Coroner's Diary

Upon leaving the palace, Qin Guan directly took Yan Chi's carriage to the Meng residence.

Since she had promised Meng Yao, it wouldn't do to keep her waiting long. Moreover, with numerous clues emerging in the Meng family case, her return served two purposes: to treat Meng Yao's younger brother and to investigate any new discoveries.

This time being a formal visit, Qin Guan no longer needed to enter through the side gate. Following Yan Chi through the main entrance, she was soon greeted personally by Meng Yao at the main gate.

"Greetings to the Crown Prince and Ninth Miss—"

After a night's rest, Meng Yao's complexion had noticeably improved, though her eyes were slightly swollen, clearly from earlier tears. After returning the courtesy, Yan Chi glanced at Qin Guan. "I'll go check on the second branch. Lord Zheng is still at the Meng residence."

Qin Guan nodded, and only then did Yan Chi depart.

Watching Yan Chi's retreating figure, Meng Yao quickly guided Qin Guan toward the main courtyard.

"Ninth Miss came so early—have you just left the palace?"

Qin Guan inclined her head. "Indeed. Thinking it was on the way, I decided to stop by."

Meng Yao's eyes filled with gratitude. "I thought Ninth Miss wouldn't come until tomorrow, yet you've arrived today. I'll send word to my father right away."

Qin Guan hurriedly said, "There's no need to disturb Lord Meng. Just take me to see the young master."

Meng Yao shook her head. "How could that be proper? I informed my father about yesterday's events, and he insisted that if Ninth Miss visited, he must thank you in person." Her expression then shifted slightly. "However, something else has happened in the Meng residence today. Father wasn't feeling well earlier and is resting in the back hall. Ninth Miss, this way—"

Qin Guan sighed. "Please accept my condolences."

Meng Yao shook her head again. "Eldest Brother's passing was too sudden. None of us expected this." She exhaled softly. "For Ninth Miss to visit the Meng residence with difficulty, only to encounter such matters... Fortunately, you don't consider it inauspicious."

Unaware that Qin Guan had visited earlier that morning or that she had performed autopsies on both Meng Wei and his son, Meng Yao spoke candidly. Qin Guan quickly responded, "How could I? If anything, it's inappropriate for me to visit at such a time."

Meng Yao forced a faint smile. "I've spoken out of turn. Since that's the case, I won't stand on ceremony with you, or we'll be exchanging polite remarks back and forth endlessly."

As they conversed, Meng Yao escorted Qin Guan into the main courtyard. The Meng residence covered vast grounds, with the main courtyard being the largest and closest to the main gate. Beyond the main courtyard, narrow paths and several corridors connected to the other branches' quarters.

Recalling the side gate she had used before, Qin Guan noted its proximity to the second branch's courtyard and remarked, "The layout of the Meng residence is quite different from others."

Meng Yao explained, "Several branches live here. The main courtyard belongs to our first branch, while the others reside in separate areas. Though it's one large family, each branch has relatively independent compounds. Besides the main gate, there are two side gates—the eastern one near the second branch and the western one close to the third and fourth branches."

Qin Guan nodded and entered the main courtyard's gate. Intending to inform Meng Zhou of Qin Guan's arrival, Meng Yao led her to the main hall. A maid had already gone ahead to announce them, and by the time Qin Guan arrived, Meng Zhou was waiting inside.Qin Guan hadn't had a close look at Meng Zhou earlier. Now observing him, she noticed he bore about thirty percent resemblance to Meng Jin. Likely due to two consecutive deaths in the household, Meng Zhou appeared extremely fatigued—not only were his eyes shadowed with dark circles and his complexion sallow, but blisters had also formed at the corners of his mouth, making him look utterly haggard.

Upon seeing Meng Zhou, Qin Guan promptly bowed in greeting. Meng Zhou forced a slight smile at the corners of his mouth and said with deep gratitude, "Ninth Miss, please rise quickly. On such a bitterly cold day, to have you make this trip truly makes me feel terribly apologetic."

"Lord Meng, there's no need for such courtesy. Miss Meng and I became fast friends at first sight. Besides, as a physician, this is nothing out of the ordinary for me."

Meng Zhou studied Qin Guan for a moment, a flicker of relief appearing in his eyes, his tone exceptionally warm. "Ninth Miss, you cured the Empress Dowager's illness. Now, there's no one in the entire capital who hasn't heard of your reputation as the Medicine Immortal. For Yao'er to receive your consultation is her great fortune. If you can relieve Yao'er and Chen'er of their suffering, I would be willing to give up my entire family fortune."

Meng Yao sighed at this. "Father, Ninth Miss doesn't even accept consultation fees. There's no need for you to go as far as giving up the family fortune."

Meng Zhou then sighed with a rueful smile. "It's just that I don't know how to properly thank Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan responded, "We've only just begun the consultation. It's too early for thanks, Lord Meng. However, your complexion doesn't look well—likely due to excessive worry. You must take care of your health as well."

Meng Zhou shook his head. "I'm fine. With so many matters in the household these past few days, it's natural to be preoccupied. I'm afraid we may not be able to host you properly, Ninth Miss, given the timing—"

Meng Yao quickly interjected, "Father, Ninth Miss didn't wish to disturb you in the first place. I'll take her to my quarters now. You should rest in the inner rooms; there's no need for you to trouble yourself."

Qin Guan nodded in agreement, and only then did Meng Zhou refrain from further remarks. Meng Yao then led Qin Guan toward her own small courtyard.

As they walked, Meng Yao explained, "My mother passed away early, and my younger brother is still quite young. I wasn't comfortable leaving him solely in the care of the Momma, so Father settled him in the courtyard next to mine and connected the two courtyards for easier supervision."

Though Meng Yao was about the same age as Qin Guan, she bore the responsibility of caring for her younger brother. Qin Guan remarked, "Fortunately, he has a good elder sister like you. With your care, even illness won't be as painful for him."

Meng Yao sighed. "He has already endured much suffering, which is why I thought of seeking your help to treat him."

"Rest assured, I will naturally do my utmost."

As they spoke, the two arrived at Meng Yao's courtyard. Upon entering, aside from seeing several main rooms similar to those in Pine Breeze Courtyard, they noticed a Moon Cave Gate opened in the white wall to the left. Beyond the Moon Cave Gate lay another courtyard.

Meng Yao pointed and said, "My younger brother is right next door."

Qin Guan nodded. "Very well, attending to the patient takes priority."

Meng Yao looked somewhat embarrassed. "You've come such a long way; you should at least have a cup of hot tea."

Qin Guan offered a faint smile. "That won't be necessary. As you said earlier, there's no need for such formalities."

Meng Yao's expression turned somewhat complicated again, and she finally sighed. "Alright, then let's go see Zichen first. After we're done, I'll properly invite you for a cup of tea—"

With these words, she led Qin Guan into Meng Zichen's courtyard.

Though separated only by a Moon Cave Gate, Meng Zichen's courtyard was far less fresh and elegant compared to Meng Yao's. Just as they reached the entrance, a woman who appeared to be a Momma came out to greet them. "Young Miss—"Meng Yao then said, "Where is Zichen? The physician I invited has arrived."

Momma was slightly surprised, first glancing at Qin Guan, then looking behind her. Seeing no one else, she finally confirmed that the physician Meng Yao had invited was indeed Qin Guan, and quickly replied, "The young master is lying in bed."

Upon hearing this, Meng Yao walked inside, passing around a screen and through a side door, arriving at a bedroom.

"Has sister arrived?"

As soon as she entered, Qin Guan heard a soft, sweet voice.

Meng Yao quickened her pace, walking directly to the bedside inside the room. Qin Guan followed and saw a seven- or eight-year-old boy in a small silver robe lying on the bed. Due to his illness, the boy’s face was pale, and his already slender frame appeared even more gaunt, like a thin bamboo pole. Because of this, his strikingly clear black-and-white eyes seemed especially endearing.

Qin Guan inwardly admired how beautiful Meng Zichen’s eyes were, then walked over to the bedside.

Meng Yao coaxed him gently, "Zichen, look, I’ve brought a physician for you. This physician is definitely more skilled than the ones before."

Before Meng Yao could finish, Meng Zichen caught sight of Qin Guan. His eyes lit up, and he exclaimed in surprise, "Is this pretty sister the physician you invited for me?"

Meng Yao couldn’t help but laugh, lightly tapping Meng Zichen’s nose. "Yes, this pretty sister is here to treat your illness."

Meng Zichen stared unblinkingly at Qin Guan. "What’s your name, sister? I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before?"

He had a baby face with just the beginnings of contours, full of childish innocence, yet his eyes brimmed with adoration. Qin Guan was also amused, a slight smile curling her lips. "Oh? Where have you seen me before?"

Meng Zichen blinked. "In a dream. Last night, I dreamed that a fairy would come to heal me, and that fairy looked exactly like you—"

Qin Guan’s smile widened. Meng Yao patted the top of Meng Zichen’s head. "Stop talking nonsense! No manners!"

Then, turning to Qin Guan, she said, "He spends all his time reading picture books and comic strips, usually teasing me. Today, since you’re here, he probably feels comfortable with you and is getting carried away."

Qin Guan sat down as she spoke. "Having such a sweet-tongued little brother must bring a lot of joy in daily life." Then, looking at Meng Zichen, she added, "My name is Qin Guan, and I’m the ninth child in my family."

Meng Zichen quickly asked, "Ninth Sister Qin, do you really know medicine?"

Meng Yao said with mild exasperation, "She’s currently the most famous physician in the capital. Others can’t even get an appointment with her."

Meng Zichen, who seemed to rarely meet strangers, was visibly excited upon seeing Qin Guan. His eyes fixed on her, he asked, "The most famous?! Ninth Sister is so beautiful and can heal people—doesn’t that mean everyone will want to see her?"

Qin Guan smiled and asked Meng Zichen to extend his hand. Meng Yao interjected, "Exactly! So you should cherish this opportunity and talk less!"

Meng Zichen leaned back against the pillow and, upon hearing this, fell silent. Qin Guan quietly took his pulse. After a moment, she finished and asked a few more questions before saying, "It’s the same as your asthma, but since he’s young, it’s not a chronic condition yet. As you said, there’s a greater hope for a complete cure. However, because of his age, the medication must be carefully considered."Qin Guan's tone grew more solemn as she spoke, causing Meng Zichen to pause in surprise. "Sister, can you cure me?"

Qin Guan curved her lips into a smile. "I believe it's possible. Don't worry, I'll do my best. This illness cannot be cured overnight—can you endure the bitterness of medicinal soup?"

Most children fear bitter medicine, yet after Qin Guan finished speaking, Meng Zichen quickly nodded. "Of course I can!"

A look of approval appeared in Qin Guan's smile. "Very well, I'll go write your prescription."

Meng Yao then said, "Then come to my quarters to write it. This little rascal needs his afternoon nap every day—let him sleep."

Meng Zichen gazed eagerly at Qin Guan. "Will Ninth Sister come again?"

Qin Guan smiled and nodded. "Naturally, I'll come to treat your illness."

Only then did Meng Zichen sink back into his pillow, pulling the quilt up to his chin. Watching his small face peeking out with those distinct black-and-white eyes blinking repeatedly, Qin Guan felt her heart soften involuntarily.

Exiting with Meng Yao, they turned left and returned to Meng Yao's courtyard. Upon entering the room, a faint, elusive fragrance greeted them.

Meng Yao's chamber was exquisitely elegant. The Momma who had met Qin Guan yesterday diligently served tea and pastries. The two settled in the Warm Chamber, where Meng Yao had a maid bring writing materials. Qin Guan began composing the prescription at the low table in the Warm Chamber.

"Your younger brother hasn't become withdrawn or gloomy despite his illness. His eyes still shine brightly—you siblings are truly remarkable," Qin Guan remarked while writing.

This time, Meng Yao's smile appeared genuinely heartfelt. "His temperament is indeed good. Even during his most painful moments, he never cries. Instead, it's me who weeps bitterly seeing him suffer. Although I'm his sister, I've cared for him since childhood, so our bond differs from ordinary siblings."

Sighing again, Meng Yao continued, "Among our family's younger generation, only Eldest Brother grew up healthy, but..."

Qin Guan paused her brush. "You mentioned before that both cousins from the third branch passed away from illness or poor health. For boys, practicing martial arts from childhood could strengthen their constitution."

Meng Yao shook her head. "My late Second Brother practiced martial arts since childhood, yet it didn't save him. Our father is a civil official, so martial arts aren't encouraged in our family. Even in Father's generation, only Fourth Uncle practiced martial arts."

Qin Guan's gaze remained on the paper as she suddenly recalled Meng Wei's death. "How skilled was Fourth Master in martial arts?"

Meng Yao seemed momentarily taken aback by the question, then reflected for a moment before answering. "He was quite formidable in his earlier years, but I don't know about now. He's grown older and has recently become interested in business, which sparked the family disputes."

By this time, Qin Guan had finished writing the prescription. She handed it to Meng Yao, saying, "The dosages on this prescription must not be mistaken. When sending servants to fetch the medicine, be sure to specify it's for the young master."

After examining the prescription, Meng Yao promptly agreed. Qin Guan then said, "Give me your hand—let me check your pulse."

Extending her hand, Meng Yao remarked, "After taking the medicine last night, I finally slept through the night. I haven't felt particularly unwell all day today—your medical skills truly live up to their reputation."

Qin Guan smiled slightly, withdrawing her hand before retrieving a Medicine Sachet from her sleeve. "This is for you. Take a whiff."

Looking momentarily puzzled, Meng Yao accepted the sachet and gently inhaled its scent. Quickly, her eyes brightened. "This fragrance... what's inside? I had a dull heaviness in my chest, but after smelling this, it feels noticeably clearer."Qin Guan's smile deepened. "This is a Medicine Sachet. Keep it with you at all times. If you suddenly feel unwell, take it out and inhale its scent—it can provide emergency relief."

Meng Yao's face immediately lit up with delight, and she sniffed it several times in succession. "This fragrance is truly pleasant."

Seeing how much she liked it, Qin Guan felt equally pleased. As they were speaking, Momma suddenly entered from outside and said softly, "Miss, Master Ning has sent over the paintings. They were originally delivered to the master, but he is currently resting. Steward Zhang had them brought to you instead. Master Ning did not come in person today—it was an apprentice from the painting studio who delivered them. The boy is still waiting outside and said you should check whether the mounting and inscriptions meet your satisfaction. If there are no issues, he will return to report."

Upon hearing this, Meng Yao immediately stood up and looked at Qin Guan. "Perfect timing—you should take a look as well."

She then instructed Momma, "Bring all the paintings in. Ninth Miss and I will view them together."