Coroner's Diary

Chapter 396

"Qin Guan! Have you and Third Brother both entered the palace?"

Qin Guan stood up and performed a curtsy, "Greetings to Prince Gong—"

Yan Li immediately burst out laughing, "Rise, rise! Being so formal like this truly overwhelms me!"

Qin Guan straightened up with a smile, "I came alone. I haven't seen Your Highness since you were promoted to the rank of prince. Wearing these court robes, Your Highness looks completely different."

Yan Li let out a hearty laugh, "Have I almost caught up to Seventh Brother now?"

Qin Guan followed along, "You've practically surpassed him!"

Yan Li was overjoyed and stepped forward to pick up Yan Sui, "Little Nine? Why are you still so dazed?"

Yan Sui didn't resist Yan Li. When Yan Li picked him up, he instinctively wrapped his arms around Yan Li's neck. Seeing that he remained silent, Yan Li turned his gaze to Qin Guan, his eyes so pitiful that it made Qin Guan's heart tremble. "You have no idea! I originally thought the Ministry of Personnel was just a place to manage people. Not to mention anything else, every promotion or demotion from the capital down to the local level has to go through the Ministry of Personnel. I thought when I went to the Ministry of Personnel office, I'd just casually see who got promoted and who fell from grace. But ah, but—the Minister of Personnel is an inflexible man. Who knows what the Emperor said to him? Now that it's the year-end, he actually made me lead a group of petty officials to compile summaries. Piles of memorials, the kind that could crush me if they toppled over! Some memorials I can't even understand, and to make matters worse, that old pedant following me recites scriptures like a pro! I can't just drop everything and run, right? I can't hit anyone either, right? He just recites beside me, reciting away all my restless thoughts, reciting until I want to become a monk on the spot..."

Yan Li spoke with increasing melancholy, as if he wished he could squeeze out a few tears. "How many days has it been now... Ten days? Half a month? I feel like I've read all the memorials and documents and written all the paperwork of my entire life in these past few days. Qin Guan, do you think the Emperor and those old pedants are jealous of my carefree lifestyle?"

Qin Guan couldn't stop smiling as she listened, and even Yan Sui's lips twitched slightly. Qin Guan nodded, half-jokingly, "Possibly. Usually, no one in the entire capital was more carefree and happy than Your Highness. Now that you've entered the government office, once you get through this phase, it'll be fine. Your Highness should tone it down a bit in the future to avoid suffering like this again."

Hearing this, Yan Li's lips trembled. "Ah, I feel like the court and government offices are no place to stay long. These people have no fun at all. Ah, if I had known, I wouldn't have accepted this princely title!"

Qin Guan laughed heartily. Yan Li's demeanor didn't seem feigned; he hadn't suffered any obvious hardships, but the work he was doing was what he disliked the most, making it utterly torturous. "If others heard Your Highness say that, they'd be so envious! Others want it but can't have it!"

Yan Li curled his lip. "Truly, 'you are not a fish, how do you know what brings joy to a fish?' They aren't me, so they don't know my joys!"

The attendant behind them laughed until his eyes were nearly invisible. "Your Highness finally has some free time today. Shall we go to the Phoenix Perch Tower later?"

Hearing the words "Phoenix Perch Tower," Yan Li's expression grew even more dejected. "No, no, I don't have the energy for that. I'll visit the Empress Dowager and then hurry back to rest. From now on, you won't see this young master's dashing figure at places like the Phoenix Perch Tower or any other pleasure houses..."

Qin Guan shook her head with a smile. Yan Sui blinked and looked at Yan Li, "What is the Phoenix Perch Tower?"Yan Li's expression changed abruptly as he shot Lu Yun a glare, then turned to Yan Sui with a beaming smile. "It's just a place for tea and meals. Are you playing chess with the princess? I thought you were attending classes with the tutor? I heard several elders from the Bai clan of Yizhou came this time—have you met them?"

Yan Sui looked utterly bewildered, clearly unaware of what he was talking about. Yan Li sighed. "How many characters have you learned to recognize?"

At this, Yan Sui lifted his chin proudly. "I've learned many!"

Yan Li laughed warmly. "Excellent! Tomorrow, when I go to the palace, I'll bring you a little trinket as a reward!"

Yan Sui's eyes lit up, brimming with anticipation. Qin Guan chuckled. "Carry him inside. The Empress Dowager is currently playing a game of chess with Prince Yi's heir apparent."

Yan Li's smile deepened as he promptly hoisted Yan Sui and headed inward. Clinging to Yan Li's neck, Yan Sui glanced back at Qin Guan following behind. Upon entering the room, the Empress Dowager laughed at the sight of Yan Li. "We overheard everything outside. Look at you—already complaining about exhaustion after just a few days at the ministry!"

Yan Li set Yan Sui down and bowed first before inquiring about the Empress Dowager and Yan Ze's health. Relieved to hear that Yan Ze's eye condition was improving and the Empress Dowager only needed recuperation, he relaxed slightly.

The Empress Dowager scrutinized Yan Li. "You seem to have lost weight, but don’t you dare slack off. A few more years of experience will do you good."

Yan Li rubbed his nose. "Don’t worry—I can run, but my roots remain. I’m not a child anymore."

"You’re hardly different from one, even less mature than Little Nine. At least he’s learning to read."

Yan Li glanced at Yan Sui, scooped him into his arms, and ruffled him playfully. "Are you secretly gloating that Grandmother said I’m worse than you?"

Yan Sui giggled uncontrollably under Yan Li’s tickling, finally revealing his childish side. The Empress Dowager shook her head in mock despair. "See? A total rascal. I wasn’t wrong to say you’re no match for Little Nine!"

Yan Sui’s face flushed crimson with laughter as he clung to Yan Li’s shoulder. Yue Ning, Mammy Chen, and others in the room burst into laughter too. The commotion made continuing the chess game impossible. Yan Li glanced at the board and remarked to Yue Ning, "I hadn’t realized you were so skilled. Grandmother was a formidable chess player in her youth."

Yan Ze pointed at himself. "The talent lies here. Third Brother just tells me where to place the pieces!"

Yan Li’s eyes widened in surprise. The Empress Dowager explained, "I received two books on the Precious Intricate Chess Game from the Emperor, brought by Yan Ze’s father. Would you like to see them?"

Yan Li hastily waved his hands. "Grandmother, spare me! I’d probably understand them as much as celestial scriptures."

Yan Ze then suggested, "Grandmother, shall we pause the game here and continue tomorrow?"

With Yan Li’s arrival and the Empress Dowager currently stumped by Yan Ze’s moves, she agreed, though she eyed the board filled with black and white pieces. "Will you remember the positions tomorrow?"

Yan Ze smiled faintly. "Most likely, yes—"

The Empress Dowager sighed wistfully. "Among your generation, no one matches your intellect. If you could serve in court, you’d surely leave a legacy in history."

Yan Ze merely smiled without responding. Yan Li and the others exchanged glances, their expressions uniformly conveying one thought—what a pity!

Yan Ze suddenly asked Yan Li, "Are you going to the ministry again tomorrow?"Yan Li let out a long sigh. "Go? Of course we're going... Those old pedants—I mean, old ministers—in the Ministry of Personnel are watching closely. The Crown Prince is also overseeing the Ministry, and these past two days... these past two days he's been particularly strict. Moreover, the memorial regarding the Northwest Frontier Army's military provisions case has been sent back!"

At Yan Li's words, the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. The earlier laughter and merriment vanished, replaced by solemn expressions as court affairs were brought into discussion.

Qin Guan frowned deeply, her thoughts turning to the military provisions case.

The case had been ongoing for months. It was precisely because of this case that the Emperor had dispatched an imperial envoy to Liangzhou. Initially, several transport commissioners along the Northwest Route were investigated, including Dingzhou, Yunzhou, and Cangzhou. Yan Lin had originally met with an accident en route precisely because of this military provisions case. After Yan Lin's incident, the investigation had stalled. While handling funeral arrangements, they also had to stabilize the Northwest Frontier Army camp that had lost its commander. Consequently, the military provisions case was temporarily shelved. Now that the memorial had finally returned, it represented a significant delay. No one knew what news Lin Xugui and Yuwen Xian would bring back.

The Empress Dowager's smile faded. "What does the memorial say?"

Yan Li glanced at the Empress Dowager, then at Qin Guan. "A deputy transport commissioner named Huang Xinghe from the Northwest Route and a deputy general responsible for military provisions supply in the Northwest Frontier Army, surnamed Xue, have both been apprehended and confessed. The Northwest Frontier Army's involvement isn't extensive—the highest-ranking official implicated is a third-rank Xuanwu General surnamed Chu. As for Huang Xinghe's side, it involves others along the Dingzhou Route..."

He paused before continuing, "It seems to be connected to Zhang Qide."

At these words, the Empress Dowager's hand resting beside the chessboard trembled slightly. "Who did you say?! Zhang Qide?!"

Yan Li nodded with a sigh. "Yes, I don't think I misheard. When I just left the ministry office, I overheard Minister of Revenue Yang Han speaking with Yuan Qing. They're likely going to imprison Zhang Qide. This matter is of great importance, and given Zhang Qide's special position, further investigation is required."

The Empress Dowager's expression turned cold and stern. Zhang Qide was the military governor of the Dingxi Route. While Yan Lin held the highest military authority in the entire northwest, Zhang Qide was the foremost official in civil administration and livelihood. The Dingxi Route encompassed several prefectures along the Dingzhou and Liangzhou line, including dozens of counties. Although military provisions didn't fall under Zhang Qide's direct jurisdiction, anything passing through the Dingzhou and Liangzhou border regions would inevitably involve him to some extent. Moreover, Zhang Qide had emerged from the military ranks—he knew all too well about the irregularities in military provisions. But the Empress Dowager and everyone present understood: Zhang Qide had come from the Northern Garrison Army.

When the military provisions case first erupted, it had already shocked the court. Now it implicated both a deputy commander-level general from the Northwest Frontier Army and the most important official of the Dingxi Route. And this senior official had close ties to the Crown Prince's faction. Could this matter also involve the Crown Prince and the Northern Garrison Army?!

The warmth and merriment from moments earlier completely vanished. Even Yue Ning could feel the solemn, murderous atmosphere of court turmoil.

Last year's salt transportation corruption case had already caused widespread anxiety, and now this year brought military provisions corruption!Salt Transportation was a vital component of the Great Zhou's financial system, and the Northwest Frontier Army served as the crucial barrier defending the northwest against enemies. With both areas experiencing successive incidents, the Empress Dowager's brow furrowed deeply. What were the imperial inspectors and circuit investigators of Great Zhou even doing! Had the eyes of those old ministers in the Imperial Censorate, who relied on their seniority to act authoritatively, become dim with age as well...

"It's fine—" After a long silence, the Empress Dowager finally spoke slowly, "The Emperor is well aware. As long as it can be thoroughly investigated, it's good. These malignant tumors must be exposed; otherwise, they will rot and decay from the roots, and by then it will be too late!"

The Empress Dowager rubbed her temples. "No need to wait until tomorrow. Yan Li, come and help me finish this game. I'm going to rest."

Mammy Chen hurried forward to support the Empress Dowager, and Yan Li also stepped up to assist. When the Empress Dowager's feet touched the ground, her knees went weak, and she leaned most of her weight on the two of them. As she slowly made her way to the inner chamber, her heart raced uncontrollably. Last year's corruption investigation had halted upon reaching the capital, but this year's military provisions corruption had directly implicated Zhang Qide—no one else but Zhang Qide! The second-rank Pacification Commissioner of the Western Frontier! And not long ago, he had been recommended by the Crown Prince to lead the Northwest Frontier Army!

The Empress Dowager's legs were weak, her hands trembled, and her heart fluttered with anxiety. She suddenly paused mid-step, her memory somewhat hazy, and asked, "How long has the Empress been confined to her quarters?"

Yan Li and Mammy Chen exchanged a glance. Mammy Chen quickly replied, "It should be... almost ten days now."

The Empress Dowager's heart raced again. She had watched Yan Huai sit on the throne for twenty years and had only completely withdrawn from court affairs a few years ago. Before ascending the throne, Yan Huai had been steady in temperament, sometimes even appearing overly mild. But perhaps the shock of Prince Gong's rebellion had cut too deep—after becoming Emperor, Yan Huai's disposition had changed significantly. His thoughts became more inscrutable, his methods more ruthless and decisive. Even his once forthright and candid emotions were now concealed. For a time, the Empress Dowager had even found Yan Huai unfamiliar. She only feared that his temperament would turn tyrannical and unpredictable, leading him to become a foolish ruler in the future!

Yet, in reality, these changes had proven beneficial for Yan Huai as Emperor. Though his temperament had altered and he had become unfathomable to the Empress Dowager, after ascending the throne, he had devoted himself diligently to governance, acting with swift determination. He quickly established the new Emperor's authority in the court. The Empress Dowager had silently felt pleased. She had observed Yan Huai for twenty years; she understood his methods of governance all too well. After a dazed moment, the Empress Dowager said, "This evening, have the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess come over."

After giving this instruction, the Empress Dowager continued toward the inner chamber. Once lying on the bed, her fingers still trembled slightly. Mammy Chen fed the Empress Dowager two pills, and only then did she slowly close her eyes. Yan Li kept watch for a while. When he stepped out to the outer room, he saw Yan Ze and Yue Ning still waiting, but Qin Guan and Yan Sui were nowhere to be seen. Yan Li let out a sigh and sat in the spot where the Empress Dowager had been seated earlier. "Since Grandmother asked us to finish the game, let's do so. Third Brother, please go easy on me."

Yan Ze smiled. "You've never liked playing chess since you were little. I wonder who you take after. Grandmother really put you on the spot today."

Yan Li sighed. "Third Brother knows me well. Ah, I shouldn't have said anything. I only overheard a single remark, and it ended up unsettling Grandmother so much."Yue Ning sighed. She hadn't considered matters as thoroughly as the Empress Dowager, yet she understood perfectly well that once Zhang Qide was imprisoned, the Crown Prince's faction would inevitably be implicated. This already constituted a grave incident. With the year's end approaching, it seemed destined to be a bleak celebration. "Even if you don't speak of it, the Empress Dowager will learn sooner or later. The Empress was confined to her quarters days ago, the Prince Jin Manor case remains unresolved, and now Zhang Qide has encountered trouble. This year has truly been..."

Yue Ning couldn't determine whether Yan Che was merely unlucky or if there was more to it. However, with such circumstances prevailing, this incident would likely subject the Eastern Palace to considerable hardship. Moreover, she faintly sensed that this sudden upheaval might herald an even greater storm brewing ahead!