Qin Wan was slightly startled by these words and responded with a simple “Alright.”
In the thick darkness of night, a chill swept through the air. The darkness in Yan Chi’s eyes was more pressing than the endless night itself. Qin Wan, looking into his eyes, nodded without asking where they were going.
Outside, Bai Feng and Bai Ying boarded the carriage. With a crack of the whip, the wheels began to turn with a steady rumble.
Inside the carriage, Yan Chi sat with his back straight against the wall. Usually dressed in black, he had always appeared imposing and intimidating. Now, dressed in white and hidden in the dim light, he gave off the sharp impression of a white blade cleaving through storm clouds. Yet when Qin Wan thought about the meaning behind his white attire and noticed the dark circles under his eyes, she felt a heart-wrenching vulnerability beneath that sharpness.
Noticing the concern in Qin Wan’s gaze, Yan Chi reached out to caress her cheek, his lips twitching slightly as he said, “It’s fine.”
These words only made Qin Wan’s heart ache more. She grabbed his hand, wanting to say something but not knowing where to begin. For someone like Yan Chi, comfort would seem weak and hollow. Qin Wan forced herself to remain calm.
Earlier that day, Prince Rui’s coffin had entered the capital, and now he had called her for help.
Her only skills were medicine and forensics…
Qin Wan’s expression suddenly changed, her back stiffening. She turned to look into Yan Chi’s eyes, light flickering in her gaze. Could he want her to…
Yan Chi wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into his embrace.
He stroked her back, seemingly trying to comfort both her and himself. Qin Wan’s heart began to race.
Had things come to this point?
“It’s alright,” Yan Chi said, rubbing her shoulders while holding her hand with his other hand.
Qin Wan couldn’t help but look up into his eyes. Yan Chi met her gaze and forced another slight smile.
His eyes were filled with frost, without a trace of genuine mirth, yet he didn’t want her to worry. However, at this moment, he couldn’t maintain his usual perfect composure.
Qin Wan leaned forward and kissed the corner of his forced smile.
She lingered there, her breath falling on his face. Yan Chi suddenly closed his eyes, his rigid back relaxing slightly. Qin Wan moved away from his lips and placed her hand on his cheek.
Yan Chi covered her hand with his own, gently caressing it before placing a kiss on her palm.
Seeing her staring at him intently, Yan Chi pulled her close to his chest, one hand in her hair, forcing her to rest against him so she couldn’t look at him with such worry and pain.
Qin Wan rested her cheek against his chest, listening to his dignified and steady heartbeat. Each beat resonated through her body and touched her heart, instantly calming her significantly.
The carriage sped along the main street of the district. Soon, it stopped at the back gate of Prince Rui’s mansion.
Qin Wan had never used this entrance before.
It was now well past midnight, and the entire Prince Rui mansion was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Two white lanterns hung under the eaves, their cold light swaying dismally in the breeze. Bai Feng pushed open the back door with a creaking sound that carried an eerie quality in the deep night. Yan Chi walked in front, with Qin Wan following behind, as they made their way toward the mansion’s memorial hall.
The memorial hall had been prepared in advance. Today, when Prince Rui’s coffin arrived, they only needed to dress him in the burial clothes made by the imperial household and transfer him to the coffin befitting a prince’s status. Along the way, everything was eerily quiet, quite different from Qin Wan’s expectation of seeing servants dressed in mourning clothes everywhere. As they approached the memorial hall in the main courtyard, Yan Chi slowed his pace, waiting for Qin Wan, then took her hand as they entered the solemn main courtyard.
Funeral banners and white cloth hung everywhere, with sacrificial offerings and incense burning. Qin Wan’s gaze passed over these to fix upon the dark wood coffin placed in the center of the memorial hall. The coffin was decorated with gold patterns, appearing majestic and dignified. The lid was closed, and Qin Wan found herself holding her breath.
Yan Chi led Qin Wan to the coffin, knelt with a sweep of his robes, and turned to look at her. Understanding his meaning, Qin Wan knelt beside him. Bai Feng, with a solemn face, handed each of them an incense stick. Yan Chi bowed three times, then turned to look at Qin Wan. Without a word from him, she understood his meaning. With reddening eyes, she gripped her incense and also bowed three times.
After completing the bows, Yan Chi helped Qin Wan up, and they placed their incense on the bronze tripod on the altar.
After placing the incense, Yan Chi stood motionless, momentarily without action. His brows furrowed as his gaze fell upon the coffin, seemingly taking a final moment of contemplation. Qin Wan waited quietly. Soon, Yan Chi glanced at her, then walked around the altar to the coffin’s side. He placed his hand heavily on the coffin lid, held his breath, and pushed it open with one motion.
Qin Wan steadied herself and walked to the coffin’s side.
Although summer had passed, Prince Rui had been dead for many days, and the body in the coffin had already begun to decompose. He was dressed in complex and noble burial clothes, but just looking at the exposed face was unbearable. If this had been just any corpse, it would have been different, but Qin Wan knew exactly who this person was. Her heart felt constricted, and her fingertips trembled uncontrollably.
Yan Chi looked at Prince Rui’s remains and finally said, “Three hours. We must seal the coffin before dawn.”
Qin Wan had never heard Yan Chi’s voice sound so hoarse. She nodded, her voice rough when she spoke.
“That’s enough time, but we’ll need to move him out first.”
After Qin Wan finished speaking, Yan Chi struck the coffin lid with one hand, and the heavy, solid lid suddenly fell to the ground. Yan Chi leaned in and lifted Prince Rui’s body out, turning to place it on the fallen lid.
The body had already been cleaned. Qin Wan’s first step was to undo Prince Rui’s burial clothes.
As she removed the burial clothes, Qin Wan examined the body.
Prince Rui had been dead for over twenty days, but it was evident that his body had been well-preserved, both in Liang Province and during the journey back. On the surface, he didn’t look like someone who had been dead for over twenty days, but Qin Wan could immediately see obvious post-mortem changes. The body had begun to swell, dark purple lividity covered his face, and the smell of decay couldn’t be masked even by the incense.
Despite this, Qin Wan could still make out Prince Rui’s dignified bearing from before his death.
All members of the Yan family were born with phoenix eyes, especially Yan Lin. As Qin Wan traced his features with her gaze, her thoughts were less clinical and rational than during normal autopsies. This was the first time she felt unable to steady her mind.
Because Yan Chi’s features were deeply inherited from his father, Qin Wan thought that in twenty years, Yan Chi would look just like Yan Lin. This thought made her imagine another Yan Chi lying here, and her soul was instantly thrown into turmoil.
By the time Qin Wan finished removing the burial clothes, her palms were covered in a thin layer of sweat. However, when she saw the wounds on the body, her heart suddenly became calm. This was the most familiar scenario to her, and this familiarity immediately made her focused and solemn. She took out the prepared coroner’s knife and began the examination.
Without the burial robes embroidered with the twelve imperial patterns, Yan Lin’s body was no different from any other corpse, especially with the blood-stained wounds on his chest constantly reminding Qin Wan that Prince Rui’s death was suspicious, and she was here to help Yan Chi find evidence.
Gritting her teeth, Qin Wan began her examination from the crown of Prince Rui’s head, working her way down. Her movements were meticulous, her breathing light. After the initial hesitation, she quickly entered her professional state. Yan Chi stood at a distance watching Qin Wan, observing that her examination was no different from usual, except that alongside her coolness and focus, there was an additional weight of gravity.
Not wanting to pressure her with his gaze, Yan Chi turned and stood by the window. Outside, the night was ink-black, but Yan Chi’s eyes were even darker. From the moment he asked Qin Wan to help with the examination, this path had already begun.
The candlelight flickered, and the palace lamps were filled with candles, illuminating the memorial hall brilliantly. In the bright light, Qin Wan carefully examined each wound on Prince Rui’s body. Due to the time since death, various wounds and the lower part of the body had begun to decompose. Qin Wan maintained her composure as she completed the first examination, then took white vinegar and carefully applied it to various parts of the body. Soon, wounds hidden beneath the surface began to emerge.
“The deceased has seventeen wounds in total. There are seven abrasions on the back, left shoulder, right wrist bone, and right lower leg. There are four impact or strike wounds on the abdomen and chest. The fatal wound is in the chest, initially estimated to be an arrow piercing the heart.”
At this point, Qin Wan’s voice faltered slightly. “Besides these, there are four more wounds on the deceased’s elbows and knees. Although the wounds form a circle, the external injuries are particularly severe, showing trench-like bruising less than an inch wide. This suggests the deceased was caught off guard and bound with something like cloth straps. There must have been multiple perpetrators working in perfect coordination – this binding method could restrain even a bull.”
By the window, Yan Chi had already turned around. The long wait had made his mood increasingly heavy, so heavy that even looking at Prince Rui’s purple and swollen face couldn’t evoke any sadness in his heart.
Qin Wan’s words carried obvious restraint, which made him even calmer.
He walked a few steps closer, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Yan Lin’s body.
That afternoon, he had personally changed Yan Lin’s clothes and had already seen these wounds. But Yan Lin’s body was covered in lividity and had begun showing greenish discoloration. If not for Qin Wan, these hidden wounds would never have been discovered.
Yan Chi’s eyes narrowed as he looked at these wounds. He could almost imagine how they were inflicted. This was a trap, specifically designed to capture his father. His brows furrowed as he suddenly looked at Yan Lin’s chest.
Qin Wan continued examining the chest wound area. Despite the rotting and pus, she cut open the wound with her knife. As the wound opened, the internal decay became visible. Qin Wan examined it thoroughly, not minding the sticky corpse fluid on her hands. Soon, her expression changed as she looked up, “Did the people from the Northwest say how the Prince died?”
Yan Chi replied in a deep voice, “They said Father died from an arrow to the chest.”
Qin Wan shook her head, “No, it wasn’t an arrow shot. What killed the Prince was indeed an arrowhead, a four-sided one, but this arrowhead was forcefully stabbed into the Prince’s chest, not shot from a distance. The Prince’s wound shows extremely deep bleeding, even damaging the spine in his back. With an arrow shot from a distance, it would be impossible to have such force.”
Unless someone had gripped the arrow and deeply stabbed it into Yan Lin’s chest, how else could there be such deep bleeding points?!
Yan Chi’s pupils suddenly contracted. Everyone had described this as an accident, a carefully planned assassination by frontier enemies. Reports from the Northwest stated that when Yan Lin was found, he had already died from an arrow wound, but the assassins were nowhere to be found. Two days later, traces of frontier enemies crossing the mountains into Great Zhou were discovered in the mountains north of Liang Province.
The primary evidence was that a four-sided flower arrow pierced Yan Lin’s heart.
The frontier enemies considered the Snow Lotus sacred, and these four-sided arrows were their signature weapon. Though highly lethal, as Qin Wan said, these arrows had high resistance and weren’t suitable for long-range shooting. They could only be mounted on crossbows for close-range use. The arrows had barbs – once they penetrated flesh, especially in the chest or abdomen, death was certain. Even a limb shot would result in amputation.
At first glance of this arrow, everyone assumed the frontier enemies were responsible. But while they were known for their brutality, would they start with flexible binding techniques, abandon their traditional sabers, and choose to stab an arrow into Yan Lin’s chest? Would frontier assassins deliberately leave behind their sacred arrow?!
Moreover, frontier warriors took pride in beheading their enemies. If they had subdued Yan Lin, why would they forsake their traditional, boastful method of beheading with their sabers?! They would either leave no trace of frontier involvement, letting Great Zhou fall into internal chaos, or openly announce to all of Great Zhou that they had slain the commander of Great Zhou’s hundred thousand Northwest Army under their sabers!
If not for knowing the peculiarities of this wound, Yan Chi might have believed Yan Lin died accidentally – perhaps someone had leaked information, giving the frontier enemies an opportunity, and they fled after killing Yan Lin, forgetting about the shot arrow.
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed as Fan Xin’s words echoed in his mind again.
The people at that border post were all Zhou people – those who had lived at the frontier for years couldn’t be mistaken about this.
How ironic that Zhou people would use frontier four-sided arrows to kill the Northwest Hawk!
Yan Chi suddenly closed his eyes, and when he opened them moments later, his cold gaze was filled with ice.
He cast a heavy look at Yan Lin’s remains. “Take the Princess to the Water Pavilion to freshen up.”
Bai Feng entered from outside and stood quietly aside. Qin Wan finished treating the wounds on the body and slowly stood up. Yan Chi’s profile was like a sharp arrowhead, his entire bearing like a concealed precious sword about to unleash its blade. Qin Wan looked at him for a moment before turning to leave.
Even as intimate as they were, Yan Chi would never show overwhelming anger in front of Qin Wan.
For someone like him, losing control of emotions was also a form of weakness.
Qin Wan returned to the Water Pavilion, where Bai Ying first helped her clean up. By the time she finished, two incense sticks’ worth of time had passed. Outside the window, the night was cool as water, and Qin Wan stood by the window feeling somewhat cold.
Bai Feng hesitated outside the door. Seeing this, Qin Wan quickly said, “I’ll wait here, you go check on him.”
Bai Feng shook his head. “Please don’t blame the Master, Princess. These days have been too difficult for him. This afternoon, when changing the Prince’s clothes, Master didn’t even redden his eyes once. With so many people watching, it was too hard for him.”
Qin Wan shook her head helplessly. “How could I blame him? I understand his state of mind.”
Bai Feng sighed in relief. Earlier, Yan Chi’s attitude had been quite harsh, not even explaining anything to Qin Wan. Bai Feng had feared that if Qin Wan became angry at this crucial moment, it would make things even harder for his master.
Qin Wan waved her hand. “I’m truly fine here. Doesn’t the coffin need to be sealed before dawn? Go check on things.”
Bai Feng hesitated briefly before nodding.
Qin Wan sat on the low couch by the window. Earlier in the evening, Butler Wu had mentioned that the funeral procession would begin tomorrow afternoon. Prince Rui’s coffin was to be buried in the Imperial Tomb on Mount Cang Heng southeast of the city, a journey that would take three days. Qin Wan sat still, her brows furrowed.
Prince Rui’s wounds were problematic, at least not as widely rumored. So how did he die?
Qin Wan felt surrounded by thick fog. But the facts were established, with even the imperial death announcement having its official version. Now, even if she accompanied Yan Chi to tell this to the Emperor, would he believe them?
Or perhaps, the Emperor wouldn’t just disbelieve, but would also…
Qin Wan slowly closed her eyes. The autopsy had taken over half an hour, and she was covered in cold sweat. Even after this brief rest, that exhaustion and heaviness hadn’t subsided. Now, thinking of all the possibilities, she felt as if a mountain was pressing on her shoulders. She unconsciously leaned against the small table beside the couch and fell into a troubled sleep.
The night gradually passed, soon reaching the darkest moment before dawn.
In her dreams, Qin Wan saw Yan Chi’s blade-like profile again. He was so cold as if he had become a different person. Suddenly, he slowly turned around, his eyes looking at her without ripples or waves. In her dream, Qin Wan saw clearly – the depth in Yan Chi’s eyes was gone, and the flickering defiance had disappeared, leaving only eyes filled with anger and grief. Suddenly, he drew the sword at his side and slashed down at her—
“Ah—”
Qin Wan woke with a light cry, opening her eyes. Before her thoughts could settle, she saw someone sitting beside her.
Yan Chi sat in the dim light, his emotions unreadable on his face, but when she looked at him, she saw concern and suppressed pain in his eyes. Qin Wan was startled and almost uncontrollably threw herself into Yan Chi’s embrace.
Yan Chi was startled, not understanding what had happened to Qin Wan.
He had just walked in and sat down, his soul seemingly left behind in the memorial hall. He subconsciously knew Qin Wan was asleep, so he moved very quietly, but suddenly, Qin Wan woke with a cry.
Qin Wan held him very close, her breathing still unsteady. Yan Chi came to his senses, feeling as if Qin Wan had embraced even his lost soul back to him. His whole body regained sensation, his heart began beating again, the ringing in his ears dispersed, and he could feel her warmth. He embraced Qin Wan tightly, “What’s wrong? Had a nightmare?”
Qin Wan was still unsettled, her arms wanting to weave into his very flesh and bones.
Yan Chi gently stroked her back, unable to resist kissing her forehead.
Suddenly, Qin Wan called out, “Yan Chi—”
She looked up at him steadily, “Yan Chi…”
Her voice trembled as she called his name, yet she didn’t know what to say. Should she tell him not to grieve? Tell him not to let anger cloud his mind. Or tell him not to change until she couldn’t recognize him…
All of Qin Wan’s worries transformed into an urgent, moist gaze looking at Yan Chi.
Seeing her like this, Yan Chi suddenly understood what she was worried about. He touched her cheek, leaning forward to rub his cold cheek against hers. Qin Wan held him even tighter as if trying to transfer all her body warmth to him.
Yan Chi held her without letting go, and after a while, Qin Wan finally steadied her mind.
Noticing this, Yan Chi lifted her in his arms and strode into the inner chamber, directly placing her on his usual bed. Qin Wan wouldn’t let go of his neck, so Yan Chi leaned down and rested against her neck for a moment as if drawing strength for the coming days from this moment of peace.
Outside the window, the darkness was gradually thinning and lightening, like an ink painting where the thick ink was spreading out into the dawn’s pale blue light. After resting against Qin Wan’s neck for a few moments, Yan Chi suddenly said, “Sleep here. At daybreak, I must go to Mount Cang Heng. Wait for my return.”
Qin Wan’s lips moved slightly, “But…”
Yan Chi kissed her cheek, light as a feather’s touch. He brushed her brows and eyes, “Return after I leave. Thank you for tonight, Wan Wan.”
Qin Wan quickly shook her head, but Yan Chi pulled up the brocade quilt to cover her.
Qin Wan lay properly, only her eyes speaking thousands of words as she looked at Yan Chi. Yan Chi squeezed her hand, stood up, and strode out. Qin Wan felt as if Yan Chi’s figure had vanished before her eyes, not even giving her time to say one more word of caution. Her heart felt empty, and as the room fell into boundless silence, that emptiness grew heavier, as if about to engulf her, yet she didn’t chase after him.
The Water Pavilion was deep in the prince’s mansion. Soon, Qin Wan faintly heard the sound of funeral music, and at daybreak, the sound finally grew more distant. Qin Wan, who hadn’t closed her eyes all night, slowly shut them.
…
…
Prince Rui’s funeral procession was grand. This hero of the Northwest left through the city gates under magnificent white canopies. In the afternoon, Qin Wan finally returned to the Marquis’s mansion.
Qin Shu and Madam Hu didn’t know when Qin Wan had left, and she only said she had gone out early.
Madam Hu sighed, “You wanted to see Young Lord Yan, didn’t you?”
Qin Wan neither confirmed nor denied. Qin Shu said helplessly, “You couldn’t have joined the funeral procession today.”
She wasn’t part of the royal family, nor was she truly Prince Rui’s daughter-in-law – just a betrothed by imperial decree, really nothing at all. Qin Wan nodded to show she understood and returned to Pine Wind Court without saying more.
Yan Chi would be gone for three days, and she didn’t know what he planned to do.
Feeling uneasy and restless, Qin Wan left the Marquis’s mansion again at dusk to find Xiang Niang.
Xiang Niang and Master Yuan wore expressions of deep sorrow. When she went to find Fan Xin, she saw he too wore a grief-stricken expression – naturally, they had all heard the news of Prince Rui’s funeral procession today.
Fan Xin’s injuries were gradually recovering, and by now he could sit up.
Qin Wan felt relieved and checked Fan Xin’s pulse again, changing his prescription. Fan Xin looked at Qin Wan hesitantly, and after a long while finally asked, “Princess, is the Young Lord alright?”
Qin Wan looked at Fan Xin, “What are you worried about?”
Fan Xin smiled bitterly. Though he didn’t say it directly, his meaning was very clear – now that Prince Rui’s mansion had met with such tragedy, with Yan Chi alone in the capital, would Prince Rui’s household fall from here?
Qin Wan smiled slightly, “You don’t believe in His Highness?”
Fan Xin shook his head, but his expression remained bitter. Qin Wan sighed, her eyes suddenly becoming serious, “In all these years in the Northwest, has His Highness ever lost a battle?”
Fan Xin was startled and shook his head. Qin Wan curved her lips again, saying nothing more as she turned and walked out.
Fan Xin watched Qin Wan’s retreating figure, momentarily lost in thought, but his eyes grew increasingly bright.
Early the next morning, Qin Wan entered the palace. On this journey to the Imperial Tomb at Mount Cang Heng, besides Yan Chi, Yan Li accompanied them, and Prince Yi went along as the ceremonial official. Such a grand funeral procession needed to be impeccably magnificent to match Prince Rui’s brilliance. Yet while the dead cannot return to life, had anyone considered why the great eagle had fallen?
The Empress Dowager kept coughing. Qin Wan checked her pulse and furrowed her brows. Maid Chen beside them said, “She hasn’t been sleeping well, started coughing last night. The windows are all closed, not daring to let in even a breeze. We don’t know what’s wrong. Princess, is it serious?”
Qin Wan shook her head. “It’s related to Your Majesty’s old ailment. Don’t keep the windows closed constantly. Your Majesty shouldn’t lie down all the time either – it would be better to walk around a bit. I’ll prescribe something to calm the spirit and boost energy, along with some nutritional supplements. The autumn weather is particularly challenging now – Your Majesty should take a Clear Heart Jade Dew Pill daily.”
The Empress Dowager sighed after hearing this. “I’ve always coughed in autumn, it’s nothing serious. She’s just overly worried. With Wan girl here now, what is there to worry about?”
Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile wryly at this. “The maid cares for your well-being. You should listen to her.”
Her tone was coaxing as if speaking to a child. The Empress Dowager smiled but sighed, “It’s not that I don’t want to move, but my body feels too lazy – I can’t move.”
Qin Wan and Maid Chen exchanged glances, their eyes darkening.
After examining the illness, the Empress Dowager held Qin Wan to talk. “The round trip to the Imperial Tomb takes at least three days. Fortunately, having Fifth Brother there puts my mind at ease somewhat. Even Yan Li has finally proven reliable this time.”
Maid Chen smiled. “With the Princess Consort out, the Young Lord must surely listen to her words.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows, and Maid Chen explained, “Princess might not know, but the Princess Consort went to Prince Rui’s mansion to pay respects. In all these years, this is the first time she’s left Prince Gong’s mansion.”
Qin Wan was surprised to hear this. Prince Gong’s consort hadn’t left the mansion in twenty years, yet she made an exception for Prince Rui’s funeral. Thinking of this, Qin Wan sighed again.
The Empress Dowager’s mood was also somewhat listless. After talking with Qin Wan for a while, she said she was tired. Maid Chen and Qin Wan had no choice but to let her rest. As Qin Wan left the main hall, she hadn’t walked far before seeing Yan Sui.
Qin Wan took Yan Sui’s hand and led him to the corridor. The two, one big and one small, sat on the beauty couch facing the flower beds.
Yan Sui pressed his lips together silently, then after a moment asked, “Is my golden bird still well?”
Qin Wan’s heart stirred, and she quickly said, “Yes, very well. A few days ago it flew until we couldn’t see it. Since its wings have healed completely, I thought perhaps we should let it fly out of the capital into the mountains. What does Your Highness think?”
Yan Sui seemed reluctant but finally nodded. “Alright then.”
Only then did Qin Wan breathe a sigh of relief. Yan Sui tugged at Qin Wan’s sleeve again and asked, “Is Imperial Grandmother’s illness very serious?”
Qin Wan looked at Yan Sui’s somewhat frightened eyes and shook her head. “Not serious, she will get better.”
Yan Sui exhaled, nodding like a little adult.
Qin Wan felt uncomfortable seeing this. She spoke a few more words with Maid Chen before leaving the palace.
The day passed thus, and early the next morning, Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang arrived at the Marquis’s mansion. They wanted to see Qin Shu, and Qin Wan, sensing something unusual, personally brewed a pot of tea and brought it to the study.
This time Qin Wan came uninvited. When Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang saw her, they were quite surprised.
Zheng Baishi quickly said, “Since Princess is here, please join us.”
Qin Wan smiled. “Is this about the case? I came to ask about its progress as well.”
Zheng Baishi nodded. “Yes, we’ve made discoveries. We can confirm that the deceased is Song Xiwen, a guard who served Prince Jin. Princess identified several old wounds, and we found some records. Song Xiwen was injured six years ago during the spring hunt at Wei Mountain Hunting Ground while protecting Prince Jin. Reportedly, Prince Jin was almost injured by a black bear. His wounds were treated by the imperial physician who accompanied them at the time, precisely matching the two locations Princess identified during the examination. Also, Song Xiwen’s martial arts style indeed favored right-leg strikes. We’ve carefully verified all these points, confirming it’s undoubtedly Song Xiwen.”
Qin Wan continued, “Isn’t that good news?”
Zheng Baishi shook his head. “While we’ve confirmed the identity, we’re unsure how to proceed with the investigation. If we investigate, we’d have to start from the palace…”
These were Zheng Baishi’s previous concerns. Last year, when investigating Prince Jin’s case, Chief Justice Shen Yi’s entire family met a tragic end. Now encountering Prince Jin’s household again, Zheng Baishi had to proceed carefully.
Zheng Baishi’s approach was to seek out Qin Shu, who represented the Eastern Palace’s stance.
Qin Wan instantly understood the connection.
Qin Shu spoke frankly, “The Crown Prince hasn’t inquired about this matter these past few days. If asked, it would likely be handled as a routine matter – Brother Zheng should know the Crown Prince always emphasizes such things.”
Zheng Baishi smiled bitterly, while Qin Wan listened with some mockery in mind.
For Crown Prince Yan Che, whether justice could be served for the deceased wasn’t important. What mattered was whether this incident could be used to eliminate opponents or at least create trouble for them.
“To be honest with the Marquis, I’m wondering how to write this memorial. Truthfully, I want to investigate this case. A perfectly fine person not only escaped but died at Prince Jin’s mansion – it’s bizarre any way you look at it. But you know my concerns.”
Qin Shu sighed. “This matter is truly difficult to judge. If you’re uncertain, shall I make a palace visit to inquire for you?”
Zheng Baishi smiled. “That would be perfect!”
Qin Shu’s eyes darted around as he asked, “What does Brother Li think about this?”
Zheng Baishi smiled wryly. “Brother Li advises against touching this case, which is why I came to you.”
Qin Shu frowned, and Qin Wan also furrowed her brows. Li Muyun didn’t want Zheng Baishi to investigate this case. Besides the obvious reasonable excuses, what other reasons could there be?
Zheng Baishi didn’t stay long before preparing to leave. Qin Wan followed them out and noticed Zhan Yang’s solemn expression behind them. Qin Wan fell back a step. “What is Captain Zhan thinking about?”
Zhan Yang looked somewhat embarrassed. Seeing that Zheng Baishi and Qin Shu had walked quite far ahead, he said, “The magistrate is hesitant to act, and I have no good solutions. Being so cautious now is frustrating.”
Qin Wan smiled. “Captain Zhan has served in the capital for many years. You must be used to such situations.”
Zhan Yang’s expression changed slightly, and after a moment, his voice grew colder. “Indeed, I’m used to it. It’s just that now it involves the royal family. It pains me that a well-progressing investigation has to stop halfway.”
Not just royal family matters – any case in the capital involving officials or nobles was difficult to handle.
Zhan Yang had seen too much, but this didn’t prevent his inner indignation. Perhaps it was precisely because he had seen too much that he was more angry. Qin Wan saw his anger.
“If this case ultimately can’t be investigated further, what will Captain Zhan think?”
Zhan Yang smiled bitterly. “I… I’m powerless. But I believe that in this world, evil people will face retribution – it’s not that there’s no retribution, just that the time hasn’t come—”
Even Zhan Yang had started saying these words, making Qin Wan’s smile grow more bitter.
Zhan Yang seemed to understand Qin Wan’s thoughts and said consolingly, “Does Princess find it unreasonable? Actually… these are the rules, whether in the capital or elsewhere. I understand our magistrate’s difficulties. I can’t control others, I just know that when the magistrate gives me orders, I do my utmost. The rest is up to heaven.”
Qin Wan felt deep admiration. From her first meeting with Zhan Yang, she had sensed he was different – like an unyielding blade of justice, unbending with integrity. Among the officials of the capital, large and small, this was truly rare.
After seeing off Zheng Baishi and Zhan Yang, Qin Shu indeed set off for the palace. Although Qin Wan couldn’t accompany him, her heart was pulled along. Song Xiwen’s remains seemed like a catalyst – anyone’s attitude toward this catalyst could reveal something. She was desperately curious whether the Crown Prince would truly allow the Lin’an Prefecture to continue investigating.
…
By evening, Qin Shu hurriedly returned from the palace. Upon hearing the news, Qin Wan immediately went to the study. Seeing Qin Wan arrive, Qin Shu smiled. “What? So concerned about this case?”
Qin Wan replied, “This case is bizarre. I want to help if I can.”
Qin Shu’s tone softened. “Girl, you’ve already done very well. Without you, how could they have presented their case in court? But it’s somewhat unfortunate…”
Qin Wan’s heart sank slightly. “Does the Crown Prince not want the case investigated?”
Qin Shu shook his head. “It’s not that it won’t be investigated, but Lin’an Prefecture cannot conduct the investigation.”
Qin Wan was confused. If not Lin’an Prefecture, who would investigate cases in the capital region?
Seeing Qin Wan’s focused gaze, Qin Shu decided to be direct. “The Crown Prince wants Prince Cheng’s people to investigate.”
Qin Wan was startled upon hearing this. “Prince Cheng’s people? But Prince Cheng is neither the chief official of Lin’an Prefecture nor a minister of the Ministry of Justice. How can he investigate this case?”
Qin Shu explained, “These past few days, Prince Cheng has been the strongest advocate for thoroughly investigating this case. But Magistrate Zheng is considered aligned with the Crown Prince, who doesn’t want Magistrate Zheng to be implicated in this case. So since Prince Cheng is so in favor of investigating, might as well let his people take charge, especially since this case might be connected to last year’s events.”
Last year’s case involving Prince Jin wasn’t handled by Lin’an Prefecture either – her father had presided over it.
This year, having Prince Cheng’s people take charge wasn’t unreasonable.
Thinking this way, Qin Wan couldn’t argue but wondered how she could involve herself if Prince Cheng’s people were investigating.
Seeing Qin Wan lost in thought, Qin Shu advised, “You needn’t concern yourself too much with this case. You know about last year’s events – everyone else is avoiding it. You’re a young lady after all…”
Qin Wan disagreed with these words but knew there was no point arguing with Qin Shu.
She returned to Pine Wind Court with a heavy heart.
At times like these, Qin Wan only regretted not being born male – why else would she be so passive?
Her nominal position only gave her the right to be called upon as needed, but making actual decisions was difficult. And what did it mean that the Crown Prince passed this case to Prince Cheng?!
Did Prince Cheng want to investigate this case to strike at the Crown Prince’s faction, or did he have nothing to hide?
Qin Wan’s mind was in chaos. Early the next morning, she received news.
The case had indeed been handed over to Prince Cheng to preside over, with him leading, Chief Justice Li Muyun, and Lin’an Prefecture assisting. Prince Cheng had previously managed the Ministry of Works, and if this case was handled well, the Emperor promised the Ministry of Justice would also fall under his jurisdiction, making him equal to the Crown Prince who controlled the Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of Revenue.
Chief Justice Li Muyun was a straightforward official, while Lin’an Prefecture’s Zheng Baishi belonged to the Crown Prince’s faction. The Emperor’s arrangement seemed reasonable – with Prince Cheng and Zheng Baishi checking each other’s power, plus the upright Li Muyun, everything appeared proper. Prince Cheng’s first act in investigating was to enter the Imperial Punishment Office and arrest several leading eunuchs for severe interrogation.
Once the investigation began, Qin Wan felt relieved. With her nominal position, she could still try to participate somewhat if necessary. This was Qin Wan’s optimistic thought, but she never imagined that on the second day after Prince Cheng took over the case, he would send someone to invite her to the palace, openly expressing his regard for her.
This was the second time Prince Cheng’s people had openly come to Loyal and Brave Marquis’s mansion. The first time was to take Qin Xiang away; the second time was to have Qin Wan enter the palace to assist with the case hearing. Qin Wan couldn’t immediately understand Prince Cheng’s intention with this move, but Qin Shu’s expression was very displeased. However, how could Qin Wan pass up such a great opportunity?!
Seeming not to understand Qin Shu’s look, Qin Wan hesitated briefly before following Prince Cheng’s people into the palace.
This was Qin Wan’s first time entering the mysterious and terrifying Imperial Punishment Office.