Chapter 35

Chapter 35

◎Ambush Each Other◎

Xie Heng paused for only a moment before casually shifting his gaze away. He said casually, "Sure."

Luo Wanqing didn't understand the meaning behind his "sure." Then, she heard Xie Heng calling her, "Come here."

In response, Luo Wanqing stepped forward and knelt down beside Xie Heng with her eyes lowered, waiting for him and Qingya to play their game.

As Xie Heng placed a piece on the board, he said, "In five days, Li Guiyu will be assigned to inspect the Southern Camp from the Eastern Capital. He'll pass by the outskirts of the capital. Conveniently, a group of traffickers will be transporting their goods out of the city on that same day. You'll hide among them until then. On the fifth day, seek help from Li Guiyu and have him send you home."

While Xie Heng spoke, Qingya took out a map from his sleeve and handed it to Luo Wanqing.

"The location marked with a red dot is your home. You're the daughter of a hunter, named Qing Qing, and you're nineteen years old. While wandering around the Eastern Capital, you were kidnapped by traffickers."

As Qingya explained Luo Wanqing's new identity, her heart skipped a beat at the mention of "Qing Qing." However, she soon realized that they were meticulously creating a persona that closely resembled "Luo Wanqing."

From the name, age, to the appearance, their aim was to make this fabricated character as similar as possible to the deceased Luo Wanqing.

They believed that Jiang Shaoyan's dedication of an altar to her indicated his deep feelings, but she knew clearly that he wasn't such a person.

He had emotions, but they would never sway his decisions.

Luo Wanqing couldn't help asking, "What if he doesn't send me away?"

"That would be your task," Qingya said with a smile, seemingly as a reminder, "Especially for your first mission, try your best."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing pursed her lips and replied, "Yes."

"Remember, don't force yourself if you can't complete it," Xie Heng added, emphasizing the importance, "Your life comes first."

"Yes."

With his instructions given, Xie Heng didn't say more. He waved his hand and said, "Take her to prepare."

Upon receiving the order, Zhuque, who had been waiting aside, immediately spoke up, "Clerk Liu, come with me."

Luo Wanqing bowed to Xie Heng before rising and following Zhuque out of the courtyard.

As they stepped out of the gate, Zhuque handed Luo Wanqing a document while walking, instructing, "This is your identification. Rest well during the day and memorize this information. At night, when we disguise ourselves, we'll go out for a stroll."

"Disguise ourselves?"

"The human traffickers have their methods. If you're adorned in gold and silver, they won't dare touch you. Dress plainly, and we'll both be at risk of being taken."

"You'll be taken too?"

Luo Wanqing was curious, and the Phoenix nodded, "Yes, it's your first mission. What if something happens to you? I'll be by your side to protect you." As she spoke, the Phoenix patted her chest reassuringly, "Don't worry, Senior will guide you."

Luo Wanqing glanced sideways at the youth who stood nearly as tall as herself, feeling a subtle sensation.

She cleared her throat softly and said respectfully, "Then I thank the Phoenix Envoy."

"No need to thank me."

Zhu Que waved her hand, parting ways with her in the corridor. She then said, "See you tonight."

Luo Wanqing held the document and map, cast a quick glance, and chuckled softly before turning away.

She had memorized every detail about "Qing Qing." Later in the afternoon, Zhuque, already dressed up, arrived with a makeup artist. Zhuque had tied his hair into a ponytail and wore a brown short robe, giving him the appearance of a humble laborer ready to dig canals.

Zhuque pointed at Luo Wanqing and instructed the makeup artist, "Go, help her get ready."

The makeup artist promptly approached and started working according to the instructions.

As the daughter of a hunter, Luo Wanqing's attire was simple and modest - a coarse linen dress, a wooden hairpin securing her hair, and a clean, bare face devoid of any makeup.

Even so, her beauty could not be concealed.

Watching Luo Wanqing finish getting dressed, Zhuque stood up and nodded in approval. "Excellent! With your looks, you'll surely be lured away!"

"I need to do anything?"

Luo Wanqing was puzzled, but Zhuque waved it off. "No need to do anything special. I'll take you to the area where those traffickers operate later. I'll seek work, while you casually stroll around the streets. Just act naturally. Oh," Zhuque recalled, then emphasized earnestly, "Be innocent, a bit naive."

Luo Wanqing nodded, understanding Zhuque's plan.

Noticing that she was ready, Zhuque promptly said, "Let's go."

Luo Wanqing followed Zhuque out of the mountain and onto the bustling streets, where it was already dark. Zhuque led her to the main road, where colorful lanterns hung high, creating a lively atmosphere.

Walking side by side, Luo Wanqing observed her surroundings and couldn't help but wonder, "How are you planning to get yourself kidnapped?"

She could understand why someone would try to abduct a beautiful woman like herself, but what use would a young boy like Zhuque be to them?

Zhuque explained earnestly, "They have a spot where they recruit workers. Once they've gathered enough, they drug them and transport them out of the capital. The attractive ones are sent to the Southern Breeze Pavilion, while the unattractive ones are sold as slaves in bordering countries."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing frowned. "How do you know all of this?"

"We've had an informant inside for a while," Zhuque glanced at Luo Wanqing. "After this operation, we'll swoop in and capture them all, leaving none behind."

"I didn't think the Censorate handled cases like these," Luo Wanqing expressed her surprise. Zhuque smiled and lowered his voice. "Do you know who's backing these people?"

"Hmm?" Luo Wanqing was intrigued.

Crimson Bird whispered, "The Eastern Palace."

This made Luo Wanqing widen her eyes in disbelief. "Does the Eastern Palace really concern itself with such matters?"

"With so many people under their command, how can the Eastern Palace possibly oversee everything? They bully others by borrowing the power of the mighty. If we don't confront them, who else would dare to?"

Crimson Bird was quite proud. As they walked down the street, they patted Luo Wanqing and said, "I'm going to find work. You're free to do as you please."

With that, Crimson Bird turned and left.

Luo Wanqing strolled down the bustling street, glancing back at the teahouse they had passed. After some thought, she decided to return and entered a private room, ordering three cups of Biluochun tea.

Upon hearing Luo Wanqing's order for three cups of Biluochun, the waiter hesitated briefly before promptly responding, "Very well, I'll serve your tea right away."

The waiter hurried off, leaving Luo Wanqing in the private room. She waited for a long time until she finally heard the sound of the door opening.

Looking up at the sound, she saw a young man with a vermilion dot on his forehead push the door open. Confused, she asked, "You've been here the whole time?"

"It was just a coincidence."

Xiangsi Zi chuckled and stepped into the room, taking a seat across from the tea table. She lifted her skirt, kneeling down with a smile. "Miss has been pondering for a while, did you hear the conversation between Xie Heng and Li Guiyu?"

Upon hearing Xiangsi Zi's question, Luo Wanqing didn't respond immediately.

The conversation between Li Guiyu and Xie Heng was known only to her. Whether they formed an alliance or not, Xiangsi Zi should be unaware of it at the moment.

However, since Xiangsi Zi knew that Li Guiyu was about to depart, it indicated that there was someone from Xiangsi Zi's side close to Li Guiyu. Therefore, she must have been informed about Bai Li's mishap.

By asking this question, Xiangsi Zi was probing whether Luo Wanqing was aware of the breakdown in their discussion.

Luo Wanqing pondered, disguising the truth, "I didn't hear him. Li Guiyu found me, injured me, and I managed to escape."

"It seems Miss Luo has considerable martial arts skills to have escaped from his grasp."

Xiang Si Zi listened attentively, poured himself a cup of tea, then casually glanced at Luo Wanqing's face, feigning nonchalance. "Why has Miss Luo returned to her own appearance?"

>Xie Heng aims to plant a pawn beside Li Guiyu, and that's why he wants me there.

Xiang Si Zi's movement paused, as if in deep thought. Luo Wanqing gazed at her, asking, "Didn't you say they would form an alliance? But from what I see now, it doesn't seem to be the case, does it?"

"It's merely a game of mutual gain."

Upon hearing this, Xiangsi Zi was certain that Luo Wanqing had not overheard anything significant. He said confidently, "Li Guiyu has what Xie Heng desires, and Xie Heng has the power Li Guiyu yearns for. It was only a matter of time before they joined forces."

"What does Xie Heng want?"

Luo Wanqing was puzzled and asked, "What could it be?"

"Normally, I shouldn't be revealing this to you," Xiangsi Zi sipped his tea, his expression turning slightly cold. "But since you didn't hear their conversation, there's no harm in telling you. You're aware of Cui Qingping's betrayal five years ago, right?"

"I see." Luo Wanqing furrowed her brow, not expecting Xiang Si to bring this up. She couldn't help but ask, "What does that have to do with it?"

Five years ago, when Beirong sought peace, Li Guiyu was sent as a hostage in exchange for the prince of Beirong, and it was Cui Qingping who escorted Li Guiyu to negotiate the alliance. However, Beirong abruptly reneged on the agreement, launching a surprise attack. Cui Qingping surrendered without resistance, enabling Beirong to seize ten cities, which have yet to be recovered. Consequently, the Cui family was later held accountable for treason, and within the palace walls, Cui Qingping was granted a swift death by poisoned wine, sparing him the humiliation of a public execution. His entire clan suffered the consequences, with even Xie Heng, then a youth, being imprisoned for attempting to plead on Cui Qingping's behalf. In time, Xie Heng mended his ways, and entrusted by His Majesty, personally oversaw the handling of the Cui family's treason case, supervising the execution of every member of the Cui clan with his own hand.

Luo Wanqing, upon hearing this, faintly recalled some memories.

The Cui family's betrayal, surrendering ten cities, was a scandal that rocked the nation back then. She remembered her father rushing back from the border and leading them away from the Eastern Capital; people were still discussing the matter on the streets that day.

State affairs and national matters were too distant from her; she didn't concern herself with them. But as she pondered now and delved meticulously into any information related to Cui Qingping, she faintly sensed something amiss.

Cui's betrayal led to his surrender without a fight. Logically, he should have been granted high rank and riches in Beirong. Yet, she recalled that on the day she left the Eastern Capital, she had dozed off and abruptly heard excited cries.

"Lord Cui?!"

"Lord Cui has returned?"

It was still early in the morning when their carriage suddenly halted. Her father seemed about to lift the curtain and step out but was held back by Yao Zelan.

With reddened eyes, Yao Zelan held her daughter, who was sleeping soundly on her lap, with one hand and grasped her husband, who was eager to exit, with the other. She shook her head desperately and whispered, "Qu Shu, let's go."

Lotus Quexiu clenched her fists tightly, trembling and unable to move. Yao Zelan gritted her teeth and ordered the coachman, "Go! Leave immediately!"

Lotus Quexiu closed her eyes and sat down in pain.

Back then, she was young and had clumsily risen to see her brother climbing towards the carriage's rear window.

Out of curiosity, she followed her brother and leaned forward, peering out through the rear window of the carriage.

There, she saw a middle-aged man, dressed in tattered clothes and bearing the marks of a life filled with hardships.

With a blood-stained sword hanging at his waist and a fractured half of a precious jade pendant, Cui Qingping stepped into the majestic capital city under the morning light.

Later, those upstairs recounted that he had proceeded all the way to the imperial palace, knocking on its grand gates.

Some claimed that as he knocked, he declared boldly, "Criminal subject Cui Qingping returns! I implore His Majesty to march against the Northern Rong!"

"Criminal subject Cui Qingping returns! I implore His Majesty to march against the Northern Rong!"

However, many people dismissed these accounts as mere rumors and did not believe them to be true.

Due to his act of surrender and betrayal, he was sentenced to death for treason, causing the fall of ten border cities and compromising the Great Xia's strategic advantage. Fengming Pass, once a natural fortress for the dynasty, had instead become the greatest obstacle to their counterattack against the Northern Rong.

What right did a traitor like him have to discuss military campaigns or advocate for war?

Five years had passed, and Cui Qingping's name had faded from the public's memory. At least for someone like Luo Wanqing, who paid little attention to political affairs, his existence was almost forgotten.

But now, with Xiangsi's deliberate mention, Luo Wanqing sensed the subtlety and realized, "Cui Qingping was unjustly accused?"

"I didn't say that," Xiangsi replied with a smile, then turned serious. "But Xie Heng has been secretly searching for anything related to the Cui family. Although he's been discreet, we've still managed to uncover some clues."

"And how does this involve Li Guiyu?" Luo Wanqing didn't quite understand.

Cassia Seed tapped the table for emphasis. "Li Guiyu is the only one who was at the border back then and is still alive today, holding all the secrets of that time."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback. Pouring tea with unwavering confidence, Xiangsi spoke calmly, "If Xie Heng wishes to uncover the truth about the past, only Li Guiyu can provide it. Back then, Xie Heng personally executed his own maternal clan. If he has the intention to vindicate the Cui family, his endurance and sacrifice for this outcome are immense. What reason would he have not to form an alliance with Li Guiyu?"

Luo Wanqing remained silent.

Li Guiyu had not formed an alliance with Xie Heng. She had deceived the Love Berry into believing she was unaware of this. The Love Berry, thinking she was truly in the dark, attempted to deceive her, making her believe that they were merely testing each other's intentions and would eventually form an alliance.

Yet, the essence of this deception held much truth.

Xiaoxiangzi's willingness to divulge so much openly likely stemmed from his intention not to let her survive.

If Xie Heng perished, she would surely follow.

But why wouldn't Xie Heng cooperate with Li Guiyu?

All for Luo Wanqing? On what grounds?

Li Guiyu possessed what Xie Heng desired the most in his dreams from their past life – they had formed an alliance back then. So why did he refuse her in this lifetime? Was it because she had declared her affection, drawing Xie Heng's attention to her family's case, and he had promised to reopen it, only for her to die? Did he think poorly of Li Guiyu's character? Or did he feel guilty towards her? But she was merely a passerby he had briefly crossed paths with; if he were to abandon such a golden opportunity out of guilt, how could he have maintained such a partnership with her in their previous life?

What had truly led to Xie Heng's demise? Why had he suffered such a gruesome end?

The thought of Xie Heng's fate left Luo Wanqing feeling somewhat bewildered.

From her current understanding of Xie Heng's character and methods, how could he have possibly reached that point in her dream?

Luo Wanqing's thoughts wandered, but her expression remained composed. She tapped the table lightly and spoke calmly, "I understand your point. If Xie Heng and Li Guiyu must be allies, then I should kill him. But since I now have the possibility to approach Li Guiyu, why not let me eliminate him first?"

"Killing Li Guiyu is easy," replied Xiangsi Zi with a smile. "You're a sharp blade, not meant to be wasted on him. If you take care of Xie Heng, we'll help you deal with Li Guiyu."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked up at Xiangsi Zi. "You won't deceive me, will you?"

"Even if I were to deceive you, do you have any other choice?"

Xiangsi Zi spoke earnestly, "Now, I'm your only ally. As an orphan seeking revenge, if not me, who else would you rely on?"

"You!"

Luo Wanqing feigned anger. Xiangsi Zi waved her over, as if addressing a child, "Tell the truth without getting angry. If you've made up your mind, how about sharing your progress so far?"

"I'm currently by Xie Heng's side, and he's grooming me every day," Luo Wanqing said with a pout, pretending to be discontented. "I have plenty of opportunities to get close to him."

"I knew I hadn't misjudged you," Xiangsi Zi nodded, quite pleased.

"Luo Wanqing replied calmly, "I can help you kill Xie Heng, but I have two conditions."

Xiangsi Zi was intrigued, "Two?"

"Return my family to me, and," Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze, "give me Zhang Jiuran's mother gu."

At the mention of "Zhang Jiuran," Acacia Seed paused.

He lifted his gaze to look at her, pondered for a moment, and then smiled. "She's still alive?"

"Luo Wanqing," observing his expression, she spoke calmly, "she followed you since she was eighteen, regarding you as both mentor and father. Give her a chance to live."

Acacia Seed remained silent. After a while, he lowered his head, swaying the teacup slightly, and said, "You haven't known each other long, yet you speak so much on her behalf. Seems like she truly wants to leave. I knew from the start that she wouldn't amount to much."

Finishing his tea in one gulp, he asked, "Any other requests?"

"I want to see my family, to confirm that they're really alive."

"Agreed, but I need to verify that you indeed have the ability to kill Xie Heng."

With a cold tone, Acacia Seed replied, "Give me a chance to kill Xie Heng. Whether or not I act is my decision. As long as I have that opportunity, you can meet your family."

Luo Wanqing considered his words. Normally, Xie Heng seldom left the Censorate and had bodyguards when he did. The only chance Acacia Seed might have to strike was five days later, when Xie Heng would be ambushing Li Guiyu in the outskirts.

"Alright. Do you have a map?"

Luo Wanqing inquired. Xiangsi took out a map and a piece of charcoal from his sleeve, handing them to her. "The location is up to you."

Luo Wanqing examined the map and selected a spot within a forest near the location arranged by Xie Heng. After marking the place, she told Xiangsi, "Five days later, you can set your ambush here. At that time, I'll bring Xie Heng over alone. As long as I succeed, you'll bring my family here."

"Deal," Xiangsi nodded with a smile. Then, he added, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave?"

"One last question," Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze. "Are you sure you haven't told anyone else about my situation?"

Xiangsi remained silent. After a long moment of contemplation, he spoke softly, "Take good care of Jiuran. Once this matter is settled, she'll be free."

Startled, Luo Wanqing watched as Xiangsi stood up and walked out, casually remarking, "I've taken care of what needed to be cleaned up for her to have a better life in the future."

With that, Xiangsi pushed the door open and left.

Luo Wanqing sat there for a long while before she finally comprehended the situation.

Xiangsi... was actually willing to let Zhang Jiuran go?

The departure of Zhang Jiuran was known only to Zhao Yuyan and Xiangsi Zi. Now that Zhao Yuyan was gone, Xiangsi Zi alone held this secret.

If he chose not to report it and kept it to himself, Zhang Jiuran could slip away from the Pavilion of Storms and Sighs without a trace.

They had spent five years together, a relationship akin to that of mentor and father. If Zhang Jiuran couldn't bring herself to kill him, could he so readily slay her?

Luo Wanqing's mind cleared in an instant. She glanced at the direction Xiangsi Zi had taken, gave a mocking smile, then rose to leave.

After their conversation, Luo Wanqing descended the stairs. It was peak hour, and she strolled aimlessly through the streets, soon sensing someone following her.

She remained silent, pretending to be an innocent young maiden shopping in the city, browsing here and there along the street.

As she walked, someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder. Turning around, she saw an old lady smiling apologetically and asking, "Miss, do you know the way to Pingmen Lane?"

Luo Wanqing wore a puzzled expression, looked around, then said, "Granny, that way isn't easy to navigate. Let me guide you there."

"Thank you, thank you, Miss," the old lady expressed her gratitude, repeatedly expressing her thanks.

Luo Wanqing offered her arm, leading the elderly woman towards the lane. Just as they reached the alley, someone lunged at them from behind.

Luo Wanqing was well aware of the situation but pretended ignorance. Before she could react, a handkerchief laced with a sedative was pressed against her face!

Luo Wanqing held her breath, feigning terror. She struggled slightly before pretending to succumb to the drug, collapsing limply.

Several men emerged from the alley, observing Luo Wanqing lying unconscious on the ground. One of them exclaimed gleefully, "Hey, this type can fetch a high price. Should we send her straight over there...?"

"What are you thinking?"

The elderly woman crouched down, patting Luo Wanqing's face. She turned and glared at the speaker, stating firmly, "Sell her outside the Eastern Capital, but don't cause trouble."

"Understood."

The old woman's words carried great weight, and everyone immediately obeyed. Standing up, she looked down at Luo Wanqing with satisfaction and chuckled. "We'll get a good price for her."

Luo Wanqing listened silently as they lifted her and transported her through several routes. Eventually, she was thrown into a room.

Upon entering, she heard the voices of numerous women and young men crying out for help.

Luo Wanqing maintained her pretense of unconsciousness. As the door slammed shut, she felt someone nudge her with their foot. The voice of the Vermillion Bird rang out softly, "Stop pretending, they're gone."

Luo Wanqing opened her eyes to find all the women gathered by the door, while the men lay bound and unconscious on the other side.

Zhuque, bound and seated against a pillar, looked at her and said, "Bear with it for a few days. Just eat, sleep, and wait to be sold."

Pointing with his chin to the steamed bun on the ground, he urged Luo Wanqing, "I'm hungry. Bring that bun over so I can have a bite."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing hesitated slightly before crawling forward to retrieve the bun. She broke it into small pieces and fed them to Zhuque, frowning as she did so. "Is it safe to eat their food? They might have drugged it, right?"

Zhuque, munching on the bun, replied, "Don't worry, I've been through this before. If there's any drug..."

His words were cut short as his head slumped, and he passed out.

Luo Wanqing glanced down at the bun, pondered for a moment, then set it aside.

Zhuque slept through the day. The next morning, as he woke up, Luo Wanqing watched him open his eyes and smiled, saying, "Envoy Zhuque, you didn't finish your sentence last night."

Zhuque looked up, confused. "Huh?"

"You mentioned your experience," Luo Wanqing offered him the fresh bun from that morning with a smile. "If there was a drug in the bun, what would happen?"

Crimson Bird remained silent, staring at the steamed bun before him. After some thought, he said earnestly, "She'll have a good sleep."

Author's Note:

"Mini-Theater"

Xie Heng: "Crimson Bird, I told you to teach her wisdom, not foolishness. Deducted salary!"

Crimson Bird: "!!! Catastrophe of epic proportions!!!”