Coroner's Diary

In Changxin Palace, amidst Feng Zhang's pained cries and curses, the wound medicine was finally applied.

Feng Zhang instinctively touched his own face, but aside from his eyes, nose, and mouth being exposed, the rest was tightly wrapped in cotton bandages. Turning around, he caught sight of his zongzi-like reflection in the mirror!

Narrowing his eyes, a surge of immense fury rose in Feng Zhang's gaze. Just then, a palace attendant entered from outside.

"Reporting to Her Ladyship, to the Duke, and to the heir apparent, the Emperor has not sent anyone to summon His Highness Yan Chi into the palace."

After the attendant's words, a deathly silence fell over the room. Feng Zhang glanced at Feng Lingsu seated in the main position, then at Zhongguo Gong Feng Ke, who had rushed to the palace upon hearing the news. "Aunt, Father, what does the Emperor mean by this? Does he not intend to hold Yan Chi accountable immediately? Does he mean to let me suffer this beating for nothing?!"

Seeing Feng Lingsu remain silent, Feng Zhang grew anxious and urged, "Aunt, say something—"

Feng Lingsu, who had been sullen and unhappy since returning to the palace, could no longer hold back. She glared coldly at the comically bandaged Feng Zhang and snapped, "You shut your mouth! You’ve always acted recklessly under my name, and today, you even provoked Yan Chi. Provoking him is one thing, but you couldn’t even defeat him—that’s humiliating enough! And to make matters worse, when you went to complain, you had no justification whatsoever! Now, what more do you want? Do you want the entire rear palace to know about this?!"

Hearing Feng Lingsu refer to herself as "this palace," Feng Zhang immediately knew she was truly angry. Yet, given the grievances and resentment he had endured that day, he couldn’t help but retort, "Aunt, I don’t want everyone to know either, but today, I was the one beaten, yet it’s your face that’s been shamed. The Emperor saw my miserable state but has no intention of restoring your honor!"

Feng Lingsu’s face turned pale with rage. "When you caused trouble, why didn’t you consider that it would disgrace this palace?! Now that things have gone wrong, you drag this palace into cleaning up your mess?! No wonder Yan Chi called you a good-for-nothing!"

Feng Zhang couldn’t stand hearing the word "good-for-nothing." Fury blazed in him, but Feng Lingsu was also enraged, and he dared not truly confront her. Gritting his teeth, he suppressed his anger.

Feng Ke looked at his pitiful son and, feeling heartache, said, "Your Ladyship, please calm your anger. This time, Feng Zhang was immature and caused trouble for you." Sighing, he instructed Wan Youcai, the steward of the Duke’s residence who had accompanied him into the palace, "You, take the heir apparent outside to the carriage first. I have words to discuss with Her Ladyship."

Though Zhongguo Gong had been a troublemaker in his youth, age had taught him the gravity of situations. Knowing that the entire Duke’s residence relied on Feng Lingsu, he understood it was unwise to provoke her further.

Though unwilling, Feng Zhang had no choice but to comply. Once he had left, Feng Ke stood up and said, "Your Ladyship, please calm down. Feng Zhang is young and inexperienced, only seeing the surface of things. Do not take it to heart."

Feng Lingsu narrowed her eyes. "Brother, you have only this one heir, and I have doted on him since he was a child. But as you can see, at his age, Feng Zhang remains so incompetent. If this continues, the Zhongguo Gong residence will be utterly ruined!"Feng Ke quickly nodded upon hearing this, "Your Highness is right, but what does the attitude of Prince Yan Chi and the Emperor in this matter indicate?"

Seeing Feng Lingsu raise her eyebrows, Feng Ke hurriedly added, "I'm not insisting on seeking justice for Feng Zhang. I'm just wondering if Yan Chi's actions today mean he has chosen to support the Crown Prince? Is he taking this opportunity to suppress the Loyal Duke's residence because of the Crown Prince? And what does the Emperor's attitude imply? Does he hold some grudge against our Loyal Duke's residence or Prince Cheng?"

Feng Lingsu immediately furrowed her brows, "What do you mean, brother?"

Feng Ke sighed and said, "Although Your Highness is favored, Prince Yong has now been established as Crown Prince. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, then... Fortunately, the Emperor is healthy and vigorous, so we still have opportunities in the next two or three years. What I fear now is that the Emperor might hold some prejudice against Prince Cheng and the Duke's residence for some reason."

Feng Lingsu frowned slightly, "I don't know about Yan Chi's attitude, but he knows the Ninth Miss of Qin Manor. The Grand Princess asked him to look after that girl. I wonder if that's the reason. If so, then it's fine. But if it's really as you said, brother, then we need to plan carefully. As for the Emperor, what reason could there be? Even if there is a reason, it was caused by Feng Zhang."

Feng Ke shook his head, "Your Highness may not know that the reason the Crown Prince failed to solve the Lin'an case previously was because Prince Cheng sent people to interfere. Although the Emperor didn't obtain clear evidence, he must have guessed who was behind it. I'm afraid the Emperor has developed prejudice against Prince Cheng in his heart."

Feng Lingsu's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, "So that's how it is..."

Feng Ke nodded, "Therefore, Your Highness should take advantage of the Emperor's continued favor towards you in these years and put more effort in the rear palace. As for court affairs, I believe Prince Cheng has his own arrangements."

Feng Lingsu shook her head, "What can I do in the rear palace? Zhao Shuhua has been impeccable all these years. Although the Emperor rarely visits her, he still respects her as the Empress. As for me... the Emperor does visit often, but the current Emperor is not the same as Prince Luo from back then. Back then, Prince Luo didn't have to worry about so many things - his favor towards me was genuine. After being established as Crown Prince, and then the incident with Prince Gong occurred, the Emperor seemed to become a different person. He still indulges me in minor matters, but won't be influenced by me in important decisions. After ascending the throne, he became even more diligent in governance and devoted to state affairs. Though I appear to be the most favored, the truth is the Emperor visits the rear palace less and less frequently now."

Feng Ke's eyes darkened, "The Emperor wants to be a wise ruler, which is good, but Your Highness must still consider yourself and Prince Cheng. If we don't make plans now, it will be too late when the Emperor's health declines."

Feng Lingsu frowned, "Zhao Shuhua has the Northern Garrison Army, but what about us?"

She glanced at the Loyal Duke as if reproaching his incompetence.

Feng Ke showed a bitter smile, "Your Highness knows our residence's situation over the years - it's difficult to gain military power. That's why I thought of having Zhang'er join the imperial guards, so you would have more eyes and convenience in the palace. Additionally, Prince Cheng is plotting to control the Northwest Frontier Army. If we can truly grasp the Northwest Frontier Army, what would the Northern Garrison Army matter then?"Feng Lingsu sighed, "Feng Zhang has caused trouble this time and still thinks about joining the Imperial Guard?! As for the Northwest Frontier Army, Yan Chi's actions today likely demonstrate the difficulty of this approach." She let out a cold laugh, "Speaking of which, wasn't it because Father and Brother didn't let me marry into Prince Luo's residence earlier? If you had foresight, wouldn't I be the Empress today? How could that bitch Zhao Shuhua have taken my place?! I was only a year too late, and now the difference is like heaven and earth."

Feng Ke could only continue to smile bitterly, "Back then, the late Emperor was hesitating between Prince Luo and Prince Gong. We were afraid we had bet on the wrong horse—we originally favored Prince Gong, but who knew Prince Gong would set his heart on the young lady from the Fu family?"

Feng Lingsu smiled at the memory, "Fortunately, I didn't marry into Prince Gong's residence. Although the Emperor has been very lenient toward Prince Gong's household, if Prince Gong hadn't died, where would this leniency come from? Back then, the Emperor personally quelled the rebel army, and Prince Gong perished in the fire. It was only then that the Emperor felt a twinge of guilt."

Feng Ke nodded repeatedly, and Feng Lingsu instructed further, "Make sure Feng Zhang learns his lesson well and doesn't cause trouble so easily in the future. That Ninth Miss from Qin Manor is someone the Emperor has high hopes for to treat the Empress Dowager's illness. He needs to understand the gravity of the situation. Otherwise, forget about securing a future—even the title of Duke might not be safe."

Feng Ke's expression turned serious, and he hurriedly agreed.

Meanwhile, in Kunning Palace, Zhao Shuhua and Yan Che received the news as soon as it broke.

A rare smile touched Zhao Shuhua's face, "So, you're saying the Emperor has no intention of punishing Yan Chi immediately?"

Zhang Yun, the chief eunuch of Kunning Palace, quickly nodded, "Yes, it's said that after the Noble Consort and Feng Zhang left, the Emperor did not summon Prince Yan Chi but continued with state affairs as if nothing had happened."

Zhao Shuhua turned to Yan Che, "Che'er, what do you think?"

Yan Che's expression relaxed slightly, "Yan Chi and Ninth Miss are acquainted. It seems he intended to protect her today."

Zhao Shuhua nodded, "And then?"

Yan Che thought for a moment, "Yan Chi has the reputation of 'Demon King' in the Northwest Frontier. From what we saw today, his temperament does carry a fierce and unyielding air, and he shows no fear toward the Loyal Duke's Manor or Prince Cheng. However, with him acting this way, I'm momentarily unsure of his intentions."

Zhao Shuhua lifted her chin slightly, "He was personally trained by Prince Rui, and Prince Rui has never made a single mistake in his life. In this regard, Yan Chi doesn't quite resemble his father."

Yan Che nodded, "Earlier this year, he was sent back to the capital because he punished a deputy general who violated military discipline too severely—the man died as a result. After that, Prince Rui sent him back."

Zhao Shuhua curved her lips, "If that's truly the case, then it's excellent." She looked at Yan Che, "Now that he's openly clashed with the Loyal Duke's Manor, it's precisely our opportunity—"

Yan Che hesitated briefly, "But Mother, previously the heir apparent of the Loyal Marquis Manor tried to help me win Yan Chi over, yet Yan Chi's attitude was very ambiguous. I suspect that, having just returned to the capital, he may not want to make a choice yet."

Zhao Shuhua nodded, "That may be so, but his actions today have effectively pushed him to our side. You don't need to openly win him over—just offer help when appropriate. At the very least, we must make Prince Cheng and Feng Lingsu believe he is aligned with us. As for the rest, handle it as you see fit."...

...

“There’s news! His Highness Yan did not enter the palace today! He went directly to the northern camp for military drills!”

Qin Ye strode in from outside, bringing direct news of Yan Chi.

Inside Renshou Hall, Qin Shu and Qin Guan both breathed a sigh of relief. Qin Shu remarked, “It seems His Majesty still understands that Feng Zhang was in the wrong this time. His Highness Yan helped Wan Yatou, and although his methods were a bit heavy-handed, it’s nothing too serious.”

Qin Yan, standing nearby, also nodded. “Feng Zhang bullied Ninth Sister first. If I had been there, I would have beaten him up too.”

Qin Shu snorted coldly at this. “If you had been there, he wouldn’t have dared to act so recklessly.” He then added, “It seems we should assign more guards to accompany Wan Yatou, so she doesn’t run into that Feng Zhang again.”

Qin Ye laughed. “Feng Zhang was beaten quite badly this time. I doubt he’ll be able to leave his home for a month. Ninth Sister should be safe for the time being.”

Qin Shu shook his head. “It’s still better to assign more people.”

Qin Ye quickly responded, “I’ll arrange it. Ninth Sister has to enter the palace every day these days. I’ll make the arrangements shortly.”

Qin Guan felt somewhat uneasy about all the fuss and hurriedly said, “It’s alright. Today was just an accident. It shouldn’t happen again. There’s no need to make special arrangements for me.”

Qin Shu waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about this. Your safety is more important than anything.”

Qin Guan could only smile wryly in response. Meanwhile, Qin Ye said, “I’ve had nothing to do lately. If Father is truly worried, I can escort Ninth Sister to and from the palace.”

Qin Shu hesitated at this suggestion. Qin Guan looked at Qin Ye in surprise, genuinely not expecting him to offer such a thing.

Although Qin Ye had no official duties, having him personally escort her back and forth felt like a waste of his talents.

“How could that be? If Fourth Brother waits outside while I’m in the palace, it would truly be a waste of his time.”

Qin Ye shrugged. “Father hasn’t assigned me any tasks lately. Once I have duties, we can arrange for guards then. Isn’t that the same?”

Qin Shu nodded in agreement. “That works. If nothing else, I trust Ye’er to escort you.”

Qin Ye smiled and nodded, then looked at Qin Guan. She sighed and had no choice but to accept the arrangement.

Qin Shu then said, “Today’s incident was sudden. Wan Yatou, remember to thank His Highness Yan the next time you see him.” He then turned to Qin Yan. “You too. Remember to thank him when you see him.”

Qin Yan nodded. With this, Qin Shu’s mood lifted considerably, and Qin Guan felt a bit more at ease.

She had initially thought that, given the Emperor’s favor toward Feng Lingsu and Feng Zhang’s deliberate slander, the Emperor would likely summon Yan Chi to the palace for a minor reprimand. To her surprise, there wasn’t even a summons. Recalling what Yan Chi had said to her before they parted, Qin Guan realized that Yan Chi had likely anticipated this outcome.

Why did Yan Chi believe that even if he beat Feng Zhang, the Emperor wouldn’t pursue the matter?

After all, Feng Zhang was also a member of the imperial family.

Qin Guan couldn’t quite figure it out for the moment, so she took her leave of Qin Shu and the others and returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard.

Although Qin Guan no longer intended to remain detached from these affairs, she still didn’t have a clear understanding of the court’s dynamics. The only thing she was certain of was her trust in Yan Chi. Since he had taken such action, he must have had his reasons.

Feeling somewhat reassured, Qin Guan decided not to dwell on it further. She slept peacefully through the night and, early the next morning, continued preparing to enter the palace to treat the Empress Dowager.The Empress Dowager was slightly older than the Grand Princess and not as physically robust, requiring Qin Guan to administer medicine with extreme caution. Seeing that it was getting late, Qin Guan continued preparing to enter the palace with Fuling. This time, as expected, Qin Ye was waiting outside for her, dressed in a sleek dark blue martial attire and holding the reins of a horse.

Upon seeing Qin Ye, Qin Guan felt somewhat embarrassed. "Sorry to trouble you, Fourth Brother."

Qin Ye responded with a carefree smile. "It's no trouble. I was just staying idle at the manor anyway."

Hearing this, Qin Guan felt a stir in her heart. She remembered Qin Ye mentioning his desire to join the Nine Gates Garrison, but Qin Shu hadn’t directly agreed at the time. Now, Qin Ye, the esteemed fourth son of the Marquis Manor, was tasked with escorting her.

Knowing that Qin Ye was born of a concubine, Qin Guan sensed his difficulties but refrained from commenting further. Once she boarded the carriage, the party headed straight for the palace gates.

It was the third day of the month, and the snow from previous days had mostly melted, leaving the air filled with a biting chill. At the palace gates, Qin Guan alighted from the carriage and entered, where the same young palace maid from two days prior awaited her.

The three of them proceeded directly to the Longevity and Health Palace. Today, the Empress Dowager seemed somewhat more spirited. When Qin Guan arrived, the Ninth Prince, Yan Sui, was keeping the Empress Dowager company. Upon seeing Qin Guan, the Empress Dowager, for once, did not mistake her identity.

Mammy Chen said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this is Ninth Miss from the Qin Manor, the one treating your illness."

Qin Guan paid her respects, and the Empress Dowager absently reached out a hand. Qin Guan hurriedly stepped forward, and the Empress Dowager took her hand, seating her by the bedside. She examined Qin Guan carefully before nodding slowly. "Good, good, good..."

Mammy Chen continued cheerfully, "The Grand Princess has taken Ninth Miss as her adopted granddaughter. When the Grand Princess fell ill in Jinzhou, it was Ninth Miss who cured her. Your Majesty, isn’t this fate?"

A faint light flickered in the Empress Dowager’s eyes. "The Grand Princess... is she well?"

Qin Guan quickly bowed her head. "The Grand Princess is perfectly well. Please set your mind at ease..."

The Empress Dowager nodded and fell silent. Qin Guan then proceeded to take her pulse. While doing so, Qin Guan focused intently, but the Empress Dowager kept studying her. After the examination, the Empress Dowager held Qin Guan’s hand and began to chat. They had only exchanged a few words when someone announced from outside.

"Your Majesty, Prince Chi has come to see you."

The Empress Dowager’s eyes brightened once more. "Chi'er? Let him in quickly."

Qin Guan’s heart skipped a beat, and she promptly rose from the bedside. Soon, Yan Chi strode in from outside.

Dressed today in another magnificent black robe, Yan Chi entered with large strides. The moment he stepped inside, the Empress Dowager’s eyes grew moist. "Chi'er... they say you’re not leaving this time? You’re staying in the capital?"

This matter had been settled two days prior, but the Empress Dowager, being disoriented, had only just learned of it.

Yan Chi hurried forward and sat by the Empress Dowager’s bedside. "Grandmother, I’m not leaving. I’ll remain in the capital from now on."

The Empress Dowager’s lips curved into a smile as she patted Yan Chi’s hand. "That’s truly wonderful. If only your father would return as well. My health declines with each passing day, and I don’t know if I’ll ever see your father again."

Yan Chi quickly reassured her, "Your health will improve. Ninth Miss is highly skilled in medicine and will surely cure you. Once matters in the west are settled, Father will return to pay his respects. And now that I’m staying in the capital, I can come to see you every day."Yan Chi spoke gently with the Empress Dowager, his smile relaxed and his gaze warm and radiant, appearing entirely different from the Yan Chi of yesterday. Qin Guan stood at the foot of the bed, her eyes fixed on Yan Chi’s back. It had been over a month since they confessed their feelings, and including the time they had known each other before, it had been nearly four months. How many more facets of Yan Chi remained hidden from her?

The aloof and untamed Yan Chi, the brilliantly smiling and tender-eyed Yan Chi, the calm and imposing Yan Chi, and the decisive, almost demonic Yan Chi she witnessed yesterday—aside from these, what other versions of him existed?

"Rest assured, Ninth Miss’s medical skills are exceptional."

Qin Guan was watching intently when suddenly, Yan Chi turned around mid-sentence. Only then did she snap back to reality. Meanwhile, Yan Chi continued with a smile, "That night, it was Ninth Miss who saved you."

Mammy Chen added, "Indeed, it was His Highness Yan Chi who insisted that Ninth Miss could save you."

Though the Empress Dowager could recognize people and speak normally, her reactions were still somewhat slow. After a moment’s thought, she reached out toward Qin Guan. With age, the Empress Dowager had shed the imposing demeanor she once held as Empress, and even with someone unrelated like Qin Guan, she wished to hold her hand.

"To be so skilled at such a young age."

"What a remarkable girl. I’ve never seen anyone like her in all my years."

"Your name is Guan’er, isn’t it? A lovely name…"

Holding Qin Guan’s hand with one hand and Yan Chi’s with the other, the Empress Dowager showered them with praise. Qin Guan felt inexplicably bashful hearing such lavish compliments. After a few more words, the Empress Dowager began to show signs of fatigue, and Qin Guan hurriedly urged her to rest.

Yan Chi also offered a few words of encouragement before the Empress Dowager obediently lay down.

Qin Guan handed a new prescription to Mammy Chen and, remembering that Qin Ye was waiting at the palace gate, took her leave.

Having visited the Empress Dowager, Yan Chi naturally prepared to depart as well.

The two exited the palace together. As they stepped onto the outer Palace Road, Qin Guan asked, "Is everything all right from yesterday’s incident?"

A slight curve touched Yan Chi’s lips. "Why not ask me how I arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace so punctually?"

Qin Guan paused, suddenly realizing Yan Chi had come specifically for her.

Noting her expression, Yan Chi’s smile deepened. "I knew you were worried, so I came today to reassure you. Yesterday’s matter is completely resolved—there’s no need for concern. As it happens, I’m now heading to the Ministry of Justice."

Qin Guan was briefly surprised. "The Ministry of Justice?"

Yan Chi nodded, his expression turning slightly serious. "You recall what the Emperor said the other day. Yesterday, the Minister of Justice visited the royal residence, and today I am to assume my post."

Understanding dawned on Qin Guan, and she quickly replied, "Very well, then attend to your official duties."

Yan Chi shook his head. "The Ministry of Justice likely has no major affairs these next few days. I’ll escort you to the palace gate first."Now residing in the heavily guarded Marquis’s residence with many people in her courtyard, Yan Chi could no longer visit her at night as he used to." Their opportunities to meet were limited, so Qin Guan did not refuse his offer.

Yan Chi then asked Qin Guan, "I’ve heard many are seeking medical treatment at the Marquis’s residence?""Speaking of this matter, Qin Guan couldn't help but smile wryly, "Yes, on New Year's Day, many people went to the Marquis' residence under the pretext of delivering New Year's gifts. Quite a few claimed to be seeking medical treatment. In the end, my aunt only agreed to see two people. One of them isn't coming today because an elder in their clan passed away, and the other Old Madam will be arriving at the Marquis' residence soon."

Yan Chi nodded, "With your reputation, there must be many coming to seek your medical treatment. But if you're unwilling, you can simply refuse." Then he glanced toward Zhenghua Gate, "I entered the palace after you. Did the Marquis' second son escort you here?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Because of yesterday's incident, my uncle was worried about my safety."

Yan Chi showed a satisfied expression, "That's more like it. Yesterday you were alone. If I hadn't arrived in time, Feng Zhang wouldn't have known how to restrain himself."

Qin Guan sighed, "Don't do this again in the future. He actually wouldn't dare do anything to me."

Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes, "Feng Zhang has the Imperial Consort and Prince Cheng backing him. If he truly goes mad, he won't care about consequences. He's seen you before, so I must let him know that you are untouchable."

Hearing this, Qin Guan felt warmth in her heart, "Alright, I understand."

Though there were no outsiders around them, it wasn't appropriate to be too intimate. Yan Chi resisted the urge to pat Qin Guan's head, only sighing, "Rest assured, although I'm seldom in the capital, I know this place better than anyone."

Qin Guan nodded and said no more. As they spoke, they exited Zhenghua Gate. Zhenghua Gate was a palace entrance, and beyond it lay a broad Imperial Road. On both sides of this road stood palace walls that extended forward for about a hundred paces before curving left and right. The areas enclosed by these walls adjacent to the imperial city housed the six ministries and other government offices, with the Ministry of Justice located on the left. After leaving the palace, Yan Chi should head left.

Outside the gate, Qin Ye was waiting by the carriage. Despite the bitter cold, he had waited for over half an hour.

Seeing Qin Ye looking her way, Qin Guan prepared to bid farewell to Yan Chi, "There are patients waiting for me at the residence today, so I'll return first." Though she spoke, her gaze remained fixed on Yan Chi.

Yan Chi had long noticed Qin Guan watching him back at the Longevity and Health Palace, making his smile brighten. Just as he was about to nod, several figures unexpectedly emerged from beneath the left palace wall, led by Bai Feng.

Bai Feng strode over, followed by several men in official uniforms, "Master, there's a case at the ministry."

Yan Chi raised his eyebrows, "A case?!"

Bai Feng stepped aside, "Let Lord Xu explain—"

As Bai Feng moved, a middle-aged man stepped forward from behind him, "Your Highness, the Lin'an Prefecture just transferred a case to us—an ordinary homicide, but because it involves a court official, it was handed over to the Ministry of Justice."

He presented a booklet, "Please review it."

Yan Chi reached out to take it, opened it, and frowned, "The cousin of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue didn't commit suicide?"

The man addressed as Lord Xu quickly nodded, "Exactly. The family had already set up the ancestral hall, but the son came to report, insisting his father couldn't have taken his own life..."

Meanwhile, Qin Guan felt a stir of suspicion—the cousin of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue?