Coroner's Diary

In the Northwest Plateau, spring arrived belatedly by the end of March, and it was only in April that the weather noticeably warmed.

With the warmer weather, Qin Guan planted new flowers and trees in the garden, stored away winter clothes, and invited noblewomen like Yuanshi, the wife of the West Lin City magistrate, to the royal residence for a spring banquet. Having come from the capital, Qin Guan introduced the capital’s banquet customs to the Northwest. Though not particularly extravagant, everyone found it refreshingly novel. Word spread quickly, and soon the entire West Lin City knew that Prince Rui’s princess consort was elegant, graceful, and kind-hearted. Coupled with her reputation for medical skill, she earned a name as a compassionate healer.

Within just a few months, Qin Guan had grown accustomed to her role as princess consort and adeptly managed affairs both inside and outside the royal residence. Not only did she maintain her habit of morning walks, but she also took up activities like horseback riding. On the surface, it seemed she aimed to strengthen her health, but in truth, she was preparing for the future.

Yan Chi led the Northwest Frontier Army and now had his own small court, making him a conspicuous figure. It was only a matter of time before the imperial court dispatched troops, and the Northwest Frontier Army would inevitably face a tough battle. Qin Guan had no intention of accompanying the army every time, nor did she wish to remain idle in the residence whenever Yan Chi went to war. Secretly, she resolved that if the day came to follow the army, no matter how far or fast they marched through the night, her physical stamina must endure.

By the tenth of April, the Crimson Wind Plains camp was largely completed. Yan Chi spent four days there, during which Zhou You, Chu Fei Sheng, Xiao Cheng, and others led thirty thousand troops to station at the Crimson Wind Plains. After several busy days, when Yan Chi returned, the eastern outposts were also fully prepared. Thus, all defenses across the Northwest Plateau were set in order. Moreover, with the provisions Yan Chi had secured from Jianzhou and Qianzhou entering the Northwest via the southern side of Yanxing Mountain, the Northwest Frontier Army’s supplies were resolved ahead of schedule.

Upon his return, Yan Chi found himself with some free time. One morning, he rose early with Qin Guan and said plainly, "The weather is warm today. I’ll take you out of the city for a stroll, so you don’t grow weary cooped up in the residence."

Since arriving in West Lin City, Qin Guan had been occupied with managing the royal residence and social engagements, rarely venturing beyond its walls, let alone for leisure.

Hearing Yan Chi’s words, Qin Guan felt a surge of excitement. After breakfast, with the carriage ready, they set out together from the royal residence.

The royal carriage bore distinctive markings, and as soon as it entered the main street, the commoners recognized it. Immediately, people stepped aside, knelt, and paid respects, loudly hailing, "Long live Prince Rui!" Everyone held Prince Rui in profound reverence. Inside the carriage, Qin Guan smiled faintly.

With royal lineage and exceptional ability, it was not difficult for Yan Chi to command respect. What was remarkable was that the people knelt willingly and with heartfelt gratitude.

The Northwest Plateau had little arable land and poor harvests, yet its taxes were as heavy as those in the south. Having lived in the Northwest for years, Yan Chi understood the people’s hardships. Upon declaring independence, his first decree was to reduce taxes. As a result, both inside and outside West Lin City, the people were deeply grateful.The carriage slowly made its way along the main road toward the city gate. Upon reaching the gate, they saw a long queue of commoners waiting to enter the city. When the carriage of Prince Rui's residence arrived, the people erupted into cheers and bows. Yan Chi glanced outside and remarked, "Many commoners have been coming to Xilin City these days, with numerous families wishing to settle here. This is a positive development. The Western Frontier has many tribes, and in the past, people were either too fearful or resistant to come to Xilin. Now, the situation has greatly changed."

Qin Guan leaned into Yan Chi's embrace. "This is all your doing."

Yan Chi smiled. Only after the carriage had moved a fair distance from the city gate did he lift the curtain. As the tassels parted, Qin Guan gasped softly. "The last time I came to Xilin, the wilderness was barren and withered. Now, it's entirely different."

Though the Western Frontier was mountainous, its hills lacked the lushness of the south, especially in winter when leafless trees stood stark and desolate. When she had first arrived, the land was blanketed in layers of snow. Though months had passed, she had not ventured beyond the city walls until now.

Now, the snow had long melted, and the once-bare branches were adorned with vibrant greenery. The fields were lush with vegetation, dotted with blooming wildflowers whose names she did not know. The scene was even more brimming with the vitality of spring than what she had witnessed outside the capital. Xilin City's open terrain stretched endlessly, merging with the horizon—a landscape entirely distinct from any she had seen before. Qin Guan gazed out the window with delight. "In winter, the Western Frontier is a land of snow. Now that spring has arrived, it teems with life. The vastness of this place truly makes one's heart feel expansive."

Listening to her words, Yan Chi wore a gentle smile. The last time he had shown her the brutality of the battlefield, he had been deeply concerned, but Qin Guan had seemed unaffected. After observing her for several days, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Now, as she beheld only life and vitality, he chose not to speak of the banditry and roughness that plagued the Western Frontier.

The carriage traveled onward, soon arriving at the foot of a ridge. Yan Chi pointed upward. "There are few places for leisure in the Western Frontier. The only sacred lake is quite far away. On this mountain, there is a temple with thriving incense offerings—it serves as a spot for spring outings and enjoyment."

Qin Guan was not one to insist on visiting famous scenic spots. Hearing this, she quickly said, "I’ve been wanting to seek a peace charm! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"

Yan Chi chuckled. "It was too cold before. I only wished for you to stay warm in the residence, with the Earth Dragon heating it comfortably. Venturing out would have been suffering."

Though Yan Chi had been reluctant to let Qin Guan leave, he himself had traveled back and forth frequently. Qin Guan felt a pang of heartache for him. As they spoke, they ascended the ridge. Before long, the sound of a bell toll reached them. Since it was not a significant Buddhist holiday, the temple was not crowded. Yan Chi had made arrangements in advance, so the carriage stopped at the side gate of the temple. As they alighted, a dark-complexioned monk awaited them, bowing in greeting.

Qin Guan glanced at the plaque above the gate, which bore the characters "Lingyan Temple." Upon entering, she found the courtyard modest in size but fully equipped with Buddhist shrines. After looking around, she first went to pay respects to the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. "I didn’t know there was a temple here. Since we are, why don’t we offer bright lamps here for your father, my father, and the others?"

Yan Chi could only agree. "As you wish."Qin Guan not only had to offer lamps for her biological parents but also for Qin Yi and his wife. Since no one here knew about the affairs of the capital, she could openly set up memorial tablets. Having made up her mind, she visited each Bodhisattva statue in turn. When she reached the statue of Guanyin, Yan Chi suddenly whispered, "The women of Xilin City come here primarily to worship Guanyin. It's said that after paying respects to this statue, one may be blessed with a child..."

Qin Guan was momentarily taken aback, then her smile deepened. Though a faint blush colored her cheeks, she earnestly bowed three times, closed her eyes to silently recite a prayer before rising, and waited for Baiying to hand her incense sticks. After reverently offering the incense, she completed her devotions. Circling around, she approached the temple abbot. The abbot, already aware of Qin Guan and Yan Chi's status, understood her intention when she requested a protective talisman. With solemnity, he inscribed a sacred script, chanted sutras to imbue it with blessings, and finally presented it to Qin Guan.

Satisfied, Qin Guan immediately hung the talisman on Yan Chi's person.

She had never put faith in such things before, but witnessing the brutality of war had transformed her into someone who cherished prayers. Even if it proved futile, it cost nothing; if effective, it would be a precious boon. Yan Chi had never worn such charms previously, yet whatever Qin Guan gave him, he treasured profoundly.

"The temple serves an exceptional five-element vegetarian feast. Let us dine before returning."

Yan Chi had planned this in advance, and Qin Guan naturally agreed. Upon reaching the meditation quarters, the vegetarian meal was already prepared. The five-element dishes, made from wild vegetables gathered by the monks, were delicate and fragrant. Qin Guan enjoyed them thoroughly. After lunch, they leisurely exited the temple gates. On the journey back to the city, when Qin Guan expressed desire to ride horseback, Yan Chi had no choice but to pull her onto his saddle. The sun now slanted westward, casting warm rays upon them as Yan Chi deliberately slowed the pace, creating an atmosphere of utter tranquility.

Chatting idly, they headed toward Xilin City. The outward journey had taken less than half an hour, but the return stretched to a full hour. Nearing the city gates, however, two swift horses suddenly charged out. Yan Chi abruptly reined in his mount, frowning—for the rider at the forefront was none other than Gu Ling!

Gu Ling spotted Yan Chi immediately, halting his horse and dismounting in one fluid motion. "Your Highness! Princess Consort!"

Yan Chi's brow furrowed. "At ease. What has happened?"

Unless matters were grave, Gu Ling would not leave the northern barracks outside the city without reason.

Rising to his feet, Gu Ling reported, "Your Highness, there appear to be unusual movements from the Mengzhou direction. While the imperial court has not openly launched a western campaign, our northern patrol discovered two individuals who died from falling off their horses. Had they been ordinary civilians, it might be dismissed, but these two carried swords—exceptionally refined blades. I suspect they were most likely scouts. The northern mountains are treacherous; they likely lost their way and met with accident."

At these words, Yan Chi's expression darkened instantly. He dismounted and helped Qin Guan down. "Let Bai Feng escort you back. I shall go inspect the northern barracks."

Qin Guan had initially intended to return alone, but recalling Gu Ling's mention of corpses, she proposed, "Might I accompany you?"

The speculation arising from discovered bodies naturally piqued her curiosity—and no one in the world was more skilled than her in corpse examination.

Yan Chi understood her thoughts perfectly and sighed in resignation. "Very well. But the road is long—it will weary you."Qin Guan's eyes lit up, "Don't worry, I'll ride in the carriage! Let's hurry..."

After saying this, Qin Guan hastily boarded the carriage. Gu Ling looked at Yan Chi somewhat bewildered. Yan Chi suppressed his smile and said, "I'll go check. If it doesn't work out, we'll still need the princess consort's help..."