Coroner's Diary

"Empress Dowager, my sixth sister invited me to her tent for a chat tonight. I'll likely be stepping out for a while."

While giving the Empress Dowager a massage, Qin Guan spoke these words. Hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled immediately, "Go ahead, go ahead! I've been wanting you to go out and have more fun anyway. What's so good about being confined to my side all the time?"

Qin Guan nodded in agreement. Yan Sui had been watching Qin Guan from the side all along.

Though Yan Sui didn't speak, his clear, penetrating gaze made Qin Guan somewhat uneasy. But after all, Yan Sui was just a child—what could he possibly know?

"Does Little Ninth want to go too? That wouldn't do. Ninth girl hasn't spent time with her sisters for several days. Wouldn't you rather stay by your grandmother's side?" The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Sui with great affection. Yan Sui nodded and obediently lowered his eyes, remaining still.

Qin Guan breathed a sigh of relief. After finishing the massage and noticing that it was getting late outside, she gathered some medicinal pills and left the main tent with Baiying. She left Fuling outside the main tent instead. Both Baiying and Fuling were obedient and sensible; although unaccustomed to the strict rules of palace servants, they learned extremely quickly. Moreover, since Qin Guan was favored and Mammy Chen was grateful to her, the two were treated and cared for as first-class palace maids. Baiying spoke little, while Fuling was lively and diligent, speaking innocently yet being careful in her rough manner. Having always been outside, she could often share things others didn't know, and before long, she had blended in with everyone. Leaving her alone outside the main tent was the safest arrangement.

When Qin Guan arrived at the Loyal Marquis Manor tent with the medicinal pills, she saw that the family's accommodations consisted of one large tent connected to two smaller ones. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang happened to be sharing one of the smaller tents and were delighted to see Qin Guan arrive.

Qin Guan first paid her respects to Hu Shi. Learning that Qin Shu had accompanied the emperor, she left several medicinal pills behind.

"Though it's not yet summer, there are still insects and ants in the wilderness. These pills are for protection against them. There are also two types of ointment for treating bruises and abrasions. If Uncle sustains minor injuries while accompanying the imperial hunt, applying this ointment will help."

Hearing Qin Guan's words, Hu Shi was deeply moved. Though Qin Guan knew medicine, it was quite remarkable that she would think of them so thoughtfully on her own initiative. Hu Shi took Qin Guan's hand and said, "It's so kind of you to remember us. How have things been with the Empress Dowager these past few days?"

Qin Guan smiled and nodded, "Everything's fine. There isn't much to do with the Empress Dowager—I'm just there to chat and keep her company."

Hu Shi laughed, "That's wonderful. Even so, you should still be careful in your daily conduct. Don't risk displeasing the Empress Dowager or other members of the nobility. Those in high positions often have deep, complex minds."

Hu Shi's words were sincere. Qin Guan nodded in acknowledgment, then took her leave. As soon as she stepped out, Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang immediately pulled her into their small tent. Only upon entering did Qin Guan realize how much hardship she had avoided by staying with the Empress Dowager.

Though the small tent was separate, it was extremely cramped. Moreover, because the carpet underfoot was too thin, there was a faint sense of dampness and chill. Qin Guan sighed inwardly and advised, "The tent is damp, which makes it easier for insects and ants to thrive. It's best to sprinkle these pills in the corners now." As she spoke, she began doing it herself. After using up the pills, she added, "Although there isn't much to do with the Empress Dowager, I can't be away for too long. If either of you feels unwell, come find me early."Qin Shuang chuckled, "Don't worry, we were just a bit tired when we arrived. We barely went out yesterday, but otherwise we're fine. You needn't worry about us. Besides, we've been carrying the Medicine Sachets you prepared for us before we left."

Qin Guan nodded, finally relieved. Qin Shuang then asked, "Did you see the hunting scene today?"

"Of course I did..."

Upon hearing this, Qin Shuang's face lit up with infatuation. "Good that you saw it! I have to say, Prince Yan Chi was the most striking among everyone. How come I never noticed before?"

When they first met Yan Chi, both Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang had felt somewhat intimidated, hardly daring to openly observe him. But this morning was different—Yan Chi stood at the forefront, making it impossible not to see him.

Qin Guan smiled wryly. Unlike Qin Shuang, she had long been aware of this.

However, she merely replied lightly, "Is that so? I thought he was just average."

Qin Xiang clicked her tongue a few times. "Is it because Prince Yan Chi is kind to you?"

Qin Guan widened her eyes, feigning ignorance. "Kind to me?"

Qin Xiang glanced at Qin Shuang, who added, "Isn't he? I noticed Prince Yan Chi has been quite attentive to you."

Qin Guan's gaze shifted thoughtfully. "Probably because the Grand Princess asked him to." She then changed the subject, "By the way, have you found Xue Qingshan?"

Her tone carried a hint of teasing as she looked at Qin Xiang, who blushed and shot her a reproachful glare. Qin Shuang sighed helplessly, "Don't bring it up. Last time I teased her about it, she nearly got angry. I won't dare mention it again."

Qin Xiang snorted, "Why look for him? If it gets out, my reputation will be ruined."

Qin Guan burst out laughing, "Of course, reputation matters. But last time you only saw him from afar—don't you want a closer look?"

Qin Xiang stamped her foot in embarrassment and turned away. Qin Guan chuckled, "Don't worry, we'll keep it discreet. I'll see if I can run into Third Brother or Fourth Brother these days. If there's a chance, I'll let you know."

"Exactly! It'll be easier for you. Aunt is watching us, so we can't go to the front. If you get any news, come tell us. If she doesn't dare go, I'll go check for her."

As she spoke, Qin Xiang, blushing, pushed the two playfully. Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang ended up laughing and tussling together. After chatting and joking for a while, Qin Guan noticed the sky had long turned dark and took her leave.

Knowing she shouldn't be away from the main tent for too long, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang let her go.

Exiting the tent, Qin Guan headed toward the main tent for a few steps before abruptly turning onto a Path lined with small tents storing military equipment and miscellaneous items, leading to the southwest of the camp. The night was pitch black, with a crescent moon hanging like jade in the sky, its faint glow outlining Qin Guan's vague figure. She wore a cape with the hood up, advancing under the cover of darkness without encountering anyone. After walking several dozen feet, Yan Chi's figure came into view. She hurried forward and asked, "What's wrong?"

The sudden meeting made her suspect Yan Chi had something to discuss, but under the night sky, he wore a faint smile. He stepped closer, taking her hand, and said, "I just wanted to see you."Qin Guan's heart warmed. She initially wanted to say it was too late for such excursions, but seeing the smile on Yan Chi's lips, she held her tongue. Noticing how he pulled her hand to lead the way, she realized his intentions and asked, "Where are we going?"

Yan Chi's laughter brushed her ears. "To see the scenery."

"Scenery?" Qin Guan lifted her gaze, faintly discerning the steep peaks across the Weishui River. A slight curve touched her lips as she fell silent. Yan Chi glanced back. "Are you willing to go?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Naturally... willing!"

Yan Chi's brows rose in mild surprise. Knowing her temperament, he had expected reluctance—venturing out so late would inevitably draw the Empress Dowager's attention. Wouldn't that risk exposure?

Yet Qin Guan had agreed. Yan Chi's smile broadened as he led her out of the camp toward the imperial guards' station. During the changing of shifts, rows of tents stood empty. They moved through the camp as if traversing unoccupied land. Beyond the camp gates, Bai Feng awaited with several horses.

Yan Chi lifted Qin Guan onto a saddle and mounted behind her before she could speak. With a crack of the whip, they galloped upstream along the Weishui River.

Bai Feng and Baiying each mounted their own horses, following the pair at a discreet distance.

On horseback, Qin Guan was enveloped in Yan Chi's embrace. Though she wore a cape, he wrapped around her like a second layer. The spring night wind still carried a biting chill, but shielded by Yan Chi's warmth, she felt no cold. Instead, she pushed back her hood, allowing the fragrant grassland breeze to caress her cheeks—

Hoofbeats echoed, the river murmured, and moonlight spilled serenely from the heavens, draping the world in silver-gray. Unlike the daytime bustle, the vast plains at midnight were profoundly still—so quiet she could hear Yan Chi's heartbeat, so hushed each of his breaths strummed her heartstrings.

By nature, she was rule-abiding. But tonight, she discarded propriety. Even if the Empress Dowager discovered them, she would not care. In the past, enduring whole days apart had been manageable, but now, with only distant glimpses between them, her longing had grown relentless. Compounded by Yan Chi's newfound admirer, her typically calm demeanor frayed—and she had no desire to rein it in.

"Where exactly are we going?"

After riding a couple of miles upstream, Qin Guan could no longer contain her curiosity.

Yan Chi tightened his arm around her, slowing the horse. "I don't know either. But this is the first time I've ridden like this with you. What does the destination matter?"

Qin Guan's lips curved. "You've never gone riding with anyone during the day?"

Yan Chi froze, speechless for two breaths. Then he suddenly laughed heartily, pulling her closer. With a sharp crack of the whip, their horse surged forward at full speed.The speed suddenly increased, startling Qin Guan, who immediately tightened her grip on Yan Chi's arm. The galloping hooves echoed alongside Yan Chi's laughter. For a moment, Qin Guan couldn't understand why Yan Chi was so elated, but soon his mood infected her, and she found herself laughing along silently. When Yan Chi finally slowed the horse, she snorted lightly, "Did you think we didn't know? Even the Empress Dowager is aware! The entire camp saw the Northern Wei princess riding out!"

As the horse slowed, Yan Chi embraced Qin Guan tightly and planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

With a soft "smack," Qin Guan turned to glare at Yan Chi, who only grew more delighted. "Why didn't this Northern Wei princess come earlier?"

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, and Yan Chi explained, "If she'd come sooner, I could have seen you jealous earlier!"

Qin Guan slapped his arm. "How can you say that?!"

Yan Chi caught her hand and guided it to hit himself again. "Go on, hit me a few more times. You always seem so gentle and delicate—sure enough, you don't have much strength—"

Qin Guan didn't know whether to laugh or cry and quickly withdrew her hand. Yan Chi, whether from joy or something else, seemed unusually blunt and foolish. Seeing her stop, he hugged her tightly. "I knew you couldn't bear to!"

Qin Guan gritted her teeth. How had she never noticed Yan Chi could be so glib? She changed her mind and tried to hit him again, but Yan Chi pressed her hand to his lips and kissed it firmly twice. Qin Guan's face flushed, her heart racing wildly, leaving her truly unsure whether to scold or strike him...

In the deep night, Tuoba Wu paced back and forth in her tent, frowning.

A maid nearby watched with concern. "Your Highness, it's perfectly normal for the Crown Prince not to be in his camp. With such a large encampment, he might be visiting another general's tent!"

Tuoba Wu shook her head. "Impossible. Didn't he just emerge from that so-called general's tent at dusk?"

The maid smiled wryly. "After leaving one general's tent, he could go to another. This hunting trip has brought many Zhou dynasty generals, and the Crown Prince, being a military man himself, visiting others isn't strange."

Tuoba Wu sat down dejectedly. "Could he truly have no interest in women? For days, I haven't seen him exchange more than a few words with any noble lady. Aside from staying in his carriage, he's always with those Imperial Guards commanders or visiting other generals—always surrounded by men—"

The maid nearly laughed at the absurdity. "Your Highness, you mustn't say such things recklessly. Speak of it here and now, but if the Crown Prince were to find out... who knows how he'd react? After all... such inclinations are highly improper. If the Emperor of Zhou learned of it, the consequences—"

Tuoba Wu sneered. "But I can't think of any other reason..."

Her fixation stemmed from Yan Chi's coldness shattering her expectations. Yet, in this world, not every man falls for a beautiful woman—a truth the maid understood but dared not voice.

As they pondered, another maid abruptly lifted the tent flap and entered.

"Your Highness, I've discovered something unusual."

Tuoba Wu sprang to her feet. "What did you find?"

The servant stepped closer. "Your Highness, I noticed the Crown Prince's favorite horse is missing from the stables."Tuoba Wu raised an eyebrow as the maid continued, "Under the pretense of selecting horses for the princess, I went to the Imperial Stables and inquired about the Crown Prince’s horse. They said the Crown Prince had a steed named Crimson Shadow. I asked to see it out of curiosity, but when the stable official went to look, he found the Crown Prince’s horse had unexpectedly vanished from the stable."

Frowning, Tuoba Wu turned to the earlier maid. "If he were visiting another general, why would he need to ride a horse?"

The earlier maid grew visibly uneasy. "This... this servant doesn’t know. Without his horse... could the Crown Prince have left the camp?"

Tuoba Wu smirked coldly. "Even if he left the camp, does that mean he won’t return?"