Chapter 44

Chapter 44

◎ That was Jiang Shaoyan's spot. ◎

After exchanging polite greetings, Zheng Biyue composed herself and returned to her place beside Li Guiyu, whispering something to him.

Li Guiyu glanced at Luo Wanqing but quickly averted his gaze.

He knew what Zheng Biyue was afraid of.

This person was far too similar.

Even that smile just now resembled Luo Wanqing's immensely.

But considering she was meticulously cultivated as an imitation, it wasn't strange for her to resemble him so closely.

His young lady couldn't possibly be here, let alone possess such exceptional martial arts skills and a gaze as sharp as a blade.

Before, she had only pretended to care about this imitation to lure Xie Heng into the Fragrant Blossom Pavilion for a fleeting dalliance.

But a lady will always be a lady, and a counterfeit will forever be a fake.

Falsehood holds no meaning save for death.

A surge of murderous intent welled within Li Guiyu, but he maintained his composure, casually stroking the jade ring on his finger.

From a distance, Luo Wanqing observed the pair, confirming their identities. Disinterested in giving them any further attention, she scanned her surroundings.

Beside the two stood a middle-aged man, engaging Zheng Biyue in conversation. He must be Zheng Biyue's father, Zheng Pingsheng, the Minister of Punishments.

Additionally, there was an eunuch dressed in purple. Luo Wanqing felt she had caught a fleeting glimpse of him the previous night. Presumably, this was Yang Chun, the Grand Eunuch of the Central Palace who had been assigned to search the premises last night.

Having mentally noted everyone present, Luo Wanqing awaited the summons from the imperial study. Guided by a eunuch, she entered the inner chamber, bowed her head, and respectfully said, "Your humble servant, Liu Xiniang, pays respects to the Emperor. Long live our sovereign, long live, long live."

"Rise," came a gentle voice from a middle-aged man. "Your wounds were mentioned by Heng'er. You rendered meritorious service in protecting me last night. Be seated."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing dared not lift her gaze. She allowed a maid to help her rise and take a seat on the cushioned chair provided.

Emperor Li Zong, seated on his throne, couldn't help but chuckle. Turning to look at Xie Heng, he commented with a smile, "Your Inspectorate has finally acquired a decent individual."

Xie Heng glanced at Luo Wanqing, who sat demurely with her head lowered. She barely touched the edge of her chair, maintaining perfect posture, a manner quite uncommon in the world of martial arts.

He smiled wryly and replied, "She's rather timid."

Upon hearing this, Li Zong waved his hand and chuckled. He then turned to examine the documents on the table and said, "Where would your Intelligence Bureau find a timid person? Besides, wasn't she a convicted salt smuggler?"

Luo Wanqing felt a chill, but Li Zong didn't pursue the matter. Instead, he asked directly, "Tell me what happened last night."

Li Zong's tone was gentle, far from the demeanor of an emperor. Luo Wanqing recounted the events as per Xie Heng's instructions, and he interjected with questions now and then. When she finished, he fell into deep thought and murmured, "So... you have no idea who attempted to assassinate the Crown Prince?"

"I, your servant, do not know."

Luo Wanqing lowered her eyes, perplexed as to why Li Zong didn't seem to doubt the Intelligence Bureau at all.

Li Zong nodded and continued, "The Crown Prince is still recovering from his wounds, which were laced with poison. If your account is accurate, when he wakes up, I'll have him thank you personally."

"That is my duty, and I dare not take credit."

"Rewards should be given where they are due, or who would work for me?"

Li Zong chuckled, then lifted his gaze to the door, his tone turning more detached as he said, "Summon Third Prince and Minister Zheng, along with Biyue, inside."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing lifted her eyes and saw Li Guiyu, Zheng Pingsheng, and Zheng Biyue entering together.

From Li Zong's tone, it was clear that he had a particularly close relationship with Zheng Biyue, akin to that of an elder.

Luo Wanqing mentally processed all the information as she observed the three of them kneeling to pay their respects.

Li Zong first acknowledged Li Guiyu, saying softly, "Guiyu, you may speak," while he stroked the jade seal in his hand. "You reported suspicions that the Inspectorate has ill intentions towards the Crown Prince. How did you come to know of this matter?"

"I received a letter delivered straight to my doorstep."

With respect, Li Guiyu spoke up. Immediately, someone nearby presented a slip of paper. As the note was laid on the table, Li Zong glanced at its contents and then looked up, asking, "Do you know who sent this?"

"Your son does not know, Your Majesty."

"Yet you didn't think to inform the palace?" Li Zong chuckled. "How was I to know you have such a hasty nature?"

"As a son, I am deeply concerned for His Highness the Crown Prince and dare not act with the slightest carelessness."

"Given your martial prowess, why haven't you rushed to the Fragrant Blossom Pavilion to save the Crown Prince?" Li Zong's words were sharp, but Li Guiyu remained composed.

"I dare not go."

"Why not?"

"As a son, I promptly informed the palace and even went to the Minister's residence to avoid suspicion. Yet, I am still under suspicion. If I had been there, it would only have complicated matters further," Li Guiyu said, his tone disheartened yet calm.

Seeing this, Li Zong paused in his caress of the jade seal.

Li Guiyu made no excuses and spoke no more, but his stoic demeanor, coupled with his despondent expression, made him appear somewhat pitiable.

After a moment of silence, Li Zong turned to Xie Heng. "Heng'er, why do you suspect that it was Guiyu who attempted to assassinate the Crown Prince?"

"Your Majesty," Xie Heng replied calmly, "I reported 'possible involvement' because I personally witnessed someone who bore an uncanny resemblance to Third Prince. Today, the Inspectorate examined the crime scene and found traces consistent with Third Prince's martial arts style."

Though not definitive proof, such evidence carried more weight than mere accusations from a crowd.

Li Zong fell silent, seemingly in deep thought. Amidst the quiet, a sudden commotion could be heard from outside.

All eyes turned, and Luo Wanqing witnessed a woman dressed in a palace gown embroidered with golden phoenix threads, her head adorned with a golden crown. With a cold expression, she led her entourage into the hall with an intimidating air.

Seemingly enraged, she entered the chamber silently, bowing to Li Zong without a word.

Li Zong was taken aback, then he asked, "Empress, why are you...?"

Before he could finish, the Empress spun around and fiercely slapped Li Guiyu across the face!

Li Guiyu received the blow calmly. The Empress, with tears in her eyes, turned back to fix her gaze on Li Zong. "Your Majesty, how can you still tolerate this rebellious son here?"

Li Zong's expression was somewhat grim, while Xie Heng lowered his gaze, fiddling with the thousand-machine bead bracelet on his wrist.

Luo Wanqing watched all of this unfold as the Empress pointed at Li Guiyu, gritting her teeth and saying, "He's willing to lay hands on his own younger brother, the Crown Prince. Such a ruthless and unscrupulous person, why hasn't His Majesty immediately thrown him into the imperial prison?!"

"Empress."

Li Zong's voice was cold. "The matter is still uncertain."

"How can we not be certain after an investigation?!"

The Empress stared at Li Zong, reminding him, "Your Majesty, that is the Crown Prince! If he dares to touch even the Crown Prince, what wouldn't he dare? With such a heinous crime, how can you expect a mother to be at ease if you refuse to mete out punishment?"

This caused Li Zong's actions to pause slightly. Everyone sensed his hesitation. Zheng Biyue, upon hearing this, quickly interjected, "No, Your Majesty, Third Prince is innocent. He was at the Zheng residence all night. I can…."

"Silence!"

Zheng Pingsheng interrupted Zheng Biyue, but everyone could tell she intended to vouch for her brother with her own reputation.

Zheng Biyue fell silent under her father's reprimand, casting an apologetic glance at Li Guiyu.

The standoff continued. Li Guiyu chuckled softly and lifted his gaze to meet the Empress's.

"Mother," Li Guiyu looked at her calmly, "Seventh Brother is your child, but am I not?"

The Empress paused, then turned to face him, her eyes filled with disappointment. "Yes, you are, and that is why your mother is even more disappointed."

Upon hearing this, Li Guiyu let out a bitter laugh. He then bowed his head to the ground and said respectfully, "Father, if that is the case, please have your son imprisoned and subjected to torture for a retrial."

Upon hearing his words, Li Zong raised his gaze to look at Li Guiyu. At that moment, if there had been outsiders present, they would likely have felt great pity for Li Guiyu's posture.

The Empress glared at him, clenching her fists in anger.

Li Guiyu calmly bowed his head to the ground. Li Zong pondered for a moment, seemingly hesitant.

After a long while, Xie Heng spoke up with a calm tone, "Your Majesty."

Li Zong turned his gaze, and Xie Heng lifted his eyes, saying earnestly, "Why not conduct a secret interrogation? Only those present here would know. We could question him," Xie Heng raised his gaze to meet the Empress's, "to alleviate Her Majesty's concern for her son."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression sharpened, but Li Zong seemed relieved, nodding in agreement. "A secret interrogation is a good idea. Then it should be conducted by...?"

Li Zong hesitated, scanning the surrounding area.

For a secret interrogation, the fewer people who knew, the better. But who would conduct it?

The Central Imperial Household?

After all, they were eunuchs, typically dealing with matters within the palace and lacking experience in interrogating high officials. They might not know how to handle the situation properly, and there was no telling how many of the Empress's people were among them. If they went to the Central Imperial Household, survival was uncertain.

The Ministry of Justice?

That was Li Guiyu's future father-in-law. Ignoring the Empress's consent, Li Zong himself found it inappropriate.

The Censorate?

Sending him there would only add more people to the loop, and it was the Empress's own family. Once inside, Li Guiyu might never come out.

The only one he could trust now was the very bureau involved in the matter: the Inspectorate.

Though the Inspectorate was implicated, Xie Heng had no grudge against Li Guiyu. In fact, they should have been on the same side. Yet, he was still willing to report Li Guiyu. Moreover, compared to the Central Imperial Court, Xie Heng had a better grasp of the situation and wouldn't let anything happen to Li Guiyu.

Most importantly, Xie Heng was his man.

After a moment's deliberation, Li Zong reached a decision.

"Let the Inspectorate conduct a secret investigation then."

"Your Majesty!" The Empress immediately frowned upon hearing this. "The Inspectorate is involved in the case. Why not let the Central Imperial Court handle it?"

"Empress," Li Zong lifted his gaze and said calmly, "Enough is enough."

The Empress's expression froze. Li Zong turned to Xie Heng and said earnestly, "Investigate thoroughly, do you understand?"

Xie Heng immediately grasped Li Zong's intention. He rose to his feet and bowed respectfully. "This humble subject understands."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but glance at Xie Heng.

On their way here, he had mentioned that if he could get Li Guiyu into the Censorate, he would hand him over to her for interrogation. Now, it seemed that Li Zong had indeed taken action, using the Empress to get Li Guiyu into the Censorate just as he had said.

How did he manage it?

Luo Wanqing was puzzled but dared not speak. The guards stepped forward to take Li Guiyu away, but Zheng Biyue suddenly intervened, pulling the guard aside. She exclaimed anxiously, "Your Majesty, with so many people present, why do you only punish Prince Third?"

Everyone turned to look. Zheng Biyue lifted her head hastily, about to say something, when she met Xie Heng's cold, indifferent gaze.

Zheng Biyue's voice faltered, and she dared not look at Xie Heng again. However, she seemed unwilling to give up. Recalling the quiet Luo Wanqing sitting beside her, she swiftly redirected her gaze to her and gritted her teeth. "What about her?!"

Li Zong's brows furrowed as he heard Zheng Biyue pointing at Luo Wanqing. "She abducted the Crown Prince, Your Majesty. If you can spare her," Zheng Biyue's face paled with sorrow, "why can't you spare Prince Third?"

"Bi Yue."

Upon hearing this, Li Guiyu shot a cold glance, seemingly as a warning: "There's no need to say more."

However, Zheng Biyue clearly didn't heed the warning and she anxiously called out, "Your Majesty!"

But before she could say anything else, Luo Wanqing softly spoke up, "This young lady seems to know quite a lot."

Everyone turned their attention to Luo Wanqing, who was staring at Zheng Biyue as if interrogating a suspect. She said earnestly, "Who told you that I kidnapped the crown prince?"

This question made Zheng Biyue pause, and Li Guiyu looked at her with a cold gaze.

The incident of Luo Wanqing kidnapping the crown prince had taken place within the Pavilion of Storms. Let alone a woman confined to her chambers like her, even her father, Zheng Pingsheng, might not have received such news so swiftly.

Luo Wanqing hinted, "If it wasn't someone who was present, then who spread the news so quickly?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng couldn't help but glance at Luo Wanqing, a hint of a smile barely visible in his eyes.

Zheng Biyue's expression stiffened as she replied, "It was one of the soldiers who came to search the residence."

"Which soldier?" Luo Wanqing pressed for more information.

Zheng Biyue's expression turned grim. Then, she seemed to recall something and lifted her head to glare at Luo Wanqing, yelling, "What right do you have to interrogate me?"

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Heng turned his gaze and asked coldly, "May I ask, Princess Zheng, is there anyone the Censorate cannot question?"

"Biyue."

Xie Heng spoke, and Zheng Pingsheng, who had been silent, finally interjected, reminding her, "You're spreading baseless rumors. Don't talk nonsense."

Receiving this scolding, Zheng Biyue finally calmed down a bit. She lowered her head and said, "Yes, Biyue was speaking nonsense. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Upon hearing Zheng Biyue admit her mistake, Li Zong sighed and shook his head. "Ah, you child, you always lose your head when it comes to Guiyu."

At these words, tears began to fall from Zheng Biyue's eyes.

Li Zong appeared somewhat weary as he waved his hand. "That's enough for now. You all may leave. The Censorate will conduct a secret interrogation of Guiyu, while the Central Palace will continue searching for other leads. We'll discuss further when the Crown Prince wakes up. Empress, please stay," Li Zong looked up at the Empress with warmth in his voice, "I would like to have a word with you."

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and acknowledged, then left the imperial study, leaving only the Empress behind to "chat" with Li Zong.

Luo Wanqing was escorted by her maid, following Xie Heng out of the room. As soon as they reached the door, she sensed a gaze lingering on her.

Lifting her gaze, Luo Wanqing noticed Zheng Biyue. Upon realizing that Luo Wanqing had perceived her scrutiny, Zheng Biyue quickly averted her eyes and pretended to remain composed while following Zheng Pingsheng away.

Xie Heng observed the silent tension between the two women but didn't comment further. Instead, he ensured Luo Wanqing was helped into the carriage before joining her himself.

Once both were inside, Luo Wanqing asked, "Why did the Empress come?"

"You ask too many questions," Xie Heng replied coldly with a glance.

Luo Wanqing immediately realized her overstep and promptly said, "This servant acknowledges my mistake."

Xie Heng remained silent, picking up a scroll from the side. After a moment's thought, he continued, "You need not concern yourself with the Empress's movements nor worry about the matter of the Crown Prince's abduction."

"His Majesty isn't blaming me?"

Luo Wanqing knew this was a question she was allowed to pose, voicing her confusion openly.

Abducting the Crown Prince was no minor offense. Yet, the Emperor didn't hold her accountable at all. What had Xie Heng done?

"After today's court session, I mentioned it to His Majesty," Xie Heng explained. "I suspect that there might be a connection between the people from the Wind and Rain Pavilion and the Empress. Hence, I wanted to use the Crown Prince as a test. To His Majesty, verifying the identity of the Wind and Rain Pavilion by abducting the Crown Prince is worth the risk."

Luo Wanqing paused at his words, realizing the weight Xie Heng held in Li Zong's heart and his absolute grasp of the palace dynamics.

She dared not say more and replied with a composed demeanor, "Your planning is profound, Sir. Your subordinate is truly impressed."

Xie Heng was accustomed to such flattery, and her response seemed to disappoint him. He glanced at her briefly but didn't elaborate further.

Together, they descended from the carriage. Xie Heng arranged for Luo Wanqing to be carried back in a sedan chair.

Before leaving, he added, "After Li Guiyu takes over the Supervisory Bureau, wait for Cui Guanlan's instruction to interrogate Third Prince. I don't care what you do, but you must have discretion. Do you understand?"

Luo Wanqing paused slightly upon hearing this, recognizing it as a warning from Xie Heng.

She bowed respectfully. "Yes, I understand."

Satisfied with her comprehension, Xie Heng nodded and led his entourage away.

Luo Wanqing was carried all the way back to the rear mountain where Xie Heng resided, in the comfortable sedan chair.

Despite confirming that it wasn't Zhang Jiuran, Xie Heng didn't let her leave either. As long as Xie Heng remained silent, no one dared to touch her. Luo Wanqing rested on the bed for the entire afternoon before Zhu Si came to inform her that Qin Jue wished to see her.

With Zhang Jiuran still on her mind, Luo Wanqing, overwhelmed by recent events, immediately asked Zhu Si to invite Qin Jue in since he had taken the initiative to visit.

Upon entering the room, Qin Jue found Luo Wanqing seated on the bed. He promptly said, "How is Jiuran?"

"I received the maternal parasitic insect from the Head Supervisor last night and promptly removed the infestation."

Qin Jue spoke calmly, "This morning, when I was wiping her hands, she moved her fingers slightly. It seems she'll recover gradually soon."

Luo Wanqing sighed in relief upon hearing this.

Qin Jue's expression remained stoic as he continued, "The Head Supervisor talked to me last night. If I spare her, she's willing to redeem herself by performing a service. The Inspectorate can offer her a chance at survival. There's no need for her to hide anymore. In a few days, I'll bring her here to you."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback. Qin Jue lowered his gaze and said, "Don't mention that we've met. Let's pretend we never have."

"But..."

"If she were to know that I saved her now," Qin Jue seemed to anticipate her plea, suddenly raising his head and speaking with a cold tone, "I'd find it revolting."

Afraid that she might perceive his vulnerability, he despised himself.

Luo Wanqing fell silent, then replied, "I understand."

"I've said enough," Qin Jue rose from his seat. "I'm leaving."

Luo Wanqing didn't attempt to detain him. She watched in silence as he departed.

Qin Jue was like her alter ego, but she knew she would never, ever treat Li Guiyu the way Qin Jue did.

He lacked Qin Jue's tolerance and compassion; she was merely a malevolent demon cast into hell.

And tonight, that demon was about to come face to face with Li Guiyu.

She could kill him.

Luo Wanqing keenly realized that she had never been closer to exacting revenge. If she so desired, she could trade her life for his tonight and end him.

The image of Li Guiyu weeping and begging for forgiveness flashed through her mind. She couldn't help but shut her eyes.

Regaining her composure, she suddenly realized that after all this time and all her pleading, what she truly desired from the bottom of her heart was simply those three words: he was wrong.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth—she sought the simplest form of revenge to atone for her family who had long passed.

Luo Wanqing took her time to recover, opening her eyes to see the sunset dyed in blood-red hues.

Zhu Si entered to serve her dinner and then brought her medicine. After eating and taking the medicine, Luo Wanqing changed into the attire of the Inspectorate's Director, awaiting Cui Heng.

As night fell, Cui Heng finally knocked on her door, softly saying, "There's no need to open it. Just answer, and I'll enter myself."

Upon hearing his voice, Luo Wanqing responded, and Cui Heng pushed the door open. Carrying a rabbit lantern and wearing a mask, he gazed at Luo Wanqing with a warm smile.

Startled, Luo Wanqing stood there as Cui Heng approached. He handed her the lantern and asked with a smile, "Isn't it cute?"

Holding the rabbit lantern, Luo Wanqing felt a bit lost. Looking up at Cui Heng, she asked, "Is this for me?"

"Visiting someone who's unwell usually involves bringing a gift, doesn't it?" Cui Heng smiled, then continued, "What plans do you have for tonight?"

Luo Wanqing paused slightly upon hearing his question.

"I've heard that Li Guiyu has entered the Inspectorate, and you're interrogating him," Cui Heng said, looking down at her seated in the chair with a smile. "Tonight, he's at your mercy. What do you plan to do?"

Luo Wanqing remained silent. Cui Heng placed his hands on the armrests and leaned forward, gazing into her eyes as he earnestly assessed her. "Shall we kill him?"

"Yes," Luo Wanqing replied calmly.

The amusement on Cui Heng's face faded slightly. "For real?"

"False."

Luo Wanqing chuckled. "I'm going to reveal my identity to him. Once he knows it's me, he'll understand that I truly intend to kill him. I won't act tonight. Give him a chance to send a message out tonight."

"What message? To whom?" Cui Heng completely disregarded her mention of "identity" and focused only on questions related to Li Guiyu.

"The Empress," Luo Wanqing answered, knowing his consideration. She lifted her gaze to meet his. "Right now, it's the Empress who's preventing him from leaving the Inspectorate. But once the Crown Prince is dead, they'll be in the same boat. The quicker the Crown Prince dies, the sooner he can escape."

"So, as long as he knows you genuinely want to kill him, he'll do anything possible to eliminate the Crown Prince and leave the Inspectorate."

Understanding Luo Wanqing's plan, Cui Heng straightened up and spread his arms. "Alright then, I'll accompany the Inspector on this visit. It won't be convenient for you to ride in a sedan chair to the dungeon. Can I carry you?"

Considering the prospect of being carried by Cui Heng into the underground palace, Luo Wanqing felt a faint blush on her cheeks. Just as she was about to decline, Cui Heng spoke, "Given your injuries, you shouldn't be conducting interrogations at all. This is a special exception made by Lord Li, but you mustn't overexert yourself."

"I'm fine," Luo Wanqing replied awkwardly. "You carrying me like this... if someone sees... I, my reputation..."

"I'll let you down at the entrance," Cui Heng unexpectedly persisted, his tone turning slightly softer, as if conceding. "I won't let Li Guiyu see, and I won't offend your Inspector's dignity."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt that refusing further would appear overly sentimental.

She quietly put down the rabbit lantern and allowed Cui Heng to carry her all the way to the dungeon. He showed some consideration for her dignity, choosing a less frequented path, ensuring that few noticed their journey. Upon reaching the dungeon entrance, he set her down and opened the door for her, entering the interrogation chamber together.

Inside, she saw Li Guiyu secured to the torture rack with black iron, his eyes closed, seemingly meditating. Hearing their approach, Li Guiyu opened his eyes. Upon seeing Luo Wanqing and Cui Heng enter, he seemed surprised. Gazing at Luo Wanqing's wounds, he chuckled softly. "Inspector Liu suffered such severe injuries and yet was still assigned to interrogate me. It seems Supervisor Xie trusts the influence of your face on me greatly?"

Li Guiyu never considered that Luo Wanqing had come because she wanted to. He believed that Xie Heng, in dealing with him, had summoned this Inspector with Luo Wanqing's appearance even while severely injured to interrogate him.

Luo Wanqing didn't elaborate on her response, simply stating softly, "Thanks to you, that last arrow missed its mark. Here I am, still alive and kicking."

This caused Li Guiyu's expression to fade.

He knew that in that final moment, when he saw that face lift up, his hand had trembled.

That face, even if it was a counterfeit, had still left its mark.

Despite the obvious manipulation, he had fallen into the trap.

"Why is that?" Luo Wanqing approached the interrogator's chair, not quite comprehending. "Out of guilt?"

If it was guilt, would he have carried out those actions in the first place?

Li Guiyu remained silent, watching as Cui Heng helped her sit down.

His gaze fixated on the hand that Cui Heng used to assist her. Noticing this, Cui Heng smiled subtly but didn't comment. After Luo Wanqing was seated, he thoughtfully placed a cushion behind her back and then offered her a cup of warm tea.

Luo Wanqing, accustomed to being served, was oblivious to their presence.

Cui Heng assisted her, and she sat down.

He softened a pillow, and she leaned against it.

He offered tea, and she could take it without even looking.

In receiving the teacup, her little finger elegantly curled, mimicking every detail of Luo Wanqing's actions. Except, the one serving her was not Jiang Shaoyan.

Li Guiyu observed these gestures, his gaze darkening slightly.

Luo Wanqing sensed the hostility and sat calmly, lifting her gaze to meet Li Guiyu's. Her inquiry carried a subtle warning: "Third Prince?"

"Are you interrogating me?"

Li Guiyu didn't give a direct response. If he did, he would be acknowledging that he was at the Fragrant Pavilion last night, the one who had wounded her with an arrow.

Luo Wanqing nodded slightly. "Today, I am your judge."

"Very well."

Li Guiyu replied with a flirtatious tone.

His gaze shifted to Cui Heng, and his tone abruptly turned cold. "Then tell him to get lost."

Cui Heng's brows lifted, and Li Guiyu turned his gaze upon Luo Wanqing. His eyes were gentle as he revealed a charming smile, as if seeking consent. "It's just the two of us here. If Envoy Liu asks, I'll answer. How does that sound?"

The author has something to say:

"Mini-Theater"

Cui Heng: "Can I carry you over?"

Luo Wanqing: "That wouldn't be appropriate..."

Cui Heng: "Huh, Li Guiyu doesn't even allow a hug now."

Luo Wanqing: "...."

Cui Heng: "Forget it. For the sake of your injury, I'll swallow my pride. I'll avoid him and carry you then, alright?"

Luo Wanqing: "Your words carry a strange, ambiguous tone."

"Short Scene·2"

Luo Wanqing: "If it was your young lady interrogating you, how would you feel?"

Li Guiyu: "I would relish it."

Luo Wanqing: "...Pervert!!"

Cui Heng: "What about me?"

Li Guiyu: "..."

Cui Heng: "Guiyu, say something."

Li Guiyu: "Don't come near me!!! Pervert!!!!"