Coroner's Diary

Feng Zhang stood dumbfounded by the roadside, large beads of cold sweat dripping down his forehead.

Yue Ning raised her hand slightly, "Young Master Qin, please rise—"

After Yue Ning spoke, Qin Guan stepped forward, "Fourth Brother, what are you doing here?"

Qin Ye glanced at Qin Guan with a smile, "I'm on patrol duty today. I was patrolling the next street when Heir Apparent Feng came over, saying some thugs had assaulted him."

Yue Ning sneered coldly, "Thugs? Young Master Qin, I am that so-called thug. Please arrest me, and let's go to the Garrison Battalion office to settle this—"

Qin Ye's smile faded slightly as he glanced at Feng Zhang beside him. Feng Zhang was already stunned, both furious and fearful. He had never seen this Heir Apparent Feng in such a sorry state. Qin Ye then said, "Heir Apparent Feng, what do you think?"

Since it was Heir Apparent Feng who had called for the arrest of the thugs, Qin Ye naturally had to ask him. However, when the question was posed, Feng Zhang shuddered and forced a dry laugh, "Heh heh heh, this is all a misunderstanding... all a misunderstanding... I mistook the person..."

Qin Ye found it somewhat amusing inwardly, "Oh? Then where did the injuries on Heir Apparent Feng's face come from?"

Feng Zhang was seething inside. After carefully studying Qin Ye, he belatedly recalled that the Loyal Marquis Manor had a second young master born of a concubine. Seeing that Qin Ye was already a minor deputy officer in the Garrison Battalion, he felt even more resentful. A son of a concubine was already serving as an official, while he, a legitimate heir apparent, had been confined and idle these past few months!

Feng Zhang gritted his teeth, "My injuries... were from someone else. They have nothing to do with the County Princess..."

Qin Ye nodded, "In that case, I hope Heir Apparent Feng won't hold it against the Garrison Battalion for failing to act in the future."

Feng Zhang forced two more dry laughs, "Of course not, of course not."

Feng Zhang was accompanied only by a single servant, who was also terrified by the scene. His master was always causing trouble, but how had he managed to provoke Yongning County Princess today! And with Yongci County Princess nearby as well—with these two together, what chance did his master have of coming out unscathed?!

Seeing that Feng Zhang didn't dare arrest her, Yue Ning instead sneered coldly, "Heir Apparent Feng truly won't pursue this?"

Feng Zhang wiped the blood still trickling from his nose, "I didn't know it was Your Highness, otherwise this misunderstanding today would never have occurred. Heh heh heh, it's all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding..."

Yue Ning lifted her chin, "Heir Apparent Feng may think it's a misunderstanding, but I don't."

After speaking, Yue Ning turned to Qin Guan, "Let's go, we're heading to the palace to pay our respects—"

The Zhongguo Duke's household, relying on Feng Lingsu, had long held a notorious reputation in the capital, something Yue Ning had learned immediately upon her return. She had no intention of giving Feng Zhang any face. Seeing Yue Ning's determination, Qin Guan quickly nodded, then turned to Meng Yao, "Meng Yao, you should return home first. We'll come find you tomorrow to buy paintings. Don't worry, we'll be fine."

Meng Yao nodded. Given Qin Guan and Yue Ning's statuses, it was clear they intended to teach Feng Zhang a lesson.

Ning Buyi looked apologetically at the group, "County Princess, today's incident happened because of me..."

Qin Guan then said quietly, "Master Ning, rest assured. After today, Feng Zhang won't dare cause trouble here again."

Ning Buyi quickly made a deep bow, "Thank you, County Princess. Thank you both, County Princesses."

After a few more words, Yue Ning pulled Qin Guan toward the carriage. Seeing the situation turning sour, Feng Zhang hurried to the carriage side, "County Princess, both County Princesses, today was Feng's mistake. Please be magnanimous..."Feng Zhang, bruised and battered, stood by the carriage shouting, but Yue Ning boarded and immediately drew the carriage curtain shut. "Go, to the palace!"

As the carriage began moving slowly, Feng Zhang realized the situation was dire and hurriedly ran alongside it, pleading for mercy as he went. But Yue Ning paid him no heed. After running a distance, Feng Zhang was left panting and exhausted, his injuries making him look utterly disheveled. Watching the carriage disappear in a cloud of dust, his panic intensified. "Quick! Quick, back to the estate!"

The servant was also terrified. "Heir Apparent, what are we going back to the estate for?!"

Feng Zhang closed his eyes and then reopened them. "For what?! To pretend I'm sick, of course!"

...

...

News of Feng Zhang’s bullying behavior soon reached Chongzheng Hall.

Yuan Qing said with a bitter smile, "Heir Apparent Feng has really gone too far this time. To think he developed that... ah, never mind. What’s worse is that he injured the Commandery Princess. The Empress Dowager is furious. What should we do?"

Yan Huai frowned deeply, his face clouded with anger. "That Feng Zhang! He already suffered at Yan Chi’s hands before, and it clearly wasn’t enough. He still hasn’t learned his lesson!"

Yuan Qing sighed. "I heard Heir Apparent Feng had been confined for the past six months and was only allowed out a few days ago. Who would have thought he’d cause trouble again as soon as he was released?"

Yan Huai gave a cold laugh. "Go to the Noble Consort and tell her that someone with Feng Zhang’s temperament should remain confined! If I hear again that he’s been causing trouble outside, I will not be lenient!"

Yuan Qing knew Yan Huai was truly enraged. He acknowledged the order and hurried to Feng Lingsu’s palace to deliver the imperial decree.

When Yuan Qing arrived at Changxin Palace, Yan Qi happened to be there chatting with Feng Lingsu.

After Yuan Qing conveyed the decree, both Feng Lingsu and Yan Qi’s expressions darkened.

Feng Lingsu seethed inwardly but maintained a respectful demeanor. As soon as Yuan Qing left, she cursed, "That wretched Feng Zhang! He’s the only heir to the Duke’s household, yet not only does he fail to be of any help, he constantly causes trouble for us!"

Yan Qi sat down with a frown. After a moment, he said, "Mother, send someone to the Duke’s estate. Tell him to stay put at home from now on and stop making a spectacle of himself. I’m busy with other matters right now and have no time to clean up his mess."

Feng Lingsu nodded eagerly, for she trusted her son completely. "You mentioned being busy with other matters—is it about the northwest?"

Yan Qi nodded but didn’t elaborate. After all, Feng Lingsu was merely a woman of the inner court, and some matters were better kept from her, as knowing might not benefit her and could even hinder his plans.

Seeing that Yan Qi wasn’t going to say more, Feng Lingsu understood his reasoning. "The Northwest Frontier Army is tightly guarded like an iron barrel. General Zheng hasn’t been able to advance for ages. Are you planning to take advantage of this situation?"

Yan Qi gave a noncommittal nod. "Don’t worry, Mother. I have my plans."

Feng Lingsu sighed. "I know what you’re after. If we can secure control of the Northwest Frontier Army, our great cause will be assured. But this time, the trouble involves a transport commissioner on the northwest route, not the Northwest Frontier Army itself. I’m afraid any investigation will only give Prince Rui an excuse to purge our people."Yan Qi smiled faintly upon hearing this, "This matter won't be resolved so easily this time. Prince Rui has been stationed with the Northwest Frontier Army for too long. While he excels in warfare, he has forgotten the ways of conspiracies and schemes in the capital. Rest assured, Mother Consort, I have made arrangements. When the time comes, I will naturally give Prince Rui a surprise."

...

...

After leaving the palace, Qin Guan first escorted Yue Ning back to Marquis Anyang Manor. When the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi saw that Yue Ning was injured, they were immediately furious and sent someone to the palace again. Qin Guan stayed with Yue Ning at the manor for a while and left a prescription to remove scars. Remembering that Zhang Daoshi might have some news today, she took her leave early and headed to the prefect's office.

When Qin Guan arrived at the prefect's office, Zheng Baishi was not there. Zhan Yang, hearing that Qin Guan had come, hurried out to receive her. He led her to the back hall and said, "Has Zhang Daoshi said anything today?"

Zhan Yang shook his head, "After returning yesterday, he didn't sleep all night. The lights in his room were on, and even during the day today, his door remained closed and unopened. We sent a servant to ask if he needed food, but he didn't even open the door. I have no idea what he's doing."

Qin Guan was aware of Zhang Daoshi's eccentricities, but perhaps it was precisely such people who possessed unique talents.

Qin Guan replied, "No need to rush. As long as he can help, it doesn't matter how strange he is. Waiting another day is no issue. Did Zhan Butou make any progress today?"

Zhan Yang was the most diligent in pursuing the case, but he sighed and said, "We investigated at Zuixian Tower. After Hu Dequan became the ice cellar guard, there were indeed two people who contacted him. One was Hu Dequan's fellow villager, who occasionally visited him out of pity since Hu Dequan was alone. The other was someone who used to drink with Hu Dequan frequently. Later, when Hu Dequan worked as an ice cellar guard and had little money, only the fellow villager visited him occasionally."

"When we questioned him, he said that many people knew about Hu Dequan selling his daughter. Hu Dequan had revealed it himself once when he was drunk. Everyone knew, and many who already disliked Hu Dequan felt even more disdain after learning about it. That person only visited occasionally out of fellow villager camaraderie."

"We also investigated his daughter, Hongxiu. She deeply resents her father. Back then, she was sold to Phoenix Perch Tower and even tried to escape. Once, she ran away and found Hu Dequan, but he beat her severely and sent her back. After that, she lost all hope and began to focus on learning her skills. She started receiving clients only three years ago. Although she is not a pure courtesan, she has some talent and is somewhat famous in the capital. Many people know about her story—the madam of Phoenix Perch Tower and some senior courtesans are aware..."

"After a day of running around, it feels like we're still without any leads." Zhan Yang sighed. "These three cases don't have many similarities, and the identities of the three victims are quite different."

Qin Guan frowned tightly, feeling as though she had overlooked something but unable to recall it at the moment.

Suddenly, Qin Guan said, "Wasn't Miss Zhong bought by Zhao Jiaxu from a brothel? Which brothel was Miss Zhong from?"

At this, Zhan Yang frowned and said, "It seems... it seems it was also Phoenix Perch Tower."Qin Guan's heart tightened. "I remember Wu Qian was fond of visiting pleasure houses. On the night of his incident, it seemed he had just come out from Phoenix Perch Tower after drinking?"

Zhan Yang nodded. "Indeed..."

Qin Guan continued, "So it seems these three cases are all connected to Phoenix Perch Tower!"

Zhan Yang pondered and found it true. Qin Guan added, "We don't know how Zhao Jiaxu's affair was exposed, yet it specifically involves a Miss Zhong from Phoenix Perch Tower. Could the murderer have learned something from this Miss Zhong, or through her, taken notice of Zhao Jiaxu? The killer couldn't have gathered information about his targets through unrelated channels. He might be a patron of Phoenix Perch Tower or perhaps one of its staff members..."

Zhan Yang's expression turned serious. "I understand what you mean, my lady. I will send someone to Phoenix Perch Tower again to investigate who Miss Zhong was close to during her time there, and also check which ladies Wu Qian associated with at the tower."

Qin Guan nodded. "Since we have no leads at the moment, this direction is worth exploring."

After speaking, Qin Guan glanced toward the backyard. Since Zhang Daoshi hadn't emerged yet, she had no choice but to take her leave first. On the carriage ride back to the Marquis' residence, Qin Guan was pondering the day's case when Baiying asked, "Miss, will Feng Zhang be punished today?"

Qin Guan sighed. "Substantial punishment might be difficult. Most likely, the Emperor will only issue a reprimand."

Baiying raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Qin Guan continued, "However, he'll have to keep a low profile from now on. The Emperor has added another black mark against him, and he certainly won't dare cause trouble at the art gallery again."

As she spoke, Qin Guan thought of Ning Buyi. Feng Zhang had claimed that Ning Buyi wore makeup—something she hadn't noticed before. But today, seeing Ning Buyi's flushed face and light sweat, there did seem to be traces of powder...

Although applying makeup is typically a feminine practice, there's no rule forbidding men from doing so. Ning Buyi is a master painter, so having a few unconventional habits isn't surprising. Yet Feng Zhang, upon seeing Ning Buyi's makeup, developed disrespectful intentions—truly despicable. Qin Guan shook her head, temporarily setting aside the day's events.

By the time she returned to the Marquis' residence, it was already late. With Qin Shuang and Xue Qingshan's wedding approaching, the entire residence had been freshly decorated. Qin Guan first visited the main courtyard to see Hu Shi, then went to Qin Shuang's quarters.

Qin Shuang's chamber was filled with items for the wedding day. In the inner room, the crimson Wedding Dress had been completed and delivered. When Qin Shuang pulled Qin Guan inside to see it, her face was flushed with excitement. "I tried it on this afternoon—it fits perfectly. I wanted you to see it, but you weren't here. Now only the veil remains; I'll finish embroidering it soon."

Seeing Qin Shuang's bashful expression filled Qin Guan with joy. The two held hands and chatted for a while before Qin Guan returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard. Upon arrival, she immediately ordered the storeroom opened and personally selected several Dowry gifts for Qin Shuang before emerging. Just as she stepped out of the storeroom, she heard the golden finch in the courtyard chirping incessantly.

Remembering that the Ninth Prince had asked about this finch during her palace visit today, Qin Guan walked over to the cage.

Seeing this, Fuling brought bird food for Qin Guan to feed it, smiling as she said, "This little bird has become increasingly lively lately, full of energy. Do you find it noisy, miss?"Qin Guan's lips tightened slightly. If it weren't for the Ninth Prince's bird, she would never have taken the initiative to keep it. Though the chirping of birds had its own charm, she was someone who preferred tranquility. These days she often went out, but if she stayed in the courtyard all day, the constant chirping would indeed likely disturb her. "It's tolerable for now, but during the day we can take it to the garden. It's early summer now, with flowers blooming everywhere—I imagine it would enjoy itself there."

Fuling promptly responded with a cheerful smile.

Early the next morning, seeing the clear weather, Fuling brought the birdcage along with water and birdseed to the garden. She hung it on a lush green tree, and sure enough, the bird chirped even more excitedly. Since the spot wasn't far from Pine Breeze Courtyard, Fuling watched for a while before returning to the courtyard. No sooner had she left than Qin Chaoyu arrived at the flowerbed.

Mo Yi spotted the birdcage hanging under the green tree and frowned. "How did a craftsman's bird end up here?! All that chirping is so annoying."

A young maid behind her quickly explained, "Sister Mo Yi, this isn't a craftsman's bird. It belongs to Ninth Miss, and I heard it was brought from the palace. She treasures it dearly."

Mo Yi's frown deepened, her expression turning displeased as she fell silent.

She still held a grudge from the last time Qin Guan had caused her young lady to be reprimanded by the Crown Prince.

Qin Chaoyu had originally come out for a stroll, but upon seeing the birdcage, she immediately recognized it as the Ninth Prince's golden finch. She narrowed her eyes, glaring at the cage with hostility. Noticing this, Mo Yi assumed her mistress disliked the bird and was about to step forward when Qin Chaoyu suddenly took a deep breath, turned abruptly, and headed back the way she came.

Mo Yi hurriedly called out, "Miss, where are you going—"

But Qin Chaoyu didn't look back, her mood for garden strolls completely ruined.

Mo Yi chased after her for a few steps but couldn't catch up. Pausing, she turned and glared fiercely at the birdcage. The young maid, unsure of Mo Yi's intentions, froze in fear. A flicker of resentment sparked in Mo Yi's eyes as she waved the maid away, then cautiously scanned her surroundings.

Seeing no one around, Mo Yi moved swiftly and stealthily toward the birdcage.