Coroner's Diary

"Princess, look, what is this?"

"Hmm?" Yue Ning turned her head to look at the tray. "What am I supposed to see?"

Qin Guan blinked and examined the tray carefully. She picked it up and tilted it slightly. As the angle shifted against the light, something glimmered faintly on the otherwise dull scraps of paper.

Yue Ning noticed it too. "Ah, I see it now. What is that..."

She reached out and grasped Qin Guan's hand, gently pressing down on the tray. With this adjustment, Qin Guan spotted the source of the glimmer. She picked up the scrap of paper and held it toward the window, making the shimmering particles even more visible. "Is this... gold dust?"

"Gold dust?" Yue Ning leaned in, peering closely at the fragment alongside Qin Guan.

The grayish scrap had decayed to a thin layer, losing all texture of paper. Yet embedded in its center was a minuscule speck of gold dust, so fine it resembled mere dust. Had Qin Guan not noticed it by chance, it would have gone overlooked.

"Song Rou was killed by decapitation, not by swallowing gold. Why would there be gold dust in her stomach?"

Qin Guan brushed her fingertip over the scrap, her brow furrowed in thought. She shook her head. "No, it's not gold dust..."

A deep contemplation flickered in her eyes before they suddenly brightened with realization. "I know!"

Yue Ning stared at her eagerly. "Know what?!"

"I know what kind of paper this is!"

Yue Ning was taken aback. "You know the type of paper?"

Qin Guan nodded. "This is Gilt-traced Paper!"

Yue Ning tilted her head, thinking. "The one nicknamed 'Little Gold-flecked Paper'?"

Qin Guan nodded again, and Yue Ning pressed, "How can you tell?"

Pointing at the golden speck, Qin Guan explained, "This isn't gold dust. If it were, we would have spotted it easily when we took it out. Look closely—its sheen isn't as bright as gold dust. This is orpiment."

Yue Ning had never heard of such a thing, so Qin Guan continued, "You're familiar with Gold-flecked Paper—it's used by nobility. Even wealthy households like Qin Manor only use it for formal invitations during grand banquets, never for casual letters or calligraphy practice. Gilt-traced Paper, though still more expensive than ordinary bamboo paper, is much cheaper than Gold-flecked Paper. It originates from the south, where orpiment is abundant. Orpiment is used to make gold lacquer."

Her eyes narrowed slightly as if recalling something. "I once read in a book that Gilt-traced Paper isn't dyed directly with orpiment. Because orpiment is too hard to blend with paper pulp, raw gold lacquer is mixed into the pulp instead. The resulting paper not only resembles Gold-flecked Paper in color but also carries a faint varnish scent—much milder than pure lacquer, mingled with the aroma of wood pulp. It was highly favored by minor nobility. There's a poem from the previous dynasty: 'A sheet of gilt paper beneath the pillow, fragrant.' It praises scholars who slept with such paper under their heads, studying diligently even in dreams. Many assumed the poem referred to Gold-flecked Paper, but it was actually Gilt-traced Paper."

As Qin Guan recounted this in detail, Yue Ning could only sigh at how little she had read and learned in comparison."This... so there's so much to it. That makes sense then. Gilt-traced Paper is more common in the south, so it's reasonable for that person to have used it for writing letters." Yue Ning exhaled and continued, "Now you can finally rest easy, since you've learned everything you wanted to know..."

Qin Guan gave a slight nod, glancing at the Gilt-traced Paper still clumped in the white porcelain cup before shaking her head. "Alright, the rest can be discarded. The ink has faded, and besides, the case has already been concluded."

Yue Ning looked at Qin Guan with a hint of admiration. "You really do insist on understanding everything thoroughly."

Qin Guan called Fuling over and instructed her to take the porcelain cup away before smiling. "When studying medicine, if one lacks this mindset, how can they handle difficult and complex cases? Anything unclear or doubtful must be examined meticulously."

Yue Ning was deeply impressed. "I've never met someone so young who knows so much. No wonder Grandmother adores you—you have both talent and diligence, which naturally leads to greater achievements than others."

Qin Guan shook her head and poured Yue Ning a cup of tea. "Not necessarily. I suppose I just enjoy studying medicine."

Yue Ning picked up her teacup. "True. When doing what one loves, one is always willing to invest time and effort. Though most young ladies prefer elegant pursuits like music, poetry, and painting..."

Changing the subject, Qin Guan teased, "Are you implying, my lady, that you too are no ordinary young lady?"

Yue Ning lifted her chin. "Isn't that obvious?"

Qin Guan couldn't help but laugh, and even Fuling, standing nearby, covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. The room filled with warmth and mirth. As the conversation continued, Yue Ning asked in detail about the books Qin Guan read. While Qin Guan remained composed, her answers were deliberately vague and brief, soon steering the topic elsewhere...

The two chatted merrily, and before they knew it, the afternoon had slipped away. As dusk approached, Yue Ning finally took her leave, reminding Qin Guan to come to the marquis's residence early the next day.

Qin Guan had been visiting the marquis's residence for several days in a row, and Yue Ning had grown accustomed to her presence. With a smile, Qin Guan agreed.

After seeing Yue Ning off, Fuling walked back inside, grinning. "The lady is truly kind. When I first met her, I thought she seemed quite imposing. Now that she and you have become good friends, I'm happy for you, miss."

Qin Guan's lips curved slightly, naturally agreeing with Fuling's words.

Entering her room, Qin Guan glanced toward the courtyard gate. "It's the Mid-Autumn Festival season, yet the manor is unusually quiet."

Fuling, tidying the tea table, nodded. "Indeed. The madam hasn't taken the young master and ladies out, and the main courtyard has become off-limits. Also, many servants have been dismissed these past few days—some accused of stealing, others of laziness or negligence. But I suspect most were let go because of the master's illness."

Qin Guan frowned slightly, her suspicions deepening. Had Qin An's illness become so severe?

With this in mind, she asked, "What about the second young master?"

Fuling shook her head. "There's been no news from him. These days, the madam has been reorganizing the inner household. Even the well-cleaning work from before has stopped. Some of those dismissed were probably punished for gossiping about the master's illness."Fuling looked somewhat uneasy. "I've already instructed those four maids not to speak carelessly these days."

Qin Guan curved her lips. "Fuling is becoming more and more like a head maid."

Blushing, Fuling stuck out her tongue playfully. "Of course I can't embarrass you, miss."

After chatting for a while longer and finishing dinner, Qin Guan began preparing medicines again. But only after grinding about a third of the powder did she suddenly realize—she didn't need to make medicine anymore! Since Yan Chi wasn't in a hurry to leave, why was she preparing medicine?

Putting down the pestle, Qin Guan felt annoyed with herself.

Noticing this, Fuling asked in surprise, "What's wrong, miss?"

Qin Guan had been diligently preparing medicine every night for many days, so why had she stopped today?

With a light humph, Qin Guan stood up and headed toward the bathing room. "I'm not making it anymore. I'll do it when I have time later. Tonight we'll rest early."

Fuling blinked, not understanding the sudden change in her mistress's mood.

After bathing and lying down, Qin Guan casually asked, "Have you noticed anyone lingering outside our courtyard these days?"

Fuling shook her head. "No, why do you ask?"

Qin Guan stared at the canopy in thought. Could there really be the murderer's spy among those four "Wan" maids?

Shaking her head, she said, "It's nothing. Starting tomorrow, I'll make some tonic for myself. Although physicians shouldn't treat themselves, since I've lost my memories, it wouldn't be appropriate to seek outside medical help for this."

Fuling looked concerned. "Are you feeling unwell, miss?"

Qin Guan reassured her, "Not at all. There are just some things I still can't remember. Don't worry, let's rest now."

Only then did Fuling extinguish the lamp and retire to the small couch outside.

......

The night passed without dreams. In the morning, Qin Guan took a walk in the courtyard. After breakfast, she wrote a prescription and sent Fuling with Wan Tang to fetch the ingredients from the manor's medicine storage. The prescription was for common tonics, mostly for nourishing the brain. As soon as Qian Bairen saw it, he would understand Qin Guan's condition. Within days, everyone in the manor would know about her ailment.

After retrieving the medicine, Qin Guan spent half an hour preparing it. When the gatekeeper announced that someone from the marquis's manor had come to fetch her, Qin Guan left immediately. It was naturally Bai Feng again. Qin Guan boarded the carriage and headed straight to the marquis's manor.

Today, the marquis's manor seemed quieter than usual. With Huo Huaixin having found a lead in Song Rou's case, the gloom that had hung over Marquis Anyang Manor for days was finally lifting. When Qin Guan arrived at the Grand Princess's courtyard, even Her Highness seemed in better spirits.

"Good people receive good rewards. The Anyang Marquis's family has been loyal for generations, and its members have always been virtuous. If such a family were to continue suffering misfortune, then Heaven would truly be blind," the Grand Princess said, holding Qin Guan's hand. "I heard the Qin family didn't go to Lishui Lake this year?"

Qin Guan replied, "We donated a lantern boat, but with my uncle ill and the Old Madam being a devout Buddhist who dislikes crowds, we didn't join the festivities this year. The manor has been very peaceful these days."

The Grand Princess nodded. "I see. What illness does he have? Is it serious?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "I'm not sure about that, but it's probably not just a common cold or minor fever."Upon hearing this, the Grand Princess understood—Qin Manor had not asked Qin Guan to treat Qin An. Considering this, she had an idea in mind and said, "Your uncle is in the prime of his life, so it’s likely nothing serious. He’ll recover in due time."

Qin Guan nodded in agreement. As they spoke, Yue Ning suddenly strode in from outside. "I knew you’d be here. Have you finished checking Grandmother’s pulse?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Yes, I have. What’s the matter?"

Yue Ning sighed. "Young Master Wei is ill. He’s been sick for several days but didn’t say a word. I only found out yesterday when I returned to the manor. Since you’ve already checked Grandmother’s pulse, why not go to the East Courtyard and take a look?"

Naturally, Qin Guan had no objections. She stood up and glanced at the Grand Princess.

The Grand Princess asked, "What illness? Is it serious?"

Yue Ning shook her head. "It seems to be just a cold, but colds can be mild or severe. He only had his subordinates buy medicine, but it hasn’t helped after several days. He’s so cold he’s had to light a stove."

The Grand Princess sighed. "Wan Yatou, go and take a look then. It won’t take much effort."

Qin Guan nodded, bid farewell to the Grand Princess, and left for the East Courtyard with Yue Ning.

"How did you find out Young Master Wei was ill?" Qin Guan asked.

Yue Ning, dressed in martial attire with a faint flush on her face, replied, "Earlier, I went to the Martial Arts Field but didn’t see Young Master Wei. When I asked the servants there, they said he hadn’t come for several days. Suspicious, I sent someone to inquire further and learned that three days ago, he started experiencing alternating chills and fever but didn’t mention it. Even when Governor Huo came to investigate the case, he said nothing—just had the servants bring a stove to his room. Though autumn is cool, it’s hardly stove weather yet. I suspect his illness is quite severe."

Huo Huaixin had come the day before yesterday to ask Wei Yanzhi to sketch Wei Qizhi’s portrait. Qin Guan had also seen Wei Yanzhi three days prior but hadn’t noticed any severe illness. Something felt odd to her, though she couldn’t quite place it.

Soon, Qin Guan and Yue Ning arrived at the East Courtyard. Familiar with the layout, Yue Ning led her to Wei Yanzhi’s quarters.

"Greetings, Your Highness—"

Two young men, around Wei Yanzhi’s age, stood guard outside the door. They were deferential to Yue Ning but seemed puzzled at the sight of Qin Guan. Yue Ning said, "Is your master inside? I heard he’s ill and came to see him."

The guards brightened. One of them clasped his hands and smiled. "Please wait a moment, Your Highness. This humble servant will inform the master. He’s unwell and is currently resting."

Yue Ning nodded. As a man, Wei Yanzhi naturally needed time to tidy up before receiving guests.

Qin Guan stood nearby, her gaze sweeping over the layout of the East Courtyard. Though it was a guest residence, the buildings were spacious and exquisitely adorned with carved beams and painted rafters. Her eyes fell on the other guard outside—a tall, straight-backed man in a blue robe, standing respectfully with his head bowed before Yue Ning and Qin Guan, his expression hidden. Just then, the door opened.

"Your Highness, our master invites you inside…"

Yue Ning acknowledged and immediately led Qin Guan in.As soon as she entered the room, Qin Guan's brows furrowed. The interior was hotter than she had imagined, and her eyes immediately fell upon the stove by the window—an exquisitely crafted high furnace with a gourd-shaped chamber. The room lacked an Earth Dragon heating system, so only such a stove could produce enough heat to make the space this warm.

Qin Guan's gaze shifted again. The front window was closed, but the rear window was open. Even with the window open, the room was still this hot? Then she noticed a porcelain pot nearby, likely used for brewing medicine. Indeed, such a stove would save effort when preparing one's own medicine.

Thinking this, Qin Guan listened carefully and immediately heard the roaring sound of the furnace flames. Her mind settled—so the fire was burning this fiercely. Could Wei Yanzhi's illness truly be this severe?

Taking a few more steps inside, Qin Guan finally saw Wei Yanzhi standing there, fully dressed.

After not seeing him for several days, Wei Yanzhi now bore clear signs of illness. He stood at the entrance to the inner chamber, wearing only a middle garment beneath his outer robe, with a cape draped over his shoulders. In such a hot room, he still wore a cape, and his ink-black hair hung loosely, exuding an air of frailty. Yue Ning gasped in surprise, "Young Master Wei, how did your illness become this severe?"

Wei Yanzhi offered a faint, bitter smile. "How improper of me. Greetings to the Princess and Ninth Miss—" He stepped forward. "Please, both of you, have a seat here."

He led them to a small alcove by the window, where the guard who had entered earlier served tea to the three of them.

Qin Guan took her seat. Along with the scent of tea, the air carried the strong smell of medicine. Since Wei Yanzhi brewed his own medicine, it was no surprise the room was filled with the odor. From the scent alone, she could tell it was a common prescription for colds and fevers. Her eyes flickered slightly. "Young Master Wei, how many days have you been taking this medicine?"

No sooner had she asked than Wei Yanzhi coughed lightly. "Three days. Two doses so far."

Yue Ning frowned. "Where did you buy the medicine?"

Wei Yanzhi glanced at the guard, who quickly replied, "From Tongshan Hall in the eastern part of the city."

Yue Ning shook her head. "The old physician at Tongshan Hall can't compare to Ninth Miss. Since you're so ill and Ninth Miss comes here every day, why didn't you send someone to ask her to examine you?"

Wei Yanzhi coughed twice more, smiling wryly. "Princess, you flatter me. Ninth Miss is not a practicing physician—how could I trouble her so casually? I wouldn't dare impose."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, while Qin Guan spoke calmly, "Young Master Wei, you're too reserved. By now, we are acquainted. As a healer, treating illnesses and saving lives is my duty. How could it be an imposition?"

Yue Ning quickly added, "Exactly! You're being too formal. I brought Ninth Miss here today precisely so she could examine you. Now that she's here, don't refuse. Let her take your pulse first."

Qin Guan stood up. Wei Yanzhi coughed again, his face full of apology. "This... I truly thank the Princess and Ninth Miss." With that, he could hardly refuse any longer and rolled up his sleeve.

Qin Guan stepped to Wei Yanzhi's side and placed her fingertips on his wrist.

As she took his pulse, Qin Guan observed Wei Yanzhi's complexion—his face was pale, his lips dry, and faint bloodshot veins were visible in his eyes. These were indeed signs of illness. She focused intently, carefully assessing his pulse, and soon her brows knitted together.Yue Ning looked slightly worried. "What's wrong? Is there something amiss?"

Qin Guan gazed at Wei Yanzhi. "Young Master Wei's cold came on rather suddenly. His pulse is agitated and floating, with severe internal cold." She paused before adding, "Did Young Master Wei perhaps bathe in cold water?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Wei Yanzhi's eyes. "Ninth Miss... truly has divine insight!"

He then smiled wryly. "This was indeed my own fault. Three days ago, after returning from the Martial Arts Field, I was drenched in sweat and couldn't bear it. Impatient to wait for hot water, I simply used cold water instead. It's rather embarrassing to admit, but back in the capital, I could bathe in cold water even during winter without issue. So at the time, I didn't think much of it. Yet somehow, this time I fell ill."

Yue Ning's eyes widened in astonishment. "Young Master Wei, how could... Could it be the servants in the manor weren't attentive enough?"

She assumed the household servants had been negligent in their duties toward Wei Yanzhi, but he quickly waved his hands. "No, no, certainly not. It was entirely my own recklessness, thinking myself strong and healthy."

Yue Ning sighed. "Young Master Wei traveled all the way from the capital, which was already exhausting. Then you've been burdened with deep worries—your body isn't as resilient as before. Naturally, you can't push yourself like you used to."

Qin Guan withdrew her hand. "Let's change the prescription. The current one treats ordinary colds, but yours is somewhat different." She turned to the attendant. "Please fetch paper and writing tools..."

The attendant glanced at Wei Yanzhi, who nodded, before hurrying into the inner chamber. Moments later, he returned with paper and brush in hand.

Qin Guan looked up and immediately stiffened—the attendant was holding Gilt-traced Paper.

Having recently identified the same paper in Song Rou's stomach, Qin Guan's heart clenched at the sight. But upon reflection, she reasoned that Gilt-traced Paper was common in the south. It could have been prepared by Qin Manor or purchased by Wei Yanzhi himself—both possibilities existed.

Suppressing her unease, she spoke calmly, "I'll dictate; you write. Platycodon root, asarum..."

Qin Guan listed eight or nine medicinal ingredients in one breath before adding, "This prescription should be taken three times daily. If sweating occurs after taking it, that's good. If not, continue the dosage. For the next two days, keep meals light—warm congee is best."

Wei Yanzhi nodded earnestly while the attendant noted the instructions before stepping aside.

Yue Ning smiled. "With Ninth Miss here, the medicine is sure to work wonders."

Qin Guan scanned the room, her gaze settling on the brazier. "Young Master Wei is suffering from severe chills, so keeping the room warm with a brazier is fine. But this temperature is overly dry and hot. Even with the window open for ventilation, it's still not conducive to recovery."

Wei Yanzhi looked ashamed. "Forgive my foolishness, Ninth Miss. At night, I'm plagued by waves of chills, and this room is quite spacious, so I had the servants add more charcoal. Rest assured, I'll have them reduce the fire shortly."

Qin Guan nodded. Just as she was about to look away, her eyes caught the iron tongs beside the brazier.

The tongs were meant for adding charcoal, but now their tips were coated with a black, grimy substance. To Qin Guan, it looked as though something had melted and adhered to them.

"That's the right approach. Since you're staying at the marquis's residence, don't hesitate to make yourself comfortable."

Yue Ning spoke warmly before asking, "Has the Prefect asked you to draw another portrait of your elder brother?"

Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "No, not again. He only inquired about my brother's preferences yesterday."Yue Ning nodded and after a moment of thought, added, "I won’t ask you to draw again in the future."

Wei Yanzhi instinctively nodded in response, but then his brows furrowed. "Your Highness means... has my elder brother already been..."

Yue Ning chuckled. "Not yet. But the Prefect already knows your brother’s whereabouts and has a way to make him comply. He’ll most likely be captured within a day or two."

Wei Yanzhi was stunned for a moment before lowering his gaze and letting out a long sigh.

His description was vivid, and Yue Ning looked at him with sympathy. "I know you and your brother share a deep bond, but a life is at stake. Think of the deceased Song Rou—your brother must face judgment for this, no matter what."

Wei Yanzhi gave a bitter smile, his voice strained with emotion. "Yanzhi understands this well. One is my cousin, the other a brother I grew up with. If only... if only this had never happened..."

Yue Ning and Qin Guan exchanged a glance. Even Qin Guan couldn't help but sigh at Wei Yanzhi's tone.

"Given the circumstances, Young Master Wei, you shouldn't grieve too much. Focus on recovering first—perhaps you'll still have a chance to see your elder brother," Yue Ning offered comfort.

Yet Wei Yanzhi coughed violently. "Yes, Yanzhi... will try to take heart... cough cough ..."

Seeing his distress, Yue Ning didn’t linger. She stood up and said, "Hurry and get the medicine prescribed by Ninth Miss. Getting better is what matters now. Once there’s news about your brother, I’ll send someone to inform you."

Wei Yanzhi thanked her repeatedly. Qin Guan cast another glance at the strange iron tongs before following Yue Ning out.

As the two left, the guard looked at Wei Yanzhi. "Master, should we change the prescription?"

Wei Yanzhi coughed again, his gaze lingering at the window as he watched Qin Guan and Yue Ning disappear beyond the courtyard gate. He nodded. "Of course we should. Ninth Miss is a living miracle doctor—naturally more skilled than the physicians at Tongshan Hall."

With that, he shut the window, tightened his cape, and walked toward the inner chamber.

The guard asked again, "Master, are you still cold? Should I reduce the fire in the brazier?"

Wei Yanzhi paused but shook his head. "Let’s wait until I’ve taken Ninth Miss’s medicine. For now, I still feel chilled."

The guard quickly assented, then couldn’t resist adding nervously, "Master, it’s been two days since that incident. Could the Prefect trace it back to us?"

Wei Yanzhi turned, his pallid face hardening with resolve. "Of course not. Remember—we acted for the good of the Duke’s residence and the Wei family."

"But... but they still uncovered it."

Wei Yanzhi sighed. "At least we tried. Now that my elder brother has met this fate, there’s nothing more we can do."

The guard nodded silently before blurting out, "Master, you’ve done everything for the Duke’s residence and the Wei family. If the eldest young master is truly caught, he deserves it. How could he kill our cousin!"

Wei Yanzhi sighed repeatedly, his figure desolate as he retreated into the inner chamber.

......

Qin Guan and Yue Ning had just left the East courtyard when they spotted two servants carrying a large basket. Upon seeing Yue Ning and Qin Guan, they quickly set it down and bowed.

Yue Ning glanced at the covered basket. "What’s this?"

The lead servant promptly replied, "Reporting to the Commandery Princess, this is charcoal for Young Master Wei. We deliver it to him at this time every day."

Yue Ning nodded. "Very well, go ahead."

The two servants lifted the basket and headed toward the East courtyard. Yue Ning’s expression remained indifferent, finding the matter entirely ordinary. But Qin Guan watched as they carried the charcoal basket through the gate.

"What is it? What are you looking at?" Yue Ning asked.Qin Guan shook her head, turned around, and continued walking. "Coming at this time every day, always with such a large basket. Don’t you think, Princess, that this is a bit too much?" She paused, then added bluntly, "Or perhaps Young Master Wei has the stove in his room burning too fiercely..."

Yue Ning thought of the temperature inside that room and nodded. "It is indeed quite hot in there. But isn’t he ill? You’ve examined his pulse—did you notice anything unusual about his condition?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "It’s definitely a cold."

After a brief hesitation, she said hesitantly, "But... his constitution is quite strong. How could he suddenly be so severely affected by the cold? It’s not winter, and the chill in his body came on extremely quickly. Could he have stayed in cold water for too long?"

Yue Ning frowned. "How could we possibly ask about a man’s bathing habits?"

Qin Guan knew this was true and immediately shook off her wandering thoughts.

Yue Ning, aware of her tendency to overthink, slung an arm over her shoulder. "Alright, stop worrying. No matter how he fell ill, the fact is he’s genuinely sick. I’m really afraid you’ll overthink yourself into exhaustion."

Qin Guan smiled slightly, realizing she might have been overly suspicious, and let the matter drop.

She and Yue Ning returned to the Grand Princess’s courtyard together. After exchanging a few more words with the Grand Princess, Qin Guan took her leave. Yue Ning escorted her to the manor gate, where Bai Feng was already waiting outside. Qin Guan couldn’t help feeling a little strange—Bai Feng was, after all, Yan Chi’s personal guard, yet now he had become her carriage driver...

Once inside the carriage, Qin Guan said, "Guard Bai, next time, let the Marquis’s driver come instead."

Bai Feng chuckled from outside. "It’s no trouble, Ninth Miss. This is also my master’s order."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.

Back at Qin Manor, everything was calm as usual. Over the past two days, Qin Guan had only visited the Windward Courtyard once, and Yao Xinlan’s health had improved. Thinking of this, she didn’t go again.

"Miss, it seems we go to the Marquis’s residence every day."

"Once the Grand Princess’s health improves significantly, we won’t need to go daily."

Fuling tilted her head. "How odd—why didn’t we see the Second Young Master today?"

Qin Guan laughed teasingly. "What? Are you disappointed not to see him?"

Fuling blushed and protested, "I was only thinking of you, Miss, when I mentioned it. And now you tease me like this..."

Qin Guan smiled. "Didn’t the Grand Princess say yesterday that the Second Young Master should spend more time with the army? He’s probably there today. He’s still young and needs experience."

Fuling sighed. "I haven’t even said it yet, but yesterday, Miss, you really showed no mercy to the Second Young Master. Everyone could tell he prepared those picture books for you, yet you said you were too busy."

Qin Guan feigned innocence. "But wasn’t I truly busy? I’ve been making medicine every day!"

Fuling’s lips twitched. "Miss makes medicine because of—"

The words "His Highness Chi" nearly slipped out, but Fuling swallowed them back. Even though Yan Chi wasn’t present, just the thought of him made her shudder. It was better not to speak ill of that Demon King behind his back.Qin Guan could tell what she was thinking just by looking at her expression and found it quite amusing. Lifting the hem of her skirt slightly, she strode toward her Orchid Isle Courtyard in high spirits. However, the moment she stepped through the courtyard gate, her brows furrowed.

She stopped in her tracks, and Fuling halted as well. Sensing Qin Guan's sudden shift in mood, Fuling quickly followed her gaze and immediately grew furious. "What's going on?! Who opened this door?!"

Fuling stepped past Qin Guan and marched straight toward the side gate leading to the orchid garden!

Ever since that eerie shadow appeared in the orchid garden on their first night here, they had locked the side gate. Normally, it was only opened when they needed to move orchids, and it was locked again afterward. Although the key to this gate hung in the side room along with the main gate's key, who would dare open it without Qin Guan's orders?!

This was why Qin Guan was angry, and Fuling was even more incensed. The memory of that night still sent chills down her spine.

Fuling stormed toward the side gate. "Who opened this? Without the young lady's permission, how dare you—"

Her tirade was abruptly cut short as she reached the gate. Qin Guan, walking a few steps behind, hadn't yet seen what Fuling had noticed but first heard a voice.

"Sister Fuling, it was me... I was the one who opened it..."

Wan Tao? Qin Guan felt a flicker of doubt, but then she caught a whiff of something burning. She quickened her pace and reached the gate, only to be taken aback by the scene beyond it.

In the orchid garden outside the gate, Wan Tao was kneeling by the wall. In front of her was a small charcoal brazier, from which the acrid smell emanated as something burned inside.

Frowning, Qin Guan approached. The moment Wan Tao saw her, she panicked even more, her eyes reddening.

"Greetings, young lady. I... I know I was wrong. Please, please don't sell me away."

Seeing the usually lively, round-faced maid on the verge of tears, Qin Guan arched a brow but didn't respond immediately. Instead, she peered into the brazier and saw scattered spirit money and two sets of makeshift cloth garments burning inside.

"Are you mourning a loved one?"

"Yes... I know I was wrong."

Wan Tao kowtowed repeatedly, her forehead nearly touching the ground.

"Today is the anniversary of my mother's passing. I... I thought since the young lady hadn't returned for so long, I could do this quietly. I was afraid the smell would linger in the courtyard, so I took the key and opened the gate, planning to lock it again afterward. But then..."

Wan Tao began to sob in earnest. Qin Guan had initially been angry that someone had opened the gate without permission, but her anger subsided somewhat upon realizing it was Wan Tao. Now, hearing the reason, how could she remain upset?

"If it's the anniversary, why didn't you just ask me openly to hold a proper memorial?"

Qin Guan's words stunned Wan Tao, and Fuling also looked surprised. "Young lady, how could a servant in the mansion hold a memorial for their own family? If Old Madam found out, it would be considered terribly inauspicious."Qin Guan suddenly realized that the Shen family was not a prominent noble clan. Even after Shen Yi was promoted to Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, their household had few servants, and the rules were naturally not as complex or strict. Unaccustomed to the ways of noble households, Qin Guan had forgotten that Wan Tao wouldn't dare report to her directly. She cleared her throat lightly, "Though this act is improper, your filial piety is commendable. There's nothing wrong with honoring your parents."

Having sternly restored her dignity with these words, Qin Guan added, "Let this matter stay within our courtyard. Continue burning them, and lock the door when you're done." After a pause, she said coldly, "But next time, do not open the courtyard gate without permission, no matter the reason."

Wan Tao kowtowed repeatedly in delight, "This servant thanks the young mistress! This servant won't do it again!"

Satisfied, Qin Guan nodded and turned to leave. But as she turned, something familiar caught her eye. Frowning, she looked closely at the brazier where clothes were being burned. Beside it lay a withered branch, likely used by Wan Tao to stir the burning items. On this branch was a layer of charred residue.

A flash of insight struck Qin Guan!

The burnt residue on the iron tongs in Wei Yanzhi's room—it was from fabric being burned!

Had Wei Yanzhi not only burned charcoal in his stove but also some clothing?

Qin Guan's heart raced. She had suspected Wei Yanzhi before, but the sudden appearance of Wei Qizhi had diverted her attention. Later, Huo Huaixin, persuaded by Wei Yanzhi's account, had concluded the case and prepared to arrest Wei Qizhi. Nearly everyone believed Wei Qizhi was Song Rou's killer, but Qin Guan still found inconsistencies.

How could Wei Qizhi have bypassed the Marquis Anyang Manor's heavy security to plant the headless female corpse to frighten her? If Wei Qizhi had intended to scare her, how would he have known she could perform a corpse examination before she had even visited the mortuary temple?

Qin Guan's expression darkened as she walked out, lost in thought. Wan Tao and Fuling, noticing her sudden change in demeanor, were puzzled but dared not ask. Fuling followed behind, confused and concerned.

Wei Qizhi and Song Rou had been involved, yet he was too proud to associate with the Duke's household...

Wei Qizhi had pursued her from afar, using the Gilt-traced Paper to lure Song Rou out, then either intentionally or accidentally killed her...

After brutally murdering Song Rou, instead of returning to the capital to establish an alibi, he had followed her all the way to Jinzhou.

Why? To witness the chaos at Marquis Anyang Manor? To observe Huo Huaixin's investigation?

He had severed Song Rou's head—but how had he secretly taken it from the bridal procession without anyone noticing?

As she walked, Qin Guan's mind swirled with unanswered questions, leaving her increasingly agitated. Suddenly, she stopped and stared blankly ahead, muttering, "I must have missed something! There must be something wrong!"

Fuling, alarmed, asked, "What is the young mistress saying?"

Qin Guan shook her head repeatedly. "Too many things don't add up. I must have overlooked something crucial..."

Fuling hesitated, about to speak, when voices sounded at the courtyard gate.

"Ninth Miss, Coroner Xu from the prefectural office has sent you a letter!"Qin Guan turned abruptly to see a male servant from the gatehouse standing outside the courtyard. Unable to dwell on her thoughts, she strode to the courtyard entrance. "Coroner Xu sent a letter? Where is he now?"

The servant held out a letter with both hands. "He's already left. He only said Ninth Miss would surely want to know this and came to inform you."

Qin Guan took the letter, turning to walk away as she unfolded it. After three steps, she halted abruptly, her brow furrowed.

Fuling approached cautiously. "Miss, what did Coroner Xu say?"

Qin Guan remained fixated on the letter, her gaze chillingly cold.

"Young Master Wei was captured an hour ago."