Coroner's Diary

"The prince met with misfortune on the tenth day of the seventh month."

"Yet twenty days prior, Jiang Heying, the Regional Commander of Qianzhou, had already departed from the Qianzhou garrison camp. His whereabouts remain unknown. He was accompanied by the elite troops of the White Tiger Camp, which he had recently reorganized in Qianzhou. This White Tiger Camp is similar to our Divine Strategy Camp—composed entirely of top fighters from the Qianzhou garrison, trained for years, with elites capable of taking on ten opponents each!"

"The Emperor dispatched Yu Wenxian, the Left Vice Minister of Revenue, to Liangzhou. Yu Wenxian is over fifty and has always been inconspicuous in the Ministry of Revenue. It was rumored he was preparing to retire, yet for investigating the case there, the Emperor did not assign anyone from the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry of War but instead sent him from the Ministry of Revenue. Although officials from the Ministry of Revenue understand the figures related to military pay and provisions, military provisions are fundamentally different from the Garrison Granary."

"Xiao Cheng is safe now, and General Chu has been rescued. The most endangered at present is General Huo. With Zheng Xincheng and Lin Xugui stationed there, the slightest disturbance could lead to immediate execution without question. Once these individuals fall, if others stir up trouble, they will all face certain death..."

Bai Feng had followed Yan Chi for many years. Though in the capital he appeared merely as a guard of Prince Rui's royal residence, in the Northwest Plateau, he was capable of leading troops himself. Recalling these familiar names, Bai Feng felt waves of distress. It had been less than a year since they parted, yet now they were separated by thousands of miles. Knowing they were suffering while he could do nothing was utterly frustrating!

Bai Feng sorted the letters into categories and neatly arranged them. Turning his head, he saw Yan Chi gazing intently at the map of the Northwest Plateau beside him—the very place Yan Chi had described to Yan Qi as a tiny, insignificant territory.

This small piece of land had consumed Yan Lin's entire life's efforts and had occupied ten years of Yan Chi's own life.

Even if Yan Lin hadn't fallen there, Yan Chi would never have been willing to let it go.

The map had been scrutinized by Yan Chi countless times, its ink lines tracing hidden veins, with numerous annotations added by Yan Chi's own hand. He narrowed his eyes, studying it for a moment, then suddenly picked up the imperial brush and began writing a letter.

With a glance, Bai Feng recognized it as a military operation plan. Despite being thousands of miles away, Yan Chi was still strategizing for victory!

This letter was longer than any previous one. After finishing it, Yan Chi started a second. One was addressed to Qi Yu, the other to Yu Qi—these two were now overseeing the vast Northwest Plateau on his behalf.

After completing both letters, Yan Chi reviewed them from start to finish before instructing Bai Feng to seal them with wax and dispatch them via an eight-hundred-li express delivery. Just as the letters were sent off, Qin Guan arrived.

The two letters had drained much of Yan Chi's energy. Seeing Qin Guan, the tension in his heart eased slightly.

Qin Guan immediately noticed the envelopes on the desk. "Any news from the Northwest Plateau?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Our earlier assumptions were largely correct."

Qin Guan's heartbeat quickened abruptly. Though Yan Chi spoke with calm composure, the implications were immense!

"What do you plan to do?"

"Step by step." Yan Chi led Qin Guan to sit down. "With Master Qi and Yu Qi there, I have a clear understanding. Rushing won't help. I've already issued orders—the immediate goal is to rescue them!"The Northwest Frontier was far too distant for Qin Guan, and military camps were unfamiliar territory to her. Unable to inquire further or offer advice, she simply nodded and said, "I came from Prince Yi's residence."

Yan Chi then asked, "How is Third Brother doing now?"

Qin Guan sighed. "I thought he would show improvement these past few days, but he still can't see. Divine Doctor Sun says a catalyst is needed—perhaps he's right." After a brief pause, she added, "Yue Ning has feelings for Eminent Son Yan Ze, and the Grand Princess already knows."

Yan Chi's expression remained unmoved. "I noticed it as soon as Third Brother returned. They would be a well-suited match."

Qin Guan smiled wryly. "I originally thought Wei Qizhi was quite promising…"

As if reading her thoughts, Yan Chi shook his head. "Yue Ning has inherited Anyang Marquis's temperament deep down. Third Brother saved her back then—that debt of gratitude weighs heavier than heaven. Beyond that, Third Brother has always been gentle and courteous, a role model among our generation since childhood. She likely admires him deeply. Unless someone else captures her heart later, they are indeed well-matched."

"What kind of person do you think His Highness Yan Ze is?"

Qin Guan wasn't sure why she asked—perhaps out of excessive concern for Yue Ning.

Yan Chi pondered briefly. "Third Brother… has always been calm and unhurried since youth. In our younger days, he was the most studious among our peers. When Yan Li and I got into fights, he was the one who made us kneel in punishment together…"

His tone was tranquil, revealing some fraternal closeness from past memories. But soon, his words shifted. "However, I haven't seen him for ten years. The him now appears much as he did in childhood, except… he's more composed than before. Even his blindness hasn't shattered that steadiness."

Qin Guan caught the nuance. "Yes, I feel the same."

Noticing her deep in thought, Yan Chi tapped her nose lightly. "Yue Ning has the Grand Princess, along with her parents and brothers. You needn't worry."

Recalling this, Qin Guan quickly asked, "The heir apparent of Anyang Marquis is in the Northwest Frontier Army—can you contact him?"

Yan Chi frowned and shook his head. "At a time like this, no one is reliable unless they're utterly trustworthy. It's not that Yue Jia is unreliable, but it's inappropriate to involve him. Anyang Marquis sent him there for training—dragging him into these matters would be unwise."

Understanding the reasoning, Qin Guan considered mentioning Yan Ze's nightmares but held back, thinking of Yue Ning's guilt. Instead, she asked, "Is Wang Han willing to help us?"

Handing Wang Han over to Yan Qi was perilous, yet Yan Chi had assured her he would manage it properly, and she trusted him implicitly.

Sure enough, Yan Chi replied, "Everything is arranged. If anything goes wrong, the fault is mine."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow slightly. "I trust you completely—I just wanted to know how you arranged it…"

Yan Chi smiled and glanced at Bai Feng. "Bring him here for the princess to see.""Bai Feng acknowledged and turned to leave. Qin Guan felt somewhat suspicious and waited a moment, only to see Bai Feng returning with Wang Han. Qin Guan had only seen Wang Han once before, and that time he was blindfolded. Seeing him in person now, she couldn’t help but feel slightly surprised—Wang Han was far more composed than she had imagined. Following behind Bai Feng, he showed no trace of timidity. Though his eyes were lowered, his entire demeanor was calm, completely unlike that of a prisoner. Had Yan Chi reached some kind of agreement with him?!

As Qin Guan pondered this, Wang Han knelt and paid his respects.

“Greetings, Your Highness, greetings, Princess—”

—Wait!

Qin Guan’s brows furrowed instantly—this person’s voice was wrong!

Though she hadn’t seen Wang Han’s full face before, she had heard his voice. The voice of the man before her was entirely different from the one she had heard that day…

Qin Guan looked at Yan Chi in astonishment. Seeing her expression, Yan Chi smiled and gestured with his chin toward the newcomer. “The Princess has noticed. You’ve failed—”

The kneeling man looked up in shock, his face showing signs of panic.

Yan Chi signaled to Qin Guan, “The Princess has met Wang Han and heard his voice. Your voice is far too flawed!”

At this point, Qin Guan understood—the person before her was not Wang Han at all!

“Is this…disguise artistry?”

Yan Chi nodded. “Yes, it’s disguise artistry. I couldn’t trust sending the real Wang Han, so I sent one of our own instead.”

Qin Guan’s eyes widened in surprise as she suddenly realized that Yan Qi might very well end up losing both his wife and his troops in this endeavor!

“Hmm…the appearance is quite similar. At least, someone who hasn’t spent day and night with him wouldn’t recognize the difference. I consider myself quite observant, and I didn’t notice anything particularly strange earlier. Aside from the voice being off, there’s one more thing: Wang Han has been hunted and imprisoned for days, his psyche long since shattered. You’re far too steady and confident—that doesn’t match him at all. His eyes certainly wouldn’t be as bright and piercing as yours.”

Qin Guan didn’t know who this young man was, but he appeared to be in his early twenties, likely one of Yan Chi’s covert guards. His build was similar to Wang Han’s, clearly that of a trained elite. His appearance and attire showed no flaws, except for his strikingly bright eyes. While this was usually a good trait, it was entirely unsuitable for someone impersonating Wang Han!

Wang Han, guilty and fearful of death, tormented by days of pursuit and imprisonment, would never have such resolute and luminous eyes. The kneeling young man naturally understood this. He hadn’t fully committed to his performance today, and Qin Guan’s words felt almost like praise to him. He glanced at her quickly, his expression suddenly tinged with an awkward shyness.

Yan Chi, observing his subordinate daring to display such a demeanor over a few words from Qin Guan, felt a surge of displeasure. Narrowing his eyes, his voice deepened abruptly. “Did you hear that? What the Princess said—fix all of it.”

“Yes, this subordinate will remember—”

A sharp gaze bore down from above, making the young man’s heart tremble as he suddenly realized he had been somewhat improper moments earlier!

His heart grew uneasy—they all knew their master’s temperament all too well…

Yan Chi grunted in acknowledgment. “Dismissed!”

The young man, tense and anxious, felt as if granted a reprieve upon hearing this. He rose and quickly withdrew.

Unaware of the underlying tension, Qin Guan only remarked with amazement, “You actually have such extraordinary talents among your subordinates!”Qin Guan's eyes sparkled, brimming with admiration for the disguise skills of the man from earlier. Yan Chi's inner discontent grew stronger. He glanced at Bai Feng, who understood the cue and retreated, closing the door behind him.

Qin Guan looked at Bai Feng, then at the suddenly closed door, wondering if she had said anything Bai Feng shouldn't hear.

As she pondered, Yan Chi swept her into his arms. "Don't you think you praised him a bit too much earlier?"

His gaze certainly isn't as bright and striking as yours.

These were Qin Guan's exact words. If spoken about someone of equal standing whom Qin Guan knew well, it might have been genuine praise. But earlier, Qin Guan had merely been stating a fact with complete seriousness.

Qin Guan blinked. "What... what did I say that was too praising? I only called him a remarkable talent after he left!"

She was utterly confused. "Did I say he was steady and resolute? That his eyes were bright?"

Qin Guan sighed helplessly. "Isn't that just the truth?"

Her words only made Yan Chi narrow his eyes further. He thought to himself, You've praised my soldier to the point of embarrassment! A grown man suddenly acting like a shy girl—isn't that excessive praise?

Qin Guan frowned at Yan Chi, her eyes filled with bewilderment, innocence, and sincerity. The more Yan Chi saw this, the tighter his own frown became.

When leading troops, he never spared kind words for those around him. Moreover, disguising as that man was just standard performance—hardly deserving of praise, especially when that soldier had actually...

A strange discomfort churned in Yan Chi's heart. Although that soldier wouldn't dare entertain any thoughts about Qin Guan, that brief moment felt like his treasure had been glimpsed by another—not just seen, but almost smelled. His treasure shouldn't be seen or even sensed by others; it should be completely isolated from all senses!

In that instant, Yan Chi understood what people meant by treasuring someone so much that you're afraid to hold them too tightly for fear of smothering them, or to hold them in your mouth for fear of melting them. He realized this was exactly how he felt about Qin Guan!

Once again, he felt their wedding date was set far too late!

Yan Chi remained silent, his expression shifting unpredictably—one moment making Qin Guan uneasy, the next burning with intensity. After several cycles of this, Qin Guan finally whispered cautiously, "Could it be... you're... jealous because of what I said?"

She enunciated each word carefully. Her question left Yan Chi breathless and speechless. Jealous? How could he be jealous of his own subordinate? But if not, what should he call this discomfort?

As Yan Chi wrestled with his thoughts, Qin Guan suddenly couldn't hold back a laugh. "You really are..."

Her laughter prompted Yan Chi to tighten his embrace and lean in for a kiss. Qin Guan gasped, her remaining words swallowed by Yan Chi's lips. Though amused and exasperated, she felt his arms tightening further. Sensing the kiss growing increasingly heated, she inwardly panicked and pushed him away with all her strength.

Breathing heavily, she protested, "You... you can't do this... I didn't even..."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, desire burning in his gaze. "You think I'm jealous?"Yan Chi's voice carried a dangerous undertone. Qin Guan instinctively leaned back, "I, I think..."

Yan Chi hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her back. "I'm not jealous. I just think you're particularly captivating when you praise someone. Those words of yours aren't meant for ordinary people. So, do you understand?"

Qin Guan's eyes sparkled with mischief. "So I can't casually compliment people?"

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "Naturally not exactly..."

Qin Guan watched Yan Chi, waiting for him to continue his twisted logic. Yan Chi said, "Even if you're captivating, you should only captivate me. As for those words of yours, who else besides me is worthy?"

Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh. Ever since their wedding date was set and he had begun emerging from the shadow of Prince Rui's passing, he had become increasingly unrestrained. Now he was even getting possessive about his own subordinates.

Though Qin Guan secretly complained in her heart, she felt as if fine, warm powdered sugar was sprinkling through the air. Gazing into Yan Chi's eyes, she suddenly reached up and cupped his face. "I remember saying that your eyes are the most beautiful."

Qin Guan was still smiling, her words and slightly curved brows creeping into Yan Chi's heart, tickling and tingling the very tip of his heart. "I don't recall you saying that?"

Qin Guan's eyes widened in surprise. Yan Chi pulled her closer. "Since I don't remember, you'll have to say it again."

Qin Guan initially didn't want to indulge him like this, but he held her so close, his scorching breath falling on her face and the tip of her nose, making her feel somewhat distracted and flustered. Qin Guan pursed her lips. "I did say it... I said I've never seen any man's eyes so beautiful... The beacon fires of Shuoxi, the starry river on cold nights, the lanterns of Jinzhou's Autumn Festival - they're all in your eyes. Of course, that's provided you're not angry..."

A wave of tenderness so overwhelming it could drown someone surged in Yan Chi's heart. His gaze swept over Qin Guan's crimson lips, which had just been thoroughly kissed by him and now appeared moist and vividly red. His throat moved, and he was about to unable to resist leaning in when suddenly, the closed door was abruptly knocked. "Master! Prince Cheng is here!"

With their lips nearly touching, Yan Chi stiffened at these words. Qin Guan's pupils dilated, and she immediately tried to push Yan Chi away. Hesitating for a moment between continuing or stopping, Yan Chi instead pulled Qin Guan tightly into his embrace, kissing her deeply, heavily, and slowly until she was breathless. When Qin Guan felt dizzy and somewhat breathless, Yan Chi scooped her up, turned around, and placed her on the bed in the inner chamber. Before Qin Guan could react, Yan Chi had already gone out.

In the outer room, Yan Chi opened the door with perfect composure and said coldly, "Where is he?"

Bai Feng glanced inside and, seeing Qin Guan wasn't in the outer room, quickly replied, "In the main courtyard. Didn't dare to bring him here."

Yan Chi snorted, as if to say "smart move," then instructed Baiying before heading toward the main courtyard. He had said when Yan Qi left the royal residence that there would be news within two days!In the inner chamber, Qin Guan gasped for a while before regaining her composure. A thin quilt was draped over her. She glanced at it and found it somewhat amusing. After a moment, she sat up, her collar slightly disheveled. She hurriedly straightened it, then noticed a faint burning sensation on her lips. Instinctively, she stepped down to look for a mirror, but after scanning the room, she realized Yan Chi’s quarters didn’t have one at all!

Qin Guan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. After a moment’s thought, she walked over and pushed open the window overlooking the water. Leaning forward with her hands on the windowsill, she peered out, and her reflection immediately appeared on the water’s surface. In that glimpse, she saw her lips flushed crimson as blood, and her usually pale, makeup-free face unexpectedly carried a touch of alluring charm. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly straightened up, shutting the window firmly.

A mix of restlessness and resignation stirred within her. After a pause, she raised a hand to gently touch the corner of her lips and smiled faintly.

…

…

Meanwhile, Yan Chi arrived at the main courtyard, displeased at having his intimate moment interrupted.

As soon as Yan Qi turned around, he noticed Yan Chi’s expression was even colder and more severe than that night. He raised an eyebrow, feeling that suffocating pressure return. Wasn’t Yan Chi so confident he would come back that he dared to disregard him so openly?

“Fourth Brother coming in broad daylight shows you’ve already made up your mind.” Yan Qi’s daytime visit clearly indicated he wasn’t afraid of the Crown Prince finding out, which suggested what he wanted from Yan Chi was more than just Wang Han.

Yan Qi smiled ambiguously. “Seventh Brother, your demands are considerable. If I remain cautious and restrained, wouldn’t I be at a great disadvantage?”

Yan Chi lifted his chin, signaling Yan Qi to take a seat, then settled into the main seat opposite. Unhurriedly, he drew a list from his sleeve. “These men were Father’s favored generals. They’re either advanced in years or afflicted with serious illnesses—none have had it easy. Since Zheng Xincheng can handle it conveniently, I’ll trouble Fourth Brother with this.”

Yan Qi narrowed his eyes, stepped forward to examine the list, and immediately furrowed his brow.

Before he could speak, Yan Chi preempted him. “To be frank, Fourth Brother, both the Crown Prince and the Empress now believe Wang Han is surely lost. If I were to leak even a hint of information, even if you obtained Wang Han, his usefulness would be limited. In matters of betrayal, speed and decisiveness are essential. If the other side is prepared, wouldn’t that spoil everything?”

Yan Qi gritted his teeth. “What do you mean by that?! Are you going back on our agreement?”

Yan Chi smiled. Though his expression wasn’t overtly menacing, his entire demeanor exuded an intimidating aura that made it impossible to relax. “If Fourth Brother doesn’t renege, I will naturally keep my word. But if Fourth Brother does, of course I must secure a fallback.”

Yan Qi sneered. “The names on this list aren’t just old generals, are they? These younger ones are rising stars in the Northwest Frontier Army, with promising futures. By keeping them, aren’t you planning to take command of the army again someday?”

Yan Chi looked at Yan Qi. “Didn’t Fourth Brother say just the other day that it’s impossible for me to return? What is there to worry about?”

Yan Qi chuckled dryly. “I can protect these men temporarily, not forever. The future of the Northwest Frontier Army is still uncertain…”

“Then Fourth Brother should act quickly,” Yan Chi said lightly. “The sooner you succeed, the fewer constraints you’ll face.”Yan Qi naturally understood this without Yan Chi having to say it, but Yan Chi's explicit statement imposed an invisible pressure on him, as if Yan Chi had no reservations and wasn't the least bit afraid he might go back on his word!

Yan Chi knew far too much, while Yan Qi knew nothing about what else Yan Chi had been cultivating over the years beyond his reputation in the Northwest Frontier Army. Knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory in every battle—Yan Chi understood him thoroughly, yet he was completely in the dark about Yan Chi. This feeling was utterly wretched, but having come this far, what else could he do besides taking Wang Han under his wing?!

"Where is he?! I want to see—"

Hearing this, Yan Chi knew the temporary deal was struck and ordered, "Bai Feng, bring him in!"

Yan Qi remained standing instead of sitting, waiting with a somewhat gloomy expression. Moments later, a young man with a fearful, cowering demeanor and covered in bruises walked in. At the sight of Yan Qi, the man's face instantly changed.

Having seen Wang Han's portrait long ago, Yan Qi looked the man up and down and smiled with satisfaction.