In the Longevity and Health Palace, after Qin Guan finished discussing the case of the skeleton found in Prince Jin Manor with the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager fell into deep thought. After a long while, she coughed lightly twice and said, "He was clearly someone in the palace, so how could he have died in Prince Jin Manor?"
Qin Guan also nodded. "Indeed, but whether it is truly him remains uncertain."
Although Qin Guan spoke this way, the Empress Dowager shook her head. "The person you mentioned, I still have an impression of him."
Qin Guan was slightly surprised, and the Empress Dowager continued, "He was sent into the palace as a child, originally to become a eunuch. But back then, when the princes were selecting guards, Prince Jin took a liking to him at first sight, simply because he stood out as exceptionally tall among his peers. That was the first reason. The second was his strikingly handsome appearance, which did not resemble that of a Zhou person. At the time, he was two years older than Prince Jin, but since Prince Jin found him pleasing, he was selected anyway. It was only later discovered that his mother was not of Zhou descent. This guard then served Prince Jin for many years, and there was hardly anyone in the palace who did not know of him."
Those who served the princes, even if they were merely guards or attendants, were figures of some standing. The palace was filled with lower-ranking servants, and in their eyes, these so-called guards were almost like half-masters.
"As he grew older, his appearance became even more striking and conspicuous. Such a person was rare not only in the royal residence but in the entire capital. That is why I believe it must be him."
The appearance of the Zhou people differed greatly from that of the Western Regions or the Rong people. If someone from the Western Regions or the Rong were in the capital, they would be recognized at a glance. The Rong, having been enemies of the Great Zhou for many years, dared not venture lightly into the heart of Zhou territory. Even if a few from the Western Regions came to the capital, it was only when foreign envoys visited the court. Someone like Song Xiwen was exceedingly rare.
Qin Guan had actually confirmed this person's identity as well, but it was not appropriate to state it with absolute certainty. Mentioning Song Xiwen inevitably brought up last year's case involving Prince Jin, which had already been concluded. At this point, Qin Guan did not expect the emperor to suddenly show leniency and casually order a retrial of Prince Jin's case.
"If that is the case, then the appearance of his skeleton in Prince Jin Manor is truly baffling," Qin Guan remarked.
The Empress Dowager had naturally considered this as well. She coughed twice again. As the weather grew colder, her cough seemed to have worsened. After a moment of thought, she added, "Precisely. At the time, Prince Jin... this person should have been with him... Who knows how the trial was conducted..."
Qin Guan pursed her lips. "Empress Dowager, this humble one dares to say something perhaps inappropriate—could this skeleton be related to Prince Jin's case?"
The Empress Dowager sighed, naturally not blaming Qin Guan. Qin Guan had always been dedicated to such matters, so it was only fitting for her to be perceptive about these things. "That case back then... caused quite a stir. This old one never believed Prince Jin would do such a thing, but later, he... he took his own life in the Celestial Prison out of guilt... Ah, this old one was truly disappointed..."Qin Guan's lips were pressed tightly together. "When I discovered this skeleton, I immediately thought of Prince Jin's case. At the time, I wondered if there might be some hidden truth to this case. But considering His Highness Prince Jin committed suicide out of guilt, with no other witnesses to testify for him, it really wasn't appropriate to make such speculations lightly. However..." She paused, her voice turning grave, "when Zhan Butou informed me of the possible identity of these remains, I began to harbor some doubts. This guard should have been one of Prince Jin's witnesses, yet he died inexplicably within the royal residence. Thinking of it this way, I've grown somewhat suspicious about Prince Jin's alleged suicide out of guilt."
The Empress Dowager's expression shifted slightly. "Are you saying... cough... that Prince Jin didn't kill himself out of guilt?"
Qin Guan looked apprehensive. "This is merely Wan'er's speculation. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
The Empress Dowager raised a hand to stop her apology, narrowing her eyes in thought. After a long while, she finally shook her head. "This matter is too perplexing. This old one cannot discern the truth for now."
Qin Guan knew when to stop and nodded. "It's my fault for troubling you with these matters. Your cough hasn't healed yet—you must continue with your medicine. Please don't dwell on these affairs these coming days. With the Fifth Princess's wedding in over a month, you'll surely have much to attend to."
As for Prince Rui's coffin soon returning to the capital...
Qin Guan avoided mentioning Prince Rui's matter, and the Empress Dowager seemed to have forgotten about it as well. After conversing for a while longer, Qin Guan took her leave. Just after exiting the Longevity and Health Palace, she encountered Prince Cheng Yan Qi. Yan Qi had come alone today, without Feng Chenbi. Surprise flickered in Qin Guan's eyes as she hurried to pay her respects.
She expected Yan Qi to enter the Longevity and Health Palace directly, but he stopped before her instead.
Qin Guan looked up at Yan Qi, who curled his lips into a faint smile. "Has Yongci County Princess come to pay respects to Grandmother?"
Qin Guan nodded. "Yes. Her Majesty's health hasn't been well, so I came to check her pulse."
"Yongci County Princess possesses exceptional medical skills, but your corpse examination techniques are even more remarkable. Even I was deceived by you once. Thinking back now... heh... so Yan Chi was already protecting you back then."
Yan Qi was referring to their encounter at the mortuary temple when she first returned to the capital. Qin Guan maintained her composure. "My identity was inconvenient at the time. I apologize for any disrespect."
Yan Qi's devilish eyes lifted slightly at the corners. "No matter, no matter. You've rendered great service to Great Zhou—who would dare blame you? Though it is rather unfortunate that Uncle met with misfortune right after Grandmother arranged your marriage with Yan Chi."
Qin Guan nodded. "The capital hasn't been very peaceful lately."
Without directly addressing Prince Rui's matter, she offered this comment. Yan Qi said meaningfully, "Is Yongci County Princess referring to the case at Prince Jin Manor?"
Qin Guan smiled. "Why does Your Highness pretend ignorance? Since this case emerged, many in the capital must be feeling uneasy."
Yan Qi sneered. "When this case occurred, Yongci County Princess wasn't even in the capital. How would you know about these matters? And when you speak of those feeling uneasy... you wouldn't be referring to the Crown Prince, would you?"
Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. Qin Chaoyu was the Crown Princess, making this an open provocation. She smiled faintly. "Whoever has done wrong will be the one feeling uneasy.""It seems the County Princess has reached a conclusion? Does the County Princess realize what she's saying?"
Qin Guan remained unperturbed, "Not just me, I believe many hold their own views. Last year's case stirred up the capital—one wonders how this current case will unfold."
Yan Qi looked at Qin Guan with a faint, ambiguous smile, "What a pity women cannot serve as court officials."
Qin Guan met Yan Qi's gaze openly, "I share that regret deeply." With that, she glanced toward the palace gate. "The hour grows late. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager awaits Your Highness. I shall take my leave first."
Yan Qi said nothing as Qin Guan stepped past him. He turned to watch her retreating figure, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly.
The matter of Prince Rui remained unresolved, yet Prince Jin Manor had inexplicably encountered new complications.
A cold glint flickered in Yan Qi's eyes. Though a year had passed, everyone knew this recent incident was inextricably linked to last year's case. When he received the news, he had expected his imperial father to forbid investigation—yet unexpectedly, the Lin'an Prefecture had been permitted to proceed. What did this signify?!
The Prince Jin case had previously unleashed a storm of bloodshed, ultimately concluding with Prince Jin's alleged suicide out of guilt.
But to this day, Yan Qi refused to believe Prince Jin had truly taken his own life out of remorse.
Qin Guan's figure had vanished, yet her words echoed in his ears. These past two days, someone must be growing restless with anxiety.
Yan Qi cast a glance toward the Eastern Palace, a swift flash of calculation crossing his gaze.
Entering the Longevity and Health Palace, Yan Qi reflected on his infrequent visits here. Lately, his imperial father seldom visited his mother consort, leaving her no choice but to insist he pay respects at the Empress Dowager's residence. As long as the Empress Dowager lived, her influence remained pivotal.
Though Mammy Chen had announced his arrival, the Empress Dowager appeared lost in thought when Yan Qi entered. Hesitating briefly, he offered a soft greeting. The Empress Dowager stirred from her reverie, beckoning him, "Come, child, to your grandmother."
Yan Qi seated himself beside her. "How is Grand Imperial Mother's health today?"
The Empress Dowager coughed twice, shaking her head before studying Yan Qi. "Qi'er, do you believe your elder brother committed murder?"
Yan Qi's heart skipped a beat, suddenly recalling Qin Guan's impeccably composed demeanor moments earlier. Her eyes had been clear as a mountain stream, yet beneath that transparency seemed to conceal unknown sharp insights. He hurriedly responded, "Grand Imperial Mother, this grandson has never truly believed Eldest Brother capable of murder..."
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