Coroner's Diary

Early the next morning, the tombstones of the mass grave were erected. At the forefront of the inscriptions were the names of Gu Ling and Yu Qi.

Yan Chi led the remaining fifty thousand soldiers of the Northwest Frontier Army to pay their respects at the mass grave. After Yan Qi's corpse had been hanging for two days, Yan Chi ordered it buried southwest of the mass grave to mark his crimes. Once the memorial ceremony concluded, the army had already made preparations. With Yan Chi's command, they were scheduled to depart southward early the following day.

Concerned for Qin Guan's safety, Yan Chi indeed left Bai Feng behind, along with five hundred soldiers to protect her.

That night, Yan Chi held Qin Guan tightly, his brow furrowed with worry. Qin Guan rested her head on his chest and sighed softly, "I know you're worried about me, but now it's my turn to worry about you. Leading the army south—what if Ge Yang and the others dispatch troops to reinforce?"

Yan Chi was highly confident about the military situation. "There's no need to worry. Even if they return, it'll be too late. Besides, their forces are a patchwork of barely twenty thousand men, hardly a threat. I've already instructed Bai Feng to send a letter to Master Qi, urging him to keep Ge Yang and his troops tied down in the west. If Ge Yang attempts to retreat, they'll mobilize northward to join us in a pincer attack."

Since military matters required no input from Qin Guan, she simply said, "That's good then. I suppose everything will go smoothly."

Yan Chi wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her slightly to face him directly. "The journey ahead isn't safe. In these chaotic times, bandits run rampant. How about I leave you a thousand troops? That would ensure complete security."

Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh at this. "No, no! If you leave them with me, they'll likely be unwilling. Marching south to Lin'an is the time for everyone to achieve glory and merit. Assigning them to me would only breed resentment. Five hundred soldiers are enough. Honestly, I'd say just Baiying alone would suffice."

Yan Chi rolled over, pinning her beneath him. "Keeping you safe is also an achievement. What would I do if something happened to you?"

Qin Guan chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Then let's make a promise: when we meet again, neither of us will have a single scratch. Whoever breaks this promise will..."

Yan Chi pecked her lips. "Will what?"

Qin Guan's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Whoever breaks the promise... won't be allowed to sleep in the bed. How about that?"

Yan Chi gritted his teeth at her words. "I think you're clearly trying to punish me."

With that, he kissed her deeply, unwilling to listen to any protests. Knowing he would depart the next day, he naturally kept her awake half the night. They lingered in each other's embrace until midnight before finally falling asleep.

At the first light of dawn the next day, Yan Chi led the army as they broke camp and set off. Before leaving, Zhao You and Yan Che also came to see them off. Despite Yan Chi's repeated admonitions to Qin Guan, Zhao You pledged his life to ensure her safety multiple times before Yan Chi finally departed with the rearguard. Qin Guan, unable to bear the separation, rode her horse and followed for five miles before turning back.

With the Northwest Frontier Army camp dismantled and gone, the entire grounds felt desolate. The five hundred soldiers Yan Chi left behind occupied only a few dozen tents, a far cry from the former grandeur. To avoid disturbing Zhao Shuhua, Zhao You stationed the Northern Garrison Army in the former Northwest Frontier Army camp. Having chosen to stay, Qin Guan devoted herself wholeheartedly to tending Zhao Shuhua's injuries, though she felt deeply unaccustomed to being separated from Yan Chi.Now that Yue Ning was absent and Wei Qizhi had followed the main troops, Qin Guan only had Baiying and Bai Feng to converse with. Although Qin Chaoyu was quite grateful to her, she was always with Yan Che, and they weren't particularly close to begin with. In contrast, Zhao You held Qin Guan in high regard, often speaking with her during medical consultations. Qin Guan was also happy to chat with the elderly, and over two days, they developed a rapport akin to close friends.

Qin Guan had originally planned to stay in the northern region for three days before catching up with the others, but the people Zhao You sent to search for medicinal herbs had yet to find the herb Paris polyphylla. Without this crucial medicine, Qin Guan dared not clean the wound again and could only use medicinal soup and needle therapy to keep Zhao Shuhua barely alive.

On the evening of this day, the second group sent to Fengzhou returned, still without the herb. Qin Guan was feeling troubled by the news when she suddenly heard that someone had arrived at the camp entrance.

Qin Guan was still staying in the former central army tent, surrounded by the Northwest Frontier Army, while the Northern Garrison Army was stationed farther away to avoid disturbing her. Upon learning of the newcomers, Qin Guan stepped out of her tent and saw over ten young men with very light-colored eyes entering the camp. Their facial features were not much different from those of the Zhou people, with the only notable distinction being their eye color, which Qin Guan found strange.

Zhao Jing led this group directly to Zhao You's main tent. Qin Guan sent Baiying to investigate, and shortly after, Baiying returned and reported, "Princess Consort, it's a group from Northern Wei!"

Qin Guan was slightly surprised, and Baiying continued, "They're from the Fifth Princess! It's said that she sent people to the Northern Garrison Army camp several days ago and met the Empress. However, this person had been out for two months with no news, and the Fifth Princess, aware of the internal turmoil in Great Zhou, personally went to the Northern Wei border city to wait. A few days ago, after receiving a message from her subordinate and learning that General Zhao You was unwell, she sent people to deliver Northern Wei medicinal herbs. She still doesn't know about the Empress's condition…"

Qin Guan frowned upon hearing this. Though she hadn't known before, she feared the Fifth Princess would find out today.

In Zhao You's tent, Helian Chu said, "We had already traveled a hundred li when we received a letter from the Crown Princess. She sent people to visit the General, so I returned with them. I hadn't expected Her Majesty the Empress to be so severely injured. I will send this news to the Crown Princess immediately."

The journey from here to Northern Wei would take at least ten days. Helian Chu had sent a message to Northern Wei as soon as he arrived in Chongzhou, which was why the people sent by Yan Zhen encountered him halfway.

Zhao You did not stop Helian Chu from sending word to Yan Zhen but sighed, "I hadn't realized she cared for us so deeply. But can she leave the palace now?"

Helian Chu hurriedly replied, "Don't worry, the political situation in Northern Wei has stabilized. As long as the Crown Prince is safe, the Crown Princess can act as she pleases."

Zhao You, in poor health, spoke briefly with Helian Chu before asking him to rest. Seeing that Helian Chu had brought many medicinal herbs, he was moved by Yan Zhen's filial piety and ordered Zhao Jing to sort and retrieve them. Zhao Jing took a bundle of herbs to the army physicians, instructing them to use it for Zhao You's recuperation. However, shortly after Zhao Jing left, an old physician rushed out and urgently called, "Young General! Paris polyphylla! There's Paris polyphylla in this bundle!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jing's eyes widened in astonishment!When Qin Guan was summoned to Zhao Shuhua's quarters, she learned the origin of the Paris polyphylla and marveled at the coincidence. With the medicine now available, Qin Guan prepared to cleanse Zhao Shuhua's wound anew. Though merely a cleaning procedure, it carried risks comparable to the initial arrow extraction. Qin Guan labored in the tent for two full hours before completing the wound cleansing and applying medication. Those waiting outside watched with trepidation as basin after basin of bloodied water was carried out.

By the time Qin Guan emerged, her face was pale and drenched in sweat.

Yan Che, supporting Zhao You, stepped forward anxiously. "How is she? Her Majesty—"

Qin Guan sighed. "The bleeding has temporarily stopped, but she's lost significant blood. These past days she's been sustained solely by ginseng tonics. The Empress remains critically weak—it's uncertain whether she can survive the coming days. If no fever develops within three days and the wound begins healing, the danger will be halved. But if suppuration continues..."

Her words cast a pall over the assembly. Zhao Shuhua's condition resembled passing through successive life-or-death trials.

Zhao You sighed heavily. "You've done all you could. These extra days she's lived are owed entirely to you, Princess Consort Rui. Our deepest gratitude."

All present knew Qin Guan would only remain three days, and this was already the third. Tomorrow she would depart.

Though Zhao You voiced no explicit plea for her to stay, his eyes held unspoken entreaty, mirrored by Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu's earnest expressions.

After a moment's hesitation, Qin Guan conceded, "I'll stay two more days. I'll personally change Her Majesty's dressings—it may improve her condition."

Baiying seemed about to protest but held her tongue, while Zhao You immediately expressed profound gratitude. "Miss Qin... truly, we cannot thank you enough. If Shu'er survives, it will be entirely due to your benevolence."

Qin Chaoyu gazed at Qin Guan with red-rimmed eyes. Witnessing their desperation, Qin Guan could only sigh inwardly.

Returning to her own tent, Qin Guan wrote to Yan Chi, her letter inevitably tinged with guilt.

Over the next two days, Qin Guan meticulously monitored Zhao Shuhua's injury, administering medicines and needle therapy with utmost precision. When the wound showed signs of healing, Zhao You grew increasingly grateful for Qin Guan's extended stay—certain that entrusting Zhao Shuhua to others would have likely ended in tragedy.

On the afternoon of the second day, a reply arrived via Helian Chu's messenger hawk from Northern Wei's border city—a handwritten letter from Yan Zhen!

Zhao You started upon opening it, for Yan Zhen declared her intention to personally visit Zhao Shuhua...

This was no consultation but a firm decision. Yan Che rejoiced at the prospect of seeing Yan Zhen, while Zhao Shuhua's stabilized condition provided further relief. Yet as Zhao You held the letter, his smile didn't reach his contemplative eyes.

Shortly thereafter, Zhao You summoned Zhao Jing and Yan Che. "There is a matter I wish to discuss with you both."Yan Che and Zhao Jing exchanged a glance, whereupon Zhao You spoke, "Shu'er's injuries are so severe that even if she recovers, it will take three to five years to restore her vitality. Moreover, the princess consort of Prince Rui mentioned that Shu'er's left shoulder, back, and arm will likely never regain their former agility and may leave lasting ailments. As for my own health, I fear I only have a year or two left. Shu'er risked her life for Che'er's position as Crown Prince, and now she has essentially walked through the gates of death. I believe... this is enough."

Yan Che and Zhao Jing showed slight surprise but remained silent. Zhao You continued, "In our current situation, we must not only fight against Yue Qiong and the emperor but also against Yan Chi. Setting everything else aside, just considering the Northwest Frontier Army—be honest with yourselves—can we truly defeat them? Not to mention the great debt we owe Prince Rui and his consort."

Sighing again, Zhao You added, "If we cannot win, we can only prolong the struggle. Our provisions have long been exhausted. Nowadays, we lack even daily noodle soup, and our porridge is practically water. You must be aware of this. We cannot afford to drag this out, nor can we win a fight. For Shu'er's health, for my own remaining years, and for you to sooner shed the burdens on your hearts and shoulders... let us stop here."

Zhao Jing tightened his grip on his sword hilt. "If we make this decision, I fear that when elder sister wakes..."

Zhao You waved a hand. "Your sister has endured too much these years. She placed shackles upon herself—shackles none of you dared touch. I will remove them for her. If she must blame anyone, let her blame me. She has suffered for half a lifetime; I do not want her next decades to feel like imprisonment or torture."

Bitterness and defeat welled up in Yan Che's heart. He wished to fulfill Zhao Shuhua's aspirations, yet he keenly understood he was no Yan Chi, lacking the ability to command vast armies. Once Zhao Shuhua and Zhao You fell, he would fall too. This realization brought profound defeat; relinquishing the fight for the throne pained him less than this sense of loss. Yet, considering Zhao You and Zhao Shuhua's conditions, he felt this was the best path.

"We will follow Grandfather's decision. But what of the Northern Garrison Army?"

At this, Zhao You clenched his fist and struck the armrest heavily. "This is where I have failed them most. They are loyal and righteous men who followed me, only to be branded rebels. And Cangzhou... I fear I could never repay this debt in several lifetimes. I believe that since the emperor has no reinforcements in Lin'an, the Northwest Frontier Army will likely prevail. Moreover, Prince Rui is a man who inspires deep trust. For them, the best course now is to seek refuge with Prince Rui—"

Yan Che and Zhao Jing said nothing, sighing in silent acquiescence after a moment.

Zhao You gave a wry smile. "You do not object? If the Northern Garrison Army disperses, we will have nothing left!"

Yan Che smiled bitterly. "Right now, I only wish for Mother Empress to recover and for Grandfather to live a long life."

Zhao Jing added, "Naturally, there is some regret, but for our family to be together in peace and joy is already a great blessing."

As a member of the Zhao family, Zhao Jing could never escape culpability and would certainly never return to Lin'an.

Seeing their resolve, Zhao You comfortedly smiled and said, "Good. If you are decided, then summon Cheng Wei and the others. Gather all military officers of the seventh rank and above. The princess consort of Prince Rui departs tomorrow; we must act quickly."Qin Guan was set to leave early the next morning, so she retired early that night. Around midnight, she heard faint commotion outside.

She didn’t know what was happening with the Northern Garrison Army, nor did she care to find out. She tossed and turned for a while before falling back asleep.

When she rose at dawn the next day, she noticed Bai Feng’s expression was unusually grave.

“Princess Consort, last night the Northern Garrison Army was mobilizing. It’s unclear where they’re headed.”

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. “Returning to Chongzhou?”

Bai Feng shook her head. “It doesn’t seem like it. The entire army is preparing to move, but Old General Zhao and his personal guards haven’t budged. They haven’t even packed—it’s very strange.”

Though Qin Guan found this odd, she had no time to dwell on it. “Never mind them. Old General Zhao is in poor health now—they won’t pose any threat to us. Go and make preparations. Since there’s unusual activity here, we should leave sooner. Our focus is on Lin’an now. Let the northern territories descend into chaos if they must.”

Qin Guan didn’t believe Zhao You intended to harm her. At most, she thought he wanted to occupy Wei County and bring Zhao Shuhua there to recuperate, hence the military preparations.

After packing and having breakfast, Qin Guan went to bid farewell to Zhao You. Outside, Bai Feng and five hundred soldiers stood ready.

Despite his illness, Zhao You, accompanied by Yan Che and Qin Chaoyu, personally escorted Qin Guan to the camp gate.

Zhao You said, “Take care on your journey. Though we’ve only spent a few days together, this old man feels a deep connection with you. Now that we part, I fear we may never meet again. You and Prince Rui must both stay safe.”

Qin Guan felt a pang of sorrow. “You take care as well. If you follow the regimen I prescribed, your health will surely improve.”

Zhao You nodded with a smile. Meanwhile, Yan Che gazed intently at Qin Guan, but her eyes swept over him lightly, lacking even the concern she had shown Zhao You. Yan Che pressed his lips together briefly before saying, “Take care on your journey. Thank you.”

Qin Guan smiled and shook her head. Glancing at Qin Chaoyu, she said, “The Empress will recover, but she must remain cautious for the next month. As I journey south, if… if any complications arise later, have Eighth Sister write to me. I’ll help if I can.”

Tears welled in Qin Chaoyu’s eyes. Unable to hold back, she stepped forward and embraced Qin Guan. “Qin Guan, I don’t know when we’ll meet again. I pray that you and Prince Rui find smooth paths ahead. Though I may not see you, I’ll always wish you well from afar. Your hardships are all in the past—a lifetime of blessings awaits you.”

Qin Guan was moved by the embrace but chuckled softly. “I’ll take your kind words to heart. May all your wishes come true too.”

Qin Chaoyu knew Qin Guan was referring to her love for Yan Che, and her throat tightened with emotion. Yet, in this moment, no words were needed. Seeing that it was growing late, she released Qin Guan. Mounting her horse, Qin Guan clasped her hands and called out, “Take care!” before galloping away.

Yan Che watched Qin Guan disappear into the distance, the turmoil in his eyes gradually settling into calm. Finally, he sighed and wrapped an arm around Qin Chaoyu’s shoulders.

Qin Chaoyu was right—this farewell likely marked their final parting.

And with that sigh, all his feelings for Qin Guan drifted away, finally laid to rest.Qin Guan left the main camp and spent the entire day galloping on horseback. Yesterday, she received a letter from Yan Chi stating that he had already entered Yingzhou, and the journey had been remarkably smooth with almost no resistance from any cities along the way. News of him leading troops north to resist the Rong invaders had spread throughout the region north of the Wild Goose River. Those with any sense of pride or those frightened by the Rong invasion were deeply grateful to him and naturally did not hinder his advance. Not only did they not obstruct him, but upon learning of his intention to seize the throne, many even rushed to join his cause...

Qin Guan thought to herself that while she was on the move, Yan Chi was also advancing, not much slower than her, so she dared not stop and pressed on until sunset. Only then did Bai Feng persuade her, "Princess Consort, let's stop at the town ahead. If we go further, it will be half a day before we reach another settlement."

Qin Guan was about to refuse when she suddenly heard a thunderous, earth-shaking sound from behind. Bai Feng, even more alert than she, turned to look back in disbelief!

Bai Feng, being more perceptive, recognized the sound immediately.

"Princess Consort! It's the sound of hoofbeats—a massive force, likely sixty to seventy thousand men—"

Upon hearing this, Qin Guan frowned. "At this hour, the only possibility is the Northern Garrison Army!"

Bai Feng urged immediately, "Princess Consort, it's dangerous to stay here. Let's hurry into the town!"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No need. I suspect the newcomers mean us no harm."

Bai Feng, being a man, was less intuitive than Qin Guan. Fearing the large number of approaching troops, he dared not take any risks with her safety. Yet Qin Guan remained resolute. In the brief delay, a vast army soon appeared on the road behind them.

Tens of thousands of soldiers stirred up clouds of dust towering several meters high. At the forefront was Cheng Wei, deputy commander under Zhao You.

Cheng Wei, riding ahead, spotted Qin Guan from a distance, his eyes lighting up. He waved to her from afar, then galloped ahead of the dust cloud to reach her. As soon as he reined in his horse, he dismounted. Qin Guan, puzzled, asked, "General Cheng, what is the meaning of this—"

Before she could finish, Cheng Wei knelt before her horse!

The gesture stunned Qin Guan and her companions.

Cheng Wei clasped his fists in salute and declared, "This humble general pays respects to the Princess Consort. Last night, our commander informed us that the Empress and the Crown Prince have decided to abandon their southern campaign. Given the circumstances, the Northern Garrison Army can no longer linger in the north under the label of rebels. Thus, our commander disbanded the Northern Garrison Army last night and ordered us to voluntarily pledge allegiance to Prince Rui! Prince Rui, renowned as the God of War, commands deep admiration among us soldiers. His recent campaigns in the north have only heightened our respect. If our commander were to continue fighting, we would follow him. But since he has stepped aside and instructed us to seek a worthy lord, there is no one in the realm but Prince Rui whom we would serve as our second master!"

Cheng Wei, a veteran general in his forties, spoke with firm, resonant words. After a brief pause, he added, "Our commander completed the reorganization of the troops last night. He did not inform you before departure, fearing you might refuse. Now, I have led the army to catch up, intending to escort you, Princess Consort, and join Prince Rui!"

Qin Guan felt a complex mix of emotions—shocked by Zhao You and Yan Che's decision, yet reflecting on the Northern Garrison Army's predicament and Zhao You's resolve, she found the outcome almost inevitable. After a moment of stunned silence, she collected herself and accepted the turn of events."General, please rise first. Since the Assistant General has made such a decision, I naturally understand. Now that you have come to pledge allegiance, I will not refuse you. But I must confirm one thing—in your heart, who is your true master now? Since you claim to have served two lords, how can Prince Rui trust you?"

Cheng Wei remained kneeling, clasping his fists in response. "Once a subject, forever a subject. Unless His Highness Prince Rui distrusts this humble general, or one day declares me a traitor, I shall never betray my lord. Should I ever break this oath, may I share the fate of this robe—"

With a tearing sound, Cheng Wei ripped the hem of his military uniform and flung it violently to the ground!

Qin Guan observed Cheng Wei's resolute expression and watched as the Northern Garrison Army officers who had caught up with them all knelt in salute. A broad smile broke across his face. "Excellent! With this pledge, I shall now lead you to catch up with Prince Rui. His Highness is benevolent and virtuous, caring deeply for all living beings—he will certainly not fail you!"