Chapter 48

Chapter 48

◎Starting Work◎

After leaving the Inspectorate, Li Guiyu freshened up and changed his clothes before entering the palace with Zhao Dewang.

The Empress had been staying in the Eastern Palace recently. When Li Guiyu followed Zhao Dewang through its gates, he saw doctors and medicinal ingredients flowing in like a stream. He glanced at them indifferently before proceeding with Zhao Dewang to a side hall.

Empress Wang Lianyang was already waiting in the side hall. Upon Li Guiyu's entrance, she snatched a jade scepter from her side and threw it at him, yelling, "Rebel!"

Li Guiyu caught the jade scepter with an unperturbed expression. "Mother," he looked up at Wang Lianyang, "you only have one good son left, cherish him well."

"Shangwen is still alive!" Wang Lianyang gritted her teeth.

"What difference does it make?" Li Guiyu chuckled. "Mother, you called me back in such haste because you were afraid that I might end up like Seventh Brother, a crippled prince unable to inherit the throne after being tortured in the Inspectorate, isn't that right?"

Hearing this, shock flickered in Wang Lianyang's eyes as if she couldn't believe Li Guiyu would say such words.

Li Guiyu stepped forward and took Wang Lianyang's hand as if to console her. Gently patting the Empress's wrist, he spoke warmly, "Mother, don't worry. If my brother can never sire children and cannot become the crown prince, it doesn't matter. You still have me. In the future, our family—" Li Guiyu smiled, "will live well."

"You're out of your mind!"

Wang Lianyang abruptly regained her composure, pushing Li Guiyu away while gasping for breath.

Her lips trembled as she spoke through gritted teeth, "Why didn't you kill him?"

Confusion flickered in Li Guiyu's eyes. Seeing his pretense, Wang Lianyang exclaimed emotionally, "You could poison him into an eunuch, why not just kill him outright?"

"Oh," Li Guiyu understood and chuckled, his expression taking on a brotherly warmth, "He is, after all, my younger brother. I have no intention of killing him. Mother," he looked at her earnestly, "I'm only asking for fairness."

Wang Lianyang's expression froze. Li Guiyu seemed to recall something, "Back then, you were able to abandon me. This time, please abandon him too. He's useless now."

Staring blankly at Li Guiyu, Wang Lianyang saw a hint of pleading in his eyes, "Please, look at your son."

Speechless, Wang Lianyang gazed at the young man before her, her demeanor gradually fading.

After a long while, she managed to whisper hoarsely, "Promise me that he'll live."

"Of course," Li Guiyu nodded, "I promise."

Wang Lianyang reluctantly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I've managed to suppress the news about his infertility for now. No one will find out just yet. You've only recently returned to court, and your foundation is too weak. Wait for some time. As the prince's power gradually shifts to you, Shangwen will conveniently fall ill."

Li Guiyu remained silent, and Wang Lianyang continued, "His Majesty is currently very wary of the aristocratic families, especially ours. So, it's best for you to pretend that you're at odds with me over the past incident and draw closer to the Zheng family. This way, His Majesty will have less suspicion toward you, and Zheng Pingsheng will believe he has leverage over you. I am your mother, and you came from my womb," Wang Lianyang lifted her head, tears glistening in her eyes. "Although I owe you an apology for what happened back then, we will always be the closest, won't we?"

"Yes." Li Guiyu lowered his gaze. "We, as mother and son, are the closest."

Relieved by Li Guiyu's agreement, Wang Lianyang asked, "You weren't subjected to any torture at the Inspectorate, were you?"

"It was nothing serious."

"Were you harmed by Liu Xiniang?" Wang Lianyang's gaze fell upon the wound on Li Guiyu's neck, her brow furrowing. "Was she interrogating you?"

Li Guiyu remained silent. Seeing this, Wang Lianyang hastily expressed her maternal concern for him, railing, "How dare she! I'll summon her to the palace right away!"

"Liu Xiniang is part of the Censorate. Xie Heng won't allow it. It's not worth causing conflict over her."

Li Guiyu spoke up, and Wang Lianyang knew he was right.

Assassinating Liu Xiniang is simple, but slaying someone from the Censorate would be a massive liability, unnecessary trouble.

"However, we can acquire her," Li Guiyu said with a smile. Wang Lianyang paused and lifted her gaze to meet Li Guiyu's.

"She saved Shangwen, and he currently lacks protectors around him. Let Shangwen request her from the Emperor," Li Guiyu spoke nonchalantly. "Bestow her upon him, and I'll come to the Eastern Palace to collect her. We'll find a corpse, announce her death, and pin it on Li Shangwen."

Upon hearing this, Wang Lianyang's eyes widened.

If he secretly took her away and then claimed that Liu Xiniang had died in the Eastern Palace, the blame would fall on Li Shangwen, leaving him unscathed.

"After all, she's just a disposable pawn," Li Guiyu tilted his head. "I don't think you'd mind adding a minor offense to your record, right? As a brother, you should be willing."

As he spoke, a chilling glint appeared in Li Guiyu's eyes as if he recalled something. "What a beautiful woman."

Wang Lianyang was at a loss for words, seemingly torn.

Li Guiyu looked at her calmly, asking with a hint of confusion, "Does Mother cherish our brother's reputation too much?"

"No..."

Wang Lianyang forced a smile, her voice trembling slightly. "As his elder sister, it's only right for me to help him. But considering his injuries haven't fully healed yet, it would be more appropriate to discuss this matter after he's recovered, don't you think?"

"Your Majesty is right."

Upon hearing this, Li Guiyu smiled and nodded, bowing respectfully. "I'll await your news, Your Majesty. I believe that at present, in your heart, I should be... more important than my brother," Li Guiyu lifted his gaze to emphasize his point, "in this matter."

******

After returning from visiting Xie Heng, having eaten dinner, and taken her medicine, Luo Wanqing felt drowsy and took a good nap. When she woke up, she sensed someone beside her, and her body felt slightly cold.

Luo Wanqing instinctively turned around and grabbed the fingers of the person, which were covered in ointment.

The person lifted their gaze, and Luo Wanqing froze before recognizing them. "Cui Heng?"

"It's time to change the dressing." Cui Heng pushed away her hand, devoid of any flirtation. "I saw you sleeping, so I was planning not to disturb you."

"I... "

Only then did Luo Wanqing realize she had been lying face down. She hesitantly returned to her original position on the bed, allowing Cui Heng to tend to her back wound while she asked, puzzled, "Was I that deeply asleep?"

"The medicine you took at noon contains a sedative," Cui Heng explained. Luo Wanqing still found it odd. "It shouldn't have…"

"There's also the incense in your room, which is a sleep-inducing scent imported from the Western Regions." Cui Heng glanced at the incense burner beside him. "Ordinarily, it wouldn't be an issue, but when combined with the medicine you took today, it's no different from a sleeping potion."

Luo Wanqing was surprised by this revelation. Her incense was identical to the one used in Xie Heng's courtyard. Did that mean Xie Heng was using a sleep-inducing scent every day?

"Killing too many people can disrupt your sleep," Cui Heng seemed to read her thoughts and gave her a playful look. "Everyone will face the same problem sooner or later."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing's fingers trembled slightly. As Cui Heng finished applying the ointment, he spoke gently, "If you're not going to sleep, I'll take you to meet Envoy Bai Li. Since she's back, she'll be your master from now on."

"What about you?"

Luo Wanqing's heart fluttered upon hearing this. She lifted her eyes to look at Cui Heng. "Didn't you say you'd be teaching me…?"

"I was only here to test you, not as a regular arrangement."

Cui Heng spoke candidly, and Luo Wanqing wasn't surprised.

She said, how could someone like Cui Heng be a Shadow Servant?

"You're now in the Inspectorate, so you need your own mentor and Shadow Servant to truly establish yourself there. Among the Four Envoys of the Inspectorate, Qingya is the master of strategy and mechanisms, dealing with covert affairs; Xuan Shan excels in military tactics and personnel management, handling daily inspections and diplomatic matters; Zhu Que is the most skilled in combat and often goes on field missions; while Bai Li is the expert in gathering intelligence and assassination. If you follow Bai Li, there's much you can learn. If she chooses to promote you, you'll have your place in the White Tiger Inspectorate."

Luo Wanqing remained silent, but Cui Heng lifted his gaze. "As for your Shadow Servant..."

"Can I do without one?"

Luo Wanqing suddenly spoke up. Cui Heng was taken aback. She looked at him earnestly and said, "I don't trust anyone except you."

A Shadow Servant was someone who held the life of an Envoy in their hands. She couldn't just pick someone randomly.

She still had reservations about Cui Heng, let alone others?

Upon hearing this, Cui Heng didn't respond immediately. After a long while, he chuckled. "Then it'll only be me."

With that, Cui Heng helped Luo Wanqing with her clothes. She sat up, and he tied her waistband, reminding her, "But if I become your Shadow Servant, don't expect me to be with you all the time. I have my own tasks as well, and you'll need to handle many things independently."

"Mm-hmm."

Luo Wanqing, prepared, replied, "I'll take good care of myself."

"Calm down, get up," Cui Heng stood and led Luo Wanqing along. "I'll introduce you to Aunt Bai Li."

Following Cui Heng, Luo Wanqing left her room and arrived at the courtyard where Xie Heng conducted his affairs. Upon entering, they saw Bai Li sitting on a corridor, chatting and laughing with Qingya while brewing tea.

Despite her unhealed injuries and pale complexion, her relaxed expression suggested she was in high spirits.

Cui Heng stepped into the courtyard and bowed respectfully to Bai Li. "Aunt Bai Li."

Bai Li lifted her gaze, looking past Cui Heng directly at Luo Wanqing.

She sized Luo Wanqing up and down before breaking into a smile. "This must be Envoy Liu, right?"

With that, she gestured to Luo Wanqing. "Come here, let me have a look."

Luo Wanqing didn't dare delay, approaching Bai Li. The older woman took Luo Wanqing's hand, examining it carefully. A surprised look crossed her face as she turned to Cui Heng. "This bone structure is indeed..."

Bai Li paused, then nodded. "She's a promising seedling."

"With her profound inner strength and exceptional physique, she's destined to become a top-notch expert one day. Her intellect is remarkable; even Lord Xie was deceived by her for a time," said Qingya, serving tea while casting a glance at Cui Heng standing nearby. Then, he looked at Bai Li and added, "Taking her as your disciple will definitely be a worthwhile investment."

"I am... reassured with Guardian Guanlan's endorsement," Bai Li replied with a smile, yet a hint of concern. "I just worry that my abilities might not be adequate to guide someone as talented as Envoy Liu."

"Aunt, you're too modest," Cui Heng interjected. "I can only feel at ease knowing she's under Aunt's tutelage."

Upon hearing this, Bai Li paused before nodding. "Very well then."

With Bai Li's consent, Cui Heng raised his hand, urging Luo Wanqing, "Call her 'Master'."

Luo Wanqing immediately understood the implications.

As the most senior of the Four Guardians in the Inspectorate, Bai Li held significant influence. Even Xie Heng might have to heed her counsel. By recommending her to apprentice under Bai Li, Cui Heng was essentially providing Luo Wanqing with a powerful ally within the Inspectorate.

Furthermore, Bai Li was renowned as the Inspectorate's strongest spy, known for her extraordinary skills. To be accepted as her disciple would be a great fortune.

Without hesitation, Luo Wanqing knelt down and performed a deep bow, respectfully saying, "Master."

Seeing her maturity, Bai Li smiled and stood up. Turning to Cui Heng, she said, "I'll take Xiniang to visit the White Tiger Division first."

Cui Heng nodded, and Bai Li turned to bid farewell to Qingya before waving at Luo Wanqing. "Come on, Xiniang."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing followed Bai Li down the mountain.

Each of the Four Envoys had their own courtyards for work, named according to their positions. The courtyard where Bai Li was situated was known as the White Tiger Bureau.

Luo Wanqing followed behind Bai Li, entering the White Tiger Bureau for the first time. Upon entering, she saw many pigeons flying around amidst a flurry of people passing by.

"The Inspectorate is similar to the Pavilion of Wind and Rain. The Pavilion has its Bright Pavilion and Dark Pavilion, while the Inspectorate is divided into the External and Internal Bureaus," Bai Li explained to Luo Wanqing about the White Tiger Bureau. Although she had heard bits and pieces from Cui Heng before, Bai Li's explanation was much clearer.

"The External Bureau is responsible for carrying out missions and solving cases outside. This is well-known. But what people don't know is that behind the Envoys, there's a vast system supporting all their activities – that's the Internal Bureau."

With that said, Bai Li led Luo Wanqing into a room filled with documents. "In the Internal Bureau, the Azure Dragon Bureau is in charge of developing weapons and poisons needed by the Envoys. The Black Tortoise Bureau handles finances and maintains connections with both the black and white worlds to facilitate the Envoys' operations. The Vermilion Bird Bureau is responsible for killing and fighting, while our White Tiger Bureau is in charge of gathering intelligence. Of course, the bureaus often take on tasks that overlap. For example, we might gather intelligence while eliminating someone, and the Vermilion Bird Bureau could kill someone while picking up information – that's normal."

As Bai Li spoke, she turned around with a smile, asking, "Are you afraid of killing?"

"No," Luo Wanqing shook her head. After some thought, she added, "But it's unnecessary. I don't want to kill."

Hearing this, Bai Li nodded in approval. "That's right."

Next, she led Luo Wanqing upstairs and continued, "Before an Attendant officially becomes an independent one, they spend some time in the Inner Bureau. Given your recent injuries, you can start here by organizing and verifying messages and delivering documents for me. Once you've recovered, you can go to the Azure Dragon Bureau's main hall to receive tasks, or if there's a case you wish to handle personally, write a proposal and submit it to the Black Tortoise Bureau's discussion box. After approval, you'll be able to take on the case."

"Yes," Luo Wanqing replied respectfully.

Bai Li entered the room, took out a box, and from it, extracted a token, handing it to Luo Wanqing. "This is your identity badge. From today onwards, you are a Sixth Rank Attendant of the Inspectorate."

Luo Wanqing lowered her head, looking at the three characters "Liu Xiniang" on the badge. She pressed her lips together, then raised her hand respectfully. "Thank you, White Dragon Attendant."

"Hold onto the token and report to the supervisor downstairs," Bai Li said with a smile as she sat down. "If you have any questions, feel free to come up and ask."

"Yes," Luo Wanqing acknowledged, giving a polite bow before leaving.

She went downstairs with the token and found the supervisor, who then assigned her a task.

Given her injuries, she couldn't engage in physically demanding work, so she was assigned to the Lingxi Pavilion, the Inspectorate's department responsible for information transmission, where she would serve as a clerk.

Her daily task involved liaising with the Shadow Messengers from various departments, retrieving information for them when they inquired.

This duty was typically assigned to injured department envoys. The messages were organized by region, and each person was responsible for reading the daily dispatches from their designated area via carrier pigeon.

Upon Luo Wanqing's arrival, the supervisor immediately assigned her with Yangzhou. She took her seat according to the arrangement, scanning her surroundings. To her right sat a talkative, plump individual, while to her left was a tall, quiet one.

Amidst the bustling activity, both individuals were busy attending to Shadow Messengers seeking information.

After a moment of hesitation, Luo Wanqing followed the supervisor's instructions and addressed her neighbors, "Greetings, both of you. I'm the newcomer in charge of Yangzhou..."

Before she could finish, both individuals simultaneously pushed boxes filled with slips of paper toward her from either side.

"These are the messages that have come in from Yangzhou today," the chubby man on her right promptly said. "Read quickly and jot down what you remember. Answer the Shadow Messengers' questions if you can, and write down those you can't for our seniors."

"The past few days, we've been jointly handling the news from Yangzhou, though in reality, I'm responsible for Jinling," the tall, silent man explained, his gaze fixed on the queries posed by the Shadow Messenger before him.

The chubby man promptly interjected, "I handle Hangzhou."

"Just waiting for you," the tall man said, lifting his head and speaking earnestly. "May I ask your surname?"

"I am Liu Xiniang," Luo Wanqing replied cautiously.

The tall man nodded appreciatively. "I'm Fang Zhi, the second son in my family."

"Fangyuan here, and Fang Zhi is my second brother," the plump man declared with gusto, pointing to a straight-faced young man on his left. "This is our eldest brother, Fang Shun. We're three biological brothers. We used to be mountain bandits but passed the convict exam to join the Inspectorate. What did you do before, Miss Liu?"

"I dealt in salt."

Luo Wanqing maintained her composure. Upon hearing this, Fangyuan immediately raised his thumb, praising, "Impressive!"

The imperial court was extremely strict with salt traders—those who dared to engage in such a trade were no ordinary people.

Luo Wanqing smiled but didn't elaborate. With this brief exchange, they had officially acquainted themselves.

From that day on, Luo Wanqing settled into a highly structured routine. She woke up early, followed Bai Li down the mountain, and conversed with her on their journey, discussing the various factions in the Eastern Capital's underworld and analyzing the information she had seen at the White Tiger Bureau. Bai Li would use examples from the messages to teach Luo Wanqing how to excel as a spy.

Afterward, Luo Wanqing would return to the Lingxi Pavilion to continue her role as a messenger. There, she spent the day interacting with the Shadow Envoy. Later in the evening, she'd go back up the mountain. Cui Heng would visit at night to check on her wounds and teach her how to meditate and regulate her breath.

Time passed swiftly and peacefully. Her wounds healed quickly, and soon they no longer hindered her. Cui Heng then began to teach her saber techniques.

She didn't know if she was good at the saber or not, but she knew that when she joined Fangyuan and the others in sparring at the training grounds, she had never lost.

After more than half a month, Luo Wanqing's injuries were almost fully recovered. One day, as she accompanied Bai Li down the mountain, just as they were about to pack up and head to the Azure Dragon Bureau for a mission, they heard an urgent call from the entrance, "Supervisor Liu!"

Luo Wanqing turned to look and saw a eunuch-like figure following the servant. He looked at her with a smile and said warmly, "Supervisor Liu."

Taking a glance, Luo Wanqing noticed the badge of the Imperial Palace on his waist. The Central Palace belonged to the emperor. She hesitated before asking, "Who might this eunuch be?"

"I am Zhao Shun from the Central Palace. Eunuch Yang is my foster father. I have been sent by His Majesty to summon Supervisor Liu to the palace," the eunuch replied.

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing felt a chill run down her spine.

"In that case…" Luo Wanqing hesitated, "allow me to inform my superior first…"

"There's no need," Zhao Shun interrupted her, lifting his gaze with a smile, "I've already informed White Tiger Envoy. His Majesty is waiting in the palace. I hope Supervisor Liu won't delay any further."

Luo Wanqing was speechless. Glancing at the eunuch ascending the stairs, Zhao Shun bowed to her and said, "Supervisor Liu, please follow me."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing nodded and turned towards the exit.

As she passed by Fang Zhi's desk, she tapped lightly on its surface.

Fang Zhi lifted his gaze to look at her, then nodded in response.

Luo Wanqing accompanied Zhao Shun out of the Inspectorate, pondering as she spoke, "Eunuch Zhao, I wonder why His Majesty has suddenly summoned me?"

"It's a joyous occasion," Zhao Shun smiled. "Prince has now fully recovered, and in gratitude for Keeper Liu's life-saving aid, he has specially requested an audience with the Emperor to hold a banquet in the palace. This is to commend Keeper Liu for her meritorious service."

With that, Zhao Shun escorted Luo Wanqing to the sedan chair at the entrance and lifted the curtain for her. "Provincial Censor Liu, please."

Upon hearing Zhao Shun's words, Luo Wanqing pondered over his underlying meaning.

Did the Crown Prince request the Emperor to host a banquet in her honor?

She had even threatened Li Shangwen with a knife that day, and he still wanted to commend her? Moreover, not just with an award, but also with a banquet in the Emperor's palace?

No, something was off here.

Luo Wanqing's mind suddenly replayed Li Guiyu's words before his departure.

"I'll send someone to fetch you after a while. We'll change your appearance and leave the Inspectorate. Xie Heng is like me, not an upright person."

Sending someone to fetch her in the future...

Li Guiyu wouldn't be able to directly request her release from the Inspectorate. How would he arrange for her departure?

Why would Li Shangwen reward her through the emperor?

No, that can't be right!

Luo Wanqing abruptly realized something, instinctively trying to rise from her seat.

In that moment, Zhao Shun forcefully pressed down on her shoulder with immense weight. Luo Wanqing lifted her gaze sharply.

"Inspector Liu," Zhao Shun said with a grin, "don't waste time."

Fixing her stare on Zhao Shun's face, Luo Wanqing's gaze gradually descended to his hands.

This is someone of great skill.

Realizing that Zhao Shun's martial prowess surpassed hers, Luo Wanqing dared not act recklessly.

Zhao Shun chuckled and gently pressed her back into the palanquin.

As the curtains fell, Luo Wanqing sat within, piecing together the reason for her summons to the palace today.

It was Li Shangwen who requested an audience with the emperor, which led to the imperial banquet arranged solely for her attendance.

And Li Shangwen's desire for her now could stem either from lust or... from the manipulation of Li Guiyu, who would likely have her killed upon her arrival at the Eastern Palace.

Since the emperor hosted a banquet, he most probably acquiesced to Li Shangwen's request.

Now, entering the palace, she might be forcibly sent to the Eastern Palace.

She couldn't directly defy the emperor; her only hope for salvation lay with Xie Heng.

But would Xie Heng dare to defy the emperor for her sake?

Luo Wanqing was uncertain. Seated in her palanquin, she remained tense, contemplating how she would decline Li Shangwen when the time came.

She wondered if she'd even have the chance to refuse.

With her eyes closed in deep thought, Luo Wanqing was carried into the palace by the sedan chair. Upon arrival, Zhao Shun escorted her to a chamber. Court attendants then led her to a pool for a cleansing bath, followed by grooming and dressing her in imperial attire.

Luo Wanqing wished the process could take longer, so she didn't resist and even intentionally prolonged it.

Meanwhile, Xie Heng had received word of her entrance into the palace.

Bai Li stood before Xie Heng, calmly stating, "The Crown Prince is known for his lascivious nature. Since His Majesty didn't invite you to the banquet, it seems a decision has been made. By the time you reach the palace, the situation might be irreparable."

"They won't dare," Xie Heng replied, rising swiftly and striding out. "They'll only dare to pressure and coax her into agreeing first, then use her supposed consent as an excuse to me."

"What should we do now?" Suzaku hurried after Xie Heng, worriedly asking, "It's too late for the Young Master to rush to the palace, isn't it? You'll only be able to hear His Majesty's decision? Are you planning to argue with the Emperor..."

"Silence."

Xie Heng turned to Qingya and asked, "Was Cui Junye at the palace today?"

Qingya promptly grasped Xie Heng's intention and nodded affirmatively. "Yes, he was."

"Prepare his mask and official attire, Qingya. Stuff a few letters exchanged between the Qins into an official document case for me."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was taken aback. Qingya furrowed his brow. "Now?"

Without turning back, Xie Heng answered with certainty, "Now."

With that said, Xie Heng led the group down the mountain.

By the time they reached the carriage, everything was ready. Xie Heng donned the mask and the scarlet court robe inside the carriage, combing his hair as he instructed Zhuque, "Drive the carriage towards the imperial city as if I'm inside. Today, you won't be able to enter the palace, so wait for me at the gate."

"But what about you?" Zhuque was utterly perplexed.

Xie Heng remained calm as he replied, "I'll enter the palace to find Liu Xiniang. Going through the regular entrance would take too long. I have to sneak in."

"I'll assist you..."

"With Yang Chun in charge, it's easy for you to get killed inside the palace."

Xie Heng glanced at Zhuque and said calmly, "I'll be back after delivering something."

As he spoke, Xie Heng directed the carriage into an alley, retrieved the document, confirmed its authenticity, then pulled down the shade and put on a mask before leaping out.

He swiftly crossed rooftops, arriving at the imperial city. Finding a corner, he took advantage of a guard's momentary turn to jump up and scale the city walls.

Afterward, he pretended to be an ordinary minister, striding briskly toward the imperial study.

Luo Wanqing, after much hesitation, finally decided not to wait any longer. Dressed in her court attire, she was led by a maid towards the Caring Heart Hall.

The sun was setting, and there were few people in the palace. Luo Wanqing pondered over Xie Heng's whereabouts. If he didn't show up tonight, she might have no choice but to face the situation on her own.

With her eyes lowered, Luo Wanqing clenched the hairpin in her sleeve as she followed the maid through the corridor. Turning a corner, they encountered a young scholar official approaching them.

He wore a bright red official robe and seemed to have a perpetual smile on his face. Luo Wanqing was surprised upon seeing him, solely because the lower half of his face bore an uncanny resemblance to Xie Heng's.

By focusing solely on his jawline and lips, he almost looked identical.

Luo Wanqing stared blankly at him. Sensing her gaze, he smiled when their paths crossed suddenly.

That smile was too familiar, nearly identical to the one behind the mask.

Upon witnessing this, Luo Wanqing lunged towards him as if she were falling. The young man caught her in mid-air. In that instant, he silently slipped a scroll into her sleeve, whispering in Cui Heng's voice, "Give the case to the Crown Prince and force him to act."

Finished speaking, the youth lifted his head and, with another voice, inquired doubtfully, "Miss?"

"Excuse me."

Luo Wanqing clenched the scroll in her sleeve. Her heart pounded wildly, but she maintained a composed expression, "I tripped."

"Walk carefully, Miss."

The young man steadied her. The palace maids hurried over, asking anxiously, "Minister Liu, are you alright?"

With the scroll still clutched in her sleeve, Luo Wanqing calmed down and nodded, "I'm fine."

Cui Heng arrived.

Luo Wanqing nodded her head in respect to the young man, who returned a slight smile.

Then, the two of them went their separate ways. She felt as if she had been given a reassurance, suddenly fearless all at once.

She didn't know what Cui Heng had given her, but she was certain it would ensure her safety in leaving the palace unscathed today.

After all...

It was Cui Heng.

Calmly, she followed the maid to the Yanging Palace. Upon entering the grand hall, she saw the emperor and empress seated above, engaged in conversation. Li Shangwen sat beside them, his eyes lighting up the moment he spotted her.

Luo Wanqing followed protocol and greeted the emperor and empress. Today, they were particularly cordial. The emperor offered her a seat, then studied her for a while before turning to Li Guiyu with a smile. "You do have an eye for beauty. Last time, I didn't notice that Civil Servant Liu possessed such charm."

Li Shangwen chuckled, promptly responding, "Not only is Minister Liu beautiful, but she's also skilled in both literature and martial arts. Your son finds her most admirable."

"I like her too," the empress said, casting a glance at Luo Wanqing seated in her chair. Picking up her teacup, she continued, "If someone like Civil Servant Liu could accompany my son, I would have much greater peace of mind."

The family conversed leisurely as if no one else was present, seemingly having already decided on Luo Wanqing's fate.

After a moment, Li Zong seemed to direct his gaze at Luo Wanqing and said gently, "Supervisor Liu, I called you here today to share some joyful news with you."

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"At the Fragrant Pavilion last time, you saved His Highness the Crown Prince. He was immediately captivated by you. Conveniently, he lacks someone to protect him. Thus, I thought, why not bring about this marriage and have you serve by the Crown Prince's side?"

As he spoke, Li Shangwen picked up his teacup, stirring the floating leaves within. He spoke slowly, "You were once a convicted criminal, so your status is somewhat low. For now, I can't confer an official title upon you. But you can stay with the Crown Prince, serving day and night. Once you've earned merit, we can give you a new identity and issue an imperial edict to take you as a concubine. What do you think?"

Li Shangwen presented it as a great favor, but it made Luo Wanqing feel disgusted. She couldn't help clenching her fists, yet she maintained a calm facade and replied, "Your Majesty, it's naturally a blessing for a lowly servant like me to be able to serve in the Eastern Palace. However, there are still unresolved cases in the Inspectorate that weigh on my mind. I hope Your Majesty will allow me to conclude these cases before I attend to His Highness the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace."

"A case? What case, and how long will it take?"

Upon hearing Luo Wanqing's request for delay, Li Shangwen immediately grew anxious.

Luo Wanqing shook her head and said, "I'm not sure yet, but since His Highness has taken a liking to me, I believe he would be willing to grant me some time, don't you think?"

These words stopped Li Shangwen from scolding her. He dared not show too much dominance in front of Li Zong. After enduring for a moment, he chuckled, "But I can't bear to see you suffer another day in the Inspectorate."

"I am not bitter when serving the people, Your Highness. But if I don't resolve this case, I fear I won't be able to serve as a court attendant in the Eastern Palace for the Crown Prince."

"Very well..." Li Shangwen gritted his teeth, forcing a smile. "Tell me about the case. Since Father is here today, I'll ask for his imperial favor." Glancing at Li Shu, who seemed deep in thought, Li Shangwen turned back and said, "I'll help you settle it promptly as a repayment to Inspector Lu."

Luo Wanqing was a new inspector in the Censorate, so Li Shangwen assumed she wouldn't have any major cases on her hands.

But if it was just a minor inconvenience for a low-ranking inspector, he was willing to assist her to hasten her arrival at the Eastern Palace.

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Your Highness!"

Approaching Li Shangwen, she took out a file and presented it respectfully. "Your Highness, this is the case."

Taking the file nonchalantly, Li Shangwen's gaze swept over its contents. Then, he froze in place.

Seeing Li Shangwen's sudden change in expression, Li Shu sensed something was off and furrowed his brow. "Shangwen?"

Hearing his name, Li Shangwen snapped back to reality. Reacting instinctively, he slammed the file violently towards Luo Wanqing's face. She deftly tilted her head, allowing the file to hit the ground instead.

"Such audacity you possess!"

Luo Wanqing turned back, her gaze falling on the name "Qin Wenyan" inscribed on the scroll case. She heard Li Shangwen's enraged cry, "You actually dare to bring a case of the Qin family's rebellion here? Liu Xiniang, you're courting death!"

Author's Note:

"Short Scene: A Day in Luo Wanqing's Life"

Luo Wanqing: "Hello, I'm an envoy from the Spirit Niche Pavilion, Agent 996. How may I assist you?"

Shadow Envoy A: "Hi there, could you help me find out who Wang Maizi's wife is?"

Luo Wanqing: "Could you provide more information? Which Wang Maizi are we talking about?"

Shadow Envoy A: "From the Eastern Capital."

Luo Wanqing: "Apologies, but this is the Yangzhou district. Let me transfer your call to the Eastern Capital hotline, please hold."

Shadow Envoy A: "Wait, is this how your staff deals with inquiries? He might be from the Eastern Capital, but his wife is from Yangzhou."

Luo Wanqing: "Oh, I see. In that case, please hold on for a moment while I verify if this situation falls under our jurisdiction in Yangzhou. I'll call you back shortly, so keep your line open."

Shadow Agent A: "Wait a bit more. Actually, his wife has a former name."

Luo Wanqing: "Please provide it."

Shadow Agent A (blushing): "Liu Xiniang."

Luo Wanqing: "?? Huh?"

Shadow Agent A (blushing): "I'm Wang Mamazi. May I ask, when you fell in love with me, what would you call my wife?"

Luo Wanqing (crushing the water glass in her hand): "Excuse me, I'm having trouble following. I'll get back to you after confirming the information. Keep your phone available."

After hanging up, Luo Wanqing slammed her fist on the desk.

Fang Zhi & Fangyuan: "Hey girl, what's wrong?"

Luo Wanqing: "Idiot!!!"

In time, when Luo Wanqing ascended to the position of supervisor, whenever she needed to mete out punishment, she would assign the offender to serve as a messenger in the Spirit Niche Pavilion.