Coroner's Diary

"This is... a venereal disease?!"

Having spent many years in officialdom, Huo Huaixin was naturally well-traveled. Although such diseases mostly afflicted low-class prostitutes from pleasure quarters, he had personally witnessed subordinates contracting this illness before, and now he was thoroughly shocked.

Qin Guan's tightly clenched fists slowly relaxed, and it took her a long moment to find her voice. "Yes, it's a venereal disease."

Beside them, Xu He let out a breath. "I also suspected this disease, but then I thought—Liu Shi was after all a concubine of the Marquis's household. How could she possibly have contracted such an illness..."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression unusually somber.

Seeing that Qin Guan didn't respond, Xu He wondered if he had said something wrong and quickly added, "Ahem, that's not what I meant. It's just that with this kind of disease... it's also possible she contracted it on her own..."

Qin Guan suddenly stepped forward to examine the blisters on Liu Shi's body more closely. Huo Huaixin also took a step closer and asked, "Ninth Miss, as a physician, you understand these conditions best. What do you think?"

Qin Guan pressed her lips together. "Judging by the symptoms, the disease has been progressing for at least a month and a half."

Huo Huaixin blinked. "Could this be related to her death?"

Qin Guan was still holding the white handkerchief. She glanced at it, then looked back at Liu Shi with a grave expression. "Perhaps it is. Perhaps... Old Madam's suspicions were correct. Her illness is indeed peculiar."

Yan Chi, standing nearby, interjected, "Qin Laoye also fell ill. Do we know what disease he has?"

Qin Guan's brow twitched. Meanwhile, Huo Huaixin frowned and said, "Could it be...? But this morning, I heard from the eldest young master that Qin Laoye only fell ill about ten days ago, whereas Liu Shi's condition has been present for much longer."

As he spoke, Huo Huaixin looked at Qin Guan, who then said, "The progression of this disease varies depending on the individual's constitution. Prefect, it would be best to inquire further and clarify this point before drawing conclusions. For now, this handkerchief is the key."

She handed the handkerchief to Huo Huaixin, who nodded. "Exactly."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes and remarked, "This handkerchief belongs to a man. It seems that aside from Qin Laoye, there is indeed someone else in this household with whom she had a close relationship. And the disease on her body may well have come from that person."

With this revelation, the waters of Qin Manor grew murkier and deeper. Huo Huaixin shook his head with a hint of resignation. "It seems we'll have much to ask Old Madam and the second young master later."

Yan Chi then turned to Xu He. "After your corpse examination, did you find anything else?"

Xu He shook his head. "Not for now, only that she had this disease." He paused briefly before adding, "Given her condition, it's unlikely she could have engaged in any illicit affairs with others. Last night, when she went out, she was probably intending to meet someone."

Indeed, Liu Shi's body was covered in blisters and sores—so much so that even looking at her was unsettling, let alone imagining any intimate acts. Qin Guan's nose twitched, and she suddenly turned and walked out to the outer room.

The outer room reeked of medicine. Qin Guan's gaze swept around before landing on a medicine bowl beneath the table by the window.Qin Guan stepped forward without hesitation, first picking up the medicine bowl with residue to sniff it, then heading out toward the side room. Liu Shi's courtyard had no small kitchen, but tasks like brewing medicine had to be handled within her own quarters. Pushing open the side room door, Qin Guan immediately spotted the medicine-brewing stove and herb packets.

A glint flashed in Qin Guan's eyes as she hurried forward to unwrap the herb packet.

"What was this medicine for?"

Turning around, Qin Guan saw Yan Chi standing at the doorway. She replied, "On the surface, it treats persistent lochia. But in reality, several ingredients here could be used to treat the venereal disease she had."

Qin Guan suddenly recalled the scene from that day when she went to the medicine storage. Xiuqin had gone to fetch medicine for Liu Shi, and this prescription, like Qin Guan's own, had a deceptive pretext. Qin Guan had divided her prescription into two separate doses, whereas Liu Shi had simply increased the quantity of certain ingredients within a single formula. However, by comparison, while Liu Shi's prescription also treated venereal disease, it wasn't as effective as Qin Guan's version. So where had Liu Shi obtained this formula?

In the Great Zhou dynasty, medical prescriptions were highly valuable, and those for venereal diseases were particularly rare. Liu Shi never ventured beyond her inner chambers—who could have procured this for her? Surely not Qian Bairen!

"Did she find this herself, or did someone else get it for her?"

Yan Chi's question mirrored Qin Guan's thoughts. Setting down the herb packet, Qin Guan said, "We'd need to ask Xiuqin, who fetched the medicine for her, and the manor physician Qian Bairen. But last time Xiuqin was getting medicine, I happened to see them. I suspect Qian Bairen didn't know—he likely didn't detect the hidden purpose in Liu Shi's prescription either. Moreover, given the gravity of this matter, Qian Bairen wouldn't have dared help Liu Shi conceal it. Perhaps the prescription came from the person she met last night."

Yan Chi nodded. For a concubine in Qin Manor to contract a venereal disease would disgrace the household's reputation. If it spread to Qin An, the consequences would be dire. No servant would dare assist Liu Shi in hiding this—even Liu Shi herself probably wouldn't risk letting untrusted individuals know...

"I understand. I'll investigate these points."

Seeing Yan Chi's response, a shadow passed through Qin Guan's eyes. If Liu Shi truly had illicit relations with another man in the household, and given she'd had the venereal disease for over a month, that man likely carried it too. Qin Guan might have ignored this—except she knew Qin Li had this very illness!

Hesitation churned within her. Was there a connection between Liu Shi and Qin Li? Should she tell Yan Chi about this?

"What is it? Do you have other questions?"

Qin Guan looked up to meet Yan Chi's penetrating gaze.

His dark, fathomless eyes held a glimmer of sharp light—like moonlight breaking through ocean depths. Qin Guan pressed her lips together and shook her head. "No. The corpse only revealed the venereal disease as a key clue. The rest requires investigation."

Yan Chi studied her intently for another moment before turning toward the main chamber. After giving some instructions to Huo Huaixin, the constable left Liu Shi's courtyard with two bailiffs. Qin Guan remained standing there until Yan Chi approached again. "Would you like to visit your own courtyard? You've been back at the manor for some time but haven't returned there yet."Qin Guan then asked, "Does the Crown Prince no longer need my answers?"

Yan Chi looked her up and down for a moment. "You seem rather burdened with worries. Go back and rest first."

Qin Guan glanced toward the bedchamber, nodded, and took two steps out before suddenly pausing. She turned back and added, "I'll be at Orchid Isle Courtyard. If the Crown Prince requires my answers, simply send someone to fetch me."

Yan Chi gave a faint hum of acknowledgment, and only then did Qin Guan stride away.

Yan Chi stood where he was, watching Qin Guan depart. The moment she left, Bai Feng approached from behind and said in a low voice, "Since Your Highness has come to Qin Manor, would you like to see Baiying?"

Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly. At the edge of his vision, Qin Guan's figure vanished beyond the courtyard gate.

After a brief silence, Yan Chi ultimately shook his head. "No need. The Qin household is in turmoil. Let her focus on her own tasks."

Bai Feng quickly assented and dared not press further.

The early September air was already quite chilly. As Qin Guan stepped out of Liu Shi's courtyard, she raised her gaze to the sky. Layers of dark yellow clouds loomed on the distant horizon, casting a bleak and ominous pall over the heavens. Taking a deep breath, Qin Guan felt boundless fury rise within her. If Liu Shi's venereal disease had nothing to do with Qin An, then where had she contracted it?

Not knowing would have been one thing, but now she was aware of another person in Qin Manor suffering from the same affliction. It would be strange not to suspect something. Qin Guan frowned. Qin Li was known for his unrestrained and licentious nature—given his character, it wasn't impossible that he had entangled himself with Liu Shi. Moreover, he had repeatedly warned her against visiting the Purple Bamboo Forest or the well, clearly aware of some secret hidden there. Could the secret of the Purple Bamboo Forest be connected to him and Liu Shi?

At this thought, Qin Guan clenched her fists. The Ninth Miss had been killed in the Purple Bamboo Forest. Her earlier deduction was that the girl had been lured there and had seen something she shouldn't have, leading to her murder. Before this, Qin Guan had no leads, only a vague sense that something was amiss in Qin Manor—yet she couldn't pinpoint exactly what. But now Liu Shi was dead, and she had suffered from venereal disease. Coincidentally, the other person afflicted was the second young master of the household. If the second young master had been involved in an illicit affair with a concubine, could that have been the reason the Ninth Miss was killed?

Lost in thought, Qin Guan walked back to Orchid Isle Courtyard, arriving before long. The courtyard gate was open, but no one was inside. Fuling caught up and said, "The others must have been summoned for questioning as well..."

Qin Guan, preoccupied, nodded. "It's fine. They'll return once the questioning is over."

With a heavy heart, Qin Guan entered the room. Fuling, seeing her expression, dared not disturb her, even serving tea with extra care. Handing the cup to Qin Guan, Fuling finally couldn't hold back. "Miss, how could the Eighth Concubine have been killed just like that? Could there truly be someone so vicious in Qin Manor?"Qin Guan took a sip from her teacup. "Once interests become entangled, those with slightly malicious intentions may start plotting to harm others. Such individuals might usually be just greedy servants, envious maids, or lazy cooks—people who, under normal circumstances, would only commit minor faults, far from being heinously evil. Yet, it has often been proven that those who ultimately commit murder are precisely such people."

Fuling pursed her lips. "But what grudge could Eighth Concubine have had with them?"

Qin Guan set down her cup and stood up. "That remains unknown. It could have been a minor grievance, revenge, or perhaps an impulsive act that led to accidental killing. We’ll have to wait for the Crown Prince and the Prefect to investigate further."

Fuling nodded, then suddenly remarked, "His Highness Yan Chi has actually started investigating cases—the Judicial Commissioner of the Ministry of Justice... It sounds quite impressive. Could it be that His Highness will join the Ministry of Justice in the future?"

At this thought, Qin Guan's gaze darkened. Even Fuling could see the implications—others surely would as well. Recalling the Grand Princess's grave tone that morning at the Marquis's residence, had she discerned the Emperor's intention to maneuver Yan Chi into the Ministry of Justice? For most noble scions, joining the Ministry would be a favorable arrangement, but for Yan Chi, it would mean detachment from the Northwest Frontier Army. Did this suggest the Emperor was growing wary of the Prince of Rui's household?

Qin Guan shook her head. These were not matters for her to dwell on. The most pressing issue now was whether Qin Li's illness was connected to Liu Shi's. If Qin Li was indeed the person Liu Shi had arranged to meet last night, then he might very well be her killer!

As she pondered, sudden noises came from the courtyard outside. Fuling stepped to the door to look and returned, saying, "Miss, Wan Tang and the others are back..."

Qin Guan turned. "Have them come in."

Fuling acknowledged and went out. Qin Guan seated herself on the low couch by the window. Soon, Fuling led in Wan Tang and the three others.

"Greetings, Miss..."

The four bowed respectfully. Qin Guan swept her gaze over them: Wan Tang and Wan Tao appeared dutiful, though their faces bore traces of shock. Wan Li remained her usual aloof self, chin slightly raised, though her brows were faintly furrowed. Only Wan Xing showed no change in expression despite the day's grave events, her face as blank as ever.

"Were you all questioned just now?" Qin Guan asked mildly.

Wan Tang hurriedly replied, "Yes, Miss. The Prefect's officers questioned us—where we were last night, whether we noticed anything unusual this morning, and how Eighth Concubine usually conducted herself in the household, whether she had conflicts with anyone. Since we’ve only recently entered service, we didn’t know much and were dismissed quickly."

Qin Guan had asked only one question, but Wan Tang’s detailed answer rendered further queries unnecessary. After a brief pause, Qin Guan asked, "What did others in the household say?"

Wan Tang glanced at Wan Tao, who spoke up. "Others said Eighth Concubine had been seen less often lately, and they hadn’t noticed any grudges against her. However, in the past, she was somewhat flamboyant and unkind to servants. Now that this has happened, few are grieving—just shocked that she was killed inside the residence. Everyone’s a bit frightened."From the first time Qin Guan met Liu Shi, she knew that Liu Shi was not a reserved and composed person by nature. Such a temperament was most likely to offend others. However, it was unlikely that someone would kill her over a few verbal disputes. Moreover, Liu Shi wouldn’t have gone out in the middle of the night to meet someone she had quarreled with. Only someone she trusted intimately could have lured her out at such an hour. And if she had been threatened, she certainly wouldn’t have changed into fresh clothes or applied scented ointment before leaving.

Qin Guan nodded. "These are troubled times in the manor. Stay within the courtyard unless necessary, and wait until matters are settled."

"Yes, we will follow your instructions, Miss."

Qin Guan hummed in acknowledgment. "Go out less, gossip less. You may leave now."

Wan Tang and the others bowed in unison before exiting.

Once they were gone, Fuling spoke up. "This matter has nothing to do with us, right? Does Miss still intend to help the Crown Prince investigate the case?"

Qin Guan pondered briefly. "We’ve checked everything we could today. From now on, we’ll wait for His Highness’s orders."

Fuling sighed. "It’s just that ever since we learned of the incident in the manor, Miss has looked unusually grave. I fear excessive worry might harm your health."

Qin Guan couldn’t help but dwell on it—unless the murderer of Ninth Miss was swiftly found.

"Don’t worry. I know my limits."

...

...

"Miss, the Crown Prince is outside and requests your presence."

At dusk, just as Qin Guan assumed Yan Chi wouldn’t seek her out today, Fuling suddenly entered to announce his arrival. Qin Guan smoothed her skirts and hurried out of the courtyard.

At the fork in the path outside, Yan Chi stood tall in a black robe, turning at the sound of footsteps.

By now, Qin Manor was aglow with lanterns. After a full day of interrogations, most suspects had been cleared, so servants could occasionally be seen moving about the inner courtyard. However, due to Consort Liu’s death, the manor had fallen into an eerie silence. With officers stationed on the premises, even the servants tread lightly, afraid to make noise.

"Crown Prince..." Qin Guan approached and curtsied.

Yan Chi frowned as he looked at her. "The night is cold. Why didn’t you wear a cape?"

Qin Guan was momentarily taken aback, surprised by his concern. She shook her head. "There’s no need to worry, Your Highness. I don’t feel cold at the moment. Have you come with questions?"

Yan Chi pressed his lips together. "Lord Huo has met with Qin Laoye. As suspected, his illness is also venereal disease."

His voice was low, and Qin Guan’s heart skipped a beat. "How long has he had it?"

A glint flashed in Yan Chi’s eyes. "About twenty days. At first, he kept it hidden, but when it worsened, he had no choice but to confess. His infection isn’t as long-standing as Liu Shi’s. When questioned, he admitted his last intimate encounter with her was a month ago. By then, she must have already been infected, though he didn’t realize it."

Qin Guan frowned. "So... Third Uncle wasn’t the one who infected her?"

Yan Chi hummed in confirmation. "Precisely. That means the prime suspect is the person who met Liu Shi late at night—someone within Qin Manor. Moreover, that person must also be infected with venereal disease."Qin Guan's heart skipped a beat. Qin Li had also contracted a venereal disease, but his infection period was shorter than Liu Shi's. There were two possibilities: first, as Qin Li claimed, he contracted it outside the manor; second, while he wasn't the one who infected Liu Shi, he might have gotten the disease from her. If so, he would have a motive for murder.

"So Your Highness plans to investigate all the men in the manor?"

A faint smile curved Yan Chi's lips. "Exactly, and it will begin in half an hour."

Qin Guan tensed. "Half an hour?"

Yan Chi frowned sharply. "What's wrong?"

Lowering her gaze, Qin Guan's eyes darted briefly. Noticing this, Yan Chi grew increasingly suspicious but remained silent, his steady gaze fixed on her. Qin Guan wrestled with her thoughts internally before suddenly looking up, meeting Yan Chi's unwavering confidence. Gritting her teeth, she lowered her voice. "There's one person the Crown Prince need not investigate."

Yan Chi's dark lashes flickered. "Who?"

Qin Guan glanced around, then stepped closer to Yan Chi, her voice hushed. "Qin Li."

Yan Chi frowned. "The second young master of Qin Manor?"

Qin Guan gave a soft hum. "Your Highness need not investigate him because... because he's already confirmed to have a venereal disease. A few days ago, he sought my treatment, and I've prescribed several doses of medicine for him."

A cold glint flashed in Yan Chi's eyes. The second young master of Qin Manor also had a venereal disease?! One was a concubine of Qin Manor, the other its second young master—what connection existed between them?

"Only the two of you know of this?"

Yan Chi's frown deepened as an odd feeling arose within him. Venereal diseases were not only severe but contagious and widely despised. Respectable young men and women from good families would never contract such an illness. Though Qin Guan was a skilled physician whose duty was to heal, Yan Chi couldn't shake a sense of injustice.

Qin Guan shook her head. "Fuling knows, and so must Qin Li's close attendants."

After a pause, she continued, "I asked him, and he claimed he contracted it outside the manor. But I can't be certain of his words. His onset was around the same time as Third Uncle's, both later than Liu Shi's. If he's telling the truth, he may have little connection to the case. But if he's lying—if he contracted the disease from Liu Shi—then he would have a motive for the crime..."

As she spoke, Qin Guan recalled the shadowed pain in Qin Li's eyes. Pressing her lips together, she met Yan Chi's gaze with clarity like a clear stream. Seeing her like this, Yan Chi found his breath growing faint.

Of average height for a woman, she stood before Yan Chi, her head barely reaching his chest. At this proximity, she tilted her face up to meet his eyes, stray locks framing her delicate features. Under the glow of nearby lanterns, her bright eyes shimmered with an almost mesmerizing clarity.Like a gemstone falling into a murmuring brook, the glimmering fragments of light didn't dazzle Yan Chi's eyes but stirred his heart instead. With some difficulty, he swallowed hard, his hand nearly lifting unconsciously to caress her cheek. Clenching his fist, he restrained himself and said in a deep voice, "You want me not to investigate him publicly? To spare him some dignity?"

Seeing through someone's thoughts was an easy task for Yan Chi.

Though Qin Guan's words to him carried a measure of trust, there was also pity for Qin Li. Venereal disease was a disgrace for women, and for a young nobleman like Qin Li, it would also tarnish his reputation. Yan Chi saw this clearly, yet a trace of displeasure lingered in his heart. Why should this Qin Li warrant so much of Qin Guan's concern?

Qin Guan still tilted her head slightly upward. "Yes. I've already informed Your Highness of the truth. You may investigate directly or summon him for questioning. Of course, if you feel this would be unfair to others, you may also re-examine him in front of everyone."

Yan Chi looked at Qin Guan, the corner of his lips suddenly quirking slightly. "Why are you protecting him?"

Qin Guan's gaze shifted. "After treating him these past few days, I've grown somewhat more concerned for him."

Yan Chi didn't intend to press further. Since she had brought it up, he might as well comply. He nodded, "Alright, I understand what you've said. Any other requests?"

His striking demeanor and brilliant eyes made Qin Guan blink, suddenly realizing they were standing too close. She took a step back. "None at all. As for this case, I'll follow your instructions, Your Highness."

Yan Chi curved his lips into a faint smile. Moments ago, she had made a request, yet now she claimed to defer entirely to his orders. She certainly knew how to phrase things. Just as this thought crossed his mind, footsteps approached from nearby.

Turning his gaze, Yan Chi saw a maidservant leading others toward them. He recognized her—she was Old Madam Qin's personal attendant. Qin Guan also looked over and immediately spotted Cai He approaching.

Cai He curtsied upon reaching them. "Greetings to the Crown Prince and Ninth Miss."

With Cai He's arrival, Yan Chi's smile faded, his tone turning solemn. "At ease. How goes the gathering?"

Cai He replied respectfully, "Reporting to Your Highness, all male servants from the outer courtyard have been assembled in the steward's compound. The Prefect is already present."

Yan Chi nodded and glanced at Qin Guan. "Ninth Miss, you may return now." His tone was appropriately distant in front of others. Qin Guan curtsied, and Yan Chi turned to leave.

Though Yan Chi departed first, Cai He lingered. She addressed Qin Guan, "Ninth Miss, Old Madam requests your presence."

A slight heaviness settled in Qin Guan's heart, though her expression betrayed no surprise. What was bound to come would come. Since Yan Chi had personally chosen her to assist in the investigation, it was only natural for Jiang Shi to summon her for questioning. Yet... being called like this made Qin Guan feel something was amiss.

Jiang Shi had already returned to the Buddhist shrine. Following Cai He, Qin Guan took the quiet path leading directly there. The shrine's location was somewhat secluded, with stretches devoid of even lamplight. Fortunately, the two maids accompanying Cai He carried lanterns.

After a few steps, Cai He suddenly turned back. "Ninth Miss, are you afraid?"

Qin Guan shook her head. "Of course not."

Cai He smiled. "Ninth Miss is truly brave. It's good you're not afraid. This path is dark—I was worried you might be uneasy..." She paused, then added, "With such an incident in the manor, even I feel unsettled."

Given that a death had occurred, Qin Guan understood Cai He's reaction. She didn't respond, simply continuing toward the shrine.

Soon, they arrived. Upon entering the main hall, Qin Guan saw Lin Shi and Qin Chen present. She curtsied in greeting, and Jiang Shi's somber gaze fixed on her. Lin Shi, however, asked gently, "Wan'er, today you accompanied Prince Rui's heir and the Prefect. Do you know how their investigation is progressing?"

Qin Guan kept her eyes lowered. "His Highness and the Prefect discovered that Consort Liu suffered from a strange illness. Currently, they infer she indeed had an affair. Presumably, they'll pursue this lead."

Hearing this, Lin Shi exchanged a glance with Jiang Shi. None of them showed surprise or doubt—clearly, Qin Guan's account aligned with what they already knew.

"Did His Highness investigate anything else?" Lin Shi suddenly asked again.

Qin Guan was puzzled. Anything else? What did she mean?Qin Guan shook her head, "No, only these findings so far. Isn't the Crown Prince and the Prefect planning to investigate whether other male servants in the mansion have contracted the disease?"

The room fell silent for a moment. Clearly, what Qin Guan knew wasn't much different from what they knew.

"Ninth Sister, will you still accompany the Crown Prince in the investigation tomorrow?" Qin Chen suddenly spoke up. "With a death in the mansion, you should stay in your courtyard like Xiang'er and Shuang'er. Having you follow the Crown Prince and the Prefect truly pains our hearts. Don't be afraid tonight."

Qin Guan looked up at Qin Chen for a moment. Seeing his concerned expression, she replied, "I'm not afraid, just uneasy knowing there's a murderer hiding in the mansion."

Qin Chen nodded, "Naturally. So stay in your courtyard tonight and don't wander around."

Qin Guan inclined her head, "Yes, thank you, Eldest Brother."

Qin Chen gave a slight smile and turned to Lin Shi and Jiang Shi, "Mother, Grandmother, if there's nothing else to ask, let Ninth Sister go rest."

Jiang Shi's gaze remained fixed on Qin Guan. After a long silence, she finally spoke, "Since the Crown Prince and the Prefect value you out of respect for the Grand Princess, answer their questions truthfully. However, you must also consider the Qin Manor's reputation. After all, you are from the Qin Mansion—don't let our affairs become too public."

Qin Guan felt inwardly amused but showed nothing on her face, "Yes, Guan'er understands."

Jiang Shi slowly closed her eyes and sighed, "Very well, you may go. Cai He, see her out."

Qin Guan curtsied again before turning to leave. Cai He followed with two maids holding lanterns. Only after exiting the Buddhist shrine's main door did Cai He whisper, "Ninth Miss, don't be afraid. Old Madam is only thinking of the Qin Manor's reputation."

Qin Guan naturally understood Jiang Shi's concerns, but she found them unnecessary. She was an outsider after all—for instance, she hadn't known Qin An had contracted a venereal disease, so how could she have told Yan Chi? What she did know, Yan Chi would eventually uncover. Jiang Shi's behavior only made her seem guilty.

"I understand perfectly," Qin Guan replied casually, appearing genuinely unaffected.

Cai He studied her for a moment before smiling lightly, "Ninth Miss is even bolder than Sixth Miss and Fifth Miss. But with such incidents in the mansion, you should still be careful. As you said, the murderer is still at large and might strike anytime. Though the Qin Manor has separate inner and outer courtyards, that doesn't stop outer courtyard servants from entering the inner quarters at night."

Qin Guan's interest was piqued, and she turned to Cai He, "Who do you think it might be, Miss Cai He?"

Cai He blinked but shook her head, "I'm just a servant—I couldn't possibly guess. We'll have to wait for the Crown Prince and the Prefect. Though Old Madam keeps thinking it's that well causing trouble. It is strange—Sixth Miss fell in, and then Eighth Concubine had her accident right after. Old Madam says once this case is resolved, we must invite monks to perform forty-nine days of grand rituals to cleanse the mansion's bad luck."

Qin Guan nearly laughed, "That well has been sealed. Eighth Concubine's accident likely had nothing to do with it."Cai He also wore a helpless expression. "Old Madam has been devoted to Buddhism all these years. Whenever something inauspicious happens in the manor, she always invites monks to perform rituals. Over time, it's become a habit." She paused, then suddenly added, "By the way, do you know when people can go to the flower shed? The well's filled-in opening hasn't been covered with paving stones yet—it looks quite unsightly. Old Madam even urged me about it this afternoon, but with the Crown Prince and the Prefect handling the case, how could anyone go lay stones..."

Qin Guan's eyelid twitched slightly, thinking Jiang Shi was far too superstitious. "I'm not sure about that. Let's wait until tomorrow—it should be fine by then."

Cai He nodded. "That's good then. Thank you, Ninth Miss."

"I haven't done anything worthy of thanks."

Cai He shook her head, then suddenly asked, "Ninth Miss... did you understand Old Madam's meaning just now?"

Qin Guan looked at her. "What meaning?"

Cai He stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Old Madam dislikes the Crown Prince and the Prefect visiting the manor's forbidden areas. After all, Qin Manor is a prominent family in Jinzhou City. The affairs of its concubines and masters often involve matters that could damage its reputation."

A chill ran down Qin Guan's spine. "You mean... the Purple Bamboo Forest?"

As they walked and talked, they had already passed the darkest stretch of the path. Cai He halted, her lips curving slightly. "Ninth Miss is clever—you must understand Old Madam's meaning." She glanced toward Orchid Isle Courtyard. "It's not far now. I must return to attend to Old Madam, so I won't accompany you further. Take care."

Qin Guan nodded slowly. Cai He curtsied and turned back the way they had come.

Watching Cai He leave, Qin Guan stood motionless for a long while.

Fuling asked beside her, "What's wrong, Miss?"

Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts, glanced at the path, and began walking with a dazed expression. Ninth Miss had been killed in the Purple Bamboo Forest, yet first Qin Li and now Cai He had both warned her not to go there...

What secret lay within the Purple Bamboo Forest?

At present, both Yan Chi and Governor Huo trusted her. With just a word from her, she could direct their attention to the Purple Bamboo Forest. Not only would this allow her to openly enter the area, but she could also use Yan Chi's authority to thoroughly investigate Ninth Miss's death.

Should she do it?

Qin Guan lowered her head, her brow tightly furrowed.

"Miss, what did Sister Cai He say just now?"

Earlier, Cai He had deliberately drawn closer to Qin Guan, causing Fuling and the two lantern-bearing maids to fall a few steps behind. Even Fuling hadn't caught what was said. Qin Guan took a shallow breath. "She said not to go to the Purple Bamboo Forest."

Fuling felt a sudden chill down her spine. "Why would you go there?" She looked at Qin Guan in surprise. "Does Miss want to go to the Purple Bamboo Forest again? You still haven't told me why you went there last time."

Qin Guan shook her head, then suddenly asked, "Who told you the rumors about the Purple Bamboo Forest?"

Fuling thought for a moment. "Do you mean the rumors about why it became a forbidden area in Qin Manor? I remember it was Aunt Liu from the kitchen who mentioned it, but most of the older servants know about it. They say a concubine once hanged herself there, and afterward, the master ordered the Purple Bamboo Forest sealed off.""But this patch of purple bamboo in the estate is extremely precious. For some reason, the master didn't have all the bamboo removed—it was just left abandoned. However, since then, neither masters nor servants dared to go there anymore."

Not that no one dared to go there... Manager Liu had been there, and so had Liu Shi...

Wait, hold on—

Qin Guan suddenly halted in her tracks. How could she have forgotten this?!

Liu Shi had been to the Purple Bamboo Forest, and she had coincidentally seen Manager Liu there as well. Could it be... that the one having an affair with Liu Shi was most likely Manager Liu?!

Qin Guan's breath hitched as she suddenly recalled the medicine packets in Liu Shi's room.

Liu Shi wouldn't have dared to ask Qian Bairen for medicine, so someone else must have given her the prescription and even taught her how to conceal it. That person was either Qin Li or Liu Chun—but which one was it?

Qin Guan frowned slightly, her previously leisurely pace quickening abruptly...

"Miss, where are you going?!" Fuling hurriedly asked.

"To find His Highness Yan Chi—" Qin Guan replied.

Fuling hastily followed. "His Highness is at the steward's courtyard!"

Qin Guan already knew this. Lifting her skirts, she practically jogged toward the steward's courtyard, her mind swirling with questions. When Yan Chi had come earlier, she hadn't had the chance to ask in detail. Now, as long as she questioned Yan Chi, she would soon find out who had been involved with Liu Shi—the answer was about to be revealed—

Qin Guan's heart pounded wildly. Recalling how she had once seen Eighth Concubine emerging from the Purple Bamboo Forest, she felt even more certain. Consort Liu had gone to the Purple Bamboo Forest to retrieve something—but what she had taken was a huge mystery!

Slightly out of breath from running, Qin Guan arrived at the steward's courtyard and indeed saw layers of constables guarding the entrance. She paused briefly to steady herself before approaching. She had intended to announce herself to the constables, but as soon as she reached the gate, she spotted Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin standing inside the courtyard. Before them stood another constable, and whatever the man had said seemed to have startled the two men—their expressions had darkened. Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, her gaze settling on the constable.

Though all the constables wore the same uniform, this one was covered in dust. Not only were his shoes caked in mud, but even the hem of his robe was speckled with dirt. Qin Guan narrowed her eyes—this constable had traveled a long way!

Perhaps her gaze was too piercing, because Yan Chi suddenly looked up and noticed her. His brow furrowed slightly as he strode toward her. When he reached her, seeing the faint sheen of sweat on her forehead from running, he frowned and asked, "What's wrong?"

Qin Guan curtsied briefly, glancing past him into the courtyard. "What happened?"

Yan Chi's expression darkened further. After a brief hesitation, he lowered his voice. "Wei Yanzhi has committed suicide at Shili Temple."