Coroner's Diary

"Your Highness Prince Cheng—"

Qin Guan hadn't expected Yan Qi to emerge and come all the way to this side courtyard.

She and Fuling performed a curtsy. When they rose, Yan Qi's gaze still held a hint of arrogance as he scrutinized Qin Guan.

"How would a young girl confined to the inner quarters know the details of the Meng Manor case?"

Faced with this question, Qin Guan lowered her eyes in a show of respect. "There are many rumors circulating about the Meng Manor case outside. Simply by listening to the gossip, one can learn quite a bit. That is how I came to know."

This wasn't Yan Qi's first time meeting Qin Guan, but today felt different from before.

Upon first seeing Qin Guan, Yan Qi had been quite struck by her beauty. However, that had been during a palace banquet with so many people around that he hadn't been able to examine the girl carefully. Now, with Qin Guan standing alone not far from him, her aura of detached elegance was even more pronounced. Yan Qi was very curious—how could an orphan girl from the Qin family's second branch possess such remarkable poise!

"Then how dare you casually discuss judicial matters? How would a young girl like you know how the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review determine sentences?"

Qin Guan slightly lowered her brows. "I am well aware that as someone from the inner quarters, I naturally don't know how the Ministry of Justice and Court of Judicial Review determine sentences. I was merely exchanging a few words with my maid in private, so I had no reservations. I didn't know Your Highness Prince Cheng would come here."

She had been speaking privately with Fuling. Was Prince Cheng not only eavesdropping but now questioning her?

Qin Guan hadn't forgotten the scene at Drunken Fragrance Pavilion. Hadn't Feng Zhang been able to swagger about so arrogantly precisely because of Prince Cheng?

And during that incident at the Mortuary Temple, Prince Cheng had gone out of his way to cause trouble just to compete for power with the Crown Prince. That spy was likely also his doing.

Although he was a prince, this Prince Cheng would stop at nothing for power. Qin Guan naturally had no desire to associate with such a person, and she couldn't fathom what his intentions were with today's actions.

Hearing Qin Guan's words, Yan Qi raised an eyebrow. He had initially thought Qin Guan was only exceptionally skilled in medicine, but he hadn't expected her to be so sharp-tongued as well. Between the lines, she was actually reprimanding him for eavesdropping on her conversation with her maid.

The corner of Yan Qi's mouth curved upward. "This is an important place within the palace, Ninth Miss. You should be more careful, lest trouble come from careless words."

A faint cold smile touched Qin Guan's lips as she lowered her eyes. "I shall take your advice."

Seeing Qin Guan's impenetrable demeanor, Yan Qi felt inexplicably irritated. Knowing full well his status, how dare she put on such an aloof front in his presence?

This thought led him to consider the relationship between the Marquis' household and the Crown Prince. Understanding dawned—he assumed Qin Guan was relying on the Marquis' household having the Crown Prince's protection. With this realization, Yan Qi narrowed his eyes slightly. "The Empress Dowager is waiting for you inside. Since His Majesty trusts you, don't disappoint them. Go on in."

Qin Guan performed another slight curtsy. "I shall naturally obey."

With that, she finally took the small path through the courtyard toward the gate.

Yan Qi stood where he was, watching Qin Guan's figure disappear before his expression darkened slightly and he walked outward. His trusted follower Lu Xiao stepped forward. "Master, this Ninth Miss of the Qin family is quite unusual."

Lu Xiao was Yan Qi's chief strategist and also his personal guard. Hearing this, Yan Qi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? In what way is she unusual?"

Lu Xiao replied, "Setting aside her remarkable medical skills at such a young age, it's unusual enough that a girl from the inner quarters shows such concern for cases outside. I fear her ambitions may not be small."Only those who aspire to the Inner Palace and high positions would pay attention to court and judicial affairs. Yan Qi paused slightly in his steps. "Oh? Are you saying she also wishes to enter the Eastern Palace?"

Lu Xiao smiled. "Not necessarily the Eastern Palace. I merely feel she is no ordinary woman—her ambitions are considerable."

A thoughtful glimmer appeared in Yan Qi's eyes, but after a moment, he shook his head. "A pity. She's not the legitimate daughter of a marquis' household, so she amounts to nothing."

Lu Xiao pondered briefly. "Even so, I believe her individual influence is not insignificant."

Yan Qi looked at Lu Xiao for a moment. "Surely you don't expect me to choose her as my princess consort?"

Lu Xiao shook his head. "The position of principal consort must naturally be selected from among the daughters of dukes and generals who hold military power. However, for the secondary consort position, Your Highness has many options."

Yan Qi raised his brows slightly, a flash of brilliance in his eyes, then turned on his heel. "To Changxin Palace!"

When Yan Qi arrived at Changxin Palace, Feng Chenbi was tearfully complaining to Feng Lingsu. "Aunt, that Qin Guan is utterly insolent! Your niece merely greeted her, yet when she passed by, she shoved me to the ground! Aunt, she knew full well I am the daughter of the Duke's household, yet she still acted this way—clearly showing no respect for our family or you!"

Feng Chenbi wept delicately, her pear-blossom-drenched appearance giving Feng Lingsu a headache. Feng Chenbi continued, "She must think herself above everyone because the Emperor values her and has her treating the Empress Dowager! Aunt, you mustn't treat her as an ordinary young girl..."

Feng Lingsu rubbed her forehead. "I certainly don't treat her as ordinary. Stop crying now—it's deep winter, and you'll chap your face. I will handle this matter for you. Go to the side hall and freshen up."

Just then, a palace attendant announced, "Your Highness, Prince Cheng has arrived."

Hearing Yan Qi had come, Feng Chenbi immediately rose to tidy up in the side chamber without further prompting. When Yan Qi entered the main hall, he glanced toward the side chamber with a faint, mocking smile. "Did cousin suffer some injustice?"

Feng Lingsu smiled wryly for a moment before her gaze turned cold, falling upon Feng Chenbi's maid standing nearby.

"What really happened? You tell me."

The maid paled under Feng Lingsu's stare and knelt immediately. "Please spare my life, Your Highness..."

Feng Lingsu frowned impatiently. "Answer what I ask truthfully. If you lie, then you should worry about your life!"

The maid dared not deceive Feng Lingsu and hurriedly explained, "It... it was the young lady who fell on her own... The Qin Manor's Ninth Miss only said 'the snowy path is slippery, please walk carefully, young lady' before walking past."

Feng Lingsu shot a frustrated glance toward the side chamber, then nodded slightly.

The maid tremblingly stood up, while Yan Qi also frowned in resignation.

"Cousin now dares to deceive even Mother Consort."

Feng Lingsu snorted lightly. "She wants me to vent her anger for her. No matter how many times I've taught her, she never learns wisdom. Now she even treats me as a fool. That Ninth Miss is the Emperor's treasured lifesaver—I can't touch her, let alone my niece!"

Yan Qi took the opportunity to sit opposite Feng Lingsu. "What does Mother Consort think of the Qin family's Ninth Miss?"Feng Lingsu smiled, "For someone her age to carry herself so well, she's certainly remarkable. I've heard she remains neither haughty nor humble even before the Empress. However, I haven't quite figured her out yet—unsure what motives she harbors. Since she comes from the Loyal Marquis Manor, which supports the Crown Prince, I'm not particularly interested in her."

Yan Qi pondered briefly, "Has Mother considered she might become our pawn?"

Feng Lingsu raised an eyebrow, "Oh? What do you mean?"

Yan Qi smiled, "If the two daughters of the Qin family clearly stand in opposing camps, do you think the Crown Prince would still trust the Qin family so implicitly?"

......

......

"Your Majesty, how have you been feeling these past few days?"

In the Longevity and Health Palace, the Empress Dowager gazed affectionately at Qin Guan, who had been treating her for over ten days. The more she saw of Qin Guan, the fonder she grew. "Much better. Yesterday I managed to walk for the duration of two cups of tea without feeling overly tired afterward. If it weren't for the cold outside and their concerns, I could have walked for another cup of tea."

"That's good. Your Majesty only needs to take the medicine on schedule, and you'll continue to improve."

Mammy Chen chimed in cheerfully, "Her Majesty even plans to attend the Lantern Festival Banquet. With her health greatly improved, her spirits have lifted. Ninth Miss, are you aware of the Lantern Festival Banquet?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Yes, I know. Last time when I was here with Her Majesty, I met the Empress, who mentioned it."

Mammy Chen then said with a smile, "That's wonderful. Her Majesty's enthusiasm will be even higher now."

The Empress Dowager held Qin Guan's hand and said, "Indeed. When the time comes, I'll have Ninth girl accompany me for more walks and sightseeing. I won't worry about anything else..."

Mammy Chen quickly added, "You may not concern yourself with other matters, but you cannot ignore the selection of consorts for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng."

This was the first time Qin Guan had heard such a thing. Were the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng going to choose their consorts at the Lantern Festival Banquet?

The Empress Dowager intentionally observed Qin Guan's reaction to this news, but she couldn't detect any change in her expression. The Empress Dowager then said, "They have their own mothers to worry about them, and the Emperor too. Why should I interfere? I now keep myself aloof from worldly affairs and am content to keep little Jiu company. Everything else is none of my concern."

Mammy Chen laughed, "But the final selections still require your approval. However, since your health isn't fully recovered, it's better to worry less."

Just as they were speaking, the Ninth Prince, Yan Sui, arrived.

"Greetings, Grandmother—"

Yan Sui's small figure bowed respectfully, and the Empress Dowager drew him to her side.

"Where have you been just now? Why are your hands so cold?"

Yan Sui replied softly, "Little Jiu went to see Father Emperor. He wanted to test little Jiu on his studies."

"Oh? How did it go?"

Yan Sui shook his head, "Father Emperor hadn't asked more than a few questions when someone came in, so he had me sent back."

The Empress Dowager looked at Mammy Chen, "Has there been any important matter recently?"

Yan Sui quickly said, "Grandmother, I think someone died in the capital."

Despite his young age, Yan Sui could discern from snippets of conversation what the officials and Yan Huai were reporting. Upon hearing about the death, the Empress Dowager sighed, "Nothing is peaceful these days. Alas, I don't know what's happening."

"Your Majesty, set your mind at ease. The officials at court will handle outside affairs properly. The Emperor is wise and mighty; there's no need for you to worry."

Qin Guan offered these words of comfort, and the Empress Dowager smiled. After amusing herself with Yan Sui for a while longer, Qin Guan took her leave and departed.Watching Qin Guan rise and depart, the Empress Dowager sighed softly. "It's hard on this child. Though her reputation is soaring now, she hasn't developed any improper ambitions..."

Mammy Chen said, "If you wish to have Ninth Miss closer to you, it's not impossible."

But the Empress Dowager shook her head. "This child isn't suitable—neither for Che'er nor for Qi'er. I know the intentions of both Che'er and Qi'er. If we were to settle on this child, it would only harm her."

Mammy Chen also felt a pang of emotion. "I'm just afraid that seeing how much you and the Emperor favor Ninth Miss, others might develop inappropriate thoughts."

The Empress Dowager snorted lightly. "Though I've long been confined to my sickbed, I'm not dead yet."

...

In the main hall of Chongzheng Hall, after listening to Zheng Baishi's report, Yan Huai frowned. "Such a bizarre occurrence actually exists?"

Zheng Baishi nodded. "Indeed. In all my years of service, I've never encountered anything like this. Yesterday, I asked Ninth Miss about it, and she dismissed the notion of ghostly possession. Instead, she said that Young Master Meng, due to his chronically weak disposition and enduring much ridicule and bullying, had simply imagined himself as his deceased elder brother in his heart. That brother had been exceptionally intelligent from a young age, accomplished in both literary and martial arts, but later fell ill and passed away..."

Zheng Baishi sighed again. "Your Majesty, have you ever heard of such a strange thing? A person imagines themselves as someone else and then truly becomes that person? Yesterday, after that Young Master Meng's frenzied episode, he was taken to the prison. Before long, he regained consciousness, and indeed, he had no recollection of what had happened earlier. It was his wife who informed him."

Yan Huai carefully reviewed the case files once more. "So, Ninth girl's meaning is that the murderer was Young Master Meng's elder brother, not the young master himself?"

Zheng Baishi wore a puzzled expression. "I didn't fully grasp what Ninth Miss said, but it roughly aligns with what Your Majesty just mentioned. Because Ninth Miss stated that at the time of the murder, Young Master Meng himself was completely unaware of what he was doing."

Yan Huai set down the memorial in his hand and narrowed his eyes. "So, what is your purpose in coming to see me?"

Zheng Baishi cleared his throat lightly. "Firstly, to report to Your Majesty that this case has been solved and to ensure you are aware of the details. Secondly, I wished to seek Your Majesty's guidance on how to determine the sentencing for this case."

Yan Huai leaned back in his chair and pondered for a moment before suddenly issuing an order. "Summon both the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng!"

Yuan Qing accepted the command and departed, while Zheng Baishi's eyes flickered with unease. Though the matter wasn't particularly significant, Yan Huai had summoned both the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng simultaneously, clearly intending to test them. He quickly composed himself, standing silently without uttering another word.

Two incense sticks' worth of time later, the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng entered the main hall one after the other.

Yan Huai tossed the case report booklet in front of them and said, "Read it, then share your respective thoughts."

Seeing Yan Che pick it up first to read, Yan Huai added, "The perpetrator suffers from a strange illness, and there are further intricacies in this case. Although the murderer did indeed kill someone, the sentencing cannot simply follow convention. Both of you, speak your minds."Yan Che read through the documents swiftly before passing them to Yan Qi. After reviewing the contents, Yan Qi realized the Meng family case was indeed as complex as Qin Guan had described. He glanced at Yan Che and immediately sensed something—this case must have involved assistance from the Marquis’s estate again, which explained why even Qin Guan knew some inside details. Not only did they repeatedly rely on unrelated parties for help, but they also leaked confidential case information. Yan Qi inwardly fumed, wondering how Yan Che could possibly be fit to serve as Crown Prince!

Under Yan Huai’s gaze fixed upon him, Yan Qi had no choice but to suppress his thoughts. Only after finishing the document did he lift his head. Seeing both had completed their review, Yan Huai asked, “What are your thoughts?” He then pointed at Yan Che first. “Let the Crown Prince speak—”

Yan Qi sneered inwardly—the Crown Prince always took precedence over him. Though hot-tempered by nature, he maintained impeccable composure in Yan Huai’s presence.

“Reporting to Father Emperor…”

Yan Che’s voice was stern and dignified, befitting his role as Crown Prince. Yan Qi responded with another internal scoff.

“Your son believes this case differs significantly from ordinary homicides. First, the Meng father and son were already guilty of crimes. The young master of Meng did not kill out of selfish motives but to protect his wife. As a man, a subject should work for the people’s welfare; as a father and husband, one must shield his family. His original intent was not evil. Moreover, he suffered from this strange illness—according to the records, during episodes, he remained completely unaware of his actions and retained no memory afterward. Thus, this evil did not stem from his true heart, making it fundamentally different from ordinary malice.”

After a pause, Yan Che continued, “Therefore, your son believes the punishment should be appropriately mitigated compared to other violent crimes.”

Yan Huai listened, then turned to Yan Qi. “What does Prince Cheng think?”

Yan Qi lifted his chin slightly. “Father Emperor, your son believes that despite the circumstances, leniency in sentencing is inadvisable. First, the Meng young master did not confess voluntarily—had the Ministry of Justice and Lin’an Prefecture not set a trap, he would never have admitted his crime. Second, how many cases lack mitigating factors? Truly motiveless killings are exceedingly rare. If we set a precedent of reduced punishment here, how should similar future cases be handled? Additionally, though the deceased father and son were heinous, Great Zhou’s laws would have punished them. Yet the Meng young master chose vigilante justice. If he is not severely punished, are we not telling the people that Great Zhou endorses private retribution?”

“In summary, your son opposes any sentence reduction.”

Yan Qi articulated each point clearly and logically. Yan Huai did not immediately respond, only remarking mildly, “Your opinions diverge…”

Yan Che clasped his hands. “Father Emperor, Great Zhou governs with benevolence and virtue. While Prince Cheng’s points have merit, both victims in this case were grave sinners, and the Meng young master acted out of desperation. Without any leniency, our legal system would be perceived as overly harsh—chilling the people’s hearts and blurring the lines between right and wrong.”Yan Qi also cupped his hands solemnly and said, "Father, the law outweighs personal sentiments. If the official laws of Great Zhou are not strict and impartial, how can we ensure the welfare of all common people? The law does not protect the weak; it should protect all subjects of Great Zhou."

As Yan Che and Yan Qi stood in opposition, Yan Huai listened with an unchanged expression, then nodded after a moment. "I understand. Both of you hold differing views, yet each has merit. Neither is entirely wrong."

Upon hearing this, Yan Qi still wished to speak further, but Yan Huai waved his hand. "Enough. This matter will be decided by me and Lord Zheng. You may withdraw."

Yan Che raised his hand to take his leave, but Yan Qi spoke again, "Father, I have another matter to report."

Yan Huai frowned. "What else?"

Yan Qi then said, "Father, this case is jointly presided over by the Ministry of Justice and the Lin'an Prefecture, with the Court of Judicial Review participating in the trial. According to protocol, the details of this case should only be known to the Ministry of Justice, Lin'an Prefecture, and the Court of Judicial Review before its conclusion. Yet this morning, I learned the details of the case from someone else. Therefore, I wish to ask the Crown Prince and Lord Zheng how these case details came to be known by unrelated individuals?"

Yan Che raised an eyebrow, and Zheng Baishi was also startled. He hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this memorial was never seen by anyone else before it was presented to you..."

Yan Qi sneered, "Naturally, no one would dare to read the memorial intended for you, Father. But I fear that the Lin'an Prefecture has now become a private court for certain individuals, allowing whoever they wish to enter. This time, it is the Meng residence case being investigated. If in the future, other cases of significant importance are handled, it is unknown whether information will leak and cause a city-wide uproar."

Zheng Baishi, bewildered, quickly asked, "Prince Cheng, may I ask who this 'someone else' you mentioned is?"

Yan Qi snorted, "It was a young lady from an inner chamber. Even a young girl in the inner quarters knows the details of this case, which clearly shows your efforts are lacking. Or perhaps, someone has given them the audacity to act recklessly?"

Yan Qi's insinuations angered Yan Che, while Zheng Baishi remained at a loss. Yan Huai frowned, "Just speak plainly—who did you hear the case details from?!"

Although Yan Che had been established as the Crown Prince, Yan Huai did not wish to grant him absolute power at this time. Moreover, before his own life came to an end, he still had the opportunity to change the successor to the throne. For now, he merely wanted to temper Yan Che. That was why he had summoned Yan Qi today—he knew Yan Qi had not given up. In this way, Yan Che would feel a sense of crisis. Whether this sense of crisis would make him stronger or cause him to lose composure and falter remained to be seen.

Hearing Yan Qi's words now, Yan Huai thought of the evils of forming cliques for personal gain. Although the Crown Prince was the Crown Prince, he must not overstep his authority or harbor intentions of replacing the monarch. This was also why he did not grant Yan Che extensive power. He did not know whom Yan Qi was referring to, but he knew that if Yan Qi dared to bring up such details, they must be true.Hearing Yan Huai's question, Yan Qi's heart settled at once. He had known all along that Father Emperor would not place complete trust in the Crown Prince. "Father Emperor, earlier when I went to visit Grandmother Empress, I encountered the Marquis Manor's Ninth Miss upon leaving. At that time, she was speaking with her maid about the Meng Manor case, and her account was identical to the Crown Prince's - saying the Meng Manor case had complex underlying circumstances and might possibly receive a reduced sentence. At that moment, I wondered how a young girl like her could know the inside details of the Meng Manor case? She even knew about potential sentence reductions - what could she possibly understand about sentencing and convictions?"

With a slight smile, Yan Qi continued, "Now I understand - someone must have already leaked the details to her."

Thinking he had caught Yan Che's weakness, he finished speaking only to look at Yan Huai's expression and find no anger there. On the contrary, Yan Huai wore a rather complicated expression somewhere between amusement and exasperation. Yan Qi's heart sank, and when he turned his head, he saw both Yan Che and Zheng Baishi smiling faintly without speaking. Yan Qi pressed his lips together - what was the meaning of this?!

"You've misunderstood..." Yan Huai spoke calmly, "I thought you were referring to someone else, but it turns out you mean Ninth Girl. I'm aware that Ninth Girl knows about this matter because..."

Yan Huai paused, "Because I ordered Minister Zheng to tell her."

Yan Qi froze, his eyes widening instantly. How could this be! Why would Zheng Baishi discuss the case with a young girl?!

Zheng Baishi chuckled amiably, "Indeed, Prince Cheng. The illness of the Meng family's young master is most peculiar. I specifically went to consult her about this matter..."