Coroner's Diary

Lu Jingxiu entered, bringing a chill with him. When he saw Qin Guan, his eyes immediately brightened. "Greetings, Aunt, Princess."

He cupped his hands and bowed. Lu Youxin said, "Enough. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I thought you didn't know when to return."

Lu Jingxiu smiled. "These past few days, Qianzhou has been unstable, and there have been many rumors in Jianzhou City. I went to Jianzhou for a few days to see if any news had come through. If the south falls into chaos, not only Qianzhou and Jianzhou but even Lanzhou might suffer."

The Lu clan's ancestral lands were in Lanzhou, and Lu Jingxiu's words pleased Lu Youxin greatly.

Lu Youxin nodded. "Then tell us, what have you heard?"

Lu Jingxiu glanced at Qin Guan, then turned to Lu Youxin before speaking. "I stayed in Jianzhou City for two days this time and saw many people preparing to head north. They said Qianzhou has already fallen into chaos, and Jianzhou likely won't remain peaceful for long. They also mentioned that the army attacking Qianzhou came from the west."

Lu Youxin glanced at Qin Guan, patting her hand reassuringly before asking, "And then? Did they say it was the Northwest Frontier Army?"

Lu Jingxiu shook his head. "They didn't specify that. The army attacking the Qianzhou garrison wasn't identified as coming from anywhere in particular, but it was from the west. Wasn't the Northwest Frontier Army previously taken over by someone appointed by the emperor? Yet now, there's no news of a change in commander..."

He cast a probing glance at Qin Guan. These rumors were, after all, hearsay, and Lu Jingxiu was quite curious about Qin Guan's reaction.

Qin Guan frowned slightly. Yan Chi had not yet returned to the Northwest Frontier, and the Northwest Frontier Army still included people like Lin Xugui. As for the army attacking Qianzhou, Qin Guan truly had no idea where it came from. She simply asked, "I heard the Qianzhou garrison was defeated?"

Lu Jingxiu nodded. "Yes, the Qianzhou garrison was defeated. They had thirty to forty thousand troops, but this western army only had ten thousand men. Yet they crushed the Qianzhou garrison. I heard people say the general leading those ten thousand was like a god descended to earth, though no one knows who he is."

Hearing these rumors and noting that Yan Chi's name wasn't mentioned, Lu Jingxiu assumed the battle in Qianzhou had nothing to do with Yan Chi. Moreover, at this critical juncture, he didn't think Yan Chi would detour to Jianzhou, so he never considered the possibility. Yet, priding himself on his bold spirit, he felt an innate admiration for the strong. When he heard of the god-like general in the rumors, his eyes still shone with respect.

Lu Youxin and Qin Guan exchanged a glance, already understanding who the rumored figure was, but there was no need to clarify this to Lu Jingxiu.

Lu Youxin merely said, "Ten thousand defeating thirty to forty thousand is indeed remarkable."

Lu Jingxiu's eyes gleamed as he replied, "Yes, I heard this ten-thousand-strong force moved like divine soldiers, appearing silently outside the Qianzhou garrison's camp. They first cut off the garrison's food supplies, then set fire to the weapon stores. In the dead of night, many woke up unable to even retrieve their weapons, facing blades barehanded. And that god-like general—he alone charged into the enemy formation and took the heads of two of Jiang Heying's top commanders. The Qianzhou garrison collapsed completely after that."Qin Guan listened to Lu Jingxiu's words and couldn't help but recall her own dream. In the dream, Yan Chi had also charged into enemy lines in full military attire, spear in hand—but in that dream, he never returned. Qin Guan's heart tightened as she clenched her fists. Lu Youxin couldn't resist asking, "What happened next?"

Lu Jingxiu smiled. "The Qianzhou garrison was defeated, so naturally, the city fell into that man's hands. I heard he didn't impose a lockdown—everything remains as it was before. The Qianzhou prefect is a sensible man, but the common people are still fearful. Many are fleeing to Jianzhou. Ordinary folks can no longer enter Jianzhou city now."

Lu Youxin frowned. Once war breaks out, unarmed civilians naturally think only of escape. Yet if this continues, it would tarnish Yan Chi's reputation.

Qin Guan also felt concerned. With refugees everywhere, countless would freeze or starve to death. In such a harsh winter, leaving home without finding shelter would inevitably lead to immense suffering. The more people died, the worse it would reflect on Yan Chi. After a moment of contemplation, an idea gradually formed in Qin Guan's mind.

"Besides that, there are all sorts of rumors about Qianzhou circulating, but most sound unreliable. These past two days, many reports have also come from the north, claiming that the Anyang Marquis has led fifty thousand troops northward, preparing for a decisive battle with the Northern Garrison Army. The Northern Garrison Army has captured Cangzhou and is now advancing toward Fengzhou and Chongzhou. This was half a month ago—who knows how far they've progressed by now? Compared to the south, the north is truly in turmoil."

Lu Youxin sighed. "When war erupts, it's always the common people who suffer most."

Qin Guan spoke up beside her. "Aunt, I plan to write a letter. Could you help deliver it to Jianzhou city? My people cannot show themselves—would you be able to assist?"

At this request, Lu Youxin immediately nodded. "Of course. Who are you sending it to?"

A slight smile touched Qin Guan's lips. "To an old acquaintance."

Hearing this, Lu Jingxiu also looked at Qin Guan with curiosity, but she showed no intention of explaining.

Lu Youxin said, "I have paper and brush here. If it's urgent, you can write it now?"

Qin Guan pondered briefly—there was no need for secrecy—and nodded, entering Lu Youxin's study in the courtyard. Once the writing materials were ready, she had already composed the letter in her mind. She wrote fluidly, filling an entire page, then reviewed it twice to ensure no errors before sealing it with wax and handing it to Lu Youxin. With no one else around, Qin Guan whispered a name into Lu Youxin's ear. Lu Youxin's eyes widened. "So it's for her—"

Qin Guan nodded. "I apologize for the trouble."

Lu Youxin smiled. "I understand your intention. Don't worry, nothing will go wrong, and no one will know the letter came from you."

Only then did Qin Guan feel at ease. Having lost interest in Lu Jingcheng's case, she didn't linger long in Wutong Courtyard. As she stepped out, she found Lu Jingxiu waiting outside. Seeing her emerge, he hurried forward. "May I have a word with you, Princess?"

Qin Guan had intended to avoid Lu Jingxiu, but he seemed particularly persistent. She didn't move, standing still as she asked, "What is it, Fifth Young Master?"

Lu Jingxiu looked directly at her. "Are you leaving after the New Year, Princess?"

Qin Guan didn't answer. "Why do you ask?"

Meeting her gaze, Lu Jingxiu seemed to feel a growing pressure. His eyes flickered as he asked, "Are you going to Shuoxi, Princess?"Qin Guan looked leisurely at Lu Jingxiu, "These matters have nothing to do with the Fifth Young Master. There's no need for you to concern yourself."

Lu Jingxiu inexplicably felt Qin Guan was particularly cold toward him, and a sense of melancholy and frustration welled up in his heart. He couldn't help but say, "I meant to say... there will surely be war in Shuoxi. If the princess consort truly goes to Shuoxi, it will be extremely difficult. Rather than that, why not stay in Jianzhou?"

Hearing this, Qin Guan found it both amusing and exasperating. "Fifth Young Master, such matters should be handled by my aunt. You should focus on your own affairs."

With that, Qin Guan bypassed Lu Jingxiu and headed toward the Lotus Pavilion. Lu Jingxiu called after her, "I'm saying this for your own good. How can a young lady like you go to a warzone? Otherwise... otherwise, going to Lanzhou would be better..."

Qin Guan paused briefly and sighed, "Thank you, but you really don't need to worry about these things."

After speaking, Qin Guan continued walking forward. Lu Jingxiu wanted to follow but felt apprehensive. Though Qin Guan showed no anger, he trembled inwardly, as if saying one more word would be presumptuous and offensive to her.

Returning to the Lotus Pavilion, Qin Guan gazed absently at the bright snow outside the window. The letter she had just sent was for Yao Xinlan. Having been in Jianzhou for several days, she had finally resolved to contact Yao Xinlan, but not merely to catch up. With Qianzhou in chaos and Jianzhou affected as well, Yan Chi's heart remained in Jianzhou—he would surely return after the New Year. Yet she didn't want to wait idly. The refugees needed to be settled; otherwise, once the war in Qianzhou became widely known, Yan Chi would likely face criticism.

Yan Chi was an invincible god of war, while she was a compassionate healer. Her thoughts always tended to be gentler and more delicate.

She wondered what decision Yao Xinlan would make after reading her letter.

Qin Guan had resigned herself to Yan Chi not returning for the New Year. By afternoon, she rallied her spirits to decorate the courtyard. Lu You Xin sent over lanterns and other items, and Qin Guan directed everyone in hanging them. The courtyard was already elegantly arranged but lacked a festive atmosphere. With the new lanterns, the entire yard transformed. At dusk, Lu You Xin sent over many firecrackers, still treating Qin Guan like a child.

Naturally, Qin Guan had no interest in setting off firecrackers for fun, but Fuling was different. Seeing Qin Guan listless, she understood why. Delighted by the firecrackers, she insisted on setting them off with Baiying for Qin Guan to watch. Though Qin Guan was somewhat afraid of firecrackers, seeing Fuling and Baiying enjoy themselves so lively brought a smile to her face.

Before long, Huang Momo arrived at the Lotus Pavilion, smiling as she said, "Princess Consort, the young lady invites you to the Plum Garden."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "So late? Why the Plum Garden?"

Huang Momo replied with a smile, "She's invited you for some amusement. You'll understand when you get there."

Though puzzled, since it was Lu You Xin's invitation, Qin Guan made brief preparations and left the Lotus Pavilion.

It had snowed all night yesterday, but the day had been clear. Now, fresh snow fell again, draping White Deer Isle in a silvery-white blanket. Walking along the snow-covered Path, Qin Guan looked up to see the vast night sky. The evening was truly magnificent—could it be that Lu You Xin wanted to share a drink with her beneath the plum blossoms?After decorating the courtyard in the afternoon, Qin Guan felt much more lighthearted. Though the night was somewhat chilly, there was a certain charm in treading through snow to admire the plum blossoms. Step by step, Qin Guan made her way to the side of Plum Garden facing Moonview Lake. From afar, she noticed a long corridor had been built along the edge of Plum Garden, with a pavilion standing atop it. At that moment, both the corridor and the pavilion were illuminated with lanterns. The scene of white snow and red plum blossoms, with their subtle fragrance drifting through the air, was exquisitely elegant even from a distance!

At that moment, shadowy figures could be seen in the pavilion, and Qin Guan immediately spotted Lu You Xin.

Qin Guan quickened her pace. As she drew closer, she saw Lu You Xin sitting alone in the pavilion. A smile curved her lips as she approached, "Aunt—"

"Guan'er, you're here!" Lu You Xin turned around and, once Qin Guan entered the pavilion, pulled her to sit down. "It's a bit cold. Here's a hand warmer—hold one in your hands."

The pavilion was curtained on all sides, but the curtain facing Moonview Lake was rolled up. Without the biting wind rushing in from all directions, the chill was not so oppressive. Qin Guan glanced around and saw a few tea snacks arranged on the stone table in the pavilion, but nothing else particularly noteworthy. She asked, "Aunt, what inspired you to tread through snow and admire plum blossoms at night?"

Lu You Xin laughed. "You've misunderstood. I have no intention of treading through snow to admire plum blossoms."

Qin Guan was puzzled, but Lu You Xin pointed in the direction of Moonview Lake.

With the curtain rolled up and the pavilion situated high and open, it felt as though they were overlooking the distant Moonview Lake from a high platform. Though it was night, the starry sky was brilliant, and the faint shimmer of reflections on the lake's surface could be seen, evoking a sense of majestic grandeur. Qin Guan remarked with a smile, "It's a pity there's no moon tonight."

Though the starry river was splendid, there was indeed no moon, perhaps obscured by some patch of dark clouds.

Lu You Xin, however, covered her mouth and laughed. "Did you think I invited you here to enjoy the lake view?"

Qin Guan blinked. "Wasn't that the case?"

Lu You Xin smiled meaningfully and suddenly clapped her hands. Huang Momo, standing nearby, nodded and then stepped out of the pavilion.

Qin Guan was confused. A gentle breeze passed by, and suddenly, a sharp firecracker whistle was heard. A red flame shot into the sky and burst with a "pop" above the surface of Moonview Lake. Suddenly, on the tranquil lake, an enormous flower lantern appeared—a lotus lantern as tall as a person, blazing red like a fiery lotus of karma. First, there was the large lotus lantern, and then, on either side, smaller lotus lanterns emerged one after another. Before long, lotus leaf lanterns lit up beside the lotus lanterns. Qin Guan gasped in amazement and, upon closer inspection, vaguely discerned shadowy figures in black moving around the lanterns.

Qin Guan couldn't help but feel delighted. "So Aunt invited me to see the lake lanterns!"

Though it was winter, the surface of Moonview Lake was ablaze with lotus blossoms and lotus leaves. Dense clusters of flower lanterns connected into a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Qin Guan watched with joy, momentarily reminiscing about the lantern festivals she had attended by the Lishui Lake in Jinzhou. But just then, Lu You Xin chuckled beside her, "It's not my doing."

Qin Guan was surprised. "Not your doing?"

Lu You Xin smiled and nodded. At that moment, the curtain behind them was lifted by a hand, and Lu Jingxiu stepped in from outside.Lu Jingxiu, clad in a blue robe and radiating an air of graceful elegance, cupped his hands in salute the moment he stepped inside. Yet, the smile on Qin Guan's face faded, her brows slightly furrowed. In an instant, the lanterns by the lake no longer seemed as captivating. Lu Youxin, however, noticed nothing amiss and remarked, "These were arranged by Jingxiu. He said they were novelties he saw in Jianzhou City. Though he called them fresh, they're merely oversized flower lanterns. In previous years, Wangyue Lake hosted many lantern festivals, but during the New Year, people seldom venture out of the city for lakeside excursions. By the time of the Lantern Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival, this place becomes bustling. I didn't mind his efforts, but knowing you were here, I invited you to take a look so you wouldn't feel too bored."

Lu Jingxiu stood to the side, smiling with downcast eyes. Though he made no claim to credit, the satisfaction on his face was unmistakable.

Qin Guan forced a faint smile. "I see. I wasn't feeling stifled, but thank you, Fifth Young Master, for your trouble."Lu Jingxiu replied cheerfully, 'It's almost the New Year—just a trifle to amuse my aunt and the princess.'""

Qin Guan smiled without responding. Lu Youxin grasped her hand and said, "The drawback of White Deer Isle being outside the city is this. If we were in Jianzhou City, it would be lively at this hour."

Knowing Lu Youxin meant well, Qin Guan felt both touched and amused. "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I actually find this place quite pleasant. I might even miss it after I leave after the New Year."

Lu Youxin gave her a brief embrace without further words. Meanwhile, the lakeside lanterns shifted patterns again. The largest lotus lantern gradually changed color from red to white. Soon after, a painted boat emerged on the distant lake, from which the sudden strains of a zither arose. A young woman danced gracefully aboard the vessel as it drew nearer, appearing as if it had sailed down from the starry river on this bitterly cold winter night. Though her interest had waned, Qin Guan couldn't deny the scene was captivating. Yet, learning it wasn't Lu Youxin's arrangement left her dispirited, especially with Lu Jingxiu's occasional glances her way. She tried to ignore them, but her keen sensitivity made it difficult. Not wanting to say anything in front of Lu Youxin, she contemplated finding an excuse to leave early...

"Eh... what's that?"

Just as Qin Guan was fretting, Fuling exclaimed from behind. Qin Guan followed her gaze and saw torches appearing one by one along the eastern shore of Wangyue Lake. They flickered in and out of view amid the lakeside trees, growing closer until the foremost torches linked together, forming what seemed like a fiery dragon! It earned the name because, at a glance, Qin Guan estimated there were thousands of torches...

In an instant, her heart leaped into her throat!

Ordinary travelers would never carry so many torches!

And the path they were on was clearly the route from Jianzhou City, tracing the lakeside toward White Deer Isle!

Who were these people, arriving so late with such numbers? Why had they come?

Almost simultaneously, Lu Youxin and Lu Jingxiu noticed them too. Their expressions shifted abruptly, and all interest in the lake lanterns vanished.

Lu Youxin stepped forward, leaning perilously over the pavilion railing. "What is that?! How can there be so many people?"No one in the pavilion could answer Lu You Xin's question. Qin Guan immediately commanded, "Bai Feng, go scout!"

Bai Feng acknowledged and leaped into action, his figure soaring from the ground and vanishing from sight in moments. Lu You Xin turned and grasped Qin Guan's hand tightly. "What's happening? Could it be that news of your presence here has been leaked?!"

Qin Guan was currently a condemned rebel. If others learned of this... Could imperial troops have caught up with them?!

Qin Guan frowned subconsciously, taking two steps forward. The fiery dragon-like procession drew closer, its flames even outshining the lantern lights on Moonview Lake. The zither music from the painted boat ceased, the dancers froze mid-movement, and everyone who witnessed the approaching fire dragon was momentarily struck with awe!

Qin Guan instinctively gripped the nearby railing, waiting for Bai Feng's return and report. Yet as the cavalry drew nearer, Bai Feng remained absent. Given Bai Feng's speed, why was he taking so long? Just as this thought crossed her mind, a sudden white light shot skyward from the direction of the fiery procession!

Qin Guan's pupils trembled. Beside her, Baiying confirmed firmly, "Princess Consort! It's His Highness's signal flare!"

Upon hearing this, a roaring seemed to erupt in Qin Guan's ears. Overwhelming joy surged violently in her chest. Before she could even process it, her body had already dashed out of the pavilion. Lifting her skirts slightly, she sprinted swiftly along the main path of Plum Garden toward the eastern gate. Baiying and Fuling, seeing her haste, hurried after her. Lu You Xin quickly grasped the situation and rushed out as well. "Guan'er! Slow down! Guan'er—"

The lakeside lanterns continued shifting colors, but Lu Jingxiu stood frozen in the pavilion.

No one had clarified who was approaching, yet the maid's words seemed to hint at something...

Lu Jingxiu naturally guessed, but he frowned deeply, his expression full of disbelief. Impossible, it couldn't be that person!

Driven by this thought, he too found himself dashing out of the pavilion as if bewitched, following Qin Guan and the others toward the eastern gate.

The night wind bit with winter's chill, yet Qin Guan had never known she could run so lightly. Racing along the snow-covered main path, her skirts held high, her eyes reflected the star-filled galaxy above. She ran until she was breathless, yet felt no fatigue whatsoever. Baiying caught up first, attempting to support Qin Guan, but was gently pushed aside. Qin Guan's pace quickened, faster and faster, until she saw the magnificent fiery procession outside the eastern gate. Even from that distance, she instantly spotted Yan Chi at the forefront, organizing his troops!

Mounted on a towering steed, spear in hand, his sleeves fluttering in the wind, his commanding presence loomed like a mountain—exactly as when she had first seen him in Jinzhou!

With merely a few dozen steps remaining, Qin Guan suddenly halted. The cold wind flushed her cheeks pink, her cherry lips parted as she gasped for air, yet she found herself unable to take another step forward. Her gaze fixed intently on Yan Chi, the suppressed bitterness in her heart surged forth like raging tides!

Bai Feng was assisting Yan Chi with troop arrangements when his peripheral vision caught sight of Qin Guan. He promptly reported, "Your Highness! The Princess Consort—"On horseback, Yan Chi abruptly turned and immediately spotted Qin Guan running breathlessly in the distance. His previously sharp and stern gaze instantly softened, brimming with tenderness. He tossed his spear to Bai Feng and swung down from the saddle. After days of battle, a shadow of stubble darkened his jawline, and weariness lingered between his brows. Yet as he strode forward against the blazing firelight, he remained towering and majestic like a deity. Under the watchful eyes of thousands of soldiers behind him, others seemed to be rushing toward Qin Guan from nearby, but Yan Chi’s eyes held only Qin Guan’s reflection. His steps quickened until he reached her, where his long arm swept her tightly into an embrace.

"Wanwan, I'm back..."