yan Chi saw Fuling holding an embroidered box.

He frowned slightly as Qin Guan lifted the curtain and re-entered the carriage.

“So soon? Just this one thing?”

Yan Chi assumed the box contained some jewelry she had picked out. But when Qin Guan handed the money pouch back to him while bringing the box inside, he was surprised to find the pouch nearly as heavy as before.

“What’s this?” Yan Chi asked, displeased as he took the pouch. Qin Guan smiled and opened the box. Leaning forward, Yan Chi saw seven or eight brocade pouches in different colors. His brows rose—no wonder she hadn’t spent much.

“I don’t need anything else, but I was running low on pouches for medicine sachets.”

Then she looked at Yan Chi. “Would Your Highness like a medicine sachet?”

Yan Chi’s brows lifted. “Why even ask?”

After a brief pause, Qin Guan understood and nodded.

Having made her purchase and with the cold outside unbearable, Yan Chi didn’t want her lingering outdoors. “Let’s head back now—to Qinghui Garden.”

“And you?” Qin Guan set the box aside and asked hurriedly.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll get off halfway.”

Qin Guan seemed to want to say more, but Yan Chi had made his decision and wouldn’t hear any objections. He tapped the carriage wall to give the order, and the coachman soon set the carriage in motion.

“When will Your Highness leave?” Qin Guan suddenly asked again.Yan Chi smiled faintly at her. "No hurry..."

Qin Guan nodded, unsure whether his "no hurry" was for her sake or because of other matters. Yan Chi seemed to read her thoughts and added, "Yan Li is also returning to the capital, likely traveling with me. I’ll probably lag behind your group."

Qin Guan’s eyes widened slightly. "Your Highness may return to the capital first."

Yan Chi gazed at her. "I’m not at ease."

A soft ache stirred in Qin Guan’s heart, but Yan Chi merely gave a light smile. Soon after, he lifted the carriage curtain and glanced outside. Seeing they had nearly reached the street leading to Qinghui Garden, he tapped the carriage wall, and it soon came to a stop.

Yan Chi embraced Qin Guan briefly, kissed the corner of her lips, and stepped out of the carriage without another word.

As the carriage moved again, Qin Guan lifted the curtain to look back. Yan Chi stood tall as a pine by the roadside, watching her. Though it was just an ordinary parting, a faint melancholy settled over her. Only when the carriage turned a corner and Yan Chi disappeared from view did she finally lower the curtain.

Qin Guan opened the brocade box. Earlier, when selecting a pouch, she had deliberately chosen a dark ink-colored one. The smooth silk was embroidered with a small orchid, adding an elegant touch. At first glance, she had felt it suited Yan Chi perfectly.

......

......

The moment she stepped through Qinghui Garden’s gate, Qin Guan noticed the gatekeepers whispering among themselves.

She knew Wang Huaiyu must have already come by.

"Miss—was it Wang—"

"Shh." Qin Guan raised a finger to her lips. "To avoid trouble, don’t mention this to Third Brother yet."

Fuling nodded. "Miss trusts the Crown Prince more."

Qin Guan didn’t refute the remark—nor could she, really.

The two returned to the guest courtyard. As soon as they entered, Qin Shuang rushed out from the opposite room. "Where have you been? Why did it take so long? What’s that in your hand?"

Without waiting for an answer, Qin Shuang snatched the brocade box and opened it, only to look disappointed.

"Just a pouch—"

Qin Guan smiled and walked into her room. "I ran out of pouches for medicine sachets."

Qin Shuang sighed and handed the box back to Fuling. "Why make more medicine sachets? Won’t we need fewer after crossing Wild Goose River?"

Qin Guan remained silent, still smiling. Qin Shuang quickly followed her inside. "Did you hear? Prefect Wang just took Qing Xian and their deputy troupe leader Yang Ying away, saying new suspicions had arisen. The Double Purity Troupe won’t be leaving tomorrow after all."

Qin Guan had expected this. "Did they mention what the new suspicions were?"

Qin Shuang was slightly surprised by her calm reaction but quickly dismissed it, recalling Qin Guan’s usual composure. "Of course not. They just took them away."

Qin Guan then asked, "Where’s Third Brother?"

Qin Shuang shook her head. "No idea. He wasn’t here when I got back earlier. They said Master Pang invited him over—no clue what they’re discussing."

Qin Guan hummed in acknowledgment and said no more, turning her attention to the sachet.

There was little more she could do regarding Qing Li’s case. Previously unaware that Qing Li had a gambling habit and forced actresses in his troupe to serve nobles in the capital, she now knew more. Prefect Wang would surely draw his own conclusions.

Qin Guan spent the afternoon arranging the sachet. It wasn’t until after 9 p.m. that Qin Yan finally came by, stepping into her room and asking, "Ninth Sister, you’re back?"Qin Guan stood up, "Yes, I just went out to buy some brocade pouches and came back."

Looking at Qin Yan, Qin Guan was surprised to notice that he seemed slightly frowning and somewhat irritable today.

"Would Third Brother like to sit down and have some tea?"

Qin Guan offered, and Qin Yan took a seat. She poured him a cup of tea and asked, "Did Third Brother go to speak with Master Pang?"

"And Liu Yuntong as well..."

Qin Yan took a sip from his teacup. Qin Guan continued, "Third Brother doesn’t look well. Did something troubling happen?"

Qin Yan didn’t deny it. Instead, he glanced at Qin Guan and shook his head, "Just a minor issue. There’s no point explaining it to a young lady like you. It’s nothing serious, don’t worry."

Hearing this, Qin Guan understood it must be related to court affairs.

If it involved the court, it was highly likely connected to Liu Renli...

Qin Guan casually remarked, "Could it be that Master Pang has given Third Brother a difficult task? Isn’t Liu Yuntong at the residence? Perhaps Third Brother could discuss it with him."

Her words were deliberate. As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Yan chuckled lightly, "Liu Yuntong... the problem lies with him..."

Qin Yan abruptly stopped, clearly unwilling to continue. When he turned his gaze, he saw Qin Guan looking at him with transparent sincerity. A slight chill ran down his spine—he had almost let something slip. Yet, Qin Guan’s expression didn’t seem like she was probing or scheming. Qin Yan smiled helplessly, "Liu Yuntong can’t help either."

Qin Guan didn’t press further but now understood that Liu Renli was involved in whatever was troubling Qin Yan.

Could it be that Qin Yan had tried to win Liu Renli over but was refused?

Liu Renli held a significant position in salt transportation, but after all, he was only a fourth-rank official and not from a prominent family. How dare he reject the Crown Prince’s goodwill?

Qin Guan couldn’t quite make sense of it but decided not to pry further into these political struggles. Qin Yan also fell silent, which only confirmed his displeasure. After sitting a while longer, he excused himself and returned to his own courtyard.

After dinner, Qin Guan continued making Medicine Sachets. Once finished, she washed up and retired for the night, sleeping soundly until the next morning when she awoke to bright daylight.

She got up and freshened herself. Just as she finished, Qin Shuang burst into the room.

"Guess what I saw?"

Qin Guan was drinking water and turned to see Qin Shuang fully dressed, her cheeks flushed as if she had just returned from outside. Without waiting for an answer, Qin Shuang exclaimed, "Qinghui Garden has another guest!"

"Another guest?" Qin Guan wasn’t surprised but played along.

"And it’s an Old Madam—"

This did catch Qin Guan slightly off guard. An Old Madam had arrived?

After a moment’s thought, she said, "It’s not that strange. Probably a relative of the Pang family."

Qin Shuang shrugged, "I overheard some servants talking about it near the pavilion yesterday. I don’t know who it is." She then added, "Let’s go to Third Brother’s place for breakfast."

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang left together for Qin Yan’s courtyard, only to find him still frowning after a night’s rest.

As soon as he saw them, Qin Yan announced, "We’ll leave this place tomorrow and return to the capital."

Qin Shuang was naturally thrilled to finally return to the capital, but Qin Guan sensed something unusual.Seeing Qin Yan's serious expression, she didn't press further. When Qin Xiang arrived, the four siblings began their meal.

After breakfast, Qin Shuang grabbed Qin Yan's sleeve and asked, "Third Brother, haven't Qing Xian and Yang Ying returned yet?"

Qin Yan nodded. "Not yet. It seems Qing Li's case isn't so straightforward after all. We still can't be certain who's responsible for her death."

Qin Shuang's eyes darted around as she pondered, though nothing came to mind. "Why bother thinking so much? We're leaving early tomorrow morning anyway. It should only take four or five days to reach the capital, right?"

Qin Yan nodded. "Four days if we're fast, five or six if we're slow."

Delighted, Qin Shuang clapped her hands. Noticing Qin Yan seemed unwilling to talk further, she pulled Qin Guan outside. "What's wrong with Third Brother? He seems troubled by something."

Even Qin Shuang had noticed—clearly, it wasn't a trivial matter.

Qin Guan shook her head. "Most likely something related to court affairs. It's not our place to ask."

Qin Shuang hummed in agreement, then tugged Qin Guan's arm. "Come on, come on, I want to show you something."

With that, Qin Shuang led Qin Guan eastward along the same path they had taken the previous morning. Qin Guan had no idea what Qin Shuang wanted to show her until they reached the pavilion from yesterday—only to find a large snowman standing outside it.

Qin Guan gasped in surprise. "Did... you make this?"

The snowman before her was nothing like the tiny one Pang Jiayan had crafted the day before. This one stood as tall as a person, with a round belly, two palm leaves stuck on either side as arms, and pebbles forming its eyes, nose, and mouth. Qin Guan couldn't help but smile—so this was what Qin Shuang had been up to early in the morning.

"Amazing, right?! Wan Qing, Xiu Yun, and I made it together!"

"Doesn't it look much better than that tiny snowman from yesterday?"

Qin Shuang cheerfully strode toward the snowman. But before she could finish her sentence, a soft yet indignant voice suddenly rang out.

"Mine was better—"

The abrupt voice startled Qin Shuang and Qin Guan. They looked up to see Pang Jiayan standing at the path's intersection, glaring at them. The two women froze, slightly embarrassed.

Pang Jiayan stomped over on his short legs, pointing at Qin Shuang's snowman. "Hmph! Ugly—"

Though annoyed, Qin Shuang couldn't bring herself to argue with a child. She awkwardly glanced at Qing Niang, who had followed Pang Jiayan. Qing Niang bowed apologetically. "Greetings, young misses."

She then turned to Qin Shuang. "Sixth Miss, please don't take offense. Third Young Master is in a bit of a mood."

No sooner had she spoken than Pang Jiayan let out another huff. He crouched down, scooped up a handful of snow, and marched into the pavilion. Qing Niang sighed and followed, gathering more snow to pile onto the stone table inside. While Pang Jiayan began shaping his own snowman, Qing Niang stepped out to apologize.

"My sincerest apologies. Master Pang was in a foul mood earlier and scolded Third Young Master. Though he didn't cry, he's still upset."

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang exchanged surprised glances. Qin Shuang asked, "Master Pang dotes on the young master so much—why would he scold him?"

Qing Niang glanced behind her, as if checking for eavesdroppers, then lowered her voice. "The master can be rather temperamental at times. Even Third Young Master isn't spared his temper."

Qin Shuang opened her mouth but thought better of commenting on Pang Fuliang. Instead, she forced a smile. "No wonder. My mistake earlier—Third Young Master's snowman is definitely the prettiest..."

She deliberately raised her voice on the last part, ensuring Pang Jiayan would hear.

Qing Niang smiled and headed back into the pavilion. "Young Master, don't be upset. The master was just angry at that lady—it wasn't directed at you..."Qin Shuang and Qin Guan exchanged another glance. Had the new guest already angered their host upon arrival?

Pang Jiayan snorted lightly. "I heard it—that person was asking Father for money..."

Qing Niang gave a bitter smile and said to Qin Guan and the others, "With the Pang family's rise, it's inevitable that relatives come seeking favors."

This wasn’t hard to understand, but Pang Jiayan huffed, "That person wanted Father’s inn..."

At these words, both Qin Guan and Qin Shuang were startled. To demand an inn outright—this was no ordinary poor relative coming for handouts. Qin Guan felt she had overheard something she shouldn’t have and tugged at Qin Shuang’s sleeve, taking the lead to excuse themselves.

As they walked away, Qin Shuang grumbled, "Why leave in such a hurry? Don’t you find it strange? I was waiting to hear more."

Strange? Of course it was strange. The so-called "favor-seeking relative" in Qing Niang’s words had the audacity to ask for an inn—even Pang Yiwen and Pang Yiwu probably wouldn’t dare make such a demand. Who was that person?!

"We’re leaving tomorrow, and besides, this is their private matter. It’s not right to eavesdrop."

Qin Shuang pouted. "That’s exactly why we should listen more—since we’re leaving tomorrow. A wealthy family like the Pangs must have many secrets. Do you think that person knows some leverage over Master Pang? Otherwise, how could they dare ask for an inn? The Ten Directions Inns are everywhere in the west, each thriving. Even asking for one would be enough to feed a large family for a lifetime..."

"What is improper should not be seen or heard," Qin Guan admonished sternly, though a sliver of doubt and unease lingered in her heart.

As Qin Shuang had said, which prominent family didn’t have its secrets? Qin Guan wasn’t surprised the Pangs had theirs—she cared more about justice and morality than prying into every hidden matter.

Dragging Qin Shuang back to their courtyard, Qin Guan shoved a miscellany book into her hands, forcing her to read. Meanwhile, she pondered how to relay the news to Yan Chi. Venturing out again today seemed unwise.

After some thought, Qin Guan went to Baiying’s Warm Chamber. Baiying had been mostly bedridden these past two days and hurried to rise when Qin Guan entered.

Qin Guan pressed her back down and, seeing Fuling wasn’t present, whispered, "Do you have a way to send him a message?"

Baiying understood immediately and nodded.

"Tell him we’re setting off for the capital early tomorrow morning," Qin Guan said.

Baiying nodded again, got up, and retrieved something from her bundle. Without hiding it from Qin Guan, she went to the rear window and released it skyward. Qin Guan heard a faint "whoosh" as a nearly imperceptible streak of light shot into the sky. It felt surreal—until a figure descended in broad daylight just outside the window moments later.

After Baiying relayed the message, the figure vanished without a sound.

Closing the window, Baiying turned back. "His Highness left people stationed outside the estate."

Qin Guan recalled Yan Chi’s words—"I’m not at ease." She nodded, urged Baiying to rest, and returned to her own Warm Chamber, where Qin Shuang was dozing over the book.

"Nine Alley—"

Shortly after the hour of Hai, Zhou Huai suddenly appeared outside the door.Fuling opened the door, and Zhou Huai bowed, saying, "Ninth Miss, Master Pang mentioned we'll be departing tomorrow morning. A farewell banquet has been prepared for this evening. Please prepare yourselves along with Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss, and head over now."

The news came rather suddenly, but since the Pang family had already made arrangements, it would be impolite to decline.

Qin Guan instructed Fuling to summon Qin Xiang, while she and Qin Shuang each draped on their capes. By the time they stepped out, Qin Yan was already waiting for them at the crossroads. The four siblings then walked together toward the Chaohui Hall.

Before long, they arrived outside Chaohui Hall.

Liu Renli was waiting at the entrance and hurried forward upon seeing Qin Yan approach.

"Greetings, Young Master..."

"Greetings, young ladies..."

Liu Renli was far more enthusiastic and deferential than when Qin Guan had last seen him. Observing him, Qin Guan felt it wasn't Qin Yan trying to win Liu Renli over, but rather Liu Renli seeking Qin Yan's favor. In contrast, Qin Yan appeared much colder. "They are ladies without official titles, while you are a court-appointed official. How can you bow to them?"

Qin Yan's icy remark instantly humiliated Liu Renli, yet the latter showed no trace of displeasure. "You're absolutely right, Young Master. This humble official merely holds the Hou residence in high esteem. Please, Young Master..."

Qin Yan led the way, with Liu Renli half a step behind, followed by Qin Guan and the others as they entered Chaohui Hall.

Inside, Pang Fuliang was amusing Pang Jiayan, who was once again playing with that dazzling golden carriage. Hearing the commotion, Pang Fuliang turned his head. "Ah, Young Master has arrived?"

Qin Yan nodded, glancing around. "Hmm? I heard there's a guest in the residence. Why isn't she here?"

Pang Fuliang smiled. "Tonight's banquet is to bid farewell to you, Young Master. Just our company will suffice."

Qin Yan countered, "That wouldn't be proper. Wouldn't it slight the guest? Let's invite that lady to join the banquet."

Pang Fuliang hesitated briefly, but Liu Renli interjected, "That would indeed be better."

At these words, Pang Fuliang's expression darkened slightly. After a moment of silence, he finally instructed someone at the door, "Send someone to summon Madam Qin..."

Pang Youde acknowledged the order outside and went to invite the lady.

Pang Fuliang patted Pang Jiayan's shoulder and stood up. "Let us proceed to the banquet..."

He gestured politely. "Young Master, please. Liu Yuntong, please..."

Qin Yan naturally led Qin Guan and the others to the banquet. Unlike the night of their arrival, only Pang Yiwu was present today, with Pang Yiwen absent. Over the past two days, the Pang family had not sought Qin Guan again, suggesting Pang Yiwen had improved considerably.

"What a pity. I had hoped to entertain you with opera performances these past two days, but unforeseen events intervened," Pang Fuliang said regretfully, personally pouring wine for Qin Yan. "After this parting, who knows when we'll meet again. Should you return to Yuzhou, Young Master, you must inform me."

Facing Pang Fuliang, Qin Yan seemed less spirited than on their first day, though his demeanor remained far more amiable than with Liu Renli. "Rest assured, Master Pang. If I return, I'll certainly impose on your hospitality."

Pang Fuliang nodded and poured wine for Liu Renli. Once everyone had been served, he said, "Please, everyone, help yourselves..."

"Master Pang's guest hasn't arrived yet. There's no hurry."Qin Yan glanced outside, his manners impeccably proper. Yet, when the guest was mentioned, Pang Fuliang's smile faded slightly. However, since Qin Yan had spoken, as the host, he couldn't very well say anything more.

The room fell silent as everyone waited for the lady in question. Pang Youde had been gone for quite some time—why hadn't she arrived yet?

Noticing the tension, Liu Renli smiled and said, "This humble official arrived in the capital a day late. My first visit upon returning was naturally to pay respects to the Marquis and the heir."

Qin Yan had initially held this Salt Commissioner in high regard, but now his expression was indifferent. "Lord Liu has just returned to the capital. Naturally, your first duty is to report on your assignment. How could you visit the Marquis's residence first? What would others think of that?"

Liu Renli stiffened slightly. "The heir is wise indeed. This official failed to consider that—my oversight, my oversight."

As his words trailed off, hurried footsteps sounded outside. Liu Renli quickly said, "She's here—"

At this, everyone turned toward the door—only to see Pang Youde walk in, his face deathly pale. Before he could even reach them, he stammered, "Master... something terrible has happened..."