"How dare you!" The Empress's expression changed drastically, her once gentle tone now shrill and cutting. "Sharp-tongued and spouting nonsense—clearly, you won't speak the truth unless subjected to punishment!"
Even before her voice faded, the guards by her side surged forward, ruthlessly forcing Qingling to the ground. Zhuo Qing's heart clenched. Moments ago, she had admired Qingling's wit; now, she was filled with dread. Her eyes flicked to Yan Hongtian, whose face remained expressionless, showing not the slightest hint of pity. Naturally so—for the Empress had just made a decisive move on his behalf.
Qingling hailed from Haoyue; if blame could be shifted entirely onto her, it would be ideal. That way, the entire affair would be severed from Qiongyue. Should Northern Qi seek justice, they would find none but Haoyue to hold accountable.
But was Zhuo Qing to allow them to impose such unfounded charges upon her? To let her suffer such torment before her very eyes? No—she could not. A voice cried out within her, fierce and unrelenting—perhaps the call of blood, or perhaps her own conscience refusing to stand by. Regardless, Zhuo Qing knew this much: she could not remain idle.
Two burly guards pinned Qingling down with brute force, nearly snapping her slender arms. Qingling clenched her teeth, her frail body curling into itself. Yet she refused to beg for mercy. Her hoarse voice rang out, cold and unwavering: "I did not poison anyone."
She could not—would not—confess. Even if her arms were wrenched from their sockets, she would never admit to a crime she hadn't committed. The pain drained her already pale face of all color; her petal-pink lips, pressed tightly together, had begun to bruise.
Watching the girl on the ground—defiant, humiliated, and resolute—Zhuo Qing's heart ached. She took a step forward, but Mo Bai, who had until now seemingly ignored her, moved faster and blocked her path.
She shifted to the left, but as though he had eyes in the back of his head, Mo Bai swiftly mirrored her, barring her once more. After several failed attempts, frustration sparked in Zhuo Qing's eyes. Just as she raised a hand to push him aside, Lou Xiyan—who had remained still as a mountain—suddenly turned to look at her.
Their eyes met. Over Mo Bai's shoulder, Lou Xiyan's deep gaze locked onto hers, and he gave the subtlest shake of his head.
In those slender eyes, Zhuo Qing saw a quiet, calming strength. And because of that strength, she hesitated. Step by step, she backed away and leaned against the cold stone pillar. Confusion clouded her heart—how could a single glance persuade her to believe he would resolve everything on her behalf?
Not far away, Yan Ruxuan clutched the hem of her skirt tightly. She hadn't expected to witness such a scene—just moments ago, a living soul, now lying lifeless.
Panic gripped her; she wanted to scream. But with him beside her, despite her trembling frame, her fear did not consume her.
What was Brother Yan looking at just now? He had glanced over only briefly before turning back. Ruxuan looked up, seeing only Lou Xiyan's personal guard. She quickly lowered her gaze again, not daring to glance at the corpse with its eyes still wide open. It was simply too horrifying.
While glances exchanged subtle signals and unseen currents surged beneath the surface, fury had already erupted elsewhere.
"A mere servant, and she dares maintain such a noble, unyielding façade?" The Empress sneered. "I want to see how long you can keep up this stubborn act! Guards!"
Three eunuchs stepped forward at once. Zhuo Qing's heart sank.
But Lou Xiyan did not disappoint her. His slender figure rose slowly, and a calm, melodic voice echoed through the hall, unhurried:
"Your Majesty, please quell your anger. There is no need to let a maidservant affect your health. Why not hand her over to Inspector Shan for investigation? That way, Your Majesty needn't be further troubled."
So close—just one step more and she would have taught this impudent girl a lesson. The Empress's face darkened. In all the court, there were but two people she dared not offend—Lou Xiyan and Su Ling.
Now that Lou Xiyan had spoken, she had no choice but to give him face. With gritted teeth hidden behind her graceful smile, she nodded. "Minister Lou's words are most thoughtful. Very well—let Inspector Shan handle the matter."
Lou Xiyan returned to his seat as if nothing had happened. Shan Yulan stepped forward, clasped his hands, and replied: "Your servant will spare no effort to uncover the truth."
Lou Xiyan, indeed, was masterful—he had elegantly passed the burden to him.
"Guards, detain them at the side for now."
Qingling was dragged up and shoved aside with the eunuchs. She finally caught a clear glimpse of Lou Xiyan's features—indeed, dignified and graceful, exuding an extraordinary aura.
A smile of relief touched her lips. Following him, perhaps she would not suffer too much.
But Shan Yulan did not immediately interrogate the suspects. Instead, he walked straight to the Seventh Princess's lifeless body, still cradled in Xu Xunsi's arms. With a slight bow, he murmured respectfully:
"Forgive me, Your Highness."
Xu Xunsi grasped his hand tightly, his voice sharp: "What are you trying to do?"
Withdrawing his hand, Shan Yulan explained, "The princess died from poisoning. An immediate examination is essential to preserve early evidence."
Xu Xunsi's brows knit tightly. The normally refined prince now seethed with anger. "You already confirmed the wine was poisoned. What more is there to examine?"
"Your Highness need not worry. I only intend to perform a standard examination—to record the state of the body, any potential wounds, for the sake of the investigation. There will be no disrespect. If Your Highness is uneasy, you are welcome to observe."
With Qingling out of immediate danger, Zhuo Qing turned her attention to the scene. Shan Yulan's words were sound. In poisoning cases, time was of the essence—delays could compromise vital clues. Proper examination was crucial.
Zhuo Qing approved silently. But others looked on with grim expressions.
"So you intend to undress her?"
Shan Yulan, ever upright, responded solemnly: "Yes."
"Absolutely not!" Xu Xunsi growled.
He gently laid the princess's body down and draped his outer robe over her. Rising, he strode into the center of the hall and, with eyes blazing, declared to Yan Hongtian:
"Though Northern Qi is but a small nation, my seventh sister was our most esteemed princess. I will not permit a man to violate her even in death. She would find such desecration shameful!"
Yan Hongtian's expression remained unreadable, his silence like a gathering storm.
Shan Yulan stepped forward again, explaining earnestly, "Your Highness, an examination is vital to uncover the truth. I ask for your understanding."
"Who dares touch the princess!"
Hu Xi'ang leapt forward, shielding the body. A warrior by trade, his fury knew no bounds.
"The princess was murdered right here in the hall! You confirmed the poison in the wine—yet instead of seeking the culprit, you defile her remains?! Qiongyue, do not push us too far!"
"And how does Your Highness suggest we proceed?"
Xu Xunsi finally turned back, eyes stern. "Inspector Shan may examine her—but only through the garments. Afterward, I shall take her home. No man will lay bare a hand upon her!"
Tension thickened the air like fog. Had Hu Xi'ang been armed, his weapon would surely be drawn.
But how could justice be served without an autopsy?
Shan Yulan fell into deep thought. Suddenly, a glint sparked in his eyes. When he looked up again, his voice rang clear:
"If a man is forbidden, would a woman suffice?"
"A woman?"
The entire hall gasped. Who had ever heard of a female coroner?!
A cold sense of dread crept into Zhuo Qing's heart. Lou Xiyan's eyes narrowed with intrigue…