Coroner's Diary

In Prince Rui's royal residence, Qin Guan waited for a while before Yan Chi returned.

Yan Chi now managed half of the Ministry of Justice and was naturally not as free as he had been a few days prior. When they met, Yan Chi immediately noticed something was amiss with Qin Guan's mood. "What happened?"

Qin Guan hesitated briefly but saw no reason to hide it from Yan Chi. "I just met with Li Muyun."

"Hmm?" Yan Chi was somewhat surprised. "Why?"

"Li Muyun has no old friends in the court, yet he frequently visits an empty house in the southern part of the city in private. I don't know who he's meeting. I encountered him once before, and this time I ran into him again. I wanted to follow him, but he noticed me." Qin Guan sighed, as if blaming herself for being too careless.

Yan Chi looked calmly at Qin Guan. "And then?"

"Then we sat down at a nearby tea stall. I couldn't hold back and asked him about Lord Shen's case."

"How did he react?"

Qin Guan gave a bitter smile. "He was very surprised and immediately asked me what my relationship with Lord Shen was."

Not to mention Li Muyun, even Yan Chi had such suspicions in his heart, though he usually kept them to himself.

"I didn't answer him, but he was clearly quite startled by my words. He seemed nervous and surprised, but not exactly afraid. Probably, from his perspective, my following him was mostly about the skeleton case, to help the Empress and the Eastern Palace. But when I asked about Lord Shen, my purpose became different. Lord Shen had no ties in the capital, and currently, I have no reason to directly pursue his matter—"

Yan Chi could understand Li Muyun's train of thought. "What happened next?"

"Then he was in a hurry to leave. He also said that Lord Shen wasn't wrongly accused... or rather, his words were strange. He only spoke half a sentence, roughly implying that Lord Shen had done something that made him think Lord Shen was shielding Prince Jin out of personal favor. But he didn't finish, and instead warned me not to touch this case lightly. Then he said the situation at Prince Rui's residence is not optimistic..."

After finishing, Qin Guan looked at Yan Chi and said, "Although we have Lord Shen's notes, I feel Li Muyun's words today were very odd..."

"That unfinished sentence?"

"Yes." A faint light flickered in Qin Guan's eyes. "I don't doubt whether Lord Shen actually made a mistake. I just feel there might be some inside story we don't know about. Lord Shen met with Prince Jin several times but never left any written testimony. What did Prince Jin say? Besides Prince Jin's words, there might be other things we're unaware of. We haven't seen the case files of Prince Jin's trial, and all other witnesses and evidence have disappeared..."

As she spoke, Qin Guan suddenly recalled Li Muyun's words. "Li Muyun also said that if Lord Shen hadn't had a guilty conscience, he wouldn't have fled with his entire family!"

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "So you think Lord Shen must have known something definite?"

Qin Guan nodded. She understood her father well. First, Prince Jin left no testimony, meaning those words were unsuitable to be written down. Based on previous deductions, it was highly likely they involved secrets related to Consort Jin or the royal family. Second, at that time, Prince Jin had already been caught as the culprit in public. No matter what he said, as a senior official who had long presided over the Court of Judicial Review, her father would not easily believe it. And given his character, he was the type to turn suspicion into concrete action.And later, when Father took the entire Shen residence and left, it must have been after confirming his suspicions that he made this decision.

"Right, the matter Lord Shen knew must have been the key to Prince Jin's case."

Yan Chi pondered, "Based on this speculation, Lord Shen must have done other things during those days, most likely conducting private investigations. During this process, he might have tried to delay the progress of Prince Jin's case, or shared his doubts with others. This gave people the impression he was speaking in Prince Jin's favor, which later turned into accusations of shielding and favoritism. However, Lord Shen held a third-rank official position and was the chief investigator of Prince Jin's case at the time. He could have done many things privately, but since he didn't record them in his journal, it's very difficult for us to know what he actually did now."

Qin Guan carefully recalled those days—her father's face had been clouded with worry and anxiety. Once he returned to his office, he would shut himself in his study. Sometimes even she and her mother couldn't see him. She knew when her father returned home, but she had no idea what he did outside the residence. Those who might have known what he did privately were no longer in this world. Li Muyun was highly regarded by her father at the time, but clearly, he didn't know what her father had done either. On the contrary, he believed her father had gone astray.

Even if Li Muyun knew, she couldn't ask him, and he certainly wouldn't tell her.

Going round and round, it really was a dead end...

"That's right, so we're stuck at every turn now."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, "Don't worry too much for now. Where is that residence Li Muyun went to? I'll send someone to investigate."

Yan Chi could investigate the residence much more easily than Qin Guan. Qin Guan immediately described it in detail and even found a piece of paper to draw a map. After Yan Chi put away the drawing, Qin Guan asked instead, "What about the previous plan to investigate people related to Prince Gong and Princess Consort Gong? Any leads?"

Yan Chi nodded, "We're looking into it. Back then, Princess Consort Gong's brother, Fu Chengye, was also one of the accomplices in the rebellion. He died at Wind Thunder Ridge. Later, all members of the Fu Clan, including Fu Chengye's brothers and elderly mother, were executed by the previous Emperor's order—essentially wiping out nine branches of the clan. However... Fu Chengye had two sons, both just one or two years old at the time. It's said Fu Chengye had sent his wife and children to Luozhou. After the plot failed, when the previous Emperor's men went to arrest them, one of Fu Chengye's children had already died—reportedly from a recent illness..."

"This matter was an anomaly. The official in charge of the arrest couldn't verify it at the time. Only after everyone was brought back to the capital did interrogations of household servants reveal that the child who died of illness wasn't the young master. But by then, it was too late to investigate further. Soon after, the previous Emperor fell seriously ill, and the current Emperor ascended the throne. During the transition of power, even if someone was sent to investigate, nothing more could be found..."

Qin Guan was quite surprised, "Twenty years have passed. If that child grew up, he'd be about the same age as you and Yan Li now."

Yan Chi nodded, "This person is the most likely suspect we've found so far—someone who might harbor revenge and be lurking in the imperial city. But after so many years, following such faint traces is extremely difficult."Qin Guan understood this reasoning well. It was already difficult to find a lead from the annihilated Fu Clan, let alone after so many years had passed. Qin Guan said, "Alright, then continue investigating along this line. If I enter the palace, I'll carefully question Yan Sui to see if he still knows anything."

Currently, neither Qin Guan nor Yan Chi were handling the skeleton case at Prince Jin Manor anymore. Yan Qi was racking his brains over the skeleton case, but for the two of them, Consort Jin's death was of utmost importance.

Yan Chi nodded, then stepped forward to gently brush Qin Guan's cheek. "Even if we can't uncover the truth immediately, you needn't worry. Even if we go to Shuoxi, we won't abandon this case. As you've said, whenever something happens, traces are inevitably left behind."

Qin Guan's heart softened, a smile spreading from her eyes. "I know. How are things in Shuoxi?"

Yan Chi pulled Qin Guan into an embrace. "The situation in Shuoxi is manageable. With Father having controlled Shuoxi for many years, it's difficult for Lin Xugui to accomplish anything. Moreover, to win over one hundred thousand elite troops ready to charge into battle, mere killing isn't enough."

Hearing this, Qin Guan finally breathed a sigh of relief. As it was getting late, she spoke with Yan Chi for a while longer before leaving Prince Rui's residence.

...

Early the next morning, Qin Guan entered the Longevity and Health Palace. Upon arrival, she unexpectedly encountered Yan Ze and Yue Ning.

Everyone settled in the western Warm Chamber of the Longevity and Health Palace. Yue Ning smiled and said, "I came to the palace yesterday to accompany the Empress Dowager in conversation. Seeing how happy Her Majesty was, I came again today."

Yan Ze's face was covered with medicated gauze, the corners of his lips slightly curved as he basked in the morning light, appearing as refined as jade.

Qin Guan remarked, "This is good. Both Your Highness and the Empress Dowager should move about more often. When was the last time Divine Doctor Sun checked the Crown Prince's pulse?"

Having not seen Sun Muqing the day before yesterday and with Yan Ze entering the palace again today, Qin Guan inquired further. Yue Ning replied, "Divine Doctor Sun has been busy arranging his residence these past few days. He wants to dig a lotus pond in his courtyard, so he hasn't come to the royal residence. The last time was probably three days ago."

Only then did Qin Guan feel reassured and didn't ask further. However, thinking of Sun Muqing, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Not only had Sun Muqing completely renovated the former Shen residence, but he was now adding new scenery. Having invested so much effort, he couldn't possibly leave casually. What were Sun Muqing's true intentions? Did he really plan to stay in the capital long-term?!

At this thought, Qin Guan's heart grew heavy.

Yue Ning continued, "Divine Doctor Sun is also very knowledgeable about garden landscapes. He said although the residence isn't very large, living there alone in its current state feels somewhat empty. So he plans to add some scenery to settle in for the long term."

Just as Qin Guan was worrying, Yue Ning's words answered her doubts, leaving only bitter amusement in Qin Guan's heart...

Yan Ze said gently from the side, "Muqing is utterly devoted to this new residence and has put considerable thought into it. He mentioned inviting us over as guests once the landscaping is complete."

Qin Guan could only force a slight smile without continuing the conversation. The Empress Dowager knew who they were discussing but, being unacquainted with Sun Muqing, didn't inquire further. Soon, Mammy Chen brought a chessboard, as the Empress Dowager intended to play a game with Yan Ze. The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "The books your father sent have now been brought to me. You've stirred my interest - if no one plays chess with me hereafter, I'll summon you to the palace."Yan Ze smiled, "Then this grandson would naturally be more than willing."

The Empress Dowager added, "And your father, your father is also a master."

Upon hearing this, Yan Ze immediately said, "Father currently only wishes to play chess with the Emperor, but the Emperor has been extremely busy lately, always unable to find an opportunity. I wonder if Father still remembers the time he was defeated by the Emperor once before..."

This was something that had just been mentioned yesterday. The Empress Dowager laughed upon hearing it, "With the year-end approaching, the Emperor is indeed busy, but there will always be some free time. Later, I will send someone to relay the message—he should be able to spare a moment. I also want to see who is more skilled now, your father or the Emperor..."

Yan Ze grinned broadly. Meanwhile, Mammy Chen set up the chessboard, and Yue Ning was about to make moves on Yan Ze's behalf. Yue Ning had originally wanted to tell Qin Guan about Wei Qizhi's return, but now she had no chance to bring it up. Seeing Qin Guan sitting alone and looking somewhat bored, the Empress Dowager beckoned for her to come over and watch the game. Unwilling to disturb them, Qin Guan asked where Yan Sui was and learned that he was practicing calligraphy. Upon hearing this, Qin Guan went to look for him...

When she arrived at Yan Sui's room, she found him standing on a stool to write. He wasn't tall enough yet, so he was using a low stool under his feet. Qin Guan stood at the doorway watching for a while. Yan Sui's expression was calm, his wrist held steadily level, and a thin layer of sweat had already formed on his small forehead.

Smiling slightly, Qin Guan walked in. Hearing the footsteps, Yan Sui turned his head, and his eyes lit up the moment he saw Qin Guan.

"Your Highness, take it slow. Stay still where you are."

Yan Sui was standing on the stool, and Qin Guan was afraid he might fall. Fortunately, Yan Sui wasn't impulsive and stood steadily, though his eyes sparkled with excitement. Qin Guan glanced at the copybook and saw that this page was almost finished. She said, "Hurry and finish writing. Once you're done, I'll take you out to play."

Yan Sui smiled and continued writing. Seeing that Yan Sui was writing quite properly, Qin Guan gently corrected his grip on the brush. After he finished the page, true to her word, Qin Guan took Yan Sui outside. This time of year was a bit chilly, so she didn't plan to take him too far. Yan Sui asked quietly, "What is Grandmother doing?"

Qin Guan smiled, "She's playing chess with the heir apparent of Prince Yi."

Yan Sui immediately said, "I want to play chess too—"

Qin Guan's eyes sparkled with an idea, "How about I teach you to play properly?"

Yan Sui's eyes lit up, "Okay!"

He also knew that his usual way of playing wasn't proper chess.

Qin Guan turned and instructed Momma Su to fetch a chessboard, then led Yan Sui to the pavilion in the central courtyard. It wasn't yet noon, and the sun had come out, casting a warm glow over them. Yan Sui had only taken a few steps when he asked, "Can the goldfinch fly now?"

Qin Guan sat down with Yan Sui, their backs to the palace gate. Hearing this, she felt a pang of guilt, "Yes, it flew away the afternoon before yesterday..."

"Ah! It flew away?" Yan Sui was surprised, "Will it come back?"

Qin Guan shook her head with a smile, "Actually, it flew away once before and came back later. This time, I don't know if it will return..."

"Ah... Could someone catch it?"

Qin Guan quickly reassured him, "No, it flies very, very high now."

Yan Sui let out a big sigh of relief, "That's great! Then it must have flown to the mountains!"Qin Guan felt a slight relief in her heart as she looked at Yan Sui's clearly angry face. She had originally intended to keep this matter hidden if Yan Sui didn't ask, but unexpectedly, Yan Sui hadn't forgotten at all, and she had ended up telling the lie. Just as Qin Guan was sighing, Yan Sui suddenly glanced behind her. Surprised, Qin Guan turned around to see Yan Li entering with his guards. Watching Yan Li in his princely court robes, her thoughts drifted for a moment...

Yan Li's demeanor had transformed completely in his court attire. Having not seen him for many days, and with no trace of a smile on his face now, Qin Guan felt an unfamiliarity upon first glance. Yet, something in Yan Li's expression and aura sparked a sudden insight in her heart—she found his presence strikingly familiar.

However, the moment Yan Li caught sight of her and Yan Sui and broke into a smile, the thought vanished entirely, leaving Qin Guan unable to grasp it again.