Coroner's Diary

"What's wrong? What are you looking at?"

Seeing Qin Guan staring intently at the wounds on Tuoba Hong's body, Tuoba Wu couldn't help but ask softly. Qin Guan replied quietly, "You haven't been applying medicine to your elder brother these past few days, have you?"

"Of course not," Tuoba Wu answered immediately. "I didn't dare apply any medicine recklessly."

Qin Guan nodded, her frown deepening. "Something's not right."

Tuoba Wu didn't understand what was happening—how could applying medicine make things seem wrong? "What is it? Is my elder brother..."

"The wounds on your elder brother's back have become lighter because several days have passed. Aside from the festering injuries, other areas have begun to heal naturally, and even the blue-purple bruises have faded significantly. In comparison, however, the wounds on his waist appear darker in color. This doesn't make sense—since these injuries are exposed, they should theoretically heal faster."

Tuoba Wu frowned. "Could it be that the external injuries were originally more severe?"

Qin Guan thought for a moment but didn't respond immediately. What Tuoba Wu said was possible, but unfortunately, when Tuoba Hong was brought back, she hadn't been able to immediately examine the wounds on his back, so she couldn't compare them at the time.

Qin Guan sighed, leaned over to check Tuoba Hong's eyelids, and felt his pulse. "He should have woken up by now. If he doesn't wake soon, there could be trouble."

In just a few days, Tuoba Hong had visibly lost weight. He hadn't eaten or drunk anything, surviving only on medicinal soup. If he remained unconscious, he wouldn't last much longer. Tuoba Wu's heart ached at these words. "Right now, I just want my elder brother to wake up. I don't even care about catching the culprit anymore. If he can wake up, I'd be willing to let the murderer go."

Qin Guan shook her head. "The murderer will definitely be caught, don't worry.""

Tuoba Wu snorted lightly. I know the heir apparent made a pledge before the Great Zhou Emperor, vowing to catch the murderer who injured Fu Desheng within three days. It's true that Liu Yun's loss of the general is pitiable, but I haven't been pressuring you!"

Qin Guan couldn't agree inwardly. Given Tuoba Wu's temper, if anything truly happened to Tuoba Hong, the consequences would likely be far worse than a hundred Liu Yuns. "General Fu's death is indeed the responsibility of Great Zhou, and the Third Prince's feelings are understandable. Half a day has already passed—we must catch the murderer by the morning of the day after tomorrow."

Tuoba Wu asked, "Is it possible? Are there any clues now?"

Qin Guan shook her head without responding. Whether out of principle or practicality, she couldn't share what she knew with Tuoba Wu.

After staying in the tent a while longer, Qin Guan asked Xu Chang upon leaving, "Deputy Captain Xu, how often do your guards change shifts?"

Xu Chang hurriedly replied, "Usually every three hours, but sometimes it varies."

Qin Guan nodded, seeming lost in thought. Xu Chang then asked, "Why do you ask, Ninth Miss?"

After a moment's consideration, Qin Guan said, "It's nothing. Deputy Captain Xu, you've worked hard. Make sure no one else enters."

Xu Chang quickly assured her repeatedly, and only then did Qin Guan head toward the Empress Dowager's tent.

Upon returning to the Empress Dowager's tent, the Empress Dowager immediately took Qin Guan's hand. "Ninth girl, come quickly. You've been so busy these past two days, I haven't had a chance to hear the details of what happened earlier. You still haven't told me—where did you learn your corpse examination skills?"Qin Guan smiled and said, "In my childhood, I first learned medicine from my parents, then later read various miscellaneous books. Once, I picked up a book thinking it was about medicine, but unexpectedly, it later delved into forensic techniques. Though most of it was nonsense, it gave me some inspiration. From then on, I paid more attention to such matters. Coupled with my fondness for reading strange tales and legends passed down from previous dynasties, I gradually developed an interest in emulating those wise officials in deducing and solving cases..."

Empress Dowager laughed, "Indeed! Earlier, the Empress brought your eighth sister to pay respects, and your eighth sister mentioned that your father and mother had a keen interest in medical studies in their early years, which is how they taught you. You have remarkable talent—even without a formal teacher, you mastered it. Not only that, but you also achieved great success in forensic techniques by following medical principles. Tell me, how did you solve the case involving Grand Princess’s family in Jinzhou?"

While in Jinzhou, Qin Guan had actually assisted Huo Huaixin with two cases. Because one involved Duke Song’s estate and Marquis Anyang Manor, the Emperor had not mentioned it that day, but the Empress Dowager later found out.

Qin Guan sat down and omitted many frightening details, sharing only what was appropriate to hear. Even so, the Empress Dowager listened with trepidation, exclaiming, "Heavens! I thought I was quite brave in my youth, but I never imagined someone as daring as you. How could you be so bold, Ninth girl? I truly feel inferior to your courage!"

Qin Guan replied, "Actually, once you understand it, it’s not so bad. Besides, I act with integrity and sit upright—even if something were to happen, I would never be afraid." She added with a smile, "I don’t really mind these things; usually, it’s others who care more."

Knowing Qin Guan was referring to others’ gossip, the Empress Dowager sniffed lightly, "Those who achieve great things do not fuss over minor details, nor do they fear rumors. I know you are exceptional, Ninth girl. This time, assist Yan Chi well. Once this case is thoroughly investigated, I will surely have the Emperor reward you handsomely! How does that sound?"

A spark of excitement lit up Qin Guan’s face, her smile broadening, "That would be wonderful—"

In front of Yan Huai and others like Liu Yun, Yan Chi had made a military pledge to solve the case within three days. This news quickly spread throughout the camp, tightening the nerves of the Great Zhou people. Meanwhile, Northern Wei and Western Liang waited watchfully. The cases involving Northern Wei and Western Liang might be separate or entirely unrelated. With Liu Yun taking such action, if Yan Chi failed to solve the case, Northern Wei would not wait indefinitely. If Yan Chi succeeded, Northern Wei would have more reason to exert pressure.

As evening fell, Yan Chi did not launch any large-scale investigations. Instead, he assigned people to keep watch on two tall, lean warriors from Northern Wei. Whether these two were on guard duty, patrolling, or simply staying in their tent without stepping out, the observers outside remained steadfastly vigilant. However, this scene did not escape the notice of Xu Chang.The two tall, lean men were named Wei Chan and Xiao Yu, both elite warriors selected from Northern Wei for this mission. Like Xu Chang, they served in the Northern Wei Imperial Guard. Xu Chang held the position of deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, while the chief commander remained in Northern Wei to protect the imperial city. Xu Chang had been chosen to lead the personal guards for Tuoba Hong and his two companions. Tuoba Hong had brought nearly a hundred guards, with about thirty allowed close attendance. Xu Chang was intimately familiar with each of them, and Wei Chan and Xiao Yu were among those selected to accompany Tuoba Hong up the mountain on the day of the hunt.

When Tuoba Wu selected guards to protect the main tent, he naturally chose those whom Tuoba Hong trusted personally. Xu Chang was one of them, and most of the other guards were also from the group that had gone up the mountain. Xu Chang had left the Northern Wei warriors' camp three times, and each time he noticed someone stationed at the intersection not far away. Previously, there had been no patrol posts set up there. At first, Xu Chang didn't understand why, but when he saw the guards secretly following Wei Chan as he left the main tent, it finally dawned on him.

After pondering the connections, Xu Chang understood.

Qin Guan had asked him about her visit to the medicine storage, and he had replied that he heard about it from his comrades. At that time, the guards on duty were Wei Chan and Xiao Yu. Thus, suspicion had fallen on those who knew when the medicine apprentice would leave the pharmacy.

Xu Chang mulled it over until nightfall, and unable to hold back any longer, he detained Wei Chan and Xiao Yu in the main tent.

Wei Chan and Xiao Yu were puzzled, with Wei Chan asking, "Brother Xu, what's going on?"

Only the three of them were in the tent, and it was clear Xu Chang had something important to say.

Xu Chang fixed a cold gaze on Wei Chan and Xiao Yu, then after a moment said, "Both of you were on the mountain that day. Did you have anything to do with the Crown Prince's mishap? Or with General Fu of Western Liang's incident?"

Wei Chan and Xiao Yu were stunned. Xiao Yu exclaimed, "Brother Xu, what are you talking about?! You know who we are! We've been Imperial Guards protecting the Eastern Palace in Northern Wei and have shared a long bond with the Crown Prince. How could we harm him? And as for General Fu, we have no grudge against him—why would we want to harm him?"

Wei Chan added, "Exactly! Why would you suddenly accuse us like this?"

Xu Chang narrowed his eyes and gave a cold laugh. "You two are agile and have been with the Crown Prince for a long time. It's precisely because he trusts you that you could have harmed him. Do you think it's me suspecting you?! It's not me! It's the heir apparent of Great Zhou! Don't you realize you're already under surveillance?!"

Wei Chan and Xiao Yu were taken aback, looking bewilderedly toward the tent entrance. Xu Chang continued, "Those people at the intersection aren't newly added patrols—they're here to watch you! Every move you make is under their eyes!"

As he spoke, Xu Chang swept a piercing gaze over them. "I know your characters, but it's possible someone is hiding their true nature exceptionally well. Tell me, how did you move about on the mountain that day, or did you see anything unusual?"Wei Chan was somewhat shaken by Xu Chang's words and hurriedly explained, "We said this earlier, Brother Xu, Deputy Captain Xu. You have to believe us—we followed the orders to disperse and kept moving forward. It wasn't until the Fifth Highness fired the signal flare that we headed toward it. We never turned back during the entire time, and we weren't even on the same path as the Crown Prince. How could we have harmed His Highness?"

Xu Chang's gaze was extremely stern. "Then why do the Great Zhou people suspect the two of you?"

Wei Chan and Xiao Yu wore expressions as if they were about to cry. Xiao Yu, disbelieving, even stepped out of the tent to take a look. Soon, he returned and met Wei Chan's questioning gaze. With a tearful face, Xiao Yu nodded and said, "They really are watching us. I didn’t notice it at all during the day!" Then he turned to Xu Chang. "What exactly is going on?! How could suspicion fall on us?!"

Xu Chang’s eyes still held doubt as he looked at Wei Chan and Xiao Yu. Hearing this, he continued, "The one leading the investigation this time is the young marshal of the Northwest Frontier Army. You should know—whatever they’ve uncovered or learned, I’m not aware of it. So, for now, I can’t trust you either. I’m only here to ask you one thing: after all, we are of the same nation. If it was you who did it, tell me now. I’ll go to the Princess and the Fifth Highness, and we can handle it without involving the Zhou people. Perhaps we can still spare your lives."

Wei Chan and Xiao Yu looked utterly helpless. Wei Chan straightened his chest and declared, "Why assume it was us?! We have clear consciences! We can confront them right now! Deputy Captain Xu, come with us!"

Wei Chan turned to leave, but Xu Chang barked softly, "Stop right there!"

Wei Chan halted and turned back with a pained expression. "I really can face them! I just can’t understand why suspicion has fallen on us! Whether it’s the Crown Prince or General Fu, we have no motive!"

Xu Chang narrowed his eyes as if pondering the matter. After a moment, he frowned, as if recalling something unpleasant.

Wei Chan stepped forward. "Deputy Captain Xu, what is it? What have you thought of?"

Xu Chang frowned and said, "I find it very strange. I also believe there’s no reason to suspect you two. Yet, the heir apparent of Yan has made such arrangements. He and the Third Prince of Western Liang have made a military pledge, and there’s only one day left…"

Xiao Yu reacted swiftly. "If the culprit isn’t caught by then, the Third Prince of Western Liang will demand accountability. So, given the heir apparent of Yan’s ruthless nature, to resolve this crisis, he must catch the perpetrator no matter what!"

Wei Chan’s face turned pale. "So… he needs to find scapegoats to bear the Third Prince’s wrath?!" The more he spoke, the more plausible it seemed. Anxiously, he added, "What do we do now? That heir apparent of Yan is so feared by the Rong enemies in the Northwest Frontier Army. He’s not just ruthless—and since we’re from Northern Wei, he certainly won’t hesitate to sacrifice our lives…"

Xiao Yu broke out in a cold sweat. "I’ve heard about the heir apparent of Yan’s interrogation methods—even the Rong enemies can’t endure them…"

Wei Chan shuddered. "Could it be that the heir apparent of Yan really plans to use us to close the case?"Wei Chan and Xiao Yu both tensed up. If it were anyone else, it might not matter, but this time the person who had made the military pledge was Yan Chi. For this young commander of the Northwest Frontier Army, their fear outweighed their respect. Moreover, this matter involved diplomatic relations among three nations. Yan Chi already bore the title of Demon King, and now, in such a situation, it was only natural to find two insignificant yet plausible individuals to pin the blame on!

Xu Chang understood this possibility best, his expression growing unprecedentedly grave. "If it's a genuine investigation, there's nothing to fear. What I fear is that Heir Apparent Yan has already prepared all the evidence and is merely waiting for the right moment to make arrests."

...

...

The night was as cool as water. When Qin Guan stepped out of the main tent again, she noticed that the guard at the entrance was no longer Xu Chang. For a moment, she didn't think much of it and simply headed toward the infirmary with Baiying, who was waiting outside. "Did you tell His Highness everything?"

Baiying nodded. "Yes, I did. His Highness said he has arrangements in place and asked you not to worry."

Qin Guan nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. Only one day remained, and she feared the hearts of many people in Great Zhou were hanging in suspense. This was no ordinary case—with both Western Liang and Northern Wei involved, Great Zhou could hardly shirk responsibility.

After the previous incident, the guards around the infirmary had increased significantly. When Qin Guan arrived, two apprentices were still preparing medicines. Seeing her, they hurriedly bowed. Remembering what Xu Chang had said, Qin Guan asked, "Have you delivered the ointment for Deputy Captain Xu?"

The lead apprentice stepped forward promptly. "Yes, we did, but it was given to another warrior named Zhang. He and Deputy Captain Xu were both injured." Lowering his voice, the apprentice added, "I heard it was a fight."

The matter was no longer a secret. Qin Guan sighed. "Yes, that man drank alcohol and broke the rules."

The apprentice nodded. "That Warrior Zhang also said that Deputy Captain Xu doesn’t usually strike so harshly. He didn’t know what came over him that night. If the beating hadn’t been so severe, he wouldn’t have dared to fight back..."

As Qin Guan listened, her brow furrowed even more deeply.