novelraw Chapter 78 : The Decision to Perform an Autopsy, the Mortuary Catches Fire
Chapter 78 : The Decision to Perform an Autopsy, the Mortuary Catches Fire
78: The Decision to Perform an Autopsy, the Mortuary Catches Fire
Yan Chi's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. His long, raven-feather-like lashes cast a deep shadow on his eyelids. He glanced at Huo Huaixin, whose face broke out in sweat layer by layer. Grand Princess Jiayi slapped the armrest of her chair. "Nonsense! Are you suggesting Xiao Qi has suspicion in Miss Song's murder?! How bold!"
Huo Huaixin waved his hands frantically. "No, no, no! This official does not mean that! It's just, just..."
Huo Huaixin looked guilty, wiping sweat while shifting his gaze toward Chief Constable Qi. Earlier, during their analysis, they had indeed concluded Yan Chi had the opportunity to commit the crime. Though the details were unclear, Huo Huaixin, relying on his courage, had come. But once the words were out, he regretted it. Discussing privately was one thing; saying it to Yan Chi's face felt different. He felt this demon prince's gaze could flay him alive. Coupled with Grand Princess Jiayi and Yue Qiong, was it too late to retract his statement?
"It's just that our investigation indeed obtained this information. This official only said His Highness Yan Chi has suspicion, not that he is the murderer of Miss Song. Actually, thinking about it, it's impossible, haha..."
Huo Huaixin was sweating profusely. Yan Chi's eyes showed no anger or resentment, but his inscrutable expression made Huo Huaixin deeply fearful. He felt an invisible net enveloping him, pressing down so hard he couldn't straighten his back. Wiping sweat in a fluster, he added, "Moreover, His Highness and Miss Song's family don't know each other. Naturally, there can't be any grudge or feud. His Highness has fought on the border for many years; he wouldn't be someone who murders women and children. This official merely mentioned it casually, just casually..."
Huo Huaixin regretted it so much his intestines were turning green. Having navigated officialdom for years, he naturally understood the ways of being an official. No matter how impartial and strict one was in handling cases, one couldn't lose one's position. He truly shouldn't have said it.
"What kind of talk is this, Prefect?" Just as Huo Huaixin regretted speaking, Yue Ning, who had been silent, spoke up. Huo Huaixin was taken aback. Yue Ning continued, "For an official to be so impartial is a good thing. The emperor's son, if he breaks the law, is punished the same as commoners. Even though His Highness Yan Chi's status is noble, if he truly has some connection to this case, we should investigate clearly."
She paused, then added, "There's one thing Prefect probably doesn't know yet."
Huo Huaixin, somewhat reassured by Yue Ning's support, though she was a woman not involved in politics, she was deeply favored by Grand Princess Jiayi and her words carried some weight, asked, "What matter?"
Yue Ning glanced at Yan Chi, then seeing everyone in the room was family, said, "Last time, the person who dressed as the headless female corpse to scare Qin Wan was left-handed. And in the entire household, only one person is left-handed."
Qin Wan's heart skipped a beat. She never expected Yue Ning to bring this up now. Huo Huaixin's eyes widened. "Who? Who is it? Who's left-handed?!"
Not only was Huo Huaixin surprised, but Grand Princess Jiayi and the others also looked grave. Finding that left-handed person meant catching the one who pretended to be the headless corpse to scare Qin Wan!
Yue Ning narrowed her eyes, her expression stern. "It is His Highness Yan Chi!"
Her words fell, shocking everyone present.
"What? Xiao Qi?!" Grand Princess Jiayi was the first to disbelieve. She turned to look at Yan Chi. "Xiao Qi, are you left-handed?"
Yan Chi glanced at Yue Ning for a moment, then looked back at Grand Princess Jiayi and nodded. "Grandmother, I can indeed use my left hand. Of course, I can also use my right. The night Ninth Young Miss had the incident, I was in Pine Garden. I was injured; Ninth Young Miss came to treat me. After she left, it was only when servants reported that I learned something happened. Later, I left Pine Garden with everyone else."
Yue Qiong hurriedly nodded. "Yes, that's exactly what happened." As he spoke, he gave Yue Ning a warning look.
But Yue Ning remained unmoved by Yue Qiong's gaze. "At that time, when Ninth Young Miss left, we were outside. You and your guard were in the inner chamber. We all thought you needed quiet rest; no one entered. That period lasted about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. It was enough time for you to go to Plum Garden, scare Qin Wan, and then return to Pine Garden. How do you explain that?"
Yan Chi lifted his chin slightly. Jiang‑shi and Yue Qiong both showed displeasure. Not to mention they had never suspected Yan Chi; even if they did, it shouldn't be said like this. This only made Yan Chi's suspicion greater.
Yan Chi looked at Yue Ning's righteous and solemn expression and shook his head. He didn't argue with Yue Ning but instead turned to Qin Wan. "It seems I must trouble Ninth Young Miss to clear Yan Chi's name."
Qin Wan's heart already leaned toward trusting Yan Chi. Plus, Yan Chi had saved her tonight, making her even more convinced he had no reason to be Song Rou's murderer. After a moment's thought, Qin Wan said, "Prefect, based solely on His Highness camping beside the birch grove and being left-handed, we cannot conclude he is the murderer. At the very least, Miss Song's head hasn't been found, and there are no clues about the murder weapon. Prefect needs more evidence to be certain."
She paused, then added, "Tonight, someone tried to kill Qin Wan."
Huo Huaixin was stunned. Before his fear could subside, he heard new information, leaving him momentarily dazed.
Qin Wan briefly recounted what happened that night. "That person disguised himself to look like Second Young Master to catch my attention, then lured me under the lantern tower before disappearing. If not for His Highness Yan Chi rescuing me, Qin Wan would have died under the lantern tower tonight. Prefect, the matter of Qin Wan examining the corpse at the mortuary, besides Young Master Wei, only those present knew. The Marquis and his lady, and the Grand Princess, naturally wouldn't gossip about it. Has your side leaked the information?"
Huo Huaixin's eyes widened, unable to believe someone else wanted to kill Qin Wan.
"Certainly not..." As he spoke, he seemed to think of something. "My son wouldn't either. Since that day, he hasn't left his room, hasn't even stepped out of his courtyard, let alone the house. Two attendants have been serving him constantly. It's absolutely impossible for him to leak it. And Xu He, he wouldn't speak carelessly either."
Huo Huaixin raised an eyebrow. "Ninth Young Miss suspects the person trying to harm you knows you're helping the yamen with the autopsy?"
Qin Wan nodded. "Exactly. Otherwise, Qin Wan poses no threat to anyone. That person shouldn't be so meticulously trying to kill me." Thinking this, a chill suddenly ran down Qin Wan's spine as she thought of the Qin family. But then she shook her head. If someone from the Qin family wanted to kill her, they wouldn't impersonate Yue Qing. The Qin family had no one familiar with Yue Qing.
But this time, the situation seemed somewhat similar to when the Ninth Young Miss was harmed. She was lured there, and to others, it would be incomprehensible why she went through that dark alley to another street. Just like she didn't understand why the Ninth Young Miss went to the Purple Bamboo Grove. There must, must have been something that lured the Ninth Young Miss to the Purple Bamboo Grove.
Huo Huaixin frowned deeply. "So, how did the murderer know?"
Qin Wan clenched her fist. "It can be confirmed the murderer is within the Marquis's household. If not a member of the household, then the murderer must be among the Song family's guards and maidservants..."
Today was supposed to be the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, a day for Grand Princess Jiayi and Jiang‑shi to make sacrifices and pray for blessings, a day for Yue Ning and the younger generation to relax and enjoy themselves. Yet unexpectedly, they encountered another attempted murder. This murder pulled everyone back from the festive joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival, placing before them the shadowed death of Song Rou.
"Prefect, perhaps the birch grove was cleaned by the murderer, so no solid evidence was found. Currently, there are only two paths. First, wait for news from the capital. Second, perform an autopsy."
Qin Wan's voice was grave. As soon as she finished speaking, Wei Yanzhi spoke up. "Ninth Young Miss, you cannot. Given Xiao Rou's status, an autopsy is not permissible. Not only that, but the body must also be preserved properly, at least until someone from the Duke's household arrives."
Wei Yanzhi's face was dark, his eyes filled with grief and resistance, his expression deeply mournful.
Qin Wan looked directly into his eyes. "Young Master Wei believes an autopsy disrespects the deceased?"
Wei Yanzhi dared not meet Qin Wan's calm, solemn gaze. He had seen Qin Wan perform an autopsy; there was no disrespect for the deceased in it. Wei Yanzhi turned his head away. "Not exactly. It's just that our bodies, hair, and skin are received from our parents. My uncle and aunt are already heartbroken upon learning of Xiao Rou's death. If they think of Xiao Rou being... after death, they absolutely cannot accept it. Moreover, Xiao Rou herself probably wouldn't want to see her body dissected into a cruel, bloody state after death. Xiao Rou's death is already my fault for inadequate protection. How can I watch her be... No, an autopsy cannot be performed."
Qin Wan frowned, looking at Wei Yanzhi. She felt somewhat anxious but not entirely surprised. In the past, she had encountered cases where relatives were unwilling to accept autopsies on their deceased family members. Most, after persuasion, agreed. Wei Yanzhi was a man of ambition; naturally, he wouldn't stubbornly cling to such principles and rules out of ignorance.
Qin Wan took a deep breath. "Young Master Wei, who do you think Song Rou, murdered, hates most right now?"
"Naturally, the murderer..."
"Good. She has already passed away. What she can hope for is us, the living, to avenge her and clear her name. If she truly knows in the afterlife, watching us have a better method but not using it, would she feel angry or comforted?"
Wei Yanzhi's face showed pain. Qin Wan continued, "Young Master Wei feels guilty and blames himself, but at this time, you should take responsibility for Song Rou. What is the best method? Young Master Wei must also know in your heart. Even if Song Rou's parents come, in their hearts, is finding Song Rou's murderer more important, or preserving Song Rou's body?"
"As for the body, after death, a person is nothing but earth and bones. Young Master Wei can imagine what state Miss Song's body is in after so many days. Even an autopsy cannot make her condition worse. But if we don't perform the autopsy soon, it will delay finding the murderer. The murderer who killed Song Rou might still be walking freely in broad daylight. He won't feel the slightest remorse for Song Rou's death; he might even gloat because we failed to find him. Is Young Master Wei willing to accept that?"
Wei Yanzhi's brow was tightly knit, his face a struggle of hesitation. But the light in his eyes dimmed for a moment before he shook his head again. "No. At the very least, we must first seek the Duke's household's opinion. I am already one of the sinners in this matter; I can no longer make decisions." Speaking, Wei Yanzhi looked sincerely at Qin Wan. "Ninth Young Miss, I sent a message by carrier pigeon back home to ask my uncle and aunt in the Duke's household. If they are willing, we will receive a reply soon. Can we perform the autopsy then?"
Jinzhou was a thousand li from the Duke's household. Even by the fastest carrier pigeon, a round trip would take five or six days. By then, Song Rou's body would undoubtedly be even more gruesome than last time.
Seeing him like this, Qin Wan felt it unwise to press further, especially since she had no absolute right to insist. So she turned to Huo Huaixin. Huo Huaixin's forehead still glistened with sweat; hearing this, he felt even greater pressure. Duke Song's household held a status equal to the Anyang Marquis's household, perhaps even slightly higher. The Anyang Marquis was a marquis; Duke Song held a ducal rank. That aside, the Anyang Marquis's household had a Grand Princess, the current Emperor's paternal aunt. But Duke Song's household had a Consort! The Duke's legitimate eldest daughter had entered the palace as a consort over ten years ago, had borne a prince, and remained deeply favored to this day. Comparing the two, Huo Huaixin would rather slight the Anyang Marquis's household than easily offend Duke Song's household.
He let out a deep sigh, helpless. "Fine, fine. Then let's follow Young Master Wei's suggestion. First, send a message to the Duke's household. Wait for the Duke's approval before performing the autopsy…"
"I don't think we need to go through such trouble."
As soon as Huo Huaixin finished speaking, Yan Chi suddenly spoke. Huo Huaixin's heart jumped as he looked over. Yan Chi's gaze swept over him like a blade. He sat on a chair, his chin slightly raised, his expression carrying an imposing, unapproachable aura.
"This matter is quite simple, yet it's stuck at the crucial point of the autopsy. If Yan Chi were uninvolved, that would be one thing. But just now, Prefect said Yan Chi actually has suspicion. In that case, I think performing the autopsy immediately is best."
Huo Huaixin's lips twitched. "Huh? Your Highness, but..."
Yan Chi narrowed his eyes. "Are you afraid Duke Song will hold you accountable?"
A slight curve touched Yan Chi's lips. "Don't worry. If anyone is to be held accountable, let them come to me, Yan Chi."
Huo Huaixin stammered, not daring to speak, only glancing at Grand Princess Jiayi and Wei Yanzhi. Wei Yanzhi's face still showed pain and struggle. Grand Princess Jiayi sighed. "Enough! What Xiao Qi says is right! If Duke Song wants to hold someone accountable, tell him to come to me! Miss Song was our Anyang Marquis's household's future daughter-in-law, and the incident happened in Jinzhou Prefecture. This old woman won't avoid suspicion and will make a decision. Right now, the most urgent matter is finding the murderer who killed Song Rou. All other rules, human feelings, and protocols can be set aside. These words, even if said to Duke Song himself, or even to the current Emperor, I stand by this reasoning!"
She looked solemnly at Huo Huaixin. "Perform the autopsy. Let Wan'er assist again. If we can find crucial clues, good. If not, then we leave it to fate."
Huo Huaixin let out a long breath. A flicker of light appeared in his eyes as he resolved himself. He looked at Wei Yanzhi. "Young Master Wei, please understand. You need not bear responsibility for this. We are doing this to find the murderer as quickly as possible."
Wei Yanzhi's face was full of anguish, but at this point, he could say no more. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Then... can I see Xiao Rou one more time? I want to pay my respects again. If possible, can I also be present when Ninth Young Miss performs the autopsy? At this point, I have no other thoughts. My only wish is to find the murderer."
Huo Huaixin thought for a moment, then nodded. "Since that's the case, then Young Master Wei may follow."
He then looked at Grand Princess Jiayi. "What time do you think is suitable for the autopsy?"
Grand Princess Jiayi glanced around the room, then at Qin Wan. "In my opinion, this matter should not be delayed. How about going to the mortuary first thing tomorrow morning?"
Qin Wan immediately nodded. "Qin Wan is naturally available."
Huo Huaixin also hurriedly agreed. "Good. This official will give orders tonight."
Grand Princess Jiayi nodded slightly and let out another sigh. She then looked out the window. The night was already deep. The lantern tower collapse was just a small ripple, not affecting the liveliness on Li River Lake. Painted barges and pleasure boats were moving about; faint sounds of zithers and flutes could be heard. "Tonight is, after all, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. Let's set this matter aside for a moment. Those distributing relief grain should do so, those performing sacrifices should do so, those releasing lanterns should go release them. Matters will pass; life must go on. Tomorrow at the first quarter of the hour of the Dragon, do not be late. Alright, alright, everyone disperse."
With the matter decided and Grand Princess Jiayi's words, the tense atmosphere in the room eased slightly. Qin Wan stood where she was, her gaze unconsciously sweeping over Wei Yanzhi. She saw him turn away, looking lost and desolate as he walked out of the cabin door. Jiang‑shi and Yue Qiong were going to distribute relief grain and had already stepped out earlier, instructing servants to bring the prepared sky lanterns before disembarking. Yue Qing seemed very interested in releasing sky lanterns and immediately went to get one, walking toward Qin Wan.
"Ninth Young Miss, have you ever released one of these?"
Sky lanterns were an essential part of Great Zhou festival sacrifices. Made of bamboo strips and oiled paper, a bamboo hoop formed the base, with a cross of bamboo strips fixed in the center holding a short, combustible wick. The oiled paper was shaped into a lantern shade, wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, with the opening fixed by a bamboo hoop. When releasing, the wick was lit, causing the oiled paper shade to inflate, and the lantern would rise into the air.
Legend said this craft was invented over a hundred years ago by a military strategist to transmit information. But common folks didn't know this; seeing the bright light and its ability to fly, they considered it an auspicious object that could reach the heavens. Later, it was used in New Year and festival prayers and sacrifices. When releasing, one usually wrote their wishes on the lantern shade, praying that after reaching the heavens, the various deities would see and fulfill them.
Qin Wan looked at the sky lantern Yue Qing handed her and shook her head. "I have not."
Delight flashed in Yue Qing's eyes. This was exactly what he wanted for Qin Wan not to have released one before, so he could teach her how!
"Then I'll teach you! Come with me outside..."
Qin Wan, called by Yue Qing, couldn't refuse without causing offense. But her mind was on Wei Yanzhi, so she walked while watching him. Seeing this, Yue Qing also called out, "Brother Yanzhi, do you want to come release a sky lantern?"
Wei Yanzhi had already walked to the boat's railing. Hearing this, he shook his head. "No!"
"Young Master Wei, why not release a sky lantern to pray for Miss Song's peace?"
Qin Wan spoke, cutting off Wei Yanzhi's refusal. He looked at her for a moment, then walked over.
Yue Qing didn't mind Wei Yanzhi interrupting his time with Qin Wan. He only demonstrated to Qin Wan, "Look, there's a wick here, see? First, unfold this oiled paper shade, then lay it flat on the ground. Light the wick, then slowly watch the oiled paper shade inflate bit by bit, and watch it rise into the air. Simple, right?"
Qin Wan didn't need Yue Qing to teach her. Even if she hadn't released one, she had seen it before and understood at a glance. She nodded vaguely, looking at Wei Yanzhi. "What will Young Master Wei write on the lantern shade?"
Wei Yanzhi had already unfolded his oiled paper shade. A servant from the Marquis's household handed over a brush. Wei Yanzhi took it and, without thinking, wrote the characters for "Peace in the Yellow Springs." After writing, he handed the brush over. "What will Ninth Young Miss write?"
Qin Wan took the brush and swiftly wrote "Uncover the Injustice." Yue Qing saw it and frowned. "Why doesn't Ninth Young Miss write about your own matters? This should be written by Brother Wei or the Prefect."
Qin Wan had already handed the brush to Yue Qing. She curved her lips slightly. "Who writes it is the same."
With that, Qin Wan lit the wick. She wasn't writing for Song Rou; she was writing for herself. Compared to her father's wrongful case, Song Rou's case was much simpler. At least, she could intervene in Song Rou's case and do her best.
Yue Qing tilted his head, looking at Qin Wan for a moment, then wrote "Same as Ninth Young Miss's Wish." Qin Wan caught a glimpse and was slightly taken aback. "Second Young Master need not do that. I..."
Yue Qing laughed heartily. "This case has troubled the Marquis's household for a long time. Ninth Young Miss's wish alone isn't enough; add mine! Surely the heavenly deities will see and grant our wishes!"
All the younger generation were outside, only Grand Princess Jiayi and the injured Yan Chi remained in the main cabin. From their vantage point, they could vaguely see the gathered figures outside. Moreover, Yue Qing's clear, cheerful voice carried into the cabin. Grand Princess Jiayi, hearing Yue Qing's sincere laughter, sighed inwardly. She glanced over; Yan Chi sat in the chair, his expression inscrutable, his gaze deep and unfathomable. Grand Princess Jiayi sighed again, feeling the situation was somewhat troublesome.
Outside, Qin Wan's sky lantern slowly rose. Watching the lantern she had written her prayer on and released with her own hands ascend into the sky, a great hope welled up in Qin Wan's heart. She finally understood why people liked writing prayers on lanterns during festivals. Watching the lantern rise higher and higher truly gave the illusion it would ascend to the heavens and reach the deities.
Beside her, Yue Qing's lantern also rose. "I hope our combined wishes are heavier than others', so the deities will see them and grant Ninth Young Miss's wish."
Warmth spread in Qin Wan's heart. She glanced over and saw Yue Qing's relaxed expression, his eyes smiling, very sincere.
Wei Yanzhi was the first to finish writing, but his movements were the slowest. He seemed distracted; while lighting the wick, he almost set the lantern shade on fire. After several attempts, he finally lit the wick and released it. His sky lantern rose slowly, seemingly about to ascend like Qin Wan's and Yue Qing's. Suddenly, a slight breeze blew, tilting his lantern. Just that tilt caused the oiled paper shade to catch fire. Though it burned only briefly, it left a large hole. Then, the lantern trembled and fell, landing obliquely in the lake. Wei Yanzhi rushed to the railing; the lantern's embers extinguished upon touching the water.
"Ah, Brother Wei's lantern is a pity! It's alright, release a new one!"
Yue Qing went to get a new one for Wei Yanzhi, but Wei Yanzhi stood pale-faced by the railing. Qin Wan walked over and glanced at it, then looked at Wei Yanzhi. "Young Master Wei, don't take it to heart. It's just the first lantern; it doesn't mean your wish won't come true. Once we find the murderer, Miss Song will surely find peace and solace in the afterlife."
Wei Yanzhi bit his lip, his face dazed and sorrowful. He didn't even take the new sky lantern Yue Qing offered, simply disembarked from the lantern boat. Qin Wan watched Wei Yanzhi's retreating back grow farther away, eventually disappearing behind the fiery trees and silver flowers of the lantern market.
"What's wrong with Brother Wei?"
Qin Wan lifted her chin slightly. "Perhaps he's unhappy in his heart."
The hour was already late. Jiang‑shi had prepared many sky lanterns for them. Qin Wan released two more with Yue Ning. When Jiang‑shi and Yue Qiong returned, the group prepared to depart. Grand Princess Jiayi's health was inconvenient; she couldn't stay out too late. Qin Wan had an autopsy early the next morning and naturally needed to rest early. Yan Chi was injured and also the focus of everyone's concern.
"His Highness Yan Chi is injured. Shall I escort Ninth Young Miss back?"
When they reached the carriage area, Yue Qing offered proactively. Qin Wan quickly said, "The hour is late. Second Young Master need not escort me. Let the coachman make the trip. Tonight is the Mid-Autumn Festival; the city is bright as day. Nothing will happen."
Qin Wan looked earnestly at Grand Princess Jiayi, who then nodded. "That's fine too. Earlier, who picked up Wan'er..."
"Bai Feng, you make the trip." Before the question finished, Yan Chi had already given the order.
A figure emerged from the darkness. Bai Feng nodded in assent and went to prepare the carriage. Qin Wan curtseyed to Yan Chi in thanks, then bowed to Grand Princess Jiayi and the others before boarding the carriage. Soon, the carriage moved slowly. Qin Wan was heading to the east of the city, so her carriage went first. This time, the Marquis's household members didn't travel with her for long; they needed to escort Grand Princess Jiayi back early.
"Young Mistress, today was truly dangerous. Fortunately, His Highness Yan Chi saved you."
Inside the carriage, Fuling looked fearful, then added, "This servant released seven sky lanterns, each one wishing for Young Mistress's safety. Last time it was falling into the lake, this time nearly being crushed by a lantern tower... This servant is truly terrified!"
Qin Wan patted Fuling's arm reassuringly. "Seven sky lanterns, surely the heavenly deities will see your wishes. Don't worry; the heavenly deities will protect me from now on." She smiled. "I released three. One also wrote for our safety, master and servant. The deities will protect us both."
Perhaps Qin Wan's warm smile reassured Fuling, for she said no more. After about half an hour, the carriage stopped outside the Qin manor gate. Qin Wan lifted the carriage curtain and alighted. Just as she stepped down, Bai Feng spoke from the side.
"Ninth Young Miss, please wait. My master asked me to give this to you..."
Qin Wan was about to leave but turned upon hearing this. Turning, she saw Bai Feng holding an orchid-patterned lantern, the one she had bought but Yan Chi had picked up. Qin Wan frowned. She had forgotten it when she left!
"Only the orchid lantern?"
Qin Wan stepped forward to take it, somewhat puzzled. She had left the orchid lantern and the Xiezhi mask together in the compartment where she treated Yan Chi's injury. If Yan Chi gave her the orchid lantern, he should have given the mask too.
Bai Feng shook his head. "This humble servant does not know."
Qin Wan sighed, repeatedly thanked him, and bid farewell to Bai Feng before returning inside. Looking at the orchid lantern still emitting a faint glow in her hand, a strange and wonderful feeling stirred in Qin Wan's heart.
She had to leave early the next morning and dared not delay. She hung the orchid lantern in a very conspicuous place by her bed, bathed, lay down, extinguished all other lamps in the room, and let only this orchid lantern shine. Its soft, shimmering light resembled distant, cold stars in the sky, and also somewhat resembled Yan Chi's deep, night-like eyes that occasionally held glimmers of starlight.
She slept dreamlessly. The next morning, when Qin Wan opened her eyes, she felt refreshed and clear-headed. She washed and dressed efficiently. Fuling brought a thicker cloak for her to wear. According to the agreement, they would meet at the first quarter of the hour of the Dragon. The Marquis's household would send someone to fetch her halfway through the hour of the Rabbit. Leaving this early naturally attracted the attention of the four "Wan" maids in her courtyard. But for some reason, when Qin Wan saw Wanxing standing last among the four, bowing to her, a slight sense of relief washed over her.
Exiting the courtyard gate, she headed straight for the western main gate. Just before reaching it, she saw Bai Feng waiting outside. Qin Wan felt reassured, but as she drew closer, she noticed Bai Feng's usually calm, composed face held a trace of anxiety. He was even pacing back and forth, his brow furrowed. Qin Wan's heart sank. Something must have happened!
"Guard Bai."
Qin Wan hurried out the gate, unable to resist calling out first.
Bai Feng turned. Seeing Qin Wan emerge, he quickly stepped forward to bow. Then, glancing at the Qin manor gatekeepers, he said in a very low voice, "Ninth Young Miss, I'm afraid the autopsy cannot be performed."
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"
Bai Feng's gaze turned grave. "Last night, the mortuary caught fire!"