Coroner's Diary

Two days later, Yue Ning arrived at the Loyal Marquis Manor early in the morning.

Her first words upon seeing Qin Guan were, "The Fifth Princess has agreed to marry into Northern Wei."

Qin Guan felt momentarily dazed upon hearing this. How could Yan Zhen have agreed?

Yan Zhen, such a golden branch and jade leaf who had been coddled since childhood, had never known the meaning of fear. Even when defying the Empress, she had ample confidence. She could make such a fuss that the Empress would resort to whipping her—imagine how determined she had been this time. Yet, after just one day and night, Yan Zhen had actually agreed.

Seeing Qin Guan's expression, Yue Ning knew she was greatly surprised and explained, "The Empress sent Zhao Yu to persuade the Fifth Princess. No one knows what Zhao Yu said, but after staying in the palace overnight, the princess agreed. Yesterday, when I heard about the princess's situation, my grandmother went to the palace this morning and happened to learn of this matter. She said the marriage between the Fifth Princess and the Crown Prince of Northern Wei will likely be set for August."

Qin Guan's gaze grew distant for a moment. The Crown Prince's wedding in June, Prince Cheng's in July, and by August, Yan Zhen would leave Great Zhou to marry into Northern Wei—it was all happening so quickly. In the blink of an eye, these heavenly family princes and princesses were all getting married.

These days, the entire Marquis Manor had been preparing for Qin Chaoyu's wedding, even more bustling than the preparations for Qin Shuang.

As an unmarried young lady, Qin Guan couldn't contribute much to the preparations. Qin Chaoyu had her childhood friends, all daughters of noble families, who visited the manor daily to keep her company. Qin Guan had been busy with cases recently, and only now that she had some free time did she realize these weddings, which had captured the attention of all Great Zhou, were fast approaching.

"Ah well, Crown Prince Tuoba is upright in character and not an unsuitable match."

Yue Ning sighed, "I still vaguely remember our childhood. I grew up in the capital and used to play with Yan Zhen. Once, when a cherry blossom tree in the palace garden bloomed, I had someone tie a swing to it, thinking it both beautiful and fun. When Yan Zhen saw it, she insisted on monopolizing my swing, and we got into an argument. The Empress saw this and carried Yan Zhen away, leaving her crying uncontrollably. At the time, I was young and felt soft-hearted seeing her so pitiful. The next day, I went to find Yan Zhen to play on the swing together, but when I arrived at Jingning Palace, I discovered that overnight, the entire palace grounds had been planted with living, blooming cherry blossom trees. The largest one was thick enough that two people could barely encircle it, with a swing adorned with silk flowers tied to it—a truly breathtaking sight. I was stunned, unable to believe how much Jingning Palace had transformed in just one night."

Yue Ning sighed again, "Later, I learned that although the Empress had taken Yan Zhen away, she couldn't bear to see her suffer. She had dispatched five hundred guards overnight to requisition a cherry blossom garden outside the city, uprooting the blooming trees with their soil intact and carefully transporting them back to the palace. They then renovated Jingning Palace's courtyard, planting it entirely with cherry blossom trees."

Yue Ning's tone was nostalgic, but Qin Guan could almost imagine Yan Zhen, wronged and upset, only to wake up and find her courtyard filled with cherry blossom trees. For a young girl like Yan Zhen, those flower trees resembling bright rosy clouds and crimson snow, along with the swing adorned with silk flowers, must have seemed like a magical fairyland.Yue Ning continued, "At the time, I hadn't yet considered matters of power and status. I simply felt that even if Yan Zhen wanted the stars in the sky, the Empress would pluck them down for her. Later, after I left the capital, Yan Zhen didn't grow too crooked over the years, but she still gets whatever she desires. I originally thought that despite the Empress's high position all these years, she had grown somewhat distant from the Emperor. Given this, she would surely let Yan Zhen marry someone she truly favored—even if not from noble lineage, Zhao Yu's background isn't low. Yet, I never expected the Empress still intends for Yan Zhen to become the Empress of Northern Wei."

Not only Yue Ning thought this way, but even Qin Guan, drawing from past memories, believed the Empress doted on Yan Zhen excessively. The current situation was something she hadn't anticipated either. However, the Empress held a lofty position, and Qin Guan admitted she couldn't fully fathom her intentions.

After chatting for a while, Qin Guan also told Yue Ning about Yu Fangze's matter. Yue Ning admired Yu Fangze's deep sense of loyalty and asked about Ning Buyi's background. Qin Guan replied, "The Crown Prince is investigating it, but we haven't received any news yet. What Yu Fangze said that day was limited, and we still don't know the details of the case from back then or if there were any hidden circumstances."

In recent days, the two had been preoccupied with planning for the case, but now that it was resolved, they found themselves with free time. Yue Ning, recalling what she had seen upon entering the Marquis residence, remarked, "The future Crown Princess's wedding is indeed extravagant. Earlier, I noticed renovations underway outside."

"After all, it's the Crown Princess—this marriage is watched by the entire court and beyond."

Yue Ning then suggested, "It seems quite noisy here too. Why not come stay at my place for a few days?"

Qin Guan waved her hand dismissively, "It's bad enough that I can't help; leaving the residence outright would be improper."

Yue Ning sighed, understanding Qin Guan's predicament somewhat. Having been mistreated in Jinzhou and now back with status and position, she was still not born of the Marquis household. When Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were around, it was manageable, but with both gone, Qin Guan was left alone. Thinking this, Yue Ning resolved to visit more often to keep her company.

Another day passed, and while Qin Guan was in Pine Breeze Courtyard, Bai Feng arrived at the residence to invite her. Knowing there must be news from Huzhou, Qin Guan quickly prepared to go out. Outside the Marquis residence, a carriage waited. Assuming it was empty, Qin Guan approached, yet inexplicably felt her heart race. When she lifted the curtain, sure enough, Yan Chi was sitting inside.

As the curtain lifted, revealing Qin Guan's face peering in, Yan Chi's lips unconsciously curved into a smile.

Qin Guan boarded the carriage and promptly asked, "Why are you the one coming today?"

Yan Chi pulled Qin Guan closer to him and said, "I know you're anxious for news from Huzhou, so I came to accompany you to the magistrate's office. Zheng Baishi is also waiting for my update."

Qin Guan inquired, "What does the news from Huzhou say?"

Speaking of this, Yan Chi explained, "The Huzhou flood incident back then was overseen by Uncle Prince Yu. The corruption involved was linked to him as well, implicating many subordinates. The Huzhou prefect at the time was one of the accomplices. As for the Ning family... Uncle Prince Yu was in charge of the Ministry of Works, so the investigation can only trace up to him."

This matter dated back eight years, and Qin Guan hadn't expected it to involve royalty.When she previously attended Prince Yu's birthday banquet in Yuzhou, she only knew that Prince Yu had withdrawn from the court in recent years, but never imagined there was such an old incident behind it.

"So back then, Prince Yu shifted the blame onto the prefect and the Ning family? The Ning family essentially took the fall for Prince Yu?"

When Qin Guan asked this, Yan Chi shook his head. "Prince Yu was the principal offender, but the handling of this case was decreed by the Emperor. Out of brotherly affection for Prince Yu, the Emperor minimized the matter. Later, others were sent to provide disaster relief, and because of this, Prince Yu no longer held substantive power in the Six Ministries."

Qin Guan was deeply shocked. The failure in disaster relief had caused so many deaths, with corruption at the root. Prince Yu was the highest-ranking official involved, and the Emperor had protected him. The prefect was one thing, but Ning Buyi's father had been wrongfully accused. His father's death indirectly led to his mother's demise and left him homeless—no wonder he had cried injustice eight years ago.

Unfortunately, he likely never realized that his father's conviction was irreversible.

The image of Ning Buyi's death surfaced in Qin Guan's mind, and she suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for him.

If not for this wrongful case, Ning Buyi might never have taken that final path. Did he set up the altar to clear his father's name? The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Ning Buyi had been evasive about the reason for the altar—there must have been a deeply concealed motive.

"And then? Did you find out about Ning Buyi's whereabouts afterward?"

Yan Chi replied, "After the case, Ning Buyi's father was quickly executed, providing a public explanation for the corruption during the flood. Officials then focused on relief efforts. Ning Buyi and his mother were driven out, and by the end of that year, his mother passed away from illness. He spent half a year appealing for justice but achieved nothing. Worse, his uncles in the clan reprimanded him for causing trouble, and in anger, he left Huzhou."

"My men couldn't trace his activities for the year after he left. Then, six years ago, he came to the capital and opened a painting house. The Ink-Stained Painting House started as a tiny shop selling paintings but gradually thrived. However, when he and his mother left the Ning clan, they were destitute. Even a small shop in the capital would have cost thousands of taels. What he went through that year and where the money came from remain unknown."

Qin Guan frowned deeply. "He must have come to the capital after failing to achieve anything with the altar in Guanyin Town. He left alone, so he must have had some other encounter to afford the shop. It's a pity these details can't be uncovered."

The Great Zhou is vast, and this happened seven years ago. Finding traces of an unknown commoner is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Yan Chi sighed. "So this case can be considered closed. Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang should understand."

Qin Guan also understood. The case had now touched upon Prince Yu's old scandal, and even if it could be investigated further, it wouldn't be allowed. Though she grasped the reasoning, a chill settled in her heart.

In this world, power reigns supreme—whether it involves Prince Yu or Prince Jin.

If Prince Yu's case is untouchable, what about Prince Jin's...From the orphan girl bullied by the second branch of Qin Manor to the current Yongci County Princess, she had spent nearly a year scheming. Had she come this far only to remain unable to touch her father’s case?

Qin Guan’s heart grew heavy as the carriage slowed. At the same time, a group of fast riders galloped past their carriage, accompanied by two inconspicuous small carriages guarded by numerous attendants.

Qin Guan glanced outside. The group moved swiftly, and as she withdrew her gaze, she asked, “If Ning Buyi hadn’t used this method but instead sought to overturn his father’s wrongful conviction, would it have been possible?”

Yan Chi held Qin Guan’s hand, as if sensing her thoughts. Yet, with his lips pressed together, he remained silent for a moment. Qin Guan gave a bitter smile. “I understand. It seems it wasn’t possible.”

Yan Chi sighed. “If he remained a painter his whole life, naturally not.”

Qin Guan hesitated, wanting to ask: What if he didn’t stay a painter but entered officialdom? Would that have made a difference?

But she held back the words. The carriage moved steadily onward, nearing the government office. Qin Guan exhaled. “Forget it. Neither of us has the power to change this old case.”

Yan Chi squeezed her palm. “It involves the imperial family. The Emperor will not compromise.”

His words weighed even more heavily on Qin Guan’s heart. Fortunately, they soon arrived at the office.

Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang had been waiting for Yan Chi’s news. Yan Chi dismissed the attendants and recounted the events of eight years ago, omitting Prince Yu’s name and stopping short of explicitly stating that Ning Buyi’s father had been wrongfully accused. Yet Zheng Baishi, seasoned in officialdom, seemed to grasp the implicated parties. His expression shifted several times before he fell silent.

After a moment of collective quiet, Qin Guan knew the case would end here.

With no official business left, Yan Chi and Qin Guan did not linger. Yan Chi had to return to the Ministry of Justice, so Qin Guan declined his escort. In broad daylight, Yan Chi did not insist, especially since Baiying accompanied her.

Once Yan Chi left, Qin Guan boarded the carriage and headed straight for the southern part of the city.

After winding through the lower-class neighborhoods in the south, the carriage soon stopped outside a shabby, aged courtyard. Baiying said, “Miss, this is the place. Zhao Xun lives here.”

Qin Guan alighted, and Baiying stepped forward to knock.

After a few raps, someone inside came to open the door. As it swung wide, Zhao Xun stood there.

Zhao Xun had assumed the visitor was here to hire him for labor, but his expression instantly changed upon seeing Qin Guan outside. “Why has the County Princess come?” he asked, stepping back to bow in greeting.

Qin Guan said nothing, merely glancing at the courtyard. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

How could Zhao Xun refuse? He first checked outside, relieved to see Qin Guan had only brought Baiying.

“Please come in, County Princess.”

Zhao Xun stepped aside, and Qin Guan entered the courtyard.

The single-courtyard house was low and cramped, with uneven bluestone paving. After a brief, calm survey, Qin Guan remarked, “I heard you’ve been doing manual labor for others lately.”

Zhao Xun transported goods for a trade firm—a far cry from his former life.

Mentioning this soured Zhao Xun’s expression, but he replied, “So what? I earn my keep by my own strength.”

Qin Guan studied him for a moment. “With your knowledge, you could do well as a teacher.”Zhao Xun let out a cold snort. "I did try to find work back then, but anyone who heard I came from the Court of Judicial Review wouldn't hire me." His tone then turned mocking. "Might I ask why the princess has come to see this humble man today?" And how did the princess know I live here? I'm just a coarse man now, and have nothing more to do with that matter."

Qin Guan's reputation had long circulated throughout the capital. This princess who dealt with imperial relatives wouldn't come without a purpose.

Qin Guan smiled. "If I want to know where you are, then I'll know."

These words made Zhao Xun's expression change, unable to tell whether Qin Guan's intentions were good or ill.

Seeing his guarded expression, Qin Guan said, "Actually, I came to ask if you still have any of Lord Shen's remaining works."

Zhao Xun clearly hadn't expected Qin Guan to come for this reason. After a moment of surprise, he said, "I have nothing left here. Nothing related to Lord Shen remains. If the princess has come for this, please return."

As Zhao Xun turned to enter his house, Qin Guan said, "You already sold Lord Shen's things, so why did you take them back? When Lord Shen had his accident back then, those items should have been confiscated by the Ministry of Justice according to regulations. Yet you retrieved them yourself—you must have wanted to preserve Lord Shen's legacy..."

Zhao Xun paused briefly, then said coldly, "So what? What I think doesn't matter. Lord Shen is dead—when a person dies, it's like a lamp going out. If the princess likes those notebooks, keep them. I'm just a commoner now. There's no need for the princess to condescend to visit here again. That matter is taboo in the capital. I lost my official position because of it before, and now I don't want to lose my life over it."

As if afraid Qin Guan wouldn't believe him, Zhao Xun added, "I have an elderly mother back in the countryside who's seriously ill. I just want to earn some silver to return home and treat her. Please spare this humble man."

After saying this, Zhao Xun straightened his back and entered the house, slamming the door shut with a "bang."

Suddenly, only Qin Guan and Baiying were left standing awkwardly in the cramped, dilapidated courtyard.

"Miss—"

Baiying hesitated to speak. Qin Guan sighed, took out her money pouch from her sleeve, walked forward a couple of steps, and placed it on the low stool by the door.

Qin Guan glanced at the tightly shut door. "Forget it, let's go."

The two turned and left. Only after Baiying closed the courtyard gate did they board the carriage and drive away.

After the carriage left the small alley, Zhao Xun emerged from the doorway, his gaze dark and unreadable as he watched the direction where the carriage had disappeared.

...

...

Back at the Marquis residence, Qin Guan felt somewhat headache.

She hadn't found the case files for Prince Jin's case at the Court of Judicial Review, and Zhao Xun refused to cooperate at all. After all, she wasn't someone who had been immersed in official circles for many years. Even if she could think of coercive methods, she couldn't bring herself to be ruthless. If it were just Zhao Xun alone, that would be one thing, but he also had a seriously ill mother. And if her methods weren't appropriate, Zhao Xun wouldn't genuinely help her anyway.

Qin Guan rubbed her forehead. She needed to think, she needed to think carefully.

Zhao Xun was an opening—one she absolutely couldn't give up on. But how to make Zhao Xun willingly help her required careful handling.The case of Prince Jin was a forbidden topic in the capital, as everyone knew. She could tell that Zhao Xun still held some affection for her father, but how deep that affection ran, and whether it would compel Zhao Xun to take risks to help her, remained uncertain. Moreover, Zhao Xun likely didn’t trust her either. Her identity had no apparent connection to her father, and suddenly inquiring about an old case would only make Zhao Xun wary.

Yet she could never reveal that she was once Shen Guan!

Just as Qin Guan was deeply conflicted, Granny Yu arrived outside Pine Breeze Courtyard. Entering the yard, she stood at the doorway and announced, "Your Highness! Someone from the palace is here, waiting in the front courtyard. Please come out and see—"

Granny Yu’s words snapped Qin Guan back to attention. Why would someone from the palace come? She had only just returned from the palace two days ago.

With this in mind, Qin Guan went to the front courtyard. There, she saw Yuan Qing standing outside. At the sight of him, her expression shifted. "Sir Eunuch, has something happened to the Empress Dowager?"

Hearing this, Yuan Qing couldn’t help but smile. "Did my sudden arrival startle you, Your Highness? Rest assured, the Empress Dowager is perfectly well. I’ve come this time to request your presence in the palace to treat an illness—but not Her Majesty’s."

Qin Guan frowned. "May I ask which member of the palace has fallen ill?"

Yuan Qing glanced around the courtyard and replied in a hushed tone, "Prince Yi has returned."

It took Qin Guan a moment to recall who Prince Yi was—

The late emperor had seven sons. Aside from those who died young, five remained. Prince Yu was the eldest but born of a concubine, while the late emperor was the second son and the legitimate heir. Prince Gong was the third, and the other two were Prince Rui and the youngest, Prince Yi.

Prince Yu had held real power in the court in earlier years, and Prince Rui had commanded the Northwest Frontier Army for many years. Only Prince Yi truly lived up to his title of "Yi" (meaning "harmonious" or "content"). Though a prince, he was content with a simple life, marrying early and raising a family without any desire for power struggles. After the late emperor ascended the throne, Prince Yi began practicing the Daoist Path and had been traveling abroad in recent years.

Prince Yi’s return should have been a joyous occasion, so why was a physician being summoned so urgently?

Qin Guan was puzzled, but Yuan Qing said, "There’s no need to prepare anything. Please accompany me to the palace now."

Not daring to delay, and seeing that her attire was appropriate, Qin Guan followed Yuan Qing directly to the palace without returning to her courtyard.

As soon as they left, Hu Shi exclaimed, "Did you hear that clearly? Prince Yi has returned!"

Granny Yu quickly replied, "This servant heard clearly. It is Prince Yi who has returned."

Hu Shi remarked, "With the Crown Prince’s wedding approaching, even if Prince Yi dislikes the capital, he has returned. And as soon as he arrives, he summons Guan’er to the palace for treatment. Could it be for…"

Hu Shi seemed to think of something and shook her head with a sigh.

……

……

Upon entering the palace gates, Yuan Qing led Qin Guan straight to the Longevity and Health Palace.

When they arrived, they found the palace unusually lively today. The Emperor and the attendants of various consorts and nobles were all waiting outside the main hall.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, the Princess has arrived—"

As soon as Yuan Qing announced this, the Empress Dowager’s laughter echoed from inside. "Excellent, excellent! Have her come in at once!"Qin Guan steadied her breathing and walked in with her head lowered. Upon entering the main hall, she saw the Empress Dowager smiling cheerfully in the seat of honor, with the Emperor seated to her left. Both the Empress and Consort Feng were present. On the opposite side, to the right, sat a middle-aged man in gray Daoist robes, smiling as he observed. With one glance, Qin Guan immediately recognized him as Prince Yi, Yan Xiang.

Qin Guan promptly paid her respects to each person in turn. The Empress Dowager waved for her to rise, and Prince Yi smiled at Qin Guan, saying, "So this is the Yongci County Princess renowned throughout the Great Zhou? The Little Medicine Immortal?"

Prince Yi possessed the distinctive phoenix eyes common to the Yan imperial family. He was slender, with slightly sunken cheeks, appearing more refined and untroubled compared to Emperor Yan Huai. Yet his smile was gentle, his eyes warm and clear, and his voice carried no trace of imperial arrogance, making him as approachable as an elder from the neighborhood.

The Empress Dowager smiled, "Indeed, it's her. Her medical skills are extraordinary—she cured your imperial aunt's illness." Then she turned to Qin Guan, "Wan Yatou, this is Prince Yi. I suppose you already know."

Qin Guan curtsied, "Greetings to Prince Yi."

Prince Yi raised his hand gently, "Rise, rise. You appear young yet possess such remarkable medical skills. I wonder who your teacher was?"

Qin Guan lowered her gaze, "My father taught me."

The Empress Dowager added, "Her father had a passion for studying medicine since childhood. Oh, and her father was the second brother of the Loyal and Brave Marquis."

A faint light sparked in Prince Yi's eyes, "So you are Qin Er's daughter."

The Empress Dowager nodded, "Exactly. You knew each other back then, didn't you?"

The Qin family was also of noble lineage. Back when Qin Yi was fond of medicine, music, and calligraphy, he naturally developed some personal rapport with Prince Yi. Previously, Prince Yi only knew that this Yongci County Princess was from the marquis' household but hadn't realized she wasn't the marquis' direct descendant—rather, she was the daughter of his old acquaintance. His gaze toward Qin Guan grew even warmer, "Your father indeed had these interests in his youth; I'm aware of that. He and his wife... what a pity. But seeing you as you are now would surely bring him comfort."

Qin Guan blinked, studying Prince Yi. On the surface, he seemed perfectly fine...

She glanced at the Empress Dowager, then back at Prince Yi, "Your Highness, did the Emperor and Empress Dowager summon me to the palace to treat your illness?"

At this question, Prince Yi chuckled, and both the Empress Dowager and Emperor laughed along.

Prince Yi said cheerfully, "Not me—it's my son..."

The Empress Dowager instructed Mammy Chen, "Take her to the waterside pavilion."

Mammy Chen acknowledged the order, and the Empress Dowager added, "Go and examine him. There's no need to force a diagnosis today, but you are the most trusted and recognized as the finest physician among us. You must take this matter seriously."

Qin Guan nodded and followed Mammy Chen out of the main hall. Prince Yi's son? That must be Prince Yi's heir apparent!

Yet, in Qin Guan's memory, she truly had no recollection of who Prince Yi's heir apparent was.

Considering that Prince Yi, like Prince Yu, spent most of his years away from the capital, Qin Guan also had no impression of Prince Yu's heir apparent.

Lost in thought, she arrived at the waterside pavilion—the ideal spot for summer cooling. It was Qin Guan's first time there. Just as she reached the entrance, she heard Yan Li's voice inside.

Yan Li said, "Third Brother, it seems you've enjoyed yourself outside so much these past years that you've grown reluctant to return to the capital. If not for the Crown Prince's wedding, you probably wouldn't have come back. It's been so many years since you left. But now that Seventh Brother has returned and you're here too, the capital won't just have me alone anymore!"

A clear, mellow voice responded, "This time, I'll be staying for quite a while. As for you, after all these years, you've likely grown even taller than me..."

Yan Li laughed, "Stand up, and let's compare."

Qin Guan found the conversation somewhat peculiar. Just then, Mammy Chen stepped forward and announced, "Your Highnesses, Yongci County Princess has arrived."

Yan Li exclaimed, "Quick! Bring her in at once—"

The room fell silent. Qin Guan stepped inside and, upon entering, saw three figures standing within.Needless to say, Yan Li was present, but surprisingly, Yan Chi was there as well. Standing beside Yan Li was a man dressed in a moon-white wide-sleeved robe with intricate patterns. Today, Yan Chi still wore a black robe, while Yan Li was clad in a dark red round-collared long gown embroidered with black motifs. In contrast, the white-robed man, whom Qin Guan had never seen before, stood out strikingly, prompting her to take an extra glance.

What made Qin Guan look twice, aside from his unfamiliarity, was the white cloth covering the white-robed man’s eyes.

She hadn’t known what illness she was being summoned to treat, but the moment she saw this heir apparent of Prince Yi, Qin Guan understood—he suffered from an eye ailment!

Qin Guan was slightly startled but quickly composed herself and bowed. "Greetings to the three Highnesses—"

Yan Chi noticed the slight curve of Qin Guan’s lips and naturally observed her surprise at the heir apparent’s eye condition.

He stepped forward and said, "This is Third Brother, Yan Ze, the heir apparent of Prince Yi. Have you met Uncle Prince Yi?"

Qin Guan nodded, and Yan Li smiled wryly. "Grandmother truly couldn’t wait and called you in so quickly. But there’s no rush—Third Brother’s eye ailment isn’t a recent development. This is a good chance for you to get acquainted with him. In the future, we can support each other in the capital. Grandmother must have already told you—it would be best if you could assist Third Brother someday!"

Yan Ze’s demeanor was as refined as jade, his temperament as clear and gentle as his voice. Though Qin Guan couldn’t see his eyes, she imagined he must possess the phoenix eyes characteristic of the Yan family. His nose was tall and straight, his jawline soft, and his every movement carried an understated nobility. Paired with his frost-and-snow-like wide-sleeved robe, and perhaps due to his practice of the Path under Prince Yi’s guidance, he exuded an almost transcendent aura, quite distinct from both Yan Chi and Yan Li.

"Greetings to the Crown Prince—"

Qin Guan bowed once more, this time specifically to acknowledge Yan Ze.

Yan Ze curved his lips slightly. "I’ve long heard of the renowned Little Medicine Immortal. There’s no need for such formality, Princess."

Though blind, Yan Ze accurately turned his body toward Qin Guan. Unfamiliar with him, Qin Guan sensed he must have lived with his condition for years, enabling him to maintain such composure and appear no different from a sighted person.

Even standing beside Yan Chi and Yan Li, if one ignored the white cloth over his eyes, it was nearly impossible to tell Yan Ze was afflicted and unable to see. He showed none of the unease typical of the blind; instead, with his white robes and dark hair, he carried an imposing grace.

Qin Guan chuckled lightly. "It’s merely an empty reputation, not to be taken seriously."

Seeing Qin Guan and Yan Ze exchange such polite formalities, Yan Li interjected as if he couldn’t bear it. "Alright, alright, we’re all familiar here. Let’s sit and talk. Third Brother, since you know of Qin Guan, you probably also know that aside from her medical skills, she excels in corpse examination."

Yan Ze had been standing, and when Yan Li casually pulled him, most people would struggle to find their seat. Yet Yan Ze calmly took two steps back and seated himself precisely.

Qin Guan, standing opposite the three of them, observed this detail clearly and couldn’t help feeling inwardly astonished.

Only someone long accustomed to blindness could develop such acute awareness through steadfast willpower. An ordinary person would likely lose all sense of direction the moment they closed their eyes.

Yan Chi gestured with his chin for Qin Guan to take a seat, and she sat beside him on the same side.Yan Ze, questioned by Yan Li, actually nodded and said, "On the way back, I heard all about it. The Northern Wei case was solved, and the County Princess also contributed greatly—"

Yan Li immediately smiled, "And that's not all. Qin Guan is truly an extraordinary woman."

Yan Ze smiled faintly. At this moment, Qin Guan hadn't spoken, so he didn't know where she was and turned somewhat uncertainly toward the opposite side with a smile. Qin Guan then said, "I heard the Crown Prince has been traveling abroad all these years. May I ask where you've returned from this time?"

Yan Ze located Qin Guan's direction and slightly turned his body toward her, "From Lianzhou."

Yan Li exclaimed in surprise, "Lianzhou?! Why did you go to Lianzhou?"

Lianzhou was far to the east of the entire Great Zhou, quite a distant place.

Yan Ze replied very calmly, "Father took me to Medicine King Valley."

Qin Guan's heart trembled upon hearing this—Yan Ze had actually gone to Medicine King Valley—

Yan Chi naturally knew of Medicine King Valley as well and quickly asked, "Did you gain anything from this trip?"

Yan Ze had gone to Medicine King Valley, of course, to seek medicine. If he had truly obtained a miraculous cure for his eye disease, it would be excellent news.

Yan Ze nodded, "They said there's hope for my eye disease to be cured, but it will take time. One of their people accompanied me to the capital and has already been sent to Prince Yi's royal residence. From now on, they will specifically treat my eye condition."

The reputation of Medicine King Valley resounded throughout the entire Central Continent. Not only in Great Zhou but even in Western Liang and Northern Wei, people sought it out by reputation. However, the journey was long and arduous, and many fell ill before they could even reach Medicine King Valley for treatment. This time, Yan Ze not only received hope for a cure but also brought someone back to the capital—this was truly a great achievement!

Yan Li couldn't help but say, "Really?! They say the physicians of Medicine King Valley are the most skilled in the world. Since they said so, it's clear that Third Brother's eye disease has hope of being cured! And with someone accompanying Third Brother back, in my opinion, why not have Qin Guan and that physician treat Third Brother together? That way, it would be twice as effective!"

Yan Ze maintained a smile throughout, showing no trace of sorrow or regret when mentioning his eye disease, and only said, "After all, this isn't my first time going. That physician is quite young. If the County Princess doesn't mind, then of course, it would be good."

Even if Yan Ze hadn't said this, Qin Guan would have wanted to meet someone from Medicine King Valley. She just didn't know who had come.

Qin Guan initially wanted to ask immediately who had come, but that would seem too deliberate, so she suppressed the impulse and didn't ask, only saying, "Of course, I don't mind. The physicians of Medicine King Valley have exceptional medical skills. If I can be of help, that would be wonderful."

Yan Li clapped his hands, "Good! In that case, let's make an arrangement—tomorrow! Tomorrow, Qin Guan will go to Prince Yi's royal residence to help treat Third Brother! I'll go too then, to see what the physician from Medicine King Valley is like!"

Yan Ze's smile deepened. He hadn't returned to the capital for many years, but Yan Li seemed unchanged, which warmed his heart, "That would be wonderful. I also brought a gift for you."

Yan Li was even more overjoyed upon hearing this and looked at Yan Chi, "Seventh Brother, let's all go tomorrow!"

Yan Chi nodded, "I'll pick up Yongci County Princess."

Yan Li was already accustomed to such words, but Yan Ze's brow twitched slightly—he could tell that Yan Chi treated Qin Guan quite differently.

Just as they were speaking, a palace maid outside announced, "Your Highnesses, County Princess, Yongning County Princess has arrived."Upon hearing that Yue Ning had also arrived, Yan Li laughed, "Why all the fuss? Invite her in quickly! This will liven things up! Ah, it's only fun when all of you are back. Third Brother, Yue Ning just returned recently too. When we were young, she loved following you around the most, and now she's all grown up..."

When Yue Ning entered, her gaze immediately fell upon Yan Ze. Having grown up in the capital as a child, she was naturally very familiar with these princes and heirs apparent. And from what Yan Li had just said, it seemed Yue Ning had been particularly close to Yan Ze in the past.

"Third Brother—"

Yue Ning had never called Yan Li or Yan Chi "brother," yet the moment she saw Yan Ze, she addressed him as Third Brother first.

Qin Guan could tell that Yue Ning held Yan Ze in high regard.

Yan Ze then stood up, turning toward Yue Ning's direction, "Ning'er..."

His address was also very intimate. Yue Ning's eyes reddened slightly as she quickly stepped forward, "Third Brother, your eyes..."

To those unfamiliar with her, Yue Ning often appeared aloof and proud. Even Qin Guan, who was so close to her, rarely saw her eyes redden. Her voice trembled slightly with emotion, and Yan Ze smiled, "They're still the same as before. I've been receiving treatment all these years."

Yue Ning seemed to see no one else, her gaze fixed solely on Yan Ze, "Third Brother, I haven't returned these past few years. I know you've been traveling outside with Uncle Prince Yi, and I thought your eyes would have mostly healed by now. Back then..."

"Ning'er." Yan Ze raised his hand, tentatively reaching toward Yue Ning's shoulder. At first, he reached too high, then slowly lowered it until it truly rested on her shoulder. He smiled, "You've grown so tall. Over the years, I've known Seventh Brother has been leading troops in Shuoxi, Eighth Brother has been enjoying himself freely in the capital, and I've known of your passion for martial arts—you truly take after your father. How is Grand Aunt's health? Has she also entered the palace?"

Yue Ning nodded, torn between tears and laughter, "She's well. She's in the main hall now. She said she'd let us younger ones talk and didn't come over."

Yan Ze gave Yue Ning's shoulder a gentle pat, as if to comfort her, then withdrew his hand.

When he tried to do something, it seemed somewhat strenuous, but once his hand retracted, his innate composure and noble bearing returned. He smiled, "You're a grown woman now, why are you still crying? Since Grand Aunt is here, I must go pay my respects to her, or it would be impolite."

Yue Ning took a deep breath and nodded, "Alright—"

As he spoke, Yan Ze shifted to the side, raised his hand, and with a sweep, his fingers brushed against a rosewood cane.

The rosewood was glossy and smooth, with a jade handle at the top—the white jade warm and translucent, clearly well-used over the years. He turned and walked toward the door, tapping the cane on the ground as he moved. Seeing Yan Ze like this, Yan Chi and the others fell silent. No matter how dignified his demeanor, the inconvenience of his eye condition was now evident.

Yan Li was the first to follow. Yan Chi glanced at Qin Guan, signaling her to come along. Qin Guan nodded, and Yan Chi stepped ahead. Qin Guan went forward and took Yue Ning's hand, asking, "What's wrong?"

Yue Ning took a deep breath, her complexion finally returning to normal.

Qin Guan wiped the corner of Yue Ning's eye, and Yue Ning smiled bitterly, "Didn't expect it, did you?"

Qin Guan truly hadn't expected it—she had thought Yue Ning was the kind of woman who never shed tears.Yan Ze walked very slowly, only just having stepped out the door now. Yan Li and Yan Chi followed closely behind, afraid he might stumble and fall. Yue Ning stared distractedly at Yan Ze's slightly hunched posture as he walked.

Qin Guan, sensing her low spirits, gently tugged her hand and said, "Just now the Crown Prince mentioned that he went to Medicine King Valley this time. The physicians at Medicine King Valley said his eye disease can be cured, and some physicians from Medicine King Valley have come along with him. Don't worry too much."

A faint light sparked in Yue Ning's eyes, then she murmured, "I thought he wouldn't return this time either..."

Her voice trailed off as she spoke, as if lost in some memory.

Qin Guan listened quietly without offering any comfort. After a moment, Yue Ning suddenly said, "Do you know... Third Brother's eyes were damaged because of me..."