Coroner's Diary

When Qin Shuang returned to the tent, she froze in astonishment.

The tent was completely empty—there was no sign of Qin Xiang, and even Wan He was nowhere to be seen.

Qin Shuang glanced at Wan Qing. "Where has Qin Xiang gone? If she's not here, where else could she be?"

The sun was already setting in the west. By all reasoning, Qin Xiang should have returned an hour ago. Once back at the tent, the only place she could stay was the Qin family's main tent—where else could she have gone?

As she spoke, Qin Shuang declared, "Come, let's go look for her..."

Qin Xiang had clearly been preoccupied when she left earlier. Qin Shuang had wanted to ask her about it, but now that she was missing, Qin Shuang couldn't help feeling somewhat worried. They had returned through the main gate and had already scanned the square, but there was no trace of Qin Xiang. Qin Shuang then wandered along the small paths within the camp, circling around once, yet still failing to spot Qin Xiang.

Growing anxious, Qin Shuang hurried back to find Hu Shi, who was in the midst of discussing what to wear for the evening banquet with Qin Chaoyu. They were about to leave the camp, and tonight's grand feast would be their last. Yan Huai was to reward the young talents who had performed best during the hunt. As the future Crown Princess, Qin Chaoyu naturally needed to dress elaborately.

"Aunt, Qin Xiang is missing..."

Hu Shi was helping Qin Chaoyu put on earrings and, without turning her head, replied, "Isn't she in the small tent?"

Qin Shuang nodded. "Yes, and I've already searched around outside but couldn't find her anywhere."

Only after securing the earrings on Qin Chaoyu did Hu Shi turn around. "She came back early this afternoon. Perhaps she went off for a walk somewhere? Or maybe she went downstream?"

The camp was filled with men, and many were also riding horses downstream. To avoid suspicion, Qin Xiang shouldn't have wandered off recklessly.

Qin Shuang thought this, yet a sliver of uncertainty nagged at her—after all, Qin Xiang was someone capable of sneaking out at night on Cloud Mist Mountain. "I don't know, Aunt. What should we do?"

Hu Shi's focus remained entirely on Qin Chaoyu. "Let's wait a bit. The camp is surrounded by soldiers and horses—nothing unexpected could happen. She might return soon."

The camp was heavily guarded, and the area outside was crowded with people; indeed, it was unlikely for any mishap to occur.

But what if it wasn't an accident, but some other trouble?

Qin Shuang wasn't sure what Qin Xiang might be up to, only feeling a sense of unease. Especially when recalling her actions on Cloud Mist Mountain, her heart grew even more unsettled. Seeing that Hu Shi had no time to send anyone to search, Qin Shuang listlessly acknowledged. Noting her demeanor, Hu Shi added, "It's almost dark. You should go get dressed up too. Qin Xiang will probably be back soon."

Qin Shuang forced a smile and turned to leave, but she had no interest in adorning herself—what use would it be anyway?

After a moment's thought, Qin Shuang, still uneasy, went to find Qin Guan. Arriving at the Empress Dowager's tent, she quietly asked the attendant outside to announce her. Upon learning she was Qin Guan's cousin, the attendant immediately entered to report.

Qin Guan was currently brewing tea for the Empress Dowager. Hearing the news, the Empress Dowager inquired, "Which cousin is this?"

It must be Qin Shuang who had come looking for her!

Qin Guan replied, "It's my sixth sister, Third Uncle's youngest daughter."

The Empress Dowager smiled. "Don't go out. Have her come in—I'd like to see what she looks like."

Qin Guan thanked the Empress Dowager with a smile, while the attendant went out to summon Qin Shuang.

"Miss Qin, the Empress Dowager invites you inside to speak."

Just moments ago, the Empress had spoken with her, and now the Empress Dowager wished to do the same?Qin Shuang's heart tightened with nervousness, regretting not having changed into more formal attire, fearing she might embarrass Qin Guan through any impropriety. She hastily smoothed her collar before stepping inside.

"Your humble servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager."

Qin Shuang performed the ceremonial greeting with meticulous care, not daring to lift her head after kneeling.

Though she had glimpsed the Empress Dowager from afar, never had she spoken before her at such close quarters.

The Empress Dowager chuckled, "Rise quickly, let this old one see what the elder sister of Ninth girl looks like?"

Qin Shuang cautiously stood up and glanced at the Empress Dowager. Compared to Qin Guan, Qin Shuang still retained a hint of baby fat on her cheeks. Though she had slimmed down considerably since arriving in the capital, she still appeared slightly plump.

The Empress Dowager observed her and smiled, "What a delightful appearance. I see fortune favors you. Quickly, bring a seat."

Mammy Chen brought forth a low stool, "Miss Qin, please be seated."

Qin Shuang looked pleadingly at Qin Guan. Having heard the royal court had numerous strict protocols, she wondered if she should actually sit.

Qin Guan nodded with a smile, and only then did Qin Shuang properly take her seat. Noticing her tension, the Empress Dowager cheerfully instructed Mammy Chen to bring pastries and candies. Qin Shuang selected a pine nut candy and placed it in her mouth.

After eating the candy, Qin Shuang's posture relaxed, her back straightening naturally. The Empress Dowager inquired further, "Are you one year older than Ninth girl?"

Qin Shuang nodded, "Replying to Your Majesty, I am one year older than Ninth Sister."

The Empress Dowager continued, "Have arrangements been made for your marriage?"

Qin Shuang blushed slightly, "Not yet."

The Empress Dowager looked between Qin Guan and Qin Shuang, "Your aunt is skilled at selecting suitable matches. When you return to the capital, have her carefully choose for you—it won't go wrong. I see you carry good fortune; you will surely marry well."

Qin Shuang was already overjoyed merely to converse with the Empress Dowager, and these words made her heart bloom with happiness.

"By Your Majesty's gracious words, this humble girl will certainly marry well in the future."

Qin Shuang was more vivacious than Qin Guan, her expressions flickering subtly through her eyes and brows as she spoke. The Empress Dowager found her quite endearing and instructed Mammy Chen to bring rewards. Shortly after, the Empress Dowager said, "Did you come to play with Ninth girl? You can't speak freely here with me around. Ninth girl, accompany your sister outside for a while. Return when the banquet is about to begin."

Qin Shuang hurriedly expressed gratitude and took her leave. Once she stepped out with Qin Guan, she was beside herself with joy!

"I've never owned such beautiful gold bracelets! And this jade bracelet—ah, this hairpin is exquisitely crafted! Is it sapphire or jade?"

Qin Guan smiled, "It's gemstone. Did you come looking for me about something?"

Qin Shuang started, "Heavens! Talking with the Empress Dowager made me so happy I forgot! I have important news! Qin Xiang has disappeared! When I returned, she wasn't in the tent. I searched around but couldn't find her!"

The smile vanished from Qin Guan's face, "Where have you looked?"

Qin Shuang quickly recounted the areas she had checked. Upon hearing this, Qin Guan summoned Baiying and gave brief instructions. Watching Baiying depart with two maids from the Empress Dowager's retinue to search for Qin Xiang, Qin Shuang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Guan asked, "Could she have gone to the rear areas?"

Qin Shuang shook her head, "The Zhongguo Duke's residence is back there. Eighth Sister dislikes that Feng family girl—she knows better than to go there. I don't know why, but I feel somewhat uneasy."

Qin Guan squeezed her hand, "It's fine. At least nothing unexpected should happen. Though few know her, all attendees today are noble ladies. Even if someone intended mischief, they would never cause trouble here."If Qin Xiang had been lost in a bustling market, it would indeed be worrisome. But although there were many soldiers in the camp, none of them would dare lay a hand on a noble young lady from an aristocratic family.

Qin Shuang breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright then, I hope she returns on her own later."

The last glow of the sunset faded, and the sky quickly darkened. Before Baiying returned, the banquet had already been set up. With no other choice, Qin Shuang had to leave first. Returning to the tent, she still found no sign of Qin Xiang. By the time Hu Shi and Qin Chaoyu were ready to attend the banquet, Qin Xiang had yet to return, and only then did they begin to worry.

Hu Shi said, "I’ll have Granny Yu keep an eye out. Let’s go to the banquet first so as not to be impolite."

Qin Shuang thought that perhaps Qin Guan had already found Qin Xiang, so she followed them to the square. Not long after, Qin Guan and the Empress Dowager appeared, with Baiying following behind Qin Guan, clearly having returned from searching. Qin Shuang looked urgently at Qin Guan, but Qin Guan shook her head. At that moment, Qin Shuang grew even more anxious—where on earth had Qin Xiang gone?!

Despite her worry, she couldn’t skip the banquet. Qin Shuang sat in her seat, unable to taste the food, and even lost interest in observing the noble young men as she usually did. The banquet that night was exceptionally grand, with lavish music and dance performances. Yan Huai rewarded the young men who had performed exceptionally well during the hunt with many gifts, and those who received the rewards were brimming with pride.

Qin Shuang, however, had no interest in watching. She barely endured half the banquet when Granny Yu emerged from the back. "Madam, the Fifth Young Miss has returned!"

Qin Shuang was overjoyed. Though Hu Shi was displeased, she still asked, "Where did she go?"

Granny Yu smiled. "The Fifth Young Miss said she had nothing to do after returning in the afternoon, so she wandered around the camp and ended up getting lost, straying toward the back…"

Upon hearing this, Qin Shuang regretted not listening to Qin Guan’s advice—if only she had gone to search earlier!

But since Qin Xiang had returned, her heart finally settled. Hu Shi asked again, "Is she not coming to the banquet?"

"The Fifth Young Miss said it would be inappropriate to arrive halfway through the banquet. She’s having some pastries in the tent now."

Hu Shi nodded, somewhat satisfied, and Qin Shuang also breathed a sigh of relief. Her attention was soon drawn to the rewards Yan Huai was giving to others…

Half an hour later, the banquet finally drew to a close. As the guests dispersed, Qin Shuang hurried to find Qin Guan, first informing her that Qin Xiang had returned before leaving. When she returned to the tent, Qin Xiang was already lying in bed.

"You! You were gone for so long this afternoon—you had us worried to death!"

Qin Shuang wanted to pull back the blanket and tickle Qin Xiang, but Qin Xiang clutched the quilt tightly, laughing and begging for mercy. "I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong! Please don’t—my feet hurt from all the walking this afternoon. I just want to rest properly."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang stopped. "Serves you right for wandering off! This camp is huge!"

Qin Xiang, however, wore a bright smile. "We’re leaving tomorrow, so it’s good that I explored a bit more."

Qin Shuang said, "You seemed so upset this afternoon—what was wrong? And now you’re happy again?"

Qin Xiang’s smile was unstoppable, her eyes sparkling with delight. At the question, her face flushed slightly. "That was this afternoon. After walking around, I came to my senses. Of course, I’m fine now."

Seeing her blush, Qin Shuang assumed she was embarrassed about the afternoon and didn’t press further. "That’s good. I was afraid you were upset over something trivial. I’m glad you’ve sorted it out. We’re returning tomorrow, and as soon as we’re back, your marriage arrangements will be finalized. The Marquis’s estate will be lively for a while then."

Qin Xiang was only a temporary resident—how could her wedding be grandly celebrated?But now things were different...

A trace of sweetness flashed in Qin Xiang's eyes before she changed the subject to chat with Qin Shuang. After talking for a while longer and remembering they needed to rise early the next day, they finally washed up and retired.

Early the next morning, as dawn barely broke, all the masters first departed by carriage with their personal belongings, accompanied by part of the imperial guards. The remaining imperial guards stayed behind to dismantle the camp.

The return journey followed the same route as their arrival, with overnight stops at the same places. Sitting in the carriage, Qin Shuang kept noticing Qin Xiang giggling foolishly, but when questioned, Qin Xiang wouldn't explain. Though suspicious, Qin Shuang felt reassured after two days and nights during which Qin Xiang never left her side.

On the afternoon of the second day, the hunting expedition returned to the capital.

The female relatives dispersed at the city gate to return to their respective residences, while the officials escorted the masters' procession to the palace. The Empress Dowager, pitying Qin Guan for her exhaustion over the past few days, sent her back to the Marquis residence first. By the time Qin Guan arrived, Hu Shi and the others had just returned as well.

Although this trip had allowed them to enjoy some leisure with the masters, it had indeed been tiring. Besides the two days of travel, life in the camp had been restrictive and conditions harsh. Now back at the Marquis residence, Hu Shi first had everyone freshen up, then prepared a feast to await Qin Shu and the others for a family reunion dinner after their return in the evening...

When Qin Guan changed clothes and went to Renshou Hall, Qin Shuang was already there. Though wearing previously worn clothes, she had put on the jade bracelet bestowed by the Empress Dowager.

Seeing Qin Guan arrive, she eagerly showed it off. Though Qin Guan had received numerous rewards from the Empress Dowager, she didn't want to dampen Qin Shuang's joy and praised it sincerely. Qin Shuang then whispered, "The gold bracelet is too ostentatious. I'll wear it when I get married someday."

Qin Guan laughed, "Oh, thinking about marriage already!"

Qin Shuang playfully tried to pinch her, "Don't talk nonsense—"

As they were laughing and teasing, Qin Xiang entered behind Qin Chaoyu.

Qin Xiang had changed into a bright crimson palace dress with a high collar, looking particularly radiant. Hu Shi glanced at them and said to Qin Guan, "You two, stop your private chatter. Come have some pastries first. We'll start the banquet when your uncle returns. I wonder if your two brothers can make it back tonight..."

Hu Shi had been somewhat worried, but surprisingly, Qin Shu soon returned with Qin Yan and Qin Ye. Beaming with smiles, the three washed up and took their seats.

Qin Shu said, "You all enjoyed yourselves this time, and Yan'er and Ye'er performed their duties well. Just now, Commander Lin was still praising Ye'er, and Commander Xu from the Nine Gates Garrison also said Ye'er shows great promise! Come, you two worked hard—let me drink a toast with you..."

Qin Yan, who would normally have been a carefree heir apparent, had taken on imperial guard duties this time. While other heirs apparent were riding and shooting during the hunt, he was responsible for camp patrols. Qin Ye, serving in the Nine Gates Garrison, had an even more demanding role.

After the three drank a toast, Hu Shi invited everyone to begin the meal.

"I notice both elder brothers have tanned considerably. Since they performed so well, will they receive promotions?"

Qin Chaoyu asked gently. As the future Crown Princess, she naturally hoped her brothers would distinguish themselves.

Qin Shu smiled, "This was just one assignment. For promotion, they need to excel in other tasks too. But with this start, opportunities will come naturally when positions open up. I'll keep an eye out for them."Born into a noble marquis household and willing to work diligently, it would be difficult not to earn a promotion.

Qin Yan, however, said, "Congratulations to Ninth Sister on being enfeoffed as a County Princess—this is the greatest joy!"

Qin Ye also laughed, "From now on, our marquis household will have a County Princess..."

Qin Shu laughed heartily, "Indeed, let’s have another toast. This time, the marquis household truly has one joyous occasion after another!"

Everyone drank together, their expressions filled with delight. Qin Chaoyu, however, observed Qin Guan. What did it matter if she was enfeoffed as a County Princess? The selection of the Crown Princess had already been decided and would absolutely not be changed!

"Father, has the Imperial Observatory set a date yet?"

Qin Chaoyu inquired about the wedding date, and Qin Shu replied, "We still have to wait a few days. Lately, everyone has been focused on the hunting expedition."

Hu Shi smiled, "It will likely be in late summer or early autumn. Before that, we must marry off Xiang’er and give her a grand and splendid wedding..."

It was already late March. The Crown Prince’s wedding naturally required lengthy preparations, taking at least three to four months. Since Qin Xiang’s wedding could not conflict with Qin Chaoyu’s, Qin Xiang’s wedding date had to be quickly arranged.

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiang’s heart skipped a beat. Yet, for some reason, her face flushed even more with shyness, though she said nothing else. Hu Shi then declared, "Tomorrow, everyone should rest. The day after, I will send someone to inform the Xue family and urge them to hurry!"

Qin Xiang’s expression remained unchanged, but inwardly, she felt a pang of bitterness.

A grand and splendid wedding was impossible—it was merely about quickly making way for Qin Chaoyu.

During the dinner, aside from Qin Xiang and Qin Chaoyu, everyone else enjoyed themselves thoroughly. As the night grew late, Hu Shi dismissed everyone after the meal. Qin Guan returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard, utterly exhausted. After washing up, she went straight to bed.

The next day, Qin Guan woke to find the sky already bright. She had intended to laze in bed, but before long, Fuling urged, "Miss! Get up quickly! Eunuch Yuan has come to deliver the enfeoffment rewards! There’s also an imperial decree that you must personally receive!"

Startled, Qin Guan hurriedly called for Baiying and Ban Xia, along with several other maids, who busily dressed and adorned her. By the time she reached the front courtyard, everyone had already gathered, and Qin Guan felt a bit embarrassed.

"County Princess, please receive the decree—"

Yuan Qing held the imperial decree, smiling warmly at Qin Guan. He could easily guess that she must have been exhausted from the previous night and had overslept.

Qin Guan quickly knelt on the ground, with Qin Shu and the others kneeling behind her.

Yuan Qing unrolled the decree and proclaimed, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Qin Guan of the Qin family, wise and benevolent, dignified and virtuous, has shown great compassion in saving the common people and possesses a heart of profound mercy. Having repeatedly performed extraordinary deeds, she is hereby enfeoffed as Yongci County Princess. So ordered!"

After finishing the proclamation, Yuan Qing rolled up the decree. "County Princess, please receive the decree. Though the decree is brief, your merits are known to all. These are the rewards sent by the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress. Please have them stored. For now, you must accompany this old servant to the palace—the carriage is waiting outside..."

The hour was not early, so Qin Guan hastily accepted the decree. Her trip to the palace was, of course, to express gratitude for the imperial favor.

Glancing up, she saw that the rewards this time were even more abundant than those on the day Qin Chaoyu was enfeoffed as Crown Princess. That day, the Empress Dowager had only given extra according to protocol, but today, she clearly intended to bolster Qin Guan’s standing. Looking at the courtyard filled to the brim with gifts, Qin Guan remained composed, while the others, openly or secretly, could not help but feel envious.Hu Shi also saw it. She pursed her lips, feeling somewhat unsettled inside. When she glanced around, she noticed that Qin Chaoyu’s eyes also held a shadow of gloom. Hu Shi sighed, took Qin Chaoyu’s hand, and patted it gently. Qin Chaoyu let out a breath, hoping only that the Imperial Observatory would soon set the date for the Crown Prince’s grand wedding. Only with the status of Crown Princess would she truly be a cut above the rest!

Qin Shu stepped forward and said, “Guan’er, you go ahead. We’ll manage things at the residence.”

Entering the palace to express gratitude was a significant matter. Qin Guan nodded and had no choice but to follow Yuan Qing, taking Baiying along with her.

They boarded the carriage and traveled along the main Path toward the palace gates. After the time it takes to burn two sticks of incense, they arrived at the palace entrance. As it was a palace carriage, there was no need for her to alight. Moreover, her status was now different, so there were fewer formalities to observe. However, once inside the palace gates, Qin Guan noticed the carriage was heading toward the Longevity and Health Palace. Shouldn’t the expression of gratitude be made before the Emperor?

Qin Guan lifted the curtain and asked, “Eunuch Yuan, why are we going to the Longevity and Health Palace first? Is the Emperor there?”

Yuan Qing gave a meaningful smile. “Yes, the Emperor is at the Longevity and Health Palace.”

Qin Guan found Yuan Qing’s smile a bit odd but didn’t dwell on it. Yan Huai was known for his filial devotion to the Empress Dowager, so it was possible he was keeping her company. Soon, the carriage came to a smooth stop in front of the Longevity and Health Palace.

Qin Guan alighted and followed Yuan Qing into the palace, walking along the familiar corridor toward the inner chambers. Before long, they reached the main hall. At the entrance, she noticed many maidservants standing guard outside.

Puzzled, Qin Guan asked, “What’s this? Does the Empress Dowager have other guests?”

Yuan Qing nodded with a smile. Surprised, Qin Guan said, “Should I wait elsewhere then?”

No sooner had she spoken than a clear, lively voice rang out, “We’ve been waiting for you! Why would you need to wait elsewhere?”

Hearing the voice, Qin Guan’s eyes instantly lit up. Just then, a graceful figure dressed in men’s attire emerged from behind the screen inside the room. Qin Guan’s breath caught at the sight of the newcomer. Though astonished, a smile spread uncontrollably across her lips. “When did you return?! Why didn’t anyone tell me!”