Qin Guan naturally did not recognize these former servants of Qin Yi, but since she was meeting the stewards today, she had prepared in advance. While she couldn't recall them, Fuling remembered everything. In just a few words, Fuling recounted all the past personnel matters.
Qin Guan's voice softened slightly, "Han Bo, please rise quickly. How could I not remember you?"
The elderly man addressed as Han Bo was named Han Li, the former chief steward of Qin Yi's household. After Qin Yi's passing, Han Li had been living on Qin Yi's estate due to poor health, while also managing the tenant farmers there.
Qin Guan leaned forward and personally helped Han Li to his feet. Han Li's eyes were red-rimmed as he scrutinized Qin Guan for a moment before turning, "Quickly, come pay respects to the young mistress—"
The three men behind him were all around thirty years old. The leader was tall and handsome with gentle features, bearing some resemblance to Han Li upon closer inspection. He stepped forward with the other two, "Han Dong pays respects to the young mistress."
The other two also bowed. Han Li then said, "I don't know if the young mistress remembers—this is my son."
Qin Guan looked at Han Dong and nodded, "Of course I haven't forgotten. It's been several years since we last met. How have you and Han Bo been?"
Han Dong hurriedly replied, "My father was ill earlier this year but has recovered now. As for myself, I've been well in all aspects."
Seeing this, Hu Shi came forward and said, "Your father's estate has been managed by Han Laobo, while Han Dong manages those shops. These two assist Han Dong with the shops. As for those residences, they're also under their daily care. At year's end, the affairs of Second Master's properties are reported to the Marquis residence. After everything is settled, the silver is deposited in Second Master's name at the bank."
Qin Guan nodded, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt, for your trouble."
Hu Shi, who didn't particularly care about financial matters, said, "What trouble is there? Now that you've returned, all these are what your father left you. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask Han Laobo and Han Dong directly."
Qin Guan promptly agreed and added, "Aunt, later I'd like to go see the shops and residences Father left behind, so I can have a clear understanding."
With no one else in the Qin family's second branch, Qin Guan was now the mistress of the second branch. It was only natural for her to inspect the shops.
Hu Shi immediately responded, "Of course that's fine. Let Yan accompany you."
Qin Guan quickly shook her head, "Fourth Brother already offered to accompany me. Third Brother probably has matters to attend to, so there's no need to trouble him."
Hu Shi smiled without insisting, "That's fine too."
Qin Guan nodded and turned her gaze to the stack of ledgers on the main table. Han Dong quickly stepped forward, "Young mistress, these are the accounts from the past two years. If you wish to see earlier records, they're available too. I was just concerned we wouldn't have time to review everything today, so I only brought the most recent two years. The estate rents and all shop revenues are recorded here."
Qin Guan nodded. Since she had requested to meet the stewards, it was only proper to examine the accounts. Moreover, now that these people regarded her as their mistress, she couldn't neglect the second branch's properties.
Qin Guan said to Hu Shi, "Aunt, there's no need for you to stay and supervise here. You and Third Brother may attend to your own affairs."
If she were to truly examine these accounts, it would take considerable time.
Hu Shi nodded, "Very well, then you stay here and review them. I'll go check if the New Year's gifts for the various mansions in the city are prepared."
Qin Yan also said, "Then I'll go to the study. Send for me if you need anything."Qin Guan agreed, first seeing the two men off before turning her attention to the account books. Though she had never examined ledgers before, her natural brilliance allowed her to grasp their intricacies with minimal effort. A quick review revealed that while the Second Household's properties were few, under the management of Han Li and his son, they generated substantial annual income.
Qin Guan wasn't truly auditing for discrepancies; she merely skimmed through the records in the time it took to drink a cup of tea.
Seeing this, Han Dong and his son felt reassured.
Young as she was, and despite her recent fame as the Medicine Immortal in the capital, medical skill didn't necessarily translate to competence in other areas. Yet Qin Guan's calm and dignified demeanor surpassed what one would expect from a girl of sixteen or seventeen. Moreover, her cursory inspection of the accounts demonstrated her trust in the father and son.
"That should suffice," Qin Guan said, setting down the ledger and rising. "You two stewards may return now. Han Bo and Steward Han, please stay and accompany me to inspect the shops and residences."
The other two stewards departed as instructed. Qin Guan then asked Han Bo, "Have you been living at the estate these past few years?"
Han Li nodded. "Yes, always at the estate."
Qin Guan turned to Han Li. "And you, Steward Han?"
A slight smile touched Han Li's lips. "I usually stay at the shop. Earlier, we bought a residence in the southern city, but it's too far, so I rarely return. Only my wife and children live there."
Qin Guan nodded. "Very well. It's getting late today, so I'll just check the shops and residences in the western part of the city. Han Bo, will you be returning to the estate?"
Han Li gazed at Qin Guan with paternal affection. "Not today. I'll stay in the city. Now that I've finally seen you, young mistress, this old servant must accompany you to see the shops."
Han Li had served the Second Household his entire life, and later his son had become its steward. Such loyalty moved Qin Guan deeply.
She inclined her head. "Then it's settled—"
Just as she was about to step out, Qin Yan strode in from outside.
Qin Guan was surprised, but Qin Yan spoke sternly, "Ninth sister, set aside the matter of the shops and residences for now. Come with me to the study first."
Qin Yan had left not long ago, and his swift return made Qin Guan's heart skip a beat. Her intuition told her something was amiss. She quickly addressed Han Dong and the others, "Please wait here for a moment."
With that, she followed Qin Yan to the study. As soon as they left the main hall, she asked, "What's happened?"
Qin Yan replied, "His Highness Yan Chi and Lord Li have arrived."
Yan Chi? Qin Guan's heart warmed slightly, but she soon frowned. "Lord Li? Which Lord Li?"
Qin Yan smiled. "Li Muyun, Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. They've come regarding the Meng residence case and have been here for a while. The Left Vice Minister of Revenue holds a third-rank position—a case involving his family has alarmed The Emperor. Now the Lin'an Prefectural Office has taken a back seat, and the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review are leading the investigation."
Involving a third-rank court official in the capital, the humble Lin'an Prefectural Office was naturally unqualified to lead such an investigation. Qin Guan nodded, her heart tightening slightly. She hadn't expected Li Muyun to come as well.
They soon reached the study. Upon entering, she indeed saw Yan Chi and Li Muyun inside. Qin Guan first paid her respects, then Qin Shu said, "Ninth girl, set aside your affairs for now. His Highness Yan Chi and Lord Li are here to seek your assistance."
Qin Guan looked at Yan Chi, then at Li Muyun, her expression puzzled.Li Muyun gazed at Qin Guan with a mix of curiosity and admiration. "Ninth Miss assisted in the previous case, and I presume you're aware of the Meng residence case this time. It's quite complex, so we'd like to request your help once more."
Qin Guan instinctively looked toward Yan Chi, who then said, "On the way back to the capital, I witnessed Ninth Miss's Corpse Examination skills. This case at Minister Meng's residence is also shrouded in mystery, and the Emperor is pressing urgently. We thought of you, Ninth Miss. Would this be inconvenient?"
Qin Guan shook her head. "If I can be of assistance, it would be my pleasure." Since they sought her help, it naturally involved corpse examination. Qin Guan asked, "When would Your Highness and Lord Li like me to perform the Corpse Examination?"
Li Muyun looked at Yan Chi, who replied, "Now would be best."
He then inquired, "I heard you originally planned to visit the businesses your late father left behind?"
Qin Guan nodded. Yan Chi smiled. "Wanting to familiarize yourself with them? That's simple. After you accompany us for the examination, I'll go with you. This way, your matters won't be delayed. How does that sound?"
Given Yan Chi's status, Qin Guan couldn't possibly refuse his request for help. Yet he proactively offered to accompany her afterward, showing his closeness toward her. Qin Guan pursed her lips, still hesitant. "It's not urgent. I can go with Your Highness first. Visiting the businesses can wait."
Yan Chi had already stood up. "It's settled then. First, come with me, and afterward, I'll take you to see the properties."
In the room, Yan Chi held the highest noble status and was the chief investigator of the case. His word was final—not only could Qin Guan not refuse, but even Li Muyun and Qin Shu dared not remain seated. Qin Guan smiled wryly. "Very well, I'll trouble Your Highness then."
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "It's nothing. Since I promised Grand Princess to look after you, you may speak directly if you need anything."
By invoking Grand Princess in front of everyone, Yan Chi preempted any future suspicions about his concern for Qin Guan. Sure enough, Qin Shu chuckled, "Your Highness need not worry. Wan Yatou is usually fine, but unfortunately, she had an incident the day before yesterday."
Overnight, the tale of Yan Chi thrashing Feng Zhang had spread throughout the capital. Qin Shu didn't avoid the topic even in front of Li Muyun, who wore a faint smile, seemingly unoffended.
Yan Chi curled his lips. "I traveled back to the capital with Brother Qin Yan, so I'm aware of the Marquis Estate's care for Ninth Miss."
He then bid farewell directly. "The case takes priority, so I won't linger."
Li Muyun added, "Marquis, we take our leave."
Qin Shu nodded. Qin Guan adjusted her cape and turned to leave. "Are we going to the Meng residence? Fuling and I need to fetch a few things. Please wait at the estate entrance for a moment."
Yan Chi and Li Muyun had no objections. The group parted ways, and after the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qin Guan arrived at the Marquis Estate entrance with Fuling. Outside stood the two carriages she had seen upon returning earlier.
Only then did Qin Guan realize that Yan Chi and Li Muyun had already arrived when she returned.
Yan Chi and Li Muyun stood beside the carriages, joined by Qin Ye, who had promised to see her off and was indeed proactive. Yan Chi glanced at Qin Ye and said, "You need to go discreetly. Arrangements have been made there. It's better to ride in my carriage on the way. I'll escort you back to the estate later."Qin Ye smiled upon hearing this. "In that case, I'll trouble Your Highness."
Qin Guan nodded and boarded Yan Chi's carriage.
Once inside, Yan Chi lifted the curtain and glanced outside. Qin Ye stood before the mansion gate, watching them depart.
Yan Chi then asked, "What do you think of your fourth brother?"
Qin Guan also turned to look for a moment, only withdrawing her gaze when the carriage began moving.
"He volunteered to escort me to the palace, fearing something might happen to me. Earlier, when I wanted to visit the shops my father left behind, he also offered to accompany me. He seems quite attentive."
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "From what I know, he only returned recently—"
Qin Guan nodded. "Yes, so I also find his kindness toward me somewhat inexplicable. But then again, Uncle is very concerned about my safety. He seems to align well with Uncle's intentions, so his actions do make sense."
Yan Chi remarked, "The Marquis of Loyalty and Courage has significant ambitions. Now that you're an asset to the Marquis' estate, he naturally won't let anything happen to you. As for your fourth brother, as long as he protects you even a little, he can be considered good."
With only the two of them in the carriage, Qin Guan relaxed slightly. A smile touched her lips at Yan Chi's tone. "After all, we're family now. Of course they want me to be safe and sound."
Then, her expression turning serious, she asked, "How is the case progressing?"
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "We haven't found any crucial clues yet. In fact, we can't even confirm whether the deceased was murdered. The spot where he fell into the lake was disturbed—by the time we arrived, there were no footprints or similar traces left. Moreover, there were no obvious injuries on his body. It looks very much like an accidental fall or suicide, but the Meng family's young master insists his father couldn't have taken his own life."
Qin Guan quickly asked, "What about the Meng family's Fourth Master? I heard he's been clamoring to divide the family estate. It seems there's some friction between the fourth and second branches."
Yan Chi smiled faintly. "You're quite well-informed—"
Qin Guan explained, "Today, I treated the Old Madam of Marquis Wu'an. She knows the Meng family well, and my aunt was also concerned about the matter. I overheard when she asked. I also learned that the deceased Second Master was cheated in business earlier."
Yan Chi nodded. "Correct. There is indeed a dispute between the fourth and second branches. However, we've already questioned them. On the night of the incident, the Fourth Master was dead drunk and couldn't even get up all evening."
Qin Guan frowned. "If that's the case, why does the young master insist his father wouldn't commit suicide?"
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes further. "That young master..." he began meaningfully, his tone somewhat critical, as if he held a poor opinion of him. "He said his father had weathered many storms. Although he made a mistake in business and was blamed by the fourth branch, his father had been in good spirits during the New Year. We asked the servants, and they said the deceased showed no unusual behavior recently—he continued going out for social engagements and meetings as usual, and even the New Year's bonuses were distributed as normal."
Qin Guan's expression grew grave. "Then could it have been an accidental fall?"
Yan Chi frowned slightly. "That's unlikely. The young master said his father couldn't swim and had nearly drowned as a child, so he was inherently afraid of water. Although there's a lake in the estate for scenery, his father always consciously took the covered corridor along the shore and never took shortcuts by the lake."Qin Guan raised her eyebrows, "Wasn't it a New Year's banquet? If he got drunk, it wouldn't be impossible for this to happen."
Yan Chi nodded, "Yes, that's precisely why we're uncertain whether it was murder. Although the deceased's legal wife is still alive, their relationship was strained. The deceased usually lived alone in his own courtyard. He had two concubines and would often spend nights in their quarters. That evening, the deceased first dined with the entire family—including the first, third, and fourth branches—in the main courtyard of the first branch. However, because he drank during the meal and had a dispute with the fourth branch, the dinner was unpleasant. Later, the deceased returned to the second branch's courtyard and set up another table with his young son. Both father and son drank until they were intoxicated. The young son was helped back to his quarters, while the deceased said he wanted to take a walk alone. He never returned."
Qin Guan had already learned much about the Meng family's internal affairs from Qin Shu and Old Madam Song. Now, hearing Yan Chi detail the case, she felt as if a layer of fog had settled before her eyes. "Just listening to this, there are indeed no clear leads. But everything that happens leaves traces—"
Yan Chi curved his lips into a smile. "That's exactly why I came to the Marquis residence to find you. This case has drawn attention from both the court and the public, and I shouldn't involve you. But without determining whether the deceased was murdered, the investigation is at a standstill. After all, it's a human life. And if there's anyone in the capital who can break the deadlock, in my heart, it's only you."
Yan Chi's gaze was bright and penetrating, as if he could see straight into Qin Guan's soul.
Her heart skipped two beats. No matter when or where, Yan Chi always seemed to be the one who believed in her the most.
And she had promised herself that as long as one person believed in her, she would never let that person down.
Especially when that person was Yan Chi.
Qin Guan's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Did the Lin'an Prefecture conduct a corpse examination? What did they say?"
Yan Chi's smile faded slightly. "The prefecture's coroner said the deceased fell into the lake by accident and found no evidence of murder."
Upon hearing this, Qin Guan took a light breath, her expression turning solemn.
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