The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

41: Plans

Huo Huaixin returned to his residence utterly exhausted and went straight to the main courtyard. Lady Yuan, overjoyed, ordered meals to be prepared and went to help Huo Huaixin change his clothes. "Master, you've been up all night. Your complexion looks off. Even though official duties are important, you shouldn't push yourself like this."

Huo Huaixin said irritably, "What do you know? Two cases are related to the Anyang Marquis's residence. If either isn't handled properly, the impact will be significant." As he spoke, Huo Huaixin suddenly thought of Qin Wan and became even more displeased. "On the day of the wedding banquet, didn't you see the Marquis's wife? Do you know who saved the Grand Princess?!"

At this question, Lady Yuan's eyes flickered. "I heard it was someone from the Qin family."

Huo Huaixin gritted his teeth. "Heard?! I don't believe you don't know…"

Lady Yuan had a peach-blossom complexion, a round face, a plump, prosperous figure, and features that appeared gentle and amiable from a distance but revealed shrewdness up close. Hearing this, she had no choice but to say helplessly, "Alright, alright, it's the Qin family's Ninth Young Miss. That day, the Qin family made quite a splash. Everyone says that Ninth Young Miss is a medical genius of our time. The Grand Princess only met with her."

"Then did you see Ninth Young Miss herself?"

Lady Yuan pursed her lips, her expression haughty. "I saw her from a distance."

Huo Huaixin changed his clothes, turned, and sat down. "What do you think?"

While pouring tea, Lady Yuan said disdainfully, "She's just so-so. I already told you, Master, this Ninth Young Miss has been infatuated with our son for a long time. But with her background, she doesn't even have the qualifications to be a daughter-in-law of our Prefect's household!"

*Bang!* Huo Huaixin slapped the table with his palm!

Lady Yuan was startled, immediately suppressing the disdain on her face and asking cautiously, "Master, what's wrong?"

Huo Huaixin glared at her angrily. He remembered Jiang‑shi's instruction not to mention Qin Wan's autopsy. He only snorted lightly and said, "Indeed, an ignorant and foolish woman! Relying on a few rumors from outside, you nearly missed a good match for our son!"

Lady Yuan widened her eyes. "What does Master mean?!"

"Last night I went to the Anyang Marquis's residence. The Qin family's Ninth Young Miss was already there. The Grand Princess fell ill again, and Ninth Young Miss was brought over for treatment. She'll stay for a few days. I saw that the Marquis and his wife trust and dote on Ninth Young Miss immensely, not to mention the Grand Princess!"

Huo Huaixin snorted again, then added, "I observed Ninth Young Miss's temperament, character, and appearance. Even compared to noble ladies in the capital, she is more than adequate. In Jinzhou, you couldn't find a second one like her. I truly don't understand how in your mouth she became 'without virtue or looks'?!"

Lady Yuan was dumbfounded. "What Master says… is it true?"

Huo Huaixin slapped the table again. "Who would joke with you about this?!"

Lady Yuan immediately clenched her handkerchief. "But… but no matter how much they dote on her, she's not the Marquis's princess. Her parents are both dead. You know a bit about the Qin family's attitude toward her. Even if she likes our son… but… Ning'er's future wife should come from a high-ranking, wealthy family. That way, it would benefit both you, Master, and Ning'er's official career…"

Huo Huaixin gritted his teeth. "Truly short-sighted! The entire Anyang Marquis's family are people of great virtue and integrity. Ninth Young Miss has saved the Grand Princess multiple times. They are bound to be deeply grateful to her. Even last night, I saw the Marquis's wife already treating Ninth Young Miss like half a daughter. In the future, it goes without saying. Moreover, Ninth Young Miss is, after all, from the Loyal and Valiant Marquis's household, and she's a legitimate daughter. The Loyal and Valiant Marquis currently holds power at court and values a reputation for benevolence and wisdom. Even for the sake of that reputation, he definitely wouldn't truly disregard Ninth Young Miss."

Huo Huaixin narrowed his eyes further. "Putting all that aside, just Ninth Young Miss herself is more than sufficient for Ning'er!"

Lady Yuan hesitated, about to say more, when a maid outside said softly, "Master, Madam, the Young Master has come."

The couple exchanged a glance. Huo Huaixin said, "Let the Young Master in."

The curtain was lifted, and Huo Ning entered in a moon-white luxurious robe. "Father? I heard the matter with the Second Young Master is resolved?"

Huo Huaixin's expression turned serious. "Resolved. This time, it nearly caused a major disaster. Fortunately, Ninth… fortunately, the suspicious points were discovered in time, and a thorough reinvestigation was conducted." He almost slipped up, making Huo Huaixin tense.

Huo Ning's face lit up. "Father is truly wise. Your son knew no case could trouble Father!"

Huo Huaixin's old face flushed red. If not for his naturally dark complexion, it would have been obvious. He cleared his throat and quickly changed the subject. "What brings you here? Have you attended your studies today?"

Huo Ning shook his head. "Father, last night I read the case files in your study."

Huo Huaixin frowned, staring at Huo Ning. "You mean the case of the Song family's young lady?"

Huo Ning nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Father. Your son wishes to assist you in solving this case!"

Huo Huaixin grew suspicious. He knew his son's nature. Although talented, over the years he had been overly spoiled by Lady Yuan, resulting in a handsome exterior but lacking substance inside. "In the past, I intended for you to gain experience, but you showed little interest, saying elegant scholarship was your specialty. Why have you changed your mind today?"

Huo Ning lifted his chin, a look of pride between his brows. "This case is not simple. First, your son wishes to share your burden. Second, I genuinely want to gain some experience. Third, I want to accomplish something so others know I'm not just about reciting poetry and writing essays!"

Wanting to improve was good, but Huo Huaixin felt something was off no matter how he thought about it. "Others… who?"

A trace of discomfort flashed in Huo Ning's eyes, but he stiffened his neck and said, "Those who look down on me!"

Huo Huaixin sized up Huo Ning, thinking he had been mocked while reciting poetry or writing essays. After a moment's thought, he decided to indulge him. "This is your own initiative. Don't complain about being tired or afraid of hardship later."

Huo Ning straightened his back. "A true man fears nothing!"

Huo Huaixin smiled with satisfaction. "Good. Then prepare yourself. This afternoon, accompany me to the mortuary."

Huo Ning's eyes sparkled with excitement. He happily responded "Yes" and turned to leave.

After Huo Ning left, Lady Yuan looked at his back with pride and gratification. "Master, look at our son's character and appearance. And he knows how to advance. If he could marry into a noble family in the capital, his future would certainly soar to great…"

Before the word "heights" could leave her mouth, Lady Yuan turned to meet Huo Huaixin's gaze, which held hidden anger.

Huo Huaixin said through gritted teeth, "You, this afternoon, prepare gifts and go visit the Qin family!"

Lady Yuan opened her mouth, full of reluctance. But Huo Huaixin stood up. "I have my own plans. If you get any crooked ideas and ruin my affairs, I'll hold you accountable." After speaking, without giving Lady Yuan a chance to reply, he strode out.

Two shichen later, Bai Feng whispered to Yan Chi, who had just returned to the Anyang Marquis's residence, "When Prefect Huo came today, he specifically said he wanted Ninth Young Miss to come listen to the case. Shortly after returning to his residence, the Prefect's wife went to the Qin family with gifts."

Yan Chi was removing the wrist guard from his hand. Hearing this, his brows furrowed, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes.

Bai Feng hesitated. "Your Highness, what are your plans?"

Yan Chi snapped back to attention and continued unhurriedly removing the wrist guard, only asking, "Did you prepare the things I asked for?"

Bai Feng quickly nodded. "Prepared. It's the best craftsman from the Wei family in Jiangzhou."

Yan Chi gave an "mm" sound, his lean, tall profile inexplicably exuding a chill.

Bai Feng's expression turned serious. "And the Prefect's wife…"

Yan Chi let out a cold laugh. Though he didn't speak, the curve at the corner of his lips and the cold glint in his eyes alone made Bai Feng shiver involuntarily. Back in Shuo Xi, whenever their Young Lord showed such an expression, it meant the Rongdi enemies opposite them were about to face a bloody, crushing defeat!