The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 102 : The Demon King Treats the Foolish. Strange Bones

102: The Demon King Treats the Foolish. Strange Bones.

"She gave birth?!"

Huo Huaixin looked at the human skeleton Qin Wan had arranged on the ground with astonishment. He was not versed in medicine, nor did he perform autopsies or know how to tell from bone marks whether a woman had given birth. But he deeply trusted Qin Wan's words. Yet he found it hard to believe Second Concubine had given birth.

Qin Wan's brow was also tightly furrowed. "During pregnancy, by eight or nine months, the pubic bone begins to open. When giving birth, the pubic bone connection fully opens. The ligaments originally connecting it are either strained or embedded in the bone. After childbirth, the ligaments disappear. After disappearing, they leave irreversible indentations on the dorsal side of the pubic bone. These indentations can indicate whether a woman has given birth."

As she spoke, Qin Wan directly picked up the pelvic bone. She carefully wiped away the mud, examining it more closely. Upon seeing it, Qin Wan frowned slightly. "Perhaps she gave birth more than once."

Huo Huaixin's eyes widened even more. "More than once?!"

Qin Wan shook her head. "Not certain. It's just that the scar marks on her pubic bone are slightly more than normal. Perhaps her constitution was unusual to begin with."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "But you just said back then, no one in the Qin residence even knew she was pregnant. How could she have given birth?"

Qin Wan set down the pelvic bone in her hand. "It seems she cannot be buried just yet." She looked at Huo Huaixin. "Prefect Huo, have people wash the bones. I need to examine them properly. There might be other clues."

She paused, then added, "The bones seem complete. Have the men below come up."

Qin Wan had roughly assembled the skeleton. Since Second Concubine died by throwing herself into a well, her bones weren't shattered, so they were mostly intact. On the nearby felt cloth, there was still a small pile of fragmented bones not yet fully assembled, but it seemed nothing was missing.

Huo Huaixin quickly nodded. "Good, I'll have them washed immediately." He then walked to the side and called down the well, "Come up! That's enough!"

Muffled responses came from below. The men above began pulling up the constables.

Huo Huaixin directed a few others. "Move these bones to that courtyard, wash them, and find a clean place to store them. Be careful not to damage anything!"

Even yamen constables didn't see human bones every day. At Huo Huaixin's order, several constables reluctantly stepped forward, wrapped all the bones in the felt cloth, and carried them away carefully, not daring to drop a single piece.

Qin Wan stood up, her hands covered in mud. Fuling hurried forward to wipe them for her.

Yan Chi watched, his eyes darkening slightly. He glanced back at the Purple Bamboo Grove. "The remains have been excavated. Let's search the grove again for any other clues."

Huo Huaixin assented and personally led men to search the surroundings.

Daylight was certainly more convenient than night. Soon, the entire grove was thoroughly searched.

"Your Highness, nothing obvious. This place is littered with dead leaves and branches. Even if there were traces, the wind would have covered them." Huo Huaixin wiped a thin sweat from his brow, his tone somewhat dejected.

Yan Chi shook his head. "It's fine. Let's go take a look first."

With that, everyone headed towards the western courtyard. Yan Chi added, "If Second Concubine didn't give birth in the Qin residence, it's possible she gave birth elsewhere before entering. It seems we need to inquire thoroughly about this Second Concubine's background."

Huo Huaixin asked, "Ask whom? Ask the Old Madam?"

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "Ask Mistress Qin. Have Mistress Qin summoned."

Qin Wan, walking behind, glanced at Yan Chi. Compared to the scheming, profound Madam Jiang, Madam Lin was indeed more likely to talk. Thinking this, Qin Wan inwardly noted: though Yan Chi had spent years on battlefields and was unfamiliar with criminal law, he possessed keenly perceptive and sharp eyes. That alone allowed him to see things others missed.

In the Buddha Hall, Caihe hurried in with a male servant.

"Old Madam, He Xing is here."

He Xing had previously been Liu Chun's attendant, running errands for him, essentially a minor steward in the residence. After Liu Chun's incident, He Xing's position was elevated; he now seemed to be the chief steward of the outer courtyard.

"Have him come in and speak."

Madam Jiang sat sternly on the long couch, still holding a string of prayer beads.

A figure flashed past the door curtain. He Xing entered and immediately kowtowed three times. "He Xing pays respects to the Old Madam, pays respects to the Mistress."

Madam Jiang's eyes were half-closed. "Speak. What did you see?"

He Xing straightened up but didn't dare look directly at Madam Jiang, lowering his voice. "This servant posted people outside to watch. It turns out His Highness has Ninth Young Miss accompany him not only to ask about residence matters but also because Ninth Young Miss knows medicine. Just now, the constables excavated Second Concubine's remains. Ninth Young Miss wasn't afraid at all and even deduced from the bones that Second Concubine had given birth back then. His Highness and Prefect Huo originally intended to check if the bones were complete for burial, but now find the matter strange. They ordered the bones washed, seemingly intending for Ninth Young Miss to examine them closely."

He paused, glancing at Madam Lin. "Also, His Highness has summoned the Mistress to the west side, likely to inquire about this matter. That's all this servant observed for now."

Madam Jiang frowned slightly, then nodded after a moment. "I understand."

He Xing stole an upward glance. Caihe then said, "You may withdraw."

He Xing hurriedly kowtowed again before rising and leaving.

Once he was gone, Madam Lin looked at Madam Jiang. "Mother, what should we do? That Wan girl actually discovered..."

Madam Lin's tone held a mix of admiration for Qin Wan's medical skill, some annoyance, but mostly unease and helplessness. Madam Jiang's expression remained impassive. "Why panic? Calling you over is merely to ask about Second Concubine being a Qin residence concubine. Others didn't know she had given birth, so when did she give birth? Just say what you know. For what you don't know, say you don't know. Back then, An'er was foolish, impulsively taking in a woman of unclear background. What could you have done?"

Hearing this, Madam Lin understood Madam Jiang's meaning and felt reassured. "Good, your daughter-in-law understands."

Madam Jiang nodded. "Very well, go. Also, ask Prefect Huo if he will continue investigating the well in the Purple Bamboo Grove. If not, we will seal and fill it."

Madam Lin assented, curtsied, and left.

Madam Jiang sighed, slowly closing her eyes. Meanwhile, Caihe poured a cup of tea for Madam Jiang and handed it over, comforting softly, "Old Madam need not worry. The Mistress will handle it properly."

Madam Jiang opened her eyes, accepting the teacup. Hearing this, she shook her head. "Where is her 'proper handling'? Sometimes she is less capable than you. Fortunately, Chen'er is good. Though young, he is steady."

Caihe quickly shook her head. "The Mistress is the master; this servant is a slave. I dare not compare. The Eldest Young Master is indeed excellent. With the Eldest Young Master, the Qin residence will surely have continued fortune and prosperity."

Madam Jiang set down the teacup, a satisfied glint in her eyes. "Yes, with Chen'er, this old woman can rest easy."

…

…

In another small courtyard not far from the western back courtyard, Qin Wan was assembling Second Concubine's skeleton.

All the excavated bones had been washed, the mud removed, revealing their natural color. Since the room was a mourning hall currently holding Lady Liu and Liu Chun's bodies, Qin Wan simply began assembling in the courtyard.

Two constables carried a long table from a nearby storeroom, brushed off the dust, and Qin Wan placed Second Concubine's skull on it. After positioning the skull, she added the shoulder blades, then the vertebrae and ribs. Qin Wan gradually reconstructed the human form she had assembled earlier. Just as she was about to place the pelvis, Madam Lin appeared at the courtyard entrance.

Madam Lin only knew Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin were waiting for her in this courtyard. She never imagined entering to see Qin Wan handling human bones. Qin Wan had already assembled a skeletal shape. Seeing it, Madam Lin's legs weakened; she nearly lost composure. Fortunately, a servant behind her reacted quickly, supporting her.

Hearing the commotion, Qin Wan turned, holding a piece of white bone, and curtsied to Madam Lin. "Third Aunt."

Madam Lin looked at Qin Wan, then at the skeleton behind her, pursed her lips. "Wan'er, why are you doing this..."

Qin Wan glanced back. "Oh, while studying medicine, I learned about human skeletal structure from medical texts. Now it happens to be useful. Being able to help His Highness and Prefect Huo is good, and it might help solve the case sooner."

Madam Lin wanted to smile but couldn't. Meanwhile, Yan Chi and Huo Huaixin emerged from the main hall. They had been examining Liu Chun's body inside; hearing voices, they knew Madam Lin had arrived. Seeing Yan Chi, Madam Lin immediately curtsied.

"Greetings to Your Highness, greetings to Prefect Huo..."

Yan Chi's expression was indifferent. "Mistress Qin need not stand on ceremony."

He walked towards the long table in the courtyard, continuing calmly, "These are Second Concubine's remains."

Madam Lin's face paled slightly. She cautiously glanced at the table once, then averted her eyes. Yan Chi continued, "Ninth Young Miss is skilled in medicine. Based on marks on the bones, this Second Concubine gave birth to a child. Is this true?"

Madam Lin pressed her lips together. "This matter... this humble wife does not know."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning cold. Madam Lin hurriedly added, "It's not an excuse. Truly, back then... when the master brought her back from outside, we didn't even know her name. She was extremely beautiful, and the master adored that about her. Later, we only knew her surname was Yang. The master held her in the palm of his hand. Although I was the principal wife, I never received proper courtesy from her. Because of this, the master argued with Mother. After that, Lady Yang lived separately from us. Her courtyard had its own small kitchen; she usually didn't move about. I never heard she was pregnant or had given birth."

She paused briefly, then continued, "However... when she entered, she wasn't a young girl of a dozen years. Though beautiful, she appeared at least in her twenties. We asked the master about her background, but he wouldn't say. Later, Mother and I speculated she might have been a widow somewhere. Until her suicide by throwing herself into the well, I never received proper courtesy from her either."

Yan Chi frowned. "So, we can only ask Master Qin about this Second Concubine's origins?"

Hearing this, Madam Lin lowered her eyes with a bitter expression. "The master is gravely ill. If Your Highness can get him to speak, that would be good."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow. Qin An was gravely ill? Thinking this, he looked at Huo Huaixin. Huo Huaixin sighed and nodded. "This morning when I entered the residence, I went to see him. Master Qin seems somewhat mentally unclear, appearing somewhat foolish."

Qin Wan, who was assembling bones nearby, was momentarily startled. Syphilis could indeed cause dementia, but that usually occurred after syphilitic sores appeared, meaning at least two months later. Why had Qin An deteriorated so quickly?

Qin Wan had already assembled the major bones. The remaining small bones, finger bones, teeth, etc. were not yet placed. She examined them carefully but found no injury marks. Qin Wan straightened up. Once a body turns to bones, unless poisoned or with obvious injury marks on the bones, determining the cause of death is very difficult.

With no new injuries found, they could only accept that Second Concubine died by throwing herself into the well.

"Has Master Qin not called for a physician?" Yan Chi's gaze was intense, his tone questioning.

Madam Lin sighed. "Naturally, we have. But this illness is difficult to treat. We originally intended to invite Divine Physician Huang, but he hasn't been in Jinzhou City these past few days. Your daughter-in-law and Mother are anxious but have no solution."

Madam Lin's tone was sorrowful, carrying a note of grief. Yan Chi frowned, glancing sideways at Qin Wan. Qin Wan was right in the residence, yet the Qin family had no intention of asking her to treat Qin An. Were they planning to let Qin An fend for himself?

"In that case, we'll wait until Master Qin improves somewhat."

Yan Chi's tone eased slightly. Madam Lin's tense back also relaxed. Hesitating, she asked, "By the way, now that the remains have been excavated from the well, do Your Highness and Prefect Huo need to examine anything else? If not, that well... after all, is somewhat inauspicious. According to Mother's wishes, it should be filled."

Huo Huaixin looked at Yan Chi. Yan Chi returned his gaze. "Prefect Huo, was the area below thoroughly searched?"

Huo Huaixin nodded. "Yes, every corner was checked."

"Very well. The Qin residence may dispose of it as they wish."

Hearing Yan Chi say this, a slight curve touched Madam Lin's lips. "Yes. Thank you, Your Highness. Prefect Huo has also worked hard."

Huo Huaixin waved a hand. "As officials, it is our duty."

Madam Lin glanced at them for a moment. "If Your Highness and Prefect Huo have no further instructions, this humble wife will take her leave."

Huo Huaixin grunted an acknowledgment. Madam Lin curtsied and turned to leave.

Yan Chi walked to Qin Wan's side. "Any discoveries?"

Despite her suspicions, without evidence, Qin Wan could only be honest. "None. Same as before. We can only tell the Second Concubine gave birth, but cannot determine if she died by throwing herself into the well. For now, we must assume she did."

Huo Huaixin also approached. "A pity Master Qin is mentally unclear, otherwise we could ask about the Second Concubine's origins. Also, the person who moved the demon-suppressing stone and killed Liu Chun must be exceptionally strong. Should we screen the male servants in the residence?"

Yan Chi nodded. "Feasible. Regardless, the killer of Lady Liu and Liu Chun is definitely someone within the Qin residence."

Since they were to begin screening the male servants, it meant the case's progress would slow. Qin Wan sighed inwardly, then turned and walked towards the room. Ice basins were placed inside, yet despite that, the bodies of Lady Liu and Liu Chun were already emitting a putrid smell. Qin Wan examined their bodies carefully. Suddenly, her gaze sharpened as she looked at Liu Chun's hands.

Another day had passed. The injured areas on Liu Chun's fingers had begun to dry, crack, and peel. What Qin Wan examined now were the fragments under his fingernails. Last night, under torchlight, they looked like dead leaves and dirt. But looking now in daylight, they seemed different.

Qin Wan frowned, looking around. Her gaze fell on scattered white paper money not far away. She walked over, picked up a piece, and returned to Liu Chun. From her sleeve, she took out a needle case, selected the smallest needle, and carefully extracted the fragments from under Liu Chun's fingernails. After working on several fingers, a small pile accumulated on the white paper money. Qin Wan carried the paper money to the doorway under the daylight and used the needle tip to gently spread the pile apart.

Yan Chi watched her move with extreme care, not daring to disturb her. He asked softly, "What is it?"

Qin Wan frowned. "Last night, I thought it was just dirt. But now, looking closely, it's not..."

"What is it then?" Yan Chi stepped closer, still careful not to make sudden movements.

The piece of paper money was small; the fragments on it couldn't withstand even a breath. Qin Wan held it close, examining it herself. Suddenly, she said, "It seems like... some kind of pastry..."

Qin Wan had just eaten Cook Liu's osmanthus cakes this morning. Looking at these fragments now, they increasingly resembled them.

Yan Chi reacted quickly. "Could Liu Chun have eaten something before he died?"

Qin Wan frowned. "Very possible. But even if he was hiding within the residence at the time, he wouldn't dare move around freely. Could he have been bold enough to go to the kitchen to steal pastries?"

"That seems unlikely." Yan Chi shook his head. "He was probably hiding in the Purple Bamboo Grove. The residence was heavily guarded by constables all day. Later, Prefect Huo conducted a search. He had no reason to come out and wander."

Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, his tone deepening. "So... could someone have brought him food?"

"The killer?" Qin Wan reacted even faster, looking at Yan Chi. Their eyes met, a spark of understanding flashing in Yan Chi's gaze. Without him speaking, Qin Wan knew he affirmed her thought. Her spirits lifted. "Liu Chun hid after learning Lady Liu was killed in the morning. Perhaps the person helping him hide was the killer. Then the killer used the opportunity of bringing food to kill him!"

When deducing cases, Qin Wan was usually focused and solemn. But now, having uncovered a new clue, excitement brightened her eyes. At this moment, her gaze was clear and bright, like a deer's, black and white, distinct and captivating, making Yan Chi unable to look away.

"If so, the killer never intended to frame someone from the start. The killer knew Lady Liu's death would inevitably implicate Steward Liu. But that wasn't enough; he absolutely had to kill Steward Liu. The killer either hated Steward Liu intensely, or wanted to reveal something through his death."

As Yan Chi spoke, a light shone in his eyes. Almost simultaneously, Qin Wan's eyes widened.

"Second Concubine."

"Second Concubine."

They spoke in unison. Qin Wan looked up at Yan Chi, an unconscious smile touching her lips. "That's the second hypothesis. But currently, this hypothesis seems most likely. Liu Chun served in the residence for years, steadily holding the steward position. Though he often acted arrogantly, he never harmed anyone. Moreover, Prefect Huo inquired; no one in the residence held a deep grudge against him. So, killing out of hatred seems very unlikely. The most sinful thing he did was have an affair with Concubine Liu..."

Yan Chi continued, "But Qin An didn't know about Steward Liu and Concubine Liu's affair. When Prefect Huo told Master Qin about it the day before yesterday, he was so angry he nearly fainted. Prefect Huo said his reaction didn't seem feigned."

Qin Wan also nodded. "If Third Uncle knew, given his position as head of household, he would have a hundred ways to kill Lady Liu and Liu Chun. Moreover, Liu Chun was a household servant bound by a life contract. Third Uncle could have directly dealt with him according to house rules."

"And although Lady Liu was quite flamboyant in the residence, she hadn't made enemies with anyone. The one who should dislike her most is Mistress Qin. But according to the servants, though Lady Liu was flamboyant, she knew how to behave, showing some respect in front of Mistress Qin. At least on the surface, no one hated her enough to kill her."

Yan Chi picked up where Qin Wan left off. Qin Wan nodded. "Furthermore, the killer murdered Lady Liu and Steward Liu consecutively. If it were merely hatred, it wouldn't quite fit."

Saying this, a light suddenly sparked in Qin Wan's eyes. "Lady Liu was first killed under the flower arbor, and there was originally a well under that arbor. Could it be the killer intended to draw attention to that well with the first murder?"

Yan Chi pondered. Indeed, both Lady Liu and Liu Chun died near wells. Could the killer truly want to implicate that cursed well?

"It's possible. Dying by a well, the older servants in the residence might mention it being a cursed well killing people, thus bringing up Second Concubine's old case..."

After speaking, Qin Wan carefully wrapped the fragments in the piece of paper money and handed it to a constable standing guard nearby. Yan Chi followed her. "Now we need to wait for Master Qin to regain his senses and ask about Second Concubine's origins back then."

Qin Wan paused, then said softly, "Syphilis can indeed cause dementia, but not at the very beginning. At least two months later. Even if Third Uncle's constitution was weak, it would take at least a month. There's no reason for him to be foolish now..."

Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "You mean he's faking?"

Qin Wan pressed her lips together. "From a physician's perspective, that is indeed the case."

A faint, cold smile touched Yan Chi's lips.

That smile made Qin Wan feel the surrounding air chill momentarily. Then Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan. "You go back first. I will personally pay a visit to Master Qin."

Qin Wan blinked. Though Yan Chi's gaze towards her was still somewhat gentle, she hadn't forgotten his cold smile moments ago.

"Your Highness... you..."

Yan Chi gave her a reassuring look. "Don't worry. I have a sense of propriety."

With that, Yan Chi called Bai Feng and a few constables, turned, and left the courtyard.

Watching Yan Chi's long-striding back, Qin Wan felt inexplicably worried for Qin An.

After Yan Chi left, Fuling approached. "Young Miss, shall we return?"

Qin Wan glanced at the skeleton on the long table, thinking of the medicine she needed to prepare for Qin Li tonight, and nodded. "Let's go back. Wait for news from His Highness..."

…

…

Qin Wan could treat Qin Li, and naturally could treat Qin An. But given her position in the Qin residence, she wouldn't rush to offer treatment. Madam Jiang and Madam Lin knew of her existence but hadn't spoken up. She understood their considerations.

Qin An was an elder, and he suffered from a shameful disease. One could imagine. If Madam Jiang could set aside face, it would be one thing for Qin Wan. But Madam Jiang couldn't. Since the patient's closest family considered face more important, Qin Wan, though possessing the intent to heal, wasn't at the point of meddling in others' family affairs to preach about life being paramount.

Returning to Tinglan Pavilion, Qin Wan carefully recalled last night's pulse diagnosis for Qin Li. Before long, she drafted another external prescription. "Fuling, go to the medicine storehouse again... get more of these herbs..."

Fuling, having received instructions, left. Qin Wan then began grinding bitter apricot kernels with a mortar and pestle alone.

Treating syphilis primarily involved clearing heat, removing dampness, and combating toxins. Yet this disease's toxin was vicious and stubborn, one of the incurable illnesses Qin Wan had known since beginning her medical practice. If she could cure Qin Li this time, it would be significant progress in her medical skills.

Qin Wan had always enjoyed delving into medical studies. With this thought, she applied herself even more diligently, personally preparing both internal and external medicines. However, one ingredient in today's external prescription gave her some difficulty.

"Human breast milk..." Qin Wan frowned at her prescription. Where would she find human breast milk for Qin Li? She had prescribed it; Qin Li would have to find this ingredient himself.

Thinking this, Qin Wan wrote detailed instructions below the prescription: Take one cup of human breast milk, boil until reduced by half, add the previous herbs, continue boiling until dry, grind into paste, and apply.

After writing this line, Qin Wan looked towards the door. Fuling had been gone for the time it takes to drink two cups of tea. Normally, she should have returned by now. Had something happened?

Worrying, Qin Wan felt uneasy. The Qin residence was in turbulent times. Though it was daytime, Fuling wasn't one to dawdle. Had she encountered some trouble delaying her?

Qin Wan folded the prescription and was about to go out and check when the courtyard gate opened!

Hurried footsteps approached. The door opened, and Fuling slipped in, holding two packets of medicine.

"Young Miss, Third Master is better..."

Fuling had run quickly, a thin sweat on her brow. Hearing this, Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "Has His Highness arrived?"

Fuling shook her head, setting down the medicine packets before smiling. "His Highness hasn't arrived yet. Just now, on my way back, I met two young servants from the front courtyard. They were responsible for guarding Third Master's courtyard, saying something happened there and they were going to fetch the Old Madam. I stopped them to ask. It turns out His Highness had gone over..."

Seeing Fuling struggling to hold back laughter, Qin Wan grew curious. "What happened?"

Fuling caught her breath. "His Highness went over and first asked Master Qin about Second Concubine's origins. Master Qin lay in bed, unable to speak or move, just rolling his eyes and panting slightly. The maidservant attending him said Third Master had been like that for two days, that his illness was too severe, and he probably couldn't answer."

"His Highness heard this and said, 'Perfect, I'm here to treat Third Master!'"

Fuling's eyes sparkled, her expression animated. "The attendant was a steward from the front courtyard. Hearing this, he was stunned for a moment. Then His Highness said that while in the Western Frontier, he learned a barbarian method specifically for treating dementia. He said inserting an iron needle as thick as a little finger into a person's skull and leaving it for seven days without removal would drain the clotted blood in the brain, curing the dementia."

Fuling laughed. "Young Miss, doesn't that sound terrifying? That old servant was scared half to death, kneeling on the ground begging for mercy, not daring to disobey His Highness. His Highness said he came to treat people, how could he be misunderstood as harming someone? Then he ordered Guard Bai to fetch a needle. Would you believe it? Guard Bai actually found an iron nail!"

Qin Wan couldn't help but smile. Fuling continued, "The old servant was terrified, saying it would kill him. His Highness said Third Master, unable to speak or move, was almost like dead anyway. Besides, the residence's case required his testimony. Though the method looked frightening, they had to try. As he spoke, he told Guard Bai to proceed with piercing the skull. At that moment, Third Master suddenly could move! Not only move, but he sat up in bed..."

Qin Wan's smile widened. She shook her head with a sigh. This wasn't the Western Frontier. Though Yan Chi had been somewhat aloof these past days, he hadn't done anything outrageous. Even Qin Wan had momentarily forgotten his "Demon King" reputation! Qin An was feigning madness. Others wouldn't dare do anything to him, but Yan Chi had no such reservations. This scare actually cured Qin An's 'dementia'!

If Qin An dared to continue pretending, Qin Wan had no doubt Yan Chi would actually drive a nail into his skull. He might even bring out the torture methods used against barbarians in the Western Frontier to try!

"Young Miss! His Highness is truly formidable! Third Master thought pretending foolishness would let him avoid this, but he probably never expected His Highness to resort to force. That servant said Third Master was badly frightened. His illness is real; after sitting up, he was interrogated by His Highness. Now he's in a poor state..."

Qin Wan shook her head. "Though syphilis is stubborn and vicious, its progression is slow; it's almost impossible to cause sudden death. Watching oneself gradually become ugly and rot to death, that's the horror of this disease."

Fuling nodded. "That servant said when they left, His Highness hadn't gone yet. Presumably, he got some information."

Qin Wan felt slightly relieved. "He'll get information. His Highness in the Western Frontier could even make barbarians tell everything. Let alone Third Uncle."

After speaking, Qin Wan went to get the medicine packets on the table and began grinding the medicine herself.

Two more cups of tea later, the courtyard gate creaked softly. Soon, Wantang's voice sounded outside the door. "Young Miss, a visitor."

Qin Wan's spirits lifted. She immediately stood and went out. Outside the gate stood Bai Feng. Qin Wan quickened her pace. Once outside, she saw Yan Chi standing not far away. "Your Highness."

Qin Wan approached and curtsied. "Did Your Highness learn anything?"

Yan Chi said, "Your third uncle is not strong-willed. Though his 'dementia' is cured, he genuinely fainted earlier. He said Second Concubine was actually bought from traffickers back then. He kept her in an outside residence for a few days, then, finding her beautiful and gentle-natured, brought her into the residence as a concubine. He also said when he bought her, he knew she had been married before, but because of her looks, he didn't mind that. The child was likely born before that; after entering the Qin residence, she never became pregnant."

Qin Wan frowned slightly. "Could it be that after being taken into the Qin residence, Second Concubine missed her child and then threw herself into the well? Third Uncle clearly knew she was trafficked but didn't let her return? Third Uncle also didn't know her family background or if she had relatives?"

Yan Chi sighed. "Most likely he wouldn't let her go. He also said he truly didn't know Second Concubine's family background, only coveted her looks and wanted to keep her by his side..."

"I've seen many cases of coveting beauty leading to forcible possession. Could someone in the residence sympathized with Eighth Concubine's plight and used murder to expose this?"

Qin Wan's eyes held doubt. Yan Chi then said, "Prefect Huo screening the male servants temporarily yielded no results. Apart from them, there are only the two young masters and Qin An himself. Qin An is seriously ill; Qin Li likewise. Qin Chen, though an adult, is not martial, his strength average. Likely not the person we're looking for. This is a puzzling point."

He paused briefly. "I plan to go to the prefectural yamen to check if there were any recorded missing persons in Jinzhou ten years ago. If so, we might find Second Concubine's true identity."

Qin Wan had just thought of this as well and nodded slightly. "Your Highness's consideration is very thorough."

As she spoke, she frowned slightly, as if suddenly thinking of something. She said urgently, "Your Highness, wait a moment…"

With that, Qin Wan turned and hurried back into the courtyard. Yan Chi watched her retreating figure disappear behind the gate, unsure what she intended. Soon, Qin Wan returned.

She held a note in her hand. "This is the reading list Your Highness requested."

Qin Wan walked to Yan Chi and handed over the note. Yan Chi glanced down, and his already beautiful eyes sparkled even more brilliantly, like a river of stars on a cold night, radiating a dazzling light that caught Qin Wan off guard.

Yan Chi reached out and took it. "This time, you didn't forget."

Qin Wan looked at Yan Chi without speaking. Yan Chi tucked the note into his sleeve. "Go back."

Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi once more before turning to enter the courtyard. Though her back was to him, she could feel Yan Chi's gaze on her. Only after entering the gate did that gaze disappear.

Qin Wan stopped, suddenly turning to look. In her line of sight, Yan Chi was striding away, his robe hem fluttering around his legs as if wind arose with his every step...

Qin Wan stood for another moment before turning back. Before reaching the doorway, a cold wind swept in from outside the courtyard.

Qin Wan frowned at the swaying lantern under the eaves, then looked at the overcast sky. Was it going to rain?

Fuling urged Qin Wan inside. "Young Miss, come in quickly. It looks like rain. Each autumn rain brings more chill; the weather will likely get colder."

Qin Wan took two steps forward, then suddenly focused. "The bones in the courtyard haven't been collected yet."

As soon as she spoke, Qin Wan turned to go out. "Bring an umbrella. Let's go check."

Fuling smiled wryly. "My Young Miss, how can you still be thinking about that pile of bones..."

Despite her words, Fuling went back inside to fetch an umbrella, then hurried to catch up with Qin Wan. The master and servant walked briskly. The autumn weather changed quickly; before they were halfway, cool raindrops began to fall.

Fuling held the umbrella. Just as they reached the gate of the courtyard holding the bodies, they saw two constables clearing the bones from the long table. Fuling sighed in relief. "Young Miss, look, the constable brothers will take care of it. You almost got caught in the rain!"

Qin Wan shook her head. Since they were here, she might as well help. The constables recognized Qin Wan. Seeing even Huo Huaixin treat her respectfully, they dared not slight her. "Ninth Young Miss needn't trouble yourself. Just watch from the side..."

As they spoke, the two constables lifted the long table to carry it into the mourning hall. One was tall, the other short. As they lifted, the table tilted, and several bones of various sizes rolled off onto the ground. Qin Wan smiled slightly and stepped forward. "I'll pick them up. You carry it inside..."

The two constables hurriedly adjusted their grip and carefully carried the table with its load of bones inside. The table was set down indoors; fortunately, the human skeleton Qin Wan had assembled wasn't too dislodged. Meanwhile, Qin Wan walked in holding a leg bone and four or five small bones. As she was about to place them on the table, her gaze suddenly fixed.

The leg bone was one thing, but the four or five small bones in her palm were joint fragments from the human body, impossible to fix in place. Qin Wan had set them aside, not incorporating them into the skeleton. But now, she stared at the smallest bone, full of doubt.

The reason was she could instantly identify which part of Second Concubine's body the other bones came from, but this small piece, she couldn't tell. Could it not belong to Second Concubine?