Chapter 31

Chapter 31

◎ Where is Zhang Yiran and Liu Xiniang? ◎

Upon hearing Cui Heng's tone, Luo Wanqing felt inexplicably guilty.

Hesitantly, she concealed some of the truth, "I went to find Lord Zhang to retrieve these items."

"Oh," Cui Heng nodded, pondering, "Picking up horses yesterday, claiming items today, the Envoy has quite a few concerns."

"It's not too bad..."

"Still, once you're in the Inspectorate, you should prioritize its affairs. The Shadow Envoy exists to resolve such issues for you. You shouldn't be preoccupied with mundane matters. Otherwise, what's the point of having me as a Shadow Envoy?"

Cui Heng looked at Luo Wanqing with a warm smile, seemingly concerned. "Is there anything else that the Envoy left outside? Why not tell me so I can help retrieve them all at once?"

"No."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing quickly shook her head, not daring to say more. She simply stated, "Everything has been retrieved."

"That's good."

Cui Heng nodded and said, "Then let's eat. After the meal, take a good rest. Start your studies tomorrow. In three months, you can begin taking on official tasks."

Upon hearing Cui Heng's words, she understood that he was giving her a break for the next two days. Nodding, she returned to the table and started eating.

Cui Heng glanced at her, walked to the table, picked up the items she had brought back, sorted through them, and removed some of the opened and spoiled medicine, leaving only what was usable for Luo Wanqing. Then, he said, "The maid is outside. Call her in to clean up after the meal. I'm leaving."

Seeing him leave, Luo Wanqing thought of the golden pearl and flute she had given Zhang Yiran today. She quickly said, "Um, Lake View."

"Hmm?"

"Do I need to inform you if I dispose of the things you gave me?"

Hearing this, Cui Heng fell silent for a moment, pondered, and then said, "Everything I give you is from the Inspectorate. You can handle it as you wish."

"It wasn't through the backdoor?"

Luo Wanqing was somewhat skeptical. Cui Heng nodded and said, "Mm, each department has different quotas. The Director has given you a higher limit."

"Why?"

Luo Wanqing was puzzled. Noticing her persistent inquiries, Cui Heng grew somewhat impatient and brushed her off with, "Because you have potential."

With that said, Cui Heng waved his hand. "I'm leaving."

Feeling embarrassed to disturb Cui Heng further, Luo Wanqing sat alone in the room, eating while pondering over his words.

Did Xie Heng offer her such a high monthly stipend because she had potential?

Could it be because she killed Zhao Yuyan?

Luo Wanqing reflected on this and realized that she might indeed have been too conspicuous. It was only natural for Xie Heng to take notice of her.

But if he did notice her, wouldn't he want to meet her more than once?

Then again, Xie Heng was preoccupied with countless duties. She was merely a newly recruited Inspector still undergoing training. It wasn't unusual for him not to see her often.

She needed to complete her training as soon as possible to have more opportunities to interact with Xie Heng.

Once Xiangsi is eliminated and her family affairs settled, the next target will be Li Guiyu.

Her gaze turned cold as she lowered her head to eat. After the maid cleared the table, she retreated to her bed for meditation and cultivation, practicing the inner energy technique that Cui Heng had taught her. Late into the night, she finally fell asleep.

The following day, Cui Heng arrived early to rouse her and led her to the training grounds.

The training grounds were bustling with noise as many people engaged in combat. Guiding her through the crowd, Cui Heng said, "Starting from tomorrow, you'll report here every morning. There are genuine masters here who will teach you step by step, starting from the basics. Train for two hours each day, and use the remaining time to learn about hidden weapons, mechanisms, formations, and, I suppose, you won't need to study poisons anymore."

Cui Heng glanced at her. "You did well with the Seven Bugs and Seven Flower Pill."

"That antidote..."

"Give it to me another day," Cui Heng chuckled. "As a keepsake."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback by this. She couldn't understand how a poison could serve as a memento.

Cui Heng led her to a room at the deepest end of the training grounds. Inside sat a young man dressed in a green-blue Taoist robe, holding a whisk, and wearing a lotus-crown on his head. Upon seeing Cui Heng, the youth hurriedly stood up and respectfully greeted, "Young Master Guanlan."

"This is Daozhen," Cui Heng introduced to Luo Wanqing. "He oversees the initial curriculum for the attendants."

Speaking, Cui Heng cast a glance at Luo Wanqing before introducing her to Dao Zhen, "This is the newly appointed Supervisor, Liu Xiniang. Take good care of her and don't treat her with disrespect."

"Yes," Dao Zhen replied, his tone gentle yet unusually solemn and sincere.

Cui Heng entrusted her to him and then instructed, "I still have some matters to attend to. Practice here for now, and when your evening studies are over, I'll come find you."

"Alright."

Luo Wanqing acknowledged, and Cui Heng didn't linger, turning to depart.

After he left, Dao Zhen glanced at Luo Wanqing and said softly, "Assessor Liu has just taken office. For now, start each day with stance training for two hours, followed by one hour of practical combat. Then, study a type of hidden weapon, a formation, and a mechanism. If the Assessor is diligent, we can add more to your schedule."

Saying this, Dao Zhen led Luo Wanqing into the martial arts training ground. He used his whisk to scoop up a basin of water and threw it directly at her.

Luo Wanqing hastily embraced the water basin as she watched the ultimate truth flash a subtle smile. Raising his finger towards the wooden pile stumps, he commanded, "Ascend the wooden pile stumps, lift the water basin above your head, and stand for two hours."

Luo Wanqing, aware of her inadequate foundational skills, didn't dare to be careless. Following Dao Zhen's instructions, she practiced standing postures and engaged in simulated combat. Afterward, she accompanied him to the room for hidden weapons practice.

The first hidden weapon to master was the Myriad Mechanisms. Her task was to transform all its forms with the swiftest speed possible.

Speed, in this context, hinged on precise muscle control and familiarity with the skill.

As she practiced disassembling and reassembling the Myriad Mechanisms, she listened to Dao Zhen's lessons on formations and mechanisms.

After each lesson, he would have her enter the room housing the formations and mechanisms, then leave her to find her way out.

These formations and mechanisms were endlessly variable; within them, she narrowly escaped death from various traps, only to be thrown back in again and again.

By the time night fell and she saw Cui Heng again, she was completely spent, unable to even crawl.

She had assembled and disassembled the Myriad Mechanisms countless times, her fingers trembling from the effort.

Cui Heng crouched down, studying her with a smile. "Xiniang, do you want me to carry you back?"

Though he asked, Luo Wanqing could tell that he had no intention of doing so, and neither did she.

Swallowing past her painfully dry throat, she scrambled to her feet and croaked, "I'm still good."

"If you can manage it," Cui Heng tilted his head slightly and tapped his toes, smiling. "Follow me?"

Luo Wanqing was taken aback but, with Cui Heng's words, she gritted her teeth and struggled to her feet, following after him.

Cui Heng moved with such silent agility that he slowed down to guide her through the night, instructing, "Hold your breath and control your muscles. Have you ever seen a cat?"

Landing soundlessly on a roof tile, he asked with a tilt of his head, "How does a cat control its body? Try it."

Pain racked Luo Wanqing's entire body, but she still followed Cui Heng's instructions, controlling herself. He led the way, teaching her how to conceal herself. When they returned to their room, Cui Heng smiled and said, "Hiding in the darkness is crucial."

Listening to him, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but look up at him. The young man's face was hidden beneath his mask, as if he had been wandering the night for a long time.

She opened her mouth to ask a question but felt it would be too intrusive. After much hesitation, she simply nodded and softly replied, "I'll study hard."

The Inspectorate's training program seemed comprehensive. They appeared to have ample experience, having trained numerous Inspectors before. During the day, she learned from the Inspectorate, while at night, she learned from Cui Heng. Even in just one day, she felt herself making rapid progress.

She was assembling the Thousand Machine at an increasingly faster pace, her stance became more stable, and her strikes more methodical.

Cui Heng left early and returned late every day, like a parent nurturing a child. His daily task was to send the child to school and fetch them back at night.

Fortunately, Cui Heng took into account Zhong Lingshu's persuasion and allowed Wan Qing to sleep at the ninth hour of the night.

After a tiring day, Luo Wanqing slept soundly every night.

But Cui Heng was different. There were times when she would half-awaken in the middle of the night and still hear him leaving.

It seemed as if he never slept.

Luo Wanqing didn't ask what he did in the middle of the night. She knew that Cui Heng, as her Shadow Servant, was being greatly underutilized. His role was more about guiding her through the door. Once she could handle things independently, he would likely be replaced by another Shadow Servant.

Considering his talents, it was normal for the Inspectorate to have other uses for him.

Two days passed like this. On the seventh day of the third lunar month, Cui Heng didn't come to fetch her.

Dao Zhen conveyed the message gently, "Young Master Guanlan has something on today. Assistant Minister Liu, you'll have to return on your own."

Luo Wanqing had just climbed out of an array formation and was slightly puzzled upon hearing Dao Zhen's words. "What's he up to?"

Dao Zhen smiled and said, "The Inspectorate has summoned someone today. After Assistant Minister Liu returns, don't go out. Young Master Guanlan asked me to remind you to rest well tonight and not overexert yourself."

Luo Wanqing nodded, her curiosity piqued. If the Inspectorate had summoned an Envoy, it must be due to a significant matter. What could it be?

But she knew Dao Zhen wouldn't divulge any details, so she didn't press the matter further. After bidding farewell, she struggled to her feet and returned to her chamber.

After freshening up, as the maid extinguished the lights, she stood by the window, gazing at the distant mountains.

The rear mountain was a tranquil place where Xie Heng resided, like a dim lamp hanging high in the middle of the slope.

Staring at that solitary light in the mountains, Luo Wanqing felt a growing restlessness within her.

Two days had passed, and Li Guiyu still hadn't come?

As she stood at the windowsill with a furrowed brow, Zhang Yiran was overseeing construction work in the outskirts of the city.

Rainy season was imminent, yet many levees in the eastern suburbs were unfinished. Thus, he had been assigned to work day and night on the project.

Walking along the riverbank, he patted the newly constructed embankment, checking for any issues before sighing in relief. He then looked at the laborers and said compassionately, "Go take a rest, let the next group relieve you."

"Lord Zhang," the workers hurriedly replied, "you should also go rest. It's been a whole day. A scholar like you shouldn't endure such hardships."

"Nothing to worry about."

Zhang Yiran shook his head and continued, "The dam project is urgent. I'll accompany you both..."

"Master!"

Before he could finish his sentence, an anxious voice interrupted him. Zhang Yiran turned around to see his servant Zhang Rong dashing over. Led by someone, he had leaped into the riverbank, exclaiming excitedly, "Master, you're leaving!"

Zhang Yiran was taken aback at first, then he recalled the instructions he had given Zhang Rong before setting out.

The condemned man had tasked him with keeping an eye on the neighboring Guang'an Prince's Mansion. However, as he had official duties to attend to, he had to entrust this responsibility to his family members and take turns with them.

If he were present, he would monitor the situation himself; if not, his mother and servants would do so in his stead.

Their residence was very close to the Guang'an Prince's Mansion, so any unusual activity could be easily heard. Thus, he had instructed his family to inform him if they spotted any ordinary carriages without royal insignia passing by at night.

In their Great Xia Empire, carriages bore different markings according to their owners' status. The royal family had their own symbols, noble families their coats of arms, while scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants each had their distinctive emblems.

Even the vegetable carts used by the Guang'an Prince's Mansion were royal carriages.

For the past two days, they hadn't observed any ordinary carriage leaving Guang'an Prince's Mansion, and he was so busy that he almost forgot about it.

Upon hearing Zhang Rong's words, Zhang Yiran hurriedly asked, "When did he leave?"

"It's been half an hour," Zhang Rong said anxiously. "I came to find you as soon as they left."

Zhang Yiran nodded. Neither Zhang Rong nor his mother knew how to play the flute, so he didn't leave the instrument with them. Half an hour ago, he set off...

If he was still within the Eastern Capital, he should be able to reach any location by now.

Thinking up to this point, Zhang Yiran pursed his lips and promptly took out the short flute from his sleeve, playing the tune of 'Willows by West Lake' that he had agreed upon with Luo Wanqing.

As the melody sounded, Luo Wanqing was standing by the window, gazing at Xie Heng's residence in the distance. Upon hearing the tune, she was startled for a moment before realizing that today's significant matter was actually Li Guiyu visiting Xie Heng!

With Cui Heng being summoned away, Xie Heng must now be surrounded by skilled experts. Could she approach him?

After some thought, she realized that it wasn't something she could choose. The arrow was already on the string and had to be shot. She would give it a try first.

She changed into a black dress, put on a mask, and went downstairs directly.

By now, she was on familiar terms with the Censorate officials. Whenever they saw her, they would make way, and some of the servants, mustering their courage, asked curiously, "Where is Inspector Liu heading?"

"I felt restless at night, so I went for a stroll," Luo Wanqing explained calmly, then instructed, "Carry on with your tasks."

As she spoke, Luo Wanqing made her way around to the foot of the back mountain. Glancing upwards, she followed the method Cui Heng had taught her, concealing her aura as she leaped upwards towards the heights.

The entire rear mountain was riddled with traps, but fortunately, she had caught a glimpse of them all in the Treasure Tower. Though it was only a fleeting look, she had roughly memorized the mechanisms' principles. With a bit of contemplation, she managed to navigate through them soundlessly.

Arriving at Xie Heng's courtyard, she expected to find it bustling with people. To her surprise, the entire yard was deserted, with only Xie Heng and Li Guiyu occupying the house.

Luo Wanqing landed silently in the corner, concealed within the flower bed. From a distance, she noticed the windows and door of a nearby house wide open, the area illuminated. Li Guiyu and Xie Heng were seated across from each other. In front of Xie Heng seemed to be a scroll of documents, his expression grave as he kept his head lowered in silence.

Li Guiyu sipped his tea calmly and said, "My situation, Director Xie should be well aware. Unlike them, I know what you seek, whereas they don't concern themselves with your priorities. If Director Xie agrees to aid me," Li Guiyu lifted his gaze, meeting Xie Heng's eyes, "I will spare no effort to assist you with whatever task you have at hand. Qin Jue's case presents us with an excellent opportunity."

As he spoke, Luo Wanqing felt that Li Guiyu might have glanced in her direction.

She was unsure if he had detected her presence; her heart raced wildly as she lay motionless in the flower bed, staring intently at Xie Heng not far away, pondering over Li Guiyu's words and awaiting Xie Heng's response.

What did Xie Heng desire? Why was it that while others cared, Li Guiyu didn't?

What were those documents on the table that Xie Heng kept gazing at so intently?

And how did Xie Heng truly perceive Li Guiyu?

She fixated on that youth, cold and composed, like a sculpture carved from ice and jade.

He wore a simple white robe with a single black sandalwood hairpin adorning his forehead. A string of sandalwood beads adorned his wrist, and a black beaded cord cinched his waist, securing his garment.

Luo Wanqing recognized him as Qianji; though he appeared to be casually receiving guests, deadly weapons surrounded him.

Listening to Li Guiyu's words, Xie Heng flipped through the documents, softly responding, "To be frank, Your Highness's words have indeed touched me. I genuinely do wish to form an alliance with you, each benefiting from the other."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing's heart sank slightly. Li Guiyu, unperturbed, smiled and asked, "Does the Chief have any reservations?"

"But Luo Wanqing is dead," Xie Heng spoke up, catching both Li Guiyu and Luo Wanqing off guard.

Li Guiyu suppressed his emotions, asking only, "What does the Master mean?"

"If she were still alive, there might have been room for negotiation. I would have been willing to conspire with Your Highness. But people cannot come back from the dead," Xie Heng lifted his gaze, fixing a steady stare on Li Guiyu. "Whatever I do now, I can't make up for what's been lost."

"I didn't expect," Li Guiyu laughed coldly, "that my Miss would leave behind such concern from the Master?"

"I owe her a favor," Xie Heng said calmly. "I couldn't give her an answer when she was alive, but now that she's gone, I'll give her closure."

With that, Xie Heng raised his eyes and looked at Li Guiyu calmly. "I'm grateful for your intentions, Your Highness, but I won't see you out."

Li Guiyu remained silent, seemingly observing Xie Heng. After a long while, he smiled warmly and said, "Is it worth it, Master Xie, to do all this for a deceased person?"

"It's not up to you to judge whether I'm worth it or not."

Lowering his eyes, Xie Heng picked up the teacup beside him and said casually, "Leave."

"Very well, let's pretend we never met tonight. However, Master Xie, I must warn you, the promise to my Miss," Li Guiyu stood up, looking straight at Xie Heng with a slightly colder tone, "is not yours to fulfill."

As his words echoed, the teacup in Xie Heng's hand flew directly towards Li Guiyu, accompanied by a fierce command, "Get out!"

With a tap of his foot, Li Guiyu leapt outside the door, casting a cold gaze in Luo Wanqing's direction. Raising his hand, he unleashed a sword qi that slashed through the air towards her!

The sword qi surged forth fiercely; if Luo Wanqing hadn't moved, she would likely have been severed in two on the spot.

Luo Wanqing dared not meet the attack head-on, instead rolling on the ground and dashing out without hesitation.

Yet, Li Guiyu seemed to have anticipated her move. A swift arrow emerged from his sleeve, narrowly missing Luo Wanqing as she twirled and leaped. It brushed past her chest, almost grazing her throat.

The arrow pierced with a chilling sting, and Luo Wanqing dared not linger. She bolted relentlessly into the forest.

Li Guiyu gazed at the departing figure as his brows knitted slightly.

It seemed his ailment was worsening.

He found himself oddly thinking that this assassin bore a faint resemblance to his young miss?

How could that be?

Luo Wanqing seldom ran even on ordinary days; where would she have learned such graceful agility?

This was clearly a professionally trained assassin, how could they resemble Luo Wanqing?

He dared not let Xie Heng detect his unease, suppressing all his emotions and turning to say, "I've taken care of the contaminants. Have someone collect the corpse, Chief Xie. Goodbye."

Xie Heng glanced at Li Guiyu but didn't say anything more.

He then shifted his gaze to where the spy had fled. Li Guiyu's move had been too swift, and the spy had run too quickly; he hadn't even caught a clear glimpse of them.

What kind of person could sneak into this place? A member of the Pavilion of Storms? An assassin from which organization?

Or... Liu Xiniang?

At the mention of this name, a smile almost tugged at the corners of Xie Heng's lips, but upon further thought, he found it implausible that it was Liu Xiniang.

Recently, he had observed her and found no signs of having undergone any training. She genuinely knew nothing.

She consistently devoted herself to training and showed no interest in "Xie Heng." She also didn't probe into the Shadow Envoy who openly went by the name "Cui Heng." If she were an assassin sent to kill Xie Heng, she wouldn't be wandering around aimlessly.

Though he was unsure of what extraordinary encounter she might have had, he believed she wasn't here to wreak havoc at the Surveillance Bureau.

Most importantly...

Xie Heng glanced helplessly at the outskirts of the city and listened carefully to determine the location of the flute's sound.

That flute had been playing for quite some time. He and Liu Xiniang had agreed on three short blasts, yet she had turned it into a melody.

This flute was a newly developed instrument by the Censorate, with very limited production, and each one had its unique tone. He could tell at once that it was Liu Xiniang playing.

Why wasn't she sleeping in the middle of the night and instead went to the outskirts?

Full of questions, Xie Heng stood up, changed his clothes, and called Xuan Shan in, instructing him, "A spy just infiltrated. Go after them. Bring them back alive or dead."

Xuan Shan was taken aback, not expecting the Censorate to have such capability. He promptly replied solemnly, "Yes, I'll investigate immediately."

As he spoke, Xuan Shan looked up and noticed Xie Heng changing his attire, asking in confusion, "Director, are you going out?"

"Mm."

Xie Heng acknowledged, not offering an explanation. He simply opened the door and left.

Xuan Shan glanced around and, spotting traces left by Luo Wanqing, promptly instructed his men to commence the search of the mountain.

Having fled from Xie Heng's residence, Luo Wanqing promptly sealed her meridians.

Her wounds burned fiercely, as if they had been ripped open. This kind of pain was abnormal, and coupled with Li Guiyu's lack of pursuit, she instinctively knew that she must have been poisoned.

She swallowed a detoxifying pill from a vial and started running down the mountain. Halfway down, she heard voices searching above.

Luo Wanqing felt a chill run through her body, leaning against a tree to listen. After a moment's contemplation, she realized she couldn't return.

She wouldn't be able to hold on for much longer; she'd likely faint upon entering the house. The Censorate, conducting a thorough search, would easily discover her.

In her current state, she found it difficult to devise a plan. But her intuition told her that she couldn't reveal her identity first.

Regardless, she needed to make a decision while still lucid.

But who could help her now?

The image of Cui Heng flashed across her mind, but she swiftly dismissed it.

Cui Heng was reliable, but she didn't trust him completely.

After some contemplation, Qin Jue was her only option left.

Qin Jue wasn't part of the Inspectorate; he wouldn't immediately take action against her.

Moreover, she had saved his life before, so he owed her a favor.

Additionally, he was aware that she needed to find the Love's Intoxication for Zhang Jiuran to retrieve the maternal parasite.

For now, they were allies.

Luo Wanqing couldn't afford to hesitate. With her last bit of strength, she stumbled her way to Qin Jue's courtyard, forced open his door, and gasped, "Qin Jue!"

Upon opening the door, Qin Jue saw the severely injured Luo Wanqing and frowned. "What happened to you?"

"Take me in first and give me some medicine."

Upon hearing this, Qin Jue pursed his lips, glanced around, and then helped Luo Wanqing into his house.

She asked in puzzlement, "Where did you get these injuries?"

"I need your help to cover up the fact that the Inspectorate is investigating me," Luo Wanqing panted, listing off a series of antidotes. Her voice was hoarse as she asked, "Do you have them?"

"I'll go look for them."

Qin Jue gazed at the blood stain on her chest and said, "But you need to tell me what exactly you're doing."

"I want to lure the parent parasitic insect to Xiangsi," Luo Wanqing whispered. "But I first need to gain its trust. It said that if I listened to Li Guiyu's conversation with Director Xie, I would agree to assassinate Director Xie for it. So I eavesdropped, and tomorrow, I'll find Xiangsi and pretend to agree."

"Pretend to agree?" Qin Jue seemed skeptical. "Truly just pretending?"

"What else would it be?" Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze to meet his. "If I were truly from Fengyu Pavilion, would you still be alive now?"

Qin Jue fell silent at this.

Luo Wanqing swallowed another antidote and sat cross-legged on the bed, channeling her inner strength to suppress the poison. She murmured, "You don't have to believe me. You can let the Inspectorate go after Xiangsi for the parent parasitic insect."

But the Inspectorate wouldn't save a killer like Zhang Jiuran.

Qin Jue understood Luo Wanqing's intention and pressed his lips together before turning around and saying, "I'll go find the medicine."

With that, Qin Jue went to the adjacent room to search for the herbs Luo Wanqing needed. After only a brief moment, he heard Cuique's voice outside, "Qin Jue? Are you there, Qin Jue?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Jue's expression changed slightly. He immediately set down the herbs and opened the door at the entrance of the courtyard. Cuique, accompanied by others, looked around the yard and asked, "Did you see anyone injured here?"

"No," Qin Jue shook his head, puzzled. "What happened?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Cuique replied, not suspecting anything. "In that case, I'll be on my way."

With those words, Cuique led his group to continue their search.

Qin Jue closed the door and returned to the room, locating the herbs Luo Wanqing had requested. He then proceeded to prepare the medicine as she had instructed.

After half an hour of boiling the herbs, Xie Heng, in a hurry, arrived at the outskirts of town and found the location of the flute player.

The other person was concealed, hiding behind a tree and playing "Willow by West Lake" repeatedly.

It seemed that they were uncertain if their melody could be heard or if the intended listener had noticed, but, remembering their prior agreement, they persisted in playing.

The moonlight was perfect at this moment, casting its glow upon the falling peach blossoms of the GuoGuo Temple. Xie Heng, upon hearing the tune from behind the tree, couldn't help but slow his pace.

He knew she was intelligent, quick to learn, an exceptional warrior with a graceful form when wielding her saber. However, he never expected that she would possess such skill in playing the flute.

Her rendition of "Willow by West Lake" was clear and soothing, imbued with the gentle warmth of southern Jiangnan's willows yet devoid of any trace of weakness.

This was somewhat akin to her cold and detached demeanor.

"Enough," Xie Heng observed as the melody continued, moving to stand behind the tree and speaking softly, "Don't play anymore. I've heard you. I'm here."

The flutist under the tree paused, and Xie Heng, donning a gilded mask, approached while holding a fan in one hand. As he lowered his head, their eyes met, revealing a pair of bewildered eyes.

Xie Heng froze, only to see the person sitting on a stone bench beneath the tree, their green robe stained with mud, holding a short flute, and asking with confusion, "Sir?"

Xie Heng's expression shifted instantly, his gaze descending to the short flute in the person's hand, immediately realizing something.

"Zhang Yiran," he fixated on the young man, feeling a surge of anger rise within him for the first time. He couldn't help but laugh coldly as he said, "Where is Liu Xiniang?!"

Author's Note:

"Scene 1"

Xie Heng: "Ooh, my little darling's flute sounds so delightful. I rush over eagerly, Xiniang, here I come!"

Arriving at the location.

Zhang Yiran: "Pardon me, who might you be?"

Xie Heng: "(Enraged! Coldly) The one who will kill you."

Zhang Yiran: "I knew that with all the enemies I've made in court, this day would eventually come. Come on, I'm not afraid of death."

Xie Heng: "Scram! Who cares about your insignificant position over such a trivial matter! Give me back my flute, you thief!"

Zhang Yiran: "It was given to me by that condemned prisoner."

Xie Heng: "What? What did you call her?"

Zhang Yiran: "That death row prisoner."

Xie Heng: "You even gave her a pet name? Seems like there's no saving you now."