A powerful stench of decay immediately spread throughout the back hall. Although two days had passed, the corpse had been flayed, and while the outside deteriorated quickly, it also accelerated the internal decay. Qin Wan’s expression remained stern as each of her incisions fell with extreme precision. Nearby, Zheng Baishi and others watched, the acid in their stomachs that they had barely managed to suppress earlier threatening to rise again.
Everyone had seen Qin Wan perform autopsies before, yet each time left them equally shocked. Zheng Baishi knew that Qin Wan had been granted the title of Princess, and also knew she had taken a nominal position in the Ministry of Justice. However, this particular aspect was something he, who had remained in Lin’an City, could never have anticipated.
As the main hunting party returned, stories of Qin Wan’s achievements at the Wei Mountain camp spread back to Lin’an City. Some criticized her involvement in criminal cases, while others considered her an extraordinary woman. Due to the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s favor, those who criticized Qin Wan remained in the minority, and others dared not be disrespectful.
Watching Qin Wan maintain the same posture, head bowed, with fine beads of sweat on her forehead, Zheng Baishi felt not only admiration but also a paternal concern. At her flower-like age, while her three sisters were all planning their marriages, she alone stood with dignified grace before decomposing corpses in the morgue, performing autopsies.
Zheng Baishi sighed repeatedly, but when he saw Qin Wan remove something black from the deceased’s abdomen, his sighs caught in his throat, and he turned away to retch twice.
The black mass was what Qin Wan had extracted from the deceased’s stomach. After carefully examining it for a moment, she straightened her back that had been bent for so long. She instinctively raised her hand to wipe the thin layer of sweat from her brow, but stopped halfway, realizing her hands were too dirty. Collecting herself, Qin Wan said, “The deceased shows no obvious foreign objects in the chest, abdomen, nasal cavity, or trachea. From what I can see, the victim was likely rendered unconscious by a blow to the back of the head before being flayed. There’s partially digested food in the stomach – while I can’t identify it yet, the deceased had consumed a large amount of alcohol before the injury.”
Qin Wan continued examining the mass of decay, which had turned into a rotting pulp over the two days. After careful observation, she discovered a tiny hard shell. After further examination, she stated, “The deceased had eaten crab before death.”
Zheng Baishi’s brows furrowed slightly. “At this time of year, it’s not yet crab season.”
Qin Wan nodded while suturing the autopsy incisions. “Indeed, which makes our investigation easier.”
Zheng Baishi’s lips curved slightly. “With the Princess here, we finally have a direction. Zhan Yang—”
At Zheng Baishi’s call, Zhan Yang immediately nodded. “Yes, I’ll take men to investigate right away!”
After Zhan Yang left with his men, Qin Wan finished preparing the body before stepping away from the autopsy table. Bai Ying hurried to bring water for Qin Wan to wash her hands. Once everything was cleaned up and they came out, Zheng Baishi was speaking with Yan Chi.
“That person has been imprisoned for many years. Does Your Highness think it necessary to question them?”
Yan Chi pondered for a moment before nodding. “I will discuss this with the Minister. I assume Master Li has no objections?”
Li Muyun, standing nearby, smiled. “Of course not.”
As Li Muyun finished speaking, he looked up to see Qin Wan emerging from the inner hall. His lips curved upward. “The Princess has worked hard.”
Qin Wan shook her head and approached to speak with Zheng Baishi. “The autopsy findings are limited. We’ll need to rely on Captain Zhan’s investigation of these leads.” She paused briefly before continuing, “Ordinary citizens can’t afford crab, especially during this season. Given this person’s young age, I suspect they may be someone of status, at least from a wealthy family.”
Zheng Baishi hadn’t considered this angle. Upon hearing it, he remarked, “Yet in these past two days, no one has reported a missing person to the authorities.”
Qin Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. “It’s just my speculation, it might not be accurate.”
Li Muyun interjected, “I share the same thoughts—”
Qin Wan looked at Li Muyun, feeling a chill slowly forming in her heart. “Master Li thinks the same?”
Li Muyun nodded. “The Princess not only excels at autopsies but surpasses ordinary people in deductive reasoning. Watching the Princess perform the autopsy reminded me of an old acquaintance.”
Qin Wan’s heart suddenly jumped, though her face remained calm. “Oh? An acquaintance? Who might that be?”
Li Muyun smiled slightly. “They’re no longer with us, best not to speak of it.”
With that, he showed no intention of continuing the topic. Turning to Zheng Baishi, he asked, “When does Master Zheng plan to question the Taoist from six years ago? Having just heard Master Zheng mention it, I’ve become quite interested in this person as well.”
Zheng Baishi quickly replied, “We’ll wait for His Highness to consult with the Minister and inform us. Having Master Li join the questioning would be most excellent.”
Li Muyun exchanged a few more pleasantries with Zheng Baishi before taking his leave. As Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature, he normally wouldn’t directly investigate cases in the capital, but his involvement now was due to the old case’s significance requiring supervision.
After Li Muyun left, Zheng Baishi sighed, “When Master Li mentioned it, I too was reminded of someone.”
Qin Wan remained unmoved as she looked into Zheng Baishi’s eyes. “Who did Master Zheng think of?”
Zheng Baishi glanced outside, saw his men guarding the door, and spoke quietly, “Does the Princess know of the previous Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature?”
Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, but after a moment she smiled and nodded. “Of course I do.”
Zheng Baishi continued in a low voice, “To be honest with the Princess, I had some acquaintance with former Minister Shen. Though he rose to Chief Minister of the Court of Judicature, after coming to the capital he still helped solve several cases for the Lin’an Prefecture. I witnessed him perform autopsies, and… the Princess’s serious expression during autopsies bears some resemblance to Minister Shen’s.”
Qin Wan’s face remained calm. “What a coincidence.” After a pause, she added, “To be honest with Master Zheng, I have studied Minister Shen’s writings.”
Zheng Baishi’s face lit up with understanding. “That explains it. Perhaps there truly is some predestined connection.”
He paused, then continued quietly, “However… Minister Shen was involved in an incident before the Princess’s return at the beginning of the year. The Princess must know he was implicated in Prince Jin’s case. It’s now a forbidden topic in the capital. While it’s fine for us to discuss this privately, I urge the Princess to be cautious to avoid trouble.”
Gratitude flickered in Qin Wan’s eyes. “Master Zheng need not worry, I understand. However… does Master Zheng believe Minister Shen truly engaged in corruption?”
The question left Zheng Baishi momentarily speechless. After pressing his lips together for a while, he finally said, “The entanglements of official circles are shrouded in mist. Princess, I cannot answer your question.”
Qin Wan smiled. “Master need not be nervous, I was just asking casually.” She glanced back at the main hall. “Although this person’s manner of death is similar to the old case, it’s possible someone who knew of the old case is imitating its methods. Master Zheng, was the old case widely known in the capital?”
Zheng Baishi shook his head. “Not at all. The incident occurred outside the capital, and because of the killer’s brutal methods and involvement of Taoism, Buddhism, and the Moon Worship Cult, the case was kept quiet by both the Lin’an authorities and the Ministry of Justice. In the capital, only those who handled the case knew about it. The common people generally didn’t know. The people of Guanyin Town knew as well, as it caused quite a stir there. However, Guanyin Town is rather remote and isolated, with few young people coming to work in the capital, so even if the news reached the capital, it was merely a flash in the pan.”
Qin Wan frowned. “If that’s the case, if someone is imitating the old case, it’s likely either someone from Guanyin Town or someone who learned about the case through other channels.”
Zheng Baishi felt somewhat impressed. As the Prefect of Lin’an, he had many responsibilities beyond criminal cases, so even though he was keen to investigate, his thoughts weren’t as quick as Qin Wan’s. In just a few words, she had pointed out another direction for the case. “Rest assured, Princess, I will have people investigate along this line.”
Qin Wan smiled and nodded, but said no more. Her nominal position only facilitated performing autopsies; it didn’t mean she could freely direct the investigation.
After the autopsy was complete, Yan Chi spoke from the side, “It’s getting late, let me take you back.”
The sun was already setting, and Princess Tai and Qin Chaoyu had likely left the palace. Qin Wan nodded, and Zheng Baishi said, “Then we’ll trouble Your Highness. You’re always escorting the Princess.”
“It’s no trouble—” Yan Chi added, “After I receive the Minister’s confirmation, I’ll come to the yamen to find you.”
Zheng Baishi smiled in acknowledgment and escorted them to the main gate. Watching Yan Chi and Qin Wan board the carriage together, he felt a strange sensation in his heart. Yan Chi’s reputation had long since reached the capital, and he had even fought with Feng Zhang before. Yet such a person showed exceptional consideration and care toward Princess Yongci. Could it be…
Zheng Baishi’s eyes brightened slightly, his smile deepening as he turned to enter the morgue.
Once in the carriage, Yan Chi pulled Qin Wan into his embrace. This man who commanded thousands of troops had felt a sense of helplessness watching Qin Wan unable to wipe her sweat earlier.
Qin Wan was indeed tired and leaned against Yan Chi’s shoulder. Closing her eyes, she said softly, “Whether this case is imitating the previous method or someone is using religion as a pretext again, it’s not simple. I fear we won’t make it in time.”
Though Qin Wan spoke simply, Yan Chi understood. “Not making it in time” meant they wouldn’t be able to stop the killer before another victim appeared. Hearing this, he squeezed her hand and suddenly asked, “Did you join the Ministry of Justice because of Shen Yi?”
Qin Wan’s back stiffened, unsure how Yan Chi had arrived at this question.
Seeing her surprise, Yan Chi continued, “I don’t know Shen Yi, nor have I met him, but Zheng Baishi and Li Muyun have. Li Muyun didn’t say it directly, but the person he mentioned must have been Shen Yi. You admire Shen Yi—do you perhaps believe he was wrongly accused, and wish to carry on his autopsy techniques?”
Qin Wan relaxed, having momentarily feared Yan Chi had seen through everything. But then she smiled bitterly—who could imagine that a dead person could return to life? Even with Yan Chi’s insight into human nature, he couldn’t possibly guess that!
“Master Zheng says your manner during autopsies greatly resembles Shen Yi’s. You’ve never met him, yet somehow share this mystical connection. Your admiration for him must be extraordinary.”
Qin Wan had followed Shen Yi since childhood, absorbing not only his medical knowledge and autopsy techniques but also his focused and serious demeanor during examinations. Thus, her manner during autopsies was almost a copy of Shen Yi’s. While those unfamiliar with Shen Yi might not notice, Li Muyun had been his deputy, and Zheng Baishi had some personal connection with him. Moreover, they had seen Qin Wan perform autopsies multiple times, so naturally, their impression was deep.
Qin Wan smiled wryly, “Indeed, it seems there is some mystical connection. Perhaps Minister Shen’s spirit in heaven, seeing my reverence, blessed me with talent and determination…”
Yan Chi squeezed her palm hard. “And you say you don’t believe in spirits?”
But Qin Wan turned to face him, her eyes looking directly into his. “I don’t believe in spirits, but I do believe there are mysterious things in this world, many things that seem like destiny…”
These words were both a confession of her inner thoughts and a hint to Yan Chi born of guilt. Unable to explain her circumstances directly, she conveyed it through seemingly mystical words.
Looking into Qin Wan’s clear, stream-like eyes, Yan Chi felt a slight tremor in his heart. Her words seemed straightforward yet mysterious as if conveying something more. Though he couldn’t quite grasp it, he sensed there was more to her meaning. Having decided not to pressure her, he squeezed her palm and asked, “Are you and I destiny then?”
Qin Wan blinked. “Perhaps… yes?”
Yan Chi lowered his head and planted a fierce kiss on her lips. “No perhaps about it—”
When Qin Wan returned to the Marquis’s mansion, darkness had fallen. The entire compound was brightly lit, and Nanny Yu was waiting outside the main courtyard. Seeing her arrival, she quickly said, “Princess, Madam is waiting for you in the main hall.”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, wondering why Madam Hu was waiting for her.
Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but think of Qin Chaoyu. Had he said something?
Collecting herself, Qin Wan went directly to the main hall, where she found only Madam Hu. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, Madam Hu warmly took her hand and said, “Wan’er, it’s like this—we went to the An Yang Marquis’s mansion and wanted to invite Princess Tai to our home as a guest. I sent the invitation this afternoon, but I’d like you to look over tomorrow’s menu.”
Given Princess Tai’s elevated position, it was understandable that Madam Hu and Qin Shu had not only paid their respects but also wanted to invite them to their mansion. Qin Wan immediately agreed as she was most familiar with the An Yang Marquis’s household. Though she might not know every detail, she understood better than Madam Hu and the others, especially regarding Princess Tai’s dietary restrictions.
Just as they were finishing their discussion, Qin Shu arrived at the main hall. Having just returned from outside, he immediately asked, “Wan’er, you went to the morgue this afternoon?”
Qin Wan nodded. “Yes, do you know about the new case?”
Qin Shu nodded, his brows furrowed. “Yong’an City hasn’t been peaceful before and after the new year. What did you find?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “I only performed the autopsy. There are no clear leads yet. The killer’s method is cruel—if we can’t find crucial clues, I fear there will be a second victim.”
Qin Shu was extremely anxious. “This matter has already been reported to the Emperor. The capital region is under the Crown Prince’s jurisdiction, and with one case after another, the Emperor is quite displeased. Wan’er, you must also give this case your full attention.”
Qin Wan naturally nodded, and Madam Hu smiled, “Wan’er isn’t a formal official, don’t make her nervous.”
Qin Shu shook his head. “You don’t know—Prince Cheng is plotting again!”
Though Madam Hu didn’t usually discuss court matters with Qin Shu, at this she said, “You know about Xiang’er…”
At the mention of Qin Xiang’s name, Qin Shu’s brows furrowed. “Why ask about her? She’s doing just fine now!”
Madam Hu gave Qin Wan a bitter smile. Likely mindful of Qin Wan’s presence, though annoyed, Qin Shu continued, “I had people inquire. Though she’s been expelled from the Qin family, I know you all still care about her. That night she entered Prince Cheng’s mansion and has stayed there since. I hear Prince Cheng treats her well now—that Feng girl even went to Prince Cheng’s mansion but was turned away.”
Everyone had thought Qin Xiang would become a pawn after entering Prince Cheng’s mansion, yet surprisingly, he had blocked Feng Chenbi for her sake. Madam Hu asked, “Does this mean Prince Cheng is sincere toward Xiang’er?”
Qin Shu gave a cold laugh. “How could Prince Cheng have any sincerity? I’m telling you this just to put your minds at ease, but we won’t concern ourselves with her anymore…”
As Qin Wan left the main hall, she was still pondering Madam Hu’s words. If Prince Cheng was truly sincere toward Qin Xiang, then perhaps her bold actions and even abandoning the Qin family to enter his mansion weren’t in vain.
Just as she returned to Song Feng Court, Qin Shuang came over with embroidery patterns. These days she was peacefully preparing for marriage, spending each day embroidering wedding clothes and other items needed for the ceremony. Though Madam Hu had prepared much for her, she still didn’t want to remain idle.
“I heard from Nanny Yu that you went to perform an autopsy. Eighth Sister returned long ago.”
Qin Wan nodded and explained briefly. Since Qin Shuang was afraid of death, Qin Wan naturally didn’t mention the horrific state of the corpse.
After some thought, she also relayed what Qin Shu had reported. Qin Shuang was momentarily surprised to hear that Prince Cheng favored Qin Xiang, but after a moment she smiled and said, “Then she got what she wished for! If she’s doing well, I won’t feel like I took what was hers. However, Feng Chenbi hasn’t entered the mansion yet, so in the future…”
Qin Wan knew Qin Shuang was still worried about Qin Xiang, but she shook her head without saying more. Qin Shuang suddenly asked, “It’s been several days—do you think she knows that I’m the one marrying into the Xue family instead of her?”
Qin Wan was startled—this she really couldn’t be sure about.
In the Water Moon Residence of Prince Cheng’s mansion, Xiu Zhen was attending Qin Xiang’s bath.
When Xiu Zhen first came with Qin Xiang and saw that Wan He hadn’t come, she was extremely anxious. Although she had served in the household and wasn’t completely inexperienced, this was a Prince’s mansion they were entering! A Prince’s mansion wasn’t somewhere one could enter casually! Seeing Master Qin’s fury, even she wondered if Prince Cheng was merely using Qin Xiang!
But Xiu Zhen never imagined that Prince Cheng would truly treat Qin Xiang well. The night Qin Xiang entered Prince Cheng’s mansion, she slept in Yan Qi’s main courtyard. The next day, he assigned her a courtyard—the current Water Moon Residence.
He assigned her not only to the courtyard but also to elderly maids and servants. Though Prince Cheng’s mansion had several concubines, none could compare to her mistress. She heard Prince Cheng hadn’t visited them in many days. Those women were either sent by others or of humble birth—in the future, forget about becoming secondary consorts, they couldn’t even hope to become honored concubines.
Xiu Zhen, being Qin Xiang’s most capable servant, suddenly became the head maid of the courtyard. Even the elderly maids didn’t dare give her attitude. Xiu Zhen was so grateful she had followed Qin Xiang here! Otherwise, how could she have experienced such luxury?
Thinking this, Xiu Zhen looked up. In this Water Moon Residence, just the bathing room was as large as her mistress’s former bedroom. The room featured phoenix-carved beams and elaborate curtains. Whether large furniture or small ornaments, everything exuded luxury. Looking at the magnificent imperial patterns on the floor, Xiu Zhen felt reluctant to step on them.
This was Prince Cheng’s mansion, this was royal grandeur!
Previously, her mistress had always envied Ninth Miss for entering the palace and becoming a Princess. Now, her mistress could also enjoy such splendor. As long as her mistress remained favored and bore Prince Cheng’s children in the future, she could live a life of glory and wealth!
Thinking this, Xiu Zhen placed fresh flower petals in the water and applied fragrant cream to Qin Xiang’s shoulders. After bathing, the intimate marks on Qin Xiang’s shoulders became more apparent—Prince Cheng had spent two consecutive nights at Water Moon Residence!
Xiu Zhen’s face reddened, her eyes unable to resist looking repeatedly at Qin Xiang’s shoulders. After a moment, Qin Xiang’s half-closed eyes finally opened. Having experienced intimacy, Qin Xiang’s beauty had become even more alluring, her eyes moist and appealing. Having soaked for long enough and thinking Prince Cheng might arrive soon, she hurriedly rose.
Xiu Zhen helped Qin Xiang dress and dry her hair before Qin Xiang sat at the dressing table.
The person in the mirror had picturesque features—lips naturally rouge, brows naturally dark. Her lips curved slightly as she practiced a pitiful expression in the mirror, even stunning herself. Leaving the Qin family had cut off her last retreat, but fortunately, she was clever. Previously at the Marquis’s mansion, she had maintained her dignity as Third House’s legitimate daughter, but now in Prince Cheng’s mansion, she had only one purpose: to capture Prince Cheng’s heart. Regardless of his previous treatment of her, she had to win his heart anew.
In three months, Feng Chenbi would enter the mansion. Before then, she needed to secure a place in Prince Cheng’s heart.
Thinking this, Qin Xiang still took lip paper to blot her lips and picked up an ink brush to draw her eyebrows. She needed Prince Cheng to always see her beautiful and graceful…
Seeing Qin Xiang drawing her brows, Xiu Zhen knew she was waiting for Prince Cheng. She led the young maids to remove the bathwater. After finishing, Qin Xiang ordered, “Wait outside. If His Highness comes, report immediately.”
Xiu Zhen acknowledged and hurried out to wait by the hanging flower gate. Just as she took her position, she overheard two working maids speaking quietly—
“So this Miss Qin knows how to plan for herself.”
“Indeed, she ran away, and her sister replaced her.”
“I heard that family is just ordinary, how can it compare to the Prince’s mansion?”
“But it’s different—her sister will be the primary wife there, while Miss Qin here has no formal position…”
Xiu Zhen’s heart jumped. In their days at the Prince’s mansion, they hadn’t paid attention to outside news. From these two’s conversation, was the Marquis’s mansion planning to marry the Sixth Miss to the Xue family?
Xiu Zhen thought for a moment and hurried back inside. At the door, Qin Xiang heard movement and rushed out, only to see Xiu Zhen enter alone. Qin Xiang frowned, “Prince Cheng hasn’t come?”
Xiu Zhen shook her head. “Miss, I heard something…”
Qin Xiang raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
Xiu Zhen quietly related what she’d just heard. Qin Xiang frowned and froze, but quickly gave a light laugh. “That’s good too. If they were simply looking for Qin Shuang, they might not have found someone like the Xue family. Now the connection between the Marquis’s mansion and the Xue family hasn’t been broken, and Qin Shuang has a place to go. I’ve done a good deed.”
Xiu Zhen said softly, “Miss until Miss Feng enters the mansion, your status can’t be settled…”
Qin Xiang glared at Xiu Zhen. “I know all this, you needn’t say more. I have plans.”
Xiu Zhen wanted to speak but held back, seeing Qin Xiang’s displeasure. Qin Xiang said impatiently, “Go back outside and wait…”
Xiu Zhen nodded and turned to leave. However, after waiting half the night without Prince Cheng’s arrival, Xiu Zhen returned to inform Qin Xiang, who was growing anxious. She ordered, “Go out and see if you can find out if His Highness has returned. Perhaps he hasn’t come back yet…”
If he had returned, how could he not come to her?
Xiu Zhen went out but quickly returned, pale-faced. “Miss, we can’t reach the main courtyard. There are guards between us and there, and they won’t let us pass. The guard won’t say whether the Prince has returned.”
Qin Xiang’s expression darkened. Yan Qi was Prince Cheng, a royal son—naturally, the mansion’s security was strict. The first night she had slept in the main courtyard, and the second and third nights he had come to her. He had been so gentle and attentive that she had become somewhat presumptuous. Yan Qi was not a man easily captured by a woman.
Qin Xiang waved her hand and sat down with furrowed brows. She had to remain calm, absolutely calm!
“We’ll stop waiting, and stop asking. Let’s retire.”
Qin Xiang made her decision quickly. Xiu Zhen was surprised—she had thought Qin Xiang would surely wait for Prince Cheng!
The next day, Princess Tai indeed brought the An Yang Marquis’s family to the Zhong Yong Marquis’s mansion.
Madam Hu led the three sisters Qin Chaoyu to welcome them. When Qin Chaoyu saw Qin Wan, her expression remained neutral, showing neither pleasure nor displeasure.
Princess Tai rarely went out since returning to the capital, so her visit naturally gave a face to the Marquis’s mansion. To entertain Princess Tai, Qin Shu had even kept Qin Yan and Qin Yi at the mansion.
During the previous visit to An Yang Marquis’s mansion, Qin Yi and Qin Yan hadn’t gone along. Today, with Yue Qing also present, the three young men could socialize. Upon entering, Yue Ning pulled Qin Wan aside, saying, “This is what Ninth Prince asked me to bring you. You left too quickly yesterday and forgot to take it.”
Qin Wan looked—it was the golden bird with the broken wing!
Qin Wan broke into a smile. “I did forget. He had you bring it out to me.”
Yue Ning also smiled. “Ninth Prince was somewhat reluctant to part with it, but he was quite insistent. I had to run an errand. I was planning to bring it to you today, but when I returned home, I saw the invitation from the Marquis’s mansion. Perfect timing to bring it along.”
While Madam Hu and Madam Jiang chatted with Princess Tai, Yue Ning went with Qin Wan to Song Feng Court. Qin Shuang, a frequent visitor to Song Feng Court, followed without hesitation, but Qin Chaoyu naturally wouldn’t come along.
Entering the courtyard, Qin Wan looked around. “This cage doesn’t seem suitable to hang anywhere…”
Yue Ning, who had never kept birds, suggested, “Under the eaves?”
After being carried all the way, the bird in the cage appeared listless. Seeing this, Qin Wan called Fu Ling to prepare water and bird feed. Though the mansion kept birds, and Fu Ling hurried to get feed from the servants, the birds refused to eat.
Qin Shuang suggested, “Perhaps Ninth Prince fed it too well?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “No, Ninth Prince just caught it. It had no previous owner, so it shouldn’t be picky.”
Fu Ling pondered, “Maybe it needs live insects? Should I look in the flower garden?”
Fu Ling volunteered enthusiastically, excited about the prospect of hunting for insects in the garden, her playful nature emerging. Qin Wan smiled and had the cage hung under the eaves. As for finding insects or buying new bird feed, she left that to Fu Ling, who had never kept pets and was excited about the little bird.
Yue Ning showed great interest in the new case in the capital. “Since returning to the capital, I’ve been rather idle. Why not take me along next time you investigate?”
Qin Wan remembered Yue Ning’s distress the first time she witnessed an autopsy. “I’ll be performing autopsies.”
Yue Ning snorted, “Don’t I know that? I’m not afraid anymore—”
As Yue Ning finished speaking with her chin raised, she saw Qin Wan’s teasing look and couldn’t help but laugh. “Thinking back to that time, it feels like yesterday, yet half a year has passed.”
Qin Wan also sighed, “Yes, if not for the fortunate chance of saving Princess Tai, who knows what my situation would be.”
Yue Ning shook her head. “Your medical skills didn’t come from saving Grandmother. Even without that, you would have shone brightly upon returning to the capital. You’re now known as the little medical fairy…”
She continued, “When I first met you, I thought you were just an ordinary young lady! Who knew this young lady would perform autopsies… even cutting open bodies…”
Then Yue Ning remembered how she had vomited watching the autopsy—
Spring was in full bloom as Yue Ning walked with Qin Wan in the garden, with Qin Shuang following behind. As Yue Ning spoke, Qin Shuang recalled half a year ago when she had looked down on Qin Wan and even pushed her into the lake. Later, she was punished by Yue Ning for speaking wrongly, and only then did she begin to feel fear.
Hearing Yue Ning and Qin Wan discuss old times, she remained silent, reflecting on her gradual transformation.
She felt fortunate that she no longer followed Qin Xiang. If she had maintained her former personality in the capital without guidance, dying a hundred times wouldn’t have been enough.
Previously, Qin Xiang had been the legitimate young lady of the household, most beloved and respected. Qin Xiang truly excelled in everything, so she could only see Qin Xiang, following her lead blindly, not even realizing when she was being used. Later events broke their relationship and revealed the true intentions of Qin Xiang and her mother.
To outsiders, they were sisters, but internally, she was merely a green leaf complementing Qin Xiang’s flower—always would be.
Looking at Qin Wan’s back, Qin Shuang found it strange. Someone of Qin Wan’s beauty and character should naturally befriend people like Yue Ning and Meng Yao, yet now even she was unconsciously drawn to her. As a child, she had wanted to be like Qin Xiang—perfect in every way, cherished by all. But now, she hoped to gain even a fraction of Qin Wan’s character. Even just a fraction would be enough to face future challenges. How could there be someone so admirable in this world?
“You’re so bold, daring to request a court position. Though it’s nominal, many people are unhappy about it. Fortunately, it was at that crucial moment, otherwise those old scholars would have condemned you with their brushes—the kind of criticism that leaves no vulgar words in the history books. But now that you’ve achieved great merit, they can’t criticize too harshly.”
Qin Wan smiled. “I knew this, which is why I requested at that moment.”
Yue Ning turned to look at Qin Wan. She had constantly surprised everyone in Jin Zhou, and in the capital, she had flourished even more. Now she had the title of Princess and could participate in criminal cases despite being a woman.
Yue Ning sighed, “I truly envy you. When my brother was going to Shuo Xi, I wanted to go too, but Mother and Grandmother wouldn’t allow it—”
“You’re Foster Mother’s precious pearl. Not just Foster Mother, even I wouldn’t want you on the battlefield.”
Yue Ning looked skyward. “Am I to spend my whole life confined to the inner chambers? Speaking of which, when I met the Northern Wei Princess, I felt envious. I heard she rarely stays in the palace in Northern Wei, always roaming about.”
Qin Wan explained, “You don’t know—she lost her mother at a young age and saw much of the palace’s cold realities, which shaped her character. If her mother were alive, she wouldn’t have allowed her to stay outside so often. She’s also someone who dares to enter the battlefield.”
Not only did she dare enter the battlefield, but she had also fallen for Yan Chi there.
“Ah, she lost her mother?” Yue Ning hadn’t known this. “In that case, I was thinking too simply. Indeed, no one’s life is as glorious as it appears on the surface.”
After touring the garden, when they returned to the main hall, Princess Tai was still talking with Madam Hu and Madam Jiang. Qin Chaoyu sat properly beside them, though her straight posture revealed a hint of loneliness.
After talking through the morning and having lunch, Princess Tai felt tired and led Yue Ning’s group to take their leave. Qin Shu and Madam Hu accompanied everyone to the gate, returning only after Princess Tai’s carriage departed.
Having entertained Princess Tai, Qin Shu and Madam Hu felt relieved. Qin Shuang returned with Qin Wan to check on the golden bird. Fu Ling had taken young maids to find insects, but the bird still wouldn’t eat.
Fu Ling was extremely troubled. “Who knows what it ate before—our bird feed isn’t poor quality.”
Qin Wan didn’t understand birds and considered sending them to the mansion’s craftsmen for care but felt it wouldn’t be right to pass on Yan Sui’s gift. Instead, she had Fu Ling bring a craftsman to the courtyard. After such fussing until dusk, whether from hunger or other reasons, the bird finally began to eat, allowing everyone to relax.
Early the next morning, Bai Feng came to escort Qin Wan to the Lin’an Prefecture yamen.
Given Qin Wan’s unusual status, no one would dare stop her from entering through the main gate of the yamen, but to avoid controversy, she still entered through the back corner gate and went directly to the front hall where cases were heard.
In the front hall, Yan Chi, Zheng Baishi, and Li Muyun were present. Seeing Qin Wan, Zheng Baishi said, “Princess, we’ve identified the deceased—”
Qin Wan quickly asked, “Who is it?”
Zheng Baishi smiled bitterly. “The fourth young master of the Wei Yuan Baron’s family.”
Wei Yuan Baron? Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, having a vague impression in her mind, but in her previous life, she hadn’t been familiar with the capital’s noble families, so she couldn’t immediately place it.
Zheng Baishi explained, “The Wei Yuan Baron’s family were founding ministers, but they’ve declined now. Even the baron title will end with this generation. They have four sons—the eldest ran away years ago and never returned, the second and fourth are good-for-nothing, only the third is barely presentable.”
“Regarding the alcohol and crab the Princess discovered, we checked all the famous restaurants in the city. Only two places serve them: Deng Yun Tower in the north and Feng Qi Tower in the west. Both use crab paste in their dishes. We investigated based on height, build, and age, and found only two people who ate dishes with crab paste before the incident—one at Deng Yun Tower and one at Feng Qi Tower. The one at Deng Yun Tower was a student from the Imperial Academy, while the one at Feng Qi Tower was the Wei Yuan Baron’s fourth son. We immediately inquired at the Wei Yuan Baron’s mansion and indeed, this fourth young master hadn’t returned for two days…”
“The Wei Yuan Baron is gravely ill and barely conscious. The Baroness wanted to search for the fourth son, but the third son, who manages the household, didn’t care about his brother’s welfare. According to him, his brother often disappeared for five or six days, so two days was nothing. However, when he heard his brother might be dead, he was shocked.”
Qin Wan frowned deeply. “The body is in such a state that identification is impossible.”
“Exactly, so the third son couldn’t confirm it was his brother. However, according to him, the fourth young master of Wei Yuan Baron’s family loved going to Feng Qi Tower, so he probably knows in his heart. He’s now sent people to search everywhere. If they can’t find him, the deceased is undoubtedly the Wei Yuan Baron’s fourth son.”
Yan Chi said, “According to religious doctrine, such a death indicates the person committed sins in life. Has this been investigated?”
Zheng Baishi replied, “We investigated. This fourth son was the youngest in the Wei Yuan Baron’s family but was disregarded for being worthless. Before the new year, he instigated the Baroness to sell several shops, claiming the third son, who manages the household, was embezzling family property. This caused great discord in the Wei Yuan Baron’s household and worsened the Baron’s illness.”
The Iron Tree Hell, or the Moon Worship Cult’s Flaying Hell, punished those who incited discord between brothers, fathers and sons, mothers and children, and other family relationships. The Wei Yuan Baron’s fourth son fits this criterion.
Qin Wan and Yan Chi exchanged glances. Now they could almost confirm that the killer’s method was similar to the old case, though they weren’t sure if it was someone imitating the old case or if the original killer had resumed their activities.
Zheng Baishi’s expression was very grave. “Since this matches, it means the killer is likely killing according to religious doctrine. I’ve had Zhan Yang investigate—those who would know about the fourth son’s evil deeds shouldn’t be too many, but checking them one by one will still be quite difficult.”
Yan Chi then said to Qin Wan, “So I’ve decided to first question the Taoist from six years ago. You’ll come with us.”
Qin Wan’s eyes brightened slightly. Yan Chi must have known she wanted to go, which is why he sent someone to fetch her!
Qin Wan quickly asked, “When do we go?”
Seeing her urgent expression, Yan Chi knew she was excited and smiled, saying, “Right now—”