Coroner's Diary

As June began, the entire marquis residence grew even busier. During this time, Qin Guan made another trip to the royal residence to perform needle therapy, while the rest of her days were spent assisting Hu Shi with minor tasks. On the third day of the sixth month, Baiying brought news about Zhao Xun’s mother.

"Zhao Xun’s hometown is in Hejia Village, Yangshui County, outside Lin’an City. It’s a two-day journey from Lin’an. I went to the pharmacy Zhao Xun last visited and found the prescription he purchased. Please take a look, Miss—"

Qin Guan took the prescription and, after a brief glance, understood what illness Zhao Xun’s mother suffered from. Frowning, she said, "His mother likely has heartache disease, and it seems quite severe. However, this prescription only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause."

Baiying quickly asked, "What does Miss plan to do?"

After a moment’s thought, Qin Guan replied, "I want to go to Yangshui County."

Baiying grew concerned and hesitated before asking, "Should we inform the Crown Prince about this?"

Though Qin Guan didn’t wish to hide it from Yan Chi, she feared his probing questions. After a brief pause, she said, "We must tell him. This time, I don’t want to take the marquis residence’s guards. I need to borrow some of his men."

Even though it was just a trip to Yangshui County, Qin Guan worried about potential dangers on the road and thus needed protection. Zhao Xun’s identity was sensitive, and she especially didn’t want Qin Shu to find out. As for Yan Chi, she could only hope he wouldn’t press her for details.

"Find a way to notify him. I want to see him."

Baiying nodded and went to inform Yan Chi. Soon after, Bai Feng arrived at the residence.

Under the pretext of inviting Qin Guan to treat Prince Yi’s heir apparent, Bai Feng escorted her out.

Inside the carriage, Yan Chi sat as still as a statue.

Once Qin Guan boarded, the carriage headed east. She asked, "Are we going to see Xun Niang?"

Yan Chi nodded. "The lotuses there are in bloom. Why did you suddenly send Baiying with a message for me?"

Qin Guan wouldn’t lightly send Baiying with a message unless something was amiss.

Qin Guan explained, "I need you to assign two men to me. I have some business in Yangshui County. The round trip will take four days, and I’ll need to stay there for two more, so I likely won’t return for five or six days."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes slightly. "Yangshui County... Very well, I’ll have Bai Feng accompany you."

Qin Guan blinked. "Aren’t you going to ask why I’m going?"

Yan Chi smiled. "If you don’t say, you must have your reasons. Besides, even if I don’t ask, Bai Feng will tell me when he returns."

Qin Guan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. After a moment’s thought, she suddenly said, "I’ve found someone who might know the inside story of Prince Jin’s case. To gain this person’s willing cooperation, I need to go to Yangshui County."

She hadn’t planned to mention this, but with Yan Chi so close, she couldn’t bear to keep it from him.

Yan Chi had resolved not to show surprise or interfere, no matter what Qin Guan said, but he hadn’t expected her to be investigating Prince Jin’s case.

"Prince Jin’s case? Who have you found?"

Qin Guan replied, "I found the former attendant of Lord Shen Yi—a former clerk at the Court of Judicial Review. He used to serve under Lord Shen Yi and previously sold one of his record collections. It was through that record collection that I discovered him. I’ve met him, and from his demeanor, I’m certain he knows some inside information about Prince Jin’s case."

Yan Chi’s expression turned grave. Suddenly, he asked, "Why are you going to Yangshui County?"Qin Guan then said, "This man has an upright and unyielding character. He's currently living in dire straits, but when I offered him silver, he refused. I know he has a seriously ill mother back in his hometown, so I wanted to see if this approach might move him."

No matter how principled this clerk might be, if Yan Chi wanted to extract information from him, it would be the simplest matter—there was no need to treat the clerk's mother at all. Yet clearly, such methods were not Qin Guan's way of doing things.

Yan Chi pondered briefly, "When do you plan to go?"

Qin Guan replied, "I intend to go five days from now. In five days, Zhao Xun will also return."

Yan Chi nodded, "Since it concerns Prince Jin's case, I'll accompany you."

Yan Chi had initially thought Qin Guan was going for other reasons, but now that it involved Prince Jin's case and she would be away for several days, he grew somewhat concerned. Qin Guan quickly said, "But you still need to oversee the military provisions case in Shuoxi."

Yan Chi shook his head, "There's no definite news for the time being. Yesterday, Father sent a letter telling me not to act rashly for now. He's handling matters over there. The letter was sent half a month ago."

Qin Guan immediately felt relieved. Zhang Dongxuan's words still echoed in her ears, and she had been constantly on edge. Now that even Prince Rui advised Yan Chi against reckless action, she felt considerably more at ease. "Good, good, then we should listen to the prince and avoid going to Shuoxi arbitrarily."

At this thought, Qin Guan suddenly realized that going to Yangshui County would also mean leaving Lin'an City. Did this count as fulfilling Zhang Dongxuan's prediction?

Qin Guan hurriedly asked, "Do you know that Zhang Daoshi has left the capital?"

Yan Chi nodded, "I know. I had considered asking him to stay, but I could see he had no such intention. With someone like him, forcing the matter would only make things awkward."

This aligned perfectly with Qin Guan's own thoughts. She said, "I saw him before he left. At that time, he seemed to have discerned our relationship and asked me to remind you not to leave the capital recently."

Yan Chi smiled, "Oh? Why is that?"

Qin Guan explained, "He said you're about to face a calamity."

Yan Chi's smile deepened upon hearing this, "Calamity? I don't believe in such things."

Seeing Yan Chi's expression, Qin Guan grew anxious, "But you've seen it yourself—he accurately predicted many things, even knew where you were returning to the capital from. I think he possesses some extraordinary insight. For that reason alone, we should give some credence to his words."

Hearing Qin Guan put it this way, Yan Chi couldn't refute her. "Then we'll follow your advice. However, going to Yangshui County doesn't really count as leaving the capital—Yangshui is under the capital's jurisdiction."

Qin Guan wanted to say more, but Yan Chi squeezed her hand, "We've arrived. Let's eat first."

The carriage stopped again in that small alley. Xun Niang stood waiting at the entrance and quickly bowed with a smile upon seeing Qin Guan and Yan Chi. She added, "We've been looking forward to Your Highness's visit. Now that it's midsummer, the lotus flowers in the pond are blooming beautifully. My husband has been preparing lotus banquets these past few days. Does the princess enjoy sweet dishes?"

Qin Guan promptly replied, "Yes, I'm not picky."

Xun Niang laughed heartily, "That's wonderful! Please wait a moment, Your Highness and Princess. My husband is still preparing. The waterside pavilion has long been tidied up..."

Walking along the path, they soon saw the lotus pond in full bloom. The same waterside pavilion from that day now stood beside the pond, appearing even more elegant and pleasant. Qin Guan and Yan Chi entered the pavilion.All three windows facing the waterside pavilion were wide open, allowing the cool breeze to drift in, carrying the fragrance of lotus blossoms. Qin Guan took a deep breath, feeling utterly refreshed by the surroundings. Recalling their earlier conversation, she said, "I can go to Yangshui County on my own."

Yan Chi, however, was resolute. "Are you worried that my presence would make that person more cautious?"

That wasn't what Qin Guan had in mind at all. If she went alone, Zhao Xun would struggle to understand why a woman was investigating Prince Jin's case. But Yan Chi's involvement was different—he had the backing of Prince Rui's influence and a close personal friendship with Prince Jin. His desire to uncover the truth was entirely natural.

Her only reason for not wanting Yan Chi to accompany her was the concern that it might confirm what Zhang Daoshi had warned.

Reading her thoughts, Yan Chi couldn't help but chuckle. "Yangshui County is barely a hundred li from the capital. What could possibly go wrong? I'll bring plenty of guards with me, so you needn't worry."

Realizing she couldn't dissuade him, Qin Guan conceded, "I don't plan to let my uncle know about this. I'll just say I'm staying at Marquis Anyang Manor for a few days. It shouldn't raise any suspicions, and Yue Ning will cover for me."

She looked at Yan Chi, her expression asking, And what about you?

He smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll make proper arrangements. Until we have a solid lead, no one must know you're looking into this matter."

Qin Guan nodded, well aware of the risks involved. What surprised her was that Yan Chi hadn't tried to stop her.

As if sensing her thoughts, he sighed wryly, "Could I have stopped you? Besides, I've said before that I also want to uncover the truth behind Prince Jin's case. I'm just more cautious about weighing the pros and cons."

With the Northwest Frontier Army provisions case still unresolved, it wasn't the best time for Yan Chi to divert his attention. Moreover, if the emperor learned he was investigating Prince Jin's case, it would only deepen suspicions. Yet now, Qin Guan had found Shen Yi's contact—an invaluable opportunity to glimpse the inside story of Prince Jin's case. This might be their only chance.

Without Qin Guan, Yan Chi might have abandoned his past friendship with Prince Jin after considering the stakes. But if she could charge ahead fearlessly, how could he lag behind?

Yan Chi wrapped an arm around Qin Guan and drew her close. "If I only considered gains and losses, this wouldn't be worth it. But the heart shouldn't be ruled solely by calculation. I have you to thank—otherwise, I probably wouldn't have touched this case so readily."

Even before returning to the capital, Yan Chi had harbored doubts about Prince Jin's case. But the situation in the capital was different now, especially with the succession struggle and the Northwest Frontier Army's authority involved—everything had become highly sensitive. Yan Chi would never recklessly reveal his intentions.

Mentioning this stirred Qin Guan's concerns. Yan Chi didn't know why she was so invested in this case; their motives differed. She was willing to risk everything for it, regardless of the consequences.

For now, it was only Zhao Xun, but Qin Guan had no idea how much turmoil this might eventually stir. A sense of unease lingered within her, yet the secret buried deep in her heart—one she intended to keep forever—was something she dared not voice...

Soon, Xun Niang arrived at the pavilion with Master Yuan. Entering, Xun Niang cheerfully announced, "Your Highness, My Lady, the lotus flowers and leaves used in these dishes were all freshly picked from the lotus pond. This wine is Lotus Wine—it's mild and won't go to your head. My Lady, you should try some."Seven or eight exquisite dishes were laid out, with Xun Niang enthusiastically overseeing the arrangements while Master Yuan stood by smiling cheerfully. Qin Guan and Yan Chi took their seats, noticing that the dishes on the table were not only aromatic but also beautifully presented. As Qin Guan picked up her chopsticks to taste, the rich and savory flavors drew repeated praise from her!

Both Xun Niang and Master Yuan were delighted to hear this. After the meal, Qin Guan and Yan Chi lingered for a while in the waterside pavilion before departing. Xun Niang was reluctant to see them go and repeatedly reminded Qin Guan to visit again.

Qin Guan agreed, feeling that Xun Niang’s cheerful and warm nature made her quite endearing.

Yan Chi escorted Qin Guan back to the Marquis Anyang Manor. Early the next morning, Qin Guan went to the manor and informed Yue Ning of her plans. Yue Ning immediately agreed but expressed some concern, "It’ll be several days—what are you going to do? Will there be any significant danger?"

Qin Guan chuckled, "Don’t worry. Please don’t ask for details now, but if my uncle inquires, remember to cover for me."

Yue Ning nodded, "I’ll say your grandmother is unwell and you’re staying here to perform needle therapy for her."

Pleased with how quickly Yue Ning came up with an excuse, Qin Guan felt reassured. Knowing Qin Guan was prudent, Yue Ning didn’t press further. After chatting for a while, the two headed to Prince Yi’s royal residence.

No needle therapy was scheduled for the day. Upon arriving at the royal residence, they found Yan Ze in his study.

Yan Ze had suffered from eye disease for many years, making the existence of his study seem rather unusual. However, when Qin Guan and Yue Ning reached the slightly ajar door of his study, they glimpsed numerous books inside, with a large portion appearing to be thick volumes specially designed for the blind.

"Your Highness, the two young mistresses are here…"

Chen Xiang announced, and Yan Ze immediately perked up. He closed the book he was "reading" and turned toward the door, asking, "Have the two young mistresses come in?"

Chen Xiang hurriedly replied, "They’re here, just outside—"

Yan Ze acknowledged with a hum and waved his hand. The door opened, and a young servant emerged—a handsome lad who promptly bowed to Qin Guan and Yue Ning before turning to leave.

Chen Xiang explained with a smile, "That’s Tan Xiang, His Highness’s study attendant. He often reads books aloud for His Highness."

Qin Guan and Yue Ning nodded and entered Yan Ze’s study together.

Yan Ze’s study was not only filled with books but also equipped with a complete set of writing tools on the desk. Nearby were papers on which Yan Ze had practiced calligraphy. Qin Guan noticed that his handwriting was remarkably elegant.

For a blind person to produce such beautiful characters spoke volumes about the effort he must have invested.

Yan Ze remained as gentle and refined as ever. Yue Ning browsed through his books, occasionally asking questions, which Yan Ze patiently answered. His breadth of knowledge surprised Qin Guan. They spent some time in the study before moving to the flower hall, where Sun Muqing soon joined them.

It was late afternoon by the time Qin Guan left the royal residence.

Two days later, Qin Guan informed Qin Shu and Hu Shi that she would be staying at the Marquis Anyang Manor for a few days. With both Qin Shu and Hu Shi currently preoccupied and considering Qin Guan’s connections with the Marquis Anyang Manor and Prince Yi’s royal residence beneficial, Hu Shi readily granted permission without any questions.Qin Guan had made arrangements on both ends. On the morning of the fifth day, she carried two bundles and left the manor with Baiying. Baiying drove the carriage, first following the main Path toward Marquis Anyang Manor for a stretch before abruptly turning and heading straight for the city gates. Outside the city, Yan Chi was already waiting.

Seeing Yan Chi, Qin Guan felt an inexplicable strangeness in her heart.

As if they were eloping on this journey...