Coroner's Diary

Upon hearing that Yan Li and Yan Chi had arrived, a faint glimmer flickered in Qin Guan's eyes as she stepped aside.

Yuan Qing emerged from the inner chamber, and soon after, Yan Li and Yan Chi entered together from outside.

Today, Yan Chi still wore an elegant black robe, while Yan Li was dressed in his customary red gown. However, this red robe was embroidered with coiling black dragons along the edges, making it more solemn than his usual attire.

Perhaps because he was entering the palace to see the Emperor, he also appeared more dignified than usual.

"Your humble servants pay respects to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress—"

After the two paid their respects in turn, Yan Huai smiled and said, "Rise. It's thoughtful of you both to come visit the Empress Dowager. She has just woken up and is a bit disoriented at the moment..."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Empress Dowager reached out her hands toward Yan Chi and Yan Li, "Han'er? Ling'er?"

Neither Yan Chi nor Yan Li showed any change in expression, as if they were long accustomed to this. Yan Huai stood up from the bedside, "Since it's the New Year today, even though the Empress Dowager isn't fully conscious, you two should stay and keep her company." Without looking at Yan Li, he turned to Yan Chi and said, "Yan Chi, come to Chongzheng Hall to see me later."

Yan Chi promptly acknowledged the order. Yan Huai then looked at Yan Li and asked, "Last night for the New Year, did you go out carousing or did you stay with your mother?"

Yan Li had a reputation in the capital for wild behavior, which Yan Huai knew well. In response to the question, Yan Li smiled and said, "Your Majesty, last night Yan Li stayed at the royal residence and dutifully accompanied my mother."

Yan Huai nodded, "That's more like it."

He then glanced at the Empress and the others, "Well, since the Empress Dowager is temporarily out of danger, there's no need for everyone to crowd in here. You may all return now. Those who wish to can come back to visit in the evening."

Zhao Shuhua and Consort Su bowed in unison to acknowledge the order. Yan Huai added, "I shall take my leave first."

Yan Li and Yan Chi stepped aside, cupping their hands in salute. Yan Huai walked a few steps, then suddenly turned back as if remembering something and looked at Qin Guan, "Young lady, stay here and oversee the Empress Dowager's medication. Later, come to Chongzheng Hall with Yan Chi."

Qin Guan was slightly surprised. Chongzheng Hall was where the Emperor handled state affairs. It was one thing for him to summon Yan Chi, but why her as well?

Though puzzled, Qin Guan nodded and accepted the order.

Seeing this, Yan Huai finally led Zhao Shuhua and the others out of the Longevity and Health Palace.

As soon as Yan Huai left, Yan Li—who had been slightly more restrained than usual—slumped his shoulders in relief. Walking toward the bedside, he looked at Qin Guan and said, "Ninth Miss, thank you for saving our grandmother this time. Seventh Brother told me all about it."

Mammy Chen, standing nearby, smiled and remarked, "Oh? Does His Highness Yan Li know Ninth Miss?"

Yan Li's eyes crinkled with a smile as he walked to the bedside, sat down, and took the Empress Dowager's hand.

"We met at Uncle Prince Yu's birthday banquet. At the time, Ninth Miss was traveling north from Jinzhou and also came to offer birthday wishes to Uncle Prince Yu." Yan Li kept it brief, naturally omitting the details of the case they encountered later.

He then turned to Yan Chi, "Seventh Brother met Ninth Miss even earlier—he already knew her when he went to wish our grandaunt a happy birthday. Oh, by the way, Mammy, you might not know this, but Ninth Miss is our grandaunt's adopted granddaughter."

Mammy Chen expressed surprise again, "Adopted granddaughter?!"

Yan Li smiled and nodded, "Indeed. Ninth Miss has been adopted by the Anyang Marquis and his wife as their foster daughter."Mammy Chen was already grateful to Qin Guan and fond of her. Hearing this, she felt an even greater closeness toward Qin Guan. Seeing the change in Mammy Chen's expression, Yan Li continued, "Moreover, Ninth Miss once saved Grand Princess's life."

Mammy Chen hadn't known Qin Guan initially, but after Qin Guan saved the Empress Dowager, she never imagined Qin Guan had such deep connections with Grand Princess. Thinking of Grand Princess, Mammy Chen couldn't help saying, "So Ninth Miss shares such fate with Grand Princess. No wonder this servant felt an immediate affinity upon seeing Ninth Miss. When Grand Princess was in the capital, she was closest with Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. After Grand Princess left for Jinzhou, Her Majesty grew much lonelier. How is Grand Princess's health now?"

Qin Guan quickly replied, "Set your heart at ease, Mammy. Grandmother is much better now."

Mammy Chen nodded. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager took Yan Li's hand and asked, "Han'er, weren't you studying?"

Though her voice was hoarse, the Empress Dowager couldn't resist speaking. Yan Li softly coaxed her, "Imperial Grandmother, I am Yan Li, your grandson. My father will arrive shortly."

Seeing this, Mammy Chen smiled wryly and explained to Qin Guan, "Ninth Miss, please excuse this. Her Majesty confuses people now. Perhaps due to age, she often remembers His Majesty's generation and mistakes the princes for their fathers."

Qin Guan wasn't bothered. "This is common with aging. Her Majesty's condition results from prolonged illness. As her symptoms ease, her spirits will improve, and she'll recognize people more often."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Mammy Chen's eyes. "Good, good. This servant awaits that day."

As they spoke, Yan Chi's gaze fell upon Qin Guan. Noting that all three were acquainted, Mammy Chen went to the outer chamber to hurry the medicine, leaving only two young maids attending inside. Yan Chi stepped closer to Qin Guan. "How is Imperial Grandmother?"

Qin Guan reassured him, "Don't worry. The most critical phase has passed. Following the prescription for five or six days should show results. With gradual recuperation, she will recover."

Yan Chi's expression brightened, as if relieved. "That's good."

Yan Li had somehow coaxed the Empress Dowager into closing her eyes peacefully. Turning to Qin Guan, he said, "I'd heard of Ninth Miss's exceptional medical skills before, but only now do I truly witness your prowess. Without you, Grandmother might not have survived." His eyes then sparkled as he added, "Ninth Miss probably doesn't know your title 'Little Medicine Immortal' has spread throughout the capital!"

Qin Guan had heard Zheng Baishi mention it briefly but cared little for such fame.

"I don't practice medicine publicly. Such empty reputations are useless to me."

Yan Li smiled meaningfully. "That may not be certain—"

Qin Guan raised a brow slightly, pondering Yan Li's implication, when suddenly a small child appeared at the doorway.

Before Qin Guan could react, Yan Li swiftly reached the door and scooped the child into his arms, laughing, "Little Jiu, why are you so slow today?!"

The child, about four or five years old, was adorably delicate, with strikingly clear black-and-white eyes. Cradled by Yan Li, he resembled a porcelain doll. Unfazed by being lifted, he whispered, "Brother Li, Sui'er wants candy."Yan Li let out a hearty laugh and produced a candy wrapped in a handkerchief from his sleeve.

Qin Guan had long known that the Ninth Prince was in the Longevity and Health Palace, but this was her first time meeting this Ninth Prince, Yan Sui.

Yan Sui immediately tucked the candy into his embrace as if afraid others might see it, then peered over Yan Li’s shoulder toward the bed and whispered, "Has Grandmother not recovered yet?"

It was clear Yan Sui was somewhat shy. Though he was close to Yan Li, he seemed to shrink back when he noticed Yan Chi.

Qin Guan’s gaze darkened slightly as she looked at the little boy—this was Consort Jin’s child.

While Yan Li was amusing Yan Sui, Mammy Chen entered with a maid carrying a bowl of medicine. Seeing Yan Sui in Yan Li’s arms, she smiled and said, "So the Ninth Prince has come. The medicine smells strong here—I was planning to bring you later to see the Empress Dowager."

"Is Grandmother better?" Yan Sui asked Mammy Chen in a childish voice, one hand clutching Yan Chi’s collar.

Mammy Chen quickly reassured him gently, "Don’t worry, Ninth Prince. Her Majesty will recover soon."

Then, turning to Qin Guan, she said, "Ninth Miss, the medicine is ready."

Qin Guan stepped forward, sniffed the medicine to verify the prescription and brewing method were correct, and nodded. "Half a bowl will suffice for the first dose. Let it cool before serving it to Her Majesty."

Mammy Chen glanced at the maid, who then moved aside to let the medicine cool.

Meanwhile, Yan Sui wriggled down to the floor. He toddled on his short legs to the Empress Dowager’s bedside, grasped her hand, and looked on with concern. Mammy Chen sighed, observing the Empress Dowager with closed eyes, and added, "It’s always Prince Li who can comfort Her Majesty best. Whenever he visits, she falls asleep obediently."

Yan Li’s smile deepened, and he turned to Yan Chi. "Seventh Brother, aren’t you going to Chongzheng Hall?"

Yan Chi hadn’t been in a hurry, but at this reminder, Mammy Chen said, "Your Highness, you should go. The Emperor has much to attend to these days—it wouldn’t do to keep him waiting." She added, "The Emperor has also summoned Ninth Miss to accompany you."

Yan Chi replied, "Very well. I’ll go see what it’s about first, then return to check on Grandmother."

Mammy Chen promptly agreed, and Yan Chi led Qin Guan out.

Once outside, Fuling hurried over. Qin Guan instructed, "Stay close to me. I’m going to see the Emperor."

Fuling nodded quickly, not daring to ask a single question.

The snow had stopped outside. With Yan Chi present, Mammy Chen didn’t send additional attendants. The two of them walked ahead along the Palace Road, while Fuling and Bai Feng followed a few steps behind. Yan Chi glanced at Qin Guan and asked, "Are you wondering why the Emperor summoned you?"

Qin Guan looked at him. "You know?"

Yan Chi explained, "I meant to tell you last night, but I got distracted and forgot."

Qin Guan’s cheeks flushed slightly—Yan Chi’s "distraction" clearly referred to their intimate moment. Shooting him a reproachful glance, she prompted him to continue. Yan Chi’s smile widened. "When the Jinzhou case was reported to the court, your involvement wasn’t mentioned because Jinzhou at least had Xu He. But in Yuzhou, the coroner was absent, so it had to be clarified who performed the corpse examination. The Yuzhou prefect isn’t one to claim credit unfairly—he reported the entire case-solving process in detail. When the Emperor saw it, he naturally found out."

Qin Guan was taken aback that the Yuzhou prefect had reported the matter so thoroughly, leaving her momentarily stunned.Within the Great Zhou, women did not involve themselves in political affairs, so why had the Emperor summoned her this time?

"Set your mind at ease. After reviewing the case files that day, the Emperor also questioned me. Seeing that Wang Huaiyu had reported truthfully, I likewise answered the Emperor's doubts. From what I observed, the Emperor did not seem displeased; on the contrary, he appeared quite interested."

Qin Guan nodded upon hearing this. "That is good."

Yan Chi, however, looked at her and said, "If the Emperor asks you about this matter today, you may speak of practicing the Coroner's duties through medical arts, but do not mention Shen Yi's name—"

Qin Guan paused mid-step. "Lord Shen... Lord Shen's matter is in the past. Is his name truly forbidden to speak?"

Yan Chi's gaze deepened. "I know you admire Lord Shen, but this matter is of grave importance, Guan Guan. Listen to me."

After a moment of locked eyes, Qin Guan understood Yan Chi's meaning and nodded. She resumed walking forward.

The Palace Road was empty and silent, with only the occasional palace servant passing by noiselessly. In Qin Guan's heart, that oppressive heaviness surfaced once more. Yan Chi glanced down at her for a moment before suddenly grasping her hand.

Startled, Qin Guan instinctively looked around. They had just reached a corner, and even Fuling and Bai Feng behind them were out of her sight. Yet Qin Guan anxiously tried to pull away. Yan Chi gave her hand a firm squeeze before releasing it, just as Fuling and Bai Feng rounded the corner and caught up.

Understanding that Yan Chi meant to comfort her, Qin Guan whispered, "Do not worry, I understand."

Yan Chi then said, "Matters in the imperial court change in the blink of an eye, all revolving around the word 'power.' With others, it might be overlooked, but in front of The Emperor, you must not be careless."

Qin Guan had only seen the Emperor from afar before and did not know his temperament. However, this time entering the palace, the impression he gave her was not bad. If nothing else, his concern for the Empress Dowager alone differed from the cold, ruthless emperor she had imagined.

Yet, since Yan Chi had spoken thus, Qin Guan remained guarded.

As if reading her thoughts, Yan Chi murmured, "The current Emperor places great importance on filial piety, but in matters of governance, his strategies and methods are the most formidable among all past emperors."

Yan Chi's voice was low, and upon hearing this, Qin Guan felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine.

She nodded solemnly. "I understand."

After walking for a quarter of an hour, they arrived before Chongzheng Hall. Yuan Qing smiled warmly upon seeing them arrive together. "Your Highness, Ninth Miss, The Emperor is inside reviewing memorials. You may enter directly. Please—"

With that, Yuan Qing personally escorted Qin Guan and the others into the Imperial Study of Chongzheng Hall.

It was New Year's Day, and the entire court was on break, yet Yan Huai had remained in the Imperial Study the entire day. As Qin Guan and Yan Chi stepped over the threshold, Yan Huai sensed their presence and lifted his gaze from the dim light.

His eyes were shadowed against the light, and in that instant, Qin Guan suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of severity and coldness.

Yet when she approached to pay respects, Yan Huai smiled again. "Rise. Has the Empress Dowager taken the new medicine?"

Qin Guan hurriedly replied, "The medicine was being prepared as we left and was cooling. It should be administered by now."

Yan Huai nodded, then looked directly at Qin Guan. "Young lady, do you know why I summoned you today?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "This common girl does not know—"

Yan Huai glanced at Yan Chi. "Take a guess."Qin Guan glanced swiftly at Yan Huai before speaking, "Could it be that His Majesty still has some reward yet to bestow upon this commoner?"

Hearing this, Yan Huai laughed heartily, setting down the imperial brush. Only then did he realize Yan Chi hadn't informed Qin Guan of the details. "Was the morning's reward insufficient? What else do you desire? Speak freely..."

Qin Guan wore an expression of trepidation. "This commoner wouldn't dare. But if it's not about rewards, then I know not what else it could be."

Yan Huai turned and retrieved a memorial from nearby. Opening it, he said gently, "Recently, We received a memorial from the Prefect of Yuzhou, detailing the circumstances of several cases in the region. Are you aware of this?"

Qin Guan hesitated momentarily. "This commoner... is... aware."

Yan Huai watched her with amusement. "Such hesitation doesn't suit you. What exactly did you do regarding these cases?"

Qin Guan kept her eyes lowered. "I... assisted the Prefect of Yuzhou with corpse examinations..." Then she quickly added, "I shouldn't have interfered with official matters. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Yan Huai observed Qin Guan leisurely. "Shouldn't have interfered? If you knew you shouldn't have, why did you intervene multiple times?"

Qin Guan's face grew more alarmed. She looked up at Yan Huai with clear helplessness. Seeing that he had genuinely intimidated her, Yan Huai smiled wryly. "I thought you were cleverer than this. Can't you discern my meaning? If I were truly displeased, why would I summon you to the Imperial Study? I'm merely curious—how does a young woman like you dare to perform corpse examinations?"

Qin Guan seemed to relax slightly, lowering her gaze again. "Because I'm not afraid of the dead."

Yan Huai raised an eyebrow. "Not afraid of the dead? Nor of ghosts and demons?"

Qin Guan continued, "My grandmother in Jinzhou was devoted to Buddhism during her lifetime. She taught me that after death, people inevitably enter the cycle of reincarnation. Those ghosts and demons are mostly souls burdened with karma. If we live without committing evil deeds, we won't be troubled by evil spirits. What ordinary people fear as ghosts are merely the ghosts within their own hearts. For me, it's like 'The Bodhi is not a tree, nor the clear mirror a stand.' Having received Buddhist teachings and contemplated these matters, I've overcome such fears."

Yan Huai was somewhat surprised by Qin Guan's explanation. Noting her exceptional composure and serene demeanor, and how her preference for plain clothing reflected an elegant Zen-like quality, he found himself inclined to believe her. He then asked, "How did you come to practice this Path?"

Qin Guan repeated her earlier account. Yan Huai listened with mild astonishment. "There exists such methods of healing?"

Qin Guan nodded. "When I traveled to Yuanzhou, I encountered a direct disciple of Medicine King Valley. There, I saw ancient texts that described how illnesses in the brain could be treated by opening the skull, and heart conditions by opening the chest. With proper methods, one could survive such procedures. These texts recorded how ancient sages initially experimented on corpses."

Already impressed by Qin Guan's medical skills, Yan Huai didn't doubt her despite the extraordinary claims. "I see." He then inquired, "Did you also assist with the recent cases in the capital?"

Uncertain how to respond but aware that nothing could be hidden in the capital, Qin Guan admitted, "Yes. When my elder brother learned of my ability to examine corpses through medical techniques, he asked for my assistance."Yan Huai was quite pleased. "Your ability truly astonishes me. Throughout the history of Great Zhou, there has never been a woman practicing the path of a coroner—you are the first. It's a pity that women in Great Zhou cannot serve in official offices, and your identity makes it inconvenient for you to act. Otherwise, you would be a remarkable talent I've discovered."

Qin Guan lowered her head. "Your Majesty flatters me. If there is any task for this common girl, I will do my utmost."

Yan Huai waved his hand with a smile. "If I were to assign you to conduct a corpse examination, what the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage wishes to conceal would no longer remain hidden. Are you truly willing for everyone to know you possess forensic techniques? When rumors arise, will you be able to withstand them?"

Yan Huai, after all, understood the realities of the outside world. Upon hearing this, Qin Guan pressed her lips together and did not respond.

Yan Huai then said, "It is enough that I know of your ability. Additionally, it is good that Yan Chi knows as well. I believe it will be Yan Chi, not I, who will have tasks for you and seek your assistance—"

Qin Guan lifted her head, first looking at Yan Huai, then at Yan Chi, somewhat puzzled.

Yan Huai turned to Yan Chi and began discussing official matters. "Yan Chi, since the Rong enemy suffered a major defeat in the latter half of last year, they have not caused trouble for a long time. I expect they will remain subdued for the next year or two. With your father in charge of the military, it is sufficient. How about I assign you a new duty here in the capital?"

Yan Chi replied casually, "Upon returning to the capital this time, I too find its prosperity and splendor quite comfortable. Even if Your Majesty did not permit me to stay, I would have requested to remain. Please assign me as you see fit."

Yan Huai laughed. "After so many years of war, it is good that you wish to return. The Empress Dowager's health is poor, and you younger generations do not know how many days you can accompany her. Stay in the capital." He paused briefly before continuing, "On your southern expedition, I assigned you the role of Inspector of the Judicial Commission, and you performed exceptionally well. Particularly, you solved the Gold Heist Case—I imagine your father would be very pleased. Therefore, for this new assignment, I intend for you to serve in the Ministry of Justice. What do you think?"

Yan Chi cupped his hands. "Yan Chi will follow Your Majesty's arrangement."

Yan Huai nodded, picking up a memorial from his desk. Yuan Qing, seeing this, hurried forward to take it and then walked over to hand it to Yan Chi. Yan Chi accepted the memorial, opened it, and after reading, bowed again. "Your Majesty, rest assured, Yan Chi will not disappoint you."

Yan Huai declared clearly, "The Minister of Justice is advanced in years and has expressed his wish to retire within a year or two. However, no suitable replacement can be found within the ministry at present. For now, you will assume the position of Left Vice Minister. This way, my Ministry of Justice will have someone capable."

"Yan Chi understands. I will assume my post at the Ministry of Justice tomorrow."

Having concluded the official matters, Yan Huai looked at Qin Guan again. "Young lady, do you understand my meaning now? From now on, it will be he who seeks you out."

Although Yan Huai had not publicized Qin Guan's contributions, he seemed to tacitly permit her to assist the authorities. Qin Guan quickly nodded in agreement, showing great respect. With all he needed to say done, and needing to attend to state affairs, Yan Huai dismissed Qin Guan and Yan Chi.

After leaving the Imperial Study, the two did not speak until they were on the Palace Road leading back to the Longevity and Health Palace.

"Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice... Is this what you desired?"

Yan Chi handed the memorial to Bai Feng to hold and smiled faintly. "In the imperial court, one rarely gets what one wishes."

Qin Guan, knowing that Yan Chi could not truly prefer a life of comfort and luxury, said, "Indeed, you are someone who belongs on the battlefield."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"Qin Guan turned her head and cast a cool glance at Yan Chi. "I never said that."

Yan Chi hummed questioningly, "Then who did?"

Qin Guan snorted lightly, unwilling to reveal the answer. Lifting the hem of her skirt slightly, she strode ahead first. She walked extremely fast, yet the Palace Road was intricate and complex. In her haste, she took a wrong path. When she came to her senses, she heard Yan Chi's elegant, deep chuckle behind her. "Why have you stopped?"

Qin Guan secretly scoffed in her heart. Glancing at the clouds in the sky, she quickly determined her direction. The Palace Road extended in all directions—she had merely taken a longer route this time, but she still knew the location of the Longevity and Health Palace. Finding her way back wouldn’t be difficult.

Seeing Qin Guan orient herself so swiftly, Yan Chi couldn’t help but chuckle. "Heading north from here leads to the back garden. Go along the edge of the back garden, then continue straight west."

"I know—" Qin Guan lifted her chin proudly.

Yan Chi watched her retreating figure with a mix of amusement and surprise. At this moment, Qin Guan seemed to have a hint of a temper, quite unlike her usual self. "You still haven’t said—if those words weren’t spoken by you, then who did say them?"

Those words were, of course, spoken by Peng Huajing. Qin Guan particularly remembered the admiration in her tone when she said them.

Yet Qin Guan couldn’t bring herself to say it now. She turned her gaze to Yan Chi. "Your Highness, are you acquainted with any noble ladies in the capital?"

Hearing this, the smile in Yan Chi’s eyes deepened infinitely. Out of the blue, why would Qin Guan ask such a question? It must be connected to the earlier remark. Though he had his suspicions, he didn’t press further, instead firmly denying it. "I joined the military at ten and have spent less than two months in total in the capital over all these years. How could I possibly be familiar with any noble ladies here?"

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow but knew Yan Chi was telling the truth.

Yan Chi continued, "That said, I am familiar with one person."

Qin Guan quickly looked at him, and Yan Chi smiled as he said, "Unfortunately, this person isn’t willing to speak more than a word to me in public."

Qin Guan’s earlobes warmed as she realized he was referring to her. She turned her head away, unwilling to pursue the matter further.

Yan Chi’s smile lingered. As they spoke, the two had reached the edge of the Imperial Garden. Qin Guan was just thinking of changing the subject to steer away from the earlier conversation when she looked up and saw a small figure standing by a carved floral wall.

"Ninth Prince—" Qin Guan murmured in surprise. Yan Chi also turned to look.

They had just seen the Ninth Prince a short while ago and naturally recognized him immediately. The small figure of the Ninth Prince was huddled against the wall, motionless as if he had seen something startling, and there wasn’t a single servant nearby.

Exchanging a glance, Qin Guan and Yan Chi hurried toward the Ninth Prince. Their footsteps were neither too heavy nor too light, but the Ninth Prince seemed unaware of their approach. As Qin Guan leaned in to speak to him, he suddenly noticed them, his small face paling as he nearly cried out. In an instant, Yan Chi covered the boy’s mouth.

Frowning at Yan Chi’s action, Qin Guan was about to question him when Yan Chi tilted his chin toward the direction the Ninth Prince had been staring. Following his gaze, Qin Guan froze. The next moment, Yan Chi scooped the Ninth Prince into his arms and pulled Qin Guan behind the floral wall to hide.

Yan Sui trembled in Yan Chi’s embrace, his eyes brimming with tears. Yan Chi held him, patting his back somewhat awkwardly. "Don’t be afraid. They won’t discover us—"

The "they" Yan Chi referred to were in a pavilion separated from them by a flowerbed on the other side of the wall.

Inside that pavilion sat a beautiful woman in an exquisite blue palace gown. Though her back was turned to Qin Guan and the others, Qin Guan recognized her at once—it was none other than Consort Su, whom they had just seen that morning!Consort Su sat with her back to them, flanked by four servant-maids. Not far ahead on the snow-covered ground knelt a palace maid in blue robes, pinned down by four eunuchs. Two of them were fastening bamboo finger-presses onto the blue-clad maid, whose mouth was stuffed with white cotton. Despite this, even from such a distance, Qin Guan could faintly hear the maid’s agonized screams and see the harrowing pain etched on her face.

It was unclear how many rounds of torture she had already endured. Beads of sweat and tears streamed down her face, her fingers were stained with blood, and her body curled in agony. Yet the eunuchs held her firmly, preventing her from collapsing.

"Xiu’er, you know full well how Her Ladyship has treated you! And you—how dare you repay kindness with betrayal!"

A servant-maid scolded sharply, then glanced at Feng Lingsu for approval. At Feng Lingsu’s nod, the maid ordered, "Let’s hear what she has to say."

One eunuch promptly yanked the cotton gag from Xiu’er’s mouth. Gasping for air, Xiu’er wept and begged, "Your Ladyship, please spare this lowly one! I lost my senses for a moment—I beg Your Ladyship’s mercy! Don’t ruin my hands! My entire embroidery skill depends on them…"

"Your Ladyship, I’ll never dare again, never…"

The servant’s wails were heart-wrenching, yet Qin Guan and Yan Chi had no idea what she was crying about or what offense she had committed.

Just then, the servant-maid spoke again, "Lost your senses? How dare you wear Her Ladyship’s dress to deliver the soup she prepared for the Emperor? Such audacity, you wretched slave! Clearly, you intended to seduce His Majesty in Her Ladyship’s gown!"

With that, the maid commanded, "Continue—"

"Ah—! Your Ladyship, I truly won’t dare again! That dress was plain and ordinary—one you discarded, saying we servants could take it. I only wore it last night for the New Year’s celebration… I meant no harm… Ah—!"

Freed from the gag, the servant’s screams grew even more piercing, so shrill that Yan Sui buried her face in Yan Chi’s shoulder. Qin Guan frowned deeply. If this continued, the servant’s hands would surely be crippled. Yet this was the palace, and the one administering the punishment was Feng Lingsu. Qin Guan had no right to intervene. Moreover, it was Feng Lingsu’s prerogative to discipline her own palace servants for breaking rules.

Though she couldn’t see Feng Lingsu’s expression, Qin Guan could tell from her posture that she was completely at ease. For her, such punishments were routine, commonplace occurrences.

"Your Ladyship… Your Ladyship, I beg for your mercy… I truly didn’t mean it…"

"Didn’t mean it?" Feng Lingsu finally spoke, her voice still delicate but now edged with a chilling sharpness, carrying the authority of one perched high above. This was no longer the gentle, fragile "understanding flower" she often portrayed.

"A servant from my own palace, daring to use my goodwill to seduce the Emperor! Had His Majesty not been engrossed in state affairs last night, you vile wretch might have climbed into the imperial bed! How dare you overreach your station!"

With that, Feng Lingsu lifted her chin, signaling the eunuchs to resume.Two eunuchs exerted force simultaneously, causing Xiu'er to writhe in agony on the ground. Two other eunuchs pressed her down firmly while the executioner continued without pause. Perhaps driven mad by pain or realizing her hands were ruined, Xiu'er's desperate pleas suddenly twisted into furious curses!

"Feng Lingsu! You venomous woman! You poisonous snake!"

"You covet the Emperor's exclusive favor—it was you who murdered Consort Jin!"

"Kill me then! Kill me! I'll haunt you from beyond the grave..."

Feng Lingsu trembled with rage at the sudden outburst. Pointing a shaking finger at Xiu'er, she shrieked, "Rip her mouth apart! Tear it to shreds! Beat her to death! Execute her with the rod!"

"Your Highness, don't distress yourself. Let the servants handle this wretched maid. Please calm yourself!"

As attendants tried to soothe her, Feng Lingsu abruptly stood and stormed away with her entourage. The eunuchs paused briefly to bow, exchanging glances after her departure before dragging Xiu'er eastward.

Qin Guan clenched her delicate fists. "Where are they taking her?"

"Most likely to the Imperial Punishment Office," Yan Chi replied steadily, one hand gently stroking Yan Sui's back.

At the mention of the Imperial Punishment Office, Qin Guan's eyes darkened. This was the palace's disciplinary ground for maidservants—a place where state laws held no sway, replaced by the palace's own dreaded regulations that made every courtier pale at its name.

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. They're gone now."

Yan Chi's soothing pats gradually calmed Yan Sui's trembling form. Though initially wary of the unfamiliar Yan Chi, the child now clung to him for support. Lifting his head from Yan Chi's shoulder, Yan Sui glanced toward the distant pavilion and blinked, tears immediately rolling down his cheeks.

Qin Guan's heart ached at the sight. She hurriedly produced a handkerchief to wipe his tears. "It's over now, Your Highness. Why are you here alone? Where are your attendants?"

Despite her gentle questioning, Yan Sui's tears continued to fall. His gaze remained fixed on the pavilion, eyes filled with both fear and hatred. Suddenly remembering Xiu'er's accusation about Consort Jin's murder, Qin Guan felt a jolt. Looking down at Yan Sui, she asked softly, "Your Highness, what's wrong?"

"She... she killed my mother..."

After a long silence, Yan Sui finally spoke through sobs. His words made both Yan Chi and Qin Guan frown.

Everyone knew Consort Jin was killed by Prince Jin—how was Consort Su involved?

Though Qin Guan sought answers about the case, Yan Sui was merely a four-year-old child. Could his words be trusted? Yet as the deceased Consort Jin's closest kin, his testimony held unique weight.

"Your Highness, why do you say that—"

Qin Guan's instinctive question made Yan Sui look toward the pavilion again. "That's what they all say."

Exchanging glances with Yan Chi, they realized rumors about Consort Su's involvement had long circulated in the palace. This revelation raised new questions: how was Prince Jin connected to the case? His guilt was already established—why would palace dwellers dare spread contradictory rumors?Qin Guan took a deep breath. It was vexing that she didn’t know the circumstances of the incident that day, nor could she access any related records. Thinking this, she couldn’t help but glance at Yan Sui. Yan Sui was Consort Jin’s son. After the incident, he had moved to the Longevity and Health Palace. That meant before the incident, he must have been with Consort Jin. So where was he when it happened? Did he see anything?

Although Yan Sui’s response seemed to echo rumors he had heard, if he had witnessed or overheard something else that day, it might bring the truth of the case to light.

With this thought, Qin Guan’s lips twitched as she considered probing further.

But just then, Yan Chi spoke up, “Such words must not be spoken carelessly.”

Qin Guan snapped back to reality. Yan Chi looked sternly at Yan Sui and said, “You can say this to us, but remember, if others are present, you must never speak of it to anyone else. Do you understand?”

Yan Sui was frightened by Yan Chi’s serious expression. Tears welled in his eyes as he sobbed, but he remained silent for a long while. Finally, he asked, “Not even to Brother Li?”

Seeing Yan Sui’s terrified expression, Yan Chi softened his tone slightly, “You can tell him, but no one else.”

Yan Sui nodded, lowered his gaze, and wept silently, looking utterly pitiful.

Seeing this, Qin Guan could no longer bring herself to ask anything. Besides, Yan Chi was right—Yan Sui’s words must not be carelessly repeated within the palace. Not only had the case long been officially concluded by the emperor, but Feng LingSu’s influence was also something a young child like Yan Sui could not defy. Without his mother, he was now under the protection of the Longevity and Health Palace. But with the Empress Dowager in poor health, how long could she shield him?

Witnessing Yan Sui’s wretched state, Qin Guan felt deeply sympathetic. Though born into nobility as a prince, Yan Sui’s circumstances destined him for a difficult future. Her abrupt questioning would not only stir painful memories of his deceased mother but also risk exposing her own intentions. Yan Sui, being too young to understand her motives, might reveal everything if pressed. How could she explain that?

For both emotional and practical reasons, rashly investigating the matter within the palace was unwise. Qin Guan sighed and swallowed the words lingering on the tip of her tongue.

She wiped Yan Sui’s tears again. Noticing how the cold wind outside had reddened his cheeks, Yan Chi picked him up to head back to the Longevity and Health Palace.

Just as they took a few steps, Yan Sui suddenly mumbled between sobs, “When Mother Consort… when she died, her hand looked just like that person’s.”

Hearing this, Qin Guan and Yan Chi both frowned simultaneously.