Coroner's Diary

Tuoba Wu sat alone on the ground, watching Bai Feng's retreating figure as she burst into loud sobs.

Beside the fallen wooden box, a horse bell stained with blood and horsehair lay shockingly on the ground. The bell was crafted from pure gold, with the characters "Crescent Moon" faintly engraved on it. She had personally chosen it over a decade ago when she first saw Crescent Moon as a foal. Crescent Moon had worn it all these years, never once losing it.

She hadn't found Crescent Moon, but Yan Chi had delivered the bell from Crescent Moon's neck!

She knew her Crescent Moon was dead!

She had harmed Qin Guan, so Yan Chi had killed her Crescent Moon!

This was his warning, his revenge—

Tuoba Wu's heart swelled with grief and rage, yet a chill crept into her soul. Thinking of the two maidservants taken away by Tuoba Hong, she collapsed helplessly to the ground. Had she been wrong? Had she caused Crescent Moon's death? Had she implicated her two servants?!

The spring night was bitterly cold. Tuoba Wu stared blankly at the pitch-black sky, the chill creeping up from her feet like a snake slithering into her heart! Accustomed to arrogance and willfulness, in the past she might have raged in fury at Yan Chi's actions. But now, without even Tuoba Hong's protection, her status as a Northern Wei princess was worthless. Worse still, Tuoba Hong was utterly disappointed in her and had sided with Great Zhou.

The more Tuoba Wu thought about it, the more miserable and grief-stricken she felt, and she couldn't help but weep loudly. Patrol guards nearby heard the commotion and approached, but seeing Tuoba Wu crumpled on the ground weeping without regard for decorum, they were at a loss. However, word had already spread privately about how this Northern Wei princess had nearly caused the death of Great Zhou's Little Medicine Immortal. Understanding the Empress Dowager and Emperor's stance, they chose to ignore her.

Never before had Tuoba Wu felt such despair and desolation. She lay limp on the ground until her limbs grew numb from the position. When her tears were exhausted, a stubborn, sorrowful resolve surged within her.

She sprang to her feet, staggering slightly as her legs tingled with numbness. Steadying herself, she bent down to pick up the bell from the ground, then walked step by step toward the Empress Dowager's main tent.

Guards stationed outside the main tent exchanged uneasy glances as Tuoba Wu approached. News of Qin Guan's injury had spread. Although they weren't closely acquainted with this Ninth Miss known as the Little Medicine Immortal, over the past days they had observed her gentle temperament as she attended the Empress Dowager—never putting on airs despite the imperial favor. This had earned her their goodwill. Moreover, she was treating the Empress Dowager and had been wronged by Northern Wei people. Without needing discussion, the guards sided with Qin Guan.

Watching Tuoba Wu reach the tent entrance, the guards exchanged looks but made no move to announce her. The Empress Dowager had already retired, and unless it was a matter of life and death, they dared not disturb her.

Tuoba Wu's body was ice-cold. She stood dazedly before the tent for a moment, then suddenly knelt down.

The ground before the main tent was built with wooden planks covered by an ornate carpet, so kneeling wasn't overly uncomfortable. Yet the spring night's chill was relentless. With two or three hours until dawn, kneeling until morning would surely leave her legs useless for days. But what else could she do? Crescent Moon was gone—she couldn't harm the other two as well!Several guards stared at Tuoba Wu in astonishment. Seeing her utterly despondent expression, they hesitated momentarily before one of them finally lifted the outermost curtain and softly reported inside.

The Empress Dowager had already retired, but Mammy Chen was still awake. The guard entered and exited swiftly, murmuring something quietly upon emerging. Then, the guards straightened their postures as if nothing had happened.

Tuoba Wu observed this scene with clear understanding. For a moment, she couldn't summon greater anger, kneeling there like a soulless doll.

...

At daybreak, when the Empress Dowager woke, she saw Qin Guan already up.

Both Qin Guan and Mammy Chen were waiting by her bedside. As the Empress Dowager opened her eyes, Qin Guan hurried forward with Mammy Chen. "Your Majesty, the Northern Wei princess came to kneel before the main tent around the third watch last night."

The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow at this. Qin Guan continued, "She's still kneeling now."

With dawn just breaking, the Empress Dowager slowly sat up. "Is it only Tuoba Wu kneeling? Has Tuoba Hong not come?"

Mammy Chen nodded. "Yes, only the princess is kneeling outside. No one else."

The Empress Dowager smiled faintly. "Good, no need to rush. Tuoba Hong should be arriving soon." She took Qin Guan's hand. "Let's wait slowly. There's no urgency at all."

Qin Guan understood the Empress Dowager's meaning and remained calm.

Meanwhile, Tuoba Hong had slept poorly all night. However, with the grand hunt today, he needed to be well-rested. When he opened his eyes, daylight was already visible outside. He called out, and a guard immediately entered.

"Your Highness, the princess has been kneeling before the Empress Dowager's main tent."

Hearing this, Tuoba Hong jolted awake. "She's truly kneeling?"

"Yes, she went to kneel not long after last night began."

Tuoba Hong secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew his sister's temperament well - if she hadn't knelt, he would have had no other way to make her comply, and might have truly needed to punish those two maidservants.

Taking a deep breath, Tuoba Hong changed clothes and went to the Empress Dowager's main tent. In the morning light, he indeed saw Tuoba Wu kneeling steadfastly before the tent. Sighing, he walked over with a solemn expression.

Having knelt all night, Tuoba Wu was now dazed. Though her body remained upright, her face showed no vitality, her eyes bloodshot and lifeless. When footsteps approached, she showed no reaction, her gaze fixed downward on the patterns of the luxurious carpet. Only when a shadow fell over her did her eyes move slightly.

Seeing Tuoba Wu in this state pained Tuoba Hong, but if this could teach her a lesson, it would be for the best. After watching her for a while, Tuoba Hong approached the tent and announced loudly, "Tuoba Hong requests an audience with Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."

Behind Tuoba Hong followed several guards carrying gift boxes. After his announcement, he waited briefly before Mammy Chen emerged. "Your Highness, Her Majesty has just risen. Please—"

Tuoba Hong entered cautiously. Inside the main tent, Qin Guan sat beside the Empress Dowager, conversing with her. When Tuoba Hong entered, the Empress Dowager pulled Qin Guan to sit closer by her side.Tuoba Hong immediately noticed the cotton bandage on Qin Guan's hand and promptly bowed, "Greetings, Empress Dowager. I have brought my younger sister to apologize to Your Majesty and Ninth Miss."

The Empress Dowager smiled faintly, "How does the Crown Prince intend to make amends?"

Tuoba Hong hurriedly replied, "My sister is kneeling outside. I await Your Majesty's judgment on her punishment!"

The Empress Dowager gave a cold laugh. Since Tuoba Wu was already kneeling, what more could she possibly demand? She studied Tuoba Hong for a moment, "These are the Crown Prince's words, but I wonder if the princess herself acknowledges her wrongdoing?"

Tuoba Hong responded eagerly, "Very well, I shall bring my sister in immediately to personally apologize to Ninth Miss."

Turning around, he shouted, "Guards! Bring the princess inside!"

A guard acknowledged from outside and moved to help Tuoba Wu up, but the moment he touched her, she collapsed with closed eyes. At the guard's alarmed cry, Tuoba Hong spun around and rushed out.

Outside the tent, he found Tuoba Wu lying pale and unconscious on the ground. Anxiously, he scooped her up and called her name twice, but she remained unresponsive.

Qin Guan supported the Empress Dowager as they emerged. Seeing Tuoba Wu in such a state, her anger dissipated somewhat. Tuoba Hong pleaded, "Empress Dowager, my sister is truly remorseful. This incident nearly caused a disaster, and she has knelt all night begging for Your Majesty and Ninth Miss's forgiveness—"

The Empress Dowager snorted, "Enough. Since Ninth girl emerged unharmed, I shall let it pass. But if there is a next time, Your Highness should not assume mere kneeling will suffice. Take the princess back. I shall summon the imperial physician for you."

Tuoba Hong expressed profuse thanks before carrying Tuoba Wu away in haste.

Watching his genuine concern for his sister, the Empress Dowager sighed, "With such a troublesome younger sister, this crown prince has no easy path." She then turned to Qin Guan, "Do you still feel wronged?"

Qin Guan smiled and shook her head, "Since witnessing Your Majesty's righteous anger yesterday, my grievances have vanished."

The Empress Dowager chuckled fondly, "Silly child—"

Noticing the chill in the air, Qin Guan guided the Empress Dowager back inside while sharing, "When I was young and my parents were still alive, if I felt wronged, the hurt would linger when they remained neutral. But if they stood firmly by my side, making me feel protected and vindicated, I would recover quickly."

This childlike perspective softened the Empress Dowager's gaze further, "Such thoughts belong to a sensible child. You should know, some children grow more unruly the more their parents indulge them. Clearly, you were always well-behaved, which is why you later embraced the healing Path with compassion."

As Qin Guan and the Empress Dowager conversed warmly, the matter was temporarily laid to rest.

Meanwhile, Tuoba Hong carried Tuoba Wu back to their tent and ordered the release of her two maidservants. Shortly after, the traveling imperial physician arrived. After thorough examination, the physician frowned deeply, "Her Highness suffers from physical exhaustion and has contracted wind-cold. I shall first use needle therapy to revive her, then prepare a prescription."

Tuoba Hong immediately consented. Following the physician's needle therapy, nearly half an hour passed before Tuoba Wu gradually regained consciousness.Though Tuoba Wu had awakened, her eyes remained vacant. Two maids first fed her warm congee, then administered the medicinal soup. After a long while, Tuoba Wu still seemed dazed. Watching from the side, Tuoba Hong sighed, "Wu'er, are you blaming me?"

Only then did a flicker of emotion appear in Tuoba Wu's eyes.

Tuoba Hong moved closer to her bedside and sighed, "Do you still think I'm forcing you? But have you considered how truly reckless you were yesterday? You are a princess of Northern Wei, yet you show no awareness of your position. At home, you could act however you wished, but now that we're in Great Zhou, you must think carefully about what you can do for Northern Wei!"

Tuoba Wu's eyes reddened slightly. She wasn't truly spiritless - she had already knelt in apology, so why wouldn't Tuoba Hong let her be?

Seeing her reddened eyes but continued silence, Tuoba Hong felt helpless. "Wu'er, when you're better, we'll personally visit the Empress Dowager. You should apologize to Ninth Miss yourself."

Tuoba Wu clenched her fists! Hadn't kneeling all night been enough?!

Did she need to be trampled into the mud before these people to satisfy them?!

Tuoba Wu turned her head, her eyes fixed intently on Tuoba Hong.

Seeing her stubborn gaze, Tuoba Hong realized she hadn't sincerely repented - she had only knelt because he forced her. Frowning, he thought Tuoba Wu had been far too spoiled in Northern Wei!

He wanted to scold her further, but seeing her condition, he couldn't bring himself to. Sighing, he said, "The grand hunt is about to begin. I'll be out all day today and won't return until evening. Rest well here, we'll discuss other matters when I return tonight."

Looking at Tuoba Hong's face, Tuoba Wu felt as if her elder brother had become a stranger. Seeing him waiting for her response, she let out a cold laugh and hoarsely uttered one word: "Go.""

Tuoba Hong froze, while all the maids and guards in the room were startled.

Taking a deep breath, Tuoba Hong decided not to stay longer. As he turned, he noticed a small bell beside Tuoba Wu. Seeing the characters and bloodstains on it, he was momentarily surprised. "Is this Crescent's bell?"

Hearing this, Tuoba Wu immediately clutched the bell tightly in her hand.

Tuoba Hong found this very strange. "Didn't you say you couldn't find Crescent?"

Mentioning Crescent only stirred up the anger in Tuoba Wu's heart.

She pressed her lips tightly together, glaring at Tuoba Hong with hostile eyes.

Full of doubts yet seeing the clear bloodstains on the bell, Tuoba Hong said, "You only found Crescent's bell? There's blood on it - Crescent must have met with some misfortune."

Tuoba Wu shut her eyes abruptly. Tuoba Hong would never know that this bell had been delivered by Yan Chi!

If he had found it himself, she might still hold some hope, but this was Yan Chi's gift to her!

Her Crescent had clearly been killed by Yan Chi!

Seeing Tuoba Wu like this, Tuoba Hong shook his head. "After the hunt today, I'll send people to search for her."

With time running late, Tuoba Hong, mindful of the grand hunt, instructed the maids before turning to leave.As soon as Tuoba Hong left, the maidservants finally snapped out of their shock and rushed to Tuoba Wu's bedside. They knew that a large part of the reason Tuoba Wu had gone to kneel and apologize yesterday was because of them.

"Your Highness, if you feel wronged, please cry it out."

"Your Highness, please don't blame the Crown Prince..."

"Your Highness, why is the bell here? Your Highness, Crescent Moon will surely be fine..."

The maidservants tried to console her one after another, but Tuoba Wu remained motionless and silent.

......

......

In the square before the main tent, military drums thundered and horns blared in unison. Today was the third day of the hunt—the first grand hunt. From this day onward, the noble youths of the three kingdoms would begin competing to see who could bag the most game. The top performer each day would receive generous rewards.

The sun had just peeked over the horizon, yet the square was already bustling with fluttering banners and a lively crowd. Apart from Yan Huai, all the royal family members had donned their military attire once more, mounted their horses, and stood at the forefront. Behind them were other noble youths and their accompanying guards. Yan Huai, who did not need to go up the mountain today, watched the vibrant energy of the young people below and couldn't help but sigh to the Empress Dowager.

"When I stood down there back in the day, I was just like these youngsters."

The Empress Dowager laughed. "Indeed, and at that time, I was as fair-faced as the Empress."

Zhao Shuhua chuckled at this. "Your Highness, you are still just as fair now—"

Feng Lingsu quickly added, "Exactly, and Your Majesty is still as vigorous as ever."

The pleasant words brought smiles to both Yan Huai and the Empress Dowager. Below, everyone began receiving their bows and arrows. To prevent discrepancies in military equipment from affecting the outcome, the bows and arrows used today were all different. Each person could bring up to four guards, with one bow and ten arrows per person—meaning each master had only fifty arrows in total. Even the best archer would be helpless without encountering prey, while a poor marksman would have only fifty chances even with game right in front of them.

In addition, everyone could carry their personal weapons, but how many birds or beasts could be hunted with a sword? Thus, these fifty arrows were everyone's most crucial opportunity.

Qin Guan stood by the Empress Dowager's side and glanced up to see the area around the auxiliary tents filled with noble ladies and young misses, including Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. Most of the men in the field were young nobles, each radiating vigor and vitality, stirring the hearts of the noble young ladies around them. Qin Shuang, however, pointed at the markings on the arrows and asked, "Why are everyone's arrows different?"

Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu stood beside the two. Hearing this, Hu Shi smiled and explained, "Because disputes over prey can arise." To avoid confusion over who shot the prey, each person's arrows are marked differently. For example, the Crown Prince marks his arrowheads with the character 'Che,' while Prince Cheng marks his with the character 'Qi.'"

Qin Shuang's face lit up with understanding. "So that's how it is! This method is indeed practical!"

As Qin Shuang spoke, she noticed Qin Chaoyu gazing intently into the field. Following her gaze, she saw Yan Che clad in crimson-gold armor. Qin Shuang smiled to herself—Qin Chaoyu truly lived up to her status as the Crown Princess-to-be!Thinking this, Qin Shuang glanced to her other side and saw Qin Xiang also gazing softly at someone in the field. Qin Shuang felt a flicker of surprise in her heart and tried to identify who Qin Xiang was watching, but Qin Xiang suddenly lowered her eyes.

Suspicious, Qin Shuang looked toward the square and noticed several people staring in their direction.

Her eyes darting around, Qin Shuang realized she was flanked by noble young ladies in splendid attire and couldn't help but smile wryly. This scene probably rivaled the so-called Lantern Festival Banquet, except this time it was women appraising men.

With another sigh, she thought these young noblemen were indeed imposing, but they were beyond her reach. Bored, Qin Shuang's gaze drifted to the guards holding flags and beating drums around them. Could Xue Qingshan be among them? Scanning the crowd, she actually spotted someone who resembled Xue Qingshan. That day, she had been too far away to see clearly, so she whispered, "Look, that person holding the red 'Yan' banner in the northwest direction—is that Xue Qingshan?"

Qin Xiang's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately turned to look where Qin Shuang indicated.

At this glance, Qin Xiang felt a tremor in her heart. Although she had also been far away that day, she was the one who cared most about what Xue Qingshan looked like and had observed him most clearly. Now, she recognized him at once.

Though his features were indistinct, his aloof demeanor—present in the midst of the bustle yet detached from it—was unmistakable. Qin Xiang abruptly lowered her eyes. So Xue Qingshan was really here!

"What's wrong? Is that person Xue Qingshan or not?"

Qin Xiang shook her head, "I didn't see clearly either—"

Qin Shuang was somewhat disappointed. "It's been several days; my memory is a bit hazy too."

Since Qin Xiang hadn't given a definite answer, Qin Shuang turned her gaze toward Qin Guan's direction and whispered, "Later, let's go find Ninth Sister. What happened yesterday was too frightening; we should check on her."

Qin Xiang glanced toward Qin Guan and hesitated, "But she's with the Empress Dowager. Is it appropriate for us to approach? Besides, Uncle mentioned yesterday that the Empress Dowager would handle it for her. This morning, wasn't the matter already resolved? That Northern Wei princess even knelt all night—it's some form of vengeance for her."

Feeling restless and even wanting to leave, Qin Xiang listened as Qin Shuang shook her head in disagreement. "But it's still different. Yesterday, we couldn't help and didn't want to add to the chaos, but today we should go see her, shouldn't we? At least to check how serious her injuries are."

Saying this, Qin Xiang swept a glance toward Qin Guan. "She's standing fine; she should be alright."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang also felt like backing down. "Then... alright. If we really have to approach the Empress Dowager, I'm a bit scared..."

As she spoke, Qin Xiang truly lost interest in the spectacle and pulled Qin Shuang to return to their tent.

Qin Shuang hadn't had her fill of watching yet, but seeing Qin Xiang seemed in low spirits, she had no choice but to accompany her back.

From afar, Qin Guan watched Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang leave midway, unsure what had happened, and made a mental note of it. Meanwhile, Yan Chi had received his bow and arrows. Qin Guan looked into the distance and saw Yan Chi standing tall and handsome, exuding a carefree grace. The corners of her lips lifted slightly as Yan Chi met her gaze from afar for a moment.Soon, everyone was ready. Yan Huai personally beat the war drum to signal the departure, and the large troops marched out of the camp in a grand procession. Standing on the high platform, Yan Huai’s expression brightened as he declared, “I believe everyone will have a fruitful hunt today!”

Among the troops, Tuoba Hong and Tuoba Rui happened to ride side by side with Liu Yun, the prince of Western Liang. Liu Yun, guiding his horse, smiled at Tuoba Hong and asked, “Why isn’t Her Highness the Princess joining the hunt today?”

Early this morning, the news of Tuoba Wu kneeling before the Empress Dowager's tent to plead for forgiveness had already spread far and wide. Though it was an act of contrition, it was also utterly humiliating. Tuoba Hong, well aware of Liu Yun's ill intentions, sneered coldly, "There's no need for the Third Prince to trouble himself with this matter."

Liu Yun smiled, "Speaking of which, Her Highness the Princess has been far too indulged. However, the Crown Prince is quite resourceful, still managing to make the Princess kneel." The more Liu Yun spoke, the more pleased he became. He glanced at Tuoba Hong's quiver and added, "I've heard that the Crown Prince of Northern Wei is not skilled in martial arts but diligent in governance? Would fifty arrows be too many for today? Perhaps share some with me? If I hit any targets, the credit can go to Northern Wei. Otherwise, I'm afraid Northern Wei will remain at the bottom in today's grand hunt..."

Tuoba Rui frowned, "Where does the Third Prince get the confidence to say such things?! My elder brother is the Crown Prince of Northern Wei, unlike some who only know how to wag their tongues. Ah, no wonder—some are merely princes born to low-status mothers."

At these words, Liu Yun's eyes widened sharply. His mother's status was indeed low; she had gained favor solely due to her beauty. Though she now held the position of Imperial Consort, her humble origins were like an indelible stain, constantly criticized!

Liu Yun glared fiercely at Tuoba Rui and Tuoba Hong, sneering, "The Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince should be careful during today's hunt. The mountains and forests are dense—if you're accidentally injured by prey or struck by a stray arrow, it would be quite a joke."

With that, he cracked his whip and rode off arrogantly—

In mountain hunting, stray arrows causing harm are indeed taboo. Therefore, each person's guards would hold high a banner bearing their master's name, so others could spot someone in that direction from afar.

Liu Yun's words were clearly a curse upon them. Tuoba Rui swung his fist through the air, "He's the one who should die!"

Tuoba Hong shook his head, "Don't waste words on him. Let's take the western path up the mountain."

Seeing Liu Yun heading east toward the downstream area, Tuoba Hong decided to take the upstream western route. This way, they could avoid encountering Liu Yun and any potential conflict. The incident with Tuoba Wu had already caused enough disgrace; today, he only wanted to focus on the hunt.

Tuoba Rui snorted lightly and followed behind Tuoba Hong.

...

...

As the main hunting party set out, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor dispersed. Qin Guan, unaware of what had just happened with Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, and thinking that the Marquis household must have learned of her incident with Tuoba Wu, requested leave from the Empress Dowager and headed toward the Marquis's tent.

Upon arriving at the Marquis's tent, she found everyone still somewhat worried.

Hu Shi took Qin Guan's hand, still shaken, and said, "Thank goodness the Empress Dowager stood up for you. Otherwise, we wouldn't have known how to seek justice for you. Are the wounds on your hand severe?"

Qin Guan shook her head, "Not severe. They're bandaged and should heal within half a month."

Hu Shi immediately cautioned, "Good, then remember—be sure not to let them get wet."

Qin Guan smiled in agreement. Qin Shu, who had rushed back from the armory upon hearing of Qin Guan's arrival, hurriedly asked, "Everything was fine—why did the Northern Wei Princess treat you like that? Doesn't she know you're favored by the Empress Dowager?"

Qin Chaoyu also looked at Qin Guan, "Yes, she is, after all, a Northern Wei Princess. She wouldn't act so recklessly without reason. Did you offend her in some way?"Qin Guan's lips tightened slightly, the smile in her eyes fading. Due to their differing statuses, even in such a straightforward matter of right and wrong, she, the victim, would be doubted. Though Tuoba Wu had her reasons this time, what did it matter? Wrongdoing remained wrongdoing. Qin Guan shook her head, "I don't know. Perhaps she's lost her mind."

Qin Guan spoke bluntly. Qin Chaoyu raised an eyebrow, while Qin Shu was momentarily taken aback before smiling, "Anyway, it's over. What matters is you're fine. Judging by Crown Prince Tuoba's attitude, he's a reasonable man."

Qin Shu was no longer young. Men of his generation no longer went hunting in the mountains but stayed in the camp, either discussing state affairs with the Emperor or assisting various departments in coordinating camp matters.

Qin Shu had returned specifically to inquire in detail about the Empress Dowager's health. Only after he finished did Qin Guan leave the main tent with Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang. Seeing the three sisters depart together, Qin Chaoyu couldn't help but snort softly.

Though she disdained being close to Qin Guan and the others, watching the three sisters coming and going together still felt irritating. She turned to Qin Shu, "Father, is this truly harmless? After all, they're the Crown Prince and Princess of Northern Wei. That princess is wild and unrestrained—what if she holds a grudge against Qin Guan and extends it to us?"

Qin Shu pondered briefly before shaking his head, "It shouldn't come to that. They'll return to Northern Wei in at most a month. Once they're gone, this matter will be forgotten. Besides, with the Empress Dowager presiding, it has nothing to do with our Marquis Estate."

Qin Chaoyu nodded, remaining silent for a moment. Hu Shi then said, "Is this grand hunt crucial? I just noticed the men around Prince Cheng are all top-notch experts, and the Crown Prince's are too."

Qin Shu nodded, "Naturally, it's crucial. With Northern Wei and Western Liang present, whoever takes the lead is extremely important. Anyone who surpasses Northern Wei and Western Liang, earning face for Great Zhou, will receive high praise from both the Emperor and the officials."

Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu grew anxious, "Then can Father assist the Crown Prince?"

Qin Shu smiled wryly, "I can only ensure the Crown Prince's arrows won't have any issues. As for other matters, I believe Empress has her own arrangements—"

Only then did Qin Chaoyu feel relieved.

Meanwhile, the three sisters entered a small tent. After hearing Qin Guan's account, Qin Shuang hurriedly lifted Qin Guan's skirt and pulled up her undergarments, immediately seeing large bruises on Qin Guan's legs. Qin Guan's skin was originally delicate and fair, making the injuries appear even more purplish-blue by contrast. Qin Shuang fumed, "That Northern Wei princess truly has lost her mind! You only meant to help her, yet she repays kindness with enmity. How can someone like her be a princess of a nation?"

Qin Xiang also sighed, "I thought it was just a minor injury on her hand. I didn't expect such severe wounds on her body!"

Qin Guan pulled Qin Shuang up and straightened her skirt, smiling, "It's fine. What am I here for? No injury can trouble me. I applied medicine last night, and it's almost healed now."

She then asked, "Why did you two leave so early earlier?"

Qin Shuang shot an annoyed glance at Qin Xiang, "It's all because of her. I don't know what came over her—she suddenly insisted on leaving. Let me tell you, I thought I saw Xue Qingshan this afternoon and told her, but she said she couldn't see clearly."Qin Shuang grinned mischievously, "I wonder if she left in such a hurry because she was afraid Xue Qingshan might actually be there."

Qin Guan's smile deepened, "Actually, I asked—"

Qin Guan had indeed inquired on Qin Xiang's behalf, but she had asked Yan Chi. Yan Chi sent Bai Feng to investigate, and it turned out Xue Qingshan was indeed at the camp—not only there, but also assigned to guard the square. This meant he had the best chance of being seen.

"Those from their Garrison Battalion are all responsible for patrols and security in the square. If you want to see him, you just need to walk around the square more often—"

Qin Shuang gasped softly, "Ah, then the person I saw earlier must have been him! He looked familiar, but it was too far to see clearly. He was carrying a flag, yet he wasn't with the main troops—it must have been him."

Qin Shuang and Qin Guan exchanged glances. Qin Shuang said excitedly, "Why don't we go out and look again? Maybe he's still there!"

But Qin Xiang suddenly took a step back, "I'm not going, and neither are you!"

Her tone was resolute, startling the other two. They saw Qin Xiang's face flushed, her eyes tinged with annoyance, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She seemed to want to say something but couldn't find the words.

Qin Guan quickly pulled Qin Shuang back, "What's there to see? If Young Master Xue finds out, he'll think we're being forward."

Qin Shuang snorted lightly, utterly baffled by Qin Xiang. If it were her, she would definitely go see what her future husband looked like, but Qin Xiang was always too reserved and shy. "Fine, fine, we won't look. But you—if you see him in advance, you'll be prepared. You'll know what kind of person he is, so you can feel at ease when you marry him. Otherwise, you might panic on your wedding night..."

Qin Xiang's face turned crimson as she snapped, "What nonsense—"

She wasn't married yet—what wedding night!

And besides... besides, a wedding night with someone like that!

Thinking of the men on horseback and then the one buried in a corner, sweating profusely as he carried a flag, Qin Xiang felt her hair stand on end. She clenched her delicate fists tightly, two voices warring in her mind.

Qin Shuang realized she had said too much and laughed it off, changing the subject to ask Qin Guan about her time in the Empress Dowager's tent. As they spoke, the conversation turned to the Zhongguo Duke's residence. "You have no idea—that Miss Feng parades past our area every day, all dressed up. The day before yesterday, it was the rabbit from the Noble Consort, and yesterday it was some sable... It made Eighth Sister furious..."

Qin Guan wasn't staying in the women's tents, so she hadn't known about the clashes between Feng Chenbi and Qin Chaoyu. The three chatted for a while, with Qin Xiang chiming in occasionally. Seeing that it was getting late, Qin Guan returned to the Empress Dowager's side.

Hunting always carried some risks, and the Empress Dowager was quite worried. "Yan Li has practiced martial arts since childhood, but it's all for show. He went along today too—I hope nothing goes wrong."

Mammy Chen reassured her, "It won't, Your Majesty. His Highness Chi is with him."

At this, the Empress Dowager smiled and turned to Qin Guan. "Guess who will bag the most prey today?"

Caught off guard by the question, Qin Guan felt a bit nervous. After a moment's thought, she ventured, "Would it be His Highness the Crown Prince?"Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled. "Today is a hunting expedition. Although the Crown Prince's martial arts are passable, he hasn't had much time to practice lately. Yan Chi, on the other hand, has been stationed in Shuoxi all along. People say he cuts down enemies like slicing melons—could he possibly lose to the Crown Prince?"

Qin Guan thought for a moment and nodded in genuine agreement. "Your Highness makes a valid point."

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "Then would you like to make a wager with me?"

Naturally, Qin Guan played along. "Of course! What would Your Highness like to bet on?"

After a brief pause, the Empress Dowager proposed, "Let's bet on whether the Crown Prince or Prince Cheng will bag the most game. What do you think?"

Though they had been discussing Yan Chi earlier, the bet shifted to Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince. Qin Guan and the Empress Dowager exchanged glances, and both young and old simultaneously broke into laughter. Qin Guan nodded. "Very well, you choose first."

The Empress Dowager pondered. "I shouldn't take advantage of you. I'll pick the less likely one—Prince Cheng."

This grand hunt was not as simple as it appeared on the surface; someone would inevitably compete for the top spot, and that person certainly wouldn't be Yan Chi. Thus, even though Yan Chi was theoretically the most skilled, the Empress Dowager excluded him from consideration. In comparison, the Crown Prince, being the Heir Apparent, was the crowd's favorite. Others either wouldn't dare surpass him or couldn't, making his chances naturally higher.

Qin Guan smiled. "Then I'll bet on the Crown Prince! But what shall we wager?"

The Empress Dowager scanned the room and pointed. "Let's wager this deerskin that the Emperor sent over yesterday."

During the first day's minor hunt, Yan Huai had hunted a deer, and its hide was later delivered to the Empress Dowager. Using it as a wager was perfectly fitting. After some thought, Qin Guan said, "Your Highness lacks nothing, so how about I wager a brand new Medicine Sachet? One that can clear your ears and brighten your eyes!"

The two, young and old, cheerfully settled their bet. Mammy Chen watched from the side with amusement. Because of the wager, they eagerly anticipated the hunting party's return. Yan Sui, also present, found it quite entertaining and waited expectantly. The grand hunt was set to conclude at the end of the Xu hour (7-9 PM), and those returning late would have their game disqualified. From the You hour (5-7 PM) onward, hunters began trickling back to camp. Yan Chi, as expected, returned in the middle of the pack, while the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng arrived just before the Xu hour deadline!

Yan Huai led the imperial consorts to the main seats on the high platform, and the Empress Dowager brought Qin Guan to the outer area. The Imperial Guards were tallying each hunter's game count one by one. With many participants, the counting lasted until nightfall. Just as everyone waited with keen interest, several fast horses suddenly charged through the camp entrance, heading straight for the front!

All returning hunters had dismounted and formed lines. The arrival of these horses was swift and abrupt, displaying great discourtesy. Frowning, Yan Huai heard the newcomers shout several times. He ordered Yuan Qing to investigate. Soon, Yuan Qing returned with an anxious expression.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince of Northern Wei has gone missing!"