Coroner's Diary

As the Empress Dowager's words fell, all the ladies and young misses outside the hall raised their brows slightly.

Though the Empress Dowager hadn't called Qin Guan by name, the single word "Ninth" made everyone aware of whom she summoned. Who else but the Qin Manor's Ninth Miss, known as the Little Medicine Immortal, currently enjoyed the Empress Dowager's deepest favor?

Indeed, as the Empress Dowager's voice faded, Qin Guan emerged wearing a sky-blue cape embroidered with distant mountains and a moon. Beneath it, she wore a smoke-gray pleated palace dress and a lotus-root-colored short jacket with cloud patterns. She approached with graceful steps, her black hair like clouds, eyebrows resembling distant hills, skin as pure as bright snow, and her clear, lucid eyes like a shallow stream bathed in moonlight—untouched by dust and radiant with spirit.

She walked slowly to the Empress Dowager's palanquin, the distant mountains and moon on her cape seeming to come alive with her lotus-like steps, enhancing her aura of an otherworldly fairy—noble in essence and dignified in bearing.

Most present had seen Qin Guan before, but the previous occasion was at a grand palace banquet where she had only become the center of attention midway through. Today, however, she captivated all eyes even before the Empress Dowager appeared. Days later, seeing her again, their astonishment had not diminished but grown. While countless beauties exist in the world, most impress at first sight, please the eye on second meeting, and become ordinary upon familiarity due to overexposure.

Qin Guan was different. Zhao Shuhua, standing at the forefront, watched Qin Guan approach with a faint smile, even her own eyes holding a trace of admiration. Among beauties, Qin Chaoyu was one, Feng Chenbi was another, and even Peng Huajing of the Duke of Wei's household was not lacking. Yet only Qin Guan possessed a beauty like an ethereal immortal—fresh and heart-pleasing, with two parts of aloof nobility, two parts of serene intelligence, three parts of gentle resilience, and the remaining two parts something even Zhao Shuhua couldn't quite define. It seemed unique to healers—a broad-minded compassion capable of healing the world and a benevolent kindness that empathized with all living things.

Zhao Shuhua sighed inwardly. No wonder such a person had won the Empress Dowager's favor.

In recent days, Qin Guan's title of Little Medicine Immortal had spread throughout the capital. Those who hadn't seen her still held doubts, but upon witnessing her today, they understood that the title "Medicine Immortal" belonged to none but Qin Guan. As Qin Guan stepped forward to the Empress Dowager's palanquin, Mammy Chen lifted the curtain, and the Empress Dowager, supported by Qin Guan's wrist, slowly descended.

"Pay respects to the Empress Dowager—"

Everyone knelt in salute, even the Empress performing a grand bow. Qin Guan stood beside the Empress Dowager, half-supporting and half-holding her hand, a clear demonstration of the trust and favor shown to her.

The Empress Dowager raised her chin slightly. "Rise, all of you—"

Zhao Shuhua led the crowd to their feet, after which Qin Guan curtsied to the Empress.

Zhao Shuhua moved to the Empress Dowager's other side to support her. "Mother Empress, your health has greatly improved. Today, upon learning you would grace us, all the ladies were eagerly anticipating..."

With Qin Guan and Zhao Shuhager supporting the Empress Dowager on either side, they slowly proceeded toward the hall entrance.

Seeing this, the crowd quickly made way.

The Empress Dowager glanced around the circle. She recognized most of the ladies but was less familiar with the young misses. Nodding to those she knew, she smiled as they walked. "This is originally a gathering for you young people. I'm old and just here to join the excitement. Later, feel free to enjoy yourselves as you wish. I've come out for a stroll, to relax and move about a bit.""Yes, I understand what you mean. Today there is nothing for you to worry about. Just sit in the hall and enjoy the songs and dances. When you feel tired from sitting, you may go to the garden to admire the snow and plum blossoms. Later, the opera troupe I arranged will begin performing. Your favorite plays are all on the program..."

The Empress Dowager listened with great satisfaction. "That would be wonderful. I’ll just have Little Nine and Ninth girl keep me company here. You may go attend to your matters." As she finished speaking, the Empress Dowager was assisted to her seat.

The Morning Dew Hall was exceptionally spacious. Today’s palace banquet was held here, yet the festivities were not confined to the hall alone. As soon as the Empress Dowager took her seat, the sound of string and wind instruments filled the hall, and soon, a group of colorfully dressed palace maids filed in gracefully, dancing in the center. Ladies and young misses sat in their respective seats, some chatting in small groups, others strolling together to the garden, all enjoying great freedom and ease. The Empress sat in the first seat to the right of the Empress Dowager, occasionally calling upon one or two young ladies to come forward and speak.

Those summoned were naturally overjoyed, as this indicated they might very well become the wife of a certain prince.

Today, not only were princess consorts to be selected for Yan Che and Yan Qi, but eligible young men from the imperial clan could also have their matches considered by the Empress. However, the positions of principal wives for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng were of particular importance.

"Empress, when will Che'er and the others arrive?"

The Empress smiled. "Mother, they will arrive shortly. Today, not only are Che'er and the others coming, but I’ve also asked him to bring along many young men from noble families. Yan Chi and Yan Li will also join. It’s more enjoyable for the young people to gather together."

Hearing that Yan Chi was also coming, Qin Guan’s expression remained unchanged, but her heart stirred slightly.

With the Empress making such arrangements today, it seemed she intended for the noble young men and women of the capital to meet and consider one another. Could it be that the Empress also wished to arrange a marriage for Yan Chi?

As this thought crossed her mind, Qin Guan’s eyebrows lifted slightly.

Meanwhile, the Ninth Prince, Yan Sui, held a chess piece motionless, his eyes fixed on the snow outside. Seeing him like this, the Empress Dowager sighed with a bitter smile. "Forget it, forget it. Once we’ve left the Longevity and Health Palace, it’s hard to keep him restrained. Momma Su, take him out for a stroll. Be careful, and bring him back before the opera begins. Make sure he doesn’t catch a chill."

Yan Sui’s eyes lit up, and Momma Su picked him up and carried him out.

The Empress Dowager sat in the main seat. Not wanting Qin Guan to leave her side, she had Qin Guan seated on a small chair placed near her. Though it was a newly added seat, it was almost as prominent as Zhao Shuhua’s position. Zhao Shuhua glanced at Qin Guan briefly. "I heard Ninth Miss recently caught a chill. Are you fully recovered now?"

Qin Guan hurriedly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I have fully recovered."

Zhao Shuhua smiled contentedly and added, "The Empress Dowager is fond of you. Today, please help me take extra care of Her Majesty and the Ninth Prince. The Empress Dowager is frail, and the Ninth Prince is young. I appreciate your efforts."

As she spoke, Qin Guan met Zhao Shuhua’s gaze. Their eyes locked, and Zhao Shuhua’s held a hint of deeper meaning.

Qin Chaoyu had mentioned Feng Lingsu and Prince Cheng’s intentions. This glance naturally carried Zhao Shuhua’s special instructions. Understanding this and genuinely concerned for the Empress Dowager’s health, Qin Guan nodded promptly. "Your Highness, rest assured. Qin Guan will certainly ensure the Empress Dowager’s well-being."

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "There’s no need for you to take care of me. Just keep me company later while I listen to the opera."

Qin Guan assented again. As they were speaking, a stir arose outside the hall doors."Your Majesty, Consort Feng has arrived..."

A deeper smile touched Zhao Shuhua's lips as she lifted her gaze to the entrance. True enough, Feng Lingsu approached with several palace consorts in tow. Feng Lingsu also favored light-colored attire, as such hues made her appear more youthful. She glided forward with graceful steps, offering melodious greetings to the Empress Dowager and Empress. Qin Guan likewise rose to pay her respects.

"Sister, what kept you so long?"

Zhao Shuhua smiled as she invited Feng Lingsu to be seated. Feng Lingsu responded with a dulcet laugh, "I had intended to come much earlier, but His Majesty found his morning meal unsatisfactory and craved the lotus seed congee I prepare. Thus, I hurriedly made another portion to be delivered to Chongzheng Hall, which delayed me somewhat."

Not a flicker of hesitation crossed Zhao Shuhua's smiling expression. "After all these years, His Majesty still adores your culinary skills. I recall when you first entered the mansion, it was precisely your talent for brewing soups and tonics that captured His Majesty's favor. Through all these years, His Majesty and you have remained deeply attached."

Though Zhao Shuhua's tone remained gentle and sincere, Feng Lingsu's smile began to falter slightly.

It was common knowledge that while Prince Luo had always respected and trusted his principal consort Zhao Shuhua, it was Feng Lingsu—who entered the household later—who became his most cherished woman. At that time, Zhao Shuhua embodied dignified elegance while Feng Lingsu exuded delicate grace. Prince Luo enjoyed the company of both beauties: externally, Zhao Shuhua possessed the bearing to mother the nation; internally, Feng Lingsu provided romantic companionship through adding fragrance to the red sleeves. Over the years, Zhao Shuhua wielded the phoenix seal while Feng Lingsu maintained undiminished favor, creating what many considered an admirable tale. Most assumed Yan Huai had been drawn to Feng Lingsu's tenderness and affection, never suspecting she had employed certain maneuvers to win his heart.

Feng Lingsu preferred to believe Yan Huai had genuinely fallen for her, but Zhao Shuhua's words implied she had secured his affection merely through cooking skills—lacking romantic sentiment and appearing somewhat vulgar. Though these were matters of the past, noticing the subtle shift in expressions among those present, Feng Lingsu inwardly sneered.

"Attending to His Majesty is my duty. Elder Sister has always been occupied with numerous affairs, so such trivial matters naturally fall to me. Through these years, His Majesty and I have shared common purpose, much like an ordinary married couple. These small matters truly pose no hindrance."

Feng Lingsu spoke with self-assurance, her features soft and delicate, yet her words carried undertones of boastfulness. In the imperial family, achieving the mutual devotion of common spouses would be the envy of women everywhere. Yet she wasn't the Empress—in common households, she would merely be a concubine—and her audacity to claim the term "married couple" demonstrated clear disrespect toward Zhao Shuhua.

However, Zhao Shuhua showed no anger. Quite the contrary, she genuinely praised the enduring bond between Yan Huai and Feng Lingsu. The Empress Dowager listened quietly nearby, her expression noncommittal. Noticing the palace maidens beginning their elegant dance and recognizing a vaguely familiar melody from the zither, she turned to discuss the music with Qin Guan. Observing this, Feng Lingsu cast several additional glances toward Qin Guan. Seated in the superior position above Feng Lingsu, Zhao Shuhua naturally noticed these glances, her smile deepening meaningfully.

After some time, a palace attendant announced, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng have arrived..."

Zhao Shuhua observed the suddenly animated expressions of the noblewomen and young ladies throughout the hall before turning to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager, who genuinely doted on her grandsons, smiled unreservedly. "Have them enter."As the words fell, several figures appeared at the palace entrance, and over a dozen young men walked in together.

Qin Guan looked past the overlapping figures and immediately spotted Yan Chi, the tallest and most striking presence in the crowd.

At the same moment, Yan Chi’s gaze also turned toward her.

Their eyes met, and a shimmering light flickered in Yan Chi’s eyes, stirring Qin Guan’s heartstrings subtly. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Qin Guan dared not look too long and quickly lowered her gaze.

"Greetings to Grandmother Empress, greetings to Mother Empress—"

"Greetings to Grandmother Empress, greetings to Her Majesty the Empress—"

Everyone bowed in unison. Besides Yan Che and Yan Qi, Yan Chi and Yan Li were also among them. Following them were Chen Zhaowen, heir apparent of Marquis Wu’an, Zhao Jing, son of the General Who Supports the State, and even Qin Yan was present. There were five or six others whose identities Qin Guan did not recognize, but she surmised they were all scions of noble and ducal families in the capital.

After the formal salutations, the Empress Dowager smiled as she surveyed them and nodded. "Very good, very good. Once today passes, the New Year celebrations will be over. With so many of you here, you must have your own ways to amuse yourselves. Go ahead and enjoy yourselves—no need to stay here and feel constrained."

Yan Li stepped forward with a smile. "Grandson still plans to accompany you to listen to the opera later. How can you chase me away as soon as I arrive?"

Although the Empress Dowager doted on all the princes, only the current Emperor and Prince Gong were her biological sons. Thus, Yan Li was considered her true grandson. Because of this, the Empress Dowager held a special affection for Yan Li, which also ensured that his status did not fall to that of a disgraced official despite Prince Gong’s past rebellion. Though it was uncertain whether he would inherit Prince Gong’s title in the future, at least publicly, everyone still honored him as Crown Prince.

Yan Li walked over to the Empress Dowager’s side on his own, and she took his hand. "If you could truly sit quietly and listen to the opera with me, that would be one thing. But you’re all talk—every time, you try to slip away halfway through."

Yan Li quickly offered an apologetic smile. "This time, I swear I won’t run off. Grandmother has been ill for so long, and now that you’re better, of course I must stay by your side…"

The Empress Dowager laughed and glanced at Qin Guan, who had already risen to her feet. "This is all thanks to Ninth girl…"

She then looked at Yan Che and the others standing below. "You boys must not bully Ninth girl from now on. She is my lucky star. If I find out anyone has mistreated her, there will be consequences."

This remark clearly referred to the previous incident involving Feng Zhang. Yu Shi and Feng Chenbi, who were standing nearby, trembled with fear upon hearing this. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager did not name names, sparing them embarrassment. Feng Chenbi had also replaced the hairpin in her bun with a blue sparrow hairpin—the one bestowed by Feng Lingsu was absolutely too risky to wear now.

Hearing this, Yan Qi curved his lips into a smile and spoke with enthusiasm, "Grandmother, rest assured. With Ninth Miss’s current status, we would only seek to protect her—how could we ever bully her? The last time I saw her at your place, I even enjoyed admiring the plum blossoms with her. We had a delightful conversation, didn’t we, Ninth Miss?"

In front of so many people, Yan Qi insisted on framing that chance encounter as "admiring plum blossoms." Though her demeanor had been cold and distant, in his words, it became "a delightful conversation." Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, fixed on Yan Qi’s ill-intentioned gaze. By speaking this way in such a public setting, Yan Qi clearly intended to create misunderstandings. But what benefit would he gain from others’ misconceptions?

The thought flashed through her mind, but Qin Guan had no idea that Yan Qi had already developed ulterior motives toward her.As Yan Qi's words fell, murmurs arose around them. Yan Qi could have easily omitted the events of that day, yet he deliberately brought them up, seemingly hinting at something. Considering this, the noble young ladies present began looking at Qin Guan differently. Qin Guan was merely an orphaned daughter from the second branch of the Qin family, yet now she had won the Empress Dowager's favor—wasn't she just seizing the opportunity to secure a good marriage?

The situation shifted subtly. Feng Lingsu wore a knowing smile, while the Empress Dowager frowned. On the side, Zhao Shuhua showed surprise, as if she hadn't expected Yan Qi and Qin Guan to have any connection.

"Was Your Highness Prince Cheng referring to the chance encounter at Longevity and Health Palace that day? I recall it well—Your Highness reprimanded me for presumptuously discussing court affairs. Because of that, I reflected deeply upon returning."

Qin Guan spoke unhurriedly, her words causing another stir among the crowd. "A pleasant conversation" had turned into "a reprimand"? What did this mean? The Empress Dowager was the first to turn to Qin Guan. "Ninth girl, what is the meaning of this?"

Qin Guan glanced amusedly at Yan Qi for a moment before lowering her head to explain. "Your Majesty, do you remember last time when I entered the palace to treat your illness? When I reached the palace gates and learned Prince Cheng was inside, I waited outside for a while. Later, a servant mentioned the plum blossoms had bloomed in the side courtyard, so I went to see them. While admiring them, I discussed some recent incidents in the capital with my maid. Unexpectedly, Prince Cheng appeared behind us at some point and overheard. Concerned with state affairs, His Highness immediately reprimanded me, a young woman, for daring to discuss court matters. For this, I felt quite ashamed at the time."

After her explanation, Qin Guan looked back at Yan Qi. "Your Highness Prince Cheng may rest assured—I have already reflected upon my actions. Before Her Majesty, you may speak plainly. There's no need to use falsehoods to cover for me."

Her tone was cool and faintly mocking. As her words settled, the expressions around them shifted multiple times. Zhao Shuhua chuckled lightly, while Feng Lingsu's smile vanished... She narrowed her eyes and glared venomously at Qin Guan, her fists clenched tightly in her sleeves. Yan Qi's words had merely been a test, but now she saw clearly—Qin Guan had no intention of siding with them.

Thinking this, a flash of malice crossed Feng Lingsu's eyes as she lowered her gaze. In that case, she couldn't be blamed for taking ruthless measures.

The scene fell into temporary silence. On the side, Yan Li scoffed. "Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother, did you actually use a harsh tone and offend Ninth Miss that day? Is that why you're afraid Grandmother would find out, making you describe it so favorably?"

Yan Li then smiled wryly at the Empress Dowager. "Grandmother, you may not know—last time I asked Ninth Miss to play chess with me, she refused. Hearing Fourth Brother's account earlier, I believed it was true and felt rather displeased. But it turns out Fourth Brother was just joking."

Within these few exchanges, the truth of their statements became clear. With Yan Li's playful interjections lending support, Yan Qi's expression grew increasingly unpleasant. The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Qi with an ambiguous smile. "So that's what happened. Qi'er, when Ninth girl speaks privately with her maid, even if she did discuss something, it shouldn't matter. You're accustomed to reprimanding your subordinates, but Ninth girl isn't one of your attendants. From now on, mind your manners."The Empress Dowager no longer involved herself in palace affairs, so her words carried significant weight. Yan Qi quickly forced a dry laugh, "Yes, yes, your grandson will respectfully heed Grandmother's teachings. Actually, that day I wasn't scolding Ninth Miss—I merely wanted to greet her but didn't know how to approach her. Hearing their discussion, I ended up lecturing them a bit. It was my mistake..."

As a prince, Yan Qi was typically domineering and arrogant, yet his words now seemed to lower his stance for Qin Guan's sake. The previously subdued murmurs resumed—what was Prince Cheng trying to do?

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager continued, "Knowing your mistake is enough." Without waiting for Yan Qi to say more, she turned to Yan Che, "Che'er, what is your father doing?"

Yan Che promptly replied, "Reporting to Grandmother, Father is still meeting with external ministers. He will join you to listen to the opera later."

The Empress Dowager smiled, "Good. All of you, go and enjoy yourselves. Why are you tall, sturdy fellows crowding in here? Be at ease, but when the opera begins, no more running around."

At this command, Yan Che glanced at Qin Guan before turning to leave. Others bowed and withdrew one by one, including Yan Li, who headed toward the outer door. Zhao Shuhua chuckled, "Prince Cheng is rather unusual today."

She didn't specify what was unusual, and Feng Lingsu smiled without responding.

The Empress Dowager had Qin Guan sit and patted her hand reassuringly.

As music resumed in the hall, Qin Guan remained seated, feeling uneasy. Her gaze shifted to the tea and pastries before her. Qin Chaoyu had said that today, the Imperial Consort and Prince Cheng were targeting the Empress Dowager. But if that were true, why had Prince Cheng deliberately led others to misunderstand their connection earlier?

"Empress Dowager, your tea has gone cold."

Qin Guan spoke softly, replacing the tea in the Empress Dowager's cup with a fresh one. As she did, she subtly sniffed the tea but detected nothing amiss. If they intended to frame her, poisoning was unlikely—at most, they might use conflicting ingredients to trigger a deterioration in the Empress Dowager's condition. Yet the tea showed no abnormalities.

Frowning slightly, lost in thought, Qin Guan's unease caught the Empress Dowager's attention. "Ninth girl, what's wrong?"

Qin Guan snapped back to reality and shook her head, "It's nothing. The Empress Dowager shouldn't drink cold tea, and you must also avoid the pastries today—sweet, rich foods can conflict with your medication."

The Empress Dowager laughed warmly, "You, child—why keep worrying about my illness? Wouldn't it be better to simply enjoy the music?"

Qin Guan lowered her eyes, "Naturally, I must consider Your Majesty's health."

The Empress Dowager clasped her hand, "Rest assured, nothing will happen today."

Her words held a meaningful tone, and as Qin Guan pondered them, Zhao Shuhua looked outside and remarked, "Little Jiu has been out for a while—I wonder how she's doing."

Feng Lingsu glanced out casually, a faint flicker in her eyes, "Indeed, what is the Ninth Prince up to?"

"Little Jiu loves watching the snow—Mammy Su took her out."

Zhao Shuhua answered, and Feng Lingsu sighed, "It's quite chilly outside."

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager grew concerned and turned to Mammy Chen beside her, "Go check on them and have them return soon."

Mammy Chen hurried off to obey. Observing this, Feng Lingsu glanced between the Empress Dowager and Qin Guan, anxiety surfacing in her eyes. Meanwhile, Zhao Shuhua beckoned to Qin Chaoyu.Just moments ago, when Yan Che and the others departed, most of the noble ladies in the room followed them out, leaving only Qin Chaoyu and a few other young ladies from prominent families remaining in the hall. Hearing Zhao Shuhua call her, Qin Chaoyu immediately stepped forward. Zhao Shuhua then said, "Chao Yu, I notice the hall is still lacking some floral arrangements. Why don't you go and gather a few branches of plum blossoms?"

Feng Lingsu perked up at these words and quickly said, "Indeed, today might be our last chance to admire the plum blossoms. After this snowfall, who knows if there will be another? I'm even thinking of going to break off some plum branches and tread in the snow!"

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager looked at Qin Guan. "Ninth girl, why don't you go with your sister?"

Feng Lingsu chuckled lightly. "Exactly, Ninth Miss has been sitting here all this time—she must be feeling quite bored."

Qin Guan initially wanted to decline, but Qin Chaoyu stepped forward and grabbed her hand. "Come on, come on. You can gather some plum blossoms for Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. Both Her Majesty and the Empress have given their permission..."

As she spoke, she tightened her grip, seemingly determined to pull Qin Guan to her feet.

Left with no choice, Qin Guan reluctantly stood up. The Empress Dowager said kindly, "Go ahead, go ahead. And bring Little Ninth back with you—I doubt he’ll listen to Mammy Su or Mammy Chen..."

With that, Qin Guan had no option but to agree. Qin Chaoyu glanced at the Empress for a moment, curtsied, and led Qin Guan out of the main hall of Morning Dew Hall. Seeing this, Feng Lingsu’s lips curved into a faint smile.