Coroner's Diary

"The Brocade Embroidery Workshop has two branches in the capital. The northern one mainly supplies several workshops outside the imperial city, where every item is of superior quality but mostly sold in bulk, making it naturally expensive. For common folks wanting a few feet of fine fabric—whether for a Wedding Gown or other purposes—they must go to the smaller branch in the southern part of the city. For instance, the Gold-threaded Light Gauze we just bought: ordinary families would only need to cut a few feet to make undergarments for their children or inner linings for their daughters."

As they reached the busiest area, Hu Shi and her party no longer traveled by carriage. With one arm linked with Qin Chaoyu and supported by Qin Xiang on the other side, Hu Shi enthusiastically described the capital's bustling prosperity. She took Qin Guan and the others into every shop that young ladies would enjoy—jewelry stores, cosmetic shops. After walking through two streets in the eastern market, both Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang had acquired numerous new items. Qin Guan also ended up with two cosmetics that Hu Shi insisted on giving her. Having no choice, Qin Guan accepted them with a smile.

Exiting another jewelry shop, Hu Shi frowned and said, "It seems we need to head west. With the New Year approaching, all four of you should acquire some decent jewelry. After the New Year, if you need to meet guests, you must dress appropriately."

Hu Shi then instructed Qin Yan, "Yan'er, have the carriage brought over. We're going west."

Qin Yan acknowledged and left. Watching Hu Shi, Qin Guan felt a slight stir in her heart. When she first met this aunt, she had suspected her of having ulterior motives, but now it appeared she treated them with genuine generosity.

After a short wait, the Qin family carriage arrived. Hu Shi and her party boarded and headed west.

Inside the carriage, Hu Shi smiled and asked, "How am I doing as your aunt?"

Qin Chaoyu curved her lips, "Extremely well, Mother. You're doing everything right."

Hu Shi sighed, patting Qin Chaoyu's hand, "You've become increasingly sensible over the years, even able to guide me in such matters. You were raised spoiled and willful, coddled by your father and me since childhood. I originally thought, 'So be it—with your father and me, we'll find you a suitable family who will treat you well.' But then you were drawn into the palace. How can an ordinary person stand firm in such a place? I was terribly worried, but seeing how you've gradually changed over these years has set my mind at ease."

Qin Chaoyu smiled faintly, "Mother, your daughter has grown up. You needn't worry."

Hu Shi cradled Qin Chaoyu's hand as if it were a treasure, "Of course I'm not worried. It's just that it pains me to see you keeping so much to yourself. I fear you might suffer in silence without telling anyone."

Qin Chaoyu leaned against Hu Shi's shoulder, "Didn't you go through the same, Mother? Growing up and preparing for marriage inevitably brings many hardships. Having you, Father, and Third Brother makes it infinitely better for me."

Hu Shi sighed, "I can't bear to part with you. I'd rather keep you with us for two more years, especially..."Hu Shi lowered her voice, "Although I've suffered many grievances since marrying your father, at least he isn't heartless. All these years, aside from the two maidservants he had from the beginning, there have been no others. This has saved me much worry. But you... whenever I think about your future, I don't want you to go to that place. Look at the current Emperor - his harem is filled with countless consorts. What good is it even to become Empress? The current Empress, honored as the mistress of the central palace, with her son as the Heir Apparent - is she resting easy? I've heard the Emperor rarely visits her palace—"

Once this topic started, something seemed to stick in Hu Shi's heart. She suddenly grasped Qin Chaoyu's hand, "Yu'er, think carefully. If you're unwilling, I'll speak with your father. There's plenty of room for reconsideration."

Qin Chaoyu sighed with a bitter smile, "Mother, you're only saying this because you worry too much about me."

Hu Shi snorted, "That goes without saying. You're my treasure - who else would I worry about if not you?"

Qin Chaoyu sighed again, "Mother, don't worry. This Path was chosen by myself. I've considered everything you just said, and precisely because I've thought it through clearly, I won't change my resolve."

Looking at Qin Chaoyu's exquisitely made-up face, Hu Shi helplessly pulled her into an embrace.

Meanwhile, Qin Shuang played with a rouge box inlaid with red agate, her face beaming with smiles. "Aunt is so good to us! This single box of rouge would sustain an ordinary commoner family for half a year."

Qin Xiang also held a small box, which she had been admiring fondly. Hearing Qin Shuang's words, she immediately placed the box in a nearby bundle. "What's this? It's just rouge. Aunt will treat us even better. Now that we're in the capital, we shouldn't be as provincial as we were in Jinzhou."

Qin Shuang pursed her lips without replying, instead lifting the curtain to look outside.

Those entering and leaving the city were all heading east, while this was Qin Shuang's first time coming to the west. The area around Loyal Marquis Manor was surrounded by grand ducal and marquis mansions with imposing gates. The western part, by comparison, lacked some of that majestic nobility but possessed more delicate beauty. Watching residential compounds pass by one after another, with the entire capital city still seeming endless, Qin Shuang hadn't expected the capital to be so vast.

"The capital is truly enormous - probably bigger than two Jinzhous combined," Qin Shuang said excitedly, finding everything novel. Before long, the quiet of the residential areas disappeared, replaced by the bustling noise of market streets. Qin Shuang quickly exclaimed, "We're almost there! We're almost there!"

As she spoke, Qin Shuang tugged at Qin Guan beside her. This pull elicited no response from Qin Guan. Turning to look, she saw Qin Guan staring fixedly toward the northwest. Qin Shuang asked in surprise, "What's wrong with you?"

Even with this question, the usually sharp-witted Qin Guan still didn't respond.

Qin Shuang pulled at Qin Guan again, "Ninth Sister? What's wrong with you?"

This stronger pull finally roused Qin Guan, who suddenly came to and looked at Qin Shuang, "What is it?"

Qin Shuang looked at her in astonishment, "I called you twice and you didn't respond. What were you looking at over there?"

Following Qin Guan's gaze, Qin Shuang's view was blocked by a whole row of shops and buildings along the street. Looking more closely, she suddenly noticed a three-story vermilion building called "Phoenix Perch Tower." Qin Shuang looked at Qin Guan, then back at the small red building, "What were you looking at that for? What kind of place is Phoenix Perch Tower?"Qin Guan helplessly curved her lips, "No, I was just thinking about something. I don't know where that place is either."

Seeing Qin Guan say this, Qin Shuang blinked but didn't believe it. Qin Guan had always been a calm and steady person, usually maintaining composure without showing emotion, and never had any peculiar behavior. If she did, there must be a reason.

Not only did Qin Shuang feel something was off about Qin Guan, but Qin Xiang also looked at her strangely. Suddenly, as if remembering something, Qin Xiang said, "By the way, who was that young gentleman Third Brother encountered earlier?"

Qin Shuang instinctively replied, "Young Master Zhao from the Auxiliary General's family."

Qin Xiang immediately looked at Qin Shuang and Qin Guan, "How do you two know? Also, does that Young Master Zhao know Ninth Sister?"

Qin Shuang glanced at Qin Guan and, seeing she showed no expression, said, "The person Ninth Sister saved that day was Young Master Zhao's subordinate."

Qin Xiang was slightly taken aback, her expression changing subtly, then she said with a meaningful smile, "No wonder..."

Hearing the insinuation in Qin Xiang's words, Qin Guan's expression cooled, but she couldn't be bothered to respond. Qin Shuang said, "Third Brother took us to eat without expecting to encounter those people. Besides, Ninth Sister was only trying to save a life."

"How did that person fare after being saved?" Qin Xiang asked coolly.

Qin Shuang lifted her chin slightly, "Of course he survived. The title of Little Medicine Immortal of Jinzhou isn't for nothing."

Before Qin Xiang could speak, Qin Guan said, "Third Brother said that person ultimately didn't make it."

"What—how could that be? You clearly saved him that day..."

Qin Shuang was quite incredulous, while Qin Xiang's eyes already held mockery. Qin Guan sighed, "The injuries were severe. Once they festered, they would become life-threatening. I suppose something went wrong later."

Qin Shuang fell silent for a moment, "How pitiful, so young."

Qin Guan didn't say anything more for a while, glancing once more toward the west before withdrawing her gaze. Soon, the carriage came to a stop.

After alighting from the carriage, they heard Hu Shi say, "There are several good shops here too, but they're quite far, so we don't come often."

The carriage had stopped on an extremely bustling and lively street. It was almost noon, and the crowds on the street had grown. Although the weather was cold, with the New Year approaching, the streets were filled with people mostly shopping for holiday supplies. Qin Yan was directing the servants to park the carriage to the side when suddenly, a group of soldiers in black uniforms appeared at the end of the long street.

There were about twenty soldiers in the group, seemingly on patrol. Hu Shi quickly looked at Qin Yan, "This is..."

"Don't worry, Mother. With the New Year approaching, these are additional patrols from the Nine Gates Garrison."

Hu Shi nodded and sighed, "Ah, so we should finish all our shopping today. It's best to go out less frequently lately."

Qin Guan walked at the back, watching the patrol soldiers pass by.

The flowing crowds made way for the patrol soldiers. After they passed, people began whispering among themselves, their expressions tinged with anger and unease. Thinking for a moment, Qin Guan noticed Qin Yan was also walking at the back and couldn't help but ask, "Third Brother, has there been no progress on the case?"

Qin Yan nodded, "Not yet..."

Knowing Qin Guan was clever, he understood she had deduced this from seeing the patrol soldiers and simply answered her.

Qin Guan frowned slightly, "What kind of case is it exactly? How long has it been?"

Qin Yan then said in a low voice, "Several people have died. It seems it's been about a month and a half."

Several deaths, and it had been so long—how could there still be no progress?Qin Guan was about to inquire further when Hu Shi called out from ahead, "Wan Yatou, come quickly! I think this jade token suits you well. Come and try it on, and this white jade bracelet too—I notice you don’t wear much on your wrists."

Qin Guan hurried over, offering a slight demurral, "I’m not usually fond of wearing such things, Aunt. Please buy them for my sisters instead."

"These are for you—they each have their own. Quick, hold out your hand—"

Hu Shi was brimming with enthusiasm, leaving Qin Guan no room to refuse. She complied, and Hu Shi, now in high spirits, began adorning all three of them. While Qin Chaoyu had been exquisitely dressed since childhood, the other three had been somewhat neglected. Hu Shi eagerly had them try on anything that caught her eye. By the time they finished strolling the entire street, the trio had acquired numerous new items. During the outing, Hu Shi felt nothing amiss, but upon concluding, she was utterly exhausted and promptly summoned the carriage to return to the Marquis’s estate. Throughout the excursion, Qin Chaoyu, though accompanying them, purchased very little. Her haughty demeanor softened only in the presence of Hu Shi and Qin Yan; from start to finish, she barely exchanged a word with Qin Guan and the others.

Back at the Marquis’s estate, lunch was already prepared. The group, weary from the outing, ate and then retired to their respective courtyards to rest. Qin Chaoyu and Qin Yan escorted Hu Shi to her courtyard, and as they emerged, Qin Chaoyu murmured quietly, "Brother, although Prince Cheng received a minor reprimand from The Emperor this time, the Crown Prince doesn’t seem pleased. When I visited the Empress at the palace yesterday, I saw him looking deeply troubled."

Qin Yan replied, "You’re aware of the case in the capital. As the master of the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince shares in state affairs with The Emperor and is responsible for key matters in the capital. This case was directly assigned to him by The Emperor. Over a month has passed, and The Emperor previously demanded that the Crown Prince identify the culprit before the New Year."

Qin Chaoyu frowned, "There are only four days left."

"Exactly. That’s what worries the Crown Prince most right now."

Qin Chaoyu paused mid-step, "Brother, is there any way we can assist His Highness?"

Qin Yan sighed wryly, "It’s difficult. I hold no official post, and Father isn’t involved with the Ministry of Justice. Our family isn’t in a position to intervene. Besides, the Crown Prince currently has Prefect Zheng and Lord Li by his side—in terms of manpower, it should suffice."

"But why hasn’t the case been solved after all this time? What is the prefectural office doing?"

"Sister, murder cases aren’t that straightforward. There are plenty of unresolved homicides."

Qin Chaoyu’s brow furrowed slightly, "But delaying like this won’t help. If the case remains unsolved by New Year’s Eve, won’t the Crown Prince face reprimand from The Emperor?"

At this, Qin Yan’s heart sank.

First, the Marquis’s estate had aligned with the Crown Prince, and only then did Qin Chaoyu aspire to enter the Eastern Palace. Even if she didn’t say it, he ought to consider a solution. With this thought, Qin Yan’s mind first turned to Qin Guan, but he soon shook his head helplessly. If even he couldn’t intervene, how could Qin Guan—a woman without rank or office—be of any use? The capital, under the watchful eye of the Son of Heaven, was nothing like the Herb Garden.

"Don’t worry for now. Prefect Zheng and Lord Li will surely support the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince is held accountable, those beneath him won’t escape blame either. Moreover, Prefect Zheng, as the people’s parent-official, would do his utmost even without The Emperor’s pressure."Qin Chaoyu sighed, "Prince Cheng has just suffered a setback. If the Crown Prince’s case remains unresolved for too long, I fear Prince Cheng might find an opportunity to strike against him. Yesterday... yesterday I heard from the palace servants that Consort Su has fallen ill, and the Emperor visits her daily."

Qin Yan sneered coldly, "These are nothing but tricks used by consorts to secure favor... but the current Emperor is not so easily deceived." As he spoke, Qin Yan added reassuringly, "The New Year is approaching. The case will be investigated by Magistrate Zheng. We still have to celebrate the festivities—don’t worry. Help Mother these next few days. The Crown Prince will surely find a way himself. Rest assured, the case will be solved."

Seeing Qin Chaoyu’s furrowed brow, Qin Yan continued, "When Father returns, I’ll discuss it with him."

Only then did Qin Chaoyu’s expression ease slightly. "Alright, thank you, Brother."

Qin Yan chuckled. "Silly, we’re family. Why thank me?"

His eyes twinkled mischievously as he added, "Unless you have feelings for the Crown Prince..."

Qin Chaoyu lifted her chin. "I’ve told you, Brother—I am determined to enter the Eastern Palace."

Qin Yan’s teasing expression faded. He patted her head and said, "I know, I know. My sister has lofty ambitions. Don’t worry—I’ll inform you as soon as there’s any news."

Qin Chaoyu hummed in acknowledgment before returning to her courtyard.

As the New Year approached, the marquis’s residence grew busy both inside and out. Qin Chaoyu waited for news from Qin Yan, while Qin Guan also waited. Hu Shi’s intentions were clear: if the case remained unresolved, they were not permitted to leave the residence freely. Though this was for their own good, Qin Guan had longed for this day even back in Jinzhou—how could she restrain herself now that she had returned to the capital?

Two more days passed. During this time, the servants of the marquis’s residence swept away dust and prepared for the New Year. Qin Guan only saw Qin Shu on the first evening; the rest of the time, she only encountered Hu Shi. On the evening of the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, Qin Guan and her sisters were summoned to Renshou Hall for dinner. Hu Shi, looking somewhat weary, said, "Your uncle and third brother have been busy lately. We haven’t had a single meal together, and I’ve been overwhelmed as well. Since they won’t be back today, let’s dine together and not mind them. But... don’t think your uncle doesn’t care about you."

Qin Xiang quickly replied, "How could we? Auntie, you’ve been incredibly attentive to us. Uncle is occupied with important matters, but he surely keeps us in his thoughts." Hu Shi smiled contentedly. Qin Xiang added, "If there’s anything we can do to help in your busy schedule, please don’t hesitate to ask."

Hu Shi initially intended to refuse but then reconsidered. "Chaoyu and Guan’er need not trouble themselves, but you and Shuang’er could indeed lend me a hand. Did you learn household management while in Jinzhou?"

Qin Xiang nodded. "I learned a little from Mother, but I’m clumsy and didn’t grasp much."

Qin Shuang shook her head directly. "Not at all..."

Hu Shi smiled. "At your age, it’s time you learned to manage a household."

At these words, both Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang’s expressions shifted slightly. After the New Year, they would turn eighteen—the ideal age for marriage negotiations. At eighteen, one could be betrothed, with weddings typically held at nineteen. By twenty, it would be considered somewhat late.Qin Shuang lowered her gaze as if lost in thought, her heart growing heavier. Upon hearing this, Qin Xiang's eyes flickered, and she immediately said, "If Aunt needs us to do anything, just give the order. It would be perfect for Xiang'er to learn from Aunt. Before coming, Mother said that Aunt comes from a prestigious family, and we should learn well from her."

Pleasant words are naturally welcome to all. Hu Shi patted Qin Xiang's shoulder and said, "Alright, you can start by learning how to prepare for the New Year. Come to my courtyard early tomorrow morning. The day after tomorrow is New Year's Eve, so I’ll teach you for just one day."

Qin Xiang hurriedly agreed, and Qin Shuang nodded as well. Hu Shi then instructed everyone to start eating. They had only taken a few bites when Granny Yu strode in from outside. "Madam, the Master and the heir apparent have returned—"

Hu Shi was surprised. "Oh? I thought they weren’t coming back?"

Granny Yu shook her head. "No, the Marquis has returned with a guest. The heir apparent has also gone to the outer study. The Marquis asked you to prepare tea and snacks to send over and to bring out the tribute tea."

"Tribute tea?" Hu Shi quickly stood up. Since he asked for the tribute tea, it must undoubtedly be an esteemed guest.

"Continue eating. I’ll be back shortly."

With that, Hu Shi hurriedly left and soon returned with servants carrying tea and snacks to the outer study.

At the entrance to the outer study, Wu Yang was waiting by the courtyard gate. Seeing Hu Shi arrive, he immediately stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Madam."

Hu Shi gestured toward the study with her chin. "Who’s inside?"

Wu Yang promptly replied, "It’s Prefect Zheng and Minister Li of the Court of Judicial Review."

One held a third-rank position and the other a senior third-rank. Hu Shi nodded, handed over the tea and snacks, then turned to leave.

Wu Yang led the servants into the courtyard and delivered the tea and snacks to the room.

Inside, Zheng Baishi sighed. "Several people brought up this case during the morning court session today. The court was filled with fervent discussions, and many seemed to be blaming me. Blaming me is no different from blaming the Crown Prince. The Emperor’s expression turned quite displeased at the time. If we had some key clues, it would be one thing, but as it stands, we have no leads at all."

Beside him, Li Muyun’s gaze deepened. "Their intentions are quite clear. Seeing that the Emperor has given the Crown Prince limited time, they are slowly stoking the Emperor’s anger. When the time comes, the Emperor’s fury will be entirely justified."

Qin Shu frowned deeply. "Is the case really that difficult? Does Minister Li have no solution either?"

Li Muyun gave a bitter smile. "I’ve spent a lot of time with Prefect Zheng these past few days, and we truly have no leads." He added, "In all my years at the Court of Judicial Review, to be honest, I’ve rarely taken charge of cases alone. Most of the time, it was…"

At this point, Li Muyun suddenly paused. Both Qin Shu and Zheng Baishi’s expressions shifted slightly.

Li Muyun coughed lightly and straightened his posture. "It’s a pity he ultimately strayed from the right Path. If he were here, this case might be much easier to handle."

Zheng Baishi glanced at the four people in the room, including Qin Yan, and said, "We’re all familiar with each other, so there’s no need to beat around the bush. I’ve also been thinking that if he were here, I wouldn’t be struggling so much. When it comes to meticulous investigation and unraveling complexities, I’ve never seen anyone more skilled. The rest of us rely on casting a wide net, but he seemed to have a unique talent, always noticing details that ordinary people would overlook."Qin Shu narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment. "It's useless to talk about this now. He doesn’t know how..." As he spoke, Qin Shu’s gaze imperceptibly flickered toward Li Muyun for an instant before he continued, "If all else fails, we should find a scapegoat to break this deadlock."

Li Muyun frowned. "Marquis, I’m afraid that won’t do—"

Zheng Baishi chimed in, "Indeed, Marquis. Even if this move could temporarily resolve the crisis, if Prince Cheng were to discover it, it would only plunge the Crown Prince into greater peril—"

Qin Shu smiled bitterly. "This is my last resort. Who asked you two to fail in your investigation?"

At these words, Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun both wore expressions of bitter helplessness. Qin Yan, who had been standing silently nearby, suddenly spoke up, "Gentlemen, Father, I might have a way to break this impasse—"