Coroner's Diary

"Miss, how should these four be arranged?"

When Fuling returned, Qin Guan was already grinding medicinal powder. Without looking up, Qin Guan asked, "Have they all been settled in properly?"

Fuling nodded. "All settled. They're quite well-mannered."

Qin Guan gave a soft "Hmm." "We don't need so many hands for chores. There's nothing to assign them."

Fuling glanced at the medicines in the room. "Who says we don't need help? Isn't grinding powder work?"

The corners of Qin Guan's lips curved slightly. "This medicine is for Prince Rui's heir. No one else may interfere."

Fuling murmured assent, then with a thoughtful gleam in her eyes said, "But Miss, it's truly a waste not to use these four..."

Qin Guan's lips quirked. "What do you propose?"

Fuling's eyes darted about. "All four are born servants of Qin Manor, but we don't yet know their temperaments. When Miss has important matters to entrust in the future, whom should you assign?"

"Then what do you suggest?" Qin Guan's focus remained on the medicine.

Fuling smiled. "Naturally, we should observe them carefully and select two steady and reliable ones. But we won't see anything if we don't give them tasks. Miss, could you think of a way to test them?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "No need to rush these first couple days. Let our courtyard remain as before."

Fuling sighed. "Miss is truly unshakable."

Qin Guan gave a faint smile but said nothing, concentrating on preparing the medicine.

It had been over half a month now. Shuttling between Qin Manor and the Marquis's residence, dealing with incidents at both places—yet the most crucial matter remained uncovering that hidden murderer who had killed her.

This thought weighed heavily on Qin Guan's heart. She would have to visit the Purple Bamboo Forest soon.

Qin Guan returned late. By the time she finished the medicine, it was already late evening. As she prepared to retire, Fuling entered. "Miss, Wan Tang, Wan Tao, and Wan Xing are waiting outside. Only Wan Li is missing."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow while removing her outer garments. "Oh? Where is Wan Li?"

Fuling snorted, displeasure already showing on her face. "Among these four, I could tell something when they chose their quarters. Wan Tang was steady and generous, letting others choose first. Wan Tao was lively but still deferred. Wan Xing mumbled that she didn't care where she stayed. But that Wan Li—so high and mighty, she immediately picked the quietest innermost spot."

"I didn't mention it to you then, Miss, but now it seems she's truly problematic! Today was their first day in Orchid Isle Courtyard. Though you gave no tasks all day, the other three knew to wait outside. But Wan Li couldn't be bothered—one wonders if she's here to be mistress or maid."

Qin Guan's lips curved. "Find an opportunity to ask the other three about Wan Li's background."

Fuling nodded and came forward to help Qin Guan change.

After changing and washing up, Qin Guan lay down and instructed, "Send them to rest. You should retire too."

Fuling quickly assented, extinguished the corner lamp, and withdrew.

Qin Guan nestled under the fragrant brocade quilt and soon fell asleep.

Her dreams returned to that night of chaos and confusion.

Her ever-steadfast father had returned pale-faced, ordering her mother to pack without explanation. Understanding him perfectly, her mother knew from his expression that disaster loomed, gathering only the most essential valuables.

Yet even that had not been fast enough...No sooner had they stepped out than the city was already under lockdown. Before they could make it past one street, the Imperial Guards had stormed the Shen residence.

What followed was a relentless pursuit and indiscriminate slaughter.

Qin Guan could never understand—her father was a high-ranking official of the third rank. Even if the charges against him were confirmed, the case should have gone through the Ministry of Justice to the Court of Judicial Review before sentencing. Yet that massacre was clearly aimed at taking their lives...

Qin Guan’s eyes snapped open, her forehead drenched in cold sweat.

The agonized faces of her father and mother from her dream still lingered before her eyes. The fury etched on her father’s face before his death must have been due to injustice. Who could have wanted him dead so badly?

Her throat felt parched, and her temples throbbed with pain. Turning her head, she saw the faint light of dawn seeping through the window lattice—another night had passed, yet her hope of returning to the capital remained slim.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the capital, Prince Yong had ascended to the position of Crown Prince.

At the thought of this former fiancé, whom she had met only a handful of times, Qin Guan’s brows knitted tightly together.

What role had he played in the Shen family massacre?

The cold sweat sent chills through her body. She pulled the brocade quilt tighter around herself but found sleep elusive.

This was too slow. If she simply waited day after day like this, when would she ever return to the capital? Or perhaps, as she had jokingly told Fuling, should she really consider marrying into the capital?

Qin Guan clenched her fists. Though it was the last resort, if there were no other options, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

Her eyes closed lightly, but her mind was in turmoil. The murderer she sought remained elusive, while she found herself entangled in the chaos of the marquis’s household. The truth she longed to see remained obscured, shrouded in the mist surrounding Qin Manor. If her father were still alive, Song Rou’s case would have been straightforward. If her father were still alive, the fog enveloping Qin Manor would surely have been dispelled.

When Fuling came to help Qin Guan rise, she noticed her mistress looked weary. "Did you not sleep well last night, miss?"

Qin Guan shook her head without elaborating. After washing up and having breakfast, she began preparing medicines, which naturally led her thoughts to Yan Chi—and then to the fact that he wrote with his left hand.

The entire marquis’s household was searching for a left-handed person, and he was the only one discovered so far. Yue Ning’s suspicions of him were understandable, yet Qin Guan’s intuition told her Yan Chi wasn’t the type to end a woman’s life—especially not in such a brutal manner.

Given his status, even Duke Song himself wouldn’t dare provoke him lightly, let alone someone as insignificant as Song Rou. Even if there were grievances, he had countless ways to handle them cleanly without leaving any traces for others to seize upon.

With this in mind, Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. Yan Chi was certainly no paragon of absolute virtue, but he wasn’t foolish enough to think that donning a Wedding Gown to frighten her would drive her away from Marquis Anyang Manor and this case...

"Miss, I think Wan Tang is quite reliable," Fuling said as she entered, her face bright with delight.

Qin Guan turned to her. "What makes you say that?"

Fuling smiled. "Early this morning, Wan Tang was already up. Instead of entering the main rooms, she first tended to the orchids in the courtyard and then waited at the gate to receive your breakfast. When I got up, I noticed she had arranged the potted orchids on the stands neatly. She seems to understand flower arrangement too—some of the pots she trimmed looked exceptionally beautiful."

Qin Guan’s lips curved slightly. "If that’s the case, she’ll be quite useful."

"Indeed! With so many orchids in the future, you won’t have to tend to them yourself."After the first terrifying incident in the orchid garden, Qin Guan moved over a dozen pots of orchids into the courtyard and locked the side gate. Since then, tending to the orchids daily had become one of her routines.

Qin Guan asked again, "What about the others?"

Fuling pursed her lips. "Wan Tao saw how Wan Tang behaved and followed suit. But I noticed she's still quite immature—always asking me what you're doing and saying she wants to serve you directly. Hmph! I ignored her. As for that Wan Xing, she just stands there silently, clearly not someone who can handle important matters. And Wan Li... I haven't even seen her this morning!"

Then, Fuling's lips curled slightly. "But I did find out about her background!"

A hint of mocking amusement flashed in Fuling's eyes. "Wan Li's parents are both stewards on the outer estates and hold some standing in Qin Manor. She's been pretty since childhood and was originally supposed to become Fifth Miss's chief maid. But for some reason, Fifth Miss didn't take a liking to her back then. Later, she was almost sent to Sixth Miss, but again wasn't chosen. Since she couldn't become a chief maid to any young mistress, she tried to get close to the young masters. However, the eldest young master—aside from the maids Old Madam selected—doesn't like having too many female servants in his quarters. And the second young master already has several maidservants prettier than her. After all these failed attempts, not only has she grown older, but she was nearly betrothed by her parents when the manor suddenly needed new maids again..."

Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh. She'd seen the chief maids serving Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang—their looks were merely average. Wan Li, being prettier, might have overshadowed her mistresses. No wonder they hadn't chosen her.

But who would have thought that after all these delays, she'd end up in Orchid Isle Courtyard? Qin Guan was an outsider in Qin Manor, with an uncertain future ahead. Naturally, Wan Li was unwilling, hence her current attitude. Qin Guan shook her head, her smile deepening.

"You're still laughing? Didn't Sister Cai He say you should tell her if anyone displeases you? This Wan Li has no sense of propriety—acting like she's half a mistress already! Shouldn't we report her to Sister Cai He and have her sent away?"

Lowering her head to continue grinding herbs, Qin Guan chuckled. "I just find her story both frustrating and amusing. Repeatedly rejected, never reaching where she wanted to go... Ah, heaven does love playing tricks on people."

Fuling thought Wan Li disrespected Qin Guan, yet her mistress seemed unbothered. "Miss, should we still tell Sister Cai He?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "Let it be. We'll keep her for now—it's not like we need so many hands anyway."

Pursing her lips, Fuling muttered, "You're too kind, Miss!"

Qin Guan patted her reassuringly. Just as Fuling was about to press further, knocking came from outside. Fuling went to answer, and soon faint voices could be heard. Though the four "Wan" maids had only spoken during introductions yesterday, Qin Guan had memorized their voices. The visitor now was Wan Tang.

The conversation was distant, and Wan Tang kept her voice low—clear proof of her proper manners.Before long, Fuling entered and said, "Miss, someone from the front courtyard came to say that for the Autumn Festival celebrations, each courtyard must send someone to collect supplies from the front courtyard. Who should we send from our courtyard?"

Qin Guan pondered briefly, "Has anyone volunteered to go?"

Fuling looked surprised, "How did you know... Wan Tao said she wanted to go..."

Qin Guan smiled and nodded, "Good, then let her go. Have her go with Wan Tang."

Hearing Qin Guan name Wan Tang, Fuling felt her recommendation had indeed been useful and brightened visibly before going out to relay the instructions. Soon, the commotion in the courtyard faded into the distance, and silence returned.

Fuling came back and remarked, "In past Autumn Festivals, we had nothing to do with such matters. Now things are truly different." She then added with anticipation, "The servant from the front courtyard said all the servants are gathered there now. The manor must be preparing for a grand celebration."

Qin Guan paused her work, "All gathered in the front courtyard?"

Fuling nodded, "Yes, what's the matter, Miss?"

Qin Guan glanced at the medicinal powder before her, "I'm running low on medicine. I need to fetch more."

"Ah? What do you need, Miss? I'll go get it."

Qin Guan stood up, "I'll go myself. Stay here and grind this peony root for me."

Fuling hesitated, but Qin Guan rubbed her neck and said, "I've been sitting too long—my neck is stiff. A walk will do me good."

Fuling still seemed reluctant, "Then let me accompany you. I can grind the peony root later."

"Your mistress isn't unfamiliar with the way," Qin Guan chuckled, brushing the wrinkles from her skirt as she headed out. "And make sure the peony powder is ground finely—no slacking! I'll check when I return!"

Fuling acquiesced, thinking that in broad daylight and with the medicine storage not far away, she swallowed her remaining concerns.

As Qin Guan stepped out of the main room, she noticed the side room's door was slightly ajar. Her expression tightened, and she quickened her pace through the courtyard gate. Though her face remained calm, her steps were swift. Scanning the surroundings as she passed through, she confirmed that the inner courtyard, usually bustling with servants, was now completely deserted. Qin Guan's resolve hardened, and she sped up even more. With the Qin Manor's many affairs and numerous servants, they wouldn't be gathered for long—soon they'd be back at their posts. She had to hurry!

Qin Guan moved like the wind, though Ninth Miss's body was still somewhat frail, and soon beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Ignoring this, she headed straight east. She had claimed to be fetching medicine, but when she reached the fork leading to the medicine storage, she didn't turn as she had last time. Instead, she continued farther east. Soon, the concubine's quarters came into view, but Qin Guan didn't stop. Choosing a secluded path, she made straight for the Purple Bamboo Forest—a route she had noticed during her last visit to observe the well-cleaning.

She had missed her chance last time, but now she was determined to seize this rare opportunity.

Qin Guan kept her eyes sharp, wary of anyone suddenly appearing. If she were spotted under these circumstances, it would be far more suspicious than usual. While the likelihood of discovery was lower, the consequences would be far graver if she were caught. Her heart pounded in her throat.The faint scent of bamboo wafted through the air before Qin Guan even reached the Purple Bamboo Forest. Withered yellow leaves drifted toward her on the breeze. Soon, the forest loomed before her. Steeling herself, Qin Guan was about to stride in when a figure suddenly darted out from among the distant trees. Her steps faltered abruptly, and she hastily retreated...

Qin Guan hid behind a side corridor not far from the Purple Bamboo Forest. The figure emerging from the bamboo grove gradually became clearer. Amid the lush greenery, the slender silhouette in watery red robes carried an air of gaudy charm. Though no one else was around, the person swayed with exaggerated grace at every step. At the same time, Qin Guan could almost imagine the cascade of white powder shaking loose from their face with each movement.

The one emerging from the Purple Bamboo Forest was none other than Eighth Concubine, Liu Shi!

The Purple Bamboo Forest was a forbidden area within the estate. Having lived here for years, Liu Shi couldn’t possibly be unaware of this. Yet she had taken advantage of all the servants being summoned to the front courtyard to sneak in. Why?

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. Liu Shi wore an expression of urgency, her steps quick as she glanced around nervously, clearly afraid of being discovered. Qin Guan pressed her lips together. She had come to the forest to search for the murderer—what was Eighth Concubine doing here? Frowning, Qin Guan suddenly noticed the odd way Liu Shi held her hands.

One arm was bent in front of her, while the other clutched tightly at her sleeve pocket. Qin Guan was certain—something was hidden inside that pocket. Had Liu Shi gone to retrieve something from the forest? What treasure could possibly lie within those shadowy, eerie bamboo groves?

As Qin Guan pondered this, she saw Liu Shi heading straight toward her.

Her heart sank. Of all paths, Eighth Concubine had chosen this secluded one. Qin Guan had no choice but to retreat further. She quickened her pace—despite Liu Shi’s exaggerated swaying, she moved surprisingly fast. Qin Guan had to break into a light jog, only stopping to catch her breath once she reached the southern edge of the concubines' quarters.

Turning back, she confirmed that Liu Shi had indeed slunk back into the concubines' residence.

With all this back-and-forth, Qin Guan had missed her best opportunity. She exhaled sharply, her gaze lingering on the distant Purple Bamboo Forest. Was Eighth Concubine the only one? Could there be others still inside?

Qin Guan waited silently behind a floral-patterned wall, but after what felt like half the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the forest remained still. Had Liu Shi not gone to meet someone, but simply to retrieve something?

Her pulse raced. She longed to dash over and investigate, but too much time had passed, and the forest was vast. After a moment’s hesitation, she reluctantly abandoned the idea of returning now.

This trip hadn’t been entirely fruitless—at least she had discovered another visitor to the forbidden grove.

Despite the rumors of hauntings, people still ventured in...

Lost in thought, Qin Guan turned to leave—only to freeze mid-motion.

She had spotted someone who shouldn’t be here.

Earlier, while hiding behind the floral wall and watching the forest, her own movements had been somewhat furtive. Yet now, at a corridor bend just five zhang ahead, stood Wan Xing in her plain green robes.

Shoulders hunched and eyes downcast as always, she wore the same dull, nervous expression.Seeing her turn around, Wan Xing curtsied slightly, "Ninth Miss, this servant has come to fetch you back..."

Qin Guan's heart pounded as she pressed her lips together for a moment before walking toward Wan Xing. Pausing slightly when she reached her, she asked, "Who told you to follow me..."

Her voice already carried a stern edge, while Wan Xing bowed her head even lower.

"Madam arrived right after you left. It was Sister Fuling who sent me to find you."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes at her briefly before striding toward Orchid Isle Courtyard. As she walked, she glanced back at Wan Xing, who kept her head so low it seemed she wanted to bury it in the ground.

Qin Guan said nothing and marched back to Orchid Isle Courtyard. Just as she neared the entrance, her steps faltered again.

At the courtyard gate stood not only Lin Shi but also Qin Xiang, Qin Chen, and Qin Li, with Fuling standing nervously nearby. Seeing Qin Guan return, Fuling's face lit up with relief.

"Guan'er, you said you were fetching medicine—why did it take so long—"

Lin Shi questioned Qin Guan the moment she saw her. Though mildly reproachful, her tone wasn't harsh. Qin Guan hurried forward and curtsied. "Apologies for keeping you waiting, Madam. I was preparing medicine for the Grand Princess of the Marquis's household and couldn't afford carelessness."

Qin Li's slender eyes narrowed slightly as they swept over Qin Guan, while Qin Xiang looked at her with faint displeasure.

Qin Chen stepped forward with a gentle smile. "Why are you sweating? Did you rush back in a hurry?"

Qin Guan's heart tightened, but before she could speak, Wan Xing behind her woodenly interjected, "Ninth Miss was waiting for Physician Qian from the medicine storage to return. Upon hearing Madam had arrived, she hurried back without delay."

Qin Guan stiffened. She had never gone to the medicine storage, nor had she waited for Qian Bairen.

She knew this—and so should Wan Xing.

Qin Chen chuckled. "Physician Qian was also at the front courtyard. You went at the wrong time."

Qin Guan's lips curved slightly, her voice still composed and unruffled. "I suppose I'll have to make another trip later..."

Lin Shi stepped forward warmly. "No need to go yourself. Have a servant fetch it later. Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Old Madam has ordered new autumn robes for all of you. We're going to Brocade Embroidery Workshop in town—let's leave now."

Being taken by Lin Shi to the workshop for new clothes was no ordinary privilege!

Fuling's eyes brightened instantly. Qin Guan curtsied again with a smile. "Very well, thank you, Madam."

Lin Shi smiled wordlessly and led Qin Xiang ahead. As Qin Guan followed, she glanced back once more.

Wan Xing remained standing in place, still looking as though she wanted to bury her head in the ground.