Coroner's Diary

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped at the side gate of the Meng residence.

Both Yan Chi and Li Muyun had left the Meng residence earlier, and arrangements had already been made inside.

As they alighted from the carriage, several guards dressed in black were seen guarding the side entrance. Qin Guan glanced at them and recognized them as the same ones who had severely beaten Feng Zhang a few days prior. Upon seeing Qin Guan, they bowed respectfully.

Yan Chi said, "The residence has been secured. Lord Zheng and Zhan Butou are also inside. Let's go in."

Qin Guan nodded and followed Yan Chi, with Fuling trailing behind.

Upon entering the gate, they saw winding corridors and paths stretching across the Meng residence, creating a vast, interconnected scene that appeared even larger than the Hou manor. Qin Guan remarked, "The Meng residence is quite spacious."

Li Muyun, who had caught up from behind, explained, "The Meng family has four branches. Their courtyards were formed by merging two adjacent estates. Now, each branch occupies an area equivalent to half of a typical residence."

Qin Guan glanced at Li Muyun and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Yan Chi added, "Apart from features like flower gardens and the inner lake, the living quarters for the four branches have long been clearly divided. The first and second branches reside in the eastern compound, while the third and fourth branches live in the western compound. The inner lake, where the incident occurred, lies between the two compounds."

Qin Guan nodded again as Yan Chi led her eastward along the corridor.

"The victim's body is placed in a side courtyard of the second branch."

As they proceeded east, they encountered only a few black-clad guards along the way, with no servants of the Meng family in sight—clear evidence that Yan Chi had thoroughly managed the premises.

After walking for the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, they arrived at a side courtyard.

Black-clad guards stood at the courtyard entrance, promptly bowing upon seeing Yan Chi.

Yan Chi nodded without a word and led Qin Guan into the courtyard.

Inside, they saw Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang standing before the main door. Noticing Yan Chi and Li Muyun's return, along with Qin Guan, both stepped forward to greet them. "Your Highness, Lord Li, Ninth Miss—"

Qin Guan curtsied slightly. Zheng Baishi smiled at her and said, "We must trouble Ninth Miss once again. However, this time His Highness is leading the investigation, so he will be the one to owe you this favor."

Yan Chi's lips curved slightly. "Ninth Miss is now widely renowned. This is indeed a significant debt."

Qin Guan lowered her gaze. "I am honored by Your Highness and the esteemed lords' trust. I only hope to be of assistance."

Yan Chi strode directly inside. "Come in."

Qin Guan followed him into the room, where offerings and other items were arranged, suggesting an ancestral hall that had been partially set up. Noticing her expression, Zheng Baishi explained, "The ancestral hall was originally fully prepared, but the young master of the Meng family reported the incident to the authorities, so it was dismantled."

Qin Guan nodded and her eyes fell upon the bier in the room.

On the bier lay a figure covered with a white cloth, unmistakably the deceased.

Qin Guan glanced at Fuling. "Light the incense."

Having witnessed death multiple times, Fuling had grown considerably more composed. Over the past half-year accompanying Qin Guan, she had been subtly influenced by her mistress's calm and steadiness, no longer the easily flustered young girl she once was.

At Qin Guan's command, Fuling went to the corner and lit the Aversion Incense.

Qin Guan then put on her gauntlets and walked to the bier, lifting the white cloth covering the corpse.

As the cloth was drawn back, the pale, ashen face of a man in his forties was revealed.The man died on the evening of the first day of the month, and today was already the fourth. Although nearly three days had passed, due to the cold winter weather, the body showed no significant decay, with only a slight odor of decomposition. Qin Guan lowered her head and began examining it meticulously.

Yan Chi, standing nearby, said, "His name is Meng Jin, forty-two years old, the second master of the Meng residence. The coroner from Lin'an Prefecture examined him earlier and confirmed he drowned. There are no obvious signs of injury or struggle on his body, so it doesn’t appear to be a homicide."

As Yan Chi spoke, Li Muyun and Zheng Baishi gathered around.

Zhan Yang stood behind Zheng Baishi, while Fuling remained by the door.

Qin Guan first inspected Meng Jin’s head, then examined his ears, nose, and mouth in sequence. She then unfastened the funeral garments on his body and asked as she worked, "Why was the report made to the authorities only after the ancestral hall was set up? Why not report it from the beginning?"

Zheng Baishi replied, "It was Meng Jin’s son, Meng Wei, who reported it. Initially, Meng Wei thought his father’s death was an accident. But after the ancestral hall was set up on the afternoon of the second day, his fourth uncle, Meng Hui, the fourth master of the Meng residence, came to pay his respects. During the visit, Meng Hui made several disrespectful remarks about Meng Jin, after which Meng Wei insisted that his father had been murdered."

Qin Guan looked up. "What did Meng Hui say?"

Zheng Baishi glanced at Zhan Yang, who then explained, "Meng Hui said Meng Jin had done too many wicked deeds and deserved to die, adding that his death was retribution. Meng Wei even tried to strike Meng Hui but was pulled away."

Originally, Qin Guan had only been invited to conduct the corpse examination, but somehow, everyone seemed to trust her implicitly. Yan Chi was no exception, and Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang answered whatever she asked without hesitation.

Listening intently, a flicker of deep thought passed through Qin Guan’s eyes before she lowered her head to continue the examination.

Although Meng Jin’s body had been dressed in new clothes, the skin still showed the pale, wrinkled appearance of having been soaked in water. Qin Guan meticulously inspected his neck and chest but found no injuries. As she moved downward, she suddenly noticed a faint, horizontal bluish-purple mark near his navel. Frowning, she suppressed her initial doubts and proceeded to examine the deceased’s limbs and other areas. Only after completing the full inspection did she straighten up.

"The deceased’s chest and abdomen are distended, and there are traces of white foam in his mouth and nose, confirming he drowned. Beyond that, there are no fatal injuries anywhere on his body." Qin Guan paused and pointed to the abdomen. "Only here—look, there’s a faint, horizontal bluish-purple mark, as if from a collision."

The mark was located where a belt would be fastened. Zheng Baishi observed it and remarked, "This mark doesn’t prove anything, does it? On the evening of the first day, during a family dinner at the Meng residence, an argument broke out, and Meng Jin and Meng Hui ended up shoving each other. Could this mark have been left from that altercation?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Aside from that, there are three abrasions on the deceased’s left hand, likely from grasping something. Additionally, there is a bruise on the back of his head, near the occipital region, though it’s not severe—no subcutaneous bleeding. An injury of this degree would only cause some pain, not unconsciousness."Zhan Yang then said, "We went to investigate. There are many Archaic Stones by the inner lake in their residence. The surfaces of these stones are uneven. If the deceased fell nearby or grabbed one while falling into the lake, it's indeed possible to get scratched. As for the bruise on the back of his head, since it wasn't severe enough to cause unconsciousness, it couldn't have been from someone knocking him out before throwing him into the lake. Could it have been from scraping against or hitting something when he fell into the water?"

Qin Guan didn't refute the speculations of Zhan Yang and Zheng Baishi. She was here for the corpse examination and only needed to report her observations.

Qin Guan stated, "These are two points of suspicion. Another is that the distribution of Cadaveric Spots on the deceased's body is somewhat uneven."

At this, everyone looked at Meng Jin's corpse. Qin Guan removed his Mourning Clothes, revealing his pale skin and the faint Cadaveric Spots. She explained, "This is the most critical point. In all drowning cases, because the body is immersed in cold water, blood flow slows significantly. Additionally, water currents cause movement, so the body isn't stationary while floating or submerged. Therefore, drowning victims typically develop Cadaveric Spots slowly and faintly. However—"

As she spoke, Qin Guan exerted effort to turn Meng Jin's body slightly. "But look here—the Cadaveric Spots on the right lateral chest and right arm are noticeably darker than elsewhere. Normally, whether a drowning victim is face-up or face-down, Cadaveric Spots rarely concentrate on the lateral aspects of the body. I don't know what the deceased experienced before death, but these spots tell me that for some period after death, he wasn't floating face-up or face-down. His body was slightly tilted sideways—a position highly unlikely to occur naturally in water."

Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang exchanged glances. Zheng Baishi said, "When the case was first reported, our constables conducted the initial inquiry. Meng Wei claimed his father was found floating near the Archaic Stones by the shore. Could his body have tilted during drunken struggling before drowning, possibly due to water currents and obstruction by the stones?"

Qin Guan nodded. "That possibility can't be ruled out." She adjusted Meng Jin's Mourning Clothes and added, "A family like the Mengs would never consent to an autopsy, would they?"

Zheng Baishi smiled wryly. "I expect not. Not only would they refuse autopsy, but Meng Wei—though he reported the death—still wants to give Meng Jin a grand funeral. When he learned we were examining the corpse, he insisted his father mustn't lose a single strand of hair. He even petitioned Minister Meng to pressure the Ministry of Justice. Though the Minister hasn't explicitly intervened, the case has shaken the entire court, and the Emperor has inquired twice already."

Although the second branch of the Meng family held no official positions, with Meng Wei opposing dissection, the authorities couldn't easily force an autopsy.

Qin Guan covered Meng Jin's body again with the shroud. "Without an autopsy, this is all we can determine."

Li Muyun looked at Qin Guan and asked, "Then what does Ninth Miss think? Was Meng Jin murdered?"Qin Guan lowered her gaze for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. After a brief pause, she lifted her eyes, her expression resolute. "I cannot definitively conclude whether it was homicide, but the doubts I mentioned earlier, especially the last one, lead me to believe it is highly likely the victim was murdered. If an autopsy were possible, we might uncover further clues. Without it, the investigation must rely on your efforts in other areas." She then added, "Might I be taken to the lakeside where the body was discovered?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Of course. I will make the arrangements."

No sooner had he spoken than a black-clad guard entered from outside. "Your Highness, Meng Wei is here!"

Yan Chi frowned, and the others raised their brows in surprise. Zheng Baishi exclaimed, "Why would Meng Wei come at this hour?!"

The guard replied, "He learned someone was performing a corpse examination and demanded to be allowed in."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. Zheng Baishi glanced at him and sighed. "Your Highness and Ninth Miss, please wait a moment. I will see what Meng Wei wants."

Yan Chi nodded, and Zheng Baishi left with Zhan Yang.

Soon, Meng Wei's loud, agitated voice echoed from outside. "Lord Zheng, I trusted you completely, yet you won't even let me witness the examination! My father had a friendship with you—how can you be so heartless? I've told you, my father was undoubtedly killed by Fourth Uncle! He resented Father for refusing to divide the family estate, accused him of embezzling funds from the other branches, and blamed him for the business losses earlier this year. That very night, after arguing and cursing that Father would get his comeuppance, my father died! Who else could it be but Fourth Uncle?!"

Meng Wei's voice was shrill with grief and urgency, making it difficult to rebuke him. After what seemed like Zheng Baishi's attempts to placate him, Meng Wei cried out, "Lord Zheng, you are the impartial judge of Lin'an Prefecture! I trust you will find the evidence to arrest Fourth Uncle. I swear I am not lying—the only one in the household who wished Father harm was Fourth Uncle!"

Zheng Baishi likely spent some time consoling him before returning with a weary expression. "The deceased Second Master did know me, which is why this case was assigned to both the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review. Meng Wei insists Meng Hui killed his father, but we've verified that Meng Hui remained in his own courtyard that night."

Qin Guan frowned. "He claims Meng Hui's motive was resentment over embezzlement and financial ruin, but with the family's fortunes already collapsed and Meng Jin dead, what would Meng Hui gain?"

Li Muyun interjected, "With Meng Jin gone, the main branch can no longer oppose dividing the estate. The family would have to split."

Qin Guan felt an instinctive unease—murder over a family dispute? She shook her head and sighed. "It seems I haven't been of much help this time."

Yan Chi stepped forward. "Let me take you to the lakeside and then escort you back. We can leave the rest to Lord Zheng and Lord Li." He turned to Zheng Baishi. "Since the conflict stems from the Meng family's assets, investigate their financial affairs. There may be clues there."

Zheng Baishi hurriedly nodded. "Your Highness, rest assured. I will look into it immediately."

Yan Chi acknowledged this and led Qin Guan out.After the two left, Zheng Baishi glanced at Meng Jin's body and sighed, "It's a pity we cannot perform an autopsy. Brother Meng, if we fail to uncover anything, please don't blame me."

He then turned to Li Muyun, "What does Lord Li think?"

Li Muyun nodded, "She is indeed no ordinary woman. However, I have yet to witness her case-solving abilities you mentioned. She is calm, intelligent, and meticulous—able to diagnose illnesses and identify root causes through medical consultation while also analyzing traces on a corpse to determine their origins. Her reputation is well-deserved."

Though Li Muyun's words were complimentary, they lacked astonishment. Zheng Baishi smiled wryly, "That's because you haven't seen her perform an autopsy. You think she's merely a physician, so today's display only shows she is unafraid of the dead and clever. But consider this: a young woman cutting open a corpse—how shocking is that? Even if Ninth Miss were a man, it would still be astounding. Besides, you've seen too many people in the judicial field, so you've become desensitized."

Li Muyun's lips tightened slightly, his eyes deepening for a moment. "If she is so remarkable, remember to summon me when you invite her again in the future."

Zheng Baishi chuckled, "This case is supervised by the Court of Judicial Review. Even if I didn't call you, I'd have to."

Meanwhile, Yan Chi led Qin Guan out of the courtyard and followed the corridor westward. Along the way, they only saw a few black-clad guards, with no other household members in sight.

Qin Guan remarked, "Have you sent everyone in the manor away?"

Yan Chi nodded, "Today you are dressed as a woman. If they saw you, it would inevitably lead to lengthy explanations."

Qin Guan sighed, "It's a shame we couldn't perform an autopsy."

"Don't feel you haven't helped. The old coroner from Lin'an Prefecture also examined the body. He noted all the wounds but failed to detect the abnormal cadaveric spots you mentioned." As he spoke, Yan Chi pointed ahead, "The manor's inner lake is right there."

Qin Guan followed his gesture and indeed saw the inner lake not far away. This lake was similar in size to Crescent Lake at the Qin Manor in Jinzhou. Its banks were lined with archaic stone rockeries, and despite being winter, lush flowers and trees thrived. The closer they walked, the more the cold winter lake resembled a mirror, gleaming under the light.

Up close, besides the verdant flora, the lakeshore featured various archaic stone landscapes. A corridor circled the lake, flanked by several plum trees outside. At a glance, red plum blossoms graced the water's edge, creating an extraordinary scene. Such scenery undoubtedly required substantial wealth, highlighting the Meng family's affluence—making the ensuing inheritance disputes unsurprising.

Qin Guan moved closer along the corridor and saw the archaic stone rockeries extending into the lake. Although the corridor formed a complete loop, there were four or five points where one could access the lakeshore. Even if Meng Jin feared water, it was possible he stumbled into the lake while drunk. A gentle breeze rippled the water's surface, with undercurrents swirling beneath. Since it was a living body of water, Zhan Yang's speculation wasn't entirely implausible.

At this thought, Qin Guan sighed. She had always been deeply concerned with cases involving loss of life. Having come here, she naturally wished to contribute, yet it seemed she had still not been able to provide definitive assistance."Zhan Butou's speculation isn't without possibility. Cadaveric spots only indicate a high likelihood that Meng Jin was murdered, but they can't completely confirm it," Qin Guan's voice carried a slight gravity. "Did Meng Wei mention what they discussed that night between father and son?"

Qin Guan had already overstepped by proposing to visit the lakeside, so she couldn't push further. As she posed this question, Yan Chi responded, "We asked. Meng Wei said they'd been discussing how to recover the family's losses those past few days, including that evening. During the grand family banquet, Meng Jin was mocked by Meng Hui and nearly came to blows. Because of this, Meng Wei spent a long time comforting his father."

Qin Guan listened without finding anything particularly suspicious, but Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, "When we questioned him, Lord Zheng, Magistrate Li, and I were all present. Though Meng Wei's account showed no flaws, I felt he seemed to be hiding something."

Qin Guan quickly looked at Yan Chi, "Why do you say that?"

Yan Chi explained, "He appeared slightly tense when speaking, with unusually evasive eyes. When I mentioned this later, Lord Zheng and others suggested he might be overwhelmed by grief. We questioned him again, and his story remained consistent."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together, "Without witnesses present at the time, we can't verify this matter and can only choose to believe him for now."

Yan Chi nodded, "Exactly." Then he lifted his chin slightly, "In the army, I often encounter suspected spies. Though unlike your methods in Jinzhou where you deduce the killer's thoughts through specific gestures, I've developed some skill in reading people. From my first sight of Meng Wei, I sensed something off about him."

Qin Guan chuckled wryly at this, "You're being modest. How could the renowned Demon King young marshal lack insight into people? I merely memorize specific behavioral patterns."

She then asked, "What did you notice about Meng Wei when you first saw him?"

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, "During our first meeting, Meng Wei had bloodshot eyes and was weeping bitterly. A son grieving his father's death is normal, but I felt his reaction was excessive. Moreover, beyond the exaggerated grief, he gave me an impression of great urgency and agitation..."

"Urgency and agitation?" Qin Guan expressed surprise, then pondered, "Could it be related to the Meng family's businesses?"

Yan Chi replied, "I had my subordinates investigate yesterday. The Meng family had indeed liquidated half their assets earlier, obtaining at least over a hundred thousand taels of silver - the amount Meng Jin was swindled out of. Additionally, since Meng Jin had taken circulating funds from other shops, several establishments now face closure. But these troubles pale compared to the swindle itself. The second branch has managed the Meng family businesses for years - with their connections and capital reserves, they shouldn't struggle to maintain current operations. So the time for panic should have been when his father was swindled last year, not now."

"Perhaps he fears that with his father's death, the fourth branch will compete for inheritance?"

After some thought, this was Qin Guan's only speculation. Yan Chi nodded, "Without evidence currently, I'm having my men continue investigations. I suspect it's mostly related to the Meng family inheritance."Qin Guan nodded. Seeing the sky growing dark, Yan Chi said, "Didn't you still want to visit your father's shop? It's getting late, I'll escort you out now."

Qin Guan inclined her head in agreement and turned to walk with Yan Chi toward the side gate.

Their path from the lakeside to the side gate differed from the route they had taken when entering the residence earlier. Before they had gone far, two servants from the Meng residence suddenly approached from a distance. Qin Guan halted her steps, noticing the two hadn't spotted her yet. She hesitated about whether to step aside when Yan Chi grasped her wrist, pulling them both two steps backward to take cover behind a flowering wall.

Fuling and Bai Feng, who had been following along, quickly concealed themselves as well.

Soon, the two servants reached their vicinity.

"We still can't find it. What should we do? How will we explain this to the Young Master?"

"What can we do? The young master only told us to look for a key, without even describing its shape."

"Exactly. The household has been restless these past few days, and the young master only assigned the two of us to search."

"Keep your voice down. It must be a valuable key, and the young master doesn't want it known..."

Though one spoke loudly and the other softly, with only a wall separating them, Yan Chi and Qin Guan heard every word. After the two passed by, Qin Guan and Yan Chi exchanged glances—searching for a key?!

"His father just died. While anxiously investigating his father's case, he's also looking for a key?"

Qin Guan asked in surprise. Yan Chi pondered briefly, "It must be something crucial. Don't worry about it—I'll have someone look into it."

Qin Guan nodded. Only then did they emerge from behind the floral wall and proceed along the corridor toward the side gate. Soon, they reached the side gate and boarded the carriage. Yan Chi asked Qin Guan, "You know where your family's shop is located, right?"

Qin Guan's eyes shifted thoughtfully. "It's getting late. I do know my father had a residence nearby—how about we go identify it first? It's in Copper Coin Lane—"

The Meng residence was also in the west, at the southernmost end of Eternal Joy Quarter. Although it was far from the former Shen residence, Qin Yi's property was very close to the Shen residence. Qin Guan couldn't go to the Shen residence, but seeing it from nearby would be some comfort.

After she finished speaking, Yan Chi tapped the carriage wall and relayed the location.

The carriage began moving slowly, with Bai Feng driving toward Copper Coin Lane.

Yan Chi then asked, "Have you visited the old residence?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Guan lowered her gaze and shook her head. "No."

The Qin family's third branch had divided their assets long ago. The eldest, Qin Shu, had long been the heir apparent of the Marquisate and, due to the old Marquis's early passing, inherited the title early. The second son, Qin Yi, initially held a nominal official post in the court and, after marrying, was allotted a Qin family residence in Xing'an Quarter in the east and moved out. The Old Madam in Jinzhou was the former Loyal and Brave Marquis's second wife; after giving birth to Qin An, she gained some status in the household. However, since Qin Shu was not her biological son and Qin An proved incompetent, after the old Marquis's death, to avoid suspicion in the capital, she took Qin An and moved to Jinzhou.

After Qin Yi and his wife passed away, Qin Guan moved into the Marquis's residence, and Qin Yi's original home was left abandoned. Now, like the property in Copper Coin Lane, it stood empty. Logically, since Qin Guan grew up there, she should have visited upon returning. However, firstly, she wasn't truly the Ninth Miss and lacked nostalgic feelings, and secondly, she feared revealing flaws and causing complications, so she used the excuse of painful memories to avoid visiting the old residence.

"Father and mother passed away early. Returning now would only bring back those scenes and add to the grief," Qin Guan explained, then added, "I didn't really want to see these residences and shops, but they are what Father left behind after all."

Yan Chi felt he had touched on her sad memories and quickly changed the subject. "How did the visit to the palace to examine Imperial Grandmother go today? Her health should gradually improve, right?"

Qin Guan looked up at Yan Chi, her expression softening. "The Empress Dowager's condition is similar to the Grand Princess's. After passing that critical point, she'll get better and better with gradual recuperation."

A slight smile touched Yan Chi's lips as he took Qin Guan's hand in his. "I knew you could save Imperial Grandmother."Qin Guan also held Yan Chi's hand, "Don't worry. Although the Empress Dowager is advanced in years, with proper care she won't reach that stage. At the very least, she'll hold on until Prince Rui returns."

Qin Guan said this recalling the Empress Dowager's words, but as she finished speaking, she felt Yan Chi's grip tighten slightly around her hand. Momentarily surprised, she looked up to see his expression remained unchanged. Qin Guan suddenly remembered the rumor Ban Xia had mentioned, and her heart clenched faintly. She then reached up and drew out the jade pendant Yan Chi had given her from her collar. "When you gave this to me, I couldn't clearly see what character was in the middle. When I looked at it again later, I found it was a small character written in Ancient Seal Script that I couldn't recognize. What character is this?"

As Qin Guan produced the jade token that gleamed like a cold moon, Yan Chi's lips curved slightly at the sight of it, his gaze softening. "Actually, it's two characters combined - the Ancient Seal Script for 'Shou Xin'."

"So it's two characters combined, no wonder I couldn't recognize it. 'Shou Xin'?"

Qin Guan was briefly surprised before asking, "Why these two characters?"

Yan Chi smiled warmly, "Because my mother's maiden name was 'Shou Xin'."

Qin Guan's eyes widened slightly, a glimmer of understanding flashing in their depths. She knew Yan Chi's mother came from the Lu Family of Lanzhou, but hadn't known her personal name until now. Lu Shou Xin... Qin Guan murmured the name quietly, finding it particularly distinctive. She couldn't help but ask, "Why was she given this name? It's quite different from ordinary girls' names. At first reading, it carries a Zen-like quality, but upon repetition, it evokes a sense of lingering tenderness..."

Ordinary girls were either named according to family genealogy, imbued with certain meanings, or given poetic names full of feminine elegance and delicacy. But this name truly held a unique flavor that Qin Guan could appreciate.

Yan Chi gently rubbed Qin Guan's palm, his eyes moist. "I heard that when my mother was just born, a Taoist priest cast a divination for her. The hexagram indicated she would face a calamity in this life, one that would manifest in matters of love. Because of this, my grandmother gave her the name 'Shou Xin'."

After Yan Chi finished speaking, Qin Guan unconsciously tightened her grip on his hand.

Though Qin Guan didn't know the details, it was true that Prince Rui's princess consort had died young. There were rumors among the common people that Prince Rui himself had killed his princess consort. Qin Guan couldn't rashly inquire about the specifics, but the princess consort's death must have been related to Prince Rui. If so, hadn't the Taoist priest's words truly come to pass?

Sensing Qin Guan's concern, Yan Chi smiled again without continuing about his mother, instead shifting topics. "I also have an aunt, my mother's elder sister. When she was born, the Taoist priest cast a divination for her too, saying she would be too burdened by thoughts in this life, possibly trapped in confinement. At that time, my grandmother named her 'You Xin'."

Lu Shou Xin... Lu You Xin...

One needed to guard her heart, while the other should follow her heart.

Qin Guan instinctively asked, "What about that aunt?"

Hearing Qin Guan also call her "aunt," Yan Chi's smile deepened, though it soon faded by a third. He sighed, "My grandfather remained devoted to my grandmother his whole life. Grandmother only gave birth to two daughters. My mother married His Highness, while my elder aunt remained with the Lu family. Now, she has become the head of the Lu family. Although she's a year older than my mother, she has never married to this day."Qin Guan's heart clenched upon hearing this. Though she didn't know how Yan Chi's eldest aunt was faring now, just imagining the entire Lu Family of Lanzhou resting on a woman's shoulders—and she must be at least forty by now, yet never married—it was clear she had fulfilled the Taoist's prophecy, trapped for life within the Lu Family of Lanzhou.

Qin Guan sighed. "Has it been long since you last saw her?"

After his mother's passing, Yan Chi might have transferred half his longing for her onto this eldest aunt. Yet when Qin Guan asked, Yan Chi gave a bitter smile. "You might not know this, but the Lu Family of Lanzhou was a prominent clan in the previous dynasty. Since the Great Zhou Dynasty, they've had a family rule: men of the clan cannot serve in office, and women cannot marry into official or royal families. That's why for so many years, the Lu Family has only intermarried with other scholarly families. Until my mother—"

Here, Yan Chi smiled wryly again. "So although the Lu Family of Lanzhou is my maternal family, I've only met that eldest aunt twice. Once on the tenth anniversary of my mother's passing, and again last year on the twentieth anniversary, when she brought people to the capital to visit my mother's tomb."

Qin Guan felt a chill in her heart and leaned over to embrace Yan Chi. She had lost both parents, but at least she had enjoyed over a decade of their love and care. Yan Chi, however, lost his mother shortly after birth, and his relationship with his father... seemed distant as well.

Seeing Qin Guan like this, Yan Chi first smiled, then tightened his embrace, holding her more securely. Resting his chin on her shoulder, he said, "My eldest aunt holds much resentment toward Father, but she treats me well. Knowing I've suffered greatly in the army, she sends handmade shoes, socks, and tonics to Shuoxi every year. Though I rarely see her, I respect her as if she were my mother." Then he looked down at Qin Guan. "It's a pity I didn't meet you last year, or I could have introduced you to her."

Qin Guan chuckled softly. Normally she might have disagreed, but now her tone softened. "There will be plenty of opportunities in the future, won't there?"

Yan Chi nodded and kissed her hair twice.

The carriage continued at a steady pace. Having Qin Guan in his arms, Yan Chi was reluctant to let go. So Qin Guan leaned against him, temporarily setting aside the Meng family case, the Empress Dowager's illness, and her still uncertain path to clearing her name. They nestled together comfortably for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea before the carriage gradually slowed.

Qin Guan pulled away from Yan Chi's embrace and lifted the curtain. "We're here—"

She had set out late, and dusk was already falling. As the carriage came to a stop, Qin Guan saw the residence situated in the middle of this quiet civilian alley. The house had only two courtyards, its lintel neither tall nor broad. Having been unoccupied for years, the front door was now locked, giving off a rather aged feel.

Yan Chi asked, "Do you have plans for this house?"

After a moment's thought, Qin Guan replied, "Though I live in the Marquis' estate, there are times when it's inconvenient. Besides, today I met the old steward. His son is married and lives in the southern part of the city, while he lives alone on a manor outside the city. I was thinking of fixing up this small house for him to live in. Then if I ever need it, I'd have another place to stay."The inconvenience of the Marquis residence was truly too great. While Qin Guan genuinely considered Han Bo's situation, she also had her own thoughts.

Yan Chi sighed upon hearing this, "You treat your servants so well; that old steward must be extremely loyal."

Qin Guan nodded, "Exactly so. I haven't had the chance to speak with them today. Tomorrow I'll find them and discuss this matter." As she spoke, Qin Guan's gaze unconsciously drifted toward the northwest direction.

Having lived in the capital for three years after all, while she wasn't particularly familiar with other areas, she knew her own neighborhood like the back of her hand. The former Shen residence was located in Liuer Alley, just two streets away from this Copper Coin Lane.

Leaning against the carriage window, Yan Chi couldn't see her gaze and simply said, "That works well. This location is quite good, not far from Prince Rui's royal residence either, making it much more convenient than the Marquis residence."

Qin Guan's thoughts were pulled back, and she chuckled wryly. Prince Rui's royal residence was outside the western imperial city, indeed closer to here than to the Marquis residence. But did he think she made such arrangements just to meet him secretly? Thinking this, Qin Guan lowered the curtain, "Let's call it a day. I'll confirm the location and discuss arrangements with the father and son tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Yan Chi ordered the return to the Marquis residence, and the carriage began moving again. Suddenly, as if remembering something, Yan Chi said, "By the way, did you know this place is very close to Shen Yi's residence?"

Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat, "What?"

Yan Chi continued, "Just two streets away." His tone then turned somber, "After the incident before the new year, the Shen residence somehow caught fire. The Shen mansion is now abandoned."

Qin Guan's brow furrowed deeply. First, their family was ambushed and killed, then their residence burned down.

How could she believe there was no conspiracy behind this?!

Her father's case was tied to Prince Jin's case. What secrets exactly were hidden in Prince Jin's case?

Were the death of the palace consort and the struggle for the throne related?

Qin Guan's brow remained tightly furrowed. Consort Jin's death hadn't affected either the Crown Prince or Prince Cheng, so it didn't seem connected... Meanwhile, Yan Chi took both her hands in his, "Why are your hands so cold?"

Qin Guan snapped back to attention but asked, "Does Prince Jin still have any trusted followers alive?"