Coroner's Diary

Gazing at Qin Guan's slightly mischievous eyes, Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. He had dressed her in women's attire earlier, fearing she might be recognized or draw attention due to her striking appearance. Yet now, even in men's clothing, someone had directly asked if she was betrothed!

"I don't have any young ladies here, but I do have a husband—shall I compensate you with him?"

Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, the lantern lights from both sides of the long street reflecting in his pupils, dazzlingly brilliant. Qin Guan blushed at his words. She could manage a playful remark or two, but such boldness was beyond her. With a soft humph, she turned to leave, but Yan Chi stepped forward and grasped her wrist. "Walk slowly. Tonight, you're not allowed to leave my side, lest someone else stops you again."

Qin Guan glanced back with a laugh. "I never expected that while accompanying the esteemed Crown Prince, I'd be the one asked if I'm betrothed."

Her eyes sparkled with renewed mischief, her smile widening as the brilliant lantern lights seemed to fill her gaze like scattered stars. Seeing her radiant face, Yan Chi felt a warmth in his heart and no longer minded whether anyone inquired about her marital status. He simply held her hand and slowed his pace. The night had just begun, and they had plenty of time ahead.

"Look, another mask vendor—just like the ones we saw in Jinzhou..."

They hadn't walked far before encountering another mask stall, crowded with patrons. Qin Guan immediately noticed masks identical to those from Jinzhou. Yan Chi stepped forward, paid for two, and fought his way out of the crowd. As Qin Guan received her mask, she remarked, "Last time I bought masks was with Yue Ning. I wonder how they're doing now."

Festival masks often featured fierce beast patterns, menacing and grotesque. Yan Chi helped Qin Guan put hers on before donning his own, completely concealing their faces. With their identities hidden, all concerns about recognition vanished.

Yan Chi openly held Qin Guan's hand. "If you miss them, write a letter. I'll have it delivered."

Delighted, Qin Guan agreed, "Then I'll write it tonight when we return."

Though Yan Chi couldn't see her face beneath the mask, he could see her eyes shining brightly, filling him with contentment. They continued along West Market Street until they glimpsed the Yudai River, surrounded by throngs of people releasing prayer flower lanterns. Noticing the vendors along the banks, Qin Guan felt a sudden urge. "I want to buy flower lanterns."

Flower lanterns could commemorate the departed or bless the living. Seeing the dense crowd, Yan Chi dared not let Qin Guan wander off and instructed Bai Feng to make the purchase. Qin Guan quickly added, "Buy three—"

"Why three?" Yan Chi asked.

Qin Guan thought for a moment. "One for Father, one for Mother."

"And the third?"

Yan Chi watched her closely. Qin Guan blinked, a sudden glint of cunning in her eyes. "For my little wife—"

Yan Chi's brow shot up, feigning sternness. "What little wife?!"

Seeing his reaction, Qin Guan stepped back, but the jostling crowd caused her to lose balance. Yan Chi tightened his grip and pulled her firmly into his embrace. As she struggled, he suddenly held her closer, his large hand gently stroking her waist. "Where is this little wife of yours?"Qin Guan had always been composed and dignified, yet no one knew she was ticklish. Yan Chi's actions left her utterly defenseless, her body going limp instantly. Unbeknownst to her, though their intimate moments were few, Yan Chi had long since discovered this weakness of hers.

"There isn't... there isn't any young lady..."

Qin Guan hastily corrected herself, noticing the crowd around them. Their behavior was highly improper, but now that they were wearing masks, Yan Chi had no intention of holding back. He held her tightly, unwilling to let go. "Really? Then who is it for?"

"None at all... it's naturally for you..."

The most sensitive spot on Qin Guan's waist made it impossible for her to resist, and she didn't want to make too much of a scene, so her attitude changed swiftly. Meanwhile, Yan Chi stopped his movements. "Really for me?"

Qin Guan looked up, panting, and indeed saw Yan Chi's eyes brimming with laughter. She nodded, feeling somewhat guilty, and glanced to the side. To her surprise, people were watching them—not only watching but with expressions full of disdain, as if they were engaged in some scandalous behavior. Suddenly, Qin Guan came to her senses: she was dressed in men's clothing, and Yan Chi was undoubtedly male. So, weren't they two men embracing openly on the street?!

The customs of the Great Zhou Dynasty were not this liberal! These people probably thought she and Yan Chi were a pair of cut-sleeves...

At this thought, Qin Guan felt both amused and exasperated. She had always been the most rule-abiding person, but in this moment, a rebellious impulse stirred within her. If everyone thought she and Yan Chi were cut-sleeves, then why not embrace it fully?

She stopped struggling and allowed Yan Chi to hold her. Sensing her compliance, Yan Chi lifted her so high her feet nearly left the ground. Soon, Bai Feng returned with the lanterns, and Qin Guan and Yan Chi squeezed their way to the riverside. Qin Guan personally placed three lanterns into the river. Her intention in buying these three lanterns was not only to honor her own parents but also to include Ninth Miss's parents. Whenever she made offerings, she never omitted Ninth Miss's parents. Now that she had fully assumed Ninth Miss's identity, she was still herself, yet she was also the Qin family's Ninth Miss.

"Young mistress, the lanterns have been released. The young master will surely return safely, so you can rest assured. The wishing lanterns of the Jade Belt River are the most effective. Not only will the young master return safely, but you will also bear him a little young master..."

Just as Qin Guan finished releasing the lanterns and was about to leave, she overheard a maidservant saying this.

Yan Chi heard it too and pulled her closer, his eyes filled with laughter.

They had walked all the way from West Market Street and now reached the Jade Belt River. To return, they would have to walk back. Qin Guan glanced at the variety of flower lanterns not far away and said, "Since we came to see the Lantern Market, we should at least buy one lantern."

Qin Guan's enthusiasm remained high, as if she wanted Yan Chi to experience every fun and beautiful thing the Lantern Market had to offer. She dragged Yan Chi to buy lanterns, and along the way, they encountered magicians, lantern riddle games, poetry recitations, and shadow plays. Qin Guan and Yan Chi wandered leisurely, stopping here and there. Qin Guan also had Baiying buy plenty of candied fruits and snacks. Before long, Bai Feng and Baiying were carrying bundles of food. Finally, they bought a rabbit lantern, and Qin Guan was thoroughly satisfied.Although it was all in good fun, Qin Guan hadn't forgotten that she was currently staying at the Marquis' residence and shouldn't return too late. Feeling that she had shown Yan Chi everything worth seeing, she began walking back with him toward West Market Street. However, having walked quite a distance that night and with the melted snow trampled into mud by the crowds, the path became particularly slippery. On their way back, Qin Guan found the going quite difficult.

Noticing this, Yan Chi suddenly stopped her, bent down, and crouched in front of her. "Get on—"

Qin Guan was momentarily stunned and didn't move immediately. While casual embraces had felt permissible when wearing masks, Yan Chi offering to carry her on his back stirred something deep within her. In this lifetime, only one man had ever carried her like that—her father, and that was years ago. Qin Guan pressed her lips together softly and gently leaned onto Yan Chi's back.

Yan Chi supported her legs and stood up in one fluid motion.

Tall and sturdy, Yan Chi's height immediately broadened Qin Guan's view. His back was extremely broad, even more so than her father's had been. Her father, in poor health, had carried her with a slightly hunched posture, while Yan Chi's steps, though slow, conveyed a sense of steadfast strength. Yet, both her father's and Yan Chi's backs brought her the same profound peace.

Qin Guan let out a soft sigh and relaxed entirely against Yan Chi's back. She rested her head in the crook of his neck, her ear touching his. As she softened into his embrace, the intimate stability of their closeness allowed Qin Guan to surrender herself completely in a way she never had before. Slowly, she closed her eyes, unwilling to exert even the slightest effort at that moment.

In the chilling wind and light snow, with the Lantern Market fading behind them, Yan Chi carried Qin Guan step by step along the long street toward their starting point. Qin Guan held onto Yan Chi's neck and glanced sideways, noticing the delicate snow dusting his hair bun, as if their heads had turned white together.

...

...

By the time Qin Guan returned to the Marquis' residence, it was already quite late. In the main courtyard, Qin Shu, Hu Shi, and Qin Chaoyu were all waiting for her. Qin Guan entered the Renshou Hall with her usual composure and calmly paid her respects to Qin Shu and Hu Shi.

"Guan'er, why are you only returning now?"

Qin Guan replied, "I was delayed for a while at the Longevity and Health Palace. After leaving the palace, I suddenly remembered Han Bo and Erbao. Since it's a festival today, I went to check on them at the western courtyard."

Hearing this, Qin Shu understood and asked, "Was there any trouble in the palace today?"

Qin Guan looked into Qin Shu's concerned eyes and shook her head. "None at all."

On the side, Qin Chaoyu sighed. "Father, I already told you earlier—the palace banquet proceeded normally today. None of the incidents you worried about occurred. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and Ninth Sister are both perfectly fine."

Qin Guan understood clearly: Qin Shu hadn't entered the palace today, so he didn't know what had truly happened. As for Qin Chaoyu and Hu Shi, they naturally appeared unaffected on the surface—because the matter had already been quietly resolved by Yan Chi.

But was Qin Chaoyu genuinely unaware, or was she cooperating with the Empress's act?

Qin Guan hadn't been present when Prince Cheng and Feng Chenbi were exposed, so she hadn't witnessed their expressions. However, during the banquet at Morning Dew Hall, when the Empress expressed surprise that Feng Chenbi's name was also on the invitation, Qin Chaoyu hadn't seemed particularly shocked. Yet Qin Guan knew that even if Qin Chaoyu wasn't directly involved, she undoubtedly sided with the Empress.

"Yes, Uncle, everything was fine today."Qin Shu nodded, somewhat skeptical. The news he had received earlier couldn't have been false, so how had things developed like this today?

On the other side, Qin Chaoyu chuckled dismissively, "Father must not believe that Prince Cheng has feelings for Feng Chenbi. That young lady from the Feng family grew up with Prince Cheng since childhood and has always been quite favored. If Prince Cheng had intentions toward her, it would have been settled long ago—it wouldn't only show signs now. Moreover, from what I know, Consort Su plans to marry Feng Chenbi off to the sons of several generals who helped stabilize the nation."

This was something Qin Chaoyu knew, and both Qin Shu and Qin Yan were aware of it as well. Hearing Qin Chaoyu's words, Qin Yan remarked, "This matter is indeed rather strange. I wonder... if it might be the Empress's doing?"

Qin Shu looked at Qin Chaoyu, who shook her head and said, "Her Majesty the Empress didn't say much about this. I only know that she mentioned Consort Su wants to frame Ninth Sister, but beyond that, I'm unaware. Perhaps the Empress believes Consort Su intends to harm His Highness the Crown Prince, so she used this method to retaliate?"

Hu Shi sighed, "The methods of the various masters in the palace are truly numerous..."

Qin Shu shook his head, "This is not something we should discuss." He then turned to Qin Chaoyu, "Chaoyu, let's wait for the imperial decree tomorrow. If nothing goes wrong, the position of Crown Princess will undoubtedly fall to you. Once it's settled, we will have many more matters to consider going forward. As for the various masters in the palace, if Her Majesty the Empress speaks to you, you should respond accordingly. If she doesn't, do not speculate lightly, and never let Her Majesty know you are speculating."

Qin Chaoyu nodded, her expression calm and resolute. She had long been preparing to become the Crown Princess and knew exactly what to do.

Qin Guan stood to the side, listening to the conversation, feeling as though she were an outsider observing the scene.

Suddenly, Hu Shi turned to Qin Guan and said, "With Yu'er becoming the Crown Princess and Guan'er gaining the Empress Dowager's favor, our marquis residence's status will remain secure. Given the Empress Dowager's regard for Guan'er today, it's likely everyone in the capital knows that her future marriage will only be to someone of high status, not low."

Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, who were also listening nearby, showed slight envy upon hearing this.

It was understandable, as neither of them had even the qualification to enter the palace. On the other side, Qin Ye sat in a seat below Qin Yan, also appearing like an outsider. He, Qin Shuang, and Qin Xiang were in similar positions—even Qin Guan was not much different from them. Yet, Qin Guan, with her medical skills, had managed to distinguish herself. Qin Ye wore a faint, amused smile.

Qin Guan lowered her gaze and said, "The Empress Dowager summoned me to the Longevity and Health Palace today and said she would decide my marriage."

The Empress Dowager had not explicitly stated this, but Qin Guan felt compelled to mention it first. She was uncertain whether Qin Shu and Hu Shi might arrange a marriage for her in private to consolidate the marquis residence's status. For the marquis residence, any method to secure their position was justified. Even Qin Guan was willing to consider the marquis residence's standpoint and make some efforts and concessions—she understood the principle that "when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact." However, she was not the true Ninth Miss. She refused to become a pawn for the Empress, nor would she allow herself to be a pawn for the marquis residence.

Hu Shi smiled broadly, "That's truly wonderful. The match the Empress Dowager arranges for you will surely be of high status, not low."

In her heart, Qin Guan thought of Yan Chi. The reputation of Prince Rui's royal residence was indeed prestigious. But before the wedding, she had to make progress in her father's case! Qin Guan clenched her fist secretly—this was what she ought to do, and what she must do!Qin Shu also breathed a sigh of relief. "It's best that each of you has a satisfactory marriage. As for Yan'er and Ye'er, they are now sailing smoothly. With this, I need not worry too much about you all."

Qin Yan quickly responded, "Father, rest assured. I will be cautious and prudent in the imperial guards. Second Brother has also joined the Garrison Battalion. Starting this year, our Marquis residence is bound to rise steadily!"

Qin Shu nodded, his smile relaxed. "After years of restraint, today is what we've been waiting for. You have not disappointed me."

He then continued, "Lately, the most significant matter in the court is selecting the princess consorts for the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng. After that, envoys from Northern Wei and Western Liang will visit. These past few days, the Emperor has ordered the Ministry of Works to renovate the imperial city and guesthouses in preparation for the envoys. Although I serve in the Ministry of Personnel, the annual visits of foreign envoys are never trivial. I'll have my hands full in the coming days."

Thus, the conversation turned to court affairs. Only Qin Yan and Qin Shu engaged in discussion, while Qin Chaoyu occasionally asked a question or two. As someone destined to become an heir apparent's consort, she naturally needed to understand the shifts in court dynamics.

However, with so many women present, Qin Shu spoke only superficially. Before long, he dismissed Qin Guan and the others to rest. Qin Guan, Qin Shuang, and Qin Xiang stood to leave, but Qin Chaoyu remained, likely to discuss confidential matters.

As they stepped out, Qin Shuang was the first to notice the snacks in Baiying's hands. "Oh! Where did you get these?"

Qin Guan smiled and had Baiying share some with Qin Shuang. "Today is the Lantern Festival. Han Bo lives near the West Market."

She then turned to Qin Xiang. "Fifth Sister, would you like some?"

Qin Xiang hastily waved her hand in refusal. Most of what Qin Guan bought came from street vendors, and she wouldn't eat such things. Qin Guan didn't mind, but Qin Shuang savored the treats delightedly. "These candied fruits are so sweet! The flavors in the capital are richer than those in Jinzhou. I thought you were detained in the palace since you returned so late."

Qin Guan chuckled. "The palace banquet ended early today."

Qin Shuang reasoned matter-of-factly, "But you've won the Empress Dowager's favor. She might have even invited you to stay overnight."

Qin Guan shook her head. "That would be improper."

At this, Qin Shuang seemed to recall something and glanced at Qin Xiang. "Did you know? This afternoon, matchmakers formally came to propose marriage. In a few days, the betrothal will be set, followed by the bridal gifts to schedule the wedding. I estimate Fifth Sister will marry by summer."

Qin Guan looked over and saw Qin Xiang lowering her gaze, a hint of shyness on her face.

In this world, once a woman married, her life was largely settled. Thinking that Xue Qingshan was steady and reliable, Qin Guan felt happy for Qin Xiang. After all, Qin Xiang had been raised as a noble lady. As long as she settled into married life and Xue Qingshan remained dependable and ambitious, things would likely turn out well.

"Congratulations, Fifth Sister. I'll prepare a gift for the betrothal day."

Qin Xiang's lips curved slightly. "Thank you both. I plan to prepare some treats at my place tomorrow and invite you over. Who knows how much time we have left to gather? This might be our last New Year together."

Qin Shuang and Qin Guan readily agreed. Once married, they would spend New Year's managing affairs at their husbands' homes, never again enjoying such carefree leisure.

Thus, the three settled on a time and returned to their respective courtyards.Early the next morning, the imperial edict selecting the Crown Princess arrived at the Marquis' residence. Qin Shu led the entire household to receive the decree. Yuan Qing, beaming with joy, repeatedly offered congratulations, adding, "These rewards are bestowed separately by the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress—all for the Eighth Young Lady. These don't count as betrothal gifts. Today's announcement is to inform the world. The Imperial Observatory will select an auspicious date for the formal betrothal, and the wedding date will be determined by the Emperor and the Empress."

Qin Shu, already aware of these details, first ordered generous gifts to be presented to see Yuan Qing off, then instructed servants to carry away the rewards. Though Qin Guan had received abundant rewards before, this time the offerings surpassed even hers. Only then did Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang realize the exalted status of the Crown Princess—a position high above the clouds, utterly beyond their reach.

To celebrate this great fortune for the Marquis' household, Qin Shu ordered rewards distributed to all the servants. Well-versed in the capital's power dynamics, the servants understood that Qin Chaoyu's ascension to Crown Princess elevated the entire Marquis' residence. Coupled with the generous rewards from their masters, the estate buzzed with festive joy, as lively as the New Year.

Despite the monumental occasion, Qin Chaoyu remained composed. That afternoon, she was to enter the palace with Hu Shi to express gratitude. Because of this, Qin Guan and the others stayed briefly at Renshou Hall before returning to their own courtyards. After noon, as arranged with Qin Xiang, Qin Shuang and Qin Guan walked together to Qin Xiang's courtyard, where they found her also preparing a hotpot meal.

This time, without servants sharing the table, the three sisters kicked off their shoes and lounged comfortably on the heated platform, completely at ease.

Qin Shuang was ecstatic. "Eighth Sister really is becoming the Crown Princess! When we first came to Uncle's place, I heard rumors but didn't believe them. Now it's really happening! Did you see those jade pieces among the rewards? Each one more exquisite than the last! And those jewels—the rubies were as big as pigeon eggs!"

She ate while talking, gesturing animatedly, genuinely thrilled for Qin Chaoyu. Qin Xiang smiled more reservedly. "I've never seen so many jewels either. Last night, I sent someone to invite Eighth Sister, but she said she was too busy today. I hadn't realized she'd need to enter the palace to give thanks."

Qin Shuang chuckled. "Silly, Uncle said the edict would come today—of course she had to go to the palace."

Qin Xiang sighed helplessly. "I didn't know the rules..."

Qin Shuang took a sip of warm broth. "Never mind, it's trivial. Honestly, if Eighth Sister were here, I wouldn't feel this relaxed. All those rules—I don't want to know them, and it wouldn't help if I did."

Qin Guan, tempted by Qin Shuang's hearty eating, picked up her chopsticks. When she first met Qin Chaoyu, she had been struck by her dazzling presence. Somehow, she always felt Qin Chaoyu resembled the Empress profoundly. After a few years of palace training, their temperaments would likely become identical. Among their four sisters—indeed, among all noble daughters in the capital—Qin Chaoyu was the most suited to handle the palace. That was a place where one must constantly be ready for battle, and Qin Chaoyu instinctively armored herself completely as second nature.It was quite rare for the three sisters to gather together. Seeing Qin Xiang's change in temperament and Qin Shuang's constant cheerfulness, they devised various ways to keep the three of them together. After several consecutive days, Qin Guan and Qin Xiang were no longer as distant as before.

Soon, the matter of the imperial consort selection became known throughout the land. The Crown Prince designated Qin Chaoyu as his principal consort and the daughter of the Minister of Revenue as his secondary consort. Prince Cheng chose his cousin Feng Chenbi as his principal consort and the daughter of the Vice Minister of War as his secondary consort. As for the daughter of the Duke of Wei, who was originally to be pursued by Prince Cheng, she managed to escape this fate.

Due to Qin Chaoyu, the Marquis residence had been bustling with visitors for several days. Apart from two more visits to the palace to treat the Empress Dowager, Qin Guan spent the rest of her time secluded in the inner courtyard, practically never stepping outside. After the previous turmoil subsided, she encountered no further obstacles or complications when entering the palace. It stood to reason—with the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng's principal and secondary consorts already decided, who would provoke a miracle doctor so favored by the Empress Dowager?

Five days passed in this manner when Zhan Yang suddenly arrived at the Marquis residence, specifically requesting Qin Guan to come to the Lin'an Prefectural Office.

Qin Shu, Qin Yan, and even Hu Shi were accustomed to such matters and naturally raised no objections, allowing Qin Guan to go. Only after stepping outside the residence did Qin Guan have the chance to ask Zhan Yang, "Zhan Butou, has another case emerged?"

Zhan Yang shook his head. "The Meng family's case has been settled."

Qin Guan was startled and quickly asked, "What was the sentencing?!"

A slight gentleness softened Zhan Yang's typically stern expression. "Both husband and wife received sentences of exile."

A flicker of relief shone in Qin Guan's eyes—this was the best possible outcome for Meng Ziyi, given he bore the weight of two lives. Though Xu Shi was not the murderer, she had been aware of the truth. For her, accompanying Meng Ziyi was undoubtedly the best arrangement. Zhan Yang continued, "Thanks to Ninth Miss's words, the Emperor agreed to reduce their punishment."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, prompting Zhan Yang to explain, "Lord Zheng reported everything Ninth Miss said that day to the Emperor. His Majesty then understood that Young Master Meng wasn't feigning but was truly ill. Though not entirely convinced, we tested it and confirmed that Young Master Meng would indeed transform into another person under stimulation. Thus, the death penalty was avoided."

After a pause, Zhan Yang added, "To avoid complications, they are leaving the capital today. The couple wishes to thank Ninth Miss in person, so Lord Zheng sent me to see if you could make the trip."

As convicts, Meng Ziyi and his wife could only wait for Qin Guan to come to them. Understanding this, Qin Guan promptly boarded the carriage to the prefectural office. The journey took nearly half an hour, and upon arrival, Meng Zhou was waiting with the entire family.

Meng Yao's eyes reddened the moment she saw Qin Guan. "Lord Zheng told us everything. We owe this to you as well."

Meng Zhou also personally expressed his gratitude. In the side hall, Meng Ziyi and Xu Shi, dressed in prisoner garb, knelt upon seeing Qin Guan. Qin Guan couldn't possibly accept such a gesture and repeatedly declined. She inquired about their exile destination, and Meng Yao replied, "They're being exiled to Cangzhou in the north."

Qin Guan sighed softly. Survival was what mattered most now—the distance to Cangzhou was a secondary concern.

As if reading her thoughts, Meng Yao said, "Father has acquaintances in Cangzhou and has already made arrangements. They will be looked after along the way, ensuring at least that Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law arrive safely."

Hearing this, Qin Guan felt a wave of relief. With winter still gripping the land, the journey north would be even colder. Meng Ziyi and Xu Shi, both delicate by nature, might easily fall ill or face mishaps on such a arduous trip.

Meng Yao then added, "Speaking of which, the person who helped us this time—you probably know them."