Coroner's Diary

With that remark from Song Shi, Hu Shi's eyes flickered, and Qin Chaoyu's expression also shifted slightly.

Song Shi had given full assurances regarding Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang's marriages, so why was it that when it came to Qin Guan, she said it was beyond her control?

The disparity here was naturally quite telling.

Hu Shi then said, "Whether it's my place or not will be seen in due time, but for now, Old Madam has already agreed to my proposal."

Song Shi laughed, "That's no trouble at all."

After exchanging a few more words, Song Shi and Qi Shi took their leave. Hu Shi kept Qin Chaoyu and the others behind and personally escorted Song Shi out. As they walked, Song Shi asked, "What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Hu Shi lowered her voice, "You surely know what I have in mind. Among the older generation, you know the families of the capital best, and your sisters are also discerning judges of character. Whoever you deem suitable must naturally be good."

Song Shi smiled cheerfully, "The matches I've arranged have never turned out poorly. I won't interfere with your Chao Yu and Ninth Miss, but I'll put some effort into finding matches for Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss. However..."

Seeing Song Shi hesitate, Hu Shi sighed softly, "I know what Old Madam wants to say. Although Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss are also daughters of Qin Manor, their father was involved in a scandal earlier. Though the matter was suppressed, many in the capital know about it, and those who don't can easily find out with a little inquiry. So, arranging marriages for them is truly difficult."

Upon hearing this, Song Shi also sighed, "Two fine young ladies, delayed like this. Fortunately, they now have the support of the Marquis's household, which grants them some dignity. In my opinion, the best matches for them would be men of good character first and foremost, followed by those from middle or lower-ranking families, financially stable, with simple family structures."

Hu Shi quickly nodded in agreement. Although she hadn't spent much time with Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, she was genuinely considering their interests in this matter. "Exactly. As long as the family holds an official position, that's enough—no need for great clans or prominent families. In larger households, they would inevitably face gossip after marriage. The past incidents were disgraceful, and it's unavoidable. The men should be honest, reliable, and steady. It doesn't matter if their current positions are low; with some help from the Marquis's household later on, they can always improve over time. As for money, that's secondary. As long as the men are good and their parents are easy to get along with, the Marquis's household can provide more financial support when the time comes."

As they had matters to discuss, the three of them walked very slowly. Qi Shi, listening to Hu Shi's words, sighed, "Sister, you're truly concerned. Considering things so thoroughly for the two girls is the best approach."

Hu Shi sighed again, "What else can be done? If not for Third Master's incident, they might have aimed for higher marriages. But after that affair, which prominent family would accept them? Even if there were one willing, the man likely wouldn't be a good match. And once married, because of Third Master's actions, they'd be scorned for life."

Song Shi nodded, "That's the truth. It's best that you understand this. With you managing things, the two girls' marriages will be settled properly."

Hu Shi modestly declined the praise a few more times, then quietly provided Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang's birth dates and horoscopes to Song Shi. Song Shi listened carefully, asking in detail about their taboos and preferences, before leaving the Marquis's household with Qi Shi.

Hu Shi watched them depart and let out a soft sigh.Qin An's case in Jinzhou was a major one, which later caused significant ripples in the capital. Before the New Year, the Marquis' household had been on edge for quite some time before things finally settled down. Hu Shi resented Qin An for being a wolf in sheep's clothing, but she still held some pity for Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. Therefore, she had entrusted Song Shi with helping arrange their marriages. Song Shi came from a prestigious family and was most familiar with the influential households in the capital. Moreover, with her involvement, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang would gain more face. From the very beginning, Hu Shi had no intention of setting her sights on high-ranking noble families. Qin An had only held an idle official post initially, and after committing such heinous crimes, how could Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang be regarded highly? Although the Marquis' household currently lent them some prestige, others' respect for the Marquis' influence was only temporary. Once married, it would be Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang themselves who had to live their lives, and by then, the Marquis' household would have limited control over their affairs.

Thus, character was what Hu Shi valued most at present. First, find someone with good character from a clean and simple family background. As long as they weren't fools or simpletons, with the support of the Marquis' household, their future positions wouldn't be low.

Having made up her mind and trusting Song Shi, Hu Shi felt much more at ease when she returned to the front hall.

In the room, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were waiting for Hu Shi. When Hu Shi entered, they immediately stood up. Knowing they had already guessed the situation and with no outsiders present, Hu Shi reassured them, "Don't worry. Old Madam Song is a senior with high seniority and reputation in the capital. With her involvement, you will surely be satisfied."

Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang blushed shyly. Qin Xiang curtsied and said, "Thank you, Aunt. We've troubled you."

Hu Shi smiled. "This is only right. Although I haven't known you two for long, I genuinely appreciate your obedience. Thinking of sending you off to marriage, I really can't bear to part with you."

Naturally, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang blushed again. Meanwhile, Qin Chaoyu rose and walked over to Qin Guan's side. "Ninth Sister, have you ever thought about your own marriage?"

Qin Guan curved her lips slightly. "With three elder sisters ahead of me, it's not yet my turn to think about it."

Qin Chaoyu lifted her chin. "With your character and appearance, Ninth Sister, even Old Madam Song said your marriage isn't something just anyone can decide. It's clear that the person you marry in the future will surely be either wealthy or noble."

Qin Guan's expression remained indifferent. "Then I'll borrow your auspicious words."

Qin Chaoyu felt a stifled anger in her chest, as if every meaningful remark she made landed on cotton. Moreover, she increasingly felt uneasy since Qin Guan had appeared.

After staying a while longer in the front hall, Qin Guan and the others took their leave from Hu Shi and returned to their respective courtyards. Qin Shuang naturally walked back with Qin Guan.

"Was that Old Madam Song today the one Aunt entrusted with matchmaking?" Qin Shuang asked in a hushed voice, linking arms with Qin Guan.

Qin Guan nodded. "Most likely."

Qin Shuang blinked her eyes and fell into an unusual silence.

Qin Guan glanced at her. "What's wrong? Nervous or afraid?"

Qin Shuang shook her head. "Not nervous, not afraid either. Just a bit at a loss." A smile then surfaced on her face. "But I don't have much to look forward to anyway. I'm originally a concubine-born daughter of the third branch, and now Father's case has caused quite a stir. Naturally, I can't expect to marry into any particularly good family. As long as the person has good character, that's enough. I don't dare hope for anything else."Qin Guan patted her hand as she listened, "Sometimes having too high expectations can lead to disappointment, but if you maintain an ordinary mindset, there might be pleasant surprises. For now, don't overthink it and wait for Old Madam Song's news."

Qin Shuang let out a sigh, "That's all we can do."

Meanwhile, Qin Xiang returned to her courtyard with an expectant expression. Wan He stepped forward and asked, "Miss, is the Madam arranging your marriage matters?"

Qin Xiang nodded with a faint smile, "Yes, she's asked the Old Madam of Marquis Wu'an to help look for suitable matches."

Wan He's face lit up with joy, "Marquis Wu'an? Although I don't know the exact rank of Marquis Wu'an, since it's also a marquis residence, the people being considered certainly won't be ordinary."

Qin Xiang lifted her chin proudly, "Naturally. How could common families ever catch my eye?"

Wan He looked at Qin Xiang's confident expression and hesitated to speak, but after some thought, ultimately said nothing.

...

...

By the time they returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard, it was already quite late. After sitting for a while, Qin Guan suddenly remembered the box Qin Shu had given her.

Qin Guan had Fuling bring out the box and once again examined the property deeds and other documents inside. After a moment, she instructed Fuling, "Go to the study and see where Third Brother is. If you find him, tell him I'd like to meet with Father's former stewards tomorrow."

Fuling nodded quickly and hurried out. Qin Guan then sat holding the deed to the Anle Quarter property, lost in thought.

It had been half a month since returning to the capital, and the city's cases had been solved. Now that she could likely leave the residence alone without opposition, it was time for her to visit the Shen residence.

Fuling returned quickly after leaving, announcing as she entered, "The heir apparent said he'll immediately send someone to make arrangements. You can meet them tomorrow afternoon after returning from the palace."

Hearing this, Qin Guan felt relieved, "That's good."

As she spoke, Qin Guan slowly closed the box. She gently patted the lid with both hands, her dark eyes gradually turning to the twilight outside the window. Having returned to the capital, she had temporarily settled in. No one in the Marquis residence had detected any flaws, and with her treatment of the Empress Dowager, she had now gained the authority to make certain decisions.

Under these circumstances, she couldn't just remain in the Marquis residence as the Ninth Miss.

Having made up her mind, Qin Guan only informed Fuling and Baiying about going out the following afternoon, saying nothing more. Except for thinking about the Meng residence case before sleeping at night, her thoughts were entirely occupied with the old Shen residence.

Early the next morning, Qin Yan sent Cheng Hu to Pine Breeze Courtyard to inform her that the stewards from the manors and shops had been notified and could meet that afternoon. Hearing this, Qin Guan focused entirely on preparing to enter the palace.

By mid-morning, Qin Guan set out for the main gate with Fuling. Outside the residence, Qin Ye was still waiting by the carriage as usual.

Seeing Qin Ye like this, Qin Guan couldn't help feeling somewhat guilty. However, Qin Ye seemed to know what she wanted to say and spoke first, "Fortunately I still have the duty of escorting Ninth Sister to the palace, otherwise I'd be growing moldy staying in the residence."

As he spoke, he stretched, his lean figure appearing even more tall and straight.

Qin Guan smiled helplessly, "It's good that Fourth Brother has nothing else to do. If you have other matters, please feel free to attend to them."

Qin Ye grinned, "I know, don't worry."

Qin Guan said no more and boarded the carriage directly to the palace gates, entering the palace as before and heading straight to the Longevity and Health Palace.This was Qin Guan's third time entering the palace to treat the Empress Dowager. After a thorough examination through observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking, Qin Guan breathed a slight sigh of relief. "Her Majesty has passed this critical juncture. Starting today with this new prescription, continued regulation will surely lead to recovery."

Mammy Chen heaved a great sigh of relief upon hearing this. She followed Qin Guan to obtain the new prescription and dispatched someone to report to the Emperor. Meanwhile, Qin Guan remained by the Empress Dowager's side, keeping her company through conversation.

The Empress Dowager's spirits were increasingly buoyant. Holding Qin Guan's hand, she inquired about every detail of her life. Learning that Qin Guan had lost both parents, the Empress Dowager's heart swelled with pity, and she promptly insisted that Qin Guan stay for lunch in the palace. Remembering her afternoon plans to visit the Eternal Joy Quarter, Qin Guan could only apologize regretfully, "Your Majesty's kindness is something I should not decline, but this afternoon I must return to the estate to handle my late father's old properties. Thus, I dare not linger in the palace."

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager seemed to understand the hardships of Qin Guan's solitary life under others' roofs and did not press further. Instead, she ordered a pair of jade bracelets to be brought for Qin Guan. "You saved my life. No gift could ever be enough. These bracelets were given to me by the late Emperor and were my favorite in my youth. Now I give them to you—their color suits you perfectly."

Qin Guan immediately showed apprehension. "These were given to Your Majesty by the late Emperor. How could I dare accept them?"

The Empress Dowager smiled kindly. "Why wouldn't you dare? My wrists are weak now, and everything feels heavy. I haven't worn these bracelets for years. Giving them to you is the best use for them."

With that, she directly slipped the bracelets onto Qin Guan's wrists.

Qin Guan looked closely and was reminded of the verse: "Emerald bamboo form in jade-green pools, dewdrops shimmer through translucent colors." She realized the jade was of the finest quality and repeatedly expressed her gratitude. By then, the hour was growing late. After inspecting the new medicine brought by the palace maid, Qin Guan took her leave from the Longevity and Health Palace. She arrived punctually and departed efficiently, neither coveting the Empress Dowager's benevolence nor harboring any desire to climb the social ladder.

When Mammy Chen returned from seeing Qin Guan off, the Empress Dowager remarked, "That girl is truly extraordinary—"

Mammy Chen also smiled. "Indeed. In my lifetime serving you, how many noble-born young ladies have I seen? Even princesses from other countries, yet few can compare to Ninth Miss."

Leaning against the cushion behind her, the Empress Dowager seemed to recall some old acquaintance, her gaze momentarily distant.

...

...

After leaving the Longevity and Health Palace, Qin Guan returned directly to the Marquis estate without delay.

Today, the steward who had served Ninth Miss's father in his lifetime was coming to the estate. She needed both to oversee those properties and to assess the situation before going out to inspect them. It would be unreasonable to head straight to the western residence without meeting the steward first.

With these thoughts, the carriage went straight back to the Marquis estate. Upon arrival, she noticed two carriages parked outside but paid them no mind, as numerous visitors came to the estate daily to report matters or pay calls.

After thanking Qin Ye, Qin Guan was about to head to the front courtyard when Qin Ye said, "Ninth Sister, are you planning to go out later?"

Qin Guan paused mid-step. "How did Fourth Brother know?"

Qin Ye raised his horsewhip. "Father instructed that wherever Ninth Sister goes, I must accompany her. So if you're going out later, I'll have to go with you."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together, somewhat resigned. "Later, I'll be inspecting the properties left by my late father. They're all located in bustling markets. Fourth Brother, you're already exhausted from escorting me to the palace daily. There's no need to accompany me further."Qin Ye looked at Qin Guan with bright eyes, "Is it inconvenient if I accompany you?"

Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately composed her expression. Though Qin Ye carried the imposing aura of a military man, his eyes were remarkably sharp. She wasn't one to show her emotions openly, yet he had seen through her.

Qin Guan gave a wry smile, "I still need to purchase some feminine items."

Qin Ye's smile deepened as he shifted his gaze, "Don't worry, no matter what you buy, I'll just wait outside."

Seeing that Qin Ye seemed determined to carry out Qin Shu's order to the end, Qin Guan stopped resisting, "Then... alright, thank you, Fourth Brother... I'll inform you when I go out later."

Qin Ye nodded, twirling his horsewhip in hand before turning and striding away briskly.

Qin Guan watched Qin Ye's retreating figure for a moment before heading toward the front courtyard with some suspicion. Qin Ye had only returned on New Year's Eve, and this was merely their third day meeting, yet he had voluntarily offered to escort her. Why?

Qin Guan didn't sense any ill intent from Qin Ye, but this unexplained kindness still struck her as peculiar.

Lost in thought, she arrived at the front courtyard. Just as she reached the entrance, she saw Hu Shi and Qin Yan waiting at the door. Upon seeing Qin Guan return, Hu Shi came forward to greet her, "Guan'er is back. How was today?"

"The critical condition of the Empress Dowager's illness has passed. She's out of danger."

Hu Shi's smile deepened, "Excellent, excellent. The stewards have all arrived. You should take a good look at them."

With that, she led Qin Guan into the main hall of the front courtyard. Before they even got close, Qin Guan could see four people standing inside.

Qin Guan swept her gaze over them: the first was an elderly man with graying hair, while the other three were middle-aged men in their thirties. Qin Guan walked beside Hu Shi, with Qin Yan following behind, and the three of them entered the hall together.

As soon as they stepped inside, the elderly man at the front lifted his robe and knelt before Qin Guan.

"Young miss... this old servant has finally seen you again. You've grown up..." The old man's eyes reddened as he looked Qin Guan up and down before suddenly adding, "Young miss, do you still recognize this old servant?"

The old man was deeply moved. After he spoke, both Qin Yan and Hu Shi turned their eyes to Qin Guan. Looking at the unfamiliar face of the old man, Qin Guan pressed her lips together slightly.