Coroner's Diary

"Prince Gong's residence?!" Qin Guan exclaimed in surprise. "Why have we come here?"

Yan Chi's lips curved slightly as he reached out to straighten her collar. "I've just returned and need to pay my respects to the princess consort."

Qin Guan blinked. "Why bring me along to visit the princess consort?"

The princess consort referred to Princess Consort Gong, who was Yan Chi's aunt by marriage. Naturally, he should visit her, but given Qin Guan's status, how could she properly meet the princess consort? Even entering Prince Gong's residence was rather inappropriate.

Seeing Qin Guan's clear reluctance, Yan Chi's smile deepened. "If you don't accompany me, what will the people following us think?"

Yan Chi gestured with his chin toward their followers. Only then did Qin Guan remember why she had boarded Yan Chi's carriage in the first place. She was momentarily stunned. "Prince Cheng's people are still following us?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Otherwise?" As he spoke, the carriage came to a complete stop.

Yan Chi lifted the curtain and said "Follow me" before alighting from the carriage.

Left with no choice inside the carriage, Qin Guan could only follow. She saw Bai Feng, who had been driving the carriage, already stepping forward to knock on the door.

Prince Gong's residence was also located east of Lin'an, but being near the imperial palace, it was quite some distance from Loyal Marquis Manor. When Qin Guan alighted and looked up, she saw that this mansion was even taller and more spacious than Loyal Marquis Manor. Just the two vermilion lacquered main doors appeared much more majestic and imposing. However, after standing still and examining it carefully for a moment, Qin Guan somehow felt there was something quite off about the appearance of the royal residence's entrance.

Bai Feng knocked the door ring several times. Before long, the gate opened from within, revealing a young servant boy standing inside. Upon seeing Yan Chi, he first frowned slightly. "Who are you? Who are you looking for?"

Seeing the boy's clueless expression and failure to recognize him, Yan Chi showed no anger but merely said calmly, "What is your heir apparent doing?"

The boy tilted his head in thought for a moment. "The heir returned near dawn and is still sleeping."

Seeing the boy's complete lack of perception, Bai Feng immediately said, "This is Prince Rui's heir, here to pay respects to the princess consort. Why haven't you invited the heir inside?"

The boy was taken aback. "Prince Rui's heir?"

Only when he saw Yan Chi looking at him with a faint smile did the boy snap to attention. He quickly stepped back and knelt in salute. "Greetings, Crown Prince."

Yan Chi gave a slight smile and waved his hand. "Rise."

With that, he stepped inside. The boy stared blankly as Yan Chi walked past him before finally coming to his senses and rising to close the main gate. Qin Guan followed behind Yan Chi, finding this scene increasingly strange.

This was Prince Gong's residence - a royal prince's mansion! For such an illustrious royal residence, there should have been at least several gatekeepers guarding the entrance. Why was there only one young servant boy? And such a dull, unintelligent one at that. The boy hadn't opened the door quickly and had seemed somewhat surprised to see visitors, as if Prince Gong's residence didn't receive frequent callers.

Thinking this, Qin Guan couldn't help but recall her previous understanding of the imperial family.

Before her father entered the capital, she had always followed him in remote regions, not only thousands of miles from Lin'an but completely removed from imperial affairs. At that time, she knew nothing about the imperial family. Besides learning about Prince Yu while in Yuzhou, among the other princes she had only heard Prince Rui's title mentioned more frequently. Prince Rui led the Northwest Frontier Army guarding the northwest border, where both local commoners and officials regarded him as their protector. Naturally, people spoke of him more often in daily conversation. As for the other princes, Qin Guan knew very little.After arriving in the capital, she had gained some understanding of the royal family. Later, when she was designated as the Princess Consort of Prince Yong, Qin Guan had entered the palace several times. However, in Qin Guan's memory, this Prince Gong's residence seemed to rarely appear in her hearsay. It was even less prominent than the mansions of other powerful dukes and could not compare to the reputation of the Loyal Marquis Manor in the capital.

Upon further reflection, Qin Guan only recalled that this Prince Gong seemed to have passed away.

Thinking this, under Yan Chi's guidance, the three of them followed the covered corridor deeper into the royal residence. The further they went, the more tightly Qin Guan's brows furrowed.

The layout of the royal residence was spacious, and its scenery must have been quite pleasant originally. But now, Qin Guan only saw withered flowers and overgrown weeds in the flowerbeds beside the corridor, as if they had been neglected for a long time. As the group walked further inside, they still did not encounter any guards or servants of the residence. The entire estate felt somewhat desolate and bleak, and the silence was eerily unsettling.

Qin Guan finally understood why she had felt something was amiss when standing at the entrance earlier. Although the lintel of Prince Gong's residence was exquisitely grand, it was covered in a thick layer of dust, giving the impression of being shrouded in a haze. At first, Qin Guan hadn't thought much of it, but upon witnessing the desolation inside, she realized the reason.

Logically, even if Prince Gong was no longer alive, at least the princess consort and the heir apparent, Yan Li, should still be there. How could it be so desolate?

After passing through another central courtyard, the previously quiet grounds finally showed signs of life. Soon, a figure emerged from the Moon Cave Gate not far away...

Lu Yun was taken aback upon seeing Yan Chi and his companions and immediately halted. "Your Highness?!"

After a moment of surprise, Lu Yun promptly bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness—"

Yan Chi smiled slightly. "Where is your master?"

Lu Yun hurriedly replied, "He has just awakened."

Yan Chi nodded. "Lead the way—"

Lu Yun quickly turned and headed back. Qin Guan glanced around and noticed that the scenery here was much brighter. The orchids in the flowerbeds had clearly been trimmed, and the dwarf pines beside the bluestone Path had also been tended to. Qin Guan marveled inwardly as she followed Yan Chi into a courtyard. This courtyard seemed to be the main one in the residence, occupying a vast area. As soon as they reached the entrance, a voice from inside called out, "Lu Yun, is it Seventh Brother who has come..."

Lu Yun promptly responded, "Master, it is indeed His Highness."

As they spoke, the group entered. Lifting their eyes, they saw Yan Li standing lazily at the doorway, draped in a red robe with his jet-black hair loosely cascading over his shoulders. His eyes were slightly narrowed, and his face bore a trace of drowsy lethargy, as if he had just risen from his bed.

"How did you know it was me?" Yan Chi asked with a laugh as he entered the courtyard.

Yan Li yawned and said, "Who else would come besides Seventh Brother..."

As his words trailed off, Yan Li caught sight of the figure in white following behind Yan Chi. Although Bai Feng also typically wore a white robe, the two shades of white were distinct. Bai Feng's usual white attire was a practical and neat martial outfit, while Qin Guan resembled a piece of exquisite jade illuminated by clear sunlight, radiating an unparalleled purity and elegance. Yan Li immediately straightened his posture. "Ninth Miss?!"

Yan Chi stopped at the doorway and turned around. Qin Guan stepped forward somewhat sheepishly and performed a curtsy. "Greetings, Crown Prince. It is truly impolite of me to intrude upon your residence so abruptly."Upon hearing this, Yan Li burst into hearty laughter and waved his hand dismissively. "No need for such formalities, Ninth Miss! You're being far too polite!" Stepping over the threshold, he added, "Your attire today is truly... dashing!"

Qin Guan straightened up with a hint of resignation, but Yan Li pressed on eagerly, "What happened? Why is Seventh Brother with you? And why are you dressed like this? Could it be... you sneaked out for fun and got caught by him?"

Yan Chi retorted irritably, "You really only think about amusement."

Qin Guan quickly explained, "I helped Third Brother with a matter today and wore men's clothing for convenience. We encountered some trouble earlier, but fortunately, His Highness came to our aid..."

Yan Li's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Seventh Brother was supposed to enter the palace this morning... How did you happen to run into him?"

"It wasn't a coincidence," Yan Chi briefly recounted Qin Guan's activities and mentioned how Prince Cheng had also appeared at the Mortuary Temple. Yan Li's eyes widened in astonishment, and after a moment, he shook his head. "This matter is far from simple."

As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Qin Guan, clearly alluding to the rivalry between the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng.

Qin Guan curved her lips slightly. "Your Highness need not worry. I understand."

Yan Li nodded, then smiled again. "But there's no helping it—you are a lady of Qin Manor."

He looked between the two of them. "Have you two eaten lunch yet? I just woke up. How about we go to Zui Xiang Lou? The residence can't prepare our favorite dishes right now..."

Yan Chi shook his head. "Since I'm here, I must pay my respects to the Princess Consort."

Yan Li stretched lazily and sighed. "I went to see Mother earlier, but she was chanting scriptures. I don't know if she's finished yet. Seventh Brother, there's no need to stand on ceremony..."

With a helpless glint in his eyes, Yan Chi commanded directly, "Lead the way."

Yan Li had no choice but to shrug. "Fine, wait for me. If Mother sees me like this, she'll scold me again." No sooner had he spoken than he darted back into his room.

Yan Chi shook his head and remained standing outside. Qin Guan stepped forward and whispered, "Since you're visiting the Princess Consort, perhaps I shouldn't go?"

A faint smile touched Yan Chi's lips. "The Princess Consort is very kind. It's no trouble."

Qin Guan hesitated, holding back her words. By nature, she maintained her own boundaries in all matters. She wasn't particularly close to Yan Li, and even less so to Princess Consort Gong. Though she had come to the royal residence with Yan Chi out of necessity to avoid Prince Cheng's spies, she didn't wish to overstep propriety.

"Don't worry. It truly is no trouble," Yan Chi reassured her again.

Hearing this, Qin Guan finally nodded. Though amiable by nature, she took time to truly let someone into her heart—whether as a friend or a beloved. Even with Yue Ning, they hadn't become close confidantes at first sight. Before opening her heart to someone, she adhered to her own etiquette and limits, neither liking others to get too close nor wishing to burden them. Coming to Prince Gong's residence today was already breaking her usual habits.

"The Princess Consort took great care of me when I was young. Whenever I return to the capital, I make sure to visit her," Yan Chi explained.

Qin Guan's heart settled—not for any other reason, but simply because she trusted Yan Chi.Soon, Yan Li emerged from the room. His ink-black hair, previously cascading over his shoulders, was now half-tied up, and he wore an outer robe over his red garment. Gone was his earlier languid demeanor; he now appeared much more spirited and tidy. "Alright, let's first see what Mother is doing. If she's retreated to her Buddhist shrine again, we needn't disturb her."

As he spoke, Yan Li led Yan Chi eastward out of the courtyard. Qin Guan followed Yan Chi, her eyes once again surveying the royal residence.

The further east they went, the more lush the scenery became. Potted dwarf pines and winter-green trees lined the corridor, evoking a sense of refined solemnity. Soon, Qin Guan noticed four servants tending to a flowerbed nearby. Upon seeing Yan Li approach, they promptly knelt in greeting. Yan Li waved them off before turning to Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, you must excuse us. We rarely have visitors, and Mother dislikes bustle and worldly affairs, so many parts of the residence have been left untended."

For some reason, Qin Guan sensed a touch of solemnity in Yan Li's tone. Though this was ordinary conversation, his sudden seriousness made her feel strangely somber—as if Yan Li ought to forever retain the spirited brilliance of their first meeting. Fortunately, before his words fully faded, he grinned again, his phoenix eyes narrowing into a fox-like slyness. "But no matter how neglected, it's still better than Seventh Brother's place. You'll understand when you visit—"

Qin Guan blinked and glanced at Yan Chi, who continued walking without comment.

She smiled faintly and lowered her gaze. Her visit to Prince Gong's residence was unavoidable; she certainly had no intention of going to Prince Rui's.

As they conversed, another courtyard came into view. Here, Qin Guan saw more servants—all dressed in neat, elegant attire. Though clearly occupied with tasks, not a sound could be heard. When Yan Chi and the others appeared, they immediately bowed respectfully. Observing these well-trained attendants, Qin Guan suddenly felt the earlier dust and neglect were insignificant. Even if all the flora in this royal residence withered, it would remain, after all, a prince's domain.

"What is Mother doing?" Yan Li strode into the courtyard without breaking pace, only pausing at the entrance to ask.

A lead maid promptly rose and followed at the rear, whispering softly, "The princess consort is copying scriptures in the Buddhist shrine."

Yan Li nodded. "Go announce our presence. Seventh Brother is here."

The maid nodded and hurried toward the left wing-room in the courtyard.

Qin Guan glanced around and noted the courtyard's serene layout. Despite the winter season, the plants showed no signs of withering, yet not a single delicate flower could be seen—instead, numerous orchid grasses were cultivated. Opposite stood five main chambers, spacious and exquisitely furnished. To the left stood a Moon Cave Gate, through which Qin Guan glimpsed a smaller courtyard containing just three main rooms. The Buddhist shrine mentioned by the maid was likely there.

As the maid entered, Yan Li remained stationary. "Mother dislikes disturbances during her spiritual practice. Even I am not permitted to come and go freely." He looked at Yan Chi. "Mother probably won't come out. She's been copying numerous scriptures lately to send to the Fahua Temple outside the city."No sooner had the words been spoken than the maidservant who had entered earlier emerged from the Buddhist shrine's entrance. Yan Li had assumed she would announce that Princess Consort Gong refused to see them, but unexpectedly, as the maidservant steadied herself, another figure followed her out.

Yan Li clicked his tongue. "Even when I returned yesterday, Mother didn't come out to see me. If I hadn't insisted on entering, I wouldn't have caught sight of her..." His tone turned slightly sour as he added, "Seventh Brother is truly the apple of Mother's eye."

Yan Chi chuckled softly and stepped forward toward the Moon Cave Gate. After a few paces, he glanced back and noticed Qin Guan hadn't moved. "Follow me," he said.

Qin Guan had been contemplating whether to maintain her act as Yan Chi's subordinate, but his clear directive left no room for hesitation. It would be impolite to meet the princess consort without paying proper respects, so she had no choice but to follow. Yan Li shook his head and entered alongside them.

At the solemn entrance of the Buddhist shrine, Qin Guan lifted her gaze and saw a middle-aged woman standing before the green-clad maidservants.

When her eyes fell upon the woman's face, Qin Guan's steps faltered almost imperceptibly. She had seen many middle-aged women—Jiang Shi, Lin Shi, and her elder aunt Hu Shi—all considered beauties in their own right, but this one was entirely different.

She wore no ornaments whatsoever, her jet-black hair simply tied up with a wooden hairpin. Dressed in a faded frost-colored pleated jacket and skirt, she wore a lightly tinted cyan cape over it, slightly worn with age. She stood silently at the shrine's entrance, her gaze sweeping over Qin Guan yet carrying no weight. Qin Guan observed her delicate, exquisitely refined features, though neglect of care had etched numerous wrinkles around her eyes and face. Yet this wasn't what struck Qin Guan most deeply. Looking at her, Qin Guan felt the woman's visage seemed somewhat blurred—her clothing too pale, her expression utterly placid. She stood gracefully before the shrine, her back straight, her brows and eyes like a painting, but her gaze was ethereal, as if she herself were a wisp of faint mist that might scatter at the slightest gust of wind.

Instinctively, Qin Guan slowed her pace, feeling only such measured movement could match the woman's demeanor.

Simultaneously, the sharp and imposing Yan Chi also moderated his steps, and even Yan Li shed his usual jesting bravado.

"Greetings, Princess Consort," Yan Chi said, cupping his hands in salute. "It has been over a year since we last met. I hope you have been well?"

Princess Consort Gong looked at Yan Chi. Her eyes were naturally light in color, and coupled with her utterly tranquil gaze, they seemed to hold a distant depth. She raised a hand slightly. "Rise. It is good that you have returned."

Her voice, too, was devoid of fluctuation, not resembling that of an elder princess consort but rather like an old friend exchanging pleasantries with Yan Chi. Yan Chi straightened and studied her for a moment. "Your complexion looks better than when I last saw you. Has your health improved?"

Princess Consort Gong gave a soft "Mm." "The Buddha is merciful and watches over me. I am much better."

Her tone remained exceedingly faint. After speaking, she also regarded Yan Chi. "And how is your father?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Father will not return this year. The western borders are unstable. His health is good, but he worries about you."

Qin Guan noticed Yan Chi spoke with a touch of caution, his voice lowered slightly. When he finished, Princess Consort Gong nodded. "It is well, then. I too think of him." Her eyes then shifted to Qin Guan behind Yan Chi. "And this is—"

Yan Chi turned. "This is Ninth Miss of the Qin Manor, the daughter of the Loyal and Brave Marquis's younger brother."Princess Consort Gong’s eyes showed understanding. Qin Guan hurried forward to pay her respects. “Qin Guan pays her respects to the princess consort.”

Though dressed in men’s clothing, she still performed a curtsy. Princess Consort Gong did not respond immediately, instead looking her up and down for a moment before speaking softly, “Very well, rise.”

She glanced around, her expression finally showing a flicker of emotion. “I did not know you were coming and have nothing prepared as a gift.”

As she spoke, she looked left and right, as though considering what she could offer. Yet her wrists and neck were bare—what could she possibly give?

Suddenly, Princess Consort Gong looked at Qin Guan again. This time, she raised her hand and gently removed the wooden hairpin from her own bun. Extending it toward Qin Guan, she said, “Here, take this. Do not disdain it.”

With the hairpin removed, Princess Consort Gong’s dark hair cascaded down. Just then, a cold wind swept through, causing her strands to dance in the air. For a moment, it seemed as though she might be carried away by the wind, westward-bound.

Qin Guan felt uneasy. “Your Highness, you honor me too greatly. I dare not accept—”

Princess Consort Gong’s expression remained unchanged, but her tone seemed to soften further. “This is the first time Little Seven has brought an outsider to see me. Accept it. Who knows if we will have another chance to meet in the future?”

Her words struck a chord in Qin Guan’s heart. Yan Chi glanced at Princess Consort Gong and said, “Accept it.”

Yan Li added, “Ninth Miss, do not stand on ceremony. Mother rarely takes a liking to anyone. She is giving it to you because she likes you.”

With both Yan Chi and Yan Li urging her, Qin Guan pressed her lips together, stepped forward, and accepted the wooden hairpin with both hands. It still carried a trace of warmth from Princess Consort Gong’s palm. Holding it, Qin Guan felt an inexplicable pang of sorrow. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

She quickly bowed again. Princess Consort Gong nodded slightly, her face still devoid of a smile, and turned her gaze to Yan Chi. “When will you leave the capital this time?”

Yan Chi smiled faintly. “This time, I’m afraid I may not be leaving.”

A moment of silence followed his words. After a pause, Princess Consort Gong seemed to sigh softly. “Your father loved the western frontier, and you grew up there as well. It would be better for you to return.”

Yan Chi replied, “If I stay in the capital, I can visit you often.”

Princess Consort Gong shook her head. “There is no need to visit me. The dim lamp and ancient Buddha are company enough. Little Seven, take care of yourself.” She glanced briefly at Yan Li. “Just keep an eye on A Li for me.”

Beside them, Yan Li pursed his lips, looking displeased.

Yan Chi smiled and nodded. “Your Highness, rest assured. He has grown up now.”

Princess Consort Gong said nothing more. After another glance at Qin Guan, she spoke lightly, “Very well, you may go.”

Yan Chi took a step back and bowed deeply. Qin Guan followed with a curtsy. When she rose and lifted her gaze, she saw that Princess Consort Gong had already turned and entered the Buddhist shrine. Her hair still fluttered in the wind, her footsteps were silent, and her figure grew faint and indistinct. Soon, she disappeared entirely behind the door.Qin Guan tightened her grip on the wooden hairpin in her hand, finally able to lower her head for a closer look. As she glanced down, the four characters "Together Till Old Age" carved on the hairpin caught her eye. She froze momentarily, a pang of bitterness welling up in her heart once more. She wasn't one to easily empathize or pity others, especially since Princess Consort Gong, though accompanied only by dim lamps and ancient Buddha statues, at least lived a life of luxury and comfort as a princess consort. Yet somehow, after hearing just a few words from Princess Consort Gong, Qin Guan felt a twinge of heartache for her. Coupled with the sight of the hairpin, the feeling struck even deeper.

"Let's go—" Yan Chi sighed. He stood tall and straight, his demeanor entirely different from the relaxed way he had spoken with Princess Consort Gong earlier.

Qin Guan followed behind Yan Chi as they walked out. After a few steps, she glanced back and saw only a dim glow from within the half-open door. Suddenly, a chill ran down her spine. Looking again at the small Buddhist shrine, she felt not the compassion of the Buddha, but rather that the shrine was like a cage, imprisoning Princess Consort Gong’s entire life within its walls.

Taking a deep breath, Qin Guan followed Yan Chi and quickly stepped out of the Moon Cave Gate.