Coroner's Diary

"That day I clearly saved him? How could he have died?"

Qin Guan's voice was hushed, then she frowned, "Did I overlook something?"

"No." Qin Yan quickly replied, "It wasn't anything you overlooked. That Zhang Yuan was a deputy general under the young commander of the Northern Garrison Army. After you treated him that day, the young commander took him back to the general's residence. But the next day, his wound festered, and in the end, he didn't make it."

Qin Guan was taken aback by this explanation, finding it plausible upon reflection.

She glanced at Qin Yan again, noting his clear and forthright gaze, before sighing softly.

"In that case, there's nothing more to be done."

As she said this, Qin Guan thought of Feng Zhang, her expression turning cold. "What about Feng Zhang?"

At this, Qin Yan gave a cold laugh. "Feng Zhang originally intended to join the Imperial Guards, but after this incident, he has no hope. With one person dead, the Duke of Zhong was reprimanded by The Emperor, Prince Cheng lost face, and Consort Su must be feeling uneasy as well."

Qin Guan frowned, unsure what to say for a moment. "What about the one who caused the injury?"

Qin Yan paused briefly. "He was arrested."

Qin Guan didn't need to ask further to know that person would face a grim fate. Having injured someone from the Northern Garrison Army, resulting in death, he would undoubtedly face severe punishment. Qin Guan had sensed Feng Zhang's attitude that day and wasn't surprised. The gray-clad attendant, who had likely committed many misdeeds under Feng Zhang's protection, didn't evoke much sympathy from her. Yet, the way Feng Zhang so readily sacrificed his subordinate chilled her heart. In this world, those without power or influence were as disposable as weeds.

Qin Yan looked at Qin Guan. "This matter has nothing to do with you. You did your best that day."

Qin Guan nodded, setting the matter aside for now.

The group exited the Marquis residence's gates. Qin Chaoyu and Hu Shi shared one carriage, while Qin Guan and her two sisters took another behind them. Fuling and several attendants followed in a third carriage, with Qin Yan riding on horseback. The procession moved grandly toward the southern Chang'an District.

On the way back, Qin Xiang had spoken little to Qin Guan and the others, and this continued at the Marquis residence. Despite this, Qin Xiang frequently stayed close to Hu Shi. Qin Guan and Qin Shuang noticed but kept their observations to themselves.

Now sharing the same carriage, Qin Xiang looked at Qin Guan and Qin Shuang. "Where did you go with Third Brother four days ago?"

Qin Shuang replied, "Third Brother took Ninth Sister to pay respects to Second Uncle and Second Aunt. I went along."

"Oh? Then why did Third Brother's robe have bloodstains when he returned?"

Qin Xiang looked at Qin Shuang and Qin Guan with a faint, knowing smile. Qin Guan hadn't expected Qin Xiang to be aware of such details.

Qin Shuang snorted. "After returning to the city that day, Third Brother took us to eat. We encountered people fighting and getting injured, so Ninth Sister saved one of them. Third Brother helped too."

Qin Xiang frowned slightly. "Who were the people fighting?"

Qin Shuang answered without changing expression, "I don't know—"

"You helped without knowing?" Qin Xiang looked disapprovingly at Qin Guan. "This is the capital, where nobles are everywhere. A single conflict could lead to unforeseen trouble. How could you act so rashly? What if you endangered Third Brother and the Marquis residence?"

Qin Guan curved her lips slightly. "Fifth Sister is very considerate."Qin Xiang felt that Qin Guan's words carried more than their literal meaning, yet she couldn't figure out how to retort. She finally said, "Anyway, you should rein in your temperament when outside. You're now a young lady of the Marquis' residence, not a physician after all. With apothecaries all over the capital, would they really need you to save anyone? Don't bring trouble upon the Marquis' residence."

Qin Xiang's words implied that Qin Guan was fond of showing off. Qin Shuang found this amusing and said, "How does a good deed like saving someone become sour in Fifth Sister's mouth? Why don't you consider that saving some noble person might actually bring benefits to the Marquis' residence?"

Qin Xiang was taken aback, suddenly realizing, "Did you save someone noble?"

Qin Shuang lazily smiled, "No, I was just giving an example."

Qin Xiang looked at Qin Shuang, then at Qin Guan, her expression turning somewhat grave as if trying to decipher Qin Shuang's meaning. However, Qin Shuang wore a meaningful faint smile, while Qin Guan remained completely unreadable. After staring for a while without gaining any insight, it occurred to her that Qin Guan and Qin Shuang had now become allies, standing together against her.

Qin Xiang's face shifted through several expressions before she lifted the window curtain to look at the streets outside, falling silent.

Having been out once before, Qin Shuang wasn't as excited this time. She casually lifted her side's curtain and glanced outside intermittently. The carriage traveled south from Xingle Ward, and after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the residential buildings on both sides gradually became less imposing. Another cup of tea later, the carriage emerged from the quiet, spacious lanes of residential areas and entered the bustling main street.

With Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang each occupying a window, Qin Guan leaned bored against the carriage wall, lost in thought.

Although they had left the residence, everyone had come out together. Qin Yan had mentioned that there was a murder case in the capital, so it was unlikely they would be allowed to go out alone before the case was resolved. Qin Guan frowned—what kind of case could it be that showed no progress for so long?

As she pondered, the carriage stopped in front of a silk fabric shop.

Granny Yu came forward from ahead, "Young ladies, we've arrived. Please disembark."

Qin Xiang was the first to get off the carriage, followed closely by Qin Shuang. The moment she stepped down, Qin Shuang let out a low exclamation, "It's actually the Brocade Embroidery Workshop!"

Qin Guan got off and stood steady, raising her eyes to indeed see a two-story vermilion building. Above the entrance, the three characters "Brocade Embroidery Workshop" shone brilliantly. Though it wasn't yet noon, elegantly dressed women were already coming and going at the doorway.

The Brocade Embroidery Workshop was famous throughout the Great Zhou, and the one in the capital was renowned across the land. Qin Shuang looked up and saw that this red building was three times the size of ordinary shops and occupied two floors, demonstrating its grand scale, which made her excited once again.

"Let's go in—"

Hu Shi called out cheerfully from the front. Beside her, Qin Chaoyu held Hu Shi's arm and glanced back at the three of them. Qin Shuang was visibly delighted, while Qin Xiang, though not showing it openly, twisted her handkerchief in her hands, her eyes sparkling with clear excitement. Only Qin Guan stood quietly, dressed today in a blue jacket and skirt paired with a raven-blue cape, which accentuated her picturesque features. She stood there calmly, as if the Brocade Embroidery Workshop, beloved by women everywhere, held no attraction for her.

Qin Chaoyu raised an eyebrow and entered the Brocade Embroidery Workshop first with Hu Shi.

"Madam is here! Ah, the Eighth Young Lady is truly a celestial beauty."Hu Shi was clearly a regular at the Brocade Embroidery Workshop. The moment she stepped inside, the shopkeeper personally came to greet her. Hu Shi smiled and said, "Today I've brought my three nieces along. You must dress them up like celestial beauties."

The shopkeeper turned his gaze and indeed saw Qin Guan and the other two entering. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang led the way, which didn't particularly strike the shopkeeper, but when his eyes fell upon Qin Guan, they instantly lit up. "Ah, Madam and the Eighth Young Miss are both stunning beauties, and even these three young ladies possess flower-like elegance and moon-like grace. Your presence alone has brightened up my entire establishment."

Hu Shi's smile deepened. "Manager Xu, with a silver tongue like yours, no wonder the Brocade Embroidery Workshop dominates the capital... Tell me about the latest fine goods you have. We'll be making many purchases today, and the heir apparent also needs a few new robes made."

"Excellent, excellent. Please, Madam, come upstairs first. I'll fetch the catalog right away."

As soon as he finished speaking, an attendant promptly escorted Hu Shi and her party to the second floor.

Qin Shuang couldn't help but grab Qin Guan's arm and whisper, "This place is so much bigger than the Brocade Embroidery Workshop in Jinzhou! It even has two floors!"

Qin Guan nodded with a gentle smile. Upon reaching the second floor, Qin Shuang gasped in awe again. There were four or five elegant private rooms, and the one the attendant led them into was especially refined. Right at the entrance stood a six-panel screen painted with court ladies, each depicted in exquisite, graceful attire that immediately stirred a desire for new garments. Behind the screen, a moon-shaped lantern hung in the center of the room, and opposite it was a carved round window frame. Gazing through it, one felt as if a full moon was suspended just outside the window, creating an exceptionally elegant atmosphere.

Qin Shuang marveled quietly, noticing the luxurious carpets covering the floor, fresh orchids arranged in celadon vases placed in two corners, and landscape and court lady paintings adorning the walls. Every decorative piece—from additional screens to porcelain—was exquisitely elegant. Qin Shuang felt this space was even more refined and sophisticated than her own living quarters back in Jinzhou and the Marquis residence.

Perhaps overwhelmed by the sheer elegance, Qin Shuang restrained her excitement. Everyone took their seats, and the attendant served premium Yunfeng tea. Soon after, Manager Xu entered with two attendants—one carrying a large catalog, the other two holding trays filled with small swatches of silk samples. Seeing this elaborate setup, Qin Shuang grew even more subdued. Qin Yan, who had never been fond of such feminine affairs but had come along for company, stood by the window with his arms crossed, gazing outside with little interest.

"Madam, all the new arrivals are here. They're from the finest embroiderers in Huzhou, with less than a hundred bolts of each design available. The most popular patterns now have only about twenty bolts left..." Manager Xu elaborated fluently, detailing each of the nearly ten new products brought by the attendants with expertise. No matter what Hu Shi asked, he answered thoroughly and reasonably. Quickly, Hu Shi reserved the remaining twenty or so bolts. Manager Xu showered her with praise once more, then suddenly added, "Madam, besides these new Huzhou silks, we've recently acquired a new type of Gold-threaded Light Gauze, far superior to what you purchased before. Only ten bolts arrived in total—we have six here for bulk sale, while the southern city branch sells four in smaller quantities. Would you like to...?"

Hearing this, Hu Shi's eyes sparkled. "How many are left now?"Upon hearing this, Manager Xu chuckled and replied, "There are only three bolts left. The first three were taken by the Lady of Duke Yang's estate yesterday afternoon. They had just arrived, and Lady Yang happened to come by then."

Hu Shi slapped the armrest decisively. "I'll take the remaining ones."

Manager Xu smiled knowingly. "I anticipated as much and reserved them for you, Madam."

Extremely pleased, Hu Shi added, "You already know Chao Yu's measurements, but my three nieces will need new ones taken. Also, show me your latest fashionable designs..."

Manager Xu promptly opened his ledger, instructing an attendant to summon the seamstresses to measure Qin Guan and the others while recommending styles to Hu Shi. The three Qin sisters went to the side room adjacent to the private chamber for their measurements. When they returned, they overheard Hu Shi saying, "Two sets each. You may choose the colors—I trust your taste. With the New Year approaching in just a few days, expedite the order."

Manager Xu nodded earnestly, confirmed the details with Hu Shi once more, and hurried off to instruct the artisans. Satisfied, Hu Shi took a sip of tea. Meanwhile, Qin Yan suddenly exclaimed, "I need to step out for a moment," and left abruptly.

Surprised, Hu Shi remarked, "What's gotten into her? Let's proceed to the next shop." She stood, leading Qin Chaoyu downstairs, with the others following. Upon descending, they saw Qin Yan conversing with someone outside the Brocade Embroidery Workshop. Initially paying no mind as she trailed behind, Qin Guan was tugged by Qin Shuang.

"Look, it's that person we saw the other day—"

Qin Guan glanced up and recognized the young General Zhao they had encountered days prior! Today, Zhao Jing wore a deep blue formal robe, lacking the martial vigor of their previous meeting but exuding the noble air of a capital aristocrat. Nonetheless, his upright posture retained a military bearing.

"My mother and sisters are coming out."

Facing slightly away from the entrance, Zhao Jing hadn't noticed until Qin Yan spoke. He turned, first cupping his hands respectfully toward Hu Shi, then nodding at Qin Chaoyu. After a pause, he tilted his head, bypassing Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, and fixed a deep gaze on Qin Guan.

Zhao Jing possessed a broad forehead, prominent brows, wide eyes, and a robust physique that radiated masculine vigor. His conspicuous glance didn't escape Hu Shi's notice. Expecting further action, she was surprised when he merely looked at Qin Guan before addressing Qin Yan, "I won't disturb you all further. I must take my leave."

He then turned to Hu Shi. "Madam, I have matters to attend to and bid you farewell."

Hu Shi nodded promptly. Zhao Jing acknowledged Qin Chaoyu with a nod, mounted his horse deftly, and rode off.

Accompanied by two attendants, the trio galloped away. While Hu Shi remained silent, Qin Chaoyu frowned and glanced back. Qin Shuang, aware of the context, watched intently, and Qin Xiang also cast a profound look at Qin Guan. Puzzled but maintaining her usual composure, Qin Guan remained calm. Noticing this, Qin Shuang's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked, "Aunt, what is the Gold-threaded Light Gauze used for?"This question shifted everyone's attention. Hu Shi glanced at Qin Yan briefly before smiling softly at the young girls, "It's for women's intimate garments. You delicate young ladies need the softest fabrics against your skin, and this sheer silk is perfect. Shopkeeper Xu said this batch is even better than previous ones, so of course I had to reserve some for you."

Qin Xiang quickly responded, "Aunt, you're truly too kind to us."

Hu Shi patted Qin Xiang's arm, "It's only natural. Aren't you all like my own daughters? Come now, we still need to buy hair ornaments. Think about what else you'd like - we'll get everything while we're out early today."

Coming from an aristocratic family herself, Hu Shi not only understood young maidens' preferences but also knew noble daughters only desired the finest quality. Though no longer young, she still cherished beauty and her face lit up with genuine delight at the prospect of shopping for jewelry. This made not only Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang but even Qin Guan find this aunt utterly endearing.

Just as Hu Shi was leading Qin Guan into the Treasure Pavilion, Zhao Jing stood outside the main hall of the Eastern Palace adjusting his magnificent robes.

Soon, a young eunuch in black hurried out, "Young General, His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence."

Tilting his chin up, Zhao Jing straightened his posture and strode inside.

Located west of the imperial palace, the Eastern Palace featured continuous halls that were both lofty and splendid. Though it was winter, warm air enveloped him upon entering the main hall. Suppressing his martial aura, Zhao Jing followed the eunuch with measured steps to the western study.

"Young General, His Highness is inside. You may enter."

Zhao Jing nodded, pushing the half-open door to enter.

Despite the bright daylight outside, Yan Che's study remained dim with both door and windows shut. Looking up, Zhao Jing saw Yan Che's back - the Crown Prince stood by the window wearing dark cyan robes embroidered with pythons.

Advancing one step, Zhao Jing knelt in salute, "Your humble servant pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Rise, General Zhao." Yan Che's voice carried cultured politeness yet held a chill detachment.

Standing upright, Zhao Jing asked puzzled, "Your Highness, Prince Cheng has suffered a setback, yet you don't seem pleased?"

Turning around, Yan Che revealed dark eyes swirling with suppressed anger, "In four days, if that case remains unsolved, the next to fall will be this Crown Prince. Do you think I should be pleased?"

Though Yan Che spoke each word slowly, the sharp emphasis made Zhao Jing's spine stiffen. Quickly wiping the ease from his expression, he said gravely, "I understand Your Highness's concern. Has Prefect Zheng sent no news?"

Yan Che lifted his chin, glancing over Zhao Jing's shoulder at the partially open door.

"Had there been news, I wouldn't be this anxious." Changing the subject to Zhao Jing's summons, he asked, "Has that matter been settled? No loose ends?"

Pressing his lips briefly, Zhao Jing answered, "Settled. The family has been properly compensated."

Yan Che nodded, "Though this incident earned Father Emperor's warning against Prince Cheng, he won't abandon his ambitions over this. Be careful not to leave any evidence." Frowning, he added, "That person shouldn't have been saved."

Zhao Jing looked up, stealing a quick glance at Yan Che, "That day... Heir Apparent Qin happened to be present."

Yan Che's brow furrowed, "He was the one who saved the person?"Zhao Jing quickly shook his head, "No, not him, but his younger sister..."

"You mean Chao Yu?" Yan Che's tone was filled with disbelief.

"Not the Eighth Miss, but the Ninth Miss who was recently brought to the capital. Qin Shizi brought three Qin family young ladies to the capital during his southern trip. This Ninth Miss knows medicine and happened to be dining with Qin Shizi at Zuixiang Tower that day."

Yan Che's brows furrowed once more, "A young lady from the Qin family knows medicine?"

Zhao Jing nodded hastily, and as if recalling something, his expression became somewhat distant.

Yan Che glanced at Zhao Jing, "What else haven't you told me?"

Zhao Jing snapped back to attention and hesitated for a moment before saying, "That Ninth Miss is quite skilled in medicine."

With a sharp rustle of his sleeve, Yan Che turned away, leaving only his back to Zhao Jing once more. "This is not my concern. Since it's someone from the Qin family this time, let it pass. But next time, there must be no mistakes."

Zhao Jing nodded, "Yes, this general understands—"

After saying this, Zhao Jing raised his eyes to look at Yan Che's retreating figure. Though bright sunlight streamed through the window, it seemed to dissolve into his dark blue python-embroidered robe. Zhao Jing widened his eyes, able only to see the ferociously revealed python head on the robe's hem and those sharp coiling dragon claws that seemed capable of tearing out hearts and lungs.