Coroner's Diary

"Xu shi" was not Xu shi, and the man who had been disrespectful to "Xu shi" was actually the Crown Prince. Meng Ziyi, standing in the room with a fierce expression, suddenly felt bewildered. Just then, Zheng Baishi appeared at the doorway, accompanied by Yan Chi and Qin Guan, along with all members of the Meng household including Meng Zhou and Xu shi.

Meng Zhou stared at Meng Ziyi with bloodshot eyes, while Xu shi rushed to Meng Ziyi's side in tears, exclaiming, "They took me out! They deliberately took me out!"

Xu shi's urgent tone clearly indicated this was an intentional setup.

Meng Ziyi understood perfectly well at this point. His eyes were bloodshot, the ferocity on his face still undiminished. He positioned Xu shi behind him as if to protect her, while his gaze toward Zheng Baishi and Meng Zhou burned with jealousy and resentment.

Meanwhile, Yunyan helped Yan Li to his feet. Seeing so many people arrive, Yan Li quickly stood up, though his face remained pale despite his efforts to compose himself. As the two reached the doorway, Qin Guan immediately asked, "How are your injuries?"

Yan Li straightened his chest, "Minor matters... nothing serious..."

Before he finished speaking, he couldn't suppress a light cough.

Qin Guan urged, "Please move to another location, Your Highness. If the injuries are severe, they must be examined immediately."

Yan Li waved his hand, "No need, no need. I want to see what's happening with Young Master Meng."

This was a setup designed to reveal Meng Ziyi's true nature. For this reason, Yan Li also wanted to understand what was truly happening with Meng Ziyi. Seeing his determination, Qin Guan could only nod helplessly.

On the other side, Meng Zhou cried out in anguish, "Ziyi, how could it be you!"

Meng Ziyi responded with a cold laugh, "Uncle, this isn't Ziyi—"

As soon as he spoke, everyone sensed something wrong. Though his voice remained the same, his stutter had completely disappeared. Not only was there no stutter, but his speech carried newfound confidence, filled with resentful malice.

Meng Zhou stared blankly, "Not Ziyi?"

He looked at Meng Ziyi - though his demeanor had changed dramatically from usual, who else could this be if not Meng Ziyi?

Meng Ziyi laughed coldly again, "Uncle, I am Zixiao."

These words made all members of the Meng household gasp sharply. Zixiao? Meng Zixiao?!

Not only the Meng family members, but even Zheng Baishi knew that Meng Zixiao was Meng Ziyi's elder brother, who had died of illness ten years earlier. How could he be Meng Zixiao?!

"Ziyi, have you lost your mind?! How could you be Zixiao?! Your elder brother passed away many years ago! What's wrong with you?" Meng Zhou stepped forward as he spoke. Having watched Meng Ziyi grow up, as the head of the Meng family he had practically treated Meng Ziyi as his own son. The current situation had proven everything - Meng Ziyi wasn't the weak and incompetent child he appeared to be. But why was he claiming to be Meng Zixiao?

Meng Ziyi sneered, "Uncle, Ziyi's nature was too weak. He couldn't protect his mother and wife, so I returned. If it were Ziyi, he wouldn't even have had the strength to break through the door today."

Meng Zhou felt his temples throbbing. Meng Zixiao had been dead for ten years - by all accounts his spirit should have reincarnated by now. Could it be that he had possessed Meng Ziyi's body?Meng Zhou stared at Meng Ziyi, speechless, then turned to Zheng Baishi. "Brother Zheng, have you ever heard of such a thing? Ziyi must be possessed by a ghost and driven mad. If that's the case, then whatever wrong he has committed wasn't truly his intention. Brother Zheng, could you allow me to invite a few masters to perform a ritual first? The current Ziyi is completely out of his mind."

Meng Zhou was at a loss, but how could Zheng Baishi have encountered such a situation before?

No matter how he looked at it, it seemed like a case of ghostly possession. After pondering for a long time without any conclusion, he had no choice but to turn his gaze to Qin Guan nearby. "Ninth Miss, what is going on here? Is he suffering from madness, or... is he truly possessed by some evil spirit?"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes as she looked at Meng Ziyi and shook her head. "Neither."

Meng Zhou and Zheng Baishi were taken aback. Qin Guan then explained, "He genuinely believes he is his elder brother. At this moment, he is Meng Zixiao, while Meng Ziyi is asleep..."

As Qin Guan spoke, Zheng Baishi and the members of the Meng household only half-understood.

Qin Guan fixed her gaze on Meng Ziyi and continued, "His elder brother was a man of both literary and martial talents in his time. Ziyi must have deeply admired him. Not only that, his elder brother must have protected him fiercely. Because of this, Ziyi has always regarded his brother as a guardian deity. So, after his brother passed away, whenever Ziyi was bullied to the point of despair, he would imagine himself as his brother. That is why, in such moments, he finds the courage to do things he would never dare to do ordinarily."

Upon hearing this, the Third Lady's eyes reddened, and she couldn't help but lower her head to wipe away tears. Meng Zhou asked, "Sister-in-law, what exactly is going on? Do you know?"

The Third Lady's haggard face was filled with sorrow. "Zixiao has returned. He couldn't bear to see his younger brother suffer. He has come back..."

Meng Zhou felt even more confused upon hearing this. Meanwhile, Zheng Baishi set aside these thoughts for the moment and directly addressed Meng Ziyi, "Whether you are Meng Ziyi or Meng Zixiao, I ask you this: did you kill Meng Jin and Meng Wei?"

At the mention of their names, Meng Ziyi's expression turned fierce. "Can't Your Honor investigate for yourself?"

Zheng Baishi frowned and narrowed his eyes. This version of Meng Ziyi not only shed his usual timidity but even dared to talk back to him. Zheng Baishi's brow furrowed deeply. "Do you think the magistrate's office has no evidence?!"

With that, Zheng Baishi called out sharply, "Zhan Yang!"

As soon as he spoke, Zhan Yang stepped forward from the side, holding a cloth bag. He said, "Shortly after everyone left the Meng residence, we conducted a search. During the search, we found dried rose petals used for bathing in the Young Mistress's room. These petals had been stored for some time, and only a handful of withered flowers remained. At the very bottom, we also discovered a significant number of rose seeds."

Zhan Yang handed the cloth bag to Zheng Baishi and continued, "Our Corpse Examination revealed that although Meng Jin was found in the lake, he did not drown there. Instead, he was drowned elsewhere and his body was later dumped into the lake. The murderer intended to create the illusion that he had accidentally fallen into the water. However, during the Corpse Examination, we found rose seeds in Meng Jin's stomach, which he must have inhaled while being drowned. This indicates that Meng Jin was drowned in water containing rose seeds.""At the same time, there is a wound on Meng Jin's abdomen and the back of his head, proving that when he drowned, his stomach was pressed against something while a hand pushed his head underwater. This is how he met his end. We investigated and found a bathtub in the Young mistress's room with dimensions perfectly matching the wounds on Meng Jin's body. Strangely, the Young mistress hasn't used that bathtub for many days—neither has the Third Young Master. Could it be taboo because someone died in that tub?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Ziyi sneered coldly, "Based on this alone? Why couldn't it be someone else in the mansion using roses for bathing?"

Zhan Yang smiled faintly, "We've inquired in all the other rooms, and truly no one else uses roses for bathing except the Young mistress. The Young mistress enjoys gardening and has an elegant taste in many matters, unlike others. If Young Master Meng still wishes to quibble about this, how will you explain the pair of mud-stained socks we found in the third household?"

"When you killed Meng Wei, you first knocked him unconscious, then carried him to the ancient willow tree. You wore his shoes to walk there, and after hanging him, you removed the shoes and put them back on his feet. Then, you left through the lake, eventually coming ashore on the opposite bank. But you failed to notice that there was mud on the lakeshore there as well."

"You returned wearing socks stained with mud, intending to discard all your clothes. However, by chance, the Young mistress's maid later collected them for washing. Yet, finding the socks too dirty, she assumed she had picked up the wrong ones and tossed them into a corner of the laundry room. The mud on those socks is unique to the lakeshore in the mansion, proving you had been to the lake wearing socks and stepped in the mud. Moreover, on the night Meng Wei died, you requested a bowl of ginger soup in your room, claiming you had caught a chill. In truth, it was because you had swum through the cold lake and feared falling ill would expose your scheme. Young Master Meng, am I correct..."

A flicker of emotion stirred in Meng Ziyi's eyes, but he still retorted, "A pair of socks—what can they prove—"

Zhan Yang chuckled, "They are men's socks, made of fine Huzhou silk. Although there are male servants in the third household, you are the only one who can afford such socks. Are you still claiming they belong to someone else? And unless one has done something shameful, why would anyone wear fine silk socks to tread in mud?"

Meng Ziyi's lips pressed into a sharp line, his eyes cold and unfeeling. Seeing him speechless, Meng Zhou, heartbroken, exclaimed, "Ziyi, how could it be you? Your second uncle watched you grow up, and your elder brother played with you since childhood—how could you do such a thing?! If there was any grievance, why couldn't you just speak out?"

At these words, the hatred in Meng Ziyi's eyes intensified. The Third Madam's tears flowed more freely, and she nearly stumbled, barely steadying herself with Meng Yao's support.

"Speaking out would solve everything? Uncle, one is your second brother, the other your nephew, and the Meng family's business is entirely in their hands. Dare you say you haven't favored them?!"

Meng Ziyi's voice was icy as he demanded. Hearing this, Meng Zhou's face paled. "I..."Meng Ziyi sneered repeatedly, "Besides, how could the crimes committed by those two beasts be resolved with mere words? Only by killing them can I quell the hatred in my heart. I was the one who killed them—one life for two, what loss is there?"

"Ziyi..." Xu shi called out softly, her face already streaked with tears.

Meng Ziyi turned to look at Xu shi, his expression full of pity. "Don't be afraid, it's alright."

Meng Zhou cried out in anguish, "Ziyi! Do you not know that murder is punishable by beheading? What has come over you?"

At the mention of beheading, Xu shi's face paled, but Meng Ziyi turned and declared, "So be it! Letting those two beasts continue to live in this world is worse than death itself!"

The Third Madam wept silently, while Meng Zhou grew increasingly frantic. With these words spoken in front of Zheng Baishi and Meng Ziyi confessing to the crime—bearing two lives on his hands—beheading was inevitable!

"It was me! Ziyi did it all for me!"

Suddenly, Xu shi, who had been shielded behind Meng Ziyi, stepped forward. Her tear-filled eyes were red as she clutched his sleeve. "Ziyi did it all for me—he was avenging me—"

"Xiang Huan!" Meng Ziyi exclaimed sharply, using Xu shi's maiden name.

Xu shi turned her gaze to Meng Ziyi. "You're going to be arrested and beheaded—why should I care about propriety now? I know everything. I was an accomplice too. If I don't speak up, how can I stand by and watch you be executed?"

With that, she turned to Meng Zhou. "Eldest Uncle, the good brother you see is nothing but a beast worse than pigs or dogs! If he hadn't violated me, why would Ziyi have killed him?!"

"What?!" Meng Zhou was utterly shocked, while Meng Yao and the others nearby also turned pale with horror.

The Third Madam let out a mournful cry and collapsed to the ground. Zheng Baishi and the others were stunned. He had already guessed from Yan Chi's words that Meng Jin might have ill intentions toward Xu shi, but he never imagined things had reached the worst possible outcome!

"Last summer, Ziyi fell gravely ill. The physician prescribed century-old lingzhi mushrooms, but Mother was also sick at the time, leaving me as the only one managing the Third Household. Knowing the Second Household had the medicine, I went to beg for it. But I encountered Meng Jin drunk... no... he wasn't entirely drunk. He was sober and knew exactly who I was. He said he would give me the medicine if I yielded myself to him. He claimed the Third Household had no one to support it, and if I submitted to him, he could not only save Ziyi but also care for me in my later years. I refused and resisted, but he had Meng Wei lock the door and... right there in the room, he..."

Xu shi's words were drenched in tears and blood, each syllable a lament. By the time she finished, Meng Zhou could barely stand. "How could this be... Why didn't you tell me...?"

"Tell Eldest Uncle?" Xu shi looked at Meng Zhou with bitter sorrow. "Meng Jin said the Third Household was already disgraced. If I spoke of this, I would be seen as defiled, while he was the Second Master of the Meng family. Who would be deemed more important? Eldest Uncle would have to decide. He also said... the mother and son of the Third Household were both frail and ill. If I revealed this, conflict between the Second and Third Households would worsen, and Mother and Ziyi might succumb to their illnesses because of it. As for me—I would be nothing but damaged goods, with no place in the Meng family... Whether for Ziyi's sake or my own, how could I dare to speak?!""This time I endured immense humiliation, thinking that hiding in the Third Household would be enough. But I never imagined... this was only the beginning of the nightmare. That beast Meng Jin, taking advantage of my mother and Ziyi being frequently bedridden, actually... actually figured out the guards' rotation gaps and barged into the Third Household... Eventually... eventually Ziyi found out... At the time I only said Meng Jin had harassed me, not that he had already violated me. After much pleading, Ziyi reluctantly restrained himself. From that moment on, Ziyi would occasionally display those frenzied outbursts like you just witnessed. Seeing this, I couldn't bear to tell him the truth..."

"On the night of the first lunar month, as Ziyi and I were preparing to retire... he... he came again... When Ziyi caught him, he showed no panic. Drunk with wine, he actually told Ziyi to his face that he had already defiled me. The bathwater still remained in my tub from earlier. Enraged beyond reason, Ziyi immediately forced him into the tub and drowned him. I helped too - I held his arms to prevent his struggle. Soon, he stopped breathing..."

Xu shi resembled a delicate flower on the verge of collapsing, her face streaked with pitiful tears. Yet when she reached this part, a flicker of satisfaction appeared in her eyes. "We first hid him in the bathing chamber, pretended to retire for the night, then Ziyi carried him and dumped him in the lake."

Having said this, Xu shi seemed to exhale in relief. "What reason is there for such a man to remain in this world? Truthfully, I had already resolved that if he dared come to the Third Household again, I would kill him myself. That day just happened to be when Ziyi was with me. Ziyi killed him entirely for my sake—"

Zheng Baishi's expression darkened as he sighed, "What about Meng Wei?"

"Meng Wei is also a beast! That day... if only he had tried to stop Meng Jin even slightly? But he didn't... After the incident, he always suspected Fourth Uncle was the murderer, yet he was desperately searching for the key. When he couldn't find it anywhere... he actually came to the Third Household. Not only did he come, he asked me whether his father had visited me that night. He threatened that if I lied, he would tell everyone how his father had violated me - claiming I couldn't endure the austerity of the Third Household and had seduced his father... He was unreasonable, beasts are always unreasonable..."

Gritting her teeth, Xu shi continued, "He said after two days of observation, it didn't seem like Fourth Uncle killed his father, so he suspected me. Right then I knew trouble was coming. First, his father's key had indeed been dropped in the Third Household. Second, once he reported his father's affairs to the authorities, they would inevitably investigate me. Considering this, I decided to go all the way - better to kill him too! I found the rope, I devised the escape plan - Ziyi merely followed my instructions."

"That's not true!" Meng Ziyi suddenly interjected. "I was the one who acted. Both times, it was me. She's just a young woman who was already panicked. I killed those two beasts for her and for myself. The things Ziyi wanted to do but couldn't - I did them for him. Such beasts who violate others' wives deserve to be cut into a thousand pieces..."

As Xu shi tried to speak again, Meng Ziyi gently pulled her sleeve and sighed, "No need to say more. Lord Zheng will draw his own conclusions."Xu Shi wept silently, while the entire Meng family was utterly shocked. No one had expected such hidden circumstances behind these two murder cases...

It took Meng Zhou a long moment to regain his composure before turning to the Third Madam. "Sister-in-law, did you know?"

A flash of anger also appeared in the Third Madam's eyes. "Although I didn't know the details, Meng Jin's gaze towards Xianghuan betrayed him. Ziyi and Xianghuan were very guarded against him, and I knew he often lingered outside the Third Household. I just thought... I never imagined he would..."

Right after Meng Jin's death, the Third Madam had suspected it might be related to her own son and daughter-in-law, but she would never voice such suspicions to others. Not only that, she instinctively wanted to cover for Meng Ziyi.

Whether it was Qin Guan visiting the Meng residence or Yan Chi leading the investigation, she didn't want anyone to notice Meng Ziyi's unusual behavior. But she never expected the government office to already have suspicions and to have set such a trap waiting for them...

The Third Madam closed her eyes. Her tears had long dried up. At this point, she knew Meng Ziyi had no way to escape.

"Since you've both confessed, Meng Hui can be released now. Zhan Yang, take these two away and detain them. We'll need to conduct detailed interrogations later." Following Zheng Baishi's order, Zhan Yang immediately stepped forward to apprehend them.

Meng Ziyi's expression changed slightly, and Xu Shi finally showed some fear. The Third Madam called out "Ziyi," while all the Meng family members looked on with sorrowful eyes. Xu Shi tried to grab Meng Ziyi's wrist, but he only let her tug at his sleeve. Qin Guan and Yan Chi watched from the side, their eyes revealing deep contemplation.

"Now that the case is clear, Meng Hui will be released shortly."

As Zheng Baishi spoke, although the Meng family was extremely reluctant, they could only watch as Meng Ziyi and Xu Shi were taken away. With red-rimmed eyes, Meng Zhou said, "Brother Zheng, how should this be judged? Ziyi definitely didn't mean to do it. He just said he was Zixiao - he must have been contaminated by some Evil Spirit. Killing wasn't his true intention..."

"Brother Meng, I don't know how to judge this matter either. This is unprecedented. Please don't worry too much for now. Even if we determine guilt, there are still procedures to follow, as you know. We'll conduct interrogations later, and once everything is clear, we'll inform you of any developments regarding the sentencing..."

Meng Zhou sighed bitterly. "I never imagined such things would happen within the Meng family. Truly... if my second brother really committed such beastly acts, then he deserved this fate! He has ruined our Meng family's reputation!"

Seeing Meng Zhou's deep distress, Zheng Baishi sighed. "Let the servants take you to the front hall to rest for now. You need time to process this. Other matters don't concern you for the moment, and you can wait for Meng Hui there."

Though extremely anxious, Meng Zhou knew staying with Zheng Baishi wasn't the solution. He acknowledged the suggestion and thanked Zheng Baishi before following the constables to the front hall. Meng Yao and Meng Zichen supported the Third Madam as they left, with both siblings glancing at Qin Guan a few more times before departing. Qin Guan sighed inwardly - she needed to find opportunities to explain things clearly to Meng Yao and the others.

After the Meng family left, Zheng Baishi let out a long breath. "It's even more serious than we imagined. That Second Master Meng appeared quite respectable, yet he turned out to be so utterly depraved..."As he spoke, Zheng Baishi looked at Qin Guan again, "Ninth Miss, what did you mean earlier? Meng Ziyi turning into Meng Zixiao—is this an illness or something supernatural?"

"If I must say, it's an illness. Lord Meng was right about one thing—the one who killed was Meng Zixiao, conjured from Meng Ziyi's delusions. Perhaps Meng Ziyi harbored grievances and anger deep down, but the actual thought of killing was born from Meng Zixiao and carried out by him. Meng Ziyi himself had no direct involvement."

Zheng Baishi was confused again, "This... he claims to be Meng Zixiao, but he... he is still undeniably the same person, Meng Ziyi..."

Qin Guan gave a bitter smile. Even she found it difficult to clearly explain Meng Ziyi's condition.

"Lord Meng should have the constables keep an eye on Meng Ziyi. When he later claims to be Meng Ziyi, he will likely have forgotten what just happened. It's as if... as if two souls inhabit one body. When one soul emerges, the other gets locked away. Just now, Meng Zixiao emerged, so Meng Ziyi was locked away."

Zheng Baishi was half-convinced, for the matter was truly too fantastical. Yan Chi, who had been observing silently all along, now spoke up, "Meng Ziyi was quite affectionate and protective toward Xu Shi, yet just now, he didn't hold her hand. His claim of being Meng Zixiao is probably genuine—as the elder brother, it would be improper for him to be too intimate with Xu Shi."

Zheng Baishi had noticed this too. After further contemplation, he said, "This matter is too bizarre. I'll personally oversee it and try to get a general confession by tonight."

Yan Chi nodded. "Go ahead. I'll join you shortly to observe as well."

Zheng Baishi nodded, thanked Qin Guan, and then turned to leave.

Once Zheng Baishi was gone, Yan Li clutched his chest and exclaimed, "Truly unheard of! Another soul living inside one person's body? If this isn't ghostly possession, I don't know what is..."

He then looked at Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, why do you think it isn't ghostly possession?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "I don't believe ghosts exist in this world."

Yan Li blinked in surprise. Belief in ghosts was the prevailing view in their society—how could Qin Guan be so certain otherwise?

"How do you know? Everyone believes in ghosts and deities..."

Qin Guan didn't know how to explain. She had died once, but she hadn't witnessed any six paths of reincarnation, heavens or hells, or even a single underworld messenger as people imagined. There was only pain in death, then nothingness, until she awoke as the Ninth Miss of Qin Manor. Having tested this herself, how could she still believe in ghosts?

"Rather than the ghosts Your Highness speaks of, I believe more in the demons within people's hearts."

These words sent an inexplicable chill down Yan Li's spine. He raised an eyebrow and said no more.

Yan Chi then asked, "We've never encountered such a situation before. How do you think sentencing should be handled?"

This case involved two lives and occurred in the residence of a court official, so it would ultimately require joint retrial and sentencing by the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review. Though Qin Guan wasn't a government official, Yan Chi's question showed trust in her judgment regarding Meng Ziyi's strange condition. "First, there were extenuating circumstances—the crimes committed by Meng Jin and his son were severe. Second, the murderer was merely a soul inhabiting Meng Ziyi's body, not Meng Ziyi himself. Therefore, I believe the sentencing could be lighter."

Yan Chi nodded and glanced at the sky. Dusk was gathering, and nightfall was imminent. "Let Bai Feng escort you back first. I'll stay with Lord Zheng to monitor this case."

Qin Guan assented. Under Bai Feng's protection, she left with Fuling and Baiying. Meanwhile, Yan Li also instructed his attendant to escort Yunyan back while he accompanied Yan Chi to observe how Meng Ziyi transformed into Meng Zixiao.

...

...

The journey back to the manor was buffeted by fierce cold winds, and by the time Qin Guan arrived, snow had begun to fall.

Qin Guan first went to the main courtyard to greet Hu Shi, then returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard.

Fuling still seemed unsettled. "Miss, Young Master Meng's strange illness is truly too eerie."Qin Guan couldn't provide a detailed explanation either. She had only come across similar cases in ancient medical texts while studying at Medicine King Valley. Many attributed this condition to spirit possession, but a late elder from Medicine King Valley proposed it wasn't supernatural—rather, it was a mental barrier causing people to imagine themselves as someone else.

Compared to spirit possession, Qin Guan found this explanation much more plausible.

"Is there someone you deeply admire?"

Fuling blinked, "Naturally, this servant admires you, Miss..."

Qin Guan chuckled, "How exactly do you admire me?"

Fuling thought for a moment, "This servant used to be too impulsive, but after you 'returned from death,' your temperament changed, which influenced mine as well. Whenever I face difficulties and don't know what to do, I think—if it were you, Miss, how would you handle it..."

"Then you act according to how you imagine I would?"

Fuling nodded, "Yes, exactly..."

Qin Guan smiled, "That's normal. But if such thoughts intensify, you might start thinking—if I were you, what would I do? The more you think this way, the more severe it becomes, until eventually an image of me appears in your mind—a capable, powerful version. When facing challenges, you'd simply release this version to solve your problems."

As she pondered, Fuling suddenly understood Qin Guan's meaning. She felt an inexplicable chill, "This servant understands now—I know how Young Master Meng's illness came about."

Qin Guan nodded, "I'm not certain, but that's roughly the idea."

Fuling sighed, "Young Master Meng is truly pitiful. That Second Master Meng deserved to die! How dare he bully the third branch for being weak and force himself on his own niece-in-law... Too despicable..."

Qin Guan's gaze turned cold. Meng Jin indeed deserved death. She only hoped Meng Ziyi and Xu shi could have a good outcome.

Outside the window, fierce winds howled as snow pellets transformed into swirling snowflakes drifting down. Tomorrow, Lin'an City would surely be blanketed in silver again...

The next morning after breakfast, Qin Guan entered the palace again to check the Empress Dowager's pulse.

Qin Ye, absent for two days, appeared to escort her to the palace gate.

Qin Guan said, "If Fourth Brother is busy, there's no need to escort me—"

Qin Ye laughed heartily, "I won't be able to escort you much longer anyway."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, "Fourth Brother is taking up an official post?"

Qin Ye nodded, "I'll be serving at the Garrison Battalion. After that, I can only return during rest days."

Hearing this, Qin Guan beamed, "Congratulations, Fourth Brother, for achieving your wish."

Qin Ye looked at Qin Guan, "Thanks to you."

With that, he invited Qin Guan into the carriage. She noticed nothing unusual, and soon the carriage began moving.

Having snowed all night, the entire Lin'an City was pure white. Accumulated snow layered the main streets, making the carriage move particularly slowly. Outside, Qin Ye rode slowly with four guards. The snow had lightened, fine particles drifting like scattered salt. Qin Guan glanced at Qin Yan's upright figure in the snow and felt genuinely happy for him.

During the New Year's banquet, Qin Ye had expressed his desire to join the Garrison Battalion. Now that his wish had come true, it was truly wonderful.

After nearly half an hour, the carriage finally stopped at the palace gate. Qin Guan and Fuling, sharing an umbrella, walked toward the palace. Just past Zhengyang Gate, they saw a group ahead moving extremely slowly.Due to her slow pace, Qin Guan drew closer to them, and soon, the person surrounded in the center noticed her.

"Well, well! I was wondering who it might be, but it turns out to be the Little Medicine Immortal!"

Feng Chenbi was still dressed in white, her snow-white cape accentuating her petite, palm-sized face.

Upon seeing Qin Guan, a trace of loathing flickered in Feng Chenbi's eyes. Feng Zhang had been beaten by Prince Rui's heir and had yet to leave his bed. As a woman, she dared not openly express her hatred toward Prince Rui's heir, but she felt no such restraint toward Qin Guan. After all, everything that had happened that day had started because of Qin Guan.

"Miss Feng—"

Qin Guan nodded slightly, maintaining a polite and composed demeanor.

Feng Chenbi narrowed her eyes, the delicate vulnerability she had displayed at the banquet now gone, replaced by a gaze as sharp as cold arrows. "Do you think you're so remarkable just because you treated the Empress Dowager? I will settle the score with you for what happened to my brother!"

Qin Guan curved her lips into a faint smile. "For that, I must thank you, Miss Feng. If you hadn’t spoken up for me on New Year’s Eve, how could I have gained such renown? You must be very happy for me now, aren’t you?"

Feng Chenbi’s eyes widened in fury. That day, she had intended to frame Qin Guan. Everyone knew the Empress Dowager’s illness was difficult to treat, and she hadn’t believed a young girl like Qin Guan could manage it. If the Empress Dowager’s condition had worsened or she had passed away under Qin Guan’s care, Qin Guan would surely have been punished. But to her astonishment, not only had Qin Guan saved the Empress Dowager, but she had also become the celebrated Little Medicine Immortal of the capital!

Happy? She was now filled with nothing but regret for what she had done!

"Don’t get too full of yourself—your title of Little Medicine Immortal is only because people are honoring the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s rewards. Proving your skill means truly curing the Empress Dowager’s illness!"

"Thank you for your kind words, Miss Feng. The Empress Dowager has already recovered significantly."

Feng Chenbi had heard rumors to that effect, but hearing Qin Guan state it so calmly and confidently made her feel a knot of frustration stuck in her throat. After glaring fiercely at Qin Guan for a moment, she flicked her sleeve and snapped, "Let’s go. Speaking with someone like this only lowers my standing—"

Fuming, Feng Chenbi walked so briskly that she quickly left her attendants behind. However, after only a few hurried steps, she slipped with a "whoosh," landing hard face-first in a classic "dog eat dirt" fall. Her servants paled and rushed to help her up.

Fuling couldn’t hold back a soft, muffled laugh.

Qin Guan’s lips curved almost imperceptibly as she gracefully walked past Feng Chenbi.

"The snow is heavy and the path is slippery, Miss Feng. You should watch your step. I’ll take my leave now."

As she spoke, Qin Guan had already passed the disheveled Feng Chenbi and moved ahead. Clenching her teeth, Feng Chenbi wanted to shout an insult—"You—!" But after uttering just one word, she restrained herself, mindful of being in the palace.

Hearing the flustered apologies of the servants behind them, Fuling grew concerned. "Miss, won’t this make her target us even more in the future?"

A cold smile touched Qin Guan’s lips. "Last time, we did nothing, and she still didn’t let us off."

Remembering the previous incident, Fuling felt a lingering fear and momentarily cast aside her worries. "You’re right! As you’ve said before, some people won’t reason with you just because you’re reasonable. Sometimes, if you’re tougher, they might even fear you."

Qin Guan nodded with a smile. "Yes, that’s exactly the principle."Having entered the palace multiple times and carrying a waist token, Qin Guan was now recognized by the palace staff upon its sight. Thus, the Longevity and Health Palace had ceased sending escorts for her recent visits. Due to the heavy snowfall, the Palace Road was blanketed in accumulated snow, so Qin Guan walked more slowly, taking the time of two incense sticks to finally arrive before the Longevity and Health Palace.

Outside, a young maid was already waiting. Seeing Qin Guan arrive, she whispered, "Ninth Miss, Prince Cheng is inside."

Upon hearing this, Qin Guan quickly asked, "When did he arrive?"

The young maid replied, "He came about half a cup of tea ago."

Qin Guan frowned. She had arrived quite punctually today, yet Yan Qi happened to come at this exact time—truly unfortunate. She then said, "Then I'll wait outside and enjoy the snow for now. I'll enter once Prince Cheng and the Empress Dowager have finished speaking."

Unaware of the underlying circumstances, the young maid assumed Qin Guan simply wished to give the grandmother and grandson time to talk and agreed.

Qin Guan then entered the central courtyard of the main hall of the Longevity and Health Palace. The young maid added, "A few red plum blossoms have bloomed in the side garden. Would you like to see them, Miss?"

The entire Longevity and Health Palace treated Qin Guan as an honored guest, and this young maid was also very respectful toward her.

Delighted by the suggestion, Qin Guan followed the corridor for a short while and, indeed, came upon the splendid scene of red plums braving the snow. Fond of the view, she moved closer, while the young maid waited at a distance.

Fuling remarked, "Miss, is Prince Cheng the cousin of Miss Feng from earlier?"

Qin Guan nodded. Fuling showed some apprehension, saying, "Then it's right to avoid him."

Qin Guan hadn't thought that much about it; she merely wanted to steer clear instinctively since Prince Cheng had seen her at the Mortuary Temple last time. As they weren't going in immediately, Fuling brought up the Meng residence case again, "I wonder how the Meng residence case is progressing today. Can Young Master Meng and the young mistress be convicted?"

Qin Guan shook her head, "The Meng residence case must undergo review by the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review. It will take at least a month before the charges are finalized—it won't be that quick." Pausing briefly, she added, "Moreover, this case is quite complex, so the process of sentencing and conviction likely won't be straightforward."

"A young girl like you dares to rashly judge murder cases and criminal justice?!"

As soon as Qin Guan finished speaking, a sinister and arrogant voice suddenly rang out. Her brow twitched, and she immediately turned around to see Yan Qi standing under the corridor with a mocking smile.