Coroner's Diary

After spending half a day at the Longevity and Health Palace, Yan Chi and the other two left together, heading out of the palace.

Yan Li looked at Yan Chi and Qin Guan with a cheerful grin. "Qin Guan, when I first saw you in Yuzhou, I could already tell there was something special between you and my seventh brother. Who would have thought that in less than a year, you two would be getting married? Time really flies. Today, my seventh brother specifically went to ask our grandmother for treasures—it's the first time I've ever seen him make such a request..."

Qin Guan's face flushed slightly as she smiled. "So, when will Prince Gong take a consort?"

Yan Li clicked his tongue twice. "You two are an enviable celestial couple, but as for me... I don't know if I'll have such an opportunity."

Yan Chi said, "Why wouldn't you? Settle down and focus on your duties at the office first. You'll find your own destined match."

Yan Li teased, "Someone about to get married really is different—you're becoming more and more preachy! Seventh Brother will have someone to keep him in line from now on, but I can still enjoy a few more years of freedom. I should be the one celebrating..."

Yan Chi shook his head helplessly, while Qin Guan could only smile wryly.

The three of them walked along the Imperial Road for a short while before they had to part ways. Yan Li tactfully took his leave first, heading toward Prince Yi's royal residence, while Qin Guan and Yan Chi continued forward. Just as they were about to turn a corner, Yan Li glanced back and saw Qin Guan's carriage following Yan Chi—clearly, they were going to Prince Rui's royal residence together.

The smile on Yan Li's lips froze for a moment. He watched their retreating figures deeply before turning his horse around and galloping back to his residence.

Qin Guan and Yan Chi indeed went straight to Prince Rui's royal residence. Yan Chi had obtained the Emperor's paintings that day, and Qin Guan was eager to return and examine them for any peculiarities.

Once back at Prince Rui's royal residence, the two hurried to the waterside pavilion. Yan Chi unrolled the two paintings created by the Emperor and scanned them with sharp, focused eyes.

These were two entirely different works. The paper still appeared quite new, and having been stored in the Xuanji Pavilion, the paintings were exceptionally well-preserved, showing little sign of age. Qin Guan examined the inscription on the first painting and frowned. "This one is from ten years ago."

Yan Chi carefully studied the second painting. "This one is from three years ago."

Three years ago was precisely when the Emperor was deeply enamored with Consort Jin. This painting, "Autumn Ascent," would have been fitting for the affectionate couple to create together. A closer look at the painting techniques suggested traces of two artists. However, after thorough examination, neither Qin Guan nor Yan Chi found anything unusual. A painting is merely the artwork itself, accompanied by inscriptions, signatures, and seals. All the seals on these paintings bore the Emperor's name, with clear dates, and the inscriptions were unmistakably in the Emperor's hand. These were simply two straightforward paintings, separated by many years. The painting Consort Jin had viewed back then was likely not one of these two, but since they were all by the same artist, they should be quite similar.

"These two paintings are seven years apart. The Emperor's calligraphy has grown increasingly vigorous and powerful, and his painting skills have refined significantly. Especially in this 'Ascent' painting—it's exceptionally vast and detailed. The setting sun scene evokes a feeling of the long river at dusk. The Emperor's state of mind has broadened greatly over the years."

"After all, he has long held a high position. Having Consort Jin by his side, adding fragrance to the red sleeves, naturally makes it even better."For men, wealth, power, and women are the three most captivating pursuits. As the Emperor of Great Zhou, Yan Huai controlled wealth, authority, and territory, with countless beauties filling his inner palace—especially after Consort Jin entered the court, her exceptional favor evident in the Emperor’s clear fondness for her. Yan Huai possessed everything, granting him a detachment rare among ordinary people. Yet, no matter how detached, ascending that throne came with shackles he could never cast off. Living a life of supreme authority, he also had to scheme and balance interests his entire life—a chilling solitude at such heights that defies description.

"Look at these two paintings. Though 'Butterflies in Love with Flowers' is impressionistic, the brushwork appears somewhat stiff and rushed, with crude, straightforward details in the branches and leaves. This suggests the Emperor’s mind was unsettled while painting—or perhaps he hadn’t yet attained the mental state he would later achieve."

Ten years ago, Yan Chi and Qin Guan were still children. At that time, the court was shaken by the Crown Princess’s major case, and the northwestern border was in crisis. Could these events have disturbed the Emperor’s peace?

Yan Chi and Qin Guan had no answers, nor could they question the Emperor directly—they could only ponder it themselves.

"Consort Jin was more skilled in calligraphy and painting than us. She might have noticed things we missed, and she certainly had access to more artworks than we did." Qin Guan frowned slightly and suddenly asked, "Are there painters in the palace?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Naturally. The palace employs various artisans, with painters housed in the Ruyi Hall, creating portraits for the consorts and preserving ancient paintings. Why? Do you think someone there knows something?"

Qin Guan shook her head, then raised an eyebrow. "Wait, I recall Ning Buyi also entered the palace to paint, right?"

Yan Chi’s eyes darkened as he nodded. "Yes, I investigated. He painted for various consorts, including the Empress, and twice for the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquets. Why think of him? Do you suspect a connection?"

Consort Jin’s death couldn’t possibly involve a mere capital painter, yet Qin Guan found her thoughts drifting to Ning Buyi involuntarily.

Shaking her head, Qin Guan said, "Not really. It’s just that, as painters, he came to mind. We still haven’t uncovered who was behind Ning Buyi’s case, so it lingers with me. But Consort Jin’s murder likely has nothing to do with him."

Even so, Qin Guan sensed an almost invisible thread linking these two seemingly unrelated cases—though she couldn’t yet identify what it was.

As she pondered, Qin Guan suddenly asked, "Why did you choose these two paintings?"

Yan Chi smiled. "Yan Li picked them. He thought they had auspicious themes."

Qin Guan’s lips curved slightly. Indeed, the themes were meaningful—"Butterflies in Love with Flowers" spoke for itself, and the Mid-Autumn Festival painting carried deeper implications. Warmth touched her heart. "What kind of person should Yan Li find in the future? On the surface, he seems free-spirited and unrestrained, but I’ve always felt he understands everything deep down."

He understood his status as a convict, the world’s harsh judgment, and the lasting impact of his father’s affairs.

Yan Chi drew Qin Guan into his embrace. "Let’s wait a while longer. He knows his own mind."Qin Guan nodded, feeling somewhat troubled. Whether Consort Jin's death was related to the Emperor's paintings was truly difficult to determine. But at this point, they couldn't openly go to the Mysterious Pavilion to take out all the Emperor's paintings for careful examination—that would cause too much commotion.

Yan Chi seemed to know what Qin Guan was thinking and said, "I will continue investigating the matter of the Mysterious Pavilion. You can rest assured."

Qin Guan nodded. "I originally wanted to establish a cenotaph for my parents earlier, but with things becoming increasingly complicated, I'm thinking of postponing it for a while."

"You decide on this matter," Yan Chi reassured her. "Should we inform Sun Muqing?"

Qin Guan nodded. "I will send someone to tell him. Senior Brother Sun..."

She sighed, thinking of Sun Muqing with a deep sense of guilt. If Li Muyun started paying attention to Sun Muqing, she didn't know if he would be dragged into these affairs. But what did Sun Muqing even know?

Yan Chi squeezed Qin Guan's palm. "I will have someone keep an eye on him."

Qin Guan initially wanted to refuse, but considering the complex situation, she dismissed the thought.

Then she felt a sense of relief—thankfully, Yan Chi now understood the weight in her heart.

...

...

The Fifth Princess's wedding was approaching, and the entire Inner Palace had become busy. Officials from the Ministry of Rites frequently came and went, and preparations for the procession on the princess's wedding day had begun. The palace musicians started rehearsing the music for the occasion, and faint strains of string and wind instruments could occasionally be heard throughout the Inner Palace.

In the Kunning Palace, the Empress stood before the west window, her gaze fixed on the northwest direction of the Inner Palace.

Yun Yan stood behind the Empress and said quietly, "Has Your Majesty made up your mind?"

The Empress smiled. "What is there to decide? Besides this Path, what other options do we have?"

Yun Yan lowered her eyes for a moment. "But once we take this step, there will be no turning back."

The Empress took a deep breath, her back straightening even more. "I don't need a way back."

Yun Yan fell silent at this. But the Empress suddenly tilted her head, listening intently to the distant music. "Listen, the palace musicians are playing the ceremonial music... What day is it today? How many days until Zhen'er's wedding?"

Yun Yan hurriedly replied, "Today is the fourteenth. There are six days left until the princess's wedding."

The Empress let out a long sigh upon hearing this. "What a pity."

Yun Yan comforted her, "Your Majesty has put in great effort. The Princess will understand—it's not a pity."

The Empress shook her head. "It's still a pity. I originally wanted to keep Zhen'er by my side for her entire life."

The distant music gradually grew louder, and the Empress's expression became more focused. Listening to this ceremonial music, she could almost imagine the scene of Yan Zhen's wedding. Yet, unfortunately, she couldn't even personally see Yan Zhen off on her wedding day. As she listened raptly, the music suddenly ceased. A trace of loneliness flashed across the Empress's face, and she sighed almost inaudibly. Yun Yan, standing nearby, also felt uncomfortable watching this. "Your Majesty, you should still attend the princess's wedding ceremony. Otherwise..."

The Empress frowned slightly. "Are you suggesting I bow my head to the Emperor?"Yun Yan hesitated, "No... of course not... but this is Your Highness's only chance to see the princess. With the Crown Prince also under house arrest now, who knows what rumors might spread at court. Though you've made up your mind, there are still many days ahead..."

The Empress shook her head with a faint smile, "I only want Zhen'er to live in peace and happiness. What difference does it make whether we meet this last time or not?"

Withdrawing her gaze, the Empress calmly walked toward the inner chamber. Reaching the dressing table, she pulled open a drawer containing a letter she had prepared days ago but hadn't sent. Today, however, she had to make this decision.

"Deliver this letter tonight. Ensure it reaches its destination without fail."

Yun Yan's expression turned solemn as she quickly nodded in acknowledgment.

...

...

Indeed, the atmosphere at court had been unfavorable these past few days.

With both the Empress and Crown Prince under house arrest, it was clear at the very least that the Emperor's patience with them was wearing thin. Following Zhang Qide's case, over ten more officials from the Crown Prince's faction had been imprisoned. Though Prince Cheng had contributed to this outcome, if the Emperor had wished to intervene, the Crown Prince's influence wouldn't have been dismantled so rapidly.

While most only perceived the irreconcilable enmity between Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince, a few discerned the Emperor's intentions. Surprisingly, Feng Lingsu was among them. At Changxin Palace, her face beamed with delight, "Qi'er, how likely do you think it is that your father will depose the Crown Prince?"

Yan Qi's brow carried a hint of arrogance as he smiled faintly, "It's still somewhat difficult for now, but..." His tone was meaningful, though he left the sentence unfinished. Feng Lingsu looked at him reproachfully, "Are you keeping even your mother in the dark?"

Yan Qi waved his hand, "That's not what I mean. It's just court arrangements—since you don't understand such matters, I won't elaborate."

Feng Lingsu sighed. She truly didn't comprehend court politics, though she was well aware of the current rumors. The Imperial Censorate submitted memorials impeaching the Crown Prince daily, and officials, witnessing the fall of the Crown Prince's allies one by one, cautiously remained neutral—a stark contrast to their previous deference to him. Feng Lingsu knew all this and even sensed that Yan Qi's triumph was approaching.

"Qi'er, you've always had your own ideas, and I trust you. But this is a perfect opportunity—you must seize it. By the way, what about the investigation into the corpse case at Prince Jin Manor? It would be best if the Empress could be made to vacate Kunning Palace as well."

Yan Qi understood Feng Lingsu's thoughts perfectly well, yet he shook his head, "That case can't be pursued further. Two people died in the Inner Palace, and all leads have been cut off."

Feng Lingsu snorted coldly, "It must have been the Empress's doing. She's utterly vicious—a few eunuchs' lives mean nothing to her." Her eyes then shifted cunningly, "Even without evidence, the Imperial Censorate officials aren't idle. You understand, don't you, Qi'er?"

Yan Qi smiled, "Don't worry, Mother. I've made all the necessary arrangements. With both the Empress and Crown Prince under house arrest, they're too vulnerable. The Censorate's impeachments will continue these days, but I don't want to appear too aggressive and risk displeasing Father. We'll settle accounts with the Crown Prince's faction after Yan Zhen's wedding."Feng Lingsu covered her lips and laughed delightedly. Yan Qi was increasingly displaying the demeanor of a great general, which naturally filled her with immense satisfaction. "Well done, well done. Yan Zhen hasn't married yet, and your father truly dotes on her. You don't know this, but for Yan Zhen's dowry alone, your father has given a full hundred chests, nearly emptying half the Household Affairs Department. No matter how much gold, silver, or treasures a princess brings along, it's all a one-way expenditure. I wonder if your father will allow the Empress to appear by then."

Upon hearing this, Yan Qi frowned. "I'm afraid... he won't."

Feng Lingsu scoffed lightly. "That would be for the best..."

If the Empress didn't appear then, the officials would understand the situation even more clearly. And at that time, she and Yan Huai would stand together on the Zhenghua Gate watching Yan Zhen's wedding procession—no other woman would hold a higher position than her. The mere thought of that scene filled her heart with joy.

Feng Lingsu's imagination painted a beautiful picture, and she added with feigned concern, "After all, she is your sister. Prepare more congratulatory gifts to send to Jingning Palace—it at least shows our attitude."

Yan Qi nodded. "I know. Don't worry."

As they spoke, Feng Lingsu changed the subject. "How have things been in your royal residence these past few days?"

Yan Qi replied indifferently, "Same as usual..."

Feng Lingsu sighed. "What do you mean, 'same as usual'? You should take it more seriously. The sooner you have a little imperial grandson, the happier your father will be, and the Empress Dowager will be pleased too. Her health isn't good now—having a little imperial grandson would make her even more satisfied with you..."

Yan Qi frowned, seemingly not understanding the connection. Feng Lingsu continued, "I know you're fond of that girl from the Qin Manor now, but let me make this clear first: your legitimate eldest son must come from Chenbi's womb. Do you understand?"

Yan Qi felt somewhat irritated but forced a slight smile. "Don't worry, Mother. I know what I'm doing."

Feng Lingsu said no more and shifted to discussing other matters with Yan Qi.

...

...

The Crown Prince wasn't fully aware of the developments at court, but Qin Shu observed them daily. Watching the Crown Prince's faction shrink with fewer and fewer able to protect themselves, he grew increasingly anxious yet dared not act rashly. Those who spoke up for the Crown Prince had been implicated to varying degrees. Moreover, the Imperial Censorate had somehow uncovered numerous ironclad proofs. With the evidence indisputable, Qin Shu didn't dare speak out casually to help.

Back at the Marquis residence, Qin Shu spent more and more time in his study. Qin Yan would join him there as soon as he returned home, and even Qin Ye wore a worried expression daily. Although Qin Guan left the manor every day, she clearly saw the situation within the household. However, the current political landscape had become intricately complex. Coupled with last year's Prince Jin case, Qin Guan found herself deeply mired in difficulties and had no mind to help Qin Shu find solutions. Early this morning, it was Hu Shi who came to the Pine Breeze Courtyard.

"Guan'er, are you going to the palace today?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Yes, to see the Empress Dowager."

Hu Shi's face showed distress. "You haven't seen your Eighth Sister these past few days, have you?"

Of course, Qin Guan hadn't seen Qin Chaoyu. Qin Chaoyu was under house arrest in the Eastern Palace along with the Crown Prince, and the young palace maid who had previously relayed messages hadn't come again. Qin Guan now only wished to see the Empress... but how could that be possible...

"I haven't seen her. Do you have a message for me to pass to Eighth Sister, Aunt?"At this question, Hu Shi's eyes immediately reddened. "Guan'er, you must know the current court situation is unfavorable to the Crown Prince... Ah, I don't know how your eighth sister is doing. No one can enter the Eastern Palace now, we can only rely on you. When you enter the palace this time, please visit the Crown Prince and see if His Highness has any instructions or plans. Come back and tell us so we can prepare accordingly..."

Qin Guan sighed. "Alright then, I'll make another trip to the Eastern Palace."

Satisfied, Hu Shi took out a letter and handed it to Qin Guan. "Give this to your eighth sister."

Qin Guan nodded and entered the palace with Hu Shi's letter.

As usual, Qin Guan first went to the Longevity and Health Palace to see the Empress Dowager. Not beating around the bush when they were alone, she asked, "Your Highness, how long will the Crown Prince be confined?"

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager also looked troubled. "The Emperor hasn't visited for several days, so I can't say for sure. Why? Did your uncle and his wife ask you to inquire?"

Qin Guan smiled wryly in acknowledgment, then added, "May I visit the Eastern Palace today?"

The Empress Dowager sighed. "You've really been through a lot... Go ahead, and please comfort your eighth sister for me."

The Empress Dowager had always protected the Crown Prince. Hearing this, Qin Guan felt somewhat relieved. With the Empress Dowager's protection, the Emperor would have to show some restraint. Besides, they were father and son after all. As long as the Crown Prince hadn't committed any grave offense, the Emperor wouldn't likely condemn him to eternal damnation.

Soon, Qin Guan went to the Eastern Palace accompanied by servants from the Longevity and Health Palace.

Arriving at the Eastern Palace, Qin Guan found it even more desolate than a few days earlier. After the servants announced her, Qin Chaoyu soon came out to greet her. Qin Guan first entered the room with Qin Chaoyu, and after handing over the letter, said, "Read the letter first... Aunt also wanted me to see the Crown Prince and find out if His Highness has any instructions. The court situation is very unfavorable to the Crown Prince, and Uncle and Aunt are quite anxious."

Qin Chaoyu quickly scanned the letter, which described the court situation in detail. Her face grew increasingly pale.

After reading, Qin Chaoyu smiled bitterly. "I'm afraid you won't be able to see the Crown Prince. These past few days, His Highness has shut himself in the side hall and refuses to see anyone."

Qin Guan frowned in surprise. "No one at all?"

The loneliness resurfaced in Qin Chaoyu's eyes. "Yes, including me."

Qin Guan hesitated. "But Aunt's request..."

"Go back and tell Father and Mother not to do anything. Her Majesty the Empress has her own arrangements and doesn't need them to do anything."

Looking at Qin Chaoyu, Qin Guan suddenly asked, "Has Her Majesty the Empress sent any messages these past few days?"

Qin Chaoyu shook her head, then recalled the Empress's previous instructions. Hesitantly, she asked, "Have you visited Granny Qian? What was it about?"

Of course, Qin Guan wouldn't tell Qin Chaoyu, as it wasn't anything good. "It's unrelated to the Crown Prince, don't worry."

Saying this, Qin Guan felt something was amiss. From Granny Qian's words, it seemed there was indeed some unresolved conflict between the Emperor and Empress, and their relationship was quite strange. Could this be why the Emperor was currently neglecting the Crown Prince? Thinking this, Qin Guan added, "Anyway, Prince Cheng is steering the trends in court. You should make plans early."

Qin Chaoyu nodded, appearing deep in thought.Since she couldn't meet the Crown Prince, Qin Guan didn't linger and soon took her leave from the Eastern Palace.

Not long after exiting the Eastern Palace, she encountered Yan Zhen heading in that direction. Though not particularly familiar with each other, they had met several times before. Qin Guan immediately curtsied in greeting. Yan Zhen looked Qin Guan up and down for a moment before asking, "Have you come to see my sister-in-law?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Yes. Is Your Highness here to visit His Highness the Crown Prince?"

Yan Zhen hummed in affirmation, her expression carrying a trace of desolation. "Since I cannot see Mother Empress, I can only come to see Elder Brother the Crown Prince."

Qin Guan stepped aside to clear the Path, "Then please proceed, Your Highness..."

Yan Zhen walked forward a few steps before turning back to look. That day, the Empress had instructed Yan Zhen to relay a message to Qin Chaoyu, who then passed those orders to Qin Guan. Thus, Yan Zhen was also aware of the matter regarding visiting Granny Qian. Yan Zhen looked at Qin Guan and asked, "Is there anything you need my help with?"

Qin Guan, who had been lowering her gaze, immediately looked up at Yan Zhen upon hearing this.

Yan Zhen smiled and said, "It's inconvenient for you to move around the palace. Is there anything I can assist you with?"

Qin Guan pursed her lips. "Your Highness, what do you mean by this..."

Yan Zhen turned to face Qin Guan directly. "The instructions from Her Majesty that day were delivered by me. You must have followed Crown Princess's words and acted accordingly, right? I don't know why Her Majesty gave such orders, but she must hold you in high regard, otherwise she wouldn't have shared such confidential matters with you. I don't know exactly what it is, but I want to help Her Majesty and my elder brother, the Crown Prince. That's why I'm asking if you need my assistance."

Yan Zhen spoke calmly and earnestly. She was inherently straightforward, and as she looked at Qin Guan with such sincerity, Qin Guan felt moved. However, after hesitating for a long moment, she still shook her head. "It's nothing. Your Highness is about to be married. You should spend these days accompanying His Highness the Crown Prince."

After saying this, Qin Guan curtsied and turned to leave.

She had nearly spoken up. Yan Zhen, being a princess, had more convenient access than Yan Chi. But when she saw the look in Yan Zhen's eyes, she couldn't bring herself to involve her. If what Qin Chaoyu said was true—that the Empress intentionally wanted to send Yan Zhen away—then why drag her into this at such a critical juncture?

As she walked, Qin Guan gazed blankly around the Inner Palace. Nowadays, no one in the rear palace dared to speak lightly of Consort Jin. The fear and anxiety Consort Jin had felt back then were likely known only to Yan Sui. What exactly was Consort Jin so afraid of?

When Qin Guan returned to the Longevity and Health Palace, she was surprised to find Yan Li there, playing chess with the Empress Dowager. Seeing Qin Guan return, the Empress Dowager beckoned her over. "Come, come. You two are evenly matched in chess. I don't enjoy playing with him—I even have to let him win."

Qin Guan chuckled and glanced at Yan Li, who blinked and asked, "Did you go to the Eastern Palace?"

Qin Guan nodded. Yan Li inquired, "How are the Crown Prince and Crown Princess?"

Sitting beside the Empress Dowager to help her make a move, Qin Guan noticed the Empress Dowager watching her and replied, "They're managing, though the Eastern Palace feels rather desolate."

The Empress Dowager sighed. "Who knows when these investigations will conclude?"

She looked at Yan Li. "Are you aware of the matters in the Ministry of Personnel? What are the Emperor's plans?"

Yan Li replied nonchalantly, "I'm not sure either. Probably to thoroughly investigate the corruption along the northwestern route."

The Empress Dowager shook her head, her face clouded with worry. Yan Li reassured her, "Don't worry. The Crown Prince isn't involved. By confining him, the Emperor might be preventing him from shielding those beneath him. You know how it is—if the Crown Prince were free, those people would surely seek his protection."

The Empress Dowager sighed again. "I hope so... Zhen'er is about to marry. I wonder what the Emperor has in mind."

Yan Li and Qin Guan exchanged a glance, neither knowing how to respond to this matter...After accompanying the Empress Dowager in a game of chess for a while, Qin Guan still hadn't seen Yan Ze or Yue Ning enter the palace. By the afternoon, Qin Guan took her leave and departed from the palace. Upon returning to the marquis residence and recounting the situation at the Eastern Palace, Qin Shu and his wife grew even more worried. Qin Guan could only console them, "At least the Empress Dowager is protecting the Crown Prince. Uncle, you needn't worry too much."

Qin Shu had aged significantly in just over ten days. Waving his hand, he replied, "You don't understand court affairs. This time... Ah, forget it. We can only wait."

Qin Guan didn't press further and went to the Shen residence early the next morning.

Sun Muqing had been waiting for news from Qin Guan these past few days. When he saw her arrive, he assumed she had come to inform him about setting up the cenotaph. However, shortly after sitting down, Qin Guan asked, "Have there been any suspicious people around your residence lately?"

Sun Muqing looked puzzled. "No, why do you ask?"

Qin Guan sighed. "This residence is... so I was worried you might be harassed."

Sun Muqing immediately laughed. "No, no, don't worry. It's been a year now, and most people don't care anymore. The residence was returned to the government—someone had to buy it eventually..."

Qin Guan didn't explain further to Sun Muqing but felt somewhat relieved. "I had already found a suitable location and could have gone earlier, but I've been quite busy these past few days, so it might be delayed a bit longer. I came specifically to let you know."

Sun Muqing quickly nodded. This matter has always been an imposition on you, Your Highness. You should naturally prioritize your own affairs."

Sun Muqing personally brewed tea for Qin Guan. As the tea boiled, he poured a cup and brought it to her. Suddenly, he was very close to her. Qin Guan took a breath and caught the scent of sandalwood on him. "Did you just return from Prince Yi's residence this morning?"

Sun Muqing nodded. "Yes, Prince Yi has been having discomfort in his leg recently, so I've been treating him."

Mentioning this, Qin Guan felt a stir in her heart. "What exactly happened to Prince Yi's leg injury?"

"It's an old injury from over twenty years ago. Apparently, the prince fell from a horse and damaged the soft tendons inside his knee. It was severely swollen and painful at the time. The imperial physicians reduced the swelling, but as you know, injuries like that can't heal on their own. Moreover, the prince was young back then and didn't take it seriously. Now that he's older, the ailment has settled in."

Qin Guan naturally understood this principle. But that day, Yan Ze had mentioned that both the current Emperor and Prince Yi were injured at the time. If Prince Yi's knee had been troubling him all these years, why hadn't the Emperor suffered similarly? It didn't make sense for one to recover fully...

"I know that, but have you ever seen someone with a knee injury like Prince Yi's recover completely on their own?"

Sun Muqing laughed. "That's impossible. My master once firmly stated that while most flesh wounds on the body can heal naturally, soft tendon injuries in the knee joint are difficult to recover from. This area doesn't usually sustain severe injuries, but once injured, it becomes a lingering ailment."

Hearing this, Qin Guan frowned even deeper. Sun Muqing asked, "What's wrong, Princess?""

Qin Guan smiled wryly. "If someone suffered an injury similar to Prince Yi's but later had no knee problems, why would that be?"

Sun Muqing chuckled. "That's impossible. Unless... unless that person replaced their leg..."

Qin Guan also laughed at this. Replacing a leg—that was even more impossible.

Unable to make sense of it for the moment, Qin Guan tucked this puzzle away in her heart, leaving a knot unresolved.

...

...Time flew by, and Qin Guan entered the palace for several consecutive days without finding an opportunity to inquire about the Emperor's injury. Casual mentions of these past events by those who had experienced them were nothing unusual, but if she were to ask, it would seem odd. On the nineteenth day of the tenth month, Yan Ze and Yue Ning entered the palace again, but this time, everyone headed together to Jingning Palace. Yan Zhen was about to be married, and the younger generation was going to present her with dowry gifts.

Inside and outside Jingning Palace, everything was newly decorated. Early the next morning, Yan Zhen would depart from Jingning Palace under the escort of ceremonial officials, proceed to Chongzheng Hall to bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress, then go to the Ancestral Temple to pay respects to her ancestors. Only after that would she board the wedding carriage to leave the imperial palace. Outside the palace, she would switch to a carriage for a slow journey, taking a full month to reach Northern Wei.

In this world, Northern Wei had long since begun to experience snowfall. Northern Wei had sent envoys to escort the bride; the escort party arrived first in the capital and would accompany Yan Zhen on her journey to Northern Wei. The groom, Tuoba Hong, would await Yan Zhen at the border of Northern Wei. For Yan Zhen, this was the highest honor.

Yan Zhen was embarking on a journey of a thousand miles, and it was unlikely she would ever return. Thinking of this, whether it was Yue Ning, Yan Ze, or the others, the gifts they presented were exceptionally generous.

Qin Guan accompanied the Empress Dowager. Yan Zhen's room was adorned entirely in red. Having just tried on the hair accessories for the following day, Yan Zhen’s eyes reddened at the sight of the Empress Dowager. She clung to her and wept, "Grandmother, Zhen'er doesn’t want to marry into Northern Wei..."

Though her voice was tearful, there was no trace of the resentment she had once carried. The Empress Dowager held Yan Zhen, her heart aching. The group had not been in Jingning Palace for long when others arrived one after another with gifts. Upon hearing that Prince Cheng’s residence had also sent a gift, Yan Zhen’s expression changed instantly.

"I don’t want it! Throw it out—"

The Empress Dowager sighed. "Zhen'er, Prince Cheng is also your brother."

Yan Zhen’s sobs grew more intense. "He is not! He wants to harm Crown Prince Brother. Grandmother, there’s no need to deceive me—I know everything."

The Empress Dowager shook her head helplessly. "No one will harm your Crown Prince Brother. You need not worry."

Yan Zhen stared at the Empress Dowager with red-rimmed eyes. "Then, Grandmother, you must promise Zhen'er that after I leave, you will protect Crown Prince Brother and my mother..."

The Empress Dowager, who had always upheld the legitimate line, nodded at once. "You have nothing to worry about. Don’t you know how much I value your Crown Prince Brother?"

Yan Zhen clung to the Empress Dowager, acting coquettishly. Watching from the side, Qin Guan felt that Yan Zhen was making a deliberate effort to please, as if solely to secure this promise from the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager might have noticed, or she might not have, but she was willing to give this assurance to set Yan Zhen’s mind at ease.

In the end, the gift from Prince Cheng’s residence was kept. Several side courtyards of Jingning Palace were filled to the brim with dowry items, and these chests and cases would be loaded onto carriages that very night. Early the next morning, after the carriages were stationed outside Zhenghua Gate, they would follow Yan Zhen’s wedding procession out of the city. After speaking with the Empress Dowager for a while, Yan Zhen suddenly whispered, "Grandmother, will Mother and Crown Prince Brother see Zhen'er off tomorrow?"

Yan Zhen gazed pleadingly at the Empress Dowager, who could not help but soften. Yan Zhen was her only granddaughter, a true jewel in her palm.

Not to mention Yan Huai, even the Empress Dowager treated her as if she were afraid she might break if held too tightly or melt if kept in her mouth.

"Don’t worry, I will speak to your father."

Yan Zhen nodded tearfully, and everyone in the room had red-rimmed eyes.After spending the afternoon in Jingning Palace, the Empress Dowager indeed headed straight to Chongzheng Hall upon leaving. Given her poor health, she rarely visited Chongzheng Hall voluntarily. Her arrival stirred the entire hall, and Yan Huai welcomed her inside, promptly dismissing the ministers who had been discussing state affairs. No one knew what the mother and son discussed within Chongzheng Hall. That very evening, Yuan Qing arrived at Kunning Palace and the Eastern Palace with an imperial decree: the Emperor ordered the Empress and Crown Prince to don ceremonial attire the following day, proceed to Chongzheng Hall to receive Yan Zhen’s farewell bows, and then accompany the bridal procession to Zhenghua Gate.

In Changxin Palace, Feng Lingsu gritted her teeth in fury, sneering coldly, "The Emperor only instructed them to attend the send-off—not to lift their house arrest. Once Yan Zhen departs, they’ll be confined again. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Her Majesty the Empress; I wonder if she’s grown thinner these days." The palace maids dared not respond to such remarks. Feng Lingsu turned and ordered Bao Die, "Fetch me that ‘Red Phoenix Greeting the Sun’ court gown..." Bao Die understood her mistress intended to outshine all at the following day’s ceremony. She meticulously retrieved not only the resplendent gown but also paired it with equally vibrant and noble jewelry sets. Early the next morning, Feng Lingsu rose at dawn to apply full formal makeup according to rank. Though not the Empress, she believed the Empress’s influence was waning—today, she would show everyone who truly commanded authority in the rear palace.

Feng Lingsu devoted meticulous effort to her appearance, ensuring every detail met her satisfaction before timing her departure to Chongzheng Hall. While officials had gathered before the Ancestral Temple, all imperial family members awaited in Chongzheng Hall first. Arriving precisely as planned, Feng Lingsu immediately noticed the Emperor and Empress seated side-by-side in the central positions. Though she saw Yan Huai daily, she hadn’t encountered Zhao Shuhua for weeks. Expecting the prolonged confinement to have left Zhao Shuhua haggard and despondent, Feng Lingsu was taken aback to find her as radiant as ever. Dressed in a vibrant crimson court robe embroidered with brilliant phoenixes, Zhao Shuhua sat beside the Emperor with dignified elegance, effortlessly overshadowing Feng Lingsu. In that instant, decades of suppressed jealousy surged violently within Feng Lingsu’s heart.

At 7:45 a.m., the Fifth Princess Yan Zhen, draped in grand crimson wedding apparel, glided gracefully into the main hall of Chongzheng Hall supported by her attendants. The moment she saw Zhao Shuhua seated in the place of honor, Yan Zhen’s eyes welled with tears...