Coroner's Diary

"Princess Consort! Your Highness! You've finally returned!"

As Qin Guan stepped down from the carriage, Fuling fluttered over like a butterfly and immediately performed a grand bow. Qin Guan smiled and helped her up, "Alright, alright, in this freezing snowy weather, there's no need to kneel. Let me see if our head housekeeper has grown thinner from exhaustion—"

She looked Fuling up and down and indeed noticed she had lost some weight. Fuling touched her own chin, "This servant is perfectly well. If I've grown thinner, it only makes me more attractive."

Qin Guan shook her head, "You've worked hard these past few days."

Zhao Yan and others stood behind Fuling, stepping forward to bow upon seeing this. When Qin Guan and Yan Chi looked up, they saw the four characters for "Prince Rui's Royal Residence" exactly matching the imperially commissioned plaque in the capital.

Qin Guan remarked, "It feels so familiar."

Fuling quickly added, "Not only is the plaque the same, but the courtyard is nearly identical too. However, the walls here are thicker than in the capital, and the underfloor heating is warmer. This servant actually finds it cozier than the capital residence. Princess Consort, please come inside and see!"

Qin Guan and Yan Chi entered the residence smiling. Once in the courtyard, they indeed saw the layout was exactly the same.

Though similar, there were still differences. The royal residence in the capital maintained some greenery even after years of neglect, while here only pines and cypresses showed verdant colors. The spirit walls and courtyard walls were thicker than those in the capital compound. Where the capital residence used brick and stone construction, here everything was built with Shuoxi red stone. Though not like the military camps that used red clay for walls, it appeared more solid and ancient than the capital's royal residence. At first glance they seemed nearly identical, but upon closer inspection revealed unique charm.

Qin Guan and Yan Chi walked along the corridor further inside, soon arriving at the main courtyard where both their expressions subtly changed.

The feeling was magical, as if the two of them had traveled a long, arduous journey only to return to their familiar home. Yan Chi squeezed Qin Guan's hand, "I made you leave home on our wedding night. Fortunately, I've brought you back now."

Qin Guan smiled, "It looks delightful. Fuling, where are His Highness and my quarters?"

Fuling proudly responded, "This servant has had everything cleaned and decorated!"

Qin Guan and Yan Chi proceeded toward their living quarters in the East Courtyard of the royal residence. Approaching the entrance, they saw a colorful grass wreath hanging there. Qin Guan looked surprised, and Fuling explained, "Princess Consort, this is Shuoxi's Five Blessings Grass. The five colors represent the protection of five heavenly officials. Local residents brought it earlier, saying they hang this instead of door charms during New Year here."

Finding the colors beautiful and meaningful, Qin Guan made no further comment. The party entered the courtyard to find it brightly lit, neat and elegant, without any trace of long-term neglect. Fuling chatted as they walked, "Everything from the carriage has been unloaded. Decorative items have been arranged, and clothing and jewelry have been put away. This servant noticed the rooms lacked a few plum vases, so I went out shopping. Then I discovered this place has everything, though somewhat expensive. They even have red porcelain vases fired from Shuoxi red clay here. Look, Princess Consort, like this one. Using these for milk jelly in winter would be absolutely beautiful."No matter what Fuling said, Qin Guan responded with smiling nods. After looking around, she noticed the room was decorated with quiet elegance and rustic charm. What surprised Qin Guan even more was the ceremonial fabric spread on the floor, which was even more magnificent than those in the capital. Upon inquiry, she learned that the dyes produced from minerals in Shuoxi were particularly vibrant and bright, resulting in exceptionally luminous silk threads. Qin Guan inspected everything from the interior to the exterior and felt extremely satisfied. Although it lacked the exquisitely refined ornaments of the capital and felt somewhat less lively, she knew that once they settled here permanently, it would be no different from the capital. Qin Guan took a soft breath and said, "After walking around, there's truly no place like home."

Fuling added, "Originally, there were no cooks in the residence. After arriving, I took the initiative to hire two cooks from the city. Both of them previously worked in urban restaurants and were overjoyed when they heard they would be cooking for Prince Rui, agreeing to come regardless of the wages. Knowing that the princess consort and Your Highness would return today, I have already instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner. Your Highness, princess consort, would you like to dine now?"

Yan Chi nodded. "We must be hungry after traveling all day. Let's eat."

With arrangements made, dinner was quickly served. Seizing the opportunity, Qin Guan also met the household servants: four elderly retainers who had previously watched over the royal residence, four young attendants Fuling had temporarily purchased, and the two cooks. Observing them, Qin Guan felt that Fuling's arrangements were appropriate and thoughtful, showing significant improvement. During the meal, she praised Fuling thoroughly, who was naturally delighted.

Yan Chi was concerned about the five thousand soldiers who had accompanied them and ate quickly. After finishing, he set down his bowl and chopsticks and left the city.

The five thousand soldiers could not stay within the city and had to temporarily remain in the military camp at Xilin City. Yan Chi, feeling somewhat uneasy, naturally went to check on them.

This visit lasted until after midnight before he returned. By then, Qin Guan had already bathed and was reviewing the inventory ledger Fuling had prepared over the past few days.

The royal residence's treasury was new, and currently, it only contained items brought from Jianzhou. Compared to a proper Qin royal residence, it could be described as impoverished. After Yan Chi returned and freshened up, he sat with Qin Guan to review the ledger. Noticing her slight concern, he smiled and said, "Preparations for the royal residence's belongings were made earlier and have been moved from the capital residence. They will arrive in Shuoxi in a few days. Don't worry—how could I let my princess consort go hungry?"

Qin Guan wasn't truly worried about hunger, but a large royal residence would require more servants in the future. The wealthy gentry of Xilin City, military generals, and any disasters in Shuoxi would all require expenditures. As she aimed to be Yan Chi's virtuous helper, she naturally had to consider these matters. Hearing his words, she felt somewhat reassured.

Finally able to sleep on a soft couch, Yan Chi did not act recklessly and simply held Qin Guan for a peaceful night's rest.

The next day, Qin Guan woke up and, to her surprise, saw that Yan Chi was still asleep. However, as soon as she moved, he woke up. Seeing her gazing at him with open eyes, he smiled and asked, "What's wrong? Not sleeping a bit more?"

Qin Guan blinked. "I'm fully rested. It's already bright outside."

Yan Chi pulled Qin Guan into his embrace. "We're resting today, but tomorrow we must go to the Crimson Wind Plains, so I can afford to be lazy today."

The Crimson Wind Plains was the site where the eastern camp was to be built. Hearing this, Qin Guan didn't urge him further and asked, "Will you be going along too?""The first few days, I must accompany you." Yan Chi suddenly flipped over and pinned Qin Guan beneath him. "So, tomorrow I'll be away for a few days. Since that's the case, our time now is extremely precious."

Their bodies pressed tightly together, and Qin Guan naturally felt the change in Yan Chi's physique. Just as her cheeks flushed slightly, Yan Chi leaned down and kissed her.

Thus, on this day, Yan Chi and Qin Guan woke up much, much later than usual!

They had set out from Jianzhou right after the New Year, reaching the Northwest Plateau in half a month. After being delayed there for another fortnight, it was now early February. In the capital, green willows were already visible, but on the Northwest Plateau, it was still firmly winter. When Qin Guan finally rose and stepped outside, she noticed a fresh layer of snow had fallen overnight.

After breakfast, Qin Guan and Yan Chi strolled through the garden. To their surprise, several plum trees were planted in the courtyard, and due to the prolonged winter, the plum blossoms were still in full bloom.

Qin Guan remarked, "This courtyard lacks greenery. Since plum blossoms have a long blooming period, why don't we tidy up a Plum Garden here, like the one on White Deer Isle?"

For such trivial matters, Yan Chi naturally agreed with everything. "You are the lady of this residence, so everything is up to you."

Qin Guan smiled and leaned into Yan Chi's arm. After a moment of silence, she said, "Now that we're here, we're temporarily settled. I only wrote to Yue Ning. I wonder if I should inform the others, but given our circumstances, if the letters are discovered, it would implicate them."

She was also concerned about Qin Shuang, Qin Yan, and others in the capital, but she had reservations.

Hearing this, Yan Chi squeezed her hand. "Don't worry about that. There's no need for you to write—they'll know soon enough."

Qin Guan stopped walking. "Why? Will news from the Northwest Plateau reach the capital?"

Yan Chi nodded. "My military actions and declaration of independence in Xilin City are no small matters. The emperor will surely publicize it extensively, and soon everyone will know we're in Xilin City."

Qin Guan sighed. "Then there really is no need to say anything."

They followed the garden path, nearly covering the entire courtyard. As noon approached, Yan Chi escorted Qin Guan back to the East Courtyard before heading to the study to meet Master Qi.

In the study, Master Qi presented a register. "This is a list of all the officials and wealthy gentry in Xilin City. Some are locals from the Northwest Plateau, while others are from elsewhere. Today, Your Highness must meet with all of them. From now on, the Royal Residence of Prince Rui in Xilin will rely on their support to some extent."

Yan Chi nodded. "That's only proper. Have them come in. I'll receive them in the main courtyard."

Master Qi acknowledged and left, returning shortly with a group of people following him.

At the forefront was the Magistrate of Xilin City. Having spent years on the Northwest Plateau, Yan Chi was well-acquainted with the region, and Yan Lin was regarded as a guardian deity by its people. Moreover, Yan Lin had once shown kindness to the Magistrate of Xilin City, so this man was certain to support Yan Chi. Others, however, were different. Yan Chi was responsible not only for the soldiers of the Northwest Plateau but also for its civilians. Thus, today required some words of admonition. Once everything was made clear, the choice would be theirs.

As expected, after Yan Chi finished speaking, most local merchants from the Northwest Plateau pledged their support on the spot, while those from elsewhere were somewhat evasive. Yan Chi understood this clearly and did not press them. Only after a full two hours did he personally see them out, then retained the Magistrate of Xilin City for further discussion.The magistrate of Xilin City was named Dong Shuwen, a man over fifty years of age. He stayed behind to discuss the matter of constructing the eastern camp.

"Since receiving Your Highness's letter, this humble official has been making preparations. Over the years, the Xilin City government warehouses have accumulated some valuable resources. This time, I can conscript three hundred laborers for Your Highness. With these workers, Your Highness's camp will certainly be completed within one month. Additionally, I have prepared some building materials like bricks, stones, and timber, all currently stored in the southern workshops. They can accompany the army eastward tomorrow. Your Highness need not worry."

Yan Chi nodded. "All laborers shall receive double military pay. As for those materials, I won't take them from you without compensation."

Dong Shuwen seemed hesitant to speak. Yan Chi raised his hand. "Although I have established myself independently in the Northwest Frontier, this region is not my formal fiefdom. Following the Northwest Frontier Army's regulations, we do not exploit the people's resources. Keep what is given to you. I recognize your diligent service."

Only then did Dong Shuwen sigh and nod in agreement. After further discussions, Yan Chi went to the military camp outside the city to issue instructions for the following day's matters. By the time he returned, night had fallen.

Master Qi was waiting for Yan Chi at the main courtyard entrance. Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "What matter brings you here, Master?"

All official business had been concluded during the day, leaving Yan Chi wondering what additional instructions Master Qi might have. Master Qi first invited Yan Chi into the courtyard, speaking as they walked. "Having observed Your Highness's actions these days, I have come to understand your intentions. However, I have some questions."

Yan Chi halted. "What questions do you have, Master?"

Master Qi looked directly at Yan Chi. "Although Jiang Heying is dead, he was merely acting under orders. Ultimately, the true culprit responsible for the Old Prince's death is Yan Huai. Does Your Highness intend to settle permanently in the Northwest Frontier without seeking blood vengeance for the Old Prince?"

Yan Chi's gaze suddenly turned sharp.

Having this issue that had been weighing on his heart for days pointed out so bluntly by Master Qi naturally displeased him as a ruler.

He narrowed his eyes. "What course of action does the Master suggest?"

Master Qi's expression turned profound, tinged with grief. "Your Highness commands a powerful army. Why not reorganize your forces and march north? Qianzhou, Jianzhou, and Liangzhou all serve as your strongholds. Last time you mentioned that holding Xilin City enables attacks on Mengzhou, Dingzhou, and other regions. Your Highness has considered all these possibilities—why haven't you contemplated crossing the Wild Goose River? Now that the emperor has dispatched the Anyang Marquis to campaign north, Jinzhou is left undefended, let alone Luozhou and Yuanzhou. If Your Highness mobilizes troops now, you could surely march straight to the capital!"

As he spoke, Master Qi grew increasingly agitated. He had been Yan Lin's most trusted confidant—evolving from Yan Lin's strategist in youth to his chief military advisor. Master Qi never married or had children, instead devoting his life's work to Yan Lin. He could even be considered Yan Chi's half-mentor. Throughout the vast Northwest Frontier, only Master Qi had the standing to speak so frankly to Yan Chi. Yet Yan Chi's expression remained stern.

"Does the Master believe that despite my father's sudden death, I, as his son, lack the desire for revenge?"

Master Qi's face showed pain. "Certainly not. It's just that Your Highness has too many considerations. I know you don't want White Wolf Pass to fall, but... but the emperor is incompetent and unprincipled. With northern conflicts emerging, this is Your Highness's best opportunity. Having watched you grow up under the Old Prince's guidance, I saw everything clearly. Even Zhang Daoshi said you bear the countenance of an emperor. With such capabilities, why not seize the throne yourself?!"Yan Chi's gaze grew increasingly cold. "If I lead the Northwest Frontier Army north, what will become of the Northwest Frontier?"

Master Qi dared not meet Yan Chi's icy stare and lowered his head. "The Old Prince dedicated his life to the Northwest Frontier, yet this is what he ultimately received. Now, if Your Highness leaves a small portion of the troops here, they can provide some protection for the Northwest Frontier. Once we capture Lin'an City, Your Highness can dispatch reinforcements south. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

Yan Chi responded with a bitter smile. "How could you not know, Master, that it's difficult to have the best of both worlds in this world? If I lead the troops north, the Rong people, who have been waiting for decades for such an opportunity, will seize it. I fear that before we've even traveled halfway, White Wolf Pass will fall. Once White Wolf Pass is breached, the Northwest Frontier will become a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. The land my father protected for decades will be destroyed in an instant. Although I have a hundred thousand Northwest Frontier troops, the march north will not be an unstoppable force. The emperor will surely mobilize all his forces to obstruct us, and the war could drag on for one or two years. By then, what reinforcements could we speak of? Even if I eventually capture Lin'an City, it would be a pyrrhic victory. If White Wolf Pass falls in the west and northern barbarians take advantage of the chaos to invade, it would spell even greater disaster."

Yan Chi let out a deep sigh. "These words of yours can't even convince yourself, Master. Why try to deceive me?"

Master Qi's face turned pale at these words, but he still seemed hesitant to speak. Yan Chi resolutely raised his hand. "I have not forgotten my father's blood feud. I am waiting for a truly viable opportunity that serves both purposes. When the time comes, I will make the foolish emperor pay the price. A ruler may kill for the greater good, but the current emperor has taken too many lives for his own selfish desires. This is something I will never forget."

Master Qi was momentarily stunned, not fully understanding Yan Chi's words. He didn't know that Yan Huai wasn't truly Yan Huai, nor did he understand why the Shen clan had been exterminated. In his heart, there was only the blood feud of Yan Lin! When they were in the capital, he had advised action, but Yan Chi was also surrounded by dangers at the time, and he knew it wasn't the right moment. Now, however, he was prepared to do anything for Yan Lin's blood feud. Yet Yan Chi remained so calm, rational, and stubborn, just like Yan Lin in his time.

Master Qi shook his head with a bitter smile. "In truth, I knew this would be the outcome when I came. But if I didn't say these words, I... I would always have a thorn in my heart. Your Highness is right—I lost my composure for a moment. Please regard these words as if I never mentioned them."

With a mixture of bitterness and relief, Master Qi glanced at Yan Chi, bowed deeply, and turned to leave.