Coroner's Diary

Qin Guan and Yan Chi exchanged a glance, both frowning simultaneously.

Xiu'er's hands had become mangled only after being tortured, so how could Consort Jin's hands end up in such a state? Could it be Prince Jin?

As this thought emerged, Yan Chi frowned and asked, "You saw it?"

Yan Sui continued to sob, his voice childish and tearful, "I... I saw it..."

Qin Guan finally couldn't hold back, "Your Highness, where were you when the incident happened that day?"

Perhaps because Qin Guan had just wiped his tears, Yan Sui glanced at her and didn't seem afraid. "That night... that night I went to the palace banquet with Momma, but... but Mother never arrived, and then..."

As he spoke, Yan Sui's expression changed, and he buried his head in Yan Chi's shoulder, crying sorrowfully without saying another word.

Seeing this, Qin Guan sighed. "Your Highness, don't be afraid. It's all over now, all over..."

Just as she spoke, an elderly mammy holding a hand warmer hurried over from a distance. She seemed to be searching for someone, and as soon as she spotted Yan Sui in Yan Chi's arms, she immediately approached.

"Greetings, Crown Prince. The Ninth Prince suddenly disappeared, and this servant has been searching everywhere for him."

Seeing the mammy arrive, Yan Sui turned and reached out for her to hold him. Yan Chi then handed Yan Sui over.

"On such a cold day, why was he outside alone?"

The mammy gently stroked Yan Sui's back with concern and said self-reproachfully, "His Highness said he wanted to come out to see the snow. This servant accompanied him, but once we left the Longevity and Health Palace, I realized it was too cold outside, so I asked His Highness to wait while I went to fetch the hand warmer. But when I came back out, I found His Highness gone. I followed the path toward the Imperial Garden and finally found him..."

Yan Sui clung to the mammy's shoulder, clearly trusting her deeply. Yan Chi gazed intently and said, "Take him back quickly. It's so cold outside, and he's been crying. Don't let him catch a chill."

The mammy hastily bowed in acknowledgment, then carried Yan Sui and hurried back toward the Longevity and Health Palace.

Yan Chi and Qin Guan walked at a leisurely pace, watching as Yan Sui's small head remained buried in the mammy's shoulder, never lifting.

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes and said coolly, "The Ninth Prince lost his mother at such a young age. It's truly pitiable." She couldn't help adding, "Don't you find it strange? What His Highness just said suggests that Consort Jin had injuries on her hands when she died."

After a pause, Qin Guan continued, "Also, why do people in the palace say that Consort Su was the one who killed Consort Jin?"

Hearing this, Yan Chi slowed his steps even further. "It is indeed somewhat strange. When I first returned to the capital, the matter had just concluded. Initially, I only inquired about the circumstances of the incident. Later, I was urgently dispatched to the south and left people behind to investigate the details. About a month later, I received word that almost nothing I wanted to uncover had been found. I've discussed this case with you several times before, but at the time, I knew very little."

Qin Guan halted her steps. "Nothing was found?"

Yan Chi replied, "Nothing after Prince Jin was imprisoned. However, I heard some details about the day of the incident shortly after returning to the capital. I also specifically had people investigate, and after I returned, I even asked Mammy Chen again, so I do know a bit more now.""That day, the Empress hosted a palace banquet for noblewomen. Besides the imperial consorts, there were also ladies and young misses from several ducal and marquis households. On the same evening, the Emperor held a banquet in the outer court, attended by various princes, imperial sons, and several close ministers. The outer court banquet ended early, but just as the inner palace banquet was about to begin, Consort Shu was nowhere to be found."

"The Ninth Prince, being young, was brought to the inner palace banquet. When his mother failed to appear for a long time, he insisted on going back to find her. The Empress, concerned, sent several palace attendants to accompany the Ninth Prince to Consort Jin's Eternal Peace Palace. Upon returning to Eternal Peace Palace, they were informed that Consort Jin had gone to the Hall of Contained Light and had not returned for a long time. The servants then went with the Ninth Prince to the Hall of Contained Light. Just as they reached the outside of the hall, they saw Consort Jin lying in a pool of blood, with Prince Jin standing beside her corpse, holding the dagger that had stabbed her to death."

Qin Guan came to a complete halt. This was the first time she had heard the complete account of the incident from Yan Chi. She had previously known that Prince Jin was caught red-handed, but she never imagined it was under such circumstances.

"Prince Jin was standing beside Consort Jin's corpse holding the dagger?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Exactly. At that time, the palace maids were in chaos, and the Ninth Prince burst into tears, which alerted the imperial guards. Then, the Empress, upon receiving the news, dismissed the banquet and rushed to Eternal Peace Palace with her attendants. Shortly after, the Emperor also arrived. By the time everyone gathered, Consort Jin was already cold. Prince Jin had been drinking that night and, when questioned, claimed that he had unintentionally wandered into the hall in a drunken stupor, saw Consort Jin stabbed, and picked up the dagger in an attempt to save her when he was discovered."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "Weren't there any attendants in Eternal Peace Palace? What about Consort Jin's personal maids? What did they know?"

Yan Chi immediately replied, "That's the strangest part. At the time, Consort Jin's attendants and maids were all left by her in the main hall... The Hall of Contained Light is the westernmost side hall in Eternal Peace Palace, not Consort Jin's bedchamber. It usually stores her treasured jewelry, paintings, and calligraphy. That night, Consort Jin went alone to the Hall of Contained Light and forbade anyone from following her. Because of this, no one knows what truly happened that night. Although Eternal Peace Palace has a main gate, it leads directly to the main hall. The other side halls, however, are accessible from various paths. No one knows how Prince Jin ended up in front of the Hall of Contained Light, but him holding the murder weapon was witnessed by many."

Yan Chi's voice deepened. "Prince Jin was imprisoned in the Celestial Prison that night and later died there."

Qin Guan frowned deeply. "Based on what you've said, how did Consort Jin injure her finger? Could it have been cut by the dagger during a struggle?" She instinctively thought of this, but without having seen it herself, she didn't know the nature of the wound. And now, there was no question of conducting a Corpse Examination or visiting the crime scene.

Yan Chi, not being an eyewitness either, shook his head. "That naturally cannot be confirmed. Because the case occurred in the Inner Palace, the entire matter cannot be judged by ordinary reasoning. The case was later handed over to Shen Yi, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Since it involved imperial affairs, a favored consort, and a prince, the Emperor ordered a swift investigation and resolution."Qin Guan understood clearly in her heart. On the day Prince Jin had been drinking, he was later discovered to have killed Consort Jin. Numerous rumors had since spread throughout the palace—some claimed Consort Jin and Prince Jin had been involved in an illicit affair, others said Prince Jin had gone mad from drinking, and still others insisted Prince Jin had attempted to force himself upon Consort Jin and killed her in a fit of rage when she refused. In any case, with Consort Jin dead, all suspicions naturally fell upon Prince Jin. At the time, when her father took on the case, he had been deeply troubled, mentioning how difficult it was to handle a scandal involving the imperial family. The Emperor, fearing the matter would cause unrest, had continuously pressed for answers, until her father’s expression grew increasingly grim.

"Consort Jin entered the palace seven years ago, the youngest among all the consorts. Because her appearance and temperament pleased the Emperor, she was elevated to consort after two years. Later, she gave birth to the Ninth Prince, which made her even more favored. Before Consort Jin, the most favored had been Consort Su. Although Consort Jin’s arrival did not cause Consort Su to fall out of favor, it did diminish the Emperor’s exclusive affection for her. As a result, Consort Su and Consort Jin had been somewhat at odds from the start. After the case was settled, some brought up the fact that Prince Jin never visited the rear palace, suggesting that both Consort Jin and Prince Jin might have been framed…"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. "Regardless, with Consort Jin dead, the one who benefited was naturally Consort Su. So, rumors spread that Consort Su was responsible for Consort Jin’s death?"

Yan Chi nodded. Qin Guan then smiled bitterly. "But Prince Jin committed suicide out of guilt."

Yan Chi’s gaze darkened. "I’ve always felt Prince Jin wouldn’t take his own life out of guilt."

"I remember you said Prince Jin was indifferent by nature and had no interest in the throne."

Yan Chi nodded. "Indeed. Though he wasn’t the eldest legitimate son, he was diligent and conscientious in every task assigned by the Emperor. Because of this, he earned a reputation for virtue and integrity in the court. Even without support from maternal relatives, there were still voices advocating for him to be made Crown Prince, though he paid them no mind. Another thing—his character was honest and upright, sometimes to the point of stubbornness. That’s why I don’t believe he would kill himself out of guilt. With his temperament, if he had truly done it, he would have confessed honestly and submitted to the judgment of the Court of Judicial Review."

Qin Guan took a shallow breath and fell silent for a moment.

She didn’t know Consort Jin or Prince Jin well. Apart from being certain her father would not engage in favoritism or corruption, everything else remained vague to her. Qin Guan clearly understood that relying on such vague impressions to investigate the case was futile.

"What’s wrong? Thinking about Shen Yi’s case again?"

Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts and saw Yan Chi looking at her with concern. She forced a slight smile. "Not yet. Consort Jin’s case is the root of it all. Before, being far from the capital, I mostly lamented Lord Shen’s fate and questioned whether he had truly engaged in favoritism. But now that I’m in the palace, especially after hearing what the Ninth Prince said earlier, I feel Consort Jin’s case is also full of doubts. Why did Consort Jin dismiss all her attendants when she went to the Hall of Contained Light that night? Could it be she had an appointment with Prince Jin?"

"There are such rumors in the palace as well," Yan Chi affirmed.

Qin Guan exhaled slowly. "So, these are all points of suspicion. But because the case involves a consort and a prince, whatever couldn’t be revealed to the public was suppressed. My doubts are nothing but futile speculation."In Yan Chi's view, Qin Guan had always possessed an inquisitive mind toward all things. With such obvious doubts now laid bare before them—enough to strike even him as peculiar—it went without saying that Qin Guan would be even more intrigued. Yan Chi understood this well. "This matter has become taboo within the palace. Though we cannot investigate openly, if I uncover any leads, I will inform you. I may not know Consort Jin, but Prince Jin has been like an elder brother to me since childhood. If there is any way to investigate this, I will surely get to the bottom of it."

Qin Guan felt somewhat reassured, yet a faint unease lingered within her. The case was shrouded in mystery and ambiguity. If Yan Chi pursued it with such curiosity and was discovered by the Emperor, wouldn't that bring disaster upon him?

"Investigate if you must, but do not let the Emperor know."

Seeing Qin Guan's concern, Yan Chi chuckled. "Now it's you reminding me? Rest assured, I understand."

Qin Guan nodded, forcing herself to calm down.

Her father's case was more complex than any she had encountered before—a tangled web of interconnected mysteries. The crux of why her father had been wrongfully accused remained unclear. Was Prince Jin truly innocent, or had someone else shifted the blame onto her father to exonerate the prince? Qin Guan felt as though she were lost in a thick fog, with the truth still distant and elusive.

"The wind is picking up outside. Let's head back quickly."

Yan Chi spoke again, and Qin Guan nodded, turning toward the Longevity and Health Palace. As they walked, she glanced at him briefly. With anyone else, she might have asked for help in probing the old case, but with Yan Chi, she preferred to steady her mind and plan step by step. The fate of that Xiu'er girl would surely be grim, and once again, Qin Guan witnessed the cruel side of these palace walls.

"I wonder if the Ninth Prince will speak of it."

After a few more steps, Qin Guan suddenly voiced her thoughts. Yan Chi let out a soft sigh. "He likely won't. Children raised in the palace learn to be more cautious than others from a young age. It's been months since the incident, and he seems to be doing well in the Longevity and Health Palace."

Qin Guan nodded. "That's good—"

Yan Chi then turned to look at her. "Were you frightened?"

Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not the Ninth Prince."

Yan Chi's tone softened. "You are pure and sincere by nature. I doubt you ever imagined the palace could be like this. Besides, in my eyes, how are you any different from a child? If possible, I would never want you to witness such things."

Qin Guan's smile deepened. Yan Chi spoke as if he truly saw her as a child, making her cheeks warm slightly.

"Don't worry. It's not that I hadn't considered it—I just hadn't seen it before." She narrowed her eyes. "Do you know why I enjoy reading those crime and prison-themed storybooks?"

Yan Chi looked at her. "Why?"

Qin Guan curved her lips. "Because beneath their bizarre, fantastical, or terrifying exteriors, these stories ultimately explore human nature and the human heart. Every character has their own story, and reading them always stirs deep reflections. Though I may have seen little of the world within the palace, I am not unaware. The more opulent and prestigious the place, the more it conceals filth and treachery. Every step is fraught with peril. Some are driven by greed, others by fear. Some claw their way upward, while others are trampled underfoot. Some seek power, others seek sincerity. Everyone has a different fate." She looked at Yan Chi. "Including you and me."Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan, "With such words, you almost make me believe you were truly reading Buddhist scriptures."

Qin Guan smiled, "Wasn't I?"

"You just said you were influenced by that grandmother in Jinzhou, that you only learned about these through listening to her chant Buddhist sutras. But I know that grandmother never treated you well before. Even her two biological granddaughters show no inclination toward Buddhism, let alone you."

Qin Guan's smile deepened, "No wonder the Emperor appointed you as Vice Minister of Justice."

As they conversed, they proceeded toward the Longevity and Health Palace, which soon came into view.

Entering the palace gates and heading straight to the inner hall, they found the Empress Dowager had already taken her medicine and fallen asleep again. Yan Li was still keeping the Empress Dowager company, while Ninth Miss sat obediently beside Yan Li, completely different from the frightened, crying child she had been earlier.

"The hour grows late. I've already given instructions regarding Her Majesty's medicine and diet. I should leave the palace and return home now. I'll come back at this time tomorrow to check the Empress Dowager's pulse."

Qin Guan had no intention of staying longer in the palace. Having completed her tasks, she took her leave.

Seeing this, Yan Li stood up and said, "Ninth Miss is leaving? Then Seventh Brother and I should go too. We can escort Ninth Miss on her way." He then looked at Yan Chi, "What did the Emperor assign you?"

Yan Chi handed the memorial given by the Emperor to Yan Li. Upon opening it, Yan Li's eyes immediately brightened, "He's having you stay in the Ministry of Justice! So you don't have to return to the Northwest Frontier!" With a sweeping gesture, he continued, "Excellent! Seventh Brother, come, today I'll show you a few Dens of Gold Consumption in the capital. Since you're staying in the capital, you'll likely frequent such places!"

Hearing this, Qin Guan fixed her clear, bright eyes on Yan Chi. Yan Chi frowned, "You're utterly without proper decorum. Tomorrow when I have an audience with the Emperor, I'll have him assign you some official duties to keep you occupied."

With Yan Chi speaking sternly, Yan Li chuckled nervously and dared not be presumptuous, "Let's forget that then. Prince Gong's residence lacks neither food nor drink—why should I bother with official duties?" He then bid farewell to Mammy Chen.

Seeing the Empress Dowager was resting, Mammy Chen didn't detain them further. Since Qin Guan was accompanying Yan Chi's group, she felt quite at ease about her departure.

Thus, Qin Guan left the Longevity and Health Palace with Yan Chi and Yan Li.

......

"Crown Prince, news has arrived. The Emperor has appointed His Highness Yan Chi to the Ministry of Justice as the Left Vice Minister."

He Yin, the Eastern Palace's chief strategist, entered with large strides, his tone slightly grave. Yan Che looked up from his desk, then narrowed his phoenix eyes after a moment, "So, Father Emperor doesn't intend for him to return to the Northwest Frontier."

He Yin nodded, "Precisely. The Minister of Justice has long wished to retire. I suspect the Emperor wants His Highness Yan Chi to remain in the Ministry of Justice. As for the Northwest Frontier, no major changes are expected in the next year or two, so there's no need for His Highness to return."

Yan Che nodded upon hearing this, then added, "But the Northwest Frontier Army has been under Imperial Uncle Prince Rui's control for some time. What do you think—does Father Emperor simply want Yan Chi to stay in the capital, or is his aim regarding the Northwest Frontier Army?"

He Yin pondered briefly, "I dare not speculate on the Emperor's intentions. The Northwest Frontier Army will inevitably change hands eventually, but that shouldn't be Your Highness's primary concern at present. Prince Cheng is more anxious about this than we are. For now, the person we need to win over is His Highness Yan Chi."Yan Che lifted his chin slightly. "Yan Chi has stayed away from court affairs for many years. Previously, Qin Yan attempted to approach him, but Yan Chi neither refused nor committed, maintaining a rather ambiguous stance."

He Yin quickly shook his head. "At that time, it was still uncertain whether His Highness Yan Chi could return to Shuoxi. Now that the outcome is clear, the situation is naturally different. Why doesn't Your Highness begin employing strategies to win him over now?"

He Yin continued, "Moreover, I am aware that His Highness Yan Chi has some connection with the Loyal Marquis Manor, particularly with that Ninth Miss. Due to the Grand Princess's influence, she was escorted by Yan Chi when she entered the capital."

"Ninth Miss of the Qin Manor?" Mention of Qin Guan made Yan Che narrow his eyes again.

He Yin nodded. "Your Highness, after the first month passes, the matter of selecting your consort will be put on the agenda. By then, young ladies from several ducal and marquis households in the capital, as well as from several general's manors, will be candidates. However, since we already have the Supportive General and Little General Zhao, the Loyal Marquis Manor remains your better choice. Given that we are destined to grow closer to the Qin Manor, why not make use of the relationship between this Ninth Miss and Yan Chi?"

Yan Che frowned. "This Ninth Miss of the Qin Manor is no ordinary person. She managed to be adopted as a granddaughter by our aunt and won Father Emperor's favor with her medical skills. She has only been back in the capital for ten days, yet her name is already known throughout the city... Last night, saving the Empress Dowager seemed like a necessity, but in the end, she was the one who benefited. When I think of this, I have considerable reservations."

He Yin raised an eyebrow. "But I saw that Ninth Miss from a distance last night. She appeared gentle and serene, not like someone with deep schemes and grand ambitions."

Yan Che sneered at this. "Does a gentle appearance necessarily mean one is rule-abiding and pure-hearted? Isn't there a perfect example right here in the palace?"

He Yin hurriedly said, "Then... even if that Ninth Miss has grand ambitions, shouldn't they be directed at Your Highness?"

Yan Che shook his head. "She is not born of the marquis household, and she must now be aware of the household's plans for Chao Yu. If she overestimates herself and tries to surpass Chao Yu, how could she possibly succeed? Instead, it would create discord between me and the marquis household."

He Yin pressed his lips together and said, "In that case, let us not consider my suggestion for now."

Yan Che sighed and asked, "Have we found the mastermind behind the spy yet?"

He Yin shook his head. "Not yet. Whoever dared to do this naturally used unfamiliar faces. This time, it might be difficult to uncover them."

Yan Che's eyes darkened, and he fell silent for a moment. Seeing this, He Yin did not dare to speak further and said, "It's already past noon, and Your Highness hasn't eaten. Shall I have some food prepared for you? You can eat before continuing with the memorials?"

Yan Che nodded casually. He Yin bowed and withdrew.

Yan Che's eyes, hidden in the dim light, pondered for a moment before he picked up his brush and began reviewing the memorials beside him. Not long after, light footsteps accompanied by a faint fragrance approached Yan Che, followed by a coquettish voice.

"Your Highness, it's time for your meal."Yan Che nodded, then moved to the couch by the window. As soon as he sat down, he saw the elegant-looking Maid in Blue approach with a food box. With swift movements, she laid out the dishes and wine, filled a cup, and presented it to Yan Che. Frowning, he remarked, "In broad daylight, why has wine been prepared?"

The maid hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, please do not be angry. This is to warm you. If it displeases you, I will remove it at once."

Yan Che glanced at her, noticing her head bowed low, revealing a slender neck. Her collar was loose, and as she bent forward, a glimpse of pale, smooth skin showed at her chest. His brow furrowed again. "Never mind. Leave the cup and withdraw."

Yet instead of retreating, the Maid in Blue drew closer. The subtle fragrance about her grew stronger as she offered the cup near Yan Che once more. "I am here to attend to Your Highness during the meal. Please, Your Highness—"

Yan Che was already somewhat displeased and was about to raise his hand to take the wine cup when the maid suddenly loosened her grip, spilling the wine all over his lapel. Before he could react, the maid let out a soft gasp and reached out to wipe his chest with both hands. Yan Che's eyebrows shot up as he stood and shoved the maid to the ground. "How dare you! Who selected you to serve here?!"

He then raised his voice toward the entrance, "Guards—"

"Your Highness, please spare me! This servant only wished to assist Your Highness with the meal."

The Maid in Blue scrambled to her knees, pleading for mercy. Outside, He Yin and Tang Fu, the Chief Steward of the Eastern Palace, entered together. Taking in the scene—the maid on the floor and the fallen cup—they immediately understood what had happened. Tang Fu waved toward the doorway, and two young eunuchs quickly entered to drag the maid away.

"Your Highness, please forgive this offense!"

Yan Che's eyes darkened with rage. "In broad daylight, you allow such people to be brought before me? How do you manage your duties?!"

Tang Fu hurriedly dropped to his knees. "Her Majesty the Empress recently sent over several palace maids. This servant..."

Yan Che waved him off. "Even if they were sent by Her Majesty the Empress, they should know my rules. Besides, whether this bold creature truly came from Her Majesty remains to be seen. Investigate this for me at once!"

Tang Fu nodded repeatedly. "Yes, this servant will immediately look into her background."

Yan Che shot a cold glare at Tang Fu, then glanced at the wine stain on his lapel, feeling utterly disgusted. He brushed off his robes and snapped, "Get out. Out, out, out—all of you, get out!"

Tang Fu scrambled away to deal with the maid, while He Yin offered an apologetic smile. "Your Highness, please calm your anger. Shall I have someone bring a fresh meal?"

Yan Che snorted coldly. "I've lost my appetite. How could I possibly eat now?!"

He glanced at the sky outside, noting it was still early, then looked back at the messy table. Irritated and unwilling to stay, he made to leave but suddenly paused as if remembering something. "Give the order—I am going out of the palace."

He Yin looked surprised. "Where is Your Highness headed?"

Yan Che lifted his chin. "The Loyal Marquis Manor."