Chapter 29

Chapter 29

◎ Alliance with Xie Heng, Betrayal for Li Guiyu's Sake ◎

"Cyber? An old acquaintance?" Cui Heng pondered. "Someone close to you?"

"Just a servant," Luo Wanqing replied nonchalantly, diverting her gaze. She smiled and asked, "Why are you asking about this?"

"I'm curious," Cui Heng admitted straightforwardly. "Just now, when I followed you, you didn't seem wary at all. Normally, someone who's part of the Salt Gang wouldn't behave like that. I wondered if you were used to having someone around. Then, when I served you food, you didn't ask if I wanted some too. I added more to your plate, tried to hand you chopsticks, but you didn't even thank me. I did a bit more, observed what you liked to eat, and moved the dishes accordingly, yet you didn't find it strange. From our interactions, I know you're someone who appreciates kindness and would always show gratitude for anything done for you. Why didn't you notice these small gestures?"

Cui Heng leaned in and studied her face, smiling as he asked, "Who did you think I was just now?"

"I once had a servant," Luo Wanqing explained without looking at him. "He'd been with me for many years."

"A female servant?" Cui Heng ventured.

Luo Wanqing nodded smoothly, acknowledging his guess. "Yes."

"In that case, she must have been a maid," Cui Heng deduced. "You come from a good background. How did you end up in the Salt Gang?"

By all reasoning, a young lady who has been attended to since childhood, even if she were to venture into the martial world, should join reputable and righteous schools to learn from masters.

"Her family fortune declined," Luo Wanqing narrated the life story that Liu Xiniang had reported to the authorities, "and subsequently, she was purchased into the Yan Bang."

"What about the maid?"

"Before I was incarcerated, I was already dead."

Upon Luo Wanqing's words, Cui Heng understood that it was not appropriate to continue the conversation. He simply nodded and softly consoled, "Take solace in your grief."

"The past is in the past; there's no need to dwell on sorrow." Luo Wanqing smiled and lifted her gaze to Cui Heng. "Instead, I must trouble you to tell me what my duties will be in the Inspectorate."

"I've come today to discuss just that. Eat your meal first." Cui Heng nodded towards the table. "You've come all the way from Yangzhou and have been busy for a while. Focus on recuperating first. During this time, I'll show you around the Inspectorate, help you understand the situation, and then we'll begin your training."

"Training?"

Luo Wanqing was intrigued. She sipped her porridge as Cui Heng chuckled. "As an Inspector, there's much you need to learn. Mechanisms, arrays, hidden weapons, poisons, secret codes, and insect spies... Which of these won't you be studying?"

Luo Wanqing listened attentively and nodded. "You're right."

"And also," Cui Heng chuckled softly, "Your amateurish skills only rely on your profound inner strength to bulldoze through. The Inspectorate is filled with experts. You should take a look and choose a master to properly teach you."

Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised. "I can choose?"

Cui Heng nodded. "Even though you joined halfway, I can be considered half your master. In the end, it's best if you're willing."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but laugh. "Then I've come to the right place."

"Isn't that so?"

Seeing that she had almost finished eating, Cui Heng stood up and stuffed a bag of sugar pills into her hand. He opened his folding fan and fanned himself as he said, "Come, I'll show you around."

With that said, Cui Heng led her out of the room.

Spring was in full bloom in March, and the Inspectorate was bustling with people. Luo Wanqing followed Cui Heng as they walked through the compound. Servants would step aside and bow respectfully whenever they saw them.

"The Chief Inspector is the most important figure in the Inspectorate. Everyone here works to support the Chief Inspector," Cui Heng explained to Luo Wanqing. "The Chief Inspector's job is to investigate cases. If they believe a case needs to be looked into, they can forward it to the Azure Dragon Envoy, Qingya. Qingya will do an initial screening before forwarding any suspicious or major cases to the Head Inspector. The Head Inspector will then decide whether to investigate the case. After confirmation, the case will be listed as a mission in the Inspectorate. The Chief Inspector can choose to take it on themselves, and if no one claims it, it will be assigned by the Black Tortoise Envoy, Xuan Shan."

"What about me?"

Luo Wanqing was perplexed. "Am I supposed to search for cases on my own, retrieve them, or wait for the Black Tortoise Envoy to assign them to me?"

"You're new here. Naturally, your first case will be working alongside someone else."

Cui Heng led her into an empty, quiet room.

After entering, he walked to the wall, pulled out two books, and the bookshelf slid aside, revealing a hidden door. Pushing it open, a dark passageway was exposed, illuminated only by two lamps at its entrance. A pungent smell of blood and faint howls came from within. Cui Heng took a lamp and beckoned to her. "This way."

Looking at the dark tunnel, Luo Wanqing's heart trembled slightly, but she still stepped forward, following Cui Heng deeper in.

The passage was long. Cui Heng's wide sleeves fluttered effortlessly as if there was a breeze, making him appear like a charming figure walking in the night. His ease in this oppressive atmosphere of blood and darkness was almost unbelievable.

"This is the Inspectorate's dungeon, the underground palace you saw during your assessment. What you saw that day was just a part of it."

Light shone from ahead. As Luo Wanqing followed Cui Heng out of the tunnel, she was met with roaring cries from all around. The thick, nauseating scent of blood was overwhelming. Despite having witnessed Zhao Yuyan committing murder, Luo Wanqing still found this place unbearable.

The people here didn't seem human. Some were suspended or hanging, some on torture devices, others in cells. This scene instantly transported Luo Wanqing back to Yangzhou Prison.

No, this was far more gruesome than Yangzhou Prison.

It was like the eighteen levels of hell depicted in storybooks, where malefactors were sent after death.

"This is the infamous Imperial Prison that the world speaks of," Cui Heng said with a colder tone as he held the lantern and gazed at the bloodstains on the ground.

Upon seeing Cui Heng, those in the torture chamber rose to their feet and respectfully greeted him, "Young Master Guanlan."

"I've brought a new Inspector, Liu Xiniang. She'll be your colleague from now on," Cui Heng said, glancing at Luo Wanqing behind him before addressing the group. "You carry on with the interrogation."

With that said, Cui Heng led the way with the lantern, guiding Luo Wanqing towards the cells. Along the way, he explained, "These are the skills you need to master. Otherwise, even if you manage to apprehend someone, you won't be able to extract any information. Look at this." He raised his hand and pointed at a thin human-shaped skin. "This was personally peeled off by Inspector Xie. To obtain a complete human skin like this, one has to start by opening up the head, making it bloom like a flower from the scalp. Then, mercury is poured inside. The mercury will separate the flesh from the skin once it seeps in..."

Midway through his explanation, Cui Heng seemed to recall something and paused, his tone softening as he apologetically smiled. "I forgot that this is your first time. You can learn these later."

Luo Wanqing didn't say much. She glanced at the human skin and, following behind Cui Heng, couldn't help but purse her lips as she asked, "Are all interrogations in the Inspectorate this brutal?"

"Of course," Cui Heng replied with a smile on his face, though his eyes were cold. "Do you think those who end up in the Inspectorate can be made to talk with ordinary methods?"

"Is there no such thing as a righteous person?"

Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze, involuntarily recalling her time in Yangzhou Prison. If her father, her brother, and even she and her family had been thrown into the imperial prison, wouldn't that have been a living hell?

Upon hearing this, Cui Heng paused in his actions. After a moment of silence, he said, "The Inspectorate doesn't mete out punishment arbitrarily nor randomly pull people into the imperial prison. The final judgment relies primarily on evidence, and they only provide leads. Sometimes, extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures."

"Do you, Chief Inspector Xie, also believe so?"

Luo Wanqing pressed on with her question. Cui Heng pondered for a moment before softly responding, "Yes, the procedures carried out by the Inspectorate were personally established by Chief Inspector Xie."

Luo Wanqing remained silent, turning her gaze to look around. Noticing her expression, Cui Heng calmly turned to face her, "Since you've participated in the Inspectorate's prisoner assessment, you should know that dealing with malevolent spirits requires one to become a malevolent spirit themselves. If you don't kill Zhao Yuyan, she will kill you."

"Why then did Chief Inspector Xie establish the Inspectorate?"

Luo Wanqing couldn't quite grasp the reasoning behind it. Looking at Cui Heng, she asked in confusion, "He is the legitimate eldest son of the Xie family, destined to be the head of the Xie family. Born into a prominent family, his position without doing anything is already beyond the reach of many in this world. Why did he still create the Inspectorate?"

"Have you ever heard a saying?"

Cui Heng led the way with a lamp in hand, speaking with a mild tone, "People without roots cannot stand firm, and the world without killing is not truly good. In this world, if everyone wants to be good, who would deal with those who commit evil deeds?"

This remark left Luo Wanqing taken aback.

Her father had also spoken these words when she was young.

Back then, he was teaching her that even the most amiable person should possess a backbone, for without roots, one cannot stand firm.

One couldn't judge a person's goodness or wickedness solely based on whether they killed or not. Some kill out of malice, but there are others who do so to protect what is good.

It had been many years since she last heard this saying, so she couldn't help asking, "Where did you hear this from?"

"This is one of the Cui family's precepts," Cui Heng recalled something and turned to look at her, admonishing, "Also, do not speak of him as the legitimate eldest son of the Xie family in the future."

"Why so?"

Luo Wanqing was perplexed. As Cui Heng led her through the corridor, the screams behind them gradually faded away. He explained calmly, "Five years ago, when he established the Inspectorate, he was expelled from the Xie Clan."

Luo Wanqing lifted her eyes in surprise.

"In your past days with the Jiangnan Salt Gang, you were unaware of the affairs of the Eastern Capital's aristocratic families," Cui Heng's figure seemed like a solitary ghost, illuminated by the faint glow of the lantern in his hand amidst the darkness. "It was many years ago that he was acknowledged as the son of the Xie family. Now, he merely bears the family name, a lone official with no true standing. If you were to share these matters with those from the aristocratic circles, you would invite ridicule."

As they spoke, a small pavilion came into view before the two of them.

The pavilion stood out starkly in the darkness, illuminated with bright lights, distinct from the distant torture chambers.

"Censorate's core is located in the underground palace, but this here is the Treasure Pavilion," Cui Heng explained. Pushing open the door before him, he revealed to Luo Wanqing a room filled with all sorts of hidden weapons.

Turning back, he gestured invitingly. "Come take a look."

Luo Wanqing listened and stepped into the room, with Cui Heng following closely behind. He began his explanation, "The first floor of the Treasure Pavilion houses all kinds of hidden weapons. The Censorate has collected every hidden weapon in the world, both seen and unseen. You need to have a general understanding of how to dismantle, assemble, avoid, and use them."

With that, Cui Heng picked up a piece of wood from the table. "The Censorate selected the most practical of these hidden weapons for modification and mass production. This is called 'Qianji'."

He raised the wooden block and pointed it at a target on the wall. Pressing a button, the wood instantly shot out a flurry of thin needles towards the wall.

The sudden noise startled Luo Wanqing, but Cui Heng chuckled. "This is a modified version of the 'Plum Blossom Rain Needle'. It can transform into various shapes, making it easy to conceal, and its firing speed is incredible. Behind it are blades of different sizes, suitable for your various needs in different situations."

As Cui Heng spoke, he flipped the wooden block over and pressed another button, revealing an array of blade types at its base.

After Luo Wanqing saw the sharp edge of the blade, Cui Heng closed the lid and started assembling other materials on the table around the wooden block at a swift pace. He explained, "It can be assembled into a crossbow, used as a bow, transformed into a stick or even a whip. You can explore its various uses."

As she watched the materials transform in Cui Heng's hands, he eventually turned them into a set of accessories – a wooden hairpin, a Buddhist rosary bracelet, and a waist chain.

He held up the wooden hairpin and beckoned to Luo Wanqing. "Come here."

Luo Wanqing hesitated before walking up to Cui Heng. He took the hairpin and gently inserted it into her hair, saying warmly, "You're a woman. You can carry these weapons as accessories in your daily life."

Speaking of which, he pulled Luo Wanqing's hand closer. She lowered her gaze and saw him wrap the sandalwood rosary bracelet around her wrist.

As he wound the bracelet around her, Cui Heng whispered, "But be careful, they're usually poisonous. This is a weapon that every Envoy must carry. This set is harmless. Starting tomorrow, you can learn how to use it."

Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze to look at him. Cui Heng placed the waist chain in her hand and smiled. "Do you want me to help you put on the waist chain?"

"No, thank you."

Luo Wanqing shook her head. Cui Heng sighed, seemingly regretful. "My Envoy is so cold, not giving me a chance to serve."

Knowing that he was jesting, Luo Wanqing didn't say much. Instead, she recalled his skillful handling of the hidden weapon named 'Qianji' just now. Since this type of weapon was typically used by Envoys, she couldn't help but wonder, "Kuanlan."

"Hmm?"

"Have you always been a Shadow Messenger?"

"Hmm?" Cui Heng looked at her in confusion, "Why do you ask?"

"You were able to defeat Thirty-Two experts from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion and escape unscathed. Your martial arts must be exceptional. Yet, you only work as a Shadow Messenger with such versatile skills?"

"Yes," Cui Heng replied casually, "Being a Messenger isn't an enviable position. I'm not fond of such laborious tasks. Killing and torturing are mentally draining activities, so you can handle them."

"What do you enjoy doing, then?" Luo Wanqing asked out of curiosity.

"I?" Cui Heng pondered for a moment, then glanced at her playfully, "Lighting up a beauty's life and feeding her sweets is something I enjoy the most."

"Well, that would be asking too much of you," Luo Wanqing followed him as they viewed the first level of hidden weapons, ascending the stairs with a tinge of regret on her face, "I don't possess a face that could be considered beautiful."

"Beauty lies in the bones, not the skin. A face is just that, a face. If you want any kind of beauty, consult Old Zhong, he can mold it for you. But your beauty in bones," Cui Heng paused, turning his head to look at her from top to bottom with a faint smile, "That's something I've crafted bit by bit."

For some reason, hearing this made Luo Wanqing feel a subtle yet indescribable sensation.

She lifted her gaze to meet his, and the young man leaned in slightly, whispering into her ear, "If you were to say it's not beautiful, I'd be quite displeased."

Luo Wanqing remained silent. She lowered her eyes, concealing the faint fluttering sensation that Cui Heng had stirred within her.

Cui Heng rose with a smile and turned around, cheerfully saying, "Come on, let's go. Upstairs, there are mechanisms, formations, all the secret communication methods recorded by the Inspectorate, poisons, and insect pests. Take a stroll first, and we'll learn them gradually in the future."

As he spoke, Cui Heng led her through the Treasure Pavilion. Afterward, he took Luo Wanqing on a tour of the entire Inspectorate, introducing her to Qingya, Xuan Shan, Zhu Que, and others. By the time they finished, it was almost nightfall.

When night fell, Cui Heng looked at the sky and, carrying a lantern, accompanied Luo Wanqing back to her room. At the entrance, he softly said, "It's late, and your body is still recovering. You need to rest well. The night is deep, and the dew is heavy—don't venture out casually."

Feeling that there was more to his words than met the ear, Luo Wanqing observed Cui Heng's composed expression. He pointed to the adjacent room, "I'm staying right next door. If you need anything, feel free to call for me."

Luo Wanqing nodded, and Cui Heng continued, "I'll go arrange for a female attendant to prepare hot water for you."

With that, Cui Heng extinguished the lantern and turned to leave.

As she watched him exit, Luo Wanqing's expression turned distant.

Stepping into her chamber, she pondered over Cui Heng's words from the day as she walked.

During her time at the Inspectorate, she had a rough understanding of what it entailed.

The Inspectorate was the emperor's loyal hound, supervising all officials and wielding the power to judge criminals across the land. It was an institution that both the emperor and the common folk relied on to restrain the high-ranking aristocratic families.

However, the Inspectorate's methods were ruthless, and Xie Heng himself was known for his cold and brutal nature. To be within its ranks was no different from being a mere pig or dog.

It was difficult for her to determine whether the Inspectorate was a force for good or evil. But one thing was certain: no high-ranking official from any influential family wished for it to persist in this world.

That was why, when Xie Heng established the Inspectorate, the Xie family immediately revoked his right to inherit, casting him aside.

Back then, she had asked Zhang Jiuran, who was imprisoned, how Xie Heng had gained the consent of all officials to establish the Inspectorate.

Zhang Jiuran had said it was due to his noble status. But now, upon reflection, how could it merely be about status?

The memory of that human skin made Luo Wanqing want to vomit, but she keenly understood that this Inspectorate was a path paved with blood by Xie Heng.

He used extraordinary means to intimidate extraordinary individuals.

It was hard for her to judge whether Xie Heng was truly a good or bad person.

For the establishment of the Inspectorate, he was expelled from the Xie family. The Inspectorate did indeed rectify many injustices and intimidated numerous high-ranking officials. However, it also granted him an authority that was entirely his own, freeing him from any constraints.

If one were to say that he built the Inspectorate for power, then this person's pursuit of power and absolute freedom far exceeded that of ordinary individuals.

Recalling their conversation yesterday about Xie Heng's interest in the Luo family and his desire to overturn her family's case, she initially had some faith in his intentions.

But after witnessing today's Inspectorate, she now believes that with Xie Heng's character, he might have constructed it solely for the sake of power.

Otherwise, would there truly be a saint in this world who would forsake all prospects and establish an Inspectorate to protect the people?

And could such a saint genuinely commit the act of skinning someone alive to intimidate others?

Luo Wanqing found it inconceivable.

To her, it seemed more plausible if everything stemmed from an extreme thirst for power.

In his quest for absolute power, untethered from the Xie family's influence, he renounced his familial identity, founded the Inspectorate, and became a ruler above thousands yet below one.

If justice was merely a pawn in his game, then his interest in her family's case likely served as an attempt to use it as a chess piece to control Li Guiyu and the Zhengs.

In his dream, he had formed an alliance with Li Guiyu, rendering her pawn useless, thus she was forever trapped in Lingnan, decaying away. Otherwise, if he had noticed the Luo family from the start, how could he have aligned himself with a despicable man like Li Guiyu? And how could he have allowed the Luo Wanqing of his dreams to wait for death in Lingnan?

At this thought, Luo Wanqing closed her eyes, feeling an unusual calm spreading within her. Recalling the tragic deaths of her family members on their exile journey in her dream, her blood boiled. She opened her eyes, poured herself a glass of water, and pondered her current predicament.

According to Zhang Jiuran, her family was in the hands of Xiangsi. She had also killed Zhao Yuyan; logically, Xiangsi should be coming after her. But why was there no sign of them?

Was it because not enough time had passed, or was it due to her being at the Censorate?

Luo Wanqing realized she needed to leave the Censorate momentarily. With Cui Heng always by her side, Xiangsi might not dare approach her.

She had to make a solo trip today.

The thought of going out reminded her that she still had a horse pledged at the clinic. Last night, when she took Zhang Jiuran to the clinic, she had used a Censorate horse as collateral.

Qin Jue was now under the watch of the Censorate. If she asked him to fetch Zhang Jiuran, they would certainly know, but they wouldn't verify Zhang Jiuran's identity.

However, if the Censorate were to retrieve the horse again from the clinic, it would be easy for them to connect her with Zhang Jiuran.

It would be better for her to retrieve the horse stealthily on her own.

With this in mind, she made her decision.

After the maid helped her freshen up and pretend to sleep, she waited until the dead of night before changing into a set of black clothes. She opened the window, surveyed her surroundings, identified the guard positions, and then cautiously sneaked out of the Censorate.

Exiting the Censorate, she headed straight for the clinic, but halfway there, she heard a young voice behind her: "Miss Luo."

Luo Wanqing halted in her tracks.

Stopping, she turned around to see a little girl, who appeared no more than eight or nine years old, standing not too far away, bowing respectfully. "My master requests your presence."

Luo Wanqing didn't move. After some thought, she realized who the visitor was.

"Your master is Acacia Seed?"

She asked outright, and the girl nodded, then bowed slightly, gesturing towards the neighboring teahouse with a "please" motion. "Miss, please."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze to look at the teahouse.

It was late at night, and the teahouse had long since closed its doors, with the entrance securely shut, leaving everything in darkness.

Luo Wanqing concentrated her hearing and detected someone on the second floor. With a deft tap of her foot, she ascended to the second level, entering through a window. There, she found a young man kneeling before a tea table.

He appeared to be in his early thirties, strikingly handsome, with a dot of cinnabar on his forehead. His androgynous features gave him an almost divine appearance, reminiscent of a benevolent Buddha.

Luo Wanqing gazed at the other party, cautiously venturing a question, "Acacia?"

"Miss Luo," the person smiled, raising a hand in invitation, "please have a seat."

Luo Wanqing remained still, directly asking, "Why did you call me here?"

"Recently, there were rumors that Jiuran had fled."

With a fluid grace, Xiangsihong brewed tea, her tone filled with disbelief. "I simply can't believe it. Jiuran has always been the most obedient child. How could she run away? Then I heard that she killed all the assassins Fengyue Pavilion sent to eliminate Qin Jue. I thought she was just putting on an act, but when I intercepted the southern team myself, I realized it was all true."

"Who told you that?" Luo Wanqing fixated on Xiang Si Zi, probing, "Zhao Yuyan?"

"That glutton would be glad if she had escaped," Xiang Si Zi scoffed softly before lowering her head and continuing, "There are also people from Fengyu Pavilion in the prison. Jiuran is still too young. But don't worry," Xiang Si Zi lifted her teacup and smiled, "Everyone who knew about this has been killed by Jiuran, except for me."

"So what?"

"Jiuran wants to die, but the mission must go on. She did me a favor; if you take over what she was supposed to do, I'll ensure your family is well taken care of. As long as you complete this mission, regardless of success or failure, it won't affect your loved ones."

Xiang Si Zi sipped her tea, looking down. "What do you think?"

"Where is my family?"

Luo Wanqing stared at her. Xiang Si Zi continued drinking her tea without hiding anything. "In the Eastern Capital."

Luo Wanqing's eyes widened in disbelief.

The Eastern Capital? They were fugitives. How could they dare to stay there?

Xiang Si Zi observed her expression and chuckled. "You asked Zhang Jiuran to help rescue your family, so they were destined to live as fugitives. But I'm different. I spoke to your family, claiming to be a patient you once saved. To repay the favor, I rescued them and gave them new identities. Your brother can still participate in the imperial examinations, and your mother is now rebuilding the medical clinic. Tell me," Xiang Si Zi lifted her gaze, looking at Luo Wanqing with a smile, "Isn't begging me much better than begging Zhang Jiuran?"

"You're being so kind?"

Luo Wanqing was full of skepticism. He had control over her family, and even if he didn't imprison them, he shouldn't be letting them roam free like this.

"Jiuran asked me to," Acacia seemed to recall something, her expression mild. "We were master and disciple once. I can fulfill this small request of hers. But you should forget about saving them. They all have the Fengyu Pavilion's parasitic insects within them. You won't be able to save Zhang Jiuran, nor will you be able to save them."

"You!"

"I'm not running a charity," Acacia raised her gaze to look at her, as if she were an ant. "I didn't plant parasites on you because it would be easy for Xie Heng to detect them. Your current position, close to Xie Heng, is more advantageous. I'm not here to negotiate with you tonight; I'm here to inform you—"

Acacia's voice turned solemn. "From today onwards, resume your mission to assassinate Xie Heng."

Luo Wanqing remained silent, staring at the other woman. Acacia smiled, seemingly understanding her answer.

"Deal. I'll remove the parasites from your family, and you can reunite with them." Acacia sipped her tea, speaking softly. "If you fail, they won't be implicated. What do you think?"

Luo Wanqing didn't respond. These conditions were already within her expectations.

She pondered Acacia's terms, considering if there was anything else that needed to be added.

"As an ordinary person, I assassinated the Head of the Inspectorate," Luo Wanqing pondered and lifted her gaze to look at Xiangsi. "Can you still protect my life?"

"I can give your family a new identity, and I can give you one as well," Xiangsi replied, raising her eyes. "As long as you're not captured and killed on the spot, I can ensure your survival."

"Why should I trust you?"

"Trust yourself," Xiangsi chuckled softly. "If you truly manage to kill Xie Heng, let alone me, even the Empress would be reluctant to lose such a valuable tool."

Luo Wanqing was surprised by Xiangsi's direct mention of the Empress. "The Empress?"

"I know you're hesitant," Xiangsi said with certainty. "That's why I'm telling you the truth. Behind the Pavilion of Storms stands Empress Wang, who has two sons. Her younger son is Prince Seven, Li Shangwen, who is now the Crown Prince. And her older son," Xiangsi raised her head with a light smile, "is your former fiancé, Jiang Shaoyan, also known as Li Guiyu."

"What are you implying?"

This revelation exceeded Luo Wanqing's comprehension.

They knew about her connection with Li Guiyu and were now revealing that his mother backed the Pavilion of Storms, expecting her to risk her life for them?

"Li Guiyu was never favored by the Empress since he was young. So, five years ago, when the Northern Rong proposed peace, the Empress allowed Li Guiyu to volunteer as a hostage in exchange for the Northern Rong prince, fostering an alliance between the two nations. This move earned the Empress praise for her parenting skills. When Third Prince went missing, the court assumed he had died, and the Emperor, sympathizing with the Empress's loss, saw her potential to raise a wise ruler. As a result, Seventh Prince was chosen as the Heir, and the Empress became the Empress Dowager."

"So?"

"So you don't understand," Acacia Bean lifted her eyes, "The position of the Crown Prince and the Empress was attained by trampling on Li Guiyu's life. The Crown Prince's position is now firmly secured. Do you think the Empress still needs Li Guiyu to return? His return would unsettle Her Majesty's heart."

Luo Wanqing remained silent, absorbed in digesting the contents of the Acacia Seed.

Five years ago, the Empress had requested Li Guiyu to volunteer as a hostage. Back then, Li Guiyu was merely a fifteen-year-old adolescent. If she recalled correctly, the legends spoke of this prince as an innately kind and diligent learner, consistently considered a top contender for the throne.

Though the world believes Li Guiyu willingly offered himself as a hostage, hearing Xiangsi's words implies that the Empress holds this "voluntary" hostage, her son of such noble character, in deep apprehension—so much so that she does not wish for his return.

Why?

Considering Jiang Shaoyan's character, would he have willingly offered himself as a hostage?

"Lady Empress deceived him into going?" Luo Wanqing ventured a guess. Upon seeing Xiangsi's pause, she understood more. "He didn't go of his own accord. The Lady Empress tricked him. What did she promise him?"

She promised him something, which is why now that Li Guiyu has returned, it's not just a son coming back but also a creditor.

That's why the Empress is so fearful.

Pining Seed didn't elaborate and said, "None of that matters. What's important is that the Empress is on your side. Li Guiyu harmed your father. Keep that in mind. Li Guiyu is cunning; you won't be able to kill him by yourself. He first aligned himself with the Zheng family and now has a good reputation in court. The Emperor also feels indebted to him and protects him. Now, Xie Heng plans to use Qin Jue's case against the Wang family. He wants to form an alliance with Xie Heng. If Xie Heng agrees to support him," Pining Seed lifted her gaze and fixed it on Luo Wanqing, "his future will be bright, do you understand?"

"So, you want me to kill Xie Heng?"

Luo Wanqing grasped Pining Seed's intention.

Pining Seed smiled. "Indeed, Xie Heng is like a thorn in the Empress's flesh. If you eliminate him, she'll give you a chance to avenge your father by killing Li Guiyu. Didn't you switch identities with Jiuran in Yangzhou Prison and enter the Censorate for this very purpose?"

Luo Wanqing remained silent, but Pining Seed seemed to have read her mind and whispered, "If you still don't believe me, in a couple of days, Li Guiyu should visit Xie Heng. Listen to their conversation."

"Choose the Empress, and your family will be safe, allowing you to avenge your father."

"Choose the Censorate…" Pining Seed scoffed. "Then you'll watch Li Guiyu rise in ranks, marry Zheng Biyue, and perhaps even aspire to the throne, becoming the ruler of the world! If you have such ambition, I truly admire you. But your father, in his grave, might wish he had never had a daughter like you."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing clenched her fists tightly.

Suddenly, a faint sound of a scuffle came from outside.

Xiangsi Zi turned his head and softly said, "Oh, someone's been following you."

As he spoke, he stood up and walked out, adding as he strolled, "Think it over. If you wish to meet again, come to this teahouse and order three cups of Biluochun tea."

Luo Wanqing didn't respond. The person in front of her opened the door and vanished down the corridor.

She stayed in the room for a moment before turning to leave, strolling towards the clinic.

There were sounds of a struggle nearby, but she paid no attention. She found a doctor at the clinic, exchanged her golden beads for her horse, and then led the horse back home.

As she walked, she pondered Xiangsi Zi's words.

Xie Heng and Li Guiyu had formed an alliance...

In that dream, Li Guiyu was indeed lifted to power by Xie Heng's hand.

But Xiangsi Zi was also the one who harmed Zhang Jiuran. Was he really a good person? Could his words be trusted?

Lost in thought, she frowned as she walked down the main street. As she walked, she heard a chuckling voice ahead of her, "In the middle of the night, I wonder what you were up to. Turns out you went to retrieve a horse?"

Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze upon hearing this, only to see the young man wearing a gilded mask and a white, wide-sleeved tunic. A red cord loosely tied around his waist, he carried a warm-hued lantern in hand, giving off an air of leisure.

Upon seeing him, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but glance towards the teahouse before asking directly, "Where did you come from?"

Cui Heng heard this and pointed in the direction of the teahouse, honestly saying, "I followed your trail, but when I got there, I encountered a few scoundrels and lost track of you."

As he spoke, Cui Heng strolled forward and gently lifted Luo Wanqing's hair that had fallen by her face, whispering with lowered eyes, "You didn't even tie up your hair before leaving? Wandering about with your hair loose like this isn't suitable for public appearance."

Luo Wanqing raised her eyes at his words. Cui Heng tilted his head slightly and said warmly, "Is that so?"

Author's Note:

"Mini Scene"

Luo Wanqing: "Mister, I was up to no good."

Xie Heng: "Mmm, I know."

Luo Wanqing: "Mister, they told me to kill you."

Xie Heng: "Hm? I have a general idea."

Luo Wanqing: "Young Master, aren't you going to deal with me?"

Xie Heng: "Hm? Didn't I already deal with you?"

Luo Wanqing: "Ah? When did that happen?"

Xie Heng: "I've sentenced you to life in the Inspectorate, they've already arrested you~"

Luo Wanqing: "..."

Xie Heng: "How about that, isn't it quite indulgent?"

Luo Wanqing: "Young Master, please don't use those cheesy pickup lines anymore, they're terrifying."