Coroner's Diary

"Your Highness, Ninth Miss of the Qin Manor has left the palace."

Upon hearing Tang Fu's report, Yan Che's eyes darkened.

Seeing Yan Che remain silent, Tang Fu inquired, "What troubles you, Your Highness? Shall we visit the Empress Dowager at the Longevity and Health Palace?"

Yan Che shook his head, exhaled deeply, and abruptly turned to leave. "Let's go to Kunning Palace."

Tang Fu promptly acknowledged and hurried after him. "Today, all the imperial princes and consorts are gathered at Her Majesty the Empress's place. The gathering should be concluding soon—perfect timing for your visit."

Yan Che nodded without further comment, striding directly toward Kunning Palace.

As they approached the main hall, they encountered numerous servants stationed outside. Frowning slightly, Yan Che paused briefly before circling around to the rear chamber. The servants, upon recognizing the Crown Prince, moved to announce his arrival, but he waved them off dismissively.

The attendants quickly composed themselves and stood at attention while Yan Che positioned himself in the passageway leading to the front hall.

Separated from the main hall by just a wall, the passageway's high latticed windows obscured the view but not the voices within.

"Today is the second day of the month. I wonder if His Majesty will have time to dine with us this evening."

Inside Kunning Palace's main hall, Zhao Shuhua sat regally in the central seat, flanked by noblewomen in lavish attire. To her left was Feng Lingsu in blue court robes, while opposite her sat Wan Fei Song Wanqing from the Duke Song's household.

Song Wanqing, with her almond-shaped eyes and peach-blossom cheeks, retained a gentle beauty despite being over thirty. Dressed in pale purple palace gown, she blinked softly and continued, "Although the court is observing the holiday recess, His Majesty remains hard at work in Chongzheng Hall. It truly pains the heart to see him laboring so during the New Year celebrations."

Feng Lingsu's lips curved slightly. "Do not worry, sister. His Majesty stayed at Changxin Palace last night and seemed in excellent spirits. I prepared some nourishing soups for him, which he consumed heartily."

Song Wanqing smiled in relief. "That is most reassuring. With your care for His Majesty, all is well."

Zhao Shuhua, however, furrowed her brow. "While your concern for His Majesty's health is commendable, it would be wise to consult the Imperial Hospital regarding tonics. Improper consumption could lead to complications."

Feng Lingsu smiled faintly, smoothing her lapel. "The Empress is ever so thoughtful. I truly cannot compare to your thoroughness. Though it is unfortunate that His Majesty seldom visits Kunning Palace." She added another smile, seemingly oblivious to the impropriety of her words. "But rest assured, sister, I shall remind His Majesty of your concern for him."

Song Wanqing looked uncomfortable, turning to sip her tea. The other consorts seated further down maintained studied neutrality, avoiding eye contact. At the end of the seating arrangement, the Eighth and Ninth Princes, oblivious to the subtle tensions among the adults, appeared lost in their own thoughts.

Zhao Shuhua merely curved her lips without showing anger at Feng Lingsu's remarks. "His Majesty's profound affection for you is known throughout the palace. Since this is so, you should devote yourself to caring for his wellbeing. As Empress holding the phoenix seal, my responsibilities encompass the entire rear palace. Whether you speak of it or not, His Majesty understands this perfectly."Feng Lingsu's words carried a tone of ostentation and veiled sarcasm, yet Zhao Shuhua remained unhurried and composed. After all, she, Zhao Shuhua, was the Empress—the one who would share Yan Huai's final resting place centuries hence.

Zhao Shuhua knew this was Feng Lingsu's sore spot. Sure enough, Feng Lingsu struggled to maintain her smile upon hearing it.

"Sister Empress speaks truly," Feng Lingsu said, lightly patting her chest. "Ah, I don’t know why, but every time I linger too long in Kunning Palace, I feel a tightness in my heart. If you have no further matters, Sister, I shall take my leave."

Zhao Shuhua lifted her chin slightly. "Kunning Palace has always been the residence of empresses throughout the ages. If you feel unsettled each time you visit, it seems your temperament is too frail to withstand the aura of the central palace. Changxin Palace suits you better."

With that, Zhao Shuhua glanced at the others. "I am weary. All of you may withdraw."

Feng Lingsu clenched her sleeves tightly, rose abruptly, offered a perfunctory curtsy, and turned to leave.

The others bowed and withdrew one by one. Yan Sui was also carried out by the Momma.

Once the front hall emptied, the smile on Zhao Shuhua’s lips slowly faded.

A young servant approached from the rear. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived."

Zhao Shuhua looked surprised and immediately stood, heading toward the rear hall. As she entered through the side door, she saw Yan Che standing in the passageway. She sighed. "Since you were here, why didn’t you send word? I could have dismissed them earlier."

Yan Che bowed, then waved for Yun Yan and the others to withdraw. He took Zhao Shuhua’s hand and escorted her toward the rear hall.

"Did Father spend New Year’s Eve and the first day of the year at Changxin Palace?"

Zhao Shuhua nodded. "Need you ask? Of course, he was at Changxin Palace."

Yan Che’s brow furrowed deeply. "When was the last time Father visited you, Mother?"

Zhao Shuhua shook her head. "Why do you ask such things?"

Yan Che halted abruptly, his voice turning somber. "Mother, you are the Empress. For years, Father has favored that woman—what does that say about your standing? If not for Grandfather’s control of the Northern Garrison Army, you and I…"

Zhao Shuhua patted his arm. "Che, keep your composure."

Yan Che took a deep breath and fell silent. Supporting each other, they walked out of the passageway into the courtyard between the front hall and the rear chambers. The courtyard’s snow remained uncleared, revealing patches of green grass. Zhao Shuhua paused, her breath misting in the cold air as she spoke. "Women in the palace fall into two categories: those who know what they want, and those who do not. The first kind will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, yet once they attain them, they are content. The second kind are the greediest—uncertain of their desires, they covet every good thing."

She looked at Yan Che. "You need not understand all this. Just know that your mother has held the central palace all these years not only because your grandfather commands the Northern Garrison Army. In this palace, I am the first kind of woman, while she is merely the second. Do you think she is happy just because the Emperor spends a few nights with her? With Consort Jin gone, she lives in constant fear of the next Consort Jin emerging. How pitiable and lamentable."Yan Che frowned, "But Mother, a person cannot have nothing they desire most. Is your greatest desire this position as Empress? But you've held this position for so many years, haven't you developed any new aspirations?"

Zhao Shuhua curved her lips, "How could I not? You are my aspiration."

As Yan Che pressed his lips together, Zhao Shuhua continued, "Watching you inherit the throne - that is my aspiration."

Yan Che was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, "And what about yourself?"

Zhao Shuhua shook her head, "All these years, I've been perfectly content just sitting in this position. From now on, it's only about watching you and your sister - you ascending the throne, and your sister finding a good home. That would set my mind at ease."

Hearing this, Yan Che's eyes darkened slightly, and he fell silent for a moment.

Meanwhile, back at Changxin Palace, Feng Lingsu violently threw the teacup in her hand to the ground.

The servants in the room immediately dropped to their knees in terror. Feng Lingsu took a deep breath before saying, "If not for her having a powerful father, does she really think she could maintain her position as Empress? All these years, the Emperor has only treated her like a decoration! What's so great about being Empress anyway! Back then, it was me the Emperor truly loved! If she hadn't entered the mansion before me, she would never have gotten the Empress position. All these years, she's just given up hope of winning back the Emperor's favor!"

The servants knelt throughout the room, not daring to make a sound while listening to Feng Lingsu's words.

Feng Lingsu glared at Bao Die nearby, "You, tell me, who does the Emperor treat best ordinarily?"

Bao Die quickly replied respectfully, "Naturally, the Emperor treats Your Highness the best. All these years, the Emperor has only had Your Highness in his heart. Your Highness is the only one in the palace who has remained favored for nineteen years without decline - even looking back through previous dynasties, there's never been such a case!"

Hearing this, Feng Lingsu felt somewhat comforted and sneered, "So what is she so proud about?"

As she said this, Feng Lingsu frowned. Although she didn't need to regard Zhao Shuhua as Empress seriously, there was one thing Zhao Shuhua had over her - if nothing else, at least Zhao Shuhua's son was currently the Crown Prince.

Now that she and Zhao Shuhua were like fire and water, and the Zhongguo Duke's residence was growing increasingly powerful, if Yan Che truly ascended the throne as Emperor, the outcome for her and the Zhongguo Duke's residence would be predictable...

Thinking of this, Feng Lingsu felt somewhat uneasy, "Wasn't Prince Cheng and the Young Duke supposed to enter the palace today? Why haven't they arrived yet..."

Bao Die glanced nervously toward the entrance, "This servant... this servant will send someone to inquire immediately."

Feng Lingsu took a deep breath. The small comfort of thinking the Emperor only had her in his heart completely vanished. At this age, no matter how pure and gentle she appeared outwardly, she had to consider what needed consideration, and fight for what needed fighting.

......

The servants from Longevity and Health Palace escorted Qin Guan and Fuling to the palace gates before returning. Qin Guan led Fuling out through the palace gates.

Once outside the palace, Fuling relaxed and began chattering about the bird again, "How did you know that bird was injured, Miss? What kind of bird was it? Its wings were so golden and shiny..."

"It was a goldfinch," Qin Guan answered, then added, "Before, probably around this time last year, I think I saw a similar bird. Its wing was injured then too."Fuling's eyes lit up. "Last year? In Jinzhou?" She frowned, carefully recalling. "At this time last year, how come I don't remember seeing you notice anything? I remember during last year's New Year, it was just the two of us in that small courtyard."

Qin Guan's lips curved slightly. "I wasn't fond of speaking back then, so I must have forgotten to mention it."

Fuling made an understanding sound and was indeed placated by this explanation.

Not wishing to elaborate further, Qin Guan turned her gaze beyond the palace gates. Cheng Hu's carriage was parked not far away. Seeing the two women emerge, Cheng Hu quickly jumped down from the carriage shaft and hurried toward them.

Just then, over a dozen fast horses followed by a carriage came galloping up.

Having reached the palace entrance, all vehicles and horses should have slowed down, yet this group exuded an overwhelming sense of arrogance from afar. Qin Guan focused her gaze and indeed recognized several somewhat familiar faces.

Collecting her thoughts, a cold glint flashed in Qin Guan's eyes.

Fuling frowned. "Miss, where are these people from? Why do they appear so unruly?"

Unwilling to provoke trouble and disliking the group, Qin Guan shook her head and quickened her pace toward her own carriage. Though Qin Guan walked swiftly, the area outside the palace gates was empty, allowing the newcomers to spot her quickly. Someone whistled, and soon two fast horses blocked Qin Guan's path.

Qin Guan frowned, while Fuling was startled!

In broad daylight, right before Zhenghua Gate—whose guards would dare be so bold!

Before this thought could fully form, the carriage surrounded by guards also came to a halt.

As the carriage stopped, a person stepped out—none other than Feng Zhang, whom she hadn't seen for days.

Standing on the carriage shaft, Feng Zhang looked down at Qin Guan from his elevated position and let out a light laugh. "Well, if it isn't the Ninth Miss of Qin Manor? Isn't this the renowned Little Medicine Immortal?"

Qin Guan glanced at Feng Zhang and intended to bypass the two mounted guards, but they urged their horses forward two steps, blocking her again. Qin Guan knew today wouldn't end simply.

She calmly turned to face Feng Zhang. "What is the meaning of this, Heir Apparent Feng?"

Standing tall, Feng Zhang scrutinized Qin Guan up and down for a moment before smiling. "I've heard Ninth Miss possesses miraculous medical skills. Today, this heir apparent has an ailment—I wonder if Ninth Miss can cure it?"

Qin Guan looked at Feng Zhang, her gaze cold, her tone icy, her words frigid.

"Heir Apparent Feng indeed has an illness, but Qin Guan cannot treat it."

The faint smile on Feng Zhang's face stiffened. "You say this heir apparent is ill? What illness do I have?"

Qin Guan's eyes cooled further. "The heir apparent's illness lies within his skull. Has the heir apparent not noticed?"

Knowing Qin Guan's medical skills were genuine, Feng Zhang had intended to tease her, but her stern, cold expression alarmed him. Could he truly be ill? Feng Zhang pressed his lips together. "An illness... within the skull..."

Muttering this once, Feng Zhang's eyes widened. "You—you're saying this heir apparent has something wrong with his brain?!"Qin Guan remained silent, merely watching Feng Zhang with leisurely composure. Behind her, Fuling couldn't hold back and let out a sudden giggle. Feng Zhang glanced at Qin Guan, then at Fuling, before abruptly raising his hand to point at Fuling. "Ninth Miss is untouchable, but this maid has shown such disrespect to this heir apparent! Guards, seize her—"

"Do not push us too far, Heir Apparent Feng!" Cheng Hu roared, rushing forward to shield Qin Guan and Fuling.

Feng Zhang shot Cheng Hu a glance, recognizing him as one of Qin Yan's men, and let out a cold laugh. "What kind of lowly cur are you?! How dare you act recklessly in my presence? Seize both of them!"

He then added with feigned solemnity, "Do not harm Ninth Miss."

At his command, over a dozen guards dismounted simultaneously and strode toward Cheng Hu and Fuling.

Seeing that Cheng Hu was the only one capable of fighting, the guards exchanged glances and charged with raised fists. Cheng Hu kicked one away but couldn't block the next. Just as he was about to be overpowered, a sharp, piercing sound tore through the air, followed by a shrill scream that echoed before Zhenghua Gate!