Coroner's Diary

Zhan Yang?

Yue Ning frowned and quickly drew open the carriage curtain.

Focusing her gaze, she indeed saw Zhan Yang mounted on horseback outside.

Upon spotting Yue Ning, Zhan Yang promptly clasped his hands in salute. "It truly is the County Princess. I pay my respects to the County Princess."

Yue Ning forced a slight smile. "What brings Zhan Butou here?"

Zhan Yang replied, "At the beginning of the month, a murder occurred in the southern part of the city. I am currently investigating it. Just now, while passing by on horseback, I noticed the County Princess's carriage. I recognized it immediately but assumed the County Princess was occupied with matters, so I did not offer my greetings. Upon circling back, I saw the carriage still parked here and thus came forward to pay my respects."

Yue Ning's lips curved upward. "I did have matters to attend to, but I was uncertain in my heart, so I paused here to ponder further. I must have amused you, Butou."

After speaking, Yue Ning studied Zhan Yang. His approach to greet her likely wasn't merely for courtesy's sake.

Sure enough, Zhan Yang lowered his voice and said, "County Princess, might we speak in private?"

Understanding that Zhan Yang had something to discuss, Yue Ning quickly scanned their surroundings. However, a glance revealed the area was somewhat remote, with only a crowded tea stall nearby—hardly a suitable place for conversation. Noticing her hesitation, Zhan Yang said, "County Princess need not trouble yourself. It will only be a few words. We can proceed to the alley entrance up ahead."

Yue Ning promptly responded, "Then lead the way."

Thus, Zhan Yang led on horseback while Yue Ning followed in her carriage. Soon, they reached the alley entrance. Zhan Yang dismounted, and Yue Ning stepped down from her carriage. The alley was exceptionally quiet, making it a secure spot for their discussion.

Zhan Yang immediately spoke in a hushed tone, "This humble one wishes to ask... does the County Princess have any news of Yongci County Princess?"

Upon hearing this, Yue Ning understood. In several past cases, Qin Guan had assisted Zhan Yang, and a certain camaraderie had developed between them. Nowadays, most people avoided any association with the Loyal Marquis Manor and Prince Rui's household; only someone like Zhan Yang would dare inquire.

Yue Ning reassured him, "She is well. Most of the rumors circulating in the capital are true. Prince Rui has already stabilized in Shuoxi, so naturally, she remains there as well."

Zhan Yang breathed a sigh of relief. "That is good. Although there is talk in the court of a western campaign, they are too preoccupied to act. Shuoxi should be safe for now."

After speaking, a shadow of concern flickered in Zhan Yang's eyes. Yue Ning inquired, "What is it? Do you have some matter to discuss with her?"

Zhan Yang's demeanor suggested more than mere concern; it seemed he had something specific to convey to Qin Guan.

Pressed by her question, Zhan Yang hesitated momentarily before saying, "It is no harm to inform the County Princess. Ultimately, it relates to a previous case—the Ning Buyi case. Although that case was closed, Yongci County Princess later discovered some unusual details, and I conducted further investigations..."

Yue Ning immediately perked up. The resolution of Ning Buyi's case had also involved contributions from her and Wei Qizhi!

"Unusual details? What do you mean?"

Yue Ning pressed urgently. Zhan Yang pursed his lips and explained, "To put it plainly, the true culprit of that case was never apprehended. Although Ning Buyi killed many people, we never fully understood his motives. It was only later that Yongci County Princess noticed clues and instructed me to investigate thoroughly. I did not uncover anything highly significant, but I visited Guanyin Town and found some leads related to the murders that occurred there years ago."Yue Ning listened with rapt attention. Zhan Yang paused before continuing, "After informing Yongci County Princess at the time, she seemed to have noticed something. Although I never met with her again afterward, I kept waiting, as it was a major case involving five deaths. Moreover, the mastermind behind it likely harbored immense ambitions. That Demon-Subduing Temple could alter fortunes on a small scale and shake the very foundations of the state on a larger one. I initially thought Yongci County Princess would soon uncover the culprit, but then a series of unforeseen events occurred, and I lost track of how far the investigation had progressed..."

Seeing Yue Ning lost in thought, Zhan Yang grew somewhat embarrassed. "Please don’t blame me, County Princess. Yongci County Princess is now far away in Shuoxi. Since she has left, there’s naturally no need to continue investigating the case. I shouldn’t have brought this up, but whenever I handle a case that remains unresolved, it always leaves me unsettled. Furthermore, a series of incidents have occurred in the capital recently. Though I hold a lowly position in the court, I can’t help but wonder if these events are connected to that unsolved case. These thoughts have preoccupied me lately. Earlier, there was nothing I could do, but today, seeing you, I thought—since you are closest to Yongci County Princess—you might still have a chance to speak with her. That’s why I felt compelled to unburden myself."

At first, Yue Ning was merely surprised, but as Zhan Yang spoke on, a sense of unease welled up within her.

The turmoil at the end of last year was unprecedented in the history of the Great Zhou. The Crown Prince and Empress had fled, Yan Chi and Qin Guan were embroiled in the chaos, and now both the western and northern borders were fraught with conflict. As Zhan Yang had just implied, the very foundation of the state was already precarious. Moreover, as he spoke, Yue Ning inexplicably recalled the letter hidden in Yan Ze’s secret compartment.

According to Zhan Yang, Ning Buyi was merely a pawn, and the Demon-Subduing Temple likely concealed a far greater conspiracy. Yue Ning was quite familiar with Ning Buyi’s case, and precisely because of her deep understanding, she now found it peculiar. Zhan Yang and Qin Guan’s deductions seemed far more logical. Could it be that someone was truly pulling the strings behind the scenes? Perhaps the Empress... or even the Crown Prince?!

If the Empress and Crown Prince sought to seize the throne, they might have used the Demon-Subduing Temple to sow chaos in the capital. Perhaps the temple’s ultimate goal was even to install the Crown Prince as emperor...

The more Yue Ning pondered, the more plausible it seemed. Her heart raced like a drum. Did Yan Ze know about any of this?!

At this thought, Yue Ning hurriedly asked, "I can speak with her right now. I know where she is and can send her a letter. I will mention what you’ve told me today in my correspondence. If she later reaches any conclusions and is willing to share them with me, I will seek you out again. However... I was aware of this case back then, but once it was closed, I didn’t dwell on it further. Now that you’ve brought it up, it has piqued my curiosity. Though I may not uphold justice and righteousness as steadfastly as you do, I am still eager to learn what clues you uncovered afterward. If there truly is a mastermind, as you suggest, they must hold a high position of power. Since I have access to the palace, I might be able to uncover something."

Yue Ning’s deep friendship with Qin Guan had left a lasting impression on her. Now that Qin Guan was absent, she was driven both by her own curiosity and a desire to continue the work Qin Guan had left unfinished.She asked this way, and since Zhan Yang had already spoken to this point, he could not hide anything. So he said, "What the County Princess says makes sense. I suspect that person holds a high position and great power. Half a year after the case was closed, Yongci County Princess suddenly mentioned that she suspected there were hidden details in this case. After many fruitless investigations, I went to Guanyin Town. After numerous inquiries there, I finally found a clue. The local residents in Guanyin Town had always been the same people, but just when the old case occurred years ago, a young gentleman arrived. I brought Ning Buyi's portrait to a farming family, and they happened to remember that Ning Buyi was in Guanyin Town when the case happened. This explains how the old case occurred. After further questioning, that farming family said Ning Buyi lived alone at the time, with only one instance of a visitor. Strangely, that visitor seemed to be a blind person."

"You said blind?!" Yue Ning had been listening with utmost concentration, but upon hearing this, she was suddenly shocked!

Seeing her strong reaction, Zhan Yang was slightly taken aback and nodded, "Yes, that's what the family said, and they were quite certain."

Yue Ning's breathing became rapid instantly. "Blind... a blind person holding high position and great power... I only know one... it's... it's my third brother..."

Yue Ning's voice trembled as she spoke. Hearing this, Zhan Yang could only smile wryly helplessly. "County Princess, don't panic. How could it possibly be Prince Yi's heir? The Crown Prince has stayed away from official circles for many years. He is the noble and esteemed Crown Prince, how could he be involved in these troubles? Although blind people are not common, there are still many of them. Moreover, this person might not necessarily be the mastermind behind it all; perhaps they were just someone drawn into this matter..."

Yue Ning looked at Zhan Yang, her lips moving slightly, but she didn't utter a single word.

Zhan Yang didn't know Yan Ze's cunning nature, nor did he know that Yan Ze had long formed an alliance with the Empress!

Even after discovering all this, she had still instinctively trusted Yan Ze, thinking that the Empress was the main culprit and Yan Ze at most only knew about the matter. But now, Yue Ning realized she had been mistaken. That case was from seven years ago—surely Yan Ze couldn't have allied with the Empress that long ago!

Replicating a seven-year-old case into last year's case... how many lives were involved in this?!

Yue Ning's mind was in turmoil, at one moment refusing to believe it was Yan Ze, at another connecting all these events with Qin Guan's warnings. With no other suspects to consider, Zhan Yang saw her expression change slightly, as if she were deeply troubled, and immediately said, "County Princess, you really don't need to overthink this, nor act rashly because of my words..."

Before Zhan Yang could finish, Yue Ning suddenly looked up. "I understand, you can rest assured. Perhaps... it really isn't him... If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now. When I have news, I'll inform you." Seeing Zhan Yang nod, Yue Ning said no more and walked out of the alley entrance, boarding her carriage as if she had lost her spirit.

Only when the carriage began moving did Yue Ning gasp heavily twice. In the past, she had always been skeptical, but today, evidence after evidence was laid before her eyes. Even if she wanted to defend Yan Ze, how could she?... The correspondence with the Empress, the mention of past grievances in the letters, and Ning Buyi's case...

Yue Ning pondered all the way back, and by the time she returned to the royal residence, she was somewhat distracted. But as soon as she entered the gate, a servant came to report that Yan Ze had already arrived.Upon hearing these words, Yue Ning froze in place. Knowing all this, how could she face Yan Ze?

The servant beside her, unaware of what troubled Yue Ning, said, "My lady? The heir apparent has been here for nearly half an hour and is currently chatting with Old Madam. Our young master is also there. Old Madam instructed me to wait here and send you to her quarters immediately upon your return."

Yue Ning stood motionless, her heart pounding like a drum. Though she appeared calm on the surface, she possessed a fiercely passionate nature. Having reached this point, she found it unbearable to remain silent. Yet summoning Yan Ze for questioning seemed beneath her dignity—after all, Yan Ze was nothing like the person she had imagined him to be. What exactly did she mean to him in his eyes?

"My lady? Are you unwell?"

The servant grew concerned seeing Yue Ning in such a state, but she finally snapped out of her daze.

"Oh, I understand. I'll go right away."

Yue Ning began walking, but her steps were unsteady. She trudged unevenly toward Grand Princess's quarters. Before even entering, she overheard voices inside and paused to listen...

Grand Princess said cheerfully, "If you have such intentions, that would be wonderful. You never showed interest in these matters before, but now you can pursue anything you wish. When the time comes, have Jia'er accompany you to the military camp. Let both him and his father instruct you—military affairs shouldn't be too difficult to grasp."

Yue Jia laughed, "Grandmother, Yan Ze is naturally gifted. He'll learn quickly no matter what he studies."

Yue Ning's heart raced with alarm—was Yan Ze planning to join her father's forces?!

Inside, Grand Princess added warmly, "Once you two are married, if you go, Ning'er will likely follow. Taking her along would be fine—I trust you'll look after her."

Yue Ning's heart grew colder with each word. Panic surged through her, but then sudden calm descended. Her eyes turning resolute, she strode into Grand Princess's chambers. The moment she entered, she wore a bright smile. "Grandmother, elder brother, I'm back!"

All three turned to greet her with smiles. Yue Ning settled beside Grand Princess, who teased, "You mischievous girl, where have you been wandering? Yan Ze mentioned you left his place quite some time ago—why only return now?"

Leaning against Grand Princess's arm, Yue Ning replied cheerfully, "I visited a painting gallery in the eastern city."

Raising an eyebrow, Grand Princess waited for elaboration. Yue Ning continued, "I noticed elder brother's room lacked artwork, so I went to purchase some paintings. The gallery's original owner was convicted of crimes and passed away—it's under new management now. Coincidentally, today I encountered an elderly man lingering outside the gallery. He insisted on retrieving an old belonging inside, claiming to be the former owner's friend. I found it curious and watched for a while. The gallery staff thought he was causing trouble and, given the previous owner's criminal status, naturally refused him entry. They eventually persuaded him to leave after much discussion. I got so caught up watching the commotion that when I finally went to select paintings, none appealed to me. That's why I returned late."The Grand Princess and Yue Jia listened noncommittally, but Yan Ze's pupils trembled slightly when he heard the old man was searching for someone.

Yue Ning's gaze swept over Yan Ze before she smiled and said, "I'll go elsewhere tomorrow to select more decorations for elder brother. His room is too plain."

The Grand Princess remarked, "You're quite attentive, but was that commotion really worth watching for so long?"

Yue Ning laughed, "Grandmother doesn't understand - the original painting gallery owner had no relatives or friends. When someone suddenly appeared, I naturally grew curious. I wanted to ask a question, but the old man left extremely quickly, almost as if avoiding people. When I asked the new shopkeeper, he refused to answer any questions about the previous owner..."

The Grand Princess shook her head helplessly, "Since he's been convicted, there must be some reason. You should restrain your curiosity. Don't you know where your focus should be these days?"

Yue Jia chuckled, "Other young ladies about to be married usually stay in the manor to prepare, yet you keep running outside every day."

Yue Ning naturally ignored their comments and turned to speak with Yan Ze instead. Yan Ze responded fluently, appearing as gentle and refined as usual. However, her six months of constant care had not been in vain - she could clearly sense his demeanor had become somewhat subdued, lacking the cheerfulness he'd shown while speaking with the Grand Princess earlier. Moreover, his gaze kept drifting outside, clearly wanting to leave.

Sure enough, before long Yan Ze took his leave. After he departed, Yue Ning returned to her own courtyard. Once there, she immediately summoned her most trusted servant and instructed, "Go quickly to Prince Yi's royal residence now. See if the heir apparent's attendant leaves later. If you see him go out, follow him to see where he goes. Absolutely don't reveal your presence, and return early to report to me..."

Though puzzled, the servant dared not disobey. Besides, the Marquis Anyang Manor being a military family, the trusted servants assigned to the younger generation were all highly skilled. Yue Ning gave her orders without worry. After the servant left, she sat alone by the window waiting. She waited like this for two hours, until darkness fell, before the servant finally returned to the manor.

"Reporting to my lady, Tan Xiang from the heir apparent's side left the residence this afternoon! I followed him all the way to a Qingcheng Painting Gallery in the eastern city. Tan Xiang didn't go in immediately but lingered outside for a while before entering. However, he came out again shortly after. I followed him a bit longer and confirmed he was returning to the royal residence before coming back."

Hearing these words, Yue Ning's anxiously suspended heart not only settled - it plunged into a deep, cold abyss.