Coroner's Diary

Qin Guan's mind stirred—was Qin Chaoyu aiming for the position of Crown Princess?

Seeing Qin Guan's expression, Fuling added, "They say the Crown Prince will select his Crown Princess after the New Year. The candidates are all from prominent families in the capital. That little maid named Huan'er outside said the Eighth Young Lady is the Empress's favorite and stands the best chance."

Though Qin Guan had no intention of probing the Hou family's political ambitions, she had witnessed Qin Chaoyu's words and Hu Shi's reactions earlier. At the time, she hadn't pondered deeply, but now, hearing Fuling's words, she understood.

"Crown Princess?" Qin Guan narrowed her eyes slightly and continued reading the yellowed booklet in her hand, unconcerned. "Quite fitting."

Qin Chaoyu had been meticulously raised by the Hou family since childhood. From their brief encounter, Qin Guan could see that Qin Chaoyu was ambitious and proud. A position like Crown Princess... was not for an ordinary person.

This line of thought led Qin Guan to recall the current Crown Prince, formerly Prince Yong.

Back then, Prince Yong had not yet been designated Crown Prince, so selecting a princess consort was naturally less challenging than choosing a Crown Princess. Coincidentally, Prince Yong, vying for the crown prince position, needed support from the upright and humble factions in court. Thus, he targeted her father, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, merely to rally more court officials to secure the crown prince title.

Now that Prince Yong had attained the crown prince position, his gaze naturally fell upon the Emperor's dragon throne.

Court officials' support was one aspect; the other was the backing of the royal clan and those truly holding military and political power. Moreover, this choice couldn't be too overt or conspicuous. If she were in the Crown Prince's position, she would avoid the top-ranking generals with the most military authority. Thus, only a few civil officials and certain ducal and marquis households remained as options. Though civil officials held real power, their foundations were mostly shallow, unlike these longstanding ducal and marquis families in the capital, who had extensive connections and substantial wealth. Beyond this, loyalty to the Crown Prince was crucial. In the current court, even with the Crown Prince appointed, few could openly stand by his side—partly out of fear of the Emperor, and partly because a crown prince could be both appointed and deposed. Who could guarantee that Prince Yong would definitely ascend the throne?

With such considerations, a loyal and brave marquis household like the one already supporting the Crown Prince was indeed the best choice.

Though Qin Guan didn't know Qin Chaoyu well, recalling her elegant and dignified appearance, she felt it suited the image of a Crown Princess perfectly. Likely, not only she but others also envisioned the Crown Princess as someone like Qin Chaoyu—noble-born, talented, and beautiful. More importantly, in such a high position, one couldn't lack intelligence, softness in methods, or weakness in presence. The woman destined to be the mother of the nation must withstand storms and command any situation.

"The Crown Princess... that is the pinnacle of nobility..."

Fuling said enviously, glancing at Qin Guan. Seeing no reaction, she sighed again, "But if the Eighth Young Lady becomes Crown Princess, the Hou family will become even more illustrious, which would be good for us too."

Only then did Qin Guan nod, a vague image of Prince Yong—the current Crown Prince Yan Che—flickering in her mind.Back when she was designated as the princess consort of Prince Yong, Qin Guan had entered the palace three times, yet she had only caught a distant glimpse of the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace once. Her impression of him now was limited to the words "gentle and dignified." The imperial princes were never simple, and those with ambitions were even more so. At that time, her sudden designation as Prince Yong's consort had left both her father and mother extremely anxious. They were even more reluctant for her to marry into the imperial family, but the imperial decree had already arrived, and there was nothing she could do. Though she disliked the idea of entering the palace, it did not stir much turmoil in her heart.

Moreover, in her heart, as long as the grand wedding had not taken place, she did not consider herself tied to Prince Yong. Thus, when she later heard that Prince Yong had been appointed as the Crown Prince, she felt only a slight surprise. Now, knowing Qin Chaoyu's ambitions, she harbored no further thoughts on the matter. Instead, she felt that Qin Chaoyu was perfectly suited for the position of Crown Princess, and if Qin Chaoyu achieved her wish, the Marquis Manor's status would become even more secure.

"When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken." In her current situation, Qin Guan naturally hoped for the Marquis Manor's stability.

"We've just returned. It's enough to know these things; do not discuss them privately."

Qin Guan spoke softly, and Fuling quickly nodded. "Miss, rest assured, this servant knows." She then curved her lips into a smile. "Has Miss forgotten the paths within the manor?"

Qin Guan furrowed her brows slightly. "It has been a long time since I left. Everything looks familiar, but I can't recall clearly."

Fuling covered her mouth with a light laugh. "The manor has indeed changed somewhat, though not drastically. If Miss walks around the manor tomorrow, it will come back to you. To be honest, even this servant doesn't remember everything clearly."

As she spoke, Fuling suddenly leaned closer to Qin Guan. "Miss, did you notice anything unusual about Eighth Miss today?"

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? What do you mean?"

Fuling thought for a moment. "This servant remembers that Eighth Miss didn't like you back then."

Qin Guan let out an "oh." Today, she had only felt that Qin Chaoyu's attitude was not particularly warm, but it had been three years since they last met, and since she was not the original Ninth Miss, she had no expectations to begin with, so she did not find it inappropriate.

"That was back then. So much time has passed; it's fine."

Fuling nodded. "This servant is just worried that Eighth Miss might still hold a grudge against you."

Qin Guan paused thoughtfully, then replied indifferently, "Let's wait and see."

After saying this, Qin Guan lowered her head to read the journal. Seeing this, Fuling said no more.

Some parts of the yellowed journal were already damaged, and the handwriting was not very clear. Yet, as Qin Guan read word by word, she understood what her father had written. She even had a faint recollection of a few cases mentioned within.

The more she read, the more her emotions surged. After the time it took to drink two cups of tea, she closed the journal.

Taking a deep breath, Qin Guan stood up and walked to the window. The window was half-open, and a cool breeze drifted in from outside. Though cold, it calmed her. Behind her, Fuling, seeing her like this, was momentarily at a loss. Exchanging a glance with Baiying, both were somewhat puzzled. However, Qin Guan quickly composed herself. "Alright, it's getting late. Let's rest."

Fuling hurriedly acknowledged and helped Qin Guan lie down.

Qin Guan's Pine Breeze Courtyard was a single-courtyard residence, similar in size to the one she had lived in at the Qin Manor in Jinzhou. Comparatively, the Marquis Manor's gardens were just more exquisitely designed. Even in winter, her courtyard was lush with greenery, and a red plum tree in full bloom by the corner of the wall added an extra touch of elegance and charm.Fuling and Baiying attended to Qin Guan until she settled in bed before withdrawing, and soon the room returned to silence.

Qin Guan closed her eyes, wishing only to fall asleep, yet her mind was filled with fragments of memories since moving to the capital with her father and mother. The warmth of their family of three and the blood and fire of that night alternated between comfort and pain. When she finally drifted into slumber, her dreams mirrored these very scenes. Thus, the night passed, and when Qin Guan awoke at her usual hour, she felt exceptionally weary.

Having just returned to the Marquis Manor, Qin Guan was not one to be idle. By the time she rose and washed, the sky outside had just brightened.

"Miss, the First Madam mentioned that in the Marquis Manor, breakfast is taken separately by each household. Since we’ve arrived, it’s the same for us. Huan’er has already fetched breakfast from the kitchen. You may come out and eat now."

Qin Guan acknowledged with a sound and stepped out to find the breakfast already laid out on the table.

Everything in the Marquis Manor was exquisitely arranged. Just as Qin Guan finished her meal, Qin Shuang appeared at the entrance of Pine Breeze Courtyard. She entered the courtyard, glancing around curiously, then cheerfully made her way into Qin Guan’s room. "Have you finished eating?"

Qin Guan rinsed her mouth before replying, "Why do you ask?"

"Shall we go for a stroll? Although the Marquis Manor isn’t as large as Qin Manor, it’s more refined. Let’s take a look? You used to live here, so you must be more familiar with it than I am."

After just one night, Qin Shuang had already adapted to the Marquis Manor. Qin Guan was reluctant to disappoint her, but on one hand, she didn’t know the paths of the manor, and on the other, she had more important matters to attend to today. "I’m afraid I cannot accompany you."

Qin Shuang raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

As the young maids Huan’er and Cui’er cleared the table, Qin Guan rose and entered the inner chamber. "Today, I must pay respects to my father and mother."

Upon hearing this, Qin Shuang exclaimed softly, "Oh, I see. Well, then, that’s alright."

Meanwhile, Fuling and Baiying had fetched the white cape Qin Guan had worn the day before and adjusted her attire. They then followed Qin Guan toward the front courtyard, with Qin Shuang trailing along as well.

Upon reaching the front courtyard, Hu Shi hurried out to greet them as soon as she heard Qin Guan and Qin Shuang had arrived.

"Why have you come so early in the morning? Was the breakfast to your liking?"

Hu Shi affectionately took Qin Shuang and Qin Guan’s hands. Qin Guan sensed that Hu Shi had grown even more intimate with them overnight.

"It was quite satisfactory, Aunt, no need to worry," Qin Guan replied, then added, "I’ve come to make a request. Though I haven’t been in the capital these past years, and the Marquis Manor has overseen the memorial days for my father and mother, I have yet to fulfill my filial duties. Moreover, with the New Year approaching, it is fitting to pay homage to my parents and honor my filial piety."

Hu Shi promptly responded, "Guan’er, you are truly filial. Rest assured, I had already thought of this. I originally planned to let you rest for a day and go tomorrow, but since you’ve brought it up yourself, Aunt will make the arrangements for you. Let your third brother escort you to Qiyun Mountain."

Qiyun Mountain was a low hill outside Lin’an City, dotted with the burial grounds of various noble and aristocratic families in the capital. The Qin family’s cemetery was naturally located there as well. Qin Guan quickly said, "It would suffice if Aunt could arrange for servants to accompany me…"

Qin Yan had just returned to the capital and likely had many matters to attend to. Although Qin Guan had received much care from Qin Yan during the journey, she did not truly regard him as her own third brother in her heart and naturally did not wish to trouble him excessively.Hu Shi expressed disapproval, "That won't do. The round trip would take most of the day. While the city itself is manageable, the roads outside the city are crowded with people coming and going before the New Year. It's not suitable for you to go alone."

As she spoke, she turned and said, "Ayu, call Yan'er over."

Hu Shi acted so quickly that Qin Guan had no chance to decline further. Hu Shi then took Qin Shuang and Qin Guan into the room, ordered tea and snacks to be served, and gently inquired whether the two had slept well the previous night and if anything felt unsatisfactory.

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang answered in turn. While they were speaking, Qin Yan arrived.

Having rested for a day, Qin Yan appeared refreshed and energetic. Dressed in a silver-embroidered white brocade robe, he seemed even more handsome and dignified in the morning winter sunlight. Entering the room, he bowed respectfully, "Mother, why did you call for me?"

Hu Shi replied, "Your Ninth Sister wishes to pay respects to your Second Uncle and Second Aunt today. Take two men with you and escort her there."

A deeper smile appeared on Qin Yan's face, "Very well, I'll go select the men right away."

Qin Yan agreed so promptly and left without further discussion, leaving Qin Guan with no opportunity to refuse.

She sighed inwardly and had no choice but to express her thanks. Shortly after, Qin Yan returned, having made all the necessary preparations.

Seeing Qin Guan about to leave, Qin Shuang wanted to accompany her and quickly said, "I've never met Second Uncle and Second Aunt. Since I know Ninth Sister is going, I should join to offer incense to Second Uncle and Second Aunt as well."

Regardless of Qin Shuang's motives, her intention was commendable. Qin Shuang looked at Qin Guan, who thought for a moment before turning to Hu Shi. Hu Shi said kindly, "It's wonderful that Shuang'er has such thoughts. Yan'er, prepare an additional carriage."

Qin Shuang was overjoyed, went back to put on a cape, and left the Marquis Manor with Qin Guan.

Outside the manor, two carriages stood one behind the other, with four servants holding horses nearby. Qin Yan said clearly, "You two ride in the carriage. I'll ride a horse. I've grown tired of sitting in carriages after the long journey back."

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang agreed and headed toward the carriage, but Qin Shuang insisted on boarding Qin Guan's carriage.

Helpless, only Wan Qing and the other maidservant boarded the rear carriage.

Soon, the carriage began moving toward the southern part of the city.

When the group had arrived in the capital the previous day, it was already late afternoon near sunset. Now, it was not yet noon, so the scenery was naturally different. Qin Shuang, eager to see the sights, promptly lifted the carriage curtain.

Soon, Qin Yan rode up alongside them, "Ninth Sister, do you still remember the way?"

Fuling held the curtain open, and Qin Guan replied, "I only remember the general direction. Perhaps it's because of that injury—my memories aren't very clear. Having been in Jinzhou these past years, I thought I wouldn't return. Now, the capital seems completely changed."

Qin Guan feared revealing any flaws and felt compelled to mention this beforehand.

Qin Yan smiled, "It's normal after more than three years away. Let's move quickly so we can return by afternoon."

Qin Guan acknowledged, and Qin Yan rode ahead, increasing the carriage's speed. Qin Shuang kept watching outside, thoroughly observing the entire Xingle District. Noticing that the area around the Loyal Marquis Manor was filled with wealthy and noble households, she eagerly grabbed Qin Guan's arm and asked, "What is this place called? Why do all the mansions here seem increasingly grand and luxurious?"It would be unusual if Qin Guan didn't know the answer to this question. She replied, "This is Xing'an Quarter, the area outside the imperial city where nobles, high-ranking officials, dukes, and marquises gather most densely. The Xing'an Quarter to the south is similar."

"Xing'an Quarter, Xing'an Quarter..." Qin Shuang murmured the names, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "What about other court officials? And the common people? Where are the busiest areas?"

"Xing'an and Xing'an Quarters are the most prestigious. Immediately south of these two areas is the first choice for other court officials, or alternatively the Eternal Joy Quarter and Chang'an Quarter to the west, where many court officials and nobles reside—all either wealthy or distinguished. As for the common people, they live further west and south. The busiest places are along the Imperial Avenue and the Eastern and Western Markets."

Though Qin Guan explained simply, Qin Shuang listened attentively, nodding slightly as if committing everything to memory for future exploration. When their carriage reached the Imperial Avenue, Qin Shuang kept pulling Qin Guan's sleeve to ask about various landmarks. Qin Guan answered what she knew and shook her head at what she didn't—this made her realize how many places in the capital remained unfamiliar to her.

Previously, she had only lived in the capital for three years after moving there with her parents. Moreover, she spent half her time studying medicine at Medicine King Valley and seldom went out for amusement while at home, so her knowledge of the city was naturally limited.

Qin Shuang wasn't surprised by Qin Guan's gaps in knowledge. Qin Guan had left the capital at thirteen, an age when young girls had few opportunities to explore, and she remembered Qin Guan had never been fond of outings.

After about two cups of tea's worth of sightseeing, they reached the city gate.

At the gate, the same strict security measures from yesterday were in place.

"So early and already this tight?" Qin Shuang frowned.

During the festival period, many people entered and exited Lin'an City, resulting in long queues at the gate. Fortunately, Qin Yan was escorting them. He rode ahead and exchanged a few words with the guards, and they were soon through the gate.

Once outside, Qin Shuang leaned out the window to look back. "What's going on?"

Qin Guan frowned too—something was indeed amiss. They had encountered heightened security yesterday upon returning, and it was the same today. Who were they searching for? A question rose in Qin Guan's mind, and she called out to Qin Yan riding ahead, "Third Brother—"

Qin Yan slowed his horse and approached her carriage. Qin Guan asked, "Why the strict security at the gate?"

After a moment's thought, Qin Yan replied, "There have been several cases in the city."

Qin Shuang exclaimed in surprise, "What cases? Were there deaths?"

Hesitating to explain clearly to the two young women, Qin Yan said, "I don't know the details. But around the festival, Lin'an City is unsettled both inside and out, which is why Mother insisted I escort you."

Assuming Qin Yan genuinely didn't know more, Qin Guan didn't press further. Her mind was preoccupied with the Shen family case, which she hadn't even begun to investigate. She had no energy to inquire about other matters. Besides, this was the capital of Great Zhou, equipped with Imperial Guards within, the Nine Gates Garrison without, along with various yamen officers and capital garrison troops—all well-staffed and equipped. The Lin'an Prefect governed internal affairs, while the Crown Prince bore responsibility for defending the capital. Whatever cases occurred, it wasn't her place to intervene.Since Qin Guan said nothing, Qin Shuang felt these matters were even more distant from her. Her thoughts shifting, she asked about the crisscrossing official roads outside the city and where they led. Their carriage then took the official road heading southwest.

After traveling along the road for an hour, they arrived at the foot of Qiyun Mountain. The winter landscape of Qiyun Mountain appeared somewhat desolate. As the New Year approached, a few people could be seen moving up and down the mountain path. The Qin family's carriage ascended the mountain path, slowly making its way toward the mountainside.

The entire Qiyun Mountain was a cemetery. At the foot of the mountain, towering pines and cypresses reached for the sky, casting a somewhat eerie atmosphere as one drew near. Qin Guan lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. On both sides of the mountain path stood neatly arranged ancient pines, their lush greenery casting vast, dim shadows—solemn and weighty. Not far along the path, before even ascending the mountain, numerous graves could be seen.

Qin Guan glanced up and noticed the grave area on the left was empty, while a man was paying respects on the right side. She took an extra look before the carriage continued directly up to the mountainside, where the Qin family cemetery was located.

After another short while, the carriage gradually came to a stop.

"You two, step down. We'll have to walk from here. The rest of you, go fetch the items," Qin Yan instructed.

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang alighted from the carriage one after another and, led by Qin Yan, made their way to the Qin family's own cemetery.

Upon reaching the mountainside, looking down revealed gentle slopes covered with graves. Each family's cemetery was demarcated by stone tablets and bordered by lush, short pines serving as dividers. Between the cemeteries, bluestone paths interconnected them. These cemeteries were sizable, reflecting the family's prosperous lineage. Naturally, these plots belonged to influential noble families of the capital, while the less desirable corners or noisy areas beside the paths were purchased at high prices by other wealthy households.

After walking along the bluestone path for a short time, they arrived at the Qin family cemetery. Qin Yan led Qin Guan to two graves situated toward the rear. "Ninth Miss, you should remember this place—"

Standing right before them, Qin Guan naturally nodded.

Though she couldn't pay respects to her own true parents, she could do so on behalf of Ninth Miss for her parents. For Qin Guan, this was also a solace to her own guilt and grief. There was no need for pretense—her expression naturally turned sorrowful. After the servants set up incense, candles, and joss paper, Qin Guan knelt without hesitation to kowtow. Qin Yan and Qin Shuang, standing beside her, also offered incense. As a servant, Fuling knelt and kowtowed as well. By the time the rituals were completed, another short while had passed.

"Ninth Miss, your father and mother would be comforted in the afterlife seeing you live well. Don't grieve too much. Now that you're back in the capital, you can come to pay respects whenever you wish."

"Yes, don't be sad. I'll accompany you next time too."

After Qin Yan and Qin Shuang each offered their comfort, Qin Guan took a deep breath to steady herself.

Although it hadn't snowed for several days, the sky was overcast that day. Standing on the mountainside, the wind was fierce. Seeing the gloomy, gray sky, Qin Guan suggested returning to the estate. The group exited the cemetery, boarded the carriage, and slowly descended the mountain.Qin Shuang noticed Qin Guan looking listless and tried to cheer her up with a few playful remarks. Understanding Qin Shuang's kind intentions, Qin Guan gradually relaxed a little. When the carriage reached the foot of the mountain, Qin Guan instinctively glanced out the window and once again saw the man who was still paying his respects.

They had already completed their worship both ascending and descending the mountain, yet this man, who had been faster than them, was still not finished with his rituals.

Qin Guan sighed softly. He must be mourning a dearly departed loved one—only before the grave of someone deeply cherished could grief linger for so long.

The journey back to the city took another hour. Along the way, Qin Shuang kept talking incessantly, and by the time they reached the city gate, Qin Guan finally managed a faint smile. However, when they looked toward the entrance, they saw the long queue had only grown longer.

Qin Yan urged his horse forward, intending to greet the guard captain as they had done when leaving earlier. But the guard captain was quicker, clasping his hands in salute first. "Heir Apparent, my apologies, but I'm afraid we cannot grant you passage at this moment."

Qin Yan raised an eyebrow. "What is the reason for this?"

The guard captain pointed towards the city tower and spoke in an extremely low voice, "Both the Eastern Palace and the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review have arrived."

At these words, Qin Yan's expression immediately shifted slightly—the Crown Prince had actually come?

The guard captain hastily added, "The Prefectural Governor has also arrived. Governor Zheng just gave instructions that no one is allowed to enter or leave the capital arbitrarily. We truly dare not disregard the Governor's orders, having just received them."

Qin Yan showed no displeasure upon hearing this and quickly nodded, "I understand, it's fine. We'll wait."

After the guard captain repeatedly bowed in gratitude, Qin Yan turned his horse around and approached Qin Guan's carriage, tapping lightly on it. "We'll have to wait for a while now. The Prefectural Governor is here to oversee the lockdown."

Qin Yan's explanation was brief, and naturally, neither Qin Guan nor Qin Shuang inside the carriage voiced any objections.

Qin Yan had the carriage join the back of the queue to wait, while his gaze swept toward the pavilions atop the city tower. Just then, a guard dressed in black hurried down from the tower.

The guard descended directly and made straight for Qin Yan's party, stopping before him.

"Heir Apparent Qin, my master requests your presence—"

Upon hearing this, Qin Yan immediately dismounted and, after instructing the coachman, followed the guard away.

Inside the carriage, Qin Shuang blinked. "Why would the Prefectural Governor want to see Third Brother?"

Qin Shuang didn't know, and neither did Qin Guan. She only knew that the current Prefectural Governor of Lin'an was named Zheng Baishi, over forty years old, and was a capable official even her father had praised, once saying that Zheng Baishi was the only person in the world fit for the role of Lin'an Prefectural Governor.

Lin'an was the imperial capital, and unlike prefects of other provinces, the appointment of Lin'an's Prefectural Governor was of great importance. In the past, even princes and the Heir Apparent had personally held the position. The Lin'an Prefectural Governor was responsible for the administration within the city and, in addition, attended court daily to discuss state affairs with the Emperor and the hundred officials. Furthermore, matters such as royal ceremonies during festivals, receiving foreign envoys, and weddings of princes, princesses, and imperial descendants all required the Lin'an Prefectural Governor to deliberate and supervise alongside the Household Affairs Department. The position held a rank of third grade, and those who served in it often later became chancellors or entered the cabinet.

Given this, Qin Guan wasn't surprised by Qin Yan's immediate compliance with the guard's summons.

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang waited idly in the carriage, unaware of why Qin Yan had been summoned to see the Prefectural Governor. They paid little attention to the slow progress of the queue ahead, but faintly, Qin Guan seemed to hear discussions from outside.

"I heard it's some lecherous rogue from the jianghu."

"Wasn't it said to be a death row inmate who escaped from the Celestial Prison?"

"Who knows? It's been so long and they still haven't caught anyone. I wonder what the yamen is even doing."

"Exactly. It's frightening even in broad daylight. Once the sun sets, I hurry home."

Inside the carriage, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang exchanged glances, both somewhat puzzled. Qin Shuang said, "A lecherous rogue? So, in this case, was something stolen, or... was someone taken?"

Qin Guan shook her head. Based solely on these conversations, she naturally had no idea what was really happening. However, she couldn't get out of the carriage to ask. Just as she was pondering, Qin Yan returned. He had left with a somewhat solemn demeanor but came back relaxed and with a slight smile. Seeing his expression, Qin Guan was slightly surprised—had he gone to receive some kind of commendation?"Third Brother, what has made you so happy?"

Qin Shuang lifted half of the carriage curtain and whispered to Qin Yan who had approached.

Qin Yan's lips curved slightly, "Nothing much, just exchanged a few words with the Prefect."

Qin Shuang gave an "oh" in response. After waiting a while longer, their carriage had moved quite forward. Qin Yan remounted his horse, and Qin Shuang didn't inquire further. Soon, only two or three people remained in front of Qin Guan's carriage.

Seeing it was almost her turn, Qin Shuang couldn't resist lifting the curtain to look outside again. As she did so, Qin Guan's gaze fell upon the city wall—specifically, the descending staircase where a man stood as if waiting for someone behind him. He stood partially turned, his figure slender and tall. From Qin Guan's vantage point, she could clearly see the man's face.

In an instant, Qin Guan clenched her fist tightly inside her sleeve. The man was none other than Li Muyun, the current Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, whom she should have met in Yuzhou...

Narrowing her eyes sharply, Qin Guan stared intently at Li Muyun's profile for a moment. Suddenly, as if sensing something, Li Muyun glanced down from the city wall. Just as Qin Guan was about to compose her expression, Qin Shuang chose that moment to drop the curtain, abruptly blocking Qin Guan's cold, intense gaze from within the carriage.

On the city wall, Li Muyun frowned as he scanned the area below. His instincts weren't wrong—someone had definitely been watching him strangely moments before. Yet his inspection revealed nothing unusual. Simultaneously, he noticed Qin Yan, who mistakenly thought Li Muyun was looking at him and raised his hands in a farewell salute.

Li Muyun nodded in acknowledgment just as heavy footsteps approached from behind.

Turning quickly, he saw Crown Prince Yan Che speaking with grave authority: "Minister Li, Minister Zheng, this matter can no longer be delayed. His Majesty has inquired multiple times. If we fail to produce results, I'm afraid both you esteemed ministers and I will face the Emperor's wrath together."

Yan Che's tone then became decisive: "His Majesty has given me only nine days. This case must be solved before New Year's Eve."

Li Muyun and Zheng Baishi repeatedly assented. Nodding, Yan Che prepared to descend the city wall. After taking a few steps forward, he merely glimpsed two carriages passing briefly below the wall before they quickly disappeared from sight.