Coroner's Diary

Yue Ning held her wine cup, momentarily at a loss for words.

She only felt a stifling gloom weighing on her chest, yet if pressed to specify what grievance she suffered, there was none.

Yue Ning shook her head, gazing fixedly at her cup. "Fill it up—this will be the last one."

Wei Qizhi frowned slightly and lifted the jar to pour her cup full. This time, however, Yue Ning did not drink deeply, merely taking a small sip before setting it down. The low table was laden with exquisite dishes, and the aroma stirred her appetite, so she began to eat. Seeing this, Wei Qizhi felt a slight relief in his heart. "I thought something had happened. Are you overly worried about Yongci County Princess?"

Yue Ning paused her chopsticks before replying, "If you truly reach Shuoxi on this trip, please relay a few messages for me when you see her. First, update her on the situation at the Marquis residence and the Qin clan. Second, see how she's faring. When you return, come find me."

Wei Qizhi understood her meaning. "Rest assured, I understand."

Yue Ning sighed. "Who knows if she and I will ever meet again? Given the current circumstances, Shuoxi is temporarily secure, but there's no guarantee for the future."

Hearing her despondent tone, Wei Qizhi showed a trace of helplessness. "What are you saying? Why make it sound so difficult? You're hale and hearty, and your family doesn't require you to stay bound to the residence. If you truly wish to see her, why not make a trip to Shuoxi?"

Yue Ning was momentarily stunned. "But..."

But she was about to be married. With Yan Ze now holding an official court position, she would soon become his heir apparent's consort. A rash trip to Shuoxi might stir up trouble.

Wei Qizhi sighed at her hesitation and concerns. "You don't seem like the Yongning County Princess I once knew. Even that attendant remarked on your formidable spirit, yet here you are losing heart. I know you're to be wed, but that doesn't mean you'll never leave the capital again. Will you remain in the city for the rest of your life?"

At these words, the gloom in Yue Ning's heart resurfaced. It wasn't just Wei Qizhi who thought she had changed—she herself felt ill at ease. In her current state, she hardly recognized herself. Pressing her lips together, she raised the cup and drained it in one go.

Wei Qizhi frowned, now certain Yue Ning was troubled by something beyond his initial guess of concern for Qin Guan.

"Have you encountered some difficulty? Do you need my help?"

The peach blossom wine warmed her as it went down, and Yue Ning gradually felt heat spreading across her back. She shook her head with a bitter smile. "There's nothing requiring help."

With that, she rose and walked to the window. The private chamber overlooked a quiet street, serene and still. Yue Ning pushed the window open, and as the cool breeze drifted in, she finally felt some clarity in her heart. Wei Qizhi approached her. "Since you'd rather not speak of it, so be it. My earlier words weren't meant as criticism. You're a Marquis's daughter—though free-spirited by nature, your considerations are inevitably greater than mine. Even I must attend to many matters now, no longer as reckless as before. Only while my parents remain in good health do I dare travel freely. Who knows what the coming years may bring?"Wei Qizhi's words carried a hint of melancholy, yet he smiled and said, "However... though all worldly matters have their rules, there are no fixed methods—it all depends on one's own choices. I... since I regard you as a true friend, I naturally hope you live in peace and happiness. If there's anything you need help with, just send someone to the Wei residence to inform me."

Yue Ning felt a warmth in her heart and glanced at Wei Qizhi, feeling somewhat embarrassed. Though she was troubled, there was no need to vent her frustrations in front of him. It was just that she had no one to confide in lately—the doubts and hesitations weighing on her mind couldn't be shared with Yue Qing or others. Wei Qizhi, with his genuinely carefree nature, had inadvertently drawn out her true feelings.

"Thank you. I... it's really nothing serious. It's just that there have been many incidents in the capital lately, and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's health is declining day by day. I haven't been in high spirits these past few days." Yue Ning took a deep breath and smiled. "Take care on your journey west. Today, my treat—consider it a farewell gesture!"

Wei Qizhi raised an eyebrow. "That's wonderful! I get to save some money again!"

Yue Ning laughed along with him, her earlier gloom dissipating. Just then, her gaze swept across the street and caught sight of a plain blue cloth-covered carriage approaching. An ordinary carriage wouldn't have drawn her attention, but what astonished her was the driver—it was actually Tan Xiang, Yan Ze's personal attendant!

Tan Xiang was Yan Ze's close servant and would never drive for anyone else. Yue Ning frowned immediately. Where could Yan Ze be going in such an inconspicuous carriage?

Suspicion surged in her heart as she watched the small carriage stop outside a teahouse not far away.

The street was sparsely populated, and though there were a few teahouses and taverns around, they stood empty and devoid of customers. If Yan Ze wanted tea, the royal residence had plenty of fine varieties. His presence here could only mean he was meeting someone—but who?

Yue Ning couldn't resist leaning forward to get a better look at the teahouse. As the carriage halted, Yan Ze indeed stepped out. He wore a cape with its hood up today, making him unrecognizable to others, but Yue Ning identified him at once. Yan Ze quickly entered the teahouse.

Yue Ning's brow furrowed deeply. Wei Qizhi, standing beside her, also noticed but didn't recognize the man. "What's wrong? Someone you know?" he asked.

Yue Ning inquired, "Who owns that teahouse?"

Wei Qizhi, seemingly well-acquainted with such matters, replied, "The owner is a wealthy man, though not a local. They serve an exceptional Junshan Silver Needle tea—I've been there a couple of times. Right now, it's probably just as deserted inside."

Yue Ning remained motionless by the window, as if waiting for something. Soon, a rider on horseback galloped toward the teahouse. The man dismounted, tied his horse to a post outside, and entered the establishment. Yue Ning's eyes widened in shock—the newcomer was actually Zhao Yu, the deputy commander of the imperial guards!

Yan Ze had only recently taken office—how could he already be on familiar terms with Zhao Yu? Yue Ning had no idea, but she found the situation deeply unsettling. She wanted to investigate the teahouse but felt it would be too awkward to intrude. Suppressing her curiosity, she abruptly closed the window, turned, and sat down. After a moment of silent contemplation, she stood up suddenly. "I must return now. Take care on your journey."

With those words, Yue Ning left the room, hurried downstairs, settled the bill at the counter, and boarded her carriage.Wei Qizhi thoughtfully escorted her out, and Yue Ning's attendants hurriedly emerged from the first floor to follow. Soon, the carriage headed toward the royal residence.

Yue Ning first instructed to return to Marquis Anyang Manor. Upon arrival, she immediately went to pay respects to the Grand Princess. When the Grand Princess inquired about Yan Ze, Yue Ning replied, "I asked Third Brother to return to his residence. Does Grandmother wish for him to come over?"

The Grand Princess chuckled, "That won't be necessary."

Yue Ning blinked, "How about I invite him to join you for dinner this evening?"

The Grand Princess smiled, "You sly girl, it's you who wants to dine with him, yet you use my name as an excuse? Very well, go and invite him. If his father is free, have him come along too."

With permission granted, Yue Ning happily left for Prince Yi's residence.

The moment she stepped out of her home, the smile vanished from Yue Ning's face. When she arrived at Prince Yi's residence, Yan Ze was indeed not there. Given Yue Ning's status, the servants dared not neglect her and ushered her into the flower hall to wait. Yue Ning watched as the sun gradually set, waiting until nightfall before she saw Yan Ze return from outside, draped in a cape. Having likely learned of her visit upon returning, Yan Ze wore an apologetic expression.

As soon as he saw Yue Ning, he said, "Why have you come? After returning this afternoon, I remembered my mother's memorial anniversary is approaching, so I went to a workshop in the southern part of the city."

Before Yue Ning could utter a word, her heart sank at his words, though she maintained a smile on her face. "Have the sacrificial items been prepared?"

Yan Ze invited Yue Ning inside, his voice gentle and without any hint of abnormality. "Everything is settled. In a few days, I'll need to visit Fahua Temple outside the city. Would you like to accompany me then?"

Yue Ning nodded with a smile, "Of course..."

Yan Ze then asked, "You haven't mentioned why you came. Is there something on your mind?"

Yue Ning lowered her gaze with a bitter smile. "It's nothing, really. I just felt uneasy after speaking harshly to you in the palace earlier today. I wanted to talk to you, but you weren't here..."

A lump seemed to form in Yue Ning's throat, making it impossible for her to extend the invitation for Yan Ze to join them for dinner. She glanced at the darkening sky outside. "It's late now. Seeing you has put my mind at ease. I should return—Grandmother is waiting for me."

Yan Ze saw Yue Ning out with a smile, appearing no different from usual.

As she walked away, Yue Ning felt a chill in her heart. She had always believed she shared a close bond with Yan Ze, yet he lied to her with such composure. His ability to remain so unruffled suggested that his past words—whether true or false—could not be easily discerned. Recalling Qin Guan's advice and observing Yan Ze's flawless demeanor, Yue Ning felt a wave of bitterness. Her mind grew hazy, but fortunately, she was strong-willed and did not reveal her inner turmoil. Struggling to maintain her composure, she boarded the carriage and finally collapsed against its wall as if drained of energy.

...

As April began, Qin Guan also grew concerned about Yue Ning, frequently contemplating writing another letter to the capital. However, the distance was vast, and she had yet to receive a reply to her previous letter. How could she write again? Yan Chi noticed her worry and said, "You've already warned her, and her affection for Third Brother is genuine. In that case, there's little more you can do to intervene."Qin Guan sighed, "Yue Ning is inexperienced in matters of the heart. On this Path, she finds it even harder to understand herself than I do. I only fear she cannot see clearly and will end up harming her own future. As for Yan Ze, the depth of his scheming and cunning is truly chilling. Though he appears decent before the marriage, if Yue Ning later discovers all he has done, how could she be happy? By then, it will be too late."

Yan Chi shook his head, "If you're truly worried, I can write a letter now detailing all of Yan Ze's actions to our grandaunt. She will naturally take charge of Yue Ning's matters when the time comes."

But Qin Guan grew concerned again, "Yan Ze is currently in the capital, and we don't know what he plans to do. Sending a letter rashly might cause chaos."

Yan Chi then drew Qin Guan into his embrace, "Since you understand this, why torment yourself? Everyone has their own destiny. While you worry about Yue Ning, she's likely worrying about you too. Even if she does suffer injustice, who in this world escapes hardship? That she has a friend like you is already a blessing for both of you."

Qin Guan was naturally open-minded by nature, but her growing anxiety stemmed from being unable to see Yue Ning. Hearing Yan Chi's comfort, she felt much better. When she asked about northern affairs, Yan Chi replied, "The patrol teams have made multiple rounds but still found no traces. Even beyond White Wolf Pass, everything remains as quiet as before."

"Could it be that the Rong people plan to behave peacefully this spring?"

Qin Guan couldn't help asking. Yan Chi shook his head at this, "Basically... that's not possible."

Qin Guan frowned, "Unusual occurrences must have reasons. Are the Rong people planning to attack in autumn instead?"

Yan Chi said, "Don't worry. I've already sent Fang Qin to dispatch scouts beyond the pass toward the Rong tribes. Now that spring has arrived, the Cold Plains beyond the pass are less treacherous. We'll know what the Rong are plotting once we investigate."

"Scouting the Rong tribes?" Qin Guan exclaimed in surprise.

Yan Chi nodded, "Exactly. Previously, the Rong always took the initiative in attacks. Born and raised on the Cold Plains, they're fully accustomed to its climate and can march long distances without difficulty. But for us Zhou people, crossing the Cold Plains to reach their tribal lands is extremely challenging. Thus, among the hundred thousand Northwest Frontier Army troops, few have been to the Rong tribal lands - though not none. This time, Fang Qin dispatched several veteran commanders. About two years ago, this same team had been to the Rong tribal lands. Though the Rong might have relocated their gathering place, it shouldn't be hard to find. We should receive news within a month at the latest."

Hearing this, Qin Guan finally felt relieved. Investigating the Rong tribal lands would reveal what was truly happening.

With the recent corpse crisis temporarily resolved, Qin Guan thought about Yue Ning's approaching wedding date. Though she couldn't return to the capital herself, since the marriage had been decreed, she worried while secretly praying that Yan Ze would at least be genuine toward Yue Ning. She then considered what wedding gift to prepare for Yue Ning. Gold, silver, and jade were things Yue Ning lacked nothing of, but the most auspicious item in the northwest was a blood-red crimson jade. Qin Guan ordered someone to find a piece of this jade and hired master craftsmen to carve it. Eventually, they sculpted a statue of Guanyin holding a pomegranate bursting with hundreds of seeds. After the statue was completed, she hesitated about how to send it to the capital. Only after Yan Chi made careful arrangements was the gift finally dispatched.Two days later, Yan Chi returned from outside and said, "The Northwest Frontier Army needs supplies, and the foremost requirement is warhorses. Recently, I've sought out several people to find sellers for purchasing horses. These individuals include military commanders and newly arrived advisors. But you wouldn't guess who I eventually connected with after all my inquiries."

Qin Guan immediately understood this was someone she knew, but after pondering, she couldn't figure it out. "Who is it?"

Yan Chi smiled, "You should remember - doesn't Young Master Wei deal in the horse trade?"

A faint light sparked in Qin Guan's eyes, "Him?!"

Yan Chi nodded, "This time, a warrior came seeking refuge at our headquarters. He was formerly a military officer stationed in Yuzhou, but was expelled from the army after being falsely accused. Having been depressed and aimless since, he came seeking a military position after hearing I had established myself in the Northwest Frontier. When we discussed horse procurement matters, he mentioned having a friend in this business. Upon further discussion, the person he referred to turned out to be Wei Qizhi. He also said he had already sent word to the capital, and Wei Qizhi would soon be coming to the Northwest Frontier."

Hearing this, Qin Guan's eyes brightened, "Excellent! When he arrives, he'll surely be able to tell us all about the affairs in the capital!"