Coroner's Diary

"Have the two elder sisters and Ninth Sister from Jinzhou arrived?"

As the clear, proud voice fell, Hu Shi immediately responded with a smile, "They're here, they've been here for quite a while, waiting just for you!"

While speaking, several figures outside the door drew nearer. Soon, those inside the room saw four maids in purple garments escorting a noblewoman in a crimson long skirt and a madder-red cape embroidered with peony patterns into the hall.

Upon her entrance, Qin Guan felt her eyes brighten. Qin Chaoyu was tall and slender, her features bearing fifty percent resemblance to Qin Shu, with only a pair of peach-blossom eyes identical to Hu Shi's. Yet she differed fundamentally from Hu Shi—while Hu Shi loved to smile, her eyes appearing amiable at first glance, Qin Chaoyu's phoenix eyes tilted upward at the corners, blending allure with an imperious nobility.

Today, adorned in lavish attire, the crimson skirt and madder-red cape perfectly accentuated her dignified elegance. Thus, though merely seventeen, she already carried an imposing aura. Her waterfall-like black hair was elegantly swept up into a Crescent Moon Hairbun, adorned with layered hairpins and dangling ornaments. A plum blossom design graced her forehead, enhancing her majestic grace. The corners of her lips curved upward, her rouged lips resembling red plum blossoms. From head to toe, every detail was exquisitely refined, radiating aristocratic splendor.

The main hall was already brilliantly lit, yet with Qin Chaoyu's arrival, Qin Guan felt the entire room grow brighter. She silently admired the radiant beauty of the capital's top talented maiden. Qin Chaoyu, upon entering, also turned her gaze toward Qin Guan.

Her maids respectfully remained stationed outside the door, while she alone stood at the threshold, chin slightly raised. She first observed Qin Guan for a moment, then glanced at the stunned Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, before returning her attention to Qin Guan.

With a hint of curiosity in her tone, she asked, "This is... Ninth Sister?"

Qin Guan had already risen to her feet. Upon hearing this, she nodded slightly and performed a curtsy. "Eighth Sister."

The corners of Qin Chaoyu's lips curved into a faint smile, her eyes warming with a trace of amusement. "After all these years apart, Ninth Sister has truly transformed."

After speaking, Qin Chaoyu then bowed to Qin Shu and Hu Shi, before turning to Qin Yan. "Brother, you've returned..."

Qin Yan nodded. Hu Shi stepped forward to take her hand. "Why have you returned so late?"

Hearing her mother's concerned tone, Qin Chaoyu replied with a lifted smile, "His Highness the Crown Prince visited Her Majesty the Empress this evening."

She offered only this brief explanation, yet Hu Shi's face lit up with delight. She quickly glanced back at Qin Shu, who wore a faint smile but remained silent. Hu Shi then hurriedly pulled Qin Chaoyu along, saying, "You've seen your Ninth Sister, but there are still two elder sisters here."

"This is your Fifth Sister, and this is your Sixth Sister."

Hu Shi guided Qin Chaoyu to stand before Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang. Qin Chaoyu smiled and offered a half-curtsy. "Greetings to both elder sisters."

Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang hastily returned the courtesy. For some reason, they felt an inexplicable pressure in Qin Chaoyu's presence. Combined with her radiant smile and opulent attire, it left them flustered, unsure where to place their hands and feet.

"I've long heard that Eighth Sister is the capital's top talented maiden. Seeing you now, you truly live up to your reputation."

Qin Shuang grew flustered in her panic, but Qin Xiang managed to steady herself enough to compliment Qin Chaoyu. Qin Chaoyu's smile did not deepen at the praise, merely responding, "Those are merely empty words. Sister, please do not take them to heart."She then turned her gaze to Qin Guan, narrowing her eyes as she assessed her for a moment. She noticed Qin Guan standing calmly with her hands clasped in front of her, unlike Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, who appeared somewhat flustered. Qin Chaoyu's smile deepened slightly. "Ninth Sister, you've been away from the Marquis' estate for several years, and now you've finally returned." After a brief pause, she added, "It seems you've been doing well these past years."

Qin Guan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Thanks to Elder Sister's blessings."

Qin Guan's attire was entirely in plain colors, with no makeup or any extra accessories. Yet, even so, she showed no hint of inferiority standing before Qin Chaoyu. Qin Chaoyu instinctively clenched her sleeve. "Now that you're back, it's good. We sisters can be together again, along with the other two elder sisters."

Qin Chaoyu then turned to Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, who quickly put on compliant smiles.

In comparison, Qin Chaoyu couldn't help but glance at Qin Guan once more.

Their eyes met, and Qin Guan's gaze was clear and composed, neither submissive nor arrogant, making it almost difficult for Qin Chaoyu to maintain her smile.

"Mother, have you just finished your meal?"

Qin Chaoyu suddenly looked at Hu Shi, who nodded. "Yes, have you eaten at the palace?"

"I have, Mother, no need to worry." Qin Chaoyu smiled again. "Ninth Sister and the two elder sisters must be tired. Why not let them return to rest?"

Hu Shi immediately agreed. "That was the plan. I thought we'd wait here for you for a while, but now that you're back, it's best to let them rest soon." She turned around. "Xiang'er, Shuang'er, Wan Yatou, come. Aunt will take you to see your courtyards."

Qin Shu stood up. "Good, rest early. The journey has indeed been delayed for too long."

Qin Xiang and the others quickly assented and followed Hu Shi out.

After Hu Shi led them away, the room fell silent. Qin Chaoyu's smile faded slightly as she turned to Qin Shu. "Father, the Crown Prince seemed in poor spirits today, as if he had been reprimanded by The Emperor."

Qin Shu's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "I already know. It's due to corruption in the Salt Transportation." He glanced at Qin Yan. "Fortunately, there was an incident in Yuzhou, or else Liu Renli would have brought disaster upon us and the Crown Prince."

Qin Yan promptly bowed his head. Qin Shu then smiled at Qin Chaoyu. "Alright, Yu'er, you needn't concern yourself with this matter. You've been at the palace all day—go and rest as well." As if remembering something, he added, "There are three more sisters in the estate now. Wan Yatou hasn't seen you in years, and the other two are in the capital for the first time. You should take care of them a little."

Out of the three, Qin Shu only mentioned Qin Guan by name. Qin Chaoyu pressed her lips together and nodded.

Qin Shu's smile deepened. "Go on. Your mother will come to see you later."

Qin Chaoyu nodded, curtsied, and turned to leave the hall. The four maids waiting outside hurried to follow, surrounding her as she made her way to her own Chaoyi Courtyard.

Inside the hall, Qin Shu looked at Qin Yan. "Come with me—"

With that, Qin Shu strode out first, heading directly to the study east of Renshou Hall.

Upon reaching the study, Wu Yang and Zhou Huai were already waiting there. The room was brightly lit. Qin Shu entered, took his seat behind the desk, and then said, "Speak. What exactly happened with Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli?"Qin Shu's smile faded, his voice turning low and serious—a stark contrast to the amiable man who had been dining with everyone moments before. Qin Yan dared not take this lightly and immediately straightened his posture. "The general course of events is as described in the letter to you, Father. At first, I thought it was a corruption case that had implicated him, so I agreed, intending to offer favor and win him over. But after someone died in Pang Fuliang's residence, I abandoned that idea. Coincidentally, at that time, Ninth Sister reminded me."

"Wan Yatou?" Qin Shu's eyes narrowed slowly.

Qin Yan nodded. "Yes, Father. Though Ninth Sister may appear delicate and frail, her intellect likely surpasses even Yu'er's."

Qin Shu remained silent for a moment before speaking. "I'm aware of what you mentioned earlier. Over the past two months on this journey, you've spent considerable time with the three sisters. What are your impressions?"

Qin Yan replied, "Fifth Sister is well-educated but restless and ambitious, with considerable daring—as you know from the Cloud Mist Mountain incident. Sixth Sister is straightforward and frank, though somewhat impulsive and outspoken. As for Ninth Sister..."

"Ninth Sister possesses exceptional medical skills and a composure far beyond her years. She remains unshaken in crises, not only that, but she is also remarkably perceptive, with insights into people and situations that exceed the ordinary. In the Yuanzhou case, I saw her reasoning and analysis were highly logical, and even more so in Yuzhou. In the days following the incident, she not only assisted in the corpse examination but also investigated several murders alongside Prince Rui's heir. Ultimately, the case was solved largely due to Ninth Sister's contributions."

As he spoke, Qin Yan seemed to recall the scenes of the deaths in the Herb Garden and Qinghui Garden. "Father, you can imagine—sudden deaths would unnerve anyone, even a man like me found it eerie. Yet Ninth Sister showed no fear; instead, she conducted the corpse examination and helped trace clues. That unflappable calm and poise are qualities Yu'er lacks."

Qin Shu listened with a grave expression. "And her resolve?"

At this question, Qin Yan lowered his gaze, pondering for a moment but finding no clear answer. He shook his head after a pause. "Resolve... I truly can't discern that. Both Prince Rui's heir and Prince Gong's heir appeared in Yuzhou, and we even visited Prince Yu's royal residence. Yet I never noticed her paying excessive attention to those prominent figures. On the contrary, Prince Rui's heir was quite attentive to her."

Qin Shu's expression tightened. "Prince Rui's heir—"

"Yes, I played a game of chess with Prince Rui's heir and briefly mentioned the Crown Prince. His attitude wasn't cold, but it wasn't warm either." Qin Yan thought for a moment. "I'm not sure of the reason—"

"What other reason could there be? It's the same temperament as his father's." Qin Shu's voice was deep. "Prince Rui has stayed out of factional struggles for half his life, which is how he's held the Northwest Frontier Army for decades. Since childhood, he was raised in the Northwest Frontier Army and naturally shares that disposition. This Prince Rui's heir, educated by his father from a young age, is likely even more formidable. If you think a few words can sway him to your will, you're being too simplistic."

A shadow crossed Qin Yan's eyes. "So, he has no intention of aiding the Crown Prince?""It's hard to say." Qin Shu shook his head, "This time, The Emperor intends to keep him in the court. Once he remains in the court, he will have no choice but to face these matters. The Grand Princess has taken Wan Yatou as her adopted granddaughter, which is why he has shown her some care, isn't it?"

Qin Yan nodded, "I've heard it's like that. His Highness's stay in Jinzhou was quite long this time, so naturally, he had a good reunion with the Grand Princess. Moreover, when the Qin Manor was in trouble, it was the Crown Prince who took charge of the investigation, and at that time, Ninth Sister also lent a hand."

Qin Shu narrowed his eyes, a hint of coldness flashing in them, "Your Third Uncle's case shook the entire court. If I hadn't submitted three petitions pleading guilty in a row and the Crown Prince hadn't intervened to protect us, we might have been implicated as well." As he spoke, Qin Shu took a deep breath, "It's just as well that he's dead, but it's a pity for his wife and children."

"Yes, when I went to Jinzhou, the Qin Manor was in complete disarray."

Qin Shu then fixed his gaze on Qin Yan, "Seeing what happened to your Third Uncle, do you feel a sense of caution?"

Qin Yan quickly nodded, "Yes, I will certainly take it as a warning."

Only then did Qin Shu nod in satisfaction, "The current situation is becoming increasingly unclear. Both of us must be extremely careful and not take a single misstep. The Crown Prince can protect us once, but not twice or thrice. Moreover, recently, Prince Cheng has been acting decisively against corruption in the east, which has greatly pleased the Emperor, who has rewarded him several times in a row. Because of this, the Crown Prince has already been reminded by the Emperor." He sighed again, "Fortunately, we didn't get further entangled with Liu Renli. The Crown Prince is about to launch a thorough investigation into the southern affairs."

Qin Yan felt a chill of fear recalling it. Mentioning Prince Cheng, Qin Yan couldn't help but think of Feng Zhang, whom he had encountered at the city gate that evening, "No wonder I ran into Feng Zhang when I entered the city today. He was even more arrogant than usual."

"Arrogant?" Qin Shu gave a faint, almost mocking smile, "Let him be arrogant. It would be best if he becomes so arrogant he forgets who he is. Prince Cheng is in favor, and Consort Su has also been highly favored lately. The entire Zhongguo Gong family is acting as if they're on top of the world. As the heir apparent, he naturally has every reason to be arrogant. If you encounter him in the future, just go along with it."

Qin Yan nodded, "I understand. I will be courteous."

Qin Shu nodded again, and Qin Yan hurriedly added, "By the way, Father, when I returned today, I saw the city guards inspecting people entering and leaving at the gate. What happened in the city?"

At this question, Qin Yan sighed, "After you left, there were several murder cases in the city."

Qin Yan immediately thought of the violent crimes he had witnessed on his journey and was about to ask when Qin Shu continued, "The victims were all women, and they were all violated before their deaths. The Emperor already knows about this and has sternly ordered the Crown Prince to oversee the investigation. The Crown Prince has been managing the southern corruption cases these days, so this matter has been temporarily handed over to the Lin'an Prefect to investigate. It's unclear what has been found out so far, but the city is under strict martial law."

Qin Yan frowned slightly and did not ask further. Qin Shu was in charge of the Ministry of Personnel and had no connection to the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review. In comparison, the corruption case had far-reaching implications, and the personnel changes arising from it were what the Qin Manor was most concerned about at the moment.

Thinking of this, Qin Yan shifted the topic to the salt transportation corruption case.In the meantime, Hu Shi escorted Qin Guan and the other two back to their courtyard, instructed the maidservants to take good care of them, and then headed toward Qin Chaoyu’s Chaoyi Courtyard. Inside, Qin Chaoyu had already washed up, removed her heavy makeup and hairpins, and changed into a light crimson undergarment, over which she wore a thin cape as she waited for Hu Shi. As soon as Hu Shi entered, she asked, “What did the Empress say today?”

Qin Chaoyu first rose and invited Hu Shi to take a seat on the couch before sighing. “Mother, you’re too impatient. What could she say? There were others present today, so naturally, the Empress couldn’t speak plainly.”

Frowning, Hu Shi sighed. “The New Year is almost here, yet the Empress still hasn’t revealed her intentions.”

Qin Chaoyu placed a cup of tea in Hu Shi’s hands. “Don’t worry, Mother. The Empress has more than just us as an option, so her hesitation is understandable. But rest assured, your daughter is confident—we are the best choice.”

Setting the teacup aside, Hu Shi took Qin Chaoyu’s hands in hers. “Of course, of course. My daughter is naturally the brightest pearl in the capital.” Pausing for a moment, she then asked, “Did you see how your ninth sister looks now?”

Qin Chaoyu’s gentle expression faltered. The corners of her lips curved, but there was no warmth in her eyes. She parted her crimson lips, her tone tinged with mockery and envy. “A peerless beauty, one who could topple cities and kingdoms?”

Hu Shi’s expression was a mix of helpless bitterness and resentment. “Truly, even back then, her looks kept improving. Who would have thought that after three years in Jinzhou, not only has her appearance refined, but her demeanor has also been cultivated?”

Glancing outside, Hu Shi lowered her voice. “You’ve read the letters sent from Jinzhou earlier, and every year, those we sent with New Year’s gifts reported that she wasn’t living well there. So how could she…? Also, they say she was recognized as an adopted daughter by the Anyang Marquis because of her medical skills, but back when she was in our household, why didn’t we notice?”

Growing more agitated, Hu Shi continued, “If only we had raised her by our side back then, we might have seen how she changed. Though she suffered the loss of her parents, could a person change so drastically for no reason? Look at her features, her figure—even her clothes aren’t exceptional, and the colors are rather plain, yet they look ethereal on her. The strangest thing is her demeanor. Your two older sisters came from humble backgrounds, so it’s natural for them to be timid. But you remember how she used to be—too afraid to step outside, avoiding people. How is it that after three years in Jinzhou, she’s become a true lady of noble bearing?”

“Enough, Mother.” Qin Chaoyu interrupted her with a slightly stern tone. Hearing this, Hu Shi realized she had spoken too much and smiled wryly. Qin Chaoyu continued, “What’s come over you? No matter how exceptional Qin Guan is, could she truly render your daughter worthless?”

Hu Shi quickly grasped Qin Chaoyu’s hands. “Silly child, that’s not what I meant at all.”

Pressing her lips together, Qin Chaoyu withdrew her hands and placed them over Hu Shi’s, patting them gently before saying, “Don’t worry, Mother. Qin Guan may be blessed with beauty, but in the capital, success doesn’t hinge on looks alone. After all these years of learning and experience, I know far better than she does how to navigate life here. Are you afraid she’ll take what rightfully belongs to me?”Hu Shi hesitated, then said, "But... but she has recognized the Anyang Marquis as her adoptive father, she calls the Grand Princess grandmother, she knows medicine... even your third brother speaks highly of her, and I saw the look of admiration in your father's eyes just now..."

"Mother." Qin Chaoyu grasped Hu Shi's hand. "What do you intend to do with her, since you say all this?"

Hu Shi was taken aback by the question. "I... what can I do? Since she has come to the Marquis' residence, for both appearance and substance, I cannot treat her poorly. It's just that... seeing that little girl who was once so petty and unfit for high society change so dramatically, I feel somewhat unsettled..."

Hu Shi sighed, a mix of helplessness and resentment.

As the Marquise, though the capital was filled with nobility, within the Qin clan, she held the foremost position. Not only did she hold it, but her sons and daughters should also be the best. She remembered clearly what Qin Guan was like back then—though her beauty was beginning to show, she lacked any grace or poise. Hu Shi had assumed that after all these years, even if Qin Guan had improved, she would still be nothing more than a pretty face. She never expected Qin Guan to astonish her so profoundly today.

Though she wouldn't go so far as to say Qin Chaoyu was worthless in comparison, she had to admit that Qin Guan's appearance and demeanor were indeed superior. Qin Chaoyu had always been the only treasured pearl of the Marquis' residence, and now suddenly, this newcomer had drawn away much of the attention, leaving Hu Shi feeling deeply unsettled and worried that Qin Guan might take anything from Qin Chaoyu.

"Mother, you know you can't do anything to her, and you also know Father admires her." Qin Chaoyu's tone was calmer than Hu Shi had anticipated. "Back then, I was willful and didn't want her to stay, but now I realize how childish that was."

Hu Shi looked at Qin Chaoyu in surprise. Qin Chaoyu curved her lips slightly and said, "Mother, the capital is full of nobility, and there are many daughters from noble families. Not to mention others, just the Zhongguo Duke's family holds a higher status than ours, their daughters are just as beautiful, and their methods are even more skillful. What can we do when we encounter such people? Be jealous or envious? Resentful or hateful?"

Hu Shi's lips twitched, thinking Qin Chaoyu didn't care much, but then she heard her say coldly, "If we were to become anxious and flustered over this, or harbor some petty jealousy and schemes, that would be rather low-class. Besides, if I can't even tolerate a Qin Guan who has just arrived in the capital, how can I compete with those flashy, cheap women outside?"

"Yu'er, so what do you mean—"

Qin Chaoyu patted Hu Shi's hand again. "Don't worry. Just treat her well, and the other two as well. I understand Father's intentions. You know what I want. Even if I attain that position in the future, we will still need support. For the sake of the Qin clan, you must not show any dislike."

With that, Qin Chaoyu lifted her chin. "If they recognize your kindness and know how to repay it, that's good. But if someone doesn't know their place..." Her eyes darkened, and without her charming makeup, her expression grew sharper. "Then I naturally won't tolerate her. Even if Father disapproves, I have my own methods."Hu Shi breathed a sigh of relief as she looked at Qin Chaoyu's sharp and resolute expression. "Good child, you know what I'm worried about. It's best that you have your own judgment. To be honest, I don't want to be the bad person either, but if anyone tries to take what belongs to you, that is absolutely unacceptable. Ah, my Yu'er has grown up. Seeing you like this, I can rest assured in the future."

Hearing Hu Shi's words, Qin Chaoyu's expression softened slightly. "Mother, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

Hu Shi nodded and was about to suggest that Qin Chaoyu get some rest when she suddenly thought of something. "But Yu'er, have you considered... even if you tolerate her and she doesn't take anything, what if... that person..."

"No, that won't happen." Qin Chaoyu denied swiftly, her expression turning colder. "Mother, you're overthinking this."

Considering this, Hu Shi nodded. "Indeed, she is not like you."

With that, Hu Shi stood up. "Well, it's getting late. You should rest early."

Qin Chaoyu nodded and rose to see Hu Shi out. Only after watching Hu Shi leave the Court Rituals Courtyard did Qin Chaoyu slowly turn back and enter her inner chamber. Her chief maid Mo Yi approached. "Young Miss, you've been at the palace all day and must be exhausted. Please rest now."

Qin Chaoyu shook her head. "Wait a moment. I haven't practiced my calligraphy today."

Mo Yi looked at Qin Chaoyu with concern. "Skipping just one day won't matter."

Qin Chaoyu shook her head again and moved toward her small study. "Not even a single day's effort should be wasted. In just one day, others may eagerly surpass you—"

Hearing this, Mo Yi sighed and hurried to prepare the ink.

At the same time, in the Pine Breeze Courtyard northwest of the Court Rituals Courtyard, Qin Guan had changed into comfortable robes and settled down. She hadn't brought much from Jinzhou. While Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were still arranging their belongings, she had already finished washing up.

Trimming the lamp wick, Qin Guan took out the handwritten journal by Shen Yi from over a decade ago, which Yan Chi had given her in Yuzhou.

"Young Miss, you just returned today. Shouldn't you rest early?"

Qin Guan shook her head. Her mind was troubled, and she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep tonight without reading something.

Seeing Qin Guan's reluctance to sleep, Fuling sighed softly. "Young Miss, are you missing the Master and Madam?"

The question tugged sharply at Qin Guan's heart. Her grip on the book tightened slightly, and after a moment, she nodded.

Fuling quickly added, "Don't worry, Young Miss. Tomorrow we'll inform the Eldest Master and Madam. Since we've returned, our first priority should be to pay respects to the Master and Madam. Once you speak with them at their memorial, you'll feel better."

Qin Guan nodded but couldn't help thinking that after the incident, her family's remains likely went uncollected. Where could she go now to honor her parents? Lost in thought, she instinctively glanced out the window, which faced west—the direction of the former Shen residence in the Eternal Joy Quarter of the capital.

Noticing Qin Guan's distant gaze out the window, Fuling sought to distract her.

"Young Miss, the Eighth Young Miss has become quite beautiful..."

Qin Guan nodded vaguely. "Yes."

Since Qin Chaoyu bore the reputation of the capital's top talented lady, how could her appearance be lacking? Moreover, both Qin Shu and his wife were fairly attractive, and even Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang weren't unpleasant to look at. Raised in a marquis' household, they carried an innate grace, enhanced by fine clothing and jewels. Even Qin Guan had been struck by their elegance at first sight.

Although Qin Guan was once the daughter of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, she had endured many hardships with her father since childhood. Their family hadn't been born into officialdom or nobility. Thus, her father remained upright and unpretentious, her mother content and cheerful. Though Qin Guan later experienced some privileges as the daughter of a third-rank capital official, she never developed the slightest hint of arrogance or extravagance.A person's demeanor and inherent temperament, aside from nature and upbringing, are largely shaped by their growth environment and experiences. Qin Chaoyu, having grown up in the Marquis' mansion since childhood, was clearly the center of boundless affection. The people she knew were all nobility, and she enjoyed the finest clothing, food, housing, and the most meticulous and privileged education. Such an upbringing molded Qin Chaoyu to be as exquisitely polished and flawless as her attire that day. Naturally, such a person had long known how to present the best version of herself to the world, while her true thoughts would never be easily deciphered. Qin Guan understood this clearly but had no intention, for the time being, of probing into this eighth sister.

Having settled in peacefully today, she had passed the first hurdle. From this night onward, she would only think of her father's case, and she deeply understood that even within the Marquis' mansion, her aspirations remained distant and unattainable.

Seeing Qin Guan somewhat lost in thought, Fuling continued, "But although the Eighth Young Miss is beautiful, she makes people feel a bit fearful. And... the Eighth Young Miss is far less beautiful than you, Miss. Even in plain clothes and without makeup, you are much, much more beautiful than her. If one day you were to wear a red dress and apply rouge, you would undoubtedly be the most beautiful woman in the world!"

Qin Guan snapped out of her reverie at Fuling's words and said helplessly, "It's different."

Fuling blinked, "What's different? If I were a man, I would definitely choose you, Miss, as my wife."

Qin Guan glanced at her, "Why?"

Fuling rolled her eyes, "Because you don't make people afraid."

"Oh?" Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, "You're not afraid of me?"

At this, Fuling felt a bit uneasy. At first glance, Qin Guan indeed appeared gentle and serene, but she had witnessed her cold solemnity during corpse examinations and the subtle chill when she was provoked. Compared to Qin Chaoyu's dazzling sharpness, her young mistress's demeanor seemed even more intimidating.

Fuling shuddered at the thought and quickly shook her head, "I'm not afraid of you, Miss, but if I were to do something wrong, then..." Suddenly, Fuling adopted a meaningful expression and said, "Miss, I was chatting with the little maid outside earlier and just learned a big secret. Do you know what it is?"

Qin Guan played along and looked at Fuling, "What is it?"

Fuling lowered her voice, "Today, the Eighth Young Miss went to the palace to accompany the Empress, actually to prepare for the selection of the Crown Prince's consort. Our Eighth Young Miss wants to be the Crown Princess..."