Coroner's Diary

In the carriage, Lin Shi bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. Granny Yu sighed beside her, "Third Madam, you mustn't grieve too much. As parents, we always wish for our children's happiness. Though the Fifth Young Miss has... from what we saw today, she is indeed living well. Since she has chosen this path, all you can do is hope she fares better—there's no other way."

Lin Shi took a deep breath and wiped the tears from her face. Granny Yu was not truly one of her own, and even now, despite having lost all face, she still wanted to preserve some dignity. "It's my fault for not teaching her well. That she's ended up like this is on me."

Granny Yu sighed again. "You can't blame yourself. The Fifth Young Miss was once the apple of your eye—how could you bear to scold her harshly? Some children are just too young to handle adversity."

Her comfort felt hollow, and coupled with her own resentment toward Qin Xiang under Hu Shi's influence, Granny Yu held little regard for Lin Shi. Still, Lin Shi was the Third Madam, and Granny Yu knew her place.

Lin Shi shook her head and fell silent, forcing herself to make a decision in that very moment.

Qin Xiang had become a concubine in Prince Cheng's household. For a concubine to flee without permission, being caught and beaten to death by the royal residence would be justified. The day Prince Cheng's men came to take her was Qin Xiang's only chance, but she had failed to seize it. From now on, they could only go their separate ways. Moreover, Lin Shi could not remain in the capital. Not only because of her status as Third Madam, but also because her own daughter had become someone's concubine—how could she brazenly stay? What would people think?

The carriage traveled east along the main road and soon arrived at the Loyal Marquis Manor. Lin Shi wiped her face once more, ensuring no trace of tears was visible as she alighted. Granny Yu accompanied her to the main courtyard, where Hu Shi was waiting.

Seeing Lin Shi return, Hu Shi hurried over to greet her. "Sister-in-law, did you see Xiang'er?"

Lin Shi's eyes reddened again as she nodded. "I saw her. We exchanged a few words. At this point, I can't take her away with me, and she... naturally has no wish to leave with me. Eldest Sister-in-law, I've truly caused you all trouble with this matter."

Hu Shi quickly took Lin Shi's hand and guided her to sit. "It's no trouble at all. We're family—please don't stand on ceremony."

Once seated, a maid served hot tea, and Hu Shi continued, "Don't be angry or sad. No matter what choice Xiang'er made, she is still your daughter. It's just that with Prince Cheng's household between you now, communication and visits will be rather inconvenient."

Inconvenient was an understatement. Lin Shi thought of being forced to use the side gate and the dimly lit servants' quarters, her heart wrenching with pain. Fortunately, Hu Shi knew how to maintain appearances and spoke so graciously. Seeing Lin Shi silent, Hu Shi added, "Since you're here, don't dwell on these matters. It's been years since you last visited the capital—rest for a few days. The day after tomorrow is Shuang'er's wedding, and you must receive her respects. After the ceremony, once you've rested, I'll take you out to see the sights. By May, the azaleas behind Jing'an Hall outside the city will be in full bloom. We can go offer incense at the hall and then admire the flowers."

Lin Shi smiled bitterly, pressing her lips together before replying, "Eldest Sister-in-law, I won't be staying long."

Hu Shi looked surprised. "What do you mean, Sister-in-law?"Lin Shi continued, "If I were to involve myself in Shuang'er's marriage arrangements, it would inevitably remind people of her father's affairs, which would be extremely detrimental to her. Very few know of my visit here, and I intend to return to Jinzhou tomorrow morning. Though I haven't treated Shuang'er with the same affection as Xiang'er, I've watched her grow up and she is as dear to me as my own flesh and blood. It would be best for you and Eldest Brother to handle her marriage. With the Marquis residence's prestige, the Xue family won't treat her poorly. Now, every additional day I stay here only brings more trouble."

Hu Shi hadn't expected Lin Shi to be so decisive. "But sister-in-law, you..."

Lin Shi shook her head. "These considerations must have already occurred to you, Eldest Sister. Shuang'er came to the capital precisely to escape her father's ill repute. My presence here is nothing but a burden. Eldest Sister, please discuss this matter with Eldest Brother. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning. Also, Wan He plans to return to Jinzhou, so I'll take her with me this time."

Seeing Lin Shi's resolute expression, Hu Shi sighed. "Very well then. I'll speak with the Marquis later."

Lin Shi nodded, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, rose and bowed to Hu Shi before returning to the guest courtyard.

After Lin Shi departed, Hu Shi turned to Granny Yu, who immediately recounted everything that had happened at Prince Cheng's royal residence. Upon hearing the account, Hu Shi struck her chest in anger. "No wonder she was so furious and unwilling to stay even one more day! That Qin Xiang—how could she be so ungrateful? To think she'd even consider disgracing the Marquis residence! Truly despicable and ridiculous!"

Granny Yu sighed helplessly. "And she was dressed so flamboyantly, covered in colorful, glittering jewelry as if afraid people wouldn't know Prince Cheng had gifted her things. But no matter how many gifts she receives, she's still just the ninth concubine of Prince Cheng's household. She ought to reflect on that. In my opinion, the Third Madam is truly sensible—she delivered that slap and left immediately. Thinking about it, it's rather pitiful."

Hu Shi thought of Lin Shi and sighed as well. "She originally had both sons and daughters, but now... Ah, she's actually two years younger than me, yet she appears older than I do now. It hasn't been easy for her."

After a moment's contemplation, Hu Shi said, "Since she's determined to leave, we won't press her to stay. Quickly make the arrangements, and ensure everything is handled properly. After this trip, who knows if she'll ever have the chance to visit the capital again."

Granny Yu promptly acknowledged the order and went out to arrange for Lin Shi's departure the next day.

Back in the guest courtyard, Lin Shi sat for a while to compose herself before summoning Wan He. The moment Wan He entered, she asked, "Have you seen the young mistress, Madam? How is she? What did she say?"

Wan He had shared many years of master-servant bond with Qin Xiang. Lin Shi's sorrow welled up again at the question, and she began to weep. Seeing this, Wan He immediately understood the situation was bad and started crying too. Unwilling to speak ill of Qin Xiang, Lin Shi simply wept with her maid before finally saying, "I plan to leave the capital tomorrow morning. You may return to Jinzhou with me."

Wan He was slightly surprised but dared not inquire further. Lin Shi continued, "I've prepared some things for you to deliver to the Sixth Young Lady."

She instructed the maid who had accompanied her to bring two large bundles. Wan He glanced at them and saw they were filled entirely with valuable jewelry and money. She exclaimed in astonishment, "So much..."Lin Shi smiled bitterly, "Originally, all these were meant for Fifth Miss, but now they're of no use. I'm afraid my things aren't worthy of her eyes. As Shuang'er's mother, these items shall serve as the dowry I provide. Please deliver them to her."

Wan He, hearing Lin Shi's words, understood that the meeting between her and Qin Xiang must have ended unhappily. She dared not say more and took the bundle to find Qin Shuang. Having visited Lin Shi just the day before, Qin Shuang was startled to see Wan He bringing a dowry from her. Upon learning that Lin Shi would depart the next day, she hurriedly sought out Qin Guan, and together they went to see Lin Shi. However, when they arrived at the guest courtyard, Lin Shi refused to see them.

"Your Ladyship, Sixth Miss, the Madam returned and went straight to sleep. She will set off early tomorrow morning, so there's no need for you to see her off. Your Ladyship need not concern yourself now, and Sixth Miss, you are about to marry. The Madam fears causing you trouble and believes leaving early is for your own good. You were raised under her care, and she hopes your married life will be harmonious and joyful."

Qin Shuang's eyes reddened slightly. Though Lin Shi had not treated her as well as Qin Xiang, she was, after all, not Lin Shi's biological daughter, and Lin Shi had been a proper stepmother. "Is Mother seriously unwell? Didn't she go to see Qin Xiang today?"

The maid looked troubled. "Fifth Miss broke the Madam's heart. She is both grieving and unwilling to burden your wedding, hence her decision to leave tomorrow morning. But rest assured, Sixth Miss, we will take care of her. The Madam's health is not seriously ill, it's just that... she truly cannot see you or Your Ladyship at the moment."

Qin Shuang sighed. "Once Mother leaves, who knows when we'll meet again? Since she won't see us, I shall kneel outside and kowtow to bid her farewell."

With that, Qin Shuang knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times toward the half-closed door. The maid watched, feeling sorrowful. Qin Shuang rose, offered a few more words of advice, and then turned to leave. Inside the room, Lin Shi wept bitterly. This trip to the capital had stripped her of all dignity and face. Whatever the reason, she only wished to leave immediately.

As Qin Shuang walked back, she sighed. "Since childhood, Mother never deprived me of anything on the surface, nor did she mistreat me. But she had no desire to see me excel or thrive, so she indulged and neglected me. Coupled with Qin Xiang always egging me on, I became increasingly undisciplined. Yet, compared to other noble families who mistreat their illegitimate daughters, Mother never did any of that. She is a proud woman, and Qin Xiang has now deeply humiliated her. From now on, I fear we won't have many chances to meet again."

Qin Guan found the thought of the old Qin Shuang amusing. "Back then, you were always obsessed with your Brother Huo..."

Mentioning Huo Ning made Qin Shuang blush, easing the sorrow in her heart. Then she suddenly looked at Qin Guan. "Hey, now that you mention it, you used to like Huo Ning too. How did you suddenly change..."

Qin Guan blinked. "Who said I liked him! Back then, I hadn't seen many other men, so I glanced at him a few more times. Just because you noticed, you assumed I liked him. Huo Ning, that pretentious, feeble scholar—I don't like him at all."

Qin Guan spoke with such conviction that Qin Shuang began to doubt her own assumptions, yet she felt something was off and kept pressing Qin Guan for answers. The two bantered and joked all the way back to Pine Breeze Courtyard.Before dawn the next day, Lin Shi had already left the Marquis' residence. From her arrival in the capital to her departure, it had only been three days—three days filled with hardship. Qin Shuang and Qin Guan had intended to see her off, but they hadn't expected Lin Shi to leave so early. Only Hu Shi and Qin Shu, alerted by the gatekeeper, hurriedly rose to bid her a final farewell. Missing the send-off left Qin Shuang in low spirits for quite some time.

However, with the wedding just one day away, Qin Shuang didn't have long to dwell on her gloom before she was swept up in the commotion of decorating her chamber. According to Great Zhou customs, the day before a bride's wedding, her close friends and sisters from her maternal family would gather to prepare her room. Qin Shuang didn't know many wealthy young ladies in the capital, so Qin Guan invited Yue Ning and Meng Yao to join. Though Qin Chaoyu didn't come in person, she sent a gift. The actual decorating was done by servants, while the young women sat together, sipping tea and teasing the bride-to-be.

"Master Xue is a good man. My father knows of him too," Meng Yao said earnestly. "There are many young men in the capital, but most are frivolous sons of wealthy families—lazy, indulgent, and squandering their family fortunes. Truly capable ones are few and far between. Although the Xue family isn't exceedingly wealthy, in a place like the capital, those with real talent often attract the favor of influential patrons. Once you marry him, you're sure to lead a blessed life."

Though it was customary to speak only well of the groom before a wedding, Meng Yao's words were sincere. Qin Shuang's eyes brightened slightly. "Really? I had no idea. The capital is filled with nobility—I thought those of lower status might struggle to stand out..."

Yue Ning laughed. "The capital has many nobles, but it also has many opportunities. As long as one is diligent, there's no worry about not making a name for oneself."

Qin Shuang reflected that this was true—the capital offered more chances to rise than smaller towns, though the competition was fierce, and real skill was essential to succeed.

She didn't know Xue Qingshan well, but since everyone spoke highly of his capabilities, she trusted he wouldn't disappoint her.

"Hehe, I don't ask for great wealth or status. Honestly, even living as they do now would satisfy me," Qin Shuang remarked as she poured tea for everyone.

Yue Ning smiled faintly, thinking how the Sixth Miss Qin, once quite disagreeable, had become much more endearing. Meng Yao, unaware of Qin Shuang's past, had always felt she was fortunate. "With your contented and uncompetitive nature, you're bound to live happily. If only everyone in the capital were like you!"

Qin Shuang sighed. "It's mainly because I lack looks, lineage, and talent—I have nothing. Even if I wanted to compete, I couldn't. So, I have no choice but to be this way..."

Meng Yao found her utterly adorable, while Qin Guan teased, "You're bold to say that! It's not like you have nothing—you're quite the foodie! Who was it that got up last midnight to order a plate of glutinous rice cakes?"

Meng Yao and Yue Ning burst into laughter, and Qin Shuang, blushing, reached out to tickle Qin Guan. "Ah, you! How could you reveal that!"

The room erupted in merriment. By afternoon, Meng Yao and Yue Ning took their leave, and Qin Guan and Qin Shuang personally saw them to the estate gate. As they turned to go back, they spotted a yamen runner from the prefectural office galloping over on horseback. Qin Guan looked closely—it was Tong Yu—Tong Yu arrived on horseback and, upon reaching the gate, happened to see Qin Guan. He quickly dismounted and bowed, "Your Highness! Greetings, Your Highness!"

"How did you get here?! Did Zhan Butou send you?"

Tong Yu nodded and stepped forward, saying, "The identity of the fifth victim has been confirmed. He was indeed a carpenter. He used to be a disciple of Fahua Temple outside the city, with the monastic name Huixin. Later, he violated temple rules and was expelled, forcing him to grow his hair and return to secular life. He changed his name to Wang Xin and now lives in the southern part of the city, taking on odd jobs. Since he lived alone, no one came looking for him after his death. We only found someone who recognized him when we searched that area. We inspected his courtyard, which was very simple, and found no useful clues inside."

Catching his breath, Tong Yu continued, "When he had no work, he was an idle man. It's unclear why he would go to that mill for no reason. Zhan Butou is still investigating. He knows you're busy with the upcoming celebration at the Marquis's residence but also understands your concern about this matter, so he sent me to inform you."

Qin Guan nodded, "I won't be able to go to the yamen until the day after tomorrow. You and Zhan Butou must be careful. Also, tomorrow evening is another auspicious time for setting up the altar. Has Zhan Butou made arrangements?"

Tong Yu quickly nodded, "Rest assured, everything has been arranged."

Having conveyed the message, Tong Yu did not linger. He bowed once more and took his leave.

Qin Guan sighed and then walked back with Qin Shuang. Qin Shuang asked curiously, "Will there be another death tomorrow?"

Qin Guan shook her head, "I don't know. I hope not."

Seeing Qin Shuang look somewhat frightened, Qin Guan smiled and said, "Don't worry. Your wedding is during the day tomorrow, and you'll be taken away early. Don't think about these things. Let's go see if there's anything else we need to prepare."

Qin Shuang then clung to Qin Guan's arm, "Then you must sleep with me tonight. It's the last night, after all."

Qin Guan laughed and agreed, "Of course! Tomorrow night, you'll be resting elsewhere!"

At this, Qin Shuang's face flushed red, and she raised her hand to tickle Qin Guan, "You, a young girl, dare to say such things! If others heard, hmph..."

The two entered the courtyard and checked all the preparations for the next day. Hu Shi, still uneasy, spent a long time inspecting the kitchen with the servants. Although the number of guests at the Marquis's residence banquet the next day would certainly be fewer than at Qin Chaoyu's wedding, not a single mistake could be allowed. Meanwhile, Qin Guan arrived early at Qin Shuang's courtyard.

As night deepened, Qin Shuang couldn't sleep and insisted on talking to Qin Guan. "I'm getting married tomorrow. What if Young Master Xue doesn't like me at all? What if his parents make things difficult for me? What if... Qin Guan, I'm so scared... What if Xue Qingshan isn't as good as we thought?"

Qin Guan smiled. Qin Shuang had already asked these questions a hundred times before, and she had analyzed them for her just as many times. She could only say, "If you don't sleep well tonight, you'll have dark circles under your eyes tomorrow, and your complexion will look dull and weary. No amount of powder will hide it. What will Young Master Xue think when he sees you like that?"

Hearing this, Qin Shuang panicked, "Alright, alright, I'll sleep. I'll sleep well."Qin Guan turned to look at Qin Shuang and gently patted her twice. "Then set your mind at ease. You're just scaring yourself right now."

Qin Shuang, reminded that she would be a beautiful bride tomorrow, immediately dared not say more. After mumbling a few words, she settled down to sleep. It turned out Qin Shuang was actually broad-minded, for soon Qin Guan heard her snoring. Qin Guan smiled slightly and also turned over to sleep.

Early the next morning, before dawn, Qin Guan and Qin Shuang were awakened. As Qin Shuang's younger sister, Qin Guan didn't need to receive guests outside but had to help in the bridal chamber. The maids and elderly women prepared in advance swarmed in, bustling about as they bathed Qin Shuang, threaded her face, and applied her makeup. One moment something was missing, the next something else couldn't be found. Qin Guan helped search for each item one by one. By the time Qin Shuang was nearly fully adorned, the sky outside had brightened. Granny Yu brought over some small pastries and a bowl of bird's nest soup from the kitchen. Qin Shuang, already hungry, quickly ate but dared not have too much.

After eating, the serving women helped her into the Wedding Dress and Wedding Gown. The Wedding Gown was as red as fire, layer upon layer, fully armoring Qin Shuang. Once dressed, the arranged "complete fortune" woman styled Qin Shuang's dark hair into an updo, adorning her with jewelry piece by piece. After all the adornment was complete, rouge and lip color were finally applied, marking the finish of the bride's makeup.

Qin Shuang, burdened with the heavy headpieces, scrunched her face into a little bun. Soon, Yue Ning and Meng Yao arrived. Entering the bridal chamber and seeing Qin Shuang fully adorned, they both stepped forward to congratulate her. Though the layered Wedding Dress felt somewhat heavy and uncomfortable, Qin Shuang today was exceptionally beautiful.

Previously, Qin Shuang had been slightly plump with a domineering air between her brows. Now, her figure had slimmed, and her features had become more reserved and elegant, resulting in a significant transformation. Today's makeup made her even more exquisite and moving, and complemented by the bright red Wedding Gown, she appeared particularly charming and radiant.

"They say a girl is at her most beautiful as a bride, and Shuang'er is truly lovely today. In a moment, Young Master Xue might be struck dumb with admiration..."

Hearing Meng Yao say this, Yue Ning added, "Indeed, Xue Qingshan, a rough man, is truly fortunate to marry such a beautiful bride..."

Though her face was already rouged, Qin Shuang's cheeks flushed like apples at these words. "Don't tease me. These things on my head are crushing me to death. Don't laugh at me..."

Qin Guan gave her a pat. "It's your wedding day; you mustn't say the word 'death.' I told you you look beautiful today and you didn't believe me. Now Meng Yao and the princess say so, and you still don't believe! Do you only trust it if Xue Qingshan praises you?"

At this, Qin Shuang's face reddened even more. The room was filled with laughter and chatter when soon Hu Shi and Granny Yu arrived. Hu Shi brought along a group of ladies and young misses who had come to see the bride. Delighted by the lively atmosphere in the room, Hu Shi said, "The auspicious hour is almost here. They say the wedding procession has already passed Xing'an Quarter and is heading this way. If you young sisters have anything to say, say it soon. There won't be a chance later."The room erupted in laughter and playful banter once more. Qin Shuang, unfamiliar with these noble ladies, felt somewhat reserved with so many people suddenly arriving. After a few teasing remarks were directed at her, new guests arrived outside, forcing Hu Shi to excuse herself and attend to them.

Inside the room, a group of aristocratic young ladies gathered around Qin Shuang, while servants offered wedding sweets for the girls to enjoy as they amused themselves, creating a cheerful atmosphere. After a while, firecrackers suddenly crackled outside!

The sound of firecrackers signaled that Xue Qingshan's wedding procession had arrived!

Qin Shuang's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately grew tense, clutching Qin Guan's hand tightly without letting go. Qin Guan couldn't help but chuckle. The ladies and young misses in the room, hearing that the groom had arrived, all stepped out to sneak a look. Qin Shuang's heart raced like a drum, and before long, the banquet outside began. Once the feast started, the groom still had to accompany elders and entertain guests. Only at the auspicious hour could the bride emerge.

The longer the wait, the more nervous Qin Shuang became, her palms sweating. Fortunately, Qin Guan and the others stayed by her side the entire time.

When the second round of firecrackers sounded, it signaled the arrival of the auspicious hour. Granny Yu entered to escort Qin Shuang to bid farewell to the elders. With Lin Shi gone, the only ones left for her to pay respects to were Qin Shu and his wife. Qin Shuang first went to the main hall to kowtow to them, and only then did someone bring out the bridal veil. Once the veil was placed over her head, she would be carried out on Qin Yan's back to the bridal sedan chair.

Qin Shuang's eyes suddenly reddened as she gazed at Qin Guan with reluctance. At this moment, Qin Guan also felt a pang of sorrow. Who would have thought that she and Qin Shuang would become such close sisters? Qin Guan squeezed Qin Shuang's hand and said, "Don't miss the auspicious hour."

Granny Yu stepped forward to place the veil over Qin Shuang's head, while Qin Yan and the others came up to offer words of comfort and advice. When the third round of firecrackers sounded, Qin Yan carried Qin Shuang out on his back. Qin Shu and Hu Shi continued outside to see off guests, but Qin Guan could not join them. Instead, she returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard with Fuling and Baiying, where Yue Ning and Meng Yao were waiting for her.

By then, the sun had already begun to set in the west. The marquis' estate banquet was still ongoing, and faint sounds of revelry could be heard from outside. Seeing Qin Guan's melancholy, Meng Yao consoled her, "She's marrying within the capital. We'll see her again when she returns after three days."

Yue Ning added, "Exactly. We can still visit her at the Xue residence in the future."

Qin Guan sighed, "Ah, it's just that in that moment, I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. When each of you gets married in the future, I'll feel just as sad."

Yue Ning snorted, "I'm far from that day."

Meng Yao's expression turned solemn at these words, and Qin Guan quickly asked, "Has Lord Meng been discussing marriage proposals for you?"

Meng Yao nodded with a bitter smile, "There have been talks, but the match hasn't been decided yet."

Qin Guan sighed again, "Once Eighth Sister is married, the three of us will have to worry about this too."

What woman in this world doesn't marry? None of the three of them could escape this fate.

By the time the marquis' estate banquet concluded, night had fallen. At this hour, Qin Shuang had likely already completed the wedding ceremony, and the celebration at the Xue residence would have begun. Seeing how late it was, Yue Ning and Meng Yao both took their leave. In the main courtyard, Hu Shi and Qin Shu were still entertaining guests, with close friends of the marquis' estate staying longer.

After seeing off Yue Ning and Meng Yao, Qin Guan found herself wandering unconsciously to Qin Shuang's courtyard. Two days before the wedding, Qin Shuang's maids had gone to the Xue residence to prepare the bridal chamber. Today, the dowry and the rest of the entourage had followed the sedan chair there, leaving the courtyard suddenly feeling empty. Usually at this time, Qin Shuang's courtyard would be the liveliest—her restless nature always found ways to keep everyone chatting and laughing. But now, the courtyard stood dark and silent.Since her return from death, Qin Guan had always felt a sense of detachment. She wasn't the real Qin Guan—she had merely assumed Qin Guan's identity to survive and uncover the truth of what happened back then. Yet now, after more than half a year had passed, it seemed she had truly become Qin Guan. The name Shen Guan remained an unspoken secret buried deep in her heart. And those who knew her as Qin Guan and treated her with genuine sincerity had become irreplaceable weights in her heart. It was these very things that made her increasingly become the new Qin Guan.

"Young lady, don't be sad. If you wish, you can visit Sixth Miss at the Xue residence tomorrow."

Qin Guan chuckled softly and walked toward her courtyard. "Wouldn't that break the rules?! How could a bride's family visit the very next day! I just feel a bit unaccustomed to it all. No matter how flawed Qin Shuang was before, she's changed dramatically lately. Before she married away, I didn’t notice it, but now the manor feels somewhat desolate..."

Qin Guan had little to say to Qin Chaoyu, but Qin Shuang often sought her out, asking about palace affairs and matters beyond the estate. Having someone like her made Qin Guan’s heart feel more alive.

After a few steps, Qin Guan suddenly asked, "Which guests came today?"

Fuling hurriedly replied, "Many people came. The Crown Prince sent gifts, and Young Master Wei also sent gifts."

Wei Qizhi? At the mention of him, Qin Guan’s eyebrows lifted slightly.

Qin Guan glanced up at the sky. There was still some time before the hour of Zi, but it was already growing late. Would the murderer act tonight?

Tonight was the Hell of blades and saws—how would the killer strike?!

The thought weighed heavily on her heart, and she quickened her pace unconsciously. Upon returning to Pine Breeze Courtyard, she washed up and retired for the night.

Early the next morning, Qin Guan rose and immediately headed to the prefectural magistrate’s office. When she arrived, the office was quiet. After she announced herself, the guard at the gate said, "My lady, nothing happened last night. Zhan Butou is still catching up on sleep in the duty room. I’ll go wake him at once!"

Qin Guan was startled—nothing happened last night?

She hadn’t waited long in the office’s rear hall when Zhan Yang appeared. Upon seeing Qin Guan, he first bowed respectfully and then said, "My lady, last night we stationed men at three locations, but there was no movement even past midnight. Zhang Daoshi said the auspicious hour had passed—even if a murder occurred, it wouldn’t be connected to the altar. So, we returned."

Qin Guan asked urgently, "So the murderer didn’t strike last night?"

Zhan Yang nodded. "Exactly. Either the killer knew we had men stationed and couldn’t act, or something delayed him. In any case, no one died last night."

Qin Guan breathed a sigh of relief. "Whatever the reason, it’s good that no one died."

Zhan Yang agreed. "That’s true. However, Zhang Daoshi has calculated that the next strike will be tomorrow night, also at the hour of Zi. The men are still resting now, and we’ll resume surveillance tomorrow."

Knowing that Zhan Yang and his men were exhausted from continuous investigations, Qin Guan said, "Very well, you should rest too. If there’s any news or you need my help, come find me. I won’t disturb you further."

Zhan Yang acknowledged her words and escorted Qin Guan out of the magistrate’s office.Once inside the carriage, Qin Guan furrowed her brow. "The killer didn't strike this time! Was there no opportunity at all, or was something else delaying them..."

Qin Guan murmured to herself, unable to figure it out immediately. The previous two times, the authorities had deployed sufficient personnel for surveillance, yet the killer still managed to commit murder. Could it be that this time, the killer simply retreated upon encountering difficulties?

Qin Guan's intuition told her this wasn't the case—the killer likely didn't act due to some unforeseen circumstance.

Zhang Daoshi had said that the interval between two fire sacrifices must not exceed seven days, meaning the killer had to strike tomorrow night. After some thought, she suddenly instructed Baiying, "Head to the southern part of the city, to the stone mill we visited last time. Even without Zhan Yang leading us, we'll go ourselves and hope to uncover some clues."

Baiying, aware of Qin Guan's determination to investigate the case, immediately ordered the attendant to turn the carriage around.