Coroner's Diary

Early the next morning, Hu Shi sent gifts and a visiting card to the Marquis Anyang Manor.

Although the Grand Princess and the Marquis Anyang had been away from the capital for ten years, their old mansion in the city had been maintained throughout this period. The Loyal Marquis Manor had no prior relationship with the Marquis Anyang Manor, so it was necessary to send a visiting card before paying a visit. Hu Shi sent the card that day and planned to visit with Qin Shu early the next morning.

Upon learning of this, Qin Guan said nothing but kept thinking about Qin Xiang's situation. However, Qin Xiang was determined, and even if Qin Guan were to inform Hu Shi now, it would likely only escalate the conflict.

After some hesitation, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang reached an agreement: they would say nothing for the time being and wait to see what Qin Xiang would do next.

After breakfast, seeing that it was getting late, Qin Guan prepared to enter the palace. When she arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace, the Empress Dowager had already arrived.

Although the Marquis Anyang Manor had returned to the capital, it was only to escort the Grand Princess and others back. They would soon return to Jinzhou. That day, the Empress Dowager had brought only Yue Ning into the palace. The Marquis Anyang Manor needed to visit old friends in the capital, Jiang Shi had to manage the household affairs, and Yue Qing was to accompany the Marquis Anyang to meet people, hoping to secure a position in the capital in the future.

While the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess spoke privately, Yue Ning pulled Qin Guan aside to chat. "Before we left, we sent someone to check on the Qin Manor. Everything seemed fine, but the people from the Qin Mansion have been suffering from minor illnesses for the past six months."

With Qin Xiang gone and Qin Chen in such a state, how could Lin Shi feel at ease?

Qin Guan sighed. "I suppose it’s because she’s unhappy, especially after what happened before."

The Qin family’s affairs had caused quite a stir in Jinzhou. Qin Guan and the others had left and were unaware, but Yue Ning knew. Qin An’s crimes were heinous, and as the story slowly spread, even the Qin family’s servants were subjected to gossip when they went out for errands. Yue Ning decided not to mention this, not wanting to add to Qin Guan’s worries.

"Governor Huo received an excellent evaluation at the end of last year. Before we returned, he came to our manor. I don’t know what he discussed with my father, but Father said it’s very likely he’ll be transferred to the capital this year."

Although Huo Huaixin’s governance was moderate, he was diligent and dedicated. It was only right that he had the opportunity for promotion. "If that’s the case, Governor Huo will probably come to the capital in the second half of the year."

Yue Ning laughed. "Yes, and there’s something else. You must know the son of Governor Huo. He used to act like a refined, scholarly young master, always speaking in a literary manner. But you’d never guess—at the end of last year, when he learned that my elder brother was joining the Northwest Frontier Army, he also expressed a desire to enlist. At first, he wanted to join the Northwest Frontier Army, but his mother couldn’t bear to send him to such a dangerous place, so she sent him to the Zhao family’s Northern Garrison Army instead. The Northern Garrison Army is renowned but rarely engages in direct combat with the enemy, so it’s relatively safe."

Qin Guan was genuinely surprised. "Huo Ning joined the Northern Garrison Army?"

Yue Ning burst out laughing at her expression. "I knew you’d be surprised—"

Qin Guan truly hadn’t expected Huo Ning to enlist. Didn’t he pride himself on being a talented scholar, well-versed in poetry and literature? With his physique, untrained in martial arts, how could he endure the rigorous drills and strict discipline of the army?

Tilting her head, Qin Guan tried to imagine Huo Ning in military uniform and armor but found she couldn’t picture it at all…

Shaking her head, Qin Guan said, "I also ran into Young Master Wei.""Wei Qizhi?" Yue Ning remembered clearly. "He's returned to the capital now—has his leg recovered?"

"It has. Not only recovered, but he even traveled north late last year. You know how obsessed he is with horses—he went to purchase fine steeds. He's now an official horse supplier to the imperial stables, providing many of the horses for this spring hunt."

Yue Ning was mildly surprised. Becoming an imperial supplier was no simple matter, nor was the journey from the capital to the northern frontiers for someone of his noble background. "It seems he still dislikes official posts, which suits his temperament indeed!"

Having been acquainted for over three months in Jinzhou, Qin Guan and Yue Ning naturally caught up on past acquaintances during their reunion after more than half a year apart. By noon, the Grand Princess insisted they stay for lunch. After the meal, she inquired, "Yan Chi has taken up duties at the Ministry of Justice—is he at the yamen now?"

The Empress Dowager replied, "Naturally he's at the yamen. As a third-rank official now, he can't neglect his responsibilities."

The Grand Princess sighed. "What's to be done about Yan Li?"

With both Yan Chi and Yan Li absent, the Grand Princess spoke frankly in front of the two young women. The Empress Dowager sighed, "I'm considering finding him a consort soon."

But the Grand Princess worried, "With his temperament, he won't marry unless it's someone he truly fancies."

The Empress Dowager smiled wryly. "Exactly... He has his own ideas, but those notions aren't suited for domestic life. If only he could be as dependable as Yan Chi."

At the mention of Yan Chi, Qin Guan's attention was drawn to the conversation.

The Grand Princess smiled faintly. "Yan Chi is indeed decisive—I've no concerns about him. But how long must his father remain in Shuoxi? It's been many years already."

The Empress Dowager sighed. "I'll have Yan Chi send a message soon. The Emperor feels secure with him guarding Shuoxi and hasn't issued recall orders all these years."

"Could it be because of that incident back then..."

The Grand Princess trailed off, and the Empress Dowager sighed without elaborating.

Exchanging glances, Qin Guan and Yue Ning found the Grand Princess's words puzzling but refrained from discussing their elders' affairs. The Grand Princess quickly changed the subject.

After another hour of conversation, as the sun dipped westward, the Grand Princess took her leave and brought Yue Ning and Qin Guan to the Marquis Anyang Manor.

The manor stood in the Eternal Joy Quarter west of the imperial city, closest to the palace walls. Though located in the western sector, its position was highly prestigious. Originally expanded when the Grand Princess married into the family, it now ranked among the capital's most illustrious residences, rivaling even princely estates.

Upon entering, Jiang Shi reported, "Wan'er's aunt sent New Year gifts and a visiting card this morning. She apologized for the belated wishes due to the distance during the festivities and said she and her husband will visit tomorrow."

The Grand Princess smiled. "Wan Yatou's aunt comes from a distinguished family and observes proper etiquette. Make preparations then, and have Qiong'er stay home tomorrow to receive them properly."

Jiang Shi promptly assented. The Grand Princess kept Qin Guan for some conversation before having Yue Ning show her around the manor.As dusk fell, Yue Qiong returned to the manor with Yue Qing. Qin Guan hurried to pay her respects. When Yue Qing saw Qin Guan in the manor, his face immediately lit up with joy. "After you left, Fourth Sister, I discovered several more medical books and kept them for you. Wait here, I'll go fetch them right away..."

Yue Qing ran off excitedly, leaving Qin Guan hesitating to speak. The Grand Princess remarked, "It's fine. Since he collected them and has no use for them himself, and now he's your sworn brother, you should take them."

Qin Guan felt complex emotions but couldn't disobey the Empress Dowager's implicit wish. Soon, Yue Qing emerged carrying a thick stack of medical books. Fortunately, Qin Guan had brought Baiying today, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to carry them all.

This being Qin Guan's first visit to the manor, the Grand Princess insisted on keeping her for dinner. Delighted to accompany the Grand Princess, Qin Guan didn't decline. By the time she left after the meal, night had fallen.

Looking at the medical books piled in the corner of the carriage, Qin Guan sighed.

Whatever Yue Qing's feelings might have been in the past, they were now only sworn siblings. Though his eyes were clear when speaking to her, his kindness toward her always unconsciously showed through. Qin Guan thought she should maintain more distance in the future.

Lost in these thoughts during the journey, Qin Guan sensed something amiss when the carriage stopped at the Marquis Manor's entrance.

Baiying also noticed, "Miss, it seems we have visitors..."

Before the Loyal Marquis Manor stood two carriages and a sedan chair.

Strangely, the carriages weren't ornate with vermilion lacquer and decorated canopies. Though spacious, they had plain blue curtains and flat tops, more like vehicles for transporting valuable items. The small sedan chair, however, was exceptionally luxurious.

Two guards stood by the carriages. Upon closer inspection, Qin Guan immediately felt uneasy.

These weren't ordinary coachmen but guards in palace uniforms. Such attire could only mean they came from either the imperial palace or some royal residence!

Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat. She instructed Baiying to bring the books and hurried into the manor. The moment she entered, she sensed serious unusualness - the manor was eerily quiet. Reaching the main courtyard, she saw over a dozen sword-bearing guards in palace uniforms standing before numerous chests and boxes on the ground, alongside gifts piled mountain-high. What surprised Qin Guan even more was the sight of a man holding a pair of live geese upfront!

"Wild geese honk in harmony, as the morning sun begins to dawn. If a gentleman seeks a wife, he must act before the ice melts."

Whose family was here with betrothal gifts?!

Qin Guan was shocked. Which family would present betrothal gifts at night?!

As she advanced with these thoughts, Qin Guan was startled to recognize the man holding the geese - wasn't he the strategist by Prince Cheng Yan Qi's side?!

The goose-holder was indeed Lu Xiao, Yan Qi's chief strategist. Beside him stood a tall, straight-backed man named Liu Ji, the chief steward of Prince Cheng's residence!

Seeing Qin Guan approach, both men promptly bowed, "Greetings, Princess—"

Frowning deeply, Qin Guan suddenly paled as if realizing something. She waved them off and quickly entered the main courtyard. There, she found Wan He and Xiu Zhi kneeling outside, while Granny Yu stood with others far from the eaves. The main room's door was tightly shut.

"Princess, you've returned..."Granny Yu wore an expression of frantic urgency. "My lady, something terrible has happened!"

Qin Guan quickly asked, "Are those outside Prince Cheng's men? Have they come for Fifth Sister?"

Granny Yu nodded and hurried forward to announce their arrival. Only upon hearing that Qin Guan had returned did those inside permit the door to be opened. As soon as Qin Guan stepped through the doorway, it was shut again behind her.

The main hall was crowded with people. Qin Xiang knelt upright in the center, her spine ramrod straight.

"Uncle... Aunt... What is this..."

Qin Shu occupied the host's seat, while Hu Shi, Qin Chaoyu, Qin Xiang and others stood nearby. Qin Yan stood to one side, and Qin Ye lingered closer to the door. Unlike the grave expressions worn by the others, Qin Ye appeared somewhat indifferent.

Seeing Qin Guan return, Hu Shi rushed forward to grasp her hand anxiously. "Wan Yatou, look at this! What is the meaning of all this! Your Fifth Sister is already betrothed, yet now Prince Cheng comes with a marriage proposal! That alone would be bad enough, but His Highness demands to take her away tonight... We summoned your Fifth Sister here, but she knelt down and declared her willingness... This..."

Though a proposal had been made, taking her away the very same night meant this was for concubinage, not marriage!

Qin Guan stared sharply at Qin Xiang. So now she finally knew who Qin Xiang's secret lover was!

Prince Cheng! It was actually Prince Cheng?!

Qin Guan's heart plummeted to the depths...

She knew Qin Xiang had sky-high ambitions. She thought Qin Xiang had changed her ways, but never imagined she would attach herself to Prince Cheng!

Did she not know that Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince were locked in fierce rivalry, and that the Loyal Marquis Manor stood firmly with the Crown Prince!

Qin Shu's face was darker than ever before. Hearing Hu Shi's words, he said gravely, "After your father passed, I took you in. Since I've brought you under my care, I cannot fail to guide you properly. For Prince Cheng to act this way tonight shows contempt for our Marquis Manor! It is an insult to our house! My niece will never become someone's concubine!"

He spoke each word with emphasis, then rose to his feet. "I will go see the Crown Prince at once, then proceed to the palace. This matter cannot be left unresolved..."

Qin Shu's tone brooked no argument, but as he made to move, Qin Xiang spoke up, "Uncle, there's no need for trouble. I am truly willing."

Qin Xiang knelt straight-backed, her face set with the resolve of one prepared to die. Qin Shu halted mid-step, his gaze turning icy. He had already suspected something when Qin Xiang showed no surprise at the news and immediately knelt to declare her consent. Yet he hadn't pressed for details, believing that whatever happened, he could protect this niece of his—Prince Cheng would need to think twice before casually insulting their house!

But he never imagined that Qin Xiang's heart had already turned toward Prince Cheng!

"Have you thought this through?!"

Qin Shu glared at Qin Xiang for a long moment before asking in a cold, heavy voice.

Qin Xiang nodded. Hu Shi, standing nearby, could no longer contain herself. "Xiang'er, what is really going on?! How could Prince Cheng suddenly come proposing marriage?! Don't you know he's already engaged to a principal wife? The legitimate daughter of the Loyal Duke's household!"

Qin Xiang nodded again. "I know."

Hu Shi was beside herself with distress. "You know, yet you still agree?! Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince are at odds. Yu'er is destined to become Crown Princess—our Marquis Manor's allegiance is already decided. Prince Cheng knows this perfectly well. His proposal to take you as a concubine is utterly ill-intentioned! How will you manage in Prince Cheng's household? And how will we face the Crown Prince?!"Though Qin Xiang was not the legitimate daughter of the Marquis' household, if she truly became Yan Qi's woman, she would become a thorn embedded between the Marquis' household and the Crown Prince. This thorn might remain unnoticed ordinarily, but someone like Yan Qi would only let the wound fester and suppurate, then calmly watch as discord grew between the Marquis' household and the Crown Prince.

Everyone present understood this reasoning, yet Qin Xiang remained stubbornly deluded!

"Aunt has considered Eighth Sister's future, but this niece must also consider her own happiness. If this niece has erred, I beg Uncle and Aunt for forgiveness."

Qin Xiang lowered her gaze, her lips pressed tightly together. Though her face was pale, her obstinacy sent chills through the heart.

Hu Shi grew increasingly anxious and turned to look at Qin Shu. After staring at Qin Xiang for a moment, Qin Shu suddenly asked, "Have you formed an illicit relationship with Prince Cheng?"

Qin Xiang remained silent for a beat before answering, "Yes."

Hu Shi took a deep breath. "How is that possible? When? Was it at Mount Wei?"

Qin Xiang hung her head without responding, which amounted to tacit acknowledgment. Hu Shi looked at Qin Shuang. "Shuang'er, did you know about this?"

Qin Shuang was also frightened out of her wits—she never imagined Qin Xiang would be so bold!

Normally, even when stealing glances, she only dared look at someone of the heir apparent of Wuan Marquis' stature. As for figures like the Crown Prince or Prince Cheng, she wouldn't dare look twice. Yet Qin Xiang had actually become involved with Prince Cheng...

Those marks seen on her body had been left by Prince Cheng!

Unsure whether to nod, Qin Shuang stammered, "I... I only noticed she often seemed distracted. Beyond that, I know nothing..."

With both Qin Shu and Qin Yan present, Qin Shuang wasn't ready to completely expose Qin Xiang's disgrace.

Hu Shi stamped her foot in frustration. Meanwhile, Qin Chaoyu stepped forward and said coldly, "Do you truly wish to become Prince Cheng's concubine? Do you understand what a concubine is? Your mother was the principal wife, and you're a legitimate daughter. Have you truly thought this through?"

Qin Chaoyu's questioning was sharp, showing no regard for Qin Ye's presence. And how could Qin Xiang not know?

But how could a concubine of Prince Cheng compare to those in ordinary households?

If she could bear Prince Cheng a child, her offspring would be of imperial lineage!

"I understand, and I'm willing."

Qin Xiang's reply was icy. Qin Chaoyu snorted lightly, seemingly contemptuous. "Given your status, you are indeed only fit to be a prince's concubine. But Feng Chenbi is to marry Prince Cheng—aren't you afraid then?"

Though Feng Chenbi came from a superior background, what did she have to fear as long as she had Prince Cheng's favor?

"I'm not afraid."

Qin Chaoyu could only respond with a cold laugh before turning to Qin Shu. "Father, matters have reached this point—there's nothing more we can do."

Qin Shu's gaze turned utterly frigid. "I'll give you one final chance. If you wish to go to Prince Cheng's residence, I won't stop you. But from then on, you will no longer be a daughter of the Qin family. If you repent, I will settle this matter, and you'll marry peacefully into the Xue family."

Qin Shu clearly laid out two choices—for Qin Xiang, one thought led to heaven, another to hell.

Qin Xiang's eyes reddened slightly before she finally said, "I'll go to Prince Cheng's residence."

Hu Shi let out a deep sigh. "You..."

Qin Shu's expression had already turned stony, his gaze hanging over Qin Xiang like a sharp blade.

After a moment, Qin Shu spoke calmly, "Go pack your belongings. Leave with them now, and take everything you should bring."

Qin Xiang stood rigidly for a moment as if frozen, then kowtowed once to Qin Shu and Hu Shi. Rising with stubborn determination, she slowly turned, opened the door, and walked toward her own courtyard.Qin Shuang was on the verge of tears. Seeing Qin Xiang leave, she hurriedly chased after her. Qin Guan swept a glance over the crowd and said, "I'll go check on them," before following them out. The two followed Qin Xiang back to her courtyard, only to find that she had already packed her belongings. Seeing Qin Xiang reach for her bundle, Qin Guan pressed her hand down. "You're just Prince Cheng's pawn! The moment you step into Prince Cheng's royal residence today, you'll immediately become a discarded piece! Qin Xiang, don't be foolish! There's still time—go explain everything to Uncle. Prince Cheng's royal residence is not your ultimate destination—"

Qin Guan's voice was earnest and urgent. Qin Shuang cried, "Aren't you being silly? How could Prince Cheng truly like you! Don't you know the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng are at odds?! Going like this is nothing but seeking your own doom!"

Qin Xiang brushed Qin Guan's hand away. She picked up her bundle, which contained only some jewelry and items given by Lin Shi, along with the jade pendant from Prince Cheng. As for the other things in the room, she wanted none of them—such items would naturally be available at Prince Cheng's royal residence, and they would be thousands of times better!

"Thank you for your concern. I'm just unwilling to accept this."

Qin Xiang spoke indifferently, glanced once more at the room, and turned to walk out.

Qin Guan tugged at Qin Shuang, who wiped her tears as they returned to the main courtyard together. Inside the main courtyard, Xiu Zhi and Wan He were still kneeling. Qin Xiang walked up to them and said, "Get up, let's go..."

No one from Qin Shu's group came out. The door was half-closed, the light inside warm and bright.

Xiu Zhi hesitated for a moment before standing up, but Wan He did not. Her voice choked with sobs, she said, "Miss, this servant does not wish to go to Prince Cheng's royal residence. I am willing to return to Jinzhou to serve Madam."

A crack appeared in Qin Xiang's calm, stubborn expression, but she quickly smiled. "That's fine too."

With that, she turned and walked out without a trace of nostalgia. Qin Shuang cried out, "Qin Xiang, don't go!"

Qin Xiang's steps did not falter at Qin Shuang's plea. She walked out of the main courtyard and stood before Lu Xiao and Liu Ji, saying softly, "Let's go."

Lu Xiao and Liu Ji bowed respectfully. Liu Ji smiled and announced loudly, "Marquis, we will leave the betrothal gifts here. His Highness instructed me to assure you that he will treat Miss Qin well."

As he spoke, Lu Xiao placed the pair of live geese on the ground.

Seeing no response from inside the room, Liu Ji stepped aside and said, "Miss, please—"

Qin Xiang lifted her chin and, accompanied by the trembling Xiu Zhi, strode toward the main gate.

Qin Guan and Qin Shuang stood in place, watching her walk farther and farther away, watching her gradually swallowed by the night. Qin Guan knew that for Qin Xiang, Prince Cheng's royal residence was heaven, while the Xue family was hell.

After a long while, Qin Shu's voice roared from inside the house, "Throw all those things out! From now on! There is only one young lady in the Marquis's residence!"