Coroner's Diary

Yan Chi's question made Meng Hui instinctively withdraw his hands behind his back.

"My... my hands are..."

Meng Hui's evasive gaze flickered several times, clearly attempting to conceal the truth. Yet Yan Chi's eyes were sharp as swords, leaving Meng Hui with nowhere to hide. His face paled considerably before he finally admitted, "I dare not hide this from Your Highness. Yesterday... after my elder brother left, I did punch that boy with my fists. It's mainly... mainly because his words were too offensive. He kept saying I caused his father's death and that I'd face retribution. But now, it's him who suffered the consequences—"

Meng Zhou stamped his foot in frustration beside him. "Fourth Brother! You're an elder! You should behave like one!"

Scolded by Meng Zhou, Meng Hui's face flushed with shame. Under Yan Chi's gaze, he dared not lift his head. Yan Chi glanced coolly at the two of them before turning to Zheng Baishi beside him. "Lord Zheng, have someone question them carefully about what they used to hit Meng Wei and which parts they struck. Be thorough."

Zheng Baishi looked at Zhan Yang, who immediately went to carry out the order.

Lowering his voice slightly, Zheng Baishi said, "Your Highness, regarding Meng Wei's death..."

"Once she completes the corpse examination, we'll have answers."

Hearing this, Zheng Baishi nodded and whispered further, "This morning, I already entered the palace once. The Emperor was very displeased that another case emerged right after the previous one was resolved, especially since it involves a court official... Ah, with the Northern Wei and Western Liang envoys visiting after spring begins, His Majesty has ordered us to investigate clearly within ten days."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "I anticipated this. His Majesty's words were grave when he summoned me yesterday."

Zheng Baishi glanced at Meng Zhou and Meng Hui in the corner of the courtyard, then looked back at the half-closed door and sighed. "Although we have ten days, I'm not sure if we can solve it within that time."

Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly. "Ninth Miss is the best coroner in the capital. Lord Zheng needn't worry too much."

At this, Zheng Baishi's lips curved. "That's true. Moreover, the Emperor asked about Ninth Miss this morning. I told him she was assisting with the corpse examination, and he seemed somewhat reassured."

Yan Chi then looked toward Meng Zhou in the distance. "Is Meng Zhou still unwilling to allow an autopsy?"

"When I asked yesterday, he was still hesitant. I'll inquire again later. His family is quite superstitious about this matter and stubbornly refuses to be flexible."

Hearing Zheng Baishi's words, Yan Chi said, "If he remains unwilling, I'll speak with him."

Though Yan Chi's tone was only slightly deeper, Zheng Baishi felt a sudden unease. Yan Chi's words carried an inexplicable sternness. Recalling various rumors about Yan Chi, Zheng Baishi hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, rest assured. I will do my utmost to persuade him later."

Soon, Zhan Yang's inquiry yielded results. He recorded everything Meng Hui and Meng Zhou said and presented it to Yan Chi. After reading it, Yan Chi stated, "The corpse examination is still ongoing inside. Lord Meng, please take your family and withdraw for now."

Meng Zhou seemed to want to say more but hesitated. Zheng Baishi stepped forward helplessly. "Brother Meng, please... please trust the authorities—"

As fellow officials, Meng Zhou was naturally familiar with Zheng Baishi. With this assurance, Meng Zhou had no choice but to bow to Yan Chi before withdrawing. The courtyard returned to silence, and only then did Yan Chi turn and enter the room.Inside the room, Qin Guan was carefully examining the wounds on Meng Wei's body. Seeing Yan Chi enter, she asked, "What did they say?"

Yan Chi walked over to Qin Guan with the statement records in hand. "Meng Zhou only struck Meng Wei's shoulders, back, and other areas with the long stick used for Family Law, including both arms and the lower buttocks. Meng Hui, besides hitting the same areas, also punched Meng Wei in the face, kneed him in the chest and abdomen, kicked his legs during the scuffle, and after knocking Meng Wei down, kicked him twice in the back."

As he spoke, Yan Chi handed the statement to Qin Guan. She didn't take it but leaned closer to him, tilting her head to read for a moment. Suddenly frowning, she quickly bent over and turned Meng Wei's body over. Upon doing so, she saw his back was covered in bruises, with a particularly noticeable contusion below the occipital bone at the Fengfu acupoint.

"The wounds on his back are mostly from the stick, and the two marks near his lower back are likely from Meng Hui's kicks. But this bruise doesn't look like it was made by a stick. Would Meng Hui directly kick his head?"

Qin Guan pointed to other wounds on Meng Wei's body. "Injuries from a stick are very regular, but this bruise looks like it was made by a fist. Meng Hui didn't mention hitting him here."

The Fengfu acupoint, located below the occipital bone, is a highly dangerous spot. Striking it can cause unconsciousness or even death—a fact known not only to medical practitioners and Coroners but to anyone trained in martial arts. If Meng Hui had aimed a kick there, it would suggest intent to kill.

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "Meng Hui emphasized that he only wanted to teach Meng Wei a lesson and didn't touch him above the neck."

Qin Guan frowned. "Then it wasn't left by Meng Hui. Moreover, this bruise wasn't treated with ointment, indicating it occurred after Meng Wei returned to his own courtyard. His servants applied medicine upon his return, and he stayed in his courtyard without leaving. Calculating the timeline, this injury must have happened after he went out that night."

Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan. "So Meng Hui was murdered?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Given Meng Wei's temperament, if he had a conflict with someone, he would definitely seek revenge. He wouldn't be in the mood for suicide. The only explanation is that his death was caused by the person who struck him. This injury is severe, and the attacker must have been swift and precise—enough to render someone unconscious. If the assailant knocked him out and then staged it to look like suicide, it would be hard to detect."

As she spoke, Qin Guan added, "The other injuries on his body show nothing unusual. If necessary, we could perform an autopsy." She then turned to Zhan Yang. "Zhan Butou, did you find anything by the lake?"

Zhan Yang nodded. "We've checked the lakeside. The rope had a common slipknot, and the material was ordinary hemp. As for footprints, we tested them—the size matches Meng Wei's shoes."

Qin Guan frowned slightly. "It can't be that simple. What about the depth of the footprints?"

Zhan Yang frowned in response. "Although there's mud by the lake, it's not very thick. Whether one person walked on it or someone carried another, the footprints sank to about the same depth."As he spoke, Zhan Yang's eyes shifted slightly. "If Ninth Miss determines it was homicide, could the killer have first carried Meng Wei to the tree, fabricated the suicide scene, then retreated along the original footprints?"

Qin Guan looked at the shoes placed beside Meng Wei's body. They were neither new nor old, showing signs of prolonged wear with some stains on the surface and thick mud caked on the soles...

"Did the killer put the shoes worn during the approach onto Meng Wei's feet? If so, when retreating backward, the footprints would appear irregular. Did Zhan Butou notice anything?"

Zhan Yang shook his head. "We examined carefully - every footprint was complete with no additional marks."

Qin Guan's eyes remained deeply contemplative. "This defies explanation."

Just then, Zheng Baishi returned and announced from the doorway, "Your Highness, Ninth Miss, I've persuaded Lord Meng. He has consented to the autopsy of both Meng Wei and his son."

Yan Chi's expression relaxed slightly while Qin Guan's eyes lit up. Glancing at the sky outside, she urged, "We must act quickly. I need to enter the palace to check the Empress Dowager's pulse before noon."

Hearing this, Zheng Baishi grew tense. Though it was still early, autopsies required considerable time.

Yan Chi stepped forward. "What do you need me to do?"

As Yan Chi approached, Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang remained by the door. Qin Guan walked to the bier holding Meng Jin's body, pulling back the shroud as she said, "Just assist with documentation."

Qin Guan had brought her small kit today. Unwrapping it, she revealed all necessary items including Aversion Incense.

After lighting the Aversion Incense and placing a Storax Pill in her mouth, she retrieved two porcelain dishes from the tribute table in the room.

Preparations complete, Qin Guan again used Cold Moon to begin. External injuries had been examined earlier, so she directly incised Meng Jin's thoracic cavity. Having been dead for several days despite the cold weather, the body had begun decomposing. Soon, the stench of death mixed with sour decay permeated the air, though everyone present endured it stoically.

"The nasal passages and trachea still contain small amounts of drowning fluid and foam. The lungs show effusion of drowning fluid with signs of edema and rib impressions. This confirms the victim was drowned alive..."

Soon, Qin Guan opened Meng Jin's abdomen, intensifying the foul odor. This was the focal point of her examination. Cold Moon proved exceptionally sharp as everyone watched the unimpeded incision reveal red, white, and yellow layers of tissue and organs. Zheng Baishi pressed his lips together and retreated half a step toward the door.

Qin Guan examined meticulously, her Gauntlets quickly becoming soiled. Unfazed by the grime, she carefully collected samples into the porcelain dishes while delicately searching for evidence within the abdominal cavity.

This was Zhan Yang's second time witnessing Qin Guan's corpse examination, and that peculiar sensation washed over him once more.Zhan Yang, accustomed to his role as a constable, was no stranger to death, yet he never considered places with corpses to offer pleasant experiences. However, the present scene was different. Qin Guan’s face was as radiant as an autumn moon, her demeanor as pure as an orchid. Even knowing she was handling the filthiest of corpses, she remained a delight to behold. For a moment, the sight of torn flesh and the pungent stench of decay seemed to fade into the background. Squinting his eyes, Zhan Yang wondered how Qin Guan managed to achieve such composure.

"The deceased’s stomach contains a large amount of drowning fluid—murky, with no traces of sediment or aquatic plants."

As Qin Guan spoke, her brow suddenly furrowed. She was usually calm and self-possessed during Corpse Examinations, so the change in her expression immediately caught the attention of the three others in the room. Zhan Yang wanted to ask, but Qin Guan leaned in, intently searching for something within the deceased’s abdomen, so he held his tongue.

Noticing this, Yan Chi stepped closer, getting a clearer view of Meng Jin’s internal organs. As a man of the battlefield, his spear had countless times pierced enemy hearts and bellies, even spilling intestines and rupturing stomachs. Yet, it was rare for him to witness the state of a corpse’s organs so directly.

Perhaps aware that time was short, Qin Guan concluded the dissection after another thorough inspection.

Despite the deep winter, beads of sweat dotted her forehead. As she sutured the corpse’s wounds, she remarked, "I recall that the bottom of Meng Manor’s inner lake is covered with pebbles and fine sand—"

Yan Chi nodded promptly. "There’s also plenty of moss near the shore."

Qin Guan’s hands paused briefly before she swiftly finished stitching up Meng Jin’s abdomen. Zheng Baishi glanced at Zhan Yang, who hurried to fetch water. Meanwhile, Qin Guan examined the contents extracted from Meng Jin’s stomach once more. After a moment, she frowned and declared, "There’s an issue. Meng Jin did not die in the lake."

Zheng Baishi was stunned, and Zhan Yang, who had just returned with water, froze in surprise.

Zheng Baishi protested, "But he was found in the lake, and he drowned."

Qin Guan first rinsed the contents in the porcelain dish several times. After multiple washes, she discovered seven or eight minuscule particles amidst the filth. Carefully, she picked them out and set them aside before washing her hands.

"There’s no doubt Meng Jin drowned, but drowning doesn’t only occur in lakes. When I entered, I noticed a large water vat in the corner of the courtyard—one big enough to drown an adult."

At her words, Zheng Baishi’s heart skipped a beat. Turning to look, he indeed spotted a discarded large water vat in the courtyard corner. It reminded him that many wealthy households used such vats to cultivate lotus flowers or similar plants.

"Ninth Miss, are you certain? If he didn’t drown in the lake, then where?"

After washing her hands, Qin Guan held a clean white porcelain dish containing the particles she had selected.

"To determine where he drowned, we must identify what these are."

As she spoke, Yan Chi’s gaze darkened. "They look like plant seeds."

The white dish held tiny, round brown particles, no larger than pinpoints. Having been soaked in stomach fluids for too long, their original color and shape were barely distinguishable, but they indeed resembled plant seeds.

Zhan Yang glanced at the large water vat. "Could it be... that flowers were grown in the vat, and their seeds fell into the water? Then the deceased was drowned in that vat?"Qin Guan nodded, "That is possible. Moreover, there is a mark on the deceased's abdomen and a bruise on the back of his head, which provides a very plausible explanation for these injuries. The victim was drowned first and then thrown into the lake to create the illusion of accidentally falling in. If that is the case, the location where Meng Jin was killed must be re-evaluated."

As she spoke, Qin Guan's gaze remained fixed on the brown particles.

"The drowning fluid is murky but contains no sediment, moss, or aquatic plants. However, it is mixed with gastric juices, and the body has already decomposed, making it impossible to determine the exact type of water. As for these small particles, give me some time to study them."

Zheng Baishi, recalling that Qin Guan was a medical practitioner, asked, "Could they be remnants of medicine or food?"

Qin Guan set down the porcelain dish. "No, because these particles were also found in the drowning fluid from the intestines and trachea. If it were food, it should have been in the esophagus. However, it could still be medicinal herbs. Some people use herbal decoctions to wash frostbitten hands or rashes on their bodies. It's possible the victim was forcibly drowned in such a medicinal solution."

She added, "In fact, even a basin of water could drown someone."

Despite saying this, Qin Guan still couldn't identify the specific herb. She turned and looked at Meng Wei, who was lying nearby.

Meng Wei had died by hanging, so an autopsy was of limited value. Nevertheless, for the sake of thoroughness, Qin Guan carefully examined his nasal cavity and stomach, as well as the more severe bruises on his body. However, she found little of significance.

"There were no traces of aphrodisiac or similar substances in his nasal cavity, so he likely wasn't drugged. His stomach contained only remnants of last night's food and medicinal broth, with nothing unusual. As for the bruises on his body, the most severe one is on the lower left side of his lower back, with significant subcutaneous bleeding. A little more force would have damaged the bones. Then there is the injury at the Fengfu acupoint. Though the mark appears small, there is considerable subcutaneous bleeding, and it is precisely located on the acupoint." Qin Guan turned to Yan Chi. "What does Your Highness think?"

Yan Chi frowned. "The person who struck him had exceptional control of force and succeeded with a single blow. It must be someone trained in martial arts."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Baishi quickly interjected, "But... in the Meng residence, only the Fourth Master, Meng Hui, practices martial arts... aside from him, only a few guards do. Could it be a treacherous servant killing their master?"

Zhan Yang promptly added, "However, last night, all the guards were on duty in groups of four. Everyone was unsettled by the death in the residence, and I questioned them as soon as I arrived this morning."

The theory of a treacherous servant killing their master seemed unlikely. With this, suspicion once again fell on Meng Hui.

Seeing this, Yan Chi said, "It seems we need to re-interview the people in the residence. Perhaps there is someone trained in martial arts whom we are unaware of."

Zhan Yang nodded. "Understood. I will go immediately."

Zheng Baishi furrowed his brow in thought. "Your Highness, do you think Meng Hui is a possibility? Meng Wei firmly insisted that Meng Hui was the murderer. Although we haven't found direct evidence linking him to the crime, he remains a suspect. Could it be that Meng Wei discovered something else? Or perhaps he found the key, and Meng Hui acted out of guilt?"

"Lord Zheng's speculation is plausible. Though there is no direct evidence, if we assume Meng Wei and Meng Jin were killed by the same person, the murderer had a direct conflict with Meng Jin. As for Meng Wei, it's possible he uncovered the murderer's trail."Qin Guan listened to their conversation and took out a handkerchief to wrap the brown-black particles from the porcelain dish. "Your Highness, Lord Zheng, allow me to take these back for examination. If I can identify what they are, I will inform you immediately."

Yan Chi personally packed Qin Guan's belongings. "It's getting late. I will escort you back to the Marquis residence first, then accompany you to the palace to see the Empress Dowager."

Qin Guan nodded and followed Yan Chi out of the courtyard, with Zheng Baishi accompanying them along the way.

Zheng Baishi said, "We need to investigate where Meng Jin went that night. He was drowned around midnight—it's unclear whether it happened indoors or outdoors. This should be looked into. As for Meng Wei's death, it confirms the killer knows martial arts, which gives us a new direction."

Qin Guan nodded. "Exactly as Lord Zheng says."

As they spoke, the three of them reached a spot near the lake within the estate. After a moment's thought, Qin Guan walked toward the lakeshore. "I’d like to take a look—"

When they arrived at the lake, Qin Guan first went to the spot where Meng Jin was found. Sure enough, tiny four-leaf moss floated on the water’s surface. The lake was clear, with pebbles and fine sand visible at the bottom. Qin Guan casually picked up a small stone and tossed it in, causing a "splash" that stirred up the sand from the lakebed.

This further confirmed her suspicions. She then moved to the location where Meng Wei was discovered.

The rope had already been taken away as evidence. Qin Guan stood at a distance and observed a red cinnabar mark on the horizontal trunk of an ancient willow tree. Zheng Baishi explained, "That’s where the rope was tied."

Qin Guan examined the mark, then glanced at the Archaic Stone placed beneath it. After considering Meng Wei’s height, she remarked, "The killer was not only able to drown Meng Jin but also kill Meng Wei in this manner. They must be quite strong and skilled in martial arts. This narrows down the suspect pool significantly."

Strength alone ruled out women, meaning the killer was likely male.

As for martial arts proficiency, it could be tested with careful examination.

While speaking, Qin Guan slowly walked toward the ancient willow tree. Among the scattered footprints, Meng Wei’s had been marked. At first, she only gave them a cursory glance, but then her brow furrowed abruptly.

She quickly stepped over to the first few footprints and reached into the muddy ground. Yan Chi and Zheng Baishi frowned in confusion, but the next moment, Qin Guan pulled out a small piece of leaf from the mud.

The leaf was tiny, half-crushed and covered in mud. Carefully brushing off the dirt, she narrowed her eyes. "Holly?"

She scanned the surroundings but saw no holly trees nearby.

Qin Guan hurriedly asked, "Are there any holly trees in the Meng estate?"

Zheng Baishi shook his head. "I haven’t seen any." He immediately ordered a nearby constable to inquire.

Qin Guan then said, "Please have someone bring Meng Wei’s shoes, Lord Zheng."

Zheng Baishi complied without question. Qin Guan explained, "This leaf appeared in the footprints, and there are no holly trees around here. Most likely, it was brought here on Meng Wei’s shoes."

A glint of understanding flashed in Zheng Baishi’s eyes. "When Meng Wei was discovered this morning, there was only one set of footprints in the mud. It must have been him who brought the leaf. If we can find where the holly tree is, we’ll know where he went last night."Qin Guan nodded. "If the wintergreen tree is in the Second House's courtyard, then it's not surprising."

Zheng Baishi repeatedly nodded in agreement. Soon, the constable sent to fetch the shoes returned. Qin Guan picked up Meng Wei's shoes for examination and indeed discovered the other half of the leaf. Since this further proved the leaf was indeed brought by Meng Wei's shoes, where did the leaf originate from?

Just as they were discussing this, the constable sent to make inquiries also returned.

"Your Highness, Sir, I asked the estate's steward. The steward said wintergreen trees are only planted along the Path beside the courtyard leading to the Third and Fourth Houses in the western section."

As soon as these words were spoken, Yan Chi frowned, "The Fourth and Third Branches?"

Zheng Baishi's expression also darkened, "So the suspicion on the Fourth Branch grows stronger?"

Qin Guan didn't speak, only put down the evidence and turned back to examine the footprints and marked places in the book. After careful observation, she looked at the clear, even footprints and said, "After the killer staged this scene here, how did they leave?"

There were still footprints around the Archaic Stone, but they only formed a circle around the tiptoeing stone without extending further.

Lifting her gaze, Qin Guan looked toward the clear frozen lake behind the ancient willow.

Yan Chi simultaneously noticed the frozen lake, "The killer walked here wearing Meng Wei's shoes, then after hanging Meng Wei, put the shoes back on him and left through the lake. This could be a method. Further ahead is the Archaic Stone mountain - if the killer stepped there, it wouldn't leave any traces."

It was no wonder both Qin Guan and Yan Chi thought of this method, as there were currently no other paths available. Going through the lake wouldn't leave traces, and moreover, to retrieve Meng Jin's key that day, several of Yan Chi's guards had entered the lake. The Meng residence members likely learned of this later, perhaps giving the killer inspiration.

Zheng Baishi clicked his tongue, "This... this can't be possible. The lake surface has floating ice fragments. That day, all of Your Highness's guards were elites who dared enter the lake. How would the killer dare? Especially at night."

Qin Guan didn't argue, only said, "My Lord could try sending people to check the opposite shore of the lake. There might be clues."

Zheng Baishi ultimately valued Qin Guan's opinion and smiled, "Good, I'll immediately have someone investigate." Then he added, "It's getting late, and we've troubled Ninth Miss again today. Truly, the Emperor is pressing urgently. Ninth Miss should let His Highness escort you back."

Yan Chi also said, "Leave this to Lord Zheng. I'll see you home."

Qin Guan nodded and followed Yan Chi to leave. After walking a few steps, she suddenly felt some gaze falling upon her from afar. Subconsciously turning back, she scanned the area but only saw Zheng Baishi deploying government officers. Qin Guan shook her head, thinking herself overly suspicious, and hurried to return to the Marquis residence to change clothes before entering the palace.