Coroner's Diary

The next day, Qin Guan returned from the palace quite late. The Empress Dowager's health was steadily improving, so whenever Qin Guan visited the palace, she would spend some time chatting with her. Just as she entered the residence gate, she saw another servant, Momma Jian, who served Hu Shi, waiting at the entrance. Spotting Qin Guan, Momma Jian immediately approached, "Ninth Miss—"

Qin Guan was momentarily surprised, "Why are you waiting here, Momma?"

Momma Jian smiled, "This servant was waiting for you, Miss. The daughter of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue has come seeking treatment. She is currently waiting in the main courtyard. She said she had an episode of illness last night and couldn’t wait to send a formal request, so she came directly."

Startled, Qin Guan quickened her pace, "How long has she been here?"

Momma Jian promptly replied, "She’s been here for nearly half an hour. Madam saw that her condition was severe and couldn’t turn her away, so she asked Miss Meng to wait here, estimating that you would return around this time."

Qin Guan nodded, slightly lifting her skirts as she hurried toward the main hall.

Soon, she reached the front of the hall. The door was half-open, and Qin Guan could vaguely see several people seated inside.

Steadying herself, Qin Guan quickly entered. Inside, Hu Shi sat in the host’s seat, while Qin Chaoyu, Qin Xiang, and Qin Shuang were seated on the left. On the right sat a young woman draped in a snow-white cape—Meng Yao, the daughter of Meng Zhou, the Left Vice Minister of Revenue, whom Qin Guan had seen at the government office the day before.

Yesterday, Meng Yao had knelt in the hall, wrapped in a thick cape and bowing her head, so Qin Guan had only caught a vague glimpse of her features. Today, with Meng Yao sitting properly before her, Qin Guan could clearly see her delicate, picturesque brows and eyes. The Meng family members were all fair-looking, but Meng Yao was especially beautiful. Unlike Feng Chenbi’s delicate softness, Meng Yao, though also frail and sickly with a petite face, had striking phoenix eyes and an oval-shaped face. She sat upright in her chair, her complexion pale and her breath unsteady. Despite this, her slender figure remained poised and erect. Hearing footsteps, Meng Yao instinctively glanced toward the door, her clear, bright eyes distinct and luminous. Seeing such eyes, Qin Guan felt an immediate fondness for her.

"Aunt..." Qin Guan curtsied slightly, "The Empress Dowager kept me talking for a while, so I returned late."

Hu Shi breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Qin Guan, "It’s alright, it’s alright. Please examine Miss Meng quickly—she’s been waiting for some time."

Qin Guan nodded and turned to Meng Yao, who rose and curtsied to Qin Guan, "Ninth Miss, I apologize for intruding unannounced. Last night, I had an episode of illness, and today—cough—"

As she spoke, Meng Yao began coughing breathlessly. Qin Guan hurried forward to support her, "Don’t speak for now."

A servant and a maid accompanied Meng Yao. The servant, looking distressed, quickly stepped forward to steady Meng Yao and said, "Ninth Miss, my young lady hasn’t been well these past few days. We had intended to come earlier, but unforeseen circumstances delayed us. Last night, she had another episode, and the medicine didn’t work. She suffered through the entire night. Today, we had no choice but to seek your help. Please, save my young lady."

Qin Guan nodded and turned to Hu Shi, "Mother, it’s too chilly here. May I take Miss Meng to Pine Breeze Courtyard?"Hu Shi rose to her feet. "Naturally, we defer to your judgment. We know nothing of these matters."

Qin Guan nodded. "Very well, then I shall take Miss Meng back to my courtyard for treatment."

With that, she turned to Meng Yao. "Can you still walk? Follow me."

Meng Yao took several deep breaths, finally calming her breathing, and nodded in response. Qin Guan then bid farewell to Hu Shi and instructed Momma and the maids to support Meng Yao as they made their way together to Pine Breeze Courtyard.

After the group departed, Qin Shuang stood up and couldn't help but voice her concern. "Is this wheezing condition contagious?"

Being straightforward by nature, she expressed her worry directly. Hu Shi shook her head. "It shouldn't be."

Qin Chaoyu sighed. "They say it isn't, but we still shouldn't be careless. After all, it is an illness."

Hu Shi nodded. "I wonder if bringing her back with Ninth girl might cause any trouble." She then turned to Momma Jian. "Go with them and see if they need anything. If anything seems amiss, report to me immediately."

Upon hearing this, Momma Jian hurried after them. Hu Shi then ordered the maids and elderly servants to open all the windows wide for ventilation, only then feeling somewhat reassured.

Back in Pine Breeze Courtyard, as soon as Qin Guan entered the room, she had someone open half of the closed windows, then instructed them to stoke the fire higher. She also had Baiying bring hot tea for Meng Yao. "Drink some hot tea first. Wheezing conditions are aggravated by cold things. The weather is so chilly now - staying in cold places or breathing too much cold air will make you uncomfortable. Why didn't you send for me to come treat you at your residence?"

When Qin Guan had seen Meng Yao kneeling in the courtroom yesterday wrapped in a thick cape, she had felt some pity for her. Now, witnessing how severe her condition truly was, she knew it was caused by the recent turmoil in the Meng household and yesterday's kneeling.

Meng Yao's face was deathly pale. After drinking two sips of the hot tea, she finally recovered somewhat. Looking at Qin Guan's exquisitely beautiful features, Meng Yao offered a weak smile and said slowly, "Someone of your status, Ninth Miss, should naturally have me come to seek treatment. How could I trouble you to make the journey? My sudden visit today is already quite impolite..."

Qin Guan shook her head. "Although wheezing conditions may not appear particularly dangerous, one must still be very careful."

Seeing the seriousness in Qin Guan's eyes, Meng Yao's lips curved slightly. "Ninth Miss is truly like a Medicine Immortal. The ancients said, 'One whose virtue does not approach that of Buddha should not practice medicine; one whose talent does not approach that of an immortal should not practice medicine either.' Though we are complete strangers, Ninth Miss can show such understanding and concern for me... it truly lives up to your reputation."

Qin Guan chuckled lightly. "Drink more hot tea. For now, don't speak."

Hearing this, Meng Yao naturally continued drinking her tea in silence. Watching her, Qin Guan smiled bitterly to herself - they weren't complete strangers at all. She had just seen Meng Yao yesterday, though Meng Yao didn't know it.

While Meng Yao drank her tea, Qin Guan composed herself.

When Meng Yao had recovered somewhat more, Qin Guan said, "Extend your hand. Let me check your pulse."

Meng Yao complied with the instruction, and Qin Guan calmly placed her fingertips on Meng Yao's wrist.

At this sight, whether it was the momma and maids who had come with Meng Yao or the servants in Qin Guan's courtyard, none dared to make a sound. Qin Guan focused intently, checking the pulse on the left wrist before moving to the right, only withdrawing her hand after completing both examinations.

Meng Yao looked at Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, how is my condition?"

Qin Guan's expression turned somewhat grave. "Miss Meng, has this illness been with you since childhood?"Meng Yao nodded. "Ninth Miss is right. I've had this asthma since I was five or six years old. It has been recurring ever since. We've even consulted imperial physicians in the capital, but it has never been completely cured."

Qin Guan nodded in response. "The cause of asthma lies in retained phlegm that forms stubborn accumulations, lurking within. Occasionally triggered by emotional disturbances, dietary injuries, or external seasonal wind-cold that constricts the body's surface, the asthma symptoms manifest. This condition cannot be resolved overnight. Normally, one can only regulate it to prevent recurrence - achieving complete cure is extremely difficult. Has Miss Meng recently been excessively worried and also caught a chill?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Yao's face briefly showed discomfort. Qin Guan quickly added, "From your pulse reading, I observe signs of spleen-kidney yang deficiency, failure of qi to transform fluids, and phlegm turbidity obstructing the lungs. Moreover, asthma attacks are triggered by various factors such as wind-cold, diet, and fatigue, which stir up the phlegm. This leads to mutual obstruction between phlegm and qi, with phlegm blocking the Path and qi rising upward. Because qi is obstructed by phlegm, they struggle against each other and block the airway, narrowing the lung passages and impairing the ascent and descent of lung qi, resulting in breathing difficulties. Miss Meng, you appear weary, with melancholy between your brows - clearly showing excessive worry. Please don't mind my frankness, but maintaining emotional balance is crucial for regulating asthma and preventing recurrence."

Qin Guan knew Meng Yao must be troubled by Meng Jin's death. Though initially intending to inquire about details, she couldn't bear to press further upon seeing Meng Yao's expression. After saying this, she asked Baiying to fetch writing materials.

"First, let me prescribe medicine for you. If you're willing, I can also perform Needle therapy later. Since it's currently winter, your severe condition is partly due to cold pathogens. The Needle therapy I'll perform has effects of dispelling cold pathogens and benefiting lung qi."

While Qin Guan continued speaking, Baiying soon brought the writing materials. Qin Guan stopped asking questions and bent over the desk to write the prescription. Meng Yao coughed lightly twice. "Ninth Miss must have heard about our household affairs?"

Qin Guan paused her brush and looked up to see Meng Yao's sickly countenance with a bitter smile. Qin Guan sighed. "So Miss Meng is troubled by your family matters?"

Meng Yao nodded. "I've heard some of the rumors outside. Probably the entire capital is spreading gossip by now."

Qin Guan responded, "No matter what rumors circulate outside, they have nothing to do with you, Miss Meng. Your health is what matters most - you needn't concern yourself with those. Besides, the authorities are already involved. Surely everything will be clearly investigated within days."

Meng Yao shook her head. "It's not that simple. Nothing crucial has been uncovered these past few days, yet my cousin still insists Fourth Uncle caused Second Uncle's death. After all, we're all family. For things to come to this... ah..."

After quickly finishing the prescription, Qin Guan thoughtfully added, "To be frank with you, Miss Meng, Lord Zheng often visits our residence. He seems quite troubled by this case too. As a member of the Meng household, have you noticed anything unusual?"

Meng Yao coughed lightly, her tone somewhat resigned. "Ninth Miss only arrived in the capital before the New Year, so you might not know much about this. My Second Uncle managed the family's public business ventures. In previous years, things were fine - he earned substantial silver for the family and was highly respected. But as the business grew larger, even the Fourth branch developed aspirations to enter commerce, though the Third branch was content. This has accumulated resentment over many years. Still, no matter what, I cannot believe Fourth Uncle would harm Second Uncle."Qin Guan handed the prescription to Meng Yao, who glanced at it before passing it to the Momma standing nearby.

Qin Guan then said, "This is the prescription. All the precautions are written on it. Take this formula for two days first, and we'll see if there's any improvement after that." Observing Meng Yao's complexion, Qin Guan added, "Your illness stems from excessive worry and the invasion of cold pathogens. After you return today, try not to overthink things. It's best to rest early after taking the medicine."

Meng Yao nodded, then hesitated and asked, "Will the needle therapy be done here?"

Qin Guan smiled slightly, "Right here. If you're not in a hurry, it's best to have one session of needle therapy today. This way, you'll sleep much better tonight. Otherwise, you might find it very difficult to fall asleep."

Meng Yao showed a faint smile, "Alright, then I'll trouble Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan promptly instructed Baiying and Fuling to clear the sleeping couch nearby. The sleeping couch was originally used in summer, but as it took up space in winter, it had been moved to the side room. Now it was placed by the window couch, perfect for Qin Guan to perform the needle therapy.

"Close the doors and windows, help Miss Meng remove her outer robe, then wait in the outer room."

After giving these instructions, soon Fuling, Baiying, and the others retreated to the outer room. Seeing this, Meng Yao dismissed her own maids and elderly servants as well. Thus, only Meng Yao and Qin Guan remained in the room.

Qin Guan had Meng Yao lie down on the sleeping couch, lit a stick of incense nearby, then asked Meng Yao to roll up her sleeves to begin the needle therapy. As the incense smoke curled gently in the room, Meng Yao slowly closed her eyes.

"Is Ninth Miss seventeen this year?"

Today's needle therapy wasn't life-saving, so Qin Guan didn't need to focus as intensely, allowing her to chat with Meng Yao while working.

"Yes, I've turned seventeen."

Meng Yao opened her eyes to look at Qin Guan. She saw Qin Guan holding a silver needle between her fingertips, her expression calm and composed. After locating the acupoint accurately, she gently inserted the needle into the skin. Qin Guan's hands were extremely steady, her eyes clear like spring water. Combined with her exquisite features, even though Meng Yao was the patient, she felt that being treated by such a physician made her discomfort lessen considerably.

"Ninth Miss is only seventeen yet has such accomplishments, it really makes Meng Yao feel ashamed. I'm also seventeen this year, but I'm just a sickly person. Apart from being able to read a few books, I can't do anything else."

Hearing this, Qin Guan chuckled, "Why compare like that, Miss Meng? The books you can read, I probably can't. You can compose poetry and paint - these are things I cannot do. If you say such things, wouldn't it make me feel ashamed?"

Meng Yao came from a good family background and had a temperament as gentle and refined as fine jade. Combined with her distinctive scholarly aura and the elegance and dignity of a young lady from a prominent family, she gave people an especially amiable and friendly feeling. Her voice was also soft and pleasant to hear, so even Qin Guan felt a sense of pity and protective affection toward her.

Hearing Qin Guan's words, Meng Yao smiled warmly, "Ninth Miss truly has a wonderful disposition. Now that Ninth Miss is famous throughout the capital, when I came to your residence the other day, I couldn't even meet you. I was worried then that, given your reputation, Ninth Miss might be somewhat arrogant. Now it seems my thinking at that time was extremely narrow-minded."

Qin Guan kept her eyes focused on the needles while Meng Yao spoke while observing Qin Guan. "With such appearance and bearing, why didn't Ninth Miss return to the capital earlier? If you had come back sooner, I could have gotten to know you earlier."Qin Guan inserted another needle before finally having a moment to glance at Meng Yao. "Is it too late now?"

Meng Yao's lips curved upward, yet she added, "Ninth Miss, my younger brother also suffers from asthma. If you have time another day, could you possibly examine him as well? He's still young, and his condition isn't severe yet. If it can be treated, I wonder if it's possible to cure him?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Guan's expression turned serious. After a moment's contemplation, she said, "Of course, it's best to treat this illness early."

A light sparked in Meng Yao's eyes. "Good! When will Ninth Miss be available?"

Qin Guan smiled. "These days, I enter the palace at noon to attend to the Empress Dowager and usually finish in about an hour. Most other times, I'm at the residence with plenty of free time." As she spoke, she seemed to recall something and added, "I could also come to your residence to see him. Your brother is young, and it's not convenient for you to move around much now. It's no trouble for me to visit."

Meng Yao's eyes reddened. "Ninth Miss, I truly don't know how to thank you—"

Qin Guan paused her hands, seeing how deeply moved Meng Yao was, and felt a mix of emotions herself. "I'm a physician. Healing and saving people is my duty—it's nothing." Qin Guan had been to the Meng residence before, and it was likely she would go again. Given that, one more trip wouldn't matter.

Meng Yao smiled gratefully. "Ninth Miss is a physician, but not an ordinary one. If you were to open a clinic and charge fees, that would be one thing, but you don't."

Qin Guan chuckled at this. "It's not that I haven't thought about opening a clinic."

Meng Yao widened her eyes at Qin Guan, clearly believing her words. Seeing this, Qin Guan's smile deepened. "But my status restricts me."

Meng Yao let out a sigh of relief. "You scared me! I thought you really intended to open a clinic. The Marquis and his wife would never agree."

Qin Guan inserted another needle and then stopped. "Yes, they wouldn't agree. Alright, that's it. Remove them after the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Do you feel any discomfort?"

Meng Yao shook her head. After a moment of silence, she suddenly asked, "Do you know what people are saying about the Meng residence outside?"

Qin Guan was taken aback. "Actually, there isn't much talk. Don't overthink it."

Meng Yao sighed. "My father has a hard time managing such a large family. There must be all sorts of rumors now. I don't know if he'll be able to keep his official position this time."

Seeing how troubled Meng Yao was by this matter, Qin Guan offered a few more words of comfort. But Meng Yao said, "Our family was originally very harmonious, though each branch has its own... imperfections..."

Qin Guan's heart stirred at these words, and she instinctively asked, "Imperfections?"

Meng Yao's face showed embarrassment. Realizing she had touched upon something unmentionable about the Meng family, Qin Guan quickly waved her hand apologetically. "You don't have to say anything. I was just asking casually. Every family has its own difficulties—just don't let it weigh too heavily on your mind."Meng Yao gave a bitter smile. "It's not that I can't speak of it. In fact, many people in the capital know about our family circumstances. In the main branch, my mother passed away shortly after giving birth to my younger brother. The second branch—my second aunt is actually Second Uncle's second wife, and she has borne no children all these years. As for the third branch, Third Uncle passed away early. Not only that, his eldest son, my second elder brother, also died of illness at a young age. Only the fourth elder brother remains, but he suffers from a stutter. Fortunately, Fourth Sister-in-law didn't mind his condition and married into the household, finally bringing some smiles to the widowed mother and son of the third branch. Regarding the fourth branch, Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt get along quite well, but they only have a daughter and no son."

She then said apologetically, "These are the imperfections in our family, especially in the third branch. After Third Uncle passed away, Third Aunt and Fourth Elder Brother had a very difficult life. Third Aunt has a gentle nature and lost all hope after Third Uncle's departure. Fourth Elder Brother, with his stutter and poor health—many say it's uncertain how long he'll live—only added to the gloom and sorrow."

Qin Guan listened, her heart filled with sympathy. No wonder the Second Lady had seemed indifferent that day—she was actually a second wife. Meng Wei wasn't her biological son, and having been in the Meng residence for years without favor or children, one could imagine how difficult her situation must be.

Meng Yao continued, "Our family used to be very harmonious. It was only after the Meng family business grew larger that disagreements emerged. But I truly don't believe Fourth Uncle would harm anyone. In fact, I can't imagine anyone in the Meng residence who would want to harm Second Uncle. I'd rather believe his death was an accident."

Qin Guan sighed. "Wealth indeed has a way of changing people's hearts, but there's nothing to be done about it. As a junior, you shouldn't dwell on the conflicts among the elders. As I said before, the authorities will surely give you answers. For now, don't think about anything. Close your eyes and rest for a while. I'll go change the calming incense."

Qin Guan rose to replace the incense. Meng Yao watched her retreating figure for a moment before slowly closing her eyes.

Amid the rustling sounds of Qin Guan changing the incense, Meng Yao soon fell into a deep sleep.

Meng Yao slept for over an hour before waking. When she awoke, she found the room completely silent. The silver needles had been removed from her body, and a blanket covered her. The stove roared in the room, but Qin Guan was nowhere to be seen. Holding her breath to listen, Meng Yao detected voices in the outer chamber.

She immediately got up, put on the outer robe hanging nearby, and stepped out to find Qin Guan sitting in the host's seat, conversing with Fuling and others. Fuling's eyes swept over and noticed Meng Yao, promptly announcing, "Miss Meng is awake!"

Qin Guan turned her gaze, a smile curling her lips. Meanwhile, Meng Yao's Momma and maid hurried forward. The Momma said, "You're finally awake, young miss. Are you feeling better?"

After just one nap, Meng Yao already felt warmth spreading through her body, and the suffocating tightness in her chest had mostly dissipated. She said, "Why didn't you wake me? I've been terribly rude to Ninth Miss."

The Momma looked gratefully at Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss instructed us not to wake you. She said you've been excessively worried these past two days and your body is thoroughly exhausted. Since you'd fallen asleep, she insisted you rest longer."

Meng Yao's eyes shone brightly as she looked at Qin Guan. She approached and performed a slight bow. "Thank you so very much."Qin Guan rose and helped Meng Yao to her feet. "You only rested here for a while—it's no trouble at all. It's just a pity I don't have any medicinal herbs here, otherwise it would be ideal for you to take medicine now..."

Meng Yao replied apologetically, "I've already inconvenienced you too much. How could I trouble you further by brewing medicine here? It's getting late—I'll go back now and have them prepare the herbs." She then added with regret, "The lady said you don't accept consultation fees, and I don't know what to offer you instead." As she spoke, she pulled a white magnolia hairpin from her hair. "This hairpin was given to me by my mother. There was originally a pair, but I usually only wear one."

Qin Guan quickly protested, "This is your late mother's keepsake—how could I possibly accept it?"

Meng Yao grasped Qin Guan's hand and placed the hairpin in her palm.

"Why not? If I say it's acceptable, then it is. I still have the other one with me." Meng Yao continued, "It's not particularly valuable. Please accept it, if only to acknowledge our friendship."

With that said, Qin Guan could hardly refuse. Besides, she already had a favorable impression of Meng Yao, and after today's meeting, she felt Meng Yao carried a refreshing air of scholarly grace. Moreover, her words were filled with concern for her family, which showed her kind-hearted nature.

Qin Guan pursed her lips and said, "In that case, I'll accept it."

Meng Yao's eyes sparkled brightly, "That's wonderful! It's getting late, I really shouldn't trouble you any longer. I must take my leave—"

Qin Guan then escorted Meng Yao out and added, "Regarding your brother's illness, if I return early from the palace tomorrow, I'll visit your residence to examine him. If something delays me, I'll definitely come the day after."

Meng Yao expressed her gratitude once more. Qin Guan saw her off to the main courtyard where she bid farewell to Hu Shi, then watched her leave before returning to Pine Breeze Courtyard. Meanwhile, Momma Jian reported everything to Hu Shi, who then felt relieved.

"That Wan Yatou really has some skills," Hu Shi remarked as she sat with Qin Chaoyu, her tone tinged with admiration.

Qin Chaoyu neither agreed nor disagreed but said, "It seems now that all those poems and verses I studied can't compare to her medical expertise."

Hu Shi embraced Qin Chaoyu, "Silly girl, how can they be compared? When you become the Crown Princess in the future, will you personally treat others? She has her strengths, but in your mother's eyes, you are the best."

Knowing this was Hu Shi's maternal consolation, Qin Chaoyu didn't respond and instead changed the subject, "Have you decided, Mother? Are you really going to arrange this marriage for Qin Xiang?"

Hu Shi nodded, "Old Madam Song sent word that this young man is exceptionally outstanding among his peers. Although his family background is somewhat lacking, given Qin Xiang's circumstances, it was never easy to find someone of higher status."

Qin Chaoyu lifted her chin slightly, "With Qin Xiang's temperament, I'm afraid she might not be willing."

Hu Shi shook her head at this, "If she's unwilling, where does she think she can marry? Matters of marriage become clear only after one is married. Besides, Old Madam Song said the young man is quite handsome. We'll see for ourselves when we visit the Marquis residence on the eighth."

Qin Chaoyu then asked, "What about Qin Shuang?"

Hu Shi smiled, "Naturally, she'll be similar to her sister. Among the guests Old Madam Song has invited this time, there are several families of comparable status. If we find someone suitable for Qin Shuang, it would be good to settle her match as well." She continued, "Don't look down on their modest backgrounds—they either serve in the Nine Gates Garrison or hold minor positions in the Six Ministries. Though their ranks aren't high now, as they advance, we'll have connections everywhere. This is also your father's intention."

Qin Chaoyu nodded, "I understand that. And what about Qin Guan?"

Hu Shi's eyes shifted thoughtfully, "Qin Guan's marriage must be considered only after yours. I suspect your father intends for her to marry into at least a Marquis household, though it's hard to say how things will unfold then."

Qin Chaoyu pondered this for a moment but said nothing more.

Meanwhile, when Qin Guan returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard, Fuling remarked, "This Miss Meng is truly pitiful. Her family affairs have worsened her illness. She sees everyone as good—could Second Master Meng's death really have been an accident?"

Qin Guan sighed, "She's pure-hearted, so she naturally sees everyone as good. But there are many unresolved doubts about Meng Jin's death. I still don't believe he died accidentally."Fuling thought for a moment and suddenly said, "Miss, what do you think Miss Meng would think if she knew you had been to the Meng residence and even conducted a corpse examination—"

Qin Guan raised her eyebrows slightly and sighed, "I'm afraid she would be frightened."

Meng Yao was a typical young lady from a scholarly family—well-mannered, elegant, gentle, and, as the only daughter of the main branch, she had been particularly pampered. This made her pure-hearted and kind. Moreover, having been bedridden for a long time, she was more sensitive and delicate than most, easily moved. If she were to learn that Qin Guan practiced medicine and even conducted corpse examinations, she would likely be quite startled.

Thinking this, Qin Guan took out the magnolia hairpin from her sleeve. Since returning to the capital, she had not yet made new friends, and Meng Yao could be considered the first. It was a pity that she had no choice but to keep many things from Meng Yao.

Sighing, Qin Guan instructed Fuling to carefully put away the hairpin and then temporarily set aside these thoughts.

Zheng Baishi had said he would persuade Meng Zhou and the others to agree to an autopsy, but there had been no news so far. It seemed unlikely that she would be allowed to go to the Meng residence today. With her mind made up, Qin Guan wrote a prescription and sent Fuling to the medicine storage in the residence to gather the ingredients. She intended to make a medicine sachet to treat asthma for Meng Yao.

By evening, the medicine sachet was ready, and Qin Guan decided to visit the Meng residence the following afternoon under the pretext of checking on Meng Yao's health.

After a good night's sleep, Qin Guan rose early the next morning. Her current habits were almost the same as when she was in Jinzhou—she would always take a walk in the courtyard after waking up before having breakfast. However, on this day, before she could even eat, Qin Yan arrived in her courtyard.

"Ninth Sister, are you up?!"

Qin Yan strode in and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Qin Guan was already dressed and ready. Qin Guan stood up in surprise, "What's wrong, Third Brother?"

So early in the morning, and with Qin Yan in such a hurry—something must have happened!

Qin Yan said urgently, "Come with me, His Highness Yan Chi is here—"

Qin Guan was taken aback and, without further thought, threw on her cape and left the courtyard with Fuling.

"Why has His Highness come so early? What is the matter?"

Qin Yan walked swiftly, "It must be about the Meng residence. He seemed quite anxious."

If Yan Chi was anxious, it couldn't be a trivial matter. What had happened at the Meng residence? Had Meng Zhou refused to allow the autopsy?

Qin Guan was filled with doubts. When they reached the main courtyard, she indeed saw Qin Shu and Yan Chi in the main hall. As Qin Guan entered the room, before she could even bow, Yan Chi stepped forward to stand before her. "Something else has happened at the Meng residence."

Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat as Yan Chi continued, "Meng Wei is dead, suspected to be suicide."