The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

Chapter 81 : The Mysterious Box-Returning Thief

81: The Mysterious Box-Returning Thief

Hearing Huo Huaixin's words, Qin Wan's eyes widened for a moment.

No surprise. It aligned with her deductions. Reasonable, and within expectations.

Perhaps because she had followed her father in handling many perplexing cases before, Qin Wan always felt that results that were both reasonable and expected left her somewhat unsatisfied. Yet as this thought arose, she inwardly shook her head at herself.

The world's mysteries were strange and varied. Those solving cases only needed to follow evidence and facts. If one always assumed things, it would be biased. Qin Wan composed herself. "So, Prefect, you are now going to look for the Wei family's eldest son?"

Huo Huaixin nodded. "Exactly. Earlier, I had Young Master Wei draw a portrait of his legitimate elder brother. Later, I'll have it posted at all city gates. If he's not found in Jinzhou City, we'll search other prefectures and counties."

After all, it was the yamen handling the case. Qin Wan nodded. "Good." She paused slightly, remembering the autopsy residue she had left to dry last night. "What I brought back from the mortuary yesterday, the residue taken from the deceased's stomach... I haven't yet determined what it is. I'll inform you once I do."

Huo Huaixin smiled and nodded. "This time, we truly owe it to Ninth Young Miss. If not for your help, we'd likely still be in the dark. As Ninth Young Miss said, we should have performed a thorough autopsy the first time. Rest assured, Ninth Young Miss, once this case is concluded, this official will certainly have a gift for you..."

Qin Wan wasn't doing it for gifts. She was about to decline when Huo Huaixin cupped his hands. "This official must go attend to the case and will take my leave first. Please go in, Ninth Young Miss. The Grand Princess, the Marquis, and the Lady are all inside."

Huo Huaixin was in a hurry. Qin Wan curtseyed and watched him stride away. It seemed Huo Huaixin was no longer concerned about what she brought back from the mortuary. Currently, the prime suspect was indeed the Wei family's eldest son.

Qin Wan slowly turned back, looking at the Anyang Marquis's household's high walls and large compound. That day, the person wearing Song Rou's second wedding dress moved freely within the Marquis's household, seemingly very familiar with its layout. Could the Wei family's eldest son have really sneaked in?

"Young Mistress, if Prefect catches the Wei family's eldest son, does that mean the case is solved?"

Fuling asked quietly. Qin Wan shook her head as she walked inside. "Not exactly. The Wei family's eldest son must confess."

Fuling frowned. "What if he refuses to talk?"

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes. "Then we can only rely on witnesses and material evidence, making it impossible for him to deny."

Fuling nodded. Qin Wan entered Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard. Lü Xiu led her to the main room, straight into the inner chamber.

Inside, Grand Princess Jiayi was sighing long and short sighs. Seeing Qin Wan, she quickly reached out. "Wan'er is here. Come, sit by me..."

Qin Wan curtseyed, then sat beside Grand Princess Jiayi. Jiang‑shi said from the side, "Wan'er, quickly check on Mother. Just now, after hearing His Highness Yan Chi's news, Mother hasn't been well."

Qin Wan understood. Earlier, though Song Rou's pregnancy was confirmed, now that Wei Yanzhi's words were verified as true, Grand Princess Jiayi was even more infuriated. The man involved with Song Rou was Duke Song's maternal grandson. The entire Song family showed no regard for the Anyang Marquis's household.

Qin Wan first checked Grand Princess Jiayi's pulse, then gently patted her back. "Lady, rest assured. Her Highness's health has improved greatly. The wound has also healed. After another seven or eight days of recuperation, she'll be fine."

Hearing this, Jiang‑shi relaxed slightly.

Many people were seated in the room. Yan Chi sat in the first seat on the left; Yue Ning and her two brothers were also present. Yue Qiong, in the first seat on the right, sighed. "We've been away from the capital for many years. To them, the Anyang Marquis's household has declined."

Grand Princess Jiayi held Qin Wan's hand, signaling her to stop patting her back. She smiled faintly. "I'm still here. They are like chickens and dogs ascending to heaven with one person's success. I want to see how they'll handle this!"

She continued, "We don't need to do much else. Write a letter and send it to the capital, to His Majesty's desk. Let him see the whole story. If there's no proper resolution, I'll personally return to the capital and ask him!"

"Mother, will we truly report this to His Majesty?" Yue Qiong still hesitated slightly. Grand Princess Jiayi gave a cold laugh. "I want to ask if this was his intention or someone else's. The Anyang Marquis's household has been loyal for generations. Is this how he slaps our face?"

Hearing this, Yue Qiong knew Grand Princess Jiayi's mind was made up. He nodded. "Your son understands."

Grand Princess Jiayi let out a breath. "If His Majesty is reasonable, he will naturally settle this matter..."

She looked at Yan Chi. "Xiao Qi, this time you were almost implicated, and we used your people. This favor, your Grand-Aunt owes you... In the future, if there's anything you need, just speak up."

The corner of Yan Chi's lips lifted, a trace of cunning amusement flashing in his phoenix eyes. "Grand-Aunt's words, Yan Chi will remember."

Grand Princess Jiayi laughed, exhaling. "Though it shouldn't be said this way, this time, this marriage ultimately didn't happen. The Song family's own dirty affairs, let Prefect Huo investigate. We'll just fulfill our propriety. Once this matter is settled, Duke Song's household will have nothing more to do with us!"

Yue Qiong and Jiang‑shi both assented. Grand Princess Jiayi then changed the subject. Her health was still recovering; after a few words, she grew tired. Qin Wan and the others immediately withdrew. Yue Ning naturally invited Qin Wan to her courtyard.

"Did you meet Prefect Huo when you came in earlier?"

"Naturally, I did." Qin Wan nodded. "Prefect seems confident."

Yue Ning nodded. "Yes. His Highness Yan Chi's news came very timely. If we can find Young Master Wei, things will become much clearer."

Entering the courtyard gate, Yue Ning's maid Lü Qi went to make tea. Yue Ning invited Qin Wan to sit on the long couch by the window. Glancing sideways, she noticed Qin Wan frowning slightly, as if troubled by something. "What are you thinking? The case is about to be concluded. Why aren't you smiling?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "During the last autopsy, I took something back to the Qin manor. I thought about it all last night but still couldn't figure out what it was. Just a bit frustrated."

Lü Qi brought tea. Yue Ning handed a cup to Qin Wan. "What thing?"

Qin Wan didn't answer immediately, waiting until Lü Qi withdrew. "Something taken from Song Rou's stomach."

Yue Ning's hand stilled, pausing her motion to drink tea. A moment later, she lowered her head and took a small sip. "What do you think it is? Is there something suspicious? Now that His Highness Yan Chi's news has arrived, the case is clear. You don't need to think about this, right?"

Qin Wan smiled and also drank her tea. "The case is the case. I just need to clarify what I'm responsible for. If I can't figure this out, I'll always have a knot in my heart."

A light flashed in Yue Ning's eyes. "What's the reasoning? Tell me."

After so many days of interaction, Yue Ning had grown very fond of Qin Wan's temperament. Moreover, having grown up in the capital and later come to Jinzhou, she disliked those delicate, pampered noble girls. Like Qin Wan, she had no close female friends. Now that she had Qin Wan as a friend, she treated her with sincere honesty. Seeing Qin Wan puzzled, she naturally wanted to help share the burden.

Meeting her gaze, warmth spread in Qin Wan's heart. She put down her teacup. "There's no great principle involved. It's just that things people eat are mostly digested quickly. But Song Rou has been dead for nine days, and there were still some residue and debris in her stomach. I suspect those things definitely aren't food. But if not food, then what?"

Yue Ning's eyes shifted. "Could it be poison?"

Qin Wan laughed softly. "Naturally not poison. I can distinguish that much."

Yue Ning sat upright, straightforward and unrestrained, tapping her fingers on the table edge. Suddenly, she lifted her chin. "Where is that thing?"

"Currently in my room. I haven't had time to examine it carefully."

Yue Ning immediately stood up. "Let's go to the Qin manor to see. You've made me curious. I also want to know what that strange thing is."

Qin Wan was slightly surprised. "Does the Young Princess truly want to go? Don't you... mind?"

Not only was it taken from a dead person, but from a person's stomach. Honestly, it was unclean and inauspicious. But Yue Ning looked amused. "What's there to mind? You can take it out, carry it with you, bring it home. Can't I even look at it?"

Qin Wan felt relieved and nodded. "Alright. Then the Young Princess shall accompany me."

Yue Ning was a decisive person. Once the idea formed, she immediately ordered a carriage prepared. This time, they wouldn't use Bai Feng to send Qin Wan back. Yue Ning directly instructed the mansion's gatekeeper; naturally, the Marquis's household guards would escort them.

Once in the carriage, Yue Ning asked, "What about the Sixth Young Miss in your household?"

A slight smile touched Qin Wan's lips. "Rest assured, Young Princess. The Old Madam truly imposed family discipline. She is now confined."

Yue Ning gave a soft snort. "That's more like it." Then she sighed. "But speaking of which, I truly wronged His Highness Yan Chi. It's my fault. When I saw him writing with his left hand that day, I was stunned for a moment. I distinctly remember he used his right hand when competing with my second brother. It was strange how he suddenly used his left. I thought at the time he might be concealing something..."

Qin Wan frowned slightly. "Most people are naturally right-handed, but a very few are naturally left-handed." She paused, then added, "But this isn't absolute. With later effort, one can train either hand. Some people can even use both hands equally well. Such people might be more intelligent than average. His Highness Yan Chi might be such a person."

"What's good about using the left hand?" Yue Ning lifted the carriage curtain to look at the streets outside. "I heard from Lü Qi before that in her hometown, if a child was left-handed, they wouldn't be sent to school. They couldn't study, only do the lowest work. And I heard from the matron who purchases maidservants for the household that left-handed girls, no matter how capable, are not accepted by wealthy families."

Left-handed people were easily seen as oddities. Moreover, according to Great Zhou customs, left-handedness carried connotations of inauspiciousness and improper character. If a child in a wealthy family was left-handed, they would definitely be corrected later. For example, the Wei family's eldest son was like that. Sadly, societal norms weren't always right; sometimes, even knowing they were wrong, people followed them.

"For His Highness Yan Chi, using his left or right hand is probably the same."

Yue Ning, having previously misunderstood Yan Chi, now spoke more amiably. "Perhaps. And with his status and position, no one dares criticize him. Moreover, given his temperament, he probably doesn't care."

The carriage sped through Jinzhou City's long streets and soon stopped before the Qin manor gate. Qin Wan led Yue Ning inside. The gatekeeper, seeing it was the Young Princess, immediately went to report to the main courtyard. But Yue Ning paid no mind, directly having Qin Wan take her to Tinglan Pavilion. Entering the courtyard gate, Yue Ning clicked her tongue. "I heard this is a newly changed courtyard?"

Qin Wan nodded, leading her into the main room. "Yes. Much better than before."

Yue Ning hummed in acknowledgment, sitting to wait for Fuling to serve tea. Qin Wan entered the inner chamber and soon returned with a small silk-wrapped bundle. Qin Wan had Fuling close the door, then opened the silk cloth.

After a night, the silk cloth still carried an unpleasant odor. But Yue Ning's expression remained normal. When Qin Wan opened it, she leaned over to look. In the middle of the white silk lay a mass of blackish substance. From its color alone, it was impossible to tell what it was.

Qin Wan also frowned. "It seems it needs washing several more times..."

"Washing?" A hint of disappointment appeared in Yue Ning's eyes. "This color looks like kitchen scraps left untouched for days... rotten beyond recognition..."

Qin Wan shook her head and instructed Fuling to fetch a white porcelain cup. She placed the unknown mass inside, poured in clean water, waited for it to dissolve, poured off the dirty water, and repeated the process many times. Finally, the blackness faded somewhat, but even so, it was still hard to distinguish...

Suddenly, Qin Wan's eyes lit up. "Use alum."

Yue Ning opened her eyes wider. "Alum? What can alum do?"

Qin Wan stood up and went outside, instructing Fuling. "Go, have Wanxing fetch some alum from the medicine shop."

Fuling didn't understand why Qin Wan ordered Wanxing, but running errands wasn't a big deal. After Fuling left, Qin Wan returned and said softly, "Alum can purify water. I'll soak this thing with alum. If one night isn't enough, I'll soak it for two. It will definitely make the color fade further."

Yue Ning blinked at Qin Wan. "Will that work?"

Qin Wan smiled. "Trying won't hurt."

Yue Ning thought for a moment and also smiled. "Alright. I'll soak it with you. Tomorrow I'll come to see. The day after, I'll come again to see what this thing is. But speaking of which, a noble young lady like Song Rou wouldn't just eat anything randomly."

Qin Wan shook her head. "We can only know if our method works."

Yue Ning's temperament disliked idle amusement; she also didn't care for typical women's indoor activities. But seeing Qin Wan use this strange method to investigate that mass of filth piqued her interest. Wanxing went quickly and returned quickly. By the time Fuling brought the alum, Qin Wan had already prepared a larger white porcelain cup. She first washed the alum, then placed the mass and the alum together inside, covering it to see the effect the next day.

After this busy work, Yue Ning and Qin Wan finally sat down to drink tea. Yue Ning asked curiously, "How did you know alum purifies water? I only know alum is added to ordinary women's nail polish, but I don't understand the principle."

Qin Wan refilled Yue Ning's tea. "I read it in medical texts. Alum is used in nail polish to help release more color from henna or other plants. Moreover, alum can be added when cooking mung bean soup. It makes the beans soften more easily, resulting in a thicker soup. The principle is the same as with nail polish."

She paused slightly, frowning again. "But prolonged use can cause poisoning. So, mung bean soup with alum is best not consumed. This substance tastes sour, is cold in nature, has a drying, urgent, astringent property. It can dispel heat, eliminate turbid toxins, treat heat-induced diarrhea and dysentery, women's leukorrhea, erosive sores, eye pain, and can also strengthen teeth and remove nasal polyps. It's a good medicine, commonly stocked in general medicine shops."

Yue Ning's eyes widened, looking at Qin Wan with admiration. "Can you recite the properties of any random medicine like this?"

Qin Wan gave a pained smile. "Of course not. The path of medicine is vast and profound. What I know is only a fraction."

Yue Ning shook her head and sighed. "It seems I used to think too highly of myself. Most noblewomen are well-versed in 'Women's Virtues' and 'Women's Admonitions.' When reading, they at most read the Four Books and Five Classics. Even those studying medicine rarely know as much as you at such a young age. Qin Wan, I truly underestimated you before..."

Yue Ning was straightforward. Saying this meant she was being open and sincere with Qin Wan. Qin Wan smiled and refilled her tea. "The Young Princess has the bearing of a heroine. It's natural to be somewhat proud. Perhaps Qin Wan is fond of the medical path, so I put in more effort than others. Just as the Young Princess enjoys martial arts, naturally you excel more than other young ladies."

Yue Ning laughed, her smile carrying a straightforward, bright energy. This was her first time in Qin Wan's chambers. Putting down her teacup, she looked around the room, from the warm chamber to the study, occasionally asking about medical matters. Seeing Qin Wan answer so readily, her admiration for Qin Wan deepened, different from the usual bond between young ladies.

Thus, they passed over an hour. Seeing it was getting late, Yue Ning mentioned leaving. Qin Wan personally saw her out. Just after leaving Tinglan Pavilion's courtyard, they saw Lady Lin and Qin Xiang waiting outside. Seeing the mother and daughter, Yue Ning was slightly surprised. Though her status was noble, considering Lady Lin was Qin Wan's elder, she still stopped and curtseyed.

"Madam, why are you here?"

"This humble one pays respects to the Young Princess." Lady Lin curtseyed, then looked at Qin Xiang. Qin Xiang lowered her eyes, her posture somewhat stiff as she bowed to Yue Ning.

Lady Lin then said, "Upon learning the Young Princess entered the manor with Wan'er, I intended to pay my respects immediately. But thinking the Young Princess and Wan'er must have private matters to discuss, I dared not disturb. Is the Young Princess leaving? Why not stay for dinner?"

The corner of Yue Ning's lips lifted, finally showing a slight smile. "I dare not trouble you. I've spoken with Ninth Young Miss for a long time and should return. My father and mother are waiting."

Hearing this, Lady Lin couldn't insist. Qin Wan, knowing Yue Ning disliked such formalities, stepped forward. "Third Aunt, the Young Princess doesn't stand on such ceremony. I'll see the Young Princess to the gate. Please attend to your matters."

Lady Lin hesitated a moment, then could only nod.

Qin Wan immediately accompanied Yue Ning toward the western gate. Once they left, Qin Xiang stamped her foot. "Mother, I told you there was no need to come pay respects. The Young Princess is around my age, yet you had to bow to her!"

Lady Lin's expression darkened. "What do you know?! Your Ninth Younger Sister is now on good terms with the Marquis's household. We should take this opportunity to establish good relations with the Marquis's household, to secure a future path for your brother's career. Your father is so ill. In the future, can we only rely on the Marquis's household in the capital? Mother sees the Anyang Marquis's household treats your Ninth Younger Sister much better than the capital side. Your brother said a few days ago that your Ninth Younger Sister mentioned the Grand Princess is willing to write a letter for him when he goes to the capital!"

Qin Xiang listened impatiently, wanting to retort but thinking of Qin Chen, she held back.

Lady Lin continued, "All this, frankly, is due to your Ninth Younger Sister's face. Remember, from now on, don't make things difficult for your Ninth Younger Sister. Your grandmother feels the same. Please let your mother worry less."

Qin Xiang bit her lip. "I know. For Elder Brother, I won't act recklessly." She paused, then added, "But what illness does Father actually have? Why not call a doctor? Or... don't we have a medical genius at home?"

Lady Lin's brow furrowed deeply, a hint of cold laughter in her tone, but she gave her daughter a warning look. "This is adults' business. Don't interfere, and don't ask too much."

Qin Xiang was unconvinced. "Then, can I go see Father? Father is ill. As a daughter, how can I not visit?"

Lady Lin grabbed Qin Xiang's arm, pulling her eastward. "Your father's illness is contagious. None of us can visit!"

Her tone was sharp, making Qin Xiang's eyes tremble. She pressed her lips together, glanced back at Tinglan Pavilion with complex emotions, and reluctantly let Lady Lin pull her away...

Qin Wan saw Yue Ning all the way to the manor gate. The carriage was parked by the street corner outside. Qin Wan walked with Yue Ning. "The Grand Princess's illness isn't serious. She just needs good recuperation. It's autumn; the south isn't too dry yet. If it were the capital, the Grand Princess would be more worrisome."

"Grandmother is overly worried because of this case. She'll be better once the case is closed." Yue Ning responded to Qin Wan's words. As they approached the carriage, her steps suddenly halted. Qin Wan looked up, puzzled, and saw Yue Ning staring intently at a corner on the other side of the long street. Qin Wan frowned. "What is it?"

Asking, Qin Wan also followed Yue Ning's gaze. Seeing it, Qin Wan also frowned.

At another street corner about ten zhang away, a man in a grayish-blue robe stood there. He was half-hidden behind the corner wall, only half his body and face visible. Too far away, Qin Wan couldn't see his face clearly, but she could feel his gaze, substantial as if physical, resting on her and Yue Ning.

"Who is that person?"

Qin Wan spoke, but as soon as the words left her mouth, the man alertly withdrew behind the corner.

Qin Wan frowned. Beside her, Yue Ning had already darted out like a leopard. Qin Wan hurried after her. Qin Wan had to jog, but Yue Ning reached the spot in moments. However, Qin Wan only saw Yue Ning standing motionless at the corner. She quickly caught up and saw that the long street beyond the corner had only four or five pedestrians coming and going, none wearing a grayish-blue robe.

Qin Wan, having run a few steps, was slightly out of breath. "Does the Young Princess recognize that person?"

Yue Ning shook her head. "No."

Then she said doubtfully, "When I noticed him, I felt his gaze was too strange. Not exactly malicious, but definitely not the gaze of a passerby."

Qin Wan frowned, turning to look at the Qin manor gate.

From her angle, she could clearly see people entering and leaving the Qin manor's side gate.

"Could it be someone who has a dispute with the Qin family?"

Yue Ning also glanced back, then nodded. "That's indeed possible." She looked seriously at Qin Wan. "Tomorrow morning, have Bai Feng come to fetch you again. I'll speak to His Highness Yan Chi when I return. Don't go out alone."

Qin Wan nodded in agreement. "I know. Young Princess, rest assured, I won't."

Only then did Yue Ning feel relieved. "When you go back, also instruct your manor's gatekeepers to be vigilant."

Qin Wan agreed again. Yue Ning then turned and walked toward the carriage. After Yue Ning departed by carriage, Qin Wan's expression turned grave. Fuling had been following and now said, "Young Mistress, was that person bad?"

"Good or bad, I don't know." Qin Wan turned back toward the manor gate. "But being so sneaky is mostly not good."

Reaching the gate, Qin Wan relayed Yue Ning's instructions to the gatekeepers. Though these gatekeepers didn't dare disrespect Qin Wan, they wouldn't treat her words as imperial decrees either. They merely agreed respectfully on the surface, then likely remained lax. Anticipating this, Qin Wan didn't pin her hopes on them. She entered the manor and headed straight for Tinglan Pavilion.

Back in the courtyard, Qin Wan went into the inner chamber. Lifting the lid of the white porcelain cup, she saw the color of the mass had indeed lightened somewhat.

Seeing Fuling also come over to look, Qin Wan asked directly, "What does this look like to you?"

Fuling blinked. "Like a balled-up willow catkin... also a bit like a dirty, smelly cotton rag, or maybe moldy... Ah, this servant can't describe it..."

Qin Wan shook her head. "Song Rou wouldn't eat willow catkin or rags." She replaced the lid. "Soak it another night. Tomorrow it will definitely be lighter in color and more dispersed. It's too hard to tell now."

Setting that aside, Qin Wan went to prepare new medicine for Yan Chi. Over the past few days, making medicine for Yan Chi had become a habit. Though she thought Yan Chi's wound medicine probably wasn't used up yet, going to the Marquis's household tomorrow, making more was always good. Moreover, Yan Chi had said he would only stay in Jinzhou for seven days. Was today the fourth or fifth day?

She definitely had to return to the capital. But these might be among the last few times she could see Yan Chi. Yan Chi would surely go guard the Western Frontiers in the future, and she didn't know when she'd return to the capital. They were originally unrelated people, so there was nothing for her to sigh over. Thinking this, she looked up and saw the orchid lantern hanging in her warm chamber.

Where had her Xiezhi mask gone?

After dinner, Qin Wan read for a while before resting. Before sleeping, Fuling went out to check the courtyard. When she returned, she said, "Young Mistress, the main courtyard is performing rites again..."

Qin Wan was already lying down. Hearing this, she frowned. "How many days has it been?"

"The third day." Fuling answered, then blew out the lamp in the corner. "The Old Madam loves doing these things. Back then, when you clearly escaped a great disaster, a good thing, she performed rites for a full seven days for us."

Qin Wan didn't speak but understood in her heart: her Third Uncle's illness was definitely not minor. Not only minor, but also an unclean illness.

The Qin family head's illness didn't affect Qin Wan's sleep. Having had no nightmares for several days, she slept soundly and felt more energetic. That day, she rose early with the morning light, walked around the courtyard until she broke a slight sweat, then went inside to rest. The Ninth Young Miss's body was too weak; she needed to find ways to strengthen and regulate it.

After breakfast, Qin Wan had just finished packing the ointment for Yan Chi when a gatekeeper came to report: someone from the Marquis's household had come to fetch her.

As usual, Qin Wan went out with Fuling. Before leaving, she checked the white porcelain cup again. As expected, in the clear water, the substance, whether willow catkin or cotton rag, was lighter in color. Reassured, she headed straight for the gate.

Sure enough, Bai Feng stood outside the gate. Qin Wan felt relieved and quickly walked out. Bai Feng bowed respectfully and invited Qin Wan into the carriage. Once inside, Qin Wan's heart settled. Hesitating a moment, she lifted the curtain and glanced at the distant corner. Seeing no one peeping there today, she let out a breath.

Bai Feng didn't know the details. With a flick of the whip, he left the Qin manor gate as usual. Along the way, Qin Wan kept thinking whether the mass back at the Qin manor would reveal its true form today. Only when the carriage stopped at the Marquis's household gate did she snap back to reality. Alighting, Lü Xiu was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing Qin Wan, she warmly stepped forward to bow.

Today, Qin Wan wore a misty blue gown with scattered orchid and kingfisher feather patterns, paired with a white pleated skirt, and a long scarf of the same color draped over her shoulders. Her black hair was styled into a half-moon bun, with a white jade hairpin adorned with dangling ornaments, a gift from Jiang‑shi, slantedly inserted. She looked graceful and dignified. As she moved, her skirt flowed like mist. Qin Wan inexplicably carried an ethereal, transcendent aura. Lü Xiu had been stunned at first sight of Qin Wan. Now, having seen Qin Wan many times, she was still momentarily taken aback upon seeing her today.

Qin Wan was only sixteen, a flower bud just beginning to bloom. That day on the street, Qin Wan had carried an air of aloof, sickly weakness. Now, though no obvious change could be pinpointed, her overall bearing was increasingly noble and striking.

"Ninth Young Miss, please come in quickly. The Grand Princess has been waiting."

Qin Wan's lips curved. Having visited the Marquis's household many times and receiving their care, she now felt much more at ease.

Qin Wan stepped up the stairs. Just as she was about to enter, her steps halted.

That feeling of being watched had returned!

She turned sharply, looking toward a teahouse not far from the Marquis's household. She felt that uncomfortable gaze came from within the teahouse. But when she looked, she saw the teahouse's doors and windows, both first and second floor, were tightly closed. And the moment she turned, the uncomfortable feeling of being watched vanished.

Qin Wan's brow furrowed tightly.

"Ninth Young Miss, what is it?"

Lü Xiu looked somewhat alarmed. Qin Wan turned back, shaking her head. "Nothing."

With a slight smile, she entered the gate. Lü Xiu also glanced at the teahouse but, seeing nothing amiss, followed her in.

Qin Wan went to Grand Princess Jiayi's courtyard as usual. But passing through the front courtyard, she saw Xu He carrying his large box!

Xu He also saw Qin Wan immediately. He hurried forward to bow and greet her.

"Greetings, Ninth Young Miss! Paying respects…"

Qin Wan chuckled. "Why are you here? Is Prefect also here?"

Xu He quickly nodded. "Yes. Yesterday, Prefect had people post portraits of the Wei family's eldest son around the city, but there were no results yet. So today, he came to have Young Master Wei draw a new portrait and re-interrogate the Song family guards. This time, it's all about the Wei family's eldest son. This humble one came to help."

Though Xu He was a coroner, his seniority was shallow. In the yamen, he often served as a handyman, pulled in to help where manpower was short. Compared to ordinary constables, he could read and write. Because of this, besides odd jobs, he could also help organize and copy official documents. Even though this autopsy relied entirely on Qin Wan, Huo Huaixin hadn't dismissed him.

Qin Wan nodded, then looked at Xu He's box. "Made a new box so quickly?"

Xu He's expression had been normal, but hearing this, his eyes lit up excitedly. "Ninth Young Miss doesn't know! This box isn't new. It was returned by the thief who had a change of heart?!"

Qin Wan was stunned. "Returned?!"

Xu He nodded repeatedly. To prove it was the original box, he even opened the lid.

"Look, you've seen the tools inside. It's the original box. Everything inside is there, even... even this humble one's savings... the thief returned them too..."

As he spoke, Xu He took something from his sleeve. "My savings were returned, so I have money now. The money Ninth Young Miss gave me, I can return it now."

He held out a few taels of silver with both hands. "Thank you for your generosity, Ninth Young Miss."

Qin Wan observed him for a moment. Seeing he didn't seem deceptive, she nodded to Fuling. Fuling stepped forward and took the silver. Only then did Xu He straighten up, greatly relieved. "I was afraid Ninth Young Miss wouldn't accept. Thank you, Ninth Young Miss."

Though Xu He was somewhat honestly simple-minded, he was, after all, a man who could read and write. Most educated men emphasized integrity. So Qin Wan never intended to give the silver to Xu He. Since it was a loan, she naturally accepted the repayment. But what puzzled Qin Wan was: why was his box returned?

"This thief seems chivalrous. Did he realize Coroner Xu wasn't wealthy and returned the box?"

Qin Wan said teasingly. Xu He's eyes sparkled. "This humble one thinks so too! That person must have seen the contents, realized I was also poor, felt compassion, and returned it."

Qin Wan nodded, but the doubt in her heart remained. "When was it returned?"

"Just this morning! My box was thrown at the yamen entrance. The brothers on morning duty saw it and recognized it as mine. When I arrived at the yamen, they immediately returned it to me."

Xu He looked delighted. But Qin Wan frowned. "Delivered to the yamen?"

Xu He nodded. "Exactly. Probably saw the autopsy records and official documents I copied for the yamen inside."

Qin Wan's frown deepened. The thief snatched Xu He's box in a bustling market but returned it. Had Jinzhou City gained some chivalrous thief? If he truly valued righteousness, how could he fail to distinguish between the poor and the wealthy? Xu He's box was not inlaid with gold, silver, or jewels. No reason to attract thieves. Yet Xu He was targeted, not only targeted but had it returned.

"Nothing was missing at all?"

Qin Wan couldn't help asking again. Xu He shook his head. "No. I checked. Autopsy records, official documents, tools, all there! But it's strange. That person dared to leave the box at the yamen entrance. Truly not afraid of being caught!"

Qin Wan slowly nodded. Xu He was right. Since ancient times, thieves feared and hated officials. Knowing that Xu He was from the yamen, why would they return the box intact to the yamen entrance? Was it a challenge?

Seeing Qin Wan deep in thought, Xu He also became serious. This matter was indeed strange. Most likely, Qin Wan was puzzled by the details. Thinking of something, he said, "Ninth Young Miss! Things really aren't missing. But there's one strange place. My box has many tools, but only on the autopsy record... something got on it, a very strange smell. A bit like medicine, also like something rotten..."

Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. "Let me see."

Xu He hurriedly opened the box again and took out the autopsy record. Lü Xiu and Fuling exchanged a glance. Though they didn't understand why Qin Wan was so interested, neither dared interrupt. Moments later, Xu He handed the record to Qin Wan.

Qin Wan took it. The moment she sniffed, her expression darkened...

Xu He quickly asked, "Ninth Young Miss recognizes this smell?"

A dark glint flashed in Qin Wan's eyes, her voice unprecedentedly cold.

"It's the smell of Golden Jade Bone-Setting Ointment."