Coroner's Diary

"Master, something terrible has happened..." Pang Youde's face was ashen, his eyes filled with alarm.

Pang Fuliang frowned. "What happened? She refused to come? If she won't, then forget it—"

Pang Youde's voice trembled slightly. "No, it's not that she refused... Madam Qin... she's dead..."

At these words, everyone in the room paled. Qin Yan frowned, reacting faster than Pang Fuliang. "What happened?"

Pang Youde's gaze flickered, focusing only on Pang Fuliang. Pang Fuliang's brows knitted tightly, as if stunned by the news or momentarily unable to process it. Meanwhile, Liu Renli abruptly stood up. "What... what did you say?!"

Liu Renli's voice shook as he shouted at Pang Youde.

"No, that's impossible... How could—"

As Liu Renli spoke, he strode toward the door. Pang Yiwu, sitting nearby, was so shocked by the news that he seemed lost. By the time Liu Renli was nearly out of the room, Pang Fuliang finally stood. "Crown Prince, my deepest apologies..."

Qin Yan also rose. "No need for apologies, Lord Pang. Let's go see what happened."

Pang Fuliang nodded and turned to leave, issuing an order as he went. "Qing Niang, take the third young master back to Jiahui Pavilion."

Qing Niang, who had been waiting outside, acknowledged the command. Seeing this, Qin Yan instinctively followed Pang Fuliang.

Hearing footsteps, Pang Fuliang turned back at the doorway. "There's no need for Your Highness to come. Please return and rest... lest it bring ill fortune."

Death was something ordinary people avoided, but for Qin Yan, the sudden death of a guest at the marquis's estate was incomprehensible. He had to see for himself. "Lord Pang, there's no need for courtesy. If someone has truly died, we must know why. If it was foul play, we're all in Qinghui Garden—none of us can escape responsibility."

Pang Fuliang gave Qin Yan another glance before nodding and stepping out.

Qin Yan followed Pang Fuliang for a few steps, then turned to see Qin Guan and Qin Shuang also trailing behind. He frowned. "You two should—"

Mid-sentence, Qin Yan met Qin Guan's gaze. Seeing the mix of suspicion and urgency in her eyes, he didn't finish his objection, instead murmuring softly, "Just stay close to me."

Qin Guan nodded, and Qin Yan turned back to follow Pang Fuliang.

As Qin Guan and Qin Shuang joined them, Qin Xiang stopped at the doorway.

Wan He whispered, "How could someone die out of nowhere? Miss, should we go see too?"

Qin Xiang shook her head. "Let's go back. It's bad luck."

Wan He hesitated, wanting to say more. Ever since the incident in the Herb Garden, Qin Xiang had grown increasingly withdrawn, to the point where even the sixth young lady no longer visited. But Qin Xiang was already walking away, clearly in no mood to listen.

Meanwhile, Pang Youde explained to Pang Fuliang as they walked, "I called out twice at the entrance to Madam's courtyard, but there was no response, so I went inside. The main door was slightly ajar. I called again but still heard nothing. Suspicious, I pushed the door open and entered... only to find Madam had hanged herself in her room..."

Hanged... Pang Youde's steps faltered, his eyebrows shooting up in shock.Heading north from Zhaohui Tower, past the plum grove beside it, they reached another main path within the estate. Continuing northeast, they arrived before a courtyard similar in size to the guest quarters where Qin Guan and the others were staying, though this one had only three main rooms and a more spacious, elegant layout. The gate was already ajar, and from the entrance, they could see the partially open door of the main house.

The sky had darkened, yet no lights were lit in the courtyard or the pitch-black interior. As the group entered, they saw Liu Renli standing frozen at the doorway, staring blankly inside. Pang Youde took out a fire starter and lit a wind lantern under the eaves, finally illuminating Liu Renli's expression—his face was a mix of horror and grief, his gaze fixed on the silhouette suspended mid-air in the room.

Pang Fuliang ascended the steps, followed closely by Qin Yan. Qin Guan and Qin Shuang slowed their pace but still caught sight of Madam Qin through the open door. Dressed in a deep purple cross-collared Ru skirt, Madam Qin appeared to be just over forty. Aside from her slightly graying hair, she was strikingly beautiful with a slender figure, lightly powdered face, and nails painted a violet-red hue.

Qin Guan noticed Madam Qin's nails were meticulously trimmed and well-kept, a testament to her meticulous self-care and grooming habits...

Yet now, her head hung limply downward, her arms dangling at her sides, her body stiff and lifeless like a dried fish. The violet-red embroidered shoes on her feet gleamed eerily under the glow of Pang Youde's wind lantern, casting a ghastly radiance.

What startled Qin Guan even more was the violet-red sash tied around Madam Qin's neck, while her Ru skirt, now loose without the sash, draped loosely over her frame. A faint breeze stirred the hem, clinging to her thin figure and outlining her frail form.

At a glance, Qin Guan knew—this person was beyond saving.

"She... she actually hanged herself..." Fuling murmured tremulously under her breath.

Ahead, Qin Yan seemed to recall something and glanced back at Qin Guan and Fuling momentarily. Seeing Qin Guan standing motionless, he pressed his lips together and said nothing.

"How... how could she..." Liu Renli stood dumbfounded at the doorway, his voice choked with sorrow.

Pang Fuliang stepped closer, gritting his teeth as he examined Madam Qin's body before sighing and looking at Liu Renli. "Let's get her down first..."

Pang Youde quickly signaled to the attendants behind them. Two men entered the room and soon lowered the body.

"Master, she's already gone..." Pang Youde reported grimly.

Qin Guan's eyes swept across the room, noting its tidy state despite the wide-open door. Beneath where Madam Qin had hung, a chair lay overturned to the side—everything pointed to suicide.

As Qin Guan scrutinized the room, Pang Youde turned to Pang Fuliang with concern. "Master, what should we do now?"

A life had been lost, and even Pang Fuliang could face repercussions if mishandled.

Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes, about to speak, when Qin Yan frowned and asked, "Lord Pang, who is this woman? Why would she take her own life in Qinghui Garden?"

Pang Fuliang looked at Qin Yan and shook his head. "Just an old acquaintance. She'd recently encountered some troubles and came to seek my help. At noon, I didn't agree to her request. I never imagined she'd..."Pang Fuliang glanced over and said, "There's hardly anyone left in her family. Choose a good coffin and bury her properly."

Pang Youde promptly responded with a "Yes," but Qin Yan frowned and asked, "Aren't we reporting this to the authorities?"

Pang Fuliang sighed. "This matter, if spread, would damage the Pang family's reputation. Let's not report it officially. Or perhaps, just send someone to inform the Prefect..."

After all, this was the Pang residence. Even if Qin Yan felt something was amiss, he wasn't inclined to say more.

Pang Youde quickly directed the two attendants, "Go and order a good coffin from the funeral shop in the western part of the city."

The attendants acknowledged and left. Pang Fuliang took another look at the person lying on the ground, then turned his gaze to Liu Renli. Liu had also entered the room, but unlike Pang Fuliang's composed demeanor, he still seemed unable to collect himself.

Qin Yan keenly noticed this. "Does Liu Yuntong also know this person?"

Liu Renli snapped out of his daze and nodded. "Yes... I do..."

Qin Yan hesitated, unsure whether to probe further. It was one thing for Liu Renli and Pang Fuliang to be acquainted, but now a female guest had arrived—someone Pang Fuliang knew from the past—and even Liu Renli recognized her. Just how deep was their connection?

What was even more bizarre was that this female guest had hanged herself shortly after arriving at Qinghui Garden!

Qin Yan was filled with countless questions, but Pang Fuliang interjected, "Young Master, this is no place to linger, especially for the two young ladies of the Qin family. Why don't you take them away first?"

At this reminder, Qin Yan snapped back to attention. Glancing back, he saw that while Qin Guan seemed unfazed, Qin Shuang was visibly frightened. Steeling himself, he took one last look at Madam Qin on the ground. "Very well, I'll take them back now."

With that, Qin Yan turned to leave. Qin Shuang immediately followed, but Qin Guan hesitated.

Qin Yan looked back at her and called, "Ninth Sister—"

Only then did Qin Guan reluctantly take a step forward.

Watching Qin Guan, who lagged behind, Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes. It was odd enough for a young lady to tag along, but now she kept glancing at the corpse on the ground—without even a trace of fear?

A shadow darkened Pang Fuliang's expression. Beside him, Liu Renli spoke up, "Fuliang—"

"Shut your mouth!" Pang Fuliang turned and snarled in a low, furious voice, making Liu Renli flinch. Then, he instructed Pang Youde, "Hurry up. Let’s downplay this matter as much as possible."

Pang Youde nodded. Pang Fuliang couldn’t help but glance at Qin Guan again. For some reason, her earlier hesitation unsettled him. Only when Qin Guan had caught up with Qin Yan and moved far away did Pang Fuliang breathe a slight sigh of relief.

……

……

"Third Brother—"

Pang Fuliang's piercing gaze made Qin Guan feel as though needles were pricking her back. Only after they had walked out of sight did she call out to Qin Yan. He paused. "What is it?"

Qin Guan looked back to ensure no one was following before lowering her voice. "Third Brother, do you really think that person committed suicide?"

Qin Yan's eyes narrowed. Back at the Herb Garden, he had noticed that Qin Guan wasn’t the least bit afraid of the dead. Not only that, perhaps due to her medical training and sharp intellect, she even examined corpses with practiced ease. It was precisely because of this that he had allowed her to accompany him this time.At this moment, Qin Guan's question left him at a loss for words. "It appears so. If someone else had harmed her, how could there be no signs of struggle or disturbance in the room?"

Qin Guan pursed her lips slightly, her expression hesitant.

Qin Yan slowed his pace. "Does Ninth Sister think it wasn't suicide?"

Qin Guan looked up at Qin Yan, pondering for a moment before replying, "I don’t know if Third Brother noticed, but there was a teapot on the table by the window, and the teacup beside it was full, untouched."

Qin Yan was slightly surprised. Madam Qin had hanged herself in the main hall, and his attention had been fixed on the beam and that very room. The table Qin Guan mentioned, however, was by the window in the adjacent left chamber. He suddenly recalled that Qin Guan had taken a few steps in that direction—apparently to inspect that room.

"And then? What does this indicate?"

Qin Guan continued, "The window was half-open, likely for ventilation. I saw clearly that the tea in the cup was premium Yunwu Xuefeng, probably sent over at her request. Yet, the tea she specifically asked for remained untouched—why? Moreover, even if someone were in despair and wished to die, would they still be in the mood for tea? And there’s more..."

She narrowed her eyes, her tone growing solemn. "That lady was impeccably dressed from head to toe, yet she used her own belt to hang herself. At her age, maintaining such meticulous grooming shows she was someone who cherished her appearance. How could she bear the thought of her skirt being disheveled after death?"

Qin Yan frowned deeply. He had also noticed that Madam Qin’s elegant attire, now loosened without the belt, did look somewhat indecent. "So you conclude she didn’t hang herself based on this?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "The marks on the corpse were obscured by the collar, so I can’t be certain. But these points are highly suspicious. If she didn’t commit suicide, then who did it?"

Her words sent a chill down the spines of Qin Yan and Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang widened her eyes. "If it wasn’t suicide, then it must be murder... We were all at Chaohui Tower earlier, so the culprit must be someone who wasn’t there."

Qin Guan smiled faintly and shook her head again. "We don’t even know when she died. What if it was before we arrived?"

Qin Shuang opened her mouth but fell silent. Qin Yan’s brow furrowed, his expression grave.

Seeing his reaction, Qin Guan said nothing further.

They were set to leave the next day, and it wasn’t their place to interfere in Pang Manor’s affairs. Moreover, Qin Yan had likely reached some understanding with Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli, and it would be impolite to go against Pang Fuliang’s wishes—especially since Qin Yan’s considerations likely involved the interests of the Crown Prince. His position in this matter was delicate and awkward. Expecting him to act solely on her word and report it to the authorities was impossible. Without the opportunity for a Corpse Examination, and unable to approach the magistrate’s office privately—since she was bound to Qin Manor—taking rash action without solid evidence would only backfire.

Though Qin Yan walked slowly, he remained silent the entire way. After what felt like a long while, he looked up and realized they were nearly at their guest courtyard. "Ninth Sister, what you said earlier... it does make some sense."Qin Guan paused in her steps and looked at Qin Yan, who then said, "Besides, committing suicide at the Pang residence is already quite strange..."

Qin Guan nodded, and Qin Yan's eyes flickered as he continued, "I'll have Zhou Huai make a trip..."

"Third Brother..." Qin Guan was slightly taken aback, having thought Qin Yan would ultimately give up after much deliberation.

Qin Yan curved his lips at her. "I believe what you said."

After a brief pause, he added, "There's another thing. Liu Renli was someone I intended to recommend to Father for an important position upon our return to the capital. But if there's anything unclear or suspicious about him, naturally, I wouldn't feel at ease."

Qin Guan smiled helplessly. "I knew it..."

Qin Yan raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Knew what?"

Qin Guan felt a hint of discomfort and was about to change the subject when suddenly, voices were heard from the main path in the southwest of the estate. Startled, Qin Guan and Qin Yan turned their heads in unison.

"Seventh Brother's work as the Judicial Commissioner is truly commendable. Upon returning to the capital, I wonder if His Majesty will directly assign him to the Ministry of Justice—"

The moment that clear, cheerful voice rang out, Qin Guan's eyes widened in recognition.

Just then, a group of figures emerged from around the corner of the estate path not far away.

The sky had darkened completely, and lanterns illuminated the main paths of Qinghui Garden. Amid the warm, radiant glow, Yan Chi led the way in a black robe, followed half a step behind by Yan Li in red attire. Behind Yan Li was Yuzhou's Prefect Wang Huaiyu, trailed by six constables from the prefectural office. Qin Guan's eyes instantly brightened—

"Oh? Qin Shizi? Ninth Miss? And this is... Sixth Miss or Fifth Miss?"

Yan Chi was the first to spot Qin Guan, but before he could speak, Yan Li had already breezed past him, his sleeves fluttering as he approached the group. "I'd heard you were staying here, but I didn't expect to run into you so soon..."

"Greetings to Your Highnesses and Prefect Wang—"

Qin Yan cupped his hands in salute, while Qin Guan and Qin Shuang curtsied. Seeing Yan Chi's arrival, Qin Yan's heart stirred—Prefect Wang was here too, which meant there was no need to go through the trouble of reporting to the authorities...

Just as Qin Yan was about to speak, Yan Li continued without pause, "Where are the owners of this garden? Why aren't they here?"

Qin Yan's lips twitched, and Yan Li added, "Prefect Wang is here to make an arrest."

Qin Yan's attention was immediately captured. "An arrest?"

Yan Li chuckled. "Actually, this matter owes much to Seventh Brother. After his advice, Prefect Wang detained the other two members of the Double Purity Troupe. Once interrogated, guess what? Those two had framed the person previously arrested. They were secretly involved and, fearing the other would take over as troupe leader, immediately thought to pin the blame when their master died. One hid the key, while the other tampered with the mechanism."

This revelation not only left Qin Yan momentarily speechless but also stunned Qin Guan and Qin Shuang.

Not only had the situation reversed, but the accusers had now become the perpetrators!

"Then... who killed Master Qingli?"

At Qin Yan's question, Prefect Wang stepped forward with a wry smile. "Most likely an accident. Qing Xian said the gear adjusting the time inside the box hadn't been touched when it was opened."

Qin Yan was taken aback. "Then why is Prefect Wang here to arrest someone...?""The circumstances have changed, so naturally we must re-examine the case. It wouldn't do to overlook anything."

Wang Huaiyu's words made Qin Yan's gaze sharpen. In a case involving human life, not even the slightest uncertain doubt should be ignored. Qin Yan took a deep breath. "Prefect, you can send others to apprehend the suspects. You have more important matters to attend to."

Wang Huaiyu was taken aback, while Yan Chi and Yan Li both raised their eyebrows. There was something unusual about Qin Yan's tone.

"Someone just died in this garden. It appears to be suicide, but there are suspicious elements. Mr. Pang didn't notice anything amiss and assumed it was suicide. They're currently preparing to collect the body for burial."

Qin Yan spoke in one breath. Wang Huaiyu's eyes widened. "A death? Who died?"

Qin Yan shook his head. "I don't recognize the person. It was a middle-aged woman nearing fifty."

Yan Li let out a laugh. "No wonder... no wonder they haven't come out to greet us after all this time. So there's been a death in the household... Prefect Wang, another opportunity for you to distinguish yourself..."

Wang Huaiyu gave a bitter smile at these words and looked at Qin Yan. "Please lead the way, Crown Prince."

Qin Yan stepped aside with a gesture and took the lead. Wang Huaiyu turned to issue a few instructions—those men naturally went to the rear courtyard where the rest of the Double Purity Troupe resided—before following. Qin Guan and Qin Shuang hesitated, then also prepared to follow. However, it wouldn't be proper for them to walk ahead of Yan Chi and Yan Li, so they waited for the two to go first. As Yan Chi passed by Qin Guan, he gave her a profound look.

......

"Master... Master, Prefect Wang, Prince Rui's heir, and Prince Gong's heir have arrived."

Pang Fuliang was still standing at the entrance of Madam Qin's courtyard when he heard this, causing his eyelids to twitch. Beside him, Liu Renli also furrowed his brow. "What are they doing here so late?"

The servant who came to report said, "Prefect Wang mentioned there are still some unresolved doubts in the Double Purity Troupe case and that he needs to take a few more people back for questioning. The two heirs are here to assist with the investigation."

Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes slightly and waved the servant away.

Liu Renli looked at Pang Fuliang nervously. "Fuliang... the two heirs..."

"Prince Rui's heir has long known you're here with me. As for the other one, there's no need for concern. Let's go greet them." Then Pang Fuliang added, "You'd better straighten up and wipe that look off your face!"

Liu Renli's expression was complicated, but he dared not be careless and straightened his back.

After a few steps, Liu Renli spoke again. "How did Qing Yun really die..."

Pang Fuliang abruptly stopped and turned to glare at Liu Renli. "What are you suspecting? Do you think I did it?! We were together the entire time just now."

Liu Renli hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. "No, of course I wouldn't—"

Pang Fuliang's eyes were sharp as a hawk's. "You'd better not say another wrong word!"

With that, Pang Fuliang turned and strode forward. Just as they reached Chaohui Tower, they caught sight of Yan Chi and the others approaching with Qin Yan's group. Pang Fuliang's lips curved into a smile as he hurried forward to meet them.

"What brings Your Highnesses here in person? Prefect..."

He gave a wry smile. "Even if the Prefect hadn't come, I would have sent someone to fetch him."Since Wang Huaiyu had come with Qin Yan, he must have already known about Madam Qin's death. Before Wang Huaiyu could ask, Pang Fuliang spoke up first. Wang Huaiyu frowned slightly and asked, "Why call for me?"

Pang Fuliang gave a bitter smile. "Someone in the residence just hanged themselves. By protocol, we should have officials from the prefecture come to examine the scene."

Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. "Where is the body?"

Pang Fuliang stepped aside and gestured. "Your Highnesses, my lord, this way please. The body has already been taken down—she's dead."

Wang Huaiyu nodded and gestured for Yan Chi and Yan Li to go ahead. Yan Li glanced at Liu Renli and remarked, "This gentleman seems to be Liu Yuntong..."

Liu Renli, who had only bowed without speaking earlier, quickly responded, "Indeed, it is I, Your Highness."

Yan Li chuckled, "How did you and Master Pang become acquainted, Lord Liu?"

"Many years ago, by chance, I once attended a performance by the Double Purity Troupe with Master Pang. At the time, I was quite fond of their plays. Upon learning this, Master Pang invited me to two more performances, and thus our friendship began."

Yan Li nodded repeatedly, "Bonding over theater—how delightful..."

Unsure whether Yan Li's words were mocking or sincere, Liu Renli broke into a cold sweat.

Pang Fuliang dared not speak much in front of Yan Chi and Yan Li. The group proceeded directly toward Madam Qin's courtyard, where her body still lay on the floor of the main hall, visible as soon as Yan Li and Yan Chi entered the courtyard.

"Which of the Pang household's ladies is the deceased?" Yan Chi, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke.

Pang Fuliang, not daring to be careless, hurriedly replied, "She was not from the Pang household. She was an old acquaintance of mine... Due to her humble origins, she lived alone. Today, she came seeking my help over some trouble, but... her request was far too excessive, and I could not agree. Who would have thought that, in her desperation, she would choose to hang herself in my residence? Truly..."

Pang Fuliang looked utterly helpless. Yan Li sighed, "Ah, if that's the case, then this person has indeed brought trouble upon you, Master Pang."

Pang Fuliang forced a bitter smile. As they spoke, the group ascended the steps and reached the door of the main hall.

Yan Li was the first to enter. Unfazed by the sight of the dead, he surveyed the room and circled Madam Qin's body before remarking, "It certainly looks like suicide—"

Yan Chi studied the scene intently. "Whether it was suicide or not can only be determined after an examination."

Yan Li then said, "The Prefect didn’t bring the Coroner this time. Someone should fetch him quickly..."

Wang Huaiyu hesitated slightly. "This morning, we received an official dispatch from Yong County regarding a homicide case. Their coroner had just resigned, so the Prefect's Coroner has already been sent to Yong County..."

Yan Li exclaimed, "Ah, then what—"

"No matter." Yan Chi's calm voice instantly reassured everyone.

Yan Li quickly asked, "Seventh Brother, do you have a solution?"

Yan Chi nodded, and Yan Li eagerly pressed, "Who? Do you have such a subordinate with you?"

"Not my subordinate—" Yan Chi turned to Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, could you assist us?"

Yan Li was stunned, his jaw nearly dropping. "What?! Ninth Miss?!"