Qiao Zhao took in Coroner Qian’s reaction completely. After finding it amusing, she felt more sadness.

She still remembered when Grandfather Li and Coroner Qian would stay up all night talking by candlelight. When their spirits rose, they would drink wine, and when thoroughly drunk, Grandfather Li would sing loudly while Coroner Qian wept bitterly, leaving her to calmly listen to Grandmother Qian’s scolding.

In the blink of an eye, everything had changed.

Qiao Zhao’s tone carried reminiscence: “He said that for treating the living, he was the finest physician in the world; for seeking justice for the deceased, you were the finest coroner in the world. In his heart, you were both healers, colleagues in the same profession.”

Shao Mingyuan couldn’t help but glance at Qiao Zhao, the sense of discord in his heart growing stronger.

He was very clear that Miss Li hadn’t had much contact with Physician Li in the capital, yet Physician Li seemed to have said far too much to Miss Li…

The relationship between Physician Li and Miss Li gave him the feeling of a pair of grandparents and grandchildren with deep emotional bonds.

Coroner Qian suddenly turned around, his lips trembling: “He said that?”

Qiao Zhao nodded gently: “That’s what he said, and what he thought. When Grandfather Li mentioned you to me, he spoke with great admiration and instructed me that if I wanted to advance my medical skills further, I should seek your guidance if the opportunity arose.”

Coroner Qian stared fixedly at Qiao Zhao, as if he wanted to stare a flower into her face.

Chi Can frowned in displeasure, wanting to say something but ultimately remaining silent.

After a long time, Coroner Qian twitched the corners of his mouth: “Now I believe you’re Li Zhenhe’s granddaughter.”

His cloudy gaze gained some confusion: “That year when Li Zhenhe brought Little Qiao, he told me he would pass his legacy to Little Qiao. Speaking of which, Little Qiao should be your senior sister—how is she now? Does she have children?”

Shao Mingyuan’s expression changed slightly.

Qiao Zhao looked regretful: “Senior sister is also gone.”

Coroner Qian’s eyes widened somewhat: “Gone? She should only be around twenty now—how could she be gone? Could she have died in childbirth?”

People in their early twenties were in their most vigorous years and rarely fell ill. For a woman, the greatest possibility would be not making it through the ghost gate of childbirth.

Qiao Zhao couldn’t help but glance at Shao Mingyuan. Seeing his pale lips, clearly in distress, she said no more and gave a vague response.

“No wonder Li Zhenhe recognized you as his adopted granddaughter.” Coroner Qian looked at the group with slightly opened eyes. “I once swore a poisonous oath never to work as a coroner again. First, tell me—what do you want from me?”

Qiao Zhao felt slightly relieved.

Coroner Qian said this meant there was hope.

Shao Mingyuan first introduced his identity, then said: “I came this time to pay respects to my father-in-law’s family, and wanted to take this opportunity to investigate the true cause of my father-in-law’s family’s deaths.”

“And you? Why are you helping him?” Coroner Qian asked Qiao Zhao.

“I’m helping my sworn brother. I recognized Young Master Qiao as my sworn brother, so I can’t stand by regarding the Qiao family’s affairs.”

“So you thought of me, little girl?”

“Yes.”

Coroner Qian sat on the ground and glanced into the distance.

Taishui City had become small in his eyes, a blurred mass.

He thought of the neighbors’ criticism and contempt, his son and daughter-in-law’s incomprehension and hatred, and those absurd and terrifying rumors.

Li Zhenhe had said they were colleagues in the same profession.

If everyone in the world thought like Li Zhenhe, would he not have become like this? He dealt with the dead, but he was also human. He only wanted to do better than other coroners—how had this made him intolerable to the world?

A tear flowed from the corner of Coroner Qian’s eye. He closed his eyes, his tone indifferent: “I can give you one chance. If you can pass the test, then I’ll go down the mountain with you.”

Since Coroner Qian had his eyes closed, it wasn’t clear to whom he was speaking. Shao Mingyuan said, “Please tell us what the test is, Coroner Qian. I’m willing to accept it.”

Coroner Qian suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze coldly sweeping over Shao Mingyuan before the corners of his mouth lifted: “You won’t do.”

He pointed at Qiao Zhao: “I want her.”

At these words, everyone’s expressions changed.

“Coroner Qian, we three men are here, yet you want a young girl to accept the test—what are your intentions?” Chi Can asked coldly.

“Exactly! Whatever test you have, let us take it. How could a young girl manage?” Yang Houcheng chimed in.

Shao Mingyuan was equally surprised, his thin lips pressed into a tight line.

“You?” Coroner Qian sneered, showing no mercy. “She’s Li Zhenhe’s granddaughter, the one to inherit Li Zhenhe’s legacy. What relationship do you have with Li Zhenhe?”

This question stumped the three grown men.

They naturally had no such relationship with Physician Li.

“Since you have no relationship with Li Zhenhe and I don’t know who any of you are, why should I give you the chance to take a test?”

“Coroner Qian, please tell us what the test is.” Qiao Zhao smiled sweetly. “Whatever test it is, I’ll accept it.”

Coroner Qian nodded with satisfaction: “The little girl is indeed straightforward—no wonder Li Zhenhe took a liking to you.”

He glanced at the three men and said coldly, “Much better than these three fussy boys.”

The three men: “…” Indeed, there was no harm without comparison.

“Please tell us.”

“This test can’t be done now—it has to wait until afternoon.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Houcheng quickly shook his head: “Miss Li, this won’t work. The boat will leave in the afternoon.”

Coroner Qian looked at Yang Houcheng: “What, can’t wait?”

His expression instantly became ice-cold, and he said impatiently, “Then all of you get lost quickly and stop wasting my time.”

“We can wait.” Shao Mingyuan made the decision decisively.

He could see that this old man cared about nothing. If not for Miss Li mentioning those words from Physician Li that had moved him, there probably wouldn’t even be this chance for a test.

“Tingquan—” Yang Houcheng called out.

Shao Mingyuan’s expression remained calm: “Chongshan, Shixi, you go back first. The boat should leave when it’s supposed to leave. I’ll stay here with Miss Li. After she passes Coroner Qian’s test, I’ll bring them to catch up with you at the next dock.”

Coroner Qian snorted: “Young man, quite confident—certain the little girl will pass the test?”

Shao Mingyuan smiled: “I naturally trust her.”

Yang Houcheng looked at the indifferent Coroner Qian and sighed: “Alright then, we’ll wait for you at the next dock. Shixi, let’s go.”

“No.”

“Huh?”

“We’re all under orders to protect Miss Li. We can’t leave it all to Tingquan alone—someone should stay behind.” Chi Can asked Yang Houcheng with a smile: “Will you stay or shall I?”

Yang Houcheng touched his nose: “Ahem, naturally you should stay.”

“Have you finished discussing?” Coroner Qian asked.

Getting an affirmative answer, he got up: “I need to bathe. I’m old and can’t manage it alone—which of you will lend a hand?”

“I will.” Fearing that Coroner Qian would even ask Qiao Zhao to help with bathing, Shao Mingyuan quickly volunteered.