Coroner's Diary

Yan Chi's sudden remark made Qin Guan's cheeks flush slightly. "Don't you think I'm sharp-tongued and lacking the grace of a noble young lady?"

Yan Chi chuckled. "Having spent so long in the Northwest Frontier, to be honest, I find these delicate noble ladies in the capital quite unappealing." Hearing this, Qin Guan's smile reached her eyes. Noticing she had mentioned Yue Ning, Yan Chi added, "Are you missing Grand Princess and the others?"

At this, Qin Guan frowned slightly. "My letter should have arrived by now, but there's been no reply."

Yan Chi's lips curved upward. "The new year has just ended, and with Yue Jia preparing to train in the Northwest Frontier Army, Marquis Anyang Manor must be quite busy."

"Too busy to even write back?" Qin Guan sighed. "I'm just worried about Grand Princess's health. Although I left many prescriptions, they were prepared early on and may not be suitable now."

"Don't worry. If anything serious happens, they'll surely send word to the capital."

Qin Guan thought otherwise—if something happened at Marquis Anyang Manor, they'd likely keep it from them—but she kept her concerns to herself in front of Yan Chi. "Alright, we'll wait a bit longer. If there's still no letter, I'll truly be uneasy."

Yan Chi nodded, but Qin Guan seemed to recall something. "The Empress Dowager sent me here. How should I respond to her?"

Yan Chi's smile deepened. "Just say that I already have someone in my heart, and I don't know that princess. Tell Her Majesty not to worry..."

"Say you have someone in your heart?!" Qin Guan exclaimed in surprise. "What if the Empress Dowager asks who it is?"

Yan Chi laughed. "Just say you don't know. Isn't that simple?"

Qin Guan looked uneasy. "Is that appropriate? Wouldn't it be better to truthfully say you don't know, to avoid complications..."

Yan Chi gently pinched her waist. "Are you so afraid of the Empress Dowager finding out?"

The question made Qin Guan somewhat guilty, and she smiled weakly. "Not exactly. The Empress Dowager treats me very well, and even if she knew, she wouldn't make things difficult for me. It's just... inconvenient."

Yan Chi said, "Trust me, I know the Empress Dowager. If you say this, she'll be more convinced that I have nothing to do with the Northern Wei princess. If you don't, what if she takes a fancy to matchmaking with that princess?"

Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat. After all, Tuoba Wu was a princess of Northern Wei. If she caused trouble under the pretext of diplomatic relations, the Empress Dowager might not be able to stop her. Yan Chi's preventive measure seemed wise.

"But if the Empress Dowager finds out later..."

Yan Chi smiled. "She won't do anything. Right now, she just needs to know where my heart lies. If that princess acts up, the Empress Dowager can dissuade her, saving us both trouble. Otherwise, if this matter is pushed onto me, I might just directly tell Her Majesty who my beloved is—"

His words sounded almost like a threat. Qin Guan snorted lightly. "Go ahead and tell her."

Yan Chi's eyes crinkled with laughter. Qin Guan glanced outside and said, "Eunuch Hu came with me. I need to return to the palace and report to the Empress Dowager. You should attend to your matters."

As she spoke, she tried to get up and leave, but Yan Chi's long arm blocked her way. Unwilling to let her go, he held her tightly in his embrace for a moment before relenting.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Qin Guan emerged from the room. Baiying kept her eyes demurely lowered, while Hu Quan smiled and asked, "Ninth Miss, are you leaving already?"Qin Guan nodded, "Yes, let's first return to the palace to report back to the Empress Dowager."

Hu Quan responded with a smile, then bowed farewell to Yan Chi who was following closely behind, before heading into the palace with Qin Guan.

The Ministry of Justice was already quite close to the palace gates, so it wasn't long before Qin Guan entered the palace once again.

Upon arriving at the Longevity and Health Palace, the Empress Dowager was holding Yan Sui's hand and speaking with her. When she saw Qin Guan, the Empress Dowager smiled and asked, "Why have you returned so quickly?"

Qin Guan curved her lips, "The Crown Prince is busy at the Ministry of Justice. After I asked him, I left."

The Empress Dowager motioned for Qin Guan to sit down before smiling warmly, "What was the result of your inquiry?"

Qin Guan's expression remained completely calm, "The Crown Prince said he doesn't recognize the Northern Wei princess, and doesn't know why she would say such things. Additionally, he said he already has someone in his heart, and asked you not to worry."

The Empress Dowager was momentarily surprised, "Yan Chi said he has someone in his heart?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Exactly."

The Empress Dowager thought for a moment, her smile deepening, "That rascal, he already has someone in his heart? He certainly didn't tell you who it was, did he?"

Qin Guan nodded. Because she felt somewhat guilty deep down, she couldn't discern what might be hidden within the Empress Dowager's smile.

The Empress Dowager studied Qin Guan for a moment longer before finally curving her lips, "Well, in that case, I understand. He wants me to cover for him. However, this Northern Wei princess is still a princess after all. Until I clarify this matter, I won't make any definitive statements for him." Then she asked Qin Guan, "What's your view on this matter?"

Qin Guan lowered her gaze briefly, "The Northern Wei princess wouldn't have made such a statement without reason. There must be some misunderstanding?"

For some reason, the Empress Dowager seemed to be in excellent spirits as she smiled and asked again, "A young woman keeps saying she's lovesick for him - what other misunderstanding could there possibly be?"

Qin Guan thought for a moment, "The Crown Prince said he hasn't even seen the Northern Wei princess..."

"You believe him just because he said so? Child, you're still too young. Do you know that in this world, you can trust anything but a man's words? With your attitude, you'll likely be deceived by your husband in the future."

Qin Guan quickly responded, "I was asking on behalf of Your Majesty. No matter who the Crown Prince might deceive, he would never deceive Your Majesty. Besides, the Northern Wei princess is beautiful and of noble birth. If the Crown Prince truly had any connection with her, there would be no need to conceal it. Moreover, the Crown Prince conducts himself with openness and integrity - it wouldn't be like him to have a secret relationship with the Northern Wei princess without speaking of it."

"You trust him that much? He's been in Shuoxi for so many years - even I don't know what he's become. How long have you known him? You don't yet understand the complexity of human hearts. Some people tell lies to deceive others, and you wouldn't be able to detect any clues."

Qin Guan had initially had her doubts too, but after hearing Yan Chi's words, her suspicions had dissipated. However, today the Empress Dowager was acting strangely, as if she thought Qin Guan was too trusting. Her words ran completely counter to what Qin Guan had expected. Not only that, but she was giving her such advice. Qin Guan found it all very strange, but what was even stranger was that she felt the Empress Dowager was absolutely right - and yet, she still trusted Yan Chi.Qin Guan understood the intricacies and complexities of human nature deeply, but she and Yan Chi had experienced life and death together. Moreover, Yan Chi said she was exceptionally special, yet wasn't he equally extraordinary himself? He differed from Prince Cheng, from the Crown Prince, and from all the noble sons in Lin'an City. In her heart, he was someone who could uphold the backbone of Great Zhou, a man responsible for the peace of its people. Such an indomitable man would never stoop to lying.

"Your words make sense, Empress Dowager, but perhaps it's because the Crown Prince has spent years in warfare. I thought, having faced life and death in Shuoxi for so long, victory on the battlefield isn't decided by mere lies. A man like the Crown Prince might simply disdain deceit. Or even if he were to become unfaithful, he would do so openly and honorably, never deceiving you just to preserve his reputation."

The Empress Dowager gazed at Qin Guan with profound depth in her eyes, then after a moment, laughed heartily. "Well said! 'To be unfaithful openly and honorably'—with that, I believe Yan Chi's words. That child truly scorns such tricks. But did he mention how to resolve the matter of the Northern Wei princess?"

"The Crown Prince said he doesn't know what happened but will have someone investigate."

The Empress Dowager snorted lightly. "So he intends to have us delay dealing with that Northern Wei princess... Last time we encountered her, her maid stopped her from speaking. It's clear the Northern Wei Crown Prince doesn't want her making such a public fuss about Yan Chi. There's no rush; we'll observe slowly. But these days he can still avoid it. Once we reach Mount Wei, he won't be able to escape it."

Qin Guan understood the Empress Dowager's implication. Though she showed no expression outwardly, she felt a twinge of injustice inwardly. Even if it wasn't directly Yan Chi's fault, he had still brought this peach blossom debt upon himself. Hmph!

"Ninth girl, what's wrong?"

The Empress Dowager's sudden question made Qin Guan quickly shake her head. "Nothing, I was just thinking about the spring hunt."

The Empress Dowager smiled affectionately. "It's just as it is—you'll understand when you get there. Take this chance to enjoy yourself properly..."

Qin Guan nodded obediently in agreement, but the Empress Dowager looked her up and down, her eyes full of approval. "Yan Chi hasn't returned for many years and has grown distant from most of his brothers. The only one close to him is Yan Li. I never expected he'd gain a new friend like you who trusts him so. If he knew, he would surely consider you a kindred spirit."

He's already more than just a kindred spirit...

Qin Guan added silently in her heart, then hurriedly said, "The Crown Prince is truly different from others. Though born into nobility, he doesn't rely on his status. Instead, he has guarded the border for years. Thanks to Prince Rui and the Crown Prince, the Rong invaders haven't set foot in Great Zhou. The frontier is harsh, and on the battlefield, blades and arrows are blind. Those who protect the nation with their flesh and blood naturally deserve respect and trust."

Some of her earlier words carried a bias toward Yan Chi, but this sentiment had existed in her heart since she first met him. It wasn't just Yan Chi—she held reverence for all border garrison soldiers. However, Yan Chi, as their commander, stood out especially tall and prominent. As she spoke, her eyes shone brightly like the dawn's early light, her voice firm and calm. Seeing her like this, the Empress Dowager sighed and took Qin Guan's hand. "If only everyone thought like you."After conversing a while longer, Qin Guan rose to take her leave. Upon returning to the Marquis residence, she informed Hu Shi of the Empress Dowager's arrangements. Hearing this, Hu Shi realized she needn't even prepare Qin Guan's portion and rejoiced at the Empress Dowager's favor toward her. When Qin Shu learned of it, he merely urged her to take good care of the Empress Dowager and Yan Sui's health.

After four days of preparations, on the tenth day of the third month, a grand procession assembled outside Zhenghua Gate. Following the sacrificial ceremony to heaven, they set off toward Mount Wei Hunting Grounds over seventy li away!

Though Mount Wei lay less than a hundred li from the capital, the procession included nearly a hundred nobles alone. With the Imperial Guards leading the vanguard and the imperial troops responsible for clearing the Path and providing rear guard, the total numbered over ten thousand. Unlike a rapid military march, they progressed extremely slowly. On the first day, the entire procession only reached Phoenix Cry Slope—half the total journey's distance.

While Yan Huai, the Empress Dowager, and others rode in massive imperial carriages, other officials and their families traveled in ordinary horse-drawn carts. The Empress Dowager's carriage was especially spacious and comfortable, sparing Qin Guan some hardship as she accompanied her.

This was Yan Sui's first time leaving the palace in her young life, filled with both novelty and trepidation. She leaned alone against the window watching scenes she couldn't fully comprehend—common folk working in fields. To relieve the journey's monotony, the Empress Dowager had Momma Su prepare various toys in the carriage. Yan Sui alternated between gazing outside and playing quietly, speaking very little.

Qin Guan kept the Empress Dowager company to ward off boredom. "Last time we passed these places was before New Year's, when everything was covered in heavy snow. Now willow branches sprout tender buds—the scenery has completely transformed. How time flies."

In the blink of an eye, she had been back in the capital for over three months.

"Indeed it flies," the Empress Dowager sighed, holding Qin Guan's hand with emotion. "Three months ago, how could I have imagined I'd ever leave the palace for a hunt again? I missed the spring hunt two years ago due to poor health. Back then, I thought I'd never leave the palace again."

"Ninth girl, this is all thanks to you."

Qin Guan had grown accustomed to such praise from the Empress Dowager. Seeing her respond with only a gentle smile, the Empress Dowager added, "Ninth girl, you've performed such great service—you truly deserve tangible rewards."

Qin Guan chuckled. "Your earlier promise to me remains the greatest reward."

The Empress Dowager sighed, feeling increasingly indebted to Qin Guan's unwavering humility. "This temperament of yours... I don't know what to say. No wonder the Grand Princess adores you so."

"Her Highness feels grateful I cured her illness, but truthfully, she has already treated me with utmost kindness."

This remark sparked an idea in the Empress Dowager's mind: since the Grand Princess had adopted Qin Guan as a honorary granddaughter, perhaps she could also... Though the thought emerged, she didn't voice it immediately, needing to contemplate it carefully.

Unaware of the Empress Dowager's thoughts, Qin Guan reassured, "Should the day come when I truly have another request for Your Majesty, I hope you will grant it—that would be the greatest blessing."

The Empress Dowager looked skeptical. "I'd be a fool to believe that. You say this now, but you'll never actually ask me for anything."Qin Guan maintained a calm expression, though she sighed inwardly. It wasn't that she wouldn't ask the Empress Dowager for help—aside from her marriage, her father's case might also require the Empress Dowager's assistance. However, the case remained shrouded in mystery, which was why she hadn't brought it up yet.

Yan Huai's procession led the way, with vanguard guards stationed along the route early on. As they traveled along the official Path toward Fengming Slope, not a single extra carriage was in sight. Occasionally, passersby knelt at a distance, careful not to disturb the imperial entourage. The morning's sacrificial rites had left the Empress Dowager utterly exhausted by afternoon. In contrast, Yan Sui, despite his young age and lack of experience outside the palace, remained full of energy. While the Empress Dowager dozed off, half-reclining in her seat, Yan Sui pressed against the window, gazing outside.

Qin Guan joined him by the window. In the distance, she could see commoners busy in the fields, already beginning their spring planting. "Your Highness has never seen this before, have you? What grows in these fields is millet."

Yan Sui frowned deeply. "Millet grows in the ground? Doesn't that make it dirty?"

Qin Guan chuckled. "Millet grows on small plants. The millet you eat is sown in spring and harvested in autumn. Farmers cut each plant individually, then thresh the grains from their husks. After that, the millet is sun-dried and cleaned before rice merchants purchase it. The finest quality is acquired by the Household Affairs Department for the palace. It must then be cooked by servants before being served to you. The process is complex, but it all begins with sowing seeds in these very fields..."

Though Yan Sui had no idea what millet stalks looked like, he vaguely understood the "small plants" Qin Guan described. After a moment's thought, his expression turned wistful. "My mother... used to tell me about the world outside too."

Qin Guan's heart ached for him. She had lost her parents at seventeen, but Yan Sui had lost his mother at just four years old. Though he still had a father, that man was first and foremost the emperor of the realm, and only then a parent. Moreover, with so many consorts and children, the emperor had precious little attention to spare for Yan Sui.

"Her Highness Consort Jin shared those stories with you, and you'll witness even more in the future. Don't be sad—you still have Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. She treats you with such affection, so there's no need to fear. Your days ahead will surely be peaceful and joyful."

Yan Sui gazed vaguely at the distant hazy mountain ridges, only half-comprehending. "I'm afraid because I lost my mother... but why was she afraid?"