Coroner's Diary

The courtyard of Pine Breeze Courtyard was packed with people.

Yet around Yan Chi, clad in his vibrant crimson wedding dress, there stood an empty space. Today, he wore a prince’s ceremonial robe with wide sleeves and a long front, the crimson hem embroidered with a four-clawed coiling dragon in silver thread, its ferocity softened by a touch of festive joy. Though he usually favored black, the brilliant red now illuminated his features, making his brows and eyes shine like stars and the moon. Even so, his towering, upright stature gave him an imposing presence that seemed to prop up the heavens, undiminished in its majesty.

Not far behind him stood Yan Li, also in princely ceremonial attire, and Yan Zhi, the heir apparent of Prince Yu who had rushed from Yuzhou, both there to accompany him in fetching the bride. Nearby, Prince Cheng Yan Qi and Zhao Yu, the deputy commander of the imperial guards, stood in equally resplendent attire. Given Yan Chi’s noble status, those joining him to receive the bride were naturally extraordinary. With such a gathering, even the wedding matron, who had intended to tease Yan Chi, dared not act presumptuously. Seeing the hour was almost right, she recited a few ritual blessings as per protocol and fell silent, not daring to say more.

According to custom, Qin Guan still needed to bid farewell to her elders before being carried out on Qin Yan’s back to the bridal sedan. But whether Yan Chi was unaware of the protocol or simply impatient, seeing the wedding matron’s timidity, he strode forward and took Qin Guan’s hand. Fuling, who had been supporting Qin Guan, instinctively stepped back before she even realized what was happening. Only afterward did she grasp that Yan Chi had broken the rules and looked to Hu Shi for help in distress. Hu Shi hesitated for a moment, then smiled and shook her head.

Yan Qi watched from the side, amused. “Old Seven, you’re far too impatient…”

Laughter rippled through the crowd. Prince Rui had been back in the capital for a year, but aside from those who saw him daily at court, most family members had not met Yan Chi and had only heard of his reputation as the “Demon King.” Seeing him now, they found this Demon King bore no resemblance to the rumors of ugliness and ferocity; instead, he was majestic and graceful, almost celestial. Paired with Yongci County Princess, the Little Medicine Immortal of the capital, they seemed a perfect match. Envy for this splendid marriage had already been widespread, and witnessing Prince Rui’s affectionate disregard for protocol only deepened the impression of his adoration for Yongci County Princess, leaving the onlookers in even greater awe.

Marriages in the capital were often matches of status, but unions that combined social equality with genuine mutual affection were truly rare.

For a moment, gazes of envy or jealousy converged on Qin Guan.

Hearing Yan Qi’s remark, Yan Chi’s lips curved into a smile. “I’ve waited a long time for today, Fourth Brother. Forgive my eagerness.” Without further delay, he turned to Hu Shi. “Is the farewell in the main hall? Please lead the way, Aunt—”

The address “Aunt” made Hu Shi’s heart flutter. She hurried toward the main courtyard, while Yan Li followed behind, his lips lifted in a broad grin. “Seventh Brother, ah, Seventh Brother, you’ve thrown all the rules into disarray today. Since you’ve called her ‘Aunt,’ should I start calling her ‘Seventh Sister-in-law’ now…”The crowd erupted in another round of laughter. Yan Chi glanced sideways at Qin Guan. Though he couldn't see her expression, he felt her hand pinch him with just the right amount of pressure, as if in warning. Yan Chi chuckled, his heart tingling with delight. When they reached the main hall, they saw Qin Shu and others waiting. In the center of the hall stood the memorial tablets of Qin Yi and his wife, with Qin Shu and Hu Shi seated in the host positions. Qin Guan and Yan Chi stepped forward to bow and offer tea, completing the farewell ceremony.

Qin Guan's dowry was already abundant, but now Qin Shu and Hu Shi each presented additional gifts—priceless treasures. Fuling received them one by one. Noticing the golden twilight outside, she knew the auspicious hour had arrived. The wedding matron's loud announcement outside was immediately followed by the simultaneous explosion of firecrackers.

Unable to see ahead, Qin Guan could only hear the sudden crescendo of voices and firecrackers. She couldn't even make out what Qin Yan was saying amidst the deafening noise and obstructed vision, leaving her unsettled. Yet Yan Chi never let go of her hand. Suddenly, the crowd gasped softly. Before Qin Guan could process what was happening, Yan Chi released her hand and swept her up into a bridal carry.

The crowd burst into roaring cheers and laughter. Though her vision was blocked from seeing their expressions, Qin Guan instinctively wrapped her arms around Yan Chi's neck. He chuckled lowly and murmured "Hold tight" before striding outward. Qin Guan vaguely heard Qin Ye's laughing remark, finally making her blush in delayed realization.

Though she couldn't see, Qin Guan knew the mansion's layout by heart. As Yan Chi carried her through the main gates, she knew they had left the estate. Firecrackers crackled along the entire path as the wedding procession swarmed behind them. Once outside, the endless sound of firecrackers drowned out all other noises. Though her ears rang with noise, Qin Guan's heart suddenly felt hollow. Having lived nearly a year in the marquis' residence, and with Qin Shu and his wife having accepted her bows just now—though unrelated by blood, she regarded them as elders. Now not only was she marrying away, but she'd also leave the capital in days. An inexplicable reluctance welled up inside her, followed by fresh grief when remembering her deceased parents.

Yan Chi seemed to notice, tightening his hold slightly. "Getting into the bridal sedan now, Guan Guan."

Qin Guan hummed in acknowledgment, but Yan Chi hugged her tighter. "We'll be home soon."

As he spoke, Qin Guan felt him lower his stance, then she was settled inside the sedan. Once seated, she suddenly felt something pressed into her palm. Yan Chi whispered, "You always bring this for Xiao Jiu. This time I brought it for you. Eat it—no one can see inside the sedan."

"Old Seven! What are you doing? Don't tell me you want to climb into the sedan too?"

Yan Qi's voice rang out again—he was the only one who could tease Yan Chi so boldly. Yan Chi gave Qin Guan's palm one last squeeze before withdrawing.

As Yan Chi emerged, Yan Qi shouted something and deafening gongs and drums immediately erupted. Qin Guan felt the sedan being lifted before peeking under her veil at the object in her palm. Her heart warmed instantly—Yan Chi had slipped her a sugar-dusted chestnut cake wrapped in parchment paper.The sun had already set, and Qin Guan's stomach was long empty. This powdered sugar chestnut cake had come just in time. Yet she never expected that Yan Chi, a grown man, would bring her such a snack. The chestnut cake was still warm, making her wonder where he had kept it earlier.

Holding the chestnut cake, Qin Guan couldn't bring herself to eat it despite her mouth watering with craving. A wave of warmth washed over her heart, sweeping away all the melancholy within.

The bridal sedan swayed rhythmically along the way, accompanied by continuous firecrackers and gongs. Qin Guan wanted to lift the curtain to look outside but remembered the rules Fuling had repeatedly reminded her of, so she restrained herself. Outside, along the main road from the Marquis residence to Prince Rui's royal residence, Imperial Guards stood guard on both sides. The commoners of the capital, held back by the guards, watched with keen interest as Yan Chi rode ahead and the bright red bridal sedan followed. Guards from the Prince Rui's residence scattered celebratory coins along the roadside as they walked, and the people joyfully scrambled for them. Following the weddings of the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng, this was the third grand wedding in the capital. Amid the recent tense atmosphere in the city, this celebration lifted much of the gloom that had weighed on the people's hearts.

When the sedan began to slow noticeably, Qin Guan knew they were nearing Prince Rui's royal residence. Sure enough, before long, the sedan came to a halt.

As the sedan settled, the ceremonial official waiting at the royal residence called out in a loud, clear voice. Familiar with the wedding rituals, Qin Guan soon heard three crisp "ding, ding, ding" sounds and knew the three arrows symbolizing stability had struck the sedan door. Her heart skipped a beat, and the next moment, the interior of the sedan suddenly brightened.

A hand reached in from outside. Peering from beneath her veil, Qin Guan saw Yan Chi's palm—calloused yet exceptionally broad and slender. She placed her hand in his and slowly stepped out of the sedan. From the entrance onward, every step was guided by ceremony. The ceremonial official at Prince Rui's residence had come from the palace, so the proceedings were especially meticulous. At this point, Yan Chi set aside his usual willfulness and performed the rituals with solemn reverence. Before long, he led Qin Guan to the main hall of the central courtyard, where the wedding ceremony would take place.

"They're here, Grandmother, they're here…"

At the sound of Yue Ning's voice, Qin Guan knew the Grand Princess was seated in the place of honor.

Indeed, the Grand Princess spoke with a slight tremble in her voice, "Good, good, good… they've finally arrived…"

The ceremonial official guided the couple to kneel before the Grand Princess for the formal bows. Yan Chi supported Qin Guan as they knelt, and both performed the rituals with utmost respect. After the ceremony, the Grand Princess stepped forward to present gifts, then personally took Qin Guan's hand and led her to the bridal chamber in the western courtyard. The western courtyard was closest to the waterside pavilion, originally an unused side courtyard. Now, for Yan Chi's wedding, it had been prepared as their living quarters. If they wished to read or practice calligraphy, they could go to the nearby pavilion, much as they had in the past.

Upon reaching the bridal chamber, Qin Guan was seated on the wedding bed. While the Marquis residence had been filled with guests, the royal residence hosted even more. With the Grand Princess personally overseeing the festivities today, neither royalty nor noble families dared to act improperly in her presence. Thus, Qin Guan only heard soft murmurs around her. Soon, the ceremonial official announced, "The auspicious hour has arrived. May Prince Rui lift the veil…"

Qin Guan instinctively straightened her back, her palms slightly clenched, as nervousness began to set in.

It felt like an eternity, yet also like a fleeting moment. When the veil was lifted, Qin Guan instinctively narrowed her eyes against the light.Night had fallen outside the window, but the room was brightly lit. Yan Chi's tall figure stood right before her. Though he was backlit, Qin Guan felt in that instant as if his face were glowing. His phoenix eyes held a gentle smile, gazing at her with deep affection. The surrounding lamplight reflected in his eyes, sparkling like a river of stars—and in that starry river, only her image was mirrored. Dressed in her vibrant wedding dress, she appeared exquisitely beautiful beyond compare.

Qin Guan’s cheeks began to burn, and she even regretted not having Momma apply a thicker layer of powder. She guessed her face must be completely flushed by now. As she stood there dazed, Yan Chi, standing before her, was also momentarily entranced. To him, Qin Guan had always been lovely—from the first time he saw her at the Anyang Marquis Manor in Jinzhou, he had thought her delicate and refined, as if not of this world. But today, she was different. Though it was the depths of winter, seeing her in crimson robes seated within the splendid red bed curtains, Yan Chi felt as if he held in his palm a blooming April begonia that had blossomed amidst frost and cold. She was even more enchanting than the flower, and for a moment, the inner chamber seemed filled with a subtle fragrance. Yan Chi’s usual composure quickly melted away; he stared at Qin Guan, captivated, and couldn’t help but step forward—

He seemed about to take her hand or cup her face, but just then, the master of ceremonies called out once more, “May Prince Rui and the Princess Consort be seated together.”

The words broke the spell. Yan Chi paused, as if waking from a dream. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly before he stepped forward to sit beside Qin Guan. Qin Guan sat with perfect posture, her hands folded neatly on her lap, but the moment Yan Chi settled beside her, she unconsciously relaxed a little. Then, two Mommas dressed in court ceremonial attire approached cheerfully, carrying large black sandalwood trays laden with peanuts, longans, lotus seeds, and other symbolic items.

The master of ceremonies began the bed-scattering chant, and handfuls of peanuts and longans were tossed over the couple. The fruits rolled off their bodies and scattered across the bright red brocade quilt. Watching the vibrant bed and the shower of fruits, Qin Guan felt her face grow even warmer without realizing it.

“First scatter in the center, a pair of jade lotuses under the moon…”

“Second scatter below, golden light shines upon the household…”

“Third scatter before, Wén Xiāo and the golden-feathered luan immortal…”

“Fourth scatter behind, may the couple live in harmony till white-haired age…”

After the scattering, the nuptial wine was brought forward. Once they had drunk from the shared cup, it was customary to eat the pre-prepared dumplings and other foods. But Yan Chi paid no heed to tradition now; with a wave of his hand, he signaled the attendants to remove the trays. Puzzled, Qin Guan looked at him. Yan Chi leaned slightly closer and whispered, “Those have long gone cold. I’ve already ordered hot dishes to be prepared; they’ll be served shortly.” As he spoke, he instinctively reached for Qin Guan’s hand resting on her knee—and upon touching it, he froze in surprise.

Qin Guan was holding something.

Not only was she holding something, but it felt somewhat sticky…

Yan Chi quickly understood, and his eyes filled with a mix of doting and helpless amusement.

Qin Guan’s cheeks burned as if on fire. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to let go of it along the way, and before arriving at the royal residence, she hadn’t even realized she was still holding it as she stepped out. So she had kept it clutched in her hand all this time. After being held for so long, the chestnut cake had warmed, and the powdered sugar had melted, seeping out through the gaps in the oiled paper wrapping.Yan Chi didn't laugh aloud, but Qin Guan seemed to detect his thoughts and couldn't help but turn her head to glare at him. Yan Chi squeezed her hand firmly as the ceremonial official approached and said, "Your Highness, Princess Consort, the rituals are complete. The Prince may now go out to attend to the guests."

The Marquis residence's banquet had been held during the day, with festivities lasting the entire day, while the royal residence's banquet was in the evening. Yan Chi knew that once he left, he wouldn't be able to return until after midnight, and he was truly reluctant to go. However, with a room full of people watching and countless guests waiting outside, even if Yan Chi had ten thousand wishes to begin the wedding night immediately, it was utterly impossible.

Yan Chi turned and said, "I'll go attend to the guests. Wait for me."

After giving this instruction, he added as he stood up, "I'll return early."

Having said this, he finally released Qin Guan's hand and strode out of the room. But when he reached the inner chamber's doorway, he couldn't resist looking back. He saw Qin Guan still sitting upright, her gaze following him all the way. As he suddenly turned back, their eyes met—her bright, tender gaze was vivid and soft enough to captivate one's soul. Yan Chi felt as if his heart had been seized by Qin Guan's look, and it took great effort for him to turn away and leave...

Qin Guan's heart gradually calmed. With the Grand Princess present, no one dared to make too much of a fuss. Everyone understood how exhausting the entire day's events had been for the bride. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Qin Guan, they all left one by one, leaving only the Grand Princess, Yue Ning, and Jiang Shi behind.

Yue Ning said with a laugh, "Mother, look quickly—Qin Guan's face is so flushed it's about to drip water!"

As she spoke, she couldn't resist reaching out to touch Qin Guan's cheek. Jiang Shi pulled Yue Ning away, both amused and exasperated. "You silly child, always so improper. Guan'er, you must be tired. The food will be here shortly. We'll keep you company for a while and stay until you've finished eating before we leave."

Just then, an evening meal was brought in from outside. Qin Guan glanced over and saw it was an exquisite imperial feast. The Grand Princess smiled and said, "Yan Chi had this prepared for you. It's all light dishes. You should eat a bit—you must be starving after a whole day."

She hadn't noticed it before, but now, smelling the aroma, Qin Guan found it hard to resist. However, her attire was so elaborate that eating was quite inconvenient. She only managed to drink half a bowl of snow lotus and pigeon soup before inviting the Grand Princess and the others to sit on the couch by the west window to chat.

The Grand Princess held Qin Guan's hand, utterly delighted with her, and offered many words of advice. They talked until the Grand Princess showed clear signs of fatigue, at which point Yue Ning bid farewell and escorted her mother away. Qin Guan personally saw them to the door. Once Yue Ning and the others had left, the bridal chamber felt empty.

The royal residence had few servants to begin with, and Yan Chi hadn't arranged for any maids. Qin Guan hadn't brought Ban Xia or the others with her either, so only Fuling and Baiying remained with her. Seeing that it was getting late, Fuling blushed and asked, "Miss, shall we prepare your bath first?"

Qin Guan initially thought it unnecessary, but when she saw the meaningful sparkle in Fuling's eyes, she suddenly realized that this bath was different from usual.

Yan Chi would be back soon, and then...