Coroner's Diary

"So, Wei Qizhi truly has nothing to do with this case?" In the reception parlor of the prefectural office, Huo Huaixin looked at the long letter in his hand and listened to Qin Guan's deductions, his expression a mix of astonishment and distress.

Yue Ning nodded beside him. "Exactly so. If you don't believe it, you can have someone test what Ninth Miss suggested—see if Wei Qizhi would suffer from lacquer poison—and ask the servant whether Wei Qizhi ever used Gilt-traced Paper..."

After reading Yan Chi's letter at the marquis's residence, Qin Guan finally pieced together the missing information. After analyzing it, she went with Yan Chi and Yue Ning to the prefectural office. Huo Huaixin wouldn't dare slight Yue Ning, let alone when Yan Chi came along as well. Only Captain Qi and Xu He were permitted to listen to the case details. Now, hearing Yue Ning's words, Huo Huaixin signaled Captain Qi with a glance.

Captain Qi nodded and left the room...

Setting down the letter, Huo Huaixin said worriedly, "So, Ninth Miss suspects the murderer might be the second young master of the Wei family?"

Qin Guan nodded. "What does the Prefect think?"

Huo Huaixin frowned. "Based on this analysis, that does seem the most likely possibility. Song Rou and Wei Yanzhi had no prior connection, but now Song Rou had seized Wei Yanzhi's weakness. If Song Rou had revealed this to the Duke's household, none of them would have let him off, and Wei Qizhi would have hated him most of all."

Qin Guan agreed. "Precisely. Because of these stakes, Wei Yanzhi had even more reason to kill Song Rou."

Huo Huaixin nodded. Though he was extremely reluctant, he had to accept the current situation. Initially, he thought the case could be closed in a few days, but now it seemed further investigation was needed. Sighing, Huo Huaixin said, "If that letter was indeed written by Wei Yanzhi, then he might not have intended to kill Song Rou—perhaps it was accidental. In that case, the weapon he used would likely have been something he carried on him. Proving he pretended to be a ghost to scare people would be difficult, but the burning of the Mortuary Temple is another matter. They used tung oil to set the fire. We just need to ask nearby workshops whether anyone bought tung oil during that time."

Huo Huaixin had his own methods. Yue Ning added, "That night, Grandmother mentioned the corpse examination would take place the next day, and the fire broke out that same night. So, the time for buying tung oil can almost certainly be narrowed down to between halfway through the Hour of Xu that night and the Hour of Mao the next morning."

Qin Guan smiled and nodded. "Buying tung oil late at night wouldn’t be easy. The shopkeeper would likely remember."

Huo Huaixin continued, "Also, the person who tried to harm Ninth Miss was wearing robes very similar to the second young master’s. I’d guess that clothes went missing from the second young master’s courtyard that day—specifically, between the morning after he rose and the evening when he left for the lakeside. Because the culprit would have needed to know what the second young master planned to wear that day to set up this scheme."

Qin Guan hadn’t expected Huo Huaixin to be so quick on the uptake and nodded. "Your insight is remarkable, Prefect."

Huo Huaixin coughed lightly, somewhat embarrassed. He wasn’t remarkable at all. If not for Qin Guan piecing together the clues, he would have nearly caused another wrongful conviction. "This time, it’s all thanks to Ninth Miss. How could I claim any credit? I’ll have Captain Lin follow these two leads later. Once we’ve verified the details, we can draw a conclusion."Qin Guan nodded. After all, she wasn’t part of the yamen and couldn’t interfere too much. After a brief pause, she added, “However, to avoid alerting the enemy, you could temporarily detain Young Master Wei and release both of them only when this matter shows some progress.”

Huo Huaixin nodded repeatedly. “Naturally.” After saying this, he continued, “Ninth Miss, please help record the matter of the Gilt-traced Paper in the case files. Xu He, you go and write it—”

Xu He acknowledged and hurriedly fetched paper and brush. Qin Guan then recounted the process of how she had identified the Gilt-traced Paper. Once Xu He had recorded it, Huo Huaixin respectfully picked up the long letter and approached Yan Chi. “I must trouble Your Highness for making this trip. It was truly this official’s oversight. This letter is returned to Your Highness, and I offer my deepest gratitude…”

Huo Huaixin’s demeanor was extremely deferential, bordering on apprehension. Yan Chi took the letter and said, “Prefect, you need only thank Ninth Miss for this matter. Had she not pointed it out, I wouldn’t have noticed many of the details on this letter either.”

Huo Huaixin quickly agreed, “Indeed, indeed! There’s no one more deserving of thanks than Ninth Miss!”

As they were speaking, Qi Lin returned from the prison cells. He had been gone for nearly half an hour and came back reeking of lacquer. “Sir! It worked!” Qi Lin’s eyes shone with excitement, his tone animated. “Sir, I applied raw lacquer to Wei Qizhi’s arm, and sure enough, within just half an hour, red rashes and bumps appeared. His servant cried and shouted that I was trying to harm his master, saying his master couldn’t stand the smell of lacquer. I then questioned him about the Gilt-traced Paper and even showed him a sample to identify. The servant tearfully insisted his master never used such paper…”

Qi Lin finished his report in one breath, then began panting heavily. Huo Huaixin’s spirits lifted as well. “Then it’s settled! Ninth Miss’s deduction was absolutely correct. The young master wasn’t cursed—he was merely poisoned by lacquer!”

As Huo Huaixin said this, he recalled the intricate details about the Wei family’s internal affairs written in the long letter earlier. Wei Qizhi had only been poisoned by lacquer, yet it was rumored to be a curse. Could someone else have had a hand in spreading this?

Collecting his thoughts, Huo Huaixin immediately instructed, “Next, there’s one more task for you to investigate. Check the workshops along the route from the Marquis’s residence to the Mortuary Temple. See if anyone purchased tung oil between the hour of Xu on that night and the hour of Mao the next morning.”

Qi Lin, aware of how the Mortuary Temple had burned down, quickly grasped the implication and nodded in agreement. Huo Huaixin then turned to Yue Ning. “As for the matter of the Marquis’s residence, I will personally handle the inquiries.”

Yue Ning stood up. “Very well. Then we may return to the manor.”

Yan Chi also rose and asked Qin Guan, “Ninth Miss, where are you headed?”

The hour was already late. Qin Guan glanced outside and said, “It’s getting late, and the Grand Princess doesn’t need a dressing change today. I’ll return to Qin Manor first and visit the Marquis’s residence tomorrow.”

Yue Ning frowned. “If you go back to Qin Manor, how will you stay updated on the case’s progress? Why not come to the Marquis’s residence with us? If anything develops, you’ll know immediately.”

By now, Qin Guan had learned all the details of the case from start to finish and was naturally very concerned about the outcome. Moreover, Wei Yanzhi was at the Marquis’s residence. If he truly was the murderer…Qin Guan frowned slightly and suddenly said, "Come to think of it, Young Master Wei fell seriously ill the day before yesterday. I wonder if he's better now."

After speaking, Qin Guan exchanged a glance with Yue Ning, who immediately understood her meaning. Yue Ning nodded and said, "That's right. You prescribed medicine for him last time. You should check on him today to see if he's recovered."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes. "You two, be careful."

Qin Guan smiled and walked out. "No need to worry. Right now, he's nothing but the perfectly courteous Second Young Master of the Wei family!"

Yue Ning strode after her, while Huo Huaixin hesitated behind them, wanting to say something but ultimately holding back. Wei Yanzhi was staying at the Marquis's residence and wasn't under suspicion, so it was unlikely they'd encounter any danger.

Yan Chi watched Qin Guan's retreating figure for a moment before following.

Yue Ning and the others went ahead, while Huo Huaixin followed later with the yamen officers. When the carriage stopped at the Marquis's residence, Qin Guan said, "Since we're here, we should first pay our respects to the Grand Princess."

Yue Ning, pleased by her propriety, readily agreed to visit the Grand Princess's courtyard, while Yan Chi returned to Pine Garden. After greeting the Grand Princess, Yue Ning and Qin Guan didn't mention the latest developments in the case, chatting with her for a while before heading to the East courtyard.

At the East courtyard, the guard stationed outside Wei Yanzhi's door seemed surprised to see Qin Guan and Yue Ning again today. After a moment of astonishment, he bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness. Greetings, Ninth Miss..."

Yue Ning smiled casually. "We came to check on your young master's illness yesterday. Is he feeling better today?"

The guard's eyes flickered, and he sighed. "A little better, but the young master is still unwell. Please wait a moment, Your Highness and Ninth Miss. I'll go announce your arrival."

Yue Ning nodded, and the guard turned to enter the room. As she glanced around, Yue Ning noticed a pile of charcoal ash in a corner of the courtyard. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Why is there so much charcoal ash? Didn't you say yesterday that the room shouldn't be too hot?"

Qin Guan also looked over, her brow furrowing slightly just as the door opened.

"Your Highness, Ninth Miss, the young master invites you in."

Qin Guan calmly withdrew her gaze and entered with Yue Ning.

As soon as they stepped inside, Qin Guan frowned. The room was indeed as hot as Yue Ning had described, exactly like the day before. Qin Guan glanced around and saw that the large iron stove in the center was glowing faintly red, the roaring fire inside just as loud as yesterday. The iron tongs nearby still bore the same stains—clearly, Wei Yanzhi and his guard hadn't paid them any mind.

"Greetings, Your Highness, Ninth Miss... What brings you here today?"

Wei Yanzhi stood at the doorway of the inner chamber, still wrapped in his outer cloak as if he had just risen from bed. After speaking, he coughed lightly and quickly gestured for them to sit. "Your Highness, Ninth Miss, please have a seat..."

"We came to see you yesterday and noticed how ill you were, so I was a bit worried. That's why I brought Ninth Miss along today to check on you. A cold can be serious, especially when you've been overworked and stressed lately—your body is most vulnerable to illness. You mustn't take it lightly." Though Yue Ning knew little about medicine, her words were sincere.Wei Yanzhi adjusted his robe with a bitter smile. "I've already started taking Ninth Miss's medicine, and there's been some improvement. There's no need for the Princess and Ninth Miss to worry. I'm truly embarrassed to have you come again."

Yue Ning and Qin Guan took their seats on the open chairs by the window. Yue Ning frowned at his words. "That's not the way to put it. With Miss Song's case about to be closed, you can't afford to fall ill now..."

"Closed?" Wei Yanzhi was taken aback. "It's about to be closed?"

Yue Ning looked slightly surprised. "Does Second Young Master not know? Your elder brother was captured yesterday!"

A flash of shock and pain crossed Wei Yanzhi's eyes. "Captured... My elder brother was truly caught?"

Yue Ning sighed. "Ninth Miss and I just returned from the Prefect's yamen. We've already seen your brother. He's wounded in the left leg, and his features bear some resemblance to yours."

Hearing this, Wei Yanzhi immediately straightened up. "So it's really... What did my brother say? Did he admit to killing Xiao Rou?"

A guard brought tea. Qin Guan picked up her cup and sipped quietly, listening to the conversation between Yue Ning and Wei Yanzhi.

Yue Ning shook her head. "After all, it's a human life—not something easily confessed to. Not only that, but your brother also claimed he was never involved with Miss Song..." She let out a derisive laugh. "How ridiculous is that? Everyone in the Duke's residence and the Wei household surely knows about it, yet he thinks he can deceive us just because Jingzhou is thousands of miles from the capital."

Wei Yanzhi frowned. "He really said that? Then what does the Prefect plan to do?"

Yue Ning sneered. "The Prefect has already begun using torture. By the time we arrived, your brother was already beaten to a bloody pulp. I suspect he won't hold out much longer—he'll likely confess soon."

Something flickered in Wei Yanzhi's eyes before he finally said, "My brother... my brother is proud and stubborn, and he's trained in martial arts. His skills are no less than mine. It's no simple matter for the Prefect to make him talk. As for his affair with Xiao Rou... it's true that everyone in the Duke's residence and the Wei household knew about it. For him to lie about this is a glaring flaw..."

Then, he looked urgently at Yue Ning. "Princess, if my brother confesses... will his punishment be lessened?"

Yue Ning pondered briefly. "Naturally, it would. But from what I saw, he doesn't seem inclined to confess. Even after the severe torture the Prefect used last night, he refused to change his statement. Now even the Prefect seems hesitant."

Wei Yanzhi was stunned for another moment before tightening the collar of his outer robe and sitting down. After Yue Ning spoke at length, she suddenly frowned. "Why is it still so hot in this room? Didn't we say yesterday that Young Master Wei's room shouldn't be like this?"

Wei Yanzhi coughed lightly and smiled wryly. "After the Princess and Ninth Miss left yesterday, I did reduce the fire somewhat. But... as soon as I did, I was hit with wave after wave of chills. Helpless, I had to stoke it again. Still, today is much better than the past few days—proof that Ninth Miss's medicine is working!"

Yue Ning nodded and picked up her teacup to drink.Over on this side, Qin Guan observed the faintly glowing furnace chamber and remarked, "This stove is quite ingenious. I wonder what it looks like inside? It seems much warmer than the Earth Dragon."

As she spoke, Qin Guan moved to inspect the stove. Seeing this, Wei Yanzhi immediately stood up. "The stove is dirty, Ninth Miss. Be careful. These stoves are more common in the north because it's colder there. I didn’t expect the Marquis Manor to have one."

Qin Guan paused, then walked toward the iron tongs. "Oh? Only common in the north? I recall the Loyal Marquis Manor had a similar one. I wonder if it’s the same..."

Qin Guan had lived at the Loyal Marquis Manor for three years in her youth and was naturally familiar with northern customs. Seeing her head straight for the tongs, Wei Yanzhi quickly instructed his guard, "Open the lid for Ninth Miss..."

The guard immediately stepped forward, picked up the tongs, and lifted the lid. As soon as the lid was removed, a wave of heat rushed out. Qin Guan peered inside but could only see the top layer of glowing red charcoal. Anything below was indiscernible. She smiled slightly. "It seems different—this one is more refined. There must be an extra layer of mesh at the bottom to ensure all the charcoal burns evenly, making the room heat up quickly."

With that, Qin Guan turned and returned to her seat, and the guard promptly replaced the lid.

Yue Ning didn’t understand why Qin Guan had examined the stove but added, "This stove was made when Grandmother first moved south. She found the winters here too damp and cold, so she had one built similar to those in the capital."

Qin Guan nodded. "Indeed, the south may not be as cold as the north, but the humidity is harsh, especially for the elderly."

Then, shifting the topic, Qin Guan looked at Wei Yanzhi and said, "Second Young Master, your face is slightly flushed—perhaps from the heat." She stood up. "Please extend your wrist..."

This was a request to check his pulse. Wei Yanzhi, unsuspecting, offered his wrist. Qin Guan placed her fingertips on his pulse, her expression turning thoughtful for a moment before she withdrew her hand and smiled. "There’s indeed some improvement from yesterday. The cold has dissipated somewhat. Please continue with the medicine." She paused briefly. "However, the slight flush on your face suggests signs of heat. Has the window in your inner chamber been opened?"

Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "Not yet, because—"

Before he could finish, Qin Guan turned and walked toward his inner chamber. "For this illness, your room must be ventilated. But the airflow must be carefully directed—it should never align with the orientation of your bed..."

Seeing Qin Guan about to enter his private quarters, Wei Yanzhi frowned and made to rise, but she stopped abruptly. Instead, she merely surveyed the room before pointing to a window outside. "This window here should be opened slightly..."

Wei Yanzhi exhaled in relief and hurriedly complied. As the window opened, a cool breeze swept in, refreshing Yue Ning instantly. She chimed in, "That’s much better. It was stifling when we first came in. Staying in such a stuffy room only traps the illness, doesn’t it?"

Wei Yanzhi nodded hastily. "Yes, thank you for the advice, Ninth Miss..."Qin Guan slowly shook her head. "The Second Young Master is now also my patient. Naturally, I won't hide what should be said."

Wei Yanzhi looked at Yue Ning and Qin Guan with a faint smile. "It is my good fortune to receive the care of the County Princess and Ninth Miss." After a pause, as if suddenly remembering, he added, "By the way, since my elder brother is currently in prison, might I be permitted to see him? He's alone in Jinzhou, and I'd like to visit him."

Yue Ning appeared hesitant. "This matter isn't for me to decide—it would be up to the Prefect. However, since the case is still under investigation, it might be difficult for the Second Young Master to see the Eldest Young Master. Once he confesses, meeting him won't be an issue." She paused before continuing, "Alternatively, perhaps the Second Young Master could persuade him to admit his crimes?"

Wei Yanzhi hesitated. "The County Princess may not know this, but in the Wei household, I've always followed my elder brother's lead. Now that he's been captured and faces conviction, he must be furious. If I were to go and urge him to surrender, he would likely become even angrier—my presence might have the opposite effect."

Yue Ning's eyes flickered thoughtfully. "That does make sense." She then asked Wei Yanzhi, "So, in the past, did the Eldest Young Master often oppress you?"

A bitter expression crossed Wei Yanzhi's face, though his words denied it. "No, not at all. My elder brother... was merely more headstrong, as was his right. He was born of our mother, so naturally, he was of nobler standing than I..."

Yue Ning and Qin Guan exchanged a glance. Every word Wei Yanzhi spoke after the initial denial implied that Wei Qizhi had indeed oppressed him, and his expression was convincingly sincere.

Had Yue Ning not already begun to suspect Wei Yanzhi, she might have been taken in by his act. Now she understood Qin Guan's point—Wei Yanzhi appeared to be the perfect younger brother on the surface.

"Second Young Master, set your mind at ease. Regardless of the past, he's now in prison, paying the price for his temperament. Once he confesses, the charges will be confirmed, and he'll face the consequences."

These words suited Yue Ning perfectly, especially since Wei Yanzhi had previously confided in her about his circumstances.

Wei Yanzhi's face showed gratitude. "Even so, he is still my elder brother. The thought of it pains me, and I can only imagine how devastated our parents will be..."

Yue Ning pressed on, "Why should the Second Young Master feel pity for someone who would take another's life? He deserves everything coming to him. Did he think he could kill and continue living freely?"

Wei Yanzhi sighed heavily. "You're right... alas..."

Qin Guan watched Yue Ning's performance impassively, surprised that the usually taciturn Yue Ning could act so convincingly. A faint smile touched her heart. Then Yue Ning suddenly added, "But if he truly resists to the end, that won't do either."

At this, Wei Yanzhi's brow furrowed. Qin Guan chimed in, "Indeed. I've read many stories where people actually withstand the tortures of the yamen through sheer willpower."Qin Guan had performed the Corpse Examination, and Wei Yanzhi had witnessed it. Knowing she had contributed greatly to the case, he said, "But if this continues, my elder brother's final punishment will likely be even harsher. Is there any way to make him confess sooner so he can plead for leniency?"

After a brief moment of thought, Qin Guan replied, "Unless... we find crucial evidence..." At this point, as if remembering something, she added, "Speaking of which, Miss Song's head still hasn't been found. As the second young master, you understand your elder brother well. Where do you think he might have hidden Miss Song's head?"

Wei Yanzhi lowered his gaze for a moment before shaking his head. "I truly can't guess. Having committed murder, my elder brother would likely hide the head very carefully. He's clever—it's possible he chose a place none of us would think of."

Qin Guan sighed. "That does make things difficult."

Yue Ning also shook her head. "The Prefect will have to exert more effort again."

Wei Yanzhi sighed as well. "Even now, my elder brother probably still clings to hope. If someone from the capital comes, who knows..."

Qin Guan frowned. "Does Second Young Master intend to help Eldest Young Master evade punishment?"

Wei Yanzhi hastily replied, "No, no, certainly not. What I meant was that they might try to pull some strings then, perhaps... perhaps to lessen my brother's sentence..."

He lowered his head, seeming somewhat uncomfortable. Qin Guan understood his implication—with power and influence, even a murder case could be swept under the rug. Sternly, she said, "If the Wei family truly has such intentions, Second Young Master should advise against it. Otherwise, not only might Eldest Young Master not be saved, but more people could be dragged down."

Wei Yanzhi looked ashamed. "Ninth Miss can rest assured, I certainly will. The Wei family will not tolerate anyone bending the law for personal gain."

Yue Ning added beside her, "You're overthinking it. Second Young Master is an upright man—he wouldn't do such things."

Qin Guan curved her lips slightly and exhaled. "Of course, I was just being hasty."

Wei Yanzhi tugged at his lapel with one hand and waved the other. "No matter, no matter. Ninth Miss is righteous and heroic among women—I deeply admire that..."

Qin Guan smiled without responding. Yue Ning then stood up. "Alright, you're still recovering, so we won't keep you any longer. Once you're better, we'll spar again." She glanced around the room. "Where's your sword?"

Wei Yanzhi coughed lightly. "Hanging in the inner chamber. Don't worry, Your Highness. Once I've recovered, I'll gladly spar with you again."

Yue Ning grinned and clasped her hands in salute, her demeanor full of heroic vigor. Qin Guan also curtsied. Wei Yanzhi stepped forward. "Let me see you both out..." He then escorted Yue Ning and Qin Guan to the door.

Wei Yanzhi stood at the doorway, watching until their figures disappeared before turning back.

Once inside, he removed his outer cloak and asked a nearby guard, "It seems the news is true."

The guard replied, "Why doesn't the Eldest Young Master confess early to seek a lighter sentence?"

Wei Yanzhi shook his head. "Don't you know his temperament? He’s not one to bow easily. But wait—the Prefect will continue the interrogation. He won’t hold out much longer."

The guard ventured further, "Master, should we not visit Eldest Young Master? Even to advise him?"

Wei Yanzhi narrowed his eyes, giving the guard a sharp look. The guard stiffened and immediately lowered his head, not daring to say more.

...

...

After leaving the East courtyard, Yue Ning let out a long breath and looked at Qin Guan. "Well?"

Qin Guan frowned slightly. "His wrist was burning hot. It's clear he couldn’t stand the heat in that room—you could tell from his flushed cheeks. Yet despite being unable to bear it, he still kept such a strong fire going. There must be something odd about it. However, when I checked the brazier earlier, I found nothing unusual. For now, we have no reason to search his room, so we’ll have to let it go."

Yue Ning said, "I hadn’t noticed before, but now I realize Wei Yanzhi is quite the master. He claims Wei Qizhi never oppressed him, yet his tone, expression, and words all silently accuse. That’s what I dislike—a grown man acting all hesitant and aggrieved, with so many twists and turns in his speech!"Qin Guan also let out a sigh. "Moreover, his initial reaction upon hearing Wei Qizhi was arrested seemed rather odd. He hesitated briefly before feigning surprise, which made me suspect he already knew about it beforehand. If he knew from the start and is now putting on an act, there must be something fishy. Furthermore, he didn’t voice a single doubt about Wei Qizhi’s innocence—his stance was even firmer than ours. His immediate concern was whether Wei Qizhi could receive a lighter sentence rather than questioning if Wei Qizhi might not be the murderer at all."

Yue Ning nodded. "And his reluctance to visit Wei Qizhi—while he claims it’s to avoid causing complications—as Wei Qizhi’s younger brother, is he truly so eager for Wei Qizhi to confess immediately? Knowing Wei Qizhi has been tortured in prison, his first reaction wasn’t to see him but to bring up the possibility of a visit much later. When we suggested he persuade him, he refused again."

"There are too many suspicious points. For now, we’ll have to wait for the Prefect’s investigation results."

Hearing Qin Guan’s words, Yue Ning said, "If you want to know the outcome as soon as possible, why not stay at the Marquis’s residence tonight?"

Qin Guan was surprised. "That wouldn’t be appropriate. I’ve already imposed on your hospitality before..."

Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "Back then, it was to treat my grandmother. She regards you like a daughter and dotes on you so much. Are you really going to stand on ceremony with me? If not for seeing how much effort you’ve put into this case, I wouldn’t bother arranging this for you. Whether or not you get the news first wouldn’t be my concern..."

Qin Guan felt a warmth in her heart at these words. After a moment’s thought, she nodded. "Alright, but I’ll have to trouble you to send someone to inform Qin Manor."

Yue Ning hummed in agreement but suddenly seemed to remember something. "I noticed a few new servants in your courtyard. Will it be alright if you don’t return tonight?"

Qin Guan was puzzled for a moment, but soon Wan Xing’s figure flashed through her mind. She shook her head. "It’s fine. There are reliable people there. Nothing should happen."

Reassured, Yue Ning immediately sent someone to Qin Manor and then took Qin Guan to the Grand Princess’s courtyard. Upon learning Qin Guan would stay overnight, the Grand Princess instructed Jiang Shi to prepare an elaborate dinner for everyone.

Jiang Shi, who adored Qin Guan, happily complied. Before long, Yue Qing returned from the military camp and was overjoyed to find Qin Guan still there. When he learned she would stay the night, he eagerly brought a cloth-wrapped bundle to the Grand Princess’s quarters.

"Grandmother, look! I’ve found two rare books..."

The Grand Princess turned with a smile. "What rare books have made you so happy?"

Yue Qing unwrapped the bundle, revealing two yellowed volumes. "The tenth and ninth chapters of the Neijing ."

Seeing they were medical texts, the Grand Princess’s smile deepened meaningfully. Yue Qing raised an eyebrow, while Yue Qing grinned. "I’ve bought many books recently, but these medical texts are of no use to me. I plan to give them to Ninth Miss..."

Qin Guan, standing nearby, remained outwardly composed but sighed inwardly. The Grand Princess took her hand with a smile. "Wan Yatou, these medical texts will be far more useful to you than those common storybooks. Take them."Qin Guan pressed her lips together, feeling somewhat helpless. Yue Qing's intentions seemed quite obvious now, and these two medical books couldn't have been casually purchased by him. Not only were they rare editions, but they had also been lost for many years. Even the Medicine King Valley only possessed a fragment of the tenth chapter of the Inner Canon . It was clear that although Yue Qing had been at the military camp these past few days, his thoughts must have been entirely focused on these two books.

"Grand Princess... these books are far too precious. How could Qin Guan possibly—"

The Grand Princess grasped Qin Guan's hand. "If I say you can, then you can. You cured my illness, and I haven't even thanked you yet. Consider these books as my gift to you. What, won't you accept them?"

Qin Guan was momentarily speechless. "If the Grand Princess bestows them, naturally I dare not refuse. It's just..."

"Haha, then take them. There's no need for such reservations."

After speaking, the Grand Princess gave Qin Guan's palm a gentle squeeze. When Qin Guan looked up, she saw a knowing glimmer in the Grand Princess's eyes. Qin Guan froze—the Grand Princess had seen through it. She had discerned Yue Qing's feelings and Qin Guan's own unease.

After a brief moment of eye contact, Qin Guan finally lowered her head and curtsied. "Then Qin Guan will accept them. Thank you, Grand Princess."

The Grand Princess smiled broadly. Yue Ning glanced between the Grand Princess and Qin Guan, sensing some deeper meaning in the Grand Princess's words, but she happily handed the books to Fuling. Meanwhile, the Grand Princess turned to Yue Qing and said, "This time, it's not Ninth Miss who owes you a favor—it's you being filial to your grandmother. Consider these books as your grandmother's gift to Ninth Miss. How about that?"

Yue Qing felt increasingly puzzled but still nodded hesitantly. "Yes, being filial to Grandmother is always right."

The Grand Princess looked at Yue Qing with a sigh in her eyes. "Your filial piety is known to your grandmother, foolish child... When you go to the military camp, be careful not to get injured..."

Yue Qing stole a glance at Qin Guan and puffed out his chest. "Don't worry, Grandmother. Few in the camp are my match. Besides, what's a little injury to a true man?"

The Grand Princess shook her head with a smile. Noticing Lü Yun's figure passing by outside, she said, "Alright, it's time for dinner. Let's go to Jishan Hall."

Jishan Hall was the marquis's residence's usual venue for hosting guests and banquets. Today, since everyone was dining together, Jiang Shi had arranged the tables there. Apart from the Yue family, Qin Guan and Yan Chi were also honored guests.

The Grand Princess sat at the center, with Yan Chi to her right and Qin Guan to her left. Even Yue Qiong had to take a seat below Yan Chi. Yue Qiong chuckled and said, "Mother has prepared Drunk in the Shade of Flowers , which shows how delighted she is today."

As he spoke, Lu Xiu brought out the wine jug. The Grand Princess said, "This wine was brought with me to Jinzhou ten years ago. Over the years, much of it has been consumed, and now only a little remains. Today, we'll open a jug—drink freely. Previously, when Wan Yatou stayed in the residence, I was still unconscious. Later, she never stayed again. Tonight, we'll dine together as my way of thanking Wan Yatou for saving my life. Wan Yatou, dare you drink?"

Qin Guan, feeling uneasy in the seat of honor, quickly replied, "I dare to share a cup with the Grand Princess."The Grand Princess laughed and pointed at Yue Ning and the others. "These little ones were all tricked by me into drinking wine when they were young. Jia'er and Qing'er found it too spicy and stopped immediately. Only Ning'er, holding her tiny wine cup, drank a whole cup without knowing what it was. Later, she got so drunk that her little face turned red, fell asleep without crying or fussing, and gave Jing Shu quite a fright."

The Grand Princess's smile was bright, her eyes sparkling with memories of the past. Qin Guan, observing her expression, suddenly understood. Born into the imperial family, the Grand Princess must have been unrestrained and free-spirited in her youth. Though she tempered her nature after marriage, the noble blood of the imperial family remained in her veins, and so did that bold, unrestrained spirit.

Thus, even as a grandmother, she could still pull off such daring and amusing antics.

Jiang Shi and Yue Qiong both smiled warmly. Jiang Shi even chided playfully, "Mother still remembers. At that time, Ning'er was only four years old. She used to cry and fuss to sleep with me, but that day, she was as docile as a kitten—it really startled me."

The Grand Princess shook her head with a laugh. "All of you are too timid. Back in the day—" She paused mid-sentence and sighed. "Never mind. We're all old ladies now. No need to talk about those things. Lu Xiu, pour wine for everyone, and fill Xiao Qi's cup too. Speaking of which, this Drunken Blossom wine includes some your father once gave me..."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "Father gave it to you? He never drank."

The Grand Princess scoffed. "He never drank? Hmph! He only changed his habits after joining the military. Here, taste this Drunken Blossom and tell me how it compares to those from the capital."

Yan Chi raised his cup. "To my esteemed aunt." He was about to drink when—

"Your Highness, you must not drink while your wounds are still healing."

Just as Yan Chi was about to take a sip, Qin Guan suddenly spoke up. Her words came out a bit abruptly, surprising even herself. Everyone else was taken aback, and Yan Chi froze with the cup at his lips.

"Haha, I’d forgotten!" The Grand Princess burst into laughter. "Never mind, never mind! With the Little Medicine Immortal sitting here, both of us are her patients—we must heed her advice. Today, you’ll have to forgo the wine! Put down the cup and have tea instead."

At this, the whole table erupted in laughter. Yan Chi very, very slowly set down his cup. Qin Guan curved her lips slightly as she watched her own cup being filled with wine. Drunken Blossom was a tribute wine of the Great Zhou, commonly served in the imperial court but exceedingly rare among commoners. Qin Guan had tasted it once before and had never forgotten it. She didn’t feel the slightest guilt about interrupting Yan Chi’s drink and instead savored her own cup contentedly alongside the Grand Princess.

As the wine touched her lips, its mellow fragrance and crisp flavor spread through her senses. It was only then that Qin Guan noticed Yan Chi’s gaze lingering on her. Whether emboldened by the wine or something else, she inwardly scoffed and ignored him. With Jiang Shi enthusiastically serving dishes beside her, Qin Guan ate and drank her fill, completely oblivious to the meaningful look Yan Chi was giving her.

After the meal, Qin Guan was escorted back to Yue Ning’s quarters by Fuling. Though Drunken Blossom wasn’t particularly strong, perhaps because the Ninth Miss’s body wasn’t accustomed to alcohol, Qin Guan felt slightly dizzy. The moment she entered the bedroom, she grew drowsy. By the time Fuling finished helping her wash up, Qin Guan collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep instantly. After witnessing Qin Guan’s usual vigor over the past days, Yue Ning couldn’t help but laugh heartily at the sight.The lingering aroma of the drunken flower shade wine ensured Qin Guan had a dreamless night. Early the next morning, just as she drowsily opened her eyes, she heard Luqi's flustered yet excited voice!

"Miss, the Prefect has brought people into the East courtyard!"

Qin Guan froze, then bolted upright in bed—Governor Huo had come to arrest Wei Yanzhi!