Coroner's Diary

"Father—"

Huo Ning rushed straight into Huo Huaixin's study, sweating profusely from his sprint.

"Father, we need an experienced coroner."

Huo Huaixin looked up from his desk, still somewhat confused. "What?"

Huo Ning took two quick breaths. "Xu He said you know of a highly skilled corpse examination expert in Jinzhou City. He told me to ask you. Father, since you know, why haven't you invited her to examine the body?"

A dawning realization gradually appeared on Huo Huaixin's bewildered face. He sniffed the air. "What's that smell on you?"

After a couple more sniffs, Huo Huaixin frowned. "You went to the Mortuary Temple?"

Huo Ning wiped the sweat from his face. "It's been five days. Although we know the cause of Miss Song's death, we still don't know how she was killed. We haven't found the murder weapon, nor her head. Father, seeing how anxious you are makes me anxious too. So I went back to the Mortuary Temple just now and had Xu He re-examine the body."

Huo Huaixin paused, then stood up and scrutinized Huo Ning closely. Slowly, his eyes brightened. "Ning'er, you... you've truly grown. Your father is very pleased."

Huo Ning gave a slight smile. "So, Father, do you really know a corpse examination expert?"

Huo Huaixin's gaze flickered as Qin Guan's figure flashed through his mind. Glancing at Huo Ning's eager expression, he cleared his throat. "I do know someone, but... she's not easy to invite."

"Why not? Is she retired and unwilling to work, or does she demand high fees?"

Huo Ning asked bluntly, but Huo Huaixin wasn't sure how to respond. Qin Guan's status made it inappropriate for her to be involved in forensic examinations for criminal cases. Moreover, given her close ties with Marquis Anyang Manor, even if they wanted to invite Qin Guan, they would need to consult the Marquis first.

"It's not about unwillingness or money, but..."

Huo Huaixin hesitated, frowning as he stepped out from behind his desk.

"Then what is it? This case is so difficult. If this person knows how to examine bodies, she must be from the coroner's profession. If it's money, we can pay. If it's something else, we can figure it out. To solve the case, we should at least try. Besides, wouldn't she feel indignant knowing someone died unjustly and the killer remains at large?"

The very purpose of the coroner's profession was to uncover the truth behind every homicide. If, as Huo Ning said, the person they wanted to invite was a retired coroner, it might be simpler. But that wasn't the case...

"It's not that simple. This person is of noble status, not a coroner."

"Huh?" Huo Ning looked puzzled. "Not a coroner, but skilled in corpse examination?"

After a brief pause, Huo Ning pressed on. "Even if it's difficult, Father, you should still try. Maybe she'll come if we ask? If discretion is needed, you can make the necessary arrangements."

Huo Huaixin had been losing sleep over Miss Song's case for days and had already vaguely considered this idea. Now, with Huo Ning's urging, he was even more tempted. But still...

Huo Huaixin turned to look at Huo Ning. Should he tell him that the expert was none other than Ninth Miss Qin?

"What is it? What else is holding you back, Father?"

Huo Huaixin wasn't hesitant. His lips twitched slightly. "Do you know..."

Huo Ning found his father's gaze oddly unsettling, though he couldn't pinpoint why. Just as he was about to ask again, Huo Huaixin turned away. "I'll handle this. You don't need to worry about it."Huo Ning felt a sense of relief, knowing Huo Huaixin would invite that expert, but curiosity still gnawed at him. "Father, who exactly is this expert you mentioned?"

Huo Huaixin raised his brows slightly and suddenly said, "Two days ago, I had your mother visit Qin Manor."

Huo Ning froze, unsure why Huo Huaixin brought this up. At the mention of Qin Manor, Qin Guan naturally came to mind, and his expression darkened. "Why did Mother go to Qin Manor? As far as I recall, she never thought much of Qin Manor before."

Hearing this, Huo Huaixin shook his head. "Never mind. I’ll go to Marquis Anyang Manor myself. Don’t concern yourself with this matter." With that, he called for a servant and ordered a carriage to be prepared.

Huo Ning was full of questions. "Father, shall I go with you?"

Huo Huaixin declined. "It’s getting late. Return to the inner quarters." After speaking, he donned his outer cloak and left.

Huo Ning stood where he was, an inexplicable unease settling in his heart.

In the outer study of Marquis Anyang Manor, Yue Qiong gazed solemnly at Yan Chi. "So, Your Highness believes His Majesty is about to appoint a Crown Prince?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Prince Jin’s case has been settled. Those in the capital who should be imprisoned have been imprisoned, and those who should be executed have been executed. After this round of purges, the situation is refreshed. His Majesty will most likely appoint a Crown Prince at this time."

Yue Qiong gave a slight nod. "Those who previously favored Prince Jin formed their own faction. No matter who is appointed as the new Crown Prince, the court will at least be in a tripartite balance. For His Majesty, this is indeed the best outcome."

The corners of Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly. "The current Emperor is most skilled in the art of balance. Surely the Marquis understands this as well."

Yue Qiong nodded again, then suddenly asked, "Who does Your Highness predict His Majesty will appoint?"

Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes, his deep gaze unreadable. "Prince Cheng and Prince Yong have the highest chances. The Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Princes are also possibilities—it all depends on what kind of situation His Majesty desires. Prince Cheng and Prince Yong were enfeoffed as princes in their youth and have powerful maternal clans. Even as princes, they had many followers. If His Majesty chooses one of them, the court will lean toward stability. Among them, Prince Yong is the Empress’s legitimate son, and the voices advocating for the legitimate heir are the loudest, so his chances are naturally greater."

After a pause, Yan Chi shifted the topic. "However, His Majesty is in the prime of his life. He might also appoint a younger prince like the Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh Prince. They are still young, so His Majesty wouldn’t have to worry about the Crown Prince’s faction growing too powerful or maternal relatives gaining undue influence. But if he does this, Prince Cheng and Prince Yong will likely be discontent, and turmoil in the court would be unavoidable."

Yue Qiong’s eyes showed admiration. Though Yan Chi had spent many years at the border, his understanding of the court’s dynamics was astute. "No matter what choice His Majesty makes, as military men, the wisest course for us is to stay out of the fray."

A trace of mockery flickered in Yan Chi’s eyes, though his expression remained composed as he nodded. Just as Yue Qiong was about to speak further, Yang Xi entered. "My Lord, the Prefect has arrived—"

Yue Qiong quickly stood. "Show him in at once."

As Yang Xi left, Yue Qiong turned to Yan Chi. "Perhaps there’s news about the case."

Yan Chi’s gaze sharpened as he looked toward the door. Moments later, Huo Huaixin strode in.

"Greetings, Marquis. Ah, Your Highness is also here—my respects to you—"

Yue Qiong stepped forward. "Brother Huo, no need for formalities. What brings you here? Has there been progress in the case?"

Huo Huaixin wore a bitter smile. "Marquis, I’ve come to ask for your help."Yan Chi held a noble status and was aware of Qin Guan's expertise in corpse examination, so Huo Huaixin decided to speak frankly in his presence.

Yue Qiong was slightly surprised upon hearing this. "Brother Huo, what do you need help with? Just say it outright—"

Huo Huaixin's lips tightened slightly as he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. "This case has made no progress for a long time. I still remember Ninth Miss of Qin Manor's remarkable skills in corpse examination and deduction during Lin Daxing's case. Therefore, I wish to ask the Marquis to intercede on my behalf and request Ninth Miss's assistance in examining the corpse once more."

Yue Qiong was taken aback. "Have Ninth Miss examine the corpse again? Given her status, I fear..."

Yue Qiong's thoughts mirrored Huo Huaixin's own concerns. With a bitter smile, Huo Huaixin said, "These past few days, aside from investigating the case, I’ve been copying texts as punishment. Now, with no other options left, I thought of seeking Ninth Miss's help. Her techniques are exceptional, and she possesses a strong sense of justice—she will surely understand my desperation. I only ask the Marquis to inquire on my behalf. If Ninth Miss refuses, I will never bring it up again."

Yue Qiong hesitated. "Brother Huo, you really... Last time, it was Ninth Miss who generously offered to assist and took the initiative to examine the corpse. But now, she is not at the Marquis's residence. How can I bear to trouble her again? Moreover... even if she has a sense of justice, I am practically of her father's generation. How can I, with my old face, ask a young girl to involve herself in such grim judicial matters again..."

Huo Huaixin was well aware of Yue Qiong's concerns, but without Qin Guan's help, how could the case be solved?

Bowing deeply, Huo Huaixin nearly knelt before Yue Qiong. "Marquis, I could go and ask her myself, but I fear Ninth Miss may not grant me this favor. That’s why I’ve come to beg for your assistance..."

Yue Qiong quickly reached out to support him. "I understand your hardship, Brother Huo. But even if I intervene, Ninth Miss may not be willing to help."

"She will agree." Suddenly, Yan Chi, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

Yue Qiong and Huo Huaixin both froze, turning to look at Yan Chi, whose expression was firm and confident.

Yan Chi continued, "If the two of you find it difficult to approach her, I can make the trip instead."