Coroner's Diary

"What? You're saying this is the Empress's intention?"

Qin Shu frowned deeply, his eyes dark and somber. Qin Chaoyu nodded, "Yes, Father. I also think Her Majesty the Empress is right. Rather than hiding in the residence, it would be better to enter the palace and see what Prince Cheng and Consort Su are planning. Moreover, they intend to use Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's illness as a pretext. To be safe, it's better for Ninth Sister to stay by the Empress Dowager's side."

A sharp glint flashed in Qin Shu's eyes, "Did you personally hear the servant by the Empress's side say that?"

Qin Chaoyu nodded again, "Yes, it was Yun Yan, the one the Empress trusts most. I intended to withdraw, but the Empress said it wasn't necessary, and then I overheard Consort Su and Prince Cheng's schemes."

The room fell silent for a long moment before Qin Shu sighed, "Alright, I understand. Go and inform your Ninth Sister to prepare early tomorrow morning to enter the palace."

Qin Chaoyu's eyes brightened. She had been afraid that Qin Shu would stubbornly insist, but now he was being so reasonable, saving her much effort. This way, she had fulfilled the Empress's arrangement.

Qin Chaoyu stood up, "Good, then I'll go find Ninth Sister now."

She bowed slightly and turned to leave. After taking two steps, Qin Shu added, "Tell your Ninth Sister to stay close to the Empress Dowager tomorrow and not leave her side for even a moment."

Qin Chaoyu assumed Qin Shu was concerned for the Empress Dowager's safety and quickly agreed.

After Qin Chaoyu left, Qin Shu sat in the main seat, lost in thought for a few moments. Meanwhile, Qin Yan, noticing Qin Shu's unusual expression, asked, "Father, what's wrong? About the Empress..."

Qin Yan was more perceptive than Qin Chaoyu and had noticed Qin Shu's odd behavior.

After a pause, Qin Shu said, "It seems unusual for Yun Yan to report this matter in front of Chaoyu."

Qin Yan quickly grasped his meaning, "Father, are you saying the Empress did it on purpose?" Then he couldn't help but add, "But why..."

"To get Wan Yatou to enter the palace."

Qin Shu sighed softly, "It seems we can't avoid it after all."

Qin Yan frowned, "What does the Empress want Ninth Sister to do in the palace? Also, you previously said that Consort Su and Prince Cheng wanted to drive a wedge between us and the Crown Prince through Ninth Sister. Now that their plan has failed, they want to harm her. That makes sense, so what are you doubting?"

Qin Shu's eyes darkened, and after a long while, he shook his head, "Perhaps you're right. If it's as you say, that would be for the best."

Qin Yan smiled slightly, "Father, are you worrying too much? The Empress trusts Sister so much—that should be a good thing."

Qin Shu smiled bitterly for a moment, "Gaining the Empress's trust doesn't come without a price." He sighed deeply, "But since we've decided to let your sister walk this Path, we have no other choice."

...

...

In Pine Breeze Courtyard, Qin Guan asked in surprise, "We're entering the palace tomorrow?"Qin Chaoyu nodded, then dismissed the attendants. Seeing this, Qin Guan instructed Fuling and Baiying to withdraw as well. Only when the room held just the two of them did Qin Chaoyu speak, "Indeed. I’ve just returned from the palace and learned that Consort Feng and Prince Cheng plan to use the Empress Dowager’s illness as a pretext to frame you tomorrow. Targeting you means targeting the Marquis’s household—they’re clearly acting because the Crown Prince wishes to destroy our family. The Empress said you must enter the palace tomorrow. Firstly, your medical skills can safeguard the Empress Dowager at any moment. Secondly, hiding isn’t a solution. Now that we’re prepared, if Prince Cheng dares to act, we’ll catch him red-handed!"

Qin Guan’s eyebrows lifted slightly. Whether she entered the palace was trivial, yet first Qin Shu had hastily concocted excuses to keep her confined to the manor, and now Qin Chaoyu presented this argument, even invoking the Empress. She was merely an orphaned daughter of the Qin family with some medical knowledge, while the Empress Dowager’s status was supremely revered. How could Feng Lingsu and Prince Cheng risk so much just to frame her? If their scheme were exposed, the Emperor’s foremost concern would be the Empress Dowager’s well-being—Prince Cheng might not only lose his chance at the crown but also his life. Was she worth such a gamble?

Noting Qin Guan’s silence, Qin Chaoyu’s gaze sharpened. "Father has arranged everything. Tomorrow, stay by the Empress Dowager’s side at all times—ensuring her safety is paramount."

Thinking of the Empress Dowager’s kindly face, Qin Guan felt no aversion to this arrangement. She nodded, "Very well. Tomorrow, I’ll enter the palace and guard Her Majesty—"

Satisfied, Qin Chaoyu didn’t linger in Pine Breeze Courtyard. Rising, she departed with Mo Yi and others, her steps brisk with purpose. The Empress’s praise earlier had her eager to seek out Hu Shi.

Qin Guan stood by the window, watching Qin Chaoyu’s red skirt vanish beyond the courtyard gate, her brow furrowed.

Fuling and Baiying entered from outside. Fuling asked, "Why the sudden change? Is the young lady attending the palace banquet again?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Yes." Turning, she added, "Tomorrow, Baiying will accompany me into the palace."

Previously, it had always been Fuling. The shift to Baiying immediately struck Fuling as unusual. Worry flickered in her eyes. "Young lady... will there be trouble...?"

Qin Guan narrowed her gaze, glancing at the swirling snow outside. "Let’s hope not."

...

...

Fine snow fell all night, and by the morning of the Lantern Festival, it showed no sign of stopping. Qin Guan rose early as usual. After breakfast and dressing, she went to Renshou Hall.

The rest of the Marquis’s household was already waiting there. When Qin Guan appeared, their eyes lit up.

Hu Shi, also splendidly attired, appraised Qin Guan before smiling approvingly. "Excellent. Let’s go. Once we enter the palace, you’ll likely need to proceed directly to the Longevity and Health Palace."

Qin Guan nodded in agreement. After a few final admonishments from Qin Shu, they set out together.

Three carriages had been prepared: one for Qin Chaoyu and her mother, another for Qin Guan and Baiying, and a third for Qin Chaoyu and Hu Shi’s personal attendants. The carriages advanced slowly along Lin’an’s snow-blanketed main street, and before long, Zhenghua Gate came into distant view.

Inside the carriage, Qin Guan spoke gravely, "There may be disturbances at today’s palace banquet. Stay alert."

Baiying nodded. "Understood. This servant will ensure the young lady’s safety."Qin Guan's lips curved slightly. "Usually when I enter the palace, I bring Fuling with me, because I feel that entering the palace is just to treat the Empress Dowager, much like going to the Meng residence. But this time, it's not as simple as usual. The Crown Prince had long warned me about the dangers of the capital. I didn’t understand before, but now I’m starting to sense it. I just don’t know what awaits me today. You know martial arts and are much cleverer and more alert than Fuling. Having you with me puts me at ease."

Baiying quickly nodded, her expression turning serious. "Young lady, you used to live in Jinzhou, so naturally, you wouldn’t know the dangers of the capital. But the Crown Prince grew up in the imperial family. Now that your reputation is growing and your status is rising, the people and things around you are no longer simple. You must be cautious. However... I have never entered the palace before, and today..."

Qin Guan patted Baiying’s arm reassuringly. "Don’t worry, perhaps nothing will happen. There’s no need to be nervous just yet."

Baiying nodded, but although Qin Guan told her not to be nervous, she understood clearly that Qin Shu’s behavior this time was highly unusual. Having been trained alongside Bai Feng by Yan Chi as personal guards since childhood, her instincts were sharp, and she could already sense danger in the air.

Soon, the carriage arrived at Zhenghua Gate.

As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Qin Guan heard the neighing of several horses. After alighting, she noticed several other carriages parked beside the Marquis’s carriage. Feng Chenbi, dressed in white, was gracefully descending from her carriage like a delicate willow swaying in the wind. Beside her was Yu Shi, the wife of the Duke of Zhong. The two carriages were parked very close, clearly because the Duke’s carriage had tried to claim the central path. As a result, Qin Guan came face to face with Feng Chenbi the moment she stepped down.

"Ninth Miss, are you also attending the banquet?"

The grievances from two days ago had not yet faded. When Feng Chenbi saw Qin Guan, a trace of annoyance flashed in her eyes. However, with many people gathered in front of the palace gate, she had to maintain her innocent and pitiable demeanor. She merely stared at Qin Guan with a pitiful expression, saying nothing. It was her mother who greeted Qin Guan instead. Qin Guan curtsied slightly and replied, "Indeed."

Yu Shi lifted her chin slightly, scrutinizing Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, your beauty is becoming more and more striking. Previously, the most dazzling one in the Marquis’s residence was the Eighth Miss, but today, it seems someone else will take the spotlight..."

Yu Shi’s tone was unfriendly, her words deliberately sowing discord. Feng Chenbi covered her lips with a light laugh. "Isn’t that true? Ninth Miss is even more beautiful than Chao Yu."

Feng Chenbi’s voice was soft and gentle, yet loud enough to be heard. As she spoke, a subtle smile played at the corners of her eyes, and her wide sleeves fluttered gracefully in the cool breeze, releasing waves of a faint, elegant fragrance. Qin Guan had intended to maintain propriety, but she hadn’t expected this mother and daughter pair to deliberately provoke her.

Hearing this, Qin Guan raised her gaze, first glancing at Feng Chenbi’s hair ornaments, then looking directly at her. "Miss Feng’s hair ornaments are quite exquisite. But do you know the difference between pigeon’s blood rubies and mutton-fat white jade?"Feng Chenbi was momentarily taken aback by the sudden question. Noticing Qin Guan's gaze fixed upon her hair ornaments, she lifted her chin with pride. Today, she wore a white jade hairpin adorned with a ruby hairpin—a tribute piece bestowed upon Feng Lingsu by the emperor. A haughty smile graced her lips as she replied, "What difference does it make? They merely differ in color. Both are precious gems of the highest quality." With a deliberate gesture, she touched the ruby hairpin and added, "Such treasures are only fit for the most noble. Common girls wouldn't even dare to dream of them..."

After speaking, Feng Chenbi cast a disdainful glance at the simple adornments in Qin Guan's hair.

While Feng Chenbi was still basking in her own conceit, she suddenly sensed something amiss and realized Qin Guan had been drawing a parallel between herself and Qin Chaoyu. As she faltered mid-sentence, Qin Guan smiled and said, "Since both are of superior quality, why insist on ranking them? Forcing comparisons only reveals one's ignorance. True treasures are best appreciated by those who understand them. I fear some may flaunt an elegant and dignified appearance, yet harbor foolish and base hearts. The more such people exist, the more they ought to speak sparingly and act prudently. Otherwise, no matter how exquisite their garments or lavish their accessories, they cannot conceal their inner ugliness and stupidity. Don't you agree?"

Feng Chenbi's eyes widened in fury. "What did you say?!"

Yu Shi frowned as well. "Ninth Miss, what is the meaning of this? We were merely praising you."

Before Qin Guan could respond, Qin Chaoyu's voice cut through the air. "Madam, your status is far too exalted for us to accept such praise. The daughters of Qin Manor have no need for your unsolicited opinions. Save your words for the Noble Consort instead. Oh? Is Feng sister angered? How surprising—someone as gentle and charming as Sister Feng could actually lose her temper?"

Qin Chaoyu and Hu Shi had sensed the tension, and Qin Chaoyu was not one to tolerate insults. She retaliated with biting sarcasm, her crimson dress dazzlingly bright, her tone and demeanor sharp and unyielding. Feng Chenbi, who had intended to maintain a facade of delicate grace, found herself utterly outmatched by Qin Chaoyu's warrior-like confidence and aggression. Without even lifting a finger, Feng Chenbi had already lost.

A surge of frustration tightened in Feng Chenbi's chest. First, she had been coolly mocked by Qin Guan's reasoned arguments, and now she faced Qin Chaoyu's blatant and aggressive retort. She seethed with anger but could not openly vent it. Yet, unlike Qin Chaoyu, she knew precisely how to handle such opponents. Her eyes welling with tears, she whispered softly, "Chao Yu, why are you so harsh? I was merely expressing genuine admiration for Ninth Miss and speaking candidly. If you cannot bear to see your younger sister outshine you, just say so. There's no need to direct such fury at me."

Qin Chaoyu's frown deepened. "Your tears come far too swiftly... You've truly mastered the art of—"

She had been about to say "mastered the Noble Consort's tactics perfectly," but before the words could escape, Hu Shi yanked her back forcefully. The interruption made Qin Chaoyu cut herself short, suddenly remembering the need for caution at the palace gates.Yu Shi felt quite disappointed as Qin Chaoyu's words trailed off, yet she couldn't suppress her anger. With the crowd thickening at the palace gate, she couldn't openly quarrel with a junior. She snorted coldly and looked at Hu Shi, saying, "Eighth Miss's airs grow grander by the day. Is today's Lantern Festival Banquet perhaps arranged just for Eighth Miss?"

Hu Shi smiled warmly, her expression full of affection. "Madam, you flatter her. I notice Miss Feng has also become increasingly precious. That ruby and white jade hairpin seems to be in the style of Consort Mei? Rumor has it this piece was a tribute from Northern Qi, intended as a New Year's gift for the palace mistresses. Though it's improper for Miss Feng to wear it, I suppose His Majesty's favor toward the Duke's household is so profound that he surely won't blame her..."

As Hu Shi finished speaking, many eyes turned toward them at the palace gate. Yu Shi inwardly cursed her misfortune and hastily replied, "What style of Consort Mei? You're mistaken. We must take our leave now."

With that, Yu Shi grabbed Feng Chenbi and hurried toward the palace entrance, anxious to prevent others from getting a clear look at Feng Chenbi's hairpin. Hu Shi remained where she stood, still smiling kindly.

Qin Chaoyu snorted lightly and turned to Qin Guan, somewhat displeased. "Why waste words with them? All these years, hasn't Feng Chenbi always sharp-tongued against me? We've long shed pretense—no need for hollow pleasantries with her."

Qin Guan was not Qin Chaoyu. She had never been born into nobility; even after moving to the capital with her father, she had to tread carefully around those haughty noble girls for her parents' sake. Moreover, her nature was inherently unassuming, unlike Qin Chaoyu's lofty, sharp-edged demeanor that seemed ready to slap someone at any moment. Qin Chaoyu had possessed the confidence to break with such people since childhood, but Qin Guan was different. She wouldn't be as aggressive as Qin Chaoyu, yet she wouldn't tolerate being bullied either—she had her own dignity and way of handling matters.

"Eighth Sister has her methods, and I have mine."

Qin Guan had no patience to argue with Qin Chaoyu. Sharing the Qin name meant she would defend what needed defending, but that didn't mean Qin Chaoyu's aggressiveness worked for her. She still hadn't addressed the matter of Yan Che's visit to the Marquis residence.

Hearing Qin Guan's lukewarm response, Qin Chaoyu felt a pang of frustration and wanted to say more, but Hu Shi sighed. "Yu'er, Guan'er handled it better this time. Feng Chenbi has always been adept at playing the victim. By being so forceful in front of so many people, you gave her the chance to feign pitifulness. If she makes a scene, your reputation will spread..."

Hu Shi's words silenced Qin Chaoyu. Usually, she could remain composed in crowds, but today she had inexplicably lost her temper. A flicker of resentment passed through her, but Hu Shi was already leading them toward the palace. Taking a deep breath, Qin Chaoyu decided to let it go, remembering it was the Lantern Festival Banquet.

Once inside the palace gates, Hu Shi intended to take Qin Guan and Qin Chaoyu to the Inner Palace's Morning Dew Hall. Unexpectedly, they encountered Mammy Chen just past Zhengyang Gate. Recognizing her, Hu Shi understood immediately—sure enough, Mammy Chen approached them directly.

"Greetings, Madam, Eighth Miss, Ninth Miss..."Hu Shi nodded to Mammy Chen, who was the most trusted person by the Empress Dowager's side, so she dared not be careless.

"Why is Momma here?"

Mammy Chen smiled, "The Empress Dowager heard that Ninth Miss caught a chill and had me wait here to check on her. Her Majesty is concerned about Ninth Miss and wishes her to go to Longevity and Health Palace first, then proceed together to Morning Dew Hall later."

Today's Lantern Festival Banquet was to be held at Morning Dew Hall. Though Mammy Chen spoke very politely, Hu Shi knew this was an order and immediately responded with deference, "Of course, that's only proper. Guan'er had a slight cough yesterday, but she's better today."

She quickly looked at Qin Guan, "Guan'er, you should go now. We'll wait for you at Morning Dew Hall."

Qin Guan nodded. Mammy Chen smiled, "It's good that Ninth Miss is well. The Empress Dowager was extremely worried."

With that, she bid farewell to Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu, leaving together with Qin Guan.

Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu stood in place for a moment before turning toward Morning Dew Hall. Watching Qin Guan conversing with Mammy Chen, Qin Chaoyu suddenly felt a complex dissatisfaction well up inside. "Mother, does the Empress Dowager favor her?"

This was both a question and a statement. The Empress Dowager neither involved herself in court politics nor managed Inner Palace affairs, so even as a noble young lady who frequently entered the palace, Qin Chaoyu wasn't familiar with her. Previously, she hadn't cared about gaining the affection of such a reclusive Empress Dowager, but seeing Qin Guan like this now stirred some jealousy in her heart.

Hu Shi also glanced over, "It seems so, given that Mammy Chen came personally to fetch her." She sighed, "But this is a good thing. Though the Empress Dowager doesn't handle affairs, it's beneficial for you sisters to have another mistress fond of you."

With Qin Chaoyu favored by the Empress and Qin Guan favored by the Empress Dowager, Hu Shi was quite satisfied.

Qin Chaoyu suppressed her inner thoughts, "There's truth in what you say, Mother."

Qin Chaoyu's goals were very clear. Over the years, she had never been idle. Even with this dissatisfaction, she knew Qin Guan was indeed no ordinary girl from a modest family. The era where she alone stood out had ended, but so what? As long as she entered the Eastern Palace, she would be the one to become mother of the nation in the future, the one to enjoy supreme honor. No single person could monopolize the affection of everyone in the world. If that was the case, what harm was there in letting Qin Guan have a share?

Lifting her chin proudly, Qin Chaoyu walked along the narrow Palace Road.

...

...

When Qin Guan arrived at Longevity and Health Palace, the Empress Dowager was playing chess with Yan Sui. Though Yan Sui was young and could barely hold the chess pieces steady, he didn't know how to play at all—he simply placed all the pieces in the small squares on the board. Yet the Empress Dowager was cheerfully playing along with him, smiling broadly. When she saw Qin Guan arrive, her smile widened.

"Child, you've finally come to the palace! Are you feeling better?"

Qin Guan performed a curtsey and quickly responded. The Empress Dowager looked Qin Guan up and down for a moment, then shook her head with a laugh, "Today is the Lantern Festival Banquet, yet you're dressed so plainly. Don't you know how to adorn yourself more brightly? Your sister is like a peony in dazzling bloom—haven't you been influenced by her at all..."

Qin Guan approached, and Yan Sui watched her with wide, clear black-and-white eyes.

Qin Guan could only reply helplessly, "Your Majesty, I'm no peony. I'd only fear imitating it awkwardly."

The Empress Dowager sighed and shifted to make room on the long couch, saying, "Come, you finish this game of chess with Little Nine."Qin Guan stepped forward and sat beside the Empress Dowager. After examining the uniquely designed chessboard, she placed a piece in one of the squares.

Yan Sui remained silent, simply watching her with wide eyes. As soon as she made her move, he placed his piece beside hers. One black piece followed one white piece, until the board was filled with alternating black and white stones.

Though it was an utterly monotonous and rule-free way of playing, Qin Guan and Yan Sui were thoroughly engrossed. Qin Guan even feigned a hesitant, troubled expression, which Yan Sui took at face value, believing himself so skilled that she couldn’t match him. Gradually, a smile surfaced on his face, and his eyes shone with confidence and delight.

The Empress Dowager watched with hidden amusement. Seeing that this game could drag on indefinitely, she chuckled and said, “Alright, it’s time to head to Morning Dew Hall. Xiao Jiu, how about we continue this game when we return?”

Yan Sui, clutching three black pieces in his hand, nodded but refused to let go of the stones.

The Empress Dowager gave an approving nod. She had already changed into her formal attire earlier and was ready to depart as soon as the procession was arranged. Momma Su, who cared for Yan Sui, stepped forward and urged him to release the pieces, but he stubbornly refused. Noticing this, the Empress Dowager said indulgently, “It’s fine, let him keep them. After all, he’s here to enjoy himself today—he’s just afraid I won’t keep my word.”

Laughter filled the room. Moments later, the Empress Dowager’s procession was ready, and the entire party departed from Longevity and Health Palace, making their way toward Morning Dew Hall.

The Empress Dowager had sedan chairs prepared for Qin Guan and Yan Sui, following behind the ceremonial procession. Soon, they arrived at Morning Dew Hall. In her previous life, Qin Guan had also visited Morning Dew Hall once—it was one of the few palace halls she knew.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived—"

A eunuch at the entrance of the hall announced loudly, and immediately, the hall buzzed with voices as everyone rose in unison and walked out to pay their respects. The Empress Dowager's sedan chair came to a halt, but she did not step down. Through a curtain, she instructed, "Ninth girl, come and assist me—"