Coroner's Diary

Bai Feng returned to the Han Dan Pavilion and truthfully reported what he had seen in the East courtyard to Qin Guan.

Fuling and Baiying were also taken aback by the scale of the incident and felt somewhat flustered. Fuling even said, "Miss, wouldn't it be better for us to leave now? What if they really report it to the authorities and alert the government..."

Bai Feng replied, "Madam has already secured all the gates. Anyone trying to leave the estate has been stopped, and the East courtyard has been sealed off. The second master and his wife have been confined to their side rooms."

Qin Guan nodded. "Naturally, we cannot leave now. Not only must we not let Aunt handle this alone, but if we leave now and alarm others, it would be like proclaiming our guilt. Everyone knows Lu Jingcheng saw a female guest, so someone is bound to ask who the guest was. As long as the authorities haven't been notified, there's no need for us to panic."

Fuling asked, "Could it be that Lu Jingcheng had some hidden illness and died suddenly?"

Bai Feng shook his head. "It's unclear for now. Lu Jingcheng's body is still in the Qing Song Courtyard. A physician will be summoned later to examine it."

Qin Guan frowned. She thought there was no need to call a physician—she was the best coroner herself. But so far, Lu You Xin hadn't sent anyone over, likely because she didn't want Qin Guan involved.

Bai Feng continued, "With the second master and his wife confined, the other branches probably won't assist Madam."

After hearing Bai Feng's detailed account, Qin Guan had already grasped the conflicts within the Lu family. She remarked, "I suspect they're hoping Aunt fails to find the killer, so another mistake can be pinned on her. Then, by informing the clan elders, they could force her to select an heir."

Fuling and Baiying exchanged glances, their eyes filled with concern.

Qin Guan sat frowning and glanced at the sky outside but did not go to find Lu You Xin immediately.

As it was still early, not yet noon, Qin Guan said, "There's no rush. We'll go see Aunt in the evening."

...

After a hectic half-day, Lu You Xin finally called for Huang Momo. "How are things at the Han Dan Pavilion?"

Huang Momo replied, "Everything is calm over there. It seems they're still unaware of what's happened here. Miss, should we go and advise them?"

Lu You Xin waved her hand, wearing a pained expression. "No need. If she doesn't know, then let it be. She's just a young girl—she might get frightened."

Hearing this, Huang Momo hesitated before speaking. "Miss, have you forgotten the information we gathered? The princess consort not only knows medicine but has also helped the authorities solve cases and conduct corpse examinations. It was because of this that she performed a great service and was enfeoffed as a princess."

Lu You Xin frowned. "Regardless of whether that news is true or false, how can she move around freely given her current status? The second branch is confined, and they're probably cursing me to death. I have no reason to restrict the third and fourth branches. If they run into each other, how would we explain it?"

Huang Momo nodded. "That's true. Actually, when the news first came, I didn't believe it either."

Lu You Xin sneered. "She saved the Empress Dowager back then—that alone was enough to earn her a title. With royal matters, who can tell what's true and false? Look at her appearance—can you imagine her examining corpses?"

Huang Momo shook her head. Lu You Xin then asked, "Have you questioned everyone you needed to? What did they say?"Huang Momo immediately replied, "We did ask. They said last night when the masters and young masters went to visit the Fourth Young Master, he was still perfectly fine. After everyone left, the Fourth Young Master said he was tired. The servants originally intended to attend to him closely, but for some reason, the Fourth Young Master wouldn't allow them near. So the servants and attendants all went to sleep. The servants reside in the side rooms of the Green Pine Courtyard and were unaware of what happened in the main chamber. This morning, when the servants got up early to sweep and clean, they noticed that the sky was already bright, but the Fourth Young Master still hadn't risen. They went in to call him, but the door was bolted from the inside. After calling for a long time with no response, one of the servants broke the west window and peered inside. They saw the Fourth Young Master lying sprawled on the floor, his body covered in frost..."

Lu Youxin frowned at the thought of Lu Jingcheng's death. "Although that room was newly prepared, it has an Earth Dragon. Even though last night was cold, it's absolutely impossible for someone to freeze to death. His condition showed no signs of external injury, and if we insist someone killed him, it would be far-fetched."

As the New Year approached, the weather was indeed growing colder. Because of this, the Earth Dragons in the masters' rooms were always lit, and even the servants' rooms had charcoal braziers added.

Huang Momo responded, "That's exactly the issue. Last night, the Earth Dragon in the main chamber of that courtyard went out, and the servants only discovered it this morning when they got up."

Lu Youxin's eyes darkened, and Huang Momo sighed. "We haven't dared to tell anyone else about this yet, but the few servants responsible for cleaning the courtyard are terrified. If Second Master finds out, those young maids will surely lose their lives!"

A flicker of indifference passed through Lu Youxin's eyes as she thought to herself that if it could settle this dispute, the deaths of a couple of young maids wouldn't matter much.

"Anything else? No other suspicious points found?"

Huang Momo nodded. "The Fifth and Sixth Young Masters have been out for so long and haven't returned yet. Everyone else has been questioned. Fifth Master and the others did not come yesterday."

Lu Youxin clenched her fist and after a moment said, "If no other suspicious points can be found, then handle it according to what you've uncovered."

Huang Momo was taken aback but quickly understood what Lu Youxin meant. She nodded promptly, "Yes, this servant understands."

...

From morning until afternoon, Huang Momo led the continuous interrogation of the attendants in the Green Pine Courtyard.

The snow, which had stopped in the early morning, began to fall heavily again after noon, making White Deer Isle appear even more desolate and cold.

Second Master Lu Boyong and his wife were locked up. At first, they cursed and wailed, but after their voices grew hoarse, all that was left was crying. Occasional mournful sobs could be heard from the side room, unsettling the attendants guarding outside. Since Lu Jingcheng's body was still lying in the main chamber, and Lu Youxin had not yet given orders regarding funeral arrangements or whether to change him into burial clothes, everyone was frightened, guarding a dead body.

At dusk, Lu Boyou and Lu Bohong arrived together at the Wutong Courtyard. Although they had not helped Lu Boyong and his wife in the morning, as Qin Guan had said, they were not there to assist Lu Youxin either. At the Wutong Courtyard, one of them had a bloody gash on his face, while the other's cheek was slightly swollen, making them look rather ridiculous.As the third brother, Lu Bohong spoke first, "Youxin, after investigating for half a day, have you reached any conclusion? Jingcheng was a perfectly healthy man—he wouldn't have died so inexplicably. When we went to see him this morning, he looked as if he had frozen to death. In this vast White Deer Isle, every household has Earth Dragon heating and charcoal fires provided. Why was Jingcheng's Earth Dragon cut off? If it was due to the negligence of the servants, they truly deserve death!"

Lu Boyou chimed in, "Third Brother is right. Youxin, the matter of the Fifth Branch still hasn't been resolved, and now Jingcheng is dead. Although you've confined Second Brother and his wife, this is Jianzhou—you can't keep them locked up forever. Once we return to Lanzhou and enter the ancestral hall, someone will naturally stand up for them. By then, your position as family head will likely be untenable."

Lu Youxin listened coldly. "So, what do Third Brother and Fourth Brother suggest?"

Lu Bohong and Lu Boyou exchanged a glance. Lu Bohong cleared his throat lightly and said, "Youxin, here's the situation: Jingcheng is already dead. We all believe this matter has nothing to do with you, but with the Fifth Branch's affair and now this, you will inevitably be held accountable. In our opinion, it would be best for you to choose an heir sooner rather than later."

Lu Youxin understood immediately—they were here to pressure her! If she selected one of their sons, at the very least, they would speak up for her in front of the clan elders in the future. Otherwise, no one would support her!

Lu Youxin looked at the two of them and suddenly smiled. "Third Brother and Fourth Brother do make some valid points!"

Seeing Lu Youxin suddenly relent, a faint gleam of hope lit up in Lu Bohong and Lu Boyou's eyes. Lu Youxin continued, "However, there is a dilemma at hand. Both Jingxiu and Jingyun are talented individuals—far superior to Jingcheng, to say the least. Now that both of them are vying for my selection, whom should I choose?"

At this, both Lu Bohong and Lu Boyou frowned.

For years, the Lu family had upheld the authority of the eldest branch. The second branch, led by Lu Boyong, controlled more of the family's enterprises and often acted arrogantly. The fifth branch, however, maintained good relations with the eldest branch. As a result, the third and fourth branches had aligned themselves. But now, only one heir could be chosen—who should it be?

Lu Bohong immediately declared, "Jingxiu is the elder—naturally, he should be chosen."

Lu Boyou countered, "Jingyun's talent surpasses Jingxiu's. He is responsible and skilled in social interactions, making him the most suitable for the role of family head."

Lu Bohong frowned deeply. As the two were about to argue, Lu Youxin raised her hand to stop them. "Do not quarrel yet. I know you have always been close. Here's my proposal: discuss between yourselves whether Jingxiu or Jingyun should be chosen. Once you've reached a decision, I will consider it. With so many matters at hand, I have no time to listen to lengthy debates. Moreover, this tragedy was not something any of us desired. I hope that in matters of great importance, you will prioritize the interests of the Lu family. Otherwise, the Fifth Branch has Jinghe, and there are other children in the clan as well."

Lu Youxin lowered her head to sip her tea. Even if Lu Bohong and the others felt she was blatantly threatening them, there was nothing they could do.

Lu Bohong shot a dissatisfied glance at Lu Boyou, snorted, stood up, and strode out in a huff.

Lu Boyou nodded to Lu Youxin before hurrying after him.

Watching them leave, Lu Youxin let out a cold laugh.Night had already fallen, the half-open door allowing the howling frost and snow to echo through the empty Wutong Courtyard. The mournful wail of the cold wind grew increasingly eerie, yet Lu Youxin felt no fear. Over the years, she had encountered all manner of dark spirits—compared to fear, what she felt now was merely weariness.

Remaining unmarried had been her choice, and one must bear the consequences of their decisions, yet no one truly enjoys solitude.

As Lu Youxin raised a hand to massage her temples, footsteps suddenly sounded from the courtyard outside. Soon, someone hurried to the doorway. "Miss, the princess consort is here."

Huang Momo’s voice carried a note of alarm, prompting Lu Youxin to lift her head abruptly.

She shrugged her shoulders and exhaled softly, then composed herself into a calm demeanor as she walked toward the door. Upon opening it, she saw Qin Guan approaching steadily, draped in a snow-white cape, half her face hidden beneath its hood. Her maid held an umbrella behind her, yet Qin Guan’s slender figure seemed unbothered by the storm, her steps serene and resolute, exuding a reassuring presence. Gazing at her, Lu Youxin inexplicably felt a fraction of her tension ease.

"What brings you here so late?"

Lu Youxin took a few steps forward, but Qin Guan intercepted her under the shelter. "Aunt, let’s speak inside."

Qin Guan’s tone was serious, hinting at a purpose for her visit, and Lu Youxin’s expression tightened in response.

Once inside and seated, Qin Guan came straight to the point. "Aunt, where is Lu Jingcheng’s body? May I see it?"

Lu Youxin, in the midst of pouring tea, paused at her words. Qin Guan’s expression softened slightly as she explained quietly, "I learned of it this morning. Knowing your situation was delicate, I didn’t wish to disturb you then. But a life is at stake—this matter cannot be brushed aside. So I’ve come uninvited, hoping you’ll allow me to assist."

Lu Youxin finished pouring the tea and set the cup before Qin Guan without speaking, instead studying her with a trace of suspicion.

Qin Guan continued, "In a way, this matter also involves me. If not for my sake, you wouldn’t have confined Second Uncle and his wife today. Since you’ve publicly declared you’ll investigate this thoroughly, everyone is watching. In other matters, I might hesitate, but for something like this, I can be of help. So I’ll presume to ask for your trust."

Lu Youxin seemed on the verge of speaking but held back, observing Qin Guan for a long moment before rising. "Since you’ve volunteered, I’ll let you try. But it’s late—I worry you might be frightened—"

A faint smile touched Qin Guan’s lips. "Just lead the way, Aunt. We must act quickly; after tonight, it may be too late."

Lu Youxin gazed deeply at Qin Guan before finally saying, "Then follow me."