Coroner's Diary

Fuling clicked her tongue in astonishment. "You already know? Who is the murderer?"

Fuling asked urgently, but Qin Guan looked at her and remained silent for a moment. The biting wind outside grew fiercer, scraping against Qin Guan's face like knives. Just as she was unsure how to respond, Huang Momo approached from nearby. "Princess Consort, have you finished questioning?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Yes, I'm done."

Huang Momo quickly asked, "Did you find out anything?"

Qin Guan's lips twitched slightly as she replied wearily, "I learned quite a bit, but I still need to sort through my thoughts."

Seeing this, Huang Momo promptly nodded. "Of course. Please return quickly to rest, Princess Consort. You still need to examine Fifth Master's pulse and perform needle therapy this evening."

Qin Guan nodded again before heading toward Han Dan Hall. Noticing Qin Guan's grave expression and genuine exhaustion, Fuling dared not press further.

Back in Han Dan Hall, Qin Guan sat by the window holding a cup of hot tea, lost in thought.

Having reached this point, though she lacked concrete evidence, she had pieced together the sequence of events. Barring any surprises, she already knew the murderer's identity. Yet she hesitated—Lu Jingcheng had deserved his fate, and while the killer was guilty, there were mitigating circumstances. If she told Lu You Xin, what choice would Lu You Xin make?

Qin Guan sat motionless in Han Dan Hall for a long time. Only when she noticed the sky darkening outside did she snap out of her reverie. After a simple dinner, she made her way to Wutong Courtyard.

At Wutong Courtyard, Lu You Xin was chatting with Lu Boyi, both wearing smiles. Lu Jinghe stood nearby, respectful and gentle, appearing quite obedient. As Qin Guan entered, she glanced at him a moment longer.

"You're here!" Lu You Xin rose to greet Qin Guan upon seeing her.

Lu Boyi also stood up. "Miss Qin has arrived..."

Over the past two days, Lu Boyi's condition had slightly improved—his coughing was less severe, and he slept more soundly. Witnessing this, everyone trusted Qin Guan's medical skills even more and held greater hope for Lu Boyi's full recovery.

Qin Guan entered the main hall. "How are you feeling today, Fifth Master?"

Lu Boyi smiled. "I was just telling Second Sister—much better. Before, coughing would tear me apart inside, but now I hardly cough unless I catch a chill."

Qin Guan nodded. "Good. Please come inside, Fifth Master. I'll check your pulse first, then perform needle therapy."

With improved spirits, Lu Boyi no longer needed Lu Jinghe's support to walk. He gestured for Qin Guan to lead the way before following her into the inner chamber.

They settled on the low couch by the window, and Qin Guan began checking Lu Boyi's pulse. Before she finished, Huang Momo entered quietly and whispered a few words in Lu You Xin's ear. Frowning, Lu You Xin stood up. "There's a minor issue with Second Brother. I need to go check on him."

By now familiar with Qin Guan and Lu Boyi, she simply nodded in acknowledgment.

With Lu You Xin gone, the room fell quiet. After finishing the pulse check, Qin Guan said, "We need to change the prescription. The previous one had some effect, and combined with needle therapy, your health has shown notable improvement. Now I'll use a stronger prescription for one day. If you feel unwell, I'll switch to another."

Having examined Lu Boyi's pulse almost daily these past few days, he had come to realize Qin Guan wasn't as aloof as he initially thought. He asked, "The previous prescription worked well. I didn't expect you to change it so soon. With your exceptional medical skills, I'm sure the new prescription will be even more effective. But may I keep these prescriptions for my own use?"Qin Guan never concealed her prescriptions when prescribing medicine, and Lu Boyi was aware of this. However, since Qin Guan would be leaving after the New Year, Lu Boyi wished to keep the prescription for his own use.

Upon hearing this, Qin Guan raised her eyebrows slightly. "This formula is only suitable for Fifth Master's current condition. If used at other times, it may not only be ineffective but also harmful to your health."

As she spoke, Qin Guan took paper and brush, writing while explaining, "Fifth Master currently shows a yin-deficient pulse and deficient cold in the lung channel. If you wish to keep a prescription for later use, it would be better for me to write one before I leave. As for the current prescription, it must be tailored after checking your pulse and symptoms."

Lu Boyi nodded. "Yes, Miss Qin speaks wisely. I was being foolish."

Qin Guan smiled and began writing today's prescription. Lu Boyi glanced over and saw her elegant, refined regular script that was pleasing to the eye. Having seen the previous prescription, he noticed this one was significantly modified—adding herbs like Du Huo, Qin Jiao, Du Zhong, and Fu Zi, with dosages increased compared to days before.

Qin Guan finished writing quickly and added, "There are twenty-two herbs in total. Don't decoct them into a soup. Instead, grind them into powder according to the ratios. Take one qian each time with warm wine, twice daily after lunch and dinner." Lu Boyi took the prescription and realized how different it was from the previous one, agreeing to each instruction.

Qin Guan nodded and invited Lu Boyi to lie on the couch for needle therapy.

Lu Jinghe stepped forward to help Lu Boyi change clothes. Once done, Qin Guan approached to administer the needles. As it wasn't the first session, her movements were quicker. Within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, she finished and left. Lu Boyi closed his eyes, half-asleep, and Lu Jinghe naturally withdrew as well.

In the outer hall, only Huang Momo and a few attendants were present, promptly serving hot tea.

Qin Guan took a sip of tea and suddenly asked Lu Jinghe, "Did Fifth Master used to consume ginseng soup daily?"

Lu Jinghe, also holding a teacup, hurriedly replied, "Yes, daily. But we stopped after Miss Qin provided the dietary therapy prescription."

Qin Guan nodded. "Merely supplementing without balance offers no aid to the condition."

After a pause, she looked at Lu Jinghe again. "Aside from crafting handmade toys, what else does Ninth Young Master usually enjoy?"

Lu Jinghe met her gaze calmly. "Nothing else. After Father fell seriously ill, most of my time has been spent attending to him."

Qin Guan nodded, then glanced outside and noticed snow falling again. She stood and walked to the window. "It was clear when we came, but now it's snowing once more." Turning back, she said, "I see the plum blossoms in the garden are in full bloom, and with the fresh snow, would Ninth Young Master like to make plum blossom wine?"

Lu Jinghe's hand trembled slightly on the teacup. "What?"

Qin Guan watched him intently. "The plum blossoms in Plum Garden are exceptionally well-tended by the gardeners—vibrant in color, large in bloom, and wonderfully fragrant. Combined with the fresh snow, if we store it this winter and retrieve it by late spring or early summer next year, it will surely surpass ambrosia. Aren't you tempted, Ninth Young Master?"

Lu Jinghe slowly set down his teacup, pursing his lips. "Naturally, I'm tempted... I... I actually gathered some plum blossoms and snow during the first snowfall to make wine. However, it seems I'm not skilled at such things, so I set it aside later."Qin Guan smiled. "How could that be? Since the Ninth Young Master was able to create that circulating waterwheel, other intricate devices must come easily to you. Plum blossom wine should be even simpler than those."

Lu Jinghe's lips twitched slightly. "Since Miss Qin says so, I shall try again."

Qin Guan nodded with a smile. "I know there's a Cui bamboo grove in the Plum Garden. The snow beneath that bamboo carries the delicate fragrance of both plum and bamboo, which I believe would be perfect."

Lu Jinghe's eyes were as calm as an ancient well, but upon hearing this, his fingertips, clasped before him, trembled slightly. "It is... extremely elegant. I hadn't expected Miss Qin to have visited so many places in the estate..."

Qin Guan turned sideways, her gaze drifting to the window again. "Every scene in White Deer Isle is exquisite, especially the Deer Park and Plum Garden—they make one reluctant to leave."

Lu Jinghe watched Qin Guan's profile but did not respond this time.

After standing by the window for a while and seeing that Lu You Xin had not returned, Qin Guan asked Huang Momo, who had stayed behind, "What happened with the Second Master?"

Huang Momo hurriedly replied, "The Second Master said the ancestral hall the Madam prepared for the Fourth Young Master is too shabby and plain. He's made a fuss about it twice already. Previously, the Madam avoided seeing him, but tonight he caused a scene at the ancestral hall. The Madam had no choice but to go and check."

Understanding dawned in Qin Guan's eyes. "I see. The Second Master has lost his beloved son—it's understandable."

Lu Jinghe sat quietly to the side as if in deep meditation. Qin Guan's gaze swept over him. "The Fourth Young Master passed away so young—it's truly a pity. I heard he was murdered. I wonder who could be so ruthless."

Huang Momo frowned, momentarily puzzled by why Qin Guan would say this. After glancing at Lu Jinghe, she thought Qin Guan might be reinforcing her identity as a physician by expressing surprise.

Huang Momo forced a bitter smile. "Yes, the estate is still investigating."

Qin Guan then looked at Lu Jinghe. "Ninth Young Master, who do you think harmed the Fourth Young Master?"

Lu Jinghe did not look up. He lowered his gaze and remained silent for a moment before speaking. "I don't know either."

Qin Guan withdrew her gaze and shut the window with a swift motion, blocking out the cold wind and snow outside. "The net of Heaven has large meshes, but it lets nothing through. I believe the murderer will reveal themselves sooner or later..."

But Lu Jinghe spoke again. "I'm afraid it won't be easy. It's like this fresh snow—when new snow falls, old traces are covered up."

Qin Guan turned to face Lu Jinghe. "Fresh snow can only conceal traces on the snow-covered ground, but it cannot wash away bloodstains on stone tips or erase wounds on the murderer's body. So I believe the murderer's exposure is inevitable."

Lu Jinghe also looked at Qin Guan and suddenly asked, "Does Miss Qin believe in gods and Buddhas?"

Qin Guan's breath softened. "No."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jinghe smiled faintly and lowered his gaze. "Miss Qin's medical skills are exceptional—you've saved countless lives with your own hands. In others' eyes, you are like a living deity. Yet, many in this world cannot save others, nor even themselves, trapped in the mire. In such times, one can only rely on oneself. Though gods and Buddhas may not protect all beings, they are the most compassionate. If these people have faults, they would likely be forgiven."

Lu Jinghe gazed calmly at Qin Guan, his eyes growing increasingly profound. Qin Guan could discern not a trace of any other emotion within them.Qin Guan's lips curved slightly. "Although I don't believe in gods or Buddhas, I do believe in cause and effect. I also know that all living beings are suffering—it's not just one person trapped in the mire. But if someone harbors evil thoughts and creates karma, then seeks the Bodhisattva's forgiveness, they must first plunge into the purifying flames to cleanse their sins. Otherwise, if everyone in the world could first commit evil and then expect the Bodhisattva's mercy without paying any price, where would such logic exist?"

Lu Jinghe had been maintaining eye contact with Qin Guan, but after she finished speaking, he turned his gaze away expressionlessly.

Sitting motionless and silent, his demeanor remained gentle, yet his eyes were as cold as the chill outside.

Huang Momo, listening nearby, suddenly sensed something strange in the atmosphere between Qin Guan and Lu Jinghe. Just as she was about to speak, violent coughing erupted from the inner chamber. Qin Guan's expression shifted slightly, and she hurried toward the inner room, with Lu Jinghe instantly rising to follow.

Entering the inner chamber, they saw Lu Boyi with his eyes open, his face flushed red from coughing. Only when he noticed Qin Guan and the others entering did he gradually catch his breath and stop coughing.

While applying acupuncture needles, Qin Guan asked, "What happened, Fifth Master? Are you feeling unwell?"

Lu Boyi waved his hand. "No, no, it's just that my throat suddenly felt very itchy."

Qin Guan then relaxed. After withdrawing the needles, Lu Jinghe helped Lu Boyi put on his clothes. Lu Boyi trembled as he leaned on Lu Jinghe for support. Once his cape was also draped over him, he said, "Second Sister hasn't returned yet, but we won't wait. I'm rather tired and will rest first. Miss Qin, farewell."

Qin Guan nodded, watching as the father and son left the main hall.

Once they were gone, Qin Guan frowned. Lu Jinghe's earlier words had diminished some of the compassion in her heart.

There is much suffering in the world. Having worked on cases with her father for years, she had witnessed countless human hardships. The more suffering she saw, the more compassion grew in Qin Guan's heart. Yet, no matter how compassionate or soft-hearted she became, the distinction between good and evil in her heart remained unshakable. Everyone in this world, regardless of their morality or strength, must pay the corresponding price for their actions.

Seeing that Lu You Xin had not returned after some time, Qin Guan also took her leave and returned to the Lotus Pavilion.

Back at the Lotus Pavilion, Qin Guan summoned Bai Feng. "Keep an eye on the Green Bamboo Courtyard."

Bai Feng acknowledged the order but seemed puzzled. "Is Lu Jingcheng's case related to the Fifth House?"

Qin Guan nodded, yet a trace of vexation appeared on her face. "I've figured out all the connections, but there's no evidence. That's the situation now, which is why I need you to watch the Green Bamboo Courtyard."

Though still confused, Bai Feng nodded and left.

Qin Guan sat in the Warm Chamber, feeling troubled. In the current circumstances, without evidence, it was unlikely that Lu You Xin would fully believe her claims. Yet, so much time had passed since the incident that there was no tangible evidence left. Even if she revealed everything, if the culprit insisted on denying it, she would have no recourse...

Qin Guan sighed and went over the clues obtained during the day's interrogation again, but she still felt somewhat lost.

Lu Jingcheng knew Lu Jinghe's identity—it was entirely possible that he used this to pressure Lu Jinghe into compliance. Lu Jingcheng fundamentally looked down on Lu Jinghe's status, and coupled with his attraction to Lu Jinghe's handsome appearance, he developed ill intentions. From this perspective, such a scenario was not impossible.Lu Jingcheng later instructed his subordinates to monitor the movements of those two stewards, fearing they might have promised Lu Jinghe something—using threats while offering conditions as bait. Thus, even if Lu Jinghe was unwilling, he would have no choice but to comply. But now that Lu Jingcheng was dead, Lu Jinghe could simply deny everything...

Frowning, Qin Guan thought of Lu You Xin's appreciation for Lu Jinghe and then recalled Lu Boyi's illness, feeling even more hesitant and uncertain.

Early the next morning, Bai Feng came in to report to Qin Guan, "Princess Consort, after watching Green Bamboo Courtyard for a long time, I haven't noticed anything unusual about the Fifth Master or the Ninth Young Master. There aren't many servants in Green Bamboo Courtyard either, and nothing seems out of the ordinary."

Qin Guan pondered for a moment. "Where is Lu Suiyong, the one guarding the plum grove? Go and find him for me. Since he has already met me, it should be fine."

Bai Feng acknowledged and left, and before long, Lu Suiyong arrived at the Lotus Pavilion.

Although Lu Suiyong had met Qin Guan before, he still did not know her identity. Being summoned this time, he was filled with trepidation.

After paying his respects in the main hall, Qin Guan asked, "You've been guarding Plum Garden for a long time. Have you ever seen the Ninth Young Master go there?"

Lu Suiyong looked up and replied, "Naturally, I have. But the Ninth Young Master doesn't go often. I've only seen him once or twice."

"When? And who was he with?"

Lu Suiyong tilted his head in thought. "It was about two months ago, right after the first heavy snowfall in Jianzhou. The Ninth Young Master went to Plum Garden to pick snow-covered plum blossoms. I saw him once then. He was alone, without anyone accompanying him. Unlike the other young masters, he usually doesn't bring attendants."

Hearing this, Qin Guan felt even more helpless. "And after that?"

"After that, I saw the Ninth Young Master from a distance once more, but I was busy at the time and didn't go up to greet him. He was still alone, seemingly picking plum blossoms again. I haven't seen him since then."

Qin Guan massaged her forehead. "Very well, you may leave."

Lu Suiyong withdrew uneasily, while Qin Guan sank into deep thought.

She had asked all she needed to ask. Now, the only option was to bring in the people from the Fifth Household's courtyard for questioning. But once she did that, wouldn't it openly signal her suspicion of the Fifth Household?

Without first informing Lu You Xin, Qin Guan felt that Lu You Xin would not approve of her targeting the Fifth Household.

Seeing Qin Guan so troubled, Baiying couldn't help but say, "Princess Consort, why not tell the Madam the truth and see how she handles it?"

Qin Guan looked at Baiying, who continued, "In the past, when you assisted the authorities in investigating cases, you always preferred to gather sufficient evidence before accusing the culprit. But today is different. In White Deer Isle, ultimately, the Madam's decision comes first, and the law second. Even Hu Guangde—if the Madam wished to administer private punishment, who would ever know?"

Baiying, like Bai Feng, was usually reticent, but today her words resonated deeply with Qin Guan.

As Baiying said, since this case had not been reported to the authorities, Lu You Xin still treated it as a family matter. Her current restraints were entirely due to this. Why not tell Lu You Xin everything she knew and let her make the decision? That way, there would be no need to delay any longer.

Qin Guan sighed. "You're right. I was still thinking in terms of the past. Very well, tonight, I will go seek out my aunt."Having settled on this idea, Qin Guan did not give up on organizing the clues. Her memory was astonishing; she even hand-copied the testimonies of Lu Jingcheng’s servants, intending to deliver them to Lu Youxin that evening. After making preparations, she headed to Wutong Garden early in the evening.

She first sent someone to announce her arrival. By the time she reached Wutong Garden, only Lu Youxin, Huang Momo, and a few others were present.

Seeing Qin Guan arrive, Lu Youxin stepped forward with a smile. "Why are you here so early today? Isn’t the pulse-checking appointment still a while away?"

Qin Guan’s expression remained serious. Lu Youxin studied her for a moment, and her smile faded slightly. "What’s wrong? Has something happened?"

Qin Guan approached. "Aunt, there’s something I need to report."

Seeing Lu Youxin’s attentive gaze, Qin Guan continued, "It’s about Lu Jingcheng’s case. If nothing goes wrong, I already know who the murderer is."

Lu Youxin’s eyes widened slightly, and she grasped Qin Guan’s hand tightly. "You know? Who is it? Tell me quickly!"

Lu Youxin was visibly agitated. Qin Guan patted the back of her hand and said, "If you learn who this person is, you’ll likely be deeply shocked and saddened. At the moment, I haven’t found concrete evidence. I’ll only share my speculation. After hearing it, the decision on how to proceed rests entirely with you."

Lu Youxin nodded hurriedly. "I trust you completely. Just tell me who it is. No matter who it is, a life has been lost—I won’t let this slide."

Qin Guan nodded and was about to speak when Huang Momo suddenly entered from outside. "Miss, Fifth Master is here."

Qin Guan frowned immediately, and Lu Youxin was also surprised. Glancing at the water clock in the corner of the room, she remarked in astonishment, "Why so early?"

It had just grown dark, and their previously agreed-upon pulse-checking time was still half an hour away. This was the first time Lu Boyi had arrived so early.

Though taken aback, Lu Youxin said, "Quickly, let him in."

Huang Momo nodded and soon escorted Lu Boyi inside.

The interruption made it impossible for Qin Guan to continue her earlier statement. Lu Youxin squeezed her hand and whispered, "Your Fifth Uncle is a good man. Don’t worry."

This was meant to reassure Qin Guan that she need not avoid the topic later, but how could Qin Guan speak openly in front of Lu Boyi?

Pressing her lips together, Qin Guan remained silent for a moment and observed Lu Boyi closely. Today, he had come alone.

In the past two days, as his condition improved, he had often worn a smile. But now, Lu Boyi entered with a grim expression, his steps heavy and a resolute look in his eyes. Seeing this, Qin Guan felt an instinctive unease, as if something was about to happen!

"Miss Qin is also here…"

Lu Boyi nodded to Qin Guan as he entered, his tone subdued and somber.

Lu Youxin seemed to notice his odd demeanor as well and asked with a frown, "Fifth Brother, why are you here so early today? Has something happened?"

Lu Boyi looked at Lu Youxin, then at Qin Guan, and clenched his fist tightly at his side. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, the resolve in his gaze had intensified. "Since Miss Qin is here as well, I’d like to ask her to bear witness."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, and Lu Youxin looked even more puzzled. Lu Boyi, however, glanced at Huang Momo and the others, his meaning clear.

Lu Youxin quickly said, "All of you, step out for now—"Huang Momo and the others withdrew, even closing the door behind them. Lu You Xin stepped forward and asked, "Fifth Brother, what exactly is wrong?"

Lu Boyi looked at Lu You Xin with a pained expression, then suddenly lifted his robe and knelt down.

Lu You Xin was greatly shocked. Lu Boyi was her elder brother—how could he kneel to her?!

"Fifth Brother! What are you doing?! What matter is so grave that you must kneel like this? Get up quickly—you're still unwell!"

Lu You Xin stepped forward to help Lu Boyi up, but he pressed her hands and shook his head. "You Xin, listen to me."

Lu Youxin was momentarily stunned, the unease in her heart growing heavier. "Fifth Brother... what are you trying to say?"

Lu Boyi lifted his gaze to Lu Youxin, then glanced at Qin Guan, who appeared surprised yet remarkably calm. He suddenly spoke slowly, his voice trembling slightly, "Jingcheng... was killed by me."

After uttering these words, Lu Boyi seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and let out a bitter smile. "It was me... I accidentally killed Jingcheng in a moment of recklessness... All these days, watching the household in turmoil, I've come today to confess my crime."

Lu Youxin was completely dumbfounded, her pupils contracting sharply. For a long moment, she couldn't speak. "H-how... how could it be Fifth Brother..."

While Lu Youxin was too shocked to form coherent sentences, Qin Guan suddenly grew calm. The unease in her heart had become reality. Watching Lu Boyi's deeply pained and remorseful expression, she felt her throat tighten. Though she could easily expose his lie, at this moment, she couldn't utter a single word.

Lu Boyi lowered his eyes, the corners slightly moist. "About the mine disaster... I actually knew about it beforehand."

Lu Youxin was startled once more. Lu Boyi continued, "You know what Jingcheng was like—usually very domineering. As his elder, I tolerated it all. But when it came to the mine disaster, I simply couldn't bear it. About a month ago, while I was strolling near the plum grove, I saw Jingcheng there too. By chance, I overheard his conversation with his servant. They were discussing how Hu Guangde was demanding money from him. Jingcheng said he was short on funds and didn't know how to come up with the silver, but he also mentioned that he couldn't refuse. This mine disaster had killed over twenty people. If Hu Guangde's mouth wasn't sealed in time, he would surely expose Jingcheng!"

Lu Youxin's eyes reddened instantly, her body swaying unsteadily. Qin Guan quickly stepped forward to support her.

"Fifth Brother... why didn't you come to me as soon as you found out about this?!"

In Lu Youxin's heart, this fifth brother was honest and dutiful, always the one being bullied, never one to lie. Moreover, he wouldn't falsely confess to such a grave crime. Once he admitted it, it had to be true. Though she was shocked and found it hard to believe, her rationality told her that Lu Boyi's words were genuine.

Lu Boyi shook his head. "It's my fault for being foolish. I should have come to you then, but... but I held back because I wanted to find evidence—preferably catch him in the act of contacting Hu Guangde and handing over the money. But... my health failed me, and my condition worsened soon after. With that delay, I lost the best opportunity. This matter was too serious; I didn't dare tell anyone, not even Jinghe."

"That day, I ran into Jinghe again near the plum grove. This time, I couldn't control my anger and confronted him on the spot. I thought that once I revealed I knew about the mine disaster, he would be terrified, weeping and begging for my forgiveness. But I never expected... not only did he show no guilt, he... he even threatened me with Jinghe's background!"

Lu Boyi looked up, his eyes brimming with tears. Lu Youxin gasped sharply. "What?! He actually knew?!"Lu Boyi nodded, "Yes, he found out. He said that since things had come to this, those people were dead and couldn't be saved anyway. But if I were to expose this matter, he would tell everyone that Jinghe isn't the biological child of the Fifth Branch. You know how weak the Fifth Branch's position is. All these years, Jinghe has been treated as the legitimate heir of the Fifth Branch, yet he's still bullied. If people found out he's just an adopted son, I'm afraid he wouldn't get a single share of the Fifth Branch's family estate in the future. For Jinghe's sake, I had no choice but to swallow my anger and keep silent."

"I made concessions and decided not to expose the matter, thinking that as long as we caught those two managers, we could resolve this. But Jingcheng... he truly went too far. Not only did he use Jinghe's origins to threaten me into keeping the truth about the mine disaster secret, but he also demanded fifty thousand taels of silver from me, saying only that would seal his lips! I... you know I don't have fifty thousand taels on hand! When I said I had no money, Jingcheng actually demanded I hand over the Fifth Branch's ancestral estate deed in Lanzhou! He said he'd return it when I paid the full fifty thousand taels, but if I couldn't raise the money, the Fifth Branch's ancestral home would become his!"

Lu Youxin was so furious her vision darkened. "What?! That wretched scoundrel! How dare he be so audacious!"

Lu Boyi sighed, "I had no choice. He set a deadline for me, demanding I bring it to him on the night of the incident. I knew he was injured, but I didn't go see him. When the appointed time came, I still went because I was afraid he'd go mad and reveal Jinghe's origins! I went empty-handed and begged him, but he wouldn't listen at all. He bluntly said he'd tell everyone about Jinghe's background the next day..."

Tears suddenly streamed down Lu Boyi's cheeks like pearls. "Jinghe is my child. Even if he's not biologically mine, he's more dear to me than a biological son. All these years, how much suffering has he endured in the Fifth Branch without ever uttering a word of complaint? Youxin, you know how close we are—like real father and son. How could I allow anyone to ruin the rest of Jinghe's life?! I couldn't allow it! Absolutely not! I even knelt on the ground and begged him, but he wouldn't budge an inch. In my rage... I pinned him down in the snow and smothered him to death!"

Lu Boyi raised his hand to wipe the corner of his eye. "It's my incompetence. All these years, not only have I failed to help you, but I've also failed to protect my wife and child. That's why we've been bullied like this. I, an elder, couldn't even deal with a nephew. My incompetence has harmed the entire household. It's all my fault. These past few days, I've been filled with remorse. After much thought, I came to confess to you. With the New Year approaching, speaking these words brings me peace, even if it means spending the holiday in jail!"

After saying all this, Lu Boyi looked up at Lu Youxin. "Youxin, I've said everything. Whatever punishment you decide for me, I'll accept without complaint!"

Lu Boyi knelt rigidly, his expression resolute, yet his pale, sickly appearance evoked pity. Lu Youxin swayed slightly. Hearing so much from Lu Boyi, her heart ached unbearably. By now, her tears were unstoppable. Leaning half her weight on Qin Guan, she looked at Lu Boyi, feeling utterly bewildered for the first time. "Fifth Brother... you... how could you..."Lu Boyi slowly lowered his gaze, as if unable to meet Lu Youxin's sorrowful and pitying eyes.

"For Jinghe, I would do anything."

Lu Youxin tightly shut her eyes, tears tracing paths down her cheeks. When she reopened them, a trace of hesitation still lingered in her gaze. "Does Fifth Sister-in-law and Jinghe know about this matter?"

Lu Boyi shook his head. "Only you, me, and Miss Qin know."

Lu Youxin didn't mind whether Qin Guan knew or not, but she hadn't expected Lu Boyi wouldn't mind either. At that moment, Lu Boyi lifted his eyes to Qin Guan, his gaze filled with entreaty. "Miss Qin, with her skillful hands and benevolent heart, is a true living Bodhisattva. It doesn't matter if she hears what I've said today. The fault lies with me. Miss Qin is someone who clearly distinguishes right from wrong, good from evil. Whatever punishment comes, I will accept it peacefully. So... so there's no need to hide it from Miss Qin."

The corners of Qin Guan's lips twitched, but she felt a tightness in her chest and a lump in her throat, unable to utter a word.

She had understood Lu Boyi's intentions from the moment he admitted to killing Lu Jingcheng. Initially, she hadn't exposed him, and after hearing so much more, it became even harder for her to speak. Seeing Qin Guan remain silent, Lu Boyi seemed to breathe a sigh of relief before turning his gaze back to Lu Youxin. "Youxin, give the order. Send me to the authorities tomorrow, so the turmoil in our household can be put to rest..."

Lu Youxin wiped the corner of her eye with her hand. How could she bear to be so harsh in response to Lu Boyi's plea?

"Fifth Brother, this matter... this matter requires careful consideration... I never imagined it would be you. You... you're so gravely ill, how could you..."

Lu Boyi lowered his head, his voice trembling. "Though seriously ill, I am still a man. At that moment, I was consumed by rage, and Jingcheng was already injured. I..."

Lu Youxin closed her eyes in anguish. After a long pause, she suddenly waved a hand. "This matter! I still need time to think it over! You go back first. Tomorrow... tomorrow I will make a decision!"

Lu Boyi looked up at Lu Youxin. Compared to her and Qin Guan, he appeared calmer at that moment. "Youxin, there's no need to hesitate. Though my condition has improved somewhat under Miss Qin's care... I know I have at most a few years left. I've lived most of my life and am actually content."

Lu Youxin frowned and snapped, "I said the decision will be made tomorrow, so it will be made tomorrow! As the head of this family, I order you to go back now!"

Only then did Lu Boyi slowly lower his gaze. After a moment of thought, he shakily straightened up, sighed, and turned to leave.

Lu Boyi's steps were heavy, his back hunched. Watching his retreating figure, Lu Youxin felt another wave of tears welling up. Only when he had disappeared from sight did she turn and tightly grasp Qin Guan's hand, letting out a low sob. "How... how could it be like this!"

Qin Guan quickly helped Lu Youxin sit down. "Aunt..."

Lu Youxin couldn't calm down. "No wonder... no wonder you said I would be heartbroken if I knew. It was actually Fifth Brother! Guan'er, what do you think I should do? Fifth Brother has been close to me since childhood. Among all my cousins, he was always the most righteous and kind. Why must such a good person suffer such injustice?! He wants me to send him to prison—should I really send him to prison? He only gained a few more years of life because he met a physician like you. If he goes to prison now, wouldn't that... wouldn't that be sending him to the executioner's block!"Lu Youxin held Qin Guan's hand with one hand while pressing the other against her chest. In just a short while, her face had turned as pale as paper. Qin Guan's heart ached at the sight, and she said hoarsely, "Aunt, you should follow your own heart. Fifth Uncle... Fifth Uncle is truly pitiful."

These words stirred Lu Youxin's sorrow anew. "Jinghe is the very lifeblood of that couple. Without this child, Fifth Brother would have even less will to live. Over the years, Jinghe has become half a physician—all from tending to the sick. He is the most filial child, unmatched in his devotion to the Path of family duty anywhere under heaven! Such bond surpasses that of many biological fathers and sons. How could Fifth Brother not protect him..."

Qin Guan nodded, her mind recalling Lu Boyi's appearance earlier. The pain on his face was genuine, his self-reproach sincere. Yet those tears weren't for himself. He had woven the sequence of events seamlessly, describing the details of Lu Jingcheng's murder with such clarity that it was evident he knew exactly why Lu Jingcheng had been killed—and naturally, how much suffering Lu Jinghe had endured. He had taken the blame out of extreme heartache for Lu Jinghe.

Most of what he said today was false, but his claim that he would do anything for Lu Jinghe was true.

Qin Guan didn't know whether to feel moved or sigh. She softly comforted Lu Youxin until, after a long while, Lu Youxin finally ceased her grief. Wiping the corner of her eye, she grasped Qin Guan's hand firmly. "Guan'er, this matter... I need to think it over carefully. If I... if I don't protect Fifth Brother, would you despise your aunt?"

Qin Guan took a shallow breath and shook her head. "No. It's entirely up to you, Aunt."

Lu Youxin nodded, but her gaze toward the doorway grew distant. The sudden upheaval seemed to have scattered her very soul. Having weathered countless storms over the years, she now felt helpless and unable to bear it. After standing dazed for a long moment, she remembered Qin Guan was still there and hurriedly said, "Guan'er, you should go back and rest. I need to think alone... I must think carefully..."

Rising unsteadily, Lu Youxin drifted toward the inner chamber. Qin Guan's chest felt heavy and blocked. After standing for a while, she had no choice but to turn and leave. As she moved, her fingers brushed against the testimony tucked in her sleeve. Hesitating briefly, she pushed the document deeper into the fabric.

Qin Guan had arrived with a complicated state of mind, but her departure was laden with unspeakable sorrow. Walking along the path toward the Lotus Pavilion, a complex, dull pain grew in her heart—born from sympathy for Lu Boyi, yet rooted deeper in the internal conflict raging within her.

Good people shouldn't suffer evil retribution, but... should she truly let Lu Youxin, the one making the decision, remain in the dark?

A walk that usually took half a ke (7.5 minutes) stretched to a full ke today. When she reached the Lotus Pavilion's gate, Qin Guan suddenly halted.

Her entire body was icy cold, yet she stood frozen, unable to step across the threshold into the courtyard.