Coroner's Diary

After leaving the Meng residence, Qin Guan frowned slightly in the carriage. "Has any investigation turned up anything here?"

Yan Chi's expression was grave. "Lord Zheng sent people to search the lakeside and found footprints on the opposite bank, near the muddy area. However, the mud there is shallower, so the footprints aren't deep. Given that the lakeside has been searched multiple times over the past few days, it's clear these footprints are newly made."

He continued, "Those footprints also lead toward the courtyards of the fourth and third branches."

Qin Guan's brow furrowed. "Earlier, at Meng Yao's place, I saw the paintings Master Ning made for the Meng family. On the surface, they appear ordinary, but a few of them reveal conflicts between the second and fourth branches. Also, the second wife has been unable to conceive because a previous miscarriage damaged her health. She never fully recovered and has since withdrawn from society."

"A miscarriage?" Yan Chi frowned. "Do you suspect there's more to this matter?"

Qin Guan's eyes darkened. "Although the current evidence points to the third and fourth branches, we haven't yet uncovered information about the second wife's situation, so we can't completely rule out suspicion. Even though we've said the murderer is likely a man skilled in martial arts, it's not impossible that someone colluded with others."

Yan Chi nodded. "I'll send someone to investigate this."

Having shared all the information she obtained from Meng Yao, Qin Guan fell silent. She picked up a silk handkerchief beside her, unfolded it, and revealed the unidentified dark brown granules inside. Staring at them, she frowned deeply. "I need to study these carefully when I return. If we can identify what they are, it should lead to significant progress."

Seeing her solemn expression, Yan Chi sighed softly. "Alright, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. You already have to attend to the Empress Dowager daily, and with this added burden, I worry you'll overexert yourself."

Qin Guan tucked the handkerchief away and smiled. "Both medical consultations and corpse examinations are things I enjoy. I don't find them tiring. Don't worry—what I'm doing isn't physically demanding. You and Lord Zheng are handling the rest."

"Though it doesn't strain the body, it taxes the mind." Yan Chi took Qin Guan's hand, his eyes filled with concern. "If I didn't know you have a passion for this, I would never let you get involved in such matters."

Qin Guan smiled. "Healing the living and seeking justice for the dead—aren't both ways to accumulate virtue and blessings?"

Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. "Compared to you, what do the living or the dead matter?"

His low words hung in the air, and Qin Guan seemed to catch a whiff of dust and the scent of blood. She quickly clasped his hand in return. "This is Lin'an. The affairs of the living and the dead are important here."

Yan Chi's gaze softened, and the corners of his lips curved upward. Qin Guan felt a wave of relief. She knew all too well that even if Yan Chi could navigate the imperial court in the capital with ease, the laws of Shuoxi were what he truly preferred and followed!

There, only hatred and slaughter toward the Rong enemies held weight—what did other people and matters matter?

Upon returning to the Marquis' estate, Qin Guan greeted Hu Shi briefly and immediately went back to Pine Breeze Courtyard. She poured out the dark brown granules from the handkerchief and rinsed them repeatedly in water. Even so, the granules showed no change in color.Yan Chi said this object resembled a plant seed, and Qin Guan deeply agreed. However, from what Qin Guan knew, many flower and tree seeds looked like this, and even many medicinal herbs were similar. What exactly was the thing in her hand?

"What is your young lady doing?"

Just as Qin Guan was deep in thought, Qin Shuang walked in from the outer room. Today she wore a peony silk flower in her hair, and her cloud-like dark tresses instantly appeared brighter and more vibrant with this adornment. Qin Guan looked up and suddenly noticed that Qin Shuang had undergone some changes. Back in Jinzhou, Qin Shuang had been slightly plump, but now she seemed to have slimmed down a bit. Suddenly, the lines of her face became more delicate and graceful, and when she remained quiet and still, it was as if she had become a different person.

In the Great Zhou dynasty, slender and delicate women were considered beautiful. Seeing Qin Shuang become more tender and lovely, Qin Guan couldn't help but smile inwardly - after all, she was someone about to be married. "I just returned and haven't done anything. Ban Xia, please serve tea—"

Qin Guan gave the order and placed the porcelain dish containing the unknown substance aside.

Qin Shuang approached and immediately spotted the object in front of Qin Guan. "What's this?"

As she spoke, she reached out to pick it up. Qin Guan watched as her fair fingertips pushed the granules back and forth, hesitating for a moment before saying, "This is something I retrieved from the deceased's stomach during today's corpse examination."

Qin Shuang froze momentarily, then jumped up as if she'd been stepped on like a cat, frantically shaking the hand that had touched the granules. "What?! Something from a dead person's stomach! Why didn't you tell me earlier!"

Watching her frightened and flustered reaction, Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh. "You moved too fast for me to tell you."

She then picked up the porcelain dish and shook it. "I've cleaned it thoroughly, don't worry."

Qin Shuang kept wiping her fingers with a handkerchief, her face full of distress. "No wonder you returned so late today - you went for another corpse examination! No matter how much you wash it, it's still been inside a dead person's stomach. I thought you were going to plant flowers and even considered planting them with you, but instead, instead..."

Qin Shuang's face was full of misery, and Qin Guan feared she might actually cry. She pulled her back to sit down. "Alright, alright, this thing is really clean. Look, I'm holding it casually in my hand too?"

Qin Guan poured the contents of the dish into her palm, then lowered her voice. "These things are related to that person's wrongful case. I'm trying to figure out what they are. If I can solve this, we can crack the case."

Qin Guan's tone was mysterious. Just as she finished speaking, Ban Xia entered the room, and she immediately fell silent. Qin Shuang, affected by her tone, also composed herself and stopped showing disgust. After Ban Xia withdrew, Qin Shuang looked at Qin Guan. "Is that true? Is this evidence for solving a case?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Why would I lie? There's a new case in the city."

Qin Shuang blinked. "It couldn't be... the Meng residence case, could it?"

Qin Guan continued nodding. "Exactly, the Meng residence case..."

Though still somewhat repulsed by the idea of something from a dead person's stomach, Qin Shuang began carefully examining Qin Guan's palm. After looking for a while, she glared at Qin Guan. "Well, you're becoming more cunning by the day, tricking me into helping you investigate cases. These things are very unlucky. As a young woman, frequently contacting dead people will expose you to death's aura - you should at least show some avoidance..."Qin Guan wanted to say that compared to dealing with the dead, she herself had already died once, but fearing she might frighten Qin Shuang, she ultimately held back. "I understand what you mean. Don’t worry. Earlier, you mentioned you thought I was going to plant flowers?"

Qin Shuang nodded. "Yes, aren’t these flower seeds?"

Sitting beside Qin Shuang, Qin Guan shook her head. "Not necessarily. Seeds that are small, shaped, and colored like these could belong to many plants or herbs, most of which can be used for medicine. For now, I can’t be sure."

Qin Shuang tilted her head thoughtfully and suddenly said, "Wait a moment, I’ll go get something for you!"

As she stood up to leave, Qin Guan quickly added, "Don’t mention this to anyone."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang felt that Qin Guan regarded her as close, even confiding such secrets to her. In that moment, any fear or hesitation vanished, and she puffed out her chest. "Just rest assured!" With that, she dashed out.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Qin Guan smiled faintly, though she had no idea what Qin Shuang intended to do.

Soon, Qin Shuang returned carrying a small box. As soon as she entered, she opened it like a treasure, revealing small cloth bags inside, each labeled. Qin Guan’s eyes immediately caught the word "Peony," and scanning further, she saw labels like "Peony" and "Jasmine.""

A glimmer of light sparked in Qin Guan’s eyes. Qin Shuang explained, "Spring is coming soon. My courtyard has too many trees and too few flowers, which I don’t like, so I plan to plant some myself. I had Wan Qing get these from the estate’s gardeners, intending to sow them in the courtyard later. Open them and compare—see if any look similar!"

"You’re so clever!" Qin Guan rarely praised Qin Shuang’s intelligence, but this time it came from the heart. She hurriedly opened each of Qin Shuang’s seed bags, comparing them one by one.

Flushed with praise, Qin Shuang’s excitement grew, and she helped Qin Guan compare. However, their eager expressions soon faded: peony seeds weren’t this small, azalea seeds were more slender, peony seeds were darker in color, jasmine seeds were lighter... After all that, none seemed to match closely.

"Is this... jasmine seed?" Qin Shuang asked doubtfully.

But Qin Guan shook her head. "No, these seeds are rounder than jasmine seeds."

"Then... are they peony seeds?"

Well-versed in medicinal herbs, Qin Guan was naturally more precise in identification. After carefully comparing again, she finally shook her head. "Where are those gardeners? Do they have any other flower seeds?"

With nothing else to do and Qin Shuang’s comparison method being straightforward, Qin Guan decided to make the trip.

At this, Qin Shuang stood up. "I know where they are. I’ll take you!"

It was still early, so the two draped their capes and, accompanied by their maids, left the courtyard. The marquis’s estate had many servants, including numerous gardeners, all residing in the servants’ quarters to the west. Qin Guan had never been there before, but Qin Shuang led the way. The specialized gardeners, a father and son, upon hearing that the two young misses wanted seeds for planting, promptly took them to the storeroom.

"Ninth Miss, we have twenty or thirty types of flower and tree seeds here. What are you looking for?"

Qin Guan quickly replied, "Let me take a look first—"The seeds in the storeroom were all unlabeled. Qin Guan glanced over them and indeed found several that resembled the ones she held. Yet, like peonies and jasmine, upon closer comparison, they differed. The old gardener then asked, "What is it that you seek, Miss?"

Qin Guan curved her lips into a smile and produced the seeds from her sleeve. "Could you help me identify what flower these seeds are from? They were a gift, so I won’t take any duplicates today."

She unfolded the handkerchief. The old gardener took one look and chuckled, "Ninth Miss, these are rose seeds. They appear to have been soaked in water, but perhaps over-soaked. Wait a moment, I’ll fetch some fresh ones for you."

With that, the old gardener went to a corner and retrieved new rose seeds from a cloth bag.

As he brought them out, Qin Guan saw the true appearance of rose seeds. Compared to hers, the ones the gardener held were noticeably paler in color. Not daring to be careless, she asked, "Are you certain you haven’t mistaken them?"

The old gardener laughed heartily. "How could I be wrong? I’ve spent my whole life tending flowers—I could identify them by scent alone with my eyes closed. Soaking seeds before planting helps them sprout, but the ones you have were over-soaked and are now dead. If you wish to plant them, take these fresh ones instead."

Naturally, Qin Guan trusted the word of a gardener with decades of experience. She nodded and selected four or five other types of flower seeds before leaving. Once outside the servants’ quarters, Qin Shuang exclaimed joyfully, "Well?! Wasn’t my idea brilliant? We found it! Rose seeds—they turned out to be rose seeds. But why would someone ingest them?"

Qin Guan was pondering the same question. "Rose seeds can be used in medicine."

Qin Shuang’s eyes widened. "What are their effects?"

"They can clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and relieve pain, expel wind-dampness, and also treat menstrual irregularities in women." At this point, Qin Guan paused mid-step. "They can also address skin rashes, mouth sores, and coughs with wheezing."

Qin Shuang didn’t notice Qin Guan’s unusual demeanor. "Such tiny seeds have these uses?"

Qin Guan pressed her lips together. "Taken alone, they can’t truly cure illnesses—they must be combined with other medicines."

Qin Shuang nodded. Seeing Qin Guan lost in thought, she grew suspicious. Noticing Qin Guan’s slow pace, she didn’t hurry back but instead took a few detours through the garden, leading them onto another path.

At one point, Fuling suddenly murmured in surprise, "This place remains unchanged…"

Qin Shuang stopped to look and saw a sealed-off courtyard. Located in the northwest part of the estate, it was serene yet appeared desolate from long neglect. Qin Guan, snapping out of her reverie, glanced at the courtyard briefly. However, preoccupied with her thoughts, she didn’t register Fuling’s words. After a moment’s look, she turned to continue walking. Fuling hurried after her. "Miss, this is the courtyard where you lived as a child—"

Qin Guan halted. Fuling explained, "You lived here for two years after you were born, before the master moved out to live separately. When I used to accompany the master and mistress to the Marquis’s estate, the master would bring you here to play."

Frowning, Qin Guan stared at the characters "Crane Shallows" on the courtyard gate, unsure how to react. Meanwhile, Qin Shuang laughed, "Look at you—you’ve even forgotten the courtyard you once lived in."Qin Guan said calmly, "I truly don’t remember many things from the past, especially since seeing these reminds me of my father and mother." As she spoke, Qin Guan shook her head. "Let’s go, let’s head back."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang immediately stopped smiling and followed Qin Guan toward Pine Breeze Courtyard.

As soon as the group departed, two figures emerged from behind a nearby flowerbed. Mo Yi gazed suspiciously in the direction Qin Guan had left and remarked, "Miss, how could Ninth Miss not even remember the courtyard from her childhood? They say she injured her head while in Jinzhou—is that true or not? Come to think of it, when Ninth Miss was still in the Marquis residence, she once wanted to live here but never managed to."

Qin Chaoyu knew exactly what Mo Yi was referring to. In the past, Qin Guan had wished to reside in the courtyard where her father once lived. However, because the location was somewhat remote, Qin Shu had been uneasy about it and insisted she stay in Pine Breeze Courtyard instead. For this reason, upon her return, Qin Guan was still lodged in Pine Breeze Courtyard. Yet just now, she had shown no trace of nostalgia for Crane Isle Courtyard. Qin Chaoyu narrowed her eyes briefly, finding it quite peculiar.

……

……

Where might the rose seeds be used?

Qin Guan disliked being disturbed while deep in thought. As soon as she returned to her courtyard, she settled on the long couch by the window and sank into contemplation.

Her demeanor made Qin Shuang hesitant to speak further. After sitting for a while, Qin Shuang grew bored and eventually returned to her own courtyard.

Qin Guan pondered over the newly acquired rose seeds for a long while. These seeds could be used medicinally, but as it was the depths of winter, no one would use them to relieve summer heat or clear internal heat. That left rheumatism, women’s ailments, and asthma...

But how could that be possible?

Thinking of Meng Yao’s face, Qin Guan found it hard to believe this matter was connected to her. Aside from Meng Yao, the only women in the entire Meng residence were the Second and Fourth Madams, as well as the two mistresses of the Third Branch.

But having female suspects wasn’t enough—there must also be an accomplice capable of murder.

With that thought, Qin Guan’s mind turned to Meng Hui.

Shaking her head, Qin Guan felt it was improper to speculate so wildly. She then took out paper and brush, wrote a brief letter detailing her findings, and left the rest for Yan Chi and his team to investigate.

Once finished, Qin Guan summoned Baiying. "Deliver this to him."

Baiying, who was in charge of communicating with Yan Chi, took the letter and went to send it.

With the message dispatched, Qin Guan felt at ease. By evening, a messenger hawk landed in the rear hall of Pine Breeze Courtyard. Baiying retrieved the message tube, and upon reading its contents, Qin Guan felt even more reassured.

For two consecutive days, Qin Guan received no further news from the Meng residence. She continued her daily visits to the palace to treat the Empress Dowager, whose condition showed significant improvement over several days. Consequently, her daily palace visits were reduced to once every two days. On the eighth day of the month, Hu Shi made preparations early in the morning to attend a banquet at the Marquis of Wu’an’s residence.

Shortly after 7 a.m., all four sisters—Qin Guan, Qin Xiang, Qin Shuang, and Qin Chaoyu—were dressed and waiting in the Renshou Hall.

Qin Chaoyu, as radiant as ever, wore a magnificent red gown complemented by a silver-red cape, striking and vivid like plum blossoms braving the snow. In contrast, Qin Guan had chosen a very understated pale blue pleated long skirt embroidered with jasmine patterns, over which she wore a dark blue-black cape, deliberately toning down her natural beauty.

When Hu Shi entered and saw Qin Guan’s attire, she nodded with a smile. Glancing at Qin Xiang, she appeared even more pleased.Qin Xiang was the protagonist of the day, dressed in a cherry-pink short jacket over a lotus-white long skirt, with a water-red cape embroidered with a pattern of butterflies flitting among flowers. Her attire was neither as imposing as Qin Chaoyu's nor as simple and elegant as Qin Guan's, yet it perfectly complemented her delicate beauty. From afar, she looked like a picturesque southern belle.

Though Qin Shuang, standing nearby, had not put as much effort into her appearance as Qin Xiang, she had her own subtle touches. Unlike Qin Chaoyu and Qin Xiang, who adorned their hair with numerous hairpins, she opted for an elegant style. Moreover, she wore an unknown fragrance that was exceptionally refreshing and captivating. Paired with the rouge on her lips, she appeared fresh, charming, and entirely distinct from the other three.

Hu Shi looked them over one by one, feeling that all four young ladies were exceptionally lovely. Satisfied, she led them out of the manor.

The Wu'an Marquis Manor was located in the Xing'an Ward to the east, not too far away. The carriage ride took only the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn. Compared to the Loyal Marquis Manor, the Wu'an Marquis Manor seemed somewhat smaller, yet it still exuded the dignified aura of a prominent family. As soon as they arrived at the entrance, they were greeted by a momma from Lady Qi, the wife of Wu'an Marquis, who directly escorted Hu Shi and her party to Old Madam Song's courtyard.

Along the way, Qin Xiang walked with her chin slightly raised and her gaze fixed straight ahead, fully embodying the demeanor of a noble young lady. She had been meticulously raised in Jinzhou, where great care had been taken with her manners and etiquette. Though she had been spoiled in Jinzhou and often acted without restraint, no one had ever reprimanded her. Now in the capital, the benefits of her upbringing became evident. The guiding momma frequently glanced back, her gaze lingering most often on Qin Xiang. She seemed highly pleased and lavished praise on Qin Xiang and the others in various ways.

Qin Shuang had not received such refined upbringing in the Qin Manor in Jinzhou. Having lost her mother early, she had later followed Qin Xiang and been treated like a servant. Fortunately, she had since reformed her ways and paid close attention to etiquette after arriving in the capital. Though her demeanor and bearing were not as polished as Qin Xiang's, her youth and liveliness lent her a charming and straightforward appeal.

Passing through the flower-adorned corridors of Wu'an Marquis Manor, the group soon arrived at Old Madam Song's courtyard. Upon learning of Hu Shi's arrival, the old madam personally came to the door to greet them. Hu Shi stepped forward with a smile to pay her respects, then exchanged greetings with Lady Qi before having Qin Guan and the others bow in turn. Old Madam Song looked at them kindly, and when she saw how exquisitely Qin Xiang was dressed, her smile grew even brighter.

As Hu Shi helped Old Madam Song to her seat, Lady Song said, "Today, I've invited chefs from the Zuixian Restaurant and a painter. Later, let Minqing take the younger ones with you to the front garden to play."

Hu Shi replied with a smile, "I will naturally stay to keep you company, Old Madam. Let the younger ones go and enjoy themselves."

Lady Song pursed her lips. "Later, I'll need to take my medicine. How could I let you accompany me?" She then looked at Qin Guan and said, "Ninth Miss has come today, and I'm afraid I must trouble you again..."

Qin Guan hurried forward. "It's no trouble at all. It's only right to check your pulse later. But I can see your complexion has already improved..."

Lady Qi quickly added, "Ninth Miss's medical skills are truly remarkable. Mother has been much more comfortable since taking your medicine."

Lady Song took Qin Guan's hand, while Lady Qi invited Qin Chaoyu and the others to sit. Not wanting to waste time, Qin Guan checked Old Madam Song's pulse right there in the hall. Finding that the pulse had significantly improved, she immediately reassured both Old Madam Song and Lady Qi.After sitting in the hall for a while and chatting about the busyness of the New Year season, Old Madam Song said, "Alright, let Minqing take you to stroll in the garden. The plum blossoms are in full bloom, and if you don't see them now, they'll wither soon."

Qi Shi was two years younger than Hu Shi, with an equally warm and lively temperament. Being familiar with Qin Chaoyu, she immediately took Qin Chaoyu's hand and walked ahead first. Hu Shi deliberately lingered for a moment and asked in a low voice, "Old Madam, how have you arranged things?"

Old Madam Song smiled and said, "Brother Wen has invited his colleagues from the Garrison Battalion today—all young lads. That family's son is among them. Later, when you go up to the pavilion, Brother Wen will bring them over. You can take a look, and let your daughter have a glance too. I assure you, there won’t be any mistake."

She then lowered her voice and added, "He’s wearing a blue robe—don’t mistake him for someone else."

The "Brother Wen" Old Madam referred to was Chen Zhaowen, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Wu’an’s household. Upon hearing this, Hu Shi understood that Chen Zhaowen had also been briefed, which made her feel more assured. She expressed her gratitude repeatedly before taking her leave.

Qi Shi led the group into the marquis’s garden. Sure enough, before long, they came upon a plum grove. The vibrant red blossoms stood out brilliantly, creating a stunning winter scene even without snow. Qi Shi guided everyone through the grove and had each of them pick a plum branch to take to the nearby pavilion for flower arranging.

The pavilion was named Moon Gazing Pavilion, clearly an ideal spot to admire the entire plum grove. Qi Shi took everyone directly to the second floor, where servants had already prepared tea, snacks, and heating stoves. The latticed windows on all sides were half-open, filling the room with warmth without stifling the air. When Qi Shi pushed open the window facing the plum grove, the entire expanse of blossoms came into view.

Hu Shi praised, "You certainly know how to enjoy life. Our estate has no such scenery."

Qi Shi chuckled as she pulled Hu Shi to sit down. "Don’t say that—your estate has plenty of pavilions and waterside terraces. We only have this plum grove. The marquis loves plum blossoms and has taken great care to preserve this grove. It’s beautiful when it blooms in winter, but it looks quite ordinary the rest of the year."

While Hu Shi and Qi Shi chatted casually, Qin Guan and her three sisters stood by the window admiring the plum grove. The Marquis of Wu’an’s household had only invited the Qin family today to keep the matchmaking discreet, but everyone present knew the purpose of their visit.

Qin Chaoyu, standing beside Qin Xiang, pointed to a small path not far away. "Someone should be coming from that direction soon. Just see if he meets your expectations."

As she spoke, Qin Xiang’s cheeks flushed slightly. She nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation as she gazed toward the path beyond the plum grove. Qin Shuang, noticing her reaction, teased softly, "Don’t stare too much later—they don’t know we’re here to see them."

Qin Xiang playfully swatted Qin Shuang, her face growing even redder with embarrassment. Usually poised and reserved, she now revealed a more girlish demeanor. She still didn’t know which family Hu Shi had in mind for her, and her heart was full of hope.

Hu Shi and Qi Shi overheard the four sisters’ conversation but pretended not to notice, continuing their casual chatter. Qin Chaoyu gazed idly at the vibrant plum grove, feeling no particular interest in the candidate.

If it weren’t for Qin Xiang, she wouldn’t have bothered coming to see a mere Assistant Commandant of Swift Cavalry, a low-ranking official of the seventh grade.

Qin Xiang twisted her silk handkerchief in her hands. Though she tried to appear indifferent, her eyes remained fixed on the path through the plum grove. After what felt like an eternity—long enough to finish a cup of tea—figures finally appeared at the far end of the path.

A servant standing by the window stepped forward to refill the tea. Noticing this, Qi Shi smiled and said, "Sister, it’s time for us to admire the plum blossoms too."

Hu Shi rose with a smile and joined Qi Shi at another window.

The four sisters stood together by one window, while Hu Shi and Qi Shi positioned themselves at another, looking toward the northwest. There, on the small path, seven or eight young men could be seen walking cheerfully in their direction.At first, the view was unclear, but as the figures drew nearer, Qin Xiang immediately spotted the young man in white leading the group. He appeared no older than twenty, his silver-white robe standing out starkly against the vibrant red plum grove in winter. Yet what captivated most was the radiant confidence on his face. Whatever he had said prompted uproarious laughter from his companions, the sound echoing through the plum trees as their youthful vigor and unrestrained spirit swept toward her on the breeze.

Qin Xiang’s bright eyes fixed intently on the white-clad youth, her heart racing wildly. She hadn’t expected the man brought for her consideration to be so exceptional. Even from a distance, his jade-like features, upright posture, and confident, slightly proud smile were unmistakable. His every gesture exuded a natural, effortless nobility. Moreover, walking at the forefront, he clearly stood out as the most distinguished among the seven or eight men. Qin Xiang pressed her lips together, a rosy blush spreading across her cheeks. Her gaze remained locked on him—how could anyone else capture her attention now? Though she didn’t yet know his identity, his noble bearing was evident at a glance.

Nearby, Hu Shi remarked with a smile, "Old Madam Song’s judgment is truly impeccable."

Qi Shi chimed in, "Indeed! Mother favored me from the start."

Hu Shi’s laughter deepened. "The Old Madam dotes on you, yet you say such things without a hint of shame…"

Their banter reached Qin Xiang’s ears, and at Hu Shi’s affirmation, her eyes sparkled even brighter. She had worried her uncle and aunt might neglect her interests, but now it seemed they genuinely had her future in mind.

Qi Shi added, "He serves in the Garrison Battalion—bound for a promising career ahead."

Qin Xiang’s heart warmed further. No wonder the group carried themselves with a martial air—not only was he nobly born, but he also held an official post! She knew many aristocratic youths in the capital idled on inherited privilege without ambition. But those who entered public service were invariably groomed by their families to shoulder weighty responsibilities—men of capability, strategy, ambition, and vision. With familial support, how could they not soar to great heights?

Qin Xiang could almost hear her own heartbeat. Just then, the group of young men halted, as if pausing deliberately for their inspection. Yet the white-clad youth turned his back, engaging in conversation with those behind him.

To Qin Xiang, even his retreating figure seemed peerlessly elegant. Lost in admiration, she started when Hu Shi approached and took her hand, whispering, "Xiang’er, what do you think of the one in blue?"

Qin Xiang froze, almost doubting her ears. "B-Blue robes?"

Distracted by her lively exchange with Qi Shi, Hu Shi missed the tremor in Qin Xiang’s voice and nodded. "Yes, look closely. His features are flawless, his demeanor refined—he stands out distinctly among the others…"

As Hu Shi prattled on, she failed to notice the blush drain from Qin Xiang’s face. Qin Xiang stiffened, disbelief washing over her as she reluctantly shifted her gaze to the blue-robed figure in the crowd.

The moment her eyes landed on him, her jaw clenched tight.From the moment these men appeared, Qin Xiang had only eyes for the white-robed gentleman. Though she glanced at the others, they held no appeal whatsoever. The group clearly deferred to the white-robed man as their leader, and unconsciously, Qin Xiang's gaze kept returning to him. Today she was the protagonist, so the man she favored ought to be the protagonist too—this was the assumption she had already made.

But now Hu Shi was telling her that the blue-robed man was the one intended for her, her future husband?

There was indeed a blue-robed man standing beside the white-robed one, yet when Qin Xiang looked at him, she found nothing remarkable about his appearance. With his broad forehead and square face, he gave no impression of nobility or handsomeness, instead appearing somewhat clumsy and rustic. As for his demeanor, he remained on the periphery of the group throughout; Qin Xiang hadn't even seen him speak or interject. All attention was focused on the white-robed man—what was so outstanding about this blue-robed one?!

Not only that, though he was exceptionally tall, he had broad shoulders and thick arms, lacking any trace of elegance or refinement, like a laborer accustomed only to manual work. This... this was the future husband Hu Shi had chosen for her?!

Qin Xiang abruptly lowered her head, unwilling to look any longer. She feared that if she continued, she wouldn't be able to conceal her disdain. A wave of grievance welled up inside her, yet Hu Shi was still saying, "He looks reliable at first glance, someone who knows how to care for others. Currently, he's an Assistant Commandant of Swift Cavalry in the Garrison Battalion. Step by step, he'll rise through the ranks—his prospects are limitless."

A chill crept up from the soles of Qin Xiang's feet!

Assistant Commandant of Swift Cavalry?! A seventh-rank Assistant Commandant of Swift Cavalry?!

Though it sounded impressive, in reality, he was nothing but a coarse low-ranking soldier. The capital was filled with noble young masters—how could someone like him ever stand out in promotions?!

Qin Xiang clenched her jaw, her heart shaking vehemently in refusal.

No, this was not the husband she wanted. How could someone like him ever be worthy of her?!

Despite her overwhelming resentment and anger, Qin Xiang remembered they were at the Marquis of Wu'an's residence. Given her current circumstances, she couldn't afford to be too presumptuous, not even in front of Qin Shu and his wife. Impulsive as she might be, she still understood this much.

"Xiang'er, what do you think?"

Hu Shi asked again, turning to see that Qin Xiang had already lowered her head.

Qin Xiang murmured softly, "Whatever Aunt says is good must be good."

Hu Shi didn't know Qin Xiang well enough to detect any insincerity, so she took the words at face value. Seeing Qin Xiang with her head bowed, she assumed it was out of shyness or embarrassment. Besides, she had already almost decided on this match; even if Qin Xiang had objected, she wouldn't have readily complied. Thus, hearing Qin Xiang's response, she happily interpreted it as acceptance.

In that brief moment, as if aware that the meeting had concluded, the men chatted and laughed as they moved away. Hu Shi sighed, "The heir apparent has grown even more handsome, very much like the Marquis in his youth."

Qi Shi smiled, "He's only recently taken up his duties and still needs experience."

Hu Shi whispered something else to Qin Xiang, but Qin Xiang didn't catch it. She only realized then that the man she had fancied was actually the heir apparent of the Marquis of Wu'an. Of course—in the Marquis's residence, only the heir apparent could command such attention and admiration!What Hu Shi and Qi Shi said next became indistinct to Qin Xiang. Qin Shuang's teasing only elicited a faint smile from her. Her mind was in a daze, her ears ringing incessantly. She had no idea how much time had passed before she was vaguely pulled down from the Moon Gazing Pavilion by Qin Shuang. Qin Chaoyu paid no attention to Qin Xiang at all, while Qin Shuang was too carefree to notice. Only Qin Guan noticed Qin Xiang's unusual state.

Qin Xiang was merely lowering her head to avoid everyone's gaze, not truly shy or delighted.

After a moment's thought, Qin Guan understood Qin Xiang's feelings—she must have been dissatisfied with the seemingly straightforward and honest Assistant Commandant of Swift Cavalry from earlier... Qin Guan hesitated to speak, but how could Qin Xiang possibly listen to her now? If she tried to console her, Qin Xiang would likely think she was mocking her. Sighing, Qin Guan suppressed the thought.

Meanwhile, as the group stepped out of the plum grove, they saw two servants carrying a painting to Qi Shi. The painting vividly depicted Hu Shi, Qi Shi, and the other four, capturing the scene of them admiring the plum grove from the Moon Gazing Pavilion. All six appeared to varying degrees within the window frame, while the vast plum grove served as the most beautiful foreground. The painter's skill was exceptional—with just a few strokes, he captured the essence of the six figures. In terms of scenery, the expansive plum grove was rendered like a Sea of Mist, giving the impression that the beauties were ascending an immortal tower, with clouds and mist floating beneath it.

The overall composition of the painting was already apparent, though the figures were depicted in greater detail while the scenery remained unfinished.

The servant said, "Madam, this is Master Song's draft—"

Qi Shi glanced at it and nodded with a smile, "Excellent, excellent. Let Master Song proceed as he sees fit."

Qin Guan had long heard Meng Yao speak of how nobles in the capital commissioned painters. At first glance, she understood immediately. Qi Shi added at this point, "The painter was just now in the rockery pavilion ahead. From his position, he had a clear view of us in the Moon Gazing Pavilion." Then she lowered her voice, "Don't worry, he couldn't see Wen'er and the others. He doesn't know our purpose."

Only then did Hu Shi feel relieved and resumed chatting and laughing with Qi Shi. The group continued forward, but no one noticed how Qin Guan's expression changed instantly upon hearing Qi Shi's words...

Qin Guan stood still, her gaze first shifting to the distant rockery pavilion, then turning back to glance at the second-floor windows of the Moon Gazing Pavilion. Finally, she looked toward the path where Chen Zhaowen and his companions had just passed. These three points were far apart, and with the plum grove obscuring the view, the painter remained unaware of Chen Zhaowen's group.

And if the plum grove were replaced by a courtyard, the painter would similarly not know what they were observing from the pavilion.

With this realization, Qin Guan could hardly resist the urge to leave the Marquis's residence and seek out Yan Chi.