Coroner's Diary

Qin Guan looked at Yue Ning with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "What are you saying, Your Highness..."

Yue Ning frowned. "Then why do you seem to be shielding him? You were there when it happened—don’t you think the person who tried to scare you must either be the killer or connected to them? He’s the only left-handed person in the entire manor! Besides, when you performed the Corpse Examination for Second Brother, he was among those watching. He likely knew about your skills, which is why he targeted you."

Qin Guan exhaled slowly, her mind drifting to the numerous old scars she had seen on Yan Chi’s body. Despite the mounting evidence against him, she couldn’t bring herself to suspect someone who bore so many wounds from the battlefield. She steadied herself, forcing her thoughts away from Yan Chi’s injuries and Yue Ning’s accusatory tone.

"Your Highness, the current leads are still too limited," Qin Guan said calmly, her voice carrying an inexplicable authority.

"The Prefect is interrogating others in the manor—Song Rou’s maids, the matron, and the guards. He’s also sent people to Shili Temple. Why not wait for updates from him before jumping to conclusions?"

As she spoke, another thought struck her. Earlier, Yan Chi had volunteered to investigate the Duke’s Manor in the capital for the case. If he truly were the killer—if he had murdered Song Rou en route, arrived at the manor ahead of everyone to witness her death, and was now manipulating the investigation from the sidelines...

A chill ran down her spine. "His Highness arrived with hundreds of soldiers. He couldn’t have slipped away unnoticed." Her gaze sharpened. "Five days. We’ll wait no more than five days."

Yue Ning, seeing Qin Guan’s sincerity, softened slightly but pressed, "Neither of us knows him well—if anything, I’m slightly closer by blood. So why do you trust him more than I do?"

Qin Guan hesitated. Yue Ning wasn’t wrong. After a pause, she decided to be honest. "When I treated his injuries last time, I saw countless old scars—some nearly a decade old, others from recent battles. Most were blade wounds, likely from enemy sabers. It... moved me."

Yue Ning fell silent. Yan Chi was around Yue Jia’s age yet had already spent twelve years at war. This explanation, more than any logic, resonated deeply with her.

The Anyang Marquis Manor had a military legacy spanning generations. Had women been allowed on the battlefield, she would have joined herself. Though she’d never fought, she revered her father and brothers—who would inevitably serve—for their sacrifice. Suddenly, doubting Yan Chi felt dissonant.

After a long pause, Yue Ning murmured, "I didn’t know. I’d only heard of his formidable reputation in the western frontier and assumed his princely status made him arrogant in command."

She exhaled. "Fine, five days it is. If he’s innocent, I’ll apologize. If not..." Her eyes hardened. "Being Prince Rui’s Heir won’t save him."

Qin Guan smirked slyly. "Even if he’s innocent, no need for apologies. After all, His Highness doesn’t know we suspect him."Yue Ning curved her lips slightly, "That's true..."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yue Ning suddenly looked up behind Qin Guan, "Young Master Wei."

Qin Guan turned around and immediately saw Wei Yanzhi approaching. After several days apart, Wei Yanzhi seemed much more spirited, dressed in a blue robe that gave him a rather dashing appearance. Recognizing Yue Ning and Qin Guan, Wei Yanzhi quickly clasped his hands in greeting, "Princess, Ninth Miss..."

Yue Ning smiled, "Where are you headed?"

Wei Yanzhi smiled warmly and politely, "Is the Prefect still in the front courtyard? Earlier, he said all the guards needed to be re-examined. Those who weren’t present earlier have now arrived, and we’re just waiting for Captain Qi to proceed."

Yue Ning nodded, "He’s still there, but he’s questioning the Hou Manor servants at the moment. There’s no need to rush, Young Master Wei."

Wei Yanzhi nodded, then turned to Qin Guan, "Ninth Miss, are you here to treat the Grand Princess?"

"Yes, the Grand Princess’s health still requires careful attention and treatment."

Wei Yanzhi sighed in admiration, "For someone so young to possess such medical skill is truly astonishing. I’m deeply impressed."

Qin Guan smiled modestly, "You flatter me. Jinzhou is a small place. If we were in the capital, my skills would be quite ordinary."

Wei Yanzhi sighed again, "In the end, no physician can bring the dead back to life..."

Qin Guan and Yue Ning exchanged a glance, understanding that he was thinking of the deceased Song Rou. Qin Guan’s eyes flickered slightly before she said, "Young Master Wei, please accept my condolences. Miss Song has been gone for many days now. This was a tragedy, not your fault. You shouldn’t blame yourself so much." She paused briefly before adding, "You must have been very close to Miss Song before, right?"

Wei Yanzhi gave a bitter smile, glancing at Yue Ning, "After all, she was my cousin, though... Regardless, I bear responsibility for what happened. Xiao Rou was so young. I failed to protect her. If... if my elder brother had been the one to escort her, perhaps this wouldn’t have happened..."

Qin Guan sighed, her tone now more sincere, "When a murderer is determined to harm someone, it’s impossible to guard against everything. Please don’t blame yourself, Young Master Wei. The Prefect is investigating now, and I believe answers will come soon. Once the truth is revealed and the culprit caught, Miss Song will find peace in the afterlife."

Wei Yanzhi’s expression grew pained, "How much longer will the Prefect take to uncover the truth... It’s already been seven days. I don’t even know what condition Xiao Rou is in at the Mortuary Temple. When I asked earlier, the Prefect didn’t give a clear answer. I fear it may drag on indefinitely..."

"Young Master Wei, rest assured, Miss Song is being well cared for. The Prefect has handled many cases. Given time, he will surely find the culprit..."

After Qin Guan finished speaking, Wei Yanzhi looked at her with slight surprise, "Ninth Miss, have you been to the Mortuary Temple?"

Qin Guan’s heart tightened, but her expression remained calm as she shook her head, "No, I haven’t. The Prefect mentioned it earlier while we were with the Grand Princess. He visited the Mortuary Temple yesterday and wouldn’t neglect Miss Song’s arrangements."

Wei Yanzhi’s eyes filled with grief again, "I wanted to visit the Mortuary Temple, but the Prefect advised against it, saying relatives of the Song family should refrain for now. We can only wait for the Duke’s household to send someone to take charge of Xiao Rou’s affairs. After all, I’m merely an outsider."

His voice trailed off softly. Yue Ning spoke up briskly, "Young Master Wei, don’t dwell on it too much. Anyone with eyes can see you’re not involved. The Duke’s household won’t arrive anytime soon, and the Song family’s guards and servants still need your oversight."Wei Yanzhi gave a bitter smile. "That's only natural."

With that, he glanced toward the front courtyard. "I'll go inform the Prefect."

Yue Ning nodded, and Wei Yanzhi cupped his hands in salute to the two before heading toward the front courtyard.

Watching Wei Yanzhi walk away, Yue Ning asked, "What? You still don't trust him?"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes and said playfully, "It's not that I don't trust him. But if I had to suspect someone between His Highness Yan Chi and Young Master Wei, I'd rather suspect Young Master Wei..."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, her gaze turning thoughtful as she looked at Qin Guan.

......

......

Even after returning to Qin Manor, Qin Guan was still thinking about Yan Chi writing with his left hand.

Fuling walked beside her and said, "So the ointment you made was for His Highness Yan Chi. I thought it was for the Grand Princess."

"What's the difference?"

Qin Guan didn't catch the deeper meaning in Fuling's words.

Fuling said urgently, "Making medicine for the Grand Princess is only proper, but His Highness Yan Chi is a man."

Qin Guan's thoughts snapped back. "What about him being a man?"

Fuling smiled wryly. "Young Miss, you pour all your attention into making medicine. Haven't you noticed how especially enthusiastic the second young master of the Marquis's household is toward you? It's not just enthusiasm—I can see his eyes light up when he looks at you."

Qin Guan frowned slightly. "So what?"

Fuling sighed and said with an air of wisdom, "I've already calculated it for you. Right now, you have no one to rely on. Trying to aim for Prince Rui's Heir would be too difficult, not to mention the complications of a prince's household. Even if you entered, life would be hard. It would be better to go to the Marquis's household. Their status is high, their family is wealthy, and I can see the Grand Princess and the Marquis's wife both like you—they would surely treat you sincerely. The second young master is warm-hearted and lively—being with him would be fun. You wouldn't have to be a princess consort or manage a household—it couldn't be better. And most importantly, if the second young master likes you, he would value you. And the most, most important thing—the Marquis's household doesn't allow concubines—"

Fuling grew more excited as she spoke, as if she had already mapped out the best future for Qin Guan. Qin Guan listened quietly and nodded. "Everything you said is correct. These advantages aren't found in other families."

Fuling's eyes brightened. "So you understand what I mean?"

Qin Guan nodded. "You're saying the second young master of the Marquis's household is an excellent candidate for a husband."

Fuling nodded repeatedly. Qin Guan then said, "Yes, the second young master is very good. I wonder who will marry him in the future—she must be very fortunate..."

Fuling was stunned. "Young Miss, I'm talking about you!"

Qin Guan let out an "Oh." Just as Fuling was growing anxious, Qin Guan sighed again. "Don't think about these things. Your young miss's heart isn't in Jinzhou. Even if I were to marry, it would have to be in the capital, wouldn't it...?"

Fuling gasped, looking at Qin Guan in slight surprise as she walked toward the Windward Courtyard. She wished her young miss would be more ambitious and not be as indifferent as before—but wasn't this change a bit too sudden?

"Young Miss... the second young master might return to the capital in the future too!"Qin Guan paused in her steps, feeling it necessary to explain this matter to Fuling. She said, "The Grand Princess and Madam's fondness is mostly out of gratitude. But it would be unseemly for me to take advantage of others' gratitude to force my way in. Besides, your young mistress currently has no thoughts of marriage. When we go to the Marquis's residence later, no matter what the Second Young Master says or does, you must remain composed."

Fuling looked astonished. "So the young mistress has noticed? This servant thought you were completely unaware. What do you mean by this? Are we to pretend ignorance from now on?"

The hour was already late, with layers of yellow clouds piling up at the horizon like scattered autumn leaves. Qin Guan took a shallow breath. "Of course not. Although the Second Young Master has been warm toward me, he hasn't expressed anything explicitly. Let's observe for a few more days. If it turns out to be true, we'll need to think of a solution."

Fuling made one last attempt. "Don't you think the Marquis's Second Young Master is truly excellent?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No matter how good a person is, now is not the time for romance."

Fuling smiled bitterly. "Then when will be the right time? If we miss such a fine candidate as the Second Young Master, we might never find another."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together. She didn't know when would be the right time for romance—perhaps she might never have such a time in this lifetime. "Matters of romance and marriage depend on fate. In any case, remember my instructions."

Fuling suddenly detected a hint of sternness beneath Qin Guan's calm tone. Her heart tightened, and she quickly assented.

Following Mo Shu's instructions, Qin Guan arrived at Windward Courtyard. Just as she reached the gate, she encountered Qin Chen striding out. Normally refined and amiable, the Qin Chen she saw now wore a cold, angry expression, his steps swift as if greatly provoked.

Qin Chen was walking so hurriedly he nearly collided with Qin Guan. He stopped abruptly and said, "Ninth Miss, you're back?"

Qin Guan nodded and glanced toward the main chamber. "Elder Brother, what's wrong?"

Qin Chen took a deep breath, suppressing his visible irritation. "It's nothing. I was just heading to the outer study. News has arrived from the capital—it's of great importance, so I need to discuss matters with Father. Your Eldest Brother's Wife is inside. Go see her."

Qin Guan nodded, and Qin Chen immediately strode out of Windward Courtyard.

Qin Guan stood still for a moment. Fuling exhaled deeply. "Was the Eldest Young Master angry? Heavens, seeing someone usually so gentle and smiling in such a rage is truly frightening!"

Qin Guan said nothing more and headed straight for the main chamber. As she reached the entrance, Mo Shu came out and, upon seeing Qin Guan, quickly curtsied. "I knew it must be Ninth Miss. Please come in..."

Qin Guan acknowledged her, and Fuling followed them inside. Passing around a screen, Qin Guan went directly to the inner chamber. Upon entering, she saw Yao Xinlan's slightly reddened eyes. Noticing Qin Guan, Yao Xinlan wiped the corners of her eyes and eagerly extended a hand toward her.

Qin Guan approached. Having already seen her state, she had no choice but to ask, "Eldest Brother's Wife, what's the matter? You haven't fully recovered yet—crying will affect the child..."

At Qin Guan's concerned words, Yao Xinlan's tears fell again, this time more profusely. She wiped her face once more and sighed, gazing into Qin Guan's clear, stream-like eyes. "Ninth Miss, you've never tasted the bitterness of tears, have you..."Qin Guan was somewhat puzzled, but Yao Xinlan smiled, "I only hope Ninth Miss never learns the taste of tears. Once she does, it marks the beginning of heartache and suffering."

Seeing that Qin Guan still seemed confused, Yao Xinlan choked up and added, "Never mind. I'd rather Ninth Miss meets someone she truly loves. But when that happens, tears are inevitable, aren't they?"

Baffled by Yao Xinlan's words, Qin Guan simply said, "Let me check your pulse, Eldest Brother's Wife."

She proceeded to do so, and Yao Xinlan watched with a faint smile, her tears gradually subsiding. "How I envy you, Ninth Miss. You're still free and possess such exceptional medical skills."

This time, Qin Guan seemed to understand. She lowered her eyes. "What is there to envy? I'm just alone."

Yao Xinlan shook her head. "Sometimes, being alone is better. With nothing to your name, if someone likes you, it's genuine. Otherwise, you'd never know what they truly love about you. Ninth Miss, don't give your heart away too easily. Even if you lose it one day, make sure you leave yourself a way out."

Yao Xinlan's words were so clear that Qin Guan couldn't miss their meaning—it was simply a marital quarrel between her and her husband.

"I'll remember your advice, Eldest Brother's Wife. But please don't dwell on sorrow too much."

Yao Xinlan's eyes were moist and red, yet a distant smile lingered on her face. Lost in thought, she seemed to drift away. Qin Guan frowned slightly, but Yao Xinlan suddenly turned to her. "It's late. I know you've just returned from the Marquis's residence. You should rest now. Come talk with me when you have time."

Previously, Yao Xinlan would always cling to Qin Guan, only stopping when exhausted. Today, however, she seemed reluctant to speak further and actually urged Qin Guan to leave. Qin Guan naturally didn't refuse.

Once outside, Qin Guan fell silent, and even Fuling looked unusually somber.

"I thought the young master and Young mistress were deeply in love. But just now, seeing Young mistress, she seemed in such pain. And with the young master angry... Could it be... he no longer loves her?"

Qin Guan sighed helplessly. "Love is the most elusive thing in the world. But if it's truly profound, how could it vanish so easily?"

"Then what's going on with the young master and Young mistress?"

Qin Guan gave a bitter smile. "How would I know? Even couples argue sometimes."

Though she said this, a chill settled in Qin Guan's heart, cold as autumn.

In Qin Manor, she ultimately remained an outsider. Whether considering Ninth Miss's past experiences or her own nature, she wouldn't interfere in messy affairs without understanding the full story.

Fuling pouted. "I thought finding a husband like the young master would solve everything."

Qin Guan merely thought Fuling naive. As she looked up, she noticed the servants replacing the lanterns in the manor.

The new lanterns bore an elegant design of the moon rising over a western tower. Fuling spotted them too and remarked, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming. The manor needs decorations."

Qin Guan nodded slightly, thinking of her planned garden outing with Yue Ning the day after tomorrow. Her steps quickened.

But when she reached the entrance of Orchid Isle Courtyard, she paused. Cai He stood at the gate with four maids, clearly waiting for her.

"Ninth Miss is back—"

Cai He stepped forward warmly, her smile radiant.Qin Guan nodded, sweeping her gaze over the four fresh-faced young maids before her.

Cai He explained, "Ninth Miss, early this morning the eldest young master spoke with the madam and Old Madam, saying you were short of hands. After he spoke, Old Madam agreed it was reasonable and immediately sent me to select four people for you."

Turning around, she continued, "This is Wan Tang, Wan Tao, Wan Xing, and Wan Li."

All four names bore the "Wan" generation character, and Qin Guan recalled that Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang's maids also shared this naming convention—clearly these were intended as her senior maids. A slight curve touched Qin Guan's lips as she observed them. Each was a slender, fair-complexioned beauty around fourteen or fifteen years old, yet upon closer inspection, subtle differences emerged.

Wan Tang displayed perfect etiquette—composed and steady, standing with lowered eyes in respectful deference. Wan Tao's round, peach-blossom face remained bowed, yet her lively eyes had darted a glance at Qin Guan the moment she approached. Wan Xing's shoulders were slightly hunched, her body tense; though she stood properly with downcast eyes, she seemed almost invisible among the four. Wan Li also appeared respectful, yet Qin Guan inexplicably sensed an air of detached coolness about her...

"They're all well-mannered and presentable. Thank you, Miss Cai He."

Cai He's smile deepened. "Ninth Miss should thank Old Madam most of all. These are all manor-born servants raised and trained externally, brought in whenever a young master or miss has need. Try them out first—if any prove unsatisfactory, just send word and we'll replace them immediately."

She delivered this blunt assessment in the maids' presence, and indeed, their expressions grew even more deferential.

Qin Guan inclined her head. "Very well. You've been most considerate."

"This humble servant doesn't deserve such praise." Cai He curtsied. "With your permission, I'll take my leave."

At Qin Guan's nod, Cai He exchanged a glance with Fuling before departing. Once alone, Qin Guan studied the four newcomers before turning toward the courtyard. Fuling observed them with open curiosity—to her, their arrival symbolized Qin Guan's elevated status, filling her with excitement. Noticing Qin Guan walking ahead, Fuling blinked and beckoned, "Come inside."

A faint smile playing on her lips, Qin Guan led the way into the main chamber.

Seated now, with Fuling attending her, Qin Guan watched as the four "Wan" maids entered and performed deep bows of greeting. Sipping the tea Fuling handed her, she discreetly assessed them.

Her sudden relocation and frequent visits to Marquis Anyang Manor had made her the household's current focus of attention. Were any of these four planted by others? Or worse—connected to the murderer?

While receiving four maids ostensibly marked her as a proper young miss of the house, Qin Guan knew some among them likely thought otherwise. Four years of neglect and mistreatment had cemented her reputation as an ill-omened, easily bullied figure—prejudices that couldn't vanish overnight among the servants.

Tilting her chin up, Qin Guan instructed, "With just two of us here, there's little work. You four may tidy the side chambers first and settle your living quarters."Qin Guan, like a newly favored orphan girl, didn't even know how to manage servants, casually giving orders without the airs of Qin Shuang or Qin Xiang.

"Yes."

This time, none of the four showed any expression as they responded and stood up.

Qin Guan glanced at Fuling, who cheerfully said to the four, "Follow me."

Although all four "Wan" were senior maids, Fuling remained Qin Guan's closest confidante. With the arrival of these four "Wan," none could possibly surpass her position, making this the first time Fuling truly felt like a head maid.

"You four, come with me!"

Fuling puffed out her small chest and strode out first. The four others curtsied to Qin Guan before following her.

Once they had left, Qin Guan rose and moved to the window. Through the half-open lattice, she could see the figures of the five walking away.

Whether they would stay or not would soon be known.