Coroner's Diary

"The victim was murdered, and the killer is right here in Qinghui Garden."

Qin Guan's clear and composed words sent a chill down everyone's spine—it was indeed a homicide case!

She handed the bowl in her hand to Wang Huaiyu, who hastily accepted it. Qin Guan continued, "Datura is not commonly found, and most people are aware of its toxicity. Although mixing it with white liquor can induce drowsiness, the killer may not have poisoned the wine jug. Master Pang and Liu Yuntong also drank from it but showed no signs of poisoning, proving the poison wasn’t in the wine. Therefore, the killer likely laced something only the victim used."

As she spoke, Qin Guan removed her gauntlets. Wang Huaiyu, noticing the bloodstains on her hands, looked somewhat apologetic. "Yes, yes, I’ve noted everything Ninth Miss said. Today, we owe much to your help..."

Qin Guan shook her head, and Yan Chi stepped forward. "Since it’s confirmed as a homicide, Magistrate Wang, please handle this diligently. Continue interrogating the Double Purity Troupe, and don’t neglect this side either. It’s not ideal for Pang Manor to harbor a calculated murderer."

Wang Huaiyu nodded, then turned to Qin Yan. "I heard Qin Shizi was leaving tomorrow?"

Qin Yan glanced toward the screened-off area. "Originally, yes. But with this case arising, it seems we won’t be able to leave..."

Wang Huaiyu gave a wry smile. "By protocol, that’s true, but..." He looked at Yan Chi. "But since Ninth Miss has assisted, it shouldn’t involve your party."

If the Qin family were implicated, why would Qin Guan have helped so readily?

Qin Yan met Qin Guan’s gaze before speaking solemnly. "Let’s follow protocol. While you trust us, others may not. It’s best to investigate thoroughly to avoid future complications."

After the delay at Herb Garden, Qin Yan was no longer in a hurry to return to the capital. It was only early December, and the journey would take just a few days—arriving before the New Year would be ideal. Moreover, the Marquis’s household had ties with the Pang family, and Liu Renli was someone he’d recruited for the Crown Prince. With a murder case now involving these two, Qin Yan felt uneasy. In court politics, minor incidents could escalate into fatal liabilities if exploited. For caution’s sake, he decided to stay and assess whether Pang Manor or Liu Renli harbored any issues.

If both were innocent, well and good. But if trouble lurked, Qin Yan didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire. Besides, leaving now might cast suspicion on them if Wang Huaiyu failed to identify the killer.

After careful consideration, Qin Yan made his decision.

Wang Huaiyu smiled in relief. "That’s for the best, though it delays your schedule."

Qin Yan shook his head, and Wang Huaiyu turned to Pang Fuliang. "Master Pang, this is now a homicide case—no trivial matter. I’ll summon Chief He shortly. Every servant in the manor must be questioned."

Pang Fuliang looked visibly shaken and grave. Clearly, he’d never imagined a murder would occur in his household. After a pause, he nodded. "Yes, yes. We’re counting on you, Magistrate Wang."Wang Huaiyu glanced at Pang Fuliang and, seeing his genuine demeanor, patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry. Since the investigation started right after the incident, there’s still a good chance of uncovering the truth."

Pang Fuliang gave a bitter smile. "I wish we could figure it out right now..."

This was his way of asserting his innocence. Wang Huaiyu nodded. "Before the constables arrive, have a few men guard the courtyard entrance first. Then you should return to the front and wait."

Then, Wang Huaiyu turned to Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, please also return to freshen up. You’ll likely be questioned later."

Qin Guan nodded and glanced at Qin Yan, who said, "Let Sixth Sister accompany you back to tidy up."

Qin Guan gave a soft "Mm" and was about to leave when she instinctively turned to look at Yan Chi. Yan Chi said, "Thank you for your efforts, Ninth Miss. Go ahead."

Qin Guan inclined her head before walking out with Qin Shuang.

Once outside, Qin Shuang covered her nose and took a step back. "You’re really bold..."

She looked at Qin Guan with a mix of disdain and astonishment. "Aren’t you... scared? Did you just... cut open her stomach? You..."

The more she spoke, the more incredulous she became, and the memory of the scene made her stomach churn.

Qin Guan studied her. "Didn’t you say I’d even dare to dissect a living person?"

The words sent a chill down Qin Shuang’s spine, and she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of fear when she looked at Qin Guan again.

"No wonder... no wonder you dared to drag me into the lake before..." Qin Shuang muttered resentfully, recalling the past incident. Then, eyeing Cold Moon still in Qin Guan’s hand, she sighed. "Thank you for sparing me the blade back then."

Qin Guan nearly laughed at the absurdity. Back then, she had only wanted to teach Qin Shuang a lesson.

The biting wind cut through the cold night. Qin Guan had long removed her cape and was now walking in just her padded dress, eager to move faster. In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they returned to the courtyard. Qin Guan washed her hands first, then changed her clothes, finally free of the scent of blood. By the time she finished changing, two cups of tea’s worth of time had passed. Unsure whether to go back or wait in her room, she was interrupted by Zhou Huai’s arrival at her door.

"Ninth Miss, everyone is waiting at Moon Viewing Pavilion. The Young Master sent me to escort you."

Qin Guan acknowledged him and glanced toward the main chamber. "Is Fifth Sister coming too?"

Zhou Huai nodded. "Of course." He then went to knock on the main chamber’s door.

Wan He opened it, and after Zhou Huai explained the situation, Qin Xiang’s surprised voice could be heard inside. A moment later, she emerged wearing a cape. Qin Shuang, standing beside Qin Guan, scoffed quietly. "Look at how unwilling she is. I didn’t even want to bring up what happened last time, yet she’s acting even more high and mighty."

Qin Guan glanced at Qin Xiang but said nothing, simply walking out ahead with Qin Shuang.When the group arrived at the Moon Viewing Pavilion again, the building was already brightly lit. The yamen officials had not yet arrived. Yan Chi, Yan Li, Qin Yan, Pang Fuliang, and others were waiting inside. Wang Huaiyu was questioning Pang Fuliang when he heard the commotion and looked over.

In that short time, Qin Guan had changed out of her earlier soiled dress and now wore a smoke-blue pleated long skirt, layered with a pale bluish-green oblique-collared short jacket. Her outer cape had also been replaced with a lilac cloud-patterned cloak.

Qin Guan wore only a single jade hairpin, with no additional ornaments, and her face was free of makeup. The colors she often chose were fresh and understated, yet somehow, even these muted tones draped over her figure created an indescribable sense of delight—evoking images of warm, gentle breezes, wispy clouds, the vast azure sky, and the endless green waves of a clear lake. Though her style was refined, her delicate features added a touch of elegance. Simply standing there, she exuded a natural grace that was breathtaking.

Unlike others who relied on heavy makeup and ostentatious attire, Qin Guan’s quiet beauty carried no sharp edges, yet it inexplicably radiated nobility and purity. It was as if her slender frame concealed an inner strength—a resilience that shone from within, untouchable by storms and unmatched by worldly standards.

Wang Huaiyu was momentarily stunned. Recalling that Qin Guan was from the Qin family and that the Marquis’s household had specifically brought the three Qin sisters to the capital, the shrewd official quickly grasped the implications. He could already imagine the scrutiny she would face upon her arrival in the capital.

"Very well, I understand," Wang Huaiyu nodded before turning to Qin Guan.

"Ninth Miss, it’s getting late. I’ll question you first so you may retire early."

His tone was warm and courteous. From the main seat, Yan Li let out a derisive chuckle, leaning toward Yan Chi. "Impressive. In such a short time, this Magistrate Wang already seems quite deferential."

Yan Chi watched Qin Guan as she answered Wang Huaiyu’s questions with calm composure. Yan Li had only met Qin Guan in Yuzhou and was naturally more awestruck, but Yan Chi was equally surprised. Qin Guan had been born in the capital, but after her parents' deaths, she was raised in the Marquis’s household. After three years, she was sent to Jinzhou—precisely during the most formative years for a young noblewoman. Most aristocratic girls began learning etiquette, talents, and essential skills from governesses before the age of ten. It was unclear whether Qin Guan had received such instruction in the capital, but in Jinzhou, she certainly had not.

Yet even in the Qin Manor, where she endured neglect, Yan Chi had noticed that Qin Guan remained unshaken in any situation—whether in the Marquis’s household or in his own presence. No lofty status could unsettle her. Now, having traveled from Jinzhou to the more prosperous Yuzhou, where she had met Prince Yu and other prominent figures, Yan Chi observed that her poise had only grown steadier, more striking. It was truly remarkable.

"In that case, the three young ladies are free to go. It’s late—you may retire now."After Wang Huaiyu finished speaking, Qin Yan said, "Let me escort you back—"

Just like the troubled Qin Manor, the entire Qinghui Garden must now be aware of Qing Yun's death, with most people likely unsettled from top to bottom. Since Wang Huaiyu still had many others to question, it was naturally best for Qin Guan and the others to return and rest.

Qin Guan acknowledged with a nod, curtsied slightly, and turned to leave. Seeing Qin Guan and the others about to depart, Yan Li chuckled, "Seventh Brother, with this case now, shouldn't we stay in Yuzhou until it's resolved?"

He then added, "You are, after all, the Chief Inspector of the Judicial Bureau."

Yan Chi frowned slightly but remained silent. Yan Li continued cheerfully, "I never thought investigating cases could be so interesting. Seventh Brother, do you still need a deputy?"

"There is indeed a vacancy," Yan Chi finally responded, glancing at Yan Li. "You want the position?"

Yan Li beamed. "Yes, yes! Seventh Brother, let me be your deputy!"

Yan Chi nodded. "It’s not impossible—"

Yan Li's amber eyes lit up instantly. "Great! Then it's settled!"

Yan Chi gave an affirmative hum and tilted his chin slightly. "I heard the servants of Qinghui Garden have gathered outside. Go question them and see if you can uncover any clues."

Thrilled to be assigned a task right after his appointment, Yan Li eagerly agreed, "Alright!" But after taking a step, he paused. "What about you, Seventh Brother?"

Yan Chi stood up. "I’ll investigate other areas of the estate."

His voice was loud enough not just for Yan Li but also for Wang Huaiyu, who quickly acknowledged. As the highest-ranking official present, Yan Chi’s involvement in the investigation was unquestionable—even if he had chosen to go back to sleep, it would have been acceptable.

Watching Yan Chi stride out of Moon Viewing Pavilion, Yan Li grinned and hurried toward the courtyard where the servants had gathered.

...

...

The hour was indeed late, and though the case had no direct connection to the Qin family, a death had still occurred. Even Qin Shuang had no mood for jokes. The three sisters returned to their courtyard and retired to their respective rooms.

Baiying, already aware of the incident in Qinghui Garden, hurried out of bed upon seeing Qin Guan and Fuling return. "Miss, you're back! What happened?"

Having spent the night performing the corpse examination, Qin Guan was visibly weary. Fuling answered for her, "The situation isn’t clear yet. The Prefect is investigating. He questioned us about our activities today and then let us return."

Baiying looked at Qin Guan with concern, but Qin Guan reassured her, "It’s fine. Let’s wash up and rest. We’ll see if there’s any news tomorrow morning."

Fuling promptly prepared for bed. Soon after, Qin Guan lay down, and Fuling extinguished the lamp before joining Baiying. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang also retired quickly, and before long, the entire guest quarters were plunged into darkness.

Qin Guan lay in bed, eyes wide open. After waiting for about fifteen minutes, a sound came from outside the window.

A gust of cold air swept in, followed by a figure slipping into the room.

Qin Guan propped herself up. Though she had removed her outer robe, she was still dressed in her inner garments. "Yan Chi?" she whispered urgently.

Almost immediately, a figure sat down beside her bed. "Leaving the window open like this—aren’t you afraid someone else might climb in?"

Qin Guan kept her voice low, as did Yan Chi. She shook her head. "Why would anyone else come?"Yan Chi sighed and, in the darkness, grasped Qin Guan's hand. "Tired?"

The room was pitch black, with only the faint glow of snowlight from outside casting a dim outline of Yan Chi's silhouette and his eyes that seemed to hold a galaxy of stars. Though he had just come in from the cold winter night, his palm was warm. Qin Guan felt the rough calluses on his hand, the coarse warmth bringing her comfort.

"A little," Qin Guan paused slightly before asking, "What do you think of this case?"

Yan Chi reached up to caress her cheek. If not for fear of alerting her maid, he would have lit a lamp just to see her face clearly. "It's a bit strange. Did you find anything else during the corpse examination?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "Just what we already know. The deceased had calluses, mainly on the tiger's mouth and palms, likely from martial arts training. Also, though she was older, her figure remained slender and graceful, without the stiffness typical of the elderly. Besides that, she had a few scars—old wounds, from what I could tell. So Pang Fuliang's account is probably true."

Yan Chi had come to see her partly out of concern, but now both of them found themselves drawn into the gravity of the case.

"So Pang Fuliang's words hold some truth."

Qin Guan nodded. "Yes. But what's odd is—if it really happened as he said, that they met by chance and later became old friends and regular patrons, then why did Qing Yun die in Qinghui Garden? With so many people around, the killer must have had a grudge against either Pang Fuliang or Qing Yun—or possibly both."

Having witnessed Huo Huaixin handle the Headless Bride case and personally participated in the Qin Manor case, Yan Chi understood the complexity of such investigations. Victims weren't always innocent, and liars rarely spun pure falsehoods—half-truths were the most elusive. Qin Guan paused before adding, "And then there's Liu Yuntong—"

"Oh?" Yan Chi questioned. "What about him?"

Qin Guan continued, "If he was just dragged into this by accident, then he's truly unfortunate. But what if he and Pang Fuliang are hiding something? Before you arrived, Pang Fuliang had no intention of reporting this to the authorities. At most, he was willing to privately inform Prefect Wang, likely downplaying the matter. It was clear he wanted Qing Yun's death ruled as suicide and didn’t want a scandal—maybe to protect his reputation, or for some other reason I can’t be sure of. But Liu Yuntong… his feelings toward Qing Yun seemed unusual."

"Tonight, Pang Fuliang originally planned to host a farewell dinner for us and hadn’t intended to invite Qing Yun. It was Third Brother who remarked that it wouldn’t do to neglect a guest of the household. Pang Fuliang hesitated, but Liu Yuntong was the first to insist that Qing Yun should join. And… when they learned of Qing Yun’s death, Liu Yuntong reacted the most strongly. He was the first to rush to her side. I could see he was deeply grieved."

Yan Chi still held Qin Guan’s hand, his brow furrowing slightly. "Liu Renli?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Exactly. At the time, I was quite surprised."Qing Yun had retired from public life many years ago, and Liu Renli had been serving as an official outside the capital all this time, so the two should have had very few encounters. According to Pang Fuliang, Liu Renli only came to know Qing Yun through him, making them merely old acquaintances. Given this, why would Liu Renli appear even more grief-stricken than Pang Fuliang?

Speaking of Liu Renli, Yan Chi hesitated slightly before asking, "What did your third brother and Liu Renli discuss?"

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "I don’t know about that. Their conversations about court affairs were always held privately."

Hearing the faint note of wariness in her voice, Yan Chi sighed. "Tell your third brother that whatever he promised Liu Renli, it would be best not to let him get too close to the Marquis’s residence after returning to the capital."

Qin Guan immediately sensed something amiss. "What happened?"

Yan Chi lowered his voice further. "The salt administration is fraught with complications. Earlier, several Salt Commissioners in the east were executed for corruption. This Liu Renli... is not clean either."

A chill ran down Qin Guan’s spine, and a thought quickly formed in her mind.

"Third Brother mentioned that several eastern Salt Commissioners embezzled tax silver..."

"Exactly." Yan Chi squeezed her hand. "Tax embezzlement is a grave crime, especially when lives are often lost in the salt trade."

Qin Guan’s tone turned serious. "Do you already know what trouble Liu Renli is in?"

She asked this for two reasons. First, she suspected Qin Yan had indeed reached some agreement with Liu Renli. If Liu Renli was already embroiled in a scandal with far-reaching consequences, she would have to warn Qin Yan. It wasn’t that she was overly protective of Qin Manor—having taken on the identity of Ninth Miss, she had no choice but to consider the family’s interests. Moreover, Qin Manor would be her future home. She didn’t expect the Qin name to bring her advantages, only that the household remain stable so she could focus on her father’s affairs. Second, she wanted to confirm the thought that had just occurred to her.

Yan Chi understood her intentions from the question. In the darkness, he leaned slightly closer. "Hmm... Of course I know. But your loyalty to Qin Manor is so obvious—I can’t just tell you for free."

Qin Guan arched a brow. "Then what do you want—"

Before she could finish, Yan Chi closed the distance between them, his scorching breath brushing her face. A fraction closer, and their lips would meet.

Qin Guan didn’t need to ask further—she knew what he meant.

Her lips pressed tightly together. Perhaps waiting too long, Yan Chi let out a soft, expectant "Hmm."

The sound carried a faint threat. Closing her eyes, Qin Guan gave his lips the briefest peck. Though unsatisfied by its brevity, Yan Chi couldn’t help but chuckle.

In the darkness, his rich laughter resonated, making Qin Guan’s cheeks warm. Gritting her teeth, she demanded, "Are you going to tell me or not?"Yan Chi suddenly stopped smiling and spoke at this close distance, "Liu Renli came to the Pang family mostly to seek wealth. As the head Salt Commissioner in the south, although the position is important, it has always been an external post with a low official rank. If he wants a promotion, he must grease palms both up and down the hierarchy. Moreover, his humble origins mean he has to spend even more in this regard. Not only that, while he appears upright in Huzhou on the surface, in secret he is extremely extravagant and debauched. The Qin Manor case involving the abuse of young girls was later traced back to Huzhou, but because it happened too long ago and certain people obstructed the investigation, it couldn't proceed further. However, Governor Huo and I speculated that officials in Huzhou's salt transportation bureau were also involved in this kind of business."

Qin Guan's breathing instantly became shallow. Even now, thinking about the Qin Manor case weighed heavily on her heart. Though all crimes were equally wrong, seeing young children suffer such fates always pained her more deeply. She hadn't expected the case to involve such high-level connections, even reaching into the salt transportation bureau. No wonder he had been delayed in Jinzhou for so long.

"Given this, his personal expenditures were naturally enormous. Moreover, officials in the two lake regions had a tendency to secretly compete with each other. In earlier years, this Liu Yuntong somehow obtained funds without touching the tax revenues. But starting the year before last, problems began to emerge in the tax revenues of the two lakes. At first, no one noticed, but this year when the eastern regions were investigated first, he naturally panicked."

Qin Guan seemed lost in deep thought. Noticing this, Yan Chi suddenly pecked her lips. By the time Qin Guan reacted, Yan Chi had already continued speaking, "Unless he fills the gaps in the tax revenues before someone memorializes this matter, forget about promotion—whether he can even keep his life is uncertain."

Qin Guan had no time to dwell on Yan Chi's action and only asked softly, "Has someone already planned to memorialize this matter?"

Yan Chi gave an affirmative hum. "So tell your third brother that Liu Renli is not the best candidate."

Qin Guan nodded in the darkness, feeling a belated fear. If Yan Chi hadn't told her this, Qin Manor might have been implicated in disaster upon returning to the capital. "I see. When you mentioned it earlier, I also thought that Liu Renli came to the Pang family seeking wealth..."

After a slight pause, she added, "But generally, Liu Renli's demands would be enormous. Pang Fuliang might not necessarily agree... Could the Pang family be planning to enter the official salt trade?"

Yan Chi pondered and said, "Pang Fuliang mentioned that he met Liu Renli at a social gathering and later introduced him to the leader of the Double Purity Troupe. Qing Yun retired before the New Year. At that time, Liu Renli hadn't yet risen to the position of Salt Commissioner—he was at most a mid-level official. Pang Fuliang wouldn't necessarily go out of his way to befriend him."

As he spoke, Yan Chi suddenly said, "Actually, we just need to check where Liu Renli was posted before the New Year."

Qin Guan nodded with a hum. "We should also check Qing Yun's whereabouts after retirement—whether she settled in Dingzhou as Pang Fuliang claimed."

Yan Chi agreed. With this, their discussion about the case was mostly concluded.

The room was pitch black, with one of them on the bed and the other by its side, so close that the silence between them grew charged with ambiguity. Qin Guan pursed her lips and broke the quiet first. "Since we're not leaving, what about you?"

Yan Chi curved his lips. "As the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, how can I leave now that there's a case in Yuzhou?"

Qin Guan tilted her head in thought. "That's only right. Otherwise, wouldn't it be dereliction of duty?"

Yan Chi let out an almost inaudible chuckle, as if amused by her remark. He had been holding her hand all this while but suddenly released it. Before Qin Guan could wonder what he intended, she felt him pull her toward him.

Yan Chi embraced her, one hand gently stroking her back. Qin Guan's eyes flickered. "By the way, why did you come tonight?"

Yan Chi couldn't have known about the murder at the Pang residence beforehand. Had he brought Yan Li and Wang Huaiyu to see her?

"If we were leaving, I'd have to lag behind you these next few days and wouldn't get to see you. So I wanted to come and check on you."

His voice was warm, softening Qin Guan's heart further. She nestled into the crook of his shoulder, her arms lightly encircling his waist. The room was so quiet that only their breathing could be heard.After holding her for a moment, Qin Guan suddenly said, "I... seem a little sleepy..."

Qin Guan was an extremely disciplined person who never stayed up late unless absolutely necessary. Her words carried a hint of politely asking him to leave. Moreover, given how rare their time together was, her sudden drowsiness was rather puzzling.

Yan Chi tightened his embrace around her waist and back, making Qin Guan gasp softly. Just as she began to feel a bit awkward, Yan Chi snorted and released her. "If you're sleepy, then sleep."

Qin Guan felt somewhat embarrassed. "I..."

Yan Chi caught her hand and gave it a light bite. "Once we return to the capital, you'll pay for this."

With that, he pressed her down onto the bed, pulled the brocade quilt over her, covering everything below her nose, then turned and left. With a soft click, he even closed the window for her.

Qin Guan felt a lingering tingle on her hand and smiled faintly in the darkness.

Her drowsiness had come at just the right time, and with Yan Chi here, she felt completely at ease—naturally, she wanted to sleep...

She tugged at the quilt, intending to free her chin, but then hesitated, remembering Yan Chi had been the one to tuck her in. She withdrew her hand and drifted into a deep sleep, still snugly wrapped.

By the time Yan Chi returned to the Moon Viewing Pavilion, Yan Li was still interrogating the visibly frightened servants.

In the chilly courtyard, Yan Li narrowed his eyes sharply, scrutinizing each person who passed by.

Wang Huaiyu handled the questioning while Yan Li simply "observed." The poor servants of the Pang household were so unnerved by his intense gaze that they stumbled over their answers, making Yan Li suspect every single one of them.

Seeing Yan Chi return, Yan Li immediately said, "Seventh Brother, why do I feel like all of them are suspicious?"

Yan Chi glanced at the group. "What makes you say that?"

Yan Li explained, "None of them dare to meet my eyes. The moment I look at them, they break into a cold sweat, trembling like they’re about to bolt. Isn’t that a sign of guilt?"

Yan Chi frowned. "Did you reveal your identity before questioning them?"

Yan Li looked at Wang Huaiyu. "Magistrate Wang did."

Yan Chi stared at Yan Li as if he were an idiot. "They’re just ordinary servants. With the Crown Prince of Prince Gong's household standing here, of course they’re nervous and terrified."

Yan Li faltered for a moment. "That... does make some sense. But I remember—the people in the capital aren’t afraid of me!"

At this, the exasperation in Yan Chi's eyes darkened. After a pause, he patted Yan Li’s shoulder. "If you really want to learn how to investigate a case, just watch Prefect Wang..."

Yan Li glanced at Wang Huaiyu and muttered, "How boring." Then, as if struck by a thought, he asked, "Seventh Brother, where did you go earlier?"

"Took a walk around the estate."

"Oh? Did you notice anything?"

Yan Chi’s gaze swept over the servants standing before Wang Huaiyu, his brow furrowing slightly. "The courtyards here are all interconnected. Judging by the pathways alone, anyone could have committed the crime and slipped away unnoticed."

Yan Li frowned. "Doesn’t that make it difficult?"

Yan Chi didn’t answer. His eyes shifted to Pang Fuliang standing at the entrance of the Moon Viewing Pavilion, then he noticed Liu Renli seemed to be missing. Following his gaze, Yan Li said, "Liu Yuntong has already been questioned. Since he’s a guest, he went to rest first."Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, "Has the mistress of the Pang household appeared?"

Yan Li nodded again, "Yes, yes, she was here just now, holding the Pang family's third young master. After Prefect Wang finished questioning her, she left." As he spoke, Yan Li added, "To stage a hanged woman's suicide from someone who was unconscious would require a man with considerable strength, right? Although Qing Yun wasn't heavy, I suspect the culprit must have used a stool to lift and hang her... someone with weak strength couldn't have done it."

Hearing this, Yan Chi frowned slightly but didn't immediately agree. While Yan Li's reasoning made sense on the surface, Yan Chi clearly remembered how they had been similarly misled in the Qin Manor case. Everyone had assumed the massive Demon-suppressing Stone could only be moved by a strong man, yet they hadn't initially considered the flexibility of bamboo. Qing Yun was much lighter than that stone—in fact, even a strong woman could have managed it.

"Seventh Brother, am I right?"

"No." Yan Chi mercilessly dismissed Yan Li's theory before walking over to Wang Huaiyu's side. Wang Huaiyu had his own methods for interrogations, so Yan Chi remained silent, simply listening. However, the situation proved far more complicated than Yan Chi had anticipated.

After questioning all the servants, they were still left without any leads.

Wang Huaiyu temporarily dismissed all the attendants and entered the Moon Viewing Pavilion, saying, "Almost everyone gave clear accounts of their whereabouts during that time. We still haven't identified where the datura poison was administered either. From the moment she entered the manor until she met Master Pang, all the tea and food were shared—it's not as if Qing Yun consumed anything alone. Could she have taken the poison before arriving?"

Rubbing his temples, Wang Huaiyu glanced at the hour and added, "Your Highnesses should rest for now. We'll continue tomorrow. There's nothing more to uncover tonight."

Yan Chi remained silent, while Yan Li stifled a yawn and pressed on, "Prefect Wang, what did the kitchen staff say?"

Since the food was prepared by the manor's kitchen, the cooks were naturally key suspects.

Wang Huaiyu quickly replied, "They've all been questioned. None admitted to anything. The backgrounds of everyone involved have been checked—on the surface, none seem to have any grudges against Master Pang or Qing Yun."

Yan Li spread his hands. "So we're stuck here?"

Wang Huaiyu gave a wry smile. Yan Chi, deep in thought, finally said, "Let's leave it at that for now. Dismiss everyone."

Wang Huaiyu naturally complied. After giving a few more instructions, Yan Chi led the way out with Yan Li in tow.

As Yan Chi and Yan Li left the Moon Viewing Pavilion and headed toward the main gate of Qinghui Garden, Yan Li suddenly glanced behind them. "Huh? Where's Bai Feng? Did you assign him a task, Seventh Brother?"

Yan Chi neither confirmed nor denied it, simply mounting his horse.

Seeing his brother's expression, Yan Li knew he already had a plan in mind. Smiling, he urged his own horse forward.

Wang Huaiyu, trailing behind, soon left the Pang residence as well, leaving only a few yamen officers to guard Qing Yun's body. The murder had left the entire household unsettled, with those questioned earlier still uneasy. Only when the lanterns throughout the manor were extinguished did the restless anxiety fade slightly into the night.After confirming Wang Huaiyu's departure, Pang Fuliang, who should have been preparing to rest, instead headed toward a guest courtyard in the northern direction. The courtyard was unguarded, and a dim light shone in the main room. When Pang Fuliang pushed the door open, he saw Liu Renli's face filled with deep sorrow and grief. Narrowing his eyes, Pang Fuliang said coldly, "I told you to wipe that look off your face!"

As he spoke, Pang Fuliang closed the door behind him...

With no outsiders present, Liu Renli was less intimidated by Pang Fuliang. His tone was grave as he said, "Tell me honestly—was it you? In your own residence, who else would dare to be so bold?!"

Pang Fuliang's eyes were icy. "Get a hold of yourself! Now is not the time for infighting between us!"

Liu Renli sneered. "Infighting?! I'm just afraid you've grown so ruthless that you've forgotten we're on the same side... I can't understand it—she was always so strong-willed, so unyielding her whole life. How could she have hanged herself?! Now the investigation has confirmed she was murdered. That poison—who else but you would have had the easiest access to—"

Pang Fuliang clenched his fists, teeth gritted. "We all drank the same wine and ate the same dishes. Why wasn’t I poisoned?!"

Liu Renli's lips twitched. "Then who else could it be...?"

Pang Fuliang narrowed his eyes, as if recalling something from long ago. Seeing his expression, Liu Renli's face changed. "Are you saying the one who killed her was—"

"Who's there?!" Liu Renli suddenly shouted sharply. He turned and pushed open the door, but only the cold winter night wind greeted him in the courtyard.

Liu Renli's next words were cut off by his own shout. He stepped forward to check, relieved to find no one in the courtyard. But Pang Fuliang remained vigilant. "I just came to see you. Get some rest early."

Without another word, he strode out of Liu Renli's guest quarters.

Half an hour later, Bai Feng slipped silently into Yan Chi's residence in Prince Yu's mansion.

"After Prefect Wang left, Pang Fuliang went straight to Liu Renli. Just as I was about to get closer, Pang Fuliang seemed to sense something and left shortly after." Bai Feng lowered his head. "This subordinate was incompetent."

Yan Chi waved a hand dismissively. "Not your fault. What else?"

Bai Feng thought for a moment. "He returned to his own quarters afterward, extinguished the lights, and went to bed. I waited for half an hour but detected no further movement, so I came back to report. However... while passing by a secluded rear courtyard in the northern part of Pang's residence, I noticed that although the courtyard was locked, there was someone inside the house..."

Yan Chi's attention sharpened. "Who?"

Bai Feng replied solemnly, "A... a young girl..."