The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine

161: Murder, Thorn Apple Poison

"What?! Ninth Young Miss?!" Yan Li stared at Qin Wan in utter astonishment. "Seventh Brother wants Ninth Young Miss to help examine the corpse?"

After Yan Li spoke, everyone else in the room also frowned. Today, Qin Wan wore a jade-colored pleated skirt with a lotus-root purple short jacket embroidered with orchid branches over it. Her entire person was as elegant and refined as an orchid blooming in snow. For a young girl like her to examine a corpse? Everyone first felt it was inappropriate, then doubted, what could a young girl like Qin Wan possibly discern?

"Naturally, I can." Just as everyone was hesitating, Qin Wan suddenly stepped forward and responded.

Yan Li's gaze sharpened, fixed on Qin Wan. He had only met Qin Wan twice before. In his view, Qin Wan's most praised qualities were her appearance and demeanor. Beyond that, he only knew she had treated Prince Yu's illness. He thought she had only studied medicine. He never imagined Qin Wan would dare to examine a corpse.

There was still some skepticism in Yan Li's eyes, but Yan Chi had already turned to instruct Pang Fuliang.

"Get more lamps. Brighten the room."

Currently, only that one wind lantern illuminated the room. Upon hearing this, Pang Fuliang hastily acknowledged and turned to order the servants.

Fuling hurriedly said from the side, "Miss, should I go get the tools?"

Qin Wan shook her head, moving closer to where Madam Qin lay on the floor.

Madam Qin hadn't been dead long. Besides, with so many people watching and waiting, Qin Wan decided against extensive protective measures. She rolled up her sleeves, revealing slender, delicate jade-white arms like tender lotus roots. She stopped beside Madam Qin, then glanced at Yan Chi beside her. Yan Chi nodded. "Begin,"

Qin Wan gave a slight bow. Yan Chi looked at Wang Huaiyu. "Fetch writing materials. Record."

Wang Huaiyu was still stunned. The first time Yan Chi brought Qin Wan to the theater, Wang Huaiyu knew Qin Wan held an extremely high place in Yan Chi's heart. After the second visit to the yamen, Wang Huaiyu no longer dared to underestimate this Ninth Young Miss of the Marquis household. But he never imagined Yan Chi would let Qin Wan perform an autopsy. Not only was Qin Wan from the Qin family, her appearance didn't suggest such skill. Corpse examination was something ordinary girls would find terrifying, even grown men considered it inauspicious. Yet Yan Chi asked her to do it.

Wang Huaiyu remained dazed for a while until Yan Chi's command snapped him back to reality. He looked at Pang Fuliang and said urgently, "Quickly... fetch writing materials..."

Pang Fuliang promptly gave the order. Soon, writing materials were in Wang Huaiyu's hands.

By the time Wang Huaiyu had the materials, Qin Wan was already using her bare hands to press from Madam Qin's shoulders down to her calves. Then, she lifted Madam Qin's skirt hem and pulled down her stockings slightly.

"Deceased, female. Age between forty-five and fifty-five."

After speaking, Qin Wan's gaze fell on Madam Qin's ankles. Madam Qin's skin was pale. At this moment, patches and streaks of purplish-red livor mortis appeared on her insteps and ankles. Qin Wan stated, "The deceased exhibits purplish-red livor mortis on the ankles and insteps, appearing in patches and streaks. The deceased shows initial signs of stiffness and chill. Limbs slightly rigid."

After saying this, Qin Wan stood up and walked to Madam Qin's head. She probed through Madam Qin's hair, then tilted her head to check the back of the skull and the facial features. Slight frown, Qin Wan then began examining Madam Qin's neck. Madam Qin's collar was quite high, buttoned tightly. Qin Wan undid the top four buttons, revealing the ligature marks on Madam Qin's neck. Qin Wan studied them for a moment, then suddenly looked up, scanning left and right...

In an instant, Yan Chi approached holding a lamp.

Qin Wan glanced at Yan Chi, then lowered her head to examine closely...

With the lamp closer, the ligature marks on Madam Qin's neck became clearer. "The deceased's face is pale due to compression of neck vessels. Additionally, there are fine petechiae under the eyelids. There are also streak-like dark red congestion above the ligature furrow. No other external injuries found on the body currently. No signs of poisoning detected. Currently inferred sole fatal injury is the neck ligature."

As soon as she finished, Wang Huaiyu frowned. "So it truly is suicide by hanging?"

Qin Wan didn't look up, her voice cool and stern. "Death by hanging does not necessarily mean suicide."

Wang Huaiyu pressed his lips together, saying nothing further, just recording everything Qin Wan said. Qin Wan carefully examined the wounds on Madam Qin's neck. After a while, she pried open Madam Qin's mouth to look, then said, "The ligature furrow is deeper at the front of the neck, shallower on the sides, then disappears. The furrow is wide, neat, and cyanotic in color. Its width matches that of the sash. The sash is smooth, and the furrow surface shows no abrasions, also consistent. It can be determined the deceased was indeed hanged by the sash everyone saw. The ligature furrow is above the laryngeal prominence. The deceased's tongue tip is pressed against the teeth, not protruding. The hyoid bone shows slight damage and signs of hemorrhage..."

The cold night was already chilling enough. Qin Wan's calm words, each syllable clear and precise, inexplicably made the room feel several degrees colder. After saying this, she frowned slightly. Then, she leaned over to look at Madam Qin's hands.

"Time of death should be around two shichen (four hours) ago, that is, between the latter half of the Hour of Wei (1-3 PM) and the Hour of Shen (3-5 PM)." Qin Wan spoke while carefully examining Madam Qin's hands, her brow furrowing tighter.

"Between the latter half of Wei and Shen? That's when she had just been settled in her courtyard and came here to rest." Pang Fuliang spoke urgently, clearly distressed that someone had died for no apparent reason.

Wang Huaiyu wrote everything down, then noticed Qin Wan's deep frown. "Ninth Young Miss? What is it?"

Qin Wan paused. "There are no signs of struggle or fight in the room. The deceased's hands and feet show no abrasions or external injuries."

Hearing this, Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. "So... still suicide?"

Qin Wan thought for a moment, then looked at Wang Huaiyu. "Prefect Wang must have handled many cases and seen many suicides by hanging. Even when someone is determined to commit suicide, the pain before death is by no means lessened because it's voluntary. Everyone struggles when hanging themselves, suffering immensely... Once in pain, they struggle... Typically, when the neck bears the full weight of the body, there will be congestion and petechiae at the ligature site, even irregular skin damage. Although the deceased was hanged by the sash, if she struggled, the petechiae and subcutaneous congestion would be more pronounced. However, Prefect Wang, please look."

Qin Wan pointed to Madam Qin's neck. "Such a ligature furrow can be described as exceptionally clean and neat."

Wang Huaiyu walked to the other side of Madam Qin and looked down. Indeed it was. As a prefect, he oversaw major and minor cases in Yuzhou City. Though not a coroner, having seen many, he knew the basics. Hearing Qin Wan's words, Wang Huaiyu also grew uncertain. "Then what does Ninth Young Miss think is the reason?"

Qin Wan pondered briefly. "Not certain yet. But there are still some strange points."

As she spoke, she turned her gaze to the sash. The sash, smooth and pliable, had already been taken down and discarded beside Madam Qin. Qin Wan examined the sash meticulously. Aside from wrinkles and wear at the knot and where it passed over the beam, the rest was as smooth as before. Her frown deepened.

By now, Wang Huaiyu no longer dared to look down on Qin Wan. He hurriedly asked, "How is it?"

Qin Wan looked up at Wang Huaiyu, appearing somewhat uncertain. "Unless Madam Qin was already unaware of pain and discomfort when she hanged herself, it shouldn't be like this. When ordinary people struggle in discomfort, they instinctively grab the rope. But this sash shows no fingernail marks. Here is where it was over the beam, here is the knot. No other damage elsewhere. And this sash is Huzhou green silk, one of the silks most prone to wrinkling."

Wang Huaiyu narrowed his eyes. "That seems reasonable. But could it be that her resolve to die was absolute?"

Qin Wan thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Difficult. The possibility is very small."

A very small possibility wasn't impossibility. Pang Fuliang interjected, "Ninth Young Miss means... it's still possible it was suicide? Prefect, this happened in my home. But if you say she was murdered, I absolutely cannot believe it. If I wanted to harm someone, why let her die in my own home? Waiting until she left to strike would be more secure, wouldn't it?"

There was some logic to his words. Wang Huaiyu's eyes shifted. "It could also be someone else?"

Pang Fuliang gave a pained smile. "How is that possible? There are only so many people in my household. If someone truly intended murder, then who could it be? She was merely an old acquaintance. My eldest and second sons are not familiar with her. As for my wife and my third son, even less so. To say it's a servant... who would dare kill someone in their master's home?"

"If things could always be deduced by common sense, there would be no perplexing cases in the world." Yan Chi suddenly spoke, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on the low table by the window. "The teacup on the table is full. She asked for tea before dying but didn't drink a drop?" He then glanced at the sash on the floor. "This Madam appears well-groomed and quite refined. How could such a person tear off her own sash to hang herself? This sash... seems more like something used in haste, out of necessity."

Yan Chi's words made Qin Wan's eyes light up, and Qin Yan and Qin Shuang's eyes also brightened. These were the very points Qin Wan had mentioned earlier. Now, Yan Chi's words were identical to Qin Wan's.

"His Highness makes a valid point." Wang Huaiyu stood up, walked directly to the teacup, examined it, then lifted the teapot on the table. Frowning, he said, "The teapot is also almost full. It seems she truly didn't drink any."

After speaking, Wang Huaiyu looked at Pang Fuliang. "Lord Pang, who exactly is this person? What did she do after entering the estate today?"

Hearing this, Pang Fuliang's face showed a pained expression. He glanced at Liu Renli before saying, "Sigh, I didn't want to say, because this isn't a good matter... But now that things have come to this, I naturally must tell the truth."

As Pang Fuliang spoke, Qin Wan also stood up. Pang Fuliang looked at the people in the room with a bitter smile. "I beg the two Highnesses, the Prefect, and Young Master Qin's understanding. Earlier, I concealed the truth from you all. This Madam... this Madam is actually Qingjun, the master of the Shuangqing Troupe's leader, Qingli..."

His words caused not only Qin Shuang but even Yan Chi to show slight surprise.

Pang Fuliang gave a bitter smile. "As you all know, the Pang family is in business. Years ago, by chance, I met Qingjun, who was then the old troupe leader. At that time, the Shuangqing Troupe was just gaining fame in the north. One year, I spent some silver to book the Shuangqing Troupe's performance, and through that, I closed two business deals. The old troupe leader knew about this. At the time, I credited a large part of the business success to the Shuangqing Troupe and naturally gave generous remuneration. The Shuangqing Troupe was happy with the payment, and I was pleased with the deals. Later, there were several more times. The Shuangqing Troupe would refuse other engagements specifically to come to Yuzhou for me. Back and forth, we went from patron and performer to friends. Later, almost every New Year's season, I would invite the Shuangqing Troupe to Yuzhou. During the year-end season, whether for socializing or entertaining friends, the Shuangqing Troupe provided ample face. After the troupe passed to Qingli, I continued the tradition. This year was the same. But who could have imagined Qingli would meet such a fate..."

He sighed slightly, a touch of sorrow in his eyes.

"When Qingli's incident happened, I thought Old Troupe Leader Qingjun would also come. But I didn't expect her to arrive so quickly. And as soon as she arrived, she confronted me, demanding to know what happened. Naturally, I explained carefully. Though the age difference between master and disciple wasn't great, their bond was deep. Out of understanding, I explained multiple times. But later... later Qingjun said with Qingli gone, the Shuangqing Troupe would fall into disarray. Moreover, now that the prefect has taken the troupe's two leads, it's uncertain if the Shuangqing Troupe can survive. I understood her meaning. I just said if the Shuangqing Troupe needed anything, they could ask me. She didn't stand on ceremony and immediately made a demand. If it were anything else, fine. But she specifically asked for the Shifang Inn here in Yuzhou..."

Wang Huaiyu was stunned. Pang Fuliang appeared both pained and helpless. "Asking for money is one thing, but asking for a Shifang Inn? And specifically the one in Yuzhou... Yuzhou is my ancestral home. This inn was painstakingly built from scratch when I started my business. How could I agree? At the time, suppressing my anger, I didn't consent. I only arranged a courtyard for her to rest first. The Shuangqing Troupe matter isn't resolved yet. She could consider other requests and wait until the Shuangqing Troupe case was settled before discussing further. But I never expected..."

Pang Fuliang heaved a long sigh. "She actually hanged herself!"

Yan Chi suddenly asked, "When did the old troupe leader leave the Shuangqing Troupe?"

No one present could recognize Qingjun, indicating she hadn't left in recent years. Pang Fuliang thought for a moment. "It should have been eight or nine years ago. Once past forty, one can no longer master those acrobatic skills. Even Qingli was preparing to retire. Back then, Qingjun retired due to an accidental injury during a performance..."

Eight or nine years ago, Qin Yan, Yan Li, and the others were still half-grown children, not yet frequenting entertainment establishments. And Yan Chi had long been on the battlefield, far removed from the capital's circles of luxury and pleasure.

"Did you keep in touch with the old troupe leader after she left the Shuangqing Troupe?"

Yan Chi asked again. Pang Fuliang nodded. "Over the years, back and forth, we developed some friendship. You could say we were old friends. Moreover, she's from Dingzhou. Dingzhou isn't far from here, so we could meet once or twice a year. In past years when I invited the Shuangqing Troupe, I would also invite her. Sometimes she came, sometimes not. This year, she initially said she wouldn't come..."

"Arriving at your door the day after the incident. It seems she wasn't far from Yuzhou City." Yan Li suddenly spoke. Although the matter was serious, Yan Li leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed. At first glance, he seemed to wear a perpetual smile. But his demeanor appeared casual and unrestrained, not particularly out of place…

Pang Fuliang gave another bitter smile. "When she came today, I also wondered. She didn't offer an explanation."

Wang Huaiyu then frowned. "She blamed Qingli's death on you? And tried to extort money from you? What did she do after entering the estate today?"

Pang Fuliang explained, "She arrived just before the Hour of Si (9-11 AM). Since she also knew Commissioner Liu from back then, after our fruitless discussion, I invited Commissioner Liu over for a meal. After eating and chatting for a while, it was past noon. At that time, with Commissioner Liu present, she couldn't argue further with me, so she first went to the courtyard I arranged. After that, I never saw her again."

"Did she come alone? Without any maidservants?" Wang Huaiyu suddenly asked.

Pang Fuliang nodded. "She came from an opera troupe. Although older, as you can all see, she appeared younger than her actual age. In her youth, she was skilled in martial arts. Now, though not as agile, she remains quite robust. She always comes and goes alone, unlike others accompanied by a retinue of maids."

As he spoke, Pang Fuliang glanced at Qingjun lying on the floor. "After retiring, she changed her surname to Qin. Having saved a fair amount of silver in her early years, she lived comfortably. Making such a demand this time was likely for the sake of the Shuangqing Troupe..."

Qingjun's outrageous demand was indeed infuriating, but Pang Fuliang didn't forget to say a good word about her. Those listening felt somewhat moved. Wang Huaiyu said, "So that's how it is. The Shuangqing Troupe matter has been somewhat clarified. It was likely an accident, not the senior disciple killing her master."

Pang Fuliang showed slight surprise, then let out a relieved breath. "That's good. A disciple harming her master is always chilling."

Wang Huaiyu nodded, then looked at Qingjun on the floor. "Ninth Young Miss, if we truly cannot find evidence of murder, then it can only be counted as suicide. As things stand, there's no starting point for investigation. As we said earlier, if she was knocked unconscious before being hung, there are no external injuries on her body either..."

Qin Wan's expression was grave. The Great Zhou operated on the principle of "innocent until proven guilty." Without evidence, murder could not be determined. The yamen's manpower was limited; they couldn't investigate based on mere suspicions alone. Even if Yan Chi harbored the same doubts, it wouldn't suffice.

For a moment, Qin Wan remained silent, only surveying the room. There was no smell of knockout incense. The tea... Qin Wan walked to the teapot, picked up the teacup, and sniffed lightly. After a while, she set it down, just normal tea. Moreover, Qingjun hadn't drunk any. What else could it be? Qin Wan was momentarily stumped. Could it truly be suicide without any struggle?

But a living person, dying by suffocation, how could there be no reaction at all?

Unless... she kicked the stool and lost consciousness instantly...

"Ninth Young Miss?" Wang Huaiyu called out.

Qin Wan turned to see everyone in the room looking at her. She pressed her lips together. "The current evidence is insufficient to determine she was murdered. If we must ascertain whether it was suicide or homicide, there is only one method."

After Qin Wan spoke, Wang Huaiyu quickly asked, "What method?"

"Autopsy." Facing everyone's gazes, Qin Wan's voice was clear, calm, and firm.

Her words fell, and the room became so silent one could hear a pin drop. Wang Huaiyu looked at Qin Wan hesitantly. "Au... autopsy? Ninth Young Miss, right now the yamen's coroner is in Yong County. There's no one who can perform an autopsy..."

Qin Wan looked at Wang Huaiyu momentarily without speaking. Fuling, standing to the side, couldn't help herself. "We don't need the yamen's coroner. Our Young Miss can perform an autopsy herself..."

Wang Huaiyu glanced at Fuling. He recognized her as Qin Wan's maid. Yet he still found it hard to believe. "Ninth Young Miss can perform an autopsy? Autopsy involves... opening..."

Wang Huaiyu made a gesture, opening the chest and abdomen.

Qin Wan nodded. "I know."

Wang Huaiyu stared wide-eyed at Qin Wan. Others, seeing Qin Wan's calm composure, felt their astonishment reach unprecedented heights. Not fearing a corpse was already surprising. Now she dared to cut open a corpse? Just imagining the scene made even Wang Huaiyu somewhat unable to look directly.

Qin Shuang didn't know Qin Wan could perform autopsies. But perhaps after these days together, she subconsciously aligned herself with Qin Wan. Instinctively, she wanted to speak up for Qin Wan. "Prefect, don't doubt her. She's Jinzhou's most famous Little Medical Immortal! She cured Her Highness the Grand Princess of the Anyang Marquis household's chronic illness! Not to mention dissecting the dead, she'd dare to operate on the living!"

Qin Shuang spoke impulsively, her words slightly exaggerated. As soon as she finished, a pang of guilt hit her. She didn't know if Qin Wan could actually find anything through autopsy. What if there were some oversight later?

Even so, when Wang Huaiyu looked over, Qin Shuang held her breath, trying to appear composed.

"Little Medical Immortal?" Wang Huaiyu looked at Qin Wan for a moment. "Ninth Young Miss truly dares to perform an autopsy?"

Qin Wan nodded. Wang Huaiyu remained stunned a moment longer, then looked at Yan Chi. Yan Chi's eyes shone brightly, a faint smile in their depths. "I trust Ninth Young Miss. Proceed with the autopsy. Once we have a definitive result, we can all be at ease."

Wang Huaiyu immediately nodded. "Very well. What preparations does Ninth Young Miss need?"

Qin Wan glanced around the room. "Move the body outside. Enclose the area around it. Light lamps inside."

Qingjun hadn't been dead long. Performing the autopsy inside would likely leave the room with an inescapable smell of blood. Wang Huaiyu had also considered this issue and inwardly praised Qin Wan's thoughtfulness. He looked at Pang Fuliang, naturally, Pang Fuliang needed to make preparations.

Things had reached this point. Pang Fuliang, even if unwilling, had to comply. He glanced at Qin Wan, an inexplicable unease rising in his heart again. In his years of business, aside from a flexible mind, his eyes rarely misjudged people. This time, he wasn't wrong either. This Ninth Young Miss of the Qin household, though not born into the Marquis family, was not simple.

"Sir, please wait a moment. I'll have people prepare immediately."

As Pang Fuliang spoke, he turned to give orders. Meanwhile, Qin Wan instructed Fuling to go fetch the tools. About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later, Fuling returned to the courtyard, breathless.

The small courtyard was now lit with many torches, illuminating the entire area brightly. The body had been moved onto a felt mat outside. Four folding screens surrounded it to prevent onlookers from feeling uncomfortable at the sight.

Seeing everything was ready, Qin Wan put on the protective gloves Fuling brought, had Fuling roll up her sleeves again, and revealed Cold Moon in her palm. As Cold Moon appeared, Yan Li, who had been standing silently to the side, narrowed his eyes.

"Please, Prefect Wang, accompany me as a witness."

Yan Chi originally wanted to go in with Qin Wan. However, the space inside wasn't large, and Wang Huaiyu, as the Prefect of Yuzhou, was the most suitable in terms of status. He hesitated a moment but ultimately didn't follow. Qin Wan and Wang Huaiyu entered, and the screens closed behind them. Through the gaps, one could vaguely see Qin Wan squatting beside the body, but little else was visible.

The people outside waited with varied expressions. Soon, a pungent, bloody smell wafted out.

Qin Shuang held her breath tightly, tugging at Fuling's sleeve. "Your Young Miss... has she... done this before?"

Fuling's eyes darted left and right. "Hehe, this servant doesn't know that. Didn't Sixth Young Miss just say the Miss dares to operate on the living?"

"I that was..." Qin Shuang's voice rose, then she glanced at Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli and abruptly lowered it. "I said that to help her! Are you stupid? I only know she knows medicine and can examine bones. I didn't know she could do this! Ordinary girls wouldn't dare kill a chicken, yet she dares to dissect a person..."

As she spoke, Qin Shuang's voice trembled slightly. Qin Yan, beside her, said, "What exactly did Ninth Sister do in Jinzhou?"

Qin Yan looked at Fuling, his tone somewhat serious. Facing Qin Shuang, Fuling might dare not tell the truth. But facing Qin Yan, Fuling felt afraid. She lowered her head, her voice as faint as a mosquito's. "It's just... just helping His Highness Yan and Prefect Huo..."

Qin Yan immediately frowned. Before he went to Jinzhou, the case involving the Anyang Marquis and Duke Song households had already reached the capital. Although the incident occurred far away in Jinzhou, it caused quite a stir in the capital at the time.

The Anyang Marquis household need not be mentioned, a family with generations of outstanding military achievements, with a Grand Princess presiding. Duke Song household was a first-rank ducal family in the capital. Besides the Duke's title, a Song daughter was an Imperial Consort in the palace, not only holding an honorary title but also having borne the Fifth Prince, Yan Yun, for the Emperor. Not only did the mother gain honor through the son, but the future of the Great Zhou's throne was also uncertain. A case involving these two families had many in the capital sweating for Prefect Huo Huaixin. Handling this case well was expected; mishandling it would be a grave offense. Moreover, ordinary homicide cases typically took time to solve. If it dragged on, neither the Anyang Marquis nor Duke Song households would spare him.

Yet, it seemed Huo Huaixin ultimately solved the case in less than half a month?

When the news returned, many in the capital discussed that Huo Huaixin's performance evaluation this year would surely be excellent, promising future promotion!

Qin Yan hadn't known at the time. But now, hearing Fuling's implication, it seemed Qin Wan also had merits in that case.

Thinking this, Qin Yan's gaze toward the slender figure behind the screen grew several degrees more solemn.

Father often said her ability to judge people at such a young age was exceptional. But this time, he seemed somewhat slow to react. He had seen Qin Wan's appearance and demeanor, comparing her only to his own sister. But he had seen too little of Qin Wan's determination and skills.her medical knowledge, her ability to perform autopsies. Qin Yan knew he could no longer view Qin Wan as an ordinary young lady of the inner chambers.

The wait felt long, but no one dared rush. Pang Fuliang and Pang Youde stood to the side, trying their best to maintain composure. Liu Renli also stood nearby. As a proper court official, he dared not show any other emotions. The most at ease were Yan Chi and Yan Li. The examination site was on the bluestone floor in the courtyard below the steps. Yan Chi stood on the steps, his gaze lingering on the screen. His eyes were filled with calm and certainty. He firmly believed Qin Wan would not make the slightest error during the autopsy.

"Cold Moon, oh, Seventh Brother." Suddenly, Yan Li appeared ghost-like beside Yan Chi.

"Cold Moon was given to Seventh Brother by Her Majesty the Grand Empress Dowager. Seventh Brother actually gave it to Ninth Young Miss..."

Yan Chi was about to explain when Yan Li continued, "Hmm... so I misunderstood Seventh Brother..."

Yan Chi, unsure what mischief Yan Li was up to now, simply didn't respond. Yan Li went on, "Last time, seeing Seventh Brother's particular attention to Ninth Young Miss, even taking her to watch Prefect Wang investigate the case, I only thought Seventh Brother was attracted to Ninth Young Miss's appearance, demeanor, and unflappable temperament. At that time, I thought Seventh Brother had feelings for Ninth Young Miss..."

Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, sensing something off.

"Now I understand! So Ninth Young Miss cured Grand Aunt's old illness? So Ninth Young Miss is not only exceptionally skilled in medicine but can also use her medical knowledge to perform autopsies? Seventh Brother must, on one hand, be grateful to Ninth Young Miss for curing Grand Aunt, and on the other hand, value talent! Seventh Brother was known for valuing talent in the military. I never expected it to be the same upon returning!"

Yan Chi's brows knitted tighter, feeling Yan Li had completely gone off track!

"Seventh Brother, guess what Ninth Young Miss will find?" Yan Li asked with keen interest.

Yan Chi replied coolly, "Don't know yet. We'll know when she finishes."

"Then what does Seventh Brother think? Was Qingjun murdered or did she commit suicide?"

Yan Li asked another question. Yan Chi slightly lifted his chin. "We'll know when the examination is done."

Yan Li glanced sideways at Yan Chi. "Seventh Brother trusts Ninth Young Miss so much?"

Yan Chi didn't speak for a moment, then said, "The two cases I handled in Jinzhou were both solved with her assistance."

Yan Li was taken aback, as if gaining a deeper understanding of Qin Wan. After a long while, he nodded. "Not bad, not bad. Indeed, vastly different from other young ladies of the inner chambers..."

His tone carried full appreciation. Yan Chi turned his head, giving him a cool look.

Yan Li felt a chill down the back of his neck, shrinking slightly. "I am also one who values talent."

Yan Chi's expression cooled, unwilling to engage further. Just then, amidst the strong scent of blood in the courtyard, a faint, nauseating sour stench mixed in. Yan Li's nostrils twitched. The next instant, he stood frozen as if nailed to the spot, holding his breath stiffly in place. "Th-this... what technique is this..."

Before he finished speaking, he covered his nose and mouth, darting toward the courtyard gate like a rabbit.

Yan Li grew up in the Prince Gong's residence in the capital. Though appearing unruly and unrestrained, he was still noble and delicate. Where had he ever smelled such an odor? Standing at the courtyard gate, he leaned against the gatepost, gasping for air. "How can it be stinkier than a latrine! Where's this smell coming from?! Cough, cough, cough…"

Wasn't Qin Wan examining the body? Where did this smell come from?!

Yan Li didn't understand but refused to step back into the courtyard. He stood outside watching. From a distance, behind the screen, Qin Wan's figure was crouched, only her hands moving subtly and carefully. He had already watched Qin Wan maintain this posture for nearly two ke (half an hour). Not to mention whether Qin Wan's physical strength could hold out, just this level of composure was rare even among men.

Yan Li narrowed his eyes, the smile at his lips reaching his eyes. He looked up to see his Seventh Brother standing motionless in place. Yan Li was hesitating whether to go back in when the screen was suddenly pushed open.

The screen opened, and Wang Huaiyu walked out.

Wang Huaiyu was from the northwest, tall and robust. With years as a court official, he carried an imposing aura. Except for being extremely respectful before Yan Chi and Yan Li, even facing Qin Yan, he exuded a tiger-backed, bear-waisted oppressive presence.

The Wang Huaiyu who entered was spirited and vigorous. The Wang Huaiyu who emerged was pale-faced, sweating profusely, his steps even somewhat unsteady. He walked out, turned to close the screen, perhaps due to weak hands, the screen didn't fully close. Through the gap, those outside clearly saw Qin Wan dressing Qingjun, whose body was now a bloody mess. Her jade-colored skirt was stained with specks of blood, her hands covered in red. In contrast, her composed expression appeared exceptionally calm, a calmness that even made Qin Yan's heart turn cold.

"Prefect, what was found?!" Pang Fuliang was the first to step forward.

Wang Huaiyu slowly took a deep breath, then said in a low voice, "Today... when you had your meal, what did you eat? What did you drink?"

Pang Fuliang was stunned. "We ate... just some homely dishes. Since there were only three of us, old friends gathering, we didn't prepare anything extravagant. It was all made by the estate's kitchen. As for drinks, we just had a little Yuzhou Apricot Blossom Spring."

Apricot Blossom Spring was a famous Yuzhou wine, mellow and fragrant, not harsh on the throat, but with a significant lingering effect.

Wang Huaiyu stared at Pang Fuliang with a strange look for a while. "Let's wait for Ninth Young Miss to come out and speak."

Pang Fuliang felt a chill down his spine from Wang Huaiyu's gaze. That look clearly held suspicion toward him...

As he thought this, the screen was pushed open again. Qin Wan walked out holding a bowl. It was the bowl used earlier to burn the dispelling incense. Now, the bowl contained about half a bowl of an unidentifiable dark brown substance.

Qin Wan's forehead also had a thin layer of sweat, but compared to Wang Huaiyu, she was much calmer. The protective gloves on her hands were stained with blood, looking somewhat horrifying. The bloodstains on her skirt were like red plum blossoms on snow, both alluring and somewhat eerie. Fuliang looked at Qin Wan, then at Wang Huaiyu, who still seemed breathless and shaken. He felt Qin Wan's serene expression was almost otherworldly. He asked in a trembling voice, "Ninth Young Miss, what is this..."

Qin Wan took a few steps forward. Yan Chi, who had been standing on the steps, also came down.

"This was taken from the deceased's stomach..."

As soon as these words were spoken, Yan Li, who had been about to re-enter the courtyard, halted his steps.

In the courtyard, aside from Yan Chi, everyone else's expressions changed.

Qin Wan continued, "The autopsy just now revealed the deceased's throat showed signs of bleeding. The base of the tongue pressed against the windpipe, leading to suffocation and death by hanging. This further confirms the cause of death is correct."

After Qin Wan spoke, Qin Shuang, standing nearby, felt a chill on her neck. Did Qin Wan's words mean she had cut open Qingjun's neck? Just thinking about it made Qin Shuang instinctively take a step back.

Qin Wan went on, "However, this only further confirms the cause of death. To determine whether it was suicide or murder relies on this bowl's contents. The food the deceased ate before noon has not fully digested. This bowl still carries the smell of alcohol." As she spoke, Qin Wan extended the bowl forward. The sour stench intensified, but simultaneously, a distinct aroma of alcohol spread through the air.

Pang Fuliang instinctively stepped back. "We drank wine during the morning meal. What's strange about that?"

Qin Wan shook her head. "What's strange isn't the wine smell, but the thorn apple poison mixed with it."

Her words left everyone stunned. Thorn apple poison? What was that?

"Thorn apple, also known as datura."

Qin Wan added another sentence. Everyone then understood, frowning. Datura was a highly toxic substance. It was said poisoned individuals turned purplish, their nails blackened. But Qingjun didn't seem to have those symptoms...

What Qin Wan was about to explain next was precisely this. "A heavy dose of datura poison can be fatal. A lighter dose has effects similar to anesthesia. Normally, a very small amount is used. The poisoned person only feels dizziness and irritability, with symptoms subsiding within a day. However, if this substance is mixed with white wine, the toxicity differs. Adding three qian more than the usual anesthetic dose can cause the poisoning to coincide with the effects of the alcohol. The poisoned person easily mistakes it for drunken dizziness. But ultimately, they mostly fall into a deep sleep, difficult to wake."

As she spoke, Qin Wan glanced back. "There's tea in the room. It seems Qingjun, thinking herself drunk, asked for tea to sober up. But before she could drink it, she fell into a deep sleep. The murderer entered at that moment, fabricating the scene of Qingjun's suicide. That's why we saw almost no struggle from the deceased before death."

She paused slightly, her voice firm and steady. "The deceased was murdered. The murderer is within the Clear Radiance Garden."