Coroner's Diary

"Waaah... waaah..."

Beside the pile of debris near the well, Qin Shuang lay collapsed on the ground, covered in mud.

Pointing at the pitch-black well opening, Qin Shuang spoke between sobs, "Waaah... dead person... there's a dead person down there..."

Lin Shi's brows furrowed, her expression darkening again after initially softening upon seeing Qin Shuang fall into the well. "What dead person? Where is there a dead person?"

Qin Shuang burst into tears, "Mother, it's true! They're human bones!"

Lin Shi glanced at the well opening and shook her head, "How could that be?"

A servant woman brought a blanket to cover Qin Shuang, who shivered as she said, "It's true, Mother. Shuang'er touched it... it was a human hand, white and skeletal. Shuang'er could tell just by looking..."

As she spoke, terror still filled Qin Shuang's eyes. Nearby, Qin Guan and Yao Xinlan exchanged glances.

Yao Xinlan stepped forward, "Mother, Sixth Sister wouldn't lie about this. Shouldn't we send someone down to check?"

Seeing Yao Xinlan speak up, Lin Shi frowned, "Lan'er, why are you still here? This filthy place is no place for you. Be careful not to harm the baby in your womb. Be good and return to Windward Courtyard."

But Yao Xinlan didn't leave. "Mother, really, send someone to check."

As Yao Xinlan spoke, perhaps because of the commotion from Qin Shuang's fall, servants from the concubines' quarters began gathering in the distance. Qin Guan even spotted Eighth Concubine among them.

Seeing more people arriving, Lin Shi wiped the thin sweat from her forehead and turned to instruct a servant woman, "Go, summon Manager Liu. Have him bring people to check the bottom of the well."

The servant woman hurried off, and Lin Shi approached Qin Shuang. "Don't be afraid, Shuang'er. Mother is sending someone to check now. Your clothes are soaked and dirty—go wash up and drink some Tranquility Soup."

Qin Shuang was indeed frightened, but she didn't want to leave yet. "No, Mother, Shuang'er wants to see what's really down there. Shuang'er saw it clearly—they were definitely human bones. How could there be a dead person in the well?"

Lin Shi frowned, "You must have seen wrong..."

Qin Shuang clutched the blanket tightly around herself, shaking her head vigorously. "No, no, I couldn't have. I remember how it felt when I touched it..."

Fear colored Qin Shuang's voice as she spoke. Nearby, Qin Xiang also grew uneasy, nervously grasping Lin Shi's hand. "Mother, this well has been used in the manor for many years. How could...?"

Lin Shi shook her head. "Shuang'er was frightened when she fell. Who's to say they're human bones? They could just be dried branches. Wait until Manager Liu arrives—he'll check."

Hearing this, Qin Guan frowned slightly. When Qin Shuang cried out about a dead person in the well, her attention had sharpened. If possible, she would have gone to inspect the well herself, but that would have drawn too much attention.

Liu Chun arrived faster than Qin Guan expected—likely because Lin Shi had summoned him. Sweat covered his face as he rushed into the inner courtyard. "Greetings, Madam. Madam, what happened? This well was nearly cleaned. How did Sixth Young Miss...?"

Noticing the mud on Qin Shuang, Liu Chun looked surprised.Lin Shi frowned and said, "Just now, Shuang'er accidentally fell down. She even claimed to have seen human bones down there. Go and check if there's really anything at the bottom."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chun's eyes widened in shock. "Human... bones?"

Lin Shi's brows furrowed deeper. "What? Are you afraid?"

"No, no, of course not," Liu Chun shook his head repeatedly and quickly turned to instruct the male servant who had come with him. "Here, lower me down and bring a lantern..."

The bottom of the well was pitch black, and with ordinary eyesight, it was naturally impossible to see anything clearly.

Soon, a servant brought an oil lamp. Two male servants tied a rope around Liu Chun's waist, and holding the lamp, he was slowly lowered down. Before long, the two servants let go of the rope as Liu Chun had already reached the bottom.

"Madam, there's nothing down here—"

Liu Chun's muffled voice echoed up from the well. Qin Shuang's expression changed instantly. "That's impossible! There must be something. Look in the shallow water, search carefully!"

Hearing this, Lin Shi also urged, "Did you hear that? Search properly."

Liu Chun acknowledged from below and soon let out a surprised "Huh?" Those above tensed, thinking he had found something, but then Liu Chun called out, "Madam! It's just a piece of deadwood! I'll throw it up!"

As he spoke, everyone by the well stepped aside.

With a soft thud, a muddy piece of deadwood flew out of the well and landed on the ground with a splat. Then Liu Chun shouted from below, "Alright, pull me up now. The sludge at the bottom has been mostly cleared. This well can be used again..."

At this, Lin Shi waved her hand. "Pull him up."

Several male servants worked together, and soon, Liu Chun was hauled back up.

Once out of the well, Liu Chun's blue robe was covered in mud. He casually rolled up the hem and tied it around his waist, then bowed to Lin Shi. "Madam, I've checked. The sixth young lady must have been mistaken. There's no need to worry."

Lin Shi sighed and looked at Qin Shuang. "See? You must have been so frightened that you mistook a piece of deadwood for human bones. Really..."

Lin Shi didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she reached out to tidy the disheveled hair on Qin Shuang's shoulder. Qin Guan had fallen sideways into the well, and her dress was now stained with filth. Lin Shi sighed again. "Look at you..."

Qin Shuang snapped out of her terror over the supposed human bones and suddenly remembered the day's farce.

"Mother, Shuang'er..."

Lin Shi let out an exasperated sigh. "You... you just don't understand my intentions. Your father ordered you confined. If I didn't keep you restrained, would you rather have him scold you himself?"

Qin Shuang fell silent, her eyes reddening as she looked at Lin Shi. "Mother..."

Lin Shi shook her head. "Today, you've made a spectacle of yourself. I hope you feel ashamed." Seeing Qin Shuang lower her head uncomfortably, Lin Shi added, "I suppose this time you've learned your lesson. Were you hurt when you fell?"

Qin Shuang shook her head and rubbed her shoulder. The water at the bottom of the well was shallow, and the sludge had cushioned her fall. She hadn't been seriously injured, though her shoulder had scraped against the well wall during the fall and now ached slightly."Alright, now you go back first to wash up and tidy yourself. If you're hurt anywhere, quickly call for a physician to apply medicine." Lin Shi straightened up and looked at the maids beside Qin Shuang. "Hurry up and take the Sixth Young Miss back."

The maids hastily complied, half-supporting and half-carrying Qin Shuang as they helped her up. Qin Shuang took a step forward but suddenly turned back. "Mother, will you still keep me confined?"

Lin Shi gave a bitter smile. "First rest and recuperate for a couple of days. After that, you can do as you please."

Hearing this, Qin Shuang's eyes immediately brightened, and she let out a long sigh of relief before allowing the maids to lead her away. Once Qin Shuang had left, Lin Shi turned to Yao Xinlan. "Now, Lan'er, are you reassured?"

Yao Xinlan smiled sheepishly, and Lin Shi continued, "I know you too well. You must have been uneasy seeing Shuang'er here. It's truly commendable how you, as the Eldest Brother's Wife, care for your younger sister. Now hurry back and rest—you know how delicate your health is."

"Mother, you exaggerate. I'm much better now than before."

Yao Xinlan replied, and Lin Shi then looked at Qin Guan. "I know—it's all thanks to Guan'er. Alright, both of you should return now. It's too chaotic here, and your presence isn't convenient."

Yao Xinlan gave a slight curtsey. "Very well, Lan'er will obey Mother and return first."

Lin Shi nodded in satisfaction, and Qin Guan also curtsied before following Yao Xinlan out. Watching the two leave, Lin Shi turned to instruct Liu Chun. "This place is a mess. Clean it up quickly and restore the flower shed."

Liu Chun hurriedly assented, and Lin Shi then left, supported by Qin Xiang.

Meanwhile, after walking a short distance, Yao Xinlan glanced back at Qin Guan. "Ninth Sister, what's the matter? Were you frightened?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "Not exactly. I just find it strange—how could Sixth Sister mistake dead branches for human bones? She’s probably never even seen human bones in her life."

Yao Xinlan chuckled lightly at this. "Indeed, even I was surprised when I heard it."

She then shook her head and added, "But when you think about it, it’s impossible. This manor is the Qin family’s ancestral home, newly built back then. There couldn’t possibly be any human bones here."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together and remained silent. Just then, she caught sight of a flash of water-red skirts disappearing into the courtyard gate not far away.

Yao Xinlan followed her gaze and said, "That’s the courtyard of Eighth Concubine Liu Shi."

Qin Guan frowned. Earlier, she had seen Liu Shi come out to watch the commotion, but she had left rather quickly.

A few moments later, Qin Guan dismissed her thoughts. Although she was always sensitive to topics involving death, since it was a false alarm, there was no need to dwell on it. Supporting Yao Xinlan, she continued walking toward the Chrysanthemum Garden.

"Sixth Sister really caused a scene today. I’m afraid word must have reached the Buddhist shrine. I wonder if it disturbed Grandmother’s meditation." Yao Xinlan remarked softly, then added in a subdued tone, "Sixth Sister is rather pitiable."

Qin Guan said nothing. Qin Shuang wasn’t pitiable by nature—she had brought this upon herself.

……

……

Yao Xinlan couldn’t stay outside for long, and soon Qin Guan accompanied her back to Windward Courtyard. After leaving, Qin Guan’s mind still lingered on the matter of the human bones. Fuling, walking beside her, commented, "Sixth Young Miss really made a huge fuss today. Fortunately, Third Master is ill and Old Madam is observing abstinence and meditation—otherwise, who knows how she would have been punished."Qin Guan sighed, "She fell into the well and was badly hurt, not to mention terrified. I hope she learns her lesson."

Fuling curled her lips dismissively, "Given how she treated you today, I don't think she's the type to learn anything."

Qin Guan didn't comment further. Returning to Orchid Isle Courtyard, she resumed studying medical texts. She hadn't visited the Marquis' residence these past two days, dedicating all her efforts to Qin Li's illness. Yet she still had no leads. She could try prescription after prescription, but Qin Li couldn't afford that. In the early stages, venereal disease was manageable, but later on, not even the greatest immortal could save him!

As Qin Guan pored over her books, Fuling soon came hurrying in. "Miss! Guess who's here?"

Qin Guan paused briefly, not even looking up as she asked, "Is it the Grand Princess who's come?"

Fuling was taken aback. Yue Ning, who had just entered, snorted lightly, "How did you know it was me?"

Only then did Qin Guan set down her book and look up. Seeing Yue Ning dressed in her moon-white martial attire, she said, "No one else ever visits me here. Who else could it be but you? Come, have a seat..."

Rising, Qin Guan personally poured tea. Once Yue Ning was seated by the window, she asked, "Haven't seen you at the Marquis' residence for days. What's the matter?" Her gaze fell on the desk, where a thick stack of books lay. "What are you researching?"

Qin Guan sighed, "Nothing much. Just thought of an illness I don't know how to treat yet, so I've been reading up on it."

Yue Ning's interest was immediately piqued. "What illness?"

Qin Guan blinked. "Madness..."

It wasn't that Qin Guan meant to hide the truth from Yue Ning, but venereal disease was hardly a pleasant topic, better left unmentioned. Yue Ning, predictably, looked surprised. "Why study that all of a sudden?"

Qin Guan smiled faintly. "Just something to occupy myself with. By the way, how is Young Master Wei's leg?"

Yue Ning nodded. "Much better. The wound is starting to heal."

Qin Guan gave a slight nod. "That's good. I'll go check on him tomorrow. And Her Highness the Grand Princess—is she well too?"

"Grandmother is much better. She's still following the prescription you gave her."

Qin Guan handed Yue Ning a cup of tea. "Good."

Then, eyeing Yue Ning with a smile, she said, "You wouldn't come without a reason. Out with it—what did you want to tell me?"

Yue Ning sighed. "Nothing much, really. Just that Wei Yanzhi's sentence has been finalized. The Duke's household will arrive tomorrow, and Prefect Huo, to avoid complications, is sending all prisoners sentenced to exile or worse to the capital today. Wei Yanzhi is among them. By now, he's probably already left the city."

Qin Guan was taken aback, not expecting Huo Huaixin to act so swiftly.

"I hadn't expected him to leave today."

Yue Ning sighed. "Exactly. Wei Yanzhi's case is to be transferred to the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice. The Prefect and the magistrate of Jinzhou Prefecture recommended execution in their indictment, but who knows what will happen once he reaches the capital. The Emperor grants amnesty every year. Until the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice reach a verdict, Wei Yanzhi's fate hangs in the balance."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes slightly. "If the Duke's household and the Wei family don't interfere, it's uncertain. But they won't stay uninvolved. The Duke's daughter is currently the Emperor's favorite. A single word from her, and Wei Yanzhi's fate will be sealed."Yue Ning shook her head, sighing, "How pitiful and tragic..."

Qin Guan poured more tea for Yue Ning. "Everything has its cause and effect. There's no need for you to grieve over this."

Having handled many such cases, Qin Guan knew that while some people might have no choice, Wei Yanzhi did. For individuals like him, she usually felt no pity or sympathy. However, since Yue Ning had once considered Wei Yanzhi a friend, it was natural for her to feel somewhat sorrowful now. Fortunately, Yue Ning was a free-spirited person. With a bitter smile, she waved her hand and said, "Enough, let's not talk about this anymore. Tomorrow, the Duke's household will arrive in Jinzhou. I want to see what they have to say."

"Who is the Duke's household sending?" Qin Guan quickly asked.

Yue Ning sneered. "Song Rou's father."

Qin Guan sighed. "With the Grand Princess present, they wouldn’t dare to be careless or disrespectful. It’s not a bad thing that Song Rou’s father is coming. Let’s see their attitude. Don’t worry—the Grand Princess knows what she’s doing."

Yue Ning snorted. "I just feel it’s utterly unfair to my elder brother. He could have had a much better marriage. But after this turmoil, his enthusiasm has waned. He’s heading to Shuoxi soon, and who knows when he’ll return? It’ll delay his marriage for several more years. Our Marquis’s household has suffered an undeserved calamity. And all of this—it’s the Emperor’s fault!"

Qin Guan glanced at Fuling by the door, who immediately stepped out and closed it.

Qin Guan cautioned, "Don’t say such things outside. Even though we’re in Jinzhou, it’s still highly disrespectful."

Yue Ning pressed her lips together. "Of course, I’d only say this in front of you. The Emperor is the instigator of all this. Tell me, what did our Marquis’s household do to deserve this? We joyfully prepared for a grand wedding—never mind the wasted silver—but my grandmother, father, mother, elder brother, and our entire family were filled with anticipation, only to be met with a murder case."

Qin Guan patted Yue Ning’s hand. "Consider it a stroke of bad luck. But once bad luck passes, good fortune will follow. Though your brother’s marriage was disrupted, perhaps his journey to Shuoxi will bring him great achievements?"

Yue Ning lifted her chin proudly. "My elder brother will surely succeed!"

Seeing Yue Ning’s spirits lift, Qin Guan changed the subject. But Yue Ning asked, "What happened at Qin Manor today? When I entered earlier, the servants all seemed uneasy."

Qin Guan smiled wryly and recounted Qin Shuang’s outburst. Yue Ning raised an eyebrow. "This Sixth Young Lady truly hasn’t improved at all. Madam Qin is far too lenient with her!"

Qin Guan also shook her head. "Constant leniency isn’t necessarily a good thing."

At this, Yue Ning suddenly blinked and said, "Could it be... Madam Qin deliberately raised the Sixth Young Lady to be like this?"

Qin Guan was taken aback. She hadn’t meant to imply that, but Yue Ning’s words sent a chill down her spine. If true, it would be akin to spoiling Qin Shuang into ruin—a form of "killing with kindness."

"I didn’t say that," Qin Guan chuckled, glancing at the door.

Yue Ning couldn’t help but laugh. "Don’t worry, this is just between us. But that Sixth Young Lady is truly a rare flower among noble ladies. As for how she became so... peculiar, I won’t dwell on it."

It was rare to see Yue Ning teasing someone, so Qin Guan indulged her. The two chatted a while longer before Yue Ning took her leave.

"Miss, if Young Master Wei has been sentenced to execution, does that mean he’ll be beheaded next autumn?"Qin Guan shook her head, "Not necessarily. If the death penalty is confirmed, it might not wait until next autumn."

Fuling sighed, "At first, none of us suspected Young Master Wei, but in the end, he couldn't escape. It truly shows that one mustn't do even the slightest bit of evil."

Qin Guan nodded in agreement, setting the matter aside for now as she returned to her book.

She read until dusk when Fuling brought in the evening meal. "Miss, please eat now. Don't read anymore tonight—you'll strain your eyes."

Putting down her book, Qin Guan walked over. Fuling, however, looked puzzled. "Miss, something strange has happened."

"What is it?" Qin Guan sat down and looked up to see Fuling's small face scrunched in confusion.

"Miss, the well in the east has been sealed."

Qin Guan paused, chopsticks in hand. "Sealed? Why? This afternoon, Manager Liu said the sludge had almost been cleared and it would soon be usable again."

Fuling shook her head. "They say the water from that well tastes odd, as if the last of the sludge couldn't be removed. They also mentioned it's an old well, and the bottom has sunk badly."

Qin Guan frowned. How could there be so many conflicting explanations in such a short time? Earlier, Liu Chun had clearly said the sludge was nearly cleared—why seal the well just half a day later?

"Miss, isn't it strange? Don't just think about it—eat your meal."

Qin Guan was full of suspicion. "After dinner, we'll go take a look—"

Fuling hesitated. Why bother going out at night for a well? She wanted to dissuade Qin Guan, but seeing her serious expression, she held her tongue.

After the meal, Qin Guan indeed took her cape and headed out. Outside the main hall, she saw the four "Wan" attendants waiting. She glanced at Wan Xing. "Wan Xing, come with me." With that, she walked out.

Wan Xing and Fuling followed Qin Guan toward the eastern courtyard, but the path was unusually deserted.

Qin Guan looked back at Fuling. "Who told you about this?"

"The kitchen maids. They use the well water most often, so they heard quickly."

Qin Guan nodded and quickened her pace along the corridor. The night had grown dark, and the further east they went, the quieter it became. Fuling carried a lantern, her unease growing as the darkness pressed in around them.

"Miss, why does it feel especially quiet here tonight...?"

Qin Guan frowned. She had noticed it too. She had visited the medicine storage at night before, but tonight was far quieter than usual.

"Perhaps it's just coincidence. There aren't many people around here at this hour."

As they spoke, the three neared the concubine's courtyard. Qin Guan headed straight for the well, but as she turned a corner, a graceful figure blocked her path. Looking closer, she saw it was Cai He.

"Greetings, Ninth Miss. What brings you here so late?"

Cai He wore a light green dress, her face adorned with a faint, polite smile as she regarded Qin Guan respectfully.

Qin Guan pursed her lips. "I came for a walk. What are you doing here?"Cai He glanced back in the direction of the flower shed and replied respectfully, "Today's incident alarmed Old Madam, so she sent me to check. She's also aware of what Sixth Young Miss said about touching human bones here. This afternoon, Old Madam invited a Taoist priest to perform rites. The priest confirmed there's indeed something strange about this well. Though Sixth Young Miss survived this fall unharmed, who knows what misfortunes this well might bring in the future? In her anger, Old Madam ordered the well to be sealed."

Qin Guan still remembered the time when she and Fuling were locked in the western backyard while rituals were performed outside for seven days and nights. Jiang Shi did indeed favor such practices, and Cai He's explanation made far more sense than the rumors Fuling had heard from the servants.

Qin Guan suddenly understood, "So that's why." As she spoke, she gazed into the distance and saw several figures moving beneath the previously chaotic flower shed. "It needs to be sealed tonight?"

Cai He nodded, "Exactly. Old Madam is particular about these things—not a single night can be delayed."

Qin Guan murmured an acknowledgment. Cai He glanced at Qin Guan, then at Wan Xing and Fuling, and asked, "Are these four servants serving Ninth Miss well? If there are any issues, you must speak up."

Qin Guan curved her lips slightly, "There’s hardly any work in my quarters, so naturally, they serve well."

Cai He smiled faintly in response, then looked up at the dark, starless sky. "No moon or stars tonight, and the air is chilly. Ninth Miss should retire early to avoid catching a cold."

Qin Guan nodded, "Yes, I was just about to return."

With that, she turned to leave. After a few steps, she glanced back and saw Cai He still standing there, smiling at her. Though Qin Guan saw the smile, she felt no warmth in her heart. She knew Cai He represented Jiang Shi at this moment.

"So that’s why they’re sealing the well. Old Madam is far too superstitious... Today, Sixth Miss fell in because she wasn’t paying attention. Do they really think some man-eating monster dragged her in?" Fuling muttered under her breath, sending a chill down her own spine.

Qin Guan remained silent. Though she found it entirely unnecessary, she knew some people attributed everything to supernatural causes. Given how devoutly Jiang Shi practiced Buddhism, it wasn’t impossible.

Qin Guan sighed inwardly. Coming here so late at night was perhaps her being overly cautious.

Liu Chun had mentioned clearing the well for use during the day, yet now it was to be sealed at night. This inconsistency made Qin Guan instinctively suspect something strange about the well. Combined with Qin Shuang’s mention of human bones, she couldn’t sit still.

Then again, Yao Xinlan might have been right. The Qin Manor had been inhabited for years—who would allow human bones to remain on their property? And judging by Jiang Shi’s attitude, she clearly tolerated no trace of the supernatural.

With her mind settled, Qin Guan returned to Orchid Isle Courtyard. She entered the main hall while Fuling oversaw the servants securing the doors and windows before joining her inside. It was now the second quarter of the Xu hour (around 7:30 PM), and Qin Guan waited in the Warm Chamber for Qin Li.

"Miss, here are today’s medicine packets."

Fuling brought in the prepared packets, and the two waited for movement outside the window.

A quarter-hour later, there was a sound. Fuling stepped forward and opened the window, revealing Qin Li, clad in black with a cape draped over his shoulders. He glanced at Qin Guan and Fuling, then bowed slightly. "Ninth Sister."

The once-proud Qin Li now showed not a trace of arrogance. Qin Guan approached with the medicine packets and asked, "How have you been these past two days?"

Qin Li replied, "Thanks to your medicine, no new sores have appeared on my neck. But..." His gaze lowered as if struggling to speak.

Qin Guan frowned. "Speak plainly."Qin Li's brows furrowed into deep lines, his face a picture of distress. Qin Guan frowned, her expression turning stern as she was about to speak when Qin Li hesitantly said, "But the swelling has started in the lower body..."

Fuling widened her eyes in surprise beside them, but Qin Guan remained serious. "Skin ulceration, sores, and swelling are all normal symptoms. Here are new medicine packets—the larger ones are for washing, the smaller ones for internal use. Still four times a day."

Qin Li looked up, and Qin Guan instructed, "Stretch out your hand."

As Qin Li extended his hand, Qin Guan rolled up her sleeve and placed her fingertips on his wrist. Fuling watched nervously from the side. After taking his pulse, Qin Guan shook her head. "Keep taking the medicine for now. Come back tomorrow."

Qin Li's heart sank slightly. "Ninth Miss—"

Qin Guan sighed. "This illness is inherently difficult to treat. For now, we can only hope the medicine can halt the ulceration. But the effects are slow—it won't show obvious improvement after just one or two doses."

Qin Li clenched the medicine packets. "I trust you, Ninth Miss!"

Whether Qin Li trusted her or not, Qin Guan herself had no certainty. She waved her hand dismissively. "We'll see if there's any improvement tomorrow. You may go."

Qin Li nodded and was about to leave when he suddenly added, "Did Sixth Miss fall into the well today?"

Qin Guan hadn’t expected Qin Li to know about this and nodded. "Yes, it was an accident. She was rescued and is fine."

Qin Li gazed at her with deep, somber eyes. "Ninth Miss, don’t go to the Purple Bamboo Forest, and don’t fall into the well either."

The cool night breeze carried his ominous words, leaving Qin Guan momentarily stunned. Before she could question him, Qin Li turned and walked away briskly. Watching his figure disappear into the darkness, Qin Guan couldn’t shake off a strange feeling.

...

Early the next morning, Qin Guan rose to prepare for her visit to the Marquis Anyang Manor. She brought medicine for the Grand Princess as well as ointment for Wei Qizhi’s leg injury. After breakfast, she set out with Fuling.

By the time the carriage arrived leisurely at the manor, the sun was already high in the sky. Approaching the gates, Qin Guan noticed seven or eight luxurious lacquered carriages parked outside. Recalling Yue Ning’s words from the previous day, she guessed who their owners might be.

The gatekeeper recognized Qin Guan immediately and ushered her inside. Before she had taken more than a few steps, Lü Qi came forward to greet her. Surprised to see Lü Qi, Qin Guan listened as the maid explained, "Ninth Miss, the Duke’s household has just arrived. The Old Madam, the Marquis, and Madam are all in the main hall discussing matters. The County Princess is there too. Knowing you’ve arrived, she asked me to take you to the Old Madam’s courtyard to wait. Once the Old Madam finishes receiving the guests, she’ll have you check her pulse."

Qin Guan nodded slightly and asked, "Is the Grand Princess well?"

Lü Qi blinked. "Of course. No matter how presumptuous the Duke’s household may be, they wouldn’t dare displease the Old Madam."

Qin Guan felt somewhat relieved. After all, the Duke’s household was at fault in this matter—Song Rou’s death had nothing to do with the Marquis Anyang Manor. Moreover, the manor had done everything possible, showing utmost benevolence. Yet the Duke’s household, fully aware of Song Rou’s moral failings, still married her off here—a grave insult to the Marquis Anyang Manor.Qin Guan was only worried that the Grand Princess might harm her health in anger, but hearing Green Chess's words, it seemed the master of the Duke's residence was quite reasonable and knew right from wrong.

Qin Guan knew the way to the Grand Princess's courtyard, and with Green Chess accompanying her, they quickly arrived at the gate. Servants were waiting inside and, upon seeing Qin Guan, eagerly and respectfully served tea. Qin Guan sat in the main hall, waiting for the Grand Princess to return.

"Oh, by the way, has Young Master Wei gone?"

Hearing this, Green Chess chuckled. "No, Young Master Wei said he didn’t want to see the master of the Duke's residence."

Qin Guan raised her brows slightly. "How much longer until the Grand Princess returns?"

Green Chess replied, "I’m afraid they’ll be talking for a while longer. Does Ninth Miss wish to see Young Master Wei first?"

The entire marquis’s household knew Qin Guan was treating Young Master Wei’s leg injury, so it was perfectly natural for her to visit him. Qin Guan nodded. "Let’s make it quick. After checking on the Grand Princess’s condition later, I can return home."

Green Chess quickly agreed. "Very well, this servant will escort you there now."

Qin Guan set down the medicine package for the Grand Princess and followed Green Chess to the East courtyard.

Having not seen him for several days, Qin Guan spotted Wei Qizhi hopping around the courtyard on one leg, leaning on a crutch as soon as she entered. Looking closer, she saw several squares drawn on the ground with branches, each spaced a few squares apart and labeled with a horse’s name. Qin Guan was stunned, while Green Chess coughed lightly beside her.

Wei Qizhi struggled to stop and steady himself, while Wu Shu had already noticed Qin Guan and exclaimed joyfully, "Ninth Miss is here!"

Qin Guan walked into the courtyard and looked at Wei Qizhi. "Young Master Wei, what are you doing?"

Wiping sweat from his forehead, Wei Qizhi explained, "This is a game I invented—Hundred-Zhang Flying Horses. Each square represents four zhang, and there are twenty-five squares in total. Each person can choose a horse. Here’s a die..."

He revealed a die in his palm. "The roll determines whether the horse is top-grade, mid-grade, or low-grade, and whether it has a saddle, stirrups, or a whip. If a horse is top-grade and has all the equipment, it’s the fastest and will finish the hundred zhang first."

Qin Guan roughly understood what he was saying. Though she found it somewhat amusing, her temperament was nothing like Wei Qizhi’s, and she hadn’t come to watch him play. Frowning, she said, "Young Master Wei, your leg injury hasn’t healed yet. If sitting for too long makes you uncomfortable, just have Wu Shu massage your legs. Jumping around like this isn’t good for bone recovery."

She gestured to the medicine package in her hand. "Starting today, we’ll switch to this medicine."

Pointing to a nearby lounge chair, she added, "Lie down. I’ll check how the wound is healing."

Wei Qizhi naturally obeyed Qin Guan’s instructions and immediately hopped over to the chair. Wu Shu took his crutch and helped him sit, then rolled up his trouser leg. Qin Guan crouched down and touched the bandaged cotton cloth.

With a slight pinch, Wei Qizhi’s lips trembled. Qin Guan asked, "Does it hurt?"

Wei Qizhi shook his head like a rattle drum. "No, no, not at all..."

Qin Guan frowned and pinched harder. "Does it hurt?"

Wei Qizhi’s lips trembled violently again, his face turning pale, but he still shook his head. "No, no..."Qin Guan glanced around, picked up the tea tray from the nearby table, and raised her hand as if to strike it down on his leg. The gesture frightened Wei Qizhi so much that his face turned pale, and he hastily cried out, "Ninth Miss, spare me..."

Frowning, Qin Guan asked seriously again, "Does it hurt?"

Wei Qizhi nodded vigorously, "It hurts! It hurts so much I'm seeing stars!"

Fuling and Lüqi burst into laughter beside them. Qin Guan smirked slightly and curled her lips, "The physician is asking about your symptoms, not the time for you to show off your toughness!"

Wei Qizhi grimaced, looking rather aggrieved, "I thought Ninth Miss was checking whether her medicine was effective. I didn’t want to discourage you..."

Qin Guan sighed helplessly and shook her head, "The swelling has already gone down. Now it's time to heal your bone injury. Did you prepare the wooden boards I asked for last time?"

Wei Qizhi nodded, "They're ready!"

Qin Guan then turned to Wu Shu, "Go fetch them."

Wu Shu swiftly entered the room and soon returned with two thin wooden boards, each about half a chi long. Qin Guan first removed the cotton gauze from Wei Qizhi's leg, reapplied the ointment, then placed the boards on either side of his leg before tightly wrapping them together. Watching Qin Guan's smooth and practiced bandaging, Wei Qizhi frowned slightly, "Ninth Miss is so young, yet you handle this so skillfully?"

Without looking up, Qin Guan replied, "Talent. Intelligence."

Wei Qizhi's brow twitched. Qin Guan added, "I heard someone from the Duke's residence has arrived. Why doesn’t Young Master Wei go greet your uncle?"

Wei Qizhi lifted his chin defiantly, "He’s the one who broke my leg! Even if he’s my uncle, unless he apologizes, I won’t go see him. Hmph!"

Qin Guan chuckled and was about to tease him further when she suddenly noticed an inexplicable silence had fallen over the courtyard.

Puzzled, Qin Guan heard Fuling and Lüqi's voices as they bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, Crown Prince—"

Qin Guan froze momentarily, her hand still holding the cotton cloth, but she turned around first. Raising her eyes, she immediately saw Yan Chi standing at the courtyard gate.

By the time Qin Guan noticed Yan Chi, he had already been watching her. When he saw her holding Wei Qizhi's calf with one hand and the gauze with the other, his phoenix eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"

"Ah?" Qin Guan was uncharacteristically stunned. "I'm treating Young Master Wei's leg injury."

Yan Chi's brow furrowed. He strode forward, pulling Qin Guan to her feet. As she stood, her grip loosened, and Wei Qizhi's leg, now unsupported, slammed against the armrest of the lounge chair with a loud "thud," sending tears of pain to his eyes.

Meanwhile, Qin Guan stared at Yan Chi's hand in surprise. "What’s wrong, Crown Prince?"

Yan Chi paused mid-step. "It’s not me—it’s your Qin Manor."

Qin Guan frowned. "Qin Manor? What’s wrong with Qin Manor?"

A shadow flickered briefly in Yan Chi's eyes before he said firmly, "Someone just reported to the magistrate’s office... that there’s been a death in Qin Manor."