Coroner's Diary

Qin Guan quickly asked, "Master Ning? What about him?"

Meng Yao thought for a moment. "During the New Year period when our family commissioned paintings, Master Ning was already acquainted with my second uncle even before that. He even went to Phoenix Perch Tower with my second uncle. I heard about this once from my second uncle's servant. At the time, I rather looked down on Master Ning for this, but considering he's a businessman and my second uncle has always been fond of that particular Path, I didn't think much of it."

Qin Guan then asked, "Did Second Master have any business dealings with Master Ning?"

Meng Yao shook her head. "Probably not. Master Ning doesn't involve himself in other ventures - in that regard, he's quite dedicated to painting. It's just that when I learned he had visited pleasure quarters with my second uncle, I was rather surprised. After all, Master Ning doesn't appear at all like someone who would indulge in such places—"

Qin Guan frowned deeply, her clear eyes showing thoughtful contemplation.

Soon, Qin Guan stood up. "Let's go to Marquis Anyang Manor."

Meng Yao looked surprised. "Why? What business do we have there?"

Taking Meng Yao's hand, Qin Guan said, "I need to find Yue Ning about something. Since I can't entertain you here, let's go together."

Though confused, Meng Yao knew Qin Guan must have her reasons. She smiled wryly but didn't object. It had been several days since she'd seen Yue Ning anyway, and gathering together would be more enjoyable.

With Qin Shuang married off, the current Loyal Marquis Manor was solely preparing for next month's wedding between Qin Chaoyu and the Crown Prince. Qin Guan came and went with even fewer restrictions now. She brought Meng Yao out, boarding a carriage that went straight to Marquis Anyang Manor.

Yue Ning was practicing martial arts when Qin Guan unexpectedly arrived. She hurried out to greet them personally. Seeing Meng Yao had come too, she first brought both to see the Grand Princess before returning to her own courtyard. Once in the yard, Qin Guan immediately said, "Please invite Young Master Wei over. We need to reconsider our previous plans—"

Yue Ning nodded and quickly arranged this. Meng Yao watched curiously, "Why are we calling for Young Master Wei?"

Qin Guan blinked. "It's an important matter. You'll understand soon."

Wei Qizhi arrived quickly. After entering the manor, they conversed in Yue Ning's courtyard for a while before Wei Qizhi soon left the manor, heading straight outside the city walls.

Qin Guan remained at Marquis Anyang Manor until afternoon, growing somewhat restless. She left the manor and went to the magistrate's office.

At the office, Ning Buyi had already been taken away by his people. Zhan Yang and Zheng Baishi had interrogated Wu Yu for a long time and were now exhausted. When Qin Guan arrived, they barely had energy to greet her, having extracted no information.

Qin Guan specifically went to the prison cells, where she saw Wu Yu now bore multiple whip marks, his clothes stained with blood. Yet Wu Yu still hadn't confessed. Qin Guan told Zhan Yang, "Zhan Butou, rather than interrogating the Third Young Master of the Wu family, perhaps we should thoroughly investigate those two residences of his. I suspect there must be something significant about them."

Zhan Yang raised an eyebrow. "Related to the case?"

Qin Guan nodded, then shook her head. "I'm not certain either. But if he won't talk, relying solely on torture might lead to accusations of forcing a confession through brutality."

Finding the interrogation at an impasse, Zhan Yang felt Qin Guan's suggestion pointed to a viable path. He quickly agreed. Qin Guan took another look at Wu Yu lying in the cell before turning to leave the magistrate's office.

After exiting the office, Qin Guan brought Baiying straight to the residence in Copper Coin Lane to the west.Qin Guan hadn't visited for many days, and upon her arrival today, Han Bo and Erbao were overjoyed. Seeing that the residence remained neat and elegant inside and out despite her absence, Qin Guan knew Han Bo had put considerable effort into maintaining it, so she gave both Han Bo and Erbao generous rewards.

"I came today to wait for a friend who won't arrive until nightfall."

Understanding Qin Guan's meaning, Han Bo served tea and snacks before promptly leading Erbao to the side courtyard, careful not to disturb her.

Qin Guan and Baiying stayed until dark. As the sky deepened into full night with no movement outside the courtyard gate, Baiying worried, "Miss, might Young Master Wei fail to invite the person?"

Qin Guan shook her head, "Don't underestimate him. I believe he can bring them."

Walking to the window, Qin Guan lifted her gaze to the sky. Though moonless, the night glittered with brilliant stars. She stared fixedly for a moment, her mind occupied with the case. Baiying asked beside her, "Is Miss thinking about how to find other evidence?"

Qin Guan shook her head again, "I'm considering his motive—why he set up this altar."

Baiying frowned. If even Qin Guan couldn't figure it out, how could she know the answer? Seeing Qin Guan deep in thought, Baiying dared not disturb her. After nearly half an hour, the courtyard gate finally knocked.

Both master and servant's expressions shifted slightly. Qin Guan stepped forward first toward the entrance. As the gate opened, Wei Qizhi smiled outside, "Sorry to keep you waiting..."

Qin Guan nodded, then turned her gaze to the person standing beside Wei Qizhi.

...

...

When Qin Guan and Wei Qizhi left the courtyard, Wei Qizhi said, "Master Ning's injuries are quite severe. I visited him today—that day, the third young master sent him to deliver a painting, and the princess and I happened to overhear it when we exited the hall."

Qin Guan acknowledged, "So both of you can testify for him."

Wei Qizhi confirmed, "That's correct."

Qin Guan nodded thoughtfully, "It's late now. Let's visit to see the painting together tomorrow and also check on Master Ning's injuries."

Wei Qizhi agreed before parting ways with Qin Guan.

Watching Wei Qizhi depart, Qin Guan turned and boarded her carriage. Upon returning to the Marquis' residence, she immediately washed and retired. Fuling and Baiying extinguished the inner chamber's lamp and withdrew. Not long after they left, two light taps sounded on Qin Guan's rear window lattice.

Startled, Qin Guan rose, slipped on her shoes, and went to the rear window. Opening the lattice, she found Yan Chi standing outside as expected.

Yan Chi supported himself on the windowsill to enter. Noticing Qin Guan wasn't wearing an outer robe, he pulled her toward the bedside, "Earlier I went to find Lord Zheng. He said you visited the magistrate's office during the day but left afterward."

Guiding Qin Guan to sit, she explained, "I went, but when I learned Wu Yu hadn't confessed, I left."

Yan Chi responded, "I came precisely to discuss Wu Yu's matter with you."Qin Guan immediately fixed her gaze intently on Yan Chi. A warm smile curled at the corner of Yan Chi's lips as he grasped Qin Guan's hand and said, "For several years now, Wu Yu has been the sole manager of the Wei Yuan Bo Estate's affairs. His other brothers are riddled with vices, and if not for Wu Yu, the estate would have long been squandered. Despite this, the old Wei Yuan Bo had long declared that upon his death, the family estate would be divided among his other three sons, while Wu Yu would only receive an official post. Outwardly, Wu Yu appeared fully compliant, but privately, he has been steadily embezzling the estate's assets—from large manors down to small shops—quietly transferring nearly half of the Wei Yuan Bo Estate's wealth into his own hands."

Qin Guan's brow twitched slightly as she listened. "So that's how he acquired that separate residence? When we inquired about that house, Wu Yu was evasive and hesitant—could it be because of this?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Highly likely."

Qin Guan pondered for a moment. "Indeed, if Wu Yu has been amassing wealth this way, why would he bother with setting up an altar? After all, the slightest misstep could cause everything he painstakingly gained to vanish. Someone who schemes meticulously in trivial matters and acts with such caution would never suddenly develop such a deranged notion."

Yan Chi's expression showed full agreement. "So what do you need me to do?"

Qin Guan hesitated briefly. "Not for now. Are you free the day after tomorrow?"

Yan Chi wrapped an arm around Qin Guan's shoulders. "Whenever you need me, I will be."

A warmth spread through Qin Guan's heart, and she promptly replied, "Good, then I have my own plan."

As her words fell, a faint rustling sound came from outside. Qin Guan's heart leaped, and she quickly straightened up from Yan Chi's embrace. "It's Fuling! You must leave, quickly—"

Yan Chi felt rather helpless; he had only just arrived moments ago!

But the footsteps outside grew closer, forcing Yan Chi to rise and head toward the rear window. Qin Guan followed him, watching as he climbed out, then waved her hand urgently, urging him to hurry. Yan Chi sighed inwardly—here he was, the esteemed heir apparent of Prince Rui, now well-practiced in the art of climbing through windows. Seeing Qin Guan's clear anxiety and her desire to keep their relationship hidden from her maidservant, Yan Chi frowned. Though displeased, he swiftly departed.

Qin Guan hurriedly closed the rear window. Just as it shut, Fuling entered, bleary-eyed and holding a lamp.

"Miss, why were you closing the window?"

Qin Guan replied with calm composure, "I couldn't sleep, so I let in some cool air. Now I'm feeling a bit drowsy."

Fuling looked concerned. "Miss, you must be overthinking the case again. It's so late—was the room too warm? But the summer heat isn't severe yet; you shouldn't be feeling too hot."

Fearing Fuling would worry, Qin Guan obediently lay down and spent some time persuading her to return to rest. Letting out a soft sigh, Qin Guan thought to herself, "This can't go on. At the very least, Fuling should know. But having kept it secret for so long, if I tell her now, she'll surely be upset. What should I do?"

With these thoughts, Qin Guan drifted into a deep slumber and soon entered the realm of dreams.The next day, Qin Guan went to Marquis Anyang Manor again. Before long, Wei Qizhi also arrived at the manor, so the three of them set off together for the Ink-Stained Painting House. Upon arriving at the painting house, Ning Buyi was indeed still lying down to recuperate from his injuries. The painting house's attendant invited the three into the rear courtyard while saying, "Our young master was already in poor health to begin with. Now that he's suffered this misfortune, he's completely bedridden and unable to get up."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "He was already in poor health?"

The attendant's expression shifted slightly, as if he had said something he shouldn't have, then he smiled bitterly. "Our young master was ill before and never fully recovered. He often needs to take medicine."

Qin Guan and Yue Ning exchanged glances—this was something they hadn't known.

Qin Guan recalled taking Ning Buyi's pulse the previous night and not noticing any particularly unusual signs. At the time, he was very weak from excessive blood loss, but his vital areas hadn't been injured. Could she have misread it? Or was his weak, floating pulse not entirely due to blood loss?

The attendant added, "Our young master hasn't been receiving visitors these past two days. However, since the two young mistresses and Young Master Wei have come, he can't very well refuse to see you. It's just that he's bedridden, so I'm afraid he'll have to forgo formal courtesies."

Wei Qizhi quickly said, "We came specifically to visit him. What need is there for formalities?"

As they spoke, the three entered the rear courtyard and soon reached the main room's entrance.

The attendant knocked on the door. "Young master, the two young mistresses and Young Master Wei are here."

"Please invite them in—"

Ning Buyi's weak voice came from inside the room. The attendant pushed the door open and invited the three to enter.

Upon entering, the room was filled with the bitter scent of medicine. Qin Guan's nose twitched slightly as she immediately identified the prescription—it was for treating the external wound on Ning Buyi's chest. The three turned left upon entering and immediately saw Ning Buyi half-reclining against the headboard.

At first glance at Ning Buyi's complexion, Qin Guan felt a slight shock in her heart. Ning Buyi had only lost excessive blood—by rights, after a day of recuperation, he should have improved somewhat. But at a glance, she saw that Ning Buyi's face was extremely pale, as if he were seriously ill.

"Brother Ning, we've come to visit you. How is your injury?" Wei Qizhi stepped forward.

Ning Buyi's voice was hoarse. "My apologies—I cannot rise to greet you properly—"

Wei Qizhi hurriedly said, "No need for such empty formalities. We're not outsiders."

Ning Buyi smiled gratefully. "The injury has stabilized. I'm grateful for Brother Wei and the two young mistresses' concern, and that you've traveled all this way. It's just a pity that in my current state, I'm afraid I cannot be a proper host."

Qin Guan stepped forward. "Has your injury truly stabilized? I see your complexion is unusually pale—why is that?"

Ning Buyi smiled bitterly. Today, his ink-black hair was loose over his shoulders, strands repeatedly falling beside his cheeks, making his abnormal complexion even more pronounced. "The injury has indeed stabilized. As for my complexion... it's because of some old ailments."

Qin Guan couldn't help but frown. Beside her, Yue Ning also frowned slightly. When they had seen Ning Buyi before, his complexion had been jade-like, but it turned out he had been applying powder. Previously, neither she nor Qin Guan had understood, but now they somewhat realized—Ning Buyi had clearly been doing this to conceal his sickly appearance.

Qin Guan quickly said, "Master Ning has old ailments? Would you like me to examine you?"Ning Buyi shook his head, "Just some old ailments, nothing serious. No need to trouble the princess." He then added, "Due to my injury, I couldn't retrieve one of your paintings. I sent someone to inform the old gentleman, and he said he'll have it delivered tomorrow. You'll have to wait one more day."

The painting wasn't important, but Ning Buyi's swift change of subject clearly indicated he didn't want her inquiring about his condition.

As the Little Medicine Immortal, countless people in the capital sought her medical help, yet Ning Buyi refused. His complexion was unusually pale—if he were truly fine, why would he appear this way? Unless...

Unless his illness was beyond cure.

Qin Guan was still pondering Ning Buyi's pulse. If he were truly at death's door or suffering from some incurable disease, she would have detected it. So why did he look like this?

While Qin Guan was filled with doubts, Ning Buyi began coughing lightly. Seeing his discomfort, she quickly said, "Master Ning should focus on recovering. My painting isn't urgent."

After coughing a few more times, Ning Buyi asked, "What about Third Young Master Wu..."

Upon hearing this, Qin Guan sighed, "He was caught red-handed and can't escape the death penalty this time. The authorities have been investigating and interrogating him these past two days. I believe this case will soon be concluded."

Ning Buyi sighed, "I truly never expected it to turn out like this."

Qin Guan also sighed softly, "Indeed, who could have imagined? He harmed so many people, and now his capture is his own doing—proof that justice has long arms."

As Ning Buyi was still recuperating, the three of them exchanged a few more words with him before taking their leave. Once outside, Yue Ning asked, "Is the Third Young Master of the Wu family really the murderer? Is this case truly about to be closed?"

Qin Guan made a silencing gesture and quickly led Yue Ning and the other person away.