Coroner's Diary

Wei Yanzhi committed suicide at Shili Temple?!

Qin Guan frowned, her eyes instantly turning cold. "He actually..."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes slightly. "By the time he was discovered, it was too late. He had stolen a blade from one of the constables. They thought he had escaped, but when they pursued him, they found him dead in the birch forest."

"The birch forest? The same one where he killed Song Rou?"

Yan Chi nodded, and Qin Guan's expression grew complicated. "If he knew it would come to this, why did he do it in the first place? Was this to atone for his sins or to escape the punishment that awaited him?"

Yan Chi's gaze deepened momentarily. "Perhaps both. A man like him is both supremely arrogant and deeply insecure. He acts cautiously yet harbors bitter resentment in his heart. That was part of why he killed Song Rou in the first place."

Qin Guan nodded, and Yan Chi looked at her. "Why did you rush over here in such a hurry?"

At this question, Qin Guan immediately perked up. She glanced around as if wary of the people nearby. Seeing her expression, Yan Chi took a few steps to the side. "Do you have something to ask me?"

Qin Guan relaxed inwardly. Yan Chi was perceptive—though it was easy for him to see through her, it wasn’t without its advantages. For instance, he often understood her thoughts without her having to explain, and he would simply cooperate.

Lowering her voice, Qin Guan said, "It just occurred to me—there were two things the Crown Prince didn’t tell me earlier."

Yan Chi blinked, and Qin Guan continued, "First, the Crown Prince must have interrogated Xiuqin. Did she say when Eighth Concubine first instructed her to fetch the medicine? And the Crown Prince must have questioned Qian Bairen—was the prescription given by him?"

A flash of realization crossed Yan Chi’s eyes before he replied, "Xiuqin did mention it. The first time she fetched the medicine was twenty days ago. The prescription was given to her by Eighth Concubine—she was merely following orders. Even the brewing was initially done by Consort Liu herself. Later, Xiuqin happened to witness it and noticed that Consort Liu would specifically extract a few herbs to re-brew separately. Consort Liu then claimed it was a method she had learned from medical texts. Xiuqin, seeing no reason to doubt, complied."

After a pause, Yan Chi added, "As for your family’s physician, we’ve already questioned him. He never prescribed anything for Liu Shi. The prescription was brought to him by her maid. He glanced at it, assumed it was for a women’s ailment, and didn’t inquire further."

Qin Guan steadied herself. "Your Highness, could the prescription have been given to her by the person she was involved with? She likely noticed her condition early on but wasn’t certain it was a venereal disease. Once she confirmed it, she panicked. She wanted to seek treatment but feared exposure, so she turned to that person—perhaps even threatened them, saying she would expose the affair if they didn’t cure her. After all, with such a disease, there’s often no hope of recovery. Maybe some argument or conflict arose from this, sparking the intent to kill."

She then added, "Earlier, we speculated that Qin Li might have been the one involved with Liu Shi. But Qin Li came to me for medicine—he never asked me for a prescription. Even if he recognized the formula himself, it would be entirely different from Eighth Concubine’s prescription."

Glancing toward the courtyard, Qin Guan asked, "How is Your Highness’s investigation progressing?"Yan Chi shook his head, "Still investigating. Nothing has been found yet. You mean there are currently two prime suspects—the first being Qin Li, and the second being Manager Liu from the manor?"

Qin Guan nodded, "Exactly."

Yan Chi glanced back at the courtyard, a trace of doubt crossing his face, "But Manager Liu isn’t here."

Qin Guan frowned, "Manager Liu isn’t here?"

Yan Chi nodded, "When all the servants were gathered earlier, Manager Liu was the only one missing. His attendant said he was still in the manor this morning, but after the incident in the inner courtyard, Manager Liu said he wanted to check on it. No one has seen him since. Others were asked, but none had spotted him either."

Qin Guan’s eyes narrowed slightly, and Yan Chi’s expression darkened as well.

"Ninth Miss, why have you come?" Huo Huaixin emerged from the courtyard, frowning slightly when he saw Yan Chi and Qin Guan deep in conversation. "What’s the matter?"

As Huo Huaixin approached, Yan Chi hesitated briefly before relaying half of what Qin Guan had just said. Upon hearing it, Huo Huaixin frowned and said, "I also find the missing Manager Liu highly suspicious. Since Ninth Miss shares this view, we must thoroughly investigate his whereabouts."

Yan Chi did not mention the circumstances surrounding Qin Li’s venereal disease to Huo Huaixin, for which Qin Guan felt a flicker of gratitude. Huo Huaixin added, "That handkerchief—could it be a token between Eighth Concubine and Manager Liu?"

Yan Chi nodded, "That’s possible."

Huo Huaixin’s expression hardened, and he quickly said, "Crown Prince, shall I make the arrangements?"

Yan Chi gave a nod, and Huo Huaixin immediately turned and re-entered the courtyard.

Once Huo Huaixin was gone, Yan Chi asked, "Where is Qin Li’s courtyard?"

Understanding his intent—since the case remained unresolved, all suspects had to be investigated—Qin Guan pointed westward toward the inner courtyard. "Over there..."

Yan Chi nodded and said quietly, "It’s late. You should return. I’ll take some men and go."

Qin Guan hesitated for a moment before curtsying and leaving.

She didn’t tell Yan Chi that she had seen Liu Chun and Liu Shi both visiting the Purple Bamboo Forest. If she had, given Yan Chi’s sharp instincts, he would surely have noticed her unusual attention to the movements there.

The night had indeed deepened—a starless, moonless sky stretched endlessly black, and the autumn chill grew more pronounced. Qin Guan tightened her collar and exhaled heavily. If they could identify the man involved with Liu Shi, would that confirm the killer of Ninth Miss? Liu Chun... was it him?

The way he had looked at her—greedy and lewd—and the next day after the eerie shadow was spotted in Orchid Isle Courtyard, she had seen Liu Chun’s boots stained with its dust. Had he been the one that night as well?

Her thoughts were in turmoil. By the time she returned to Orchid Isle Courtyard, she had no appetite for supper.

"Fuling, keep an ear out for any commotion outside."

After giving the instruction, Qin Guan sat down to practice calligraphy, though her mind dwelled on the unrest that surely gripped Qin Manor tonight.

Less than an hour later, Fuling entered the study. "Miss, the male servants from the steward’s quarters have dispersed. It seems nothing was found. Then Prefect took some men to Manager Liu’s courtyard."

Qin Guan paused, "And the Crown Prince?"Fuling shook her head. "Not yet." After a brief pause, she added, "By the way, Miss, is Manager Liu the one who had an affair with the Eighth Concubine? Why did he disappear right after this incident?"

Qin Guan set down her brush and walked over to the water basin to wash the ink stains from her fingertips. The ink swirled and dispersed in the water as she watched, her voice low and heavy. "We'll know once we find Manager Liu."

......

"Miss, the Prefect and his men have searched every corner of the manor but still haven't found Manager Liu. Everyone, both inside and outside the inner courtyard, says they haven't seen him. Miss, do you think Manager Liu has fled?"

Qin Guan frowned. No trace of him anywhere?

If that were the case, it was indeed possible he had run away...

With this thought, her brow furrowed deeper. If Liu Chun had been involved with Liu Shi, then it was highly likely he was the one who killed Ninth Miss in the Purple Bamboo Forest. Perhaps Ninth Miss had stumbled upon their illicit affair, leading to her murder!

A cold glint flashed in Qin Guan's eyes. If it was Liu Chun, how could they let him escape?!

"What did the Prefect say?"

Fuling quickly replied, "The Prefect left a few constables stationed at the manor's gates. Since he noticed Liu Chun's belongings were still in his quarters, he fears Liu Chun might sneak back or that more trouble could arise within the manor. It's too late tonight, but the Prefect said they'll start searching Jinzhou City for Liu Chun first thing tomorrow morning."

Qin Guan pressed her lips together. "And the Crown Prince?"

Just as Fuling was about to shake her head, Wan Tang's voice came from outside the door. "Miss, someone is here to see you outside the courtyard."

Qin Guan's heart stirred, and she hurried out—it must be Yan Chi!

Seeing this, Fuling hastily grabbed the nearby cape. "Miss, don't catch a chill..."

It was nearly midnight, and Qin Manor lay shrouded in the shadow of Liu Shi's mysterious death, appearing desolate and eerie. Qin Guan strode swiftly ahead while Fuling jogged to catch up, draping the cape over her shoulders.

Fuling then rushed forward to open the courtyard gate. Sure enough, Bai Feng stood outside.

As Qin Guan approached, Bai Feng said, "Ninth Miss, His Highness is waiting for you."

Qin Guan nodded and stepped out of the courtyard. There, at the same small crossroads as before, stood Yan Chi. He held no lantern, and only the dim glow from a distant light cast his shadow obliquely. Qin Guan walked toward him, curtsied, and couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, have you met with Qin Li?"

Yan Chi nodded. "I have—"

Mid-sentence, his brow furrowed as he noticed the cape slipping from her shoulders during her curtsy. He instinctively reached out to adjust it for her before continuing, "He said he came to see you last night, took a packet of medicine, and after brewing and drinking it, he slept until this morning. He was among the last in the manor to learn of Consort Liu's death. He also claimed his venereal disease came from a female confidante and had nothing to do with Consort Liu. His two servants can attest to this."

Qin Guan nodded. "He did visit me last night, but I don't know what happened afterward." She then looked at Yan Chi tentatively. "Does Your Highness believe him?"

Yan Chi neither nodded nor shook his head. "We'll see once we find Liu Chun. For now, he isn't entirely above suspicion."

Qin Guan agreed. If she were in Yan Chi's place, she would think the same.Qin Guan glanced around. The hour was late, and the inner quarters of Qin Manor had quieted down, with most of the estate plunged into darkness. She asked, "Will the Crown Prince be returning to the marquis's residence now?"

As she spoke, she cast another look at Yan Chi's shoulder. "Has Your Highness's injury improved?"

Yan Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes as if he wanted to say something, but upon meeting Qin Guan's gaze, he restrained himself. His tone was casual as he replied, "Much better. It's late, so I came to bid you farewell before returning."

He paused briefly before adding, "Until Liu Chun is found, you must remain cautious even within Qin Manor."

Qin Guan studied Yan Chi for a moment, then said, "Please wait a moment, Your Highness," before turning and running toward the courtyard gate. She moved so swiftly that Fuling didn't have time to react. After just a few steps, Qin Guan's cape slipped from her shoulders and fell to the ground. Fuling hurried after her, picking up the cape and calling out softly, but Qin Guan didn't slow her pace. Soon, her figure disappeared beyond the gate.

Yan Chi remained standing where he was, the corners of his lips curling into a slow smile.

Qin Guan returned just as quickly as she had left, jogging back to Yan Chi with a medicinal ointment in her hand. "I made this over the past two days. Please take it back and apply it."

Yan Chi glanced at Qin Guan's slender, jade-like fingers. "I'm touched you haven't forgotten."

Only then did he accept the ointment. Qin Guan hesitated before explaining, "Your Highness was away at the military camp these past few days, so I couldn't inquire about your injury..."

Yan Chi's expression remained unreadable as he asked, "Are you confident about Qin Li's illness?"

At this question, the rare spark in Qin Guan's eyes dimmed. "No, I'm not. Though I've prescribed several remedies, none have been effective. I've been troubled by this matter these past few days."

Her brow furrowed, lips pressed tightly together, the faint hint of dimples appearing on her cheeks.

Yan Chi sighed inwardly. It seemed she had truly encountered a difficult challenge...

"His condition isn't an ordinary illness, so there's no need to rush. The more you hurry, the harder it will be to resolve."

Qin Guan looked up at Yan Chi, surprised to hear him speak so gently for the first time. Noticing her gaze, Yan Chi added, "I believe in you."

Qin Guan blinked, and Yan Chi glanced at her uncovered shoulders. "Go inside now."

After a moment's pause, Qin Guan nodded and turned toward the courtyard gate.

As she walked step by step toward the gate, she could feel Yan Chi's gaze lingering on her back. Her heart raced inexplicably, and she felt an urge to turn around. Yet, for some reason, she resisted. Instead, she gathered her skirts and quickened her pace. Only after passing through the gate was she finally shielded from his gaze.

Qin Guan stopped, breathing heavily—whether from the hurried walk or something else, she couldn't tell—until her heartbeat gradually steadied.

Smoothing the wrinkles from her skirts, she composed herself and entered the main hall.

The night was cool as water. Once inside, Qin Guan headed straight for the Warm Chamber. Tonight, Qin Li would likely visit again, and she wanted to observe his reaction after Liu Shi's incident.

"Miss, it's still early," Fuling said, handing her a cup of tea.

But Qin Guan sat in a daze. Fuling considered calling out again but ultimately remained silent. After what felt like an eternity, a tapping sound suddenly came from the window.

Both mistress and maid snapped to attention at once.

Fuling stepped forward to open the window, revealing Qin Li outside, still dressed as before.

Without a word, Fuling moved to stand guard at the door.Qin Guan composed herself and stood up, fixing her gaze directly into Qin Li's eyes.

"Second Brother must already know about Eighth Concubine's matter?"

Qin Li looked at Qin Guan calmly. "Naturally, I know." He then added, "The Crown Prince has already come to see me. Did Ninth Sister inform him about my illness?"

Qin Guan raised an eyebrow but before she could speak, Qin Li clasped his hands and bowed deeply to her.

"Thank you, Ninth Sister, for preserving my dignity."

Qin Guan had acted out of kindness, expecting Qin Li might not appreciate it, yet he understood her intentions.

Her expression unchanged, Qin Guan said, "Second Brother previously mentioned this illness wasn't contracted within the estate. Though I intended to cover for you, doubts still linger in my heart. Are you truly uninvolved with Consort Liu?"

Qin Li straightened up with a bitter smile. "Ninth Sister, though I frequent brothels and pleasure houses, I still have my preferences. Even if Consort Liu weren't Father's woman, I wouldn't fancy someone like her."

He continued, "Ninth Sister may not know, but Consort Liu originally came from a brothel's painted boat. She entered the estate as a courtesan who sold only her art, not her body. Yet she mastered every vulgar trick of the trade—beautiful but crude, her words and actions utterly lacking refinement. Even the servants in the estate dislike her."

Qin Li's face twisted in distress, as if Qin Guan's misunderstanding both pained and amused him. "I've never even spoken to her—how could there be any illicit affair? Ninth Sister doesn't believe me? Fine, I swear to you now: if I have any involvement with Consort Liu, may my illness rot my bowels and stomach until I die..."

Curses and oaths held no persuasive power over Qin Guan.

She stared straight at Qin Li. "Then why did you stop me from going to the Purple Bamboo Forest?"

At this question, Qin Guan indeed noticed a flicker in Qin Li's eyes. He no longer met her gaze evenly, saying only, "The Purple Bamboo Forest is a forbidden area of the estate. Ninth Sister shouldn't go there."

Qin Guan narrowed her eyes slightly. "Just because it's forbidden?"

Qin Li nodded, then abruptly extended his wrist. "Please, Ninth Sister, take my pulse."

Qin Guan observed him. In just moments, a thin layer of sweat had formed on Qin Li's temples. As she watched, his brows furrowed tighter. After a pause, Qin Guan withdrew her gaze and placed her fingertips on his wrist, clearly sensing Qin Li's relief.

"Judging by the pulse, the illness hasn't worsened, but neither has it improved."

Frowning, Qin Guan said, "There's no new medicine today—continue with the same prescription, and don't stop the topical treatment."

Qin Li withdrew his hand and nodded. "What about tomorrow?"

Without hesitation, Qin Guan replied, "Come again tomorrow."

"Very well. I'll return at this time tomorrow night."

As Qin Li turned to leave, Qin Guan suddenly called out, "Second Brother—"

Qin Li's half-turned body stiffened slightly, his back tense. Meanwhile, Qin Guan's tone unexpectedly softened. "Though Second Brother's illness is severe, it isn't incurable. There's no need for excessive worry."

Qin Li's back visibly relaxed. "Yes, I trust Ninth Sister."

With that, he strode into the night.

The window stood wide open, a cool breeze swirling in. Qin Guan remained by the window, her brows tightly knit.

Qin Li's behavior was so peculiar—there must be something strange about the Purple Bamboo Forest!The Qin Manor remained as tranquil as ever throughout the night. However, the next morning, as the household rose, they were greeted by the sight of government officers stationed within the estate. It suddenly dawned on everyone—the Qin Manor was no longer the same. A life had been lost here, and the murderer was still at large!

"Miss, shall we go to the Marquis's residence?"

Qin Guan, unwavering in her routine, took a stroll around the courtyard and finished her meal faster than usual.

"Yes, we'll go. I'll just check Grand Princess's pulse and return."

Fuling nodded and hurried to prepare the cape Qin Guan would wear for her outing.

True to her word, Qin Guan wasted no time. After her meal, she donned the cape and left.

Today, she wore a smoke-green high-collared short jacket paired with a pleated long skirt of the same hue, draped with a dark green hooded cape. Her graceful figure and elegant demeanor drew admiring glances from the Qin Manor's servants as she passed by. Once outside, she boarded a carriage headed straight for the Marquis's residence.

"Miss, they say Manager Liu didn’t return to the manor last night. The city of Jinzhou will likely be searched today."

"The longer Liu Chun remains missing, the more likely it is that he’s the culprit."

Qin Guan replied, lifting the carriage curtain to observe the early morning streets of Jinzhou. Sure enough, she spotted several teams of officers patrolling the market. Silently praising Huo Huaixin, she pondered—if Liu Chun was indeed involved with Liu Shi and they had killed Ninth Miss after being discovered, then capturing Liu Chun would solve the case. But how did this connect to the secret of the Purple Bamboo Forest?

Purple Bamboo Forest... Purple Bamboo Forest... The words lingered in Qin Guan’s mind.

"Miss, do you think Manager Liu might have already fled the city?"

Qin Guan snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head. "If he left the city, the guards at the gates would have noticed. Even if he did escape, once the search in Jinzhou yields no results, the Prefect will distribute his portrait to neighboring counties. Unless he hides deep in the mountains and never emerges, he’ll eventually be found."

Fuling snorted lightly. "Manager Liu always had that lecherous look—never seemed like a good man. By the way, what about Eighth Concubine?"

"Once the coroner finishes the examination, the body will be released to the family for burial. Most likely, Qin Manor will bury Liu Shi outside the city in a purchased plot, either today or tomorrow."

Fuling sighed. "I barely crossed paths with Eighth Concubine, and the few times I did, I wasn’t particularly fond of her. But for someone to suddenly perish like this... it’s still quite sad. Manager Liu’s audacity is unbelievable—daring to kill within the manor! Didn’t he consider that once the authorities were involved, Liu Shi’s condition would be discovered, leading straight to him?"

Qin Guan had been idly watching the streets outside, but these words made her frown.

"No, that’s not it..."

Fuling tilted her head, confused. "What’s not?"

Qin Guan straightened abruptly. "No, we didn’t initially suspect him. It was only after he disappeared that we became certain..."

Fuling remained puzzled, but Qin Guan’s expression grew grave.Liu Chun didn't know she had seen both him and Liu Shi entering the Purple Bamboo Forest. Under such circumstances, what he should have done was conceal himself. Could it be that after learning the Qin Manor had reported to the authorities, he concluded he would inevitably be discovered and thus fled?

Qin Guan leaned back slowly against the carriage wall. While this explanation made sense, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

By the time the carriage stopped in front of the Marquis's residence, Qin Guan still hadn't figured out what exactly felt wrong.

Stepping down from the carriage, Qin Guan composed herself and entered the manor, heading straight for the Grand Princess's courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, Qin Guan found both the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi present. Yue Ning immediately grasped her hand the moment she stepped inside. "We've been waiting for you all morning! Come in quickly and tell us—what happened at Qin Manor?"

Qin Guan first paid her respects before replying, "One of the concubines has passed away."

Jiang Shi shot Yue Ning a disapproving look. "Why must you be so impatient? Whether this matter should be discussed depends entirely on Guan'er herself. Your behavior is quite improper!"

Yue Ning sighed helplessly. "If she doesn’t wish to speak of it, she can simply decline."

Qin Guan shook her head with a faint smile. "It’s alright, Madam. Sooner or later, the entire city of Jinzhou will likely hear of it. By telling you now, I can ease the curiosity in the Princess’s heart, so she won’t be anxious."

Yue Ning gave a light hum. "That’s more like it..."

Qin Guan continued, "A concubine was murdered in the manor. At present, it appears she was involved in an illicit affair with someone. The Crown Prince and the Prefect are still investigating, and the culprit has yet to be identified."

The Grand Princess frowned. "The Qin family has always upheld strict discipline—how could such a thing happen?" Then, as if recalling something, she added, "Ah, Qin Laoye had been ill before this..."

Qin Guan offered a bitter smile. "That may well be the reason. Though this is not a pleasant matter, there’s no harm in sharing it with the Grand Princess and Madam."

Jiang Shi quickly reassured her, "Rest assured, Guan'er. What we hear today will never leave this room." She then cast a reproachful glance at Yue Ning, her eyes carrying a silent warning.

Qin Guan had come to examine the Grand Princess’s pulse, so after a few words, she steered the conversation back to the Grand Princess’s health. Once the examination was complete, Qin Guan adjusted the prescription according to the Grand Princess’s condition. After staying for half an hour, she took her leave. Knowing the Qin family was embroiled in turmoil, the Grand Princess and Jiang Shi did not press her to stay, only asking Yue Ning to escort her out.

As they walked beyond the Grand Princess’s courtyard, Yue Ning asked, "Have you heard about Wei Yanzhi’s suicide?"

Qin Guan sighed. "Yes, His Highness told me last night."

Yue Ning shook her head. "That man—if he truly had such deep affection, how could he have committed such an act in the first place? Now, filled with regret, he likely saw the bleakness of his future and chose to die at Shili Temple, sparing himself the torment of facing Song Rou in the afterlife. One tragedy after another, and in the end, this was his fate."

Qin Guan’s tone turned somber. "It was his own choice. Having lost everything, death might have been his only release from further suffering."

Yue Ning turned to look at her. "Did you know? Before his death, he wrote a detailed account of how he murdered Song Rou. Because of this, the court and the Prefect had no choice but to sentence him to execution."

Her eyes darkened with cold fury. "He decapitated Song Rou, stole her wedding gown, and waited for the blood to stop flowing from her severed neck before placing the body in the bridal sedan. He then tied a cloth around her neck and covered her with the bridal veil, deceiving the maidservants who were already afraid of Song Rou. That morning, he even scolded them harshly, leaving them too terrified to notice anything amiss. Midway, he deliberately caused chaos with the carriages and sedan, using the confusion to retrieve Song Rou’s head from the window and hide it in his bag. After committing all these atrocities, he still managed to act perfectly normal when they arrived at the Marquis’s estate that evening..."After speaking these words calmly, Yue Ning let out a sigh. "It's truly chilling."

Having seen little of the world, Yue Ning found the more details she learned, the more horrified she became by Wei Yanzhi. Qin Guan also sighed softly. "This matter is over now. Don't dwell on it too much, Your Highness."

Pausing her steps as they reached the manor gates, Yue Ning asked, "Qin Manor has actually become the scene of a murder case. Are you safe there? If not, why not stay at the marquis's manor for a few days?"

The corners of Qin Guan's lips curved slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I'm perfectly fine. Right now, there are many constables stationed in the manor, just waiting for the murderer to reveal themselves. Please don't worry."

Yue Ning said no more and saw Qin Guan onto her carriage.

......

......

Fuling had been listening quietly to Qin Guan and Yue Ning's conversation. On the way back to Qin Manor, she couldn't help sighing. "It's true that one can know a person's face but not their heart. A person might deceive others with a thousand different masks. Like Young Master Wei—who would have guessed he was the murderer? Poor Eldest Young Master Wei, and the people of the Wei and Duke's households. Song Rou is dead, and what should have been a joyous wedding turned into such a tragedy. It's really..."

Qin Guan took a shallow breath. "Perhaps... they don't deserve pity."

Fuling raised her eyebrows. "What does the young mistress mean?"

Qin Guan turned her head to look at the passing cityscape outside the carriage window. "A person's past shapes who they are now. Wei Yanzhi was a concubine's son who suffered much mistreatment in the past. Combined with his mother's death, it turned him into what he is now. As for Eldest Young Master Wei... even if he bore no malice back then, he must have committed unintentional wrongs. And his mother, the Wei family head, the Duke's household—they all had their faults to varying degrees. The Wei and Duke's households knew Song Rou had been intimate with another man, yet they still insisted on marrying her off. That was their mistake, and a grave one born of selfishness. So in the current situation, they're merely reaping what they sowed. There's no need to pity them. If anyone deserves pity, it's Marquis Anyang's household—completely blameless, yet caught up in this turmoil for no reason. Let's just hope heaven doesn't let misfortune strike them twice."

Listening to Qin Guan's words, Fuling nodded. "This servant understands now. Wei Yanzhi isn't worthy of sympathy."

"That's wrong." Qin Guan's tone was gentle yet firm and powerful. Fuling looked at her, her clear black-and-white eyes filled with confusion. "Isn't that what the young mistress meant?"

Qin Guan's expression grew solemn. "I wasn't telling you that Wei Yanzhi doesn't deserve sympathy. You may sigh over his fate, but you mustn't absolve him of guilt. Now that he's gotten the death he sought, he's not worth Her Highness grieving over either. What I was telling you just now is this: never underestimate the power of evil. Any crime or malice can drive a person to unimaginable extremes."

Narrowing her eyes, Qin Guan's voice turned cool and stern. "We can't be certain whether we'll be hurt by others, but we can make sure we don't become the ones who inflict harm. The wounds we give others will always remain. Even after twenty or thirty years, when the scars seem to have healed, none of it will truly disappear."Fuling stared blankly at Qin Guan. The things Qin Guan was saying now were things she had never heard from her before. Not just from Qin Guan—she hadn’t heard such reasoning from anyone else either. These principles usually seemed profound and mysterious, but the way Qin Guan explained them made them straightforward and easy to understand. Yet, there was an indescribable sorrow in Qin Guan’s tone that sent an involuntary shiver down Fuling’s spine.

Her mistress had changed—greatly changed from before.

The carriage fell silent, leaving only the sound of Qin Guan and Fuling’s breathing. After a long while, the carriage gradually came to a stop. Fuling lifted the curtain and looked outside, quickly announcing, “Miss, we’re back at the manor!”

Qin Guan stepped out of the carriage, only to find that the yamen officers stationed at the western side gate of Qin Manor were gone.

Approaching the gate, she asked the gatekeeper on duty, who hurriedly replied, “Half an hour ago, the yamen sent people to recall everyone. They said they were conducting a thorough search in Jinzhou City today.”

Qin Guan nodded and entered the manor. After walking a short distance, she saw several servants carrying a coffin toward the inner courtyard.

Frowning at the sight, Qin Guan’s gaze darkened. Fuling, noticing her expression, went over to inquire. She returned shortly and reported, “Miss, Consort Liu’s ancestral hall has been set up in a side courtyard to the west. They said they’ve invited a monk to perform a ritual this evening, and tomorrow they’ll take Consort Liu out for burial.”

As Qin Guan listened, she found the process eerily familiar.

Then her frown deepened—wasn’t this the exact same procedure they had followed for Ninth Miss?!

A chill ran down Qin Guan’s spine, but she said nothing and quickened her steps back to Orchid Isle Courtyard.

The courtyard was quiet. Entering the main room, Qin Guan thought of Qin Li’s illness and resigned herself to studying medical texts again. After hours of effort, she finally made some adjustments to the existing prescription.

Qin Guan wrote down four or five medicinal names. “Fuling, take Wan Xing to fetch these herbs.”

Fuling walked over, took the list, nodded, and left.

Watching Fuling’s figure disappear through the doorway, Qin Guan rubbed her sore neck wearily. Venereal disease was notoriously difficult to cure. Even during her studies in Medicine King Valley, she had never heard of a guaranteed remedy. Yet, she faintly recalled her mentor mentioning an ancient prescription once—though it had been a passing remark, and she couldn’t remember the details now. All she could do was rely on her knowledge of pharmacology and experiment one by one.

She could only hope Qin Li’s condition wouldn’t worsen too quickly—otherwise, even the best medicine would be powerless.

With this thought, Qin Guan stood up. She had been sitting for too long, and her back ached. Hearing the stillness in the courtyard, she stepped outside and stood beneath the corridor. Glancing toward the side room, she noted that the “Wan” maids usually gathered there to chat when idle. Other masters might scold their servants for idling in their quarters, but Qin Guan found it perfectly fine. If more people wandered around the courtyard, it would only feel too noisy for her.

Qin Guan took a few more steps outside. The beams above were adorned with golden paint and colorful designs, while two Moon on the West Tower wind lanterns hung beneath the eaves. Stretching her limbs, she let her gaze wander casually around—until her eyes landed on something that made her frown.

From where she stood, she could see the side gate near the orchid garden was slightly ajar!

Annoyance flared, and Qin Guan strode toward the gate.

Who had left it open this time? Could it be Wan Tao again?!Qin Guan hurried to the side gate and, as expected, found it ajar. Pushing it open, she intended to see who was in the orchid garden when her peripheral vision caught a figure in a blue robe disappearing at the far end of the garden.

She froze. The retreating figure wore a blue robe—the most common attire for servants in the estate. Who was it?

Wan Tang? Wan Tao? Or Wan Li?!

Her courtyard's main gate faced south, while the side gate opened to the east. Yet the figure had headed north.

Why take the side gate instead of the main entrance? What secret were they hiding?

Determined, Qin Guan strode forward, leaving the orchid garden and turning in the direction the figure had vanished. She expected to lose sight of them, but to her surprise, the figure remained just within view!

Narrowing her eyes, she quickened her pace.

North of the orchid garden, following the winding corridor westward, Qin Guan grew increasingly uneasy. The figure ahead was unmistakably heading toward the small lotus pond. Her heart pounded fiercely.

The small lotus pond wasn't far from the western rear courtyard where Qin Guan had initially lived. And now, Consort Liu's ancestral hall had been set up nearby. Could someone from her courtyard be heading there?!

Her mind raced with suspicion as she trailed the figure through turn after turn. No matter how many corners they rounded, the figure stayed just within sight—yet Qin Guan could never quite catch up. Each time she glimpsed them, they had already turned the next corner. Apart from noting their slender frame, she couldn’t even catch a glimpse of their profile.

Then, suddenly, the scenery opened before her—the small lotus pond, which she hadn’t visited in days, lay just ahead!

But when Qin Guan focused her gaze, the blue-robed figure she had been following was gone.

Her pulse quickened. Scanning the surroundings, her eyes locked onto a narrow path leading toward the Purple Bamboo Forest.

She had walked that path before—it was the only trail from the west leading into the Purple Bamboo Forest. And now, amid the clusters of low bamboo, she clearly discerned a faint, flickering figure moving deeper...

Her heart jolted violently. The Purple Bamboo Forest—that person had gone into the Purple Bamboo Forest!

She had missed Steward Liu Chun when he entered the forest. She had hesitated to investigate when Consort Liu ventured there.

And then Consort Liu had died horribly, while Steward Liu Chun had vanished without a trace. Qin Guan’s eyes turned cold. This time, she absolutely could not let this golden opportunity slip away...

With that thought, she stepped forward and followed.