Coroner's Diary

Meng Yao hadn't expected Meng Hui to be transferred to the Ministry of Justice prison. She instinctively glanced at Qin Guan, only to find no surprise on her face—as if she had known all along. Meng Yao wanted to ask, but with the Third Branch present, she couldn't bring herself to voice the question.

After the steward left, Qin Guan began examining Meng Ziyi's throat and tongue for any abnormalities. After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, she shook her head regretfully. "Third Young Master shows no pathological symptoms in his mouth or tongue. Third Madame, when did his stuttering begin?"

At this question, Third Madame's eyes darkened slightly. "Many years ago."

She then added, "We need to go to the magistrate's office later. If Ninth Miss hasn't found anything, let's leave it at that. Should you ever discover a treatment, you can come another day to examine Ziyi."

Qin Guan nodded. "Very well, as Third Madame suggests."

After this exchange, Third Madame gave a slight nod and instructed a servant nearby, "Go make preparations, we'll be leaving shortly."

The maid acknowledged and departed. Third Madame then turned to Meng Yao. "You and your brother will be going later too, I presume?"

Meng Yao quickly bowed her head. "Of course we must go. Zichen has been well enough to go out these past two days."

She then said, "We won't disturb you further, Third Aunt. Ninth Miss and I will visit another day."

Qin Guan performed a slight curtsey. Third Madame saw them out a few steps. Just as they were about to exit the courtyard, Qin Guan glanced back and saw a maid emerging from the room holding a lotus-root-colored cape, asking Xu shi which cape she should wear for going out.

Today Xu shi had her jet-black hair styled in a falling horse bun, wearing a mist-colored soft gauze gown with front opening. Naturally elegant and refined, her delicate features were further enhanced by her tasteful attire. Qin Guan withdrew her gaze, looking at the numerous flowerpots filling the courtyard. "The Young mistress truly possesses both purity of heart and artistic refinement."

Meng Yao nodded in agreement. "Yes, since she arrived, the Third Branch's circumstances have improved greatly. All these flowers in the garden were planted by her. They aren't rare varieties—some I can't even name—yet they still bloom in winter."

As they walked, Meng Yao suddenly added, "Actually, Third Brother didn't stutter when he was young. It started after Third Uncle passed away. He was very young then. I remember Father saying how Third Brother had to observe mourning rites for his father at such a tender age. After that, he became withdrawn. At first, he just didn't speak much, and being so young, nobody paid it much attention. But later, when he did need to speak, his words began to come out haltingly."

Hearing this, Qin Guan's brow furrowed slightly. Meng Yao looked at her and asked, "Do you know about Fourth Uncle's situation?"

This was what Meng Yao had wanted to ask earlier. Qin Guan's expression darkened. "All current clues in this case point to Fourth Master. Unless new evidence emerges, he'll likely be identified as the murderer."

Meng Yao instinctively shook her head. "Impossible. Fourth Uncle couldn't possibly kill anyone."

Qin Guan looked at her. "In your opinion, who in the residence might be capable of murder?"

Meng Yao was momentarily speechless. Qin Guan continued, "You're naturally innocent and have seen little of the world, so it's understandable you can't fathom the depths of human duplicity."

At these words, Meng Yao's face paled slightly, appearing deeply troubled.

Qin Guan comforted her, "Don't worry, this case won't drag on much longer."

She then turned to Meng Zichen. "When you go out this afternoon, make sure to dress warmly."

Meng Zichen quickly nodded. "Don't worry, Ninth Sister, I understand."Qin Guan's lips curved slightly, "And you must take good care of your sister—"

Upon hearing this, Meng Zichen nodded repeatedly. As Qin Guan and the others emerged from the narrow passage, she said, "Don't overthink it. We'll be heading out soon, so go back and take your medicine first to prepare."

Meng Yao then asked, "Are you leaving already?"

"Since you're all going out, it would be inconvenient for me to stay here."

Meng Zichen hurriedly asked, "When will Ninth Sister visit next?"

Qin Guan smiled, "Tomorrow I must enter the palace to attend to the Empress Dowager's illness. I'll come the day after tomorrow."

Meng Yao watched Qin Guan, feeling she knew more than she let on, yet unsure how to ask. So she simply gave up and escorted Qin Guan to the manor gate.

Once in the carriage, Qin Guan sighed softly. Fuling asked her, "Miss, where are we going?"

Qin Guan replied quietly, "To the back gate of Lin'an Prefecture's government office."

The carriage moved forward, taking the time of two cups of tea to reach the back gate. Bai Feng was already waiting there and hurried forward upon seeing Qin Guan's carriage. "Greetings, Ninth Miss—"

Qin Guan nodded and alighted from the carriage. "Where is His Highness?"

"Inside, waiting for you—"

Qin Guan followed Bai Feng in. This was her second time here, so she was quite familiar with the route.

Arriving at the rear hall of the office, before she could get close, Qin Guan spotted two figures standing under the corridor. One wore dark robes, exuding a stern and imposing aura, while the other was clad in dazzling red, appearing lazy and roguish—it was Yan Li, whom she hadn't seen for days!

Qin Guan quickly approached and curtsied. "Greetings to both Your Highnesses."

Yan Chi's lips curved slightly at her arrival, while Yan Li beamed with a hearty smile. "Ninth Miss, it's been days! I heard you've been of great help to Seventh Brother lately!"

Qin Guan exchanged a glance with Yan Chi. "I only offered what little assistance I could. What brings the heir apparent here?"

Yan Li's smile deepened. "Because today, I'm also here to help Seventh Brother."

Qin Guan blinked and looked at Yan Chi, who turned and said, "Go inside and see."

Qin Guan nodded, turned, and walked to the doorway behind them. Pushing the door open, she was immediately taken aback. Inside stood a delicate and pitiable beauty.

The beauty appeared somewhat uneasy upon seeing Qin Guan. Lowering her gaze, she offered a shy smile that even Qin Guan found endearing. Yan Li stepped forward and said, "Yunyan is the most skilled in the art of disguise among my acquaintances. Today, to help Seventh Brother, I've even brought her out. I wonder how Seventh Brother plans to thank me!"

Yan Li was known in the capital for his romantic exploits, and this beauty was naturally one of his female confidantes. Hearing Yan Li's words, Yunyan curtsied to Qin Guan. "Greetings, Ninth Miss—"

Qin Guan nodded slightly and praised, "Truly worthy of the heir apparent's affection, she evokes compassion at first sight."

Yan Li then asked, "What do you think of her disguise?"

Qin Guan nodded. "It's convincing, but the cape needs to be changed."

After some adjustments and Qin Guan's approval, Yan Li was finally reassured. Yan Chi then asked, "You came from the Meng residence. How are things there?"

At this, Qin Guan replied with some doubt, "After today's visit, my previous suspicions have grown stronger. I examined Meng Ziyi's hands in detail and confirmed that whether in terms of joints or meridians, there are no injuries—he should be able to exert strength. Yet, he can barely hold a teacup..."Yan Li didn't know the details of the case and raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. "Oh? What happened?"

Qin Guan then explained, "I once read in an ancient medical text about a patient whose left ear had suffered severe trauma. For a long time, he couldn't hear with that ear and endured many hardships because of it. Later, a skilled physician cured his ear, but even then, he still felt his left ear couldn't hear anything..."

Yan Li was very surprised. "Was the physician's skill inadequate?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No, it was because the patient had been ill for so long that he developed a mental barrier."

"Mental barrier? What does that mean?"

Qin Guan shook her head again. "When I read that ancient text, I also had doubts about whether it was true or not. But later, I came across a similar case elsewhere. It was about a man who had a limp due to illness and always walked with a limp in daily life. However, he suffered from sleepwalking, and his family noticed that when he got up at night to sleepwalk, he didn't limp at all. This was so mysterious that it even gave rise to rumors of ghostly possession. Yet, whether it was due to meridians, energy channels, or some other reason remained unexplained."

Yan Li listened, only half-understanding. "Could that person's ear eventually hear?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "The text didn't mention that, so I don't know. Sometimes, a person's subconscious mind is more powerful than we imagine. I once read in another book about a woman who was misdiagnosed as pregnant by a physician, though she wasn't pregnant at all. Yet, in the following three months, she began experiencing nausea and dizziness, all symptoms identical to pregnancy. But after over four months passed, her belly still hadn't swollen. When she consulted another physician, he told her she was never pregnant. Those previous reactions were merely her imagination affecting her body."

Yan Li was astounded. "Just by thinking about it, she could make herself feel as if it were real..."

Qin Guan sighed. "So I don't know if Young Master Meng is like that, or if there's an even more dangerous speculation."

Yan Li quickly asked, "What more dangerous speculation?"

Yan Chi, who had been listening nearby, couldn't stay silent any longer. "This matter has nothing to do with you. Why ask so many questions?"

Then he turned to Qin Guan and asked, "If it really is as you suspect, how should it be handled?"

Qin Guan sighed again. "If that's truly the case, then I don't know what to do either... The laws of Great Zhou don't specify how to judge such matters..."

Yan Li looked at Qin Guan, then at Yan Chi. "Do only the two of you know about this? Is this your secret?"

Yan Chi glanced at him sideways. "What if it is?"

...

...

When Meng Zhou's entire family arrived at Lin'an Prefecture's government office, Zheng Baishi personally greeted them at the entrance. It was already dusk, and the broad street outside the government office had few pedestrians. Because of this, Meng Zhou's family could enter to visit Meng Hui without drawing attention. Zheng Baishi led them inside, straight to the government prison. Soon, they saw Meng Hui in a relatively tidy cell. Although the cell was clean and orderly, it was still a prison. In just a few days, the once spirited and aggressive Meng Hui, who had been hitting and cursing others, now appeared disheveled and utterly dejected.

Upon seeing Meng Zhou, Meng Hui immediately stood up. "Elder Brother—"The fourth wife stood closest with her daughter. Upon hearing her call out "Father," Meng Hui's eyes instantly reddened.

"Elder Brother, it really wasn't me! I didn't kill anyone!"

Meng Zhou kept nodding, "I know, I know. Lord Zheng will investigate thoroughly, he will get to the truth."

If it were just a day or two of confinement, it would be bearable. But it had already been several days with no clear resolution. Anyone would feel their future hanging by a thread, their hearts gripped by panic. Meng Zhou found it difficult to voice his distress. Were it not for his official position, he wouldn't even be able to visit Meng Hui now. He knew Zheng Baishi's character well - allowing multiple visits was already the limit. Attempting any deception under his watch was impossible.

"Don't be anxious. If it wasn't you, Lord Zheng definitely won't wrongfully accuse you."

Meng Hui had understood this reasoning earlier, but now he felt hope gradually slipping away. "All the evidence currently points to me... I... I truly have no way to defend myself. Elder Brother, why has everyone come today?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Zhou realized Meng Hui still didn't know he was about to be transferred to the Ministry of Justice prison.

"We... we haven't visited you for two days. Lord Zheng permitted us today, so we all came together to see you."

Meng Hui scanned the group - aside from the second wife, everyone had come. His gaze lingered on Meng Zichen briefly before settling on his young daughter. He sighed deeply, "Who knows when this ordeal will end. If only I had reined in my temperament earlier. Elder Brother, the family affairs now rest entirely on your shoulders!"

Though Meng Zhou was the head of the Meng household, he had previously relied on support from both Meng Jin and Meng Hui, with Meng Jin handling most domestic affairs. Now with Meng Jin dead and himself imprisoned, only Meng Zhou remained. With a death in the family and Meng Zhou's official position uncertain, the household consisted mainly of women and children, many of whom were ill. Combined with unresolved business troubles, Meng Hui greatly feared disorder would overwhelm the Meng residence.

"Don't worry about the household. Everyone is well. Zichen's illness has improved significantly, and the others are being properly cared for by servants. I've already sent people to make arrangements at the yamen. Just endure for a few more days. Once the truth is uncovered, everything will be fine."

Seeing Meng Zhou's exhausted expression, Meng Hui understood the situation wasn't favorable for him. At this thought, he couldn't help but smile bitterly, "If only the investigation would truly reveal the truth. If not, I fear this crime will fall on me."

"Don't speak such discouraging words—"

While Meng Zhou tried to console him, Meng Yao and the third wife also offered words of comfort. Zheng Baishi stood nearby observing, his gaze discreetly assessing the third branch family members. After the family exchanged greetings, they fell into silent contemplation. Even if Meng Zhou had ten thousand desires to save his brother, what means did he have?

Seeing that everything had been said, Zheng Baishi spoke up, "Brother Meng, it's about time."

Meng Zhou offered a few more comforting words to Meng Hui. Reluctantly looking at his fourth wife and daughter, Meng Hui finally waved his hand, "Alright, return now, go back. It's getting late."

The fourth wife wept continuously, and the Meng household's second daughter's eyes were red from crying. Zheng Baishi sighed inwardly at the poignant scene. As he led Meng Zhou and the others out, he said, "Don't overthink it. There's simply no alternative at present."

Meng Zhou quickly asked, "Does Fourth Brother still not know he's to be taken to the Ministry of Justice prison?"Once someone enters the Ministry of Justice prison, visits become even more difficult, and the case's level of importance is absolutely extraordinary. If possible, Meng Zhou would rather have Meng Hui remain in the Lin'an Prefecture office.

"We don't know yet. We haven't told him, afraid he might overthink it."

Zheng Baishi's tone was helpless. Meng Zhou smiled bitterly, "Brother Zheng, is there really no way? Can't he stay in the Lin'an Prefecture office?"

Zheng Baishi sighed, "This case involves two lives, and the Emperor already knows about it. Moreover, as you know, envoys will be arriving at court soon. The Emperor has inquired about it several times already. There's no way around it."

Meng Zhou naturally knew this. Hearing Zheng Baishi's words, he understood there was no hope and became even more troubled.

"Then what can we do? As long as it helps solve the case quickly."

At this, Zheng Baishi paused slightly in his steps. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Since that's the case, very well. Since you've all come today, everyone can give their statements again."

Meng Zhou naturally nodded upon hearing this, "That's fine. Giving statements is fine. It's still early anyway."

Zheng Baishi nodded and led the group out of the prison cells to the side rooms in the back hall of the prefecture office. The back hall contained his usual office space, areas where other registrars, advisors, and constables worked, and many rooms storing case files. Zheng Baishi said, "In a moment, each person will enter a separate room and recount what happened during those two nights."

Meng Zhou naturally had no objections. "Good. Whatever you say, we'll comply."

As he spoke, Zheng Baishi instructed several constables to make preparations, then brought them before a row of side rooms. "Brother Meng, take this room. Fourth Madam, the one next to it. The Eldest Young Lady and Young Master can speak together. Is it acceptable for Second Young Lady to be alone?"

The fourth branch's young girl was only a few years old and naturally became frightened upon hearing this. Meng Yao said, "I'll take her with me."

Zheng Baishi agreed and, looking at the remaining room, said, "Third Madam will be in there."

Then, turning to Meng Ziyi and Xu shi, he said, "You two come with me."

With this row of rooms fully occupied, they naturally had to go elsewhere. Meng Ziyi glanced at Third Madam for a moment. Third Madam reassured him, "It's nothing. Go with Lord Zheng. Just answer whatever questions he asks."

Third Madam was quite at ease. They were in a government office, and she trusted Zheng Baishi's character.

Thus, Meng Ziyi and Xu shi crossed a covered corridor to a small courtyard next door.

In the other courtyard, there were left and right side compounds. A constable approached and said, "Sir, the other areas are all piled with case files. Only the side compounds have empty rooms left."

Zheng Baishi pointed to the right and said, "Take the Young mistress to the left side. Do not neglect her."

The constable, upon hearing this, respectfully invited Xu shi to the left. Meng Ziyi looked somewhat worried, but Xu shi glanced at him and showed no fear. Zheng Baishi also said, "Don't worry. You can go get her after you're done. It's very close."Although they were in different side courtyards, one could see the western side courtyard at a glance from the left one. Meng Ziyi felt slightly reassured upon hearing this, and so the two parted ways. Zheng Baishi led Meng Ziyi to an empty room in the right side courtyard, gave a few instructions, and then took his leave. The yamen attendant treated Meng Ziyi with great respect, first inviting him to sit before slowly asking questions one by one. Meng Ziyi had a stutter and spoke extremely slowly. It took the time of a cup of tea before he finished explaining the questions. While waiting for the attendant to finish writing, Meng Ziyi began to worry about Xu shi. It was at that moment that a woman's scream suddenly pierced the air!

The scream came so abruptly that Meng Ziyi couldn't clearly discern whose voice it was. But there was only one woman in the nearby courtyards—Xu shi. Could something have happened to her?!

With this thought, Meng Ziyi immediately stood up. He strode out of the room and lifted his gaze toward the left side courtyard. What he saw was that all the doors of the rooms in the left courtyard were closed. Frowning, Meng Ziyi hurriedly rushed toward that empty room.

During this time, several heavy thuds echoed from inside the room! As if someone was struggling violently within!

Meng Ziyi's frown deepened, and his expression instantly changed. He quickly walked to the closed door of the empty room and tried to push it open, but it was bolted from the inside. Meng Ziyi's left hand was originally weak, and now, in his anxiety, he could only pound on the door with his right hand while calling out Xu shi's maiden name. However, no matter how much he shouted, there was no response from Xu shi inside the room. Yet, faint sobs and the rustling sound of torn clothing continued incessantly!

Meng Ziyi's brows furrowed fiercely, the color draining completely from his face. He abruptly turned around and saw that the yamen attendant who had questioned him earlier hadn't followed. His eyes reddened, and he began pounding on the door even more forcefully.

"Open the door—open the door—"

After two more shouts with no response, Meng Ziyi was drenched in sweat from anxiety. Just then, the woman inside let out a pained cry, followed by intensified weeping. Meng Ziyi's chest heaved violently, his fists clenched so tightly that veins bulged. The urgency on his face gradually gave way to a fierce, vicious hatred. Suddenly, a flash of ruthless ferocity appeared in his eyes. The next moment, he grabbed the door rings with both hands and shook them violently. When shaking proved futile, he resorted to ramming the wooden door with his shoulder!

The first impact didn't open the door, nor the second... On the sixth attempt, the door finally burst open with a crash. Relying on his momentum, Meng Ziyi barged into the room. As soon as he entered, he saw a man in a yamen attendant's official uniform pressing Xu shi against a tall cabinet by the wall, molesting her. Xu shi was facing away from the door, desperately clutching her clothes, but the man's strength was far greater than hers. Her lotus-colored cape lay discarded on the floor, her inner dress torn to shreds. At that moment, a pale, delicate shoulder was exposed, and the man in the official uniform was kissing and caressing it—

In an instant, an intense, searing hatred surged in Meng Ziyi's eyes. Clenching his fists, he charged forward without a second thought. A low growl escaped his throat as he struck at the uniformed man with all his might. Yet, whether due to his slow movement or some other reason, the man seemed to foresee the blow and dodged effortlessly!With a sharp crack, Meng Ziyi’s fist smashed through the black lacquered cabinet surface. Seeing the man dodge aside, the hatred in Meng Ziyi’s eyes remained undiminished. His left hand shot out another punch, aimed directly at the man’s chest. The man never expected him to strike again so swiftly and failed to evade in time, taking the blow squarely.

A pained grunt escaped the man as he stumbled back several steps and collapsed to the ground, immediately breaking into violent coughs. Though rage burned red in his eyes, Meng Ziyi hadn’t forgotten about Xu shi. He hastily pulled her clothes up and gripped her shoulders to turn her around. But as she faced him, his dark pupils abruptly contracted—the woman before him not only showed no trace of tears but bore a face completely unfamiliar, nothing like Xu shi’s. In that instant, Meng Ziyi realized something…

At that moment, the woman also spotted the man on the ground. Her expression instantly shifted as she exclaimed softly, "Crown Prince!"

Yan Li, lying on the ground while clutching his chest, groaned in pain, "Damn, this really hurts like hell—"