Coroner's Diary

Soon, two maidservants entered together carrying over ten scrolls of paintings.

Placing the scrolls on the long couch in the Warm Chamber, Qin Guan and Meng Yao stood side by side, unrolling them one by one to examine.

Momma said, "All the paintings Master requested last time have been delivered. There are also a few that the masters painted casually of the courtyard scenery that day, sent along today as well. The painting attendant said if the Master likes them, they can stay; if not, he'll take them back. He also mentioned that Master Ning isn't charging for those few pieces."

Meng Yao nodded upon hearing this, and Qin Guan asked, "Did the Meng residence invite several masters to paint that day?"

Meng Yao replied, "You've just returned to the capital recently, so you might not know. Master Ning's painting studio is the finest in the capital. Besides Master Ning himself, there are over ten other painters. Master Ning's skills are naturally first-rate, but the other masters each have their own specialties and styles. When prominent families host grand banquets, they often invite several masters together—some excel at flowers, birds, and scenery; others are skilled at figures; some use rich, bold colors, while others have an elegant and subtle style. That day, besides Master Ning, we invited two other masters—one renowned for landscape scenes and the other for portrait paintings."

Qin Guan had already met Ning Buyi that day, though she naturally wouldn't mention this to Meng Yao now. Ning Buyi's studio had long been established, but when she and her parents had previously come to the capital, they hadn't followed the custom of other nobles by hosting tea parties and inviting painters, so she hadn't been aware of these details. Now, with Meng Yao's explanation, she understood.

As they spoke, Meng Yao unrolled the first painting. As it unfurled, a Family Portrait emerged. The entire scene was set against a courtyard of red plum blossoms in pure snow, depicting a large family enjoying a garden banquet. Qin Guan examined it closely. Though not deeply familiar with all the members of the Meng family, she immediately recognized the three Meng brothers drinking together in the pavilion, with Meng Wei standing nearby in attendance. In the courtyard beyond, Meng Yao and her siblings stood in the snow with another young girl, while Meng Ziyi and his wife stood beneath the plum blossom trees. Three other ladies were conversing by the railing. The painting featured over ten figures yet appeared anything but crowded; instead, it conveyed the harmony among the Meng brothers, the closeness of their wives, and the family's prosperity. Qin Guan scanned each person in the painting, finding every one rendered vividly and true to life.

"This painting is Master Ning's work. He excels at both figures and scenery, and his compositions are always ingenious. Actually, we were quite spread out that day... It was the Laba Festival, the weather was chilly, and it had snowed. No one wanted to stay outside long, so after sitting in the courtyard for a while, everyone moved to the Illuminating Virtue Pavilion nearby."

Qin Guan nodded. "Master Ning's skill is indeed exceptional."

Meng Yao smiled in agreement, then checked the mounting and inscriptions before rolling it up and setting it aside.

Next, Meng Yao unrolled another painting. This one depicted only Meng Zhou, Meng Yao, and their son Meng Zichen—a portrait of the three of them. In the painting, Meng Zichen looked spirited and vibrant, his eyes especially lifelike.

A warmth glowed in Meng Yao's eyes. "It's truly well done."

The purpose of commissioning paintings was to preserve memories, so it was essential they be vivid. Gazing at the portrait of Meng Yao's family of three, Qin Guan couldn't help but think of her own family. Though her expression remained neutral, a pang of sorrow tugged at her heart.After viewing this painting, Meng Yao opened the third one. This painting depicted the three Meng brothers standing atop a three-story building. Meng Zhou stood in the center, flanked by Meng Hui and Meng Jin on either side. It was unclear what Meng Zhou had said, but Meng Hui wore a bright smile while Meng Jin appeared indifferent. Moreover, Meng Jin’s gaze was lowered, not aligned with where Meng Zhou and Meng Hui were looking. Thus, although this painting of brothers ascending heights carried an air of transcendence, a closer look revealed that the three brothers were not truly harmonious and seamless. Qin Guan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—the painter had been exceptionally meticulous.

Meng Yao also noticed the key point of this painting. Those unaware of the Meng family’s internal affairs might see nothing amiss, but those in the know would recognize that this painting revealed a third of the brothers’ internal strife. Meng Yao smiled wryly, "Master Ning has always been meticulous in his paintings. Second Uncle clearly wasn’t listening to Father and Fourth Uncle at the time…"

Not wanting to embarrass Meng Yao, Qin Guan said, "Perhaps he was admiring the scenery."

Meng Yao shook her head and put the painting away. "Second Uncle has passed, and as juniors, it’s not our place to say more. No matter what, none of us wish for anything to happen to anyone in the family. Zichen mentioned the other day that Second Uncle had bought him many little toys."

Even if Meng Jin had been greedy, according to Meng Yao’s words, he had also cared deeply for the younger generation, so at least someone still remembered him.

The first three paintings were all by Ning Buyi. When Meng Yao opened the next one, the style changed. The fourth painting depicted the Meng residence after a snowfall. The sprawling buildings and pavilions were blanketed in pure white, yet it couldn’t conceal the family’s wealth and prominence. The painter had employed a grand composition with exquisite detail. Qin Guan had visited many parts of the Meng residence, and just by looking at the lake scene in the painting, she could tell the artist’s skill was remarkable. Shortly after, Meng Yao opened several more paintings, all of which were individual portraits of the family’s masters. Then, Qin Guan saw portraits of the other branches. The fourth branch also consisted of three people: Fourth Master Meng Hui with his arm around his wife’s shoulder, their young daughter standing beside them, beaming with joy. The third branch, with its widowed mother and daughter-in-law Xu Shi, also appeared harmonious and cheerful. The only oddly unsettling one was the second branch: Second Mistress stood side by side with Meng Jin, but they were not close. Although Meng Jin was smiling, Second Mistress wore a stern expression with only a faint hint of a smile. In contrast, Meng Wei stood boldly on the other side of Meng Jin, his face radiant with energy.

As she viewed the paintings one by one, Qin Guan gained some insight into the Meng family’s internal dynamics. When Meng Yao reached the second branch’s portrait, she sighed. "Second Aunt is not one to smile easily. The painter found it quite challenging that day, so he added a touch of his own interpretation. Upon closer inspection, Second Aunt’s lips are slightly upturned."

The scroll changed again, this time to a painting of Meng Ziyi and Xu Shi. The two stood beneath a corridor, with Meng Ziyi holding Xu Shi’s hand and pointing at the plum blossoms in the distance, seemingly explaining something to her. This painting featured only Meng Ziyi and Xu Shi. The painter had likely sensed their deep affection, as their brows and eyes brimmed with relaxed smiles. Qin Guan couldn’t help but smile slightly as she looked at it. "The fourth young master and the young mistress truly share an excellent bond."Meng Yao nodded, "Indeed. Fourth Brother has always been frail and sickly, and he stutters. After Third Uncle passed away, he and Third Aunt rarely showed any smiles. It wasn't until Fourth Sister-in-law married into the family that their household gained some liveliness. However, perhaps because Fourth Brother's constitution is too weak, even after two years of marriage, Fourth Sister-in-law still shows no signs of pregnancy. Third Aunt is quite anxious about this—her health isn't good, and she desperately wants to see Fourth Brother have an heir before she can rest easy... Because of this, Fourth Brother has never stopped taking medicine."

Meng Yao made no effort to hide anything from Qin Guan, speaking freely as she observed the paintings. The next few paintings depicted either younger family members or the wives. While the younger generation's portraits showed nothing remarkable, those of the three wives revealed some clues. In the Family Portrait, it wasn't particularly noticeable, but here it was clear that Third Wife and Fourth Wife stood closer together, while Second Wife stood somewhat apart, appearing rather isolated.

Noticing this, Meng Yao said, "Second Aunt has also had a difficult life."

Qin Guan hesitated for a moment before asking, "You told me before that Second Wife is Second Uncle's second marriage. Why has she never had children all these years?"

Meng Yao's expression turned somewhat hesitant. "Actually... Second Aunt did become pregnant the year after she married into the family, but she later miscarried. After that, she never conceived again. Eventually, a physician told her she couldn't have children anymore. Since then, she's become increasingly reclusive. Before that, she got along very well with Third Sister-in-law. Due to the relationship between Fourth Uncle and Second Uncle, she was never close with Fourth Uncle's household. Third Sister-in-law is truly kind-hearted. After Third Uncle passed away, although she also became somewhat withdrawn, she would return kindness twofold to anyone who treated her well. Before Zichen fell ill, he loved visiting Third Uncle's household. But in the past six months, as Zichen's condition worsened, he rarely goes out anymore."

As Qin Guan listened, she sighed inwardly while looking at Third Wife's haggard face in the painting. First, she had to bury her own child, then she lost her husband—one could only imagine how much sorrow filled her heart.

"Both Second Wife and Third Wife have endured difficult fates."

Meng Yao nodded, sighing as she unrolled the remaining paintings. Besides several garden scene paintings, the last one was a large Family Portrait containing everyone in the Meng residence. The elder generation sat in the front row, while the younger generation stood behind them—a very formal and proper family portrait. After scanning it briefly to confirm nothing was missing, Meng Yao rolled up the scroll and asked Momma to go deliver a message. Then she invited Qin Guan to sit and have some tea.

"With such tragedy having struck our household, losing two people at once, these paintings have essentially become final works. There won't be any more like them in the future." Meng Yao had cried earlier over Meng Wei's death, and speaking of it now still brought her sorrow. "My eldest brother was quite mischievous in his youth—all us younger siblings suffered his bullying. As he grew older, although he remained somewhat unaccomplished, he treated us younger ones better. Later, when he started working in business with Second Uncle, he actually showed much improvement compared to before. Earlier this year, Second Uncle and my father asked someone to arrange a marriage for him, planning for him to wed this year. But who would have thought..."

"Do you believe he committed suicide?" Qin Guan asked.Meng Yao gave a bitter smile and shook her head. "How could I believe it? My eldest brother was no stranger to punishment when he was young. He was partly responsible for Fourth Brother falling off a horse back then. Fourth Brother’s hand was left permanently disabled, and for a long time, he couldn’t write or eat. Because of this, my father was furious. First, he disciplined him with the Family Law, then locked him in the ancestral hall for two days and nights without food. Even then, my eldest brother only resented my father for a while—he never felt so heartbroken that he considered taking his own life."

Hearing this, Qin Guan confirmed her initial suspicion: some people in this world would never think of suicide. Some always hold onto hope, while others, when cornered, would rather commit evil and make others suffer than walk the Path of death herself. Qin Guan couldn’t say which type Meng Wei was, but she believed he was filled with resentment deep down. He hadn’t found that "key"—how could he die?

With this in mind, Qin Guan added, "So it seems he was murdered…"

"Murdered? But who in this household would want to harm him?" Meng Yao’s eyes reddened slightly, her expression turning helpless. Clearly, in her mind, no one in the Meng household was capable of such a great evil.

"The authorities are already investigating this matter. You shouldn’t dwell on it too much. The dead cannot be brought back to life, and with your weak health, you mustn’t grieve excessively. The young master still needs your care," Qin Guan comforted her.

Meng Yao wiped her moist eyes and nodded. "Don’t worry, I understand."

As they spoke, Qin Guan glanced at the two books placed at the corner of the couch and shifted the topic to Meng Yao’s beloved poetry and literature. Discussing this Path, Meng Yao’s sorrow eased slightly. Although Qin Guan wasn’t as skilled in poetry and literature as the noble ladies of the capital, she loved reading and was quite knowledgeable. The two chatted happily for the time it took to drink two cups of tea. Seeing that it was getting late outside, Qin Guan stood up to take her leave. Reluctantly, Meng Yao saw her out.

"Because of this illness, I rarely socialize with young ladies from other families. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a free-flowing conversation like today. Ninth Miss, thank you so much."

Qin Guan smiled. "Since we’re friends, there’s no need for thanks. Both you and your younger brother should continue taking the medicine for now. We’ll reassess in three days."

Meng Yao quickly replied, "Then in three days, I’ll bring Zichen to your estate to see you, so you won’t have to make the trip."

Three days later would be the tenth. After a moment’s thought, Qin Guan nodded. "That works. Let’s make it around Chen hour in the afternoon."

Having settled the time, Meng Yao’s expression relaxed into a smile, and she insisted on escorting Qin Guan to the main gate. "You came with Prince Rui’s heir earlier—how will you return now?"

Qin Guan replied, "His Highness is likely still in the estate. I need to find him."

Meng Yao said, "Alright, I’ll take you there. He’s probably in the second branch’s quarters." Then she added, "Are you very familiar with Prince Rui’s heir?"

Qin Guan sensed a deeper meaning in her words and said, "We met earlier in Jinzhou, but we’re not particularly close. Why do you ask?"

Meng Yao stepped closer to Qin Guan. "Do you know Prince Rui’s heir’s nickname?"

Qin Guan feigned ignorance. "What nickname?"

Meng Yao glanced around and whispered, "The nickname ‘Demon King’—and not just that, some say he has a harsh fate, that he carries an aura of misfortune—"Qin Guan smiled wryly to herself, wondering how Yan Chi's reputation had spread so widely. Before meeting him, she had been like Meng Yao and other well-bred young ladies—fearful at the mere mention of his name. She nodded slightly. "I've heard some rumors, but after spending time with His Highness, I've realized he isn't as the tales describe."

Meng Yao visibly relaxed at her words. "You're clever. If you say he isn't like that, then it must be true. Still... you should remain cautious."

Her concern warmed Qin Guan's heart, though she found it somewhat amusing. "I understand. Don't worry. I was afraid of him at first too, but familiarity eased that fear. Besides, he has helped me many times."

Meng Yao seemed reassured. "That's good, that's good—"

As they conversed, they followed the passageway toward the second branch's courtyard. Qin Guan grew increasingly impressed by the Meng residence's meticulous layout. Suddenly, her gaze lifted to a small building, and recalling the painting she'd seen earlier, she asked, "Is this the Illuminating Virtue Pavilion?"

Meng Yao followed her gaze and nodded. "Yes, this pavilion is near the main courtyard. It's usually used for hosting banquets, though sometimes we younger ones go there to play alone. It's rarely open otherwise."

Qin Guan nodded, specifically noting the third-floor windows where Meng Zhou and his two brothers had been depicted standing and surveying the scenery in the painting. "I see. That painting was of this very spot."

Meng Yao confirmed, "Exactly. The artists spent the entire Laba Festival painting. They were highly skilled—what might take others days to complete, they finished swiftly using their own methods."

While viewing the paintings earlier, Qin Guan had wondered how so many works could be produced in a single day. The detailed figures and landscapes seemed impossible to complete hastily, and once the artists left the estate, how could they recall earlier scenes? Yet the paintings' exquisite details were astonishing.

"Each artist brought two apprentices who also knew how to paint. The apprentices sketched the landscapes' outlines, while the artists drafted the figures. Each painting—from figures to composition—took about an hour. Coloring and adding scenery were done later at their studio. Our estate doesn't do this every year, so this time, they painted everyone. In some households, only one or two paintings are commissioned, completed solely by the artist from start to finish. Those aren't rushed, so they're more refined and naturally costlier."

"Take Master Ning, for example—when he paints for the palace, he dares not neglect the slightest detail." Meng Yao pointed ahead. "That day, Master Ning followed my father and the others as they casually strolled. When he spotted a particularly fine view, he'd suggest how to compose the painting. After my father agreed, he'd sketch a rough draft. The other two artists—one followed the three aunts, the other accompanied us—both chose scenes freely to paint."

Qin Guan found this aristocratic painting custom novel and fascinating.

As they reached the second branch's courtyard, over a dozen guards in black stood watch outside. They bowed upon seeing Qin Guan. Meng Yao looked slightly surprised by the scene, and soon, Yan Chi emerged from within.