Coroner's Diary

Qin Guan invited Zhan Yang into the Marquis residence.

In the flower hall of the front courtyard used for receiving guests, Qin Guan dismissed all attendants to speak with Zhan Yang alone.

"Minister Li inquired about who purchased the former Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Lord Shen's residence?"

Zhan Yang nodded, "Yes, he sent his attendant to ask, seemingly just a casual question. However... it was he who exposed Lord Shen's incident last year. A year has passed, there's no reason for him to fixate on an already abandoned residence. Coincidentally, one of my brothers overheard the question and mentioned it in front of me, which made me feel something was amiss."

Seeing Qin Guan lost in thought, a "just as expected" expression flashed in Zhan Yang's eyes. "Your Highness, does this relate to Prince Jin's case?"

Hearing this, Qin Guan found it difficult to respond directly and instead asked, "Why have you come to tell me this?"

Zhan Yang's expression remained sternly cold, but he appeared slightly uncomfortable and lowered his gaze for a moment. "Although Your Highness is a woman, in matters of criminal cases, I've never seen anyone more just and rigorous. Moreover, since Your Highness holds no official position in court, you face fewer constraints. If there are errors or omissions in Ning Buyi's case, I believe Your Highness won't allow it to remain unresolved."

Qin Guan felt a slight tremor in her heart at these words. Seeing Zhan Yang's full trust in her, she pondered for a moment before saying, "Regarding Ning Buyi's case, we've never understood why he set up that altar. Although he was poisoned himself, when I saw him die, he showed no regret whatsoever - completely unlike someone who arranged it to save his own life. Therefore, I suspect he had other purposes, or perhaps someone was directing him from behind."

Zhan Yang frowned, his expression immediately turning grave. "But... that altar was extremely sinister. According to Zhang Daoshi, an altar requiring seven deaths could reverse fate and change destiny. Whether Ning Buyi set up this altar himself or had someone behind him, their objective must be anything but simple."

Qin Guan's gaze turned toward the sky outside as she hesitated internally. When Zhan Yang told her that Li Muyun was also investigating the records of Ning Buyi's case, a sudden thought had emerged in her mind. Previously, they had believed Ning Buyi's actions were solely to save himself or satisfy some personal desire - whether seeking wealth or trying to save someone else, at least he was acting voluntarily. But now Qin Guan thought differently.

During Ning Buyi's crime, there was no apparent connection to Li Muyun. Yet half a year after the case was closed, just as she tracked down that old residence, Li Muyun came to investigate Ning Buyi's case again. Li Muyun, the old residence, its former owner Wei Qin - who was also the former owner of the Ink-Stained Painting House - these elements seemed connected by a fine thread. This thread distantly linked Ning Buyi and Li Muyun together. Even if she currently couldn't find any evidence to prove they knew each other, she instinctively felt these two must have some hidden connection. Simultaneously, Li Muyun was the one who pushed forward Prince Jin's case last year.

He had exposed his own father, and after the Shen family incident, Prince Jin's case lost its chief investigator, and Prince Jin "committed suicide out of fear" almost immediately. Could this really be just coincidence? As a court official, whatever Li Muyun's motives might be, Qin Guan's first thought was of factional struggles within the court. This led Qin Guan to wonder - could Ning Buyi's case also be related to these court conflicts?!An altar that kills seven people can defy fate and alter destiny. Could this "fate" refer not only to the heavens but also to the current emperor?!

The thought flashed through Qin Guan's mind, sending a chill down her spine.

If these events were compared to a game of chess, it would be a game unlike any Qin Guan had ever seen—one or two invisible hands contending in the shadows. Ning Buyi might have been merely a pawn that accidentally surfaced, and once exposed, the mastermind behind the scenes decisively discarded him to put an end to the bloody serial murders. Qin Guan did not believe that setting up an altar could alter any destiny, yet it seemed that since the latter half of the year, turmoil had indeed begun to brew both within and outside the court. The Northwest Frontier Army faced crises, Prince Rui died unexpectedly, and the struggle between the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng intensified in the court. Now, the Crown Prince and the Empress were deeply mired in peril!

Even without the altar, all of this might still have occurred. But as Qin Guan pieced together all the clues, she grew increasingly convinced that Ning Buyi's case was far more complex than it appeared on the surface. If Ning Buyi was the first pawn to emerge, who stood behind him?

Was it Li Muyun? Qin Guan first asked herself, but she quickly shook her head. It couldn't be Li Muyun.

Not only was it not Li Muyun, she even felt that Li Muyun was also one of the pawns.

Because Li Muyun and Ning Buyi shared too many similarities.

Ning Buyi was the most famous painter in the capital, navigating among its officials and nobles, yet he had no confidants, no deeply connected friends, and no old acquaintances. Despite years of striving in the capital, his social connections remained impeccably clean. Similarly, Li Muyun was the same—he had spent years in the capital, yet whether within the confines of the Court of Judicial Review or in the broader court and city, he had no close colleagues. Moreover, he never took sides.

It was certain that Ning Buyi was the perpetrator of the serial murders. His solitary nature served to conceal his true self. By the same logic, could Li Muyun be the same?

At this thought, Qin Guan vaguely recalled another commonality between Ning Buyi and Li Muyun.

Yan Chi had mentioned that Ning Buyi's father died unjustly, and Li Muyun seemed to have a similar experience. The dark struggles of the officialdom often implicated innocent people, and both Ning Buyi and Li Muyun could be considered descendants of such victims. Qin Guan's heart tightened sharply—could her guess actually be correct?

Zhan Yang stood nearby, watching as Qin Guan's expression shifted between light and shadow, and couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness? What's wrong?"

Qin Guan snapped back to reality. In that brief moment, she had pondered so much that her mind was in turmoil. There were many conjectures, each with its own logic and clues. But if her guesses were true, then this game of chess was far from simply involving a few deaths...

"I suspect that Ning Buyi's case might be related to the power struggles within the court."

Qin Guan finally voiced these words, and as soon as she spoke, Zhan Yang's brow furrowed.

"Your Highness means that Ning Buyi set up the altar not to save himself, but to help someone in the court seize power?"Qin Guan nodded, "I suspect as much, but currently there's no concrete evidence. Ning Buyi killed so many people in succession, yet showed no remorse at death—not even anger or resentment. His words carried both the relief of liberation and the solitary courage of upholding some great righteousness. At the time it didn't strike me, but looking back now, he seemed like a strategist willing to sacrifice everything for his master's grand ambitions."

Zhan Yang listened with growing alarm. As a low-ranking constable, he lacked Lord Zheng's level of concern and hadn't considered Ning Buyi's case from such an extraordinary perspective. "Your Ladyship means... there's someone behind Ning Buyi? Someone who could be any powerful... imperial prince in the court?"

Zhan Yang uttered "imperial prince" precisely because the most intense rivalry currently existed between the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng—the first possibility that had occurred to Qin Guan as well. Yet several points seemed peculiar: the Crown Prince was already the Heir Apparent, and unless he intended regicide, he wouldn't likely believe in such dark arts. As for Prince Cheng, while theoretically possible, the fifth victim in Ning Buyi's case was Feng Zhang. Given Prince Cheng's relationship with the Loyal Duke's household, would he have allowed Ning Buyi to kill Feng Zhang?

Though Yan Qi and Feng Zhang were cousins, and Qin Guan believed Yan Qi might disregard Feng Zhang's life if his ambition for the throne was strong enough, something still felt amiss. Ning Buyi hadn't been limited to Feng Zhang as his target. After lengthy preparations, knowing Feng Zhang's connection to Yan Qi, he could have chosen another victim. Yet he ultimately selected Feng Zhang—this defied both emotion and reason.

Qin Guan frowned, "Calling them imperial princes also presents inconsistencies. But if my speculation holds true, several princes in court would be highly likely candidates."

Zhan Yang's expression darkened momentarily. "But I heard Lord Zheng say that Minister Li is a rare upright official at court. The Crown Prince tried multiple times to win him over, but Minister Li always deftly refused. Lord Zheng also remarked that such integrity is truly precious."

Qin Guan smiled bitterly, "That would be ideal if Minister Li's character were truly so. But what if he has ulterior motives? Many court officials appear neutral while secretly serving as trusted confidants to certain princes. Minister Li could be the same."

Zhan Yang nodded, increasingly convinced of the numerous suspicious aspects in Ning Buyi's case.

After a moment's contemplation, Zhan Yang said, "I'll monitor developments at the magistrate's office. If I obtain new information, I'll report to you promptly."

Qin Guan was somewhat surprised by Zhan Yang's willingness to assist her, but currently short-handed, she recognized the value of his access to information through the Lin'an Magistrate Office. She nodded, "Constable Zhan, I'm truly grateful..."

Zhan Yang quickly responded, "Not at all! Had I discovered the case's anomalies first, I would have continued investigating regardless. But if this case proves as complex as you suggest, my capabilities would be limited. So if you require assistance, I'll help without hesitation!"

Hearing his resolute words, Qin Guan sighed inwardly. "You trust me so readily, but have you considered that my dedication to this case might involve personal motives? If you someday realize you've supported the wrong side, would you regret today's assistance?"Zhan Yang rarely smiled, yet upon hearing Qin Guan's words, the corners of his lips lifted. "There's no need for the Lady to worry. I never regret my actions, and I trust my judgment of people."

With things having reached this point, further words would only be tedious. Qin Guan said, "Very well. Since you place such faith in me, I will not let you down. If there truly are hidden circumstances in this case, I will certainly inform you. Regardless of my personal motives, in wanting the truth to be brought to light, our thoughts are surely aligned."

Zhan Yang stood up. "With the Lady's word, I am satisfied!"

After their lengthy conversation, it was inappropriate for Zhan Yang to linger longer at the Marquis Manor. He soon took his leave. Grateful, Qin Guan personally saw him to the manor's entrance, watching as he mounted his horse and galloped away before turning back to the Pine Breeze Courtyard.

Leaning in the Warm Chamber, Qin Guan felt restless all afternoon.

Since her conversation with Li Muyun that day, she had been wondering if he had grown suspicious of her. Yet she never expected he would actually look into the records of Ning Buyi's case—this truly confirmed her suspicions. But what did his inquiry about who acquired the Shen residence mean?

A year had passed; no matter the reason, Li Muyun shouldn't be fixated on the Shen family's property. Was his questioning due to suspicions about her?

That day, he had asked what her relation to her father was. Did he want to investigate whether she was the one who bought the residence?

The more Qin Guan pondered, the more plausible this speculation seemed, and her vigilance grew accordingly.

Her every move might already be under surveillance by Li Muyun's people. If he discovered that she and Sun Muqing were planning to erect a cenotaph for her parents, wouldn't his suspicions deepen even further?!

As one who had possessed another's body, she was absolutely safe in that regard. Yet, for some reason, Qin Guan couldn't shake a sense of unease.

……

……

Early the next morning, just as Qin Guan was about to have breakfast before heading to the palace, Fuling hurried in from outside.

"Miss, something has happened..."

Frowning, Qin Guan quickly looked at Fuling. "What happened?"

Fuling stepped forward. "The Marquis just returned from court. He said that during this morning's audience, the Emperor stripped the Crown Prince of his authority over the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue, ordering him to reflect on his mistakes in the Eastern Palace. The impeachment accusations against the Crown Prince in court haven't ceased, and in this situation, no one dares to defend him..."

Qin Guan was stunned. The Crown Prince originally only oversaw the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue; now, with both authorities revoked at once, wasn't his power completely hollowed out?!

Moreover, the Emperor's order for the Crown Prince to reflect in the Eastern Palace was not a good Signal Flare. If the momentum in court turned unfavorable, the Crown Prince's situation would only become more perilous!

And the Empress was still under confinement...

Though Qin Guan hadn't seen Qin Shu, she could well imagine his expression. With the Crown Prince in such a state, as his father-in-law, Qin Shu would inevitably be affected. The Loyal Marquis Manor had gone from being universally admired to its current state in just a few months.

Though Qin Chaoyu's marriage into the Eastern Palace brought immense honor, the manor's fortunes were now tied to the Eastern Palace—not entirely a good thing!

Frowning slightly, Qin Guan listened as Fuling asked beside her, "Miss, is there anything you plan to do?"

Qin Guan shook her head. Not to mention there was nothing she could do now, even if there were, she wouldn't act rashly.Just yesterday, she had sensed that Ning Buyi's case was connected to court struggles, and today the Crown Prince encountered trouble. Qin Guan couldn't help but suspect whether the person behind Ning Buyi was Prince Cheng or another imperial prince. But aside from Prince Cheng, who else in the court possessed such influence?!

The Sixth Prince's birth mother was of lowly status, and over the years he had remained practically invisible, while the Eighth Prince...

Qin Guan thought of Wan Fei, who also hailed from one of the Three Great Ducal Houses—the Duke Song's household. Her background was anything but humble, yet she had maintained remarkable tranquility in the palace all these years, and the Eighth Prince rarely appeared in public view. Could it be her?

The situation grew increasingly complex. The dead, the living, and tangled threads of connection seemed to obscure Qin Guan's vision. Yet the Loyal Marquis Manor appeared to remain somewhat distant from the storm's epicenter. Since that was the case, she would take no action.

"Make preparations. I'm going to the palace to visit Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."

At Qin Guan's instruction, Fuling immediately left the room to have the servants prepare the carriage.

After a brief toilette, Qin Guan departed from Pine Breeze Courtyard. But she had taken only a few steps when she saw Hu Shi approaching with an anxious expression. Spotting Qin Guan, Hu Shi hurried forward. "Guan'er! Where are you going?"

Knowing Hu Shi's purpose, Qin Guan replied, "I'm going to the palace to see Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."

Hu Shi sighed. "Since you're entering the palace, this is perfect timing. You probably haven't heard—His Highness the Crown Prince encountered some trouble today. Your uncle originally intended to visit the Eastern Palace, but His Majesty has currently forbidden anyone from seeing the Crown Prince there. So I wondered if you could make a trip to the Eastern Palace. You don't need to see the Crown Prince—just visit your eighth sister and find out what's happening."

The request wasn't unreasonable. Qin Guan nodded. "Very well, I'll stop by the Eastern Palace later."

Hu Shi immediately relaxed, clearly having been frightened out of her wits. She had thought everything was secure once Qin Chaoyu married the Crown Prince, never expecting such a sudden change. As a male official, Qin Shu couldn't audience with the Crown Prince, and while she was Qin Chaoyu's mother, visiting the palace at this sensitive time would inevitably invite gossip. Thus, Qin Guan was the ideal choice—her status was sufficiently distinguished that even if she overstepped somewhat, the Emperor likely wouldn't remark upon it!

Composing herself, Hu Shi offered Qin Guan a few more instructions before seeing her off, careful not to delay her.

The carriage proceeded toward the palace gates, soon arriving before Zhengyang Gate.

Alighting from the carriage, Qin Guan considered her options and decided to first visit the Longevity and Health Palace. However, upon arrival, she found Mammy Chen and others standing guard outside, the main hall's door partially closed. Mammy Chen first paid her respects before whispering, "Your Highness, Her Highness the Princess has arrived. She's currently inside speaking with Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."

Qin Guan understood immediately—even with the Empress under confinement, the Fifth Princess remained to support the Crown Prince. Her words carried more weight than anyone else's.

Demonstrating her consideration, Qin Guan said, "Then I won't enter for now. Has Eminent Son Yan Ze not come today?"

Mammy Chen invited Qin Guan to sit in the side hall while explaining, "He hasn't entered the palace today. He came daily the previous two days—perhaps something has delayed him."

Qin Guan recalled Sun Muqing's words: it seemed Prince Yi was feeling unwell.Qin Guan nodded and quietly sat to one side, not asking why Yan Zhen had come. Seeing Qin Guan like this, Mammy Chen's eyes showed increasing admiration as she also waited quietly nearby. Before long, the main hall's door opened, and Yan Zhen emerged supporting the Empress Dowager's arm. Learning that Qin Guan had arrived, the Empress Dowager paused and called out to her. Qin Guan came out from the side hall, and after paying her respects, the Empress Dowager said, "Why didn't you come in when you arrived?"

Mammy Chen smiled and said, "The County Princess knew Her Highness the Princess was speaking with you and didn't wish to disturb."

The Empress Dowager sighed helplessly, "It wouldn't have mattered... I'm going to the Eastern Palace now. Would you like to accompany me?"

Qin Guan was somewhat surprised, but this actually suited her intentions. She nodded, "Then I'll accompany you!"

Yan Zhen looked at Qin Guan with a meaningful expression, then smiled, "County Princess Yongci and the Crown Princess are sisters, so naturally you should go together."

The Empress Dowager smiled and soon had her procession prepared. Watching the Empress Dowager's grand procession heading toward the Eastern Palace, the palace staff who had been shocked by the news of the Crown Prince being stripped of power that morning began having new thoughts. The Empress Dowager sat high on her palanquin while Qin Guan and Yan Zhen walked alongside. Yan Zhen glanced at Qin Guan twice before suddenly approaching and whispering, "Did you come today to gather information?"

Qin Guan curved her lips, "I did receive my aunt's request to visit Eighth Sister."

Yan Zhen nodded, "Given the current situation, your uncle and aunt indeed cannot easily enter the palace themselves." She then added, "Tell them not to worry - I will plead with Imperial Grandmother and Father Emperor."

Qin Guan agreed outwardly but sighed inwardly. This young princess probably didn't yet realize how precarious the Crown Prince's situation had become. She increasingly felt Yan Chi's earlier analysis was correct, though she didn't know whether the Emperor would soften because of the Fifth Princess.

Seeing Qin Guan wasn't talkative, Yan Zhen also fell silent. When the group reached the Eastern Palace, they saw additional imperial guards stationed outside. These guards answered only to the Emperor. Although it was said the Crown Prince was merely reflecting on his mistakes in the Eastern Palace, the presence of so many imperial guards indicated this was effectively house arrest.

Yan Zhen had clearly known about this already, but the Empress Dowager's expression darkened at the sight.

While others might be barred from seeing the Crown Prince, no one dared stop the Empress Dowager. Her palanquin proceeded directly into the Eastern Palace. The Eastern Palace servants, having received word, went to announce their arrival. Soon, Yan Che emerged from the main hall to greet them, "Why has Imperial Grandmother come? Zhen'er, you..." Yan Che's words trailed off as he noticed Qin Guan had come too.

His momentary surprise flashed across his face as Qin Guan curtsied, "Your humble subject pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Yan Che waved his hand and quickly stepped forward to support the Empress Dowager. She smiled, "It's been days since I last visited. Since Zhen'er and Wan Yatou happened to be with me, I brought them along." Turning to Qin Guan, she said, "Would you like to go speak with your sister?"

Qin Guan nodded. Yan Che gave her a deep look and summoned Tang Fu, "Take County Princess Yongci to see the Crown Princess."

Qin Guan curtsied again and followed Tang Fu.

When Qin Chaoyu received the message, she saw Tang Fu bringing Qin Guan over. Tang Fu smiled, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and His Highness the Crown Prince are in the main hall. Her Majesty asked County Princess Yongci to come have a private chat with you - there's no need to hurry over to attend them."Qin Chaoyu nodded. "Alright."

The two sisters exchanged a glance, and Qin Chaoyu said, "Follow me inside. This is your first time here, after all."

Qin Guan followed Qin Chaoyu into the courtyard without comment, observing the layout as she went. Most palaces featured spacious pavilions and courtyards, and this small courtyard was naturally exquisite. Yet, Qin Guan could still sense little human presence. These were not matters she ought to dwell on, nor were they important. Setting aside her thoughts, she entered the room.

Qin Chaoyu personally poured tea for Qin Guan. "What did Father and Mother say?"

Qin Chaoyu reacted with remarkable swiftness. Qin Guan said, "Aunt didn't say much, only asked me to come to the palace to see you and inquire about the situation."

Qin Chaoyu gave a bitter smile, "I already anticipated your visit. In the current circumstances, others cannot easily come to the Eastern Palace. Only someone with your status can move about freely."

Qin Guan neither confirmed nor denied this. The smile faded from Qin Chaoyu's face, her brows slightly furrowed with seriousness. "During this morning's court session, several Ministry of Revenue officials previously endorsed by the Crown Prince were found to have concrete evidence of corruption. Someone delivered these proofs to the Imperial Censorate. This morning, the censors collectively submitted memorials of remonstrance, which infuriated His Majesty. In his anger, he stripped the Crown Prince of his authority over two ministries."

Qin Guan hadn't known what transpired during the morning court session, but Qin Chaoyu was clearly well-informed, suggesting she maintained good relations with the Crown Prince.

Qin Chaoyu continued, "These officials could have been cleanly extracted from the situation, but with evidence now presented, it proves His Highness made a mistake in vouching for them."

Qin Guan frowned, "Who delivered these evidences to the Imperial Censorate?"

Shaking her head, Qin Chaoyu replied in a low, serious tone, "Unknown."

These three simple words sufficiently illustrated how passive the Crown Prince's current position had become.

Qin Guan asked, "Not Prince Cheng?"

A sarcastic smile touched Qin Chaoyu's lips, "It wouldn't be Prince Cheng. He's been making numerous small moves recently. Had he obtained such evidence, he would have eagerly attacked the Crown Prince immediately. These evidences are highly detailed and quite concealed - likely obtained through considerable effort by someone."

Without even identifying their opponent, the Crown Prince had already lost one round. This was truly a frustrating experience.

Qin Chaoyu's expression darkened, clearly she hadn't anticipated the situation turning so unfavorable for the Crown Prince so quickly.

"Besides Prince Cheng, who else in the court might contend for power with His Highness?"

Qin Guan's question addressed not only the recent Imperial Censorate developments but also alternative possibilities regarding Ning Buyi's case.

After a moment's contemplation, Qin Chaoyu shook her head, "Only Prince Cheng remains."

"What about Wan Fei and the Eighth Prince?" Qin Guan inquired.

Qin Chaoyu narrowed her eyes briefly, "Not entirely impossible, but the Duke Song's household is even less influential than the Loyal Duke's residence. The most audacious thing Wan Fei has done in recent years was arranging the marriage between the Song family daughter and the Anyang Marquis' heir apparent. Since then, she's become increasingly circumspect. I suspect she still doesn't dare entertain ambitions for power unless both the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng lose their opportunities. Do you suspect Wan Fei?"

Qin Guan had no specific reason, merely maintaining reasonable suspicion toward all potential candidates within sight.

"Not particularly," Qin Guan replied, "From what I know, Wan Fei indeed strictly follows rules and conventions. I'm just momentarily uncertain where to direct my suspicions." After a pause, she continued, "What are your current plans? When might Her Majesty the Empress be released from confinement?"

Qin Chaoyu offered another bitter smile, "We dare not make any rash moves now. We can only wait. As for Mother Empress, she likely won't be released in the short term."Qin Guan listened with composure. Fearing she might not fully grasp the situation, Qin Chaoyu lowered her voice, "Her Majesty has always been far-sighted. There are many in the court who are connected to the Northern Garrison Army. Although the General Who Supports the State is stationed far in the north, if Her Majesty were to emerge and make some arrangements, there would be people speaking up for the Crown Prince. By then, the situation would naturally not remain as it is now. No matter what considerations His Majesty has, he will not lift Her Majesty’s confinement in the short term. Moreover, His Majesty has issued strict orders this time—we can’t even send messages into Kunning Palace."

Qin Guan’s heart sank. "And the Empress? After all this time, she must have guessed it by now."

Qin Chaoyu sighed. "Her Majesty never intended to yield from the beginning. After so long, even if she were to bow to the Emperor, it would be useless."

Qin Guan was somewhat puzzled. Logically, the Empress and the Emperor were married for many years, and the Empress was an exceptionally wise woman. After all this time, she should have realized that the court situation had become highly unfavorable to them. Given her temperament, it was unlikely she would simply wait for disaster to strike.

"The Emperor and the Empress have been married for many years. Her Majesty, she…"

Qin Chaoyu continued with a bitter smile, "You don’t know…"

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, unsure of what Qin Chaoyu meant. Qin Chaoyu sighed again, "Her Majesty has never been one to compete for favor. To put it more bluntly, over the years, her relationship with His Majesty has been very distant—she even pushed him toward Consort Feng and the other concubines."

Seeing Qin Guan’s surprise, Qin Chaoyu added helplessly, "I only gradually learned these things after entering the palace."

Qin Guan felt inexplicably unsettled. In the past, she had rarely entered the palace, and whenever she saw the Empress, she always appeared dignified and magnanimous. Although she could sense a lack of intimacy when the Emperor and Empress appeared together, she had never perceived their relationship as particularly cold. Yet today, Qin Chaoyu spoke of it in such terms.

Women in the Inner Palace, especially the clever ones, always found ways to secure favor, whether openly or secretly. Was the Empress doing this to demonstrate her grace and magnanimity as the mother of the nation? Yet such a strategy was highly risky—a single misstep could lead the Emperor to genuinely favor others exclusively.

As Qin Guan fell into deep thought, Qin Chaoyu added, "Now we can only rely on the Fifth Princess. Her Highness is simple by nature and is about to be married. Although she and Her Majesty have had their disagreements, at a time like this, she understands the gravity of the situation. Sometimes… I even wonder if Her Majesty foresaw today’s circumstances and deliberately arranged for her to marry far away. But… perhaps I’m overthinking it."

Qin Guan was taken aback. Whether it was due to the overwhelming amount of information she had received in recent days or her own excessive contemplation, she suddenly felt that the invisible web of intrigue might have ensnared even the Inner Palace. The case in the former court, the enigmatic relationship between the Emperor and Empress, and the Empress’s decision to send Yan Zhen far away—could these be connected in some unknown way?