Coroner's Diary

Upon entering Yan Li's room in the Phoenix Perch Tower, Qin Guan noticed the interior was even more exquisitely elegant than the outer areas.

Yan Li said, "Please sit first. Tell me, what would you like to know?"

Qin Guan smiled as she took her seat. "I wish to learn about a young lady named Hongxiu."

Yan Li thought for a moment, seeming to vaguely recall such a person. After glancing at his attendant, who immediately moved to summon her, Qin Guan quickly interjected, "Wait. It might not be appropriate to question Hongxiu directly. That lady Yunyan—wasn't she the one we met at the magistrate's office last time? Perhaps we could invite her instead?"

Understanding Qin Guan's implication, Yan Li gave his attendant a meaningful look. The attendant nodded and promptly exited.

Once the attendant had left, Yan Li remarked, "Zhan Yang should have already investigated the people at Phoenix Perch Tower earlier. Why have you come here yourself this time? Has there been some new development?"

Qin Guan rose with a smile and began carefully examining the room. "Not exactly. I merely have a hypothesis and wanted to gather more information..."

The room's decor was exceptionally refined: vibrant peony-patterned ceremonial fabric, vermilion lotus-motif drapes adorning the walls—their brilliant hues lending a touch of opulence to the space. The window lattices were intricately carved, while the porcelain vase on the desk was of pure white ceramic, exuding understated elegance. Near the window stood a tea table and a qin case, suggesting Yan Li often enjoyed tea and music here with Lady Yunyan.

Qin Guan's gaze shifted to several paintings hanging on the wall.

"Might I ask, Your Highness, who painted these works?"

Hearing this, Yan Li stood and approached Qin Guan. "I'm afraid I don't know that."

"They were created by masters from the city's Ink-Stained Painting House."

Just as Yan Li finished speaking, a soft, melodious voice chimed in. Qin Guan turned to see Yunyan, whom she had met once before. Yunyan entered with graceful steps, as delicate and captivating as during their last encounter.

"Greetings to Your Highness, and to the Princess—"

Yan Li smiled. "You recognize people well. Do you know about these paintings?"

Yunyan rose and nodded with a smile. "Yes. This room was specially arranged for Your Highness—even the smallest teacup must be of the finest quality. These paintings were all purchased from the Ink-Stained Painting House in the city."

Qin Guan stepped forward. "Are you familiar with the masters from the Ink-Stained Painting House?"

Yunyan chuckled. "Naturally. The sisters here have the masters come every six months to create new paintings. Sometimes, when guests appreciate refined artistry, we even invite the masters to paint a few pieces for them."

As she spoke, Yunyan walked to a cabinet in the inner part of the room and opened it. Upon seeing inside, Qin Guan immediately noticed several scrolls stored within. Yunyan retrieved one and unrolled it, revealing a painting of a talented scholar and a beautiful woman. Upon closer inspection, the man in the painting was unmistakably Yan Li, and the woman was, of course, Yunyan.

Yan Li smiled. "Was this painted during last year's Mid-Autumn Festival?"

Yunyan nodded. "Exactly. The master who painted it was from the Ink-Stained Painting House."

Qin Guan then asked, "Do you know the owner of the painting house, Master Ning?"Yunyan closed the scroll as she spoke, "Of course I recognize him. Shopkeeper Ning occasionally visits too. He's quite close with our Qingmei, though he's a gentleman—perhaps only coming three or four times a month. When he does visit, he merely drinks tea with Qingmei and discusses paintings. Each of us sisters here has our own talents, and Qingmei excels at painting. However, this skill isn't as popular with guests compared to others like qin, flute, singing, or dancing. So although Qingmei has some reputation for talent here, she isn't particularly sought after. Still, thanks to Shopkeeper Ning's favor, her living expenses are quite comfortable."

Most courtesans rely on their looks to please guests, and many learn one or two arts. Among these, musical instruments are naturally the most beloved by patrons. Skills like calligraphy or painting tend to feel dull unless the guest is versed in such Paths. Since Ning Buyi is a renowned painter in the city, he naturally finds common ground with Qingmei.

"Is there another courtesan here named Hongxiu?"

Yunyan quickly nodded. "She entered around the same time as Qingmei. One is called Qingmei, the other Hongxiu—they usually get along well."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, then asked after a moment, "Previously, a girl surnamed Zhong was sold here but was later redeemed. Do you know of her?"

Yunyan thought for a while. "This humble woman can't recall clearly. Please wait a moment."

She went out and soon returned. "Your Highness, there indeed was a young girl surnamed Zhong who was redeemed shortly after being sold here. Does Your Highness wish to inquire about her?"

"During her time here, who was she closest to?"

Yunyan pondered. "It should have been Hongxiu. Just now, when I asked the young servant outside, they said this Miss Zhong came to borrow money from Hongxiu a few days ago..."

Qin Guan fell into deep thought. Meanwhile, another servant brought in wine and dishes. Yunyan arranged them and invited Qin Guan and the other to sit, standing by like an attendant to serve the food.

Qin Guan pointed to a stool. "Sit and speak."

Yunyan hesitated, glancing at Yan Li. Yan Li chuckled, "If Her Highness says sit, then sit."

Only then did Yunyan sit. Qin Guan continued, "Is Hongxiu's background known to everyone in this establishment?"

Yunyan nodded. "Hongxiu was sold here by her own father. I arrived a year earlier and witnessed her initial refusal to stay—she even tried to run away but was eventually brought back. Those who came before me know, as do those who entered around the same time as her. After that, Hongxiu's father came once to demand money from her. She gave it the first time, but when he returned for more—he's an alcoholic and gambler—Hongxiu realized it couldn't go on and refused. Her father caused several scenes but was driven out each time. Thus, everyone in the brothel learned of it."

After a slight pause, Qin Guan asked further, "Do you know the third and fourth young masters of the Wu family?"Yunyan smiled slightly and said, "Of course I know. Anyone in the capital with even a slight reputation, especially those who frequent our establishment, I'm familiar with. The third young master of the Wu family doesn't come often, but he does visit. Each time he calls for different companions, though he rarely stays overnight—mostly just listens to the qin while drinking. In comparison, the fourth young master of the Wu family enjoys more lively entertainment. He also likes to summon different girls, but he chooses whoever is currently popular or has learned new skills. I've never seen him show lasting affection for anyone. Still, he's open-minded and enthusiastic, without any reservations, so the girls are happy to accompany him. Though he doesn't have the literary fame of the third young master, he treats the girls with courtesy."

Yunyan spoke in great detail, and Qin Guan was very satisfied. Zhan Yang's suspicion of Wu Yu wasn't without reason. In this brothel, the conversations between patrons and courtesans covered a wide range of topics, making it the best place for information to circulate. Wu Qian had been here, Zhao Jiaxu had been here, and Hu Dequan had sold his daughter here—they all had connections to the brothel.

Qin Guan asked further, "Do you know Wang Shouchang, the manager of Shuyu Zhai in the East Market?"

At the mention of this name, Yunyan looked puzzled. After thinking for a moment, she said, "There are a few regular patrons surnamed Wang, but I don't remember clearly their exact names or which shops they run."

As she spoke, Yunyan made to stand up. "I'll go ask—"

Qin Guan raised a hand. "No need, Miss Yunyan. Please stay seated. That's about all I wanted to ask."

Yunyan glanced at Yan Li, who motioned for her to sit back down. Then he looked at Qin Guan and asked, "Did you get the information you wanted?"

Qin Guan smiled and nodded. "Of course." She raised her teacup. "Thank you, and thank you, Miss Yunyan. I'll use tea in place of wine..."

Qin Guan hadn't come with Yan Li for a meal, but since she was already here and Yunyan was so charming and delightful—even without discussing the case, Yunyan could engage Qin Guan in conversation—Qin Guan stayed for a meal. After eating, Qin Guan intended to take her leave. Seeing this, Yan Li naturally offered to escort her, but before they could descend the stairs, his guard came up and whispered in his ear. Yan Li raised his eyebrows in surprise and smiled wryly. "It seems I can't see you off."

Outside, the sky was pitch black. Yan Li had planned to escort Qin Guan, but upon hearing something, he changed his mind. Qin Guan, who hadn't needed his escort in the first place, quickly said, "Go attend to your matters. I have Baiying with me; nothing will happen."

With a nod to Yunyan, she turned and went down the stairs.

Yan Li smiled faintly and returned to the room. Yunyan, seeing this, asked, "Your Highness, why did you suddenly decide not to escort the princess?""

Yan Li chuckled. "No need for me to escort her anymore."

Yunyan's eyes sparkled with understanding as she glanced back. "The princess is truly different from other young ladies.""

Yan Li tilted his head and looked at her. "How so?"

Yunyan replied, "I can't quite put it into words. It's just a feeling that she's more formidable than ordinary women, yet her appearance is the epitome of femininity. Mostly, I've heard about the things she's done and find it hard to believe. In this world, a woman can actually accomplish such things..."Yan Li's gaze grew distant for a fleeting moment upon hearing this, but soon his lazy smile returned as he pulled Yunyan into an embrace. "It seems I'll get to enjoy your zither performance today..."

...

...

Qin Guan stepped out of Phoenix Perch Tower and immediately spotted the waiting carriage. Without a word, she walked straight to it and lifted the curtain to enter. But the moment the curtain was raised, she sensed something amiss. In the next instant, a long arm suddenly reached out, unceremoniously scooping her inside from the carriage entrance.

Qin Guan tumbled into someone's embrace, her nose filled with a familiar scent. As the curtain swayed, the brilliant lantern light outside illuminated Yan Chi's handsome features. Qin Guan exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

Holding her close, Yan Chi gave her waist a firm pinch. "How dare you ask! If I hadn't known Yan Li brought you here, I would have stormed inside earlier."

Qin Guan gasped, finally understanding why Yan Li had suddenly changed his mind earlier.

She chuckled, "How long have you been waiting?"

Yan Chi frowned. "Even if it's about investigating the case, you should have sent Zhan Yang and the others. How could you enter a brothel?"

Qin Guan pushed against Yan Chi's chest to create some distance. "Why shouldn't I? The women in Phoenix Perch Tower are all more beautiful than flowers. If you men can come, why can't I?"

Raising an eyebrow, Yan Chi pulled her closer again. "When have I ever come here?"

Qin Guan let out a mocking laugh before getting to the main point. "Zhan Yang and the others came before, but they only gave me secondhand accounts. Retold stories can't capture every word exactly. That's why I came today - and I learned what I wanted to know."

Holding Qin Guan's hand, Yan Chi examined her male attire. "What did you find out?"

Qin Guan leaned closer to recount her findings in a hushed tone, careful not to be overheard from outside. But her warm breath brushing against Yan Chi's face began to distract him.

The carriage had started moving toward the Marquis residence. When Qin Guan finished speaking, Yan Chi said, "Since you have some theories now, this matter should be much easier to handle."

Qin Guan nodded. "But the murderer has covered their tracks thoroughly. We still lack conclusive evidence, so we must wait for the right moment."

She then asked, "Have you finished dealing with matters concerning the Northwest Frontier Army?"

At this question, the last traces of Yan Chi's romantic thoughts vanished as his expression darkened. "Not finished. Several northwestern transport commissioners are indeed connected to people in the Northwest Frontier Army. Some court officials have already submitted memorials impeaching my father."

"Impeaching Prince Rui? For lax oversight?"

Yan Chi nodded grimly. "That's not all. Some are accusing Father of favoritism. The Northwest Frontier Army has been under his command for so many years - it's too easy for them to find faults."

Qin Guan felt the situation was developing in a serious direction. If previously it was just speculation, now it seemed confirmed. She sat up straight. "What do you plan to do?"

Yan Chi paused. "I'll wait one more month. If there's no good news by then, I might have to go to the northwest frontier."

Qin Guan sighed. This was the worst possible outcome. For Yan Chi to return to the frontier, Prince Rui must be losing control of the situation. But would the Emperor permit it?

"If you want to return, will the Emperor allow it? You currently hold a position in the Ministry of Justice."A pensive look crossed Yan Chi's face, indicating he had long considered this difficult question. Seeing Qin Guan's steady gaze upon him, the corners of his lips curved slightly. "Don't worry, should it truly come to that, I have a solution."

Though Qin Guan couldn't genuinely set her mind at ease, she refrained from pressing further to avoid causing Yan Chi concern, simply nodding in response. "Very well, as long as you have a plan. For now, focus on matters in Shuoxi—there's no need for you to handle this case."

Yan Chi enveloped Qin Guan in a tight embrace. "Tomorrow I'll visit the magistrate's office. By reason and sentiment, I cannot truly wash my hands of this investigation. As for you—wherever you go, Baiying must remain by your side without a moment's separation."

Qin Guan promptly agreed. As the carriage approached the eastern district, she leaned into Yan Chi's embrace. Having been apart for many days, these fleeting moments were their only chance to exchange words. With this thought, she instinctively tightened her hold around him. Somehow, she couldn't shake the premonition that a storm was brewing within the capital.