Coroner's Diary

In the Azure Cloud Tea House south of the city, Li Muyun's face hovered ambiguously behind the curling steam.

After observing Qin Guan for a moment, Li Muyun finally asked, "Has the County Princess come regarding Prince Jin's case?"

Qin Guan wouldn't have followed him without reason. In Li Muyun's view, the only matter that could make Qin Guan doubt him now was Prince Jin's case. The case involved both Kunning Palace and the Eastern Palace, and since the Crown Prince was Qin Guan's brother-in-law, were her current actions instructed by the Eastern Palace?

Having served in court for many years, Li Muyun instantly contemplated countless possibilities in his mind.

As he poured the steaming tea into the celadon cup, his thoughts drifted momentarily to that day's confrontation with Yan Qi.

Lifting his gaze, Li Muyun met Qin Guan's cool and composed eyes.

Even after being caught following him, she could remain so confident and unruffled - Li Muyun felt both helpless and admiring.

Placing the teacup before Qin Guan, Li Muyun added, "County Princess, please speak frankly if you have something to say."

Qin Guan was carefully studying Li Muyun, as if trying to discern how much guilt showed on his face. "Might I ask which friend Lord Li plans to visit today?"

Li Muyun, who had been drinking tea, paused at her words. He looked at Qin Guan with gentle eyes. "That seems to be my private matter."

Qin Guan smiled. "Lord Li has no old friends or relatives in court, and you never normally attend banquets or entertainments. I suspect the person you're meeting today must be quite remarkable, otherwise how could they merit your esteemed presence?"

Li Muyun didn't appear the least bit angry. "If the County Princess is concerned about the Eastern Palace, you shouldn't be watching me now, but rather keeping an eye on Prince Cheng."

Li Muyun's reaction was within Qin Guan's expectations. After all, what reason would a young girl like her have to follow someone of his status as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review?

"Aren't you afraid Prince Cheng might actually reopen last year's Prince Jin case?"

Li Muyun's brows furrowed slightly, and instantly he felt the same tension as during his confrontation with Yan Qi.

He was more than a decade older than Qin Guan and had served in court for many years. In his mind, Qin Guan and Yan Qi were naturally not on the same level. Yan Qi came from noble lineage, and this alone gave him the confidence to look down on everyone. But what about Qin Guan? She was more composed and steady than any noble lady he had ever met. A person's temperament is inseparable from their experiences, perspective, and upbringing. Li Muyun already knew Qin Guan's background, which made him all the more puzzled.

"Last year's case wasn't under my jurisdiction. Why should I be afraid?"

Li Muyun remained unhurried. The corners of Qin Guan's lips curved slightly. "Lord Li exposed Shen Yi for practicing favoritism and shielding criminals, causing Lord Shen's entire family to be executed. Yet you're not afraid in the slightest?"

Li Muyun's expression changed immediately. Though his facial features remained impassive, his pupils seemed to freeze in an instant. He stared directly at Qin Guan, the disbelief in his eyes growing increasingly intense. Even if Qin Guan was acting on the Eastern Palace's instructions, she shouldn't be questioning him about Shen Yi! Although Shen Yi had nearly become Yan Che's father-in-law, he understood that in the Empress's eyes, Shen Yi's life or death didn't matter. Even Yan Che had never pursued the matter. And Qin Guan - she had even less standing to do so!Li Muyun had been involved with criminal justice since entering the court, and over time, he had cultivated the ability to see through people's hearts. When Qin Guan spoke these words, her voice did not carry the slightest tremor, yet her eyes seemed to conceal a cold flame. Li Muyun’s heart tightened abruptly, and the doubts that had first arisen when he saw Qin Guan perform a corpse examination were suddenly magnified countless times over!

His lips trembled slightly as he abruptly asked, "What is your relationship with Lord Shen?!"

This was the first time Qin Guan had confronted Li Muyun face to face. Last year’s calamity that befell the Shen family could largely be attributed to Li Muyun as the primary instigator. When she first laid eyes on him, the fury in her heart had nearly boiled over uncontrollably. However, their subsequent encounters had all taken place in crowded settings, and over time, she had honed the skill of masking her emotions. But now, seated directly across from him, especially after hearing Li Muyun’s unapologetic and fearless words, the anger in Qin Guan’s heart could no longer be restrained.

As she posed this question, a chill crept into her heart—like a martial artist exposing a weakness in combat, her words had handed Li Muyun an opening.

After a moment of tension, Qin Guan instead grew calm. To lure the opponent into making a move, revealing one or two weaknesses was not entirely unacceptable.

Qin Guan looked steadily at Li Muyun. "Lord Li was greatly promoted by Lord Shen, yet in the end, you committed such an act. Moreover... Lord Li should know better than anyone whether Lord Shen was truly guilty of shielding others or practicing favoritism. If last year’s case were to be reopened, how would you justify your actions?"

When Yan Qi had questioned him earlier, though he had shown surprise on his face, he had felt no panic inwardly. But now, Qin Guan’s words sent a shiver crawling up his spine.

"Your skills in corpse examination are remarkably profound and intricate. Where did you learn them? You grew up in the Marquis’s residence as a child and later went to Jinzhou. Did you know Lord Shen?" Li Muyun’s fingertips trembled faintly. "Or perhaps... Lord Shen was an old acquaintance of your late father..."

As soon as he asked this, Li Muyun suddenly came to his senses. The second master of the Qin family had long passed away—it was impossible for him to have been an old acquaintance of Shen Yi. As for Qin Shu, that was even less likely. He knew all too well whom Shen Yi had associated with after arriving in the capital. But then why?!

Li Muyun had no time to answer Qin Guan’s question, completely lost in his suspicions about her. An intuitive wave of chill, serpent-like, crept into his heart, leaving him with an unreal sensation, as though shrouded in mist. Gritting his teeth, Li Muyun knew Qin Guan would not answer his question directly, so he said, "Why did you follow me today? Is it for Lord Shen’s case? And how can you be so sure that Lord Shen was wronged?"

Li Muyun was the second person to discern Qin Guan’s true intentions. He took a deep breath and continued, "Last year, Lord Shen was the chief investigator in Prince Jin’s case. He met with the prince privately on multiple occasions, yet no evidence was ever produced. Not only that, he even—"

Li Muyun spoke with agitation, as if defending himself, but then he abruptly cut himself off, swallowing the words he had been about to utter.

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow immediately. "What did Lord Shen do?"

Li Muyun suddenly reined in all his emotions. "Regarding last year’s events, I was merely carrying out my duties impartially. Lord Shen did indeed act inappropriately. The subsequent facts proved that he was indeed guilty of a guilty conscience. When the imperial guards were sent to execute everyone in the Shen residence, he was fleeing with his entire family. If he had nothing to hide, why would he run?"

He paused, his tone tinged with sorrow. "Although it is said that punishment should not extend to wives and children, last year’s case involved Prince Jin."Li Muyun's eyes darted nervously, seemingly unable to meet Qin Guan's gaze. Yet, as if struck by a sudden thought, he looked directly at her and said, "Your Highness, I must speak plainly. Regardless of whether last year's case is reopened, you should not involve yourself. With your impending marriage to Prince Rui, the situation at the royal residence is already precarious. This is not the time to investigate Lord Shen's affairs... Whether you have any connection to him or not, you must cease this pursuit."

Li Muyun abruptly stood up. "I have said all I can."

With these words, he strode away as if fleeing some monstrous threat.

Qin Guan remained seated, the glow from the small clay stove reflecting in her eyes, casting a stern shadow over her gentle, delicate features. After a long moment, she finally rose and pondered briefly before instructing Baiying, "Go to Prince Rui's residence..."

...

...

By the time Yan Ze and Yue Ning entered the palace, dusk had fallen. In the Longevity and Health Palace, the Empress Dowager was indeed listless, coughing incessantly. Upon learning of Yan Ze's arrival, her face brightened with a faint smile. Seeing Yue Ning standing beside Yan Ze, a pair as flawless as jade, her heart swelled with contentment.

Only when her gaze fell upon the Medicated Gauze covering Yan Ze's eyes did her expression dim slightly. But remembering Qin Guan's presence, she firmly believed Yan Ze would surely regain his sight.

"It's nothing serious. Wan Yatou exaggerates. When one is old, what's a cough? You must take good care of yourself. Wan Yatou says your eyes will soon heal—I've been waiting for that day. And your father, what has he been up to lately?"

The Empress Dowager spoke cheerfully, and Yan Ze replied, "Father has been refining elixirs these past few days, having just obtained an Elixir Book. As for me, you needn't worry. After all these years, I've grown accustomed to it."

His words tugged at the heartstrings of both the Empress Dowager and Yue Ning. The Empress Dowager could only say, "If your father enjoys such pursuits, there's no harm. But he should know better than to ingest those concoctions."

Yan Ze smiled. "Rest assured, Father understands. Just the other day, he presented two ancient books to the Emperor—both about the Precious Intricate Chess Game. These days, he occupies himself with such leisurely interests. Another time, I'll have him come play a game or two with you."

Reassured, the Empress Dowager said, "The Emperor adores weiqi. Since childhood, he and his brother loved competing in the Path of chess. I recall how the late Emperor had a rare copy of the Precious Intricate Chess Game, promising it to whoever won their match. After a fierce contest, the Emperor narrowly triumphed. Your father, determined to improve, then studied under your maternal grandfather—that's how he met your mother." Recalling the past, the Empress Dowager smiled warmly. "Thus began their fateful bond. Your mother was quite skilled herself."

Princess Consort Yi, Zhang Lingxi, was the daughter of former Chancellor of the Imperial Academy Zhang Rucheng, a master of chess who took Prince Yi Yan Xiang as his disciple. Through this, Yan Xiang came to know Zhang Rucheng's treasured daughter, and their subsequent marriage became a celebrated tale. Alas, Zhang Lingxi departed this world far too soon.

Yan Ze nodded with a smile but added, "Grandmother, you too are a master. In his youth, it was you who taught the Emperor to play. His victory over Father back then was all your doing."The Empress Dowager's smile deepened. "I've grown old. Since the Emperor ascended the throne, I haven't bothered with these pastimes. I can't even beat Wan Yatou in a game of chess now. In those years, I worried about both the rear palace and the imperial court. Later, seeing the Emperor could handle things steadily, I let go. Now I'm even less capable. I sought too much in the first half of my life, and the latter half has become rather bland. Speaking of which, I envy your big family - your grandfather excelled at chess, your mother was skilled in medicine, and your father the Prince is a free spirit. They were all unconventional people, and your temperament follows theirs. Do you still wish to travel in the future?"

Yan Ze replied, "I've already promised Ning'er that I'll take her to see the world."

Yue Ning's cheeks flushed slightly. The Empress Dowager laughed heartily, "Good, good, that's exactly how it should be..."

After chatting with the Empress Dowager for a while, it truly sparked her desire to play a game of chess. For many years, few had mentioned old matters with her. In her youth, her chess skills were no less than the late Emperor's, and having studied numerous military texts since childhood, she applied strategies of alliance and confrontation to the chessboard. Having not entertained such thoughts for so long, now that the interest arose, she found it hard to contain. However, since Yan Ze was blind, Yue Ning had to play on his behalf. With each move Yue Ning made, she announced it, and Yan Ze would tell her where to place the next piece. This made the game particularly interesting. Though Yan Ze couldn't see, he could memorize the entire game in his mind, which greatly impressed both the Empress Dowager and Yue Ning.

By the time the game concluded, night had fallen. Yan Ze and Yue Ning then took their leave. The Empress Dowager, in excellent spirits, said after their departure, "Go to Chongzheng Hall and bring me those two ancient books Prince Yi gave the Emperor."

Seeing the Empress Dowager happy, Mammy Chen was overjoyed herself and hurried to fetch the books.

Just as Yan Ze and Yue Ning stepped out of the main gate of Longevity and Health Palace, Yue Ning paused because she spotted Yan Sui. Yan Sui was returning from outside with Momma Su and a young eunuch, his small face flushed red from the cold. Sensing something unusual, Yan Ze asked, "What's wrong?"

Yue Ning quickly replied, "It's nothing. We encountered the Ninth Prince."

Yue Ning looked at Yan Sui, and Yan Sui looked back at her, but his expression showed no trace of a smile, instead carrying some wariness. Momma Su apologized, "Greetings to the heir apparent and County Princess. The Ninth Prince just returned from studying with his tutor..."

Yue Ning smiled, "Please take His Highness inside quickly. It's too cold out here."

Upon hearing this, Yan Sui walked past them without glancing sideways and entered the main gate of Longevity and Health Palace.

Yue Ning murmured, "Strange. The Ninth Prince is very close to Qin Guan but seems wary of others."

Yan Ze neither agreed nor disagreed as they continued walking. "Yongci County Princess frequently visits Longevity and Health Palace. She's probably been kind to the Ninth Prince, so he lets his guard down around her. I heard the Ninth Prince was present when the incident with Consort Jin occurred, so it's likely related to that."

Yue Ning sighed, "It is rather cruel, but he should recover in a few years. Children tend to forget easily. Last year he was just over four, not yet five."

Yan Ze smiled, "Even at four or five, one doesn't simply forget such things."Yue Ning raised her brows slightly but didn’t continue on that topic. Instead, she said, “Earlier, when we spoke of old times, the Empress Dowager seemed quite different. Over the years, her health has been fluctuating—it must have been hard on her. Third Brother, why don’t we visit the palace every few days to chat with the Empress Dowager? I noticed she enjoys reminiscing.”

Yan Ze nodded gently. “Yes, we really should spend more time with the Empress Dowager, talking about the past…”

His tone was meaningful. Yue Ning turned to look at him and, in the dim light of the night, noticed an uncharacteristic cold indifference on his face, a stark contrast to his usual warmth. Instinctively, she withdrew her hand slightly, but Yan Ze grasped it firmly and asked with a smile, “What’s wrong?”

In the blink of an eye, the smile at Yan Ze’s lips became genuine and warm again, making Yue Ning wonder if she had imagined it. She quickly smiled back. “It’s nothing, just my hair is a bit messy.”

Yan Ze chuckled, reaching up to gently brush the stray strands of hair by her ear. His movements were tender and meticulous, his jade-like face bathed in moonlight. Yue Ning stared, momentarily captivated, then cleared her throat lightly and took his arm, walking step by step with him out of the palace.

Yue Ning saw Yan Ze back to Prince Yi’s royal residence before leaving. When she arrived at the gates of Marquis Anyang Manor, she spotted a dark figure leaning against the wall outside. Her brows furrowed in suspicion, wondering if it was someone with ill intentions. But as she drew closer, she recognized a face she hadn’t seen in a long time.

Wei Qizhi emerged from the shadows, grinning widely. “Princess, long time no see—”

Yue Ning was momentarily stunned, having not seen Wei Qizhi for months. He strode up to her without hesitation. The maids and servants behind her recognized him and naturally didn’t dare to interfere. After disappearing for months, Wei Qizhi seemed a bit darker and thinner, carrying the weariness of travel. His face showed clear exhaustion, yet his eyes were strikingly dark, and his smile was rough but bright—utterly different from the smile Yan Ze wore.

Yue Ning stared blankly. “You… what are you doing here?”

Wei Qizhi blinked. “Came to see Little Red Horse—”

Yue Ning opened her mouth, wanting to say that he clearly looked like he had just returned to the capital, so why was he in such a hurry to see the horse? But she suppressed the thought. She gave him a once-over, lifted her chin, and said briskly, “Want to come in and take a look?”

Wei Qizhi’s smile widened. “Sure, as long as I’m not disturbing you.”

Yue Ning scoffed inwardly but kept her expression neutral, turning to enter the manor. Wei Qizhi hurried after her, his gaze fixed intently on her. “What were you doing out so late?”

Yue Ning pressed her lips together. “I accompanied Third Brother to the palace.”

At the mention of “Third Brother,” the faint smile on Wei Qizhi’s face faltered. He coughed lightly. “Has the heir apparent’s eye condition improved?”

Yue Ning shook her head, her tone somber. “No.”

“Oh.” Wei Qizhi responded, took a deep breath, and launched into a vivid account of his experiences traveling north…

As Yue Ning listened, her steps slowed, and she unconsciously fell into stride beside Wei Qizhi. Gazing at his face, she felt neither awkward nor distant. When she thought about it, it really had been a long time since they last saw each other…