Chapter 47

Chapter 47

◎ His Liu Xiniang, his Manderline Fragrance ◎

Upon hearing this, Cui Heng remained silent.

He gazed at the woman not far away, her resolve and radiance apparent as if she had always been like that since he first met her.

Whether she held a blade or not, she carried an otherworldly clarity and courage that set her apart from the world.

She was like moonlight, silently illuminating the shadows in his heart.

Seeing Cui Heng's prolonged silence, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but wonder, "Cui Heng?"

"Why didn't you come back then?"

He suddenly spoke up.

Luo Wanqing was somewhat puzzled. "What?"

"Back then..." Cui Heng smiled, as if jesting, "I went through quite a bit of hardship too. But unfortunately, my luck wasn't on my side," he said, lifting his gaze with a slight deepening of his eyes, "but at that time, there was no Liu Xiniang."

Luo Wanqing remained silent, gazing at him calmly.

After a moment, she suddenly stepped forward, traversing the moonlight.

He watched her every step towards him, memories of his past self, shackled in chains and covered in blood, flooding his mind.

When she stood firmly before him, Cui Heng lowered his gaze, clenching the palace lantern tightly, his body tense. "Xiniang?"

"I don't know what you've been through in the past."

Luo Wanqing carefully chose her words. She was wary of appearing too intimate, which might be perceived as intrusive, but also feared being too distant, which could seem heartless.

Striking a balance, she lifted her head, her gaze earnest as she looked at the young man before her. "But now I'm here. Cui Heng," she pledged solemnly, "as long as I'm here, I'll protect you every day. I won't let you end up in such a situation again."

Cui Heng didn't respond. He knew this person to always mean what they said.

She had risked her life for him when they had just met, and now, with these words, he was certain she would fulfill her promise.

A more potent addiction than the Five-Grain Powder, the scent of Mandarava incense pierced through his memories, filling his thoughts.

He gazed at the woman before him, observing how the moonlight graced her lustrous cherry lips, like a shimmering mountain stream in the night.

Her lips were slightly parted, revealing a hidden valley where her tongue teased, now visible, now concealed, in the moon's glow, captivating and bewitching.

A flame ignited within him, parching his throat with desire.

He wanted her.

An intense, tangible craving surged within his heart, transforming all emotions into an unbridled lust that surged towards the woman before him.

Unaware of the malevolent spirit she had provoked, she stood there, her eyes as clear as an autumnal lake, pure and serene.

It was a fatal allure, tugging at him, pushing him forward.

Struggling to restrain himself, he still couldn't resist leaning slightly closer to Luo Wanqing, "Xiniang, are you serious?"

"Indeed."

Luo Wanqing responded earnestly, causing Cui Heng to break into a smile.

That smile was as captivating as a blooming mantraphala flower on the other shore. Gazing at her tenderly, he straightened up.

"Enforcer," his voice was hoarse, "You're injured. Let me escort you back?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing recalled her wounds. Initially, she intended to decline, but Cui Heng promptly handed her the lamp and lifted her up horizontally.

Knowing his stubborn nature, Luo Wanqing didn't argue. She held the lantern while being carried up the mountain by him.

The gentle night breeze brushed past them, and both remained silent.

He delivered her to her chamber, gently placing her on the bed. Then, with hands propped on the bedside, he leaned over and said, "Rest well, don't tire yourself out anymore."

Smiling, he stood up, preparing to leave.

Seeing him depart, Luo Wanqing suddenly remembered something crucial.

"Ah, wait!"

Luo Wanqing held him back, and Cui Heng turned his gaze to her, seemingly seeking an explanation.

Luo Wanqing got off the bed and, after a moment of searching, retrieved the pill she had just made, handing it to Cui Heng.

Cui Heng's eyes fell on the pill in her fingertips. "What is this?"

"This is the antidote for the Seven Insects Seven Flowers Pill," Luo Wanqing declared firmly. "Take it."

Cui Heng's gaze paused slightly. He stared at the pill for a long while before chuckling. "Does Xiniang know why I've repeatedly refused this antidote?"

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing was somewhat surprised by his question but also intrigued. "Why?"

Cui Heng strolled to stand before her, took the pill from her fingertips, and examined it in his hand for a moment. Then, he looked at Luo Wanqing with a smile. "Because I wanted more entanglements with Xiniang."

Luo Wanqing's heart skipped a beat. Cui Heng raised his hand, tapped the pill into his mouth, and then turned around, speaking loudly, "But that's no longer necessary now."

"Why isn't it necessary anymore?" Luo Wanqing asked instinctively.

Cui Heng turned back with a smile upon hearing her question.

"For now," Cui Heng spoke with profound meaning, "Xiniang and I are entangled."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback.

Cui Heng nodded with a gentle smile. "May the Envoy have a good rest."

With that, he turned and left.

His figure was as slender as bamboo, his demeanor graceful.

After Cui Heng vanished from sight, Luo Wanqing finally regained her senses. She hastily fetched a bowl of water and drank it in large gulps.

Then, she forced herself back to bed, eager to fall asleep before her thoughts could wander.

Meanwhile, Xie Heng restrained himself and returned to his room. He removed his mask and repeatedly washed himself with cold water until he finally calmed down. Then, he lay back on his bed.

The feeling of losing control due to the Five-Grain Powder was minimal compared to the Mandrake Incense he had used years ago. Yet, that night, he still had a long and distant dream.

In the dream, it was that rainy night five years ago.

On the outskirts of the Eastern Capital, at the age of eighteen, he intercepted countless assassins along the way until he finally met with someone who had traveled thousands of miles in a bamboo grove.

He held a blood-stained broken sword and clung tightly to the ragged middle-aged man, his voice hoarse, "Uncle, don't go, you'll die."

But the middle-aged man sighed, walking steadily and resolutely forward.

His cloak gradually slipped from Xie Heng's grasp, his tone calm, "My path, I will fulfill with my life."

"It's just a pity," the man said, his back to Xie Heng, pausing for a moment, "A Heng, I won't be able to see your coming-of-age ceremony. I already had a courtesy name in mind for you, but it seems it won't be needed now."

That night, the drizzle fell all through the night. Standing lost in the bamboo grove, he realized that no matter how sharp a sword, it couldn't stop the will of a person.

Suddenly, he didn't know where he had come from or where he was going. Eventually, he sat quietly in the bamboo cottage, listening to the night rain.

It wasn't until the arrival of the young girl in a panic that she pulled him out of his near-desperate confusion.

The young girl was not very old, having been kidnapped by bandits. Seated behind a screen, he effortlessly killed the villain.

Upon the villain's fall, the girl trembled with fear.

He didn't let her turn around, so they sat back to back.

Noticing her quivering, as if on the verge of tears, he coldly inquired, "Are you scared?"

The young girl hesitated before her teeth began to chatter as she softly replied, "N-No... I'm not scared."

"You saw me kill someone, and you're not afraid?"

He wasn't one for excessive conversation, but he was too afraid of overthinking in silence.

Despite her evident fear, the girl still managed to say, "You... You did nothing wrong."

Xie Heng paused. The girl clenched her teeth and continued, "My... My father said that people cannot stand without roots, and the world cannot be good without justice. He was a bad person. If you didn't kill him, then it would have been me who died."

Xie Heng was taken aback.

People cannot stand without roots, and the world cannot be good without justice.

He repeated this phrase in his mind, as if a ray of light had pierced through the long night.

Leaning against the screen, he closed his eyes.

After a long while, noticing the maiden outside still appeared frightened, he pondered and set down the broken sword in his hand. Reaching out, he picked up a bamboo leaf that had fallen inside the room and began folding it into a grasshopper for her.

This skill of making grasshoppers was taught to him by his uncle when he was young, said to be an exclusive trick to effortlessly amuse children. He had always enjoyed it as a child.

He folded the grasshopper in silence, feeling his heart gradually calm down.

Having made his decision, he knew the path he would take.

If there was no one else in this world who could wield a blade, then he, Xie Heng, would step forward.

His path, he would walk with his life on the line.

"I'll give you this grasshopper," he extended it to her, lifting his gaze to meet the night rain. Resolved to guard her through the night, he said softly, "Take a nap, it'll be alright."

The little girl froze for a moment. After a while, she timidly took the grasshopper. This time, it seemed her fear had subsided.

Holding the grasshopper, she hesitated for a long time before whispering, "Thank you."

He didn't respond, and the girl pursed her lips. With hesitation, she said, "Big Brother, I smell blood behind your screen. Are you injured?"

"It's none of your concern. Go to sleep."

"I... My mother is a physician, and I've learned some medicine too. If you don't mind, let me take a look at your injury?"

"There's no need."

"You saved my life, and I have no way to repay you."

"That debt has been repaid."

These words left the girl startled. She realized that he didn't wish to reveal his identity, so she dared not ask further.

But the night was long, and she was still afraid. After much deliberation, she whispered, "Big Brother, would you like to talk with me?"

He remained silent for a moment before responding, "Go on."

The young girl had plenty to say and was completely unguarded.

Her voice was gentle as she spoke at length.

She introduced herself as Luo Wanqing, mentioned her parents and brother, and shared that she studied medicine, admitting to being slow-witted.

She expressed her aspiration to be like her mother, saving many lives and becoming a respected physician.

She talked about the rabbit she had raised, which had been ill for two years. Each day, she administered medicine in hopes of curing it.

She recounted how she was bullied at school, but when her brother intervened, he brought the culprit to her; however, she couldn't bring herself to retaliate...

He listened silently, forming an image of the young lady's character behind the screen.

As dawn broke and the night rain ceased, he softly said, "You may leave now."

The girl stood up, hesitated for a long while, and finally asked, "Brother, what is your name?"

"No need to ask, we won't meet again."

He spoke calmly, "Let's go."

The girl was taken aback, seemingly a bit disheartened. After some thought, she still expressed her concern, "Then where do you plan to go? You're injured, why don't you come with me? I'll find my parents and send you to wherever you need to be."

"I'll walk my own path, no need for farewells."

The girl hesitated, still trying to persuade him, "Well... the road ahead isn't easy. How about I accompany you?"

Upon hearing this, he lowered his gaze to the blood-stained broken sword in his hand and chuckled softly.

"On the Canglan Grand Road, I walk alone."

He turned away from her, his voice gentle, "Miss, your family is still waiting for you, go back."

Go be a good doctor.

Live your peaceful life.

Though our paths differ, we can each pursue our own goals.

In a world without the slaying of evil, he, Xie Heng, would be the blade that guards this realm.

May that maiden find sanctuary in the goodness of this world, a corner to shield her from harm.

In his dream, he watched the maiden depart in silence, his heart trembling slightly. He forced himself to shut his eyes, refusing to witness her departure any longer.

Then, a surge of bloodied air engulfed him, intermingled with the scent of mandarin flowers, as countless scenes flashed before him.

"Heng'er, I dared not raise a wolf, only a dog. It was I who saved you, do you understand?"

"Your mother is gone, she died in the palace. Your maternal clan was imprisoned. What were you doing then? Being the champion of the Music Festival, impressive, Xie Heng."

"Xie Heng, you sinner, Cui's death was because of you. You deserve to die, to damnation!"

...

"In every person, there lies both good and evil."

Amidst the chaotic curses, a clear feminine voice suddenly rang out, "A person's goodness should not be punished or avenged."

The clinking of chains echoed as she pushed the door open.

Mandora fragrance filled every breath he took. With great effort, he opened his eyes to see a woman dressed identically in black and white, her lotus-like steps gracefully landing before him amidst the pool of blood.

Candlelight flickered, casting a crimson hue like that of a blooming crabapple tree.

She seemed like an enchantress, bending down slowly to draw near.

"Sir," she looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with moisture.

Her delicate, boneless hand slipped into his shirt, cautiously sliding downward. Xie Heng's gaze remained fixed on her face, his expression inscrutable.

She leaned up, wrapping her arms around his shoulder, sliding down onto him as if in a sacrificial offering. Gently nibbling on his earlobe, her voice was bewitchingly soft.

"I'm here."

In that instant, without hesitation, he seized her neck, pulling her down fiercely for a possessive kiss.

His Liu Xiniang.

Xie Heng flipped over, pressing his body atop the figure in his dream. His nose grazed her jawline, savoring her sweet aroma.

He murmured against her lips,

Her mandarin orchid scent.

******

Luo Wanqing had rested through the night. The next day, still half-asleep, she heard knocking at the door.

Zhuque's voice sounded urgent, "Liu Xiniang? Are you still alive? Li Guiyu is escaping!"

At these words, Luo Wanqing jolted awake. Swiftly, she got up, snatched her cloak, and rushed out, asking anxiously, "The Crown Prince? Is he alive?"

If Li Guiyu was fleeing, it must be with the Empress's approval.

The only reason the Empress would release Li Guiyu would be if something had happened to the Crown Prince.

Seeing her dressing before him, Zhuque's eyes widened abruptly as he stammered, "Y-Y-You..."

"I'm asking you a question!"

Luo Wanqing fastened her sash and demanded, "How is the prince doing?"

"The prince..." The phoenix, Zhuque, sounded uncertain, "He should be better, right?"

This made Luo Wanqing lift her eyes in surprise. Zhuque scratched his head, "Yesterday, the Headmaster sent in a thousand-year-old ginseng. They say he's well enough to walk around today."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing's mind buzzed.

If the prince was lively and healthy, wouldn't that mean Li Guiyu was about to leave?

"Is he planning an escape?" Luo Wanqing asked, leading Zhuque downward.

Zhuque immediately denied it, "No, it's someone from the palace who came to take him back."

Luo Wanqing furrowed her brow, "The palace?"

Knowing what she was about to ask, Zhuque elaborated, "The Empress's messenger said that the prince misses his elder brother and wishes to meet with him."

This only made things more perplexing. Luo Wanqing suppressed her doubts as they continued down the mountain.

She was Li Guiyu's chief interrogator, and according to the rules of the Inspectorate, even if the Emperor or Empress were to request the transfer of a prisoner, they would first need the approval of the Chief Investigator.

When Luo Wanqing arrived at the dungeon, Li Guiyu was already seated in the reception room, guarded by an elderly man.

Many people stood in the reception area. With a swift glance, Luo Wanqing recognized that most were from the palace, while a minority were Li Guiyu's own men.

Upon entering, the guards of the Inspectorate approached her, their voices cold. "Inspector Liu, there are envoys from the palace who wish to retrieve Prince Third. Here is the writ."

"What need is there for paperwork!"

The old man standing beside Li Guiyu bellowed upon hearing this. "Our prince has suffered greatly in your Inspectorate, and now with an imperial edict from the Empress, you still hesitate? Is it you, Liu Xiniang?"

Raising his head, he glared fiercely at Luo Wanqing. "Prepare to lose your position!"

Lifting her eyes, Luo Wanqing met the old man's gaze and froze.

This was Zhang Bo.

The one who had followed Li Guiyu from Jiangnan, delivering the dagger to her.

It was the first time she had seen him so imposingly reprimand someone; Luo Wanqing couldn't help but laugh.

Zhang Bo's expression turned stern. "What are you laughing at?"

As he spoke, Luo Wanqing struck out with Thousand Machine abruptly. Dozens of cold needles shot rapidly from the beaded string towards Zhang Bo's face. His expression changed slightly as he hurriedly blocked the needles with his sleeve, then looked up and roared, "What are you doing?!"

"Do you, a mere servant, have the right to bellow in the presence of the Inspectorate?"

Luo Wanqing gave him a cold glance and said, "If you keep shouting, Third Prince might be able to leave today, but I doubt you will."

"You...!"

"Lord Liu," a shrill voice interrupted Zhang Bo's retort. Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze to see a middle-aged man in a crimson eunuch's attire smiling at her.

"I am Zhao Dewang, a servant attending to Her Majesty," the man said, grinning as he bowed to Luo Wanqing. "Greetings, Lord Liu."

Upon hearing the name Zhao Dewang, Luo Wanqing's expression grew more serious.

Though he referred to himself as a servant, everyone knew that he had served the Empress for nearly two decades and was second only to the Grand Eunuch of the Central Palace, Yang Chun, in terms of influence within the palace.

The fact that the Empress had sent this man to fetch Li Guiyu demonstrated the high regard she held for him.

Her confusion deepened. If the Crown Prince were unharmed, why would the Empress place such importance on Li Guiyu? But if something had indeed happened, why was there no news at all?

Luo Wanqing hesitantly bowed to Zhao Dewang. "Greetings, Eunuch Zhao."

"Prince Third has been away for many years, and our residence isn't accustomed to strict rules. I hope Lord Liu can forgive us," Zhao Dewang glanced at Zhang Bo before lifting his gaze to Luo Wanqing, pleading, "Now that the Crown Prince has awakened, he's deeply concerned about his elder brother. Upon learning that Prince Third was unrelated to the assassination attempt, Her Majesty feels immense guilt and is eager to take him back. We also worry that His Highness might stay in the Censorate too long and, if he were to become ill due to the unfamiliar surroundings, it would cause trouble for the Censorate."

Zhao Dewang combined persuasion with a subtle threat as he bowed, saying, "His Highness has always had a frail constitution. I hope Lord Liu can show some leniency."

Listening to Zhao Dewang, Luo Wanqing nodded and responded, "The Censorate operates according to its regulations. As long as there are official documents from His Majesty and Her Majesty, we won't stand in the way."

"Yes, here they are," Zhao Dewang waved his hand, and a nearby eunuch promptly handed over the documents. "Both from His Majesty and Her Majesty, please examine them, Esteemed Censor."

Luo Wanqing took the documents, scrutinized them carefully, and then said, "Everything seems in order. Now, please, Venerable Eunuch, check Prince Third's current health condition. If there are any issues, the Censorate will provide an explanation."

"No need," the voice was calm and composed.

Li Guiyu, sitting beside, lifted his gaze to look at Luo Wanqing and said, "This prince won't hold it against you."

Luo Wanqing turned her gaze to Li Guiyu and then instructed the servants, "Give the documents to the young master and retrieve the items Third Prince had when he entered the Inspectorate. Once His Highness has verified them, he may leave."

"Thank you, Minister Liu," Zhao Dewang bowed in gratitude.

Luo Wanqing didn't elaborate. Li Guiyu sat beside her, gazing at the tabletop as he softly said, "Zhang Bo, you accompany Eunuch Zhao to inventory my belongings. The rest of you may withdraw for now. I wish to speak with Inspector Liu."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing glanced at Li Guiyu and waved her hand, dismissing the Censorate officials.

Soon, only Luo Wanqing and Li Guiyu were left in the room. She lifted her gaze and asked straightforwardly, "What do you want to say?"

"Inspector Liu visited last night?"

Li Guiyu fixated on her, seemingly unsure about the events that transpired the previous night.

"What do you intend to do?"

Luo Wanqing didn't reply but instead asked coldly.

Li Guiyu looked at her face, showing no intention of probing further. He simply said, "I'll give you a way out if you ruin your own face."

"My face," Luo Wanqing laughed upon hearing this. "On what grounds should I destroy it?"

"You know well whether or not this face belongs to you," Li Guiyu picked up a teacup nearby and spoke calmly. "I have no interest in commemorating the past with a counterfeit. It's useless to me."

"Are you uninterested in replicas, or is it that you're uninterested in Luo Wanqing?"

Luo Wanqing was somewhat curious, but Li Guiyu didn't answer. He merely stated, "If you stay, I will surely kill you."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing laughed.

She hadn't provoked Li Guiyu in any way. After some thought, she said, "So last night, you didn't actually see me as Luo Wanqing?"

"You are entirely different from her."

Li Guiyu rose to his feet as he spoke.

He approached Luo Wanqing and circled around her, examining her physique. "Putting aside your temperament, the cultivation of your inner strength is something an ordinary person couldn't achieve in decades. Even if you're a genius, it would still take at least three to five years. And your bone structure..."

As he spoke, he raised his hand to rest it on Luo Wanqing's shoulder. She flinched, then swiftly twisted his arm behind her back.

Li Guiyu skillfully slipped his wrist out of her grasp, sliding it down her shoulder to her elbow. Luo Wanqing pulled back with her shoulder, attempting to throw him off, but Li Guiyu used her momentum to flip over and seize her wrist, looking up at her. "Your quality is outstanding, completely different from hers. You claim to be her?"

Li Guiyu leaned closer. "I'm sentimental, not insane."

Just as he finished speaking, Luo Wanqing fiercely pulled her hand free and slapped him. Li Guiyu caught her wrist, his voice cold. "Out of respect for last night, I'll spare your hand today."

Luo Wanqing remained silent, glaring intently at Li Guiyu.

Outside, Zhao Dewang's voice called out, "Third Prince, everything's ready. We can leave now."

Upon hearing this, Li Guiyu didn't say more. He released her wrist and turned, saying, "In a few days, I'll send someone to fetch you. You'll leave the Inspectorate with a new face. Xie Heng is no better than me; he's not a good person either."

Luo Wanqing's heart trembled upon hearing these words.

Recognition dawned on her. "Third Prince!"

Luo Wanqing called out to him, a chilling thought crossing her mind. "Does the Chief know that you might have mistaken me for Luo Wanqing?"

Li Guiyu chuckled softly, as if he understood something.

"I've mentioned it," he said, striding forward. "He's someone like me."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing's eyes widened in sudden realization.

Xie Heng wouldn't believe that a mere subordinate like her had the capability to provoke Li Guiyu into assassinating the Crown Prince. From the start, her trump card had been her resemblance to Luo Wanqing.

Using Luo Wanqing's identity, she had made Li Guiyu believe that she was a threat to his life, thus instilling a sense of danger in him.

If Xie Heng were similar to Li Guiyu, he wouldn't think that Li Guiyu would fall for the ruse that she was Luo Wanqing.

Then why did he agree with her plan to bring Li Guiyu into the Inspectorate and make her the lead interrogator?

Luo Wanqing's thoughts were jumbled. She tried to sort through the events of the past two days.

The Crown Prince's health was critical, and Xie Heng sent a thousand-year-old ginseng as a life-sustaining remedy.

Its purpose was to stabilize the Crown Prince's condition. If he could get out of bed today, it meant he had already passed the critical phase yesterday. The Queen Mother's haste in imprisoning Li Guiyu stemmed from the assurance that the Crown Prince was safe.

After Li Guiyu's imprisonment, Xie Heng appointed her as the chief examiner, only to personally interrogate her later.

Hence, his focus was never on coercing Li Guiyu into assassinating the Crown Prince; he had never entertained such a thought. From the very beginning, his target was Li Guiyu.

To ensure Li Guiyu's imprisonment, he presented the ginseng to the Crown Prince to preserve his life.

Last night's interrogation of Li Guiyu was his true objective.

And the reason for assigning her as the lead interrogator...

Recalling how Cui Heng had hastily stopped her from slaying Li Guiyu with her own blade last night, her heart hung in suspense.

It was a test.

Xie Heng was using Li Guiyu to test her, to see if she would prioritize her hatred over the duties of the Inspectorate.

If she were to kill Li Guiyu out of revenge, her test would be deemed a failure. Xie Heng must have arranged for someone to keep watch; there was no way she could successfully slay Li Guiyu.

Failing the test, and with too much knowledge to be allowed to leave, her sole outcome could only be death.

Who was her examiner?

Luo Wanqing's heart raced. Was it the mysterious figure lurking in the shadows, or perhaps Cui Heng?

Were there other individuals hidden yesterday?

If not for Cui Heng's intervention last night, she might have killed Li Guiyu. Did that mean she had truly passed the test?

Moreover, apart from testing her and interrogating Li Guiyu, Xie Heng's primary concern was to gather intelligence.

The Crown Prince's whereabouts were unknown even to the Vermillion Bird. His true information must be tightly guarded. It was unlikely that Xie Heng had concrete news.

Now that Li Guiyu was under the surveillance of the Inspectorate, by merely hinting to the Empress that he intended to kill Li Guiyu, any reaction from her would reveal the state of the Crown Prince.

If the Crown Prince were safe and sound, there was no way the Empress would rush over in such haste today. That was implausible.

Something has happened to the Crown Prince.

Luo Wanqing acknowledged that Xie Heng's objective had been accomplished.

He had interrogated Li Guiyu, tested herself, and verified the true state of the Crown Prince.

In this game, she had lost, and Li Guiyu hadn't won either. The true victor was none other than Xie Heng!

This realization made Luo Wanqing's breathing grow labored.

Xie Heng's figure loomed before her like a towering mountain, his gaze lowered upon her. She felt like a tiny creature twisting in his palm, utterly at his mercy.

Her thoughts were in disarray, wandering aimlessly, when suddenly, footsteps echoed outside.

Luo Wanqing lifted her head warily, only to see the Phoenix standing by the door, beckoning to her. "What are you daydreaming about? Aren't you coming?"

Luo Wanqing was somewhat taken aback. "Huh?"

"The person has been seen off. Young Master is waiting for you," said Zhuque, surprised by her ignorance. "Something this significant and you didn't tell the Young Master?"

"Oh." Only then did Luo Wanqing realize what was expected of her – she had to report back to Xie Heng on the mountain.

Forcing a smile, she nodded and said, "Yes, I'll go see Lord immediately."

After bidding farewell to those around her, she headed for the rear mountain with the phoenix.

All along the way, she compelled herself to calm down and ponder the most pressing matter at hand.

If Xie Heng's purpose was to test her loyalty – had she passed or failed?

She had indeed come close to killing Li Guiyu, but in the end, she had disposed of his five-grain powder. She could argue that she never truly intended to kill Li Guiyu; it was all just part of the act.

But she was uncertain if this would alter Xie Heng's decision.

A sense of unease arose within her towards Xie Heng. He seemed to possess a keen understanding of human nature, rendering any deceptions futile before him.

One thing was clear: obedience and sincerity were required.

Even if it meant he would ask her to die.

Yet she couldn't die.

Luo Wanqing closed her eyes to compose herself, forcing herself to remain calm. By the time she reached the backyard courtyard, she had already formulated an explanation in her mind.

Zhuque accompanied her to the entrance but stopped, rubbing his nose as he said, "Young Master said to let you in alone."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing understood that Xie Heng wanted to discuss the outcome of the past two days' test with her. She nodded, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

Xie Heng was still reviewing documents in the corridor. It was April, and the flowers were in full bloom. The young man in his white robe exuded an air of composure, like a white heron gliding on spring waters, elegant and leisurely.

Luo Wanqing didn't dare to relax for a moment. She knelt down and greeted him, "Young Master."

He lifted his gaze, his eyes landing on her. After a brief pause, he seemed to suppress something, turning his head away. His tone was calm as he asked, "Is she gone?"

"Yes."

"Have you understood?"

Luo Wanqing hesitated, realizing that Xie Heng had guessed that she knew his intentions. She gritted her teeth and replied, "Yes."

Speaking, Luo Wanqing lowered her gaze and sincerely said, "Your Excellency is a master strategist; this subordinate is far from capable. Please, Your Excellency..."

"Stay in the Inspectorate from now on," Xie Heng interrupted her plea for mercy. Luo Wanqing was taken aback. She lifted her eyes in surprise, only to see Xie Heng looking down calmly, saying, "Be a good Inspector."

Upon hearing this decision, Luo Wanqing was stunned into silence.

All her carefully prepared excuses were rendered useless. She looked at Xie Heng blankly. Seeing that she didn't respond, he raised his gaze to meet hers, "Or do you still want to die?"

"Many thanks, Your Excellency!"

Luo Wanqing suddenly snapped back to reality, hastily bowing, "This subordinate will follow your orders, even if it means going through fire and brimstone!"

Xie Heng didn't reply. He glanced at her injuries and casually said, "You may go."

Luo Wanqing didn't move, so Xie Heng knew she had something to ask, "Ask away."

"Your Excellency... knows my identity?"

Luo Wanqing hesitated before speaking. Xie Heng, sorting through documents, didn't hide the truth, "Yes, I do."

"Did Cui Heng say that?" Luo Wanqing clenched her fists nervously.

"Before him."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt a bit relieved. "Is Cui Heng not one of Young Master's informants?"

"No need."

Luo Wanqing wasn't sure if it was because her status was too low to warrant an informant or if Cui Heng's status was too high for him to be one.

But since Cui Heng wasn't, Luo Wanqing felt somewhat pleased. She relaxed momentarily. "How did Young Master confirm that Li Guiyu wouldn't believe I'm Luo Wanqing?"

"People who have come this far aren't so emotionally driven. There are too many differences between you two."

This made Luo Wanqing feel a slight bitterness in her heart, but she found it reasonable.

She nodded and continued asking, "Did Young Master know from the start that something would happen to the Crown Prince, and Li Guiyu would be taken away by the Empress?"

"I didn't know, which is why I had to test it out." Xie Heng spoke honestly. "After the incident with the Crown Prince, information was tightly controlled. All I knew was that he wasn't severely injured, but the Empress kept summoning imperial physicians. I wanted to determine exactly what happened to him."

"Is it confirmed now?" Luo Wanqing asked with curiosity.

Xie Heng lifted his gaze, a hint of mockery hidden in his eyes. "Yes, it is."

Observing Xie Heng's expression, Luo Wanqing understood that even if the Crown Prince were alive, he would be incapacitated.

She pondered for a moment before carefully suggesting, "So, the Empress has summoned Li Guiyu back because the Crown Prince is no longer capable. She's preparing to have Li Guiyu take over his position."

"Correct."

"What is your plan, then, Sir?"

Luo Wanqing promptly realized that if Xie Heng's target was the Empress, he wouldn't stay idle here.

Looking up, she continued, "Do you need me to get close to Li Guiyu? Since he wants to kill me now, it could be an opportunity."

"No, I don't." Xie Heng replied promptly.

Luo Wanqing was somewhat perplexed. Was this not necessary?

"Then," Luo Wanqing hesitated, "Why did Young Master want me to change my appearance?"

Xie Heng paused.

He fell silent for a moment before speaking softly, "Back then, I thought you were Zhang Jiuran, and I only saw you as a tool. But now," Xie Heng lifted his gaze, his expression sincere, "I see you as a person."

Luo Wanqing stood frozen, staring blankly at Xie Heng.

Xie Heng turned his eyes back to the black characters on the dossier, "Go rest. From now on, you are Liu Xiniang of the Inspectorate."

Upon hearing this, a slight stirrings occurred in Luo Wanqing's heart. She bowed deeply and rose to leave.

As she walked out of the courtyard and looked at the wind chimes hanging under the eaves, she pondered over Xie Heng's words.

She exhaled a breath of stale air.

From this day forward, she could finally say that she truly belonged to the Inspectorate.

Author's Note:

"Short Scene"

Li Guiyu: "Xiniang, I offer better treatment here. Come with me."

Xie Heng: "Scooping up my people right in front of me, do you have any shame? Impressive swordplay!"

Li Guiyu: "Who's really digging whose walls?"

Xie Heng: "After such a long time since the breakup, you still dare to log in?"

Li Guiyu: "When did I break up?"

Xie Heng & Luo Wanqing: "????"

Li Guiyu: "Admittedly, I've done many wrongs, but breaking up isn't one of them."

Xie Heng: "...Xiniang, move aside, lest you get caught in the... bloodshed."

Luo Wanqing: "Get out of the way!!!!! Charging with a forty-meter-long blade, all of you, move aside! I want him dead!!"