Coroner's Diary

"Your Highness, what do you mean by that?"

Though Qin Guan felt displeasure growing inside, not a trace of it showed on her face.

What puzzled her more was why—despite Yan Che's status as Crown Prince, he shouldn't be one to casually speak harsh words. Moreover, what made him think she came here with intentions to seduce or curry favor?

Thinking this, she glanced at the wine pot in her hand.

It was Hu Shi who had sent her to deliver the wine...

Qin Guan's composure only made Yan Che frown more deeply. She wasn't a maid of the Eastern Palace; after being scolded by him, she should have revealed her true colors like a fox showing its tail. Did she think she could deceive him by feigning calmness?

"This is the Marquis' study. Why are you here? Didn't you know I am here?"

Qin Guan looked at the wine pot in her hand. "This commoner only knew someone wished to see me, not that Your Highness the Crown Prince was here."

Yan Che sneered, angered by her response. This stubborn denial didn't match her gentle and elegant appearance at all! The thought made him recall Feng Lingsu's face.

The disgust in his eyes deepened. "You didn't know I was here? The Marquis has dismissed all servants inside and out. If you didn't know I was here, how did you manage to slip in exactly at this time?"

Instead of getting angry, Qin Guan smiled faintly at Yan Che's expression. By now, she had begun to understand the situation.

She had been ordered to deliver wine here, yet neither Qin Yan nor Hu Shi had told her the person waiting was the Crown Prince. Moreover, it seemed the Crown Prince hadn't expected to see her either? If so, what were Qin Yan and Hu Shi's intentions? Where was Qin Shu?

For a moment, Qin Guan couldn't figure it out. The Marquis' household intended to send Qin Chaoyu into the Eastern Palace—why would they send her instead?

Was it a test? Or were they deliberately creating conflict between her and the Crown Prince?

Though filled with questions, Qin Guan also felt this Crown Prince was vastly different from her impression of him.

Even if she had come mistakenly, why would he assume she was here to seduce or flatter him?

"Then what does Your Highness believe I came here for?"

Qin Guan's clear, cold question left Yan Che speechless, his anger stuck in his throat.

How dare she ask him?! Yan Che took a deep breath. "I've seen plenty of women like you. If this were the Eastern Palace, someone as presumptuous and greedy for wealth as you would have been sent to the Imperial Punishment Office long ago!"

Qin Guan watched quietly as Yan Che's fury mounted. After he finished, she said calmly, "Does Your Highness perhaps believe this commoner came here to attract Your Highness' attention? Or even to seduce Your Highness?"

Her direct words made Yan Che narrow his eyes. Not only had Qin Guan become famous overnight in the capital, but even after being exposed by him, she could boldly question him like this! Such nerve, such thick skin—it was truly rare in this world.

In that case, why should he spare her dignity? "Since you possess medical skills, you should content yourself with healing and saving lives. Now, attempting to rely on your looks only degrades you. Let me make it clear—even if a daughter of the Qin family were to enter the palace, it would not be you. Cease these schemes and tricks, lest people think you willingly debase yourself!"

The more Qin Guan listened, the more she found it both laughable and exasperating. Such words might suit someone truly unscrupulous, but she had merely carried a pot of wine and hadn't uttered a single flattering word. How could this Crown Prince assume she came here to willingly degrade herself?"Your Highness the Crown Prince holds a noble status, and indeed many young women in this world would wish to stand by Your Highness's side. However, Qin Guan is not among them. Though Qin Guan came bearing wine, it was by command. Even if I have offended Your Highness, how could Your Highness assume Qin Guan harbors restless ambitions? Compared to Qin Guan being scolded by Your Highness for no apparent reason, Your Highness appears rather peculiar in Qin Guan's eyes. Where does Your Highness find the confidence to believe that any woman who brings wine must have intentions toward you?"

Qin Guan's voice flowed gently, clear as a mountain spring, and as she spoke, a faint smile never left her face. Her demeanor did not resemble someone quarreling but rather someone engaging in a sincere heart-to-heart conversation.

After she finished speaking, Yan Che's face alternated between shades of green and white. "You... how audacious of you..."

Qin Guan blinked her eyes. "This common girl does not mean to disrespect Your Highness but merely finds it strange."

Hearing this, Yan Che grew even more furious. Qin Guan's scheme had been exposed, yet instead of panicking, she turned the tables. Did she think he would feel guilty because of this?!

Yan Che clenched his fist. "When one scheme fails, you devise another. Truly, you are the one who became the Little Medicine Immortal of the capital in just a few days. But do you believe such tactics will make this crown prince feel remorse and pay more attention to you?"

With that, Yan Che let out a cold laugh. "This crown prince has seen plenty of such tricks. You are so ignorant of your place, greedy for glory, and disrespectful in speech. If not for the fact that you are a lady of Qin Manor, this crown prince would surely hold you accountable. Now, this crown prince pardons your offense. However, from this day forward, you are forbidden from appearing before this crown prince. Aside from entering the palace to treat the Empress Dowager's illness, do not entertain any delusions of becoming a mistress in the palace!"

Hearing this, Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. Though angered, she felt more inclined to laugh.

What kind of environment did Yan Che live in? Did people throw themselves at him every day? Did numerous individuals perform all sorts of tricks before him to capture his attention?

If that were truly the case, then such scenes were truly...

Qin Guan imagined Yan Che coldly rejecting the flattery of palace maids and Eastern Palace concubines, sternly reprimanding their performances. The more she thought about it, the more amusing the scene became, and the smile at the corner of her lips grew wider.

Seeing Qin Guan not only unashamed but laughing, Yan Che grew even more incensed. He Yin, standing behind Yan Che, grew inwardly anxious. This Ninth Miss had undoubtedly struck Yan Che's sore spot. However, this was still the marquis' estate. If a true conflict arose, it would reflect poorly on the marquis' household. Just as He Yin anxiously stepped forward to mediate, he looked up and saw Qin Shu entering through the courtyard gate, holding a sandalwood box. With a single glance, Qin Shu spotted Qin Guan standing in the courtyard.

"Wan Yatou? You've come?"

Qin Shu seemed somewhat surprised, yet He Yin keenly noticed that his surprise held no displeasure.

Qin Guan turned and bowed to Qin Shu. "Uncle."

Qin Shu nodded. He saw Qin Guan standing in the courtyard, Yan Che on the steps beneath the corridor eaves, and He Yin behind Yan Che. Though he sensed something slightly odd, Qin Shu did not dwell on it and merely smiled. "What are Your Highness the Crown Prince and Wan Yatou discussing?"

Qin Shu had assumed Yan Che already knew Qin Guan's identity, but Yan Che only snorted coldly and remained silent.Qin Shu pursed his lips, sensing something amiss. Could it be that after Yan Che learned Qin Guan had assisted with the corpse examination, he felt it improper for a woman to interfere with official government affairs?

Thinking this, Qin Shu tentatively asked, "Your Highness, this is..."

He Yin quickly stepped forward. "Haha, it's nothing, nothing! Marquis, has the person you were looking for arrived? Just now, His Highness mentioned that once that person comes, the Crown Prince would like to request them from you. If they could follow His Highness into the Eastern Palace, that would be wonderful!"

Qin Shu was taken aback. He glanced at the confused-looking Qin Guan and suddenly laughed.

"Wan'er, you didn't tell him?"

Qin Guan didn't understand what Qin Shu was referring to and shook her head. "Uncle, what do you mean?"

Qin Shu couldn't help but smile. He had sent Qin Yan to fetch Qin Guan but hadn't instructed him to tell her the purpose of her visit. It seemed Qin Yan hadn't said anything at all. The thought made Qin Shu's eyes sparkle with even greater amusement. So, although Qin Guan had met Yan Che, neither party knew why they were here! No wonder the earlier atmosphere had been somewhat silent and awkward.

"Lord He, the person has arrived—"

Qin Shu said with a laugh. He Yin immediately looked toward the courtyard gate. "Where?"

Yan Che, already dissatisfied with Qin Shu's delay, recalled his earlier conversation with He Yin and frowned. "Since the person is here, I intend to take them back to the Eastern Palace. I wonder if the Marquis will allow them to leave?"

Yan Che felt his refined mood had been disrupted and had no desire to linger in the marquis' residence any longer. He only wanted to see the person and take them away.

Qin Shu's expression turned slightly uneasy at these words. "Well, I'm afraid—"

As he spoke, he glanced at Qin Guan. Though still somewhat puzzled, Qin Guan could tell from Qin Shu's demeanor that her presence wasn't unexpected. Could it be that the person the Crown Prince wanted to see was indeed her, but the Crown Prince didn't know it?

Seeing Qin Shu hesitate, Yan Che said, "What? Is the Marquis unwilling to let them go? I know the Marquis treasures this talented individual dearly, but since they are skilled in the path of a coroner, staying in the Marquis' residence offers no advantage. Hand them over to me to take to the Eastern Palace—whether they enter the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review in the future, wouldn't that allow them to fully utilize their abilities?"

Qin Shu glanced at Qin Guan once more. By now, Qin Guan had understood.

In the entire Marquis' residence, who else was skilled in the path of a coroner besides her?

The thought made Qin Guan laugh inwardly. She looked at Yan Che and said, "I'm afraid that person won't accompany Your Highness to the Eastern Palace."

Yan Che was discussing serious matters, and Qin Guan's sudden interruption annoyed him further. However, in front of Qin Shu, he couldn't truly lose his temper. Instead, he looked coldly at her. "Ninth Miss, since you are unaware of the details, it would be best not to speak out of turn."

Qin Shu said with a wry smile, "Your Highness, this... Wan Yatou, she..."

Qin Guan continued, "Even if that person were suitable in status and could enter the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review, they still wouldn't accompany Your Highness to the Eastern Palace because... it was Your Highness yourself who said you would never allow them into the Eastern Palace."

Yan Che frowned deeply. Qin Shu finally couldn't hold back and said, "Your Highness, the person you wanted to see is Wan Yatou!"

As these words fell, both Yan Che and He Yin froze in disbelief, as if trying to determine whether they had misheard.Qin Shu had initially withheld some information precisely to see the look of astonishment on Yan Che's face. Seeing it now, he felt thoroughly satisfied and chuckled, "Your Highness, it's true. Lord Zheng and Lord Li are both aware of this matter. This morning, they even came to the estate specifically to discuss the case details with Wan Yatou. It's all because she was the one who assisted them with the corpse examination and helped uncover the spy's existence."

Qin Shu's laughter was hearty. Though he and the Crown Prince were ruler and subject, witnessing Yan Che's surprise filled him with a sense of shared pride.

He Yin stammered, "S-so... Ninth Miss came here to..."

Qin Shu grinned and glanced at Qin Guan, "I ordered someone to bring her over." He then looked at the wine jug in her hand, "Is this the wine your aunt asked you to deliver?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Aunt said it was on the way and had me bring it first. The dishes will arrive shortly."

Speaking briskly, Qin Guan's peripheral glance caught Yan Che's expression, and the amusement in her eyes deepened.

Yan Che had probably never imagined she was the one assisting with the corpse examination. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so convinced she harbored improper intentions.

Observing Yan Che's stiffened posture, He Yin seemed to sense his current embarrassment. He cleared his throat lightly, "Marquis, what exactly happened? We only knew Ninth Miss was skilled in medicine, but we had no idea she could perform corpse examinations."

Qin Shu quickly explained, "Since Wan'er knows medicine, she's capable of corpse examination. The two fields share many similarities."

He Yin glanced at Yan Che, who still showed no intention of speaking, and continued, "So... it really was Ninth Miss who helped?"

Qin Shu laughed dismissively, "Would I dare lie to you in front of His Highness the Crown Prince? Lord Zheng knows about it too!"

A pained smile crept onto He Yin's face. This misunderstanding had grown far too significant. What made it worse was that the Crown Prince had spoken so harshly earlier. He Yin coughed lightly, "This... we truly never expected it to be Ninth Miss. Marquis, you should have told us sooner. We thought Ninth Miss had come to the wrong place."

Qin Shu looked from Qin Guan to Yan Che, suddenly sensing something amiss.

"Well, I thought His Highness would never have guessed, so I wanted Wan Yatou to come and explain it herself. Naturally, it's better for her to clarify when His Highness questions her, just as you did moments ago."

He Yin forced a smile, "In that case... then His Highness won't be able to assign Ninth Miss to the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review." Turning to Qin Guan, he added, "Ninth Miss, earlier... it was all a misunderstanding..."

The corners of Qin Guan's lips curved slightly as she glanced at Yan Che, frozen under the eaves, feeling a wave of satisfaction.

At this point, no further words from her were needed—Yan Che must already be thoroughly mortified. Qin Guan acted as if nothing had happened and said, "I see. Since that's the case, now that we've met, this commoner will take her leave."

Qin Guan curtsied, then handed the wine to Qin Shu, "Uncle, I'll return first."

Qin Shu accepted the wine jug, watching Qin Guan's calm expression with unspoken words. But Qin Guan showed no hesitation, turning and walking away. As she disappeared through the courtyard gate, He Yin's pained smile deepened. Meanwhile, Yan Che glanced at her retreating figure, his frown tightening until deep creases formed between his brows.

Qin Shu hurriedly said, "Your Highness, please don't stand outside—come inside—"After saying this, Yan Che did not move. He Yin watched him and inwardly sighed. Given Yan Che’s temperament, he certainly wouldn’t stay in the Marquis’ residence now. Just as he thought this, he saw Yan Che move his feet with difficulty, then turn and walk toward the door.

He Yin’s mouth fell open in astonishment. Meanwhile, Qin Shu picked up the wine pot and followed him into the room, where he immediately heard Yan Che’s low, stiff voice: "What exactly is going on with the corpse examination? Explain it to me in detail!"

…

…

Qin Guan left the study courtyard and had only walked halfway when she saw Qin Yan approaching with two servants carrying two food boxes. Seeing Qin Guan, Qin Yan frowned. "Why are you out here?"

Qin Guan smiled faintly. "I’ve met him, so I came out." Then she added, "Didn’t you say Uncle was here?"

Qin Guan understood clearly: if Qin Shu had been present, no matter how self-righteous Yan Che was, this misunderstanding would never have occurred. Now, she only wanted to know whether it was a coincidence or someone’s deliberate scheme.

Qin Yan looked somewhat surprised. "Father wasn’t in the study?"

Qin Guan remained calm. "He wasn’t there when I arrived. I didn’t expect it to be the Crown Prince—I nearly offended him."

Qin Yan quickly asked, "Are you alright?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "Of course I’m fine…" The one who wasn’t fine wasn’t her, but Yan Che. This Crown Prince probably rarely encountered such an awkward situation.

Qin Guan studied Qin Yan for a moment and, seeing his expression unchanged and without any evasiveness, realized he had no deliberate part in this. She then stepped aside. "Third Brother, you should go ahead."

Qin Yan seemed puzzled that Qin Guan had left so quickly and asked, "Did His Highness say anything?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No. His Highness originally intended to recommend the person conducting the corpse examination to the Ministry of Justice if it were someone else. But since it’s me, given my status, there are many inconveniences, so the recommendation naturally couldn’t proceed."

Qin Yan nodded and then took his leave, heading toward the study.

Qin Guan watched Qin Yan’s figure disappear before turning toward the main courtyard. When she reached the rear hall, Hu Shi was indeed still there. Seeing Qin Guan return, Hu Shi looked surprised. "Wan Yatou, why are you back so soon?"

Qin Guan smiled. "After meeting the guest, there wasn’t much else to say, so I took my leave."

Hu Shi’s smile widened. "Did the guest say anything more?"

Qin Guan looked somewhat puzzled. "What should he have said?" She paused slightly. "Aunt should know who today’s guest was, right? When I went to the study earlier, I was quite startled."

Hu Shi’s eyes flickered. "Of course I know."

Qin Guan nodded and glanced around the room. "Is Eighth Sister not here?"

Hu Shi, caught off guard by the sudden question about Qin Chaoyu, instinctively replied, "She returned to her own courtyard."

Qin Guan gave an "oh" and said, "Alright, then I won’t disturb you any further, Aunt. I’ll head back now."

Hu Shi nodded and saw Qin Guan out of the rear hall. Only after her figure disappeared did she turn and instruct Granny Yu, "Go tell Yu’er that she need not worry about the matter she was concerned about."

Granny Yu acknowledged the order and left. Not long after, she arrived at Chaoyi Courtyard. Not far from there, Qin Guan watched as Granny Yu hurriedly entered the courtyard gate. After a moment of thoughtful silence, Qin Guan returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard.As soon as she returned to the courtyard, Fuling came forward to greet her. "Miss, what did the heir apparent want with you when he mysteriously called you out?"

Qin Guan frowned slightly. "His Highness the Crown Prince came to the estate and summoned me to discuss the matter of assisting with the corpse examination."

Fuling was taken aback. "The Crown... Prince..."

Qin Guan nodded, accepted the hot tea brought by Baiying, and sat down by the window.

The matter today was neither too significant nor trivial, but it had become clear now. Qin Shu and Qin Yan had behaved quite normally, showing no signs of acting suspiciously. However, when they reached the main hall of the central courtyard, Hu Shi appeared somewhat nervous. Although Hu Shi had arranged the matter, the directive must have come from Qin Chaoyu. Naturally, neither Qin Chaoyu nor Hu Shi would send her before the Crown Prince. That left only one possibility: Qin Chaoyu still distrusted her and wanted to test her further.

Qin Guan felt helpless. Why was Qin Chaoyu so distrustful of her?

"Miss, what are you thinking about?" Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts, and Fuling continued, "The ladies and young misses in the front courtyard haven’t left yet. Will you be seeing them for medical consultations? Who knows how long they plan to stay."

Qin Guan shook her head. "I’m afraid this matter is not for me to decide."

When it came to treating illnesses, if someone genuinely had a condition that others couldn’t cure, she would naturally not refuse. However, since these people had come to the Marquis’s estate and Hu Shi was handling it, it was highly likely that Hu Shi had agreed out of an inability to decline their requests. Once Hu Shi had agreed on their behalf, how could she refuse? At this point, she could only hope that Hu Shi hadn’t accepted every single person who had come to the estate today. If that were the case, word would spread, and even more people might come...

Qin Guan sighed inwardly with worry. Fuling also felt that her young mistress’s growing reputation was a good thing, but the sudden influx of visitors made her somewhat anxious. As dusk fell, Granny Yu came to Pine Breeze Courtyard to summon them. Since it was the evening of the first day of the New Year, the entire household was to gather for dinner, which would also serve as the New Year’s Eve feast.

With Qin Ye’s return, the dinner table was livelier and filled with more laughter. Soon, Hu Shi brought up the ladies and young misses who had visited that day. "Wan'er, all these people came today because of your reputation. Although they claimed to seek medical treatment, only two of them genuinely needed it. One is the Old Madam of the Wu’an Marquis’s household, who has long suffered from heart palpitations. The other is the young lady from the Left Vice Minister of Revenue’s family, who has asthma. The rest either had minor ailments like headaches or fevers, or were simply pretending to be ill. So, I declined most of them on your behalf. These two, however, have some ties to our family, and I could see they were truly suffering. Would you be willing to see them?"

This situation was much better than Qin Guan had anticipated. Besides, since Hu Shi had already agreed, how could Qin Guan refuse?

"Very well, Aunt. When did you arrange for them to come?"

Hu Shi smiled warmly. "I scheduled them for the third day of the New Year, halfway through the Hour of the Monkey."

Qin Guan nodded. "That works. His Majesty has entrusted me with treating Her Majesty the Empress Dowager’s illness, so I must go to the palace every day at noon these days. I’ll just return a bit earlier the day after tomorrow..."

Hu Shi and Qin Shu exchanged a glance, both smiling.

Qin Shu remarked, "His Majesty entrusting you with the Empress Dowager’s treatment shows great confidence in you. You must take good care of Her Majesty. Other patients are trivial in comparison..."Qin Guan nodded, and Hu Shi added, "Exactly. Our Guan'er is the Little Medicine Immortal. Precisely because of this, I turned away all those with headaches, fevers, backaches, and other minor complaints today. Our Guan'er is the one who treats the Empress Dowager—she can’t just be summoned at anyone’s whim. We must let them understand that seeking Guan'er’s help is no easy matter!"

Everyone at the table wore faint smiles, but Qin Guan found it difficult to summon genuine mirth from her heart.

Though she disliked being swarmed by patients, Qin Guan felt uncomfortable hearing that the Empress Dowager's illness was paramount while others' conditions were trivial. Yet she understood this reflected Qin Shu and Hu Shi's most instinctive mindset—in the capital, everyone craved power and recognized social hierarchies.

"Thanks to Ninth Sister, our manor has gained some limelight."

Qin Chaoyu smiled radiantly, her gaze warming slightly toward Qin Guan. However, Qin Guan couldn't accept this praise with ease.

She had already revealed her aspirations to Qin Chaoyu, yet the latter remained skeptical. These subtle schemes and manipulations—she could pretend ignorance, but inwardly she knew Qin Chaoyu shared Qin Shu and Hu Shi's obsession with the highest throne. For now, she benefited the Marquis household, earning their gracious treatment. But what if one day she ceased to be useful or became an obstacle?

Despite the cheerful atmosphere during the Qin family meal, Qin Guan felt somber. Consequently, she even overlooked Qin Xiang's thorny glances. After the meal, she returned directly to Pine Breeze Courtyard without delight in the day's acclaim. Qin Shuang followed as usual, hoping to hear about palace affairs and Qin Guan's newly earned title "Little Medicine Immortal" that had resounded through the capital. Noting Qin Guan's low spirits, she left after less than half an hour.

Mindful of her next day's palace visit to treat the Empress Dowager, Qin Guan retired early.

The following morning, after breakfast, she prepared thoroughly. Though having prescribed the Empress Dowager's medicine, she brought self-made pills to the palace. Again accompanied by Fuling and escorted by Qin Yan, she entered the palace gates by presenting her token.

A servant from Longevity and Health Palace awaited inside, leading her along the familiar Palace Road.

Upon arrival, the Empress Dowager had just taken her medicine and appeared much improved from the previous day. While checking her pulse, Qin Guan paid respects as the Empress Dowager rasped, "Qi'er, on such a cold day, rest here with your mother later."

The hoarse words tugged at Qin Guan's heartstrings. When elderly people in confused states remember someone so dearly, it must be their deepest attachment. Though the Emperor said this princess had passed away, the Empress Dowager still cherished her memory profoundly.

Mammy Chen leaned close to the Empress Dowager's ear: "Don't worry, Her Highness will visit the Emperor later."

"Hmm? The Emperor? Oh, tell your father not to be so strict with Huai'er."

Mammy Chen chuckled, "Rest assured, the Princess will relay this. The Emperor will understand."

The "Emperor" referred to here was the late emperor. Qin Guan focused solely on pulse diagnosis, disregarding these remarks.

Soon completing her examination, she reported, "Momma, Her Highness has improved significantly. Continue today's prescription, and we'll adjust it tomorrow after my next visit." She produced the prepared pills, adding, "Administer one pill when Her Highness experiences numbness in her limbs."

Mammy Chen promptly accepted them. With her medical duties concluded, Qin Guan prepared to depart.Mammy Chen politely wished for Qin Guan to stay longer, but Qin Guan, aware of the many palace rules and being someone who disliked trouble and understood propriety, naturally took her leave. Unable to persuade her, Mammy Chen had no choice but to personally escort Qin Guan to the palace gate.

Along the way, Qin Guan noticed the absence of the Ninth Prince. After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "Momma, did the Ninth Prince catch a chill after returning yesterday?"

Mammy Chen smiled and replied, "How thoughtful of you to ask, Miss. The Ninth Prince is fine. Today is the second day of the month, so he was taken to Kunning Palace to pay respects."

Qin Guan nodded and then left Longevity and Health Palace, heading toward the palace gate.

Although Qin Guan remembered the way, Mammy Chen still assigned a young maid to accompany her. On this second visit to the palace, Fuling felt bolder, daring to lift her gaze and take in the opulent sights around them.

As the three walked along the palace corridors and turned a corner, Fuling let out a soft exclamation.

"Miss, look—what is that…"

Following Fuling’s pointing finger, Qin Guan saw a small yellow creature struggling in the snow-covered courtyard beside the corridor. The lively young maid accompanying them also looked surprised and said, "A bird? Is it a bird?"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, looked more closely, and suddenly curved her lips into a slight smile. She glanced around, bypassed the corridor, and walked into the courtyard herself. Fuling followed closer, watching as Qin Guan gently scooped the little yellow bird out of the snow.

Fuling was surprised by Qin Guan’s expression—she seemed to recognize the bird, handling it with great care and tenderness. Puzzled but not dwelling on it, Fuling only said, "Ah, how did it end up in the snow?"

Qin Guan lightly stroked the bird’s wing. "Its wing was injured before. It must have fallen from above."

As she spoke, Qin Guan opened her hands, and the bird fluttered a few times before managing to fly up.

Qin Guan looked up, her lips curving. "Fly, fly—don’t fall again this time."

A soft chirp sounded, and the little golden bird swiftly vanished from sight. Fuling sighed, "That bird is so beautiful. Could it belong to one of the palace masters?"

Qin Guan stepped out of the snowy courtyard, smiling slightly without a word.

The young maid beside them added, "Some masters in the palace do keep birds, but I don’t know who owns this one."

Qin Guan remarked, "No matter who it belongs to, its wing was injured, and it can still fly so high and far—that’s no small feat." As she spoke, her eyes cooled with a hint of regret. Yet, it seemed it still couldn’t escape these towering palace walls.

A short while later, in the Eastern Palace, Tang Fu entered a side hall carrying a birdcage. "Your Highness, Your Highness—it flew back!"

Yan Che, who had been writing at his desk, immediately looked up. His gaze fixed on the golden-winged finch inside the cage, and a faint light sparked in his eyes. He rose and took the cage from Tang Fu. "It actually returned on its own. I thought it would never come back after flying out this time."

Tang Fu chuckled. "Not at all. Its wing was broken, but since it was saved, it won’t easily leave Your Highness."

Yan Che turned with the cage in hand and sighed. "I rather wish it had flown beyond the palace and never returned. Staying with me… am I not just like it, trapped within these palace walls?"His voice lowered as he spoke, "I suppose she saved you hoping you could soar farther."

Tang Fu didn't quite catch it, "Your Highness, what did you say?"

Yan Che lifted his head and shook it, then suddenly asked as if remembering something, "Has Ninth Miss from Qin Manor entered the palace yet?"