Coroner's Diary

"How did Brother Li come to be here?" Zheng Baishi looked at Li Muyun and quickly asked.

Li Muyun first calmly exchanged greetings with Qin Guan before replying, "There's been much discussion about this case at court, so I came to see for myself. Brother Zheng, you and the Lady...?"

"We plan to conduct another examination," Zheng Baishi glanced at Qin Guan. "We need to find more clues to confirm the deceased's identity. Otherwise, we wouldn't have solid ground to stand on when reporting to the Emperor."

The Emperor would ask him: Are you certain this person is Song Xiwen?

If Zheng Baishi were to casually respond with "probably," "perhaps," or "maybe," he feared the Emperor might immediately throw his imperial brush at his head. Zheng Baishi smiled wryly, "Brother Li, why not join us? When the Emperor asks later, you can help explain."

Li Muyun was naturally skilled in criminal investigations and had some knowledge of corpse examination, though he wasn't as proficient as Qin Guan.

With this invitation, Li Muyun naturally followed along.

Entering the inner hall where the body was kept, yamen runners were already waiting with examination tools. Qin Guan studied the adult male corpse and after a moment of silence said, "I'm afraid this alone isn't enough. I need to ask Lord Zheng for assistance."

Both Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun turned to Qin Guan, "What does the Lady require?"

Qin Guan thought for a moment, first looking out the window where she noticed the rain had stopped unnoticed. An idea formed in her mind. Spotting writing materials nearby, she immediately walked over, picked up the brush and paper, quickly sketched something, then brought it to Zheng Baishi. "I need you to find a place to dig an underground chamber like this."

What she had drawn was a rectangular pit with dimensions marked for length, width, and depth. "This chamber should be five chi long, three chi wide, and two chi deep - large enough to accommodate these remains."

Zheng Baishi examined it carefully. Digging such a chamber wouldn't be difficult, but he didn't understand its purpose. "May I ask, Lady, what is this for?"

Qin Guan pressed her lips slightly. "I want to... steam the bones."

Steam the bones?! Zheng Baishi's eyes widened as he looked at Li Muyun, only to find him equally astonished.

Pressing for time, Qin Guan had no leisure to address their reactions. A coroner's examination methods were limited, and ordinary techniques couldn't yield more clues. Therefore, she had to employ unconventional methods.

Since Qin Guan had given the order, Zheng Baishi could only comply. He summoned two yamen runners with tools, and the group exited through the mortuary temple's back door, arriving at a gentle slope beside a small river. This stream was a minor tributary of the Yushui River. Since the mortuary temple was in the southern city with few residences nearby, digging into this slope wouldn't cause any issues.

Following Qin Guan's instructions, the two runners began digging a narrow, deep cavity into the slope.

While they worked, Qin Guan put on her gauntlets and began meticulously cleaning the remains. This time, she worked with greater care than before. Using a decoction of atractylodes and soapberries, she thoroughly washed the bones, removing greasy grime to reveal their original appearance. Then she carefully scraped away the waxy decomposition layers from the bones. Soon, the corpse was completely reduced to a skeleton.After handling the remains, the constables had nearly finished digging the pit. Qin Guan went to inspect it and instructed them to add firewood and charcoal into the pit, continuing until the walls glowed red-hot. Due to the recent rain, it took nearly half an hour of burning to achieve the desired state. Qin Guan then ordered the removal of all charcoal and firewood, and while the pit remained hot, had three liters of wine and five liters of vinegar poured inside. Taking advantage of the rising steam, they placed the rolled-up mat containing the remains into the pit.

Covering the opening with several straw mats, they began the bone-steaming process.

This entire procedure took almost two hours, leaving the constables drenched in sweat, with charcoal and firewood scattered around the pit. Qin Guan, Zheng Baishi, and Li Muyun stood nearby observing. Li Muyun asked, "How long will the bone-steaming take, Your Highness?"

Qin Guan replied calmly, "An hour and a half."

Zheng Baishi clicked his tongue in amazement. "Your Highness, this method... truly... I initially thought it involved boiling water to steam the bones. I wonder where you learned such a technique?"

Without changing her expression, Qin Guan said, "I read it in a book. I hope it proves effective. My initial examination was cursory, but since we're conducting a re-examination now, we shouldn't overlook anything. Only this method can thoroughly clean the bones and reveal their original injuries."

Li Muyun gazed at Qin Guan. "Your Highness, this method is unprecedented."

Qin Guan glanced subtly at Li Muyun, noticing the intensity in his gaze. A faint unease stirred within her, though by now such feelings had become routine, almost habitual, and no longer troubled her. Instead, she felt a fearless, solitary courage.

Meeting Li Muyun's eyes, Qin Guan explained, "Bone-steaming can only be done on clear days. If it rains, we must boil them instead—just as Lord Zheng mentioned. Boil the bones with ten liters of vinegar, adding salt and white plums. This will also reveal the injuries. Had the rain not stopped earlier, we would have needed a pot to boil the bones."

Hearing this, Zheng Baishi felt an inexplicable chill down his spine. The image of a group of people setting up a pot in the Mortuary Temple to boil a deceased person's remains was unsettling to envision. By comparison, steaming the bones seemed far more refined.

With this thought, Zheng Baishi regarded Qin Guan with even greater admiration. At times, he could hardly believe she was a teenage girl—the knowledge she possessed would be more credible coming from a white-bearded elder.

Since the steaming would take considerable time, Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun saw no need to wait idly and returned to the Mortuary Temple.

Shortly after their return, Zhan Yang entered from outside.

Zhan Yang wore a troubled expression. Seeing him, Zheng Baishi immediately asked, "Well? Are the Wu family members still there?"

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow curiously. Zhan Yang sighed helplessly and nodded. "They're still there. I couldn't wait any longer, so I slipped away."

Qin Guan inquired, "Which Wu family?"

Zhan Yang replied bitterly, "The Wu family of Marquis Weiyuan..."

Qin Guan understood. Zhan Yang continued, "The previous incident caused quite a stir. After Marquis Weiyuan found out, he became even more determined to find the eldest young master. The second young master has also come to his senses somewhat. Now they come to the magistrate's office every day to inquire. It's exhausting."Back when Wu Yu was mistakenly accused due to the misunderstanding over his embezzlement of the public assets of the Weiyuan Earl's household and was framed by the real culprit, he was eventually arrested as a criminal. Later, when the truth came to light, although Wu Yu was not the murderer, his own selfish motives could no longer be concealed. The Weiyuan Earl likely felt that his third son, not being his biological child, was ultimately unreliable. While placating Wu Yu, he invested heavily in searching for the eldest son, Wu Jin. The second son, upon learning that his family's assets had been seized, flew into a rage and confronted Wu Yu fiercely. However, the Weiyuan Earl's household had long been under Wu Yu's control, and Wu Yu still held an official position. The second son had no means to fight back, so he became even more determined to find his elder brother.

Qin Guan frowned upon hearing this. "Still no leads?"

Zhan Yang smiled bitterly. "It's been too long. There really aren't any clues at all..."

Qin Guan could understand. Zheng Baishi snorted and said, "He didn't know to search earlier, and now that the family is in shambles, he's panicking. He comes to the government office every day to throw tantrums and act recklessly!"

Zheng Baishi clearly disliked the second son. That second son of the Wu family was originally a good-for-nothing. Now, forced by his father to run to the government office, he likely didn't know how to handle things properly. Qin Guan shook her head. It wasn't that the Lin'an Prefecture Office was unwilling to help, but with the Prince Jin Manor case now at hand, Zhan Yang naturally couldn't focus on this old case.

After complaining for a while, Zhan Yang hurried into the inner room. Soon, he returned, exclaiming in shock, "Where is the corpse?!"

Zheng Baishi was taken aback, then laughed. "Oh, right! I forgot to tell you. The corpse is in the earthen slope outside the back door."

Zhan Yang clearly didn't understand, his eyes wide. Li Muyun then explained the method Qin Guan had devised. Zhan Yang marveled at it and hurried to check outside the back door. Shortly after, he returned, filled with admiration for Qin Guan!

Qin Guan, however, remained calm. This method was indeed something she had read about in a book, but it was her father who had read it. Her father had even improved the method and used it several times during Corpse Examinations, solving many puzzling cases.

The bone steaming process took quite a long time, so Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun began discussing the doubts surrounding the case.

Zheng Baishi said, "If the identity is truly confirmed, can we investigate the Imperial Punishment Office?"

Li Muyun frowned slightly and sighed. "Difficult."

The imperial palace was beyond the reach of the law. The Imperial Punishment Office didn't follow the rules of the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review. Now, to investigate an external case by questioning them would be against protocol. But without asking, how could they find out how Song Xiwen had been released?

Most of what Yan Chi and Qin Guan knew, Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang had also uncovered through their investigation. It was known that Song Xiwen had once been in the Imperial Punishment Office, but what happened to him after he entered and how he was released remained a mystery.

Zheng Baishi smiled bitterly. "This case—if we don't investigate, it's simpler. But once we start digging, the outcome is truly uncertain."

Zheng Baishi's words carried a profound sense of desolation. Qin Guan immediately thought of her own father. If her father hadn't been the chief investigator in the Prince Jin case back then, no matter what happened, the trouble would never have reached him.

Beside her, Li Muyun's expression changed, his narrow eyes narrowing further. Qin Guan vaguely saw a trace of desolation in his eyes as well. She couldn't help but sneer inwardly. You were the one who exposed my father. Who is this desolation in your eyes for?!Since this case was to be investigated, Zheng Baishi naturally took the lead. Before the Emperor gave any orders, it had little to do with Li Muyun. Yet he had taken the initiative to come to the Mortuary Temple without even notifying Zheng Baishi...

Only one thought crossed Qin Guan's mind: Li Muyun had something to hide.

Taking a deep breath, Qin Guan was reluctant to harbor such suspicions without evidence. Yet she knew all too well that it was Li Muyun who had exposed her father. Considering all the peculiarities, Li Muyun remained the prime suspect.

However, back then, Li Muyun was only a third-rank deputy minister of the Court of Judicial Review. With his humble origins, how could he dare to orchestrate such a major case without someone backing him? But who was the one hiding behind Li Muyun?

Qin Guan fell into deep thought. Beside her, Li Muyun hesitated for a moment before saying, "If this case dredges up last year's incident... neither you nor I will be able to protect ourselves..."

Zheng Baishi wavered briefly but ultimately refrained from asking anything.

Not long after, Qin Guan suggested going to the back to take a look, and everyone naturally accompanied her.

At the back, they saw that the scorched pit had already cooled. Zhan Yang touched the nearby earthen slope and remarked, "The heat has mostly dissipated. I wonder if it's ready yet."

The method of digging a pit and lighting a fire was typically used for roasting sweet potatoes. But now, the pit before them was steaming a set of human bones. If any passerby were to learn the truth, they would surely be terrified out of their wits.

Qin Guan shook her head. "No rush. Let's wait a little longer."

After a while, Qin Guan poured the remaining liquor over the mouth of the pit. Only when the traces of liquor had evaporated under the residual heat did she nod and order, "Retrieve the remains."

The straw mat sealing the pit was opened, releasing a wave of warmth. The mingled scents of liquor and vinegar were rather pungent. Two bailiffs carefully retrieved the set of bones and placed them on a wooden plank, which they carried back to the Mortuary Temple. Qin Guan directed them to set the plank under the eaves, where she began her meticulous examination under the natural light.

"The deceased's third and fourth left ribs, left wrist bone, right tibia, both kneecaps, and left and right scapulae all bear faint reddish patterns and slight blood shadows. This indicates that the deceased suffered numerous injuries during his lifetime. Most of these injuries were impact wounds, with only the earliest ones being inflicted by sharp weapons. In simple terms, he was beaten and kicked, or perhaps tortured with other blunt instruments. At the back of the deceased's skull, there is also a purplish-black blood shadow, likely caused by a blunt force impact."

"On the deceased's left fibula, there is a faint crack with an extremely light blood shadow, likely an old injury from long ago. Additionally, a similar crack is present on the ulna of his right arm. Such injuries are typically caused by forceful impacts—for instance, while blocking a heavy strike during a martial arts contest or landing on the hand after falling from a horse. The leg injury shares similar characteristics—""Aside from the injuries, this person also had a slight discrepancy in leg length. His left knee bent slightly inward, making his right leg appear longer than the left. When walking, his shoulders would likely sway from side to side, and his lower body stance should be quite stable, especially..." Qin Guan paused, "particularly adept at generating power from the left leg while striking with the right."

As Qin Guan examined each detail, what appeared to others as mere bones revealed countless clues to her. Zheng Baishi, Li Muyun, Zhan Yang, and the other constables regarded Qin Guan with blind admiration and trust. For every statement she made, a constable nearby recorded it. Zheng Baishi knew nothing about corpse examination, while Li Muyun's knowledge paled in comparison to Qin Guan's. Under such absolute professional authority, had Qin Guan declared this person to be Song Xiwen, Zheng Baishi wouldn't have dared to doubt it.

But Qin Guan couldn't make such a claim outright. She systematically presented all the findings, knowing Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang would naturally investigate further. After a thorough inspection, she added, "This individual endured considerable suffering before death, which aligns with Song Xiwen's history of being imprisoned in the Imperial Punishment Office. Beyond that, I cannot ascertain more."

Zheng Baishi promptly responded, "Rest assured, County Princess, we will verify this."

Qin Guan carefully examined the remains once more. "Regarding the skeleton, this is all the information for now. I can estimate a relatively accurate height—this person was approximately five chi seven cun tall, possibly taller. Combined with the previously identified facial features, identifying such an individual within Prince Jin Manor should be quite straightforward."

Even if someone shared a similar height and possessed Western Region features, could they possibly bear identical old injuries? Particularly the chronic wounds and martial arts patterns Qin Guan had identified—these would inevitably leave traces that investigation could uncover.

Reviewing the examination report, Zheng Baishi was full of admiration. The coroner from Lin'an Prefecture had been at a loss when faced with the skeleton, its bones coated in a thick waxy layer that, even when scraped, only revealed grayish-brown bone deposits. Only Qin Guan could employ such methods to reveal the hidden injuries.

"County Princess, your efforts are greatly appreciated. With this, the evidence is much more substantial."

Qin Guan waved a hand dismissively. "The remains can be preserved. I might yet uncover additional clues."

Zheng Baishi nodded, exchanged a few more words with Qin Guan, and, seeing the late hour, personally escorted her out of the Mortuary Temple.

Once Qin Guan boarded her carriage, she discreetly felt the contents of her sleeve.

Compared to other coroners, she had an advantage—Yan Chi had provided extensive information about Song Xiwen, including his handedness, habitual martial arts techniques, and more. Following this direction, she had indeed found clues. On her way to the Mortuary Temple, she had even contemplated whether she would fabricate evidence if this person turned out not to be Song Xiwen. Fortunately, it was indeed him, sparing her such a moral dilemma.

The specific details would be verified by the authorities. Qin Guan returned to the Marquis residence by carriage to rest. In just half a day, the strength she had drawn from Yan Chi seemed nearly depleted. Yet, thinking of Yan Chi exhausting himself in the Prince Rui residence draped in white silk, her own fatigue and anxiety felt insignificant.

Early the next morning, Qin Guan went to Prince Yi Manor to treat Yan Ze's eye condition.

Yue Ning was already waiting at Prince Yi Manor. When Qin Guan arrived, she saw Yue Ning holding Yan Ze's hand, strolling through the garden.Qin Guan's footsteps were light, so neither of them noticed her approach. The servant leading the way was about to announce her, but Qin Guan waved him silent with a gesture.

She then heard Yue Ning say, "Third Brother, can you feel it? Can you tell what it is?"

Yan Ze wore a gentle, faint smile. "It's osmanthus."

Yue Ning frowned, pouting with disappointment. "You... I'm starting to suspect your eyes have long recovered!"

Yan Ze chuckled. "The buds are so tiny, and the osmanthus fragrance here is so strong. Even if I wanted to guess wrong, I couldn't." He gently sniffed the osmanthus in his palm and added with a laugh, "Having been blind for so long, if I didn't keep my wits about me, how would I survive..."

Though Yan Ze meant it as a joke, Qin Guan immediately noticed Yue Ning's expression darken.

Yue Ning said urgently, "Third Brother, don't worry. You'll be better soon."

Yan Ze smiled and reached out to pat Yue Ning's head. "I know." Then, as if reluctant, he added, "But... but don't set your expectations too high. After all, it's been so many years."

His words made Yue Ning's heart ache even more. Yan Ze was the one suffering from the illness, yet here he was comforting her.

Yue Ning quickly responded, "I understand, Third Brother. Don't worry. If we can't cure your eyes this time, I'll become your walking stick."

Yan Ze was momentarily taken aback but soon smiled gently again. "It's not that serious. You'll marry someday—how could you be my walking stick? It's just a pity that I likely won't be able to see you wed with my own eyes."

Yue Ning's lips twitched as if she wanted to say something but held back. It was then that Qin Guan stepped forward.

Spotting Qin Guan, Yue Ning exclaimed, "Qin Guan is here!"

Hearing the footsteps, Yan Ze turned toward Qin Guan. The princess has arrived."

Qin Guan smiled. "Greetings, Your Highness."

After exchanging pleasantries, the group moved into the flower hall.

"How has Your Highness been feeling these past few days?"

Yan Ze replied with a smile, "It's still like a gray cloth over my eyes. Sometimes it darkens to black, other times it's like a hazy fog. But I still can't see anything."

Qin Guan reassured him, "Your Highness need not worry. This is actually a good sign. Your eyes are already perceiving light and color, which means you're not far from seeing."

As they spoke, Sun Muqing arrived. After a few words, he took advantage of Qin Guan's preparation for the needle therapy to say, "Princess, the room I mentioned is ready." Would you like to see it tomorrow?"

Qin Guan paused briefly before nodding. "Alright—"

Originally, they had planned for Qin Guan and the others to visit by the end of last month, but recent busyness had delayed it. Seizing this opportunity, Sun Muqing brought it up again. Seeing Qin Guan agree, he then informed Yue Ning and Yan Ze, who both gladly accepted.

After Qin Guan completed the needle therapy, Yan Ze felt warmth and comfort around his eyes once more.

Sun Muqing said to Qin Guan with a smile, "Your Highness's eyes have been improving day by day. I believe it won't be long before he can see."

Qin Guan also breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes. As for the medicinal soup, thank you for your diligence, Young Master Sun."

Sun Muqing waved his hands repeatedly, somewhat embarrassed. "Actually, it's mainly your needles that are remarkable."

Qin Guan shook her head with a light laugh. Sun Muqing couldn't help but add, "My junior apprentice sister was also very fond of studying the Needle Sutra. She eventually became more skilled than one of our uncles, and they often sparred over it for hours. Unfortunately, I never had the talent for it."Qin Guan's heart tightened, and she quickly said, "Young Master Sun, you must not belittle yourself. I also know very little about what you understand."

Seeing that Sun Muqing was about to speak again, and with Yue Ning and Yan Ze both standing nearby, Qin Guan swiftly changed the subject. After exchanging a few more words and arranging to meet at Sun Muqing's new residence the next day, Qin Guan finally took her leave.

As soon as Qin Guan left, Sun Muqing let out a sigh. Yue Ning asked, "Young Master Sun, do you truly think Qin Guan resembles your junior apprentice sister?"

Sun Muqing shrank his neck, "No, no, the princess is the princess, certainly not my junior apprentice-sister, it's just..." Sun Muqing thought of many details, but felt it inappropriate to compare a living person to a deceased one, so he said, "Perhaps I've never seen a woman so young with such high medical skills, hehe, I was truly impolite."

Sun Muqing's simple nature and prior apology made it difficult for Yue Ning to press further.

...

...

Early the next morning, Qin Guan ordered gifts to be prepared and set off for the Sun residence.

In just over two months, the former criminal minister's old residence had been completely revitalized. The door plaque had been replaced, and the entire entrance had shed its desolate atmosphere. When Qin Guan's carriage stopped before the gate, she felt momentarily dazed.

This was something she had wanted to do but never got around to—yet Sun Muqing had beaten her to it.

Sun Muqing had come to the capital without bringing any servants, but such a large residence needed at least a couple of people. Han Bo had found him two clever and upright young attendants. It was only when Qin Guan arrived at the gate that someone came out to greet her.

The moment she stepped inside, Qin Guan's footsteps halted. Though the residence had been destroyed in a fire, the foundation remained intact. Sun Muqing had ordered the construction of new buildings on the original foundation. Apart from converting the former wing rooms into a landscape featuring a pond and rockery, most areas remained unchanged. Thus, Qin Guan immediately sensed that strange yet familiar feeling.

How many times had she wandered past this street, never daring to approach? Now, stepping through this gate, Qin Guan felt a warmth in her nose and her throat tightened with emotion. She stood frozen inside the gate, startling both the attendant and Baiying who followed her. Qin Guan clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms. The pain brought her back to her senses.

Qin Guan said, "This residence is truly elegant—"

After this compliment, she slowly walked further in. Sun Muqing emerged from inside, smiling, "I built it according to the original residence. The previous owner was quite particular."

Qin Guan smiled wryly. When her father had bought this residence, he hadn't been so fastidious—it was her mother who had put effort into arranging it, thinking that since her father would be staying in the capital long-term, their family's permanent home shouldn't be casual.

Walking along the central courtyard's corridor, Qin Guan soon saw the main courtyard with an almost identical layout. In a flash, she could vaguely recall how her father used to receive guests in the main hall. Her bedchamber was further back. Her father would sit in the main hall for a while upon returning home, then soon head to his study. Her mother would bring prepared tea and snacks directly there—sometimes keeping her father company while he read, sometimes helping him grind ink. When her father planned to work through the night, he would gently send her mother back first. Her mother would then detour to find her, and the mother and daughter would chat for a while before her mother returned to her room. Knowing her father must have encountered difficulties again, she would brew a pot of his favorite Biluochun Tea and bring it to him. During such times, her father would even share his perplexities with her...

"Princess? Princess, what's wrong?"

Sun Muqing's voice snapped Qin Guan out of her reverie. She quickly replied, "It's nothing. What were you saying just now?"

Sun Muqing looked at Qin Guan with concern, "Princess, are you really alright?"

Qin Guan gathered her spirits and smiled, "I'm fine! I was just thinking about the Prince Jin Manor case and got distracted. My apologies."Sun Muqing waved his hands repeatedly, "I've also heard about the case Your Highness mentioned. It's spread throughout the capital, but it's alright. Your Highness has truly been too concerned. What I meant was, there are two osmanthus trees in the backyard. I had someone pick the flowers to brew tea—they're particularly fragrant right now."

Before he finished speaking, a young servant approached and said, "Young Master, Her Highness the Princess and the Crown Prince have arrived!"

Sun Muqing's eyes lit up, and he immediately appeared somewhat embarrassed.

Qin Guan, understanding his situation, said, "You go ahead. I'll go see those osmanthus trees you mentioned..."

Sun Muqing smiled broadly, instructing another servant to lead Qin Guan to the backyard while he hurried toward the main gate. Qin Guan didn't really need guidance, yet she had to suppress the turmoil in her heart and maintain composure as she walked slowly. Along the way, she passed her father's study, walked by the Warm Chamber her mother had loved, and saw the central courtyard where her mother had once tended with such care. Further back was where her bedchamber had been. In late autumn, the two osmanthus trees stood lush and green, their branches dotted with tiny yellow buds. At first glance, Qin Guan felt a sharp pain in her heart—because her father's northern residence had osmanthus trees, two new ones had been planted here in the capital. These trees clearly had most of their branches cut away...

Unconsciously, Qin Guan walked under the osmanthus trees. The autumn breeze whispered, scattering petals like stars. Inhaling the gentle, sweet fragrance, her entire body trembled slightly. Baiying frowned, wanting to speak but unsure what was troubling Qin Guan. The servant, unfamiliar with Qin Guan, couldn't discern anything unusual at first. Soon, Sun Muqing entered with Yue Ning and Yan Ze.

Likely to avoid drawing attention, Yan Ze wasn't wearing his Medicated Gauze today. If not for Yue Ning holding his sleeve, others might not have noticed any difference between him and a sighted person. He walked calmly along the corridor, his phoenix eyes clear and bright. Were it not for their unmoving pupils, who would have guessed he was blind?

Yue Ning paused, and Yan Ze stopped with her.

Yue Ning looked at Qin Guan standing beneath the osmanthus trees, her brow slightly furrowed. Sun Muqing also watched Qin Guan, while Yan Ze, unaware of what was happening, stared blankly in Qin Guan's direction, his expression confused.

By the time Qin Guan noticed Sun Muqing and the others approaching, it was too late. Her throat choked and hands trembling, anyone could see she was unsettled. Sun Muqing quickly asked, "Your Highness?"

Qin Guan turned around, holding a few osmanthus blossoms in her palm, and smiled bitterly. "My mother loved osmanthus. Since I was little, she always made osmanthus cakes for me. The Qin Manor in Jinzhou also had osmanthus trees." She looked at Yue Ning. "Do you remember?"

Yue Ning had visited the Qin Manor in Jinzhou and vaguely recalled, nodding hurriedly. "Yes, I remember." Releasing Yan Ze, she stepped forward. "I knew something seemed off about you—you're thinking of the past."

Yue Ning took Qin Guan's wrist and led her away. "Standing there alone in a daze is quite alarming. Let's go have some tea. Divine Doctor Sun said this residence was badly burned—everything is new. Let's go take a look."

Straightforward by nature, Yue Ning didn't want Qin Guan dwelling in sorrow and pulled her away from the two osmanthus trees.Yue Ning pulled Qin Guan along, momentarily forgetting even Yan Ze. Yan Ze stood there somewhat bewildered, his eyes shifting slightly as he tried to follow the sound of their footsteps, but they had already moved farther away. Knowing Sun Muqing was still nearby, he turned toward him. "No wonder I caught the scent of osmanthus as soon as I entered. There are osmanthus trees here?"

Sun Muqing smiled. With Yue Ning gone, he, as the host, naturally had to take care of Yan Ze. "Yes, these two osmanthus trees were originally in the courtyard. A fire burned them partially, but over the past year, they didn’t die—instead, they sprouted new branches. I remember my junior sister liked osmanthus, so I had the trees preserved. This corner of the courtyard is the only part where the rooms still retain their original appearance. I suspect this might have been my junior sister’s bedchamber, so I’ve left this area untouched."

Knowing Yan Ze couldn’t see, Sun Muqing didn’t elaborate further and simply gestured, saying, "Your Highness, come with me."

Yan Ze reached out and grasped Sun Muqing’s sleeve, then smiled wryly. Yue Ning had insisted on being his walking stick today, but the girl walked far too quickly. Without his cane, he felt quite inconvenienced.

By the time they reached the front hall, Qin Guan had already recovered and was chatting with Yue Ning. When Yue Ning saw Yan Ze holding onto Sun Muqing’s sleeve, she immediately sprang up. "Ah, Third Brother, I actually forgot about you…"

Yan Ze sighed with a mix of helplessness and affection. "See? I dare not rely on you as my walking stick."

Yue Ning felt deeply embarrassed and shot a reproachful glance at Qin Guan, who covered her mouth and laughed. Yue Ning then humbly followed Yan Ze around, and though he found her antics exasperating, he couldn’t bring himself to scold her. The group chatted and laughed for a while. Though the residence wasn’t large, Sun Muqing had put considerable effort into its restoration. Though Yan Ze couldn’t see, he rarely left Prince Yi’s royal residence since returning to the capital, so this outing was beneficial for him.

Everyone had brought gifts. Not wanting Sun Muqing to misunderstand her intentions, Qin Guan avoided choosing something tailored to his preferences and instead presented him with a set of the Four Treasures of the Study. They spent half a day at Sun’s residence, and when it was time to part, Sun Muqing accompanied Yan Ze back to Prince Yi’s royal residence.

Sun Muqing hadn’t bought the residence with the intention of living there permanently; his main reason was to preserve a piece of the past. Qin Guan understood everything, and on her way back to the Marquis’s residence, her heart grew heavy with sorrow.

She even remembered the chaos of their final day of escape. Her father had never been so grave before. Both her mother and she could tell something was terribly wrong, so when her father ordered them to pack and leave, neither of them questioned him. They abandoned many belongings and left within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Later, everything was consumed by blood, fire, and dust.

Baiying drove the carriage, and Qin Guan was alone inside. Suddenly, she felt her eyes grow moist and quickly closed them. This was why she had hesitated to buy the residence herself. The moment she stepped through that gate, all her memories flooded back with unbearable clarity, impossible to evade—just like the shock and fury she had felt the first time she returned to the capital and stood outside the imperial city. How could someone who had died once ever forget that taste?Qin Guan pressed her sleeve against her eyes, the fine silk absorbing her tears. When she lowered the fabric, no trace of weeping remained beyond the lingering dampness in her eyes. She lifted the carriage curtain to let the cool breeze sweep in. The chill wind dispersed all the grief and indignation she had felt moments earlier. After gazing for a while at the ominously overcast sky outside, she exhaled the last vestige of her melancholy.

……

……

Two days later, Prince Rui’s coffin returned to the capital under the escort of Prince Yi.

That day, the Nine Gates Garrison enforced strict security beyond the city gates. The coffin carrying Prince Rui’s remains, accompanied by vast arrays of Funereal Banners and White Silk, slowly advanced toward the city entrance. Yan Chi, clad in Mourning Clothes, stood with a solemn expression as the blinding white procession drew nearer. Behind him were numerous servants from Prince Rui’s royal residence and the Household Affairs Department.

Prince Yi also wore a white blossom on his sleeve. Riding at the forefront, he dismounted upon seeing Yan Chi. The coffin was borne by soldiers of the Liangzhou Garrison—each weary and pallid from the long journey, yet their faces showed no hint of complaint or arrogance. They carried the coffin of Prince Yan Lin, the commander who had safeguarded the northwest for decades, the eagle soaring over the plateaus. Without him, the peace and stability of the northwestern cities would have been impossible; without him, foreign invaders would have breached the defenses and penetrated deep into the heart of the Great Zhou.

Every soldier and civilian in the northwest knew the formidable reputation of Prince Yan Lin. When this towering mountain, capable of weathering all storms, fell, they could scarcely believe it. By the time the emperor’s Obituary was issued, panic had already seized the northwest. While the capital languished under the shadow of Prince Rui’s death, not a soul in the northwestern lands could sleep soundly.

Yan Chi stared blankly at the coffin—a plain casket utterly unworthy of Prince Yan Lin’s status. He gazed at it, wishing with all his heart that the person lying within was not his father.

He had only been away from Shuoxi for a year. Had he known that leaving would change nothing, why would he have returned to the capital?

For the first time, he began to question his father—the man who was a commander to the northwest and an eagle to him.

“Yan Chi, kowtow to your father. Take him home.”

Prince Yi patted Yan Chi’s shoulder and spoke gravely.

Yan Chi stood dazed for another moment before stepping forward, sweeping his robes aside, and kneeling.

He kowtowed three times with heavy thuds, his expression dazed and detached. Prince Yi sighed at the sight of Yan Chi’s haggard and exhausted demeanor—it had been barely half a month since they last met.

After finishing the kowtows, Yan Chi rose, turned, and walked woodenly toward the city.

The funeral rites had not yet been arranged; there was not even a memorial tablet. Yan Chi’s hands hung empty—the horsewhip he had been holding earlier had already fallen to the ground. He had ridden out on horseback but now seemed to have forgotten, striding back on foot.

The eunuchs from the Household Affairs Department exchanged uneasy glances but dared not remind Yan Chi. Prince Yi sighed again and followed behind him.

The long procession, draped entirely in White Silk, finally entered the capital in a grand, solemn march.

After so many years, Prince Yan Lin—who had worn golden armor through countless battles in the yellow sands—returned to the capital in such a desolate manner.His achievements were in the northwest, so the commoners in the capital, aside from their fear of the imperial family, held little gratitude for this prince who had long been absent from the capital. This man protected the northwest—what did that have to do with the nobles living under the emperor’s feet?

The road from the city gate to Prince Rui’s royal residence felt exceptionally long. When the coffin was finally placed in the royal residence, the long-prepared funeral rites officially began. Soul Streamers stood tall, and White Silk curtains hung on all sides. Yan Chi looked at the dim and desolate royal residence, feeling as though it had turned into a coffin itself. Steadying himself, Yan Chi instructed the eunuchs from the Household Affairs Department to prepare, as he intended to personally change his father’s burial clothes.

Qin Guan did not leave the marquis’ residence all day, and news kept coming in one after another. When the ancestral hall in Prince Rui’s residence was set up, Qin Guan received the news. Qin Shu and Hu Shi were to pay their condolences in person, and as dusk fell, the two set out. Qin Guan sat in her room, her body chilled to the bone. Though Fuling had pressed a Hand Warmer into her hands, they remained cold.

Late at night, noises came from the direction of the main courtyard. Baiying entered and said, "Xiaojie, the marquis and his wife have returned from Prince Rui’s royal residence. I heard Steward Wu say that Prince Rui will be buried tomorrow afternoon."

Prince Rui had been dead for many days, even past the seventh-day mourning rites. Yet, to bury him so hastily upon returning to the capital seemed far too perfunctory. This was Prince Rui, who had held his ground and fought bitterly in the northwest for decades!

A deep-seated anger surged in Qin Guan’s heart again. It was unfair—this world was truly unjust!

Baiying watched Qin Guan’s expression and hesitated to speak. Suddenly, a faint sound came from the rear window. Baiying’s expression changed, and she hurried to the inner chamber, opening the rear window. Instantly, a whistling sound cut through the air. Baiying raised her hand and caught something—outside the window, all was silent, but a letter now lay in her palm. Frowning, Baiying handed the letter to Qin Guan.

The hour had passed midnight, and the entire marquis’ residence was quiet.

Qin Guan, wearing a dark blue cape and accompanied by Baiying, tiptoed through the center of the flower garden, heading toward the side gate of the residence. The gatekeeper was already fast asleep. Baiying quietly opened the side gate, and at a glance, they saw a carriage waiting outside.

Qin Guan’s heartbeat quickened abruptly. She hurried to the carriage and lifted the curtain, immediately spotting Yan Chi dressed in White Silk and Hemp Clothes. He was hidden in the shadows, his emotions unclear, but the stark white of his attire was especially piercing. Qin Guan almost instantly felt the urge to embrace him.

Her eyes growing warm, Qin Guan watched as Yan Chi leaned forward and pulled her into the carriage.

Once seated inside, Yan Chi’s features became clearer. His face was calm and composed, but this very stillness only deepened Qin Guan’s concern. She took Yan Chi’s hand, her mind filled with countless things to say. Yet, before she could speak, Yan Chi whispered softly, "Come with me. I need your help."