Coroner's Diary

The Mengzhou Prefect indeed delivered the promised supplies to Wuzhou City as agreed, which put the soldiers' minds at ease.

On the same day, the envoy sent by Yue Qiong arrived outside Wuzhou City.

When Bai Feng came to report at the government office, Yan Chi was explaining the Great Zhou's topographic map to Qin Guan. Upon hearing the news, they naturally headed to the military camp.

Curious, Qin Guan followed but did not disturb the discussions, instead going first to the infirmary for wounded soldiers.

At the infirmary, she saw Gu Ling supervising the distribution of medicinal soup to the soldiers below.

Qin Guan had met Gu Ling before at the Shuoxi main camp. Like Yu Qi and Xiao Cheng, he was loyal to Yan Chi and young, so she felt more at ease around them. However, with Master Qi and Chu Fei Sheng, she regarded them partly as Yan Chi's subordinates and partly as elders, treating them with greater respect.

Noticing Gu Ling had not gone to the west camp, Qin Guan asked, "Didn't they say the Anyang Marquis sent someone? Why are you still here?"

Gu Ling lowered his eyes respectfully and replied, "I can guard this post. I will go over if needed."

Yan Chi had mentioned Gu Ling to Qin Guan several times, praising him as a rare and capable general. Compared to Yu Qi and the others, he was more composed and particularly suited to be a commander. After observing Gu Ling for a moment, Qin Guan found this assessment quite accurate. Seeing his meticulous attention to the infirmary, she felt deeply moved.

Thus, she helped Gu Ling distribute the medicinal soup and treated the injured soldiers. After half a day of work, someone from the west camp came to summon them.

Gu Ling and Qin Guan then went to the west camp together.

In the central command tent, everyone else had dispersed, leaving only Yan Chi, Yu Qi, and a few others inside. When Qin Guan arrived, the others saluted her. Seeing Qin Guan and Gu Ling together, Yan Chi asked, "Were you at the infirmary?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Yes. I didn't expect General Gu to be overseeing the infirmary all day. After helping for a while, we came together."

In their presence, Yan Chi did not hold back, pulling Qin Guan to sit beside him.

Qin Guan then asked, "So? What did my adoptive father say?"

Yue Qiong was Qin Guan's adoptive father, a fact she could never forget. At her words, Yu Qi and the others looked surprised, as they knew little about matters in the capital. Yan Chi sighed and said, "The Anyang Marquis wishes to meet with me. If I agree, his envoy will return tomorrow to deliver the message."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, "He's in Fengzhou. How will you meet?"

Yan Chi pulled her to her feet and said, "We've just discussed it. If we don't ally with Fengzhou, that's one thing. But if we do, we'll naturally have to leave Wuzhou for Fengzhou. There's a plain here called the Five-Zhang Plains, about fifty li from Fengzhou City, and the Rongman army is currently stationed there."

Yan Chi pointed to a spot northeast of the Five-Zhang Plains, and Qin Guan understood immediately.

"What's your decision then?"

Yan Chi pondered thoughtfully, "The Anyang Marquis is trustworthy, but others may not be. A meeting is feasible, but I must also see Yan Qi and the others."

"To gauge their true intentions?"

Yan Chi nodded and turned to Gu Ling, "What do you think?"

Gu Ling said, "The Anyang Marquis likely won't resort to treachery, but once we leave Wuzhou City, we'll lose the advantage of defending from a fortified position."Yan Chi gave an affirmative hum, "That is precisely what concerns me as well. That's why I had the envoy rest earlier—we need to think this through carefully. If we cannot reach a decision, there is no harm in letting them stay here for a few days..."

Yan Chi was not without his own strategies. He had come to annihilate the Rong barbarians, not to assist the Anyang Marquis.

Moreover, the soldiers of the Northwest Frontier Army under his command were his brothers. There was absolutely no reason to suffer heavy losses for the sake of outsiders.

Seeing Yan Chi's attitude, Gu Ling felt reassured. "Your Highness, even if you intend to agree, it would be best to keep them waiting for a while."

Qin Guan laughed upon hearing this, and Yan Chi, noticing her reaction, also smiled. "Hard to tell, isn't it? He may appear honest and steady, but when it comes to warfare, he has plenty of cunning and would never let his own people suffer."

Qin Guan's smile deepened. Gu Ling, seeing the rare camaraderie between Yan Chi and Qin Guan, felt somewhat embarrassed.

Yu Qi stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, I concur as well."

Yan Chi chuckled. "I understand your intentions. Rest assured."

In the end, Yan Chi was in no hurry to give the two envoys a reply. Having come to Wuzhou under the label of a rebel, he had resolved the crisis there. However, Fengzhou was not as critical as Wuzhou, and he was uncertain of Fengzhou's true motives. It was only natural to observe and wait. By evening, the envoy requested another audience with Yan Chi but was refused by Xiao Cheng, who was in charge of reception. Left with no choice, the envoy then asked to see Qin Guan. Xiao Cheng, unsure how to handle the situation, went to consult Yan Chi, who flatly rejected the request.

Outside, Gu Ling and others were busy distributing new supplies, and the wounded soldiers needed time to recuperate. Meanwhile, inside the government office, Yan Chi began teaching Qin Guan the art of war.

"Warfare is the Path of deception. For instance, in the current situation, Wuzhou, Fengzhou, and the Rong barbarians form a three-way stalemate. If any side acts rashly out of eagerness for quick success, they will face utter defeat. It takes half a day to travel from Fengzhou to the Five-Zhang Plains, and the Rong barbarians are also half a day's journey from Fengzhou. Given this, how would you break the deadlock?"

Qin Guan studied the map carefully. "By allying with Fengzhou?"

Yan Chi pressed further, "And if it were today's situation, what should we do?"

Qin Guan furrowed her brows. Yan Chi continued, "Gu Ling said we should keep them waiting. Why do you think that is?"

Qin Guan looked puzzled. Yan Chi explained, "The Rong enemy suffered a defeat at our hands and are now wary. If we press the attack now, they would already be prepared. Knowing the Northwest Frontier Army is here, they are likely afraid we might join forces with Fengzhou while they attack it. In that case, it's better not to act as they expect. If they see no movement from us for a few days, they will realize we have no intention of allying. Then, we strike when they are most off guard."

Qin Guan began to understand. Initially, she had thought it was merely about keeping Fengzhou on edge, to show them that the Northwest Frontier Army was not to be manipulated at will...

As they spoke, Yan Chi pointed to the map again. "Currently, the barbarians still have over a hundred thousand troops. If we were to launch an attack, how should we proceed?"

Qin Guan examined the positions on the map. "The Rong tribe sends troops to attack the city daily. Could we launch a surprise attack on their main camp?"

Yan Chi burst into laughter and couldn't resist kissing Qin Guan on the lips. "Of course we can!"Qin Guan playfully punched Yan Chi’s waist. Yan Chi held her as he reached for the military strategy book placed nearby. "Using minimal forces to achieve maximum effectiveness—this is how one triumphs against greater odds. The highest form of warfare is to defeat the enemy’s plans, much like playing chess. Since you excel at chess strategy, understanding military tactics should come naturally to you."

Qin Guan laughed, "I also know the saying ‘armchair strategist’..."

Bored during the idle wait in the city, Yan Chi noticed Qin Guan reading military books to pass the time and decided to engage her in discussion. Gradually, he found enjoyment in these exchanges and grew even more willing to continue. Over the past few days, they occasionally debated tactics, allowing Qin Guan to speak knowledgeably about military strategies. Though it was merely theoretical, she came to understand that commanding armies relied on wisdom—and thus developed deeper admiration for Yan Chi’s prowess.

By the next day, with still no envoy from Fengzhou, both grew anxious and promptly sent a letter back. Yue Qiong was disappointed upon receiving it and personally wrote a reply to be delivered to Wuzhou, determined to secure Yan Chi’s agreement. Yan Qi, having grown cautious, privately disapproved but refrained from open opposition, instead frequently sending messages to the capital. Within two days, a response arrived from the Emperor.

Reading the Emperor’s words, Yan Qi’s eyes gleamed with sharp intensity!

Lu Xiao approached Yan Qi and asked, "Your Highness, what are His Majesty’s instructions?"

Yan Qi replied, "His Majesty says we may temporarily suppress the Rong barbarians, but the rebels’ crimes cannot be forgiven. He orders me to act as circumstances allow."

Lu Xiao looked puzzled, "Does this mean we should form an alliance?"

Yan Qi nodded, then shook his head, his eyes quickly flashing with a cold light.

Simultaneously, a letter arrived for Yue Qiong—this one from the Marquis Anyang Manor.

Upon reading it, Yue Qiong learned that Yue Ning had left half a month ago, delaying her marriage to Yan Ze. Defying an imperial decree was a grave offense, but fortunately, the Grand Princess still held some influence, and Prince Yi’s residence did not pursue the matter. However, Yue Jia’s request for an official post in the north had been denied by the Emperor.

Yue Qiong sighed deeply after reading the letter. Yue Ning claimed she was heading west, but where could she truly go? With Yan Chi and Qin Guan both in Wuzhou, even if she reached Shuoxi, how could she possibly find them? Tormented by worries for his daughter and the pressures of the ongoing war, Yue Qiong felt utterly exhausted. He hastily wrote a reply, urging them to locate Yue Ning at all costs and ensure her safety.

As Yue Qiong grappled with family concerns, two emaciated horses arrived outside Wuzhou’s walls under the cover of night!

A man and a woman, both looking travel-worn, rode on horseback. Guards on the city wall, startled by their appearance, shouted, "Who goes there?! State your names! Why have you come to Wuzhou? Are you residents?"

The man below called back, "We are here to see Prince Rui! Let us enter the city at once!"

The guards were taken aback—in these tense times, few would dare approach so boldly alone. After scrutinizing the pair and confirming only two individuals were present, they hesitated no longer and ordered the side gate opened.

Once inside, the guards observed that despite their dusty appearance, the duo wore elegant robes and carried themselves with noble bearing. Without delay, they escorted the visitors to the government office to meet Yan Chi and Qin Guan.Yan Chi and Qin Guan were about to retire for the night when Bai Feng suddenly entered and reported, "Your Highness, Princess Consort, there are guests outside requesting an audience."

Exchanging a glance, Yan Chi and Qin Guan threw on their outer robes and stepped out. Yan Chi asked, "What guests in Wuzhou City would come seeking an audience?"

Before the words had fully left his mouth, a hearty voice laughed, "Surely we count as guests!"

Hearing this, Qin Guan, who stood behind Yan Chi, immediately widened her eyes. She hurried out the door and at once saw Wei Qizhi striding in from outside. The sight of Wei Qizhi already astonished her, but when she looked more closely behind him, she spotted Yue Ning dressed in practical short martial attire!

Qin Guan gasped softly, "How did you two end up here?!"

Yan Chi was equally shocked. Wei Qizhi stepped forward and explained, "I arrived in Shuoxi first, only to learn that Your Highness had already dispatched troops. On my way back, I encountered the princess. She said she wished to find you and the Princess Consort, so we traveled east through Mengzhou and made it here in just ten days!"

Yue Ning wore a faint smile upon seeing Qin Guan but remained silent. Noticing the dust covering Yue Ning, Qin Guan’s heart ached with pity. She quickly stepped forward and took Yue Ning’s hand.

By all reasoning, Yue Ning ought to have been in the capital—her wedding with Yan Ze should have long passed. Yet here she was!

Judging by the timeline, it was certain Yue Ning had not gone through with the marriage...

Countless questions swelled in Qin Guan’s chest, but she refrained from pressing immediately. "Come in, come in! How long have you been traveling today?"

Wei Qizhi replied cheerfully, "We’ve been on the road all day."

Qin Guan promptly instructed Baiying to have the kitchen prepare a meal and told Bai Feng to tidy up rooms. She then kept Yue Ning with her to freshen up, while Wei Qizhi was led to a side room to wash. With Yue Ning here, Qin Guan set everything else aside, focusing solely on helping her bathe. In the bath chamber, Yue Ning leaned over the edge of the tub, her eyes slightly moist as she murmured, "I hope my coming here like this hasn’t caused you any trouble."

Qin Guan, washing her hair, chuckled softly, "How could it? I’m just heartbroken to see you so exhausted."

Even so, Qin Guan held back from asking about matters in the capital.

Yue Ning, however, couldn’t contain herself. "I ran away right before the wedding and left a letter."

Qin Guan slowed her movements. Yue Ning continued, "I found out everything. That day... I discovered letters between him and the Empress in Third Brother’s study. Later, I ran into Zhan Yang again, and he told me about the time he worked with you to investigate the Demon-Subduing Temple case. Then I understood—no wonder you seemed to hold back several times before. I just never imagined it was for this reason... Afterward, I set a trap, saying I’d met an old servant of Ning Buyi’s. He took the bait, and that confirmed it for me. I struggled with it at home for a few days, and when I heard about the barbarian conflict, I ran off, intending to find you in Shuoxi. But you had already sent out the army. Luckily, I met Wei Qizhi."

This was Yue Ning’s first time traveling alone. As she spoke, Qin Guan’s heart ached all the more. She asked no further about the capital, merely saying, "How did you run into Wei Qizhi? Was your journey here smooth?"“I encountered him south of Yuzhou. I was heading from Yuzhou to Shuoxi and had stopped to rest after several days of travel when we met. Quite coincidentally, despite Yuzhou City’s vast size, we ended up staying at the same inn. He had originally come to Yuzhou to discuss horse trade, but upon learning I was searching for you, he said he knew your whereabouts and escorted me here.”

Yue Ning spoke with a touch of gratitude. Qin Guan smiled. “It’s fortunate you weren’t alone. Several northern cities have drawn the attention of barbarian tribes, and the citizens are anxious—many have fled south. The roads are chaotic, and traveling alone would surely have led to trouble.”

Yue Ning hummed in agreement. “I know. Along the way, I encountered refugees several times and even a small band of bandits, but all ended without real danger.”

Wei Qizhi had always cared for Yue Ning, and now that she had fled her arranged marriage, the two had weathered numerous hardships together. Even without romantic undertones, their bond had deepened significantly compared to before. Qin Guan understood this but didn’t press for details, instead informing Yue Ning about Yue Qiong’s situation in Fengzhou.

Yue Ning then said, “What is the current state of the war? I’m too ashamed to face Father, so I’ll stay with you for now.”

Qin Guan chuckled. “No rush. Perhaps Father will come here in a couple of days.” She proceeded to explain the present circumstances to Yue Ning, who, being more adept in military strategy than Qin Guan, grasped the situation immediately.

After bathing, they found Wei Qizhi—already freshened up—seated with Yan Chi in the Warm Chamber, conversing. Upon seeing Qin Guan and Yue Ning emerge, both men rose.

Yan Chi announced, “The meal is prepared. Let’s continue our discussion over dinner in the side hall.”

The group moved to the side hall and took their seats. Wei Qizhi raised his glass first to Yan Chi. “This first toast is to Prince Rui. I’ll likely be staying here for some time and must ask for your hospitality. Speaking of which, I’ve brought a gift for Your Highness—”

As old acquaintances, Yan Chi was naturally pleased. At the mention of a gift, his eyebrows lifted inquisitively.

Wei Qizhi continued with a smile, “However many warhorses Your Highness requires, I can supply them! Even if you need weaponry, I can procure it for you!”

Yan Chi laughed heartily. “I had intended to wait for you earlier, but circumstances changed. This toast is also to you—thank you for safeguarding Yue Ning along the journey.”

These words echoed Qin Guan’s thoughts. Wei Qizhi glanced at Yue Ning and downed his drink in one go.

Having gone hungry all day, they focused on the meal first. After eating, Qin Guan declared she would share a room with Yue Ning, relegating Yan Chi to the Warm Chamber. Though exasperated, Yan Chi complied, while Wei Qizhi returned to his own quarters. Once Qin Guan and Yue Ning lay down, they first discussed various matters concerning Shuoxi and the capital, then Yue Ning brought up Yan Ze. They talked until the rooster’s crow, finally drifting into a deep sleep.