Coroner's Diary

Qin Guan's eyes widened slightly as she listened to Huo Huaixin's words.

No surprises there—it aligned perfectly with her deductions, both reasonable and expected.

Perhaps due to the many unresolved cases she had assisted her father with in the past, Qin Guan couldn’t help feeling dissatisfied with this outcome, even though it was logical and anticipated. But the moment this thought arose, she shook her head at herself inwardly.

The world was full of bizarre and perplexing cases. As investigators, they only needed to follow the evidence and facts. Jumping to conclusions based on assumptions would naturally lead to bias. Steadying her thoughts, Qin Guan asked, "So, Prefect, are you now going to search for Young Master Wei?"

Huo Huaixin nodded. "Exactly. Earlier, I had Young Master Wei draw a portrait of his elder brother. Soon, I’ll have it posted at all city gates. If we can’t find him in Jinzhou, we’ll expand the search to neighboring counties."

After all, this was an official investigation. Qin Guan nodded. "Very well." After a brief pause, she recalled the stomach residue from the corpse she had left to dry the previous night. "Regarding the residue I brought back from the Mortuary Temple yesterday—the contents from the victim’s stomach—I haven’t yet determined what it is. I’ll inform you once I have confirmation."

Huo Huaixin smiled and nodded. "This time, we truly owe much to Ninth Miss. Without your help, we might still be completely in the dark. As you rightly pointed out, we should have conducted a thorough autopsy the first time. Rest assured, Ninth Miss, once this case is resolved, I will personally present you with a grand token of gratitude..."

Qin Guan had never sought his reward and was about to decline when Huo Huaixin clasped his hands in farewell. "I must attend to the case now, so I’ll take my leave. Ninth Miss, please go inside—the Grand Princess and the Marquess’s wife are both waiting."

Huo Huaixin was in a hurry. Qin Guan curtsied and watched him stride away. It seemed he was no longer concerned about what she had brought back from the Mortuary Temple. Right now, the prime suspect was indeed Young Master Wei.

Qin Guan turned slowly and gazed at the towering walls of Marquis Anyang Manor. The person who had worn Song Rou’s second Wedding Gown had moved freely within the manor, as if intimately familiar with its layout. Could Young Master Wei have secretly infiltrated the estate?

"Miss, if the Prefect captures Young Master Wei, does that mean the case will be closed?" Fuling asked quietly.

As she walked inside, Qin Guan shook her head. "Not necessarily. We’d still need Young Master Wei to confess."

Fuling frowned. "But what if he refuses to speak?"

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes. "Then we’ll have to rely on witnesses and evidence to make denial impossible."

Fuling nodded in understanding. Qin Guan then entered the Grand Princess’s courtyard, where Lü Yun escorted her directly to the inner chamber.

Inside, the Grand Princess was sighing heavily, alternating between long and short breaths. Upon seeing Qin Guan, she immediately extended her hand. "Guan’er, you’re here. Come, sit beside me..."

Qin Guan curtsied before taking her seat next to the Grand Princess. Jiang Shi, seated nearby, said, "Guan’er, please check on Mother. Ever since we received news from His Highness Chi, she hasn’t been well."

Qin Guan understood. Earlier, though Song Rou’s pregnancy had been confirmed, now that Wei Yanzhi’s testimony was verified as true, the Grand Princess was even more furious. The man involved with Song Rou was the grandson of Duke Song—proof that the Duke’s family held no regard whatsoever for Marquis Anyang Manor.Qin Guan first took the Grand Princess's pulse, then gently patted her back. "Madam, rest assured. Her Highness's condition has improved significantly, and the wound has healed. With another seven or eight days of recuperation, she will be fully recovered."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shi finally relaxed slightly.

The room was filled with many people. Yan Chi sat in the first seat on the left, while Yue Ning and her two siblings were also present. Yue Qiong, seated in the first seat on the right, sighed. "We've been away from the capital for many years. To them, Marquis Anyang Manor has already declined."

The Grand Princess grasped Qin Guan's hand, signaling her to stop patting her back, and smiled faintly. "I'm still here. They may have risen to power with one person's success, but I want to see how they handle this mess!"

She continued, "There's no need to do much else. Just send a letter back to the capital, straight to His Majesty's desk, and let him see the full story. If there's no proper resolution, I'll return to the capital myself and demand an answer!"

"Mother, are you truly going to report this to His Majesty?" Yue Qiong still hesitated, but the Grand Princess sneered. "I want to ask whether this was his idea or someone else's. The Marquis Anyang Manor has been loyal for generations—is this how he chooses to disgrace us?"

Hearing this, Yue Qiong knew the Grand Princess had made up her mind and nodded. "I understand, Mother."

The Grand Princess exhaled. "If His Majesty is reasonable, he will naturally resolve this matter..."

Then she turned to Yan Chi. "Xiao Qi, you were nearly implicated in this as well, and we even borrowed your people. This favor is one I owe you. In the future, if there's anything this old woman can do for you, just ask."

Yan Chi's lips curved slightly, a sly glint flashing in his phoenix eyes. "I'll remember your words, Grand Aunt."

The Grand Princess laughed and exhaled again. "This may not be the right thing to say, but in the end, this marriage didn't go through. Let Governor Huo investigate the Duke Song Manor's own dirty affairs. We'll simply observe propriety. Once this matter is settled, the Duke Song Manor will have nothing more to do with us!"

Yue Qiong and Jiang Shi both assented. The Grand Princess then shifted the conversation to other topics. However, as she was still recovering, she soon grew weary after speaking for a while. Qin Guan and the others promptly took their leave, and Yue Ning naturally invited Qin Guan to her courtyard.

"Did you run into Governor Huo when you arrived earlier?"

"Of course I did," Qin Guan nodded. "The Prefect seems confident."

Yue Ning agreed. "Indeed. His Highness Yan Chi's information came just in time. If Young Master Wei can be found, things will become much clearer."

Once inside the courtyard, Yue Ning's maid, Lüqi, went to prepare tea. Yue Ning invited Qin Guan to sit on the long couch by the window, but a glance revealed Qin Guan frowning slightly, as if troubled by something. "What's on your mind? The case is about to be resolved—why aren't you relieved?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "During the last corpse examination, I retrieved something and brought it back to Qin Manor. I spent all last night trying to figure out what it was but couldn't, so it's been bothering me."

Lüqi brought the tea, and Yue Ning handed a cup to Qin Guan. "What was it?"

Qin Guan hesitated before answering, waiting until Lüqi had left. "Something taken from Song Rou's stomach."Yue Ning's hand paused mid-air as she was about to take a sip of tea. After a brief moment, she lowered her head and took a delicate sip. "What do you think it is? Is there something suspicious? Now that news from His Highness Chi has arrived, the case is clear. You shouldn't need to dwell on these thoughts."

Qin Guan smiled and also took a sip of tea. "The case is the case. I just need to ensure what I'm responsible for is thoroughly understood. If I can't figure this out, I'm afraid it'll always weigh on my mind."

Yue Ning's eyes flickered with curiosity. "What's the reasoning behind this? Care to share with me?"

Having spent so many days together, Yue Ning had grown quite fond of Qin Guan's temperament. Having grown up in the capital before moving to Jinzhou, she had never been fond of delicate noblewomen. Like Qin Guan, she had no close female friends. Now that she had found a friend in Qin Guan, she treated her with genuine sincerity. Seeing Qin Guan troubled by doubts, she naturally wanted to help share the burden.

Meeting Yue Ning's gaze, Qin Guan felt a warmth in her heart and set down her teacup. "There's no grand reasoning behind it. It's just that most of what people consume is quickly digested and disappears. Yet Song Rou has been dead for nine days, and there are still some residues in her stomach. I suspect those residues couldn't possibly be food. But if not food, then what could they be?"

Yue Ning's eyes gleamed. "Could it be poison?"

Qin Guan laughed. "Certainly not poison. I can still distinguish that much."

Yue Ning sat upright with effortless grace, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table edge. Suddenly, she lifted her chin. "Where is that thing now?"

"It's currently in my room. I haven't had the chance to examine it closely yet."

Yue Ning immediately stood up. "Let's go to Qin Manor and take a look. You've piqued my curiosity—I want to know what that strange thing is too."

Qin Guan was slightly surprised. "Your Highness truly wishes to go? You... don't mind?"

Not only was it something taken from a dead body, but it had also been extracted from a person's stomach. By all accounts, it was unclean and inauspicious. Yue Ning, however, looked amused. "Why should I mind? If you can extract it, carry it with you, and even bring it home, why can't I take a look?"

Qin Guan felt relieved and nodded. "Very well, then let's go together."

Yue Ning was a decisive person. Once the idea took hold, she immediately ordered a carriage to be prepared. This time, Bai Feng wouldn't be escorting Qin Guan—Yue Ning instructed the marquis's gatekeepers, and the marquis's guards would accompany them instead.

Once in the carriage, Yue Ning asked, "What about the sixth young lady of your household?"

A faint smile appeared on Qin Guan's lips. "Your Highness need not worry. The Old Madam truly meted out household discipline. She's now under house arrest."

Yue Ning gave a light hum. "That's more like it." Then she sighed. "But speaking of which, I truly misjudged His Highness Chi. It's my fault—when I saw him writing with his left hand, I was momentarily stunned. I distinctly remember him using his right hand when competing with my second brother. It was strange how he suddenly used his left. At the time, I thought perhaps he was trying to conceal something..."

Qin Guan frowned slightly. "Most people are naturally right-handed, but a very few are born left-handed." After a pause, she added, "But this isn't absolute. With effort, one can train to use either hand. Some people can even use both hands equally well—such individuals might be more intelligent than average. His Highness Chi might be one of them.""What's so good about using the left hand?" Yue Ning lifted the carriage curtain to glance at the bustling streets outside. "I once heard Lüqi say that in her hometown, left-handed children weren’t sent to school. Unable to study, they could only take on the lowliest jobs. And the maidservant who purchases slaves for the manor said that no matter how skilled a left-handed girl might be, wealthy families would never hire her."

Left-handedness was already easily seen as an anomaly. Moreover, according to the customs of the Great Zhou, it carried connotations of inauspiciousness and moral deficiency. If a child from a prominent family was left-handed, they would inevitably be corrected later in life—like the eldest son of the Wei family. Sadly, societal norms weren’t always right, and sometimes, even when people knew they were wrong, they still followed them.

"For His Highness Yan Chi, using his left or right hand probably makes no difference."

Yue Ning, who had previously misunderstood Yan Chi, now spoke in a much friendlier tone. "Perhaps. And with his status, no one would dare criticize him. Besides, given his temperament, I doubt he’d care either way."

The carriage raced through the streets of Jinzhou City and soon came to a stop in front of Qin Manor. Qin Guan led Yue Ning inside, and as soon as the gatekeeper saw it was the young princess, he hurried to inform the main household. But Yue Ning paid no heed and had Qin Guan take her straight to Orchid Isle Courtyard. As soon as they entered the courtyard gates, Yue Ning clicked her tongue. "I heard this is a newly assigned residence?"

Qin Guan nodded and guided her into the main hall. "Yes, it’s much better than before."

Yue Ning gave a noncommittal hum and sat down to wait while Fuling served tea. Meanwhile, Qin Guan went into the inner chamber and soon returned with a small silk-wrapped bundle. She instructed Fuling to close the door before unfolding the silk.

Even after a night, the handkerchief still carried a foul odor, but Yue Ning remained unfazed. She leaned in as Qin Guan opened it, revealing a blackened mass in the center of the white silk—its original form unrecognizable from the color alone.

Qin Guan frowned. "It seems we’ll need to wash it a few more times..."

"Wash?" Yue Ning’s expression showed a hint of disappointment. "This color looks like kitchen scraps left to rot for days. It’s so decayed, who knows what it even is anymore..."

Qin Guan shook her head and asked Fuling to fetch a white porcelain cup. She placed the unidentifiable mass inside, poured in clean water, and stirred. The murky color gradually seeped into the water, which she then discarded. After repeating this process several times, the blackened hue faded slightly, but it was still hard to discern anything.

Suddenly, Qin Guan’s eyes brightened. "Use alum."

Yue Ning blinked. "Alum? What does alum do?"

Qin Guan stood and instructed Fuling at the door, "Go and have Wan Xing fetch some alum from the medicine storeroom."

Fuling was momentarily puzzled as to why Qin Guan had called for Wan Xing, but running errands was no big deal. Once Fuling left, Qin Guan returned and explained softly, "Alum purifies water. I’ll soak this in alum—one night if it works, two if it doesn’t. Eventually, the remaining color will fade."

Yue Ning studied Qin Guan skeptically. "Will that really work?"

Qin Guan smiled. "Trying won’t hurt—"Yue Ning thought for a moment and smiled, "Alright then, I'll soak it with you. I'll come tomorrow to check, and the day after as well. I want to see what this thing really is. But then again, a noble lady like Song Rou wouldn't just eat anything randomly, would she?"

Qin Guan shook her head, "We can only know for sure once our method takes effect."

Yue Ning wasn't one for idle pastimes, nor did she care for the usual feminine pursuits of young ladies. Yet seeing Qin Guan use this peculiar method to examine that clump of filth had piqued her interest. Wan Xing returned quickly after leaving, and by the time Fuling brought in the alum, Qin Guan had already prepared a larger white porcelain dish. She first rinsed the alum, then placed both the clump and the alum inside before covering it to wait until the next day to see if it worked.

After this busy activity, Yue Ning and Qin Guan finally sat down for tea. Yue Ning asked curiously, "How did you know alum could purify water? I only knew it was added to nail polish for women, but I didn't understand the principle behind it."

While pouring tea for Yue Ning, Qin Guan explained, "I read it in medical texts. Alum is used in nail polish to help release more color from henna or other plants. Similarly, adding alum to mung bean soup makes the beans soften faster, resulting in a thicker soup—same principle as with nail polish."

She paused slightly, frowning, "However, prolonged use can cause poisoning, so it's best not to consume mung bean soup made with alum. It has a sour taste and cold nature, with drying, urgent, and astringent properties. It can clear heat and remove turbid toxins, treat heat-induced diarrhea, leukorrhea in women, genital ulcers, eye pain, and even strengthen teeth or remove nasal polyps. It's a good medicine commonly stocked in pharmacies."

Yue Ning widened her eyes, looking at Qin Guan with admiration. "Could you recite the properties of any random herb just like that?"

Qin Guan laughed helplessly, "Of course not. The field of medicine is vast and profound—what I know is just a fraction."

Yue Ning sighed, shaking her head. "It seems I overestimated myself before. Most noblewomen are well-versed in 'Women's Virtues' and 'Women's Precepts,' and at most read the Four Books and Five Classics. Even those who study medicine rarely know as much as you at such a young age. Qin Guan, I truly underestimated you before..."

Yue Ning was straightforward by nature, and her words now showed she was speaking from the heart. Qin Guan smiled as she refilled Yue Ning's cup. "With your heroic bearing, it's only natural you'd have some pride. Perhaps it's just that I'm particularly fond of medicine, so I put in more effort than others. Just like how you excel in martial arts compared to other young ladies."

Yue Ning laughed, her smile bright and unrestrained. This was her first time visiting Qin Guan's chambers. Setting down her teacup, she wandered around the room, from the Warm Chamber to the study, asking more about medicine along the way. Seeing how Qin Guan answered effortlessly only deepened her admiration, making this friendship quite different from the usual bonds between young ladies.

After spending over an hour like this, Yue Ning finally took her leave as it grew late. Qin Guan personally escorted her out. Just as they stepped into the courtyard of Orchid Isle, they saw Lin Shi waiting outside with Qin Xiang. Surprised by their presence, Yue Ning paused. Though of higher status, out of respect for Lin Shi as Qin Guan's elder, she still curtsied slightly.

"Madam, why are you here—""I pay my respects to the County Princess." Lin Shi curtsied, then glanced at Qin Xiang, who lowered her eyes and gave Yue Ning a rather stiff bow.

Only then did Lin Shi continue, "Upon hearing the County Princess had arrived at the manor with Guan'er, I wished to come pay my respects immediately. However, I thought the County Princess and Guan'er must have private matters to discuss and dared not disturb. Is the County Princess leaving already? Why not stay for dinner?"

The corners of Yue Ning's lips lifted slightly, finally showing a trace of a smile. "I wouldn't dare impose further. I've already spoken at length with Ninth Miss and should return now. My father and mother are waiting for me."

Hearing this, Lin Shi could say no more. Knowing Yue Ning disliked such formalities, Qin Guan stepped forward. "Third Aunt, the County Princess doesn't stand on ceremony. I'll see her to the manor gates. Please attend to your own affairs."

Lin Shi hesitated briefly before nodding reluctantly.

Qin Guan immediately accompanied Yue Ning toward the western gates. Once they were out of earshot, Qin Xiang stamped her foot. "Mother, I told you there was no need to come pay respects! The young County Princess is the same age as me, yet you had to bow to her!"

Lin Shi's expression darkened. "What do you know?! Your Ninth Sister is now on good terms with the Marquis's household. This is our chance to establish connections for your brother's future career. With your father so ill, can we rely solely on the Marquis's household in the capital? I've observed the Marquis Anyang Manor treats your Ninth Sister far better than those in the capital. Just days ago, your brother mentioned that according to your Ninth Sister, the Grand Princess is willing to write him a letter of recommendation when he goes to the capital!"

Qin Xiang listened impatiently, wanting to argue but held back for Qin Chen's sake.

Lin Shi continued, "All this is thanks to your Ninth Sister's influence. Remember this—from now on, you must not make things difficult for her. Your grandmother feels the same way. Don't cause me any more trouble."

Qin Xiang bit her lip. "Understood. For Brother's sake, I won't act recklessly." After a pause, she added, "But what exactly is wrong with Father? Why won't you call a physician? Or... don't we have that miracle doctor in our household?"

Lin Shi's brow furrowed deeply, her tone turning cold as she shot her daughter a warning look. "This is adult business. Stay out of it and don't ask questions."

Qin Xiang persisted, "Then can I at least visit Father? Shouldn't a daughter visit her ill father?"

Lin Shi grabbed Qin Xiang's arm and pulled her eastward. "Your father's illness is contagious! None of us can see him!" Her sharp tone made Qin Xiang's eyes widen. Pressing her lips together, she cast a complicated glance back at Orchid Isle Courtyard before being dragged away unwillingly by Lin Shi...

Qin Guan escorted Yue Ning all the way to the manor gates. A carriage waited at the street corner outside. As they approached, Qin Guan said, "The Grand Princess's condition isn't serious. She just needs proper recuperation. It's autumn—the southern climate isn't too dry yet. If we were in the capital, the Grand Princess's health would be more concerning."

"Grandmother's current state is due to excessive worry over this case. She'll recover once it's resolved," Yue Ning replied. Just as they neared the carriage, Yue Ning suddenly stopped. Puzzled, Qin Guan looked up to see Yue Ning staring intently at a turning on the opposite side of the street. Frowning, Qin Guan asked, "What is it?"As she spoke, Qin Guan followed Yue Ning's gaze and frowned slightly when she saw what was there.

At another street corner about thirty meters away, a man in a cyan blue robe stood silently, half-hidden behind the wall. Only half his body and face were visible. The distance was too great for Qin Guan to make out his features clearly, yet she could distinctly feel his piercing gaze fixed upon her and Yue Ning.

"Who is that man—"

Qin Guan called out, but before her voice faded, the figure had already retreated warily behind the corner.

Frowning, Qin Guan watched as Yue Ning beside her darted forward like a leopard. Qin Guan hurried after her, breaking into a jog to keep up, but Yue Ning reached the spot in an instant. When Qin Guan caught up, she found Yue Ning standing motionless at the corner. Qin Guan rushed over, only to see a few pedestrians moving along the street—none of them wearing a cyan-blue robe.

Catching her breath from the short sprint, Qin Guan asked, "Did you recognize that person, Princess?"

Yue Ning shook her head. "No."

She then added, puzzled, "When I noticed him, his gaze was just... strange. It wasn’t exactly hostile, but it definitely wasn’t the way a passerby would look at someone."

Qin Guan furrowed her brows and glanced toward the entrance of Qin Manor.

From her angle, she could clearly see people coming and going through the side gate.

"Could he have some grievance with Qin Manor?"

Yue Ning also turned to look before nodding. "That’s certainly possible." She then regarded Qin Guan seriously. "Tomorrow morning, I’ll have Bai Feng come to escort you. I’ll inform His Highness Yan Chi when I return. Don’t go out alone."

Qin Guan nodded in agreement. "I understand. Don’t worry, Princess, I won’t."

Only then did Yue Ning relax. "When you go back, remind the gatekeepers to stay alert."

Qin Guan agreed again, and Yue Ning finally turned to leave in her carriage. Once the carriage had departed, Qin Guan’s expression darkened. Fuling, who had been following all along, spoke up hesitantly, "Miss, was that man... bad?"

"Good or bad, I can’t say," Qin Guan replied, turning back toward the manor. "But someone who sneaks around like that is usually up to no good."

At the gate, Qin Guan relayed Yue Ning’s warning to the gatekeepers. Though they dared not show disrespect, they wouldn’t treat her words as absolute orders either—merely offering perfunctory nods before lapsing back into laziness. Knowing this would be the outcome, Qin Guan didn’t pin her hopes on them and headed straight for Orchid Isle Courtyard upon entering the manor.

Once inside her courtyard, Qin Guan went into the inner chamber and lifted the lid of a white porcelain jar. The clump of filth inside had indeed lightened in color.

Seeing Fuling peer in curiously, Qin Guan asked directly, "What does this look like to you?"

Fuling blinked. "Like a crumpled ball of willow catkins... or maybe a dirty, stinky rag... or maybe moldy... Ah, I can’t describe it!"

Qin Guan shook her head. "Song Rou wouldn’t have swallowed willow catkins or rags." She replaced the lid. "After soaking overnight, it’ll be lighter and more spread out. It’s too hard to tell now."

Setting that aside, Qin Guan began preparing more medicine for Yan Chi. Over the past few days, making his medicine had become routine. Though she suspected his current supply hadn’t run out yet, it wouldn’t hurt to make extra before her visit to the marquis’ estate tomorrow. Besides, Yan Chi had mentioned he would only stay in Jinzhou for seven days—was today the fourth or fifth day already?She was determined to return to the capital, yet these might still be among the last few times she and Yan Chi could meet. Yan Chi would surely be stationed at Shuoxi in the future, while her own return to the capital remained uncertain. They were, after all, two unrelated individuals—nothing worth sighing over. Thinking this, Qin Guan nonetheless glanced up and saw the orchid lamp hanging in her Warm Chamber.

Where had her Xiezhi mask gone?

After dinner, Qin Guan read for a while before retiring. Before bed, Fuling stepped out to inspect the courtyard and returned saying, "Miss, the main residence has begun another ritual..."

Already lying down, Qin Guan frowned. "Which day is it now?"

"The third," Fuling replied, blowing out the lamp in the corner. "Old Madam always favors these things. Back when you narrowly escaped disaster—a fortunate thing—she insisted on holding rituals for seven full days."

Qin Guan remained silent but understood: her Third Uncle's illness was no minor ailment. Not only serious, but likely something unclean.

The Qin Manor patriarch's condition didn't disturb Qin Guan's sleep. Several nightmare-free nights left her well-rested and refreshed. Rising with the morning light, she took a walk around the courtyard, only resting after working up a sweat. Ninth Miss's constitution was too weak—she needed to find ways to strengthen it.

After breakfast, as Qin Guan finished packing Yan Chi's medicinal ointment, the gatekeeper announced the arrival of the marquis's escort. As usual, she left with Fuling, pausing to check the white porcelain bowl. As expected, the unidentified substance—whether willow catkins or cotton gauze—had grown paler in the clear water. Reassured, she headed straight for the main gate.

Bai Feng stood waiting outside, and Qin Guan quickened her steps in relief. After exchanging greetings, Bai Feng respectfully helped her into the carriage. Only when seated did Qin Guan's nerves settle. Hesitating briefly, she lifted the curtain to glance at the distant corner—today, no one lurked there observing.

Unaware of the context, Bai Feng flicked the reins as usual, departing Qin Manor's gates. Throughout the journey, Qin Guan pondered whether the mysterious residue at Qin Manor would reveal its true nature today. The carriage halted at the marquis's residence before she realized it. Alighting, she found Lu Xiu already waiting at the entrance, who eagerly stepped forward to greet her.

Today Qin Guan wore an orchid-patterned pleated ru skirt in misty blue, draped with a matching shawl. Her raven hair was coiled into a crescent bun, adorned diagonally with the white jade hairpin gifted by Jiang Shi—elegant yet dignified. As she moved, her skirt flowed like drifting mist, an inexplicable aura of transcendent grace surrounding her. Lu Xiu, though long accustomed to Qin Guan's beauty since their first breathtaking encounter, still momentarily froze upon seeing her today.

At sixteen, Qin Guan resembled a freshly bloomed flower bud. When first spotted by the roadside, she'd carried an air of detached frailty. Now, though no drastic change was visible, her entire bearing radiated increasingly noble and awe-inspiring grace.

"Ninth Miss, please come in quickly. Grand Princess has been waiting," Lu Xiu urged.

Qin Guan smiled. Having visited the marquis's residence frequently and received such care from its household, she now felt much more at ease.Qin Guan stepped onto the stairs, about to enter the gate when she suddenly paused mid-step.

That sensation of being watched had returned!

Whirling around abruptly, Qin Guan's gaze landed on a teahouse not far from the Marquis's residence. The discomforting stare seemed to emanate from there, yet when she looked, both floors of the teahouse had their doors and windows tightly shut. Moreover, the moment she turned, the unsettling feeling of being observed vanished.

Qin Guan's brows knitted tightly together.

"Ninth Miss, what's wrong?" Lu Xiu asked with evident concern.

Turning back, Qin Guan shook her head. "It's nothing."

With a faint smile playing on her lips, she entered the gate. Lu Xiu also glanced at the teahouse but, finding nothing amiss, followed suit.

Qin Guan proceeded as usual toward the Grand Princess's courtyard, but as she passed through the front yard, she spotted Xu He carrying a large case!

Xu He noticed Qin Guan at the same time and hurried over to bow in greeting.

"Greetings, Ninth Miss! Paying my respects—"

Qin Guan chuckled. "Why are you here? Has the Prefect come as well?"

Xu He nodded eagerly. "Yes, the Prefect had posters of Young Master Wei put up around the city yesterday, but there's been no progress yet. So today, he came to have Young Master Wei draw a new portrait and to re-interrogate Song Shi's attendants—this time focusing entirely on Young Master Wei's affairs. I was brought along to assist."

Though Xu He was a coroner, his junior status meant he often served as a general laborer in the yamen, filling in wherever help was needed. Unlike ordinary constables, he was literate, which allowed him to assist with organizing and transcribing official documents beyond menial tasks. Even though the recent corpse examination had relied entirely on Qin Guan, Huo Huaixin hadn't dismissed him.

Qin Guan nodded, then eyed his case. "You've already made a new case so quickly?"

Xu He's expression, initially neutral, lit up with excitement at her question. "Ninth Miss, you wouldn't believe it! This isn't a new case—the thief had a change of heart and returned it!"

Qin Guan blinked in surprise. "Returned it?!"

Xu He nodded vigorously and even opened the case lid to prove it was the original. "See? These are all the tools you've seen before—the same case with everything intact. Even... even my personal savings were returned..."

As he spoke, Xu He fished something from his sleeve. "With my savings returned, I now have money. The silver you lent me, Ninth Miss, I can return it to you now."

With that, he reverently presented several taels of silver with both hands. "Thank you for your generosity, Ninth Miss."

Qin Guan studied him briefly and, seeing no deceit in his manner, gave Fuling a nod. Fuling stepped forward to accept the silver, at which Xu He straightened up with visible relief. "I was afraid you might refuse. Thank you, Ninth Miss."

Though Xu He was somewhat simple and straightforward, he was still a man—and a literate one at that. Most educated men prized their integrity, so Qin Guan had never intended the silver as a gift. Since it had been a loan, she naturally accepted its return. What puzzled her, however, was why his case had been sent back."That little thief seems to have a chivalrous heart. Did he return the case because he knew Coroner Xu wasn’t a wealthy man?"

Qin Guan teased lightly, while Xu He’s eyes sparkled as he replied, "I think so too! The person must have looked inside the case, realized I was also poor, and took pity—that’s why he returned it."

Qin Guan nodded, though her doubts lingered. "When was it returned?"

"Just this morning! The case was tossed right at the yamen gate. When the morning shift officers saw it, they recognized it as mine. As soon as I arrived, they handed it back to me."

Xu He looked delighted, but Qin Guan frowned. "Delivered to the yamen?"

Xu He nodded. "Exactly. He must have seen the examination reports and official documents I copied for the yamen inside."

Qin Guan’s frown deepened. The thief had snatched Xu He’s case in broad daylight, only to return it. Had some righteous outlaw appeared in Jinzhou? But if he were truly chivalrous, how could he mistake a poor man for a rich one? Xu He’s case wasn’t adorned with gold or jewels—there was no reason for a thief to target it. Yet he had, and then returned it.

"Was anything missing at all?"

Qin Guan couldn’t help but ask again. Xu He shook his head. "No, I checked. The reports, documents, and tools are all there! But what’s strange is that the thief dared to leave the case right at the yamen gate—as if he wasn’t afraid of being caught at all!"

Qin Guan nodded slowly. Xu He was right—since ancient times, thieves feared and resented officials. Knowing Xu He worked for the yamen, why would the thief return the case intact to the very gates? Was it a provocation?

Seeing Qin Guan deep in thought, Xu He also grew serious. The matter was indeed odd, and he suspected she was puzzling over the details. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he added, "Ninth Miss! Nothing was missing, but there was one strange thing. My case holds many tools, but the examination report had an odd smell—like medicine, but also something rotten..."

Qin Guan’s brows lifted. "Let me see it—"

Xu He hurriedly reopened the case and retrieved the report. Nearby, Lu Xiu and Fuling exchanged glances. Though they didn’t understand Qin Guan’s keen interest, neither dared interrupt. Moments later, Xu He handed the report to Qin Guan.

As soon as she brought it near, her expression darkened.

Xu He asked anxiously, "Ninth Miss, do you recognize the smell?"

A shadow flickered in Qin Guan’s eyes, her voice colder than ever.

"It’s the scent of Gold and Jade Bone-Renewal Balm."