Coroner's Diary

"Be careful, young master!" Qing Niang called out urgently, but Pang Jiayan paid no heed as he climbed toward the top of the artificial hill. His small frame was remarkably agile, and in no time at all, he stood atop the high peak.

Qin Shuang and Qin Guan watched from below, their hearts in their throats. Qing Niang smiled apologetically. "The young master has loved climbing since he was little. He also enjoys darting in and out of the caves in these artificial hills. There was no stopping him, so the master gave him the small red building in Hui Garden."

Hui Garden was the main residence of Pang Fuliang and Chang Shi, and the small red building was a three-story structure behind it. Qin Shuang expressed surprise. "The young master stopped sharing a bed with his mother at such a tender age?"

At this, Qing Niang cast a doting glance toward Pang Jiayan. "Though he loves climbing and sometimes enjoys teasing people, in other ways, he's more mature than most children. He stopped sleeping with his mother at three. Usually, he's very quiet—it's just when he gets playful that he becomes a handful."

Children, with their unsteady limbs, often love climbing, which can indeed be worrisome.

Qin Shuang remarked, "The young master is quite unusual. He'll surely grow up to be very intelligent."

Qing Niang nodded with a smile. Though merely a servant, her genuine affection for Pang Jiayan was evident.

With a murder case in the household, Qin Shuang had been terrified at night, but by day, she grew restless. After breakfast, she insisted on taking a walk. The last time Pang Yiwen had led them to the lotus pond, they hadn't ventured further. Now, Qin Shuang, feeling bold, pulled Qin Guan along. Since Baiying had mostly recovered from her injuries and accompanied them, Qin Guan obliged.

Unexpectedly, upon reaching the lotus pond, they saw Pang Jiayan scrambling about the artificial hills again.

"This garden may seem large, but it's usually quite desolate. With you ladies here, it finally feels lively. The young master has been especially playful these past few days—" Qing Niang paused and sighed. "Madam mentioned you were supposed to leave today, but the murder case delayed things. Your families must be worried."

Qin Guan smiled gently. "That’s no trouble. As long as we return to the capital before the New Year."

Then she suddenly asked, "Where is Madam?"

Qing Niang's expression dimmed, and she lowered her gaze. "Madam... isn’t feeling well. She’s resting now."

Qin Guan frowned. "Is she ill?"

Qin Shuang quickly interjected, "If Madam is sick, she can treat her! Her medical skills are excellent!"

The old Qin Shuang would never have praised Qin Guan—proof of how much she had changed.

Yet Qing Niang’s eyes flickered uncertainly. "Madam’s illness isn’t serious... just a minor ailment..."

Her evasiveness was obvious not just to Qin Guan but even to Qin Shuang. After a moment, Qin Shuang whispered, "What’s really wrong with Madam—"

"Can you really heal people?"

Suddenly, Pang Jiayan’s figure emerged from the base of the artificial hill beside them.

One moment he had been at the peak; the next, he had slipped down to the bottom.

He had clearly overheard Qin Shuang’s words and now stared intently at Qin Guan. She nodded, and Qin Shuang added, "Your elder brother even sought her help for treatment..."

At the mention of Pang Yiwen, Pang Jiayan snorted. He toddled over to Qin Guan on his short legs. "Can you help my mother?"Qin Guan couldn't refuse when she saw Pang Jiayan's exquisitely carved jade-like little face.

"Alright," she said, then turned to Qing Niang, "I just wonder if it's convenient."

Qing Niang's expression held a hint of concealment, making Qin Guan suspect that Chang Shi's illness might be something unspeakable, and young Pang Jiayan had spoken up without knowing better.

But Qing Niang looked at Pang Jiayan, "Young master..."

Pang Jiayan turned to Qing Niang, "Mother is in so much pain she could die."

At this, Qing Niang's face showed heartache, but she whispered, "Then we mustn't let the master know."

Pang Jiayan nodded like a little adult, "Go see where father is. We'll wait here."

Qing Niang looked between Pang Jiayan and Qin Guan before nodding and leaving.

Now both Qin Guan and Qin Shuang understood—Chang Shi's illness was clearly no simple matter. Not only was it inconvenient for Chang Shi to be seen, but Pang Fuliang particularly didn't want outsiders to know...

Qin Shuang hesitated, and so did Qin Guan. Yet Pang Jiayan looked at her, "Can you stop my mother's pain?"

Qin Guan said gently, "What illness does the madam have? As long as it's not some rare condition, I have remedies."

Pang Jiayan didn't say what illness Chang Shi had, only looked at Qin Guan with trust, "You can."

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances, both utterly confused.

After waiting the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qing Niang reappeared, "Young master, the master is with Prefect Wang in that lady's courtyard."

Pang Jiayan's eyes brightened, and he immediately said, "Quick, come with us."

He looked at Qin Guan, then frowned slightly, "Just you two can go. The maids cannot."

Fuling and Baiying, standing behind, frowned at once. They naturally thought of their time in the Herb Garden—how Sun Haoyue, whom they'd believed to be a miracle doctor and great benefactor, had harmed so many people. If even Sun Haoyue couldn't be trusted, how much less could anyone from the Pang household?

"No, I must follow my lady."

"Me too."

Fuling and Baiying spoke one after another, making Pang Jiayan's brow furrow. He looked at them, "You're quite loyal. Fine, you two can come, but you can't enter the room."

With that, Pang Jiayan strode northward. Whether from being overly familiar with the garden or otherwise, they encountered no Pang household servants along the winding path to Hui Garden, where they only saw an old maidservant waiting at the gate.

Seeing her there, Qing Niang hurried forward, "All arranged?"

The maidservant nodded, "I've sent the others away."

Qin Niang gave an "Mm," then invited Qin Guan and Qin Shuang inside.

Hui Garden was larger than Qin Guan had imagined, but she had no time to look around, only followed Qing Niang and Pang Jiayan straight to the inner chambers. Soon, the group reached Chang Shi's bedroom. The sleeping quarters of Chang Shi and Pang Fuliang were as opulent as any wealthy household's. When Qin Guan and Qin Shuang entered, Chang Shi was lying on the bed in a daze.

Hearing the noise, Chang Shi instinctively turned her head. When she saw Qin Guan and Qin Shuang, her expression changed at once.

"Qin... Miss Qin..."

"Don't be afraid, Mother. Father doesn't know."

Pang Jiayan quickly ran to Chang Shi's side, while Qin Guan and Qin Shuang approached and curtsied.As they approached, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang were both taken aback. Chang Shi was half-reclining against a soft pillow behind her, wearing a middle garment that concealed most of her body. However, a dark bruise was clearly visible near the corner of her eye. Naturally elegant in appearance, the bruise stood out starkly against her delicate features. Noticing the surprise in Qin Guan and Qin Shuang's eyes, Chang Shi looked slightly uncomfortable and turned to Qing Niang. "What's going on..."

Pang Jiayan, however, spoke up urgently, "Ninth Miss knows medicine. I asked her to come and treat Mother."

Seeing the earnestness in Pang Jiayan's eyes, Chang Shi's own eyes reddened slightly. She then smiled bitterly at Qin Guan and Qin Shuang. "I must apologize for letting you see me in such a state. It's truly improper to receive guests looking like this."

Qin Guan sighed. "Madam, rest assured. I will only fulfill my duty as a healer and ask no further questions." After a pause, she added, "Third Young Master is filial, but if you truly refuse, my sister and I can leave now."

Chang Shi grew even more embarrassed. She glanced down at Pang Jiayan and nodded. "Very well, then I must trouble Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan stepped forward and carefully examined the bruise on Chang Shi's face. After a moment, she asked, "Is this the only injury? Are there any other discomforts?"

Pang Jiayan interjected, "Mother is in pain elsewhere too."

Chang Shi's face flushed slightly, as if nervous. Qin Guan reassured her, "Madam, you don’t need to show me everything. Just a part will suffice. I need to understand the extent of your injuries to prescribe the right treatment."

After a brief hesitation, Chang Shi rolled up her sleeve.

Her hands were exquisitely delicate, with slender fingers as fair as peeled scallions, and wrists as pale as frost. Yet, as the sleeve lifted, Qin Guan was met with shocking lash marks and large bruises.

Qin Guan pressed her lips together to suppress her shock and nodded after a moment. "Only these two types of injuries?"

Chang Shi's eyes moistened as she silently nodded.

After a brief contemplation, Qin Guan said, "I understand. We’ve brought along some of my personal ointments and medicinal herbs. I’ll fetch them for Qing Niang, and you can follow the instructions for application."

With that, she took a step back. "Take care, Madam."

Chang Shi's eyes reddened again as she nodded to Qing Niang, who then escorted Qin Guan and Qin Shuang out.

While Qin Guan remained composed, Qin Shuang seemed stunned, her steps stiff.

Suppressing her thoughts, Qin Guan glanced out the window of the chamber and caught sight of a small red pavilion in the distance. The pavilion was exquisitely crafted with glossy vermilion paint, fitting for the much-doted-upon Pang Jiayan.

Yet who would have thought that while the child was lavished with love, the mother suffered so...

Clenching her sleeve, Qin Guan walked out with a solemn expression.

No other servants were seen as they left Hui Garden, only the same old woman standing guard at the entrance. She visibly relaxed upon seeing them and bowed as they departed.

It wasn’t until they reached the fork west of Hui Garden that Qing Niang, who had remained silent, turned and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, both of you. This matter..."

"Don’t worry. We won’t speak a word of it to anyone else."

Qin Guan’s sincere tone brought tears to Qing Niang’s eyes. "Madam suffers so much. Enduring this every time is unbearable. The young master is older now and can’t be easily comforted..."Qin Guan's lips pressed into a thin line. She wanted to say something but ultimately held back, only sighing, "Tell Madam Pang to take care of herself. I'll go get the medicine."

Qing Niang nodded. "This servant shouldn't go over there. I'll wait in the pavilion ahead."

Qin Guan gave an affirmative hum and briskly led Qin Shuang toward her own courtyard.

After walking a dozen paces, Qin Shuang finally spoke in a trembling voice, "Was... was that Master Pang's doing? All those bruises and whip marks—it's Madam Pang! Who else in the residence would dare lay hands on her?"

Qin Guan shook her head silently. Qin Shuang, recalling the injuries on Chang Shi's body, shrank her shoulders in fear.

Though the Qin family's third branch in Jinzhou weren't nobility, they were still a wealthy household. Young ladies like them had been pampered since childhood—never beaten, not even suffering minor bumps or scrapes. Chang Shi also came from great wealth, yet now she lived like this. She had only shown Qin Guan her arms—what about the rest of her body?

No wonder Pang Jiayan could tell his mother was in pain...

"Why doesn't Madam Pang speak up? Why not return to her family and seek their help? If this continues, what if she's beaten to death one day? No—even if not killed, living like this will surely shorten her lifespan."

Qin Shuang was impulsive and couldn't hold back her thoughts, but Qin Guan understood Chang Shi's predicament. "It's true Madam Pang comes from a wealthy family, but her natal home has declined, while the Pang family is now the richest in the northwest. Unless Madam Pang can steel herself for a divorce, Chang Shi's family must consider face-saving and avoid making a scene, not to mention their clan's interests. I doubt anyone can restrain Master Pang."

Qin Shuang gritted her teeth. "If anyone ever dares treat me like that, I'll grab a knife and fight them! It's so unfair—no, not just unfair, it's inhuman."

Qin Guan sighed helplessly. "Keep your voice down. If Master Pang learns we visited Madam Pang, we might bring more trouble upon her. Of course Madam Pang suffers, but I noticed fresh wounds layered over old scars on her arms—she's likely endured this many times. This isn't something outsiders like us can advise on. Madam Pang must decide for herself."

Qin Shuang came to her senses. Though her heart ached for Chang Shi, she also knew marriages between great families couldn't be severed so easily, especially given Master Pang's current status and position.

Returning swiftly to the courtyard, Qin Guan first retrieved two jars of pre-made ointment, then wrote out a prescription. She considered sending the prescription too but feared Pang Fuliang might see it and cause complications. In the end, she only instructed Fuling on a few medicinal ingredients to relay to Qing Niang. Having studied under Qin Guan for so long, Fuling could memorize a prescription's ingredients quickly. Once everything was properly arranged, Fuling took the ointment to find Qing Niang.

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang waited in the courtyard. After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Fuling returned panting.

"Miss, everything's been conveyed. Don't worry."

Qin Guan relaxed slightly, while Qin Shuang heaved a long sigh. "How pitiful. That young master is so small, yet he already knows his mother suffers like this. Who knows how it might affect him?"

"Definitely." Qin Guan's voice turned grave. "It will affect him, one way or another."Qin Shuang shook her head, "Forget it, forget it. It's better not to marry into overly powerful families in the future. Master Pang may be the wealthiest man in the northwest, but privately he... It's best to marry someone honest, someone whose family can be controlled by my own. That way, if I suffer any grievances in my husband's home, my family can stand up for me, right..."

Qin Guan chuckled lightly, "But that's not necessarily always the case."

Qin Shuang snorted, "Never mind, why am I thinking about this? It's probably not something I can decide anyway."

Though Qin Shuang appeared simple-minded and impulsive, she had grown considerably since the incident at Qin Manor when she stopped being Qin Xiang's shadow. She now realized that the Marquis's family had brought them north not just for familial ties but likely for other arrangements as well.

The murder case in the manor had already unsettled everyone, and the news about Madam Pang added another layer of gloom to Qin Shuang and Qin Guan's hearts. By afternoon, Qin Guan still hadn't heard any news of Yan Chi's arrival, only that Wang Huaiyu had sent more people into the manor to interrogate everyone again. Meanwhile, the Double Purity Troupe case was temporarily ruled as an accident.

In the evening, Qinglan returned to Qinghui Garden.

She had been wrongly accused, but now that Qing Xian and Yang Ying had confessed, she was naturally cleared of suspicion. The other troupe members taken away the previous night were also released, leaving only Qing Xian and Yang Ying detained at the prefectural office.

During dinner, the three sisters gathered at Qin Yan's courtyard to eat together.

Throughout the day, Qin Yan had frequently gone to Moon Viewing Pavilion to inquire about the case. Unable to hold back any longer, Qin Shuang spoke up first, "Third Brother, when will this case be resolved? Did the Prefect make any progress today?"

For some reason, Qin Yan's expression grew even more somber than before. "No leads yet. There was a suspicious person in the kitchen, but after investigation, it turned out he was just embezzling procurement funds. As for Qing Yun's death, there aren't any strong clues."

Qin Shuang gave an "Oh," and Qin Guan recalled what Yan Chi had said the previous night. "When is Liu Yuntong leaving?"

Qin Yan looked at Qin Guan. "I don't know when he's leaving. Why do you ask?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Liu Yuntong doesn't seem afraid of getting involved. Since he's been friends with Master Pang for years and knew Qing Yun, the Prefect must have questioned him thoroughly..."

"He's already been questioned. His account matches Master Pang's."

Qin Shuang snorted inwardly. After learning that Pang Fuliang had beaten his wife, she had lost all trust in him.

Qin Guan remarked casually, "Master Pang is a tycoon from the west. Liu Yuntong certainly knows how to cultivate such connections. It’s useful to have someone like that to lean on if he encounters difficulties in his official career."

Qin Yan's brow furrowed slightly as Qin Guan's words gave him pause. The relationship between Liu Renli and Pang Fuliang was deeper than he had imagined—far from the casual friendship Pang had described. Though he had always suspected as much, he lacked concrete evidence. Now, Qin Guan's comment made him wonder if Liu Renli had come to the Pang residence for reasons beyond what was stated.

"Third Brother, you should be cautious about Liu Renli's affairs." Seeing Qin Yan deep in thought, Qin Guan decided to speak plainly.

At this, Qin Xiang, who had remained silent until now, interjected, "Third Brother knows how to handle external matters. Ninth Sister, you're overstepping."Qin Guan neither agreed nor disagreed, but Qin Yan seemed to ignore Qin Xiang's words as he glanced at Qin Guan for a moment. In his heart, the current Qin Guan was no ordinary young woman. If she suddenly said such a thing, she must have noticed something.

Qin Yan nodded, "Naturally, we must be cautious."

At these words, Qin Xiang's expression stiffened immediately. Qin Shuang glanced at Qin Xiang with amusement, then suddenly thought of her past self—she used to be like that too, believing she spoke brilliantly, while others saw her as naive and ignorant of the world.

With this realization, Qin Shuang's face flushed slightly. Thankfully, she had since learned restraint.

After dinner, Qin Guan returned to her room to continue preparing medicine. Once finished, she wasted no time and went to bed early. The events concerning Chang Shi that day had left her with many thoughts.

In the current world, if she were in Chang Shi's place, she would likely have many reservations as well. Most cases of mutual divorce occurred when the wife's family had enough influence to stand up for her. For ordinary families, mutual divorce was seen as a disgrace to the man. In previous dynasties, only men were allowed to divorce their wives. Although mutual divorce had become more common in the present dynasty, in the eyes of society, it seemed more like the wife divorcing her husband. Thus, unless absolutely necessary, few men agreed to mutual divorce. If they disliked their wives, it didn’t matter much—they could take concubines or even establish a secondary wife.

The more Qin Guan thought about it, the heavier her heart grew. Just as she began to feel restless, a faint rustling sound came from outside the rear window. Qin Guan tensed and sat up immediately. She hadn’t left the window open for Yan Chi today—it was locked from the inside. As she hesitated in alarm, a soft knock knock sounded against the window.

If it were a thief, why would they knock? Qin Guan’s heart stirred, and she threw off the covers and got out of bed.

Approaching the window, she asked softly, "Yan Chi?"

A low "Mm" came from outside—Yan Chi’s voice. Qin Guan hurriedly opened the window.

As the window swung open, Yan Chi’s tall figure stood outside, poised gracefully.

He braced against the windowsill and leaped inside, closing the window behind him. Noticing she was only wearing a thin robe, he quickly said, "Get back into bed."

With that, he pulled her toward the bed. Qin Guan whispered, "Why are you here?"

Yan Chi glanced at her. "Why wouldn’t I be?"

"Then why didn’t you come during the day?"

Yan Chi guided her to the bed and made sure she was tucked under the brocade quilt before replying in a low voice, "Could I have seen you if I came during the day?"

Qin Guan thought for a moment—he had a point. Though only a day had passed, now that Yan Chi was before her, a quiet joy welled up in her heart. "Even if it’s hard to see me, aren’t you the Judicial Commissioner of the Provincial Court? Don’t you have cases to oversee during the day?"

Yan Chi adjusted the brocade quilt for her. "I came precisely to tell you—"

Hearing this, Qin Guan quickly asked, "What is it?"

Amused by her urgency, Yan Chi chuckled. "Last night, I mentioned I would investigate Liu Renli’s past. I’ve already found something." Qin Guan’s eyes brightened, and Yan Chi continued, "At the beginning of the year, Liu Renli served as the Deputy Prefect of Xuzhou in the east."

Qin Guan frowned. "Xuzhou? Xuzhou is downstream of the Wild Goose River, while Yuzhou is to the west—they’re on opposite sides."

Yan Chi nodded. "Exactly. But there’s one coincidence: Liu Renli is also from Dingzhou."

It seemed Yan Chi had thoroughly investigated Liu Renli in just one day. Qin Guan was slightly surprised. "Liu Renli is from Dingzhou? That Qing Yun also seems to be from Dingzhou, doesn’t she?"Yan Chi nodded, "Not only that, Pang Fuliang is also from Dingzhou, though he later chose to make his fortune in Yuzhou."

Although Dingzhou isn't far from Yuzhou, why did Pang Fuliang come to Yuzhou?

Yet this wasn't the most pressing matter. Qin Guan frowned and said, "If all three of them are from the same hometown, why hasn't Pang Fuliang mentioned it? Fellow townsmen share a special bond. If Pang Fuliang became close with them because of this, it would make perfect sense."

Yan Chi nodded, "Exactly. I haven't sent anyone to investigate Qing Yun's residence in Dingzhou yet..."

Qin Guan naturally understood that one day wasn't enough to thoroughly investigate the situation in Dingzhou. After some thought, she suddenly remembered something, "By the way, although Qing Yun is dead, I recall she had a senior sister back then."

Yan Chi also remembered, "You mean this senior sister might know about her relationship with Pang Fuliang?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Wasn't it said that her senior sister got married? Even if she's married, they couldn't have completely lost contact. Or perhaps her senior sister knows who might have held a grudge against her?"

The deceased was Qing Yun. Pang Fuliang claimed she was from Dingzhou and said she had no relatives or old friends left, but now Qin Guan knew of at least this one. Being her senior sister, she would likely know more.

"I understand what you mean. I'll have someone investigate it." After a brief pause, Yan Chi added, "The Double Purity Troupe members are in the prefecture. Tomorrow, we can have Prefect Wang interrogate them directly."

Qin Guan hummed in agreement, "Both cases are related to the Double Purity Troupe."

Saying this, Qin Guan suddenly felt it was too much of a coincidence, "Two people died one after another—one the current troupe leader, the other the previous one. If Qing Li's death hadn't been temporarily ruled as accidental, I'd almost think someone was seeking revenge against the Double Purity Troupe..."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes slightly, "Qing Li's case is still considered an accident for now. If it weren't, then that possibility would indeed exist."

Qin Guan nodded and continued, "I've already hinted to Third Brother about what you mentioned regarding Liu Renli. I believe he'll be cautious."

"This is all for your sake. Otherwise, I wouldn't care about the Marquis's affairs."

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Guan asked, "Is the Marquis's household gathering support for the Crown Prince?"

Yan Chi nodded, "Last time when you watched us play chess, you must have noticed..."

"What do you think about it?" Qin Guan inquired.

"What do I think... Since ancient times, civil officials stabilize the nation while military generals secure it. Civil officials in court have active minds, while military generals hold significant power over troops. Right now, I have no thoughts, nor can I let His Majesty think I have any."

Though Yan Chi spoke casually, Qin Guan's heart tightened. The current Emperor was in his prime. Although the Crown Prince had been appointed, it didn't mean the Crown Prince had any real power in court yet. Throughout history, many crown princes had been deposed after being appointed, and many had attempted coups to ascend the throne early. The Prince of Rui was the commander of the Northwest Frontier Army, and although Yan Chi had returned to the capital, he still held the position of young marshal. If Yan Chi had agreed to Qin Yan's overtures and aligned with the Crown Prince, one could imagine how wary the Emperor would become.

Thus, Yan Chi could only remain inactive, maintaining loyalty to the current Emperor to protect himself.

Understanding this, Qin Guan felt a chill. When Qin Yan had tried to recruit Yan Chi that day, she hadn't considered all this. Now that she understood, she realized Yan Chi's ambiguous attitude had been deliberate.

"So that's how it is. I was thinking too simply."

"What were you thinking?"

"At the time, seeing your ambiguous attitude, I only thought you didn't want to align with the Crown Prince."

Hearing this, Yan Chi's lips curved slightly, "Why? The Crown Prince is the heir apparent, the future Emperor."Qin Guan pursed her lips for a moment. "Although the Crown Prince is the Crown Prince, in my heart, you are Prince Rui's heir, renowned for your military achievements. No one inside or outside the court can force you to do anything."

Hearing this, Yan Chi paused and remained silent.

Qin Guan didn’t understand his reaction. After a moment, Yan Chi reached out to caress her cheek, his tone heavy with emotion. "Suddenly, I don’t want you to go to the capital..."

"Hmm?" After waiting so long, this was his response.

Yan Chi leaned in and pulled Qin Guan into his embrace. "You see others bowing respectfully before me, but that doesn’t mean I’m immune to coercion. Especially within the imperial city—outwardly opulent and grand, yet countless unseen hands stir the tides beneath. Those who hold influence there all wield their own bargaining chips. The intrigues and veiled schemes are a hundred times more elusive than any mystery case. And the dangers are ever-present; you never know how many hidden arrows are aimed at you."

His words tightened Qin Guan’s heart, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist.

Noticing her reaction, Yan Chi kissed the tip of her ear and murmured, "Scared?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "I’d already considered some of this, though not as vividly as you describe."

Yan Chi gently stroked her back. "Take only half of what I said to heart. Stay cautious where needed, and leave the rest to me."

Her tension eased slightly. She trusted him completely—even if he had just admitted he wasn’t entirely free from constraints. Time and again, he had pulled her back from the brink of death. It wasn’t his power she relied on, but his unwavering devotion to her.

"I know. I trust you."

Her voice was soft, a soothing balm against the howling winter night. Yan Chi tightened his embrace and brushed his fingers over her hair. There was one thing he hadn’t mentioned: the capital was a den of both brilliance and chaos. He didn’t know how the Marquis’s household would shape Qin Guan’s future, but he was certain more eyes would soon fix upon her.

This thought filled him with both pride and simmering irritation.

"Here—"

Just then, he felt something being pressed into his arms.

He pulled back slightly and retrieved the object, recognizing it instantly by touch.

"The medicine sachet is finished?" Yan Chi lifted it to his nose and inhaled.

Though it was a medicinal pouch, the scent was far from pungent—instead, it carried a refreshing herbal fragrance. After a few breaths, he felt invigorated.

"Yes. The herbs inside are mainly for calming the mind."

Yan Chi tucked the sachet back into his robes and pulled Qin Guan close again. "Anything you make is perfect."

Qin Guan smiled faintly. Suddenly, Yan Chi asked, "Who else has one?"

Unaware of his implication, she answered, "Fuling got hers earlier. This time, I’m making them for Baiying and Sixth Sister—they’re almost done. As for others, I haven’t planned yet. I’ll take my time..."

Yan Chi’s breath hitched. "That maid of yours is one thing, but why make one for that Qin Liu? And Baiying? You expect me to carry the same sachet as my former subordinate?"

Though he kept his voice low, his displeasure was unmistakable.

Qin Guan blinked. "But... they’re nearly finished..."Yan Chi lowered his head and planted a fierce kiss on her cheek, "Give it to me, give me everything!"

......

......

Early the next morning, Qing Niang personally led the kitchen staff to deliver breakfast.

"Madam said the case in the estate must have exhausted the young master and the three young ladies, so today she specially prepared some soups. Not knowing what the three young ladies prefer to eat, she also ordered some pastries from the most famous bakery in Yuzhou City."

As Qing Niang spoke, attendants laid out the food. Qin Yan raised an eyebrow at the lavish spread covering the entire table, "This is far too generous. Please convey our gratitude to Madam."

Qing Niang waved her hand with a smile, "Not at all, not at all. Please enjoy your meal at leisure, Young Master and Young Ladies."

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang stood to the side, receiving Qing Niang's particularly grateful glance. They immediately understood that Chang Shi must have shown improvement after taking the medicine. After Qing Niang left, the siblings sat down to eat together.

Qin Yan remarked in surprise, "Today is quite different from previous days—"

Pang Fuliang had never dared to be careless in hosting Qin Yan and his siblings, with every meal being meticulously prepared. But today's spread far exceeded the usual standard, leaving Qin Yan somewhat puzzled. Midway through the meal, he said, "I wonder how long this case will take to resolve. We shouldn't delay too long. Let's wait two more days—if there's still no result by then, we'll leave."

In truth, it was already largely proven that Qin Yan and the others had nothing to do with Qing Yun's death. But since they chose to stay, it would be best to wait for a conclusion. Moreover, Qin Yan was particularly concerned about whether Liu Renli was good or bad, though now it seemed his opinion of Liu Renli had changed, so there was no need to wait much longer—

"That would be for the best..." Qin Shuang clearly approved of this arrangement!

Qin Guan didn't respond but naturally wouldn't oppose it. However, she was wondering when Yan Chi planned to return to the capital.

His position as the Judicial Commissioner wasn't overly important, yet it was still an imperial appointment. Since he'd begun intervening in this case, would he see it through to the end as he had in Jinzhou?

"Ninth Sister?" Qin Shuang suddenly called out loudly.

Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Qin Shuang, who said helplessly, "What are you thinking about? Third Brother was talking to you."

Qin Guan quickly turned to Qin Yan, who looked at her with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"

Qin Guan forced a smile and shook her head, "No, I just... didn't sleep well."

Qin Yan then said, "I was just telling you not to stay cooped up in the courtyard all day. If you're bored, go out with Sixth Sister. The estate feels rather gloomy now."

A place where someone had died naturally carried a somber air. Qin Yan meant well, and Qin Guan nodded, "Don't worry, Third Brother. I'll go out if I feel like it."

After breakfast, Qin Shuang indeed grew restless and wanted to go out. But just as they reached the courtyard gate, they saw Pang Jiayan standing outside holding a large box, with Qing Niang behind him. Spotting Qin Guan, Qing Niang quickly bowed.

Qin Guan was surprised, "Why are you here?"

Qing Niang smiled, "Young Master has come to deliver a gift... He enjoys playing with the two young ladies."

Qing Niang didn't elaborate, but it was likely because Chang Shi's condition had improved. Pang Jiayan had come personally, and the little boy was struggling with the large box in his arms, looking quite exhausted.

Qin Guan quickly said, "Come in, then."Pang Jiayan didn't speak, carrying the box as he followed behind Qin Guan.

Upon entering the room, Fuling and Baiying both looked curiously at the box in Pang Jiayan's hands. He placed the large box on the table in the main room with a thud and opened it with a click.

When the box was opened, it revealed an array of dazzling little trinkets. Among them was the golden toy carriage that Pang Jiayan cherished the most. Inside were golden slingshots, jade interlocking rings, clay figurines, cloth tigers—all toys for children. In an instant, Qin Guan and the others couldn't help but smile.

Seeing their smiles, Pang Jiayan lifted his chin and pointed at Qin Guan. "You, pick first."

Qin Guan chuckled and stepped forward. "With so many treasures, are you really willing to part with them, Third Young Master? Even this carriage?"

Pang Jiayan glanced reluctantly at the carriage but forced himself to look away. "Take it if you want!"

Qin Guan picked up the carriage, and Pang Jiayan indeed turned his head quickly to glance at it, then looked away again, as if trying not to show his reluctance. Qin Guan set it down and began examining the items one by one. Qin Shuang, finding it amusing, also stepped forward. "Huh, I played with these interlocking rings when I was little, but I could never solve them..."

Qin Guan silently observed, while Qin Shuang chattered away.

"What's this?" Qin Shuang asked, holding a silver cylindrical object.

Pang Jiayan frowned. "Thousand-mile Eye—"

"Eh?" Hearing the word "eye," Qin Shuang held it up to her eye and pointed it at Pang Jiayan. Suddenly, she gasped and dropped the object back into the box. "Good heavens! His face got so big—that's terrifying!"

She then picked up a few figurines. "Huh, these are incredibly lifelike."

"Qing Niang made those by hand," Pang Jiayan said proudly.

Qin Guan glanced over and saw several figurines performing acrobatics—some wielding swords, others swallowing blades or spitting fire. Each figurine was only half the size of a palm, yet their clothing, expressions, and movements were all distinct and fascinating.

After looking around, Qin Shuang set them down and picked up something else. "And what's this?"

She held a square board with square "pieces" tightly packed together, unable to be removed but able to slide left, right, up, or down. The pieces were painted with different colors and characters, and the board was missing one piece.

Pang Jiayan glanced at it. "That's Huarong Trail." He added, "I'll tell you how to play. If you can get 'Cao Xing' to escape, I'll let you pick something too!"

Qin Shuang was taken aback—so he wasn't letting her choose freely. She glanced at Pang Jiayan's box, wanting to tease him a little and not let this little boy look down on her. She raised her chin. "It's a deal!"