In the rooms of Prince Jin Manor, most of the decorative items and furniture had been stored away in the Household Affairs Department, leaving behind only a vast emptiness. The recently discovered skeleton of the deceased was placed in the side room of the main courtyard.
When Qin Guan arrived at the entrance, Zheng Baishi was speaking with Li Muyun. "Brother Li, if the death truly occurred between June and August of last year, then the manor was not unoccupied at that time. How could this person have died here?"
Li Muyun frowned. "If that's the case, we can only reinvestigate the people of Prince Jin Manor."
Zheng Baishi asked, "Brother Li, do you think this person was from Prince Jin Manor?"
Li Muyun smiled wryly. "If they weren't from the manor, how could they have entered? At that time, Prince Jin Manor had not yet been sealed off. Even after it was sealed, it would have been even more unlikely."
Zheng Baishi hesitated slightly. "If that's the case, I wonder if the Emperor will permit the investigation?"
Qin Guan stepped in and said, "Lord Zheng, didn't you just say we should proceed with the investigation as usual?"
Zheng Baishi gave a bitter smile. "This morning, we only knew that a dead body had been discovered in Prince Jin Manor, but we didn't know when the death occurred. The Emperor didn't say anything at the time. However, if we continue investigating and it involves events from June to August of last year, the common people are bound to bring up last year's affairs again. When that happens—"
It would certainly not be a good thing for the royal family's taboos to be dragged back into public discussion.
After speaking, Zheng Baishi looked at Li Muyun. "I must go to the palace to report this and hear the Emperor's thoughts before proceeding."
Li Muyun nodded. "That is indeed the right course of action. After all, this is no ordinary case."
Hearing this, Qin Guan's heart sank. She had known all along that Prince Jin's case would not be easy to touch.
Qin Guan looked at Zheng Baishi before her, tightening her grip on her sleeve pouch. Just as she was about to speak, Zheng Baishi sighed. "From the occurrence to the conclusion of Prince Jin's case, everything was handled with extreme secrecy. If we try to dig up Prince Jin's old case now, I'm afraid it will be impossible to investigate."
Li Muyun's expression turned slightly grave. "Brother Zheng, you should go to the palace first and hear the Emperor's opinion. It's better to avoid making a mistake in our duties—"
As he spoke, Zheng Baishi turned to Qin Guan. Seeing that she seemed to have something to say, he asked, "Does the princess have any insights?"
Qin Guan pursed her lips and shook her head. "The two lords speak wisely. In any case, I have completed the corpse examination, and my findings are as you have seen. If this case can be investigated further, I will return for a reexamination. If it cannot, I naturally will not say more."
Zheng Baishi nodded and was about to speak again when a bailiff rushed in, his face pale with alarm. "My lord! It's terrible! A large crowd of commoners has gathered outside. It seems they've heard that you, Lord Li, and the princess are here. They all want to know if this residence is truly haunted and who the dead person is!"
Qin Guan frowned immediately. The area around Prince Jin Manor was surrounded by the residences of noble families. Where had these commoners come from?
The bailiff added, "Many people have been saying that the haunting of this residence has been going on for some time. They claim that quite a few have seen ghost fire inside the manor. They didn't know why before, but now that the authorities are here, they've all gathered to watch the spectacle."
Li Muyun and Zheng Baishi exchanged glances. Li Muyun said, "In that case, I'm afraid this is not appropriate."The more people gathered to watch, the harder it became to suppress this case. Without a proper explanation, the common folk would only spread more rumors in private.
Zheng Baishi sighed, handed the Examination Report to Zhan Yang, and headed toward the entrance of Prince Jin Manor with a few constables. Qin Guan frowned—with the crowd blocking the way outside, it would be difficult for them to leave later.
Li Muyun glanced at Qin Guan. "What does the Lady think?"
Qin Guan looked back at him, unsure why he was asking. Collecting herself, she replied, "What does Lord Li think?"
Li Muyun smiled, as if aware she was deliberately avoiding the question, and shook his head. "This case is truly difficult to handle. Prince Jin’s case is not to be touched—even after a year, it remains untouchable."
Qin Guan pondered for a moment. "Since you brought it up, I’m rather curious. Although the accused is Prince Jin, there have been precedents where other princes were tried normally under the law. Why is Prince Jin an exception?"
After a pause, she added, "Lord Li was also the chief investigator in Prince Jin’s case, wasn’t you?"
Li Muyun’s smile faded slightly. "I did conclude that case in the end. As for why it’s untouchable—having spent considerable time in the palace, you must understand somewhat. In Great Zhou, matters of the imperial court often lie beyond the reach of the law."
Qin Guan pressed her lips together, looking dazed, and fell silent.
Li Muyun glanced again at the skeleton in the room. "No matter who this skeleton belonged to, it no longer affects anyone today. Not investigating is the safest choice."
Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts and smiled faintly. "As the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Lord Li, such words are better kept to yourself."
Li Muyun turned to face her. "You possess an unyielding spirit, Lady, no less than any man. I merely remind you that to champion the people’s cause, one must also understand the ways of the world and human hearts. Otherwise, what you wish to achieve may remain out of reach."
Qin Guan smiled without responding, and Li Muyun said no more.
But soon, another constable rushed in. "Lord Li! It’s terrible—there’s a conflict outside the manor! Lord Zheng has been attacked! You must go quickly!"
Li Muyun’s expression changed drastically. "Lord Zheng was attacked?!"
He hurried toward the manor entrance. As Qin Guan moved to follow, Li Muyun turned back and said, "Stay here, Lady. Do not move."
Baiying, standing nearby, quickly moved to shield Qin Guan.
Li Muyun left without looking back. Qin Guan was baffled—Zheng Baishi was a third-rank court official! Who would dare lay a hand on him?
"Baiying, go and see—"
Baiying hesitated. "Miss, I must protect you."
Qin Guan shook her head. "I’m not alone here. Go and check. If the situation is bad, immediately seek help from the Garrison Battalion nearby. Since the body was discovered only last night, their men must be around!"
Baiying gritted her teeth and finally turned to leave.
Qin Guan stood at the doorway. The autumn wind swept through the hall, carrying a chill. The two constables guarding the entrance looked uneasy, but Qin Guan remained composed. She tightened her grip on her sleeve pouch and narrowed her eyes slightly.
Li Muyun had said palace affairs lay beyond the law. If that were the case, she had no choice but to take a risky path.
Baiying returned quickly. "Miss! The Garrison Battalion has arrived outside!"
It had only been the time for a cup of tea since Zheng Baishi left—the Garrison Battalion was remarkably fast!"Indeed, there was a conflict outside. Lord Zheng was struck on the forehead, leaving a bloody gash. The yamen officers clashed with the citizens, and the Garrison Battalion happened to be nearby. Hearing the commotion, they came over and are currently quelling the unrest. Several instigators have already been arrested, and Lord Zheng has now returned to the residence."
After Baiying finished speaking, Qin Guan hurried toward the main gate. Halfway there, she saw Zheng Baishi being supported by a yamen runner as he made his way back. Blood covered the left side of Zheng Baishi’s eyelid, making him look particularly frightening. At that moment, he was pressing a handkerchief to his forehead, his entire body trembling unsteadily as he walked.
Qin Guan quickly went up to him. "Lord Zheng, how are you feeling?"
Seeing Qin Guan approach, Zheng Baishi pointed to the railing along the corridor. The yamen runner immediately helped him sit down. Zheng Baishi let out a long sigh, his face pale with anger. "They truly are a bunch of unruly commoners! Simply—"
Having served as an official in the capital for many years, Zheng Baishi had never encountered such riotous behavior!
Qin Guan promptly took two pills from her sleeve and handed them to Zheng Baishi. "Lord Zheng, these are calming pills. Please take them first, and let me examine your wound—"
After swallowing the pills, Zheng Baishi removed the handkerchief, revealing a gash about an inch long. Had it been elsewhere, such a wound might not have been serious, but it was right on his temple, making it look particularly alarming. Qin Guan took out her own handkerchief, tore it with a sharp rip, and tied a knot. Finding it long enough, she quickly wrapped it around Zheng Baishi’s forehead.
The bandage was, of course, meant to stop the bleeding. Although head injuries were often treated this way, Zheng Baishi was a court-appointed official, still wearing his third-rank official robes in a deep wine color. The sight was somewhat comical.
Naturally, no one present dared to laugh. Qin Guan added, "Please calm your anger, my lord. Rage stirs the blood and hinders clotting. I have no medicine with me now, so this makeshift dressing will have to do. You must seek proper treatment and apply medication as soon as possible."
Zheng Baishi waved a hand to indicate it was no trouble. "The entrance is still blocked; there’s no way to leave. You have no idea, Princess, those commoners outside are truly…"
As the official overseeing capital administration, Zheng Baishi had not faced such an incident in years. His fury was not something that could subside quickly. The yamen runner who had helped him in spoke up, "Those people… They’ve heard too many ghost stories. Lord Zheng went out intending to address their doubts and disperse the crowd, but someone accused the authorities of concealing the truth, claiming Prince Jin’s residence harbors Vengeful ghosts. They even said more than one person had died inside. The more they talked, the more agitated everyone became. Lord Zheng grew angry and reprimanded them, but the commoners dared to argue back. Then, someone—no one knows who—threw a stone at Lord Zheng…"
Only then did Qin Guan understand how Zheng Baishi had been injured. It was easy to imagine that once he was hurt, the yamen runners would not stand idly by. The conflict quickly escalated, and fortunately, the Garrison Battalion was nearby.
"My lord, please calm down. With the Garrison Battalion here, order should be restored soon."
Qin Guan could only offer such consolation. Zheng Baishi clutched his forehead, restraining his anger in her presence, and could only sigh repeatedly. After a short while, they saw Li Muyun striding in from outside, followed by another person. Qin Guan looked closely—who else could it be but Qin Ye!
"Fourth Brother? Why are you here?"Qin Ye said, "I have men stationed nearby. How is Lord Zheng?"
Zheng Baishi waved his hand to indicate he was fine. Qin Ye then said, "We've arrested the most troublesome ones and dispersed the rest. Lord Zheng, you can go seek medical treatment now..."
Zheng Baishi felt today's incident was both embarrassing and bizarre. Sighing again, he stood up and walked out. Soon Zhan Yang returned, and Zheng Baishi instructed, "Keep watch here. Conduct a general search of the residence, but don't enter these rooms randomly. I'll apply some medicine and change clothes before going to see the Emperor. I don't know if appearing before His Majesty in this state might startle the imperial presence."
The group escorted Zheng Baishi out. After seeing him off, Li Muyun also said, "Since Brother Zheng is going to the palace, I should return to the Court of Judicial Review. Fourth Young Master, please escort the County Princess back to her residence to avoid encountering any more troublesome commoners outside."
Even without Li Muyun's reminder, Qin Ye would have done so. After Li Muyun left, Qin Ye said, "Ninth Sister, get in the carriage. I'll escort you."
Qin Guan chuckled, "Fourth Brother, you just arrested people. You should attend to your duties first."
Qin Ye smiled, "They've all been sent to Lin'an Prefecture. We're free now. Let me escort you to prevent any incidents."
Qin Guan had no choice but to board the carriage. Qin Ye rode alongside it outside. Qin Guan lifted the curtain and asked, "Fourth Brother, is it true that Prince Jin Manor is haunted?"
Qin Ye paused momentarily, then nodded, "There is indeed such talk."
Qin Guan was slightly taken aback. After a moment, she asked, "Do you know when this started?"
Qin Ye thought for a moment, "It should have begun around May or June. If you want the exact time, I can have someone investigate properly?"
Qin Guan shook her head, "No need, I was just asking casually."
Qin Ye hummed in acknowledgment and said no more. Qin Guan lowered the carriage curtain and gently squeezed her sleeve pouch.
True to his word about escorting Qin Guan home, Qin Ye saw her all the way to the Marquis residence entrance before leaving. Qin Guan expressed her thanks, but Qin Ye just waved casually and departed. Qin Guan quickly entered the Marquis residence gates and returned to Pine Breeze Courtyard. Only then did she take out the contents of her sleeve pouch. Her usual sachet for storing fragrant materials was empty, now containing four or five black granules with soil attached.
The granules were only the size of rice grains, easily overlooked when fallen in soil. But Qin Guan, being well-versed in medicine, recognized them immediately - these were glutinous rice seeds, used for calming nerves and relieving coughs, mainly treating palpitations, restless nights, and chronic coughing. These typically grow deep in mountainous forests and should absolutely not appear in Prince Jin Manor!
Fuling watched Qin Guan staring intently at the few black granules, unsure what was happening. As she was about to ask, Baiying tugged at Fuling's sleeve and shook her head. Fuling refrained from questioning and whispered, "What is that?"
Baiying quickly explained, "The young lady picked it up from under the dead body."
Fuling was startled, instinctively feeling it was inauspicious. But seeing Qin Guan's serious and grave expression, she didn't dare comment further. "What's wrong? Is the case difficult to solve? Who was the deceased?"
Baiying continued shaking her head, "We still don't know who it was. As for solving the case... it's possible this case won't need solving."
Fuling was completely bewildered, unable to understand why a case wouldn't need solving...Qin Guan snapped back to reality, then carefully collected several black grains into her sachet. After securing the sachet, she entered the inner chamber. Glutinous rice seeds were something that shouldn't appear in Prince Jin Manor—did the killer bring them? Or did the victim bring them? Qin Guan had the opportunity to reveal this discovery, yet she chose to withhold the information at the last moment.
Prince Jin's case existed beyond the bounds of legal principles, therefore she saw no need to adhere to rigid justice.
Because she knew—this skeleton within Prince Jin Manor might very well be the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding Prince Jin! She would steer this investigation along the path she desired!
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