Coroner's Diary

"Old Madam, Eldest Young Master, Prince Rui's heir requests your presence."

When the constable arrived, the prayer beads Jiang Shi had been rotating in her hands abruptly stilled. Her half-closed eyes opened fully before she nodded slowly. "Very well, we shall go at once."

The constable nodded and departed. Lin Shi immediately helped Jiang Shi to her feet. "Mother, this—"

Jiang Shi raised a hand, cutting off Lin Shi's words, then turned to Qin Chen. "Chen'er, stick to what we agreed earlier. Pay no mind to anything else."

Qin Chen hesitated, "But—"

Jiang Shi pressed her lips together. "No buts. If the truth cannot be concealed, then it is fate."

Qin Chen exhaled deeply and strode out. Cai He quickly stepped forward to assist Lin Shi in supporting Jiang Shi as they followed. Consort Liu's courtyard had already been sealed off, so Yan Chi had chosen another side hall for questioning.

When Jiang Shi and the others entered, they found Yan Chi seated with a stern expression in the host's seat, while Huo Huaixin stood respectfully to the side. Even Governor Huo dared not sit in Yan Chi's presence, let alone anyone else.

"Greetings to the Crown Prince and to the Prefect."

The Qin Manor party bowed in salute. Huo Huaixin waved his hand dismissively. "Rise, rise."

Though Huo Huaixin spoke casually, his eyes flicked toward Yan Chi at the head of the room. The prince's expression was indifferent as he idly toyed with a small bone pendant at his waist, appearing like a disinterested bystander. Yet an aura of intimidating authority radiated from him. Huo Huaixin averted his gaze and asked, "May I ask who among you arrived here first?"

Qin Chen frowned slightly as Lin Shi stepped forward. "Governor Huo, it was this humble wife."

Huo Huaixin nodded, his tone polite. "So it was the madam who arrived first. Might I ask—when you entered the courtyard, did you immediately see Consort Liu lying strangled upon the bed?"

Lin Shi's eyes flickered before she nodded. "Exactly so."

Huo Huaixin smiled amiably and turned to the constable at the door. "Bring in the two maids who attended Consort Liu."

The constable acknowledged and left. Qin Chen couldn't help interjecting, "Does the Prefect have some doubts?"

Huo Huaixin maintained his smiling facade. "No, no. Since you arrived later, we won't trouble you with questions. We'll just ask the maids shortly..."

Qin Chen pressed his lips together, his brow furrowing slightly.

Huo Huaixin glanced again at Yan Chi, who continued playing with the bone pendant as if oblivious to the conversation. Yet his gaze was piercing, and though it didn't rest on Jiang Shi's group, his presence was impossible to ignore.

Huo Huaixin felt a twinge of unease. Observing those below, he noted that apart from Jiang Shi, both Qin Chen and Lin Shi appeared tense, while the young maidservant standing nearby nervously twisted her sleeves between her fingers.

Huo Huaixin sighed inwardly. Just then, two young maids in green attire entered.

"Greetings to Your Excellencies—"

As they knelt in salute, Huo Huaixin dispensed with formal introductions and asked directly, "Who are you?"

"This humble servant is Xiuqin—"

"This humble servant is Xiushu—"

They answered in turn, their names evoking cultured elegance. Huo Huaixin nodded. "Which of you discovered Consort Liu's body this morning?"The two were taken aback, instinctively lowering their gazes before Xiuqin spoke up, "It... it was this servant."

Huo Huaixin gave a noncommittal hum, then turned to Xiuqin, "You—how did you come to see Consort Liu?"

Xiuqin clutched the hem of her garment nervously, "This servant heard Xiuqin cry out, so I went to look. When I got there, I saw the consort lying on the bed, already lifeless..."

Huo Huaixin let out a long hum, the sound alone making Xiuqin and the other servant break out in cold sweat.

"So, you were the first to see Consort Liu's body, Xiuqin?"

Xiuqin nodded, beads of sweat the size of peas rolling down her cheeks. Huo Huaixin's cold gaze fixed on her as he chuckled lightly, "Are you truly the first one who saw Consort Liu's body?"

Xiuqin glanced up at Huo Huaixin, gritted her teeth, and nodded again, "It was this servant."

The smile on Huo Huaixin's face slowly faded, his eyes turning sharp as ice. "I'll ask you once more—when you first saw Consort Liu this morning, was she already like this?"

Xiuqin swallowed hard, her face growing even paler. Hesitation flickered across her features as she glanced at Lin Shi, but seeing her mistress avert her gaze, she could only nod again. "Yes, my lord!"

Huo Huaixin narrowed his eyes and suddenly let out a cold laugh. "Daring to lie before the Crown Prince and this official—do you truly not know the law? Guards! Drag her out and give her thirty lashes—"

His voice, initially gentle, now carried the fury of thunder. Xiuqin's face drained of color. "My lord! My lord! This servant didn't lie... I truly—"

Her words dissolved into incoherence as she cast a pleading look at Lin Shi, but Lin Shi only clung tightly to Jiang Shi's arm, refusing to meet her gaze. Tears streamed down Xiuqin's face. "This servant is wronged! I didn't lie, my lord... spare me, my lord!"

Before she could plead further, the bailiffs at the door stepped forward and dragged her out without another word. A young girl like Xiuqin was no match for the strength of two grown men, and she was hauled away like a struggling fish. Thirty lashes from the Qin Manor's own people might have been bearable, but these were the prefecture's bailiffs—strong men accustomed to punishing criminals. Thirty lashes from them would leave her half-dead if not worse.

Xiuqin fought desperately, her anguished cries echoing far into the distance...

"Prefect, spare her."

Just as Xiuqin was about to be taken away, Jiang Shi, clutching her prayer beads, suddenly spoke with a sigh.

Huo Huaixin's smile returned as he faced her. "Oh? What does the Old Madam mean by this?"

Jiang Shi regarded him expressionlessly, her wrinkled face a picture of weary resignation, though a faint glimmer still lingered in her clouded eyes. "This old woman understands the Prefect's meaning. Spare her. If there is anything the Prefect wishes to know, ask me instead..."

Huo Huaixin's smile remained unshaken as he waved a hand at the bailiffs by the door.

They released Xiuqin, who collapsed to her knees with a choked sob, pressing her forehead to the floor.Huo Huaixin then said, "Just now, the coroner from the prefectural office examined Consort Liu's body and found that she was strangled after midnight. After death, she should have been lying on her side, but about an hour ago, someone moved her to lie on her back. Additionally, Consort Liu had injuries on her hands, yet there were no signs of struggle or fighting in her room. It doesn’t seem like she was killed in her own quarters. This maid claims she was the first to see Consort Liu. I suspect that when she first saw her, Consort Liu wasn’t in the state she is now. What does Old Madam think?"

Jiang Shi listened expressionlessly. Even after Huo Huaixin finished speaking, she remained silent. Just as Huo Huaixin thought she wouldn’t answer and was about to speak again, Jiang Shi finally responded in a heavy tone, "Xiuqin, tell the truth."

Hearing her name called, Xiuqin trembled. "Old Madam..."

Jiang Shi sighed and continued, looking at Huo Huaixin, "Prefect, lying was my instruction. It’s just... just that Consort Liu’s death was rather disgraceful. For the sake of Qin Manor’s reputation, I had her lie."

With Jiang Shi speaking so frankly, Qin Chen and Lin Shi beside her also sighed.

Qin Chen pressed his lips together and added, "Consort Liu was quite favored in the manor, but Father had only been ill for a little over half a month, and she actually left her courtyard in the middle of the night..." Qin Chen’s face showed discomfort, and his words trailed off.

Huo Huaixin raised an eyebrow. Meanwhile, Xiuqin, prostrated on the ground, spoke up, "Reporting to the Prefect, this servant... this servant woke up this morning and went to the main room as usual to see if the consort had risen. But when I opened the door, she wasn’t there. It was just dawn, and I didn’t know where the consort had gone, so I went out to look. I first headed toward the front courtyard, but before I had gone far, I heard two screams from the direction of the eastern rear courtyard. Sensing something was wrong, I hurried back toward the sound. When I arrived, I saw... I saw Consort Liu dead under the flower trellis in the eastern courtyard..."

She paused, swallowing hard before continuing, "And... and at the time, Consort Liu’s clothes were in disarray, looking utterly horrifying. A young cleaning servant from the manor had discovered her. Both of us panicked. I told her to stay while I went to fetch Madam. Madam came with her attendants and then informed Old Madam. When Old Madam arrived and saw Consort Liu’s disheveled state, she worried about harmful rumors spreading in the manor. So, while Madam sent someone to report to the authorities, Old Madam had the consort’s body returned to her courtyard and her clothes changed."

After finishing, Xiuqin gasped for breath, kneeling and trembling on the ground, clearly terrified.

Hearing this, Huo Huaixin glanced at Yan Chi, who had been idly toying with a bone pendant, his expression dark. Finally, Yan Chi set the pendant aside and swept his gaze over the people below. "So, you believe Consort Liu was killed because she was involved with someone else?"

Qin Chen replied gravely, "Reporting to Your Highness, my mother and grandmother described Consort Liu’s disheveled appearance. Moreover, in the dead of night, she left her courtyard alone. By all accounts, it was improper behavior..."Qin Chen wore a pained expression. "Although she was only a concubine in the household, both Father and Mother treated her with great kindness. Now... now that she has been murdered, we should naturally grieve for her. But if she had engaged in improper relations with someone else, where would that leave the dignity of Qin Manor?"

Huo Huaixin raised his eyebrows with some difficulty. The reasoning was sound—though she was a concubine, she was still Qin Laoye's woman. If there truly had been any scandalous behavior, it would bring shame to Qin Laoye, and people would say the Qin family lacked proper discipline.

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "I wonder if Old Madam, for the sake of Qin Manor's reputation, has concealed anything else?"

Jiang Shi shook her head, lowering her gaze. "No, nothing else. The clothes changed at that time—if the Prefect needs them, Xiuqin can bring them to the main hall later."

Huo Huaixin nodded with a smile. "Yes, yes. Old Madam is devout in her Buddhist faith and naturally harbors a compassionate heart. But if anything is concealed, it hinders the investigation. Regardless of the reason that person killed Consort Liu, they are a dangerous criminal to Old Madam, Madam, and all the masters of Qin Manor. If we don’t catch them, everyone remains at risk, no?"

Jiang Shi inclined her head. "The Prefect speaks wisely."

Yan Chi, impatient with the pleasantries, cut straight to the point. "Very well. Everyone may withdraw for now. Since the authorities have begun investigating this case, we will certainly give Qin Manor an answer. As for the initial concealment... we’ll let it pass for now."

Qin Chen hastily bowed with clasped fists. "Thank you, Crown Prince. Thank you, Prefect."

Huo Huaixin smiled. "Alright, there’s nothing else for now. I understand your concerns. Quickly escort Old Madam to rest. Once all the inner courtyard servants have been questioned, you may return to your own quarters."

Qin Chen bowed again to Huo Huaixin before supporting Jiang Shi as they walked out.

As Qin Chen stepped outside, he glanced around but failed to spot Qin Guan. Suspicion flickered in his heart, but he refrained from asking. Just as he turned away, he faintly heard Qin Guan’s voice from the side hall they had just left. Startled, he looked at Jiang Shi. "Grandmother, Ninth Sister—"

Jiang Shi narrowed her eyes. "She doesn’t know anything either. The Crown Prince and Governor Huo value her only out of respect for the Grand Princess. Let her be—it’s her good fortune."

Qin Chen nodded and asked no further.

......

In the side hall, Qin Guan and Xu He emerged from an adjoining chamber.

Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan. "Well? Does it match your deductions?"

Qin Guan nodded. "More or less. Earlier, I examined carefully—the wounds on Consort Liu’s palms were mostly linear abrasions, with tiny particles embedded in them. She was undoubtedly killed outside. Once Xiuqin brings the clothes and shoes, we’ll have even more clues. As for the corpse examination, Coroner Xu should be able to handle it alone this time."

Xu He immediately waved his hands. "No, no, we still need Ninth Miss to take charge—"

Qin Guan shook her head. "This examination is very straightforward. Try it yourself—you’ll certainly manage. I can’t be involved every time. You’re the coroner of Jinzhou Prefecture’s yamen. You must learn to stand on your own."Upon hearing this, Xu He felt a surge of warmth in his chest. He understood these principles well, but with Qin Guan present, he feared that conducting a corpse examination in front of her would be like showing off one's meager skills before an expert. Moreover, he worried about delaying the investigation, which was why he had initially declined. Now, after Qin Guan's words, he immediately straightened his back. "Very well, then I shall give it a try. Watching Ninth Miss perform corpse examinations the past few times has taught me a great deal. If I make any mistakes this time, I humbly ask for Ninth Miss's guidance and corrections..."

Qin Guan nodded. At this moment, Yan Chi suddenly asked, "Why isn't the Second Young Master of Qin Manor here?"

Huo Huaixin shook his head with a wry smile. "This Second Young Master has also fallen ill. Moreover, people from his courtyard have testified that he never left his quarters last night, so we allowed him to return to his own courtyard to rest."

Yan Chi nodded. Meanwhile, Qin Guan thought about Qin Li and found no apparent connection to Liu Shi, so she temporarily dismissed her suspicions of him and turned to Yan Chi. "Would Your Highness like to inspect the flower arbor?"

Yan Chi stood up. "Lead the way."

Huo Huaixin said, "Your Highness and Ninth Miss may proceed first. This official will wait for Consort Liu's clothing and shoes. If more clues emerge, I will send them to Your Highness shortly."

Yan Chi nodded and looked at Qin Guan, who turned and exited, leading Yan Chi toward the flower arbor.

Leaving the side hall, they followed the corridor forward, passing Liu Shi's courtyard, then turned twice along the winding corridor until the shadow of the flower arbor came into view. A few more steps revealed the entire structure.

At this sight, Yan Chi frowned. "Why is it so messy?"

All the servants of the inner courtyard had been taken away for questioning, leaving the area around the flower arbor eerily silent and devoid of people. Bai Feng and Fuling, along with several constables, followed behind Yan Chi and Qin Guan as they approached the arbor.

Yan Chi glanced at the constables. "Search the surroundings for anything suspicious. Also, find some rope and cordon off the entire flower arbor. No one except those involved in the case is allowed near."

Qin Guan's eyes brightened slightly as she observed Yan Chi. She had only known of his twelve years on the battlefield but was unaware he also had some methodical skills in criminal investigation.

The constables obeyed his orders, while Yan Chi stepped beneath the flower arbor.

Qin Guan followed him, looking at the still somewhat disordered central area. "Your Highness, the mess here is because there was originally a well in this spot."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. "A well?"

Qin Guan nodded and walked under the arbor with Yan Chi.

Though called a flower arbor, it was merely an open pavilion with a roof built to conceal the well. Because the surrounding corridors and flower beds exuded elegance, wooden frames had been erected around the pavilion and planted with wisteria vines. Now, the vines climbed the frames, giving the appearance of a flower arbor.

Last night, Old Madam had ordered the well sealed. The dismantled well platform had not been rebuilt, and after the well was filled, the ground had been leveled. However, due to the late hour, the well opening had not yet been covered with stone slabs. Then, with the incident this morning, the area around the well remained earthen, surrounded by scattered planks, ropes, and bricks, creating a chaotic scene. Why would Eighth Concubine come here in the dead of night?"There used to be a well here. These days, Qin Manor has been clearing the sludge from the well. It was still being cleaned yesterday, but... but there was some trouble yesterday. My sixth sister fell into the well. Whether she was frightened or not, she claimed to have seen human bones at the bottom. Later, Third Uncle's wife sent Manager Liu down to investigate, and they found only muddy dead branches. It turned out to be a false alarm for my sixth sister, but the commotion was quite significant. When Old Madam learned of this, she invited a Taoist priest, who said the well was rather inauspicious and might bring further misfortune. So they ordered it to be filled in."

Qin Guan explained this to Yan Chi, who nodded and said, "I see."

Yan Chi then glanced around the flower shed. "At night, this place is probably deserted, making it quiet enough. But if, as the eldest young master and Old Madam suggest, she was engaging in an illicit affair with someone, choosing this spot for a rendezvous would still be rather reckless. Anyone coming here would be easily spotted unless it was just for a brief meeting—"

The flower shed had entrances at both ends, with flower trellises sealing the sides. Standing behind one of the trellises, Yan Chi was already partially concealed. By midnight, the trellis would almost completely hide a person.

Yet, as Yan Chi had pointed out, if Liu Shi had indeed come here for a secret tryst, why choose this spot?

With this thought, Qin Guan's gaze instinctively shifted to the distant Purple Bamboo Forest. They were already in the eastern rear courtyard, only about thirty meters from the Purple Bamboo Forest to the northeast. A few corridors led straight to it. If it were truly an affair, the bamboo forest would have been a far better choice than this flower shed—unless Liu Shi had only stepped out briefly to meet someone.

"What are you looking at?"

To Qin Guan, the Purple Bamboo Forest had always been the most mysterious place in the manor. Her thoughts often drifted there unconsciously, and this time, she was lost in them until Yan Chi's voice snapped her back to reality.

"I was thinking that if it really was an affair, they should have at least chosen a more secluded spot. Although this place could serve as a hiding spot at night, it's still not discreet enough. And if caught in such an act, the consequences would be severe."

Yan Chi followed Qin Guan's gaze toward the bamboo forest. "Even that bamboo grove would be better than here."

After a brief hesitation, Qin Guan said, "That bamboo forest is a forbidden area in the manor. Under normal circumstances, no one dares to go there."

"Forbidden area?" Yan Chi's interest was piqued. By nature, he didn't believe in such restrictions. "How so? Forbidden areas are usually tied to secrets."

Qin Guan glanced around before lowering her voice. "Many years ago, one of the manor's concubines hanged herself in that forest..."

Understanding dawned in Yan Chi's eyes. If falling into a well could make it seem inauspicious, a place where someone had died would naturally be avoided. Noble families were always deeply concerned with omens, as if the prosperity of their centuries-old lineage depended on such superstitions. Though Yan Chi didn't agree with this mindset, he could understand it. He had initially wanted to explore the forest, but after this revelation, he shook his head and dismissed the idea."Master, I've checked all around and found no unusual traces." Before long, Bai Feng returned. The area around the flower shed was merely bordered by the small courtyards of a few concubines, with the nearest features being some winding corridors, flower beds, and the estate's pathways. There really weren't many places to hide anything, and the killer had naturally been extremely cautious, leaving no easy clues to find.

As Bai Feng finished speaking, Qin Guan had already crouched down. The ground beneath the flower shed was paved with bluestone slabs, making it difficult for traces to remain. However, the well opening had been filled with earth. Qin Guan rolled up her sleeves and gently brushed her hand over the soil's surface.

"Although this place looks messy, the bluestone slabs appear to have been swept clean. A thin layer of dry dust has been spread over the soil here." As she spoke, Qin Guan carefully brushed away the dry dust.

Yan Chi looked down and immediately noticed Qin Guan's delicate, onion-like fingertips covered in dirt and dust. Frowning, he crouched beside her. "You don't need to do this..."

Before he could finish, Qin Guan, without looking up, replied, "Since the Crown Prince trusts Qin Guan, it's only natural for me to offer my assistance."

Yan Chi's brow furrowed. "Your help with the corpse examination is enough. These tasks are for the constables."

Qin Guan shook her head. "I also wish to find the killer as soon as possible. There's no need for formalities, Crown Prince. These minor details are trivial. I'll handle them as they come to mind—it's no trouble."

Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan, inexplicably sensing a heaviness in her tone. Yet upon reflection, she always seemed this way when investigating cases and conducting corpse examinations. He sighed inwardly and said, "It was likely the Old Madam of Qin Manor who ordered the cleaning. Their actions are so reckless—I wonder if there's any legal accountability for such behavior!"

Qin Guan also felt helpless. She understood Jiang Shi's intentions, but such a blatant and absurd attempt to cover up the truth was almost laughable. What was infuriating was that she had actually gone through with it. Now, many pieces of evidence and clues had been inadvertently destroyed, making it much harder to uncover the truth.

"These look like footprints..."

As the dry dust was brushed away, uneven marks on the soil were revealed.

But Qin Guan frowned. "We can't accurately determine which of these footprints was the last to be left. The well was sealed last night, and it's highly likely they stepped here while moving Consort Liu's body, so the scene is quite chaotic."

Yan Chi suggested, "Later, when the Prefect summons Xiuqin, we can hear her account of what Consort Liu looked like when she was found and what actions were taken afterward."

Qin Guan glanced once more at the uneven footprints and nodded.

Her gaze swept around as she carefully examined the flower shed. The stone slabs made it difficult for marks to remain, and any that had were already swept away. However, the flower stands nearby told a different story. Upon closer inspection, Qin Guan noticed small, irregular wounds on several wisteria leaves. "Your Highness, come take a look—"

Yan Chi stood beside her, and Qin Guan pointed out, "These wisteria vines have always grown exceptionally well. But look—these marks on the leaves seem to have been made by grasping, and here, the leaves are missing, with the vine nearly torn off."

Yan Chi also observed the traces. "Are these signs of struggle left when Liu Shi was killed?"

Qin Guan nodded. "Possibly."

Just then, Huo Huaixin approached from a distance, accompanied by Xiuqin, Xiushu, and two bailiffs. One of the bailiffs carried a small bundle—likely the clothes Liu Shi had been wearing at the time of her death.

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes and walked to the entrance of the flower shed. Huo Huaixin strode forward and announced, "Here we are, Crown Prince, Ninth Miss. These are Liu Shi's clothes..."

Yan Chi nodded and turned to Xiuqin. "Describe how Consort Liu looked when you first saw her this morning."

Xiuqin's face was deathly pale, her eyes still red. "Yes... When I rushed over this morning, the servant responsible for sweeping was standing outside the flower shed, his broom dropped to the ground in fright. I went to the entrance and... was terrified out of my wits. I saw... I saw the Consort lying in the center-left of the flower shed, her eyes wide open, her neck tilted back strangely... just like this, lying on her side..."

As she spoke, Xiuqin gestured, confirming Qin Guan's earlier observations.

"Was her left shoulder touching the ground?" Qin Guan asked.

Xiuqin nodded vigorously. "Yes, exactly!"

Qin Guan beckoned her closer. "Come here. Tell me specifically where her head and feet were positioned."Xiuqin walked into the flower shed and pointed at the soil in the middle. "Concubine Liu's feet were just outside here, her head facing left, her body lying sideways on the ground. And on the ground, I clearly remember, there was a dragging mark—from here to... here..."

She gestured, indicating the path from the filled-in well's soil surface to where Liu Shi had ultimately lain.

Qin Guan glanced at Yan Chi. The people from Qin Manor didn’t yet know she could perform corpse examinations, so it wasn’t appropriate for her to ask too many questions.

Yan Chi immediately understood her meaning and asked, "The Old Madam mentioned her clothes were disheveled. How so?"

Xiuqin nervously clenched her sleeves. "Her skirt was somewhat messy, and the collar of her robe was slightly pulled open."

Yan Chi frowned. "Just that?"

Xiuqin shrank her neck and nodded. "Yes, it did look a bit improper, but it wasn’t... it wasn’t as if her clothes were half-open or she was exposed."

Meanwhile, Huo Huaixin interjected, "The Old Madam suspects your concubine was involved with an outsider. Tell me, did she ever have close interactions with other men?"

Xiuqin’s face paled, and she shook her head fearfully. "No, never. From what I saw, Concubine Liu never had any improper dealings with other men. But... she didn’t like us servants always attending to her, so sometimes we didn’t know everything."

Yan Chi pressed further, "How did you clean up this area?"

Xiuqin lowered her head. "First, we moved Concubine Liu back to her courtyard and changed her clothes. Then... the ground here was dirty, and some leaves had fallen. The Old Madam ordered us to sweep it, so we cleaned up the soil, dust, and leaves. That was all."

Yan Chi and Qin Guan exchanged a glance but asked no further. Huo Huaixin narrowed his eyes and, seeing they had no more questions, turned to a nearby constable. "Take these two to Captain Lin for further interrogation."

The words frightened Xiuqin and the other servant, their eyes reddening as they followed the constable away in fear.

Once they were gone, Qin Guan walked over and took the bundle from the constable’s hands. Opening it, she found a pair of shoes and a water-red dress, nearly identical to what Liu Shi had been wearing earlier.

Qin Guan shook out the dress first. As it unfolded, a strong scent of perfumed powder wafted out, so pungent it stung her nose. She examined it closely and suddenly frowned. The back, lower back, hips, and hem of the dress were all stained with dirt, and there were even a few tears near the hips. Qin Guan pursed her lips and bent to inspect the shoes.

The toes were brand new, but the heels showed signs of wear. The shoes were also coated in a layer of soil. Qin Guan glanced at the soil near the well—it was an exact match.

She handed the bundle to Huo Huaixin. "We can now confirm that Liu Shi was killed here."

Then, looking at Yan Chi, she added, "The cause of death was the strangulation mark on her neck. Based on its direction, the killer likely attacked from behind. The dirt and tears on her dress support this."

Qin Guan walked outside the flower shed. "Last night, she left her courtyard and came to the entrance of the flower shed..."Qin Guan walked inside. "After entering, she might have exchanged a few words with the murderer, then turned to the right..." Qin Guan turned around. "At that moment, the murderer strangled her from behind. She was dragged back two steps and, unable to resist, was pulled to the ground and strangled to death."

As she spoke, Qin Guan's brow twitched slightly—Ninth Miss had been strangled alive back then.

Yan Chi watched as Qin Guan reenacted the crime scene. For some reason, the imagery left him unsettled. Qin Guan, however, turned with a frown. "Who was she here to meet? At that time, she should have already bathed, freshened up, and retired for the night. Yet when she came out, she had changed into new clothes and shoes, applied makeup, and even dabbed on heavy perfume."

She gave a bitter smile. "The more I say it, the more it sounds like a secret rendezvous..."

Turning, she walked to the left side of the flower trellis. "The murderer must have been here... and these marks also lead from the entrance to the left. Hmm..."

Qin Guan suddenly exclaimed. Yan Chi approached. "What is it?"

"These marks on the vines only cover about two feet, but look here..." Qin Guan quickly moved to the left corner of the trellis. "The leaves in this spot seem unusual."

Earlier, the marks Qin Guan had mentioned were simply torn leaves, broken vines, or scratches on the foliage. But in this corner, while there were no obvious injuries, several leaves bore large blackened patches.

"It looks like something pressed against them..."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, he stepped forward, leaning into the corner of the trellis.

As he did so, his figure became almost entirely concealed in the nook. At the same time, the leaves on the trellis were pressed between him and the frame. Qin Guan's eyes lit up. "Exactly! Even though Your Highness didn't exert much force, if someone stayed like this for a long time, the leaves would be crushed and turn black!"

"Before Liu Shi arrived, that person was already here," Yan Chi straightened up. "They hid here for a long time, which is why these leaves were damaged."

Qin Guan nodded, then suddenly said, "Could it be that the person hid here specifically to kill Liu Shi?"

Yan Chi looked at her. "But why would Liu Shi agree to meet them?"

Just as he finished speaking, Huo Huaixin let out a startled "Ah!" Qin Guan and Yan Chi turned to see a handkerchief fall from Liu Shi's clothing. They hurried over.

Huo Huaixin had been examining the marks on the garments and was equally surprised when the handkerchief dropped. "This... seems to have been tucked in the sleeve pocket..."

He picked it up, glanced at it, and was about to return it to the sleeve when his nose twitched slightly.

"What's this smell...?"

Qin Guan stepped closer, took the handkerchief, and sniffed. Frowning, she said, "It seems like sweat."Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes. "The smell of sweat? How could it be sweat? She changed into a new dress and applied fragrant powder and ointment, yet the handkerchief she used herself would have the smell of sweat? Even in daily life, she wouldn’t let her handkerchief carry any odor, let alone when going out to meet people."

Qin Guan’s heart skipped a beat. "This isn’t her handkerchief!"

As soon as the words fell, Xu He’s figure suddenly appeared in the distance. "Ninth Miss..."

Xu He ran over, panting heavily as he reached the group. "Crown Prince, Prefect, Ninth Miss..."

Huo Huaixin looked at him. "Weren’t you examining Liu Shi’s corpse?"

Xu He nodded. "Yes, I was examining Liu Shi’s corpse, but... I’ve encountered a situation now. I’d like to ask Ninth Miss to come and take a look. I’m afraid I might make a mistake."

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow. "What situation?"

Xu He glanced around. "It’s inconvenient to say now. If Ninth Miss comes with me, you’ll understand."

Qin Guan’s heart sank slightly as she took the handkerchief and followed Xu He toward Liu Shi’s courtyard. Meanwhile, Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin also followed. The group hurried back to Liu Shi’s courtyard and headed straight for the main room.

"Ninth Miss, I’m not certain, so I need you to see..."

Xu He’s face was filled with hesitation and embarrassment, making Qin Guan even more suspicious.

This time, Liu Shi had been strangled—the signs were unmistakable. Since the cause of death was straightforward and not much time had passed since her death, Qin Guan had suggested Xu He conduct the corpse examination himself. Yet, Xu He still had doubts. Qin Guan pondered—since no dissection was needed, what could be the issue?

Without asking further, Qin Guan entered the main room and headed for the inner chamber, which had now been turned into a temporary examination area. Outside, constables stood guard, while inside, most of Liu Shi’s clothes had been removed. The moment Qin Guan reached the doorway of the inner chamber, her footsteps halted.

Xu He hesitated beside her. "Ninth Miss, look, is this..."

Qin Guan’s gaze fell on Liu Shi’s partially exposed chest, abdomen, and thighs. At that moment, she finally understood why Liu Shi had applied layer after layer of powder. She had suspected earlier that Liu Shi might have been covering up a skin condition, but she never imagined it would be like this.

She stepped forward slowly. What met her eyes were large patches of rashes and ulcers covering Liu Shi’s skin below the neck, particularly severe on her chest, abdomen, and inner thighs. Qin Guan clenched her jaw, her gaze icy cold.

Syphilis. Liu Shi had contracted the same disease as Qin Li...