Coroner's Diary

"Brother Zheng is here! Brother Li! Constable Zhan, a happy New Year to all three of you—"

Qin Shu stepped forward to greet them. Zheng Baishi smiled and returned the greeting, "A happy New Year," before turning his gaze to Qin Guan. "Congratulations, Ninth Miss. Today, you have truly become the talk of the capital. Everyone is discussing the Little Medicine Immortal!"

Qin Guan curtsied gracefully, though a hint of confusion flickered in her eyes. Zheng Baishi then looked at Qin Shu and said, "Marquis, earlier when my coachman asked where to go, I simply said 'the Marquis Manor' without specifying the Loyal Marquis Manor. Yet, he immediately asked if it was the manor where the Little Medicine Immortal resides. When I inquired how he knew, he replied that since early this morning, the entire capital has been buzzing about the Loyal Marquis Manor producing a Little Medicine Immortal."

Qin Shu was momentarily taken aback. "So many people already know?"

Li Muyun stepped forward and explained, "Last night, Ninth Miss was taken by the Emperor in front of so many people to treat the Empress Dowager. Although everyone later left the palace, they were all concerned about the matter. After Ninth Miss departed the palace, word spread to every household. Today being the first day of the year, people have been exchanging New Year's gifts since early morning. With all the socializing, it's no surprise the whole capital knows. Even those who were uncertain couldn't miss the grand spectacle of Eunuch Yuan delivering the rewards. By now, even more people must be aware."

Qin Shu glanced at Qin Guan and saw her standing with dignified composure, a slight curve at the corners of her lips, yet showing no trace of pride.

Such fame and such rewards—if it were him, he would likely be unable to contain his elation. Yet Qin Guan remained composed, not revealing a hint of arrogance.

Qin Shu couldn't help but admire her inwardly, his eyes gleaming with approval. As for those Li Muyun mentioned who were "concerned," most were probably waiting for the Marquis Manor to embarrass itself. Little did they expect that a young girl like Qin Guan would surpass even the imperial physicians. "So that's how it is. Wan Yatou is still young, after all. I suppose many still have their doubts."

Zheng Baishi's smile widened. "No matter how much they doubt, everything is clear today. That's why I said congratulations are in order for Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan lowered her gaze. "It was merely saving one person. It's nothing remarkable."

Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun exchanged a glance, both with a hint of admiration in their eyes. Zheng Baishi then waved his hand, instructing his attendant to present the New Year's gifts. "Coming here so early in the morning empty-handed would be impolite."

Meanwhile, Li Muyun also directed his attendant to bring out the prepared gift boxes. Hu Shi promptly had them received and invited the three guests to the front courtyard for tea. Zheng Baishi, however, smiled and declined, "Madam, there's no need to trouble yourself. Minister Li and I aren't here as ordinary guests. We can simply sit in the Marquis's study." He then turned to Qin Guan. "This concerns the earlier case. We'd like Ninth Miss to join us as well."

Qin Guan's relaxed expression tightened slightly. "But wasn't the culprit already captured?"

Zheng Baishi nodded. "He was, indeed. This case was resolved largely thanks to Ninth Miss's assistance. We're here today to share the details with you and the Marquis, so you can rest assured."

Qin Guan nodded. She did want to know the specifics of the case.

Hu Shi interjected, "Wan'er, you go ahead. I'll have these moved to your courtyard. Fuling and the others can organize them for you. Since you'll be entering the palace later, I'll have Fuling prepare you first."

Qin Guan responded with a soft "Mm," adding, "Thank you, Aunt."With that said, Qin Shu raised his hand in a gesture of invitation. "In that case, please come this way."

Zheng Baishi nodded and led Zhan Yang and Li Muyun toward Qin Shu's study. Qin Guan followed behind Qin Shu, and seeing this, Qin Yan also trailed after them. Qin Ye stood still for a moment, called out "Eldest Brother," and then approached as well.

Although Qin Yan ranked third in the clan, he was the eldest in the Marquis' household. Upon hearing Qin Ye's call, Qin Yan slowed his pace slightly. Qin Ye caught up and gestured with his chin toward the front. "Ninth Sister is a medical practitioner. How did she assist Lord Zheng?"

Qin Yan, embodying the demeanor of an elder brother toward his sibling, did not conceal the truth. "Ninth Sister's medical skills extend beyond treating the living. She also helps examine wounds on corpses."

Qin Ye was momentarily surprised. "You mean... Ninth Sister is also versed in the Path of the Coroner?"

"You could say that," Qin Yan nodded.

Qin Ye pondered briefly, then smiled brightly. "Ninth Sister is truly remarkable."

A hint of admiration also gleamed in Qin Yan's eyes. "Ninth Sister is no ordinary person."

Soon, they arrived at the study door. Qin Ye, curious about how Qin Guan had helped Zheng Baishi solve the case, followed them inside. Zheng Baishi and the others were quite familiar with the two young masters of the Marquis' household and did not mind their presence. After everyone was seated, Zheng Baishi glanced at Zhan Yang.

Zhan Yang stepped forward and said, "That day, Ninth Miss pointed us toward the clue of the pharmacy. We immediately dispatched people to search all the medicine shops in the southern part of the city. There are dozens of medicine shops, large and small, in the southern district, but only five major shops sell the ointment Ninth Miss mentioned. We then asked the shopkeepers to identify anyone who had purchased the medicine more than twice in the past month or so, which gave us a list. Among them were both men and women—the women were naturally excluded, leaving about ten men. Five of them lived outside Lin'an City, and only nine resided within the city walls. We went to their homes based on their addresses..."

"Considering the timing of the crimes, we questioned these nine men about their whereabouts on the three nights in question and whether they had any alibis. After the inquiry, three of them claimed to have been somewhere but had no witnesses to corroborate their stories. One was a kitchen helper at a restaurant who often stayed late to help and simply didn't return home during that period. Another was a tailor who stayed in his shop to keep watch. The third was a scholar who, preparing for the imperial examination the following year, had recently been living alone in a new house to study. All three locations were in the southern part of the city and had staircases or steps. After further interrogation, we identified the murderer."

Once Zhan Yang finished speaking, Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "Was it the tailor?"

At this question, both Li Muyun and Zheng Baishi's expressions changed, and even Zhan Yang's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"How did you know, Ninth Miss?" Zhan Yang exclaimed in astonishment.

Qin Guan pursed her lips and explained, "After committing a crime, ordinary murderers usually try to erase all traces and generally avoid taking the victim's belongings. Firstly, it's considered unlucky, and secondly, it increases the risk of exposure if discovered. However, in these three murders, the perpetrator took the victims' undergarments each time. This suggests the killer has a pathological obsession with women's undergarments."After a pause, Qin Guan continued, "Among the three suspects Constable Zhan mentioned, only the tailor had the opportunity to come into contact with women's clothing. Moreover, based on the condition of the three victims when they were found, although their undergarments were missing, their outer garments remained relatively tidy. This clearly indicates the killer had extensive knowledge of women's attire." Qin Guan frowned slightly as she spoke. "I recall all three victims were engaged and preparing for marriage. Could it be... they all had clothing made by the killer?"

Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun exchanged another glance, while Zhan Yang studied Qin Guan for a moment before nodding.

"Ninth Miss is correct. The killer was a craftsman from the Zhao Family Silk Shop in the southern city. He had been working there for less than two years. All three victims had ordered their wedding gowns and marriage necessities from Zhao's shop. On the nights of the incidents, the first and second victims had gone out and suddenly remembered their custom-made dresses. They detoured to inquire about them. Since it was already late, most shops around Zhao's store were closed, leaving only the killer minding the shop. Seeing the victims arrive alone, he developed malicious intentions. After engaging them in casual conversation and confirming they hadn't informed their families about their impromptu visits, he carried out his crimes."

"He first strangled them, then hid the bodies in the second-floor attic used for storing fabrics. He waited until late at night when the streets were deserted before moving the bodies. The third victim had gone to the silk shop early that day to check on her custom-made dress. Noticing she was alone, the killer arranged to show her the garment at sunset. When she returned as scheduled, he attempted to repeat his previous method. However, this third young lady was significantly stronger than the previous victims and nearly managed to struggle free. During the struggle, traces of his frostbite ointment became lodged under her fingernails."

Qin Guan listened calmly to Zhan Yang's account, though inwardly she felt a chill. These young women, eagerly anticipating their weddings, had hurried to inquire about their dresses only to fall into a predator's hands.

After Zhan Yang finished recounting the case details, Qin Shu and the others remained silent for a moment. Finally, Qin Shu asked, "Has the killer confessed everything?"

Zhan Yang promptly nodded. "He has. We found the missing undergarments in his resting area at the silk shop. He admitted that since learning tailoring, whenever he made women's clothing, wicked thoughts would arise. Eventually, he acted upon these impulses."

As the only woman present, Zhan Yang chose his words carefully though his meaning was clear. While gender segregation wasn't strictly enforced in the Great Zhou dynasty, social customs remained conservative. Even a woman's handkerchief was considered private, let alone her undergarments. Wealthy families employed their own maids and seamstresses for intimate apparel, but common households sometimes ordered complete sets of clothing from external sources. While most embroiderers in clothing shops were women, tailors were often men. These male tailors typically understood female measurements, but few developed evil intentions from handling women's garments like this killer had. The thought made Qin Guan shudder with disgust, though she felt relieved the perpetrator had been captured.

Remembering another matter, Qin Guan quickly asked, "By the way, what about the spy? Have you discovered who sent him?"Zheng Baishi shook his head, "Not at all. He confessed everything, and we even hired the best painter in the capital to create a portrait. However, the final result was an unremarkable, unfamiliar face that didn’t yield any leads."

Qin Guan nodded and refrained from further questions. Since the case was closed, it had also settled a weight on her mind.

Li Muyun looked at Qin Guan and remarked, "Ninth Miss not only assists in corpse examinations with her medical skills but also demonstrates remarkable acuity in the path of criminal investigation. Has Ninth Miss studied the field of criminal justice?"

Qin Guan, feeling an even deeper chill as she gazed at Li Muyun’s handsome face, replied, "I enjoy reading in my daily life and have indeed come across some articles on criminal justice, but I wouldn’t dare claim to understand it."

Li Muyun then turned to Qin Shu and said, "With such talent, if Ninth Miss were a man, her future would be truly boundless."

Qin Shu laughed, "Precisely because she is a girl, her aunt and I dote on her all the more. These two daughters are enough for our family—what need is there for more sons? Her aunt adores having daughters."

"Quite right, quite right," Li Muyun agreed with a smile.

Unwilling to linger, Qin Guan rose and said, "If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave now. Later, I must enter the palace to visit the Empress Dowager..."

"Very well, very well. Actually, today I also came to express my gratitude to Ninth Miss."

Zheng Baishi chuckled warmly. Qin Guan hurriedly demurred, "I dare not accept such praise," while Qin Shu added, "Brother Zheng, you are too kind." Then, turning to Qin Guan, he said, "Guan'er, you may go back now. Prepare yourself, and later your third brother will escort you to the palace gates."

Qin Guan nodded, performed a bow, and then turned to leave.

As soon as Qin Guan departed, Qin Yan and Qin Ye followed her out.

Qin Yan said, "Ninth Sister, it’s still early. Go back and get ready. I’ll come find you when it’s about time."

Qin Ye praised, "Ninth Sister truly lives up to her reputation."

Qin Guan first nodded to Qin Yan, then, sensing deeper implications in Qin Ye’s words and recalling how Qin Ye had mentioned earlier that Qin Shu had written to inform them about the affairs of her and her sisters, she felt somewhat reassured. "There’s no such reputation to live up to; I merely offered a small bit of help."

After speaking, she added, "There’s no need for either of you to escort me. I can return on my own."

It was daytime, and Qin Yan and the others likely had matters to attend to. Besides, Qin Guan knew the way well.

Hearing this, Qin Yan and Qin Ye stopped, and Qin Guan made her way alone toward Pine Breeze Courtyard.

As she reached the entrance of Pine Breeze Courtyard, she saw quite a few people gathered in her courtyard. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were both there, as well as Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu, along with several maids and mommas from the estate, who were moving her belongings.

Seeing Qin Guan return, Hu Shi stepped forward, took her hand, and said, "We’ve specially set aside a side room to store these things for you."

Qin Guan quickly expressed her thanks. By now, the moving was nearly complete. Upon Qin Guan’s return, Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu left Pine Breeze Courtyard together. Once Hu Shi was gone, Qin Shuang couldn’t contain herself any longer and exclaimed, "Heavens, Qin Guan, how much must that box of eastern pearls alone be worth? Truly, it’s no wonder they’re the Emperor and the Empress—so incredibly generous! And that Consort Su, she sent nothing but rare medicinal herbs!"

Qin Guan smiled slightly but hadn’t yet spoken when Qin Xiang already wore a scornful expression and said, "Back in Jinzhou, who would have thought Ninth Sister would have such a day? Truly about to soar to the highest branch and become a phoenix. I hear that entering the palace allows one to meet many high officials and nobles. Oh, and you’ve even seen the Emperor. With looks like yours, Sister, what could you possibly not obtain?"The first remark was tolerable, but the subsequent words were truly harsh. As soon as they were spoken, the maids in the courtyard subtly changed expressions. Fuling frowned and wanted to retort, while Qin Shuang also furrowed her brow. However, Qin Guan was the first to speak, "Fifth Sister makes a valid point. Indeed, the ways of the world are unpredictable. We also never expected what you later did."

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiang’s face turned pale, and she widened her eyes, ready to say more. But Qin Guan continued, "Although the ways of the world are unpredictable, outcomes are shaped by human actions. What I have today was not gained through arrogance and sharp-tongued cruelty."

In the past, no matter how Qin Xiang had verbally provoked her, Qin Guan had never responded. Today, however, Qin Guan showed her temper, leaving Qin Xiang at a loss for a comeback. She stared wide-eyed at Qin Guan, her lips pressed tightly into a thin line. After a long pause, she stamped her foot angrily and turned to leave the courtyard. "Let’s go—"

Wan He and Xiu Zhi, looking flustered, bowed hastily to Qin Guan before hurriedly following Qin Xiang.

Watching them leave, Qin Shuang clapped her hands cheerfully. "Ah, you’ve finally stopped being a silent gourd! She truly preys on the weak but fears the strong. The moment you stand up to her, she dares not say another word."

Qin Guan shook her head as she watched Qin Xiang walk away, then turned to enter the house. If Qin Xiang had any self-awareness, she should have known that Qin Guan and Qin Shuang were both aware of that incident. She ought to have restrained her temper and gotten along with everyone. Yet, she repeatedly offended others. Qin Guan was good-natured but not without limits—she wouldn’t yield every time for the sake of sisterly affection. In the past, she had refrained from mentioning the incident to protect Qin Xiang’s dignity, but it seemed Qin Xiang did not value such consideration.

Although the snow had stopped, it was still bitterly cold outside. Qin Guan led Qin Shuang into the house, where Fuling and Baiying eagerly pulled Qin Guan over to examine the rewards. Fuling said, "Miss, with these things, we won’t end up homeless in the future."

Qin Shuang found this both amusing and somewhat heartbreaking. "Silly girl, we’re already in the Marquis’s residence now. How could we possibly end up on the streets? It won’t happen, it won’t…"

Fuling smiled sheepishly. "Hehe, please don’t laugh at me, Sixth Miss. I just can’t seem to feel at ease."

Qin Guan also shook her head with a wry smile and opened another chest. Inside was a box containing the hairpins and jewelry previously gifted by the Empress. Qin Guan turned to Qin Shuang and said, "Take whatever you like…"

Qin Shuang was initially tempted, but recalling Fuling’s words, she was reminded of the hardships Qin Guan had endured in Jinzhou—hardships she had partly contributed to. The thought made her feel guilty, and she quickly waved her hands in refusal. "No, no! Auntie just said these are imperial favors. They should only be worn on important occasions, let alone given away. I don’t want them, I really don’t…"

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, then picked out a gold hairpin adorned with kingfisher feathers and inlaid with emeralds—the most extravagant piece among the twelve items in the box.

"You know I don’t like wearing jewelry, especially something this flashy. Take it."Qin Guan tucked the hairpin into Qin Shuang's hand, making the latter's eyes slightly moist. Qin Guan found it amusing. "Keep it. It's just pretty, not particularly valuable. There are also things like eastern pearls—if you like any, just take them."

Qin Shuang clutched the hairpin and snorted softly, then murmured, "I just... just remembered the past... I was truly awful back then... I... I wronged you..."

Though Qin Shuang had improved considerably, she had never apologized for past grievances. Hearing this, Qin Guan felt a pang of emotion. After all, she wasn't the real Ninth Miss—if the true Ninth Miss knew of Qin Shuang's remorse, she might have been moved.

Qin Guan responded with a few comforting words. After tallying the rewards, she accompanied Qin Shuang to the Warm Chamber for a chat. Qin Shuang naturally inquired about the palace banquet, and Qin Guan answered each question patiently. The two sisters conversed for over an hour until, seeing it was getting late, Qin Guan changed her clothes and styled her hair to depart for the palace. For this palace visit, she naturally brought her needle kit and chose Fuling to accompany her.

Fuling never imagined she could enter the palace and was overjoyed. She changed into new clothes, and after a short wait, Qin Yan indeed arrived at Pine Breeze Courtyard. Finding them already prepared, the group set out directly.

This was Qin Guan's first time entering the palace alone, so Qin Yan took care to give thorough instructions along the way. Though usually somewhat careless, Fuling cleverly memorized everything Qin Yan said. They proceeded slowly along the main Path for two quarters of an hour before reaching Zhenghua Gate. Alighting from the carriage, Qin Guan bid farewell to Qin Yan, then presented her identity plaque to the imperial guards.

Qin Yan remained outside the city gate, leaving two servants to wait, and returned to the marquis' residence first.

Upon entering Zhenghua Gate, Qin Guan saw Mammy Chen from Longevity and Health Palace waiting at the palace entrance. Mammy Chen hurried forward as soon as she spotted Qin Guan.

"This old servant pays respects to Ninth Miss—"

Qin Guan sidestepped to avoid Mammy Chen's formal greeting. "Why is Momma personally here to greet me?"

Mammy Chen smiled. "You are Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's savior. This old servant ought to greet you personally. Eunuch Yuan mentioned you would arrive early, so I came to wait here a quarter-hour ago. Fortunately, I haven't delayed you."

Mammy Chen's words were polite and respectful, her eyes sincere with gratitude, which Qin Guan recognized.

"Ninth Miss, please come this way. We must walk from here."

Not being a member of the palace, Qin Guan naturally had to proceed on foot. Overnight, a heavy snowfall had draped the entire imperial city in silver, and most of the snow remained unswept, creating a majestic and pleasing sight.

Qin Guan followed Mammy Chen, while Fuling trailed behind her, eyes downcast and demeanor obedient.

Mammy Chen remarked, "Ninth Miss's servant is so well-behaved too."

Qin Guan glanced at Fuling. "She's quite noisy at home but doesn't dare act recklessly in the palace." She added, "Neither of us knows palace etiquette. If we make any mistakes, please advise us, Momma."

Already grateful to Qin Guan, Mammy Chen liked her even more for lacking the airs of noble ladies. She nodded promptly. "You flatter me, you flatter me. Rest assured, Miss, this servant will look after you." Her gaze lowered slightly as she continued, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager took her medicine at mao hour and is still asleep. By the time you reach Longevity and Health Palace, she may have woken. Her Majesty was in good spirits upon waking this morning and drank half a bowl of porridge. You need not worry on that account."Qin Guan nodded, and Mammy Chen continued, "Early this morning, the Emperor and Empress arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace one after another. By the time I left, the Imperial Consort had also arrived, along with the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng. They are all with the Empress Dowager at the moment."

This was a subtle reminder. Qin Guan understood the implication and responded with a compliant "Very well."

Mammy Chen observed Qin Guan closely. Today, she was dressed entirely in plain-colored garments from head to toe. Though her noble bearing seemed slightly diminished compared to the previous day, she still maintained an aura of refined elegance and dignified grace. Mammy Chen remarked, "With such remarkable appearance and demeanor, you must have received excellent upbringing in your family. Might I ask which Momma was entrusted with your instruction?"

Qin Guan could only offer a wry smile upon hearing this. Whether it was herself or Ninth Miss, neither could truly be considered exceptionally well-mannered.

"Momma, you flatter me. I had no one to guide me at home, let alone have a mammy like you to teach me."

Mammy Chen, unaware of Qin Guan's background, was taken aback. "Then how..."

Qin Guan sighed and explained, "With little to do at home, I took to reading. Perhaps that's why I'm quieter than others."

Mammy Chen shook her head. "It's not just quietness." Though she said this, she felt a flicker of surprise but refrained from probing further, instead asking, "Why haven't I seen Ninth Miss at the palace before?"

Having served in the palace for years, Mammy Chen was deeply familiar with the imperial family and the capital's nobility, especially the young ladies who frequented the palace, yet she had never encountered Qin Guan.

Qin Guan answered truthfully, "My father and mother passed away early. I grew up in the capital as a child, but a few years ago, I went to live with Third Uncle in Jinzhou. I've only returned to the capital about ten days ago, so I haven't had the chance to visit the palace."

Mammy Chen was startled again, never expecting such a background. She dropped the subject and, as they walked, pointed out various parts of the palace, mentioning the residents of each. Qin Guan listened quietly. It took about an hour and a half to reach the Longevity and Health Palace. As they approached the entrance, a maid hurried out to greet them.

"Momma, the Empress Dowager is awake and has taken her medicine!"

Mammy Chen beamed with relief and looked at Qin Guan, who smiled slightly. "The Empress Dowager has passed the critical point."

"All thanks to you, Miss—"

Mammy Chen led Qin Guan inside. Today, Qin Guan could finally take in the layout of the Longevity and Health Palace. As the Empress Dowager's residence, it was spacious and majestic. Despite the early hour, all the snow on the central stone paths had been cleared. Mammy Chen guided Qin Guan straight to the main hall. Before they reached the door, Qin Guan spotted Yuan Qing standing guard.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, Ninth Miss has arrived—"

Qin Guan glanced back at Fuling, and the two followed Mammy Chen into the hall. Instantly, over a dozen pairs of eyes fixed on Qin Guan. She knelt to pay respects and express gratitude.

"Rise," Yan Huai said gently. "We've been waiting for you."

Qin Guan and Fuling stood up. Lifting her gaze, she saw the Emperor and Empress seated in the main positions. To the left were the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng, while to the right were the Noble Consort and another consort. Everyone had changed into informal attire, yet the room still shimmered with jewels and exuded an imposing imperial aura.

"This commoner has kept Your Majesty and Your Highness waiting. I beg for Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Yan Huai chuckled. "It's not your fault. I was too impatient. The Empress Dowager is in the rear hall. Shall we proceed to examine her?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Yes—"

As she spoke, a young maid pulled Fuling to stay outside, allowing only Qin Guan to enter the inner chamber.

Qin Guan followed the Emperor and Empress inside, trailed by the others. Upon entering, she saw the Empress Dowager leaning against a large pillow, sipping porridge. Noticing the newcomers, she looked up dazedly.

"Has Han'er arrived? Where is your brother..."

The Emperor's name was Huai, but "Han" was the name of Prince Gong.

At this, everyone in the room lowered their eyes, pretending not to hear. Mammy Chen said cheerfully, "Your Highness, this is the Emperor."

The Empress Dowager watched Yan Huai approach. "Oh, then where is Han'er?"Yan Huai sat by the bedside, speaking gently, "Your younger brother is studying, Mother. You will see him shortly."

The Empress Dowager nodded vaguely and waved her hand, refusing the porridge.

Qin Guan did not dare approach rashly but took a moment to observe the Empress Dowager. Though she was around the same age as the Grand Princess, her hair was completely white. Prolonged illness had left her body emaciated, her face deeply wrinkled, and her cheeks sunken. Compared to the previous day, she seemed slightly more spirited, yet her eyes remained clouded, as if her mind were wandering far away.

Judging by her facial structure, the Empress Dowager must have been a beauty in her youth, but she could not withstand the ravages of time. Now, she was merely an ordinary elderly woman suffering from a long-standing, incurable illness. Reflecting on this, Qin Guan felt a surge of tenderness in her heart.

"Qi'er? Has Qi'er returned?"

Suddenly, the Grand Princess turned her gaze to Qin Guan. Perhaps because Qin Guan was the most unfamiliar to her, she noticed her most easily. However, Qin Guan had no idea who this "Qi'er" was.

Mammy Chen leaned close to the Empress Dowager's ear and said, "Your Majesty, this is the Ninth Miss of the Qin family, here to treat your illness. She is not the Sixth Princess."

The Empress Dowager continued to stare blankly at Qin Guan. Yan Huai explained, "Qi'er was my sixth younger sister. She passed away from illness years ago. The Empress Dowager misses her dearly."

Qin Guan immediately understood. Seeing that the Empress Dowager could not recognize anyone clearly, Yan Huai said directly, "You may examine the Empress Dowager now."

Qin Guan hurried forward to take her pulse. As her fingertips rested on the Empress Dowager's wrist, the Empress Dowager studied Qin Guan intently, her voice hoarse as she said, "Qi'er has grown even more beautiful, more and more like Consort Rong. It's a pity Consort Rong passed away so early."

This Consort Rong was likely the birth mother of the Sixth Princess. Qin Guan pretended not to hear and focused on taking the pulse.

Soon, Qin Guan had a clear understanding. She withdrew her hand and took a step back. "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has passed the critical stage. Now, we need only prescribe medication for the Wind Disorder." She then glanced at the Empress Dowager's face and added, "Apart from the Wind Disorder, the Empress Dowager may also have an ear ailment. Would you like me to examine her for it?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Huai nodded immediately. "Of course! My mother's hearing has indeed worsened over the past two years. The imperial physicians examined her but found nothing, attributing it to yin deficiency and exhaustion. Since you've identified an ailment, do you have a treatment?"

Qin Guan replied, "I will do my utmost."

She then turned to Mammy Chen and said, "Please help the Empress Dowager lie down."

Mammy Chen, now fully trusting Qin Guan, quickly assisted the Empress Dowager in lying down. Yan Huai and Mammy Chen stepped aside, watching Qin Guan intently. Qin Guan retrieved her needle kit from her sleeve, drew out a long silver needle, and leaned forward, preparing to insert it into the acupoint behind the Empress Dowager's ear. Mammy Chen instinctively clenched her hands, and Yan Huai also grew tense.

The method appeared quite risky. Yan Huai watched as Qin Guan inserted the silver needle into the Empress Dowager's skin, expecting extreme pain, but the Empress Dowager lay quietly without any reaction. Only then did Yan Huai breathe a sigh of relief.

Qin Guan carefully examined both of the Empress Dowager's ears before turning to Mammy Chen and asking, "Momma, does the Empress Dowager often suffer from pain in her lower back and spine? Does she also experience symptoms like tinnitus and dryness?"Upon hearing this, Mammy Chen quickly nodded, "Yes, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager should not sit for too long. Sometimes, even when no one is speaking, she believes someone is talking to her. When asked, she only says there are noises in her ears."

Qin Guan nodded, a look of understanding on her face. "I understand. For now, the Wind Disorder is the most urgent matter. The ear condition can be treated gradually. Once the Wind Disorder has mostly improved, stronger medication can be used."

Mammy Chen nodded repeatedly but then seemed to recall something and said, "Ninth Miss, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is frail. Using such medication..."

The Empress Dowager was advanced in years and already afflicted with multiple illnesses. Her weak constitution made the imperial physicians hesitant to prescribe strong treatments, so they always opted for the safest and most conservative methods. Qin Guan understood Mammy Chen’s concern and reassured her, "Don’t worry, Momma, I am mindful of this. This is also what I intended to discuss. Later, I will write a dietary therapy prescription to help nourish Her Majesty’s health. As for the medication, I will carefully adjust the dosage."

Mammy Chen breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, thank you, Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan then turned to Yan Huai. "Your Majesty, shall I write the prescription now? I recall that Physician He is in the palace. Should I consult with him..."

Since the Empress Dowager already had a dedicated imperial physician, Qin Guan was aware of the palace’s emphasis on specialized treatment and had no intention of competing for the right to treat the Empress Dowager. However, after she finished speaking, Yan Huai replied, "This is also what I wanted to discuss with you today. Physician He has been treating the Empress Dowager in the past, with neither merit nor fault. This time, you saved her, and I believe your medication is more effective for her condition. Moreover, you previously treated the Grand Princess for a similar illness. Therefore, I would like to entrust the Empress Dowager’s health to your care from now on. Are you willing?"

Hearing this, Qin Guan naturally dared not refuse. "I am certainly willing."

Yan Huai smiled. "Good. You are neither a court physician nor a medical attendant, yet you saved the Empress Dowager—this is your primary merit. If you can further improve her health and restore her ability to recognize people, that will be another achievement. At that time, I will reward you handsomely!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Qin Guan will spare no effort!"

Yan Huai nodded. "The waist token I gave you is for your daily entry into the palace. Starting today, decide how often you should come and discuss it with Mammy Chen."

Qin Guan acknowledged the order and said to Mammy Chen, "Momma, where are the paper and brush? I will write the prescription for you."

Mammy Chen then led Qin Guan through a Moon Cave Gate to a writing desk in the inner chamber. Once there, they were farther away from Yan Huai and the others, and Mammy Chen lowered her voice, "In the past, the Empress Dowager enjoyed calligraphy and painting, but after falling ill, she could no longer do so." As she spoke, she took down a wolf-hair brush, spread out a sheet of white paper, and prepared ink for Qin Guan.

While writing, Qin Guan said, "Don’t worry, Momma. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is not at the end of her life. She will improve."

Tears welled up in Mammy Chen’s eyes. "Thank you, Ninth Miss. Thank you, Ninth Miss."

Soon, two prescriptions were completed. Qin Guan handed them both to Mammy Chen. "One is for dietary therapy, the other for medication. The method for decocting the medicine is also written on it. Starting today, I will come to the palace daily to check the Empress Dowager’s pulse. Once she shows improvement, I will come every two or three days. How does that sound, Momma?"Mammy Chen naturally agreed without hesitation, then walked over to Yan Huai's side to report everything in detail. Yan Huai was quite pleased and promptly ordered someone to fetch and prepare the medicine. Just as he finished giving the instructions, the Empress Dowager grasped Yan Huai's hand and asked, "Where is Lin'er? Why don't I see Lin'er?"

Yan Lin was the given name of Prince Rui. Qin Guan lowered her gaze slightly, only hearing Yan Huai chuckle and reply, "Mother, you've forgotten again. Imperial Brother is guarding the frontier at Shuoxi..."

The Empress Dowager shook her head, "I... I saw Lin'er just yesterday."

Yan Huai laughed helplessly, "The one you saw yesterday was Yan Chi, Imperial Brother's son."

Before his words fully settled, Yuan Qing suddenly entered from outside, smiling as he announced, "Your Majesty, Empress, His Highness Chi and His Highness Li have come to the palace to pay New Year's respects and offer greetings to the Empress Dowager."

The expressions of everyone in the room shifted slightly. Yan Huai laughed heartily and said, "Quickly let them in! We were just talking about them!"