“Father—” Huo Ning burst into Huo Huaixin’s study, running in with sweat covering his forehead.
“Father, we need an experienced coroner.”
Huo Huaixin looked up from his desk, still somewhat bewildered. “What?”
Huo Ning took two deep breaths and said, “Xu He mentioned that you know of a skilled forensic expert in Jinzhou City. He told me to ask you—Father, since you know of this person, why haven’t we invited them to examine the corpse?”
A look of realization gradually appeared on Huo Huaixin’s stunned face. His nose twitched, “What’s that smell on you?”
After sniffing twice more, Huo Huaixin furrowed his brows, “Did you go to the mortuary?”
Huo Ning wiped away the sweat from his face, “It’s been five days. Although we know Miss Song’s cause of death, we don’t know how she was killed, haven’t found the murder weapon, and still haven’t located Miss Song’s head. Father, seeing you worried makes me worried too, so I just went to the mortuary again and called Xu He to examine the body one more time.”
Huo Huaixin was stunned for a moment, then stood up and looked Huo Ning up and down. Gradually, his eyes lit up, “Ning’er, you… you’ve truly grown. I’m very pleased.”
Huo Ning tugged at the corner of his mouth, “So Father, do you know a forensic expert?”
Huo Huaixin’s eyes flickered as Qin Wan’s image floated through his mind. Looking at the anxious Huo Ning, Huo Huaixin cleared his throat and said, “Yes, I do know someone, but… it won’t be easy to invite them.”
“Why won’t it be easy? Have they retired and no longer wish to practice, or is it about money?”
Huo Ning asked directly, but Huo Huaixin didn’t know how to answer. Given Qin Wan’s identity, it wasn’t appropriate for her to be involved in criminal investigations and autopsies. Moreover, she was now closely connected to the Anyang Marquis’s household. Even if they wanted to invite Qin Wan, they would need to consult the Anyang Marquis first.
“It’s not that they’re unwilling to help, nor is it about money, it’s just…”
Huo Huaixin looked troubled as he walked out from behind his desk.
“Then what is it? This case is so difficult. Since this person knows how to examine corpses, they must be in the forensic field. If it’s money they want, we can pay. If they want something else, we can find a way. For the sake of solving the case, we should at least try. Besides, wouldn’t they feel a sense of injustice seeing someone die unnaturally while the murderer remains at large?”
If it were as Huo Ning said, and they were inviting a retired coroner, that would be fine. But the problem was, she wasn’t…
“It’s not that simple. This person has a noble status and isn’t a coroner.”
“Hmm?” Doubt appeared in Huo Ning’s eyes. “Not a coroner, yet knows how to examine corpses?”
After pondering briefly, Huo Ning still said, “Even if it’s difficult to invite them, Father should still try. Who knows, maybe they’ll come once we ask? If it’s inconvenient for others to know, Father can make appropriate arrangements.”
Huo Huaixin had been unable to eat or sleep properly for days because of Song Rou’s case. He had already been considering this idea, and now with Huo Ning’s encouragement, he felt even more tempted. However…
Huo Huaixin turned to look at Huo Ning, wondering whether to tell him that the expert was Ninth Lady Qin.
“What is it? Father, what else are you hesitating about?”
Huo Huaixin wasn’t hesitating. His lips moved slightly, “Do you know…”
Huo Ning felt there was something strange about Huo Huaixin’s gaze, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Just as he was about to ask again, Huo Huaixin turned away, “I’ll arrange this matter. You don’t need to concern yourself with it.”
Huo Ning felt reassured, knowing that Huo Huaixin would invite the expert, but he remained curious, “Father, who exactly is this expert you speak of?”
Huo Huaixin raised his eyebrows and suddenly said, “A few days ago, I had your mother visit the Qin residence.”
Huo Ning froze, not understanding why Huo Huaixin suddenly brought this up. At the mention of the Qin residence, Huo Ning naturally thought of Qin Wan, and displeasure appeared on his face, “Why did Mother go to the Qin residence? I remember Mother used to look down on the Qin family.”
Hearing this, Huo Huaixin shook his head, “Never mind. I’ll go to the Anyang Marquis’s residence. Don’t concern yourself with this matter.”
As he spoke, he called for a servant to prepare a carriage.
Huo Ning was full of questions, “Father, shall I go with you?”
Huo Huaixin shook his head, “It’s getting late. Return to the inner compound.” With that, he had already put on his outer robe and left.
Huo Ning stood in place, an inexplicable unease growing in his heart.
In the outer study of the Anyang Marquis’s residence, Yue Qiong looked gravely at Yan Chi, “So Your Highness believes that His Majesty is about to name a Crown Prince?”
Yan Chi nodded, “The Jin Prince’s case has been settled. Those who should be imprisoned in the capital have been imprisoned, those who should die have died. After this round of purging, the situation is renewed. His Majesty will most likely name a Crown Prince at this time.”
Yue Qiong nodded slightly, “Those who previously supported the Jin Prince formed their faction. No matter who becomes the new Crown Prince, the court will have at least three major powers balancing each other. For His Majesty, this is indeed the best outcome.”
Yan Chi’s lips curved slightly, “The current Emperor is most skilled in the art of balance. The Marquis surely understands this.”
Yue Qiong nodded, then suddenly asked, “Who does Your Highness think His Majesty will choose?”
Yan Chi’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, the emotions in their depths indiscernible, “The Cheng Prince and Yong Prince have the best chances, though the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Princes aren’t impossible either. It depends on what kind of situation His Majesty desires. The Cheng Prince and Yong Prince were granted their titles at a young age and had powerful maternal families. They’ve had large followings since they were princes. If His Majesty chooses one of them, the court will be relatively stable. Among them, the Yong Prince is the Empress’s legitimate son, and there are many voices in court supporting legitimate succession, so his chances are naturally better.”
After a pause, Yan Chi changed course, “However, His Majesty is still in his prime. He might choose the younger Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh Prince. They’re still young, so His Majesty won’t have to worry about the Eastern Palace growing too powerful or seizing authority, nor will he need to worry about maternal relatives becoming too influential. However, if this happens, the Cheng Prince and Yong Prince will likely be dissatisfied, and the court will inevitably face turmoil.”
Yue Qiong’s eyes showed appreciation. Although Yan Chi had been at the border for many years, he had a very clear understanding of the court situation. “No matter what choice His Majesty makes, for military officials like you and me, staying out of this matter is the wisest choice at this time.”
Something flickered through Yan Chi’s eyes that seemed like mockery, but his face showed agreement. Just as Yue Qiong was about to say more, Yang Xi entered, “My Lord, the Prefect is here—”
Yue Qiong quickly stood up, “Please show him in.”
As Yang Xi left, Yue Qiong looked at Yan Chi and said, “I wonder if there’s been progress in the case.”
Yan Chi’s eyes focused as he too looked toward the door. Soon, Huo Huaixin strode in.
“Greetings to the Marquis. Oh, Your Highness is here as well—my respects to Your Highness—”
Yue Qiong hurried forward, “Brother Huo, no need for such formalities. What brings you here? Has there been progress in the case?”
Huo Huaixin’s face showed a bitter smile, “Marquis, I’ve come to ask for your help.”
Since Yan Chi held such an elevated position and also knew about Qin Wan’s ability to examine corpses, Huo Huaixin decided to speak directly in his presence.
Yue Qiong was slightly surprised, “What help do you need, Brother Huo? Just say it—”
Huo Huaixin’s expression grew serious as he clasped his hands and said, “There has been no progress in this case for a long time. I still remember Ninth Lady Qin’s excellent forensic and deductive abilities in the Lin Daxing case, so I wanted to ask the Marquis to help me request Ninth Lady’s assistance in examining the corpse again.”
Yue Qiong was taken aback, “Ask Ninth Lady to examine a corpse again? Given Ninth Lady’s status, I’m afraid…”
Yue Qiong’s concerns were exactly what Huo Huaixin had worried about. Huo Huaixin repeatedly smiled bitterly, “These past few days, I’ve done nothing but investigate the case and copy books. I’ve truly run out of options and that’s why I thought of asking the Ninth Lady for help. Ninth Lady’s skills are superb, and she has a righteous heart. She will surely understand my difficulties. I only ask the Marquis to inquire. If Ninth Lady refuses, I won’t mention it again.”
Yue Qiong looked troubled, “Brother Huo, you really… Last time, the Ninth Lady helped out of her sense of justice and volunteered to examine the corpse. Now she’s not even at the manor, how can I bear to seek her out? Moreover… even if the Ninth Lady has a sense of justice, I’m like a father figure to her. How can I bring myself to ask such a young lady to deal with criminal matters again…”
Huo Huaixin understood everything Yue Qiong was saying, but how else could they solve the case without Qin Wan?
Huo Huaixin bowed deeply, almost ready to kneel before Yue Qiong, “Marquis, I could go ask her myself, but I fear Ninth Lady wouldn’t grant me this favor. That’s why I’ve come to beg you…”
Yue Qiong quickly moved to help him up, “I understand your difficulties, Brother Huo, but even if I make the request, Ninth Lady might not be willing to help.”
“She will be willing to help.” Unexpectedly, Yan Chi, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
Yue Qiong and Huo Huaixin were both startled and turned to look at Yan Chi, who appeared completely certain.
Yan Chi continued, “If the two of you find it awkward to ask, I can visit.”