Coroner's Diary

Ning Buyi listened with a series of chuckles, "Your reasoning is truly intricate. You have past connections with Jinzhou and Marquis Anyang Manor, but what if it were a woman with no prior ties at all? How would you proceed?"

Wei Qizhi smiled faintly at this, not finding Ning Buyi’s question the least bit tricky.

"What’s so difficult about that? With the influence of the Wei family, whether it’s noble ladies, merchants’ daughters, or commoners, if I wish to meet someone, I always find a way. Meeting them—exchanging a glance—is the first step. The second step is to have a request of her."

Ning Buyi raised an eyebrow, seeming puzzled. Wei Qizhi laughed and explained, "Women have all sorts of temperaments—whether headstrong or gentle. As long as you understand her nature and cater to her preferences, you can always get her to do a small favor. Take the Grand Princess, for example. If I had no prior connection to her but took a liking to her, I’d only need to know what she’s been up to lately. Hasn’t she been buying paintings frequently? I’d arrange to ‘bump into’ her once or twice. Should I buy a painting for her? No—that would only make her suspect I’m after her status. Instead, I’d take an interest in a painting she wants and ask her to yield it to me—"

A glimmer of understanding lit Ning Buyi’s eyes. "So, she’d feel she’s done you a favor, and you’d have a legitimate reason to be kind to her without seeming suspicious!"

Wei Qizhi nodded with satisfaction. "Exactly! In interactions, it’s all about back-and-forth. Through these exchanges, feelings and interest naturally develop. So this step is crucial. If I were to offer the Grand Princess a favor directly, she might either refuse outright or accept it indifferently. Though it seems she extended goodwill first, the initiative actually lies with me. Many things aren’t what they appear on the surface."

Recalling Wei Qizhi’s meticulous care for Yue Ning, Ning Buyi remarked, "So, a man must lower his pride."

Wei Qizhi laughed heartily. "That’s the idea! At least at the beginning, one must humble oneself! You learn quickly, Brother Ning. Truthfully, there are very few women in this world who are truly cold-hearted. If a man puts in a little effort, winning a woman’s affection isn’t hard. The real challenge is that many men can’t be bothered to invest that effort. But I’m different—I’m willing to put in the thought. At the very least, in this regard, I haven’t wronged her. Don’t you agree, Brother Ning?"

Ning Buyi smiled wryly. "With tricks like these, how many women have you delighted?"

Wei Qizhi only smiled without answering, then changed the subject. "Brother Ning, never mind how many girls I’ve charmed. What matters is, I’ve never failed! For a lady like the Grand Princess—noble-born, well-traveled, and not one to indulge in frivolous romance—a more cautious approach is needed. It requires greater effort, but that effort is well worth it!"

Ning Buyi sighed helplessly. "I never imagined you were so skilled in these arts—"

Wei Qizhi wore his pride unabashedly. "Brother Ning, don’t think me a heartless scoundrel for this. Compared to those who marry wives but fail to cherish them, instead blaming them endlessly, I invest genuine sincerity. Look at all I’ve done these past few days—doesn’t it seem exhausting? Yet I do it willingly. After this, the Grand Princess will surely think even more highly of me. To be frank, the Lady of the Marquis Manor and the Grand Princess now hold me in high esteem. If the Grand Princess’s heart is moved, this marriage is as good as settled."Ning Buyi found it both amusing and exasperating. To outsiders, Wei Qizhi was slightly overreaching by pursuing a marriage with Yue Ning, yet through his meticulous scheming, he now seemed on the verge of success.

"Brother Wei, would you dare let the County Princess hear such words?"

Wei Qizhi's expression shifted slightly. "Brother Ning wouldn't betray me, would you? These words are only fit for men's ears—men understand. If the County Princess were to hear them, she might misunderstand my intentions..."

This was no misunderstanding; it was clearly Wei Qizhi's ulterior motives. Even if he held some affection for Yue Ning, it certainly wasn't what she imagined. Ning Buyi understood this well but couldn't openly criticize, so he nodded with a smile. "I hope Brother Wei succeeds in all endeavors. If you're ever found out, I can only offer a prayer to Amitabha."

Wei Qizhi laughed. "Set your mind at ease, Brother Ning. As the saying goes, all men are deceivers. Unfortunate women find husbands who only deceive them briefly, while fortunate ones find husbands who deceive them for a lifetime. If I can coax the County Princess for a lifetime, that in itself is sincerity."

Ning Buyi shook his head repeatedly. "You can make any argument sound reasonable with that silver tongue of yours. You could easily bewilder any other woman—"

Wei Qizhi clasped his hands in salute. "I'll take that as a compliment from Brother Ning! You flatter me, you flatter me!"

As they conversed, they reached the main chamber in the rear courtyard. Ning Buyi retrieved the painting, and they began walking back. Wei Qizhi glanced at the scroll in Ning Buyi's hand. "Is this painting worth a fortune?"

Ning Buyi nodded. "Indeed, it's exceedingly valuable. Qi Qianshan's works are rare in this world."

Wei Qizhi stroked his chin. "This piece is naturally more precious than yesterday's two paintings. Very well, let's give this one to Yongci County Princess. As for yesterday's two, I'll keep one for Ning'er—"

Just moments ago he addressed her formally as "County Princess," but now he was casually calling her "Ning'er." Seeing Wei Qizhi's determined expression, Ning Buyi sighed helplessly. "Why not give this one to Yongning County Princess instead?"

Wei Qizhi grinned. "As you said, Yongci County Princess has shown me great kindness. Now that Ning'er is beginning to care for me, I must consider how to maintain good relations with Yongci County Princess."

Ning Buyi looked surprised. "You're not setting your sights on Yongci County Princess as well, are you?"

Wei Qizhi blinked but remained silent. "That's not for Brother Ning to concern himself with. While enjoying the favor of both would be ideal, their relationship is too close. I can only choose the more advantageous option. Yongci County Princess... her temperament is far more formidable than Ning'er's. Conquering her would require considerably more effort—too taxing. For now, I simply need to repay her kindness and maintain cordial relations. Should the need arise in the future, I can seek her assistance."

Ning Buyi sighed. "Brother Wei, your scheming truly knows no bounds."

Wei Qizhi replied unabashedly, "Don't laugh at me, Brother Ning, but as a businessman, how could one ever have enough cunning? Truth be told, we're different. Though you're also a businessman, you deal in elegant trades where profit may not matter much. But I must uphold the Wei family's reputation—how could I slack off? Besides, I'm naturally suited for this Path. Since Heaven endowed me with such shrewdness, how could I let it go to waste?"Ning Buyi listened with great admiration. "There aren't many people in this world like Brother Wei who can make flawed reasoning sound so convincing. Just this ability alone shows Brother Wei possesses extraordinary talents."

Wei Qizhi laughed heartily, but as they reached the front hall, the pride on his face faded, replaced by a bright and approachable demeanor. When they ascended the stairs, his smile grew even warmer, and upon entering the private room, his expression became tender and earnest. Watching this transformation along the way, Ning Buyi couldn't help but think Wei Qizhi was truly a remarkable talent.

Although Wei Qizhi claimed he couldn't openly express his feelings, how could Yue Ning not notice such attentiveness?

If he were in Yue Ning's position, he would surely feel some suspicion. Romantic feelings between men and women often begin with subtle affections. Since Yue Ning didn't dislike Wei Qizhi, even after discovering his special treatment of her, she probably wouldn't strongly reject or resist it. Over time, when she grew accustomed to Wei Qizhi's kindness, that would be when her own heart stirred. Yet she didn't realize that every step of this process was part of Wei Qizhi's calculation - what he awaited was her eventual surrender.

"What does the County Princess think of this painting?"

Ning Buyi unfolded the painting for Yue Ning to see. She examined it and appeared quite satisfied. "This painting is excellent. Yongci County Princess will definitely like it. I'll have her come take a look tomorrow. If she favors it, we'll purchase it. Thank you so much for your help, Master Ning."

Noticing Wei Qizhi standing nearby looking equally pleased, Yue Ning added, "Thank you too."

This use of "you" instead of "Young Master Wei" carried an intimate tone. Wei Qizhi smiled and said, "It's nothing. With Yongci County Princess being so busy, I couldn't let you handle all these matters alone."

A faint blush colored Yue Ning's cheeks. After exchanging a few more words with Ning Buyi, she prepared to leave.

Yue Ning walked ahead, occasionally glancing back at Wei Qizhi. Walking behind her, Wei Qizhi pretended to discuss the painting with Ning Buyi while whispering, "See? Follow my method, it's absolutely correct."

Ning Buyi smiled faintly. "Brother Wei employs skillful tactics. The County Princess is straightforward - you should be more sincere—"

Wei Qizhi threw an arm around Ning Buyi's shoulder. "Don't worry. Although men tend to stop cherishing what they've obtained, the County Princess is different. I have a compassionate heart towards all women."

Ning Buyi didn't know how to respond to Wei Qizhi's notion of compassion. He simply escorted them to their carriage and was about to bid farewell when a young servant approached him saying, "Master Ning, our Third Young Master requests that you deliver the painting tomorrow. Preferably in person, as he has some questions he'd like to ask you directly."

Ning Buyi smiled. "Very well, I'll deliver it personally tomorrow."

The servant turned and left. From inside the carriage, Yue Ning asked, "Are you occupied tomorrow, Master Ning?"

Ning Buyi nodded. "Yes, the Third Young Master of the Earl of Weiyuan's household previously commissioned a painting here. I'll deliver it to him tomorrow. But please don't worry, County Princess. Since the Third Young Master won't return from duty until late, I'll still be at the painting gallery during the day."

Yue Ning nodded. "That's fine. I'll see if Qin Guan has time tomorrow, though we might not actually come."

"Understood. Whether you come or not, the painting will be reserved for you."

Yue Ning nodded again before lowering the carriage curtain for departure. Wei Qizhi rode his horse alongside the carriage, calling out, "No need to hurry back to the residence. There's an interesting place ahead - let me show you—"Ning Buyi sighed with a wry smile, shook his head, and turned to enter the painting house.

…

…

Naturally, Qin Guan did not go to the painting house with Yue Ning the next day, because the following day was when the murderer was set to strike. Since Yan Chi was in charge of arranging personnel this time, Qin Guan also arrived early at the yamen.

Upon reaching the back hall of the yamen, Zhan Yang was discussing the matter of Wu Yu. "The third young master of the Wu family owns several shops. On the surface, they appear to belong to the Weiyuan Bo Manor, but in reality, they were all privately acquired by him. This clearly shows that he is not as virtuous and filial as he seems. He lost his father at a young age, and his biological father's family treated him and his mother very poorly. His mother protected him and insisted on seeking a release from the family before remarrying. He fared well with his mother, but after arriving at the Weiyuan Bo Manor, he inevitably suffered humiliation. Therefore, this person's temperament may be quite complex."

Beside him, Zheng Baishi nodded. "Many of the murderers we've captured in the past suffered hardships in their childhood. Once such people develop thoughts of revenge or hatred, they tend to be far more ruthless than others."

At this moment, Yan Chi was the first to notice Qin Guan's arrival. "You're here—"

Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang turned and bowed. Qin Guan then asked, "Does Zhan Butou suspect the third young master?"

Zhan Yang nodded. "Yes, because the third young master is too peculiar, especially with the coincidences that night."

Qin Guan said, "I've also learned a bit about the Phoenix Perch Tower. Has anything been uncovered about the Drunken Charm Tower?"

Zhan Yang quickly replied, "I was just about to report to you, my lady. We investigated the Drunken Charm Tower and found that the third young master of the Wu family is a regular patron there, starting from over a month ago. He often requests a courtesan named Xianghe. Additionally, this third young master is also quite skilled in martial arts. Over the past two days, I’ve had people watching him, but he hasn’t shown any suspicious movements. However, he did go to the western residence again, taking no one with him and staying there alone, which is quite strange."

"As for the Phoenix Perch Tower, the third young master of the Wu family has visited multiple times. But aside from him, I have another suspect in mind—"

Zhan Yang and Zheng Baishi immediately turned their attention to Qin Guan. Zheng Baishi asked, "Who does my lady suspect?"

Qin Guan exchanged a glance with Yan Chi and said, "I somewhat suspect the master of the Ink-Stained Painting House, Ning Buyi—"

Zhan Yang and Zheng Baishi were both taken aback. Zhan Yang chuckled, "My lady, why is that?"

Qin Guan explained, "I inquired at the Phoenix Perch Tower. Master Ning often visits there. Wu Qian, Hu Dequan, and Zhao Jiaxu are all connected to the Phoenix Perch Tower. Zhao Jiaxu’s concubine is very close to one of the courtesans there, and that courtesan happens to be good friends with the one Master Ning frequently requests. Although I can’t confirm if they discussed anything, this connection provides a possibility that the crimes of the three deceased could have been discovered. Another point: that day, Master Ning drew a portrait of Wang Xin. I suspect that Master Ning has seen Wang Xin before, or rather, he has seen Wang Xin alive."

The more Zhan Yang listened, the more surprised he became. Ning Buyi had helped them many times, and he had subconsciously regarded Ning Buyi as a familiar friend, never suspecting that Ning Buyi might have any connection to this matter.Qin Guan continued, "Because Wang Xin's face was smashed beyond recognition. In this world, no matter how skilled a painter is, they must carefully study their subject when painting portraits. No one can look at half a face and accurately depict the other half. That day, Master Ning’s portrait was strikingly lifelike, which immediately aroused my suspicion."

There were many other minor details, but for now, Qin Guan only intended to mention these two points.

Zhan Yang’s frown deepened. Zheng Baishi said, "Your Highness, I have known Master Ning for a long time. He is very enthusiastic and has helped the authorities by painting many portraits. It’s unlikely that he could be the murderer..."

A faint smile touched Qin Guan’s lips. "Your Honor, having handled numerous cases, you must have encountered instances where someone widely regarded as a kind-hearted person turned out to be the culprit."

At these words, Zheng Baishi’s expression shifted slightly. Indeed, he had seen such cases before.

A bitter smile crossed Zheng Baishi’s face. "It seems I was biased from the start. You are right, Your Highness. These two points are indeed suspicious."

Zhan Yang then spoke up, "Regarding the portrait, Your Highness, could it have been a coincidence? And as for Phoenix Perch Tower, Ning Buyi has an appreciation for elegance. It wouldn’t be unusual for him to have one or two close acquaintances in such places."

Qin Guan nodded. "Coincidences are indeed possible. But when multiple coincidences point to one person, they begin to seem deliberate. This is merely my speculation. I still cannot fathom why Master Ning, if he were the culprit, would set up this altar. So, my theory lacks solid evidence. If we are fortunate tonight, we may be able to verify whether my speculation is correct."

The sudden emergence of an unexpected suspect left both Zhan Yang and Zheng Baishi looking grave. According to Qin Guan’s reasoning, Ning Buyi was indeed a likely candidate—and a highly plausible one at that. But what would his motive be?

Yan Chi interjected, "If we capture the culprit tonight, everything will become clear. Whether it is Wu Yu, Ning Buyi, or someone else we haven’t considered, we must ensure they do not escape again. As for the motive, we can determine that during the interrogation."

Zhan Yang nodded. "If it is Wu Yu, it is likely due to his mother’s illness. But as for Ning Buyi, we have no idea. Crown Prince, could you elaborate on tonight’s arrangements?"

Yan Chi stood up and walked over to the map. "My men have surveyed the market. I will position them at key points to act when necessary—the street corners to the northeast and northwest, the rooftops due south, and here, the highest point in the market. From there, we can oversee the entire area and respond immediately if something like another fire breaks out."

As Yan Chi and Zhan Yang discussed the night’s arrangements in detail, Qin Guan glanced around the room but did not see Zhang Daoshi. Zheng Baishi approached her and asked, "Your Highness, do you truly suspect Ning Buyi?"

Qin Guan quickly replied, "I do suspect him, but I cannot be entirely certain yet. After all, there is no concrete evidence, and I don’t even know his motive. It’s also possible that he has painted so many people that he could roughly sketch Wang Xin’s likeness from memory, and it just happened to be an uncanny resemblance."

Zheng Baishi pondered for a moment. "Coincidences are rare, after all. We shall see what unfolds tonight."

Qin Guan nodded. Zheng Baishi said no more and instead joined Yan Chi to review the deployment of personnel.Qin Guan didn't intend to inquire into every minute detail, so she went out to search the backyard. Not seeing Zhang Daoshi in the main hall and unsure what he was doing at the moment, she headed to his private quarters. There she found him standing in the courtyard with slightly disheveled hair, drawing something on the bluestone pavement while muttering to himself and scratching his head in frustration, clearly grappling with some perplexing problem...

"What troubles you, Daozhang?"

After observing for a moment, Qin Guan finally spoke. Turning and seeing her approach, Zhang Daoshi quickly smiled and bowed. "Your Highness has come—"

Qin Guan glanced at the scribbles on the ground but couldn't decipher them. Zhang Daoshi explained, "It's nothing, just some casual deductions. What brings you here, Your Highness?"

Qin Guan replied, "It's about the question I asked you last time."After a moment's thought, Zhang Daoshi said, 'Each time the killer murders, they accumulate more yin energy.' This strengthens the force driving the trajectory of their fate star in the heavens. Thus, the killer will certainly not pass up this opportunity. If they fail this time, the next chance will be in three days, and they definitely won't abandon it then either."

Qin Guan frowned again. "Then why did the killer only take three lives six years ago?"

Zhang Daoshi furrowed his brow. "First possibility: six years ago, the killer's own power was limited and couldn't progress further. Second possibility: the killer was interrupted by some accident—either unable to find suitable targets or delayed by unforeseen circumstances. Back then, constables arrived shortly after the deaths. Guanyin Town was small; frankly, investigating there would've been far easier than in the capital now."

Speaking of this, Zhang Daoshi showed a hint of resentment, snorting. "The magistrate's office in the capital back then just wanted to close the case quickly—they made a reckless judgment that wrongfully framed me!"

Qin Guan sighed. "These years haven't been easy for you, Daozhang. Once this case is resolved, you'll regain your freedom."

Zhang Daoshi stroked his beard and asked, "Did you come only for this matter, Your Highness?"

A flickering light passed through Qin Guan's eyes as she replied, "Yes, just to ask about this."

Zhang Daoshi blinked, studied her for a moment, then smiled. "Very well. Even if you had other questions for this old man, I'd answer truthfully—"

Qin Guan smiled faintly. "Both Zhan Butou and I now have our suspicions. What are your plans afterward, Daozhang?"

Zhang Daoshi grinned, lifting his gaze to the sky. "If this case is solved, I'll be free. After being confined in prison for so long, traveling to see the landscapes of Great Zhou would be wonderful. I haven't made other plans."

Qin Guan nodded. "That would be ideal." She then added, "I've always called you Daozhang, but I don't know your real name."

Zhang Daoshi laughed freely. "This old man is named Zhang Dongxuan, Daoist name Xuanqingzi. Later, when I founded the Great Zhou Moon Worship Sect, I kept the same Daoist name!"

Qin Guan's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Dongxuan—your name carries the essence of the Daoist Path from birth. But why did you think of establishing the Moon Worship Sect?"

Zhang Dongxuan chuckled sheepishly. "I once followed the Daoist Path, but later believed the teachings of the Moon Worship Sect surpassed it. In a moment of fervor, I wanted to found my own school and become a revered master.""Does the Taoist still have such thoughts now?"

Zhang Dongxuan waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no. The evil arts of this Moon Worship Sect are so harmful, I'm truly frightened. Actually, whether it's Taoism or the Moon Worship Sect, what matters is being able to help people find the great Path. Why bother about whom we worship?"

Qin Guan nodded repeatedly. After examining the traces on the ground, Qin Guan didn't wish to disturb Zhang Dongxuan further and thus took his leave to return to the back hall.

Watching Qin Guan turn to leave, Zhang Dongxuan gazed at his retreating figure with a thoughtful expression in his eyes.

In the back hall, Zhan Yang and Yan Chi had already made all the arrangements. Though it was still early, Yan Chi had deployed personnel in advance. As dusk fell, Yan Chi led Qin Guan toward the northern market. The northern part of the city, being close to the imperial palace, lacked large commercial districts like the Eastern or Western Markets. However, with numerous residential neighborhoods clustered there, the locals didn’t need to travel all the way to the Eastern Market for daily necessities, giving rise to scattered, smaller street markets. Yan Chi was in no hurry. Upon arrival, he escorted Qin Guan and the others to the second floor of a tavern.

As the sun dipped westward, the latticed windows on the tavern’s second floor were pushed open, offering a view of the entire street below.

Yan Chi ordered tea and snacks, and the group waited on the tavern for news.

By nightfall, the number of pedestrians dwindled, while the surrounding taverns and teahouses grew lively. With the hour of Zi still far off, the group grew restless sitting idly in the teahouse. Zheng Baishi proposed a game of chess with Yan Chi. As they became engrossed in their match, Bai Feng suddenly entered and reported, "Your Highness, we’ve just received word that Ning Buyi from the Ink-Stained Painting House was seen heading toward the eastern end of the street. He was carrying a box, seemingly to deliver a painting."

Qin Guan immediately furrowed her brow. She had suspicions about Ning Buyi, yet his open appearance seemed incongruous...

Yan Chi, however, remained unperturbed. "Continue surveillance. Note when he leaves."

The night deepened gradually, and the surrounding shops quieted down one after another. Soon, the shops along the street extinguished their lights and closed their doors one by one. Meanwhile, Yan Chi and Zheng Baishi’s chess game reached its conclusion.

Zheng Baishi wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Your Highness plays remarkably well. You defeated me soundly without any ostentation."

Though Zheng Baishi looked weary, Yan Chi appeared as calm as ever. "You were too gracious, Lord Zheng."

As they spoke, both glanced out at the pitch-black night sky—the hour of Zi was approaching.

Recalling Bai Feng’s earlier report, Yan Chi summoned him at once. "Has Ning Buyi left?"

Bai Feng shook his head. "He hasn’t. He entered a residence at the eastern end of the street and hasn’t emerged since."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow and instinctively looked toward Qin Guan. Sure enough, her expression had shifted slightly.