Qin Guan looked at Yan Qi with perfect composure, curtsying respectfully. "Greetings, Prince Cheng."
Given Qin Guan's current distinguished status and the Empress Dowager's particular fondness for her, even Yan Qi dared not treat her disrespectfully. He scrutinized Qin Guan for a moment, then glanced at Bai Feng beside her before asking coldly, "What are you doing here?"
Caught red-handed upon Yan Qi's entry, Qin Guan had no room for denial. After a moment's contemplation, she replied frankly, "I am naturally conducting a corpse examination."
Yan Qi narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing within. "You? Conducting a corpse examination? You're not a coroner! How can you perform such duties here? Who authorized this? Does Yan Chi know? Does the Emperor know? Does the Crown Prince know?"
Qin Guan offered a wry smile. "Your Highness asks so many questions at once—which should I answer first?"
Yan Qi snorted lightly. "You're not an official coroner, and this case is of grave importance. How could Yan Chi allow you to examine the corpse?"
He recalled Yan Chi's explanations before Yan Huai, uncertain whether Yan Huai had been deceived or was aware that Qin Guan was the examiner. However, he was certain the person he'd seen at the mortuary temple was undoubtedly Qin Guan. At the time, he'd thought the slender, frail-looking youth was merely a short-statured man—it never occurred to him the examiner could be a woman. Not only was such a notion unheard of in current society, but since the establishment of the coroner profession, there had never been a female practitioner! No wonder it hadn't crossed his mind—no one would ever imagine such a thing!
The realization lodged in Yan Qi's chest like a suffocating weight. He'd been deceived that day! Deceived by Yan Chi and this young woman before him! Clenching his fists, Yan Qi stared wordlessly at Qin Guan.
Bai Feng watched nervously from the side. "Your Highness, Prince Cheng—"
Yan Qi waved a hand, cutting off Bai Feng's words. Qin Guan showed no trace of panic, speaking calmly, "Your Highness, isn't solving the case what truly matters? Does the identity of the examiner really carry such weight?"
Yan Qi studied Qin Guan with a mocking half-smile, suddenly feeling he couldn't quite fathom this young woman. Leaving aside how a girl could have learned corpse examination techniques, if she was the person at the mortuary temple last time, what about the Meng residence case afterward?
Yan Qi felt too many events in the capital had occurred without his knowledge—an intolerable situation. As these thoughts churned, footsteps sounded outside the tent again. Qin Guan's gaze sharpened, assuming the newcomer was Yan Chi, but when the tent flap lifted, it was Liu Yun who entered!
Liu Yun froze at the sight of Yan Qi, his eyes widening further when he noticed Qin Guan. "Why is Prince Cheng here?! And Ninth Miss too?! Wasn't this place supposed to be for corpse examination?!"
Seeing Liu Yun's reaction, Prince Cheng said coolly, "Ninth Miss is the examiner."
Liu Yun's face instantly filled with disbelief. "What?! Ninth Miss is conducting the examination?!"
He stared at Qin Guan, who offered no denial, then at Yan Qi's coldly arrogant expression, his brows knitting together. "Why is Ninth Miss examining the corpse?! Can't the entire military camp produce one reliable coroner? If you need an examination, fine—I'll allow it! But not as some childish game! The Emperor demanded the murderer be found within three days, and you have Ninth Miss conducting the examination here?! Are the Emperor and the Crown Prince deliberately stalling for time?"Bai Feng seemed about to speak but hesitated. Qin Guan shot him a warning glance, silencing him. Though puzzled, Bai Feng refrained from speaking further.
Qin Guan calmly stated, "Your Highness, you are mistaken. The Emperor and the Crown Prince attach great importance to this case. Assigning me to conduct the corpse examination is by no means a perfunctory measure. Moreover, my involvement does not imply unreliability!"
Liu Yun scrutinized Qin Guan from head to toe. He knew she was skilled in medicine, but he never imagined she could perform corpse examinations!
Seeing Qin Guan standing composedly beside the corpse without a trace of fear, Liu Yun felt a flicker of doubt but remained unconvinced. Frowning deeply, he declared, "Then I must ask Ninth Miss to accompany me before the Emperor. I wish to inquire whether it was His Majesty who assigned you to this task. I also want to know what exceptional abilities you possess beyond medical expertise!"
Liu Yun turned and flung open the tent flap. "Ninth Miss, after you—"
Bai Feng grew increasingly anxious, but Qin Guan cast him a reassuring glance before stepping outside. Liu Yun and Yan Qi promptly followed. Not far from the tent, they encountered Yan Chi hurrying toward them. Seeing Yan Qi and Liu Yun present, Yan Chi realized Qin Guan's identity had been exposed. Yet, a glance at Qin Guan revealed no trace of panic in her expression. On the contrary, when her eyes met Yan Chi's, they gleamed with a faint light, as if Yan Qi's actions had aligned perfectly with her own intentions.
Understanding the situation, Yan Chi made no move to intervene. Liu Yun declared, "It is fortunate the Crown Prince has arrived. Let us all go before the Emperor and confront this matter! Why did you not disclose earlier that the examiner was Ninth Miss?!"
Yan Chi remained silent, his gaze cold. Not daring to press further, Liu Yun strode purposefully toward Yan Huai's main tent.
The procession of nobles and Qin Guan, with Liu Yun fuming angrily, quickly drew the attention of nearby guards. Word spread rapidly among them. By the time Qin Guan entered Yan Huai's tent, news had already reached the Empress Dowager.
After Mammy Chen relayed the information, the Empress Dowager exclaimed in surprise, "What? That third prince of Western Liang is picking a fight with Ninth Girl?"
Mammy Chen nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. He stormed off angrily toward the Emperor's quarters!"
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager rose immediately. "Come, let us see what that young man intends to do!"
Mammy Chen hurriedly assisted the Empress Dowager as she stepped out of the tent. Just outside, they encountered Zhao Shuhua and Crown Prince Yan Che arriving to pay their respects. At the sight of them, the Empress Dowager said irritably, "No need for formalities. Ninth Girl is being bullied. I must go see what this is all about..."
Zhao Shuhua was unaware of the situation, but Yan Che frowned slightly, a sense of unease stirring within him. He quickly suggested, "Mother, shall we also go see what is happening?"
Zhao Shuhua promptly took the Empress Dowager's arm, and they proceeded together toward Yan Huai's tent.
As the group reached the tent entrance, they overheard the conversation inside. Liu Yun's furious voice rang out: "Is there truly no one among His Majesty's retinue capable of performing a corpse examination?! Why must Ninth Miss be tasked with this?!"
The tent flap was thrown open as the Empress Dowager entered with a stern expression, demanding, "What is this about Ninth Girl conducting a corpse examination?!"
Seeing the Empress Dowager, Empress, and Crown Prince arrive, Yan Huai's composed expression shifted slightly. He rose quickly and asked, "Why has Mother come?"
The Empress Dowager waved a hand dismissively. "Attend to your matters. I shall merely listen from the side. I heard Ninth Girl is being accused of some fault?"Yan Huai quickly instructed someone to bring a seat, smiling wryly as he said, "It's not a mistake."
After the Empress Dowager took her seat, she continued, "But when I entered just now, I heard the Third Prince mention corpse examination. What corpse examination? Did Ninth girl go to examine a corpse?"
Yan Huai hesitated to speak, but Liu Yun chuckled and said, "Does Your Majesty not know? In General Fu's case, His Highness Yan Chi actually had Ninth Miss conduct the corpse examination..."
The Empress Dowager's eyes widened, and she immediately turned to Yan Chi. In her mind, corpse examination was a task only coroners could perform, and coroners were considered lowly laborers. How could Yan Chi have Qin Guan examine a corpse?!
"Yan Chi, what is the meaning of this? Are there no other people in the camp? Having Ninth girl help with treating illnesses is one thing, but how could you let her examine a corpse?!"
Yan Chi pursed his lips, momentarily at a loss for words. Seeing that the matter could no longer be concealed, Yan Huai smiled bitterly and said, "Mother, it wasn’t out of desperation that we sought Ninth girl’s help. It’s because her skills in corpse examination and case deduction are exceptionally brilliant. No one in the camp can match her—not even in Lin'an City is there anyone who surpasses her."
Initially feeling sympathy for Qin Guan, the Empress Dowager was startled by Yan Huai’s words. "Your Majesty, what do you mean by that? Has Ninth girl examined corpses before?!"
Qin Guan had already accomplished great deeds, and saving the Empress Dowager was merely one of them. Now that the matter could no longer be hidden, she would inevitably face criticism. Yan Huai looked at Qin Guan and asked, "Ninth girl, how do you wish to respond to Her Majesty?"
At this point, what else could she say?
Though it was a last resort, Yan Huai clearly wanted to gauge Qin Guan’s stance.
Qin Guan lifted her head, her gaze clear and sharp. "Naturally, I will answer truthfully."
"Answer truthfully?" Yan Huai’s voice deepened. "Have you considered the consequences?"
Qin Guan nodded. "This common girl is aware of the consequences." After a brief pause, she continued calmly, "However, I believe that although the coroner’s profession is considered lowly, the work they do seeks justice for the dead and upholds fairness and righteousness for the people. In criminal cases, their role is as crucial as that of the chief officials in the Ministry of Justice. How can such an important duty be shunned by society merely because it involves contact with the deceased? In the past, my perspective was narrow, but now I have come to understand clearly. Physicians save lives and heal the wounded, earning the respect of all. Coroners speak for the dead, uncover clues, clarify injustices, apprehend criminals, and uphold the law—they, too, deserve the respect of society. If that is the case, why should my past actions be kept hidden from the world?"
She paused briefly before continuing, "I have not committed any wrongdoing; on the contrary, I have rendered meritorious service. If that is so, why should I hesitate or hold back? As the ancients said, those who serve in court should establish a moral foundation for heaven and earth, secure a livelihood for the people, preserve the wisdom of past sages, and bring peace to all generations. Though I am but a woman, I, too, aspire to stand tall and unyielding. If men can walk the path of a coroner, why can’t a woman?"
Though her tone was not impassioned, every word carried a resolute and unyielding spirit. Her posture was as straight as bamboo, exuding an indomitable pride. With these simple words, she stunned everyone in the tent!
Yan Huai gazed at Qin Guan with a solemn expression for a moment before suddenly letting out a soft laugh. Meanwhile, Liu Yun, having regained his composure, looked at Qin Guan with confusion. "Ninth Miss, why speak such grand words? After all, you are merely a woman. How could you possibly possess forensic techniques? How many corpses have you examined? How many cases have you handled?"Liu Yun's words echoed the doubts of others unaware of the inside story. Zhao Shuhua glanced at Qin Guan's profile and raised her eyebrows dismissively. She knew perfectly well that Qin Guan was a daughter of the Qin family—formerly in Jinzhou, later returning to the capital. What could a young girl possibly accomplish that warranted such righteous solemnity?
Yan Qi, however, narrowed his eyes, not daring to underestimate the situation. Earlier, he had felt his knowledge was insufficient, and now, hearing Qin Guan's words, he became increasingly aware of how much he didn't know—especially after noticing the admiration on Yan Huai's face.
Meanwhile, Yan Che watched Qin Guan, feeling equally astonished.
He only knew that Qin Guan had helped solve the serial rape-murder cases in Lin'an City but was unaware of her past exploits. He was aware of her contributions to the Meng residence case, but could she have been involved in other cases before that?
As he pondered, Yan Che turned his gaze to Yan Chi, who had known Qin Guan the longest.
The tent fell silent for a moment before Yan Huai spoke in a measured tone, "Third Prince, there's no need to worry. With Qin Guan assisting in the corpse examination, you should feel reassured. Previously, she helped solve the serial cases in Lin'an City and the murder case at the Meng residence through her corpse examinations. Not only that, but she also aided in uncovering the truth behind the Qin family crimes in Jinzhou and the renowned physician murder case on Cloud Mist Mountain in Yuanzhou. Moreover, even the Gold Heist Case in Yuzhou was resolved because Qin Guan assisted in the autopsy, revealing that the culprit had become a wealthy magnate. These are all Qin Guan's achievements. Out of concern for her reputation, I never publicly rewarded her. Now that you insist on questioning her, I will let you see just how capable she is!"
After Yan Huai finished speaking in one breath, everyone in the tent was stunned!
Liu Yun only heard about these unusual cases but didn't grasp their complexity. In contrast, Yan Che and Yan Qi were well aware, as were Zhao Shuhua and the Empress Dowager, who knew the general details of these cases!
The cases in Jinzhou and Yuanzhou were one thing, but the Yuzhou case had remained unresolved for over a decade!
It was an old case intertwined with past grievances of the Northwestern Army, and whether it was solved or not had significant implications. No one had expected that Qin Guan had played a role in cracking it. The Empress Dowager took a moment to collect herself before turning to Yan Chi, "Yan Chi, you handled the Gold Heist Case. Was it truly Ninth Girl who assisted at the time?"
Yan Chi turned and nodded, "Your Majesty, it was indeed Ninth Miss. At the time, the coroner from the Yuzhou magistrate's office was away examining another corpse. In desperation, Ninth Miss stepped in to help. The case was ultimately solved thanks to her."
The Empress Dowager took a deep breath, "Ninth Girl, why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Her tone carried both reproach and affection. Qin Guan lowered her eyes and replied, "Earlier, I feared it might attract criticism, so I worked quietly without drawing attention. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
The Empress Dowager reached out to Qin Guan, "Good child, come here quickly..."
Qin Guan stepped forward and approached the Empress Dowager. In her younger years, the Empress Dowager had also possessed a bold, martial spirit. Now, looking at Qin Guan, she felt not that the girl was tainted by inauspicious matters but that her stature had suddenly grown grand. "You're so young, yet you've accomplished such great deeds, Ninth Girl. I truly failed to recognize a pearl before!"Before Qin Guan could speak, Yan Huai had already said, "Previously, due to Qin Guan's identity, this matter remained unknown to all. Now that it has been revealed, we dare not withhold the rewards for past merits. Qin Guan, have you made your decision?"
Qin Guan turned around and replied, "Your Majesty, it would be better to wait until this case is solved before granting any rewards to Qin Guan."
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