Coroner's Diary

Upon entering Lin'an City, the hour was already growing late. Qin Yan rode up beside Qin Guan's carriage and asked, "Are you hungry?"

Before Qin Guan could respond, Qin Shuang already complained pitifully, "I'm truly quite hungry."

Qin Yan smiled faintly outside the carriage, "Would you like me to take you to Drunken Fragrance Pavilion?"

Qin Shuang pulled open the curtain with a swish and asked delightedly, "What kind of place is Drunken Fragrance Pavilion?"

Qin Yan chuckled but hadn't yet answered when his attendant Cheng Hu couldn't resist interjecting, "Sixth Young Miss, Drunken Fragrance Pavilion is one of the capital's top-ranked restaurants. Their Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is considered the capital's finest delicacy."

Since returning to the capital, Zhou Huai had been replaced by several of Qin Yan's trusted aides, with Cheng Hu being one of them. The man had an honest appearance and was lively and talkative, giving people an immediate sense of familiarity upon first meeting. Upon hearing about Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Qin Shuang could already taste the delicious flavors and looked at Qin Yan expectantly, "Third Brother will take us?"

Qin Yan smiled while glancing at Qin Shuang, then looked toward Qin Guan inside the carriage. Seeing that Qin Guan appeared indifferent about going, he nodded before instructing the Qin Manor guards following behind to return and inform Hu Shi.

Qin Shuang was overjoyed, feeling that her decision to follow Qin Guan out had been absolutely correct.

As the messenger guard rode off, Qin Yan led the remaining party with two carriages north along the city's main Path. Qin Shuang understood that Qin Yan intentionally wanted to take them around and felt genuinely grateful. Soon, the carriage approached the capital's bustling market district. Qin Shuang lifted the curtain to look outside, seeing crowded streets with shoulder-to-shoulder pedestrians while shops and stalls along both sides were already selling New Year goods. The prosperous capital lay before them, with the festive atmosphere of the approaching New Year growing increasingly vibrant. Qin Shuang excitedly tried to engage Qin Guan in conversation, but Qin Guan's thoughts weren't focused on the capital's liveliness.

After another quarter-hour, the Qin Manor carriage gradually stopped before a three-story restaurant. As soon as the carriage halted, a waiter from the restaurant entrance came forward to greet them, "Greetings to the heir apparent. It feels like eight hundred years since we last saw you—"

This greeting made it clear Qin Yan was a regular here. Qin Yan showed no airs toward the staff, dismounting before instructing, "I've brought my two younger sisters for a meal. We'll take your finest private room on the third floor."

The waiter immediately complied, with some attending to the horses and others lifting the curtains, demonstrating thorough service.

Qin Shuang alighted from the carriage cheerfully, receiving repeated greetings from the waiter. Qin Guan was the last to disembark. When she stepped down, the curtain-lifting waiter momentarily froze, only snapping back to attention when Qin Guan had nearly reached the entrance before hurriedly stepping forward to greet her. He then led Qin Yan's party inside and upstairs. Though it wasn't yet peak dining hours, the main hall was already full of patrons. As Qin Guan's group entered, various gazes turned toward them. Qin Yan quickly stepped forward to shield Qin Guan and Qin Shuang behind him, with the three siblings proceeding directly to the third floor.

"Heir apparent, please come in—"

After turning left on the third floor and walking about a dozen steps, they reached a private room entrance. The waiter remained respectful and enthusiastic. Upon entering, they found the room exceptionally elegantly arranged and pleasant. Being street-facing, the half-open window offered a broad view outside. When the waiter moved to pour tea, Qin Yan said, "That's enough, you may leave. We have attendants here. Just serve my usual selection of dishes."

The waiter promptly acknowledged the order before turning to exit and closing the door behind him.Once the waiter left, Qin Shuang immediately relaxed completely. While asking Wan Qing to brew tea, she said, "Third Brother, do you often come here?"

Qin Yan nodded, walked to the window, and pushed it open. "This place truly has the best flavors in the capital. You'll know once you try it later. If you like it, you can come here often in the future."

Since departing from Jinzhou, Qin Yan had been exceptionally attentive to Qin Guan and Qin Shuang along the way. Initially, he had treated Qin Xiang quite well too, but after the incident at the Herb Garden, Qin Xiang had become, in Qin Yan's eyes, someone who disregarded propriety and face. He had intended to teach her a lesson, but unexpectedly, Qin Xiang herself grew increasingly distant from them. As a result, Qin Yan felt less closeness toward this sister, while Qin Shuang and Qin Guan won more of his favor. Qin Guan, of course, was beyond comparison. Though Qin Shuang was impulsive and talkative, hardly fit for major responsibilities, her straightforward and lively nature made outings with her quite entertaining.

Qin Shuang looked at Qin Yan with a mix of admiration and ingratiation. "Third Brother, you're truly too good to us. This is my first time eating at such a fine place. Thank you, Third Brother."

Seeing Qin Shuang like this, Qin Yan felt somewhat pleased. But when he glanced at Qin Guan, she remained utterly unperturbed.

Qin Guan had never been particularly fond of food, and at the moment, her mind was solely occupied with Qin Yan's earlier departure.

Besides meeting the Prefect, Qin Yan had also met with Li Muyun. Why would he want to see Li Muyun?

As she pondered, she noticed Qin Yan's gaze turning toward her. Sure enough, he asked, "What's on your mind, Ninth Sister?"

Qin Guan's eyes shifted, and she stepped forward directly. "Third Brother, when you went to see the Prefect earlier, was it about the case in the city?"

Qin Yan was slightly surprised. "So that's what you were thinking about. Well, I suppose you'd have more interest in such matters." He paused, then shook his head with a smile. "But it wasn't about the city case. I hold no official position yet, so I'm not involved in handling cases for now."

Qin Guan maintained a calm expression. "Then, has there been any progress in the city case?"

Qin Yan's smile faded. "I don't know the details, but it's certain the culprit hasn't been caught yet." He added, "So these days, if you need to go out, come find me. You must not go out alone."

Qin Guan nodded, unsure how to probe further. She couldn't very well say she had seen Li Muyun—Li Muyun was a third-rank Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, in charge of the empire's penal affairs. How could a young girl like her have met or recognized him?

Even if Li Muyun had also come, the Prefect of Lin'an seeking out Qin Yan might not necessarily be about the city case.

Since Qin Yan claimed he didn't know, it was likely he truly wasn't aware of the specifics.

Seeing that Qin Guan still seemed lost in thought, Qin Yan said plainly, "Ninth Sister, once we're in the capital, just focus on being the young lady of the Marquis Manor. Those bloody matters have nothing to do with a girl like you. Ah, that day when I saw you performing a corpse examination at the Marquis Manor, I thought... if we hadn't sent you to Jinzhou back then, you probably wouldn't have delved into such things."

As he spoke, Qin Yan's eyes darkened slightly, his tone full of pity, as if he felt Qin Guan had suffered greatly by engaging in such tasks.

Qin Guan was somewhat moved by the look in Qin Yan's eyes but gave a wry smile. "It's alright. As someone studying medicine, treating those with broken limbs also involves seeing blood. It's really the same."

"How can it be the same? The dead bring bad luck."Qin Yan spoke with profound sincerity. Qin Guan's lips twitched, words caught in her throat, yet she found herself at a loss. Instinctively, she glanced at Qin Shuang, who was nodding vigorously like pounding garlic. Qin Guan sighed softly, but a warmth blossomed in her heart.

"I understand the reasoning. Don’t worry, I don’t wish to face the dead every day either. But if I ever encounter situations where I’m needed, I won’t stand idly by."

Only then did Qin Yan curve his lips into a smile. "Ninth Sister’s mindset is truly different from other young ladies."

Before Qin Guan could respond, the private room’s door was knocked. A waiter outside announced, "Heir Apparent, your dishes are ready."

Qin Yan gestured with his chin for Qin Guan and the other to take their seats, then called for the waiter to enter. Two waiters carried large trays laden with several aromatic and visually appealing dishes. They arranged them meticulously, added a pot of plum wine, and withdrew. Qin Shuang, who had been hungry for some time and saw no need for restraint in front of Qin Yan, immediately picked up her chopsticks.

Infected by Qin Shuang’s enthusiasm, Qin Guan and Qin Yan also began eating. As a regular patron, Qin Yan explained the origins of each dish, and the three siblings enjoyed a pleasant meal. After a while, the door was knocked again. This time, the waiter brought Drunken Fragrance Pavilion’s signature dish: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. Qin Shuang’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at the large, fragrant pot. The moment the waiter left, she eagerly reached for it. Qin Guan couldn’t help but laugh. The savory aroma of the food, combined with the growing closeness and familial affection between her, Qin Shuang, and Qin Yan, lifted much of the gloom that had settled over her after paying respects to Qin Yi and his wife.

Just as they were enjoying themselves, faint but sudden shouts and curses erupted!

Both Qin Guan and Qin Yan were quick to react. Qin Yan set down his chopsticks. "Stay here. I’ll go see what’s happening."

Qin Guan nodded. Qin Yan rose and left the room. Qin Shuang, now full and satisfied, wiped the corners of her mouth, sipped a cup of fragrant tea, and curiously listened to the commotion outside. The noise only grew louder.

"What’s going on? Why hasn’t Third Brother returned?"

Qin Yan had only said he would take a look. If it were something unrelated, he would likely have returned immediately. Yet he had been gone for quite some time. Qin Guan frowned slightly. "Let’s go see as well."

Qin Shuang, already restless, immediately followed Qin Guan out.

They turned right upon exiting and froze as soon as they reached the stairway railing. The main hall, previously filled with guests, was now empty. Instead, two groups stood in confrontation. One group wore gray brocade robes, led by a young man in white who reeked of alcohol and wore a cold, sneering expression. He had narrow, elongated eyes that now gleamed with a ruthless, murderous intent as he looked contemptuously at his opponent.

The opposing group wore deep blue brocade robes. Their leader, dressed in a lake-blue martial attire, stood tall and straight with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. He stood firmly, chin slightly raised, anger flickering in his gaze. Not only did he stand with poise, but his followers, though visibly furious, also stood ramrod straight, reminding Qin Guan of military warriors.

It seemed the two groups had already clashed. Tables and chairs lay overturned across the hall.

Waiters and staff huddled to the side, afraid to approach. A man who appeared to be the manager clasped his hands and bowed repeatedly, pleading desperately, "Sirs, I beg you, please show some mercy. You both came here to dine—why let things escalate like this?"Qin Guan's gaze swept across the scene. On the white-robed side, there were fifteen or sixteen people. Besides the man in white, there were three or four young men dressed in luxurious attire, while the rest were gray-clad attendants. The blue-robed side, however, had only half as many people as the white-robed side. Even so, the six or seven men behind the leading blue-robed figure were all robust and upright, far from ordinary guards.

The innkeeper pleaded incessantly, but neither side showed any sign of backing down. Suddenly, the white-robed man sneered mockingly, "I never expected the son of the General Who Assists the State to be so formidable upon his return, making us common folk too afraid to even eat. The Northern Garrison Army is truly impressive—terrifying, really—"

His exaggerated, sarcastic tone was filled with ridicule and provocation, instantly grating on the ears. To Qin Guan's surprise, she realized this was the same person they had encountered when entering the city the day before.

No sooner had this thought crossed her mind than the blue-robed man retorted with a cold laugh, "Feng Zhang, if you're dissatisfied, settle it with your fists. Stop with the sarcastic remarks. As the heir apparent of the Duke of Zhongguo's household, with the Duke abroad and Prince Cheng and Consort Su backing you domestically, you could strut sideways and no one would dare stop you. Why spout such nonsense here? A true man shouldn't act like a gluttonous good-for-nothing!"

Feng Zhang... Qin Guan's heart stirred—sure enough, his surname was Feng...

Feng Zhang responded with another series of cold laughs. "Fists? No matter how powerful the Duke of Zhongguo's household may be, it can't compare to the prestige of the Crown Prince and the Empress. Besides, the Zhao family commands a hundred thousand troops in the Northern Garrison Army. If Young Master Zhao is displeased, how could the Duke of Zhongguo's household stand against a hundred thousand Northern Garrison troops? Forget it, forget it. What is the Duke of Zhongguo's household compared to the General Who Assists the State's residence?"

With a wave of his hand, Feng Zhang continued, "See this? From now on, steer clear whenever you encounter the eldest son of the Zhao family. The Duke of Zhongguo's household fears no one—except the General Who Assists the State's residence. After all, we don't have a hundred thousand Northern Garrison troops like they do—"

As Feng Zhang actually ordered his men to retreat, Zhao Jing frowned deeply. "The Zhao family is the Zhao family, the Empress is the Empress, and the Crown Prince is the Crown Prince. What nonsense are you spouting?"

Feng Zhang chuckled lightly. "The Northern Garrison Army bears the Zhao surname, and the Empress also bears the Zhao surname. Need I say more?"

Zhao Jing clenched his fists tightly. "You've already shown disrespect to my father earlier, and now you dare speak like this? The Northern Garrison Army is the Great Zhou's Northern Garrison Army, the Emperor's Northern Garrison Army. What do you mean by dragging the Empress into this?"

Feng Zhang lazily smiled. "In the court, everyone knows what tricks your Zhao family's Northern Garrison Army is up to. If you don't believe me, go out and ask around—see if I'm right or not. This Northern Garrison Army has clearly taken the Zhao surname. How can it still be considered the Great Zhou's Northern Garrison Army?"

As the conversation shifted to the Empress and the Crown Prince, the innkeeper of Drunken Fragrance Pavilion dared not intervene further. The surrounding waiters wished they were deaf and could hear nothing, with no one daring to echo Feng Zhang's words. Zhao Jing's fists clenched until his knuckles cracked. Staring at Feng Zhang's provocative and arrogant face, he finally couldn't restrain himself and pointed accusingly, "You scoundrel, spewing filth from your mouth!" Attack—!"

As soon as the words fell, Feng Zhang also sneered. Seeing Zhao Jing's men charge forward, the drunkenness vanished from his face as he retreated three steps. "You asked for this." A sinister look flashed across his features. "Fight, and fight hard!"In an instant, the tense standoff erupted into chaos. The military guards behind Zhao Jing, having come unarmed, charged forward barehanded. Though Feng Zhang's gray-clad attendants appeared less robust than the blue-robed men, Qin Guan watching from the third floor clearly saw cold glints flash from their sleeves as they advanced – concealed weapons prepared in advance!

Just as this thought crossed her mind, a muffled cry rang out. Both fighting factions froze momentarily, turning to see a gray-clad attendant's dagger deeply embedded in a blue-uniformed soldier's chest.